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... SALINAS, Calif. Three boys sat at a wooden table in the sunlit dining room of their two-bedroom apartment in North Salinas. Two $5 boxes of pepperoni pizzas were stacked on the kitchen table as the brothers devoured slice after slice. As 3-year-old Jesus, the youngest boy, finished his pizza, a pepperoni fell on the table. He grabbed the pepperoni, held it above his head and dropped it into his open mouth. Meliton Salvador, the boys' father, watched as his children enjoyed the meal. A maintenance worker at a Watsonville mushroom company, Meliton is the single source of income for the household. It includes himself, 19-year-old Resi, 11-year-old Aldo, 7-year-old Hugo, 3-year-old Jesus, and his pregnant wife, Constanza. Fast food, plus coupons and deals, help keep the family fed. Right now my biggest motivation is my kids, Meliton said in Spanish. "My young ones dont know where the food is coming from. Theyre just like baby birds with their beaks open so food could fall in their mouths. They dont know if theres money or not they still get hungry, so every time I wake up, I keep that in mind. Jesus Salvador, left, tucks his head into his father Meliton's neck, as Meliton eats a cherry inside their two-room apartment on the north side of Salinas on May 16. A time of uncertainty While many Americans have worried about the flow and availability of food given the widespread closures of businesses and coronavirus outbreaks during the height of the pandemic, families like the Salvadors worry about affording food at all. Meliton's company laid off 15 of its 60 employees, he said. The layoffs at Fitz Fresh began shortly after California's shelter-in-place order took effect. Meliton fears his job could be next. Roughly 61% of Hispanic adults say they or someone in their households have lost a job or taken a cut in pay because of the coronavirus outbreak, according to a Pew Research survey April 7-12. In contrast, 50% or fewer of black and white adults reported a job loss or pay cut amid the pandemic. Adults without a bachelors degree remain more likely to report job or wage losses in their household compared with college graduates, according to the Pew survey. Story continues My mom and I are concerned about him (Meliton) getting less income mainly because he is the one who contributes to the household expenses and rent, Resi said. This summer, I don't know if I can find a job because of the pandemic, and I don't want him to worry about me financially. So Im stressed out. Meliton immigrated to Soledad, California, in 1996. His native language, Mixteco, an indigenous language, is not widely spoken in the U.S. The obstacle limited Melitons job opportunities in his younger years. His Spanish is still developing. Besides her stepmother and father, Resi and her brother Aldo are the only two people in their household who speak Mixteco. And they don't speak it well, Resi said. Still, Resi regularly translates for her parents. Aldo Salvador, a la izquierda, y su hermana Resi aparecen juntos en esta foto, en su departamento de dos dormitorios en el lado norte de Salinas, el sabado 16 de mayo de 2020. "It's kind of a struggle having resources reach out to us since the dominant languages here are English and Spanish," she said. "With the little Spanish that my parents understand, they kind of understood what COVID-19 was but didnt fully grasp it. They didnt know much about COVID-19 until the stay-at-home order. Thats when they started freaking out because they didnt know what to do. Meliton is paid $14 an hour at the mushroom factory and works as many as 10 hours a day. He makes $2 more than California's minimum wage. The familys two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is $1,300 a month a good deal in Salinas, one of the nation's most expensive places to live. Two-bedroom apartments in the area average more than $1,600 a month. More than 90,000 farmworkers live in the region, earning an average of $17,500 a year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. After rent is paid, many families have little left to spend on food. Miguel Alcala, a la izquierda, y su colega Emilio Velasco llevan cajas llenas de almuerzos donados por los propietarios de negocios locales para distribuirlos a los trabajadores agricolas en Salinas, Calif., el 16 de mayo. Cada bolsa de comida contiene un sandwich de carne deshebrada, papas fritas y agua embotellada. The ripple effect Many residents already were struggling with food insecurity. With the addition of the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis, the threat has grown. According to the California Department of Public Health, roughly 10%, or 40,770 people in Monterey County, where the Salvador family lives, suffered from food insecurity before the pandemic. The department defines food insecurity as the household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. Twenty percent of children under 18 in Monterey County are food-insecure compared with Californias 19%, or 1,731,270. When grocery store shelves emptied after the initial news of the coronavirus' spread, the Salvador family turned to the food they had stocked up from previous deals at local stores. As the crisis continued, the family relied on fast food and nonperishables from past food bank distributions. Before the pandemic, we always used to go (to food banks) on Saturdays, Sundays or Fridays, Resi said. Sometimes they'd travel 20 miles to get to a food bank. Each area gives different stuff. We have sacks of beans, sacks of rice. Hugo Salvador come una cereza directo de la bolsa mientras ve la television. Detras de Hugo esta la pila de alimentos enlatados no perecederos que ha recibido la familia Salvador en diferentes eventos de distribucion de alimentos. At Monterey County's only food bank, Melissa Kendrick, director of the Food Bank For Monterey County, worries about keeping the already struggling residents fed through the long virus outbreak and longer recovery. We were one of the hungriest counties in the nation going into this pandemic," she said. The food bank she runs now serves 240,000 people, or 60,000 families a month. In this county, hospitality has been decimated, Kendrick said. We are going to be unfortunately in a prolonged, L-shaped recovery in this county, which means were looking at 12 to 18 months that were going to have to sustain this." As mother and her son who's wearing a face mask is handed a bag filled with pasta, rice and other essentials during the League of United Latin American Citizens Salinas Council #2055 and United Farm Workers Foundation Food Distribution in Salinas, Calif, on Saturday, May 01, 2020. The reach of the virus has meant not only do more people need food aid, but the food itself has also become more expensive. The food staples like pinto beans are up 64%, peanut butter is up 67%, pasta sauce is up 82%," Kendrick said. The prices of the items that we purchase have gone through the roof. Were all seeing this at the supermarket. We have increased need, increased cost. Its one of those perfect storms. SUBSCRIBE: Help support quality journalism like this. Theres a lot of people hurting As the liaison for her parents, Resi is involved with the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC. The league aims to improve the lives of Latin Americans living in the U.S. through community-based programs. "If we need food, they will help," Resi said. We mostly rely on the food banks for beans, rice, pasta, tomato sauce, fruit, potatoes, the basic stuff. Right now, during the pandemic, we havent been to the food banks." She has contacted Christopher Barrera, president of Salinas LULAC Council 2055, and asked for extra bags of food. "Theres a lot of people hurting," Barrera said. With the increased need, the Food Bank for Monterey County is experiencing a food shortage which caused LULAC to use its own resources to supplement the food distribution around the county, Barrera said. A mother and daughter wearing blue surgical masks are given a pack of Dasani waters, a bag of food and other perishable items during the League of United Latin American Citizens Salinas Council #2055 and United Farm Workers Foundation Food Distribution in Salinas, Calif, on Saturday, May 01, 2020. With the help of The Food Bank for Monterey County, Barrera began organizing LULAC food distribution events to supplement existing sites. Since mid-March, LULAC has hosted 18 distributions, handing out between 500 and 1,500 bags that contain peanut butter, rice, beans, pasta, spaghetti paste, produce and waters at each distribution. When were at a food distribution in east Salinas and you see all these people coming through, we dont question them if they need more than one bag, if they need three, four, five bags, Barrera said. They got it. Were not dictating how much they can have. I think our communities deserve a lot more. For the Salvador family, food services in their community are essential. I barely have enough money to continue to move forward with my family. I get sad sometimes, Meliton said. But thats life. Theres people out there who are worse than my family and I, so I try to be thankful for what I do have. As long as my kids continue to be taken care of, I'll keep working. This work was produced through a collaboration with the Bay Area visual storytelling nonprofit Catchlight, and is the first of an ongoing series of stories following the impact of COVID-19 on farm working families in Salinas. David Rodriguez is a multimedia journalist for The Californian. Contact him at (831) 269-9363 or drodriguez@thecalifornian.com. Subscribe to support local journalism. For clarity, this piece refers to the Salvador family members by their first names only, after their first introductions, because they share a last name. SUBSCRIBE: Help support quality journalism like this. Americas Food Chain: Who feeds the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic? As many of us across America hunkered down in our homes under safer-at-home orders, someone else had to venture out day after day to keep the country fed. To get the food from the farm to our tables, they continued to work sometimes without the protections were told are crucial to guard against the coronavirus so America could eat. Through an occasional series of intimate portraits, USA TODAY Network journalists shined a light on their lives and work. The America's Food Chain project traveled with a trucker over a swath of the west; visited with restaurateurs in Chicago and Des Moines; heard of unpicked oranges dropping from groves in Florida; walked a beach with an oyster farmer in the Pacific Northwest; joined an Instacart driver and food delivery volunteers and highlighted to stories of many others. This is the final article in the monthslong series. It tells the tale of one family who represents many in big cities and small towns across the nation: A family who can barely afford food in normal times and struggling even more as the virus's wrath lasts. Their story, like many of those in the series, shows the interconnection, the crucial links, in America's Food Chain. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus: Feeding the family gets tough when work is threatened How the Law is Encouraging Marriage Fraud Across USA NEWS PROVIDED BYCarlet AugusteJune 3, 2020ROCKFORD, Ill., June 3, 2020 / Standard Newswire / -- Marriage fraud has become a growing concern for United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Many cases of sham marriage have come to light in recent years, such as the large ring of organized marriage fraud for which about 100 people were charged in Houston, TX, last year.This problem takes many forms, some of which have caused much emotional and financial damage to many Americans citizens.Auguste is one such victim. His story of his marriage with the young woman began when the two met while Auguste was visiting the Dominican Republic to attend his mother's funeral.The relationship blossomed, and Auguste was smitten with the young, beautiful Haitian girl who seemed eager to start living with Auguste. The couple came to the U.S. with Auguste's fiance travelling under a K-1 Fiancee Visa and got married in spring 2016.Auguste soon applied for his new wife's citizenship, planning to live together forever. However, by August 2017, in a little over a year, the beautiful dream turned into a nightmare. Auguste watched in shock as his new wife called the police and accused her husband of domestic battery, for which the man was arrested and jailed.Just two days after that phone call to the police, his new immigrant wife also filed for an Emergence Order of Protection against her jailed husband and, within months, filed for divorce. By this time, she was several months pregnant with another man's child, as investigations from the highly respected marriage fraud investigator John Sampson discovered.Auguste's story is just one of many, and the increasing incidents of marriage fraud involving the I-751 are raising important questions about the unfortunate and unintended consequences of VAWA.While VAWA was included into the legislation to duly increase legal protection for female victims of domestic violence, the law is actively used by female immigrants to label their American spouses as violent individuals who abuse their wives.If they can convince the VAWA unit of USCIS in Vermont that they have been abused, the state immediately frees them from the obligation of living with their US citizen spouse for a specified period of 2 years after the wedding and speeds up their independent US citizenship.There is a growing need for concerned authorities to elevate the level of credible evidence when stories such as the one stated above come to light. The law must also be protected against abuse from unscrupulous individuals who cause unwitting US citizens like Auguste a lot of pain and infamy.Concluding his investigation of the case, John Sampson states in his report that "given the totality of the circumstances, that SUBJECT (wife) married SOURCE (Auguste) solely for the purpose of entering the United States and without any intention of establishing a life with SOURCE (Auguste)."Note: The full investigation report produced by John Sampson of CSI Consulting LLC and summarized in this press release is available upon request.SOURCE Carlet AugusteCONTACT: carlet.auguste@prodigy.net [Follow our live coverage of the Biden inauguration.] WASHINGTON Former President Barack Obama threw his support behind the efforts of peaceful protesters demanding police reforms during his first on-camera remarks since a wave of protests over the killing of George Floyd convulsed the country and upended the 2020 election. Mr. Obama, offering a strikingly more upbeat assessment of the protesters than President Trump and White House officials, said he believed only a tiny percentage had acted violently. For those who have been talking about protest, just remember that this country was founded on protest it is called the American Revolution, Mr. Obama said from his home in Washington. He made the comments during an online round-table event with his former attorney general Eric H. Holder Jr. and activists from Minneapolis sponsored by My Brothers Keeper Alliance, a nonprofit group Mr. Obama founded. Every step of progress in this country, every expansion of freedom, every expression of our deepest ideals have been won through efforts that made the status quo uncomfortable, said Mr. Obama, who adopted a conciliatory tone that contrasted sharply with Mr. Trumps tweets and public remarks. And we should all be thankful for folks who are willing, in a peaceful, disciplined way, to be out there making a difference. EDWARDSVILLE If you lost, forgot about or didnt receive a postcard from the U.S. Census Bureau back in March or April, a census enumerator should be knocking on your front door soon. Emily Fultz, Edwardsvilles city planner, said enumerators began fanning out last Thursday. They will be out and about until Aug. 14, checking with residents and tenants who did not respond earlier via the internet, telephone or by U.S. mail. We would love to achieve a 100 percent response rate, but I dont know that any city gets that kind of response rate, she said. As of Monday, the latest census data shows that Illinois total response rate is 65.5 percent (ninth out of 50 states), versus 60.5 percent for the entire nation. So far, 3.7 million Illinois households have responded. Digging a little deeper, 53.7 percent of state responders used the internet to answer versus 48.7 percent of people nationwide. The daily data change is currently rising 0.1 percent per day. This is the first census to offer an internet response option. A total of 69.7 percent of Madison County (23rd out of 102 Illinois counties) residents have responded to the census, with 56.9 percent of respondents using the internet. Among three local municipalities, the response rates are greater than 65 percent. Edwardsville came in at 70 percent, ranking it 439th out of 1,299 Illinois municipalities, with 64 percent of responders using the internet. Glen Carbon has a 78.1 percent response rate, with 71.1 percent using a computer to reply, ranking it 126th, and Maryville came in at 80.4 percent, with 73.9 percent using a computer to respond, ranking it 58th. Fultz said in 2010, Edwardsville had a total response rate of 82 percent. Fultz said she does not believe that the student numbers from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville have been added to the citys count yet. She said last week, the university submitted its on-campus data electronically regarding its student population. Normally, a census representative would visit campus to meet with the student housing director. Fultz said she is not certain that the citys group quarter data (e.g. from nursing homes) has been included yet either. More Information You can respond to the 2020 U.S. Census in multiple ways: Online at 2020.census.gov Call 1-844-330-2020 (espanol - 1-844-468-2020) Send your completed paper questionnaire to: U.S. Census Bureau National Processing Center 100 Logistics Ave., Jeffersonville, IN 47144 See More Collapse The census happens every 10 years, as required by the United States Constitution and contains essential information for individuals and communities: Results decide how many representatives each state receives in Congress until 2030 and census results are used to re-draw district boundaries. Redistricting counts will be sent to the states by March 31, 2021 Communities rely on statistics from the census to plan for resident needs, such as new roads, schools and emergency services. Businesses use census data to determine where to open new stores and offices The federal government distributes more than $675 billion to states and communities based on this data According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, in 2015, Illinois received $19,738,866,367, or approximately $1,535 per capita, in federal assistance for 16 programs. Even a one-percent undercount would result in the state losing $19,557,435 per year for a decade, resulting in a total loss of $195,574,350. Locally, Fultz said not responding to the census will cost the state between $1,800 and $2,000 per person per year. Per the George Washington Institute for Public Policy, the undercount of Illinoisans in the 2010 Census resulted in a loss of $952 per person of federal funding. It notes that in 2015, the state lost $122 million for every one percent of the population not counted in 2010. While it is probably too late to prevent an enumerator visit, Fultz said it is not too late to respond to the census (see accompanying factbox on how to respond). Fultz reminds residents that the city does not receive a copy of what they complete; that information is strictly confidential. The city only receives aggregate data in the form of census blocks (same size as two city blocks) census tracts. Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at (618) 659-5735. (Sharecast News) - London stocks rose in early trade on Wednesday, with sentiment boosted by encouraging services data out of China . At 0840 BST, the FTSE 100 was up 1.1% at 6,285.82. Data released earlier showed that China's services sector returned to growth in May for the first time since January. The Caixin/Markit services purchasing managers' index increased to 55.0 from 44.4 in April, marking the highest level since October 2010 and coming in comfortably above the 50 mark that separates contraction from growth. It was also above expectations for a reading of 47.3. Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell said: "Ignorant, oblivious or uncaring about the domestic situation in the USA, investors instead focused on a gangbusters Caixin services PMI out of China, extending the month's early rebound." Campbell said the figures were "a huge boost" to Europe, adding that the FTSE would have been even higher "if the pound weren't continuing to rebound itself". "Though the ongoing Brexit talks seem frosty at best, outright hostile at worst, cable rose 0.4% to $1.2588, its best price in close to seven weeks," he said. "It remains to be seen whether the pound can keep hold of that growth in the face of another weak UK services PMI, one that is expected to see the final reading for May revised marginally higher, from 27.8 to 27.9." The UK services PMI for May is due out at 0930 BST. In equity markets, Chemring surged after the defence firm backed its full-year expectations and posted a rise in interim profit thanks to strong performances in both of its segments. Travel company TUI racked up healthy gains as it reached a compensation agreement with Boeing over the grounding of 737 Max planes. Drinks company C&C Group was also in the black as it reported a 7.8% jump in full-year net revenue. On the downside, Ibstock lost ground as the maker of clay bricks and concrete products said sales volumes slid from late March after the coronavirus lockdown was imposed, and announced it could cut around 15% of its workforce. SSP was lower after the transport catering firm said it swung to a 34m half-year loss from a profit of 53m a year earlier and pulled its interim dividend as international travel collapsed amid the Covid crisis. In broker note action, Marks & Spencer was lifted by an upgrade to 'buy' at Jefferies, while B&M European Value Retail was dented by a downgrade to 'hold' by the same outfit. Market Movers FTSE 100 (UKX) 6,285.82 1.06% FTSE 250 (MCX) 17,629.51 1.11% techMARK (TASX) 3,765.38 0.50% FTSE 100 - Risers Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 313.80p 4.46% Centrica (CNA) 40.18p 4.26% Prudential (PRU) 1,136.50p 3.46% Royal Dutch Shell 'A' (RDSA) 1,376.40p 3.13% Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 32.93p 3.13% Informa (INF) 500.60p 3.07% International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 258.20p 3.03% Royal Dutch Shell 'B' (RDSB) 1,323.40p 2.99% easyJet (EZJ) 746.00p 2.95% BP (BP.) 337.95p 2.85% FTSE 100 - Fallers Polymetal International (POLY) 1,567.00p -2.28% Melrose Industries (MRO) 126.50p -1.86% Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) 2,389.00p -1.48% Fresnillo (FRES) 782.60p -1.39% Antofagasta (ANTO) 895.20p -1.19% Vodafone Group (VOD) 133.76p -0.90% British Land Company (BLND) 437.40p -0.82% Flutter Entertainment (FLTR) 10,825.00p -0.60% Ashtead Group (AHT) 2,493.00p -0.44% Pearson (PSON) 504.00p -0.36% FTSE 250 - Risers Chemring Group (CHG) 250.00p 17.10% Senior (SNR) 72.75p 7.30% TUI AG Reg Shs (DI) (TUI) 476.90p 6.59% Micro Focus International (MCRO) 470.80p 6.40% G4S (GFS) 99.84p 5.65% Wood Group (John) (WG.) 222.60p 5.65% Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 104.40p 5.65% Provident Financial (PFG) 207.00p 5.61% Marston's (MARS) 64.15p 5.60% Hilton Food Group (HFG) 1,294.00p 5.37% FTSE 250 - Fallers Oxford Instruments (OXIG) 1,204.00p -3.68% PureTech Health (PRTC) 249.50p -3.29% Helios Towers (HTWS) 158.60p -3.17% Spirent Communications (SPT) 240.50p -3.02% SSP Group (SSPG) 298.40p -2.29% PPHE Hotel Group Ltd (PPH) 1,180.00p -1.67% Hochschild Mining (HOC) 205.00p -1.54% Centamin (DI) (CEY) 160.80p -1.53% Cairn Energy (CNE) 122.70p -1.45% Ibstock (IBST) 197.70p -1.45% By PTI NEW DELHI: The BJP on Wednesday rejected the allegation that starvation was behind the death of passengers on 'Shramik Special' trains and said the manner in which the issue was being "politicised" was unprecedented. "None of the deaths in Shramik trains has been caused by hunger or starvation as per postmortem reports. Natural deaths have occurred on trains earlier too but the manner in which unfortunate deaths of shramiks (labourers) have been politicised is unprecedented without (critics) waiting to know about the exact cause of deaths," the BJP said in a statement. Its spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain cited details of postmortem reports and comments of some of the deceased's family members to claim that they suffered from pre-existing conditions. Dashrath Prajapati (30) suffered from chronic kidney disease, the health of Ram Ratan Ground (63) had been deteriorating, Ibrar Ahmed's postmortem report found brain stroke as cause of death and not dehydration while Arbina Khatoon suffered from pre-existing mental ailment, Hussain said, referring to some of those who died during their journey. "We are not here to do petty politics. Government believes in tackling the problems head-on, and addressing it," he said. The BJP's statement came after Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi hit out at the central government, saying this has been "admitted" that at least 81 deaths have happened and there are allegations that more fatalities occurred but were not being declared by the railways. The opposition party demanded resignation of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, accusing the government of distorting facts on payments for these train services. The Congress said the central government has not spent a single penny on running special trains for migrant workers returning home as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has made it clear before the Supreme Court that state governments receiving or sending migrants were to pay for them. Hussain reiterated that the Railways bore 85 per cent of the total cost of getting the migrants back to their home states, while the remaining 15 per cent was charged from the states. The solicitor general also said the same in the Supreme Court when asked who will pay the fare which is covered by the state, Hussain said. 'Shramik Special' trains are being supplied with multiple meals and adequate drinking water, with over 1. 5 crore meals and two crore packaged water bottles having been provided by the railways free of cost, he said. As many as 4197 of these special trains have carried 58 lakh passengers to their home states between May 1 and June 3, the BJP leader said. Teresa Leger Fernandez was the apparent winner in the Democratic Party primary election for the 3rd Congressional District seat, and the Republican primary race was too close to call, while votes were still being counted late Tuesday night. The candidates were vying for the seat being vacated by Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, who is running for U.S. Senate to replace the retiring Tom Udall, also a Democrat. There were delays in reporting results in several northern counties. Santa Fe and San Miguel counties hadnt reported any results until after 10:30 p.m. Election officials in Santa Fe County said they had been overwhelmed by the number of absentee ballots. Late Tuesday, Leger Fernandez, a Santa Fe attorney, was leading a pack of seven Democrats with 42% of the vote, followed by former CIA operative Valerie Plame with 23%, and state Rep. Joseph Sanchez of Alcalde with 13%. This is a win for communities, families and workers all across our district, and I am grateful for the trust that voters have placed in our campaigns vision for Northern New Mexico, Leger Fernandez said in a statement. Even in a time when we must continue to stay physically distant and so much tries to divide us, this campaign has always been about interconnectedness and coming together. Accepting defeat late Tuesday, Plame thanked her supporters. While tonights results were not what we had hoped for, your support and dedication give me hope that New Mexico will come out of this pandemic stronger than ever, she said. Rounding out the field were First Judicial District Attorney Marco Serna (8%), Sandoval County Treasurer Laura Montoya (7%), former federal and state government administrator John Blair (5%) and Taos environmental attorney Kyle Tisdel (2%). Republicans were locked up in a tight three-way race. Retired oil and gas engineer Alexis Johnson was leading with 37% of the vote. Harry Montoya, a former Santa Fe County commissioner who now works as constituent affairs director with the states Children Youth and Families Department, had received 34%, and small business owner Karen E. Bedonie of the Mexican Springs had 29% at the Journals deadline. The 3rd Congressional District the most racial and economically diverse of New Mexicos three congressional districts has been dominated by Democrats since its inception in 1982. And all eyes were on the Democratic primary, as the winner is expected to be a heavy favorite to win the seat in Novembers general election, based on past history and financial resources. All of the Democrats in the race raised more money than the top fundraising Republican, according to the most recent campaign reports filed last month with the Federal Election Commission. Whats more, the three Democrats who have represented the district over the past four decades Bill Richardson (1983-1997), Tom Udall (1999-2009) and Lujan (2009-present) each held the seat for at least five terms and never failed to be re-elected. Each left the office on their own accord. Only once has a Republican held the seat, and even then not for a full term. Bill Redmond won a three-way special election in 1997 to finish out Richardsons last term after he resigned to become U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The Democratic campaign had been amiable until mid-May when a pair of so-called dark money groups started spending on behalf of Leger Fernandez, who by then had established herself as a favorite, winning the delegate vote at the pre-primary convention by a wide margin. A poll later released by EMILYS List one of the many groups and individuals that endorsed Leger Fernandez showed the Las Vegas, New Mexico, native with a sizeable lead. The poll of 661 voters surveyed by phone May 20-21 indicated 33% favored Leger Fernandez, compared to 24% for Plame. Dark money groups are political committees independent of any campaign that work either for or against a candidate and whose contributors are not disclosed. It was during a candidate forum co-sponsored by the Journal and KOAT-TV that Blair criticized dark money spending on behalf of Leger Fernandez, earning a quick second from Montoya. Others agreed that dark money was against Democratic Party values, and the issue became a sticking point for Leger Fernandez the final two weeks of the campaign. First reported by Politico, Perise Practical Inc. and Avacy Initiatives Inc. spent more than $300,000 on positive TV spots that highlighted Leger Fernandezs background and connection to northern New Mexico. Days later, another dark money group, the Alliance to Combat Extremism, announced it had spent six-figures on inflammatory anti-Plame ads that labeled her as a disgraced racist millionaire and got play on YouTube and social media sites. The ads attacked Plame for a 2017 retweet of an anti-Semitic article titled Americas Jews are Driving American Wars, an action Plame has repeatedly apologized for, calling the mistake a doozy. In the final week of the campaign Plame benefited from outside help, though not a dark money group. VoteVets, which does disclose its contributors, starting running ads supporting her. During a campaign season restrained by the coronavirus outbreak, campaigns eschewed traditional activities like canvassing neighborhoods, house parties and rallies and those with the financial resources appealed to stay-at-home voters through television ads. Plames campaign raised more than $2 million through May 13, while Leger Fernandez was second in the money race at $1.3 million, according to FEC filings. Serna had raised $683,000 and Blair generated nearly $400,000, while the other candidates raised considerably smaller amounts. On the Republican side, Bedonie raised $38,000, followed by Montoya, with $19,000, and Johnson, with nearly $10,000. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 05:45:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close People sit on the terrace of a bar in Lille, northern France, June 2, 2020. Restaurants, bars and cafes throughout France reopened their doors to customers on Tuesday morning, kicking off the second phase of de-confinement in the country. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua) PARIS, June 2 (Xinhua) -- With 107 COVID-19 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, France's total death toll from the coronavirus-caused disease rose to 28,940 on Tuesday, official figures showed. Among the deaths, 18,590 were reported in hospitals, 84 more than the day before, 10,350 were reported at nursing homes and medico-social establishments since March 1, said the Health Ministry in a statement. Currently, 14,028 patients are still in hospitals, including 1,253 in intensive care. The two figures, key indicators to evaluate the country's ability to cope with the epidemic, fell by 260 and 49 respectively in the last 24 hours. Of the 101,932 hospitalized since early March, 68,812 were declared recovered and returned home, said the ministry. The number of confirmed cases increased by 766 in one day to 151,325, it added. On Tuesday, restaurants, bars and cafes throughout France reopened their doors to customers. Museums, parks and schools are all allowed to reopen now. Swimming pools, gyms, amusement parks and theaters in so-called "green" zones also reopened. Unlimited travel is now permitted between the country's regions, and people can once again enjoy the sun and the sea as the beaches have also reopened. "France has entered the second phase of deconfinement...French people find some of their daily habits again. This good news should not make us forget that the virus remains active," warned the ministry. Demonstrators stage a sit-in in front of the Anaheim Civic Center on Wednesday. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) The first message arrived the day after George Floyd died, as the video of him being suffocated, a white police officer's knee on his neck on a Minneapolis street, started circulating and as protesters were first taking to the streets. Hi. Just checking in. How are you feeling? Are you worried? It was from someone, a white person, I hadnt exchanged two words with in at least a decade. The second message arrived a few hours later. Also from a white person I barely know. Then a third. This time, the person wanted to know how she could help and what she should read to learn about racism and black lives. The next day, there were even more on Twitter, on Facebook. At first, I thought it was just me. And then I realized that, no, this is a thing. A strange and bewildering thing that, in the days of unrest since Floyd's death, has provoked emotions ranging from appreciation to annoyance to aggravation to utter exhaustion among black Americans already stressed to the limit. i am calling for a national moratorium on texts from guilty white liberals Steadman (@AsteadWesley) June 1, 2020 It has gotten to the point that someone has actually developed and distributed a list of canned responses for black people to answer questions from suddenly curious white people. For the culture, I cannot divulge more. There also have been instances of white people sending black people they don't know money through the Cash App. A friend of mine runs a Facebook group that he bills as a safe space for black people to grouse about life and current events, and he says he has been inundated with requests from white people to join it. Every other day, I'm getting three or four requests from white folks that I dont know to be friends on Facebook," he told me, asking that I not use his name. "We have no mutual friends. Story continues All of this was probably inevitable. After every police killing of a black man or woman or child and there have been many white people are told to be good allies, to be empathetic, to check their privilege, to listen and, above all else, to "do the work" of getting to know black people and understanding racism. And people are genuinely trying. I don't want to knock that, especially because people of every race and ethnicity have been moved to march over Floyd's death. But with peaceful protests and violent revolts happening nationwide and even worldwide, I also wonder if something else is going on, too. For it's one thing to inquire about the well-being of a friend or a coworker, or of an acquaintance you often see out and about or chat with regularly online. That's appreciated. It's quite another thing to suddenly hit up a stranger a someone not thought about in five, six, seven, 20 years and demand attention and emotional energy. Perhaps some of this reaching out over social media has to do with our country being so segregated? Depending on where you live in California, for example, making black friends or friends of a different race, period takes real work. Although our state is diverse, the neighborhoods of our cities are incredibly divided, one of the side effects of rampant gentrification. And our rural areas aren't very diverse at all. Or it could be that these messages reflect a new level of white guilt brought on by a new level of black rage. The unrest over Floyd has done nothing if not rip away the facade, making it clear that the United States, including liberal California, is steeped in systemic racism from the criminal justice system to the economy. A recent Monmouth University poll found that a majority of Americans now agree that police are more likely to use excessive force against black people than white people in similar situations. Only one-third of the country held this opinion four years ago. Also, the percentage of respondents who said racial and ethnic discrimination is a big problem is up to nearly 75%, up from about 50% in 2015. So what happens when white people who arent racist suddenly can't ignore because protesters are everywhere that they have unwittingly benefited from a racist system all of their lives? That maybe the college they attended, the house and the business they own, the car they drive were easier attain because they didn't, say, get popped for smoking weed like the black folks a neighborhood over or that they didn't have trouble getting a loan from a bank like millions of people of color do every year. Any moral person would feel at least little guilty about that. That's why I choose to believe most of these messages are coming from a good place. But there's some ego wrapped up in this, too. It's what I see in many of the Instagram selfies and stories from Black Lives Matter protests. It's as if white people are trying to broadcast to the world that they aren't racist. My friend Tiffani Sharp, a Sacramento attorney with a specialty in cannabis equity, described it as a need to share sympathy, rather than empathy. I had one lady tell me, 'My soul is aching about what happened.' You?" she said. "What about me? So, please, don't do that, white people. Another thing not to do is ask black people especially black people you barely know to teach you about racism or to give you a list of books to read about racism. "Use your internet. It's the same thing I'm about to do," said my friend Tre Borden, a L.A.-based art consultant. "If you're not willing to read on your own and you want me read for you, I dont trust you to liberate me anytime soon. Its insulting not to mention tiring because of the privileged assumption that now that you are ready to learn, black people should be ready to teach you. Sharp says one of her friends has been asked so many times that she has started charging people via her Cash App, figuring if they want her to act like a consultant, she should be paid like one. People only want to be educated when something like this happens. Nobody is sitting around when everything is great, thinking theres this gap in my knowledge," she said. "Like, Whoops! I dont have any black friends. Let me get some black friends.' Now is not the time to be making black friends. If you dont already have them, you are part of the problem. So now that I've told you all the things you shouldn't do, you're probably wondering what you can do. Police and protesters face off in the Fairfax District on May 30. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) For one, talk to your relatives who still support President Trump, even though he appears ready to declare martial law. Also, think about how you vote, not just for president, but for ballot propositions and candidates who want to make things more equitable, especially for district attorney. Shop at black-owned businesses. Don't be so quick to say no to that affordable housing complex in your neighborhood. Encourage your kids to speak up about racism. In short, do the work every day, not just when a black man dies and there's a protest of dismantling a system that, for too long, has benefited too few Americans. 'Elika, what do I do to help?' is the most infuriating question," said my friend and community organizer Elika Bernard. "Because weve been telling white people. Its all there, right in front of their faces, but they havent been listening." Listening is one thing. Doing is quite another. FILE PHOTO: Facebook logo is seen on a shop window in Malaga MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's plans to tax tech companies' revenues does not discriminate against any country, a government source told Reuters on Tuesday after the United States opened a probe into such taxes or proposals by its various trading partners. The announcement of the U.S. "Section 301" investigation that could lead to punitive tariffs came just two days before the Spanish parliament was due to debate a proposal to tax revenues booked locally by tech giants such as Facebook, Alphabet Inc's Google and Amazon. The tax would be based on objective criteria and would be adapted to fit within any framework agreement reached by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), said the source, adding that the government followed the proposals by the European Commission. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement earlier on Tuesday that President Donald Trump was concerned that such tax schemes were "designed to unfairly target our companies" and amounted to discrimination. After sending the bill to parliament in February, the Spanish government downplayed the potential for retaliation, describing Spain's relationship with the United States as "fluid". Spain's tax would apply to companies with global revenues of more than 750 million euros ($838 million) per year and more than 3 million euros in Spain. Introducing the 3% levy, which would generate around 1 billion euros a year for state coffers, is a long-held ambition of the left-wing coalition government led by Pedro Sanchez. OECD member countries are negotiating the first major rewriting of tax rules in more than a generation to take better account of the rise of big tech companies that often book profit in low-tax countries. Last month France said it would tax big digital businesses this year whether there is progress or not towards an international deal on a levy. (Reporting by Nathan Allen and Belen Carreno, Additional reporting by Catarina Demony; editing by Andrei Khalip and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) ~ Called on Residents to exercise caution as St. Maarten cannot afford 2nd shutdown.~ PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister of St. Maarten Silveria Jacobs got emotional during the weekly council of ministers press briefing when speaking about the 15 COVID-19 deaths in St. Maarten. Jacobs called on the people of St. Maarten to continue to practice social distancing and all other guidelines as the island begin to return to some normalcy since the shutdown in March 2020. She said St. Maarten simply cannot afford another shutdown because this will allow others to trample on the island because they are in a better financial position. Clearly, the Prime Minister was referring to the conditions placed on St. Maarten by the Dutch Government for liquidity support. So far 77 persons were tested positive for COVID-19, of which 62 recovered fully, 15 persons died and 1 person is still positive. For the past 37 days St. Maarten only has one active case and hopefully, the island will be COVID-19 free. Jacobs reminded residents that the 11 pm curfew is still in effect even though churches and bars are allowed to resume their activities. She said the country is still in a vulnerable stage and as such precautions must be taken each step of the way. Prime Minister Jacobs said the virus is still a threat around the world and negligence will cause the virus to spread which will ultimately lead to a shutdown that St. Maarten cannot afford. For a better experience on our website and avoid any trouble, we strongly recommand to activate Javascript ( click here ). Hello and welcome to Journal des Palaces You are a communication or the PR manager? Click here You are an applicant? Check out our questions and answers here ! US President Donald Trump is frustrated after the violent protests in the country shows no signs of slowing down. Trump told the governors of the states where protests are happening through a video teleconference on June 1 that they all should target the violent protesters aggressively as they will only respond if there is force. Too weak? The President told the governors in a call from the basement of the situation room in the White House that governors need to dominate or they will look like "a bunch of jerks" and that they have to start arresting people. In the audio recording, President Trump was angry and told the leaders they must seek retribution for violent acts in their respective states and told them to not be "too careful." President Trump added that the weak response to protests in certain states allowed violence to take hold. He also emphasized his belief that violence is ignited by forces from the radical left and added he was putting the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley in charge of the protest response. Trump also suggested to the governors that it was their responsibility to stop the violent protests, which has caused serious damage to numerous public and private properties. He said that it is a movement and if they don't "put it down" it will get worse and worse. He later added most of the governors are "weak" for allowing the protest to go as far as it did, as protesters are now outside the White House. Also Read: George Floyd Video: Three Footages Put Together Shows Final Moments Before His Death The encounter between the protesters and the police happened again on Sunday night outside the White House, and Trump reverts to the line "law and order" as he believes it is the best way to confront the growing unrest across the country. The president said that the world is laughing at Minneapolis, where the protest started, after videos of police cars and police stations getting burned. Minneapolis is the city where the Black Lives Matter began after the death of George Floyd on May 25. Floyd was an unarmed black man who was killed by Officer Derek Chauvin by kneeling on his neck for 9 minutes. Trump also stated that the law about burning the US flag should be reexamined as it has been ruled twice by the US Supreme Court that flag burning is protected under the Constitution. Harmful rhetoric President Trump has also attacked Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz since the start of the protest last week and said that Minnesota is a laughingstock all over the world for not responding harshly enough. He added that he wished that there was an occupying force in the state. On the phone call, Governor of Illinois J.B Pritzker told President Trump that the country needs a steady hand from the top. The Democratic governor said that the rhetoric coming out of the White House is making the situation worse and that the people who are protesting and the black community are experiencing real pain. He added that the country needs a national leadership to call for calm and legitimate concern for protesters. However, the president fired back by saying that he does not like the governor's rhetoric either and said that the governor could have done much better on coronavirus. Trump's message to the governors came as the president and his advisers were debating about the wisdom of a national address following the protest, especially the one that is outside the White House which caused him and his family to retreat to an underground bunker on May 29. Related Article: Hacker "Anonymous" Posted Names of Celebrities Linked to Child Trafficking, Reveals Claims About Trump @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Disappearance at Clifton Hill is a drama mystery movie which was released in 2019. The movie follows a troubled woman named Abby and how a memory of a kidnapping that she witnessed in her childhood haunts her. It stars Tuppence Middleton, Hannah Gross, and Marie-Josee Croze. Disappearance at Clifton Hill ending leaves the audience with an air of deep thought and understanding. ALSO READ | The Vast Of Night Ending Explained: What Happens To Everett And Fay At The End? Disappearance at Clifton Hill plot The movie starts with the protagonist Abbys childhood when she was just seven years old. Abby can be seen walking around in a patch of woods when she witnesses a kidnapping. She sees how two adults have attacked a boy with an eyepatch and have stuffed him into a car. It happens at the top of the hill and is clear enough for everyone to see. But she is the only one who has seen it and she also sees the car drive away. The movie then shows Abby twenty-five years after this incident, i.e. when she is 32 years old. Abby is still shocked and haunted that she had witnessed a kidnapping and the incident has damaged her as well. She is known to be a pathological liar and the black sheep of her family, and yet returns to her hometown after her mothers death. She has to sell her mothers motel to the richest family in town as well. ALSO READ | 'Raktanchal' ending explained: A final face off between Waseem Khan and Vijay Singh Abby also decides to pursue the case of the missing boy at Clifton Hill. No one around her believes that it was a true story because of her nature. But slowly, pieces of information start getting placed together. She comes to know the name of the boy, whom the people believed to have committed suicide. She also meets Walter, who looks for mysterious things in the waterfall, has a conspiracy podcast about the whole event as well. Abby comes across a VHS tape that promotes a magician couple named as Magnificent Moulins, and the fact that they had a tiger and their son committed suicide. This boy was the same as the one who disappeared. The boy, Alex, was deemed dead even after nobody was found. A man name Charlie Lake III comes to town, the owner of this entire place. He wants to buy their motel. Abby tries to get more information on Charlies history as well. Laure comes to know about Bev Mole, who was Moulins assistant. Bevs husband reveals that Alex was injured by the tiger in the magicians act and thus he has hidden away. He also shared that Bev is forced to find Alex when he runs away and takes him back. This made Abby believed that Moulins killed their child. ALSO READ | Homecoming Season 2 Ending Explained | How does Walter gets his final revenge? Disappearance at Clifton Hill ending explained She confronts the Moulins and asks them about Abby. The husband says that Alex was supposed to be taken to the farm but he was never there and later they were told by the police that he committed suicide. He believes Charlies father killed him. The wife, however, claims that Alex was a weak child and must have thought of suicide as an escape. While returning back to Canada, she is caught by border security and it is revealed that Abby had been in Arizona, Phoenix for 18 months and pretended to have retrograde amnesia. But she was then disbarred from the US. Abbys mother had rescued her and paid for her legal formalities as well. Abby again tracks down Bev and her husband. The police arrests Charles III, Bev and Moulins for the torture and murder of Alex. Later, Abby comes face to face with a one-eyed man at the hotel. He looks at Charlies picture and says that he was in fact not a bad guy and he saved the boys life. ALSO READ | 2036 Origin Unknown Ending explained: Is it all true or just a simulation? Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said it is "common sense" to bring Russia back into the G7, despite Moscow's expulsion from the club after invading part of Ukraine. Speaking to Fox News radio, Trump said that the G7 countries -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- need Russian President Vladimir Putin back in a G8 format, regardless of his behavior. "It's not a question of what's he done, it's a question of common sense. So we have a G7: he's not there, half of the meeting's devoted to Russia, and if he was there, it would be much easier to solve," Trump said. "The problem is, many of the things that we talk about are about Putin, so we're just sitting around wasting time, because then you have to finish your meeting and somebody has to call Putin," he said. "I say, have him in the room. It used to be the G8. I don't say deserving or not deserving, I say common sense." Moscow was suspended indefinitely from the G8 after it invaded the Crimea region of Ukraine in 2014, then declared the territory part of Russia. The Kremlin simultaneously supported an ongoing armed rebellion against Ukraine's government in the east of the country. The episode was the final straw in the long-running deterioration of the relationship between Western powers and Putin's Russia. In 2008, Putin ordered troops into two regions of Western-backed Georgia that Moscow supports as independent from the Georgian government. The Russian government is also accused by European authorities of being behind a series of assassinations across Europe, including using biological and radioactive poisons in Britain. Trump, who is highly critical of the NATO military alliance and describes the European Union as a hostile trading competitor, has pushed repeatedly for a softer approach to Russia. After his hastily conceived plans for hosting an in-person G7 summit in Washington this month fell through, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, he abruptly announced Saturday that he wants to reform the group entirely, bringing Russia and other countries to a meeting later this year. Trump called the G7 -- long seen as a key diplomatic gathering for the richest, most advanced democracies -- "a very outdated group of countries." Washington's G7 partners are pushing back against the idea of transforming the group. EU foreign affairs high representative Josep Borrell said Tuesday that while Trump -- as this year's G7 chair -- could invite Russia with guest status, he does not have the power to change "the format on a permanent basis." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday said he opposed Moscow reentering the fold. "Russia was excluded from the G7 after it invaded Crimea a number of years ago," Trudeau told reporters. "Its continued disrespect and flaunting of international rules and norms is why it remains outside of the G7 and will continue to remain out," he added. London, June 03, 2020provider, is honored to be recognised as a leading provider of talent acquisition software in the European market by the 2020 Fosway 9-Grid for Talent Acquisition. With employers around the world rethinking their hiring strategies, inclusion in the analysis from Europe's No. 1 industry analyst firm solidifies iCIMS as the global platform that empowers companies to build a winning workforce, including: Global client success : joining a global community of more than 2 million platform users and enterprise-scale customers, such as Siemens, Wipro, PepsiCo, Enterprise Holdings, Lloyds Bank, Toyota Motor and Johnson & Johnson. : joining a global community of more than 2 million platform users and enterprise-scale customers, such as Siemens, Wipro, PepsiCo, Enterprise Holdings, Lloyds Bank, Toyota Motor and Johnson & Johnson. Seamless integrations: gaining local fit and flexibility via out-of-the-box integrations. gaining local fit and flexibility via out-of-the-box integrations. Extensive partner ecosystem (https://www.icims.com/partners/) : benefiting from partnerships with leading HCM and payroll software providers. : benefiting from partnerships with leading HCM and payroll software providers. Global support : Premium Success Support (https://marketplace.icims.com/apps/204086/icims-premium-success-plan#!overview) with a 24/7 technical helpdesk for global companies; global implementations. : Premium Success Support (https://marketplace.icims.com/apps/204086/icims-premium-success-plan#!overview) with a 24/7 technical helpdesk for global companies; global implementations. Global recruiting tools : engaging with candidates across geographies and channels including Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and WeChat; tailored country career sites; multilingual capabilities, and in-country and pan-regional compliance. : engaging with candidates across geographies and channels including Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and WeChat; tailored country career sites; multilingual capabilities, and in-country and pan-regional compliance. European-based AI development : increasing insight based on iCIMS' recent strategic acquisition of Opening.io (https://www.icims.com/about-us/news-room/press-releases/icims-acquires-opening-io-launches-new-ai-solution-for-building-transformative-workforces-at-scale), the Ireland-based data science company that powers best-in-class artificial intelligence for talent. : increasing insight based on iCIMS' recent strategic acquisition of Opening.io (https://www.icims.com/about-us/news-room/press-releases/icims-acquires-opening-io-launches-new-ai-solution-for-building-transformative-workforces-at-scale), the Ireland-based data science company that powers best-in-class artificial intelligence for talent. Investments in EU Data Security: Data and Disaster Recovery Centers in Frankfurt and Dublin. Data and Disaster Recovery Centers in Frankfurt and Dublin. Global leadership: gaining expertise from iCIMS' growing European team. "Today's conditions have many employers feeling the pressure - whether they are experiencing a sudden surge in hiring volumes, focused on hiring critical roles with greater precision, or trying to keep candidates engaged until hiring resumes," said Frederik Ballon, vice president EMEA at iCIMS. "Global business leaders understand now more than ever that having the right people is critical to their success and they are quickly finding out that access to the best talent requires optimum technology, a premier partner community and a global network of users. Our inclusion as a leading recruiting software provider in the 2020 Fosway 9-Grid for Talent Acquisition solidifies our commitment to helping our customers across the globe to build a winning workforce." "As the European market for recruiting software becomes increasingly crowded and complex, buyers are faced with more choices than ever before," said David Wilson, CEO of Fosway Group, "iCIMS is a global provider investing in growing its European business. It is well-positioned to support employers looking for a proven talent acquisition suite with strong technology and service capability in multiple markets." About Fosway 9-Grid: Fosway Group is Europe's #1 HR Industry Analyst. The Fosway 9-Grid provides a unique assessment of the principal learning and talent supply options available to organisations in EMEA. Now in its sixth year, the analysis is based on extensive independent research and insights from Fosway's Corporate Research Network of over 150 customer organisations, including BP, HSBC, PwC, Sanofi, Shell and Vodafone. Visit the Fosway website at www.fosway.comfor more information on Fosway Group's research and services. About iCIMS: iCIMS is the leading cloud platform for recruiting. iCIMS enables companies to manage and scale their recruiting programs through an award-winning end-to-end talent acquisition platform and an ecosystem of nearly 300 integrated partners. Established in 2000, iCIMS supports more than 4,000 customers, including nearly 20% of Fortune 100 companies, hiring 4 million people each year. For more information, visit www.icims.com. 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. 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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 While people who contract Covid-19 should be responsible and stay at home so as to avoid infecting others, it is important to remember that the recommended period of isolation is 14 days and, after that, it is safe to go out, according to Grace Kearney. Grace is the Project Co-ordinator at Bridgeways Family Resource Centre and has been helping a large number of Brazilian families who were out of work and isolating due to a cluster of Covid-19 in Ballymahon. We delivered food packages for 60 Kepak workers infected with coronavirus, while they were isolating for two weeks, Grace told the Leader. We provided that service with the help of Longford County Council and the food packages we delivered were from Foodcloud, the local community and grant money provided by Longford County Council. Bridgeways FRC also provided a printing service for illness benefit forms, rent relief, and all other important Covid-19 forms, while also providing resources and activities for children. There are so many negative stories going around the town. A couple of people are afraid to trade in the town because they heard about a Covid-19 cluster in Kepak, said Grace. People on the street are complaining that theyre out and about but they only had to isolate for 14 days and they adhered to it. They were in their houses. There wasnt a sinner outside in the estate for two weeks. The Brazilian community in Ballymahon is very familiar with the services of Bridgeways Family Resource Centre, as the centre, before the Covid-19 restrictions, was regularly providing English classes. They used the centre a lot. They rang us for everything. We would help them with work permits, etc. We knew about 20 families, but theyre such a close-knit community that they talked to each other and we ended up helping about 60 families, Grace explained. Ive never been as busy. Ive never had to go to people with food. I was here for 14 days straight delivering packs to houses. But her efforts have not gone without appreciation. Igleberson Almeida, one of the members of the Brazilian community who availed of the service while he was sick, told the Longford Leader that Bridgeways FRC was a huge help to him and his family. When I tested positive for Covid-19, it was scary/ we were out of work and we had to isolate for 14 days. Immediately we contacted Bridgeways, he said. We needed the support from Grace and the staff as many of our friends and neighbours were also Covid positive. Bridgeways dropped shopping, food, activities & homework for children to our doors. We did not need to leave our homes as Bridgeways provided everything for us to stay at home safely. Many of us are now recovered and have returned safely back to work. It has been almost a month since county Longford experienced a dramatic spike, with over 100 new cases confirmed in the space of two days and the message Bridgeways FRC is putting out there is that the 14-day isolation period has long passed. They stayed home. They recovered and theyre back to work now, she said, encouraging people not to judge others when they see them on the streets. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) is detained by U.S. Capitol Police while supporting voting rights protesters at the Capitol Thursday. (Bloomberg News) The Democrat was arrested with several others, including faith leaders and youth who have been hunger striking for our democracy, his spokesman said. Former ambassador to the United States Dennis Richardson says the riots raging across America have been made worse by President Donald Trump's divisive leadership, the growth in armed militias on the right and left, the biggest economic downturn since the 1930s and the coronavirus. Mr Richardson, Australia's most experienced public servant when he stepped down as the secretary of the Department of Defence in 2017, said "one of the big differences between now and the past is that today we have a president who appears to relish and thrive on division". Former ambassador to the US Dennis Richardson says the US riots have been inflamed by President Donald Trump's "divisive" leadership. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The former senior diplomat and spy boss said Prime Minister Scott Morrison was right to ask the Australian embassy in Washington to investigate a police attack on a Channel 7 television crew, but there was little Australia could do to calm the situation. Mr Trump has been criticised by politicians from both major parties in the US after law enforcement officers aggressively cleared protesters away from a Washington park to make way for him to have a photo opportunity at St John's Church. States across the northern belt of the country have witnessed a massive surge in the number of coronavirus cases after millions of migrant workers returned to their native states due to loss of employment following the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown. States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have reported a spike in coronavirus cases ever since migrant workers started returning to their native states. With this, another primary concern is the rise in COVID infection in rural belts and hinterlands. Bihar has decided to shut its quarantine centres by June 15 and migrants reaching the state will be told to home quarantine. According to a report by India Today, returning migrants till Monday had been registered and sent to the institutional quarantine centres, which at one point of time had 14,03,576 migrants. However, the number has come down after nine lakh people completed their 14-day institutional quarantine. Currently, a little over six lakh migrants are living in the quarantine centres. SL Shanth Kumar As of June 2, Bihar had reported 4,049 COVID cases. Between May 3 to June 2, a rise of 3,532 Covid-19 cases was recorded. The migrants alone have contributed 2,903 or 82.19 per cent of the total new cases recorded in Bihar, says the report. Similarly, in half of Rajasthan's districts, there are more patients in rural areas than in the state's urban districts. In some districts, more than 90% of the positive cases are in the rural areas, according to The Times of India. Jaipur has recorded over 100 positive cases from its rural pockets. With more persons getting tested for the virus everyday, the percentage of COVID patients in rural areas is constantly increasing as compared to urban areas. The migrant exodus from urban centres to rural pockets within Maharashtra has led to spike in cases. Districts which had zero or very few cases are witnessing a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases. A gradual shift of Covid-19 cases from urban to rural regions is taking place. This surge in cases in rural areas is a massive concern for authorities considering that consistent efforts were made to contain the outbreak in urban areas and keep rural areas and hinterlands safe from the virus. Image of workplace with computer monitor and armchair in the living room at home Amid the coronavirus pandemic, millions of employees have been shut out of their offices and required to work from home. The massive change has many companies evaluating what they can do to make the transition smoother for their workers. One growing answer: a home-office fund. Companies are paying for their remote employees' desks, chairs and computers and are instituting regular allowances for WiFi and phone costs. E-commerce company Shopify announced in March that it would give its newly remote employees $1,000 to set up their new home office. Teleworkers at Twitter will get up to $1,000 for the same purpose. Also in March, job marketplace Indeed said it would reimburse its employees up to $500 for standing desks, chairs or lighting in their home. Basecamp, a software company headquartered in Chicago, offers workers $1,000 to get their work station up and running at home, and online textbook company Chegg pays its remote workers' monthly internet bill and gives them $500 for home office furnishings. "Companies are saying, 'We want to make sure you're both comfortable and productive," said Danielle Lackey, chief legal officer at Motus, a workforce management company. More from Personal Finance: Military families face housing limbo during Covid-19 How the pandemic is shaking retirement confidence How to land a work-from-home job At the beginning of the pandemic, Lackey said, many companies began offering to pay employees' phone and internet bills, but that's since expanded to computers, desks, chairs and other home-office fixtures. "Now that this is looking to be a long-term thing, that third piece is becoming more much central," Lackey said. Some companies had work-from-home allowances and stipends before the pandemic. "It gets old fast to be working from your couch, and setting up a home office can be expensive," said Hailley Griffis, head of public relations at Buffer, a software application company. The company, which became fully remote in 2015, pays its employees' internet bills. Each worker also gets a $200 annual stipend for technology costs, and a one-time payment of $500 to set up their home office. A giant snowman erected on the bank of Songhua River in Harbin, the capital of Northeast Chinas Heilongjiang province, has drawn much attention online. Around 2,000 cubic meters of snow was used to create the 18.5-meter-tall figure dressed in a red hat and scarf. Since December, ice and snow sculptures featuring Winter Olympics and Lunar New Year elements have popped up across the city famed for its ice festivals, drawing many visitors Jan 20, 2022 06:19 PM (@FahadShabbir) The central African state of Equatorial Guinea has told the WHO's representative to leave, accusing her of "falsifying" the country's tally of coronavirus cases, according to the government and the UN health agency Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jun, 2020 ) :The central African state of Equatorial Guinea has told the WHO's representative to leave, accusing her of "falsifying" the country's tally of coronavirus cases, according to the government and the UN health agency. In document dated May 26 seen by AFP on Tuesday, the foreign ministry asked the World Health Organization's regional office in Africa "to end the duties" of its representative in Equatorial Guinea, Dr. Triphonie Nkurunziza, "and immediately oversee her departure from Malabo." Prime Minister Pascual Obama Asue, appearing at the Senate last Friday, accused Nkurunziza of "falsifying the data of people contaminated" by COVID-19. "We don't have a problem with the WHO, we have a problem with the WHO's representative in Malabo," he said in remarks broadcast on state television. A source at the UN office in Malabo, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the government's request but declined to go into details. "The government has asked her to go, we have received a document -- she is accused of falsifying COVID-19 figures," the source said. However, Dr. Nkurunziza is still in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea's island capital, as there are no flights enabling her to leave, the source said. Equatorial Guinea is an oil-rich coastal state that President Teodoro Obiang Nguema has ruled with an iron fist for 40 years. The authorities say that as of June 1, there were 1,306 recorded cases of coronavirus, 12 of them fatalities, in a population of 1.3 million. The official tally used to be updated daily, but this practice stopped on April 28, and the update is now being published only from time to time. Figures put forward by the WHO have sometimes been somewhat higher than the national tally, although both tolls are the same right now. New Delhi: The Cigar-shaped interstellar object Oumuamua has always sort of been a puzzle ever since it was discovered in 2017. There have been massive discussion on whether it is an old comet or some sort of alien technology perhaps exploring the cosmos. In April this year, one research report had said that Oumuamua that is tumbling through our solar system may be wreckage from a planet ripped apart when it roamed too close to the faraway star it once orbited However a recent study has found that the Oumuamua might actually be a hydrogen iceberg. Researchers at Yale and the University of Chicago in a study have said that Oumuamua is a hydrogen iceberg. The study that appears on arXiv website is based on the inference that the weird properties of the Oumuamua could be explained if it contained a significant fraction of molecular hydrogen (H2) ice. Scientists tracked the reddish-coloured Oumuamua from October 14, 2017, until January 2, 2018, after which it became too faint to detect even using the most powerful telescopes. It is estimated to be a half-mile (800 meters) long, tumbling through space. Oumuamua was first detected by the University of Hawaiis Pan-STARRS1 telescope. Its name in the native Hawaiian language means a messenger arriving from a great distance. With Reuters Inputs Burma Court Frees Four Minors Accused of Terrorism by Military for Lack of Evidence Local residents ride bicycles in Mrauk-U in Rakhine State in October 2019. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy SITTWE, Rakhine StateA juvenile court in Rakhine States Mrauk-U Township has released four minors who were sued by the Myanmar military under terrorism charges, citing a lack of evidence. The court on Tuesday released a minor from Lekka Village and three others from Kyauksepyin Village, according to lawyers acting for them. The court released them, as the evidence against them was insufficient to proceed to trial, lawyer U Aung Sitt Min of the Thazin legal aid team, which is helping the defendants, told The Irrawaddy. The three minors from Kyauksepyin Village were detained along with 22 other villagers by Myanmar military (or Tatmadaw) troops in June last year on suspicion of having ties to the Arakan Army (AA), which is engaged in ongoing fighting with the military in western Myanmar. The three were sued in the juvenile court in Mrauk-U, and the 22 others at the Sittwe District Court under sections 50(a) and (j) and Section 52(a) of the Counterterrorism Law. Section 50(a) prescribes a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment for, among other actions, causing fear among the public or damaging the security of the public. Section 50(j) carries life imprisonment for financing terrorism and Section 52(a) authorizes a sentence of three to seven years in prison for activities that knowingly involve a terrorist group. Seventeen of the 22 were released in May due to lack of evidence, and five others are still on trial. The minor from Lekka Village were arrested along with 26 others by the Myanmar military on April 10 last year in their village on suspicion of having ties to the AA a day after the group launched an attack on a temporary military outpost and a police battalion in Mrauk-U. The villagers denied having ties to the AA and the relatives of the 27 men later claimed they were tortured during military detention. Three Lekka residents, ages 25, 35 and 41, have since died in military detention. The Myanmar military said one of the deaths was a suicide, one was related to a heart condition and another was drug-related. Military spokesperson Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told The Irrawaddy at the time that the military reported the deaths to the relevant police stations in line with procedures and sent the bodies to Sittwe Township Hospital for post-mortem examinations. However, relatives of the victims said they were not allowed to see the victims bodies. The Myanmar military has opened cases against the other villagers from Lekka under the Counterterrorism Law. The villagers are still awaiting trial. Villagers have fled Lekka Village since the detention of their relatives. Many of the houses in the abandoned village were set ablaze in May in an alleged arson by Myanmar military troops. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko You may also like these stories: Military to Investigative In-Custody Deaths in Rakhine Myanmar Military Re-Arrests Rakhine Civilians After Court Release Italy reopened to travellers from Europe on Wednesday, three months after the country went into coronavirus lockdown, but few arrivals dimmed hopes of reviving the key tourism industry as the summer season begins. Gondolas are ready to punt along Venice's canals, lovers can act out "Romeo and Juliet" on Verona's famed balcony, and gladiator fans have the chance to pose for selfies at Rome's Colosseum. But there were fears many foreign tourists are being put off coming to a country still shaking off a vicious pandemic. "We hoped to see some movement from today, but have no foreign tourists booked in for this week or next," said Alessandra Conti, a receptionist at the Albergo del Senato hotel which overlooks the Pantheon in Rome. "We've got a few reservations from mid-June... (but) are still getting lots of cancellations for this summer". - 'Smouldering' virus - Italy was the first European country to be hit hard by the coronavirus and has officially reported more than 33,500 deaths -- the third highest toll in the world. It imposed an economically crippling lockdown in early March and has since seen its infection numbers drop off dramatically. With the country facing its deepest recession since World War II, it needs foreign tourists to return, and quickly. But it is still reporting hundreds of new cases a day, particularly in the northern Lombardy region, and experts warn the government may be moving too quickly in permitting travel between regions and abroad. Infectious diseases expert Massimo Galli said it would have been better to wait until July to reopen the borders. The virus "smoulders under the ashes, and when it finds the ideal conditions, it explodes. Even more so if we lower our guard," he said Wednesday. - 'Like a leper' - International flights into Milan, Rome and Naples increased, with a few also coming into smaller, regional airports. German Regina Oswald, 53, was one of the very few foreign tourists to be spotted in Venice's Saint Mark's Square. "It's fantastic to see Venice without a lot of people, it's the one time in my life I can enjoy it like this," said Oswald, who arrived early Wednesday for a three-day stay. "I am worried about the virus, but will take precautions", she said, such as always eating at outdoor tables in restaurants. There were concerns that those who usually come in by car, train or ferry from neighbouring countries would go elsewhere on their holidays. Switzerland has warned its citizens that if they go to Italy they will be subject to "health measures" on their return. The country will open its borders with Germany, France and Austria on June 15, but not with Italy. Austria is lifting restrictions at its land borders from Thursday -- but again, not with Italy, described last week by Vienna's health minister as "still a hotspot". Other countries, such as Belgium and Britain, are still advising against, or forbidding, all non-essential travel abroad. In response to perceived anti-Italian sentiment, Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio has warned countries not to treat Italy "like a leper". He said Saturday he would be travelling to Germany, Slovenia and Greece to persuade them Italy is safe for foreign tourists, and was set to meet his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian later Wednesday in Rome. - 'Scared' - Italy's lockdown has had a particularly devastating effect on the tourism sector, which amounts to some 13 percent of GDP. Only 40 of Rome's 1,200 hotels have reopened, the Corriere della Sera newspaper said, and just a dozen in Milan. Restaurants, cafes and beach establishments have slowly reopened over the past two weeks -- although the government has said it reserves the right to impose localised lockdowns if it sees contagion numbers rise. "Who's going to come? No one from South America, China or the US. And the Europeans will be scared," Mimmo Burgio, 62, owner of a cafe near Rome's Colosseum, told AFP. "We're pinning all our hopes on Italian tourists, but... I'm afraid they'll go to the seaside instead," he said. Bengaluru, June 3 : Karnataka Covid tally breached the 4,000-mark with 267 new cases, mostly domestic returnees, raising the state's tally to 4,063, an official said on Wednesday. Of the 250 domestic returnees, cases with Maharashtra travel history constituted 93 per cent or 232. Only 15 new cases contracted the virus from earlier contacts. In the past 24 hours, cases spiked in Kalaburagi, Udupi, Bengaluru Urban, Mandya, Yadgir, Raichur and Vijayapura. Kalaburagi was struck with 105 cases, followed by Udupi (62), Raichur (35), Bengaluru Urban (20), Mandya (13), Yadgir (9), Vijayapura (6), Davangere (3), Dakshina Kannada, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Kolar and Bagalkote (2 each) and Hassan, Ballari, Dharwad and Bengaluru Rural (1 each). Of the new cases, 180 are men and 87 women, including 20 children below the age of 10. On Wednesday, 111 patients got discharged. In the past 24 hours, Karnataka has tested 15,197 persons, of which 14,719 tested negative. In total, 3.3 lakh samples have been tested so far, of which 3.2 lakh were negative. Across the state, 2,494 are active cases, 1,514 discharged, 16 patients in ICU and 53 died of the virus. An 80-year-old woman from Davangere district succumbed to the virus. Currently, Udupi is leading the state's Covid burden with 408 active cases, followed by Kalaburagi (375), Yadgir (271), Raichur (230) and Mandya (221). Of the total, Bengaluru Urban has so far accounted for 11 deaths, followed by Kalaburagi (7), Dakshina Kannada (6) and Vijayapura and Bidar (5 each) among others. Three Nigerian students have accused Suraj Olunifesi, a lecturer of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), of sexual assault in varying cla... Three Nigerian students have accused Suraj Olunifesi, a lecturer of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), of sexual assault in varying claims but the academic dismissed all allegations. In the past few days, social media platforms have been inundated with vivid accounts by alleged victims of sexual assault after Vera Omozuwa, a student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), died from injuries sustained after she was raped. In a fresh wave of allegations, two students from UNILAG and another from the Lagos State University (LASU) accused Suraj, who is a doctor and instructor of mass communication, of groping them after a summon to his office. One of the students, who pleaded anonymity in an account, said she started avoiding classes and her department after non-consensual advances were made at her by the lecturer. I have dirt on Dr. Suraj. I was sexually harassed by him. It happened one time he seized something of mine in class and asked me to collect it back after class. I went to his office after class and he asked me to wait for him to attend to other students first, she wrote. After he was done, I entered his office and he asked me to sit. I asked him for my stuff which he seized and he said he would give me if I answered some questions. He started asking about school and random stuff before he asked if I was a virgin. I got nervous and started laughing it off trying not to answer. He, then, said that he was trying to be my friend. It was around 8 pm at that time cause he held us back in class till 7 pm. I stood up and told him that I had friends to meet for dinner at that time and that I couldnt stay. Then, the next thing he did shocked me. He stood up and asked me to hug him. I couldnt say anything. He came closer and insisted. When I didnt do anything, he hugged me himself. I tried to prevent as much close contact as I could and he asked me to come closer. I wriggled out of his hold. And he asked me, Did you feel me? I didnt know what he meant for a minute and I replied, No sir. He tried to hug me again. This time, I felt his hard-on. He started rubbing it on my laps and breathing hard. I was conflicted. I didnt know how to push him away without offending him as a lecturer. I gave a nervous laugh and freed myself after some moments and he asked me again if I felt him. I told him. Yes Sir and he asked if I was okay with it. I said I wasnt. Then he asked if I wanted more. I didnt answer. I just said I had to go and ran out of his office. Since that day, I started avoiding his classes. I stopped hanging around the department after classes for fear of seeing him and asking me to come to his office. When he finally saw me again, he asked me to follow him to his office and started asking me if we had any issues cause I had not visited him again since the last time. I just replied that I had been really busy. I try not to meet his eyes anytime I see him in the department and I even have some friends he has tried it on with. 70 percent of girls in mass communication can attest to the claims Another student of UNILAG also gave a similar account involving the same lecturer. She, however, claimed that the majority of female students in her department could attest to her story. I school at the University of Lagos, mass communication to be precise. I was molested by DR SURAJ in the department. Hes got a wife with kids yet he still molests female students, touching them in sensitive parts, making them feel uncomfortable, the second victim narrated. I cant say my name or even use my real twitter account because some lecturers follow me. It was a Friday, he invited me to his office, tried to force a kiss on me, he held my hands tightly but I shrugged it off and ran. Till today, I cant stop thinking about it. This man is popular in school. 70% of girls in mass comm have a story to tell or knows someone with a story to tell. Theyre just scared. I hope they see this and speak up because nobody would speak up for them. During the whole Sex for grade thing, I wished and prayed they catch him but he wasnt caught. LASU student affirms claims A female student from LASU also affirmed the claims of her UNILAG colleagues, alleging that Suraj did similar things to her while he was still working with the varsity. I was one of his regular culprits. I swear, I did nothing. LASU mass communication knows him well. He left my school before he went to UNILAG so the accusation against him is true, she said. What those girls said, thats his method to get you to come to his office. Hed freaking force himself on you, start caressing someone till you forcefully let go of his grip. I must confess I have PTSD. The claims against Suraj are coming months after an undercover investigation exposed a UNILAG lecturer who solicited sex for grades, after which a number of academics therein were suspended. It could be a function of blackmail on strict lecturers Suraj denies claims When contacted, the accused lecturer, dismissed all the allegations made against him. He also charged the alleged victims to come and make their claims before him. Because when it comes to this issue of sexual assault, its a very trendy thing that so many people on social media are interested in. We know there have been issues like that, Suraj told TheCable Lifestyle. I dont know these students. Perhaps I could have their names so that I can know who they are.Because when it comes to this issue of sexual assault, its a very trendy thing that so many people on social media are interested in. We know there have been issues like that, Suraj told TheCable Lifestyle. And there have been campaigns against them. Anybody can be accused especially when it comes to social media where people want to attract attention and bloggers want to make sure they attract traffic. Anybody that hits the limelight becomes a target. If a lecturer is a type that is very strict in class or doesnt give marks unnecessarily and youre becoming difficult for them. They try to get him out. Im not excusing others who have been found in situations like that. But these could be a function of blackmail. Chinese troops are present in sizeable numbers along the border, defence minister Rajnath Singh said, in the first official statement since a nearly one-month-long standoff between India and Beijing along the LAC in Ladakh Chinese troops are present in sizeable numbers along the border, defence minister Rajnath Singh told CNN-News18, in the first official statement since a nearly one-month-long standoff between India and Beijing along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. Ye baat sach hain ki seema par iss samay Cheen ke log bhi (hai)- unka daava hain ki - hamari seema yahan tak hain. Bharat ka yeh daava hain ki hamari seema yahan tak hain (It is true that Chinese troops are present along the border. They claim their border is till a particular point and India has has demarcated the point till where its territory lies), Singh said. He also said that India has taken all the necessary steps to deal with the situation, adding that the government will not back off from its position. Additionally, a meeting between senior Indian and Chinese military leaders has been scheduled for 6 June, according to PTI. The Doka La dispute was resolved through diplomatic and military talks. We have found solutions to similar situations in the past as well, Singh said, adding that the two countries are engaged in talks this time too. India does not hurt the pride of any country and at the same time, it does not tolerate any attempt to hurt its own pride, he further said. A meeting between Major General-level officers from both armies had taken place on Tuesday, with the Indian side being represented by the GOC of Leh-based 3 Mountain Division, Indian Express reported. The next meeting, held with the aim of ending ongoing military activity in contested portions of the LAC, will be held between Lt General-level officers from both sides, with the Indian delegation being led by the Leh Corps Commander. The standoff at the India-China border began when Beijing opposed Indias plan to lay 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. India too had objections to China laying a road in the same area. Government sources said military reinforcements including troops, vehicles and artillery guns were sent to eastern Ladakh by the Indian Army to reinforce its presence in the areas where Chinese soldiers were reportedly present in significant numbers, according to PTI. The standoff continued despite the two sides agreeing to disengage after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off near Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh on 5 May which spilled over to the next day. A similar incident was reported in north Sikkim on 9 May. The India-China border dispute mainly focusses on the 3,488-kilometres-long LAC, which stretches from Ladakh till Arunachal Pradesh. In 2017, India and China had engaged in a 73-day standoff over the construction of a road in the Doka La tri-junction area. The US has decided to launch an investigation into the digital services taxes that have been adopted or are being considered by a number of countries, including India, to "unfairly" target American tech companies, a senior US official has announced. "President Trump is concerned that many of our trading partners are adopting tax schemes designed to unfairly target our companies, US Trade Representatives (USTR) Robert Lighthizer said on Tuesday. Other countries against whom the investigations might be initiated include Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the European Union, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. We are prepared to take all appropriate action to defend our businesses and workers against any such discrimination, he said. Over the past two years, various countries have taken under consideration or adopted taxes on revenues that certain companies generate from providing certain digital services to, or aimed at, users in those jurisdictions, the USTR said. "They are referred to as Digital Services Taxes or DSTs. Available evidence suggests the DSTs are expected to target large US-based tech companies," he said. USTR said that India adopted a two per cent DST in March 2020. The tax applies only to non-resident companies, and covers online sales of goods and services to, or aimed at, persons in India. The tax applies only to companies with annual revenues in excess of approximately Rs 20 million (approximately USD 267,000). The tax went into effect on April 1. Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, under which the US announced to initiate the investigation, gives the USTR a broad authority to probe and respond to a foreign country's action which may be unfair or discriminatory and negatively affect the US Commerce. A Federal Register notice was also issued in this regard. US Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President and the head of International Affairs Myron Brilliant in a statement called for a multilateral negotiation on this issue. Digital commerce has emerged as a powerful engine of economic growth and job creation. However, a number of countries are now weighing new digital taxes that are unilateral, discriminatory, and burdensome to the economy at a time when we need growth more than ever, he said. Rather than unilateral DSTs, the world needs a multilateral solution to these challenges, which is why the Chamber supports efforts to address these challenges through multilateral negotiations under the aegis of the OECD. We urge all parties to double down on those negotiations and avoid unilateral, discriminatory taxes, Brilliant said. Mining giant is seeking forgiveness after a mining blast reportedly destroyed one of the oldest known Aboriginal heritage sites in Western Australia. Rio Tinto was given permission to carry out the blasts back 2013 under Section 18 of the WA Aboriginal Heritage Act to expand its iron ore mine in Western Pilbara. Last month Rio Tinto detonated explosives near the Juukan Gorge caves culturally significant sites that date back more than 46,000 years. The blast and consequent damage was widely reported. Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury expressed sorrow for the blast. "We pay our respects to the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura People (PKKP), and we are sorry for the distress we have caused. Our relationship with the PKKP matters a lot to Rio Tinto, having worked together for many years," said Salisbury in a news release. We have operated on PKKP country under a comprehensive and mutually agreed Participation Agreement since 2011. At Juukan, in partnership with the PKKP, we followed a heritage approval process for more than 10 years. In 2014 we performed a large-scale exercise in the Juukan area to preserve significant cultural heritage artefacts, recovering approximately 7,000 objects." Going forward Salisbury said the company is committed to updating its practices for benefit of affected communities. We will continue to work with the PKKP to learn from what has taken place and strengthen our partnership. As a matter of urgency, we are reviewing the plans of all other sites in the Juukan Gorge area." A paraglider has died after he collided with 11,000-volt power cables before crashing to his death in a field near his Cotswolds home yesterday. Tributes have poured in for Wayne Seeley, after he was named today as the man who lost his life in the tragic accident. Seeley, who was in his 40s and from Eastington, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, was known as a paragliding photographer and fanatic, who had posted many of his stunning aerial pictures on social media. Many of his friends took to social media to pay tribute to Seeley by changing their profile pictures to show one of the photos he took while flying over the same area the day before the tragedy. Paragliding fanatic Wayne Seeley (pictured) lost his life on Monday after colliding with high voltage power cables in a field near his Cotswolds home Seeley's (left) partner, Leanna Bishop (right), paid tribute to him on social media on Tuesday His partner Leanna Bishop posted a picture of them together with the message: 'My Love, my soul mate and my best friend! No words.' One friend said: 'He was an amazing friend with a heart of gold. Would do anything for anyone. Also a very talented pilot and photographer as you can see by his photos (on Facebook). 'He was loved by many and will be sadly missed.' After the accident, a spokesman for Gloucestershire Police said: 'Around 1.20pm on Monday emergency services were called to a report of a paraglider hitting power lines in Eastington, Stonehouse. 'The local man, aged in his 40s, was paragliding solo when he hit power lines over a nearby field. 'Sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene and his next of kin has been informed.' All three emergency services were called to the scene after the crash on Monday evening because broken power lines sparked fires in the area. More than 500 local properties were without electricity for several hours as Western Power engineers worked to repair the damage. Seeley, from Eastington, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, posted stunning aerial pictures online A Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service spokesman said: 'We worked with the power company to make sure the area was safe for the crews and everyone in the area. There were a number of fires on arrival due to the power cable coming down so the crews had to deal with those.' A friend of Mr Seeley's, Al Wilson from Oxfordshire, posted today: 'Such terrible news. He was the nicest and funniest guy, incredibly kind and generous, a huge character and unbelievably skilled pilot - one of the greats. Flying is so beautiful and so cruel.' Carrie Louise Crowe said: 'You will be so missed Wayne Seeley, one of the loveliest blokes ever, kind funny and genuine with a smile that lit up a room!' Will Barstow wrote: 'What horrible news to wake up to. Such a talented human. The loss to the flying Community is vast. Sending huge love to his friends as family. Rest in peace buddy.' BBNaija ex-housemate, Khafi Kareem, has taken to Twitter to share her experience in the hands of a rapist. According to the 31-year-old, she is a victim of rape and she didnt report the incident when it had happened. The Nigerian- British disclosed that she kept it a secret and did not report the rapist because he begged her not to. READ ALSO BBNaija Star, Khafi Shares Lovely Message From Gedoni Advertisement She further revealed that she was too ashamed to let out the dirty experience, another reason why she didnt report the incident. See Her Post Here: Gulabo Sitabo: Amitabh Bachchan Opens Up About Working With Ayushmann Khurrana, Juhi And Shoojit Sircar Three other people are accused of looting an Aurora Walmart at 2900 Kirk Ave. at 1:15 a.m. Monday, Kane County prosecutors said. Frankie Higgins and Erika Higgins, who are married, of the first block of Circle Drive East in Montgomery, and Isiah Stephenson, of the 1300 block of Croton Court in Aurora, have been charged with burglary and retail theft greater than $300. After more than a week of unrest, tensions in a number of major U.S. cities has eased. The vandalism and looting that had often used large, peaceful protests as cover has faded; the eruption of violence at protests appears to be less common. The Associated Press reports that active-duty members of the military who were moved into Washington to help keep order would be moved back out, though that decision was later reversed. But it wasn't only components of the Defense Department that had been brought to the nation's capital to help with the "domination" that President Donald Trump sought to display in the wake of the turmoil. Washington residents have also been confronted with a number of other heavily armed law enforcement officers who share an unexpected characteristic: Neither their affiliation nor their personal identities are discernible. On Tuesday, Mother Jones reporter Dan Friedan encountered such individuals, who gave no more specific identification than that they were associated with the Justice Department. Near the White House on Wednesday, MSNBC's Garrett Haake had a similar encounter. So did the New Republic's Matt Ford. When he asked the armed men whether they were associated with the Bureau of Prisons based on an acronym on their uniforms, Ford was simply told, "Maybe." As it turns out, each of these encounters was apparently with elements of the Bureau of Prisons, called to the region by Attorney General William Barr this week. Friedman confirmed with the BOP that the men he encountered were with the agency; Haake's Twitter followers picked out the BOP insignia on their clothing. "The idea that the federal government is putting law enforcement personnel on the line without appropriate designation of agency, name, etc. - that's a direct contradiction of the oversight that they've been providing for many years to local police and demanding in all of their various monitorships and accreditation," former New York City police commissioner William Bratton said in a phone interview with The Washington Post on Wednesday. The prospect of government agencies involved in policing the city seeking to obscure their identities, Bratton said, was "very concerning." The vagueness of their identity and their disinterest in identifying themselves introduce specific challenges and risks, as former Army officer and FBI special agent Clint Watts explained in a phone interview with The Post. For one thing, Watts pointed out, a civilian might refuse to respond to an order from a law enforcement official who doesn't identify themselves in that way. "If I go out and I pull out a gun and I say, 'Freeze,' and they say why, I would have to say, 'I'm an FBI agent' or law enforcement officer or whatever," he said, "because otherwise they would be totally in the right to defend themselves potentially." He imagined his own reaction if he was on the street in New York or Washington and an unidentified officer pushed him with a shield: His instinct would be to fight back. The added danger, particularly given the influx of officials in the area, is that law enforcement officers wouldn't recognize one another. Bratton noted that one reason for identifiers is that officers would be able to recognize one another. Riot helmets often have identifying numbers on their backs in part for that purpose. Watts described an incident shortly after he began at the FBI when an undercover agent who'd drawn his weapon was killed by another bureau employee who confused him with a suspect. Introduce scores of officers without identification into a volatile scenario and it's easy to see similar (if less deadly) mistakes being common. It's not uncommon for civilians to dress in paramilitary gear and show up at the protests, often doing so as self-appointed assistants to police and other law enforcement officials. "You can have this weird thing where you have these militia group guys just dressed up in their gear, which they like to do anyway, show up and just start pushing protesters around," Watts said. "And if you're a protester, you don't know if you have to respond to this person." Granting unidentifiable law enforcement officials the ability to engage with and confront protesters functionally allows any unidentifiable individual to more easily pretend to be law enforcement. It introduces an opportunity for those looking to take advantage of the situation to target protesters or to cause disruptions. The problem extends further. Consider the security hired to defend Saks Fifth Avenue's flagship store in Manhattan. It's easy to envision a scenario in which protesters are confronted by other hired security agents and forced to determine in real time whether they constitute an official arm of law enforcement or if they're simply hired muscle. There are widely divergent ramifications for a protester's potential responses to such confrontations, depending on who the other person is. And there's an overarching question here: Why? Why are these officers unwilling to identify themselves or their organization? There's some power dynamic at play, as demonstrated in the "maybe" Ford was offered. But it also inhibits accountability. "If those officers engage in any type of misbehavior during the time that they are there representing the federal government, how are you to identify them?" Bratton said. "What is the need for anonymity in controlling crowd demonstrations?" Such anonymity echoes the way in which enforcers in autocratic regimes have worked to avoid accountability. If you believe that you were unlawfully detained or assaulted by a law enforcement official, you can try to hold them to account. (Of course, the extent to which you'll be able to do so is another question, one at the heart of the current protests.) But how do you hold someone accountable when you don't know who they are or even who they work for? Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a professor of history at New York University and an expert on authoritarianism, noted the lack of accountability introduced by the government of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet for the actions of loyalist forces. "The government passed laws that allowed the service records of military men and police who had been involved in torture and abuses to be destroyed so that their records were swept clean," she said. "Many authoritarian leaders issue amnesty that free service people, clean up their records so that their abuses are never known." The point isn't necessarily that the lack of identification offered by the men in Washington is intended to facilitate abuse. It's that it hampers accountability, intentionally or not, which itself makes abuse more likely to go unchecked. Officers of the law are accountable to the public, something that's harder to achieve if you don't know who they are. What the current situation demands is clarity. Given the tension between law enforcement and the protesters and given the existence of those looking to amplify that tension either as cover for illegal looting or to commit vandalism against the state, it seems more important now than it normally is that the enforcement arm of the government be identified by agency and individually. "The idea of having no identification whatsoever as to the agency that you belong to," Bratton said, "is highly unusual and, from my perspective, not professional at all." For the past few weeks, 'Black Lives Matter' has been talking point for millions around the world amid raging protests in the United States following the death of a 46-year-old George Floyd. United States has been experiencing a series of violent clashes amid protesting demonstrators and police across cities. Not just violent protests, social media has been rife with outrage and the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter has been the top trend on Twitter. In fact, the trend has gained so much following that even Twitter put the hashtag on their bio. To counter the trend, racist Americans started another trend, #WhiteLivesMatter, to show that all human lives matter. The trend which picked up on Wednesday evening mostly consisted of angry rants and outbursts by young Americans speaking about the importance of "All Lives Matter." Ironically, this comes as the whole world is mourning the death of an African American man in the hands of Minneapolis cops. But K-Pop fans had a better solution. They spammed it with fancams to drown out racist posts. Why are K-Pop fans filling social media hashtags with fancams? #WhiteLivesMatter is not the only hashtag that K-Pop fans have spammed in the last few days. On Tuesday, a #BlackoutTuesday initiative was launched where people of the music industry were stopping operations briefly to show solidarity with the protesters. As part of the initiative, several people were sharing images of black squares. But, they were wrongfully tagging the posts with the hashtag, #BlackLivesMatter. As a result, vital information about the protests, evidence of police brutality and posts about donations for the organisation got drowned. This is proof that social media hashtags do sometimes tend to go out of hand and may end up harming the very idea they're trying to propagate. And hence, there's a need to control these trends - something the K-pop fans have realised and taken charge of. On Tuesday, the Dallas police department asked people to send in videos of illegal activity during the protests through an app. To counter this, K-Pop fans flooded the app with various content like memes and GIFs forcing the police department to take down the app. In case of #WhiteLivesMatter, K-Pop fans successfully took down a propaganda by white supremacists. What initially started as something racist, soon just became a random series of K-Pop videos. Very soon, the trend had been hijacked and filled with fancams. A fancam is a short clipping of a band's performance while focusing on particular performer. In a couple of hours, not a single racist post was to be found. Many of you may have been disgusted to see the trend on Twitter, and may have dismissed it as just another instance of racism on social media. But we urge you to click on the trend, you will not be disappointed. While some tweets are fancams, as explained above, some are memes praising the work of K-pop fan pages. Here's an example of some of the best tweets we came across: Let me join this stop racism #WhiteLivesMatter and stream pic.twitter.com/H0NyafgE48 Lali (@_Lali_M) June 3, 2020 I recently started spamming fancams cozz of shitty hashtags like this#WhiteLivesMatterpic.twitter.com/aQzaNNWSTj || -2 (@prod_TAE) June 3, 2020 Since yall are here check my fancam #WhiteLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/wZq9GpOdxM tete (@ethereal_taekoo) June 3, 2020 Racists when they see #WhiteLivesMatter trending vs when they see only kpop fancams pic.twitter.com/ae0vEDocEd What (@Midnight_wolf47) June 3, 2020 kpop stans on their way to destroy #whitelivesmatter , iconicpic.twitter.com/SPo15FCLYV rafia |BLM (@repromantics) June 3, 2020 shit i got so confused when i saw #WhiteLivesMatter trending but then i saw its cause of kpop pic.twitter.com/WQiEk9K0lY #sara (@gguksluverr) June 3, 2020 Yesssssir stan 2z if ur not racist #kpopstans #WhiteLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/UByd7JVouG BLM LOCKDOWN | TEN BABY MOMMA (@promisejoonie) June 3, 2020 remember when everyone hated on fancams? look how the turn tables #WhiteLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/hyvj3HY3p7 anya (@koocuddles) June 3, 2020 racists seeing racists after #WhiteLivesMatter realizing its alltrending kpop fancams pic.twitter.com/FK2pJCgJrZ .:* *:. | & (@unstablegyul) June 3, 2020 #WhiteLivesMatter When I saw When I found It trending. Out why pic.twitter.com/LMzMvsZaSW baby. (@girl_kaybee) June 3, 2020 Los Angeles Mayor Takes Knee Amid Peaceful Protests Thousands thronged the streets of Los Angeles in peaceful protests Tuesday and smaller demonstrations dotted California while authorities renewed overnight curfews in LA and other areas that have seen clashes with police and groups of thieves wreck hundreds of businesses. There were several sizable demonstrations in Los Angeles and Mayor Eric Garcetti took a knee at one while in a crowd outside police headquarters. However, later in the day, hundreds gathered outside Garcettis house and protested. Elsewhere in the city, police cordons backed by National Guard troops kept a tight watch on marchers in Hollywood, where hundreds were arrested the previous day, and at a crowd of thousands at City Hall. ADVERTISEMENT Police later detained dozens of people accused of refusing to disperse several hours after the citys 6 p.m. curfew took effect. In San Francisco, a mass of people marched up the Great Highway along San Franciscos Ocean Beach while at San Joses City Hall several hundred people showed up for a demonstration and speeches organized by the local branch of the NAACP. San Francisco Police Chief William Scott asked supervisors Tuesday to keep an overnight curfew order for at least the next few days to get ahead of people bent on using peaceful protests to pilfer stores and commit violence. Supervisors talked about the request and scheduled more discussion for Thursday. Mayor London Breed ordered the 8 p.m. curfew Sunday following a night of thefts downtown, including at a major shopping mall where several fires were set. Scott said the burglars are highly organized, with vehicles waiting to ferry away people rushing out of stores with armloads of goods. He said San Francisco will be overwhelmed if it revokes its curfew while neighboring cities and counties keep theirs. Oakland Police Deputy Chief Leronne Armstrong said more than 60 people were cited and released Monday for violating a curfew order. Those cited were among about 1,000 people that stayed in downtown Oakland after a peaceful demonstration that attracted 15,000. He said Tuesday those who stayed started throwing rocks and bottles at police officers, who used tear gas on the crowd. ADVERTISEMENT Oaklands interim police chief, Susan Manheimer, asked for anyone with video or other information on a shooting during Friday nights protest that left a federal officer dead and another injured. The victims were guarding the U.S. courthouse. She said investigators believe the assailants were targeting law enforcement. They were out and about in the area where our officers and others were stationed and ultimately came upon these two individuals who were in a more secluded area, she said. The protests around California began after George Floyd, a black man, died May 25 when a white Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck for nearly 10 minutes. The demonstrations intensified and turned violent in Los Angeles and some other California cities on Friday night and continued during the weekend. While the vast majority of demonstrators were peaceful, some in the gatherings threw rocks and other objects at police, and set fire to police vehicles. Police used flash-bang devices, rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds. Garcetti imposed a curfew Saturday night for downtown Los Angeles that later was extended to the surrounding county of 10 million people and asked for the National Guard. More than 1,000 troops started arriving Sunday, and Monday night was significantly calmer. Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said 2,700 people had been arrested since protests began last week, all but 200 of them for violating curfew or failing to disperse. The other arrests involved burglary, theft, assaults on police officers and attempted murder, Moore told the civilian Police Commission on Tuesday. The oversight panel held a virtual meeting and members of the public called in saying Moore should be fired or resign over remarks he made a day earlier. Moore said Monday that people capitalizing on the protests to commit violence had as much responsibility for the death of George Floyd as the Minneapolis police officers who were fired. He later apologized and said he misspoke when I said his blood is on their hands and didnt mean to compare looting to murder. On Tuesday, thousands of people gathered at LAPD headquarters. Some police officers took a knee with clergy-led demonstrators who urged everyone to heed the call of Floyds family for people to protest peacefully. Garcetti also took a knee. As demonstrators yelled that the police budget should be cut, the mayor told demonstrators: I hear you. I hear what you are saying about the police. Thousands more, many clad in black, marched through the famous intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine. Aijshia Moody, 30, held a cardboard sign that said: Am I next? Her brother is 14 and often has dealt with racial profiling in their Pacoima neighborhood, Moody told the Los Angeles Times. He cant even get on his skateboard. Thats why Im here, she said. Rapper YG promoted the protest, writing on social media no looting allowed but later said he wouldnt take part in the demonstration because he was told that my protest was not safe and that people could get hurt or shot. Photo credit: JIM WATSON From Esquire Police are tasked with keeping the peace and safeguarding the rights of citizens. They are public servants, paid by taxpayers, to perform this function. The most fundamental rights granted to American citizens are contained in the First Amendment to the Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. These are the rights that safeguard all others in a free society. That's why they came First. Forget the guns. The government and its instruments of force, police included, cannot abridge the right of the people to peacefully assemble and petition that same government for a redress of grievances. You might have some rules about permits and locations and all that, but the burden of justification should always fall on the state and its agents when they try to impose limits on speech and assembly. When police work a protest, they are there to keep the peace, but they are also there to ensure American citizens can exercise their constitutional rights in safety. Here's a 23-year-old man named Gee Jordan, Jr., exercising his constitutional rights in Charleston, South Carolina this week. Another one. Arrested for speaking and nothing else. pic.twitter.com/h5n4sEcWU5 Ben Taub (@bentaub91) June 2, 2020 This clip has exploded on social media, and with good reason. Jordan posed no threat to anyone. He was unarmed and kneeling. He was not advancing towards police. He was not threatening them. He was not even confronting them, really. He was offering a message of reconciliation, attempting to build bridges of understanding. "I am not your enemy," he told the officers, who were decked out in riot gear and brandishing nightsticks. "All of you are my family." As other protesters gathered around him, offering support, he added: "I love each and every one of you. I want to understand all of you. I want to. I would love to see the best side of everyone here." Story continues So they arrested him. According to the Charleston Post-Dispatch, Jordan spent the night in county jail. Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds defended this on the basis that protests had been "tense" and a large crowd had been ordered to break up. But the Post-Dispatch brought the receipts. We specifically asked for them, numerous times, to disperse, [Reynolds] said. We said if you dont you will be arrested. Reynolds did not say why officers seemed to single Jordan out from the crowd. Jordan said he was arrested around 5 p.m., well before Charlestons 6 p.m. curfew. He was singled out because he was speaking out. The men in riot gear didn't like it, so they arrested him. What other explanation is there? There were other people in the exact same spot, but they didn't get arrested. Jordan was crying out for them to hear him, and to respond with something other than force. Any one of these officers could have taken off the gearor even kept it onand come over to speak with him about why he'd come to Marion Square on this day, about why his voice cracked with anguish over and over as he described his life in their city. (They could even have offered some explanation of why it was unsafe for protesters to gather here. That assumes, very generously, that they had an explanation.) We have seen that elsewhere, and the outpouring of gratitude from demonstrators has been striking. It is the reaction of someone who feels they're finally, if only for a moment, being heard. Instead, the officers marched over and put Jordan in handcuffs and threw him in jail, as if to illustrate every damn thing he's talking about. As has been the case so often across America this week, police responded to criticism of how they do the job by instantly validating that criticism. They did not prioritize his right to peaceful protest, and his was the very definition of the term. The chief had the nerve to suggest to the Post-Dispatch that, in the paper's words, the officers were "on high alert Sunday after a night of unrest Saturday, which included fires and looting," as if this has anything to do with Jordan, and as if that excuses this complete failure to do the job properly. It's not groundbreaking to point out this would not have happened if Jordan were white. It did not happen to the white protesters kneeling right next to him, but more to the point, it didn't happen to gun-toting white protesters at a state legislature last month. But more than that, this is a statement on citizenship in Americanamely, that white Americans have full citizenship, and black Americans do not. Jordan's constitutional right to speak freely and demand a redress of his grievances from the government was functionally nonexistent here. The instruments of that government's power decided he did not have these rights, but it cannot be their decision to make any longer. You Might Also Like Researchers in hard-hit Brazil on Wednesday said they would begin testing a coronavirus vaccine developed in Britain, while across the Atlantic European nations began reopening borders in a bid to emerge from months of devastation caused by the disease. Authorities in Brazil -- the latest frontline of the pandemic, with deaths and infections on the rise -- imposed fresh restrictions in the country's northeast after reporting "extremely high" numbers of cases. Concern over the spread of the coronavirus in Latin America has increased even as the health crisis has eased in other regions of the world. "The Americas continues to account for the most cases," World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a briefing in Geneva. The UN body also said it would resume trials of hydroxychloroquine a week after halting them following a study in The Lancet medical journal that suggested the drug could harm COVID-19 patients. The U-turn came after The Lancet itself cast doubt on the study after it was widely contested by scientists. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine Wednesday suggested that taking hydroxychloroquine shortly after being exposed to COVID-19 does not help prevent infection in a statistically meaningful way, however. The WHO has been holding clinical trials to find a treatment for COVID-19, which has killed more than 382,000 people and wrought vast economic damage since emerging in China late last year. - Focus on Americas - "For several weeks, the number of cases reported each day in the Americas has been more than the rest of the world put together," Tedros said. "We are especially worried about Central and South America, where many countries are witnessing accelerating epidemics." Chile's government said it was extending a three-week shutdown of the capital Santiago and its population of seven million as the death toll there reached a new daily record. Health officials said 87 people had died in the previous 24 hours, and nearly 5,000 new infections were recorded. Chile has now registered more than 113,000 infections and 1,275 deaths. - Cautious reopening - But outside of Latin America nations are cautiously reopening schools, beaches and businesses after months of quarantine, even as some still face rising numbers of cases. European nations among the hardest hit by the outbreak have mostly flattened out infection curves. They have turned to the tricky task of balancing economic recovery against the risk of a second wave of cases. Germany will plough 130 billion euros ($146 billion) into a stimulus package to kick-start an economy severely hit by the pandemic, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced. Berlin will also ease its blanket travel warning for European nations from June 15. Italy -- the first country badly hit in Europe -- opened its borders to European travellers Wednesday, hoping tourism will revive its recession-hit economy three months after its shutdown. But with health experts warning over reopening too quickly, some fear foreign visitors may be reluctant to travel. "I don't think we'll see any foreign tourists really until the end of August or even September," said Mimmo Burgio, a cafe owner near Rome's Colosseum. "Who's going to come?" Austria announced it would scrap virus controls on all land borders, except for Italy. Belgium will reopen its borders to travellers from the EU, Britain and members of Europe's passport-free travel zone on June 15. But Britain -- with the second highest death rate in the world after the US at nearly 40,000 fatalities -- is still advising against non-essential travel. - Vaccine testing - The race to find a vaccine meanwhile gathered pace. Europe's four largest economies -- France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands -- are forming an alliance to speed up production of a vaccine on European soil, Dutch officials said. Brazil said it would begin testing a vaccine being developed by Oxford University next week, the first country outside Britain to take part in the study. The vaccine will be tested in Brazil on 2,000 health services volunteers, said the Federal University of Sao Paulo, coordinating the study. Testing a vaccine in Brazil "is very important because we are in the acceleration phase of the epidemiological curve," the university's president Soraya Smaili told AFP. Authorities imposed curfews across a vast swathe of the Brazilian state of Bahia in the country's hard-hit northwest. "It is necessary and urgent to impose greater restrictions, after recording extremely high (infection) rates," in the area, said Bahia governor Rui Costa. Brazil has the world's second highest COVID-19 caseload after the United States, with more than half a million cases and 31,000 deaths. In Africa, which has so far escaped the worst of the pandemic, police in Senegal arrested more than 70 people after protests tinged by violence broke out in several cities. Crowds demanded a nighttime coronavirus curfew, imposed by President Macky Sall on March 23, be lifted. The country has recorded nearly 4,000 cases of coronavirus, 45 of them fatalities. burs-jj/dl/st By Associated Press HONG KONG: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday that the United Kingdom stands ready to open the door to almost 3 million Hong Kong citizens as the city's leader arrived in Beijing for meetings on a planned national security law that has many worried about their futures. Johnson, in a column published online by a Hong Kong newspaper, said the security law would curtail freedoms in Hong Kong and conflict with China's obligations under its agreement with the United Kingdom to take back the former British colony in 1997. "Many people in Hong Kong fear their way of life, which China pledged to uphold, is under threat," he wrote in the South China Morning Post. ALSO READ | Hong Kong blocks Tiananmen vigil; rush on for UK passports "If China proceeds to justify their fears, then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away. China shocked many of Hong Kong's 7.5 million people when it announced earlier this month that it would enact national security laws for the city, which is guaranteed a high level of autonomy outside of foreign and defense affairs." Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, a supporter of the move, arrived in Beijing on Wednesday morning for meetings with central government officials on the planned laws. China could enact the laws later this month or at the end of August, analysts have said. About 350,000 Hong Kong citizens hold British National Overseas passports, a legacy of the colonial era, and 2.5 million others are eligible to apply for them, Johnson said in his column. Long lines have formed at DHL courier offices in the city since the announcement as some people rush to apply for or renew their BNO passports. Johnson, echoing earlier statements by Cabinet minsters, said that if China imposes a national security law, Britain would allow holders of these passports to remain for 12 months on a renewable basis and given the right to work, placing them on a possible path to UK citizenship. "This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history," he wrote, adding, "I hope it will not come to this." BNO passport holders currently can stay for only up to six months. [June 03, 2020] Narrative Expands its Mobile Ad ID and Digital Identity Resolution Offerings through Partnership with Infutor Robust, Privacy-Compliant Data from Infutors Total Mobile Ad ID Solution Will Help Narrative Marketplace Clients Extend their Digital Reach NEW YORK, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Narrative , the enterprise data streaming company today announced it has partnered with Infutor , the data-driven consumer identity management expert that helps brands and marketers better understand who their customers are. With the addition of Infutors Total Mobile Ad IDs solution powered by Infutors TrueSourceTM Digital Device Graph to Narratives marketplace, clients now have access to 350 million digital devices and 2 billion MAID/hashed email pairs. According to Ciscos Visual Networking Index North American consumers will have 5.0 billion networked devices by 2023. Every time a consumer uses a device or channel to interact with a brand, a different identifiersuch as email address, device ID, IP address, or phone numberis attributed to that individual. It is up to brands and marketers to understand which identifiers belong to which consumer, and what their various signals and behaviors mean. Marketers need to better understand their prospects and customers, and they need an elegant way to connect all these disparate identifiers, said Nick Jordan, founder, and CEO of Narrative. By using the rich mobile data provided by Infutors Total Mobile Ad IDs, Narratives marketplace clients can tap those insights that wll help expand their ability to reach consumers across mobile devices, create consistent omnichannel messaging, improve onboarding rates for digital and programmatic targeting, and empower device linking and identity resolution. As reliance on third-party cookies declines and the focus on people-based marketing increases, getting identity resolution right is critical to todays marketing strategies, said Gary Walter, CEO of Infutor. We are excited to partner with Narrative, as our Total Mobile Ad ID solutions robust dataset further enhances the Narrative data streaming platform enabling brands and marketers to extend their digital reach and deliver better individual customer experiences. Infutors Total Mobile Ad ID solution includes a privacy-compliant, permissibly-obtained Mobile Ad ID and hashed email (MD5, SHA1 and SHA256) database and Confidence Scores on the recency and frequency of MAID/hashed pairings so marketers will know the probability of a pair being active. By linking Infutor-enabled anonymous digital identities to first-party CRM data in a privacy-compliant way, Narrative clients can improve audience segmentation, personalized messaging, and digital and programmatic onboarding ratesall while protecting personally identifiable information (PII). To learn more please visit https://www.narrative.io/data-partners/infutor About Narrative Narrative operates a technology platform that centralizes and simplifies the buying and selling of data with both software and a raw data marketplace. Innovative brands, data platforms, and direct-to-consumer companies leverage Narrative's technology to fuel powerful data strategies, build data monetization businesses, power growth marketing, and inform product development. Narrative's raw data marketplace gives companies access to unprecedented scale, transparency, precision, and optionality to transform their business. Founded in 2016, Narrative is a private company operating in New York City and San Francisco. About Infutor Infutor is the expert in data-driven consumer identity management. The company is solely focused on enabling brands to instantly gain access to the most complete and accurate information about consumers, exactly when they need it, to make informed marketing and risk mitigation decisions. In the past year, Infutor has been named to the Inc. 5000 list and recognized by Crains Chicago and Built In Chicago as a Best Place to Work. PR Contact: Ilona Mohacsi PenVine for Narrative [email protected] +1 631 764 3729 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 05:49:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Staff of ride-hailing platform DiDi Chuxing disinfect cars in Santiago, Chile, April 19, 2020. Global ride-hailing giant DiDi Chuxing is applying the experience gleaned by its operations in China to provide safer rides in Chile amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Xinhua) SANTIAGO, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Global ride-hailing giant DiDi Chuxing is applying the experience gleaned by its operations in China to provide safer rides in Chile amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "We learned a lot from experience in China. I think those precedents give us an advantage," the company's general manager for Spanish-speaking South America, Simeng Wang, told Xinhua. That experience has come in especially handy now that "we are complying with the government to help society, aiding those who most need to get around the city," said Wang, referring to essential workers, such as healthcare professionals, during the lockdown. Even before the virus made its way to Chile, DiDi's regional operation had put together a team that included China-based colleagues with knowledge of the special measures used in Wuhan, China's COVID-19 epicenter, to offer safe rides to both users and drivers. "From my perspective, China's example has helped greatly. When our operations in China faced the pandemic, there was no prior model to follow. But when it began in Chile, we already knew all about what worked and what didn't work in China," Wang said. Based on that firsthand experience, the company launched DiDi Hero, which offers certified healthcare workers rides at half price. Other essential workers and vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, also received promotions, with the company absorbing 100 percent of the cost of the initiative so drivers' earnings were not affected. DiDi Delivery was another new service to supply those complying with stay-at-home orders with basic needs. The service also ended up helping small and medium-sized businesses connect with otherwise absent customers. The company has been working closely with local authorities in Chile to make the most of the technological innovations it brought, including a facial recognition system to ensure drivers are using their face masks, which is to be implemented in two weeks. DiDi is helping drivers acquire the personal protection items they need, including masks, hand sanitizers and visors. According to DiDi driver Hugo Oyarce, "the demand for DiDi is much higher than for other ride-hailing applications." He added, he "appreciates" the company for "again arming us with the tools and encouraging us to take care of ourselves in a safer and more effective way, for ourselves as well as our passengers." Six months after Megxit, Prince Harry could say that he lost more than he gained, at least that is what the royal commenters are saying. If true, this is one big royal family news. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their decision to step down as senior royal members six months ago now, and on June 1, the Duke reportedly lost a big part of himself because of this move. Megxit means that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle both cannot carry out duties for the beloved Queen Elizabeth until new measures can be made following a review in 12-months' time. Additionally, Megxit prompted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to live oceans apart from the rest of the royal family, to pursue their financial independence. They are presently staying in Tyler Perry's massive Los Angeles mansion. On June 1, Prince Harry officially lost the ability to use the word "Royal" as in Sussex Royal. While that could have hurt Meghan Markle too, she could easily adjust to it, unlike Prince Harry, who has carried the title since birth. Imagine losing a title just like that. Planned or not planned, it could have hurt him more than he realized it would. A spokesperson already explained why they could no longer use the word royal, and this is mostly because of UK government rules. Naturally, applications to trademark the Sussex Royal brand have to be halted altogether. the Sussex Royal website has this statement: "given the specific UK government rules surrounding the use of the word 'Royal,' it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organization will not utilize the name 'Sussex Royal' or any other iteration of 'Royal.'" Even if it appears minor, one royal commenter, Robert Hardman, revealed to Radio 4 that this move is actually damaging for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Financially, this is a big setback, especially since they have already released a certain amount of money trying to get the brand trademarked. In the absence of Sussex Royal, the couple named their newest charity as "Archewell." This Prince Harry and Meghan Markle news about them being sad because of the turn of events is nothing new, though. Negative writeups about them feeling regretful, sad, isolated, and even scared, were already written in the months following Megxit. One could only gauge if all these news are true, since Megxit was hardly planned overnight. In the latest biography about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, "Finding Freedom," it has been clarified that Megxit was planned more than a year ago. That said, Prince Harry could have a year readying himself to lose this title he had since he was a child. Losing the Sussex Royal brand was something they could have anticipated and, therefore, made some plans on how to survive that. The birth of Archewell is certainly prime evidence. Naturally, its announcement brings in tides of criticisms. One can remember that on the day that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced this endeavor, it was also the day that the health of PM Boris Johnson, who was infected with the dreaded COVID-19, took a turn for the worse. Criticisms abound that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were truly selfish and attention-seeking for announcing a new endeavor while the PM was very sick. But how else could Prince Harry and Meghan Markle move on from their Sussex Royal brand? READ MORE: Queen Heartbreak: Prince Harry Will Continue Breaking Queen Elizabeth's Heart WASHINGTON, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2020/New-CPSC-Report-Finds-Steady-Rise-in-Fatal-Child-Drownings A new report released today by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlights the need for continued vigilance in combating child drownings, particularly as many families prepare to spend more time at home this summer to curb the spread of COVID-19. Child drownings remain the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4 years old. CPSC's new data shows that there were, on average, 379 reported pool-or-spa-related fatal drownings per year for 2015 through 2017, involving children younger than 15 years old. Annual fatal drowning rates increased gradually between 2015 and 2017, with a spike of 395 reported fatalities involving children younger than 15 years old in 2017. Residential locations, such as a child's home, a family or friend's house or a neighbor's residence, made up 71 percent of the reported fatal drowning incidents. "Water safety vigilance remains as important as ever, especially in light of ongoing public health concerns and community restrictions related to COVID-19," said CPSC Acting Chairman Robert Adler. "Our latest report confirms that most child drownings take place at home during the summer months. This year, with more families spending time at home, the delayed opening of many public pools, and a pause on many traditional group swimming lessons, I urge everyone to take critical safety steps to reverse the upward trend in fatal child drownings." Children younger than 5 years old accounted for 75 percent of child drownings between 2015 and 2017, 56 percent of which were attributed to a gap in adult supervision. In addition to fatal drownings, CPSC's new data shows that there were an estimated 6,700 pool-or-spa-related, hospital emergency department-treated, nonfatal child drowning injuries each year for 2017 through 2019. This is the equivalent of about 18 children every day, 365 days a year. Parents and caregivers can follow Pool Safely's simple steps to help prevent both fatal and nonfatal drownings and keep children safer no matter where they are spending time around the water this season, and particularly during an extended time at home: Never leave a child unattended in or near water, and always designate an adult Water Watcher. This person should not be reading, texting, using a smartphone or be otherwise distracted. In addition to pools and spas, this warning includes bathtubs, buckets, decorative ponds, and fountains. If you own a pool or spa, install layers of protection, including a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Learn how to perform CPR on children and adults. Many communities offer online CPR training. Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim. Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments. Ensure any pool and spa you use has drain covers that comply with federal safety standards and if you do not know, ask your pool service provider about safer drain covers. Visit the Pool Safely Kids' Corner to keep children entertained and educated with virtual water safety games and activities. to keep children entertained and educated with virtual water safety games and activities. Take the Pool Safely Pledge as a family, and find customized water safety resources using the Pool Safely Safer Water Information Match (S.W.I.M.) tool. Additional health and safety considerations for visiting public pools during COVID-19 are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, here . In 2019, CPSC also released an updated report on suction entrapment incidents in swimming pools, spas and whirlpool bathtubs. The key finding is that since the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act went into effect in December 2008, there have been zero reported fatalities involving a child being entrapped on a suction outlet cover in a public pool or spa. You can read the full CPSC drowning and entrapment reports by visiting PoolSafely .gov . Note: CPSC's report addresses nonfatal drownings for the period 2017 through 2019 and fatal drownings for the period 2015 through 2017, reflecting a lag in the reporting of fatal drowning statistics. Pool Safely , a national public education campaign supporting the requirements of Section 1407 of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act , works with collaborators around the country to reduce child drownings, nonfatal drownings and entrapment incidents in swimming pools and spas. Parents, caregivers and the media are encouraged to visit: PoolSafely.gov or to follow Pool Safely on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram for vital safety information regarding the prevention of child drownings in and around pools and spas. About U.S. CPSC: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years. Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission. For more lifesaving information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC or sign up to receive our e-mail alerts. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. CPSC Consumer Information Hotline Contact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall: 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054) Times: 8 a.m. 5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products . Media Contact Please use the phone numbers below for all media requests. Phone: 301-504-7908 Spanish: 301-504-7800 Release Number: 20-131 SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Related Links http://www.cpsc.gov Private-equity firms notched a major win in Washington with the Trump administration paving the way for the industry to tap a massive pot of money that has long been off limits: the trillions of dollars held in Americans' retirement accounts. The Labor Department issued guidance Wednesday effectively allowing 401(k) plans to invest in buyout firms. The agency said the move will bolster investment options for consumers and let them access an asset class that can provide better earnings than stocks and bonds. In a statement, Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia said the action "will help Americans saving for retirement gain access to alternative investments that often provide strong returns." The announcement is a significant deregulatory decision that private-equity lobbyists have sought for years. The move was criticized by consumer groups, which argue that high-fee private equity firms are inappropriate for unsophisticated investors because the industry locks up clients' money for years and backs businesses seen as far riskier than plain-vanilla bond funds. - - - Better Markets Chief Executive Officer Dennis Kelleher, whose group has fought the Trump administration's push to dial back rules, accused the Labor Department of inappropriately using the coronavirus crisis to loosen restrictions on 401(k) investments. The department's news release noted that President Donald Trump had issued an executive order directing agencies to "remove barriers" that would stand in the way of the economic recovery from the pandemic. "The last thing the Department of Labor should be doing is enabling or encouraging retiree money to be diverted from transparent public markets with significant disclosure and investor protections to high-risk, dark private markets with little disclosure and few investor protections," Kelleher said in a statement. "To use the pandemic as a pretext for this irresponsible action is adding insult to injury." Public pension funds that manage employees' retirement savings have a long history of investing in private equity. But complex regulations and concerns about being sued have until now kept individuals' 401(k) plans out. The private-equity industry has intensified its campaign to change the rules during the Trump administration, which has made cutting back regulations a core element of its economic platform. The Labor Department's guidance was focused on professionally managed investment funds that include several types of assets. The agency said it wasn't green-lighting private equity investments to be offered as a standalone option. - - - American Investment Council President Drew Maloney, whose group lobbies for private equity firms, lauded the move. "This is a positive step towards helping more Americans gain access to private equity investment, which regularly is the best performing asset class for pensioners including teachers and firefighters," he said in a statement. The announcement was also praised by Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton, whose agency has been considering ways to let retail investors access asset classes that have been largely reserved for the wealthy. Under current SEC regulations, firms such as Apollo Global Management, Blackstone Group, Carlyle Group and KKR & Co. are mostly limited to raising money from the super rich, sovereign wealth funds and pension funds. - - - Groom Law Group principal David Levine, whose firm requested the Labor Department guidance on behalf of its clients, said the move would have a notable impact on workers saving for retirement. "By issuing the guidance, the Department of Labor has taken great steps to democratize the use of private equity in many Americans' largest investment asset - their retirement accounts," he said. New Delhi, June 3 : The Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) on Wednesday said that some of its employees at its corporate office in the national capital's Lodhi Road have tested positive for novel coronavirus. Sources told IANS that five people have been found infected with the virus. "The infected employees have been immediately asked to home quarantine themselves and Company's SOP to handle the Covid infection has been put into action. A Government appointed agency has been engaged to do fumigation at SAIL's HQ at Lodhi Road which is being carried out extensively for two days," the SAIL statement said. The office has been closed for Wednesday and Thursday, and the employees have been asked to work from home. SAIL has also tied up with two Max and Apollo hospitals in Delhi to facilitate testing of employees who require the same. Since the company restarted its office in a phased manner, all the required safety measures including sanitisation, thermal checking, hand sanitisers at touch points and fumigation as per requirement were in place, it said. "Nevertheless, with the detection of corona positive cases, the company has taken all actions with greatest promptitude and is continuously monitoring the situation in consultation with the government agencies," said the statement. Lea Michele has issued a public apology to Samantha Ware amid claims she made her life 'a living hell' during her stint on Glee. The actress, 33, vowed to 'be better in the future' and admitted her 'privileged position and immaturity' had contributed to causing pain to her former co-star, 28, in a lengthy statement posted to her Instagram on Wednesday. Despite her apology, Lea insisted she 'doesn't remember the specific statement' of threatening to 'defecate in Samantha's wig' during a prolonged period of bullying in 2015. The pregnant star said she has 'never judged others by their background or color of their skin', but insisted she will learn from the mistakes she has made so she 'can be a real role model for my child' when she gives birth in a couple of months. 'I will be better in the future': Lea Michele (left) has issued a public apology to Samantha Ware (right) amid claims she made her life 'a living hell' during her stint on Glee The statement read: 'One of the most important lessons of the last few weeks is that we need to take the time to listen and learn about other people's perspectives and any role we have played or anything we can do to help address injustices they face... 'When I tweeted the other day, it was meant to be a show of support for our friends and neighbours and communities of colour during this really difficult time... 'But the responses I received to what I posted have made me also focus on how my own behaviour towards fellow cast members was perceived by them. 'While I don't remember ever making this specific statement and I have never judged others by their background or color of their skin, that's not really the point, what matters is that I clearly acted in ways which hurt other people. Hitting out: The actress, 33, admitted her 'privileged position and immaturity' had contributed to causing pain to her former co-star, 28, in a statement posted to Instagram on Wednesday 'Whether it was my privileged position and perspective that caused me to be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate at times or whether it was just my immaturity and me just being unnecessarily difficult.' Lea - who played lead character Rachel Berry for the musical show's entire run - continued: 'I apologize for my behavior and for any pain which I have caused. 'We all can grow and change and I have definitely used these past several months to reflect on my own shortcomings. 'I am a couple of months from becoming a mother and I know I need to keep working to better myself and take responsibility for my actions, so that I can be a real role model for my child and so I can pass along my lessons and mistakes, so that they can learn from me. Speaking out: Samantha (pictured last month), who played Jane Hayward on the show, claimed the actress bullied her during her stint on Glee and even threatened to defecate 'in her wig' 'I listened to these criticisms and I am learning and while I am very sorry, I will be better in the future from this experience.' The bullying allegations came to light after Lea took to social media last Friday to pay tribute to George Floyd, writing: 'George Floyd did not deserve this. This was not an isolated incident and it must end' she wrote. Samantha, who appeared as Jane Hayward on the show's sixth season in 2015, swiftly hit back: 'Remember when you made my first television gig a living hell?!?!... 'Cause I'll never forget... I believe you told everyone that if you had the opportunity you would 's*** in my wig!' amongst other traumatic microaggressions that made me question a career in Hollywood.' Tough times: Lea played the role of Rachel Berry (back row) on the show's six seasons, getting nominated for an Emmy and two Golden Globe awards with the part Shock: Her statement comes after she was fired by HelloFresh due to the scandal Lea is expecting her first child with her husband, businessman Zandy Reich, 37. The screen star's statement comes after she was fired by HelloFresh due to the scandal. The recipe kit delivery company revealed its decision to no longer work with the actress responding to a Twitter user on Tuesday who suggested it should cut ties. The company wrote: 'HelloFresh does not condone racism nor discrimination of any kind. We are disheartened and disappointed to learn of the recent claims concerning Lea Michele. 'We take this very seriously, and have ended our partnership with Lea Michele, effective immediately.' Oh dear... Four years ago, former Glee star Naya Rivera said Michele brought ego, tension and hostility onto the set with her Effective immediately: HelloFresh revealed their decision when responding to a tweet by someone who called for them to cut ties with the actress Alex Newell, Amber Riley and Dabier Snell - who all co-starred in 'Glee' - reacted to the tweet in support of Samantha. Alex and Amber shared gifs, with Alex posting the 'Get her, Jade' meme from Drag Race, while Dabier wrote: 'GIRL YOU WOULDNT LET ME SIT AT THE TABLE WITH THE OTHER CAST MEMBERS CAUSE 'I DIDNT BELONG THERE' F**K YOU LEA (sic).' Community actress Yvette Nicole Brown showed her support for Samantha by writing: 'I felt every one of those capital letters.' And Alex replied: 'Felt like claps!!' Lea, who is currently pregnant with her first child, posted her most recent ad for HelloFresh on May 20. Statement: She took to social media on Saturday to pay tribute to George Floyd and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement Remember me? The message was met with an acerbic response from Samantha, 28 Shortly after Ware's accusations went viral, Lea's pal and Scream Queens co-star Ariana Grande, as well as her Glee co-star Keke Palmer unfollowed Lea on Instagram, suggesting that the accusations against the actress carry weight. Amber Riley, who played Mercedes Jones in the through all six seasons, shared two GIFs of herself, one raising her hand, while the other sipping tea, caused a stir among fans who saw it as a subtle way of the actress chiming in. In fact, fans began to beg Riley to tell her side of the story, with one saying: 'Speak your truth you and @NayaRivera were right all along!!!! Yet you were dragged!' Meanwhile, Alex Newell, who starred as Unique Adams on series for four seasons, wasn't so subtle - and began replying to fans about the drama. 'We ain't got not a damn thing to lie about 6 years later!' he replied to one fan who suggested they were making false accusations about Michele's behavior. He also added: 'I'm gonna say this one time... when my friends goes through something traumatic I also go through it... that's what friendship is...' 'And if you can't understand that then you're part of the problem... and that's on PERIODT! And I mean that for both sides of this coin!' Actor Dabier Snell, who appeared in an episode of the show, retweeted one of Ware's tweets, and responded, saying: 'GIRL YOU WOULDNT LET ME SIT AT THE TABLE WITH THE OTHER CAST MEMBERS CAUSE 'I DIDNT BELONG THERE' F--K YOU LEA,' Shortly after Ware's accusations went viral, Lea's pal and Scream Queens co-star Ariana Grande, as well as her Glee co-star Keke Palmer unfollowed Lea on Instagram He also wrote: 'I try to bring good vibes and create content for ppl to laugh and enjoy! Seeing her message brought back bad memories of being less than on set of glee. Aint goin stand for her being fake like she care.' Actress Yvette Nicole Brown who did not star on the show, also chimed in and gave her support to Ware. 'I felt every one of those capital letters,' the Community actress tweeted. 'EVERY person on a set matters. EVERY person on a set deserves respect. And it is the RESPONSIBILITY of every series regular to make EVERY person who visits their home feel welcome. This dismissive attitude is whats wrong in Hollywood AND the world.' This week Supergirl star Melissa Benoist, who appeared on Glee with Lea liked a series of posts describing star's bullying and abusive behavior toward castmates. Not so subtle: Glee's Amber Riley posted this GIF of her raising her hand, amid rumors that Lea Michele was less than kind to work with on the Ryan Murphy show Not happy: Community star Yvette Nicole Brown, who did not appear on Glee, also voiced her opinion In agreement: Alex Newell, who starred as Unique Adams on series for four seasons, wasn't so subtle - and began replying to fans about the drama. Ouch: Actor Dabier Snell, who appeared in an episode of the show, did not hold back Staying out of the matter: Kevin McHale, who played Artie Abrams from the show's debut, swerved a response when asked about the controversy on Twitter Prior to getting the covered role of Supergirl and her alter ego Kara Danvers on The CW series, the Littleton, Colorado-born Benoist appeared on Glee's fourth season playing a character named Marley Rose. She sang a duet with Michele on the series. Benoist - who has used her social media to focus on the Black Lives Matter movement amid ongoing societal upheaval in the wake of the killing of George Floyd - liked tweets from Samantha Ware, who broke her silence about Michele's behavior on Tuesday. She also pressed the heart button on tweets from Glee's Alex Newell and Amber Riley that essentially endorsed the spirit of Ware's sentiments. The latest: Supergirl star Melissa Benoist, 31, who appeared on Glee with Lea, liked a series of posts describing star's bullying and abusive behavior toward castmates Meanwhile, back in 2011, Hailee Steinfeld, now 23, revealed how Lea made her cry on the Paramount lot. She told J-14 magazine: 'When I was auditioning for 'True Grit', I was on the Paramount lot. I was wearing clothes from the 1800s that were big and uncomfortable. 'Glee' also films on the lot and I love that show... 'I saw Lea Michele just walking to her trailer, and I was like, ''That's the girl from 'Glee'. I've got to go ask for her autograph!' 'So I walked up to her and asked for her autograph, but she walked by and a guy came and said, 'Sorry, now's not a good time!' I was so sad! I was practically crying on the way home.' Expecting: Lea is expecting a child with her husband, businessman Zandy Reich Michele played the role of Rachel Berry on the show's six seasons, getting nominated for an Emmy and two Golden Globe awards with the part. Ware was on the show for 11 shows in 2015 in its sixth season. Her career has flourished with turns on shows such as What/If, Chicago Med and God Friended Me. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Lea for comment. Four years ago, former Glee star Naya Rivera said Michele brought ego, tension and hostility onto the set with her. Tough times: Meanwhile, back in 2011, Hailee Steinfeld, now 23, revealed how Lea made her cry on the Paramount lot In her 2016 book, Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes and Growing Up, she wrote: 'If I'd complained about anyone or anything, she'd assumed I was b****ng about her'. In the tome, Naya said Michele eventually stopped speaking with her altogether. 'She started to ignore me, and eventually it got to the point where she didn't say a word to me for all of Season 6,' Rivera said, 'Lea and I definitely weren't the best of friends, and I doubt we'll ever sit on her couch and eat kale together again.' Piling on: Another actor who starred on GLEE, Dabier Snell, also chimed in claiming Michele did not let him sit at the table with other cast members Interesting: Transgender NYC nightlife star Linux TheRobot was an extra on Glee and said Lea was a 'tyrant' Controversial Iowa Republican congressman Steve King has lost his bid to be nominated for a 10th term. The 71-year-old Iowa native faced four challengers in Tuesdays Iowa primary. Topping the field is a well-funded state senator, Randy Feenstra, who offered support for President Donald Trump, hardline immigration policies and other conservative views without Kings baggage. Provocative statements piling up over the years have been a drag on Kings latest campaign. He has compared immigrants crossing the border illegally to cattle, made light of rape and incest in defending his anti-abortion views, and wondered aloud when the term white supremacist became offensive. Last year House Republicans stripped King of his committee assignments after his remarks seeming to defend white nationalism appeared in The New York Times. King said they were taken out of context. Critics in both parties have charged that King is no longer an effective representative for Iowas 4th Congressional District on agriculture and other local issues. Worse for King, even his supporters worried that he could lose the seat to a Democratic challenger if he were nominated again. -- The Associated Press Visa, Mastercard, Alipay, and others may elbow their way into the mobile money game. Photo: Le Toan Promoting non-cash payments is a priority task for the Vietnamese government, with the ambition that cashless transactions exceed one-third of all transactions nationwide in the coming months. Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Information and Communications, has confirmed that mobile money will officially be deployed on a national scale from next month. As such, Vietnams vast tech-affine, young population and nearly 100-per-cent mobile subscription rate would help a string of companies, including foreigners, to rack up users as well as revenue in the market. With the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) not imposing a foreign investment cap and with an already booming ecosystem of fintechs in Vietnam, the potential for foreign telecom operators and investors to provide mobile money services is immense, Riddhi Dutta, regional director of fintech Backbase in Asia told VIR. Under Article 3.13 of the draft amendments to Decree No.101/2012/ND-CP issued in 2012 on non-cash payments, mobile money means electronic money issued by an intermediary payment service provider providing telecommunications services and identifying customers through a mobile subscriber database. The draft decree put an explicit threshold of 49 per cent on foreign ownership in intermediary payment service providers. This aims to attract foreign funds but also ensure the active participation of Vietnamese enterprises. However, after due review, the SBV has decided to scrap this suggestion as it believes that foreign investment has played a key role in the formation of the domestic payments landscape since providers heavily rely on technology. According to Dutta, limiting foreign ownership would hamper foreign investment in the e-payment sector and fintech in general. Winnie Wong, country manager of Mastercard in Vietnam, told VIR that the firm is now co-operating with relevant parties, including banks, to offer advanced payment solutions that seamlessly process and protect billions of transactions. We are looking forward to working with mobile money partners in Vietnam to provide safe and secure payment transactions for customers, she emphasised. This is not the first time Mastercard expresses its keen interest in mobile money services. A few months ago, Mastercard partnered up with Airtel Africa, a telecommunications and mobile money services provider, to allow its mobile money users to use a virtual Mastercard and QR codes to make payments. Visa, the worlds leader in digital payments, also struck up a partnership with some African firms to give more customers access to virtual Visa cards for digital payments or remittance transactions. Currently, Visa is putting its best efforts into bringing cutting-edge payment technologies to the Vietnamese market and is highly likely to roll out mobile money-related services. In addition, Alipay, a smartphone-based payment system backed by Ant Financial from Alibaba Group, has more than one billion active users. The firm hopes to increase customer base to two billion worldwide by 2025. In Asia, Ant Financial has been investing in local mobile payment services in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Pakistan. The Economist reported that the corporation invested $184.5 million to acquire 45 per cent of Telenor Microfinance Bank (TMB), which manages Pakistans biggest mobile money service, Easypaisa. Alipay could also be making inroads into the market. Last December, Ant Financial quietly acquired a sizeable stake in Vietnamese e-wallet eMonkey, while Lazada Vietnam (also backed by Alibaba) incorporated eMonkey into its platform. However, it is still too soon to say if these foreign giants would jump onto the mobile money bandwagon. Dutta of Backbase pointed out vast potential for foreign companies to capitalise. Specifically, unlike mobile wallets like Momo, Zalopay, or ViettelPay, which require users to transfer money from a bank account to their wallet, mobile money users only need a mobile account to carry out small payments. Given Vietnams high mobile penetration rate and large unbanked population, mobile money could bring basic financial services to those living in remote areas. State-owned VNPT and military-run Viettel have been licensed by the SBV to implement mobile money services, while MobiFone is waiting for the approval. A national database has also been built for issuing personal identification numbers, as well as adopting e-KYC (electronic Know-Your-Customer). Nguyen Son Hai, deputy general director of VNPT, noted that Vietnam has immense potential in terms of mobile money deployment as mobile phone subscriber density has reached 100 per cent of the population. It only takes one month for us to roll out the service in the market after getting the license. VNPT will launch the service at our 100,000 selling points nationwide, promoting cashless payment as subscribers are increasingly turning to e-commerce, said Hai. Mobile money will reach new heights if local authorities approve small-sized financial transactions to purchase goods and services. Nguyen Thanh Nam, Viettel Groups deputy general director, unveiled that the group has been in full throttle to launch the new service right after receiving the licence. Accordingly, Viettel has developed the necessary infrastructure for service provision from rural to urban areas, with more than 50,000 points of sales and 200,000 transaction points nationwide. A lawyer for Scott Peterson, sentenced to death for the 2002 murders of his pregnant wife and their unborn child in a case that drew nationwide attention, told the California Supreme Court on Tuesday that Peterson could not have gotten a fair trial from a jury that was awash in hostile publicity. After the trial was transferred from Stanislaus County, where the couple lived, to San Mateo County because of local outrage at the killings, a pretrial survey in the new venue showed that nearly all prospective jurors knew about the case and nearly half were convinced Peterson was guilty, attorney Cliff Gardner told the court. If this isnt an extreme case, what is? Gardner asked, arguing for a new trial on Petersons guilt and sentence. Although the 12 seated jurors were questioned by opposing lawyers, a process known as voir dire, and promised to be fair, he said, when the community has been saturated by prejudicial publicity, we cannot rely on voir dire to obtain a fair jury. Although the case was well known throughout the state, he argued, the trial should have been transferred to Los Angeles County, where surveys showed much less of the public had made up its mind about Petersons guilt. Under that standard, asked Justice Carol Corrigan, dont we begin to move in the direction that the court must select the venue? Not in most cases, Gardner replied, but this was an extreme case, in which thousands of local residents outside the courthouse cheered enthusiastically when Peterson was convicted, and again when he was sentenced to death. The prosecutions lawyer, Deputy Attorney General Donna Provenzano, countered that Superior Court Judge Alfred Delucchi had taken all legally required steps to screen prospective jurors and order them to base their verdict on the evidence. As Delucchi observed at the time, the only place where this case could have gone where no one would have heard about it was Mars, Provenzano said. Yes, there was a lot of publicity, but it stopped at the courtroom doors, at the courthouse doors. The justices gave virtually no hint of their views during the one-hour hearing, conducted by teleconference, asking few questions of Gardner and none of Provenzano. A ruling is due within 90 days. Peterson, now 47, was convicted in 2004 of murdering his wife, Laci Peterson, 27, who was eight months pregnant, and their unborn son, Connor, in their Modesto home. Their remains washed ashore four months later in Richmond, near an area where Peterson said he had gone fishing. A prosecution witness, Amber Frey, testified she had been having an affair with Peterson. There was no physical evidence of Petersons guilt, however, and his lawyers have offered evidence in a separate proceeding before the court that they say would establish his innocence. Another issue at Tuesdays hearing was Delucchis dismissal of 13 prospective jurors who had declared their opposition to the death penalty. Gardner said the judge had failed to ask them, as the law requires, whether they could put their views aside and vote for a death sentence based on the evidence. 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. There was a systematic exclusion of people who were opposed to the death penalty but would consider death as a verdict, the defense lawyer said. That results in an imbalanced jury. Provenzano said Delucchi had valid reasons for dismissing each of the prospective jurors, and cited comments by Petersons trial lawyer referring to the judges Herculean efforts to seat an impartial jury. But she acknowledged that under legal standards, the court must overturn Petersons death sentence if it finds that any jurors were improperly dismissed because of their views on capital punishment. California conducted its last execution in 2006 and will not hold another during the term of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has declared a moratorium on executions. The state has 727 inmates on Death Row. The case is People vs. Peterson, S132449. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko David Schwimmer has put on a united front with his ex-wife Zoe Buckman as they marched together at a Black Lives Matter protest in New York. The 53-year-old actor shared a snap of himself cuddled up with the 34-year-old British artist on Instagram Wednesday morning as he explained that one of their biggest reasons for being there together was for their daughter. The former couple that split in 2017 - who share nine-year-old daughter Cleo - each held flowers in their hand as Zoe placed her arm on David's shoulders while walking among the crowd of thousands. 'We're no longer a couple, but [we] are parents to a nine-year-old': David Schwimmer has put on a united front with his ex-wife Zoe Buckman as they marched together at a Black Lives Matter protest in New York Bond: The 53-year-old actor shared a snap of himself cuddled up with the 34-year-old British artist on Instagram Wednesday morning as he explained that one of their biggest reasons for being there together was for their daughter, as the family are seen in September together The Friends star posted the powerful image with a lengthy message explaining that they had come together for social justice, reform, black lives lost due to racial violence, and for the sake of their daughter. Schwimmer wrote: 'Yesterday at the Protest & Vigil, downtown NY. 'We're no longer a couple, but @zoebuckman and I are parents of a nine year old, and fellow advocates for social justice and reform.' He went on to explain that they had literally thousands of reasons in supporting the cause including to show solidarity with black friends, family, and colleagues. 'We marched in honor of countless black lives lost to racial violence': He explained that they had literally thousands of reasons in supporting the cause including to show solidarity with black friends, family, and colleagues. Schimmer explained: 'We marched in honor of the countless black lives lost to racial violence; to oppose the institutional racism and systemic bias against marginilized communities; to show our love for, and solidarity with, our family members, colleagues and friends of color.' He then went after US President Donald Trump for his handling of the important matter of police brutality towards blacks in America. The American Crime Story: The People Vs O.J. Simpson star wrote: 'Because we are angry and appalled by the shocking indifference of our President; and to demand a better future for our children. ALL of our children. Back in the day: Schwimmer and Buckman pictured together in Los Angeles back in September 2016 'It is not enough to be opposed to racism. We must be actively opposed to it.' Zoe also shared the image with the caption: 'No justice: no peace. (It was painful powerful beautiful. Everyone wore a mask. I love you NYC.) 'These are our streets. Keep showing up. Its happening. Black Lives Matter. [black heart emoji] with my comrade and co-parent @_schwim_' This comes amid days of protests around the world following George Floyd's death at the hands of police in Minneapolis last week. Unrest: This comes amid days of protests around the world following George Floyd's death at the hands of police in Minneapolis last week, a mural and memorial is seen in Minneapolis, Minnesota Gone too soon: Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died last Monday after a white police officer named Derek Chauvin knelt on his head for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, prompting a wave of protests. He was unarmed Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died last Monday after a white police officer named Derek Chauvin knelt on his head for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, prompting a wave of protests. He was unarmed. A medical examiner's office on Monday ruled that Floyd's death was a homicide as they appeared to walk back initial reports that he wasn't strangled. The examiner's findings that the death was a homicide by asphyxiation confirmed the same conclusion of the independent autopsy that was also released on Monday, but there are key differences over the cause. Chauvin, who is white and was fired from the Minneapolis police department over the incident, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Chauvin, who is white and was fired from the Minneapolis police department over the incident, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter Floyd's death roiled the nation, which has sparked mass protests against police brutality across the nation. The Black Lives Matter movement, which was first founded in 2013 following the acquittal of George Zimmerman and was nationally recognized for its involvement in the Ferguson protests in 2014 has been galvanized once more following the death of Floyd. David and Zoe's united front for the cause comes years after announcing their split seven years into their marriage. Former flames: David and Zoe's united front for the cause comes years after announcing their split seven years into their marriage back in April 2017, they are seen together in May 2016 They shared a joint statement three years ago announcing their split: 'It is with great love, respect and friendship that we have decided to take some time apart while we determine the future of our relationship,' via Us Weekly. They continued: 'Our priority is, of course, our daughter's happiness and well being during this challenging time, and so we ask for your support and respect our privacy as we continue to raise her together and navigate this new chapter for our family.' David and Zoe met and began dating in 2007 in London while he directed the film Run, Fat Boy, Run according to Us Weekly. Longtime love: David and Zoe (seen together in October 2016) met and began dating in 2007 in London while he directed the film Run, Fat Boy, Run according to Us Weekly The magazine reported that she worked at the Cuckoo Club in London as a waitress when they met. They tied the knot in a private ceremony in June 2010 - three months after getting engaged. Their marriage was not revealed until four months later in October of that same year. They welcomed daughter Cleo in May 2011. The United Auto Workers still needs to reform, and a federal takeover remains an option, the U.S. prosecutor leading the investigation of corruption within the union told Reuters on Wednesday after the UAWs former president pleaded guilty to embezzlement. The union needs to change, quite simply, Matthew Schneider, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, said in an interview, adding that a possible takeover of the UAW absolutely remained an option. Now that were getting these pleas out of the way, theres a more urgent need to reform the union and fix it, Schneider said. Former UAW president Gary Jones pleaded guilty to charges he embezzled more than $1 million of union funds. Schneider said he wants to meet as soon as possible with UAW President Rory Gamble as the investigation moves into a new stage. Gamble on Wednesday said the actions of Jones and others involved were selfish, immoral and against everything we stand for as a union. UAW spokesman Brian Rothenberg said Gamble looks forward to meeting with Schneider. The UAW has made significant changes since Mr. Jones resigned and continues to look at ways to reform, Rothenberg said. Jones, of Canton, Michigan, entered the plea during a videoconference hearing held by the U.S. District Court in Detroit. Jones had entered a not guilty plea last month, but he had previously been charged in a criminal information, suggesting he had reached a deal with prosecutors. I apologize to my UAW family for the betrayal of their trust and pray they will forgive me, Jones said during the hearing. Judge Paul Borman accepted the plea and set a sentencing date of Oct. 6. Jones, who remains free on bail, agreed to cooperate with the government in the prosecution of others, which could lessen his sentence. Jones, a certified public accountant, was charged with conspiracy to embezzle funds from the UAW from 2010 through September 2019, and with conspiracy to defraud the United States by failing to pay taxes on the money prosecutors charge he stole. He resigned from the union last November. Jones, 63, faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. The sides agreed to a sentencing guideline range of 46 to 57 months. Automotive dealer fraternity in India has sought higher margins of at least 7 per cent from companies. India's aviation industry faces uncertainty in air traffic recovery timeline in the wake of subdued demand for leisure by risk-averse passengers and likely decline in disposable income in the hands of consumers. Karnataka records the slowest growth in revenue receipts in 11 years as it grew by 5.8 per cent to Rs 1.75 lakh crore in FY20. Read for more top stories from the world of business and economy: 1. Cabinet suspends bankruptcy proceedings against NPAs for six months This will be applicable for NPAs (non-performing assets) after March 25, with a provision to extend up to one year. 2. Auto dealers demand 7% higher margins from auto firms "Automobile dealers in India operate on the lowest margins possible as compared to peers globally," said Ashish Harshraj Kale, President, FADA. 3. Coronavirus impact: Air passenger traffic to decline by 45-50% during FY21, says ICRA India's aviation industry faces uncertainty in the air traffic recovery timeline in the wake of subdued demand for leisure (especially international) by risk-averse passengers and likely decline in disposable income in the hands of consumers. 4. Karnataka's FY20 revenue receipts growth at 5.8%, slowest in 11 years Karnataka's tax revenues fell short of Rs 8,943 crore from the budgeted target of Rs 1,41,551 crore in 2019/20. Around 99.9 per cent of the targeted amount was collected by the state government in 2018/19. 5. Vijay Mallya extradition: Liquor baron to be brought to Mumbai, will lodge in Arthur Road jail Upon arrival, Mallya will be produced before a court, where the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate will seek his custody. India is to allow farmers to sell produce directly to bulk buyers such as trading companies, food processors and large retailers, the farm minister said on Wednesday. This would obviate the need for farmers to bring their produce to India's more than 7,000 regulated wholesale markets and let buyers buy from the fields, Narendra Singh Tomar told reporters after a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The cabinet agreed to pass an emergency executive order to change the rules. India's antiquated Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act requires all farmers to sell their produce at the wholesale markets in most of the country's 29 states. The act was aimed at protecting farmers from exploitation by institutional buyers such as big trading houses, large retailers and food processors. But many farmers saw the act as an impediment to selling directly to big buyers such as Wal-Mart Stores and Tesco which can give them attractive returns. Also, an opaque system of auctions by middlemen's cartels at wholesale markets leaves farmers with little bargaining power and adds an extra level of intermediaries, pushing up prices for consumers. The coronavirus lockdown, introduced in late March, triggered a severe shortage of labour, crimping operations at wholesale markets - the only channel for getting food to India's 1.3 billion people. The wholesale markets will operate as usual as the government hasn't abolished the APMC Act, but it has now empowered farmers to sell directly to buyers. Also Read: Cyclone Nisarga LIVE Updates: Maharashtra on high alert as cyclone to hit in 1 hour Also Read: Cyclone Nisarga Update: Mumbai police imposes curfew until June 4 ahead of severe storm Half of NI manufacturers 'could cut up to a third of workforces' Half of manufacturers here say they may have to shed a third of their workforces while many say they may not survive to the end of the year, according to a fresh survey. And despite the widespread use of the Governments Job Retention Scheme, around three out of five are currently anticipating redundancies while with more than half of firms are anticipating having to shed up to one third of their workforce. Thats according to a survey of almost 200 firms, carried out by Manufacturing NI. And while most manufacturers have some staff back, 13% are still to begin any form of production and of those back producing, one in three have less than half their workforce back. The survey says just 6% of firms have seen an increase in turnover this quarter with 46% seeing turnover decrease by more than 50%. Two thirds of firms have seen a significant decrease in turnover. And around one in eight firms say they dont believe their business will survive until the end of the year. One quarter of firms have received a grant or some financial support from Government, 73% have not had any cash support. Of the survey responses, 8% say they have received a 10,000 grant. There was also a strong call for better financial support for SMEs here. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to suspend the pending termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States should come as no surprise considering the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing global tensions, his Foreign Affairs chief said on Wednesday. "We look forward to continuing our strong military partnership with the United States even as we continue to reach out to our regional allies in building a common defense towards enduring stability and peace and continuing economic progress and prosperity in our part of the world," Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said at a news conference. A day earlier, he announced on social media that the Philippines has sent a diplomatic note to the US Ambassador of suspending the abrogation of the VFA. He refused to take any questions from the media. He instead asked and answered his own question as to why Duterte changed his mind. "Why did he change his mind? A man who does not change his mind cannot change anything. He ran on the slogan 'Change is coming,'" Locsin said. He added that amid the global health pandemic and "heightened super power tensions," a world leader must be quick to decide on what's best for the country and other nations. Duterte threatened to scrap the VFA in January 23 after the US cancellation of Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa's tourist visa to that country. The next day, the Philippine government quickly worked on processing the termination. In February, the Philippines sent its formal notice to the US that it was terminating the military pact. The VFA was supposed to be scrapped on August 9 or 180 days from the US' receipt of the notice. But with the new development, the suspension of the deal will be delayed for six months and could extend for another half a year. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he sees "more assistance" coming from the US, particularly in relation to the country's COVID-19 response. The United States government also welcomed the Philippines' decision to suspend the agreement's abrogation, saying in a statement released by its embassy that it looks forward "to continued close security and defense cooperation with the Philippines." The VFA is a 1998 agreement between Manila and Washington on the protocol for American military personnel in the country. It is seen as an pact that complements the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which guarantees that the two allies will provide military aid to each other in case their metropolitan areas or their territories in the Pacific are attacked by a foreign force EXPLAINER: The Visiting Forces Agreement Among the VFA's controversial provisions are the lax visa and passport policies for American troops and the authority granted to the US government to retain jurisdiction over military personnel if they commit crimes locally. It also allows tax-free importation of equipment, materials and supplies by the US government, and free entry of US military aircraft and vessels into the Philippines. People hold banners in Hyde Park during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis, London, Britain, June 3, 2020. REUTERS/Hannah McKay A protester holds up a "Black Lives Matter" sign at a rally following the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., May 31, 2020. REUTERS/Brian Snyder An anti-racism protest sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US is still going ahead at the US embassy in Dublin on Saturday despite the cancellation of another protest over potential fears of prosecution. Three organisations representing migrants, asylum-seekers and the Black community in Ireland said they still intend to hold a social-distancing protest outside the embassy in Ballsbridge on Saturday afternoon over the killing of George Floyd by police in the American city of Minneapolis on May 25 that has sparked mass riots in more than 40 cities across the US. Black Pride Ireland, The Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) and Migrants and Ethnic-minorities for Reproductive Justice - (MERJ) announced on Twitter today that they still intend to hold their own protest as long as protesters abide by the Covid-19 restrictions and do no travel more than 5kms from their homes to take part. Read More They also insist that protesters abide by social distancing and refrain from bringing political party flags, organisational paraphernalia, handing out flyers that are not related to Black Lives Matter. It is not the time for you to recruit or gain members in any way. That is not solidarity, you are taking space from Black people, they wrote. Black Lives Matter was a hashtag started in the US by three black women to highlight the disproportionate murders of Black lives. Anti-Blackness is global and here in Ireland we see it occur in the way we police crime and incarcerate asylum seekers in Direct Provision. The move comes after thousands of mostly young participants who took part in last Saturdays Black Lives Matter Solidarity Protest were strongly criticised by gardai and Government officials for ignoring social distancing and gathering in mass groups despite the ongoing pandemic. The unnamed organisers of the protest announced on Twitter yesterday that they wont hold a similar rally outside the US embassy on June 8 out of fear of prosecution. We ask that people do not attend any protests in their own interests. We will share details of an alternative digital action. An Garda Siochana have not threatened or in any way attempted to intimidate the organisers, however, a number of safety concerns and potential criminal offenses surrounding the protest were raised and we have elected to cancel with the possibility of rescheduling, the post read. Health Minister Simon Harris earlier today called on the organisers of the anti-racism protests to call off events over fears it will breach social distancing rules. The minister said last weekends Black Lives Matter demonstration, which saw thousands of people march through Dublin, breached Covid-19 restrictions in quite a significant way. Mr Harris said the racism makes him physically sick to his stomach and said any right thinking person would be concerned about the murder of George Floyd by US police. It doesnt mean we can ignore mass gathering guidelines, the reality is regardless of your cause or how just your cause is large gatherings are dangerous, he said. We have to be careful, just because we support a cause doesnt mean we have to be silent on a protest that did clearly breach guidelines, Mr Harris said. The minister noted that gardai are investigating the incident and said he did not want to interfere with the investigation. Mr Harris dismissed suggestions that the non-essential travel ban should be lifted entirely rather than been increased to 20km next week. He said he has not heard any public health expert say the restriction should be lifted. The minister said he was concerned that people were not wearing face coverings while shopping or on public transport. We have been good with a lot of the measures but I think there is room for improvement on wearing face masks, he said. The minister said he was also concerned about the number of new coronavirus cases which arose because of close contacts between those infected. He said the second phase of the lifting of lockdown measures strikes the right balance and said he did not think the plan should be accelerated. Meanwhile, Tanaiste Simon Coveney has said he is concerned by the violent response of some police forces to protests taking place across the United States in recent days. Mr Coveney signalled he was likely to speak to the countrys ambassador about the matter in the coming days. He was speaking in the wake of days of protests across the United States following the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota last month. The death has triggered a wave of protests across the US, including some that have turned violent. Authorities have used tear gas to disperse protesters outside the White House in recent days and there have also been numerous reports of attacks on journalists, some of whom have been arrested. Mr Coveney said he shared the concerns raised by Fianna Fail TD James Browne who criticised the the brutal response to legitimate protest by some police and state forces. He said the overriding message of the Irish government was a "complete rejection of racism and a determination to combat racism in all its forms". Mr Coveney said: I think many of us are pretty disturbed and shocked by the images we're seeing coming out of the United States now for, I think, it's the eighth day in a row. What everybody wants to ensure is that peaceful protest is part of any democracy, as well as the need for robust and independent journalism. Violence is not the way to bring about change here and whats needed is leadership at a community level and at a political level. The undercurrent of anger and discontent that clearly has come from concerns around racism and discrimination has created a huge wave of protests, some of it violent, across US cities. Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming condemned the protests and racism and declared black lives do matter. His party colleague John Lahart raised concerns about what he called paramilitary-style policing by some US authorities, while Longford Westmeath TD Robert Troy said the response of the Trump administration was nothing short of appalling. Mr Coveney said he had not yet spoken to the US ambassador to Ireland, Edward Crawford, but signalled he would. "I wouldn't be surprised if I do speak to him in the next week or so," he told Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu. The American aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan stops in Manila Bay during a freedom of navigation run through the South China Sea Aug. 7, 2019. Geopolitical tensions amid a global pandemic led Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to keep a key military pact with the United States intact for now, Manilas top diplomat and other government officials said Wednesday. The Philippines was looking to reinvigorate bilateral ties with its oldest ally by holding off for at least another six months from exiting its 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the U.S., Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said. The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with geopolitics, have led to heightened superpower tensions, Locsin told a news conference without naming China, the Asian power contending with the Philippines and other nations over territorial claims in the South China Sea. A world leader must be quick in mind and fast on his feet for the safety of our nation and the peace of the world, Locsin said, two days after Manila notified Washington that it was suspending its decision to terminate the pact. We look forward to continuing our strong military partnership with the United States even as we continue to reach out to our regional allies in building a common defense toward enduring stability and peace and continuing economic progress and prosperity in our part in the world, he added as he read from a prepared statement. The VFA has allowed large-scale joint military drills with U.S. forces that, defense analysts said, were vital to Manila as it faces a challenge from Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Apart from the Philippines and China, the potentially mineral-rich waterway is claimed in whole or in part by Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan. Because of security issues ... in that part of the world (South China Sea), both our governments have seen it would be prudent for us to simply suspend any implementation of the termination, Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Philippine ambassador to the U.S., told ABS-CBN, a Philippine news network. Meanwhile, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana discussed ongoing security efforts regarding the South China Sea. Even without the suspension of the abrogation of the VFA, the U.S. continues to patrol the South China Sea because according to them, thats international waters and they can go there anytime they want, Lorenza said, adding, Were dealing with Chinese in our own way. In times of crises and global uncertainty, it is our belief that nations are only made stronger if we work together and focus our efforts on tracking the various challenges that confront us all, Lorenzana said in a statement. The defense chief said he was informed by Duterte of the planned turnaround on the VFA in May, and that he was told the country needed cooperation from other countries to fight the pandemic. In February, the Philippine government notified the U.S. that it planned to drop the 21-year-old bilateral military pact. The move was supposed to be finalized in August. The president thought its untimely to end the VFA at this time, Lorenzana said, adding Manila expected increased assistance from U.S. in the next six months. A hedging strategy The head of the Philippine Society for Intelligence and Security Studies, a local think-tank, described the governments turnaround on the VFA as strategic. It is a temporary suspension to allow American troops to conduct military activities in the Philippines in light of the pandemic and recent developments in the South China Sea, security analyst Rommel Banlaoi told BenarNews. Duterte is playing with two major powers. It is a hedging strategy, to get the best of both worlds, he said. U.S. officials welcomed the decision, announced Tuesday. Our longstanding alliance has benefited both countries, and we look forward to continued close security and defense cooperation with the Philippines, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said in a statement posted on its website shortly after the announcement. The Philippines health department, meanwhile, recorded 751 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths on Wednesday, bringing the totals to 19,748 and 974. Globally, more than 6.4 million people have been infected by COVID-19 and more than 381,000 have died as of Wednesday, according to data compiled by disease experts at U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University. Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Khafi Kareem has revealed that she was raped before while she was growing up. The reality show star added that she couldnt share her story before now because the only person she told when the incident happened actually blamed her for it. She added that the person who raped her apologized right after and used the excuse of being drunk for his action. However, she revealed that she decided to make her story public now to encourage other victims of sexual abuse to speak out and get help. News Direct reports the social media has been filled with various stories of rape and other sexual abuses and calls for stricter action against rapists. The renewed calls follow the recent news of Vera Uwaila Omozua, a 22-year-old 100-level student of the University of Benin, Edo State who was raped while reading in the RCCG church in Benin city. The student later died from injuries sustained during the incident. Speaking on her experience via a post on her Twitter page, Khafi wrote: #WhyIDidntReport my rape case was because he apologized right after, because I made myself believe him being drunk was an excuse. Because the one person I did tell said I caused it. Because I felt dirty and ashamed. This happened to me and Im sharing in the hope that others like me will feel no shame in sharing what happened to them. Please dont deflect or say it is not my story when it was already hard enough sharing it. Meanwhile, this online news medium recalls the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has ordered that the investigation into the rape and murder case of Miss Uwa be transferred to Abuja. A suspect had earlier been arrested by the Edo state police command in relation to Uwas case. Curd, Galindo & Smith, LLP "The dangerous condition of public property, as alleged above, was the proximate cause of DECEDENTS death" Attorney Alex Galindo of Curd, Galindo & Smith, LLP announces that his client, Bradley Lembke age 19 has filed a wrongful death suit against the City of Long Beach. Court documents indicate that Mr. Lembke alleges in his complaint filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court Case No.: 20STCV00120 that his father, Bryan Lembke, age 39 was killed on November 8, 2018 while riding his bicycle to work on Spring Street near El Dorado Park in the City of Long Beach when he was struck by a vehicle. In May 2019, Lembke filed a $1.6 million claim against Long Beach, alleging the city was at least partially to blame for the crash. The City of Long Beach denied the claim. Court documents allege that the crash happened when Bryan Lembke was riding west on Spring Street where it crosses- El Dorado Park. The court documents alleges a blue Honda Accord hit Mr. Lembke after its driver sped from a 605 Freeway off-ramp onto Spring Street. According to the court documents Mr. Lembke was transported to Long Beach Memorial Hospital where he died four days later. The court documents allege that the City of Long Beach negligently created a dangerous condition of public property by failing to install and maintain a dedicated bike lane along Spring Street . Spring Street is a main access road for El Dorado Regional Park and the I-605 Freeway. The complaint goes on to state: "The dangerous condition of public property, as alleged above, was the proximate cause of DECEDENTS death". The court documents state that on November 7, 2018, and before that time, the City of Long Beach negligently and carelessly failed to prevent the creation of a dangerous and defective condition. The court documents allege that the City of Long Beach among other things, failed to adequately take safety measures, failed to install street lights, failed to install a bike lane, failed to provide warning signs and it failed to supervise and monitor Spring Street for speeding vehicles. The City of Long Beach denies any wrong doing. The trial is set for July 1, 2021 in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Mr. Galindo is a founding member of Curd, Galindo & Smith, LLP which is a full service law firm that represents both corporate and professional clients and those who have been seriously injured or have lost a family member due to an accident, defective product, police misconduct or negligence. The law firm has recovered millions of dollars for its thousands of clients since 1995 by winning complex and challenging business disputes, death and injury cases involving police misconduct, traffic collisions, work place injuries and defective products, including defective automobiles, against some of the world's largest companies and governmental agencies. Mr. Galindo received his business degree from University of Southern California in 1982 and his law degree in 1985 from the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Galindo has been a lawyer and real estate broker for over 25 years. He has won numerous jury verdicts and settlements in the area of personal injury, products liability and civil rights/police misconduct cases. Mr. Galindo is a member of ABOTA which is an organization of attorneys representing both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases. All of the attorneys who belong to ABOTA have earned great distinction at trial. Mr. Galindo is a member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Consumer Attorneys of California, Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles, NPAP (National Police Accountability Project), National Lawyers Guild, National Association of Realtors and California Association of Realtors. Old and new, revered and jeered, the Slovak capital is a fascinating - if not always lovely - mixture of culture and history. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled https://cdn.knightlab.com/libs/juxtapose/latest/embed/index.html?uid=b6e8c828-a731-11ea-a7cb-0edaf8f81e27 This is an article from our archive of travel guides, Spectacular Slovakia. We decided to publish this gem for our readers, making only necessary adjustments. Some of the writers observations have changed, but much still holds true. For up-to-date information and feature stories, take a look at the latest edition of our Bratislava City Guide. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Transport yourself back to 2002, when this story was written, and compare just how much the city and the country have changed since then: Petrzalka is no longer a grey concrete jungle, after most of the Communist-era blocks of flats were thermally insulated and coated in wild colours. Hviezdoslavovo Square, a construction site in the early 2000s, is a vibrant and very popular square. The reconstruction of the SNP Square that the authors of the story anticipated is still much-awaited 18 years later. But Bratislavans are unlikely to label their hometown as a place that will never become a real city, like they used to in 2002. Bratislava is a city of contrasts. This is where presidential palaces are overshadowed by multimillion-dollar bank headquarters, where an other-worldly suspension bridge approaches the former coronation cathedral of the Hungarian Kingdom, where an enchanting old town is surrounded on all sides by huge chunks of concrete that pass for blocks of flats. Bratislava is where an unexplainable Communist-era edifice blocks the view of the National Gallerys elegant arches, where the centuries-old castle shares a hill with the cubic parliament building, where a four-lane highway slices through the towns historical core. Bratislava is a city with a prestigious past, where empresses lived and musicians like Mozart performed. It is a city that then survived World War II largely unscathed, then spent the next 40 years watching hundreds of its historical buildings being torn down in favour of utilitarian structures. Even Bratislavans are of a split personality, at one moment speaking humbly of the citys drawbacks, the next launching into a defensive diatribe challenging critics to name a more cosmopolitan city in Slovakia. Bratislava is an awkward, beguiling, frustrating, and lovely city. And sometimes you just dont know whether to love it or to hate it. Bratislava in 2002 (Source: Jan Svrcek) Why Bratislava? When I first moved to Bratislava in October 1997, I thought Id made a terrible mistake. My first stop was at my new home: a flat in an old panelak, or concrete block of flats, in Petrzalka, the large housing-estate which is best described as being on the wrong side of the river. Unfortunately, this is the first impression many foreigners get of Bratislava. Approaching from Vienna, visitors drive straight through this concrete jungle. Those arriving by train from Hungary or the Czech Republic fare no better as they are greeted by the dismal Main Railway Station, where there is next to no assistance for confused visitors hoping to crack the Old Town. Dont expect a warm greeting here. It can be. But Bratislava can also be wonderful. I learned this on my second day here after walking across Novy Most (New Bridge) into the Old Town. The narrow cobbled streets winding by cathedrals, fountains, statues and ancient buildings were captivating. It was my first experience with a European city centre and I was smitten, despite several disparaging comments by locals. (Source: Jan Svrcek) Why Bratislava? asked one man who had bought me a cup of spiced wine at the Christmas Market. Why not Bratislava? I said. Its a nice town. No, no. You should have gone to Prague or Vienna. Either would have been better, they are much prettier than Bratislava. But Bratislava is beautiful too, I said. The Old Town is fantastic, the castle is odd but appealing, and the squares are great. Besides, everyone goes to Prague and Vienna. Yes, he smiled. And there are many reasons why. I had similar conversations with several locals. Few saw my point of view. State within a state Such are the conflicting feelings Bratislavans have for Bratislava. On the one hand, they often say the city is a state within a state to illustrate the wide gap between Bratislava and the backward rest of the country, which according to locals gets more backwards the further east you go. The capital is definitely richer than the rest of Slovakia. But while inhabitants boast of the city being a state within a state, they also call Bratislava the biggest village in Slovakia, a derogatory term applied to show that the city pales in comparison to regional capitals like Prague, Vienna or Budapest (it is also used to point out that many Bratislavans are transplanted villagers). Related article Related article Slovakia travel guide: A helping hand in the heart of Europe. Read more Consider the mixed comments of Milan Vajda, the Old Town spokesman. Born and raised in Bratislava, he gives a sober description of his native city: Bratislava will never be a grand city. Its not really a city at all. It wants to be a city, but it just does not compare to other large European cities. It lacks a great deal. It does not really look like a city with a capital C. But one minute later, his tone changes after I mention that easterners call the city Blava, and that many have never once visited their capital city, nor have any desire to do so. You know, as a native Bratislavan I have to say one thing: show me another city in Slovakia, he says. In Kosice they have a great main square, but thats it. I envy Kosice for its local patriotism, but not for the city itself. And besides Kosice, you have nothing but small cities around the country. These places may be nice to visit for a weekend, or to go for a walk around the square one evening, but to live in? In Slovakia, only Bratislava has what it takes to be considered a real city. Short history of Slovak capital Perhaps the local ambivalence can be explained by the history of the city. Though it goes back many centuries, it has only actually been Slovak for a few decades. German colonists first settled Bratislava in the 13th century. Starting in 1536 it was the coronation capital of the Hungarian Kingdom for 300 years while the Turks occupied Buda and Pest. Eleven kings and eight queens were crowned here, in St Martins Cathedral. Until the end of World War I, when the city first became part of the former Czechoslovak Republic, the inhabitants were mostly German or Hungarian. After the war the city still belonged to Hungary until 1 January 1919, says Stefan Holcik, the director of the Slovak National Archaeological Museum at Bratislava Castle. Then Czech legionaries supported by the Italians invaded and took the town. The inhabitants were not at all happy about this. They had hoped the city would become an independent territory, like San Marino, Liechtenstein or Luxembourg. After all, it had its own harbour and it could live separately without being a part of Hungary, Austria or Czechoslovakia. But the Czechoslovak Republic wanted the city as it was the only good harbour on the Danube. The disgruntled locals were given a choice: swear loyalty to the new republic or leave. Most left. Czech intellectuals took their place. video //www.youtube.com/embed/sRmQLJAwOYA Our Spectacular Slovakia travel guides are available in our online shop. The city finally became Slovak after World War II, when the Communist regime industrialised it and moved villagers from around the country into scores of new panelaky to work in the factories. All of us who live in this town, says Holcik, are basically newcomers. Attractions After four years of living in Bratislava, I decided to leave. I had just finished Spectacular Slovakia 2002 and travelling for the magazine had shown me that the most alluring parts of Slovakia were not to be found in its capital city. So I moved. Now, when I return, I view the city as a visitor. For the most part, I like what I see. First of all, Bratislava has an exhaustive collection of museums, with exhibits ranging from town history to archaeology, pharmaceutics to porcelain, torture devices to clocks. The first stop is the Castle. Then theres the Slovak National Museum (Vajanskeho nabrezie 2). Here visitors find minerals and rocks, stuffed animals and insects, plants and paintings, and much more. The most interesting discovery here is that the museum likes to follow its visitors. In every room there sits an elderly employee whose sole job seems to be to shadow guests through their turf. Michalska brana (gate) (Source: Jan Svrcek) A Bratislava must-see museum is in Michalska Brana, one of the four original city gates. When entering from Michalska ulica, visitors are led through several floors of exhibits on the town fortification system and the evolution of guns. The tour is punctuated with a view of the Old Town rooftops from the tower deck. By far the most interesting museum on offer is the Bratislava City Museum, in a courtyard just off Hlavne namestie. The sweeping changes to the city over the past 150 years are illustrated in its archives by hundreds of old photographs and paintings. Some of them are on display. The Main Square is seen when its centre was nothing but overgrown bush. Scenes of the 1899 flood and the destructive fire of 1913 show how the city on several occasions was nearly destroyed, only to be rebuilt. And the Danube is shown when, from 1825 to 1891, its only crossing was a pontoon bridge. The most intriguing pictures date from the time before Castle Hill and the Old Town were divided. It was not always this way. But the construction of Novy Most in the 1970s cut a hole in the heart of the city, separated the castle from the town and resulted in 226 historical buildings being torn down. The hardest hit were the towns remaining Jews (most had been shipped to concentration camps during World War II). The Jewish synagogue was torn down, as was the Jewish ghetto on Castle Hill. Squares in Bratislava Stepping outside into the Old Town, one finds construction workers everywhere. Bratislava is - and has been - undergoing a major facelift, begun after the 1989 Velvet Revolution. The process promises to go on for many years to come. Related article Related article Bratislava travel guide: Lost in Bratislava? Impossible with this City Guide! Read more The most recent job was done on Hviezdoslavovo namestie, where the new Hotel Carlton and the old Opera House are located. During the squares reconstruction, one of four original town entrances, Fishermans Gate, was unearthed near the Opera House. The remains have been preserved and can be viewed under a glass partition with a plaque explaining that the gate was pulled down in 1776. Empress Maria Theresa had it torn down to accommodate expansion plans, says Vajda. The city had become too big for the original town walls, so she wanted to expand and make a new promenade area, where Hviezdoslavovo namestie is now. The square is named after Pavol Orszagh Hviezdoslav, the countrys most famous poet. A Hviezdoslav statue is found at the heart of the square, plus a statue of Andrej Bagar, one of the countrys leading artists. Hviezdoslavovo namestie (square) (Source: Jan Svrcek) The citys next project will be its biggest: a complete reconstruction of SNP namestie. Named after the partisans who fought the Nazis in the Slovak National Uprising of World War II, there are SNP squares in cities all over Slovakia. Most are the biggest and prettiest squares in the city. Bratislavas, however, is an eyesore. Something needs to be done with SNP, Vajda has told me on different occasions. In most Slovak cities, it is the main meeting place for residents. But in Bratislava, it is a road with heavy traffic. Many visitors dont even realise its a square. Work should begin in 2003 or 2004 and last for four years. The project is to turn the square into a pedestrian-only area - thereby extending the Old Town walking zone - and significantly improve aesthetics by reconstructing buildings and re-paving the surface. A massive underground complex will also be built with shops, parking lots and a subway station. Reconstruction of Bratislava One rason the city continues to reinvent itself, says Vajda, is to boost local patriotism in Bratislava. Indeed, the citys New Years Eve celebration theme this year was Its fun to be a Bratislavan. As the city turns to the future and cleans up its ugly recent past, Bratislava is improving with each passing day, and with every project completed. (Source: Jan Svrcek) Communism really set this city back, Vajda says. When you realise that 226 historical buildings were torn down to make room for Novy Most, I just cannot think of any other European city which would have such an attitude towards its cultural heritage. The Communists, I feel, were envious of the Slovak culture and past. So when reconstruction had to be done, they decided to tear down most of our Old Town. What they did was so devastating to Bratislava. If they had had a different approach, you wouldnt see a four-lane highway cutting the city off from its castle. You wouldnt see that structure they built in front of the National Gallery. You wouldnt have seen the Jewish ghetto on Castle Hill torn down. They should have revitalised areas instead of destroying them. But they didnt. So we will continue to rebuild. Since 1990 the city has held several public polls and discussions and in all of them we see clearly that this is what Bratislavans want. We want to reconstruct and save as much as possible. Bratislavans want to feel proud of their city again. Spectacular Slovakia travel guides STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After attempts to curb destruction throughout the city driven by protests over George Floyds death were unsuccessful, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo implemented a curfew. Cuomo and de Blasio initially said the curfew would begin Monday night at 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Tuesday, saying they would decide if the curfew needed to be extended. Before Monday was even over, it was decided that it would to be extended, as the civil unrest continued despite the curfew rules. Tuesdays citywide curfew began at 8 p.m. instead of 11 p.m. and the days were extended until Sunday, June 7. NJ Advance MediaAndrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com You asked -- what are the rules of the curfew and how do they impact me? Scroll through to find out what is and isnt allowed. ARE ESSENTIAL WORKERS EXEMPT? Essential workers are allowed to be out after the 8 p.m. curfew start time. Healthcare, retail, supermarket and restaurant workers, as well as building maintenance workers, those who work for the city, news media, essential construction workers and others are part of the exemption. If youre unsure if you are an essential worker, you can check the states list here, which is updated with a time stamp as more information becomes available. According to City Hall, any official document that shows you are an essential worker like a business card, work identification, a uniform, or any other official document will work as proof, however, it is not necessary. IF YOURE ESSENTIAL AND WORKING IN MANHATTAN The NYPD said Tuesday that vehicular traffic will not be permitted south of 96th Street in Manhattan during the curfew. The exceptions to the no vehicular traffic rule are: Residents, essential workers, buses, and truck deliveries. AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, UBER, LYFT, AND OTHERS Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing apps are not permitted to operate during the curfew, the citys Taxi and Limousine Commission clarified on Twitter. Yellow and green taxis are allowed to operate until 12:30 p.m., but only to transport anybody who is seeking medical attention or to transport essential workers to and from work. The MTA said subways and buses will still run, also for transporting essential workers, and bus service for the nightly subway closure between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. will still be in effect. Citi Bike is not permitted to operate after curfew. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOURE OUT AFTER CURFEW? Mayor Bill de Blasio said the goal is for people to not be out after the curfew begins. However, if an individual is on their way home from a friends house, out walking their dog, or going about their business they will likely not be at-risk for a summons if stopped. NYPD officers will first ask people to comply with the curfew and make their way home. However, any non-compliance can result in a summons which is considered a Class B misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of three months imprisonment or one year probation. The city said a fine can also be issued, however, did not specify how much the fine is. The city said only if an individual continuously refuses to do so will additional enforcement action be considered. NYPD officers would determine if a person is continuously refusing enforcement orders and decide if an arrest is necessary. There were 280 arrests on Tuesday night, down from 700 Monday night, however, officials didnt specify if the people arrested were defying curfew or partaking in illegal activity. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez) Staten Island Advance IS THE NATIONAL GUARD ENFORCING THE CURFEW? While Gov. Andrew Cuomo slammed Mayor Bill de Blasios handling of the civil unrest, he said hes not ready to send in the states National Guard just yet. During his press conference on Tuesday, Cuomo said: My option is to displace the mayor and bring in the National Guard as the governor in an emergency, and basically take over the mayors job. I dont think were at that point and that would be such a chaotic situation in the midst of an already chaotic situation. I dont think that makes any sense. Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) and Sen. Andrew Lanza have both called for the National Guards deployment, also saying de Blasio and the NYPD did not handle the situation well. As of Wednesday morning, the NYPD is still tasked with enforcing the curfew. FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER. In phone call with Modi, Trump conveys desire to expand the ambit of G7 grouping beyond the existing membership. Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted an invitation from US President Donald Trump to attend the next Group of Seven (G7) summit, Indias foreign ministry officials said on Wednesday. In a telephone call with Modi on Tuesday evening, Trump spoke about the US presidency of G7 and conveyed his desire to expand the ambit of the grouping beyond the existing membership to include other important countries, including India. In this context, he [Trump] extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the next G7 Summit to be held in USA, the foreign ministry said. Ministry officials confirmed that Modi had accepted the invitation and would attend the summit. In a statement late on Tuesday night, Modis office said he commended Trump for his creative and far-sighted approach, acknowledging the fact that such an expanded forum would be in keeping with the emerging realities of the post-Covid world. The prime minister said that India would be happy to work with the US and other countries to ensure the success of the proposed summit, it said. Outdated group of countries On Sunday, Trump said he was postponing until September the G7 summit that had been scheduled for late June at Camp David, the US presidents country retreat. Trump also proposed an expansion of the grouping and said he wanted to invite India, Australia, South Korea and Russia to the meeting. I dont feel that as G7, it properly represents whats going on in the world. Its a very outdated group of countries, he said, conveying his desire to expand participation in the summit beyond the G7 members. During their telephone conversation, the two leaders also exchanged views on the COVID-19 pandemic in their countries, India-China tensions over a recent border standoff, and a need for reforms in the World Health Organization (WHO), the Indian foreign ministry said. A White House statement also said Trump and Modi discussed the G7 meeting, the response to the coronavirus pandemic and regional security issues. Trump told Modi the US would ship the first tranche of 100 donated ventilators to India next week, the White House said. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a senior congressional leader have reprimanded China for bullying behaviour towards India during a military standoff on their disputed border. During the call, Trump recalled his visit to India in February. Modi said the historic visit had added new dynamism to the bilateral relationship. LONG BEACH, Calif. As she climbed into her car Monday at dawn to go see what was left of her business, Zahalea Anderson tried to remain optimistic. Maybe it wont be that bad, she told herself. Maybe there will just be smoke damage. It was the morning after a peaceful Long Beach demonstration demanding justice for George Floyd devolved into violence and mayhem. Swarms of looters armed with hammers and crowbars used Sundays protest as an excuse to vandalize and ransack Long Beach retailers. Anderson already suspected her martial arts school didnt emerge unscathed because she had seen a neighboring business engulfed in flames while watching TV on Sunday night. Only her husbands pleas kept her from ignoring the citywide 6 p.m. curfew and rushing to the site right then. When Anderson arrived at the corner of 7th Street and Pine Avenue after a sleepless night, the destruction she found left her heartbroken. The fire had torn through an entire block before firefighters put it out, leveling a mens clothing store and severely damaging Andersons martial arts school, a hair salon and several other minority-owned shops. Andersons dojo reeked of smoke and ash. Firefighters told her that her roof could collapse at any moment. Not much inside appeared salvageable besides items of sentimental value statues that once belonged to her parents, artwork her students had made or the charred remains of a mural that hung from the dojos back wall. For Anderson, it was devastating to see her martial arts school covered in broken glass, soot and debris. Long Beach residents have come to the school to learn the art of self defense since Andersons father started offering jiu jitsu classes in his backyard more than a quarter century ago. I felt so hopeless seeing everything Ive put my heart and soul into go up in flames, Anderson said. My head was down. A part of me said, Yeah, its a wrap. Its over. Maybe it would have been, were it not for the generosity of a complete stranger halfway across the country. Story continues A complete stranger steps in Zahalea Anderson looks at the burned-out remains of her business in Long Beach. (Courtesy of Zahalea Anderson) Marie Hosep stumbled across Andersons story while scrolling through Twitter on Monday. Someone on Hoseps timeline had tweeted support for Anderson alongside screenshots of two Facebook posts that she had written that morning. Andersons story reached Hosep at a time when the Michigan resident was still seething over the senseless death of Floyd at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer. Hosep was eager to find a more meaningful way to contribute to the Black Lives Matter movement than marching in a protest or posting her support to social media. To Hosep, it didnt matter that Anderson lived more than 2,000 miles away or that the two had never met. The African American business owners plight was the worthwhile cause that Hosep had been seeking. I figured why not help this person who has lost her business for no good reason? Hosep said. At first, Hosep searched in vain for a way to donate. When she found nothing, Hosep set up a GoFundMe page with Anderson as the sole beneficiary. Then Hosep spread the word via Twitter and Facebook. By the time Hosep was able to reach Anderson to tell her about the GoFundMe, donations had already blown past the original $2,000 goal. As a result, Anderson was initially suspicious that this account set up by a complete stranger might be a scam. I was like, Is this real? Anderson said. I wasnt sure whether to believe it. It seemed too good to be true. Eventually, Hosep was able to persuade Anderson that her intentions were pure and that the money was hers. Then the two women watched in joyful disbelief as the donations kept pouring in from as far away as England, Ireland and Italy. The total surpassed $40,000 before dinnertime on Monday. By the time Anderson awoke on Tuesday morning, it was over $100,000. Ive never even said figures like that out of my mouth before, Anderson said. Again, I was like, Is this real? I was trying to be calm, but in my mind, I couldnt believe this was happening. Im going to be the phoenix Zahalea Anderson stands in what remains of her self-defense studio in Long Beach. (Courtesy of Zahalea Anderson) While the staggering show of support from the Long Beach community and beyond has eased some of Andersons pain, she is still conflicted about the destruction of her martial arts school. On the one hand, Anderson strongly supports the fight to end police brutality against black people. The mother of two hopes that sometime in her childrens lifetime, they can walk down the street and not feel that this might be their last breath. On the other hand, Anderson also argues that violent acts like arson and vandalism mess up the whole entire message. Says Anderson firmly, Im definitely a supporter of getting out the message that enough is enough. What Im not for is people taking advantage of a serious situation to benefit themselves. Not yet 48 hours removed from the fire, Anderson said she has no idea who is responsible. She suspects the culprits may not be from Long Beach given that the burned-down businesses were each minority-owned and have a history of giving back to the community. Anderson often puts at-risk kids on scholarship because their families cant afford to pay for her jiu-jitsu classes. She checks in on those kids as often as she can to make sure they have enough to eat and somewhere safe to sleep at night. Customers who have learned the art of self defense from Anderson often return to thank her for helping them thwart an attempted rape or robbery. A few have even credited her for helping to save their lives. Thats what drives me, Anderson said. For me, its not about the money. Anderson had hoped to relaunch her business as soon as California lifts COVID-19 restrictions prohibiting her from holding classes in-person. Now, she plans to hold in-person classes in the park while assessing her next move. If her landlord allows it, shed love to reopen in the same location at the corner of 7th and Pine. If not, shell look for another space in Long Beach. She has options now, thanks to the support of a complete stranger and the generosity of her community. Everyone keeps telling me Im going to be the phoenix, Anderson said. Im going to rise up out of these ashes. Now, I see the possibility. During my 6 years of studying in China, Ive been taken good care of by my Chinese friends and teachers. China, where I met my wife, is my second home. Murodjon Kenjebaev (first on the right) poses for a photograph with the experts on a joint working team from China in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan on April 19. Photo: Courtesy of Murodjon Kenjebaev I was extremely anxious when the novel coronavirus epidemic broke out, and immediately purchased a large number of medical masks with the money I earned from scholarships and part-time job, and sent them from my hometown Guliston in east Uzbekistan to Guangzhou, spending around a dozen hours on the flight. The overweight baggage cost even more than the flight ticket. This earned me an award and 20,000 yuan ($2807.33) from a public welfare program by Chinas Alibaba Group and the Information Times, a local newspaper. At that time, my wife, who applied for a second Chinese teaching site in Guliston for students from grade 5 to grade 11, was informed that her application was approved by local government. Without hesitation, we invested the money into the decoration of the classrooms, textbooks and other teaching materials. To have more Uzbek people study Chinese and experience the charm of the Chinese culture is a shared hope of us. After learning that a joint working team from China was to arrive in Tashkent on April 17 to assist my countrys efforts to fight COVID-19, I volunteered to work as an interpreter for the Chinese experts on the team and their Uzbek counterparts. To fulfill this honored task, I made full preparation. I studied medical knowledge as much as I could, accumulated relevant medical vocabularies in both Uzbek and Chinese, practiced interpreting, and consulted one of my teachers in my alma mater, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, who once interpreted for the Chinese medical team aiding Iraq on fighting the COVID-19 disease. It was not easy to expand my medical vocabularies within such a short time. However, I must go all out. During a dozen days, the Chinese medical experts and I visited tens of medical facilities in over half of Uzbekistans states and cities, leaving our footsteps on all the hardest-hit areas. We also communicated with the research institute of epidemiology, microbiology and infectious diseases, the national emergency medical center and designated hospitals on prevention and treatment experience, held consultation for patients in severe conditions, and donated medical supplies and materials. I always consulted the Chinese experts in detail to ensure the accuracy of my translation, and they would patiently explain for me to help me better understand what they were saying. Working 12 hours a day was extremely exhausting, both mentally and physically. But I found my work rewarding when I saw the Chinese medical experts working around the clock. In the face of the pandemic, the international community is strengthening cooperation to safeguard public health security. I was proud to be part of it as a volunteer. It is the highest honor that enabled me to overcome all the fatigue. Recently, a major collapse has occurred in the dam of Sardoba Reservoir in Uzbekistan, causing extensive flooding. To help the local people, staff members of the Chinese Embassy in Uzbekistan and teachers and students in Guangdong University of Foreign Studies donated supplies for them. The kind act is another touching chapter of mutual help between the two countries, and once again proves that if you treat others sincerely, you will be treated sincerely in turn. I am confident that if the international community stays united and countries help each other, people of the world will overcome the huge challenges imposed by the disease. (Murodjon Kenjebaev is an Uzbek student majoring in Arabic in Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.) (Interviewed and compiled by Jing Yi, Peoples Daily) By Cate Cadell and Roxanne Liu BEIJING, June 4 (Reuters) - China said 300 symptomless carriers of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, the epicentre of the pandemic, had not been found to be infectious, in a bid to reassure people as countries ease restrictions. But some experts say asymptomatic infections are common, presenting a huge challenge in the control of the disease. WHAT IS ASYMPTOMATIC AND PRE-SYMPTOMATIC? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200402-sitrep-73-covid-19.pdf asymptomatic cases as those who don't show symptoms but have been confirmed infected through a lab test. WHO notes there are few reports of truly asymptomatic cases. The incubation period, or the time a person takes to show symptoms after getting infected, is the pre-symptomatic phase, the WHO says. Carriers can infect others during this period. Health experts are not yet sure whether asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic cases are infectious. Some say data so far suggests those cases are probably equally likely to be able to spread infection. The WHO agrees that pre-symptomatic carriers are infectious, and adds that there is also a possibility - although little evidence so far - that people who are asymptomatic may also transmit the virus. The WHO had said in early April that there had been no documented asymptomatic transmissions. WHAT ELSE DOES CHINA SAY? China has reported around 83,000 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. It does not include asymptomatic cases in that total official count, but began reporting them separately on a daily basis on March 31. That has raised concerns about Beijing's commitment to transparency, and some experts say it could also paint a misleading picture of how the virus spreads. "If you watch (such asymptomatic cases) really closely, you would see something ... that probably fits with a more realistic mild disease than a complete asymptomatic," Ian Mackay, a virologist at the University of Queensland said. Story continues "But the term is around now and it's going to stick. It's a nice piece of theatre, but I don't think it's going to give useful information." Asymptomatic cases under medical observation in China dropped to 357 as of Tuesday from 1,541 as of March 30. Wuhan has tested almost its entire population of 11 million and found no new COVID-19 cases. Wuhans low rate of symptomless carriers is in line with China's previous reporting, said Zhong Nanshan, the government's senior medical adviser, adding that the result showed that the country didn't cover up the epidemic as some U.S. politicians claimed. HOW ABOUT REST OF ASIA? Some countries in Asia include asymptomatic carriers in their total confirmed cases. In Vietnam, which has just over 300 COVID-19 cases, almost 37% were symptomless, according to health ministry data. Researchers concluded that asymptomatic infection was common and found two asymptomatic patients had infected at least four other people. South Korea, which had early success in taming the outbreak through aggressive testing, said 20%-30% were asymptomatic. A senior health official said the virus could be widely transmitted during the incubation period, but asymptomatic patients were less likely to transmit it. Singapore, which has the highest number of cases in Southeast Asia, does not give data on asymptomatic cases but has said an overwhelming majority of positive cases in its crowded migrant workers' dormitories show mild or no symptoms. The Philippines said about 13% of its nearly 19,000 cases were asymptomatic. In India, some 28% of 40,184 people who tested positive between Jan. 22 and April 30 were asymptomatic, according to a study. (Reporting by Cate Cadell and Roxanne Liu in Beijing; Additional reporting by Kate Kelland in London, John Mair in Sydney, James Pearson in Hanoi, John Geddie in Singapore, Neil Jerome Morales in Manila, Sangmi Cha in Seoul, Rocky Swift in Tokyo, Devjyot Ghoshal in New Delhi and Miyoung Kim in Singapore; Writing by Sayantani Ghosh in Singapore; Editing by Kim Coghill) 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 Wholly-owned subsididary CannaCure Sciences releases new essential oil blend with antibacterial and antiviral properties SHERDAN, WY / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2020 / Imperalis Holding Corp. (OTC PINK:IMHC), a premium cannabinoid wellness company, is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary CannaCure Sciences has launched a new product in light of the current situation and the growing demand to protect ourselves and those around us from viruses. Antiviral Guard Essential Oil Blend is a proprietary blend of Tea Tree oil, Eucalyptus oil, Cinnamon oil, and Lemongrass oil. Each one of these pure essential oils contains anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and when combined acts as an essential oil antiviral blend that can be used in a cool mister also known as a diffuser. Viruses tend to begin in the nose and then move to the throat before they start attacking the whole body. Essential oils are known to be natural anti-viral agents and by using them in a vaporizer with hydrogen peroxide and water, they can help coat the nose and fight viruses. These oils have also been shown to positively support our immune system by, enhancing its ability to ward off infecting microbes. According to a study, a number of essential oils have been shown to have anti-viral activity, and these essential oils are rich in a class of molecules called 'monoterpines'. They are effective in inactivating enveloped viruses. (1) The virus which causes the flu each year is an enveloped virus. While tea tree oil is known mostly for its antibacterial action, research in the medical journal Molecules discovered in a laboratory setting, these essential oils also prevents influenza viruses from entering test cells, which could reduce the likelihood of getting sick. Cinnamon essential oil has also been found to be effective against multiple virus strains. A study published in the medical journal MicrobiologyOpen, found that cinnamon essential oil was effective against flu viruses when combined with eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils. (2) "This is a time of great unease that has currently surrounded our health and wellness as a whole. The current pandemic is the defining global health crisis of our time. Many of us are now more vigilant than ever about our health. It is the company's desire to provide consumers with an added line of defense for home or office spaces that may help them fight off viruses, including the flu. This is in no way a cure to the coronavirus. According to the CDC, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended at this time. Numerous scientific studies however have shown that essential oils can be effective antiviral agents," commented Vincent Andreula, CEO Imperalis Holding Corp. "For years aromatherapy and essential oils have yielded some promising results when it comes to fighting viruses and bacteria. Furthermore these oils have shown to be effective for multiple health and wellness problems, as well as emotional distress disorders" Andreula added. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils or their use, therefore the company's new product has not been FDA approved. About Imperalis Holding Corp. Imperalis Holding Corp. (the "Company") is a cannabinoid wellness company, born in the great state of New Hampshire. The company has a wholly-owned subsidiary called CannaCure Sciences that believes that everyone has the right to pure, natural skin and hair care products; free of harsh chemicals and preservatives. CannaCure Sciences CBD is a full-spectrum hemp extract rich in cannabinoids to promote wellness from the inside out. Our CBD is completely THC free and is legal in all 50 states. Our products are crafted by hand, using only natural ingredients like coconut oil, hemp oil, black seed oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Considering that the average person uses 6-12 products with over 168 different chemicals in them every morning, the company has made it their mission to provide you with alternative products to help you cut down on the amounts of potentially harmful substances entering your body on a daily basis. For more information, please visit our website: https://cannacuresciences.com/ You can view this and all of our products on our site https://cannacuresciences.com/ FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any assumption could be inaccurate and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the objectives and plans of the Company will be achieved. Contact: Investor Relations 888-662-8444 info@cannacuresciences.com 1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19653195 2. https://www.alive.com/health/the-top-9-antiviral-essential-oils/ SOURCE: Imperalis Holding Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/591468/Imperalis-Holding-Corp-IMHC-Launches-New-Antiviral-Guard-Essential-Oil-Blend-to-Help-Fight-Off-Viral-Infections Channel 10 have revealed that Bachelor In Paradise will air 'very soon'. The third season of the show, which was filmed last November in Fiji, was initially meant to air in April but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. An exciting new teaser on Wednesday hinted at an imminent air date and revealed which stars will be starring on the spin-off and who hooks up with who. It's coming! Channel 10 have revealed that Bachelor In Paradise will air 'very soon'. An exciting new teaser on Wednesday hinted at an imminent air date and revealed which stars will be starring on the spin-off and who hooks up with who. Pictured: Abbie Chatfield Abbie Chatfield, Matt Agnew's runner-up on The Bachelor last year, looks set to dominate the show in the first week if the teaser is anything to go by. She strikes up a romance with cheeky Ciarran Stott, who appeared on Angie Kent's season of The Bachelorette, but things don't appear to go to plan. 'I came here for Ciarran, he's hot and such a naughty boy. He's mine and I'm going to get him,' Abbie says in the teaser trailer as she arrives at the villa. 'He's hot and such a naughty boy': Abbie sets her sights on Ciarran Stott (pictured). He is seen entering the villa naked with a bunch of grapes covering his modesty Awkward: But it appears that any romance between the pair is short-lived, as Ciarran later storms off from the group during a dinner party while Abbie looks frustrated. Ciarran is then seen kissing Jessica Brody in another clip The ad then cuts to Ciarran saying he wants to find someone he can 'fall in love with'. He is seen stripping naked as he enters the villa, proceeding to walk directly to Abbie while covering his modesty with a bunch of red grapes. But it appears that any romance between the pair is short-lived, as Ciarran later storms off from the group during a dinner party while Abbie looks frustrated. Ciarran is then seen kissing Jessica Brody in another clip. Love triangle gone wrong? The promo then featured Ciarran storming off the show Will they find love? The advert reveals several familiar faces set to star in the spin-off, including Helena Sauzier (left) and Brittany Hockley (right) Other stars featured in the trailer are Timm Hanly and Jamie Doran from Angie Kent's season of The Bachelorette last year. Timm reveals in the promo that he has set his sights on Brittany Hockley from Nick 'Honey Badger' Cummins' season of The Bachelor in 2018. Brittany is joined by former co-star Brittney Weldon, also from Nick's season of the show. Matt Agnew is set to be a hot topic of conversation, with his former suitresses Abbie, Jessica, Helena Sauzier, Cassandra Mamone and Mary Viturino all appearing on The Bachelor spin-off. The show is said to wrap with three couples returning to Australia together. Delayed: The third season of the show, which was filmed last November in Fiji , was initially meant to air in April but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic ALBANY Local leaders continue to ask for calm after a second round of violence broke out in the city early Tuesday morning. But later in the day Tuesday, in the wake of anger over the death of George Floyd during a Minneapolis police encounter days before, there were no large gatherings outside Albany's police station. At 5 p.m., there were three demonstrators, quietly holding cardboard signs and waving to people who honked in support. Two of them, both white, said they were from Delaware County. A third, a man, named Antonio, said he lives in Albany and brought his nine-year-old son to try and explain the dangers he faced growing up black. Antonio said this was his third day of protest. Its a cycle thats been going on and going on. He doesnt know any better. Why is he scared of the police? He doesnt really understand whats going on. Its on me as a father to bring him out and show him what the world is really about, he said. Along Central Avenue, most businesses had some or all of their windows boarded up. Anthony Capece, executive director of the Central Avenue Business Improvement District said he had been fielding questions and concerns from businesses damaged in the past few days. Some were wondering if the violence had passed. Were telling people to leave the plywood up, he said. Lets play it safe. Late Monday night and early Tuesday morning, police faced off with protesters for the second time in three days. The confrontation between the two sides came after a larger, peaceful protest earlier in the day in front of police headquarters on Henry Johnson Boulevard. In an attempt to pacify the demonstrators, Police Chief Eric Hawkins spoke with them and took a knee in solidarity with those protesting police brutality and Floyd's May 25 death. But protesters seemed dissatified with some of Hawkins answers. The protest became more tense as the night went on and protesters began to get more aggressive toward police. Officers repeatedly fired tear gas canisters at protesters after being hit with bricks, bottles and fireworks. One protester tried to light a box spring on fire and push it under a police SUV. Albany police later charged nine people with a variety of offenses, including attempted assault and inciting a riot for throwing bricks and rocks at officers near Quail and West streets. Police said four of those charged are from Albany, three are from Schenectady, one is from Clifton Park and one is from Rensselear It is the second time in three days that a protest - like many around the country that followed the death of Floyd, a black man who died after a police officer placed his knee over his neck - turned violent as the night went on. A confrontation late Saturday behind South Station led to vandalism throughout the South End neighborhood, downtown and Central Avenue. Tuesday morning outside of police headquarters, Mayor Kathy Sheehan said the city was taking steps to create a way for residents to express their opinions on the recent protests, their experiences with the city police department and what changes they believed the city and the department need to make. The coronavirus pandemic makes that more difficult because of the need to avoid large public gatherings. I know there are residents who are concerned about what they saw and what they heard and what they experienced, she said. Later Tuesday morning, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy called for pastors and community leaders across the Capital Region to help bring people together. Both he and county Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen addressed recent protests and said government leaders have more work to do when it comes to dismantling systemic racism. But McCoy claimed repeatedly Tuesday that violence, looting and property destruction are doing more harm than good. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Im not going to try to walk in your shoes, he said. Im not going to try to tell you how you should feel. I understand the protests around this whole great country of ours and why people are protesting. But please do it safely, and do it where were not breaking into businesses and damaging cars and burning buildings down. Thats not the right message. Its not the right message. McCoy urged people to listen to comments made Monday by Floyds younger brother in Minneapolis, in which he urged people to engage in peaceful protests and condemned violence. "If Im not over here wilin out, if Im not over here blowing up stuff, if Im not over here messing up my community then what are yall doing? Terrence Floyd said. Nothing, because thats not going to bring my brother back at all." Many activists have argued that riots are an understandable consequence of pleas for change going ignored for so long. But as protests stretch into their second week, calls for both change and calm are growing louder and more urgent. McCoy said early Tuesday that the Albany County Interfaith Council, a group he convened in 2016 amid a nationwide rash of public bigotry toward minority groups, would host a socially distanced call for peace and tolerance at 5 p.m. at the Moses statue in Albanys Washington Park. Roughly two hours before it was set to begin, however, county officials said it had been postponed and did not respond to a question about why. Asked whether the county would implement any policy changes or repeals in response to protesters demands for change, McCoy said there are policy, health and quality of life issues that need to be looked at but offered no specifics. Whalen, who has normally discussed the threats posed by coronavirus during McCoys daily Facebook briefings, took time Tuesday to address the national unrest. I feel today it is important for me to discuss another public health threat a public health threat that we have worked within the county to address for as long as I have been working and long before that, she said. And that public health threat is racism and racism is real. The killing of George Floyd was a despicable act that has angered the entire country. But a large part of this anger is due to an underlying systemic problem that occurs across this country and that is racism. She noted that racism has an impact on physical and mental health, and that minority health disparities are fueled by systemic racism in housing, education, criminal justice and employment. The disproportionate impact of coronavirus on the countys black population is the latest evidence of this, she said. The county has sought to address the impacts of racism on health, she said, through the formation of task forces and listening forums on issues such as maternal mortality, as well as through community education on health conditions that disproportionately impact minority communities such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. I think that we have, within the work that we do every day, established a good start and we have made this part of our mission, she said. But I would like to say today that we know we can improve. We know that we still have a long way to go. And really the actions of the last week have shown me that in a way that nothing else ever has. A s Black Lives Matter protests sweep the UK, calls for improved education have also become increasingly amplified. Many argue that education is a critical tool in remedying the nation's structures of systemic racism. With this in mind, initiatives focusing on school curricula are demanding that current gaps in the syllabus be addressed by including a more balanced account of Black British history. One such initiative is The Black Curriculum, launched in January 2019 by Lavinya Stennett. Stennett developed her organisation after studying for a degree at SOAS University of London, and was driven in part by the glaring inadequacies in her own school education. Black Lives Matter protestors in Hyde Park / PA Black history was taught as part of Black History Month, but this was mainly limited to the topics of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement in the US: It really is just to do with slavery which is an important part of history, we do need to learn about it. But I dont think thats enough for young people." Stennett wants a more consistent focus on Black British history in school curricula. The Black Curriculum explains that this step is crucial to both improving "social cohesion between young people" and in making sure that every young person in the UK is provided with "a sense of belonging and identity" within the context of their national history. "Change can only begin to happen when society understands the facts of colonialism and how it still underpins current economic and legal structures, as well as beliefs and patterns of behaviour present in our society." "Black history, in a consistent and nuanced way is a solution to institutional racism, allowing us to come to terms with a history that has informed our current society." A statement on The Black Curriculum website reads: "The outcomes of young people in the UK are affected by the implicit racial bias within the curriculum. When young people are not taught their history within Britain, their sense of identity and belonging is negatively impacted and social relations, hindered. "A 2007 report on the over-representation of young Black people in the criminal justice system demonstrated the link between these shortcomings in the curriculum as causing underachievement and disaffection. A proposed remedy suggested that the government should ensure history lessons are relevant to all young people in Britain. Here, we recognise that Black history is British history and therefore aim to reflect this in our work. Both The Windrush Review and The Macpherson Report (produced in 1999 in the wake of the racially motivated murder of Stephen Lawrence) recommended that Black history should form a more integral role in school syllabuses. But The Black Curriculum has argued that even twenty years later, "no significant advancements" have been made in this area. Some might even claim the opposite, noting examples of backward steps such as the proposed removal of Victorian nurse Mary Seacole from school curricula in late 2012. In light of current events, The Black Curriculum have been increasing pressure on the government to implement educational change. Black Lives Matter protestors in Hyde Park / PA Stennett has urged Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to take note of the protests and "throw that into how the curriculum is taught." Her calls are being echoed nationwide, with initiatives such as Fill in the Blanks receiving a surge of interest on social media. Petitions for changes to the curriculum are also being shared widely online, including this one calling for the correct teaching of British Imperialism, and this one suggesting updates to the GCSE reading list. Our Migration Story, a website run by Claire Alexander, seeks to tell the stories of the migrants who have shaped British history. Of her aims, Alexander said: My concern is the need to mainstream this across the curriculum. In the last few years the way history has been taught has been very narrow. Teachers feel their training is not sufficiently diverse. They are worried about saying the wrong thing. Theres a real need for more centralised support in making sure people know this is a really important question for young people and in supporting teachers in their training to teach these histories in a sensible way. Reuters Stennett has similarly called for centralised government support in implementing these changes, arguing that the onus should not be placed solely on schools faced with budget cuts and teachers who are not confident in teaching the topics correctly. Independent think tank Runnymede Trust has supported these calls, with senior policy office Kimberly McIntosh claiming that a better appreciation of Black British history has "never been more urgent." Visit The Black Curriculum website to find an outline of their proposed topics, and more information about how you can get involved with their mission. 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 The distraught family of an indigenous teenager who had his legs kicked from beneath him during an arrest demand the officer involved is charged. The 16-year-old's mother, father and older sister fronted a press conference on Wednesday where they revealed they would take legal action if an internal police inquiry doesn't result in charges against the officer. On Tuesday, police revealed they had stood down the officer involved in the arrest after Daily Mail Australia published the confronting video. The teenager told an officer he would 'crack you in the f**king jaw, bro', following a verbal altercation at Eddie Ward Park in Surry Hills about 5pm on Monday. In response, the officer handcuffed him and kicked his legs from underneath him at the same time, sending the boy tumbling face first into the footpath below. His older sister told media that watching the footage for the first time was 'chilling.' The boy's family and other members of his legal team took a knee during a press conference on Wednesday to pay respects to other people who they believe had been unfairly targeted The 16-year-old's mother, father and older sister fronted a press conference on Wednesday where they revealed they would take legal action if an internal police inquiry doesn't result in charges against the officer 'We're all feeling anger that we can't express and sadness that we live in a society where that is normal,' she said. Police suspended the officer involved pending an investigation from the Professional Standards Command, and held meetings with the community and local elders about the investigation. But the family are calling for an external investigation into the actions of the officer, and want to be informed about the consequences for the other cops who witnessed the arrest. Human rights lawyer George Newhouse for the National Justice Project on Wednesday confirmed the family would pursue private prosecution if the officer is not charged with assault. While rare, the spokesman said the family had every right to commence private legal proceedings to have charges laid if police fail to do so. The teen's father said the footage took him back to his own childhood, where he claims he was often targeted by authorities as a teenager A 16-year-old boy suffered a chipped tooth and bruising all over his body after he was thrown to the ground by a police officer The teen's father said the footage took him back to his own childhood, where he claims he was often targeted by authorities. 'My son experienced this and I experienced this in my life as a young 17 or 19-year-old,' he said. 'But them days, we didn't have what we have today.' The boy, who suffered chipped teeth and bruises across his body during the altercation, 'wants to do things that other white kids do, but there is no opportunity,' his father said. Instead, according to his family, he is made to feel like he is in a 'prison made up of the whole world'. According to his family, he is made to feel like he is in a 'prison made up of the whole world' Following his arrest, the family claim he was taken to holding cells before being transferred to St Vincent's Hospital via ambulance, where he spent the night waiting for results from x-rays to his shoulder, knee and elbow. 'As Aboriginal people, we experience extra obligation to answer to people. Who we are, where we're going, what we're doing even when we're just walking along,' his mother said. The teen was released without charge following his arrest and taken to St Vincent's Hospital for treatment. His sister said the boy was distraught and his teeth were chipped during the ordeal. 'When he came back home later that night, he was shaken up,' she said. 'He was very sore this morning and he was distraught. 'Teenagers, they're lippy, but you don't just abuse children because they're lippy.' Family member of Aboriginal boy allegedly assaulted by a NSW cop is seen with NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge at Parliament House on Wednesday NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller (pictured) on Wednesday admitted there were 'other ways' the officer could have dealt with the matter, other than the leg sweep Police are conducting an internal investigation into the officer's approach to the arrest, and placed him on restricted duties for the duration of the investigation. Earlier on Wednesday, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller on Wednesday admitted there were 'other ways' the officer could have dealt with the matter, other than the leg sweep. Mr Fuller said the officer in question had worked in the force for three-and-a-half years and had no record of complaints, and likely regretted the way he arrested the teen. 'This is a case of two things - is it reasonable for someone to swear and threaten a police officer? And then, is the force the officer used reasonable?' Mr Fuller told 2GB Radio. 'I don't know what happened before in terms of the lead-up but there was probably other ways the officer could have dealt with that matter, no doubt. 'I totally accept that officers need to show restraint.' Footage of the arrest was captured on a mobile phone and posted on social media. A bystander can be heard yelling: 'You just slammed him on his face. He's in pain.' Footage shows the officer, who was patrolling in Surry Hills in Sydney at the time, swipe the feet from underneath the man during the arrest (left). While on the floor, the young man appeared to struggle to manoeuvre his arms behind his back and was wailing (right) The day after the crackdown produced one of the most indelible images in the history of visual journalism: a lone man in a white shirt standing in the way of four tanks. At the Hong Kong vigils that followed, though, it was another iconic image from Tiananmen Square, this one more hopeful, that was often highly visible the 10-meter-tall Goddess of Democracy, inspired by the Statue of Liberty, which had stood over the Beijing protesters and was smashed in the crackdown. Year after year, the vigils in Hong Kong drew enormous crowds. Those attending were not only commemorating the deaths in Beijing but embodying the rights given them for 50 years in the 1997 handover agreement between Britain and China freedom of assembly and a free press which had always seemed fragile with an authoritarian giant next door. Last years vigil was both particularly large and extra poignant; it came less than three months after the introduction of a bill in Hong Kongs Legislature that would have allowed the extradition of criminal suspects to China. That bill, since withdrawn, incited the protests that have swept Hong Kong. UC is dropping the SAT and ACT as admission requirements but many students plan to take the tests anyway. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Marcy Zaldana, a college counselor at Washington Preparatory High School, had big news for her 11th-graders during a Zoom meeting last week: The University of California had just dropped SAT and ACT testing requirements for admission. The students erupted in cheers, she said. The South L.A. high school educates mostly low-income, black and Latino students who would be the first in their families to attend college the youths who, research shows, face bias in standardized tests, potentially hurting their college admission chances. But their elation evaporated with Zaldanas next words: Take the test anyway. I told them you should consider taking the SAT if you want to have more options, the college counselor said. They thought it was like a free ride and I said no, no, no. The recent decision by UC regents to drop the SAT and ACT requirements for admission to the nations premier public research university system reverberated across the nation, fueling expectations that other colleges would follow suit and strike a blow at the billion-dollar standardized testing industry. This is a huge moment an industry disrupter, said Angel B. Perez, a vice president at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., who is the CEO-elect of the National Assn. for College Admission Counseling. Many of us who are passionate about the test-optional movement think its going to create more access for students, make the college application process simpler and might also diversify campuses. But its far from clear how quickly such changes might come if they do. Like Zaldana, many college counselors haven't much altered their advice: Keep studying. Take the exams. And, unless theyre disastrous, submit your scores. There are a whole lot of schools outside the UC system and a lot of them require the SAT, said Lynda McGee, a college counselor at Downtown Magnets High School. Added Heather Brown, a counselor at Los Angeles High School: If you say you dont need the test, youre locking the kids into one school system. Story continues The demand for tests even amid coronavirus-related suspensions of the requirement at the UC, California State University and other colleges throughout the country remains high, causing trouble for the College Board. It canceled March, May and June tests due to the pandemic, and testing officials said they may not be able to offer a test to all students who want to take it. On Tuesday, they asked college admissions officers to hold harmless students who can't take it in time for application deadlines. The UC system began requiring the SAT for admissions a half-century ago, but many critics have long debated its value, expressing concern about consistent research showing that race, income and parental educational levels heavily influence the exam. The ACT and College Board, which owns the SAT, argue that their exams offer a uniform and useful tool to help predict college success and that disparate test scores among students reflect inequities in access to quality education. But the UC regents rebuffed those arguments and unanimously approved a five-year plan to phase out the testing requirement. The exams will be optional for the next two years. The UC will go test-blind for California students in years three and four, meaning scores will not be considered for admission even if submitted. By 2025, the UC hopes to develop a new test. The UC system, with 285,000 students on 10 campuses, is by far the largest institution to go test-optional. They join more than 1,200 colleges that will not require standardized tests for fall 2021 applicants, although about 200 of them adopted the policy this year amid the coronavirus crisis. The momentum is fueled by growing research about the positive effects of test-optional policies, said Bob Schaeffer, public education director for FairTest, the National Center for Fair and Open Testing. A 2018 study of 28 public and private colleges and universities found that test-optional policies increased applications and the diversity of applicants. About one-fourth of applicants chose not to submit scores; they were disproportionately female, low-income, first-generation and underrepresented minority students. They were often admitted at lower rates than those who submitted scores but ended up graduating at equal or higher rates, according to the study by the national college admissions counseling group. Most admissions experts say there is little if any downside to taking the test, particularly since the College Board offers two free SAT tests for low-income students. Even Shaeffer of FairTest recommends that students at least see where they stand with a practice test, which the College Board and the online Khan Academy offer for free. Lauren Cook of the Western Assn. for College Admission Counseling suggests researching a schools average SAT scores to help decide whether to submit them. But McGee, at Downtown Magnets, said she encourages her students to submit scores below the average because colleges do use nuance and context in evaluating them. UCLA, she said, has admitted her students with SAT scores in the 1300 range about average for the bottom quartile of admitted freshmen but high compared with her high schools average score of 1050. UCLA knows our school, McGee said. They know our kids are not going to have money for test prep. Indeed, working with high school counselors is one of the most important things students should do to figure out whether to submit scores, according to Youlonda Copeland-Morgan, UCLA vice provost of enrollment management. Copeland-Morgan and several other UC admissions directors say there are no hard and fast rules about test scores but emphasize they will not look negatively at those who don't submit them. While many testing opponents openly call the exams racist, UC admissions officials mitigate the negative impact on disadvantaged students by admitting them at higher rates than more advantaged peers and weighting grades more heavily than test scores, a UC Academic Senate review found. Olufemi Ogundele, UC Berkeley assistant vice chancellor and director of undergraduate admissions, said his campus considers test scores alongside 13 other factors in evaluating applications, as do other UC schools. Half of Berkeleys admitted students last fall hit SAT test scores in the 96% percentile or above. But Ogundele said the idea of a threshold qualifying score could be problematic. Students should submit all of the pieces of the application that they believe speak to who they are, he said. If you are proud of your test score, no matter what that score is, you should submit it. Admission officers are much more interested in students showcasing their excellence both in and outside of the classroom rather than those seeking perfection on standardized tests. UC Santa Barbara admissions director Lisa Przekop said students should consider submitting test scores that help them tell their stories. For instance, she said, those who are passionate about science, technology, engineering and math might explain what theyve done to prepare for those fields and mention their math scores. At UC Riverside, students should generally err on the side of submitting scores, according to Emily Engelschall, director of undergraduate admissions. Even if a total score doesn't reach a particular level, she said, strength in one area could add value to the application. And scores that don't help won't be used in the admissions decision, she said. UC admissions experts say application readers will be trained to avoid negative judgments about students who dont submit scores. Perez learned firsthand not to make assumptions when he worked in admissions at Pitzer College and students told him they hit perfect test scores but chose not to submit them because they philosophically disagreed with standardized exams. But people bring their own story to admissions work, he said, invariably leading to biases that must be recognized and neutralized through training. And those biases can vary widely. One application reader at a campus Perez declined to name didnt much like cheerleaders so passed their applications to others to handle. Extroverts are so favored by admissions officers that Perez had his staff read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Cant Stop Talking by Susan Cain to help them adjust their views. Such assurances, however, dont necessarily make the testing issue any easier for students. Lizbeth Gallegos, a Washington Prep junior, said she was initially thrilled to learn that UC was dropping the SAT and ACT requirements. But shes going to take the SAT again anyway, even though she bombed her first try in March scoring about 800, the 10th percentile, an outcome that broke my heart, she said. She spent weeks preparing for the exam through a USC tutoring program and online practice but was so nervous on test day that she mismanaged her time and finished only about 30% of the questions before hastily guessing at the rest. Lizbeth said shes determined to keep at it because UC campuses aren't the only ones on her college wish list. Even if I do bad the second time, Ill try, she said, and if I dont get the score I want, Ill take it a third time. by Vladimir Rozanskij He will take over from Msgr. Celestino Migliore. In recent years, Russian Catholics have experienced a period of relative flowering, thanks to good relations with the state, the Orthodox Church and other religions. After tense relations between Moscow and Constantinople, the Vatican can offer a role of "ecumenical bridge" between the divergent poles of Orthodoxy. Controversy continues over the security measures for the pandemic in the Orthodox Church Moscow (AsiaNews) - Msgr. Giovanni DAniello, a 65-year-old Neapolitan, former nuncio to Brazil, was appointed new apostolic nuncio to Russia by Pope Francis on 1 June. The news was welcomed in Russian press: Nezavisimaja Gazeta writes that the new Vatican representative is "specialized in developing countries", and is therefore particularly suitable for Russia in post-Covid reconstruction. Born in 1955 in Aversa (CE), Msgr. D'Aniello (photo 1) succeeds Mgr. Celestino Migliore, destined for the nunciature of Paris at the beginning of the year. In his diplomatic service he has served in Congo, Thailand, Cambodia and Brazil; he speaks five languages, but not Russian, which he will be forced to learn on the field. D'Aniello is the sixth representative of the Holy See in Russia since 1990, and the successor of the first full-fledged nuncio. In recent years, Russian Catholics have experienced a period of relative flowering, thanks to good relations with the state, the Orthodox Church and other religions. The four Russian dioceses are run by well-experienced bishops, and perhaps in view of some replacement: the veteran is Msgr. Josif Werth in Novosibirsk, in office in 1991, followed by Msgr. Clemens Pickel in Saratov (1999), Msgr. Cyryl Klimowicz in Irkutsk (2003) and Msgr. Paolo Pezzi in Moscow (2007). The approximately 300 parishes, opened in the 1990s, are now celebrating the jubilees of the 20 or 25 years since their opening, with a new generation of Catholics now well formed. The nuncio will have to ensure the accreditations of the foreign missionaries, which are still numerous, but he will be able to count on many native priests. Relations with the Patriarchate of Russia have significantly improved in recent years, after the meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill (Gundjaev) in Havana in 2016. In recent years, the conflict that has led the Russian Church to stop relations with the ecumenical patriarchate of Constantinople has made ecclesial relations between Moscow and Rome even more significant, especially in cultural and humanitarian collaboration, together with the role of "ecumenical bridge" that the Vatican can offer between the divergent poles of global Orthodoxy. The Russian Church has particularly suffered from the acute phase of the coronavirus pandemic, suffering significant and numerous losses. Still in these days, the number of positive cases in Russia remains very high, above 8 thousand per day, with over 100 daily deaths. The latest clergyman to have died of the virus is one of the oldest bishops in service since Soviet times, the 89-year-old metropolitan of Chuvashja Varnava (Kedrov, photo 2), a great protagonist of the rebirth of the Church in a very delicate area of European Russia, close to the Volga River, the Urals and the concentration camps. Controversy over the suspension of liturgical celebrations during the quarantine also continues apace. By patriarchal decree, these measures will end on June 8 (from June 2 in the Muscovite cathedrals of the Holy Savior and the Epiphany in Elokhovo). The metropolitan of Saratov Longin (Korchagin) had to intervene in the press, with an interview with the Pravmir agency, to reassure everyone that he was not a "Covid-dissident", but that he had only "some objections to everything that happened in this period, and to be against all forms of psychological hysteria and terrorism . In his view, there was an "excess of measures, the effectiveness of which was rather little demonstrated". In the Saratov metropolis the churches remained open, but the faithful "most at risk of infection" were advised not to come, while observing hygiene protection measures. The civil authorities of Saratov have openly disagreed with Metropolitan Longin, but the patriarchate has not launched any investigation into him. 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 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 09:23:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SYDNEY, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people took to the streets in Australia on Tuesday evening, in solidarity with demonstrations taking place in the United States over police violence against minorities. As they marched through Sydney, the protesters chanted, "I can't breath" and "black lives matter," the same slogans heard across the United States as demonstrations continued there. Australia's own issues with police misconduct were also on the agenda, with many displaying the Aboriginal flag in recognition of the high rates of indigenous incarceration and deaths in custody. The demonstrations remained peaceful and many of those in attendance wore masks to protect against the spread of COVID-19. "How many deaths in custody have we had and how many cops have stood up for us?" indigenous Gadigal man, Tristan Field told the crowd before the march. "We need a huge upheaval right now, we need to stop black people dying in this country and around the world because it is just unjust." Despite making up only 2 percent of the Australian population, First Nations Peoples represent approximately 27 percent of the prison population. The local protest came just hours after video went viral of an indigenous teenager being knocked to the ground by police in the State of New South Wales (NSW). Police are investigating the incident which appeared to involve the boy threatening officers before being violently restrained. Enditem Thursday 4 June marks 31 years since the Chinese People's Liberation Army crushed peaceful protests at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. In mainland China, commemorations of the event have been effectively wiped out. But in Hong Kong there are still annual vigils to remember what is called the Tiananmen Square Massacre. This year, for the first time, the gathering in Victoria Park will not be allowed by the Hong Kong authorities. Hong Kong police on Monday banned an upcoming vigil marking the anniversary of the events in Tiananmen Square. The official reason: the coronavirus pandemic. It is the first time ever that the gathering, first started after Chinese troops staged a bloody crackdown against protesters in 1989, won't be held. The candlelight 4 June vigil usually attracts huge crowds and is the only place on Chinese soil where Beijing tolerates such a major commemoration of the anniversary. Slideshow by an anonymous eyewitness to the protests at Tiananmen Square in the spring of 1989 The gathering last year was especially large and preceded seven months of increasingly violent pro-democracy protests that paralysed the city and its economy. Major threat Police refused permission for this year's rally saying it would "constitute a major threat to the life and health of the general public," according to a letter of objection to organisers obtained by the French news agency, AFP. Last week, Hong Kong once again erupted in a series of violent clashes after Beijing's National People's Congress announced it would adopt regulations governing Hong Kong's national security. Hong Kong police were quick to support the legislative decision. The Commissioner of the force, Tang Ping-keung, said in a statement on the Hong Kong police's website that he'd be happy to work with China's disciplinary forces under the Security Bureau in maintaining national security, adding that since June 2019, opposition to the proposed legislative amendments has led to massive violent protests, resulting in 14 cases involving explosives and five cases involving seizure of genuine firearms and ammunition. The explosives seized were commonly used in terrorist attacks overseas, adds the statement. 'Hong Kong independence' Criminals even detonated bombs at hospital toilets and on crowded public transport. Facing the riots and extreme separation forces of 'Hong Kong independence' stemmed from the social incidents against the extradition bill, police deeply realised that Hong Kong is at the risk point of national security and there is a need to take effective measures to prevent the situation from deteriorating. The wording of the statement ominously resembles remarks by Beijing's leaders in the run-up to the Tiananmen Square crackdown when, in a notorious editorial in the state-run People's Daily, the leadership declared the demonstrations to be disturbances, soon followed by other propaganda articles calling it a counterrevolutionary rebellion that was instigated by a small handful of ruffians. Eventually, the mayor of Beijing imposed martial law on 21 May, and then strongman Deng Xiaoping ordered troops of the People's Liberation Army to clear the square on 4 June, killing over a hundred people during an advance with tanks and armed personnel carriers. Foreign hostile forces Organisers of this year's commemoration accused police of using the Covid-19 virus as an excuse to ban the rally. "I don't see why the government finds political rallies unacceptable while it gave green lights to resumption of schools and other services ranging from catering, karaoke to swimming pools," said Lee Cheuk-yan, chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Democratic Movement in China which has organised every vigil since 1990. Three decades on, the Tiananmen crackdown remains one of the most sensitive subjects inside mainland China. If it is mentioned at all, it is euphemistically referred to as the Tiananmen incident that was instigated by foreign hostile forces using a small minority of troublemakers. Double standards Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam accused the United States of applying double standards in its response to violent protests as she warned Washington's plan to place trade restrictions on the city, one of the world's major financial centres, would "only be hurt their own interests". "We have seen most clearly in recent weeks the double standards that are around," Lam told reporters during a press conference. "You know there are riots in the United States and we see how local governments reacted. And then in Hong Kong, when we had similar riots, we saw what position they adopted then," she said. Washington has been critical of Hong Kong's response to the demonstrations with US President Donald Trump last week vowing to end the city's special trading status as a reaction to Beijing's national security law. Former President George W. Bush in a statement on Tuesday condemned the ongoing presence of racism in the US while urging Americans against "looting" and "destruction." Bush's statement came amid ongoing, nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd. Floyd, a black man, died after a white Minneappolis police officer knelt on his neck for eight minutes. "It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country," Bush said. George W. Bush Former President George W. Bush speaks during the Presidential Leadership Scholars graduation event at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, June 27, 2019. Sergio Flores/Reuters Former President George W. Bush on Tuesday spoke out against systemic racism and America's "tragic failures" in a statement regarding the death of George Floyd and subsequent, nationwide protests. "Laura and I are anguished by the brutal suffocation of George Floyd and disturbed by the injustice and fear that suffocate our country. Yet we have resisted the urge to speak out, because this is not the time for us to lecture. It is time for us to listen. It is time for America to examine our tragic failures and as we do, we will also see some of our redeeming strengths," Bush said in the statement. Floyd, a black man, died last week after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for roughly eight minutes. The disturbing incident, caught on video, sparked outrage across the country. There have been protests over Floyd's death, and police brutality more generally, in virtually every major city over the course of the past week. "It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country," Bush said. "It is a strength when protesters, protected by responsible law enforcement, march for a better future." "How do we end systemic racism in our society? The only way to see ourselves in a true light is to listen to the voices of so many who are hurting and grieving," the former president added. "Those who set out to silence those voices do not understand the meaning of America or how it becomes a better place." Story continues Bush said the "doctrine and habits of racial superiority" still threatens the country. Many of those who've participated in the George Floyd protests have done so peacefully, but the demonstrations have also turned violent at times and seen both looting and rioting. Meanwhile, as Americans protest police brutality, law enforcement across the nation have been recorded responding to the demonstrations with brutal force, including the use of tear gas, batons, and rubber bullets. Bush's statement came a day after peaceful protesters were tear-gassed outside of the White House to clear the way for President Donald Trump to take a photo at a nearby church, in a move that has sparked widespread criticism of the Trump administration. Trump on Monday threatened to deploy the US military if states are unable to quell the dissaray on their own. In his statement, Bush said that many have "good reason" to doubt the "justice of our country," as he simultaneously urged against rioting and violence. "Looting is not liberation, and destruction is not progress," Bush said. "But we also know that lasting peace in our communities requires truly equal justice. The rule of law ultimately depends on the fairness and legitimacy of the legal system. And achieving justice for all is the duty of all." Former President Barack Obama also recently released a statement on Floyd's death and the related unrest, offering thoughts on how the country can progress moving forward. "When we think about politics, a lot of us focus only on the presidency and the federal government," Obama wrote. "But the elected officials who matter most in reforming police departments and the criminal justice system work at the state and local levels." Read the original article on Business Insider Saudi Arabia is disturbed by reports of Houthi aid interference in Yemen, but is nonetheless going ahead with assistance to the war-torn country, including to Houthi-controlled regions, a top adviser to the Saudi royal court told Al-Monitor today. We want to see that the Houthi militias will actually respect the international humanitarian law, said Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, the supervisor general of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief). We will continue to work with our key partners, donors and UN agencies and others to do the necessary monitoring to minimize any divergence, he added. We believe that the Yemenis living in those regions deserve our attention. KSRelief, established in 2015, has provided over $4 billion in humanitarian assistance to 51 countries on four continents. Most of that, over $3 billion, has been provided to Yemen. Saudi Arabia, which is leading a regional coalition in support of the southern-based government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi against Houthi separatists, co-hosted with the United Nations a virtual pledging conference this week to drum up humanitarian support for Yemen on Tuesday. The kingdom has been working closely with UN Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths to broker a political solution among Yemens warring parties. A cease-fire backed by the UN and the Saudi coalition announced in April has been challenged by separatists. The much-touted pledge drive Tuesday secured $1.35 billion from more than two dozen donor governments, just over half of what the UN said was required to keep its work in Yemen afloat through the end of the year. Riyadh has promised $500 million in humanitarian assistance, more than a third of all donations and by far the largest contribution from the conference. The situation in Yemen is desperate. Already, a shortage of funding has forced the World Food Program to scale back its aid deliveries in northern Yemen. Al Rabeeah said he believes pledging will continue outside of the conference, and his agency will try to move forward to minimize the closing of some of the important programs. KSRelief as you probably have known in the past will continue to add also some programs on a bilateral basis, he said. Every year, we go above our pledge, over. Al Rabeeah dismissed reports by the UN and human rights groups of Saudi-led forces deliberately targeting hospitals and civilians in the past, and said his government had increased financial assistance to Yemen amid the conflict. Theres no question that the health care system prior to the conflict was weak, and maybe now it is much weaker, Al Rabeeah said. I can assure you Saudi Arabia did not direct any airstrikes on the health care system. If it has happened, its by mistake and we do not shy from making that public to the media. We coordinate with many UN and non-UN agencies to ensure that vital, important structures will not be targeted. Humanitarian aid flowing into Yemen, the poorest country in the region, has slowed during the past year amid concerns the Iran-aligned Houthi rebel group was obstructing aid deliveries. Al Rabeeah said his government received reports that the Houthis are using World Health Organization ambulances on the front lines and that they recently took WHO-supplied COVID-19 materials from the Sanaa airport to one of their military hospitals. A spokesperson in WHOs Yemen office confirmed to Al-Monitor that it was investigating both incidents and condemns the use of any donations outside the remit of health system. In May, the Donald Trump administration announced $225 million in funding for food assistance in southern Yemen, but didnt specify how the money would be allocated in the Houthi-held north. Al Rabeeah said he expects to see a substantial increase in American aid by the end of the year. The fighting since 2014 has killed as many as 100,000 people, pushed millions more to the brink of famine and created what the United Nations describes as the worlds biggest humanitarian emergency. Adding to Yemens woes, more than 400 registered cases of COVID-19 have aid organizations warning that the virus is spreading undetected throughout the country. More than 80 organizations are working with us in Yemen, Al Rabeeah said. We will continue to do so based on strong bonding between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. And I can assure you that Saudi Arabia will continue its support in all regions of Yemen, irrespective of who controls the region. The following is a lightly edited transcript of the interview, conducted by phone. Al-Monitor: Lets start with the total raised yesterday at the conference. It was just around half of what was pledged last year. What will this mean for the UN agencies whove already shuttered vital assistance programs, and have warned the cuts will continue without urgent funding? Al Rabeeah: Thank you for the question. I think we raised, according to what we have received from the UN, is $1.35 billion, a little bit above half of last year. As I mentioned yesterday, we still havent closed the pledging. I think the pledging will continue outside the arena of the conference. I hope this available money will start helping the agencies to proceed with and continue the important and essential work in Yemen. We will work with the UN and the leading international NGOs working hard in Yemen to encourage other donors who havent pledged to pledge, and also we will try to move forward to minimize the closing of some of the important programs. KSRelief as you probably have known in the past will continue to add also so me programs on a bilateral basis. Every year, we go above our pledge, over. Al-Monitor: Roughly 80% of Yemen is reliant on some form of humanitarian assistance. Do you believe that Saudi Arabia has an obligation to do more than others, given its role in the conflict? Al Rabeeah: Saudi Arabia before the conflict, and after the conflict, has always cared for Yemen and has always been the number one donor to Yemen. If we go over the past four decades, well find Saudi Arabia has been at the frontier of helping Yemen. Saudi Arabia did not go to Yemen to harm Yemen. Saudi Arabia went to Yemen to support the legally elected government, but tried to exhaust all of the political means to avoid the conflict. Now once the conflict is on, Saudi Arabia has escalated its support to Yemen. We have worked through the pledging conferences. We have worked outside the pledging conferences with supporting the economy, supporting the Central Bank of Yemen. Many projects as we speak are being implemented by KSRelief and partner organizations. More than 80 organizations are working with us in Yemen. We will continue to do so based on strong bonding between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. And I can assure you that Saudi Arabia will continue its support in all regions of Yemen, irrespective of who controls the region. Al-Monitor: Despite a low number of confirmed cases, the coronavirus is thought to be spreading undetected throughout Yemen. Hospitals in Aden are said to be overwhelmed with possible COVID patients. What is KSRelief doing during this time to support Yemens health infrastructure, much of which war monitors say has been badly damaged by years of fighting and coalition airstrikes? Al Rabeeah: Let me confirm that the KSRelief has started from the beginning of the COVID-19 announcement in Yemen, we have communicated with the health authorities in Yemen. And we started immediately to move essential items like PPEs [personal protective equipment], like diagnostic tools, like ventilators and more, trying to build the capacity of the Yemeni health care system, government and private sector. We are continuing to do so. In addition to that, we have also pledged $25 million for the fight and control of COVID-19. $10 million of that is in the pipeline to be signed very soon with the WHO. We are also negotiating with UNICEF and other organizations for also a similar agreement. Now, theres no question that the health care system prior to the conflict was weak, and maybe now it is much weaker. And I can assure you Saudi Arabia did not direct any air strikes on the health care system. If it has happened, its by mistake and we do not shy from making that public to the media. We coordinate with many UN and non-UN agencies to ensure that vital, important structures will not be targeted. Thats why the coalition has more than 64,000 non-strike zones. We will continue to support the health system in Yemen directly, and with the help of our partner UN and non-UN agencies. Al-Monitor: Many international donors, including the US, have cut funding over concerns that the Houthis are diverting and obstructing aid. The rebel group has offered some concessions, such as dropping the threat of a foreign aid tax. But what else do you need to see happen from the Houthis, so that donors can feel confident that their funding is reaching where its supposed to? Al Rabeeah: This is a very important point. We, like the US and European countries, are concerned about the diversion and also the obstruction of aid in Houthi-controlled regions. We have been disturbed in the last several days about seeing WHO ambulances being used in the front line of the fight, and this violates any principles of humanity. We have received also information yesterday that the COVID-19 materials supplied from WHO have been taken from the Sanaa airport to the military hospital of the militias. We want to see that the Houthi militias will actually respect the international humanitarian law, will ease the passage of humanitarian supplies reaching those who are in need, and we will continue to work with our key partners, donors and UN agencies and others to do the necessary monitoring to minimize any divergence. However, Saudi Arabia did not and will not stop the supply of aid to Houthi-controlled regions. We believe that the Yemenis living in those regions deserve our attention. Al-Monitor: The US did not announce new funding yesterday, but said it is working to provide additional aid. This comes as the Trump administration has said it will pull out of the World Health Organization, which of course does a lot of work supporting Yemens health care system. Are you satisfied with the US governments current level of financial assistance? Al Rabeeah: We have been negotiating with our friends in the US, and as you mentioned rightly, they have already pledged, as you know, $225 million, and they promised they will have additional funding. The US has been a very flexible and generous donor. We expect by the end of the year, a big number will increase. By all means, in the past we have seen very generous donations from the US. I think this will continue. With respect to WHO, we hope whatever limitations exist regarding the communications between the US government and WHO will be resolved so that this agency will continue to help those in need globally. Al-Monitor: Is there anything youd like to say that we didnt ask? Al Rabeeah: I saw one or two reports misunderstanding our pledge. I think I want to make it clear that the pledge of Saudi Arabia is 500 [million dollars]. All of the 500 is for the HRP 2020 [Humanitarian Response Plan 2020]. Two-thirds of it will be channeled through the UN system, and one-third will be channeled through the leading international NGOs who are working in Yemen. But all of the 500 is directed to Yemen HRP 2020. Al-Monitor: When will the funding be fulfilled for the $500 million? Al Rabeeah: We have already started negotiating with the UN and non-UN agencies. We want to hope that in the coming week or two, we will be able to sign the agreements that we sign regularly each year. And as soon as we sign them, we will be happy to move and transfer the money. There will be no limitations to move it, but we want to agree with them on the projects included in the HRP, so that we will move forward. Andrew Parasiliti contributed to this article. [June 03, 2020] Edufair by Eduguy Connects Over 2000 Students, 200 Courses In 40 Virtual Auditoriums to Their Dream Careers and Colleges NEW DELHI, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- An education fair right at home. Unbelievable, but that was the experience students had at Edufair, the first ever online education fair organised by Eduguy, India's first digital admission and career counselling platform. In view of the ongoing Lockdown situation and the prevailing pandemic pan-India and the world, Eduguy decided to organise the first ever online education fair on 30th May, 2020. Over 2,000 students, stuck in their homes and anxious about their future as admission processes in colleges remain stalled, joined Edufair. Through 10 hours of discussions and counselling, Edufair helped students and their parents decide what course of study was actually suitable for them to follow. The fair brought together about 40 colleges and institutions handling student queries across 40 virtual auditoriums on a single online platform from where aspiring students could find out everything they needed to know about with over 200 courses and subjects. Edufair provided a wonderful opportunity for students to virtually walk through the fair, hop on to any number of virtual auditoriums, attend discussions and talks by eminent speakers, speak to representatives of colleges and find institutions of their choice, all of this while sitting in the comfort of their homes. "Edufair is a fresh new concept by Eduguy that is technologically advanced that aims to bridge the gap between universities, institutions and the students. The prevailing Lockdown situation has taken a toll on admissions in colleges and caused immense anxiety among the student community, that is why Eduguy decided to create this connect called Edufair," sai Dr Suborno Bose, the CEO of Eduguy. Everything about Edufair was as good as real. A lobby, stalls, auditoriums and even a virtual coffee shop. There were stalls on over 200 different subjects and courses. Eminent speakers joined in at various times to speak about different subjects and career courses. There were 40 virtual auditoriums, where experts spoke on various subjects including the new and emerging trends in education in 2020. Running for 10 long hours, Edufair was the longest running virtual education fair from 11am till 8pm. Over 2,000 students joined in through the day, seeking help for admissions in various universities and colleges and eve seeking advice on a suitable career option for themselves. Edufair had over 200 streams to select from including BBA, BSc, Media and Films, Aviation, Fashion Designing, Jewellery Design and Gemology, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cyber Security, Hospitality, Pharmacy, Para Medical and so on. Enriching talk sessions by eminent education personalities and heads of institutions attracted most students. The speakers included Dr Suborno Bose, CEO, of the International Hospitality Council and CEO of Eduguy, Prof Saikat Maitra, Vice Chancellor, MAKAUT, Prof Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, VC, Sister Nivedita University, Chef Shaun Kenworthy, celebrity Chef and Culinary Director, International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), Atanu Ghosh, Founder Director and CEO, Blue Break Solutions and Dr Rana Singh, Vice Chancellor, Sanskriti University. "Probably for the first time, a virtual career fair, Edufair, was organised by Eduguy and MAKAUT was proud to be associated with this fair," said Prof Saikat Maitra, the VC of MAKAUT. EduFair by Eduguy :- https://www.facebook.com/EduGuyOfficial/videos/636927060228182/ BOILER PLATE About EduGuy Eduguy is a course and specific stream counselling venture for the students looking for careers and related admissions through analysis made by its exclusive tools which is powered by AI (Artificial Intelligence) from IBM. Students undertake a psychometric test and based on their answers artificial intelligence suggests various courses or professional lines that fit best for the students, based on their personality traits, the Attitude, Aptitude and Aspirations, the application suggests 3 top options of career choices as per Artificial Intelligence with a scientific explanation as to why the AI has suggested those career choices. It gives end to end service where it also offers students option to choose from 200 different courses and career lines across different Indian colleges in over 100 cities and get direct admission. This is being termed as the biggest Education Disrupter in recent times. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Supergirl star Melissa Benoist, who appeared on Glee with Lea Michele, liked a series of posts describing star's bullying and abusive behavior toward castmates. Prior to getting the covered role of Supergirl and her alter ego Kara Danvers on The CW series, the Littleton, Colorado-born Benoist appeared on Glee's fourth season playing a character named Marley Rose. She sang a duet with Michele on the series. Benoist - who has used her social media to focus on the Black Lives Matter movement amid ongoing societal upheaval in the wake of the killing of George Floyd - liked tweets from Samantha Ware, who broke her silence about Michele's behavior on Tuesday, claiming that the star of the Fox show made life 'a living hell' for her and once threatened to defecate in a wig she owned. The latest: Supergirl star Melissa Benoist, 31, who appeared on Glee with Lea Michele, liked a series of posts describing star's bullying and abusive behavior toward castmates She also pressed the heart button on tweets from Glee's Alex Newell and Amber Riley that essentially endorsed the spirit of Ware's sentiments. The recipe kit delivery company HelloFresh fired Michele from an endorsement position after a Twitter user on Tuesday who suggested it should cut ties with Michele amid the spate of allegations linked to bullying and abuse. 'HelloFresh does not condone racism nor discrimination of any kind. We are disheartened and disappointed to learn of the recent claims concerning Lea Michele,' the company said. It continued: 'We take this very seriously, and have ended our partnership with Lea Michele, effective immediately.' Remember me? The message was met with an acerbic response from Samantha, 28, after Lea took to social media on Saturday to pay tribute to George Floyd and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement Support: Melissa liked a series of posts on the issue including this one from Alex Newell Keeping an eye on things: The Supergirl star liked all of the above posts Lea's former castmate Samantha Ware, made the claim on Monday that the actress made her life 'a living hell' on-set - even once threatening to defecate 'in her wig.' Lea, who played Rachel Berry on the show, took to social media on Friday to pay tribute to George Floyd. 'George Floyd did not deserve this. This was not an isolated incident and it must end' she wrote. Hello, Goodbye: She liked a post describing that Michele was fired from an endorsement deal Ware, who appeared in 2015 in the show's sixth season, swiftly hit back, 'Remember when you made my first television gig a living hell?!?!... 'Cause I'll never forget... I believe you told everyone that if you had the opportunity you would 's*** in my wig!' amongst other traumatic microaggressions that made me question a career in Hollywood.' Lea, who is currently pregnant with her first child, posted her most recent ad for HelloFresh on May 20. Backlash: Lea Michele has been dropped by HelloFresh after allegations she bullied a castmember on the Glee set in 2015 (this is the last ad Lea posted for the brand on May 20) Effective immediately: HelloFresh revealed their decision when responding to a tweet by someone who called for them to cut ties with the actress Mean girl? Lea's former Glee co-star Samantha Ware claimed the actress made her life 'a living hell' on-set - even once threatening to defecate 'in her wig (Lea, pictured left in character as Rachel Berry, Samantha, pictured right in character as Jane Hayward) Shortly after Ware's accusations went viral, Lea's pal and Scream Queens co-star Ariana Grande, as well as her Glee co-star Keke Palmer unfollowed Lea on Instagram, suggesting that the accusations against the actress carry weight. Alex Newell, Amber Riley and Dabier Snell - who all co-starred in 'Glee' - also reacted to the tweet in support of Samantha. Alex and Amber shared gifs, with Alex posting the 'Get her, Jade' meme from Drag Race, while Dabier wrote: 'GIRL YOU WOULDNT LET ME SIT AT THE TABLE WITH THE OTHER CAST MEMBERS CAUSE 'I DIDNT BELONG THERE' F**K YOU LEA (sic).' Community actress Yvette Nicole Brown showed her support for Samantha by writing: 'I felt every one of those capital letters.' And Alex replied: 'Felt like claps!!' Meanwhile, back in 2011, Hailee Steinfeld, now 23, revealed how Lea made her cry on the Paramount lot. Shortly after Ware's accusations went viral, Lea's pal and Scream Queens co-star Ariana Grande, as well as her Glee co-star Keke Palmer unfollowed Lea on Instagram Not so subtle: Glee's Amber Riley posted this GIF of her raising her hand, amid rumors that Lea Michele was less than kind to work with on the Ryan Murphy show Not happy: Community star Yvette Nicole Brown, who did not appear on Glee, also voiced her opinion In agreement: Alex Newell, who starred as Unique Adams on series for four seasons, wasn't so subtle - and began replying to fans about the drama. Ouch: Actor Dabier Snell, who appeared in an episode of the show, did not hold back Staying out of the matter: Kevin McHale, who played Artie Abrams from the show's debut, swerved a response when asked about the controversy on Twitter She told J-14 magazine: 'When I was auditioning for 'True Grit', I was on the Paramount lot. I was wearing clothes from the 1800s that were big and uncomfortable. Glee' also films on the lot and I love that show... 'I saw Lea Michele just walking to her trailer, and I was like, ''That's the girl from 'Glee'. I've got to go ask for her autograph!' 'So I walked up to her and asked for her autograph, but she walked by and a guy came and said, 'Sorry, now's not a good time!' I was so sad! I was practically crying on the way home.' Expecting: Lea is expecting a child with her husband, businessman Zandy Reich Tough times: Michele, 37, played the role of Rachel Berry (back row) on the show's six seasons, getting nominated for an Emmy and two Golden Globe awards with the part Michele, who is expecting a child with her husband, businessman Zandy Reich, 37, played the role of Rachel Berry on the show's six seasons, getting nominated for an Emmy and two Golden Globe awards with the part. Ware was on the show for 11 shows in 2015 in its sixth season. Her career has flourished with turns on shows such as What/If, Chicago Med and God Friended Me. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Lea for comment. Oh dear... Four years ago, former Glee star Naya Rivera said Michele brought ego, tension and hostility onto the set with her Four years ago, former Glee star Naya Rivera said Michele brought ego, tension and hostility onto the set with her. In her 2016 book, Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes and Growing Up, she wrote: 'If I'd complained about anyone or anything, she'd assumed I was b****ng about her'. In the tome, Naya said Michele eventually stopped speaking with her altogether. 'She started to ignore me, and eventually it got to the point where she didn't say a word to me for all of Season 6,' Rivera said, 'Lea and I definitely weren't the best of friends, and I doubt we'll ever sit on her couch and eat kale together again.' Tough times: Meanwhile, back in 2011, Hailee Steinfeld, now 23, revealed how Lea made her cry on the Paramount lot Piling on: Another actor who starred on GLEE, Dabier Snell, also chimed in claiming Michele did not let him sit at the table with other cast members Interesting:Transgender NYC nightlife star Linux TheRobot was an extra on Glee and said Lea was a 'tyrant' A Myanmar police vehicle drives down a street in a town in western Myanmar's Rakhine state in an undated photo. Two village administrators in Myanmars war-torn Rakhine state have been charged under the countrys Counter-Terrorism Law for allegedly having ties to the rebel Arakan Army, relatives of the men and officials said Wednesday. The arrests come as Myanmars military is increasingly using the law to prosecute civilians and local officials for alleged ties to the ethnic armed force. The Myanmar military has been stepping up its offensives in a 17-month-long campaign to crush the AAs armed drive for greater autonomy for ethnic Rakhines in the state. On May 30, military and police forces detained and charged Maung Zaw, administrator of A-ngu Thit village, and Kyaw Myint, administrator of Ywathit Kay village, both in Myebon township, after an army commander summoned them to a meeting, their wives and Pe Than, a lawmaker from the township, told RFA. They have been charged under sections 50(j) and 51(b) of the Counter-Terrorism Law, Pe Than said. Section 50(j) pertains to offenses regarding the financing of terrorism and carries a prison sentence of 10 years to life, with the possibility of a fine. Section 51(b) includes offenses regarding unmarked plastic explosives and carries a five-to-10-year prison sentence, with or without a fine. The tactical commander of the military troops stationed in the region took away the two for a conversation, Pe Than said. They searched their houses while the officers were interrogating them. The pair was charged the following day and remanded by the court on Monday, he said. Hla Thein Kyi, wife of Kyaw Myint, said she does not know why her husband was arrested, but surmised it had to do with accusations of ties to the AA, which the Myanmar government has declared an illegal association and a terrorist organization. He hasnt come back home, she told RFA. They rummaged through the whole house. They went through all the documents related to his work, but they couldnt find anything. We dont know why he was arrested. They dont have any evidence against him, she said. We are so distressed. They have been bullying us like this. It would have been acceptable if he had been arrested because they had found some evidence connecting him to the AA. It remains unknown who filed the cases against Maung Zaw and Kyaw Myint. RFA could not reach the commander of Myebon Town Police Station or Zarni Kyaw, administrator of Myebon township, for comment. Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier Gen Zaw Min Tun said the interrogation of the two men revealed that they have ties to the AA. The authorities found through the interrogations that the two village administrators have connections to AA, and the government attorney decided to charge them under the Counter-Terrorism Law based on the findings, he said. AA spokesman Khine Thukha told RFA that the charges are false. The two village administrators in detention have no connections to the AA, he said, adding that they are ordinary civilians. It is unacceptable that the Myanmar military has consistently used the same law to charge innocent village administrators, he said. Officials consider quitting Local residents said Myanmar soldiers posted to the police station have been conducting search operations in the area since May. In 2019, many administrators resigned from their positions in other northern Rakhine townships, including Kyauktaw, Rathedaung, Mrauk-U, and Minbya, following the arrests of administrative officials amid the armed conflict. Some administrators now say that they are terrified that Myanmar security forces will arbitrarily arrest them on the same accusations and that they are planning to resign. In my opinion, it would be best to resign, said one village administrator who declined to give his name out of fear for his safety. If they charge us, we cant do anything. It could happen to us. Pe Than said the military should be more understanding of the delicate situation of village administrators who have to deal with all armed forces operating in their areas. They might have helped the members of insurgent groups out of concern for their own safety, while they have had to do the same when the military showed up in their villages, he said. The government and military should understand their precarious situation between a rock and a hard place, he said. If the authorities keep arresting and charging the administrators, it will drive them into a corner, and they all might resign. Then, the administrative mechanism in the region would collapse. Military spokesman Zaw Min Tun dismissed concerns that administrative system in Rakhine state could break down if many administrators resigned out of concern for their safety. Many people will line up to replace the ones who have quit, he said. AA raids on police outposts in late 2018 and in early 2019 triggered the conflict in northern Rakhine state a region already devastated by the Myanmar armys campaign to expel 740,000 Rohingya Muslims in 2017. Scores of civilians have been killed and hundreds more have been injured by mortar shells, landmines, and other explosives since 2019, while over 160,000 others have been displaced by the fighting, according to the Rakhine Ethnics Congress, a local relief group. The military and the Myanmar government have also charged civilians and journalists under the Counter-Terrorism Law amid the hostilities. In May, five ethnic Rakhine men who were videoed while being beaten by soldiers on a naval vessel were charged under the law for having suspected ties to the AA, though their relatives and friends said the charges were false. Journalists Thar Loon Zaung Htet of Khit Thit News and Khine Myat Kyaw of Narinjara News were charged in March for violating the Counter-Terrorism Law by interviewing members of the AA, forcing the pair to go into hiding to avoid arrest. Similarly, police arrested Voice of Myanmar editor-in-chief Nay Myo Lin in Mandalay the same month for the publication of an interview with the AA spokesman, though prosecutors later dropped the charges. Reported by RFA Myanmar Service, Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Some things just sound good in combination. Red beans, rice and andouille. Sex, Lies and Videotape. Cold beer, a cochon du lait po-boy and the Gentilly stage. And then theres Tom Hardy, Al Capone and neurosyphilis, the tantalizing trio offered by the New Orleans-shot period drama Capone and a party to which any true film fan would probably want to be invited. Its only one of the most talented actors of his generation portraying one of the most notorious gangsters of his generation, with a dash of mentally debilitating syphilis thrown in for good measure. Whats not to love? A lot, as it turns out. Capone might sound like it has the makings of a compelling and insightful look at the soul-sapping price of crime. The reality, though, is that its no more insightful than Geraldo Riveras 1986 opening of Al Capones Vault on live TV. That is to say: Its built on a whole lot of promise, but in the end, it delivers only glaring emptiness. There was nothing to see with regard to Riveras debacle, and theres nothing to see here. An anticlimactic, narratively starved shrug littered with unaddressed loose ends, Capone is set in the last year of the titular gangsters life, after he had been released from Alcatraz and sent home to die at his estate in Florida. There, he reflects on his life, but through the aforementioned neurosyphilitic haze. Writer-director Josh Trank attempts to provide at least a whisper of a story by introducing the idea that before his incarceration, Capone had hidden $10 million but can no longer remember where it is. That leaves multiple characters with various interests trying to figure out a way to tease that information from his Swiss-cheesed brain. That treasure hunt doesnt end any better for Trank than it did for Rivera. Oh, there are snatches of suspense in Capone, some of which suggest the film might have played better as a straight-up horror exercise. Unfortunately, those moments are ultimately unsustainable, partly because audiences wont care about any of the characters. Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani shine in New Orleans-shot Lovebirds,' but film never really soars When you get right down to it, there are really only two kinds of New Orleans-set movies. There are those that truly get the city, that carry As brilliant an actor as Tom Hardy is, his talents are wasted on Capone. Trank gives him little more to do than grunt, drool, gnaw an omnipresent cigar stub and wet his pants (and worse). Consequently, Hardys Capone which feels faintly influenced by Marlon Brandos performance in The Godfather isnt thought-provoking. He doesnt challenge viewers beliefs in any way. He doesnt shed light on the quintessentially American criminal mastermind. Rather, this Capone is impotent and pitiful and little else. As a result, Tranks film never offers anything even close to revelatory, unless you have somehow to this point in your life avoided the common knowledge that Capone died crazy. That makes the whole project feel like a missed opportunity. Thats especially true for Trank, for whom Capone was supposed to serve as a sort of rehabilitative project. Ever since the hot mess that that was his Baton Rouge-shot Fantastic Four, followed by his subsequent departure from what would have been a stand-alone Star Wars film, hes become something of a Hollywood pariah. It would appear hes still got work to do where thats concerned. Lest any local viewers think Capone is at least is worth seeing for the fun of trying to spot New Orleans scenery, theres nothing to see there, either. It was shot in the New Orleans area in spring 2018 under the working title Fonzo, but its set almost entirely at Capones Florida estate, for which Trank and company used a Covington mansion. What were left with is what Trank himself characterizes as an Impressionistic riff. Others might call it a fever dream and to be fair, fever dreams arent necessarily supposed to be narratively driven or insightful. Theyre supposed to evoke a feeling. In this case of Capone, though, the only feeling it evokes is an eagerness for it to end. ********************* CAPONE (1 star) Cast: Tom Hardy, Linda Cardellini, Matt Dillon, Al Sapienza, Gino Cafarelli, Kyle MacLachlan. Director: Josh Trank. MPAA rating: R, for strong bloody violence, pervasive language and some sexuality. Running time: 1 hour 43 minutes. When and where: Opens Friday (June 5) at the Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge; now available for online rental via Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube. He explained that on eve of election, the incumbent president removes the government from the office President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has decided to resign the current government, as Belta reports. Lukashenko has already signed a corresponding decree. June 3, the proposals for a new government were discussed at a meeting with the President of Belarus. The event was attended by Chairman of the Council of the Republic Natalia Kochanova, Chairman of the House of Representatives Vladimir Andreichenko, Head of the Presidential Administration Igor Sergeyenko, and Secretary of the Security Council Andrei Ravkov. Lukashenko explained that always on the eve of the election, the incumbent president determined the government in advance so that people, voting for or against, understood who would be involved in resolving pressing issues. Lukashenko added that the formation of the composition of the future government began a long time ago - about six months ago. The Belarus leader promised that there would be no revolution with a change of government, since "a sharp scrapping, replacement of all members of the government would be wrong." As we reported before, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has announced amendments to the country's constitution Advertisement Protesters marched through Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night, despite facing the threat of violence from local and federal law enforcement officials and military police officers deployed by the Trump administration in an overwhelming show of force meant to stamp out demonstrations against police brutality and racism. In downtown Washington, a new law enforcement agency or military vehicle was around every corner. Military police officers outfitted for a war zone lined up in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Attorney General William Barr promised even greater law enforcement resources and support in the District of Columbia on Tuesday, the day after he ordered law enforcement officers to use projectiles and pepper spray to clear protesters from a space near the White House so that President Donald Trump could walk to a nearby church to have his photo taken holding a Bible. Members of the D.C. National Guard directed traffic, their Humvees stationed nearby. Department of Homeland Security police formed a line near the Veterans Affairs Building. Drug Enforcement Administration agents were posted on street corners. Uniformed members of the armed services sat in military vehicles near the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Border Patrol officers and U.S. Customs agents were stationed near the Ronald Reagan Building, and men who called themselves assets of DOJ or with the federal government were posted near the Justice Department and FBI building. But thousands turned out anyway to bring attention to the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man killed last week by a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, even as he pleaded that he could not breathe, and to the many, many other Black people killed by police. The protests werent suppressed, in spite of scare tactics. Advertisement Demonstrators streamed en masse toward downtown, some of them chanting Floyds name. Two cyclists surveying the scene outfitted their bikes with signs that read Black lives matter and White silence Is violence, while onlookers snapped photos of graffiti of a dead pig on the front of the Department of Treasury Building and a building near the White House that was tagged with the phrases Capitalism is murder and Why do we have to keep telling you Black lives matter. Members of the D.C. National Guard stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as demonstrators participate in a peaceful protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd. (Photo: Win McNamee via Getty Images) Members of the D.C. National Guard stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as demonstrators participate in a peaceful protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd. (Photo: Win McNamee via Getty Images) Protesters had reason to believe they could be hurt by law enforcement, even if their demonstrations remained peaceful. Across the country, law enforcement officials have responded violently to the protests against police brutality, pointing to instances of looting and rioting as justification to deploy tear gas and projectiles on peaceful demonstrators. Several mayors called in the National Guard to help police their cities and enforce curfews. In Washington on Monday evening, Barr personally ordered law enforcement to crush a peaceful protest using chemical munitions ahead of a speech by Trump in which he vowed to send thousands of heavily armed soldiers into the nations capital and to deploy the military into other U.S. cities if their mayors did not crush protests against police brutality. There were indications Tuesday could be even more dramatic, with a larger military and law enforcement presence in Washington. Plus, the Justice Department has authorized the Drug Enforcement Administration to conduct covert surveillance and investigate people participating in the protests, BuzzFeed News reported. One demonstrator said the show of force in Washington made them suspicious and nervous. They were worried they would be trapped and arrested, just like protesters were on a residential street the night before. Some demonstrators prepared for potential force: One group of young women walking in from north of the White House carried bags filled with milk and gauze to use to aid protesters hit by pepper spray or rubber bullets. Trumps show of force, intended to assert his power and intimidate protesters, has earned him plenty of pushback. Several governors have said they will not allow Trump to deploy troops to their states. Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote on Tuesday that he was sickened to see members of the National Guard violently clear protesters and worried that members of our military will be co-opted for political purposes. Washingtons Roman Catholic archbishop condemned Trumps Tuesday visit to the St. John Paul II National Shrine, insisting that the former pope the shrine is named for would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate protesters. Many Democrats and some Republicans have spoken out against the presidents response. But its unclear who has the ability or willingness to stop the presidents authoritarian drift. Barr, Trumps hand-picked attorney general, has pushed the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel to back several of the presidents legally questionable moves. Some Democrats have vowed limited action: Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said he will offer an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act barring use of military force against Americans. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who attended the protests in D.C. Tuesday evening, called for Barr to be impeached and said she is asking the inspector general for the Department of Defense to conduct an investigation of the role of DoD civilian and military officials in the attack on peaceful protesters at the White House. But Republicans, who control the Senate, have either been silent or downplayed concerns about Trumps response to protesters. Some GOP members of Congress said they wished hed adjust his tone. Protests continued in cities throughout the country Tuesday night, including in Minneapolis, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Louisville and Denver. There were also some signs that the intense public pressure to address police brutality was having an effect. In Minnesota, where Floyd was killed, the state filed a human rights complaint against the Minneapolis Police Department, launching an investigation into whether the department has engaged in systematic racism. The school board in Minneapolis voted on Tuesday in favor of a resolution to cut ties with the police department. Although most of the police brutality against protesters has gone unpunished, several police officers in Atlanta were charged with aggravated assault after violently removing students from their car with a stun gun. In Los Angeles, Police Chief Michel Moore faced a flood of calls for him to step down or be fired after stating on Monday that Floyds death is on [looters] hands, as much as it is those officers who participated in his death. Moore apologized later that day but during an online meeting of the citys Police Commission on Tuesday, more than 500 people signed up to share public comment. They detailed LAPDs aggressive use of tear gas and rubber bullets to attack peaceful protesters throughout the city. You have shown your true colors, said David Spencer, one of the people who called into the meeting. I am terrified of the LAPD now. Our Divisions Copyright 2021-22 DB Corp ltd., All Rights Reserved This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics. Members of the Homeplus union stage a rally in front of MBK Partners headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Wednesday. They denounced MBK Partners' rumored plan to sell off Homeplus branches which they say will destroy thousands of jobs. Courtesy of Homeplus union By Nam Hyun-woo MBK Partners Chairman Kim Byung-ju Korea's leading private equity firm (PEF) MBK Partners is accelerating efforts to exit from its investment in discount chain Homeplus, as the fund operator attempts to sell cash-cow branches while collecting hefty dividends. According to Homeplus' union, the company has put three branches in the cities of Daegu, Daejeon and Ansan up for sale. NH Investment & Securities is the lead manager for the Ansan branch's sale, while the two others will be managed by Deloitte Anjin. When selling their branches, retail chains here have commonly leased the sold branches back in order to maintain their sales networks. Homeplus, however, will sell those branches with the purpose of closing them, and the buildings will be reconstructed as residential complexes, according to the union. Homeplus said it is an effort to "minimize its liquidity risks in the wake of the crisis in off-line retail businesses," but market interpretation is that this is a bid to cut costs before MBK's exit. MBK owns a 100 percent stake in Homeplus through a number of special-purpose companies after paying 7.2 trillion won for the nationwide retailer in 2015. According to the union, the company's net profit stood at 733.3 billion won from March 2016 to February last year, but the dividend to its shareholders reached 1.21 trillion won, meaning its dividend payout ratio was 165 percent. But, Homeplus said that the dividend went to Homplus Stores, which was a parent organization of Homeplus, not to investors including MBK Partners. Only institutional investors like NPS who invested into Homeplus' preferred shares have been received 21.4 billion won per year as dividend. Australian Universities Face $16 Billion Revenue Loss Because of CCP Virus Australias universities could lose $16 billion in revenue between now and 2023 as a direct result of the CCP virus pandemic, according to the peak body for Australian universities. According to Universities Australia (UA) revenue losses are expected to be between $3.1 billion and $4.8 billion for the rest of 2020 alone. Universities Australia (UA) Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said in a media release published on June 3: We cant pretend that wont have a big impact. Not only does that revenue support the staff and facilities to educate the next generation of skilled workers, it also pays for much of the research and innovation that keeps Australia internationally competitive. Jackson called on the government to invest directly in research to ensure the country emerges stronger after the pandemic. Among the reasons for government investment that she laid out was Australian universities contribution to Australian research and development, which went from 24 to 34 percent in the 10 years leading up to 2017-18. Great Australian researchers have been responsible for so many job-creating, life-saving innovations including the vaccine for cervical cancer, IVF, soft contact lenses, the bionic ear and spray on skin for burns victims. All the result of Australian university know-how, Jackson said. Jackson noted this could also impact the responses to future crises like the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, commonly known as novel coronavirus. Until now, universities have been increasing their investment in research and innovation. The danger is that if universities are unable to continue funding this activity, Australias ability to innovate its way out of the COVID-19 recession will be severely hampered, Jackson said. Related Coverage PM Scott Morrison Unveils JobMaker Economic Recovery Plan Prime Minister Scott Morrison signalled that research and science would be part of the JobMaker agenda while giving a speech at the National Press Club on May 26. The first stage of his JobMaker plan will focus on skills and industrial relations, and will then move on to address energy and resources, higher education, research and science, open banking, the digital economy, trade, manufacturing, infrastructure and regional development, deregulation and federation reform, a tax system to support jobs and investment. Morrison hopes this will set up Australia for economic success over the next three to five years. The clinical administration of the blood component plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to those severely affected by the disease could be a safe option without adverse side effects, according to a study which may lead to better treatment protocols against novel coronavirus infection. On March 28, researchers from the Houston Methodist Hospital in the US, began clinical trials to transfuse plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients into critically ill patients, they noted in a statement. In the study, published in The American Journal of Pathology, the scientists described the clinical outcomes of the convalescent plasma transfusion trial, showing 19 out of 25 patients improving with the treatment, and 11 discharged from the hospital. However, the study noted that a randomised clinical trial, with a large control group, is needed to validate the findings. According to the researchers, this is the largest cohort worldwide assessed for outcomes pertaining to convalescent plasma transfusion for COVID-19, and is the first peer-reviewed publication on convalescent plasma use in the US. While physician scientists around the world scrambled to test new drugs and treatments against the COVID-19 virus, convalescent serum therapy emerged as potentially one of the most promising strategies, said study co-author James Musser from Houston Methodist Hospital. "With no proven treatments or cures for COVID-19 patients, now was the time in our history to move ahead rapidly," Musser added. The scientists noted that the century-old therapeutic approach dates back to at least as early as 1918 to fight the Spanish Flu. More recently, the researchers added that convalescent plasma therapy was used with some success during the 2003 SARS pandemic, the 2009 influenza H1N1 pandemic, and the 2015 Ebola outbreak in Africa. They said early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, there were a handful of critically ill patients in China who showed improvement from plasma therapy, following which their team at Houston Methodist hospital targeted the COVID-19 virus with the procedure. According to the study, the observed complications were consistent with findings reported for COVID-19 disease progression, and did not result from the plasma transfusions. The researchers said the study's findings were consistent with several other small case studies of convalescent plasma use for severe COVID-19 that have been recently reported. Although the convalescent plasma therapy administered on the front lines at Houston Methodist was implemented for emergency treatment, they said there is an immediate need for controlled clinical trials to determine its efficacy. Citing the limitations of the research, the scientists said the study was a small case series and no control group was included. They said it is not clear if the 25 patients given convalescent plasma would have improved without the treatment, adding that all patients were treated with multiple other medications, including antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents. "We cannot conclude that the patient outcomes were due solely to administration of convalescent plasma," the researchers noted in the study. They said a randomised clinical trial would help address some questions, including whether patients would have better outcomes if plasma transfusions were administered sooner after the onset of symptoms. WASHINGTON In a rare break with President Trump, multiple Senate Republicans on Tuesday faulted his response to civil unrest around the nation, rejecting his move to crack down on demonstrators and rushing to express sympathy with black Americans who have taken to the streets to protest police brutality against them. The day after Mr. Trump threatened to unleash the United States military to rout protesters around the nation, the reactions of Republicans some condemning the president directly, others carefully suggesting that they held a different view underscored the politically precarious choice they face between endorsing the presidents divisive approach or breaking with him and risking a party backlash just months before the November elections. There is no right to riot, no right to destroy others property and no right to throw rocks at police, Senator Ben Sasse, Republican of Nebraska, said in a statement. But there is a fundamental a constitutional right to protest, and Im against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the word of God as a political prop. Mr. Sasse was referring to the remarkable spectacle that unfolded Monday evening when the police fired flash-bang explosive devices and a chemical agent and used officers on horseback to drive away peaceful protesters outside the White House. Minutes later, Mr. Trump strode out and marched across Lafayette Square to brandish a Bible outside St. Johns Episcopal Church, which had been damaged in a fire during unrest the night before. California Governor Gavin Newsom, right, listens as he is introduced to Kirikou Muldrow, 8, by California Senator Holly Mitchell and California Assembly Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove, right, during a visit to the Hot and Cool Cafe in Leimert Park. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) In his most outspoken public rebuke of President Trump in months, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that California would "reject" any attempts by the White House to deploy the military in major cities to end civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. "It won't happen," Newsom said during a visit to Hot & Cool Cafe in Leimert Park. "It's not going to happen. We would reject it. We would push back against that." Dubbing himself a "president of law and order," Trump threatened Monday to send thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers into U.S. cities. Addressing Trump's threat for the first time, Newsom called the president's remarks "just another zig and zag deflection from the administration." The governor said he was pleased to hear U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper also voice opposition to the use of active-duty military forces in law enforcement roles to contain street protests. Once a frequent Trump critic, Newsom has declined to condemn the president since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The governor has largely described his own silence as a desire to not play politics during a crisis, even as other Democratic governors have taken more combative stances with the White House. This week, Newsom refused to directly respond to a question about a phone call early Monday between Trump and governors in which the president urged them to crack down harder on protesters. "I could be part of the daily back and forth in the news cycle and continue to perpetuate the problems that persist in this country," Newsom said Monday. "Or, I can choose to focus a message that I think is so much more powerful, and I hope has more residence with people watching, and that is: I care more about them than some of the noise I heard on a morning phone call." Newsom's own decision to deploy nearly 2,600 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles, Long Beach, Sacramento, San Diego and other areas over the last week also sparked concerns. Story continues The presence of any military forces in communities that feel victimized by law enforcement may only add to those feelings of fear, said Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles). "I think it's important for people to recognize that we all are looking through life with very different lenses," she said. The state legislator said she discussed the deployment of the Guard troops with Newsom on Wednesday when she joined him in South Los Angeles and said she felt that he was responding to the needs and requests of cities. Mayor Eric Garcetti called for troops Saturday in anticipation of potential violence and looting. Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for the Governors Office of Emergency Services, said Newsom has deployed the Guard only in response to specific requests from local leaders. The troops were originally intended to focus on the protection of critical infrastructure, such as electrical substations and water treatment plants, instead of directly taking the place of local police. But in some instances, depending on direction by law enforcement in a municipality, they are supporting operations on the ground, Ferguson said. In contrast, Trump has threatened to deploy the military against the will of local leaders. If a city or state refuses to take the actions necessary to defend the life and property of the residents, I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them, Trump said Monday. California Governor Gavin Newsom, second from left, listens to the concerns of Marcus Warren, center, while visiting the Hot and Cool Cafe in Leimert Park. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times / POOL) Newsom arrived at the Hot & Cool Cafe in Leimert Park late Wednesday morning, his first appearance in Los Angeles since the protests began last week. The cafe's owners, Tina Amin and Anthony Jolly, have received some funding from the city to provide meals, but they are also using their own money and donations. They regularly make about 350 meals for older residents and other community members in need. The governor put together meals alongside volunteers and Kamlager-Dove, state Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. Newsom said he planned to meet with L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, Black Lives Matter organizers and the Los Angeles Police Department later in the day. Gov. Gavin Newsom helps pack up lunches to be delivered to senior citizens at Hot & Cool Cafe in Leimert Park on Wednesday. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times / POOL) On Tuesday, the governor attended an event hosted by the brother of Stephon Clark, an unarmed black man shot and killed by police in 2018, to clean up downtown Sacramento after a night of looting. In pictures and videos shared on social media, the governor scrubbed graffiti off a government building and praised Stevante Clark, who has become an activist for reform since his brothers death, for encouraging peaceful protests in the city. CHANDLER, Ariz., June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (MCHP) Microchip Technology Incorporated, a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions, today updated the range of its prior guidance for net sales and GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share for its fiscal first quarter of 2021 ending June 30, 2020. Microchip now expects consolidated net sales for the June quarter to be $1.247 billion to $1.326 billion, or between flat and down 6% sequentially with a mid-point of down 3.0%. Microchip previously provided guidance on May 7, 2020 for consolidated net sales to be $1.194 billion to $1.3 billion or down between 2% and 10% sequentially, with a midpoint of down 6%. GAAP earnings per share is now expected to be between $0.25 and $0.39 and non-GAAP earnings per share is expected to be between $1.35 and $1.53. The original guidance for GAAP earnings per share was $0.13 to $0.31 and the original guidance for non-GAAP earnings per share was between $1.25 and $1.45. We are not able to estimate the amount of Special Charges and Other Expense or the amount of any gain or loss on the recently completed debt retirement and convertible debt exchange transactions, and therefore our estimate of GAAP earnings per share excludes any such amounts. With two months of the quarter behind us, our business is performing better than we expected during our May 7, 2020 earnings conference call. COVID-19 related supply chain disruptions which were primarily in Malaysia and Philippines have eased. We have begun to make up for lost production and expect to continue to gain ground through the end of this quarter, said Steve Sanghi, Chief Executive Officer. Our customers factories in China are fully back to work. Some of our other customers factories in Europe and North America have also started to reopen, including automotive factories where we saw the largest demand destruction. With quicker recovery from supply chain disruptions versus our earlier expectations, and with a lower level of June 2020 quarter cancellations and pushouts than earlier anticipated, we are narrowing our quarterly net sales and earnings per share guidance ranges and increasing the midpoint, Mr. Sanghi concluded. Story continues There will be no conference call associated with this press release. Microchip is presenting at the B of A Securities Global Technology Conference on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 1:45PM (Pacific). Microchip is also presenting at the Needham 4th Annual Automotive Tech Day on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 7:30AM (Pacific). The investor slides that will be presented at the conferences will be posted to Microchips website today, and a live webcast and replay of this presentations will be available at www.microchip.com . Cautionary Statement: The statements in this release relating to expecting consolidated net sales for the June quarter to be $1.247 billion to $1.326 billion, or between flat and down 6% sequentially with a mid-point of down 3.0%, GAAP earnings per share expected to be between $0.25 and $0.39 and non-GAAP earnings per share expected to be between $1.35 and $1.53, not being able to estimate the amount of Special Charges and Other, Net and the amount of any gain or loss on the recently completed debt retirement and convertible debt exchange transactions, our business performing better than we expected during our May 7 earnings conference call, that supply chain disruptions which were primarily in Malaysia and Philippines have eased, that we have begun to make up for lost production, and expect to continue to gain ground through the end of this quarter, that factories in Europe and North America have started to reopen, quicker recovery from supply chain disruptions versus our earlier expectations, and a lower level of June 2020 quarter cancellations and pushouts than earlier anticipated are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to: any continued economic uncertainty due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus, monetary policy, political, geopolitical, trade, civil disobedience or other issues in the U.S. or internationally, any further unexpected fluctuations or weakness in the U.S. and global economies (including China), changes in demand or market acceptance of our products and the products of our customers; our ability to successfully integrate the operations and employees, retain key employees and customers and otherwise realize the expected synergies and benefits of our acquisitions; the impact of current and future changes in U.S. corporate tax laws (including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017), foreign currency effects on our business; the mix of inventory we hold and our ability to satisfy short-term orders from our inventory; changes in utilization of our manufacturing capacity and our ability to effectively manage and expand our production levels; competitive developments including pricing pressures; the level of orders that are received and can be shipped in a quarter; changes or fluctuations in customer order patterns and seasonality; the impact of any future significant acquisitions that we may make; our ability to obtain a sufficient supply of wafers from third party wafer foundries and the cost of such wafers, the costs and outcome of any current or future litigation or other matters involving our Microsemi acquisition, the Microsemi business, intellectual property, customers, or other issues; the costs and outcome of any current or future tax audit or investigation regarding our business or the business of Microsemi, our actual average stock price in the June 2020 quarter and the impact such price will have on our share count; fluctuations in our stock price and trading volume which could impact the number of shares we acquire under our share repurchase program and the timing of such repurchases; disruptions in our business or the businesses of our customers or suppliers due to natural disasters (including any floods in Thailand), terrorist activity, armed conflict, war, worldwide oil prices and supply, public health concerns (including the COVID-19 virus) or disruptions in the transportation system; and general economic, industry or political conditions in the United States or internationally. For a detailed discussion of these and other risk factors, please refer to Microchip's filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. You can obtain copies of Forms 10-K and 10-Q and other relevant documents for free at Microchip's website ( www.microchip.com ) or the SEC's website ( www.sec.gov ) or from commercial document retrieval services. Stockholders of Microchip are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made. Microchip does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or new information after this June 2, 2020 press release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. About Microchip: Microchip Technology Incorporated is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs, which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company's solutions serve more than 120,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com . Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT: Deborah Wussler (480) 792-7373 Houston-based artist Anat Ronen honored the memory of George Floyd in the way she knew best by painting a life-like portrait of him to share with his family. Ronen used a widely-circulated photo of Floyd as her template. "I heard some interviews that described him as humble and quiet, a gentle giant, and somehow this photo matches the description in my eyes," Ronen said. "I tried to elevate that photo to another level, where one could feel like hes staring back at us." 'FOREVER BREATHING IN OUR HEARTS': New mural honoring George Floyd on display in Houston's Third Ward She was unable to attend the Tuesday march in Houston, but Ronen said she felt a bond with Floyd. "I felt I had to do something even if I wont be marching," Ronen said. "So I painted." Ronen admitted she is a bit of an introvert, even though she participates in festivals across the world. "Its when I am not painting, then it becomes awkward. So for sure when I painted, I felt like I am marching with them," said Ronen. Ronen said she hopes to connect with Floyd's family to give them the painting. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Tens of thousands march on downtown Houston to memorialize George Floyd "I know that painted portraits of loved ones that have died mean a lot to their families," Ronen said. "If nothing else, I know I had to let it out, and I hope it helps the cause and preserves his memory, if only a little bit." When asked if she has plans to paint a mural in Floyd's honor, Ronen said if the opportunity arises, she would. "Ill be able to paint him on a wall for the passersby to view, remember, and carry on his legacy, to stop this nonsense called racism." Twitter image shows a picture of YSRCP flag colours being painted over tricolour in Pulivendula Panchayat building. (File image on Twitter shared by ncbn) New Delhi/Vijayawada: In a big setback for Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Andhra Pradesh government to remove within four weeks the colours in which Gram Panchayat buildings in the state have been painted. The colours are of the ruling partys flag. The bench of Justice L Nageswara Rao, Justice Krishna Murari and Justice Ravindra Bhat added that any attempt to disobey the directions issued by courts would be subversive to the Rule of Law. The court said that any defiance of the court order by the executive will erode public confidence in the judiciary. Public confidence in the judiciary will be eroded if its orders are not obeyed, said Justice Nageswara Rao in the order passed today while disposing of Andhra Pradesh governments appeal against the AP High Court order directing the state government to remove the colours on Gram Panchayat buildings that resembled the colours on the flag of the ruling party. The court further said that as the time for the compliance of the March 10, 2020, AP High Court order has been extended, the contempt proceedings initiated by the High Court are closed. Finding no infirmity with the High Courts March 10, 2020 order, the top court today said, We have examined the matter carefully. We are of the opinion that the judgment of the High Court does not warrant interference. There is no ambiguity in the direction issued by the High Court by its judgment dated 10.03.2020 that any colour which is similar to the flag of any political party should not be used for painting the Gram Panchayat buildings. Holding that the March 10, 2020, directions of the AP High Court were clear and unambiguous, the court today said, The High Court is right in holding that the respondents (Andhra Pradesh government) have made a deliberate attempt in circumventing the directions issued on 10.03.2020. The top court further said, Executive orders are subjected to judicial review and the judgments of the courts which have become final should be followed by compliance of the directions given therein. Any attempt to disobey the directions issued by courts would be subversive to the Rule of Law. Public confidence in the judiciary will be eroded if its orders are not obeyed. The matter had reached the AP High Court by way of a PIL. The High Court in its May 22, 2020 judgment, which was under challenge, had noted that there was a deliberate attempt to overreach its March 10, 2020, order as it set aside the April 23, 2020 government order spelling out guidelines for painting of Panchayat/ Government buildings. One of the guidelines said that the colour combination for painting government buildings and other properties should not be similar to the colours of the flags of political parties. In pursuance to this, Andhra Pradesh issued the colour combination/ theme for painting the Gram Panchayat buildings in a colour scheme of green, blue, white and terracotta. Telugu Desam chief N Chandrababu Naidu demanded that the state government disclose how much public money was spent on painting government buildings in the YSR Congress party flag colours, and added that the money must be recovered from the ruling party and also from government officials who blindly followed the orders of the government. He also accused the state government of spending huge amounts of public money on useless public programmes and said to argue the matter of the proposed shifting of the administrative capital from Amaravati to Visakhapatnam in the High Court, the state government paid Rs 5 crore to its lawyer. Sir Keir Starmer today took the gloves off in his battle against Boris Johnson as he battered the Prime Minister over the Government's test and trace programme, decision to reopen schools and transparency. Sir Keir tried to use PMQs this lunchtime to score body blows on the PM over key parts of the Government's coronavirus response. But a furious Mr Johnson hit back and accused the Labour leader of delivering 'endless attacks on public trust and confidence'. Labour had adopted a largely constructive approach to the crisis to date, with the shadow cabinet seemingly reluctant to blast the Government in public. Today marked a dramatic shift in approach as Sir Keir told Mr Johnson: 'The Prime Minister is confusing scrutiny for attacks.' Sir Keir also looked to capitalise on reports that the PM has now decided to take more control of the Government's coronavirus strategy. In an apparent reference to Mr Johnson's top aide Dominic Cummings, the Labour leader said: 'The Telegraph is reporting this morning that the Prime Minister has decided to take direct control of the Government's response to the virus. 'So an obvious question for the Prime Minister, who's been in direct control up until now?' Mr Johnson replied: 'I take full responsibility for everything this Government has been doing in tackling coronavirus and I'm very proud of our record'. Despite the bruising exchanges, Tory spirits were likely to have been lifted by Mr Johnson's robust responses after a number of performances in recent weeks in which pundits suggested Sir Keir had got the better of the PM. The clashes at PMQs came as the Government faced growing pressure over the roll out of the NHS Test and Trace programme. Reports suggest that the system is failing to trace the contacts of approximately 60 per cent of people who have tested positive for the disease. Sir Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson repeatedly clashed at PMQs this lunchtime over the Government's coronavirus response Mr Johnson accused Sir Keir of launching 'endless attacks on public trust and confidence' rather than working with the Government Sir Keir said Mr Johnson had failed to deliver on his promise to deliver a world beating test and trace system by June 1 The face-to-face showdown between Sir Keir and Mr Johnson at PMQs came as: McDonald's will open another 497 drive-thru restaurants today and is aiming to have more than 1,000 back in business by next week. Monstrous queues have been pictured outside those that have reopened; The Government is doubling down on its 14-day quarantine rule for travellers entering Britain. Home Secretary Priti Patel said it was necessary to prevent more coronavirus outbreaks and deaths; West London - Ealing, Hillingdon and Hounslow - is the area of the capital where people have received the most police fines for breaking lockdown rules. 165 fines were issued there between March 27 and May 14; UK charity the Health Foundation has warned of a 'digital divide' that could be caused by the NHS's contact tracing app because elderly people, the unemployed and manual workers are less likely to download it; Death rates in some parts of London are double what they have been in a usual year because of the pandemic, according to new analysis. Keir Starmer Vs Boris Johnson: The key exchanges The Labour leader and the Prime Minister repeatedly clashed at PMQs today. Here are the most significant moments: On who is in charge of the Government Sir Keir said: 'The Telegraph is reporting this morning that the Prime Minister has decided to take direct control of the Government's response to the virus. So an obvious question for the Prime Minister, who's been in direct control up until now?' Mr Johnson said: 'I take full responsibility for everything this Government has been doing in tackling coronavirus and I'm very proud of our record'. On test and trace failings Sir Keir said: 'Two weeks ago today at the despatch box the Prime Minister promised that we will have a test, track and trace operation that will be world beating and yes, it will be in place by June 1. But it isn't.' Mr Johnson said: 'I am afraid he is casting aspersions on the efforts of tens of thousands of people who have set up a test, track and trace system in this country from a standing start.' On political cooperation Mr Johnson said: 'I really do not see the purpose of his endless attacks on public trust and confidence when what we are trying to do, and I think what the public want to hear from politicians across all parties, is our clear messages about how to defeat this virus.' Sir Keir said: 'The Prime Minister is confusing scrutiny for attacks. I have supported the Government openly and I have taken criticism for it. But boy he makes it difficult to support this Government over the last two weeks.' On the coronavirus alert level Sir Keir asked why lockdown had eased when the alert level remained unchanged. Mr Johnson said: 'He knows perfectly well that the alert level does allow it and he didn't raise that issue with me when we had a conversation on the telephone and he knows the reason we've been able to make the progress we have - the five tests have been fulfilled.' Advertisement Overnight, Sir Keir had attacked Mr Johnson for 'winging it' over easing the coronavirus lockdown. The Labour leader said the premier will personally be to blame if coronavirus deaths spike again. He also jibed that the way Mr Johnson had loosened the rules suggested there was 'an exit but not a strategy'. He stepped up his criticism of the PM at PMQs as he took Mr Johnson to task over apparent test and trace failings. 'Two weeks ago today at the despatch box the Prime Minister promised that we will have a test, track and trace operation that will be world beating and yes, it will be in place by June 1,' he said. 'But it isn't. A critical element, the ability of local authorities to respond to local spikes is missing. 'As one council leader put it to us, 'we are weeks away from having this up and running, we simply weren't given enough warning'. 'The Prime Minister mutters it is not true. Dido Harding, the Prime Minister's own chair of the track and trace system has said that this element will not be ready until the end of June. 'The Prime Minister must have been briefed on this problem before he made that promise two weeks ago. So why did he make that promise?' A furious Mr Johnson hit back and said: 'I am afraid he is casting aspersions on the efforts of tens of thousands of people who have set up a test, track and trace system in this country from a standing start. 'We now have 40,000 people engaged in this. Every person, thousands of people are being tested as he knows every day. 'Every person who tests positive in this country, the track and trace system, is contacted, then thousands of their contacts are themselves contacted and I can tell the House at the moment as a result of our test, track and trace system which was up and running on June 1 as I said, contrary to what he said, as a result of their efforts thousands of people are now following our guidance, following the law and self-isolating to stop the spread of the disease.' The Government launched NHS Test and Trace without an NHSX contact tracing app with the current system entirely reliant on contact tracers physically tracking down people who have interacted with someone who has tested positive. Sir Keir then accused Mr Johnson of failing to use statistics in an appropriate manner after UK statistics watchdog David Norgrove yesterday delivered a devastating rebuke to Health Secretary Matt Hancock for his 'misleading' figures on testing. 'The problem when the Prime Minister used statistics is that the statistics authority have had concerns on more than one occasion,' he said before adding that Mr Johnson's approach was 'damaging' to 'public trust and confidence' in the Government. Boris Johnson reveals plan for proxy voting for shielding MPs MPs who cannot make it to Westminster because they are shielding because of age or ill-health will be allowed to vote by proxy, Boris Johnson said today. The PM made the announcement as his Government faced widespread ridicule over a mile-long 'socially distanced conga' of politicians voting yesterday. MPs threw out temporary electronic voting measures brought in during the pandemic despite accusations it would disenfranchise those forced to shield at home because of their age, or specific health issues. It resulted in hundreds of MPs having to queue for more than an hour in some cases, in a socially distanced snake that wound its way through halls, corridors and open spaces in the Westminster estate, before casting votes in the Commons chamber. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer used PMQs today to label the scenes 'shameful' and pushed the PM to allow remote voting to resume. Mr Johnson replied: 'I do think (Sir Keir) needs to consider what is really going on throughout the country where ordinary people are getting used to queuing for long periods of time to do their shopping or whatever it happens to be. 'I do not think it's unreasonable that we should ask parliamentarians to come back to this place and do their job for the people of this country. 'I know it's difficult and I apologise to colleagues for the inconvenience and I apologise to all those who have particular difficulties because they're shielded or elderly, the change we're making today will mean they should be able to vote by proxy.' Advertisement Mr Johnson replied: 'I really do not see the purpose of his endless attacks on public trust and confidence when what we are trying to do, and I think what the public want to hear from politicians across all parties, is our clear messages about how to defeat this virus. 'Test and trace is a vital tool in our armoury and contrary to what he says, we did by the end of May get up to 100,000 tests a day and we got up to 200,000 by the beginning of this month.' Sir Keir sniped back: 'The Prime Minister is confusing scrutiny for attacks. I have supported the Government openly and I have taken criticism for it. 'But boy he makes it difficult to support this Government over the last two weeks.' Sir Keir and Mr Johnson also clashed over the decision to reopen primary schools and falling levels of trust in the Government after the Dominic Cummings lockdown travel row. Responding to Mr Johnson's demand for 'more co-operation' from Labour, Sir Keir said he had written to the Prime Minister two weeks ago to offer help to build a consensus for getting children back into schools but he had received no response. Sir Keir said: 'This is a critical week in our response to Covid-19. 'Whereas lockdown and stay at home were relatively easy messages, easing restrictions involves very difficult judgement calls. 'So this is the week, of all weeks, where public trust and confidence in the Government needed to be at its highest.' The Labour leader noted that the director of the Reuters Institute said they had never seen such a significant drop in trust in government in 10 years, as Sir Keir added: 'How worried is the Prime Minister about this loss of trust?' Sir Keir said he had written to the PM on May 18 to offer Labour's help in arriving at a consensus on reopening primary schools Boris Johnson says 'black lives matter' as he condemns 'inexcusable' death of George Floyd Boris Johnson insisted 'black lives matter' today as he condemned the 'inexcusable' death of George Floyd - but refused to criticise Donald Trump's response. Mr Johnson added his voice to condemnation as he was asked at PMQs about the wave of furious protests across the US, which have spread around the world. Footage has emerged of a police officer kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck while he pleaded that he could not breathe. Mr Johnson told MPs people had a 'right' to demonstrate, but dodged questions over the President's crackdown and warning that 'looting means shooting'. Pressed by Labour's Keir Starmer over whether he would pass on to Mr Trump the 'UK's abhorrence about his response to the events', Mr Johnson said: 'I think what happened in the United States was appalling, it was inexcusable. 'We all saw it on our screens and I perfectly understand people's right to protest what took place. Though obviously I also believe that protest should take place in a lawful and reasonable way.' Advertisement No10: UK now in 'recovery' phase of coronavirus crisis Downing Street today claimed the UK is 'moving into the recovery phrase' of the coronavirus crisis. Number 10 said ministers will now focus on the 'implementation of our recovery roadmap' as the nationwide death toll approaches 40,000. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has shaken up the Whitehall machine to change the way in which decisions are made as the PM looks to tighten his grip on the Government's response. The premier has been rocked in recent weeks by a series of rows including the Dominic Cummings lockdown travel furore, the troubled rollout of NHS Test and Trace and a backlash over traveller quarantine plans. The PM has decided to axe four high level ministerial committees which have sat throughout the pandemic to coordinate the UK's action plan, replacing them with just two. Tory MPs are hoping that the move will 'bring some order' to the Government after a chaotic period. Advertisement Mr Johnson denied the claim he had not responded, saying he 'took the trouble' to ring Sir Keir. Labour subsequently said the phone call referred to by Mr Johnson was not a one-on-one call but actually a briefing with numerous other opposition leaders. Meanwhile, Sir Keir accused the PM of a lack of transparency over how lockdown easing decisions have been made and whether they have been linked to the Government's coronavirus alert system. A visibly frustrated Mr Johnson slapped the despatch box as he replied: 'He knows perfectly well that the alert level does allow it and he didn't raise that issue with me when we had a conversation on the telephone and he knows the reason we've been able to make the progress we have - the five tests have been fulfilled. 'So yes the alert level remains at four but as Sage will confirm we've managed to protect the NHS, got the rate of deaths down, rate of infection down, the PPE crisis, difficulties in care homes, the question of the R, they have been addressed. 'The question for him is whether he actually supports the progress we're making, because at the weekend he was backing it and now he is doing a U-turn, now he seems to be against the steps this country is taking.' Mr Johnson also faced a grilling from MPs during PMQs after the Government yesterday published an official report which showed Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (Bame) Britons were dying at a higher rate from coronavirus than their white counterparts. Labour MP Andy Slaughter asked the PM what action will be taken to address the situation and to demonstrate that 'black lives matter'. Mr Johnson replied: 'He is wrong when he says that this Government was somehow forced to publish a review - this Government commissioned the review because we take it incredibly seriously, it is our review. 'Yes, I do think it intolerable that Covid falls in such a discriminatory way on different groups and different communities in our country and that is why we are going to ensure that our minister for equalities takes up that report and sees what practical steps we need to step to protect those minorities.' The Government launched the NHS Test and Trace system last week but it has been dogged by claims of early problems. A leaked report suggested virus sufferers had provided details of 4,634 people they might have infected, of whom just 1,749 had been texted or emailed by contact tracers. The Government has insisted the figures are out of date and do not paint an accurate picture. Polls have suggested confidence in Mr Johnson has been slumping in the wake of the spat over Dominic Cummings' lockdown trip to Durham (pictured in Downing Street yesterday) Revealed: The areas of England and Wales that have recorded the highest rate of 'excess deaths' during the coronavirus pandemic The coronavirus pandemic has driven up death rates in some parts of London to double what they are in a usual year, a shocking analysis of data has revealed. Official statistics show the number of Britons who died during the first five months of 2020 was massively higher than average because of the Covid-19 crisis. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday revealed at least 56,000 'excess deaths' have been recorded in England and Wales alone, while the figure for the entirety of the UK is in the region of 62,000. And while not all of these people have been direct victims of the coronavirus, many have died because of indirect impacts of the outbreak, such as reduced NHS services. The London borough of Brent is the worst affected part of England and Wales by this measure, with the number of deaths soaring from 447 in January-May in an average year to 925 in 2020 - an increase of 108 per cent. Data analysed by The Telegraph shows that 17 out of the 20 worst affected places across the two countries are all boroughs of the capital. Other parts of London that witnessed their death tolls approximately double were Harrow (99.7 per cent increase), Newham (95.4 per cent) and Enfield (90.3 per cent). The highest increase in deaths outside of London was seen in Hertsmere in Hertfordshire, where fatalities rose by 86.2 per cent from 236 to 439. Separate data published by the ONS yesterday showed that Birmingham has seen the highest number of deaths directly caused by the coronavirus, with 1,082 victims. This was followed by Leeds (605), County Durham (567) and Liverpool (529). Advertisement Ministers are also under pressure over the scale of the testing regime with the Government not revealing how many people are actually being tested, instead focusing on the number of tests carried out. Health Minister Edward Argar today suggested it was not 'important' for the Government to know exactly how many people have been tested. He told Sky News: 'What we have always said is we were talking about the number of tests carried out. 'There is a very good reason for that which is because some people will have to have multiple tests and Matt has been very clear throughout this that the target number he is using is the number of tests carried out.' Asked directly how many individuals were tested yesterday, Mr Argar said: 'We carried out 135,645 tests. That is what we are focusing on. That is the important statistic.' The current data on tests carried out is skewed by the fact that some people are tested more than once. There is also growing scrutiny of test turnaround times with former health secretary Jeremy Hunt warning it is 'absolutely essential' checks are processed within 24 hours. The chairman of the Commons Health and Social Care Committee told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'My biggest concern at the moment is the time it is taking for tests to be turned around. 'The Government advisory committee, Sage, their minutes of May 1 which have now been published say that to be effective you have to get people's close contacts to isolate within 48 hours. 'Now if the test results themselves take 48 hours to come back, that is going to be impossible. 'So I strongly welcome the Prime Minister's new 24-hour test turnaround target. 'But at the moment the Government isn't saying how many tests are being met within that target and for test and trace it is absolutely essential that they all are.' Representative image Air India has handpicked 40 of its senior-most pilots, who will be deputed to fly the specially customised aircraft to be used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. These pilots have been chosen less than a month after the national airline invited applications for the roles, on May 15. In official parlance, they will be deputed for Special Extra Section Flight operations. The 40 pilots will be flying the two Boeing 777 aircraft, which are expected to be commissioned in July this year. Currently, the VVIPs fly Air India's B747 planes that have the call sign 'Air India One'. The new aircraft will also carry the same code. The B777 planes, which had a price tag of $190 million, will be fitted with sophisticated defence systems, called Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Self-Protection Suites (SPS). Interestingly, pilots from Indian Air Force were earlier supposed to be deputed to fly the new aircraft. But plans changed. "We would not like to make any comment on these issues pertaining to the Ministry and the Government of India," Air India said in a response to Moneycontrol's query. The benefits The Air India pilots selected for the high-profile jobs will enjoy benefits that are unprecedented in the industry. While they will continue to be on the payroll of Air India, and will keep getting allowances and annual increments, the pilots will also be guaranteed 70 hours of flying allowance along with overtime. Irrespective of their flying time, the 40 selected aviators will also get a fixed layover allowance of $1,200 each per month. Apart from this, they will also receive allowances they accrued as examiners and instructors. Applicants had to be commanders flying Boeing 777 jet, Line Training Captains, Type Rating Instructors or Designated Examiners. "The pilots will undertake only IAF flight duties and they shall undertake Air India flights only for the purpose of meeting license currency requirements, if needed," said the Air India notice inviting applications. This will translate to, says a senior industry executive, "monthly pay of Rs 8 lakh, plus all the allowances mentioned in the notice. This is a great posting as it comes with hardly any flying hours." In other words, they could be the highest-paid pilots in the country. But do two B777 aircraft need 40 senior pilots? "Twelve pilots are more than enough for two 777 aircraft," says the executive. The aircraft The present planes carrying the dignitaries didn't have any defence systems. "These were normal B777 and B747 aircraft. There were no military hardware or top-secret configuration. The planes were used commercially. When the PM had to fly, they would reconfigure the cabin for him," said a senior executive from the industry. The new aircraft, on the other hand, will come 'loaded.' The systems will include missile warning sensors, counter-measure dispensing systems, guardian laster transmitter assemblies and Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites. With the kind of configuration, it wasn't a surprise that Indian Air Force pilots were initially picked for the duty. "The IAF had sent four pilots from the Comm squadron to train with Air India," said a senior executive. The primary role of the Communication Squadron of the IAF, formed in 1947, is to "convey VVIPs/VIPs of India and visiting foreign heads of states and Governments," says website Bharat-Rakshak.com "Its not clear why the IAF pilots left midway. They had enough time to train the IAF pilots," added the executive quoted above. LONDON, June 2 (Reuters) - The United Kingdom said on Tuesday that China was risking the destruction of one of the jewels of Asia's economy with a crackdown in the former colony of Hong Kong that breaches international law. Asked about the risk to the Hong Kong dollar peg, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "If China is willing to interfere on political and autonomy grounds, it is also likely to pose a longer term threat to the economic prosperty and economic model that Hong Kong reflects and embodies." "The sad reality is that if China continues down this track, it will be strangling what has long been the jewel in the economic crown," Raab said. "There is still an opportunity for China to step back," he said but added: "we think that it is unlikely that will happen." Hong Kong fell to sixth place from third in the latest ranking of global financial centres, according to the Z/Yen global financial centres index, behind New York, London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Singapore. It was Asia's top hub in 2019. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge and Sarah Young; editing by Stephen Addison) "This was a very rigorous process and these types of permits are quite complex," said Scott Honan, Vice President of Business Development for NioCorp and President of Elk Creek Resources Corp., NioCorp's operating subsidiary. "The permit process requires assessing the potential emissions from each point in the mining and production process, and then designing systems to capture and control those emissions. The degree of emissions control is very high typically, 99% of emissions must be captured by control devices. I am very proud of how our team at NioCorp designed this facility in a manner that seeks to limit air emissions and mitigate environmental impacts." "We want to thank Jim Macy and the staff of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy for the thoroughness of their review and the professionalism with which they approach these processes," Mr. Honan added. "I also want to thank Olsson, our Nebraska-based consulting firm, which helped us to assemble the permit application and shepherd it through the process." Mark Smith, CEO and Executive Chairman of NioCorp, said: "This is a huge milestone for the company and another major de-risking of the Elk Creek Project. Both the State of Nebraska and NioCorp take air quality, and environmental performance of this Project, very seriously. Our overall commitment to environmental performance is a foundational value for our Company." "I also want to thank the State of Nebraska and the officials involved in this process for their professionalism and diligence," Mr. Smith added. "It is impressive that the State of Nebraska completed this effort while also battling the COVID-19 pandemic. That shows tremendous leadership by Jim Macy at NDEE and by the Governor Ricketts' Administration, and it underscores the fact that Nebraska is willing to go the extra mile to encourage job-creating investment in the state during this challenging time while continuing to preserve and enforce environmental values." @NioCorp $NB $NIOBF #Niobium #Scandium #ElkCreek #airpermit For More Information Contact Jim Sims, VP of External Affairs, NioCorp Developments Ltd., 720-639-4650, [email protected] About NioCorp NioCorp is developing a superalloy materials project in Southeast Nebraska that will produce Niobium, Scandium, and Titanium. Niobium is used to produce superalloys as well as High Strength, Low Alloy ("HSLA") steel, which is a lighter, stronger steel used in automotive, structural, and pipeline applications. Scandium is a superalloy material that can be combined with Aluminum to make alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium also is a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells. Titanium is used in various superalloys and is a key component of pigments used in paper, paint and plastics and is also used for aerospace applications, armor and medical implants. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this document may constitute forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expectations that construction of the Project will launch as soon as possible after Project financing is obtained and the Company's ability to secure project financing. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause a change in such assumptions and the actual outcomes and estimates to be materially different from those estimated or anticipated future results, achievements or position expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause NioCorp's plans or prospects to change include risks related to the Company's ability to operate as a going concern; risks related to the Company's requirement of significant additional capital; changes in demand for and price of commodities (such as fuel and electricity) and currencies; changes in economic valuations of the Project, such as Net Present Value calculations, changes or disruptions in the securities markets; legislative, political or economic developments; the need to obtain permits and comply with laws and regulations and other regulatory requirements; the possibility that actual results of work may differ from projections/expectations or may not realize the perceived potential of NioCorp's projects; risks of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in development programs; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, mining or development activities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves and resources; and the risks involved in the exploration, development and mining business and the risks set forth in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators at www.sedar.com and the SEC at www.sec.gov. NioCorp disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE NioCorp Developments Ltd. Related Links http://www.niocorp.com SAN FRANCISCO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), a leading global provider of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions, and Ascenty, the leading provider of data center services in Latin America and a Digital Realty and Brookfield Infrastructure joint venture company, announced today Ascenty has reached agreement to build two new facilities in the state of Queretaro, Mexico anchored by long-term, U.S. dollar-denominated, multi-megawatt agreements to support the growth of a leading global cloud provider. Both initial phases are scheduled for delivery in 2021, and the two new facilities combined are expected to deliver up to 36 megawatts of total IT capacity upon full buildout. The new data centers will be interconnected via an underground dark fiber-optic network, providing access to networks, cloud, and connectivity providers in a single, secure environment. The significant expansion of PlatformDIGITAL across Latin America will enable customers to rapidly scale digital transformation by deploying critical infrastructure with a leading global data center provider at the heart of a growing community of interest in Mexico. "We are pleased to support the expansion of public cloud availability and digital transformation strategies across Latin America," said Digital Realty Chief Executive Officer A. William Stein. "Mexico and Mexico City represent our 21st country and 45th metropolitan area as well as an important milestone on our global platform roadmap, adding coverage, capacity and connectivity capabilities to enable our customers' digital transformation strategies while demonstrating our commitment to supporting customers' future growth on PlatformDIGITAL." Ascenty Chief Executive Officer Chris Torto added, "Mexico is emerging as a leading technology hub in Latin America. Mexico City is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, while Mexico is the second-largest country in Latin America with a population of over 120 million and the percentage of population using the internet is growing steadily. The development of our first two facilities in Mexico will enhance our ability to support digital transformation throughout the region with comprehensive data center and connectivity solutions." Ascenty, a joint venture between Digital Realty and Brookfield Infrastructure, delivers high-speed connectivity and availability and offers new alternatives to meet corporate connectivity requirements in Latin America. Ascenty's dedicated 4,500-kilometer fiber optic network connects the company's facilities in major cities in the Brazilian states of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza to leading global cloud providers, delivering a wide-ranging and secure interconnection platform. About Digital Realty Digital Realty supports the data center, colocation and interconnection strategies of customers across the Americas, EMEA and APAC, ranging from cloud and information technology services, communications and social networking to financial services, manufacturing, energy, healthcare and consumer products. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About Ascenty Ascenty is a Digital Realty and Brookfield Infrastructure joint venture company and Latin America's largest data center provider, with 22 data centers in operation and/or under construction, interconnected by a dedicated fiber-optic network spanning 4,500 kilometers. The company has developed and operated world-class data centers since 2010, serving some of the world's largest technology companies. In line with Ascenty's expansion project, the company received a strategic investment from Brookfield Infrastructure, one of the largest asset managers in Brazil in the infrastructure and private equity segments. With Digital Realty, the company now takes on even more expertise by joining a global network of 275 data centers located across North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia. To learn more about Ascenty, please visit: http://www.ascenty.com. Media & Industry Analyst Relations Marc Musgrove Digital Realty +1 (415) 508-2812 [email protected] Ascenty Press Office Advice Comunicacao Corporativa Alexandre Lyra | [email protected] | +55 11 99265-5036 Fernanda Dabori | [email protected] +55 11 5102-5252 / +55 11 5102-5257 Investor Relations John Stewart Digital Realty +1 (415) 738-6500 [email protected] Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to Ascenty's new facilities in Mexico, construction timing and completion, expected capacity, PlatformDIGITAL, the joint venture with Brookfield, and the expected growth and demand for data centers in Latin America and Mexico. For a list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by Digital Realty with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Digital Realty disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Digital Realty Related Links https://www.digitalrealty.com Sorry! This content is not available in your region Karabakh conflict resumption likelihood is moderate, its impact on US interests is low, report says Azerbaijan ambassador to Russia hastens to sweeten the sediment of statement by US embassy in Baku IS fighters attack army barracks in mountainous area north of Baghdad, killing 11 soldiers Thomas de Waal: Will Armenia and Turkey be able to normalize relations after 3rd attempt? Armenia Security Council secretary, visiting EU delegation discuss situation on border with Azerbaijan Foreign ministers of Israel and Turkey have talk for 1st time in 13 years Fly Arna shareholders appoint companys Board of Directors 628 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia CSTO chief: Necessary to work on Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation, demarcation FBI search congressman's home in connection with Azerbaijan probe Newspaper: Armenia PM again goes way of black and white Newspaper: Scenario devised after war to be implemented in Artsakh EU Special Representative for South Caucasus arrives in Armenia 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 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 WHO advises countries to lift or ease international travel restrictions 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 Norwegian prosecutors refuse release Anders Breivik, 2011 mass murderer Erdogan urges Turks to sell foreign currency for liras Azerbaijan not yet returned about 300 sheep of Armenia villager Media: Israeli President thinks about visiting Turkey Dollar quite stable in Armenia Trade turnover between Ukraine and Armenia increases by 24% Armenia legislature speaker meets with of International Republican Institute president, and director for Eurasia Kremlin does not exclude new call between Putin and Biden EU Special Representative for South Caucasus to soon visit Armenia, Azerbaijan State Duma discusses work of biolaboratories near Russia's borders US lawmakers to parliament speaker: Armenian POWs must be returned to their homeland immediately Security Council chief: Armenia expects OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to visit region Armenia government does not approve plan to considerably raise minimum wage Turkish FM: Armenian representatives invited to diplomatic forum in Antalya Twitter suspends Mexican billionaire's account over offensive behavior Armenian PM says Omicron strain is slowly spreading Azerbaijan says it supports launching border delimitation process with Armenia with no conditions Zakharova speaks on Aliyev's visit to Kyiv Zakharova does not comment on Azerbaijan president's threats against France presidential candidate for her Artsakh visit Cavusoglu: Steps to increase mutual trust will be discussed at next meeting with Armenia US gives go-ahead to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to send missiles and other American-made weapons to Ukraine Zakharova: Russia, as OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair, supports continuation of work in this format Cyber attack on Red Cross: data of over 515,000 people compromised Pashinyan: UK has been strong partner of newly independent Armenia Israel hopes UN will unanimously condemn Holocaust denial Armenia, Ukraine depositories sign memorandum of cooperation Azerbaijan advises Armenia to correctly assess the new geopolitical realities and draw conclusions Australia, UK to fight back against cyberattacks from China, Russia and Iran Protesting residents of Armenias Parakar community march to territorial administration ministry Armenia government approves protocol on implementation of readmission agreement with Lithuania Iran suspends gas supplies to Turkey MFA: Armenia has no preconditions for border delimitation 621 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Paris to have place named after Hrant Dink Armenias Parakar enlarged community residents protesting outside government building 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 Biden says invasion of Ukraine will be disaster for Russia Newspaper: Armenia PM Pashinyan plans to hold Presidents office Newspaper: Opposition Armenia bloc, led by ex-President Kocharyan, starting new processes Taliban PM calls on Muslim countries to be first to formally recognize their government Saudi Arabia records lowest temperature in 30 years Erdogan's visit to Ukraine scheduled for February 3 Russian peacekeeping contingent establishes order of passage through Lachin corridor French Senate votes to ban hijab at sporting events Armenian FM: All necessary conditions to be created for Demarcation Commission work Olaf Scholz: Borders in Europe cannot be changed by force Lavrov presents Armenian Ambassador to Russia, with the Order of Friendship 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 PM Pashinyan assumes accountability for Armenia special representative for negotiations with Turkey Turkey Central banks and UAE sign agreement worth almost $5 billion 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 Greece receives the first batch of French Rafale fighters NEWS.am daily digest: 19.01.22 Azerbaijan hopes Pope to mediate in relations with Armenia Talks between presidents of Russia and Iran start in Kremlin Armenian FM: This is not first time Baku makes nonconstructive statements Armenian Investigative Committee: 3,809 people die in the 44-day war Ombudsman: I urge not to give in to Azerbaijani manipulations, to visit Artsakh Armenian FM: Armenia passes a package of proposals to Azerbaijan France names the main favorite of presidential election In less than three months, the coronavirus has upended Americas public education system. The virus triggered closures of unprecedented scale and forced educators across the country to quickly transition to online teaching, many for the first time in their careers. Roughly 11 weeks since the start of the pandemic, 124,000 US schools remain closed for in-person instruction as they limp toward summer break, affecting almost 51 million students. The coronavirus is quickly becoming the defining moment in education for a generation of schoolchildren and their parents. But what of the teachers? How are they managing this new reality? The Guardian checked in with four California educators It feels like The Twilight Zone Just as closures have affected the nature of work, they have changed the complexion of teachers home lives. Every day looks absolutely wild. I was not prepared to spend 24 hours a day with my children, said Shelly Steely, who teaches at an alternative high school in San Diego geared toward students who are at risk of dropping out. Since the lockdowns started, she has struggled to keep pace. My husband is working at a call center, so its really tough to have time for all the work plus caring for my own kids, cooking and cleaning and helping them with their homework. And we lost our babysitter because my dad is high-risk and hasnt been able to do it, Steely said. Teaching in saner times. Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo Tina Alcatraz Andres, a middle school teacher in Santa Ana Unified, just south of Los Angeles, said she has been working disjointed, 15-hour days as a parent to two children, 14 and 15. Layered upon those stressors, Andress father was diagnosed with Covid-19 days after schools closed. We have times where all four of us are on Zoom calls, Andres said of her working husband, also a teacher, and her kids. And sometimes the internet goes down and its panic mode. Andres has also noticed the lockdown has shifted her family and students schedules. Everybody seems to be waking up later now. Story continues I cant really plan anything early in the morning, because kids dont show up, she said. Ive been doing most of my grading at night, around 10 oclock. Sometimes I send a paper back and Im talking to students after 1am about the work. Its very weird and adds to the Twilight Zone feeling of this whole thing. Andres notes one unexpected perk of the new normal, however. I feel like Ive gotten to know some of my students better. Some who have been quiet seem to have come alive. Digital disconnect In the weeks that followed the first school closures, teachers describe frantic scenes of hustling to get laptops and hotspots into students hands or cobbling together distance learning plans, often from scratch. Stories of teachers scrambling to connect with awol students abounded. At Los Angeles Unified, the nations second-largest school district, roughly 15,000 high school students were absent online and completed no school work in the transition to distance learning. In San Diego, trying to engage students online has been Steelys biggest stress point. Security guards talk on the campus of the closed McKinley school, part of the Los Angeles Unified school district system, in Compton, California, just south of Los Angeles, in late April. Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images I cant get my kids to connect, she said. Im over here like: Can someone text me back, please? Anyone? I know you hear me because I see the message on read. You have to graduate next month but you have to do some work for me to pass you in good faith. Her students are dealing with a lot: one has been couch surfing, three have become full-time caregivers because their parents are working. A couple have full-time jobs they are still going to because their work is considered essential work. One of my students up and left town, Steely said. Ive been altering his assignments so he could do them on his phone. Half my students didnt have computers. It was a whole ordeal trying to get them the devices and now were dealing with bad connections. Angela Der Ramos, who teaches sixth graders in Salinas, a central-coast city made famous by John Steinbeck, has been working to keep kids tuned in, turning quizzes into games and focusing on reading, percentages and ratios lessons that will build skills they will depend on for life. Many families speak a language other than English at home, she said, and face some of the hidden challenges known to teachers: lack of access to the internet, overcrowded housing and concerns over immigration status. In one of my students families, three children and their mom rent a room inside a house, said Der Ramos. Where is he going to go to log on to a computer? Of the 27 students in Der Ramoss class, only about six routinely log in, she said. About 10 other students arent regulars, but do some of the work, enough for Der Ramos to say, OK, good. Youre alive and at least engaging in some way. The shift to distance learning affected school districts unevenly. In Menlo Park, an affluent Bay-area community in the heart of Silicon Valley, officials chalk up a relatively smooth transition to the fact that most students in the district had access to devices going into the lockdown in addition to teachers who were trained in distance learning techniques. But the same wasnt true in many rural or disadvantaged areas. Ken Johnson, a high school government teacher and president of the teachers union in Manteca, a Central Valley town an hour east of San Francisco, said he has been working 12-hour days, taking meals at his desk, in part because he and other educators had to create distance learning plans from scratch. This is the hardest Ive ever worked in my life. Were doing things on the fly. Everyday is different. If the software is glitchy, you have to become Mr Google and figure it out, Johnson said. Johnson said he has encountered an irony facing a generation of digital natives in his classes. The funny thing is that kids can spend the entire day on Instagram or TikTok, but when it comes to taking a picture of their work and uploading it or even just sending an email, thats something they apparently dont know how to do, he said. Its like learning to teach all over again Distance learning has upended the entire way educators teach, throwing a wrench into years of professional training and finely tuned lesson plans. Teaching sixth-graders in Salinas, Der Ramos said she had come to rely on students body language, the way they roll their eyes or drift off when they are not interested. But online teaching has blunted her ability to read her students especially when so many seem to be hesitant to show their face, or the inside of their homes, to the camera. (All teachers interviewed for this story noted the same.) Teachers normally have to play a little psychology with our students but this is harder, because were not in front of them. When I teach online Ive learned I cant call on students to answer, she said. In real life you can sort of stare them down until they respond, but start calling on them online and one by one youll see them start to log off, like byeee. Teaching math is a particular challenge, teachers say. Teaching math concepts involves looking at students work and seeing where they went wrong. What are you thinking about? Making mistakes is what a lot of teaching is based on. But in this case we dont have the same opportunity to go through the actual work in the same way, said Der Ramos. Its like having to learn to teach all over again, but underwater. And we dont have the oxygen to share with the students. I miss my students Teachers say much of their time since lockdown started has been consumed by in-the-moment logistics and planning for the future. But it is also proving to be an emotional time for teachers both for their students and their own families. Steely in San Diego, for example, said she has been gobsmacked by the amount of homework given by her twins teacher. My boys have six hours of homework each day, plus Zoom calls. Ive seen some complaints about teachers not assigning students enough work. I think those are in bad taste, lets be real, she said. Among Steelys biggest concerns for her students is what will happen after summer. School officials in California are looking at dividing the student body in half and staggering school schedules to allow for more space to physically distance. But that creates a major problem for Steely. As a family, we were all waiting for our kids to be in school so the money we paid in childcare could finally go to other things. And its not just us. A lot of parents rely on public schools for childcare, she said. One and a half hours north, in Santa Ana, Andres said she has also been surprised by the timing of some parents feedback. As were nearing the end of the school year Ive had a flood of parents whose students havent been doing anything for the past eight weeks and are suddenly very interested in how their kids are going to get caught up, Andres said. Meanwhile, Johnson in Manteca is coming to terms with the fact he wasnt able to close out the year with a group of students, many of whom postponed plans to leave for college in order to help their parents pull through the pandemic and its financial toll. I miss my students. I wont be able to be at their graduation. I want to be able to see them after their graduation and hear their laughter and stupid jokes. Thats why teachers teach we have that rapport with our students where were just feeding off of it, said Johnson. I feel like I havent been able to see my kids finish growing up. Ive been doing this 31 years and I still get teared up talking about this. Still, he has been touched and encouraged by his students thoughtful responses to lockdown measures They say theyre bored, but they dont want to go outside because they dont want to bring the virus home to mom and dad or grandpa, he said. These kids, they get it. Even as young as they are, they understand how serious this is and theyre concerned for others. It gives you hope for the future, doesnt it? * Sweden's COVID-19 mortality rate higher than neighbours' * In virus fight, Sweden relied largely on voluntary steps * Epidemiologist says more could have been done STOCKHOLM, June 3 (Reuters) - Sweden should have done more to combat the coronavirus and prevent a much higher national COVID-19 death rate than in neighbouring countries, the man behind the Public Health Agency's pandemic strategy said on Wednesday. Nearly 4,500 Swedes have died in the outbreak, a higher mortality rate than in Denmark, Norway and Finland, and criticism has been growing over the government's decision not to impose lockdown measures as strictly as elsewhere in Europe. Anders Tegnell, the chief epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency, said that in hindsight Sweden should have done more. "If we were to run into the same disease, knowing exactly what we know about it today, I think we would end up doing something in between what Sweden did and what the rest of the world has done," Tegnell told Swedish radio. "Yes, I think we could have done better in what we did in Sweden, clearly." While most of Europe, including Norway, Denmark and Finland, closed schools, shops and businesses, bringing much of society to a halt, Sweden has relied more on voluntary measures, social distancing and common-sense hygiene advice to stem the outbreak. It shut care homes to visitors in late March, but around half of the deaths in the country have been among elderly people living in care facilities. Tegnell said it was hard to know which measures taken elsewhere might have been the most effective in Sweden. "Maybe we will find this out now that people have started removing measures, one at a time," he said. "And then maybe we will get some kind of information on what, in addition to what we did, we could do without adopting a total lockdown." Earlier this week, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said the government would launch an enquiry into the handling of the pandemic. (Reporting by Simon Johnson, Editing by Timothy Heritage) As several employees publicly resign in protest, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday defended his inaction on President Donald Trumps controversial posts. The president, responding to escalating violence over systemic racism and the death of an unarmed black man named George Floyd in Minnesota, used the historically racist phrase, When the looting starts, the shooting starts" in posts on social media last week. Twitter said the remarks glorified violence in violation of the platforms policies. Facebook kept it up, with Zuckerberg saying he didnt think his company should be the arbiter of truth. The president, who lashed out at social media in an executive order and accused Twitter of censorship, said he didnt know the racist origins of the phrase from the 1960s. He and White House officials say he was trying to prevent violence, not glorify it. Zuckerberg, in a video chat with employees Tuesday, said Facebooks principles and free speech policies show that the right action where we are right now is to leave this up, according to audio obtained by The New York Times. He said it was a tough decision but pretty thorough. I knew that I would have to separate out my personal opinion, he said, The Times reported. Knowing that when we made this decision we made, it was going to lead to a lot of people upset inside the company, and the media criticism we were going to get. Multiple employees have resigned from Facebook in protest. The Times reported that many employees staged a virtual walkout on Monday over the matter. For years, President Trump has enjoyed an exception to Facebooks Community Standards; over and over he posts abhorrent, targeted messages that would get any other Facebook user suspended from the platform, Timothy J. Aveni, a Facebook software engineer, said in a post on the social network. "Hes permitted to break the rules, since his political speech is newsworthy. Aveni, who announced his resignation, said Zuckerberg had previously pledged to employees that he would draw the line at speech that calls for violence. That turned out to be a lie, Aveni said. I'm resigning from my job at Facebook. For years, President Trump has enjoyed an exception to Facebooks Community... Posted by Timothy J. Aveni on Monday, June 1, 2020 Facebook will keep moving the goalposts every time Trump escalates, finding excuse after excuse not to act on increasingly dangerous rhetoric," he added. Facebook, complicit in the propagation of weaponized hatred, is on the wrong side of history. The president, who has expressed sympathy for the family of Floyd and peaceful protesters, has also come under fire for several statements urging a crackdown on lowlife scum, thugs and looters. On Monday, Trump said he would mobilize every resource, including the military if need be, to end the escalating violence. Democratic leaders, including the likely Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, have asserted that Trumps rhetoric and calls for the National Guard to dominate the streets is sowing violence without addressing institutional racism. Related Content: A man wearing personal protective equipment looks outside an Air China plane in Zimbabwe on May 11, 2020. (Jekesai Njikizana/AFP via Getty Images) Trump Administration Suspending Chinese Flights to US The United States is banning Chinese flights to and from America as retaliation for China failing to let U.S. carriers freely conduct operations. President Donald Trumps administration said seven China-based airlines, including Air China Limited and Xiamen Airlines, will not be able to fly to or from the United States. An order from the U.S. Department of Transportation said it was responding to the failure of China to permit U.S. carriers to exercise the full extent of their bilateral right to conduct scheduled passenger air services to and from China. As a result of that failure, the United States is suspending the scheduled passenger operations of all Chinese carriers to and from the United States, wrote Joel Szabat, assistant secretary of aviation and international affairs. The order is dated June 3 and goes into effect June 16 if Trump so orders, the Department of Transportation said in a statement. The Department will continue to engage our Chinese counterparts so both U.S. and Chinese carriers can fully exercise their bilateral rights. In the meantime, we will allow Chinese carriers to operate the same number of scheduled passenger flights as the Chinese government allows ours, it stated. A China Southern Airlines employee wears a surgical mask as a preventive measure in light of the coronavirus outbreak in China, while he attends a customer behind the counter at Benito Juarez international airport in Mexico City, Mexico, on Jan. 28, 2020. (Carlos Jasso/Reuters) Agreement An agreement originally established in 1980 and later amended governs flights between China and the United States. Among other things, the agreement establishes rights for carriers of both parties to fly between the country, including the right to operate combination and all-cargo services with full traffic 2 rights [f]rom any point or points in the United Statesto any point or points in the Peoples Republic of China open to scheduled international services, with frequency limitations in the case of certain Chinese airports. Each party shall take appropriation action to ensure that there exist fair and equal rights for the designated airlines of both Parties to operate the agreed services on the specified routes so as to achieve equality of opportunity, reasonable balance and mutual benefit, the agreement states. The current situation stems from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which started in China last year. In January, American carriers began drawing down their scheduled U.S.-China flights, as did most Chinese carriers. In early January, some 325 combination flights operated weekly between the countries. That number dramatically decreased to 20 weekly flights. That slightly increased in mid-March to 34 weekly flights, all operated by Chinese carriers. On March 26, Chinas civil aviation authority issued a notice saying Chinese airlines could maintain one weekly scheduled flight on one route to any given country. Foreign airlines were limited to just one weekly flight on one route to China but had to refer to their flight schedule from March 12 for the maximum overall limit. By that date, U.S. airlines werent flying to and from China because of the pandemic, though Chinese carriers were generally operating some flights. Describing the date as arbitrary, Szabat said the notice effectively precludes U.S. carriers from reinstating scheduled passenger flights to and from China and operating to the full extent of their bilateral rights, while Chinese carriers are able to maintain scheduled passenger service to and from each foreign market served as of the baseline date, including the United States. Before the notice was made, American carriers planned to reinstate flights to China in early June. United and Delta planned to start flying to China again in early May. U.S. officials repeatedly raised objections to Chinas civil aviation authority, including on a May 14 call, but the authority said in a letter on May 25 suggesting the notice wont be altered. If the policies are adjusted, then the department will revisit the order it announced on June 3. Allen Zhong contributed to this report. President Donald Trump walks off Marine One in Washington on May 30, 2020. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) Snapchat No Longer Promoting President Trumps Account Snapchat became the latest social media company to take action against President Donald Trump, announcing its no longer promoting his content on the platform. Twitter in recent days has moved against Trump, shielding some of his posts from public view for allegedly glorifying violence. Now Snapchat, a platform featuring short videos that are popular among Millenials and Gen Z, says its not currently promoting Trumps content on its Discover platform. We will not amplify voices who incite racial violence and injustice by giving them free promotion on Discover, a spokeswoman for Snap, Snapchats parent company, said in a statement sent to news outlets on Wednesday. Racial violence and injustice have no place in our society and we stand together with all who seek peace, love, equality, and justice in America, the spokesperson added. Snap didnt identify which posts were allegedly inciting violence. The Trump campaign released a statement saying that Snapchat is trying to rig the 2020 election by illegally using their corporate funding to promote Joe Biden and suppress President trump. The Trump campaign accused Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel as being a radical who would rather promote extreme left riot videos and encourage their users to destroy America than share the positive words of unity, justice, and law and order from our President. Snapchat co-founders Bobby Murphy (L) and CEO Evan Spiegel ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange as the company celebrates its IPO on March 2, 2017. (Richard Drew/AP Photo) Snapchat hates that so many of their users watch the Presidents content and so they are actively engaging in voter suppression, Trumps campaign asserted. If youre a conservative, [Snapchat does] not want to hear from you, they do not want you to vote. They view you as a deplorable and they do not want you to exist on their platform. Recent posts on Trumps page include a screenshot of a message expressing condolences after David Dorn, a retired police captain, was killed by looters in St. Louis, Miss. A series of posts made before that shared clips and news coverage of part of Trumps June 1 speech outside the White House. The beginning shows the Republican saying: By far, our greatest days lie ahead. Thank you very much. And now Im going to pay my respects to a very, very special place. Trump and top administration officials then walked through Lafayette Park to St. Johns Episcopal Church, which was damaged by rioters. It culminates in him holding a Bible in front of the church and speaking to reporters. We have a great country. Thats my thoughts. The greatest country in the world. We will make it even greater. It wont take long. Its not going to take long. Its coming back, its coming back strong. Itll be greater than ever before. Riots and protests have taken place across the United States in the past week, sparked by the death of George Floyd. President Donald Trump holds a Bible as he visits outside St. Johns Church across Lafayette Park from the White House, in Washington, on June 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) A Minneapolis resident, Floyd died in police custody on Memorial Day. Because Floyd was black and the arresting officers were white and Asian, and officers used a high level of force, which ended up killing Floyd, the situation angered many. Snapchats move against Trump will likely fuel growing calls to remove special liability protection that social media companies enjoy under the Communications Decency Act. Spiegel said in a memo to employees on Sunday that people should not stay silent in the face of evil and wrongdoing as he apologized for not sharing his feelings sooner. As for Snapchat, we simply cannot promote accounts in America that are linked to people who incite racial violence, whether they do so on or off our platform. Our Discover content platform is a curated platform, where we decide what we promote, he said. We may continue to allow divisive people to maintain an account on Snapchat, as long as the content that is published on Snapchat is consistent with our community guidelines, but we will not promote that account or content in any way, he added later. SEATTLEThe billowing clouds of tear gas that the authorities are sending through protest crowds across the United States may increase the risk that the coronavirus could spread through the gatherings. Along with the immediate pain that can cause watering eyes and burning throats, tear gas may cause damage to peoples lungs and make them more susceptible to getting a respiratory illness, according to studies on the risks of exposure. The gas can also incite coughing, which can further spread the virus from an infected person. Sven-Eric Jordt, a researcher at Duke University who has studied the effects of tear gas agents, said he had been shocked to watch how much the authorities had turned to the control method in recent days. Im really concerned that this might catalyze a new wave of COVID-19, Jordt said. The virus has been linked to more than 106,000 deaths in the United States. The protests after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis have already raised alarm among health experts who have watched as protesters gathered by the thousands in cities around the country. While some demonstrators have worn masks and gloves, the crowds have often involved shouting and chanting in close quarters a risky activity for a virus spread by respiratory droplets. But the addition of wafting gases, which have been used widely by police forces in recent nights, has added an uncertain new element of risk to the scene. In research conducted by the U.S. army, examiners looked at the effects of exposure that thousands of army recruits had to the common riot-control agent known as CS gas or tear gas. The study conducted in the summer of 2012 found that the personnel in a basic training cohort had a substantially high risk of being found to have an acute respiratory illness in the days after exposure than the days before. The risk increased the more people were exposed, the researchers said. The miserable initial effects of tear gas including stinging in the eyes and throat typically lasts for only 15 to 30 minutes after a person who has been exposed gets to an area with cleaner air. But many of the illnesses in the army research surfaced days after exposure. Researchers cautioned that illnesses were not lab-checked, and could have been caused by damage to the respiratory tract rather than infection, or could have been prompted by other factors. A study in Turkey examining the long-term effects of tear gas found that people who had been exposed had a higher risk for chronic bronchitis. Tear gas has been around for decades, used around the world as a riot-control tool, including in Hong Kong during recent uprisings there. Treaties prohibit its use during war. Jordt said he worried that the effects on healthy, young military recruits may also not fully capture the risks to people who are older or have underlying conditions. He said more research was needed on tear gas generally, since much of the research was decades old, but that it had been difficult to get funding to examine the issue. The protests after Floyds death have focused on the disproportionate effects of police killings on Black Americans, with protests led by groups such as Black Lives Matter. People of colour have also been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths than white people. Researchers have long found that smoking can cause damage to upper airways and increase the risk of lung infections. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that conditions such as asthma and chronic lung disease can increase the risk of someone getting a severe coronavirus illness. The CDC has said that prolonged exposure to riot-control agents may lead to long-term effects to eyes and breathing problems such as asthma. The use of tear gas to disperse protesters has been the subject of criticism from organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Jamil Dakwar, the director of the ACLUs Human Rights Program, said tear gas had become an overused tactic that could actually increase the volatility of a situation. He said the weapons that were so indiscriminate should not be used for dispersing people or in protests. It has become a first-resort weapon rather than a last resort, Dakwar said. Dakwar said he would like to see state and federal legislation that would restrict the use of those techniques. While the ACLU was not advocating an outright ban, he said the priority should be on de-escalation techniques. Dakwar said the gas was so indiscriminate that he also worried about the health effects on police officers. A 43-year-old woman facing up to a decade behind bars for an alleged $300,000 healthcare fraud scheme was found Tuesday after her husband reported her missing from a cliff in West Virginia, according to federal officials and media reports. After two days, investigators say they discovered her alive and well in a nearby town. Now both are facing criminal charges. Julie Wheeler and her husband, 47-year-old Rodney Wheeler, were arrested Tuesday on charges of fraudulent schemes, conspiracy, felony conspiracy, willful disturbance of governmental process, contributing to the delinquency of minor and obstructing an officer, among others, West Virginia State Police Sgt. B.A. Wood told The Register-Herald. At the time of her disappearance, federal court documents show Julie Wheeler was due to be sentenced June 17 on felony health care fraud charges relating to the care of a person with spina bifida. She and her husband were given a $100,000 bond each on Wednesday with the condition of home confinement, according to WVNS. Rodney Wheeler reported his wife missing just after 8 p.m. Sunday from Grandview State Park, leading investigators to believe shed fallen from the overlook, WOAY reported. Rangers with the National Park Service were told Julie Wheeler was searching for an earring when she fell, according to The Register-Herald. Rescue crews searched for her on and off over the next two days using a helicopter and infrared gun while also rappelling down the cliff side, WVNS reported. The terrain home to a lot of underbrush, a lot of Rhododendron, steep cliff lines, sharp drops was difficult to navigate, according to The Register-Herald. An early fall view from the Grandview Rim Trail in Grandview National Park, West Virginia. In a Facebook post Monday night, Rodney Wheeler said they havent found her yet but I am holding out hope that she will be found and she is ok. I am heartbroken and lost right now but I have to have faith... please give us time to work through this and please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, the post states. Story continues But less than 24 hours later, state police troopers say they found Julie Wheeler alive and well in nearby Beaver a town 10 miles away, according to WVNS. Troopers were searching her home at the time on the suspicion of foul play, the TV station reported. At least 50 men and women had been searching for her at the Grandview overlook, WVNS reported in a Facebook Live video after she was found. Julie Wheeler later admitted to investigators she was never at Grandview, according to the TV station, and police determined she and her husband had orchestrated and fabricated the missing person complaint, WOAY reported. Julie Wheeler was indicted in September for allegedly taking more than $300,000 from the federal governments Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program while overstating the level of home care she provided to a relative with the condition, according to federal prosecutors. She pleaded guilty to the charges in February and was facing up to 10 years in prison and close to half a million dollars in restitution, prosecutors said in a news release at the time. According to the release, Julie Wheeler was receiving $736 a day from October 2016 to April 2018 to provide eight hours of services to a relative with spina bifida a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord dont form properly, according to the Mayo Clinic. The relative, identified only as K.L., needed bathing and grooming, her clothes changed and help with hygiene and eating, prosecutors said. But Julie Wheeler told the FBI she had greatly inflated the rate and quality of the care that she provided to K.L., the release states. K.L. has since passed away. Brussels: European Union nations banking on 5G to boost economic growth are eager to tackle conspiracy theories linking the wireless technology to the spread of the novel coronavirus that have seen masts torched in several places. Fire and explosion damage can be seen on an EE network 5G mast that was attacked by an arsonist earlier this week in Brodie Avenue in Liverpool, England. Credit:Getty According to telecoms lobbying groups ETNO and GSMA, such false claims have resulted in over 140 arson attacks on infrastructure such as mobile phone masts in 10 European countries and assaults on scores of maintenance workers. Britain has seen 87 arson attacks and the Netherlands 30, while cases have also been reported in France, Belgium, Italy and Germany. According to an EU document seen by Reuters, member countries emphasised their concern at a video conference between themselves to discuss digital issues last Friday. North Korea is cracking down on the use of a specific sarcastic phrase uttered in a South Korean drama on the grounds that it is disrespectful to leader Kim Jong Un, amid an ongoing effort by authorities to eliminate South Korean cultural influences on the reclusive country. The phrase, from the show Crash Landing on You can be directly translated into English as Are you the general?, but in the international release of the series, the official translation renders it as Are you a general or what? Both translations rob the phrase of its sarcastic nuance, which is more akin to Who died and made you the general? or You think youre the general or something? As Kim Jong Un is often referred to colloquially as The General, authorities see the utterance as mocking the Supreme Leaders absolute authority. People are starting to quote lines from popular South Korean dramas so law enforcement has launched an investigation, a resident of North Hamgyong province, who requested anonymity to speak freely told RFA Friday. Law enforcement authorities have launched an investigation because some of the South Korean-style speech is [being used to] criticize the highest dignity, said the source, using an honorific title to refer to Kim Jong Un. Judicial officers are using their crackdown capabilities to investigate [how South Korean media is entering the country], the source said. The source said the phrase about the general is now a common part of North Korean speech. Since late last year, its become popular for people to ask each other, You think youre the general or something? to point out when someone inexperienced or young is acting stuck-up and thinks they are above themselves, the source said. By using the phrase, people are not only giving each other good-natured ribbings, they are also simultaneously mocking Kim Jong Un, the source added. The trend of South Korean-style speech spreading throughout North Korea is a major concern for North Korean authorities, who have to live in the shadow of the more prosperous, democratic South. RFA reported last month that North Korean youth were the target of a crackdown for sharing illegal content on their smartphones. In that report, sources said the youth would not only be punished for sharing South Korean movies or underground music, but also for texting to each other using South Korean spellings or slang. It has now become trendy for people north of the DMZ to model their speech after the upper-class residents of Seoul. Many are interested in talking with a South Korean accent, so they watch South Korean dramas and become more and more addicted, the source said. At first, people took the question at face value. The hidden meaning of Are you a general? was not fully understood, but now people know more about its satirical nature, the source added. The source said that the authorities became alarmed when the phrase became widespread, but they initially did not understand what it meant. The Security Department and the police actually launched an investigation into You think youre the general or something? trying to find where it came from. They were not aware of the meaning, but since the end of last year, they have been cracking down on people using the phrase, said the source. Another source, a resident of South Pyongan province who requested anonymity for legal reasons told RFA on Saturday that the phrase was spreading there as well. A line from the South Korean drama Crash Landing on You is becoming a part of everyday speech, the second source said. When people want to mock someone for being stuck-up or arrogant, they will say, You think youre the general or something? said the second source. In the past, people held the utmost respect for the highest dignity, but not anymore. Now people use these kinds of South Korean phrases more often than using the term highest dignity in their daily lives, said the second source. The second source said that the second meaning of the phrase, to mock Kim Jong Un, has driven its popularity. Theres a reason why people like to ask each other if they are the general. The people are unhappy with Kim Jong Uns behavior of still clinging to nuclear and missile development even though the economy and peoples livelihoods are at rock bottom due to U.S. economic sanctions and the coronavirus crisis, said the second source The sanctions, aimed at depriving Pyongyang of cash and resources that could be funneled into its nuclear and missile programs, place restrictions on certain items that can be legally imported into North Korea. The result has been disastrous for those tied to the countrys emerging market economy. But authorities want to maintain the peoples respect for Kim Jong Un, so they are trying to prevent the influx of South Korean media into the country. Law enforcement is trying to discover the distribution channels of video CDs and SD cards containing South Korean dramas like Crash Landing on You, but they are one step behind, the second source said. Before they are investigated, people are able to hide or discard their video records before they are investigated. But the slang and sarcasm they learned from these South Korean shows remain in their minds. Crash Landing on You is about a South Korean woman who is set to enter an arranged marriage, but she ends up in North Korea after mistakenly paragliding across the inter-Korean border. She is found by a member of the North Korean Special Police Force who agrees to secretly help her return to the South, but they fall in love, causing complications with her family and fiance once she returns to the South, a contrived plot that is typical of K-dramas. The phrase You think youre the general or something? is said during a scene where the woman wants to express her thanks to the hospitable group of North Korean soldiers, that are aiding her return to the South, by hosting an informal awards ceremony. One of the soldiers says, You think youre the general or something? Who are you to give us awards? An August 2019 Washington Post report documented how certain aspects of South Korean media are considered dangerous to North Korean authorities because they encourage North Koreans to escape. Sources in that report said that K-pop and American pop music has had an instrumental role in undermining North Korean propaganda. It also cited a survey by South Koreas Unification Media Group (UMG) of 200 North Korean escapees living in South Korea, in which 90 percent said they consumed foreign media while living in the North, with 75 percent saying they knew of someone who was punished for it. More than 70 percent said they believed that it became more dangerous to access foreign media since Kim Jong Un took power in 2011. Media from South Korea and other countries usually enters the North from across the porous Chinese border. In the past, it was distributed on copied CDs, but now it comes on more-easily-hidden USB flash drives and SD cards. Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Tyson Foods has announced a coronavirus outbreak at its Council Bluffs meatpacking plant. The Arkansas-based company announced Tuesday that 224 of 1,483 plant employees tested came back positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The company said 103 have recovered after a quarantine and returned to work. Of the positive cases, 145 were tested on-site at Tyson from May 14 to May 16. The remaining 79 were tested by local public health departments or through their own health care providers, according to Tyson. The Iowa Department of Public Health classifies a case load as an outbreak when 10% or more employees test positive. Pottawattamie County Public Health said none of the positive individuals are currently hospitalized in the county. The department is working to determine how many of the 224 cases are not included in county totals. The plant has a number of employees that live in Omaha and the surrounding area, and those positive case numbers would be included in Nebraska counts. More than half the employees at the case-ready beef and pork facility that tested positive were asymptomatic, Tyson said. Matt Wyant with Pottawattamie County Public Health said there have been COVID-19 cases at each of the major meatpacking plants in the county. There are three in Council Bluffs, along with plants in Underwood and Oakland. Tyson is the first to confirm an outbreak. At Tyson, employees that test positive receive paid leave during the quarantine period and may return to work only when they have met the criteria established by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Tyson, the company said. CDC quarantine guidelines include 14-day isolation and a period of 72 hours where individuals are fever-free. Tyson said employees at the Council Bluffs facility have access to daily clinical screenings, nurse practitioners and education on COVID-19. Other steps at the plant include symptom screenings for all employees before a shift, providing mandatory protective face masks to all employees and social distancing measures, including physical barriers between workstations and in break rooms. Tyson said it has increased short-term disability coverage to 90% of normal pay until June 30 to encourage team members to stay home when they are sick. The company said the Council Bluffs plant is among 40 in the U.S. where it has increased testing and care options as it prioritizes communities with a higher prevalence of COVID-19. Pottawattamie County reports two new COVID-19 cases Pottawattamie County Public Health reported two additional COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, bringing the county total to 309, out of 3,434 residents tested. The percentage of residents testing positive dropped to about 9% down from 9.4% on Monday. The two new cases are both Council Bluffs residents, one between 18 and 40 years old and the other between 41 and 60, according to Pottawattamie County Public Health. They were tested between May 29 and May 30. Of the positive cases in the county, 169 have recovered after an additional eight recoveries were reported. Six are hospitalized, down two from Monday, and 119 are self-isolating. Pottawattamie County Public Health said 88 cases are the result of community spread. The department announced its COVID-19 hotlines will cease operations at noon on Wednesday. Residents with general COVID-19-related questions and resource inquiries can call 211 for assistance. The hotline is shutting down because 211 has been updated on everything from the beginning, Matt Wyant with Pottawattamie County Public Health said. Were allowing them to assume that role for us. The Council Bluffs TestIowa site remains open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Western Historic Trails Center, 3434 Richard Downing Ave. Residents seeking a test must first complete a health assessment at TestIowa.com. Afterward, residents will receive a time and date for a test. Statewide, 20,016 Iowans have tested positive for COVID-19, according to coronavirus.iowa.gov, with 12.2% of the 164,121 tested coming back positive. There have been 561 deaths from the disease and 11,778 recoveries in the state. COVID-19 in southwest Iowa Harrison and Crawford Counties both reported two new cases, while Mills County reported an additional five recoveries, according to coronavirus.iowa.gov. Monona County reported three new recoveries. Crawford County home to multiple meatpacking plants is now at 530 cases out of 2,020 people tested. Heres a look at numbers in southwest Iowa, based on data from the counties and coronavirus.iowa.gov: Pottawattamie County 309 cases, 169 recoveries, 3,434 tests, 9% of those tested have come back positive Mills County 19 cases, 18 recoveries, 1,249 tests, 1.5% Harrison County 25 cases, 18 recoveries, 476 tests, 5.3% Cass County 12 cases, 11 recoveries, 427 tests, 2.8% Shelby County 37 cases, 31 recoveries, 356 tests, 10.4% Montgomery County eight cases, six recoveries, 337 tests, 2.4% Monona County 25 cases, 19 recoveries, 397 tests, 6.3% Crawford County 530 cases, 327 recoveries, 2,020 tests, 26.2% Page County 14 cases, 11 recoveries, 626 tests, 2.2% Fremont County four cases, two recoveries, 155 tests, 2.6% In Regional Medical Coordination Center region four, which includes Pottawattamie, Mills, Harrison, Cass, Crawford, Shelby, Fremont, Montgomery, Page, Adams, Audubon and Taylor Counties, there were 11 patients hospitalized with seven in intensive care, down five and one, respectively, from Monday. The region has 197 inpatient beds available, 34 intensive care beds available both up from Monday and 61 ventilators available, down two. Three hospitalized patients were on ventilators. Information about COVID-19 Pottawattamie County Public Health has said daily: Because we have community spread of COVID-19, individuals should take precautions to protect themselves. Stay home as much as possible, limit travel and shopping, and practice social distancing. Wash hands and disinfect frequently touched surfaces multiple times per day. If you are sick, stay home. Symptoms in people who have been exposed to conravirus can include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Most people experience mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the use of masks when out in public. Make sure it covers your mouth and nose. Face shields are an option as well, as they cover your eyes. Pottawattamie County Public Health does not have a role in deciding who does and does not get tested. Public health officials recommend: Stay home as much as possible. Self-monitor for symptoms. Call your physician if symptoms appear. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm/elbow. Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces. Methodist Health System is offering a community hotline and screening tool at 402-815-SICK (7425). CHI Health has a helpline to answer questions and direct patients who may be at high risk of the coronavirus illness. Visit chihealth.com for information. Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency has a COVID-19 call center open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, when it will cease operations. The hotline is available at 712-890-5368 or 712-890-5369. For those struggling with mental health during the pandemic, yourlifeiowa.org has several resources, including a hotline at 855-581-8111 and a text-friendly line at 855-895-8398. Additionally, the Hope 4 Iowa Crisis Hotline connects individuals in crisis to a helping hand with the resources to address and improve mental wellness. The hotline is available 24 hours a day. Call 84-HOPE-4-IOWA (844-673-4469). The University of Nebraska Medical Center has a COVID-19 screening app 1-Check COVID, enables users to answer a series of questions and assess their likelihood of having COVID-19. Based on the users input, the screening app will issue a low-risk, urgent risk or emergent risk assessment and guide the individual toward possible next steps. A study carried out by the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at NUI Galway has examined the triggers leading people to share Covid-19 misinformation through social media. Defined as false or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive misinformation poses a serious threat to public health during the Covid-19 pandemic. The rapid spreading of such misinformation is amplified by social media and could result in the lack of adherence to recommended public health measures, or engagement in non-recommended behaviours. For example, one article claiming Sweden, where lockdown measures were not implemented, is experiencing low death rates has been shared over 20,000 times on Facebook. The truth is that Sweden has a death toll of over 4,000, a much higher figure than the combined toll of Scandinavian neighbours Denmark and Norway, which have implemented stricter lockdown measures and have recorded fewer than 1,000 deaths between them. While social media can be a useful tool for staying informed on the Covid-19 crisis, the study finds that when people become overloaded with social media content, their ability to critically assess the validity of the information received is impaired. The result is that trust in the unverified information remains high, and they are more likely to share that content throughout their social network, which ultimately exacerbates the Covid-19 misinformation problem. The study also sheds light on the emerging problem of cyberchondria - the unfounded escalation of concerns about common symptomology based on review of search results and literature online. The data shows when people attribute a higher severity and susceptibility to Covid-19, they spend more time searching online for Covid-19 symptoms, which amplifies the stress and anxiety experienced because of cyberchondria. Co-author of the study, Dr Eoin Whelan, Senior Lecturer in Business Information Systems, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at NUI Galway, said: While misinformation is not a new problem, the quantity and dissemination of misinformation has grown exponentially due to the ubiquity of social media. We have already seen the impact misinformation spreading through social media can have in political elections. Now, we are witnessing its harmful effects on public health in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study suggests when people become overloaded with social media content, they are not only more likely to believe unverified COVID-19 information, but will further contribute to the problem by spreading the misinformation onto others. The study also explains how social media companies can use these findings to help curtail the problem of Covid-19 misinformation. Social media companies have a significant role to play in curbing COVID-19 misinformation. WhatsApp has already introduced restrictions on the forwarding of messages containing COVID-19 related information, while Google directs people searching for COVID-19 related information to trusted websites. Our findings suggest that if social media companies also restrict the amount of COVID-19 specific information people are exposed to, this would be effective in curbing the misinformation and cyberchondria problems identified in our study. Additionally, health organisations can use our findings to educate social media users to consume content in a sustainable manner and thus avoid these problems, says Dr Whelan. SAN FRANCISCO, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RiskIQ, the world leader in attack surface management, today is pleased to announce an investment from National Grid Partners (NGP), the venture and innovation arm of British multinational utility company National Grid plc. This funding will enable RiskIQ to bring its attack surface management, threat detection, and unique threat hunting capabilities to critical infrastructure industries, which face a host of unique security challenges entering the new decade. Over 6,000 organizations worldwide, including 30% of the Fortune 500, trust RiskIQ's capabilities for their cybersecurity programs, including vulnerability management, application security, and penetration testing programs. The $15M Series D funding round reflects RiskIQs proven ability to enable safe, sustained growth and digital innovation by addressing threats outside the firewall, where 70% of cyber attacks now originate. RiskIQ's existing investors, Summit Partners, Battery Ventures, Georgian Partners, and MassMutual Ventures, joined NGP in the round. "We view NGP's show of support as an incredible opportunity to help customers in new markets thrive as their attack surfaces expand outside the firewall, especially now amid the COVID-19 pandemic," RiskIQ CEO Lou Manousos said. "Like us, NGP recognizes that operational technology around attack surface management is no longer just nice to have, and is a must for all businesses. We look forward to this collaboration bringing RiskIQ technology, as well as a platform for information sharing and community defense, to this sector." Mapping the internet for the past decade, RiskIQ has developed unmatched visibility, allowing organizations to accurately discover and inventory their digital attack surface, including IoT assets, third-party code, internet-exposed services, and mobile applications. The company's platform autonomously updates this inventory while simultaneously monitoring it for threats -- a mission-critical cybersecurity operation for critical infrastructure organizations to defend against nation-state cyber adversaries. "As a staple platform in their core security environment, our cyber threat analysts use RiskIQ regularly to enrich & identify incoming threats," said Lisa Lambert, president of National Grid Partners and Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of National Grid. "At NGP, we seek to partner with and invest in high growth companies that are strategic to National Grid. RiskIQ is a category leader in Attack Surface Management, with impressive technology and growth, and we are excited to lead their latest financing round." Director Andre Turenne led the investment for National Grid Partners. Along with the investment, NGP will be instrumental in providing ongoing strategic and tactical advice and guidance to RiskIQ as the company penetrates deeper into the infrastructure, manufacturing, and utility markets. "We're thrilled that our market leadership, vision, and substantial financial prospects made a strategic relationship with us attractive," said Manousos. "The investment supports RiskIQ's continued commitment to growth in new markets and illustrates the recognition of our technology. About RiskIQ RiskIQ is the leader in digital attack surface management, providing the most comprehensive discovery, intelligence, and mitigation of threats associated with an organization's digital presence. With more than 75 percent of attacks originating outside the firewall, RiskIQ allows enterprises to gain unified insight and control over web, social and mobile exposures. Trusted by thousands of security analysts, security teams, and CISO's, RiskIQ's platform combines advanced internet data reconnaissance and analytics to expedite investigations, understand digital attack surfaces, assess risk, and take action to protect the business, brand, and customers. Based in San Francisco, the company is backed by Summit Partners, Battery Ventures, Georgian Partners, and MassMutual Ventures. Visit https://www.riskiq.com or follow us on Twitter . Try RiskIQ Community Edition for free by visiting https://www.riskiq.com/community/ About National Grid Partners National Grid Partners (NGP) is the venture investment and innovation arm of National Grid plc., one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. NGP invests for strategic and financial impact and leads companywide culture transformation efforts. The organization provides a multi-functional approach to building startups, including innovation (new business creation), incubation, corporate venture capital, business development and culture acceleration. NGP is headquartered in Silicon Valley and has offices in Boston, London, and New York. Visit ngpartners.com or follow us on Twitter (@ngpartners_). 2020 RiskIQ, Inc. All rights reserved. RiskIQ is a registered trademark of RiskIQ, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Contact Holly Hitchcock Front Lines Media 805-801-9798 Holly@FrontLines.io As 2020 began, many business owners in Michigan downtowns were anticipating it could be their best year ever. The economy was booming. The idea of eating local, shopping local was catching on. Downtowns were having a moment. Then came coronavirus, which largely shut down businesses for more than two months. And just as businesses were beginning to reopen this past week, downtowns in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo were hit by rioting that included looting and vandalism. Its a double whammy that has left business owners reeling. Its been a tough week. Its been a tough couple of months, said Cathleen Edgerly, head of Downtown Lansing Inc., the citys downtown development agency. A lot of our local small businesses were looking forward to a very prosperous year, she said. No one was quite prepared for how hard COVID was going to hit our communities, and more specifically, our local businesses, which have borne the brunt of this. And then came the rioting, an extension of nationwide protests over police brutality against African-Americans. Saturday, May 30, a downtown Grand Rapids protest devolved into a melee that damaged an estimated 100 businesses. Lansings downtown was similarly impacted Sunday, and Kalamazoos downtown was attacked by vandals on late Monday and into the early hours of Tuesday. That was an unfortunate turn of events, Edgerly said. Its a sad reality that some downtown businesses will not survive the double blow, she said. Small businesses have borne the brunt of this entire health crisis, and some are not going to make it. But Edgerly also said it was important to view the larger context, referencing the nationwide movement to address racial injustice. There are bigger issues here, and we are all hurting together, Edgerly said. And so we need to focus on coming together, working together and having plenty of conversations. It turns out thats not a unique perspective among downtown business owners. Heres what three of them had to say Tuesday. Grand Rapids restaurant owner As the owner of three restaurants with her husband, Sarah Wepman-Wabeke is used to working long hours. And those long hours didnt stop even when their restaurants were shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. It was the opposite of any type of rest or vacation because we were basically trying to find a new way forward, Wepman-Wabeke said. It feels like we were spending 24 hours a day, seven days a week trying to figure out how to adapt. Last week, the couple reopened Littlebird, their cafe in downtown Grand Rapids, for takeout only and began to plan for a proposed downtown social district that would expand outdoor seating. But on Saturday, May 30, only days after Littlebird reopened, the Grand Rapids riot resulted in about $10,000 in damage to Littlebird. All the restaurants windows were broken, Wepman-Wabeke said, and some of the walls were damaged by bricks and other projectiles hurled through the windows. At this point, the restaurant is shut down again: In addition to the broken windows, the street in front of Littlebird has been closed and customers cant reach the cafe. It feels like another day of disaster after months of figuring out how were going to stay afloat, Wepman-Wabeke said wearily. Im just trying to stay alive as a business and be able to employ our employees and make people delicious food and be part of the community, she said. Yet it feels like theres a challenge in every direction." At the same time, Wepman-Wabeke said, she and her husband support the need to address racial injustice. Were not against people protesting. Were not against people speaking out about whats going on," she said. We want to supportive and take part in all of the strong feelings that are taking place." That puts her own situation in perspective, she said. As tough as it is, "this is just property. Its our lives, but its not like the loss of life, so theres really no comparison to the some of the issues facing others right now. Wepman-Wabek is hoping for a happy ending -- for Littlebird, for Grand Rapids and for the country. Perhaps, Wepman-Wabek said, this current upheaval will create amazing opportunities for new directions for problems that have been facing us for a long time. Im hoping thats what can happen, she said. "That basically, all of these events are just going to help us redirect the focus into some positive solutions for long-term social problems. Lansing jeweler At 63, Stewart Powell has been thinking about retirement. Hes been a jeweler for more than 40 years, and owns Linn & Owen in downtown Lansing. At my age, you start to think about when youre going to start winding down, he said. Then coronavirus struck. Its been disastrous" from a financial standpoint, he said. Nobody plans on being closed for a couple of months while all your bills are still rolling in. He was able to able obtain loans through the federal stimulus programs, but one of those loans needs to be repaid -- a debt that will likely forestall his retirement plans for years, Powell said. The store was gearing up to fully reopen when Sundays protest in downtown Lansing turned into a riot. 13 arrested, thousands of dollars of damage done during Lansing riot Linn & Owens front windows were broken and merchandise in the window displays was taken. It was basically clocks, he said. Most of them were stolen or damaged. The vandalism was disheartening, Powell said. I just cant believe people would do that to businesses. But, he emphasized, it was a small, small group among the protesters who committed the property damage -- and, in fact, many in the crowd tried to stop the violence. Most of the people in the protests were kind, wonderful people, Powell said. The ones that were being violent, the rest of the crowd was trying desperately to stop them, and that was a huge deterrent. If it wasnt for them, it would have been so much worse. And Powell said his heart was warmed the next day by outpouring of community support to help clean up the damage. I had at least 50 people come to me personally at the store to help clean up, he said. "Downtown was just packed with people who were apologizing, telling us how they felt so bad. They just came in with brooms and mops and started cleaning. It was just amazing. For everything that was disappointing and sad and depressing on Sunday, there were a dozen things that happened Monday that would make you feel wonderful about your friends and neighbors and the citizens, Powell said. It renews your strength. Its like a super pill. Kalamazoo fitness store owner Its been a stressful few months, said Chris Lampen-Crowell, owner of Gazelle Sports, a chain of Michigan stores that sell running shoes and fitness gear. We were projecting a very strong year, one of our best years, he said. So when the stores were forced to shut down because of coronavirus, he said, it was a huge loss, particularly because it was the two and a half months thats one of the most important times in our business. Spring is when people getting moving and are buying running shoes, walking shoes, hiking shoes." He and the staff were thrilled to begin to reopen the stores in recent weeks for curbside services and shopping by appointment. Even just opening our doors to a few people at a time was a huge, positive lift," he said. Then late Monday and into the early hours on Tuesday, vandals damaged businesses up and down the mall in downtown Kalamazoo, including Gazelle Sports, which had its windows broken and the store looted. Knowing the real hurt and anger thats out there, you want to empathize with it, Crowell said. But the move to destruction by a small group of people, that really hurt. It hurt us personally. It hurt our staff. It hurt the Kalamazoo community as a whole. This isnt what we want or intend for our community to be." Still, like Powell, Crowell was moved by the community reaction the morning after the vandalism. "The community is asking, How can we help? " he said. Weve had multiple people call us, text us, walk in the door and say, What can we do? We appreciate that." And like Wepman-Wabek, Crowell is hoping that the current upheavals will lead to societal change. Violence is not the answer, he said. "Looting isnt the answer. But we want to be empathetic, and we want to be problem solvers and we want to dig deep. My wife and I were talking about how the entire country is focused on a couple big single issues -- the pandemic and institutional racism, he said. "And we cant remember a time in our lives that the entire country was focused on on these big single issues; its probably been since the Vietnam War and Watergate since thats been the case. So its an interesting time to be living, he said. Its difficult. But its interesting. Read more: Young woman incited riot on her own Facebook Live video, police say Businesses grapple with reopening following Grand Rapids riot Grand Rapids protesters scatter after police, backed by Michigan National Guard, move in Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro announced plans to visit Iran in view of thanking Teheran after the ally supplied his country with critical five ships loaded with fuel, The New Arab reports. I am obliged to go to personally thank the people, Maduro said in a television address. The announcement comes after Iran managed last week despite US threats to dock five oil tankers in the South American country. Venezuela, though has the worlds largest proven oil reserves, has been in dire need of fuel after US sanction on Caracas crippled the countrys capacity to refine crude into gasoline and cut down dramatically state revenues which largely emanate from oil sales. The economy of the Latin American country has gone into recession for six years, with basic amenities becoming rare. Both countries have recently stepped up cooperation in several areas including flight connection, the London-based media reports. Flights by Iranian state-owned Mahan Air to Caracas have increased. Bolded by the successful shipping operation, Iran has said it was willing to continue the supply if required. The death in police custody in Minnesota of African-American George Floyd and the subsequent protests have started a discussion about parallels between the problems in the US and the plight of Indigenous Australians. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has deplored the violence in the US but expressed relief that Australia was different. We have our problems. We have our faults. We have our issues. There's no doubt about that. But when I see things like that, I'm just very thankful for the wonderful country we live in, he said. The Prime Minister is right to highlight differences of history, ethnic composition and institutions which mean that the situation facing African-Americans and that of Indigenous people here are not directly comparable. And we do not have Donald Trump as our national leader. New Federal Regulations On Harassment, Assault Toughen Claims Process Everyone knew it was coming. It was just a question of when. Well, the when has come, and it only took eight days for someone to sue U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and the Department of Education over new rules under Title IX. Specifically, its the American Civil Liberties Union thats challenging the provision in the federal lawwhich prohibits sex discrimination in educationrelating to how K-12 schools, colleges, and universities must respond to reports of sexual assault and harassment. In its suit, filed May 14, the ACLU essentially contends that the new rules make it more difficult for students to get institutions to investigate their claims of sexual assault or harassment. For instance, the rules say schools must respond to unwelcome treatment on the basis of sex that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it infringes on an individuals education. Previously, the federal agency used a broader definition of conduct that is severe, pervasive, or objectively offensive. The education community had been expecting the new rules since DeVos revoked Obama-era guidance in 2017. She set interim guidance while crafting a new policy that better serves students and schools. Among her concerns: due process rights for the accused. Her timing for unveiling the new rules troubled many. In March, a coalition of 209 advocacy and education groups urged federal officials to pause efforts as the nation confronted the coronavirus pandemic. But the request fell on deaf ears. While most of the controversy has focused on higher education institutions, the rules affect K-12, too. One change requires schools to respond to a complaint when they have actual knowledge of an incident rather than when they reasonably should have been aware of one. Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the ranking Democrat on the Senate education committee, is among those who have panned the changes. This rule is not about restoring balance, this is about silencing survivors, she said. This rule will make it that much harder for a student to report an incident of sexual assault or harassmentand that much easier for a school to sweep it under the rug. State Chiefs, U.S. Education Secretary Clash Over CARES Act Aid for Private Schools Nobody could accuse U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos of being less than tenacious when it comes to trying to channel more taxpayer dollars into private schools. This time around, the target is the so-called CARES Act, the COVID-19 relief package aimed at helping schools and districts, among many others. DeVos position is that the aid should benefit all private school students within local school district boundaries. But state and local leaders have roundly criticized her plan. Theyve argued that congressional intent was to have the aid provide equitable services to disadvantaged and at-risk private school studentsthose typically eligible for such services under the main K-12 lawnot private school students in general. Advocates have also accused DeVos of exploiting the pandemic and CARES aid to shore up private schools fearful that they could be forced to close permanently, at the expense of traditional public schools. The beef between DeVos and the Council of Chief State School Officers intensified over Memorial Day weekend, following her announcement that she would soon propose a rule to resolve the issue. She also seemed intent on taking her state counterparts down a peg. In her letter to the chiefs, she took direct aim at their motives as well as their understanding of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, citing K-12 leaders reflex to share as little as possible with students and teachers outside of their control. State leaders stood their ground. In a statement responding to DeVos letter, CCSSO Executive Director Carissa Moffat Miller repeated the groups position that the secretarys guidance was a misinterpretation of the CARES Act. Miller added that the departments position could significantly harm the vulnerable students who were intended to benefit the most from the critical federal COVID-19 education relief funds Congress has provided. First Early-Childhood Educator Wins National Teaching Award It took nearly seven decades, but at last a preschool teacher has been named National Teacher of the Year. Tabatha Rosproy is the first early-childhood educator to receive the national honor in the 68-year history of the program run by the Council of Chief State School Officers. She teaches in Winfield, Kan. I think for a long time, early-childhood educators have fought for the legitimacy our K-12 peers have, ... to be seen as professionals and be valued for the work we do, she said. Receiving this honor feels like its a huge step forward for the field. Rosproy teaches at Winfield Early Learning Center, a public preschool housed in a local retirement community and nursing home. The community members visit her classroom daily as grandparent volunteers, and the preschoolers visit the nursing home every day. At first, I was nervous to be named National Teacher of the Year during this pandemic because I wondered if I was able to make a difference, she said. Educators, families, and students are under so much stress, and here I am in this elevated position getting to represent them. Her message to teachers, she said, is that she sees the hard work and the long hours and the innovation theyre putting in. Whole-Language Founder, Kenneth S. Goodman, Dies Kenneth S. Goodman, whose influential theories of reading dominated the teaching of reading in grade school classrooms in the 1980s and early 1990s, died in his Tucson, Ariz., home March 12. He was 92. The cause of death was not COVID-19, said Yetta Goodman, his wife of 67 years and frequent research collaborator. Whole-language instruction emphasized that students learn to read through immersion in books and eschewed traditional systematic teaching of phonics and spelling. During its heyday, it dominated U.S. teacher-preparation programs and curriculum guidelines alike. The philosophy was also extremely popular in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and to a lesser extent in the United Kingdom. His greater legacy is undeniable. I bet you that in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, theres hardly a teacher who went through a teacher education program anywhere in the country who didnt encounter Goodmans work, said P. David Pearson, a professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley. One reason whole language became so popular among teachers was because it emphasized teachers knowledge and skill in responding to student needs, rather than scripted programs and curriculaan appealing refuge during a period, beginning with the 1983 publication of A Nation at Risk, in which policymakers tended to look skeptically at teachers work. Whole language was also one of the clearest expressions of long-standing progressive education thinking in its embrace of the idea that learning should be student-centered rather than teacher-directed. Much successive research has found that, contrary to Goodmans ideas, skilled readers rely heavily on knowledge of letter-sound correspondences when learning new words. For many students, the alphabetic code must be explicitly taught, not incidentally discovered. MINNEAPOLIS - Prosecutors charged three more police officers Wednesday in the death of George Floyd and filed a new, tougher charge against the officer at the centre of the case, delivering a victory to protesters who have filled the streets from coast to coast to fight police brutality and racial injustice. The most serious charge was filed against Derek Chauvin, who was caught on video pressing his knee to Floyds neck and now must defend himself against an accusation of second-degree murder. The three other officers at the scene were charged for the first time with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. All four were fired last week. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to four decades in prison. Chauvin was initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Those charges still stand. The new second-degree murder charge alleges that Chauvin caused Floyds death without intent while committing another felony, namely third-degree assault. It carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, compared with a maximum of 25 years for third-degree murder. The other officers Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao face the same maximum penalties for aiding and abetting. All three men were in custody by Wednesday evening. Chauvin was arrested last week and is still being held. The multiple charges against each officer would offer a jury more options to find them guilty. The charges were sought by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who called the protests unleashed by the death dramatic and necessary and said Floyd should be here and he is not. His life had value, and we will seek justice, said Ellison, who cautioned that winning convictions would be hard and said that public pressure had no bearing on his decisions. Hundreds of protesters were in New York Citys Washington Square Park when the charges were announced. Its not enough, protester Jonathan Roldan said, insisting all four officers should have been charged from the start. Right now, were still marching because its not enough that they got arrested. There needs to be systematic change. Ben Crump, an attorney for Floyds family, called it a bittersweet moment and a significant step forward on the road to justice. Crump said Elison had told the family he would continue his investigation into Floyds death and upgrade the charge to first-degree murder if warranted. The move by prosecutors punctuated an unprecedented week in modern American history, in which largely peaceful protests took place in communities of all sizes but were rocked by bouts of violence, including deadly attacks on officers, rampant thefts and arson in some places. Nationwide, more than 9,000 have been arrested in connection with unrest. At least 12 deaths have been reported, though the circumstances in many cases are still being sorted out. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, speaking after the new charges were announced, said the state and nation need to seize the moment and use the wrenching events of the past week to confront the effects of racism, including unequal educational and economic opportunities. I think this is probably our last shot, as a state and as a nation, to fix this systemic issue, he said at a news conference. Also Wednesday, the Hennepin County Medical Examiners Office released the full autopsy report on Floyd, which noted he had previously tested positive for COVID-19, but was apparently asymptomatic. The report was released with the familys permission after summary findings Monday that said he had a heart attack while being restrained by officers. President Donald Trump has pushed the nations governors to take a hard line against the violence. He again tweeted Wednesday: LAW & ORDER! An overpowering security force including officers from the FBI Hostage Rescue Team, the Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Prisons and, according to a senior defence official, at least 2,200 National Guard soldiers was out in force Wednesday as thousands of peaceful protesters demonstrated in the nations capital. Some remained near the White House while others marched toward the Capitol building. Military vehicles were parked on streets near the White House, and an array of agencies kept watch from the air. An FBI plane, an Army surveillance plane and a Park Police helicopter circled overhead. At one point near the White House, protesters began singing Amazing Grace as they knelt in view of law enforcement officers in riot gear. We are not going anywhere! they chanted. There were no signs of confrontations. Protester Jade Jones, 30, said the demonstrations would continue despite the new charges. Thats the least they could do, said Jones, who had been attending Washington protests for days. Its not going to wipe away 400 years of pain. We are glad there are additional charges, but that doesnt mean justice has been served, she said. More than 20,000 National Guard members have been called up in 29 states to deal with the violence. In New York City, where high-end stores were looted in earlier days, some retailers fortified their property. At the luxury department store Saks Fifth Avenue, windows were boarded up, then covered in chain-link fencing and razor wire. The front of the store was guarded by a line of tattooed men with dogs. There was scuffling in some parts of the city Wednesday night, but no signs of major clashes between protesters and police. The protests have also taken root overseas. In Greece, police fired tear gas after young people attacked them Wednesday outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens. Some 4,000 protesters had been peaceful until near the end of the demonstration, when some threw gasoline bombs and stones at police. No injuries or arrests were reported. Other protests were held Wednesday in London, Helsinki, Rotterdam and Bogota, among other cities. The anger over Floyds death has spilled into an array of racial issues across the U.S. In Philadelphia, for example, a statue of former Mayor Frank Rizzo was removed by the city Wednesday after repeatedly being targeted by vandals. Rizzo presided over a police force widely accused of racism and brutality in the 1970s. In Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam was expected to announce plans Thursday for the removal of an iconic statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from Richmonds prominent Monument Avenue, a senior administration official told The Associated Press. The statue in the former Confederate capital has been the target of vandalism during the protests. ___ Associated Press journalists across the U.S. contributed to this report. Police officers arrest a protester in New York, June 1, 2020. Seth Wenig/AP Photo A New York City police officer pointed his gun at peaceful protesters in Manhattan Sunday night. After a video of the incident trended on Twitter, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the officer's actions were "unacceptable" and he should "have his gun and badge taken away." On Saturday, de Blasio was widely criticized for defending police officers who drove into a protesting crowd, before backtracking on his comments Sunday. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Late on Sunday evening, a police officer in New York City pulled his gun out of his holster and pointed it at peaceful protesters near Manhattan's Union Square, moving swiftly toward them as they shrieked in alarm and moved away. Mayor Bill de Blasio condemned the officer's actions, which were caught on video. He described the video as "absolutely unacceptable." "That officer should have his gun and badge taken away today," de Blasio said. De Blasio said there would be an immediate investigation "to determine the larger consequence." "We have to always know it is not the place of an officer to pull a gun in the middle of a crowd, know ing that there are peaceful protesters in that crowd," he said. "That is unacceptable; that is dangerous." Police department spokesperson Sergeant Mary Frances O'Donnell declined to comment, saying "the matter is under internal review." The mayor has been widely criticized for his approach to police violence over the weekend, some of which has trended on social media. On Saturday, footage showed two NYPD vehicles driving into a crowd of protesters. De Blasio initially defended the officers. "It is inappropriate for protesters to surround a police vehicle and threaten police officers," he said. "That's wrong on its face and that hasn't happened in the history of protests in this city." Story continues According to the video footage, the vehicles were not surrounded. There were no protesters behind one of the vehicles and few behind the other. PM Breaking News (@PMBreakingNews) May 31, 2020 New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned de Blasio's comments. "Your comments tonight were unacceptable," Ocasio-Cortez said on social media. "Defending and making excuses for NYPD running SUVs into crowds was wrong. Make it right. De-escalate." The next day, he struck a different tone. "There is no situation where a police vehicle should drive into a crowd of protesters or New Yorkers of any kind. It is dangerous, it is unacceptable," de Blasio said during a Sunday press conference. "This was an extremely aberrant situation." Read the original article on Insider A proposed class action lawsuit filed against Google is accusing the company of violating federal wiretap laws by tracking users online activities even when theyre in Incognito mode. The complaint says the tech giant uses tools like Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager, smartphone and PC applications, as well as website plug-ins, to monitor users even if they dont click on Google-supported ads. It also says that millions of users who went online in Chromes Incognito mode since June 1st, 2016 have likely been affected. Google tracks and collects consumer browsing history and other web activity data no matter what safeguards consumers undertake to protect their data privacy, the lawsuit reads. The plaintiffs argue that by tracking users info when theyre in Incognito, Google has been intentionally deceiving customers into believing that they have control over the information they share with the company. According to Reuters, the lawsuit is seeking $5 billion in damages or at least $5,000 per affected user for violations of federal wiretapping and California privacy laws. In a statement sent to The New York Times, Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said that the company strongly disputes the claims and that it will defend itself vigorously against them. He also explained: Incognito mode in Chrome gives you the choice to browse the internet without your activity being saved to your browser or device. As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity during your session. Back in 2019, Google rolled out a Chrome update that prevents website from tracking users in Incognito. When activated, it closes a loophole that websites use to identify whether a user is browsing in private or not. Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group. Dear Care and Feeding, My 15- and 17-year-olds snuck out of the house to attend a protest. We had explicitly told them they were not allowed to attend because were still social distancing as much as possible (their sister has asthma), there would be increased police presence (were Black, so thats an extreme danger right there), and the protests would likely turn violent. They called us from the rally, scared because it had turned into a full-blown riot, and asked us to pick them up (they know they can call us anytime, anywhere, and we will go and get them). We picked them up, told them to go to bed, and we would talk about it in the morning. We agreed theyd be grounded and without electronics for three weeks, and that was that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, my wife and I noticed that our 17-year-old son was wearing a brand-new pair of costly shoes that we did not buy for him. When my wife asked him where they were from, he said he had bought them from a reseller online. The news is reporting that a shoe store that sells those types of shoes was broken into and looted by several people. We now suspect our son may have stolen them, but were at odds on what to do about it. My wife wants to confront him and then make him donate them or sell them and donate the proceeds to the memorial fund. I want to make him go to the store and return the shoes. My wife is worried that the store employees will report him to the police, and he could be arrested, have a criminal record, and lose his Ivy League scholarship. I think that if hes man enough to steal a pair of shoes on behalf of a black man being murdered, hes man enough to accept the legal consequences of his actions. What do we do? Advertisement Advertisement Conflicted and Concerned Dear CC, Let me get this straight. You want your Black child to be held legally responsible for stealing a pair of sneakers during an uprising over the mistreatment of Black people at the hands of law enforcement and beyond? You trust the same system of law enforcement that triggered a full-blown riot in your community and in communities across the world to punish your child? Advertisement Not gonna lie, my brother. Theres some language Id really like to use in response to this letter, but I cant, because we arent simply amongst our own folk in this space. Im hoping you can determine what it is using our secret Black people telekinesis powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope you know that many of the freedom fighters of the civil rights movementwho have been flattened into sanitized, uncomplicated, and polite caricatures of polite resistance, largely in an attempt to create a standard for acceptable protest that is both ahistorical and unrealisticwere going against their parents orders, too. Black parents have always been forced to reckon with a fear for our childrens safety that often finds us demanding that they contort their right to personhood in complicated ways in hopes that they will return to us alive. However, the uprising that we are seeing right now is taking place because simply trying to comply with the system and be good is not going to guarantee freedom for any of us, nor will it allow our childrens children to inherit a world that is more just than the one we were born into. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not in the best interest of Black people to call the police in most circumstances, not unless there is no viable alternative. You know this. It is entirely possible that a police department that is desperate to make an example of protesters and to demonstrate their continued value to business owners (and those White folks who have finally begun to express widespread concern over police treatment of Black people) would gladly arrest your son on charges that are far more damning than the slap on the wrist you are (hopefully) imagining. I am absolutely gobsmacked at the thought of a Black man wanting to have his Black child held accountable for (possibly) stealing a pair of fucking gym shoes by an institution that would likely fail to hold one of their own officers accountable if theyd killed you or one of your children. I cant perform the logical gymnastics that would lead you to put his academic and professional aspirations at risk over a pair of shoes, let alone risking his life because being man enough to steal some shoes (maybe) means being man enough to face consequences at the hands of a racist, violent system that values those sneakers more than it does your sons life, or yours, or mine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pardon my candor, but fuck those sneakers and those cops that youd dare sic on your own flesh and blood. While the potential for exposing your household to COVID certainly complicates your sons choice to break your rule, your letter doesnt seem to center that, nor the other tremendous danger that participating in a protest presents: police violence. Furthermore, you want to subject your child to the very police he was protesting. Do you trust the police to treat him fairly? His future institution? Employers? And if so, where on earth did you get that notion from? Who owns this shoe store? Do they treat Black customers well? Hire Black employees and treat them well? Were these shoes made ethically or in a sweatshop somewhere? Have you heard anything that implies that this shoe store doesnt have insurance that will allow it to recover, unlike the people whose deaths led to this uprising, and those who have died while it is taking place? And are you OK? Did you not take the time to read about the, yknow, 400 years of oppression that have led kids like your son to steal shoes? Advertisement Perhaps you are of the opinion that your Ivy Leaguebound kid should know and do better because hes experienced certain privileges. To that, I ask that you remember that even good Black kids are subject to abuse at the hands of the police, store owners, teachers, classmates, and everywhere that White supremacy can be found, which, in America, is literally EVERYWHERE. If your kids had made it to 15 and 17 without knowing a single thing about racism and only discovered it via the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, these killings would still be reason enough for them to be filled with rage. How could you possibly prioritize following laws that do not give a fuck about your Black-ass kids over their safety? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre so outraged over the theft, figure out a way to pay the store back for the lost sale (without providing any information that could be used to identify your son or your household). Donate the shoes, as your wife suggested, or sell them and donate the proceeds to bail out protesters who are fighting for you, even if you arent able to respect or understand why. Whatever freedoms you have been able to enjoy in this country have come on the backs of Black people who fought, and in many cases died, so that you may have them. This botched experiment of a nation owes your son so much more than a pair of sneakers. I am deeply ashamed of you, and proud of your sons. Hopefully, you will come around to feeling the same way. Advertisement Slate needs your support right now. Sign up for Slate Plus to keep reading the advice you crave every week. Dear Care and Feeding, My boyfriend and I live together, and we have custody of his 6-year-old daughter every other weekend. She will also be staying with us for about a month this summer. She is generally a sweet, smart, and loving little girl. Our visits usually go pretty well, but we sometimes struggle with her behavior. My boyfriend often expresses that he doesnt want to discipline her for every little thing when she is with him for such a short time. He does correct or punish her when her behavior is over the top. I also gently correct her when needed. Advertisement Advertisement However, there are many things that my boyfriend considers little that I do not. I would not allow these behaviors if she were my child or a child I was teaching (I have taught elementary and high school students). Some examples include her walking up to me and saying, Im thirsty, and expecting me to get her a drink immediately. She will also tell us both to stop talking or shoo us if she doesnt want to hear what we are telling her. She is a very picky eater and will call anything she doesnt like disgusting or gross with a sour face. She grabs at my cats and dog and wont listen when we say that she could be hurting or upsetting them. She is very slow to follow directions like getting dressed or putting on shoes and often wants us to do it for her. She will whine, grumble, or yell wordlessly when shes upset or angry so she doesnt have to answer questions. Many of these behaviors are things that I would expect from a much younger child; some are just downright rude and bossy. Advertisement Advertisement I know that she is a brilliant and thoughtful girl, so I dont understand why some of these things are happening. I have been in her life for a little under a year, so I dont expect to change her behaviors overnight or single-handedly. Im just wondering what steps I can take to help deal with some of these issues, in whatever limited capacity I might be able to. She has never expressed any negative feelings toward me and often says that she loves me (I feel the same and tell her so), so I dont think she has any stepmom resentment building or anything like that. I need some tips! Advertisement Advertisement Stressed Stepmom Dear SS, Advertisement I find it curious that you refer to yourself as this childs stepmom. Why? Is it that you and your partner have agreed to a long-term commitment outside of the traditional conventions of marriage, one in which you are to be regarded as a stepparent? Are you planning to be married and have simply embraced the role in advance? Or do you feel that being in her fathers life in a romantic capacity affords you such a title? If you havent given serious consideration to the distinction between a stepmom and Dads girlfriend and come to a mutually agreed-upon decision to function as the former, then I think you ought to do so ASAP. Advertisement That aside, the behaviors you are describing are very much par for the course with a 6-year-old, particularly one who has been allowed to do such things without appropriate correction. If a child is used to simply saying Im thirsty as opposed to May I please have some water? and having her needs met, it is to be expected that she wont simply grow out of making those sort of demands. Advertisement You need to speak to your boyfriend and get on the same page about how to properly react when his daughter does something rude or when shes dragging her feet to get dressed or mistreating a vulnerable animal. If you are going to occupy such a significant position in her life, you ought to be empowered to speak to her with authority more often than not, with kindness and compassion. But please dont mistake these very common little kid behaviors for anything more damning than what they are. Shes 6, and 6-year-olds can be quite rude and entitled. Advertisement If you missed Tuesdays Care and Feeding column, read it here. Discuss this column in the Slate Parenting Facebook group! Dear Care and Feeding, A few years ago, I looked out my window and saw a kid lying on the sidewalk outside an elementary school. I live in Nebraska, and it was below freezing. I ran outside, and as I approached him, a woman called to me from the door of the school and assured me he was fine. He was Black and looked to be around 4. Im White, and so was the woman who I assume was a paraeducator. I dont remember our exact words, but I vehemently questioned why this little kid was allowed to lie on the sidewalk in the middle of winter. Her response was he was special needs, and to avoid hurting him they wanted him to make a choice to get up and come inside rather than physically compelling him. She stopped answering my questions when I asked how old he was and if his caregivers knew the situation. I walked away and called the principal, and they gave me the same answer. Advertisement I still dont know if I handled the situation right. I am still deeply disturbed by the image of this little kid lying on the sidewalk, and I still feel upset wondering how his parents or caregivers would feel seeing him there. Was I the Karen in that situation? Where is the right line to take between inserting yourself in a situation you do not know of and ignoring a person in need? Im thinking of that letter about the two little girls who were riding their bikes on a busy streetJamilah rightly admonished us all to help little Black kids (and all kids) in need. Im terrified of both being a complacent bystander to a bad situation and also of being the person who tries to help but makes things worse. I ask because I truly want to do the right thing, but I dont feel confident that I will always know how. Help! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caring, Not Karen-ing Dear CNK, Id like for you to close your eyes and imagine the scenario that took place outside your window, replacing the little Black boy with a little White girl. One of those tow-haired, blue-eyed ones that yall are so smitten by. Can you see yourself relenting? Do you think youd be able to give up and just allow her to be outside in the freezing cold without, at the very least, sticking around to ensure that she was brought indoors safely within a reasonable amount of time? Im having hard time imagining that you wouldand perhaps you are, too, which is why this incident has haunted you for years, as it should. It will haunt me too. Advertisement Were you the Karen? Yes, and in the worst possible way. See, Karen is most often identified by her sense of entitlement and authority. She demands to speak to a manager, and she expects that her concerns will be heard and addressed with urgency. You could have leaned on that sort of privilege here and demanded that this child be brought indoors. You could have threatened to call the authorities or the school board or the local news and reported what you were seeing. You even could have asked the child himself if he was cold, if he felt safe, if he had been treated badly by his teacher. Advertisement Alas, when it comes to the needs of people of color, Karen is a lot less likely to raise her voice for good. You knew that you went outside for a reason, you knew that this situation was wrong, but you gave up. I ask again: Would you have done this if little Cindy or Bobby Brady was laid out on the ground in the dead of winter? A special needs child, at that? How might you feel knowing that an adult saw something so disturbing happening to your kid, but gave up when school officials defended their actions? Advertisement Advertisement Its entirely possible that this baby could not communicate what took place that day when he went home to his family, either because of a disability or a fear of challenging the authority of the adults at his school. His parents may have no idea that anything out of the ordinary happened; worse yet, that sort of awful treatment may have been a routine occurrence for him and/or his classmates. Treat other peoples children the way youd want someone to treat your own kids. Youd want to know if your son was in the cold under the supervision of someone who wasnt willing to go outside themselves to attend to him during a difficult moment. Youd want their care and compassion for him to trump any possible discomfort over meddling. Keeping kids safe is part of the work required of adults, and you failed at that task that day. Next time, use your Karen powers for good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Care and Feeding, My daughter is 2-going-on-3, and I have a low-stakes question: When is it appropriate to pierce a childs ears? A lot of her friends are already wearing small pearls. Im inclined to wait until she asks, but Im concerned she wont initiate the conversation until long after shes started to feel uncomfortable within her cohort. On the other hand, if we begin the conversation, its likely shell say yes please before shes able to think through the social and hygiene issues involved in the decision. So now Im looking for a hard and fast rule for an age to get your ears pierced or at least have the option, like how your first (small) taste of (good) beer should be at 11, and your first (small) glass of (French) wine should be when youre 14. What say you? Advertisement Advertisement Piercing Problems Dear PP, Ear piercing is largely a cultural matter, much like drinking. Ive never heard any adult I know suggest that a first sip of beer should happen during childhood, nor that a 14-year-old should be allowed to have even a small glass of wine. Conversely, almost all of my Black girlfriends and I had our ears pierced in infancymy pediatrician did mine!and this is a common practice among certain Latinx peoples as well. Advertisement Piercing Pagoda will pierce infants as young as 2 months, so long as theyve had DPT inoculation. I took my daughter there exactly 60 days after she was born. A benefit of piercing a babys ears is that they are less likely than an older child to fuss with the new jewelry, which can lead to an infection. Advertisement Youre looking for a rule that doesnt exist, PP. There are some parents who think that their kids should be old enough to ask before an unnecessary procedure of any sort, those who have decided that middle school or high school is the proper time, and others who think little kids look absolutely adorable with little earrings and go for it at a very early age. Id say its up to you. Consider that a 3-year-old may be less inclined to obsess over a new piercing than, say, an 8-year-old, which decreases the likelihood that shell try and take it out or replace it while out of your sight, and that if you pierce now and your kid decides she doesnt want to wear earrings in the future, you can just take them out. I say do it now while shes young enough not to obsess over the (brief) pain and to let you properly care for the piercing, but I am also firmly on team Kids Look Adorable in Earrings. Its really up to you, my dear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jamilah More Advice From Slate I am a nursing student who has worked as a part-time nanny for the past two years for adorable twin 4-year-olds. Their mother is 65 years old. She had them with the help of a fertility clinic. Ive stayed with her this long solely for the sake of the children. She is single and is majorly in over her head. She has been in three car accidents with the twins in the last 18 months. She wasnt even able to take them for an outing by herself until they were 3 years old because she said she couldnt handle it. Her neighbors and parents of the twins classmates have enquired about the situation because they just cant believe their eyes. She has nannies six days a week, often working 12-hour shifts. She doesnt eat dinner with the children and rarely puts them to bed. What kind of doctor would allow this to happen? She will be nearly 80 years old when they are graduating high school! There are no other family members involved and I cant imagine whats ahead. The twins need me but Im reaching the end of my rope and I dont know how long I can stay involved. The National Chairman of People's National Convention (PNC), Mr Benard Mornah has been granted police enquiry bail in connection with pronouncements he made against the Electoral Commission (EC) deemed to be threats. He is to report to the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on June 16, 2020. He was granted bail after his bail condition of one surety was signed by the Greater Accra Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Bala Maikankan. This was after a meeting between some leaders of the PNC, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other members of the Inter-party Resistance Against New Register (lPRAN) and top officials of the CID. The closed door meeting which started at about 11:45am ended at about 1:30 pm. Mr Mornah was invited by the CID to assist with investigations over some pronouncements he made against the Electoral Commission (EC) which was considered to be threats. The invitation letter dated Thursday, May 28, 2020 asked the PNC National Chairman to report to the CID headquarters with regards to some comments he made relating to the controversial issue of the Electoral Commission's compilation of a new voters register. Supporters Ahead of the meeting some supporters of the PNC, NDC and lPRAN defied the downpour to besiege the headquarters of the CID. The supporters who were stopped at the headquarters of the National Fire Service managed to find their way to the entrance of the CID headquarters where personnel of the Formed Police Unit (FPU) prevented them from entering the premises. Even though it was raining, the supporters who were mostly in red attire or had red bands around their necks, head or hands defied the downpour and stood by the entrance while the police assisted Mr Mornah and some selected members to have access into the premises. Lawyers Some high ranking members of the NDC arrived at the headquarters of the CID in connection with the invitation of Mr Mornah at about 10:52am. They included the chairman of the NDC, Mr Ofosu Ampofo and three lawyers led by the lead counsel for the NDC, Mr Abraham Amaliba. They were seen holding discussions at the second floor of the CID headquarters before they held a closed door meeting with the Deputy Director General of the CID, the head of Operations, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Joseph Oklu-Gyamrah and some other top officials of the CID. `I stand by my comment Even though the invitation, signed by the Deputy Director General, Barima Tweneboah Sasraku II had asked Mr Mornah to report at the CID headquarters, he arrived at about 11:35 am. Mr Mornah wore a red smock and was accompanied by his wife, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Peter Boamah Otokunor who was also in a red shirt with some other supporters. Mr Mornah said his comment was only an advice to the EC against the compilation of a new register ahead of election 2020. Speaking to Graphic Online before meeting the officials of the CID, Mr Mornah, who was drenched after standing in the rain, said he did not see anything wrong with his comments and would stand by it any day. "If the EC proceeds with the new voters register it will exclude over 10 million Ghanaians from the register," he said. Voting, he explained was a fundamental human right and therefore the right to be on the voter's register must be the priority of the Electoral Commission "but if the EC by its own handiwork decides to exclude people from the voter's register they are subverting the will of the people and that will amount to attacking the spirit of the constitution." He said "any attempt to attack the constitution must be resisted. I intend to offer my life in that resistance because I will resist to defend the constitution of Ghana. I am fully committed to the letter of every word I spoke. Video After the meeting, the lead counsel for the NDC, Mr Abraham Amaliba told Graphic Online that a 37-minutes video in which Mr Mornah was purported to have made the said comments was shown to him and he confirmed making the comments. They initially wanted to arrest him citing the statement which were captured on video and after the video was shown he was charged under section 207 for offence conduct conducive to the breach of the peace. He was then made to write an investigative caution statement in which he said he was not prepared to make any statement beyond what was on the video and that he still stands by his words. He was then granted bail to report to the CID headquarters every two weeks. The supporters who waited in the downpour for more than two hours carried Mr Mornah shoulder high. 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 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 Washington: America's biggest cities have again descended into vandalism and looting, despite night-time curfews and a threat by President Donald Trump to unleash the US military to restore law and order in the country. Police arrested hundreds of people in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC and other major cities on Monday (Tuesday AEST), a week since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked nationwide outrage. In an afternoon appearance at the White House, Trump said he was prepared to invoke the Insurrection Act, a 213-year old federal law that allows the President to deploy military troops within the US to suppress "civil disorder, insurrection, and rebellion". "I am mobilising all available federal resources, civilian and military, to stop the rioting and looting," Trump said. This article will be regularly updated with new information on the Google Pixel 4a (this is a preview article) both official teasers and credible leaks, rumors, and insider claims as it becomes available in the run-up to the release of the upcoming Android smartphone. The last update was made on July 16. The Google Pixel 4a is the next smartphone Google will announce. This will be a new mid-range offering from the company, and a direct successor to the Pixel 3a. That is why were here to talk about the Pixel 4a, in the form of a preview. Well basically share everything (important) we know about the Pixel 4a thus far. The Google Pixel 3a was announced back on May 7 2019. Now, it was rumored that Google will announce the Pixel 4a during Google I/O this year, but Google I/O got canceled. Well, there will still be a Google I/O but not the way were used to. Click here to know more. Advertisement In any case, the Google Pixel 4a launch date got moved because of it, allegedly, well talk more about that later on. The Pixel 4a is expected to offer mid-range specs, and a flagship-grade camera, just like its predecessor. Its also expected to bring an updated design, and an affordable price tag. The device will be available in both 4G and 5G variants, it seems. A more modern design, while retaining plastic build The Google Pixel 4a surfaced several times thus far. The phone appeared in both renders and real-life images. Considering that most of those images came from reputable sources, its safe to say that we know the design of the phone at this point. As you can see in CAD-based renders shown below, the Pixel 4a will be made out of polycarbonate (plastic). That is not surprising, as the same happened to its predecessor. Its a good cost-cutting choice on Googles part. The device will not include thick bezels above and below the display this time around, though. It will have rather thin bezels all around, and a display camera hole in the top-left corner. The phone will also include a flat display, not a curved panel. That is not only a more affordable option for Google, but the option that most consumers will prefer. Advertisement A capacitive fingerprint scanner will be placed on the back, the same as on its predecessor. Back there, Google will include a single camera, probably the same camera sensor as on the Pixel 4. Its power / lock, volume up, and volume down buttons will be placed on the right. The power / lock button will offer a different color variant, a complete contrast to the phones color. Googles branding will also be placed on the back, by the way. Even the case maker ESR shared some images of the device. Real-life images of the Pixel 4a also surfaced, as already mentioned. These images not only show the front and back sides of the device, but one of its cases as well. This seems to be one of Googles fabric cases, as you can see below. Based on the images weve seen since then, these real-life images are probably spot on. Do note that an early prototype is shown here, though, as not even the companys logo is placed on the back yet. Its also worth noting that the Active Edge feature probably wont be included. Google officially confirmed its design by accident The newest leak of the phone came directly from Google. The company accidentally leaked the device on the Google Store, and thus pretty much confirmed its design. It will look exactly as previous rumors suggested, it seems. You can check out the render Google leaked down below. Advertisement The XL variant allegedly wont be coming or will it According to a report that surfaced in April, Google is not planning on releasing the Pixel 4a XL. This is quite an interesting choice by the company, as the Pixel 3a XL was announced last year, in addition to the Pixel 3a. The Pixel 4a will include a larger display this time around, so perhaps Google though that an XL variant is not necessary. We are only guessing here, of course, as the report itself did not really share a reason for the omission of the XL variant. There are people out there that prefer huge smartphones, so they may be let down by this. Still, as already mentioned, the Pixel 4a will have a larger display, so the vast majority of people will probably be happy with it. Following the rumor that weve mentioned, a new one surfaced. Well, this is more of a leak than a rumor. The Pixel 4 XL presence has been confirmed, in a way. The device has been spotted on a Vietnamese website. Truth be said, we dont know what to believe at this point, so its 50:50. Advertisement Mid-range specifications, and a flagship-grade camera Now, in terms of specs, we dont have the full picture just yet, but quite a bit of info surfaced. The Google Pixel 4a is expected to include a 5.81-inch fullHD+ OLED display. The resolution will be 2340 x 1080, and this wont be your fancy high refresh rate display. It will be a 60Hz panel, it seems, at least based on reports. The Snapdragon 730 64-bit octa-core processor is expected to fuel the device. That is one of Qualcomms mid-range processors. Its not its best mid-ranger, but its nothing to scoff at either. The phone will not include 5G support, by the way, in case you were wondering. Thats another good call by the company, as that would unnecessarily drive the phones price tag up. The device will include Googles Titan M security chip, while the Pixel Neural Core will not be included. The device will include 6GB of RAM and pack in a 3,080mAh battery on the inside. Both 64GB and 128GB storage variants will be available, and both will include the aforementioned RAM count. Advertisement In terms of charging, you can expect it to support 18W fast wired charging. Wireless charging likely wont be included, which is a shame. The phone is made out of plastic, and can easily support wireless charging. This may change, of course, but Google probably did it as yet another cost-saving opportunity, as its not an essential feature. In terms of cameras, you can expect two overall. A 12.2-megapixel camera will be placed on the back of the device. That camera will likely be the same as the one on the Pixel 4. It will support both OIS and EIS, and will be capable of recording both fullHD and 4K video. It will ship with an f/1.7 aperture lens, and 1.4um pixel size. PDAF will also be supported. If youd like to check out some sample shots, two leaked out. A front-facing camera will probably also be copied from the Pixel 4. If that ends up being the case, you can expect an 8-megapixel unit with an f/2.0 aperture lens. That sensor comes with a 1.22um pixel size. It is worth noting that a secondary TOF camera will not be included in this package. Even the camera review surfaced ahead of time, you can check out some samples by clicking here. Advertisement A 3.5mm headphone jack will also be included in the package, along with Type-C USB port. Needless to say, Android 10 will come pre-installed on the device. Pigtou also shared the probable dimensions of the device, the Pixel 4a will measure 144.18 x 69.46 x 8.2mm (9.13mm with a camera bump). That is pretty much all the spec information that we have at the moment. If youd like to see where the Pixel 4a stands in the 2020 Pixel lineup, click here, as it seems to be the smallest Pixel phone this year. It is also worth noting that the device even got reviewed prior to its launch. That is not all that surprising considering that the same thing happened with the Pixel 3 series last year. The phone got reviewed in a YouTube video. The phone will cost the same as the Pixel 3a last year Evan Blass has leaked some images of billboards which showed off the Pixel 4a design and confirmed its name. On top of that, those billboards revealed the phones price tag. The Pixel 4a pricing will start at the same point as the Pixel 3a pricing last year. The base model will set you back $399. Advertisement Just to be clear, that price tag will probably be for a 64GB storage variant of the phone. The 128GB model, which more people will probably be interested in, will be a bit more expensive. Its price tag did not leak out, but if we had to guess, wed say that it will cost $439, or something along those lines. Now, a separate rumor surfaced later on, suggesting that the Pixel 4a may cost even less. The 128GB storage variant of the device with 4GB of RAM (base model), is rumored to start at only $349, thats $50 less than the initial rumor suggested. The Pixel 4a will be shipping to consumers in October?! The information regarding the phones availability is not yet entirely clear. Several rumors surfaced. May 22 was discovered in the database of Vodafone Germany a while back. A separate rumor claims that the device will not be launching until June. That goes for the US launch, which will be first no matter what way you spin things. A third rumor, and most recent one, says that the Pixel 4a launch has been delayed. The phone is now expected to arrive on July 13, and become available sometime in August or even possibly in October. The Pixel 4a was supposed to launch during Google I/O, but the launch date has been moved. The phone will probably launch on July 13, while the time it will go on sale is still a mystery. If we had to guess, wed say its coming in July, the only question is, when. The device may even launch with a Pixel 5 name instead, if a recent rumor is to be believed. Based on the leaks, the Google Pixel 4a will ship in at least three color options. The phone will be available in Just Black, Barely Blue, and Clearly White colors. Google may introduce some additional color options, though. The Africas Business Heroes competition aims to spread the values of entrepreneurship on the continent and support emerging private sector talent RiseUp, a startup accelerator, announced Wednesday that Egyptian startups can now enter applications for the second edition of the Jack Ma Foundation Africas Business Heroes (ABH) prize competition, with a prize pool of $1.5 million, open to entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, closing 22 June. Businesses with a track record of 3-year revenue-generation can be one of 10 finalists sharing a prize pool of $1.5 million, up from $1 million in 2019, the competitions local partner RiseUp said in a statement. Other perks include being able to pitch directly to Alibaba mogul Jack Ma himself, the opportunity to gain exposure through the competition's "Africa's Business Heroes show, to receive training at Alibaba headquarters in Hangzhou, and to receive mentorship by renowned business leaders, according to the statement. In 2019, Nawah-Scientific's Omar Sakr and Mumm's Waleed Abdelrahman won $150,000 and $65,000 in cash, respectively. Moreover, they were able to further expand their network by joining the Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI), a network of mentors and African startups that have at least three years of revenue-generation under their belt, according to the statement. Under competition rules, applicants will go through several competition stages, and 10 finalists will be selected to compete in a final pitch competition show that will be broadcast online and across the continent. Semi-finalists will be announced in August, and the top 10 finalists will be unveiled in September. ANPI is the Jack Ma Foundations flagship philanthropic programme in Africa. The initiative aims to give entrepreneurs across Africa a platform to develop their talent and business ideas and to inspire others to pursue entrepreneurship. The competition was announced by Jason Pau, senior advisor for international affairs at the Jack Ma Foundation, at the 2018 RiseUp Summit. Since the programmes inception, RiseUp has played an integral role in outreach to North African entrepreneurs and in providing support to the initiative through a series of webinars and mentorship opportunities to targeted startups. This year marks the second year in a row that RiseUp will be partnering with ANPI. Search Keywords: Short link: Mumbai: The flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA ) in Mumbai that were suspended earlier on Wednesday (June 3, 2020) till 7 PM will now be resumed at 6 PM. "Operations to resume at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai from 6 pm", said Airport Public Relations Officer. The operations were suspended due to Cyclone Nisarga's land-fall in the State. MIAL, the private airport operator, had earlier announced that all operations at the CSMIA will remain suspended between 2.30 pm and 7 pm as a precautionary measure in view of the Cyclone Nisarga. MIAL had earlier said that considering the strong crosswinds, it has been decided that no arrivals and departures will take place between 2.30 pm and 7 pm. The private airport operator had scheduled a total of 19 flights for Wednesday to be operated by five airlines -- Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir, IndiGo, and AirAsia India. It also said the schedule could change as well depending upon the situation. The Mumbai Airport that resumed flight operations from May 25 after COVID-19's halt, was allowed to operate a total of 50 flights per day, 25 departures, and 25 arrivals. Earlier, the operations of commercial passenger flight services were suspended on March 25 due to the imposition of a nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus outbreak. The international operations by the Indian airlines remain suspended till further notice. L ove Islands Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury have shared their heartbreak after their new puppy died less than a week after it arrived in the UK from Russia. The puppy, named Mr Chai, was intended as a 21st birthday gift from boxer Fury, also 21, to Hague, who he met on the ITV dating series last summer. The couple previously revealed that the Pomeranian puppy had been imported from Russia and had arrived at their Manchester home last week. In a pair of similar statements shared on their Instagram stories on Wednesday morning, the reality stars revealed that the puppy had died after it was taken ill. Tommy and I are utterly heartbroken and shocked to even be writing this, Hague said. Our beautiful new puppy Mr Chai was taken ill in the last few days and tragically has passed away.... Chai became our whole world in the short time we had him and we couldn't have taken any better care of him. We loved him so much and he brought us more happiness than we can describe Love Island 2019: Series 5 Finale - In pictures 1 /25 Love Island 2019: Series 5 Finale - In pictures ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV We are really hoping that we can get some clearer answers in the coming days whilst we wait for details and more information from the veterinary experts. Myself and Tommy are completely in shock and truly devastated. The pair acknowledged that there are far far greater issues than this amid the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, but said they had decided to share this information in order to start the process of trying to accept and overcome this awful situation. They asked followers for time and respect to allow them to come to terms with this immense sadness and loss of our beautiful puppy. Over the weekend, the couple shared photos of them enjoying a picnic in the sun with their pet. Aussies who live next door to celebrities have called in to The Kyle and Jackie O show with shocking complaints about their famous neighbours. One woman, known as Bellzy, revealed she lives on the same street as Russell Crowe near Dural in Sydney's west, but said being near the actor doesn't always have its perks. From Guy Sebastian's (pictured) 'big monstrosity' home to Russell Crowe's snobby street: KIIS FM radio listeners have listed shocking complaints about their celebrity neighbours 'I live in a somewhat gated community near Dural and Russell Crowe is in my street. We each have around seven to nine-acre blocks,' she said. Bellzy, who is a horse trainer, went on to say that Russell often stops at her property to pat her horses. 'Russell is always trying to look at the horses when he is in the area and I'm not really interested in him - I don't care much for him, to be honest. Go and get your own horses to have a look at. 'He is always trying to look at the horses!' One woman, known as Bellzy, revealed she lives on the same street as Russell Crowe (pictured) near Dural, Sydney, but said living near the actor doesn't always have its perks 'I remember him coming up when his children were young and they came over to pat the horses... We don't care for that stuff where we live.' A listener known as Jason also complained about his neighbour Guy Sebastian's $3.1million Maroubra home in Sydney's east. 'I live in Maroubra right next to that big monstrosity that Guy Sebastian owns,' he revealed. 'It's a big monstrosity': Another listener known as Jason also called in to complain about his neighbour, Guy Sebastian's, $3.1 million Maroubra home Guy purchased the house in 2013 and spent two-and-a-half years renovating it. He finally moved in with his family in June 2019. Neighbours have long complained about the development, with many describing it as a 'fortress' because of its unusual looks. Other residents have even threatened to move away from the area due to the building. In December, Guy defended the renovation, telling KIIS FM: 'It's a long build, but it's a pretty special house. It's not normal. It's not a cookie-cutter house. It's cool.' In addition to protecting the desktop, you should also pay close attention to the Office suite--in particular, Microsofts Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) platform. OLE allows you to make linked connections between applications and other documents, but it also provides a toehold for attackers to gain access into our systems. As a recently National Cyber Awareness system document stated: As of December 2019, Chinese state cyber actors were frequently exploiting the same vulnerabilityCVE-2012-0158that the US government publicly assessed in 2015 was the most used in their cyber operations. Let that sink in. A vulnerability patched in 2012 was the most used exploit in December 2019. The vulnerability affects Office 2003, 2007 and 2010. According to a 2016 Sophos white paper , Code that CVE-2012-0158 exploits is housed within the Microsoft Windows Common Control Library. MSCOMCTL.OCX is a Dynamic Linked Library (DLL) containing common controls such as the Combo Box, and Progress Bar, among others. CVE-2012-0158 is concerned specifically with the ListView and TreeView ActiveX controls. The exploit allows the attacker to take control of the entire system. The vulnerability allows malicious code to hide and pivot from detection and change the way it launches the attack. In one variant, the attackers used rich text format (RTF) to hide the payload. As noted in the Sophos whitepaper, When Microsoft Word saves an RTF file, the hexadecimal representation of any embedded file is written as a continuous stream of ASCII characters, split into equal length lines which are usually 252 characters. Unfortunately, the bad guys soon discovered that Word is far from stringent about enforcing this formation and tampered with the format incessantly in order to confuse AV parsers. Skipped patches give attackers opportunity One issue that allows this exploit to hang around is patch management. IT often skips a patch if it might impact the business and then never reviews if the issue has been resolved or if a workaround can be found. This update has side effects that need a lot of post-patch actions. The administrator has to search the computer for and remove older files to allow Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to continue to work after installing the patch. Specifically, administrators must search for and delete files with the .exd extension, which are recreated automatically the next time VBA runs. These extender files are under the user's profile and possibly other locations such as: C:\documents and settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Forms C:\documents and settings\username\AppData\Local\Temp\VBE Scan for missing Office updates If you still have Office 2010 deployed, review your installation base for skipped updates that leave you at risk. Use your favorite patching tool (SCCM, WSUS, etc.) and scan the network looking for missing Office updates. Take a random computer out of the network and do a deep inspection of the files and patches installed. Especially if you arent planning to invest in new systems, review how to best defend yourself on what you have. Look for skipped patches and retest the impact. You may find that you are no longer using the third-party application that influenced the decision not to patch. Keep an eye on the known issues that are reported for newer and older Office platforms. PatchManagement.org hosts a listserv where patching administrators discuss side effects with patches that have been installed. You can also download several Office support tools to help diagnose issues. Finally, you can always download ProcMon to analyze what a computer is doing to assist in debugging why something isnt working in Office. Sudanese protesters took to the streets of Khartoum Wednesday, angrily demanding justice for scores of pro-democracy demonstrators killed a year ago in a bloody crackdown. The popular mass movement had already brought down long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir but was still on the streets demanding further reforms when it was attacked by men in military fatigues on June 3, 2019. We wont forget and we wont forgive, read one Arabic-language protest sign held up by a mask-clad Sudanese woman as scores of other protesters rallied and the smoke of burning car tyres blackened the sky. At least 128 people were killed and hundreds more wounded in the attack outside Khartoums army headquarters, according to doctors linked to the protest movement. Official figures say at least 87 died. The attackers in military fatigues perpetrated murder, torture, rape, sexual violence, enforced disappearance of persons and potentially other inhumane acts, says a March report by the US-based group Physicians for Human Rights. The new prime minister under Sudans post-Bashir civilian-military transition authority, Abdalla Hamdok, pledged Wednesday that justice would be done. I assure you all that achieving justice and retribution for the martyrs of the sit-in is an inevitable and irreversible step, Hamdok said in a televised statement. Protesters on Wednesday hung up effigies of soldiers of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group they blame for the bloodbath a charge firmly denied by Sudans military leaders. A grieving father One protester held up a large photo of Abdulsalam Kisha, a 25-year-old protester who was killed in the attack last year in the capitals eastern Riyadh district. The dead mans father, Kisha Abdulsalam, told AFP days ago that he still held out hope the killers would be brought to justice by post-revolution authorities. We demand an international probe to ensure justice for those killed, said Kisha, a leading member of a campaign group for the families of protest victims. A memorial portrait of his slain son has been painted on the Khartoum house of the bereaved father, who has two other sons and a daughter. He recalled the day he heard the shocking news. I rushed to the protest site after receiving multiple random phone calls saying my son had died, he said, only to find out later the young man was killed by multiple gunshots. Sudans transitional authorities, which came to power in August last year, with Bashir behind bars, have formed a committee to probe the violence, but it has yet to announce its findings. In July last year, an initial probe by Sudans military officials and prosecutors showed that some members of the RSF and other security forces were involved in the killings. Military officials insist the operation had been planned to purge an area near the protest camp where people were allegedly selling drugs. Powerful figures Hamdok in October tasked veteran lawyer Nabil Adib with leading the investigations and to present findings within three months. Adib told AFP that three months was not enough, especially given that this is a crime with political overtones and involves a large number of defendants. It may even involve powerful figures, he said. He said the investigation had been further hampered by the coronavirus pandemic which has so far infected more than 5,000 people and killed over 300 in Sudan. International rights groups, which have documented multiple witness accounts, have called for a transparent investigation. Physicians for Human Rights said the violence could rise to the level of international crimes for which there should be no immunity, including crimes against humanity. Adib said the committee has so far received many testimonies but did not elaborate. We gave them assurances that their identities will remain anonymous, he added. But families of the victims remain sceptical. I dont believe this committee will bring justice to the martyrs, said Amna, Abdulsalams mother, as she tearfully showed an album of photos of her son. We will not forgive those who shed blood and we will not give up on the martyrs rights. US voters have given a scathing verdict on Donald Trump's response to the George Floyd riots - but most would back deploying troops. Some 45 per cent of voters regard Trump's handling of the crisis as 'poor' while only 32 per cent say it is good or excellent, a new poll shows. The president's critics include 41 per cent of white voters and 42 per cent of over-65s, as well as 76 per cent of Democrats and 69 per cent of African-Americans. However, 71 per cent of all voters - including 63 per cent of Democrats - support calling in the National Guard as Trump today urged New York to do. 58 per cent would be willing to send for the US military, as Trump threatened to do on Monday night. The Morning Consult poll was carried out before Trump's speech and voters were asked about how cities rather than how the White House should respond. The lengthy survey also includes a poll of the 2020 presidential race, which shows Joe Biden in a commanding 12-point lead over Trump. This Morning Consult poll shows 32 per cent of voters praising Donald Trump's response to the George Floyd riots while 45 per cent describe it as 'poor' Donald Trump (pictured after visiting St John's Episcopal Church on Monday evening) has claimed the support of a 'silent majority' on 'law and order' Protests have raged across the US since George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody last Monday after a white officer knelt on his head for nine minutes. The protests began in Minneapolis but have since spread around the country, including in New York - sometimes peaceful, sometimes violent. Trump has described Floyd's death as a 'tragedy' but raged at the looters and rioters, calling them 'thugs' and hinting that they could be shot. Asked about Trump's response, 11 per cent of registered said it was 'excellent' while 10 per cent called it 'very good' and another 11 per cent chose 'good'. That makes 32 per cent who back the president's handling of the crisis, compared to 45 per cent who say it is 'poor'. The poll casts doubt on Trump's claims to have the backing of a 'silent majority' on 'law and order' as Richard Nixon asserted in the 1960s. Another 11 per cent said Trump's performance was 'only fair', while 12 per cent offered no opinion. Among Democrats, only nine per cent chose one of the 'good' or 'excellent' categories to describe Trump while some 76 per cent went for 'poor'. Trump had the backing of 62 per cent of Republicans including 24 per cent who said his handling was 'excellent', but one in eight say it is poor. Similarly, only 62 per cent of those who voted for Trump at the 2016 election are willing to praise his handling of the Floyd riots. When broken down by race, the poll shows a narrow result among white people with 36 per cent backing the president and 41 per cent criticizing him. Among African-Americans, 69 per cent disapprove and only 14 per cent would praise Trump - despite his frequent claims to have helped the black community. Trump bizarrely claimed that his administration had 'done more for the black community than any president since Abraham Lincoln', who freed the slaves. The same poll showed that 71 per cent of all voters including 63 per cent of Democrats would support sending for the National Guard to quell the protests Trump has demanded that New York should call up the National Guard to quell the riots there (pictured, shop owners look at a looted store near Times Square yesterday) Asked about the crisis in general, 57 per cent say they support the Floyd protest while only 23 per cent are completely opposed to it. Those who support the protest in principle include 74 per cent of Democrats and 80 per cent of African-Americans, but also 40 per cent of Republicans and 52 per cent of white people. However, voters split more evenly when they are asked to characterize the protesters as either peaceful or violent. Just under half - 49 per cent - agreed with the statement that 'most of the current protesters are peaceful and want to bring about meaningful social reform, even though some are trying to incite violence or destroy property'. But 43 per cent took the opposite view, that most protesters are violent and destructive even if some are peaceful and have good intentions. Democrats were far more likely to see the protesters in a positive light, with 66 per cent saying most of the current demonstrators are peaceful. Among Republicans, only 33 per cent see the protesters in such a favorable way while 59 per cent believe the majority of them are violent. The poll was carried out over the weekend when some cities saw a wave of looting and violence, while the situation was generally calmer last night. On the question of federal troops, 33 per cent said they would 'strongly support' deploying the US military while 25 per cent would 'somewhat support' the move. That makes 58 per cent in favor of using the military, including an overwhelming 77 per cent of Republicans. The issue is more closely contested among Democrats, of whom 48 per cent would support deploying troops and 43 per cent are against. Older people are more likely to welcome military force, with 44 per cent of people aged 65 or older saying they 'strongly support' the use of federal troops. By contrast, only 21 per cent of voters aged 18-34 are so enthusiastic, compared to 26 per cent who 'strongly oppose' the move. Trump suggested on Monday night that he could send US troops against the will of Democratic mayors and governors if they do not bring the riots under control. National Guard troops were stationed at the Lincoln Memorial yesterday during a peaceful protest over Floyd's death The Morning Consult poll shows presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden (pictured) in a commanding 12-point lead over Trump The president can deploy troops domestically under the 1807 Insurrection Act, although any unilateral action could be challenged in court. Presidents John F. Kennedy and Dwight Eisenhower previously sent troops to unwilling states to enforce civil rights legislation in the 1950s and 1960s. 71 per cent of voters support cities summoning the National Guard, as many have already done, including a majority of Democrats. Trump would have the same powers to federalize the National Guard and deploy it to US cities as he does over regular troops. Today he demanded that New York should summon the Guard, which it has not yet done. National Guard troops have been called up in many states and were also stationed at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington last night. Meanwhile, the poll for the November 2020 election shows Joe Biden on 51 per cent among registered voters, with Trump on 39 per cent. Biden's 12-point lead is a little higher than the eight-point advantage he has had in an RCP average of recent polls. The 77-year-old Democrat, who would be the oldest president ever elected, even has a two-point lead among voters over 65. Biden is yet to be formally nominated, but has been the party's presumptive nominee since Bernie Sanders dropped out in April. Trump lashed out at Biden again today, saying he had 'done much more for our Black population than Joe Biden has done in 43 years'. He has also attacked the former vice president over the Obama administration's handling of China and of the 2009 swine flu crisis. Biden has previously slammed Trump for making 'draconian cuts' to agencies currently fighting the coronavirus pandemic. - King Adedokun Abolarin provides free education for his people at Abolarin College in Oke Ila, Osun state, Nigeria - Apart from the free education, the traditional ruler also provides free food, free hostels, free internet, free uniforms, free laptops and constant electricity for them - The monarch is also a teacher in the school Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in In a bid to ensure that his people are educated, King Adedokun Abolarin is providing free education for them at Abolarin College in Oke Ila, Osun state in Nigeria. The monarch also provides free food, free hostels, free internet, free uniforms, free laptops and constant electricity for them. According to a post on Twitter by Africa Facts Zone and credited to Dr Harvey Oluwafunmilayo, the traditional ruler also teaches in the school. READ ALSO: "Anguished" George W. Bush speaks out on George Floyd protests Meanwhile, Ive Jones, a North Carolina graduating senior at Apex Friendship High School has a lot to be excited about after being admitted into 45 universities with over $4 million in scholarships. In spite of the toll of the novel coronavirus pandemic on schools which has affected commencements everywhere, Jones is still celebrating her admirable accomplishment. The 17-year old is graduating with distinction with acceptance letters from 45 out of the 50 schools she applied to and more than $4 million in academic scholarships. Jones worked hard to get to where she is today. At just 11 years old, she organised a fundraising campaign to help children in Africa who were orphaned as a result of the Ebola pandemic, setting an initial goal of $4,000 and raising nearly $30,000. READ ALSO: History made as 65-year-old Ella Jones becomes first black mayor of Ferguson In 2019, she also organised a health conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, to encourage young women and people of colour to pursue careers in STEM. She has always had an interest in the health sector and has focused most of her energy thus far on making an impact there. ''As a student, these things are things were going to be discussing in class and Im going to need to know thoroughly in order to apply my knowledge later on," she told becauseofthemwecan. Ive has settled on Princeton University where she plans to major in Global Health on a full scholarship. Her mother, Catherine Jones, whos from West Africa, said shes just so proud of her daughter. Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Yenkasa: Would You Queue For the Voters' Register? | #Yencomgh Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh [June 03, 2020] Digital Technology Key to Post COVID-19 Recovery of Offshore Oil and Gas Industry, Reveals ADIPEC ABU DHABI, UAE, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Companies involved in the offshore oil and gas sector should use the COVID-19 pandemic, as a springboard to create stronger, more sustainable businesses, using digital technologies to do more with less and make the industry more exciting to the next generation of talent. Participating in an online ADIPEC Energy Dialogue Webinar, Philip Whittaker, Partner and Director, Oil and Gas, at the Boston Consulting Group, said the coronavirus has prompted offshore oil and gas businesses to ask how they can extract greater margins and use technological differentiation to create more stable, less cyclical businesses from their exposure to exploration and production. Discussing the latest developments and impacts around the Offshore verticals in the oil and gas industry, Whittaker said offshore companies have had to rapidly adapt to the changed work environment created by the coronavirus. Projects have been shut in, crews withdrawn from offshore platforms and work limited to core production operations. But he added, digital technology could speed up the sector's recovery. "At BCG, we are having a lot of conversations around, first, responding to the crisis quickly and, secondly, being really ambitious and using the events of the last few weeks as a springboard to create a stronger, really sustainable offshore business in the mid-term," Whittaker said. "A great example is one of our clients, working in North Sea operations, which has had to demobilize about 40 percent of its traditional crew from their platforms but due to the application of wearable technology, digitised remote viewing and remote work planning, they are still able to liquidate 90 per cent of the plant maintenance and integrity activity they have planned. "So it really starts to drive us towards the use of technology to do more with less, which has to be goo for everyone." However, Whittaker said, the wider adoption of digital technology across the offshore value chain, would create a recruitment challenge for offshore businesses. "At the moment the sector faces two very distinct talent crisis. The first is the demographic crisis of attracting younger people into what they see as a sunset industry. And the second is around the type of talent required. "Beyond geoscientists, beyond traditional engineers, we need to attract the data scientists, the digital scientists, those who are leading the digital revolution and to be frank they are very, very mobile. We have to make offshore exciting for them but at the moment what we offer them is a cyclical and insecure environment, so that is going to be a tough job." The ADIPEC Energy Dialogue is a series of weekly online thought leadership events created by dmg events, organisers of the annual Abu Dhabi International Exhibition and Conference. Featuring key stakeholders and decision-makers in the oil and gas industry, the dialogues focus on how the industry is evolving and transforming in response to the rapidly changing energy market. ADIPEC 2020 is projected to attract more than 155,000 energy professionals from 67 countries; including senior decision-makers and energy industry thought leaders, over 2,200 exhibiting companies and 23 national exhibiting pavilions as oil and gas companies convene to share views and best practices to address the long-term impact of the triple challenge of lower oil prices, weaker demand and over supply. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC); and supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy & Industry, the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, ADIPEC is scheduled to take place from November 9 to 11, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). To watch the Energy Dialogue series go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEFmfFACMss About ADIPEC Held under the patronage of the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and organised by the Global Energy division of dmg events, ADIPEC is the global meeting point for oil and gas professionals. Standing as one of the world's top energy events, and the largest in the Middle East and North Africa, ADIPEC is a knowledge-sharing platform that enables industry experts to exchange ideas and information that shape the future of the energy sector. About Boston Consulting Group Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global management consulting firm and the world's leading advisor on business strategy. We partner with clients from the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in all regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their enterprises. Our customized approach combines deep insight into the dynamics of companies and markets with close collaboration at all levels of the client organization. This ensures that our clients achieve sustainable competitive advantage, build more capable organizations, and secure lasting results. Founded in 1963, BCG is a private company with offices in more than 90 cities in 50 countries. For more information, please visit https://www.bcg.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-technology-key-to-post-covid-19-recovery-of-offshore-oil-and-gas-industry-reveals-adipec-301070284.html SOURCE ADIPEC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] (TNS) 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."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." As the landfall process of Cyclone Nisarga begins near Alibaug with strong wind speed of 120-140 kmph, the Maharashtra Chief Ministers Office (CMO) on Wednesday released a list of DOs and DONTs. In the Dos, the Maharashtra CMO has mentioned that loose things outside the house should be tied or moved indoors. The citizens have also been asked to seal important documents and jewellery in a plastic bag. It has also asked citizens to regularly inspect battery-operated as well as reserve power systems and practise actions to be taken in case of emergencies. If you do not live in a mud house/hut, choose a part of the house as an emergency shelter and practise how members of the house will use the space during the cyclone. Keep an emergency kit ready. Stay away from windows. Close some windows and keep some open so the pressure is maintained. Stay at the centre of the room. Stay away from the corners as debris often accumulates in the corners, the office of Maharashtra CMO tweeted. In addition, the Maharashtra CMO has also urged people not to spread or believe in rumours in these difficult times. The state government has also warned citizens not to drive or ride any vehicle during the cyclone and stay away from the damaged buildings. Do not move injured people unless it is absolutely safe to do so. It may cause more harm. Do not allow oil and other flammable substances to spill. Clean immediately. As a precautionary measure, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) earlier in the morning had called for a structural inspection of temporary COVID-19 health centres. The civic body directed the contractors of the respective healthcare facilities to again review the safety and stability of the structures set up by them. For all the latest National News, download NewsX App WESTPORT The Board of Selectmen has unanimously voted to cordon off parking spaces on Main Street from Post Road east to Elm Street to allow for more pedestrian access downtown. It also is considering closing Church Lane to traffic from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays to help restaurants there with reopening but has not voted on the concept. The change on Main Street, which will be in effect until Aug. 31, was made to support outdoor dining and provide a safe, open environment for shoppers, said Randy Herbertson, president of the Westport Downtown Merchants Association. Lynandro Simmons/Hearst Connecticut Media We cant very well put stripes on the sidewalk to go one way like we can do at stores, Herberston said. So this is an effort to do that. The initiative was a collaboration between the Downtown Merchants Association, the town and ReOpen Westport Advisory Team. It will be reviewed 30 days after its implementation and renewal will take into consideration overall compliance and traffic impact. I do want to note we look at this as a trial and as something we are going to learn along the way, Herbertson said. This is something we want to try. For Church Lane, The thinking on that timing is that is peak restaurant time, Herbertson said. It also provides time in the morning for deliveries and more importantly for most of our stores to do appointment shopping. The street closure will support up to six restaurants, he said, but its contingent on at least three restaurants submitting applications for outdoor dining. The primary purpose for this, even though it will support the stores, is to have street dining, Herbertson said. Signage to help drivers and pedestrians navigate the changes is also planned. If enough interest is not seen from retailers, he said the Church Lane proposal may be rescinded. I think if we decided to do this, we are doing it because as a town and as a body we think its the right thing to do for our businesses, Selectwoman Melissa Kane said. Not just because the DMA specifically asked for it. First Selectman Jim Marpe said its an opportunity to try to approach the walking street concept the town has long discussed. At the minimum, this is a start towards a different way of using downtown, he said. This may or may not be the answer, but I think this is part of the towns investment in that experiment. dj.simmons@hearstmediact.com State and local police prepare to arrest around 100 protesters after they stayed out beyond the governors 8 p.m. curfew during the sixth night of protests and violence following the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 31, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) George Floyds Death Renews Calls to Revisit Qualified Immunity for Police Misconduct Nationwide protests against police violence are still persisting more than a week after George Floyd died while taking a knee to the neck by a Minneapolis police officer. His death has ignited more than just protests and riotsthe ongoing debate on a Supreme Court-made legal doctrine that insulates police officers from civil liability has reached a crescendo among the unrest. That doctrine, known as qualified immunity, shields government officials from liability for damages claims for harm caused by their actions as they perform official duties even if those actions violated the U.S. Constitution but did not contravene a clearly established rule. The clearly established rule concept, which is seen to be problematic by critics of the doctrine, requires the party suing the official to show that the facts in their case were sufficiently similar to the facts in prior court cases. There are several qualified immunity cases, which are seeking review, pending at the Supreme Court and legal experts are hoping that the Floyd case would act as a catalyst to encourage the justices to revisit the doctrine. The top court could decide whether to take up any of those cases as early as next Monday, stemming from discussions made in this Thursdays conference. There are eight cases set for this Thursday conference. Its the second time this set of cases has been relisted, which is certainly a signal of interest that at least someone on the court is at least somewhat interested in the issue, Robert McNamara, senior attorney for the Institute for Justice, told The Epoch Times. The Institute for Justice runs a Project on Immunity and Accountability that aims at challenging the qualified immunity doctrine and restoring accountability for officials misconduct. The doctrine was created by the Supreme Court in 1982 as part of the top courts interpretation of 42 U.S.C. 1983, commonly known as Section 1983, which provides a basis for people to sue state officials who violate a persons constitutional rights. However, under the Supreme Courts current interpretation of the law, it is not enough to show that the rights are violated. Victims must also show that the action was clearly established, and if they fail the official could be granted qualified immunity. The rationale behind the doctrine is to afford government officials protection from undue interference and threats of liability while they perform their duties. It is meant to protect all but the plainly incompetent or those who knowingly violate the law. But legal experts say qualified immunity has routinely shielded those who are either incompetent and who knowingly violate the law, such as when courts granted immunity to officers who stole over $225,000 (pdf) and to an officer who shot a 10-year-old child while trying to shoot a non-threatening family dog (pdf). Qualified immunity is a failureit is a failure as a matter of policy, it is a failure as a matter of law, and it is a failure as a matter of basic morality, McNamara said. McNamara and other critics see the doctrine as a free pass for police officers and other government officials to violate constitutional rights without having to face the legal consequences of the actions. The entire point of having constitutional rights is that they be enforced. Having a doctrine that says your rights may well have been violated, but were going to choose to do nothing about it, turns the constitution into an empty promise, McNamara said. Meanwhile, Clark Neily, vice president for criminal justice of the libertarian Cato Institute, described the doctrine as a nearzeroaccountability policy for law enforcement while reacting to Floyds death in a blog last week. The Cato Institute has been advocating for the abolishment of the doctrine in the past several years. A protester is detained by State Police after staying out beyond the governors 8 p.m. curfew during the sixth night of protests and violence following the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 31, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) 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) Problems with the Clearly Established Law Test The courts embark on a two-prong test when deciding when to grant qualified immunity to a government official. They first have to decide whether a constitutional violation had occurred and secondly, whether the right was clearly established. Legal experts say many cases fail the clearly established barrier as it is not easy to show that the conduct and circumstances in the current case are sufficiently similar to ones in another previous case. Using the Floyd case as an example, Neily said that if his family wants to sue the officer who had kneeled on him, they would have to find an existing case in the 8th Circuit Court that held that a police officer must not kneel on an unresisting suspects neck, ignoring his pleas for help, until he passes out. If no such case happens to be on the books, their case will be summarily tossed out of court, Neily wrote. In 2009, the Supreme Court raised the bar even higher for victims to overcome qualified immunity in the case Pearson v. Callahan. They held that judges could choose to ignore the first part of the test and go straight on deciding whether the right was clearly established. Some legal commentators say that the impact of this is that it prevents the recording of new case law that establishes instances of violations needed to decide whether a rule is clearly established. McNamara said he believes this test has turned the inquiry into constitutional cases into almost a farce. Lower courts engage in this kind of mechanistic quest to find another published federal opinion in which exactly the same facts have occurred, which is frequently impossible to do because the world is complicated and no two cases will have exactly the same facts, he said. As a result, the outcome of these cases is essentially arbitrary. The doctrine has been criticized by people on both sides of the aisle. Many legal circles, advocacy groups, and members of the judiciary, including Supreme Court justices Clarence Thomas and Sonia Sotomayor, have also raised concerns about its application. In 2017, Thomas wrote a separate concurring opinion in a case to express his growing concern with our qualified immunity jurisprudence, while questioning whether the doctrine is legally justifiable (pdf). Meanwhile, Sotomayor criticized her colleagues (pdf), joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, saying that the court was sending a signal that officers can shoot first and think later and tells the public that palpably unreasonable conduct will go unpunished. Lawmakers have also joined the debate calling for the elimination of the qualified immunity doctrine. Rep. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) said on May 31 that he is planning to introduce a billEnding Qualified Immunity Actto eliminate qualified immunity and restore Americans ability to obtain relief when police officers violate their constitutionally secured rights. Meanwhile on Wednesday, Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said he and two other senators will introduce a resolution calling for the doctrine an oppressive tool. He will be joined by Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.). Some pending cases that seek certiorari and ask the Supreme Court to reverse or recalibrate the doctrine of qualified immunity include one whether officers deployed a police dog against a suspect who was sitting on the ground with his hands up, and a case where Texas investigators entered a doctors office and demanded to go through medical records of 16 patients without notice or warrant. Gorakpur: Making a strong pitch for farm loan waiver on the second day of his yatra in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said the Modi government should run a government for the poor and look into the plight of the farmers who are crying. He claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi waived loans to the tune of Rs 1.10 lakh crore of big industrialists and rich people in the past two years while he forgot the plight of farmers who are carrying the burden of the entire country. In the past two years, Narendra Modi has waived loans of Rs 1.10 lakh crore. Not of small farmers but of big industrialists and rich people. If Modiji wants to waive loans of the rich, it is his decision. He is the Prime Minister and he can do so. We are not against it. We have only one demand. You should not run a suit-boot sarkar. You should run a government for the poor. If you want to waive loans of big industrialists, then do it for farmers too. Dont forget the farmer, because the farmer is crying, big industrialists are not, he told reporters here. He said there are reports from various states that farmers are committing suicide due to scarcity of water, issues of fertiliser, loans, MSP and power. In our khaat sabha, the farmers told us that the government should take the burden on their shoulders. There is no burden on big industrialists, but the farmer is carrying the burden of the entire country on his shoulders. That is why we started this yatra, he said. Seeking to strengthen the partys base in Uttar Pradesh ahead of next years Assembly election, Gandhi kicked off a month-long mahayatra during which he would traverse 2,500 kms across the state to hear out the farmers and give voice to them in highlighting their plight. He said Congress was not in power at the Centre and in the state, thus it could not help the farmers directly. But we will raise their voice through agitation, he said. Our only target is to put pressure on the Prime Minister and the NDA/BJP government and we want loans to be waived, just as we waived Rs 70,000 crore (during our tenure). We will put pressure on them. We will travel from here to Delhi and talk to farmers, listen to their problems and understand them and take them to Modiji, he said. Congress has been out of power for the last 27 years in Uttar Pradesh, where Assembly polls are due early next year. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Wed, June 3, 2020 06:55 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdba6c09 2 World Donald-Trump,photo,Bible,US,US-presidential-race,US-presidential-election,anti-racism-protests,anti-racism,black-lives-matter Free American religious leaders on Tuesday castigated Donald Trump for posing in front of a church holding a Bible after peaceful protesters were violently cleared from the surrounding area. "It was traumatic and deeply offensive, in the sense that something sacred was being misused for a political gesture," Washington's Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde said on public radio station NPR. The Republican billionaire, whose supporters include many evangelical Christians, used "the symbolic power of our sacred text, holding it in his hand as if it was a vindication of his positions and his authority," she said. The historic St John's Episcopal church is across the street from Lafayette Park, which faces the White House and has been the epicenter of the protests in Washington since Friday. The church was defaced with graffiti and damaged in a fire during a demonstration on Sunday night. On Monday protesters were demonstrating there peacefully when law enforcement including military police used tear gas to disperse them -- clearing a path for the president to walk from the White House to the church for the photographs. The protest was televised, and the backlash as the images spread was swift and furious. "The protest at that point was entirely peaceful," Budde said. "There was absolutely no justification for this." Trump on Monday adopted a martial tone in a nationwide address he delivered just before the church visit, in which he threatened a military crackdown after the biggest civil unrest in decades. Hundreds of thousands of people have been demonstrating their anger since the May 25 death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man killed by police in Minneapolis. The gatherings have been largely peaceful, but some have degenerated in to riots. Other Episcopalian leaders denounced Trump's visit to the church as "disgraceful and morally repugnant." "Simply by holding aloft an unopened Bible he presumed to claim Christian endorsement and imply that of The Episcopal Church," bishops from New England said in a statement. On Tuesday the president and his wife followed up with a visit to the St John Paul II National Shrine in the capital's northeast, immediately infuriating the country's Catholic leadership as well. "I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles," Washington's Archbishop Wilton Gregory said in a statement. The pontiff, who died in 2005, "certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of a place of worship and peace," he added. A voter sanitizes their hands behind a plastic shield before checking in to a polling location on D.C.'s primary election day, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Washington, US. (Image: Reuters) One person wields a skateboard, another a hammer at a ShoePalace store. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) High-end sneakers and other luxury goods have been targets of choice for thieves amid the unrest in cities across the nation on recent nights, as small groups of troublemakers took advantage of mostly peaceful demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while in Minneapolis police custody. But those seeking to profit from the sale of stolen goods might struggle, as the businesses responsible for moving most of the merchandise in the $2-billion sneaker resale market said they would be alert to anyone listing suspect goods on their platforms. "One of our top priorities is to ensure there is trust and safety in the sneaker industry," said Matt Cohen, vice president of business development and strategy for the GOAT online marketplace and Flight Club sneaker consignment chain, which merged in 2018. Flight Club's North Fairfax Avenue location was among the stores picked over by thieves, as was the competing Cool Kicks store on Melrose Avenue. "Over the years, we have worked tirelessly to prevent fraudulent activity and we intend to continue our robust practices with increased vigilance, especially in light of recent events and concerns around stolen products," Cohen said. "We will not allow for these stolen products to be sold on our platforms and all suspected products will be removed." The biggest sneaker resale platforms, including StockX, and online marketplaces such as EBay said they already were on the lookout for illegally obtained merchandise. "Our fraud team is investigating the situation and will take any available measures to prevent the sale of stolen goods on our platform," StockX said in a statement Monday. Poshmark an online marketplace where users buy and sell new or used clothing, shoes and accessories said that it had not seen any increase in suspiciously sourced goods, but spokeswoman Kelly Groves said, "We will work with law enforcement to investigate should this change. We are actively monitoring activity on our platform to ensure that stolen goods are not being sold on Poshmark." Story continues EBay, one of the first online marketplaces to host sneaker resales, said it was "fully committed to providing a secure online shopping experience to millions of people globally," spokeswoman Ashley Settle said. "We have zero tolerance for criminal activity on our platform stolen items are illegal and we actively work to prevent them." In the tumult after Floyd's May 25 death, businesses of all kinds were targeted by both opportunists jumping through broken windows and teams strategically pulling up and filling their vehicles with merchandise before quickly driving off. Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia characterized the vandalism, looting and arson in his city as coming from organized criminals not affiliated with peaceful protests. StockX went out of its way to strike a sympathetic note for its loyal customer base, saying, "We understand the frustration that led to this point. StockX supports peaceful protest, and we stand with the many people around the country who are using their voices to speak out and demand change." GOAT and Flight Club went even further, issuing a statement that said: "We are committing to contribute to the bailouts of peaceful protesters, and we encourage our community to do the same. The sneaker industry, and businesses like Flight Club, would not exist without black culture and the support of the black community. We share in the anger and frustration that so many people are experiencing right now." StockX and GOAT like to promote their platforms' rigorous authentication procedures so that buyers know they aren't paying a stranger hundreds or thousands of dollars for sneakers, watches, handbags and other items that end up being counterfeit. Tracking the provenance of merchandise will probably become even more important now. Sneaker collectors are probably concerned about the effect of widespread looting on reseller platforms, said Robert Mulokwa, who owns KickPredict.co, an online platform where people interested in dabbling in the sneaker investment market can bet on whether popular sneakers will rise or fall in price. Mulokwa, who has been collecting sneakers since 1993, said he thought a lot of the stolen sneakers "are probably not going to move through the big reseller platforms because those guys are on alert now and are just waiting to see if some of those stolen goods are going to come in. I think they know exactly what's out there and what was taken." Some of the stolen sneakers probably will be sold without much risk through smaller peer-to-peer apps and exchanges, as well as out of the trunk of cars and backs of trucks, Mulokwa said. That's because sneakers, unlike other high-end collectibles such as fine watches, don't have serial numbers that can be traced for the legitimate buyers, he said. "I'm bullish on adding serial number on sneakers or some other kind of identifier on the higher-end products," Mulokwa said. "The technology, for the most part, is there. Now you've got to get the manufacturers, designers and collaborators like Nike, Adidas, Jordan Brand, Yeezy to integrate that into their logistical processes." KC man charged in fatal shooting from Sunday night KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - A Kansas City man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting of Anthony Ford Jr., on May 31 in a Kansas City apartment, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Tuesday. 22-year-old Damon Johnson faces second-degree murder and armed criminal action charges. The rhetoric has been so out of hand over the past few days, the newspaper seemingly questioned police about their involvement in the fatality.Read more: Hyderabad, June 3 : Seven more persons died of Covid-19 in Telangana while the total number of positive cases crossed 3,000-mark on Wednesday. In the highest single-day jump, seven persons succumbed to the deadly virus, taking the death toll to 99 in the state. The state has been reporting daily fatalities with a continuing surge in the number of positive cases for more than two weeks. According to the director of public health and family welfare, 129 Covid-19 positive cases were reported during the last 24 hours, ending 5 p.m. on Wednesday. They include two migrants who had returned to the state. With this the number of positive cases jumped to 3020. As many as 448 of them are migrants, deportees and foreign returnees. Greater Hyderabad continued to be the hotspot, reporting 108 cases. According to officials, the number of patients undergoing treatment in the hospitals is 1,365 as 1,556 have so far been discharged after treatment. The director of public health also announced that as part of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) clinical trials, five patients were given plasma transfusion at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad. "All mandatory protocols set by ICMR were duly followed during the therapy. The therapy was introduced to the patients when their oxygen saturation levels dropped below 84 per cent-90 per cent," he said. Two transfusions were given to each of the five patients. After the completion of therapy, all five patients reported clinical improvement. One patient has already been discharged, three are no longer oxygen dependent and the fifth one is under intermittent dependency. He said five recovered patients came forward as donors for plasma. The official said 75 dialysis cycles were provided to Covid patients at the exclusive dialysis facility in Gandhi Hospital. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday had announced that 38 members of Tablighi Jamaat in Telangana have come forward to give their plasma for the treatment of patients. These Jamaat members had tested positive after their return from Delhi where they attended the religious congregation. They were all discharged last month after treatment. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) YPSILANTI, MI Saying they are outraged and appalled by incidents of police brutality and racist violence, Ypsilanti city officials have declared racism a public health crisis. City Council unanimously passed a resolution at its Tuesday, June 2 virtual meeting that Mayor Pro Tem Lois Richardson said is sparked by protests calling for justice for George Floyd in Minnesota, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, and other black people killed by police officers or vigilantes. The symbolic resolution, presented by Robinson, calls for equitable policies, better local health policies, racial equity training and more. And the declaration, said Richardson and other council members, has to be more than symbolic. It must come from a place where were willing to say, Change begins with me, Richardson said. And not just say it, but mean it... Im sick and tired of racism hanging over the city of Ypsilanti. Its time for a change, and change must begin with us. As a black man, Councilman Anthony Morgan said hes glad he can represent an underrepresented and overlooked population when crafting policy and wants to see more action come from the city. Im looking for a solution, Im tired of resolutions, Morgan said. Historic, systemic and pervasive racism and traumas of colonization and slavery that make people of color fear for their families health and safety are cited in the resolution as a reason for the crisis in the country now. It also notes how people of color, working-class residents and people with disabilities are more likely to experience and be more affected by poor health outcomes due to health inequities, such as physical environment, food and access to health care systems. The coronavirus pandemic has shown the affect of systemic racism, according to the resolution. The ZIP codes that cover Ypsilanti its neighboring communities like Ypsilanti Township account for 50% of the COVID-19 infections in Washtenaw County. Ypsilanti, marginalized groups impacted more by COVID-19 in Washtenaw County The resolution also declares there will be a zero tolerance for police brutality in the Ypsilanti Police Department. The resolution comes after local and national demonstrations drawing attention to incidents of police force, sometimes deadly. Officials pointed to a May 26 altercation in neighboring Ypsilanti Township during which a white Washtenaw County Sheriffs deputy is shown in a video punching ShaTeina Grady El, who is black, in the head three times before arresting her. The incident remains under investigation. Other communities are considering similar declarations this week, including Cleveland and Columbus. Ypsilanti City Council directed its staff to send the declaration to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature leadership to encourage a similar declaration. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS: Racism is a parasite: Washtenaw County official supports protests over excessive police force Economic recovery in Washtenaw County expected to start slow, speed up in mid-2021, UM researchers say From hair salons to gyms, experts rank 36 activities by coronavirus risk level Coleman, who is African American, co-chaired a commission appointed by Stoney to study the monuments issue after the Charlottesville rally. Their recommendation was to remove the statue of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy, and put more context around the others, explaining not only the legacy of slavery but also the Jim Crow-era oppression that went hand-in-hand with erecting many of the monuments. CURVE LAKE Two Peterborough residents have been arrested by the Anishinabek Police Services Curve Lake First Nation detachment after cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine was seized from a vehicle that tried to enter the community. Police investigated after two men and a woman in a suspicious vehicle entered the community on Saturday, according to Sgt. Wally Kaczanowki. The two were arrested after police found the vehicle on Whetung Street, police said. Cheyenne Whetung, of Peterborough, was charged with three counts of possession of a narcotic and four counts of breaching an undertaking. James McGregor, of Peterborough, was charged with one count of possession of a narcotic and four counts of breaching an undertaking. Both were released from custody and are to appear in court July 15 in Peterborough. Anyone with information about the case can call Anishinabek Police at 705-657-8892 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or online at stopcrimehere.ca The First Nation has a checkpoint aimed at keeping non-residents out of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic to help prevent the spread of the virus. 54th BeiDou satellite starts operation in network - Xinhua | English.news.cn The 54th and penultimate satellite of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) has started operation in the network after completing in-orbit tests and network access evaluations, according to a statement from China's Satellite Navigation System Management Office. The satellite, launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on March 9, is a geostationary earth orbit satellite of the BDS-3 system. It was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology. The satellite will offer users positioning, navigation and timing services, and will help improve the robustness of the system, the office said. China's Xi'an Satellite Control Center, based in northwestern Shaanxi Province, provides maintenance support for the in-orbit satellite, sources with the center said. The BDS is China's independently developed and operated global navigation system. It will be fully completed in June with the launch of its final satellite, the 55th of the BeiDou family. Both the satellite and carrier rocket have been sent to the launch site, and preparations for the upcoming launch are underway. Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has given a breakdown of his activities for the week. Osinbajo has hardly been seen in public... Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has given a breakdown of his activities for the week. Osinbajo has hardly been seen in public for some time now but was present at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday with President Muhammadu Buhari. His media aide, Laolu Akande, tweeted a picture from the virtual meeting and disclosed his principals present and past itinerary. VP Osinbajo with Mr. President now at FEC. Earlier this week, he has been wrapping up the Sustainability Plan. Besides, he met Monday with the Presidencys Government & Anti-Corruption Reforms Tech Unit on how to achieve better results and yesterday received virtually UNFPA Country Rep, Uller Muller, he wrote. Buhari presided over the meeting today, which also had the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff Ibrahim Gambari and a few Ministers physically present at the State House Council Chambers. The rest of the presidents cabinet participated remotely. Click here to read the full article. As reports of journalists covering the George Floyd protests being targeted by the police continue to increase, the American Civil Liberties Union is taking action. The Minnesota arm of the nonprofit organization is suing the city of Minneapolis, the Minnesota State Patrol and the Minneapolis police on behalf of the journalists who were targeted and attacked by police while covering the demonstrations in the days following the police killing of Floyd. As well as seeking damages for injuries sustained, the class-action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota is asking for a temporary restraining order and for law enforcement to be prohibited from targeting and attacking journalists again. The power of the people is rooted in the ability of the free press to investigate and report news, especially at a time like this when police have brutally murdered one of our community members Police are using violence and threats to undermine that power, and we cannot let that happen, said ACLU Minnesota legal director Teresa Nelson. The suit alleges that Minneapolis Police and the Minnesota State Patrol have tear-gassed, pepper-sprayed, shot in the face with rubber bullets, arrested without cause and threatened journalists at gunpoint, all after these journalists identified themselves and were otherwise clearly engaged in their reporting duties. In a statement sent to WWD, Minneapolis City Attorney Erik Nilsson said: We will review the allegations and take them seriously. We continue to support the First Amendment rights of everyone in Minneapolis. A rep. for the Minnesota State Patrol added: While not all of the incidents involve the Minnesota State Patrol, we are reviewing the incidents involving our troopers in an effort to prevent similar incidents in the future. The State Patrol is unable to discuss specifics of the litigation. The lawsuits lead plaintiff, Jared Goyette, a freelance journalist covering the demonstrations, was shot in the face with a rubber bullet despite repeatedly stating that he was a member of the media, according to the suit. Story continues Goyette said actions like this make protesters and people trying to advocate for change more vulnerable because journalists provide a witness and police are aware of that. Police have also arrested numerous journalists, including CNN reporter Omar Jimenez and his crew. They were arrested live on camera despite Jimenez politely and calmly offering to move several times. Jimenez was only released after a personal phone call from CNN president Jeff Zucker to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the suit added. The ostensible leaders of our law enforcement agencies have been unable to curb this unlawful violence. Governor Walz and others have repeatedly issued statements apologizing for the violence against reporters and the unlawful arrests, the suit said. But these statements, and whatever behind-the-scenes actions have accompanied them, have proven toothless. Similar attacks have been reported across the country over the past few days, from New York to Atlanta to Los Angeles. We are facing a full-scale assault on the First Amendment freedom of the press, said Brian Hauss, staff attorney with the ACLUs Speech, Privacy and Technology Project. Spokespeople for the Minneapolis police department and the Minnesota department for public safety did not immediately respond to a request for comment. For more, see: Facebook Employees Protest Inflammatory Trump Posts With Virtual Walkout Music Industry Calls for Blackout Tuesday After George Floyds Death Looting of Retail Takes Over L.A.s George Floyd Protests Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 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. Former President George W. Bush said on Tuesday the killing of George Floyd reflected a "shocking failure" concerning racism in the country, and urged that protesters be heard, in sharp contrast to fellow Republican Donald Trump's get-tough approach. Without mentioning the president by name, Bush suggested it was out of step with the country's values to have driven protesters from Lafayette Square across from the White House on Monday just before Trump walked through for a photo opportunity. "The only way to see ourselves in a true light is to listen to the voices of so many who are hurting and grieving, Bush said in a statement. Those who set out to silence those voices do not understand the meaning of America or how it becomes a better place. Trump later issued a Twitter post lauding authorities for using "overwhelming force" and "domination" in Washington. The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that the order to remove the protesters came from Attorney General William Barr. With demonstrations, sometimes marred by violence, erupting across the country since Floyd died on a Minneapolis street on May 25 with a police officer's knee on his neck, Bush said he and his wife, Laura, were anguished by "the brutal suffocation." The latest incident of an unarmed black man dying at the hands of a white police officer raises troubling questions that need to be confronted, he said. It is time for America to examine our tragic failures and as we do, we will also see some of our redeeming strengths, said the 43rd US president, who served from 2001 to 2009. It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country, he said. This tragedy in a long series of similar tragedies raises a long overdue question: How do we end systemic racism in our society? The project, Fotos Por Mexico, is a voluntary fundraising campaign initiated by local artists who donate their artworks for charity. The proceeds would be for families who were fighting against the coronavirus. The initiative sought for art enthusiasts and advocates to purchase copies of photos from 213 Mexican photographers. The funds would go to the Salvador Zubiran National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition. A representative of the institute stated that Fotos Por Mexico allowed them to save lives and protect health professionals against the coronavirus. Platform of solidarity Organizers and fellow photographers Adel Buzali, Ruth Ovseyevitz, Mauricio Maille, Juan Carlos Campos and Fernanda Monterde said they were inspired by similar fundraisers in Italy and the U.S. that they decided to create their own. Buzali said that the projects from the other countries unified the artists in local communities. That gave her the idea to adopt the initiative in Mexico, especially since Mexicans were known for their solidarity in difficult situations like the pandemic. Other artists who participated in Fotos Por Mexico included Emmanuel Lubezki, Graciela Iturbide, Maya Goded, and over two hundred more. Each of their photos was priced at 2,500 pesos. The cost of printing was reduced with the adjustments according to the format of the image. The photos were printed at the Mexican Image Laboratory right as the business reopened. They would be delivered by parcel as soon as courier services go back to regular operations. Photographer and co-organizer Mauricio Maille expressed that he appreciated the response of the artists who immediately wanted to be involved for the cause. He added that their generosity, as well as the patrons who bought the art pieces, would create a "platform of solidarity" in the country. Check these out! Solidarity of the Mexicans In an interview with Mexico News Daily, artist Nelson Morales said that he was honored to have contributed to the campaign. He believed that they set a standard for other artists to follow by showing strength among countrymen during times of crisis. The organizers showed their gratitude for the photographers for donating their work. They said that the campaign was the first step to helping the media and the people connect through creating a community of support. Buzali was thankful for the participation and contribution of the artists, who were a combination of experienced and up-and-coming photographers in the art scene. She also hoped this effort would extend to medical professionals who were sacrificing their lives to fight the virus. To conclude the ceremony, Buzali said that they recognized the efforts the three groups made, particularly the Salvador Zubiran Institute, who they entrusted to deal with the funds. She added that their biggest inspiration were the medical front-line workers, who filled the artists with great pride for allowing them to assist in taking care of the lives of patients and in contributing to their research teams. The 15-day campaign, which started from May 11 to 25, raised over 6 million Mexican pesos. Inside Hook With protests over the senseless murder of George Floyd sparking up across the nation, some elderly or otherwise immunocompromised people have had to make a difficult choice between showing up to express their support and staying safely quarantined to avoid potentially contracting COVID-19. And as a new USA Today piece notes, some public-health experts have warned that large protests could lead to a spike in new cases. Theres no doubt in my mind that these can become breeding grounds for this virus, Dr. Michael Mina, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told the publication. I would not be surprised to see in the next couple of weeks that we see increases that may be linked to protests. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 11:18:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WELLINGTON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Restrictions on businesses will be removed under COVID-19 Alert Level 1, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern explained the details on Wednesday as New Zealanders are seeing their lives returning to normal. New Zealand reported no new case of COVID-19 for 12 consecutive days on Wednesday. The decision to move down to Alert Level 1 will be made on June 8, Ardern said, adding it was possible that New Zealand could move down to Alert Level 1 by June 10. Strict border controls will still remain, Ardern said, adding restrictions on hospitality businesses, gatherings and community sport will be lifted. She said it is not necessary to consider physical distancing measures under Alert Level 1, but the government still encourages contact tracing efforts. Ardern stressed coughing etiquette because risks remain as New Zealand heads into winter with more asymptomatic transmission. New Zealand's combined total of confirmed and probable cases stayed at 1,504, Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told a press conference on Wednesday. The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 remains at 1,154, which is the number reported to the World Health Organization, Bloomfield said. The number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 is unchanged at 1,481, he said, adding the situation was "hugely satisfying." The number of COVID-19 related deaths in New Zealand remained at 22, with no additional deaths, he said, adding there is no one in New Zealand receiving hospital-level care for COVID-19. The NZ COVID Tracer app has now recorded 487,000 registrations, according to the health ministry. Enditem Ravena The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Tuesday filed suit against a San Antonio, Texas, construction firm for allegedly allowing the harassment of black employees when the firm was in the Capital Region in 2016. According to the federal complaint, filed in New York Northern District Court in Albany, white supervisors and employees regularly made unwelcome racist comments, used racial slurs, taunted black employees with nooses, and subjected them to harsher working conditions than their co-workers. The EEOC also alleged that white employees of CCC Group frequently derided black employees with insulting racial epithets, using the N word or referring them to as Chicken George, a character from the 1970s docudrama Roots or as Buckwheat, from the 1930s Our Gang, series. Other white employees bragged that their ancestors had owned slaves and one told a black employee he couldnt be seen with him outside of work since it would hinder his ability to join a white supremacist group, according to the complaint. Another white supervisor also attempted to snare a black employee with a noose, the EEOC said. Another told a black employee that for Halloween, You dont even have to dress up. I will dress in white and put a noose around your neck and well walk down the street together. The lawsuit also alleges that black workers were given more physically taxing and dangerous work than white counterparts, including being assigned outdoor work in winter while white colleagues worked inside. Black employees objected to and complained about the racial harassment, but it persisted, the EEOC said. The complaint noted that one of the black workers was from Alabama and it was unclear if any of the plaintiff/employees lived permanently in the Capital Region. Nor was it immediately clear what project CCC Group was working on. The alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of race. The federal agency went to court after trying to reach a pre-litigation settlement through the agencys conciliation process. The EEOC seeks compensatory damages and punitive damages for the affected employees, and injunctive relief to remedy and prevent future workplace racial harassment. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. CCC couldnt be reached for comment on Wednesday. The firm, according to its web site specializes in industrial construction and fabrication. They are no longer operating in the Ravena area, according to the EEOC. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU LONDON A German man with a history of child sexual offences has been identified by police in the U.K. and Germany as a suspect in the disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann, who made headlines around the world when she vanished from the Portuguese resort 13 years ago. London's Metropolitan Police have not named the man, 43, who they described as a white German national, with short blond hair, possibly fair, and about 6-feet tall with a slim build. "We have established that he lived on and off in the Algarve between 1995 and 2007," the force said in a statement, adding that he was "connected to the area of Praia da Luz," where Madeleine disappeared on 3 May 2007, aged three. Image: Missing British girl Madeleine McCann poses in an undated photo released by police after she went missing from a Portuguese holiday complex. (London Metropolitan Police via AP file) German police released a statement that said that the man who is currently imprisoned in that country on unrelated offences has a number of convictions for child sexual abuse. He is also thought to have earned his living "by committing criminal offences, such as burglaries of hotel complexes and holiday apartments as well as trafficking in narcotic drugs," the statement said. The toddler was staying with her parents Gerry and Kate McCann and her younger twin siblings in a holiday apartment when she vanished after her parents put them all to bed and went out to eat at a restaurant around 200ft away. Portuguese police closed the investigation in 2008, but after two years of reviewing case documents, London cops reopened the case which has transfixed Britain in July 2013. They have since spent the equivalent of millions of dollars trying to find her, but no one has been charged and there have been no confirmed sightings. In a statement announcing the new suspect, who is currently in prison in Germany for an unrelated matter, London's Metropolitan Police said the suspect had a telephone conversation that ended just over an hour before the child went missing. "Investigators believe the person who made this call is a highly significant witness and are appealing for them to get in touch," the police statement said. Story continues It added that the suspect had been been linked to an early 1980s VW T3 Westfalia camper van with a white upper body and yellow skirting, registered in Portugal. Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politics Pictured in the Algarve in 2007, police said he was driving the vehicle in the Praia da Luz area in the days before Madeleine's disappearance and is believed to have been living in it for days or weeks before and after May 3. The statement added that he had also been linked to a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 with a German number plate seen in Praia da Luz and surrounding areas in 2006 and 2007. The day after Madeleine went missing, the suspect got the car re-registered in Germany under someone else's name, although it is believed the vehicle was still in Portugal. Both vehicles have been seized by German police, the statement said. Its more than 13 years since Madeleine went missing and none of us can imagine what it must be like for her family, not knowing what happened or where she is," said Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, who is leading the investigation. While this male is a suspect we retain an open mind as to his involvement and this remains a missing person inquiry. Our job as detectives is to follow the evidence, maintain an open mind and establish what happened on that day in May 2007." Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said the investigation into the suspect had seen detectives sent to Portugal and Germany. He added: "This is a significant development, which is why we've made the decision to take this significant step of making a public appeal on some information that we would not normally talk about in our major investigations." WATERBURY, Conn., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Therap Services, the leading provider of electronic documentation solutions for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and HCBS service providers, is pleased to announce that providers in Indiana are now able to use Therap to directly submit EVV data collected through Therap's Electronic Visit Verification tool to the Sandata Aggregator Interface, the state system for implementing federal EVV requirements in Indiana. Indiana Medicaid under the Indiana Health Coverage Program (IHCP) requires providers to submit EVV information to the State Aggregator via the Sandata system for EVV mandated services. Therap's interface with Sandata allows providers to collect information for staff and individuals for visits within Therap and transfer that information on to Sandata directly. With this feature, Therap continues to work towards making the user experience comprehensive and ensuring that they can complete their documentation in an efficient and easy manner. Therap's Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) tool assists providers in Indiana in collecting EVV data for personal care services and home health services such as Attendant Care and Homemaker Services. Therap's Scheduling/EVV module is designed to meet Federal requirements and captures the required information including: Type of service performed, record of Individual receiving the service, Date of service provided, location of service delivery, staff providing the service, and Begin Time as well as the End Time of the service. It further helps to simplify the service delivery authentication process, assisting providers with collecting data from the point of service by the person directly providing those services. With geolocation and timestamp features, staff can easily check-in/out electronically and remotely with a single swipe from their handheld device. The mobile application additionally captures time and date stamp during the entry and every view or further update access thereafter. Therap's comprehensive documentation software also assists service providers in Indiana with person-centered planning, case management and Billing. The HIPAA-compliant system includes tools for incident reports, training management, medication administration records, health records, behavior tracking, goal tracking, progress notes, nursing notes and supported employment notes. SOURCE Therap Services Related Links https://www.therapservices.net/electronic-visit-verification/ Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan is calling upon city residents to focus on positive change following a protest outside the citys police headquarters Tuesday. After a peaceful rally held outside of West Middle School Tuesday, hundreds of protesters marched to the police station on Commercial Street. Water bottles and fireworks were tossed at a group of officers who responded with tear gas to disperse the group. Several businesses and a courthouse in the city were damaged Tuesday evening. The windows of the Dunkin on Montello Street were shattered. Speaking Wednesday morning outside the Dunkin location, Sullivan called the actions counterproductive. We need change, he said. But the change cant be through violence. Protests have held been held across America 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. This is an opinion cartoon. Have we hit rock bottom yet? Not with this president. This president will order military police to tear-gas - or pepper ball - George Floyd protesters to clear his path for a photo op with a Bible in front of St. Johns Episcopal Church. Episcopal bishop on President Trump: Everything he has said and done is to inflame violence As George Will writes, there is no rock bottom with Trump. We can only assume the worst is yet to come. There were some questions about The Washington Post story about this incident. Heres a portion of their response: After President Trumps decision to clear out the protesters outside the White House on Monday evening, a few of you responded with questions about some of the murkier aspects of what happened. And on Wednesday, were getting some answers. Like: 1. Was there tear gas used or not? The U.S. Park Police said in a statement Tuesday that there wasnt, contradicting reports from journalists and protesters who were there and said they saw gas and felt the tears. So who was right? It turns out that those on the ground were. The Park Polices statement focused on a technicality that it didnt fire tear gas, saying it used pepper balls instead. But as The Posts Abigail Hauslohner reports, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the chemical compounds are similar and have the same effect of causing tearing in the eyes. So, basically, tear gas. Read the entire response here Inside the push to tear-gas protesters ahead of a Trump photo op Nobody died when Colin Kaepernick took a knee *Updated at 4:27 PM to include response to questions about aspects of this incident being debunked More cartoons and stories by JD Crowe Trump playing through coronavirus dead: Artists respond to challenge Nick Saban: Portrait of a real leader Strippers go back to the grind; safety tips for pole dancers My Musberger moment with Phyllis George Angels of Mercy: COVID-19 nurses are the next PTSD veterans Alabama physician exorcises his coronavirus demons through art A meeting on June 6 between Indian and Chinese military officials, led by lieutenant generals from both armies, will be a significant step towards resolving the weeks-long row along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), said National Security Advisory Board member Lt Gen (retired) SL Narasimhan. The general officer commanding of Leh-based 14 Corps, Lt Gen Harinder Singh, is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart almost a month after tensions between India and China began building up along the disputed border. The row has already taken bilateral ties to a new low. This is perhaps the first time that lieutenant generals from both sides will meet in a sensitive sector to defuse border tensions the highest talks between India and China at the tactical level have so far usually involved major generals. Narasimhan, a top China expert, said modalities for resolving the border situation, with a focus on concerns brought to the table by both sides, could figure in the agenda for the upcoming meeting. Defence minister Rajnath Singh had on Tuesday announced that a meeting between senior Indian and Chinese military officers will be held on June 6 to discuss the border situation. The Northern Army commander, Lt Gen YK Joshi, was in Leh on Wednesday for a security review of the sensitive sector, where Indian and Chinese soldiers are eyeball-to-eyeball at four locations along the LAC. Several rounds of talks between local military commanders, including three rounds of discussions between major generals, have failed to break the impasse that began with a violent confrontation between rival patrols near Pangong lake four weeks ago. Around 250 soldiers from the two sides clashed near Pangong lake on the night of May 5-6, and the scuffle left scores of troops injured. While an immediate flare-up was avoided as both armies stuck to protocols to resolve the immediate situation, tensions swiftly spread to other pockets along the LAC. China has marshalled close to 5,000 soldiers and deployed tanks and artillery on its side of the disputed border in Ladakh sector, where India has also sent military reinforcements and matched the neighbours military moves, as reported by Hindustan Times on May 26. Chinese state-run media has described the latest tensions as the worst since the 2017 Doklam standoff that lasted 73 days. HT was the first to report on May 10 about tensions flaring up between India and China in north Sikkim, where 150 soldiers were involved in a tense standoff a day earlier. Four Indian and seven Chinese soldiers were injured at Naku La during the confrontation. The external affairs ministry has said that Chinese troops have hindered patrols by Indian forces on the Indian side of the LAC and that contacts have been established through military and diplomatic channels to address the situation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rahul Singh Rahul Singh covers military affairs. He has been a journalist for 18 years. ...view detail LONDON - British police said Wednesday that a German man has been identified as a suspect in the case of a 3-year-old British girl who disappeared 13 years ago while on holiday in Portugal. The Metropolitan Police did not name the man, but said he is 43 and was in and around the Praia da Luz resort area on the Algarve coast at the time Madeleine McCann disappeared on May 3, 2007. The long-running case of McCann, who vanished shortly before her fourth birthday, has intrigued Britain for years. Her parents say Madeleine went missing after they had left her and her twin siblings asleep in their holiday complex while they had dinner with friends at a nearby restaurant. An investigation by British police has identified more than 600 people as being potentially significant. Officers were tipped off about the German suspect following a 2017 appeal, 10 years after the girl went missing. Police said the suspect, described as white with short, blond hair and a slim build, was linked to a camper van seen in the Algarve in 2007 and was believed to be in the resort area in the days before and after May 3 that year. Christian Hoppe of Germanys Federal Criminal Police Office told German public broadcaster ZDF that the suspect, a German citizen, is currently imprisoned in Germany for a sexual crime. At the time of Madeleines disappearance he was 30 years old. He spent numerous years in Portugal and has two previous convictions for sexual contact with girls. Hoppe said German police arent ruling out a sexual motive. They said whoever abducted the girl may have broken into the holiday apartment and then spontaneously committed the kidnapping. The suspect is being investigated on suspicion of murder by prosecutors in the German city of Braunschweig, where he was last registered before moving abroad. Police from Britain, Germany and Portugal launched a new joint appeal for information in the case Wednesday. They asked to come forward anyone who had seen two vehicles linked to the suspect the Volkswagen camper van and a Jaguar. They also sought information on two Portuguese phone numbers, including one believed to have been used by the suspect on the day of Madeleines disappearance. The new appeal was issued because the information that we have gained in the course of our investigation increasingly leads us to the conviction that the suspect might have committed the crime, Hoppe said. Hoppe added that German police arent ruling out additional victims and also are appealing for information from anyone who believes they may have been sexually attacked by the suspect between 1995 and 2007. "Specialty crop producers particularly grape growers need the power that Miravis Prime brings to the field and vineyard," says Raj Iragavarapu, Syngenta product marketing lead for fungicides. 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These include: A visible plant health boost through protected photosynthetic capacity, long-lasting water-use efficiency and prolonged greening Heavy accumulation into the wax layer and translocation through the leaves for extended residual control Stable, even distribution on the leaf surface to put up multiple barriers against infection Flexibility to complement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) spray programs Long-lasting disease control that results in higher marketable yield potential and a more efficient harvest To learn more about Miravis Prime performance, talk to your local Syngenta sales representative. Join the conversation online connect with Syngenta at Syngenta-us.com/social. To earn CEU credit and learn about disease management in vegetable crops, take the Miravis Prime Learning Module. About Syngenta Syngenta is one of the world's leading agriculture companies. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. 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Related Links: Miravis Prime Know More, Grow More Syngenta Newsroom Syngenta U.S. Thrive Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. 2020 Syngenta, 410 Swing Road, Greensboro, NC 27409. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Adepidyn, Miravis and the Syngenta logo are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE Syngenta Related Links https://www.syngenta.com Antifa: The Network of Violent Revolutionaries Behind Much of Todays Rioting News Analysis With cities under brutal, sustained assault by seemingly well-organized rioters from coast to coast, President Donald Trump tried to reassure the nation when he recently vowed to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security had already taken the first step in 2016 when it labeled Antifas activities domestic terrorist violence, as Politico reported. Antifa is in the news nowadays because it, along with radical organizations such as Democratic Socialists of America and the various groups falling under the Black Lives Matter umbrella, seized on a recent example of police brutality that sickened Americans of all political and ideological stripes. The catalyst for action was the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after then-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into the suspects neck for almost 9 minutes as he lay handcuffed on the ground. Video of the incident quickly went viral and became a recruiting tool for left-wing agitators. In a major address to the American people on June 1, Trump highlighted Antifas role in the violence that has plagued the nation since Floyds death. Our nation has been gripped by professional anarchists, violent mobs, arsonists, looters, criminals, rioters, Antifa, and others, he said. All Americans were rightly sickened and revolted by the brutal death of George Floyd. But we cannot allow the righteous cries of peaceful protesters to be drowned out by an angry mob. The violent events taking place are not acts of peaceful protest, Trump said. These are acts of domestic terror. The destruction of innocent life and the spilling of innocent blood is an offense to humanity and a crime against God. Revolutionary Violence The word Antifa is a truncated form of anti-fascist. Antifa uses heavy-handed tactics and is notorious for physically assaulting conservatives, Republicans, and those who identify with the so-called alt-right. These violent modern-day agitators trace their roots to Weimar Germany, where their forerunners assaulted Nazi brownshirts and emulated their tactic of using force to silence political rivals. They typically smear their victims as fascists, Nazis, and racists. According to Germanys domestic intelligence service, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), when Antifa members speak of fascism, they dont mean actual fascism: they mean capitalism. Former German Antifa member Bernd Langer, confirmed this, saying communists in Germany use the phrase anti-fascism to mean anti-capitalism. These labels are battle concepts that are part of a political vocabulary. Law-and-order advocates have long sought a government crackdown on Antifa, which has traditionally been thought of as a leaderless, decentralized coalition of far-left groups, the component parts of which are themselves often organized on an ad hoc basis. Todays Antifa will still claim to be anarchists, but in fact have morphed into totalitarian communists, radicalism expert Trevor Loudon said in America Under Siege: Antifa, a 2017 documentary film executive-produced by this writer. Not surprisingly, Antifa sympathizer and academic Mark Bray, author of Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook, has a more nuanced, positive view of Antifa. Some antifa groups are more Marxist while others are more anarchist or antiauthoritarian, he writes in his book. A range of tendencies exist within that broader strategic consensus Some antifa focus on building popular community power and inoculating society to fascism through promoting their leftist political vision. Antifa is more properly viewed as a revolutionary militia movement, many of whose constituent groups aspire to forcibly overthrow the United States government. At rallies they chant, No borders, no wall, no USA at all. Some Antifa activists have specific ideas about what might replace it; others dont and are more nihilistic and short-term in their thinking. As journalist Jack Posobiec, who was assaulted by an Antifa member, told The Epoch Times last year, Antifa is part of the toxic ideology that weve seen go across the world. Soviet Red Army founder Leon Trotsky basically said Antifa is going to be the militant arm, the international arm of communism, Posobiec said. This was set up by the Soviet Union to push and foment communism in other countries. Evidence of Organization Antifa behavior certainly doesnt resemble traditional political activism. It has more of a militant, even military, feel to it. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said, a number of different groups are involved in these whether its Antifa or its others, frankly. The groups seem organized and use tactics not normally seen at peaceful protests, he said without elaborating, AP reports. There are reports of outsiders being shipped in to cause trouble in various cities now experiencing riots. WTVR reports that in Richmond, Virginia, police chief Will Smith said, We have people from across the country who have traveled many states to be here. We know that this is an organized effort. We do have anti-fascists, we have some anarchists, to a large degree, but theres people from outside of this state and outside of this area that we know that are involved and were doing our best to identify them and backtracking what their affiliations are, Smith said. Events in riot-torn cities suggest there is organization behind the chaos, with Antifa a likely organizer. All over the country, mysterious palettes of bricks have been found in recent days in areas where there has been rioting, Fox News reports. For example, the Kansas City police department tweeted May 31 that stashes of bricks and rocks have been found to be used during a riot. In Minneapolis, flammable materials have been found in neighborhoods and in cars stopped by police, local media reported. John Harrington, Minnesota public safety commissioner, said police have been finding stolen cars with license plates removed that have been used to carry the flammable materials, as well as looted goods and weapons. The fact that weve seen so many of them in so many places now makes us believe that this is part of that pattern that shows that this in fact an organized activity and not some random act of rage, he said. One individual pulled over in Bloomington while driving a plate-less vehicle tried to douse the car itself and set it on fire, which is not something you see on most traffic stops, Harrington said. Tactics The sartorial tactic of dressing entirely in black, including covering ones face, is popular in Antifa circles. It is known as the black bloc style of activism or direct-action protest. The thinking is that this manner of dress creates a sense of group solidarity, in addition to making criminal prosecution difficult. The approach comes from Antifa in Germany, Bray writes in his book. Activists are dressed in black with their faces covered by motorcycle helmets, balaclavas, or other masks to create a uniform, anonymous mass of revolutionaries prepared to carry out militant actions, sometimes involving weapons such as flagpoles, clubs, projectiles, and Molotov cocktails. Journalist Andy Ngo, like Posobiec, has been assaulted by Antifa. The assault took place after, Portland, Oregon-based Rose City Antifa, supposedly the oldest Antifa group in the United States, identified him as a supposed right-wing sympathizer, Fox News reports. Antifa members all want radical change, and they dont really see how easy and quickly you could destroy whats taken centuries to build up, said Ngo, whose parents escaped communist Vietnam in the 1970s. Antifa are horizontally organized, meaning, they dont have figureheads or leaders. Its part of their ideology that there should be no authority or state. Mistake to then assume this means they have no organization. Its a different type of organizing media isnt used to[,] Ngo tweeted June 1. Antifa are organized in multiple units. Scouts monitor perimeter of an area & provide live audio/text updates. There are street medics, who are trained to get injured comrades out. And there are those who carry out violence w/weapons & firebombs. They use [encrypted smartphone app] Signal to communicate. Antifa does more than attack people and institutions, according to Bray. Antifa conduct research online, in person, and sometimes infiltration; they dox them, push cultural milieux to disown them, pressure bosses to fire them, and demand that venues cancel their shows, conferences, and meetings But it is also true that some of them punch Nazis in the face and dont apologize for it, Bray writes. New Prominence Although Antifa long antedates the Trump administration, it has gained new prominence in the United States in the post-Obama era. Its members did what they could to disrupt the inauguration of President Trump in January 2017, damaging property and setting fires in the nations capital, and they have been generating mayhem across the country ever since. As Peter Beinart observed in Atlantic magazine in 2017, Antifa is responsible for a level of sustained political street warfare not seen in the U.S. since the 1960s. In the United States, most [Antifa groups] have been anarchist or antiauthoritarian since the emergence of modern antifa under the name Anti-Racist Action (ARA) in the late eighties, author Bray writes. The implication is that the revolutionary activists eventually decided that anti-fascism was more marketable than anti-racism, and the movement rebranded itself in this country as Antifa. Although true textbook fascists who adhere to the belief systems of a Benito Mussolini, Adolph Hitler, or Francisco Franco are fairly hard to find in todays America, Antifa manages to locate themby inventing them. As already noted, it does this by operating under its own peculiar working definition of fascism, labeling mainstream conservatives fascists and lumping them in with white-supremacists and neo-Nazis. All police officers are deemed enemy fascists because, according to the Antifa way of thinking, they are enforcing the laws of Americas supposedly evil capitalist system, which they say is actually a fascist system. Funding Determining who funds Antifa is difficult, but some things are known. Left-wing billionaire George Soros has ties to Antifa through a group called the Alliance for Global Justice (AfGJ). Soross philanthropy, known at the time as the Open Society Institute, has donated $100,000 to AfGJ since 2004. AfGJ, in turn, funneled $50,000 to Refuse Fascism, an unincorporated Antifa group. Refuse Fascism was formed soon after Donald Trumps unexpected victory over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. The group summed up its mission on its website: Its Fascism: Drive Out the Trump/Pence Regime! Refuse Fascism participated in rioting on Feb. 1, 2017, at the University of California, Berkeley, as part of what is called a deplatforming action. The objective, which was achieved, was to prevent controversial conservative writer Milo Yiannopoulos from delivering a speech on campus. The rioting caused more than $500,000 in damage. It could be that funding is less important to Antifa than to traditional political movements. Maybe generating chaos in the service of revolutionary change is less expensive than some think. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Tuesday turned up the pressure on governors to quell the violence set off by the death of George Floyd, demanding some states including New York to call up the National Guard to stop the lowlifes and losers. Like many governors, both Democrats and Republicans, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said the states guard troops are busy working to support the effort to fight the coronavirus. They (White House officials) did make a broad request, Lamont said about whether he was asked to send the Connecticut National Guard to Washington, D.C. I think weve responded right now that our guard is very busy doing the COVID-related work, the governor told reporters during his daily news conference in the State Capital in Hartford. He said some guard personnel are on standby. We did offer to provide some transport, air support, which perhaps well be doing that. We need our guard right here in Connecticut. On Monday Lamont ruled out the possibility of mobilizing the Connecticut National Guard because of the general peacefulness of protests against racism after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Its the last thing that I want to do. I love having the municipal police and the State Police. They are of the community. They know the community leaders. I know what that represents, Lamont said. We kept our guard pretty busy, by the way. You maybe know they were building field hospitals for us until recently, then taking them down as we saw the COVID surge. I hope they can be there helping us on that frontline and we wont need them in terms of keeping the peace. As more demonstrations began taking shape around the country during the afternoon, and cities girded for another round of scattered violence after dark, the president amplified his hard-line calls of a day earlier, in which he threatened to send in the military to restore order if governors didnt do it. NYC, CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD, he tweeted. The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart. Act fast! Dont make the same horrible and deadly mistake you made with the Nursing Homes!!! Protests were held in such places as Orlando, Fla., where more than 1,000 people gathered in the afternoon to decry the killings of black people. This has to change, said 39-year-old Aisxia Batiste, an out-of-work massage therapist. Something has to give. Were done. This is the beginning of the end of something. It has to be. In New York, where crowds of people on Monday night smashed store windows and police made nearly 700 arrests, Mayor Bill de Blasio extended an 8 p.m. curfew all week. Were going to have a tough few days, he warned, but added: Were going to beat it back. He pleaded with community leaders to step forward and create peace. More than 20,000 National Guard members have been called up in 29 states to deal with the violence. New York is not among them, and De Blasio has said he does not want the Guard. On Tuesday, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo called what happened in the city a disgrace. The NYPD and the mayor did not do their job last night, he said said at a briefing in Albany. He said the mayor underestimated the problem, and the nations largest police force was not deployed in sufficient numbers, though the city had said it doubled the usual police presence. Monday marked the seventh straight night of unrest around the country. In Atlanta, police fired tear gas at demonstrators. In Nashville, more than 60 National Guard members put down their riot shields at the request of peaceful protesters. At a demonstration in Buffalo, N.Y., an SUV plowed into a group of officers, injuring three. An officer was shot and gravely wounded as police tried to disperse a crowd outside a Las Vegas hotel and casino. Four officers were shot in St. Louis; they were expected to recover. Philadelphia officials described a chaotic night in which one person was killed trying to use explosives to open an ATM, a gun shop owner fatally shot a would-be thief, and a 19-year-old died of injuries during looting. About a dozen other deaths have been reported around the country over the past week. And more than 5,600 people nationwide have been arrested for offenses such as stealing, blocking highways and breaking curfew, according to a count by The Associated Press. We have been sitting on a powder keg for some time and it has burst, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said. Some protesters framed the burgeoning movement as a necessity after a string of killings by police. I fear for my safety every time I get in the car to go for a drive. I fear of getting pulled over. I fear for all 10 of my brothers and sisters lives, for my parents lives! 19-year-old Amari Burroughs of Parkland, Florida, said Tuesday as she prepared for another protest. My goal is to use my voice and my leadership to make this world safer so that one day I can bring children here and wont have to fear for their safety. Outside the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul, where a youth protest was held Tuesday, 18-year-old Joseph Tawah agreed. Its really hard not to feel afraid, he said. Meanwhile, governors and mayors, Republicans and Democrats alike, rejected Trumps threat to send in the military, with some saying troops would be unnecessary and others questioning whether the government has such authority and warning that such a step would be dangerous. Denver is not Little Rock in 1957, and Donald Trump is not President Eisenhower. This is a time for healing, for bringing people together, and the best way to protect civil rights is to move away from escalating violence, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, both Democrats, said in a statement, referring to Eisenhowers use of troops to enforce school desegregation in the South. A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the president is not rushing to send in the military and that his goal was to pressure governors to deploy more National Guard members. Such use of the military would mark a stunning federal intervention rarely seen in modern American history. Minnesota, meanwhile, opened an investigation into whether the Minneapolis Police Department has a pattern of discrimination against minorities. Floyd died May 25 after a white Minneapolis officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee on the handcuffed black mans neck for several minutes. Chauvin has been charged with murder. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said prosecutors are working as fast as they can to determine if the three other officers at the scene should be charged too. All four have been fired. Hearst CT Medias Ken Dixon contributed to this report. The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Announces Investigation on Behalf of Acuity Brands, Inc. Investors (AYI) The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz is investigating potential claims against the board of directors of Acuity Brands, Inc. ("Acuity" or the "Company") (NYSE: AYI) concerning whether the board breached its fiduciary duties to shareholders. If you are a shareholder, click here to participate. In 2018, a shareholder class action was filed against Acuity in federal court on behalf of purchasers of Acuity's shares. The shareholder complaint alleged, among other things, that Acuity violated the federal securities laws by making a series of materially false and misleading statements to shareholders about the Company's ability to maintain sales growth rates. Our investigation concerns whether the Company's board of directors breached its fiduciary duties to shareholders and/or grossly mismanaged the Company in connection with the above alleged misconduct. Follow us for updates on Twitter (News - Alert): twitter.com/FRC_LAW. If you are a current Acuity shareholder who purchased shares before June 29, 2016 and wish to discuss this matter with us, or have any questions concerning your rights and interests with regards to this matter, please contact Frank R. Cruz, of The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-914-5007, by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.frankcruzlaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005989/en/ Mongabay- India By Sahana Ghosh Wildlife volunteers associated with the municipal corporation of Indian metropolis Bengaluru in Karnataka, are receiving a flurry of calls from citizens to clear bats from trees, even as leading conservationists call to seek an end to the viral witch hunt against bats in the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Whenever there are disease outbreaks we start receiving complaints on bats. This happened during the Nipah outbreak in 2018. In the present situation (COVID-19) because of the misconception on bats and COVID-19 linkages, we are receiving calls for removing bats from trees and also cutting trees, R. Sharath Babu, wildlife advisor to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, told Mongabay-India. To counter the misinformation, Sharath Babu said volunteers are sharing communication material in the local language with the complainants emphasising on the important role bats play in ecosystems. The complaints prompted the Karnataka forest department to issue a directive on April 22 against harming bats or their habitats and it said that if anyone is found killing or harming bats or destroying their habitats, necessary action will be taken in accordance with the applicable law. Genetic analyses of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, suggest that the virus likely originated from a bat reservoir. There are a number of theories regarding the presence of an intermediary animal host for the origins of SARS-CoV-2, but it has not yet been identified. All animals have viruses that live inside them, and bats, as well as a range of other mammal groups, happen to be natural carriers of coronaviruses. There are over 1,400 species of bats worldwide. Over a third of bat species assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are considered threatened or data deficient, and well over half of the species have unknown or decreasing population trends. India has a diverse population of bats; at least 128 species of bats have been recorded, belonging to nine families and Meghalaya, is home to about half of the recorded bat species in India, according to the Zoological Survey of India. The shy, flying mammals have come under intense scrutiny following misleading interpretations of preliminary research linking bats as the most likely reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) as it is very similar to a bat coronavirus. While scientists race to pinpoint the exact source and the transmission pathway of the novel coronavirus, oversimplification of scientific facts and misinterpretations have triggered a backlash against bats, prompting bat biologists and conservationists to clear the air on COVID-19 and bat-borne viruses. Not just India, this is happening in other parts of the world including in Switzerland. People are uncomfortable having bats around them. Even if a cat catches a bat and brings the bat to the house, people are panicking. Theres an overreaction because of the misinterpretation of scientific reports, Manuel Ruedi, curator of the mammal collection in the Natural History Museum of Geneva, Switzerland, told Mongabay-India. In a statement released on April 24, 2020, 64 chiropterologists from six South Asian nations debunked myths on COVID-19 and bats stating that bats do not spread the novel coronavirus disease.The novel coronavirus diverged from the closest coronavirus found in bats called RaTG13, 40-70 years ago indicating that the bat virus cannot directly infect humans, the statement, accessed by Mongabay-India, said. Bats perform vital ecosystem services. In India, they pollinate the flowers of mangroves and create our strong coastal shield to natural barriers. They also act as pest controllers in rice and tea plantations, something that we are only beginning to understand, the researchers said in the statement. Human activities and encroaching upon wildlife habitats puts us at risk of encountering new viruses. These viruses may come from any wildlife species and not necessarily just bats. Thus, we need to modify human practices to prevent the emergence of new pathogens, said Arinjay Banerjee, a postdoctoral researcher at McMaster University, Canada, who studies bat viruses and was part of the team that isolated the COVID-19 virus, in the statement. The researchers urge people to not believe in news from unverified sources and cause harm to bats in retaliation. Likewise, we request the media to not oversimplify scientific evidence, to emphasise the role of humans in disease outbreaks, and to highlight the importance of coexistence with bats in urban landscapes. The group of researchers stressed on strengthening the protection for bats. In India, only two species (out of 128) are protected by law, while many other species are more endangered or lack scientific information. In Nepal, too, all 30 species are unprotected, including two species from the National Red List and the same is true for Pakistan. We urge the governments of these countries to reconsider and reinforce the laws governing bat conservation. Studying what drives spillovers is important Conservationists argue that incorrect interpretation of scientific facts may impede important conservation efforts needed to preserve bats and their fragile ecosystems. Manuel Ruedi who has been studying bats from Europe and Southeast Asia, said the demonisation of the animal group may undo the important efforts in outreach on the significance of bats in ecosystems. It took several decades in Europe to change the idea and inform people that bats are really beneficial for humans in many ways (feeding on pests for instance). The more information people have the better they understand that spillover is different from just having a bat in the house. The widespread misinformation does harm to all the efforts we made in informing people, pointed out Ruedi. Bats can carry viruses that are deadly to other mammals without themselves showing serious symptoms and they have a suite of antiviral defenses that keep the amount of virus in check, scientists have said. Scientists at ICMRs National Institute of Virology who detected the presence of pathogenic bat coronaviruses in two species of Indian bats in a screening study published in April 2020, to understand the coronavirus circulation in them also underscored that these reported coronaviruses are far different from SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses are reported from several vertebrate species and they are normally very host-specific. Similarly, several bat coronaviruses have been reported from various parts of the world, said study author Pragya Yadav, of NIVs Maximum Containment Laboratory. The bat coronaviruses we reported are far different from SARS CoV-2 [COVID-19] and there is no association of COVID-19 from bats in India in the present context, Yadav told Mongabay-India. The study authors, however, underscored the need for enhanced screening for novel viruses in Indian bats, calling for One Health approach with collaborative activities by the animal health and human health sectors in these surveillance activities shall be of use to public health. This would help in the development of diagnostic assays for novel viruses with outbreak potential and be useful in disease interventions. Proactive surveillance remains crucial for identifying the emerging novel viruses with epidemic potential and measures for risk mitigation, they write in the study. The research emphasis on bats makes a lot of practical sense because bats are hosts of numerous medically significant viruses (Ebola virus, rabies virus, Nipah virus, Hendra virus, among others) notes Barbara Han, disease ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. These pathogens cause zoonoses with high case fatality rates in humans, and some of these zoonoses do not have countermeasures (e.g., Nipah virus). So, understanding what drives the spillover of bat-borne viruses is, therefore, an easily justifiable research area. However, there does appear to be disproportionate villainisation of bats compared to other animal groups, Han told Mongabay-India. There is clear evidence linking bat-borne viruses to numerous human diseases, but Han thinks making generalisations about the risk of bat-borne coronaviruses in humans is premature. Many species carry coronaviruses, which naturally circulate in many vertebrates (even in aquatic mammals), she says. But in general, the number of viruses in any animal group (bats, rodents, carnivores, primates, etc) scales with the number of species in a group. This means that groups with more species will also have more viruses. The number of viruses in bats and rodents (that have over 2200 species) is expected to be proportionally greater than viruses found in, for example, primates or carnivores, which each have less than 300 species and are therefore likely to have fewer viruses. The number of zoonotic viruses seems also to follow this same pattern, said Han. Han said the high number of coronaviruses observed from bats is not that surprising. Bats have a high species diversity; in addition to this, they have been sampled more intensively for viruses than perhaps any other group. A recent study published in PNAS suggests the number of zoonotic viruses linked to each animal order appeared to be a consequence of species richness: more diverse animal orders hosted more viruses in general and by extension, more zoonotic viruses. These findings suggest previous scientific thinkingthat certain animal reservoirs, such as bats, pose a heightened risk of spreading viruses to humansmay not be accurate. This means that ongoing efforts to identify potential future threats to human health by screening animals for undiscovered viruses will need to focus on a much wider range species than is currently the case. We fear most what we understand least Veteran bat conservationist Merlin Tuttle observed there are more than 1400 species of bats spread throughout the world and so we would expect them to have a wide variety of viruses but it is yet to be documented that bats are any more dangerous than other animals. Writing in the Journal of Bat Research and Conservation, Tuttle says that historically, the worlds greatest zoonotic pandemics have not come from bats. Currently, H7N9 bird influenza, and drug-resistant microbes, pose significant threats but are gaining far less research or media attention. It is time to focus more on known threats, and less on speculation about possibilities not yet verified. In fact, they (bats) have one of our planets best records for not spreading diseases. We still dont even know if bats actually have more viruses than other animals. They have been far better searched. New viruses can be discovered wherever we look, even on our own bodies. Huge numbers have yet to be identified, Tuttle told Mongabay-India. The vast majority of viruses are either innocuous or beneficial. However, when a new virus is found in a bat, its automatically speculated to be potentially dangerous, he rued. According to a World Health Organisation situation report, another coronavirus, SARS-CoV-1, the cause of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003, was also closely related to other coronaviruses isolated from bats. These close genetic relations of SARS-CoV-1, SARSCoV-2 and other coronaviruses, suggest that they all have their ecological origin in bat populations. The big problem is that since it was concluded that SARS came from bats, which hasnt yet been actually proven, there has been a huge focus on bats, and whenever there is concern about a new virus, it is mostly looked for in bats; this has turned into a viral witch hunt, Tuttle said, adding that we are looking almost exclusively in bats for many of these things (potential pathogens) and of course, we are going to find more viruses in the animals we most often search. Tuttle also elaborated on the sampling bias. Bats are by far the easiest mammals to sample quickly. When COVID first broke out some of the early speculations were that it even came from cobras. Can you imagine being told that you have to sample 30 cobras? 30 bats would be so much easier and safer. Virologists get quick publications easily from bats and bats have few defenders and it is easy to scare people with bats because we fear most what we understand least. The marriage between bats and viruses seems to provide the perfect storm for scaring people, he said. Even Ebola, which has been widely attributed to bats and intensely searched for in them, has not been confirmed from bats. Bats still get the primary blame, even for MERS, despite clear documentation that human cases originate in camels who are ideal reservoirs. In case after case, so-called virus hunters have prematurely speculated bat origins, then attempted to prove rather than test this hypothesis. Such biases delay much-needed progress, said Tuttle. Manuel Ruedi said having a catalog of viruses in bats is fine but you need to research how it passed into humans in the spillover. We did find an Ebola-like virus in one species of bat (fruit bat in Africa). Its the closest we have found so far, but not identical to the one infecting humans. We do have a scenario but that is not the bat itself (as a source). Its a whole series of events that led to a spillover of infection, Ruedi said. Coexisting with bats The experts also underscored the long history of co-association of bats and humans. We have a long history of co-association, in caves, thatched huts, and log cabins. Millions of humans in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific and Indian Ocean Islands still eat bats. Thousands of inhabitants of the Old-World tropics spend countless hours in bat caves collecting guano for fertilizer. Thousands of sport cavers explore caves worldwide. Millions of Africans share their cities with huge bat colonies, all without detected disease outbreaks, elaborated Tuttle. Referring to the bat harvests and consumption of the animals in remote northeastern regions in India, Ruedi who also works on the group in northeast India said: If you consider rabies, it is a major issue over the years. 20,000 of an estimated global annual 55,000 rabies deaths occur in India because they are bitten by stray dogs. This is much more an issue than a spillover that didnt occur in thousands of years in India. Ruedi co-authored an inventory with ZSIs Uttam Saikia The Bat Fauna of Meghalaya, Northeast India: Diversity and Conservation that discusses the diversity of bats in Meghalaya (65 species) and the conservation challenges, including indiscriminate mining. They also communicated to the community the role of bats in their environment, and how important they are to help control pest insects and also that they should not only be viewed as potential proteins to eat but also creatures of God worth protecting. Their communication efforts encouraged the community in the village of Pynurkba in East Jaintia hills to dedicate a small patch of their forest to save the rare Wroughtons free-tailed bats. It took us almost one year to convince the village elders to declare the area as a community reserve. It is a 2.4 hectares patch and surrounds the cave. The area is now notified as a community conservation reserve, H. Lato, divisional forest officer of Jaintia Hills added. This article was originally published on Mongabay.com. Mongabay-India is an environmental science and conservation news service. This article has been republished under the Creative Commons licence. The Central Board of Secondary (CBSE) on Tuesday released a notification for conducting remaining examinations of class 10 (only for the northeast district of Delhi) and class 12 (All India) examinations that are scheduled to be held from July 1 to July 15. In the notification, has said that because of the prevailing condition of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, special efforts are required for conducting examinations in a safe manner. said that as number of students have shifted from the district of their school to some other district in the country, it has decided to address this problem being faced by the candidates by taking the following two decisions in respect of the forthcoming examinations. 1. Examinations would now be conducted in the respective schools of the candidates instead of the examination centre already allotted. 2. will allow change of examination centre in respect of candidates who have shifted and are residing in some other district in the country than the place of their school. "Exams will be conducted in the respective school of the candidates. In each district, where CBSE is having affiliated schools, one school will be fixed as a nodal examination centre for the candidates who have shifted from their earlier district of examination centre to another district in India," CBSE said. In the notification, CBSE informed about the eligibility for making request for change in examination center for CBSE board exams A) Regular candidates: Following category of regular candidates who have shifted from their district of school to some other district in India will be eligible to make request for change of examination centre: i) Students who were residing in hostels ii) Students sponsored by State Governments iii) Students who have shifted from the district of their school to some other district within India b) Private candidates-Private Candidates who have shifted from their district of examination centre to some other districts in India can also make a request to change their examination centre Guidelines for requesting to change the center A) For Regular candidates-- * CBSE will accept requests of candidates for change of examination centre only through their school. * It will be the responsibility of the School to contact their students to know whether they have shifted to some other district and would like to avail the facility of changing the examination centre to their present district of stay in India, and thereafter to provide the information to CBSE. * Schools will use e-priikssaa portal on CBSE website for providing desired information. * Request in any other mode will not be entertained by the Board. * School will process the genuine requests made by their students and will recommend to the CBSE for change of district for appearing in the examinations as per rule. * School will ensure that all requests received from their students regarding the change in district for appearing in the examinations are uploaded on e-priikssaa portal correctly. * All requests will have to be uploaded on e- priikssaa portal only in one lot by the school. * Link will be closed after submission and it will not be opened again. * It will also be the responsibility of the students to inform their own school about the fact that they have shifted from the district of their school to some other district in India and intend to appear in the examination from their present district of stay. * There are no CBSE affiliated schools in the following districts, hence no examination centre will be fixed in these districts 1. Assam-South Salmara 2. Gujarat-Chota Udaipur, Gir Somnath 3. Jammu and Kashmir- Bandipora, Ramban, Shopian 4. Manipur- Kamjong, Noney, Pherzawl, Thengnoupal 5. Meghalaya- North Garo Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Jainitia Hills 6. Mizoram- Hnahthial, Saitual 7. Nagaland- Noklak 8. Tamil Nadu- Tiruppattur * Students who have shifted to districts in which there is no CBSE affiliated school and intend to change the examination centre, will have to identify neighbouring district suitable to them and inform the same to their own school. * No request for change of examination centre should be sent to CBSE directly by the candidates. Such requests will not be entertained. * Students who may have requested CBSE to change their examination centre will have to make a request to their own school. * CBSE will communicate to the schools about its decision regarding change of district in the form of Permission Letter, for onward communication to the candidate concerned Students can also check the location of the examination centre using a Mobile app. * Candidates shall have to carry a print out of Permission Letter while going to appear for the examination alongwith their old Admit Card and School identity card. B) For Private candidates: Candidates appearing for 2nd chance Compartment, Failures of previous year, Improvement of Performance, Additional subject, Female candidates of NCT of Delhi. Visually Impaired candidates appearing as private candidates and Patrachar Vidyalaya candidates who have shifted from their district of examination centre to any other district in India can also apply to CBSE on the link vyktigt priikssaarthii on the board's website or using Mobile App-priikssaa suvidhaa for change of district of the examination centre. C) For candidates shifted from India to other countries- * Candidates who were studying in India and have shifted to other countries. if they so desire, can appear from any district of India. * These candidates will also make a request to their own school. * No examination in other countries will be conducted by CBSE for such candidates CBSE has issued the following terms and conditions with respect to change of centres * Change of centre in the same district will not be allowed * NCT of Delhi will be considered as one district for this purpose hence change of examination centre from one district of Delhi to another district of Delhi will not be permitted. * Change of examination centre will be allowed only in the district in which the applicant has shifted to and in which CBSE is having affiliated schools. Provided, in case, a student is presently staying in a district in which there is no CBSE affiliated school. an examination centre in neighbouring district will be allotted . * In the containment zone. no examination centre will be permitted In case of schools falling in containment zones as on date, examination centre of the students of these schools will be allotted outside the containment zone * Private candidates (2nd chance Compartment, Failures of previous year, Improvement of Performance, Additional subject, Female candidates of NCT of Delhi, Visually Impaired candidates) and Patrachar Vidyalaya candidates who have not shifted from their district of examination centre to any other district in India will be required to appear for the examination from the allotted examination centre from where they have appeared earlier upto March 18. * No examination will be conducted for the students studying in CBSE affiliated schools situated outside India (abroad) because of restrictions imposed by their Governments. Their result will be declared as per the assessment scheme to be decided by the Board vii) Result in respect of the subjects whose examinations will not be conducted by the Board will also be declared as per assessment scheme to be decided by the Board * In case children with special needs availing the facility of scribe do not wish to appear in the forthcoming examination because of noncompliance of social distancing norms, their result will be declared as per the assessment scheme to be decided by the Board. * Last date of any activity will not be changed under any circumstances. * Once option is exercised by candidate/school for change of examination centre, no change will be allowed thereafter. * No request for reconduct of examination will be entertained CBSE has said that candidates can check the location of their examination centre with the help of Mobile App-Examination centre locator of CBSE' from June 20. App is available in Play Store This App will work only on Android Mobile. In the notification, CBSE has also shared the schedule which is as follows- 1. School to contact their students and confirm for change of examination centre 03.6.2020 (Wednesday) 09.6.2020 (Tuesday) 2. Requests to be made by candidates to their school 03.6.2020 (Wednesday) 09.6.2020 (Tuesday) 3. Schools to upload details of the candidates requesting for change of examination centre 03.6.2020 (Wednesday) 11.6.2020 (Thursday) Upto 5.00 PM 4. Private candidates to apply for change of examination centre 03.6.2020 (Wednesday) 11.6.2020 (Thursday) Upto 5.00 PM 5. Uploading of information regarding change of examination centre by CBSE 16.6.2020 (Tuesday). 6. Schools to communicate to the respective candidate about changed examination centre 16.6.2020 (Tuesday) 18.6.2020(Thursday) 7. Downloading of Permission Letter by the Private candidates 16.6.2020 (Tuesday) 20.6.2020 (Saturday) Upto 5.00 PM 8. Schools to download list of the candidates and centre material in respect of the candidates appearing from their school using school log in id on e- priikssaa portal with effective from 16.6.2020 (Tuesday) 9. Candidates can check the location of their examination centre with the help of Mobile App with effective from 20.06.2020 (Saturday). For any queries, candidates can call CBSE Help Line Number 1800-11-8002 between 9.30 am to 5.00 pm on all working days. The CBSE on May 18 had released the much awaited datesheet for Class 12 board examinations for the remaining papers and for the re-scheduled board examinations for Class 10. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) - The Bank of Ghana has given the reasons behind its order to banks to halt payment of dividends - It explained that the decision was in line with attempts to prevent undercapitalization and illiquidity - The Central Bank added that the decision was necessary due to the outbreak of the coronavirus Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in The Bank of Ghana has revealed the reason behind its decision to restrain banks from paying dividends to shareholders. According to the Governor, Dr.Paul Addison, the move was to prevent banks from undercapitalization and illiquidity. He added that the timing was appropriate, in the wake of the outbreak of the coronavirus. READ ALSO: COVID-19: MTN suspends payment of dividends and postpones AGM "All the measures we have put in place are in the interest of depositors and in the longer-term, the interest of the investors themselves. This is because you have witnessed what happens when banks are undercapitalised and have liquidity issues. "It is the depositors who fail to get access to their deposits in the banks", Dr Addison argued. Per a report by classfmonline.com, he added that measures are being implemented to protect depositors. Dr. Addison explained that it was vital to preserve capital and conserve liquidity at this time of an unusual economic situation and as such banks ought to tread cautiously in the use of earnings. YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Bank of Ghana (BoG) suspended the payment of dividends by banks and Special Deposit Institutions for the 2019/2020 financial year. The instruction comes at a time when Ghana is combating the coronavirus which has adversely affected the financial sector. Shareholders of the stated institutions are therefore not expected to receive dividends for the period in question. READ ALSO: BoG advises banks to halt purchase of T-bills with liquid funds Enjoyed reading our story? Download YEN's news app on Google Playstore now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Ghanaian Pastors are crying because of the lack of offerings and tithes - Woman explains | #Yencomgh Want to be featured on YEN.com.gh? Send us a message on our Facebook page or on Instagram with your stories, photos or videos Source: YEN.com.gh Written by ACM *Strasbourg/Angelo Marcopolo/- KickStarting the 1st ever PanEuropean CoE Series of High Level Public Debates on the Pandemic Virus and Human Rights, which aims to "Examine All the Angles" in order to Prepare, at the End, the "GuideLines" on Pandemics, for 47 Member Countries (including Russia, etc), due to be adopted by CoE's Top Political Body, its Committee of Ministers, at their Summit of November 2020 in Athens, as said Today the New CoE's Chairmann-in-office, Greek Minister for European affairs, Miltiades Varvitsiotis, (a Young but Experienced Long-Time former MEP at CoE's Parliamentary Assembly, where he was Recently Elected vice-President of its Biggest Group, that of Christian-Democrats/EPP), ------------------ the "Harvard" and "Einstein"-educated Professor Sotiris Tsiodras, PhD, Head of the "National Team of Experts" on the Virus in Greece (which Chairs the CoE from May to November 2020), Specialized on Infections, including HIV, and Leading-Author of a Recent Study on "COVID-19" Published at the USA, Surprized Positively by stressing that "HCQ+AZ" Cure is "Safely" still "Used" to Help "Cure" People against that Deadly Virus, Despite Recent Controversies "in Some Countries", notoriously Provoked Only by a (as "Eurofora" found, See: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/bogusmoveagainsthcqdrugvvirus.html, etc) "Bogus Study" (with more than 11 Big Flaws : See ibid), Earlier published by an Indo-Pakistani Cardiologist (sic !) at a UK Review, currently with an Anti-Trump Manager, (which served as Pretext for some "Temporary" Doubts, Falsely Attibuted to the "WHO" itself, as "Eurofora" observed, Based on Facts : See Infra, and at: ..., etc). ---------------------------- Even if he spoke, as a matter of Principle, at least for the 850 Millions of COE's Total Population at the PanEuropean Area, (including Russia, etc), nevertheless, even the particular Experience of Greece, appears Interesting, Because of its Moderate/"Good" Results, with Comparatively Less Infections and Deaths than Many Other Countries in Europe. However, Tsiodras' Overall View on the Pandemic, naturally Includes also China and the USA, etc., as we shall see, (Comp. Infra). -------------------------------------- Australia-Born (Sydney) Tsiodras, after Graduating as a Dr. of Pathology from Athens' University, Worked at "Albert EINSTEIN HealthCare (and Research) Network", HeadQuartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA), and Specialized in Infectious Diseases at "Beth Israel Deaconess" Medical Center and "HARVARD" Medical School, (USA), where he Became a "Research Fellow", and Obtained a "MASTER of Arts" on Medical Science, before his "PhD" Thesis on "HIV Infection", at Athens University, "Cum Laude". + Recently(April 2020), Professor Tsiodras became the Leading Author of a New Collective Study on COVID-19's Origins, Published by USA's "National Center for Biotechnology Information" (NCBI), part of the NIH Network, i.e. "the Largest BioMedical Research facility in the World". ++ In Addition, he has Nowadays become very Popular, according to several Polls in Greece, (as Head of the National Team of Experts in the Fight against the Virus), according to several Polls, as well as many Medias, including the French mainstream Newspaper "Figaro", and "RFI", the "New York Times", etc. --------------------------------- - "Therapy was a Big Issue", Because, "as it's well-Known, there was No Proven Therapy When all this Started", (around December 2019 in China, and February 2020 in the EU), Professor Tsiordas Carefully stressed from the outset. => - That's why "we are talking", more Precisely, "about <> against the Virus", until Now, he observed. >>> This includes, First of all, "ChloroQuine" (HCQ+), "and the Combination between (Hydroxy)ChloroQuine and Azithromycine, from a French Group, against the CoronoVirus, and Some Other Combinations", he Characteristicaly Resumed. + "Including Anti-<> Medication (i.e. "Lopinavir", etc. : See Infra), and Other Medications, like One which had been Tried, in the Past, against <> (in Africa, But notoriously Failed there, i.e. "Remdesivir" : See Infra), that we found (but, until now, Only) in the Lab, to be effective also against this Virus", he added. - Another, but Related (See Infra), "Big Thing, was : - <>. And there was (Initially) a Consensus, accross (most) Countries, and Decisions by Scientific Councils, to Focus" (at First) "on Therapy for <> Diseases' Patients" mainly, Tsiodras Observed. - "Some Countries elected to Treat those Patients by Including them Only into Clinical Trials. Certain Other Countries, prefered to give them WhatEver was supposedly Effective, at this Point, and, then, Add, any New Therapy, as an <> Therapy", he continued with Flexibility. - But, this "was Not Allowed for Some Protocols, like for the <> Drug, <>, so they Had to give them Just that (Only). And, we Moved accross a very, very <>, in order to Decide what to Give to our Patients", intialy mainly "Moderate and Severe Patients", (Comp. Supra), he Warned. + "And, especially, gain ACCESS : Give Access to Everybody who Needed it, Not Only to the High-Risk Patients", (But Also to those who, at least Initially, appeared to have, comparatively, Moderate Symptoms, up to a certain point : See Infra). - In Fact, ..."Nobody Knows" Yet, if something is Only a so-called "Confort" Drug, but, perhaps, "Not an Actual" Drug, which can Cure, as some say. "Until you have the Results of what we call <> Clinical Trials". I.e. there, "where you give to (about) Half of the People a <>, essentialy a Non-Drug, But a Pill which (Only) Looks like the Drug to receive, or a Vial, for the Intra-Veinus Injection (in the case of "Remdesivir"), and the Other Half gets the (Real) Therapy", Tsiodras reminded Carefully. + "And", there, "People have what we call <>, that could Give you 4 or 5 Different Regiments" : F.ex., "A Man has taken the So and So ("HCQ+AZ") Regiment, anOther has taken the "Ebola" Drug ("Remdesivir" : Comp. Supra), Others have taken the "Combination" Drug (... : Ibid), and anOther was given the "Placebo". In order to Ensure that the vast Majority of Patients would be Receiving something Potentialy Efficient". "But", perhaps, "Potentialy Toxic, as well", he Admited..., (at least as long as there is Not Yet a sufficient Scientific Knowledge of a Virus). * => - "This is part of our List", showed to the Audience, Professor Tsiodras, pointing Today at a Board where ..."HCQ" (with or withOut "AZ") Figured at ...the FIRST RANK, of 3 Main Groups of potential Cures against the Deadly Virus, (even Marked with a Mention to an Official "GUIDANCE", apparently concerning the Way to Use it efficiently)... * On the Contrary, "Remdesivir" figured Only at the 2nd Rank, and accompagnied by a Mention of the Fact that it aWaited, still, for the Results of "Clinical Trials" to come. (Particularly after 2 Trials in China were Notoriously ... Abandoned, while a 3rd one, Resulted in very Negative Conclusions, Revealing Dangerous "Side-Effects", No real Cure, and Even a Risk for slightly More Deaths ! See : ..., etc). * At a 3rd Group, figured at least Three "Other" Potential Cures, considered in a "Dynamic (i.e. currently Evolving) Process", for which another "Guidance" was also mentioned (Comp. Supra) : - (a) - "Lopinavir" etc., ("Anti-HIV" Drug) in "Combination" with "Interferon" (Comp. Supra) ; - (b) - "Immune...=> Anti-Corps, Convalescent Plasma", (an initialy Practiced in China Idea, Backed in the West, particularly by the Director of USA's powerful "Food and Drug Administration" : FDA, with some Reserves, however, on the Quantity or Quality of Various possible Versions) ; - (c) - Vaguely, a Diverse Group of "Other Trials", including, f.ex., with "Colchicine", different Anti-Corps, and/or "Solidarity", (Series of Collective Projects, currently by 17 Countries, inside the WHO, [the Two Thirds of which is, however, Composed, once again, by "HCQ+" and "Remdesivir" ... Comp. Supra]), "etc"... => Indeed, according to "Our List", "we Gave <>, with or withOut <>, which was Included in our Scientific Guidance", Professor Tsiordas confirmed, from the outset. + But, "Remdesivir we gave as a Part, Initially, of what we called "Expanded Access" Program, then a "Clinical Trial" Program, and Now an "Early Access" Program, where several Hosts Participate", he analytically highlighted. "And, Now, (i.e. Just After the Slandering of "HCQ+" via a Bogus "Study", full of Big Flaws: See .., etc), I Hear that the EU's Medicine Agency (Earlier Based in the UK) is going to Fast-Track this Drug, in order for People to have it", he noted. - However, even if "this Drug has shown to be, Approximatively 60% Effective in Severely ill Patients" Only, Nevertheless, "we do Not Know (yet) what its Effect might (eventualy) be in Mild to Modestly severe Diseases", he pointed out. And this is Part of the Problem", he Regretted : I.e., "When you face a New Virus, a New Pandemic, there is No Established Therapy !" + "At the Same Time (Comp. Supra), there was a New Protocol Published for the (initialy) Anti-HIV Drug "Lopinovar" (?) with "Ribavirin", a well Known Anti-Virus Agent, But with some Toxicity"..., he Warned. - Together "with Inteferon, (See in relevant overall Schema), which is a Normal Reply to Viruses. This <> Regiment, (L + R + I) is, Now, part of a New Guidance, which was Issued Last Week (f.ex.) in Greece, and Can be Given to Patients, Alone, or With the "Remdesivir", IF they have it", he Announced. ------------------------ >>> However, "We Continue (to Use) the Guidance for "HCQ" (i.e., initially the 1st, and Most Popular Candidate Cure, as even an International Poll among Doctors, recently Published at "Washington Times" clearly revealed : Comp. Supra), Professor Tsiodras Firmly stressed. - Even if there has been, Recently, "a Big Debate, about it, and Some Countries actually Banned the Use of "HCQ" among the Patients and Populations", he Observed. (Curiously, f.ex., France, which has, paradoxically, Both some among its Best Supporters, and the Most Dogmatic Opponents of it...). - Tsiodras attributed that Sudden Negative Move, Mainly "Because they said we Want to See the <> Trials", i.e. "<> Versus Drug", (Comp. Supra). But he certainly Knows that this InSufficiency of Trials with "Placebo" Groups in such Trials (i.e. Patients who do Not Take Any Drug against this Deadly Virus) Pre-Existed, Already, since a Long Time ago... It's, moreover, an Obvious HYPOCRISY to Ask for More Trials' Data, at the Same Time that some, notoriously, look Eager to Hinder not only the simple Use, but also the Trials of HCQ+ (sic !), Undermining even Science ! ---------------------------- + And, as he, Also, Observed Himshelf, Later Today (See Infra), there is, indeed, "an Ethical Problem" about Not Giving, to some Patients, Any Drug for Cure at all, against a "Deadly" Virus, But "Only a Placebo" which canNot Protect their "Lives", when they are at Stake, as it's Obviously the case Nowadays vis-a-vis "COVID-19", which, Already, has Notoriously made a Record-High Number of Deaths in Europe, transforming it in ...the Most Deadly Continent, by that Virus, in the World ! (This was, by the way, also the Main Argument of the Strongest Supporter of "HCQ+" in France, Professor Didier Raoult, evoking, at this point, Every Medical Doctor's Main Duty to Heal and Save Human Lives, (according to the Elementary "Oath of HIppocrates" !). ++ In fact, he shouldn't ignore, no more, that the Main Pretext for such a Sudden "U-Turn", (and/or a Serious Aggravation of the Obstacles Curiously Put by some Against "HCQ"'s use in the Fight versus "COVID-19"), was, just a Few Days Ago, the Publication, in a UK Review, (currently Managed by an Openly "Anti-Trump" CEO !), of an Excessively Negative and mainly ...Bogus "Study", led by an Indo-Pakistani ...Cardiologist (sic !), Not a Virus/Infections' Specialist, and Stained by at least ...11 Big Flaws (as "Eurofora" found : See ... + ..., etc), made by a Team who ..."Never Saw, Not even One, Patient" affected by that Virus, (as Professor Raoult Denounced), But Merely ...Copied Remotely Collected Data, Registered by Other People, Elsewhere in the World, and, therefore, Practically very Difficult, if not Impossible, to Check and Verify, Automatically Harvested Only via Internet Computer Networks set up by a Commercial Company, (Founded and Controlled by one of those Controversial co-Authors) ! +++ - Moreover, even Nowadays, "We saw some (real, Direct Trials') Data, from the initial Group (pro-HCQ) of (French) Professor RAOULT, that went (Recently) Up to MANY THOUSANDS OF PATIENTS", (More than 2.600 Now, and about 6.700 in Total, "Retrospectively", i.e. Since the Beginning of his Many, Successive Trials on HCQ+AZ), "with VERY GOOD RESULTS", (Nowadays Concluded on a ...99,5% Survival of People Affected by that Virus, i.e. "the Highest Survival Rate in the World !"), "and, thus, We DECIDED TO KEEP IT !", (the HCQ+ Cure), at least "For the Moment", Professor Sotiris Tsiodras, carefuly but clearly Announced. ++++ In Addition, - "We did NOT HAVE ANY Signal of TOXICITY IN OUR PATIENTS' Population !", by the Use of HCQ, Also Revealed Tsiodras Today, Contrary to what that Bogus "Study", Full of Big Flaws, (Comp. Supra), Obviously, had Excessively Claimed. - "But, I remind that Our Patients' Population (which uses HCQ+ Cure) is received at the Hospitals, it's ver, very Close to (Medical) Observers' Environment", he noted, (as Also that of Professor Raoult, whose Studies' Conclusions -particularly, f.ex., that of 1.061 Patients, Published Earlier- clearly show an Important "Attention" on eventual Counter-Indications of any kind). +++++ "And", (at any case), "We Shall Analyse Our Data (on HCQ+), as well, for some MORE EVIDENCE...", Finaly Announced the Key Medical Representative of CoE's Greek Presidency, (speaking, Timely, at a Moment when the WHO, at Nearby Geneva, is reportedly Seeking Urgently more relevant Informations on that "Hot" Issue). ------------------------------------------------ - Meanwhile, "Colchicine" (Comp. relevant "List" Supra), was Also Part of a Big Trial inn Greece, the very Interesting "GRECO" Trial, by Cardiologists, Because Colchicine has a Cardio-Protective Effect. It's a very Cheap Drug, (as, notoriously, also the HCQ), its' only Side Effect is Diarroia. Friends from the University have Used it, in More than 100 Patients, and we had some Good, but Preliminary, Data". So, "we'll see how this, very Cheap, and very Easy to use Drug, May Help in the Future Management fof this Disease", he, Optimistcally, observed. + "AnOther Big Thing was "Immune Modulations" (Comp. relevant "List", Supra), "Because, as it's well known, part of what was Important, for this Virus, were the Severe Manifestations, that, Usually, were seen a Few Days after the Initial Attack by that Virus", he added. Thus, "5 or 7 Days Afterwards, People would Develop that Huge Inflammatory Reaction". - But, in some cases, "we could be Talking, as we Talk Now, and, in a Couple of Hours, I would be InTubated !", he Warned. "That would be Part of he fact that the Virus was Attacking my Lungs, and giving me No Reserve, But would Follow in a Precipitacy"... Thus "it's very Important". "People speak about a Pulse ... to Monitor Oxygen, (and) we Face it (even) in the Hospital !", he Warned. - "So, in This Part of the Inflamatory Reaction, No Anti-Virus would be Succesful". On the Contrary, "the Only thing that Could be Succesful, would be Anti-Inflamatory Medication, like <>, (Comp. relevant List, Supra), which was one of the Anti-Inflamatory Anti-Corps, that the Human Organism was Producing". But, initialy, "we were Beiieving that it was Part of a Reaction, which was Harmful"... Also "anOther Big Greek Group, which was a Pioneer, from my Hospital, did Similar Studies", he confirmed. - However, "this one Can Have some Other Harmful Side-Effects :" F.ex. "it Can Increase what we call "the Potential to be Attacked by Other Bacteria !", he Warned... => "So, it Supresses the Inflammatory Reaction, which is Part of your Body's Response to the Virus, But, at the Same Time, it Can Give you Susceptibility to Other Bacteria". I.e., "It's sort of <>, as we say"... ---------------------------- + "And, of course, you have Heard about <> (Comp. relevant "List", Supra), which is Plasma that comes from Donors, who had Suffered by this Disease" (COVID-19), But managed to Survive, "that we Take with a Special Procedure", he added. - F.ex., "a big Study from the University of Athens, is Coordinated for giving Plasma, and it's, I Think, 6 or 7 People who have Got it, so far, and we had, also, some Encouraging Results from Abroad, Last Week", he Optimisticaly observed. + "And we are Following the Convalescent Plasma, by (Angio)Therapy : It's a Cheap Therapy, where we use the People who passed the Disease, and they Give you the Plasma in 3 succesful Donations, every Other Day. Some Data to become Hopeful may come from Abroad, since, at least for the Time being, it's Too Early yet, for Countries like Greece, etc. since Only (comparatively) a Few People have already got that convalescent Plasma from Donors in Greee. ------------------------------------ Meawhile, "it's very Important to have Stock-Piles of Medicine, when you deal with such kind of things", "in Times of UnCertainty". So, there was, f.ex. Procurement of "HCQ", etc., he observed. --------------------------------------------------------------- + And, as "whenever you Face something which is potentialy Lethal", there are "very Important" "Ethical Dilemmas with Placebo Trials", Professor Tsiodras added, saying that he's publishing on such BioEthical Issues mainly "with French and German collegues". Thus, f.ex., concerning, in particular, HCQ+ Trials, the "PLACEBO" Issue raises Key "Ethical Problems", as Also Professor Raoult has observed, (Comp. Supra), on the occasion of "Control Group" discussions, in relation to Trials, and the Need to Save Human Lives. ---------------------------------------------------------------- For the rest, Professor Tsiodras Highlighted the current Importance of efficient Cures agaist the Virus, since a Vaccine (among the Many which are being prepared and Tested currently) might not arrive before the End of the Year, approximatively, at best.. In fact, we do Not want to Hastily fabricate something which might Not be well "Accepted" by the People, he stressed, in substance, in order to Avoid a Similar "Big Failure" as that which notoriously occured Back on 2009, (against the H1N1 Virus), when Most People had "Refused", then, the proposed Vaccines... ________________________________ From this point o view, Obviously, the issues of a Vaccine and/or a Cure against the Virus, appear somehow interrelated : - An Efficient and Well-Accepted Vaccine would, probably, Need a little bit More Time to prepare, so that, Meanwhile, (and as long as the Number of Deaths remains as High as it is now), Everything would practicaly depend from the Timely Existence of a Life-Saving Cure, of the Largest possible use... On the Contrary, if there is Not Any Cure able to, at least, alleviate the current Gravity of that Virus' Threat against Human Lives, then, inevitably, the Pressure for an Urgently Needed Vaccine would Augment considerably, with the Risk to Push towards some too Hasty, precipitated, and/or Incomplete moves for a Vaccine, with the obvious Risk to make something too Hasty resulting in a Failure, as back on 2009 (Comp. Supra). The WHO had, apparently, well understood that InterRelation, so that, Since March 2020 it had Not Launched, nor funded Other Research Programs and Trials, but just for Urgently Needed Cures, (such as HCQ+, Remdesivir, Lopinavir, etc. Comp. Supra), also because Vaccines would take a Too Long Time to Safely Develop... => But, when, Recently, a Bogus "Study" appeared to Threaten and/or Delay the HCQ+ Cure Solution, (Comp. Supra), then, Suddenly, the WHO Announced its Decision to Start Launching also ...Vaccine Research Programs and Trials, for the 1st Time, just Last Week, from May 27 ! --------------------------------- Now, Back on the Obviously Crucial Issue of Cures, Already since March 2020, in an Extensive Analysis Published at the Review "Science", the Authors clearly Leaned towards Not Predicting Any serious Chance to WHO's Cure Research Program's 3rd Branch, that which was related mainly with "Lopinavir", etc. The Following Developments, and even Professor Tsiodras' analysis Today, (Comp. Supra), Basically do Not Refute that prediction... Meanwhile, if not the Only, at least One of the Few Fully Published and Credible Studies, until now, on Trials with "Remdesivir", that of a Chinese Team, (even cooperating with "Gilead" Company which pushes that Drug), notoriously gave Negative Results : I.e., Not Any perceptible Amelioration of Patients' situation, (on the Contrary, even a slight trend towards More Deaths !), and, in Addition, much More Patients ...Abandoning the Remdesivir Group (Not the Others), because of Negative Side-Effects ! And, Notoriously, Remdesivir is much More Expensive, and Patent-Controlled by Big Pharma's "Gilead" Company, even More Cumbersome : Indeed, it needs an ...IntraVeinous Injection, every time, (Instead of a Simple Pil). Last, but not least, "HCQ+" and "Remdesivir" (the 2 main Branches of WHO's Cure Research Program, until now), appear Based on clearly Opposed Strategies and even Philosophies : - "HCQ+AZ" reportedly Aim to, basically, Help Strengthen the Natural Human Immune System, (particularly when Associated, more and more Often, also with "Zinc"), by Fighting against the Infection of Cells by the Virus, through the Protection of their DNA. - On the Contrary, "Remdesivir"'s reported Aim is to Penetrate inside Human Cells' DNA, (already Infected by the Virus), and make some Genetic Manipulations which would Block the Virus' Replication (ReProduction) inside that. + In Addition, "HCQ" is, notoriously, a Well Known and Succesfull Drug, largely Used, Already since the ...2nd World War, so that all its Contre-Indications, eventual Side-Effects, etc., are perfectly Known, making Easy for Medical Doctors to be able to do what is necessary in order to ensure the Protection of their Patients. That's one reason more, for which, if Patients are treated Carefully, it's generaly considered as a "Safe" Drug. On the Contrary, the (initially) "Ebola"-designed "Remdesivir", notoriously is a Novel Drug whose Eventual Side-Effects and/or Counter-Indications, do Not yet Seem Entirely Controlled, (Comp. Supra), while, its Possible ...Long-Term Effects (f.ex. Years Later), Obviously still stay Completely UnKnown ! (F.ex., particularly by Manipulating Genes, it's like Jumping inside UnChartered Waters)... -------------------------------------------------- => In these Conditions, it appears Both Astonishing and InComprehensible, for which Real Motives, some Lobbies, Suddenly, Rushed, even with a lot of Balderdash, Obviously Excessive and/or UnFounded Accusations and ill-Documented Claims, Abusing of Misleading and/or "Fake News", Caricatural Methods, Avoiding any Serious Public and/or Scientific Debate, constantly Multiplying blatantly Narrow Ultimatums, (f.ex.: "in 2 Days", "in 24 Hours", "in 1 Day", etc), adding Censorship (See Infra), and, in general, UnWarned Attacks, full of Relentless Hostility, etc., in order to rapidly and at any price, totaly Undermine, Restrict, and Exclude that "HCQ+AZ+Zinc" Cure against the Virus ! - However, it's notoriously Becoming the Most Popular Anti-Virus Drug in the World, (See, f.ex., recent International Poll, recently published by Washington Times, etc). - However, in the Current Circumstances, as well as they were Today Resumed by Professor Tsiodras, in the above-mentioned CoE's Video-Conference, (Comp. Supra), "HCQ+"'s Potential Use, Also for "PROPHYLAXIS", (like, f.ex., even US President Don Trump just revealed that he did with his Medical Doctor, as well as Others in the USA, etc), appears, a priori, very Interesting and badly Needed, at least to Explore. - However, it's probably the 1st Time in History that such a Bogus "Study", Abusing of an Exagerated Compilation of Remote Data automatically gathered by Others, and full of, at least, 11 Big Flaws, (See: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/bogusmoveagainsthcqdrugvvirus.html, etc), Serves as unique Pretext in order to "Kill" a Medical Cure, which has, apparently, Helped Save several Lives, and is Used, with Positive Results, as it seems, throughout a Growing Number of Many Countries in the World. - However, it's Curious and Ridiculous to see some Erroneously Claim that an almost 200-Member States-strong, international Organisation as the "WHO" would have "Decided" a Temporary Suspension of HCQ Tests, While, in Fact, this was a move, Behind Closed Doors, by Only ...Ten (10) States, (the Biggest of whom is ...the SAME State whose Ministry notoriously Harasses pro-HCQ Professor Raoult to Stop his, apparetly Succesful Trials and Cures, neverheless Adopted by Many Other States in the World)... + As well as to watch, a so-called "High Scientific Council" Restrict a whole People's and Medical Doctors' Right to Try to Save (even their own) Human Lives, withOut Even Citting ...Any Scientific Argument, and WithOut Any Public Debate on the Scientific Issues at Stake ! ++ As well as to see a so-called "Medical Drugs' Agency" Suddenly Prohibit ...Sixteen (16) Authorized Medical Trials, (seeking to Test, Check and Verify the Efficiency and Safety of a Life-Saving Drug), by Blocking Science in Only 1 Day Time and withOut Publishing Any Scientiic Argument ! *** As well as to see the Current Manager of a formerly respectable "Scientific Review" (LANCET), who has Openly Declared his personal Hostility against the Elected US President Don Trump, suddenly Publish a Bogus "Fake-Study", with more than 11 Big Flaws, grossly Slandering the HCQ+ Life-Saving Drug that Trump just used to Protect his Health against recent Virus' Infections in the White House, - while, on the Contrary, at the Same Time, that Manager Refused to Publish and Censored ... 2 Other Scientific Medical Studies, by the Specialist Professor Raoult and anOther Team of Medical Researchers, (as they have just Denounced), i.e. practically ...Muzzling any Scientific Debate, on such a "Hot" Issue Affecting the Lives of Millions of People Worldwide, traped in a Deadly Pandemic. (On All those Points, for more Concrete Details, See Facts cited also at : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/bogusmoveagainsthcqdrugvvirus.html + ..., etc) ----------------------------------------- For all those reasons, Today's CoE's Conference/Debate with Professor Tsiodras, Medical Expert of the current Greek Presidency of the PanEuropean Organisation, is really Timely, and Honours its Organizers. (../..) ("Draft-News") A new coronavirus treatment is now being tested in the United Kingdom. Ibuprofen, a painkiller that is said to ease the pain that COVID-19 patients experience in the hospitals, is now back in the hospitals. Experts from King's College and London's Guy's and St Thomas' hospital said that they are using painkillers to treat the patient's difficulty in breathing. Can it be helpful? U.K. hospital uses Ibuprofen to help COVID-19 patients survive the disease BBC reported that hospitals in the U.K. are now using Ibuprofen to help COVID-19 patients. Aside from being cost-friendly with prices less than $5, experts from different well-known hospitals in the country, also believe that this painkiller may help positive COVID-19 patients of no longer using ventilators, to recover. As explained, a test trial called Liberate will be made to ensure the effectivity of painkillers on the human body. Half of their patients in each British hospital will receive Ibuprofen. Unlike the standard ibuprofen tablet sold in public, the hospitals will use a special formulation of the specific painkiller. Experts believed that Ibuprofen can treat animals' acute respiratory distress syndrome-- so it might play a major role in human treatment. Prof Mitul Mehta, one of the teams at Kings College London, said: "We need to do a trial to show that the evidence matches what we expect to happen." Why ibuprofen was not advised to be use for COVID-19 patients, back then? Aside from ibuprofen, another medicine that was believed to ease the pain for coronavirus patients is paracetamol. But both of these medicines are not fully advised by government officials to be used for patients. "The taking of anti-inflammatories could be a factor in aggravating the infection," said the French health minister, Olivier Veran. "In the case of fever, take paracetamol. If you are already taking anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your doctor's advice." On Mar. 17, the U.K.'s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, also claimed that ibuprofen worsens Coronavirus--also advises patients to take paracetamol. However, Public Health England (PHE) told Independent U.K. that "Currently there is no published scientific evidence that ibuprofen increases the risk of catching COVID-19 or worsens the illness. There is also no conclusive evidence that taking ibuprofen is harmful to other respiratory infections." A review by the Commission on Human Medicines clarified this debate and said that both ibuprofen and paracetamol can be safely digested and used in hospitals. "The Commission of Human Medicines (CHM) Expert Working Group on coronavirus (COVID-19) has concluded that there is currently insufficient evidence to establish a link between the use of ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 or the worsening of its symptoms," said on April. ALSO READ: Fauci Feels 'Cautiously Optimistic' Over Moderna's Vaccine with Early Positive Results 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. By William James LONDON (Reuters) - Hundreds of British lawmakers spent over an hour in enormous queues through the imposing corridors and halls of the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday, casting their first ever socially-distanced votes. The government has ditched the coronavirus-induced measures introduced in April and May that tore up centuries of tradition by allowing remote voting and debates by video conference By William James LONDON (Reuters) - Hundreds of British lawmakers spent over an hour in enormous queues through the imposing corridors and halls of the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday, casting their first ever socially-distanced votes. The government has ditched the coronavirus-induced measures introduced in April and May that tore up centuries of tradition by allowing remote voting and debates by video conference. On Tuesday, lawmakers were required to attend in person and join a queue, spaced two metres apart, that stretched out of the wood-panelled debating chamber, zigzagged through an 11th-century hall where monarchs and prime ministers have lain in state, and outside into a tree-lined courtyard. They voted 261-163 in favour of the government's plan to end the so-called hybrid parliament and restore a system that requires all those who wish to vote to attend in person. "Voting while enjoying a sunny walk or whilst watching television does democracy an injustice... We ask members to vote in person for a reason: because it is the heart of what parliament is about," House of Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said. Unless a better method can be found, every vote will now involve the long queues that critics dismissed as a farce, and some on Twitter dubbed the #ReesMoggConga. The first vote that rejected keeping the hybrid arrangements took 46 minutes, slowed down by many lawmakers being uncertain what to do when they reached the front of the queue. A second vote to approve the government plan took 36 minutes. "A total farce ... This is supposed to be a functioning parliamentary democracy, not a theme park," opposition Labour lawmaker Afzal Khan said on Twitter. Parliament Speaker Lindsay Hoyle directed proceedings with growing frustration, instructing each lawmaker to state their name and their vote as they passed his chair. Normally lawmakers vote by walking through crowded lobbies and having their names ticked off a list in a process that takes about 15 minutes. That has been ruled unsafe - a risk of coronavirus contagion. (Reporting by William James; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Stephen Addison) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Political etiquette demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP should have deferred marking the first year of their second term in office while the country is reeling badly under a pandemic and there was extreme economic distress all around. The Prime Minister and his colleagues, of course, never much cared for sensibilities and sensitivities which appear to them as contemptible liberal decencies. They do not ever lose an opportunity to prove that they make their own rules and norms, and they do not intend to observe the political conventions that had evolved in the past 60 years and more. They consider themselves to be the backwoods people with practices and traditions that they had worked for themselves in the years that that they were in the political wilderness, and which they now practice in the corridors of power. The lockdown perforce restricted the celebrations, but it did not come in the way of counting their brave deeds. It is also the case that the Prime Minister and the ruling party felt that they needed to pep up their mood in a period of gloom, and that they needed to recall their achievements in the past one year as well as in all the last six years -- some sort of patting their own backs and indulging in a bit of self-applause. It is not a bad idea in itself. Psychologists would approve of it wholeheartedly. The Prime Minister then wrote an open letter to the citizens of the country, while defence minister Rajnath Singh and home minister Amit Shah wrote newspaper articles praising Narendra Modi the leader for transforming the country. The situation is such in the country that even the compulsive middle class and lower middle class (and the BJPs own neo-middle class) may not have bothered to read the panegyrics that Modi, Singh and Shah had written. And poor people, in cities, towns, villages and those on foot trudging on the national highways, would not even have known that the Narendra Modi government had crossed another milestone. But what did Modi and his Cabinet colleagues have to say in their favour? When Modi and the BJP came back to power in the summer of 2019, the euphoria was confined mainly to the party. The country was dealing with a slowed-down economy, and finance minister Nirmala Sitharamans bid to whip up market sentiment in her first Budget in July was not very successful. She had to announce big supplementary measures in September to boost the economy, but they did not work as can be seen in the figures of Q3 and Q4 growth rates of 2019-20. The economic breakdown and the stress on revenue and expenditure caused by the Covid-19 pandemic will show up only in the economic figures of 2020-21. The Modi government will have to bear the cross of low economic growth of 2019-20, and the lukewarm performance of the first five years. Shah had rightly enumerated the governments legislation on criminalising triple talaq, after the Supreme Court held the practice null and void two years earlier, removing Jammu and Kashmir from the protective purview of Article 370, the bifurcation of the state and its demotion into a Union territory as well as the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 among its achievements. The BJP had no problem in pushing them through Parliament because of its 300-plus majority in the Lok Sabha and its clever muscling of the non-Congress, non-Communist political parties in the Rajya Sabha. These needed no delicate navigation through Parliament. They are brute expressions of their parliamentary majority, and though politically legitimate they remain morally questionable. The decisions on Jammu and Kashmir are yet to show any positive outcomes in the new Union territory. But Shah declaring a political victory in the matter is understandable. Similarly, the CAA 2019, which was basically meant to address the issue of Bangladeshi Hindu migrants in Assam, has only angered the Assamese, including ardent BJP supporters in the state. Shah could have avoided claiming the Supreme Courts judgment in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case in Ayodhya because though it is an ideological victory of the party and its ideological affiliates, it should not give the impression that the government had any role in the judgment. It was case between two private parties representing a section of Hindus and Muslims, and the government, whichever the party in power and whatever its ideological colours, had nothing to do with it. The Ayodhya issue was part of the political agenda of the BJP since the 1990s, and Shah can rightly say that it is a victory and vindication of the BJPs stand. But this is not to be counted as a success of the Modi governments first year in office. A conspicuous feature of Modis first year of his second term in office is the absence of any political opposition that counts in the country. The sense of comfort and complacence that the leaders of the ruling party must be feeling is understandable, but it is also the chink in the Modi-BJP armour. The tone of arrogance in the BJP leaders in the party and government could put them on the slippery of path of capriciousness. The Congress, which despite being a party in tatters, is the only one standing in the field. But it does not count because it continues to squeal when it ought to be thundering. The other parties seem to be playing the role of puppets, instead of a real Opposition. Modi and the BJP could not have asked for anything better in political terms. But their unassailable political position does not in any way help them tackle the challenges of a broken-down national economy. Modi still believes in the mantra of catchwords like Atma Nirbhar Bharat to tide over the economic and social crisis he faces in the wake of Covid-19. He and his colleagues are so self-hypnotised by their own verbal charms they are unlikely to notice the misery of ordinary people in the country. The USA has decided how your country should allow what and about the religion you can and will respect and worship Now first note that this is an international Executive Order from Trump and the USA On second note you now know who thinks they are God, not Gods chosen, but God Executive Order on Advancing International Religious Freedom By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. (a) Religious freedom, Americas first freedom, is a moral and national security imperative. Religious freedom for all people worldwide is a foreign policy priority of the United States, and the United States will respect and vigorously promote this freedom. As stated in the 2017 National Security Strategy, our Founders understood religious freedom not as a creation of the state, but as a gift of God to every person and a right that is fundamental for the flourishing of our society. (b) Religious communities and organizations, and other institutions of civil society, are vital partners in United States Government efforts to advance religious freedom around the world. It is the policy of the United States to engage robustly and continually with civil society organizations including those in foreign countries to inform United States Government policies, programs, and activities related to international religious freedom. Sec. 2. Prioritization of International Religious Freedom. Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State (Secretary) shall, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), develop a plan to prioritize international religious freedom in the planning and implementation of United States foreign policy and in the foreign assistance programs of the Department of State and USAID. Sec. 3. Foreign Assistance Funding for International Religious Freedom. (a) The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Administrator of USAID, budget at least $50 million per fiscal year for programs that advance international religious freedom, to the extent feasible and permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations. Such programs shall include those intended to anticipate, prevent, and respond to attacks against individuals and groups on the basis of their religion, including programs designed to help ensure that such groups can persevere as distinct communities; to promote accountability for the perpetrators of such attacks; to ensure equal rights and legal protections for individuals and groups regardless of belief; to improve the safety and security of houses of worship and public spaces for all faiths; and to protect and preserve the cultural heritages of religious communities. (b) Executive departments and agencies (agencies) that fund foreign assistance programs shall ensure that faith-based and religious entities, including eligible entities in foreign countries, are not discriminated against on the basis of religious identity or religious belief when competing for Federal funding, to the extent permitted by law. Sec. 4. Integrating International Religious Freedom into United States Diplomacy. (a) The Secretary shall direct Chiefs of Mission in countries of particular concern, countries on the Special Watch List, countries in which there are entities of particular concern, and any other countries that have engaged in or tolerated violations of religious freedom as noted in the Annual Report on International Religious Freedom required by section 102(b) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-292), as amended (the Act), to develop comprehensive action plans to inform and support the efforts of the United States to advance international religious freedom and to encourage the host governments to make progress in eliminating violations of religious freedom. (b) In meetings with their counterparts in foreign governments, the heads of agencies shall, when appropriate and in coordination with the Secretary, raise concerns about international religious freedom and cases that involve individuals imprisoned because of their religion. (c) The Secretary shall advocate for United States international religious freedom policy in both bilateral and multilateral fora, when appropriate, and shall direct the Administrator of USAID to do the same. Sec. 5. Training for Federal Officials. (a) The Secretary shall require all Department of State civil service employees in the Foreign Affairs Series to undertake training modeled on the international religious freedom training described in section 708(a) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-465), as amended by section 103(a)(1) of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act (Public Law 114-281). (b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the heads of all agencies that assign personnel to positions overseas shall submit plans to the President, through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, detailing how their agencies will incorporate the type of training described in subsection (a) of this section into the training required before the start of overseas assignments for all personnel who are to be stationed abroad, or who will deploy and remain abroad, in one location for 30 days or more. (c) All Federal employees subject to these requirements shall be required to complete international religious freedom training not less frequently than once every 3 years. Sec. 6. Economic Tools. (a) The Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury shall, in consultation with the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and through the process described in National Security Presidential Memorandum-4 of April 4, 2017 (Organization of the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and Subcommittees), develop recommendations to prioritize the appropriate use of economic tools to advance international religious freedom in countries of particular concern, countries on the Special Watch List, countries in which there are entities of particular concern, and any other countries that have engaged in or tolerated violations of religious freedom as noted in the report required by section 102(b) of the Act. These economic tools may include, as appropriate and to the extent permitted by law, increasing religious freedom programming, realigning foreign assistance to better reflect country circumstances, or restricting the issuance of visas under section 604(a) of the Act. (b) The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may consider imposing sanctions under Executive Order 13818 of December 20, 2017 (Blocking the Property of Persons Involved in Serious Human Rights Abuse or Corruption), which, among other things, implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (Public Law 114-328). Sec. 7. Definitions. For purposes of this order: (a) Country of particular concern is defined as provided in section 402(b)(1)(A) of the Act; (b) Entity of particular concern is defined as provided in section 301 of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act (Public Law 114-281); (c) Special Watch List is defined as provided in sections 3(15) and 402(b)(1)(A)(iii) of the Act; and (d) Violations of religious freedom is defined as provided in section 3(16) of the Act. Sec. 8. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. USAIDDONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE, June 2, 2020. Source: Executive Order on AdvaUSAIDncing International Religious Freedom | The White House Third note USAID (NGO).a vast tool used to destroy other countries by the USA USAID is specifically specified as the tool used to implement this nasty Executive Order by Trump. I could go on forever about this. But it is all in black and white and all you have to do is go to the GOV site and read for yourself the truth Source: Executive Order on AdvaUSAIDncing International Religious Freedom | The White House You cannot make this stuff up. If we did make it up no one would believe that it was true and yet, here we are looking at an Executive Order by the President of the USA to force majeure other countries to follow the USA way of thinking about religion around the whole world Other words in simple language: You either change your religious views within your country to appease the USA and or suffer the consequences! Have you had enough of the Bully yet? Or should I just say, The self-appointed religion police (USA) are trying to jackboot your country! WtR Tomball City Council members unanimously approved the hiring of a new police chief during their meeting last night, a Los Angeles police officer with nearly 25 years of experience in law enforcement. Jeffrey Bert was named the new chief of police. Bert is currently a commander with the departments risk management legal affairs group and has been with LAPD since 1996. Interim chief appointed: Tomball City Council appoints interim police chief following former Chief Tidwell's retirement Berts hiring comes after the last full-time police chief, Billy Tidwell, resigned in January, with Skip Oliver brought in as an interim chief until they could appoint a new one. City Manager Rob Hauck said the search for a new chief began in March, sorting through more than 100 applicants in a series of reviews to cull and vet the candidates. This included written questionnaires, and several one-hour interviews with each of the final applicants from committees made up of city management as well as community members. They had the opportunity to share their thoughts and comments based on the hour they had with each candidate, Hauck said. In the end, their resounding selectee was the same person that (Assistant City Manager) David (Esquivel) and I, and also Skip, felt would absolutely be a great fit for this community and that he will immerse himself in this community and that he is the person who can best lead the Tomball Police Department. While no formal contract has yet been signed, Hauck said the conditions of the citys offer to Bert included a starting salary of $120,000, as well as a cell phone stipend, the use of a city vehicle, work-related travel expenses, and up to $10,000 in reimbursement for moving. Mayor pro tem named: Tomball City Council canvasses election Berts anticipated start date is June 29, Hauck said. Bert said he was humbled to be selected as Tomballs next police chief. I feel absolutely humbled that a city who doesnt know me from Adam is taking a chance on me, Bert said. Secondly, I am absolutely energized and excited to fulfill a lifelong dream to be a chief in a smaller town. Bert grew up with a love of literature. Prior to becoming an officer, he acquired a bachelors degree in English Literature and a masters degree in dramatic literature from Kings College in London. But since he was 5 years old, Bert said hes wanted to be a police officer. I had a mom and a dad who pushed education and my dad said study whatever you want, whatever you love, but I knew in my heart since I was 5, I wanted to be a police officer, Bert said. Bert has already visited Tomball for a few days during the interview process, and said he found the town extremely welcoming. On HoustonChronicle.com: Editorial: A show of force isnt the only answer for violent protests. I live in a city that prides itself upon being diverse and open and Tomball was very welcoming, Bert said. Everyone I met, from the gas station attendants to the waiters in the restaurants to the folks managing the hotel where I stayed, everyone was supportive. Ive had the good fortune of traveling to a lot of places and very few have been as welcoming as Tomball. Bert said his priorities stepping into the chief position are three-fold: Listening to his staff at the police department to find out what they need and what they are doing; work with the city to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and any civil unrest there may be; and focus on crime. Last year in Tomball, the city saw 394 part 1 crimesincluding theft, burglary, assault. There were no murders in Tomball last year, but Bert said he wanted to have an enforcement strategy focusing on catching repeat offenders of thefts and burglaries and work on prevention strategies with communities to guard against these crimes. paul.wedding@hcnonline.com The Alabama Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has posted a letter on Facebook condemning Sunday nights attacks on the Confederate monument in Birminghams Linn Park. The letter by Division Commander Carl Jones, attached to the end of this article, is dated Monday and does not refer to the citys removal of the monument, which came after protesters damaged the structure Sunday night but failed to bring it down. Brutal and senseless attacks on such memorials defy humanity and serve as a slap in the face to the sainted dead who gave their lives in defense of their homelands, Jones wrote. Also, a large Confederate flag owned by the Sons of Confederate Veterans that flies on Interstate 65 near the Autauga-Chilton county line was not flying today. Efforts to reach the organization to find out why have not been successful. A large Confederate flag on Interstate 65 near the Autauga and Chilton county lines is not flying. It's owned by the Alabama Division of Sons of Confederate Veterans. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) The actions by protesters in Birmingham and the city came as part of the response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota and other recent deaths of African Americans in encounters with law enforcement. Others have called for removals of memorials to the Confederacy in Alabama. Related: Huntsville group calls for removal of Confederate statue outside courthouse Related: Alabama attorney general sues Birmingham for removing Confederate monument A statue of Robert E. Lee in front of Lee High School in Montgomery was pulled down and damaged Monday night and is now in storage. Montgomery police charged four people with first-degree criminal mischief, a felony, in connection with the incident. Montgomery County District Attorney Daryl Bailey said Tuesday night the charges were not prosecutable at this time because of errors with the affidavits and warrants. Montgomery police said they are working on those issues with Baileys office. Jones acknowledged the pain caused by Floyds death in the letter. Of these, 46 responded with details of about 100 evaluations undertaken since 2016, including on the success of mobile dialysis units and programs to boost school attendance in remote areas. Departments were also asked to provide information on the level of involvement of Indigenous people in those evaluations. 'Its not about getting more cardigan-wearing public servants with clipboards.' In three out of four evaluations, no Indigenous Australians were involved in the analysis or reporting. In seven out of eight cases, no information on the results of the evaluation were provided back to the Indigenous Australians affected by the programs. In short: The responses to the Commissions information request highlight the current inadequate level of engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on evaluation, with an obvious need for considerable improvement. Furthermore, evaluations of Indigenous programs were found to rely heavily on qualitative methods, such as surveys and interviews, as opposed to quantitative results, such as hard data on changes in relevant indicators. They rarely included a cost-benefit analysis and few established a control group to test the effect of policies against a no change group. The solution? The commission recommends the establishment of a new Office of Indigenous Policy Evaluation to ensure all programs aimed at improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do just that. Indigenous leaders are rightly sceptical, fearing more red tape or administrative burden for an already burdened group of society. But Romlie Mokak, a Djugun man and lead commissioner of the report, says that such a body could help to overcome some of the consultation fatigue Indigenous leaders feel. The most important thing is the principal about centring Aboriginal people right at the heart of it, and determining with government the sorts of questions that need answers. Loading Too often, that doesnt happen, says Mokak, who was appointed the first Indigenous commissioner at the Productivity Commission last year. They will generally develop the policy, they will have the objective, and Indigenous consultation is bolted on as an afterthought. Theyre not bringing Indigenous people into the very first part and asking: What questions are important to be answered for Indigenous people? Its not about getting more cardigan-wearing public servants with clipboards to poke their noses into Indigenous business. Far from it, says Mokak. Its about asking communities themselves to consider what success would look like. And then, whether it has happened. Such a practical approach is, in fact, a longstanding tradition in Indigenous communities, says Mokak. This is the way our communities operate. Its about responding to the most important questions the community or eldership has to be answered. And then asking: what are the tools that we need to bring in to best answer that? Sadly, however, its a world away from how we currently do things. As the commissions review shows, policy interventions into Indigenous lives follow a pattern. A government announces a pot of money to help Indigenous Australians. This money is given to an agency to oversee and implement. The agency hires external consultant to pronounce policy intervention a success. Basically, the incentives are all wrong. What incentive does an agency have to turn around and say, Oh actually, this was a massive waste of time and money, often leading to counter-productive outcomes? Loading None. That needs to change. Crucially, by involving Indigenous voices early in the policy design process and establishing clear evaluation guidelines, the commissions recommendations could drive better outcomes from the outset, not simply catch bad ones. Overall, the report finds Indigenous voices are simply not being heard by the government departments in charge of delivering their programs. The doctors union has blasted the Government for failing to recommend ways to save the lives of non-white medics on the frontline against coronavirus. The British Medical Association (BMA) said a report released by Matt Hancock yesterday which showed Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (Bame) Britons were dying at a higher rate than their white counterparts was a 'missed opportunity'. Its chairman, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, dismissed it as a bland 'statistical analysis' which offered no practical help to cut the devastating death rate. The Public Health England report appeared to be rushed out yesterday afternoon after a wave of criticism that it might be withheld amid the angry scenes on the streets in the US. Labour's Keir Starmer had demanded the government stop making 'excuses' and reveal the findings. It revealed Bame Britons have a much higher risk of death than white people, as do those from poorer backgrounds, men and anyone who is obese or suffering from diabetes. Dr Nagpaul said: 'It is a statistical analysis, which while important, gets us no closer towards taking action that avoids harm to BAME communities. BMA chairman Dr Chaand Nagpaul dismissed the report as a bland 'statistical analysis' which offered no practical help to cut the devastating death rate Matt Hancock defended the report at last night's Downing Street press conference, telling the public 'black lives matter' and saying he he 'shares the anger about racial injustice felt around the world' 'The BMA and the wider community were hoping for a clear action plan to tackle the issues, not a reiteration of what we already know. 'We need practical guidance, particularly in relation to how healthcare workers and others working in public-facing roles will be protected.' The PHE report showed that, after accounting for the effect of sex, age, deprivation and region, people of Bangladeshi ethnicity have around twice the risk of death than people who are white British. Those of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Other Asian, Caribbean and Other Black ethnicity have between a 10 per cent and 50 per cent higher risk of death when compared to white British. Meanwhile, the highest diagnosis Covid-19 rates per 100,000 population are in black people (486 females and 649 males), and are lowest in white people (220 in females and 224 in males). Compared to previous years, death from all causes are now almost four times higher than expected among black males, almost three times higher in Asian males and almost two times higher in white males. Among females, deaths were almost three times higher in black, mixed and other females, and 2.4 times higher in Asian females compared with 1.6 times in white females. The study said the 'relationship between ethnicity and health is complex and likely to be the result of a combination of factors'. Matt Hancock defended the report at last night's Downing Street press conference, telling the public 'black lives matter' and saying he he 'shares the anger about racial injustice felt around the world'. He said that equalities minister Kemi Badenoch would look at the issue further, adding: 'We will put action in place as soon as we can. We won't wait for a report.' Denying that the government tried to hold off publication of an official inquiry into high BAME deaths rates to avoid inflaming tensions, Mr Hancock told the daily Downing Street briefing the findings were 'timely'. 'This is a particularly timely publication, because right across the world, people are angry about racial injustice,' he said. 'And I get that. Black lives matter.' Almost half of coronavirus fines in London issued to Bame people Bame people were nearly 50 per cent more likely than white people to be arrested in London using coronavirus laws, new figures suggest. The total number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) handed out by the Metropolitan Police between March 27 and May 14 was almost a fifth higher for those from non-white communities. While people from Asian, black, mixed and other backgrounds make up around four in 10 of the capital's population, according to Office for National Statistics data, they account for more than half of the fines and arrests for alleged breaches of Covid-19 legislation. Black people make up 12 per cent of the population but received 26 per cent of the 973 fines handed out by police and accounted for 31 per cent of arrests. Asian people, who account for 18 per cent of London's population, were handed 23 per cent of fines and were subject to 14 per cent of arrests. The UK's largest police force admitted "higher proportions of those in black and minority ethnic (BAME) groups were issued with FPNs or arrested across London as a whole". But the Met said the reasons "are likely to be complex and reflect a range of factors", adding: "This includes interactions between the areas subject to significant proactive policing activity targeting crime hot-spots and both the variation in the age-profile and geographical distribution of ethnic groups in London." Police were given powers to break up gatherings or fine and arrest people for breaching restriction of movement rules under the Health Protection Regulations 2020, from March 27. The data released on Wednesday shows 973 FPNs were issued by the Met up to May 14. Some 444 were given to white people, with the total figure (526) 18 per cent higher for non-white people, including 253 issued to black people, 220 to Asian people and 53 to others, according to the information recorded by officers. The Met made a total of 747 arrests, although just 36 were for alleged breached of Covid-19 regulations alone, with the majority coming alongside arrests for other offences. There were a total of 414 arrests for those who classify themselves as black (232), Asian (106), mixed (47) and other (29), some 46 per cent higher than the 284 arrests of white people. While non-white people make up 41 per cent of London's population, they account for 54 per cent of fines and 55 per cent of arrests, with no ethnicity stated in 7 per cent of the arrests. Advertisement Brits from BAME backgrounds ARE more likely to die of Covid-19, Public Health England review confirms - while the disease is 70 TIMES more likely to kill over-80s, diabetes is a major risk factor and men in lower-paid jobs are dying at 'significant' rates Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people are more likely to die from Covid-19, a government review has confirmed. The Public Health England (PHE) report revealed Britons of Bangladeshi ethnicity had around twice the risk of white Brits of dying with the coronavirus. And it showed black people, as well as those of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, or Caribbean backgrounds had between a 10 and 50 per cent higher risk of death. The analysis did not take into account higher rates of long-term health conditions among these people, which experts say probably account for some of the differences. Evidence compiled in the report also revealed that age is the single biggest risk factor that determines how likely people are to die with the virus - those over the age of 80 are 70 times more likely to be killed than under-40s. And health conditions which appeared often on people's death certificates were heart disease, diabetes - understood to be type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and dementia. More than one in five victims had diabetes, the data showed, which was a significantly higher rate than in people who died of other causes. Poorer, more deprived people faced a higher risk of dying and men working in lower-paid jobs - such as security guards, bus drivers and construction workers - also had worse chances of survival if they contracted the virus. Health chiefs launched a probe to investigate the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME Brits in April, prompted by a wave of evidence that showed white people were less likely to die from the disease. Health Secretary Matt Hancock, speaking in Parliament today, said: 'Black lives matter,' and pledged action to try and reduce health inequalities between different communities in the UK. He was pushed to deny that the release of the report - which was supposed to happen in May - had not been delayed because of political tensions in the wake of the death of American man George Floyd. He said in the House of Commons: 'We've published it and brought it to the House at the earliest possible opportunity.' Mr Hancock admitted that the report has 'exposed huge disparities in the health of our nation' and his counterpart in the Labour Party, Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth, noted: 'Covid thrives on inequalities'. Doctors still don't know exactly what is increasing non-white people's risk of death, but PHE's report adds to a growing body of evidence proving the link exists. One paper presented to government advisers in SAGE suggested that higher-than-average rates of type 2 diabetes among black and south Asian people may be to blame - the condition is known to increase risk of Covid-19 death. Data in the Public Health England report showed that the mortality rate - the number of people dying with the coronavirus out of each 100,000 people - was considerably higher for black men than other group. The risk for black women, people of Asian ethnicity, and mixed race people was also higher than for white people of either sex. The report warned the rate for the 'Other' category was 'likely to be an overestimate' Covid-19 can be seen to have had a significant effect on the numbers of men dying (dark green) in all ethnic groups but particularly for black and Asian men Covid-19 can be seen to have had a significant effect on the numbers of women dying (dark green) in all ethnic groups but particularly for black and Asian women Black men and women appeared to be at much higher risk of getting diagnosed with Covid-19, compared to other ethnic groups. The 'Other' group is not likely to be accurate because of disparities in the data and small numbers While white people make up a majority of Covid-19 hospital cases, they are more likely to be treated on normal wards with less severe infection. For adults in all other ethnic groups, however, there are higher rates of intensive care admission than there are admissions for low-level care The Public Health England report found: Covid-19 diagnosis rates - which reflect the numbers of people with serious disease - were higher in older age groups for both sexes; Death became considerably more likely with age. Compared with under-40s, the risk of death was tripled for people in their 40s, nine times higher among people in their 50s, 27 times higher among people in their 60s, 50 times higher for those in their 70s and a staggering 70 times higher for over-80s; Working age men diagnosed with the virus were twice as likely to die as women of the same age; Urban areas have considerably higher death rates from the virus - that of London was more than treble what was seen in the South West of England; People living in the most deprived areas of England were more likely both to be diagnosed with the virus and also to die of it. This may be because they had riskier jobs or lived in densely-populated areas where the virus could spread; Black, Asian and ethnic minority people faced a greater risk of dying with the coronavirus than white people. Reasons are unclear but greater prevalence of serious health conditions is thought to contribute; Medical workers are at a higher risk of catching or dying with the coronavirus. The PHE report repeated findings from the Office for National Statistics that men in less well-paid jobs were also at higher risk; Diabetes, mainly type 2 diabetes, is found at significantly higher rates among people who died of Covid-19 than in people who died of other causes, suggesting it increases risk. The same was found to be true of high blood pressure, kidney disease and dementia. And another study done by King's College Hospital in London found that BAME coronavirus patients there were, on average, 11 years younger than the white patients - 63 compared to 74. PHE's report came under fire for not answering these questions and for failing to bring forward any recommendations that the Government or public could act on to reduce the risk for BAME people. Labour's Shadow Equalities Minister, Marsha de Cordova, said: 'Having the information is a start but now is the time for action. The highest diagnosis rates per 100,000 population were in black people (486 females and 649 males), the PHE review found. The lowest were in white people (220 in females and 224 in males). Compared to previous years, death from all causes was almost four times higher than expected among black males, almost three times higher in Asian males and almost two times higher in white males. Among females, deaths were almost three times higher in this period in black, mixed and other females, and 2.4 times higher in Asian females compared with 1.6 times in white females. The highest death rates of confirmed cases per 100,000 population were among people in 'other' ethnic groups (234 females and 427 males) followed by people of black ethnic groups (119 females and 257 males) and Asian ethnic groups (78 females and 163 males). In comparison, the death rates of confirmed cases in white people was 36 per 100,000 females and 70 per 100,000 males. The report has been welcomed but also sparked outrage because it does not explain why BAME people are at a higher risk, nor propose anything that can be done about it. Marsha de Cordova MP, Labours Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary, said: 'This review confirms what we already knew - that racial and health inequalities amplify the risks of Covid-19. Those in the poorest households and people of colour are disproportionately impacted. 'But when it comes to the question of how we reduce these disparities, it is notably silent. It presents no recommendations. Having the information is a start but now is the time for action. 'The Government must not wait any longer to mitigate the risks faced by these communities and must act immediately to protect BAME people so that no more lives are lost.' Sally Warren, director of policy at The Kings Fund health think-tank, said: 'Weve known for many years that these groups typically have worse health outcomes, but there has been disappointingly little effort over the last decade to address inequalities and improve peoples health. 'The scandal is not that the virus has disproportionately affected certain groups, but that it has taken a global pandemic to shine a light on deeply-entrenched health inequalities.' Facing questions in Parliament today about why the release of the report had been pushed back, Matt Hancock denied it was because of increased sensitivity about racism in the light of protests and riots in the US. Crowds gathered in London, Manchester and Cardiff over the weekend to demonstrate against institutional racism, as widespread protests continue in the US after a white policeman killed an unarmed black man, George Floyd, by kneeling on his neck for nine minutes. Conservative MP for East Surrey, Clair Coutinho, asked whether this had factored into a decision not to release the report on time. Mr Hancock said: 'I can absolutely confirm that [it hasn't].' The Health Secretary added: 'When I asked PHE to undertake this piece of work I asked them to produce it by the end of May, which they did. 'They delivered it to me on Sunday and we've published it and brought it to the House at the earliest possible opportunity.' Mr Hancock admitted the report has exposed inequality across the UK and that non-white people were suffering worse health and now dying of coronavirus because of their social standing. Black, Asian and minority ethnic people have higher rates of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which increase the risk of someone dying if they catch Covid-19. They are also twice as likely as white people to live in poverty, more likely to have lower-paid jobs, and more likely to live in densely-populated areas of cities and towns which may put them at higher risk of catching the coronavirus. Mr Hancock said of the PHE report: 'This is very timely work. People are understandably angry about injustices and as Health Secretary I feel a deep responsibility because this pandemic has exposed huge disparities in the health of our nation. 'It is very clear that some people are significantly more vulnerable to Covid-19 and this is something I'm determined to understand in full and take action to address.' He added: 'Black lives matter, as do those of the poorest areas of our country which have worse health outcomes, and we need to make sure all of these considerations are taken into account, and action is taken to level-up the health outcomes of people across this country. 'Because there's no more important levelling-up than the levelling-up of your life expectancy and the quality of health with which you live that life.' Shadow Health and Social Care Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said in Parliament: 'We've always known that there was a social gradient in health - the poorest and most deprived have inequality in access to health care and an inequality in health outcomes. 'What [Mr Hancock] has confirmed today is that Covid thrives on inequalities. 'Yes, indeed, black lives matter but it is surely a call to action that black, Asian and minority ethnic people are more likely to die from Covid and more likely to be admitted to intensive care from Covid.' According to data from the Office for National Statistics, black men and women are four times more likely to suffer a coronavirus-related death than white people. Age: Older people are more likely to die with Covid-19 PHE's report found that someone's age was the single biggest factor that made them more likely to die with Covid-19. The older someone is, the higher their risk of dying. Public Health England's data showed there were considerably more cases of coronavirus among older age groups They were also more likely to be diagnosed because their risk of severe disease was higher, meaning they were more likely to end up in hospital and therefore get tested. Analysing survival among confirmed coronavirus patients, the report found the risk of death was three times as high for people aged between 40 and 49 as it was for under-40s. Compared with under-40s, the risk of death was nine times higher among people in their 50s, 27 times higher among people in their 60s, 50 times higher for those in their 70s and a staggering 70 times higher for over-80s. The report said: 'These are the largest disparities by far found in this analysis'. Illness: Heart disease, diabetes and dementia most common among Covid-19 victims People with 'underlying health conditions' have been at the heart of fears about the coronavirus and the Public Health England report shows they are at considerably higher risk of dying with the disease. The most common condition among people who died with the virus was heart disease, which was found in almost half of patients, but this rate was comparable to its prevalence in people who die of any condition. Diabetes, however - understood to refer to type 2 diabetes - was found in 21.1 per cent of Covid-19 victims, compared to just 14.6 per cent of people who died of any cause. This shows it increases the risk of dying of the coronavirus. The risk was also higher for high blood pressure (hypertensive diseases), which was found in 19.6 per cent of Covid-19 victims but only 14.5 per cent of all deaths. Dementia was also slightly higher, at 25.7 per cent from 23.8 per cent, along with kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The report added: 'Several studies, although measuring the different outcomes from Covid-19, report an increased risk of adverse outcomes in obese or morbidly obese people.' Cardiovascular (heart) disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia are found to be the conditions most common among people who die with the coronavirus. Heart disease is more common among Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities than among white people, and type 2 diabetes is more common in BAME people. Dementia is more common in white people Occupation: Men in lower-paid jobs the most at risk The PHE report said that healthcare workers made up more than 10,000 confirmed coronavirus cases at the time it was compiled, which was likely a direct result of their jobs. It repeated a finding from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last month that men working in lower-paid jobs 'had significantly higher death rates from Covid-19' along with both men and women working in social care. As examples of the men whose jobs appeared to put them at risk it said security guards, taxi drivers, chauffeurs, bus drivers, chefs, retail assistants, construction workers and factory employees were dying at higher rates. Reasons for this are unclear but this may be because those people are more likely to come into contact with others and therefore to catch the virus, or they are likely to have poorer health if they are not well paid. The PHE report said: 'For many occupations, however, the number of deaths is too small to draw meaningful conclusions and further analysis will be required.' Public Health England data also found that at least 169 care workers and home carers have now died with coronavirus. Deaths among those in the care sector were 1.7 times higher during the pandemic compared to previous years and, between March 21 and May 8, there were 548 deaths of all causes among care workers and home carers. Deprivation: Poorer people diagnosed more often and more likely to die The PHE report showed that deaths were considerably higher in men in the most deprived communities, and both sexes saw a direct link between deprivation and Covid-19 death rate People who live in the most deprived areas of the country are more likely to get seriously ill or die with the coronavirus, PHE's report confirmed. It said: 'People who live in deprived areas have higher diagnosis rates and death rates than those living in less deprived areas. 'The mortality rates from Covid-19 in the most deprived areas were more than double the least deprived areas, for both males and females. 'This is greater than the inequality seen in mortality rates in previous years, indicating greater inequality in death rates from COVID-19. 'High diagnosis rates may be due to geographic proximity to infections or a high proportion of workers in occupations that are more likely to be exposed.' The report explained that higher diagnosis and death rates in poorer communities were still noticeable when people's age and ethnicity were taken into account, but may have been influenced by higher rates of other illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, which PHE said 'requires further investigation'. Former vice president Joe Biden is expected to attend George Floyds funeral on Tuesday morning in Houston. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed on May 25 by a white police officer in Minneapolis in a police-brutality case that has triggered protests nationwide. Biden, the Democratic partys presumptive nominee, will attend the funeral, Floyds family attorney, Ben Crump, told KTRK-TV, abc13, Eyewitness News, in Houston. There has been no statement from the Biden campaign. On Sunday, Floyds brother, Philonise Floyd, told CNN he had spoken with both Biden and President Donald Trump last week, describing his conversation with Trump as brief, while Biden was talking to him constantly. The vice president, I loved his conversation. He talked to me for like 10 (or) 15 minutes. And I was trying to talk his ear off because he was talking to me constantly. Great conversation. But Trump, it lasted probably two minutes, Philonise Floyd said. It was very brief. The conversation was OK with him. I was just respecting him, you know listening to what he had to say. And I understood what he was saying, but it was just a brief conversation. The funeral service is set to begin at 11 a.m. at The Fountain of Praise in Houston. Memorial services are set for Thursday afternoon at North Central University in Minneapolis, where Floyd resided at the time of his death, and his birth town of Raeford, North Carolina on Saturday. About 120 members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Bugya Pala community in the Walewale Constituency in the North East Region have defected to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). In a statement, the Deputy Regional Secretary of the NPP in the North East Region, Ibrahim Yamusah said the move was as a result of the good developmental projects that the New Patriotic Party was executing in the constituency. It all started when Chief Paabobadana had a dream to move his family from the NDC to the NPP. Below is the full statement: MASS DEFECTION HITS NDC FRATERNITY AT WALEWALE CONSTITUENCY IN THE NORTH EAST REGION (30TH MAY,2020) Over 120 (one hundred and twenty) supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Walewale Constituency has defected to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the North East Region.Two Major groups in Bugyia Pala a village under Walewale Constituency defected to the great elephant fraternity. These two major groups are made up of Forteen (14) big houses.Chief Paabobadana had a dream that directed him to move all his family to join the NPP fraternity. This was a revelation, he said all my family are now part and parcel of the elephant fraternity and there is no way we will retreat to the vindictive and wicked party that drailed us so long in poverty and darkness. The spokes person of the defectors Mr Seidu Jabuni Francis (054 518 2208), a nurse by profession, said that their decision to join the NPP is very clear and with no ambiguity. The massive development within the three (3)years of President Nana Akuffo Addo and Vice president Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia government is very promising. The ruling government has done far better than the NDC administration especially the numerous social interventions like the NABCO, forestry, Free Senior high School which our brothers and sisters and friends are enjoying,this gave the poor access to secondary education, the massive educational infrastructure,portable water,roads, electricity and so forth.Walewale to Bugyia Pala road was created by his execellency President kuffour. It was deteriorated and not accessible in 2012.NDC never boarded to fit the road.So far so good the NPP government has awarded the road to a contractor called Alhaji Janda.Work is seriously ongoing.We have reasoned deep and will not go back to our slumber. The unwavering and diligent Municipal Chief Executive Hon Issahaku Basintale Arimiyaw Somo Lucky gave a very inspired and superb speech to the defectors.He said New Patriotic Party (NPP) remained the biggest visionary political Party in the country and they should not see themselves as strangers but full members of the party machinery for good.Many defected in 2016 elections and after the elections they contested the Constituency elections and won.This sends a strong signal that there is no stranger in the New Patriotic Party (NPP).He assured them that NPP will never betray or abandon them. A retinue of attendance were The area coordinator (Mr Tahiru), Communication team member and spokes person to the Municipal Chief Executive Walewale (Mr Salifu Nbadmah),The special aide to the Municipal Chief Executive Walewale incharge of operations and Organization (Mr Mohammed Seidu Shani), Walewale Constituency Youth Organizer (Mr Mohammed Kojo) Deputy Regional Secretary of North East and Special aide to the MCE Yamusah Ibrahim(Brainmaster) 0544226022 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 Erin Barnett is recovering well at home after enduring her SIXTH surgery relating to PCOS and endometriosis. But the former Love Island Australia star has slammed one ward nurse who treated her poorly before being discharged. Erin, , claimed the nurse was condescending towards her as she asked questions about the dosage of the strong painkiller she had been prescribed. Scroll down for video 'Don't ever make a patient feel like that!' Love Island star Erin Barnett shames a condescending nurse who called her dumb while recovering from endometriosis surgery The petite blonde claimed things turned sour when Erin requested clarification on her prescribed dosage. Erin was convinced the dosage was not what the doctor had originally suggested, and asked for the nurse to double check the dosage with the doctor directly. 'It's Endone (oxycodone), and it's really strong and it could be dangerous,' Erin clarified why she was adamant to get it checked. 'It's really strong and it could be dangerous': Erin said she wanted clarification on her dosage of Endone (oxycodone), but the nurse refused to call the doctor to ask the 'dumb' question Shocked: Erin said the condescending tone of the nurse made her feel insecure and embarrassed while recovering from her surgery But Erin claims the nurse gave her attitude, saying: 'I've never heard that in all my years on nursing.' 'I'm a bit embarrassed to even call him to ask him such a dumb question,' the nurse allegedly said to Erin, as another patient in the shared room apparently gasped. Erin claimed the nurse even double downed and said: 'It's just a really dumb question.' 'What if I overdosed on them, because I thought I was suppose to take four, instead of two?' Erin said she was only asking the question for own safety and peace of mind Erin said the condescending tone of the nurse made her feel insecure and embarrassed while recovering from her surgery. 'It's my body and I'm taking these drugs. What if I overdosed on them, because I thought I was suppose to take four, instead of two?' she reflected during her story. 'Don't ever make a f**king patient feel dumb for asking a question about medication,' she said to fans during the rant. Erin said another nurse called the doctor to clarify, and she admitted she was wrong, but she was happy she got the peace of mind on the correct dosage. 'Maybe it's the medication making me over dramatic, but I thought it was really s**t on that nurse's part to say that to me while I was concerned about the strong painkillers,' she added. However, Erin said every other nurse, including the admission and recovery nurses, were fantastic during her surgery journey. Not all bad! Erin said every other nurse, including the admission and recovery nurses, and her doctor were fantastic during her surgery journey 'I got this tattoo to cover up scars': In November, the blonde hit back hit back after critics online called referred to her stomach tattoo in the shape of a lotus flower as a 'tramp stamp' Erin first discovered she had the debilitating disorder when she had a three-litre cyst removed from her ovary at the age of just 15 'Everyone asking about my stomach tattoo. I got this tattoo to cover up scars on my stomach as I've had many ovary operations due to having endometriosis & polycystic ovaries' the reality star explained in 2019. At the time, Erin also revealed that she can't have children naturally. Way back when: Erin was famously in a relationship with Love Island co-star Eden Dally, but the couple split shortly after leaving the reality show Bengaluru, June 4 : The Karnataka government has tweaked quarantine requirements for people arriving from Maharashtra, raising the isolation time from a fortnight to three weeks, an official said on Wednesday. "Returnees from Maharashtra will be sent to institutional quarantine for seven days, followed by 14 days strict home quarantine, total 21 days," tweeted Health Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Pandey. The 21-day quarantine regimen is for all asymptomatic people returning from Maharashtra, considering most of the Covid cases in Karnataka are having domestic travel history to that state. If any of the asymptomatic people develop symptoms during the isolation, they will be subjected to a Covid test. However, some asymptomatic individuals from Maharashtra have been provided some exceptions from the three-week quarantine and designated as special category passengers. Special category passengers include people who suffered a death in family, pregnant women, children below 10, elderly people above 60, individuals suffering from serious illness and human distress. Similarly, the department has also made some provisions for business travellers from Maharashtra. "To establish that one is a business visitor, (that) person should show confirmed return flight or train ticket which should not be more than seven days later from the date of arrival," ordered Chief Secretary T.M. Vijay Bhaskar. Similarly, if a business visitor is arriving on road, he should provide the address proof of the person in Karnataka he intends to meet. Additionally, such a person should also produce a Covid negative test certificate which is not more than two days old. "One does not have a Covid negative test certificate such a person should go for institutional quarantine for two days within which Covid test should be conducted at his own cost. After the test result is negative, that person is exempted from quarantine," he said. However, business travellers have been exempted from hand stamping. Amending the Sunday orders, Bhaskar, has enhanced the quarantine requirements for Maharashtra returnees. Many conditions for visitors from other states remain mostly unchanged as notified on Sunday. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The government also plans to resume international flight connection with countries that opened airports for the flights from Ukraine; the preliminary date is June 15 112 International The domestic flight connection will be restored in Ukraine on June 5. The government members decided so during the Cabinet session on Wednesday. 112 Ukraine TV channel broadcasted the session. The government also plans to resume international flight connections with countries that opened airports for flights from Ukraine; the preliminary date is June 15. Apart from that, Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Krykliy added that from now on, five people can stay in the same car, including the driver, but not including children up to 14 years old. Up to eight passengers are allowed in minibusses at the same time. As is known, the Cabinet also decided that the quarantine measures will be mitigated. On June 5, citizens will be able to visit restaurants inside, granted they abide by social distance. Church services may also be performed inside since then; besides, the retired people will not have to stay in the isolation anymore. Earlier on June 3, Italy opened borders for foreign tourists. Thus, the travelers won't have to spend two weeks in isolation upon arrival. Watch our video digest of Ukraine's top events that took place in May 2020: COLUMBUS, Ohio State and federal officials have ratcheted up planning for studying Ohioans poop for early warnings of possible future coronavirus outbreaks. But theres still no definitive date on when a pilot program, in which researchers are studying raw sewage in Cincinnati and Marion as they develop laboratory techniques that could be replicated elsewhere, will be fully up and running as a statewide effort. State and federal officials have been in touch about the project with mayors of Ohios largest cities, including Akron, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo and Youngstown. The idea is to expand the program into major metropolitan areas during a first phase, beginning in July, and then expand further sometime afterward, according to a U.S. EPA spokesperson. The Ohio Water Resources Center, a federally funded research organization at Ohio State University, is convening researchers from Ohio State, the University of Toledo and Kent State University to develop methodology, modeling, and sharing of information, as well as identifying locations where testing could be performed. Meanwhile, the U.S. EPA has been reaching out to local water and sewer agencies to see which might be interested in participating. Officials with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District said federal officials are targeting June 16 to select the first round of participating communities. In the meantime, NEORSD officials have been collecting weekly sewage samples from each of their three sewage-treatment plants and storing them in a deep freeze. Were just waiting to hopefully be selected, said Frank Greenland, director of watershed programs for the NEORSD. We have the sampling protocols, and we have the equipment. Were ready to go. I think this highlights the role of the public sector, and how important it is to have this rigorous, service-minded approach in government and sewer districts, said Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells, CEO of the NEORSD. Were just trying to do our part. The project is a collaboration between the U.S. EPA, the Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Health. Its based off research, including a new study released last week by Yale University and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, that has found a COVID-19 outbreak can be detected days or up to a week in advance by measuring for the presence of coronavirus in a communitys raw sewage. Epidemiologists have studied sewage for clues about the spread of disease for decades, as well as for some chemicals, such as opioids, according to Zuzana Bohrerova, co-director of the Ohio Water Resource Center. But developing the protocol for the new coronavirus, especially considering other limitations around medical testing, will take study and time, she said. We are trying to leverage all this knowledge we have here in Ohio, she said. Like many others, university employees are working from home and dont have regular access to their laboratory facilities, which presents challenges for ramping the program up quickly, said John Lenhart, co-director of the OWRC. We recognize this is a pressing issue, and we want to push forward as quickly as we can, he said. Asked about the program last week, Gov. Mike DeWine said hes been in touch with Ohio mayors on the subject. It is one more indicator that we think will work and will just help us continue to understand where we are," he said. "Yeah, we hope to do that in every major area in the state. Read previous coverage by cleveland.com: Testing poop at wastewater treatment plants could help predict coronavirus outbreaks, research says Police are hunting rioters who stole dozens of brand-new cars from a San Leandro Fiat Chrysler Jeep dealership, some smashing into parked vehicles to clear a path to an exit. Among the 50 or more cars stolen were almost every one of the dealerships high-end Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcats, which sell for about $90,000 each. San Leandro Police Lt. Ted Henderson said Tuesday evening that 20 to 25 vehicles have been recovered, including Charger and Challenger Hellcats, Jeep Wranglers and pickup trucks. Some were damaged. Henderson said no arrests have been made so far but police are checking video posted on social media showing individuals involved in the thefts. They are also questioning residents living near where the vehicles were found and checking for cameras in the area. The brazen looting occurred Sunday as mostly peaceful marchers in several Bay Area cities protested the death of George Floyd, the Minneapolis man who was killed while in police custody on May 25. There was nothing peaceful, however, about the rioters who stormed Carlos Hildagos dealership on Marina Boulevard. On Monday, San Leandro police ordered a state of emergency through June 8 with a curfew in effect from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. The events in Minneapolis have re-opened old, raw wounds and forced us to confront societal injustices that need to be addressed," Chief Jeff Tudor wrote on the departments Facebook page. Those who peacefully protested have started that conversation. But those who have looted and stoked violence in our community are hurting that effort. According to KPIX CBS 5, looters approached Hildagos dealership after ransacking virtually every shelf of the Nike Clearance store across Marina Boulevard. Hildago first ordered employees to block the entrance with parked cars, but then told them to get out. He told KPIX CBS 5 that the thieves broke into the building and gained access to a key safe. The key fobs likely guided them to corresponding vehicles. At that point, a chaotic scene unfolded. Rioters smashed the cars they were driving into parked vehicles to move them out of the way. Dodge Chargers and Challengers peeled out, burning rubber as they sped out of dealership. One Hellcat was driven straight through the glass showroom window. We tried calling the cops and they were too busy, Hidalgo told CBS 5. They couldnt respond. So, you know . (Note: Video contains explicit language.) Its not a cause for anybody. This is just bad thieves. Its horrible, said Hidalgo. This is domestic terrorism brought upon to people that work. Thats not right. Hildago said the damage suffered by the dealership will hurt the 100 people he employs who have already been struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. The dealership and the Nike store were not the only businesses looted and damaged by roving lawless bands. A San Leandro Walmarts windows were smashed, its shelves emptied and a fire set. Among other stores looted and/or vandalized were Sees Candy, a Subway sandwich shop, Burlingame Coat Factory and a Designer Shoe Warehouse. Mike Moffitt is an SFGATE Digital Reporter. Email: moffitt@sfgate.com. Twitter: @Mike_at_SFGate After a pregnant elephant died of eating cracker stuffed pineapple allegedly fed to her by a local in Keralas Mallapuram, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi slammed the State government for not taking animal cruelty seriously. The former union minister wrote on micro-blogging site that Mallapuram is known for its intense animal activity and yet authorities did not taken any action to curb the menace. Mallapuram is known for its intense criminal activity especially with regards to animals. No action has ever been taken against a single poacher or wildlife killer so they keep doing it. I can only suggest that you call/email and ask for action, she tweeted. She also attached a document along with her tweet claiming that About 600 elephants are killed by the temples by breaking their legs, beating and starving them and otherwise by private owners by insuring them and then deliberately drowning them or giving them gangrene by putting rusted nails on them. I talk to the department almost every week about an elephant and they do absolutely nothing. Maneka Gandhi further posted telephone numbers of the state forest minister as well as other officials urging people to reach out to them. The elephant had died on May 27 after she ate the pineapple stuffed with crackers and forest officials said that it died standing in river Velliyar after it suffered an injury in its lower jaw. The elephant was seen standing in the river with her mouth and trunk in the water, for some relief from the pain after the fruit exploded in her mouth. Meanwhile on Wednesday, Mannarkkad forest range officer said that an FIR has been lodged against unidentified people under relevant sections of Wild Life Protection Act over incident. ASSUMPTIONS made by the Commission for Aviation Regulation last year when it determined the maximum passenger charges that can be levied at Dublin Airport from 2020 to 2024 are "no longer valid" in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Commissioner Cathy Mannion. The Commission said yesterday that it's further reducing the price caps it had introduced for 2022 and 2023, by 13 cent and 7 cent respectively, following a complaint from Ryanair that the length of time given by the Commission to Dublin Airport to achieve operation efficiencies was excessive. An Appeals Panel convened to examine the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) pricing determination was not convinced that four years were required to achieve the operating efficiencies target. The panel also said that it was not convinced that the CAR had determined if the efficiencies could be achievable over a shorter period of time. But the Panel rejected most points of appeal, concluding that the Commission did not err, that it gave proper consideration to material it was presented with, and that CAR had full regard to its statutory requirements, the Commission said. The Commission determined in October that it would reduce the maximum charge per passenger that can be levied by the DAA at Dublin Airport between 2020 and 2024. The 7.87 average maximum passenger charge between 2020 and 2024 is much lower than the maximum charge of between 9.05 and 9.94 per passenger that had been sought by the DAA. The DAA has previously claimed that the reduction was a "disaster" for passengers and the Irish economy and put its capital projects at risk. But it's now put most projects under review due to the pandemic. "The wide-ranging impact of Covid-19 means that many of the assumptions and expectations which underpin the 2019 Determination on airport charges are no longer valid," said Ms Mannion. "The regulatory model used in the 2019 Determination is intended to allow for a reasonable degree of deviation - whether up or down - from ex-ante forecasts over the five-year period, without a requirement for an interim review," she said. "The current situation is not a reasonable degree of deviation from those forecasts. We will revisit these assumptions in the coming months and years. We intend to work with all stakeholders to review the 2019 Determination in light of Covid-19," Ms Mannion added. Highlights Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg held a virtual meeting in which he addressed employees' qualms. Upset employees questioned Zuckerberg about US President Donald Trumps social media post. Zuckerberg stood his ground saying that the post did not violate any Facebook policies. Around 400 upset Facebook employees staged a virtual walkout on Tuesday. These employees were protesting Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's stance of keeping US President Donald Trump's social media post that said, "When the looting starts, the shooting starts." In the latest development, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg took questions from employees at an all-hands company wide meeting. Two employees who attended the meeting told Bloomberg that Zuckerberg took questions from the upset employees and explained to them that Trump's remark did not clearly incite violence, which means it didn't break Facebook's rules. The meeting reportedly lasted for 90 minutes and Zuckerberg answered employees' qualms through a split-screen. Zuckerberg further said that the company was exploring its policies and thinking about coming up with other ways to flag violating posts besides taking them down entirely. As per the report, Facebook will create a hub for election resources like how it did for COVID-19 where users can seek out vetted information. Facebook has experienced internal resistance with many senior Facebook employees taking to Twitter to voice their dissent, some employees staging a virtual protest, and some even quitting. Timothy Aveni, a software engineer for Facebook announced his resignation on Monday, citing Facebook's failure to step in on content such as Trump's. "Mark always told us that he would draw the line at speech that calls for violence. He showed us on Friday that this was a lie," Aveni posted on Facebook. "Facebook, complicit in the propagation of weaponised hatred, is on the wrong side of history." Trump, in his social media posts, wrote "When the looting starts, the shooting starts." This post came in the backdrop of the death of George Floyd, a 42-year-old unarmed black American on May 25 and the protests that followed. While Twitter screened Trump's tweet behind a label warning, Facebook let it stand. Zuckerberg in a public post wrote, "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 for themselves because ultimately accountability for those in positions of power can only happen when their speech is scrutinized in the open." Meanwhile, Facebook has removed accounts associated with white nationalist groups after some advocated bringing weapons to the current wave of anti-racist protests, Reuters reported. The misleading Antifa accounts were removed for inauthentic behavior because they purported to be something they were not, Facebook said. Facebook executives said that Facebook had not designated Antifa as dangerous and that they acted based on behavior, not the politics of any content. This time, when African Americans turned out to protest, they found a wealth of new allies marching with them. A Reuters/Ipsos poll taken on Monday and Tuesday confirmed that this was no illusion. Two out of three Americans including a majority of rural residents said they were sympathetic to people who are out protesting right now. Even the violence and vandalism that occurred in some places didnt distract attention from the real grievances behind the demonstrations. Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins and the Boston Police Patrolmens Association quarreled over social media this week over comments the prosecutor made condemning police brutality in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd died on May 25 after a white police officer kneeled on the unarmed black mans neck for nearly 9 minutes. The policeman, later identified as Derek Chauvin, has been charged with murder and manslaughter. Three other officers who pinned Floyd down are expected to have charges filed against them as well. The killing of Floyd led to protests across the United States and throughout Massachusetts, including in Springfield, Worcester and Boston, all calling for an end to police brutality and systematic racism. Although three protests held in Boston on Sunday were nonviolent throughout the day, by night there were clashes between police and some protesters. Dozens of officers were left wounded. Several individuals were hospitalized, and 53 people were arrested. Rollins, prior to the largely peaceful protests, tweeted Saturday, While we are being murdered at will by the police & their proxy, privileged racists like Amy Cooper play the victim. No more apologies. No more words. Demand action. Radical change now. Nothing less. In a letter sent to the Boston area prosecutor Tuesday, the patrolmens association, which represents police officers in the city, condemned Rollinss tweet and corresponding comments, claiming her statements undoubtedly incited violence against the proud men and women of the Boston Police Department. To be clear our officers, arguably the best trained in the nation, deserved better, association President Lawrence Calderone and Vice President Richard Withington wrote. Your statements were and are dangerous, divisive, and wholly unwarranted. The letter was posted to Twitter by the association and retweeted by the Massachusetts Police Association, which represents police officers across the state. The patrolmens association called Rollinss statements incendiary and anti-police." The Suffolk County prosecutor rebuked the association over social media for its comments, tweeting that her statements were Anti-Police BRUTALITY," not anti-police. At multiple press conferences this week, the attorney has expressed her appreciation for Boston police and other law enforcement officials. On Tuesday, she thanked the overwhelming majority of members of law enforcement that go to work every day and do a job none of us would sign up for, even if it was three times the salary. They put themselves at risk every day, she added. In her response to the patrolmens association, Rollins questioned why the union has not yet denounced Floyds killing nor called for the firing and prosecution of the four officers who pinned him down. And did I somehow miss BPPAs letter denouncing the murder of George Floyd and calling for the immediate termination and prosecution of the 4 police that murdered him and/or watched and did nothing while he died?, she wrote. White fragility is real people. You mean Anti-Police BRUTALITY. And did I somehow miss BPPAs letter denouncing the murder of George Floyd and calling for the immediate termination and prosecution of the 4 police that murdered him and/or watched and did nothing while he died? White fragility is real people. https://t.co/Q0BQWT2n3I DA Rachael Rollins (@DARollins) June 2, 2020 The union, in its letter, went on to criticize Rollins for saying at another press conference Monday that it is completely ironic to have to say to you, Please dont be violent. Please keep your voice down. Please be silent and comply with all of the polices requirements, when in fact, its those very people that murder us with impunity. As the chief law enforcement officer in Suffolk County, it was utterly inappropriate for you to make a statement mocking violence, the letter said. You saw our city on fire Sunday night. And, we know you saw BPD officers put their lives on the line to keep our city safe. Yet, you accuse us of murder ... with impunity.'" During the same press conference Monday, Rollins also noted her heart goes out to the officers and civilians harmed at Sundays protests. We never wish that upon anyone. Those police officers showed up to do their job. They were pulled in on mandatory overtime, she said. We would never wish them harm. We should be proud that we have a commissioner in Boston who uses his voice to say this is unacceptable. Related Content: Moore quickly shifted gears and created a plan to create four seasonal gift boxes that would include food, art, history and cultural items from all over Alaska, instead of just from the areas she typically tours in Juneau. Our motto is, If you can't come to us, we'll come to you, she says. Working her longtime network of industry contacts, she reached out to food purveyors, artists, and other small businesses and tourism-related companies around the state. She curated a collection of authentic Alaska flavors that were shelf-stable enough to be shipped around the world. Her selections included a 6-ounce box of smoked salmon, a hot sauce made from kelp favored by Juneau locals, herbal tea and salted caramels. She also included a beautiful postcard book, recipe cards for authentic Alaskan cuisine, and travel guides to help recipients plan trips. Shortly after she came up with the idea for the subscription box, a reporter from the Anchorage Daily News interviewed her for a story about the state's devastated tourism industry. Not one to wallow in grief over what was lost, Moore focused on her new endeavor. Within three weeks of the story's running, Moore sold 50 boxes at $74.99 each and $279.96 for an annual subscription of four seasonal boxes. "What I'm finding most exciting is that Alaskans saw this article and they're buying them to help me, she says. Others are buying the boxes to give as gifts to people who love Alaska or want to visit the state someday, she adds. It will take a while for the boxes to pay the bills, let alone cover the refunds for the bookings she refunded for 2020. She applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), but the program ran out of money before Congress passed the second phase of stimulus assistance. She filled out an application for a Paycheck Protection Program loan but had not received an answer as of late May. And though her city was offering a gap loan program, Moore decided not to take advantage of it because she wasn't sure she would be able to pay the money back within six months. So to cover the $25,000 she owed, she dipped into her retirement savings. Moore admits that it's disappointing to see the company that had more than quadrupled its revenue in roughly six years take such a hit. But she is already making plans for the 2021 season, working with state tourism associations to develop safety protocols to protect her customers. And beyond restarting tours, she sees the subscription boxes as an opportunity to expand her revenue base. "It's only been a month, but I'm feeling really confident that the boxes will meet or surpass the tours eventually, she says. I'm optimistic about next season." Dede Gotthelf: Making Sure There's Room at the Inn The Southampton Inn, in Southampton, New York, is the type of place where families come back year after year. Dede Gotthelf's consulting, development and brokerage company, Catcove Corp., purchased the inn in 1998, initially planning to flip the property. But Gotthelf fell in love with the five acres of manicured grounds and pictured herself escaping Manhattan and spending summers in the Hamptons with her children. So she decided to keep the establishment. Gotthelf was visiting her son in Charlottesville, Virginia, in early March when she began hearing increasingly alarming reports about the coronavirus outbreak. She got into her car and drove nearly eight hours to get to the inn. I realized this was a serious medical pandemic and we needed to take steps quickly, she says. Her first step was to donate 10 rooms to medical professionals who needed a place to stay as they worked to treat COVID-19 patients. Soon, the need grew, and she started renting more rooms at rates below cost. In all, health care and infrastructure workers occupied 61 rooms, and they kept extending their stays. The next weeks unfolded with more challenges. Even before New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a stay-at-home order, cancellations had started coming in. Over a couple of weeks, the weddings, international guests and corporate events that made up 40 percent of her business disappeared. Then her regular customers started canceling, too. Summer was beginning to look bleak. Even as Gotthelf tended to the needs of the health care workers around her, she was making preparations for the time when guests would return. She would keep one of the campus's six guest buildings reserved for emergency workers who needed housing, but the rest of the property was being prepared for summer visitors. The Crime Branch of Delhi Police is set to file chargesheets in Ankit Sharma murder case and Rajdhani School on Wednesday (June 3). Both these cases are related to communal violence which erupted in Delhi in February claiming over 50 lives. The case for the murder of Ankit Sharma, a young IB official, was registered on February 26 at Dayalpur police station. Ankit Sharma was murdered outside former AAP leader Tahir Hussains house in Khajuri Khas area on February 25. After killing Ankit Sharma, the mob had thrown his dead body in a nearby drain. The body was fished out from the drain next day in the morning. A witness standing on a terrace had captured a video on his mobile phone, in which a group of persons are seen dumping the dead body in the drain. During postmortem, the doctors found 51 sharp and blunt injuries on Ankits body. Ten persons, including Tahir Hussain, were arrested in this case. Investigation has revealed that there was a deep rooted conspiracy behind the riot and murder of Ankit Sharma, who was a familiar face in the area. He was specifically targeted by a mob led by Tahir Hussain. It has been found that Tahir Hussain is the main person who had been instigating the mob, both on February 24 and 25, in the Chand Bagh area. Chargesheet against him, in another riot case of February 24, was filed on Tuesday by the Crime Branch.During investigation, the blood stained knife used to stab Ankit Sharma and the blood stained clothes of the killer (with Ankits blood) were recovered. Another knife used in the crime was also recovered. Tahir's licensed pistol was seized in a separate case. The second chargesheet will be filed in Rajdhani School case which was registered on March 5. This case was registered for the riots that took place on February 24 outside Rajdhani Public School, Shiv Vihar, New Mustafabad, Delhi. The case was registered on the complaint of the owner and manager of DRP Convent Public School, which is adjacent to the Rajdhani School in Shiv Vihar. The rioters had camped inside and fired bullets from the terrace of Rajdhani School. They also threw petrol bombs, acid, bricks, stones and other missiles using an improvised large iron catapult, specially installed for the purpose, from the terrace of Rajdhani School. The rioters had used ropes to climb down from the terrace of Rajdhani School into the compound of DRP Convent School and then the mob had set the school on fire. The rioters had also looted the computers and other expensive items from DRP Convent School. They had also burned down a building belonging to Anil Sweets, which stood right in front of Rajdhani School, on the other side of the road. Dilbar Negi, an employee with Anil Sweets, was trapped inside and his charred dead body was found later by the police. Eighteen persons, including Faisal Farooque, who is the owner of Rajdhani School, have been arrested in this case. During investigation it has been found that Faisal Farooque had hatched a conspiracy to precipitate and aggravate riots, in and around Rajdhani School. On his instructions, the adjacent and rival DRP Convent School, 2 parking lots run by the other party and the building of Anil Sweets was systematically destroyed by the mob. This is evident from the statement of witnesses, which include the guard at DRP School and his own guard at Rajdhani School. His call detail analysis and links with prominent members of Popular Front of India, Pinjratod group, Jamia Coordination Committee, Hazrat Nizamuddin Markaz and some other fundamental muslim clerics have also come light. In both the above cases, further investigation against other accused persons, who have already been identified in the case, will continue. A Malaysian beauty queen has apologised after her comments that black people should "relax" in response to raging US protests against police racism sparked an online outcry, including condemnation from "Crazy Rich Asians" actor Henry Golding. The US has been rocked for the past week by once-in-a-generation demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man, by a white police officer in Minnesota. But Samantha Katie James, who represented Malaysia in the 2017 Miss Universe pageant in the US, posted on Instagram this week: "To the black people, relax, take it as a challenge, makes you stronger. "You chose to be born as a 'colored' person in America for a reason. To learn a certain lesson." Social media lit up with anger following the remarks, with the Malaysian-born English actor Golding also condemning her comments in his Instagram stories. More than 80,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the 25-year-old to be stripped of her Miss Universe Malaysia crown, which she won in 2017, before competing internationally. "She misused her platform and social media presence to voice out her blatantly racist and ignorant remarks," read the petition. The organisers of the Miss Universe Malaysia contest also slammed the comments as "inappropriate, offensive, unacceptable and hurtful". As anger mounted late Tuesday, James posted an apology. "I do hear you, I'm sorry, I know you're hurting. I'm not in your shoes to fully understand this," she said. Responding to her comment that black people "chose to be black", she added: "Throughout my journey I have learned that we are more than just this temporary physical body, like an avatar, merely a tiny speck of dust in this vast infinite universe, we tend to overlook that from time to time. "In our process towards evolution as a human being, on earth. We chose our body, our family, our place of birth, our name and our lessons from the path we take tailor made for us." Protests against systemic racism and police brutality have raged across the US since Floyd's death, with many descending into mayhem as night falls. Samantha Katie James, who represented Malaysia in the 2017 Miss Universe pageant, posted on Instagram: 'To the black people, relax' (Newser) President Trump is disputing reports that he was rushed to an underground bunker as protests raged outside the White House Friday. The president told Brian Kilmeade on Fox News Radio that he only visited the bunker for a brief "inspection" during the day. "I went down during the day and I was there for a tiny little short period of time and it was much more for an inspection," he said, adding: "They said it would be a good time to go down and take a look because maybe sometime you're going to need it." He said he had been there "two or three" times previously. Multiple sources told CNN and other outlets that Trump was actually rushed to the bunker along with Melania Trump and son Barron for almost an hour as protests intensified late Friday. story continues below The president also pushed back against criticism of his visit to St. John's Church on Monday, which was called an "outrage" by religious leaders including DC's Episcopal bishop. "Most religious leaders loved it," Trump said. "It's only the other side that didn't like it, you know, the opposingthe opposition party, as the expression goes," he said "They burned down the church the day before, I heard how nice and wonderful the protesters were over there. Really? Then why did they burn down the church the day before?" He told Kilmeade he hadn't known that protesters had been forcibly cleared from the area ahead of the photo-op. "When I said go to the church, I didn't know, protesters or not, nobody tells me that," he said. (Read more President Trump stories.) Patna: Afraid to contract Coronavirus but itching to organize rallies and yatras, politicians in Bihar are coming up with novel ideas to maintain their political relevance in the run up of the upcoming Assembly elections. On Monday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejaswi Yadav announced his decision to take out a 'virtual' rally on June 9 called 'Mazdoor Adhikar Diwas' during which all RJD supporters will stand at their house doors and beat metal utensils 'to wake up the Nitish government from the deep slumber'. "Those who don't have metal vessels will show their anger towards the NDA government by waving leaves of banana tree," he said. The statewide 'rally' beginning at 10:00 am would be shown on giant monitors through webcams and drones deployed in many regions. Speaking at a press conference in Patna, Yadav, who has emerged as the de facto leader of the party after the incarceration of his father and party President Lalu Prasad Yadav, said that while the entire nation is reeling under the deadly effects of Coronavirus, the NDA was concerned about the upcoming elections in Bihar. "BJP president Amit Shah has announced that he will also hold a 'digital rally' in Bihar to drum up support for the coming elections later this year but his rally will, in fact, be a celebration of the deaths of people due to Coronavirus and the displacement of millions of migrant workers who were forgotten and abandoned by the Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar governments," the RJD leader, who is hoping to replace Nitish as the next Chief Minister of Bihar, said. Yadav took Kumar to task on the COVID-19 issue saying the Chief Minister had promised to make 100 ventilators available but failed to do so. He also asked Kumar to explain how much financial help he received from the Center to combat the effect of Coronavirus in Bihar. "Those who used to accuse the RJD for being responsible for Biharis to go to other states for employment are now unable to handle their return to the state. Scorpions are being found in quarantine centers and women are being raped in the isolation wards," the RJD leader said. 02.06.2020 LISTEN In these past few months, the novel coronavirus has changed the world. It is not only pushing us into a new era, but it is also forcing us to recognize that a new era has already begun. This new era driven by the digital revolution has been sneaking up on us for decades. COVID-19 has threatened most traditional institutions, like our school system by putting unprecedented power in the hands of individuals. This is what is known as the new normal. It is true that for decades, the field of education has resisted societys decentralizing trends. But now it looks like the coronavirus will serve as the catalyst to help our schools catch up to the decentralizing trends of the larger society. Education is at a crossroads right now, where the choice is between clinging to old practices and theories or redefining learning. Coronavirus pandemic has forced schools around the world to close, prompting a chaotic scramble to move online and find a way to somehow finish out semesters. If society is decentralizing, eventually control of our education system will have to decentralize as well. In practical terms, that means giving more control to teachers and parents. The pandemic has forced millions of teachers, parents and students to try an unplanned and unexpected experiment in homeschooling. Teachers are learning new ways to connect with students. Parents are facing new questions about what to push and what to let slide. Many students will thrive, others will get by and an untold number will be left behind. We know that these are challenging times for everyone. And whiles health and safety should be our priority; we shouldnt forget the education of our kids and even that of ourselves. Today I want to talk to you about another platform, equally important and best of all free to use for home-schooling. Take a look at it here: https://www.excellenthomeclasses.com/how-to-use-khan-academy-for-homeschooling/ Copy and paste this link into your browser and find out more. Conclusion Excellent Home Classes provides an effective, efficient and excellent home tuition services for students of all ages and in all subjects. We have expert tutors for both in-home tuition and on-line tuition. With our in-home tuition, tutors meet students in-person at their homes whiles for on-line tuition; lessons are conducted with the help of the internet using platforms like zoom and Google classroom. With in-home tuition, students can meet with tutors living within or around their localities. Whiles with online tuition, student can meet with tutors anywhere as long as they have access to internet connection. The Morrison government is weighing up a request by Britain to offer refuge to Hong Kong residents leaving the Chinese territory, as Beijing clamps down on dissent in the former British colony. The chair of Australia's Foreign Affairs committee, David Fawcett, joined with his counterparts from the UK, Canada and New Zealand on Wednesday to urge the United Nations to appoint a special human rights envoy for Hong Kong. The joint statement is the third multilateral declaration in the past week condemning new national security laws passed by Beijing and pushing for international intervention. Riot police on the front line in Hong Kong. Credit:Getty Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam travelled to Beijing on Wednesday to discuss the new laws and said claims the new legislation was going to take away Hong Kong's freedoms were "totally unsubstantiated". The draft measures prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against Beijing and "prevent, stop and punish" activities that endanger national security. The Military Police have warned of the 'potential for serious harm' of the so-called 'laughing gas' drug which has become common among some young people during the Covid-19 lockdown. MP officers yesterday found dozens of empty cartridges which contain the nitrous oxide gas normally used in dispensers in restaurant kitchens but can be bought cheaply online. The MP said: "A quantity of expended nitrous oxide canisters was found on the Curragh Plains. AKA 'laughing gas' and 'hippy crack' - this has the potential for serious harm to users." This week's Leinster Leader published an investigation into the worrying use which the HSE said can cause suffocation and death due to blocking oxygen entering the bloodstream. Under Irish legislation, it is illegal to sell products containing nitrous oxide for human consumption and to consume it. Numerous empty canisters which the drug is contained in are being seen in areas such as parks, roadsides and on the Curragh. Youths with no school or exams to occupy themselves during the Covid-19 restrictions are believed to be experimenting with the drug. The Naas-based South Western Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force (SWRDATF) has urged the public to contact gardai if they see use or evidence of use of this drug which can cause suffocation and be potentially fatal. Spokesman Steven Joyce told the Leinster Leader: Young people have a lot of time on their hands these days; theyre not in school, theyre not doing exams and with the sunny weather theyre out and about up to late at night. There is no such thing as a safe substance or drug. Like any drug, you cannot be sure of its quality if its being consumed and there could be all kinds of side effects on different people and implications on their health and well being. READ MORE in this week's Leinster Leader in shops now. James Corden broke down in tears during a heartfelt conversation with his friend and colleague, Reggie Watts. On Monday night, the Late Late Show host addressed the civil unrest in the nation following the death of George Floyd. In Corden's emotional message, he called for change and showed his support in the fight for justice. "Good evening everyone, thank you for staying awake for our show on one of the saddest, scariest, yet most important times of our lives," Corden said as he opened the show on Monday. "As you'll all know, on Monday of last week a black man named George Floyd was murdered by the excessive force of the police." "If it was a one-off event, it would be an appalling, horrific tragedy that should shake all of us to our core," Corden continued. "Yet this was the latest in a string of killings of unarmed black citizens by white people. Breonna Taylor was shot by police in her own home. Ahmaud Arbery was going for a jog when he was shot and killed by two men. And sadly, there are so many more victims that I could mention." Celebrities Speak Out in Response to George Floyd's Death Corden then shared that he had been "struggling all weekend" wondering what he would say to his viewers. "Because, who needs my opinion?" Corden said. "Surely, this is a time for me to listen, not talk. And then I realize that that's part of the problem. People like me have to speak up. To be clear, I'm not talking about late-night hosts, or people who are fortunate like I am to have to have a platform. I'm talking about white people. White people cannot just say anymore, 'Yeah, I'm not racist.' And think that that's enough, because it's not." "It's not enough, because make no mistake, this is our problem to solve," Corden added. "How can the black community dismantle a problem that they didn't create?" Corden went on to check in with his bandleader, Watts, asking, "How are you doing, Reg?" "Ah, crazy, I don't know, feeling so much simultaneously, it's crazy," Watts replied. "I was fortunate to grow up in a place where I was pretty protected by my parents when it came to forms of racism that happened in my neighborhood. My mom was a fierce fighter and would get out of the house and get in people's faces about, you know, people calling me the N-word or whatever growing up and being different and stuff. So I feel really grateful that my parents and my father fought so hard to make my life feel normal and to have me grow up feeling like I'm a human being rather than I'm a demographic." Story continues "And just going back in my history, my father growing up in the Midwest and being in Vietnam and not being able to get a job when he got out of the Army because he was black," Watts continued. "And the economy wasn't doing that well and he had to reenlist, got sent back to Vietnam. And then when my parents got married their marriage wasn't recognized in the U.S. because of laws prohibiting interracial marriage." Watts also mentioned that his cousin, novelist Alice Walker, wrote about her experience in The Color Purple. "I have this history in the black community in the Midwest that I don't access a lot because there's a lot of pain and emotion there," Watts said as he teared up. "So it's hard and so much is happening. And I want to use my platform for good. I go in and out, you know? It's tough." Watching his friend tell his story, Corden himself broke down in tears. "I'm so sorry that you're feeling this. I would give anything to be in a room with you and put my arm around. I would so much, I would give anything to be able to put my arm around you," Corden told Watts as he wiped tears from his eyes. Watch the video above to see the conversation between Corden and Watts. "E! stands in solidarity with the black community against systemic racism and oppression experienced every day in America," the network said in a statement on May 31. "We owe it to our black staff, talent, production partners and viewers to demand change and accountability. To be silent is to be complicit. #BlackLivesMatter." President Mattarella bestows order of knighthood on heroic citizens. Italy's president Sergio Mattarella has bestowed knighthood honours on 57 citizens who distinguished themselves by serving their community during the coronavirus emergency, reports Italian news agency ANSA. The honour - Cavaliere al merito della Repubblica - will be awarded to mainly frontline healthcare workers but also individuals in other professions who excelled with their actions of kindness and goodwill during Italy's darkest hour. Read also: The following is a selection of some of the 57 recipients of the honour, with the full list available here. Annalisa Malara and Laura Ricevuti, an anaesthetist from Lodi and a hospital doctor in Codogno, who were the first to treat Italy's so-called Patient 1. Maria Rosaria Capobianchi, head of Rome's Spallanzani hospital team that helped to isolate the virus. Renato Favero and Cristian Fracassi, the doctor who had the idea of adapting a snorkeling mask into a respirator and the engineer who made it happen. Riccardo Emanuele Tiritiello, a student who together with his father and grandfather cooked free meals for the doctors and nurses of Milan's Sacco hospital. Elena Pagliarini, the nurse from Cremona portrayed in the black and white photo that became a symbol of the coronavirus emergency, who tested postive for covid-19 but returned to the frontline as soon as she had recovered. Irene Coppola made thousands of masks at her own expense and helped an association for the deaf by inventing a transparent mask for lip reading purposes. Alessandro Bellantoni made a 1,300-km free ride in his taxi to take a three-year-old girl from Vibo Valentia to the Bambin Gesu hospital in Rome for an oncological check-up. Mahmoud Lufti Ghuniem, a rider living in Italy since 2012, presented himself to the Red Cross of Turin with 1,000 masks purchased out of his own pocket. Giacomo Pigni, a volunteer from Auser Ticino-Olona, organised about 20 students to make "listening phone calls" to give company to people on their own during the lockdown. Piero Terragni, a businessman from Bellusco who, following the death of employee Erminio Misani - leaving behind his unemployed wife and three children - hired Misiani's wife Michela Arlati. Photo Agenzia Nova Dakota Johnson took to social media Tuesday to denounce racism and encouraged 'peaceful action' following the death of unarmed black man George Floyd. The 30-year-old actress posted a quote on Instagram from late anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela that read, 'No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite'. She also added a list of organizations to support including Black Lives Matter. Denounced racism: Dakota Johnson, shown in December 2018 in Morocco, took to social media Tuesday to denounce racism following the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota Dakota added in the caption for her roughly 3.2 million followers on Instagram: 'It is mind bending, horrifying and completely unacceptable that any human being fear for their life or lose their life because of the color of their skin. Enough is enough.' She urged followers to join her in donating to anti-racism organizations that she shared including: Black Lives Matter, Minnesota Freedom Fund and Reclaim The Block. 'Let's wake up and stay awake to the reality of this world, and the insidious disease of racism in our culture and corrupt government. Let's raise awareness,' she added. 'Let's take peaceful action. Let's VOTE corrupt politicians out of office. Let's educate ourselves and educate our children. Beyond this week or this year or this lifetime, forever and forever instill knowledge, compassion, equality, and oneness. Nurture and illuminate the hearts around you towards a more wise and morally evolved humanity,' Dakota posted. Anti-apartheid leader: The 30-year-old actress shared a quote from anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela on Instagram The actress also included a reading list on the subject of racism that she said had been 'very edifying and helpful to me'. The list included: White Fragility: Why It's So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo; Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge; The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X; The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin and The Source of Self-Regard by Toni Morrison. Dakota is the daughter of Hollywood stars Melanie Griffith, 62, and Don Johnson, 70. Donations list: Dakota urged her Instagram followers to join her in donating to anti-racism organizations, including Black Lives Matter, Minnesota Freedom Fund and Reclaim The Block Famous family: Melanie Griffith, Dakota and Don Johnson are shown in February 2016 in New York City Her maternal grandmother is actress Tippi Hendren, 90, who starred in the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock suspense thriller The Birds. Dakota has been in a relationship with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 43, since October 2017. She landed her first starring role portraying Anastasia Steel in the Fifty Shades film series. Dakota starred in the comedy-drama The High Note that was released Friday digitally through video on demand by Focus Features. The film was previously scheduled to be released in theaters on May 8, but its theatrical release was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New research published by Hays Ireland shows that over three-quarters (76%) of Irish employees believe their employer has a responsibility to provide wellbeing support to employees during the coronavirus pandemic, yet less than half (45%) of employers currently provide such supports. Hays Ireland surveyed 1,700 people across Ireland, examines the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on employee wellbeing and explores how employers can take steps to support their workforce. The research found Irish employees want to see their employers show leadership and reassurance during this time of unprecedented change and uncertainty. However, two in five (40%) employees feel that their employers response to the coronavirus pandemic has been okay to poor. The research suggests that although over two fifths (41%) of employers say the communication aspect of their organisation has had the most change since the coronavirus pandemic, communications is the main area employees (50%) believe their employers should improve in. This is followed by improvements in strategy and planning (16%) and remote staff management (14%). According to the research, almost 40% of employees rate their current work-life balance as average or poor, with a lack of social interaction being the greatest challenge to their overall wellbeing (31%). Over half of employees (59%) say job security has become more important since the coronavirus restrictions, with almost half also stating that work-life balance (49%), mental health support (49%), the work support network (48%), and physical health support (46%) has become more important as well. Hays research suggests that the most prominent supports offered by employers promoting employee wellbeing include professional training, social activities, online doctors, and exercise initiatives. The most in-demand wellbeing supports listed by employees include a greater focus on communications (41%), professional training (21%), and support services such as online doctors or counselling services (18%). Almost one third (30%) of employers think the greatest challenge when transitioning back to workplaces will be establishing remote working agreements with their employees. Commenting on the report, Director of Hays Ireland, Maureen Lynch said, "The coronavirus has changed the way we work and how employees perceive the workplace. This presents challenges and opportunities for employers, who must now adapt to new ways of working and better understand their employees motivations. On 10 August, we will see the final phase of the re-opening of the Irish economy and more specifically, the re-opening of office buildings across the country." She added, "Were seeing some employers already making changes. Less than a fortnight ago, Twitter committed to making its current remote-working practises available to staff on a permanent basis. This move is a recognition of the positives that have emerged from this new mode of working, including improved employee wellbeing and, for the employer, new ways of achieving optimum productivity." Source: www.businessworld.ie Analysts expect an even deeper contraction in the second quarter, setting up its first recession in 30 years. Australias economy shrank last quarter, setting the scene for what is expected to be the countrys first technical recession in three decades as entire business sectors shut down to fight the coronavirus. Wednesdays data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed the economy contracted by 0.3 percent in the first quarter ended March compared with the last three months of 2019, the first decline in nine years. Compared with the same period last year, Australias gross domestic product expanded by 1.4 percent, but that was the slowest expansion since the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. The result sets up an end to Australias record run of avoiding two consecutive quarters of shrinking GDP the definition of a recession having dodged them during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the Dot-Com Bubble and the global financial crisis. Australias two trillion Australian dollar (US$1.39 trillion) economy is facing its worst contraction since the Great Depression in the current quarter, with almost 600,000 jobs lost in April alone and much of the economy in lockdown to contain the coronavirus. Household consumption was the biggest drag on growth last quarter with massive falls in spending on clothing, cars, transport, recreation, hotels, cafes and restaurants. The economic fallout deepened in Australia as the number of local coronavirus cases surged from fewer than 100 in early March to more than 7,000 now, forcing the government to shut borders and restrict large gatherings. The decline in GDP in the first quarter pales in comparison to the much larger fall in Q2, Ben Udy Australia and New Zealand economist at research firm Capital Economics, wrote in a research note sent to Al Jazeera. Indeed, we estimate that consumption may be nearly 20 percent below its pre-virus levels in Q2. One reason is that households stopped panic buying of food. But most of it will be driven by the restrictions to recreation and retail services, Udy added. Fiscal and monetary policy are working in tandem to rebuild the economy. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), the countrys central bank, has taken the cash rate near zero and lowered the cost of borrowing with its 0.25 percent bond yield target. The government has injected tens of billions of dollars into the economy to help tide businesses and households through the lockdown. With the containment of the health crisis allowing activity to resume, the critical question is how quickly businesses can get back on their feet, workers regain employment and households resume spending. The rate of new infections has declined significantly and some restrictions have been eased earlier than was previously thought likely, RBA Governor Philip Lowe said Tuesday after keeping borrowing costs unchanged. The RBA stepped in by cutting the cash rate to a record low 0.25 percent and launching an unlimited bond-buying programme. The data shows Australias economy was struggling from a devastating bushfire season, a slowdown in tourism and weak domestic demand even before the coronavirus-related mobility restrictions kicked in. Cleaning away the bright red spray-painted graffiti from the Alamo Cenotaph was long and hard work, but Alamo Conservator Pamela Jary Rosser has prepared her whole career for the task. On Monday, she used an array of tools to remove anti-white supremacy slogans that were tagged in red on the white marble monument last week. Her tools included a variety of small brushes, two gallons of graffiti remover, safety glasses and a toothbrush. The phrases white supremacy, profit over people and the ALAMO, were sprayed on the north side of the 1930s monument to the 189 fallen Alamo defenders. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Rosser worked on a section at a time to remove the graffiti. The job was made more difficult because marble is porous and the monuments weather-worn marble is old and crumbly. Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News Rosser moved left to right across the defaced area, estimated to be 8 feet long and 4 feet high. She carefully applied the remover with different-sized brushes in circular motions, not unlike someone brushing their teeth. After repeated applications, the red graffiti faded away. Its hurt for life now, said Rosser, 52. Even though I removed it, the damage is done. Last week, San Antonio Police arrested a 25-year-old man and charged him with graffiti that was sprayed on the sidewalk near Travis Park with red paint. That graffiti was discovered on the same day as that on the Cenotaph, but the man was not charged with tagging the monument. The Alamo partnered with the National Park Service to clean the Cenotaph. The task was stressful. At first Rosser was nervous when the park service officers arrived with various graffiti removal products. They checked the pH level of the surface and started doing tests on a 3-foot square area to determine what would work best. She felt better after the park service officers determined that two gallons of a particular remover, one not found in San Antonio, was the solution. Im so grateful that they had the perfect product for this project, Rosser said. If not for them I dont know if the defacing material would have come off that fast. Bob Owen / Staff photographer Prior to starting the clean-up, she said some people tried to remove the marks themselves, but ended up causing more harm than good. An Alamo Park ranger kept people away as she focused on her work. Toward the end of the project, she would turn around and face the post office for 10 minutes, to give her eyes a rest. Then she would look back at the defaced area to check for anything she might have missed. The task was personal for the conservator of 30 years. Shes a 9th generation Texan and recently joined the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. It was very rewarding to remove all of the tagging, Rosser said. I just hoped when I showed up at work the next day I didnt see a spot I missed. Vincent T. Davis is a reporter in the Greater San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Vincent, become a subscriber. vtdavis@express-news.net | Twitter: @vincentdavis TORONTO When asked what he thought of President Trumps call for military action against American protesters and the tear gassing of peaceful demonstrators to make way for a photo-op, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paused at his podium for 21 uncomfortable, televised seconds. He opened his mouth, then shut it twice. He softly groaned. Finally, in a scene on Tuesday that has now spread wildly around the internet, Mr. Trudeau said: We all watch in horror and consternation whats going on in the United States. From their perch above the United States, Canadians have been watching in shock as the country theyve long considered their closest friend and protector now seems like a crazed, erratic and dangerous stranger. Most of the countrys horror has been focused on President Trump. Even the countrys conservative newspapers were filled with columns like one by Gary Mason stating, There couldnt be a scarier person inhabiting the White House at this very moment. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police officers regular days off have been canceled after several days and nights of civil rights protests, which in some parts of the city have turned violent and so far resulted in hundreds of arrests. A letter to all 36,000 members of the Police Department obtained by the Advance/SILive.com reads: Effective immediately, all full duty uniformed members of the service RDOs are cancelled." The letter stated commanding officers at police precincts would ensure officers on Staten Island and across the city were aware of the new policy. Last night, we saw less mayhem on our streets because police officers were deployed in adequate numbers. We absolutely cannot go backwards. 1/3https://t.co/gxS8oG16wO NYC PBA (@NYCPBA) June 3, 2020 The Police Benevolent Association tweeted Wednesday that less mayhem was experienced a night prior across the city because police officers were deployed in adequate numbers. Police arrested 280 more protesters and looters as the mayors 8 p.m. curfew took effect Tuesday, after about 700 arrests were made Monday night. On Staten Island, several peaceful protests have been organized in response to the alleged murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, and several other incidents of alleged police brutality of unarmed black men. Four out of the past five days, officers have been assigned to stand outside of the 120th Precinct stationhouse where demonstrators have shouted their frustrations, and delivered a list requests for cops when interacting with residents on the North Shore. One law enforcement source told the Advance/SILive.com hes concerned for his colleagues across the five boroughs, saying, the amount of hours we are working plus no days off, well be running on empty. A police source who works on Staten Island said that monetarily, the additional hours in light of protests across the city is a silver lining, in the midst of a pandemic-related budget crisis that had reduced available overtime. However, he said, when considering the 12 hour days that turn into 14 hour days with prep time and travel include, its only a matter of time before we crash A health minister was unable to name a single country in Europe with a higher coronavirus infection rate than the UK, despite being asked three times. Edward Argar was quizzed this morning over the Governments quarantine policy which has sparked a rebellion from Conservative MPs who say the plans are damaging to business. The plans, which come into force on June 8, require people arriving in the UK to isolate for 14 days to prevent coronavirus cases being brought from overseas. Mr Argar told the BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the policy was necessary to "minimise the risk of the disease being "reimported" and Britain experiencing a second wave. He was asked for a second time to name a country in Europe with a higher Covid-19 infection rate than Britain but was unable to do so. He said Home Secretary Priti Patel would set out more details later today, adding: One of the mitigating aspects for the industry and others that has been discussed a lot is this concept of air bridges where you do come to agreements with other countries where they are happy with your level of infection and control of it and you are happy with theirs. I dont want to pre-empt though the detail exactly around what you are talking about. Home Secretary Priti Patel / 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty BBC presenter Nick Robinson asked again: To ask you, for a third time, can you name anywhere that meets that criteria in Europe? Mr Argar replied: The scientific advice is this is the right thing to do at this point to continue to contain the virus in this country and indeed Mr Robinson interrupted him: Shall we move on? Because you cant answer that question or you are choosing not to. This afternoon Ms Patel will make a statement to MPs in the Commons that set out the quarantine plans. Writing in todays Telegraph, Ms Patel and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps argued that the quarantine rules are needed to prevent a second wave of coronavirus hitting Britain this summer. They also said that alternative options such as airport temperature checks or spot tests are too unreliable to keep Britain safe. The London Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 2,000 companies in the capital, said the plan sends out the message that the UK is closed for business. In a letter to ministers, chief executive Richard Burge said: This blanket aviation proposal doesn't appear to be risk-based. If it was, it would recognise that arrivals from some countries with much lower transmission levels than the UK and low incidence of the disease would not increase our risk, provided they adopted our social distancing protocols on arrival. "The proposal sends out the message that the UK is closed for business, at a time when we are beginning to restart our economy. STATEN ISLAND N.Y. -- Watch the touching moment when a COVID-19 survivor was released from Staten Island University Hospitals Princes Bay campus. Rosemarie (Rosie) Kuczinski, 64, tested positive for the coronavirus in early April. Just a few days later, she passed out from dehydration in her Eltingville home. But that was just the beginning of her COVID-19 journey. After being checked into SIUH, Kuczinski was put on oxygen for two weeks. Unfortunately, that was not enough and she was intubated with hopes that the ventilator would help her fight the disease. It was a very dark and scary time, said Matthew Kuczinski, her husband. At times we were really concerned that she would never come out. She spent 24 days on the ventilator, but her family did not give up hope. Kuczinskis daughter, Diana McMahon, explained that they stayed hopeful and prayed she would make it out of the hospital healthy. All of a sudden she just started getting better, said McMahon. After testing negative for the coronavirus twice, doctors told the family she could return home. On May 29, 2020, after spending 54 days in the hospital, she was cheered on by hospital workers as she left the building. Outside was an abundance of family members waiting to see her. The family arranged a drive-by, at which more than 100 people showed up to show love and support for their miracle. 8 A light in dark times Family members explained that this news was exactly what they needed. While Kuczinski was in the hospital, her father in law, Anthony (Tony) Kuczinski, died. It was just a very horrible two months, said tear-filled Matthew Kuczinski. We prayed a lot and our prayers were answered. Israel plans to resume flights to Ukraine when the COVID-19 incidence will drop to almost zero. "I have offered your [Infrastructure] Ministry a pilot project which we implement with other countries... But we looked at your figures [incidence of COVID-19], they are far from those we need... In the near future, we do not see an opportunity to fully restore flights between our countries," Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Ukraine Joel Lion said in an interview with the RBC-Ukraine. He added that it might be necessary to return to this issue next month and look at the figures again. In this context, the ambassador informed that the incidence rate in Israel had decreased, in particular in recent days, showing 0.1% of positive coronavirus tests. At the same time, a corresponding figure in Ukraine is now about 1.23%, and previously it was 1.48%. After all, if we open [flights] now, people will have to self-quarantine for two weeks [after a trip], and no tourist will want that. We will have to wait until the figures in Ukraine fall. In addition, another important factor is the number of tests you take, the Ambassador said. He noted that Israel had resumed flights with the countries with the same incidence: Georgia, Greece, Cyprus, Austria, Australia, New Zealand. ol A German child sex offender may have kidnapped Madeleine McCann after breaking into her familys holiday apartment in Portugal, police have said. The suspect, who has not been named, is described as white with short blond hair, possibly fair, and about 6ft tall with a slim build at the time she vanished on May 3 2007. Read More Christian Hoppe, from Germanys Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), told the countrys ZDF television channel the 43-year-old is serving a prison sentence for a sex crime and has two previous convictions for sexual contact with girls. Mr Hoppe said German police have not ruled out a sexual motive for the alleged crime, which is being treated as murder by the BKA. He added that the suspect may have broken into an apartment in the Ocean Club complex in Praia da Luz where Madeleine was on holiday with her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, and her twin siblings Sean and Amelie before spontaneously kidnapping her. A BKA appeal said: There is reason to assume that there are other persons, apart from the suspect, who have concrete knowledge of the course of the crime and maybe also of the place where the body was left. Read More The German national is known to have been in and around the area on the Algarve coast at the time Madeleine went missing shortly before her fourth birthday. A half-hour phone call was made to his Portuguese mobile phone around an hour before Madeleine is believed to have gone missing. The suspect has been linked to an early 1980s VW T3 Westfalia camper van with a white upper body and yellow skirting, registered in Portugal which was pictured in the Algarve in 2007. Expand Close A camper van linked to the suspect (PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A camper van linked to the suspect (PA) Scotland Yard said he was driving the vehicle in the Praia da Luz area in the days before Madeleines disappearance and is believed to have been living in it for days or weeks before and after May 3. He has also been linked to a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 with a German number plate seen in Praia da Luz and surrounding areas in 2006 and 2007. The day after Madeleine went missing, the suspect had the car re-registered in Germany under someone elses name, although it is believed the vehicle was still in Portugal. Both vehicles have been seized by German police, who said there is information to suggest the suspect may have used one of them in an offence. The BKA is also appealing for other potential victims to come forward. Expand Close The 1993 Jaguar (PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The 1993 Jaguar (PA) Scotland Yard is launching a joint appeal with the BKA and the Portuguese Policia Judiciaria (PJ), including a 20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible of Madeleines disappearance. The Mets investigation has identified more than 600 people as potentially significant and were tipped off about the German national, already known to detectives, following a 2017 appeal 10 years after she went missing. She vanished shortly before her fourth birthday and would have turned 17 last month. German police are treating her disappearance as a murder investigation but the Mets Operation Grange, launched in 2013, has always considered the case a missing person inquiry. Expand Close Kate and Gerry McCann (Joe Giddens/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kate and Gerry McCann (Joe Giddens/PA) A statement from Madeleines parents, read by Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, said: We welcome the appeal today regarding the disappearance of our daughter Madeleine. We would like to thank the police forces involved for their continued efforts in the search for Madeleine. All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive, but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace. We will be making no further comment in relation to the appeal today. We would like to thank the general public for their ongoing support and encourage anyone who has information directly related to the appeal to contact police. Mr Cranwell told reporters on Wednesday that he was taking the really unusual step of releasing two mobile phone numbers as part of the appeal. The first, (+351) 912 730 680, is believed to have been used by the suspect and received a call from another Portuguese mobile, (+351) 916 510 683, while in the Praia da Luz area, starting at 7.32pm and ending at 8.02pm on the night of May 3 2007. This is a significant development, which is why weve made the decision to take this significant step of making a public appeal on some information that we would not normally talk about in our major investigations Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy Madeleine is believed to have disappeared between 9.10pm and 10pm that evening. The caller, who is not thought to have been in the Praia da Luz area, is not being treated as a suspect, but is said to be a key witness. Any information in relation to these mobile numbers during the spring and summer of 2007 could be critical to this investigation, said Mr Cranwell. Some people will know the man we are describing today, the suspect in our investigation. Im appealing to you directly. You may know, you may be aware of some of the things he has done. He may have confided in you about the disappearance of Madeleine. More than 13 years have passed and your loyalties may have changed. This individual is in prison and we are conscious that some people may have been concerned about contacting police in the past. Now is the time to come forward. Im appealing to you to contact us, or the German authorities or the Portuguese authorities. I should be very, very clear on this while this male is a suspect, we retain an open mind as to his involvement. The suspect is known to have been linked to the Praia da Luz area between 1995 and 2007, with some short spells in Germany, and is described as having a transient lifestyle, living in his camper van for days at a time. Expand Close Praia Da Luz (Steve Parsons/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Praia Da Luz (Steve Parsons/PA) An appeal on German Crimewatch-style programme XY said he is thought to have worked odd jobs, including as a waiter, but also committed burglaries in hotels and holiday resorts and dealt drugs. He was also linked to two houses in Portugal one between Praia da Luz and Lagos and a second inland, according to the appeal. Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the camper van in or around Praia da Luz on the night Madeleine went missing, or in the days before or weeks after. Detectives also want to speak with anyone who saw the van together with the Jaguar, or individually, during the spring and summer of 2007. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said the investigation into the suspect had seen Met detectives sent to Portugal and Germany. He added: This is a significant development, which is why weve made the decision to take this significant step of making a public appeal on some information that we would not normally talk about in our major investigations. The Operation Grange incident room can be contacted on 0207 321 9251 or operation.grange@met.police.uk. Rochester, N.Y. A Rochester radio station has fired the hosts of its afternoon show over racist comments made on air Tuesday. Robert J. Morgan, president of the Upstate New York market for iHeartMedia, told the Democrat & Chronicle that Radio 95.1 (WAIO-FM) hosts Kimberly Ray and Barry Beck, known as Kimberly & Beck, were fired Wednesday morning. We made the decision to terminate Kimberly and Beck yesterday as soon as we learned of their comments and informed them early this morning," Morgan said. "We will not tolerate this kind of behavior, which is antithetical to our core values and beliefs and to our commitment to our community and everyone in it. According to the D&C, Kimberly had repeatedly referred to the N-word live on air Tuesday while discussing Black Lives Matter and Rochester protests against police brutality after the death of George Floyd. The discussion centered on a local couple that appeared to be attacked by a group of looters early Sunday morning; video of the incident went viral, viewed more than 165,000 times. Okay, let me ask you a question. Were they acting N-word-ish? Kimberly said on the iHeartMedia-owned radio station Tuesday. She did not use the explicit racial slur, but also asked if the attackers were acting N-word-ly. If you look like a thug and if you act like a thug, and youve got three on one beating up a white woman with a two-by-four, by God, youre a thug, Beck said. The pair also discussed whether they can use the term N-word, and said no ones offended by that. Backlash quickly ensued on social media, with many demanding advertisers drop their sponsorship or for the pair to lose their jobs. A recording of their comments went viral, getting national attention. These @iHeartRadio hosts from Rochester, NY, are unquestionably racist! On-air! Disgusting! Listen to them in their own words and then call, email, tweet and show up at @Radio_951 and until Kimberly & Beck are fired! This can not be tolerated! I am heated!!!!!!" celebrity blogger Perez Hilton wrote on Twitter. A co-worker, Deanna King, who appears on The Brother Wease Show mornings on Radio 95.1, said she would refuse to continue working for iHeartMedia as long as Kimberly and Beck were still employed. She did not appear on Wednesday mornings show, but addressed the situation on Twitter. I am appalled at what was said on The Kimberly and Beck Show. I have never and would never spew such racist hate. Ive told management I wont work at a company that employs people like this. Im raising my children to love everyone and stand up for what is right. I will, too, she tweeted Wednesday. This is not the first controversy for Kimberly and Beck, who were fired from another Rochester radio station in 2014 after making hateful comments about transgender people. They were hired four months later by Radio 95.1, where they hosted afternoons weekdays from 2 to 7 p.m. The pair were also sued by a local veterinarian in 2014 for allegedly making false statements on air and sued in 2015 by a man that they accused of being a drug dealer in a broadcast. @Radio_951 You need to get rid of Kimberly and Beck ASAP for their N-wordish and thug comments. This is NOT okay. Michelle K (@Michelle_Mariek) June 3, 2020 @Radio_951 #KimberlyandBeck are racist!... NO IF, BUTS OR MAYBES... Do the absolute right thing and fire them... There is nothing to question... What they said On Air was inexcusable... Don't even think about not taking further action plz! Stephanie Lola (@StephieLola1996) June 3, 2020 .@iHeartRadio @Radio_951 @RochestersMix @KISSRochester @WHAM1180 WE DEMAND THE IMMEDIATE TERMINATION OF KIMBERLY & BECK. I cannot believe weve let them have a platform to cause so much suffering for so long. Megan Colombo (@megan_colombo) June 3, 2020 This has to be a joke. What was said today on Kimberly & Beck was UNACCEPTABLE. @Radio_951 you need to take action and send a clear signal to our community that we will not stand for the racist language used on todays program. https://t.co/nxnIDfOvfZ Rachel Laber (@rachellaber) June 3, 2020 OMG! These racist radio hosts from Rochester, New York, "Kimberly & Beck", were previously fired from another radio station for being transphobic!!! @iHeartRadio, these two HAVE TO GO from @Radio_951!!! https://t.co/Jy1dh0UHzy Perez (@ThePerezHilton) June 3, 2020 Fire Kimberly & Beck. I will be contacting all advertisers I hear. Do these #RochesterNY #ROC businesses want to be on the wrong side of history? They are even worse than racist hillbilly weatherman.#BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #JusticeforBreonnaTaylor amy gdala (@AmyGdalaView) June 3, 2020 Jayson Boyers officially starts as president of Rosemont College this month. But his work began several weeks ago as he helped the small liberal arts college plan for the fall amid the coronavirus pandemic. Boyers is shown here during a visit to the Catholic college's chapel in February. Read more Jayson Boyers officially started as the new president of Rosemont College on Monday, but his work began weeks ago as he helped the small liberal arts school develop a reopening plan for the fall. Rosemont on Wednesday unveiled that plan, one of the most detailed released by a local college so far. The college will divide the semester for undergraduates into two seven-week terms, with students taking a few classes during each. Using a hybrid approach, students will meet with faculty in person for class once a week as long as the county is in Pennsylvanias green reopening phase and do the rest of their work online. They will conclude in-person classes at Thanksgiving and finish the semester remotely, limiting the potential for travel and spread. The idea was that if we had to transition again (to fully online), students arent trying to balance five classes at a time, he said. They are balancing two, maybe three. The plan also includes temperature checks, mask-wearing, and vigorous cleaning. READ MORE: Rosemont College picks president of Michigan school as its next leader Boyers convened a task force and worked on the plan remotely, most recently from Sarasota, Fla., where he will remain until later this month when he moves into a rental property in Wayne. A new college president faces an ambitious workload under any circumstances, meeting many campus constituents, while learning about the local community. During a pandemic with most campuses largely shuttered and facing the challenge of safely reopening those tasks become exponentially harder. Planning to reopen a campus in the current environment is one of the toughest challenges any university college president has ever faced, said Terry Hartle, a senior vice president at the American Council on Education. There is no guidebook. There is nothing like this in living memory. For one week in early May, Boyers was doing the job, times two. He was closing out his presidency at Cleary University, a business school in Michigan, and helping Rosemont, a college of about 350 undergraduates and 515 graduate students in Montgomery County. Moving during a pandemic is not something I would recommend, Boyers said. Rentals were snapped up quickly. With the help of a Rosemont alum, he found a townhouse that he viewed virtually. Hes also been talking to the areas business, health-care, and educational leaders to prepare. It really helped me to understand how we can best navigate this, he said. Boyers, an Ohio native with degrees from the University of Indianapolis, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, and Creighton University, is the first male to lead the Catholic college and an all-women school until 2009 in its nearly 100-year history. He comes to Rosemont as colleges nationally, even before the pandemic, were struggling to meet enrollment targets, amid a decline in high school graduates. Rosemont in recent years reset its tuition to attract more middle-class students and sought to appeal to a wider pool by scrapping a requirement that applicants submit standardized test scores. READ MORE: Colleges fall plans: Online classes? Hybrid? Early end to the semester? Options abound. A small college like Rosemont will become even more appealing in a pandemic, he said. We have a contained campus, he said. Its not sprawled out. I really believe that a small college that opens well, takes care of their community, which includes faculty, students and staff, and stays on mission. theres an opportunity to show why theyre unique. As for reopening, Rosemont will eliminate fall break and strongly encourage students to stay on campus during the days between the terms, by offering advising and educational opportunities, he said. Thats going to reduce the risk to the whole community, he said. The college expects to have about 270 students living on campus once the county is in the green phase, Boyers said. During the red and yellow phases, it will require daily temperature and symptom checks for anyone entering campus. (On Wednesday, the states education secretary said colleges in counties in the yellow or green phase of reopening could resume in-person classes on Friday.) The college also will require mask-wearing during red and yellow phases and encourage it during green when students will be back on campus, he said. The college will give students a care package including a Rosemont-branded face mask, sanitizer, and safety tips. The campus also plans deep cleanings and has reconfigured the maximum capacity for each building, based on CDC guidelines of 36 square feet per person, to allow for social distancing, Boyers said. Dining-hall food will be takeout during red and yellow phases, with reduced seating during green. So far, fall enrollment looks stable, Boyers said. The college is keeping tuition at $19,500 for 2020-21. Boyers is not deterred. If I didnt think Rosemont had a really strong future ahead, I wouldnt be moving during a pandemic, he said. I really believe there is an opportunity here. Lending schemes to small firms backed by the Government during the Covid-19 crisis have been paltry compared with those of the UK and a lot more will be required, Goodbody chief economist Dermot OLeary has said. Since the onset of the crisis business groups have warned that Irelands response to the economic crisis in the range of business supports is marked by the absence of credit-guarantee schemes as introduced by other European countries, including the UK and Switzerland. Miracle, son of Joseph Masin, Nasarawa state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), says the family sold three cars to ... Miracle, son of Joseph Masin, Nasarawa state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), says the family sold three cars to raise the ransom for their fathers release. Mason was kidnapped on May 28 when gunmen invaded his residence between 11 pm and 12 midnight, but he regained freedom after three days in the kidnappers den. In an interview with the PUNCH, Miracle said the kidnappers demanded about N50 million, and apart from selling the three cars belonging to him, his wife and his father, they also got contributions from individuals. Millions of naira was paid but we are not ready to disclose it now. The pressure was so much but we thank God for everything. The negotiations began from the day he was kidnapped till he was released on Saturday, May 30 around 11.45pm. He got home on Sunday around 4am, he said. My father didnt even know where he was until he met some people, who were running away from him until one of them was bold to come close and ask him what happened. They later took him to a place where we met him in. For those days, my father couldnt eat. They were bringing food but he couldnt eat because he was not sure of what was in the food and he didnt trust them. They released him along Eggon but the ransom was actually paid in Obi. Miracle added that the state government was not involved in the payment of ransom to secure his fathers freedom. The Hanoi Peoples Court on June 1 sentenced Nguyen Van Pho to five years in prison for violating regulations on the protection of endangered, precious and rare animals. Rhino horns seized - Illustrative image According to the indictment, Pho, born in 1989 in the central province of Ha Tinhs Thach Ha district, was caught red-handed carrying two pieces of rhino horns weighing nearly 1.9kg in his luggage at Hanois Noi Bai International in the evening of November 7, 2019. Pho declared that while working in Angola, he had got acquainted with a contractor named Anh who offered 1.2 million VND (51.7 USD) to him to transport a luggage with those objects to Vietnam. Pho accepted the offer and brought the luggage from Angolas Luanda airport and transited through Thailands Bangkok capital city. At the court, he admitted that he knew about the ban on rhino tusk transportation, but was too greedy and committed the crime./. They were scheduled to kick off their summer tour in less than two weeks time. And after waiting til the last minute, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Poison and Joan Jett, have finally made a decision to postpone their summer tour, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The four acts were set to have their first summer 2020 show on June 18 in Jacksonvile, Florida, but have moved their dates to sometime in 2021, they revealed in a joint statement. 'See you next year!' Motley Crue, Def Leppard (pictured 2019), Poison and Joan Jett have postponed their summer 2020 tour and told fans they were return to the stage in 2021 'We wanted to continue to communicate with our fans and update you with valid information as it becomes available,' they began. 'The official decision has been made to move all 2020 North American Stadium Tour dates into the summer of 2021. The new stadium dates are being rescheduled, your tickets will be honored for all postponed shows and refund policy information will be made available shortly.' The acts ended the statement with: 'Stay tuned, be safe and we will see you next year!' Joint decision: The four acts were set to have their first summer 2020 show on June 18 in Jacksonvile, Florida, but have moved their dates to sometime in 2021, they revealed in a joint statement Mixed thoughts: While most fans were understanding of the decision and said they'd wait for 2021, others were already looking into getting refunds And while most fans were understanding of the decision and said they'd wait for 2021, others were already looking into getting refunds. 'I have prayed to this decision would be made. Please all of you and your families continues to be safe,' penned one. Another wrote: 'The best decision! I was so afraid you decide to continue because I wouldn't make it. So excited for 2021.' User @KelbyKibbe told Def Leppard, 'I knew it was inevitable, but seeing in in writing has be shedding a tear. Will be anxiously awaiting new dates.' However, some were more concerned about getting a refund rather than await new dates and times. Standing up for her band: It comes after Joan Jett confessed last month that she 'wouldn't feel comfortable' asking her band, known as the Blackhearts, to perform during the pandemic (pictured 2019) Various users slammed ticketing companies for not allowing them to get their money back. It comes after Joan Jett confessed last month that she 'wouldn't feel comfortable' asking her band, known as the Blackhearts, to perform during the pandemic. 'I would not feel comfortable, I just wouldn't. I wouldn't feel comfortable putting the band or my crew in that position,' she said on SirusXM. 'I don't really have that right to mess with their lives like that.' The now postponed tour would have marked Motley Crue's first live show since their New Year's Eve show in 2015. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. New Delhi, June 3 : The news about Adesh Kumar Gupta replacing actor-turned-politician Manoj Tiwari as the Delhi BJP president on Tuesday came as a surprise to many. Journalists who cover the BJP started gathering information about this unknown and low profile face. They found that it is the same Adesh Kumar Gupta who is a former north Delhi Mayor and a councillor from West Patel Nagar. Delhi BJP IT Cell and social-media co-in charge Neelkant Bakshi does not agree that Adesh Kumar Gupta is low profile. He said, "Adesh Gupta has been a ground level leader in Delhi. He has been mayor of north Delhi. The party will be greatly benefited in the next election. After his appointment as Delhi BJP chief, it has been proved once again that the BJP is the only party where an ordinary worker can rise to the top by his sheer hard work. The same is not true of other political parties like the Congress." Sources told IANS that there were two contenders for the Delhi BJP top post -- two MPs and an MLA. Then why did the party choose a junior level leader ignoring other high profile ones? IANS found five reasons why Adesh Kumar Gupta was appointed Delhi BJP chief. 1. Not a part of any faction The biggest challenge for the BJP in Delhi was to get rid of factionalism. At present, at least four groups in Delhi BJP being patronised by former unit presidents or MPs and MLAs are active. Manoj Tiwari, who was always seen as an outsider, was dealing with different factions all through his tenure as the BJP chief. This had a negative impact in the assembly elections. Now the BJP has taken a chance on someone who is not seen with any faction. A BJP leader said, "Adesh Kumar Gupta does not belong to any faction. He is humble and has no adversary in the party. The BJP has given him the charge of Delhi with a belief that he will rid the party of factionalism in the state. Let's see if he succeeds or not." 2. Eye on traders community The BJP sources say that the national capital has around 25 per cent votes of the traders community. Though this community has been the traditional vote bank of the BJP, but Arvind Kejriwal has been able to dent this to a great extent as the Delhi chief minister himself belongs to this community. Kejriwal also gave two of the three Rajya Sabha seats to businessmen belonging to the traders community in 2018 with the aim to garner the support of this 25 per cent vote bank. About two dozen assembly seats in Delhi are greatly influenced by the traders community including Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazar, Karol Bagh, Trinagar. 3. Mission 2022 MCD elections Municipal elections in Delhi will be held in April 2022. Adesh Kumar Gupta, who is a former mayor of north Delhi and at present a councillor from West Patel Nagar, enjoys great local support. The party has always been on the winning side in MCD elections. In 2017, the BJP swept the municipal elections under Manoj Tiwari. Now Gupta has a challenge before him to continue the winning streak as he greatly understands the politics at the ground level. Gupta has also been a member of the NDMC standing committee. 4. An organisation man Adesh Gupta has a long experience of working in the party's organisation. He worked with the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in the 90s along with the current BJP president J.P. Nadda. He has been president of the Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), a youth wing of the party. He has been associated with Delhi politics for the last two decades. Party sources say the top leadership appointed Gupta as Delhi BJP chief keeping in mind his ability to work in the organisation and strengthen it on the ground. 5. The UP connection The UP connection is also believed to be one of the reasons why Gupta was chosen as Delhi BJP chief. A large number of people from Uttar Pradesh reside in Delhi. The party has an eye on them as Gupta can exercise a great deal of influence on these voters. He hails from Kannauj and came to Delhi in 1997 to work as a contractor. Since then he has been a resident of Delhi. The music scene has returned to The Tivoli, but not in the way many might think. COVID-19 restrictions have forced the Fortitude Valley venue to cancel its gigs and events this year, but The Tivoli has opened for intimate dinners with the option of a live performance from a local musician. The Tivoli has turned to intimate dinners as the music scene comes to a halt during the pandemic. Credit:Brooke Wylie Creative director and co-owner Dave Sleswick said they were adapting with the times. "It's still up in the air as whether it could be a permanent option between music concerts but we felt like we had a beautiful venue waiting there for the pandemic to pass - why not use it?" he said. The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah says security agencies in the Region will ensure the safety of the people should the Electoral Commission (EC) give the green light for the compilation of the new voters register. The Commission undertook a pilot registration in the region on Tuesday as part of its preparation towards the exercise. While responding to a question at a news conference in Kumasi, Mr. Osei Mensah, said the Security Council will play its role in safeguarding the lives of residents. With the COVID-19 measures for which the EC is supposed to use in ensuring that therell be social distancing, wearing of masks, etc, if they call on the Regional Coordinating Council, well give them the needed support. Besides that, before they do anything, they write to the security agencies. So definitely they are going to use the security agencies beca8use, during elections, neutrality is very important, he noted. As soon as the EC comes out with modalities as to how they are going to organise the registration process, then we would also meet as a council and take decisions within the general framework that will be given by the Electoral Commission. What I can assure everybody is that everyone will be safe and secure within the region, he assured. ECs plan for the voters registration The Electoral Commission has scheduled to begin to compile the new electoral roll later this month ahead of the general elections in December. Outlining its plan for the exercise in a statement, the Commission says it will be maintaining its cluster method for the upcoming exercise although the time spent in each cluster is expected to reduce. Each registration team will work for six days in each phase within a cluster, a reduction from the initial 10 days outlined for the registration exercise which was postponed from April 18 because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The mop-up exercise has also reduced from five to three days. The registration exercise will take place at all the 33,367 polling stations, which will serve as registration centres nationwide. The registration period will have five phases with each Registration Team working for a period of six (6) days in each phase within the cluster. There will be a day set aside, to assemble and prepare the materials for the next phase, according to the EC. All eligible voters will be given instant voter ID cards when they register, except in cases where applications have been challenged. ---citinewsroom Germany will lift its blanket travel warning for European nations from June 15, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Wednesday, as the continent looks to further ease restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus. Germany introduced an unprecedented warning against all foreign travel in mid-March. But with new infections sharply down, the government is looking for ways to restart the economy. "We have decided today that the travel warning for the named circle of countries will not be continued but replaced by travel advice," Maas said, referring to EU nations, other Schengen countries and Britain. The individual advice will be on a total of 31 nations, "provided that there are no longer any entry bans or large-scale lockdowns in the respective countries", he said. The advice could still include warnings against travel to certain countries, such as Norway and Spain, which still have their own entry restrictions in place. Germany will be watching contagion data very carefully, Maas added, saying that warnings could be reintroduced if new infections were to reach 50 per 100,000 people in a week in the country concerned. Germany reported just 342 new cases of the coronavirus on Wednesday -- down from more than 6,000 a day at the height of new infections in March. - Phased restart - The European Union set out plans in May for a phased restart of travel this summer, with EU border controls eventually lifted and measures to minimise the risks of infection, like wearing face masks on shared transport. Some countries have already started reopening their borders in a bid to revive the embattled tourism industry. Italy reopened to travellers from Europe on Wednesday, and Austria is lifting restrictions in mid-June with Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. German tour operator TUI said Wednesday it would be resuming flights to popular holiday destinations, with the first flight scheduled for Portugal on June 17, according to news site Business Insider (BI). "Our main destinations will be the Balearic Islands, Canaries, Greece, Portugal and Cyprus," Germany boss Marek Andryszak told BI. However, foreign minister Maas continued to urge caution. "I know that this decision raises great hope and expectations but I want to say again: travel warnings are not travel bans, and travel advice is not an invitation to travel," Maas said. He also warned that Germany would not be repeating its unprecedented and costly effort to rescue stranded Germans from around the world in the first weeks of the pandemic. In Berlin, residents were divided over whether lifting the travel warning was a good idea. "If I fly somewhere, I will be afraid about coming back again because maybe it will get worse and they will close the borders again," said Berlin resident Regina. Another, Henri, was more optimistic: "There are masks, so I'm not afraid. I mean, I don't understand what this is all about anyway." Germany still has a travel warning in place for Turkey, Ukraine and the Western Balkans. The government will review this after an expected European Commission decision next week on whether to extend entry restrictions for citizens of third countries, Maas said. Other countries, such as Belgium and Britain, are still advising against, or forbidding, all non-essential travel abroad. Google has removed an Indian app from its Play Store that allowed users to remove Chinese apps from their phones, saying that it violated company policies. The app, which was called Remove China Apps and had been particularly popular in India during a border dispute between the two countries, had been downloaded over five million times since May. Apps removed by the Indian software include ByteDances TikTok and Alibabas UC Browser. Once deleted, a message popped up saying You are awesome, no China app found. The policy violated by the application is reportedly Googles Deceptive Behaviour Policy. This policy states that apps: - Must provide an accurate disclosure, description and images/video of their functionality in all parts of the metadata and should perform as reasonably expected by the user; - Must not attempt to mimic functionality or warnings from the operating system or other apps; - Any changes to device settings must be made with the user's knowledge and consent and be easily reversible by the user. OneTouch AppLabs, which developed the app, has a message on its website thanking users for their support. Dear Friends, Google has removed Remove China Apps from google play store. Thank you all for your support in past 2 weeks. You Are Awesome the message reads. The website also has a disclaimer that states the application is for educational purposes only to identify the country of origin of a certain application(s), we do not promote or force people to uninstall any of the application(s). Many Indians and a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Narendra Modis ruling party have used the hashtag "#BoycottChineseProducts" on social media, calling for deletion of popular Chinese apps. Global Times, a Chinese state-run news site, reported that such irrational anti-China sentiment could result in tit-for-tat punishment from Beijing citing an anonymous industry source. Another application, an Indian TikTok clone called Mitron, was also pulled from the Google Play Store. The Indian Express hypothesises that it was due to security issues. Google declined to comment. Reportedly the owner of the app purchased the source code from a Pakistani coding company and rebranded the app for launch in India without changing the code or the privacy policy. This would mean the app did not have any firewalls or software security installed, and would put user data at risk. The code was allegedly purchased for the equivalent of 27. Additional reporting from Reuters Hydroxychloroquine, a drug that treats malaria and lupus, did not prevent people from getting COVID-19 if they were exposed to the virus, according to data from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The bottom line: There has been widespread confusion about hydroxychloroquine's effectiveness President Trump and other conservatives touted the pill with little sound evidence, while other flawed studies suggested it was harmful. But this trial authoritatively says the drug "didn't work" as a preventive medication for this coronavirus, a Vanderbilt University infectious disease doctor told the Washington Post. This morning, the Senate Judiciary Committee called Rod Rosenstein to testify about operation crossfire hurricane, the Mueller investigation, and related matters. I watched as much of it as I could stomach a little less than two hours. Rosenstein is a snake. He recommended that James Comey be fired (albeit for a different reason than the one Trump mentioned in an interview about Comeys termination) and then made the firing of Comey the grounds for bringing in a special counsel. Moreover, he selected Robert Mueller for the job even though President Trump had just rejected Mueller for the position of FBI director. Mueller was thus a disappointed office seeker. Rosenstein gave Mueller a ridiculously broad writ to investigate, and stood by as Mueller hired one Trump-hating Democrat after another to staff his project. And Rosenstein declined to recuse himself even though he was a player in the firing of Comey an important element of what he asked Mueller to investigate. Rosenstein was snake-like again this morning. Most of the questions directed at him by Republicans had to do with his rubber stamping of applications to spy on Carter Page applications that contained lies the Democrats had paid to procure and that were based on Russian disinformation. Rosenstein told the Committee that he is accountable for this outrage, but not responsible. Pressed as to what he means by accountable, he said, in effect, he means appearing before the Committee to say hes not responsible. The Committee Democrats were their usual nauseating selves. They used their time mostly to (1) complain about the fact that the hearing is taking place and (2) bray about how Russia threatens our democracy. But our democracy is threatened when partisans in the FBI who want to defeat a presidential candidate, and then want to resist the elected president, repeatedly lie to a court so they can spy on that candidates campaign. And, for all the noise about Russia, it doesnt matter to Committee Dems that disinformation from Russians was at the heart of the FBIs lying to the court and to others. Of course, it doesnt matter to them. The Russian disinformation was accumulated in a project paid for by Democrats. The threat to our democracy, if any, posed by (1) the release by Russia of emails that reveal what Democrat operatives really think and (2) some posts dropped into the vast cesspool that is social media, pales in comparison to an effort by the FBI, predicated on Russian disinformation, to spy on and slander a presidential campaign and later the elected president. Yet the Democrats say theres nothing to see here. Theres plenty to see. However, the Senate Judiciary Committee isnt the best vehicle for dealing with it. John Durham is. Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) on Monday reported a 96.72 per cent decline in domestic sales to 375 units in May amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown and operational restrictions. The company had sold 11,442 units in the domestic market in May 2019, HCIL said in a statement. "The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented situation where the company and its dealer network have been responding in the best possible manner," HCIL Senior Vice-President and Director (Marketing and Sales) Rajesh Goel said. During May, after the roll-out of several relaxations from central and state governments, the company focused on re-opening of its network while ensuring strict adherence to the sanitisation, safety and distancing guidelines for COVID-19 prevention, he added. Against all odds, the dealers have now been able to operationalise almost 280 facilities pan-India, Goel said. "As a result, we were able to deliver more than 1,900 units (retail sales) to our customers. The domestic wholesale last month was of course quite limited due to the negligible inventory available at our factory before the lockdown," he added. Also Watch: COLOGNE (dpa-AFX) - Deutsche Lufthansa AG (DLAKF, DLAKY) reported Wednesday sharply wider net loss in its first quarter with lower revenues as Covid-19 pandemic caused drastic decline in air travel. The German airline continues to expect a significant decline in fiscal 2020 adjusted EBIT. Further, the company said it expects capacity to increase from 3 percent of original planning in May to up to 40 percent in September. The shares were gaining around 3 percent in German trading. Lufthansa, which recently accepted the German Government's 9 billion euros rescue package, said it has to take far-reaching restructuring measures to repay loans and deposits as quickly as possible amid the very slow recovery in demand. The company plans to significantly reduce unit costs compared with pre-crisis levels. Among other things, fixed costs have been reduced by short-time working for around 87,000 employees. As of March 31, 2020, Lufthansa's liquidity amounted to around 4.3 billion euros. Thorsten Dirks, Member of the Executive Board Digital and Finance, said, 'In our operating business we are currently consuming around 800 million euros of our liquidity reserve per month. In addition, the reimbursement of cancelled airline tickets and the repayment of financial liabilities that have fallen due will have a foreseeable negative impact on our liquidity development.' Further, Lufthansa said its airlines from mid-June will be significantly expanding their schedules to around 2,000 weekly connections to more than 130 destinations worldwide. The Executive Board has decided to increase the offered capacity in September by up to 40 percent of the original schedule. The Board has also decided to increase the number of destinations to 70 percent of the original plan for long-haul flights and 90 percent for short-haul flights. The reduction in traffic performance by over 95 percent in the months of April and May resulted in the company initially parking 700 of its 763 aircraft. Meanwhile, the company still expects 300 aircraft parked in 2021, and 200 in 2022. Even after the end of the crisis, which is expected to end in 2023, the company sees its fleet to remain 100 aircraft smaller. For the first quarter, net loss was 2.12 billion euros compared to a loss of 342 million euros in the prior year. Loss per share was 4.44 euros compared to a loss of 0.72 euros. Adjusted EBIT was minus 1.22 billion euros compared to minus 336 million euros last year. First quarter Group revenue declined 18 percent to 6.44 billion euros from 7.84 billion euros a year ago. Traffic revenue fell 22 percent. The airlines in the Lufthansa Group carried 21.8 million passengers, down 26.1 percent. Seat load factor fell by 4.7 percentage points to 73.3 percent. In the month of April, Lufthansa Group airlines recorded a 98.1 percent year-on-year decline in passenger numbers to 241,000. The seat load factor fell by 35.8 percentage points to 47.5 percent. Passenger and freight volumes in May were again significantly lower than in the previous year. In Germany, Lufthansa shares were trading at 9.77 euros, up 3.34 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de HOLLAND, MI Police are investigating the drive-by shooting of a house on West 21st Street near Cleveland Avenue. Police said five shots hit the siding of the house. The three people inside were not hurt. The shooting happened around 6:15 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, in the 400 block of West 21st Street, Holland police said. Witnesses provided police with a description of the vehicle, a Nissan Maxima. Police found the vehicle parked at a home in Holland Township. Police believe that the victims and suspects know each other. Police say they have received limited cooperation from those involved. Police asked anyone with information to contact Holland Department of Public Safety at 355-1150 or email investigators at policetips@cityofholland.com Anonymous tips can be made to Silent Observer at 877-887-4536, texting OCMTIP and your message to 274637 or online at www.mosotips.com Read more: Pet groomers in Michigan can reopen Thursday 5 suspects in Grand Rapids riot accused of damaging police cars, Sundance Grill Police identify victim, 16, of apparent drowning at Lake Bella Vista near Rockford Popular beaches in the Shonan area near Tokyo are likely to have no beach huts or life guards this summer as a number of beach operators have given up on opening amid strict coronavirus control measures. The 25 beaches in Kanagawa Prefecture, neighboring Tokyo, including some of its biggest in Shonan, attracted 3.2 million visitors last year. But the prefecture has set a guideline requiring huts to be reservation-only and for operators to enforce social distancing to prevent a second wave of coronavirus infections. Three major beach operators in the city of Fujisawa said Monday they have decided not to open their beaches this summer as they feel unable to implement the guidelines. Similar decisions have already been made for beaches along Sagami Bay, including those in Chigasaki, Hiratsuka, Oiso, Kamakura, Zushi, Yokosuka and Hayama. "If one place opens, people will flow to it," said the head of one of the Fujisawa operators on Monday. Kamakura Mayor Takashi Matsuo told a press conference that it will be the first time in the postwar period for the city's Yuigahama beach to remain closed all summer. The beaches will not be off limits to visitors, but the decisions mean there will be no life guards or first-aid stations. Rajasthan health secretary Rohit Kumar Singh on Wednesday sought a report from the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Ltd after complaints of poor-quality PPE kits being supplied to medical staff at SMS hospital in Jaipur. I have asked RMSCL managing director Pritam Yaswant to submit a report on the tendering and procurement of the PPE (personal protective equipment) kits, said Singh who is also the additional chief secretary (ACS). He said there was no shortage of PPE kits and procurement was in line with the Centres guidelines. I can tell you there is no shortage of good PPE kits in the state, he said. We are procuring kits as per the guidelines set by the government of India. RMSCL procures kits and we get some from the central government. We are supplying the ones we get from the Centre to SMS hospital. Singhs directive came after SMS hospital principal Dr Sudhir Bhandari wrote about complaints regarding the quality of PPE kits, which are used by medical staff while tending to Covid-19 patients. Dr Bhandari said he had forwarded the complaint letter that was received 5-6 days back to the health secretary. I received a written complaint from 8-10 nursing staff and I forwarded it to ACS asking that the matter be looked into, he said. Dr Bhandaris letter (HT has a copy) says complaints have been received that the PPE kits are of poor quality, torn and made from plastic. It says medical staff complained about suffocation and discomfort after wearing the kits. He said he did not think there was an issue with the quality of the PPE kits. After I received the complaint, I enquired from professors and doctors about the quality of PPE kits but they did not express any dissatisfaction with the kits, he said. There are 1,800 nursing staff in the hospital but no major complaints have been received. A few of them have complained. Its not a serious matter. Meanwhile, a day after SMS hospital was declared corona-free and opened to the general public, a rash of cases from the hospital staff were recorded. The hospital administration was in a flap as 23 staff from various departments tested positive. Most of those infected are from Ramganj area which was a Covid-19 hotspot but the health department has said the situation is now normalising. Those who tested positive include a doctor from the microbiology department, seven ward boys, one ward lady, five helpers in the pharmacy, one computer operator, two sanitation staff, two trolleymen, three guards and one medical machine repairman, according to the health department. Meanwhile, tourism minister Vishvendra Singh took to social media to highlight alleged negligence by the Bharatpur medical college. He said the sample reports of his security guard and RTDC staff which had been negative after testing in SMS hospital were listed as positive by the Bharatpur Medical College. In his tweet, he said after the news came out, there was a feeling of fear among people. The minister said he had got the matter investigated and it came to light that the error occurred due to wrong data entry. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 20:28:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TOKYO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Japan has reported 31 new confirmed COVID-19 cases with the total reaching 17,031, according to the latest figures from the health ministry and local authorities on Wednesday. The number excludes the 712 cases from the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama near Tokyo. Meanwhile, the death toll in Japan from the pneumonia-causing virus currently stands at a total of 918 people, according to the health ministry, with the figure including those from the cruise ship. In Tokyo, the epicenter of Japan's outbreak, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased by 12 to reach 5,295, followed by Osaka Prefecture with 1,783 infections. Kanagawa Prefecture, meanwhile, has recorded 1,373 infections, Hokkaido 1,102 cases, Saitama 1,002,Chiba 904, while Fukuoka Prefecture has recorded 786 cases of COVID-19, according to the latest figures on Wednesday. The health ministry said there are currently a total of 102 patients considered severely ill and are on ventilators or in intensive care units. The ministry also said that in total, 15,425 people, including 654 from the cruise ship, have been discharged from hospitals after their symptoms improved. Enditem The Lagos State Ministry of Health, on Tuesday, recorded eight additional deaths from coronavirus infection, increasing the total death toll to 67. Akin Abayomi, the Commissioner for Health, gave the update on his Twitter handle on Tuesday. 8 additional COVID-19 related deaths were recorded. Total COVID-19 related deaths now stands at 67, he tweeted. Nigeria recorded 241 new cases of the infection on Tuesday, a decline from what was recorded on Monday. Out of the 241 New cases, 142 were recorded in Lagos, bringing the total confirmed cases in Lagos to 5,293. As of Tuesday, 3,239 patients have recovered from the infection in Nigeria, while 314 deaths have been recorded. Residents are urged to continue practising the health guidelines stipulated by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and report all COVID-19 related issues to the appropriate ministry. New York: A majority of Americans sympathise with nationwide protests over the death of an unarmed black man in police custody and disapprove of President Donald Trump's response to the unrest, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday. The demonstrations, some of which have turned violent, began last week after a Minneapolis police officer was videotaped kneeling on the neck of George Floyd for nearly nine minutes, even after Floyd appeared to lose consciousness. The officer has been charged with murder. People join George Floyd's family in a march from Discovery Green to City Hall. Credit:AP The survey conducted on Monday and Tuesday found 64 per cent of American adults were "sympathetic to people who are out protesting right now," while 27 per cent said they were not and 9 per cent were unsure. The poll underscored the political risks for Trump, who has adopted a hardline approach to the protests and threatened to deploy the US military to quell violent dissent. The Republican president faces Democrat Joe Biden in November's election. As the heat of the summer arrives, new Korean dramas about love and family also ignite our list. This month just launched the series of Kim Soo Hyun after military service and the first Korean drama picked up by Lifetime channel. And not only that because there's a whole lot more to anticipate this June! Let's check the list to watch for the premiere shows for June 2020. My Unfamiliar Family Episodes: 16 Airs: June 1, 2020 Days: Monday and Tuesday Network: TVN Duration (60 minutes) A family that's almost to drift apart, Kim Eun Hee, as the middle child, keeps her share of pain and joy to fight and keep it complete. She values her mother's patience and cares as they grew up to have their own life. But marriage is falling when his father's hard work and distant treatment of his wife build up. Eun Hee's older sister is smart and pretty married to a doctor but bears no child. Her younger brother has a positive outlook and carries a sensitive soul. As her parents are on the brink of separation, Eun Hee finds strength in getting support from her college and long time friend Park Chan Hyuk. She finds it hard to get close to her siblings and get good love advice from her parents. As she juggles her career, love, and family, things happened out of the ordinary. Who will be her support, an ally that carries her through - her family or her friends? Backstreet Rookie Episodes: 16 Airs: June 12, 2020 Days: Friday and Saturday Network: SBS Duration: 60 minutes One of the much-awaited drama series for the summer, which brings romance and comedy, is "Backstreet Rookie." A story of a convenience store owner who stops working in a big company and runs his own business. Choi Dae Hyun works hard and gets a balanced life. He needs help to make the business going. He hires a part-time staff member Jung Saet Byul that leads a happy go lucky life. This is the first Korean drama to be produced by Lifetime channel. Director Lee Myung Woo heads the cast with screenwriter Son Geun Joo. The story is based on the popular webtoon "Convenience Store" published in 2016-2017 That Guy is The Guy Episodes: 32 Airs: June 15, 2020 Days: Monday and Tuesday Network: KBS2 Duration: 35 minutes This is the story of a woman who was profoundly heartbroken and convinced herself not to get married. In her journey to focus on her career and never think of romantic relationships, she receives love confessions. Two men with opposite charms come knocking at her heart once again. Seo Hyun Joo thought that life would be better without love and avoid getting hurt once again. Her career in a webtoon planning team goes on well then she meets Park Do Gyeom with a lovely character. Along the road, she meets CEO Hwang Ji Woo, who is cold-hearted and makes her shaken with his personality. It's Okay To Not Be Okay Episodes: 16 Airs: June 20, 2020 Days: Saturday and Sunday Network: TVN, Netflix Duration: 60 minutes Korean drama series that talks about psychological healing and discovering love together. Moon Gang-tae is a health worker who works hard to meet both ends. He devoted his life to taking care of his disabled brother. Life is never easy, but he keeps up with it. Go Moon-young is a successful writer and grows up to be antisocial to protect herself from any person who inflicts pain. Her family is in a struggle to live a happy life that she keeps to herself. One cold-hearted personality meets one person that is full of warmth and patience will make an incredible story to watch. Which one of these dramas will you add to your cozy night? A former Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF) Asari Dokubo has accused the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, of collecting hundreds of millions from Southeast governors and also betraying his IPOB members to the Department of State Services (DSS). The former Niger Delta militant leader made the accusations while reacting to allegations from IPOB members that he collected the sum of N20million from Kanu in 2016. In a video he posted on his Facebook page on Monday, Dokubo swore by the Quran that he had never collected any money from Kanu, just as he asked the IPOB leader to swear if he had not collected billion of Naira from some governors. ALSO READ: Asari Dokubo Threatens To Kill Nnamdi Kanu If He Ever Dares Him Dokubo also accused Kanu of betraying IPOB members to the DSS while insisting that the days of the IPOB leader are numbered as he would soon be disgraced and punished publicly. He said: Nnamdi Kanu, your followers have challenged me that if I did not collect N20m from you I should swear by the Quran, I swear by the Quran that I never collected N20m from you or any of your members. I never betrayed any of your members, you sent them to me and they left, as we speak I have about 18 IPOB members staying in my house because of the love and trust they have for me. So many IPOB members, BSS Commanders come to me and even beg me not to talk. I swear, if I collected any money or betrayed any Biafran, may Allah punish me in this world and the one after. I also now ask Kanu to swear if you have not being collecting monies from all the governors of the Igbo states and beyond running into hundreds of millions. Swear that you have never betrayed IPOB members to the DSS, I know that whether you swear or not your days are numbered. You will soon be punished and the whole world would see your disgrace. I stand my the Quran and maintain that if I ever demanded N200m and you gave me N20m, may Allah punish and disgrace me in this world and the one thereafter. Watch the video below: ALSO READ: Nnamdi Kanu Is A Traitor And Coward Working For Buhari Asari Dokubo, Warns Igbos [Video] Looking for a diversion to keep you entertained as winter settles in? Crime fiction is the asnwer to your problem. The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1886), Fergus Hume Who killed the mystery man in the Melbourne cab? Hume's novel sold hugely in Australia and around the world. Agatha Christie had murder on her mind. Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926), Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot makes his third appearance in this bamboozling mystery with a startling explanation. The Daughter of Time (1951), Josephine Tey A bed-ridden detective manages to investigate the murder of the princes in the Tower of London. Was Richard III really guilty? The horrific killing of George Floyd that was witnessed by the world will now be scrutinized in a court of law. On Wednesday, Minnesota prosecutors elevated the charge to second-degree murder against the police officer who pressed his knee against the neck of Floyd for nearly nine excruciating minutes. Equally significant, the three other Minneapolis officers on the scene were charged with aiding and abetting the murder. Each could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted. The upgraded murder charge against Derek Chauvin, 44, and the arrest of his fellow officers Thomas Lane, 37, J. Alexander Kueng, 26, and Tou Thao, 34 was a relief to the many Americans who were questioning if justice would be fully served for the killing captured on videotape. Their immediate firing last week was necessary, but less than satisfying. Those firings did not stop the protests that erupted across the nation and beyond in the past week. Those demonstrations were precipitated by the sickening images of a handcuffed Floyd losing his life repeatedly gasping I cant breathe and pleading for his late mother as Chauvin had him pinned to the ground. The revulsion over Floyds killing was amplified by the frustration about myriad other times when unarmed African American men died at the hands of police without criminal repercussions. It also arrived with the overlay of the disproportionate effects of a historic pandemic and Depression-level unemployment on people of color. One of the rallying cries at those protests was a demand to prosecute each of the former officers on the scene whose intervention could have saved Floyds life. None did. Instead, the video showed, and the aiding-and-abetting charges reflect, that they were not merely passive observers. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison acknowledged that winning a conviction will be hard. History has shown that police officers accused of any misconduct, and especially a homicide, arrive in court with a well-funded defense team and juries inclined to give law enforcement the benefit of the doubt. There are reasons to hope this case might be different. Ellison noted not only the cooperation and determination of agencies within his state, but also the commitment of the U.S. Department of Justice at the highest levels to pursue federal case based on deprivation of Floyds law under color of law. The citizenry was jolted to the core as rarely seen in modern times. There were protests in all 50 states. In some, police officers joined peaceful demonstrators in expressing their outrage by speaking out, taking a knee or even marching among them. Former President Barack Obama, in a video-streamed talk Wednesday that rang with a seriousness and tone worthy of the office he once held, struck a theme of hope. He was encouraged by the voices of young people calling for change, the diversity of the crowds on the streets at the fact that the majority of Americans support the cause of the protests despite the regrettable acts of mayhem by a few. This was much different, he said, than the 1960s. There is a change of mind-set taking place ... that we can do better, Obama said. On Tuesday, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush issued a poignant statement of their own for America to examine our tragic failures and to find our redeeming strengths on race and justice. Each reminded Americans of when we had a president who saw that his role was to lead instead of inflame and divide the nation at a time of crisis. The quest for justice for George Floyd will not be realized unless and until the officers who killed him are convicted. But at least for one spring day, there was progress. This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters. A German child sex offender was tonight dramatically identified as the potential killer of Madeleine McCann as Scotland Yard revealed he has become the main suspect over the toddlers disappearance. Detectives leading the search for Madeleine said that the 43-year-old man who has not been identified was in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on the night the then three-year-old vanished. They added that he completed a 30-minute phone call only shortly before she went missing on May 3, 2007 and had re-registered his 1993 Jaguar XJR6 car the following day. Photos of the vehicle and a distinctive early 1980s VW T3 Westfalia camper van that the man was also using at the time have been issued by police in an attempt to uncover more information about his movements before and after Madeleine vanished. The early 1980s camper van police are appealing for information about Both vehicles have been seized by police in Germany, where he is in prison. The 1993 Jaguar XJR6 that has been linked to the suspect / PA German police have revealed the man was a child sex offender who may have spontaneously kidnapped Madeleine after breaking into her familys holiday apartment. Christian Hoppe, from Germanys Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), said: "Unfortunately our investigation leads us to believe she was killed." He told the countrys ZDF television channel the suspect is currently serving a prison sentence for a sex crime and has two previous convictions for sexual contact with girls. He said officers have not ruled out a sexual motive in the Madeleine case. Police in the UK who tonight insisted that someone must know more about the Germans activities at the time are also appealing for information about the number he was called on and the mobile number he was using. Both numbers (+351) 912 730 680 and (+351) 916 510 683 were tonight made public in a rare step by police to prompt tip offs from anyone who might have known or called the man. He is described as white with short blond hair, possibly fair, and about 6ft tall with a slim build. Police in Germany said he lived from 1995 and 2007 between the Algarve region, including in a house between Lagos and Praia da Luz, and Germany. Madeleine McCann - In pictures 1 /33 Madeleine McCann - In pictures Madeleine McCann Maddie disappeared in 2007 PA Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal ten years ago, during an interview with the BBC's Fiona Bruce at Prestwold Hall in Loughborough PA Screen grabbed image taken from the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page of a message from Madeleine McCann's parents, Gerry and Kate, who has described the tenth anniversary of her daughter's disappearance as a "horrible marker of time, stolen time" PA Ocean Club in Praia Da Luz The Ocean Club in Praia Da Luz where Madeleine McCann disappeared Kate and Gerry McCann Kate and Gerry McCann with a computer image of how their missing daughter Madeleine might look Reuters Maddie disappeared in 2007 Madeleine McCann: Disappeared in 2007 aged three PA Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, who has revealed that British detectives working on the Madeleine McCann case are still pursuing "critical" leads as the 10th anniversary of her disappearance approaches PA Kate and Gerry McCann Kate and Gerry McCann before a charity run in London AFP/Getty Images The Ocean Club which is next to Apartment 5A in Praia Da Luz in Portugal, where Madeline McCann went missing PA Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal ten years ago, during an interview with the BBC's Fiona Bruce at Prestwold Hall in Loughborough PA Kate McCann Kate McCann speaks to press at a Lisbon court last year AFP/Getty Images Kate and Gerry McCann with their children Kate and Gerry return home from Portugal in 2007 AFP/Getty Images A general view of the coastline in Praia Da Luz in Portugal, where Madeline McCann went missing PA Portugal police Police in Portugal comb the Algarve resort after Madeleine disappeared in 2007 AFP/Getty Images Kate and Gerry McCann Kate and Gerry McCann pictured shortly after Maddie went missing AFP/Getty Images Kate McCann Kate McCann cries during a 2008 TV appearance Madeleine McCann Maddie in an Everton shirt Everton FC/PA A general view of Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz in Praia Da Luz, Portugal, close to where Madeline McCann went missing PA Members of Scotland Yard dig at an area during the search for missing British girl Madeleine McCann in Praia da Luz, near Lagos on 07 June 2014 Reuters Kate and Gerry McCann Kate McCann and Gerry McCann speak to press after being cleared of being formal suspects Getty Images A poster is shown whilst Kate and Gerry McCann give a press conference in 2012 about their missing daughter Madeline McCann Daily Mail Kate and Gerry pictured five years after Maddie went missing Getty Images The Ocean Club which is next to Apartment 5A in Praia Da Luz in Portugal, where Madeline McCann went missing PA Maddie's parents in an interview with Crimewatch A scene from a Crimewatch reconstruction BBC He did occasional jobs in the area, including in the gastronomy sector, but is thought to have supplemented his income through crime, including by carrying out burglaries in hotel complexes and holiday homes and selling drugs. The prosecutor's office in Braunschweig a city in northwestern Germany is carrying out the investigation because the man's last registered address in Germany was in the region. The BKA statement said: The suspect was sentenced on numerous occasions to prison terms for sexual abuse of children in the past." It added that officers believe others could have concrete knowledge of the crime. There is reason to assume that there are other persons, apart from the suspect, who have concrete knowledge of the course of the crime and maybe also of the place where the body was left. We explicitly ask these persons to contact us and provide information. The statement said there is evidence to suggest either the Jaguar XJR 6 or VW T3 Westfalia was used to commit the crime. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy, of the Met Police, said that the investigation into the man had been triggered by information received following a 2017 appeal in this country and that a joint investigation had later begun with German police. Kate and Gerry McCann / PA The new appeal was welcomed by Madeleines parents, Gerry and Kate, who said: We would like to thank the police forces involved for their continued efforts in the search for Madeleine. All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive, but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace. We would like to thank the general public for their ongoing support and encourage anyone who has information directly related to the appeal to contact police. PA Announcing the appeal, Mr Cundy emphasised that Scotland Yard has no definitive information about whether Madeleine, who was days away from her fourth birthday when she went missing, is alive or dead and were continuing to treat the case as a missing person investigation. The Mets investigation has identified more than 600 people as being potentially significant and were tipped off about the German national, already known to detectives, following a 2017 appeal 10 years after she went missing. Det Chief Insp Mark Cranwell told reporters on Wednesday he was taking the really unusual step of releasing two mobile phone numbers as part of the appeal. The first, (+351) 912 730 680, is believed to have been used by the suspect who received a call from another Portuguese mobile, (+351) 916 510 683, while in the Praia da Luz area, starting at 7.32pm and ending at 8.02pm on the night of May 3 2007. Madeleine is believed to have disappeared between 9.10pm and 10pm that evening. British police conduct a finger-tip search of an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing in the resort of Praia da Luz / PA The caller, who is not thought to have been in the Praia da Luz area, is not being treated as a suspect, but is said to be a key witness in the case. Any information in relation to these mobile numbers during the spring and summer of 2007 could be critical to this investigation, said Mr Cranwell. A police officer stands outside the apartment at the Ocean Club Hotel in Luz, Portugal / PA Some people will know the man we are describing today, the suspect in our investigation. Im appealing to you directly. You may know, you may be aware of some of the things he has done. He may have confided in you about the disappearance of Madeleine. More than 13 years have passed and your loyalties may have changed. This individual is in prison and we are conscious that some people may have been concerned about contacting police in the past. Now is the time to come forward. Im appealing to you to contact us, or the German authorities or the Portuguese authorities. Loading.... I should be very, very clear on this while this male is a suspect, we retain an open mind as to his involvement. The Operation Grange incident room can be contacted via 0207 321 9251 or operation.grange@met.police.uk. LONDON Thousands of people demonstrated in London on Wednesday against police violence and racial injustice following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which has set off days of unrest in the United States. In Athens, police fired tear gas to disperse youths who threw firebombs and stones at them outside the U.S. Embassy toward the end of an otherwise peaceful protest by about 4,000 people. No injuries or arrests were reported. The London demonstration began in Hyde Park, with protesters chanting Black lives matter, before many of them later marched through the streets, blocking traffic. Some of them converged on Parliament and the nearby Downing Street office of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. A few scuffles erupted between protesters and police outside the streets heavy metal gates. Inside, Johnson told a news conference that he was appalled and sickened by Floyds death on May 25 when a white Minneapolis officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee on the handcuffed black mans neck for several minutes. Earlier, Star Wars actor John Boyega, who was born in Britain to Nigerian parents and grew up in south Londons Peckham neighborhood, pleaded tearfully for demonstrators to stay peaceful. Because they want us to mess up, they want us to be disorganized, but not today, he said. Boyega recalled the case of Stephen Lawrence, an 18-year-old black man from southeast London who was stabbed to death in 1993 as he waited for a bus. The case against his attackers collapsed in 1996, and a government report cited institutional racism by the London police force as a key factor in its failure to thoroughly investigate the killing. Black lives have always mattered, Boyega said. We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless and now is the time. I aint waiting. Police appeared to keep a low profile during the demonstration and the ensuing marches. Earlier, the U.K.s most senior police officer said she was appalled by Floyds death and horrified by the subsequent violence in U.S. cities. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said the London force would continue with our tradition of policing using minimum force necessary. While the London protesters expressed solidarity with Americans protesting Floyds death, many also pointed to issues closer to home. Racism is a pandemic, said one placard at the London demonstration. Some of them carried placards saying Justice for Belly Mujinga, a 47-year-old railway station worker who died of coronavirus in April, weeks after an incident in which she said she was coughed and spat upon by a customer who claimed to be infected. Her death has come to symbolize the high toll the virus has taken on ethnic minority Britons and front-line workers and, for some, social injustice. Police did not bring charges against the man accused of confronting Mujinga, saying an investigation showed he did not infect her and there was no evidence to substantiate a criminal offense. Johnson, who has sought to cultivate close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump, was asked what he would say to him. He replied: My message to President Trump, to everybody in the United States from the U.K., is that racism, racist violence has no place in our society. Johnson said people had the right to protest but I would urge people to protest peacefully, and in accordance with the rules on social distancing. Everybodys lives matter, black lives matter, but we must fight this virus, as well, he said. In other rallies around the world: More than 1,000 people protested in Stockholm despite a ban on gatherings of over 50 people due to the coronavirus, and while they expressed solidarity with U.S. demonstrators, participants were keen to emphasize that racial injustice was a problem in Sweden, too. One sign read Make racism bad again.. Police said they had to use pepper spray and make one arrest. About 3,000 people rallied in Finlands capital of Helsinki, although they dispersed an hour later when the number of participants exceeded the 500 maximum allowed under virus restrictions. In Cape Town, South Africa, about 20 people gathered at the gates of parliament and held up signs reading Justice 4 George Floyd and Collins Khosa. Khosa died a month ago after being confronted by soldiers and police in Johannesburgs Alexandra township. Family members say he died after being choked and beaten, but a South African army investigation cleared the soldiers a finding the relatives lawyers say they will challenge. Police cut short a demonstration in the Dutch port of Rotterdam by thousands of protesters when the crowd got too big for coronavirus social distancing measures. Many of the London demonstrators appeared to ignore social distancing guidelines in the U.K., where people have been told to stay 2 meters (6 feet) apart. The coronavirus outbreak has exposed divisions and inequalities within the U.K. A government-commissioned report Tuesday confirmed that ethnic minorities in Britain experienced a higher death rate from the coronavirus than whites, but did not provide any recommendations on how to alleviate the risks. Figures from Londons Metropolitan Police also showed that black and ethnic minority Londoners were more likely than their white counterparts to be fined or arrested for breaking lockdown rules barring gatherings or nonessential travel. Associated Press writer Gerald Imray in Cape Town, South Africa, and Raf Casert in Brussels contributed. The largest Martian moon, Phobos, was once a ring of rubble surrounding the Red Planet - until rocks clumped together to form the misshapen body we know today. In fact, this ring-to-moon process is a cycle that is expected to repeat again in about 100 million years - putting a new disc of rubble around the Red Planet. Astronomers from the SETI institute used the slightly off orbit of Mars's second moon, Deimos, to confirm the ring-to-moon cycle Phobos goes through. Deimos orbits Mars with a slight tilt and the team say this could have been caused by interference from a planetary ring in the relatively recent past. The authors say Phobos last reformed from a ring of rubble 200 million years ago - a mission to the moon in 2024 will be able to confirm if this theory is correct. Astronomers from the SETI institute used the slightly off orbit of Mars's second moon, Deimos, to confirm the ring-to-moon cycle Phobos goes through 'The fact that Deimos's orbit is not exactly in plane with Mars's equator was considered unimportant, and nobody cared to try to explain it,' said astronomer Matija Cuk of the SETI Institute The ring-to-moon theory was first proposed in 2017, suggesting a large asteroid hit the Red Planet, sending debris into space that formed a ring - that in turn formed into clumps of rock and as they became more stable - the moon Phobos. They suggested that Phobos would have been significantly larger than it is today - up to 20 times bigger than the moon currently orbiting the Red Planet. The new study examined the orbit of Deimos and found it matched what they'd expect if Mars once had a ring system. 'The fact that Deimos's orbit is not exactly in plane with Mars's equator was considered unimportant, and nobody cared to try to explain it,' said astronomer Matija Cuk of the SETI Institute. 'But once we had a big new idea and we looked at it with new eyes, Deimos's orbital tilt revealed its big secret.' The study authors say they expect the process to repeat itself when Phobos gets close enough to Mars that it is torn apart by tidal forces. PHOBOS IN NUMBERS: THE MOON ORBITS MARS EVERY 7 HOURS 39 MINUTES Diameter: 13.8miles Orbital period: 7.66 hours Distance from Mars: 3,700miles Discovered: 18 August 1877 Gets closer to Mars by about 6.5ft every one hundred years Tidally locked to Mars Advertisement The moon is currently on a seven hour and 39 minute orbit of the Red Planet and is actually getting closer by 0.7 inches per year. There is a point above the planet - known as the Roche Limit - where tidal forces will take over and Phobos won't be able to stay as a solid object - this is when it will be ripped into pieces and become a new ring around the Red Planet. Some of the rocks will rain down on Mars, some will form a ring in orbit and others will clump together to form a new, smaller Phobos pushed further out. According to the 2017 research this has happened several times since Mars first formed about 4.5 billion years ago. Cuk and colleagues from the SETI Institute used simulations to model how this process might affect the orbit of Deimos as a way to confirm the 2017 theory. They realised that a proto-Phobos 20 times the current mass would have been enough to push Deimos into the slight tilt it has today. The first time this happened would have been in the early years of the Red Planet - about 3.5 billion years ago - but has happened twice since then. Astronomers from the SETI institute used the slightly off orbit of Mars's second moon, Deimos, to confirm the ring-to-moon cycle Phobos goes through The most recent moon-ring-moon cycle would have happened about 200 million years ago, according to the researchers. This theory will be tested when the Japanese Space Agency - JAXA - sends its mission to study the rocks on Phobos in 2024. In fact, the probe will take rock samples from the moon and bring them back to Earth for scientists to study in more detail. The samples will be dated and used to estimate the age of Phobos - if it is no more than a couple of hundred years then we know the ring-moon theory is correct. Findings from the study are due to be published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters but have been made available on the arXiv pre-print server. COATESVILLE City voters elected Nydea Graves, a Democrat, to fill an unexpired council seat during a special election on June 2. Shes never held elected office before. Thank you, so much Coatesville for coming out and showing your support, Graves told the Daily Local News just before midnight on Tuesday night. No matter what the results of this race are, our campaign was people focused and we unified our community, she said. I absolutely could not have done any of this without all of the overwhelming support that my campaign has received from our community. A total of 1,664 votes were cast in-person on Tuesday in the three-way contested race. All vote totals are unofficial until certified by the Chester County Board of Elections, and may not reflect the final tallies of absentee or no-excuse vote by mail ballots. Graves won by 72 percent with 1,213 votes cast in her favor; 219 votes were cast for Councilwoman Marie Lawson, an Independent, and 228 votes were cast for Republican Fran Scamuffa. The council appointed Lawson to fill the vacant at-large seat after Debbie Bookman relinquished the position. In 2019, Bookman was elected by voters to become Prothonotary of Chester County and subsequently resigned from City Council. Tuesdays special election on the fate of the seat was open to all registered voters in the city, regardless of party affiliation. Coatesville remains under curfew, a temporary emergency act enacted by the council in April to mitigate the impact of novel coronavirus in the community, as previously reported by the Daily Local News. On Friday, Chester County Coroner Christina VandePol said 317 people have died in the county since March 28 after exposure to COVID-19 including 298 senior citizens who perished at assisted living facilities. As the state prepares to lift some emergency restrictions in Chester County on June 5, Coatesville remains disenfranchised. With approximately 14,000 residents, people who live in poverty represent more than 30 percent of the population. Pennsylvania classifies Coatesville as a third class city and has no mayor. I am working class person who has grown up knowing that myself and other working class people in Coatesville have been left behind by the political establishment, Graves told the Daily Local News last week ahead of the election. She said, As Coatesville revitalizes, I want to assure that the community that I love so much has access to a living wage, guaranteed housing and can share the benefit of a thriving community. Graves said of her hometown, Everyone here knows your name and your family. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Being a kind and sensitive person is 'in your genes', as well as developing through upbringing and life experience, a new study revealed. Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that some people were more kind and compassionate than others - and half of those differences were inherited. The results are based on 2,800 identical and non identical 17 year-old British twins and the number of people with the gene is five times higher than first thought. Previous research suggested that only ten percent of someone's kindness and sensitivity was purely down to genetics. The discovery sheds fresh light on how we make close connections with people and behave in a range of situations - from the workplace to a party. Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that some people were more kind and compassionate than others - and half of those differences were inherited Lead author Professor Michael Pluess, of Queen Mary University of London, said we're all affected by what we experience and sensitivity is a shared human trait. 'We also differ in how much of an impact our experiences have on us. Scientists have always thought there was a genetic basis for sensitivity,' Pluess said. 'This is the first time we've been able to actually quantify how much of these differences in sensitivity are explained by genetic factors.' By analysing the twins, Pluess and his team found 47 per cent of sensitivity factors were down to genetics - leaving 53 per cent accounted for by environmental factors. The results, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, are groundbreaking as they are the first to demonstrate the link so comprehensively. Pluess and colleagues measured participants' 'sensitivity level' by comparing how strongly they were affected by positive or negative experiences. The aim was to tease out how many variations could be explained by either genetic or environmental factors during development. It aimed to answer the age old question about personality - 'nature or nurture'. Twins brought up together will mostly experience the same conditions - but identical twins share the same genes. In comparison, non-identical twins are like any other sibling - so any differences would be purely down to nurture, not nature. If the former show no more similarity in their levels of sensitivity than the latter twins, then genes are unlikely to play a role in their sensitivity levels. This was not the case based on the study of 2,800 sets of twins, explained Dr Pluess. The study involved around 1,000 identical and and 1,800 non-identical twins, roughly half of whom were same sex. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire, developed by Professor Pluess, which has been widely used to test an individual's levels of sensitivity to their environment. The questionnaire is able to identify different types of the trait, such as being more affected by upsetting or happy events, as well as general sensitivity. The study also suggested that these different sensitivities have a genetic basis. Co author Dr Elham Assary, a member of the same lab, said if a child is more sensitive to negative experiences it might be they become more easily stressed. 'On the other hand, if a child has a higher sensitivity to positive experiences, it may be that they are more responsive to good parenting or benefit more from psychological interventions at school,' said Assary. 'These different aspects of sensitivity all have a genetic basis.' The researchers explored the link between sensitivity and the main personality traits known as the 'Big Five'. The results are based on 2,800 identical and non identical 17 year-old British twins and the number of people with the gene is five times higher than first thought Those are openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion and neuroticism, according to the research team. They found there was a shared genetic component between sensitivity and the latter two, but not with any of the others Professor Pluess believes the findings could help us in how we understand and handle sensitivity, in ourselves and others. 'We know from previous research that around a third of people are at the higher end of the sensitivity spectrum,' he said. 'They are generally more strongly affected by their experiences.' He said this can have advantages and disadvantages. 'Because we now know this sensitivity is as much due to biology as environment, it is important for people to accept their sensitivity as an important part of who they are and consider it as a strength not just as a weakness,' said Pluess. The sensitivity test will be made available online later this month - so anyone can assess just how sensitive they are. The findings have been published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry. The agency made early missteps in testing and failed to provide timely counts of infections and deaths, hindered by aging technology across the U.S. health system. It hesitated in absorbing the lessons of other countries, and struggled to calibrate the need to move fast and its own imperative to be cautious. Its communications were sometimes confusing, sowing mistrust, even as it clashed with the White House and President Donald Trump. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has urged Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to operationalise evacuation flights connecting Europe, North America and certain other regions with Kerala under the Vande Bharat Mission. In a letter to Puri, Tharoor said while evacuation flights, as part of the mission, have evacuated the country's citizens from some major cities like San Francisco, New York and Frankfurt, these flights have primarily flown back to metropolitan hubs like New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. "As a result, those wishing to travel to other states from these cities, have to undergo the mandatory period of quarantine first before they are allowed to proceed to their homes. This has become a cause of concern for expatriate groups from the state of Kerala that are currently in these countries," the MP from Thiruvananthapuram said. "Recently, I received a representation from over 54 Keralites stranded in Germany, in a group that also includes pregnant women, senior citizens and those facing imminent visa expiry," he said. For latest updates on coronavirus outbreak, click here The only way for this group to return would be to fly to one of the aforementioned Indian cities and undergo quarantine there, Tharoor said, adding that this would not only cause them mental anguish and concern of potentially contracting the virus, but would also increase the strain on the existing infrastructure within these cities that serve as institutional quarantine facilities. Similar concerns have also been raised by a number of Keralite pravasi welfare groups that are based in the US, he said in a letter dated June 2. "There is, therefore, a strong case to consider operationalising flights that land directly in one of the major airports in the state, particularly the airport in my constituency of Thiruvananthapuram which has the proven capability of facilitating the arrival of wide-body aircraft," Tharoor said. Such a measure would give these groups the mental satisfaction of being quarantined in their own state and also allow for seamless transfer to their respective homes once the period of quarantine is over, he said. While the majority of pravasis from the state reside in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and other parts of the Middle East, the state also has a substantial community in parts of Europe like Germany as well as other countries like the US, Algeria, Australia and Canada, Tharoor said. The Ministry of External Affairs has also indicated that they will have no objection to direct flights from US and European airports to Kerala, provided there are enough passengers to fill wide-bodied aircraft, he said. The Department of Healths Bureau of Quarantine has released a directive which prohibits overseas Filipino workers who are quarantined from granting interviews to the media. The International Federation of Journalists joins it affiliate the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) to seek clarification on this directive and call on authorities to uphold the peoples rights to information. Item 6 of the directive reads: Media interviews and posting on Social Media is [sic] not allowed. Electronic gadgets and cellphones of those who violate this will be confiscated and will be returned after the quarantine period. It was purportedly given to Filipino workers (OFWs) returning from abroad. Copies of the directive have been posted online by concerned government officials and citizens. If the information is true, this directive violates the OFWs freedom of expression as well as access by journalists to news sources and constitutionally-guaranteed rights. Around 36,000 overseas Filipino workers have returned to the country since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Delays and inefficiencies in testing as well as processing documents have forced some 24,000 OFWs who were tested negative to remain in quarantine over the mandatory 14-days. NUJP said: Government must again be reminded that, as it leads our countrys response against the pandemic, it should still uphold the peoples rights and freedoms. The IFJ said:Access for journalists to interview sources, including overseas Filipino workers is essential during the pandemic. Only by allowing the press to do their jobs freely and safely, the media will be able to distribute information and keep public safe and informed. IFJ calls the authorities to respect journalists rights. Ella Jones became the first African American and first woman elected mayor in Ferguson, Missouri, on Tuesday, nearly six years after the city erupted in protests after a white police officer shot and killed Michael Brown, a Black teenager. The victory for Jones, a Ferguson City Council member, came as another night of protests unfolded throughout the country over the killing of George Floyd and persistent police brutality against Black Americans. Jones, 65, and her opponent Heather Robinett, 49, had both vowed to continue changes enacted after the 2014 shooting of Brown, including a federal consent decree, a legally binding agreement requiring reforms to a police department. And both had made clear that they supported peaceful protests after the killing of Floyd in Minneapolis, while condemning the violence that has broken out in several cities. Ive got work to do because when youre an African American woman, they require more of you than they require of my counterpart, Jones said after her victory, in a video posted online Tuesday night by journalist Jason Rosenbaum of St. Louis Public Radio. I know the people in Ferguson are ready to stabilize their community, and were going to work together to get it done. Jones, who prevailed with 54 per cent of the vote, will succeed James Knowles III, who has been the mayor since 2011 and could not run for reelection because of term limits. Jones lost to Knowles in the 2017 mayoral election. A resident of Ferguson for more than 40 years, Jones is also a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Protests convulsed Ferguson for weeks in 2014, after the white officer, Darren Wilson, shot and killed Brown, 18. A grand jury and the Department of Justice declined to prosecute Wilson, who eventually resigned. In 2015, Jones became the first Black woman elected to the City Council, and though she was critical of the citys law enforcement system, she did not have enthusiastic backing from protesters at the time. I dont get along to go along, she said then. If I see something that needs to be addressed, I will address it. After losing her bid for mayor, Jones said that many Black residents told her that they did not believe electing her would change their own fortunes and questioned whether she had accomplished anything in her two years on the City Council. If youve been oppressed so long, its hard for you to break out to a new idea, Jones said at the time. And when youve been governed by fear and people telling you that the city is going to decline because an African American person is going to be in charge, then you tend to listen to the rhetoric and dont open your mind to new possibilities. Ferguson is one of the smallest cities in the country with a federal consent decree, which includes scores of new policies to reform the Police Department. Like many other cities throughout the country, Ferguson officials declared a state of emergency and issued a curfew in recent days, as the protests over police brutality have continued. Read more about: The world of field recordings is cinema verite for the ear: the sounds of natural phenomenon, occasionally from far-flung places, documenting the unreachable, the unexpected and the heretofore inaudible. Listening to these recordings of chattering animals, bustling ecosystems and roaring weather systems can be an experience that blurs the boundaries of music and chance, documentary and art, new age and noise, the real and the imaginary. Though often bolstered by studio trickery, Irv Teibels pioneering Environments albums in the 1960s and 70s helped popularize the idea of lapping waves, rustling leaves and chirping cicadas as a relaxing slice of audio tourism. And the 1970 release Songs of the Humpback Whale was a surprise smash. Since then, the world of field recording has grown downright hallucinogenic. Today, great artists like Chris Watson, Jana Winderen and Jacob Kirkegaard provide patient and exploratory listeners of the near impossible like the bustling sea life of Greenland, the volcanic vibrations of Iceland or vultures chomping on a zebra carcass in Kenya. Here are 12 essential recordings that help bring the outside to you. Peter Bruce, The Lyrebird: A Documentary Study of Its Song (1966) Big C Mien Dong, a long-standing supermarket in Ho Chi Minh City now run by Thailands Central Group, will be closed this month over retail space rent issues. On Tuesday morning, a notification was posted at the entrance of Big C Mien Dong on To Hien Thanh Street in District 10, informing customers that the outlet would shut down in the next 20 days due to disagreement over space rent with the landlord. The outlet was in normal operation on Tuesday as observed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspapers reporters. Tuesdays announcement clarified that new requirements from the lessor make the supermarket fail to keep its commitment of providing quality goods to customers at affordable prices. It added that the Big C chain and Central Groups retail arm Central Retail pledge to arrange new jobs for the current employees at Big C Mien Dong. The notification was taken down later on Tuesday. A representative of Central Retail confirmed the information to Tuoi Tre on the same day. People shop at the Big C Mien Dong supermarket on To Hien Street in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, June 2, 2020. Photo: Ngoc Hien / Tuoi Tre The closure decision was not an easy one to make for Big C, given that Big C Mien Dong has been one of the favorite and familiar shopping places for residents in Ho Chi Minh City for a long time, according to the representative. The supermarket chain had tried its best to reach an agreement with the lessor on the extension of the leasing contract in light of impacts from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. But everything was in vain. The proposals by the lessor make us unable to fulfill our low-price commitments to consumers, so we will have to cease the operations of Big C Mien Dong, the representative said. Central Retail will continue to serve Big Cs customers through doorstep delivery services, telesales shopping via the hotline 1900 1880, online shopping applications like Chopp and GrabMart, and at its other outlets after Big C Mien Dong closes, the representative affirmed. Big C Mien Dong was one of the first Big C supermarkets opened by its initial owner Groupe Casino when the French retailer entered Vietnam in 2003. In April 2016, Thailands Central Group announced they had finalized deals to take over Big C Vietnam from Groupe Casino for about US$1.05 billion. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Fourth batch of humanitarian medical aid from China arrives in Belarus MINSK, June 2 (Xinhua) -- A fourth batch of Chinese humanitarian medical aid sent to Belarus arrived Tuesday, on board a military aircraft belonging to the Belarusian Defense Ministry. The 22 tons of cargo included non-contact thermometers, protective equipment, oxygen concentrators, test systems, and other medical products. More than 100 tons of humanitarian aid from China have now been delivered to Belarus on four flights. Regions of the country struggling with COVID-19 will be given first priority to the aid, the country's healthcare ministry said. BERLIN Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has discussed the ongoing conflict with Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, Kyivs relationship with NATO, and the issue of Russia-annexed Crimea with German officials during a one-day visit to Berlin. At a joint press conference after the talks on June 2, Kuleba and his German counterpart Heiko Maas said they had agreed to accelerate the implementation of agreements reached in Paris in December during talks held in the so-called Normandy Format, a diplomatic process involving Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and France to end fighting in eastern Ukraine. Maas also said that Germany will continue to support Ukraine in the European Union as well as Kyiv's ties with NATO. Germanys top diplomat stressed the importance of ending fighting in the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, known as the Donbas, some parts of which have been controlled by Moscow-supported separatists since April 2014. More than 13,000 people have been killed since the beginning of the conflict, including some 50 Ukrainian soldiers killed this year. Maas also pushed for more crossing points along the demarcation line in the Donbas, pointing out that the current five such points along the 400-kilometer line of contact are not enough. Maas also said that it was important to continue demining operations in the conflict zone and stated that "all sides need compromises." Kuleba said that Kyiv wants peace in the Donbas, but such peace should not lead to "crossing the red lines," which "are national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine." Kuleba also addressed the importance of providing access to the International Committee of the Red Cross for Ukrainians illegally held in Russia-annexed Crimea. Kuleba separately mentioned dozens of Crimean Tatars held in Crimea and in Russia, saying Moscow is carrying out an "intentional policy" of persecution against the Muslim Turkic-speaking people of Crimea, the majority of whom opposed the peninsula's annexation by Russia in 2014. 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. 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. On Tuesday afternoon, a large, peaceful demonstration took over the block in front of Getty House in Hancock Park -- where Mayor Eric Garcetti lives -- demanding justice for black people killed by police officers and the reallocation of city resources away from the Los Angeles Police Department. Black Lives Matter L.A. kept the protest operation under wraps all day and off social media. Before the planned action in front of Garcetti's house, the organizers held an informal training at a nearby park, emphasizing nonviolent action. The mayor happened to be at City Hall for a 6 p.m. address, but the protest itself was highly coordinated. Black Lives Matter-LA co-founder Melina Abdullah said they assembled a coalition of organizations including People's City Council-LA using "old-fashioned phone calls," text messages and door knocks. "We all work together because this whole issue of defunding the police is actually inclusive of George Floyd, but it's also bigger than George Floyd," she said. Abdullah and other organizers are behind "The People's Budget," an alternative plan for city spending that calls for funding social services, housing and transportation instead of police. One protester, Millana Snow, said she was "amazed and impressed" by the level of organizing, noting that clear instructions were given to protesters to ensure their safety and prevent damage to property, and that representatives from the National Lawyers Guild, identified by neon green caps, were on hand to give legal advice. icon DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines. SUBSCRIBE Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Black Lives Matter leaders spoke at the gates of the mayor's mansion, using bullhorns to decry police brutality. Family members of people killed by law enforcement also shared their stories. An impromptu "electric slide" line dance lightened the mood. Meanwhile, at the north end of the block, at South Irving Boulevard and West 6th Street, over 100 protesters took a defensive posture, sitting down at the corner of Irving Boulevard and 6th street, facing a line of police in helmets. People holding signs and recording with cell phones chanted "defund the police," "f*** Garcetti" and "[District Attorney] Jackie Lacey must go." Faced with a tactic of nonviolent resistance, officers withdrew. LAPD Commander Cory Palka, who became internet famous when he took a knee with protesters in West Hollywood on Monday, described his feelings as "complex." "I clearly acknowledge the frustration and the anger throughout this country," Palka said. "We're trying to do the best we can to facilitate the expression of peace and understand the frustration. There's a lot of work to be done and moving forward. And it's been a difficult challenge for us. And very sad for this great city called Los Angeles." The confrontation ended differently than scenes captured on camera elsewhere in L.A., where LAPD used tear gas and rubber bullets to scatter demonstrators. LAPD officers began taking their helmets off. Some of the green-accented guns used to shoot rubber bullets disappeared. And eventually, the line of officers disengaged, pulling back around the corner to allow protesters to flow across 6th Street. Protesters cheered when the realization swept through the crowd: police were backing off. "Whose streets? Our streets," came the jubilant call-and-response. LAPD didn't go far: armed officers were standing by waiting to respond, and photos on social media showed buses staged just a couple blocks away to carry off anyone arrested in the demonstrations. But in the midst of a painful week, the small victory sent a ripple of joy and strength through the young crowd. They had carved out space to express what's on the hearts of so many weary people of color in Los Angeles -- and this time, the uniforms and guns got out of their way. Here are some images from the scene: If laws are unjust and prevent us from getting justice, then f- those laws. - speaker at #BLM rally Speaker speaking on health care, oppression of women. pic.twitter.com/nppLMP9jd6 Mike Roe (@MikeRoe) June 2, 2020 Outside Mayor Garcettis house peaceful protesters are demanding #CareNotCops and a #PeoplesBudget. Organizers with @BLMLA kept this action under wraps all day. They held a training nearby to emphasize peaceful methods of resistance. @MikeRoe and I are here for @LAist @KPCC pic.twitter.com/wojP74qcJq Libby Denkmann (@libdenk) June 2, 2020 Large police presence in intersection next to the mayors house for #BlackLivesMatter protest (some in masks, some not) Crowd chants including racist cops have got to go & defund the police (Covering for @LAist/@KPCC w/ @libdenk) pic.twitter.com/skWEagcucv Mike Roe (@MikeRoe) June 3, 2020 Mike Roe contributed to this story. BENZIE The Memorial Day weekend did see an increase in visitors to the Benzie County area, but were there any complaints about large gatherings or people refusing to distance themselves in stores and restaurants? Undersheriff Kyle Rosa said there were only a couple of calls. We got one call about an alleged family reunion that was unfounded, and somebody thought there were too many people at a motel, Rosa said. There was nothing that involved any action taken by the sheriffs office. He also said arrests were down over the weekend from 2019. There were three arrests over the weekend, as opposed to 10 in 2019. The Benzie-Leelanau Health Department also said it only received a few calls from people concerned about gatherings or social distancing. It seemed to go pretty well, said Michelle Klein, director of personal health at the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department. It felt like most people were being pretty respectful about social distancing and maintaining masks. The next couple of weeks will be telling. We know there were travelers here in short term, and hotels and cottages. Well see over the next 14 days if we develop any cases. As far as hotels and cottages harboring travelers, Klein said, at the time of the interview, lodging could open up to people self-quarantining or essential workers, but there is nothing in state orders compelling hotels and motels to ask guests the reason they are looking for lodging. Guidance from the state indicated individuals traveling were the ones responsible for not doing something to violate the executive orders, hotels were not required to ask people why they were staying. Some did, others did not. It is kind of a loophole, she said. Late last week, vacation travel was still suspended under the stay at home orders, which Whitmer loosened for the entire state on Monday. Those restrictions were loosened for Northern Michigan prior to Memorial Day. The governors order did not allow for vacation travel or vacation rentals over Memorial Day weekend, Klein said. People were not supposed to be coming up here just to take advantage of things being open. With northern Michigan opening, the idea is to show we can reopen our economy responsibly. At the time of the interview, Klein said people were able to travel to their second home, though the health department didn't encourage it. She also said people coming up to their second home should self-quarantine for 14 days. They can bring what they need, or get supplies delivered using services like the Benzie Bus. The idea is to open up slowly and carefully, Klein said. Klein said while there have only been a few cases in Benzie County, several were community spread, with no direct link to people who have traveled or confirmed infected with COVID-19. For more information, visit www.bldhd.org/coronavirus-covid-19. For a list of community resources, visit bit.ly/BNZMutualAid. The Kremlin has "more questions than answers" about President Donald Trump's proposal to invite Russia to a Group of Seven (G7) summit later this year, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a day after the US president raised the idea with his Russian counterpart in a phone call. "This is a format that Russia doesn't participate in," Mr Peskov told reporters on a conference call yesterday. "If Russia is invited, then how will things be with the other participants?" Several other G7 members and the EU publicly opposed the idea, noting that Russia was excluded from the group in 2014 over its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Mr Trump said on Sunday that he would like to invite leaders from Russia, Australia, India and South Korea to attend the G7 meeting, calling the current set-up "outdated". Mr Trump also discussed Brazil's participation in the G7 meeting during a call with President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday, the Brazilian leader said in a Twitter post. The UK and Canada indicated that they would block an attempt to readmit Russia to the group of advanced economies. "Decisions on G7 membership needs to be made unanimously by all G7 leaders," UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman James Slack said. "Russia was removed following its annexation of Crimea, and we are yet to see evidence of its behaviour that would justify its readmission." Russia should continue to be excluded from the G7 due to its "disrespect and flaunting of international rules", Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Russia has failed to earn a return to the group. "The prerogative of the G7 chair, in this case the US, is to issue guest invitations, and guest invitations reflect the host priorities," he said. "But changing membership or changing the format on a permanent basis is not a prerogative." China, which wasn't included among the potential attendees, also criticised Mr Trump's proposal. "China has always maintained that international institutions or summits should be conducive to enhancing mutual trust, safeguarding multilateralism, and promoting world peace," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a daily media briefing in Beijing yesterday. "We believe this is also the wish of most countries. Unpopular "It is unpopular to engage in small circles against China, and it is not in the interest of the relevant countries." Mr Peskov said diplomats would work out the details of possible Russian participation. "There are a lot of unclear elements about this proposal," he said. Mr Trump has postponed efforts to hold the summit in June at Camp David, saying it could be held in September or after the presidential election in November. "So it might be a G10, G11, and it could be after the election is over," Mr Trump said. What will mark Springfields third large public gathering sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, demonstrators are expected to march Wednesday in a Black Lives Matter protest in the city. The march will start at 4 p.m. around Springfield Central High Schools parking lot. The protest route will carve through Roosevelt Avenue, State Street and Byers Street, then end at the Springfield Police Department on Pearl Street, according to the events Facebook page. This is a peaceful protest, where we will be practicing social distancing and wearing masks, march organizer Rachel Boudreau wrote. We want to keep the protest as peaceful as possible to avoid any unnecessary damage, arrests and personal injuries. Be safe and stay peaceful. Wednesdays protest in Springfield is one of hundreds to crop up across the United States in the wake of Floyds killing. The 46-year-old unarmed black man died after a white Minneapolis police officer kept his knee pinned down on Floyds neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. The policeman, later identified as Derek Chauvin, has since been charged with murder and manslaughter. Demonstrations - some of which have ended with clashes between police and protesters - have erupted throughout the U.S., including in Providence, Rhode Island, as well as Northampton, Holyoke, Worcester, Brockton, Boston and other communities in Massachusetts. Hundreds of people protested police brutality last week outside the Springfield police headquarters. Demonstrators called on the police department to review their policies on choking measures and adopt liability insurance. At least 300 people gathered again Tuesday afternoon for a vigil urging protesters to demonstrate peacefully. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood both spoke at the event, condemning Floyds killing and calling on people to protest nonviolently. Related Content: South Korea's food and drug administration on Wednesday made an emergency decision to allow the use of remdesivir as a treatment for the new coronavirus, paving the way for inbound shipments of the new drug for the first time. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said it has decided to allow special imports of the drug using its special measures procedure that allows imports of previously unauthorized substances under special circumstances. South Korea has yet to complete its clinical tests on the new drug, but the ministry earlier said the drug has been proven in many other countries to help reduce the time needed to cure coronavirus patients. The move to allow special imports of remdesivir came on a request from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) to use the drug as a treatment for new coronavirus patients. Ministry officials said the country will soon hold discussions with the U.S. producer of the drug, Gilead Sciences, to arrange the first shipment of its imports. South Korea has so far reported 11,590 COVID-19 patients, 10,467 of who have been released from hospitals or quarantine after full recoveries. A total of 850 people remained hospitalized or in quarantine as of Wednesday, while 273 people have died from the viral disease. (Yonhap) DUBLIN, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Autonomous Driving Simulation Industry Chain Report, 2019-2020 (II)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Autonomous Driving Simulation (II): It Turns Out to Be a Battlefield of Giants Alibaba DAMO Academy unveiled in early 2019 the "Top Ten Technology Trends of 2019", most of which are still credible today, including two trends about autonomous driving: Trend 1: Autonomous driving is in a cooling-off period Only "single-car intelligence" cannot achieve absolute autonomous driving in the long run, but cooperative vehicle infrastructure system (CVIS) is gathering way to bring autonomous driving on roads in a reality. In the next two years or three, autonomous driving will be commercialized in limited scenarios such as logistics and transportation, for example, fixed-route buses, unmanned delivery, and micro-circulation in parks are just around the corner. Trend 2: Real-time simulation of cities becomes possible, and smart cities emerge The perceived data of urban infrastructure and the real-time data flow of cities will be pooled on a big computing platform. The advances in algorithms and computing power will facilitate the real-time fusion of unstructured information like video and other structured information. Real-time simulation of cities becomes a possibility, and local intelligence in cities will be upgraded to global intelligence. In the future, urban brain technology R&D and application will be in full swing with the involvement of more forces. Beyond the physical cities, there will be smart cities with full spatiotemporal perception, full-factor linkage, and full-cycle iteration. The development of autonomous driving industry has a direct bearing on autonomous driving simulation. The decelerating autonomous driving in the past two years is an unprecedented challenge to startups not only in autonomous driving but in autonomous driving simulation. RightHook, a sensor simulation company, has made no progress for two years; meanwhile, new autonomous driving simulation startups rarely ever came out in 2019. On the contrary, the giants perform strikingly. At the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2019, Huawei launched the autonomous driving cloud service Octopus (including training, simulation, and testing). In December 2019, Waymo acquired Latent Logic to strengthen its simulation technology. In April 2020, Alibaba DAMO Academy released the "hybrid simulation test platform" for autonomous driving. GAC believes that a virtual simulation platform was the supplement of the real vehicle test platform before, but it is indispensable to the R&D of L3 (or above) autonomous driving. At present, virtual simulation tests share more than 60% of GAC's autonomous driving R&D, a figure projected to rise to 80% in the future. Simulation is essential for both single-car intelligence and autonomous driving R&D in the CVIS route. As autonomous driving is heading from single-car intelligence to CVIS, autonomous driving simulation has evolved from dynamics simulation, sensor simulation, and road simulation (static) to traffic flow simulation (dynamic) and smart city simulation. 51VR, which has raised hundreds of millions of yuan, changed its name to 51WORLD after experiencing the VR bubble and set about digital twin cities and autonomous driving simulation. 51WORLD signed a contract to settle in the Liangjiang New Area of Chongqing in November 2019 and will focus on expanding innovative applications of digital twin cities in Chongqing as well as autonomous driving simulation. In fact, the combination of VR and autonomous driving simulation is not the last resort of 51WORLD. VR/AR plays a growing role in autonomous driving simulation. The technologies for building virtual scenarios are generally based on modeling software, completed games, VR / AR, and HD maps. In August 2019, rFpro launched an autonomous driving simulation training system based on VR scenarios, featured as follows: A multitude of autonomous driving simulation operations can be fulfilled in the software. rFpro also allows the import of models from 3rd party maps, including IPG ROAD5, .max, .fbx, OpenFlight, Open Scene Graph, .obj., featured with ultra-HIDEF graphical fidelity. Given the importance of autonomous driving simulation, the formulation of simulation standards has kicked off. Association for Standardization of Automation and Measuring Systems (ASAM) is a global leader in autonomous driving simulation test standards (mainly OpenX Standards). Since the launch by ASAM, OpenX Standards has attracted more than 100 companies worldwide (including major automakers in Europe, America and Japan, and Tier1 suppliers) to participate in the formulation of the standards. In ASAM simulation verification, OpenX Standards cover Open-DRIVE, OpenSCENARIO, Open Simulation Interface (OSI), Open-LABEL, and OpenCRG. OpenDRIVE and OpenSCENARIO unify different data formats for simulation scenarios. OpenLABEL provides a unified calibration method for initial data and scenarios. OSI is a generic interface that allows users to connect any sensor with a standardized interface to any automated driving function or driving simulator tool. OpenCRG realizes the interaction between road physical information and static road scenarios. In September 2019, China Automotive Technology & Research Center (CATARC) and ASAM jointly established the C-ASAM Working Group whose early members included Huawei, SAIC, CATARC Data Resource Center, Tencent, 51VR, Baidu, to name a few. Companies Mentioned AAI Alibaba DAMO Academy Ansible Motion Applied Intuition Ascent Claytex Cognata Dspace ESI Pro-SiVIC ETAS Huawei Metamoto MonoDrive NI OPTIS Parallel Domain rFpro RightHook Saimo UNITY Vector For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/s5rt07 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] 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 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Juilliard String Quartet / Contributed photo FALLS VILLAGE The Juilliard String Quartet opens Live From Music Mountain, a weekly program of conversation and music, starting June 7 at musicmountain.org, Youtube and Facebook. Music Mountain invites the public to submit questions in advance. Selected questions will be read to the artists by host Oskar Espina-Ruiz, Music Mountains Artistic and Executive Director. The Juilliard String Quartet is known to audiences worldwide for its profound understanding and unceasing curiosity, bringing vital engagement to the classics while embracing the mission of championing new works, according to a statement. The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists has advised its members to withdraw their services immediately in the fight against COVID-19 if the appropriate protective equipment is not provided. 14 members of the association have so far tested positive for coronavirus which, according to the association, is a major source of worry. Speaking to Citi News, the Acting General Secretary of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Michael Amo Omari says efforts to draw government's attention to their situation have proved unsuccessful. Major among them is the expansion of the testing sites, production of the rapid test kits, enough PPE for all facilities and we are asking the government to employ more of our unemployed colleagues so that they can beef up testings at the hospitals. We are advising our members that if they are going to do any work and they think they are not safe, they shouldnt do it because that is what the labour law says. If there is danger and there is no possibility of that danger being removed, then you have to avoid that danger. The 14 laboratory scientists are said to have contracted the virus in the line of their duty. Spokesperson for the Association, Dr. Dennis Adu-Gyasi who confirmed this said the association is deeply concerned about the development. According to him, the worrying situation usually occurs when the professionals are not adequately informed about samples they are to work on but only get to known much later that they are samples from suspected COVID-19 victims. We can count about 14 of our lab professionals across the country that are infected. This happens in the line of their duty because samples come into the laboratory routinely. We have had challenges with some of these things happening where samples will slip through before later they even realize that this was a COVID suspected patient, he said. ---citinewsroom A Northern Arizona University professor co-authored a paper on the importance of springs in a drying climate that is in the inaugural climate change refugia special edition of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. The issue focuses on refugia, which refers to areas that are relatively buffered from current climate change and shelter valued wildlife, ecosystems and other natural resources. Abe Springer, a professor of hydrogeology and ecohydrology in the School of Earth and Sustainability whose research focuses on springs and aquifer health, collaborated on "Oases of the future? Springs as potential hydrological refugia in drying climates." The collaborators, which included the U.S. Geological Survey, Rocky Mountain Research Station, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Nature Conservancy, Sky Island Alliance, Hampshire College, the Museum of Northern Arizona and National Park Service and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, reviewed relevant published studies on the role of springs as refuges to support plants and animals in drying climates. They created a conceptual model that takes into account the response of springs to drying events and what investigations researchers must do to identify and classify a spring's potential to be a refuge. Springer contributed results and implications on springs as refugia from his research group's springs ecohydrology research with the Springs Stewardship Institute at the Museum of Northern Arizona. His role in developing a geomorphological-based classification system for springs ecosystems helped the team characterize and prioritize different types of refugia. The results, while not surprising, do serve as a call to action to researchers and citizen scientists alike. Springs have served as refuges for some species through previous climatic changes, and that's likely to become even more true in the future. However, scientists still can't say with certainty what effects a drying climate can have on these delicate ecosystems. "Springs importance of refugia may increase with future predicted drying in such places as the southwestern United States," Springer said. "Inventories of the richness and diversity of life at springs are still too limited to provide adequate knowledge of their response to drying events." They can, however, make some educated guesses with the available data. Springer said springs serve as wet refuges for certain plants and animals; these refuges are fed by groundwater stored in large aquifers, which can offset the drying events somewhat, offering a long-term buffer to such short-term, climate-influenced events. But as aquifers dry up from human pumping, springs are at risk of drying up, affecting entire ecosystems and even putting species at risk of extinction. These risks are what led to the special edition of the journal, edited by Toni Lyn Morelli, a research ecologist at the USGS's Northeast Climate Adaptation Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Morelli said she hoped bringing the issue of refugia to the fore would spur action and innovation among researchers and conservationists. Northern Arizona, already an arid climate, is at particular risk as climate change leads to even more drying. Springer has studied aquifers and springs in this region for years, including how the Grand Canyon gets its water (perhaps counterintuitively, it's not from the Colorado River), and has previously assessed the condition and risk of 200 springs in the Coconino and Kaibab national forests. This research led to conservation priorities among these springs, which forest managers have implemented. They include a range of various springs geomorphology to include the range of necessary refugia. "All climatic and human-induced changes to hydrologic systems influence the aquifers that supply waters to springs," Springer said. "Our regional studies about the hydrological influences of forest management is important for sustaining processes to buffer groundwater storage from drying climate." [June 03, 2020] Avail Affordable Treatments at Top Hospitals With the Bajaj Finserv Digital Health EMI Network Card PUNE, India, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bajaj Finance Limited, the lending and investing arm of Bajaj Finserv makes medical expenses one less thing to worry about with the Digital Health EMI Network Card. This digital card allows customers to access over 800 medical treatments on No Cost EMIs at over 5,500 partner healthcare institutions, including renowned institutions like Apollo and Manipal Hospitals. Bajaj Finserv's healthcare partners are spread across 1000+ cities, making it easy for customers to afford the necessary treatments. With the high cost of healthcare in India, the Digital Health EMI Network Card is an essential solution that helps customers divide the treatment costs into No Cost EMIs. This is especially true for critical health conditions like cancer, heart disease and liver failure for which the cost of treatment runs into several lakhs of rupees. With the card in hand, customers can avail the treatment they need on No Cost EMIs and forego the burden of making large one-time payments. Also, customers get a pre-approved credit limit of up to Rs. 4 lakh. Read on to know about availing affordable healthcare at renowned institutions in India. Access affordable treatment at top partner hospitals With a wide partner network of more than 5,500 healthcare centres in India, customers can access medical care on EMIs at many multi-specialty hospitals, clinics, diagnostics centres, wellness centres and even pharmacies. Here is an overview of a few of Bajaj Finserv's top healthcare partners. Apollo Hospitals Specialising in cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, dentistry, and neurology, Apollo Hospitals are one of the best healthcare institutions in India. Bajaj Finserv customers can opt for cost-effective aid for all such treatments. Further, until the 31st October, 2020, cardholders can use code 'BAJAJ150' and get Rs. 150 off on tele-consultation bookings worth up to Rs. 1,000. Additionally, customers can also use code 'BAJAJ247' to get Rs. 247 off on tele-consultation bookings worth more than Rs. 1,000. Manipal Hospitals With a team of over 2,000 expert doctors, Manipal hospitals across India are well equipped to provide quality healthcare. Specialities at this multi-speciality hospital include immunotherapy, cancer care laparoscopic surgery, paediatric and childcare, spine care and cardiology. VLCC Wellness With the Bajaj Finserv Digital Health EMI Network Card, customers can opt for wellness programs by VLCC. These can range from comprehensive weight-loss programs to other elective procedures like hair treatments. Dr Batra's Among the most renowned homeopathy clinics in India, Dr Batra's offers treatments for hair fall, PCOS, obesity, and other ailments. Ruby Hall Clinic Known for its excellent diagnostic services, cancer care and other surgery-related specialities, Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune is another healthcare partner where customers can avail treatments on No Cost EMIs. Sahyadri Hospitals Maharashtra's largest chain of hospitals, Sahyadri Hospitals are easily accessible to health cardholders in case of emergencies. With simpler financing solution, Bajaj Finserv Health EMI Network Card holders can avail quality healthcare at these hospitals/clinics, whether for themselves or their family members. Irrespective of which healthcare centre or hospital customers visit, they are assured of receiving premium treatment as the medical expenses incurred can be divided into 3 to 24 No Cost EMIs. For instance, a bill of Rs. 2.4 lakh for a surgery can be financed through 24 EMIs of just about Rs. 10,000 each. Get discounts at various partner healthcare centres Digital Health EMI Network Card holders benefit from special offers and discounts from time to time. They can view these by accessing the Bajaj Finserv Wallet App. Listed below are a few of the active offers. Skin City : Free online consultation and 20% off on cosmetic procedures. Valid until 30 th September, 2020. : Free online consultation and 20% off on cosmetic procedures. Valid until 30 September, 2020. Metropolis: 20% discount on in-house pathology tests. 20% discount on in-house pathology tests. Medlife : Flat 30% off on all medicine purchases + 10% cashback using the code: BAJAJ30. Valid until 31 st December, 2020. : Flat 30% off on all medicine purchases + 10% cashback using the code: BAJAJ30. Valid until 31 December, 2020. Richfeel: Consultation at just Rs.250 and additional 10% discount on purchase of products. Valid until 31 st March, 2021. Consultation at just and additional 10% discount on purchase of products. Valid until 31 March, 2021. Dr. Marwah's laser surgery clinic : 20% discount on hair transplant and cool sculpting procedures. Valid until 31 st March, 2021. : 20% discount on hair transplant and cool sculpting procedures. Valid until 31 March, 2021. Truweight: 40% discount on immunity fight back packages. Valid until 30 th September, 2020. 40% discount on immunity fight back packages. Valid until 30 September, 2020. Apollo Pharmacy: Up to 15% instant discount. Use code: Bajaj Health Card - 7089. Valid until 31st December, 2020. Apply for Digital Health EMI Network Card and get it now Existing Bajaj Finserv customers can apply online with their registered mobile number and use the OTP sent to it to view their pre-approved offer. Then, on paying a one-time fee of Rs. 707 their card is activated instantly and can be viewed in the Bajaj Finserv Wallet App. New customers can visit their nearest partner clinic, medical centre or hospital to access No Cost EMI financing. New customers and cardholders (issued post 31st March, 2020) can pay for their medical expenses using their Digital Health EMI Network Card only post lockdown. With healthcare on EMIs at top hospitals and discounts at multiple healthcare centres, the Digital Health EMI Network Card makes medical care affordable. To benefit from No Cost EMI financing today, customers can check their pre-approved offer to avail instant financing from Bajaj Finserv. About Bajaj Finance Limited Bajaj Finance Limited, the lending company of Bajaj Finserv group, is one of the most diversified NBFCs in the Indian market catering to more than 40 million customers across the country. Headquartered in Pune, the company's product offering includes Consumer Durable Loans, Lifestyle Finance, Lifecare Finance, Digital Product Finance, Personal Loans, Loan against Property, Small Business Loans, Home loans, Credit Cards, Two-wheeler and Three-wheeler Loans, Commercial lending/SME Loans, Loan against Securities and Rural Finance which includes Gold Loans and Vehicle Refinancing Loans along with Fixed Deposits. Bajaj Finance Limited prides itself on holding the highest credit rating of FAAA/Stable for any NBFC in the country today. It is also the only NBFC in India with the international 'BBB' with stable outlook for long-term, by S&P Global Rating. To know more, please visit: https://www.bajajfinserv.in [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] LGBTQ advocates are calling for a full investigation and accountability into the shooting death of a black trans man by a police officer in Tallahassee, Florida, last week. The Tallahassee Police Department said an officer was responding to a deadly stabbing incident on May 27 when they came across Tony McDade, who matched the description of the stabbing suspect, in the area. McDade allegedly pointed a gun at the officer, and the officer fatally shot him, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said in a press briefing following the shooting. The death of McDade, 38, was the third fatal officer-involved shooting in the Florida capital in two months. His death -- two days after George Floyd's while in police custody -- has sparked an outcry from advocacy groups. "Justice cannot be served without accountability," Natishia June, the deputy field director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, said during a press briefing Monday calling for an independent investigation into his death. "The Tallahassee Police Department must be held accountable to Tony McDade's family and the community they are sworn to protect and serve." MORE: Nationwide protests return focus to why George Floyd was initially detained Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith told ABC News there's a pattern of police restraint against white suspects, and "zero when the person you're dealing with is black." "The issue really comes down to this: Did the police seek to apprehend someone, or did they simply open fire because they concluded that Tony's life didn't matter?" she said. McDade's death is believed to be at least the 12th violent death of a transgender or gender nonconforming person so far this year in the U.S., according to the Human Rights Campaign. "The Human Rights Campaign and the entire transgender and non-binary community demand accountability and answers for Tony's death -- and countless violent deaths of trans people, black people and, disproportionately, black transgender people," Tori Cooper, HRC director of community engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative, said in a statement. "Black people, LGBTQ people, and especially all LGBTQ people of color are at greater risk for violence every day in this country. This must end." Story continues The National Black Justice Coalition called for a "full and complete investigation" following news of McDade's death. "We don't know a lot of the details around Tony's death, or how police became involved. We do know that Tony should not have been killed," Executive Director David J. Johns said in a statement. "We must work together to raise awareness about the unique challenges that black LGBTQ/SGL people face. It is important to highlight the too-often ignored violence that members of our community face in addition to the discrimination we may experience because we are black." PHOTO: Demonstrators hold signs and chant as they protest police brutality in at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami, May 30, 2020 in response to the recent death of George Floyd. (Adam Delgiudice/AFP/Getty Images) One organization, Tallahassee Community Action Committee, is calling for Revell to resign. On Wednesday, it is hosting a protest demanding he be removed as chief of police. The outcry comes amid protests over the death of Floyd, a black man who died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by a white Minnesota police officer. Floyd's death, along with the recent police shooting death of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, has brought attention to the institutionalized racism faced by black people, June said. "Tony McDade should still be alive. George Floyd should be alive. Breonna Taylor should still be alive," June said. "The list of black people who have been murdered by police is too long for people to ignore." According to Equality Florida, the state is an "epicenter" of anti-trans violence, with seven black transgender women murdered over the last two years. On Wednesday, the organization is hosting a virtual town hall on racism and injustice against the LGBTQ community. "This is a moment of accountability," Smith said. "And it is long overdue." The Tallahassee Police Department is currently undergoing three investigations connected to this incident: the death of the stabbing victim, the death of McDade and the officer-involved shooting itself "to see if the officer committed a criminal act," Officer Kevin Bradshaw, spokesman for the Tallahassee Police Department, told ABC News. MORE: Over 100 LGBTQ+ organizations release open letter in solidarity with George Floyd protests Bradshaw said the department is still collecting and reviewing evidence, and likely no more details will be released until the investigation goes before the grand jury. The court proceedings may be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, he added. The officer who shot and killed McDade has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation, the department said. The officer's name has not been released. On Monday, the Florida Police Benevolent Association filed a motion to withhold the name of the officer under Florida's Marsy's Law, which protects the identity of victims, according to Tallahassee ABC affiliate WTXL. LGBTQ community calls for justice after Tony McDade, a black trans man, shot and killed by police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Wizzair has pledged to offer 'ultra-low' fares. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) The chief executive of discount airline Wizz Air (WIZZ.L) has struck an optimistic tone about a post-COVID-19 recovery, promising customers ultra-low fares to help fill planes. Jozsef Varadi said he believed his company would emerge from this crisis as an even more formidable business. We are confident that we can ramp up operations quickly, re-stimulate demand with our ultra-low fares and contribute to the vital recovery of travel and tourism in our markets, Varadi said in a statement. The pledge comes days after Ryanair (RYA.L) chief executive Michael OLeary said he would slash prices to stimulate demand. Read more: EasyJet to fly 75% of routes by August We will dump prices to get people moving again, OLeary told the Mail on Sunday. Once we start flying in July, we will sell at whatever price we can to fill as many of those seats as we can. The comments from two of the budget airline industrys leading chief executives suggests consumers could benefit from a price war in the second half of 2020 as lockdown restrictions ease. Airlines have seen a total collapse in business since the pandemic struck and are desperate to get business moving again. New figures released by Ryanair on Wednesday show the carrier flew just 70,000 passengers in May 99.5% down on a year earlier. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary: 'We will dump prices to get people moving again'. (Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images) However, there is still huge uncertainty about whether international travel from the UK will be possible. A 14-day quarantine for passengers arriving in the UK is set to come into force from next week. The travel industry has warned this will devastate the sector and is pushing for air bridges with specific countries that would negate the need for quarantines. Home Secretary Priti Patel wrote in the Telegraph on Wednesday that quarantines are crucial to preventing a second coronavirus peak, suggesting the air bridge proposal may fail. Read more: TUI to axe 8,000 jobs as tourism industry faces greatest crisis Varadis comments came as Wizz Air reported strong annual results from the period before the pandemic. Story continues Wizz Airs revenue rose by 19.1% to 2.7bn (2.4bn, $3bn) in the 12 months to 31 March 2020. Underlying profit rose by 30% to 344.8m and passenger numbers rose by 40 million. Like rivals, Hungary-headquartered Wizz Airs fleet has been largely grounded in recent months due to worldwide lockdowns. Despite Varadis optimism around a recovery, he said it was too early to provide a forecast for profit and revenue in 2021 as much depends on government action. Varadi said Wizz Airs balance sheet was one of the strongest in the airline industry, with 1.5bn of cash on hand. Wizz Air has tapped UK government support to raise 300m through the COVID Corporate Finance Facility. Shares in Wizz Air rose 1.4% in London on Wednesday morning. June 2, 2020 News By Air Force Airman 1st Class Austin Prisbrey , 377th Air Base Wing Defense.gov Air Force Secretary Gets Update on Kirtland's Mission During COVID-19 Air Force Secretary Barbara M. Barrett toured Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, to visit various mission partners and explore active mission sets to gain a better understanding of how the base has sustained national security capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secretary visited the base May 20-21. "Team Kirtland's myriad of missions don't stop because of COVID-19." Barrett said. "Today's visit was an opportunity to personally thank and observe how service members and civilians have adapted and continue to modernize the Air and Space Forces." Barrett began the visit at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy and Space Vehicles Directorates, where she was briefed on several programs critical to the nation's defense. Dr. Kelly Hammett, the director , introduced Barrett to a variety of high-power microwave and high-energy laser systems in development. Hammett showcased the Raytheon PHASER and AFRL THOR high-power microwave systems for countering small unmanned aerial systems, as well as the CHIMERA high-power microwave system being tested for additional base defense capabilities. "Combatant commanders are very interested in these transportable systems that can nonkinetically defeat multiple air base threats, while providing a deep magazine and low cost per shot," Hammett said. Barrett received briefings on the space vehicle's small-satellite portfolio and detailed presentations on the directorate's spacecraft now in orbit. "The Air Force Research Lab has an amazing pipeline of space science and technology innovations focused on increasing the resiliency of our nation's space capabilities so that we deter conflict in space," said Air Force Col. Eric Felt, the lab's director. The base visit continued to the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, where Barrett was brought up to date on critical programs and how they line up with her priorities as the Air Force secretary. The planned transfer of AFRL missions to the Space Force continues, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Barrett was briefed on the center's plans for returning to full mission capability during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Shaun Morris, the commander of AFNWC and the Air Force program executive officer for strategic systems. "Given the absolutely critical nature of our role in providing nuclear capabilities to the warfighter, we are committed to maintaining full support despite COVID-19. To date, we've kept all key efforts on track and in line with her nuclear deterrence priorities." Barrett also visited the Space Rapid Capabilities Office to familiarize herself with its mission and transition to the Space Force. "As one of the key acquisition organizations of the U.S. Space Force, the Space RCO is laser focused on meeting our mission to develop and deliver critical space capabilities at the speed of relevance," said Mike Roberts, the RCO director. "The Space RCO is honored to have the opportunity for our workforce to meet [Barrett], given the secretary's leadership has been key in empowering our ability to meet our mission." Barrett visited the Space and Missile Systems Center Innovation and Prototyping Directorate to better understand how the center accelerates the pivot to the new space architecture. "We were particularly excited to showcase the partnerships we share with other space organizations here at Kirtland Air Force Base and across the [Defense Department]," said Air Force Col. Timothy Sejba, the director of SMC innovation and prototyping. Throughout the visit, Barrett emphasized the importance of the multiple national security mission sets on Kirtland and not only how critical their capabilities are, but also how vital the workforce is for mission readiness and success. Social distancing, face coverings and "elbow" greetings were routine during the visit. "It was an amazing opportunity for our airmen to spend time with Secretary Barrett," said Air Force Col. David S. Miller, the commander of the 377th Air Base Wing. "Her trip to Kirtland certainly underscores the importance of the work by all of the men and women on Team Kirtland, and the installation's contributions to national security." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former president Jimmy Carter has shared a stirring statement addressing the police killing of George Floyd and calling for the government to assure justice is served. Carter, 95, said he and his wife Rosalynn are 'pained by the tragic racial injustices and consequent backlash across our nation in recent weeks.' While the 39th president expressed solidarity with peaceful protests he condemned breakouts of violence across the country during demonstrations and clashes with police. 'Our hearts are with the victims families and all who feel hopeless in the face of pervasive racial discrimination and outright cruelty. We all must shine a spotlight on the immorality of racial discrimination. But violence, whether spontaneous or consciously incited, is not a solution,' he said in a statement released Wednesday. Former president Jimmy Carter shared a statement Wednesday decrying the police killing of George Floyd, saying 'we need a government as good as its people'. Carter pictured in August 2015 The couple released their statement as protests enter their ninth day in the US with organizers demanding police accountability and an end to police brutality. Floyd a 46-year-old black man - died on Monday after three Minneapolis Police officers held him face down on the ground and white cop Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck for nearly nine minutes as the man cried: 'I can't breathe.' Harrowing video of his death sent shock waves across the country. Carter opened up on his own experience growing up in the South amid segregation and urged for today's government to to help make equality a reality. 'As a white male of the South, I know all too well the impact of segregation and injustice to African Americans. As a politician, I felt a responsibility to bring equity to my state and our country. In my 1971 inaugural address as Georgias governor, I said: "The time for racial discrimination is over."' The Carters released their statement as protests enter their ninth day in the US with organizers demanding police accountability and an end to police brutality 'With great sorrow and disappointment, I repeat those words today, nearly five decades later,' he added. Carter praised the public outcry for racial justice saying, 'we have seen that silence can be as deadly as violence.' 'People of power, privilege, and moral conscience must stand up and say "no more" to a racially discriminatory police and justice system, immoral economic disparities between whites and blacks, and government actions that undermine our unified democracy,' he said. 'We are responsible for creating a world of peace and equality for ourselves and future generations. 'We need a government as good as its people, and we are better than this,' he added. Protesters pictured at the Boston Common on Wednesday to protest against police brutality and to demand justice for the killing of George Floyd Demonstrators swarmed the US Capitol on Wednesday following the police killing of Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota Protesters have clashed with police across the country. Military police pictured in Lafayette Park in front of the White House on Monday Carter spoke up following statements from prior presidents including Barack Obama and George W. Bush. On Monday Obama shared an essay condemning police violence against black people and slammed Trump for his rhetoric amid the protests. 'Let's not excuse violence, or rationalize it, or participate in it. If we want our criminal justice system, and American society at large, to operate on a higher ethical code, then we have to model that code ourselves,' Obama wrote. He said the widespread nature of the demonstrations signifies the 'genuine and legitimate frustration' of the African American community over the 'decades-long failure to reform police practices and the broader criminal justice system in the United States.' 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 Derek Chauvin, a 44-year-old white cop who has since been arrested, was seen in footage kneeling on Floyd's neck for eight minutes as the victim repeatedly said he could not breathe (incident pictured) On Tuesday, Obamas predecessor George W. Bush weighed in on Floyds death saying: 'Laura and I are anguished by the brutal suffocation of George Floyd.' 'It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country. Bush said that protests are a 'strength' in America and condemned those who oppose them saying, 'those who set out to silence those voices do not understand the meaning of America or how it becomes a better place.' Trump has faced major criticism for his handling of the George Floyd protests after he called protesters 'thugs' and threatened violence against looters. On Monday, the president had police deploy tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets into a crowd of peaceful protesters in front of St. Johns church so he could clear the area and pose in front of the chapel for a photo op. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 02:02:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VILNIUS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Lithuanian government has approved the proposal to resume regular flights to French cities of Paris and Nice, Danish cities of Copenhagen and Billund, and Finnish city of Turku, according to a press release from the government on Wednesday. "We recommend that travellers carefully evaluate the risks for purchasing tickets for flights that have not yet been authorized. We also recommend finding out in advance the requirements and restrictions applied in the countries travellers intend to visit," said the government in the release. Up to now, Lithuania has already resumed regular flights to Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands. Lithuania lifted on Monday the 14-day self-isolation rule for travellers from 24 European countries. Travellers coming from Malta, Ireland and Spain are still subject to mandatory self-isolation for 14 days while travel is still prohibited from Belgium, Sweden, Portugal and Britain, where the number of COVID-19 patients exceeds 25 cases per 100,000 population. According to the Ministry of Health, Lithuania had reported a total of 1,684 confirmed cases of COVID-19 by Wednesday morning. To date, 71 people have died of the coronavirus-caused disease and 1,260 have recovered. Enditem Much of this unrest is due to the idea that people of color are losing their lives at the hands of men and women who are protected by a shield. Its senseless. Its as senseless as the destruction that is happening in each of these cities," he said. "But our focus, for some strange reason, continues to be on the destruction of the businesses and the places, and there is something wrong with that something awfully wrong with that. Bengaluru, June 3 : Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Wednesday directed officials to shift some offices to Belagavi in the north-western part of the state. "Identify state-level government offices in Bengaluru within a month and take necessary action to shift these offices to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi," said Yediyurappa in a statement. He directed the officials do so at a review meeting of the public works, ports and inland water transport departments. The aim of shifting offices is to address the regional imbalance. Suvarna Vidhana Soudha is a building modelled after the state Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru where the legislature meetings are conducted once a year, to send across a message that Belagavi is an integral part of the southern state as there are claims on Belagavi from Maharashtra. Yediyurappa said he would visit Suvarna Soudha shortly to inspect it. Belagavi is 508 km northwest of Bengaluru. Meanwhile, he asked repair works of roads and bridges damaged in the floods to be completed on priority. Official informed the Chief Minister that flood relief works have been taken up at a cost of Rs 500 crore, including the completion of 1,700 road repair works out of 1,800 sanctioned works. Likewise, 1,650 km of village roads have been earmarked to be upgraded as district roads and another 10,110 km district roads as state highways. The Chief Minister has also directed officials to make use of soil from lakes, ponds and riverbeds for road works. Karnataka will also take up 4,813 national highway works at a cost of Rs 30,675 crore. Yediyurappa has instructed to employ jobless engineers as trainees in the department as appointment process has been delayed. Similarly, he also directed to hasten Shimoga airport construction in Sogane village in a year's time, ensuring good quality of work. He asked the officials to review the identification of land for airport construction in Vijayapura. A technical committee has been formed to study the rate card of different engineering departments to bring out a uniform rate for the state. Public Works Department Minister Govind Karjol said the study report will be submitted soon to enable the government to save money. The Cabinet of Ministers has registered in the Verkhovna Rada draft resolutions on the appointment of ministers for culture and environment, according to the website of the Ukrainian parliament. Draft resolutions on the appointment of Oleksandr Tkachenko as minister of culture and information policy of Ukraine (No. 3585) and on the appointment of Roman Abramovsky as minister of environmental protection and natural resources of Ukraine (No. 3586) were received by the Verkhovna Rada on June 3 and submitted for consideration by the parliament's leadership. The motions came from Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The parliamentary faction of the Servant of the People party approved a number of candidates for government positions at a meeting on Monday, June 1. In particular, deputy head of the Servant of the People faction Yevheniia Kravchuk said that Servant of the People would delegate Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko for the post of culture minister. In addition, she said that the candidacy of Abramovsky for the post of environment minister had been recommended by the concerned committee and he had also been approved by MPs and the heads of other committees. The Verkhovna Rada dismissed the Cabinet of Ministers headed by Oleksiy Honcharuk on March 4. At the same time, the parliament appointed Shmyhal as prime minister and approved the composition of a new government in which the positions of ministers of culture, education and science, energy and environmental protection of Ukraine remained vacant. Olha Buslavets currently serves as acting minister of energy and environmental protection, Lubomyra Mandziy is acting minister of education and science, and Svitlana Fomenko works as acting minister of culture and information policy. op When planning something different, it never hurts to check how the new idea is working where its already been adopted. Coun. Stephen Wright took that maxim to the extreme when he reportedly drove to New Brunswick, talked his way across a border that is closed to non-essential visitors and spent up to a week touring the province to see how restaurants there are doing. It was an unnecessary see-for-yourself expedition that has New Brunswicks premier fuming, but in the big picture Wright is on to something. As a member of the local COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force, Wright has been promoting a plan to turn downtown sections of Hunter and George streets into temporary patio space for restaurants The task force was set up to help businesses get back on their feet as pandemic controls relax, and the next phase of Ontarios reopening will likely include restaurants, one of the hardest-hit sectors of the economy. New Brunswick had relatively few COVID-19 infections in the early days of the pandemic (despite a recent setback) and chose to normalize more quickly than most provinces. Restaurants reopened May 8. There were no specific rules or allowances. They had to stick to standard safety protocols, including a two-metre separation for customers, and ensure employees were safe. Two weeks into the relax, Wright took off on his road trip. He reported long drive-thru lines and nothing but empty seats inside establishments that had opened. The New Brunswick restaurant industry could have told him that. Three weeks into Phase One of the new normal, business is down 80 per cent. Nearly half of eateries havent opened and exactly half say they wont survive three more months of these conditions. Clearly, allowing restaurants to open at something like 30 per cent capacity didnt work. Realizing that new normal isnt good enough, Fredericton, the provinces third largest city, just made it easier for restaurants to get patio licences and is waiving all fees. City officials in St. John are being pressed to do the same. In Peterborough, Wright says the task force will push to close restaurant-heavy sections of George and Hunter streets, leaving a centre traffic lane open for delivery vehicles. Restaurants could spread onto the street and sidewalk, creating more table space while meeting the two-metre rule. That will not only provide more tables and a fighting chance at survival, it could make people less wary about venturing downtown. Dining al fresco doesnt stretch two metres into a bigger separation, but if feels that way. How safe consumers feel will be just as important as giving them the option to get back to frequenting stores, restaurants and other public spaces. And until people feel they can safely get back to normal, the economic blow of the pandemic wont fully be overcome. The patio proposal is about doing the new normal in a new way. Regulators, the City of Peterborough included, will need to get on board. All this will have to happen with safety precautions firmly in place. As New Brunswick just found when a doctor began spreading the virus, a single backsliding incident can undo any gains. But fear of another infection spike shouldnt stop well-planned, innovative steps to return the economy to life. That will be true for restaurants, and for other businesses struggling to survive. CPP Stalwart, James Kwabena Bomfeh has cautioned politicians to be measured in their uttreances. James Kwabena Bomfeh, popularly called Kabilla, was concerned about the unwholesome political pronouncements and seditious comments by some political figures in the country regarding the decision of the Electoral Commission to compile a new voters' register. The Electoral Commission has announced that the registration exercise will commence in the middle of June this year, despite oppositions from the National Democratic Congress and other political entities. Some political party bigwigs have sounded ''war drums'' making statements that are considered treacherous all in the name of politics. But speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' on Wednesday, Kabilla advised his colleague politicians to leave behind their political differences when the issues are of national importance, hence they should seek a common national interest. "We should be measured in our positions and our pronouncements . . . We should all know and accept that at any point in time, we don't know all the facts. At any point in time you don't know all the facts that there may be in an issue so be measured in your conclusions. In this country, I don't think we should adopt the attitude that I am a winner but you're a loser. It is not the way to go. When I look at the politics and the history of our country, how we have allowed partisanship to tear this nation apart. Sometimes, look, I am ideological but I am not entrenched. I don't believe in fanatism. I'm liberal because look back, can you imagine the quality of the political class in the early struggles for independence. That they all had a common understanding; of course, differences will be there but in approach, you say yours and I say mine. We then come at a certain convergence devoid of the animosities, the bitterness that some of us have come to inherit," he stressed. 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 Kansas City man hit in eye with projectile at Plaza protests, could lose vision KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Police Department is investigating after a man was hit in the eye with a projectile at Saturday's protest at the Country Club Plaza. Sean Sterns said doctors told him he may be blind in one of his eyes. We talked about this "less lethal" consequence and the risk of social justice activism . . . Here's another glimpse at the damage and demonstrator testimony. Take a look: Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 20:31:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- Hong Kong is not afraid of possible U.S. sanctions, and has prepared contingency plans to weather the challenges. -- Hong Kong has over 440 billion U.S. dollars of foreign reserves to defend its linked exchange rate system and the HK dollar. -- The U.S. possesses huge interests in Hong Kong and relies heavily on Hong Kong for a regular trade surplus. Whatever action the U.S. takes to harm Hong Kong will also harm its own businesses. HONG KONG, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Amid uncertainties as to when and to what extent the United States will slap sanctions on Hong Kong, finance chief Paul Chan said Hong Kong is fearless and has already prepared various contingency plans to weather the challenges. "We are not afraid of possible sanctions by the United States," Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, told Xinhua in an interview. The National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, last week adopted a decision to make Hong Kong national security laws in a bid to plug the national security loopholes that has been exploited by foreign forces. The move, a common practice globally, drew threats from the United States, leading to concerns about possible impacts on the global financial hub, particularly on the Hong Kong dollar, which is pegged to the U.S. dollar, as well as the region's status as a separate customs territory. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government Financial Secretary Paul Chan receives an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Hong Kong, south China, on June 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu) CURRENCY STABILITY During the interview, Chan reassured investors that Hong Kong's normal commercial activities will be left largely unaffected and the place will remain as a popular fund-raising center for global companies. Hong Kong has enough ammunition to defend its linked exchange rate system (LERS), Chan said, citing over 440 billion U.S. dollars of foreign reserves, more than twice of Hong Kong's monetary base, to ensure the stability of its local currency. The LERS, established in 1983 and reformed multiple times, guarantees a stable Hong Kong dollar, with its exchange rate against the greenback largely within a range of between 7.75 and 7.85. Chan pointed out that the LERS has withstood the test of time and does not need approval from the United States. In particular, Chan said the currency swap agreement signed between Hong Kong and China's central bank will offer the strongest support. "We have talked to the People's Bank of China and they will be able to extend to us unreserved support in defending our currency," he added. SPECIAL TREATMENT Responding to the scenario that the United States revokes Hong Kong's special customs status, Chan believed the impact would also be limited, as the United States possesses huge interests here and relies heavily on Hong Kong for a regular trade surplus. While the United States raked in nearly 300 billion U.S. dollars of surplus from its trade with Hong Kong during the past decade, Hong Kong's locally manufactured goods exports to the United States only account for 0.1 percent of its total exports. Hong Kong is the third largest buyer of U.S. wine and the fourth largest importer of U.S. beef, and U.S. companies own considerable assets in Hong Kong's service industry, in particular finance and professional services, Chan said. U.S. goods and services exports to Hong Kong, along with Hong Kong's direct investment in the United States, have generated more than 210,000 jobs in the United States. The closing meeting of the 3rd session of the 13th National People's Congress is held in Beijing, China, on May 28, 2020.(Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Whatever action the United States takes to harm Hong Kong will also harm its own businesses, Chan said. The United States has more than 1,300 companies in Hong Kong, including nearly 300 regional headquarters and more than 400 offices. It also has non-reciprocal visa-free access to Hong Kong. INVESTORS' INTERESTS Chan said the NPC's decision to introduce the Hong Kong national security legislation -- the excuse for the United States to threaten sanctions -- will in fact prevent a resurgence of violence that caused mayhem in Hong Kong in 2019. He said the legislation would ensure the safe rebuilding of a stable business environment as urged by global investors and businesses, and cement Hong Kong's status as a global financial center. Months of violent incidents and riots last year had plunged Hong Kong into chaos, with visitors scared off, the rule of law trampled on and the economy severely depressed. Law, order and social stability are essential to every financial center, which is exactly what the legislation will bring back to Hong Kong, Chan said. Quite a number of global investors have recognized the legislation's importance and understood that restoring peace and stability is the most urgent matter in Hong Kong, Chan said. Chan said the free flows of capital, information and talents will continue to be protected in Hong Kong and the interests of global businesses operating here will not be affected after the national security legislation takes effect. Hong Kong does not adopt foreign exchange control and ensures the convertibility of the Hong Kong dollar and free flows of capital, Chan said, stressing that the policy, one of the determining factors of Hong Kong's financial center status, is enshrined in the Basic Law, Chan said. As the national security legislation only targets very few criminals, the law-abiding businesses and residents have nothing to fear, Chan said. Photo taken on Oct. 24, 2019 shows a view of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge from the "Ngong Ping 360" cable car in south China's Hong Kong. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka) SOLID SUPPORT FROM MAINLAND Looking ahead, Chan said he believes Hong Kong will continue to thrive on the steady development of the Chinese mainland. Numerous mainland businesses yearning for global financing have made Hong Kong one of the top fund-raising markets in the world over the past decades. Amid rising uncertainties in global markets, an increasing number of overseas-listed Chinese companies plan to return to Hong Kong for a secondary listing, which will further improve Hong Kong's financial position. The mega secondary listing of e-commerce giant Alibaba, worth over 100 billion Hong Kong dollars (about 13 billion U.S. dollars), helped Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited top the world's IPO league table for a second straight year in 2019. "Hong Kong as a mature financial center needs the support of a strong real economy," Chan said, pointing to the enormous mainland market and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. With a population of about 70 million and an economy of over 10 trillion yuan (1.4 trillion U.S. dollars), the Greater Bay Area significantly expands Hong Kong's room for development, allowing Hong Kong to sustain its growth in finance and innovation and offering Hong Kong's young people to perform in a broader arena, Chan said. As the world's second largest economy, China, with its deepening reform and opening-up, will provide a solid support for the HKSAR to remain as a global financial center and continue to prosper despite external uncertainties, Chan said. (Video reporters: Qiu Bo, Liang Jiajun; Video editor: Luo Hui) As more workers in Metro Manila return to their jobs under GCQ, what measures are in place to prevent a second wave of infection? Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion joins us live. In its majority-bashing multiculturalism and whitewashing of all crimes by minorities, the western liberal establishment is willingly looking away from dubious forces. As the second plane crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, beyond the shock, awe and unbearable sadness, a thought must have quietly crossed some minds in New Delhi: We told you so. India had suffered Islamist terror for decades before the West had woken up to it under the ash-and-dust cloud of 11 September, 2001. India had by then already witnessed the meticulously planned 1993 Mumbai serial blasts and the attack on the Chennai Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh office; blasts at Delhis Lajpat Nagar market and Dausa in Rajasthan on successive days in 1996; the 1998 Coimbatore blast and the 2000 church bombings in Karnataka, Goa and Andhra Pradesh. India had realised that a fresh wave of Islamist terror was growing and organising itself across the world, but the world brushed aside its warnings. Isolated and local acts of violence, it thought. Till the second plane flew into the WTC. In about two decades, history is repeating itself. When towns and cities in India from Murshidabad in Bengal to Aligarh in UP burned with the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests, western media and organisations ignored the alleged communal overtones. It preached secularism to India, conveniently failing to clarify that CAA was brought to fast-track citizenship appeals by persecuted religious minorities of neighbouring Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh without taking away the right of Muslims to seek Indian citizenship under other laws. It also failed to mention that the US had its own Lautenberg Amendment. Western media never asked who was funding the prolonged and often-violent agitation and why. Jihadists, far-Left anarchists, shadowy funding, Hungarian tycoon George Soros openly announcing his plans to destabilise Indian democracy... a heady mix of dots no western media outlet cared to connect. Ironically, similar forces have now taken over the streets of the US under the pretext of protesting African-American George Floyd's horrific death at the hands of white cops. The nightmare has started spreading to already racially and communally explosive streets of Europe. What is the western liberal establishment missing again? In its majority-bashing multiculturalism and whitewashing of all crimes by minorities, it is willingly looking away from dubious forces which have spawned and found succour in the Wests campuses, newsrooms and social media offices. These forces are out to derail the very foundation of democracies. But the media and academia, which should have called them out, have been compromised, co-opted, taken over. The long-standing issue of racism in the US police force and brutal treatment of African-Americans has now been taken over by the far-Left, and certain faceless entities we know little about. Who funds and what contributes to, for instance, the precipitous rise of the anarchist and violent Antifa movement? Instead of addressing the treatment of blacks, why are the protests increasingly targeting American nationhood? How are riots spreading so seamlessly to Europe? There is already an attempt to restart anti-CAA protests in Delhi. Are these coincidental, or parts of a much larger, sinister plan? Instead of asking these questions, the western media and intelligentsia is out to whitewash these. Twitter and Google have already taken a political stance against the American state position. Facebook may be bullied into it. Republican Matt Gaetz accused Twitter of inciting violence by hosting Antifa and Black Lives Matter organisers. Twitter censored his tweet that said, Now that we clearly see Antifa as terrorists, can we hunt them down like we do those in the Middle East? https://twitter.com/mattgaetz/status/1267513356853919744?s=20 In response, a Twitter spokesperson reportedly said: We have placed a public interest notice on this Tweet from @mattgaetz. The Tweet is in violation of our glorification of violence policy. As is standard with this notice, engagements with the Tweet will be limited. People will be able to Retweet with Comment, but will not be able to Like, Reply or Retweet it. Large parts of the media have turned into an Antifa mouthpieces. Antifa aspires toward creating a better world, read a Teen Vogue headline. Western media is making the mistake that once western intelligence agencies made: ignored trends and portents in the rest of the world. Whether this is by design or the eagerness to be politically correct is unclear. But it is dismaying to see how the western intelligentsia has internalised justifications of violence and attacks to dismantle painstakingly built democracies. Prominent people cheered the violence and loot. Violence only begets violence, tweeted politician Ihlan Omar. Violence only begets violence. More force is only going to lead to more lives lost and more devastation. We must prioritize the safety of our community. We can rebuild, but we cannot bring back lives. Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) May 28, 2020 For some, karma came back to bite. Feminist post Olivia Gatwood tweeted: Burn it down. F*** property. F*** cops. Oped after oped in the New York Times, Washington Post and other publications sought to play down the political violence in which rioters made no distinction of black and white, as if burning down America was their only goal. These are the very destructive instincts India has been fighting for ages. The world would ignore that experience and learnings from it at its peril now. Click here to read the full article. The Cannes Film Festival has released the transcript of a speech artistic director Thierry Fremaux will give tomorrow after the unveiling of the Official Selection. The speech (scroll down for the full version) reveals details about the makeup of this years lineup, without revealing specific titles. Cannes was due to take place last month but had to cancel its 73rd edition due to the coronavirus. Movies such as Wes Andersons The French Dispatch and Apichatpong Weerasethakuls Memoria were among those widely tipped for the event. Netflix was also due to make a return to the Riviera festival with Spike Lees Da 5 Bloods. More from Deadline The festival says that tomorrow it will announce all movies, whether they be Competition, Un Certain Regard, Out Of Competition, Midnight Screenings, or Special Screenings, in one single list: We will therefore let youforge your own opinion about the ideal Cannes 2020 program, and which movies would best fit each category. The festivals Official Selection will comprise 56 films, a volume consistent with recent editions. However, the festival received 2,067 features, a record number of submissions. Within that, there were a record 909 debut films. 258 of those debut films were directed by women (28.4%), 651 by men (71.6%). In the Official Selection, there are a record 15 first films (26.7% of the total), compared to 10 in 2019 (17%). A total of 532 female directors submitted their film to the Official Selection, 25.7% of the total, compared to 575 female directors registered in 2019. But there is an increase of women directors chosen for the Official Selection with 16 female directors in the lineup, up from 14 last year. In percentage, this number is 28.5% of the selection, higher than last year (23.7%) and, higher than the percentage of female directors submitting movies to the Selection. Story continues Fremaux says: This growing number of female directors in the selection is the result of an evolution observed for several years. It testifies, in number and in value, to the artistic and human contribution of women in contemporary cinema, whether they are directors or technicians. He notes that there is a wider selection of nationalities this year, but also a particularly large contingent of French films: Alongside countries always well represented on the Croisette (USA, South Korea, Japan, UK), as well as rare or new territories (Bulgaria, Georgia, Congo), the 2020 crop distinguishes itself by a strong French selection. Each year, Cannes presents between 10 and 15 French films. This year we have 21 French films, 5 more than in 2017, 11 more than in 2018 and 8 more than in 2019.among these 21 French films, where a new generation of actors explodes, 8 are directed by women, that is 38% of the total and 9 are first films (42%), two figures pointing to the future. Fremaux says that Cannes films will play at upcoming festivals, providing those festivals can go ahead. There has been much talk that Venice will show some would-be Cannes movies. Many other festivals around the world have expressed the desire to welcome the Cannes 2020 selection films, the Cannes boss says. The Cannes Film Festival will soon unveil how it will operate next fall. Traditionally, successive festivals such as Locarno, Telluride, Toronto, Deauville, San Sebastian, Pusan, Morelia, Angouleme (for French cinema), New York, Rome, Rio, Tokyo, Mumbai or Mar del Plata and even Sundance have invited the films of the Official Selection. They will do it again this year with the active support of Cannes and its teams. He continues: As we did last year, the festival will present one or two films together with ACID (Association du Cinema Independant pour sa Diffusion), one of the Festivals parallel sections that will also announce a selection. The Critics Week will also announce its own selection. Finally, Lili Hinstin, the Locarno Festivals director wanted to be the first to welcome Cannes films (before she too was unfortunately forced to give up), and we also spoke with Jose-Luis Rebordinos, the director of the San Sebastian festival, who decided that the films included in the Cannes 2020 Official Selection could also compete in San Sebastian. He changed the rules, just for us. Exceptional circumstances, exceptional measures. The festival veteran also notes that the complete list of the Cannes Classics program will also be revealed soon, headed by Wong Kar-Wais masterpiece In the Mood for Love, announced last February and which will be released in French theaters next December. READ THE SPEECH IN FULL: Due to the global pandemic, the Cannes Film Festival will not take place this year under its usual conditions, nor on the dates it was scheduled: May 12th to 23rd, 2020. On March 19, the Festival was postponed to the beginning of July. With Pierre Lescure, the President of Cannes, we had until April 15 to make a decision. But on April 13, French public authorities announced that no major cultural event could take place during the summer. September being traditionally the time of Venice and Toronto festivals, it was out of the question that we would hold our festival in September. As for organizing Cannes later, in October or November, after all the fall festivals, that was just not possible either. However, cancelation has never been an option. As you probably know, the Festival was canceled only once, in 1939. And only one other edition did not go to completion, it was in 1968. In 2020, if the International Film Festival (the FIF as locals like to call it) could not take its usual form, it was necessary for it to take another form. It could not just disappear. It was also because of the filmmakers hard work that we didnt want to give up. We couldnt send everyone to 2021. So, we continued our selection. And it was the right decision. By choosing to work until the end to establish a selection, we received more than 2000 feature films, 2067 to be precise. This Selection is here, and its a beautiful one. Even though movie theatres have been shut for three months for the first time since the invention of film screening by the Lumiere Brothers on December 28, 1895 this Selection reflects that cinema is more alive than ever. It remains unique, irreplaceable. We live in a world where moving images are in constant evolution, whether we talk of the way the movies are shown or the movies themselves. Cinema makes a difference thanks to those who make it, those who give it life and those who receive it and make it glorious, Coming soon to a theatre near you: the formula has never been so compelling. We will see it soon: cinema is not dead, its not even sick. During the winter and spring of 2020, the selection screenings continued. First collectively in the Festival office in Paris, and then individually. Selection committee members received films via the Internet and watched them at home. Then, through written exchanges and many conversations, we distinguished the films that caught our attention. It was quite a busy confinement! Some of the titles revealed on June 3, 2020 appeared in commentators forecasts. They saw in the selection a lot of recognized filmmakers whose work was known to be ready this year. Other films, also expected, viewed and loved by the selection committee, will be absent because their authors and producers have chosen to postpone their release to winter or spring 2021 and thus apply for festivals next year including Cannes. Therefore, their absence in the Official Selection this year wont be surprising. Well meet them again in 2021. On the other hand, well see that many discoveries are shaping this Selection 2020. A festivals purpose is to place emerging talents on the world map. In Cannes, were fully aware of this. In this year like no other, we saw films made for the big screen masterfully occupy small screens. So we want to confirm our desire to preserve the mythology of cinema as well as to look towards its future. To be adamant in our decision to deliver an Official Selection is ultimately, for the Festival, the best way to help cinema, as well as focus on the films that will be released in theaters in the coming months. The reopening of cinemas, after months of closure, is a crucial issue. The Cannes Film Festival intends to accompany these films and support their careers in France and abroad, as well as confirm the importance of theaters as in what makes the value of the Seventh Art. We know that many festivals are taking the same position. Because of the absence of events on the Croisette, the Official Selection will more than ever retain its role. The means may be different, but we will retain the same convictions and, thanks to all, the same efficiency. With our teams in both Cannes and Paris, but also alongside the artists and professionals of the selected movies, and the exhibitors and festival directors around the world, the Cannes Film Festival will maintain its mission of putting cinema at the heart of the world, as it has been doing since its first edition We will bear witness to cinemas imperious presence and prodigious vitality. Usually, the Festival shows about 60 films in its Official Selection (59 in 2019, 56 in 2018). The selection presented on June 3, 2020 is comprised of 56 films. They were chosen from the 2,067 feature films received this year compared to 1,845 in 2019, 1,916 in 2018 and 1,885 in 2017 or, to take a more distant figure, 1,665 films in 2010. Its the first time that the number of films submitted to Cannes exceeds 2,000. The crisis and the slowdown in post-production processes have therefore had no impact on the number of films sent for selection. We must look for this increase on the side of the first films: 909 were submitted to the selection, more than any previous years. 258 of these movies were directed by women (28.4%), 651 by men (71.6%). In the 2020 Official Selection we have 15 first films (26.7% of the total), compared to 10 in 2019 (17%). We have never had this many first time filmmakers in the Official Selection. It comes to prove the vitality of cinema. Its also a proof of the Festivals commitment to the future of cinema. Another growing figure is the constant geographic expansion of the films countries of origin. In 2020, the films came from 147 countries, compared to 138 in 2019, an increase of 6.5%. Regarding the presence of female directors, the Cannes Film Festival has made a commitment to Collectif 50/50 to provide statistical information on the presence of female directors. Here are two: 532 female directors submitted their film to the Selection, 25.7% of the total, compared to 575 female directors registered in 2019, a slightly lower figure. The number of female directors included in the Selection shows a significant increase. We will have 16 female directors in the selection. They were 14 in 2019, 11 in 2018, 12 in 2017, 9 in 2016, and 6 in 2015. In percentage, this number is 28.5% of the selection, higher than last year (23.7%) and, above all, higher than the percentage of female directors submitting movies to the selection. It should be noted that the same figure rises to 38%, when we only talk of French cinema in the official selection. This growing number of female directors in the selection is the result of an evolution observed for several years. It testifies, in number and in value, to the artistic and human contribution of women in contemporary cinema, whether they are directors or technicians. It is also less a matter of numbers than an enjoyable prospect: when we will publish the statistics of the short film competition or that of the Cinefondation films later in June, you will be able to see that, among the younger generation, the presence of female directors is even more important and promises the advent of a parity that we are all looking for. Since there wont be any screenings on the Croisette, and there wont be any traditional festival programming, we have decided to group the films selected in one single list without registering them in the usual separate categories: Competition, Un Certain regard, Out of competition, Midnight Screenings, and Special Screenings. We will therefore let you, when youll have viewing all the films, forge your own opinion about the ideal Cannes 2020 program, and which movies would best fit each category. You can also, in a list containing many newcomers, invent other categories, that will be more sentimental, more arbitrary, geographic or artistic. It will all depend on what one finds there: some established filmmakers, surprises, young filmmakers, rare countries, documentaries and animated films. And more this year: comedies, which we too often regret the absence in the Officiel Selection. To confirm what we stated above, this selection was built with the prospect of seeing the Cannes Film Festival assume more than ever its primary mission: to promote films, artists and professionals by showing their work, to be the bridge between the screen and the public. This Selection was also made with filmmakers, producers and distributors who decided to face the uncertainty of the times by committing to release their films by winter 2021. This 2020 Selection therefore reflects our desire to focus our attention on films that will try to reach there audience before the end of the year. To our usual criteria of selection, as undefined as obvious (and sometimes not so much!), to our usual question: Is this a film for Cannes?, we sometimes added this question: Isnt this a perfect film to get people back to the theaters. That meant a wider selection, in particular for French films. Alongside countries always well represented on the Croisette (USA, South Korea, Japan, UK) as well as rare or new territories (Bulgaria, Georgia, Congo), the 2020 crop distinguishes itself by a strong French selection. Each year, Cannes presents between 10 and 15 French films. This year we have 21 French films, 5 more than in 2017, 11 more than in 2018 and 8 more than in 2019. Many international festivals also give professionals and journalists an opportunity to publicize their national cinema. This wasnt the case here. This is not a return to this old section of the Festival: Perspectives du cinema francais. Rest assured, French cinema is not getting any special treatment. Simply put, even if some well-known artists will wait for next year, the number and quality of films viewed have led to this strong presence. A political presence, in this case: we know how much the necessary international diversity of creation comes first from the strength of each region of the world. France thus shows the example of a pugnacious cinema, which produces its vision of cinema, its own films and, sometimes, those of other countries. That is why I would like to express our support to the filmmakers and producers of Mexico, a great country of world cinema and a great supplier of films for the Festival de Cannes who, through the voice of the 2019 Jury President Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, and those of Alfonso Cuaron and Guillermo del Toro, fight for a brighter future. This French presence is also the fruit of this opportunity: we want to be in harmony with future theatrical releases. Finally, it should be noted that among these 21 French films, where a new generation of actors explodes, 8 are directed by women, that is 38% of the total and 9 are first films (42%), two figures pointing to the future. We will all miss the Cannes experience this year. We will all miss the Cannes effect: what a single projection at the Palais des Festivals gives birth to, an acclamation, a reputation, a storm and sometimes a thunderstorm. All things that make up the flavor and richness of the 12 days of the Cannes Film Festival, before the films go to find other fortunes and other successes in cinemas and festivals around the world. With my colleagues on the selection committee, we will also be deprived of the bets we make each year on the films reception. Of the thrill when the lights go out, the curtain opens and Camille Saint- Saenss music begins. There are some works we selected specifically for this moment. For the emotion they can provoke, the effect that they will cause in the room, the Croisette buzz that a single projection can give birth to, the support that we give them, and the appetite they will create at the Market. To see exhibitors around the world rejoicing in their coming season. We will have to find another way to support these films. Now that the world premiere at the Palais wont happen, it will have to be in theaters and festivals around the world. It has been abundantly written and commented, we all felt something was missing last May. The manner in which newspapers (Im thinking in particular of the marvelous New York Times article which gave voice to Cannes filmmakers and to all those who wished to bring to life our shared memories last May) expressed their deep attachment to the Festival encourages us to continue and to think about the future. The year 2021 will be important in many, many ways. Many other festivals around the world have expressed the desire to welcome the Cannes 2020 selection films. The Cannes Film Festival will soon unveil how it will operate next fall. Traditionally, successive festivals such as Locarno, Telluride, Toronto, Deauville, San Sebastian, Pusan, Morelia, Angouleme (for French cinema), New York, Rome, Rio, Tokyo, Mumbai or Mar del Plata and even Sundance have invited the films of the Official Selection. They will do it again this year with the active support of Cannes and its teams. As we did last year, the Festival will present one or two films together with ACID (Association du Cinema Independant pour sa Diffusion), one of the Festivals parallel sections that will also announce a selection. The Critics Week will also announce its own selection. Finally, Lili Hinstin, the Locarno Festivals director wanted to be the first to welcome Cannes films (before she too was unfortunately forced to give up), and we also spoke with Jose-Luis Rebordinos, the director of the San Sebastian festival, who decided that the films included in the Cannes 2020 Official Selection could also compete in San Sebastian. He changed the rules, just for us. Exceptional circumstances, exceptional measures. As previously announced, the Marche du Film will have an online edition this year, organized by its director Jerome Paillard. Such an online edition was possible for the Marche, but it is not something we wished for the Festival itself (we dont even know if it would have been allowed by the right-holders of the films). At the Marche, both participation and desire are promising (all information is available at https://www.marchedufilm.com/en/). The short film competition and Cinefondation competition selections will be revealed in the coming days. The complete list of the Cannes Classics program will also be revealed soon, headed by Wong Kar-Wais masterpiece In the Mood for Love, announced last February and which will be released in French theaters next December. Through this text today I hope to share with you a glimpse into the Selection process and the preparation of the entire Festival during this challenging year. And I would like to pay tribute to all those who make the Festival possible, and first of all thank Christian Jeune, the director of the Films department, true conductor of the organization of the Official Selection, and his assistants Zoe Klein, Nadine Famien and Bruno Munoz, as well as those who make up the selection committee Virginie Apiou, Paul Grandsard, Laurent Jacob, Stephanie Lamome, Eric Libiot, Lucien Logette, Johanna Nahon, Guillemette Odicino, Caroline Veunac, and to our foreign correspondents Didier Allouch, Joel Chapron, Isabelle Glachant, Agnes Poirier, Jose Maria Riba, Yuka Sakano and Ilda Santiago. I would also like to salute the beautiful presence of Francois-Michel Allegrini, Oualid Baha, Lorenzo Chammah, Luc Dandrel, Simon Gabriele, Clayd Genestet, Francois Lardenois, Manuel Moutier, Emmanuel Raspiengeas, Adrien Valgadier, Wang Muyan, et Julien Welter. I wanted to also thank Francois Desrousseaux (general secretary), Aida Belloulid, Fred Cassoly and Clement Lemoine (Press service), Samuel Faure (Partnerships), Michel Mirabella (Executive secretary), Genevieve Pons (Un Certain Regard), Vinca Van Eecke (Cannes digital service), Caroline Vautrot (Communication service), Isabelle Michaud and Emiline Ange Gbehiri (Accounting), Nicolas Van Herrenthals, Olivier Bouilland and Pierrette Clain (I.T.), Christine Aime (Service Archives), Patrick Lami (projectionist Paris), Jean-Pierre et Virginie Vidal, Sylvain Lauredi (Cannes Team), the entire team Marche du Film as well as Marie-Caroline Billault, our general assistant. I have a special thought for Fabrice Allard and Emilie Renault (Credential Service), Laure Cazeneuve (Jury) and Laurence Churlaud (Protocol), who saw their great work abruptly interrupted this year. This is also the case for all of those who join us on the Croisette: projectionists, hostesses and hosts, technicians, security agents, etc. I also have a thought for the publicists in very dire economical difficulties today, for the freelance journalists, the drivers, the florists, the cooks, the beach attendants, the hoteliers and all those who in Cannes and around also organize this Festival with us and contribute to its prestige. With Pierre Lescure, we would like to express our gratitude to the CNC, the PACA region and the Alpes-Maritimes General Council for their unwavering support. Valuable support is also given to us by the City of Cannes, a city especially threatened by the coming economic crisis. Finally, we would like to thank all of the private partners without whom the Festival can exist as it is and who are going through the same torments. All of us together, we will have even more energy and desire to meet again in 2021 and make the most beautiful of festivals. Finally, it is an important tradition even if it is full of sadness, I would like to salute the memory of those who have honored Cannes with their presence, their support and their affection: the journalists Claude Carrez and Peter Van Bueren, our dear colleague Jose Maria Riba, as well as Jean Douchet, Philippe Nahon, Christophe, Guy Bedos, Tonie Marshall, Jean-Loup Dabadie, Kirk Douglas (President of the Jury in 1980) and Michel Piccoli, so often present in Cannes as both an actor and director, Best Actor winner in 1980 and member of the jury in 2007. He made his last appearance in competition with Nanni Morettis Habemus Papam in 2011, before entrusting his Memoires to our former president Gilles Jacob for the book Jai Vecu Dans Mes Reves. One last thing: 2020 is Federico Fellinis centenary. During these twelve days, we would all have embraced the three words from the Maestro that Quentin Tarantino never fails to repeat and which, more than ever, flow through the veins of all film lovers: VIVA IL CINEMA! See you in the movie theaters. Thierry Fremaux Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz raised the possibility on Wednesday of extending Spains government furlough scheme, known as ERTE, until the end of the year in sectors where it is most needed. An ERTE allows companies to temporarily send workers home or reduce their working hours, and readmit them on their previous conditions after a certain amount of time. Around three million people in Spain are currently on an ERTE due to the coronavirus crisis, but this measure is set to expire on June 30. Once the work of the [ERTE] intersectional commission is completed, we will have a road map to know what sectors need this measure beyond June 30, said Diaz in an interview with Spains state radio broadcaster, RNE. I hope to have this provision to extend ERTEs to sectors that need it as soon as possible. We are working not only for social protection but also to guarantee employment, which is the main problem Spain will have after the health crisis Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz Social Security Minister Jose Luis Escriva also said that he was open to extending the scheme. It seems clear that everything related to the hospitality industry, especially hotels, is going to take longer to recover [from the coronavirus crisis], he said during an interview on Spanish television channel Antena 3 on Wednesday. But we have to go into detail, focus it as much as possible so that it makes a much more efficient use of public resources. Half of all workers currently on an ERTE are from the tourism sector. According to Diaz, the furloughing scheme has protected Spain from massive job losses during the coronavirus crisis. Indeed, new figures released this week showed that the initiative has shored up the labor market, with employment growing in May. Diaz described the ERTE program as a social shock absorber that has saved the jobs of more than three million workers in Spain and more than 10 million and eight million workers in Germany and Italy, respectively. Neither of these two countries, she said, were even posing the question of how many of these ERTEs will end in permanent layoffs. These types of questions sadden me [...] The company has a commitment to maintain employment for six months, she said, adding that 400,000 furloughed workers in Spain have already gone back to their jobs. We are working not only for social protection but also to guarantee employment, which is the main problem Spain will have after the health crisis, said Diaz. Asked about the sustainability of the unemployment aid, which cost the government 5.1 billion in April, Diaz replied that what would not be sustainable would be leaving the unemployed without support. Workers [pay into the Social Security system] to have unemployment protection and of course it is sustainable to deploy intense protection measures. [...] No one in Europe questions whether it is sustainable or not. We have no doubt that this is what has to be done when workers need it, said Diaz. Labor reform Diaz also spoke of the imperative need to change labor laws in Spain, which have made the labor market more precarious and led to more temporary contracts, she said. In 2012, when it was in power, the conservative Popular Party (PP) introduced a labor reform that, among other things, gave companies in Spain more flexibility to sack employees. According to the minister, the economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis will hit Spain especially hard because of these weaknesses. Last month, the Spanish government signed a deal with the Basque radical left party EH Bildu to completely overturn the legislation, a decision that angered Spains largest employers association, the CEOE, and sparked widespread condemnation among the political opposition. Diaz said on Wednesday that once the coronavirus health crisis has eased, the government will resume talks with business associations and unions about how to change the 2012 labor reform. The minister also said that the government is working on new laws to regularize homeworking and protect workers on digital platforms, including delivery service apps such as Uber Eats. English version by Melissa Kitson. 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. Lilah Parsons has revealed that her pet dog Betty has passed away. The presenter, 32, took to Instagram on Wednesday and shared a number of snaps of herself alongside the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Alongside the photos, Lilah wrote: 'My darling Betty - you were just the best. I know there are much more important things going on in the world right now but this little one died yesterday and I will miss her terribly.' Sad news: Lilah Parsons, 32, has revealed that her pet dog Betty has passed away Among the photos Lilah shared were of her taking Betty to the park, an outdoor cafe and running in the grass. Several of Lilah's followers sent their well wishes to the Heart radio host after she confirmed the sad news. The broadcaster, who had Betty since she was a puppy, did not reveal her pooch's cause of death although a number of health issues are known to effect the breed. Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo wrote on the post: 'Oh goodness me. Im so sorry I feel so sad. Sending SO much love'. Heartbroken: Lilah took to Instagram and wrote: 'This little one died yesterday and I will miss her terribly' Lilah confirmed Betty's death on the same day that Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague revealed her pet pooch Mr Chai died just six days after she got him. Last Tuesday, her co-star boyfriend Tommy Fury gifted Mr Chai to the reality star before they received him from Russia on Friday - however the heartbroken reality star has now announced the tragic news about his passing. In a lengthy statement, the star penned: 'Tommy and I are utterly heartboken and shocked to even be writing this. Our beautiful new puppy Mr Chai was taken ill in the last few days and tragically has passed away.... Memories: Lilah took to Instagram on Wednesday and shared a number of snaps of herself alongside the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Adorable: The radio presenter shared a snap of her and Betty at an outdoor cafe Cute: Lilah shared another sweet snap of herself cuddling Betty in a park 'Chai became our whole world in the short time we had him and we couldn't have taken any better care of him. We loved him so much and he brought us more happieness than we can describe... 'We are really hoping that we can get some clearer answers in the coming days whilst we wait for details and more information from the veterinary experts. Myself and Tommy are completely in shock and truly devastated.' In a nod to the global coronavirus pandemic and the shocking protests in the US following the death of George Floyd, Molly-Mae conceded that there are 'bigger things in the world, but still voiced her deep sadness. Support: Several of Lilah's followers sent their well wishes to the Heart radio host after she confirmed the sad news Well wishes: Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo wrote on the post: 'Oh goodness me. Im so sorry I feel so sad. Sending SO much love' She went on: 'In a world currently full of tragedy and loss, we understand there are far far greater issues that this, we just need to share this information in order to start the process of trying to accept and overcome this awful situation... 'We asking for some time and respect so that we can come to terms with this immense sadness and loss of our beautiful puppy.' When Tommy gave the dog to his beloved girlfriend, he also gifted a Louis Vuitton dog carrier, which range from between 1,880 and 2,080. Heartbroken: Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague has revealed her dog has died, six days after welcoming the pup into her home after receiving him for her 21st birthday present Shock: Last Tuesday, her co-star boyfriend Tommy Fury gifted Mr Chai to the reality star before they took him home on Friday - however the heartbroken reality star has now announced the tragic news about his passing Tommy appeared to have bought the dog through Cheshire-based business Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians. The company shared a number of posts featuring the couple and lamented Mr Chai's death on Wednesday. Molly shocked fans when she revealed that he was on his way from Russia, in a move that came under fire, as she penned: 'He was meant to be here on my birthday btw guys but he's coming from Russia so there were delays etc.' One wrote: 'MOLLY MAE's F***ING DOG IS COMING. From. RUSSIA. THe ignorance, I'm so disgusted... wait Molly Mae is having a puppy shipped to her from Russia? 'Theres literally so many dogs sat in adoption centres and they choose to get a dog shipped from another country wtf is that about?' Russian pilot injured in a fall while paragliding in Yen Bai A Russian pilot has been injured after falling into the cliff from the height of 20 metres when participating in the 2020 paragliding festival held in Mu Cang Chai District in the northwestern province of Yen Bai. A Russian pilot is injured after falling into the cliff from the height of 20 metres when participating in the 2020 paragliding festival held in Yen Bai Province on May 30. Speaking with Dantri/Dtinews on June 3, vice chairman of Mu Cang Chai District People's Committee, Luong Thi Xuyen, who is the festival's organiser, said that the pilot experienced slight injuries to his back after the accident on May 30 and was then transported to the Vietnam-Germany Hospital in Hanoi for treatment. "The male pilot has lots of experience in paragliding and has participated in the activity in various locations in Vietnam," the organiser said. "After few seconds of taking off, his paraglider teetered and fell into the cliff. It turned out that he flew the paraglider the wrong way, leading to the unexpected fall. The official said that the festival has been organised annually since 2013 and participants have received minor injuries in small accidents every year. "We've always set up medical teams at the event but so far we haven't reported any big accidents," she said. "But we are going to be more selective on the participants." Mu Cang Chai with stunning terraced rice fields is the most famous tourist spot in Yen Bai Province. The annual paragliding festival highlights the beautiful natural scenery. This year, the paragliding festival is taking place on Saturdays and Sundays from May 30 to July 15 There has been a significant development in the investigations into the disappearance of British three-year-old Madeleine McCann after authorities identified a new suspect. British and German police on Wednesday announced a German man as their lead suspect in the 2007 disappearance of Kate and Gerry McCanns daughter appealing for information on the 43-year-old who is currently imprisoned in Germany on an unrelated matter. Madeleine disappeared from her bedroom on May 3 during a family holiday in the Algarve, Portugal, while her parents were dining with friends nearby in the resort of Praia da Luz. Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007 while holidaying in Portugal with her family. Source: Met Police Her fate remains a mystery despite a massive international search and media coverage which prompted reported sightings from across the globe. British police described Wednesday's appeal the latest of several issued since her disappearance as a "significant development." Jaguar and VW camper at the centre of investigations They want to speak to anyone who has relevant information on the man, whom they did not name, or the movements of two vehicles linked to him during the period around the disappearance. Both cars, a Volkswagen camper van and a Jaguar, are now in the possession of German police. The man transferred the Jaguar to someone else's name the day after Madeleine vanished. The VW campervan the man is understood to have driven around Portugal. Source: Met Police An appeal on German television was broadcast on Wednesday evening (local time). "Someone out there knows a lot more than they're letting on," senior investigating officer Mark Cranwell, who is leading the Met inquiry, said. DCI Cranwell said the prisoner, then aged 30, regularly visited the Algarve between 1995 and 2007, where he stayed for "days upon end" in his camper van, living a "transient lifestyle". He was in the Praia de Luz area where the McCann family was staying the night Madeleine disappeared. Story continues The Jaguar which was transferred out of his name the day after Madeleine McCann's disappearance. Source: Met Police They also asked for anyone who was familiar with two Portuguese phone numbers to come forward. One of the phones was known to be used by the suspect, and received a 30-minute phone call from the second number whilst in the Praia da Luz area on the night of the disappearance shortly before Madeleine was last seen. "You may know, you may be aware of some of the things he has done, he may have confided in you about the disappearance of Madeleine, DCI Cranwell said. "More than 13 years have passed, and your loyalties may have changed. This individual is in prison ... now is the time to come forward." British police said they retained an open mind about the man's involvement and did not have any definitive evidence whether Madeleine was alive or not. with Reuters Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. A 40-year-old man was attacked by at least three unidentified gunmen while he was walking in a park in East Delhis Patparganj on Wednesday morning, chased to the nearby Aditi Apartments housing society, where he tried to hide behind parked cars, and shot dead, police said. The victim, Rahul Singh Nagar, contested the 2017 municipal elections in Delhi on a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ticket from the Vinod Nagar constituency. With assets worth over 9.51 crore, Nagar was among the richest candidates who had contested the elections. His immovable assets include 13 residential buildings, four commercial shops and three cars, including an Audi, his brother, Satya, said. The identity of the killers or the motive behind the crime were not clear, police said. They suspect that Nagar may have been killed over a property dispute. A police officer said they used to receive complaints against Nagar regarding property grabbing. Jasmeet Singh, deputy commissioner of police (east), said Nagar was shot four times, and died before he could be taken to hospital. The police are investigating whether more rounds that may have missed Nagar were fired either at the park or in the apartment complex. A case of murder has been registered at Mandawali police station. Nagar, a property dealer by profession, lived with his wife and daughter in West Vinod Nagar, which is about a kilometre from the scene of the crime. His four brothers and parents live in another house in the same locality. According to the DCP, Nagar had some criminal cases against him. Those cases were mostly pertaining to quarrels, he said. Nagars brother, Satya, however, said that those were all old cases, which were eventually closed. Every morning, Nagar would walk with a friend Satish Master,40, a government school teacher in Daryaganj -- in the park outside Aditi Apartments, which is the first housing society of the line of apartment blocks on Narwana Road, a stones throw from the main Mother Dairy factory in Patparganj. He would always be accompanied by his friend, said Satya. The friend told us that he had stopped to urinate while Nagar kept walking. Suddenly he heard multiple gunshots, he added. There were 40-50 people walking in the park when the firing started. Though none of us exactly saw where the firing was taking place, all of us started running and we all were scared for our lives. I did not see the attackers. All I saw was Nagar ji running towards the apartments, said Satish, adding that he informed Nagars family after seeing him dead. The DCP said the attack took place at around 7.15am, just as Nagar was walking out of the park. He added that the initial probe suggested that there were three to four assailants, but Satya said the friend told him at least two more assailants were waiting outside the park. Once the shots were fired, Nagar ran into the apartment complex to hide. An investigator who asked not to be named said he managed ran through a corridor of the complex, with the attackers continuing to pursue him. He went to the parking lot inside and hid behind some cars. But he had already been shot four times by then. He had bullet wounds in his chest, head and hand, the investigator said. As residents, who heard the gunshots, began coming out of their homes, the assailants escaped, police said. No resident from our society was present in the compound where the man was shot. Our security guard was at the gate. But he was unarmed and could not do anything against armed attackers, said Prakash Chander, secretary of Aditi Corporation Group Housing Society Limited. Nagar was taken to Max Hospital in Patparganj but was declared brought dead. Police said they are scanning CCTV footage for clues, but there was no breakthrough till Wednesday evening. Nagars family members said there was a near-fatal firing attack on him in November 2019 as well but the police did not take any action. Joint commissioner of police (eastern range) Alok Kumar, however, said that four persons were arrested in that case. Monday marked the fourth straight night dozens of demonstrators gathered in front of the Austin Police Department's headquarters to protest police brutality. Activity and protests began Friday night, days after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis police custody last week. Demonstrators in Texas also marched and protested for Michael Ramos, who was shot to death by an Austin police officer in late April. READ ALSO: 'Not what we set out to do': Austin police chief on protesters injured by 'less-lethal' rounds Austin Police Chief Brian Manley announced in a news conference Monday that the department is investigating several protest-related incidents that occurred last weekend. One man was critically injured after an Austin police officer shot him with "less-lethal" ammunition during Sunday's protest. Austin photographer and freelance writer Taylor Blount has been capturing photos of the protest scene in Austin. He described Monday's protest as "peaceful." Scroll below to see Blount's photos of the protests in Austin. Charles Seal-Villafranca, DHA(c), MSHA, CDP, ALFM-BC It is an honor to assume the role of Administrator of Ridgecrest Healthcare, says Villafranca. Over my years at Encanto Palms Assisted Living, I had many opportunities to interact with the amazing staff here and I look forward to enhance and improve the care we provide our residents. Ridgecrest Healthcare, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located in Phoenix, Arizona, appointed Charles Seal-Villafranca, DHA(c), MSHA, CDP, ALFM-BC, as its new Executive Directory and Administrator. Villafranca assumes all the roles, responsibilities and relationships of Katie Molaro, the outgoing administrator. Villafranca began his career in healthcare in 1994 and has held various positions in senior living management at the managerial and director levels and is licensed as a Dementia Care Practitioner. He left his previous position as the Executive Director of Encanto Palms Assisted Living, a deficiency-free community in Phoenix, Arizona, to assume the position at Ridgecrest Healthcare. Villafranca was recently re-elected as the President of the Arizona State Board of Examiners of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers (NCIA). As President of NCIA, Villafranca acts as the chief judge to grant or deny administrator licenses and rules on legal complaints against nursing home administrators and assisted living managers. He also works with the Arizona State government to develop and define state statutes, rules and regulations for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It is an honor to assume the role of Administrator of Ridgecrest Healthcare, says Villafranca. Over my years at Encanto Palms Assisted Living, I had many opportunities to interact with the amazing staff here and I look forward to enhance and improve the care we provide our residents. Villafranca received a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of St. Francis and is currently a Doctoral Candidate at Capella University for Healthcare Administration. He enjoys working with seniors and is a strong advocate for their needs. He is a devoted husband and proud father of two sons. His professional affiliations include the American College of Healthcare Executives, American College of Healthcare Administrators, and the Arizona Geriatrics Society. About Ridgecrest Healthcare: Ridgecrest Healthcare is a 200-bed skilled nursing facility and rehabilitation center associated with Windsor healthcare centers. Windsor provides short-term and long-term healthcare, rehabilitation services and assisted living communities throughout California and Arizona. Windsor employs professionals that provide nursing, therapeutic, sub-acute and rehabilitation care to over 4,000 patients daily. South-east Queensland's university students will return to face-to-face lectures for the first time in 2020 from the beginning of the second semester on July 10, where it is COVID-19-safe. While all Queensland universities planned a phased return to campuses, there are different return paths for lectures, tutorials and practical workshops to fit with existing COVID-19 restrictions. Queensland University of Technology plans to return as many students as possible back to campus from the beginning of semester two on July 20, Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said. Queensland University of Technology's CBD campus where face-to-face lectures begin from July 20. "QUT will have as many classes as possible back on its campuses for the start of semester two on July 20 but some classes will need to be delivered online," Professor Sheil said. Win an eye on the bye-elections to 24 assembly seats, the Congress unit in Madhya Pradesh has intensified its social media campaign to make up for the lack of physical campaign in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Congress has stepped up its efforts amid reports that poll strategist Prashant Kishor has refused to work for the party. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is yet to announce dates of the bye-elections which are supposed to be held by September this year. On Wednesday, the party circulated a video clip on Kamal Nath with a recital of a verse in the background to highlight qualities of his leadership and underline his commitment to fulfilling his dream for development of Madhya Pradesh. Another video posted on social media shows chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan talking of the then Congress governments earmarking a sum of Rs 6,000 crore for farm loan waiver whereas. Chouhan had earlier accused the then Congress government of not keeping its word to waive farmers loans. On Tuesday, political strategist Prashant Kishor told a news channel that Kamal Nath and Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh had approached him to take over the campaign for the bye-elections but he had not accepted the offer as he was not inclined to take Congress work in bits and pieces. A state Congress leader who didnt want to be named said, Its true that the party was in touch with Kishor but the party didnt depend on him entirely to push its election campaign. We have been preparing for the bypolls for the past over two months since the 22 Congress MLAs resigned. I cant say how the presence of Kishor would have made a difference in our election campaign. State Congress spokesperson Abhay Dubey said, I cant comment on Prashant Kishor episode as I am not aware of it. But I can say that we have already launched our campaign for the by-polls and betrayal of the 22 ex-Congress MLAs to the party and to people in their constituencies is our main issue that we are raising. The 230-member Legislative Assembly currently has 206 members out of which 107 are BJP lawmakers. The Congress has 92 members. There are four independents, one Samajwadi Party and three BSP MLAs who are supporting the BJP government. The majority mark at present is 104. BJP needs to win at least nine seats to reach the figure of 116 for a majority in the House on its own without support of any other MLA from outside. To deny the BJP the chance of continuing in power Congress will have to win at least 16 seats and then have the support of all non-BJP MLAs, a goal which will be tough for the party to achieve if there is no massive undercurrent in its favour, said another Congress leader. Dubey said he was confident that the party would win all the seats. The biggest factor in our favour is that people have not forgiven the ex-MLAs and the fight is going to take place between these ex-MLAs if they get tickets from BJP and people themselves who are eager to teach them a lesson. Thats why we will win all the seats convincingly, he said. The BJP has rubbished the Congress optimism saying it has nothing to show for development of Madhya Pradesh. Congress lost its opportunity to do something for people as the then Congress governments major focus during its 15-month rule was on running a transfer-posting industry. Major worry in Congress is how to face people during bypolls when its government neglected development across the state and was further busy with glamorous programmes like International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) award function that couldnt be held, state BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal said. Brazzaville, Congo (PANA) - The Congolese Minister of State for Agriculture and Livestock, Henri Djombo, on Wednesday stressed the need to invest more in the agriculture sector French fashion designer Agnes b. has always been an optimist. It is what prompted her some 50 years ago to quit the world of fashion journalism and step onto the lowest rung of the design ladder. She started the Agnes b. brand and opened her first boutique in Paris in 1975, followed by others across France as well as in New York, London, Amsterdam, Taipei, Singapore, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Now 78 and still optimistic, she believes that a better world -- driven by young people -- will emerge from the coronavirus crisis. Agnes b. spoke to AFP as part of our 'World Redrawn' series. She calls for the rich to "share" and insists we must not forget the urgency of looking out for the environment. Below are some extracts from the interview, edited for clarity. Q: We talk about 'a world before' and 'a world after'. Will habits change or will the world just go back to how it was before? A: I have a positive and optimistic nature and I hope that this kind of step back will have changed perspectives. The question of how we share our land relies on our young people. They have real awareness which is great. Everything links. When the farmers called for help, the city people answered. There are young people who are going to settle on farms... There is going to be a fresh start. We will come out different. Q: You place great faith in young people and their take on the environment. Why? A: Young people are aware of the environment and know that it is more and more important. I have a lot of grandchildren and I see how concerned they are. We have to transform ourselves. Q: France's economy is clearly taking a hit from the virus and quarantine measures. What does President Macron need to do to give some hope back to the French people? A: I wouldn't like to be in the president's shoes at the moment. In France, we are programmed to criticise. The most important thing is to bring money into France, and the rich must share the wealth. There are many poor people and many wealthy people who have too much money. I know what it means to be poor. Wealth is so badly distributed. There are people who are badly housed or homeless. The differences have always existed. We had the French Revolution but that didn't change anything. Q: What help can we give to developing countries as the world economy struggles to find its feet again? A: We must manufacture where it is necessary, where we can help. My line manufactures as much as possible in France but we have a policy of giving added value to countries like Peru, which produces alpaca, or Mongolia with its cashmere. There are also embroiderers in Madagascar. This is always my principle. Q: Have you been making masks during the lockdown? A: We have already made lots of masks. I designed them in unbleached, patterned canvas, with lipstick smiles in different colours. We also made 2,000 medical gowns to donate to suburban hospitals. We are mucking in as best we can! Ferguson has elected the first black - and female - mayor in its history, six years after a white cop shot dead unarmed black teenager Michael Brown sparking protests across the city. Ella Jones, 65, was voted in Tuesday, beating opponent Heather Robinett and making her the first African-American and first woman elected as mayor of the Missouri city. Jones' victory came as Ferguson has been rocked by fresh protests this week, as the death of black man George Floyd in Minneapolis has reignited the outrage over Brown's killing back in 2014. 'I've got work to do - because when you're an African-American woman, they require more of you than they require of my counterpart,' Jones said in a video posted online Tuesday night following the news she had taken 54 percent of the vote. Ella Jones, 65, was voted in Tuesday, beating opponent Heather Robinett and making her the first African-American and first woman elected as mayor of the Missouri city 'I've got work to do - because when you're an African-American woman, they require more of you than they require of my counterpart,' Jones said in a video posted online Tuesday night (above) 'I know the people in Ferguson are ready to stabilize their community, and we're going to work together to get it done.' Jones, who became the first black Ferguson City Council member back in 2015 and is also a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, has long called for an overhaul to the city's law enforcement. In her mayoral campaign, she vowed to push forward changes started after Brown's killing including a federal consent decree to reform the Ferguson police department. This week's historic vote comes six years on from the death of unarmed black teenager Brown who was shot six times and killed by white cop Darren Wilson on August 9, 2014. Protests erupted across the city following Brown's death, with demonstrators using the slogan 'Hands up, don't shoot' following the eyewitness account from the teenager's friend Dorian Johnson who said Brown had held his hands up in surrender when the officer fatally shot him. A grand jury and the Department of Justice then decided not to charge the cop over Brown's death. This week's historic vote comes six years on from the death of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown (pictured) who was shot six times and killed by white cop Darren Wilson on August 9 2014 2014: A protester hurls a tear gas canister back at cops during a protest over Brown's death 2014: Protests erupted across the city, with demonstrators using the slogan 'Hands up, don't shoot' following the eyewitness account from the teenager's friend Dorian Johnson who said Brown had held his hands up in surrender when the officer fatally shot him This sparked renewed protests, some of which descended into rioting and looting in the streets of Ferguson. Tensions between the African-American community and Ferguson police have escalated again this week, following the death of Floyd. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed during his arrest last Monday when a white cop knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while he begged him to stop and told him 'I can't breathe'. His death has triggered protests across America as people demand justice for Floyd and call for an end to systemic police brutality and racism against African-Americans. George Floyd, a 46-year-old black father of two, (left) was killed in Minneapolis last Monday when white police officer Derek Chauvin (right) knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes despite him repeatedly begging for the cop to stop and saying 'I can't breathe' 2020: Protesters march through Ferguson Sunday demanding justice over Floyd's death 2020: In Ferguson, peaceful daytime protests have descended into chaos at nightfall with cops firing tear gas into crowds and rioters looting and starting fires In scenes reminiscent of 2014, peaceful daytime protests in Ferguson have descended into chaos at nightfall with cops firing tear gas into crowds and rioters looting and starting fires. At the weekend, a state of emergency was declared in the city and outgoing Mayor James Knowles III ordered a nighttime curfew Sunday night. Jones takes over the reins from Knowles III who has been mayor since 2011 and who Jones lost out to in the mayoral race back in 2017. Jones said at the time that the black community did not believe having a black leader would change the widespread oppression they faced in the city. 'If you've been oppressed so long, it's hard for you to break out to a new idea,' she said. 'And when you've been governed by fear and people telling you that the city is going to decline because an African-American person is going to be in charge, then you tend to listen to the rhetoric and don't open your mind to new possibilities.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 15:38:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KAMPALA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and the West's attempt to interfere in China's internal affairs will never succeed, a Ugandan government spokesperson has said. "Hong Kong is a territory of China, and as such China should be able to enact appropriate laws to regulate the running of its affairs, including the conduct of its citizens and how to detect possible crimes, apprehend suspects and cause them to be brought to justice," said Ofwono Opondo who is also executive director of state-owned Uganda Media Center told Xinhua in an interview on Monday. Chinese lawmakers voted overwhelmingly at the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature, last week to approve a decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security. The continued Western attempt to interfere in the Hong Kong affairs is geared towards undermining and destabilizing China, Ofwono said. Uganda adheres to the one-China policy, he said, noting that any foreign attempt to interfere in China's internal affairs should not be tolerated and will never succeed. Enditem CLEVELAND, Ohio Cuyahoga County Sheriff David Schilling said Tuesday that his department was "unprepared" for the scale of Saturday's protests over the police killing of George Floyd that turned into rioting and looting. Schilling said during a Cuyahoga County Council Safety Committee Hearing that his office underestimated the number of protesters who eventually attended the event and the possibility that the protests could turn violent, as they had in other cities throughout the country. "Unfortunately, and I hate to say this, I think that initially we under planned," Schilling said. Schilling said his office expected about 300 people to show up to what began as a peaceful protest at the Free Stamp. Schilling estimated between 3,000 and 4,000 came. He also said he believed Saturday's protest would follow other protests in Cleveland in years past, including after the fatal police shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice and during the Republican National Convention in 2016. "Given the number of protests that we've worked in the Cleveland area over the years, we kind of took this one that [it would be similar]," Schilling said. "And plus the feedback we're getting back from the fusion center and the police department, we kind of took this one that it was going to be one of the usual protests." Protesters marched to the Justice Center, a county building under the jurisdiction of the sheriff. Cleveland police officers met the protesters in front of the building. The first wave of officers included officers on bikes, but they were quickly replaced by officers in full SWAT gear. Police and protesters clashed outside the building. Cleveland police fired pepper-spray, pepper pellets, tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowd. Protesters rushed the building, smashed windows, spray-painted the sides of the building and set fire to three police cars and several guard towers outside the building. Hundreds of the peaceful protests left, but a group made its way further into downtown, where dozens of businesses sustained damaged by rioters and looters. Schilling said they had no extra deputies working and no advanced scheduling to deal with the protests. The sheriff's department activated it SWAT team to help after the protest turned raucous. He blamed the rioting on several groups that came into Cleveland from out of town with the only purpose of causing destruction. He said some came with hard objects they threw at police officers and hammers used to destroy property. Schilling also said protesters broke into a county building that houses the Public Defender's Office across the street from the Justice Center on Lakeside and set a fire. Several cars were set on fire in the parking lot. Authorities arrested 99 people, Schilling said. He said Cleveland police, the FBI and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are investigating the backgrounds of those arrested. "But we, none of us, including the Cleveland police department, have never experienced anything to the magnitude that this was so, we learned from it," Schilling said. Read more from cleveland.com: None of 99 arrested during downtown Cleveland riots were from outside Ohio, countering Cleveland police chief's statements Cleveland police chief's approach to George Floyd protest a sharp contrast to de-escalation efforts during Tamir Rice, RNC demonstrations Large police presence surrounds Clevelands First District station ahead of protest of George Floyd killing, law enforcement brutality Suspect ruled out of original Met investigation in 2008 but looked into in 2017 following renewed appeal Scotland Yard have linked him to two vehicles - a camper van and a Jaguar - seen in surrounding area Advertisement German detectives investigating Madeleine McCann's disappearance say they have 'almost enough evidence' to charge a convicted paedophile with her kidnap and murder as he languishes in jail for raping an American tourist shortly before the British three-year-old was snatched. The suspect, a 43-year-old German drifter with a long history of sex crimes against women and children, was living in the Algarve resort Maddie vanished from in 2007 when she disappeared. The new chief suspect in the McCann case, who has not been named, was jailed for seven years last December for a brutal sex attack carried out in Praia da Luz just 18 months before the three-year-old was snatched from her bed. The German national was tried and convicted in Germany for the rape of a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal in September 2005, according to Braunschweiger Zeitung, the newspaper for the central German city of Braunschweig. His trial heard he planned the sex attack having broken into the victim's house with a rope to tie her up. She was blindfolded and gagged before being raped and robbed. The man is just a year into his seven-year jail term for the crime - but is appealing claiming his extradition. He is reportedly already in prison serving an even longer prison sentence for a crime that has not been revealed. Christian Hoppe, from the German Federal Criminal Police (BKA), last night described the prisoner as being white, with short blond hair, around 6ft tall and of slim build and offered a 10,000 euro reward for information that could lead to his prosecution. Although there are concerns that Germany's strict privacy laws, which allow the suspect anonymity, could hamper the investigation because potential witnesses aren't being given his identity. Seven years ago Scotland Yard revealed a man with short, light-coloured hair was seen lurking near the apartment in question on the day that Madeleine was snatched. Detectives have said the e-fit of the man released in 2013 had 'not been ruled out', suggesting he may resemble the new suspect. There is also another link because the German paedophile is said to have recently discussed Maddie's disappearance on an online forum, according to The Times. Police also revealed last night that the German suspect made a 30-minute phone call that located him in Praia da Luz just an hour before the Maddie was last seen on May 3, 2007. The following day he suspiciously transferred the ownership of his Jaguar car to another person despite continuing to drive it, police said. They think the man - who has also got previous convictions for sex crimes against girls - made money dealing drugs and burgling holiday homes and that could be how he chanced upon Maddie. Detectives in London leading the hunt called a press conference last night to announce the 'major breakthrough'. The suspect was not named by Scotland Yard due to German anonymity laws, and British officers insisted theirs was still a 'missing persons' inquiry rather than a murder probe. However German police chief Christian Hoppe last night went on the country's TV show XY - his country's version of Crimewatch and revealed: 'The investigation leads us to believe that Maddie McCann was killed.' A German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in what could be a major breakthrough in the case. The suspect, who is in prison in Germany for rape, has been linked to an early 1980s camper van - with a white upper body and yellow skirting, registered in Portugal - which is seen here on the Algarve in 2007 He has also been linked to a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 with a German number plate seen in Praia da Luz and the surrounding areas in 2006 and 2007 including just days before Maddie's disappearance. It has been seized by police. The news today has given hope to comes as a shot in the arm to her parents Kate and Gerry McCann (pictured in 2017), who have never given up hope in the search for their daughter On May 3, 2007 Kate and Gerry McCann went to a small tapas bar metres away from their apartment to dine with friends. But when Kate returned to do a routine check on their children, she found that Madeleine had disappeared MailOnline understands the BKA unit firmly believes their 43-year-old suspect is the man who took Maddie. On one of the most crucial days in the 13-year hunt for the British girl, it emerged: German police have seized the prime suspect's car and campervan and said there was evidence to link one of them to 'a crime' The suspect is currently in jail serving seven years for raping a 72-year-old woman in the same resort Maddie vanished from He has also got previous convictions for sex crimes against girls and police cannot rule out a sexual element to the Maddie kidnap A German paedophile may have discussed Maddie's disappearance in an internet chatroom, the Portuguese police chief who led the original probe revealed Friends of Maddie's parents Kate and Gerry McCann told MailOnline they would refuse to believe their daughter was dead 'until a body is found' Maddie, who vanished days before her fourth birthday and would now be 17, had been left sleeping with her baby siblings Sean and Amelie on the night she disappeared as her parents went to a tapas restaurant nearby with friends. Last night Kate and Gerry said: 'We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive, but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace.' The attack on the American pensioner took place in Praia da Luz, 18 months before Maddie vanished from the same resort town. It was unclear this morning why the man, who was extradited to Germany from Portugal, had not faced trial in Portugal for the offence. German law prevents police from naming even convicted criminals so the McCann suspect remained anonymous even as he was jailed last year. And it meant Scotland Yard was unable to name him when they made their announcement about the case last night. KEY EVIDENCE REVEALED Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, from Operation Grange, the 12m Met Police taskforce launched in 2013 to find Maddie, said the suspect took a 30-minute call to his Portuguese phone between 7.30pm and 8pm on May 3, 2007, around an hour before Maddie was snatched. He said the suspect had lived between 1995 and 2007 in a rented farmhouse two miles outside of the Praia da Luz, but is believed to have moved into a campervan months before Maddie's disappearance. He revealed pictures of that 1980s VW T3 Westfalia campervan taken in the Portuguese resort in the days before she vanished. They also disclosed the suspect is linked to a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 with a German number plate seen in Praia da Luz and surrounding areas in 2006 and 2007. The Jaguar was originally registered in the suspect's name, but the day after Madeleine's disappearance it was re-registered to someone else in Germany. To re-register the car in Germany you don't have to have the car in the country or region Both vehicles have been seized by German police, who say they are leading a murder investigation, although British police still insist it's a missing person inquiry Police released these pictures of the VW T3 Westfalia campervan, used in and around Praia da Luz, Portugal, by a new suspect It is believed that the suspect, a convicted paedophile, was living in the 1980s camper van at the time of Maddie's disappearance The suspect is said to have lived at this property named Escola Vehla - meaning 'old school' - during his time in Portugal The house is situated between the resort of Praia da Luz and the larger town of Lagos four miles away Madeleine McCann would have turned 17 last month. In 2012, five years after her disappearance, her family issued an age progression efit photo to show what Madeleine may have looked like aged nine (right) Maddie's parents refuse to believe their daughter is dead until her body is found, close friend says Madeleine McCann's parents refuse to believe their daughter is dead until her body is found, a close friend said tonight. Kate and Gerry cling onto a glimmer of hope that Maddie could still be alive as police probing her disappearance have sensationally revealed a prime suspect in a huge breakthrough in the 13-year mystery. As police could be closing in on her kidnapper - a 43-year-old German who is currently in jail after committing other offences - the couple 'remain on tenterhooks' as they anxiously await updates. A pal of the couple from Rothley, Leicestershire, said: 'German police are now leading on this inquiry and are treating it as murder. But what proof officers have got has not been spelt out at this stage. Until a body is found and it is proved to be Madeleine's, Kate and Gerry are not giving up hope. 'This is the biggest police activity for many years, it appears to be a significant breakthrough after all this time. In 13 years never before has any police force said 'We believe this person to be the prime suspect.' There is tangible evidence, the suspect was in Praia da Luz when Madeleine went missing and he had been behaving suspiciously and is now serving a prison sentence. 'But does it make him Madeleine's abductor and, if it does, where is she and why now has he suddenly come to light when his name was given to police three years ago. And has he had any involvement in paedophilia? 'There are still many unanswered questions and we cannot speculate. 'Kate and Gerry want answers more than anyone but while the Metropolitan Police are still treating Madeleine's disappearance as a missing people's inquiry, it gives the family hope that she could still be alive. Nothing has changed for them. They will continuing hoping until they know for sure.' The friend said that heart doctor Gerry, 51, and ex GP turned medical worker Kate, 52, remained 'incredibly grateful' to the British force for its continuing work over nine years. McCann spokesman Clarence Mitchell declined to make a comment, saying: 'Kate and Gerry have given a direct statement through police.' The family have recently been buoyed up by news of a Chinese boy being found alive 32 years after being abducted. The pal said: 'This is the news they are dreaming of receiving themselves one day.' Advertisement The day after Madeleine went missing, he got the car re-registered in Germany under someone else's name, although it is believed the vehicle was still in Portugal. Both vehicles have been seized by German police, who say there is evidence one of them is linked to 'an offence'. DCI Cranwell said his suspect is described as white with short blond hair, possibly fair, and around 6ft tall with a slim build. 'He is a German national, he's currently in a German prison for an unrelated matter. He's white, he's about six foot in height. 'He's 43 now. At the time he was 30, but he could have looked aged somewhere between 25 and 32. 'There may be people in the past who have been quite fearful of coming forward to the police, and my message is to anybody that has information... the message really is associated with the fact he is currently in prison. 'This might be a good time, this is a good time, to come forward and talk to, whether it's the UK police, whether it's the German police or the Portuguese police.' In what he termed a 'really unusual' step, DCI Cranwell also told reporters that Scotland Yard were releasing two mobile phone numbers as part of the appeal. The first, (+351) 912 730 680, is believed to have been used by the suspect and received a call from another Portuguese mobile, (+351) 916 510 683, while in the Praia da Luz area, starting at 7.32pm and ending at 8.02pm on May 3. Madeleine is believed to have disappeared between 9.10pm and 10pm that evening. The caller, who is not thought to have been in the Praia da Luz area, is not being treated as a suspect, but is said to be a 'key witness'. 'Any information in relation to these mobile numbers during the spring and summer of 2007 could be critical to this investigation,' DCI Cranwell said. The suspect's name was first given to UK Police in 2017, Sky News reported. DCI Cranwell added: 'We know a lot about the suspect, but we need to know more about his movements on the night Madeleine vanished and in the days before and afterwards. 'We know he was in the resort on the night, about an hour before Madeleine was last seen about 9pm. 'He took a phone call on his Portuguese mobile from another Portuguese mobile. The call lasted half an hour.' He added: 'Any information in relation to these mobile numbers during the spring and summer of 2007 could be critical to this investigation. Who did suspect make 30-minute phone call to shortly before Maddie's disappearance? The German suspect is known to have been in and around the area of Praia da Luz on the Algarve coast at the time Madeleine McCann went missing shortly after 9pm on May 3, 2007. A half-hour phone call was made to his Portuguese mobile phone between 7.30 and 8pm, around an hour before Madeleine is believed to have disappeared. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell told reporters on Wednesday that he was taking the 'really unusual' step of releasing two mobile phone numbers as part of the appeal. The first, (+351) 912 730 680, is believed to have been used by the suspect and received a call from another Portuguese mobile, (+351) 916 510 683, while in the Praia da Luz area, starting at 7.32pm and ending at 8.02pm on the night of May 3 2007. Advertisement 'Some people will know the man we are describing today, the suspect in our investigation. I'm appealing to you directly. 'You may know, you may be aware of some of the things he has done. He may have confided in you about the disappearance of Madeleine. 'More than 13 years have passed and your loyalties may have changed. 'This individual is in prison and we are conscious that some people may have been concerned about contacting police in the past. Now is the time to come forward. 'I'm appealing to you to contact us, or the German authorities or the Portuguese authorities.' However he stressed: 'While this male is a suspect we retain an open mind as to his involvement and this remains a missing person inquiry.' Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said the investigation into the suspect had seen Met detectives sent to Portugal and Germany. He added: 'This is a significant development, which is why we've made the decision to take this significant step of making a public appeal on some information that we would not normally talk about in our major investigations.' Scotland Yard's appeal was made jointly with Germany's BKA and the Portuguese Policia Judiciaria, and includes a 20,000 reward for information. FEARS MADDIE IS DEAD On the German 'Crimewatch', BKA director Christian Hoppe urged anyone with information 'of the possible course of events' to come forward and 'clear their conscience'. He said his officers needed people who were holidaying in Praia da Luz in May 2007 to fill 'the final gaps' in his investigation. Madeleine vanished from this holiday apartment in the popular Portuguese holiday resort of Praia da Luz - Apartment 5a - while her parents were with friends nearby and regularly checking on their three sleeping children Scotland Yard is launching a 'major' joint appeal with the German and Portuguese forces, just over 13 years after she vanished. Pictured: DCI Mark Cranwell Extraditing a foreign suspect will be difficult It is expected that Met Police will want any suspect charged in the Madeleine McCann case to be tried in the UK, given the nationality of the victim. The force has consistently said that if the suspect were British, then they would push for a prosecution at the Old Bailey, rather than Portugal where the crime was committed. But if the suspect happens to be from any other country, the chances of extraditing them to the UK for a crime which took place overseas is unlikely. If a German national is ever charged, it is unclear if Portuguese authorities, who have been heavily criticised for their involvement in the past, who pursue a prosecution of allow Germany to try their own citizen. Portugal the maximum prison sentence that can be imposed is 25 years, whereas Germany can hand down an indeterminate life sentence - although there can be the option for parole after 15 years. Advertisement The BKA's appeal said: 'There is reason to assume that there are other persons, apart from the suspect, who have concrete knowledge of the course of the crime and maybe also of the place where the body was left.' Mr Hoppe gave a list of questions his team wanted answering: Who saw the vehicles in the Portuguese Algarve around the time of the crime on 3 May and in what context? Where were the cars parked at that time possibly in unusual or remote places? Are there any witnesses who know the user of the vehicles? Who can provide information about the suspect's homes, rooms and other points of contact? Are there people with whom the crime show viewers associate the two houses? The suspect had a lengthy telephone conversation with a Portuguese number in the Praia da Luz area on the evening of 3 May 2007. The person he was talking to is still being sought as an important witness. The wanted man made phone calls with a prepaid mobile phone that was not logged into the crime scene area. The number of the witness was: +351 / 91 65 10 683. The suspect's +351 / 91 27 30 680. Who can provide information about the two mobile numbers or their users in May 2007? The perpetrator may have committed further sexual assaults or rapes during his time in Portugal. Who may also have been the victim of the suspect and has not yet reported this to the police? Who stayed in the Algarve in Portugal at the beginning of May 2007, especially in the region between Lagos and Luz or in the resort 'Ocean Club', from which Madeleine McCann disappeared and took photos/videos during his/her stay? Mr Hoppe said the suspect had two previous convictions for 'sexual contact with girls' and he could not rule out a sexual motive for the alleged crime. He said he was also investigating the possibility the suspect was burgling the McCanns' holiday apartment and kidnapped Maddie opportunistically after finding her alone. Scotland Yard is launching a 'major' joint appeal with the Federal Criminal Police Office of Germany (BKA) and the Portuguese Policia Judiciaria (PJ), just over 13 years after she vanished GERMAN SUSPECT WAS DRIFTER The German suspect lived in and around the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz for more than a decade, police said. His main home was a run-down rented farmhouse on a hillside that runs from Praia da Luz beach. Sky News reported he left suddenly a year before Madeleine disappeared but is thought to have remained in the area. Suspect's identity under wraps due to Germany's strict privacy laws The new prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann remained anonymous tonight - despite currently serving a jail sentence for a sex crime. The 43-year-old convicted paedophile will not be named because of Germany's strict privacy laws which protect the identities of suspects and even criminals. Police can only release the name of a suspect if they can prove it would prevent further serious crimes, all but impossible when the suspect is in a prison. Limited details of the suspect were made public by a state prosecutor on national television programme XY - which is similar to British Crimewatch. Christian Hoppe, of the German federal office of criminal investigations, was able to tell programme hosts that the man was a German national conviction of multiple sex offences, including some against children. But he was unable to provide details of where he grew or of the licence plates of two vehicles - a Jaguar and a VW camper - that he was known to have driven around Praia da Luz in 2007. However, officers did take the 'really unusual' step of releasing two phone numbers, one belonging to the suspect, because of the hope it would lead to further evidence coming forward. Advertisement A former neighbour of the suspect told the TV channel: 'He was always a bit angry, driving fast up and down the lane, and then one day, around 2006, he just disappeared without a word. I think he left some rent unpaid. 'About six months later I was asked to help clean up the place and it was disgusting, absolutely vile. It had been trashed, with broken stuff like computers all over the place. 'We found a bin bag and inside were wigs and exotic clothing, whether just fancy dress or something stranger I couldn't tell.' German police believe he burgled hotels and holiday homes and sold drugs in the resort to earn money. He also had casual hospitality jobs in the nearby town of Lagos. He was also linked to a second home in Portugal, inland from the beach resorts, according to the police. CHATROOM LINK TO SUSPECT? Portuguese police have long considered the case a 'thorn in their side', Pedro do Carmo, then the national assistant director of the Policia Judiciaria said in 2017. 'We'd never had a case like it and we've never had one since,' he added. Last year the former lead investigator on the McCann case Goncalo Amaral, said the focus of his inquiry had been on a German paedophile. He claimed that the suspect had been ruled out of the inquiry in 2008 but later jailed in Germany for killing children. 'Many years later, it appears that in an internet chatroom there is a conversation between that person and another person where they talk about Madeleine,' the former detective said. Last night the PJ issued a short statement. It read: 'The PJ confirms that as part of the investigation into the disappearance of a British child in the Algarve in 2007, measures are still being taken to clarify completely the situation. 'Through close coordination with the German authorities (BKA) and the Metropolitan Police, through the sharing of information and the undertaking of formal investigative and expert work, in Portugal and abroad, material was collected that indicates the possible involvement of a German national in the disappearance of the child. 'The family of the missing child has been informed of these developments by the British authorities. The investigation continues.' KATE AND GERRY WELCOME DEVELOPMENTS A statement from Madeleine's parents, read by DCI Cranwell last night, said: 'We welcome the appeal today regarding the disappearance of our daughter Madeleine. 'We would like to thank the police forces involved for their continued efforts in the search for Madeleine. 'All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. 'We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive, but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace.' Kate and Gerry McCann seen on the balcony of their apartment in Praia da Luz in May 2007 shortly after Maddie disappeared Last night's developments will give a shot in the arm to Maddie's parents, who have never given up hope in the search for their daughter. Last month, the couple penned an impassioned letter ahead of what would have been their daughter's 17th birthday. They wrote: 'It is now 13 years since we were last with Madeleine. Her 17th birthday is to follow in the next couple of weeks the latter tangibly, painfully, bringing it home to us what we have missed and continue to miss as a family.' A close friend of the Kate and Gerry told MailOnline that they refuse to believe their daughter is dead until her body is found. A pal of the couple said: 'German police are now leading on this inquiry and are treating it as murder. But what proof officers have got has not been spelt out at this stage. Until a body is found and it is proved to be Madeleine's, Kate and Gerry are not giving up hope. Three-year-old Madeleine, who would have turned 17 on May 12, vanished after she had been left sleeping alone with her younger twin siblings while her parents were dining in a nearby tapas restaurant at their holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in 2007. The couple, from Rothley in Leicestershire, have always maintained they made regular checks on the children throughout that evening. A controversial Netflix documentary re-examining Maddie's kidnap was released last year, triggering a barrage of online abuse against Kate and Gerry by heartless trolls. 'Here's hoping that normal, safe and happy times are close at hand': Kate and Gerry McCann pen letter ahead of their daughter's birthday Kate and Gerry McCann penned a heartfelt letter as the UK remained in lockdown in May 2020, ahead of Maddie's 17th birthday: 'I don't think any of us could have predicted the situation we all find ourselves in currently. It shows how easy it is to become complacent with our lives and circumstances, albeit a totally normal and understandable, human characteristic. It is now 13 years since we were last with Madeleine. Her 17th birthday is to follow in the next couple of weeks.the latter tangibly, painfully, bringing it home to us what we have missed and continue to miss as a family. We are very conscious that many families around the world are experiencing similar feelings at this timebeing separated from each other and with many having lost loved ones prematurely and unexpectedly. There will also be many vulnerable people whose situation will have become even more precarious in the current lockdown conditions, with fear, worry and isolation - emotions that we dreaded Madeleine experiencing and which haunted us for a long time - and still do on occasions. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those suffering at this time. We have been fortunate to spend more time together as a family since lockdown began, an enforced block to a usually frenetic life, a silver lining to this dark cloud. It has made us think about Madeleine even more, as she would have shared this period of special closeness with us too. The investigation to find Madeleine remains open and continues, even though, in a way different to the ideal. We remain grateful for the ongoing efforts and commitment from all those involved in the search to find her and we hope and pray, as always, that our efforts will be fruitful. Thank you to everyone still offering their support and good wishes for Madeleine and ourselves. Such solidarity continues to strengthen us. Thank you. Please take care and please spare a thought or prayer for Madeleine and all missing children this weekend. Here's hoping that more 'normal', safe and happy times are close at hand.' - Kate and Gerry Advertisement The pair, who refused to take part in the eight hour programme series, slammed it for 'potentially hindering' the search for their daughter while an active police hunt is ongoing. Ever since her disappearance, Madeleine's parents have consistently vowed to keep searching for their daughter. The ceaseless campaign to locate the missing girl has frequently forced the McCanns to recall the day their 'perfect nuclear family' was hit by horror. On May 3 2007, the couple, from Rothley, Leicestershire, left their three children asleep in their holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in southern Portugal while they had dinner with friends at a nearby tapas restaurant. Mr McCann found nothing amiss when he checked on the youngsters just after 9pm, but when his wife returned at about 10pm she discovered three-year-old Madeleine was missing. Driven by an 'almost feral reaction' they carried out a desperate search and raised the alarm, but from that night their lives would never be the same again. The couple are both from close-knit working-class Catholic families and have found solace through their relatives and their faith in the years since Madeleine's disappearance. Mr McCann is from Glasgow and his wife from Liverpool, but they met while working as junior doctors at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow. Mrs McCann stopped working as a GP after her daughter went missing to focus on campaign work and her two other children, twins Amelie and Sean, aged just two when Madeleine disappeared. She poured her energies into charity work, including as an ambassador for the Missing People charity, before returning to work in another area of medicine. Mr McCann is a professor of cardiac imaging at the University of Leicester and a consultant cardiologist who has been open about his mental health struggles since the night Madeleine went missing. Over the years the McCann family have launched numerous public appeals, won high-profile backers, seen millions of pounds in public money spent on investigations, all to no avail. In 2017, the McCanns said they had managed to adjust to a 'new normality' of being a family-of-four, with their focus on giving the twins 'a very normal, happy and fulfilling life'. Speaking to the BBC on the 10-year anniversary of her daughter's disappearance, Mrs McCann said: 'We had some excellent advice early on. We have been as open with them as we can. We have told them about things and that people are writing things that are simply just untrue and they need to be aware of that.' Madeleine's parents admitted they have been shocked by hurtful online abuse, saying they had seen 'the worst and the best of human nature' since the campaign to find their daughter thrust them into the spotlight. They have also endured a long-running libel battle against Goncalo Amaral, the Portuguese detective who led the initial inquiry into Madeleine's disappearance, who alleged in a book that the girl had died in the holiday flat. In 2017, Mrs McCann blasted the 'misinformation, half-truths and downright lies' that had circulated around her daughter's case, but her husband has insisted that overall they had 'been overwhelmingly seeing the better side of human nature' and received 'fantastic support'. Kate and Gerry in 2012, five years after Maddie's disappearance, at an appeal revealing an aged photo of how she may look Over the years, the McCanns have built a bond with the Portuguese town where they last saw their daughter. The couple were regular visitors to the church of Our Lady of Light in Praia da Luz after Madeleine's disappearance. In 2017, it was revealed that villagers in Praia da Luz have prayed for Madeleine every Sunday since. In a letter written that year, Mrs McCann thanked local friends and supporters 'for being strong enough and brave enough to keep Madeleine and our family in your prayers and in your hearts'. She added: 'Your love and compassion has given us fortitude over the years and sustained our hope in immeasurable amounts.' 13 YEARS OF POLICEWORK The Portuguese probe into Madeleine McCann's disappearance was archived in July 2008. It was reopened in October 2013 after convicted burglar Euclides Monteiro, a former employee at the Ocean club holiday resort where the youngster vanished from, was identified as a suspect. The Metropolitan Police took over the hunt in 2011 after the parents made a personal plea to then-Prime Minister David Cameron. Their subsequent investigation, Operation Grange, has received more than 11m in funding, despite calls from some police chiefs for the search to end. After last night's appeal, UK police are want to speak to anyone who may have seen the camper van in or around Praia da Luz on the night Madeleine went missing, or in the days before or weeks after. Detectives also want to hear from anyone who saw the van together with the Jaguar, or individually, during the spring and summer of 2007. Anyone with information can contact the Operation Grange incident room on 020 7321 9251 or operation.grange@met.police.uk How the disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine McCann unfolded over 13 years 2007 May 3: Gerry and Kate McCann leave their three children, including Maddie, asleep in their hotel apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, as they eat with friends in a nearby restaurant. When they return, they find Maddie missing from her bed May 4: A friend of the McCanns reports of seeing a man carrying a child away in the night. Meanwhile, airports and borders are put on high alert as search gets underway May 14: Robert Mural, a property developer who lives a few yards from the hotel, is made a suspect by Portuguese police May 30: The McCanns meet the Pope in Rome in a bid to bring worldwide attention to the search August 11: Police in Portugal acknowledge for the first time in the investigation that Maddie might be dead. September 7: Spanish police make the McCanns official suspects in the disappearance. Two days later the family flies back to England 2008 July 21: Spanish police remove the McCanns and Mr Mural as official suspects as the case is shelved 2009 May 1: A computer-generated image of what Maddie could look like two years after she disappeared is released by the McCanns 2011 May 12: A review into the disappearance is launched by Scotland Yard, following a plea from then-Home Secretary Theresa May 2012 April 25: After a year of reviewing the case, Scotland Yard announce they belief that Maddie could be alive and call on police in Portugal to reopen the case, but it falls on deaf ears amid 'a lack of new evidence' Kate and Gerry McCann mark the fourth anniversary of the disappearance of their daughter Madeleine with the publication of the book written by her mother in 2011 2013 July 4: Scotland Yard opens new investigation and claim to have identified 38 'people of interest' October 24: A review into the investigation is opened by Portuguese police and new lines of inquiry are discovered, forcing them to reopen the case 2014 January 29: British officers arrive in Portugal as a detailed investigation takes place. During the year, several locations are searched, including an area of scrubland near the resort 2015 October 28: British police announce that team investigating Maddie's disappearance is reduced from 29 officers to just four, as it is also revealed that the investigation has cost 10million 2016 April 3: Operation Grange is handed an additional 95,000 by Theresa May to keep the investigation alive for another six months 2017 March 11: Cash is once again pumped into keeping the investigation alive, with 85,000 granted to keep it running until September, when it is extended once again until April next year 2018 March 27: The Home Office reveals it has allocated further funds to Operation Grange. The new fund is believed to be as large as 150,000 September 11: Parents fear as police hunt into daughter's disappearance could be shelved within three weeks by the new Home Secretary amid funding cuts September 26: Fresh hope in the search for Madeleine McCann as it emerges the Home Office is considering allocating more cash for the police to find her 2019 April: Controversial new Netflix documentary re-examining Maddie's kidnap is released, triggering a barrage of online abuse against Kate and Gerry by heartless trolls. They pair, who refused to take part in the eight hour programme series, slammed it for 'potentially hindering' the search for their daughter while an active police hunt is ongoing June 5: The Home Office gives the Metropolitan Police enough funding to investigate for another year June 22: Detectives say they are 'closer than ever' to solving the disappearance as they look into a new suspect. A joint effort by British and Portuguese police narrowed in on a 'foreign' man who was in the Algarve when she went missing in 2007 December 7: Paulo Pereira Cristovao, a long-time critic of Maddie's parents who angered them with a controversial book about the mystery disappearance, was convicted of participating in the planning of two violent break-ins at properties in Lisbon and the nearby resort of Cascais. He is jailed for seven and a half years December 11: Maddie's revealed a touching list of what they miss most about their daughter as they spent their 13th Christmas without her 2020 February 22: Scotland Yard detectives questioned a British expat about her German ex-boyfriend. Carol Hickman, 59, claims police entered her bar in Praia da Luz, Portugal to ask questions about her former partner March 27: Detectives requested extra money to continue their investigation into the disappearance of the toddler in Portugal back in 2007, with funds for the operation set to run out at the end of the month June 3: Police reveal that a 43-year-old German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in Madeleine's disappearance. Advertisement 'He was always angry... he trashed the house': Madeleine McCann suspect is a convicted child sex offender who vanished suddenly from his rented home just TWO MILES from where the McCanns were staying ByRebecca Camberand Arthur Martin for the Daily Mail The suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance is a convicted child sex offender whose farm was on a footpath leading to the beach where the little girl played. Extraordinary details emerged tonight about the German criminal currently at the centre of an international investigation. It can be revealed he is a suspected burglar, drug dealer and paedophile who was living just two miles from the holiday apartment where Madeleine vanished in May 2007. Scotland Yard insisted it was still a missing person inquiry, but German police said: 'There is reason to believe that there are other people besides the perpetrator who have concrete knowledge of the possible scene of the crime and, if necessary, where the body is stored. 'We expressly ask these people to report and share their knowledge.' Christian Hoppe, from Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), said the 43-year-old paedophile was serving a long prison sentence in his homeland for a sex crime and had two previous convictions for 'sexual contact with girls'. Mr Hoppe said police had not ruled out a sexual motive for the crime. He added that the suspect may have broken into an apartment in the Ocean Club complex in Praia da Luz where Madeleine was on holiday with her parents, Kate and Gerry and her twin siblings Sean and Amelie before spontaneously kidnapping her. In 2007, when the suspect was 30, he is said to have spent his days stealing from hotel complexes and holiday apartments and trafficking drugs, according to police. Above, an interior of the rented home where the suspect lived. Extraordinary details emerged tonight about the German criminal currently at the centre of an international investigation The living room of the rental apartment where the suspect was living just two miles from the McCann's holiday apartment Months before Madeleine's disappearance, the paedophile is said to have left the farm to move into his two-tonne camper van. Madeleine McCann pictured above Tonight it was reported that he may also have committed further sexual assaults or rapes during his time in Portugal. Neighbours described him as an 'angry' car dealer who vanished suddenly, leaving a collection of wigs, fancy dress and exotic clothing. He lived in a rented ramshackle farm building on a remote hillside along a footpath that runs from above the beach where Madeleine and her family played during their week's holiday in May 2007. According to residents, he littered the land with old vehicles which he bought and sold for a living, which may explain how he acquired the distinctive camper van and Jaguar at the centre of the police investigation. Months before Madeleine's disappearance, the paedophile is said to have left the farm to move into his two-tonne camper van. A former neighbour told Sky News: 'He arrived in the mid-90s and rented the place from the English owner. He went back to Germany at one stage and moved another German guy in to look after it, then came back and threw him out on the street. 'He was always a bit angry, driving fast up and down the lane, and then one day, around 2006, he just disappeared without a word. I think he left some rent unpaid.' The neighbour added: 'About six months later I was asked to help clean up the place and it was disgusting, absolutely vile. It had been trashed, with broken stuff like computers all over the place.' The neighbour said she was contacted by Scotland Yard detectives last year. They asked her about the man, without revealing why. This year she was visited by Portuguese detectives who showed her photographs of the man and asked more questions. It is understood that many neighbours, friends and acquaintances of the suspect have since been interviewed as police try to establish his movements around the time Madeleine disappeared from her family's holiday apartment. Yesterday Scotland Yard released images of the VW T3 Westfalia camper van, with a white upper body and a yellow skirting, with a Portuguese registration plate. They also released images of a second vehicle the suspect owned a 1993 British Jaguar, model XJR 6, with a German number plate and registered in Germany. Detectives say it is significant that the day after Madeleine's disappearance, the paedophile re-registered the car in someone else's name back in Augsburg, Germany, even though the vehicle had never left Portugal. The Jaguar is believed to have been in the Praia da Luz and surrounding areas in 2006 and 2007 and was originally registered in the suspect's name. The suspect's battered camper van. Scotland Yard released images of the VW T3 Westfalia camper van, with a white upper body and a yellow skirting, with a Portuguese registration plate German police said there were indications that he could have used one of these vehicles to commit the crime and they want to trace anyone who remembers seeing them parked up anywhere. Detectives revealed last night that the suspect lived more or less permanently in the Algarve between 1995 and 2007. He worked occasionally in the catering business in the Lagos area. But police believe he was really earning his living by committing burglaries of hotel complexes and holiday flats as well as trafficking cannabis. In 2013, Scotland Yard revealed that a blond man had been seen lurking near the 5A apartment about 4pm on the day that Madeleine was snatched. He was described as white, aged 30 to 35, thin, with short, light-coloured hair and spots on his face possibly caused by shaving. Last night detectives said the e-fit of the man released in 2013 had 'not been ruled out', suggesting he may resemble the new suspect. A blond-haired man was also seen on the balcony of a nearby empty apartment and in the stairwell of the McCanns' block. Police believe a mobile phone call made by the suspect could be the key piece of evidence that unlocks the mystery which has puzzled detectives the world over for 13 years. At 7.30pm on May 3, 2007, he made a call which places him in Praia da Luz. For half an hour he chatted to a mystery person before ending the call at 8.03pm. Three-year-old Madeleine was snatched from her bed sometime after 9pm. Yesterday Scotland Yard took the highly unusual step of releasing the suspect's Portuguese mobile phone number 00351 912 730 680 and that of the mystery witness he spoke to. The unidentified witness, who used the Portuguese phone number 00351 916 510 683, was not staying in the area at the time of the call. German police said inquiries were homing in on two properties near where the toddler vanished and last night they appealed for anyone who could provide information about the rooms the man used to come forward. Scotland Yard is launching a joint appeal with the BKA and the Portugal's Policia Judiciaria, including a 20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible of Madeleine's disappearance. Last night, as more details emerged about the suspect, there were questions about why police took so long to release the information. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, who is leading the British investigation, said Scotland Yard knew a lot about the man who became a suspect when officers received critical information in 2017. It emerged that since then Scotland Yard had been secretly working with German and Portuguese police to piece together his movements. Scotland Yard released images of a second vehicle the suspect owned The car is a 1993 British Jaguar, model XJR 6, with a German number plate and registered in Germany Yet Scotland Yard chose to make the information public only when the German police announced their appeal yesterday. Yesterday Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy denied the timing was anything to do with seeking extra funding for Operation Grange, which has cost 12 million so far. Mr Cranwell said: 'We know a lot about the suspect, but we need to know more about his movements on the night Madeleine vanished and in the days before and afterwards. It's more than 13 years since Madeleine went missing and none of us can imagine what it must be like for her family, not knowing what happened or where she is. 'Following the ten-year anniversary, the Met received information about a German man who was known to have been in and around Praia da Luz. 'We have been working with colleagues in Germany and Portugal and this man is a suspect in Madeleine's disappearance. 'The Met conducted a number of enquiries and in November 2017 engaged with the BKA who agreed to work with the Met. 'Since then a huge amount of work has taken place by both the Met, the BKA and the Policia Judiciaria. While this male is a suspect, we retain an open mind as to his involvement and this remains a missing person inquiry.' The Trump's administration believes that leading oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia and Russia, will keep their promises to reduce production and will not harm the global economy by changing course, Reuters reported referring to a senior US official. We trust that other major oil producers will not revert to policies that impede an orderly and swift recovery from these unprecedented global economic conditions, a senior administration official told Reuters in response to a question about the administrations approach to global oil producers ahead of the OPEC+ meeting expected to take place on Thursday. OPEC and Russia are approaching a compromise on how much the current agreement on a record reduction in oil production can be extended, and now they are discussing a proposal to extend the restrictions for one to two months, two sources at OPEC + told Reuters on Monday. While the situation is now less tense than in April, when Saudi Arabia and Russia boosted their production as part of the struggle for market share in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, US President Donald Trump is still in talks. The Kremlin said Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump discussed the state of the oil market during the phone talks. A decrease in OPEC + production combined with a record decline in production in non-group countries such as the US helped to raise world oil prices to $ 40 per barrel, although they are still well below the January level near $ 64. A source in the oil industry, who had contact with US Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, said the Energy Department is keeping a patient, but closely monitoring the situation. There was a time when the administration wanted an OPEC+ deal at any cost and now it kind of seems more like they are letting it play out, the industry source said. MG Motor India Pvt . Ltd plans to make additional investments in its electric vehicle business in two years when it hopes for normalcy to return to the Indian economy. Rajeev Chaba, president, MG Motor India, said zero-emission vehicles will gain significant traction in the medium to long term, which will help the automobile company get a head start. In 2022, MG Motor plans to launch an affordable electric vehicle in the 12-15 lakh price range to qualify for subsidy under the governments Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, besides introducing a new variant of the ZS electric sport-utility vehicle (SUV), which will have a 500-km range on a full charge. The company also plans to source from local suppliers most of the parts for its electric vehicles, and also start assembling lithium-ion batteries and other critical parts in India. This is our mid-term to long-term plan. We want to double our bets on electric vehicles and want to be the leader (in the EV space). Thats why we will come with a battery with 500km range to show our intent," said Chaba. Our next electric vehicle will be smaller and will be in between 12-15 lakh with a range of 300km. It will comply for the FAME scheme if it continues." 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 An NBC producer filmed men pulling up luxury cars before they appeared to ransack stores in Manhattan during a fifth night of rioting after the killing of George Floyd. Keith Feldman posted a video on Twitter of men getting out of expensive cars, one of which was claimed to be a $500,000 Rolls Royce. They were then seen running through the smashed-in door of a store in Soho - where outlets have been plundered of designer goods in recent days - and emerging with armfuls of products. The thefts took place despite an 8pm curfew which was in place in Manhattan. Feldman wrote above his Tweet: 'Looters are literally pulling up in nice cars and cleaning out stores in #Soho. What #Curfew?' Another user then retweeted his video and said: 'That's a $500,000 Rolls Royce on the right, incredible.' An NBC producer filmed men pulling up luxury cars before they appeared to ransack stores in Manhattan during a fifth night of rioting after the killing of George Floyd In the video, two men in hooded tops and masks are seen getting out of a luxury SUV in front of the Rolls Royce, which has its door open. They then join others who are running into and out of a boarded-up store which has been broken into. The men then re-emerge holding products before getting back into the two cars. The leading SUV is then driven away as the Rolls Royce driver appears to begin following. The looting scenes came on a night in which thousands of people protesting over the death of George Floyd remained on the streets after sundown on Tuesday as law enforcement worked to enforce curfews in cities across the US. Floyd died while being arrested in Minneapolis after white police officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground by kneeling on his neck for more than eight minutes last Monday. Floyd, who was in handcuffs at the time, died after Chauvin ignored bystander shouts to get off him and Floyd's cries that he couldn't breathe. His death, captured on citizen video, has sparked days of protests in Minneapolis that quickly spread to cities across America. In New York City on Tuesday, officers attempting to wind down a day of peaceful demonstrations reportedly arrested at least 40 people for breaking an 8pm curfew. Keith Feldman posted a video on Twitter of men getting out of expensive cars, one of which was claimed to be a $500,000 Rolls Royce Another user then retweeted his video and said: 'That's a $500,000 Rolls Royce on the right, incredible' In the video, two men in hooded tops and masks are seen getting out of a luxury SUV in front of the Rolls Royce, which has its door open Stores in Soho including Adidas and Verizon had also been ransacked on Sunday night. In Atlanta, tensions flared between police and protesters just before a 9pm curfew went into effect as officers launching tear gas into crowds were met with an onslaught of water bottles and fireworks. But in contrast to previous nights of violence and destruction across the country since the killing of George Floyd, protests were largely peaceful and the nation's streets calmer. However, the Pentagon confirmed that around 1,600 active duty troops had been moved to the DC area from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Drum in New York to assist authorities in containing the unrest in Washington. The men then re-emerge holding products before getting back into the two cars The leading SUV is then driven away as the Rolls Royce driver appears to begin following There were scattered reports of looting in New York City overnight, and as of Wednesday morning there had been over 9,000 arrests nationwide since the unrest began following Floyd's death May 25 in Minneapolis. Overall, there was a marked quiet compared with the unrest of the past few nights, which included fires and shootings in some cities. And in Los Angeles, dozens of protesters staged a post-curfew sit-in outside Mayor Eric Garcetti's home. They held up their hands and chanted: 'Peaceful protest' while ignoring police orders to move. The looting scenes came on a night in which thousands of people protesting over the death of George Floyd remained on the streets after sundown on Tuesday as law enforcement worked to enforce curfews in cities across the US Law enforcement in Washington, DC, were met with similar resistance as they attempted to clear the streets outside the White House. A fence was later put up to stop protesters from getting too near to the President's official residence. A block away, thousands of demonstrators massed following a crackdown a day earlier when officers on foot and horseback aggressively drove peaceful protesters away from Lafayette Park, clearing the way for President Donald Trump to do a photo op at nearby St. John's Church. Hours after the city-wide 7pm curfew hit, hundreds of people were still gathered in Lafayette Park and showed little intention of going home as they chanted against the curfew. BEIJING - Chinese health authority said Wednesday that no new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases were reported on the Chinese mainland on Tuesday. One imported case was reported in Guangdong province on the mainland, the National Health Commission said in its daily report Wednesday. No deaths related to the disease were reported, according to the commission. One new suspected case, which was imported from overseas, was reported in Shanghai Tuesday. On Tuesday, one people was discharged from hospital after recovery, while the number of severe cases declined by one to two. Statistics after a latest review and revision showed that as of Tuesday, the overall confirmed cases on the mainland had reached 83,021, including 73 patients who were still being treated, and 78,314 people who had been discharged after recovery. Altogether 4,634 people had died of the disease, the commission said. By Tuesday, the mainland had reported a total of 1,762 imported cases. Of the cases, 1,699 had been discharged from hospitals after recovery, and 63 remained hospitalized, no in severe conditions. No deaths from the imported cases had been reported. The commission said three people were suspected of being infected with the virus, all were imported from overseas. According to the commission, 4,609 close contacts were still under medical observation after 370 people were discharged from medical observation Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, four new asymptomatic cases were reported on the mainland. No cases were re-categorized as confirmed cases, and 18 asymptomatic cases were discharged from medical observation. The commission said 357 asymptomatic cases, including 40 from overseas, were still under medical observation. By Tuesday, 1,093 confirmed cases including four deaths had been reported in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), 45 confirmed cases in the Macao SAR, and 443 in Taiwan including seven deaths. A total of 1,038 patients in Hong Kong, 45 in Macao, and 427 in Taiwan had been discharged from hospitals after recovery. Dame Joan Collins has hit out at the government's proposed plans to quarantine anyone arriving into the UK, branding the rules 'unworkable, unfair and unenforceable'. Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the actress, 87, hit out at the 'ridiculous' restrictions in a scathing rant, where she said the move was 'punishing' families who had been isolating for months. Her fury comes as it emerged that from Monday, Home Secretary Priti Patel said anyone arriving in Britain from abroad, including Britons, will have to self-isolate for a fortnight. Fuming: Dame Joan Collins has hit out at the government's proposed plans to quarantine anyone arriving into the UK, branding the rules 'unworkable, unfair and unenforceable' The Dynasty star was clearly frustrated by the new rules and made her feelings very clear on social media. In an impassioned post, she accused the government on 'punishing' families who had 'blindly obeyed' lockdown laws and urged Priti Patel to reconsider. She wrote: 'This #quarantine rule at airports preventing people wanting to get away for the summer is ridiculous and unfair. 'Millions of families have blindly obeyed instructions to isolate for months and are now being punished. #pritiplease #PRITIPATEL.' Unimpressed: Her fury comes as it emerged that from Monday, Home Secretary Priti Patel said anyone arriving in Britain from abroad, including Britons, will have to self-isolate for a fortnight She then wrote another tweet in which she said it was 'impossible' for people to plan their getaways this Summer, suggesting that it was like a betrayal to the hospitality industry. She fumed: 'Its impossible to plan a family summer holiday at the end of June. Its unworkable, unfair and unenforceable and its stabbing the airline and hospitality industry to death. You must reconsider #pritiplease #PRITIPATEL.' The TV star divided fans with her opinion, with some seeing her point, while others remarked that there's more important things to worry about than a holiday. Enraged: Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the actress, 87, hit out at the 'ridiculous' restrictions in a scathing rant, where she said the move was 'punishing' families who had been isolating for months Scathing: She then wrote another tweet in which she said it was 'impossible' for people to plan their getaways this Summer, suggesting that it was like a betrayal to the hospitality industry It's been reported that Priti Patel insisted 14-day quarantine for UK arrivals is 'essential to save lives' today but admitted it will hit businesses hard - and confirmed 'travel corridors' are being considered to low-infection countries. The Home Secretary defied a huge Tory revolt to tell MPs the blanket rule will come into force from Monday, with the next review new due to happen until the end of the month. With only very limited exceptions for lorry drivers and NHS workers, everyone coming to the country by plane, rail or sea will be ordered to give an address and self-isolate for two weeks, with spot checks from officials. Comments: 'Its unworkable, unfair and unenforceable and its stabbing the airline and hospitality industry to death.' While she was adamant the clampdown was 'proportionate' to ensure coronavirus did not spike again, Ms Patel did raise hopes by saying the government is looking at 'international travel corridors' to low infection countries in the future. This isn't the only time the thespian has shared her strong opinion on the decisions imposed by the UK government amid the coronavirus pandemic. Last month she criticised the government for being 'ageist' to those over the age of 70 amid the ongoing crisis. In her column for The Spectator, the actress claimed government advice saying elderly people needed to stay indoors during the global pandemic was 'utter discrimination'. 'Essential': It's been reported that Priti Patel insisted 14-day quarantine for UK arrivals is 'essential to save lives' today but admitted it will hit businesses hard - and confirmed 'travel corridors' are being considered to low-infection countries Calling it out: Last month Dame Joan criticised the UK government for being 'ageist' to those over the age of 70 amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis Holding nothing back, she said: 'I've always thought Western society was terribly ageist, and I don't just mean showbiz folk but across the board. 'Then the UK government insisted the over-70s, horrible expression, were part of the vulnerables, an even more horrible expression, and should remain in lockdown, the most horrible expression of all, until a vaccine is found. 'That was utter discrimination against the hardy individuals who have no health issues. But more harmful was bolstering the existing belief among the general public that the old should keep out of everyone's way.' The Royals star added that she was declared 'stunningly healthy' by her GP on her most recent visit, and has never limited herself by her age, which was true of others too. The increasing technological advancements and end-user industry packaging applications are the significant factors driving the growth of the market studied. - In most European countries, the population is growing, and the use of packaging per person is increasing. New York, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Europe Plastic Packaging Market - Growth, Trends, Forecasts (2020 - 2025)" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05903685/?utm_source=GNW It is due to consumer behavior trends, such as the growth in the use of convenience products, and the increasing use of plastic as a substitute for other packaging materials. - The demand for plastic packaging continues to rise in Europe even though serious concerns are being raised about its impact on the environment. However, the market also faces challenges due to the government regulations in Europe and increasing consumer demand that pushes manufacturers to look for plastic packaging solutions that are biodegradable or derived from sustainable sources. - Moreover, food takeaway is a crucial segment of the food segment. For instance, in the United Kingdom, Just Eat PLC reported that household expenditure on takeaways increased from GBP 10.1 billion in 2017 to GBP 10.4 billion in 2018, and it is further expected to reach GBP 11.2 billion by 2021. - The European Plastics Converters (EuPC) is composed of 50.000 SMEs, and it is currently working to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus crisis. Industries and authorities are directing their full attention to the management of the crisis, and they have put on hold all inessential activities to concentrate on the health and safety of the European citizens during the next 12 months. Key Market Trends PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is Expected to Witness Significant Growth - Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was first introduced in the market in the early 1970s, and since then, PET has been the preferred choice for bottles. The FICCI indicated that, globally, more than 80% of the PET produced is used in the water and beverage packaging industry. The food and FMCG industry uses a small percentage of PET in packaging. - The EU has set a target of using a minimum of 30% recycled plastic bottles by 2030. The EU member states also signed an agreement to collect 90% of plastic bottles by 2029. The rising awareness and consumer preferences for eco-friendly solutions are the primary factors for the rapid adoption of PET packaging. - In January 2020, Toyobo Co. Ltd joined Petcore Europe, a consortium covering the entire PET value chain in the European region. Petcore Europe is dedicated to attaining sustainable growth in the usage of PET packaging. Toyobo, by entering the consortium, is likely to work to realize a circular economy friendly to people and the environment by aiming at the development of sustainable PET packaging products. Beverage Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth - The beverage industry plays an essential role in the European region. The primary factors driving the beverage industrys growth in the region include steadily increasing population and per capita income and changing lifestyle. - Factors, such as high disposable income, ease of availability, improvement in living standards wide variety, and presence of domestic as well as international players in the market, are fueling the beverages industry in the region. For example, according to trading economics, consumer spending in Germany increased to EUR 428.5 billion in the last quarter of 2019, from EUR 419.9 billion in the last quarter of 2018. - Many of the leading brands in Europe have a variety of fruit and sweet-flavored non-alcoholic beverages, and these are the most popular products. Besides, the EMA has introduced an initiative that encourages manufacturers to cut salt, sugar, and fat content in food and beverages. Companies that have pledged to follow this include Mars and Nestle. Competitive Landscape The Europe Plastic Packaging Market is highly competitive owing to the presence of multiple players in the market. The market appears to be moderately concentrated with the major players adopting strategies like product innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and expansion in order to stay competitive in the region. Some of the major players in the market are Amcor PLC, Sealed Air Corporation, RPC Group Limited among others. - Jun 2019 - Amcor completed its acquisition of Bemis Company Inc. The acquisition of Bemis brings additional scale, capabilities, and footprint that are likely to strengthen Amcors industry-leading value proposition and generate significant value for shareholders. - Oct 2019 - Coveris unveiled Duralite R, a range of next-generation shrink film that is fully recyclable, contains up to 50% of post-consumer recyclable, and an optional pre-consumer top-up material. As part of its ongoing sustainability journey to deliver recyclable flexible packaging solutions, it covers a new shrink film that provides a fully circular solution to meet both the environmental and legislative demands of the future. Reasons to Purchase this report: - The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format - 3 months of analyst support Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05903685/?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 It's been more than two months since the start of the health crisis and thousands of cross-border workers still have the possibility to work from home ("teletravail"). But until when? Luxembourg's government is preparing to lift the state of emergency and allow a gradual return to normality. This return to normal may seem slightly more difficult for countless cross-border workers whose home countries are still more severely affected by the pandemic and not ready to ease the restrictions to the same extent as Luxembourg. Luxembourg signed agreements with Belgium, France, and Germany in March and early April that suspended the limit on days that cross-border workers were able to work from home before the pandemic. The agreements state that cross-border workers can work from home as long as necessary without having to pay taxes in their home country. It remains unclear if this is only a temporary measure. Luxembourg's government published the agreement signed with Belgium on 19 May. The two countries set 30 June as an end date to the agreement but maintained the possibility to extend this deadline each month if "the two competent authorities agree [to the extension] in writing at least one week before the beginning of the month". The agreement, however, can be terminated "unilaterally." In other words, either Luxembourg or Belgium can end the agreement without consulting the other government in advance. The agreement with Germany and France remains valid "until further notice." Our colleagues at RTL 5Minutes contacted the French authorities for additional information but no official comment has been made yet. On 18 May, France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe explained that teleworking remains the preferred option during the second phase of the country's gradual lockdown exit plan. The second phase started in France on 2 June. RTL 5minutes also contacted Luxembourg's Ministry of Finance. The latter explained that the agreement still stands from Luxembourg's perspective. The ministry added that the government or the Inland Revenue Office will inform workers of any potential changes concerning the taxation of telework carried out outside of Luxembourg in due course. The bottom line is that teleworking remains possible for cross-border workers "until further notice." Both hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can produce potentially serious side effects, particularly heart arrhythmia The WHO announced Wednesday the resumption of its hydroxychloroquine trials after The Lancet cast doubt over a large-scale study it published last month that led to temporary suspension of testing of the drug. The medical journal has issued an "expression of concern" over a large-scale study of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine that led to the World Health Organization to pause clinical trials of the former as a potential treatment for COVID-19. The WHO said hydroxychloroquine trials would restart after a safety review found there was no reason to modify the trial. The Lancet acknowledged "important" questions over the research into the anti-viral drugs, after dozens of scientists issued an open letter raising concerns about its methodology and the underlying data, which was provided by the US-based firm Surgisphere. "Although an independent audit of the provenance and validity of the data has been commissioned by the authors not affiliated with Surgisphere and is ongoing, with results expected very shortly, we are issuing an Expression of Concern to alert readers to the fact that serious scientific questions have been brought to our attention," The Lancet said Tuesday. While an expression of concern is not as severe as a journal withdrawing a published study, it signifies that the research is potentially problematic. The observational study looked at records for 96,000 patients and concluded that treatment with hydroxychloroquine, which is normally used to treat arthritis, and chloroquine, an anti-malarial, showed no benefit in the treatment of COVID-19 and even increased the likelihood of patients dying in hospital. "We are now fairly confident, not having seen any differences in mortality, that the data safety monitoring committees of both solidarity and recovery have recommended that the trial can continue," the WHO's Soumya Swaminathan told a press briefing on Wednesday. France was among the countries to also halt COVID-19 treatment with hydroxychloroquine. The study whipped up fresh controversy over hydroxychloroquine, which has been endorsed by public figuresincluding US President Donald Trumpdespite concerns over side effects and a lack of evidence that it is effective. Graphic on the main drug strategies approved or under investigation in the battle against COVID-19. South Korea joins the US and Japan in approving emergency use of remdesivir against COVID-19. Data concerns The study's authors, led by Mandeep Mehra of the Brigham and Women's Hospital in the United States, looked at data from hundreds of hospitals between December and April and compared those who received either of the two drugswith or without an antibioticwith a control group. It followed numerous smaller studies that suggested hydroxychloroquine is ineffective in treating COVID-19. However, in an open letter last week, a group of scientists raised "both methodological and data integrity concerns" about it. These included a lack of information about the countries and hospitals that contributed to the data provided by Chicago-based healthcare data analytics firm Surgisphere. While The Lancet corrected a discrepancy in data from Australia, the authors on Friday said they stood by their findings and announced an independent review. But concerns over the data continued, and this week the New England Journal of Medicine also issued an expression of concern over another study using the Surgisphere database that looked at cardiovascular drugs and COVID-19. Mehra, lead author on both studies, said Wednesday the goal of the independent auditors was to "verify the source data and assess the accuracy of the database and the authors' findings". "I have routinely underscored the importance and value of randomised, clinical trials and articulated that such trials will be necessary before any conclusions can be reached," his statement said, adding that the use of observational data was "an intermediary step". Surgisphere head Sapan Desai, a co-author on the research, said the firm "stands behind the integrity of our studies and our scientific researchers, clinical partners, and data analysts". Among the most outspoken critics of The Lancet study has been French professor Didier Raoult, whose own work has been at the forefront of promoting hydroxychloroquine and has also been subject to criticisms over methodology 'Serious reflection' Among the most outspoken critics of The Lancet study has been French professor Didier Raoult, whose own work has been at the forefront of promoting hydroxychloroquine and has also been subject to criticisms over methodology. But other critics, like Francois Balloux of University College London, raised concerns over the way the study was conducted even though they are sceptical the drugs themselves would work as a treatment for COVID-19. Peter Horby, professor of emerging infectious diseases and global health at Oxford University said the controversy should spark "serious reflection" over the quality of the peer review process. "Scientific publication must above all be rigorous and honest. In an emergency, these values are needed more than ever," he said. He added, however, that decisions to halt clinical trials on the basis of an observational study were "completely unjustified". Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 AFP Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 23:27:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BUNIA (DR Congo), June 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 18 militiamen from the group CODECO were killed by the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in an operation launched since Monday in several localities of Djugu, Ituri province in the northeast of the country, according to Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, spokesman for the army on the spot in this area. According to Jules Ngongo, this operation enabled the armed forces to recover at least six entities occupied for several days by the militiamen in the territory of Djugu. A FARDC soldier was also killed and another injured, and several weapons were recovered by the FARDC. The combat took place in particular along Lake Albert on the border with Uganda where the militiamen gathered in several zones. According to the army spokesperson, the objective of the operations is to prevent the attackers from reorganizing to attack civilians and the police. The ongoing fighting in Ituri province between the attackers and the military has already prompted more than a million people to flee their homes for refugees in displacement camps. Thousands more have already crossed the border into the Republic of Uganda. According to the United Nations, attacks on civilians have intensified since March, especially around artisanal mining sites. Enditem By PTI UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council elections will be held on June 17 under the new voting arrangements in which each member state will cast its ballot in the General Assembly Hall in adherence with social distancing guidelines, UNGA President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande has said. Muhammad-Bande announced on Tuesday that the elections of the five non-permanent members of the Security Council, members of the Economic and Social Council, and the President of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) will be held simultaneously on June 17. India is a candidate for a non-permanent seat from the Asia-Pacific category for the 2021-22 term. India's victory is assured since it is the sole candidate vying for the lone seat from the grouping. New Delhi's candidature was unanimously endorsed by the 55-member Asia-Pacific grouping, including China and Pakistan, in June last year. The General Assembly last week adopted a decision to hold the Security Council elections under new voting arrangements taking into account restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From India's perspective, any change in how the voting is conducted will not impact much since it is the sole candidate from the Asia Pacific region and its term starts only in January 2021. Under the new voting arrangements, the General Assembly President will inform Member States, five working days prior to the elections, of the specific time slot to each voter to cast its ballot in the General Assembly Hall, in adherence to the social distancing guidelines. Muhammad-Bande will oversee the proceedings in the General Assembly Hall and the tellers will also be observing the whole process. Canada, Ireland and Norway are vying for two seats in the Western Europe and Other countries category, Mexico is the only candidate for the one Latin America and Caribbean seat and Kenya and Djibouti will contest the seat available for the African group. Previously, India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Council for the years 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and most recently in 2011-2012. India has been at the forefront of the years-long efforts to reform the Security Council saying it rightly deserves a place as a permanent member of the Council, which in its current form does not represent the geo-political realities of the 21st Century. Each year the General Assembly elects five non-permanent members (out of 10 in total) for a two-year term. The 10 non-permanent seats are distributed on a regional basis - five for African and Asian States; one for Eastern European States; two for the Latin American and Caribbean States; and two for Western European and other States. Deforested land in Malaysia. Credit: Connor Butler The quest to discover how new diseasessuch as COVID-19emerge and spread in response to global land-use change driven by human population expansion still contains "major gaps", researchers have claimed. A team of experts from the University of Exeter has conducted a major study of how land-use changes, such as deforestation and urbanization, influence the spread of diseases from mammals to humans. Most new viruses and other pathogens that arise in humans are transmitted from other animals, as in the case of the virus that has caused COVID-19. In the new review study, the researchers pinpointed one of the key factors that affect this transmissionthe changes in land-use such as deforestation, urbanization, and conversion to agriculture. The effect of these land-use changes on the behavior of animals, including rodents, livestock and other mammals, and risk of disease spread to humans has been mainly studied within the context of urbanization. The review, published in the journal Mammal Review, calls for more research to help predict how new diseases emerge and spread in response to land-use changes. Orly Razgour, co-author and from the University of Exeter, said: "In this review, we highlight major gaps in our understanding of how land-use change affects the spread of diseases from mammals to humans, in terms of how key hosts, like bats, are affected, and how important land-use changes, such as agriculture, impact wild mammals and their interaction with livestock. There is an urgent need for more studies that link animal ecology and responses to land-use change with pathogen ecology and disease spread." Around 75 percent of emerging human pathogens, such as viruses, are transmitted from animals to humans. These include emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) - newly recognized or reappearing diseases detected in a population for the first time and which spread rapidly, such as COVID-19. Most new viruses and other pathogens that arise in humans are transmitted from other animals, as in the case of the virus that causes COVID-19. A recent review published in Mammal Review examines how changes in land-use--such as deforestation, urbanization, and conversion to agriculture--have affected such transmission. Credit: Mammal Review While it is important to identify the source of the outbreak and the factors that allow these EID's to spread, the researchers claim that many methods for collecting such data are still under development. Crucially, while areas such as South America and Asia have been studied more extensively, along with the effects of urbanization, large swathes of the world including Africa are less well studied. The researchers have called for more extensive studies to be conducted worldwide, to not only improve our understanding of how these diseases spread, but also to help policymakers identify the factors that alter the risk of emergence. Rebekah White, co-author and also from the University of Exeter, added: "We need reliable surveillance and an understanding of how zoonotic diseases are able to spread to humans, but our results show that this information is not yet available for all hosts and pathogens. In fact, the epidemiology of many zoonotic pathogens is yet to be considered in relation to land use change at all, despite evidence suggesting that these changes can increase the risk of a disease emerging." The effect of anthropogenic land use change on the spread of mammalian zoonotic diseases: a systematic review is published in Mammal Review on Wednesday, June 3rd 2020. Explore further Human activity to blame for virus spread: study More information: Rebekah J. White et al, Emerging zoonotic diseases originating in mammals: a systematic review of effects of anthropogenic landuse change, Mammal Review (2020). DOI: 10.1111/mam.12201 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: 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: 28: 29: ... 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. 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"We are outraged about the ongoing violence used by American law enforcement against international media covering the protests in the US, including Russian," the ministry said in a statement. "We demand that the US authorities take urgent measures to prevent journalists from becoming targets of police impunity," it added. The ministry said a producer working for state media outlet Sputnik, Nicole Roussell, was hurt when police fired rubber bullets and a grenade to disperse a protest in Washington DC. The ministry said Roussell received "many injuries, including from firearms," and was then stepped on by an officer, condemning this as "an unfriendly act by the US authorities." The "outrageous and illegal cruelty" happened right outside the White House, it said. There have been multiple incidents involving police violence against journalists -- some during live broadcasts -- at the protests rocking the United States following the killing of an unarmed black man George Floyd in police custody last Monday. Germany earlier also urged the US to protect press freedoms after a journalist working for German outlet DW reported being shot at by police. (Newser) Dr. Anthony Fauci offered some hopeful comments Tuesday amid the coronavirus pandemic: By the end of the year, the US should have 100 million doses of one of the candidate COVID-19 vaccines, he said during a live Q&A. "Then, by the beginning of 2021, we hope to have a couple hundred million doses." The first vaccine candidate, being developed by Moderna, is expected to be in its final stage of volunteer trials, involving about 30,000 people, by mid-summer. "The entire spectrum" of ages and health conditions will be represented in that set of volunteers, Fauci said, per CNN. But doses will start to be manufactured even before the trial is complete, so that if it is determined to be effective, it can be rolled out quickly. Fauci said scientists should know whether the vaccine works before the end of the year. story continues below Fauci said he's "cautiously optimistic" a deployable vaccine will be developed, because most people who get COVID-19 recover. "Which tells us, that if the body is capable of making an immune response to clear the virus of natural infection, thats a pretty good proof of concept" for a vaccine, Fauci said. "Having said that, there is never a guarantee." Other vaccine trials and studies are also underway, and Fauci also said Tuesday, per the Wall Street Journal, that it's likely "there will be several candidates that will arrive at that goal at approximately the same time." But he noted that when it comes to the antibodies that protect against other strains of coronavirus, which cause the common cold, "the durability of immunity thats protective ranges from three to six months to almost always less than a year." If that's the case with COVID-19, people may need to get re-vaccinated fairly often, as they do with influenza, NBC News reports. (Read more Anthony Fauci stories.) Parents of the little boy that was stolen The family of Mr. and Mrs Harrison Nwachukwu have been left in a state of shock after their 10-month old baby boy was stolen by a strange couple on Friday in Umuahia, Abia State, Vanguard has reported. The shock has left the nursing mother acting strangely. Narrating how the child was stolen in is mothers hair salon to Vanguard, Mr. Harrison a staff of Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, appealed to those who took the little boy to return him to the family. He explained that while at his duty post on Friday, he got an urgent call to come home. And on getting to the hairdressing salon at Ekwuruke Street by Okigwe Road, he was told how a man and lady deceived his wife, Charity, and stole the child. Strange couple steals 10-month-old baby in Umuahia, disappears The babys parents. Mr. Harrisons words: Three weeks ago, this couple came to the saloon and the lady told my wife that she was looking for a good salon to make her hair. She said that they moved into the neighbourhood a few weeks ago from Port Harcourt and had been searching for a good salon to make her hair. My wife welcomed them, thinking that they were genuine, not knowing that they had another thing in mind. From that day, the couple started visiting the saloon on a regular basis and were admiring my children, especially the 10 months old Emmanuel. The lady told my wife that they have been married for two years without a child and have been praying for a child like my son. They come around every day to greet my wife, thereby creating a kind of familiarity. On Friday, the couple came to inform my wife that the wife would be making her hair on Saturday, but my wife told them that since Saturday was clean-up day, they should come in the afternoon. They returned later on Friday with the excuse that they would not be chanced on Saturday afternoon. The man even bought roasted yam and ate it while my wife was preparing the attachment to make the wifes hair. While my wife was working on the attachment the lady gave my wife a padlocked bag and told her not to let her husband get hold of the bag because it contained money, which she didnt want her husband to see. It was while the stylist was busy preparing the attachment that the woman left while her husband took away the child, telling neighbours that she was taking the child to Shoprite to shop for him. On realising that both husband and wife were nowhere to be found, my wife raised the alarm. On opening the bag, they discovered that it contained only serviettes. The matter was reported to Central Police Station, Umuahia. Now, it is like my wife is developing mental issues. She has not eaten since then and would say that her son is crying and needs her. Union Cabinet on Wednesday amended the Essential Commodities Act to pave the way for the creation of an ecosystem where the farmers and traders will enjoy the freedom of choice in sale and purchase of agri-produce. The union cabinet on Wednesday cleared an ordinance to pave the way for the creation of an ecosystem where farmers and traders will have the freedom of choice in sale and purchase of agri-produce. The governments intention to bring this significant reform in the agriculture marketing was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month when she gave details of the Rs 20 lakh crore economic package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Giving details about The Farming Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said on Wednesday that the ordinance will create a convenient and free environment for farmers in which they will have the freedom to buy and sell agricultural products according to their convenience. With this ordinance, direct marketing by farmers will eliminate the middlemen and the farmers will get the right price for their produce. The risk associated with the fluctuations in the price of the produce will be reduced, Tomar said at a media briefing on cabinet decisions. An official release said the ordinance will create an ecosystem where the farmers and traders will enjoy the freedom of choice in sale and purchase of agri-produce. It will also promote barrier-free inter-state and intra-state trade and commerce outside the physical premises of markets notified under State Agricultural Produce Marketing legislations. This is a historic-step in unlocking the vastly regulated agriculture markets in the country, the release said. The ordinance will open more choices for the farmer, reduce marketing costs for the farmers and help them in getting better prices, it said. The release said the ordinance will also help farmers of regions with surplus produce to get better prices and consumers of regions with shortages get lower prices. The ordinance also proposes electronic trading in transaction platform for ensuring a seamless trade electronically. The farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for sale of their produce. There will be a separate dispute resolution mechanism for the farmers. The release said that the ordinance will certainly pave the way for creating One India, One Agriculture Market. The ordinance aims at creating additional trading opportunities outside the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market yards to help farmers get remunerative prices due to additional competition. This will supplement the existing MSP procurement system which is providing stable income to farmers. It will certainly pave the way for creating One India, One Agriculture Market and will lay the foundation for ensuring golden harvests for our hard-working farmers, the release said. For all the latest National News, download NewsX App Doctors are fighting not only to save lives from COVID-19, but also to protect patients' brains. Although COVID-19 is best known for damaging the lungs, it also increases the risk of life-threatening brain injuries from mental confusion to hallucinations, seizures, coma, stroke and paralysis. The virus may invade the brain, as well as starve the organ of oxygen by damaging the lungs. To fight the infection, the immune system sometimes overreacts, battering the brain and other organs it normally protects. Yet the pandemic has severely limited the ability of doctors and nurses to prevent and treat neurological complications. The severity of the disease and the heightened risk of infection have forced medical teams to abandon many of the practices that help them protect patients from delirium, a common side effect of mechanical ventilators and intensive care. And while COVID-19 increases the risk of strokes, the pandemic has made it harder to diagnose them. When doctors suspect a stroke, they usually order a brain MRI a sophisticated type of scan. But many patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are too sick or unstable to be wheeled across the hospital to a scanner, said Dr. Kevin Sheth, a professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the Yale School of Medicine. Many doctors also hesitate to request MRIs for fear that patients will contaminate the scanner and infect other patients and staff members. "Our hands are much more tied right now than before the pandemic," said Dr. Sherry Chou, an associate professor of critical care medicine, neurology and neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In many cases, doctors can't even examine patients' reflexes and coordination because patients are so heavily sedated. "We may not know if they've had a stroke," Sheth said. A study from Wuhan, China where the first COVID-19 cases were detected found 36% of patients had neurological symptoms, including headaches, changes in consciousness, strokes and lack of muscle coordination. A smaller, French study observed such symptoms in 84% of patients, many of which persisted after people left the hospital. Some hospitals are trying to get around these problems by using new technology to monitor and image the brain. New York's Northwell Health is using a mobile MRI machine for COVID patients, said Dr. Richard Temes, the health system's director of neurocritical care. The scanner uses a low-field magnet, so it can be wheeled into hospital rooms and take pictures of the brain while patients are in bed. Staffers at Northwell were also concerned about the infection risk from performing EEGs, tests that measure the brain's electrical activity and help diagnose seizures, Temes said. Typically, technicians spend 30 to 40 minutes in close contact with patients in order to place electrodes around their skulls. To reduce the risk of infection, Northwell is using a headband covered in electrodes, which can be placed on patients in just a couple of minutes, he said. The brain under attack "Right now, we actually don't know enough to say definitely how COVID-19 affects the brain and nervous system," said Chou, who is leading an international study of neurological effects of the virus. "Until we can answer some of the most fundamental questions, it would be too early to speculate on treatments." Answering those questions is complicated by the limited data from patient autopsies, said Lena Al-Harthi, a professor and the chair of the microbial pathogens and immunity department at Rush Medical College in Chicago. Authors of a recent study from Germany found the novel coronavirus in patients' brains. But many neuropathologists are unwilling or unable to perform brain autopsies, Al-Harthi said. That's because performing autopsies on patients who died of COVID-19 carries special risks, such as the aerosolization of the virus during brain removal. Pathologists need specialized facilities and equipment to conduct an autopsy safely. Some of the best-known symptoms of COVID-19 might be caused by the virus invading the brain, said Dr. Robert Stevens, an associate professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine at Johns Hopkins University. Research shows that the coronavirus may enter a cell through a gateway known as the ACE-2 receptor. These receptors are found not only in the lung, but also on organs throughout the body, including many parts of the brain. In a recent study, Japanese researchers reported finding the novel coronavirus in the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Some of the most surprising symptoms of COVID-19 - the loss of the senses of smell and taste - remain incompletely understood, but may be related to the brain, Stevens said. A study from Europe published in May found that 87% of patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 lost their sense of smell. Patients' loss of smell couldn't be explained by inflammation or nasal congestion, the study said. Stevens said it's possible that the coronavirus interacts with nerve pathways from the nose to the brain, potentially affecting systems involved with processing scent. A new study in JAMA provides additional evidence that the coronavirus invades the brain. Italian researchers found abnormalities in an MRI of the brain of a COVID-19 patient who lost her sense of smell. Many COVID patients develop "silent hypoxia," in which they are unaware that their oxygen levels have plummeted dangerously low, Stevens added. When hypoxia occurs, regulatory centers in the brain stem which control respiration signal to the diaphragm and the muscles of the chest wall to work harder and faster to get more oxygen into the body and force out more carbon dioxide, Stevens said. The lack of this response in some patients with COVID-19 could indicate the brain stem is impaired. Scientists suspect the virus is infecting the brain stem, preventing it from sending these signals, Temes said. Collateral damage Well-intentioned efforts to save lives can also cause serious complications. Many doctors put patients who are on mechanical ventilators into a deep sleep to prevent them from pulling out their breathing tubes, which would kill them, said Dr. Pratik Pandharipande, chief of anesthesiology and critical care medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. Both the disease itself and the use of sedatives can cause hallucinations, delirium and memory problems, said Dr. Jaspal Singh, a pulmonologist and critical care specialist at Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina. Many sedated patients experience terrifying hallucinations, which may return in recovery as nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder. Research shows 70% to 75% of patients on ventilators traditionally develop delirium. Delirious patients often "don't realize they're in the hospital," Singh said. "They don't recognize their family." In the French study in the New England Journal of Medicine, one-third of discharged COVID-19 patients suffered from "dysexecutive syndrome," which can be characterized by inattention, disorientation or poorly organized movements in response to commands. Research shows that patients who develop delirium which can be an early sign of brain injury are more likely to die than others. Those who survive often endure lengthy hospitalizations and are more likely to develop a long-term disability. Under normal circumstances, hospitals would invite family members into the ICU to reassure patients and keep them grounded, said Dr. Carla Sevin, director of the ICU Recovery Center, also at Vanderbilt. Just allowing a family member to hold a patient's hand can help, according to Dr. Lee Fleisher, chair of an American Society of Anesthesiologists committee on brain health. Nurses normally spend considerable time each day orienting patients by talking to them, reminding them where they are and why they're in the hospital. "You can decrease the need for some of these drugs just by talking to patients and providing light touch and comfort," Fleisher said. These and other innovative practices such as helping patients to move around and get off a ventilator as soon as possible can reduce the rate of delirium to 50%. Hospitals have banned visitors, however, to avoid spreading the virus. That leaves COVID-19 patients to suffer alone, even though it's well known that isolation increases the risk of delirium, Fleisher said. Although many hospitals offer patients tablets or smartphones to allow them to videoconference with family, these devices provide limited comfort and companionship. Doctors are also positioning patients with COVID-19 on their stomachs, rather than their backs, because a prone position seems to help clear the lungs and let patients breathe more comfortably. But a prone position also can be uncomfortable, so that patients need more medication, Pandharipande said. All of these factors make COVID-19 patients extremely vulnerable to delirium. In a recent article in Critical Care, researchers said the intensive care unit has become a "delirium factory." "The way we're having to care for patients right now is probably contributing to more mortality and bad outcomes than the virus itself," said Dr. Sharon Inouye, a geriatrician at Harvard Medical School and Hebrew SeniorLife, a long-term care facility in Boston. "A lot of the things we'd like to do are just very difficult." That video is difficult to watch. Why the barbaric tactic of kneeling on a mans throat, when he was clearly cuffed and already detained? Bystanders pleaded with the officer to remove his knee from Floyds neck as Floyd pleaded he could not breathe. Protesters have every right to demand answersto demand changeand they were protesting peacefully in Pittsburgh until violence was sparked. The floodgates opened and protests turned violent about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, police said, indicating that it all started with the vandalism and ultimate burning of a marked Pittsburgh Police vehicle, according to the Trib. More specifically, a man dressed in all black began spray-painting the cruiser, then jumped on the hood and broke the windows. Who was he? A young white male from the suburbsallegedly, Brian Jordan Bartels, 20, of Shalerclearly more interested in wreaking havoc and creating mayhem than in calling attention to the protesters cause. The Trib reported that police wrote, A black female from the crowd stepping in front of Bartels and pleaded for him to stop. He gave her the finger and then jumped on the car hood and stomped the windshield. The little twit. Sony has officially delayed its PlayStation 5 event that was supposed to take place on June 4, which would have been this coming Thursday. The decision was made yesterday morning in response to current events involving the Black Lives Matter movement. Stating that it wanted to take a step back and allow more important voices to be heard throughout this difficult time. Sonys event for the PlayStation 5 is suspected to finally have included a reveal of what the console looks like. Though Sony never actually confirmed that it would show off the consoles design, it was strongly suggested that this would be the case prior to the delay. Advertisement Sony is also not the only company to place delays on things this week. Call of Duty Mobile publisher Activision delayed the new season battle pass until further notice for the same reasons as Sony. Sony has not yet decided on a new date for the PlayStation 5 event As of right now there is no new date thats been set for this online event. When the right time comes, Sony will no doubt share those details on its official PlayStation Twitter account. Timing of the event aside, Sony likely has plenty of exciting stuff lined up to showcase to PlayStation fans. The design of the console would be the biggest part of the event. However, Sony is also likely going to show off new PlayStation 5 games. Advertisement In its tweet about the delay, it specifically references PS5 games. So theres a big chance there will be new titles on display. Presumably these would be games that no one has seen yet. Its also possible that Sony could reveal more information about the console. What to expect from the reveal when it happens Theres still much about the console that Sony hasnt shed light on. The price, the official release date, whether or not there will be any bundles or special limited edition consoles. All of these are possible examples of what Sony could display when it unveils the PlayStation 5. In regards to a price, recent speculation seems to lean in the direction of the console being more pricey than what has been originally suspected. Advertisement As for an exact release date, Sony has already confirmed that the PlayStation 5 will launch globally during the holiday season. However thats a pretty broad time frame. That being said, while the launch could happen anytime between the end of October and the end of December, Sony will want to allow as much time as possible for consumers to place pre-orders of the console. And itll likely have to officially announce the cost with enough time in advance of pre-orders going live. Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan were divided after celebrity hairdresser Adee Phelan launched into a furious, expletive fuelled tirade on Wednesdays edition of Good Morning Britain. Morgan, 55, refused to apologise after a colourful interview with Phelan regarding his efforts to help NHS workers during the ongoing coronavirus crisis, prompting Susanna to do it for him. The big-hearted stylist, whose previous clients include David Beckham, has donated more than 94,000 boxes of hair products to frontline staff at a cost of 650,000. Awkward: Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan were divided after celebrity hairdresser Adee Phelan launched into a furious, expletive fuelled tirade on Good Morning Britain But the 45-year old became increasingly irate as the discussion veered away from his charitable donations, and launched an extraordinary rant against the Tory leadership. Appearing on the show remotely from Covent Garden, he barked: 'Its a disgrace, whats happened in the government mate, it's bulls**t, and Boris Johnson and the whole lot of them down there need to start treating us with a bit of respect, a bit of honesty and a bit of dignity.' Phelan also lashed out at the government while reflecting on the Black Lives Matter protests being carried out in London, a reaction to the senseless killing of black man George Floyd by a white police officer in the United States on May 25th. Kind gesture: The big-hearted celebrity stylist was appearing on Wednesday's show after donated more than 94,000 boxes of hair products to frontline staff at a cost of 650,000 Not happy: But Phelan, 45, became increasingly irate as the discussion veered away from his charitable donations, and launched an extraordinary rant against the Tory leadership He raved: 'Before you start stopping and searching white youths and black youths, theyre probably on their way to work, theyre probably on their way to college, theyre probably on their way to do a good deed. 'We need to stop judging it needs to start from the top. Westminster need to get their s**t in order. They need to pull their finger out, stop lying. The message is lets stick together, no fighting, no wars, no looting. We need to have a solidarity.' He added: 'We live in an amazing country, with amazing people. Were doing amazing things. We need to keep doing it and shows like this need to keep showing stories like this, not reality stars complaining about theyre bored. Bulls**t!' Lashing out: Phelan described Boris Johnson's government as a 'disgrace' and dismissed their efforts to curb the coronavirus pandemic as 'bulls**t' Tight-lipped: Morgan, an outspoken critic of Boris Johnson, promptly cut the stylist off, but refused to admonish him or offer a stock apology for his colourful language Morgan, an outspoken critic of Boris Johnson and his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, promptly cut the stylist off, but refused to admonish him or offer a stock apology for his colourful language. 'Normally we would issue a grovelling apology,' he told the stylist. 'I understand your anger and passion. Im not going to apologise for it.' Recalling his past experiences in Adee's salon, he added: 'The language was normally pretty fruity. You have a passion for life and care for people.' Reaching out: Phelan was inspired to donate thousands of care packages to NHS workers after crossed paths with an exhausted frontline nurse while waiting for a taxi But Susanna later ensured she apologised to any viewers offended by his 'fruity language' before they went to a commercial break. She said: 'We had a very lively and spirited chat with an extraordinary man, Adee, who is doing is absolute best to give a boost to those on the NHS frontline. 'During that conversation he was so passionate that he did use some swear words, a number of times, which may have caused some offence, so I just want to take this opportunity to say Im sorry if that caused offence to any people.' Sorry: Susanna later apologised for the hairdresser's fruity language as they went to a commercial break She added: 'It was quite fruity language and obviously reflective of how strongly he feels about the situation, but there we go.' Phelan was inspired to donate thousands of care packages to NHS workers after crossed paths with an exhausted frontline nurse while waiting for a taxi. The stylist, who admitted he was grateful to the NHS after being treated for a head injury, has since urged major brands within the hair industry to donate various products in a bid to cheer them up. On Tuesday, as law enforcement officers swarmed the District of Columbia in response to largely peaceful protests against police brutality, the city attempted to hold a primary election. It was an unmitigated disaster. Thousands of residents who requested an absentee ballot never received one. They were forced to vote in person in the midst of a pandemic, waiting in monstrously long lines that snaked around multiple city blocks. And although Mayor Muriel Bowser exempted voters from the 7 p.m. curfew, not everyone got the memo: Several officers reportedly issued dispersal orders to voters waiting in line to cast a ballot. The districts election provided one of the starkest examples of voter suppression so far this year. Advertisement That is not to say that city officials intended to disenfranchise voters. Rather, Tuesdays breakdown was a combination of negligence and bureaucratic mismanagement against a backdrop of a historic public health crisis and a federal effort to crush an uprising. Bowser hoped to conduct the election primarily by mail so voters would not face potential exposure to the coronavirus by voting in person. Her administration launched a campaign urging everyone to request an absentee ballot. But while 92,000 voters requested a ballot, many never received one. One advocacy group interviewed 75 voters in line on Tuesday and found that a third of them did not get their mail-in ballot. To address the problem, election officials began hand-delivering ballotsthen, finally, simply emailed some to voters, an untested and insecure procedure strongly opposed by voting rights advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Washingtonians could easily and safely vote at their neighborhood precinct, this vote-by-mail backlog might not have been catastrophic. But Bowsers administration consolidated D.C.s many precincts into just 20 voting centers for a city of 700,000, anticipating reduced turnout due to widespread absentee voting. These centers opened for early voting on May 22. By late May, it was clear that the D.C. Board of Elections botched vote by mail. Yet the city made little effort to encourage in-person early voting as an alternative for those who didnt get their ballots on time. So, understandably, many Washingtonians who applied to vote by mail waited until Tuesday to receive their ballotonly to realize, after the mail arrived, that it wasnt coming. They could not wait any longer, because mail-in ballots had to be postmarked by Election Day. So these residents had to vote in person or forgo voting altogether. Advertisement As a result, hundreds of residents waited in lines at voting centers only equipped to handle a small number of people. The D.C. Board of Elections official line tracker never reported a wait time longer than 90 minutes. But at the Columbia Heights neighborhood center, which I visited on Tuesday evening, voters at the front of the line said they had been waiting for three hours. And by that point, the line had nearly doubled. Voters at other polls waited for five hours. The last voters cast their ballots around 1:30 a.m. Most tried to maintain social distancing, but it was difficult on cramped sidewalks, and some grew irritable as the evening dragged on. There were also moments of solidarityas when, once curfew began at 7 p.m., voters in line at a Van Ness poll took a knee in honor of George Floyd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one voting center, a police car drove by and announced that voters waiting in line had to go home because of the curfew. In an interview with the Washington Post, D.C. Board of Elections chair Michael Bennett seemed to place the blame on voters. The bad news, Bennett said, is everyone decided to vote on the last day that vote centers are open and they decided to do it in person, and that just created an incredible logjam when you consider the fact we are in the middle of a pandemic. (The last day that voter centers are open is also known as Election Day, and countless voters had no choice but to vote in person because they never got a mail-in ballot.) Bowsers initial curfew order did not exempt voterseven though curfew began at 7 p.m. while polls did not close until 8 p.m. (This gap was arbitrary and unnecessary and opposed by at least one council member.) In response to a media inquiry from Politico, her office clarified that voting was exempt from the curfew. But it refused to explain how voters could verify to law enforcement that they were traveling to or from the polls. This was no small matter, as violators of the curfew faced 10 days in jail or a $300 fine. Then, on Monday, Metropolitan police Chief Peter Newsham announced officers would check credentials to determine if someone breaking curfew is really a voter. (Since the district has no voter ID law, it is unclear what credentials the police might check.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This haphazard plan worked about as well as you might expect. At one voting center, a police car drove by and announced that voters waiting in line had to go home because of the curfew. Kevin Donahue, the districts deputy mayor for public safety and justice, tweeted, We seem to have 1 officer here who messed up. But that claim was false: Two police cars pulled up to a different voting center and announced: The Mayor has declared a 7 p.m. curfew! Go home! Advertisement Law enforcement officers issuing dispersal orders to voters is the kind of heavy-handed disenfranchisement one mightve seen in the Jim Crow South. Todays progressive jurisdictions generally do not tolerate official threats to strip hundreds of citizens of their constitutional right to vote. Yet Donahue immediately downplayed reports of police unlawfully harassing voters, an ominous sign that the city will not take these incidents seriously or discourage officers from bullying voters in the future. (Neither Donahue nor Bowsers office has responded to repeated requests for comment.) Advertisement The stakes for a local primary may seem low, but in heavily Democratic D.C., most races are effectively decided in the primary. Yet the mail-in ballot meltdown, five-hour lines, and threat of police intimidation surely dissuaded residents from casting a ballot. The winners of this election will not represent the district, but rather the district residents who had the time, resources, and sheer luck to overcome these obstacles to the franchise. While the federal government cracked down on peaceful protests in D.C., the citys leaders had an opportunity to demonstrate respect for constitutional liberties and protect its residents from federal overreach. Instead, they empowered law enforcement to intimidate voters, reinforcing the attack on D.C. residents fundamental rights. OTTAWANDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has accused the prime minister of hypocrisy for calling on Canadians to do more to combat racism but refusing to condemn inflammatory remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump. Justin Trudeau was pressed Tuesday to address how Trump has been handling escalating protests in the U.S. related to the death of a Black man in police custody. Violence has since broken out across the country, in many cases touched off by aggressive police, with deaths in several cities, widespread damage and even the media being targeted. Trump has lashed out at the protesters, calling them thugs and anarchists. He has suggested the military be used to quash them and has appeared to advocate violence against protesters. This week, tear gas was used on protesters who were blocking Trumps path to a photo op outside the White House. The prime minister fell silent for several moments when a reporter asked for his views on the crisis Tuesday. He eventually said Canadians were watching in horror what was going on in the U.S., but did not mention Trump directly. He then pivoted to acknowledging more must be done in Canada to address racism. Trudeaus silence was deafening, Singh said Wednesday. The prime minister of Canada has to call out the hatred and racism happening just south of the border and if the prime minister cant do that how can everyday people be expected to stand up? Singh said Wednesday. The prime minister should lead by example. Trudeau has long ducked questions calling on him to respond to statements by the U.S. president, repeating as he did Tuesday that Canadians expect their government to focus on them. But Singh said thats not acceptable. He called Trumps actions reprehensible, accusing the president of inflaming hatred and divisions, fuelling racism and putting peoples lives at risk. There are times when we have to be strategic and there are times when we have to stand up for whats right, he said. And this is one of those times you have to stand up for whats right. Singh called on Trudeau to put actions behind his focus on Canadians. The Liberals could find a path through legislation to end racially motivated policing tactics and address the overrepresentation of visible minorities and Indigenous people in prisons, he said. They could also move faster to sew up holes in the countrys social safety nets that create the inequalities that lead to racism. Those are just some of the things the government can do immediately that would go beyond the pretty words of a prime minister who says that he cares, Singh said, Well, the prime minister has the power to do something about it. In a separate appearance, the Green partys Elizabeth May said while it is true that Trudeaus pretty words were not the same as action, they are the epitome of what is making Canada different from the United States at this time. Pretty words are so much better than vile language so bad that Twitter decides to put a warning that it incites violence, that Facebook employees quit because Mark Zuckerman (sic) wont take down comments that are incendiary and those comments are from the president of the United States, she said. May said Trump has made everything going on in his country worse and that Canada must stop pretending the United States offers a safe place of refuge for minorities. She repeated the Greens long-held stance that Canada must suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States. The deal sees both countries reject most asylum claims lodged at the land border on the grounds that both countries are safe, and so asylum seekers must seek refuge where they first arrive. It is clear that if youre Muslim, if youre black, if youre Latina, if youre Indigenous, the United States is not a safe country, May said. With files from Mia Rabson Read more about: Mayor Ron Nirenberg wants San Antonio Police Chief William McManus to clearly explain to protesters what provokes officers to use force after a confrontation turned violent in downtown San Antonio on Tuesday night. Our goal is to protect peaceful demonstrators rights to voice their demands for equal treatment of all Americans and their desire for criminal justice reform, Nirenberg said in a statement. Their goals are laudable. A couple of hours later, McManus issued a statement of his own, saying police will take measures to disperse crowds including tear gas, pepper balls and rubber and wood projectiles when objects are thrown at officers. McManus deemed those less than lethal options and said the projectiles become necessary because instigators often wear gas masks impervious to tear gas. Typically, police will issue several warnings, but very fluid situations do not always allow for that, McManus said. Tuesday night, a line of San Antonio police met about 100 protesters at Alamo Plaza. SAPD officials said glass bottles had been thrown at officers; several video recordings show plastic water bottles being thrown at the plaza but no glass. Police fired pepper balls, smoke, wooden and rubber projectiles at the marchers. When a person was injured with a wooden bullet Tuesday night, the mayor was asked on Twitter whether he was OK with that use of force. No, I'm not, Nirenberg responded Tuesday night. I am asking for more information on these projectiles. On ExpressNews.com: Fourth day of protests in San Antonio that started out largely peaceful ends in violence Nirenberg said he met with McManus and City Manager Erik Walsh on Wednesday morning to discuss crowd dispersal policies and safe crowd management after hearing concerns about officers using tear gas and rubber and wood projectiles. Nirenberg pushed McManus to communicate the rules of engagement to protesters so they will understand what actions lead police to use force. I do not want to see anyone injured, Nirenberg said. Police said earlier Wednesday they didnt want to give details about their tactics. In his statement issued Wednesday afternoon, McManus acknowledged there were unintended victims as officers broke up the crowd Tuesday night. During crowd dispersal action, officers cannot readily distinguish between peaceful protesters, media and instigators once the situation has reached the boiling point, the chief said. Separately, Nirenberg noted this week he restarted the council's Public Safety committee, which he put on pause during the coronavirus pandemic. He hadn't planned on immediately jump-starting the panel. But then protests broke out over the death of George Floyd, an African-American man killed when a white police officer in Minneapolis kneeled on his neck for more than 9 minutes. We all have to work together to ensure that San Antonians can safely exercise their rights, Nirenberg said. Together, we will be examining the citys role in the criminal justice system and updates or reforms to ensure the equitable treatment of communities of color. Staff writer Brian Chasnoff contributed to this report. Joshua Fechter is a staff writer covering San Antonio government and politics. To read more from Joshua, become a subscriber. jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports The Centre will not compromise on the issue of skirmishes at the India-China border along the Line of Actual Contol (LAC) in Ladakh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday. "We can't take the issue of LAC lightly," he told Network 18s editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi in an exclusive interview. "The government will not compromise one bit on this issue. We are dealing with this both militarily and diplomatically." Several areas along the LAC in Ladakh and North Sikkim have seen major military build-up by both the Indian and Chinese armies, in a clear signal of escalating tension and hardening of positions by the two sides even two weeks after they were engaged in two separate face-offs. Shah said talks were being held between diplomatic channels and between officials of the defence establishments to resolve the issue. "This government is duty-bound to protect its borders and there should be no doubt about the fact that absolutely no compromise will be made by India in securing its borders, whether they be on land or in water," he added. However, Shah did not respond when asked if China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has entered Indian territory. Both India and China have maintained that "military and diplomatic" level talks are on to amicably resolve the issue. India has said the Chinese military was hindering normal patrolling by its troops along the LAC and has strongly refuted Beijing's contention the escalating tension was triggered by trespassing of Indian forces across the Chinese side. China on Monday said the overall situation at the border is "stable and controllable" and both countries have "unimpeded" communication channels to resolve the issues through dialogue and consultations. "Negotiations are ongoing between the two countries at the military and diplomatic levels," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian in Beijing. US President Donald Trump had also offered to "mediate or arbitrate" the raging border dispute between the two most populous countries, saying he was "ready, willing and able" to ease the tensions. China asked India to be careful not to include the US factor in its handling of any problem in its relations with China, "otherwise it will only complicate the issue". "The offer of US mediation is unnecessary and the last thing both sides could use. China and India have the ability to resolve their problems, and there is no need for any third-party intervention," it said. Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in a major standoff for over three weeks in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh, in what is turning out to be the biggest confrontation between the two countries after the Doklam episode in 2017. The situation deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on the evening of 5 May in Pangong Tso which spilled over to the next day before the two sides agreed to "disengage". However, the standoff continued. 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 besides construction of another road connecting the Darbuk-Shayok-Daulat Beg Oldie road in Galwan Valley. The latest tensions blew up on 9 May when nearly 150 Indian and Chinese military personnel were engaged in a face-off near Naku La Pass in the Sikkim sector. At least 10 soldiers from both sides sustained injuries. The troops of India and China were engaged in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam tri-junction in 2017. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet while India contests it. Both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. It was unintentional, but two days after Twitter fact-checked Donald Trump last week, the president confirmed the need to monitor his comments. When the looting starts, the shooting starts, the president tweeted. The comment originated in 1967 from the then-Miami police chief whose harsh treatment of African Americans helped spark riots, although Trump later said he knew nothing about the genesis of the phrase. Following the violence that erupted after George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, it was insensitive, inflammatory and outrageous and Twitter flagged it. (The tweet) violates our policies regarding the glorification of violence, Twitter stated. Trump has also threatened protesters on Twitter and police cleared peaceful protesters for a presidential photo op at St. Johns Episcopal Church. This is a time for healing. Government officials should condemn violence, not incite it. That means both the violence of the protesters and the violence that provoked the protesters. Picture Robert F. Kennedy, then vying for the Democratic presidential nomination. It was April 4, 1968, hours after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The senator delivered a speech during a volatile situation. During a campaign stop in Indianapolis, Kennedy climbed onto a flatbed truck, ready to address hundreds of supporters who gathered in the darkness, unaware of the horrible news they were about to hear. For those of you who are black and are tempted to be filled with hatred and distrust at the injustice of such an act, against all white people, I can only say that I feel in my own heart the same kind of feeling, he told the crowd. I had a member of my family killed, but he was killed by a white man. But we have to make an effort to understand, to go beyond these rather difficult times. This is the rhetoric of leaders. In a burst of irony he may not recognize, Trump issued his controversial message on Twitter, the very platform he had condemned only two days earlier. Twitter had committed the unpardonable sin of affixing benign notes to two of the presidents recent tweets: Check the facts, the labels said. The president responded by signing an executive order cracking down on censorship by social media sites a move seen as retaliation for the fact-check labels, complete with links, that Twitter slapped on the tweets. In those tweets, the president alleged that mail-in voting leads to widespread fraud, a charge refuted by election officials and experts throughout the nation, which Twitter noted. Trump falsely claimed that mail-in ballots would lead to a Rigged Election, Twitter said. However, fact-checkers say there is no evidence that mail-in ballots are linked to voter fraud. Attorney General William Barr, who attended the signing ceremony, said the Justice Department would seek to sue social media companies, adding that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a statute that protects the outlets, has been stretched way beyond its original intention. Republicans feel that social media platforms totally silence conservative voices, Trump said. We will strongly regulate, or close them down, before we can ever allow this to happen. But Trump has more than 80 million followers on Twitter and uses the site daily. Its amplified his voice, not silenced it. Across social media we regularly see a wide range of uninterrupted and unfiltered speech. We are staunch advocates of free speech and find the threat of the government closing down private platforms for speech to be dystopian and chilling. Whose speech is being diminished? Twitter is free to set standards for discourse or to fact-check misinformation. If anything, we see not enough fact-checking from social media sites, which far too often allow misinformation to spread, threatening our democratic institutions. Voters deserve facts, not explosive comments or half-baked conspiracy theories that pollute the political landscape. Especially during an election year. WASHINGTONIn front of St. Johns Church across from Lafayette Park near the White House, after members of the clergy condemned Donald Trump on Tuesday for having used the historic holy building a day earlier as a partisan prop, a cellist played a solemn song that blended with the chants of hundreds of nearby protesters. The words they used were by now familiar No justice! No peace, and Put down your guns! but in the last 24 hours, the situation had changed. Chain-link fences had been erected to keep protesters out of the park, allowing police who had spent days standing at attention behind shields to lounge on benches. The sound of helicopters could regularly be heard there and around Washington ominous to many who had seen the military Blackhawks hovering low Monday night over protesters, overwhelming them with blasting wind and sound. Among the protesters was Terrence Comella, who lives in nearby Alexandria, Va. He said the death of George Floyd was tragic, but also a spark that lit a tinderbox that had been built up over decades and centuries of racial injustice. This was his first time joining a demonstration since they began last week, and he explained that Trumps Monday photo-op and the speech that preceded it were what brought him out. We have a president of the United States who thinks hes a king. He constantly overstates his powers, and last night, he threatened to send military into cities to quell riots against the wished of those states elected representatives. Thats civil war thats beyond anything that I ever thought Id have to deal with in America, and it scares me. He was not alone, at the protest or beyond, in his fear of Trumps increasingly authoritarian tone. Some have long warned that Trump is pursuing a dangerous path familiar from authoritarian regimes: asserting authority over law enforcement and appearing to use them to protect himself and pursue his enemies; engaging in confrontational and divisive rhetoric catering to white nationalists; employing hard and punishing policies against immigrants and refugee applicants. In Georgetown, a few miles west of the protest, where voters were lined up to cast their ballots in the primary election, the spectre of authoritarianism loomed. Jim Malec said the presidents Monday actions were on his mind as he waited to vote. Authoritarians and strongmen always use the pretext of violent action as a pretext to crack down on freedom of expression and protest, he said. I think the steps the president took were purely a show of force, and I think they were intentional. I think they sent the message that the president does not care about the message the protesters are sending him. In his new book, one-time George Bush speechwriter David Frum called Trump a fascoid similar to a fascist, but slightly different. On the phone Tuesday morning, Yale University professor Jason Stanley, author of the book How Fascism Works, wasnt drawing such a distinction. His phone had been ringing off the hook, he said, because fascism is having a moment in America. Its alarming, he said of Trumps actions. He wants to see how far he can go. And hes always going to go as far as he can go. The latest: Trump threatened on Monday to deploy the military to break up violent protests if governors refused to use the National Guard to dominate demonstrators. That was immediately followed by a scene in which, as Trump claimed to be an ally of peaceful protestors, a peaceful protest was forcibly cleared so he could walk across the park to pose for a photo. I mean every kind of authoritarian you know: tear-gassing peaceful protesters as a sort of symbol of macho authority for no other reason but to use them in a campaign ad?, said Stanley. Well, thats what happened. In the hours after on Monday, military Humvees were stationed around D.C., helicopters hovered overhead, protesters were kettled to enforce a curfew, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff the head of the U.S. military was shown in news report walking the streets in full battle dress. Authoritarians are always seeking to provoke a crisis. Because when you provoke a crisis, you can claim you can take authority you represent yourself as a strong man, and you can seize control, Stanley said. The only interest Trump has in a crisis is how it can help him gain more power. There is zero other interest. So right now this is just I mean he ran in 2016 against Black Lives Matter. Hes running against, you know, his opponent is Black people and leftists. This is a perfect crisis that he can fit himself into. The Republican party, which controls most of the levers of power, has shown no inclination to rein Trump in. The Republicans are attacking elections, and they now control the courts for generations to come, and these courts have shown themselves to be as partisan as the courts in Hungary and Poland, said Stanley. The Republican Party really openly talks about seizing the courts, theyre not even shy about it, you know. So, there is no more democracy and there is no there isnt much hope. The protesters were not dissuaded from their cause by Trumps words or actions at least not in mid-afternoon. Eric Patterson, a nearby resident who attended the protest with a sign bearing Floyds name, said A long time ago, I stopped worrying about what Donald Trump thinks about. The things he says are not fitting for never mind the leader of a nation, of a rational human being. Patterson said hed shown up because bodies in the street would be a measure spurring real change, and he said the country needed a change of leadership and of policies the kind that would end the racial injustice that has for too long plagued his country. This has been happening forever, and it just has to stop. It has to stop. He repeated it again, pausing after each word. It. Has. To. Stop. Full coverage of the George Floyd protests Read more about: Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 07:42:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A teacher shows students the correct way to wash their hands at a primary school in east China's Shanghai, June 2, 2020. More students in the Shanghai Municipality returned to school as public kindergartens and the first to third grades of primary schools reopened on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong) Tom Cruise is reportedly building his own coronavirus-free village in Oxfordshire, with a source claiming that he is converting an abandoned RAF site so that filming on the latest Mission Impossible instalment can resume in September. The news follows last month's announcement that Cruise will also be partnering with NASA to shoot a film in space. Like many other films and television shows in production, shooting ground to a halt on Mission: Impossible 7 during the pandemic - the film was originally based in Italy, which was hit hard by the pandemic early. Cruises alleged plan is an attempt to get things up and moving again. As reported by The Sun, the village will include VIP trailers for the cast - adding to the productions list of expenses related to the coronavirus pandemic. Getty Images for Paramount Pictu Filming was initially supposed to take place in Italy, however after the pandemic swept through the country, production on Mission: Impossible was moved to the UK, with replicas of landmarks such as the Spanish Steps and more reportedly being constructed. A source told The Sun, The film has already been heavily delayed and theres no sign of things going totally back to normal any time soon, so this is a way to try to get things up and moving again quickly and safely. The trailers were also a necessity as the source said it was tough to get hotel rooms at the moment. They continued, It was this or delay things for even longer. It will mean some of the worlds biggest stars all living together in a posh campsite while working alongside the rest of the team. Its pricey but Tom always does things bigger and better than anyone, and theres a hell of a lot riding on this film, the source said. Getty Images While many studios have chosen to hold off on filming, Coronation Street announced it would return to shooting next week on June 9. In the case of other projects such as Jane Campions The Power of the Dog, actors such as Benedict Cumberbatch have been advised to stay put in filming locations such as New Zealand rather than return home to the UK so that filming can resume as quickly as possible once it is deemed safe to do so. Last summer, a gunman murdered 23 people, the vast majority of them Hispanic, at a Walmart in El Paso, Texasone of two mass shootings in America in the space of a few hours. Afterward, Trump gave a speech at the White House preaching unity, devotion, and love. The speech was obviously antithetical to the divisive premise of Trumps political rise; the El Paso shooter had even channeled the presidents anti-Hispanic rhetoric in a violent screed that he posted online prior to his rampage. Despite such context, the New York Times granted Trump a front-page headlineTrump urges unity v. racismthat was breathtakingly credulous. Media Twitter was furious; so, reportedly, were many Times staffers. The headline was changed in time for the second edition. Dean Baquet, the papers top editor, later conceded, to staff, that it had been a fucking mess. Also last summer, Trump fired off a tweet telling four Democratic Congresswomen of colorall but one of whom (Rep. Ilhan Omar) was born in the USto go back to the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. Many reporters, including at the Times, tied themselves in knots to avoid calling the tweet racist, even though it clearly was. (One Times headline said Trump had fanned the flames of a racial fire.) Later in the week, Trump held a rally in North Carolina, and stood silent, for 13 seconds, as his supporters chanted, of Omar, Send her back! Afterward, HuffPost ran a headlineA fascist Trump rally in Greenvillethat was much braver than anything the Times mustered. Christopher Mathias, who covers the far right for HuffPost, brought reporting to back up his use of the f-word, including interviews with scholars of fascism. Related: The police abuse the press. Again. On Monday, with protests against racism and police brutality spreading across the US, police violently cleaved a path through peaceful demonstrators outside the White House so that Trump, who had just threatened to deploy the military domestically, could walk to a church for a photo op with a Bible. The episode inspired a lame print headline in the TimesAs chaos spreads, Trump vows to end it nowwhich was met by online fury and a later-edition headline change. It also inspired a bold headline in HuffPost: FASCIST PHOTO OP. (Mathiaswho was arrested by New York police officers over the weekend while covering protests in the cityshared the splash on Twitter, with a dig at the Times.) In ways large and small, it felt like history had simultaneously repeated itself, and plumbed some frightening new depth. Yesterday, we learned new details about how the photo op came about. The Washington Post reported that Trump decided to go to the church in response to cable-news coverage that he felt made him look weakIt was just to win the news cycle, one unnamed adviser saidand that William Barr, the attorney general, had personally ordered law enforcement to clear the protesters out of the presidents way. Also yesterday, the US Park Police, which carried out Barrs command, pushed back on widespread reports that it had fired tear gas at the protesters, claiming that it had only used pepper balls and smoke canisters (phew!). Trumps reelection campaign demanded that news outlets retract their tear-gas claim, even though, as many observers pointed out, the police did indeed use tear gas, according to the Trump administrations own definition of the term. (James Poniewozik, of the Times, accused Trump of teargaslighting.) Last night, as protests continued, combat-clad members of the DC National Guard amassed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The image quickly went viral. As all this was happening, references to authoritarianism rang through the news cycle. Some notable voices spoke out: Mike Mullen, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote in The Atlantic that he could no longer stay silent on Trumps conduct; Brendan Buck, a prominent Republican operative, told the Post that the photo op was a true abuse of power that should not be erased from mind by the next outrage. In a Twitter thread that went viral, NBCs Kasie Hunt listed the reactions of Republican senators who, predictably, did not speak out. (Sen. Rob Portman: Im late for lunch.) In light of events, The Atlantic pressed publish early on its next cover story, in which the writer Anne Applebaum compares senior Republicans to collaborators in Vichy France and communist East Germany; this, too, was shared widely online. Observers in other countries expressed concern for the US in terms that observers in the US like to think are reserved for their concern for other countries. Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, was literally speechless; the German newsmagazine Der Spiegel said Trump is playing dictator. Ishaan Tharoor, of the Post, asked, in his foreign-affairs column, whether its time to call Trump the f-word. Headlines in other outlets used the f-word outright. Dan Froomkin, a prolific critic of mainstream-media bothsidesism, noted a welcome change of tone in coverage; Trumps photo op, he wrote, had pierced the detachment of even the most jaded journalists. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Not everyone agreed with Froomkin, though. Writing in The Nation, Elie Mystal accused mainstream outlets of scrambling to find legal justification for Trumps threats to deploy the militaryIts like were being robbed at gunpoint and were trying to haggle over how much money we owe the muggerand noted that right-wing outlets have slavishly boosted the presidents recent behavior. Some coverage of the photo op was, indeed, marked by familiar mistakes, including inadequate language (Chuck Todd referred to it, at one point, as controversial), allowing at least one senior White House official to anonymously launder their regret, and, yes, the Timess headline. By last night, the outrage that marked Mondays coverage on CNN and MSNBC was still palpable, but was more diluted. Again, it felt like we were back in a familiar place. Maddeningly, all the above impressions can be true at once. The Trump era has served up a quickfire procession of fresh new lows, making the act of responding to each new low feel anything but new. Each new low demands to be covered with an unerring spotlight, but as the new lows pile up, the spotlight necessarily has to widen, to a point where its no longer adequately illuminating. Media coverage of Trump is often deeply flawedbut its channeling of such intense contradictions is surely, to some extent, unavoidable. We cant focus on one thing and everything all at once. One approach we havent yet fully pursued could be to try and make our coverage less reactiverather than be surprised by each new low, we could anticipate where future ones might come, and prepare news consumers for how they might think about them. Yesterday, for example, prominent commentatorsincluding Jelani Cobb, of the New Yorker, and Mehdi Hasan, of The Interceptwrote on Twitter that theres a very real risk that Trump will simply refuse to leave office should he lose in November. Sound absurd? So, once, did President Donald Trump preaching unity, devotion, and love, a fascist Trump rally in Greenville, and the president of the United States turning armed police on protesters as a publicity stunt. Weve been warned enough. Below, more on Trump and the protests: Other notable stories: ICYMI: The mystery of Tucker Carlson Update: This piece has been updated to correct details about the El Paso shooting. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. DUTCH HARBOR, Alaska, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bering Select, a boutique manufacturer of Marine Stewardship Council-certified omega-3 ingredients, has announced the launch of wild caught salmon oil. Sourced from pristine Alaskan waters, the salmon oil requires minimal processing which maintains the native fatty acid, astaxanthin, vitamin D, and pro-resolving mediator levels. Joel Watson, President of Bering Select, commented, "Our company was founded by and is run by fishermen, so we are very tuned in to ecological and sustainability issues. Bering Select only sources raw materials from our own line-caught fishing infrastructure and from fishing groups that have a proven record of low-impact, responsible fishing methods." Bering Select salmon oil contains high levels of natural vitamin D, robust levels of pro-resolving mediators (active forms of omega-3 fatty acids), and low levels of vitamin A. The fatty acid profile includes healthy levels of EPA and DHA as well as appreciable levels of DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid). About Bering Select Bering Select, established in 2015, is an Alaskan manufacturer of specialty marine lipid ingredients. Enjoying strong relationships with the local fishing industry and operating a production facility in Dutch Harbor, the center of the Alaskan fishing industry, Bering Select has unique access to fresh, restaurant-grade seafood that requires minimal processing to achieve or exceed international omega-3 quality standards. Bering Select has been producing the only available cod liver oil ingredients made from fish sourced from the pristine, thriving Bering Sea. For additional information, please visit www.beringselect.com. For ingredient or finished product inquiries, please contact Tommy Little at [email protected]/(206) 418-9977. SOURCE Bering Select Related Links http://www.beringselect.com CLEVELAND, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- 7SIGNAL, the leader in Wi-Fi Performance Management today announced that Daisy Corporate Services, the largest independent IT provider in the United Kingdom is the first to take the 7SIGNAL platform to market as a managed service. The company has already seen early traction with its public sector (Government) customers. Daisy "We're happy to extend the 7SIGNAL brand throughout the United Kingdom, and the new offering from Daisy Corporation addresses a major need in the market," said Tom Barrett, CEO at 7SIGNAL. "With 9 billion wireless devices globally and over 3 billion being added each year, the need for Wi-Fi performance management, beyond what is provided by WLAN vendors, will continue to grow." The partnership with 7SIGNAL started with a proof of concept (POC) for a high-profile Daisy public sector customer that had been experiencing Wi-Fi performance issues which were impacting the day-to-day operations of the business. 7SIGNAL's Sapphire EyeTM software enabled sensors were deployed and the platform uncovered a critical access point (AP) beaconing issues on 5Ghz radios caused by faulty chipsets in the AP hardware. These types of issues are not visible using out-of-the-box vendor diagnostic tools. "At first, I thought it was a false positive, but it turned out to be a major issue. Had we not had 7SIGNAL in place we would not have picked up on this issue. We were able to work with the AP vendor, who used the 7SIGNAL data, to assist with their troubleshooting and resolution of the issue. They even used 7SIGNAL to correlate the data before and after," said Ryan Dodds, Wireless Specialist at Daisy Group. After a successful proof of concept, Daisy's customer moved to a full rollout across multiple campuses. Daisy saw an opportunity in the market to combine 7SIGNAL's GDPR compliant technology with its own professional services to prevent customers from experiencing performance issues with their mission critical Wi-Fi. Gartner has predicted that the average expense of network downtime is about $5,600 per minute. And an IDC survey revealed that network failure can cost large enterprises $100,000 per hour, and critical application failure can run from $500,000 to $1 million per hour. On an annual basis, the average total cost of downtime is $1.25 billion to $2.5 billion for the Fortune 1000. About Daisy Founded by current Chairman, Matthew Riley in 2001, Daisy is a group of four independent businesses providing digital infrastructure products, services and solutions to business. Daisy has grown to become the largest independent in the market, with collective revenues of nearly 600m per annum, over 90% of which are subscription services of a recurring nature. Together the Daisy businesses manage almost 1,000,000 business mobile connections, over 750,000 business fixed line and data connections, operate a UK network of business continuity and data centers, and delivers communications, IT and cloud services across the UK and internationally. Learn more at www.dcs.tech About 7SIGNAL 7SIGNAL is a leader in Wi-Fi Performance Management. The 7SIGNAL platform is a cloud-based Wi-Fi performance management solution that continuously monitors the wireless network for performance issues - maximizing network uptime, device connectivity and network ROI. The platform was designed to support the Wi-Fi management needs of the world's largest organizations, educational institutions, hospitals and government agencies. 7SIGNAL continuously monitors the connectivity of over 5 million global devices. Learn more at www.7signal.com . Media Contact Don Cook Chief Marketing Officer 7SIGNAL Solutions, Inc. 216-777-2900 [email protected] SOURCE 7SIGNAL Related Links https://7signal.com/ Hardware giant Bunnings will permanently close seven of its stores, leaving 145 of its employees without a job amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ashburton warehouse, trade centres in Hornby and Hastings, and stores in Cambridge, Rangiora, Te Awamutu and Putarur in New Zealand will completely stop trading by June 30. For their last four weeks of employment, workers will be packing down the stores. Locations are closing due to 'challenges of the recent trading environment' posed by the COVID-19 lockdown, which could be completely lifted in NZ by next week. Bunnings NZ director Jacqui Coombes said on Wednesday that their number one priority is looking after their 145 soon-to-be-unemployed workers. Bunnings workers cook during one of their famous sausage sizzles. There will soon be 145 unemployed Bunnings workers as seven stores in New Zealand will permanently closed by the end of the month 'Our absolute focus and priority now is the welfare of the 145 team members who are affected and we will work closely with them through this process,' Ms Coombes said. 'This was an incredibly difficult decision and like many New Zealand businesses in the current conditions, we needed to make a decision for the long-term performance of our business and our team of close to 4,500 people.' In a statement, Bunnings said impacted team members will be redeployed to other locations 'where practical'. But redeployment may not be practical for workers in Ashburton, where the next nearest store is 90 kilometres away in Christchurch. In cases like this, Bunnings has promised 'a redundancy that reflects their years of service to their local communities and customers'. The Bunnings store in Rangiora, one of seven locations in New Zealand to be shut down by June 30. The Ashburton warehouse, trade centres in Hornby and Hastings, and stores in Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Putarur will also be closed First Union organiser Kirstin Miller said Bunnings' store closures in NZ were unjustified. 'They provided us with very scant financial information that only goes back to December. And yet they're trying to say that these stores hadn't been performing well for years with no information to back that up,' Ms Miller told stuff.co.nz. The national union requested that Bunnings 'would come right following Covid' but the hardware giant had other plans. Ms Miller said the 145 affected workers felt betrayed by the company, which has headquarters in Melbourne. 'They feel like the company doesn't care about them at all,' she said. Bunnings staff have been banned from speaking to media by the company, according to Ms Miller. A Bunnings worker monitors customer numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, there are 53 Bunnings stores in New Zealand but after seven shut down, that number will drop to 46. Two more stores in Westgate and Queenstown are being developed, which will eventually bring the total to 48. 'Bunnings will continue to actively manage its portfolio in both the Australian and New Zealand markets,' the company statement read. There are currently no plans to shut down Bunnings stores in Australia. The 145 affected Bunnings employees are soon to be among the 116,000 unemployed people currently living in NZ. NZ's employment rate jumped to 4 per cent in the March financial quarter, rising 4 per cent on the previous quarter. The country is currently on 'Alert Level Two' of lockdown, meaning businesses are allowed to open provided they obey social distancing guidelines. The cabinet is scheduled to discuss moving to 'Alert Phase One' no later than June 22 but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said the country is 'ahead of schedule'. This is not the first time that Bishop Michael Cummings of Greater Love International Church has asked me to say something at an event like this. And every time, I sort of wish he wouldnt. The sun is just starting to go down in Founders Park in downtown Johnson City, Tennessee, and people are gathered for a prayer vigil in response to the police killing of George Floyd and the racism that continues in this country. Heres one thing I know: I am a white minister. In most of my life, I succeed by talking. In this conversation, I succeed by listening. When I talk about race and racism, there are so many ways to say something wrong. Others know more than I do. I sit here and I am afraid I will say something that will hurt or offend people. I dont want to make a mistake and I know that I might. But I have a rule that when Michael asks me to show up, I will show up. He asked tonight, so I am here, even though Im nervous. When I took the position of senior minister at First Christian Church in Johnson City in 2016, I knew I wanted to connect with a black church in town and develop a relationship with an African American minister. I asked around about a pastor who might work with me and several people pointed me to Michael. We both went to Emmanuel Christian Seminary, so while we didnt know each other, we had friends in common. I remember in our first conversation, I said, I want to work against racism but I dont know how. If I can be your ally, please let me. We began to meet and eat and talk. As I said, Im good at talking. But with Michael, I learned I also needed to listen. Sometimes I needed to just show up and stand in the crowd. Out of our relationship, our churches began to meet and partner together in worship and service and prayer and action. I learned so much from Michael. I learned, for example, that my experience in the world is not universal. When I think it is, I say things about race and racism that arent right. If I want to be an ally against racism in my city, I have to listen to others experiences and trust them. I have learned to trust Michaels experiences. Ive also learned, if I want to make a difference against racism, I have to show up when Michael asks me, even when I am nervous and afraid that I will say the wrong thing. Tonight, before I came here, I re-read what Martin Luther King Jr. said about white moderates. I read it because I think King is speaking directly to people like me. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion, King wrote, while sitting in an Alabama jail, that the Negros great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizens Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to order than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice. I made a commitment years ago to fight my natural preference for order and seek justice instead, so that those words would never be true of me. The vigil is peaceful this evening. But then, before it is my turn to speak, the order in the park is disrupted. Our crowd was gathered quietly to pray and but another, larger group showed up angry. They were mostly young people and they had been protesting, shouting and blocking traffic with their bodies. It is a tense moment as they came into the park, but then Michael proves himself to be the right leader. He invites the protestors into our community of prayer. He makes a place for their voices to be heard, and consequently creates a space when they can hear the voices of those who had gathered to pray. When it was my turn to say something, I hope again he wouldnt ask me. But he comes over and says I should say something about hope. I can speak to large crowds and preach to multiple services. But in this moment, I am a little tongue-tied. But I dont tell him no. Article continues below I tell the crowd that I do have hope. I believe that the hope I seek for the end of the oppression of my African American brothers and sisters lies in the church actively resisting the evil of our day. 1 Peter 3:1012 says: Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. Notice the rhythm of Peters challenge. Turn from evil, he says, and do good. I think that means that white people in America should not be satisfied in our hearts if we tell ourselves, I am not racist; I have turned from that evil. For starters, it probably isnt true. Many of us have so internalized so much racial bias that we dont notice the evil in our own hearts. But even if, praise God, its true that weve freed ourselves from the culture we grew up in and weve grown out of all the bad biases and assumptions, that is not where Peter stops. He says, Turn from evil and do good. We must turn from racism, yes, and then we must do good. We as a church must resist evil and we must seek peace and pursue it. We must speak up against the casual racism of our friends. We must believe our African American brothers and sisters about the systemic racism they face even when we discover that we are part of the problem. We must listen to those who are ahead of us on the journey of resisting racism. We must advocate for real reform of unjust systems and real accountability for oppressive and murderous acts. And all along the way, in the doing of this good, we must not grow weary. Paul tells the church, Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Gal. 6:9). One of the angry young protestors in the crowd has a sign you may have seen at other protests. It says, I cant believe I still have to protest this _____. Paul knew that feeling well, and thats why he urged the church: Let us not grow weary. When brothers and sisters need us to stand with them again. Let us not grow weary. When we see the systems of racism are still alive in our country. Let us not grow weary. When the legacy of slavery will not evaporate on its own. Let us not grow weary. When our own unspoken prejudices wont simply leave our hearts by wishful thinking. Let us not grow weary. When we are tempted to evil but called to love. Let us not grow weary. Untilas the prophet Amos taught us and Dr. King reminded usjustice rolls down like the waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Let us not grow weary. And when we are asked to say something even though it would be easier not to. Let us not grow weary. Heres something I know: When you do grow weary, it can help to have someone who will show up and support you. In a very basic way, this is what it means to be an ally. Showing up is hard. But thats not a reason to step back from the work of the church for racial justice. I make mistakes, but thats not a reason not trust African American leaders and follow their lead. I keep learning from Michael. Even for this article, I call him and ask what I should say to challenge white pastors like me to become better supporters in the fight for racial justice. He says: Article continues below All churches are a body, and the body has been cut apart over the issue of race. We must not assume that we can do it on our own. Instead, get the whole body involved. When called upon, go! And God gives the increase. Do not refuse your call to work against racism. Your decision to show up matters. Doing nothing because you dont know what to do is not okay. Reach out and ask someone to teach you. My plea to white pastors is to find an African American pastor you trust and seek to be an ally. Humbly trust that person's leadership and trust that God will use the whole body to do Gods good work of justice. Ethan Magness is the senior pastor at First Christian Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. Speaking Out is Christianity Todays guest opinion column and (unlike an editorial) does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publication. Businesses and neighborhoods where protests have turned violent will have to contend not just with the aftermath of the protests, but with multiple aggravating factors that will make recovery even more difficult. As business owners and residents yet again clean up the debris, there is growing concern that the economic damage to many of the communities where violence is taking place will persist long after the last window pane is replaced and the last burned out car is towed away. Already reeling from the coronavirus pandemic and unemployment levels not seen since the Great Depression, cities across the United States smoldered on Tuesday after a seventh consecutive night of protests and civil unrest related to the death of African American George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police last week. Many Businesses Pushed to the Edge Many businesses had already been pushed to the edge of solvency by months of lockdown related to the coronavirus, and the slow and careful re-openings envisioned by many state and local leaders were not designed to allow commerce to rebound to pre-pandemic levels immediately. Layered on top of that is the Depression-level unemployment currently afflicting the nation and the prospect of an economy that will, at the very least, be in recession for the foreseeable future. On Tuesday, the Congressional Budget Office delivered an analysis to Congress warning that the virus will adversely impact the economy through much of the next decade, cutting some US$8 trillion from Gross Domestic Product over that period. Another distinct possibility is a second wave of the coronavirus, either arising naturally or helped along by massive protests in which people have been gathering in close proximity. The understandable rage at the death of Floyd, who was handcuffed by police and died after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, sparked protests in well over 100 cities across the country. His death has become the most potent recent symbol of a system in which black Americans are, with disturbing regularity, abused and even killed by law enforcement officers, frequently on camera. And while the vast majority of the protesters have been non-violent, in many cases there have been incidents of property destruction and looting, as well as attacks on police officers. Disagreement over Origins of Violence There has been disagreement over the origin of much of the violence, with protest organizers claiming that people unaffiliated with their movement have been co-opting it for their own purposes. In some cases, state and local officials have said they believe agitators are coming in from outside the communities that are being targeted. Whoever is responsible, the response from local leaders has largely been the same: Public statements stressing that looting and property destruction are not just criminal activity, they are inflicting long-term economic harm on the communities where they take place. It's difficult to predict just how much damage night after night of civil unrest can do to the economy of a community where it takes place, but there is some historical evidence to suggest it is significant and entails far more than the damage to the capital stock of buildings and vehicles. Depressed Property Values William Collins and Robert Margo, economists who studied the effect of the riots that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1968, found that in areas most affected by the destruction, property values were measurably depressed in the years immediately following the riots and remained so into the 1980s, at least. Precisely measuring the economic effects of civil disorders is difficult, they write, "because existing data are imperfect we find significant differences in black-owned property value trends in cities that had medium or severe riots compared to cities with minor disturbances." In another study that looked at the progress of neighborhoods affected by civil disorder in 1968, Marcus Casey and Bradley Hardy also found long-term, if not permanent, negative impacts. First, in the years after the riots, in all the impacted neighborhoods, especially those that were heavily African American, "declines on a number of quality-of-life indicators were substantial," the study said. "Second, the riot-affected neighborhoods in our sample remain among the most economically challenged." Decline in Economic Activity Not all evidence points to a substantial decline in economic activity in areas scarred by civil unrest. James H. Spencer analyzed the economic growth of neighborhoods affected by the riots in Los Angeles that followed the acquittal of police officers filmed beating motorist Rodney King in 1992. Years later, he determined that the level of economic activity in the areas most affected by the riots remained lower than in non-affected areas, but by an amount comparable to the difference that existed before the riots took place. This points to the difficulty in trying to predict the long-term impact of rioting. William Collins, an economic historian at Vanderbilt University and one of the economic historians who studied the 1968 riots, said in an interview that it is important to understand that underlying economic conditions have much to do with how a community bounces back from economic trauma. He also noted that, up to this point at least, the level of destruction seen in the current protests is far below that seen in the 1960s. "One thing that makes me cautious is that the effects that we saw in the '60s and '70s were context-specific, in that this was a time when cities, central cities, were struggling economically in a way that I don't think they are right now," he said. "And so, the sort of economic fundamentals of cities today might be stronger than they were in the '60s. And that might have a lot to do with whether or not we see kind of medium to longer term effects of disruptive events within cities on how things play out going forward." In words similar to those of Sir Thomas More to a zealot in A Man For All Seasons And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? Ann would surely say, If you take away all the measurements and ingredients in a recipe, where will we hide from the dinner I end up serving us? Also, it follows that if you can stray willy-nilly from a recipe, what other rules and laws, in life generally, might you violate? Because from there the world slips inexorably into anarchy. Therefore, if she is making a Chinese stir-fry that calls for a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, and I suggest that she try using beurre manie (flour and butter kneaded together, a common thickener for western sauces) ... well, youd see me making a hasty retreat from the kitchen. Shortly after the pandemic locked us down, I contacted three recipe writers I admire to ask their take, generally, on what optional means to them. Gabrielle Hamilton, chef-owner of Prune in Manhattan and food columnist for the New York Times Magazine, wrote by email, Ive never suggested anything as optional in my entire career. I write recipes as if they were directions to my house given to people I would actually like to see arrive. Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa, feels the same: When I write a recipe, every ingredient has to earn its place in the recipe. If it doesnt make a difference in the final product, it goes. Therefore, if I call for two tablespoons of dark rum, its there for a reason. (CNN) The pause said a lot. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fell silent for more than 20 seconds during a press conference Tuesday, after he was asked what he thought of US President Donald Trump forcefully dispersing protestors and calling for military intervention Monday night. During the lengthy pause, Trudeau appeared uncomfortable. Expressions shifted across his face as he seemed to consider his response, before ultimately side-stepping the question. "We all watch in horror and consternation what's going on in the United States. It is a time to pull people together, but it is a time to listen. It is time to learn what injustice is, and it continues despite progress over years and decades," he responded during his daily press conference Tuesday from Ottawa. He continued: "But it is a time for us as Canadians to recognize that we, too, have our challenges that Black Canadians and racialized Canadians face discrimination as a lived reality every single day. There is systemic discrimination in Canada, which means our systems treat Canadians of color, Canadians who are racialized differently than they do others." On Monday evening, peaceful protesters in Washington, DC, were dispersed with tear gas, flash grenades and rubber bullets, clearing the way for Trump to stage a photo op at the nearby St. John's Episcopal Church. The move did little to calm the mass protests that have spread across the United States since the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. Several Canadian cities including Montreal and Toronto have also staged sizeable demonstrations over the last several days. With chants of 'black lives matter', protestors showed solidarity with the family of George Floyd but also called on Canadian leaders to acknowledge that racism is a still a problem in Canada. While most protests are continuing peacefully, Montreal Police reported on its Twitter account that Sunday at least 11 people were arrested and investigations continue after looting and acts of mischief in the downtown core. This story was first published on CNN.com "Trudeau refuses to criticize Trump over handling of US protests" When a statewide eviction moratorium imposed at the start of the coronavirus pandemic comes to an end, Eric Daous isnt sure what his family will do. Perhaps they will find a replacement for the Marrero apartment where they havent paid rent in months. Or perhaps Daous will shuttle his wife and three kids to a hotel. The one thing hes sure of many other renters will be in the same tough spot. A lot of people is going to be in trouble, Daous said. You got a lot of landlords that is ready to do this to their people, and it's sad. An untold number of New Orleans tenants who havent paid rent during the coronavirus pandemic are scrambling to find new housing, or praying for a long-term reprieve from Gov. John Bel Edwards, as the statewide eviction moratorium nears an end. Advocates say that because the economic downturn has hit low-income renters hard, they fear the end of the eviction moratorium will make longstanding racial disparities even worse. Some parishes have already begun to allow landlords to file for evictions, although not yet carry them out. Many more landlords were expected follow suit on Monday, the first working day after the moratorium officially ends. However, an Edwards spokeswoman said Wednesday that he would extend the moratorium until June 15. Advocates have asked for a longer extension until August. Nearly 150 clients of Southeast Louisiana Legal Services are on a list of high-risk tenants who could be forced out of their homes whenever evictions resume, according to Hannah Adams, an attorney for the non-profit group that represents low-income renters. Most live in New Orleans. The agency likely represents only a fraction of the people facing eviction, Adams said. Daous said his five days of work a week cutting grass dropped to one as work dried up during the pandemic. His wifes hours working at a fast food restaurant were cut to two days a week, he said. +18 Story of an illegal eviction during coronavirus: How a New Orleans man got back into his home New Orleans sanitation worker Bobby Parker, 56, spent two weeks sleeping on floors and couches after his landlord locked him out for paying re Unemployment benefits and federal stimulus checks have helped, Daous said. He said he spent the money on necessities like food and an air conditioner and a stove that his landlord had not installed. The landlord, who declined to be quoted, disputed Daous account. But they agreed that Daous hasnt paid rent in months. The landlords on the other side of the equation say they will breathe a sigh of relief when the eviction ban ends. 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 Karen Shinskie said her husband has been forced to take money from a retirement account to pay the mortgage. A former federal prosecutor who lives with her family in Virginia, Shinskie thinks the government should try to prevent homelessness with something that doesnt shift the burden onto landlords. I absolutely agree that the government has an interest in protecting poor people who are about to be evicted en masse, but to have the tool to remedy that be just restricting access to courts is just insane, Shinskie said. +2 Long-term eviction ban, more coronavirus relief garner support from New Orleans City Council The New Orleans City Council signaled its support on Thursday for two measures pushed by advocates aimed at combating the economic effects of Advocates and judges predict a rush on the courthouse once evictions resume. Im sure landlords are chomping at the bit to get in here, Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Chris Bruno said last week. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out thats going to happen. People want to get their properties back in commerce. However, judges will face new difficulties as they decide whether to allow evictions to proceed. The federal CARES Act passed in March puts an additional hold on many evictions until Aug. 24. But advocates have warned that it may be difficult for tenants and the courts to understand which properties are bound by those rules. The act applies to properties that have federally backed mortgages, for example. But searching a property in federal databases requires knowing a landlord's Social Security number. Section 8 properties are also protected, but the identities of Section 8 residences are often shielded. Local judges say a new form requires landlords to swear that their properties are not covered by the CARES Act. They also contend that they have no authority to extend the eviction moratorium on their own. That is up to Edwards, they say. A report out Wednesday urges that course of action and says that historically it is black residents, particularly black women, that have been disproportionately affected by evictions. Of 185 eviction proceedings in New Orleans the Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative observed from September 1, 2019, to March 12, 2020, where a tenant was present, 82% involved black tenants. The group watched 671 hearings in all. Letters: Keep eviction courts closed The Louisiana Supreme Courts moratorium on evictions currently set through May 18 must be extended statewide through Aug. 24 in alignment wit More than half of the present tenants were black women. The city is 59% black. "This disproportionate impact on black renters, especially among women, highlights the deep structural inequities of the housing and job markets," the report's authors wrote. In addition to closing court until August, the government should cancel all fees for late rents citywide, among other steps, the Jane Place report urged. Louisiana should also begin offering a 10-day grace period for late rent payments and should give its judges flexibility to delay evictions on a case by case basis. Loyola University law professor Davida Finger said a longer extension would be in everyone's best interest. "If these owners have low-rent, market rate units, the expectation that some other renter is going to be able to move in during this time period is misplaced," Finger said. "Common sense tells us that what were going to wind up with, if we have mass evictions, is vacancies and homelessness. If people could pay, they would." Staff writer Sam Karlin contributed to this report. This article, Elon Musk taking a break from Twitter, originally appeared on CNET.com. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is a dedicated Twitter user, but he says he's taking a break from the social media platform. "Off Twitter for a while," Musk tweeted Monday. Musk's Twitter account has more than 35 million followers, and by Tuesday morning, his announcement had been retweeted more than 34,000 times and liked more than 433,900 times. While Musk's most recent tweets are about NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley arriving at the International Space Station aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, he's tweeted in the past about everything and anything, from baby Yoda memes to coronavirus opinions. And he's faced legal issues over his tweets. He called British cave diver Vernon Unsworth a "pedo guy" in a 2018 tweet, and was found not liable for damages in a defamation lawsuit. Also in 2018, Musk mused in a tweet that he might take Tesla private, which eventually led to a $20 million fine and Musk stepping down as chair of Tesla's board. More recently, he's tweeted multiple times about the coronavirus pandemic, first, writing "the coronavirus panic is dumb," and later speaking out against lockdown rules. In mid-March, he erroneously predicted there would be "probably close to zero new cases in US too by end of April." There were more than a million cases in the US by that time. "It's not like I stand by all the tweets I've ever done," Musk told Bloomberg Businessweek in May. "Some of them were definitely extremely dumb. On balance, the good outweighs the bad." Some Twitter followers linked Musk's recent space achievements with his announcement. "You're not allowed to leave and go to Mars while we're all stuck here with riots, virus panic, murder hornets and Ebola," wrote one Twitter user. "At least take some of us with you." By Dan Levinsohn The powder keg labeled racial injustice has exploded once again on a national level. Riots have erupted from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, and the United States is literally in flames. Videos of cop cars being stomped, smashed with blunt objects, and set on fire race down social media feeds, as do clips of police pepper-spraying peaceful protestors, shoving civilians into the ground, accelerating their SUVs through barricades and into furious citizens. This certainly isnt the ideal response to police brutality or racial injustice. (Though Thomas Jefferson is quoted as having said: The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.) But its obvious that more than just a few bad apples have abandoned their pledge to protect and serve, instead opting for authority and immunity particularly when it comes to their treatment of Blacks and other minorities. As per usual, President Trump has continued to stoke the flames with divisive and hateful language. Somehow, hes lowered the bar from very fine people on both sides with last weeks jaw-dropping tweet: When the looting starts, the shooting starts. But there remains an important question, one many white people myself included are wondering: What can we do to fix this broken system, to help people of color? First, simply being aware of racial injustice is crucial. I grew up in a primarily white, upper-middle-class town in northern New Jersey. The class of 2008 saw maybe five Black kids graduate, out of about 250 students total. Even then, I knew African Americans historically had it harder in this country oppressed and shackled from the second they arrived on slave ships. Though the Civil Rights movement had made tremendous strides toward equality, I knew we still lived in a world where Black people faced disproportionate levels of poverty and crime. Only as an adult did I realize these issues stemmed from years of failed socioeconomic policies and general apathy. But when President Obama was elected that November of 2008, my naive 18-year-old self thought: Doesnt this mean were all equal now? No. Absolutely not. It wasnt until 2014 when I was 24 years old that I started to understand the disparity between whites and Blacks, particularly in terms of police response. I was working for a cable news network at the time, and almost every week, a news story or cell phone video would surface of police killing unarmed Blacks: Eric Garner choked to death in Staten Island for selling cigarettes on the street, his haunting final words of I cant breathe; teenager Michael Brown shot in Ferguson, Missouri; 12-year-old Tamir Rice killed for carrying a toy airsoft gun, almost the moment police arrived on the scene. This, despite a 911 call that repeatedly referred to the weapon in question as probably fake and that the possessor was probably a juvenile. None of the officers responsible for these deaths were indicted. What could I do? The system was the system and, in a way, I was complicit. I worked for a news network that profited off of increased viewership, and in that sense, it sometimes felt like I was exploiting these deaths. I didnt feel comfortable protesting alongside Black Lives Matter, as I believed in my own way I was part of the problem: I had been ignorant of racial oppression, had enjoyed a sheltered upbringing and attended a private university, and was blissfully unaware of the privileges I enjoyed just by being a white male. Not to mention, the media painted the activist group in a scary, confrontational light. Fast-forward to these last two weeks, with increasing levels of racial injustice and misunderstanding: Joe Bidens innocent but telling gaffe on May 22; Amy Coopers race-baiting phone call to the police indicating that an African-American man was threatening [her] life; and, most tragically, George Floyds death and the resulting riots. Again: I cant breathe. So the question re-surfaces: How do we improve this situation? Money counts. Theres an official George Floyd Memorial fund, or you can donate to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The latters mission statement is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. Raising funds is always tough, especially when facing an unprecedented economic catastrophe -- with one out of four American workers seeking unemployment benefits. A one-time contribution of $5 may not go very far, but if just 200,000 people donated that much well, youre talking about a lot of dough. Compassion is also extremely important. Reach out to black friends, colleagues, loved ones. Ask them how theyre doing, how theyre feeling, about their experiences with the police. Knowledge is power, and listening to someone to freely speak his or her mind can allow for tremendous catharsis. Ultimately, these first-person accounts reflect the real challenges we face and will guide us toward figuring out solutions. Alternately, hit the books. Ibram X. Kendis How to Be an Antiracist offers an approach to acknowledging and uprooting racism, while White Fragility: Why Its So Hard for People to Talk about Racism explores why we get so defensive when discussing race. Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream speech is available all over YouTube, and the activists words still resonate nearly 60 years later. Finally, use your iPhones. Would we have known the truth about Eric Garner, Christian Cooper, or George Floyd if we didnt have video evidence from multiple sources? These disturbing images and sounds provide us with the perspective we simply didnt have 20 years ago when we just assumed police were doing the right thing. And you can spread exactly what youve witnessed via Twitter or Facebook. Sure, social media has complicated (and one could argue divided) the world in far-reaching ways, and not everything you see online contains context or is 100% true. But you cant deny reality when youre literally watching it unfold, moment by moment breath by breath. Dan Levinsohn, a Sports Emmy-winning digital producer from Oradell, is currently seeking employment. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Israel enjoys impunity because of a lack of international political will to impose accountability, analysts say. The annexation of illegal Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, as well as the strategic and fertile Jordan Valley, could begin as early as July 1, Israels government says. While the details of the annexation plan remain vague, recently reinstalled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his intention to annex the Jordan Valley while on the campaign trail last year. Since then, the United States has proposed its own Middle East plan that envisions Israel applying sovereignty to the settlements, illegal under international law, in the occupied West Bank, and Netanyahu has since reaffirmed his pledges. Many countries, as well as the United Nations and the European Union, have warned against such a move, noting that unilateral annexation would breach international law and would be a devastating blow to the prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The EUs foreign policy chief said in May the bloc would use all our diplomatic capacities to try to dissuade Israels government from moving ahead with the plan. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has rejected the USs proposal and recently said it considers all agreements signed with Israel and the US to be null and void. Unilateral annexation of territory is strictly prohibited under international law without exception. But while the EU is united in its opposition to annexation, it remains divided over what steps to take, meaning its response has been limited to rhetoric and condemnations. Lesson from history A similar scenario occurred in 1980 when Israel annexed occupied East Jerusalem and subsequently the occupied Syrian Golan Heights in 1981. The UN Security Council (UNSC) indicated it was going to implement economic and political consequences for Israel, but it did not follow through. Four decades later, the international community continues to debate how to respond to Israels plans of annexing about one-third of the occupied West Bank. We wouldnt be here in 2020 debating this if firm lines in the sand had been drawn in 1980 and in 1981, Michael Lynk, UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, told Al Jazeera. Israel has learned an undeniable lesson with respect to impunity that the international community will pass resolutions against annexation, will adopt resolutions with respect to illegality with building of settlement enterprises, and yet the international community will do virtually nothing as a consequence to Israel, so it can, in fact, have its cake and eat it too, Lynk said. A wounded Palestinian is evacuated during a protest against the Israeli plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank in the village of Sawiya near Nablus [Mohamad Torokman/Reuters] Israel has been in non-compliance with more than 40 Security Council resolutions, and about 100 UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions. In 2018, Lynk urged the international community to take action to stop Israels impending annexation of the occupied West Bank. Lynk reiterated in his 2019 annual report (PDF) to the UNGA that the international community has a legal obligation to ensure international law is obeyed by its members. Yet, Israel has enjoyed impunity over the decades, despite serious violations of international law because of an absence of international political will to impose any meaningful accountability, Lynk wrote. Case of Crimea The international community had shown previously it is capable of responding to illegal annexations when it quickly imposed economic sanctions and diplomatic measures after Russia captured and annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Russia found itself removed from the G8, its application to the OECD was stalled, import and export bans were placed on Crimea, and individuals involved in the annexation were hit with diplomatic sanctions and asset freezes. The measures are ongoing and have been extended until June 2020, despite Russia being a major trading partner for Europe and a key player in international politics. Lynk noted Israel has a much smaller effect on the global and European economy. [The EU] actually has the ability to put diplomatic accountability measures on Israel to make sure either it reverses its annexation decision, or it realises that theres gonna be an ongoing price to pay for staying on the course of annexation, Lynk said. Yet the EU appears to be quite divided in its own house about what to do. Theres no substantive political or legal difference between the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the proposed 2020 annexation of substantive parts of the West Bank, Lynk said. Instead, relations between the EU and Israel have only strengthened. Trade between the two reached record figures in recent years. In 2017, Israels exports of goods to the EU reached 34 percent of its total exports. Nearly 40 percent of all Israels imports are from the EU, its largest trading partner. The US has also increased aid to record levels. In 2016, near the end of former US President Barack Obamas term in office, the US agreed to provide Israel with a record $38bn in military aid over the next decade, a sum that Netanyahu called historic. Diana Buttu, a Haifa-based analyst, told Al Jazeera Israels plan for annexation is viewed as the icing on the cake as there have been no consequences for its illegal behaviour for the past 53 years of occupation, which include expanding illegal Israeli settlements, implementing a dual system of law, preventing Palestinians from access to natural resources, and bombing the Gaza Strip. Weve seen over the years that Israel is getting even more international support from countries around the world, Buttu said. The [international] response has been zero, and this is exactly what the settlers have been banking on. Its exactly what theyve predicted. Buttu said the reason why the international community has turned a blind eye is because of the fact that Israel is a colonial project. The Arab world has never had self-determination. Its never been an area where we havent had some type of colonial power in place, Buttu said. There is the ability to affect change. Russia is much more powerful than Israel is. But there is no political will to do so, and that is the real difference. Closing window for annexation The international community has done little in the case of Israels annexation proposal as Israel has run a very astute international campaign and has a tough diplomatic service, according to Lynk. It has, of course, backing by major pro-Israel groups in the US that have substantive political sway in Washington and elsewhere, Lynk said. The Trump administration is known to have strong ties to Netanyahus Likud party. In May 2018, the US moved its embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, reversing decades of US policy. In March 2019, it recognised Israeli annexation of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. Ivanka Trump speaks at the opening of the new US embassy in Jerusalem on May 14, 2018 [File: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters] In June 2019, the US slashed its contributions to UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, to zero and excluded funding to the PA in February, reportedly in an attempt to pressure Ramallah to change its position on the annexation plan. An international state, like the US, has an obligation to isolate human rights violators, not to end up abetting them, Lynk said. What we see is the Israeli government and Republican Party being shrewd and realising there may be a chance that the current American administration may not be re-elected in November, so now is the closing window to fulfil probably the biggest American gift to Israel, by endorsing the annexation of parts of the West Bank and protecting Israel against any diplomatic fallout. Critics have compared the US and Israels vision of a Palestinian state with the bantustans in South Africa under the apartheid regime. Lynk described the plan as a disconnected array of 165 or so separate islands of territory and the two-state solution as a corpse thats simply awaiting its funeral. If Israel does go ahead with annexation, it will create a state with two distinct tiers of political, economic, social and property rights amounting to apartheid, Lynk said. When the dust settles the world will realise that theres only one state thats operating between the Mediterranean and the Jordan river and that is Israel. The photogenic Sugar Pine Walk will be cut down after suffering irreparable damage during the devastating bushfire season. Instagrammers would flock to take photos with the 75 metre tall sugar pine trees in Bago State Forest near the NSW Snowy Mountains. The 500-metre walk resembled a winter wonderland during the colder months when it was covered with snow and a green getaway during the summer. But in January, bushfires tore through the forest, leaving behind blackened and burnt timber in its path. The walk is now closed to the public for safety reasons. Forestry Corporation, which manages the forest, announced last week that work to remove the 92-year-old Sugar Pine Walk will begin in early June. A woman poses in the photogenic Sugar Pine Walk before it was ravaged by the Dunns Road bushfire in January. It is is now closed to the public for safety reasons Blackened trees and burnt stumps in the Sugar Pine Walk in the aftermath of the Dunns Road bushfire. Forestry Corporation, which manages the forest, announced last week that work to remove the 92-year-old Sugar Pine Walk will begin in early June NSW Snowy Region Manager Dean Anderson said the Forestry Corporation has no other option but to cut down the pine trees. 'Pine trees are particularly susceptible to fire and the intensity of the bushfires has destroyed this iconic walk in Bago State Forest,' Mr Anderson said. 'We have no option but to remove the trees the site is incredibly dangerous due to the burnt standing timber. The site is strictly closed to the public and forest visitors must avoid the area for their own safety.' Once removal work starts in early June, mills and local contractors will be brought in to salvage the bushfire-affected wood. Instagrammers are devastated that their beloved photo location will soon be gone and since the walk is closed, they won't even be able to say goodbye. 'Devastating news about the Sugar Pine Walk being taken down. Great memories here,' one person wrote on Instagram. A photographer shoots the Sugar Pine Walk during the summer. Instagrammers are devastated that their beloved photo location will soon be gone and since the walk is closed, they won't even be able to say goodbye 'I'm so glad we got to visit this magical place before it was sadly destroyed by bushfires earlier this year,' another person wrote. One user said: 'Such a shame to see the sugar pines burnt to a crisp!' Mr Anderson said the Forestry Corporation 'shares this loss with the community'. 'Many of our staff were even married on the site, including the person planning the Sugar Pine Walk timber harvest, and anyone who has visited the site will have appreciated how special it was,' he said. The Forestry Corporation hopes to one day restore the walk to its former glory by collecting seeds and seedlings and replanting them. 'Planning is underway for a replacement Sugar Pine Walk, with seed and seedlings in the current site being collected for propagation and replanting for future generations,' Mr Anderson said. A woman throws a snowball at the Sugar Pine Walk during the winter. The Forestry Corporation hopes to one day restore the walk to its former glory by collecting seeds and seedlings and replanting them An aerial shot of the Sugar Pine Walk after the bushfires, showing the extent of the damage But it will take years for the new Sugar Pine Walk to get anywhere near as tall as the original, which was planted in 1928. At the time, it was part of a range of different exotic species that were being trialled by the forestry industry. Sugar Pine (Pinus lamertina) is native to the west coast of America and is the largest and tallest of all pine species. The original was 92 years old when it was ravaged by the Dunns Road bushfire, which burned over 312,000 hectares, in January. Although most of the trees are still standing, they are damaged and so unstable they could fall down at any time. The three words on the lips of seemingly every Portland restaurant owner these days? Adapt or die. In the weeks after states ordered dining rooms closed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, restaurants across the country have done exactly that, shifting their focus to takeout and delivery. In Portland, top restaurants such as Bullard, Coquine, Eem, Nodoguro and Renata figured out how to put their time-intensive dinners into boxes for pickup, some including hand-written reheating instructions. The highly anticipated Bar King, which opened just five days before the shutdown, packaged up former Momofuku Las Vegas chef Shaun Kings dinners as well as brunch boxes filled with pastries from the attached bakery that Katherine Benvenuti had yet to open. Popular Italian restaurant Ava Genes rolled out a sneak preview of Cicoria, the Midwestern tavern-style pizzeria previously slated for late spring in the former bakery next door. Former Top Chef contestant BJ Smith put his elevated Polish restaurant on pause, relaunching his shuttered barbecue spot, Smokehouse Tavern, in its place. Appointment-only Japanese restaurant Nodoguro began selling bento boxes. High-end sushi counter Nimblefish added chirashi sushi and other bowls to-go. And pioneering downtown Portland restaurant Higgins will open a food cart. Meanwhile, some restaurants have reimagined themselves completely, rolling out new concepts within their existing spaces. For Portlands hungry masses, that means a chance to grab chile-jam-topped burgers from a hot new Indonesian restaurant, pick up crispy fish and chips from one of the citys best cocktail bars, or pre-order lasagna and other homey Italian delights from a chef better known for a beloved burger cart. Here are five Portland restaurants that have reinvented themselves during the COVID-19 crisis. Chef owner Gabriel Pascuzzi at Stacked Sandwich Shop in 2017.Stephanie Yao Long/Staff/File Feel Good Few sandwiches turned more heads in the back half of the 2010s than the oxtail French dip at Stacked, part of a meticulously crafted menu from Portland chef Gabriel Pascuzzi that you would think would translate well to takeout. But with meat shortages raising prices sky high, running a sandwich shop during the coronavirus crisis just didnt pencil out. And so Pascuzzi pivoted, turning the Southeast Portland shop into the first (temporary) location of the vegan grain bowl concept he was already dreaming up before the shutdown. Feel Good, which is operating out of Stackeds Southeast Portland space, serves healthful bowls ($11) topped with a double rainbows worth of fruits and vegetables. The Painted Hills bowl features charred broccoli, sweet potato, pineapple, avocado and more over a choice of grains including red quinoa and bulgur in a jalapeno-cilantro vinaigrette, with protein add-ons available for a few dollars more. If this trial period goes well, expect Feel Good to stick around. Pascuzzi currently has his eyes on a micro restaurant space not far from Stacked. Available for: Takeout and delivery (through Caviar) 1643 S.E. Third Ave., 971-279-2731, feelgoodpdx.com A trio of falafel balls from Mama Sesame, a new vegan falafel restaurant from the restaurant group behind Toro Bravo and Shalom Y'all.Courtesy of Mama Sesame/Trent Finlay Mama Sesame Perhaps, like me, youve been on the lookout for a new favorite falafel spot ever since ChickPeaDX closed its doors. Mama Sesame, the latest concept from serial restaurateurs John and Renee Gorham, is like a little sister to executive chef Kasey Mills Israeli-inspired Shalom Yall, with vegan falafel bowls ($14, worth it) out of the under-utilized space once home to the Woodsman Market. Those falafel, which come in shades of green (herbs), yellow (turmeric) or red (harissa), arrive on beds of greens or cardamom rice (or, in a recent case, a tabbouleh substitution), with a choice of sauces including creamy tahini, tangy mango amba or a surprisingly refreshing zhug. Dont sleep on the sides, particularly the halva-sprinkled banana shakes ($7) and the little bags of fried yams ($6), supremely tender in their salty jackets of crispy skin. Available for: Takeout and delivery (through Caviar) 4529 S.E. Division St., 503-946-6262, mamasesamepdx.com Chef and co-owner Thomas Pisha-Duffly prepares a roti during Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, dinner service at Gado Gado.Dave Killen/Staff/File Omas Takeaway If youve eaten at Gado Gado, the modern Chinese-Indonesian restaurant in Northeast Portlands Hollywood District, you might have noticed a dish or two sporting the Oma moniker Omas aromatic rice, Omas beef rendang. Those dishes typically came straight from the source: the recipe box of chef Thomas Pisha-Dufflys 93-year-old grandmother, who was born in Indonesia and lived in Singapore, Malaysia and Holland before emigrating to the United States, and who passed away in California in May from complications due to COVID-19. Before she died, Pisha-Duffly and wife Mariah had reimagined their restaurant in her honor, launching the takeout-focused Omas Takeaway, an Asian stoner food pop-up serving everything from spicy mayo-drenched popcorn shrimp to blood sausage dan dan noodles to the occasional juicy burgers loaded with chile jam whatever sparks the kitchens imagination that week. Available for: Takeout and delivery (via Caviar) 1801 N.E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., 503-206-8778, gadogadopdx.com Oui Chippy is a fish and chip pop-up for the coronavirus era from the team at craft cocktail bar Scotch Lodge.Jordan Chesbrough Oui Chippy One thing you dont think of when opening a subterranean dream bar with decor partly inspired by Jules Vernes 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea and a library of rare and delectable Scotch? What do you do if no one can come, and the state wont let you sell takeout cocktails. For Tommy Klus, the coronavirus-enforced closure and Oregons continued resistance to allowing mixed drinks to-go, as most American states have done has meant dipping into a restaurant concept hes toyed with idly for years. Visit Scotch Lodge today and youll find a large blue-and-white banner for Oui Chippy, a new pop-up inspired by British fish and chip shops, only here with elegant salads, delicately battered cod and the French fry-stuffed sandwiches known as chip butties. Available for: Takeout only 215 S.E. Ninth Ave. #102, 503-208-2039, ouichippy.com You can now get Italian American takeout from the window at Dig A Pony in Southeast Portland.Dave Killen /Staff/File Stevens Italiano In April, the chef behind one of Portlands best burgers became one of the first local restaurants to shift concepts. Thats when Don Salamone turned his Burger Stevens window at Dig A Pony into Stevens Italiano, a new restaurant devoted to chicken cacciatore, beef lasagna and other comfort food dishes nodding to Salamones Sicilian roots. Ordering requires a little planning ahead. Visit the Stevens Italiano website, click on Next Weeks Menu (This Weeks might already be gone) then scroll down to find a family meal with eggplant Parm, salad, garlic bread and rigatoni with all day sauce ($20 per person) plus an optional tiramisu add-on. And keep your eye out for the next Burger Day, when Burger Stevens comes out of hibernation. The last one, on May 8, sold out quickly. Available for: Takeout only 736 S.E. Grand Ave., 503-801-8017, stevensitaliano.com Michael Russell, mrussell@oregonian.com, @tdmrussell Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. PARIS (Reuters) - French sugar group Tereos on Wednesday posted its first full-year net profit in three years, mainly helped by a rebound in sugar prices in Europe, and said it was confident for the current season despite the COVID-19 crisis. The second largest sugar maker in the world said it had a net profit of 24 million euros in the year to March 31, up sharply from a loss of 260 million in 2018/2019, also helped by a rise in volumes and cost cuttings. Tereos, whose operations are mainly based in Europe and Brazil, was confident that the COVID-19 crisis would have a limited impact on its business as it had already contracted most of its export volumes in Brazil and sales in Europe. European sugar prices in April stood at an average 375 euros a tonne, compared to 370 euros at the end of March, supported by a supply deficit in the bloc, it said. Despite improved results, Tereos' net debt remained high at 2.56 billion euros, against 2.63 billion euros last year. The group, which also has a large starch and sweeteners business, still has plans to open up to other investors within two to three years, Tereos CEO Alexis Duval said. The impact of the closure of bars and restaurants in Europe to stem the spread of the new coronavirus had cut demand for drinks by 25% and for ice cream by 24%, which was not fully compensated by extra consumer purchases at retailers, he said. A rise in sugar sales in France caused its market share to jump just as its main competitors, Germany's Suedzucker and French cooperative group Cristal Union, closed factories. Duval was confident that a collapse in ethanol demand due to less driving and air travel, which lead to an average fall in demand of 50% for Tereos over March and April, was only temporary. (Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide and Sudip Kar-Gupta; editing by Jason Neely and David Evans) K'taka: 10 foreigners held for violating visa rules Bidar, Jun 3 (UNI) Police on Wednesday arrested 10 foreigners, including eight from Kyrgyzstan, under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act 1946 and for overstaying violating visa rules. Superintendent of Police B L Nagesh told the media here that the foreigners from Kyrgyzstan had come to Bidar on a tourist visa. Cases have been booked against four of them in Gandhi Gunj police station while the remaining four cases were booked at Town Police station. Mr Nagesh said that all of them reportedly visited Delhi for the Tablighi Jamaat meeting in March and later returned to Bidar. The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), a regional civil society organization, has lauded Government for extending the closure of the nations borders, as part of measures to contain the COVD-19 pandemic. Mrs Theodora Williams Anti, the Programmes Manager, FOSDA, speaking to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday in Accra, said maintaining the nations border closures was essential because Ghana, which had now recorded over 8,000 COVID-19 confirmed cases was not yet out of the woods. It would be recalled that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on May 31, extended the closure of Ghanas land, air and sea borders to human traffic until further notice. The President also outlined a gradual phased easing on some public gatherings beginning June 5, with a maximum attendance of 100 persons. Mrs Anti said the easing of restrictions by the Government was in line with general international best practices and that globally, nations were easing the COVID-19 restrictions because people must adjust to live with the coronavirus. She said the Government had done quite well in managing the COVID-19 pandemic; stating the step by step approach and the usage of science and data by the Government in handling the situation has boosted the confidence of the people and allayed their fears. Generally, we have all done well; both as a Government and as a people, but there are still issues with compliance with the COVID-19 protocols. Mrs Anti appealed to Government to tread cautiously in the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions, so that it does not leading to an escalation of the pandemic. She called for the gradual adjustment of social measures and the public health, while regularly assessing risks. She appealed to Ghanaians to take more seriously the World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols and Ghana Health Service Guidelines on combating COVID-19. She also appealed for a better implementation of the Governments COVID-19 stimulus package for Ghanaians, businesses and individuals to ease the COVID-19 burden, because people had lost their jobs due to the pandemic. She said apart from the health sector and the ongoing package for businesses, there was still a lot more to do with easing the COVID-19 burden and that the Government should look at that area strongly. She urged Government to put in place a system that would keep data on individuals, so that in case of an outbreak of a similar pandemic in the near future, the nation would be in a better position to help the 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 Loading Floyd died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes, even as he pleaded that he couldnt breathe. Minneapolis has been ground zero for the sprawling protests, which have crossed the Mississippi River into neighbouring St Paul. The unrest has coincided with the very worst days of the pandemic so far in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, said Michael T. Osterholm, director of the Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. Our ICU bed care is at its all-time high and is really on the edge, he said. Ramsey and Hennepin counties, home to the Twin Cities, ranked seventh and eighth for the highest per capita new cases in the AP analysis. Each has seen more than 250 cases per 100,000 population in the past two weeks, together reporting nearly 2000 new cases in the last week alone. Experts point out that other factors associated with protests could accelerate the spread of the virus. For instance, tear gas can cause people to cough and sneeze, as can the smoke from fires set by people bent on destruction. And both also prompt protesters to remove their masks. Crowding protesters who have been arrested into jail cells can also increase the risk of contagion. An AP tally found that, thus far, more than 5600 people have been taken into custody. Protesters and police shouting at one another nose-to-nose also is raising alarms. Osterholm and other public health experts note, however, that the protests arent necessarily as alarming as other events that could fuel new cases because they take place outside and many people are wearing masks. In some cases, hand sanitiser also is being informally distributed. Loading And Dr. David Eisenman, director of the Centre for Public Health and Disasters at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, said he feared partisan forces might accuse cities of bringing fresh cases on themselves. Im actually more worried about how, if those spikes occur, how that information will be weaponised against the notion of protests, he said. Eisenman called protesting an essential activity, possible to practice with reduced risk. He said his grown children protested in Los Angeles and are taking safety precautions now, including isolating themselves at home. They plan to get tested for COVID-19 in about a week. Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University, said the hospitalisations for coronavirus in the Washington metro area have been on the decline but that she knows that could change. There are a lot of unknowns about what happens next, she said. Wen was the health commissioner for the city of Baltimore during the 2015 uprising after the death of Freddie Gray in police custody and said many health clinics were closed and pharmacies burned down, making it difficult for members of disadvantaged communities to access health care. Its a concern for her now, too. You will have compounded health issues that go beyond COVID-19, she said. Public health experts said it will take two to three weeks to know whether the protests cause a surge in coronavirus cases. And even then, they cant definitively tie it to the demonstrations. Loading The unrest is happening in tandem with the reopening of gyms, hair salons, restaurants, parks and beaches. It also comes on the heels of the Memorial Day weekend, when many people attended large gatherings, so experts already were bracing for a case increase, said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University. In Los Angeles, barbershops and in-person dining were allowed to resume last weekend, just as protests descended into destruction and more than 1000 people were arrested. Nearly 10,000 new cases have been reported in Los Angeles County in the past week. Hundreds of people also were arrested in Chicago, where Cook County has had among the highest per capita rates of new cases of any large county in the nation, with 283 new cases per 100,000 population in the past two weeks. The absolute number of cases is still high. We feel good about the fact that weve established a decreasing incidence, but we have a ways to go, said Dr. Ronald Hershow the director of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Illinois-Chicago. The cast of NBC sitcom "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" have made a collective donation of $100,000 to the National Bail Fund Network following nationwide demonstrations protesting police brutality and the murder of George Floyd. The shows co-creator, Dan Goor, announced the contribution on Twitter early Tuesday evening. The cast and showrunner of Brooklyn 99 condemn the murder of George Floyd and support the many people who are protesting police brutality nationwide, wrote Goor. We encourage you to look up your local bail fund: the National Bail Fund Network is an organization that can lead you to them #blacklivesmatter. Run by the Community Justice Exchange, the organization spans sixty community bail and bond funds across the country. Those covered in the Bay Area include the Anti Police-Terror Project, the Bay Area Anti-Repression Committee Bail Fund, Oakland Peoples Breakfast and the Silicon Valley DSA Bail Fund. "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" is a lighthearted comedy that follows the high jinks of NYPD officers as they patrol the city's fictional 99th precinct, led by Berkeley native Andy Samberg as the successful-yet-clueless Detective Jake Peralta. Shows like it have recently been criticized as viewers hold actors and screenwriters accountable for their favorable portrayals of law enforcement. Actor Griffin Newman might not be remembered well for his two-episode role as a detective on the CBS drama Blue Bloods, though in response, he recently donated $10,000 to the Community Justice Exchange and encouraged fellow actors to do the same. If you currently play a cop? If you make tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in residuals from playing a cop? Ill let you do the math, he tweeted on Monday. The cast of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" made their donation just a day later. Actress Stephanie Beatriz, who plays Detective Rosa Diaz, echoed Newmans sentiments in addition to making an individual donation of $11,000 to the Community Justice Exchange. "Im an actor who plays a detective on tv," she wrote, thanking Newman for "leading the way." On Wednesday, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvins charges were increased to second-degree murder. Additionally, warrants were issued for the arrests of the three other officers who were present when Chauvin killed Floyd. Actor Terry Crews, who depicts Sergeant Terry Jeffords on the show, shared his thoughts on Floyd's death in an Instagram video late last week. "George Floyd looks like me. George Floyd could be me. I could easily, easily be that man on the ground with that police officers knee on my neck," he said. "Lets make sure that justice gets done. 'Cause so many times, justice is hard to come by." MORE COVERAGE ON THE GEORGE FLOYD PROTESTS: Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on Bay Area protest coverage here. Amanda Bartlett is an SFGATE associate digital reporter. Email: amanda.bartlett@sfgate.com | Twitter: @byabartlett The fashion industry is badly hit due to the widespread of Covid-19. On March 23, when the country-wide lockdown was announced, all factories and stores shut down with a wave of uncertainty and with no semblance of when they would open doors again. Artisans were given medical insurance, employees were paid to survive the pandemic with equanimity. However, as the barricades of the lockdown are pushed away, factories are opening but nothing is the same. Designers have pressed the reset button and are maneuvering their plan of action. Designer Rajesh Pratap Singh with models after a showcase While some are working on new collections with reduced production, some are making masks. One factor which is common across the board is changed operations both in terms of hygiene stipulations as well as distancing at the workplace. Our factory reopened with changes in operations both in terms of hygiene stipulations as well as distancing as in our business the tailors cannot really work from home so a whole paradigm shift has been brought about in the way we function. The factory has been sanitised, tailors are maintaining social distancing and wearing masks and face shields as they work, explains designer Rajesh Pratap Singh, whose first plan was to start making masks. However, as a brand they will always stick to their core aesthetic of timeless classic and try to promote that. Classic clothing (anti-trend) is itself a sustainable offering as it means you wear what you buy for a long time to come. We feel more people would gravitate towards this line of thinking, he adds. The chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India, Sunil Sethi, believes that designers should start sending out shipments of all pending orders, so that the money starts to come in. We cant waste anymore time, many designers are exporting to international buyers, they should start sending out their shipments first so that orders dont get cancelled. They should immediately pay their workers, all vulnerable workers should be paid off, suggest Sunil Sethi. Couturier Suneet Varma Couturier Suneet Varma has also sanitised the factory and dealt with facts affecting the mechanism of running a factory. We work almost four months in advance so the couture collection is 30-35% ready, we are moving towards completing that line. Even though we dont come under the category of essentials, a large part of social living and art depends on us. And as fashion is influenced with time, we have to make changes in our collection - price points, the work and of course the showcase. We will be making more precise lines and reducing stock. We made 85-90 pieces and showcased around 50-55, now we will make 60 garments and showcase 35. Nobody can pre-empt the buying behaviour right now, confesses Suneet Varma, who has many NRI clients. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hundreds of Peruvian, Colombian and Bolivian citizens have been camping outdoors in front of different embassies in the Chilean capital Santiago, urging the governments of their countries to assist them in returning home. As Chile continues to sustain economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic, many people, including foreign nationals living and working in Chile, say they don't have a way to take care of themselves and their families. "We are asking for help in the consulate from Bolivia to go to our country because here we have no one, said Carmelo, a Bolivian migrant who had spent about 10 days camped outside the Bolivian embassy. Some of the poorest people in Latin America, especially those in the informal labor market, work every day to feed their families, live in unsanitary conditions and lack proper medical care. Some countries are making payments to informal workers maids, street sellers and others who have been told to stay home to reduce the spread of the virus, but the effort is patchwork and doesn't apply to everyone who needs help. Peruvian migrant Richard said he just wants to return to Peru. "The borders were closed and there is no way to leave, and there is a great need for our people, as you can see, we are more than 250," Richard said on a recent day as he waited outside the Peruvian embassy in Santiago. People are hoping the governments will arrange some type of transportation or a way to be repatriated to their native countries. In the meantime, these migrants, including those with small children, are forced to wait in tents. George Floyd's body will be returned to his hometown of Houston where his family still lives for his funeral, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said Saturday. There have been nationwide protests since Floyd, 46, died in Minneapolis after a police officer was captured on video pressing his knee on Floyd's neck for several minutes while he was handcuffed and pleaded for air. "This is the same city that George Floyd grew up in, and his body will be returning to this city," Turner said. Floyd was a native of the city's historic Third Ward. A Houston-area funeral parlor confirmed to CBS Houston affiliate KHOU-TV that they are handling Floyd's services. george-floyd.jpg George Floyd A GoFundMe set up by Philonise Floyd, Floyd's brother, has raised more than $5 million for the family. "This fund is established to cover funeral and burial expenses, mental and grief counseling, lodging and travel for all court proceedings, and to assist our family in the days to come as we continue to seek justice for George," Philonise wrote on the GoFundMe page. "A portion of these funds will also go to the Estate of George Floyd for the benefit and care of his children and their educational fund." Floyd's class from the Houston high school where he graduated held a vigil and walk in his honor Saturday morning. Those who attended wore the school colors and shirts that read "I Can't Breathe." Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo on Sunday changed his Twitter profile picture to one showing Floyd. "If you love your neighbor and have the right heart, please honor the memory of George Floyd and stand for justice," Acevedo wrote. Since Floyd's death on May 25, four officers involved in the incident were fired and one, Derek Chauvin, was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Protests that started in Minneapolis have spread across the nation, including in Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has activated the National Guard to these cities, deployed state Department of Public Safety officers and said the FBI will be assisting. Many cities have also enacted curfews to ease the protests. Story continues Semi-truck appears to try to drive through protesters on Minneapolis interstate CBS News Special Report: Protests over George Floyd's death enter 6th night NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio's daughter arrested at protests [June 03, 2020] DEADLINE ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Reminds Investors That a Class Action Lawsuit Has Been Filed Against ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm, reminds investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of investors that purchased ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SERV) common stock between February 26, 2019 and November 4, 2019 (the "Class Period"). Investors have until June 9, 2020 to apply to the Court to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. Click here to participate in the action. On October 22, 2019, ServiceMaster announced disappointing preliminary financial results for the third quarter of 2019. The company stated that it missed revenue and earnings estimates and issued downward adjusted EBITDA guidance. The press release attributed the disappointing results to "termite damage claims arising primarily from Formosan termite activity," primarily in Mobile, Alabama. The Company further stated that this had been a known issue, having taken mitigating measures "starting in 2018." Finally, the Company announced the sudden departure of Matthew J. Stevenson in his role as President of Terminix Residential. On this news the price of ServiceMaster common stock fell $11.44 per share or 20%, closing at $44.70 per share on October 22, 2019. Then, on November 5, 2019, ServiceMaster released its third quarter 2019 financial results. In this press release discussing the "challenging quarter," the Company revealed that it had been impacted by certain "legacy risks," including "termite damage caims." That same day, defendants held an earnings call with analysts and investors to discuss ServiceMaster's third quarter 2019 financial results. On the call, defendants informed the market that the increase in termite litigation-which had occurred "[i]n the past few years"-had impacted termite revenue and these issues would continue throughout 2020. On this news, the price of ServiceMaster shares fell $1.42 per share, or 3.5%, to close at $39.15 per share on November 5, 2019. As the market continued to digest the disappointing news, ServiceMaster shares further declined by $3.41, or 9%, to close at $35.74 per share on November 6, 2019. All told, following the November 5, 2019 disclosure, ServiceMaster stock suffered a total decline of $4.83 per share from its November 4, 2019 closing price. The complaint, filed on April 10, 2020, alleges that during the Class Period defendants repeatedly assured the market that ServiceMaster was successfully executing upon initiatives to improve the performance in the Terminix segment. In addition, defendants stated that Terminix would reach a positive "inflection point" and was "definitely the driver" for positive trends expected in the second half of 2019. Unbeknownst to investors, however, in the past several years the Terminix segment had experienced an adverse trend of costly termite litigation, primarily related to Formosan termite activity. This negative trend, which would ultimately impact ServiceMaster's current and future financial results, was known to defendants throughout the Class Period, as by their own later admission they had been taking mitigating measures since 2018. If you purchased ServiceMaster common stock during the Class Period, are a long-term stockholder, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Melissa Fortunato or Marion Passmore by email at [email protected], telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005708/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] GLENDALE, Ariz. The Arizona National Guard has called up about 900 soldiers to help the state deal with protests after Gov. Doug Ducey declared a statewide 8 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew on Sunday, Guard spokesman Maj. Aaron Thacker said. The troops include military police that can assist in crowd control, as well as infantry and logistics specialists, Thacker said Tuesday. Some of the military police have been sent to the state Capitol in Phoenix to help protect against civil unrest. The Capitol complex, including the House and Senate buildings and the executive tower, have been surrounded by temporary fencing. Other troops are available for deployment in other areas of metro Phoenix and could be sent to towns and cities anywhere in the state, Thacker said. They will be used to free up local police, who have the authority to arrest people. Protests have erupted in U.S. cities and Europe in the days after the death of George Floyd, a black man who died last week after an officer pressed his knee into Floyds neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson have seen protests that led to property damage. The Guard also is reviewing a request from President Donald Trump to send troops to other areas of the nation to help control crowds, Thacker said. Our response is that we are assessing the local situation before we can commit to exporting any forces to other states and territories, Thacker said. The Arizona Guard has about 7,600 members and many are already deployed to help boost border control, assist in the states response to the coronavirus pandemic and provide helicopter support to wildfire operations, he said. In addition, about 200 soldiers are preparing to deploy overseas. We have a lots of plates spinning right now, Thacker said. Besides confirming the Capitol operations, Thacker declined to say where Guard members called up to assist with protests are planning to operate, citing security concerns. About 750 Guard members are still on duty providing virus-related help, including logistics experts who were called up in March to help grocery stores restock after a run on supplies. We are not just the guys out there with riot shields were the guys out there getting food to folks, Thacker said. ___ This story has been correct to reflect that the statewide curfew begins at 8 p.m., not 9 p.m. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway Audun Halvorsen confirmed the commitment of Oslo to continue projects aiming for overcoming of the consequences of the Russian aggression meeting of Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vasyl Bodnar and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway Audun Halvorsen Ukraine's Foreign Ministry Ukraine and Norway are sure that the Covid-19 pandemic cannot become the reason for lifting sanctions from Russia. Such a conclusion was reached during the phone talk of Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vasyl Bodnar and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway Audun Halvorsen, as the Ukrainian ministry reported. The position of Norway towards the maintenance of the sanctions against Russia as aggressor and support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in the internationally recognized borders remains unchanged, Halvorsen assured. The Norwegian diplomat made such a statement due to the fact that Bodnar drew his information to the necessity of the efficient counteraction to Russias attempts to lift the sanctions imposed by the international society under cover of Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, Halvorsen confirmed the commitment of Oslo to continue projects aiming for overcoming the consequences of Russian aggression. The parties discussed the prospects of the bilateral counteraction on historical issues, including the estimation of the events of WWII and counteraction to manipulations of Russia on this topic. As we reported, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell reminded the German diplomatic service, which will take over the EU presidency in the second half of 2020, of the need to support Ukraine and all the challenges posed by Russia. CLIFTON PARK - Fliers calling for the elimination of Republicans "before they kill us all" have been found on cars in a lot in Clifton Park. Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo confirmed the find on Tuesday night, but could not supply any further information on the fliers, leaving it unknown when they were found and if there is an investigation in place to find who created them and placed them on vehicles. However, Saratoga County Republican Chairman Carl Zeilman tweeted a copy of the flier, calling it despicable. He deleted the tweet after the flier, which called Republicans "war-mongering" and "sub-human Troglidtyes," received many incendiary comments. "In the environment we are in today, we need to be focusing on joining together," Zeilman wrote. "We do not focus on finding common solutions so we can all live in peace in our community. That is what we need to be looking at." Zeilman sent the tweet at a time when demonstrations have unfolded across the country in response to the deaths of black men while in police custody, including the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, kept his knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes. It is unclear who created the flier. Todd Kerner, chair of the Saratoga County Democratic Committee, said the flier is nothing his committee would do. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. "I don't even think it's real," Kerner said. "It's probably someone looking for trouble. Clearly, it's not from our party." Kerner said though that even existence of such a flier demonstrates the current divisiveness in the nation. "When you have a President that would rather divide people than unite people, this is what happens," Kerner said. "It's too bad. It shows the need for a change from the top." State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) denounced the flier on Twitter, calling it "garbage." "This is disgusting and repugnant," she wrote. "I proudly serve all residents of the 113th Assembly District and I believe we are stronger together." BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended a ceremony to launch drinking water supply and sewerage systems in the city of Aghjabadi, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani presidential press-service. Apple iPhone (Representative Image) Samsung, Foxconn, Wistron among others are likely to apply for a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme nearly worth Rs 41,000 crore as India tries to woo smartphone makers to move and set up manufacturing plants in India, reported The Economic Times. IT and telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad stated in a press briefing that the government planned to help five global smartphone manufacturers set their production facilities in India with the PLI scheme, which also aimed at helping develop five domestic manufacturing companies. Prasad did not mention the name of the five manufacturing companies but officials told ET that major global players including Apple, Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, Foxconn, Wistron and Flex had shown interest in applying. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report. Flex and Wistron, and industry associations such as India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents handset brands such as Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Apple and Lava, and contract manufacturers such as Foxconn, termed the development as a game-changer for the industry. David Shen, CEO of Wistron India, told ET, Wistron is looking forward to further expanding our customer base in India. Wistron makes Apple iPhones on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Also Read: Dixon Technologies to invest Rs 250 crore, hire 2,500 in 9 months under PLI scheme Under the PLI scheme, the government stated that it would give out a total sum of Rs 40,951 crore in a graded manner to these domestic and global manufacturers in the next five years. We have achieved a modest success in making India the second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones in the last six years and today we are announcing these schemes to make India the largest producer, Prasad said at the briefing. With the announcement of schemes like PLI, the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) and the Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC) 2.0, the government expects to generate employment for 15 to 20 lakh individuals in the electronics manufacturing sector. It was perhaps always going to make for interesting reading. How Indians spent their money during the lockdown, has as expected, varied drastically across regions and usage demographics. Financial services and credit card payment platform CRED has shared numbers to illustrate what its users spent on, or prioritized spending on, during the COVID lockdown months of March and April. It turns out that digital subscriptions, which included subscriptions for streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video and Zee5 increased substantially. But it wasnt just video streaming apps that gainedCRED users were also spending on online classes and e-newspaper subscriptions. CRED says in April, Delhi saw a rise of 18%, Bangalore of 11% and Mumbai of 8% in subscription spends, carrying forward the trend seen in March as soon as the lockdown started. While expenditure on dining out was expected to be hit as everything was closed off, surprisingly, online food ordering also reduced significantly with individuals spending more on groceries and preparing food at home more regularly. Physical grocery spends rose significantly Delhi by as much as 27%, while it increased in Mumbai by 23% but surprisingly remained stagnant in Bangalore, in March. However, online grocery spends spiked in Bangalore with a 44% increase, which indicates users there are more comfortable with the online platforms, while Delhi also ordered 38% more groceries online and Mumbai ordered 29% moreall in March, as people came to terms with the lockdown. At the same time, food orders on online platforms saw decreased spends in Delhi by 62% and about 61% lesser in Mumbai in April, while Bengaluru seemed to like the idea of ordering in foodit saw a comparatively lesser decline of 43%. CRED says that credit card usage dropped 10% in March, the same month when the lockdown was first enforced. In April, the month which saw lockdown through from the beginning to the end, credit card usage reduced by 51%. A lot of that is attributed to the fact that offline stores were shut and ecommerce websites such as Amazon and Flipkart were not accepting any orders except for essential items. CRED has analyzed the spending data of more than a million members, who use the CRED app to pay their credit card bills every month. The company insists that the data is based on aggregated and anonymized insights from user spends. Luong Ngoc Khue, director general of the Medical Examination and Treatment Department and director of the Vietnam Tobacco Control Fund speaks about his organisations efforts to create a smoke-free environment. A man smokes a cigarette at a bus shelter near My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi. Vietnam remains among the 15 nations having the highest number of tobacco smokers in the world. What success has Vietnam has gained since the first comprehensive tobacco control law came into effect on May 1, 2013? Vietnam has recorded a lot of changes in public awareness about the negative impacts of tobacco. Since the law came into effect, the percentage of male smokers has dropped by 2.1 per cent while that of the female smokers dropped by 0.3 per cent. Also the passive smoking percentage has dropped considerably from 42.6 per cent in the work place to 13.3 per cent; from 37.9 per cent in universities and colleges to 16.4 per cent; in the family environment, the ratio dropped from 59.9 per cent to 13.2 per cent. How do you respond to a report saying that by now the implementation of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms is still very limited? I couldnt agreement more. Though we have achieved many successes in the prevention and control of tobacco, Vietnam remains among the 15 nations having the highest number of tobacco smokers in the world. According to the latest report, some 45.3 per cent of Vietnamese men are tobacco smokers. And it is reported that every year, Vietnam has about 40,000 people who dies of an illness relating to smoking. Though Vietnam has the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm, yet, tobacco is available in almost all places. This is something that Vietnam should put more effort to enforce the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms in reality. Particularly in areas surrounding hotels, restaurants, schools and hospitals. What should be done to people who are found smoking in a place where it is prohibited? The Ministry of Health has submitted a proposal to the Government to levy a heavy fine on smokers who are found violating the smoking law. We hope, pretty soon the Government will start to impose heavy sanctions on those who violate the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms. The Fund on the Prevention and Against Tobacco Harms will soon develop an app on mobile phones to receive reports of people violating the law. What is the driving force for the World Health Organization (WHO) to decide to observe 2020 as the year to protect the younger generation from the negative impacts of tobacco products? We all know, young people are the future of all nations in the world and they are the most vulnerable people to tobacco advertisements. Through this topic, WHO has called on all countries worldwide to take immediate actions to help young people not to be seduced by tobacco advertisements and to understand the negative impacts of tobacco on their health. Can you give us a real picture of the young Vietnamese smokers today? The percentage of young Vietnamese smokers has dropped quite considerably. However, the number of Vietnamese young people, particularly among the students smoking e-cigarettes has increased. According to a recent survey conducted by WHO in 21 provinces and cities nationwide, the percentage of students smoking has dropped from 4 per cent to 3.6 per cent. Yet the number of e-cigarette smokers has increased by 2.6 per cent. Whats more important is the new cigarette products are rather attractive to the young generation. Thats why they dont care much about negative impacts on their health the new product may have. What should Vietnam do to make the campaign against smoking cigarettes more successful? E-cigarettes have been banned in many countries. And right now, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has conducted a study and come up with a proposal to include e-cigarettes in the list of banned items - in both business and consumption. At the same time, the MoH has also submitted a proposal to revise the Law on Special Consumption Tax to increase the consumption tax on cigarettes. Meanwhile, the MoH has also asked the Ministry of Information and Communications to take strong measures to control cigarette advertisement on the internet. VNS Campaign on dangers of smoking carried out at bus stations An information campaign on the dangers of smoking and smoking in public is being carried out at eight bus and ferry stations in HCM City from May 2020 to June 2021 on the occasion of the World Smoke-Free Day on May 31. Le Pecq: Three days after George Floyd died with a Minneapolis police officer choking off his air, another black man writhed on a street in Paris as a police officer knelt on his neck during an arrest. Immobilisation techniques where officers apply pressure with their knees on prone suspects are used in policing around the world and have long drawn criticism. One reason why Floyd's death is sparking anger and touching nerves globally is that such techniques have been blamed for asphyxiations and other deaths in police custody beyond American shores, often involving non-white suspects. "We cannot say that the American situation is foreign to us," said French lawmaker Francois Ruffin, who has pushed for a ban on the police use of face-down holds that are implicated in multiple deaths in France, a parliamentary effort put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic. CEPI awards up to $14.1 million to IVI and Bharat Biotech to advance development of Chikungunya vaccine June 3 2020, Oslo, Norway; Seoul, South Korea; Telangana, India--CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, in collaboration with Ind-CEPI, has announced a new partnering agreement with a consortium comprising Bharat Biotech (BBIL) and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to advance the development of a Chikungunya vaccine. CEPI will provide the consortium with up to US$14.1 million for vaccine manufacturing and clinical development of a two-dose live-inactivated vaccine (BBV87) against Chikungunya. This award is supported by the European Union's (EU's) Horizon 2020 programme through an existing framework partnership agreement with CEPI. The consortium will be further supported with a grant of up to $2.0m from the Indian Government's Ind-CEPI initiative which will fund the set-up of GMP manufacturing facilities for the vaccine in India, and the subsequent manufacture of clinical trial materials. In addition to manufacturing, the partnering agreement will finance a multi-centre Phase 2/3 adaptive clinical trial to be conducted by IVI in Colombia, Panama and Thailand which will provide crucial data about the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate. The partnership will build on BBIL's experience of developing and supplying affordable vaccines, and WHO prequalification procedures, to ensure affordable access to the vaccine in countries where Chikungunya is endemic, in line with CEPI's core commitment to equitable access. The investment is part of CEPI's third call for proposals which was launched in January 2019. Since the launch of this call, over US$80 million of CEPI core funding has been committed to three Chikungunya vaccine candidates and two Rift Valley Fever vaccine candidates. BBV87 vaccine candidate BBIL's BBV87 vaccine is an inactivated whole virion vaccine based on a strain derived from an East, Central, South African (ECSA) genotype. The vaccine has completed standard pre-clinical studies, and an optimum immune response was elicited by the adjuvanted vaccine in phase 1 clinical trials in India. Inactivated virions technology has a safety profile which potentially makes this vaccine accessible to special populations, such as the immunocompromised and pregnant women, that some other technologies cannot reach. Chikungunya virus Chikungunya virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1952, with sporadic outbreaks of the disease reported subsequently across Africa and Asia. (1,2) In 2004, the disease began to spread quickly, causing large-scale outbreaks around the world. Since the re-emergence of the virus, the total number of cases has been estimated at over 3.4 million in 43 countries. (3) Chikungunya is spread by the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes and causes fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can persist for weeks to years. (4) Climate change could further amplify the threat posed by Chikungunya. As the climate warms, more areas across the world will become habitable for the mosquito vectors that transmit the virus, thereby increasing the size of the human population at risk of infection. For example, in 2007, an outbreak of Chikungunya virus infections was declared for the first time in Europe with more than 200 human cases reported in Italy. (5) Since 2014, in the USA, local-transmission of the virus has been reported in Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (6) Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI said: "Chikungunya continues to be a threat to public health in countries around the globe. It is a painful and debilitating disease for which there is no licensed vaccine or treatment. Through this partnership with Bharat Biotech and IVI we will accelerate the clinical development of the Chikungunya vaccine candidate, with the aim of producing a vaccine and making it accessible to those most affected by the disease." Dr. Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Chairperson, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) said: "Chikungunya has emerged as an important public health problem in India. The development of an effective Chikungunya vaccine will be a game changer in the global health sector. Under the Ind-CEPI mission, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India will support Bharat Biotech for this collaborative project, the first initiative of this mission, to expedite the development of Chikungunya vaccine." Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech said: "We are immensely proud to be part of this esteemed alliance to bring to the world a safe and effective solution against the debilitating Chikungunya infection. "At Bharat Biotech, we have always been at the forefront of innovation while developing vaccines for neglected diseases such as Typhoid and re-emerging epidemics such as Zika, H1N1 and Japanese Encephalitis. We are hopeful that with accelerated clinical development in endemic countries, the candidate CHIK vaccine will be successful. "We are witnessing that today's neglected diseases are susceptible to become tomorrow's pandemics and with this collaboration we have the opportunity to tackle them proactively." Dr Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI, said: "Vaccination is the most sustainable and cost-effective way of protecting millions of people from Chikungunya, a painful disease with no known cure or licensed vaccine. In line with IVI's mission to develop vaccines against diseases that primarily impact low- and middle-income countries, our partnership with Bharat Biotech and CEPI seeks to develop and produce a safe, effective, and affordable vaccine that protects people from the debilitating effects of Chikungunya and enables them to live productive lives." Dr Sushant Sahastrabuddhe, Principal Investigator and Director of the Global Chikungunya vaccine Clinical Development (GCCDP) consortium, said: "Through these late-phase clinical trials under GCCDP, we're looking forward to generating additional safety and immunogenicity data from three endemic countries to support use of this vaccine in outbreaks and routine immunization in endemic countries." ### Notes to Editors Since CEPI was launched, the European Union has provided a total of 136 million in Horizon 2020 funding for vaccine development and trials; in addition, significant contributions through the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) and the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) have also supported CEPI's efforts. About CEPI CEPI is an innovative partnership between public, private, philanthropic, and civil organisations, launched at Davos in 2017, to develop vaccines to stop future epidemics. CEPI has moved with great urgency and in coordination with WHO in response to the emergence of COVID-19. CEPI has initiated 9 partnerships to develop vaccines against the novel coronavirus. The programmes will leverage rapid response platforms already supported by CEPI as well as new partnerships. The aim is to advance COVID-19 vaccine candidates into clinical testing as quickly as possible. Before the emergence of COVID-19 CEPI's priority diseases included Ebola virus, Lassa virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus, Nipah virus, Rift Valley Fever and Chikungunya virus. CEPI also invested in platform technologies that can be used for rapid vaccine and immunoprophylactic development against unknown pathogens (Disease X). Follow our news page for the latest updates. About Ind-CEPI The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India is implementing the Ind-CEPI mission 'India Centric Epidemic Preparedness through Rapid Vaccine Development: Supporting Indian Vaccine Development Aligned with the Global Initiative of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)'. Ind-CEPI Mission aims to strengthen the development of vaccines for the diseases of epidemic potential in India as well as build coordinated preparedness in the Indian public health system and vaccine industry to address existing and emergent infectious threats in India. About Bharat Biotech Bharat Biotech has established an excellent track record of innovation with more than 100 global patents, a wide product portfolio of more than 16 products, registrations in more than 70 countries and WHO Pre-qualifications. Having already delivered more than 4 billion doses of vaccines to the world, Bharat continues to innovate having developed vaccines for H1N1, Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis, Chikungunya, Zika and the world's first conjugated vaccine for Typhoid. Our commitment to global social innovation programs and public private partnerships resulted in the introduction of path breaking WHO pre-qualified vaccines BIOPOLIO ROTAVAC and Typbar TCV' combatting polio, rotavirus, typhoid infections respectively. The recent acquisition of the Rabies vaccine facility, Chiron Behring from GSK has positioned Bharat as the largest Rabies vaccine manufacturer in the world. About the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is a nonprofit inter-governmental organization established in 1997 at the initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, IVI was the first international organization hosted by Korea. IVI has 35 signatory countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) on its treaty, including Korea, Sweden and India as state funders. Our mandate is to make vaccines available and accessible for the world's most vulnerable people. We focus on infectious diseases of global health importance such as cholera, typhoid, shigella, salmonella, schistosomiasis, Group A Strep, Hepatitis A, HPV, TB, HIV, MERS, COVID-19, as well as antimicrobial resistance. For more information, please visit https:/ / www. ivi. int Media contacts CEPI: Email: press@cepi.net Phone: +44 7387 055214 IVI: Aerie Em +82 2 881 1386 Aerie.em@ivi.int Bharat Biotech: Sheela Panicker +91 98498 09594 enright@enrightpr.com Footnotes: (1): https:/ / www. who. int/ news-room/ fact-sheets/ detail/ chikungunya (2): https:/ / academic. oup. com/ jid/ article/ 214/ suppl_5/ S441/ 2632641 (3): https:/ / cmr. asm. org/ content/ 31/ 1/ e00104-16 (4): https:/ / jvi. asm. org/ content/ jvi/ 88/ 20/ 11644. full. pdf (5): https:/ / ecdc. europa. eu/ en/ chikungunya/ threats-and-outbreaks/ chikungunya-fever-eueea (6): https:/ / www. cdc. gov/ chikungunya/ geo/ united-states. html This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Tran Quoc Nghien Avenue providing a romantic highlight for Halong City Successes in the battle against COVID-19 Following the governments directions, right from the beginning, Quang Ninh has been keeping tabs on and reacted to the daily development of the COVID-19 pandemic by stopping all tourism activities and closing the province to tourists going to and coming from infected regions before the lunar New Year (Tet). In Mong Cai city, around 100 control points were set up to operate around the clock at border gates and highways from Mong Cai city to Binh Lieu district. During the 17th meeting of the Peoples Committee of Quang Ninh, Nguyen Xuan Ky, Chairman of the Peoples Committee, has emphasised that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a severe economic and social crisis in the country. Recognising the potential danger of the pandemic, Quang Ninh has proactively and creatively responded to the pandemic to ensure utmost efficiency. Subsequently, Quang Ninh has been avoiding being reactive and caught by surprises. Moreover, the province has also managed to stabilise its economic growth, with its tourism sector reopened effectively and confidently as a safe and attractive destination. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had praised Quang Ninh as one of localities having great efforts in fighting COVID-19 pandemic with tremendous enthusiasm and creativity, contributing to the nations success in pandemic containment. On May 24, at a meeting with the province-based National Assembly delegates, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc praised Quang Ninh as one of the municipalities which have exerted great efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic with tremendous enthusiasm and creativity, contributing to the nations success in controlling the pandemic. Quang Ninh is also the first municipality in the country to open a quarantined hospital with full supply of modern facilities and specialised staff, ready to operate 24/7. Its plan to welcome Vietnamese citizens from Wuhan, the epicentre of the pandemic, the US, South Korea, Russia, and other countries via Van Don International Airport has proven effective. The province has emerged as a great example of controlling the pandemic and remained an attractive destination for everyone. The top choice to visitors Quang Ninh, with more than 600 historical and cultural monuments, five special national monuments, three national monuments, and eight provincial monuments and a diverse vista of mountains and sea, has always been an attractive tourist destination. The province's appeal has been improved by constantly improving transportation and service facilities and innovating tourism products and services. Along with this, Co To has been turned into a paradise of northern Vietnam with dozens of romantic beaches, blue seas, and white sandy beaches spreading among more than 50 islets of various sizes. The most popular destinations are Co To lighthouse, Cau My rock field, Van Chay Beach, and the Road of Love. Binh Lieu is considered the Sapa of Quang Ninh with its cool climate and terraced paddy fields lining the never-ending mountain roads. Tien Yen is famous for its chicken dishes and Pac Sui waterfall. As soon as the pandemic was brought under control, many regions of Quang Ninh have started to report a rapid rebound in the number of visitors. On May 22-23, the number of visitors to Co To Island had soared to more than 4,000. Now is also the time when diverse summer tourism activities are taking place in Co To, with the highlight being the commencement of the high-speed cruise connection between Co To and Tuan Chau, Ha Long as well as thefarm tripboosting tourism at Co To and connecting tourism through Ha Long, Cat Ba, and Co To. Typhoon Water Park at Sun World Halong Complex From now on, visiting Co To only takes two hours starting right at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port instead of Cai Rong Port in Van Don using Tuan Chau Express, a two-bed cruise of European standards, helping to ensure absolute safety even when cruising far from the coastline in tough climate conditions. For Mong Cai city, after four months of closing the border gates to visitors and prolonged social distancing, about 170,000 visitors have visited the city since the start of May. According to Quang Ninhs Department of Tourism, thanks to reducing and exempting entrance and service fees since May 14, in the first three days (May 15-17), more than 22,600 visitors had come to Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Museum, and Yen Tu Mountain. Moreover, all tourist attractions in the province have seen a rising number of daily visitors, especially during weekends. Increasing charm With the goal of turning Halong city into a modern, attractive, and friendly tourism centre, the city has prioritised resources on transportation facilities. One of these key infrastructure investments is the Tran Quoc Nghien coastline highway which is 6.2km long with the total investment of VND1.726 trillion ($75 million), fully coming from the provincial budget. The highway has been expanded from four to six lanes with five metres of pavement, and the 900m Hon Gai public beach will be built at the end of the road. This highway aims to boost tourism growth across the province while also improving the attraction of other coastline spots like museums, Vincom Ha Long commercial centre, and Square 30/10. On May 23, Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh in Cam Pha, the first hot stream resort in Vietnam, was put into operation. This totally new tourism product in Quang Ninh was funded by Sun Group. Water samples had been sent to Tokyo, Japan for analysis and review, and have received positive readings regarding mineral content that are good for the health such as metasilicic acid, boric acid, and especially more than 40mg/l of bromine. As one of the three mineral water sources with the highest concentration of bromine in the world, Quang Ninhs hot water stream is the backbone of this luxury resort a highlight in the middle of the great natural setting of Quang Ninh. Yoko Onsen Resort resembles a small and peaceful Japanese village. 27 pools in the public areas consist of carbonated water, caved pools, pressurised pools, iced pools, kids pool, and more, along with Japanese-style saunas bringing in a variety of leisure and physical therapies. Dang Minh Truong, chairman of the board of Sun Group, stated: Being able to welcome a large amount of visitors any time during the year, Yoko Onsen Quang Ninh will improve seasonal tourism which has suppressed the development of our countrys tourism industry, transforming Quang Ninh into a four-season tourist destination. The Dong Son-Ky Thuong nature preservation zone the green lung of Quang Ninh will be a unique natural destination of Quang Ninh. At the beginning of May, Quang Ninh called for consultation about the plan to develop and construct Vinpearl Safari nature preservation and tourism zone. Vinpearl Safarizone will be located in four wards: Vu Oai, Hoa Binh, Ky Thuong, and Dong Lam of Ha Long city. The proposed area will cover 1.135ha of land, mostly within the Dong Son-Ky Thuong nature preservation zone. Despite being in the early phase of construction, the safari promises to be an appealing destination in the near future. With Onsen Quang Hanh, the 99-story Domino tower within the resort complex of Sun Group in Bai Chay and Vinpearl Safari, Quang Ninh will be the most fascinating four-season destinations in the northern region for domestic and international visitors alike. EPA Chechnyas gay-purging strongman Ramzan Kadyrov has made an unexpected foray into US politics by suggesting Donald Trump might have a thing or two to learn from him about human rights. In a social media post published early on Tuesday morning, the controversial leader demanded American authorities put an end to mayhem and illegal actions against citizens. Police are lynching people right on the streets of American cities, he wrote. They are strangling citizens, beating them up, ramming them with cars. Mr Kadyrov called on international institutions and the United Nations to intervene to protect against human rights violations ... and extrajudicial executions. The comments will have surprised many of Mr Kadyrovs compatriots back home in Chechnya, the Islamic republic on Russias southern border, where he has a long history of crushing dissent and systematic human rights violations. The all-powerful leader is believed to be behind the killings of several prominent critics. They include the journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was gunned down at her Moscow home in 2006, activist Natalya Estemirova, abducted from her home in Chechnya in 2006, and opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, shot in the shadows of the Kremlin in 2015. Some of the worlds toughest dictators can now legitimately use Minneapolis as the basis for demanding respect Ekaterina Sokirianskaia, longtime observer of Chechnya The Chechen leader has also been credibly linked to the abduction, torture and murder of LGBT+ people living in Chechnya in a series of purges beginning in 2017. In an interview with HBO, Mr Kadyrov attempted to brush off the allegations by claiming no such people existed in Chechnya. This no-nonsense style has been on display in recent weeks too. Erring on the stricter side of a Covid-19 lockdown, Mr Kadyrov first sent his feared security forces to patrol Chechen streets with sticks. Then, he suggested executing those who fail to self-isolate properly. In May, he appeared to succumb to the virus himself, though he doggedly refused to admit falling ill. Story continues Ekaterina Sokirianskaia, director of the Conflict Analysis and Prevention Centre and an experienced observer of Chechnya, said US authorities had potentially opened themselves up to a charge of hypocrisy. Sadly, the situation in Minneapolis has deteriorated to such an extent that some of the worlds toughest dictators can now legitimately use it to demand respect from President Trump, she said. If the US fails to deal with its domestic challenge in line with the high principles it promotes worldwide, the devaluation of human rights will be catastrophic. Read more Two killed and 40 held in new Chechen gay purge, activists say During the late 1960s, the last time the U.S. faced mass unrest on this level, militant groups like the Weather Underground spoke about their desire to bring the war back homemeaning, to bring the struggle of the Viet Cong and other leftist guerrilla movements to the U.S. homeland. Today, by contrast, it seems to be the U.S. political leaders who want to bring the war home. The heavily armed police, National Guardsmen, and Black Hawk helicopters confronting protesters reflect the rhetoric, legal framework, and military tactics developed over 20 years of the global war on terrorism. Now that approach is being applied to the conflict playing out on American streets. Advertisement On Sunday, President Donald Trump announced that The United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization. He almost certainly doesnt have the legal authority to do thisthe U.S. only designates foreign terrorist organizationsand its a stretch to even call antifa, a shorthand for anti-fascist activists, a loosely coordinated, sometimes militant movement that mobilizes against the far-right, an organization. Even Trumps own Department of Homeland Security says theres little evidence that organized extremists are behind the current unrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of George Floyds killing by police in Minneapolis, protesters have gathered at demonstrations in all 50 states. Theres no central organizing group behind the marches, and antifa constitute a tiny portion of participants. But an extremist threat is necessary in order to justify turning the law enforcement response into a quasi-military operation, and other officials quickly took their cues from Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Florida congressman Matthew Gaetz wrote, in a tweet flagged by Twitter for glorifying violence, Now that we clearly see Antifa as terrorists, can we hunt them down like we do those in the Middle East? Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas wrote, lets see how tough these Antifa terrorists are when theyre facing off with the 101st Airborne Division. No quarter for insurrectionists, anarchists, rioters, and looters. (He later denied that by no quarter, he was calling for the insurrectionists to be massacred, a common understanding of the term and a war crime.) In a call with state governors, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper called on them to dominate the battle space in order to overwhelm the protests, a startling description of American cities. Esper later clarified that he was merely using the military lexicon that I grew up with to describe an area of operations rather than the people within it. On the same call, Trump told governors, And you cant do the deal where they get one week in jail, he said. These are terrorists. These are terrorists. And theyre looking to do bad things to our country. Advertisement Advertisement Monday night featured the grim spectacle of Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, wearing military fatigues to accompany Trump for a photo-op across the street from the White House. A Black Hawk helicopter operated by the D.C. National Guard flew low over protesters in what the New York Times called a a standard tactic used by military aircraft in combat zones to scatter insurgents. The capital was heavily militarized on Tuesday night with combat vehicles on the streets and rows of armored National Guard troops guarding the Lincoln Memorial. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also threatened to deploy active military forcesas opposed to state-controlled National Guardas an occupying force to dominate the protesters. As Slates Fred Kaplan writes, Active-duty battalions trained to fight in places like Fallujah, Iraq, and Kandahar, Afghanistanwould only aggravate the turmoil. Advertisement Advertisement No doubt, if this happens, it will be justified by the need to defeat antifa terrorists. Even before Trump, the federal governments definition of a terrorist has gotten looser and looser. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Congress passed an authorization for the use of military force against the perpetrators of the attacks and nations that harbored them. But the authorization was sufficiently vague and flexible that over the years it has been used to legally justify military operations in more than a dozen countries around the world, sometimes against groups, like ISIS in Syria for instance, that didnt even exist in 2001. U.S. troops have been deployed on so many counterterrorism missions that key senators sometimes arent even aware of what countries theyre deployed to. While theoretically these missions are meant to protect the U.S. from terrorist threats, oftenas in the case of the escalating drone war in SomaliaAmerican firepower has been deployed in local conflicts with little discernible connection to U.S. interests at a high cost in civilian casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both the Obama and Trump administrations have pushed presidential powers to use military force without congressional action to an absurd extent in their bids to justify the intervention in Libya, the airstrikes against Bashar al-Assads military, and this years killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The practice of targeted killings and drone strikes has obliterated the distinction between war zones and nonwar zones, making the entire world a legitimate space (a battle space, if you will) for military action, so long as a potential terrorist threat can be identified, no matter how minor. Advertisement It was only a matter of time before this global battlefield would come to encompass the U.S. as well. In fact, the groundwork has been laid for years. Dozens of police departments have established counterterrorism units funded by the federal government. As the threat of foreign terrorism on American soil has dwindled, these efforts have been turned on Americans. Advertisement Notably, the New York Police Department has operated an extensive and well-funded counterterrorism unit that engaged in unconstitutional surveillance of Muslim U.S. citizens in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The counterterrorism funding has been used to create a massive surveillance camera network throughout the city, complete with a searchable image database. A federal program has transferred billions of dollars in surplus military hardware to police departments around the countrywhich has been on display in the militarized law enforcement response over the past week. Its often said that the U.S. military shouldnt act as the worlds policemen, but increasingly, U.S. policemen look more like the military. Trump is now the third U.S. president to take full advantage of the legal liberties provided by the global war on terror. He has made frequent threats of military force against U.S. adversaries and ordered scorched-earth counterterrorism tactics that often border on war crimes, while frequently claiming he wants to bring U.S. troops home. Many, including his political opponents, share a desire to bring them home after decades of war, but bringing them home to continue fighting, this time against U.S. citizens, is probably not what most people had in mind. At least 15 of the graduating cadets who returned to West Point ahead of President Trumps commencement speech in June tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a U.S. Army spokeswoman. None of those cadets had coronavirus symptoms, and the virus had not spread from them to any other cadets among the class of 1,106 since they returned to the U.S. Military Academy last week, the spokeswoman, Col. Sunset Belinsky, said on Tuesday. She said that the academy learned that the 15 had the coronavirus after all cadets were tested immediately upon arriving on campus. The cadets who tested positive were immediately isolated. The Army and West Point have done meticulous planning to ensure the health and safety of the returning cadets of the U.S. Military Academys class of 2020, Colonel Belinsky said. There is mandatory screening for all, and weve had a small number about 1.5 percent test positive. This was anticipated. In April, Mr. Trump abruptly said he would speak at West Point after the cadets had already been sent home because of concerns about the coronavirus. The presidents announcement came one day before Vice President Mike Pence delivered the commencement address at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Colorado. TROY City police are preparing for potential demonstrations - with officers stationed on the central police station roof on State Street Wednesday, as well as metal fencing starting to be erected across the street and stacked on street corners. Members of the citys Emergency Response Team were standing outside with uniformed officers as the city prepares for the planned Troy Rally for Black Lives Sunday at Riverfront Park. Troy is the only one of the Capital Regions three major cities not to have seen protests and rallies grow out of the death of George Floyd, who had a Minneapolis police officer kneel on his neck for more than eight minutes. The officer has since been charged with second-degree murder. While demonstrations have been peaceful in Albany, further activity at night has lead to vandalism and looting. Schenectady's streets were calm after a peaceful protest there Sunday. Law enforcement sources said the Troy Police Departments riot gear was brought out of storage to the station. The Rensselaer County Sheriffs Office has offered training and riot gear to local police departments, according to town officials. I cant get into our tactical preparedness or where our equipment may be, Deputy Chief Dan DeWolf said. At least two officers, one in camouflage who appeared to be taking pictures, walked around the roof. Two white canopy tents had been set up on top of the building. County workers were taking pictures of the officers from the elevated parking lot at the county office building. Deputy Kyle Bourgault, a spokesman for the sheriffs office, declined to discuss the status of the agencys riot gear or its discussions with the town police departments in the county. Richard Crist, the county director of operations, said the county will not discuss any equipment requests or tactics. Troy and county officials have watched the demonstrations in Albany and Schenectady. The protests were peaceful during the day in both cities. But late Saturday night in Albany, the scene around the police's South Station became violent as rocks, bricks and incindiary devices were thrown at police officers. Vandalism and looting was also widespread. Police once again shot tear gas and flash bang grenades at remaining protesters Monday night outside city police headquarters on Henry Johnson Boulevard. The crowd there had thinned, but someone began lighting off fireworks, with others attempting to further agitate police. Many storefronts in downtown Troy are boarded up with plywood after business owners saw the results of late night looting Saturday into Sunday on South Pearl Street and Central Avenue in Albany. The windows of more stores were being covered up Wednesday. Troy officials had to determine if a demonstration was going to be held Wednesday at Riverfront Park. The group Justice for Dahmeek, one of the grassroot organizations coordinating the event at 2 p.m. Sunday at Riverfront Park, said on Facebook the flyer that went viral announcing the Wednesday event was a draft. Attn: There is no rally set for today (6/3). The official Troy Rally for Black Lives is this Sunday 6/7 in Riverfront Park, was posted on storefronts and CDTA bus shelters. CDTA stopped picking up passengers at the rally site Wednesday in anticipation of a protest. The city, the county and the towns are prepared, County Executive Steve McLaughlin said during his Facebook appearance Wednesday. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. We expect, I think thats a key word, expect it will be a positive experience and it will be peaceful and calm. Were not going to put up with stuff that happened in other cities and states, McLaughlin said. In a statement, McLaughlin said, We expect any upcoming protests will be peaceful and allow for a meaningful expression of feelings and opinions on a vitally important issue. Anyone who unfortunately acts in a way that threatens a person's safety or property can expect to face the full measure of the law." Meanwhile, McLaughlin has been urging all businesses in the county to reopen after being shut for the coronavirus pandemic, while advising them not to jeopardize their operations if they have any state licenses or oversight. Phase two began Wednesday in the Capital Region, allowing retail to open with certain distancing restrictions. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said businesses that violate the law would still be held accountable for fines and other penalties, including potentially being shut down. I dont think telling people to violate the law is a good idea, Cuomo said. You still get the fine or whatever the penalty is for violating the law. McLaughlin has often attacked the governor and Wednesday said online, This is about control and power of a dictatorial governor. He added that he ought to light up some things. In a statement, McLaughlin said, The reopening process has unfairly been hijacked by the governor, who has not lived up to his promise to follow the science and instead is jeopardizing the economic stability and quality of life of our residents." An $80 million redevelopment application to turn Kardinya Park shopping centre into a major commercial and residential hub could be subject to long delays, despite recent government moves to fast-track all high-value developments to kickstart WAs recovery. Kardinya Parks biggest offering for three decades has been a Coles and a Kmart but the proposal is to transform it into a town centre complete with cinema, 12-storey apartment block, public plaza and dining precinct, 50 per cent more retail space, multi-level car park, healthcare tenancies and a mechanic. Plans for the prominent corner of North Lake Road and South Street: the council's design review panel says putting a mechanic on this spot is a "wasted opportunity" to activate the street. Credit:Hames Sharley To facilitate the height and density increase required to include the apartment block, as well as the development application for the central site, the developer was supposed to submit an activity centre plan for the wider area. This would provide a framework to rezone the residential streets within a 400-metre radius, bringing the potential for apartments and townhouses to be built within the leafy, sprawling older suburb. ATLANTA I frantically screamed into the phone to my teenage son: Lance, WHERE ARE YOU?! Social media posts were swirling that protests were being planned in Atlanta in response to the death of George Floyd, a black Minnesotan, while a police officer knelt on his neck. Although as mayor, the chief of police reports to me, in that moment, I knew what every other parent to a black child in America knows: I could not protect my son. To anyone who saw him, he was simply who he is, a black man-child in the promised land that we all know as America. I know that as a mayor of one of the largest cities in our country, I should now be offering solutions. But the only comforting words I have to offer so far are those that I know to be most true: that we are better than this; that we as a country are better than the barbaric actions that we are forced to keep watching play out on our screens like a grotesque horror movie stuck on repeat. We are better than the hatred and anger that consumes so many of us. We are better than this deplorable disease called racism that remains so rampant. With each passing second separating me from the peace of mind a mother feels having secured the safety of her children, I could not waste minutes articulating all of those things to my son. All I could say was, Baby, please come home now! Its not safe for black boys to be out today. A fishing trawler in Washington state has 86 crew members who tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said. Ship operator American Seafoods said the American Dynasty trawler first docked in Bellingham May 26, The Bellingham Herald reported. The Seattle-based crew are not showing symptoms and remained on the ship while it was in Bellingham, the company said. The results of nine tests are still outstanding. The American Dynasty returned to the Port of Seattle and is under quarantine, American Seafoods said in a statement. The crew has access to any required medical care, and we are thrilled with the support that the agencies we are working with have provided, American Seafoods CEO Mikel Durham said. We have also put in place preparedness procedures in the event of a virus outbreak, Durham said. The American Dynasty can carry a crew of 142 and is a factory vessel fishing for pollock, hake and sole. The ship was carrying a crew of 124, including a medic, American Seafoods spokesperson Suzanne Lagoni said. A crew member tested positive for the coronavirus while the ship was docked in Bellingham and remains in a hospital for treatment after being admitted Friday. American Seafoods said it activated its COVID-19 response plan, which includes testing all crew members on board. Crew members were screened and tested through the University of Washington before boarding the vessel, Durham said. American Seafoods is based in Seattle and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. It has six vessels in its fleet, which fish for pollock, whiting, code and yellowfin sole in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics COVID-19 Washington Chinas navy has claimed a victory against sand, turning a stretch of beach on an artificial island in the South China Sea into a vegetable patch. In a report posted on its official microblog account on the weekend, the navy said it had harvested more than 750kg (1,650lbs) of vegetables from a 2,000 square metre (half an acre) sandy plot on Woody Island, also known as Yongxing Island in China, in the disputed Paracels. China claims much of the South China Sea and has stationed weapons and troops on some of the artificial islands it has built. But it has been a challenge to supply those troops with provisions such as fresh food and water because of the vast distances involved. This signals China has made initial success in growing vegetables on beaches in the Paracel Islands, the report said, adding the technique could help solve vegetable shortages confronting the troops stationed in the South China Sea. To grow the crop, the troops mixed a cellulose solution with the sand, building on research carried out in Chongqing and Inner Mongolia by scientists at Chongqing Jiaotong University, the report said. One of the university researchers, Zhao Chaohua, was quoted as saying that the technique was cheap and easy to apply. If this can be applied to other places, it can not only solve the vegetable shortage problem, but also help vegetate islands and shoals [in the South China Sea], Zhao said. Ma Shaoshuai, a soldier stationed on the island, said that at first he did not think the project would bear fruit. In the beginning, I had no confidence in this experiment Id never heard of planting vegetables in sand, Ma was quoted as saying. Qiu Hua, a veteran soldier who has been on the island for two decades, said the plot could yield five or six harvests a year. We planted the seeds on April 4 and harvested on May 12. It was so fast, Qiu said. The military has sought to overcome food supply problems in other ways, including a large refrigerator that can keep vegetables fresh for two months during long maritime surveys. Story continues It also set aside more than 1 billion yuan in its 2011-2015 plan to increase vegetable production in more than 400 brigades and legions, and built more than 2,000 storehouses in northern China and Tibet to keep vegetables fresh in cold weather. Sign up now and get a 10% discount (original price US$400) off the China AI Report 2020 by SCMP Research. Learn about the AI ambitions of Alibaba, Baidu & JD.com through our in-depth case studies, and explore new applications of AI across industries. The report also includes exclusive access to webinars to interact with C-level executives from leading China AI companies (via live Q&A sessions). Offer valid until 31 May 2020. This article South China Sea: is this vegetable patch the answer to the Chinese navys food supply problem? first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. A black New York senator believes African-Americans are being wrongly targeted by police as he recalls how he was pepper-sprayed and arrested during protests that continue to engulf major cities across the US in the wake of George Floyds death. Senator Zellnor Myrie was a part of peaceful protests on Friday in New York City when police officers on bicycles advanced on the crowd. LIVE BLOG: George Floyd protests sweep across US In his attempts to shield protesters from officers hitting us in our legs and backs while being yelled at and shoved, officers pepper sprayed Senator Myrie and placed him in handcuffs. He later shared Reuters photos of his arrest to his Twitter account, sparking widespread anger over the handling of protesters. The tweet, simply captioned Pain, and showing a screaming Senator Myrie as two officers restrain him, has since been liked more than 40,000 times. In the images, he is wearing a bright green t-shirt with Senator Myrie written on the back. He said he alerted law enforcement as soon as he arrived at the protest that he was there. He appeared on Channel Nines Today show on Wednesday morning, revealing he believes he, like many other protesters, were targeted simply because of the colour of his skin. It goes to the heart of why we are protesting. Many of us have been targeted simply because we are black. Senator Zellnor Myrie believes black people are being wrongly targeted by police during protests. Source: Today The numbers bear that out. The deaths bear that out. The lack of consequences bear that out as well. There is a lack of trust between black communities and law enforcement because we've been treated as disposable. Senator Myrie revealed he was released shortly after when one officer realised his identity. Yet he believes other protesters were not as lucky, many of whom are facing criminal records, he said. Story continues There were many people I was protesting with that did not have the luxury of a title, didn't have the connections and they are suffering through that right now. Looting continues to mar New York protests Unrest throughout New York City has worsened in the days since Senator Myries arrest. The city will remain under curfew until at least Sunday after another night of looting marred largely peaceful protests over Floyd's death in police custody in Minneapolis. Shopkeepers and cleaning crews swept glass from shattered windows and boarded up storefronts in midtown Manhattan on Tuesday morning (local time), one of the areas worst hit by the looting. Police run towards people as they jump out of a store in New York. Source: AP After ransacking luxury stores in SoHo on Sunday night, looters targeted the shopping district at the city's heart on Monday night, including Macy's iconic flagship department store in Herald Square. Sneakers were scattered on the glass-covered floor of a nearby Foot Locker store. Cleaning crews tried to wash away signs of the night's events from building walls. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday condemned the looting as unacceptable. He told a daily briefing he was extending an 8pm to 5am curfew through Sunday "to ensure there will be peace and order today and tonight, all week in New York City." Protesters march through midtown New York as part of a demonstration on Tuesday. Source: AP Monday's decision by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the mayor to impose the first curfew, beginning at 11pm, in the city since 1943 did not succeed in halting violence and looting overnight. More than 700 people were arrested on Monday night into Tuesday morning, New York Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said, as thousands of protesters across the city demanded reforms and an end to police brutality. Cuomo said on Tuesday the police failed to stop looting and other crime in the city and that de Blasio underestimated the scope of the problem. De Blasio, who said the protests have been largely peaceful, called on community leaders to step forward and help quell the violence. "Do not let outsiders attack your community, do not let a violent few attack your community, do not let criminals attack your community, stand up," he said. Cuomo earlier criticised President Donald Trump over his threat to deploy the US army across the nation if domestic terror wasnt brought to an end. with Reuters 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. One team includes Transurban, which operates toll lanes on the Beltway and Interstate 95 in Northern Virginia. Another includes Meridiam. A firm with the same name leads the public-private partnership on Marylands light-rail Purple Line, but a spokeswoman for the Maryland Department of Transportation would not confirm whether it is the same company. That partnership has recently come under scrutiny for long-standing disagreements between the private sector and the state over significant delays and cost overruns. Streets across the Bay Area filled with people clutching homemade signs, chanting and marching peacefully on a fifth day of region-wide protests sparked by the killing last week of George Floyd, an African American man, in Minneapolis police custody. People gathered in San Francisco, East Oakland, Redwood City, Vallejo and San Jose on Tuesday evening to demand an end to police brutality against black people. The gatherings mostly abided by mandatory curfews implemented to prevent looting and violence that broke out the past few nights. But in some areas, crowds defied the curfews. Before the curfew in San Mateo County, hundreds clustered in front of Fox Theater in Redwood Citys Courthouse Square. On the marquee, show titles were replaced with We stand in solidarity and Black lives matter. People chanted I cant breathe words spoken by Floyd as he pleaded for air while Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck. Four officers were fired and Chauvin was charged with murder in Floyds death. On a corner near the Peninsula protest, 33-year-old Alexa Sol stood outside her familys Mexican restaurant Quinto Sol. The boarded-up windows were scribbled with a message of solidarity: Siempre Unidos. Together our voices are stronger, Sol, a Mountain View resident said. The plight of the Latino people, we can sympathize with the plight of the black community. This is the time where we all have to see past race we need to really be here as one, as a people, as human beings. Noah Berger / Associated Press As the evening progressed, one group sat cross-legged in the street at Broadway and Woodside Road while a row of California Highway Patrol officers blocked the entrance to Highway 101. Hundreds more joined to crowd the intersection with honking cars, bicyclists and dancing protesters. Shortly after San Mateo Countys 8:30 p.m. curfew, protesters began to disperse when one police officer kneeled at their request. The moment was emotional for 33-year-old Oscar Miguel Angulo Navarrete. I broke into tears, he said. It just takes one officer... and everyone is going home. Now Playing: On June 2, 2020, residents of San Franciscos Outer Sunset marched in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and against the recent death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. Video: Manjula Varghese / The Chronicle Before 9 p.m. Tuesday, the crowd which at one point consisted of hundreds of demonstrators was almost entirely gone, with less than a dozen still standing in front of the line of California Highway Patrol officers. One person was arrested for concealing a 3-foot machete inside a protest sign, according to the Redwood City Police Department. Police were notified of the hidden weapon by another protester. Across the Bay in Oakland, hundreds rallied near 8th Street and Broadway before marching around Lake Merritt and rallying outside Oakland City Hall. Christopher Preovolos / The Chronicle As curfew approached, the crowd took a knee and observed a long moment of silence. Leaders then told people to disperse and protesters navigated past a police perimeter. Im proud of what Im seeing, said Eric Eitson, a Hayward resident. Being a 30-year-old black man, this is my opportunity. History is repeating itself and Im doing my part. A small group of protesters remained at the intersection past curfew and stood in front of police officers chanting, No justice, no peace. No racist police. Authorities stood still and did not move. More than an hour into the nonviolent standoff, protesters kneeled in the street in front of police officers and sheriffs deputies, calling on the authorities to take a knee. Can we get one? one man said. Show that youre human beings, said another. No officers budged for nearly an hour. After more speeches and chants from protesters, one officer took a knee for a few seconds. Thank you, thank you so much, one person said while the group clapped. Law enforcement officers and protesters dispersed shortly after 10 p.m. when authorities reopened Broadway to traffic. No arrests were made and police said they had no reports of violence, damage, looting or burglary. Rita Beamish / The Chronicle Tonight the Oakland Police Department chose not to enact the curfew order as the demonstrators were exercising their First Amendment rights in a peaceful manner, said Interim Police Chief Susan Manheimer later in the evening. The curfew is a flexible tool that will be applied with discretion when dealing with crowds that create public safety threats or that require extraordinary resources after dark. It will allow those resources to be to where they are needed to rapidly respond to critical calls for service and protect our city. Earlier, Peter Ruiz stood outside his apartment across from the lake holding up a Black Lives Matter sign as the crowd marched by. Im a supporter, Ruiz said, adding that he didnt fault the previous marches for ending in chaos. Weve tolerated black people being murdered and imprisoned for years, and its time for a change. Oakland protesters shouted the names of Floyd and Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old African American woman fatally shot by Louisville police inside her home in March. Police officers stood shoulder-to-shoulder while protesters standing feet away yelled Black lives matter. A 23-year-old teacher who identified herself as Destiny C. from Oakland said she thinks the police should be ashamed. Now Playing: East Bay columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. talks about the rage and unrest that's followed the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, and his experience covering the protests as a black journalist. Video: San Francisco Chronicle 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. We shouldnt be out here fighting for our lives. For our freedom to be human, she said. People should be ashamed of themselves. Ronnie Williams, a property manager at a nearby building in Downtown Oakland, stood at the periphery of the crowd at 8th and Broadway. He said he had been afraid to go out to previous demonstrations, worrying that his emotions would get the better of him. In San Francisco, roughly a hundred people marched near City Hall around 6 p.m. for about an hour. San Francisco resident Shane Zaldivar, 29, stood dressed as Lady Liberty blasting from a speaker the voices of people like Malcolm X, Angela Davis and the mother of Oscar Grant. I havent been able to sleep, Zaldivar said. This is my small way of helping. ... I have a speaker and glitter. And glitter always gets attention. About 40 people gathered at 8 p.m. outside City Hall to protest the curfew. Many of those protesting the curfew were members of the San Francisco chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. By 10 p.m., police arrested the protesters who refused to leave. Earlier, families and business owners marched down the Great Highway along Ocean Beach under a clear blue afternoon sky during a Black Lives Matter march. The peaceful group of more than 1,000 people dispersed before 4 p.m. after walking from Sloat Boulevard to Lincoln Avenue. Edward Wright, legislative aide for Supervisor Gordon Mar, said he was proud of the Sunset for hosting a demonstration a rare happening. I think the Sunset is viewed as kind of a sleepy neighborhood, but today we showed that when it really counts we show up, Wright said. In Vallejo, hundreds gathered peacefully near the Waterfront Park before dark fell. An estimated 500 people, many of them young adults, marched along the water while neighbors raised fists in support from porches and yards. The gathering took a turn when Vallejo police declared the assembly unlawful after the countys 8 p.m. curfew passed. Officers deployed tear gas and rubber bullets at the crowd of roughly 100 people who remained outside Vallejo police headquarters. Later, police said groups began roving the city, and the National Guard was called in about 50 troopers helped police monitor the city. The rallying cry for justice rippled across America as protests broke out in cities nationwide. Looting and vandalism, police use of force and curfews have been reported in major U.S. cities. Lauren Hernandez, Sarah Ravani, Rachel Swan, Trisha Thadani, Christopher Preovolos and Anna Bauman are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. The Umbrellas by Christo and Jean-Claude, Japan, October 1991. Photo: Kurita KAKU/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images For the hours, days, or weeks that Christos gigantic temporary artworks existed, wrapped around buildings, bridges, landmarks, sea coasts, city parks or geologic formations, each became a mesmerizing eighth wonder of the world. People made pilgrimages to them; first-dates happened with these works of art as locus; people in their teens became future artists while gazing at them; enormous numbers of people participated in their making, shared the love, and all for no profit with no permanent footprint. Some scoff at these works as mere spectacle. They are spectacle. But that isnt nothing. Christo, who died Sunday at 84, was a structural-spiritual genie. He made you feel the sculptural aurora borealis unfolding before your disoriented delighted eyes in a sentimental epiphany about the marvelous scale and awe-inspiring impermanence of human achievement. When a Christo work was on-view, whole cities might pause in self-admiration and revelation, as if to say Look! We made this! And then this artist remade it. For us! And it doesnt have to mean anything! It just is! Isnt it wonderful?! A Christo blasts pheromones of freedom. Just saying what these projects were out loud can make you have hallucinations. I saw my first Christo from the inside in 1969, as part of a high-school class visiting the wrapped inside and outside of the brand-new Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. Each Christo strikes me still as a form of ancient mummification wrapping a body in fabric somehow transforms and makes it sacred, undergoing some sort of passage from one state to another. In 1972 came Valley Curtain: the gargantuan 365 foot high, 1,300 foot long, 150,000 square feet of bright orange curtain strung for 28 hours across a valley in the Colorado Rockies before it blew apart. I never saw the piece in flesh but you dont have to see a Christo to know or love it. (David and Albert Maysles Christos Valley Curtain won the 1974 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short.) Christos best work, like the astonishing 1995 Wrapped Reichstag in Berlin, seems both old-fashioned and decorative, renegade and punk. It calms the soul, occupies the mind, lets the imagination run free a while, making poetry out of form, allowing inner stillness, reconciliations, and odd solitudes. In 1983 there were the 11 islands in Biscayne Bay, Florida, surrounded in pink fabric, like gaudy Miami as a flamingo, weird, proud, strutting, and funny! Christo wrapped the Pont Neuf in Paris with 440,000 square feet of honey-colored woven fabric down to each of the bridges 44 street lamps. It hushed the whole city, blended in, stood-out, shocked, thrilled and slowed down time, sucking in anyone who looked at it into a collective and personal dream tunnel. How does such simultaneous ephemerality and monumentality, human and natural scale, formalism and freeform, big-thinking, crazy-love, high-aesthetics, strict engineering, theatricality, beauty and audacity co-exist? Christo and Jeanne-Claudes Surrounded Islands, Biscayne Bay, Greater Miami, Florida, 1980-83. Photo: Wolfgang Volz 1983 Christo As world-famous as Christo was, he was never a big art world critical hit. You didnt see his work in Biennials and the like. Maybe because this art was too popular, too powerful at a glance, it didnt need an art-historian to tell you which way its cosmic wind blew. Maybe it was because he and his art and life partner, Jeanne-Claude (I love that both only went by first names, like pop stars) vanished from art world conversation for years at a time as they labored and plugged away at raising money, getting permits, meeting with community groups, negotiating labor contracts, appeasing environmentalists, working with fabricators and a million other things all to realize these epic flashes of materialized form. They werent really gallery artists and only sold drawings and related objects to raise money for the monumental projects. They never accepted grants. The Christos were anti-market before anti-market became a massive marketable movement. At the end of every project the profit the two drew was always zero. As with many artists of the period, the process was as much the art as the finished product. The Christos were a team from the beginning; he with his almost indecipherable Bulgarian-accented English; she with her flaming red hair and constant wheeling and dealing. They occupy a singular place in the history of the last 120 years and are a link and brilliant bridge between Modern and classical art, popular and insider art, architecture, sculpture, earth works, cooperative economics, group engineering, and making masterpieces available to everyone for free. All their art is site-specific but feels universal. As makers they were Godzilla-sized termites, always building, harvesting material, cultivating civic soil for their structures, having huge numbers of people function almost as a singular organism, fashioning vents for optical delight, all while making some of the largest single works of art that have ever existed. In the same way that Duchamp and Meret Oppenheim stepped outside mediums and were revolutionary artists while using traditional ceramics him with his ceramic urinal, her and her fur-lined teacup the Christos are revolutionary around fabric and sewing. All are visionaries. Today, the week of his death, amidst the extended three and a half years of this terrible long American night, I wish we could enlist them to wrap the White House in black fabric shroud, a hyper-lucid mummified metaphor for the ghost ship of current pain and racism. Instead we can only mourn them, as we grieve for ourselves. Lamb and mutton prices in Western Australia could take a nosedive, after a federal decision to refuse an exemption to its live export ban will see 56,0000 stranded sheep slaughtered in the state. The stock, worth an estimated $12 million, was due to sail to the Middle East aboard the Al Kuwait live export vessel, but the trip was put on hold after several crew members tested positive for COVID-19, leaving the stock in limbo in a Baldivis feedlot. The Al Kuwait has been refused permission to sail in the northern summer. Under rules imposed in the wake of the Awassi Express scandal, when 2400 sheep died in searing heat, all live exports to the Middle East are banned between June 1 and September 14 because conditions are too hot for animals to endure. Exporter RETWA, a company with close links to the disgraced exporters behind the Awassi scandal, had applied to ship the animals after June 1, but the Department of Agriculture refused their application late on Tuesday evening, citing animal welfare and trade implications as the reasons for the decision. The EUR/USD exchange rate currently trades around $1.12020, with risk-on trade denting the US Dollar appeal on today's currency markets. On the one-month view, EUR has outperformed the USD by over 2%, but tomorrow's ECB meeting could drive near-term outlook for the single currency. "The Macron/Merkel effect has undoubtedly left its mark" says Marc-Andre Fongern, analyst at Fongern. "Promising, but words must be followed by deeds. For now, the EUR is enjoying the suffering of the USD." Currency analyst Jan Lambregts at Rabobank suggests there is room for further bullish moves for the EUR/USD but is skeptical over the 3 month view. "We are sceptical about the ability of Eurozone officials to find a budget compromise quickly and in an orderly manner. "We also see risk that eventually investors will accept that US/Chinese tensions, on-shoring and heightened unemployment around the globe will impact supply chains, consumer demand and company valuations. "While the bull market may have further to run in the near-term and the up-move in EUR/USD further to go, we remain sceptical at present that we have witnessed an enduring turn in the direction of EUR/USD. "The December high at EUR/USD 1.1239 could provide some resistance. " 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. When the first phase of the states reopening kicked off last month, allowing restaurants to open their outdoor dining areas, those without such spaces were still stuck offering only carryout. Kat Pascal, one of the owners of Farmburguesa, said a number of Grandin Village restaurants without patio seating experienced a drop in sales. So she decided to level the playing field. Pascal approached her landlord, who also owns a parking lot behind the building, about transforming the space into an outdoor dining area to be used by a number of restaurants in the neighborhood. A community patio available to patrons of Farmburguesa, Local Roots, Graces Place Pizzeria and Taaza opened Friday. It can seat between 40 and 50 people. As budget-friendly, as economical and as frugal as it appears to be, people are enjoying being outside, enjoying being in an environment with their friends or their family and doing it safely, Pascal said. Restaurants in the Roanoke and New River valleys have set up makeshift patios in parking lots, on sidewalks and in blocked-off streets while their dining rooms are closed. Though the second phase of reopening, which is scheduled to begin in much of Virginia on Friday, will allow dining rooms to open at 50% capacity, many restaurants are likely to continue offering outdoor seating in an effort to serve as many customers as possible. Restaurants licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority need approval from the agency to serve in new outdoor dining spaces. That requires submitting a diagram of the area, written approval from the local government and permission from the owner of the property if it is not owned or leased by the licensee. The effort has been worthwhile for Farmburguesa. Pascal said last weekend was one of the restaurants busiest since the pandemic shuttered its dining room. The community patio functions almost like a food court, Pascal said, where members of one party can order from different restaurants. Shes seen kids eating pizza while their parents snack on elevated appetizers. The restaurants are all offering contactless ordering. Some, like Farmburguesa, have apps that allow the customer to select outdoor dining as their delivery method. There are also QR codes at the tables that direct to online ordering, Pascal said, which fortunately all of the restaurants already had set up. Allowing restaurants to create outdoor dining spaces has brought some much-needed life to downtown Roanoke amid the pandemic, said Neal Keesee, one of the owners of 202 Social House. It got a little dead there in April, he said. The restaurant has previously offered a small amount of outdoor seating, but 202 Social House has recently expanded into the Market Square area, where it offers outdoor dining seven days a week. Keesee said Downtown Roanoke Inc. was very helpful in getting everything set up. As long as the weather is good, outdoor dining works well. Feedback from guests has been positive, he said. I think people are ready to come out and enjoy their favorite things and restaurants in a manner that can be done in accordance with the restrictions the governor has placed on this business, Keesee said. Bob Bengtson, Roanokes director of public works, said Tuesday his department has issued five permits for street closures downtown to allow restaurants to set up outdoor seating. He said other departments like planning and parks and recreation (the Market Square area falls under its purview), have fielded other requests that do not require street closures. We want our restaurants to succeed, and allowing them to expand their services to their customers is certainly a win for everyone in that regard, Bengtson said. As soon as Table 50 learned it would be able to set up a dining area on the street, the downtown Roanoke restaurant began working to get the necessary approvals, said co-owner Eric DiLauro. Its adapt or die. Youve got to do everything you can to keep the cash flow and the sales going through this process of getting back open again, he said. As soon as we hear of an opportunity or an idea to do something, were trying to stay on top of it. The outdoor dining area, which can seat about 35 people and is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, is hardly a cure-all. DiLauro said the restaurant is going into debt as the weeks go by, but the goal is to mitigate it the best we can so its able to survive the pandemic. With 13 years in business, Table 50 has a loyal customer base. DiLauro said diners are glad to be able to return. The staff is glad to see them, too. For us personally, this is what we do. We feed people, he said. This is a passion. When its taken away from you, it makes it really tough. Anything we can do to feed people is good for us, too. Getting a chance to offer al fresco dining, something Table 50 cant normally do, is a silver lining. He said the restaurants owners have wanted for years to see the city shift Market Street to pedestrian-only traffic. But outdoor dining isnt without its challenges. DiLauro said Table 50 has closed because of rain and protests downtown. Plus theres the work involved in constructing and deconstructing the space. We have to go out there every night and build a small city, do service and feed everybody and break it back down again, he said. I feel like Im running a circus these days. Blacksburg is also working with restaurants to create outdoor dining spaces, allowing them to use town-owned parking spaces and sidewalks. Matt Hanratty, assistant to the town manager, said more than a dozen requests have come in. We want to help our restaurants in any way we can, he said. The town is also exploring closing off a section of Draper Road to give businesses more options and create a safer environment, Hanratty said. Even as dining rooms reopen, Hanratty said he expects many restaurants will continue to offer outdoor seating. Any way that they can expand their footprint to try to get closer to capacity is helpful, he said. Michelle Berry, general manager of The Milk Parlor in Blacksburg, became interested in creating an outdoor seating area after noticing how busy restaurants with patios had become. And The Milk Parlor, which did not previously offer any outdoor seating, had seen a dip in sales since other restaurants opened their patios to guests. Berry contacted the town and was quickly approved to turn three parking spaces into a dining area that can seat between 25 and 30 people. I think that people will be really excited to be able to come back and dine with us again, even if its outside instead of inside, she said. Customers have been asking if The Milk Parlor would be setting up tables outside, Berry said, so she expects a good turnout once the news is officially out on social media. On Wednesday the restaurant was just finishing setting up. 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. Scuffles broke out between Madagascar police and protesters on Wednesday as citizens took to the streets in the eastern town of Toamasina to denounce anti-coronavirus lockdown measures. Tensions flared after a police officer allegedly beat a street vendor accused of breaching an afternoon ban on commercial activities, according to an AFP reporter at the scene. Pictures of the man lying on the ground were shared on social media, sparking anger among the town's residents. Protesters burned tyres, blocked roads and threw stones at security forces, who responded with rubber bullets. Police denied committing any form of violence and claim the street vendor had returned home after a brief hospital visit. "The mobs are still continuing and security forces are restoring order," they said in a statement on Wednesday night. Soldiers were dispatched to maintain order and enforce measures against coronavirus. By RIJASOLO (AFP) Madagascar's government sent troops and doctors to Toamasina last week after two people died from coronavirus and the number of cases spiked. The Indian Ocean island nation has registered around 900 infections to date and six deaths -- all of which were recorded in Toamasina. The soldiers were dispatched to maintain order and enforce measures against coronavirus, such as wearing face masks and maintaining social distance. "Coronavirus does not exist here, the state is manipulating us," the protesters shouted. "We are going to show these soldiers from (the capital) Antananarivo what we are made of," they said. Hours before the clashes, a town collective took to social media to denounce President Andry Rajoelina's decision to send troops as well as his response to the pandemic -- demanding he step down within 12 hours. "I do not understand, there is no war here," Toamasina waitress Teodety Raharimamy complained. Madagascar's government sent troops and doctors to Toamasina last week after two people died from coronavirus and the number of cases spiked. By RIJASOLO (AFP) "We are fighting an invisible virus, and they are sending out the military rather than doctors." Rajoelina imposed a lockdown on Madagascar's three main cities at the end of March to try and contain the spread of infection. Restrictions have been gradually lifted in Antananarivo and in the southeastern city of Fianarantsoa, but Toamasina residents remain under confinement. Meanwhile, authorities across the island have been handing out a herbal tea touted by the president as a powerful remedy against COVID-19. The potential benefits of the drink, called Covid-Organics, have not been validated by any scientific study. HOUSTON As protesters clash with riot squads in cities across the country, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo has drawn national praise for his willingness to march with activists and call for officers to be held accountable when they kill without justification. Days after George Floyds death last week under the knee of Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin, Acevedo was among the first big city police chiefs to speak out, telling The Washington Post that actions have to have consequences. When President Donald Trump called on governors to dominate protesters in the streets, Acevedo responded on national television with a message of his own: Keep your mouth shut. And on Sunday, in a video that drew more than 10 million views, Acevedo a Cuban-born immigrant who became Houstons first Latino police chief in 2016 choked up as he told marchers in Houston that he was angry, just like them. We will march as a department with everybody in this community. I will march until I cant stand no more, he said in the viral clip, as protesters cheered. Image: Art Acevedo (Sergio Flores / Getty Images) But a much different scene unfolded Tuesday night in the hours after a large protest march through downtown Houston, Floyds hometown. As the sun began to set, after most of the estimated 60,000 marchers had gone home, a smaller group of activists surrounded Acevedo in the middle of a street and started demanding answers. Full coverage of George Floyds death and protests around the country They wanted to know why his department had refused to release body camera footage from six recent deadly police shootings in Houston. Some in the crowd shouted insults, calling Acevedo a f------ liar and a hypocrite. As Acevedo turned away from the agitated crowd, someone doused him with a bottle of water. A man yelled for him to resign. You walk with Minnesota, one protester shouted. Will you walk for what happens in Houston? The tense moment highlighted a growing frustration simmering among activists in Houston who have accused Acevedo of striking a conciliatory tone during national media interviews, but then failing to back up his words with reforms in his own department. And the confrontation underscores a broader concern shared among those leading marches across the country following Floyds death: The fear that widespread social unrest will lead to heartwarming photos of police officers hugging protesters, but wont be followed by substantive policy changes to prevent future deaths. Story continues They say one thing, and they do another, said Ashton Woods, the lead organizer of Black Lives Matter Houston, who has called on Acevedo to be more transparent and to hold his own officers accountable after fatal police shootings. I think hes as smooth as a snake, and at this point, I dont trust that hes going to do what he says. Woods and other activists arent the only ones pushing for increased police transparency in Houston. In an op-ed Friday, the Houston Chronicle editorial board called on Acevedo to release police body cam footage from the six fatal shootings by his officers over a recent six-week period. Five of those killed were black or Latino. According to Acevedo, so were most of the officers all of whom remain on staff pending investigations. In one case in April, cellphone footage appears to show 27-year-old Nicolas Chavez on his knees when police opened fire. The Houston Police Department has asked the FBI to investigate. The string of shooting deaths comes a little more than a year after a Houston narcotics squad killed two people during a botched drug raid, drawing national scrutiny. An investigation found that the officer at the center of the case, Gerald Goines, had falisfied evidence to justify the deadly raid, prompting murder chargers against him and leading prosecutors to review hundreds of his prior cases. Among those who were notified that their convictions may have been tainted: George Floyd. A little more than a year before his killing sparked nationwide protests, Floyd received a letter on March 8, 2019, alerting him that Goines may have been involved in Floyds arrest on drug possession charges 15 years earlier, before he left Houston for Minneapolis. In public remarks about the deadly raid, Acevedo has said that Goines dishonored the department, but said the other officers involved in the raid acted in good faith. He said the charges against Goines demonstrated that his agency could police itself. During an interview on the NBCs TODAY show on Wednesday, when pressed about whether he would release body cam footage from the recent string of shootings, Acevedo was noncommittal, saying that his department would do so in at least one of the cases. He said he didnt want to release footage in a couple of the others, though, because they could result in criminal charges, and he didnt want publicity of the footage to interfere with future legal cases. In another, he said the victims family didnt want it released. He told TODAY that there needs to be a national standard for how and when police agencies release body cam footage. Despite the criticisms, some marchers on Tuesday praised Acevedo for his willingness to talk with protesters. One man who had been shouting at Acevedo gave him a hug afterward and thanked him for listening; Acevedo gave the man his phone number and suggested they continue their conversation once things calmed down. Download the NBC News app for full coverage and alerts on this story After the heated confrontation with protesters, Acevedo grabbed a bullhorn and responded to those who had been yelling at him. He blamed much of the unrest that evening on white protesters who he said came in from Austin to cause trouble. And he urged them to listen to what hes been saying in recent weeks, including when he criticized Trump. He said he was proud of the way Houston had responded. We may fight. We may get angry with each other, Acevedo said. But we know when all these f------- people have come out here from the outside trying to tear this s--- up, while the rest of the country is burning. ... Nothings burning in Houston. Image: Art Acevedo (Mike Hixenbaugh) There hasnt been widespread property damage or violence in Houston, but in the hours after Acevedos remarks Tuesday, his department arrested about 200 protesters for failing to leave downtown when ordered. In a tweet, Houston police said some of the protesters had begun throwing rocks and water bottles at officers. In a brief interview Tuesday, as he posed for photos with two young women who had seen him on the news, Acevedo said he wasnt too worried about those attacking his leadership. Not everybodys here for the same reason, Acevedo said. Some people want to be reasonable and actually want to be constructive. Some people just want to yell. And yelling isnt going to fix anything. A few days after Mary-Lou Pakoo learned the home-care services she relies on would be cancelled, the 71-year-old senior was rushed to hospital for brain surgery. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A few days after Mary-Lou Pakoo learned the home-care services she relies on would be cancelled, the 71-year-old senior was rushed to hospital for brain surgery. Even before the emergency stay in April, where medical staff cleared a shunt in her brain that relieves pressure caused by a tumour, Mary-Lou and her husband Lloyd wondered how they would manage without the weekly visit from their home-care worker. "I told them straight. Look, you cant send her home. Theres nothing in place for her and I cant handle it," said Lloyd, 77, recalling his conversation with the hospital nurse. "Ive got a very bad back, Ive got an artificial knee and its just too much for me." JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Mary-Lou, left, and Lloyd Pakoo, a senior couple who receive provincial homecare, are struggling to keep up after laundry, cleaning and bathing were cut from their services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple lives at their home in Winnipegs North End and, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a health-care aide visited the Pakoos for two hours a week, handling the laundry, housecleaning and providing baths. In April, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority temporarily suspended some home-care services for clients based on priority. Bathing, laundry, respite and other services considered non-essential were reduced or cancelled indefinitely. Clients were assessed on a case-by-case basis, and where possible backup care providers were asked to fill in the gaps. For the Pakoos, they were backup for each other. Lloyd successfully advocated for bathing to resume once a week after Mary-Lou who struggles with her balance was discharged from hospital. However, he was not able to get cleaning or laundry restored. He said weekly calls to their care co-ordinator haven't amounted to much. I told them straight. Look, you cant send her home. Theres nothing in place for her and I cant handle it. Ive got a very bad back, Ive got an artificial knee and its just too much for me. Lloyd Pakoo, 77 Hes taken over the housework with great difficulty he manages to sweep the floor while holding on to his walker but after two months without regular home care and no timeline for when services will resume, the added burdens are becoming impossible, Lloyd said. "Its a living hell, in plain words. I'm trying to keep everything going," Lloyd said. "I have to make sure that shes all looked after before I go to sleep and thats very difficult for me." The service reduction was attributed to staffing and personal protective equipment challenges related to the pandemic response and as a way to minimize the risk of transmitting the coronavirus. Home-care services for seasonal residents in eastern Manitoba limited Cottagers and summer residents in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority may not be able to accesss home-care services owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority said home-care staff in the area have been shifted to support requirements under the Public Health Act and the province's pandemic response and the home care program in the region is only now starting to resume services. click to read more Cottagers and summer residents in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority may not be able to accesss home-care services owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority said home-care staff in the area have been shifted to support requirements under the Public Health Act and the province's pandemic response and the home care program in the region is only now starting to resume services. This summer, our focus is on the resumption of priority services for permanent residents as we move into the next phase of our response to the pandemic, Interlake-Eastern RHA chief executive officer Ron Van Denakker said in a statement. Once those services are up and running, we will be in a position to consider operational ability to support care for seasonal residents where possible. Home-care case co-ordinators will consider requests from seasonal residents on a case-by-case basis but they will not be able to accommodate everyone, according to a news release. If home-care services are provided, they may not be at the same level of care or service provided in prior years. Manitobans who travel to summer residences are asked to arrange their own care if the health authority cannot offer services. Close While the provinces supply of personal protective equipment has since stabilized, the COVID-19 caseload remains low, and acute care and personal care homes are relaxing some visitor restrictions, the WRHA has yet to set a date to restore home-care services. "As we continue to navigate the current pandemic, home care program leadership has been working on a clinical restart plan, which will factor in the safety and security of clients, caregivers and staff, which is the utmost priority," a WRHA spokesman said in a statement to the Free Press. "The plan for the Winnipeg region specifically is nearing its final stages of development, and will soon be considered as part of an overall provincewide approach." "The modification of services was originally intended to mitigate transmission, to conserve PPE and to prioritize staff time; and these remain important factors to consider. Any plans to move forward need to consider these multiple factors prior to implementation." Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 204 president Debbie Boissonneault said a number of home-care support workers and aides have been pulled away from their regular clients to assist with cleaning in primary care clinics, COVID-19 screening at hospitals and testing sites, and to wash medical gowns. Meanwhile, others have told the union they sometimes spend a portion of their shift without an assignment while colleagues are still balancing a full client list, Boissonneault said. Its a living hell, in plain words. I'm trying to keep everything going. I have to make sure that shes all looked after before I go to sleep and thats very difficult for me." Lloyd Pakoo "If they have an eight-hour window they could be sitting four hours 'in-house' (at Access centres) or in their car," Boissonneault said. "I believe they need the work and theyre wanting to do the work. The employer not providing work makes for a long day." The WRHA spokesman said while staff availability was considered as part of its decision to temporarily reduce services, the health authority was also focused on conserving protective gear and limiting contacts between staff and clients, when safe to do so. There have not been a lot of reassignments of home-care staff for COVID-19-related duties, he added. 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. "Case co-ordinators have been reaching out to clients on weekly, biweekly and monthly basis, depending on client preference, in order to touch base and discuss how they are managing," the spokesperson said. "We continue to encourage clients and caregivers to connect with their home-care case co-ordinator to discuss their own circumstances, particularly if there has been a change in circumstances." Mary-Lou, meanwhile, worries the longer her home care is on the back burner the more her health and that of her husband's will suffer. "They cut the services and I cant do nothing. My husband does it all for me and he cant do it anymore," Mary-Lou said. "We need the home care for sure." danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca A Florida police officer has been suspended, after footage emerged of him pushing over a black protester, who was kneeling at a demonstration, following the death of George Floyd. Officer Steven Pohorence was suspended by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department on Tuesday, after footage emerged of him pushing the protester over on Monday, when police clashed with some demonstrators. The protest was mainly peaceful, but the demonstration escalated when around 1,000 protesters dispersed, and small groups broke off and sprayed graffiti onto walls and broke store windows, according to ABC News. Police chief Rick Maglione told reporters that Mr Pohorence pushed the protester to the ground, after he and other officers rescued a colleague who was surrounded. Asked if Mr Pohorences action caused the protest to escalate, Mr Maglione said: I dont think (Pohorences) action created what occurred. 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 However, the police chief did admit that his action could have added to what was going on. Mr Maglione added that one of Mr Pohorences colleagues, officer Krystle Smith, pushed him away from the woman, after he knocked her to the ground. The police chief praised the officer and said: She did what you are supposed to do: When you see either adrenaline or emotion or some kind of interaction going south...that is our job to do, is intervene. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis told reporters that Mr Poherences action was offensive, and added that he feels a suspension is the right course of action. The protest was a part of demonstrations taking place across the US, following the death of George Floyd, who died after being detained by Derek Chauvin, who at the time was a Minneapolis police officer. The protests, in opposition of police brutality against African Americans, started in Minneapolis, but quickly spread to Chicago and New York, among many other cities across the US over the weekend. Recommended Minnesota governor mobilises National Guard Police have clashed with protesters all over the US, and some officers have been filmed using excessive force, while some civilians have engaged in looting. The Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, a Republican, said that the National Guard will be deployed in the state in order to keep protests under control. The governor said: Florida has zero tolerance for violence, rioting and looting. George Floyds murder was appalling, and the Minnesota perpetrators need to be brought to justice, but this cannot be used as a pretext for violence in our Florida communities. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 00:49:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Wednesday expressed strong opposition to wanton remarks by British politicians that smear China's move to safeguard national security and interfere in Hong Kong affairs, China's internal affairs. Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, China has unswervingly, fully and faithfully implemented the principles of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong," and a high degree of autonomy, a spokesperson said. Hong Kong residents now enjoy democratic rights and freedoms unimaginable under the British colonial rule, and Hong Kong's status as a global financial, shipping and trade center has been reinforced, the spokesperson said. The overall jurisdiction exercised by the central authorities over Hong Kong according to the Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR is not limited to foreign affairs and national defense, the spokesperson said, stressing that national security legislation for the HKSAR falls within the state's legislative power. While the central government authorizes the HKSAR to enact laws on its own to safeguard national security through Article 23 of the Basic Law, it does not change the fact that national security legislation is essentially within the purview of the central authorities, nor does it mean the central authorities have forfeited the power to uphold national security, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson stressed that the decision of the national legislature to make national security laws for Hong Kong has received widespread support of Hong Kong residents from all walks of life, with nearly 3 million signatures collected in eight days. The allegations that the legislation is forced upon Hong Kong and the high degree of autonomy will be damaged are nothing but slander and distortion, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the legislation protects law-abiding Hong Kong residents and only targets a small number of criminals who endanger national security. The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press and right to assembly, will not be affected, and Hong Kong courts will continue to exercise independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the wanton remarks by British politicians will do no good to ease the tension since Hong Kong's social unrest last year. The violence of radicals and "Hong Kong independence" organizations, and rampant interference by external forces have exposed the major loopholes in national security protection in Hong Kong and showed the urgency of the legislation, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the legislation will guarantee Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability and reinforce the foundation of "one country, two systems." The Sino-British Joint Declaration does not give Britain the right to interfere in Hong Kong affairs after Hong Kong returns to China, the spokesperson said, stressing that Britain has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of "supervision" over Hong Kong. Britain and any other foreign countries have no qualification to refer to the Sino-British Joint Declaration to justify interference in Hong Kong affairs, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson emphasized that China's strong will and firm determination to establish and improve Hong Kong's legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security should never be underestimated, and all external pressure and obstruction will be futile. The spokesperson urged the British side to respect China's legitimate efforts to safeguard national security in Hong Kong, or it will receive the resolute counterattacks of all Chinese people. Enditem The South Korean embassy on Wednesday donated 25,000 face masks to the families of Korean War veterans and the under-privileged to bolster the fight against Covid-19. A total of 5,000 masks for the families of the veterans were handed over to the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA), while 20,000 masks for the under-privileged were donated to Chikitsa Trust, an NGO that works to ensure free access to quality healthcare for people in need. The donation to KWVA was meant to commemorate the dedication and sacrifice made by Indias non-combatant troop contribution to the Korean War, which broke out on June 25, 1950. South Korean ambassador Shin Bong-kil, together with defence attache Col Lee In and representatives of KWVA, visited Chikitsa Trusts charitable clinic in Gurugram and delivered the 20,000 masks. KWVA suggested the South Korean embassy should donate the masks to Chikitsa Trust, which has dedicated itself to providing primary healthcare to people in need just like the Indian 60 Para Field Hospital did during the Korean War, said a statement from the embassy. Ajai Malhotra, chairman of Chikitsa Trust,Trustthree Indian Army war veterans, one of whom commanded 60 Para Field Hospital, also joined the ceremony. Todays event was part of the South Korean governments #StayStrongCampaign and also commemorated the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War and the landing of Indias non-combatant troops in Pusan in November 1950, the statement added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 04:42:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Kids do exercise with their teachers on the playground at a reopened kindergarten in Ankara, Turkey, on June 2, 2020. Turkey's COVID-19 pandemic continued to slow down on Tuesday, with 786 new cases of infections registered, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 165,555. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) CAIRO, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's COVID-19 pandemic continued to slow down on Tuesday, with 786 new cases of infections registered. Meanwhile, Iran set a new record in daily cases in two months amidst a resurgence of the pandemic. Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca reported 786 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of confirmed cases in Turkey, the hardest-hit country in the Middle East, to 165,555. At the same time, 22 more people died from the respiratory virus, taking the death toll in Turkey to 4,585, Koca tweeted. Koca urged Turkish citizens to continue taking precaution against COVID-19 pandemic, despite the downward trend as shown in the continuing decline in daily new cases. "The lifting of the curfew does not mean that everything is back to normal," Koca said. With 3,117 new COVID-19 cases, Iran registered the highest daily rise since March 30, when 3,186 new cases were recorded. Iran's tally of COVID-19 cases soared to 157,562, while the death toll rose by 64 cases to 7,942, the highest in the Middle East. This signals a deteriorating situation in Iran amid a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic, following the recent relaxing of anti-coronavirus measures in Iran. Saudi Arabia's COVID-19 cases rose to 89,011, after 1,869 new infections were registered. The kingdom recorded 24 more fatalities, bringing the death toll to 549, while the total recoveries increased to 65,790 after 1,484 new recoveries were added. In Qatar, the Health Ministry announced 1,826 new COVID-19 cases, increasing the tally of confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 60,259. A total of 2,599 more people recovered from the disease, bringing the total recoveries to 36,036, while three patients died, raising the death toll to 43. Kuwait reported 887 new COVID-19 cases and six more deaths, raising the tally of infections to 28,649 and the death toll to 226, the health ministry said. The ministry also announced the recovery of 1,382 more patients, raising the total recoveries in the country to 14,281. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced 596 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total confirmed cases in the country to 35,788. The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention said 388 more patients made full recovery from the virus, taking the tally of the UAE's recoveries to 18,726. The death toll in the UAE rose to 269, after three more fatalities were added on Tuesday. Oman' Ministry of Health announced 576 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total cases to 12,799. Nine new deaths were reported, bringing the death toll to 59. Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq urged people in the country to co-exist with the new circumstances resulting from the spread of COVID-19 disease. Iraq's Health Ministry reported a new record in the daily increase with 519 cases, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 7,387. It also said that 20 people died from the virus, in the highest single-day rise, bringing the death toll in the country to 235. Meanwhile, Iraqi Minister of Health Hassan al-Tamimi reiterated his call on the citizens to cooperate with the health authorities through abiding by the measures of the full curfew to avoid catastrophic consequences. The Israeli Ministry of Health on Tuesday reported 116 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily rise since May 1 when 155 infections were confirmed. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in Israel to 17,285. The ministry also reported five new deaths from the respiratory disease, the highest daily fatalities since May 11. Earlier on Tuesday, Israel's Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said Israel would expand the number of coronavirus tests, including tests for asymptomatic people. Egypt on Tuesday set a new record with 47 single-day fatalities from COVID-19, bringing the death toll in country to 1,052. A total of 1,152 new cases were recorded, raising the total infections with the coronavirus in Egypt since mid-February to 27,536. It is the sixth consecutive day for Egypt's COVID-19 daily infections to surpass 1,000. In Morocco, the COVID-19 pandemic continued its downward trend for the fifth day in a row, with 33 new cases recorded. The total COVID-19 cases in Morocco rose to 7,866, while the death toll from the coronavirus rose to 206, with one new fatality registered in the last 24 hours. Lebanon's number of COVID-19 infections increased on Tuesday by nine cases to 1,242, while the death toll remained unchanged at 27. Enditem Want a free Nest Hub? If the answer to that question is yes, then Google has your number. If youre a subscriber of Nest Aware that is. Over the last day or two Google has been emailing some or all of its Nest Aware subscribers and giving them the opportunity to snag a free Nest Hub device. Just for being a member of the service. There also seems to be different rewards for different members. This is because Google appears to be splitting things up between the two different types of Nest Aware plans it offers. Which are the Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus plans. Advertisement Nest Aware Plus members get the free Nest Hub If you want the Nest Hub, then youll have had to be a subscriber of the Nest Aware Plus plan, based on the report from Droid Life. Thats the $12 a month plan that Google offers. However Google also offers the standard Nest Aware plan which is just $6 a month. Subscribers of this plan are reportedly being offered a free Nest Mini. Which is just the smart speaker with no screen. Subscribing to either should have resulted in you receiving an email like this from Google that includes the offer. However its worth noting that you likely would have had to subscribe to the service for a certain amount of time. Advertisement Whether it at least a month or longer, it may be less likely that you would receive an offer from Google for one of these free pieces of hardware if you just signed up within the last week. This is certainly not Googles first free hardware promotion This isnt the first time that Google has given people free hardware and it certainly wont be the last. Last year, it gave away free Google Home Mini speakers. It also sent free Hubs to service members at the end of last year. More recently this year, it offered free Nest Mini speakers to subscribers of YouTube Premium. Though its not clear if all users were receiving the offer. The point is that Google has a habit of trying to get more of its hardware products like these into peoples hands. Advertisement Even if means giving them out for free. Of course its never completely free, because you have to have been a subscriber of one of its paid monthly services. Still, its a nice little perk for those that have been subscribing for a while. If youve been a member of Nest Aware or Nest Aware Plus for a significant amount of time, check your inboxes. You may have a free Nest product waiting for you to claim. Vientiane: Beijing came under pressure at an Asian summit on Wednesday over its illegal island building in the South China Sea, after the Philippines produced evidence it said showed fresh construction activity at a flashpoint shoal. An artificial island at Scarborough Shoal could be a game changer in Chinas quest to control the sea and raises the risk of armed confrontation with the United States, according to security analysts. Beijing this week insisted it had not started building at the shoal - a move that could lead to a military outpost just 230 kilometers from the main Philippine island, where US forces are stationed. But the Philippines today released images it said showed Chinese ships in the area that were capable of dredging sand and other activities required to build an artificial island. We have reason to believe that their presence is a precursor to building activities on the shoal, defense department spokesman Arsenio Andolong told AFP. We are continuing our surveillance and monitoring of their presence and activities, which are disturbing. China claims nearly all of the sea, through which USD 5 trillion in shipping trade passes annually, even waters approaching the coasts of the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations. The competing territorial claims have long been a major source of tension in the region, with China using deadly force twice to seize control of islands from Vietnam. Tensions have escalated sharply in recent years as China has built islands on reefs and islets in the Spratlys archipelago - another strategically important location - that are capable of supporting military operations. The United States has reacted to that build-up by sailing warships close to the new islands, and sending warplanes over them, deeply angering China. A UN-backed tribunal ruled in July that Chinas claims to most of the sea had no legal basis and its construction of artificial islands in the disputed waters was illegal. But Beijing vowed to ignore the ruling. China took control of Scarborough shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippine Navy and has since deployed large fishing fleets while blocking Filipino fishermen. Expanding that presence with a military outpost is vital to achieving Chinas ambitions of controlling the sea, according to security analysts. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The creation of air bridges has been proposed as a way of ensuring more travellers can be excluded from the incoming 14-day quarantine (Victoria Jones/PA) Air bridges have been proposed as a way of ensuring more travellers can be excluded from the incoming 14-day quarantine. Here the PA news agency looks at eight key questions around the issue: What is an air bridge? Air bridges would involve passengers travelling between the UK and specific destinations not needing to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving in the UK. What routes could be considered? They would be implemented on routes between countries deemed at low-risk of spreading coronavirus. Visit Britain chief executive Patricia Yates has said the tourism industry would benefit from air bridges with countries such as the US, France, Germany and Italy. Expand Close EasyJet has introduced new safety and wellbeing measures for customers and crew (Matt Alexander/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp EasyJet has introduced new safety and wellbeing measures for customers and crew (Matt Alexander/PA) How quickly could they be introduced? Quarantine rules will be reviewed every three weeks, meaning air bridges could be installed by the end of June. Why has this been proposed? There is concern that people will not take overseas holidays, and foreign tourists will not visit the UK, if they have to go into quarantine for 14 days. Who is in favour of air bridges? Support for air bridges has been given by hundreds of UK travel and tourism businesses, a number of senior Conservative MPs and Portugals foreign minister. What about Boris Johnson? Reports suggest the Prime Minister is in favour of air bridges. His official spokesman said on Tuesday that the Government is still looking at the suggestion. On a Portuguese beach you are less at risk than a UK beach Professor Keith Neal, University of Nottingham What has the Transport Secretary said? Grant Shapps said the Government is working with the transport industry to see how we can introduce agreements with other countries when safe to do so, so we can go abroad and tourists can come here. What do scientists think? Professor Keith Neal of the University of Nottingham said people from the UK who visit countries with less disease and maintain social distancing will be at a lower risk of being infected. On a Portuguese beach you are less at risk than a UK beach, he explained. One car was going south on Old Georgetown, and the other was going east on Executive Boulevard when they collided in the intersection, police said. The parallels are easy to see: looting and destruction, fueled by anger over police abuses; shopkeepers, with long guns, protecting their businesses. The differences, though, between 1992 and now, are stark. This time, the faces of the protesters are more diverse black, white, Latino, Asian; there has been little if any racially motivated violence among Angelenos; and the geography of the chaos is very different, with protesters bringing their message to Los Angeles largely white and rich Westside. South Central has been completely quiet and peaceful, said Ms. Cullors, now a prominent activist and co-founder of Black Lives Matter who organized a protest on Saturday in the Fairfax District, west of downtown. Thats an important distinction, that these current situations are not happening in black communities. [Sign up for California Today, our daily newsletter from the Golden State.] Los Angeles, in many ways, is Americas reference point for urban racial unrest, including the Watts riots in 1965 and the uprising in 1992. The Rodney King beating in 1991, captured on film, was one of the first viral videos of a black man being abused by the police, before cellphones even existed. In those uprisings, dozens of people were killed 34 in 1965, and more than 40 in 1992. Some of the most searing images from 1992 were of racially motivated violence on the streets the beating of Reginald Denny, a white truck driver; gun battles between Korean shop owners and black looters. But the mayhem largely stayed in the historically black community of South Los Angeles and in Koreatown. Hundreds of health care workers from Kaiser Permanente hospitals in the East Bay staged concurrent demonstrations on Wednesday afternoon to stand in solidarity with George Floyd. The protests were organized Dr. Nailah Thompson, Dr. Andres Turner and Dr. Matthew S. Schechter, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Oakland Medical Center, who sent an email Tuesday to physicians within the Kaiser system describing the action as a grassroots event. We are a group of physicians in the East Bay outraged by the prejudice, racism and violence expressed towards black individuals in our country, he said, citing the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd. More than 100 medical care workers wearing white coats used their personal lunch breaks to gather at Moswood Park in Oakland, many holding signs in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, where they kneeled in silence for 9 minutes at 1 p.m., according to multiple media reports. Kaiser employees also staged similar protests near hospitals in Alameda, Pinole and Richmond. No patients were impacted by the event. We believe that if our mission is to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve, we must be vocal and visible and stand in solidarity with the black community, Schechter said. Now Playing: On June 2, 2020, residents of San Franciscos Outer Sunset marched in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and against the recent death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. Video: Manjula Varghese / The Chronicle 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. He sent out another message before the protests on Wednesday stating, To be clear, this is not a Kaiser Permanente sponsored event. Kaiser management did not respond to The Chronicles request to comment on the action. This article was updated to clarify the demonstration was not a walkout. Aidin Vaziri is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avaziri@sfchronicle.com The disease has been a disaster in Brazil, now second only to the United States in reported cases, with more than 31,000 dead, but its not the only country in the region in the full grip of the virus. Peru has now confirmed twice as many infections as China. Mexico has suffered more than 10,000 deaths. Officials in Chile, now in the throes of one of the worlds most explosive outbreaks, warn that the hospital system in Santiago is teetering at capacity. The World Health Organization has declared Latin America the new epicenter of the global pandemic. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Houston police arrested more than 200 people during the rally and march downtown Tuesday honoring George Floyd, they said in a tweet early Wednesday. Police said some people were throwing rocks and bottles at officers while others refused to clear the streets when ordered to. Those who refused were also taken into custody. Protesters lie on the ground in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday in support of the cause of U.S. protests over the death of George Floyd and to urge their own governments to address racism and police violence. (Rick Rycroft / Associated Press) The video is stomach-churning: a half-dozen uniformed officers holding a black man face down for several minutes as he gulps for air and screams, again and again, I cant breathe. He falls unconscious and is pronounced dead a short time later. The man in the clip is not George Floyd, who gasped those words as a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck in a fatal arrest last week, but an Aboriginal Australian inmate, David Dungay, who died in a similar incident at a Sydney prison in December 2015. As Floyds death ignites fiery protests in U.S. cities, it has also refocused attention on cases like Dungays and become a rallying cry around the world for activists battling racism, police brutality and inequalities in criminal justice in their own countries. Rallies this week in solidarity with American protesters and in pursuit of justice at home have sprung up in such countries as France, Turkey and New Zealand. In multiethnic, liberal democracies that share many of the same ideals and flaws as the U.S., the demonstrations have served as a reminder that oppression looks much the same no matter where you are. We dont need to look to America to see the consequences of systematic discrimination. Its right here at home, said Nerita Waight, co-chair of a legal aid group for Aboriginal Australians. What the U.S. protests do help with is to show that this is not just a problem in one country it reaches across oceans and continents. In Australia, roughly 800,000 Aboriginal people descendants of those who inhabited the continent before European colonizers arrived in the 18th century liken their socioeconomic status to that of blacks in America. In some ways it is even worse: Though they represent only 3% of the population, they account for nearly 30% of the adults in prison. More than 430 Aboriginal Australians have died in official custody since 1991. No officers have been convicted in the deaths. At a rally this week that drew hundreds in Sydney, where social distancing measures because of COVID-19 have recently been eased, demonstrators chanted, Black lives matter, and Justice today, for David Dungay. More protests are planned for several cities across the country on Saturday. Story continues Dungay, a 26-year-old diabetic, was eating a packet of cookies against orders when five prison guards dragged him from his cell, handcuffed him and forced him to lie face down while a nurse injected him with a powerful sedative. As he pleaded for breath, one officer responded: If you can talk, you can breathe. He died three weeks before he was due for parole. For all these Australians saying Im glad I dont live in America. David Dungay was a 26 year old Indigenous Man who was killed in police custody while being restrained despite saying he could not breathe 12 times. #BlackLivesMatter #IndigenousLivesMatter #ICantBreathe pic.twitter.com/pK4ZyFn7eo alaa ~ BLM (@_alaae) May 30, 2020 Dungays family demanded the officers be held accountable, but last year, an official inquiry blamed their conduct on systemic deficiencies in training and declined to discipline them. Keiran Stewart-Assheton, a 28-year-old Aboriginal activist who helped organize Tuesdays demonstration in Sydney, Australia's largest city, said members of the community have regularly spoken out against custodial deaths and police brutality. But many of the deaths quickly fade from public consciousness, in part because they occur far from major cities, he said. Over the weekend, he saw Australians posting videos of the U.S. protests with hashtags such as black lives matter seemingly oblivious to race issues at home. Its a bit disheartening that its taken something happening overseas to get people to start looking at their own community, he said. Protests have also gripped Paris and London both capitals where police have been accused of excessive force in recent deaths of young black men. Thousands rallied Wednesday in central London's Hyde Park, chanting, "No justice, no peace." Many of the protesters wore masks to guard against the coronavirus. In Paris, where authorities had banned protests because of the risk of COVID-19, an estimated 20,000 people turned out Tuesday for a demonstration that began peacefully but ended with objects being hurled at police, who responded by firing tear gas. The protest was called by Assa Traore, whose brother Adama, a 24-year-old black Frenchman with roots in Mali, died at a police station in 2016 after officers pinned him down with their body weight during an arrest. Last week, a medical examiner cleared the officers of wrongdoing and said Traores death was linked to preexisting health conditions a finding his family has disputed. His case has become a tinderbox in France, where immigrants from former African colonies and their descendants have long been marginalized, living in rough neighborhoods on the edges of Paris and other major cities, viewed by many whites as criminals and a threat to French identity. Blacks in France say they are disproportionately targeted by police. Just last week, in an outer district of Paris, a bystander recorded a police officer who had his knee on a black man during an arrest. The officer had certainly seen the viral video that [showed the killing] of George Floyd, but nothing stops them, one man tweeted. Les faits se sont deroule aujourdhui sur paris Fougeres 20 ieme lagent nhesite pas a employe la meme methode qui a tue #georgefloyd#,alors quil est menotte donc neutralise... Lagent a certainement vu la video devenu virale qui a tue George Floyd mais rien ne les arrete ... pic.twitter.com/MCqCh0OKzm abde (@abde49) May 28, 2020 Didier Lallement, the Paris police chief, insisted this week that his force is not violent, nor racist, and said the accusations caused pain to his officers. Addressing the crowd at Tuesdays protest, Assa Traore said events in the U.S. were an echo of what is happening in France. Today we are not just talking about the fight of the Traore family, she said. It is the fight for everyone. When we fight for George Floyd, we fight for Adama Traore. In Israel, protests flared in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem after police shot and killed Iyad Halak, a 32-year-old autistic Palestinian man in East Jerusalem who was suspected to be a terrorist because he was wearing gloves, according to the official investigation. The death last weekend prompted an apology from Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, but epitomized what Palestinian and liberal Israeli activists have long described as ruthless behavior by Israeli security forces toward Palestinians. Some compared the shooting to Floyd's death. In the U.S., you have a struggle fighting structures of supremacy, domination and oppression that clearly marginalize certain communities but also disproportionately lead to their deaths, said Salem Barahmeh, director of the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy. Its discrimination and a form of supremacy predicated on your race and ethnicity rather than anything else. Those structures of supremacy and oppression are similar to the ones were dealing with here. In many of the countries, activists pointed to another parallel with the U.S.: a lack of political will to confront the problem. Successive governments in Australia have failed to implement most of the recommendations of a landmark 1991 report aimed at reducing the deaths of Aboriginal people in custody, including ending punitive bail laws, rolling back mandatory sentencing and decriminalizing minor offenses such as public drunkenness. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has sought to distance Australia from the sort of police brutality seen in the U.S., calling the video of Floyd's death "upsetting and terrible." I just think to myself how wonderful a country is Australia, Morrison said. Times staff writer Nabih Bulos in Beirut contributed to this report. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said it is "common sense" to bring Russia back into the G7, despite Moscow's expulsion from the club after invading part of Ukraine. Speaking to Fox News radio, Trump said that the G7 countries -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- need Russian President Vladimir Putin back in a G8 format, regardless of his behavior. "It's not a question of what's he done, it's a question of common sense. So we have a G7: he's not there, half of the meeting's devoted to Russia, and if he was there, it would be much easier to solve," Trump said. "The problem is, many of the things that we talk about are about Putin, so we're just sitting around wasting time, because then you have to finish your meeting and somebody has to call Putin," he said. "I say, have him in the room. It used to be the G8. I don't say deserving or not deserving, I say common sense." Moscow was suspended indefinitely from the G8 after it invaded the Crimea region of Ukraine in 2014, then declared the territory part of Russia. The Kremlin simultaneously supported an ongoing armed rebellion against Ukraine's government in the east of the country. The episode was the final straw in the long-running deterioration of the relationship between Western powers and Putin's Russia. In 2008, Putin ordered troops into two regions of Western-backed Georgia that Moscow supports as independent from the Georgian government. The Russian government is also accused by European authorities of being behind a series of assassinations across Europe, including using biological and radioactive poisons in Britain. Trump, who is highly critical of the NATO military alliance and describes the European Union as a hostile trading competitor, has pushed repeatedly for a softer approach to Russia. After his hastily conceived plans for hosting an in-person G7 summit in Washington this month fell through, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, he abruptly announced Saturday that he wants to reform the group entirely, bringing Russia and other countries to a meeting later this year. Trump called the G7 -- long seen as a key diplomatic gathering for the richest, most advanced democracies -- "a very outdated group of countries." Bostons lone retail marijuana shop is dealing with another setback. Pure Oasis, one of the few black-owned shops in the country, was robbed early Monday morning, as mostly peaceful protests against police brutality ended in violence miles away in downtown Boston, police said this week. More than a dozen people broke through the Dorchester shops window just before 2 a.m. on Monday. Kobie Evans, the shopss co-owner, said people stole more than $100,000 in merchandise, including about 2,000 pre-rolled joints and 2,000 containers of marijuana flower. He said he believes the robbery was planned because the group appeared to have an understanding of the stores layout, including a secure back room, based on surveillance video of the incident. Police havent made any arrests yet. The states Cannabis Control Commission, which regulates the industry, said it is also investigating thefts at two medical marijuana operations in Boston that happened around the time protests turned violent. Pure Oasis was among dozens of retail pot shops allowed to reopen last week in Massachusetts after being ordered shut down the past two months because of the coronavirus pandemic. It was also the first pot shop approved to open after taking part in the states program aimed at encouraging black and minority entrepreneurs in the marijuana industry. ___ Follow the APs complete marijuana coverage: https://apnews.com/Marijuana Police in Jammu and Kashmir have shot dead the Jaish-e-Muhammad commander alleged to have organised the 2019 suicide bomb attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel and led India and Pakistan to the edge of war, government sources have confirmed to News18. The Jaish commander was killed along with his bodyguards in a safehouse in the Astan mohalla neighbourhood of Kangan village in south Kashmirs Pulwama. The killing of the commander identified in police and intelligence records by the aliases Fauji Bhai, Idris, Haider, and Lambu, or tall guy comes days after the detection of a major Jaish-e-Muhammad car bomb, the first since Kashmirs special Constitutional status was revoked in August. The plot had raised fears that the terrorist group was preparing to unleash a renewed offensive. Zahid Manzoor Wani, a resident of Pulwamas Karimabad village, and Manzoor Ahmad Kar of Siryun in Shopian both listed in police records as having joined the Jaish in the summer of 2017 were also shot dead along with Idris, after forces surrounded their safehouse. The operation, government sources said, was built around intelligence generated by the Jammu and Kashmir Police over several months and supervised by Kashmir-zone Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar. "His elimination shows the police has been able to infiltrate the Jaish-e-Muhammads networks to an unprecedented degree, an intelligence official told News18. Like other key Jaish-e-Muhammad operatives, the official said, Fauji Bhai almost never used a mobile phone or commercial internet networks, and conducted his communications almost entirely through trusted couriers. He communicated with Jaish-e-Muhammad headquarters only with an encrypted satellite phone set. Few biographical details are available on Fauji Bhai, but intelligence sources say he was sent across the Line of Control into India in the summer of 2018 by Jaish-e-Muhammad military chief Abdul Rauf Asgar, in the wake of the large-scale Islamist-led youth protests that swept aside Indian government control in swathes of southern Kashmir. Asgar, the sources said, hand-picked Fauji Bhai because of his expertise in fabricating improvised explosive devices. Indias Research and Analysis Wing suspects Fauji Bhai may be Mohammad Ismail Alvi, a relative of Jaish-e-Muhammad patriarch Masood Azhar Alvi, who in turn is brother to military chief Asgar. There has been no corroboration of this claim though from other intelligence services or Jaish-e-Muhammad publications. In the past, Jaish-e-Muhammad publications and social-media feeds have carried hagiographies of Alvi family members killed in the course of jihadist operations. The commander, the sources said, focused on rebuilding the Jaish-e-Muhammads capacity to stage complex suicide strikes using improvised explosive devices long a hallmark of the group, which among other things bombed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in 2001, and the attack on Parliament House in New Delhi later that year. From safehouses in Pulwamas Chewa Kalan and Rajpora areas, as well as Chadoora in Budgam, Fauji Bhai built an elaborate network to source ammonium nitrate a commonly-used fertiliser that can also be used as an explosive as well as fabrication spaces for improvised explosive devices. He was also successful in motivating a new cohort of ethnic-Kashmiri jihadists to personally engage in suicide attacks, a project built around a carefully-engineered cult of Afzal Guru, the Parliament House attacker executed by the government in 2013. The recruits included Adil Dar, the 20-year-old who carried out the 2019 suicide-bombing in Pulwama. By the time this video reaches you, Dar said in a suicide video, I will be frolicking in paradise. Police are seeking to locate Adil Ahmad Hafiz, another Fauji Bhai recruit suspected of having to volunteered to drive the car-bomb located in Pulwama last week. In the wake of the Indian Air Force bombing of a Jaish-e-Muhammad seminary in Pakistans Balakot an attack intended as reprisal for the killing of the 40 CRPF personnel Fauji Bhai is believed by police to have personally carried out a car-bomb strike at Trichal, which targetted a mine-proof vehicle used by the Indian Army. Nine soldiers of the 55 Rashtriya Rifles regiment sustained serious injuries in the attack. Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate is believed by Indian intelligence to have ordered an end to the car-bomb campaign after the Trichal bombing, under pressure from Western governments which feared an escalation in conflict between the two countries. The attempted car-bomb strike in Pulwama last week suggests the hounds were being unleashed by the ISI again, a senior intelligence official told News18. The killing of Fauji Bhai today is a major setback to those plans. Local flower growers have welcomed a surprise boom from the coronavirus pandemic, with high demand for blooms coming at a time when grounded airfreight ruled out overseas suppliers. Before COVID-19 struck, almost half the flowers sold in Australia were flown in from countries such as Kenya and Colombia, but lockdowns have effectively grounded air transport and put those markets out of reach. Despite dwindling overseas supply, some retailers are reporting sales increases of up to 400 per cent as Australians buy more flowers than ever to try to connect in the age of social distancing, stretching growers, wholesalers and florists. Hannah Spilva (left) and business partner Verity Tuck at their warehouse. Credit:Eddie Jim Global flower giant Interflora recently removed roses, chrysanthemum disbuds and some varieties of orchids from sale temporarily due to shortages. While those varieties are back the company is expressly reserving the right to change arrangements if required. (This story has been update to correctly state the area state Rep. Gary Eisen represents.) ST. CLAIR TWP., MI --A state legislator who represents communities near Port Huron says he may load up a few more mags of ammunition in response to protests over the death of George Floyd. State Rep. Gary Eisen, R-St. Clair Twp., posted the comment on his Facebook page Saturday, May 30, just days before demonstrations planned in Port Huron by branches of the NAACP and Black Lives Matter. I was at my shop this morning working, and an older guy came in. We started talking about the protesters and the riots... He said, You know all those protesters are Liberals.' I said, how do you know that .... he said, Liberals look for trouble and civil unrest and Conservatives PREPARE for it. hmm, so i thought maybe I will load up a few more mags...., the post says. I was at my shop this morning working, and an older guy came in . We started talking about the protesters and the... Posted by Gary Eisen on Saturday, May 30, 2020 A photo of gun magazines and target ammunition was posted with the comment by Eisen, who owns Eisen Inc., a welding and fabricating business, and Michigan Personal Protection Training, which offers classes for those seeking permits to carry concealed weapons. MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach Eisen for comment on Wednesday, June 3, but the legislator told the Port Huron Times Herald that he just made a joke with his Facebook comments. Reaction to the post on Facebook was mixed with one man commenting, Smart move, Gary. You may not know this, but there are soon two protests in the Port Huron area. One of them goes all the way down to St. Clair. Another man replied, (You) are suggesting its a smart move to load extra mags in preparation for a march? Last I checked we had a constitutional right to march against violence. Maybe Rep Eisen should join the march with his constituents? Eisens comments come in advance of a planned march Thursday, June 4, by the Port Huron branch of the NAACP and a planned Black Live Matter peace march in Port Huron Friday, June 5. The Journal could not immediately reach either organization for further comment. In Michigan, many of the protests over the death of Floyd have been peaceful but others have resulted in looting and fires. Eisen was the lead sponsor on two state House resolutions this year that support gun rights - one of which would have declared Michigan a Second Amendment sanctuary state. He has said he introduced resolutions defend law-abiding gun owners who carry for self-defense, hunting and competition. Eisen represents parts of St. Clair County, including Lynn, Berlin, Emmett, Brockway, Greenwood, Grant, Clay, Clyde, Port Huron, St. Clair, East China, China, Cottreville and Mussey townships, as well as the cities of Yale, St. Clair, Marine, Marysville and Algonac. Some lawmakers support making Michigan a Second Amendment sanctuary state Peaceful protest in Grand Rapids devolves into riot, looting and fires Michigan sheriff gets nationwide praise after lying down baton, marching with protesters Flint peacefully gathers for racial justice three nights in a row The Bombay high court has allowed a ship that is the subject of a suit to be moved out of its anchorage in Mumbai port, where it currently held under arrest, to safer waters till Cyclone Nisarga passes. The court on Tuesday heard an urgent application from the ships owners that was supported by Mumbai Port Trust, as it feared the 14-deck cruise ship could cause huge damage to the port if it was caught in the cyclone. The court allowed the vessel to be moved to safer waters on the condition that it is brought back to Mumbai port with the 63-member crew on board. MV Karnika has been detained at Mumbai port in lieu of a commercial admiralty suit. The bench of justice AK Menon, while hearing the interim application filed by the owners of MV Karnika, was informed by advocate S Priya that the vessel would be impacted by cyclonic weather as the India Meteorological Department (IMD)s report of June 1 had indicated the path of Cyclone Nisarga lay across the Maharashtra coast. Priya said MV Karnika may be impacted by the cyclonic weather in view of the sheer size of the vessel, and it may be damaged or run aground and probably cause immense damage to other vessels. This could result in MV Karnika also taking in water, with disastrous consequences. The ships owners application sought permission for the vessel to go out of Mumbai port temporarily to safer waters, probably beyond the territorial waters while under arrest, and return after the cyclone has passed. The Mumbai Port Trust also filed an application to move the vessel to safer waters. Advocate Deepak Motiwala, appearing for the port trust, said it was extremely risky to bring the vessel into berth because once alongside, the strong currents driven by the weather would in all likelihood damage the berth and property of the port and other vessels. Watch: Cyclone Nisarga to hit Maharashtra today, NDRF teams deployed He further said that considering the dimensions of the vessel, it would not be possible for any number of tugs to control the vessel. After the plaintiffs in the suit, along with several caveators who have sought to recover Rs 30 crores from the vessel, agreed with the applications, the high court observed that MV Karnika and her crew and others must not be imperilled and must be permitted to leave for safer waters, as may be suggested by the port trust in consultation with the master of the vessel, in order to avoid the path of the cyclone. The court then imposed several conditions, which include having a pilot of the port trust board and stay on the vessel till its return to Mumbai port. It also asked for the passports of the vessels three main officers to be deposited with the deputy conservator along with the certificate of registry and class certificate of the vessel. The court also sought an undertaking from the owners of the vessel to ensure its return to Mumbai port. On compliance with these conditions, the court directed the port trust to allow the vessel to leave immediately after receiving the application to leave from the vessel. FALLS TOWNSHIP >> In an effort to be fiscally responsible while ridding Falls Township Community Park of Canada geese, the Falls Township Supervisors approved a multi-faceted, year-long geese mitigation plan at a one percent savings over 2021. Stepped up geese management efforts began in 2015 and have significantly reduced the number of geese at the park, Falls Township Parks and Recreation... Oil closed at the highest level since early March, buoyed by optimism that OPEC+ will rebalance the market. But the rally could turn on what happens at the alliances June meeting. The producer group reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday to extend historic output curbs for an extra month, with Saudi Arabia and Russia drawing a hard line on cheating, and insisting that countries make up for past non-compliance by deepening future cuts. Their stance injects some uncertainty into the market, which has rallied from historic lows but remains vulnerable to ongoing demand weakness and a persistent supply glut. In the U.S., the outlook for fuel consumption dimmed after U.S. government data showed that diesel demand fell to a 21-year low last week while inventories rose to the highest level since 2010. Gasoline supplies also swelled, suggesting consumption isnt rebounding as quickly as initially thought. The builds in fuel stockpiles offset a larger-than-expected decline in crude inventories. Futures in New York fluctuated between gains and losses amid the conflicting market signals. While West Texas Intermediate crude ended the session 1% higher at $36.84 a barrel, prices declined after the close. PREVIOUSLY: Oil comeback encourages U.S. shale, complicates OPEC+ task Were in wait-and-see mode, said Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy & Economic Research Inc. The question now is not whether OPEC+ will extend cuts but by how much, he said. If they extend until the end of the year, that will encourage optimism on the part of buyers. Russia and Saudi Arabia, the de-facto leaders of OPEC+, are putting pressure on Iraq, Nigeria, Kazakhstan and Angola to make firm commitments they will improve compliance, and also to make up for past wrongs. The OPEC+ leaders are demanding the four countries compensate for non-compliance in May -- and potentially in June -- by cutting extra in July, August and September, according to the people familiar with the situation. Thats a painful prospect for those producers, already struggling with the budget impact of low prices. The ultimatum comes as higher prices have already spurred some U.S. producers to bring wells back online. EOG Resources Inc., Americas largest shale-focused producer, and Permian producer Parsley Energy Inc. both said theyre preparing to ramp up output just weeks after turning off the taps. The OPEC+ leaders expect to hold a meeting on June 10, according to people familiar with the matter. But negotiations continue with the aim of simply ratifying the accord at the virtual gathering, according to the people. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Image: Reuters The cartoon shows the Statue of Liberty cracking into pieces, a police officer breaking through its copper robe. A mans head lies on the ground in front of the White House, its facade splattered with blood. Beneath human rights, says the title of the cartoon, which was published by Peoples Daily, the Chinese Communist Partys flagship newspaper, and circulated widely on social media sites this week. As protests over police violence engulf hundreds of cities in the United States, China is reveling in the moment, seizing on the unrest to tout the strength of its authoritarian system and to portray the turmoil as yet another sign of American hypocrisy and decline. It is a narrative that conveniently ignores many of the countrys own problems, including its history of ethnic discrimination, its record on human rights and its efforts to suppress protests in Hong Kong. Chinese officials are trolling their American counterparts with protest slogans like Black lives matter and I cant breathe. The state-run media is featuring stories about the double standards of the United States for supporting the Hong Kong demonstrators. Prominent Chinese commentators are arguing that American-style democracy is a sham, pointing to the countrys bungled response to the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing racial tensions. This situation in the U.S. will make more Chinese people support the Chinese government in its efforts to denounce and counter America, Song Guoyou, a scholar at Fudan University in Shanghai, said in an interview. The moral ground of the United States is indeed greatly weakened. The propaganda push is the latest skirmish in a long-standing power struggle between China and the United States, with relations between the two countries at their lowest point in decades. President Donald Trump has accused Beijing of covering up the coronavirus outbreak that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan, saying China should be held responsible for deaths in the United States and around the world. He has also threatened to punish China for moving to adopt a broad new security law in Hong Kong by curtailing the citys special relationship with the United States. Now, the protests in the United States are giving Xi and the Communist Partys propagandists a natural line of counter attack. Chinese social media sites are rife with video clips of tense standoffs between the police and protesters in the aftermath of the death last week of George Floyd, after he was pinned to the ground by a white Minneapolis police officer who has since been charged with murder. Television shows feature videos of National Guard troops patrolling city streets, as broadcasters describe the long history of discrimination against minorities in the United States. Social media sites are portraying America as unruly and chaotic: This is not Syria, this is the U.S.! read a caption on one popular site. Global Times, a nationalistic newspaper controlled by the party, called on the U.S. government to stand with the Minnesota people. Its editor, in a tweet, pointedly called out Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who had said we stand by the people of Hong Kong in his condemnation of Beijings move to impose national security rules. The violent protests in the streets of urban America are further discrediting the U.S. in the eyes of ordinary Chinese, said Susan Shirk, chair of the U.C. San Diego 21st Century China Center. The propaganda depicts American politicians as hypocrites living in glass houses while throwing stones at China. Shirk said that as the reputation of the United States suffers in China fewer people might be willing to voice support for American ideals, such as free markets and civil liberties. Even without the propaganda, Chinese people nowadays find little to admire in the U.S., she said. As the U.S. model is tarnished, the voice of Chinese liberals is silenced. While Chinese officials have gleefully joined the global chorus of criticism aimed at the United States, the unrest has put them in an awkward position. Chinas government has long maintained strict limits on free speech and activism, and authorities often resort to aggressive tactics to quash unrest. The police in Hong Kong, where the government is backed by Beijing, have been accused of using excessive force as it has sought to rein in anti-government protests that have convulsed the semiautonomous territory over the past year. With the comparisons to Hong Kong unmistakable, many mainland commentators have stopped short of endorsing the tactics used by American protesters, instead denouncing racism in the United States in general terms and rehashing protest slogans. The chronic racial wound in the United States is now smarting again, said a recent report by Xinhua, the state-run news agency. The Chinese government, in its first official statement on Trumps move against Beijings national security rules, directly called out the United States for hypocrisy. A spokesman for Chinas foreign ministry, Zhao Lijian, noted on Monday how American officials have portrayed protesters in their own country as thugs but glorified Hong Kong protesters as heroes. Carrie Lam, Hong Kongs chief executive, echoed the party line on Tuesday, accusing the United States of having double standards. When it comes to their countrys security, they attach great importance, she said at a regular news briefing. When it comes to my countrys security, especially regarding Hong Kongs current situation, theyve put on tinted glasses. Chinese officials, wading into the complex racial politics of the United States, have sometimes struggled with striking the right note. A spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, Hua Chunying, was widely praised in China recently when she wrote I cant breathe in response to a critical Twitter post by an American official. But she had less success with a post on Monday, when she wrote All lives matter, apparently unaware she was embracing a slogan that has been used in the United States to criticize the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Chinese officials have used the protests to revive favorite propaganda themes, including the idea that the United States acts as a bully on the world stage, meddling in the affairs of other countries. Hong Kong has been a particular point of contention, with many news outlets in China pairing images of burning buildings and flags in American cities alongside comments last year by Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House, praising a demonstration in Hong Kong as a beautiful sight to behold. The editor-in-chief of Global Times, Hu Xijin, said that the attacks were to be expected given the intense criticism of China by American officials over the past year. Its a kind of vengeful feeling, which I think is human nature, he said in an interview. Americans shouldnt be unhappy about it. Hu said the unrest in the United States, as well as the failures in the countrys response to the coronavirus pandemic, had strengthened confidence among many Chinese in Beijings political system. It has made them believe that the government of this country really cares about peoples lives and well-being, he said. They see how the U.S. government and capital despise the lives and interests of vulnerable and marginalized groups. Nationalism has been in full force in recent days on the Chinese internet, with many people taking to Weibo, a popular microblogging platform, to denounce the arrogance of the United States and Trump. Hashtags about the American protests, including the decision to deploy the National Guard in some cities, are among the most popular topics on the site. Some worry that the propaganda campaign may further inflame tensions between the two countries. He Weifang, an outspoken law professor in Beijing, said that even some critics of the government are becoming more sympathetic to the official line. Any Chinese with a brain, he said, would not simply look at it as China being so successful and the U.S. being a failure. But, he added, with the terrible compression of space for free speech, many peoples heads are gradually broken. c.2020 The New York Times Company Decoupling with China will come at "significant cost" to U.S. competitiveness: WSJ WASHINGTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Decoupling with China will come at "a significant cost to America's own competitiveness," a commentary published Tuesday by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has warned. "U.S. security hawks should be aware that a broad-based attempt to disentangle the two countries' supply chains and educational linkages will come at a significant cost to America's own competitiveness," the WSJ's Nathaniel Taplin wrote. "If 'decoupling' proceeds, then much more federal funding for basic research --- and for U.S. science and math education -- may be needed to plug the gap," he said. "That probably means higher taxes and a more welcoming immigration policy for foreign talent from ... other nations to offset a potential Chinese brain drain." "Finally, American consumers need to be prepared to pay more for the luxury of a secure and diversified supply chain," Taplin said. Gold king in chess game face with the another silver team on black background (Concept for company strategy, business victory or decision) Even though the global economy is a mess, stocks are telling a completely different story. Markets are roaring as if we are entering a new golden age of economic prosperity. I am in fact happy that volatility is dropping and risk is coming back online. Personally, I hope the gold rush is over at the moment. However, it is not for the reason that you might think. I am looking at adding to gold positions as long-term holds, but unfortunately, the stocks have gotten quite lofty of late. Dividends are much smaller than they once were due to the huge capital gains. One of my favourite stocks, Franco-Nevada Corp. (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV), took off into the stratosphere. The worst part about investing The hardest part of investing is the fact that a great way to buy stocks is to purchase great companies at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, the best time to get stocks at a great price is when they have fallen out of favour. The current global situation generated a run in gold prices. Gold is up somewhere in the range of over 30% in U.S. dollar terms year over year. Gold-related stocks have done even better, with some up between 50 and 100%. Since the beginning of the year, Franco-Nevada has risen from about $125 a share to over $200. The yield has collapsed to under 1% as the capital gain has reduced the yield considerably. Its a great business Gold will likely increase in price in the upcoming years, primarily due to the massive money printing that has exploded on a global scale since March. Franco Nevada is positioned to take advantage of the growing gold value. It has multiple investments in mines around the world. The majority of its assets are based on precious metals, which should be a great way to play growth higher demand for gold. Even though it has a global focus, however, there is security in its revenue streams. In Q1 of 2020, 86.9% of its revenues were from the Americas, reducing geopolitical risk. A reasonable portion of that revenue, 20%, comes from Canada. Story continues Its balance sheet is one of the best you can find on this planet. Franco-Nevada invests from free cash flow, not from debt. It strives to maintain a debt-free balance sheet, allowing it to take advantage of opportunities while riding out slow periods. The team has a long-term focus and its strategy speaks volumes. Its dividend is as rock-solid as its balance sheet. Franco-Nevada has a small dividend yield of just under 1%, but it has grown that dividend for over a decade. In its Q1 2020 results, it announced that it would increase the dividend by 4%. The increases are small, but responsible in order to guarantee the payment and potential growth going forward. The bottom line Gold stocks soared this year, going on a tear. After a giant run, the gold stock has started to pull back. Franco- Nevada has always been expensive as a result of its diverse income streams and solid balance sheet. Unfortunately, the stock has gone parabolic in recent months, making me nervous to add shares at these levels. This company is one of my favourites when it comes to investing in the gold sector, so a pullback would be a great opportunity to add some more. If markets calm down even more and the gold price retreats for a time, I will definitely take advantage of a falling share price to build a position in this great company. The post Is the Gold Rush Over for Precious Metals Stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada. More reading Fool contributor krisknutson has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fools purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool Canadas free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Motley Fool Canada 2020 The cottage where Dominic Cummings stayed with his family during his lockdown trip to Durham was allegedly converted without the correct planning permission. The Prime Minister's chief advisor stayed with his family at the farm in March when he and his wife Mary Wakefield began suffering coronavirus symptoms. The building was originally the site of a swimming pool but Durham County Council gave planning permission for a pitched roof for the building in 2001. Dominic Cummings (left, pictured arriving at 10 Downing Street in London today) and his wife Mary Wakefield (right, on May 23) stayed with his family at the farm in Durham in March The family home Mr Cummings and his family fled to in Durham during the Covid-19 lockdown. The Prime Minister's chief advisor is thought to have stayed in the property at the rear However the council has since received a raft of complaints that the building did not have the correct permission to be used as a residential dwelling. The building - described by Mr Cummings, 48, in his press conference at Downing Street on May 25 as 'sort of concrete blocks' could even have to be pulled down. Durham County Council has now confirmed it is investigating. A spokesman said: 'We have received a number of complaints and are currently looking into the matter.' One of the complaints relates to an alleged 'unauthorised material change of use of building to residential occupation and associated alterations.' Mr Cummings is thought to have stayed in the above outbuilding while at the farm in Durham Durham City's Labour MP Mary Foy has also written to the council to ask it to investigate and inquire over whether council tax should be paid on the property. How there are four planning applications but none relate to a change of use Only four planning applications relating to the property exist in Durham County Council's records. The first was made on March 8, 2001 for a timber-framed and clad enclosure for an existing swimming pool. The application is for 'building or engineering operations only' and states that it is not an application for change of use. All further planning applications - in August 2014, August 2016 and February 2017 - relate to the felling or cutting back of trees. There are no applications for a change of use for the former swimming pool to a dwelling. Advertisement She said: 'We had quite a number of emails about it. If they don't have planning permission, then they asked for retrospective planning permission, they could be asked to pull the house down, but I do not know how strict the council are on that type of thing.' Mr Cummings said he drove up to Durham without stopping on March 27 after his wife became ill, before isolating with his family at the cottage. Then on Easter Sunday he travelled to nearby Barnard Castle on April 12 his wife's birthday to test his eyesight before driving back to London. Returning from that trip, Mr Cummings stopped the car so his son could go to the toilet on the side of the road, but insisted nobody was nearby at the time. Mr Cummings also said that he went for a walk in nearby woods owned by his father while recovering himself, and saw some people but had no interaction. He left Durham to return to London on April 13 - and claims that he made a second trip back to the North East with his family were later denied. As for the plannig permission row, a response to one of the complainants from a senior enforcement officer at the council says: 'I am the case officer and will be investigating your concerns. 'The investigation will seek to establish whether there has been a breach of planning control. 'If there has not been a breach of planning control you will be informed at the earliest opportunity that no further action will be taken and the case file closed. The main house at the farm, where Mr Cummings relocated with his wife and son in March 'If a breach of planning control is identified, further investigation will be required, and you will be updated at relevant times. 'You should be aware that some enforcement cases may take some time to resolve and, furthermore, the current restrictions imposed as a result of coronavirus may affect the speed of our investigation and, we would ask for your patience at this time.' At his press conference on May 25, Mr Cummings described the circumstances in which his family lived whilst in Durham. He insisted his trip to Durham to isolate was not because the property on his father's farm was a 'nice place to be'. Mr Cummings said: 'The point about it was not that it was some nice place to be. If you have been there, you would see that it's sort of concrete blocks. Only four planning applications relating to the property exist in council records. The first was made on March 8, 2001 for a timber-framed and clad enclosure for an existing swimming pool 'The point about it was not that it was a nice place to be, but that it was the safest place to be in the circumstances - and it meant that I didn't have to expose other people to risk unless I absolutely had to in a critical emergency.' It is understood his father bought the farm on the outskirts of Durham in 1999. Two years later, Durham County Council granted permission for the erection of a pitched roof structure over an existing swimming pool. Other than tree-felling, this is the only planning application related to the address on the council's online portal. Durham Constabulary concluded the journey to Durham did not mean he had committed an offence. But the force did say a trip to Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday that he said was to check whether his eyesight was good enough to drive back to London might have breached legislation. Peel Regional Police chief Nishan Duraiappah issued a statement Tuesday night calling the turmoil in the United States troubling and the death of George Floyd heartbreaking. As the profoundly troubling events in the United States continue to unfold, we acknowledge that anti-Black racism exists in Canada as well, he wrote in a letter posted on Twitter. The death of George Floyd is both a disturbing crime and truly heartbreaking and it has shaken all of us at Peel Regional Police. Floyd was an unarmed Black man, whose death on May 25 was captured on video after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck. The tragedy has sparked protests across the U.S. and worldwide. Duraiappah said systemic change and the commitment to community safety and well-being can only be achieved through sincere engagement with our communities and being transparent. Accountability is my personal commitment to all of you, and it must continue to be the cornerstone of ethical policing, he wrote. The difficult conversations that follow in these trying times are necessary. Raneem Alozzi is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @r_alozzi Suspected members of the outlawed outfit Communist Party of India (Maoist) torched 11 vehicles engaged in bauxite mining under Kisko police station in Jharkhands Lohardaga district, located around 90-km from the state capital Ranchi, on Tuesday night, police said. Suspected Maoist rebels set on fire nine excavators, a compressor machine, and a JCB machine at night on Tuesday, said Jitendra Singh, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Lohardaga. Singh said the incident occurred at Pakhar bauxite mines between 9 pm and 10 pm on Tuesday. The torched vehicles belonged to two private companies, who are engaged in bauxite mining in the area, he added. Maoist leader Ravindra Ganjhu, who is active in the area, is suspected to be behind the attack. An investigation is on. Locals are being interrogated to gather more information about the incident, the SDPO said. Ganjhu is wanted in several cases and carries a Rs 2 lakh reward on his head, according to Jharkhand Police. Maoist violence has risen in Jharkhand amid the nationwide lockdown restrictions, which were imposed from March 25 to contain the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak. Last Sunday, a policeman and a chowkidar was killed, when the Maoists ambushed a joint patrol party of Jharkhand Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in West Singhhum district. This was the first setback for the police and CRPF in West Singhbhum district after they killed six left-wing extremists in April and May in two separate operations. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ST. LOUIS COUNTY Councilwoman Ella Jones was elected mayor of Ferguson on Tuesday, becoming the first African American to lead the St. Louis suburb that became nationally known after a police officer killed a black teen. Jones, who also will be the first woman to serve as the citys mayor, secured her historic victory with 54% of the vote over Councilwoman Heather Robinett, who had 46%. Its just our time, Jones, 65, said in an interview Tuesday night. Its just my time to do right by the people. Asked what her election means for Fergusons black residents, she responded: One word: inclusion. Obama tweets Post-Dispatch coverage of Fergusons mayoral race He said it was a reminder of the difference politics and voting can make in changing who has the power to make real change in a community like Ferguson. Meanwhile, Wildwood Mayor Jim Bowlin and Richmond Heights Mayor Jim Thomson easily turned back challengers and secured new terms. In another mayoral race, longtime incumbent Ted Hoskins of Berkeley was defeated by challenger Babatunde Deinbo, a former mayor, 42% to 34%. A third candidate, Barbara Jean Holmes, trailed. The St. Louis County Election Board said all those results were based on 100% of the polling places reporting countywide. This was the second time Jones ran for mayor in Ferguson. In 2017, she lost to incumbent James Knowles III, who was barred by term limits from seeking a fourth term Tuesday. The city voted shortly after it was the scene of a new round of protests and violence over the weekend that was reminiscent of the strife in 2014 following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by a white Ferguson police officer. Both Jones and Robinett, 49, said if elected they would help Ferguson to continue implementing changes in city practices since the 2014 unrest, including a consent decree worked out with the federal government. They also said they supported the goals of peaceful protesters upset with the death May 25 of Minneapolis resident George Floyd, a black man, while in police custody. But they said they deplored the violence that followed. Jones said Tuesday night that one of her initial goals as mayor would be to help stabilize the businesses in Ferguson, especially those damaged in the recent violence. She also said she would work to bring the city council together on that and other issues. Jones election continues a significant increase in African American political influence in the city in recent years. In 2014, there was just one black council member. Now there are four out of six, although Jones will be moving soon, of course, into the mayors seat. The mayoral race in nearby Berkeley was unusual because it featured an incumbent, Hoskins, seeking reelection despite pending felony charges filed against him last year. The charges allege that Hoskins, in the months leading up to the April 2018 election for four city council seats, submitted fraudulent voter applications and other documents from at least three residents. Hoskins, 81, a former state representative, insisted he had done nothing wrong and said he was running on his record. He also promised to work to follow through on city plans to build a community center. Deinbo, 69, had said hed work to hire more police. The third candidate, Holmes, 80, a retired Berkeley finance official, said shed try to set up an activity center for kids. Also losing reelection bids were the mayors of Breckenridge Hills and Velda Village Hills, Mary Aman and Earlene Luster. Aman was defeated by former Mayor Jack Shrewsbury in a close three-way race, while Luster lost to Patricia Ross in a four-way contest. Winning reelection in contested races were the mayors of Bel-Ridge, Sunset Hills, Valley Park and Bellerive Acres. In Pagedale, voters chose the Rev. Ernest EG Shields, a prominent pastor, to succeed longtime Mayor Mary Louise Carter, who didnt seek reelection. Voters in Cool Valley picked Jayson Stewart over two opponents to succeed Mayor Viola Murphy, who didnt run again. In Wildwood, Bowlin, 55, defeated his opponent, Councilman Niles Stephens, 41. In Richmond Heights, Thomson, 73, defeated former Councilman Paul Lore, 65. Among cities approving sales tax increases were Byrnes Mill, Breckenridge Hills, Dellwood, Maplewood and Herculaneum. Property tax increases were approved in Glendale, Olivette and the Monarch, Riverview and Spanish Lake fire protection districts, some in connection with bond issues. Voters in the Hillsboro, Pacific and Dunklin fire districts and Big River Ambulance District turned down property tax hikes. Tuesdays local-level election, which had been scheduled for April 7 across Missouri, was delayed two months by an executive order issued by Gov. Mike Parson to try to curb the spread of the coronavirus. While the election was delayed because of concerns over the coronavirus, concern over COVID-19 was still very much part of the background for Tuesdays election. Absentee voting soared and many election judges refused to work at the polls. That was especially true in St. Louis County, where 360 polling places were consolidated into 160. Updated at 11:50 p.m. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. (CNN) Google has removed an app that millions of Indians had downloaded hoping that it would help them boycott Chinese software. "Remove China Apps" was not available on the Google Play Store on Wednesday, a little over two weeks after it launched with the assurance that it could help Indians identify apps made by Chinese developers. Anti-Chinese sentiment has been rising in India in recent weeks as the two countries feud over a border dispute. One Touch App Labs, the developer of the app, billed it as a tool to help support "a self-reliant India" by identifying the origin of applications installed on mobile phones. The company could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Google declined to comment on Wednesday about how it became aware that the app violated the Play Store's policies, which forbid products that "encourage or incentivize" people to delete or disable other apps. Remove China Apps was downloaded more than 4 million times before it was taken down, according to analytics company Sensor Tower. In India, nearly 160,000 users gave the app a 5-star rating on the Play Store before it was taken down. But it was not entirely successful in detecting apps from Chinese developers, according to some users. On Tuesday, user Sridhar Toopurani wrote in a review of the app that "while the concept is good ... it did not detect MI Video, Helo etc." Mi Video is a streaming app from Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, and Helo is social media platform developed by ByteDance, the Beijing-based startup behind TikTok. Other users said the app also failed to detect PUBG, a popular smartphone game from Tencent. The app did identify TikTok as a Chinese app, according to several reviews. India is one of TikTok's biggest markets, though it has run into some issues in the country. The app was temporarily banned in India last year, after a court ruled that TikTok could expose children to sexual predators, pornographic content and cyberbullying. TikTok appealed the decision, saying it had cracked down on inappropriate content, and the court reversed its ruling. At the time, Bytedance reportedly told the country's top court that it was losing $500,000 in revenue each day that TikTok was blocked. Remove China Apps was launched last month just days after a cross-border skirmish between Chinese and Indian forces resulted in minor injuries to troops. The incident, at a remote, mountainous crossing close to Tibet, was the latest in a long line of border flare-ups between the neighboring powers, and has fueled a fresh round of anti-China sentiment in India. Sonam Wangchuk, an education reformer who was also the inspiration for a popular movie character in India, asked fellow Indians to boycott all things Chinese in response to the border standoff. He shared a video on YouTube last week, urging Indian citizens to stop buying Chinese goods, to "use your wallet power ... and stop virtually financing the current military bullying." The video has been viewed more than 3.7 million times. Actor Arshad Warsi addressed his 2.2 million followers on Twitter, saying he is "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 added. The Remove China App caught the attention of Chinese state-run tabloid The Global Times. The Indian software is "likely to draw punishment from China," the tabloid wrote, adding that it "has drawn ridicule from Chinese netizens, who suggest Idians could 'throw away' their Chinese-branded smartphones." Tensions between the two countries are escalating, but they also have a longstanding business relationship. In the first three months of this year, Chinese smartphone makers Xiaomi and Vivo were the top sellers in India, accounting for more than half the market, according to research firm Canalys. Samsung was third, and two other Chinese brands Realme and Oppo rounded out the top five. India has said it would allow Huawei to participate in some 5G trials, while other countries have been much more hesitant to to use the Chinese tech company's products. Chinese investors have also poured a lot of money into some of India's buzziest tech startups. Digital payments company Paytm is backed by Alibaba, food delivery platform Swiggy counts Tencent among its investors, and car hailing platform Ola is backed by DiDi Chuxing. Vedika Sud contributed to this report. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Google removes app that claimed to detect Chinese apps on Indian phones." Credit: CC0 Public Domain University of Queensland researchers have discovered why only 34 per cent of mothers exclusively breastfeed to six months, despite the global push to increase rates to 50 per cent. Lead researcher Dr. Katrina Moss said mothers primarily stopped breastfeeding because of milk shortages or breastfeeding difficulties, such as latching and mastitis. "Mothers can feel intense pressure to breastfeed, but breastfeeding isn't best for everyone," Dr. Moss said. "If mothers run into breastfeeding problems they may need to supplement or stop." Dr. Moss said compassion must play a bigger role in the breastfeeding debate. "Feeding difficulties can increase the risk of perinatal anxiety and depression, which is experienced by up to 20 per cent of mothers," Dr. Moss said. Using data from nearly 2,900 women with more than 5,300 children in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, the researchers also found 41 per cent of mothers supplemented breastfeeding with solid food or formula. "Feeding messages have been polarised between breastfeeding and formula, but in reality, it's not that simple; we found six different feeding practices," Dr. Moss said. Dr. Moss suggested mothers receive evidence-based information about natural fluctuations in breastmilk production, how to safely formula feed, and how to recognise cues that their baby is ready for solids. "The majority of mothers don't exclusively breastfeed, usually for very good reasons, and the support they receive needs to reflect this," Dr. Moss said. "This study highlights the need for personalised support specific to each mother's situation." The Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines and Australian Medical Association encourage support for all feeding practices. Mothers wanting more information can visit the raising children website. The study was published in the Journal of Human Lactation. Explore further Gap between maternity policies revealed More information: Katrina M. Moss et al, Which Australian Women Do Not Exclusively Breastfeed to 6 Months, and why?, Journal of Human Lactation (2020). Journal information: Journal of Human Lactation Katrina M. Moss et al, Which Australian Women Do Not Exclusively Breastfeed to 6 Months, and why?,(2020). DOI: 10.1177/0890334420929993 Sean McDermott, left, owner of the Grove cannabis shop in La Mesa, looks over one of the store's products with employee Larry Fennell. (Karen Pearlman / San Diego Union-Tribune) Californias legal marijuana industry faces a year of declining sales as a result of the pandemic-induced recession despite an initial spike in consumer demand after dispensaries were deemed essential businesses, according to details outlined in Gov. Gavin Newsoms proposed budget. Newsom projected in January that the state's cannabis excise tax would bring in $479 million this year and $590 million in the fiscal year starting July 1, but his revised budget now forecasts just $443 million this year and a decline to $435 million next year. While similar products like alcohol and tobacco tend to be recession-resistant, the forecast assumes that cannabis businesses will be more negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget says. "Cannabis businesses have less access to banking services that could provide liquidity, have a younger consumer base likely to be disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 recession, and still must contend with competition from the black market." In an attempt to help the state's legal pot industry weather a downturn, the Newsom administration has relaxed some restrictions on how cannabis firms operate, deferred license renewal fees and extended the deadline for filing first quarter tax returns. Industry leaders say they are bracing for economic turmoil caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which led Newsom more than two months ago to issue an order for California residents to stay at home to stem the disease's spread. "It's a pretty dire situation at this point," said Jerred Kiloh, owner of the Higher Path cannabis store in Sherman Oaks, and president of the United Cannabis Business Assn., which represents many Los Angeles-based retailers. The illicit market is just going to have another leg up this year," he added. "When people have less disposable income they are going to look at the lowest cost option." The darker projections are a setback for a market championed by Newsom, who was the leading proponent of Proposition 64, the 2016 ballot measure that legalized the sale of marijuana for recreational purposes in California. Story continues Since the state began licensing growing and selling cannabis in 2018, the legal industry has struggled to overcome impediments that include bans on sales by most California cities, high taxes and competition from a much larger illicit market that can offer lower prices. But when Newsom issued his stay-at-home order that forced many businesses to close, he exempted marijuana sellers as essential. There was an immediate run on cannabis products as consumers stockpiled pot in anticipation of a possible future shortage amid concern pot shops might also be forced to close. We initially saw a spike in sales that was attributed to panic buying, said Josh Drayton, a spokesman for the California Cannabis Industry Assn., who noted that sales have "leveled out. Drayton said the future is "very unpredictable" but that he has not seen enough data to support the idea of a downturn, and others say they think sales will continue to increase. BDSA, a firm that analyzes industry trends, still thinks Californias market will grow, from $2.9 billion last year to $3.6 billion this year. Illicit sales totaled $8.8 billion in 2019, according to Tom Adams, principal analyst of the financial research and consulting division of BDSA. But slowly and surely we expect [legal sellers] to chip away at that enormous illicit market, which only has after-tax price as a competitive advantage, Adams said. California retailers including Kiloh say the governors estimate of a decline in cannabis tax revenue is consistent with what they see in the severe, longer term damage the pandemic has inflicted on the state economy. While the number of individual purchases has climbed, the volume of products purchased is going down, Kiloh said. Newsom has estimated that the states unemployment rate this year will be 18%, and Kiloh said one of the hardest hit groups is young people, including college students, who represent the largest demographic of cannabis customers. Some 60% of workers ages 16 to 24 have a high risk of unemployment compared with 42% of workers ages 45 to 54, according to a report last month by the Los Angeles nonprofit research group Economic Roundtable. While the state has begun reopening many parts of the state economy, the governors budget proposal predicts that the cannabis industry will continue to struggle. That conclusion is based on assumptions "that recognize an economically fragile consumer base, a persistent illicit market and the continuing challenge the industry faces in accessing traditional banking liquidity solutions," said Nicole Elliott, the governors senior advisor on cannabis. The industry has also been hurt by a large drop in visitors from outside the state. Especially in places like San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles, 30% of our business is tourism, Kiloh said. When you see a 30% reduction in tourism, thats big. The impact of declining sales would be devastating for an industry that already faces unique challenges, Drayton said. "As with all businesses, if we do see a decline in sales we can anticipate layoffs, closures and an increased lack of access to regulated, tested, and taxed cannabis," he said. Elliott said the state has begun taking steps to help the industry weather tough times. State agencies recently announced that licenses expiring in May and June can receive 60-day deferrals of their license fee payments, which can run into six figures. The license fee deferrals are intended to provide immediate financial assistance to state cannabis licensees impacted by COVID-19, said a statement by the state Bureau of Cannabis Control. Kiloh noted that the state action only delays the collection of license fees and that cannabis firms still have to come up with the money eventually, even as they struggle in a recession. State officials said the deferral was offered because the cannabis industry has so far been excluded from federal or banking-dependent assistance for small businesses because cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. State agencies have also relaxed rules requiring sales in secured buildings so that pot shops can provide curbside pickup of purchases. Other rules that can be temporarily waived for businesses that apply include a requirement for a signature from customers when receiving deliveries, allowing retailers to accept expired drivers licenses after the DMV temporarily shuttered field offices due to the pandemic, and permitting the sale of non-cannabis products that are virus related, including hand sanitizer, that previously could not be sold in pot shops. The state tax agency has also offered payment plans for cannabis businesses struggling to pay sales and use taxes, and extended the deadline by which most operators must file their first-quarter 2020 tax returns. Elliott also said that if cannabis businesses can find an eligible lender, they may access the $50 million in the IBank's Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program and a similar amount from the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program proposed in the governors budget for next year. Still, the industry is lobbying Congress to access some of the much larger pool of federal financial assistance being offered to other small businesses hurt by the pandemic. Without federal help, Drayton said, Our businesses will continue to deal with the same hardships as other small businesses without access to financial relief programs nor the financial tools afforded to other industries." Three days after George Floyd died with a Minneapolis police officer choking off his air, another black man writhed on the tarmac of a street in Paris as a police officer pressed a knee to his neck during an arrest. Immobilisation techniques where officers apply pressure with their knees on prone suspects are used in policing around the world and have long drawn criticism. One reason why Floyds death is sparking anger globally is that such techniques have been blamed for asphyxiations and other deaths in police custody beyond American shores, often involving non-white suspects. We cannot say that the American situation is foreign to us, said French lawmaker Francois Ruffin, who has pushed for a ban on the police use of face-down holds that are implicated in multiple deaths in France, a parliamentary effort put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic. The muscular arrest on May 28 in Paris of a black man who was momentarily immobilised face-up with an officers knee and upper shin pressing down on his jaw, neck and upper chest is among those that have drawn angry comparisons with the killing of Floyd. In Hong Kong, where police behaviour is a hot-button issue after months of anti-government protests, the citys force says it is investigating the death of a man who was immobilised face-down during his arrest in May by officers who were filmed kneeling on his shoulder, back and neck. Commercial flights will return to London City Airport by the end of this month after 14 weeks out of action due to the coronavirus pandemic. The airport in the Docklands area of East London announced that domestic routes will be the first to resume, while international flights will restart early next month. However London City officials said the timing of the international restart 'may depend on the proposed quarantine of passengers arriving into the UK'. Its runway has been closed to commercial and private flights since March 25 due to travel restrictions and the collapse in demand caused by the crisis. Commercial flights will return to London City Airport (pictured today) by the end of June The airport was dubbed 'RAF Nightingale' during the pandemic due to its location next to the first NHS Nightingale hospital set up at the ExCel Centre. Aviation experts had expected RAF C130 Hercules, C17 Globemaster and Airbus A400M transport aircraft could have used the airport to bring in supplies. The RAF was seen practising landing Hercules aircraft at the airport in March, but the hospital closed last month having only treated 54 patients. Bosses said staff have been busy working behind the scenes since the terminal was closed to prepare it to welcome back passengers. The runway at London City Airport is empty on April 8. The airport will be closed for 14 weeks before reopening to domestic routes at the end of this month - then international flights They have installed temperature checking technology both on departure and arrival and will be providing staff with face masks and visors. The airport will also deploy an anti-bacterial surface treatment which will begin to kill all germs upon contact and lasts for up to 12 months. Construction at the airport has been focussing on airside projects such as aircraft stands, a parallel taxiway and new immigration and baggage facilities. Passengers will be asked to observe social distancing rules and the airport has put in place technology which will enable the detection of busy areas. London City's chief executive Robert Sinclair said: 'When our doors re-open again shortly, our ambition is to provide the best airport experience in the UK to our passengers by ensuring we follow industry guidance to the letter and by maintaining our reputation as the quickest London airport to get to and through. 'While there are many challenges ahead for the UK aviation industry, it is our hope that by outlining the steps we are taking to make the airport safe, and by incorporating the views of our regular travellers into our plans, we will give people the confidence to fly from our airport to destinations across the UK and Europe.' London City handled 5.1 million passengers last year, and its location near capital's financial district makes it popular with business travellers. The airport, which is the 12th busiest in Britain, will survey travellers on its database to get their thoughts on the future flying experience. British Airways planes parked at London City Airport on March 26 after the lockdown came in London City, which was bought by a Canadian-led consortium in 2016, is used for British Airways' business-class only flights to and from New York. Airlines have suspended most flights due to demand plummeting and countries around the world introducing travel restrictions to slow the spread of the virus. The impact of the coronavirus on the aviation industry has also been highlighted by dozens of planes being flown to airports across the UK for storage. Airports in Bournemouth, Cardiff, Glasgow and Norwich are among those which have been used by airlines to park their aircraft amid the drop in demand. A research group from Germany demonstrated a direct toxic effect of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on cardiac cells in their paper published on the bioRxiv* preprint server. The finding warrants an in-depth analysis of cardiac tissue in certain coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients, as well as close monitoring for any direct cardiomyocyte injury. COVID-19 pandemic has spread around the globe, putting billions of people into lockdown as health services try to cope with gravely ill individuals. Elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be in jeopardy of serious disease outcomes. Patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases present with an increased risk of death after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, clinical deterioration during COVID-19 is accompanied by left ventricular dysfunction in approximately 20% of patients, which is a striking number. Nonetheless, it is not clear whether biomarkers of cardiac injury and long-term adverse effects on the cardiovascular system are caused directly by viral infection of the heart tissue, or they arise secondary to hypoxia (i.e., oxygen deprivation) and systemic inflammation during complicated COVID-19. Previous research has hinted that human cardiomyocytes (heart cells) express the recognized SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), most notably in patients with cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that they could be targeted by the novel coronavirus. SARS-CoV-2 virus binding to ACE2 receptors on a human cell. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock This is why researchers from Frankfurt University, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Max Planck Institute Heart and Lung Research, Cardiopulmonary Institute, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, German Centre for Infection Research, and several specialty clinics decided to investigate whether human cardiomyocytes are actually permissive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using heart cells and living cardiac tissue slices The researchers induced the infection by two control strains of SARS-CoV-2 (previously propagated in Caco-2 cell lines) in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CM), as well as in two models of human cardiac tissue. By using human cardiospheres (i.e., a cluster of endogenous heart stem cells that arises when they are cloned in suspension) generated by hiPS-cells, they aimed to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 infects cardiomyocytes in a three-dimensional tissue environment. Finally, these scientists also addressed whether SARS-CoV-2 can infect human heart tissue by using living human cardiac tissue slices obtained from explanted hearts. All cytopathogenic effects were appraised visually 48 hours following the infection. Cytotoxicity and lower heartbeats The study has shown that SARS-CoV-2 can readily infect human cardiomyocytes in culture, as well as in two different models of heart tissue. The infection was demonstrated by an assortment of readouts including the expression of intracellular viral RNA and its spike glycoprotein. "Increasing concentrations of virus RNA are detected in supernatants of infected cardiomyocytes, which induced infections in CaCo-2 cell lines documenting productive infections", explain study authors. The virus was further detected by in cells of the infected human heart slices by using electron microscopy, and it was also shown that it undergoes a full replication cycle. Of note, pro-apoptotic effects were also generated by SARS-CoV-2, which means it induces programmed cell death in cardiomyocytes. In a nutshell, SARS-CoV-2 infection in this study was linked to cytotoxic changes and lower beating rate of heart cells in laboratory cultures and cardiospheres, suggesting a purported detrimental effect of the virus on the human heart. "SARS-CoV-2 time-dependently affected beating frequency of cardiospheres with a profound inhibition at 5 days post-infection", further elucidate study authors. "At five days post-infection, cardiospheres showed a reduced size consistent with the induction of cell death," they add. Future research and clinical practice Although there was evidence that patients with COVID-19 had elevated cardiac injury biomarkers, as well as certain problems with left and right ventricular cardiac function, this is the first time a direct viral infection of cardiomyocytes by SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated convincingly. "The used three-dimensional tissue models may serve as an experimental model for testing the effects of coronavirus infection and biology in the heart and developing therapeutic strategies," study authors explain implications of their research findings. In any case, the significant adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 on human cardiomyocytes as described in this study definitely warrants additional, continuous, and comprehensive monitoring of direct cardiac changes in COVID-19 patients. *Important Notice bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. A pro-democracy demonstrator waves the British colonial Hong Kong flag during a protest against new national security legislation in Hong Kong, China June 1, 2020. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu The British foreign secretary says China's proposed national security law for Hong Kong is a "clear violation" of Beijing's international obligations. In a statement to the House of Commons yesterday, Dominic Raab said "we strongly oppose such an authoritarian law being imposed by China in breach of international law". Hong Kong is a former British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997, under a 'one country, two systems' agreement that guarantees it a high degree of autonomy. China's largely ceremonial parliament voted last week to bypass Hong Kong's legislature and develop and enact national security legislation on its own for the semi-autonomous territory. Critics say the laws could curtail free speech and opposition political activities. "It would be a clear violation of China's international obligations, including those made specifically to the United Kingdom under the joint declaration," Mr Raab said. He also pledged to "stand by" Hong Kong and uphold Britain's historic responsibilities to the territory. "Even at this stage I sincerely hope China will reconsider its approach," he said. "But if not, the UK will not just look the other way when it comes to the people of Hong Kong." Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 19:51:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Nine Afghan civilians were killed and five others wounded after their vehicle touched off a Taliban roadside bomb in southern Kandahar province on Wednesday, local police said. Enditem The grieving mother of George Floyds daughter on Tuesday demanded justice for him, saying he was a good father who did not deserve to die face down on the pavement, pinned under the weight of a police officer. At the end of the day, they get to go home and be with their families, Washington said. Gianna doesnt have a father. He will never see her grow up, graduate. He will never walk her down the aisle, she said with six-year-old Gianna clinging to her. Washington said she wants all four officers involved in Floyds death to pay for the killing. He loved her, he loved her so much, Washington said in her first comments since the incident on May 25. Im here for my baby. Im here for George because I want justice for him, and I want justice for him because he was good. No matter what anybody thinks, he was good. Floyd, 46, was handcuffed and pinned to the ground in Minneapolis on Monday last week by a white police officer who kneeled on his neck as he gasped for breath. Protests and violence began across the US soon after the incident and have been continuing since then. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of major US cities on Tuesday for an eighth consecutive night of protests over Floyds death, defying pleas by mayors, strict curfews and other measures meant to curtail them. Major marches took place in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta and New York City as well as in Washington, DC, near the park where demonstrators were cleared on Monday to make a path for President Donald Trump so he could walk from the White House to a historic church for a photo. Although rallies on behalf of Floyd and other victims of police brutality have been largely peaceful during the day, after dark each night crowds have turned to rioting, vandalism, arson and looting. On Monday night, five police officers were hit by gunfire in two cities. TORONTO, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Food For The Poor Canada (FFPC) calls upon Canadians to join in the effort to raise $1M in a campaign to feed an additional 50,000 people in the Caribbean and Latin America during COVID-19. This is a matter of survival. What we are witnessing in Haiti right now is a deadly combination of COVID-19 and a shortage of food, explained Bishop Oge of FFP Haiti. He praised Canadians who are also suffering but who continue to support communities that are in far more vulnerable positions. The need for food has already exceeded the regular shipments from FFP (USA), who feeds 800,000 people daily. Countries like Haiti that were already facing incredible challenges around access to and affordability of food are now pushed to the brink in the struggle individuals face feeding their families. Millions have lost work and have been confined to their homes. Without the ability to work, parents are unable to feed their children. We have changed our focus from development and sustainability to aid, announced Samantha Mahfood, FFPC Executive Director, during the first virtual AGM reception on April 27th, 2020. In response to the global pandemic, FFPC has paused school and housing construction in Haiti and Jamaica until it is safe to resume such projects; instead, they have pivoted to address the urgent and growing need for food. Thanks to the generosity of FFPC lead donors Grant Burton, Margaret McCain, and The Raymond Chang Foundation, Canadian gifts will be matched up to $185,000 to help towards the $1M goal. Generous Canadians help FFPC tackle crises through steadfast logistics and strong, long-term networks of partners on the ground; these local partners distribute the goods and ensure they reach the people who need them most. Canadian donors have responded quickly; in May, FFPC sent 1.1 million meals to Haiti in the form of soup mix. On June 9th another container of soup, beans and vegetables leaves for Haiti, followed by 8 containers destined for Jamaica, Haiti, Guyana and Honduras later in the month. Despite all this, even more needs to be done. Story continues There isnt a country that we serve that isnt asking us for whatever we can send, says Ed Raine, CEO and President of FFP US, noting that this is a critical time to help people survive. "We don't get to do anything without the generosity of the donors." About Food For The Poor Canada Food For The Poor Canada (FFPC) empowers communities in the Caribbean and Latin America through five areas of programming: food, housing, education, health and livelihood. FFPC responds to urgent needs while building community and social infrastructure. FFPC utilizes the pre-existing infrastructure of local affiliated organizations to better sustain and grow the communities they serve and responds effectively to emergencies and natural disasters when they occur. Over the last 12 years, FFPC and its Canadian donors have built 124 homes and 32 schools, as well as shipped and distributed $32 million worth of food, educational and medical supplies. FFPC is part of the Food For The Poor family of charities; the founding organization in the USA is Food For The Poor, an interdenominational Christian organization that works in 18 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. For interviews or more information, contact: Samantha Mahfood Executive Director (416) 921-4008 Samantham@foodforthepoor.ca www.foodforthepoor.ca A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/356859b7-bc67-40ca-8199-644a76b57455 South Africa: Mbalula confident airports are COVID-19 ready Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has expressed confidence that the aviation industry and the countrys airports will adhere to COVID-19 regulations and directives, as the sector reopens. The Minister made the declaration on Wednesday at the O.R Tambo International Airport, where he was inspecting the airports adherence to lockdown regulations and directions. These regulations and directives are there for the protection of all people and we expect absolute compliance, said Mbalula. He said government understood the need for a balanced gradual reopening of the economy and safety and good health. I am confident that our airports will play a central role in reigniting the economy, reconnecting our economic hubs, while strictly operating under these conditions. During the visit, the Minister observed that ORTIA had vending machines for personal protective equipment (PPE) and witnessed social distancing within the facility. During the visit, airport leadership demonstrated how cabins were being disinfected and prepared as restriction flight operations resume. I am satisfied that the airport has started out well and we expect this to continue. Now that we have started with opening up aviation, we must look ahead with determination in order for the transport sector to perform its vital economic role. Over and above the approval of the ORTIA procedures, he said, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has approved the procedures for Cape Town International and is currently reviewing the procedures for King Shaka International. In terms of the readiness of the airlines, I would like to state that the airlines, including charters, have also submitted their procedures, which are being reviewed by the SACAA, he said. Level 3 regulations At the weekend, the Minister outlined regulations at which airlines would resume operations under lockdown level 3. At this level, only passengers are allowed inside the terminal buildings. Temperature screening will become a norm at terminal building entrances before any passenger is allowed entry. Passengers without facemasks will not be given access to terminal buildings, Mbalula said. The Airports Company of South Africa (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 to be reserved for isolation of suspected cases, should they be detected on board. Loading capacity for all airport buses must be limited to 70%. The 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. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Robin Jerstad /For the Express-News On Wednesday, SeaWorld San Antonio announced in a news release that it will reopen its waterpark on Saturday with a new online reservation system. The release said visitors will need to make a reservation in advance to enjoy Aquatica San Antonio, which will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Reservations starting at 10 a.m. Friday. Boris Johnson insisted 'black lives matter' today as he condemned the 'sickening' death of George Floyd tonight- but refused to criticise Donald Trump's response. Mr Johnson added his voice to condemnation as he was asked about the wave of furious protests across the US, which have spread around the world. Footage has emerged of a police officer kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck while he pleaded that he could not breathe. At least 15,000 Black Lives Matter protesters including actor John Boyega and singer Liam Payne gathered in London, ignoring social distancing guidelines, as a show of anger against the death of Mr Floyd in the US. And at least 2,000 of those demonstrated in front of Downing Street, shouting 'take a knee' at Metropolitan Police officers guarding security gates. Speaking just yards away at the daily Downing Street briefing this evening, Mr Johnson said: 'We mourn George Floyd and I was appalled and sickened to see what happened to him. 'And my message to President Trump, to everybody in the United States from the UK is that I don't think racism - it's an opinion I'm sure is shared by the overwhelming majority of people around the world - racism, racist violence has no place in our society.' He said people had the right to protest but 'I would urge people to protest peacefully, and in accordance with the rules on social distancing'. 'Everybody's lives matter, black lives matter, but we must fight this virus, as well.' Speaking at the Downing Street briefing this evening, Boris Johnson said: 'We mourn George Floyd and I was appalled and sickened to see what happened to him.' Earlier, Mr Johnson dodged questions over the US President's crackdown and warning that 'looting means shooting'. Pressed by Labour's Keir Starmer over whether he would pass on to Mr Trump the 'UK's abhorrence about his response to the events', Mr Johnson said: 'I think what happened in the United States was appalling, it was inexcusable. 'We all saw it on our screens and I perfectly understand people's right to protest what took place. Though obviously I also believe that protest should take place in a lawful and reasonable way.' Protesters in Hyde Park today as anger continues to be voiced around the world 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 Challenged again by SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford later, Mr Johnson said: 'Of course black lives matter.' But he said protests should be lawful and added that in the UK social distancing must be obeyed. Matt Hancock insisted he 'shared the anger about racial injustice felt around the world' last night as he denied delaying a report on the heightened BAME risk from coronavirus. Denying that the government tried to hold off publication of an official inquiry into high BAME deaths rates to avoid inflaming tensions, Mr Hancock told the daily Downing Street briefing the findings were 'timely'. 'This is a particularly timely publication, because right across the world, people are angry about racial injustice,' he said. 'And I get that. Black lives matter.' There have been wave of protests around the world - including in London (pictured) - over the death of George Floyd A looted souvenir shop in Manhattan yesterday morning after another night of violence There were some arrests at protests in London on Monday as racial tensions run high Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 01:14:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A new oil discovery was made in Egypt after drilling a well in the Western Desert that would produce massive amounts of crude oil and natural gas, an Egyptian petroleum company said in a statement on Wednesday. The discovery was achieved by Borg Al Arab Petroleum Company at Abu Sennan concession after drilling Al Salemia Well-5 in the Western Dessert, according to the statement. "The new discovery has been put on the production plan at a rate of 4,100 barrels of crude oil per day and 18 million cubic feet of natural gas per day," said the company. Borg Al Arab Petroleum Company is a joint venture between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and Kuwait Energy Egypt, and it is responsible for operations at Abu Sennan concession in the Western Desert. The company said that its chief reported the new discovery to the Egyptian Petroleum Minister Tarek al-Molla. In late 2019, the company announced a petroleum discovery in ASH-2 area of oil rich Abu Sennan, with an average production rate of 7,000 barrels of crude oil and 10 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Egypt saw a 7-percent surge of oil and gas production in 2019 by producing some 650,000 barrels of crude oil and 7.2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, according to a former statement by the Egyptian oil minister. Egypt's largest Zohr offshore gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, which was discovered by Italy's giant Eni in 2015, greatly contributes to the country's natural gas production as it produces alone about 2.7 billion cubic feet on a daily basis. Enditem HOLYOKE After marching two blocks from City Hall to the police station Tuesday, about 1,000 protesters kneeled on one knee for five minutes mostly in silence while the names of George Floyd, Tony Dade and others allegedly killed at the hands of police were read. Demonstrators then aired a list of hopes and demands they vowed to send in writing to the mayor and police chief. The protest march held in solidarity against police brutality remained peaceful, unlike those in Minneapolis and Boston over the weekend, where some people burned buildings and damaged police cars. The Holyoke crowd chanted and held signs in anger, but also followed organizers pleas to pick up their trash in a nod to the downtown residents and to remain behind the double yellow line in the street while holding the vigil in front of the police station. Although protesters marched a short distance, the event lasted at least two hours. The crowd chanted Black Lives Matter and Black, Latino, Asian, white, we stand up for human lives while marching, and spontaneously broke into chants of I cant breathe during speeches. We need change. The system was never built for us, said Erika Slocumb, of Springfield, who is black and said she has two boys who she constantly worries will have bad experiences with police. We cant just let today be the day we marched. Organizer Naiomi Robles, of Holyoke, read a list of demands and hopes to work toward ending police violence, especially toward people of color. The list called for a citizens board that would review complaints and mete out discipline, and to have police attend more anti-racist trainings and for police to sign a pledge that they will never shoot an unarmed person of color. She also said she hoped for better solidarity between black and Latino residents and that the community will work together to fight racism. The march was organized by 413 Boricuas. Puerto Ricans across the U.S. stand in solidarity with the Black community, organizers said in an event announcement. Organizers pushed protesters to join the Facebook page 413 Stay Woke, Stay Active. There they promise to post information about upcoming events, information about many ways people can help the Latino and black community and information about police brutality and even the history of racism. I want a change. I want people to be treating people of color as equals, not like scum under your shoes, said Nyisha Saltis, of Southampton, who is Puerto Rican and black. Our lives are not lesser because of the color of our skin. Many of the speakers talked about not feeling safe in their communities, in their neighborhoods and in some cases in their own homes. The event was attended by Police Chief Manuel Febo, who estimated the crowd at about 1,000, and Mayor Alex B. Morse. At least one city councilor, Gladys Lebron Martinez, also was seen in the crowd. Protesters gathered despite the coronavirus pandemic, as they have in other cities, and participants said they felt it was important to let their voices be known. While organizers asked people to be aware of social distancing, it was impossible with such a huge crowd. Most people did wear masks. Febo said his police department has been proactive in ensuring police officers and the community work together, and has pushed for community policing. Our Police Department is a model for wrap-around services. A day earlier he also posted a statement condemning the Minnesota police officer charged with killing George Floyd by kneeling on his neck while he was handcuffed and on the ground. He said the department understands the sorrow, pain, and anger that is being felt across the country. First and foremost, the Holyoke Police Department will never support or tolerate any officer who wears the uniform to perpetrate acts of brutal force and/or violence against anyone based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity, Febo wrote. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, now charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter, is accused of kneeling on Floyds neck for as long as nine minutes. We are not OK. We are in a state of emergency and that is why we are here today, said Simbrit Paskins, an organizer. In the last few weeks we have been traumatized over and over and over again. The crowd in Holyoke knelt in silence for about five minutes. Afterward, Paskins, an ethnic studies teacher at Holyoke High School, reminded people how difficult it was to keep that pose. That was a difficult thing to do and he made it look easy, she said of Chauvin, saying the officers actions were motivated by hate. Cristopher Lora, 19, a Holyoke High School graduate who is entering Holyoke Community College in the fall, said the color of his skin should not make him a target. As a community lets try to do better and educate our people. Lets talk about college. Lets talk about education, he said. Lets put our children in AP (advanced placement) classes...only white kids get to go in, we are just as capable as anybody. Several police officers stood outside the police department but did not react to the crowd. Other precautions were taken and about a half-dozen officers could be seen standing around the parking lot across the street from the Police Department after the protest broke up after about 2 hours. Stop & Shop on Lincoln Street opted to close at 5 p.m. as a precaution during the protest. Its supermarket on Northampton Street remained open. We were made aware of protests that had potential to go mobile and impact our store, so for the safety of our customers and associates, we closed at 5 p.m. No other stores in Western Mass have been impacted at this time, said spokeswoman Maura OBrien. While Holyokes protest was peaceful police in Brockton were joined by Massachusetts State Police when a crowd of protesters began throwing bottles and fireworks at police. Officers from the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council and National Guardsmen are also assisting with operations, state police officials said. Staff members at one of South Carolinas largest newspapers reported to the office on Monday after more than two months of working remotely. With the number of Covid-19 cases hitting new highs in the state, many of them said they were wary of going back. Employees at The Post and Courier, a locally owned daily in Charleston with a paid weekday circulation of about 40,000, had been doing their jobs from home since the second week of March to guard against the spread of the coronavirus. Early last month, the publisher and the top editor announced a limited reopening, telling its more than 250 employees, including more than 60 journalists, to work at least one day a week in the office. On Monday, staff members were asked to return full time, and they complied, although some said they had concerns about potentially exposing themselves to the virus. I believe that the workplace is a safe place to be at the moment, but I understand why others are concerned, Mitch Pugh, the executive editor, said in an interview. Theres also no question we do better when we can talk to each other. More than 12,400 Covid-19 cases have been reported in South Carolina, with 500 deaths attributed to the virus in the state. The seven-day average of new cases reached a high on Tuesday for the fifth day in a row, the paper reported. Halima Aden has donated her time to create stylish masks for hijab-wearing medical professionals that are working on the front lines of COVID-19. Partnering with Anywear, a female-founded AI tech company working to reduce the negative environmental impact created by the fashion industry, Aden has co-created a range of matching hijab, face covering, and turban offerings. "There are so many women who wear the hijab working in hospitals and its imperative that they are able to have some kind of comfort and relief as they work countless hours, especially now during the pandemic," Aden said in a statement. "This layer adds comfort and allows any woman who wears the hijab to connect the face-covering behind their headscarf or turban with a comfortable headband with buttons." PHOTO: Model Halima Aden and Anywear partner to create masks for Hijabi frontline workers. (Courtesy of Anywear and Halima Aden) Anywear is currently working with Allure on a "Banding Together" project to provide relief to front-line workers who have been experiencing skin irritation. The brand is also working closely with medical professionals nationwide to create PPE that will help to ease pain and discomfort. In addition to several other collaborations with elite leaders within the beauty and fashion industries, such as celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin and celebrity hairstylist Nikki Nelms, Anywear found Aden to be the perfect person to tap for their hijab and turban sets. "As someone who worked at the St. Cloud, Minnesota hospital cleaning patient rooms, even seven months into my modeling career, finding a way to help frontline workers was important to me," Aden said in a statement. She also adds, "These women no longer need to go to the bathroom to privately readjust their scarf and remove the face covering from under their scarf and behind their ears. Every minute counts right now in our hospitals and this not only adds a layer of comfort but also saves time for hijab-wearing women. MORE: Future of fashion: Will COVID-19 change fashion as we know it? Story continues PHOTO: Model Halima Aden and Anywear partner to create masks for Hijabi frontline workers. (Courtesy of Anywear and Halima Aden) The items that Aden has helped design start at $40, and for every set sold, a headband with buttons or medical cap with buttons or a Hijab/turban -- which was designed with Anywear's front-line worker committee -- gets donated to hospitals in need. Items from the line are available in everything from cool neutral tones to beautiful pastels and also come in soft organic tetra fabric. MORE: Women's rights activist Jaha Dukureh named L'Oreal Paris international spokesperson Emily Shippee, Anywear co-founder and managing editor at Conde Nast for Teen Vogue, is the daughter of front-line workers. While reporting about medical workers fighting COVID-19 across the United States in a feature for Allure titled "Faces of America," she was struck by the ways health care workers are suffering from physical pain caused by wearing uncomfortable masks during long shifts. As someone who formerly worked at Allure, a brand that she says prioritizes self-care, Shippee noticed the opportunity to find a way to provide relief. PHOTO: Model Halima Aden and Anywear partner to create masks for Hijabi frontline workers. (Courtesy of Anywear and Halima Aden) "Now more than every inclusivity should no longer even be a topic of discussion, it is a given important and essential aspect of every business in order to have success or mean anything in this world," Shippee told "Good Morning America." She continued, "Halima having formerly worked in a hospital and her platform and values made the collaboration a no-brainer. We hope to bring these into the hands of many hijabi frontline workers so they can comfortably wear their medical masks." Model Halima Aden partners with Anywear to donate masks for hijab-wearing front-line workers originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com FT. MYERS, FL / ACCESSWIRE / June 2, 2020 / NeoGenomics, Inc. (NEO), a leading provider of cancer-focused genetic testing services, today announced that Doug VanOort, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kathryn McKenzie, Chief Financial Officer and Bill Bonello, President Informatics Division, Director of Investor Relations, will be conducting a virtual presentation at the Raymond James Human Health Innovation Conference on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 11:00am ET. The presentation will be webcast live and accessible online via the investors section of the Company's website, www.neogenomics.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived for 90 days following the presentation. About NeoGenomics, Inc. NeoGenomics, Inc. specializes in cancer genetics testing and information services. The Company provides one of the most comprehensive oncology-focused testing menus in the world for physicians to help them diagnose and treat cancer. The Company's Pharma Services Division serves pharmaceutical clients in clinical trials and drug development. Headquartered in Fort Myers, FL, NeoGenomics operates CAP accredited and CLIA certified laboratories in Ft. Myers and Tampa, Florida; Aliso Viejo, Carlsbad, Fresno and San Diego, California; Houston, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee; and CAP accredited laboratories in Rolle, Switzerland, and Singapore. NeoGenomics serves the needs of pathologists, oncologists, academic centers, hospital systems, pharmaceutical firms, integrated service delivery networks, and managed care organizations throughout the United States, and pharmaceutical firms in Europe and Asia. For additional information about NeoGenomics, visit http://www.neogenomics.com/. Forward Looking Statements Certain information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as the result of the Company's ability to continue gaining new customers, respond to the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, offer new types of tests, integrate its acquisitions and otherwise implement its business plan, as well as additional factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020. As a result, this press release should be read in conjunction with the Company's periodic filings with the SEC. In addition, it is the Company's practice to make information about the Company available by posting copies of its Company Overview Presentation from time to time on the Investor Relations section of its website at http://ir.neogenomics.com/. Story continues Forward-looking statements represent the Company's estimates only as of the date such statements are made (unless another date is indicated) and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates as of any subsequent date. While the Company may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, even if its estimates change. For further information, please contact: NeoGenomics, Inc. William Bonello Director, Investor Relations (239) 690-4238 (w) (239) 284-4314 (m) bill.bonello@neogenomics.com SOURCE: NeoGenomics, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/592440/NeoGenomics-To-Virtually-Present-At-The-Raymond-James-Human-Health-Innovation-Conference Deputy Minister of Information, Pius Hadzide has said that the government was drawing lessons from countries that saw a sudden outburst of COVID-19 cases when schools were re-opened. Germany, Israel, South Korea, France and other countries reopened schools amid the new coronavirus pandemic and spikes in new cases in the schools. France for instance recorded 70 new cases in schools that were allowed to reopen. Mr Hadzide who was speaking in an interview with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), said "I think that we are drawing lessons and that is why we are taking the kind of steps we are taking." According to him, some of the countries that opened earlier did not take the necessary steps at the beginning but said government would ensure that the preventive measures were followed. President Akufo-Addo in an address to the nation on Sunday, May 31, 2020, directed all final year students writing exit examinations to go back to school. The directive formed part of measures taken by government to ease restrictions imposed on public and social gatherings to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in Ghana. Now religions meetings could be held but members meeting should not exceed 100 while the meeting itself should not last over an hour, according to President Akufo-Addo. So far, 38 people have died from the disease, while 2,986 have recovered from the sickness. There still remain a total of 5,273 active cases. 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 Nawazuddin With Wife Aaliya Siddiqui She also went on to share that she was disappointed on not receiving any support from her uncle Nawazuddin. When she shared the truth with him, he didn't believe her. "Nawaz bade papa once asked me what I want to do in life, I told him all that was happening with me and that I felt mentally disturbed. But he said there is nothing like that. I thought that atleast bade papa (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) would understand, he lives in a different society and would have a different mentality. But he was like chacha hai, aisa kabhi nahi kar sakte'." Nawazuddin With Brother Shamas Nawab Siddiqui Now married and living in New Delhi with her husband, Nawazuddin's niece has full support of her in-laws. She revealed in the report that they are being harassed for supporting her. "Even after my marriage, my father and Nawaz bade papa was also involved, filed false cases to harass my in-laws. If they would have been strict then this would not have happened. They never believed me. Even now every six months my father files some cases and I am sure he will do something after my complaint too. But I have got a lot of support from my husband for this. I have the proof of all the physical violence, which I had sent to my husband." Nawazuddin Reportedly Will Not Be Fighting For Kids' Custody Fans are shocked to hear the news about the actor's family. Earlier in 2020, Nawazuddin's sister passed away and the actor's mother has been facing health issues. He is reportedly staying with his family during the lockdown, in Budhana, Uttar Pradesh. New Delhi, June 3 : India on Wednesday while strongly condemning the destruction of Buddhist symbols in Pakistan occupied Kashmir sought access for its experts in the region to preserve its civilizational heritage. The Central government once again asked Islamabad to vacate the illegally-occupied Indian territory after reports appeared of vandalization of the Buddhist rock carvings of 800 CE in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In response to media queries about the reports of vandalism, defacement and destruction of Buddhist archaeological sites in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir, official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava said that it was a matter of grave concern. The Buddhist symbols, he said, "are being destroyed and the religious and cultural rights and freedoms are being trampled with impunity in the Indian territories under illegal occupation of Pakistan. Egregious activities of this nature which display contempt for the ancient civilizational and cultural heritage are highly condemnable". The government has sought immediate access for its experts to the area in order to "restore and preserve this invaluable archaeological heritage," he said. Srivastava said the government has conveyed its concern to Pakistan and also called upon the Imran Khan government to immediately vacate all illegally occupied territories and end gross violation of political, economic and cultural rights of people living there. BRIDGEPORT Luke Mega Jones, whose drug gang terrorized the citys West Side in the 1990s, has been granted a reduced prison term. U.S. District Judge Victor Bolden denied Jones plea for a compassionate release because of the COVID-19 pandemic but agreed to reduce his sentence from four concurrent life terms to 37 and a half years in prison under a program signed into law by President Donald Trump. With credit for the nearly two decades he has already served behind bars, Jones, 52, could be eligible for release in a dozen years. This man is a monster and he should never get out, Lorraine Scott Tappin sobbed as she begged the judge via a Zoom video conference in May not to release Jones. Her son, Anthony Scott, was killed by the gang. Scott Tappin could not be reached for comment on the sentence reduction on Tuesday. In 2004, Jones was sentenced by federal Judge Alan Nevas to four life terms in prison plus two 10-year terms after being convicted of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder and weapons and drug trafficking charges. Federal prosecutors said Jones ordered the murders of Scott and Lawson Day in 1999 and Monteneal Lawrence in 1998. Scotts bullet-riddled body was found in the courtyard of the P.T. Barnum housing project in Bridgeport. Mr. Jones, you dont deserve to live among civilized people. You should be locked away in a cage for the rest of your life, never to breath free air again, Nevas stated at the sentencing hearing. Jones, who said he suffers from kidney disease, hypertension and hemorrhoids, requested that he be released from prison because of the pandemic. He also sought a sentence reduction under the First Step Act, which was signed into law in 2018 by Trump and allows convicted felons to apply for reduced sentences. Jones claims he has been rehabilitated and he is willing to mentor young men in the community. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Francis opposed any early release for Jones and pointed out that the prison Jones is currently in has had no cases of COVID-19. Both he and the probation department objected to any sentence reduction under the First Step Act. But Bolden, in his decision, pointed out that a report by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons states Jones demonstrates positive institutional adjustment on a daily basis, and has taken advantage of educational programs in prison. This reduction takes into consideration all of Mr. Joness relevant criminal conduct as well as his rehabilitation efforts since these crimes. It is sufficient but not greater than necessary to serve the purposes of a criminal sentence, the judge ruled. THE Cebu City Government lifted the lockdown in Sitio Callejon in Barangay Labangon and some areas in Barangay Bacayan on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. However, Sitio Callejon remains to be under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella issued a memorandum on the lifting of the lockdown in Sitio Callejon on June 2 and specific areas in Barangay Bacayan on June 3. In a separate memorandum, Labella directed City Administrator Floro Casas Jr., Philippine National Police (PNP), and Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to implement necessary measures to effectively lift the lockdown in the two areas. For Sitio Callejon, the following grounds were cited for the lifting of the lockdown: no reported deaths related to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the sitio; majority of the Covid-19 patients in the area have recovered; and the last reported Covid-19 case was on April 30. For specific areas in Barangay Bacayan, Labella said there were no longer active cases and all Covid-19 positive patients already tested negative during their retest. Labella, in his memorandum, said the lifting of the lockdown was in consonance with the recommendation of the Cebu City Health Department dated May 27 and May 28. This is in due to the recommendation of the Cebu City Health Department... while still ensuring that preventive measures be continued including physical distancing, wearing of face masks, and regular handwashing; and that surveillance of influenza-like illness be likewise continued, said Labella. With the ECQ status, Labangon Barangay Captain Victor Buendia said the residents in the area are now allowed to go out but only when they need to access or buy essential goods. For the residents returning to work, the barangay issued medical certificates for them to show that they are free from the virus, he said. Those guarding the entry points of the sitio are still on duty. After majority of the Covid-19 patients in the area have recovered and with the lockdown which was implemented for more than a month, Buendia presumed that the area is no longer contaminated and that there is no longer community transmission in the area. Story continues There were 125 patients who yielded negative during the retest, and with the one-month lockdown, I presumed the area is already negative, he said. Buendia said the disinfection in the area is still being done regularly. He said there are no more patients staying at the barangay isolation center, however, an inmate of the Cebu City Jail, who is a resident of Labangon and is about to get his parole, will be transferred to the isolation center. Buendia said the new case recorded from Sitio Bonbonan will also be pulled out and transferred to the isolation center. In May, Buendia already lifted the lockdown in Sitio Sto. Nino A. Lopez and Katipunan Street after the three Covid-19-infected patients in the areas had recovered. Bacayan Barangay Captain Zenaida Colina, for his part, said all the 42 cases in the barangay have already tested negative during their retest. Of the 42, Colina said only the first patient, who was admitted in the hospital, developed a symptom but was later on transferred to the Bayanihan Cebu Center. The patient has now fully recovered, he added. Colina said the retest was done last May 30 and all the 41 patients staying at the Barangay Isolation Center yielded a negative result. He said he has received a copy of the memorandum and is only waiting for the PNP to discuss the lifting. Labella said that as long as the improvement of the area is visible, it should be studied whether its status should be downgraded. Sitio Alaska in Barangay Mambaling and five sitios in Tejero are some of the areas which remain under lockdown. Despite the general community quarantine status of the entire Cebu City, segmental and sequential lockdown will be implemented in critical areas, Labella reiterated. In the Facebook live of Mugstoria Ta on June 2, Junjie Zuasula, head of the Department of Health (DOH) Central Visayas Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, said it would be up to the local government units to determine under what quarantine status a barangay, sitio or compound should be placed, based on the parameters recommended under the Project Balik Buhay prevalence survey. The DOH 7 recommended that the LGUs use the scaling model to decide whether to unlock or lock a community based on the level of cases and exposure, Zuasula said. The unlocking or unlocking of sitios or barangays would depend on the actual number of positive cases, determined by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results, and the results of the rapid anti-body tests that establish the presence of IgM and IgG. Before implementing any changes in the quarantine status, the DOH 7 recommended that LGUs conduct disease surveillance in the barangays using the rapid anti-body tests to determine the number of remaining infected cases and the recoveries. (JJL with PR) READ: Cebu City logs 42 new Covid-19 cases; 16 recoveries "In America, justice is never achieved at the hands of an angry mob. I will not allow angry mobs to dominate," President Trump vowed on Saturday to stop "mob violence" in which he is referring to the protests that were triggered by the death of George Floyd. George Floyd was accused and reported by an employee at a grocery store for trying to use a counterfeit $20 bill. Derek Chauvin choked Floyd with his knee until Floyd passes out and later passes away as a result. This was recorded on video and the video spread like wildfire which sparked the rise of the protestors demanding justice and an end to police brutality. The president expressed his understanding of the "pain" of the protestors and that he "supports the right of peaceful protesters." President Trump shared, "It filled America all over the country with horror, anger, and grief." "I stand before you as a friend and ally of every American seeking justice and peace," the president said. However, Trump also believes what is seen in the streets has nothing to do with justice or peace. Trump believes the "rioters, looters, and anarchists" are "dishonoring" the memory of Floyd. Similarly, during the 1992 LA riot, Bush addressed the violence in the riots as "not about civil rights" or "the great issues of equality" but "the brutality of a mob" and said he would "use whatever force necessary" to restore order. President Trump blames Antifa, an anti-fascist protest movement, for the violent riots across the country and believes that the main victims of this horrible situation are the citizens that live in these "once lovely communities." "The mobs are devastating the life's work of good people and destroying their dreams. Right now, America needs creation, not destruction. Cooperation, not contempt. Security, not anarchy and there will be no anarchy. Civilization must be cherished, defended and protected. The voices of law-abiding citizens must be heard and heard very loudly," President Trump shared in a motivational sentiment. What America needs most right now is to listen to the people and act like a democracy instead of attempting to enforce more control. WASHINGTON Former Defense Secretary James Mattis denounced President Donald Trump Wednesday in an statement that hammered his former boss as a threat to American democracy. Trump is needlessly dividing the country and "militarizing" America's response to the protests, Mattis wrote in a statement published by The Atlantic magazine. "Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people does not even pretend to try. Instead he tries to divide us," he wrote. "We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort," he continued. "We can unite without him, drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society. This will not be easy, as the past few days have shown, but we owe it to our fellow citizens; to past generations that bled to defend our promise; and to our children." Mattis took aim at the White House's decision Monday to forcibly clear protesters from a park in front of the White House, so Trump could walk across the street and pose with a Bible in front of a historic church. Mattis called it an abuse of power. Noting his own oath to uphold the Constitution when he first joined the military, Mattis wrote, "Never did I dream that troops taking that same oath would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the Constitutional rights of their fellow citizens much less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander-in-chief, with military leadership standing alongside." Mattis expressed hope that the USA would emerge from this wrenching moment stronger and more unified, holding up as heroes the grocery store cashiers, doctors and other essential workers who helped Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. President Donald Trumpclashed with Defense Secretary James Mattis during Mattis tenure. "We know that we are better than the abuse of executive authority that we witnessed in Lafayette Park," he said. "We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution." Story continues Trump lashed out at Mattis on Twitter Wednesday night, calling him "the worlds most overrated General." " ... I gave him a new life, things to do, and battles to win, but he seldom 'brought home the bacon'," the president wrote. "I didnt like his 'leadership' style or much else about him, and many others agree. Glad he is gone!" His spokeswoman, Kayleigh McEnany, called Mattis statement "a self-promotional stunt to appease the DC elite." Mattis is highly respected, and he has largely kept quiet since he left the administration. In breaking his silence Wednesday, the former general also offered a full-throated endorsement of the demonstrations, which have unfolded across the USA after George Floyd, an African American man, was killed by a white Minneapolis police officer. Reading the entirety of Gen. Mattis statement to the forces here, so they know the orders theyre receiving their presence here are unlawful. #dcprotests pic.twitter.com/dTOWVEgfIU Robyn Swirling (@RSwirling) June 3, 2020 Mattis served as Trump's Pentagon chief before resigning in 2018 amid bitter disagreements over defense and foreign policy. In his statement Wednesday, Mattis took a swipe at his successor, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who urged state officials this week "to dominate the battle space" as some protests turned violent. Esper has come under withering criticism for using that term, and he backpedaled Wednesday: "In retrospect, I would use different wording so as not to distract from the more important matters at hand." Trump has used similar language, calling for local officials to "dominate the streets" and touting what he described as "overwhelming force" and "domination" of protesters in Washington. "We must reject any thinking of our cities as a 'battlespace' that our uniformed military is called upon to 'dominate,' " Mattis wrote. "At home, we should use our military only when requested to do so, on very rare occasions, by state governors," he wrote. "Militarizing our response, as we witnessed in Washington, D.C., sets up a conflict a false conflict between the military and civilian society." He said the decision to deploy the military "erodes the moral ground that ensures a trusted bond between men and women in uniform and the society they are sworn to protect." He said the protesters are "rightly demanding" equal justice under the law and urged Americans not to be distracted by a small number of "lawbreakers" who have used the protests to engage in looting and other violence. "It is a wholesome and unifying demand one that all of us should be able to get behind," Mattis said. "The protests are defined by tens of thousands of people of conscience who are insisting that we live up to our values our values as people and our values as a nation." 'I am outraged': DC bishop denounces Trump's church visit after police clear protesters with tear gas 'Law and order': Trump returns to 2016 theme as violence spreads after George Floyd death This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mattis: Former defense secretary slams Trump as threat to US democracy The farmer at the centre of a major COVID-19 outbreak in Norfolk County has promised to step up testing in his bunkhouses and has called on other farms to follow suit. Scotlynn Group in Vittoria a multinational produce grower has lost most of its workforce and much of its 450-acre asparagus crop to the virus. The health unit says 164 of Scotlynns 216 Mexican migrant workers have COVID-19. Seven workers were being treated at Norfolk General Hospital in Simcoe as of Tuesday night, with two in the intensive care unit. In a statement, Scotlynn president and CEO Scott Biddle said the company will work with the health unit to implement weekly random COVID-19 surveillance testing at its bunkhouses. We are requesting that process to become mandatory across Haldimand-Norfolk to ensure our community, businesses and neighbours do not have to endure a repeat of our situation, Biddle said. Scotlynns migrant workers spent their first two weeks in Canada inside hotel rooms paid for by the company as they waited out their mandatory quarantine period. Now 105 workers are back at hotels, this time in Brantford, to serve another quarantine period as part of a solution worked out between the Brant County and Haldimand-Norfolk health units. Another 111 workers are quarantining at the farm. The workers are either asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic. The process involving area hotels is one that BCHU has already successfully overseen in our jurisdiction, Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Brant Countys acting medical officer of health, told reporters on Tuesday. She said the workers will not have any contact with hotel staff, who have been instructed on how to safely deliver food and discard of linens and garbage from the workers rooms. All rooms will be professionally disinfected after the quarantine period ends, Urbantke added. Both health units will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis. The safety of our community is our highest priority, she said. Having so many new COVID-19 cases in their community didnt sit well with some Brantford-area politicians, who didnt appreciate being kept out of the loop. Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma said he was deeply troubled that no information about the hotel plan reached the city or his office prior to the workers moving north. No consultations were offered outside of the respective health units, Bouma said. Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis said in a statement on Tuesday that he was concerned about his citizens being at increased risk. Let me be clear in saying that this is in no way the fault or responsibility of the labourers who come to this province and work hard to provide for themselves and their families, Davis said. Response to a situation like this should have been considered and planned out, long before the farm worker program was reopened, and those plans should have been shared with each community in a co-ordinated manner. Davis said he would ask the province to investigate why it was that we are dealing with the consequences of a farm outbreak outside our community. The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit confirmed that most of the COVID-positive workers are asymptomatic. Of the 217 test results received so far, 53 have come back negative. Along with the migrant workers, the health unit has tested other Scotlynn staff and some community members, including employees of a local store. Photo credit: Kyoto University From Popular Mechanics A new version of the periodic table arranges elements by protons instead of electrons. The perennially useful original Mendeleev periodic table has led to spinoffs, including for quantum dots. More stable nuclei are in the center, and they grow more deformed as you move outward. Japanese scientists have made a new (nu?) periodic table organized by the number of protons in the nucleus instead of the elements number of electrons. They call it the Nucletouch table, and where the existing table gathers around key numbers for electrons, the Nucletouch table does the same for protons. In a new paper in Foundations of Chemistry, Kyoto University's Yoshiteru Maeno and Kouichi Hagino explain their rationale in detail: Atomic nuclei are located at the center of atoms and carry almost all the fraction of the mass of atoms. They consist of a small number of protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons. In this picture, nucleons occupy single-particle orbits, like electrons in atoms, which naturally leads to the concept of shell structure and shell closures. The classic Mendeleev periodic table sorts elements by number of electrons and then in groups that indicate how readily their atoms bond with others. That bondability factor is based on shell structure and shell closure. For the Nucletouch table, Maeno and Hagino focused on the way nuclear protons arrange themselves into similar patterns within the nucleus. Such shell structure in atomic nuclei have been evidenced by many phenomena, such as an increased binding energy, discontinuities of the nuclear radius as well as neutron and proton separation energies (corresponding to the ionization energy in atoms), and an increased excitation energy of the first excited state, all of which occur at the shell closures, they write. So the shape, bondability, and other factors of the nucleus are influenced by whether or not the shell structure is filled and stable. Story continues For electrons, the shell levels are full at 2 in the first, 8 in the second, and so forth. Overall, the numbers representing full-up electron shells are 2, 10, 18, 36, 54, and 86 . For nucleons, including protons, the numbers are 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, and 126. These values are called magic numbers. Thus, tin (atomic number 50), with 50 protons in its nucleus, has 10 stable isotopes, whereas indium (atomic number 49) and antimony (atomic number 51) have only 2 stable isotopes apiece, Britannica explains . Photo credit: Springer Nature Maeno and Hagino centered stable nuclei in their Nucletouch table. In our nuclear periodic table, we also see that nuclei tend to be spherically-shaped near the magic numbers, but deformed as you move away from them, Hagino said . Overall, the scientists hope the table will give people a new way to examine the elements at a glance, including a new way to identify similarities that could benefit chemists and physicists. The nuclei in the vicinity of the shell closures can be interpreted as one or two protons or proton holes outside the shell closures, and thus may have similar properties to one another, they write. In many experimental processes, trying multiple chemically similar, but different atoms could lead to more practical designs. Scientists can be surprised by elements that perform better, cost less, and so forth. And, they add, It has been known that some of the nuclear magic numbers are changed in neutron-rich nuclei. This means isotopes with an especially plentiful supply of neutrons in proportion to their electrons, including radioactive isotopes. It might be amusing to construct an extended version of nuclear periodic table by taking into account such shell evolution in exotic nuclei. You Might Also Like Syracuse, N.Y. Nitch Jones didnt have any experience registering people to vote. But the 32-year-old hospital worker and youth minister put together a voter registration drive Tuesday at the George Floyd protest in Syracuse that pulled in 173 new voters in a day. Voter registration will be a daily activity at the protests from now on, Jones said today. Voting is one way that protesters can convert their outrage into sustained positive action, he said. If you are not registered to vote, you are discrediting yourself and youre discrediting your voice by not letting your voice be heard in a vote, Jones said. Its like standing inside a room screaming, but no one can hear you. Jones has been a regular at the protests since Sunday. Tuesday morning, he posted a message on his Facebook page that he would be registering voters in front of the Public Safety Building, beginning at 2 p.m. Jones figured he could register 20 to 30 people, he said. But he was joined at the protest by seven or eight other volunteers all strangers who picked up clipboards and helped sign up voters. They even got a few registrations from passing motorists who were delayed by the protest, Jones said. At the end of the day, 173 voters had registered, Jones said. Im absolutely pleased. That was an enormous number, he said. Jones turned in some of the new registrations today at the Onondaga County Board of Elections. Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny said he had not yet received the forms gathered by other volunteers at Tuesdays protest. In addition to his day job, Jones is a youth pastor at Bellegrove Missionary Baptist Church. In a video on his Facebook page, Jones described how difficult it was to explain to his 5-year-old son, who marched with him Sunday, why the crowd was shouting the name, George Floyd. I had to explain to my African-American son why it is that were saying the name of someone, that were marching in his name and for a purpose, Jones said. Floyd was killed in Minneapolis police custody in what prosecutors say was murder. Jones is back downtown this afternoon, ready to register voters. Our right to vote is very essential during a time such as this, he said. People sign up to vote while marching for the end of police violence through downtown in aftermath of George Floyd's death, Syracuse, N.Y., Tuesday June 2, 2020.Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse. In an open confrontation, Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Tuesday criticised the Uddhav Thackeray-led state governments decision to cancel final year university examinations on account of coronavirus outbreak. The decision would jeopardise the future of students, he said in a letter to Chief Minister Thackeray. He also asserted that the chancellor of universities -- a position which governor holds ex-officio -- has the final authority over all university matters as per the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, an official statement said. In the letter, Koshyari said the decision regarding holding of examinations of final year students should be be taken in consonance with the provisions of the Act. He was surprised to learn through media reports that the CM had declared that no examinations shall be conducted this year, Koshyari said. Describing the announcement of the cancellation of examinations by the chief minister as unprecedented and made without any profound thinking on the legal repercussions, the governor remarked that the decision, if implemented, would jeopardise the future of students, the statement said. Even though the Committee of Vice Chancellors constituted by the Minister for Higher and Technical Education to analyse the situation and to explore various options available to conduct the examinations had given its report to the departments secretary on May 6, the same had not been presented to him till date, Koshyari wrote. During his video conference with vice chancellors, all the VCs had communicated willingness for conducting examinations, he said. The governor stated he had clearly mentioned that the chancellors office shall give further directions after accepting the recommendations of the committee partially or fully once the report was received by him, the statement said. The arbitrary decision has violated the basic principle that to obtain an identical degree, there cannot be two sets of criteria, one who has given examination and for the other who has obtained marks on average. The examinations cannot be made optional, the statement quoted the governor as saying. Pointing out that students of medicine, architecture, law and other courses needed to register themselves with their respective professional bodies/councils to get the license to practice, the governor said these bodies may not be able to enrol the students without students being evaluated on established parameters. The Ministry of Home Affairs had given approval to conduct examinations to various state boards and CBSE and ICSE were in the process of conducting their examinations in spite of the COVID-19 situation, Koshyari noted. The governor mentioned that the UGC and other Central authorities are of the view that the final year examination may not be dispensed with and, therefore, the state government should abide by UGC guidelines along with provisions of Maharashtra Universities Act, 2017, the statement said. Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saaamana had said in its editorial that the governor insisted on holding the final year exams of degree students, but Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray rejected it, showing the spine Thackerays are known for. CHICAGO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The inferior vena cava (IVC) filter market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 10% during the period 20192025. The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the inferior vena cava market during the forecast period: Expanding Indications of Inferior Vena Cava Filters Emergence of Advanced/Innovative Vena Cava Filters Increasing Incidence of Pulmonary Embolism Availability of Innovative Approaches for Vena Cava Filters Placements/Retrievals Key Highlights Offered in the Report: The IVC filters market is estimated to grow at a double-digit growth of around 10.50% primarily due to the rising demand for retrievable & optional IVC filters Greater use of IVC filters for an extended number of potential indications, is expected to impact the market growth over the forecast period Emergence of advanced IVC filters coupled with technologically advanced retrieval kits such as single-loop & triple-loop retrieval kits, expected to drive the future market growth globally Introduction of advanced placement/retrieval techniques for IVC filters, has significantly increased the uptake of IVC filters worldwide Retrievable & optional IVC filters segment is expected to witness highest growth rate compared to permanent IVC filters over the forecast period North America is leading the global market and accounted for a share of around 44% in 2019 Key Offerings: Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20192025 Market Dynamics Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by product, end-user, and geography Competitive Landscape Profile of 5 key vendors and 5 other vendors Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/inferior-vena-cava-filter-market The study considers the present scenario of the inferior vena cava filters market and its market dynamics for the period 20192025. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The study offers both the demand and supply aspect of the market. It profiles and examines leading companies and other prominent companies operating in the market. The global inferior vena cava filter market is to grow steadily during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the high prevalence of Pulmonary Embolism (PE) across the world. According to the WHO, the incidence of PE is between 0.75 and 2.69 per 1,000 individuals per year globally. Epidemiological studies reported that more than 1 million people in the US are affected by PE annually, with approximately 100,000200,000 PE fatalities. The overall healthcare expenditure on PE is estimated to be over $1.5 billion per year in the US alone. Factors such as the growth in the aging population, consumption of junk foods, and the growth in the smoking population, the rise in lifestyle-related diseases, including obesity are increasing the prevalence of PE at a steady rate. Hence, the growing demand for optional & retrievable IVC filters and the increasing availability of innovative approaches for placement/retrieval are expected to drive the growth of the global IVC filter market. Moreover, the development of advanced devices, including bioconvertible, convertible, and combination IVC filters and central venous catheters is another primary factor driving the uptake of IVC filters worldwide. However, frequent product recalls due to safety concerns, coupled with the stringent regulatory process, are hindering the growth prospect of the global IVC filter market. Inferior Vena Cava Filter Market Segmentation This research report includes a detailed segmentation by product, end-user, and geography. The retrievable & optional IVC filters segment is accounted for major share of 65% in 2019. The RIVCF segment is growing significantly on account of the increasing preference for optional IVCFs as they provide flexibility to remove IVCFs depending on the patient's requirement of permanent prophylaxis. Their ease of insertion is encouraging physicians to adopt retrievable ones. However, these devices have higher device-related complications in the long term than permanent ones. Moreover, RIVCFs are more expensive than permanent ones while reimbursement is the same for both. In 2019, hospitals end-user segment accounted for 84% share of the global IVC filter market. Healthcare professionals in hospitals use advanced IVC filters such as retrievable/optional ones. The segment is growing at a healthy rate and is likely to grow at the same pace during the forecast period. The growth is primarily due to the high adoption of advanced filters, as a majority of patients with high-risk cardiac diseases prefer visiting hospitals for treatment due to advanced infrastructure facilities available in major private and public hospitals. Surgeons prefer to use advanced technology MRI- compatible, bioconvertible filters due to their high success rates and improved patient outcomes. Though hospitals have a greater number of IVC filter placements, the preference among patients to undergo implantation is increasing, thereby expecting healthy growth rates during the forecast period. Market by Product RIVCFs PIVCFs Market by End-user Hospitals ASCs OBLs Insights by Geography In 2019, North America accounted for 44% share of the global IVC filter market. The region is likely to witness an absolute growth of around 80% during the forecast period. The US is the major revenue contributor to the North America market and accounted for a share of 94% in 2019. The North American inferior vena cava filter market has become strategically important for several prominent players such as Cardinal Health, BD, Cook Medical and others. The market in this region is characterized by its high penetration of advanced treatment solutions for several vascular diseases due to the aging population and advances in technology. Europe is the second largest market for vena cava filters. It is growing at a healthy rate and is expected to grow at a similar pace during the forecast period. The increasing incidence of PE, mainly in the growing aging population, rapid adoption of advanced vena cava filters and high healthcare expenditures are driving growth in Europe. It is estimated that more than 15% of the population in Europe is aged 65 years and above. The region is projected to remain the most aged one in the coming decades, with approximately 34% of the population projected to be aged 60 years or over in 2050. Hence, such a geriatric population is at a high risk of developing cardiac diseases, which leads to an increasing demand for vena cava filters in the region. The APAC inferior vena cava filter market is growing at a significant healthy rate. The growth is due to the presence of a large pool of patient population, improvements in healthcare infrastructure, and increased healthcare expenditure. APAC serves as an attractive market destination for many global and local vendors. The healthcare system is undergoing rapid transformations with favorable support from government organizations. Japan, Australia, and South Korea are the major revenue contributors to the inferior vena cava filter market. In addition, healthcare providers are focusing on providing advanced care to patients, thereby contributing a high demand for IVCFs. Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are the major revenue contributors in the region. Cardiac diseases including PE are the major cause of mortality in Latin America. The presence of a large pool of the patient population that requires IVC filters, increase in government initiatives and funding on healthcare, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure are the main factors driving the market growth. Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/inferior-vena-cava-filter-market By Geography Europe Spain Germany Italy France UK North America US Canada APAC South Korea Japan Australia China India Latin America Brazil Argentina Mexico MEA Turkey South Africa Saudi Arabia Insights by Vendors The global market is characterized by the presence of a few established players holding the majority of the shares. Vendors are offering several permanent as well as retrievable & optional IVC filters. The market players are competing based on factors such as technology, safety features, regulatory approvals, marketing strategies, and distribution channels. Cardinal Health, BD, Cook Medical, B. Braun Melsungen, and Boston Scientific are the key vendors in the market. The market is dominated by major players. Other prominent players are focusing on continuous development with advanced features such as combination, drug eluting IVC filters. In addition, few investigational companies are also coming into existence with innovative products and technologies. Key Vendors Cardinal Health BD Cook Medical Braun Melsungen Boston Scientific Other prominent vendors include ALN, Argon Medical Devices, Braile Biomedica, Lifetech Scientific, and Mermaid Medical. Explore our Healthcare & Lifesciences profile to know more about the industry. Read some of the top-selling reports: About Arizton: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Mail: [email protected] Call: +1-312-235-2040 +1-302-469-0707 SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence Credit: CC0 Public Domain A robotic vacuum cleaner is easy to trust. We really need a lot more confidence in a robot that might be performing vital surgery on our body. Medicine dispensing robots are already in use in home care. A robot sitting on the kitchen bench ensures that older people who live at home get the correct medicine dose every day. "The medicine robot gives the home care nurse more time to other tasks," says Trenton Schulz. Schulz has done research on how robots in our homes could perform even more tasks, for example in care of older people. "The healthcare system in Norway is investing a lot in this area. There is a possibility that we can use technology to help older, senior citizens to live independently at home longer," Schulz told Titan.uio.no. Schulz doesn't think that robots will end up taking over these health care jobs. "There are some things that robots can easily do, but there are many things that are difficult," he says. Schulz's first meeting with robots was on the farm he grew up on in northern Minnesota in the United States. His father invested in a robot that fed the cattle they had. Trust calibration A stand-alone medicine dispensing robot or a robot feeding cows is one thing. It's quite another when the robot will move around an apartment and communicate with a real human. "If you are going to start using a robot, you have to trust that the robot will do what you expect it to do. If something doesn't work, you will probably throw it out or leave it in a closet," says Schulz. Trust is something that we normally haveor don't haveto other people. But companies and productseven robotsare also dependent upon trust. "First and foremost, you have to have confidence in that the robot can do what it says it can do. And then you have to be able to trust what it says or does," Schulz says and compares it with trusting other people. "If someone opens the door for you, you trust that that person is not going to suddenly close it on you as you begin to walk through." At the same time, we need to keep our expectations in line with the robots' abilities. There's a big difference between our expectations of a robot vacuum cleaner and a robot that should perform advanced surgery. It must admit mistakes Schulz has himself been involved in experiments where robots and humans should work together in a home environment. The participants grew quickly skeptical if the robot didn't manage to do what it was asked to do. How can a robot rebuild trust? The first step is to admit it made a mistake. "The robot must tell you if it made a mistake and try to correct the mistake if it can. It should say "I'm sorry, I cannot do this. Something happened here, and it might be my fault,", says Schulz. The researcher also thinks that it is okay that we don't have as much trust in a robot as we do in other people. "You don't need to trust your home robot as much as a good friend or a spouse. If you have too much trust in a robot, it could give you bad advice," says Schulz. Orange juice in a potted plant Perhaps the robot is selling something in disguise: That the robot is more useful to the company that sold it to you than it is at taking care of your needs. Having too much trust in a robot also had strange effects in experiments. Schulz tells about an experiment where participants emptied orange juice on a potted plant because the robot told them to do it. Others gave their password to their computer without blinking. There is one thing to keep in mind, though: "It's difficult to study trust in robots in experiments," Schulz says. People in experiments often experience the situation as unrealistic. So when the robot gives a command, it might be interpreted as part of the experiment. They do what the robot says because they just assume that this is just an experiment with no personal risk. What can robots actually help us with? Schulz believes that it will take many years before moving robots do complex tasks and become part of a home care nursing or any other branch. "First, we need to find out more about which problems a robot actually can help out with. I think people will use a robot when they see that there is something they can use it for." He references his father back on his farm in Minnesota as an example. "Why did my father buy that robot? He wanted more control over the feed for each cow so they could get the best nutrition, live well, and produce the best possible milk," says Schulz. "The good tasks where robots will work best at home are something we still are researching." Explore further Robot vacuum cleaner conveys seven dwarf personalities by movement alone Business and politics move fast, but during this COVID-19 pandemic it feels like everything happens even faster. Like, the oil and gas industry just experienced 25 years worth of news in the last two months. Meanwhile, 98% of us have simply adjusted our face masks, shrugged and continued our mission of becoming amateur epidemiologists, constantly refreshing our browsers for the latest COVID-19 mortality counts. Despite our monomaniacal COVID-19 focus, weve probably noticed low gas prices at the pump. Not that we drive anywhere, so we cant actually benefit from it. The price of regular gas hasnt been this low in 20 years. That in itself would be a major weird story in ordinary times. Which these are not. Then there was April 20, when the price of deliverable barrels of oil spiked downward to negative prices on the final settlement day of May futures. A few unlucky holders of oil futures who could not take delivery of barrels of oil in Cushing, Oklahoma, had to pay to unload their positions some for as low as negative $40 per barrel. There was a probably temporary and probably COVID-induced scarcity of storage on the May futures delivery day, so we saw something nobody had ever seen in the history of oil futures: negative prices. We probably are not headed into a future in which clever entrepreneurs regularly get paid once a month to fill their bathtubs with all the flammable barrels they can carry out of Cushing. But it was pretty weird. A month later, at the June futures expiration date of May 19, the price of the benchmark barrel known as West Texas Intermediate rose to a low but at least normalish price of $32.50. This is not a healthy price for U.S. producers. But at least it wasnt a we-have-never-seen-this-before-in-our-lifetime price. But you know what was a we-have-never-seen-this-before-in-our-lifetime event? U.S. federal petro policy. At least as briefly proposed by a series of tweets by President Donald Trump in early April. Trump, at least according to his tweets, appeared to orchestrate a production-cut agreement between global oil producers, specifically citing Saudi Arabia and Russia, and pledging U.S. cuts as well. In any other (normal) time, the U.S. engaging in coordinated production cuts with its OPEC rivals would constitute a stunning revolution in national oil and gas policy. Since the 1970s, the way things work with some exceptions is that state-run oil companies cooperate with each other in a cartel to restrict supply through production quotas, with Saudi Arabia as the biggest producer and de facto leader of that group. Thats the whole point of OPEC, and now OPEC+, which in recent years added Russia and nine other countries. In contrast, the U.S. oil and gas industry, run by private companies and increasingly by independent shale producers in places such as West Texas and North Dakota, has driven a boom in production that has undermined OPECs ability to effectively restrict global supply. For the past 50 years, OPEC has been a rival, not a partner, of the U.S. Over the past decade, as the U.S. has become the worlds largest oil producer because of shale, our private sector has benefited from OPECs cuts. Whenever its members cut, U.S. companies take market share. A huge structural difference between Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United States is that the governments of the first two countries rely on oil revenues to make up most of their government budgets, 90% and 60%, respectively. Not the case for the U.S. That difference traditionally has made our policies much more market-driven and much less driven by a need to maintain basic national social services for our citizens. All that is background to the surprising announcement by Trump in April that he brokered a production-cut agreement between the Saudis, the Russians and the U.S. That is not the role the U.S. ever plays. Because we had a lot going on at the time COVID-19, economic shutdown, panic the news media hardly noticed that wed overturned 50 years of U.S. petro politics. But then, since the federal government does not actually set quotas for U.S. production, we kind of know now that Trumps tweets about future U.S. cuts amount to a tale full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. The Texas Railroad Commission, one of the few government entities that has the power to enact something like the production cuts Trump promised, briefly seemed to play along in April. But by early May, Wayne Christian, chairman of the commission, said he would not uproot nearly 50 years of petro policy to pursue production cuts among Texas producers. Finally, about investing. My barber texted me in April asking if I thought he should invest in oil stocks. Hed seen headlines about oil futures prices going negative. Ugh. Never a good sign. The last thing I want to do with my life is give stock-picking advice. In fact, the balance of evidence says you should never invest based on my ideas. But it seems pertinent to the weirdness of the oil and gas industry that, as of this writing, Exxon stock offers a dividend yield of 7.8%. A 7.8% annual dividend to own one of the biggest companies in the world? I just I mean, wow. On the one hand, this kind of dividend indicates extremely negative views of market participants on the future prospects for the oil and gas industry. Of course, dividends for Exxon or any other oil giant could get cut in the future. As a rule, markets do not generally offer a way to passively earn 7.8% dividends on a world-beating company for very long. Either the stock is on its way sharply down or its on its way sharply up. The problem is and here Im getting to the heart of why you should not pay any attention to me when it comes to stock-picking I have no idea which way its going. Note: I own no individual stocks. Instead, I only invest in index funds. And so should you! Michael Taylor is a columnist for the San Antonio Express-News and author of The Financial Rules for New College Graduates. michael@michaelthesmartmoney.com twitter.com/michael_taylor By PTI NEW DELHI: India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, following which the defence ministry carried out a massive contact-tracing exercise, official sources said. Kumar's condition is stable and he is currently under home-quarantine, they said. At least 35 officials working at the ministry's headquarters in South Block in the Raisina Hills have been sent on home quarantine after reports of Kumar testing positive for the infection emerged on Wednesday morning. There was no official comment on Kumar's health condition. The defence ministry spokesperson refused to comment on the issue. It is learnt that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh did not attend office as part of a precautionary measure. The offices of the defence minister, the defence secretary, the Army Chief and the Navy Chief are on the first floor of the South Block. The sources said all laid down protocols on contact-tracing and quarantining of people are being scrupulously followed. A former Deputy Minister of Education, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says governments decision to reopen schools without testing students, teachers and non-teaching staff for the novel Coronavirus is a dangerous and reckless move to endanger lives. Ablakwa who is also the Member of Parliament for the North Tongu urged the various teacher unions to resist such move. It is totally dangerous, reckless and an utter dereliction not to make provision for teachers, non-teaching staff and students to be tested before placing all of them in the school environment for academic work. This must be fiercely resisted by the teacher unions, PTAs and SRCs, Mr. Ablakwa noted in a write up on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Government has reopened schools solely for final year students. The President, Nana Akufo-Addo made the announcement last Sunday when he announced easing of the Coronavirus induced restrictions. All final year students of educational and training institutions, which are being managed by Ministries other than the Education Ministry, are to return to school on 15th June to complete their exit examinations, the President said. Mass testing not feasible, adhering to preventive etiquette more efficient Oppong Nkrumah Ghanas Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has explained that the government has not made an attempt at mass testing in a bid to tackle the novel coronavirus more efficiently as it begins easing restrictions on gatherings. Testing is not a panacea. What we have therefore sought to do is to test at-risk populations because there is a clear mapping of where the virus is [as well as] the persons who are at risk and therefore you are able to concentrate your resources, the Minister explained. It may not be prudent to test 9.4 million kids that are going to school once. If you are going to test them, maybe you should test everybody every morning. Can you feasibly do that? You can't do that. Though the government has not given up on the option of mass testing, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said mass testing would not be an absolute solution to the spread of the virus. Below is the full piece from Ablakwa: My thoughts on Government's programme to reopen schools: 1) The continuous assessment of final year students in JHS and SHS could have been deemed adequate for their progression to the next level. 2) Alternatively, in addition to the continuous assessment, a one-off entrance exam could have been considered at the point of entry into SHS and tertiary institutions in August/September at the beginning of the 2020/2021 academic year in order to avoid many risky weeks in school. 3) Considering that the 2019/2020 academic year had only two-weeks to run its course when schools were closed, there wouldn't have been significant loss of contact hours if the above suggestions were implemented. 4) Tertiary institutions including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and nursing training institutes should all have been required to complete their online studies (I am reliably informed most had completed) and made to sit for online examinations or submit term papers, thesis or project works as many tertiary institutions all over the world have considered; this would have avoided the risk of tertiary students congregating for some six long weeks. 5) When the Minister for Education announced yesterday that all final year day students are obliged to join their colleagues to become boarders in their respective schools; the Minister appears to forget that by my checks, there are as many as 145 Senior High Schools in Ghana which are strictly Day Schools and so do not have the luxury of boarding facilities. How do these students become boarders in such schools without dormitories, dining halls and bathrooms? 6) Even with the 576 Senior High Schools with boarding facilities, we do know the configuration of particularly residential facilities are very communal. There are only few bathrooms for many students to share. The lack of exclusive spaces would put many students at risk if one student is COVID-19 positive. Without any structural design changes or reconfiguration of boarding facilities which were not built with highly contagious diseases such as the novel coronavirus in mind, we all ought to be extremely cautious. 7) The other matter that may have been overlooked is the financial burden on parents and guardians of day students. Data already reveals that most day students who currently make up 37% of students at the second cycle level belong to vulnerable households and often that is the reason they opt to be day students. How do we expect this category to comfortably purchase the long list of items on the prospectus needed for boarding within this short timeframe and within the current context of an excruciating economic pandemic? 8)It is totally dangerous, reckless and an utter dereliction not to make provision for teachers, non-teaching staff and students to be tested before placing all of them in the school environment for academic work. This must be fiercely resisted by the teacher unions, PTAs and SRCs. 9) Second year Gold Track SHS students should simply continue to stay at home. This would only worsen congestion and increase risk. Government must rescind its decision on this immediately. 10) It is absolutely surprising to hear Government's position being articulated to the effect that parents would not be allowed to visit their children in Senior High Schools. Directives like this are unreasonable and would only make parents keep their children at home and wait for the resumption of BECE and WASSCE for Private Candidates. What happens when a student in boarding school is taken ill? We are confronted by a vicious pandemic and it is naturally expected that parents would be more anxious and be on the lookout for their children than they will in normal times. What Government could have considered are visiting protocols in line with best public health advice and not outrightly proscribing parental visits. Another clear indication that Government's school reopening plan is not well thought out. 11) The lessons from other jurisdictions such as France and South Korea where reopened schools in no time contributed to mass infections should guide us to make smarter choices driven by science and love for our children. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP, North Tongu Former Deputy Minister for Education ---citinewsroom UPDATE JUNE 24, 2020: Escaped Hamilton forensic psychiatric patient arrested in Toronto An escaped forensic psychiatric patient, who once stabbed his girlfriends roommate, has gone AWL before and told hospital staff he would do it again. Police and doctors alerted the public to Raymond Mitchells escape from a Hamilton medical facility Monday because he is potentially dangerous. At least two staff members from the forensic unit at the West 5th Campus of St. Josephs Healthcare were escorting Mitchell to a Mountain medical facility for treatment of an obvious and urgent condition, according to Dr. Gary Chaimowitz, head of forensic psychiatry. Once inside the facility Mitchell who was not in restraints and did not have a police escort bolted and ran out a door. That was about 1:30 p.m. Police issued a public alert just before 5 p.m., warning not to approach Mitchell if spotted. A warning to the public risks causing panic and perhaps even vigilantism We dont want to throw fuel on the fire, says Chaimowitz however public safety is the priority. About 10 forensic patients escape every year from West 5th, but in most cases they have simply wandered off the grounds while on a leave, says Chaimowitz. Many return on their own within 24 hours. Mitchell is still in need of treatment and is likely in pain, says Chaimowitz, who would not be specific about the medical issue. He also does not have any of his psychiatric medications and will begin to deteriorate without them. Mitchells decision to abscond seems unplanned, says Chaimowitz. Hamilton police say Mitchell was spotted in downtown Toronto on Monday. Detectives are trying to locate him, with the help of Toronto police. When he is found, he will likely be charged with escaping custody. He will lose all of his hospital privileges. Mitchell is 29, five-foot-eight with a heavy build and weighs over 200 pounds. He has short, black hair and a bit of facial hair. He was last seen wearing a red T-shirt, red shorts and black shoes. He left without his glasses. St. Joes will do a full review of the incident. Chaimowitz speculates his patient may be heading for Peterborough, where he has family. Mitchell had no money or belongings with him when he left St. Joes. Ontario Review Board (ORB) records chronicle his long history of violence, psychiatric illness and substance abuse. After Mitchells latest hearing in January, the ORB concluded that the board has no hesitation in finding Mr. Mitchell continues to present as a significant threat to the safety of the public. The ORB is an independent tribunal with jurisdiction over individuals who have been found by a court to be either unfit to stand trial or not criminally responsible (NCR) on account of mental disorder. Mitchell was declared NCR by the court. He has spent most of his life either in jail or hospital as a result of his mental illness, according to the ORB. His offences include damaging property at his girlfriends apartment and then stabbing her roommate with a knife. Another time he bloodied the face of a security guard at a mall in Peterborough. Mitchell was also banned from a mens shelter in that city. He was detained at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health in Whitby beginning in January 2013. The next year, he escaped while on a pass, leading Durham police to issue a plea for the publics assistance. At the time, they warned he may be aggressive when confronted. While at that facility he attacked a nurse, punching him with a closed fist several times. Following the incident, (Mitchell) was noted to smirk or laugh at himself, according to records, and he showed no remorse or empathy. Mitchell said staff used special electronic equipment to put voices in his head to make him crazy. He has also assaulted a corrections officer and a psychologist. For a while he was released to live in the community, but he relapsed to cannabis and opioid use. Mitchell later was kept at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care in Penetanguishene, Ontarios maximum security forensic hospital. He was transferred to St. Joes in October and given grounds privileges, escorted by staff. Mitchell has not had an easy existence. At one point, a Gladue Report was ordered to examine the systemic ways in which his Indigenous heritage has impacted his life. Mitchell was born in Chilliwack, B.C. As a child, he was oppositional and assaultive toward family and was moved to special classes at school. His parents split up when he was a toddler. His father is a member of the Dene Tha First Nation. At 15, he was placed in a group home, but ran away. From a young age, Mitchell used marijuana and alcohol and was in trouble with the law. As an adult, he became increasingly unstable and paranoid. Some doctors have diagnosed him with schizophrenia. He has also been diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder. In January, records show Mitchell was frustrated that he couldnt get street drugs and that he did not have a romantic relationship. He threatened to break peoples legs if he didnt get what he wanted. A few days later, Mr. Mitchell expressed a desire to run away. Six weeks after that, all 150 forensic patients at West 5th became completely locked down due to COVID-19 precautions, says Chaimowitz. He is one of a handful of patients who has seen the sunlight in months. Haryana registered 302 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, biggest single-day spike so far, pushing the states tally to 2,954. As per the state health bulletin, 132 cases were detected in Gurugram, followed by Faridabad (69) and Sonepat (28). While 28 cases surfaced in Narnaul, 10 were reported from Karnal, eight from Ambala and Hisar each, seven from Rohtak, six from Nuh, and one each from Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Bhiwani, Fatehabad, Panipat and Panchkula. So far, 23 people have died of Covid-19 in Haryana with maximum (10) fatalities reported from Faridabad, followed by Gurugram (4), Panipat (3), Ambala (2) and Sonepat, Jind, Karnal and Rohtak (1 each), the state bulletin mentioned. In Ambala, five members of a family, who had returned from Delhi, were tested positive. Two locals with travel history to Qatar and a woman working as a domestic help at the house of a Covid patient, were also found infected. Karnal deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said those testing positive in the district had a history of travel to other states. He said Karnal has so far registered 69 patients, of whom one has died and 27 have been cured. Undertrial among 10 found infected in Mahendergarh A rape accused lodged in Nasebpur jail was among 10 persons who tested positive in Mahendergarh. More than 20 people, including a judicial magistrate and 13 cops, who had come in contact with the undertrial have been placed under home quarantine. Though state bulletin mentioned only limited cases, Rohtak and Sonepat administrations reported total 14 new infections. Four persons, who had returned from Mumbai, were among eight new patients found infected with coronavirus in Hisar. Four cases were detected in Bhiwani as well. Covid patient dies of cardiac arrest at PGIMS A 61-year-old coronavirus patient from Jinds Pillukhera died of cardiac arrest at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak on Wednesday, said Jind civil surgeon Jai Bhagwan Jattan. He was tested positive on May 31, Jattan added. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) A key witness in the Maguindanao massacre trial who is under state protection was ambushed in South Cotabato Wednesday morning. Mohamad Sangki was with a driver and security detail when armed men attacked them in Tantangan town, said Nena Santos, lawyer for Maguindanao massacre victims. The ambush took place as Sangki and his companions were en route to Cotabato Airport from Tacurong City. Sangki and the driver are now in a hospital in Koronadal City, Santos said. The witness had no gunshot wound but sustained injuries, while the driver was badly hurt. The security guard was able to return fire but the suspects fled. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra in a statement said he will order an investigation immediately. Sangki is under the Justice Department's Witness Protection Progrem, being a "vital witness" of the prosecution in the decade-old Maguindanao massacre trial. "Sangki is a vital witness in the second wave of prosecution for the Maguindanao Massacre, and it is not far-fetched that his ambush today had something to do with the horrible case," Guevarra said. In December 2019, eight members of the Ampatuan clan were found guilty and sentenced to a maximum of 40 years in prison for the murder of 57 people in Maguindanao in 2009. Among those convicted were Datu Andal "Unsay" Ampatuan, Jr., Zaldy Ampatuan, and Datu Anwar, Sr. sons of the late former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr. who prosecution witnesses said masterminded the crime. Another son of Andal Sr., Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan, was acquitted, along with other relatives. This is a developing story. Please refresh page for updates. Mumbai, June 3 : On his 47th wedding anniversary, Amitabh Bachchan has shared the story behind his marriage with Jaya Bhaduri, which happened shortly after the success of the duo's 1973 release, "Zanjeer". While the Prakash Mehra directorial hit theatres on May 11, 1973, Amitabh and Jaya tied the knot less than a month later on June 3. "47 years .. today .. June 3, 1973 .. !! We had decided that if 'Zanjeer' succeeded we, with few friends would go to London, for the first time, to celebrate .. My Father asked me who you going with ? When I told him who he said, you will marry her then go .. else you don't go .. !! So .. I obeyed !" Bachchan wrote on social media. The veteran actor also shared photographs from their wedding mandap where he can be seen applying vermilion on bride Jaya's forhead as his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan recites a prayer. Big B also took to his blog to talk about his wedding. "The unending wheel of life keeps in rotation and in ever increasing motion .. 47 years ago it waited too for the beginning of the life for life .. the presence of the progress report surrounds us all as it strikes midnight .. there is the blessings of many .. and our gratitude for all.." he wrote. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Much to the relief of parents, the union minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to defer its decisions of reopening schools and charging vehicle registration tax. Have spoken to #JammuAndKashmir UT Government and suggested that decisions regarding 1) Vehicle Registration Tax and 2) Reopening of schools may be deferred, Union Minister of State in the PMO Dr Jitendra Singh tweeted on Wednesday. There had been strong resentment among the people over UT governments purported move to reopen schools from June 15. The education department had been mulling a strategy for re-opening schools in mid-June but the parents were worried over it. Former chairperson of the J&K Women Commission, Vasundra Pathak Masoodi in a letter to lieutenant governor had described possible move as an abject contravention and violation of the guidelines issued by the home ministry under the National Disaster Act. In her letter on June 1 to the L-G, Masoodi had taken strong exception of the education departments circular issued in Srinagar wherein it was stated that the government intended to re-open schools in mid-June. Our children (students) are the most precious and invaluable assets that mankind is bestowed with. Therefore, the health, safety and security of students should be of our utmost priority and concern vis-a-viz safeguarding their academic interests. The academic interests could be safeguarded through different mediums but in view of the incessant and unarresting spike of COVID-19cases in Jammu and Kashmir, any decision to open the schools at this juncture without any tangible safeguards and gauging a satisfactory decline in the deadly pandemic could lead us to irreversible/colossal loss and ad infinitum regret that could not be quantified or compensated by any means what so ever, she had stated in her letter. I have been approached by many parents across the UT of Jammu and Kashmir who have shared their fear and unwillingness to let their wards join the school until the threat of this deadly pandemicCovid19 is over as they are apprehensive that the children may not be able to strictly adhere to the social distancing norms, she stated. It may be stated here that wide government circular, directors of Kashmir and Jammu division of the education department were directed to ensure a pair of reusable masks and a pair of gloves to every student and ensure availability of 1000 ml hand sanitisers and 1200 ml liquid soap at entry point of each government school. National Conference provincial President, Jammu Devender Singh Rana had exhorted J&K administration to exercise caution while deciding to reopen schools amid unfortunate increase in the COVID19 cases, saying any wrong move could be detrimental for students. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON From reframing of relations between workers and employers, to how Indian airlines and airports are trying to make flying safe again, and whether a handheld device can kill the virus with UV light read these and more in todays India dispatch. Expert Speak How will the coronavirus pandemic reframe relations between workers and employers in India? To revive the economy in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, several state governments issued ordinances ... 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 Integrating radiocarbon dating and microarchaeology techniques has enabled more precise dating of the ancient Wilson's Arch monument at Jerusalem's Temple Mount, according to a study published June 3, 2020 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Johanna Regev from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel, and colleagues. Radiocarbon dating has rarely been used in archaeological explorations of the Classical and Post-Classical age in the Eastern Mediterranean (approximately the 8th century BC-6th century AD) --this is due to the technique's imprecision, as well as a historical reliance on using material culture findings like coins or texts to estimate dates of specific monuments. In this study, Regev and colleagues focused on pinpointing the specific construction dates for Wilson's Arch, an arch of "The Great Causeway", an ancient bridge linking Jerusalem's Temple Mount to the houses of Jerusalem's upper city, and which was excavated in 2015-2019 as part of a tourist development project. Wilson's Arch has been the subject of much scholarly debate, with construction dates suggested from the time of Herod the Great, Roman colonization, or even the early Islamic period in Jerusalem (a span of about 700 years). To better understand the specific timing of Wilson's Arch (and the historical context in which it was constructed), Regev and colleagues used an integrative approach in the field during its excavation, conducting radiocarbon dating of 33 construction material samples directly at the site (generally charred organic matter, like seeds or sticks, present in mortar), as well as stratigraphic and microarchaeological analyses. The authors were able to narrow the dates of construction for the initial Great Causeway bridge structure as having occurred between 20 BC and 20 AD, during the reign of Herod the Great or directly after his death. They also discovered a second stage of construction: between 30 AD and 60 AD, the bridge doubled in size as Wilson's Arch in its current form was finalized (during this period of direct Roman rule, there's evidence the Romans began or expanded on many building projects around Jerusalem, including an aqueduct supplying the Temple Mount with water). Regev and colleagues note that their technique of using many samples for radiocarbon dating, coupled with stratigraphic analysis, could be broadly applied in many other densely-built ancient cities in order to fine-tune building dates for specific remains. The authors add: "Radiocarbon high resolution chronology of charred remains reshapes Jerusalem's history, resolving a long-standing debate regarding the entrance to its holiest site: the Temple Mount." ### Citation: Regev J, Uziel J, Lieberman T, Solomon A, Gadot Y, Ben-Ami D, et al. (2020) Radiocarbon dating and microarchaeology untangle the history of Jerusalem's Temple Mount: A view from Wilson's Arch. PLoS ONE 15(6): e0233307. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0233307 Funding: This research was supported by the ISRAEL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (grant No. 1873/17) to E.B., J.U., Y.G. and D. B-A. The field work was funded by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. The Radiocarbon lab is supported by the Exilarch's Foundation for the Dangoor Research Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (D-REAMS) and the Kimmel Center for Archaeological Science. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available article in PLOS ONE: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0233307 The coronavirus pandemic has led to widespread job loss and financial uncertainty even for those who are still employed due to market volatility and a global economy thats been crushed by closures and lockdowns. With so much upheaval, many Americans are left struggling to figure out their best financial moves. From losing a job to retiring and life in between, here are the answers to some of the most pressing coronavirus money questions. Last updated: Sept. 18, 2020 Will There Ever Be a Second Stimulus Bill? Congress has thus far been unable to agree on exactly what a second round of relief funding would entail. Democrats previously proposed a $3 trillion bill and then suggested $2 trillion in relief, while Republicans proposed a $300 billion skinny relief bill. Some experts, including Jordan Weissmann, Slates senior business and economic correspondent, believe a second relief bill and the second stimulus check that would come with it may never pass. Were in this place where theres not much political incentive on any side right now to strike a deal before the election, he said on the What Next podcast. They keep saying there wont be a deal before November, and frankly, I dont see how were any closer to a deal after November unless, maybe, at that point, Democrats would say screw it. How Does the Payroll Tax Holiday Work? President Donald Trump issued an executive order that suspends the collection of Social Security payroll taxes from Sept. 1 until the end of the year for workers making less than $4,000 for any bi-weekly pay period, or $104,000 annually. If you meet this requirement, it means that your share of Social Security taxes 6.2% of your income wont be taken out of your paycheck for the rest of 2021. However, these taxes are only being deferred rather than forgiven, so as it stands, they will need to be paid back at a later date. Additionally, private businesses may opt out of the payroll tax holiday and continue to withdraw these funds from your paycheck. Story continues How Many Companies Are Actually Using It? The payroll tax break has been opposed by many businesses, so most Americans wont be getting any benefits from Trumps executive order, Politico reported. A number of major trade associations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Retail Federation, have said they will not be participating. These businesses believe it is not in their employees best interest although employees will save on taxes now, they will have to pay double the amount of Social Security payroll taxes beginning in January to pay back what has been deferred by April 30. According to Politico, its hard to find employers making use of it, aside from much of the federal government. Does My Health Insurance Cover Coronavirus Testing and Care? All comprehensive healthcare plans cover coronavirus testing 100%, as well as any visit to the emergency room, doctors office or urgent care related to the testing. Under the CARES Act, your insurer also provides free antibody testing. How much you pay for treatment depends on your insurer. Some health insurance providers are waiving all co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles for all COVID-19 treatments but others are not, so its important to check with your provider to find out what is covered. Find Out: The 50 Cities Best Prepared To Reignite Their Economy and Job Market How Much Will a Coronavirus Vaccine Cost? Theres no way to know for sure how much a coronavirus vaccine will cost, but procurement agreements the federal government has been making with several pharmaceutical companies as part of Operation Warp Speed the Trump administrations push to have a vaccine widely available by 2021 can give some insight. Based on the publicly released deals, the price of the vaccine will likely be between $4 and $20 per dose, NPR reported. However, those with health coverage will likely be able to get the vaccine for free. U.S. government officials have stated that they expect health insurance companies to cover the cost of coronavirus vaccines without charging copays, ABC News reported. How Can I Financially Prepare For a Potential Layoff? Take a look at what short-term savings you have and build a fund to cover at least six months worth of expenses, said Chad Parks, founder and CEO of Ubiquity Retirement + Savings. If you are saving for retirement but dont have short-term emergency savings, temporarily divert contributions from retirement savings to short-term savings. If you dont have either, build your short-term savings first. How Can I Stay Afloat Financially If I've Lost My Job? More than 56 million Americans have now filed for unemployment, so this is likely a question that many of people have right now. Mark E. Bradford, CFP, senior vice president and wealth director of Bryn Mawr Trust Wealth Management in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, offers the following advice: Revisit your spending and budget. Eliminate unnecessary expenses and build up cash reserves. You may also want to restructure your debt. If available, plenty of government programs may be able to provide some support as a result of the recent stimulus packages passed by Congress. You may be able to negotiate with some lenders and vendors, but you may not want to do this unless absolutely necessary as doing so could impact your credit score. What Is Unemployment Insurance and How Can I Get It? Unemployment insurance programs provide you with money if you lose your job through no fault of your own. Each state has its own unemployment program with its own eligibility requirements. You may be able to apply online or by phone, depending on the state. More Info: How To Get the New $300 Federal Unemployment Supplement And Other Essential Benefits How Much Unemployment Will I Get? The maximum weekly benefit varies by state. Benefits were temporarily expanded by the CARES Act, but the supplemental unemployment benefits mandated by the act expired in July. In August, President Trump implemented the Lost Wages Assistance program as a short-term replacement for the previous $600-a-week emergency federal supplement. Under this program, most unemployed workers will now receive $300 in federal funding in addition to their usual benefit amount; states may also provide an additional $100. As of Sept. 16, 49 states and Washington, D.C. signed onto the program. South Dakota said it would forgo the federal funds because it had recovered 80% of its job losses, The New York Times reported. Can I Get Government Assistance If I Am a Freelancer or Small-Business Owner? Pandemic Unemployment Assistance one of the provisions of the CARES Act expanded the eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits to nontraditional workers such as independent contractors, gig workers and the self-employed. This assistance program is in effect through Dec. 26 for those who have lost work as a direct result of the coronavirus. You will likely have to show evidence of your past income usually a 1099 form from a previous tax year to receive this aid. Can I Get Government Assistance If I Am Furloughed? Unemployment benefits for furloughed employees vary from state to state, CNET reported. For example, Washington State does allow furloughed workers to apply for unemployment benefits, but decisions about eligibility are made on a case-by-case basis. What If I Can't Afford To Make My Student Loan Payments? If you have federal student loans, you do not have to make payments until 2021. If you have private student loans, you might qualify for student loan relief implemented by your state. Several states have reached agreements with a number of private lenders that allow for at least 90 days of forbearance and the waiving of late fees, U.S. News reported. Unlike federal student loans, these protections are not implemented automatically, so you will need to reach out to your lender to put a pause on your payments. Even if you live in a state that did not implement student loan relief measures, its still worth reaching out to your lender to find out what relief you may qualify for. If Youre Looking: 38 Companies Hiring for Remote Jobs Right Now What If I Can't Pay My Mortgage? Under the CARES Act, you may be eligible for forbearance. This is when your mortgage servicer or lender allows you to pause or reduce your payments for a limited period of time. Under the act, homeowners can defer payments for up to six months, with the option to extend for an additional six months for those who remain in good standing with their lenders. Keep in mind that this doesnt cancel out what you owe over that time period, so youll have to make up for any missed or reduced payments in the future. If you took advantage of this benefit early on, you may begin having to restart making payments in September. Should I Refinance My Mortgage? Mortgage rates hit a record low in September, MarketWatch reported, so its certainly possible that refinancing could save you money. To find out if its worth it for you, crunch the numbers to see if you will be saving on your monthly payment. Keep in mind that you have to pay a fee to refinance, so make sure you are staying in your home long enough for refinancing to pay off. You will also need to change the terms of your mortgage loan, so make sure the new terms fit within your current financial goals. How Worried Should I Be About Market Volatility? If retirement is not in the near-term for you, you shouldnt panic, Parks said. Retirement plan account balances are all over the place, he said. Remind yourself that volatility is OK. You have some time before you are going to need those funds. Should I Be Continuing To Contribute To My 401(k)? Yes, especially if you have an employer match and you have the cash flow today to earmark for retirement, Bradford said. Should You Ask For a Raise During the Pandemic? Heres What 10 Experts Say What If My Employer Is No Longer Offering a 401(k) Match? Is It Still Worth Contributing To? If an employer has chosen to suspend its match, it is likely prudent to help weather the storm and maintain its current employee base, Parks said. Reduction in a long-term benefit is worth the short-term trade-off. For individuals, this loss of a company match should not modify your savings strategy. It will not make or break your retirement. Even if your employer is not offering a match, if you are saving in your 401(k), you are gaining a government match, he continued. Those tax dollars are going out the door one way or another. By saving in your 401(k), you are diverting those tax dollars from the government to your retirement savings. How Do the CARES and HEROES Acts Impact My Retirement? With the passage of the CARES Act and HEROES Act, Congress recognized that retirement savings is one of the more readily available assets, Parks said. Restrictions around accessing those assets exist to protect your savings for the future. Because of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the pandemic, the government made temporary provisions making it easier for people to tap into their retirement accounts. These regulations were not meant to change what these retirement accounts were intended for. This was a temporary change of policy for an emergency situation. Moving forward, we will likely see some more meaningful legislation surrounding retirement savings, he continued. It is not sustainable to dip into our long-term savings every time there is a short-term crisis. I Took Out a Loan Against My 401(k) During the Pandemic Was This a Mistake? If you experienced hardship and took a loan from your 401(k), hopefully, you are still gainfully employed, Parks said. If you take a loan from a retirement plan and are separated from that employer, you will need to repay that loan within a certain period of time otherwise taxes and penalties will be due. The CARES Act allows more flexible repayment options during the current pandemic. Research and consult the regulations to see what policies apply to your situation. Can I Afford To Retire Right Now? Bradford said that when it comes to whether or not you can retire, it depends. This is the No. 1 question that people are asking coming out of this crisis, he said. It really comes down to your specific financial situation. The best way to answer this question is to work with advisors to develop a financial plan for retirement. That starts by understanding your values, vision and objectives. What does retirement look like? It is different for everyone. Once the goal is qualified and quantified what spending looks like today and what it will be in retirement it is important to align resources such as investments, pensions, 401(k) [plans] and Social Security, then determine the gaps that exist. It requires a holistic approach. Should I Revisit My Asset Allocation or Stay the Course? Goals, time horizon and risk tolerance should dictate asset allocation, not market performance, Bradford said. You may want to take a buckets of money approach with larger cash reserves and conservative assets for the shorter term. Tax-loss harvesting may also make sense to get into a better allocation more aligned with your risk tolerance. Historically, asset allocation drives 90-plus percent of your overall return. Should I Be Investing More Right Now? If you are not nearing retirement and can afford to invest more maybe you are still employed and have a healthy emergency fund you should consider your options. If you have a longer savings horizon, you may consider a higher risk scenario to take advantage of market downturns, upswings and corrections, said Teresa Hassara, head of workplace solutions at MassMutual Financial Group. Check Out: Which Companies Are Winning the Pandemic? What If I'm Already Retired? Should I Have More Bonds in My Portfolio During These Times? If you are retired, it can be beneficial to have three to five years worth of living expenses in bonds, said Dave Totah, CFP, partner and senior wealth advisor at Exencial Wealth Advisors. This war chest allows you to make it through market downturns without having to sell stocks at a low point. Is Forgoing Required Minimum Distributions the Right Move If You Can Afford It? The CARES Act suspended the RMD requirement for this year, but you might be wondering if its the best move for you to forgo it. It depends, but probably yes, Bradford said. A financial plan would help answer this one. Roth conversions could make sense depending on valuation, view on future taxes, money to pay and time horizon. What Happens To My Money If I Die? We are revisiting estate plans often, and clients are going through their planning more focused than ever before, said Monica Sipes, CFP, partner and senior wealth advisor at Exencial Wealth Advisors. My advice? Make sure you understand your estate plan; who would be in charge of what and that you feel comfortable with having the right people in the right roles. Make sure you review your plans frequently and that they are aligned with your wishes. Is My Money Safe in a Bank? Although some bank branches may be closed or only offering limited services, your money is still secure in a bank. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation covers up to $250,000 in each bank account, which means that even if your bank fails, your money is fully protected by the U.S. government. I'm Not Driving as Much Do I Need To Keep My Car Insurance? Even if youre not using your car as much as usual, you should still maintain your car insurance policy. In many states, this is a requirement. Many car insurers have been offering lower rates or a percentage of your premium back to account for less time on the road, but if yours hasnt done this automatically, give them a call to see if you can have your payments temporarily lowered or get refunded for part of your premium especially if you are still working from home. If your insurer wont lower your payment, consider shopping around for new car insurance to see if you could save with a different provider. Do I Have To Pay Back My Stimulus Check? You do not need to pay your stimulus check back. The stimulus checks are considered an advance refund of a 2020 tax credit, not a loan, Neal Stern, a member of the American Institute of CPAs Financial Literacy Commission, told MarketWatch. Is Now a Good Time To Buy a Home? The real estate market remains strong despite the coronavirus crisis, Money reported. Although you can expect home prices to be at or over the asking price in many cases, prospective homebuyers can benefit from low mortgage rates. Its an especially good time to buy in urban areas, where prices may actually be lower due to a drop in demand. Can I Get Money Back If I Cancel Travel Plans Due to the Coronavirus? If the airline cancels your flight, you are eligible for a refund, but if you choose to cancel your trip, you might not be able to get one, CBS reported. You can, however, likely get a voucher to be used for future travel. Cruises are also offering vouchers, sometimes for more than you originally spent. These rules apply even if you have travel insurance in most cases, CNBC reported. Standard travel insurance only applies to cancellation due to illness by you or a family member before or during the trip not a fear of becoming ill. However, if you have cancel for any reason coverage, you should be able to get a refund. When Will the Economy Recover? Expert projections on when exactly we will recover from the coronavirus vary, but it will likely take some time. Gita Gopinath, chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, said that the global economy will likely not recover until at least the end of 2021, CNBC reported. This aligns with Dr. Anthony Faucis recent prediction that life may not go back to normal until the end of next year. How Can I Help Others Who Are Struggling Financially Due to the Coronavirus? There are a number of charities you can support during this time. Charity Navigator is a great resource to find nonprofits that help causes you are passionate about. You could also donate to GlobalGiving, a crowdfunding community that is providing coronavirus relief in numerous ways, including delivering essentials to families in need. GoFundMe has also set up a COVID-19 Relief Fund that will be distributing money to nonprofits helping those who have been directly and indirectly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Wheres My Second Stimulus Check? 32 Answers to Your COVID-19 Money Questions Alexandria 'Ally' Lyons was arrested on a felony charge after people called police about her alleged role in the riot Saturday night. She is pictured in an arrest photo taken after the incident A Michigan woman was arrested after she allegedly took to Facebook to incite a riot during a George Floyd protest over the weekend. Alexandria 'Ally' Lyons, 22, of Grand Rapids, was arrested on a felony charge after people called police about her alleged role in the riot Saturday night. She is accused of helping to incite violence that led to smashed windows and fires during a Facebook live post. Lyons is alleged to have posted the video, which has since been taken down, showing herself at the protest while drinking a beer that is believed to have been looted from a bar named Mojo, police say in court papers. Police say they also observed Lyons smashing the window of the Kent County Prosecutor's Office, as well as others. The woman appears in a second video she recorded at a party at her home afterwards. In the footage clothing allegedly stolen during the riots is shown by an unidentified man. The video also shows some of the violence that broke out during the riot. Rioting in Grand Rapids Saturday night is seen above in footage posted to Facebook Lyons appears in a second video of a party at her home afterwards, in footage (pictured) posted online The clothes are believed to have been stolen from F. David Barney Clothiers on Ottawa Avenue, MLive reports. The riot left 100 businesses in downtown damaged, including some that were looted, police say. Lyons was arraigned on Tuesday. She is being held on a $40,000 bond and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. She also was charged with malicious destruction of property, which could bring 5 years in prison, if convicted. Mojo employee Nick Abare called Lyons 'one of the human trash that used the Grand Rapids riots to their own advantage to break into, and steal from Mojo's', in a Facebook post where he shared the video of her at her house party. Bare goes on to say the violence also targeted an antique store owned by his friend's grandfather and a jewelry store. He alleges that she is selling the items online, and that she was 'shamelessly' sharing about her alleged actions on social media, 'seeking more attention.' Alexandria 'Ally' Lyons, 22, of Grand Rapids, was arrested after she allegedly took to Facebook to incite a riot after a George Floyd protest over the weekend. She is pictured in an image posted on Instagram An employee at Mojo's Bar which was looted called Lyons (left and right) 'one of the human trash that used the Grand Rapids riots to their own advantage to break into, and steal from, Mojo's'. She is pictured left and right before the incident 'People like this that manipulate peaceful protests and twist them into something for their own personal gain are bottom-tier individuals,' he wrote with the post. 'My blood boils. She's the personification of hate spawning from hate, and I sure as Hell hope she pays for it.' Lyons also has a previous record, reports WoodTV8. At age 16, she pleaded guilty to indecent exposure after posting footage of herself with another teenager in 2014. She had been a student at Grandville High school at the time. Lyons is pictured at her arraignment on Tuesday. She is being held on a $40,000 bond and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. She also was charged with malicious destruction of property, which could bring 5 years in prison, if convicted She also was jailed previously for almost five months on a drug charge, WoodTV8 reports. Lyons was the second person charged with a felony after this weekend's violence in Grand Rapids. Adrian Keech Baker, 18, of Gobles, was charged with rioting after cops witnessed him breaking the window of Biggby Coffee. He also was arrested on charges of larceny in a building and malicious destruction of property. Twitter Inc. defended its recent decision to label some of U.S. President Donald Trumps tweets, but also said world leaders comments on the social media service will stay up, even if they break the companys rules. Twitter has been heavily criticized by Trump and other conservative politicians after it added labels to tweets of his on May 26 that it said violated the companys misinformation policy. Three days later, Twitter slapped a rule-violation notice on another post by Trump warning protesters in Minnesota that when the looting starts, the shooting starts. We are NOT attempting to address all misinformation, the companys @twittersafety account wrote on Tuesday. Instead, we prioritize based on the highest potential for harm, focusing on manipulated media, civic integrity, and Covid-19. Likelihood, severity and type of potential harm along with reach and scale factor into this. Still, the company has resisted other calls to drop Trump from its service entirely. Its important people can read and speak about what world leaders say, even if they violate our rules, Twitter wrote on Tuesday. The San Francisco-based company said it shouldnt determine the truthfulness of tweets, but tries to provide context to help people make up their own minds in cases where the substance of a Tweet is disputed. Hence, our focus is on providing context, not fact-checking, it added. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Traditional British pubs could be scrapped and replaced by Bavarian-style bierkellers as they reopen after the coronavirus lockdown, industry leaders have said. Under the plans, bar stools could make way for trestle tables and benches, with pint glasses scrapped in favour of two-pint steins to help reduce contact with bar staff. The discussion over the future of Britain's public houses comes as 40 per cent of British pubs face closure due to the 'devastating impact' of coronavirus. Despite all pubs hoping to reopen by the end of the month bringing cheer to millions of thirsty Britons, drinkers have been warned to expect them to resemble 'zoos' with one-way systems and fewer standing areas. In a bid to comply with social-distancing rules, raucous bierkellers have been suggested as a possible blueprint for British pubs to copy. The proposals have received the backing of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra). Traditional British pubs could be scrapped and replaced by Bavarian-style bierkellers as they reopen after the coronavirus lockdown (pictured: Munich, Germany, September 2018) Under the plans, bar stools could make way for trestle tables and benches, with pint glasses scrapped in favour of two-pint steins to help reduce contact with bar staff (pictured: Munich, October 2019) Emma McClarkin, BBPA Chief Executive, said: 'We are closely monitoring what other countries are doing with the opening of their bars and if there is anything we can introduce. 'The German-style may work for some of our pubs. 'The main thing we are focusing on is social distancing. The two metre distancing is the biggest challenge pubs will face. 'I think our pubs will obviously have more tables in their bars to allow more table service and less standing at the bar. What will the Wetherspoon pubs of the post-lockdown era in Britain look like? Here is an outline of what Wetherspoon pub customers will experience post-lockdown: The pubs will use one entrance with a separate exit door where possible. Customer entry and exit will be marked out by floor stickers and/or barriers. Door security will monitor the numbers entering and leaving to prevent overcrowding; All of its pubs will have screens at the tills and there will also be screens to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate the tables by two metres; Wetherspoon will provide gloves, masks and protective eyewear - but it is not mandatory for them to wear them unless the Government says so. They will also have their temperatures taken on arrival for their shifts. Staff will hand over all drinks holding the base of the glass and when ordered by the app they will be delivered to the table on a tray and placed on the table using the base of the glass. Each pub will have at least ten or more hand santiser stations and customers should use them on arrival and multiple times during their visit. One member of staff will be dedicated to sanitising surfaces; The drinks menu will remain the same - but food will be pared back and items should be ordered via the official JD Wetherspoon app if possible. But tills will be open and take cash; The pubs will provide sachets (ketchup, mayonnaise, salt pepper etc), rather than their usual condiment bottles; Workers must hand over all drinks holding the base of the glass and when ordered by the app they will be delivered to the table on a tray and placed on the table using the base of the glass. Advertisement 'There'll be less interaction between customers and between customers and staff. 'This will be hard for pubs with lots of standing area around the bar and lots of bar service. We will always need to maximise outdoor space. 'I was talking to somebody yesterday who said pubs used to be like safari parks where you were in your car and could go by yourself around the park. 'Now they are going to be like zoos when you are sent past in one direction and you have to follow the route. 'We are focusing on how that might work. It might be single file or there could be arrows in one direction to follow on the floor to limit constant crossing of people. 'No one pub is the same. Lots have nooks and crannies. Some have next to no space to go around the bar. We are trying to find something that works for customers and staff. 'It will be our own British way of doing it. 'All the countries on the continent are going to be waiter-service only to maintain social distancing and table service by staff is going to be the way forward for some time. 'I think there is going to be a new normal and we have to find what that normal is going to be.' It is thought that large pub chains, such as Wetherspoons will find it easier to open due to their large open-plan layouts while smaller bars will be forced to be more creative. CAMRA's National Chairman Nik Antona said: 'The forced lockdown of the nation's pubs could have a devastating impact on the industry, with estimates that up to 40 per cent of the nation's pubs will close their doors for good. 'It's therefore imperative that pubs can open as soon as it is safe to do so, and all ideas to bring this about are welcome. 'Having an open space where you can mingle at the bar and order drinks is an essential part of the pub-going experience as it gives visitors a chance to make friends and socialise in a common area that they don't find in cafes or restaurants. 'I'd be very concerned if this intrinsic pub characteristic is removed and rationing introduced in the name of safety and it then becomes the norm in the months and years to come, forever changing the heart of our pubs. 'Furthermore, many pubs will be unable to re-open with social distancing measures in place and could be left behind as the situation moves forward.' British drinkers have given a mixed response to calls to replace traditional pubs with German beer halls and steins for pint glasses. British drinkers have given a mixed response to calls to replace traditional pubs with German beer halls and steins for pint glasses (pictured: Munich 2019) Writing on Facebook, David Elson said: 'I've been to Oktoberfest in Munich before now and it was fantastic but I would hate it if my local turned into one. 'When the pubs do reopen I want to go down for a few pints, not a whopping great stein while listening to an oompah band!' Could this be the end of the cheap curry night? Up to half of Indian restaurants could close for good if the two-metre social distancing rule is imposed on them, it was claimed today. The venues are often small and pack tables closely together to offer cheaper meals to customers, but this will be under threat if everyone has to be more spaced out. Bosses are also concerned that the elderly and the Asian community have been particularly badly affected by the coronavirus crisis. Shahab Uddin, who owns Streetly Balti in the West Midlands, said: 'My restaurant is quite small we've built our reputation on being small and cosy. After Covid-19 I don't think cosy and small is going to work.' Professor Monder Ram, an expert in ethnic minority entrepreneurship at Aston Business School, added: 'The traditional model in this sector has always been low tech, low wages and low prices. 'This is unlikely to survive in the future and major changes will have to be introduced.' Advertisement Andy Glaves added: 'I've got a horrible image in my head of pub landlord Al Murray wearing lederhosen! Please no, leave our pubs alone!' It comes as brewers are preparing to restock Britain's pubs with a record 250million pints of beer - with bosses hoping watering holes could throw up their doors again within weeks. Breweries are aiming to produce the staggering amount of drink within the next two weeks as Ministers draw up a 'secret blueprint' to help the UK's pubs reopen again. Pubs are likely to be told to use an app - like the one already in place at Wetherspoon outlets - to get drinkers to place their orders in a bid to avoid crowded bars. Meanwhile chiefs at the some of the country's biggest breweries have promised to deliver kegs of beer to pubs from the middle of this month, reported the Sun. The June 15 delivery date comes despite the Government's roadmap out of the coronavirus lockdown stating pubs can only open at the start of July at the earliest. However pub bosses and brewery chiefs are hoping restrictions on pubs, which have been closed since the night of March 20, could be lifted earlier than next month. And with venues serving food re-opening on Saturday, all other pubs were allowed to follow suit on Monday. Some restrictions remain in force with landlords told they must provide table service and record everyone who has been there. Many pubs say they have not been able to open straight away due to staffing and other matters. New Delhi, June 3 : Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has sought a report on the death of an elephant as it got injured after it was forced to eat explosive laden pineapple. Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said, "Environment Ministry has taken a serious note of the death of an elephant in Kerala. Has sought complete report on the incident. Stern action will be taken against the culprit(s)," The incident is of Mallapuran when a pregnant elephant had entered into a village in search of food. But the villagers fed a pineapple stuffed with crackers to the 15-year-old elephant. As the crackers exploded, the elephant suffered serious injuries on its tongue and mouth. Highlights TikTok has issued an apology after some users claimed that the posts consisting of Black Lives Matter and George were censored by the app. Users alleged that the short-video app was suppressing the Black Lives Matter and George Floyd hashtags. The company blamed a technical glitch behind the posts with Black Lives Matter hashtags getting zero views. Short video-making platform TikTok has issued an apology after some users claimed that the posts consisting of Black Lives Matter and George were censored by the app. The app has been accused of restricting the posts by black creators. Users alleged that the short-video app was suppressing the Black Lives Matter and George Floyd hashtags. TikTok, however, apologized to the Black creators. "We acknowledge and apologize to our Black creators and community who have felt unsafe, unsupported, or suppressed. We don't ever want anyone to feel that way. We welcome the voices of the Black community wholeheartedly," Vanessa Pappas, TikTok US General Manager, and Kudzi Chikumbu, Director of Creator Community said in a blog post. The company blamed a "technical glitch" behind the posts with Black Lives Matter hashtags getting zero views. "Last week a technical glitch made it temporarily appear as if posts uploaded using #BlackLivesMatter and #GeorgeFloyd would receive 0 views. This was a display issue only that widely affected hashtags at large, and powerful videos with the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag continued to be uploaded, viewed, and engaged within fact, videos with these hashtags have currently generated well over 2 billion views, which is a testament to their importance to and resonance among our community. Nevertheless, we understand that many assumed this bug to be an intentional act to suppress the experiences and invalidate the emotions felt by the Black community. And we know we have work to do to regain and repair that trust," the blog read. The issue was highlighted when some users alleged that posts with those hashtags had garnered zero views. The users had also changed their display pictures to a raised black fist and urged users to unfollow other people from the community who didn't join protest over TikTok's " unfair censorship of black creators." TikTok also announced in the blog post that it would be donating $3 million from their Community Relief Fund to non-profit organizations that are helping the Black community affected by the COVID pandemic. They also pledged an additional $1 million for fighting the "racial injustice and inequality" in the United States of America. Thousands of people came took to the streets across major US cities against the killing of a 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis. The video footage of a police officer pinning him down to the ground, with his hands folded at the back sparked massive outrage across the world. The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday expressed its displeasure over the slow implementation of the law setting up the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) also known as Amotekun corps in the state. The bill for the establishment of the security outfit was passed by the Assembly in March this year. The state governor, Seyi Makinde, signed the bill into law in March. The Amotekun corps intends to complement the efforts of other security agencies. But the assembly is currently worried over the slow implementation of the law in the state, two months after Governor Seyi Makinde signed the law. This is coming barely three days after some suspected gunmen launched an attack on some villages in Akinyele Local Government Area. No fewer than three people were killed during the attack. The gunmen stormed three villages in Akinyele LGA and killed the three villagers in three communities on Sunday. The villages affected are Babalola, Oniganna and Eeguntola. Our correspondent gathered that two of the victims were PDP executive members in ward 2 in Akinyele local government. Those that were killed included Ope Babalola in Babalola village, Waheed Ganiyu in Oniganna village and Yemi Osuolale in Eeguntola village. The public relations officer of the state police command, Olugbenga Fadeyi, confirmed the killing. Mr Fadeyi noted that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. He said the police team deployed to the areas are working hard to arrest more suspects. He added that the police had received a distress call from the villagers and promptly swung into action. Mr Fadeyi said, Yes some hoodlums stormed two villages in Akinyele local government area. There was a distress call to Moniya Police Station and the police tactical team have arrested two suspects. The police team are currently at the area, combing the area for more arrests. They were about eight people that stormed the areas and the villagers called the police. Concerned lawmakers Meanwile, the members of the state assembly during Tuesdays plenary condemned the attack. They urged Governor Makinde to expedite actions on the full implementation of the Amotekun Corp law. This was sequel to a matter of urgent public importance moved by Kazeem Isiaka. Mr Isiaka, who represents Atiba constituency, lamented how armed herders invade communities, wrecking havoc. Mr Speaker, as we are all aware, security of lives and property is the responsibility of government. Onala village, Ikereku, Pade villages that border Oyo East have been under attacks. Villagers and farmers are now leaving in fear. Mr Speaker, it is high time the executive constitute Amotekun corps, he said. Also, Sanjo Adedoyin noted that despite the publicity over the Amotekun law, the situation of bandits attacks seem to be on the rise. Advertisements Mr Speaker, what happened to the Amotekun corps? if Amotekun had been in operation, all these things will be a thing of the past. It is the main reason why we passed the Amotekun corps. Meanwhile, Speaker of the Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, while reacting, said that the state government was making frantic efforts towards full implementation of the Amotekun Corp law. He added that further discussions with the executive arm will follow the plenary deliberation in order to determine level of implementation. The house, while commiserating with families of victims of the attack, urged members of the public to report all suspected movement in their areas to relevant authorities. Sonu Sood has taken it upon himself to unite migrant workers with their families and make them reach their homes safely amid the ongoing Covid-19 crisis and nationwide lockdown. And his relentless efforts have earned him admiration and adulation from all parts of the country. More so because his endeavour isnt just limited to Maharashtra, as he has been getting requests from all over India. Read: Sonu Sood extends help to migrant workers amid lockdown, says I cant see people sleep empty stomach while we bake cakes, desserts at home My phone hasnt stopped ringing since the day our buses filled with people went to Karnataka. Ive been missing out on calls and messages, which is why I started the toll free number. Thats also flooded with calls. There are over 70,000 people on the waiting list, and many more contacting us, says Sood, who recently arranged a chartered flight for 177 migrants stuck in Kerala and sent them back to Odisha. Now, the actor has booked three trains to send migrant workers stuck in Mumbai to their homes in UP and Bihar. Sood,46, explains that journey by trains and flights save time and can accommodate more people. Buses would take longer and also wed need to take permissions from every state it crosses, which takes time. Thanks to everyone, who has been extending supporting. Itne saalo se dost hi to kamaye hai maine, wahi abhi mera saath de rahe hain, he adds. Risking his own and his familys health, Sood steps out daily so that work runs smoothly. My team and I take necessary precautions. I need to step out to monitor everything, check if things are in place. I dont believe in half-hearted efforts, says the Simba actor, who has donated to charities, offered his Juhu hotel to health-care personnel and provided food to 25,000 migrants during Ramzan. No doubt hes been showered with love, so much so that one migrant worker has named her son after the actor. Their smile films my heart, makes me believe Im serving the purpose of my life, says Sood. Recently, Governor of Maharashtra, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, congratulated the actor, and assured me with help whenever required. Soods industry colleagues, filmmaker Farah Khan, actors Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Neha Dhupia, Dia Mirza, Suniel Shetty, among others, have also been praising him. Has anyone also extended financial support too, we ask. Initially, I was doing things on my own, but now many people from within the industry and outside have come forward to help. Some are keen on sponsoring a bus or book tickets for migrants. Like Farah provided drinking water. It has become like a movement now, he concludes. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A gang kidnapped a Mexico City BBVA bank manager, forced her to wear a fake bomb belt, and watched via a live cellphone video as she swiped $460,000 from the vault. The bank employee, identified by authorities as Karina, was on her way to her branch last Friday morning when a minivan intercepted her car and forced her to get in at gunpoint. Local media outlets reported that the gang threatened to kill the 36-year-old woman's husband, children and parents if she failed to comply with their orders. BBVA Mexico announced in a statement that the belt bomb was not real and that Karina was unharmed. A BBVA Mexico City branch manager identified by authorities as Karina (left) was kidnapped by a gang last Friday by a gang and forced to take $460,000 from a bank vault. She was told she would have her family killed if she failed to comply BBVA Mexico said the bomb belt worn by one of their bank managers in Mexico City was not real. The bank also said the 36-year-old employee was not harmed Two armed men made Karina wear a belt around her waist that was loaded with a watch and what she thought were pyrotechnic sticks. They swapped her cellphone for another smartphone and placed a video call so they could watch her execute their heist. The gang threatened to blow up Karina if she at any moment declined to follow their orders. A surveillance camera captured the moment Karina was walking to the bank alongside a female coworker, to whom she confessed what was about to happen. Once inside the bank, Karina headed straight for the vault and loaded a backpack with 10 million Mexican pesos. She subsequently returned to her vehicle and then drove while the gang tracked her journey. A BBVA branch in the Mexico City town of Gustavo A. Madero was the site of a robbery last Friday after its manager was kidnapped by a gang, who threatened to blow her up if she failed to help them steal $460,000 from the vault Authorities had not made any arrests since last Friday's bank robbery in Mexico City Fake bomb belt that was placed on a bank manager by a Mexico City gang which took off with $460,000 from a BBVA branch After taking the money from her, she was told to pick up a key from the car's floor mat and to abandon the vehicle. Karina was forced to walk about five minutes and told she could then remove and dump the belt at the Rio de los Remedios canal. Fearing for her life, the bank executive did not look back and took off running before tossing the fake bomb belt. As of Wednesday evening, no arrests had been made. MINNEAPOLIS Prosecutors on Wednesday expanded their case against the police who were at the scene of George Floyd's death, charging three of the officers with aiding and abetting a murder and upgrading the charges against the officer who pressed his knee on Floyds neck to second-degree murder. The most serious charge was filed against Derek Chauvin, whose caught-on-video treatment of the handcuffed Floyd spurred worldwide protests. Three other officers Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. All four were fired last week. The new charges were sought by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who called the protests unleashed by the death dramatic and necessary and said Floyd should be here and he is not. His life had value, and we will seek justice, Ellison said. Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Floyds family, called it a bittersweet moment and a significant step forward on the road to justice. Crump said Elison had told the family he would continue his investigation into Floyds death and upgrade the charge to first-degree murder if warranted. Chauvin was initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter The move powerfully punctuated an unprecedented week in modern American history, in which largely peaceful protests took place in communities of all sizes but were rocked by bouts of violence, including deadly attacks on officers, rampant thefts and arson in some places. Earlier Wednesday, in a visit to a makeshift shrine at the street corner where Floyd died, his family had again called for the arrests of Lane, Kueng and Thao, a demand echoed by their attorney. We are demanding justice, Crump said. Personnel records released by the city show Chauvin served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army in the late 1990s. Since being hired as a police officer in 2001, he has been awarded two medals of valor: One for being part of a group of officers who opened fire on a stabbing suspect after the man pointed a shotgun at them in 2006, and one for apprehending another man in a domestic incident in 2008. In the latter incident, Chauvin broke down a bathroom door and shot the man in the stomach. Chauvin was reprimanded in 2008 for pulling a woman out of her car in 2007, frisking her and placing her in his squad car after he stopped her for speeding 10 miles per hour over the limit. His dashboard camera was not activated and a report said he could have interviewed the woman while standing outside her car. Lane, 37, and Kueng both joined the department in February 2019 and neither have any complaints on their files. Lane previously worked as a correctional officer at the Hennepin County juvenile jail and as a probation officer at a residential treatment facility for adolescent boys. Kueng was a 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota where he worked part-time on campus security. He also worked as a theft-prevention officer at Macys in downtown Minneapolis while he was in college. Tou Thao, a native Hmong speaker, joined the police force as a part-time community service officer in 2008 and was promoted to police officer in 2009. He was laid off later that year due to budget cuts and rehired in 2012. Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Tuesday launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department and its history of racial discrimination, in hopes of forcing widespread change. The official autopsy by the county medical examiner concluded that Floyd's death was caused by cardiac arrest as police restrained him and compressed his neck. The medical examiner also listed fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use, but not as the cause of death. Crump and the Floyd family commissioned a separate autopsy that concluded he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression due to Chauvin's knee on his neck and other responding officers' knees in his back, which made it impossible for him to breathe. Minnesota AG cautioned for patience Ellison was appointed by Gov. Tim Walz to take over the case from Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman on Sunday. A former Democratic congressman, Ellison previously said that he had "every expectation" that charges will be filed against the officers and that he hoped they'd come soon. But on Monday, after taking over the case, he cautioned against a rush to judgment and said prosecutors will be careful and methodical in bringing charges. "We are moving as expeditiously, quickly and effectively as we can," he said. "But I need to protect this prosecution. I am not going to create a situation where somebody can say this was a rush to judgement." Police officers are rarely charged with crimes for violence against black men, and even in those rare cases, juries have repeatedly shown an unwillingness to convict. The list of such failed cases is long. In 2017, for example, the Minnesota police officer who fatally shot Philando Castile was found not guilty of second-degree manslaughter and intentional discharge of firearm that endangers safety. Associated Press reporters Scott Bauer and Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, and Bernard Condon and Michael Sisak in New York contributed to this report. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 We dont understand Hansberry until we understand that she was reading Chesnutt, reading W.E.B. Du Bois, reading political history, Browner said recently. By writing about an 1898 coup that effectively ended Reconstruction, she added, Hansberry was undoing a false story about post-Civil War America. Soyica Colbert, a Georgetown University scholar whose intellectual biography of Hansberry will be published next year, said the script helps to underline the playwrights radical and vast interests beyond her Raisin, which is widely taught in classrooms and has been presented on Broadway three times, most recently starring Denzel Washington. Her exploration in Marrow is part of a larger history about her wrangling with questions around crisis and historical change, Colbert said. Its taken a while for audiences to catch up with Hansberrys story of America. Besides Raisin, she only had one other play produced in her lifetime: The Sign in Sidney Brusteins Window, a study of Greenwich Village artists and intellectuals trying to find political purpose. It puzzled critics expecting another drama of black family life and closed the night she died, in January 1965. Yet she wrote at least four other plays all of which, except Marrow, have since been published. My perspective is that we should take what shes done, even if she didnt deem it finished, said Imani Perry, a Princeton University professor and the author of Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry. She was so prolific. Theres a lot that doesnt have the final period put on it. Five years after Hansberrys death, her longtime partner and literary executor, Robert Nemiroff, put together a complete version of Les Blancs, set in an African colony fighting for independence. Its internal debates between assimilationists and revolutionaries anticipated rifts within the black power and decolonization movements that roiled the late-1960s; James Earl Jones starred in the 1970 premiere. Another script that Nemiroff later published, Hansberrys television play The Drinking Gourd, proved too far ahead of its time. In 1959, NBC planned a series of programs to commemorate the centennial of the Civil War, and Hansberry, fresh off the success of Raisin, was commissioned to write the first episode: a 90-minute drama about slavery. Jammu, June 3 : The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday revoked the Public Safety Act (PSA) order against three politicians who had been detained following abrogation of Article 370 in August last year. Officials said the PSA detention order of Shah Faesal, Sartaj Madni and Peer Mansoor has been revoked. Bureaucrat-turned-politician Shah Faesal had formed the J&K People's Movement, while Sartaj Madni and Peer Mansoor are two senior leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headed by Mehbooba Mufti. Mehbooba continues to be in preventive detention, including her loyalist, former minister Naeem Akhtar. Senior leader of the National Conference Ali Mohammad Sagar and Hilal Ahmad Lone, son of NC leader and Lok Sabha member, Mohammed Akbar Lone also continue to remain under detention. Russian warplanes hit Hama for the first time since a truce brought relative calm to the region in March. Russian air raids have targeted Syrias last major rebel-held enclave in the countrys northwest for the first time since a March ceasefire came into effect, Syrias Civil Defence and a war monitor said. The attacks, which came in waves on Tuesday evening and at dawn on Wednesday, hit an area where the boundaries of Hama, Idlib and Latakia provinces meet, the the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said. The Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets a volunteer search-and-rescue group that operates in rebel-held parts of Syria confirmed that air raids hit Sahl al-Ghab, an area in western Hama. Intense airstrikes by Russian warplanes are the first since the cease-fire decision that was decided on last March. It targeted Sahl-alGhab in western #Hama at dawn today. Our #WhiteHelmets extinguished fire near the place and ensured that there were no injuries. pic.twitter.com/4kCuP6IhZG The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) June 3, 2020 No injuries were reported but opposition activists in the area said the air raids forced hundreds of people to flee their homes to safer areas further north. The attacks on and near Idlib province were the first to be conducted by Russian planes since a truce brought relative calm to the volatile region in early March. The ceasefire, brokered by opposition backer Turkey and Syrian government ally Russia, halted a bloody three-month air and ground campaign that killed at least 500 civilians. It also created the worst displacement crisis of the war in Syria, now in its 10th year. Nearly one million people were forced to flee, with many seeking shelter in the already overcrowded camps near the sealed border with Turkey. Some 840,000 of the nearly one million remain displaced, while approximately 120,000 have returned to their home communities since the ceasefire went into force, according to the United Nations. Home to some three million people, the Idlib region of the northwest is controlled by Hayet Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, and other rebel groups. The SOHR said the latest attacks were intended to push opposition fighters away from the key M4 highway in northern Syria, where Turkish and Russian forces often conduct joint patrols as part of the truce agreement. They were also intended to push HTS and its allies further away from the Sahl al-Ghab area, where government and Russian forces are present, it added. After holding barely a fifth of the country five years ago, Russian intervention has helped the government reclaim control of more than 70 percent of Syria. In the northwest, HTS and its allies control about half of Idlib province and slivers of territory in the neighbouring provinces of Hama, Latakia and Aleppo. In recent years, Moscow and Ankara have become the main power-brokers in Syria, shattered by a civil war since 2011. The war in Syria has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced nearly half of the countrys prewar population. Cyclone Nisarga: Please stay indoors for 2 days, Uddhav urges people in coastal areas India oi-Deepika S Mumbai, June 02: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday urged to the people of Mumbai to "stay indoors" ahead of Cyclone Nisarga landfall in the state's coast tomorrow. "Cyclone Nisarga is at our doorsteps today. By tomorrow afternoon, it will make landfall at Alibag. It will be larger than any cyclone seen in the recent past," Thackeray said while addressing a press conference on cyclone Nisarga. Jessica Lal case convict Manu Sharma to be released prematurely, LG accepts | Oneindia News Mumbai on tenterhooks as eye diameter of cyclonic storm Nisarga decreases to 65 km All efforts were being made to ensure there was no loss of life due to the cyclone that was likely to make landfall near Alibag on Wednesday, he said, adding that the Army, Navy and Air Force were on stand-by. Thackeray also elaborated on do's and don'ts' in the situation. "The cyclone could be more severe than the other storms....Tomorrow and the day after are crucial in coastal areas," he said. "Activities which had resumed (as part of easing of lockdown to contain coronavirus) will be kept shut there for the next two days in view of the cyclone....it is in our interest that people remain alert and inside their homes," the chief minister said. Fifteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force and four teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in different coastal areas while five teams have been kept on standby, he said. "All the fishermen have been contacted. In Palghar, some fishermen were not reachable till afternoon, but were contacted later. We will bring them back in time. Nobody should venture into the sea for the next two days," he added. Power supply may be disconnected if it rains heavily, he said and warned people against using electrical appliances when not needed. Important documents in home should be kept safe and battery-operated devices like mobile phones should be charged, he said. "Don't believe rumours and don't spread rumours. Follow the instructions aired by Doordarshan and Akashvaani," he said. People should cooperate with the administration and shift to safer places wherever necessary, Thackeray said, and informed that COVID-19 patients admitted at the field hospital in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex have been shifted to safer places. He also asked people not to take cover under makeshift or dilapidated structures. Safe distance should be maintained from gas cylinder or pipeline if there is a leakage, he said. "We are already fighting the novel coronavirus. Now nature too is testing us. But we will face the situation with full strength and come out of it safely," the Chief Minister assured. Cyclone Nisarga': Mumbai Police restricts movement of people near beaches He also said that power supply in some places in the state may have to be cut in case there is heavy rain and if it leads to flooding. CM Uddhav also urged people to avoid unnecessary use of electric equipment. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uddhav Thackeray and assured him all possible help from the Centre. Cyclone Nisarga' is very likely to intensify into a "severe cyclonic storm" over the next 12 hours and cross Maharashtra and South Gujarat coast on Wednesday afternoon, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday. With cyclone 'Nisarga' set to make landfall on Wednesday, Maharashtra activated its disaster response mechanism, deploying NDRF teams and evacuating people from areas likely to be hit. Asia Horne and Haley Mahon, in the city for their fifth day of protests on Wednesday afternoon, said they felt they had walked into an unrecognizable version of downtown, with police and military personnel seemingly on every sidewalk and barring every intersection. When they tried to march with hundreds of others to the Lincoln Memorial, they found that it had been converted into something akin to a military fortress, guarded by immense ranks of law enforcement. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images An unprecedented curfew in New York City on Monday night did little to prevent destruction, as people smashed their way into shops including Macys flagship store, grabbed merchandise and fled. Police said more than 200 were arrested and several officers were injured, following another day of peaceful protests throughout the city over the death of George Floyd, an African American man who died on 25 May after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes. One officer was struck by a hit-and-run driver in the Bronx and was taken to a hospital in critical condition, police said. Some people are out tonight not to protest but to destroy property and hurt others and those people are being arrested, Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted. Their actions are unacceptable and we wont allow them in our city. It was the fourth instance in a row of mainly peaceful daytime demonstrations followed by violence and arrests after nightfall. De Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo, both Democrats, announced an 11pm curfew late on Monday afternoon. De Blasio said Tuesdays curfew would start earlier, beginning at 8pm and ending at 5am. Roving bands of people struck stores in Manhattan and the Bronx, even though many stores were boarded up pre-emptively as merchants feared more destruction. Video posted on social media showed piles of rubbish on fire on a debris-strewn street and people smashing into stores. Another video showed a group of men hitting a police officer with pieces of wreckage until he pulled his gun and they ran. People rushed into a Nike store and carried out armloads of clothing. Store windows were smashed near Rockefeller Center. The violence threatened to overshadow anger over the death of Floyd. On Monday, a federal judge agreed to release on bail two lawyers accused of throwing a molotov cocktail into a police van during protests in Manhattan on Friday. Urooj Rahman, 31, and Colinford Mattis, 32, were each released on a $250,000 bond, according to local media reports. They were expected to be confined to their homes as they await trial. Prosecutors had strongly argued against their release on bail. Story continues We dont believe this is the time to be releasing a bomb-thrower into the community, one prosecutor said of Rahman, according to a Pix11 local news report. Defense lawyers argued that the government was alleging a property offense and highlighted the heightened risks of contracting Covid-19 in the Medical Detention Center in Brooklyn. Rahman, a human rights lawyer who studied at Fordham University School of Law, and Mattis, who works for a Manhattan law firm and was educated at Princeton, were charged with causing damage to a police vehicle by throwing a homemade incendiary device into an empty NYPD van outside the 88th precinct. Some police officers in New York City and around the nation have sought to show solidarity with demonstrators while urging calm. New York Citys highest-ranking uniformed member, Chief of Department Terence Monahan, clasped hands with protesters and kneeled on Monday in Washington Square Park, in Manhattan. The people who live in New York want New York to end the violence, Monahan said. INDIANAPOLIS, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Taltz (ixekizumab) demonstrated consistent efficacy and long-term potential to help patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in new data to be presented virtually on June 5 at the European Congress of Rheumatology 2020 (EULAR). Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) shared new results today from a subgroup analysis of the Phase 3b/4, 52-week SPIRIT-Head-to-Head (SPIRIT-H2H) study of Taltz versus Humira (adalimumab) in biologic-naive patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). SPIRIT-H2H was the first superiority study versus Humira in PsA with a primary endpoint of simultaneous achievement of ACR50 (at least 50% improvement in disease activity as defined by the American College of Rheumatology) and PASI 100 (100% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) at Week 24. In this prespecified analysis, efficacy outcomes through Week 52 were compared between Taltz and Humira in subgroups of patients on monotherapy, concomitant methotrexate (MTX), or concomitant MTX along with an additional conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD), including sulfasalazine, cyclosporine, or leflunomide. Results at 52 weeks showed improvements were seen with Taltz across multiple endpoints, with or without the use of MTX or other csDMARDs. A higher proportion of patients treated with Taltz achieved Minimal Disease Activity (MDA) compared to Humira in the monotherapy subgroup (49% versus 33%), while response rates were similar between Taltz and Humira in the concomitant MTX subgroup (47% vs 47%) and concomitant csDMARD subgroup (47% vs 44%). MDA is an endpoint that includes fulfilling at least five of seven rheumatology outcome measures and is the treatment target according to multiple professional organizations. More Taltz patients achieved the primary endpoint of simultaneous achievement of ACR50 and PASI 100 at Week 52 in all three subgroups: Monotherapy: Taltz 38%, Humira 19% Concomitant MTX: Taltz 39%, Humira 30% Concomitant csDMARDS: Taltz 40%, Humira 29% A greater proportion of patients treated with Taltz versus Humira achieved PASI 100 when used as monotherapy (66% vs 35%), in combination with MTX (63% vs 44%), or in combination with csDMARDs (64% vs 44%) and the proportion of patients achieving ACR50 was comparable between Taltz and Humira, regardless of monotherapy (51% vs 42%), concomitant MTX (48% vs 56%), or concomitant csDMARD use (49% vs 53%). "In this subgroup analysis of the SPIRIT-H2H study, ixekizumab showed greater improvement than adalimumab across multiple PsA endpoints when taken as monotherapy, and at least comparable efficacy when used in combination with methotrexate or other csDMARDs," said Josef Smolen, M.D., emeritus professor of medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria and lead author of the abstract. "Head-to-head studies provide important insights for physicians when making treatment decisions. The results of this analysis reinforce the efficacy of ixekizumab, even as monotherapy, for patients with PsA who have had an inadequate response to csDMARDs." The observed safety profile for Taltz in the SPIRIT-H2H study was consistent with that reported for ixekizumab in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) and PsA. Lilly also highlighted notable results from two additional studies. The SPIRIT-P2 study demonstrated sustained improvement in signs and symptoms of PsA, as measured by ACR responses, as well as manifestations of PsA, including enthesitis, dactylitis, and skin outcomes, for up to three years in patients with prior inadequate response or intolerance to one or two tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi). In the Phase 3 COAST-X study in patients with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), patients treated with Taltz saw improvement in fatigue, spinal pain and stiffness at Week 16. In both studies, the safety profile of Taltz was consistent with previously reported results and no unexpected safety signals were found. "To date, Taltz has reported positive results from five H2H superiority studies across PsA and PsO, including SPIRIT-H2H, IXORA-S, UNCOVER-2, UNCOVER-3 and IXORA-R, and we're pleased to share additional data from the SPIRIT-H2H subgroup analysis which provides further evidence for the use of Taltz as a first-line monotherapy treatment for patients living with PsA," said Lotus Mallbris, M.D., Ph.D., vice president of immunology development at Lilly. "The full breadth of Taltz data being presented at EULAR reinforce the efficacy of Taltz in treating patients with PsA and axSpA." INDICATIONS AND USAGE FOR TALTZ Taltz is approved for the treatment of adult patients with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation, active psoriatic arthritis, or active ankylosing spondylitis, and for the treatment of patients 6 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR TALTZ CONTRAINDICATIONS Taltz is contraindicated in patients with a previous serious hypersensitivity reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to ixekizumab or to any of the excipients. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Infections Taltz may increase the risk of infection. In clinical trials of adult patients with plaque psoriasis, the Taltz group had a higher rate of infections than the placebo group (27% vs 23%). A similar increase in risk of infection was seen in placebo-controlled trials of adult patients with psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and pediatric patients with plaque psoriasis. Serious infections have occurred. Instruct patients to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms of clinically important chronic or acute infection occur. If a serious infection develops, discontinue Taltz until the infection resolves. Pre-Treatment Evaluation for Tuberculosis Evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to initiating treatment with Taltz. Do not administer to patients with active TB infection. Initiate treatment of latent TB prior to administering Taltz. Closely monitor patients receiving Taltz for signs and symptoms of active TB during and after treatment. Hypersensitivity Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and urticaria (each 0.1%), occurred in the Taltz group in clinical trials. Anaphylaxis, including cases leading to hospitalization, has been reported in post-marketing use with Taltz. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue Taltz immediately and initiate appropriate therapy. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients treated with Taltz may be at an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease. In clinical trials, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, including exacerbations, occurred at a greater frequency in the Taltz group than the placebo group. During Taltz treatment, monitor patients for onset or exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease and if IBD occurs, discontinue Taltz and initiate appropriate medical management. Immunizations Prior to initiating therapy with Taltz, consider completion of all age-appropriate immunizations according to current immunization guidelines. Avoid use of live vaccines in patients treated with Taltz. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (1%) associated with Taltz treatment are injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, nausea, and tinea infections. Overall, the safety profiles observed in adult patients with psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and pediatric patients with plaque psoriasis were consistent with the safety profile in adult patients with plaque psoriasis, with the exception of influenza and conjunctivitis in psoriatic arthritis and conjunctivitis, influenza, and urticaria in pediatric psoriasis. Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Taltz. See Instructions for Use included with the device. IX HCP ISI 07MAY2020 About Taltz Taltz is a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds with interleukin 17A (IL-17A) cytokine and inhibits its interaction with the IL-17 receptor.1 IL-17A is a naturally occurring cytokine that is involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. Taltz inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.1 About the SPIRIT-H2H Study SPIRIT H2H study is a Phase 3b/4, multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study with blinded outcomes assessments evaluating the efficacy and safety of Taltz versus Humira in patients with PsA who are biologic DMARD-naive during a 52-week treatment period. The primary endpoint of the study was the simultaneous achievement of ACR50 and PASI 100 response at Week 24. This primary endpoint is an innovative approach that comprehensively measures clinically meaningful improvements across multiple domains of PsA. The major secondary endpoints were the demonstration of non-inferiority in ACR50 and superiority in PASI 100 at week 24. Patients with active PsA and plaque psoriasis with a body surface area involvement of at least three percent, who had inadequate response to at least one conventional DMARD, were enrolled in the study. About the SPIRIT-P2 Study SPIRIT-P2 is a Phase 3 multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 24-week study followed by long term evaluation of efficacy and safety of Taltz in patients with prior inadequate response or intolerance to 1 or 2 tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi). The primary endpoint of the study was percentage of patients achieving ACR20 at Week 24. The 24-week study was followed by an extension period through three years. About Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, progressive form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause swelling, stiffness and pain in and around the joints and impaired physical function.2 It occurs when an overactive immune system sends out faulty signals that cause inflammation, leading to swollen and painful joints and tendons.2 PsA can affect peripheral joints in the arms and legs (elbows, wrists, hands and feet).2 If left untreated, PsA can cause permanent joint damage. Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop PsA.2 About the COAST-X Study COAST-X is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 52-week study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Taltz for the treatment of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in patients with objective signs of inflammation. Patients were required to have an established diagnosis of nr-axSpA and active disease defined by a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score 4 and total back pain 4 at screening and baseline, and were required to have objective signs of inflammation by presence of sacroiliitis on MRI or presence of elevated CRP. About the Taltz Program in AxSpA The COAST-X study is part of a clinical development program that aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Taltz across various population subsets of patients with axSpA. The COAST program includes three registration studies each of one year duration: COAST-V in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)/radiographic axSpA who are biologic-naive; COAST-W in patients with AS/radiographic axSpA who previously had an inadequate response or were intolerant to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors; and COAST-X in biologic-naive nr-axSpA patients with objective signs of inflammation. Patients may enroll into a long-term extension study (COAST-Y) after completion of any of these registration studies to receive Taltz treatment for up to an additional two years. About Lilly in Immunology Lilly is bringing our heritage of championing groundbreaking, novel science to immunology and is driven to change what's possible for people living with autoimmune diseases. There are still significant unmet needs, as well as personal and societal costs, for people living with a variety of autoimmune diseases and our goal is to minimize the burden of disease. Lilly is investing in leading-edge clinical approaches across its immunology portfolio in hopes of transforming the autoimmune disease treatment experience. We've built a deep pipeline and are focused on advancing cutting edge science to find new treatments that offer meaningful improvements to support the people and the communities we serve. About Eli Lilly and Company Lilly is a global health care leader that unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at lilly.com and lilly.com/news. P-LLY This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about Taltz (ixekizumab) as a treatment for patients with psoriatic arthritis or non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and reflects Lilly's current belief. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of development and commercialization. Among other things, there can be no guarantee that Taltz will receive additional regulatory approvals or be commercially successful. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see Lilly's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release. 1 Taltz Prescribing Information, 2020. 2 Ritchlin C, et. al. Psoriatic Arthritis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2017;376:957-70. SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company Black Jacket Symphony has made significant changes to its schedule of drive-in shows at the Hoover Met Complex in Alabama. The first event in its "Concerts From the Car series, focusing on the Beatles Abbey Road album, has been rescheduled from June 4 to June 19, organizers said today. Two more shows planned for June 18 and 25 -- highlighting Escape by Journey and Damn the Torpedoes by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- have been canceled. A concert set for June 11, paying homage to Queens A Night at the Opera and featuring Marc Martel, will go on as planned. Events that have transpired this week and the resulting curfews in place prompted the changes, organizers said in a statement. Protests have erupted in cities throughout Alabama, responding to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died during an arrest in Minneapolis on May 25. Video footage shows a white police officer with his knee on Floyds neck. Three other officers watch. In the video, Floyd tells them he cant breathe and then goes silent. In Birmingham, a crowd gathered downtown on Sunday for a peaceful protest, but it turned into a violent melee after some of the protesters tried to tear down a Confederate monument in Linn Park. Another statue was toppled in the park; fires blazed; glass doors and windows were shattered in nearby buildings. Two members of the media were injured. Protests in Hoover have been highly charged but mostly peaceful, resulting in arrests for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and the like. Curfews are in place in Birmingham, Hoover, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Tarrant and other parts of Jefferson County. Hoovers curfew runs from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, until further notice. Originally, Black Jacket Symphony had intended to perform four drive-in shows at the Hoover Met, all happening on Thursdays in June at 8 p.m. Only two of those dates are now on the agenda for the tribute ensemble, which recreates classic rock albums in concert. Heres the revised schedule: June 11: A Night at the Opera by Queen, featuring A Night at the Opera by Queen, featuring Marc Martel June 18: Escape by Journey. (Canceled) June 19: Abbey Road by the Beatles. June 25: Damn the Torpedoes by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. (Canceled) Tickets are $80 and $120 per carload for general admission parking, $220 per carload for premium parking. All tickets will be sold in advance and online, generating barcodes that concertgoers must show to attendants at the gate. The number of people in each vehicle cannot surpass the number of seatbelts, organizers said. The parking lot at the Hoover Met, 100 Ben Chapman Drive, will open at 6 p.m. each night. Vehicles must enter Ben Chapman Drive from Stadium Trace Parkway. Organizers recommend that concertgoers arrive by 7:15 p.m., so theyll be parked and ready when the show starts. To hear the concert, each vehicle must have an FM radio that will be tuned to a specific station. Concertgoers can set up lawn chairs on the passenger sides their vehicles, or sit in the back of a truck or SUV, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed. Folks who attend the concerts are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages; none will be sold on site. Concerts will be held rain or shine, organizers said. Each show will last until about 9:45 p.m. Vehicles must remain parked throughout the show, and exit the lot immediately afterward. For tickets, more info and FAQs, visit the Black Jacket Symphony website. China-Africa Blanket Debt Forgiveness Not in the Cards By Salem Solomon June 02, 2020 As China tightens its belt economically in response to the coronavirus, African leaders are anxious about the future of infrastructure projects, trade and, in some cases, are requesting debt relief. China is Africa's largest trading partner with over $200 billion in combined imports and exports annually. China has also financed billions of dollars of infrastructure projects like roads, ports and railroads across the continent. But COVID-19 has taken a toll on the world economy, harming African countries' ability to repay debt and decreasing China's willingness to invest abroad. Observers are looking for signs as to how the China-Africa relationship will change in the wake of the virus. "The Chinese economy is taking a heavy hit from COVID-19," said Yun Sun, the director of the China program at the Stimson Center, a Washington-based policy research center. "That's absolutely going to dampen the Chinese ability to disperse financing or continue to support infrastructure projects in developing countries including Africa, at a rate that did before." One of the biggest questions is the future of China's numerous infrastructure projects including the massive Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese government, banks and private investors lent about $146 billion to African countries between 2000 and 2017. Due to the global pandemic, many are calling for a pause in repayments or some form of debt forgiveness. "It's not just one African country who is so welcoming of this global gesture with this calling for global debt relief," Sun said. "But I would say that the picture looks very different from the Chinese side. That, first of all, given the massive amount of debt that the African countries owe China, whether it is financially feasible for China to forgive those debts is a key question here." It is estimated that African countries owe a combined $44 billion to service debt this year. Global lenders including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and private lenders from G-20 countries, including China, have agreed to pause debt service payments from 77 of the world's poorest countries. China has said it is open to further debt relief but prefers to negotiate terms on a one-on-one basis with individual countries. "The Chinese attitude towards that, to begin with, is quite resistant," Sun said. "It doesn't mean that China will not engage in, for example, debt renegotiation or debt restructuring or even postponement to owe for a longer grace period for the African countries to pay back their debt. But I think a blanket debt forgiveness is not in the cards." African countries do not appear eager to be confrontational with China over debt. Hannah Ryder runs Development Reimagined, a Beijing-based development consultancy. She said many African leaders believe taking on debt is essential to building the national infrastructure necessary to jump-start economies and lift citizens out of poverty. She points out that African nations require a total of $68 billion per year to meet domestic infrastructure needs. They cannot finance those needs internally and must look to international lenders including many in China. "Of course, there are problems with debt and debt is never fun even as an individual. It's never great to have debt," Ryder said. "But the reason why African leaders have decided to go into debt to fund different infrastructure projects, to fund energy, roads, etc. is because those are badly needed on the continent. And fundamentally, the African continent will not meet the Sustainable Development Goals, if those investments are not made." But concerns remain as to how China will react to an inability by African countries to repay loans. Djibouti, for example, owes foreign lenders an amount equal to about 80 percent of its gross domestic product. In Kenya, that figure is 61 percent. Both countries have major ports financed by China. Observers worry that as debt mounts, projects will go unfinished, or Chinese lenders will take control of African infrastructure in lieu of repayment. "There are going to be some infrastructure projects that will go bust, that won't be working as a result of COVID-19," Ryder said. "And those issues need to be looked at in a much more, kind of, detailed structural way. And so that is going to be something that the governments need to think about going forward and they need to be starting to plan with and to talk to China about." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. --After the U.S. Census Bureau announced that it was changing how it protects the identities of individuals for the 2020 Census, a Penn State-led research team began to evaluate how these changes may affect census data integrity. The Census Bureau is proposing to use differential privacy, a new method that attempts to protect the identities of individuals when publishing public data. Census data is used to distribute federal funding that impacts communities and also determines congressional representation. Alexis Santos, assistant professor of human development and family studies at Penn State, along with researchers Jeffrey Howard, assistant professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Ashton Verdery, assistant professor of sociology, demography, and social data analytics at Penn State, examined mortality rates in 2010. The researchers compared both methods of privacy protection and the implication of this change to better understand health disparities in the United States. The work was published recently in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research team discovered that when differential privacy method was used on Census data, it produced dramatic changes in population counts for racial and ethnic minorities compared to the traditional methods. "We focused on mortality rate estimates because they are an essential population-level metric for which data are collected and disseminated at the national level and because mortality rates are a critical indicator of population health," said Santos. The research team then explored the changes in mortality rates resulting from the two disclosure avoidance systems by metropolitan classifications. "We discovered that by using differential privacy, there were both instances of under- and over-counting of the population. In rural areas, there was undercounting of racial and ethnic minorities, while in urban areas there was an overcounting of these populations," Santos said. The researchers found that some discrepancies between the two methods of data analysis exceeded a 10% difference. "This is very concerning because it could impact how much funding programs receive for a specific geographic area," said Santos. "These discrepancies could result in understated health risks in some areas, and while overstating in others where there isn't a great need." According to Santos, the findings highlight the consequences of implementing differential privacy and demonstrate the challenges in using the data products derived from this method. "The Census Bureau has been very receptive to our research, and demonstrated concern about the accuracy of the data," Santos said. "We plan to move forward with additional research to determine how differential privacy may affect population growth estimates and populations changes from census year to census year. We still have time to fine tune the differential privacy algorithm, and our research will help pinpoint areas of improvement." Santos, who is also a cofunded faculty member of the Social Science Research Institute, and the research team were supported by the Population Research Institute and the Administrative Data Accelerator at Penn State. The work also is supported by the Center for Community Based and Applied Health Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio. ### The office of the attorney-general of the federation has taken over the case of Hamisu Bala, a suspected kidnap kingpin better known a... The office of the attorney-general of the federation has taken over the case of Hamisu Bala, a suspected kidnap kingpin better known as Wadume. A botched attempt arrest to Wadume had led to the killing of three policemen and a civilian in Taraba state. But he was rearrested. The inspector-general of police in February filed a 16-count charge bordering on terrorism against him. Wadume is charged alongside Tijjani Balarabe, an army captain suspected to be involved in the killing of the policemen in an attempt to free Wadume, and 18 others. At the hearing of the case on Wednesday, Shuaibu Labaran, a senior counsel from the ministry of justice, informed the court that the AGF has taken over the prosecution of the matter. He asked the court to grant a short adjournment to enable the AGF to study the case file in order to take appropriate actions. The AGF has taken over the prosecution of this case, he said We have received the file and noticed that there are about 20 defendants from the charge. So there is a need for us to review the charge and also liaise with the arresting agency to ensure that all the defendants are brought to court. We will do all that is necessary to ensure that justice is done in the matter. Binta Nyako, the judge, adjourned the matter till June 8 for re-arraignment of the defendants. The U.S. governments retaliatory measure denying Chinese passenger planes entry to the worlds largest economy was mostly supported by major air carriers on Wednesday, which applauded the move as a way to ensure fairness in the skies. Acting on the Chinese governments denial of requests by U.S. airline carriers to resume passenger flights to and from China, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued an order suspending Chinese carrier passenger flights to and from the U.S., starting no later than June 16. On March 12, Chinas civil aviation authority (CAAC) imposed limits on international flights, designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. According to the DOTs notice, the move denied U.S. carriers a fair and equal opportunity to compete between the two markets, in violation of the Air Transport Agreement. The department will allow Chinese passenger flights to continue if Beijing grants U.S. airlines their bilateral rights to conduct passenger air service to China, the agency said in the notice. An arrivals board showing a cancelled flight from Wuhan to Heathrow Terminal 4, London, as the Government's Cobra committee is meeting in Downing Street to discuss the threat to the UK from coronavirus. (Photo by Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images) Currently, four Chinese carriers and no U.S. carriers operate scheduled passenger flights between the U.S. and China, the DOT said. U.S. carriers have asked to resume passenger service, beginning June 1st. The Chinese governments failure to approve their requests is a violation of our Air Transport Agreement. Flight data firm OAG said, so far this year, Chinese carriers have flown 1,431 flights to or from the U.S., while U.S. carriers during the same period have flown 724 flights to or from China. China maintains that its capacity limitations do not violate the agreement, according to the notice. The U.S. governments action was largely backed by major carriers. "We support and appreciate the U.S. governments actions to enforce our rights and ensure fairness, a Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) spokesperson wrote in an email to Yahoo Finance. The company said it had postponed restarting China routes because Beijing had not approved its applications. A pending application, which also has not been approved, requests that flying begin on June 11. Story continues United Airlines Holdings Inc. (UAL) told Yahoo Finance, We look forward to resuming passenger service between the United States and China when the regulatory environment allows us to do so. And American Airlines (AAL) told Yahoo Finance that its scheduled flights to Beijing and Shanghai are slated to resume in October. However, asked whether or not the Chinese government had denied applications from the airline to resume service, the company deferred to Airlines for America (AFA), which issued a statement saying the organization believed the DOTs order would ensure fair and equal opportunity for passenger airlines with respect to service to and from China. We hope that this process will protect the rights afforded to U.S. carriers under the current U.S.-China Air Transport Agreement, AFA said. The still raging coronavirus outbreak has resulted in cancelled flights between U.S. cities and China and Hong Kong that cost U.S. airlines between $313,000 to $1.1 million for each day those flights are cancelled, according to DOT data, but depend on the carrier. United, Delta, and American comprise the group of U.S. carriers with routes between the U.S., China, and Hong Kong. All issued temporary reductions and cancellations starting during the first week in February, in response to health precautions, decreased demand, and U.S. government advisories against travel to the region. Collectively, the Big Three domestic carriers generated more than $186 million during the third quarter of 2019 from travel between U.S. locations and China/Hong Kong. The DOT said it would continue to engage with its Chinese counterparts. Alexis Keenan is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow on Twitter @alexiskweed. Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Reddit. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Former television meteorologist Mark Ronchetti of Albuquerque was the apparent winner of a three-way Republican primary race for an open U.S. Senate seat, based on unofficial results. Ronchetti had received more than 60% of the votes cast by GOP voters, with more than 53,000 votes counted, easily outpacing ex-college law professor Gavin Clarkson of Las Cruces and anti-abortion advocate Elisa Martinez of Albuquerque. He will face off in the November general election against Democrat Ben Ray Lujan and Libertarian candidate Bob Walsh, both of whom were unopposed in Tuesdays primary election. Lujan currently represents New Mexicos northern 3rd Congressional District, but decided to forego a reelection bid in order to run for the U.S. Senate seat. Journal pollster Brian Sanderoff said Ronchettis name recognition due to his years on television was a major factor in his win. The three-way Republican primary race was marked by attacks over each candidates support of President Donald Trump, with Ronchetti in particular facing criticism from his opponents. Much of the criticism came after a video surfaced of Ronchetti making comments that appeared to be disparaging of Trump during a climate change event last year. However, Ronchettis campaign has said he supports Trump and his policies, and all three candidates have voiced support for the presidents efforts to build a wall along the border with Mexico. New Mexico has not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since the late U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici was elected to his sixth term in 2002. Domenici did not run for reelection in 2008 and the seat was won that year by Democrat Tom Udall. After winning reelection in 2014, Udall announced in March 2019 that he would not seek reelection to a third term. That set the stage for a wide-open race for the seat. Lujan has represented the 3rd Congressional District since 2009. It appeared he would face off against Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver for the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat, but Toulouse Oliver suspended her campaign in October 2019 with Lujan holding a big fundraising advantage in the race. In an interview Tuesday before polls closed, Lujan said whichever GOP candidate emerges from the three-way primary would have to face New Mexicans concerns over Trumps proposed changes to the federal Affordable Care Act during the general election. Each of the three Republican candidates seemed to pledge blind allegiance to President Trump, Lujan told the Journal. He also called the race key to Democrats hopes of retaking control of the U.S. Senate in November, saying any chances of such a takeover would be dashed by a Republican victory in New Mexico. Lujan, who planned to watch the Election Night results from his family home in Nambe, will have a big financial advantage over his general election opponent. He has reported raising more than $5.3 million for his U.S. Senate bid and had about $2.7 million in his campaign account as of last month. For his part, Ronchetti reported raising about $850,000 and spending about half of that amount. Meanwhile, this is New Mexicos third open race for a U.S. Senate seat since 2008. The state previously went 36 years without an open U.S. Senate seat during the tenures of Domenici and Democrat Jeff Bingaman. (Newser) Mark Zuckerberg held firm on his decision not to take action on President Trump's Facebook posts during what insiders say was a tense town hall meeting with employees Tuesday. The CEO told employees that it was a "tough decision," but a review of Facebook's policies shows "that the right action where we are right now is to leave this up," per the New York Times. Facebook employees tell CNN that workers used a real-time feedback tool to remind Zuckerberg of the company's promise to remove content that calls for violence. Some Facebook workers staged a "virtual walkout" Monday to protest the company's failure to act on Trump's social media postings, including one that Twitter hid behind a warning for "glorifying violence." story continues below A Facebook worker tells CNN that at one point, around 22,000 of the company's 48,000 employees were watching. The meetingwhich was moved up to Tuesday from Thursday amid rising employee dissentfollowed a Monday night meeting between Zuckerberg, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, and civil rights leaders, the Wall Street Journal reports. It did not go well, according to Vanita Gupta, president of of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.; and Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change. "We are disappointed and stunned by Marks incomprehensible explanations for allowing the Trump posts to remain up," they said in a statement. "He refuses to acknowledge how Facebook is facilitating Trumps call for violence against protesters. Mark is setting a very dangerous precedent." (Read more Facebook stories.) Shortly after the police killing of George Floyd, Varshini Prakash tweeted, If we can imagine stopping the climate crisis then we sure as hell can imagine a day when white supremacy is ancient history too. Prakash, twenty-seven, is the cofounder and executive director of the Sunrise Movement, an uprising of young climate activists who have done more than any other group to push the idea of a Green New Deal onto the public agenda. To Prakash and her fellow activists, the fight for a livable planet and the fight against racial injustice are the very same fight. Equity and justice have to be the lens through which we solve [the climate] problem, Prakash has said. If it does not work for and benefit the most disadvantaged among usit will not fix the problem. The climate problem, in the eyes of this new generation of activists, is systemic and rooted in privilege. The poor, people of color, and women suffer first and worst from the heat waves, droughts, and storms unleashed by global warming, though they did little to cause that warming. The rich, the white, and the comfortable, whose investments and lifestyles drive global warming, are often shielded from its impacts. The same social systems that drive the climate crisis also perpetuate the racism that killed George Floyd and countless other people of color, and it is those systems that need replacing. ICYMI: A pipeline runs through Southern news deserts Days after the Democrats gained control of the US House of Representatives in the 2018 midterm elections, Prakash and dozens of Sunrise members occupied the office of incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, demanding that Democrats back policies that matched the scale and urgency of the climate crisis. After rising Democratic star representative-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined the protesters and applauded their efforts, a handful of articles appeared in Politico and other Washington-focused news outlets. Three months later, after extensive consultations with the Sunrise Movement and others, Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey introduced a congressional resolution calling for a Green New Deal. Suddenly, the Green New Deal was national news, with stories running in leading newspapers, magazines, and even network TV news programs. Now Prakash and Ocasio-Cortez, along with Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, are attempting to make a Green New Deal part of the official platform of the Democratic Party in the 2020 campaign. Prakash is serving on a task force established by Sanders and former vice president Joe Biden, the Democrats presumptive nominee, to try to devise a climate policy all Democrats can support in November. Biden and Sanders both nominated members to the task force, including one cochair: Ocasio-Cortez for Sanders, and John Kerrywho, as secretary of state under President Obama, helped negotiate the Paris climate agreementfor Biden. Media coverage of the Green New Deal has been scanty since Ocasio-Cortez and Markey introduced their resolution, in February 2019, even as Sanders and most other Democratic candidates endorsed various versions of a Green New Deal during the primaries. Now, as Democrats debate whether to make a Green New Deal part of their argument for defeating Trump, newsrooms have an opportunity to catch up with the story. Americans deserve to know before they vote in November what a Green New Deal is, how it would work, what it would cost, what position the contending political parties and candidates take on it, and what difference it could make in the effort to preserve a livable planet. Sign up for CJR 's daily email The work of the BidenSanders task force is a good place to start. Like most climate activists during the primaries, the Sunrise Movement blasted candidate Bidens climate proposals as much too weak. Yet after the task force completed its second meeting, Prakash tweeted a video message saying she was cautiously optimistic that she and her new colleagues would agree to a national mobilization this decade that creates tens of millions of good-paying jobs with access to a union. She added that at a time when we have thirty million unemployed in this country, we can take this opportunity to rebuild from the horrific impacts of covid-19 stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable than before. And she made a point of praising the contributions of two Biden appointees, including Gina McCarthy, Obamas former Environmental Protection Agency chief, who reportedly told the task force that the benefits of any climate policy need to get to people today and tomorrow, not by 2050. The debate around the Green New Deal offers an abundance of news angles. Whether Biden and the Democrats go all in on a Green New Deal is unquestionably a big political story. Its also a major business story: Which sectors of the economy stand to benefit from a Green New Deal? Which will resist, and why? Local coverage can ask what the mayors, governor, and other key public and private officials in a given region think a Green New Deal would mean for jobs and investment within their jurisdiction. International stories can explore how a justice-centered Green New Deal compares to the green stimulus programs the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, and other pillars of the global establishment have urged to revive coronavirus-battered economies. And looming over everything is a final question: How would a Green New Deal affect our civilizations chances of surviving what remains, even amid this pandemic, the gravest threat of our time? And now heres your weekly sampling of the latest in climate news, from across the Covering Climate Now collaboration. As America grapples with systemic racism, environmental groups are foregrounding climate justice and also confronting their own racist pasts . Many green groups remain overwhelmingly white and focused on such issues as land conservation rather than ensuring clean drinking water for communities of colorbut things are beginning to change, Grist reports. On a similar note, ICYMI, HuffPost reported in April on the solar industrys persistent diversity problem and the companies fighting to change it. Vox details how Bidens campaign and the climate movement are finding an unlikely but hopeful union , after candidates who were viewed as stronger on climate failed to win the primary. On the one hand, an appeal to climate voters can help deliver Biden the left, activists say; on the other, Bidens Main Street appeal, coupled with his focus on jobs and investment, may finally shepherd political centrists to the climate cause. In the words of one environmental-group leader: Joe Biden isnt the climate champion that the movement wanted, but he may be the champion they need. In 2020, America consumed more renewable energy than coal for the first time since the 1800s, when wood was used to power ships and trains, Bloomberg Green reports. This shows us the trend toward renewables is clearly well underway, said one expert. We see it speeding up. Per The Guardian : COP26 talks, originally scheduled for November in Glasgow, will be delayed by a year due to travel concerns associated with coronavirus. Some countries representatives expressed concern that the delay could hinder emissions reductions. The UN climate chief, Patricia Espinosa, however, expressed optimism: If done right, the [economic] recovery from the covid-19 crisis can steer us to a more inclusive and sustainable path. RECENTLY: Trump, Facebook, and the weaponization of free speech Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Mark Hertsgaard is the co-founder and executive director of Covering Climate Now and the environment correspondent for The Nation. Council President Chris Jerram, who cast the only no vote, echoed the voices of many people who attended the meeting and opposed giving Stothert another week of emergency powers. He outlined concerns about limiting peoples basic freedoms. The people who started our country listed the First Amendment No. 1 for a reason, and in a democratic society, if we dont cherish that right and defend it above all others, then we risk the deterioration of other rights, Jerram said. And the right to peacefully assemble and seek redress from your government is so important. The Omaha City Charter grants the mayor the power to declare a state of emergency for up to 72 hours if the city is in imminent danger of suffering civil disturbance, disorder, riot or other occurrence which will seriously and substantially endanger the health, safety and property of the citizens. Such a declaration includes the ability to set a curfew. Extending an emergency declaration beyond 72 hours requires council approval. Discussion on the extension drew several opponents, who said they thought the order was a violation of their rights and an attempt to suppress the voices of minority groups. The truth is that for the prime minister, Mr. Cummings is vital. Boris Johnson is a puffball of a politician who craves applause and approval. He is famously disorganized and unreliable, a man known to neither read his briefs carefully nor think through his ideas. He wants to be prime minister without doing the work that comes with the job. Last week, he grumbled to the only parliamentary committee permitted to question him that preparing for their hearings takes a huge amount of time. We have a prime minister who thinks it tedious to be expected to know what his government is doing and why. Mr. Cummings fills the gaps. Where Mr. Johnson doesnt want to be the expert, Mr. Cummings prides himself on it. He is not an incidental useful assistant but the true driver of Mr. Johnsons government. What has made him so powerful is that under him, with Mr. Johnsons agreement, power has been concentrated in 10 Downing Street as never before which really means concentrated in Mr. Cummingss hands. Cabinet power has been undermined and supplanted by a network of political advisers appointed by, controlled by and often personally loyal to Mr. Cummings. The key government priorities, like communications, coronavirus policy and improving the lives of Mr. Johnsons new working-class voters? He is integral to all of them. Most important, one senior Johnson ally described Mr. Cummings to me as the guardian of Brexit the man the prime minister trusts above any politician to deliver it. Mr. Cummings is so embedded in every key policy that this ally says losing him would leave the prime minister very, very vulnerable. Britains future relationship with Europe has to be negotiated by the end of this year. Another senior member of Mr. Johnsons Conservative Party describes the relationship more brutally. If Mr. Cummings were forced out, he says, the network of people hes built that currently powers this government would wilt. Mr. Johnson knows and fears that. Some would leave, some would become leakers, some would become slackers. For a prime minister whose government is already flailing, with huge pitfalls ahead, that is unconscionable. Its almost like Boris is a hostage, he told me. Mr. Johnson has reportedly privately raged at Mr. Cummingss behavior and told him off to his face. A Tory source close to the prime minister tells me the prime minister warned his adviser that hed had his nine lives, and there were none left. Mr. Johnson has been described in the press as loyal to Mr. Cummings. Its not loyalty, its ruthless political need. Mr. Johnson calculates that he cannot afford to lose him, and that the current public fury will die down. The four years to the next election is an age in politics; by then, he hopes, lockdown will be a dimly remembered irrelevant fact. In this gamble, I believe Mr. Johnson is making a critical mistake. Voters will remember this episode because many will never forget how this government made them feel: foolish and deluded for willingly enduring anguish and separation while those at the top did as they pleased. Jenni Russell (@jennirsl) is a columnist for The Times of London and 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. Maharashtra, which has been the most affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, is likely to see its problems compounded by Nisarga.The will impact Mumbai, Thane and other coastal districts of Maharashtra like Raigad and Palghar, along with Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Bhavnagar and Bharuch districts of Gujarat, and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Nisarga is an unprecedented weather event for The last time a cyclone hit the city, according to newspaper articles, was nearly a century and a half ago, on June 6, 1882, when the Great Bombay Cyclone reportedly led to the loss of 100,000 lives. However, experts have questioned the accuracy of those reports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Gujarat and assured them all possible help from the Centre. Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said it was likely to be more severe than cyclonic storms in the past, and asked people to stay alert Dial 1916 and press 4 in case you need any help in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, is grappling with 41,000 active coronavirus cases. Listen to the podcast for more As happened on Monday, when much of the worst damage was done before an 11 p.m. curfew took effect, groups of people many, if not most, of whom had come out to rally against police brutality and systemic racism lingered outside when the cutoff came. Hundreds of people continued to walk peacefully in large groups through Brooklyn and Manhattan, chanting protest slogans in demonstrations touched off by the death last week of George Floyd, a black man, while in custody of the Minneapolis police. The largest crowd tried to cross the Manhattan Bridge from Brooklyn but was turned back peacefully after a lengthy standoff with the police. Overall, there appeared to be fewer violent confrontations between officers and protesters than there had been in recent days, and there also appeared be fewer acts of looting than in the two previous nights. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told NBC on Tuesday he had no notice that he was being led with President Trump on Monday to a photo op at St. John's Episcopal Church, saying: "I thought I was going to do two things: to see some damage and to talk to the troops." Why it matters: The visit has received backlash from both sides of the political aisle as well as clergy from the church. The Trump administration used physical force and pepper balls to disperse crowds from outside the White House so the president could snap the photo. What he's saying: "I didn't know where I was going," Esper told NBC. "I wanted to see how much damage actually happened." Premier Doug Ford says hes keeping secret the list of code red nursing homes struggling most with COVID-19, leaving worried families in the dark and standing in the way of volunteers who might step up to help, critics charge. Revealing the names of those nursing homes 19 by the governments latest admission would tip them off that they could face unexpected inspections, Ford said Wednesday as the death toll in long-term care rose by nine to 1,661. More than 1,800 residents and staff remain sick with the highly contagious virus that has infected more than 30,000 Ontarians and killed almost 2,400. Were doing surprise visits to all the long-term-care homes, said Ford, who has previously pledged you deserve to know what I know in terms of COVID-19 data such as projections of cases and deaths. It is really important to be able to do those surprise audits or inspections to make sure that we can understand what the state of affairs actually is in a long-term-care home, added Health Minister Christine Elliott. But opposition parties said Fords argument doesnt hold water, whether the homes are code red or have improved to code yellow with concerns remaining about their ability to properly care for residents who are not allowed visitors because they may bring in the novel coronavirus. Those homes know darn well theyre in the red category, they know darn well theyre in the yellow category, said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. Unfortunately the only people who dont know are the people who have loved ones living in long-term care and thats not right, she said. Its the least we can do to provide folks with that information so that they can react to it, so that they can undertake some kind of activity to try to protect their loved ones. The chief executive officer of the Ontario Long-Term Care Association, which represents a wide range of companies in the industry, said she agrees with making names public because it could help bring more resources from the surrounding community, such as volunteer doctors, nurses, kitchen staff or supplies. Im a big fan of transparency, said Donna Duncan. If you have a sense a home is in trouble, shouldnt we be doing as much as possible collectively to get them back on track? The secrecy from the Progressive Conservative government makes no sense in the wake of Fords April 2 pledge to share information, Green Leader Mike Schreiner told reporters. Given the governments terrible record on inspections, at this point the public has a right to know, he added, referring to just nine resident quality inspections conducted at all 626 Ontario nursing homes last year. Long-Term Care Minister Merrilee Fullerton said there have been almost 3,000 other inspections since the PCs took power two years ago, and told a news conference the list of code-red homes is fluid. There were 59 code-yellow homes late last week. Families have repeatedly complained of poor communication with dozens of overwhelmed nursing homes amid a visitor ban that makes it easier to hide horrific conditions like the ones revealed last week in a Canadian Armed Forces report. Based on five hard-hit nursing homes where military medical teams were deployed at Fords request, the scathing report found residents forcefully fed to the point of choking or left in bed for days, crying for help in soiled diapers because of a staff shortages. That report prompted Ford to order inspections of the hardest-hit nursing homes in the coming weeks. Using its emergency powers, Ontario has now authorized temporary hospital takeovers of eight nursing homes that were unable to cope with COVID-19, the latest coming Tuesday at Forest Heights in Kitchener. Ministry of Health statistics released Wednesday showed the number of nursing homes with outbreaks of COVID-19 continued to fall, declining to 94 from 105 on Tuesday. Those homes are listed by name on a ministry website. Horwath accused Ford of keeping the code-red list secret because hes protecting friends in the nursing home industry. That was a thinly veiled reference to former Progressive Conservative political staff who now work as lobbyists on behalf of for-profit nursing home corporations, and to former PC premier Mike Harris, who is chair of Chartwell Retirement Residences, which owns some nursing homes in addition to retirement homes. I dont have friends that run long-term-care homes, the premier shot back, adding, We will do whatever it takes to fix these homes. He has promised an independent commission will begin in July. Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dube has launched a full investigation of his own accord, while the Ministry of Healths patient ombudsmans office said it will looking into specific impacts of COVID-19 on nursing-home residents and staff. The number of nursing-home residents with active cases of COVID-19 has fallen below 1,000 for the first time in weeks, to 986, along with 866 staff members who are still fighting the virus. The decline has been steady for 14 days, said Fullerton, adding, This is good news. Seven nursing home staff have died from COVID-19. The province has now reached 30,807 cases of the novel coronavirus since January, with another 347 confirmed and probable infections as of 5 p.m. Wednesday according to a Star compilation of data from public health units in the previous 24 hours. An increase of 17 deaths raised the number of fatalities to 2,373. The Ministry of Health said the number of people in hospital for COVID-19 fell by 10 to 791 patients, with 127 in intensive care an increase of two from the previous day. There were 92 ICU patients on ventilators, an increase of five. Labs across the province processed 17,537 swabs Tuesday as more Ontarians went to assessment centres and pop-up locations to get tested. That is closer to the capacity of processing just over 20,000 tests daily. The Ministry of Health said it considers 22,811 cases of COVID-19 resolved. FLINT, MI -- A black man stood up and told a white sheriff: Walk with us. And the sheriff did. This message of unity, spoken on the first day of peaceful Flint-area protests, has drawn attention from across the world and set a new tone for many American cities. Former president Barack Obama used Flint as an example in a recent essay he wrote about making the movement denouncing the killing of George Floyd something that can bring about real change. Obama said the "overwhelming majority of participants have been peaceful, courageous, responsible, and inspiring. They deserve our respect and support, not condemnation something that police in cities like Camden and Flint have commendably understood. On the doorstep of the Flint Township Police Department, facing a line of riot gear-clad police, Quajuan Adams of Flint, along with others in the crowd, stood and spoke with Genesee County sheriff deputies, including Sheriff Chris Swanson. The sheriff asked what he should do. Hundreds of peacefully kneeling protesters echoed what Adams said: Walk with us." So Swanson took his helmet off, set his baton on the ground and walked. Swanson has received accolades in numerous media stories since the protest, but it took a group of protesters like Adams to allow the moment to happen. Adams reflected on the moment Tuesday, June 2, a time when protests nationwide had become violent, but have still remained peaceful in Flint. I didnt want to put police in a box like police have put black people in a box, Adams said. Adams said he was just a participant who joined the crowd with a unified desire for change. Were a group of people who decided we dont have to do what other people do," Adams said. "Lets create a solidarity amongst ourselves and lets unite, we said, and it happened. Since that day the hashtag #walkwithus has circulated on social media. Adams said it was hard to process or explain his emotions after watching another black man die in police custody. He felt pain, fear, anger. He said he felt enraged and helpless. This didnt just happen in one place and it didnt just happen to George Floyd, Adams said. Proud of Flint Protests have emerged nationwide after the death of George Floyd, an African American man who died last week while in police custody. The white police officer who kneeled on his neck has been charged with murder. In many cities, protests have been met with a heavy police force. Tensions have escalated, tear gas has been used and crowds have been dispersed through the use of rubber bullets. Against the wishes of peaceful protesters, vandals have broken windows and looted shops. In Kalamazoo Tuesday, peaceful protesters pleaded with police to join them but the crowd was ultimately tear gassed when they refused to disperse after a 7 p.m. curfew, which was set after businesses and storefronts in downtown Kalamazoo were damaged overnight Monday. My heart was wrenched with pain, assistant chief says of ordering tear gas on protesters Police on bicycles were deployed Monday evening in Grand Rapids to disperse protesters after a curfew went into effect. Protesters continued to stand defiant to police and officers ultimately fired multiple rounds of tear gas and mace pellets toward the crowd of people. Detroit police made arrests Tuesday in the fifth day of turmoil and protests in the city, according to the Detroit Free Press. Flint has remained peaceful, however. Adams girlfriend Ramonica Anderson was also at the Saturday protest. She said Adams is usually a quiet guy. She was proud to watch him stand up that day. Shes also proud of Flint and the way its people have come together and set the tone for people around the world. You always have to think before you act. You never act on emotion," Anderson said. You can feel -- thats how you know youre human, is feeling -- but nothing comes from riots, nothing comes from vandalizing your own cities, nothing comes from that. Nothing comes from even hating the police, OK? A vengeful spirit is never good." Peace is found in a shared desire for it, said Anderson, a lifelong Flint resident. It was important to acknowledge that both sides were angry about the killing of Floyd. The invitation to walk with the crowd was an invitation for local law enforcement to prove theyre not a threat and stand with the black community. Its not about the badge or the position. Its about the person behind the badge, Anderson said. They are exploiting our pain Flints protests have been peaceful, in part, because outside agitators have stayed away, officials believe. At a Monday gathering for social justice in front of Flint City Hall, organizers asked that people from outside the city with a desire for destruction or violence stay away. In cities across the state where violence and vandalism has occurred, police have said it started with outsiders. This includes Detroit, where police say the majority of people arrested live outside of the city. In Kalamazoo, Public Safety Assistant Chief Vernon Coakley said there were numerous planned peaceful protests throughout the county but outside agitators disrupted the peace. Majority of arrests during Detroit protests were people who lived elsewhere, police say In many cities, people use protests to incite violence or get elected, director of Flint Rising, Nayyirah Shariff said at the Monday event in Flint. They are exploiting our pain to feed into a narrative that black and brown communities need a military-esque response in order to be safe," Shariff said. "They are using burning buildings as an excuse to delegitimize demands for justice and ending police brutality. We have long seen no justice from the death of black people. We have also seen the use of victims pasts to justify their death. Why does someone have to be canonized as a saint to receive empathy, to see their death as unjust? Black lives havent mattered, historically or politically. Continued violence is what protesters stand against, Shariff said. Our grief comes from the lynchings of Willie Turks, Sam Holmes and Laura Nelson, she said. "Our rage manifests from the police shooting of Michel Brown, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Oscar Grant and Atatiana Jefferson. Our anger arises from the murder of Emmett Till, Sandra Bland, Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin and Rodney King and countless others. We would be here for at least a week if we named everyone who has been murdered and assassinated from white supremacy and police brutality. Change requires multiple parts When it comes to prompting change, Flint understands that everyone has a part to play, said Pastor Alfred Harris, president of the Concerned Pastors for Social Action. Denouncing injustice is key, but its not enough if a cry for change falls on deaf ears. Leaders must listen. Tangible, systematic change must be implemented, he said. People must follow through. As we move forward, we must remain determined to cross the goal line of equality," Harris said. "Traveling 95 yards wont do. We can do it together and we can do it in partnership and show our positive actions signify strength and not weakness. Harris pointed out that three officers stood by and did not stop the killing of Floyd. He said he believes the arrest of complacent officers present would have quelled much of the unrest and violence across the country. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said Wednesday he plans to elevate charges against the former Minneapolis police officers who stood by, the StarTribune reported. Let me be clear, the system devalues African American life," Harris said. "Theyre going to have to deal with it and its going to have to be on the legislative level and when new legislative actions are agreed upon, they must be acted upon. But as residents have called for action in Flint, our leaders have not thrown gasoline on the fire, Harris said. He commended leadership for standing with residents and working swiftly to act. Flint Police Department will have Black Lives Matter advisory council On Wednesday, June 3, the sheriffs department held a news conference to discuss community police relations. Many community members joined the stage, spoke about change and told stories of their own experiences. Press conference at Genesee County Sheriffs Office in downtown Flint on community and police relations Posted by The Flint Journal on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley announced the creation of a coalition of black mayors to address issues of statewide systemic racism. Flint Police Chief Phil Hart is instituting Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation training for the citys police department that he said will focus on diversity and healing. The city is also drafting an ordinance that would forbid bias-crime reporting, making it illegal to report a crime because of the color of someones skin. Hart said he was angered by what happened to Floyd. At a gathering for social justice Monday, June 1, he said the departments role is to protect and defend. It breaks my heart," Hart said. I got into this to help people. I dont know how you can turn your back on people who need help. Hart said he doesnt understand why only one officer was arrested for Floyds murder. The police chief said the charging of the arresting officer is not good enough. If three people are in a car involved with a shooting, all three people are arrested. So why doesnt that work this way? Hart said. I dont know if under any circumstance that its OK to put your knee on someones neck like that. Its not acceptable to treat a person that way." Flint has always been strengthened by the sum of all of its parts, Neeley said in a statement to MLive-The Flint Journal. Flint is a city of champions, not because of the actions of any one of us but because of the collective spirit we embody, the mayor said. We know that protest is about building, not tearing down and so we responded to the protests by first listening and then taking real action. In a Wednesday open letter, Neeley said to protesters: Thank you. A majority of us living in Flint today also are the descendants of slaves, the descendants of someone who survived shackles, the descendants of someone who despite all odds saw the country take its first somewhat reluctant steps toward equality," he wrote. "In your protests on the lawn at Flint City Hall and around the world, we have seen every shade of skin join in a universal fight for humanity. Thank you. The Flint City Council has denounced illegal police restraints, like kneeling on someones neck. The council also declared racism a public health crisis. The resolutions were created after city leaders communicated with the Michigan Black Caucus and other municipal leaders in Ohio, according to City Attorney Angela Wheeler. The Flint Police Department will now review its policies and procedures so they adhere to the resolution, according to Wheeler. By declaring racism a public health crisis, the city publicly acknowledges black people are disproportionately impacted by systemic issues. Now we can actively engage communities of color to help fight racism and to support policies that prioritize the health of all people, Wheeler said. Flint City Council denounces illegal police restraints, declares racism a public health crisis Not Flints first crisis Flint made civil rights history 40 years ago Flint is uniquely prepared to unify in times of crisis because the city has faced crisis before, Harris said. The pattern of peaceful protest dates back to when Flint became the first city in the nation to pass by popular vote an open housing referendum. It made national news and civil rights history. More recently, the city has grappled with the ongoing water crisis. The continuation of the black man being killed in this system in which we live, that continuation did not cause us to lose hope or become unfocused," Harris said. Flint has a strong religious foundation, even when going through catastrophic events, Harris added. During a Sunday service over Facebook Live, he called the events of the week a wake up call. I think this incident will be the stimulus we need to get back on track, to come out of our trance if anybody was asleep, he said. Flint is in good shape to continue making strides toward change, he said. However, people have to continue holding their officials accountable. Areas where the country falls short include disproportionate sentencing, health care and education, he said. Sometimes we make the mistake and say something of this nature: Were going to leave it in the hands of the Lord, but I suggest there are some things that God has placed in our hands," he said. Read more on MLive: Grand Rapids police chief to stand with protesters at afternoon rally Organizers call for seat at the table with police during second night of protests in Flint Flint peacefully gathers for racial justice three nights in a row Flint Police Department will have Black Lives Matter advisory council Curfews set in three Michigan cities as police brutality protests continue Michigan Gov. Whitmer calls on public officials to bring down the heat, urges peaceful protest Anti police brutality march attracts Ann Arbor police, Washtenaw sheriff and Jim Harbaugh The optics of the past 72 hours are putting people inside the halls of the Pentagon on edge as images of U.S. troops on the streets of the nations capital dominate airwaves across the globe, and as the top brass is increasingly viewed as mixing politics and the military. Defense Department officials say they are increasingly uncomfortable with the more prominent role the U.S. military is playing in tamping down violent protests breaking out all over the U.S., and the growing tendency of the president to call on the troops for domestic missions ranging from border security to law enforcement. The decision to use active military forces in crowd control in the United States should only be made as a last resort, said Mick Mulroy, former deputy assistant secretary of defense under President Donald Trump. Active Army and Marine Corps units are trained to fight our nations enemies, not their fellow Americans. American cities are not battlefields. The anxiety hit a high point on Monday, when word leaked out that Defense Secretary Mark Esper referred to cities undergoing protests as a "battlespace," and as Esper and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Mark Milley walked with Trump across the street from the White House after protesters were cleared from Lafayette Square in advance of a staged photo op in front of St. John's Episcopal Church. For years, top military leadership has tried to minimize the perception that the armed forces are being used by the president for political purposes. Today, the nation is confronting the prospect of civil strife that rivals the racial unrest of the late 1960s in scale, even as civil-military tensions reach levels not seen since the use of National Guard units to respond to anti-Vietnam protests at Kent State university. The Pentagon sought to limit the role of the active-duty military in carrying out Trumps desire to use soldiers to police the U.S.-Mexican border. It also successfully pushed back on Trumps request to hold a large-scale military parade on July 4 last year, instead putting on a muted display of military hardware. Story continues The president is trumpeting his powers as commander in chief as the nation confronts the dual crises of civil unrest over racial injustice and a public health emergency. On Monday, he said he was putting Milley, the nations top military officer, in charge of restoring order and threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, an 1807 law that gives him the authority to deploy federal troops to respond to domestic disorder. Esper and Milley appear to have embraced their new roles, unlike Trumps first Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in protest of the decision to pull troops out of Syria, and former Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, who mostly remained in the shadows and was rarely photographed in public. The Pentagon was taken aback by the presidents comments putting Milley in charge, according to one senior defense official. There is growing concern that this is not good for the role of the military going forward, the official said. Now youve injected the military into a moment in a political way. It just doesnt seem right. This account is based on interviews with half a dozen defense officials as well as former officials and outside experts, many of whom spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic. Multiple Pentagon spokespeople declined to comment on the record. The scene erupted Monday night after police cleared protesters from Lafayette Square so that Trump could walk from the White House to the church so he could be photographed holding a Bible. Esper and Milley walked with Trump, and Esper posed for the photo as well. But despite their appearance beside their boss on live television moments after he threatened to send active-duty troops into the heartland to tamp down on violent protests, some defense officials attempted to distance Esper and Milley from Trumps comments. The two did not know that local law enforcement would clear the area of demonstrators, said a second senior defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic. Esper and Milley were actually on their way to the FBIs Washington Field Office on Monday night when they were asked to instead head to the White House to update the president on the protest response, according to the two defense officials. While they were there as that meeting concluded, the president indicated an interest in viewing the troops that were outside, and the secretary and chairman went with him, the second senior defense official said. Esper later told NBC News that he also believed they would survey the damage in the area. "I thought I was going to do two things: to see some damage and to talk to the troops," Esper said. "I didn't know where I was going." After the photo, Milley was later filmed walking through the streets in his combat fatigues a move that has drawn harsh criticism. It serves no useful purpose, and perpetuates the message that the military is being put in charge of the overall response; that this is a military, rather than a social or political problem to solve, said Lindsay Cohn, an associate professor at the Naval War College specializing in civil-military relations. Another defense official defended the chairmans choice of uniform, saying he wears his fatigues often in the Pentagon. It didnt make sense to go back to the Pentagon to change when he was already in the city, the official said. A fourth defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly said there has been a significant level of consternation among Pentagon officials over the past day that Milley wasnt more attuned to how his presence could send the wrong message and muddle the militarys hard-fought reputation as being above the political fray. His predecessor did a much better job of staying out of the line of fire, said the official, referring to Dunford, who stepped down as chairman last year. Milley went right into the line of fire. James Miller, a former Pentagon official and member of the Defense Science Board, resigned from the advisory group on Tuesday over Esper's handling of the incident at the church. "President Trumps actions Monday night violated his oath to 'take care that the laws be faithfully executed,' as well as the First Amendment 'right of the people peaceably to assemble,'" Miller wrote in a letter to Esper and then shared with The Washington Post. "You may not have been able to stop President Trump from directing this appalling use of force, but you could have chosen to oppose it. Instead, you visibly supported it.'" Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the Democratic chair of the Armed Services Committee, came to Milleys defense on Monday, saying that the general was trying to do the right thing and he was out there to try to make sure that the Guard troops acted appropriately. ... I think the message that he was trying to deliver ... was appropriate." Nevertheless, I think he may have misread slightly the optics of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in uniform walking around the nation's capital. ... I do not believe that it was his intent to send that message," Smith told reporters. But coming on top of Espers tough rhetoric earlier in the day and the dispersal of peaceful protesters outside the White House, Milleys presence was damaging, he acknowledged. The optics of him being in uniform out there might not have been so bad if we didn't have the president out there talking about going to war with the country and using the military and using overwhelming force and Secretary Esper talking about the need to occupy the battlespace, Smith said. If you take all of that rhetoric out of the equation, then ... Chairman Milley walking around is perhaps a different message. But yes, in uniform out there, a little bit of a problem." Smith on Tuesday called on Esper and Milley to testify before the House Armed Services Committee next week. Officials and experts acknowledge that the president put Milley in a tough position with his remarks on Monday when he said the general was in charge of the protest response despite the fact that the nations top military officer is not in the chain of command. But they criticized Milley for embracing his new role all too willingly. Milley ought to be a quiet advocate for Esper to be the public face of things, if the president insists on putting the DoD in charge," Cohn said. I acknowledge that Milley is in a difficult position because the president has put him there I don't advocate for Milley to make a big show out of anything. Retired Maj. Gen. Charles Dunlap, the former deputy judge advocate general in the Air Force, said Milley could lead the effort to manage the protests in some administrative or managerial sense. But federal law nevertheless stipulates that the chairman may not exercise military command over the Joint Chiefs of Staff or any of the armed forces, he said in an email. Anything beyond that is something that conceptually could undermine civilian control of the military that the Constitution centers on the President as commander-in-chief, he said. One former defense official said former colleagues are concerned that Milley is a perpetual hype man." Give him an idea and he will be the loudest, strongest, most extreme advocate of it with bells on, the former official said. This has advantages and disadvantages. Youre seeing the disadvantages today. The first senior defense official noted that Milley is now in a tricky spot: If officials succeed in tamping down the unrest, the chairman will get the credit. But if the protests continue unabated, the president could sour on him. But a Republican congressional staffer and combat veteran, who asked for anonymity to speak freely, said the damage may already be done. Esper and Milley have squandered the moral legitimacy of a nearly 245-year-old institution in a single farcical late spring promenade, the staffer said. They have no honor and to hell with them both." Connor OBrien and Betsy Woodruff Swan contributed to this report. Restaurants and bars will be allowed to stay open until midnight during Oregons next reopening phase, Gov. Kate Brown announced Wednesday. For many food service businesses, extending the curfew from 10 p.m. until midnight was the most dramatic change outlined by Brown during a Wednesday news conference, and one that could affect most Oregon counties soon. At least 26 of the 31 Oregon counties hope to enter the next phase as soon as this Friday, a stage that further eases restrictions on businesses and increases the number of people who can gather in churches, museums and movie theaters but has little impact on restaurants and bars. Read the governors full Phase 2 guidelines: Restaurants, Bars, Breweries, Brewpubs, Wineries, Tasting Rooms and Distilleries Phase 2 is expected to last for several months, through the summer and likely into fall, State Epidemiologist Dean Sidelinger said at the conference. The 10 p.m. curfew required during Phase 1 created an unlikely coalition of business owners opposed to the idea, ranging from the upscale restaurant managers to dive bar owners to video lottery retailers. Besides the curfew extension, restaurants in counties entering Phase 2 will be allowed to seat customers at adjacent booths so long as they are separated by plexiglass or some "other non-permeable physical barrier that rises one foot above head level and extends for the width of the booth. The same applies to counter seats, so long as they face a wall. Bar seats are still prohibited under Phase 2. Other Phase 1 restrictions remain unchanged in Phase 2. Businesses will continue to be required to separate tables by at least six feet, limit groups to parties of 10 and require servers to wear masks. Self-service operations including buffets, salad bars and soda machines will still be prohibited, and condiments must be offered either in single-serving packages, or disinfected between each use. Pre-set napkins, utensils and glasses are not allowed. Most Oregon counties will have been in Phase 1 for the minimum 21 days by Friday, June 5. Clackamas County began on May 23 and Washington County started on Monday. Multnomah County is aiming to apply for Phase 1 on June 12. Brown is expected to announce which counties have met the criteria for entering Phase 2, which includes a declining level of COVID-19-like illnesses, an adequate contact tracing system and more, this Thursday. Michael Russell, mrussell@oregonian.com, @tdmrussell Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. US Democrats are playing with fire in their conspicuous attempts to pin the violence seen in US cities on Trump President Donald Trump could have done without another crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic, but the murder of George Floyd, an African American man, at the hands of a white policeman triggered dozens of protests across the US which burst into violence against the police, their offices and looting and rioting in more than 25 US cities. The new crisis facing Trump is no different from previous ones his opponents took advantage of to undermine his positions and decisions, whether on the domestic or international fronts. Floyds murder and its repercussions cannot be separated from the ongoing battle for the presidency in November and who will win the votes of minority groups, since the votes of Blacks, Hispanics and Latinos are blocs that are likely to cohesively vote for one candidate and not the other. This is what former president Barack Obama did in the past, and the Democrats are now trying to utilise him in the Floyd campaign, as the first Black president, to direct African American votes to the Democrats most probable candidate, Joe Biden. This recent crisis facing Trump raises questions about how various groups, mostly on the Left, manipulate human rights slogans, to achieve purely political goals inside and outside the US. This contradicts what these groups usually promote: democracy and the rule of law as the real guarantors to prevent peaceful protests from descending into violence and anarchy. Floyds death is an unjustifiable and indefensible crime, but weaponising it for political goals must be scrutinised. It is illogical that an incident like this, which has occurred thousands of times in the US over the past five years (according to statistics published by The Washington Post after Floyds murder which revealed that more than 4,000 unarmed Americans were killed by police since 2015), can generate all this violence. Perhaps there is some truth to what Trump said, that there are groups manipulating the situation, not in solidarity with Floyd but for electoral reasons. The fact that Democrats, led by their probable candidate Biden, have not strongly condemned the events is evidence that this incident is being utilised for political goals. The political utilisation of Floyds murder can be seen from various angles. First, claims by Trumps opponents in the Democrat camp that democracies do not witness peaceful protests descending into violence, and that despotic regimes are the only ones where such events happen. However, reactions to Floyds murder negate this incorrect claim since the US is a country of institutions and the rule of law, and the reaction on the street is no different than that in non-democratic countries. This obliges us to conclude one of two things: either US democracy is merely procedural and society lacks a culture of democracy; or there are those who took advantage of democracy and the passiveness of US citizens to transform peaceful demonstrations into violence. Both are correct. Peaceful protests in the beginning drew doubt over the rule of law and respect for due process. Then protesters were enraged when the prosecution decided to charge Floyds killer with manslaughter. So, where is the culture of respect for the rule of law? At the same time, we cannot ignore the culture of resenting authority on principle due to the strong impact of anarchist groups among American youth, and their role in directing events towards violence. These groups, especially Antifa, which Trump directly accuses of instigation, claim they are a resistance movement against fascism around the world and adopt violence as a means to undermine states and establish self-governing societies. Here, we can reference prominent German thinker Ulrich Beck, who is an inspiration to anarchist groups around the world, to explain the methods used by these groups and how they connect to recent events in the US. Beck, who died in 2015, once stated: Defence movements for all of civil society are the lawyers, creative people and judges of values and standards. They disagree and at the same time stimulate local and overall awareness, the peoples awareness of these values, the values of truth and justice, by releasing and fuelling popular discontent and anger that overtakes public opinion due to blatant violations of these standards. For this reason, they focus on isolated cases whether relating to environmental scandals, or the painful life of torture victims that shakes the global conscience to its core. This is a summary of the ideology of anarchists such as Antifa which Trump promised to ban in the US. They seem to have adopted Becks statement to the letter by using an iterative event that seems isolated but is taken out of context, which is that there are fewer incidents of police killing unarmed people during Trumps tenure compared to his predecessor Obama. This incident was used to fuel the protests and transform them into destructive violent acts. The greater problem is that Trumps Democratic opponents are only thinking about how to utilise any catastrophe that strikes US society to blame Trump, in the hope that this will help them win the White House in November. They do not ask themselves how will they act if something similar happens in the future when they are in power. What is the price the US will pay for the collusion of Democrats with anarchists, since the latters ideology aims to overthrow all authority, whether Trump, the Republicans or anyone else in power? Bidens tweets demonstrate how much Democrats underestimate the gravity of events in Minnesota: 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. I am glad swift action was taken, but this, to me, says everything. And: I will not lift the Presidents tweet. I will not give him that amplification. But he is calling for violence against American citizens during a moment of pain for so many. Im furious, and you should be too. These two tweets demonstrate Bidens intention to embarrass Trump, rather than confront a danger that threatens the security and future of the US if liberals and Democrats in the US are not careful about their tactical alliances with anarchists. Finally, now that Twitter has entered the fray against Trump, it has revealed the lie about the neutrality of social media platforms, which resulted in Trump beginning a process to legislate what ideas and opinions these platforms can publish via its members accounts. Democrats may think this will serve them by using the decision to condemn Trump and accuse him of fighting freedom of publishing and expression which are inherent rights of citizens. But this could be turned against them since the opinions of intellectuals and politicians from across the spectrum, even inside the US, warn against the risk of using social media to spread rumours and launch campaigns inciting violence, and the moral assassination of opponents. *A version of this article appears in print in the 4 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: So much for that. Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Tim Jernigan agreed to a one-year, $3.75 million deal with the Houston Texans in April. But on Tuesday, Jernigan said hes back on the free-agent market. Guess Im not goin to Houston..but the show not ova, he wrote on his instagram stories. Per the Houston Chronicles Aaron Wilson: The Texans have moved on from veteran defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan due to a history of health issues along with their depth at the position, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly. Introducing Eagles Extra: Sign up for a free trial now. Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text directly with reporters Jernigan had planned on joining the Texans after back-to-back injury-plagued seasons with the Eagles. While his initial season in Philadelphia brought on a contract extension and a Super Bowl LII win, Jernigan only played 15 games (including the playoffs) over the past two campaigns. Jernigan underwent back surgery following the Super Bowl win in 2018 and his followup campaign only featured five games, including the playoffs. He was forced to rework his deal and become a free agent as a result of the surgery. Buy Eagles tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek The Eagles brought Jernigan back on a one-year deal last season but he missed six games due to a foot injury. In Houston, Jernigan was expected to join a defensive front headlined by J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus. He was seen as a low-cost replacement for nose tackle D.J. Reader, who signed with the Bengals in March. (NJ Advance Medias Mike Kaye contributed to this report). Get Eagles text messages from reporters: Cut through the clutter of social media and text directly with the Eagles beat writers. Plus, exclusive news and analysis every day. Sign up now for a free trial. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Crude oil futures rose to Rs 2,768 per barrel on June 3 as participants increased their long positions. Crude oil prices gained on expectation that OPEC+ producer head toward a consensus on extending output curb and hopes of further government stimulus to boost demand. The American Petroleum Insitute (API) reported that US crude inventories fell by 483,000 barrels for the week ended May 29. "Crude oil prices traded higher on growing prospects of extension of OPEC plus output cut," said Tapan Patel, Senior Analyst (Commodities), HDFC Securities. The demand recovery from China also pushed oil prices higher with reports showing China achieving 90 percent oil demand recovery. OPEC plus nations may hold meeting in coming week by 8-9 June to discuss and review output cuts. Saudia Arabia has already proposed extension of output cuts till the end of the year provided Russia agrees to it. A marginal decline in US crude stocks is already factored in and if EIA reports an increase in stocks or a smaller decline, we may see crude price correcting from highs. Apart from stock flows, focus will also be on US crude production and refining activity. Crude production is already at July 2019 lows and further decline is expected, said Ravindra Rao, VP-Head Commodity Research at Kotak Securities. In the futures market, crude oil for June delivery touched an intraday high of Rs 2,878 and an intraday low of Rs 2,716 per barrel on MCX. So far in the current series, black gold has touched a low of Rs 1,361 and a high of Rs 4,415. Crude oil delivery for June increased Rs 22, or 0.8 percent, to Rs 2,768 per barrel at 17:54 hours IST with a business turnover of 5,446 lots. Crude oil delivery for July gained Rs 24, or 0.86 percent, to Rs 2,810 per barrel with a business volume of 246 lots. The value of June and July contracts traded so far is Rs 1,872.51 crore and Rs 25.17 crore, respectively. MCX Crude oil is expected to trade positively with support at Rs 2,715-2,670 whereas resistance is at Rs 2,825-2,865, according to Motilal Oswal. The broking firm advised its clients to buy on dips for the day. West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 0.24 percent at $36.72 per barrel, while Brent crude, the London-based international benchmark was down 0.81 percent to $39.25 per barrel. Ukraine will annually celebrate Farmer's Day on June 19 Open source Ukraine will annually celebrate Farmer's Day on June 19. The relevant decree of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky was supported at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which was broadcasted by 112 Ukraine TV channel. This date was chosen due to the fact that the Law On farmers was adopted in Ukraine on June 19, 2003. As of today, the number of registered entities in the organizational and legal form of "farming" is 47 thousand units, which is 62% of the total number of entities employed in the agricultural sector. As we reported earlier, the Constitutional Court of Ukraine received an idea from the MPs on the constitutionality of the land market law. The Constitutional Court received a constitutional submission of 48 MPs regarding Ukraines compliance with certain provisions of the law "On Amending Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Concerning the Conditions for the Turnover of Agricultural Land." "The subject of the right to constitutional representation considers that the contested law does not comply with a number of articles of the Constitution of Ukraine," the statement said. WINCANTON PLC - Notice of AGM and Preliminary Results 3 June 2020 WINCANTON PLC ("Wincanton", the "Company" or the "Group") Announcement of Preliminary Results and date of the Annual General Meeting ("AGM") Wincanton plc, the largest British third-party logistics company, today confirms that the announcement of its FY20 full year results has been scheduled for Wednesday 17 June 2020. Notice of 2020 Annual General Meeting The Wincanton plc Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 22 July 2020 at 11.00 am. The Notice of Meeting and Form of Proxy will be mailed or made available to shareholders on 26 June 2020, together with the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts. Coronavirus (Covid-19) While the pandemic restricts our ability to follow our usual AGM format, the Board wishes to hold an AGM which gives our shareholders the opportunity to interact with them. Shareholders will be able to submit questions in advance of the AGM and answers to questions on key themes will be provided on the listen only conference call which we are organising to enable shareholders to be involved in the proceedings. Although Shareholders will not be able to attend the 2020 AGM in person, they will still be able to ensure their votes are counted by submitting their proxies in advance, either online or by post. Details of how to vote and submit questions in advance of the AGM can be found in the Notice of Meeting. -Ends- For further information please contact: Wincanton Plc Tel: 01249 710 000 Tim Lawlor, Chief Financial Officer Buchanan Tel: 020 7466 5000 Richard Oldworth/Vicky Hayns Notes to Editors About Wincanton Wincanton is the largest British third-party logistics (3PL) company, providing supply chain solutions to some of the world's most admired companies across a wide range of industries including retail, construction, defence and energy. As a trusted and respected business partner, we design and implement services and solutions that range from setting up and operating distribution networks, through to bonded warehouses, technology hosting, container transport and storage. We strive for operational excellence in everything we do. We work hard to understand and respond to our customers' needs, build long-term relationships and use our skills and expertise to deliver a smarter, added value service, every day. Our customers rely on us to make their businesses operate more efficiently and to gain a competitive advantage in their sector. Key facts: 19,100 colleagues 200+ locations Responsible for 3,500 vehicles Revenue 1.1bn 5,500 drivers 14m sqft of warehousing space German identified as suspect in case of missing British girl: British police said a German man has been identified as a suspect in the case of a 3-year-old British girl who disappeared 13 years ago while on holiday in Portugal. Police did not name the man but said he is 43 and was in and around the Praia da Luz resort area on the Algarve coast at the time Madeleine McCann disappeared May 3, 2007. An official with Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office told the broadcaster ZDF that the suspect is imprisoned in Germany for a sexual crime. Virus Outbreak Russia Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks on the phone during a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin via teleconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Putin instructed his government to take quick steps to repair economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) MOSCOW (AP) President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday endorsed Russia's nuclear deterrent policy which allows him to use atomic weapons in response to a conventional strike targeting the nation's critical government and military infrastructure. By including a non-nuclear attack as a possible trigger for Russian nuclear retaliation, the document appears to send a warning signal to the U.S. The new expanded wording reflects Russian concerns about the development of prospective weapons that could give Washington the capability to knock out key military assets and government facilities without resorting to atomic weapons. In line with Russian military doctrine, the new document reaffirms that the country could use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack or an aggression involving conventional weapons that threatens the very existence of the state. But the policy document now also offers a detailed description of situations that could trigger the use of nuclear weapons. They include the use of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction against Russia or its allies and an enemy attack with conventional weapons that threatens the country's existence. In addition to that, the document now states that Russia could use its nuclear arsenals if it gets reliable information about the launch of ballistic missiles targeting its territory or its allies and also in the case of enemy impact on critically important government or military facilities of the Russian Federation, the incapacitation of which could result in the failure of retaliatory action of nuclear forces." The reference to a non-nuclear strike as a possible trigger for nuclear retaliation reflects longtime Moscow concern about U.S. military plans. The buildup of conventional forces near Russia's borders and the deployment of missile defense assets and space-based weapons are among the threats identified by Moscow in the new document. U.S.-Russia relations are at post-Cold War lows over the Ukrainian crisis, the accusations of Russian meddling in the U.S. 2016 presidential election and other differences. Story continues Amid the tensions, the Kremlin has repeatedly voiced concern about the deployment of U.S. and allied forces in the Baltics and NATO drills near Russia's borders. Russian officials have cast the U.S.-led missile defense program and its plans to put weapons in orbit as a top threat, arguing that the new capability could tempt Washington to strike Russia with impunity in the hope of fending off a retaliatory strike. In 2018, Putin revealed an array of new weapons that he said would render U.S. missile defense useless. They include the Avangard hypersonic vehicle capable of flying 27 times faster than the speed of sound and making sharp maneuvers on its way to target to dodge the enemy's missile shield. The first unit armed with the Avangard entered duty in December. Another doomsday weapon that Putin has mentioned is the nuclear-armed and atomic-powered Poseidon underwater drone capable of causing a devastating tsunami near an enemy coast. Its tests are continuing. Last year, both Moscow and Washington withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The only U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control agreement still standing is the New START treaty, which was signed in 2010 by U.S. President Barack Obama and then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The pact limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers and envisages sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance. Russia has offered to extend the New START, which expires in February 2021, while the Trump administration has pushed for a new arms control pact that would also include China. Moscow has described that idea as unfeasible, pointing at Beijings refusal to negotiate any deal that would reduce its much smaller nuclear arsenal. Russian diplomats said the Avangard could be included in the New START if it's extended. They also voiced readiness to open talks to discuss the Poseidon and other new weapons along with prospective U.S. strategic assets. In a call with members of his Security Council over the weekend, Putin warned that the New START treaty is bound to expire, but "the negotiations on that crucial issue, important not just for us but for the entire world, have failed to start. Albany, N.Y. Outdoor, low-risk recreational activities and businesses that provide them will be allowed in some parts of New York after a new executive order from Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The activities and businesses will be allowed in any region that has met the requirements to begin the first phase of the states reopening plan, according to the order, which was issued today. That includes Central New York and every other part of the state, except for New York City. The city is set to begin phase one June 8. Nonessential businesses first closed in the state in March to help slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The order does not give details on what new types of activities or businesses it is meant to allow. A Cuomo spokesman didn't return an email seeking comment. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said during his press conference today that he hadnt heard about the order yet. He said he was interested in finding out more. 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 Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 The role of US President Donald Trump in securing the April oil cut agreements should not be overestimated, as it was Russia and Saudi Arabia that contributed most to sealing the historic deal, Equatorial Guinea's minister of mines and hydrocarbons, Gabriel M. Obiang, has told Sputnik MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd June, 2020) The role of US President Donald Trump in securing the April oil cut agreements should not be overestimated, as it was Russia and Saudi Arabia that contributed most to sealing the historic deal, Equatorial Guinea's minister of mines and hydrocarbons, Gabriel M. Obiang, has told Sputnik. "I know that everybody gives a lot of credit to US President Trump for the April events. But I think a lot of credits should be given also to Saudi Arabia and Russia. The only thing the US has done was being able to intervene to collaborate with Mexico. But ultimately, the ones who really made the majority of the contribution and the sacrifices was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation," Obiang said in an interview. The upcoming presidential election in the US, slated for November, could be a risk to the oil market alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister noted. "Both US elections and Covid-19 are going to be key factors. Depending on who wins the US election, either the Republican candidate or the Democrat candidate - both of them are going to have an effect [on the oil market]. I wouldn't say positive or negative, just different," Obiang added. Trump has said that he contributed to mending the disagreements between Moscow and Riyadh over the oil cuts. The OPEC+ countries reached a historic deal in April in a bid to stabilize the oil market. Some G20 nations, including the US, have also vowed to reduce production. However, during the talks, Mexico refused to make cuts of 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) and eventually agreed to cut 100,000 bpd after the United States stepped in to cut its own production by the remaining 300,000 bpd so that its neighbor would be able to comply with the deal. San Franciscos Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $400,000 settlement with a former investigator who claimed George Gascon retaliated against him for his role in blowing the whistle on Gascons alleged habit of carrying a firearm on commercial flights when he was the citys district attorney. Henry McKenzie sued the city in 2018, claiming that he was subjected to a pattern of retaliation and harassment after he and other investigators decided to go to the federal Transportation Security Administration with their concerns about Gascon allegedly bringing a gun onto flights, which they believed was a violation of federal law. McKenzie was fired in October 2017. The lawsuit claimed the decision to blow the whistle was made by McKenzie and other members of the San Francisco District Attorneys Office Investigators Association, the equivalent of a union for investigators in the D.A.s office. McKenzies complaint alleged that Gascon who is also a former San Francisco police chief took a gun onboard commercial flights repeatedly after becoming district attorney in January 2012. Under federal law, peace officers who are armed while traveling are required to state that they are doing so for a work-related reason, under penalty of perjury. The investigators believed that, as district attorney, Gascon was no longer an active peace officer and had no need to travel with a gun. McKenzie said in an email that he felt vindicated and hoped to also resolve pending administrative matters surrounding his case. McKenzie said Gascons decision to put him on whats known as a Brady list effectively a blacklist of people deemed unreliable by prosecutors has been detrimental to his professional life. The case has caused immeasurable stress to his family, he said. The city did not admit any fault as a term of the settlement agreement. The basis for this lawsuit was as dishonest as the conduct that led to Mr. McKenzies termination, namely the falsification of public documents, said Max Szabo, a spokesman for Gascon. 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. Gascon requested this case be taken to trial so a jury could decide the merits of this farce, but the city attorney made a business decision in response to the cost of litigation, Szabo said. McKenzie said: I will not have my work ethic or integrity questioned. I did absolutely nothing wrong, illegal or unethical. John Cote, a spokesman for the city attorneys office, said settling this case at this stage for an amount far less than the cost of continued litigation is in the taxpayers interests. It should not be considered a reflection of the citys likelihood of success on the merits. Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa WASHINGTON President Donald Trump gained a pound but lowered his cholesterol over the past year and "remains healthy," according to the results of his latest annual physical exam released Wednesday by the White House. Trump's latest check up comes after he abruptly announced he was taking a daily dose of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug he has heavily promoted to fend off coronavirus. The use of that drug has proven controversial because of questions about its safety, particularly among patients with heart conditions. Trump physician Sean Conley confirmed in the report released Wednesday that Trump "took a two week course" of the drug along with a course of zinc and vitamin D. The report says Trump took the drug with "close monitoring" of electrocardiogram results. "Based on my history, examination and consultations, the data indicates the president remains health," Conley wrote in the memo. More: Trump receives 'portions' of annual physical exam, White House said he's 'healthy and energetic' More: Trump in 'very good health' physician reports after annual physical exam The 73-year-old president has been found to generally be in good health in past annual physicals, though like many Americans he takes a statin drug designed to lower his cholesterol. The results of his latest physical showed that he weighed 244 pounds, up from 243 last year. But his total cholesterol dropped to 167 from 196 last year. Trump's blood pressure was measured at 121 over 79. Trump took "portions" of his physical exam in November, but the White House never disclosed when he returned to complete that assessment. His last physical exam in February 2019 yielded a clean bill of health. President Donald Trump holds a mask as he speaks during a tour of the Ford Rawsonville Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan on May 21, 2020. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump annual physical exam finds president 'remains healthy' Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dzulfiqar Fathur Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 13:45 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbc9a18 1 Business omnibus-bill-on-job-creation,omnibus-law,cipta-kerja,Luhut-Binsar-Pandjaitan,house-of-representatives,Jokowi Free Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said on Tuesday that the government was expecting the House of Representatives to conclude deliberation on the omnibus bill on job creation next month and that the government expected the bill, if passed, to speed up Indonesias investment recovery. We will complete the bill by early next month, said Luhut, a close aide to President Joko Jokowi Widodo, in an online talk on Tuesday. If it passes into law, we may be one of the easiest countries for investment, but of course [the investment] must comply with the appropriate regulations. The government is hoping to attract more investment, especially from overseas, by improving the countrys regulatory scheme through the sweeping omnibus bill. However, the bill has drawn criticism from labor unions and environmental advocacy groups, among other parties, as they believe it jeopardizes labor rights and puts environment protection at risk. Many have also objected to the secretive drafting process of the bill. Jokowi initially expected deliberations to be completed within 100 days of the bills submission in February to the House, where 75 percent of lawmakers are members of the government coalition. However, several experts, critics and politicians said the government and the Houses decision to continue deliberations on the controversial bill during the COVID-19 outbreak was insensitive and that postponement would have been better. The government has agreed to delay deliberations on labor-related provisions following strong objections from members of the public, especially workers organizations. During a semi-virtual hearing between the House Legislation Body (Baleg) and the government in late May, political factions at the House of Representatives were divided over the title of the bill, with four parties in Jokowis ruling coalition demanding a change. Parties in the ruling coalition have expressed differences over the bill several times. The Golkar Party, whose chairman is Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto, is considered the main supporter of the bill, while the National Awakening Party (PKB), the political party to which Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah belongs, often disagrees with the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). The PDI-P, whose constituents are generally working class, has been reluctant to pursue the bill from the outset. It was the only party to urge lawmakers not to rush into deliberation, citing public objections to the bill. Luhut, a retired military general, said he remained positive that Indonesia was an attractive country for investment because of its rich natural resources. At the same time, he added, the government was taking steps to develop downstream industries in the extractive sectors to generate as much value as possible from those resources, such as nickel ore. Indonesia recorded Rp 98 trillion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment realization during the first quarter, down 9.2 percent year-on-year (yoy) as the COVID-19 pandemic put the global economy on hold. Domestic investment grew by nearly 30 percent from the same period last year. Protests following the 2014 fatal police shooting of a young Black man thrust Ferguson into the national spotlight. Voters in Ferguson, Missouri a United States city thrust into the international spotlight six years ago by a fatal police shooting of a young Black man elected the citys first African American mayor on Tuesday. Ella Jones, a member of the Ferguson City Council, will become the St Louis, Missouri suburbs first Black mayor and its first female mayor. Jones beat fellow council member Heather Robinett in the non-partisan election for a three-year term that starts later this month. Incumbent James Knowles III could not run again due to term limits. A resident of Ferguson for more than 40 years, Jones is also a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She won with 54 percent of the vote. Protests following the 2014 fatal police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown thrust Ferguson into the national spotlight. They also helped solidify the Black Lives Matter movement formed in the wake of the death of Black teenager Trayvon Martin in Florida two years earlier and the acquittal of the neighbourhood watch volunteer who shot him. Ferguson elected its first Black mayor tonight, meet Mayor-elect, Mrs. Ella Jones. pic.twitter.com/UglVpk3tad Marquis Govan (@marquis_govan) June 3, 2020 Its just our time, Jones said in an interview with the St Louis Post-Dispatch on Tuesday night. Its just my time to do right by the people. Asked what her election means for Fergusons Black residents, she responded: One word: inclusion. As happened in many other cities across the US, Ferguson officials declared a state of emergency and issued a curfew in recent day as protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis have continued. Joness election continues a significant increase in African American political influence in the city in recent years. In 2014, there was just one Black council member. Now there are four out of six, including Jones. Residents also elected the first majority Black school board in Fergusons history on Tuesday. The shooting of Brown, a Black teen, by a white Ferguson police officer prompted an investigation by the US Department of Justice that resulted in a consent agreement reached in 2016 that requires significant changes in the city, including municipal court reforms, community policing efforts, hiring more minority officers and improved policies in areas such as use of body cameras and search-and-seizure practices. Both Jones, 65, and Robinett, 49, said that if elected, they would help Ferguson continue implementing the changes outlined in the agreement. Mohammad Alkhalaf, a refugee from Syria, is a perfectionist and that quality has served him well in his training as an electrician with German rail operator Deutsche Bahn. Doctors and electricians are not allowed to make mistakes, said Mohammad, a second-year trainee. That is why I always work hard to concentrate on any task. No one is perfect, but I want to do everything perfectly. Mohammad, 28, is learning to maintain the networks fleet of high-speed InterCity Express (ICE) trains. The Hamburg-Eidelstedt depot in northern Germany where he works is the largest in the country and can service eight long-distance trains at once. Each train comes in every two days, or after travelling 3,600 kilometres, for inspection, cleaning and maintenance. Finding work is a vital step for refugees like Mohammad as they embrace new lives in host countries. Many sectors in Germany have found opportunities for new arrivals while filling gaps in the labour market. The key is to adapt to a new system. Its all rules, rules, rules, and being on time! he said. Integration programmes at Deutsche Bahn have switched to online and remote learning to cope with the mandatory closure of education facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic and German lessons are held by telephone. Mohammad grew up helping on his familys large olive farm in Idlib, in north-western Syria. But he was gifted in maths and physics and knew he would be suited to a hands-on tech role, so after high school he had hoped to study further. "I was so happy to get the opportunity." Then war broke out and in 2014 he fled in the hope of joining an elder brother in Sweden. After years of uncertainty he was granted asylum in Germany in 2017. He had already taught himself some German and wanted to become an electrician. But gaining a foothold was hard and that year he sent out 200 applications. Then he spotted an ad for Chance Plus, an entry qualification scheme with Deutsche Bahn aimed at preparing newcomers for a prestigious vocational traineeship. The scheme offers places to 300 applicants a year across nine German cities. Mohammad got a place on a course beginning in Hamburg in September 2017 and secured his traineeship the following summer. I was so happy to get the opportunity after having tried so hard, said Mohammad. Over the next three years, he will acquire a range of skills, from installation and control engineering to programming. "I see that I am safer now." On passing his final exams, he is guaranteed a permanent job with Deutsche Bahn. His learning never stops. In the train Im always reading something. It is better than looking at my phone or out the window, he said. Syrian refugee Mohammad Alkhalaf checks the railcar of an Intercity Express (ICE) train at Deutsche Bahn's Hamburg-Eidelstedt depot, where he is training to be an engineer. UNHCR/Gordon Welters Syrian refugee Mohammad Alkhalaf (left) and his German colleague Dominik Otte, check the electrics of an Intercity Express (ICE) high-speed train, as part of an engineer training programme with Deutsche Bahn. UNHCR/Gordon Welters Syrian refugee Mohammad Alkhalaf (right) has a theory lesson with his trainer Klaus Holzhauer in Hamburg, where he is training to be an engineer with Deutsche Bahn. UNHCR/Gordon Welters Syrian refugee Mohammad Alkhalaf walks through Deutsche Bahn's Hamburg-Eidelstedt depot, where he is training to be an engineer. UNHCR/Gordon Welters Syrian refugee Mohammad Alkhalaf (right) talks to his trainer Klaus Holzhauer while checking the railcar of an Intercity Express (ICE) high-speed train on an engineering programme with Deutsche Bahn. UNHCR/Gordon Welters The course has other benefits too. We see the participants developing personally, deepening contact with colleagues, becoming more open and beginning a social life here, said Ulrike Stodt, head of Deutsche Bahns qualification programmes for refugees. Stodt says the rail operator is committed to helping refugees gain the certificates and qualifications they need for the German labour market. The effort pays off in the end, she said. We would always encourage other businesses to look into taking refugees on, to train them and to integrate them into their workplaces, said Stodt. Now on track for a secure future, Mohammad misses his family but knows he is lucky. When I look back, I see that Im safer now, and have better prospects for the future, said Mohammad. Samantha Marie Ware appeared to respond to former co-star Lea Michele's lackluster apology following widespread accusations the Glee star was a bully. The What/If actress sent a pointed tweet just hours after Lea shared her meandering response, suggesting people donate to the cause instead of offer empty words. 'Perceived? Purcieved? Purse? Open your purse??????????????' Samantha tweeted along with a GoFundMe for an Omaha activist who was shot and killed during recent protests. Not satisfied: Samantha Marie Ware has appeared to respond to Lea Michele's pseudo-apology, taking to her Twitter to mock the actress' wishy-washy words and urge her to donate to anti-racist causes. She's seen in 2019 above She was likely referring to the part of Michele's apology that read: 'Whether it was my privileged position and perspective that caused me to be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate at times or whether it was just my immaturity and me just being unnecessarily difficult.' Ware was happy to call Lea out on Monday after she shared a post feigning support for Black Lives Matter and denouncing George Floyd's death. Samantha, who appeared as Jane Hayward on the show's sixth season in 2015, swiftly hit back: 'Remember when you made my first television gig a living hell?!?!... 'Cause I'll never forget... I believe you told everyone that if you had the opportunity you would "s*** in my wig!" amongst other traumatic microaggressions that made me question a career in Hollywood.' Bully? Samantha accused Lea of making her 'first television gig a living hell' after the Glee star posted a message supporting Black Lives Matter and denouncing the death of George Floyd. Lea is seen in 2019 above Open your wallet: The What/If actress sent a pointed tweet just hours after Lea shared her meandering response, suggesting people donate to the cause instead of offer empty words Many fellow Glee actors and people who had dealt with Lea in Broadway took to social to agree. Her A-list Scream Queens co-stars Ariana Grande and Keke Palmer unfollowed her on Instagram and she was dropped as a spokesperson for the meal planning service HelloFresh. Lea was forced to take to social media to offer up an apology early Wednesday. The statement read: 'One of the most important lessons of the last few weeks is that we need to take the time to listen and learn about other people's perspectives and any role we have played or anything we can do to help address injustices they face... Right message, wrong messenger: Ware was happy to call Lea out on Monday after she shared a post feigning support for Black Lives Matter and denouncing George Floyd's death Remember me? The post was met with an acerbic response from Samantha, 28 Shock: Her statement came after she was fired by HelloFresh due to the scandal Bye: Shortly after Ware's accusations went viral, Lea's pal and Scream Queens co-star Ariana Grande, as well as her Glee co-star Keke Palmer unfollowed Lea on Instagram 'When I tweeted the other day, it was meant to be a show of support for our friends and neighbors and communities of color during this really difficult time... 'But the responses I received to what I posted have made me also focus on how my own behavior towards fellow cast members was perceived by them. 'While I don't remember ever making this specific statement and I have never judged others by their background or color of their skin, that's not really the point, what matters is that I clearly acted in ways which hurt other people. 'Whether it was my privileged position and perspective that caused me to be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate at times or whether it was just my immaturity and me just being unnecessarily difficult.' Hitting out: The actress, 33, admitted her 'privileged position and immaturity' had contributed to causing pain to her former co-star, 28, in a statement posted to Instagram on Wednesday Lea - who played lead character Rachel Berry for the musical show's entire run - continued: 'I apologize for my behavior and for any pain which I have caused. 'We all can grow and change and I have definitely used these past several months to reflect on my own shortcomings. 'I am a couple of months from becoming a mother and I know I need to keep working to better myself and take responsibility for my actions, so that I can be a real role model for my child and so I can pass along my lessons and mistakes, so that they can learn from me. 'I listened to these criticisms and I am learning and while I am very sorry, I will be better in the future from this experience.' The apology only seemed to fuel the flames, however. In the comments, people criticized her for the non-apology. Broadway actor Gerard Canonico took to social to share his opinion, writing: 'You were nothing but a nightmare to me and fellow understudy cast members. You made us feel like we didnt belong there.' Claims: Broadway actor Gerard Canonico made his own claims commenting on Michele's apology on Instagram Speaking out: Canonico, 30, was an understudy in the original Broadway cast of Spring Awakening starring Michele and her BFF Jonathan Groff Not impressed: Actress Emma Hunton told Michele this was not an apology 'I tried for years to be nice to you to no avail. Maybe actually apologize instead of placing the blame on how others 'perceive' you.' The actor was an understudy in the original Broadway cast of Spring Awakening starring Michele and her BFF Jonathan Groff. Many other comments took issue with the the apology, which saw the actress vow to 'be better in the future' and admitted her 'privileged position and immaturity' had contributed to causing pain to her former co-star. Even Real Housewives of New York star Aviva Drescher had a story to tell, commenting: 'You were once very unkind to me so I am not surprised by your behavior. You shouldn't judge others before looking in the mirror.' TV and theater actress Emma Hunton - who also starred in Spring Awakening - chimed in saying: 'This isn't an apology.' Another non-fan: Even Real Housewives of New York star Aviva Drescher also had a story to tell Speaking out: Now Glee star Heather Morris has also spoken out about Lea Michele on Wednesday Fellow Glee star Heather Morris also spoke out against Lea. Morris, 33, who played cheerleader Brittany S. Pierce on the Ryan Murphy show, claims Michele was 'very' unpleasant to work with. The actress tweeted: 'Let me be very clear, Hate is a disease in America that we are trying to cure, so I would never wish for hate to be spread to anyone else.' 'With that said, was she unpleasant to work with? Very much so; for Lea to treat others with the disrespect that she did for as long as she did, I believe she SHOULD be called out.' On set tension: Heather has claimed that Lea was 'very unpleasant' to work with Her two cents: What Heather had to say on Twitter on Wednesday... 'And yet, its also on us because to allow it to go on for so long without speaking out is something else were learning along with the rest of society' 'But, at the current moment its implied that she is a racist and although I cannot comment on her beliefs, I think were assuming, and you know what happens when we all assume' However, while Heather is the latest in a long line of disgruntled former co-stars speaking out - the pregnant star has also received some support. Global sales of semiconductors rose year over year in April, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). However, sales dipped 1.2% month over month from $34.9 billion in March. The global semiconductor industry, which plays a key role in the high-growth technology space, has been relatively less battered by the coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, with the economy reopening, sales of smartphones rebounding in markets like China and more people spending time on their mobile phones, the semiconductor industry might stand to benefit in the near term. Global Semiconductor Sales Increase YoY Worldwide sales of semiconductors rose 6.1% year over year in April to $34.4 billion from $32.4 billion a year earlier, said SIA. Sales declined year over year in Japan but increased in the Americas (24.5%), China (4.4%), and Asia Pacific/All Other (3.3%). However, April sales of $34.4 billion were down 1.2% from March. According to SIA, the slight decline in April sales compared to the previous month is in line with seasonal trends. It also said that the global semiconductor market through April showed early signs of resilience to the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chipmakers Likely to Gain as Economy Reopens Although the industry has shown steady growth, it has fallen short of other technology counterparts like Internet and cloud computing. Per the IDC Semiconductor Applications Forecaster (SAF), the coronavirus outbreak is going to impact the semiconductor industry. Slowing smartphone sales during the coronavirus pandemic was a cause of concern for not only mobile manufacturers but also chipmakers. However, this may change now with economies finally opening up. China, which is one of the biggest markets for chipmakers, is finally rebounding. According to Chinas authorities, Apple, Inc.s AAPL iPhone sales in China continued to recover in April. Apple sold 3.9 million iPhones in China in April, according to CINNO Research. Thats a 160% increase from March, when it sold 1.5 million smartphones. Story continues Also, Micron Technology MU last month said that smartphone demand in China has finally started to rebound. This is likely to help Micron, one of the market leaders in DRAM and NAND flash memory chips, and even its rivals in the near term. Microchip demand is also likely to get a boost with the 5G boom in Europe and parts of Asia including China. IDC expects 5G volumes to grow this year despite the demand uncertainty, driving strong semiconductor content as OEMs position 5G in lower tiers to broaden the reach. There are 5G phones that have started selling for under $300 in China. Our Choices Although the IDC has warned that semiconductor revenues might somewhat decline in 2020, rebounding smartphone sales and the 5G boom are likely to act as a tailwind to the space. Below are four chip stocks investors can gain from in this scenario. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. TSM is the world's largest dedicated integrated circuit foundry. It manufactures proprietary IC designs using its advanced production processes. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is more than 30.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 8.5% over the past 60 days. Taiwan Semiconductorsports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. NVIDIA Corporation NVDA is the worldwide leader in visual computing technologies and the inventor of the graphic processing unit, or GPU.Over the years, the companys focus has evolved from PC graphics to AI-based solutions that now support high performance computing, gaming and virtual reality platforms. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 34.9%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 3.7% over the past 30 days. Nvidia carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Inphi Corporation IPHI is a provider of fabless high-speed analog semiconductor solutions for the communications and computing markets. Its solutions provide interface between analog signals and digital information in high-performance systems. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 65.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 24.2% over the past 60 days. Inphi has a Zacks Rank #2. NeoPhotonics Corporation NPTN is engaged in the design and manufacture of photonic integrated circuit based modules and subsystems for bandwidth-intensive, high-speed communications networks. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is more than 100%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 61.8% over the past 60 days. NeoPhotonicshas a Zacks Rank #2. Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2020? Last year's 2019 Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolio returned gains as high as +102.7%. Now a brand-new portfolio has been handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Dont miss your chance to get in on these long-term buys. Access Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 today >> Click to get this free report Micron Technology, Inc. (MU) : Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Apple Inc. (AAPL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSM) : Free Stock Analysis Report NeoPhotonics Corporation (NPTN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Inphi Corporation (IPHI) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research The over-70s will next week be able to invite their grandchildren and others into their homes for the first time in months, under the Governments second phase of reopening the country. However, children and adults will be told they must wear masks, gloves and stay strictly two metres away from the person who is cocooning. The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) is also considering opening playgrounds in some areas to ease the burden of the lockdown on children. There are some concerns over the rising number of new Covid-19 cases over the bank holiday weekend, but Government and Nphet sources yesterday said they expected a further easing of lockdown restrictions to go ahead as planned next week. Among the restrictions being lifted is the ban on people visiting the homes of over-70s. From Monday, people who have been asked to cocoon will be allowed to have a small number of visitors to their home, provided strict social distancing rules are followed. The new phase will allow people of all ages meet indoors in groups of four for the first time. Up to now, the Government has permitted people to meet friends and family only when outdoors. Nphet will meet tomorrow before making its recommendation to Government on the further lifting of restrictions. However, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting yesterday he was confident the country would be able to move into the second phase of easing lockdown restrictions as planned next week. Nphet has been working with officials from the Department of Health and the Department of Children on plans to reopen playgrounds. There are concerns about the impact of the pandemic on children, especially those who may be vulnerable. They are especially concerned about the lack of social outlets for children with disabilities. Playgrounds were not due to reopen until phase three on June 29. But this will be brought forward under the condition that playgrounds can be supervised and cleaned regularly to reduce the chance of the virus spreading among children playing in the area. Nphet is also considering whether summer camps can take place in the coming weeks. The group, chaired by chief medical officer Tony Holohan, is also expected to make a decision on the ban on visiting nursing homes. Health Minister Simon Harris said he would like to allow people to visit loved ones in nursing homes, but was awaiting the advice of Mr Holohan and his team. The new phase will also see a slightly larger number of people permitted to attend funerals, but it will be restricted to immediate family and close friends. There is also a limit on the maximum number of mourners, with only 10 people allowed to attend funerals. Homeware stores will also be permitted to reopen next week after confusion about their status during phase one of the Government's plan to ease lockdown restrictions. Other small retail outlets which can adhere to social distancing rules will also be able to reopen as long as they can ensure the safety of staff and customers. Marts are also earmarked to reopen under phase two. Sports clubs will be able to hold training sessions. However, they will not be permitted to play matches. There are some concerns in the Department of Health over the increase in new cases of the virus over the weekend and this is being monitored ahead of Friday's announcement on lifting restrictions. Orewas business association, Destination Orewa Beach, has opted to increase the levy that its members pay annually by more than 14 percent, with Hibiscus & Bays Local Board approval. As a Business Improvement District (BID), membership of Destination Orewa Beach is compulsory for all businesses within its area from Estuary Arts Centre to Florence Ave and up to Westhoe Road. Auckland Council collects the levy as a targeted rate, based on the business property capital value, and returns it to the business association. In Orewa, these rates range from around $1000 per year for smaller premises to several thousand for larger places such as supermarkets. This year, while 10 of Aucklands 48 BIDs voted to reduce their levy by 2-8 percent, Destination Orewa increased its levy by 14.4 percent ($34,776), primarily to fund an Americas Cup fan-zone event in early 2021. Destination Orewas operations manager Hellen Wilkins says the board chose not to decrease the levy as so much business recovery work is needed to ensure Orewa can rebuild itself after the Covid impacts. She says the board initially confirmed a 4.4 percent increase (amounting to $9000) but at a special general meeting last September, voted to increase the levy by a further 10 percent ($25,776) specifically to fund the Americas Cup local event. If this event doesnt happen, for any reason, we need to advise all members how this $25,000 would be allocated, Hellen says. She says the Americas Cup event is an essential economic driver for Orewa and will provide a local platform for the Cup, so there is no need to head into the city, as well as encouraging foot traffic into Orewa including overseas visitors. The benefits of increasing the levy far outweigh the impact if we reduced it, she says. We anticipate that funding trusts, gaming funds and corporate sponsorship will all be harder to secure this year. So, if we reduced the levy it is unlikely we could recoup the money needed to deliver a full schedule of initiatives and events that generates significant dollars for the town each year. People sit on the waterfront of the Victoria Harbor of Hong Kong (Kin Cheung/AP) Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam accused foreign critics of displaying blatant double standards over moves by Beijing to strengthen control over the semi-autonomous territory. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced earlier that the UK is ready to open the door to almost three million Hong Kong citizens if China enacts a national security law for the city. Following talks with officials in Beijing, Ms Lam said China has the same right as the US and Britain to enact legislation protecting its national security and that foreign criticism and threats of sanctions could not be justified. She also said China was compelled to take the step at the national level because opposition in Hong Kongs own legislature and among government critics made it impossible to do so locally. Expand Close Workers remove the Royal Coat of Arms that adorned the ballroom at government house in Hong Kong ahead of the 1997 handover to China (Handout/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Workers remove the Royal Coat of Arms that adorned the ballroom at government house in Hong Kong ahead of the 1997 handover to China (Handout/PA) I can only say that the international community and some of the foreign governments have been adopting blatant double standards in dealing with this matter and commenting on this matter, Ms Lam said. It is within the legitimate jurisdiction of any country to enact laws to protect and safeguard national security. US is no exception. UK is no exception, Ms Lam said after a week where there have been widespread protests in the US. So why should they object, resist or even condemn and take their sanctions against Hong Kong and the Peoples Republic of China for taking similar actions? Mr Johnson said in a column published online by the South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong newspaper, that the security law would curtail freedoms in Hong Kong and conflict with Chinas obligations under its agreement with the United Kingdom when it took back the former British colony in 1997. Many people in Hong Kong fear their way of life which China pledged to uphold is under threat, he wrote. If China proceeds to justify their fears, then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away. The UK has had no sovereignty, governance or supervision over Hong Kong since its return Zhao Lijian China shocked many of Hong Kongs 7.5 million people when it announced earlier this month that it will enact a national security law for the city, which was promised a high level of autonomy outside of foreign and defence affairs. In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian reiterated Chinas stance that the agreement with the UK, known as the Sino-British Joint Declaration, was essentially null and void. The UK has had no sovereignty, governance or supervision over Hong Kong since its return (to Chinese rule), Mr Zhao said at a daily briefing. Therefore, the British side has no right to cite the Sino-British Joint Declaration to make irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong affairs and interfere in Chinas internal affairs, Mr Zhao said. In her comments, Ms Lam appeared to agree, saying she was operating under Hong Kongs Basic Law, its mini-constitution, despite critics saying Chinas legislature used highly dubious legal grounds to circumvent Hong Kongs legislature in moving forward with the security legislation. An earlier push to pass security legislation was shelved after massive Hong Kong street protests against it in 2003. However, Beijing appeared to lose all patience after months of sometimes violent anti-government protests in Hong Kong last year that China said was an attempt to split the territory off from the rest of China. Expand Close Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam (Ng Han Guan/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam (Ng Han Guan/AP) The standing committee of Chinas National Peoples Congress could enact the law later this month or at the end of August, analysts have said. About 350,000 Hong Kong citizens hold British National Overseas passports, a legacy of the colonial era, and 2.5 million others are eligible to apply for them, Mr Johnson said in his column. Long queues have formed at DHL courier offices in the city since the announcement as people rush to apply for or renew their BNO passports. Mr Johnson, echoing earlier statements by Cabinet ministers, said that if China imposes a national security law, Britain would allow holders of the BNO passports to remain for 12 months on a renewable basis and would grant them the right to work, placing them on a possible path to UK citizenship. This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history, Mr Johnson wrote, adding, I hope it will not come to this. Expand Close Boris Johnson pictured during a visit to Hong Kong when he was London mayor (Stefan Rousseau/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Boris Johnson pictured during a visit to Hong Kong when he was London mayor (Stefan Rousseau/PA) BNO passport holders currently can stay in the UK for only up to six months. The security legislation also met with stinging criticism from the United States. President Donald Trump and US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said last week that Hong Kong is no longer autonomous and will be stripped of its preferential trade and commercial status. Separately on Wednesday, Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong called on leaders in Europe to oppose the national security law, saying it erodes the one country, two systems framework promised to the semi-autonomous Chinese territory. Mr Wong said that after Mr Trump threatened to impose sanctions on Hong Kong last week, the momentum should be kept to build a global alliance to stand with Hong Kong. Sure, it might be warm Wednesday, but what about the rest of the week? Press Release June 3, 2020 Bong Go welcomes support from private sector for Balik Probinsya program; calls for 'bayanihan' to give Filipinos hope of better future after COVID-19 crisis Senator Christopher "Bong" Go welcomed the support from the private sector as various groups expressed intent to participate and contribute to the government's push for accelerated regional development through the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) program. The Senator encouraged more businesses to follow suit and invest in areas outside the country's urban centers. "(I)sa sa mga layunin ng 'Balik Probinsya' program ang pagsigurong handa at kaaya-aya ang mga probinsya para sa mga bagong negosyong ipapatayo ng mga mamumuhunan," said Go. Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Benedicto Yujuico stated that the BP2 program aligned with their stance to focus growth priority to farming and fishery, which in turn should develop rural economies, in a position paper submitted to the House last May. Agriculture and agri-business are the two top technical skills BP2 applicants choose to pursue. "Kapag nasa probinsya, pwede naman mag-invest rin kung 'yung mga local government very interested sa mga investment (para) magkaroon ng trabaho doon... talagang maganda 'yun kung babalik sa probinsya," PCCI Chair Sergio Ortiz-Luis said in a separate interview last April. Senator Go also welcomed the statements by real estate firms Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) and DoubleDragon Properties Corp. which hailed the government initiative as an opportunity to build sustainable cities and communities. IDC CEO Romolo Nati expressed enthusiasm for the government's revived emphasis to grant incentives for people to return to the provinces, saying: "This is an incredible opportunity that has to be played properly. More sustainable developments will have to [rise] in the new wave's cities and all over the country," Nati said. "There is a need and a desire of a fresh start that can be both creative and bold. Filipinos have their chance to design their new cities in the provinces to make them a model of sustainable architecture in Southeast Asia and the world," he added. In a separate statement, DoubleDragon Chair Edgar "Injap" Sia II stated that they "commend and fully support the Balik Probinsya Program of the Philippine Government. We are one with the belief that the second and third tier provincial areas of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao need to be further incentivized to become more vibrant significantly in terms of their economy." Their remarks were echoed by Michael McCullough, Managing Director of real estate services company KMC Savills. The BP2 program would slow down urbanization in Metro Manila, he said in a virtual meeting. The work-from-home arrangement employed by companies would encourage property developers to build projects that were more convenient for employees. "We are seeing a lot of clients scrabble for decentralized locations. Many of our call center clients have contacted us saying, 'We need locations closer to our agents,'" he said. The Senator previously called on various government agencies to establish policies and regulations which would contribute to an environment conducive to the creation and growth of enterprises. In the 4th edition (May 18, 2020) of the "Philippine Government Stimulus Package" policy paper published by SGV & Co. Philippines, one of the country's leading accounting firm, the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) was identified as essential in aligning businesses with the BP2 program. The 2020 IPP of the Board of Investment, an annual listing of priority economic activities, will offer incentives to businesses located in greenfield areas. The same policy paper also highlighted various grants for small businesses, such as those offered by the trade department, as one of the sectoral interventions to ensure business resiliency. These efforts will be complemented by the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, now pending in Congress, which shall offer incentives to enterprises registered in areas outside of major cities such as Metro Manila as well as less developed areas previously determined by the National Economic Development Authority. "Para maabot natin ang hinahangad na kaunlaran, dapat nating simulan na ang pagpaplano ng national at local government units na gumawa na ng trade and industry roadmap at polisiya para tiyak na makukuha nating mag-invest ang mga negosyo sa probinsya," Go explained. NEDA Secretary Karl Chua earlier concurred that the program would lure investors in other parts of the country. He suggested that the current system which granted the same incentives regardless of the location of a business could be revisited. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez likewise lent his support for the initiative by offering to provide additional incentives to enterprises located outside Metro Manila. "Gusto naming suportahan ang proposal ni Senator Bong. Puwede naming suportahan 'yun by pushing the investments papunta doon. How do we do push it? More incentives. Sa ngayon, we can give more incentives papuntang probinsya kesa sa incentives na maglo-locate sa Metro Manila. More attraction to looking outside. Kapag andun ang incentives, magkakaroon rin ng trabaho doon," Lopez said. New and existing micro, small and medium enterprises could be assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry's various programs for assistance, namely the Livelihood Seeding Program - Negosyo sa Barangay; Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso, an enterprise rehabilitation program; and Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa Program for victims of the pandemic, among others. Over the weekend, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Pena announced the nearing launch of the Expanded Opportunities for Development through the Use of Science and Technology program which shall provide technical assistance to investors in a bid to generate employment opportunities for BP2 beneficiaries. Key growth areas were identified which included Batangas and Cebu. In early May, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 114, institutionalizing the BP2 program and creating an inter-agency council to oversee its implementation. The program has 77,446 applications, as of June 1, 2020. "Noon, wala pong may gustong mag-implement nito. Pero ngayon, may political will to implement. Ngayon, nandiyan si Pangulong Duterte, may political will to implement," the Senator said. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks to a supporters in Dallas the night before Super Tuesday. Cooper Neill for The Texas Tribune HOUSTON Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden plans to attend the funeral for George Floyd in Houston next week, Floyds family attorney Ben Crump said Tuesday in an interview posted on Facebook. Crump announced memorial services for Floyd in Minneapolis on Thursday, North Carolina on Saturday and in Houston on Monday. "We understand Vice President Biden will be in attendance," he said, of the Monday funeral services. Floyd was a black security guard originally from Houston who was killed in Minneapolis last week after a white police officer kneeled on Floyds neck until he lost consciousness. Members of Pride Hamilton are calling the silent raising of the rainbow and transgender flags over city hall as a hollow gesture by the municipality. On Monday, the city raised the flags, marking the beginning of Pride Month in Hamilton, according to a release. Staff bypassed a flag-raising ceremony, pointing to the COVID-19 social and physical distancing measures which have placed an immense strain on the social fabric of the city. In a statement, Mayor Fred Eisenberger encouraged all residents to support and memorialize what the 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and the community bring to Hamilton by getting involved in the online Pride celebration. He added that there is still much we need to do to ensure inclusion of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in the city. Now more than ever, we need to continue meaningful dialogue to ensure all people in the Queer and Trans communities in Hamilton feel respected, supported, celebrated and, safe, said Eisenberger. Cameron Kroetsch, Pride Hamilton board member, said the organization was never made aware of the flag-raising and has yet to hear from Eisenberger in the aftermath of Pride 2019. By comparison, Toronto Mayor John Tory also raised their citys Pride and Trans flags on Monday over live stream on Twitch. This is an empty and hollow gesture, said Kroetsch. There have been no meaningful attempts at dialogue. In a statement to The Spectator Tuesday, Eisenberger said the city has flown the flags to demonstrate our desire to work with the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and to recognize and celebrate their community. The comments from Eisenberger come at the nearly one-year mark of Hamiltons Pride celebration last June, which saw several injured and five people charged when radical evangelical protesters crashed the annual celebration at Gage Park. In November, the Hamilton Police Services Board tapped Toronto lawyer Scott Bergman to conduct an independent review of the events that led up to the Pride clash and how police responded to the violence on June 15. That report was due back April 30, but was delayed because of the pandemic. Its scheduled to be released on June 8. People still dont have answers, Kroetsch said. Were coming into Pride month, where many of the people were traumatized by the violence and theyre carrying that violence with them. Virtual celebration Kroetsch said with members of the community unable to gather as they usually would, the organization has moved this years Pride events online. Instead, Digital Pride on June 14 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., will feature performances for kids, drag kings and queens and spoken word. Kroetsch said COVID-19 hindering the ability for people to gather at Gage Park this year has been hard for those who attended last year. Reclaiming that space was at the foundation of planning this years event, he said. Its difficult, he said. Were definitely disappointed. Kroetsch said they will also be recognizing National Indigenous History Month and working to connect with people from Black Lives Matter. Its really important for us to connect with others and show solidarity, said Kroetsch. Thats what it means to be a part of oppressed communities. Security forces on Wednesday killed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's top IED expert Abdul Rehman alias 'Fauji Bhai', who was an Afghan war veteran, besides two local militants during an encounter in Pulwama district of South Kashmir, the police said. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: The encounter underway in Pulwama on June 3, 2020. "The killing of Abdul Rehman alias Fauji Bhai alias Fauji Baba, a Pakistani national, is a big success for security forces as he was a master in assembling improvised explosive devices for JeM," Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar told reporters in Srinagar. Kumar said the slain Jaish terrorist was active in south Kashmir since 2017 and had taken part in armed action against the allied forces in violence-ridden Afghanistan in the past. The IGP claimed that Fauji Baba had managed to escape when security forces intercepted the IED-laden car in Pulwama on May 28. "We had promised you that day that we will get him soon. Today we did. Whether he was involved in the 2019 car bombing attack on the CRPF convoy, I cannot say for sure but he was active in Pulwama at that time," he said in response to a question. Asked if Fauji Baba was the nephew of Jaish chief Masood Azhar, Kumar said, "There is no confirmation of that. You are only running it (on TV channels)." He said there were at least two more IED experts among the Jaish ranks in Kashmir, Walid Bhai and Lambu Bhai, and the security forces were working to get them too. "We have had major successes this year as we have eliminated top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen Reyaz Naikoo and poster boy Junaid Sehrai, Lashkar chief Haider in Handwara and now Fauji Baba," he added. Security officials said that the real name of Fauji Bhai was Ikram and he was a close confidant of top JeM commander Abdul Rouf Asghar, wanted in connection with the IC-814 hijacking case of an Indian Airlines plane in 1999. Asghar is the younger brother of JeM supreme commander Maulana Masood Azhar, who was released in exchange by the then BJP-led government on December 31, 1999. Fauji Bhai had infiltrated along with specially trained JeM mercenaries to revive the outfit and initiate spectacular attacks on the states security apparatus. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: Inspector general of Kashmir police Vijay Kumar along with GOC Victor Force, A Sengupta, and inspector general, CRPF operations, Rajesh Kumar, addresses a joint press conference to announce the killing of Jaish-e-Mohammed commander and IED expert Fauji Bhai on June 3, 2020. The group moved to South Kashmir and set up their bases in Tral, Rajpora and Khrew areas of Pulwama and intermingled with local JeM terrorists. Their specialised attacks included massive IED attacks and M4 sniper shots. Fauji Bhais movement was often reported from Chewa Kalan and Rajpora areas of Pulwama along Rumshi Naala and Chadoora area of Budgam and his pictures freely circulated. He was known to wield an AK rifle fitted with an under barrel grenade launcher and carried a satellite phone for communication. Fauji Baba was killed along with two of his associates during an encounter with security forces in Kangan area of Pulwama district on Wednesday morning. Kumar said efforts were on to identify the other two slain ultras. The "potential parents" of these militants have been called in for identification. "If they are identified, their family will be allowed to participate in the funeral at Baramulla. We are in the process of conducting the autopsy and collecting DNA samples in case they are not identified," he added. A defence spokesman said security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area following information about the presence of militants there. After laying a cordon in the area, announcements were made for the militants to surrender, but they fired upon the security forces, he said. "In the retaliatory action, the three terrorists were eliminated," he added. The sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok's northern suburbs would host 200,000 people over a busy weekend, but it's been a month since it reopened and it is now a shadow of its former self. The market shut on March 21 as Thailand went into lockdown and the coronavirus spread, and is now opening only during the day and with strict screening measures in place. In addition to being a big part of the beating heart of Thai food culture, Chatuchak sells clothing, furniture, antiques, books and more. At an eatery at the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, partitioned tables and social distancing signs separate a few local customers. Foreigners, the market's main visitors, are still not allowed in the country. Credit:Veena Thoopkrajae But with next to no foreign tourists, the more than 11,000 vendors must rely only on local trade. The European Union faces "uneven" competition in the market as countries such as Germany and Italy make significant state aid interventions in the age of Covid-19 in comparison with other nations, the Cypriot finance minister told CNBC Wednesday. The EU, a political conglomerate of 27 nations, has relaxed its strict state aid regulations three times since March as many businesses across the region face severe difficulties due to the health crisis. However, certain European countries have more fiscal leeway to support companies compared to other highly-indebted nations. "The possibility is that there will be an uneven competition that will harm the single market and the single market is the biggest achievement at the European Union right now," Constantinos Petrides, the finance minister of Cyprus, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" Wednesday. The EU's single market is a common area without borders where goods and services move freely from one EU country to the next. According to the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, there have been 2.19 trillion euros ($2.46 trillion) in state aid schemes approved since the pandemic began. Germany has made the most interventions, totaling 46% of the total state aid approved so far. Italy and France follow suit representing 18% and 17% of the total state aid so far, respectively. In comparison, Spain, Belgium and Poland accounted for 4.2%; 2.5% and 2.3% of the state aid. Financial help from the remainder of the EU nations is estimated to be between 0.1% and 1.5%. "This is why we need a recovery plan that will face these challenges, because yes we have relaxed the state aid rules, nevertheless the possibility a country has to finance, support companies through state aid is unevenly spread between the countries," Petrides said. The European Commission said last week it planned to borrow 750 billion euros from capital markets starting in 2021 to mitigate some of the economic costs of the pandemic. The proposal is yet to be approved by the 27 member states. In the meantime, there are 540 billion euros available in unemployment schemes, business investments and loans to governments. The European Central Bank (ECB) is also buying government bonds as part of its 750 billion euro emergency program and some analysts expect an increase in duration and purchases to be announced Thursday. Srinagar, June 3 : Three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants, including it self-styled top commander Abdul Rehman alias Fauji Bayi, were killed in an encounter with security forces at Kangan village of south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday, officials said. Kashmir Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar said Fauji Bayi hailed from Multan in Pakistan and was an IED expert. The ultra was active in Kashmir since 2017. "His killing is the second biggest success for the security forces this year after the elimination of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Riyaz Naikoo," he said. The officer said Fauji had also been involved in Afghanistan war but it could not be verified that he is a nephew of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar. "He was an active terrorist but lower in rank based in Pulwama at a time when the Pulwama blast on a CRPF convoy in February 2019 took place, in which 40 CRPF jawans were martyred," the IGP said. Fauji was the mastermind of a car bomb that was timely detected by the security forces and defused in south Kashmir on May 28, he added. Earlier a joint team of Army, police and CRPF cordoned off the village on a specific intelligence input about the presence of terrorists in that area. The gunfight began at dawn when security forces closed in on the house where the terrorists were present. The terrorists fired at the security forces, triggering the encounter. It was the second gunfight in the area in two days. On June 2, two JeM terrorists were killed in Tral area of Pulwama. Police had said both slain militants were Kashmiris. The security forces have so far eliminated 75 terrorists in different operations in Kashmir so far this year. This incident in the Neiman Marcus bankruptcy case is admittedly a sideshow in this world turned upside down era, yet it also reflects how Covid-19 is producing all sorts of unexpected side effects. Plus societally-beneficialy departures from form should be applauded. Regular readers and lawyers likely have heard of the concept of fraudulent conveyance in bankruptcy. In layperson terms, that means siphoning off assets even though the people in charge know a bankruptcy is baked in. In principle, those assets were improperly transferred and should be clawed back for the benefit of the creditors. In reality, the way this principle is applies diverges wildly depending on whether you are an individual or a moderate to big corporate wastrel. If you max out on your credit cards within six months of filing for personal bankruptcy, expect to be raked over the coals. You need a very convincing story (better yet with contemporaneous evidence) to argue why you werent abusing your lenders. By contrast, private equity firms keep paying themselves money for nothing fees and even more aggressive forms of looting of wobbly companies right before they go tits up. Yet creditors have had a difficult time in asserting claims of fraudulent conveyance successfully. Heres one example: Delaware Bankruptcy Court Declines To Dismiss Fraudulent Transfer Suit Filed Seven Years After Challenged Transaction Occurred. The plaintiffs have only surmounted the summary judgement challenge. Another frustrating element of the way big corporate cases often unfold is that well-credentialed experts are too often treated with undue deference, even when their arguments are obviously strained. Now to the Neiman Marcus sighting. Even though the storied retailer had been expected to file for bankruptcy for some time, it pulled the trigger on May 7, in the Southern District of Texas. Since Neiman was headquartered in Dallas, theres some logic in filing for bankruptcy in a Federal court in state. However, most big corporate bankruptcies are filed in the Southern and Eastern districts of New York, and venue preferences like that tend to become self-sustaining. The judges, by handling so many cases with common elements, become adept in the typical legal and procedural moves. Most competent attorneys prefer to deal with a knowledgeable juror. Nevertheless, a legal eagle reader pointed out that the recent spate of bankruptcy filings were being made almost entirely in Texas, and attributed it to antipathy to spend time in the coronavirus leper colony of New York City. As indicated earlier, I have no idea whether Neiman might have been filed in New York given that many bankruptcy attorneys, in normal times, would lodge the petition there. But regardless of why Neiman has filed there, the judge is already making waves. The Financial Times recounts the , um, roadblock thrown by Judge David Jones. Although the article does not spell it out, the timetable for when Neiman hoped to have its plan approved by the court says it files what is called a pre-pack. The debtor has already negotiated with its creditors the haircuts each of them will take and presents it to the judge to bless. The problem with a lot of pre-packs is judges are not a complaint bunch. It is pretty common for bankruptcy judges to question some features of the pre-pack as unfair, either due to creditors who think theyve been shafted making arguments that persuade the court, or even upon occasion the judge kicking the tires harder than the various parties anticipated. Unless the judge is satisfied pronto, the supposed pre-pack morphs into a long-form process. With Neiman, a bone of contention was the way Neiman executed a restructuring so as to remove its online operation, Mytheresa.com, from the bankrupt estate, even though it had previously been pledged as collateral for loans. A hedge fund objected to this asset shuffle and wanted the court to appoint an independent examiner to investigation. That motion was nixed but Judge Jones blasted Neimans proposal to resolve the matter. From the Financial Times: Neiman had argued that the investigation could be left to two experienced and seasoned restructuring experts, Marc Beilinson and Scott Vogel, who were appointed to the retailers board in April. Mr Jones asked Mr Beilinson to summarise his progress and explain the issues he was investigating. What he gave me was a line of bull, the judge said afterwards. If hes going to serve in this capacity he needs to understand his job and he cannot simply give lip-service knowing a bunch of buzzwords, Mr Jones said in court on Friday. I do not want to see a fiduciary to this estate ever appear to me again uneducated, unprepared, and borderline incompetent. Needless to say, it looks as if Neiman bit off more than it can chew: The extraordinary exchange suggests Neiman will face intense scrutiny on a restructuring proposal that would see most of its equity pass to secured creditors, all but wiping out Ares and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, which together acquired the retailer for $6bn in 2013. Time we had fewer passive judges. And I wonder if some of those lawyers who filed bankruptcies in Texas are now wondering if they are going to be spending a lot more time in the Lone Star State than they anticipated. Rahul Gandhi on Thursday will interact with Rajiv Bajaj as part of his series of discussions with experts on various aspects of the coronavirus crisis. "Tomorrow, Thursday, 4th June, 10 AM onwards, join my conversation with Mr Rajiv Bajaj on the Covid crisis, across all my social media platforms," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. In a teaser released by Congress, managing director of Bajaj Auto Rajiv Bajaj tells Gandhi that the government has ended up flattening the wrong curve over the period through its measures to constrain coronavirus. "It's not the infection curve, it's the GDP curve," he added. Bajaj also said, "I am not seeing a smooth, concerted, rhythmic move towards unlocking of the supply chain." There is no unlocking as such, he said, adding that if a factory opens up and if any case is detected, it is shut again. It will be Gandhi's fourth such interaction with experts in the series. The former Congress party president recently spoke to globally renowned public health expert, Professor Ashish Jha of Harvard and Swedish epidemiologist Johan Giesecke, Professor Emeritus at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. "When the economy is opened up after lockdown, you have to create confidence among people," Jha told Gandhi. While Jha exuded confidence that a vaccine will be available in a year's time, Prof Giesecke said India should practice a lockdown that is as 'soft' as possible, as a severe lockdown will ruin its economy very quickly. Gandhi had earlier spoken to world renowned economist and former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Dr Raghuram Rajan and Nobel Economics laureate Abhijit Banerjee. Meanwhile, the total number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 2,07,615 including 1,01,497 active cases, 100,303 cured and 5,815 deaths with 8,909 new cases and 217 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Wednesday. Also read: Infosys' crorepati employees count jumps to 74 in FY20 Also read:Rs 50,000-crore push to mobile manufacturing can't dent China's domination Sometimes silence can speak louder than words. For a few moments on Tuesday 21 to be exact Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had none of his own words to offer when asked about President Donald Trump's response to the protests and widespread unrest sparked by the death of George Floyd. During a press conference outside the prime minister's residence in Ottawa, a reporter asked Trudeau about Trump's threat to send the military into local communities to corral demonstrators and the decision to forcefully clear protestors from outside the White House on Monday night so Trump and his aides could walk to the nearby St. John's church. "You've been reluctant to comment about the words and actions of the U.S. president. ... I'd like to ask you what you think about that. And, if you don't want to comment, what message do you think you're sending?" the reporter said. The Canadian leader, 48, stood silent for 21 seconds, seeming to need that time to find the right words to respond. Footage of the exchange quickly went viral on social media, where it was seen hundreds of thousands of times. "We all watch in horror and consternation what's going on in the United States," Trudeau began after his pause. "It is a time to pull people together, but it is a time to listen." RELATED: Statue of Ex-Philadelphia Mayor Removed as Current Mayor Says it Represents 'Bigotry' & 'Hatred' Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left) and President Donald Trump in 2017 Floyd, 46, was unarmed and died after being arrested in Minneapolis on May 25. Video from the encounter shows officer Derek Chauvin kneeling with his knee on Floyd's neck, holding him down for more than eight minutes, while Floyd says he can't breathe. Protests in response to Floyd's killing in police custody have taken place in all 50 states and spread to other countries like France, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, England, Kenya and Japan. Story continues Some of the demonstrations have descended into turmoil, with looting and violence, and major U.S. cities have instituted curfews. At his news conference on Tuesday, Trudeau pointed out that identical racial injustices exist in Canada as well. "It is a time to learn what injustices continue despite progress over years and decades," he said. "But it is a time for us as Canadians to recognize that we, too, have our challenges that black Canadians and racialized Canadians face discrimination as a lived reality every single day." Trudeau continued: "There is systemic discrimination in Canada, which means our systems treat Canadians of color, Canadians who are racialized differently than they do others." RELATED: Ferguson Elects First Black Mayor 6 Years After Police Killing of Michael Brown Sparked Protests Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu Agency via Getty Canadian protesters hold up signs in Vancouver following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty U.S. Park Police push back protestors near the White House on Monday. Canada has seen its own demonstrations in recent days, in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and elsewhere. "It's something many of us don't see, but it's something that is a lived reality for racialized Canadians. We need to see that not just as a government and take action but we need to see that as Canadians," Trudeau said Tuesday. "We need to be allies in the fight against discrimination. We need to listen, we need to learn, and we need to work hard to figure out how we can be part of the solution on fixing things." To help combat systemic racism, consider learning from or donating to these organizations: Campaign Zero which works to end police brutality in America through research-proven strategies. ColorofChange.org works to make government more responsive to racial disparities. National Cares Mentoring Movement provides social and academic support to help black youth succeed in college and beyond. A Bexar County Sheriff's deputy was dishonorably discharged from the department after he was arrested Wednesday in connection with discharging a firearm and resisting arrest. The deputy was identified as 40-year-old Luis Javier Lopez. He was off-duty during the incident. SAPD officers were called to the 1800 block of West Mally for a disturbance just after 3 a.m. While in route, a second call came in saying shots had been fired at the location. When officers arrived, they found 10 pistol casings in the front yard of the residence and fresh dirt turned up like bullets striking the ground, officials said. There was also an empty pistol holder nearby. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox The 911 caller identified the off-duty deputy as the person firing the shots, police said. Lopez stepped outside to talk with police, "obviously intoxicated," a spokesperson with SAPD said. When officers attempted to handcuff Lopez, he passively resisted and a woman at the residence began pulling on one of the arresting officers, SAPD said. She was also detained. Police said Lopez became more violent as he was being walked to the patrol car, throwing himself on the ground and knocking off an officer's body camera. Once inside the patrol car, Lopez wouldn't let the officers close the door by sticking his feet out and banging his head against the windows, according to police. Lopez was arrested and is facing charges of discharging a firearm in a municipality and resisting arrest. Lopez had been with BCSO since October 2018 in the detention division, but resigned before Sheriff Javier Salazar could terminate him, the department said. Salazar did however subsequently issue Lopez a dishonorable discharge in accordance with Texas Commission on Law Enforcement guidelines. BCSO Internal Affairs will conducting a separate administrative investigation into the incident, a department statement said. Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for MySA.com | taylor.pettaway@express-news.net | @TaylorPettaway VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2020(Frankfurt: RR0) ("Rockridge" or the "Company") announces that it received assay results for the final three holes from its recently completed 2,070-metre diamond drilling program at its Raney Gold Project located southwest of Timmins, Ontario, Canada (the "Raney Gold Project" or "Property"). The Raney Gold Project is located within the highly prospective west extension of the Abitibi Greenstone belt, proximal to several regional deposits. Newmont's Borden Gold mine (reserves of 4.17 MT @ 6.38 g/t Au for ~860k oz. Au reported in 2015) is located 35 km west of Raney, and IAMGOLD's Cote development project (measured and indicated resources of 355 MT @ 0.87 g/t Au for ~9.98 M oz. Au and inferred resources of 113 MT @ 0.7 g/t Au for ~2.4 M oz. Au) is located 75 km to the southeast of Raney. GFG Resources is a close neighbour that has acquired a large land package in the area including its Pen and Dore Gold Projects. Recent drilling success by GFG has resulted in attracting Alamos Gold as a strategic investor. Raney Gold Project Location Map: http://www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com/_resources/maps/location_map_may2020a.jpg Highlights: The Raney Gold Project is a large prospective gold property covering ~2,800 hectares, having recently been doubled in size through additional staking, located ~110 km southwest of the prolific gold district of Timmins, ON A recently completed drilling program entailed 2,070 metres in nine diamond drill holes to assess the potential of the mineralized gold system along a strike extent of 225 metres Eight of the nine drill holes returned gold mineralization over broad intervals, with the highlight intercept of 28.0 g/t gold over 6.0 metres (uncut) reported in hole RN 20-06 (see news release dated April 29, 2020) Gold mineralization is associated with broad intervals of higher concentrations of narrow quartz veins hosted in an extensive structural corridor that may extend over several hundred metres, with no drilling completed over a large extent of this corridor The mineralized structure is open along strike to the east and west as well as at depth A notable disruption in the airborne magnetic data approximately 2 km west of the current drilling and in line with the projected structural corridor provides a compelling target area for future exploration Upcoming summer exploration plans include a Phase 1 field program followed by a Phase 2 diamond drilling program consisting of approximately 5,000 metres in 15 - 20 drill holes Property has excellent access and infrastructure; accessible by paved and forestry roads Plan Map Showing Exploration Potential Along Extensive Structural Corridor: http://www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com/_resources/maps/updated-slides-ROCK-3.pdf Rockridge's CEO, Grant Ewing, commented: "The recently completed exploration program allowed our team to gain a better understanding of the nature of the mineralization, and the potential of the project. We are encouraged by the results of this initial program, and are now planning a two-phase program to test the broad structural corridor that hosts the high-grade mineralization. This corridor potentially extends several hundred metres along strike with no drilling conducted over a large extent of this corridor, or at depth." 2,070 metres in nine diamond drill holes were completed in the program: DDH # East (UTM) North (UTM) Elev Az Dip Depth (m) RN-20-01 365715 5303608 391 25 -45 179 RN-20-02 365715 5303608 391 25 -65 276 RN-20-03 365789 5303516 391 25 -45 291 RN-20-04 365753 5303549 391 25 -45 306 RN-20-05 365753 5303549 391 25 -58 320 RN-20-06 365673 5303615 391 25 -45 176 RN-20-07 365731 5303580 391 30 -45 237 RN-20-08 365698 5303656 387 25 -45 113 RN-20-09 365622 5303667 387 30 -45 174 Raney Gold Project Drill Hole Plan Map: http://www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com/_resources/images/raney_ddhplan_april2020.jpg The limited drilling completed to date indicates that the gold mineralization is nuggety or uneven in distribution throughout the alteration zones, with some holes returning low-grade gold in close proximity to areas returning intervals of high-grade gold mineralization. A summary of assay results for the final three holes are reported below (see news release dated April 29, 2020 for assay results of the first six holes). All three holes intercepted several areas of low-grade mineralization: Hole RN 20-07 returned 0.62 g/t Au over 5.0 m from 35.0 m to 40.0 m; 0.69 g/t Au over 5.0 m from 89.0 m to 94.0 m; 0.57 g/t Au over 7 m from 112.0 m to 119.0 m, including 1.17 g/t Au over 3.0 m from 114.0 m to 117.0 m Hole RN 20-08 returned 0.39 g/t Au over 6.0 m from 12.0 m to 18.0 m; and 0.7 g/t Au over 3 m from 76.5 m to 79.5 m Hole RN 20-09 returned 0.42 g/t Au over 4.0 m from 51.0 m to 55.0 m; and 0.49 g/t Au over 2.0 m from 108.5 m to 110.5 m True widths are not estimated at this time. See the Company's website for the full assay tables. 2020 Summer / Fall Exploration and Drill Program Plans: Rockridge announces plans for its next phases of exploration to test the broad structural corridor that hosts the mineralization. A two-phase program is being contemplated, with the fully-funded phase one involving prospecting and mapping, geochemical and till sampling, and geophysical surveys along the extensive structural corridor. This phase will be followed by a diamond drilling program to test targets identified during phase one. The broad structural corridor that hosts the mineralization potentially extends over two kilometres to the west-northwest, where a large disruption in the magnetic geophysical data, coupled with historic mapping of disseminated sulfides and quartz veining, provides a very compelling target area. The Company plans to continue testing the mineralized structure along strike and at depth to follow up on the success of the first drill program completed earlier in the year. Winter 2020 Drill Program Summary: A total of 2,070 metres in nine diamond drill holes were completed during the program to assess the potential of the Raney Gold Project. The drill program focused on the main zone over a strike extent of approximately 225 metres that produced the best historic intercept of 6.5 g/t gold over 8.0 metres. The deepest hole of the program tested down to the 260-metre level. Silicification and minor carbonate alteration were recognized, however gold mineralization appears to be closely related to intervals of high quartz vein density. The quartz veins are hosted in a steeply dipping alteration zone dominated by intermediate volcanic rocks consisting of lapilli tuffs and bedded argillites, with lamprophyre dikes. The quartz veins crosscut and run parallel to a weak fabric, and range in thickness from 0.5 cm to 20 cm in width. A zone of increased vein density has been noted where the historic visible gold intercepts occur. The high-grade intercept of 28.0 g/t over 6.0 metres from the recent program was the fourth drill hole on the Property to intercept visible gold, and all these occurrences were in the main zone near the 100-metre level. The broad structural corridor that hosts the mineralization is up to 125 metres wide and extends well beyond the area tested by drilling. Historic mapping and surface sampling data show that the zone may extend over several hundred metres. No drilling has been conducted along this corridor except for the ~225-metre-long main zone. A notable disruption in the airborne magnetic data approximately 2 km west of the current drilling and in line with the projected structural corridor provides a compelling target area for future exploration. Raney Gold Project Geology and History: Historical drilling at the Raney Gold Project focused on identifying near-surface gold mineralization along an extensive structural corridor. Three sub-parallel and closely spaced mineralized zones of quartz-carbonate alteration with quartz veining, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and occasionally visible gold were outlined. The drilling to date suggests the possibility of steeply plunging shoots of mineralization with reasonable widths in a broad alteration zone that is open along strike. Previous exploration on the Property from 1972 to 1991 consisted of prospecting, mapping, sampling, trenching, winkie drilling, ground geophysics, stripping, and some limited diamond drilling. This was followed by exploration work during the 2009 to 2010 period. The best intercept returned from historical drilling was 6.5 g/t gold over 8.0 metres. The property is underlain by mafic volcanics to the north, and felsic to intermediate volcaniclastics to the south. The felsic volcaniclastics are host to the gold zones. Quartz feldspar porphyry dykes and sills and minor mafic intrusives occur throughout the Property. The porphyries are generally massive but may be sheared and hydrothermally altered and veined in places. A 100 metre-wide intensely sheared and altered quartz-feldspar porphyry body is located just to the south of the main Raney gold showing. Gold mineralization exposed on the surface and intersected in drill holes on the property is typical of the lode gold class of gold deposit which is the dominant gold deposit type in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. Gold mineralization on the property is associated with the intensely sheared and altered zones within the felsic tuffs, and higher grades tend to occur where quartz veining is present. The Property is in the Archean Swayze Greenstone Belt, thought to be the southeast extension of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, which hosts the world-class Timmins and Kirkland Lake gold districts. Numerous gold occurrences occur throughout the district and several world-class mines have been developed. These deposits are responsible for a significant portion of the world's cumulative gold production and are often characterized by gold enriched quartz vein systems associated with supracrustal belts in low to medium grade metamorphic terranes. Gold mineralization at the Property is typical of the mesothermal lode gold deposit model. Rockridge holds an option to earn a 100% interest in the Raney Gold Project. Qualified Person: Todd Keast, P.Geo., a "qualified person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and the Raney Gold Project Manager for Rockridge Resources Ltd., has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release. Quality Assurance/Quality Control: Core samples were prepared using the PREP-31b package in ALS's Timmins facility. Samples are then shipped to ALS's North Vancouver facility for assay procedures. Fire assay ALS code AU-AA23 using a 50 g sample was completed. For samples with visible gold, AuScr 24 was completed. A QA/QC program included laboratory and field standards inserted at approximately every 20 samples. At least one field blank is inserted in every batch of 20 samples, with additional blanks inserted following samples with visible gold. About Rockridge Resources Ltd. Rockridge Resources is a publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Canada and other mining-friendly jurisdictions. The Company's Raney Gold Project is a high-grade gold exploration project located in the same greenstone belt that hosts the world-class Timmins and Kirkland Lake lode gold mining camps. The Company's Knife Lake Project is in Saskatchewan, which is ranked as the #3 mining jurisdiction in the world by the Fraser Institute. The project hosts the Knife Lake deposit, which is a VMS, near-surface copper-cobalt-gold-silver-zinc deposit open along strike and at depth. Rockridge's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions. Additional information about Rockridge Resources and its project portfolio can be found on the Company's website at www.rockridgeresourcesltd.com . Rockridge currently has 33.9 million shares issued and outstanding. Rockridge Resources Ltd. "Grant Ewing" Grant Ewing CEO For further information contact myself or: Jordan Trimble, President or Simon Dyakowski, Corporate Development Rockridge Resources Ltd. Telephone: 604-687-3376 Toll Free: 800-567-8181 Facsimile: 604-687-3119 Email: info@rockridgeresourcesltd.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. Forward Looking Information Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. KRAKOW, Poland, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Selvita S.A. [ticker: WSE: SLV] one of the largest preclinical contract research organizations in Europe, successfully allotted 2.38 million of C series shares, raising EUR 20.6 million from investors. It is the second largest transaction in terms of capital raised, on the Warsaw Stock Exchange this year. As part of the Follow-On public offering of shares, investors could buy up to 2.38 million shares of the new C series, which constitutes about 15 percent of the current Company's share capital. The issue price of the shares was set at PLN 38,00. The company has achieved in full its intended goal regarding capital raise that was presented in the strategy published together with the announcement of the shareholders' meeting. "The success of this share issue demonstrates investors' confidence in both Selvita and the development strategy we have announced, as well as their trust in the large potential of the Company's business. I would like to express my gratitude for the participation in the share issue, as well as supporting our strategic plans. Rest assured, that we will make every effort to execute the assumptions of our strategy and continue Selvita's dynamic growth on the global preclinical CRO market," comments Bogusaw Sieczkowski, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Selvita. The capital raised will allow the Company to execute the development strategy adopted by the Company for the upcoming years which assumes that in 2023 the Company will be able to achieve over EUR 70 million in revenues at a stable EBITDA margin and as a consequence reach a market cap of over EUR 230 million. The proceeds from the share issue will be used mostly on acquisitions of selected European CROs (app. 16 million EUR), and the reminder of the proceeds will be devoted to further organic growth of Selvita. Selvita is interested in companies which will either complement the current Selvita offering, or will allow for the expansion of its scale of operations. In terms of the qualitative criteria for choosing the acquisition target, Selvita will favor entities supplementing their portfolio of services in the area of drug discovery or regulatory studies. By the end of 2023, the Company intends to execute three acquisitions, with the first one taking place this year. Over the next three years, the Company plans to invest EUR 35-50 million in the acquisitions. As a key element supporting further organic growth, Selvita strategy includes establishment of the Selvita Research Center, with a research space of 4,000 m2. With the completion of the new Center, Selvita will have in aggregate 10,000 m2 of research space available. Own laboratories and strengthening the scientific staff, will allow Selvita to increase its scale of business, expand its offer and launch innovative new services. Initiation of the investment is planned for next year and expected to be finalized at the turn of 2022 and 2023. IPOPEMA Securities S.A. acted as the global coordinator and bookrunner, and Chabasiewicz Kowalska & Partners law firm acted as the legal advisor. About Selvita Selvita is a CRO (Contract Research Organization) Company providing multidisciplinary support in resolving the unique challenges of research within area of drug discovery, regulatory studies, as well as research and development. The company was established in 2007 and currently employs ca. 500 professionals, of which over 1/3 hold PhD title. Selvita is headquartered in Krakow, Poland, with a second research site in Poznan, Poland and foreign offices located in Cambridge, MA and South San Francisco, in the U.S., as well as in Cambridge, UK. Selvita is a major shareholder in Ardigen bioinformatics company harnessing advanced Artificial Intelligence methods for novel precision medicine. The company has a proven track record of successfully completed projects and customers in 40 countries. Majority of Company revenues come from pharma, biotech, chemical and agrochemical companies from the US and Europe. Selvita is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE:SLV). For more information, please see www.selvita.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements, including, among other things, statements regarding the guidance from management and financial results. Selvita cautions the reader that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which might cause the actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Selvita, or industry results, to be materially different from any historic or future results, financial conditions, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, even if Selvita's results, performance, financial conditions, and the development of the industry in which it operates are consistent with such forward-looking statements, they may not be predictive of results or developments in future periods. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document. Selvita expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this document to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, unless specifically required by law or regulation. Contact details: Investor Relations contact: [email protected] Media contact: Natalia Baranowska [email protected] +48 784 069 418 SOURCE Selvita Related Links http://www.selvita.com Skye Wheatley has cried and screamed at fans for criticising her well-intentioned Instagram post promoting the Black Lives Matter movement on Tuesday. The Gold Coast influencer, 26, faced a backlash after sharing a video showing her lip-syncing to the Macklemore song Same Love while holding a 'PLEASE BE KIND #BLM' sign. After being called 'tone deaf' and accused of 'not understanding' the civil rights movement, Skye went on a five-minute rant in which she said only 'disgusting white c**ts' were upset with her post, before sobbing: 'I don't want to cry, I'm not a victim'. Backlash: Skye Wheatley (pictured) cried as she screamed at fans for criticising her well-intentioned Instagram post promoting the Black Lives Matter movement on Tuesday Skye screamed, swore and cried as she vented to her 620,000 Instagram followers. 'I'm so f**king sick of keeping my mouth shut and not saying what I want to say, and constantly living in fear of things that I do say on my platform. With everything going on right now, it honestly just makes me feel so f**king sick that people are being so f**king nasty to other people,' Skye began. 'We're all coming together as one to spread awareness, educate ourselves and try to share this one huge message. We need to respect the human race no matter what f**king colour you are, race you are or how you've been raised. 'The f**king message is f**king treat people with love, kindness and respect. What the f**k are we not getting about this? I'm literally so mad that I still continue to see hateful, abusive and bullying messages.' 'Tone deaf': The Gold Coast influencer, 26, faced a backlash after sharing a video in which she lip-synced to the Macklemore song Same Love while holding a 'PLEASE BE KIND #BLM' sign Backlash: After being called 'privileged' and accused of 'not understanding' the civil rights movement, Skye said only 'disgusting white c**ts' were upset with her post The mum-of-one accused her critics of being 'hypocrites' because they sent her 'abusive' comments while also preaching for people to educate themselves about the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of the alleged murder of George Floyd at the hands of a white cop in the U.S. 'It doesn't matter how the f**k I express my compassion for the BLM movement. It matters that I'm f**king voicing it and bringing attention to it like the rest of the world,' Skye continued. 'You know what, not one POC [person of colour] has come for me, it's all been little white c**ts. Yeah, I said it. I said c**t because that's all these people are. Bullying, little, foul mouthed, disgusting, low-life c**ts. 'What are your f**king little stupid bullying comments going to do to help the movement? Absolutely f**k all, sweet heart.' 'It doesn't matter how the f**k I express my compassion for the BLM movement. It matters that I'm f**king voicing it,' raged Skye Angry: The mum-of-one screamed, 'You know what, not one POC [person of colour] has come for me, it's all been little white c**ts. Yeah, I said c**t because that's all these people are' Movement: Skye's post came in the wake of the alleged murder of George Floyd at the hands of a white cop in the U.S. Pictured: Black Lives Matter protestors in Sydney on Tuesday She then discussed how influencers face a backlash if they stay silent on the movement, and also face a backlash if they show their support. 'I'm so mentally f**ked because I can't do anything, not even for myself. Like, I can't post something that I feel compassionate about because I get told that "I'm not educated" and that "I don't actually care". And If I don't post anything, I get attacked because I'm being silent and [accused of] not giving a f**k about black lives.' The former Big Brother star later apologised for her emotional outburst. 'I really do feel so selfish right now. I've had to deflect from what's really going on to address another situation that I feel strongly and passionate about,' she added. 'I've lost the plot. Instagram has pushed me to the edge this year. It's so mentally draining and I'm shaking every morning in fear of checking my socials.' 'Privileged': Skye's well-intentioned Black Lives Matter post received almost 1,000 comments MIDLAND, MI - Area organizations are continuing to step up and help out areas in Midland County as they clean up from Mays historic flooding. The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division Emergency Disaster Services is working to provide aide to those affected by the flooding. The organization announced that 1,200 clean up kits containing masks, gloves, brooms, mops, trash bags and cleaning solution are available to those in need at the Salvation Army Corps Community Center, 330 Waldo Ave., in Midland. The flooding was massive, and though the immediate emergency disaster response to this crisis seems to be subsiding, we are preparing for all of the ways we will serve our community in the months ahead, including spiritual and emotional care, said Captain Brian Goodwill of The Salvation Army Midland Corps Community Center. Salvation Army clean-up kits will also be available at the United Ways distribution centers throughout the county. According to the Salvation Army, the organization has also been providing meals to displaced families and long-term workers lodged in the local Days Inn and Best Western hotels, distributed blankets to individuals seeking relief at temporary shelters and provided gift cards to those in need throughout the hardest hit areas. The group is also running a dial-in counseling resource called the The Salvation Army Emotional and Spiritual Care Hotline." The hotline operates seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and can be reached by calling 1-877-220-4195. Individuals in need of flood relief assistance are encouraged to contact The Salvation Army in Midland at 989-496-2787. The Salvation Army is currently accepting monetary donations to help with the flood effort. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to assist families and individuals affected by the flood by: Visiting salmich.org/midlandmi Texting RELIEF to 24365 Calling 877-SAL-MICH Sending a check made payable to The Salvation Army, designating Midland Flood to The Salvation Army Midland Corps Community Center, PO Box 1447, Midland, MI, 48641. The United Way of Midland County is partnering with the Salvation Army to coordinate volunteers for maximum countywide relief effort, as well as to organize mass assistance distribution. Those interested in more information bout volunteering are asked to call 989-631-3670. Meanwhile, Midlands Open Door soup kitchen is hosting a community-wide clothing assistance event on Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Emmanuel Baptist Church for displaced flood victims. Clothing assistance is free of charge and is provided and prepared by members of the community. All clothing for the June 6 distribution day has been isolated for more than two weeks in preparation for the event out of an abundance of caution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing standards apply to the giveaway, with masks being required for all participants. A supply of masks available for those on-site who need one. Midlands Open Door can be contacted at (989) 835-2291. The Powering Positivity campaign by MLive Media Group highlights how Michiganders are supporting one another during the coronavirus pandemic. It is sponsored by The MediLodge Group Related news: Scavenging flood debris in Midland is against city ordinance Dow Credit Union donates $100K to local flood relief efforts Flood damage extends beyond Midland County, causing millions in damage in northern Michigan Survey is first step to seeking federal help for flood damage Midland flood victims who literally lost their lifes savings face new reality Grand Rapids-area distillery sends 600 gallons of sanitizer to Midland in wake of flood Our whole life is gone, says woman whose Sanford home was washed away in Midland floods Failed dam owner fought with state over Wixom Lake levels before flood Video shows Michigan dam break as it happened: Catastrophic is the only thing I can call it A group of Rice University students set out to raise $2,500 for locally based advocacy groups in the wake of George Floyds death. Instead, they raised almost $100,000 in just 24 hours. Rice for Black Life, a new black woman-led coalition of a Rice University students, alumni and affiliates, created a GoFundMe page Saturday with the goal of equally splitting donations among the nonprofits Black Lives Matter Houston, Texas Organizing Project, Indivisible Houston and Pure Justice. By the end of Sunday, the students had racked up a total of $93,362. Concretely, the amount we raised today is life-affirming for black individuals and families, the organizers wrote. Our work today will help provide direct support to black folks, financially aid (protesters), pay off bails, and promote advocacy to dismantle the carceral state, including legislation to end debtors prison, hold police accountable, and reform the bail system. The group, formed last week to support black issues and demands on campus, received more than 2,200 individual donations, including a $1,500 donation from a single donor. The one-day outreach campaign was also far-reaching. The GoFundMe page was shared more than 5,100 times on social media and inspired more than 30 other institutions to reach out in hopes of replicating the same campaign model at their schools, Rice alumna Sonia Torres said. Once they reached $93,000, we all just looked at each other, like Oh my God, said Summar McGee, also a recent graduate and the young woman behind the coalition. McGee said she decided to organize Rice for Black Life after Floyds death, a time when many of her peers were feeling both saddened and eager to help. Floyd, who is originally from Houston and grew up in the Third Ward community, died while in Minneapolis police custody last week. We have benefited from being in Houston and being at Rice, said Bilal Rehman, a recent Rice graduate, so it made sense to leverage the financial resources that our community is afforded to support the communities in Houston. Zahrah Butler, an incoming sophomore, said joining the now 50-member group was empowering and helped her get past her discomfort in discussing the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement, which can often turn into a volatile political discussion. Martina Faciane, an incoming senior, said it was thrilling to see the donations roll in, but she was also excited to see how the campaign engaged all facets of the university community, including faculty, and inspired some people, especially students, to have tough conversations with loved ones about racism. This wasnt just a fundraising effort. It was a communication and education effort, Faciane said. A lot of the people we reached probably wouldnt have donated otherwise or didnt know what those organizations are doing. It is also a way to show incoming freshmen just how big a contribution they can make for their new community, organizers said. Torres said students also learned from the experience of organizing, using their canvassing and networking skills, and added that it provided them a rewarding way to show solidarity, address some of Rices own issues with anti-blackness, and to respond to race issues with more than just empty platitudes. This is not the end of the campaign. Obviously, this is a very strong beginning, Torres said, adding that the group has received several messages from people still try to give money to their campaign. The group has since advised people to donate to the selected organizations directly. This a good start and way to getting everyone donating directly and regularly, Torres said. Editor's note: This article has been updated to include the correct name of Martina Faciane. The Chronicle regrets the error. brittany.britto@chron.com Different groups of drugs are used for the treatment of rheumatic conditions. They are intended to suppress the rogue immune system which attacks its own body. It is unclear to date whether the use of immunosuppressants increases the risk of a severe course in case of an infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. A current study published in the run-up to the European Congress of Rheumatology of the EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism) analysed, for the first time, 600 COVID-19 cases in rheumatic disease patients from 40 countries and investigated the impact of the choice of rheumatic disease therapy on potential hospitalisation and the course of COVID-19. The results of the study will be presented in an online press conference in the context of the EULAR Congress on 3 June 2020. Data on the course of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic conditions are still rare and limited to small numbers of cases. Patients with rheumatic diseases are concerned about the extent to which their condition increases the risk of a severe course and the impact of the intake of their immunosuppressants on this. "There is considerable uncertainty about the drug management in the context of rheumatic conditions," EULAR President Professor Dr Iain B. McInnes from Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom explains. Scientists have now addressed the question to what extent the different groups of drugs1 increase the probability of hospitalisation in rheumatic disease patients with COVID-19. For this purpose, they analysed a series of cases involving persons with rheumatic conditions and COVID-19 from the combined EULAR and Global Rheumatology Alliance COVID-19 registries, dating from between 24 March 2020 and 20 April 2020. The study included a total of 600 cases from 40 countries. The researchers analysed the patients' age, sex, whether they smoked or not, the rheumatic disease diagnosis, comorbidities and medication against rheumatic conditions taken immediately prior to the infection. The result: The intake of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) - such as anti-malarial drugs or methotrexate - alone or in combination with biologics (e.g. TNF-alpha inhibitors), or the intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was not associated with hospitalisation. The intake of TNF-alpha inhibitors was associated with a reduced probability of hospitalisation, while no association with the intake of anti-malarial drugs was observed. Treatment with more than 10 mg prednisone per day - corresponding to a moderate to high dose - was associated with a higher probability of hospitalisation. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid frequently used in rheumatology as a fast-acting anti-inflammatory drug. Less than half of the patients required hospitalisation (277; 46 percent), while 55 fatalities (9 percent) occurred. This should not be interpreted as the true rate of hospitalisation and death among patients with rheumatic disease infected with SARS-CoV-2. Due to the mechanism by which case information is collected severe cases are more likely to be reported to the database (i.e. mild or asymptomatic cases are less likely to be reported) therefore artificially increasing the rate of hospitalisation/death in the group of reported patients. "The study shows that most patients with rheumatological conditions recover from COVID-19 - independent of the medication they receive," says Professor Dr John Isaacs from The University of Newcastle, United Kingdom, Scientific Chair of the EULAR Scientific Committee. "It is necessary, however, to gather more knowledge about the course of an infection with the novel coronavirus in patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions." Within the space of only a few weeks, rheumatologists from all over the world teamed up in order to establish an international COVID-19 registry, an effort supported by EULAR that created a mirroring COVID-19 registry. "There is an urgent need to understand the outcome of patients who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 while at the same time receiving steroids, synthetic or biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs," Dr Pedro Machado, Chair of the EULAR Standing Committee on Epidemiology and Health Services Research and co-senior author of the study, points out. "This will support rheumatologists and other health care professionals, such as specialist nurses, in advising their patients and improving their care." ### Reference: Gianfrancesco M., Hyrich Kl., Al-Adely S. et al.: Ann Rheum Dis 2020 [epub ahead of print]. doi:10.1136/ annrheumdis-2020-217871. 1 Groups of drugs used in rheumatic disease therapy In case of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, the immune system turns against its own body and triggers inflammations in a number of places. Treatments to suppress inflammation (immunosuppressants) and the long-term progression of the disease are required. In clinical parlance, Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) act by altering the underlying disease rather than treating symptoms. They're not painkillers, but they'll reduce pain, swelling and stiffness over a period of weeks or months by slowing down the disease and its effects on the joints. There are two types: conventional DMARDs and biological therapies. Biological therapies (also known as biologics) are newer drugs that have been developed in recent years. They target individual molecules, such as the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and tend to work more quickly than conventional DMARDs. In addition to these therapies, drugs containing cortisone such as glucocorticoids, which can effectively and quickly suppress the inflammatory response, are used for the treatment of rheumatic conditions. Another group of drugs used to treat rheumatic conditions are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which alleviate pain and stiffness in the joints and improve mobility. Appointment notes: The EULAR 2020 will take place from 3 to 6 June 2020 as an online event. All contents will be available online until September 1, 2020. The program is online: EULAR 2020 Programme Originally, the EULAR 2020 was planned as a physical congress in Frankfurt/Main from that very date. About 14,000 visitors from 120 countries were expected to attend the most important congress in this field in Europe. As an alternative, the program now includes a wide range of events with 106 international speakers, 44 online symposia, interactive forums as well as 350 abstract and poster presentations and two online press conferences on 27 May (German) and 3 June (English) (see below for details). About EULAR The European Congress of Rheumatology EULAR 2020 is the congress of the national European rheumatic associations. The most important congress in this field is aimed at all involved in this disease: doctors, researchers, professionals, patient organisations and industry. The event was originally planned to take place in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, from 3 to 6 June 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Congress of Rheumatology EULAR 2020 will now take place as a virtual congress from 3 June 2020. The contents are available online until 1 September 2020. The congress is organised by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). EULAR is a non-profit scientific organisation based in Zurich, Switzerland, representing scientific societies, societies of other health professionals, professional associations and organisations for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). The aim of EULAR is to reduce the burden of RMDs on the individual and society and to improve the treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of RMDs. Further information: http://www.eular.org Event Note: Online Press Conference (in English language) Date: Today, Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020, 2:30 to 3:30 pm CEST Registration-Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5449496693305321740 Topics and Speakers: EULAR launches Virtual Research Centre: Improving the lives of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases through research Professor Iain McInnes, EULAR President, Director of Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Scotland/UK The EULAR COVID-19 Database: First results of patients with RMD and COVID-19 Dr. Pedro Machado, EULAR lead for the COVID-19 register, Chair of the EULAR Standing Committee of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, University College London (UCL), London, UK Thrombosis risk particularly high for people suffering from rheumatism with high inflammatory values - Reduced venous thrombosis with TNF inhibitors Professor John Isaacs, EULAR Scientific Committee Chair, Director of Therapeutics North East, Newcastle University and Director of Research/Associate Medical Director, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, UK EULAR advocates the Deployment of other Health Care Professionals - New Study confirms their effectiveness Dr. Kirsten Hoeper, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Klinik fur Rheumatologie und Immunologie Chair: Robert B M Landewe, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam/The Netherlands French riot police arrested 18 people who turned violent during an unauthorized demonstration overnight over the death of a black Frenchman in a 2016 police custody, local media reported on Wednesday, Xinhua reports. Some 20,000 people demonstrated in front of the Paris Court near the ring road in the north of the capital on Tuesday evening, calling for justice for Adama Traore, who died in police custody in 2016 after he was arrested for a dispute over an identity check. Violence erupted when some demonstrators hurled projectiles, set on fire rubbish bins and vandalized properties while police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. Of those detained on charges of damaging public and private properties and carrying prohibited weapons, 17 remained in police custody, Le Figaro newspaper reported. Rallies against police violence were also staged in other French cities, where 7 others were arrested and 10 policemen were slightly injured, the report added. On Tuesday morning, Paris police announced that the demonstration was not authorized, as public gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited due to the coronavirus epidemic. The protest came after a new probe, commissioned by Adama Traore's family, said the young man died of asphyxiation due to the arrest technique police officers had used during the operation. State investigators had dismissed the charge of police brutality in the arrest of Traore, saying that the man died of heart failure due to pre-existing medical conditions. A state appeals court Wednesday overturned a record $706 million verdict rendered by a San Antonio jury more than two years ago. The 4th Court of Appeals in San Antonio reversed a trial courts judgment on real estate analytic firm HouseCanary Inc.s fraud and misappropriation of trade secret claims against Amrock Inc., a Detroit home appraisal company affiliated with Quicken Loans Inc. Amrock formerly was known as Title Source Inc. The two claims were sent back to a state District Court in San Antonio for a new trial. On ExpressNews.com: Amrock asks appeals court to reverse record $706M verdict Max Tribble, a Houston attorney representing HouseCanary, predicted the company will file an appeal with the Texas Supreme Court. The folks at Amrock are thrilled with the result, said San Antonio attorney David Prichard, who represents the company. We were satisfied the Court of Appeals unanimously saw it our way. The court didnt deliver a complete victory for Amrock, though. The three-judge panel affirmed the trial courts judgment that Amrock should receive nothing on its breach of contract claim against HouseCanary. Following a seven-week trial in 2018, a 12-person jury found in favor of HouseCanary. Amrock was ordered to pay $235.4 million in compensatory damages and $470.8 million in punitive damages. HouseCanary also was awarded about $29 million in prejudgment interest and $4.5 million in attorneys fees. The case gained national attention because of the size of the verdict, the largest ever awarded in Bexar County. In 2015, Amrock entered into an agreement to license HouseCanary's proprietary appraisal software. The agreement called for any disputes to be litigated in Bexar County, where HouseCanary has maintained a small office. A year later, Amrock filed a lawsuit alleging HouseCanary failed to deliver functioning software for valuing residential properties. HouseCanary claimed it was a game-changing app that would allow appraisers to submit appraisals in the field, Amrock stated in its appeal. HouseCanary fired back with its own lawsuit, accusing Amrock of fraudulently misappropriating technology even after purporting to terminate their agreement. During an hourlong appeals court hearing in February, Amrock attorney Catherine Stone argued there was no evidence presented during the trial that her client misappropriated trade secrets. Stone previously served as a chief justice of the appeals court. On ExpressNews.com: Title company that lost record $706M Bexar verdict loses bid for new trial HouseCanary alleged there was abundant evidence Amrock acquired the trade secrets by improper means through misrepresentation. Even if we assume these assertions our true, however, the jury was also instructed that improper means includes bribery (and) espionage, the appeals court said in its ruling. But HouseCanary conceded at oral argument that there is no evidence that (Amrock) acquired the trade secrets through bribery. Nor was any there any evidence presented to show Amrock acquired the trade secrets through espionage. Because those theories are not supported by the evidence, they should have been omitted from the improper means definition that was submitted to the jury when they were given instructions by state District Judge David Canales, the appeals court added. Tribble, the Houston attorney, sounded puzzled by that part of the courts ruling. This theory that you need embezzlement or bribery in order to have theft of trade secrets, its contrary to the law in every other state, he said. For that reason, I predict that HouseCanary will appeal and seek clarification from the Texas Supreme Court. Tribble, though, said the appeals court found HouseCanary had valid and valuable trade secrets that were used by Amrock in developing its own valuation models. HouseCanary also alleged it was fraudulently induced by Amrock to enter into a contract so that Amrock could obtain HouseCanarys data and analytics, gain insight into HouseCanarys intellectual property, and use the data, analytics, and insight for its own software models and products. The appeals court, though, ruled the allegations duplicate HouseCanarys trade secret claims and are therefore preempted. HouseCanary also argued Amrock never intended to pay for HouseCanarys services, which the court said were not related to the misappropriation claims. The appeals court said it couldnt definitively resolve this issue, so it directed a new trial on the claim. The court did not address the size of the jury verdict. Parties not connected to the case had weighed in against the jurys verdict. The National Association of Manufacturers, Texas Association of Manufacturers and the Texas Association of Businesses said if the damages award stood it would adversely affect the willingness of established companies to contract with startups. That in turn means fewer opportunities for new ventures, higher costs for established businesses, and slower innovation in a competitive economy for American businesses, the groups said in a court filing. The appeal was heard by Chief Justice Sandee Bryan Marion and Justices Patricia O. Alvarez and Beth Watkins. Watkins authored the courts 26-page opinion. HouseCanary, meanwhile, has a pending lawsuit against Quicken Loans in San Antonio federal court. The allegations are similar to those made against Amrock. Patrick Danner is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering banking and civil courts. To read more from Patrick, become a subscriber. pdanner@express-news.net | Twitter: @AlamoPD Increase in adoption of cloud based human capital management software, growth in requirement to streamline HR operations, and rise in demand for unified human capital management suite augment the growth of the global human capital management market. The region across North America dominated the global human capital management market in 2016, with the highest revenue contribution, and would maintain the lead position throughout the forecast period. Portland, OR, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, the global human capital management market was valued at $13.0 billion in 2016, and is projected to reach at $22.17 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2017 to 2023. The report offers an extensive analysis of changing market dynamics, key winning strategies, business performance, major segments, and competitive scenario. Increase in adoption of cloud based human capital management software, growth in requirement to streamline HR operations, and rise in demand for unified human capital management suite augment the growth of the global human capital management market. However, data security & privacy concerns due to cloud based deployment and need to comply with government regulations restrain the growth to certain extent. Moreover, increase in popularity of workforce analytics solution and growth in adoption of digital HR technology are expected to offer innumerable opportunities to the market in the coming years. COVID-19 Scenario- The novel coronavirus outbreak has not severely impacted the industry. Surge in adoption of remote working system due to lockdown measures has fueled the demand for digitalized human capital management system. In addition, increase in need to restructure HR operations for the transformed working environment has further augmented the market growth. Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Human Capital Management Market The global human capital management market is segmented on the basis of component, deployment type, industry verticals, and geography. On the basis of component, the market is divided into software and services. The services segment held major market share in 2016, accounting for the highest share in the market. Conversely, the managed services segment is anticipated to witness the highest growth rate in between 2017 to 2023. Story continues Based on region, the market is analyzed across Asia-Pacific, Europe, LAMEA, and North America. The region across North America dominated the global human capital management market in 2016, with the highest revenue contribution. In addition, the region is anticipated to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. On contrary, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to witness a fastest growth rate during the forecast period. Download Sample Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2482 The key players profiled in the report include Epicor Software Corporation, IBM Corporation, Infor, Kronos, Inc., Oracle Corporation, SAP SE, SumTotal Systems, LLC, and Ultimate Software Group, Inc., and ADP LLC, Cornerstone OnDemand. Access AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access Avenue is a user-based library of global market report database, provides comprehensive reports pertaining to the world's largest emerging markets. It further offers e-access to all the available industry reports just in a jiffy. By offering core business insights on the varied industries, economies, and end users worldwide, Avenue ensures that the registered members get an easy as well as single gateway to their all-inclusive requirements. Avenue Library Subscription | Request for 14 days free trial of before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter About Allied Market Research: Follow Us on: LinkedIn Twitter Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions. AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-855-550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com Hilton Hall? Colleges Consider Hotels as Dormitories to Speed Up Return to Campus Neighborhood hotels could play a vital role assisting colleges and universities in their ability to reopen campuses to students in time for the fall semester. Higher education institutions are weighing various scenarios of what the 2020-2021 academic year will look like, especially during a global pandemic where a vaccine is not readily available. Many colleges and universities in the U.S. ended on-campus learning in the middle of spring semester due to coronavirus but are now committing to reopening campus in the fall. Social distancing and heightened safety standards are an essential condition in returning to group activities for the foreseeable future, and administrators are in talks with hotel operators to make student housing safe in the fall. Weve had a team of folks that weve amplified calling on and talking to vice presidents of operations and finance and other operators at universities for several weeks, Hilton Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales Frank Passanante said. Were working hard to understand what theyre trying to accomplish, what decisions theyre having to make, and how we might play a role in helping solve those problems. Get the Latest on Coronavirus and the Travel Industry on Skifts Liveblog The ability to house and educate students on a college campus in the fall may hinge on whether these institutions can space residents out beyond the confines of dormitories. The historic mode of student housing contains as many as three people in a room as big, if not smaller, than a hotel room. That could mean expanding the boundaries of student housing into a neighborhood hotel to accommodate the near-term socially distanced normal. The leaders of higher education institutions like Northwestern University outside Chicago and the University of Northern Colorado have publicly said they are considering housing some students in hotels in the fall. But the hotel industry expects many more are considering the same. Story continues We definitely see it in the northeast, specifically in the Boston area and neighboring states, but weve also seen it on the West Coast and significantly in the southeast, Passanante said. Weve seen it in every part of the country. Representatives with Northwestern and the University of Northern Colorado did not respond to Skifts request for a comment. Beyond Hilton and Wyndham, several global hotel companies and industry organizations declined to go on the record but indicated talks are underway with universities about potential hotel-student housing deals in the fall. With travel restrictions limiting study abroad programs through the rest of 2020, there is an anticipated higher-than-normal student population on campuses that do open in the fall. This has led a number of universities to reach out to owners and operators of Choice Hotels franchises about renting out a property during the fall semester, Choice Hotels President and CEO Patrick Pacious said in early May to CNBC. Choice Hotels declined Skifts request for an interview, saying it was too early to discuss specific deals. Right now its still a bit up in the air as schools decide how to approach learning in the fall, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Senior Vice President of Sales Carol Lynch said. A good deal depends on the impact of Covid-19 in the particular state. Mid-June to July 1 appears to be the decision timeline for most institutions. Higher Education and Hotel Living As with any potential guest, universities have a list of priorities when exploring what hotels to use as de facto dorms. Heightened cleaning and safety standards, security, proximity to campus, high-speed Wi-Fi, and food and beverage options have all been discussed regarding prospective higher education deals at Hilton, Passanante said. Amenities like parking and fitness centers as well as modified room servicing are also included in discussions. Some universities do not want housekeeping services at all, Passanante added. Others are discussing weekly housekeeping or laundry access with Wyndham, Lynch said. Talks span a variety of brands and price points and vary from requesting blocking off rooms or sections of a property to entire takeover deals, Lynch added. Given the long-term nature of the stay, universities are also adamant the set-up result in something closer to dorm living rather than just a group booking at a neighborhood hotel. Meeting spaces could be transformed into lecture halls. Hospitality suites would be turned into study halls. Some schools want to use hotels as learning communities for certain groups like business or honors students. First and foremost, theyre looking for a true partner that understands this isnt just about providing bedrooms for students, Passanante said. This is about becoming an auxiliary residence hall and becoming part of what they identify as a university. Neither Hilton nor Wyndham would comment on specific rates or pricing for the university partnerships. Often the request is for a fixed rate for the entire semester, in some cases with an option to extend through the spring semester, Lynch said. There are also requests for rates that would be similar to what a university would charge for on-campus student housing. But just as this would benefit universities in their quest to return to normalcy as quickly as possible, these deals can provide hotels with much-needed occupancy after what is shaping to be the worst industry downturn in recorded history. Moving through the recovery phases and knowing occupancies in many markets would be somewhat depressed for some time, this is an opportunity for hotels to hold a base of business, which gets people back to work and provides a base level of occupancy where a hotel can then more quickly recover, Passanante said. Subscribe to Skift newsletters for essential news about the business of travel. DALLAS, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) (the "Company") today announced that it has priced its underwritten public offering of $1.8 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes, consisting of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.750% Notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes") and $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.125% Notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes," and, collectively with the 2023 Notes, the "Notes"). The 2023 Notes will be issued at 102.725% of par and the 2027 Notes will be issued at par. The 2023 Notes are being offered as an additional issuance of the Company's 4.750% Notes due 2023, of which the Company issued $750 million aggregate principal amount on May 4, 2020. The 2023 Notes are part of the same class as the initial notes of that series and have identical terms, other than the issue date and issue price, as the initial notes of that series. The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the offering to repay all of the outstanding borrowings under its Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement and for general corporate purposes. The Company also intends to terminate the Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement upon repayment. The offering is expected to close on or about June 8, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. Citigroup, BNP Paribas, BofA Securities, J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley are acting as joint lead book-running managers for the offering. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Wells Fargo Securities are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. A shelf registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and has become effective. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and an accompanying base prospectus. The preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to the offering have been filed, and a final prospectus supplement will be filed, with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from (1) Citigroup Global Markets Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone: 1-800-831-9146 or by email: [email protected], (2) BNP Paribas Securities Corp., 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019, or by telephone: 1-800-854-5674 or by email: [email protected], (3) BofA Securities, Inc., NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd floor, Charlotte NC 28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department, or via email: [email protected], (4) J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or via telephone: 1-866-803-9204 and (5) Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes or any other securities and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration and qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. About Southwest Airlines Co. In its 49th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 60,000 Employees to a Customer base topping 130 million passengers in 2019. Southwest became the nation's largest domestic air carrier in 2003 and maintains that ranking based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded. In peak travel seasons during 2019, Southwest operated more than 4,000 weekday departures among a network of 101 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements related to the proposed terms of the offering described herein, the completion, timing, and size of the proposed offering, and the anticipated use of proceeds from the offering. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the duration, spread, severity, and any recurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the duration and scope of related government orders and restrictions, and the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall demand for air travel and the Company's access to capital; (ii) the impact of fears or actual outbreaks of infectious disease, economic conditions, governmental actions, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, fears of terrorism or war, actions of competitors, fuel prices, consumer perception, and other factors beyond the Company's control, on consumer behavior and the Company's results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; and (iii) other factors, as described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the detailed factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as supplemented in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2020. Caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements, which represent the Company's views only as of the date this report is filed. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange rules, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to disseminate, after the date of this press release, any updates or revisions to any such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in expectations or events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based. SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. Related Links https://www.southwest.com Saudi Arabia and Russia have reached a preliminary agreement to extend the current level of the OPEC+ production cuts by one month, provided that the laggards in compliance ensure over-compliance going forward to compensate for flouting their quotas so far, OPEC sources told Reuters on Wednesday. Any agreement on extending the cuts is conditional on countries who have not fully complied in May deepening their cuts in upcoming months to offset their overproduction, an OPEC source told Reuters. According to the original agreement reached in April, OPEC+ was to cut 9.7 million bpd in combined production for two monthsMay and Juneand then ease these to 7.7 million bpd, to stay in effect until the end of the year. Then, from January 2021, the production cuts would be further eased to 5.8 million bpd, to remain in effect until end-April 2022. Despite weak compliance from OPEC in May, as per a Reuters survey, the market expects that the OPEC+ coalition is motivated enough to extend the 9.7-million-bpd cuts through July or August. On Monday, reports emerged that the OPEC+ group could hold its June meeting this week, earlier than the initial plans to hold the teleconference on June 9 and 10. Related: Petrobras Oil Stockpiles Are Paradoxically Low However, an earlier meeting is being held up by the fact that the leaders of the pact, Saudi Arabia and Russia, will be seeking assurances from all non-compliant members that they will over-comply going forward to compensate for the loose compliance in May, an OPEC delegate told Argus today. According to the delegate, there will be no free ride for non-compliant members in the OPEC+ deal. These producers likely include Iraq and Nigeria from OPEC and Kazakhstan from non-OPEC. OPECs second-largest producer and the biggest laggard in the output cuts, Iraq, said on Tuesday that it would further reduce production and that it remains committed to the OPEC+ pact. Oil prices retreated following the reports of a one-month extension, after earlier on Wednesday prices had hit nearly three-month highs, with Brent Crude breaking above $40 a barrel. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: K'taka CM directs shifting of some govt offices to Belagavi's Suvarna Vidhana Soudha India pti-PTI Bengaluru, June 3: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday directed authorities to identify state level government offices to be shifted from the city to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi within a month and execute it, with an aim to address regional imbalance. He also "warned" that he would personally review functioning of offices from there before the next meeting, CMO said in a statement. Yediyurappa held a meeting to review the functioning of Public Works, Ports and Inland Water Transport departments. Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, modelled on Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat in Bengaluru, where legislature session is held once a year, was built as an assertion that Belagavi is an integral part of Karnataka. Watch: Karnataka Health Minister breaks COVID-19 norms Mamata urges Centre for one-time financial assistance for migrant labourers | Oneindia News Maharashtra claims Belagavi should belong to it. Other than the session held once a year for about two weeks, the building remains mostly unutilised. It has been long standing demand of the people of north Karnataka to shift some government offices to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, aimed at addressing regional imbalance, and for the benefit of citizens of the regions, who otherwise have to travel to Bengaluru. In 2018, then Congress-JDS coalition government in the state had given in principle approval to shift some government departments, boards and commissions to the north Karnataka region to address the alleged discrimination. At the meeting, the Chief Minister also directed officials to complete the work on roads and bridges that was damaged during the floods last year. Officials apprised the Chief Minister of flood related repair and restoration work taken up at a cost of Rs 500 crore and completion of about 1700 km out of 1800 km of road work. They said construction and repair work of bridges was under progress. With appointment of engineers getting delayed, the CM issued directions to appoint unemployed engineers as trainees. He also gave instructions to complete the Shivamogga airport work near Sogane in the district in a year, without compromising on the quality. Noting that land has been identified for the construction of airport at Vijayapura, he asked officials to take necessary action after conducting a review. During the meeting, a decision was taken to upgrade 1,650 km of rural roads into district main roads and 10,110 km of district main roads into state highways. 02.06.2020 LISTEN The Ghana Revenue Authority, (GRA) has assured freight forwarders it will resolve all concerns occasioned by the implementation of the new clearing system at the country's ports by UNIPASS. The first day of the system's roll-out witnessed increased agitation from freight forwarders at the Tema and Takoradi Ports, as they complained of a possible increase in demurrage, the fees paid to shipping lines when goods beat their clearing deadlines. Ghana Link, operators of UNIPASS, deployed some technical staff to address the concerns on Monday, but the freight forwarders resisted the slow pace of activity. The Commissioner of Customs, Colonel Kwadwo Damoah, however, says his outfit will address all the problems as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the problem that you have, there will be somebody there. A dedicated officer who will have the patience and skills to listen to you and offer the appropriate solution to your challenges. What we need of you is to remain calm, let us know the nature and type of challenge that you have and then we will channel it to the right persons to help you out. We are not happy that you were unable to perform your duties, it is in my interest and yours to make sure that things work so that you will work and the flow will continue, he said. The UNIPASS/ICUMS system The UNIPASS/ICUMS platform is a new port clearing system that processes documents and payments through one window: a departure from the previous system where valuation and classification and risk management and payment were handled by different entities. It is replacing the systems operated by West Blue Consulting and the Ghana Community Service Network Limited (GCNet). The system which will see all new transactions in respect to import and export processed only through the Ghana Revenue Authority's new Integrated Customs Management Systems, took full effect on Monday, June 1, 2020. Opposition Prior to the piloting of the new system and full implementation, many stakeholders within the logistics chain were dissatisfied with the service. Policy think-tank, IMANI Africa, last month, petitioned the government to temporarily suspend the operations of UNI-PASS and allow GCNET and West Blue to operate for the remainder of the year to rake in revenue in excess of GHS10 billion for the country, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trade activities. Also, the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders questioned the efficacy of system hours to the official outdooring of the system at the country's ports. The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders has also predicted revenue losses if the concerns raised by stakeholders on the inefficiencies of the UNIPASS system are not addressed. citinewsroom Haiti - FLASH : More than 2,500 cases, increase in 8 departments The Ministry of Public Health informs that 281 new cases have been confirmed in Haiti (the day before: +102), for a total of 2,507 cases throughout the national territory (40.7% women and 59.3% men) since the first case (March 19, 2020 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30319-haiti-health-origin-of-the-first-2-cases-of-covid-19-in-haiti.html ). 3 new deaths were recorded : 2 in Artibonite and 1 in the Northeast, bringing the total to 48. The number of active cases (minus deaths and cures) is now 2,435 cases (+ 12.89%) +278 cases in 24 hours (the day before : +101) Number of suspected cases : 5,562 cases (+ 5.54%) +292 (the day before: +26) All details in our daily report of 11:00 am See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30928-haiti-covid-19-daily-report-june-2-2020.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30922-haiti-flash-2-226-cases-the-covid-19-continues-to-progress.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30319-haiti-health-origin-of-the-first-2-cases-of-covid-19-in-haiti.html S/ HaitiLibre Allentown, PA (18103) Today Partly to mostly sunny, brisk, and very cold. Below zero wind chills in the morning. . Tonight Partly cloudy and very cold. Near or below zero wind chills again late at night towards sunrise. Air travel will not return to pre-Covid levels until 2023, according to the Minister for Transport. Speaking in the Dail, Shane Ross painted a bleak picture for the future of Irish aviation and said there were hopes at earlier stages in the crisis that next year might see a return to business as usual, however that is no longer the case. "There is an increasing consensus that a recovery will be slow with some predicting that 2019 levels of traffic will not be achieved again until 2023," he said. Mr Ross also told the chamber is not possible to say when the mandatory 14 day isolation period for travellers into Ireland will end. Currently, people travelling into Ireland are legally required to complete a Covid-19 passenger locator form, making it mandatory for travellers arriving into the airports and ports to tell the State where they will be self-isolating for 14 days in order to stop the spread of the virus. The current mandatory self-isolation period has been flagged as a major concern for the tourism and hospitality sector, as many will not travel to Ireland because of the issue. "I think it will continue for as long as the public health advice is that it should continue," Minister Shane Ross said. "I don't know, I'm sorry but I don't know what the answer to that question is because it will be a NPHET issue, and it'll be up to them to clarify in relation to that." Pre-booked holidays also hang in the balance as confusion continues to reign over whether Irish people can travel abroad. Ryanair boss Micheal O'Leary has said publicly that Ryanair will be re-launching around 90% of their pre-Covid19 flights from July 1. In an open letter, Mr OLeary urged the Minister for Health Simon Harris to scrap "the completely ineffective" self-isolation period. Mr Ross said he would not be making comments on Mr O'Leary's conduct. "I don't make any comments on that, except to say that everybody in this particular space has a particular axe to grind and has a particular interest," he said. "Michael O'Leary is in the business of selling seats on aeroplanes. "That means that that is his priority as Minister and his government. We have to take note of the industry's views of course because it's so important to conductivity to Ireland, but we also have to take note of the health authorities fears as well. "I have to bear in mind the fact that health considerations are paramount and that we have to count to one with the other. "At the end of the day, the government has recognised that the health of the nation is the most important factor that we have to consider when dealing with the current crisis." In a recent Dail committee, Jim Breslin, the Sec-Gen of the Department of Health said that Irish people should not enter into any financial arrangements for booking holidays. LOL. I knew he'd fall eventually. Reply Thread Link Another CW disappointment? Another day that ends in Y Reply Thread Link I mean, we've known his wife is a prissy white pageant queen whiny thing for years now. The original CW trash from that family (although she was on UPN). Reply Thread Link I had a conversation with my husband and hes so fed up, ITS NOT BLACK PEOPLES JOB TO EDUCATE WHITE PEOPLE. Pick up a book and educate yourself,done with this conversation bullshit people use over black and poc. So dismissive Love the reply Reply Thread Link Yeah all these people requiring black people to educate are self-serving assholes who don't want to learn and just want an excuse for their racist ignorance. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm a white person and I'm saying this. White people are so stupid. Why, how, I don't understand how the brain even comes up with the concept. Why does a black person need to educate a white person to understand this? Seriously?! Reply Parent Thread Link it's a trap. they want us to do all the work for them so that they can blame it on us for not being articulate or "rational" or convincing enough. as if they don't already know full well their racism and hatred is rooted too deep for anyone to do a damn thing about. Reply Parent Thread Link Ugghh yesss I've been fighting someone about that and they still don't get it Reply Parent Thread Link ikr -- I was on discord this morning with my sister, she was crying and upset bc she called out a yt friend for doing that "I don't see race, I see people" shit and the friend doubled down and said she's been discriminated against as a white woman and she didn't need to be educated after my sister tried to provide her with educational resources they've been friends for 25 years so my sister is devastated but I was like "I am sorry you're hurting, but save that energy for ppl who need it, it is not your job as a poc to educate white ppl" Edited at 2020-06-03 05:32 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link And Stephen is a great example of why Black people absolutely should not bother trying to educate white people because a Black woman DID try to do that and then a couple of years later he went on a podcast and said he regretted apologizing (to her and in general). It's wasted time - anyone who wants to learn will take the initiative themselves. ETA: I just realized that information is in this post, but I'm leaving it up for anyone else who also suffers from ONTDidn't read disease, lol Edited at 2020-06-03 05:34 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link My company tried to make it a group effort to put out a statement and I just watched these white people flop around while I ate popcorn and kept my mouth shut tbh. Reply Parent Thread Link https://www.instagram.com/p/CA8orb7nk8-/ Nicole Byer's post about having to educate white people's kids for them since they won't do it themselves but let them watch Nailed It instead made me so sad/angry this morning Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It is absolutely fine to stereotype Texas. Reply Thread Link As a Texan, I concur. Reply Parent Thread Link color me shocked lol Reply Thread Link then we go to this wild moment of him saying he isnt familiar with RACISM, then talking about that and gun violence not happening in canada?? pic.twitter.com/3ApT2IGDSq cleo is a lawyer (@dinahsoliver) June 2, 2020 Lol OP you should include this clip where he says he's never seen racism in action before and also that gun violence doesn't happen in Canada??? Reply Thread Link ty i didn't see these, and have added them! he's such an ignorant asshole Edited at 2020-06-03 05:06 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link I'll make sure to let everyone on the east coast know that gun violence doesn't happen here and the shooting was just a misunderstanding. I'm sure they'll be fully sympathetic to that. Reply Parent Thread Link holy fuck he's an idiot... gun violence is a huge problem but so is racism in Canada Reply Parent Thread Link i am so fucking tired of people saying gun violence doesn't happen in canada. did he fucking miss what just happened in nova scotia?! Reply Parent Thread Link what the fuck is he talking about. im sick to death of canadians/people acting like this racism/gun violence/etc doesnt happen here. racism is very much a problem in canada. Reply Parent Thread Link the "well everything's just fine in canada!" narrative is fucking tired. where were you a month ago? and the attack in nova scotia didn't even tie into canada's long history of anti-black, anti-indigenous violence Reply Parent Thread Link A turd is smarter than this creatin. Reply Parent Thread Link gun violence doesnt happen in canada? i wanna throat punch this nigga, ole musty ass alabaster Reply Parent Thread Link Having a hard time wrapping his head around it because he hasn't seen it happen personally? WTAF, so he has to physically be there to believe it? How do you go 39 years without witnessing racism? Edited at 2020-06-03 07:56 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link He always been a fucking dumbass and the main reason I never watched Arrow Reply Parent Thread Link The Montreal massacre...? He would've been like 8 years old when that happened. There's no way he wouldn't know about what was considered the biggest mass shooting up to that point in Canadian history? The mosque shooting in Quebec 3 years ago? Nova Scotia? I knew about Waco and I was like 4 when that happened. At his big age. He should be embarrassed. Reply Parent Thread Link him talking about wanting to round people up to go stand in front of store to protect it, instead of going to a protest. pic.twitter.com/b57lXmuuTG cleo is a lawyer (@dinahsoliver) June 2, 2020 Reply Thread Link SO many racist celebrities have exposed themselves. I love it. Reply Thread Link Lmao Reply Thread Link he's trash. throw him away Reply Thread Link Good, let theses racists expose themselves. I'd rather know where I stand with these assholes than think I have an ally or someone indifferent. Reply Thread Link Never heard of him Reply Thread Link Weve known hes trash for a while Reply Thread Link Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jesse Vad (The Jakarta Post) California, United States Wed, June 3, 2020 14:39 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbcfb5c 1 News travelers,travel,Spain Free Laura Canal and her longtime friend Maria Rodriguez first traveled to Indonesia as backpackers in 2013. After that trip, they knew theyd come back someday. Next time, well do it by car, said Rodriguez. You are crazy, replied Canal. Seven years later, the duo had driven a van halfway across the world, from Spain to Indonesia. Canal, a nurse, and Rodriguez, an accountant, both live in Madrid, Spain. After their past travels, they threw around the idea of a longer journey, this time by car. Eventually, the duo committed to the year-long trip after beginning to plan it in 2018, a full year before they left Spain. They chose Indonesia as their last stop because they loved it the first time they visited. They also had friends in Indonesia and thought it would be a suitable place to end their adventure. In the fall of 2018, they bought a used 2014 Volkswagen Caddy. A few months later they quit their jobs and started preparing for the trip. In June 2019, they hit the road. Read also: Indonesian couple taking country on motorbike tour around the world They chose Indonesia as their last stop because they loved it the first time they visited. (Courtesy of Laura Canal and Maria Rodriguez/File) Their route took them through Europe, which they crossed in a month as they drove through Austria, Poland and Latvia, among others. Then came a long stretch: Russia. It took two months for Canal and Rodriguez to cross Russia from west to east. They never had any problems, aside from minor car troubles, and made it happily to the eastern coast of the country. There, they continued to South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and then finally, on Dec. 31, to Indonesia. At the beginning of their stay in Indonesia, Canal and Rodriguez were in paradise, bouncing between Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa and Flores. They spent over a month with their friend Blanka Palamos, another Spaniard. Palamos, an artist, moved to Bali in 2013. Since then, she has married an Indonesian man and started a family. Canal and Rodriguez met Palamos in 2013 during their first trip to Indonesia. The three kept in touch and became close friends over the years. I think in Indonesia, the three of us really feel at home, said Palamos. Palamos admires Canal and Rodriguez for their kindness, generosity and because of what they represent in their travels. Two women, traveling alone from Europe to here its incredible, said Palamos. Its so beautiful and can be so inspiring to others. But the stress-free days of tropical bliss didnt last. When borders started closing around them because of the spread of COVID-19, Canal and Rodriguez realized their drive back to Spain was doomed. They also feared for their friends and family in Spain, a country that was hit hard by the pandemic. All my colleagues were having a horrible time in Spain, said Canal. I felt like I should have been there. It was a strange mix of feelings. Canal and Rodriguez didnt go back to Spain because they didnt want to abandon their car. Instead, they hunkered down in Bali and arranged with a company to have the car shipped back to Spain in June. Once the car is on a boat, they will try to fly home. When it comes to being stuck in Bali, things could be worse. We feel very lucky because of the place, because of the people. Theyve treated us very well, said Canal. Bali has been left relatively unscathed by the pandemic so far. The Tourism Ministry even announced that starting on May 28, Bali will be open for tourism again. Tourists will need to have a certificate stating theyve tested negative for COVID-19. Now that Spain has started to improve and their families are safe, Canal and Rodriguez feel more at ease. Theyre staying in a hostel on the eastern side of Bali where they remain as isolated as possible. They teach Spanish online, work on their website, do gymnastics and go to the beach for sunsets. This is something that the trip I think has taught us, said Canal. That in the end, there is always a way. (kes) ------------------------------ The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post. Topics : travelers travel Spain Whether it will do so is open to doubt. Certainly, the early hope that generals would act as the adults in the room has proved hollow, in part because Mr. Trump simply removed those who offered resistance, but also because it was unrealistic to expect professionals hard-wired to respect civilian control to resist it on a wholesale basis. Traditionally, service members must carry out orders as long as they dont consider them patently illegal or else resign. The military now finds itself in highly unusual, if not unprecedented, circumstances, and may need new standards to handle them. In 2010, Andrew Milburn then an active-duty Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, now a retired colonel wrote that a military officers oath and code of ethics accord him the moral autonomy to disobey an order he believes would harm the United States, its military or the soldiers in his charge in a manner not clearly outweighed by its benefits. In his view, generals like being generals, and thus would select judiciously those causes for which they were prepared to sacrifice their careers. Mr. Milburns argument was controversial then; I voiced deep skepticism about it in a piece in Harpers. But over the course of nine years perhaps especially in the last three it has gained some traction in the military, and U.S. military doctrine has come to recognize greater flexibility in dealing with orders considered improper. In fact, the general whom Mr. Trump tasked with responding to the protests, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark A. Milley, has advocated such flexibility. In 2017, as Army chief of staff, he gave a speech for the Atlantic Council in which he expressed support for disciplined disobedience for the sake of a missions higher purpose. We may be close to the moment at which active-duty service members need to consider disciplined disobedience. American democracy depends in part on the ingrained commitment of its armed forces to civilian control. But as more and more military leaders including, publicly, two of General Milleys predecessors are coming to recognize, the risk has increased that a president will abuse that control to subvert the very democracy it is meant to uphold. By Wednesday, Mr. Trumps reckless use of the military had moved James Mattis, who resigned as secretary of defense in December 2018, to break his long silence. The former four-star Marine general expressed his dismay that troops sworn to support and defend the Constitution would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the Constitutional rights of their fellow citizens. There may yet be hope that active-duty generals will listen to him, and decline to facilitate Mr. Trumps dangerous overreach. Jonathan Stevenson is a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies and managing editor of Survival. Trained as a lawyer, he served on the National Security Council staff from 2011 to 2013 and as a professor of strategic studies at the U.S. Naval War College. 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. Photo: The Canadian Press Chief of Department of the New York City Police, Terence Monahan, takes a knee with activists as protesters paused while walking in New York, Monday, June 1, 2020. Demonstrators took to the streets of New York to protest the death of George Floyd, who died May 25 after he was pinned at the neck by a Minneapolis police officer. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle) Undeterred by curfews, protesters streamed back into the nation's streets Tuesday, hours after President Donald Trump pressed governors to put down the violence set off by George Floyd's death and demanded that New York call up the National Guard to stop the lowlifes and losers. As more demonstrations began taking shape around the country, and cities including Washington prepared for the possibility of more violence, the president amplified his hard-line calls of a day earlier, in which he threatened to send in the military to restore order if governors didnt do it. NYC, CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD, he tweeted. The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart. Act fast! One day after a crackdown on peaceful protesters near the White House, thousands of demonstrators massed a block away from the presidential mansion, facing law enforcement personnel standing behind a black chain-link fence. The fence was put up overnight to block access to Lafayette Park, just across the street from the White House. Last night pushed me way over the edge, said Jessica DeMaio, 40, of Washington, who attended a Floyd protest Tuesday for the first time. Being here is better than being at home feeling helpless." The crowd remained in place after the citys 7 p.m. curfew passed, defying warnings that the response from law enforcement could be even more forceful. But the protest lacked the tension of the previous nights demonstrations. The crowd Tuesday was peaceful, polite even. At one point, the crowd booed when a protester climbed a light post and took down a street sign. A chant went up: Peaceful protest! On Monday, law enforcement officers on foot and horseback aggressively drove protesters away from Lafayette Park, clearing the way for President Donald Trump to do a photo op at nearby St. Johns Church. On Tuesday, pastors at the church prayed with demonstrators and handed out water bottles. Protests ranged across the U.S., including in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, St. Paul, Minnesota, Columbia, South Carolina, and Orlando, Florida, where more than 1,000 people gathered in the afternoon to decry the killings of black people. This has to change, said 39-year-old Aisxia Batiste, an out-of-work massage therapist in Orlando. Something has to give. Were done. This is the beginning of the end of something. It has to be. In New York, midtown Manhattan was pocked with battered storefronts after Monday's protests. Macys flagship store was among those hit when crowds of people smashed windows and looted stores as they swept through the area. A police sergeant was hospitalized after being hit by a car in the Bronx, where people walked Tuesday between ransacked buildings and a burned-out car on the Grand Concourse, a commercial thoroughfare. Police made nearly 700 arrests and Mayor Bill de Blasio extended an 8 p.m. curfew all week. Were going to have a tough few days," he warned, but added: Were going to beat it back. He pleaded with community leaders to step forward and create peace. More than 20,000 National Guard members have been called up in 29 states to deal with the violence. New York is not among them, and De Blasio has said he does not want the Guard. On Tuesday, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo called what happened in the city a disgrace. The NYPD and the mayor did not do their job last night, Cuomo said at a briefing in Albany. He said the mayor underestimated the problem, and the nations largest police force was not deployed in sufficient numbers, though the city had said it doubled the usual police presence. Tuesday marked the eight straight night of the protests, which began in Minneapolis, where Floyd died, and quickly spread across the country. The mother of George Floyds 6-year-old daughter, Gianna, said she wanted the world to know that her little girl lost a good father. I want everybody to know that this is what those officers took, Roxie Washington said during a Minneapolis news conference with her young daughter at her side. I want justice for him because he was good. No matter what anybody thinks, he was good. On Monday, scattered violence flared in multiple protests, including an officer who was shot and gravely wounded outside a Las Vegas hotel and casino, and four officers shot in St. Louis. They were expected to recover. About a dozen other deaths have been reported around the country over the past week. And nearly 8,000 people nationwide have been arrested, according to a count by The Associated Press. Some protesters framed the burgeoning movement as a necessity after a string of killings by police. It feels like its just been an endless cascade of hashtags of black people dying, and it feels like nothings really being done by our political leaders to actually enact real change, said Christine Ohenzuwa, 19, who attended a peaceful protest at the Minnesota state capitol in St. Paul. Theres always going to be a breaking point. I think right now, were seeing the breaking point around the country. I live in this state. Its really painful to see whats going on, but its also really important to understand that its connected to a system of racial violence," she said. Meanwhile, governors and mayors, Republicans and Democrats alike, rejected Trump's threat to send in the military, with some saying troops would be unnecessary and others questioning whether the government has such authority and warning that such a step would be dangerous. Denver is not Little Rock in 1957, and Donald Trump is not President Eisenhower. This is a time for healing, for bringing people together, and the best way to protect civil rights is to move away from escalating violence, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, both Democrats, said in a statement, referring to Eisenhower's use of troops to enforce school desegregation in the South. A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the president is not rushing to send in the military and that his goal was to pressure governors to deploy more National Guard members. Such use of the military would mark a stunning federal intervention rarely seen in modern American history. Amid the protests, nine states and the District of Columbia held presidential primaries. Joe Biden has been moving closer to formally clinching the Democratic presidential nomination. In Washington, voting stations stayed open until 8 p.m., an hour past the city's curfew. Voting was deemed essential, and city officials said voters would not be subject to arrest. Philadelphia moved its 6 p.m. curfew back to 8:30 p.m. to accommodate voting. Minnesota, meanwhile, opened an investigation into whether the Minneapolis Police Department has a pattern of discrimination against minorities. Floyd died May 25 after a white Minneapolis officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee on the handcuffed black mans neck for several minutes. Chauvin has been charged with murder. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said prosecutors are working as fast as they can to determine if the three other officers at the scene should be charged too. All four have been fired. Neighbors organize to oppose asphalt plant EAST FLAT ROCK Neighbors have organized to block a proposed asphalt plant on Spartaburg Highway at the U.S. 25 connector, saying that the manufacturing use could release harmful toxins into the air, depreciate surrounding property values and endanger the health of residents. Neighboring property owners met on Tuesday night, organized the FriendsOfEastFlatRock.org and urged opponents to submit questions to the Henderson County Planning board by the deadline, 11:45 p.m. Sunday. Michelle Tennant Nicholson, a beekeeper and chicken farmer living across the street from the proposed site says she was not notified by Henderson County about the neighborhood compatibility meeting taking place Monday, June 8, 2020, at 1:00 pm via zoom even though she can see the property from her driveway. For links, go to FriendsofEastFlatRock.org or call Michelle at 828.817.4034 who is organizing neighbors to have input. A paving company is seeking to rezone a 12-acre tract of land on Spartaburg Highway at the U.S. 25 connector for an asphalt plant, according to plans submitted to the Henderson County Planning Department. Southeastern Asphalt owner Jeffrey B.Shipman proposes an asphalt drum plant on 6.5 acres of the site, which would include a 350-square foot steel control building, raw materials storage area heavy duty asphalt pad and driveway, loading zone, three parking spaces for employees, two acres of paved surfaces or roof, or 17 of the total tract and 1.8 acres of impervious surfaces on project parcel (28 percent). The vacant commercial-zoned land is valued at $171,800, according to property tax records. According to the National Asphalt Paving Association, in a drum plant the mix is made continuously. Asphalt and stone are mixed in a drum after the aggregate has been dried and heated. After the asphalt and aggregate are mixed, they are moved to a stoage silo where the mix is loaded into trucks, the trade association website says. On its new website, the Friends of East Flat Rock says the process of making as much as 600-800 tons per hour can release pollution. "Asphalt fumes are known toxins," the group said. "Asphalt processing facilities are major sources of hazardous air pollutants such as formaldehyde, hexane, phenol, polycyclic organic matter, and toluene. Exposure to these air toxics may cause cancer, central nervous system problems, liver damage, respiratory problems, and skin irritation." The asphalt maker has asked for a rezoning to conditional district, from the current community commercial designation. A conditional zoning allows the Board of Commissioners to place conditions on the land to address community concerns and make the development more compatible with adjacent uses. Examples that neighbors often seek are limits on noise, light, hours of operation, traffic, dust, water runoff and noxious odors. A neighborhood compatibility meeting has been scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, June 8, during which applicant and engineers will present an overview of the proposed project and answer questions from neighboring property owners. Because of social distancing requirements, the meeting will be held remotely. People interested in commenting can access the site here and find the staff report here. A homeowner and organizer of the opposition, Michelle Tennant Nicholson, said she was blindsided by the rezoning request. "I didnt know about this," said Nicholson, a beekeeper and chicken farmer who lives across the road from the site. "I have repeatedly requested of Henderson County to publicize better their rezoning meetings for public commentary yet, this morning I had to find out about an asphalt plant making a request to literally move in across the street from me from a friend." She said when she called a county planner, she was told, "Legally theyre not bound to alert anyone other than those within 400 feet of the property, which is shocking. Literally I can see the property from my driveway." "I just want to have a discussion about the pros and cons of this," Tennant said. "This area is a superfund site. The groundwater was contaminated by GE. I own an acre and a half and my concern is on already contaminated toxic land it seems like it doesnt make sense to put a very toxic use right across the street. The thing that I object to is not being notified, that I had to find out from a neighbor who heard it from a neighbor and none of us got a formal announcement." John Mitchell, the countys director of business and community development, said the county planning department's rezoning process is transparent and designed to maximize the public's opportunity to speak. We go through the same process for every applicant, he said. Everybody is entitled to the same treatment before the code. We have a process. That process is laid out there. We notify folks within 400 feet. The board has instituted a plan to do community meetings. Everyones entitled to make comments. Citizens are finding out about it because the propertys posted and letters have gone out. The system is working the way it should. Everything we do in planning and zoning is about people having an equal opportunity before the law. That equal opportunity is laid out in the code," he said. "We cant do more or less than the code because then we would be treating somebody unfairly. Were trying to be the referee in this. Public hearings before the Planning Board and the Board of Commissioners will both be advertised in the newspaper in advance. Neither the county land-use code nor the state requires neighborhood compatibility meetings to be advertised. You start by posting the property and sending the letters, he said, both of which have happened. The whole purpose of the community meeting is to ask questions of the applicant and that whole record will then be published and transmitted to the Planning Board before it ever begins a true regulatory process. There's one sign that people know about the rezoning request. Were starting to get phone calls, Mitchell said, and I expect well get more. Residents of Highland Hills, Cinnamon Woods and other neighborhoods are poised to fight the plant, she added. Surrounding uses to the southwest and northwest are primarily commercial, planners said, including the South Crossing Business Park and an automotive repair business for large commercial vehicles. To the southwest, northeast and east, neighboring land use is primarily residential, containing the Brookside Manufactured Home Park, single-family homes and manufactured homes. The county's Technical Review Committee will discuss the application on Tuesday, June 16. The Planning Board is scheduled to take it up at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18. NEW YORK, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hestia Capital Partners LP ("Hestia"), Permit Capital Enterprise Fund, L.P. ("Permit") and their affiliates (the "Investor Group"), who beneficially own approximately 7.2% of the outstanding shares of GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME) (the "Company"), announced that Glass Lewis & Co. ("Glass Lewis"), a leading independent proxy voting advisory firm, has recommended that GameStop stockholders vote the Investor Group's WHITE proxy card FOR the election of Paul J. Evans and Kurtis J. Wolf at the Company upcoming Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 12, 2020. The Investor Group encourages its fellow stockholders to read its proxy materials and stockholder letters, which are accessible at www.RestoreGameStop.com. John Broderick, a Partner with Permit, stated "We are gratified that both leading independent proxy advisory firms, Glass Lewis and ISS, have recognized the need for change at GameStop and have endorsed our efforts to improve its board. We are extremely appreciative of the thoughtful, independent analysis that Glass Lewis performed in recommending the election of Paul Evans and Kurt Wolf." Kurtis Wolf, Managing Member of the General Partner of Hestia, added "We believe that Glass Lewis has done all GameStop stakeholders a tremendous service by diligently analyzing the situation, and recommending stockholder-friendly change on GameStop's Board. If elected, Paul and I look forward to working with GameStop's other directors to unlock value for the benefit of GameStop employees, customers, vendors and stockholders." In its 27-page research report, Glass Lewis performed a detailed analysis of both sides' positions and considered, among other items, the Company's persistent operating and stock price underperformance, the market's sentiment toward the Company's strategy, and the appointment of new directors that can help execute a turnaround at the Company. Glass Lewis ultimately concluded that stockholders should vote on the WHITE proxy card FOR the election of Paul J. Evans and Kurtis J. Wolf. In its report, Glass Lewis stated:1 "after having thoroughly reviewed the information and arguments presented by [Permit/Hestia] and the Company, we believe that [Permit/Hestia] have made a compelling case to support the election of [Permit/Hestia's] Nominees to the Company's board." Glass Lewis highlighted the value that Mr. Evans and Mr. Wolf would bring to the Board, stating: "In our view, [Permit/Hestia] have accurately highlighted key shortcomings at the Company, particularly with respect to share price performance, operational performance and broader market perception." "We believe that the addition of [Permit/Hestia's] Nominees could help the Company to address the foregoing issues given their respective backgrounds and experiences." "With the board currently being heavily weighted towards executives with retail backgrounds, we believe that the Company could benefit from the addition of new directors who would bring different perspectives along with useful skill sets, such as [Permit/Hestia's] Nominees." In conclusion, Glass Lewis stated: "Accordingly, we recommend that shareholders vote on the Dissidents' WHITE proxy card FOR all nominees." GAMESTOP STOCKHOLDERS, GLASS LEWIS AND ISS HAVE SPOKEN. THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW. VOTE YOUR WHITE PROXY TODAY TO ELECT PAUL J. EVANS AND KURTIS J. WOLF TO THE BOARD AT THE COMPANY'S UPCOMING ANNUAL MEETING. If you have already voted GameStop's blue proxy card, a later dated WHITE proxy card will revoke your previously cast vote. If you have any questions about how to vote, the Investor Group's proxy solicitor Saratoga Proxy Consulting can be reached at [email protected] or (888) 368-0379. About Hestia Capital Hestia Capital is a long term focused, deep value investment firm that typically makes long-term investments in a narrow selection of companies facing company-specific, and/or industry, disruptions. Hestia seeks to leverage its General Partner's expertise in competitive strategy and capital markets to identify attractive situations within this universe of disrupted companies. These companies are often misunderstood by the general investing community and provide the 'price dislocations' which allows Hestia to identify, and invest in, highly attractive risk/reward investment opportunities. About Permit Capital Enterprise Fund The Permit Capital Enterprise Fund, through its management company, follows an investing philosophy that seeks to identify securities trading at a discount to intrinsic value. The investment approach is bottom-up and focused on the valuation of the securities of individual issuers. The management company's assessment of intrinsic value is based on its own fundamental research as well as numerous sources of publicly available information. Contacts: Kurt Wolf at 724-687-7842 John Broderick at 610-941-5025 1 Permission to quote from the Glass Lewis report was neither sought nor obtained. Emphases added. SOURCE Hestia Capital Management, LLC & Permit Capital Enterprise Fund, L.P. 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Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers. To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/ BLOOMINGTON, Ind. Lane Wolf pulls into the motel at 7 a.m. His eyes are usually bloodshot hes not used to sleeping around 12-hour shifts. Sometimes, while hes driving to work, he confuses the sunrise with the sunset. The motel is a temporary isolation shelter in Bloomington, Indiana, for people who are homeless and have been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Wolf first checks with each client over the phone. How are you feeling? Are your symptoms better or worse today? Then he brings them breakfast oatmeal, fruit, breakfast bars. He sets the plate down in front of the door, knocks and then steps back at least 6 feet. Whenever he tags along to pick up a new client from the hospital, hes decked out in the gown, the gloves, the mask and the face shield that have become symbols of the coronavirus fight. But he rebuffs any suggestion hes working on the front lines he cleans more than anything else, he says. Lane Wolf works for a shelter in Bloomington, Indiana, set up for people experiencing homelessness who need to isolate due to COVID-19. The temporary shelter opened in early April to help those who have either been exposed to the virus or are experiencing symptoms themselves. Working at the shelter was never in Wolfs plan. But like other newly minted college graduates across the country, the pandemic upended the life hed spent years building for himself. Just a few weeks ago, hiring freezes and rescinded job offers and furloughs werent a concern. A few weeks ago, 33 million people hadnt filed for unemployment. A few weeks ago, the world didnt seem at a standstill. Before Wolf graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington, hed planned to move to Los Angeles. He didnt have a job lined up. Maybe hed use his degree in media. Or maybe hed just work at a coffee shop, earning enough to scrape by. In This Together: A daughter steps from fathers protective shadow to be a new kind of hero He searched Craigslist for a roommate with a cheap couch to sleep on. He was preparing to essentially be homeless himself. He was 22 and following a dream. Money didnt matter. But money did matter, at least a little. After everything shut down, he lost his restaurant job. No job meant he could no longer save up through the summer. And moving across the country in the middle of a pandemic wasnt safe, anyway. Story continues I realized the world needs to be more stable for me to be so unstable, he said. Moving to a big, booming city like Los Angeles was something Wolf only dreamed of before college. A first-generation college student, he grew up on a small farm in the tiny town of Larwill, Indiana, with a population of fewer than 300. I need to get out, he thought to himself, or I feel like Im going to disintegrate. Throughout college, Wolfs friends worried about security feeling safe with their jobs, their finances, their living situations. Those things didnt worry someone accustomed to an apartment where the roof leaks every time it rains and the mold grows in the bathroom every time he showers. Lane Wolf graduated in May from Indiana University-Bloomington with a bachelor's in media. He planned to move to Los Angeles, but now works in a homeless shelter for people exposed to COVID-19. But to get out of Indiana, he knew he needed to make money. So when he saw on Facebook that the shelter was hiring, he jumped at the opportunity. The application asked how many years of experience in social services he had. None, he answered. It doesnt matter, he thought. If I want something, I can get it. Now Wolf considers himself lucky to be making $15 an hour. He has a place to sleep and a fulfilling job. But he knows this stability wont last. Eventually, when the pandemic passes and the rest of the world can breathe a sigh of relief, hell be thrown back out into what might be the worst job market since the Great Depression. But hes not afraid. In This Together: While coronavirus creates new challenges for adoptions, a family forms anyway He talks with his co-worker who graduated into the Great Recession about how everything will be OK. He uses his free time to build his portfolio and learn to enjoy what hes doing. He still hopes to move to Los Angeles someday, but he knows the economy might not allow it for a while. And thats OK. Hes grateful for the time hes getting to grow as a person. When not at work, Wolf is researching homelessness in Bloomington and learning more about it than he did his past four years living there. Hes working on his public relations and advertising skills recently, he did a brand mock-up just for fun. He takes time to cook actual meals and do other simple things he rarely experienced in college. A lot of times, when you finish college, youre thrown into the world and everyones just like, OK, go, he said. But this time, the world just decided to pause for a bit. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus: College graduate finds work in COVID-19 homeless shelter The anti-racism protests that have been spreading across the U.S. for the past week have exposed the double standards of the country. Demonstrators take part in a protest in Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, the United States, June 1, 2020. Two people were shot dead and at least 60 were arrested as protests and looting continued in Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs on Monday in response to the police killing of George Floyd. (Photo by Chris Dilts/Xinhua) The violent protests are similar to last years Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement in Hong Kong. However, some American politicians, who had called the Hong Kong protests "a beautiful sight to behold, now claim that shooting is justified if protesters begin plundering or looting. They praised the violent protesters in Hong Kong as heroes, but called domestic demonstrators rioters. They slammed the Hong Kong police, who enforced the law in a restrained manner, even though the U.S. National Guard will not hesitate to fire at people. The truth is, the essence of what happened in Hong Kong is different from the anti-racism protests in America. The Hong Kong protests aimed to divide Hong Kong from China, which is something no country would tolerate. The U.S., for one, has promulgated over 20 national security laws that specify severe penalties for those who propagandize or employ force to overthrow the government. The ongoing demonstrations in the U.S., however, are the result of a police officer in Minneapolis, in the U.S. state of Minnesota, killing unarmed black man George Floyd. Despite repeated pleas from the African American, who said, "I can't breathe," the police officer pinned him down with his knee on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, eventually causing his death, showing a true crisis in democracy and human rights. While criticizing China for ending chaos, some U.S. politicians label themselves as beacons of democracy and human rights. Such double standards reveal their hypocrisy driven by ulterior political motives. These motives could be seen from their intervention in the Hong Kong national security law. China intends to protect the security and freedom of Hong Kong people and will crack down on subversion and foreign intervention through the law. The reason why the U.S. cares so much about the law makes people wonder whether they intend to interfere in China's internal affairs. It is already known that the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) in the U.S. have funded political groups, polling organizations and so-called human rights organizations in Hong Kong for a long time. The fact that American demonstrators have no helmets, masks, goggles, "journalists" or medical teams like the Hong Kong protesters did proves that the Hong Kong chaos was instigated and supported by foreign countries, according to Leung Chun-ying, vice chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and former HK chief executive. If American politicians do not abandon their hypocrisy and double standards and continue with their political games instead of caring about the lives of Americans, they will eventually be abandoned by their own people. Before the lockdown, Shahid Kapoor was shooting for Jersey in Chandigarh and took wife Mira and kids, Misha and Zain along with him. When the news about the virus bring a serious threat started to spread in the country, Shahid made sure to wrap-up the outdoor schedule for the film quickly and return to their safe place before travel restrictions set in. A video of Shahid and Mira gorging on some hot padokas in a cafeteria in Punjab from the same period has recently created waves on the internet. The couple can be seen with their kids and their nannies in the video. Check it out below. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian again insisted that the success of his administrations fight against coronavirus depends on ordinary peoples behavior after Armenian health authorities reported more than 500 new COVID-19 infections for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. Pashinian said that noncompliance with social distancing and other rules set by the government has become so widespread that law-enforcement authorities cannot effectively enforce them. I am arriving at the conclusion that there is no security or administrative body in the world that can solve the problem of such scale, he declared in a video address streamed live on Facebook. This is not a merely organizational issue, he added. Even if it is, no structure, not even the government, can solve this problem unless each of us views this problem as their own. Pashinian pointed to dozens of photographs of people across the country not practicing social distancing which he has received from Facebook users and shared on his page since Tuesday night. Pashinian repeated these complaints when he held a daily news briefing later on Wednesday. He said that given the huge scale of popular complacency the Armenian police and sanitary authorities should not be blamed for the continuing rapid spread of the virus. He pledged at the same time to ensure a stricter enforcement of the safety rules. Speaking at the news briefing, the national police chief, Arman Sargsian, said his officers fined on Tuesday more than 900 people who did not wear face masks in cars and buses. Sargsian also confirmed that riot police quelled overnight a protest by angry traders at a wholesale agricultural market outside Yerevan who defied sanitary authorities order to shut down temporarily. Pashinian has regularly stated in recent weeks that the onus is on Armenians to end the coronavirus crisis by wearing masks, observing social distancing and frequently washing their hands. Critics have responded by accusing him of incompetence and attempts to avoid responsibility for his failure to contain the epidemic. They say that the authorities never properly enforced a nationwide lockdown imposed in March and ended it too son. Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinian, who coordinates government measures against the epidemic, said Wednesday that the authorities still hope to avoid a renewed lockdown. He said they will continue to put the emphasis on enforcement of the existing rules and a substantial change in our social behavior for now. Avinian also announced that starting from Thursday Armenians will have to wear masks not only in enclosed spaces but also in the streets and other public areas. This requirement will not apply to children under the age of 7 or adults exercising outside their homes, he said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health reported in the morning that the total number of coronavirus cases in the country of about 3 million rose by 515 to 10,524 in the past 24 hours. It also said that 12 more people died from COVID-19, bringing the official death toll to 170. A ministry spokeswoman, Alina Nikoghosian, told RFE/RLs Armenian service that there are now virtually no vacant beds left at the intensive care units of Armenian hospitals treating COVID-19 patients. A cross section of people in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) of the Western Region have welcomed the decision of the Government to lift the ban on mass gathering permitting a limit of 100 people at a time. Those expressing their appreciation, include Christians who are happy that church services can go on within the specific guidelines put in place to limits the spread of the COVID-19. It would be recalled that President Nana Akufo-Addo on March 15, ordered the closure of all schools and universities and the suspension of all public gatherings for four weeks as a means to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross section of the Christians who spoke to the Ghana News Agency in an interview argued that the church was noted to maintain discipline in its services and can best adhere to the social distancing and other protocols. According to them, the order to close the churches turned out to be the most difficult one for them to obey as it was having a big impact on them because communal prayer and the discipline of the religious calendar were central to their lives. Prophet Godlove Agbemodzi, General Overseer of the Christ Miracle Power Church (CMPC), said when the announcement on the closure was first made, he was surprised, in that it was hard to imagine life without religious services for some. He lamented that life had not been easy for the past 10 weeks that he had been in the house without taking offerings. Other pastors the GNA spoke to said they have been in great distress since the services were their means of livelihood. President Nana Akufo-Addo in his address to the nation on 31 May, 2020, to provide an update on COVID-19 pandemic, announced that religious services could commence with service lasting for an hour per session and the congregation should be limited to 100 people at a time. However, some people were of the view that looking at the prescribed modalities given them by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to follow, the elite and well-endowed churches could follow, but the smaller ones and those in the villages or peri-urban communities may not be able to bear the cost that comes with it. According to the critics, churches in the rural communities before the closure were suffering from low incomes from tithes and offerings, which left some pastors no choice than to run prayer sessions frequently to increase their revenue. Madam Mary Agidi said evidence from other nations have proven that large gatherings provided the most fertile grounds for the spread of the virus, and so there was the need to refrain from such gatherings in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Considering the all-night services, the miracle and the anointing services with people falling under the power of the anointing and the modalities to observe social distancing, I will not show up for some time at my church unless the pandemic is curbed, she stated. She therefore advised churches to adopt digital platforms for services like payment of tithes and offering through mobile money platforms while those who can afford should offer online streaming services. Meanwhile, the leadership of the Fire Glory Church at Tanokrom, a suburb of Takoradi, said they would hold two services on Sunday with the first starting at 7am to 8.30 am while the second begins at 9am to 10.30. They further indicated that they would be holding a five-day Holy Spirit Revival service from Monday 8 to 12 June,2020. 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 According to Wizkid, there is more to be done than singing against bad governance in Nigeria. We gats do more was the crown of his response as a twitter user demanded a song highlighting challenges in the country. @wizkidayo Id be so excited if you can just drop a song highlighting some of the critical issues going on in this country. I trust and believe it will go a long way. God bless you, massive respect for you, a fan wrote. Responding, Wizkid noted that music legend Fela had done all needed to be done before he was born, yet nothing changed. He said: Fela made songs before I was born about the issues of bad leadership and governance and even to this present administration!! my brudda(brother) nothing has changed. We gats do more. The Nigerian music superstar, however, noted that the 2023 general election is another chance to make things right. Next election! Use your voice and your votes wisely!!, Wizkid added. Related Unmanned helicopter conducts first test flight PLA Daily Source: China Daily Editor: Chen Zhuo 2020-06-02 15:03:10 China's first unmanned helicopter specifically designed for plateau conditions recently conducted its maiden flight, according to the model's developer, Aviation Industry Corp of China, the country's leading aircraft conglomerate. The AR500C, designed and built by the AVIC Helicopter Research and Development Institute in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, took off for the first time on May 20 at the institute's unmanned aircraft testing base in Jiangxi's Poyang county and stayed in the air for about 20 minutes. It made several maneuvers during the flight and produced "satisfactory data", AVIC said in a statement. The company said the model was designed based on its predecessor, the AR500B, and in accordance with plateau environments. It has been tasked with undertaking information support operations such as reconnaissance and signal relay, it added. Fang Yonghong, technology director at the institute, said the AR500C has a maximum takeoff weight of 500 kilograms, a flight ceiling of 6,700 meters and a maximum speed of 170 kilometers per hour. It can stay in the air for five hours during an operation and can make autonomous takeoffs and landings. The unmanned rotorcraft can carry additional equipment to carry out various tasks such as electronic jamming, aerial search, fire suppression, maritime surveillance as well as tracing for nuclear or chemical leaks. It can also cooperate with manned aircraft or independently operate in target locking and strike, and supply transportation, he said. The institute started research and development on the AR500C last year with designers focusing on its engine, rotor wing, aerodynamic modifications and composite materials. The first one was assembled in March and then began to undergo ground tests before the flight test, according to Fang. AVIC developed several types of unmanned helicopters, but they were not specifically designed for plateau deployment. Wu Peixin, an aviation industry observer in Beijing, explained that the special environmental conditions on plateau, ranging from low oxygen levels to chilly temperatures and rapidly changing weather, pose big challenges to aircraft. Compared with conventional unmanned helicopters, those made for plateau operations should have stronger engines, better temperature adaptability and other specific modifications, he said, adding that they will be very useful in China. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. Bhopal: Amid simmering tension in the BJP camp for ministerial berths ahead of an expected cabinet expansion in Madhya Pradesh, a senior BJP leader has made his own party see red by seeking help from actor Sonu Sood in bringing back migrant labourers stranded due to COVID-19 lockdown. Sood, a Bollywood actor, has been winning praise for his efforts in helping migrants amid lockdown. In a tweet addressed to Sood, former Shivraj minister Rajendra Shukla on Tuesday sought help for migrants in Mumbai who wanted to go to back their homes in Madhya Pradeshs Rewa and Satna. The actor, who has been responding to similar tweets directed at him, was quick to reply, saying, Sir, koi bhai kahin nahin fansega. Aapke pravasi bhai kal aapke pass bhej denge. Kabhi MP aaye to poha khila dena. (Sir, no brother will remain stranded anywhere. You people will be sent back to you tomorrow. Hope you treat me to poha (a famous MP snack) whenever I visit the state). Congress leader Alka Lamba was quick to slam Shukla for asking from a celebrity despite his own party being in power in the state. I cant believe my eyes. He (Shukla) is a former minister and MLA, and has his party in power in MP and Centre. He has party MLAs and MPs in Maharashtra and he is seeking help from actor Sonu Sood. If you have any shame left, resign and sit at home, Lamba said in a tweet. Arun Yadav, former MPCC president, also criticised Shukla, saying, Ex-ministers tweet exposes the bitter truth of MP. Shivraj ji see this, your former minister and MLA has no faith in your government and he had to seek help from actor Sonu Sood for bringing back his migrant labourers stuck in Mumbai. Congress MLA Kunal Chaudhary claimed that Shuklas tweet indicates there has been a scam on the pretext of bringing back migrant labourers in Madhya Pradesh. As the matter gathered steam, Shukla deleted the tweet from his handle. Tagging reports of Shramik Special Trains that are bringing back migrants in his region, Shukla said 45 such trains have brought back 42,000 migrants in the region. Congressmen, he claimed, have holed up in their homes due to fear of virus and have no idea that lakhs of Vindhya region migrants have returned to native places with help from the Centre and state. Political observers see an interesting aspect in Shuklas tweet: With the Shivraj Singh Chauhan cabinet due for an expansion, party seniors are apprehensive of their berths as the party needs to accommodate several turncoats who deserted Congress and joined BJP reportedly after being promised ministerial berths. The party reportedly plans to accommodate several seniors, including Shukla, into the party organisation. On Tuesday, three senior leaders Gopal Bhargav, Vijay Shah and Gaurihankar Bisen met in Bhopal and later called on the Chief Minister. Their meeting was seen as a growing concern among party seniors for the ministerial berths. At present, Shivraj cabinet has five ministers, including two from the Jyotiradita Scindia camp. "99.95 or 97 percent of the active cases in the country are either asymptomatic or mild," this is according to Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye. Ghana's case count Ghana's COVID-19 case count has increased from 8,070 to 8,297 after 227 new cases were added. Per an update by the Ghana Health Service on Tuesday afternoon the number of recoveries is now 2,986. The Deputy Minister speaking on 'The Platform' programme on Peace FM, Monday said majority of the infected persons recover quickly because they are asymptomatic. According to him, only 2 percent of cases globally are moderate to severe; and that of Ghana "is about 0.5; 5 out of a thousand". Recovery Dr Okoe Boye also indicated that "per records in Ghana, over 99.9 percent of patients recover from coronavirus with a mortality rate of 0.4 and further urged Ghanaians to "keep to the protocol because nobody knows who will be part of the 0.4 percent". 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 Hundreds took to the streets and a few protesters were even laying across a bridge as demonstrations continued Tuesday in Connecticut in response to the death of George Floyd. Several protesters stopped traffic during the late afternoon when they were laying across the Arrigoni Bridge between Portland and Middletown. In Wilton, a march was canceled, but many gathered for a vigil outside a church. Others took to the streets in Hamden, Fairfield and the rural Litchfield County community of Washington. Those who attended were asked to show their support silently because the town is majority white, Nickoll indicated she did not want white voices to be heard over those of black protestors. I think having a moment to silently honor the movement and stand in solidarity with black lives will be very important in a town like Washington that is overwhelmingly white and affluent, said Sophie Nickoll, the events organizer. I am aware that I am a white woman with a lot of privilege helping to organize this and it is not my story to tell or my fight to lead just support. Those who attended were also asked to maintain a distance of 6 feet from each other due to the coronavirus health crisis, according to Nickoll. In Fairfield, crowds of protesters marched through downtown to chants of black lives matter, hands up, dont shoot, and I cant breathe. The phrases became rallying cries in the wake of the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Eric Garner in New York City both unarmed black men killed by police in 2014. The demonstrations occur amid national unrest following the Memorial Day death of Floyd, an African American man who was killed in police custody in Minneapolis. Bystanders filmed Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer, kneeling on the back of Floyds neck for more than eight minutes while the man, in handcuffs and on the ground, begged for air. Authorities have charged Chauvin with with third-degree murder and manslaughter. In Wilton, plans for a march beginning at the train station off Route 7 were scrubbed and replaced with a socially-distanced gathering at Our Lady of Fatima church. A protest is also planned for noon Wednesday in Danbury, where demonstrators say they will march in a loop from the library passing the police station. The Connecticut Bar Association, the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Connecticut AFL-CIO joined a growing chorus of Connecticut police chiefs and law enforcement agencies denouncing Floyds death in police custody. We condemn the death of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement by the four Minneapolis police officers, the CCDLA said in a statement. We condemn the deaths of the hundreds of people of color who have been unjustly killed by police over the last decade. Sal Luciano, president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, said Floyds death at the hands of police is a reminder that racism plays an insidious role in the daily lives of all working people of color. This is a labor issue because it is a workplace issue. It is also a community issue and unions are part of the community. The comments came after state police released a forceful statement Monday, saying they were disgusted by the circumstances of his death. If you wear a badge and arent appalled by that what you saw, please turn it in and find a new profession; we dont need you, the state police said. Demonstrations in Connecticut have so far avoided the violent clashes between protesters and police that have occurred in major cities throughout the U.S. Police in Bridgeport and New Haven used pepper spray as protesters attempted to enter headquarters over the weekend. Throughout the weekend, state police and authorities in Waterbury arrested more than 30 protesters on charges ranging from reckless use of a highway to interfering with an officer. On Sunday, state police arrested Nuquen Davis, 37, on Route 34 in New Haven, after they said he remained behind from a group of protesters removed from the roadway that afternoon. Davis, a New Haven resident, was charged with reckless use of a highway, littering, and interfering with an officer after state police claim he forcefully resisted being arrested. In Waterbury, city police arrested 28 people Sunday after they said separate groups of protesters refused to move at the corner of Wolcott Street and Long Hill Road and on East Main Street, after the organized march to the police department had ended. On Saturday, state police in Bridgeport arrested two women they said remained behind after troopers dispersed a group of protesters blocking both the north and southbound lanes of Route 8 near Exit 3. Police said Tioni Michelle Martinez, 21, of Bridgeport, and Alia Cotton, of Castro Valley, Calif., were both arrested without incident. They were each charged with being negligent pedestrians, interfering with an officer and second-degree breach of peace. Justice for Jayson, a group formed in the wake of the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old by Bridgeport police in 2017, said both women were later released. Here are the 31 people who have been arrested at Connecticut protests The following were each charged with one count of interfering with an officer and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanor offenses: Zsaquanna Rhodes, 23 Angel Cardona, 21 Sergelyn Simeon, 39 Andre Silva-Moura, 36 Tymani Pinkston, 22 Maytae Harge, 26 Jyrel Hawk, 20 Yamilette Crespo, 26 Quesean Daniels, 23 George Campbell, 35 Sharon Bertrand, 39 Rudonna Legree, 44 Juicy Reid-Stith, 44 Antonia Almeida, 70 Calline Jones, 30 Tonicha Smith, 38 Victoria Wrigley, 21 Elizabeth Mantz, 20 Samuel Aber, 25 Morgan Bolds, 25 Larkin Huffman, 20 Brianni Richards, 21 Emily Coady 25 Rhanda Gaudio, 34 Kimberly Moran, 27 Tynishia Johnson, 39 The following were each charged with being negligent pedestrians, interfering with an officer and second-degree breach of peace: Tioni Michelle Martinez, 21 Alia Cotton, 22 The following person was charged with reckless use of a highway, littering, and interfering with an officer: Nuquen Davis, 37 Two teen boys, ages 16 and 17, were also arrested, but the charges and their ages were not released. Staff writer Katrina Koerting contributed to this report. Editors note: This story has been edited from its previous version to clarify comments made by Sophie Nickoll. CBC Had Predetermined Narrative for Reporting on Epoch Times, Says Scholar Interviewed by Broadcaster An expert interviewed by CBC as part of its recent coverage of The Epoch Times says he thinks the CBC reporters were trying to get a predetermined narrative from him, saying it has impacted his trust of the national broadcaster. It seems to me that they were trying to reverse engineer information that would allow them to support a predetermined narrative. [It was] more narrative-driven news reporting, Stephen Noakes, a senior lecturer at the University of Auckland, told The Epoch Times. There was a selective interpretation of facts that went on here. The CBC recently ran several reports on its different platforms about a special edition of The Epoch Times. The special edition focuses on the pandemic and the role of Chinas communist regime in hiding the facts about the virus outbreak in the early days, leading to a global pandemic. The CBCs reporting was heavily criticized by Cindy Gu, publisher of the Canadian edition of The Epoch Times, who said the networks coverage characterized the special edition as racist even though its focus was the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and not the Chinese people, noting that The Epoch Times itself was founded by Chinese immigrants. She also noted that the publication doesnt publish conspiracy theories, contrary to claims made by one person interviewed by the CBC, who said the special edition says the virus was manufactured, although the special edition doesnt make any such claim. The special edition was distributed to different neighbourhoods across Canada because the publication considers that information to be important to Canadians, according to Gu, and also as part of sampling efforts to raise brand awareness and attract new subscribers. Noakes, a China and foreign policy scholar, says he has been interviewed by the CBC in the past and had high regard for its reporters on how prepared and professional they usually are. But he said it was different this time. I just perceived a difference this time in the nature of the reporting, and in the nature of the information gathering, he said. It just seemed to me that [they were posing] leading questions. The front page of The Epoch Times special edition that was distributed on April 13, 2020. Noakes says it didnt occur to him what was happening until he later saw the CBCs reports and how they had portrayed The Epoch Times. The CBCs coverage doesnt examine the content of the special edition, and instead quotes people commenting on things that are not actually in the special edition. The broadcaster quotes one recipient in Kelowna who says the special edition did seem to allude to conspiracy theories like, you know, maybe it [the novel coronavirus] was manufactured. The special edition doesnt make any mention that the virus was manufactured. A scientist is also quoted by CBC as saying there is high consensus that the virus is not engineered. The special edition doesnt include any content saying the virus is engineered. The CBC reports also include an unnamed mail carrier who says the special edition says the virus is part of a bio-warfare agenda by the Chinese people. The special edition doesnt make any such claim. And CBC quotes a Canadian Union of Postal Workers representative who says the special editions front cover is promoting xenophobia towards the Asian community. But the front cover only talks about the Chinese Communist Party hiding the facts about the virus, not the people of China or the Asian community. CBCs reporting also covers Falun Dafa, a spiritual meditation practice persecuted by the Chinese communist regime. The Epoch Times was founded by Falun Dafa adherents, but doesnt represent Falun Dafa, according to Gu. In its coverage of Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, the CBC repeats a slanderous term used by the CCP as a part of its persecution campaign against the group. Falun Dafa has been declared a protected creed under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The CBCs article says [Falun Dafa] followers say the Chinese government persecutes them, while in fact the persecution of the practice is well documented by governments and human rights organizations. Commenting on the CBCs interview of him and the published reports, Noakes says he has never seen the network go about journalism in that way. He says they ignored his answers in his area of expertise, and instead he felt they were trying to get him to frame The Epoch Times negatively. In one of CBCs articles, Noakes, who has researched the persecution of Falun Dafa for years, isnt quoted on the persecution. He is instead quoted about the funding of The Epoch Times as a media. The person who is quoted on the persecution is a sociology and communication studies scholar whose research includes media serving the Chinese Canadian diaspora. The scholar is quoted as saying there are many stories about how group members [Falun Dafa adherents] were persecuted in China. There could be certain exaggerations but definitely, there is persecution, and there are violations of human rights. Noakes, who says he was interviewed for 30 minutes by the CBC reporters, said he found it very odd that the network didnt use any of his comments about the persecution of Falun Dafa. They didnt really use any of the stuff I said about how theres a totally legitimate set of human rights grievances here, he said. They had decided in advance that they were going to report on Falun Gong in this way, and they were going to report on Epoch Times in that way. David Matas, an international human rights lawyer based in Winnipeg who has extensively researched Falun Dafa, including Chinas state-sanctioned organ harvesting of its adherents, says academics often raise hypotheticals, referring to the sociology and communication scholars comments on how there could be certain exaggerations. Human rights lawyer David Matas in a file photo. (Woody Wu/AFP/Getty Images) But its the reporters who choose what parts of the interview they quote based on the story they want to tell, he says. The very fact that they quote a suggestion of a hypothetical possibility means they give some weight to that possibility, and it fits in with the overall theme of the story that theyre trying to portray, and it just shows ignorance [on the part of CBC], Matas says. Matas adds that he doesnt question that some people may perceive the special edition as being racist and complain about it, but he says people like the postal worker quoted by CBC may not know a lot about China and the fact that the one-party totalitarian regime is not synonymous with the Chinese people. But CBC should know more, he says. Terry Russell, a senior scholar with the University of Manitobas Asian Studies Centre who has researched Falun Dafa, says as a major media, CBC has a responsibility to educate people that the CCP is not China. He says the Chinese regime, through its embassies, consulates, and state-owned media, has spread misinformation to deflect criticism of itself by labelling any criticism as being anti-Chinese, and has also spread hatred toward Falun Dafa. I dont think that the CBC has done much to try to defuse that kind of an agenda, Russell says. He says hes disappointed that the CBC focused so much on the idea that The Epoch Times is promoting a conspiracy theory. I was just a bit disappointed that theyve run with what amounts to a somewhat sensationalized response to The Epoch Times reporting, he says. Less Trusting of CBC After the publication of its first article on April 29, the CBC later issued corrections and admitted to some mistakes in the articles headline and reporting. The original headline stated, Racist and inflammatory: Canadians upset by Epoch Times claim China behind virus, made it as a bioweapon. As part of several corrections, the CBC later changed the headline, admitting that The Epoch Times didnt claim that China made the coronavirus as a bioweapon, and the fact that one recipient of the special edition claimed it was racist and inflammatory doesnt justify a headline implying Canadians characterize The Epoch Times as such. The Epoch Times asked CBC about Noakess concerns, including that he found the reporters were engaging in narrative-driven reporting when they were interviewing him. CBC didnt address this question; instead it said that the online article reported what Noakes said fairly and factually. Were sorry to hear Dr. Noakes [sic] is disappointed with how we used his comments in our story. Respectfully, we disagree with his assessment of our reporting, Chuck Thompson, head of public affairs, said in an email. Noakes says he will be more careful in the future and less trusting of CBCs good name. I will not be particularly inclined to speak with CBC again, he says. I will definitely be a little more careful next time. This report was updated to clarify where the special edition was distributed. Black Lives Matter rallies being held around Australia this weekend could turn ugly and be hijacked by counter-protesters, police fear. Marches will be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra on Saturday in the wake of black man George Floyd's alleged murder at the hands of a white cop in the United States. The rallies will call for an end to Aboriginal deaths in custody, police brutality and racism in Australia. More than 400 indigenous Australians have died in police detention since a 1991 Royal Commission into the deaths of Aboriginal people in custody. But police in Melbourne fear a 16,000-strong protest outside Parliament House could be gatecrashed by other groups with their own agenda. Assistant commissioner Luke Cornelius told reporters on Wednesday that police won't tolerate assaults, vandalism and theft if tensions escalate Police are on high alert for counter-protests being held in the city, and the potential for the crowd to turn on officers. Assistant commissioner Luke Cornelius said on Wednesday police won't tolerate assaults, vandalism and theft if tensions escalate. 'We absolutely understand the sentiment and the anger that lies behind that and we are very keen to support the community in giving a voice to their concerns,' he said. 'We have seen this in previous protests and we're very much alive to this and this has been factored into our planning. 'We do respect the right everyone has to protest peacefully and lawfully.' Police are on high alert for counter-protests being held in the city, and the potential for the crowd to turn on officers Premier Daniel Andrews said if the protest was not peaceful, police would step in restore order Mr Cornelius said the force was committed to working with the Victorian Aboriginal community. 'I understand from my engagement with local Aboriginal community members that there is a sense of frustration that it takes a death of a black American to highlight the experience of the Aboriginal community here in Australia,' he said. 'The events in America certainly do give us an opportunity to reflect on our own community.' Premier Daniel Andrews said if the protest was not peaceful, police would step in restore order. 'The only form of legitimate protest is a peaceful protest,' he said. 'Victoria Police will not tolerate violence and will not tolerate some of the disorder that we've seen overseas. 'Victoria Police will not tolerate violence, and they will not tolerate some of the disorder that we've seen overseas. 'What we've seen happen in the United States is a tragedy and it speaks to many of the differences between our society and the society in the United States.' But a spokeswoman for Warriors of Aboriginal Resistance, the group behind Saturday's protest, said police are the biggest threat to peaceful protests. 'When the police are coming there, are they going to over-police us like they always do?,' Apryl Day told Seven News. A peaceful protest was held in Sydney's CBD on Tuesday night, where no arrests were made and the 3000-strong crowd were well behaved Protesters held signs calling for the end of 'white supremacy', police brutality and racism in Australia following violent protests sweeping across the U.S. since Floyd's death last week 'We're not the threats, police are the threats.' A peaceful protest was held in Sydney's CBD on Tuesday night, where no arrests were made and the 3000-strong crowd was well behaved. Hordes of passionate protesters chanted 'I can't breathe', 'always was always will be Aboriginal land' and 'black lives matter' during the demonstration at Hyde Park and Martin Place on Tuesday evening. Protesters held signs calling for the end of 'white supremacy', police brutality and racism in Australia following violent protests sweeping across the U.S. since Floyd's death last week. 'No more black deaths,' 'silence is abuse,' 'black and indigenous lives matter' and 'end police brutality' were among other placards on display. Throughout January, the World Health Organisation publicly praised China for what it called a speedy response to the new coronavirus and thanked the Chinese government for sharing the genetic map of the virus "immediately". But in fact, Chinese officials sat on releasing the genetic map, or genome, of the deadly virus for over a week after multiple government labs had fully decoded it, not sharing details key to designing tests, drugs and vaccines. Strict controls on information and competition within the Chinese public health system were largely to blame, The Associated Press has found from internal documents, emails and dozens of interviews. In Wuhan, on January 26, medical workers in protective gear help a patient from an ambulance. Credit:AP Health officials only released the genome after a Chinese lab published it ahead of authorities on a virology website on January 11. Even then, China stalled for at least two weeks more on giving WHO the details it needed, according to recordings of multiple internal meetings held by the UN health agency in January - all at a time when the outbreak arguably might have been dramatically slowed. Although WHO continued to publicly commend China, the recordings obtained by the AP show they were concerned China was not sharing enough information to assess the risk posed by the new virus, costing the world valuable time. Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more Apple on Sunday said it has reopened nearly 100 of its retail outlets around the world. The company will be opening an additional 25 stores in the United States and 12 more in Canada this week, according to a Bloomberg report. Apple previously had closed all its retail stores due to the spread of COVID-19. Our commitment is to only move forward with a reopening once were confident we can safely return to serving customers from our stores, Apple Senior Vice President of Retail Deirdre OBrien wrote in an open letter to companys customers. We look at every available piece of data including local cases, near and long-term trends, and guidance from national and local health officials, she continued. These are not decisions we rush into and a store opening in no way means that we wont take the preventative step of closing it again should local conditions warrant. Apple Stores set to reopen in the United States are in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Oklahoma and Washington state, Bloomberg noted. Taking Precautions Apple has instituted measures to make their stores safe for employees and customers, OBrien noted, including the following: Limiting occupancy to enable social distancing; Requiring employees and customers to wear masks. Apple will provide a mask to any customer who doesnt have one; Taking the temperature of customers before they enter a store and asking them whether they have symptoms of COVID-19 or recently were exposed to someone infected with the virus; and Performing enhanced deep cleanings that place special emphasis on all surfaces, display products, and highly trafficked areas. The response to COVID-19 is still ongoing, and we recognize that the road back will have its twists and turns. But whatever challenges lie ahead, COVID-19 has only reinforced our faith in people in our teams, in our customers, in our communities, OBrien wrote. Down the road, when we reflect on COVID-19, she continued, we should always remember how so many people around the world put the well-being of others at the center of their daily lives. Kudos for Plan Apples approach to reopening its stores received praise from some quarters. Apples reopening plan appears to follow local rules and restrictions that are designed to lower or minimize risk, said Charles King, principal analyst atPund-IT, a technology advisory firm in Hayward, California. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Its hard to find any fault with the plan, he told TechNewsWorld. However, the pace of Apples reopening is surprising, observed Sucharita Kodali, analyst at Forrester Research, a market research company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Frankly, Im surprised they didnt open when all their malls reopened, she told TechNewsWorld. They were one of the first to close, if you recall, even though malls have continuous operating clauses for their tenants. This was even before local ordinances forced stay-at-home orders, Kodali pointed out. Other brands, like Louis Vuitton and Saks, have reopened very safely, and I expect Apple will do the same, she added. Risky Doing Business Apples pace of store reopenings is right if its precautions prevent people from transmitting infections, said Greg Sterling, vice president of market insights at Uberall, maker of location marketing solutions based in Berlin, Germany. Since testing remains inadequate and theres no vaccine until at least 2021 if then theyre taking a very careful, thoughtful approach, he told TechNewsWorld. While Apple is being careful, its in the same boat as any retailer opening up for business during the COVID-19 crisis, noted Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group, an advisory services firm in Bend, Oregon. With a pandemic, where you dont know who is infected and who isnt, any resumption of business comes with risk, he told TechNewsWorld. Playing It Safe Those risks should be reduced by the safety measures the company has adopted, noted Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies, a technology advisory firm inCampbell, California. The guidelines are very proactive and should do the job of keeping Apples staff and customers safe, he told TechNewsWorld. By proactively checking shoppers temperatures before they enter and requiring both workers and customers to be masked at all times, Apple should be able to minimize risk to both consumers and employees, King added. Given the uncertainty about how COVID-19 is transmitted, Apple is being diligent, Sterling said. Theyre doing all the things that one would expect limiting capacity, requiring face masks and giving consumers multiple options, including curbside pickup, he observed. Those measures should make consumers comfortable returning to Apples stores, Kodali added. They seem to be doing the same things as grocers and other essential retailers, and people seem perfectly fine going to those locations, she said. Influential Brand Because of its powerful brand, Apples approach to reopening its stores could influence other retailers. Apple has always been one of the companies that others look to for best practices and, as in the past, will set an example for other companies to follow, Bajarin said. Apple is a retail leader and will be a model for others to varying degrees, Sterling noted. Best Buy is doing similar things. Apple is a bellwether thats watched by other retailers, Enderle remarked. Its also averse to litigation, which may be another reason some retailers will be watching the company closely. A lot of retailers dont understand the litigation risk should someone come into their store and catch the virus, he pointed out. Apple will make every effort to make sure it isnt one of those retailers. That implies that Apple will be safer than most other retailers. Rebel Without a Mask While Apple may feel its safety measures are needed to keep its customers and employees safe, not everyone may agree. This is like bringing up politics at the familys Thanksgiving dinner, observed Michael Arrigo, a HIPAA expert witness with No World Borders. There are very polarized opinions about this, he told TechNewsWorld. Sometimes theres violence when people are told to wear masks. Forcing people to wear masks could irritate some folks, Kovali acknowledged, but added, people who would not comply probably dont index as strongly with being Apple customers, anyway. The situation is made worse for retailers by the signals people are getting from the nations capital, Enderle suggested. With the mixed guidance from the administration, it makes things unusually dangerous for retailers, he said, because as they try to enforce the rules, it sounds like theyre speaking out against the president. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yunindita Prasidya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 18:18 596 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbe205d 1 Business tourism,foreign-tourists,visit,Indonesia,COVID-19,coronavirus,travel-ban,physical-distancing,large-scale-social-restrictions Free Foreign tourist visits dropped 87.44 percent year-on-year (yoy) in April to a record low level as the COVID-19 pandemic hits air travel hard, recent official data show. Central Statistics Agency (BPS) head Suhariyanto said foreign tourist visits reached 160,000 in April, a level unseen in history, as countries around the world impose different degrees of lockdowns or physical distancing measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. This shows that the impact of COVID-19 on tourism is tremendous and that we need to be careful about its impacts on supporting sectors, either on room occupancy rates, the transportation sector, the creative economy industry, trade and other things, Suhariyanto told a livestreamed press briefing on Tuesday. We need to think of new solutions so that this sector [tourism] can recover in the future. In April, only 755 people were recorded to have entered the country via air travel, making up the smallest portion of foreign tourist entries. The majority of visitors came via land transportation with over 112,700, and over 46,500 visitors arrived by sea. Read also: Tourism will take at least a year to recover from COVID-19 outbreak: Economists Suhariyanto said during the month that airports had seen the biggest decline in traffic in comparison to seaports and land ports. BPS data show that, aggregately, airports in the country had seen a 99.69 decline in visits during the period. Meanwhile, seaports saw a 56.67 percent decline, and land traffic dropped 5.88 percent. Cumulatively between January and April, the number of foreign tourist visits was down 45.01 percent yoy to 2.77 million visits. Suhariyanto explained that the cumulative downturn was not as steep because the country still managed to attract foreign tourist arrivals in January for the New Year and Chinese New Year celebrations. BPS data show that the country still saw yoy growth of 5.86 percent to 1.27 million visits in January alone. Most of the foreign tourists visiting throughout the year came via air travel, which amounted to 1.6 million visits, meanwhile, the number of tourists entering via sea and land was recorded at over 640,000 and 517,000, respectively. There was a drop in visits from tourists of almost all nationalities. But, for those from Timor Leste, the downturn was minimal as they can still travel overland, Suhariyanto said. More than 50 percent of foreign tourists visiting the country in April came from Timor Leste, or over 83,500 visits. Tourists from Malaysia made up 38.96 percent, or over 62,300 visits, while 2,100 Singaporeans visited, making up 1.34 percent of all tourists during the month. Read also: Govt prepares strategies to revive domestic tourism during new normal Tourists from those three countries also reigned in foreign tourist visits between January and April, yet with a significantly lower proportion in the chart. Malaysian tourists made up 19.74 percent of the total visits, Timor Leste tourists 13.04 percent and Singaporeans 9.58 percent. A report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on the economic impact of the coronavirus that was published on March 2 writes that the cost of the tourism downturn will be severe. If the spread of the coronavirus affects visitor numbers more widely across the major economies, there would be sizeable costs, with tourism accounting directly for 4.25 percent of GDP in the OECD economies and almost 7 percent of employment, the report reads. In Indonesia, tourism accounts for around 5 percent of GDP, with the government planning to boost the sectors contribution to the economy with the development of super-priority tourist destinations. Many businesses related to tourism in the country 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. Wrapping up a regular session shortened by the coronavirus pandemic, Louisianas Legislature gave the states business lobby a long-desired goal and one that Republicans made their signature push for the session: passage of a bill to change the rules for car accident lawsuits that would limit damage claims against insurance companies and other businesses. Its uncertain whether Gov. John Bel Edwards will sign the legislation. The House voted 66-31 on June 1 for the final version of the tort reform measure, Senate Bill 418, by Republican Sen. Kirk Talbot of River Ridge, and the Senate passed it with a 28-10 vote. GOP leaders negotiated with Edwards administration trying to keep the Democratic governor from vetoing the bill, but it was unclear if the changes were enough to satisfy Edwards. We just couldnt come to an agreement (on everything), but that wasnt for a lack of trying, Talbot said. Supporters say reworking the civil litigation system to cap certain damages that could be awarded and limit when insurance companies can be sued directly, among other changes would force down Louisianas car insurance rates, which are second-highest in the nation. They say Louisianas legal climate encourages too many lawsuits. Opponents say the changes would keep people from getting money needed to cover their medical bills and could drive up costs for courts. They note the bill doesnt force insurance companies to lower premiums. The measure assumes insurance companies would drop premiums for private passenger policies by 10% a year after the changes take effect in 2021. But it includes a provision allowing companies to avoid rate cuts. The proposal would require use of jury trials more frequently, so lawyers have to argue damage claims to more people than a single judge; cap certain damages that can be awarded; limit when insurance companies can be sued directly; and increase the time accident victims can file lawsuits to provide more time for settlement negotiations. The House and Senate opened a 30-day special session immediately after adjourning the regular one, to finish work on a $30 billion-plus spending plan for the financial year that begins July 1 and to consider tax breaks for businesses struggling amid the virus outbreak. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Auto Louisiana Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 12:43 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbc39ab 1 City COVID-19,COVID-19-Jakarta,PSBB,new-normal,Jakarta-administration,anies-baswedan,nightclub,massage-parlor,diskotek,panti-pijat Free The Jakarta administration is set to begin implementing new normal protocols this week. However, it remains unclear when nightclubs and massage parlors will reopen and under what restrictions. Jakarta Tourism Agency head Cucu Ahmad Kurnia has said he has scheduled a meeting with representatives of the leisure industry to discuss the eventual implementation of new normal policies in the industry. The administration said it would talk with experts to establish the details of the arrangements. A possibility for nightclubs, for example, is that they are allowed to reopen their businesses except for dance floors, Cucu said as quoted by tempo.co on Tuesday. Nightclubs must also impose social distancing when they open for business, he added. Health protocols for COVID-19 containment, such as temperature checks and handwashing, must be also maintained. "We will follow the guidelines from the WHO to reopen nightclubs and other leisure establishments, Cucu said, adding that authorities were discussing reopening massage parlors, where physical distancing was quite a challenge. Therefore, Cucu added, the leisure industry would be the last to reopen as the government implemented new normal policies. Jakarta deputy governor Ahmad Riza Patria has said that the Jakarta administration is preparing the transition from large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) to new normal protocols. Before entering the transition period, he said, the Jakarta administration would evaluate the third phase of PSBB, which began on May 22 and is to end on June 4. (asp) Former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic set his Facebook to private and deleted Twitter after his praise for Donald Trumps law and order speech caused a mixture of uproar and disappointment among fans and fellow musicians. Mr Trump warned on Monday that he would mobilise all available federal resources, civilian and military, to stop the rioting and looting following the death of George Floyd in police custody. Novoselic agreed that the president should not be sending troops into the states, but that his tone was strong and direct. Wow!!! I know many of you cant stand him, however, Trump knocked it out of the park with this speech, the musician wrote on Facebook. I have been watching the images in the media and thinking about how polarised our country is. I mean, even wearing medical masks in public can be seen as a political statement! The violence, (and not the protests) appear as a leftist insurrection. Most Americans want peace in their communities and President Trump spoke to this desire. Never mind the legal details that few understand Trump said he would stop the violence and this speaks to many. While it appears Novoselic set his Facebook profile to private, where the message was originally posted, screengrabs have been circulating on Twitter. Fans were quick to criticise Novoselics take, despite him having been a supporter of the peaceful protests and Black Lives Matter. Peoplego home now and lets build our future! There is a lot of work to do. Good nighthad enough of this social media outrage generator/echo chambera network run by corporations and capitalism, he said on his Twitter page, which appears to have been deleted. Hug your family, be kind to your neighbours and always remember Black Lives Matter. Fellow bass player Mike Mills of REM simply tweeted: Oh, Krist, no... Nirvana became an international sensation at the head of the grunge scene in the early 1990s but split following the suicide of frontman Kurt Cobain in 1994. Drummer Dave Grohl went on to become frontman of the Foo Fighters. Protests continued for the seventh straight day around the country as thousands took to the streets in Los Angeles over the death of George Floyd. Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker were just two of the celebrities who joined the crowds to march against racial injustice and Floyd's death. It was the second day the rapper (born Colson Baker), 32, joined protests and held a sign calling for the arrest of ex-Minnesota cops involved in Floyd's death. Support: Machine Gun Kelly (left) and Travis Barker (right) were just two of the celebrities who joined the crowds to march against racial injustice and Floyd's death, in Los Angeles on Tuesday MGK walked side by side with Barker and crowds ahead of LA's third consecutive night enacting a curfew due to protests. The Bird Box star held a sign that read 'Stop arresting protestors arrest killer cops.' While the Blink-182 drummer's sign read 'No justice no peace.' It was the seventh consecutive night protests continued around the country with CNN reporting there was at least one protest in all 50 states. Action: The Bird Box star held a sign that read 'Stop arresting protestors arrest killer cops' No peace: While the Blink-182 drummer's sign read 'No justice no peace' Protests began last week after Floyd was videotaped in police custody with an ex- Minnesota police officer kneeling on his neck and as many as two others on his body, for nearly nine minutes, until he lost consciousness and ultimately died on Memorial Day. One of the four cops, Derek Chauvin, was charged with third degree murder on Friday, after all lost their jobs. More than 7,200 people were arrested across 43 cities in the country over the weekend, according to CBS News. Los Angeles county was on its third day of a curfew after over 500 arrests were made Friday night during late night protests. Nationwide support: It was the seventh consecutive night protests continued around the country with CNN reporting there was at least one protest in all 50 states For George: Protests began last week after Floyd was videotaped in police custody with an ex- Minnesota police officer kneeling on his neck and as many as two others on his body, for nearly nine minutes, until he lost consciousness and ultimately died on Memorial Day As of Tuesday, more than 2,700 had been arrested in Los Angeles alone with many reported to be locals, according to the LA Times. Some cities in the area including Beverly Hills and Santa Monica were on 1pm curfews, since Monday, after storefronts were looted and vandalized in previous days. Los Angeles county remained on a 6p.m. curfew Tuesday. The Bloody Valentine artist said Friday in a heartfelt video: 'If you look like me and you have racism in your heart, and on your mind, and coming out your mouth, f*** you. I'm ashamed of you. Ashamed: The Bloody Valentine artist said Friday in a heartfelt video: 'If you look like me and you have racism in your heart, and on your mind, and coming out your mouth, f*** you. I'm ashamed of you' Speaking up: Kelly took to Instagram from the protest the day before, holding up a sign that said 'silence is betrayal' 'If you enjoy my music or you like my movies, I don't want you watching, I don't want your business. F*** you. I don't want nothing that's a part of the evil agenda. That's not what our generation's legacy is gonna be. 'So, I'm drawing a line, and I'm asking the people step up and speak out for our fellow people going through all this hell right now. And encourage good. 'Let our kids grow up in a world where they're not afraid to leave their f***ing house or their cars or be running down the street. Evil is running the show, man. Take it back from them. F*** these motherf***ers!' Youtube star Logan Paul and his model girlfriend Josie Conseco also joined MGK and Barker at protests in Hollywood on Tuesday. Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky said Wednesday that white men need to "do more listening" in the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police. "I realize that can be difficult," Gorsky said during an interview with CNBC's "Squawk Box." "I think there's no way you can just move through a checklist without I think demonstrating empathy and an understanding of some of the deep-seated nature and experiences the [black] community has had and is currently experiencing." Gorsky announced Tuesday that J&J is committing $10 million over the next three years "to fighting racism and injustice in America" as people across the United States and other parts of the world protest against police killings of blacks. "As the CEO of the world's largest health-care company, I must state unequivocally that racism in any form is unacceptable, and that black lives matter," he said in a LinkedIn post. "And as a white man, I also need to acknowledge the limits of my own life experience and listen to those who have faced systemic injustice since the day they were born." He said Wednesday that J&J wants employees to feel they have "a safe space" and freedom to have discussions on racial inequality. The company is also working on a potential vaccine to prevent Covid-19, which has infected more than 1.83 million and killed at least 106,181 across the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The company expects human testing to begin by September and said it could be available for emergency use authorization in early 2021. Gorsky also said the company "wants to go out and find out why" the virus disproportionately impacts on black communities. "What's the underlying nature? What can we do better to make sure your ZIP code isn't contributing more to your life expectancy, frankly, to other health-care factors?" he said. While merchant shipping crews who arrive in Victoria are generally banned under pandemic restrictions from disembarking to stroll the streets, one group of seafarers has no choice but to be detained, hustled to shore and locked up under guard. They are the crew members of ships that carry pine logs to China from the south-west Victorian port of Portland. The 20,000-tonne Hong Kong log carrier Island Bay arrives at the Port of Portland. Credit:Tony Wright As West Australian authorities struggle to deal with an outbreak of COVID-19 on the livestock carrier Al Kuwait, which arrived last week in the port of Fremantle, Victorian health authorities have cracked down on seafarers who arrive in Victorian ports. Despite national protocols that allow crews to factor into their quarantine period the amount of time they have been at sea, the Port of Portland states the Victorian department has ordered that all crew members must observe 14 days of quarantine from the time their ship arrives in port, no matter how long they have been at sea. TOWIE's Amber Turner took to Instagram on Wednesday to show off her latest lockdown look - an oversized baggy sweater and a pair of Calvin Klein knickers. And Amber, 26, made sure she showed off her taut tummy in the lazy look, as she lifted her jumper to show off her tanned, toned waist. She posed for the snap on the floor, her blonde locks bouncing loosely around her perfectly preened features. Woman in white: TOWIE's Amber Turner took to Instagram on Wednesday to show off her latest lockdown look - an oversized baggy sweater and a pair of Calvin Klein knickers She was then seen on her Stories on the floor once more - this time in a pair of fake Louis Vuitton silk pyjamas. Her bofriend Dan Edgar, 30, could be heard off-camera mocking her, impersonating her as she showed off the nightware, admitting that the PJs were not the real deal. The couple are isolating in Essex and appear to be stronger than ever, as they celebrated their anniversary with a sunny bike ride in London on Sunday. Amber documented their special day on her Instagram page, as she shared a sweet snap of the couple enjoying sushi together in Regents park. Lazing about: She was then seen on her Stories on the floor once more - this time in a pair of fake Louis Vuitton silk pyjamas She captioned the image: 'Such a perfect day celebrating our anniversary! Roka takeaway in Regents Park & exploring London on the bikes! Love you forever @danedgar.' The beauty also shared a snap of herself holding a bouquet of stunning pink and red roses, which were presumably a gift from her other half. Last month the blonde treated her boyfriend to an extravagant 30th birthday celebration at their Chigwell flat. Out and about: The couple are isolating in Essex and appear to be stronger than ever, as they celebrated their anniversary with a sunny bike ride in London on Sunday Perfect: Amber documented their special day on her Instagram page, as she shared a sweet snap of the couple enjoying sushi together in Regents park Special: The beauty also shared a snap of herself holding a bouquet of stunning pink and red roses, which were presumably a gift from her other half Their three-year relationship has seen Amber break down in tears and split with her partner multiple times. The fashion blogger previously spoke about the pressures of having her relationship cast in the spotlight, admitting 'everyone is waiting for Dan to mess up' in a candid interview with MailOnline. She explained: 'We're completely fine. All couples have their rows. Obviously we have been through so much, people judge it and theyre like "break-up with him. Theyre waiting for Dan to mess up. Wow! Amber has shared a series of stunning bikini snaps of late 'When couples get back together in the normal world nobody knows about the arguments they have behind closed doors. Amber, who has been sharing a series of stunning bikini snaps of late, added: 'But because its on TV everyone judges you way more.' The pair have endured a tumultuous romance, with Dan pursuing Clelia Theodorou and Chloe Sims during brief breaks in their relationship. Russia, which currently is among the top three countries with most number of Covid-19 cases in the world, is now facing a new threat: blood-sucking ticks including a new mutant variety. According to media reports, there has been a huge spike in the cases of tick bites in several Siberian regions. A report in Russian defence ministrys own newspaper Zvezda says that these regions have been hit by huge swarms of hybrid ticks and in one region, there are reportedly 428 times more ticks than usual. Mutant ticks are attacking - this is not a tabloid headline but a fact, stated Zvezdas report. The ticks latch on to humans from both long and short grass before finding a place to bite their victims, from which they suck blood, says a report in Daily Mail. The mutant tick is capable of carrying infectious agents associated with both parent species and everyone bitten by a tick must seek medical help to check if the creature is infected, says the report. The alarming numbers of tick-bite patients has put additional pressure on hospitals in the sparsely-populated Siberia already battling rising cases of coronavirus deaths and infections. The hospitals are running out of vaccines and medications for the type of diseases which ticks can cause in humans. These include encephalitis which can lead to permanent brain damage and the often debilitating if untreated Lyme disease which attacks joints, heart and the nervous system. The Daily Mail report says that in Sverdlovsk region in the Urals, 17,242 people have been bitten by ticks, among them 4,334 children, with 36 per cent said to have Lyme disease. Experts say that the mild winter is seen as a key reason for the rise in tick numbers. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON SIPTU Hospitality Sector Organiser Martin ORourke has criticised the decision of the Government not to include worker representatives on the recently established Task Force charged with providing a safe, quality environment in which the hospitality industry can reopen safely during the current Covid-19 pandemic. Mr ORourke said that a survey of members showed widespread concern at the risks they face, as well as continuing problems over sexual harassment and bullying that urgently need to be addressed. We will be writing to the new Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whenever they are appointed to seek an urgent meeting on this matter, he said. We trust that the person appointed will be better disposed to listen to the collective voice of the workers than his predecessor. His comments follow a survey undertaken in May that shows sexual harassment in the hospitality industry is rife, with 73.63 per cent of respondents saying they had either witnessed or experienced sexual harassment or bullying. The survey also shows that rosters are used as a control mechanism within the workplace, with 27.45 per cent of respondents indicating that hours are not shared out equally, 62 per cent indicating that rosters were either continually, or mostly issued less than two weeks in advance. And 23 per cent stated that they were never, or almost never consulted when changes were made to their roster. Generally, employees said they would not report ill-treatment, and 56.07per cent of respondents did not feel comfortable raising issues with their manager. Only 51.5 per cent of respondents were confident that they would be given enough time and training to undertake the necessary hygiene measures needed to protect them and their customers from Covid-19. Some 72.5 per cent of respondents said that they were often given additional work, which left them stressed and exhausted. The Irish hospitality Industry is currently calling for additional financial support from the state which, if given, will have to be diverted from public services such as health and education. In this regard, SIPTU believes additional public funding should only be offered to the industry if it can sign up to the necessary changes required to ensure Irish hospitality workers are protected from the worst excesses of some employers, said Martin ORourke. There is an urgent need for the taskforce to involve all of the industry stakeholders. A sector specific strategy is long overdue to tackle the threat posed by very poor employment practices. A collective approach, encompassing elements of the recently agreed Return to Work Protocol, and other measures, must be tailored to ensure a potentially disastrous situation does not arise in hotels, bars and restaurants reopening across the country. At present, 84.5 per cent of respondents do not believe their employer will support them if they become infected by Covid-19 in the workplace. In the period before the Covid-19 pandemic erupted, 40.3 per cent of staff surveyed reported that they struggled to pay any unexpected bills. It is clear that a Joint Labour Committee is required to ensure workers can avail of an industry wide sick pay scheme, to avoid the situation where workers who contract the virus will be faced with the choice of either feeding their families, or having to return to work and risk infecting colleagues and customers. As Vietnam has emerged as an attractive option for companies seeking to diversify their manufacturing operations, industrial zone developers are planning to expand their land banks to welcome new investments heading to the country. Vietnam has 335 industrial zones, covering an area of nearly 100,000ha. Photo: Le Toan Spotting out Vietnam as a secure destination for most investors, especially after its successes in tackling the health crisis, Hyosung Dong Nai of South Koreas Hyosung Vina decided to expand its factory and manufacturing lines in Vietnam. However, they have been waiting for a long time to be given land area for the expansion. Hyosung Dong Nai was granted the investment certificate in May 2015 with the investment capital of $660 million on an area of 22 hectares in Nhon Trach 5 Industrial Park (IP) to manufacture industrial materials, textiles, chemicals, and heavy electrical machinery. The company has almost completely disbursed the capital into this project and has hired close to 2,000 labourers so far. Due to the demand to expand business, Hyosung Dong Nai wanted to rent an additional 10ha in the IP, however, the park was fully occupied. Cao Tien Sy, general director of Dong Nai Industrial Zone Authority (DIZA), said he had introduced a land plot to Hyosung in Nhon Trach 6 IP in the same province, which was also filling up at a rapid pace. If Hyosung keeps hesitating, he warned this IP would run out of land as well. The demand is increasing very fast and IPs are filling up quickly, Sy told VIR. Dong Nai is an industrial province with a very high occupancy rate of industrial land, with 31 out of 32 IPs reporting an average occupancy rate of over 80 per cent. Dang Trong Duc, deputy general director of conglomerate Khai Toan Group cum director of KTG Industrial, told VIR that Vietnam is a very promising option for companies because it is both a gateway to the ASEAN and has an extensive network of large trade agreements. The Vietnamese government is also trying to create a favourable investment environment for foreign businesses by providing tax incentives and simplifying legal procedures. Affordable, abundant labour force and newly built infrastructure projects are also a motivation for businesses wishing to operate in Vietnam, Duc said. According to the Department for Economic Zones Management under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, as of the end of March, Vietnam had 335 industrial zones (IZs) with the total land area of more than 97,000ha. Of these, 260 zones have been put into operation and 75 are under construction. Operational zones have an average occupancy of 75.7 per cent. While COVID-19 has seriously impacted IZs and manufacturers alike, occupancy rates in the first quarter of 2020 were still above 72 per cent. During the period, a series of new investors including Luxshare-ICT, Goertek, and Hanwha Aero Engines moved to Vietnam while others like Foxconn, Sharp, TCL, Nintendo, Pegatron, and Lenovo are considering similar moves. Meanwhile, Becamex IDC is one of the businesses owning the largest industrial land area with nearly 15,000ha, including the holdings of VSIP in which the corporation holds 49 per cent. Most of Becamexs established IZs boast nearly 100 per cent occupancy, while the new ones are being occupied very quickly. In the north, Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corporation (KBC) is the premier IZ developer, holding 5,134ha, who is a partner of manufacturing giants like Samsung and LG. While its zones are not fully occupied yet, the corporation plans to put some into operation this year like Nam Son Hap Linh (60ha). Despite the relatively high level of investment in infrastructure in Vietnam, the development of an integrated and synchronous infrastructure system remains behind schedule. According to Duc from KTG Industrial, which has three IZs in the north and four in the south, many projects are still behind schedule and do not meet the expectations of investors. Vietnam needs to continue to maintain its current level of investment and accelerate the development of highways and utility networks, including renewable energy. Cross-border trade processes also need to be improved. Cross-border transaction costs in Vietnam are less competitive than in most countries in the region, with administrative costs now accounting for the largest proportion of this, Duc said. Meanwhile, a representative from Amata Group, which has three IPs in Vietnam, said COVID-19 has iced foreign companies plans in Vietnam. Last year, foreign investors showed high commitment and were rearing to go, but since the epidemic, they have adopted a wait-and-see approach. Even if Vietnam is successfully controlling the disease, we need more time for foreign developers to start pouring investment into the country as they have to clean their own house first before venturing into other markets. Apart from this, logistics and transportation activities have not returned to normal yet. Foreign experts, meanwhile, are also facing difficulties to return to Vietnam to work, the representative said. Meanwhile, Vo Sy Nhan, co-founder and managing director of Gaw NP Industrial also told VIR that potential to develop industrial property in Vietnam is huge, however, slow infrastructure development, fast-increasing land prices, and human resources issues at some localities provide strong headwinds. VIR Ngoc Huong Time to bank on industrial parks and industrial property firms Following the prediction about a new strong FDI wave, real estate shares have been sought by investors. In a major interview in the Sunday Independent, Mary Lou McDonald, the president of Sinn Fein, made clear her fundamental belief that the use of violence by the Provisional IRA during the Troubles was a legitimate political strategy. Without any qualification, she candidly justified the IRAs armed campaign from 1970 to 1994, which claimed 1,781 lives and many thousands of others injured, or lives broken, never mind the massive destruction of property, businesses and jobs lost. She audaciously said: I wish it hadnt happened, but it was a justified campaign. Impossible though it may be, if we leave aside the very obvious huge human cost in death and suffering inflicted upon us all by the use of violence to achieve a united Ireland, there was no recognition by Mary Lou McDonald of the collateral political damage caused by the Provo campaign of violence in Ireland, north and south. She is not alone among her colleagues in Sinn Fein in ignoring the extraordinary negative political fallout against Irish unity caused by the Provos. Even the most myopic Sinn Feiner must recognise that the Provo campaign was in every respect a failure. Without doubt, it was a military failure; the campaign being brought to a standstill by the British Army. By the 1990s, the IRA was so infiltrated by intelligence agents that its paramilitary actions were, for the most part, made ineffective. It was also a personal failure for many hundreds of misguided young and impressionable IRA volunteers, who spent thousands of wasted years in prison. Only a small elite of ex-IRA men currently enjoy the perks of being associated with the movement. But it is its monumental political failure that should concentrate the mind. Given that its strategic aim was to achieve a united Ireland, then it spectacularly and miserably failed to achieve any serious progress in that direction. In fact, it had the opposite effect, as it put unionist people off the whole idea of unity. It actually strengthened the resolve of unionists to not agree to, nor participate in, any debate about a united Ireland. The Provisional IRAs actions were counter-productive in the extreme. None of this is recognised by Mary Lou, who remains blind to the stark reality of contemporary Northern Ireland, which is more divided today on the constitutional issue than in 1970, when the IRAs futile paramilitary initiative started. The false narrative, which Mary Lou and other senior members articulate, is facile, anti-historical and propagandist. The basic narrative is that, given the discrimination and the injustices against the nationalist minority by the unionist state, a violent response was inevitable. Mary Lou asserted: It was utterly inevitable and anybody with a passing sense of Irish history could have predicted it as surely as night followed day. Well, it wasnt inevitable for Austin Currie, when he initiated the civil rights campaign by squatting in a council house in Caledon. Nor was it inevitable for the Derry socialist Eamonn McCann, when he agitated for decent housing for the people of Derry. Nor was it inevitable for John Hume, Ivan Cooper and many other civil rights campaigners, when they marched for civil rights in Derry and elsewhere and achieved enormous political reforms in a few short months through peaceful agitation. Frankly, there is no inevitability in history, as history is a record of related events, retrospectively sewn together to give us some understanding of the past. That peaceful civil rights campaign, which succeeded beyond imagining without one shot being fired, created the potential for the creation of a new political framework based on equality and justice. That reformed framework could have created new, democratic, non-sectarian politics in the north. That it didnt happen was due, in no small part, to the outbreak of the IRA campaign that was partly designed to subvert the civil rights movement. Rogelio Alonso, the Spanish academic who wrote The IRA and the Armed Struggle, searchingly posed this apposite question: What place will be occupied in history by those who, with immense civic and human virtue, have resisted using violence, in spite of having the same grievances as those who resorted to terror? This is a question that should be asked whenever Sinn Fein attempt to mislead young voters into believing the bogus myth that the use of political violence to counter injustice was legitimate whenever there were effective peaceful alternative methods available. Mary Lou should heed the wise words of John Hume: Spill our sweat, not our blood. Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg held a last-minute town hall Tuesday to address mounting outrage among employees who believe the company should take action on a controversial post by President Donald Trump. Trump last week tweeted that "when the looting begins, the shooting begins," which many people interpreted as a call for violence in nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd. Twitter put a warning label over the tweet, flagging it as violent content that broke the company's policies but was being left up because it was newsworthy. Facebook declined to take any action on a similar post on its site. In response, dozens of Facebook employees participated in a virtual walkout on Monday, and many more expressed outrage in internal forums and on Twitter. At least two employees have resigned, according to public posts and tweets and conversations with workers. "Open and honest discussion has always been a part of Facebook's culture," spokesperson Liz Bourgeois said in a statement. "Mark had an open discussion with employees today, as he has regularly over the years. He's grateful for their feedback." During the town hall, Zuckerberg did not back down from his decision to keep up the post, as many employees had hoped, according to several workers who were listening but declined to provide their names for fear of retribution. At least five people have died in nationwide protests that began this weekend. Thousands more have been tear-gassed and injured. Facebook's policy says it removes language that incites or facilitates serious violence. At the town hall, Zuckerberg defended his decision that the post did not constitute a policy violation, as he personally walked employees through different interpretations of Trump's language. But the CEO said he would begin to review the transparency of the processes around how pieces of content get escalated to senior managers. He also said that he would be open to reviewing how the company handles content around state violence, a nod to the growing use of force at the protests. Zuckerberg's personal involvement in the decision is characteristic of the way he has handled controversial policy choices over the last several years, since the social network has been in a state of crisis over accusations of Russian meddling and the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal. His leadership style contrasts with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who tends to delegate policy decisions to his deputies. Zuckerberg also made the decision not to take down a video of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that was manipulated to make her appear drunk. He made a personal call not to fact check political advertising, despite frustration from the public and from employees, according to a person familiar with the decision-making. Historically, both Facebook and Twitter have been hands off when it came to political speech, exempting it from policy violations because it is newsworthy. But Twitter has recently pivoted from its long-held stance. The company has decided to fact check politicians and to label their commentary with a warning when it breaks the service's policies, as it did for the first time with Trump last week. Twitter first fact-checked a Trump tweet with misleading information about mail-in ballots. Twitter's decision was celebrated in liberal Silicon Valley. Facebook, on the other hand, has doubled down in the direction of free speech, with Zuckerberg reiterating the point in speeches and public statements last year. Two of the people who attended the town hall said Zuckerberg's suggestions seemed like minor concessions that did not appear to appease the many angry employees, some of whom repeatedly pointed out in questions that very few black people were attending the town hall. The decisions at Facebook have prompted at least two employees to publicly resign. Timothy Aveni, a software engineer according to his Facebook page, said in a public resignation letter that he was disappointed in Zuckerberg's leadership. "Mark always told us that he would draw the line at speech that calls for violence," Aveni wrote. "He showed us on Friday that this was a lie. Facebook will keep moving the goalposts every time Trump escalates, finding excuse after excuse not to act on increasingly dangerous rhetoric." Twitter's decision to flag two of Trump's erroneous tweets last week for the first time prompted the president to lash back, signing an executive order that called for reexamining a law that has helped shield tech giants from liability for content posted on their sites. On Tuesday, Washington-based advocacy group Center for Democracy and Technology, which is supported by Facebook, Google and Twitter, filed a lawsuit alleging the executive order threatens to "curtail and chill constitutionally protected speech" across the web. Throughout the weekend, Facebook employees used the company's internal chat system to question not only Trump's tweets but a handful of others tweets by politicians that appeared to encourage violence, including by Florida GOP Congressman Matt Gaetz, which Twitter also labeled. MOODY, Ala. - A police officer was fatally shot Tuesday night when responding to a call at a motel in Alabama, and two people were arrested, authorities said. Sgt. Stephen Williams, 50, had spent three years with the Moody Police Department, news outlets reported. He was shot shortly before 9:30 p.m. and taken by ambulance to a hospital. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement that Williams was responding to a call for help at a local hotel. He showed up, ready to assist, and was instantly shot dead, Marshall said, Marshall said there is no reason to believe the shooting is related to national protests and unrest related to police use of force. Nevertheless, our state has been plagued in recent months by a lack of respect for law enforcement most of whom are genuinely good men and women, from all backgrounds, doing an incredibly difficult job, Marshall said. In a statement, Gov. Kay Ivey didnt release details about what happened but said Williams died a hero. Beyond his career in law enforcement, he was a father, and now, three children are left without their dad. We must not forget Sgt. Williams ultimate sacrifice was that of his family, she said. Moody Police Chief Thomas Hunt said Williams, a 23-year veteran of law enforcement, was pronounced dead after a shooting at a Super 8 motel. He was just a good man, a good person, fun to be around, Hunt said. News outlets reported there was a possible standoff at the motel with a heavy police presence. Authorities did not immediately release the names of the suspects who were taken into custody or any possible charges. Video from the scene showed dozens of law enforcement vehicles and a medical helicopter. ABC 33/40 reported that a camera at a nearby business captured audio of what sounded like a barrage of gunfire. Amar Fouda told al.com he heard a lot of noise from the room next to his. I heard like an AK-47, he said. Fouda said he ran into the bathroom and hid in the tub. The chief federal prosecutor for north Alabama, U.S. Attorney Jay Town, said Williams death represented a loss for all of Alabama. This serves as yet another heartbreaking and stark reminder of the perils encountered by law enforcement each day, Town said in a statement. Located in St. Clair County, Moody is about 22 miles (35 kilometres) east of Birmingham. At least five Near-Earth Objects or NEOs or asteroids are headed in the direction of Earth between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday early morning, say media reports quoting American space agency NASA. According to NASAs Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), a 108-foot wide 2020 KK7 asteroid has flown past the Earth at 4.43 am EDT or 2.13 pm IST. The next one will be the 115 feet wide 2020 KD4 which will fly by at 12,000 miles per hour at 8.47 am EDT or 6.17 IST, at a range of 2.5 million miles away. The largest of the asteroids is called 2020 KF, measuring 144-foot in diameter, which will fire past our planet at 24,000 miles per hour at 12.00 pm EDT or 9.30 pm IST. This will be followed by 2020 KJ1, a 105-feet wide asteroid, treading along at 11,000 miles per hour, flying by Earth at 2.57 pm EDT, passing some 1.3 million miles from the Earth at its closest factor. And lastly, there will be the asteroid identified as 2020 KE4 which has an estimated diameter of about 171 feet. According to CNEOS, the asteroid is currently headed for our planet at a speed of over 20,000 miles per hour, says a report on International Business Times website. And the good news is that given its size and speed, 2020 KE4 will most likely wont cause any impact on Earth even if it hits the planet during one of its near-intersection flybys. The IBT report says that the asteroid will most likely burn up in the atmosphere and explode in the sky. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON President Donald Trump walks with US Attorney General William Barr (L), US Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper (C), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark A. Milley (R), and others from the White House to visit St. John's Church after the area was cleared of people protesting the death of George Floyd June 1, 2020, in Washington, DC. WASHINGTON "Where will you draw the line, and when will you draw it?" In an extraordinary resignation letter, provided to The Washington Post, James Miller resigned from his post at the Pentagon's Defense Science Board. Miller, a former undersecretary of defense for policy, cited Secretary of Defense Mark Esper's participation in President Donald Trump's Monday night photo op in front of St. John's Church. The resignation comes as the nation braced for its eighth night of protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd. Here is part of the letter: When I joined the Board in early 2014, after leaving government service as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, I again swore an oath of office, one familiar to you, that includes the commitment to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States . . . and to bear true faith and allegiance to the same." You recited that same oath on July 23, 2019, when you were sworn in as Secretary of Defense. On Monday, June 1, 2020, I believe that you violated that oath. Law-abiding protesters just outside the White House were dispersed using tear gas and rubber bullets not for the sake of safety, but to clear a path for a presidential photo op. You then accompanied President Trump in walking from the White House to St. John's Episcopal Church for that photo. President Trump's actions Monday night violated his oath to "take care that the laws be faithfully executed," as well as the First Amendment "right of the people peaceably to assemble." You may not have been able to stop President Trump from directing this appalling use of force, but you could have chosen to oppose it. Instead, you visibly supported it. Anyone who takes the oath of office must decide where he or she will draw the line: What are the things that they will refuse to do? Secretary Esper, you have served honorably for many years, in active and reserve military duty, as Secretary of the Army, and now as Secretary of Defense. You must have thought long and hard about where that line should be drawn. I must now ask: If last night's blatant violations do not cross the line for you, what will? Miller ended the letter by saying, "I wish you the best, in very difficult times. The sanctity of the U.S. Constitution, and the lives of Americans, may depend on your choices." The Pentagon did not respond to CNBC's request for comment. We at Sify.com reported that Zee5 has temporarily suspended the web series Godman after they faced severe backlash from the Brahmin community and a section of netizens. Now, the makers of Godman have come up with a statement blaming the Brahmin community. "The Tamil Nadu Brahmin community came together like an army to file criminal cases in almost every Police Station all over the State demanding that the series be canceled. This included several complaints in Chennai too. All these complaints raised by Brahmin faction were just based on a 1-minute teaser for a show that is 380 minutes long. People of the Brahmin community, not only from India but worldwide, have been harassing the show's Producer Elango Raghupathy, Director Babu Yogeswaran, and the lead Actors Daniel Balaji and Jayaprakash by phone, day and night, for the past 4 to 5 days. Their threats, insults, and discriminatory language only prove how low they can stoop. Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa, who claimed the Centre has asked him to step down citing "health grounds", has refused to resign, saying he wants the President to dismiss him. "I want the President to dismiss me. I will not resign. Let the President express his displeasure. Let the government use provisions of Article 156 of the Constitution," the Governor told a Guwahati-based TV news channel. Rajkhowa said that he had been asked to resign "on health grounds" weeks after the Supreme Court had restored the Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh censuring him. He said, "I have fully recovered from my illness and I have been discharging my duties after complete recovery. If they want me to quit, the prime minister and his cabinet will have to recommend the same to the President, who will then issue an order under specific provisions of the Constitution." "Even a fourth grade employee of the government has to be given in writing if the government wants him or her to resign or even go on leave. I am a Governor and this a Constitutional post," he said. Stating on August 27 night a well-known person from Guwahati had informed him over telephone that the government wanted him to resign on health grounds, Rajkhowa said, "I was shocked, surprised and felt humiliated." "I asked the person to inform whoever in the government wants me to quit to call me directly. When there was no such call, I called up the Union Home Minister (Rajnath Singh) and asked if it was true or false. But the Home Minister clearly told me over telephone that he knew nothing about it. "Instead, he started telling me that I was doing good work in Arunachal Pradesh. But when I called up another central minister, he called me back on August 30 and said that a decision had been taken at a high level for me to resign on health grounds and vacate my post by August 31," he said. Rajkhowa said he informed the particular minister that he had returned to Arunachal Pradesh 47 days ago after medical treatment and has been working since August 13 last. "I also told him that I am totally fit now. What is my fault that I have been asked to go on medical or health grounds?" the Governor said. The former bureaucrat who was appointed as Governor in June last year said, "I do not have a single blot in my long career. The government must have appointed me as Governor on the basis of my spotless track record. I feel very humiliated. It was a bolt from the blue." "For the Governor's post, I never met or approached any BJP leader whether at the local level or that of the PM," the former Assam Chief Secretary said. Stating that he was prepared to vacate the Raj Bhavan instantly on receiving the President's order, Rajkhowa said, "I have kept all my belongings packed since August 30. I have also told my office that if the order (regarding the dismissal) arrives in Raj Bhavan, they should immediately inform me and I will not stay even one minute after that." On July 13, the Supreme Court had ordered restoration of the Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh by quashing all decisions of the Governor precipitating its fall in January, holding them "violative" of the Constitution. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. 12:30 a.m. | A protest march that began peacefully Tuesday ended hours later when police in Alamo Plaza began firing projectiles at the crowd that they said attacked them with bottles. About 100 protesters who reached the Alamo at about 10:30 p.m. were met with a line of San Antonio police at Alamo Plaza and East Crockett Street who started lobbing tear gas and firing projectiles at the crowd. According to a tweet by SAPD officials, about 30 minutes later, glass bottles had been thrown at officers. The officers responded to the attack by using pepper balls, smoke, wooden, and rubber projectiles at the marchers. The line of officers then started pushing the crowd down East Crockett Street until they reached Losoya Street. Another line of officers then came down Losoya Street and fired another round of rubber bullets at protesters. As the protesters were regrouping at East Commerce and Losoya streets, a line of officers once again began pushing the protesters down East Commerce toward North Presa Street. From there, parts of the crowd had dispersed as the police continued their operation. Now Playing: A protest march that began peacefully Tuesday ended hours later when police in Alamo Plaza began firing projectiles at the crowd that they said attacked them with bottles. Video: San Antonio Express-News Original story continues: As marchers hit the streets of downtown for the fourth day in a row to honor George Floyd and to protest police violence, the Texas Army National Guard said it was sending 100 soldiers to San Antonio to support state troopers. Another 50 Texas Air National Guard personnel were sent to the Alamo City on Tuesday to help the DPS and provide logistical support. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the soldiers to San Antonio along with other cities at the direction of the president, said Brandon Jones, a Texas Guard spokesman. Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News Some of the soldiers, who have training in law enforcement and crowd control but will not have arrest powers, either were here or would arrive by today, Jones said, and would support the DPS wherever protests might occur. Were hearing the Alamo, but I dont know how true that is, Jones said of potential trouble spots. The city said Tuesday that Alamo Plaza will be closed to car and pedestrian traffic every night until Sunday, from 8:30 to 6 a.m. as a precautionary measure to minimize the possibility of civil disturbance and damage to sensitive structures. As of about 5 p.m. Tuesday, Mayor Ron Nirenberg had not been told of the order to reinforce the DPS with Guard members, said his spokesman, Bruce Davidson. Tuesdays largely peaceful protest started about 5 p.m. at the Bexar County Courthouse, as hundreds gathered despite a rain forecast. We want to make sure that none of us die any longer, Jourdyn Parks told the crowd as her two young sons and daughter watched her from the sidelines. This was Parks third protest this week. An Army veteran, she says she loves her country and thats why she protests. I want the country to be better, she said. Because I actually do want America to be great for the first time, I stand, and I do this. Zachariah Paul, 27, came with his friend Jay Windbush, 28. They said they were protesting police violence and all other forms of systemic injustices against black people in this country. Were tired. And tired is just an emotion, Paul said. Its physically painful when people need to have conversation with their 3- and 4-year-olds about why it is these protests are happening. About why you cant be black in America without a pre-existing death penalty. On the courthouse steps, speakers led chants. At one point, they reminded the crowd that the San Antonio police union contract is up for renewal next year a chance to advocate for more protections for their community. Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar also was at the courthouse, and he and a few other deputies found themselves surrounded by members of the crowd when he went to greet them. Theyre a young group, Salazar said. Theyre just frustrated with whats going on in our country. As the sheriff was walking out of the crowd, he and others encountered a man who drew the groups ire as he shouted, Latinos for Trump! The crowd began arguing with him for a moment until deputies escorted him out of the group for his own safety. Salazar told the crowd members the majority of law enforcement officers locally support them. Lexi Qaiyyim, 24, said Salazars words were nice to hear, but that there needs to be action. This is the first time that some real change has started to happen, she said, referring to the arrest of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer seen in a video kneeling on Floyds neck before his death. Qaiyyim, 24, addressed the protesters when they took a knee and held a moment of silence outside the courthouse before marching to Public Safety Headquarters. We have been silenced, and we have been told to stay in our lane, but we wont. No more, she said. We are here to show them that we will stand for what is right and for our lives. The police presence largely was unseen, save for deputies standing behind a barricade at the Paul Elizondo courthouse and a police helicopter overhead. The sheriff said deputies with riot gear were waiting out of sight, ready to intervene should the need arise. Theyre a loud group. Theyre boisterous. Theyre enthusiastic about what theyre doing, but theyre doing no harm, Salazar said. Jacob Beltran is a reporter covering San Antonio and Bexar County. To read more from Jacob, become a subscriber. jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfromSA She recently joked that her Botox has been wearing off while in lockdown. And Anthea Turner shared her teeth whitening regime as she looks to maintain her youthful looks. The TV star, 60, posted a number of snaps of her gnashers being taken care of before lockdown, and revealed the treatment she has been doing at home since. Gleaming: Anthea Turner shared her teeth whitening regime to her Instagram followers on Wednesday The former Blue Peter presenter said: 'Obvs always looking for ways to keep looking good and one thing I think is ageing are stained teeth. 'Sadly over the years however hard we try with good hygiene our little pegs can start to look a few shades the wrong way down the tooth colour chart. 'Red is my wine of choice and every day I drink a lovely home brewed strong coffee, so there are there things that do me no favours.' Procedure: The former Blue Peter presenter, 60, showed behind the scenes photos of the whitening operation Home dentists: The TV personality showed off how she has been maintaining her pearly whites at home during the lockdown Routine: The video showed Anthea injecting a fluid into a retainer before putting them in her mouth Anthea shared her post after it was recently announced that dentists would reopen in the UK from June 8. Describing her routine, the former Dancing on Ice star said she visited Care Dental in London on the recommendation of a friend. She said: 'I had the Gold Standard which took my teeth a whopping 3 shades lighter with honestly the most difficult part not being able to chit chat for an hour as the machine performed its magic. 'I was delighted with the result and just so they stay sparkling for all those Zoom and House Party calls I have a home kit which during lockdown I've used once a week. Showing off her new smile: The veteran broadcaster revealed she underwent a procedure at Care Dental in London Revealing: Anthea even showed off an image taken at the dentists of her jaw as she underwent the popular whitening 'Great believer in tidying up as you go along now all I have to do is tickle my nails and horrendous roots!' It comes after Anthea kicked off her milestone 60th birthday celebrations with an appearance on Loose Women last week. The bubbly presenter spent her special day in isolation at home with fiance Mark Armstrong. And appearing from her living room, she joked that she 'felt old' because the enforced period of time behind closed doors had resulted in her Botox wearing off. Upbeat: Anthea joked that her Botox was wearing off as she kicked off her milestone 60th birthday celebrations with an appearance on Loose Women last week Offering a humble response to positive comments about her glowing looks, she said: 'I feel a bit old actually, you know when people say "oh 50 is the new 40" but no, 60 is 60. 'This is called lockdown locks, this is called "I haven't been able to get to the hairdressers." Also I've got no nails, and I haven't been able to frown quite like this for a while.' Twice-married Anthea was set to exchange vows with business tycoon Mark in Italy over the summer, but has since been forced to postpone her wedding plans in light of the current health crisis. Opening up: Appearing from her living room on the latest edition of the ITV chat show, she claimed her appearance had slipped because the enforced period of time behind closed doors had prevented her from visiting beauty salons It's all about you: The Loose Women panellists applauded Anthea as she celebrated her birthday But despite the abrupt and unexpected setback, Anthea insists the wedding will still go ahead in the coronavirus ravaged country - albeit in 12 months time. She said: 'It wasn't like we had invited everybody and booked everything. We had every intention of getting married in Italy in September and it is going to be next year now. 'We haven't even tried to make any plans, you might as well park it.' Cancelled: Twice married Anthea was set to exchange vows with business tycoon Mark in Italy over the summer, but has since been forced to postpone her wedding plans in light of the current health crisis With wedding pans on hold for now, the presenter admits turning 60 in lockdown has given her an unprecedented opportunity for self-reflection. 'Something I have never done is savour, savour the moment,' she said. 'It is 60, I've got more air miles behind me than in front of me. 'You've been talking about health and weight, I've never valued health so much and savouring the moment.' She added: 'All those years doing all those television programmes, I don't think I ever savoured any of it because I was always worried and worried if I was in the right place.' China may call the worlds bluff on Hong Kong A common refrain from the U.S. and its allies is that China needs Hong Kongs economy to keep prospering, and that threatening to choke off trade with the territory will make Beijing think twice about trampling on Hong Kongs freedoms. As a new national security law moves ahead, Hong Kong could suffer permanent damage to its economy. But Chinas leadership is calculating that stability and control outweigh the benefits that one of the worlds top financial hubs has long provided. Beijing has not budged, even as the Trump administration has threatened to end the special trade status the U.S. offers Hong Kong. Britain said it would open its doors to three million people fleeing the former British colony. Context: Hong Kong has declined in importance to China as the mainland economy has surged. Its output is equal to less than 3 percent of the mainlands. While investors still prize Hong Kongs business environment, they are now accustomed to doing business in Chinese cities like Shanghai. MATTOON Mattoon Community Food Center volunteers did not know what turnout to expect on May 28 when they distributed free produce, dairy and meat from the Farmers to Families Food Box program for the first time, said board President Troy Jayroe. The distribution of this food, which was done regardless of income level or residency, drew a long line of vehicles that stretched through the parking lot of the center, 600 Moultrie Ave., and down an adjacent roadway. "It was an amazing turnout and a great event," said food center board member Mark Elliott, who was among the volunteers loading food boxes into waiting vehicles. Jayroe said the center ended up having to turn away some of those in line after exhausting the distribution's supply of 200 food boxes. Now the center is preparing to hold its second distribution at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4 as part of this food box program offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. "This time, we have significantly upped the order," Jayroe said. "We have more than doubled the amount of food that we have ordered. We are hoping we will have enough this time." Once again, the free food boxes will be distributed regardless of income level or residency. Jayroe said up to two households per vehicle will receive food. He said motorists are asked to line up along Moultrie heading east toward the Mattoon Community Food Center. Jayroe said the line of vehicles moved quickly with the help of volunteers at the May 28 food box distribution and he anticipates that it will do so again this week "It's a drive-through, contact-less program. We load the food and you don't have to get out of your vehicle," Jayroe said. He added that, "We will have volunteers out there to direct traffic and guide them to the center." The USDA announced on May 19 that it is partnering with regional and local distributors, whose work forces have been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities during the COVID-19 pandemic, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat and deliver boxes to Americans in need. Additional Farmers to Families Food Box distributions at the Mattoon Community Food Center are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. June 11, 18 and 25. Jayroe said the Eastern Illinois Food Bank in Urbana is coordinating this program in the area. This food box program is separate from the regular monthly food offered to the center's clients, a service that has continued throughout the economic upheaval caused by the pandemic and by the winding down of manufacturing operations at the LSC Communications factory that is closing in Mattoon. Jayroe said volunteers have been maintaining social distance while serving clients from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the center. To meet current restrictions, clients do not enter the building. Instead, they meet a staff member on the front porch who takes necessary information. That data is passed through a window, and workers process the order according to the number of those in the household. The food is then set out on the porch on a table, and the workers re-enter the building. At that time, the family drives up to the west end of the porch and loads their boxes. More information is available by calling the food center at 217-258-8321 between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday or Friday; or by visiting the Mattoon Community Food Center page on Facebook. My Town: Rob Stroud talks about why he likes living in Coles County 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. Long before Dr Nicole Bart treated her first cardiac case, her grandfather, Bernie, gave her a stethoscope. "I wasn't even allowed to use it on patients, but he wanted to be the one who gave that to me," she said of her "Opa". And none would have been prouder than Dr Bart's grandfather when the young cardiologist was awarded a prestigious Fulbright scholarship earlier this year. Cardiologist Dr Nicole Bart at St Vincent's Hospital. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer "He was very much my inspiration in my attitude to life and medicine," said the St Vincent's Hospital cardiologist and research fellow at Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. Her grandfather's death from heart failure has galvanised Dr Bart's commitment to her work as she searches for the hidden causes of cardiac failure and personalised treatment in the genetic make-up of her patients. NEW YORK - Peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd continued Wednesday in New York City, but an early curfew, drenching rain and refined police tactics appeared to have stopped some of the destruction of previous nights. Some critics said the calm came at a high price, as the city was forced to grind to a halt at 8 p.m., bridges were closed to traffic and police arrested dozens of orderly people for violating the curfew. About an hour after the deadline to get off the street, officers began moving in on crowds of demonstrators in Manhattan and Brooklyn, at times blasting people with pepper spray or using batons to shove people who didnt move fast enough. When one demonstrator asked an officer why he was being taken into custody, an Associated Press reporter heard the officer reply, Curfew violater. You didnt hear the news? NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan said about 60 people were arrested near Central Park out of a large band of protesters who had marched from near the mayors residence, Gracie Mansion. Police moved in just before a heavy rain began. When we have these big crowds, especially in this area, especially where weve had the looting, no more tolerance. They have to be off the street. An 8 oclock curfew, we gave them until 9 oclock, and there was no indication that they were going to leave these streets, Monahan said, noting that the crowd was allowed to disperse once arrests began, and most did. City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who attended a rally in downtown Brooklyn, expressed outrage that peaceful demonstrations were broken up. I cant believe what I just witnessed & experienced, Williams wrote on twitter. He called the use of force on nonviolent protesters disgusting. As the evening deepened, there were few reports of the mayhem that had occurred on several days of demonstrations, when protesters burned police vehicles and showered officers with debris. Gone also were the roving bands of people who smashed their way into scores of stores and stole merchandise Sunday and Monday nights. Protesters also appeared to react more calmly to police attempts to break up crowds, a contrast to the early days of the protests where attempts to break up crowds were sometimes met with thrown objects. At Gracie Mansion, demonstrators were kneeling in a moment of silence when alarms rang on cellphones, warning that the curfew was approaching. This means a lot to me, as a black woman, said protester Stella Mbah, who kept marching after the curfew passed. There are so many things police are doing wrong to us black people. Another demonstrator, Lisa Horton, said charges announced Wednesday against three other Minneapolis police officers in connection to Floyds death were a step, but she was protesting because she feels more needs to change. Theres been progress, but are we at a point where we can all celebrate? No, she said, calling for radical change in the criminal justice system. Tuesday nights protests had also been mostly peaceful, prompting Mayor Bill de Blasio to declare that an early curfew was working. Last night we took a step forward in moving out of this difficult period weve had the last few days and moving to a better time, he said at a morning news briefing. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was critical of the police response on prior nights, said the city Tuesday was much, much better than the night before. It worked. We got results, Cuomo said. Lets just remember what we did last night and keep that going. De Blasio rejected President Donald Trumps urging and Cuomos offer to send in the National Guard to stop the ransacking of stores, saying the NYPD was best suited for the task. Trump warned in a Fox News Radio interview that if city officials dont get their act straightened out, I will solve it. Ill solve it fast, but didnt say what action he might take. Around Manhattan, even in parts of the city that hadnt seen the damage and thefts, businesses had boarded up windows Wednesday as a precaution. That was the case at Saks Fifth Avenue, where a line of tattooed men with well-mannered dogs guarded the boarded windows wrapped in chain-link and razor wire. The nightly curfews will remain in effect through at least Sunday, with the city planning to lift it at the same time it enters the first phase of reopening after more than two months of shutdowns because of the coronavirus. The marches were part of a wave of protests across the country since the May 25 death of Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on his neck and left it there even after he lost consciousness. Police said they arrested about 280 people on Tuesday, compared with 700 the previous night. In all, more than 2,000 people have been arrested, the NYPD said. Wednesday, prosecutors also charged a man with shooting at an occupied police vehicle in Queens. Neither officer in the vehicle was wounded. No demonstration was underway in the area and the mans motive in shooting at the vehicle was unclear. De Blasio condemned police for roughing up journalists covering the protests, including two from the AP who were shoved, cursed at and told to go home by officers Tuesday night despite press being considered essential workers allowed to be on the streets. There should be no condition under which any journalist is detained by the police of this city or any city in the United States of America, period, de Blasio said, calling for an investigation. Shea said officers were doing the best we can under difficult circumstances, adding that some people stopped by police lied about being journalists. Were not perfect, we do the best we can in a situation, he said. ___ Jennifer Peltz and Jim Mustian in New York City and Marina Villeneuve in Albany contributed to this report. ___ On Twitter: Follow Michael Sisak at twitter.com/mikesisak and Jake Seiner at twitter.com/Jake_Seiner It only took a couple of months for the coronavirus to completely change the world as we knew it. But, if youre patiently waiting for things to return to normal, I have some bad news for you: I dont think that well ever ultimately return to a pre-COVID-19 world. So, how has the future of work been altered? Well, heres a glimpse into what to anticipate going forward. Permanent flexibility. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 5 million people were already working from home at least half of the time. Since then, according to research from Salesforce, 61 percent of the workforce is working from home. Even more astounding is that 53 percent of employees began doing so because of COVID-19. And, guess what? Theyre more productive and communicative. Because of this, expect flexible working arrangements to become the norm rather than just a trend. Twitter recently announced that most employees would be able to WFH permanently, and even more traditional companies like Barclays and Morgan Stanley have implemented this policy. "It's obvious at this stage that remote working will be viewed with entirely new importance post-COVID-19," said Ben Rogers, president of platform and technology clients at the National Research Group (NRG). "Investments in platforms and technology will need to be made to maximize efficiency in this new paradigm. Does this mean employees will never leave their homes again? Of course not. They may visit the office one or two days a week for in-person events. Also, there will be some jobs where working remotely isnt an option. But, we can be certain that the days of the traditional 9-to-5 daily grind are behind us. Say goodbye to many in-person meetings. Because of the coronavirus, virtual meetings have become more popular than ever. And just like remote work, expect the trend to become the new normal. We've seen Zoom pick up in a big way and many significant innovations with other virtual meeting platforms. COVID may also lessen a lot of business travel. But, dont just expect an uptick in video conferences. Anticipate replacing even more of your meetings with email and instant messages. No disrespect to face-to-face interactions, but these types of communications will likely be faster and more efficient. But, when its time to build rapport, rely on video conferences and try out team-building activities like virtual lunches. Related: 7 Mistakes Leaders Make When Managing a Remote Team Share employees in cross-industry talent exchanges. As leaders," say Ravin Jesuthasan, Tracey Malcolm and Susan Cantrell in HBR, "we must all ask ourselves: How can we tap into the broader ecosystem of talent to build the resilience of both organizations and people during these challenging times? The answer? One innovative response is to develop a cross-industry talent exchange. What exactly is this? Well, its where unemployed people, because of this crisis, temporarily work at organizations that have an excess of work, such as logistics. Why is this beneficial? It helps avoid the frictional and reputational costs associated with letting people go while supporting workers in developing new skills and networks. Companies like Kroger, for example, have borrowed furloughed employees from the wholesale food distributor Sysco. Months earlier in China, companies also creatively started sharing employees, the authors add. In these arrangements, the companies receiving employees define which skills theyre looking for, explain Jesuthasan, Malcolm, and Cantrell. They then work with the companies sharing their employees to define the length of the exchange as well as the implications for pay, benefits, and insurance. Adaptable, agile and innovative companies will thrive. Which companies are going to come out of the pandemic relatively unscathed? Its going to be those with a work-at-home model. Obviously, this is because they have limited fixed costs, such as real estate, and theyre light enough that they can change directions if they must. But, its not all doom and gloom for businesses with physical locations or products. Case in point: distillers that have pivoted from making spirits to hand sanitizer. Or, clothing companies now making masks to meet the demands of customers. Another example would be offering online services. Take a gym, as an example. Clients could pay for virtual training sessions instead of physically going to the gym. Related: How Agile Leaders Help Organizations Thrive Focus on outcomes, not time. As we adjust to new working arrangements, theres a temptation to monitor our team. Currently, employers are keeping tabs on their teams with keystroke monitoring, reading Slack messages, or analyzing what screens youve shared on Zoom. But, constantly monitoring your employees could backfire. Employees may feel like their privacy has been violated. As a consequence, they may leave your organization. It also stifles innovation and signals that you dont trust them, which decreases motivation and productivity. So, in small doses, this may work, but encouraging ownership may be the better option. The role of leaders will shift to further attention on empowering their employees, energizing them around a common mission, and measuring the outcomes of their work, writes Bill George, author of Discover Your True North. Instead of measuring employees inputs, companies will shift to results and forward-looking metrics like market share and customer feedback. Related: Work-Life Balance Is Simple. To Succeed at Work, Get a Life. Employee health and well-being will be at the forefront. Team wellness is now at the forefront of employee and company priorities. While we are still in COVID and may be stranded for some time to come, keep working on making sure your team is doing well mentally and physically. Maintain team activities. Depending on your industry, this will vary. But, if youre expecting employees to physically return to the workplace, then you need to step-up your cleaning and sterilization game. You may also have to implement mandatory on-thee-job screenings. Companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks have been taking the temperature of their employees. There may even be an immunity passport, like the one being discussed in the UK. Expect face masks to be worn around the office. Watch for the rebels and bullying that happens in the circumstances to make others feel foolish about their mask-wearing. Additionally, you may need to assist your team with their mental health regardless of whether they come into work or work remotely. On an individual level, unfortunately, there are some people who are going to face post-traumatic stress, said Adam Grant, a professor at the Wharton School. The encouraging news psychologically is over half of people report a different response to trauma, which is post-traumatic growth. Post-traumatic growth is the sense that I wish this didn't happen but, given that it happened, I feel like I am better in some way, explains Grant. It might be a heightened sense of personal strength." Or, "it could be a deeper sense of gratitude; it could be finding new meaning, or investing more in relationships. To assist with this, show empathy and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. You should make sure that your insurance plan covers therapist visits, and you can refer them to teletherapists, apps like Headspace or crisis hotlines. Related: These Sectors Will Come Out Stronger Post COVID-19 Crisis RBI Rate Cut, Government Stimulus Done: What Are the Markets Eyeing Now? How To Best Manage Pauses In Working Amid a Crisis Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Advertisement President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria will stand solidly behind Dr Akinwumi Adesina in his bid to get re-elected as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) The President spoke at State House, Abuja, Tuesday, while hosting Dr Adesina on a courtesy visit. In 2015, when you were to be elected for the first term, I wrote to all African leaders, recommending you for the position. I didnt say because you were a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Minister, and I belonged to the All Progressives Congress (APC), so I would withhold my support. Ill remain consistent with you, because no one has faulted the step I took on behalf of Nigeria, said President Buhari. Advertisement The President pledged that Nigeria would work with all other leaders and stakeholders in AfDB to ensure that Dr Adesina was elected for a second term built on the record of his achievements during his first term. The African Union had already endorsed the incumbent AfDB President as sole candidate for the continent, but some other stakeholders are trying to ensure that Dr Adesina is re-investigated on some allegations, and rendered ineligible to run. Giving a background to what was happening in the bank, Dr Adesina, a former Nigerian Minister for Agriculture, said the 16 allegations raised against him were trumped up, and without facts, evidence, and documents, as required by the rules and regulations of the bank. He added that the Ethics Committee of the bank cleared him of all the allegations, and calls for fresh investigation by the United States of America, were against the rules. My defense ran into 250 pages, and not a single line was faulted or questioned. The law says that report of the Ethics Committee should be transmitted to the Chairman of Governors of the bank. It was done, and the governors upheld the recommendations. That was the end of the matter, according to the rules. It was only if I was culpable that a fresh investigation could be launched. I was exonerated, and any other investigation would amount to bending the rules of the bank, to arrive at a predetermined conclusion, Dr Adesina said. Stressing that the motive was to soil his name, and that of the bank, the AfDB President said he was proud to be Nigerian, and thanked President Buhari for his unflinching support. You helped me to get elected in the first place, and you have supported me robustly all along, and the African Union unanimously endorsed my re-election he declared. While commiserating with President Buhari on the death of the former Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, Dr Adesina described Professor Ibrahim Gambari, new Chief of Staff as a man of integrity, and of global standing. Hundreds of people marched in Bay Area cities on Tuesday to protest the police killing in Minnesota of George Floyd and to object to institutionalized racism. Heres a look at several of the people who participated in the demonstrations. Eric Eitson, 30, of Hayward Im proud of this, said Eitson, a petrol chemical worker who marched in East Oakland on Tuesday. Im proud of what Im seeing. Being a 30-year-old black man this is my opportunity. History is repeating itself and Im doing my part. Channie Dekharn, 33, Oakland Its time for police to stop their treatment toward African Americans, said Dekharn, a bartender who took part in Oaklands march on Tuesday. They need specific training... because clearly theyre so frazzled and frightened. If they get the proper training there wouldnt be so much unwanted death and chaos. Asin Sami, 16, East Oakland As a black male, its harder for us to survive when things are going on, said Sami, who marched in Oakland on Tuesday. I have a lot of black friends and Im kinda scared for them and also my family. Its hard to get out and do things when you know police are around. It kinda scares me. Alexa Sol, 33, of Mountain View Sol, 33 circled a burning copal an aromatic tree resin commonly used in cleansing and healing ceremonies at her waist as chants of I cant breathe bounced off the steps of Redwood Citys California Square. She stood in front of Quinto Sol, her familys Mexican restaurant specializing in food from Puebla. On the boarded up entrance, a painting of the Virgin de Guadalupe remained, her palms clasped at her chest. On a boarded window, the phrase, Siempre Unidos was scribbled in blue paint. Im here because I wanted to show solidarity here for my restaurant, representing the community of Latinx for the black lives matter movement, Sol said. Together our voices are stronger. The plight of the Latino people, we can sympathize with the plight of the black community.This is the time where we all have to see pst race, we need to really be here as one, as a people, as human beings. Destiny C., 23, of Oakland 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 cops should be ashamed of themselves, said Destiny C., a teacher, who marched in East Oakland on Tuesday. We shouldnt be out here fighting for our lives. For our freedom to be human. People should be ashamed of themselves. Alison Smaalders, 30, of Redwood City Smaalders, an insurance brokerage administrative assistant, went to the demonstration in Redwood City on Tuesday because this has been an issue for centuries... but nothing changes. We have the same number of police killings every year and that has to change... For me its important to show up and be counted. We stand up publicly and say no were not going to stand for this anymore. This is not the way we treat our black neighbors. (Alison is white). She wore a mask imprinted with Halloween skulls and carried a hand-painted black lives matter sign. Sarah Ravani, Lauren Hernandez and Rita Beamish are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. DENVER, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Friday Health Plans, a Denver-based health insurance holding company, announced today that the Colorado Impact Fund has made an investment in the company as part of the most recent financing led by Peloton Equity and Leadenhall Capital Partners. This latest capital infusion supports Friday's continued job creation and expansion of affordable health insurance in rural Colorado. Friday Health Plans offers individual and small group health insurance plans in 36 Colorado counties, including many rural areas which have few alternative health plan options. With its operations center located in Alamosa, Colorado, Friday employs more than 90 San Luis Valley residents, purchased its Alamosa offices last year as a long-term investment in the community, and also has contributed funds to help create the San Luis Valley Cancer Center. "We are extremely excited to partner with the Colorado Impact Fund and share their vision of growing jobs in rural Colorado and providing more affordable health insurance," said Sal Gentile, CEO of Friday Health Plans. The Colorado Impact Fund has a particular focus on expanding access to healthcare and boosting economic development in underserved communities. "Our investment in Friday Health Plans is a unique opportunity for our Fund to support a company that is both creating high quality jobs in the San Luis Valley and expanding affordable healthcare options in Colorado and beyond," said Ryan Kirkpatrick, Co-Managing Partner of the Colorado Impact Fund. "The Friday Health Plan team is building an innovative platform in the health insurance market and we are excited to support the company and its expansion." Friday Health Plans began its growth stage after acquiring Colorado Choice Health Plans in 2017. The company has more than tripled its individual membership after expanding across Colorado and New Mexico. After securing $50 million from Peloton Equity and Leadenhall Capital Partners last year, Friday is poised to enter multiple new states in 2021. As unemployment numbers rise and individuals lose their employer health coverage due to COVID-19, more people are expected to enroll in individual health plans in the coming year. About Friday Health Plans: Friday Health Plans is purpose-built specifically for people and small businesses who buy their own health insurance. The company focuses on overall simplicity to offer affordable health plans with benefits that help members stay healthy and cover them if they get sick or hurt. Operational efficiency, top-notch customer service, and smart technology are core to Friday's consumer-centric approach. Headquartered in Denver, insurance products and services are state-based subsidiaries of Friday Health Plans Management Company, Inc. For more information and to find a health plan, visit https://www.fridayhealthplans.com. About Colorado Impact Fund: The Colorado Impact Fund (CIF) is a Denver-based venture capital firm investing in Colorado companies with high-growth, scalable business models and a commitment to make their community better. CIF was created to support a growing entrepreneurial and impact ecosystem throughout the state of Colorado. CIF manages approximately $80 million of private capital with the Colorado Impact Fund I and the Colorado Impact Bridge Fund. For more information, visit https://www.coloradoimpactfund.com/. SOURCE Friday Health Plans Related Links http://www.fridayhealthplans.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 By Fidan Babayeva Trend: The process of forming regulations for the electronic information system of agricultural insurance has been completed in Azerbaijan, Fuad Sadigov, Chairman of the board of the Agricultural Insurance Fund, told Trend. "The regulations for the electronic information system of agricultural insurance have already been formed, and we are waiting for confirmation from the relevant authorities," he stressed. "Azerbaijans Ministry of Agriculture holds the leading position in creation of this platform, and to be more precise, the information system of agricultural insurance will be integrated into the electronic agricultural information system (EAIS)," Sadigov added. "EAIS is a unified system that contains the main activities of the agriculture ministry, covers a wide range of opportunities for integration with domestic and foreign systems and creates the basis for creating an agricultural chain. Other departments, such as the ministries of justice, economics, ecology and natural resources and so on, also participate in it," he noted. "The information system of agricultural insurance is one of the key links in the formation and development of this industry in the republic. One of the main tasks in the development of the system is the creation of a comprehensive database that reflects the risks associated with climate, animal and plant diseases. It will help to conduct an effective risk assessment in this area," said the chairman. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on August 19, 2019 on the applying of the Law on Agricultural Insurance and the establishment of the Agricultural Insurance Fund, a non-profit legal entity that ensures organization, development and sustainability of the agricultural insurance system in Azerbaijan, as well as the formation of a governing structure and exercises control for its activity. The Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers approved the Charter of the Agricultural Insurance Fund on December 14, 2019. The Charter includes the goals of the activity, obligations and rights of the Fund, the fundamentals of its management, authorized capital, property and financial activity, the procedure for compiling and submitting audit and accounting reports, as well as other issues. Presently, 21 insurance companies and one reinsurance company operate in Azerbaijan. --- Follow the author on Twitter: Fidan_Babaeva On June 2, Russia-led armed groups in Donbas committed a number of artillery shell attacks on the Ukrainian positions having deployed its artillery in the residential blocks of population areas, thus provoking retaliatory fire to discredit the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the eve of the next working meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group, a headquarters of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) reported. "Today, on June 2, the Russian invaders deliberately carried out armed provocations and fired at the positions of the JFO from the residential blocks of the population areas... The JFO did not succumb to provocations, did not open fire in response," the HQ said on a Facebook on Tuesday evening. In particular, Russia-led forces fired from the northern part of the village of Novolaspa, where they released 13 mines of 82 caliber. At the same time, three shots were fired towards the Ukrainian positions near Starohnativka using 152mm artillery systems set up near the houses of civilians in Starolaspa. "We emphasize that the JFO have never shelled, are not shelling and will shell homes of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Such behavior is inherent exclusively to the occupying forces," the HQ said. In addition, Russian occupants placed 82mm mortars at the border of Petrivske disengagement site No. 3 and fired at the positions of the JFO near Bohdanivka. "The invaders, undoubtedly, were intended to force our defenders to open fire in order to further accuse the Ukrainian military in violation of existing agreements. It is clear that such insidious actions by the armed forces of the Russian Federation are consciously carried out on the eve of the working meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group to discredit the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the HQ reported. The World Economic Forum (WEF) will adopt a new twin-summit format for its next annual Davos meeting in January 2021, by bringing together leaders from across the globe for in-person as well as virtual dialogues with a theme of 'The Great Reset'. The gathering of the world's rich and powerful, held every year in the Swiss ski resort town, will also open its doors virtually for everyone across the world online and through a network of more than 400 hubs globally. The 50th WEF Annual Meeting, which was held from January 21-24, 2020, was one of the last high-profile ... Mass demonstrations without physical distancing and other safety precautions has heightened risk of coronavirus spread. Nationwide protests against police brutality in the US have seen thousands of people demonstrating in close quarters, chanting, shouting, and coughing when hit by tear gas, something that has raised concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. Experts say racialised police violence is a grave and neglected public health crisis for African Americans, threatening not just their lives but increasing their risk of developing stress-related diseases, from heart failure to cancer. It has been over a week since George Floyd, an African American man, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes, sparking a wave of protests across the country against institutional racism. For Ebony Hilton, a physician at the University of Virginia hospital who is herself Black, the issue highlights what she calls the threat of the two pandemics: COVID-19 and police brutality. We are expecting to see a spike (in coronavirus cases) because theres no social distancing and unfortunately most people wear their masks incorrectly, she told AFP news agency. The pepper spraying and resulting coughing/gagging also heightens risk, said Hilton. Additionally, COVID can be spread via droplets on eyes, and many arent wearing goggles. Law enforcement agencies have routinely fired tear-inducing pepper spray and tear gas, a nerve agent that causes intense burning, in order to disperse crowds. On Monday, federal police hit peaceful activists in Lafayette Park outside the White House with rubber bullets and tear gas in order to let President Donald Trump get a photo-op at a historic church that had suffered damage the night before. Police a public health threat Even so, said Hilton, it was important to contextualise why people were willing to take these risks. A study carried out in 2019 found that Black men are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by the police than their white counterparts. We think that theres ample evidence that police are a threat to public health in the United States, Rutgers Universitys Frank Edwards, the lead author of the paper, told AFP at the time. Relying on media reports as well as official data, Edwards and colleagues estimated one fatality from police use of force for every 1,000 Black male births. Police violence is a leading cause of death for Black men aged 20-29, just behind cancer. The problem is not just the high-profile deaths that make the news, but the psychological stress inflicted on African Americans continually targeted by police. What we know is that chronic stress is directly linked to increased risk of cancer formation, directly linked to hypertension, to diabetes, to heart failure, to obesity, said Hilton. Cav Manning, a 52-year-old emcee from New York, is just one of tens of thousands nationwide willing to risk coronavirus as he joined a protest in Brooklyn on Monday evening. What we saw is so disturbing that weve got to be out here right now, despite COVID, despite the fact that you might get infected, he told AFP. Precautions stressed The demonstrations come as the number of new coronavirus deaths in the US, the worlds hardest-hit country, continues to decrease after peaking in mid-April, and as states partly reopen their economies. Research has linked warmer summer months to a decreased COVID-19 spread in temperate parts of the world. Brandon Brown, an epidemiologist at the University of California Riverside, said that while the expected risk of COVID-19 transmission is lowered outdoors, it is not reduced to zero, especially when people are unable to physically distance when faced with charging police. Protesters march through the streets during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd, in Washington, DC [Samuel Corum/Getty Images/AFP] It is important to wear a mask not only to protect yourself against COVID-19, but also from state surveillance, he emphasised. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician in New York, added that the aerosol produced by tear gas itself could potentially act as a carrier that projects viral droplets far deeper into a crowd than they would otherwise have travelled. All of these factors have combined to make public health professionals very nervous about the impact two or so weeks down the line. Manning, the emcee, said he and others were aware of the danger. But this is also something that is happening for the health of the nation. Ben and Jerrys has issued a statement emphasising the urgent need to take concrete steps to dismantle white supremacy in all its forms. In the aftermath of George Floyds death in Minneapolis, US, thousands have taken part in protests and demonstrations across the world supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and calling for an end to police brutality against black people. On Tuesday 2 June, Ben and Jerrys released a statement on its website, saying that the company is outraged over the killing of Mr Floyd and the continued violent response by police against protesters. We have to speak out. We have to stand together with the victims of murder, marginalisation, and repression because of their skin colour, and with those who seek justice through protests across our country. We have to say his name: George Floyd, the firm said. Ben and Jerrys wrote that the murder of Mr Floyd was the result of inhumane police brutality that is perpetuated by a culture of white supremacy, stressing that he is the latest in a long list of names of black people who have been killed, including Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and Eric Garner. The ice cream company stated that the officers involved in Mr Floyds death must be brought to justice. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Mr Floyds neck for over eight minutes, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Mr Floyds family recently said the three other officers present at the scene are expected to be criminally charged. In its statement, Ben and Jerrys recalled how the company offered public support to the Black Lives Matter movement four years ago. 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 Today, we want to be even more clear about the urgent need to take concrete steps to dismantle white supremacy in all its forms, the firm stated. The ice cream brand said it is calling upon US President Donald Trump and other elected officials to commit our nation to a formal process of healing and reconciliation. The company is also calling upon the US Congress to pass legislation that would create a commission to study the effects of slavery and discrimination from 1619 to the present and recommend appropriate remedies. In addition, the firm is supporting Mr Floyds family in creating a national task force that would help to combat racial violence and increase accountability of the police force. And finally, we call on the Department of Justice to reinvigorate its Civil Rights Division as a staunch defender of the rights of Black and Brown people, Ben and Jerrys said. Unless and until white America is willing to collectively acknowledge its privilege, take responsibility for its past and the impact it has on the present, and commit to creating a future steeped in justice, the list of names that George Floyd has been added to will never end. We have to use this moment to accelerate our nations long journey towards justice and a more perfect union, the company concluded. On Tuesday 2 June, people across social media observed Blackout Tuesday as a show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Some criticised the campaign for making it harder to help people source resources when used with the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag. Rihannas fashion and beauty brands Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty and Fenty announced they would be ceasing operations for the day. Popular American actress, Keke Palmer, has brought some US soldiers to their knees following her emotional plea. The actress who joined in the protest against racism in the US was seen berating the US government to the soldiers as she demanded that they fight for the black community. In the video, Palmer also asked that the soldier should, instead, march with the black community. READ ALSO George Floyd Protest: FIFA Tells Leagues, Players To Use Common Sense Advertisement Following her emotional speech, she was able to successfully compel the soldiers to bend the knee which signifies a stand against police brutality. Watch The Video Here: https://twitter.com/kingsonline/status/1268038213052096517?s=20 Andhra returnees arrive at the Visakhapatnam railway station on Tuesday. Several Railway services were started across the country on Monday. (DC Photo: K Narasimha Murthy) Vijayawada: For the fourth day in a row, Andhra Pradesh recorded more than 100 new cases of coronavirus infection on Tuesday. With the 115 new cases reported on Tuesday, the total has now reached 3,791. With no death of Covid-19 patient reported, the death toll remains at 64. The state has stepped up its testing rate to 7577 tests per million. It is concentrating its attention on people returning to the state from their places of work abroad or in other states of India. On Tuesday, the 115 new cases had 33 returnees from other states among them. Cumulative positive cases of foreign returnees so far have been reported to be 112, with 111 of them being active. Similarly, cumulative positive cases reported from other states are 479, with 282 cases being active. Guntur district reported 23 new coronavirus cases. Of them, 18 are from Kolli Sarada Market, three from Sanjeevaiah Nagar and one each from Tenali and Penumaka. There were signs Tuesday that the virus is now reaching tribal areas in Visakhapatnam district. A 20-year-old tribal woman hailing from Bachuluru village at Y. Ramavaram mandal in East Godavari, jumped home quarantine and visited a weekly market at Sileru in the Visakhapatnam tribal Agency area along with three men, causing concern among all those who visited the market. Sources said that the woman had been working in a shrimp processing unit in a village near Pamarru in Krishna district. She got stuck at her workplace due to the lockdown and returned home in East Godavari on May 26. Local health authorities kept her under home quarantine and sent her swab samples to a lab in Kakinada for Covid-19 test. However, she left home on May 31 against medical advice and visited the weekly market at Sileru. She moved around in close proximity with other visitors in the market. After she returned home, health officials informed her that she has tested positive for coronavirus. She has been shifted to Covid-19 hospital at Kakinada for treatment. Officials are on the lookout for her contacts at the weekly market. As news spread about the tribal woman visiting the weekly market at Sileru testing Covid-19 positve, tribals and traders of Sileru and Donkarayi became tense. They called for a meeting and resolved not to allow any outsiders into their villages. They would also not organize any meetings or outdoor games. In another case, a 55-year-old man and his son tested positive for Covid-19 at Chintalaveedhi in Anakapalle. Sources said the two are wholesale dealers for air conditioners. Retailers from the four neighbouring districts visit their electronics shop for purchases. While the old man was suffering with severe fever for the last one week, his son also developed fever later. Local health authorities conducted Covid-19 test on all five members including the old man, his son, his wife, his daughter-in-law and on domestic help. The test result showed that both the old man and his son are Covid-19 positive. Learning about it, all shops in Chintalaveedhi were shut. All the five have been admitted to a corporate hospital in Visakhapatnam. Their swabs have been collected and sent for coronavirus testing. Results are awaited. In East Godavari district, 31 new coronavirus positive cases have been reported. Of them, 27 are from Konaseema region. All new cases from the region are those of guest workers who returned from Mumbai by Shramik special trains. With this, the number cases in the district have risen to 303. PREMIER Brian Pallister introduced on May 14 new orders under the state of emergency. One of them eased child-care licensing requirements for home-based operations so that early childhood educators can offer child care in their homes and in the community for families who need it during the current state of emergency. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion PREMIER Brian Pallister introduced on May 14 new orders under the state of emergency. One of them eased child-care licensing requirements for home-based operations "so that early childhood educators can offer child care in their homes and in the community for families who need it during the current state of emergency." This order bookends a March 20 announcement that the province would divert $18 million to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce to offer funding of up to $3,000 apiece for early childhood educators wanting to start a child-care business in their homes or a community space. We have a number of concerns about this direction. Our primary concern is children themselves, who require child care that is safe, nurturing, educational and works to their overall short- and long-term benefit. Licensing in Manitoba encourages this outcome. Licensing covers everything from the ratio of early childhood educators to other staff and volunteers, the number of children allowed per educator, the play environment and safety hazards, fire evacuation plans, cleaning routines and practices, and behaviour management policies as well as food practices, and sleep guidelines. The provincial government has offered the message that the crisis of the pandemic and the need for child-care options for the children of essential workers has forced an easement of licensing requirements that licensing is a barrier to creating spaces. This isnt true. The barrier to more licensed spaces is funding, yet the province has chosen to put $18 million into private spaces, rather than non-profit licensed ones. Of course, parents will be concerned about the safety risk this presents for their children, not to mention the potential for substandard quality. But there is another concern. Unlicensed child-care businesses are free to set their own rates, whereas non-profit, licensed centres charge the same provincially set rate and families can access the subsidy program to offset those costs. This new scheme encourages a more expensive, poorer quality situation. Even more confounding is that at this point, a number of licensed non-profit child-care providers are open and undersubscribed, even at a time when they are accepting fewer children than usual in order to comply with public health recommendations. While the government has offered a matching service to help essential workers find spots, it is proving insufficient. Some centrally located, open centres have taken it upon themselves to advertise their open spaces and still have been unable to fill these spots. This has led many to believe that the government isnt attempting to resolve anything at all but is acting from an ideological desire to privatize child care. 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 governments direction for the sector during the pandemic has been conflicting, risky, and has hurt centres bottom lines. We were told centres should close, and then that they should stay open. We were told they should operate with more children than public health guidelines advise. We were advised centres should follow public health guidelines with children too young to understand social distancing. Non-profit, licensed centres have been told to return parent fees, but have not been offered a solution for how to cope with reduced revenues at a time when their operating costs have increased. The plan for the creation of these new child-care businesses similarly doesnt make sense especially while we are dealing with COVID-19. Few homes are ready-made to accommodate a child-care operation, let alone the "eight maximum" complement of children the provincial government suggests would be possible. Meanwhile, all providers have been asked to increase sanitization practices to prevent transmission; significantly increasing workload. Many centres have reassigned staff to full-time sanitization duties to properly meet these requirements. It is therefore puzzling to consider how new home-based educators will be able to adequately ensure all of the enhanced cleaning, sanitizing and toy rotations needed throughout the course of each day, while also caring for a group of children, ages 0-12; not to mention maintaining social-distancing guidelines. Our doubt is magnified by the reality that the vast majority of these centres will not be able to afford to operate with more than one staff. We are again concerned about the safety risk this presents both to children and child-care providers. Finally, as the province moves to virtual inspections for licensed child-care spaces, raising obvious concerns about the rigour of these inspections, new unlicensed child-care businesses will not be inspected before opening. When commenting on schools reopening, Premier Pallister noted, "Im not going to roll the dice with the children of Manitoba here." Wed like to see the same interest expressed when it comes to child care. This government needs to put children first, and support, protect and expand our existing, licensed system. It can start by replacing parent fees and critical fundraising revenue lost due to the pandemic, and work with licensed, non-profit child-care providers to build out the needed spaces. We invite all Manitobans to call on the premier to stop playing with childrens well-being, and to treat our child-care sector like the essential service that it is. Anna Weier is the parent of a preschool-aged child, and Kate Sjoberg is an auntie. Both are representatives of the Childcare is Essential campaign. WASHINGTON As protests continue to erupt around the country, a group of three young African-American activists is attempting to link the demonstrations to a list of demands. The group, Concerned Citizens, has emerged from the nations capital, a hotbed of the protests that began following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after he was taken into police custody in Minneapolis on May 25. The groups three leading organizers, Aalayah Eastmond, 19, Seun Babalola, 22, and Ty Hobson-Powell, 24, plan to unveil their demands, which they shared exclusively with Yahoo News, at a protest in Washington on Wednesday afternoon. Their list of 10 demands, which the group is set to announce at Lafayette Park across from the White House at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, includes police, criminal justice and government reforms at both the national and local levels, charges for all four officers involved in Floyds death, decriminalization of marijuana and statehood for the District of Columbia. They are also asking for charges against those responsible for the death of Breonna Taylor, who was killed on March 13 when police stormed her home and shot her during a drug investigation. We are simply concerned citizens of Washington, D.C. We want to bring organization to the White House protests while bringing us all under a common goal, an introductory statement accompanying the list said. Seeing as all of us as protesters want justice, we the people have formed a list of demands that we would like both the local D.C. municipality as well as the federal government to address with swift action. Eastmond is a student at Trinity Washington University and a survivor of the 2018 high school shooting in Parkland, Fla., that spawned multiple young activists focused on gun control. Aalayah Eastmond appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2018. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) Were not an organization. Were literally just a group of young activists and agitators on different sections of social justice issues here based in D.C., Eastmond said in an interview with Yahoo News. Story continues We all came together and we decided to make a decision on what the next steps are, because weve all been in the frontlines of the protests, she said, but we see a lot of people with the question of, whats next? The protests in Washington touched off May 29 after demonstrators breached barricades across from the White House at Lafayette Park. In the days since, the demonstrations have included a volatile mixture of peaceful protest, violent clashes with law enforcement, looting and destruction of property. The protests were most directly tied to the killing of Floyd, who died after Derek Chauvin, a Minnesota police officer, was filmed with his knee pressed against Floyds neck. Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. On Wednesday afternoon, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced charges against Chauvin would be increased, and the three other Minneapolis officers involved would also face charges. Eastmond said the group, which has social media pages for their cause, is focused on trying to translate the growing protests into concrete reforms. Were going to give them proactive action that we need them to implement so we can make sure that police brutality is decreasing rapidly, Eastmond said. Were seeing so many videos, so many new names daily, but were also forgetting that there are so many more that we dont see, that are not recorded. The issues of leadership and demands are fraught for left-wing organizers. Prior recent social justice movements, including Occupy Wall Street, a protest movement focused on finance and corruption, and Black Lives Matter, had a relatively leaderless structure. Occupy Wall Street in particular focused on being democratic and avoiding specific demands. That approach came into question after the movement lost steam after taking off around the country in September 2011. Babalola, an activist and prominent organizer, said Concerned Citizens is mindful of these issues. Our biggest thing is that we dont want to overstep, he said. What the three of us saw coming together was that there was a lot of energy a ton of energy at the White House. Seun Babalola delivers a TEDx talk in 2017. (YouTube) However, the group, which currently includes about 25 activists, felt the protests needed organization, we needed demands, he said. As organizers black and brown organizers in particular it was key for us to be able to use our talents to bring everybody toward a common goal. Not all of those who have been taking part in the protests outside the White House are eager for leadership, however. On Monday evening, Yahoo News asked a group of women who have been involved in the demonstrations about potential organizers emerging from the crowds. One of the women suggested she hoped the protests would remain a leaderless effort. I feel like there are many Martins and Malcolms out here, she said, referencing the legendary civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Babalola said the Concerned Citizens organizers took pains to focus on issues of universal concern to the protesters, many of whom have different goals and approaches. The majority of the people that are out at the White House every day want the same things. They want charges on all of the officers, he said of Floyds death. They want the officers involved in Breonna Taylors shooting to be held accountable. While Babalola said Concerned Citizens hopes to shift the conversation surrounding the ongoing protests and is dedicated to peaceful actions, he indicated it is not explicitly trying to rebuke those who have engaged in violent protest. Our main purpose is really to focus on our protest our peaceful protest and our workings toward a solution, he said. Were personally not going out and, like, demeaning or saying, Hey, you guys shouldnt be doing this, added Babalola. Were not telling people what to do, but were telling people that Hey lets get to these next steps. Update (June 15): Since the publication of this story, Concerned Citizens has said its initial description of the group's leadership was "factually incorrect" and asked that two additional activists, Kyra Stephenson-Valley, 25, from Toronto and Tylik McMillan, 23, from Harrisburg, Pa., be credited as leading organizers. Cover thumbnail photo: Aalayah Eastmond, Seun Babalola and Ty Hobson-Powell. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP, YouTube, DHS) _____ Read more: Accusing the US President of fanning the flames of hate for political gain following the custodial killing of George Floyd, Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden has said that Donald Trump was preening and sweeping away all the guardrails that have long protected the American democracy. The US is in the midst of the biggest civic unrest in the history of the country following the death of 46-year-old African-American Floyd who was pinned to the ground as a white police officer kneeled on his neck, killing him on the spot in Minneapolis on May 25. Curfew was imposed in several cities on Tuesday, including New York and Washington DC, as most protests turned violent during the night. In some cases, peaceful protests turned violent resulting in large scale looting, damage to properties and monuments, and vehicles being set ablaze. The president held up the Bible at St. John's Church yesterday. I just wish he opened it once in a while instead of brandishing it. If he opened it, he could have learned something. They're all called to love one another as we love ourselves. It's really hard work but it's the work of America, Biden said in a major policy speech on Tuesday. "I won't traffic in fear and division. I won't fan the flames of hate. I'll seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued our country, not use them for political gain. I'll do my job and I'll take responsibility -- I won't blame others," Biden said. His remarks came after peaceful protesters in a park outside the White House were hit with tear gas so that Trump could cross the park and visit St. John's Church for a photo opportunity, a move that the Episcopal bishop that oversees the church later condemned. Republican Party candidate Trump and his Democractic Party rival Biden are set to contest the presidential election on November 3. Donald Trump isn't interested in doing that work. Instead, he's preening and sweeping away all the guardrails that have long protected our democracy, guardrails that have helped make possible this nation's path to a more perfect union....," he said. The 77-year-old former vice president said that it is a wake-up call to the nation. The country is crying out for leadership, leadership that can unite us, leadership that brings us together, leadership that can recognise pain and deep grief of communities that have had a knee on their neck for a long time, he said in his remarks in Philadelphia. It was Biden's first trip outside Delaware in months after the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to in-person campaign activities. There's no place for violence, no place for looting or destroying property or burning churches or destroying businesses, he said. Nor is it acceptable for our police, sworn to protect and serve all people, to escalate tension, resort to excessive violence, Biden said, noting that there is a need to distinguish between legitimate peaceful protests and opportunistic violent destruction. We have to be vigilant about the violence that's being done by this incumbent president to our economy and to the pursuit of justice," he said, adding that one could be forgiven for believing President Trump was more interested in power than in principle, more interested in serving the passions of his base than the needs of the people in his care. For that's what the presidency is, the duty to care, to care for all people. Asserting that the US is a nation of values, Biden said that the freedom to speak is a cherished knowledge that lives inside every American almost from the time one was a kid. We're going to not allow any president to quiet our voice. We won't let those who see this as an opportunity to sow chaos throw up a smokescreen to distract us from very real and legitimate grievances at the heart of these protests, he said. Recollecting the last words of Floyd I cant breathe, Biden said that they are still being heard. Theyre echoing across this nation, he said. However, the Trump Campaign accused Biden of standing with the rioters. Reacting to Biden's attack on Trump, his campaign accused the former vice president of siding with the rioters. Joe Biden's campaign made it clear that they stand with the rioters, the people burning businesses in minority communities and causing mayhem, by donating to post bail for those arrested, said Katrina Pierson, Trump 2020 senior advisor. Pierson alleged that Biden has a history of cozying up to notorious racists in the Senate, he attempted to inflame race relations by claiming Republicans want to put Black Americans back in chains, and told a Black radio host that Blacks who didn't support him ain't Black. He topped that off today by repeating the erroneous claim that protesters in Lafayette Park were tear gassed last night to clear a path for President Trump, when the Park Police says they used no tear gas and were not aware that the President was coming through, she said. Pierson alleged that over the course of his public life, Biden has used the politics of racial division when they suited his needs and he is doing it again. In contrast, President Trump has addressed the nation twice, expressed horror and sorrow for the death of George Floyd, stood with the peaceful protestors, and made it clear that he would not abide our cities being overtaken by violent, uncontrollable rioters. "President Trump is restoring the nation to order and is clearly the leader we need to return the country to peace and prosperity, she sai Pastor Chris Hodges apologizes for liking racially insensitive social media posts of conservative leader Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Chris Hodges, founder and leader of Church of the Highlands, one of the largest churches in America, apologized Sunday for liking social media posts of Turning Point USA leader Charlie Kirk that have been criticized as racially insensitive. I understand how this has made you feel and I apologize. Honestly, its understandable to me. I dont take it personally. I know people are hurting right now and they want clarity. I would love for you to not just look at a microscopic zoom-in but look at the totality of 37 years of ministry and 19 years as a church, Hodges said Sunday in his sermon to his diverse but mostly white Alabama congregation. If you look at that it will be abundantly clear that we value every person. For every person that has been marginalized, rejected or belittled, abused or even afraid because of how God made you, Tammy and I, the Church of the Highlands family, stand with you. The apology comes after Birmingham high school English teacher Jasmine Faith Clisby told AL.com that Hodges followed and liked several social media posts by Kirk in the wake of national protests over the killing of 46-year-old African American George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Department officers on Memorial Day. One of the posts, according to AL.com, shows two photos one featuring President Donald Trump standing next to Muhammad Ali and Rosa Parks with the caption The racist Donald Trump in the 1980s, and the other featuring Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam with two men wearing blackface and a KKK costume with the caption Progressive Leftist Ralph Northam in the 1980s. Turning Point USA was founded by Kirk, 26, as a national student movement dedicated to identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government. Clisby argued that Kirk, who has denounced white nationalism, is well-known to hold views such as white privilege being a myth. White privilege is defined in a number of ways and one definition as highlighted by the University of Dayton is: A right, advantage, or immunity granted to or enjoyed by white persons beyond the common advantage of all others; an exemption in many particular cases from certain burdens or liabilities. I found something troubling," Clisby told AL.com. "I cant see into Pastor Chris Hodges heart. I would be upset if it comes off as me judging him. Its not that. Im not saying hes a racist. Im saying he likes someone who post[s] things that do not seem culturally sensitive to me. In his message on Sunday, Hodges clearly stated that white supremacy is of the devil." White supremacy or any supremacy other than Christ, is of the devil, he said. Some have even brought our church or even me into question. Theyre wondering, where do you really stand? I think some saw something on social media that questioned my character. And, Ill own it, by the way, but that is not what I believe. The church spent much of their time over the weekend addressing the issue of racism and Hodges said dealing with the coronavirus and the explosion of racial tensions at the same time has made it an incredibly tough season for our nation." On Monday, once again, an unarmed black man died needlessly, as a police officer knelt on George Floyds neck," Hodges said. "I know with each new incident, with this one, Ahmaud Arbery, I think of Atatiana Jefferson, its disgraceful that racism, injustice, bigotry, prejudice, still even exists at all. I want you to know that I believe it makes God angry and it makes us angry too. I know we need to do something. We need to pray. We need to be the church. But Proverbs 31 says to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. Ensure justice for those who are being crushed. Two years ago, controversial longtime Alabama pastor the Rev. Michael R. Jordan of New Era Baptist Church in Birmingham slammed the Church of the Highlands as racist and "hypocritical" in its bid to start a church plant in one of Birmingham's most violent neighborhoods. "Whites left the inner city. Whites carried their churches with them, they moved to the suburbs. White folk have proved they don't want to live next door to us, or be our neighbors, or worship with us," Jordan said in an earlier report. "Now they want to plant a white church in a black neighborhood under the umbrella of supposedly to fight crime? The real reason Church of the Highlands wants to put a white church in a black neighborhood is they have too many black folks at their main campus and they want them to leave and come to a church in their inner city." YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. Premier of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China Li Keqiang wished a speedy recovery to Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his family from the novel coronavirus. The Chinese PM said China is ready to provide further support to Armenia in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. I was concerned when I learnt that you and your family have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus disease. I want to express my sincere support in this respect. I wish you and your relatives a speedy recovery. I express my readiness to make joint efforts with you for the bilateral relations and cooperation to reach further success in numerous areas for the benefit of our countries and peoples, the Chinese Premier said. Li Keqiang said since the outbreak of COVID-19 China and Armenia are firmly supporting one another which completely reflects the high-level mutual trust between the two countries and the deep friendship between the two peoples. I am confident that the government and people of Armenia will definitely reach victory over the pandemic. The Chinese side is ready to provide future support to Armenia in fighting the coronavirus, the Chinese Premier said. On June 1 Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan announced that he and his family members have been infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Reporting by Norayr Shoghikyan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan "We know consumers are looking for new ways to enjoy the peanut butter they love while still delivering on taste and product benefits," said Jennesa Kinscher, SKIPPY brand manager. "We are thrilled to bring the first mainstream squeeze peanut butter and squeeze natural peanut butter spread to the category. It has already become a staple in our home for easy snacking, without the mess!" SKIPPY Squeeze Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Spreads Launching with two varieties: SKIPPY Squeeze Creamy Peanut Butter and SKIPPY Squeeze Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread, this 6-ounce squeeze pouch offers so much versatility! The pouch was specifically designed for portability and its ease to squeeze for the whole family. We recommend squeezing right on your favorite fruit or cracker for easy snacking moments without the mess! Made with SKIPPY Creamy Peanut Butter or SKIPPY Natural Peanut Butter Spread, SKIPPY Squeeze Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Spreads include 7 grams of protein per serving and are the perfect companion for any snacking occasion, whether at home or on the go. SKIPPY No Sugar Added Peanut Butter Spreads Available in creamy and chunky varieties, SKIPPY No Sugar Added Peanut Butter Spreads are made with three simple ingredients peanuts, palm oil and salt. SKIPPY No Sugar Added Peanut Butter Spreads are available in 16 oz. jars. SKIPPY Added Protein Peanut Butter Available in creamy and chunky varieties, SKIPPY Peanut Butter Blended with Plant-Based Protein delivers 3 additional grams of plant-based protein per serving to your favorite peanut butter. These items have a total of 10 grams of plant-based protein per serving, all while ensuring that same roasted, peanut butter taste and smooth spreadability as traditional SKIPPY peanut butter spreads. Available in 14-ounce squat jars, SKIPPY Peanut Butter Blended with Plant-Based Protein is the first mainstream peanut butter of its kind. "In addition to these three new innovation products, we're equally as excited about their unique packaging," added Kinscher. "With SKIPPY Squeeze and SKIPPY Added Protein, we're providing consumers a cleaner and easier way to spread the SKIPPY peanut butter and peanut butter spreads they love. The convenient, mess-free top of SKIPPY Squeeze and the wide, squat jar of SKIPPY Added Protein help us address the dreaded 'peanut butter knuckles'." SKIPPY Peanut Butter Blended with Plant-Based Protein is currently available at select retailers nationwide, with SKIPPY Squeeze Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Spreads and SKIPPY No Sugar Added Peanut Butter Spreads hitting shelves and online customers in late June. For more information about all SKIPPY peanut butter products, including recipes, nutritional information and where to buy, visit www.peanutbutter.com or follow the brand on social media at www.Facebook.com/Skippy, www.Instagram.com/SkippyBrand and www.Twitter.com/Skippy. ABOUT HORMEL FOODS INSPIRED PEOPLE. INSPIRED FOOD. Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $9 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly, Hormel Black Label, Columbus and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three straight years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" list for the 11th year in a row, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement Inspired People. Inspired Food. to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://csr.hormelfoods.com/. Contact: Brian Olson 507-434-6352 [email protected] SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation Related Links http://www.hormel.com We are three women with over 30 years of experience with children and adolescents who have mental health issues. We have witnessed the effects on children and their families waiting for hours and sometimes days in the emergency room waiting for an inpatient psychiatric bed. The child is confined to a small room or on a stretcher. There are limited diversionary activities provided by the nursing or child life specialist staff. There is no ongoing therapy and little family support except for an initial psychiatric assessment and possible medications. With the proposed closing of Providence Hospital Psychiatric Unit this will lead those who need inpatient hospitalization to mental health facilities in Vermont, Connecticut, or Eastern Massachusetts. The distance will limit family involvement in their childs care due to limited financial resources, lack of transportation, employment responsibilities and childcare for their other children. The above problems have occurred even with Providence accepting patients. Baystate health intends to build a psychiatric inpatient facility for adults and children. However, services will not be available for two years. If Providence closes their child/adolescent psychiatric unit, the delay in care for children with mental health issues will intensify. Hopefully, Trinity Heath will reconsider their decision to close. Patricia Rogowsk, APRN Julie Powers, RN, MSN Barbara Brody, LICSW CNBC's Jim Cramer said Wednesday it's "extraordinary" that CEOs looking to fix racial inequality in the U.S. are not talking to the White House. "The federal government is the only one big enough to solve this problem," Cramer said, questioning how business leaders can think they can go it alone without getting President Donald Trump on board. "Trump is not uniquely in any of these discussions," Cramer said on "Squawk on the Street." "I struggle to figure out whether that is because he's dangerous to talk about or whether people just feel like they've given up." Cramer praised the CEOs who have appeared on CNBC in recent days with ideas and programs to address the systemic injustices and opportunity gaps that are facing black Americans and being highlighted by the peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd during an arrest in Minneapolis on May 25. Mentioning Merck CEO Ken Frazier and Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan by name, Cramer said business leaders across the nation are saying to themselves: "'I have to change the way I do business.'" However, American companies don't have the money or the resources to effect real change, Cramer said. "They are just not as big as the federal government. There's a lot of pretend here. And the pretend here is, 'We can solve the problem ourselves.'" "It would be fantastic if the federal government were to join the effort," Cramer said, but added, "No one seems to say, 'I am ready to meet with the president to get the job done.'" Cramer said it goes both ways and the White House should also be reaching out to corporate America like it has to try to solve some of the nation's biggest economic and trade challenges. The "Mad Money" host said that if he were president, he would get CEOs and other thought leaders into a room and say, "Let's do something big" to address the problems creating the racial divide in America. Cyclone Nisarga began the landfall process around noon on Wednesday near the coastal town of Alibag, around 100 kilometres south of Mumbai, and it will continue for three hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday. The right side of the cyclones wall cloud passed through coastal Maharashtra, mainly covering the Raigad district. The north-east sector of the eye of the cyclone is currently entering the land. The severe cyclone will cross Maharashtra coast, close to Alibag, around 4 pm. Watch: Cyclone Nisarga makes landfall in Maharashtra; strong wind, rainfall witnessed re Here are the latest developments on Cyclone Nisarga: 1. The cyclone is currently whirling with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kilometres per hour 40 km away from Alibagh, 95 km from Mumbai and 325 km from Surat. 2. Trees swayed wildly, as the rain pounded the coastal towns and several villages in Maharashtra. In Mumbai, high winds whipped skyscrapers and ripped apart shanty houses near the beach. 3. The weather bureau has sounded red alert for at least seven coastal districts of Maharashtra, while several districts along Gujarats coast are also expecting heavy rainfall. 4. Goa, south of Maharashtra, has already received 127 millimetres (5 inches) of torrential rain - about a weeks average, the IMD said. 5. The Maharashtra government on Wednesday said that it has evacuated around 60,000 people from the states coastal region of Konkan, and brought 7,003 fishing boats back to the shore with the help of disaster management authorities. The chief of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said that nearly 1 lakh people have been evacuated from the two states. 6. He added that all emergency services have been put on alert, including non-Covid hospitals that have been told to prepare for a possible influx of emergency care patients. 7. High tides hit Dwarka coast in Gujarat. The state authorities had earlier said that 18 districts wil be affectedd by the cyclone. There were rain in Chhattisgarh as Nisarga made landfall. A NASA image of the cyclone had shown almost the entire central peninsula under clouds. 8. Rain also lashed Ratnagiri in Maharashtra and Hubli in Karnataka. 9. About 43 NDRF teams are deployed in the two states, of which 21 are in Maharashtra. Five teams of the Indian Navy have also been stationed at various places in Mumbai. 10. Nisarga comes on the heels of Cyclone Amphan, which killed more than 100 people as it ravaged West Bengal, Odisha and Bangladesh last month. Nisarga is the 65th named cyclone in the north Indian Ocean and its name, proposed by Bangladesh, means nature. Boris Johnson was facing a mounting backlash from the UKs travel and aviation industries as the government forced through a 14-day quarantine on travellers in the face of growing opposition within the prime ministers own party. And amid ritual protestations from ministers that the government was following the science, the PMs chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance made it brutally clear that the timing of the unprecedented measure was decided by ministers alone. There was no vote in the Commons to approve home secretary Priti Patels plans, which are being implemented by means of an order known as a statutory instrument. But a string of Tories including former PM Theresa May lined up to raise concerns, while the Business Travel Association warned that many of the millions of jobs across the travel and tourism sector are at risk of being lost forever. Mr Johnson held out a glimmer of hope to those wishing to take holidays abroad, confirming the government was in talks with a number of European states about safe corridors for free movement between countries with low levels of coronavirus, which would certainly be developed at some point in the future. But he refused to say whether foreign holidays will be possible this summer. And Ms Patels quarantine, which will require mandatory self-isolation for 14 days for all new arrivals at UK airports, ferry ports and international rail terminals from next Monday, will make overseas travel all but impossible in the weeks ahead of a planned review on 29 June. The home secretary unveiled details of the measures as: The official UK death toll reached 39,728 with the confirmation of 359 more fatalities; Mr Johnson offered the prospect of further lockdown relaxation including to the two-metre social distance rule but said they were dependent on the public continuing to follow guidance and not holding indoor gatherings during the coming rainy period; The PM admitted recession will follow the pandemic and offered an apprenticeship guarantee to young people without work as a result; Business secretary Alok Sharma became the latest minister to go into self-isolation with suspected coronavirus, after coughing and mopping his brow at the dispatch box; and A Kantar poll of 7,000 people across the G7 found that fewer than half approve of their governments response to the pandemic, with Britain seeing the steepest fall in trust since April, down 18 points from 69 per cent to 51 per cent. Ms Patel told the House of Commons the government was right to impose a quarantine now, when levels of Covid are falling around the world, rather than at the outset of the pandemic, when the virus is believed to have been brought to the UK by travellers from China, Italy and Spain. When there was significant transmission within the UK, border restrictions would have been very marginal in their impact on the epidemic within the UK, she said. Now that domestic transmission within the UK is coming under control it is the right time to prepare these new measures at the border. But she repeatedly refused to say if the governments Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) had recommended the move, heightening the view that it was politically inspired. Downing Street would say only that there had been input from scientific and medical advisers. And Sir Patrick left no doubt that the decision that a quarantine was appropriate for this stage of the outbreak when Britain continues to record thousands of new cases a day and has the worlds second highest tally of deaths from Covid was made by ministers. Sages advice was that measures at the border are most effective when the incidence is very low in this country and when applied to countries which have higher incidence, said the chief scientific adviser, adding: The judgement of that time is something for politicians to make. They make the policy and they make the timing decisions. Ms Patels Labour shadow Nick Thomas-Symonds said she needed to reassure the public and industry that the measures were more than just a three-week fudge to try to spare the government embarrassment for failing to grip this issue at the right time. And Ms May said the government should instead be developing methods for screening passengers posing a health risk. Aviation supports a million jobs in the UK, the former PM told the Commons. International air travel is necessary for trade, without it there is no global Britain. So instead of bringing in measures to close Britain off from the rest of the world, why is the government not taking a lead in developing an international aviation health screening standard to save jobs and ensure Britain is open for business? Tory former defence secretary Liam Fox said the scheme would inflict unnecessary economic isolation on the UK, while his ex-cabinet colleague Theresa Villiers urged Ms Patel to suspend its introduction for a few weeks until air bridges to popular destinations are in place to save jobs in aviation and family holidays overseas. Conservative MP Ben Spencer said the quarantine was a very blunt tool with many downsides and consequences, while his party colleague Henry Smith said the measures should have been introduced at the start of the outbreak, not next week, when the aviation and travel sectors need to start being revived and jobs saved. Winchesters Tory MP Steve Brine described it as the right move at the wrong time. The president of the CBI, John Allan, said: Business now urgently needs a clear way forward for opening up international travel options for customers and employees. Our economic bounce back will depend on the free flow of a range of workers. And the chief executive of the Business Travel Association, Clive Wratten, said: If we leave it until the end of June before getting the first travel corridor in place, be it with Italy, Spain or Portugal, many jobs across the travel industry are at risk of being lost forever. Quarantine crushes the innovation and dynamism that the home secretary applauded today. At this desperately difficult time for our industry, she offered no hope to the millions employed across the travel industry and its supply chains. LAS VEGAS, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Multilingual outsourcing firm Open Access BPO recently unveiled its latest business solution, onshore staffing. Open Access BPO Onshore builds on the firm's trusted outsourcing practices and offers high-quality services from a location closer to home. Business Support in the Post-Pandemic Economy Open Access BPO Onshore 's representatives are based out of their homes in the greater Las Vegas area. Open Access BPO Onshore programs are managed at the company's Las Vegas facility, granting them seamless recruitment, training, and staff administration. "As we broaden our footprint to onshore delivery, we're returning to our roots," said Ben Davidowitz, Open Access BPO CEO. "In 2006, we launched in San Carlos, California, soon recognizing the promise of offshoring. Since those early days, we've expanded across the Philippines, Taiwan, and China." Open Access BPO Onshore is the company's response to the new challenges businesses face as the post-pandemic economics come into focus. "That's why we got into the outsourcing business in the first place: to help companies build and manage business processes in a cost-efficient way," Henry Chang, Open Access BPO President added. Open Access BPO Onshore was developed with the company's knowledge and industry experience at its core. It carries the same battle-tested operational management and commercial structure that their clients have come to rely on. The services offered under Open Access BPO Onshore include: Customer Support: Voice, Email, Chat, In-app; Contact Center: Lead Generation, Appointment Setting, Collections, Surveys; Content Moderation: Image, Video, Social; and Back-office: Bookkeeping, Online Research, Data Collection, Data Management. Through this home-based outsourcing model, Open Access BPO is dedicated to providing quality services that resonate with global customers. About OPEN ACCESS BPO Open Access BPO is a multilingual outsourcing firm headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since its inception in 2006, it evolved from being a telemarketing company to a full-suite provider of scalable multichannel business solutions. The company extends its outsourcing expertise to both growing enterprises and established global brands from its operations facilities in the Philippines, Taiwan, and China. Its flagship Open Access BPO Onshore TM solutions are delivered and managed from its Las Vegas campus. Its multicultural workforce provides a wide range of solutions, including multilingual customer support and content moderation in more than 30 languages. CONTACT: Janelle de Guzman +63917-800 0989 [email protected] 11/F, Glorietta 2 Corporate Center, San Lorenzo, Makati City 1224 SOURCE Open Access BPO Demonstrators put their hands on their heads before being taken into custody (Mark J TerrillAP) Protesters have defied curfews as they streamed back to US streets, hours after President Donald Trump pressed governors to put down the violence set off by George Floyds death. The president also demanded that New York call up the National Guard to stop what he termed the lowlifes and losers. Most protests passed peacefully, and while there were scattered reports of looting in New York, the country appeared calmer than it did a day earlier, when violence swept through multiple cities. The president, meanwhile, amplified his hard-line calls from Monday, when he threatened to send in the military to restore order if governors did not do it. NYC, CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD, he tweeted. The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart. Act fast! One day after a crackdown on peaceful protesters near the White House, thousands of demonstrators massed a block away from the presidential mansion, facing law enforcement personnel standing behind a black chain-link fence. The fence was put up overnight to block access to Lafayette Park, just across the street from the White House. Expand Close Police deal with a protester who refused to observe New Yorks curfew on Tuesday (Wong Maye-E/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police deal with a protester who refused to observe New Yorks curfew on Tuesday (Wong Maye-E/AP) Last night pushed me way over the edge, said Jessica DeMaio, 40, of Washington, who attended a protest on Tuesday for the first time. Being here is better than being at home feeling helpless. The crowd remained in place after the citys 7pm curfew passed, defying warnings that the response from law enforcement could be even more forceful. But the protest lacked the tension of previous demonstrations. The crowd on Tuesday night was peaceful, even polite. At one point, the crowd booed when a protester climbed a light post and took down a street sign. A chant went up: Peaceful protest!. On Monday, law enforcement officers on foot and horseback aggressively drove protesters away from Lafayette Park, clearing the way for Mr Trump to do a photo opportunity at nearby St Johns Church. On Tuesday, pastors at the church prayed with demonstrators and handed out water bottles. Protests ranged across the US, including in Los Angeles, Miami, Columbia, South Carolina and Houston, where the police chief talked to peaceful demonstrators, vowing reforms. God as my witness, change is coming, said Art Acevedo. And were going to do it the right way. In New York, Macys flagship store was among those hit when crowds of people smashed windows and looted stores as they swept through the area. Police made nearly 700 arrests and Mayor Bill de Blasio extended a curfew all week. Were going to have a tough few days, he warned, but added: Were going to beat it back. He pleaded with community leaders to step forward and create peace. Expand Close Demonstrators hold up their hands during a rally in Sacramento, California (Rich Pedroncelli/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Demonstrators hold up their hands during a rally in Sacramento, California (Rich Pedroncelli/AP) Thousands of protesters marched on Tuesday night in a string of demonstrations across Manhattan and Brooklyn after traders boarded up their businesses, fearing a repeat of the night before. Many people remained on the streets after the curfew hour. Police eventually ordered them to move along and began taking some into custody. More than 20,000 National Guard members have been called up in 29 states to deal with the violence. New York is not among them, and Mr de Blasio has said he does not want them. On Tuesday, Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo called what happened in the city a disgrace. The NYPD and the mayor did not do their job last night, Mr Cuomo said at a briefing in Albany. Expand Close Donald Trump in his bible stunt on Monday (Patrick Semansky/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Donald Trump in his bible stunt on Monday (Patrick Semansky/AP) He said the mayor underestimated the problem, and the nations largest police force was not deployed in sufficient numbers, though the city had said it doubled the usual police presence. Tuesday marked the eighth straight night of the protests, which began in Minneapolis, where Mr Floyd died, and quickly spread across the country. The mother of George Floyds six-year-old daughter, Gianna, said she wanted the world to know that her little girl lost a good father. I want everybody to know that this is what those officers took, Roxie Washington said. I want justice for him because he was good. No matter what anybody thinks, he was good. A senior White House official said that the president is not rushing to send in the military and that his goal was to pressure governors to deploy more National Guard members. Such use of the military would mark a stunning federal intervention rarely seen in modern American history. Activists of the new political movement "Orange Vests" (Gilet Arancioni) protest during a demonstration against the Italian Government for the economic problems the country is having due to the coronavirus pandemic as phase two of the lifting lockdown exit plan continues on June 2, 2020 in Rome, Italy. Remember the "yellow vests" movement that brought France to a standstill in late 2018? Now, Italy is seeing its own grassroots, anti-government, populist movement: the "Orange Vests" or "Gilet Arancioni." Hundreds of protesters wearing orange vests or jackets gathered in Rome on Tuesday, chanting "Liberta'!" ("Liberty!") to protest the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis and calling for it to resign. Described as a "rightist-libertarian" and "turbo populist" movement by the Italian media and modeling themselves on the yellow-vested anti-government movement seen in France, the leader of the Orange Vests, former Carabinieri Gen. Antonio Pappalardo, has said that the coronavirus pandemic did not exist. "The pandemic does not exist, it's total bulls---," Pappalardo told a rally in Bari on Sunday, Italian news agency ANSA reported. "The coronavirus is not lethal, it only kills the already sick over 80s. Enough with the lies and falsehoods, you have terrified the Italian people." Similar demonstrations were seen in Milan and small rallies in other regional capitals at the weekend. Speaking to a crowd of orange-vested supporters on Tuesday in Rome's Piazza del Popolo many of whom were defying a government order to maintain social distancing and to wear masks in busy public spaces Pappalardo made similar claims, alluding to a high-profile doctor who said this weekend that the virus "no longer exists clinically." "Now virologists also say that this coronavirus is nonsense," Pappalardo told the crowd as he argued against the use of masks. In addition, Pappalardo called for Italy to return to using its former currency, the lira. La Crosse County now has 63 confirmed cases of COVID-19, after officials confirmed an additional three cases on Wednesday. There have been seven new cases confirmed in the last two days, and nine since last Friday, but there are currently no hospitalizations and no confirmed deaths. Its just about doing the best that we can to make good choices and lowering risks whenever possible, health department director Jen Rombalski said. She said county officials couldnt connect the new cases to any particular event yet, but she is growing worried about summer travel and increased public activities around the area. The three new cases reported were a man in his 20s, a woman in her 40s and a man in his 70s, which Rombalski said is a good indicator of how widespread the disease is. In Wisconsin, 483 new cases were confirmed Wednesday and nine new deaths related to the disease, with 14% of the states cases hospitalized. This brings the statewide totals to 19,400 total confirmed cases and 616 deaths. Officials said that the area remains in the high-risk category for the potential spread of the disease. The health department also reported that it has had more difficulty with contact tracing, some individuals hesitant about sharing who theyve had contact with, Rombalski saying the tracing is like a puzzle. That concerns us, she said. It makes the risk level for all of us go up if officials cannot track and understand the spread of the virus in the community. Rombalski added that other health departments across the state have also seen an increased difficulty in contact tracing. That is something were going to monitor carefully, and we do our very best to make sure we can determine those exposures, because it is important for anyone who has been exposed to be aware, she said. The area will also be holding another drive-up testing site with the National Guard next week on June 8 at the Wisconsin Technical Center parking lot. The group will be releasing more information on the event, but it will again be open to anyone who is showing any of the symptoms of the virus, even if mild. As members of the community gather to protest the killing of George Floyd, officials also reminded folks who are participating to wear masks and stay six feet apart from each other if possible. Exposure to the disease at a peaceful protest would be extremely tragic, Rombalski said. Especially in a population that has been hit harder. The black community has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, Rombalski reminded residents, because of existing public health disparities it already experiences. On Tuesday, the health department was quiet on its social media platforms in support of the #BlackOutTuesday campaign, intended to silence all posts not related to the Black Lives Matter movement. Rombalski explained that it took that stance because of the importance of combating racism within public health. It is my hope that all of us can be willing to learn and listen and be willing to step on to that journey, knowing that it may take years, decades even, to understand really what it is, she said. The health department also announced that the county has collected 68,189 pounds of canned goods and $309,586 from its Food Drive Fridays, which concluded last week. It received $75,000 in matching monetary donations as well. The departments livestreamed briefings will now be held weekly on Wednesdays, it announced, instead of twice weekly. The next briefing will be Wednesday, June 10. 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. Every day is Gods Lent, the 40-day period before Easter where Christians pray, fast, and abstain from common pleasures, sounds somewhat like what society has gone through as a whole during this two-month quarantine. Its been a spell of hardship and reflection, a distancing of ourselves from our friends and peers, and a chance to reassess whether the direction were heading in is our true north. Were on the brink of our figurative Easterour rebirthas we get freed from lockdown and public life resumes. The spring sun is smiling; weve been renewed in our hibernation; were ready to experience real culture, community, and beauty in the flesh again. For the arts and culture enthusiast, one activity to celebrate your newfound freedom could be a visit to the Museum of Russian Icons (MoRI) in Clinton, Massachusetts, to see Tradition & Opulence: Easter in Imperial Russia. The exhibition has been extended through Aug. 7. Icon of the Resurrection, before 1899, by the firm of Mikhail Ivanov, Moscow. Oil on zinc, gilded silver, enamel. Private collection, New York, N.Y. (Museum of Russian Icons) Eggs for Everyday Life The exhibition gathers an unprecedented collection of over 200 objects celebrating Easter from the last days of the czars in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Jeweled eggs from Faberge and other icons crafted by the nations greatest artists and artisans paint a beautiful picture of the significance of the holiday in the Russian Orthodox faith. Nicholas B.A. Nicholson, who co-curated the exhibition with Dr. Karen Kettering and Dmitry Gurevich, spoke with me by phone. Nicholson explains that the exhibition gathered a group of egg-shaped objects that seem to have no connection with Easter, such as clocks, hand seals, match cases, and photograph frames. The use of this shape shows how the Russian people appreciated the daily reminder of Easter, the Resurrection, and more broadly, their spiritual faith. An egg-shaped picture frame, for example, not only would bring you joy as you look fondly upon a family members portrait; youre also subtly reminded of Christs sacrifice, resurrection, and your own salvation. Conjuring a similar connection to divinity is Faberges wonderful desk clock in the shape of an egg, which is just charming, Nicholson says. This everyday object adapted to an egg shape is crafted in the style of the Louis XV revival mounts. It recalls necessaires and bonbonnieres of the mid-18th century, though it flaunts a 20th-century Swiss watch face. Egg-shaped desk clock, before 1903, by the firm of Faberge, workmaster Mikhail Perkhin. St. Petersburg, Russia. Bowenite, gilded silver, enamel. Private collection, New York, N.Y. (Museum of Russian Icons) With the aesthetic heavenliness of the exhibitions eggs and egg-shaped objects, it leaves no doubt why these artisanal pieces were effective reminders to believers of their much-needed spiritual devotion during this tumultuous epoch before World War I. The Romanov monarchy and the Orthodox Church were the anchors that held Russian society together, says MoRI Director Kent Russell in the exhibition material. Religion and state were inextricably intertwined. This social, religious, and political milieu is the backdrop for the unique objects in this exhibition. Mary Magdalene and a Miracle Russias adoration of the egg as a spiritual symbol predates Christianity, however. Its an ancient symbol of fertility, renewal, and resurrection. Its not uncommon in other religions, Nicholson says. The Jews use it in their Passover ceremonies, and there are other Eastern religions in which the egg is considered an important symbol. The Russian Orthodox tradition adopted the egg as a potent symbol after a miracle occurred with Mary Magdalene. After Christs resurrection, Mary Magdalene visited the Roman emperor to proclaim to him the truth of the resurrection. She then offered him an egg as a gift. The emperor said, [The resurrection is] as likely to be true as that egg is to turn red, Nicholson recalls. The egg turned red in her hand and she gave it to him. Ever since this miracle, the eggespecially a red onehas become a central motif of Christian symbolism in Russia. By the 19th century, the eggs mystical symbolism and decorative potential was fully exploited by Russian artists and artisans, the exhibition literature states. Artisanal Worship One of the quickest paths for connecting with the divine can be through artisanal beauty. The Lukutin workshop located near Moscow took that sentiment to heart, producing finely painted and lacquered papier-mache Easter eggs decorated in the iconographic tradition. The eggs were made from two halves that could be opened to reveal a surprise present. Such eggs were especially popular among the Old Believers, the museums Instagram page says. The Old Believers or Old Ritualists are Eastern Orthodox Christians who do not follow the 17th-century liturgical reforms made by Patriarch Nikon of Moscow meant to unify the Russian and Greek Orthodox churches. One of the Lukutin workshops red eggs, for example, illustrates Christs Resurrection with the Guardian Angel holding the tombs stone door. St. Alexander Nevsky, who was later canonized as a saint of the Russian Orthodox Church, looks up in amazement and awe. Since St. Alexander Nevsky appears on the eggs widest part, closest to the viewer, you are drawn in to his humble wonder. Likewise, Christs feet are close to the saints eye level, also at the widest point of the egg. Since Christs body is painted on the upper portion of the egg that recedes from the viewer, it creates an optical illusion whereby he appears to be hovering in midair. Easter egg with the Resurrection, Guardian Angel, and St. Alexander Nevsky, 1867, by the Lukutin Workshop, Fedoskino, Russia. Lacquer, papier mache. Collection of Nicholas Silao, New York, N.Y. (Museum of Russian Icons) Honoring Those Who Sacrifice The Easter egg tradition also parallels the personal, one-to-one nature of the Christian faith, that intimate relationship between believer and Christ. I think the important thing to remember is that the exchange of eggs is a personal moment between two people. Theres a giver and theres a recipient, Nicholson says. Each egg in the exhibition was a gift from one person to another, such as an emperor of Russia giving a gift to a courtier or a Russian merchant giving an Easter gift to his wife. So each of these eggs, in addition to being part of the great story of Easter, also represents a very specific personal interaction where two people came together and said, Christ is risen. The symbolic eggs have also encapsulated gratitude. Like the gratefulness we feel toward the first responders and frontline workers today helping us through this pandemic, as well as the fallen American soldiers just honored during Memorial Day, the Russian imperial family shared a similar appreciation for their servicemen during World War I. The last empress of Russia, Alexandra Feodorovna, and her two oldest daughters, who were trained as nurses, gave white porcelain eggs to the soldiers. One side features the monogram of the empress; the other side displays a simple red cross. Imperial presentation Easter egg with monogram of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, 18941917, Imperial Porcelain Factory, St. Petersburg, Russia. Porcelain, gilded silver, silver-wrapped silk ribbon. Collection of Nicholas Silao, New York, N.Y. (Museum of Russian Icons) Imperial presentation Easter egg with monogram of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna and Red Cross, 1917, from the Imperial Porcelain Factory, St. Petersburg, Russia. Collection of the Russian History Museum, Jordanville, N.Y. (Museum of Russian Icons) That egg is one of the most touching [objects], says Nicholson. It went to wounded, dying soldiers and to people who were close to the imperial family. It was a moment, somewhat like this one today, when we were all relying on the helpersthe people who go out into the middle of everything to make sure that people are OK. J.H. White is an arts, culture, and mens fashion journalist living in New York. In Winston County named by legend as the Free State of Winston for its opposition to secession stands an unusual monument. Named Dual Destiny, the Courthouse statue shows a soldier wearing half of a Confederate uniform and the other half that of the Union. In his hand is a broken sword and behind him, flags of both the Confederacy and the U.S. The plaque on the statue explains its dual presentation: This Civil War soldier, one-half Union and one-half Confederate, symbolizes the war within a war and honors the Winstonians in both armies. Johnny Reb and Billy Yank, disillusioned by the realities of war, shared dual destinies as pragmatic Americans in a reunited nation. The Winston County monument is a rarity in Alabama, where pro-Confederate monuments, many dating back to the early 1900s, can be found in almost many towns, cities and counties, often on public property. Focus on the memorials has returned as Birmingham a city founded after the Civil War removed its Confederate monument amid protests over the police-involved death of Minnesota man George Floyd. Similar efforts to remove monuments are underway throughout the state. In 2019, the Southern Poverty Law Center documented Alabamas Confederate monuments, along with schools, roads and other symbols of the Civil War. Despite the well-documented history of the Civil War, legions of Southerners still cling to the myth of the Lost Cause as a noble endeavor fought to defend the regions honor and its ability to govern itself in the face of Northern aggression, SPLC said in its report. This deeply rooted but false narrative is the result of many decades of revisionism in the lore and even textbooks of the South that sought to create a more acceptable version of the regions past. Confederate monuments and other symbols are very much a part of that effort. 9 University of Alabama Confederate Monument Quad Here is what we know about Alabamas Confederate monuments. The list includes many, but likely not all, memorials: Autauga Confederate monument in Prattville. Dedicated in 1908 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Prattville Dragoons Monument I in Prattville. Dedicated in 1916 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Prattville Dragoons Monument II in Prattville. Dedicated in 2002 by Sons of Confederate Veterans. Baldwin County Fort Blakely Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Spanish Fort. Dedicated in 2010 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Barbour County Confederate Soldiers Monument in Clayton on Courthouse grounds. Dedicated in 1909 by United Daughters of the Confederacy. Confederate monument in Eufaula. Dedicated in 1904 by United Daughters of the Confederacy. Bibb County Located in Centreville, the Courthouse grounds monument was dedicated in 1910 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Blount County Memorial in Palisades Park in Oneonta. Date unknown Bullock County Memorial in Union Springs, erected in 1893. Butler County Located in Choctaw, the Courthouse grounds monument was dedicated in 1937 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Confederate Memorial in Greenville. Erected in 1903 by United Daughters of the Confederacy. Calhoun County In Anniston, a monument to Major John Pelham. Dedicated in 1905 by Dr. Clarence Owens. Located in Jacksonville, a Confederate monument was dedicated in 1909 by United Daughters of Confederacy. John Tyler Morgan Monument in Oxford. Dedicated in 1938 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Janney Furnace Park Confederate Memorial. Dedicated in 2003 by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Cherokee County Located in Centre, the monument was dedicated in 1988 by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. It is located on the Courthouse grounds. Colbert County Confederate veterans monument in Tuscumbia. Dedicated in 1911 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Dale County Located in Ozark, the Dale County Confederate Soldiers Monument was dedicated in 1910 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Dallas County Defense of Selma Memorial in Selma. Dedicated in 1907 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Selma Navy Yard Memorial in Selma. Dedicated in 1917 by United Daughters of Confederacy. DeKalb County Located in Fort Payne, Confederate monument dedicated in 1913 by the Sons and Daughters of Confederate Veterans Elmore County Robinson Springs Camp Confederate Monument in Millbrook. Dedicated in 1913 by United Confederate Veterans. Etowah County Emma Sansom Monument honoring Nathan Bedford Forrest in Gadsden. Turkey Town Monument in Gadsden. Dedicated in 1992 by Sons of Confederate Veterans. Fayette County Confederate monument in Fayette. Dedicated on Courthouse ground in 1929 by United Daughters of the Confederacy. Hale County Confederate monument in Greensboro. Erected on Courthouse grounds in 1904 by the Ladies Memorial Association. Hamilton County Confederate Veterans Bicentennial Memorial in Marion. Erected in 1972 by Judge James F. Shotts. Henry County Henry County Confederate Memorial in Headland. Dedicated in 1936 by United Daughters of Confederacy. World War I and Confederate Monument in Headland. Dedicated in 1926 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Jefferson County Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Dedicated in 1905 by United Daughters of the Confederacy. Removed by the city on June 2. Lauderdale County Located in Florence. Dedicated in 1903 by the Ladies Memorial Association on the Courthouse grounds. General Joe Wheeler monument in Rogersville. Dedicated in 2006 by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Lawrence County Forrest Captures Streight Monument honoring Nathan Bedford Forrest in Limestone County. Dedicated in 1939 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Confederate monument in Moulton. Dedicated by Sons of Confederate Veterans on Courthouse grounds in 2006. Lee County The Auburn Guards Review Monument in Auburn, dedicated by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1914. Confederate monument in Opelika. Dedicated in 1911. Limestone County Confederate Soldier Monument, placed on courthouse grounds in 1909 by United Daughters of the Confederacy. Lowndes County Located in Hayneville, the Soldier Dead of Lowndes was erected by United Daughters of Confederacy, date unknown. Macon County Tuskegee Confederate Memorial in Tuskegee. Dedicated in 1906 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Madison County Confederate Veterans Memorial in Huntsville. Dedicated on Courthouse grounds in 1905 by United Daughters of the Confederacy. Marengo County Located in Demopolis, the Breastworks Confederate Memorial was placed in 1941 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Located in Demopolis, a Confederate monument was placed in 1910 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Marion County Monument at Courthouse Square dedicated to Nicola Marschall. Dedicated by the United Daughters of Confederacy. Marshall County Confederate Monument placed on Courthouse Grounds in 1996 by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Mobile County Admiral Raphael Semmes Statue in Mobile. Date unknown. Montgomery Confederate Monument in Montgomery. Erected in 1898 by the Ladies Memorial Association and State of Alabama. Dexter Avenue Monument in Montgomery. Dedicated by the United Daughters of Confederacy on 1942. Jefferson Davis Statue in Montgomery. Dedicated in 1940 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Jefferson Davis Presidential Star in Montgomery. Dedicated in 1897 by United Daughters of Confederacy. John Allan Wyeth MD Marker in Montgomery. Date unknown. Robert E. Lee Statue in Montgomery. Date unknown. First Offices of the Confederate Government Marker in Montgomery. Dedicated in 1911 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Morgan County Confederate monument in Decatur placed on Courthouse grounds in 1922 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy Pickens County Located in Carrollton the Confederate monument is on the Courthouse grounds. It was dedicated in 1972 by the friends and patriotic citizens of Pickens County. Pike County Confederate monument in Troy. Dedicated in 1908 by United Daughters of Confederacy. St. Clair County Located in Ashville, Confederate Monument on Courthouse Grounds dedicated in 1923 by United Daughters of the Confederacy. Sumter County Located in Livingston, monument dedicated on Courthouse grounds in 1909 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Tallapoosa County In Alexander City, dedicated in 1923 by United Daughters of the Confederacy. Tuscaloosa County University of Alabama Civil War Monument in Tuscaloosa. Dedicated in 1914 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Confederate States of America Monument in McCalla. Dedicated in 1988. Iron Foundries and Makers Flagpoles in McCalla. Dedicated in 1996 by Military Order of the Stars and Bars. William and Owen Forge Marker in McCalla. Dedicated in 1994 by United Daughters of Confederacy. Walker County Confederate monument in Jasper. Dedicated in 1907 on Courthouse grounds by United Daughters of Confederacy. Are you a fan of Microsoft Surface devices? Well, good news for you because the latest Surface Go 2 and Surface Book 3 are coming to Malaysia this month. You'll be able to get the latest mobile devices from Microsoft from retailers like Harvey Norman or online shops like Lazada. First, let's talk about the Surface Go 2. The device was first revealed back in April 2020, so we already know that it's running on either an Intel Pentium Gold or 8th Gen Intel Core m3-8100Y CPU. It also has up to 8GB of RAM, has either a 64GB eMMC or 128GB SSD for the internal storage, and a 10.5-inch PixelSense display. In terms of features, it comes with the Studio Mics dual-microphone for better voice clarity and lower background noise in video meetings. Additionally, there's a 5MP front camera and 8MP rear camera that can be used to quickly scan documents. Best of all is the Surface Pen, which makes tasks like sketching and drawing much easier. Next, we have the Surface Book 3, which is a 2-in-1 laptop with a detachable keyboard. It's effectively an ultrabook that can also turn into a tablet. Available in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, the Surface Book 3 comes with the latest 10th Gen Intel Core CPU, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage. It even has variants with different dedicated GPUs for you to choose from, including the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q and Quadro RTX 3000 Max-Q. Besides the two new mobile PCs, Microsoft also has a new Surface Dock 2 and USB-C Travel Hub. These are optional accessories meant to expand the usability of the new Surface devices and other laptop PCs by providing additional ports. In particular, you'll get extra ports like Ethernet, HDMI, and even a legacy VGA port on the Travel Hub. For those who are interested in the new Surface devices, you can pre-order them now from the authorised shops. The Surface Go 2 will be available officially on 18 June 2020 from RM1955, while the Surface Book 3 can be yours starting 23 June 2020 from RM7788. Though New Orleans will stay put as the rest of Louisiana moves to its next phase of reopening Friday, the city may take some steps as early as next week to open more businesses or increase capacity at existing ones, the head of New Orleans' health agency said Wednesday. Health Department Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno said that as long as declines in new coronavirus cases continue and other positive signs of progress are met, the city is likely to enact at least some of the reopening measures that are part of phase 2 guidelines from federal and state officials. The city will call the next progression "phase 2" even if it doesn't exactly hew to what is allowed across the rest of Louisiana. "I feel very confident that unless we see something really strange and different in the next couple of days, that early next week... I will be getting in front of you and announcing our plan," Avegno said. The city will detail which rules will be eased after Friday, when Avegno expects to know more about the state's own plans, she said. She did say that the state's plan to allow restaurants to serve half of their customers instead of the current 25% seemed fair, a statement restaurant owners cheered. Ralph Brennan, whose restaurant group runs Brennan's, Red Fish Grill and Napoleon House in the French Quarter and Ralph's on the Park in Mid-City, among other establishments, said that loosening the current rules on restaurants would particularly help out Ralph's on the Park. And while restaurant owner Frank Brigsten said he's still not planning to open his namesake restaurant until later in the summer, he said expanding capacity would "absolutely help," the city's restaurants. "I think it's the logical next step," he said. The tentative timeline would see New Orleans loosen rules it set roughly three weeks ago as part of an initial reopening plan that was also stricter than that of the state. Since then, casinos have been shuttered, restaurants and other businesses have had to track patrons and houses of faith have had to apply a strict cap to their congregations. The modified plan would come at least two weeks after Memorial Day weekend, a holiday officials were concerned about due to the potential for the disease to be spread among large crowds. But the timeline suggests officials are confident that the virus has been suppressed in a city that made national headlines as a coronavirus hotspot in March and April. 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 City decisions on when to move from phase to phase are based on guidance from the White House, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other entities that urge cities and states to have at least two weeks of case declines, strong testing capabilities and well-equipped hospitals before loosening restrictions. Those entities suggest limits that should be applied and later loosened, while offering local governments the flexibility to decide what would suit their populations. Edwards, too, has said that cities across the state may adopt stricter rules than those he enacts. Starting on Friday, Edwards' rules will allow bars without food permits to open for the first time since mid-March, although with only 25% of their customers. Restaurants across the state will be allowed to seat twice as many customers as the 25% they are seating now, and casinos will also offer more games to more customers. Spas, tattoo parlors and massage parlors around the state will be allowed to reopen. Under New Orleans' current rules, Harrah's Casino remains shuttered. Tattoo shops and spas are closed and restaurants remain at 25% capacity. Avegno said every indicator in New Orleans she's been watching has been encouraging in the nearly three weeks since the city adopted those rules. The city and its partners have tested more than 12% of its population under a model that brings COVID-19 tests to people's neighborhoods, a plan Avegno highlighted Wednesday at a testing site at Narazeth Inn in New Orleans East. There have been a rolling average of 50 or fewer new cases, enough hospital beds and ventilators and other good signs. Still, even if businesses are allowed to reopen, people still have to feel comfortable going to them. Brennan said that there are so few people frequenting the French Quarter that even relaxed rules might not have as much impact there unless they are coupled with some of the state's other phase 2 guidelines, like the reopening of bars. That could help drive traffic and fill the new tables he'd be able to offer. "We just need to generate some activity down in the Quarter," Brennan said. Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020 (9:37 am) - Score 952 Rural ISP TrueSpeed, which is backed by an investment of 75m from Aviva Investors and is deploying a new Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network across South West England (mostly Somerset), has today appointed Paul Burridge as their new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to help accelerate their plans and future growth. The provider, which currently aims to reach 75,000 premises by the end of 2021 and has an aspiration for covering 200,000 by 2025 (i.e. demand-led deployment where 30% of a community needs to sign-up), has spent the past few years gradually working its way across rural parts of Somerset. But theyll need to go much further and faster in order to achieve their ambitions. As such Paul joins Truespeed from Bath-based tech business MyLife Digital, where as CFO he was part of the senior leadership team driving the firms growth strategy. Before that he spent a year as Finance Director at West Country Vending where he worked closely with the owner and Board on the successful sale of the business. Paul began his career in finance over 25 years ago, training as a chartered accountant with EY. Since then he has also held senior finance roles in a wide range of businesses, including software and services provider Tribal Group PLC, communications agency SHIFT Active Media, and commercial law firm DAC Beachcroft. Evan Wienburg, CEO of Truespeed, said: Pauls impressive track record in helping to run high-growth businesses providing robust financial and operational support mark him out as the ideal CFO. His experience and expertise will be a huge asset as we accelerate our growth and connect more households and businesses in the South West to our award-winning full fibre broadband service. End. [June 03, 2020] Aptar Joins United Nations Global Compact Initiative, Joining Forces with Global Companies and Organizations Focused on Human Rights, Labor, Environment and Anti-Corruption AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE: ATR), a global leader in drug delivery, consumer product dispensing and active packaging solutions, announced that it has joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, the world's largest citizenship initiative, which focuses on universal principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005812/en/ Mural artwork from Aptar's Lincolnton, North Carolina facility The Global Compact supports companies in two complementary goals: do business responsibly by aligning business strategies and operations with Ten Principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption; and take strategic actions to advance broader societal goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goal, with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation. "We are extremely proud to pledge our commitment to the United Nations Global Compact and we are committed to reducing our impact on the planet while creating quality products. Our greatest impact on social well-being undoubtedly comes through the benefits our products and solutions provide to millions of consumers and patients every day," said Stephan Tanda, Aptar President and CEO. "Through our efforts as a member company of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and our commitments to create a more circular and sustainable world, we commit to upholding the principles and deepening our efforts in these areas." At the heart of the Global Compact is the conviction that business practices, which are rooted in universal principles, can help the global marketplace to be more socially and economically inclusive and therefore advance the collective goals of international cooperation, peace and development. "We believe Aptar has a responsibility to enrich the lives of people along our entire value chain and we aspire to give back more than we consume. We are committed to responsible business practices that keep the Sustainable Development Goals at the forefront of our strategy, culture and operations, and our commitment to the UN Global Compact serves to further formalize the journey upon which we have already embarked," explained Beth Holland, Vice President, Environment, Health and Safety & Sustainability. About Aptar Aptar is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of a broad range of drug delivery, consumer product dispensing and active packaging solutions. Aptar uses insights, design, engineering and science to create dosing, dispensing and protective packaging technologies for the world's leading brands, in turn making a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of millions of people around the world. Aptar's innovative solutions and services serve a variety of end markets including pharmaceutical, beauty, personal care, home, food and beverage. The company is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois and has 14,000 dedicated employees in 20 countries. For more information, visit www.aptar.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "committing", "promising" or "working" and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will" or "could" are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us. Accordingly, our actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements due to known or unknown risks and uncertainties that exist in our operations and business environment including, but not limited to: economic conditions worldwide; uncertainties related to the timing or outcome of product development; the regulatory environment; and competition, including technological advances. For additional information on these and other risks and uncertainties, please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Form 10-Ks and Form 10-Qs. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005812/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] SANTA FE At least seven state lawmakers including some of the most powerful Democrats in the Senate were locked in tight races or trailed their challengers in Tuesdays primary election, according to partial, unofficial returns. The results could push the Senates Democratic caucus to the left, with a host of Democrats who had opposed an abortion rights measure last year trailing more liberal candidates. Siah Correa Hemphill, a school psychologist from Silver City, for example, defeated incumbent Sen. Gabriel Ramos for the Democratic nomination in a district stretching from Socorro across much of southwestern New Mexico, according to unofficial returns. And Sen. Richard Martinez of Ojo Caliente lost to his opponent, Leo Jaramillo, a Rio Arriba County commissioner, for the Democratic nomination. Also in danger was Democrat John Arthur Smith, chairman of the influential Senate Finance Committee. He was behind Neomi Martinez-Parra, a licensed special education teacher, by nine percentage points, according to partial, unofficial returns. Clemente Sanchez, chairman of the Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee, appeared headed toward defeat, too. Senate President Pro Tem Mary Kay Papen of Las Cruces was locked in a close race, but trailed her opponent. All five Democratic senators opposed a 2019 bill that sought to repeal an anti-abortion law. The races come after an unusual campaign season interrupted by the pandemic in mid-March and civil unrest over the past week. Ive never been more motivated to help ensure funding for essential services, Correa Hemphill said Tuesday night. After defeating Ramos, she will advance to face Republican James Williams in the general election. On the Republican side, meanwhile, state Rep. David Gallegos was poised to join the Senate after beating incumbent Sen. Gregg Fulfer, who was appointed to the seat in 2018. No Democrat is running in the district, which covers Eunice, Jal and part of Hobbs. Gallegos, senior superintendent for a construction company, doesnt face a Democratic or Libertarian opponent in the fall. He said he was grateful voters chose him in Tuesdays election. It was a really long, hard and ugly campaign, Gallegos said. New Mexico voters headed to the polls Tuesday with a chance to reshape the state Legislature, with 20 incumbents facing a primary challenge for their partys nomination. All 112 seats in the Legislature are on the ballot this year. Democrats hold a 46-24 edge in the House and 26-16 majority in the Senate. Senate challenges Among the key races to watch Tuesday involved five Democratic incumbents in the Senate all targeted by a coalition of left-leaning groups and activists backing candidates trying to unseat them. Papen, a retired auto dealer from Las Cruces, was challenged by Carrie Hamblen, CEO and president of the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce. Hamblen had a lead of about four percentage points, according to partial returns. Smith, chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, was opposed Tuesday by Martinez-Parra in a district covering Deming, Truth or Consequences and the Bootheel area. Sanchez substantially trailed retired teacher Pam Cordova, a former president of the New Mexico Federation of Democratic Women, in the race for the Democratic nomination in a district that covers parts of Valencia and three other counties, according to partial election results. Two other incumbents were targeted in the campaign George Munoz of Gallup and Ramos of Silver City. Munoz had a healthy lead over his opponent, Noreen Ann Kelly, according to partial returns. Incumbent Republican Sen. Jim White, meanwhile, also trailed his opponent, Rep. Gregg Schmedes, albeit in a close race for the Republican nomination in a Senate district covering the Sandia foothills and East Mountains. Open seats Eleven seats in the Legislature are open this year either because the incumbents chose not to seek reelection or were disqualified from the ballot. In Senate District 20, held by the retiring Republican Whip William Payne of Albuquerque, four Democrats and two Republicans were seeking the nomination. Retired physician Martin Hickey and film location manager Rebecca Puck Stair were in a tight race for the Democratic nomination in the district, with former state Rep. Idalia Lechuga-Tena, and retired scientist and educator Nancy Savage rounding out the field, according to partial, unofficial results. On the Republican side, John C. Morton, a retired Air Force intelligence analyst, had a lead over Karin Foster, a lawyer and former prosecutor. Three northern New Mexico-based House seats now held by outgoing Democrats Joseph Sanchez of Alcalde, Daniel Barrone of Taos and Jim Trujillo of Santa Fe are also open and have attracted a total of more than a dozen candidates. Roger Montoya of Velarde won the Democratic nomination over Matthew Gonzales to succeed Sanchez in House District 40, according to unofficial results. The winner will face Republican Justin Salazar-Torrez in the general election. Indian security forces killed a top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) explosives expert in Kashmir, suspected of planning a May 28 car bombing that was foiled by the vehicles interception, and two local terrorists in a major counter-insurgency operation on Wednesday, officials said. Abdul Rehman alias Fauji Bhai , a native of Rawalpindi in Pakistan, was an Afghan war veteran who had been active in South Kashmir since 2017, the officials said. This operation was based on human intelligence inputs and all three militants killed in the operation were affiliated with Jaish, Jammu & Kashmir Police inspector general Vijay Kumar said, adding that the bodies of the three militants would be buried in north Kashmirs Baramulla district. Clashes erupted near the encounter site and the police made announcements asking people to stay inside their homes and not venture out. A joint team of the armys Rashtriya Rifles, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu & Kashmir Police killed Rehman, who also went by the name Waleed Ismail and was the JeMs operational commander in the area, and the two other terrorists in a shoot-out in Pulwama districts Kangan village where they had been holed up, the officials said . Vijay Kumar said Rehman planned the May 28 car bombing that failed when security forces intercepted a Santro car in Pulwama packed with explosives the previous night. The two terrorists killed along with him were identified as JeMs district commander in Pulwama , Manzoor Kaar alias Abu Mansh, a resident of Sirnoo, and Javid Zargar of Rangmullah, another JeM commander. Inputs available with security forces, however, indicate that Rehman had built two more vehicle improvised explosive devices in Kashmir. Our information was that Fauji Bhai... had fabricated three vehicle IEDs. We seized one of the three on May 27 but there are two more out there, possibly somewhere in Budgam and Kulgam areas, a top counter-terrorism official told Hindustan Times, requesting anonymity. There have been several intelligence reports over the past two months about plans by Jaish terrorists to carry out major strikes targeting security forces. The Santro car packed with explosives seized by security forces on May 27 was the vehicle for the first of these planned attacks. It was intercepted when it was being taken to a Jaish terrorist, Sameer Ahmed Dar of Kakpora, Pulwama, by an associate. Sameer Dar is a relative of Adil Dar, the suicide bomber who drove his Maruti Echo vehicle into a CRPF convoy on February 14, 2019, killing 40 troopers. The attack was followed by India launching air strikes on a terror facility in Pakistans Balakot, and a subsequent dogfight between the air forces of the two neighbouring countries. This time, Sameer Dar offered to drive the vehicle IED into a security camp. Intelligence reports indicate that one of the likely targets of the car bomb was the 44 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Shadimarg, Rajpora, Pulwama. Initial reports had suggested that JeMs current chief in the Kashmir valley, Mohammad Alvi alias Lambu, may have been killed in the latest encounter, but officials later said he was still at large. Alvi also goes by the name Ismail. Groups like Jaish use many names and aliases while operating in different areas to confuse the security forces, another counter-terrorism official said, requesting anonymity. Lambu, who is said to have taken over the reins of Jaish in J&K after the killing of its leader Kari Yari (in January), is still on the run. Alvi was also among the key planners of the May 28 failed car bombing and had a role to play in the February 14, 2019, suicide attack as well, as reported by HT on Tuesday. The killing of Abdul Rehman alias Fauji Bhai, a Pakistani national, is a big success for security forces as he was a master in assembling improvised explosive devices for JeM, Vijay Kumar told reporters. Kumar claimed that Rehman had managed to escape on May 28 when security forces intercepted the explosives- laden car, which was supposed to have been used to attack a security forces convoy or camp. We had promised you that day we will get him soon. Today we did. Whether he was involved in 2019 car bombing attack on CRPF convoy, I cannot say for sure, but he was active in Pulwama at that time, Kumar said. On Tuesday, two militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district. The militants, who sources said were locals, were killed in a gunfight which erupted after a search operation was launched by a joint team of the state police and the army at Saimoh village. Two AK-47 assault rifles were recovered from the encounter site. Since the Covid-19 lockdown, 44 militants and two associates have been killed in encounters in Jammu and Kashmir. By Amy Forliti and Steve Karnowski Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS Prosecutors charged a Minneapolis police officer accused of pressing his knee against George Floyds neck with a new more serious charge of second-degree murder on Wednesday, and for the first time leveled charges against three other officers at the scene, according to criminal complaints. The updated criminal complaint against Derek Chauvin says the officer's actions were a substantial causal factor in Floyd's death. Officer Chauvins restraint of Mr. Floyd in this manner for a prolonged period was a substantial causal factor in Mr. Floyd losing consciousness, constituting substantial bodily harm, and Mr. Floyds death as well," the criminal complaint said. The complaints against the other officers allege they aided and abetted in Chauvins actions. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said warrants have been issued for their arrests. Chauvin was already in custody. Widely seen bystander video showing Floyds May 25 death has sparked protests nationwide and around the world against police brutality and discrimination. Chauvin was fired May 26 and initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The three other officers involved were also fired but were not immediately charged. Ellison updated the complaint against Chauvin to add a charge of unintentional second-degree murder, in addition to the earlier charges. He also charged Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The unintentional second-degree murder charge alleges that Chauvin caused Floyd's death without intent while committing another felony offense, namely third-degree assault. It carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, compared with a maximum of 25 years for third-degree murder. The other officers face the same maximum penalties for aiding and abetting, if convicted. George Floyd mattered. He was loved, his family was important, his life had value, and we will seek justice for him and for you, and we will find it," Ellison said. Attorney Earl Gray, who represents Lane, told The Associated Press that he hadn't seen the complaint or talked with his client. He said Lane was not in custody. Before news of the upgraded charges, an attorney for Chauvin said he was not making any statements at this time. Attorneys for Thao and Kueng did not return messages seeking comment on the charges. Attorney Ben Crump tweeted that the Floyd family was deeply gratified by Ellisons action and called it a source of peace for Georges family in this difficult time. He said Ellison had told the family his office will continue to investigate and upgrade charges against Chauvin to first-degree murder if warranted. Reached by phone, Crump declined to speak beyond the statement or make clear when Ellison had spoken with the family and whether he had been informed directly that additional charges had been filed. Floyds family and protesters have repeatedly called for criminal charges against all four officers as well as more serious charges for Chauvin, who held his knee to Floyds neck, despite his protests that he couldnt breathe, and stayed there even after Floyd stopped moving. Floyd, a black man, was in handcuffs when he died with his face pressed to the street. He died because he was starving for air, Crump said at a news conference earlier Wednesday. He needed a breath. So we are demanding justice. We expect all of the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, tomorrow. Crump said the other officers failed to protect a man who was pleading for help and said he couldnt breathe. Personnel records released by the city show Chauvin served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army in the late 1990s. Since being hired as a police officer in 2001, he has been awarded two medals of valor: One for being part of a group of officers who opened fire on a stabbing suspect after the man pointed a shotgun at them in 2006, and one for apprehending another man in a domestic incident in 2008. In the latter incident, Chauvin broke down a bathroom door and shot the man in the stomach. Chauvin was reprimanded in 2008 for pulling a woman out of her car in 2007, frisking her and placing her in his squad car after he stopped her for speeding 10 miles per hour over the limit. His dashboard camera was not activated and a report said he could have interviewed the woman while standing outside her car. Lane, 37, and Kueng both joined the department in February 2019 and neither have any complaints on their files. Lane previously worked as a correctional officer at the Hennepin County juvenile jail and as a probation officer at a residential treatment facility for adolescent boys. Kueng was a 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota where he worked part-time on campus security. He also worked as a theft-prevention officer at Macys in downtown Minneapolis while he was in college. Tou Thao, a native Hmong speaker, joined the police force as a part-time community service officer in 2008 and was promoted to police officer in 2009. He was laid off later that year due to budget cuts and rehired in 2012. Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Tuesday launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department and its history of racial discrimination, in hopes of forcing widespread change. ___ Associated Press reporters Scott Bauer and Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, and Bernard Condon and Michael Sisak in New York contributed to this report. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he wants his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin present when he hosts a gathering of world leaders later this year for a G7 summit. Trump said it was time for Russia to be allowed to rejoin the group, which was originally known as the G8. 'We have a G7. He's not there. Half of the meeting is devoted to Russia, and if he was there, it'd be much easier to solve. He used to be,' the president told Brian Kilmeade's FOX News Radio show. Trump called it a 'common sense' decision. 'The problem is many of the things that we talk about are about Putin. So we're just sitting around wasting time because then you have to finish your meeting and somebody has to call Putin or deal with Putin on different things. And I say have him in the room. Have him in the room. It used to be the G8 from a kind - and I don't say deserving or non-deserving. I say common sense. Get things done,' he said. President Donald Trump - seen with first lady Melania Trump at the National Shrine on Monday - said he wanted to invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the next G7 meeting President Trump has said he'd like to see Russian President Vladimir Putin a part of the G7 group after Moscow was suspended in 2014 for its actions in the Crimea During President Barack Obama's time in office, Russia was suspended indefinitely from the G8 after it invaded the Crimea region of Ukraine in 2014. It declared the area part of Russia. Trump praised Putin for saving American oil jobs. 'H helped us with the oil industry, which was good for him, too. But we got it up, and now we're going to save millions of jobs in Texas and North Dakota and other places, Oklahoma with millions of jobs. I mean, the oil now is sustainable,' Trump said. In March Russia and Saudi Arabia engaged in a price feud that sent oil prices in a free fall. Both both countries are now close to deal on oil production that should help stabilize the market. Trump and Putin spoke on Monday and the president invited him to the G7 gathering, The New York Times reported. But other G7 leaders have expressed reservations about welcoming Putin back into the fold. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he opposed Russia rejoining. 'Russia was excluded from the G7 after it invaded Crimea a number of years ago,' Trudeau told reporters. 'Its continued disrespect and flaunting of international rules and norms is why it remains outside of the G7 and will continue to remain out,' he noted And a spokesman for the British prime minister, Boris Johnson, said Monday Britain opposed allowing Russia back into the group because his government had 'yet to see evidence of changed behavior which would justify readmittance.' The United States is scheduled to host the next G7 gathering, which consists of the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. The meeting has been pushed back to September because of concerns about the coronavirus. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left) and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have made it clear they oppose Russia rejoining the G7 Trump also has proposed the leaders of Australia, India and South Korea join. All G7 leaders would have to agree to any expansion of membership but, as the host of the next summit, Trump can invite other world leaders to attend as a guest. 'I don't feel that as a G7 it properly represents what's going on in the world,' Trump told reporters traveling with him on Air Force One on Saturday. 'It's a very outdated group of countries.' President Trump originally wanted to host his fellow leaders in June at Camp David but that plan changed after German Chancellor Angela Merkel indicated she would not attend. Facebook Inc messaging platform WhatsApp and PayPal Holdings Inc on Wednesday said they have invested in payment, food delivery and ride-hailing app operator Gojek as part of the Indonesian firms ongoing fundraising round, Trend reports with reference to Reuters. WhatsApp and PayPal did not disclose the size of the investment or the stakes they would receive. A Gojek investor told Reuters the WhatsApp investment was meaningful. WhatsApp Chief Operations Officer Matt Idema in a blog post said his company would work with Gojek to support the growth of millions of small businesses. The move is likely to significantly strengthen WhatsApps presence in Indonesia, where it has more than 100 million users. It comes just over a month since its $5.7 billion investment in the digital arm of Indias Reliance Industries Ltd. Reuters reported in April that Facebook was in talks with Gojek about an investment and was working with three e-wallet operators in Indonesia, including Gojeks GoPay, to launch mobile payment services in Southeast Asias largest economy. Market head at PayPal International, Cameron McLean, in a statement said PayPals payment capabilities would be integrated into Gojeks services and enable its users to use GoPay at PayPal merchants globally. Gojek was founded in 2010 as a ride-hailing firm and has since evolved into a one-stop app through which users can make online payments and order food and services. It is active in four markets and owns an e-wallet startup in the Philippines. Gojek in a statement said existing investors Tencent Holdings Ltd and Alphabet Incs Google also joined the latest fundraising round, which people with direct knowledge of the matter said valued the firm at $10 billion. The fundraising had reached $1.2 billion as of March, showed an internal memo reviewed by Reuters. Funding talks with Amazon.com Inc, have been dropped, as have talks for existing backer Meituan Dianping to take a much larger stake, the people said. Gojek and Amazon declined to comment. Meituan Dianping did not respond to a request for comment. As candidates around the state celebrated victory in various elections, those running for office in Santa Fe County had a much more subdued night. For most of the night, no votes were announced for Santa Fe County. Some votes finally came in around 10:40 p.m., long after most counties began reporting their votes. Secretary of States Office spokesman Alex Curtas said the county was particularly slow in processing ballots and that the issues in tabulating were primarily due to the large number of absentee ballots. While it is unclear how many absentee ballots were returned, the county mailed out more than 39,000 absentee ballots to voters by Election Day, far more than the normal total for primary elections, County Clerk Geraldine Salazar said Tuesday night. Requests for absentee ballots across the state soared this election, as residents chose to vote from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic also reduced the number of workers tabulating votes this year. The warehouse used by the county had 10 workers late in the night, when there are usually 13, at least, presiding judge Paul DArcy said. DArcy, who has served as a presiding judge in previous elections, said the county usually has three to four times as many workers as it did this time. In May, the Santa Fe County Commission voted to remove 11 polling sites, eliminating the need for more employees. Employees at the remaining 19 polling sites were given the option of staying home if they chose to. Some opted out because of age and health issues, Salazar said, adding that they would have liked to have had more workers to tabulate votes. DArcy said that having to verify all ballots with the voting registry by hand greatly lengthened the process and that a machine could have done it faster electronically. He did not respond when asked why other counties with similar issues had results out faster than Santa Fe County. Multiple races were affected by the countys delay in counting votes, including New Mexicos 3rd Congressional District primaries, 1st Judicial District Attorney and a few county races. The county has 24 hours to complete the vote counting. If that deadline is not met, a court must give approval to extend the tabulating process. The Oregon Health Authority announced Wednesday that it is now recommending coronavirus testing for some people who have no symptoms, but the latest guidance still does not include broad testing at long-term care facilities. State public health officials reversed their earlier stance that the general testing of people without symptoms is not useful, highlighting six categories of Oregonians where testing is now recommended. That includes people of color who have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus in Oregon and nationally. At least one Oregon tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, has seen more than 20 positive COVID-19 cases as of the end of May. The broad impacts of the coronavirus have fallen especially hard on Black and African American, Asian and Pacific Islander, Native American, and Latino, Latina, and Latinx people, in the U.S., and here in Oregon, Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen said in a statement Tuesday. A centuries-long history of racism and oppression have led to the very health conditions that exacerbate the impacts of COVID-19. The six categories are: Close contacts of a person with a confirmed infection or with a person presumed by public health officials to be infected People exposed to coronavirus in a congregate setting, such as a nursing home or prison Migrant or seasonal farm workers, when they arrive in Oregon Oregonians who are black, African American, Latino, Latina, Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Asian-American or Pacific Islander Oregonians with a disability People whose first language is not English Testing capacity in Oregon is estimated at nearly 38,000 a week, although fewer than half that many people are typically being tested. Encouraging testing among some people without symptoms could help identify infections earlier and reduce the spread. The virus has disproportionately infected Latinos, who are among those now urged to be tested without symptoms. The Oregon Health Authoritys guidance still does not encourage widespread testing in long-term care facilities. Thats not as aggressive as federal guidance to test all staff in nursing homes every week. Residents should also get tested weekly in facilities with even one suspected infection until the virus is gone, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. State officials have hinted that a testing plan for long-term care facilities is imminent. Meanwhile, the Oregon Health Authority disclosed that it has now launched a study of antibody test results. Serology tests do not identify active infections but, if accurate, are supposed to show if someone has developed an antibody to the virus from a previous infection. The study is supposed to determine population prevalence of antibodies in Oregon based on sampling across the state, according to health authority documents. State health officials told the newsroom last month that the were not analyzing antibody results because the tests were too unreliable. -- Brad Schmidt; bschmidt@oregonian.com; 503-294-7628; @_brad_schmidt Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Unaided private schools in the state have said that they are not equipped to start the new academic year online, as students have not paid fees. Three associations--the Private Unaided School Managements Association (PUSMA), Independent English Schools Association(IESA) and Unaided Schools Forum--declared that nearly 60% unaided private schools in Maharashtra are in financial distress and cannot start online teaching. In budget private schools, many parents have not paid fees after the state education department issued a circular allowing them to make partial payments. Thus, we are unable to pay our teachers and take care of our basic expenses. How can we provide online education in such a situation, said Bharat Malik from PUSMA. The association said that nearly 78% of the total private schools in the state are budget schools, which charge up to Rs 15,000 per year. On May 18, the three associations wrote to the state education department with their grievances but said there has been no response so far. The decision to come up with government resolutions was taken without consulting all stakeholders. While it is true that parents are facing financial constraints due to the Covid-19 pandemic, schools are also struggling to make ends meet. These are also grim times for a lot of teachers who are having difficulties in getting their salaries, said Rajendra Singh, working president, IESA. When asked about several big school chains imposing a fee hike even as the government has asked them not to, SC Kedia, secretary of the unaided schools forum said that the hikes were approved before the pandemic. Due process has been followed while imposing hikes. Schools are offering some concessions to parents facing difficulties but as a whole, they cannot reduce fees because now expenses will increase with sanitisation costs and expenditure towards IT infrastructure for online teaching, he added. As per a government resolution (GR) released in May first week, schools cannot hike fees for the academic year 2020-21 and have to allow parents to pay in instalments. The firm behind video conferencing service Zoom has nearly doubled its annual sales expectations after a surge in users prompted by the coronavirus lockdown. Zoom Video Communications Inc, which is based in California, raised its full-year revenue forecast to between $1.78billion and $1.80billion. This is up from between $905million and $915million which was forecasted before the worldwide pandemic struck. However, the cost of delivering its service rose 330 per cent to $103.7 million, which lowered its gross margin to 68.4 per cent from 80.2 per cent a year earlier. Millions of people across the world have used Zoom as a means of communicating with colleagues after individual nations' lockdowns forced them to work from home. People have also used it to stay in touch with friends and family or even to have birthday parties and other celebrations which would have normally happened in person. But the service has also recently been hit by technical problems as well as claims that it is not secure. Last month, half a million Zoom accounts were found for sale on the dark web. The firm behind video conferencing service Zoom has nearly doubled its annual sales expectations after a surge in users prompted by the coronavirus lockdown In response to the problems, the firm rolled out major upgrades and said they hired intelligence firms to track down criminals selling accounts. Despite a jump in revenue forecast from the $935.2million expected by analysts for the fiscal year ending January 2021, Zoom's costs also rose sharply. One of Zoom's biggest costs is data centers and bandwidth to host calls. The company runs some of its own data centers, but also pays for cloud computing services from Amazon.com Inc's Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, and in April added Oracle Corp as a vendor. Executives added that gross margins would likely remain below Zoom's historical norms in the coming quarters, sending shares of the firm down 3.5 per cent to $200.75 in after-market trading. The company has transformed itself into a global video hangout from a business-oriented teleconferencing tool. The latest quarterly report shows the company now has about 265,400 business customers with more than 10 employees, a near fourfold increase from a year earlier. But there were also possible signs the Zoom boom may be slowing as economies reopen. Zoom Video Communications Inc, which is based in California, raised its full-year revenue forecast to between $1.78billion and $1.80billion Chief Financial Officer Kelly Steckelberg said the April peak usage of 300 million daily meeting participants declined slightly in May. The company expects it to rise eventually above 300 million again. Zoom competes with Cisco Systems Inc's Webex, Microsoft Teams and Google's Meet platform for paying customers, particularly businesses. It also offers a free version to consumers. Zoom reported fiscal first-quarter revenue of $328.2million, beating analysts' estimates of $202.7 million, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. Zoom's founder China-born founder Eric Yuan, 50, estimated to be worth 4.6 billion, has been forced to apologise for numerous security breaches On a Zoom call with investors, Chief Executive Eric Yuan said Amazon provided the 'majority' of new capacity that Zoom needed to meet demand. Steckelberg said on the call that the company planned to expand its own data centers to become more efficient, which should boost margins to the mid-70 per cent range in the next several quarters. Analysts had expected gross margins to hover between 79 per cent and 81 per cent over the coming year, according to Refinitiv data. It comes after more than 3,000 users reported experiencing problems with Zoom last month. Many were unable to log in or host or participate in meetings. Among the reported problems, 77 per cent said they had issues with video conferencing and 21 per cent reported problems with logging in. One user wrote: 'Ummm,@zoom_us? I think you're broken. It took three times to be able to see my church. In case you're not aware, worship services need extra IT support. It's one of the few times each week we get to safely SEE so many people. Please fix the bug. #zoomdown.' While another said: 'Zoom is down. Like down down. Clergy, organizers, leaders of all types, content creators: TAKE A DEEP BREATH. It's ok if *gestures to everything* this doesn't happen today. The company later said the problems had been resolved and that it would 'monitor to ensure no further operational impact'. It comes after more than 3,000 users reported experiencing problems with Zoom last month It also emerged in May that more than half a million Zoom accounts were being offered for sale on the internet's dark web to cyber criminals looking to hack into confidential video meetings. Crooks could buy usernames, passwords and other data to break into private online meetings and steal sensitive information from banks, financial firms and even universities. The accounts were on sale for less than a penny each, according to cyber security firm Cyble. They included confidential details for employees of international banks including Citibank and Chase. A Zoom spokesperson said at the time: 'It is common for web services that serve consumers to be targeted by this type of activity, which typically involves bad actors testing large numbers of already compromised credentials from other platforms to see if users have reused them elsewhere. The company later said the problems had been resolved and that it would 'monitor to ensure no further operational impact' 'Through our ongoing investigation of this matter, we have found automated scripts that indicate bad actors have likely attempted this type of attack also known as 'credential stuffing' to test previously compromised credentials from other platforms to see if they will work on Zoom. 'We have already hired multiple intelligence firms to find password dumps and the tools used to create them, including a firm that has shut down thousands of websites attempting to trick users into downloading malware or giving up their credentials. 'Importantly, this kind of attack generally does not affect our large enterprise customers that use their own single sign-on systems.' The state apparently has a plan in the works to test broad swaths of residents and staff in senior care homes and expects to release more information on it this week. Yet details remain elusive. Oregon will be expanding its existing guidelines for senior care home testing, state officials said in a statement Monday, but declined to say more other than they will provide updates as soon as they are available. In contrast, Washington state health leaders last week mandated that all consenting residents and all nursing home staff get tested by June 12 and promised to provide them with the necessary tests free of charge. Consenting residents and all staff in assisted living facilities that have a dementia care unit must get tested by June 26, according to the Washington Department of Health order. Right now, Oregons testing guidelines prioritize a smaller group of workers and residents at long-term care homes only those exhibiting symptoms despite federal standards recommending testing everyone regardless of symptoms. Whats known about the states possible change comes from an email that Fariborz Pakseresht, director of Oregons Department of Human Services, sent to a woman whose father lives in a Washington County nursing home. She shared it with The Oregonian/OregonLive. Pakseresht said he hoped his department and the Oregon Health Authority, the agency leading the states response to the coronavirus, would have more information to release about the Oregons plan this week at the latest. Neither agency would answer specific questions about Paksereshts email. About five in 10 of the 157 Oregonians who have died of the coronavirus are connected to a senior care home. According to new federal data based on reports from nursing homes, 55 residents and eight workers at Oregon nursing homes have died of the coronavirus. Its the first confirmation that a health care worker has died in Oregon, though state officials said theyre checking the federal numbers and couldnt immediately explain them. State statistics show fewer deaths associated with nursing homes -- 55 deaths -- along with 23 deaths associated with assisted living centers and eight deaths associated with retirement homes for 86 deaths overall at senior care homes. State officials do not distinguish between resident deaths and employee deaths. The federal government has made clear that nursing homes should be treated with the utmost caution as the country reopens. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services wants all staff in all nursing homes to get tested every week, according to guidelines published May 18. The guidelines may also be applied by states to cover assisted living homes. Residents in facilities with at least one suspected coronavirus case should get tested every week until no coronavirus cases remain in the home, the agency said. Only after broad and regular testing is in place should nursing homes start loosening restrictions on visitors and social distancing, the guidelines say. Until a point in time that the pandemic is controlled, or new data emerge, this type of aggressive regimen can optimally protect our most vulnerable within nursing homes, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services wrote in a May report to Congress. The recommendations dont require states to regularly test all staff they just recommend it. And yet California instructed its nursing homes on May 22 to test all staff and residents at least once. Other states including New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Arizona and Texas either ordered broad testing or started planning to do so before the federal guidelines were released. Testing all Oregon senior care home staff and residents for the coronavirus even once would be a massive undertaking, given the states limited capacity to collect samples and process tests. About 65,000 people live and work in all of Oregons senior care homes, just over half of them residents. Across the state since the coronavirus came to Oregon late February through May 29, a total of about 123,000 people have been tested for the disease and about 4,000 have been positive. As you already know, availability of tests has been an issue locally and nation-wide, Pakseresht wrote in the email obtained by the newsroom. State officials have also argued against one-time testing of all residents and workers because the results would show only the point in time status of the disease in senior care, results that could be invalid the very next day. The health authoritys current testing strategy allows tests for senior care homes residents and staff who dont have COVID-19 symptoms -- but health care providers, people who have underlying conditions or are over 60 or are disabled and others in the community with symptoms take priority. -- Fedor Zarkhin fzarkhin@oregonian.com desk: 503-294-7674|cell: 971-373-2905|@fedorzarkhin TDT | Manama His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, reaffirmed yesterday that Bahrain has mobilised the full strength of its resources in order to safeguard public health and overcome obstacles imposed by the global spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). HRH the Crown Prince added that such a move was taken under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. HRH the Crown Prince was speaking as he chaired yesterday a meeting of the Government Executive Committee, held remotely. During the meeting, a decision was taken directing the National Taskforce for Combatting COVID-19 to set mechanisms for expanding facemask wearing in public settings. This is in consideration of a report submitted by the national taskforce, headed by Supreme Council of Health chairman Lieutenant-General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. On this note, HRH the Crown Prince reiterated that Bahrain continues to develop policies to mitigate the virus, and expressed appreciation for the dedicated efforts of Team Bahrain to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. HRH the Crown Prince also stressed that, at this current stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the responsibility of each member of Bahraini society is to protect themselves, their family and their community through a responsible commitment to precautionary measures and official public health guidelines. Protesters sit on horses during a demonstration to honor of George Floyd on June 03, 2020 in San Francisco, California. Thousands of of people came out to honor George Floyd who died after being held down by Derek Chauvin, a former member of the Minneapolis Police Department who has since been fired and charged with third degree murder. less Protesters sit on horses during a demonstration to honor of George Floyd on June 03, 2020 in San Francisco, California. Thousands of of people came out to honor George Floyd who died after being held down by ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Protesters sit on horses during a demonstration to honor of George...Photo-19525623.203216 - People paint the words Black Lives Matter on a street in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 7, 2020. The death of George Floyd, an African-American man, in Minneapolis police custody, has ignited protests and demonstrations across the country. less People paint the words Black Lives Matter on a street in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 7, 2020. The death of George Floyd, an African-American man, in Minneapolis police custody, has ignited protests and ... more Photo: Jim Wilson/The New York Times People paint the words Black Lives Matter on a street in Oakland,...Photo-19519710.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-3', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 3', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - A man speaks into a megaphone while standing with others on the center divider as traffic is stopped on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Saturday, June 6, 2020, at a protest over the death of George Floyd. Floyd died May 25 after being restrained by Minneapolis police. less A man speaks into a megaphone while standing with others on the center divider as traffic is stopped on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Saturday, June 6, 2020, at a protest over the death of George ... more Photo: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press A man speaks into a megaphone while standing with others on the...Photo-19525656.203216 - Up to a thousand people took park in the San Francisco Critical Mass bike protest against the death of George Floyd in San Francisco, California on June 5, 2020. Up to a thousand people took park in the San Francisco Critical Mass bike protest against the death of George Floyd in San Francisco, California on June 5, 2020. Photo: Patricia Chang/Special To The SFGATE Up to a thousand people took park in the San Francisco Critical...Photo-19513270.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-6', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 6', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - A protester wears a face mask with the time that George Floyd was pinned down by a Minneapolis police officer's knee during a demonstration to honor of George Floyd on June 03, 2020 in San Francisco, California. Thousands of of people came out to honor George Floyd who died after being held down by Derek Chauvin, a former member of the Minneapolis Police Department who has since been fired and charged with third degree murder. less A protester wears a face mask with the time that George Floyd was pinned down by a Minneapolis police officer's knee during a demonstration to honor of George Floyd on June 03, 2020 in San Francisco, ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images A protester wears a face mask with the time that George Floyd was...Photo-19525625.203216 - Protesters hold signs as they watch a demonstration from their window to honor of George Floyd on June 03, 2020 in San Francisco, California. Thousands of of people came out to honor George Floyd who died after being held down by Derek Chauvin, a former member of the Minneapolis Police Department who has since been fired and charged with third degree murder. less Protesters hold signs as they watch a demonstration from their window to honor of George Floyd on June 03, 2020 in San Francisco, California. Thousands of of people came out to honor George Floyd who died after ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Protesters hold signs as they watch a demonstration from their...Photo-19525626.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-9', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 9', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - A child carries a sign near the steps of the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse on Monday, June 8, 2020, in Oakland, Calif. Monday's action was organized by the Bay Area Public Defenders for Racial Justice, a committee that includes members of several Bay Area public defender offices. Public defenders throughout California stood with protesters at local events at the same time Monday. less A child carries a sign near the steps of the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse on Monday, June 8, 2020, in Oakland, Calif. Monday's action was organized by the Bay Area Public Defenders for Racial Justice, a ... more Photo: Ben Margot/Associated Press A child carries a sign near the steps of the Rene C. Davidson...Photo-19525639.203216 - By Any Means Necessary National Organizers Hoku Jeffrey, left, gestures beside Maricruz Lopez during a media conference Monday, June 8, 2020, at the side where Eric Salgado was killed by Oakland police on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, in Oakland, Calif. less By Any Means Necessary National Organizers Hoku Jeffrey, left, gestures beside Maricruz Lopez during a media conference Monday, June 8, 2020, at the side where Eric Salgado was killed by Oakland police on ... more Photo: Ben Margot/Associated Press By Any Means Necessary National Organizers Hoku Jeffrey, left,...Photo-19525643.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-12', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 12', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - A person walks past a mural of George Floyd in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, June 4, 2020, as people protest over the death of George Floyd, who died May 25 after being restrained by police in Minneapolis. A person walks past a mural of George Floyd in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, June 4, 2020, as people protest over the death of George Floyd, who died May 25 after being restrained by police in Minneapolis. Photo: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press A person walks past a mural of George Floyd in Oakland, Calif.,...Photo-19525644.203216 - Monique Gray chants during a demonstration to honor of George Floyd on June 03, 2020 in San Francisco, California. Thousands of of people came out to honor George Floyd who died after being held down by Derek Chauvin, a former member of the Minneapolis Police Department who has since been fired and charged with third degree murder. less Monique Gray chants during a demonstration to honor of George Floyd on June 03, 2020 in San Francisco, California. Thousands of of people came out to honor George Floyd who died after being held down by Derek ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Monique Gray chants during a demonstration to honor of George...Photo-19525629.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-15', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 15', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - People cross over lanes to join others marching south on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Saturday, June 6, 2020, at a protest over the Memorial Day death of George Floyd. Floyd died May 25 after being restrained by Minneapolis police. less People cross over lanes to join others marching south on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Saturday, June 6, 2020, at a protest over the Memorial Day death of George Floyd. Floyd died May 25 after being ... more Photo: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press People cross over lanes to join others marching south on the...Photo-19525662.203216 - People hold up images of George Floyd as traffic is stopped on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Saturday, June 6, 2020, at a protest over the Memorial Day death of Floyd. Floyd died May 25 after being restrained by Minneapolis police. less People hold up images of George Floyd as traffic is stopped on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Saturday, June 6, 2020, at a protest over the Memorial Day death of Floyd. Floyd died May 25 after being ... more Photo: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press People hold up images of George Floyd as traffic is stopped on the...Photo-19525666.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-18', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 18', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - Jamie Fox applauds while standing with Mayor London Breed as they listen to Rev. Amos Brown, left, speak during a "kneel-in" to protest police racism on the steps of City Hall Monday, June 1, 2020, in San Francisco. less Jamie Fox applauds while standing with Mayor London Breed as they listen to Rev. Amos Brown, left, speak during a "kneel-in" to protest police racism on the steps of City Hall Monday, June 1, 2020, in San ... more Photo: Eric Risberg/Associated Press Jamie Fox applauds while standing with Mayor London Breed as they...Photo-19525657.203216 - A protester confronts San Jose police as they advance on Friday, May 29, 2020, in San Jose, Calif., as people demonstrate nationwide in response to George Floyd dying while in police custody on Memorial Day, in Minneapolis. less A protester confronts San Jose police as they advance on Friday, May 29, 2020, in San Jose, Calif., as people demonstrate nationwide in response to George Floyd dying while in police custody on Memorial Day, in ... more Photo: Ben Margot/Associated Press A protester confronts San Jose police as they advance on Friday,...Photo-19525672.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-21', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 21', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - Tiana Day wears a mask that reads I Can't Breathe before speaking in San Francisco, Saturday, June 6, 2020, at a protest over the Memorial Day death of George Floyd. Floyd died May 25 after being restrained by Minneapolis police. less Tiana Day wears a mask that reads I Can't Breathe before speaking in San Francisco, Saturday, June 6, 2020, at a protest over the Memorial Day death of George Floyd. Floyd died May 25 after being restrained by ... more Photo: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press Tiana Day wears a mask that reads I Can't Breathe before...Photo-19525664.203216 - Flora Suarez Ben-Hur sits on the shoulders of her uncle Danny Dimendberg in San Francisco, Sunday, June 7, 2020, before a protest over the death of George Floyd, who died May 25 after being restrained by police in Minneapolis. less Flora Suarez Ben-Hur sits on the shoulders of her uncle Danny Dimendberg in San Francisco, Sunday, June 7, 2020, before a protest over the death of George Floyd, who died May 25 after being restrained by police ... more Photo: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press Flora Suarez Ben-Hur sits on the shoulders of her uncle Danny...Photo-19525668.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-24', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 24', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - A protester is hit with a baton by San Jose police, Friday, May 29, 2020, in San Jose, Calif., as more demonstrations take place nationally after George Floyd died in police custody on Memorial Day. A protester is hit with a baton by San Jose police, Friday, May 29, 2020, in San Jose, Calif., as more demonstrations take place nationally after George Floyd died in police custody on Memorial Day. Photo: Ben Margot/Associated Press A protester is hit with a baton by San Jose police, Friday, May...Photo-19525669.203216 - People hold up signs as they cross a street in San Francisco, Sunday, June 7, 2020, before a protest over the death of George Floyd, who died May 25 after being restrained by police in Minneapolis. People hold up signs as they cross a street in San Francisco, Sunday, June 7, 2020, before a protest over the death of George Floyd, who died May 25 after being restrained by police in Minneapolis. Photo: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press People hold up signs as they cross a street in San Francisco,...Photo-19525670.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-27', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 27', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest of police brutality. Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest of police brutality. Photo: Patricia Chang / SFGATE Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest...Photo-19500899.203216 - Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest of police brutality. Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest of police brutality. Photo: Patricia Chang / SFGATE Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest...Photo-19500879.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-30', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 30', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest of police brutality. Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest of police brutality. Photo: Patricia Chang Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest...Photo-19500903.203216 - Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest of police brutality. Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest of police brutality. Photo: Patricia Chang / SFGATE Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest...Photo-19500886.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-33', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 33', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest of police brutality. Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest of police brutality. Photo: Patricia Chang / SFGATE Thousands marched through the Mission on June 3, 2020, in protest...Photo-19500915.203216 - The coast to coast George Floyd protests reach the San Francisco coast as marchers walk peacefully along the Great Highway next to the Pacific Ocean, Tuesday, June 2, 2020. The coast to coast George Floyd protests reach the San Francisco coast as marchers walk peacefully along the Great Highway next to the Pacific Ocean, Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Photo: MediaNews Group/The Mercury News/MediaNews Group Via Getty Images The coast to coast George Floyd protests reach the San Francisco...Photo-19497529.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-36', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 36', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - Tirzah Love (right) takes a knee with hundreds of others who marched the length of the Great Highway in San Francisco, in honor of George Floyd, Monday, June 2, 2020. Tirzah Love (right) takes a knee with hundreds of others who marched the length of the Great Highway in San Francisco, in honor of George Floyd, Monday, June 2, 2020. Photo: MediaNews Group/The Mercury News/MediaNews Group Via Getty Images Tirzah Love (right) takes a knee with hundreds of others who...Photo-19497525.203216 - The coast to coast George Floyd protests reach the San Francisco coast as marchers walk peacefully along the Great Highway next to the Pacific Ocean, Tuesday, June 2, 2020. The coast to coast George Floyd protests reach the San Francisco coast as marchers walk peacefully along the Great Highway next to the Pacific Ocean, Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Photo: MediaNews Group/The Mercury News/MediaNews Group Via Getty Images The coast to coast George Floyd protests reach the San Francisco...Photo-19497527.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-39', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 39', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - Police clear out a protest in front of San Francisco City Hall after the 8 PM curfew went into effect, Sunday, May 31, 2020, the third day of Bay Area unrest over the George Floyd killing in Minneapolis. Police clear out a protest in front of San Francisco City Hall after the 8 PM curfew went into effect, Sunday, May 31, 2020, the third day of Bay Area unrest over the George Floyd killing in Minneapolis. Photo: MediaNews Group/The Mercury News/MediaNews Group Via Getty Images Police clear out a protest in front of San Francisco City Hall...Photo-19497531.203216 - A demonstrator holds an American flag in front of California Highway Patrol officers during a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. A demonstrator holds an American flag in front of California Highway Patrol officers during a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images A demonstrator holds an American flag in front of California...Photo-19497766.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-42', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 42', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - A demonstrator attempts to cover a tear gas canister that was deployed by police officers during a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. Earlier today, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody for Floyd's death. Chauvin has been accused of kneeling on Floyd's neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and 3 other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated. less A demonstrator attempts to cover a tear gas canister that was deployed by police officers during a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images A demonstrator attempts to cover a tear gas canister that was...Photo-19525624.203216 - Police officers stand in a fog of tear gas during a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. Earlier today, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody for Floyd's death. Chauvin has been accused of kneeling on Floyd's neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and 3 other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated. less Police officers stand in a fog of tear gas during a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. Earlier today, former Minneapolis police officer ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Police officers stand in a fog of tear gas during a protest...Photo-19525620.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-45', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 45', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - A close-up view of a damaged shop after a protest earlier in the day in San Francisco devolved into roaming groups of looters along a stretch of Market Street and in the Union Square area following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 30, 2020 in California, United States. less A close-up view of a damaged shop after a protest earlier in the day in San Francisco devolved into roaming groups of looters along a stretch of Market Street and in the Union Square area following the death of ... more Photo: Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency Via Getty Images A close-up view of a damaged shop after a protest earlier in the...Photo-19497543.203216 - A view of a damaged shop after a protest earlier in the day in San Francisco devolved into roaming groups of looters along a stretch of Market Street and in the Union Square area following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 30, 2020 in California, United States. less A view of a damaged shop after a protest earlier in the day in San Francisco devolved into roaming groups of looters along a stretch of Market Street and in the Union Square area following the death of George ... more Photo: Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency Via Getty Images A view of a damaged shop after a protest earlier in the day in San...Photo-19497540.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-48', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 48', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - A protest earlier in the day in San Francisco devolved into roaming groups of looters along a stretch of Market Street and in the Union Square area following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 30, 2020 in California, United States. less A protest earlier in the day in San Francisco devolved into roaming groups of looters along a stretch of Market Street and in the Union Square area following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 30, ... more Photo: Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency Via Getty Images A protest earlier in the day in San Francisco devolved into...Photo-19497538.203216 - A women shouts during a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. A women shouts during a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images A women shouts during a protest sparked by the death of George...Photo-19497767.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-51', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 51', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - Protesters march down Broadway from Oakland Tech High School to Frank Ogawa Plaza during the fourth day of protests over George Floyd's death by the Minneapolis police in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, June 1, 2020. less Protesters march down Broadway from Oakland Tech High School to Frank Ogawa Plaza during the fourth day of protests over George Floyd's death by the Minneapolis police in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, June 1, ... more Photo: MediaNews Group/East Bay Times V/MediaNews Group Via Getty Images Protesters march down Broadway from Oakland Tech High School to...Photo-19497757.203216 - Protesters march down Broadway from Oakland Tech High School to Frank Ogawa Plaza during the fourth day of protests over George Floyd's death by the Minneapolis police in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, June 1, 2020. less Protesters march down Broadway from Oakland Tech High School to Frank Ogawa Plaza during the fourth day of protests over George Floyd's death by the Minneapolis police in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, June 1, ... more Photo: MediaNews Group/East Bay Times V/MediaNews Group Via Getty Images Protesters march down Broadway from Oakland Tech High School to...Photo-19497761.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-54', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 54', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - Protesters run away as police shoot tear gas and flash grenades to disperse the crowd on Broadway near the Oakland Police Department during the fourth day of protests over George Floyd's death by the Minneapolis police in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, June 1, 2020. less Protesters run away as police shoot tear gas and flash grenades to disperse the crowd on Broadway near the Oakland Police Department during the fourth day of protests over George Floyd's death by the ... more Photo: MediaNews Group/East Bay Times V/MediaNews Group Via Getty Images Protesters run away as police shoot tear gas and flash grenades to...Photo-19497752.203216 - Demonstrators stand on top of a semi truck on Interstate 880 during a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. Demonstrators stand on top of a semi truck on Interstate 880 during a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Demonstrators stand on top of a semi truck on Interstate 880...Photo-19497765.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-57', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 57', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - People investigate a vandalized Mercedes-Benz dealership in Oakland California on May 30, 2020. People investigate a vandalized Mercedes-Benz dealership in Oakland California on May 30, 2020. Photo: JOSH EDELSON/AFP Via Getty Images People investigate a vandalized Mercedes-Benz dealership in...Photo-19497763.203216 - Dozens of protesters get detained after refusing to leave during the new curfew order at Broadway and 14th Street after the fourth day of protests over George Floyd's death by the Minneapolis police in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, June 1, 2020. less Dozens of protesters get detained after refusing to leave during the new curfew order at Broadway and 14th Street after the fourth day of protests over George Floyd's death by the Minneapolis police in Oakland, ... more Photo: MediaNews Group/East Bay Times V/MediaNews Group Via Getty Images Dozens of protesters get detained after refusing to leave during...Photo-19497758.203216 - window._galleryInterstitial = window._galleryInterstitial || []; window._galleryInterstitial['taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign'] = function () { window._taboola = window._taboola || []; window._taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c-light', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails---redesign-60', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails - Redesign 60', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola.push({flush: true}); }; Item-95844.203216 - Dozens of protesters get detained after refusing to leave during the new curfew order at Broadway and 14th Street after the fourth day of protests over George Floyd's death by the Minneapolis police in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, June 1, 2020. less Dozens of protesters get detained after refusing to leave during the new curfew order at Broadway and 14th Street after the fourth day of protests over George Floyd's death by the Minneapolis police in Oakland, ... more Photo: MediaNews Group/East Bay Times V/MediaNews Group Via Getty Images Dozens of protesters get detained after refusing to leave during...Photo-19497760.203216 - A looter rob a Target store as protesters face off against police in Oakland California on May 30, 2020. A looter rob a Target store as protesters face off against police in Oakland California on May 30, 2020. Photo: JOSH EDELSON/AFP Via Getty Images A looter rob a Target store as protesters face off against police...Photo-19497755.203216 - Washington: The US President Donald Trump-led government on Wednesday (June 3, 2020) said it will block Chinese passenger flights from flying to the United States with effect from June 16. The tensions escalated after Beijing didnt allow the US flight services to resume between the two countries. The official order read, The US Department of Transportation, responding to the failure of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China (China) to permit US carriers to exercise the full extent of their bilateral right to conduct scheduled passenger air services to and from China, is suspending the scheduled passenger operations of all Chinese carriers to and from the United States. The order applies to Chinese major airlines like Air China, China Eastern Airlines Corp, China Southern Airlines Co, and Hainan Airlines Holding Co. The US-China relations have already tensed in the past few months after both the countries have gone into the war of words over the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. 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 A Reuters report said the Trump administration on May 22 accused China`s government of making it impossible for US airlines to resume service to China and ordered four Chinese carriers to file flight schedules with the US government. The Chinese carriers are flying no more than one scheduled flight a week to the United States but also have flown a significant number of additional charter flights, often to help Chinese students return home. Administration officials have suggested charter flights have been used to circumvent Chinese government limits on flights. Earlier on January 31, the US government barred from entry most non-US citizens who had been in China within the previous 14 days due to the coronavirus outbreak but did not impose any restrictions on Chinese flights. Major US carriers voluntarily decided to halt all passenger flights to China in February. Notably, China`s air authority in late March said Chinese airlines could maintain just one weekly passenger flight on one route to any given country and that carriers could fly no more than the number of flights they were flying on March 12. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 15:39 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbd705e 1 News Way-Kambas-National-Park,Lampung,COVID-19,coronavirus,national-park Free Way Kambas National Park in Lampung is to remain closed for now, even though East Lampung regency, where the park lies, is considered a COVID-19 green zone. Way Kambas National Park spokesman Sukatmoko said the park management was still discussing how the health protocol should be applied, particularly in the tourist sector that involves elephants. The majority of our visitors want to ride the elephants, Sukatmoko told kompas.com. Its impossible to enforce social distancing with the minimum distance of 1 meter. Read also: Wild elephant gives birth in Way Kambas National Park Prior to its temporary closure, the national park was visited by 2,000 to 5,000 people per month. The number would increase to more than 20,000 visitors during the Idul Fitri holiday and school holidays. Most visitors are keen to interact with the elephants in the park. Additionally, the national park is often visited by travelers and researchers from abroad. Handling such visits would require extra caution on the part of the staff in applying health protocol. Located on 125,631.31 hectares of land, Way Kambas National Park is known as a great place to see elephants, especially as visitors are allowed to feed and play with the animals. (wir/wng) As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, insurers could face a tsunami of claims from businesses looking for interruption coverage, experts say. These lawsuits are ramping up in the United States and Europe, said Toronto insurance lawyer Sivan Tumarkin. Canada is starting to see its own lawsuits, both class-action and individual, from business owners looking to claim business interruption insurance. In March, when the pandemic was starting to take hold here, several Ontario dentists spent two weeks trying to get their provider to pay them under their business interruption insurance, which specifically mentioned pandemic-caused closures. Insurance giant Aviva Canada did eventually pay; its CEO said the dentists had a unique arrangement for such coverage. In Toronto, restaurant owner Hemant Bhagwani launched a suit against his insurance provider related to three of his restaurants after his business interruption claims were denied. And a Saskatchewan-based law firm has launched a national class-action suit representing businesses that have had business interruption claims denied. Whether such suits will be successful or not will largely depend on the type of coverage the business has and, in the case of those with standard policies, the courts interpretation of what constitutes physical damage. After the 2003 SARS outbreak, Tumarkin said insurance companies started offering policies that cover a pandemic or infectious disease. But COVID-19 has shown that even these policies arent enough: some insurance companies will say the virus needs to have hit geographically close to the office to result in a payout. Theyre trying to avoid a floodgate situation, he said. If such a case comes before a judge, Tumarkin said the policy better have a specific exclusion or the judge is sure to favour the insured and in many cases the claim will be settled out of court to avoid bad PR, he said. But many businesses dont have that extra coverage, he said. Traditional business interruption policies dont offer pandemic-related coverage, said Vanessa Barrasa, media relations manager with the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Regular business interruption policies are focused on one type of interruption: physical damage, such as fire or water. The payout is meant to cover the cost of repair and replacement, Tumarkin said. Getting a payout in such situations will be much harder, but there are some precedents that indicate it may be possible. A recent Ontario court case unrelated to COVID-19 has turned heads in the legal community, said Tumarkin, and some think it could make regular business interruption policies that cover physical damage applicable to COVID-19 shutdowns. The suit, MDS Inc. v. Factory Mutual Insurance Company, is under appeal, said Tumarkin. MDS lost out on millions in profits because a nuclear reactor from which it purchased radioisotopes was shut down by a leak for 15 months. The judge ruled in favour of MDS, which argued its business interruption insurance should cover the loss in profits, even though it wasnt due to physical damage to the MDS facility. Though some may think this decision could pave the way for more lawsuits concerning regular business interruption insurance, Tumarkin said he thinks the decision really stretched the definition of physical damage, and wont have a significant impact on COVID-19 business interruption lawsuits. I dont think this is a game changer, he said. Toronto lawyer Allan Rouben said the decision could pave the way for some interesting arguments about the definition of physical damage during COVID-19, though he thinks businesses would face an uphill battle. He said a case on this exact question is currently being tested in the United Kingdom, which could change the winds for business interruption lawsuits if it plays out in favour of the insured. I certainly wouldnt shut the door on it, he said. The U.K.s financial watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority, is trying to obtain a court declaration on the question of whether insurance policies focused on property damage should cover the pandemic. For Toronto restaurant owner Andrew Carter, COVID-19 has resulted in an unprecedented situation with his insurance company. Carter started receiving business interruption insurance payouts in November 2019 after one of his two restaurants, the Wickson Social, suffered water damage. But after the COVID-19 business shutdown, Carter said his insurance provider told him that he would no longer be receiving the payouts because if his business had been open, it would have been closed by the shutdown, and that would not be covered by his policy. Carter said he told them if it werent for the water damage, the Wickson Social would be doing takeout to which he says they responded that in that case there would be no business interruption, and therefore would not be paying. Carter said hes frustrated because he pays thousands of dollars for the insurance, and doesnt see how COVID-19 should halt the payout. He is currently considering legal action. A spokesperson for Intact said in an email that Intacts business interruption coverage does not cover a pandemic. They said in Carters specific case, they are working with (him) to find a resolution. They also said Intact is working to provide support to business customers during COVID-19 such as financing, flexible payment options and premium adjustments, to the tune of more than $245 million so far. Tumarkin said while this is an unusual case, its an illustration of how hard insurance companies are working to avoid making payments during the pandemic. Thats one of the reasons why (insurance companies are) being so careful, he said. They see a tsunami of claims coming. Theyre also afraid that the government will potentially step in and regulate them in a way for the future that theyre not going to like. Tumarkin said he thinks we will continue to see more business interruption lawsuits, especially class-action suits, not just in Canada but worldwide. He believes companies will pay out many of these suits, but settle outside of court. Rouben also thinks Canada is going to see more business interruption lawsuits, especially if whats happening in the U.S. is any indication. He added that the courts may look to similar cases in the U.S. for precedent. After COVID-19, Tumarkin said he thinks more businesses will opt for the extra coverage that includes pandemics, and that insurance companies will increase the cost of this type of coverage. Barrasa said in the past, uninsured events like the pandemic are usually followed by the insurance industry reviewing and then introducing new coverage to address these events. For example, following the Calgary floods in 2013, residential overland flood coverage was introduced, she said. Exposure to a type of man-made chemicals may cause menopause to occur two years earlier in women, a new study warns. US researchers found that high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in blood samples contributed to an earlier menopause in women. PFAS, which are used as oil and water repellents and coatings for consumer products, can enter water sources and disrupt ovarian function, they say. The chemicals, which are widely used in food packaging, cookware and industrial foams, disrupt the endocrine system the hormone-producing collection of glands that regulate sexual function. Previous studies have also linked them to infertility, behavioural problems, birth defects, high cholesterol levels and even cancer Scroll down for video The researchers studied 1,120 midlife women from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a 17-year-long prospective cohort study. They found that women with high PFAS levels in their blood samples reached menopause two years earlier than those with lower levels PFAS are everywhere, said study lead author Ning Ding at the University of Michigans School of Public Health in Ann Arbor. Once they enter the body, they don't break down and build up over time. Because of their persistence in humans and potentially detrimental effects on ovarian function, it is important to raise awareness of this issue and reduce exposure to these chemicals. A California water treatment plant worker examines a reservoir. Known as 'forever chemicals,' PFAS are man-made and used in a wide variety of nonstick and waterproof products and firefighting foams Known as 'forever chemicals', PFAS are manmade and used in a wide variety of non-stick and waterproof products and firefighting foams. They are ubiquitous, appearing in everything from cosmetics to water-repellent clothing to products that scrub away grease and oil, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Due to their abundance, PFAS chemicals can contaminate drinking water and cause health problems when consumed by humans. According to the USs Endocrine Society, PFAS chemicals affect our biology by mimicking fatty acids the building blocks of fat in our bodies. PFAS chemicals can contaminate drinking water, and it has been estimated that 110 million Americans (one out of three) may consume drinking water contaminated with these chemicals They also act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to their ability to interfere with hormone systems. It has been estimated that 110 million Americans one in three may consume drinking water contaminated with these chemicals. Although the causes of premature menopause before 40 years of age and early menopause before 45 years is not fully understood, evidence suggests environmental exposures play a part in ovarian ageing, the research team say. To learn more, Ding and her team studied 1,120 multi-racial midlife women, all between 45 and 56 years of age. Participants were part of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a 17-year-long epidemiologic study to examine the health of women in the US. They found that women with high PFAS levels in their blood samples reached menopause two years earlier than those with lower levels, they found. This was even larger than an estimate of 1.1 year's difference in menopause onset between current smokers and those who had never smoked. An earlier report as found that 610 locations in 43 US states (map, above) contain unsafe levels of PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to birth defects and cancer Earlier age at the final menstrual period has already been associated with an increased risk of overall mortality, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular death, low bone mineral density and osteoporosis, the team point out. 'Even menopause a few years earlier than usual could have a significant impact on cardiovascular and bone health, quality of life, and overall health in general among women,' said corresponding author Sung Kyun Park, also at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Due to the widepread use of PFAS and their 'environmental persistence', their potential public health effect remains a public health concern, the team write in the Endocrine Societys Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. A report from earlier this year found that dozens of US cities, such as Miami, Philadelphia and New Orleans, have drinking water with PFAS chemicals, linked to birth defects and cancer. The US Environmental Working Group and Northeastern University in Boston found 610 sources in 43 states that contained unsafe levels of PFAS chemicals in water. BGR Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, up to and including the present day, shoppers have encountered the effects of everything from supply chain disruptions to pandemic-related labor constraints which have unfortunately led to grocery store shortages. Just as the effects of the pandemic are not evenly distributed around the country, though, neither are these kinds of products The post 5 popular grocery shortages that are making shoppers so angry right now appeared first on BGR. The Queen is expected to attend the first major royal event since the lockdown began with celebrations marking her official birthday. Buckingham Palace has confirmed a small military ceremony will take place later this month at at Windsor Castle in honour of the Queen's 94th birthday. The monarch was last seen at a major event on March 9 when she attended the Westminster Abbey Commonwealth Day service. A palace spokesman confirmed the new anniversary celebration, saying: 'There will be a small, brief military ceremony at Windsor Castle to mark the Queen's official birthday.' The Queen, pictured opening a London hospital in February, is expected to attend the first major royal event since the lockdown began with celebrations marking her official birthday The June event replaces Trooping the Colour, the national celebration of the Queen's official birthday which traditionally is staged every year. Her Majesty is pictured with Prince Philip traveling to the event last year The royal family have followed the Government's orders on movement restrictions and social distancing like the rest of the country. They have limited their interactions with the public to videocall meetings with their charitable interests or frontline and key workers. But it is hoped the Queen will attend the military event at Windsor Castle where she has been isolating during lockdown with Prince Philip, 98. The military event will be staged on Saturday June 13 and involve troops from the Welsh Guards who will perform a royal salute in the castle's quadrangle. The monarch was last seen at a major event on March 9 when she attended the Westminster Abbey Commonwealth Day service It is claimed the BBC will broadcast the event live but there will be no spectators although members of the royal family may watch from the vantage point of a castle window. Her Majesty celebrates her birthday both in April and June, in line with a British royal tradition that stems back to 1748 - when celebrations for the birthday of King George II were postponed to summer due to the weather. The Queen usually celebrates her birthday in April privately but the occasion is marked with a series of gun salutes in Hyde Park, Windsor Great Park and the Tower of London. The military event will involve troops from the Welsh Guards who will perform a royal salute in the castle's quadrangle. Her Majesty is pictured meeting Coldstream Guards the oldest regiment in the British Army The June event replaces Trooping the Colour, the national celebration of the Queen's official birthday which traditionally is staged every year. It famously features a gathering of the royal family on Buckingham Palace's balcony to acknowledge the crowds in The Mall and watch a flypast. Trooping also attracts thousands of spectators, friends and family of the soldiers taking part in the military spectacle, who fill stands around Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall where the event is normally staged. This comes after news that Prince Philip will celebrate his 99th birthday next week by holding a simple lunch with the Queen A few days after lockdown was announced Buckingham Palace said in line with Government advice Trooping the Colour would 'not go ahead in its traditional form' and a number of options were being considered. This comes after news that Prince Philip will celebrate his 99th birthday next week by holding a simple lunch with the Queen. Royal sources have confirmed that there were no plans for a party to mark the occasion, even without the restrictions caused by coronavirus . While the Duke of Edinburgh is characteristically taciturn about occasion and has opted not to make a fuss - lockdown means there is no chance of his children dropping by to pass on birthday wishes in person next Wednesday. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales speaks on stage at the WaterAid water and climate event at Kings Place on March 10, 2020 in London, England. The Covid-19 pandemic presents the world with an opportunity to make the economy greener and more sustainable, according to Prince Charles. Speaking at the World Economic Forum's (WEF) "The Great Reset" event Wednesday, the heir to the British throne warned that climate change had the potential to wreak even more damage than the "dreadful pandemic." "The threat of climate change has been more gradual but its devastating reality for many people and their livelihoods around the world, and its ever greater potential to disrupt, surpasses even that of Covid-19," he said. "If we look at the planet as if it were a patient, we can see that our activities have been damaging her immune system, and she has been struggling to function and thrive due to the strain we have put on her vital organs." The Prince of Wales called for decisive action to stimulate a more circular bioeconomy "that gives back to nature as much as we take from her." "We have a golden opportunity to seize something good from this crisis its unprecedented shockwaves may well make people more receptive to big visions of change," he said. "As we move from rescue to recovery, we have a unique but rapidly shrinking window of opportunity to learn lessons and reset ourselves on a more sustainable path. It is an opportunity we have never had before and may never have again." He outlined five ways in which the economy could recover from the coronavirus crisis while confronting the risks posed by global warming. First, he said companies and policymakers needed to capture the imagination and will of humanity. "Secondly, the global economic recovery must set on a new trajectory of sustainable employment," he added. Prince Charles' third call to action was for existing systems to be redesigned so that economies around the world could transition to net-zero carbon emissions. "In this regard carbon pricing can form a critical pathway to genuinely sustainable markets," he said. "Countries, businesses and industries moving together can create efficiencies in economies of scale that will allow us to leapfrog our collective progress and accelerate our transition." A carbon price can be implemented by governments either adding a levy to the distribution, sale or use of fossil fuels based on their carbon content, or via a quota system called cap-and-trade, which sets regional emissions allowances in advance and lets companies bid for "permits to pollute." Prince Charles also called for a reinvigoration of science, technology and innovation, noting that the Covid-19 crisis had emphasized the importance of investing in those areas. Finally, the Prince of Wales said, the global economy must accelerate sustainable investment, claiming this could offer significant economic growth and employment opportunities. "It is time to align sustainable solutions with funding in a way that can transform the marketplace," he said. "This would be the most dramatic act of responsible leadership ever seen by the global private sector and would at once provide a catalytic incentive for the public sector to follow." Metro is considering financing TriMet passes for all high school students in the Portland area who dont already have a pass provided through their schools. Officials briefed the Metro Council on the $9 million proposal Tuesday afternoon. The program is under consideration as part of the regional governments broader November transportation package, which is expected to include $7 billion worth of construction projects and programs across the tri-county area. The idea is by making transit easier for kids across the region to access, they will use the service when they are adults, reducing carbon emissions. Metro said the first phase of the plan wouldnt include Portland Public Schools high school students, who already receive passes. Rather, large districts like David Douglas and schools in Washington and Clackamas counties would be included. Metro and community groups have been fine-tuning a list of transportation programs to include in the bond as well, setting aside roughly $50 million per year to pay for those services during the years-long planning process. Other proposals include $9 million annually to help TriMet transition from diesel buses and $9 million for construction projects to make it safer for kids to walk or bike to school. Now all those programming discussions are starting to narrow down to specifics. The $9 million TriMet Youth Pass proposal is one of those items. Metro hopes to phase in the program over several years so that eventually, middle and elementary school students across the region would have free transit passes, including those in Portland Public Schools who are in lower grades. We dont know for sure how many youths are going to use this program and how much it is going to cost, Margi Bradway, deputy director of planning and said Tuesday during a council work session. But the agency hopes to extend funding for all students, perhaps by year two or three. TriMet is currently free for children six and under. Metro Councilors showed broad support for the proposal. Sam Chase said he wants to ensure Metro is setting aside enough money for the program. Its our job to make sure that TriMet has the resources to do this, he said. Craig Dirksen, who represents Tigard and surrounding suburbs, said he was slightly concerned the project cost would eat away at other programs. Metro is still narrowing its list of ways to pay for the various construction projects, including the light rail extension to Bridgeport Village and safety projects on 82nd Avenue, McLoughlin Boulevard and Tualatin Valley Highway, three of the most dangerous roads in the region. Andy Shaw, executive director of public affairs, said the regional government is now solely considering a vehicle registration fee and a business payroll tax to help fund those projects. Of the $7 billion overall package, the regional government would have to raise $3 billion from local taxpayers, the remainder coming from federal money or other funds leveraged from state agencies. Metro has said it needs to raise from $350 million to $450 million from various sources to make its annual debt service payments for the projects over a 20-year period. The Metro Council is expected to make a decision on financing plans next week, and ultimately decide July 16 whether to refer the entire package to voters in November. -- Andrew Theen; atheen@oregonian.com; 503-294-4026; @andrewtheen Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Metro is assuming An Australian reporter who was attacked while covering the George Floyd protests by a man who whispered 'Allahu Akbar' in her ear thought he may have been wearing a suicide vest. Sophie Walsh, a Europe correspondent for Channel Nine, was live on air from London when she was approached by the screwdriver-wielding man, who made stabbing motions at her stomach after grabbing her from behind. Her cameraman sprang into action and forced the man off Ms Walsh while calling the police. The 34-year-old said she couldn't shake the realisation the attack happened on the three-year anniversary of the London Bridge terror attack, which left eight people stabbed to death and another 48 injured. Ms Walsh wondered whether she was about to die, and said her first thought was, 'Is he wearing a suicide vest?' Police holding back protesters in Parliament Square in London on June 3 following nine days of riots in the US Ms Walsh and her cameraman Jason Conduit discussed the incident on the Today show on Thursday morning, some 12 hours after the initial attack. 'Definitely pretty rattled still,' Walsh said. 'I don't think anyone knows the sound of their true scream until they're in a situation like that where they feel like it's a life-or-death scenario. 'He had a hand in his pocket. I thought, "Does he have a knife and will he start stabbing us?"' In June 2017, three men killed eight people, including two Australians, and injured 48 others in a terror attack on London Bridge. Police assist an injured man near London Bridge after reports of shots being fired in a 2019 incident. Ms Walsh feared she would be attacked in a similar fashion when she was grabbed from behind while reporting on George Floyd riots There is currently a heavy police presence in the streets of London as demonstrations over the death of George Floyd gain momentum throughout the city Ms Walsh is one of a handful of Australian journalists who have found themselves in dangerous situations during riots throughout America and the UK following the death of 46-year-old George Floyd. Mr Floyd died in the custody of four Minneapolis police officers after he allegedly used a counterfeit $20 note. Vision circulated of white cop Derek Chauvin kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck for close to nine minutes - even after he passed out. Floyd was later declared dead. Chauvin has since been charged with second-degree murder and his three colleagues have been charged with aiding and abetting murder following nine days of international outrage and out-of-control riots in America. Ms Walsh was discussing the protests in London during a cross to the Adelaide Nine News studio when she was approached from behind. Vision of the alleged attack wasn't captured as the news reel showed protests in France at the time, but the chilling audio was recorded. Walsh said her cameraman Jason Conduit chased the man down while 'armed with a light stand' before police apprehended him Ms Walsh and her cameraman Jason Conduit joined the Today show to discuss the incident on Thursday morning, 12 hours after the initial attack Black Lives Matter messages were painted on walls throughout London Ms Walsh could be heard screaming several times before exclaiming 's**t!' while being 'grabbed' by the man. She was visibly shaken as she recalled the attack to her colleagues moments later. 'Sorry, I just... I just had someone come up and try and... yeah. A man just came up and grabbed me. It's okay... A man just came up and grabbed me, though,' she said. 'He started punching me... sort of stabbing motions... We've had stabbing rampages in London before.' Walsh said the man was quietly and calmly repeating the words 'Allahu Akbar' in her ear throughout the attack. 'He wasn't shouting it... [but] his calmness was even more disconcerting,' she said. Walsh was reporting on upcoming George Floyd protests in the UK when she said she was grabbed by a man Demonstrators smash a police vehicle in Los Angeles on May 30 as they protest the death of George Mr Conduit chased the man down while 'armed with a light stand', which the journalist described as 'incredibly brave'. The alleged attacker was then arrested and charged with making threats to kill and possessing a weapon, believed to be a screwdriver. The Nine Network said Walsh was 'rattled by the encounter' but 'unharmed'. 'Nine News appreciates the enormous pressure our international correspondents are currently under and is offering Sophie all the support she needs,' a Nine statement read. 'Sophie is grateful for the outpouring of support she has received from the public and wishes to reassure our viewers that she is safe and well.' Protesters on the West Side Highway confronted police officers as they marched towards City Hall during protests for George Floyd on Saturday in Manhattan German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Wednesday he was not sure whether now was the right time to shake up the format of the Group of Seven after U.S. President Donald Trump said it was a very outdated group of countries in its current format, Reuters reports. I have doubts about whether it makes sense to create another intermediate format, Maas told reporters, adding that it remained to be seen whether it was the right time for such a move. Trump said on Saturday he would postpone a G7 summit he had hoped to hold next month until September or later and expand the list of invitees to include Australia, Russia, South Korea and India. A crooked solicitor and his colleague tried to sell houses they didn't own in a 3million scam that has seen the pair jailed for a total of 12 years. Hashok Parmar, 63, and Syed Gous Ali, 46, used the cover of Sterling Law Solicitors, based in Loughborough, in their plan to sell the three London properties. The pair used forged documents to attempt to carry out the trio of sales - one of which was successful, and saw some 240,000 change hands, before being moved around in overseas accounts. Hashok Parmar (left), 63, and Syed Gous Ali (right), 46, tried to sell houses they didn't own in a 3million scam that has seen the pair jailed for a total of 12 years They were frustrated when other law firms saw through the deception. The pair, both from Loughborough, appeared at Leicester Crown Court to be sentenced. After the hearing, Leicestershire Police released their mugshots and details of the case. It said Ali was the firm's practice manager and Parmar its sole solicitor and, according to company records, its director. Property takeover fraud: A growing menace This type of fraud occurs when criminals change the deeds or titles of a property, and pretend to be the owner in order to take it over. It is rapidly becoming a growing problem for law firms, whose clients may think they are buying a property fairly and legally, but in reality it is not for sale and has never even been on the market. The value of the fraud more than tripled between 2013 and 2017, according to the Land Registry, soaring from 7.2m to 24.9m. Advertisement They were operating what is known as 'property take-over fraud', whereby ownership deeds or titles are changed fraudulently and a new name put on them. Concerns about the pair were first raised in 2015 when officers received a report from a solicitor's firm on behalf of a client who believed he had purchased a house in London. In a statement, the force said: 'It later transpired that the sale was fraudulent and the property was never on sale nor did the rightful owners know anything about what had occurred. 'The investigation revealed Ali provided bogus paperwork to confirm the identity of the sellers to the conveyancing solicitors. 'Following the transfer of 240,000 the money was transferred to other accounts overseas and withdrawn in cash which was paid into various bank accounts including ones belonging to Ali and a solicitor's account associated with Parmar. 'Attempts were made to sell two further properties in London in similar circumstances.' Both men were subsequently charged with conspiracy to commit frauds to the value of more than 3million and money laundering to the value of 240,000. The cash will be subject to other proceedings, including most likely a confiscation order, at a later date, police said. Ali had pleaded guilty to the two offences earlier this year and was then sentenced to six years in prison. Parmar was found guilty of the charges following a trial earlier this year. He was also sentenced to six years in prison. Detective Constable Matthew Swift of the force's economic crime unit, said: 'This was a lengthy and complex investigation which has taken more than four years to get to this stage. Hashok Parmar and Syed Gous Ali were sentenced at Leicester Crown Court, pictured 'Between the end of 2014 and beginning of 2015 attempts were made to sell three properties. 'Each sale had the same modus operandi - a person would pretend to be the real owner and would agree a sale to an innocent purchaser. 'The properties were in London but the conveyancing would be conducted by firms of solicitors in Leicester introduced by Ali or Parmar. 'Luckily solicitors for two of the three sales became suspicious and the defendants were unsuccessful. 'We are pleased this investigation has subsequently led to both men being convicted for their crimes. 'It will hopefully go some way in reassuring the community that we can and will investigate such offences and bring those responsible to justice, and deter others from committing sophisticated frauds.' Companies House, the official register of UK businesses, records that the law firm in High Street, Loughborough, was dissolved in 2015. He also has two major things working against him that Nixon didnt: the coronavirus pandemic and the economy. He has tried to escape responsibility for the toll of the virus, and the economy would have tanked under any president. But disasters of this scale usually dont work to the advantage of the person in the White House. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 2, 2020) - SKRR Exploration Inc. (TSXV: SKRR) ("SKRR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 10,000,000 units (each a "Unit") at a price of $0.25 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $2,500,000 (the "Private Placement"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant is exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.50 per share for a period of 18 months from the date of closing of the Private Placement. The Private Placement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval and all securities are subject to a four month hold period. Finder's fees may be payable in connection with the Private Placement, all in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities laws. The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used for future exploration work on the Company's properties, corporate development, and general corporate and working capital purposes. About SKRR Exploration Inc.: SKRR is a Canadian-based precious metal explorer with properties in Saskatchewan - one of the world's highest ranked mining jurisdictions. The primary exploration focus is on the Trans-Hudson Corridor in Saskatchewan in search of world class precious metal deposits. The Trans-Hudson Orogen - although extremely well known in geological terms has been significantly under-explored in Saskatchewan. SKRR is committed to all stakeholders including shareholders, all its partners and the environment in which it operates. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Sherman Dahl President & CEO Tel: 250-558-8340 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 news release. Story continues This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, SKRR's plans for its properties/projects, the private placement and use of funds, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of SKRR, and other matters. This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements that address SKRR's plans for its properties/projects, the private placement and use of funds, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of SKRR, and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company 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 may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of metals, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather conditions, failure to obtain the necessary equipment or machinery, failure to maintain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57115 NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday expressed strong concern over reports of vandalism, defacement and destruction of ancient Buddhist archaeological sites in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In response to media queries regarding reports of vandalism, defacement and destruction of Buddhist archaeological sites, dating back to 800 AD, in PoK, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, We have conveyed our strong concern at reports of vandalism, defacement and destruction of invaluable Indian Buddhist heritage located in so-called Gilgit-Baltistan area of the Indian territory under illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan. The MEA spokesperson also accused Pakistan of trampling the rights of the people living in Gilgit-Baltistan in PoK. It is a matter of grave concern that the Buddhist symbols are being destroyed and the religious and cultural rights and freedoms are being trampled with impunity in the Indian territories under illegal occupation of Pakistan, the MEA official stated. Egregious activities of this nature which display contempt for the ancient civilizational and cultural heritage, are highly condemnable, the MEA official stated. He informed that the Indian government has sought immediate access for its experts to the area in order to restore and preserve this invaluable archaeological heritage. We have once again called upon Pakistan to immediately vacate all illegally occupied territories and end gross violation of political, economic and cultural rights of people living there, he said on behalf of the Government of India. Reaction from the MEA came amid reports that 800 AD Buddhist rock carvings were damaged by some unknown elements and the pictures of the same were posted on social media by some residents of Gilgit Baltistan. It may be recalled that the famous carved statue of Buddha was destroyed by the Taliban militia in the Bamiyan Valley of Afghanistan in 2001. Such carvings are also present in areas along the Indus River in Union Territory of Ladakh but Gilgit-Baltistan is rich in petroglyphs (rock carvings). It is estimated that there are 50,000 pieces of petroglyphs in Gilgit-Baltistan, especially along Karakoram Highway. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the Republican Party would seek to pull its August nominating convention out of North Carolina after Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper refused to heed a GOP demand that he pre-authorize a gathering of at least 19,000 people. "Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-In-Place Mode, and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised," Trump tweeted shortly after 9 p.m. "We are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention." Republican Party Chair Ronna McDaniel had said earlier in the day that the party would begin exploring options outside of North Carolina. "We have an obligation to our delegates and nominee to begin visiting the multiple cities and states who have reached out in recent days about hosting an historic event to show that America is open for business," she said in a statement. The announcement, nearly two years after Republicans began planning the event in Charlotte, marks the latest political confrontation over how to handle the coronavirus pandemic. North Carolina Democrats say the scale of any convention has to depend on health conditions in the state, where coronavirus-related hospitalizations reached a peak in late May. "As much as we want the conditions surrounding COVID-19 to be favorable enough for you to hold the Convention you describe in late August, it is very unlikely," Cooper wrote Tuesday in a letter to Republican leaders. "Neither public health officials nor I will risk the health and safety of North Carolinians by providing the guarantee you seek." Cooper said the GOP is demanding a packed arena for the convention, as well as full restaurants, hotels and bars. Given the uncertain health situation, he wrote, a smaller event with social distancing and face coverings "is a necessity." The growing likelihood that at least part of the Republican National Convention, scheduled for Aug. 24-27, will leave a Democratic-led state underscores the depth of the turmoil the pandemic has brought to the presidential contest. With about 150 days until the election, neither major candidate has been able to resume normal campaign activities, with offices shuttered and staff working remotely. The Democratic convention is scheduled for the previous week in Milwaukee, and it is increasingly likely that the two events will showcase sharply contrasting approaches to the viral threat. While Trump pushes for a massive rally and declines to wear a mask in public, Democrat Joe Biden has embraced wearing a facial covering and has emphasized following public health advice. For their convention, Democratic leaders have discussed allowing remote delegate voting to cut crowd sizes and holding smaller satellite events in swing states to reduce travel. Because of contractual obligations with Charlotte, Republicans still expect to conduct much of the convention's official business in North Carolina, including votes on Trump's formal nomination and the proceedings of the platform committee. But the event's televised centerpiece - including Trump's speech to the large crowd that he has insisted on - is now more likely to take place elsewhere, for one or more nights. North Carolina, which has voted Republican in every presidential election but one since 1980, is expected to be heavily contested this year. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who is fighting to retain his seat, said Tuesday that he still expects the two sides to come to an agreement. If the GOP convention did leave North Carolina, he added, the exit would have more of an economic impact on the state than a political one. "The politics of conventions never really work out the way a lot of people think," Tillis said. Republicans are exploring the possibility of moving the convention to multiple cities, according to two GOP officials, including Jacksonville and Orlando in Florida; Las Vegas; and Nashville, Tennessee. Trump has been personally involved in the planning, calling Cooper last Friday to talk about the event. He spoke by phone the same day with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, about moving the convention, according to a person close to the governor, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. Meetings were held in Jacksonville on Monday to discuss potential logistics, including the number of available hotel rooms and venues that could host the president and thousands of supporters, said two Republicans in the state. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry reiterated Tuesday that he was encouraging the move. "The opportunity to showcase our city to the world, while creating an economic impact of over $100,000,000, is one we welcome," Curry said in a statement. "This chance for Jacksonville to shine is unparalleled." Republican officials have not said how they would handle the complications arising from splitting their convention, including security and the need for transportation or remote voting for delegates. The Charlotte City Council has already voted to accept a $50 million grant from the Justice Department to provide convention security. GOP officials in Washington and Democratic leaders in North Carolina have increasingly accused each other of bad faith, with the state officials demanding more clarity about plans for keeping participants safe and Republicans accusing Democrats of slow-walking any approvals. "It is unfortunate the governor is dragging his feet on giving us any guidance as to how to move forward with plans to safely conduct our convention while generating hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue for the people of Charlotte and North Carolina," McDaniel said in her statement Tuesday. Cooper responded in his letter, "The people of North Carolina do not know what the status of COVID-19 will be in August, so planning for a scaled-down convention with fewer people, social distancing and face coverings is a necessity." Some Charlotte officials continued to argue for a detente. "My message to the RNC is please, on behalf of the 10,000 small businesses in Charlotte and the reeling hospitality industry, please stay at the table and operating in good faith to bring this to our city that needs this now more than ever," said Tariq Bokhari, a Republican on the Charlotte City Council. "And my message to Governor Cooper is please, on behalf of these same parties just caught in the crossfire, show a little flexibility here," he added. - - - The Washington Post's Seung Min Kim contributed to this report. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE It seems the 1st Judicial District Court will have a new leader with a familiar face after Tuesdays primary elections. Deputy District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies appears set to win the Democratic primary, holding a nearly 30-point lead over her opponent, attorney Scott Fuqua, on Wednesday morning. Carmack-Altwies campaign didnt declare victory until late into the night. She said her emphasis on the issues facing the DAs office ultimately delivered her the win. The 1st Judicial District is looking for a positive change and Im going to deliver on that, she said. Carmack-Altwies will have no opponent in the general election, all but guaranteeing her taking control of the District Attorneys Office next year. Her win comes as thousands of protests against police brutality have started in cities around the nation, sparked by the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer last week, and has included criticism of the entire criminal justice system. Carmack-Altwies said reforming the criminal justice system in the district will be one her offices main priorities. Were going to hold all people accountable, whether theyre a police officer or citizen, she said. Fuqua did not return multiple requests for comment. Results for other Santa Fe County races, held up by delays in ballot processing, slowly came in early Wednesday morning. Unofficial results show Hank Hughes far ahead in his bid to replace the departing Ed Moreno on the Santa Fe County Commission. Hughes had earned 66% of the vote, according to results posted on the Secretary of States website, compared with 34% for Floyd Trujillo. The results dont become official until the state canvassing board certifies the election. Hughes said while he will have no opponent in the general election, he intends to remain communicative with constituents before November. What I really plan to do is learn as much about the issues facing the county right now, he said. Hughes ran on a platform primarily focused on affordable housing and renewable energy. He is currently executive director of the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness. Out of a field of five candidates, Katharine Clark had garnered 53% of the vote for the position of county clerk by Wednesday morning, leaving little doubt she will emerge the winner. She prevailed over Letitia Montoya, who had 17% of the vote, Sarah Guzman and Richard A. Padilla, both with 13%, and Bryan Flores, 3%. Aware of the issues the county had with an overwhelming number of absentee ballots, Clark said it is important to increase the number of mail-out ballots by November. Particularly in the fall election, theres some question whether or not COVID is going to have a resurgence, she said. Clark also said she plans on launching a formal process review of past Santa Fe County elections once she takes office, in order to make them faster and more efficient. In the closest race of the night, Jennifer Manzanares had an eight-point advantage in the county treasurer race. She had received 49% of the vote, followed by Lucinda Marker (41%) and Robert Rubin (10%). Clark and Manzanares are also all but guaranteed election in November, as no other party entered a candidate in the race for county clerk or treasurer. Will Solomon Lew mount a new attack on the Myer board? Its a question worth asking given his odds of success just got a lot better. Think back less than two years to when the legendary brawl between the billionaire retailer and the board of Myer (and in particular its feisty chairman Garry Hounsell) made the retailer's annual meeting the hottest ticket in town. Lew had mounted the proxy battle royale, enlisting teams to lobby every mum and dad shareholder in a quest to get control of the board and execute his version of a turnaround strategy. The kingmaker and Lews ultimate nemesis was Investors Mutuals Anton Tagliaferro, whose 10 per cent stake was pivotal in the board retaining control of the troubled department store giant. Tagliaferro cruelled Lews chances of getting his way with Myer twice at both Myers November 2017 and 2018 annual meetings. Solomon Lew and Geoff Wilson - the last two big Myer shareholders. However, with absolutely no fanfare, Investors Mutual quietly sold down its stake in Myer to a less than substantial shareholding last week and could have even sold out completely either way it would have crystallised a hefty loss on the stake. Reliance Industries Ltd on Wednesday completed the nation's biggest-ever rights issue of Rs 53,124 crore after it closed with an oversubscription of nearly 1.6 times, the company said. The world's biggest rights offering by a non-financial company in at least a decade was oversubscribed 1.59 times, cumulating to an overall commitment of over Rs 84,000 crore. "The Rights Issue saw a huge investor interest, including from lakhs of small investors and thousands of institutional investors, both Indian and foreign," a company statement said, adding the public portion of the rights issue was subscribed 1.22 times. In the rights issue, the company is offering one share for every 15 shares held at Rs 1,257. RIL shares closed at Rs 1,542.45 apiece on the BSE on Wednesday. The Rights Issue Committee of the Board of Directors of the company will meet on or about June 10 to approve the basis of allotment of equity shares. The rights shares are expected to be listed on the BSE and NSE on or around June 12 under separate International Securities Identification Number (ISIN), the firm said. Commenting on the success of the issue, Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited, said the issue is a new and proud landmark in the history of India's capital market. "Since the time of Dhirubhai Ambani, the Founder of Reliance Industries Limited, our shareholders have always been our biggest source of strength. Our decades old relationship based on trust has consistently spurred us to achieve more. We are delighted and humbled by their extraordinary show of confidence in the future of Reliance," he said. The success of RIL's rights issue, seen in the context of the prolonged nationwide lockdown necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is also a vote of confidence, by both domestic investors, foreign investors and small retail shareholders, in the intrinsic strength of the Indian economy, he said. "I have no doubt that the Indian economy will bounce back to follow a high growth trajectory in the time to come in the world," he added. The company, as per the issue offer document, will use three-fourth of the proceeds of its mega rights issue for repayment of some of its borrowings. The company expects net proceeds of Rs 53,036.13 crore from the issue after accounting for legal and other expenses. Shareholders will have to pay only 25 per cent for subscribing to the company's mega Rs 53,125-crore rights issue, and the balance will have to be paid in two installments in May and November next year, the company had previously said. The last time RIL tapped the public for funds was in 1991 when it had issued convertible debentures. The debentures were subsequently converted into equity shares at Rs 55 apiece. Ambani had in August last year unveiled plans to cut debt to zero by 2021. As part of this plan, RIL has been seeking strategic partnerships across its businesses, while targeting to deleverage the balance sheet. At the end of the March quarter, RIL had an outstanding debt of Rs 3,36,294 crore. It also had cash in hand of Rs 1,75,259 crore, bringing the net debt position to Rs 1,61,035 crore. As part of its balance sheet deleveraging plans, Reliance has sold minority stakes in its digital unit Jio Platforms to the likes of Facebook and private equity firms. It is also talking to Saudi Aramco for selling a fifth of its oil-to-chemicals business for an asking of USD 15 billion. It has sold half of its fuel retail venture to BP Plc for Rs 7,000 crore and telecommunication tower business to Brookfield for Rs 25,200 crore. Proceeds from these transactions will result in reduction in RIL's net debt. Courtesy of social media, most people across the globe were able to witness the gruesome murder of yet, another African American man, George Floyd, by a white police officer for an inconsequential crime of allegedly buying merchandise with a counterfeit $20 bill last week. Most readers in the last few decades I assume, have observed similar incidents of Police brutality on Black Americans either on the news or social media which ultimately led to the famous international activist movement, Black Lives Matter in July 2013. In the past week, internet users who saw the six minutes video of a police officer pressing his knee into Mr. Floyd's neck as he lay pinned on the ground in handcuffs have poured out their heartfelt messages expressing anger and sharing their thoughts on social media, mostly condemning the police officer and how the United States of America has failed the African American Community. What caught my attention was a post from a fellow Ghanaian who argued why Ghanaians should be bothered with the death of an American when we have similar issues of our own in this country nobody talks about. "If Ghanaians had expressed interest in Tadi girls the same way they are concerned with Floyd, I'm sure those girls would've been found and rescued" he posted. I honestly found the comment intriguing and ignorant at the same time. Yes! I found it interesting to see people who barely shared the images of the missing girls on their various media platforms but was quick to post the murder video of Floyd multiple times on their social media timelines. I however felt the ignorance in the comment for failing to appreciate why the African American's death is bigger than the Tadi girls. I know what you are thinking and before you curse or vilify me just hear me out. Of course, who cares about the death of one person in America when armed robbery, ritual killings, and other premeditated murders claim dozens of lives in Ghana each year? Well, every single human life matters regardless. Needless to say, people still get killed for various selfish reasons and that has always been part of all societies. So why is Floyd's any different? Murders occur everywhere. Africans kill Africans, whites kill whites, Asians kill Asians Indians do the same but when a particular murder is openly committed with the impunity to demonstrate racial hatred, you do not need to be a relative of the victim or be an American to show concern. I believe that is a direct assault on the blackness and personality of all black people. What do you think would happen if a Ghanaian of European descent was openly strangled to death on camera by our police officers? When the most influential global superpower that supposedly champions its self with human rights and freedom, systematically and blatantly oppress members of your race simply because of the color of their skin, you should be terrified regardless of your nationality and geographical location! We are upset because of the motive behind his murder, which is perennial racism! The public outcry is not about death per se. People die every day. It is about the fact that your race and mine, the black race is globally regarded as inferior and is continuously scorned. And don't get me wrong; The whites, Asians, Indians, and every other race presumably feel superior to Blacks. If not, why don't they reciprocate the same respect we show them? Why do Africans in Europe, America, Asia, Australia, and even our own land Africa, have to deal with racism daily? Just why? If you have ever lived in China, you probably know that the people are notoriously racist and it is always targeted at black people. They still put up signs at restaurants and bars that strictly restrict black people from entering. In the past few weeks, things have gotten worse for African students and traders after the government accused them of spreading COVID 19; the global pandemic China started which has killed over 4,000 and infected close to 150,000 people in Africa. Meanwhile, most of these foreigners have emigrated to Africa with their entire families and are enjoying the freedom most of the locals barely benefit from. Just last month, the Zambian government was forced to close down a Chinese restaurant in the capital, Lusaka, after denying a Black Zambian man entry on the basis that the man is a foreigner. At this point in our human civilization, black people still have to deal with hate and discrimination both at home and abroad. I understand if you still do not care probably because you have never encountered racial bigotry. How about your families, friends, and colleagues who have to go through this physical and psychological abuse? Did it ever occur to you Mr. Floyd could have been your uncle, brother, father, husband, nephew, or son living in the United States? Yes! it could have been him. It could have been any other black man. -The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart Africa Must Unite. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. In a massive victory for the Indian security forces, terrorist Ismail, aka. Fauji Bhai, has been neutralised in an encounter in J&K's Pulwama, along with two other terrorists. Ismail is believed to be the Pakistan terrorist who fabricated the IED (Improvised Explosive Devise) that was used in the February 2019 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF Jawans were martyred - the worst-ever terror attack against India's armed forces. Furthermore, Ismail is also believed to have been the one who fabricated the IED that was seized in a white Hyundai Santro car, once again in Pulwama, last week, as another similar car-bomb-based fidayeen attack was foiled, as per J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh. The J&K Police and Indian Armed forces are likely to hold a press briefing on Wednesday to detail the crushing of Jaish terror in the valley. READ | Masood Azhars Nephew Fabricated IED To Repeat Pulwama 2019 Attack WATCH | Pulwama IED-attack Foiled: Drone Video Shows Terrorists' Car Being Detonated By Bomb Squad T he Covid-19 lockdown has forced a number of businesses to adapt to, and embrace, a working from home model. That could have implications for future office demand in London, as companies look at rents and whether they still want and need headquarters in the capital. The Evening Standard spoke to property experts about what demand for London offices might look like as the lockdown eases. Why firms might want people working from home For employers, office costs can be high, so any opportunity to cut rents is likely to please bosses. But stripping out any obvious cost benefits, companies will also be examining whether working from home has been productive and if staff have enjoyed it. A number of firms have praised how employees have been able to use tech at home over the last two months to do their jobs, while Zoom video chats have enabled numerous colleagues to have virtual meetings. A recent survey from property agent Cushman & Wakefield analysed responses from more than 40,000 individuals globally about their work-from-home experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. Survey respondents represent approximately 30 companies across nearly 20 industries. Three quarters of respondents agree or strongly agree that they are collaborating effectively with colleagues in the current environment up 10% from data gathered during the pre-Covid-19 period and 73% said they would like their companies to embrace long-term or permanent flexible working policies. Many businesses may hear similar feedback: that staff dont want to be in the office full-time and would prefer to work from home for all, or part of, the week. Andy Pyle, UK head of real estate at KPMG, said: There is no doubt that Covid-19 has prompted businesses to look closely at their real estate, including office space usage in premium locations like London. After all, the prolonged lockdown measures have meant that large parts of the workforce are now operating remotely, leaving offices unoccupied despite the ongoing cost tied to them. What is the appeal of having an office? While KPMGs Pyle thinks demand for office space will contract as businesses look to reshape where people are based, he points out that companies still want a physical base. Pyle said: The lockdown period has certainly tested business agility, and while this shift will have indirectly acted as a test case for more agile working arrangements going forwards, there will still be demand for office space when the current social distancing restrictions ease further. There is still a very valid business case for the need and desire to gather in person to collaborate, for example. Whats more, not all job roles can be conducted remotely. Other property experts point out that for many businesses having a impressive office is important for hosting meetings with clients. Meanwhile, not everyone has found working from home easy. James Forster, a central London tenant representation expert at property agent BNP Paribas Real Estate, said: In densely populated cities such as London, many are struggling with juggling work and life in small living spaces. Homes are often shared with others and are not necessarily suitable for homeworking. With lack of space, many will therefore welcome the return to the office. On top of that, many people that do work in the capital want to be near a wide selection of bars, restaurants, shops and gyms. Companies have long looked at having headquarters in locations that appeal to employees. What will happen to office demand? Andrew Barnes, head of central London tenant representation at property agent JLL, said: Despite the vast majority of London tenants working from home, with considerable success and efficiency in most cases, we do not see demand for London offices falling away dramatically. Barnes added: The role of the office may evolve slightly and become more of a meeting point and customer meeting hub than a place where the vast majority of employees have to come every day. Various surveys are emerging where a large proportion of employees (up to circa 70% typically) are looking forward to a return to the office, albeit with more flexible working arrangements during their typical week. Property developer Landsecs chief executive Mark Allan recently pointed out that some companies will be on the hunt for more or new space to adapt to any new workplace guidelines. Allan told the Evening Standard in May: Even though most people are working from home at the moment, we dont think this will result in the death of the office. As the Government encourages companies to avoid hot-desking when they return to work, some employers will be seeking offices that offer wider space for social distancing and people to have their own dedicated desks. Chris Grigg, the boss of landlord British Land also recently discussed the offices market. He said: Plenty of people are looking past the next 12 and 24 months, realising they want to have the best offices in the best locations to attract talent. He said businesses are aware there is a shortage of new office space being developed for the coming years, and many want to sign up now to secure modern space. Are leasing deals still happening? Last month London property developer Great Portland Estates said it had agreed a West End pre-let office deal for nearly 40,000 square feet of space with Exane BNP Paribas. It will be the headquarters for the Exane BNP Paribas Cash Equities business. GPEs chief executive Toby Courtauld said the deal at 1 Newman Street and 70/88 Oxford Street is testament to the resilience of the central London office market and the quality of this scheme. As the lockdown lifts, landlords will be watching carefully to see how occupier demand for offices has changed since the outbreak drastically changed the way people have been working. The distraught newlywed wife of a missing fisherman has urged the public to help her find her husband after police called off the search. Terri Brazier of Hervey Bay was too upset to talk on Wednesday evening, more than a week after the disappearance that has rocked the small Queensland community. But she wants people to keep up the search until her beloved 37-year-old husband, Paul Brazier, is found. Paul Brazier (left) together with new wife Terri (right) in the last picture of the two together before Paul went missing while fishing near Fraser Island on May 25 The couple married in August last year at a beautiful country wedding in the Lockyer Valley. Pictured: Paul Brazier (left) with new wife Terri (right) Hundreds of family and friends have emerged to offer support on social media to Mrs Brazier (centre) after the disappearance of her new husband Paul (right) Paul's boat was found upturned off the northern tip of Fraser Island on Thursday and was towed to Hervey Bay on Sunday 'Please Paulie we need you,' she wrote on Facebook. 'Love you forever and ever and ever.' Mrs Brazier posted the last picture taken together with her husband, grinning in his sunglasses with his neat red beard, living the dream in the afternoon sun on his boat. 'Our last photo together. I would do anything to have you here with me now. Love you Paul Brazier forever,' she said. Mr Brazier, of Hervey Bay, Queensland, set out alone on an overnight fishing trip on Monday, May 25. He left Urangan Boat Harbour in his white half-cabin powerboat, a 5.4m-long 2002 Yalta, at about 1.30pm, but never returned. It was not unusual for him to go fishing alone in the area and he did not set off an emergency beacon. His worried family called police when he didn't return, with officers and marine rescue volunteers searching for days by air, sea and land. Last Thursday, searchers in a fixed wing aircraft spotted his boat floating upside down near Rooney's Point on the northern tip of the inside of Fraser Island. It's a popular spot with Hervey Bay's recreational fishermen with abundant mackerel, marlin, tuna, coral trout, snapper, trevally and sharks in deep holes of up to 40m and reef gutters. Paul Brazier at Branell Homestead where the couple held their country wedding in August The newlywed couple had a happy family life and Mrs Brazier (right) has not given up hope of finding her husband Paul (left) - and has urged the public to help But there was no sign of Paul. His boat was towed back to Hervey Bay on Sunday and police called off the official search on the following day. The couple married in a beautiful country wedding in August last year at Branell Homestead in the scenic Lockyer Valley, an hour from Brisbane. Their family photos show a happy family, enjoying life with their children, having barbecues in the backyard, cooking up fresh mudcrabs, toasting marshmallows, walking the dog. In November the couple took a trip to Brisbane for Paul's 37th birthday, living it up with a bottle of Moet in a Meriton suite. The shock disappearance of the happy, loved family man has moved the community to rally around Mrs Brazier, with hundreds of messages of support flowing on social media. 'My heart breaks for your gorgeous little family. Sending love and strength to you all,' wrote Ali Kidd. Paul's boat was a white half-cabin powerboat, a 5.4m long 2002 Yalta Paul and Terri Brazier. The whole community has been in shock at the disappearance of one of its best loved fishermen 'Please know we are still just around the corner if you need anything at all Terri. Our thoughts and love are with you and your beautiful kids,' wrote Nadine Cullen. Others spoke of how welcoming and friendly the couple are, and how they helped them settle in to the community. 'You guys were some of the first people I met in Hervey bay, the nights at the pub after netball games were so fun and meant so much to me especially when I had a hard time making friends,' wrote Sara Elizabeth. 'My heart is breaking for you and the kids and all your friends. If you need anything please reach out.' Police have urged anybody who has any information that might help them find Paul Brazier (pictured) to call them on 131 444 While the official search has been called off, many still hold out hope that he will be found alive. Police have urged anyone who may have seen either Mr Brazier or his boat to contact them. 'If there's any members of the public that were out there fishing between Monday 25 May and Thursday 28 May - if they saw or heard anything up around Rooneys Point, through Platypus Bay there, please call Policelink,' said Sergeant Paul Bacon on Monday. Paul Brazier is caucasian, red-haired with a crew cut, a neat beard and moustache, about 177 centimetres tall and has freckles. If you have any information please call Policelink on 131 444. Protesting against the state governments decision to hike the MBBS fee by around 80%, doctors and students of Government Medical College (GMC), Amritsar, wore black badges on Wednesday while workers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) gheraoed medical education minister OP Sonis residence at Rani Ka Bagh. The protestors said the Punjab government had taken an anti-people and anti-poor decision which will make medical education impossible for the middle class and economically weaker sections. PLUTOCRATIC DECISION Amritsar Medical Student Association president Dr Vaibhav Chawla said, Around 1,000 students, interns, senior residents and faculty members of GMC, Amritsar, wore black badges to show solidarity against the plutocratic decision of the government. MBBS students also staged a peaceful protest on the college premises. FEE ALREADY 55% HIGHER THAN OTHER STATES The government had earlier hiked the MBBS fee by 160% in 2015 and now it has announced another 80% hike. The fee of MBBS courses in Punjab is already the highest in India. It is around 55% higher than other states. Non-meritorious students from rich families will now get admission, he said. Meanwhile, APP workers held a protest march from Valmiki Chowk to the residence of the medical education minister. Barnala AAP MLA Meet Hayer, Suman AAP MLA Aman Arora and AAP state youth wing president Manjinder Singh participated in the march. Majha Zone AAP president Kuldeep Dhaliwal, said, Around 200 AAP workers raised slogans against the minister after gheraoing of his house. Later, we came to know the minister was in Patiala so we handed over a memorandum to his office workers, demanding roll-back of the decision to hike fee. The MBBS fee in government-run colleges in the state has been increased 12 times in 10 years and the 80% hike will be a setback for aspiring doctors, he said. INCREASE DOCTORS SALARIES: AAP The government is filling its own pockets by hiking students fee at a time when they are working as frontline warriors while combating the Covid-19 outbreak. Instead of hiking the fee, the government should increase doctors salaries and inters stipends, said Dhaliwal, adding that AAP will intensify its protest if the government does not roll back the decision. A mother who fled the north after her village was attacked by gunmen, washes her baby outside the tent in Nouna, Burkina Faso (Sam Mednick/AP) Food insecurity is one of the byproducts of attacks by Islamic extremists in Burkina Faso. Extremists chased Adama Drabo and his family from their land in western Burkina Faso, forcing them to abandon a years worth of crops. Now that food is rotting in storage in the village, too dangerous for him to retrieve, even as the family is forced to survive on meagre government rations. Mr Drabo already has lost his 20-year-old son, who was killed by a roadside bomb. Security is getting worse, and this year we wont be able to cultivate and it will be a big problem, he said. His future looks bleak if he and his family cannot return to their land. Expand Close A girl pushes a cart of food at a market in Tougan, Burkina Faso (Sam Mednick/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A girl pushes a cart of food at a market in Tougan, Burkina Faso (Sam Mednick/AP) Violence linked to jihadists has spread from Burkina Fasos north to its western breadbasket in the Boucle du Mouhoun region, pushing thousands like Mr Drabo to hunger and threatening to cut off food for millions more in the country on the edge of the Sahara Desert. The fertile land produces large amounts of rice and maize, according to the government. Humanitarian groups are concerned that the coronavirus pandemic could exacerbate an already dire situation in Burkina Faso, one of the most impoverished countries in the world. If production goes down in this area and if movement restrictions due to the coronavirus drive up food prices in the markets, it could push numbers of severely vulnerable people to double or triple, said Julia Wanjiru, communications coordinator for the Sahel and West Africa Club, an intergovernmental economic group. Food insecurity already affects two million people in Burkina Faso, according to the latest report from its government and aid groups. Coronavirus is also spreading, with 884 reported cases and 53 deaths as of Monday. Expand Close A child sleeps at a market stall selling food (Sam Mednick/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A child sleeps at a market stall selling food (Sam Mednick/AP) While the government has lifted restrictions on movement between cities, its borders with Mali, Niger and Ivory Coast remain closed, making the importation of food more expensive. The small town of Tougan is sheltering nearly 6,000 displaced people with new arrivals daily, according to Lassina Sougue, who directs the governments humanitarian response in Sourou province. The situation is similar in some other small towns. He said the communities are resilient and showing solidarity. But on a recent trip to Boucle Du Mouhoun, at least a dozen people coming from three different provinces all said they were worried about food and access to their land. Anticipating a food crisis, the United States has doubled this years funding to World Food Programme for Burkina Faso, to 21 million US dollars and is set to announce an additional seven million US dollars in the coming weeks, according to an official with close knowledge of the situation. As school district leaders struggle to solve the complex equation of reopening buildings in the fall or maintaining virtual learning, several factors are weighing heavily on their minds. How do you make educators feel comfortable in their work environments when more than half of them prefer school buildings stay shut to slow the spread of COVID-19? What about educators and students with underlying health conditions? And what if remote learning must continue in the fall even though the approach led to declining student engagement this spring? The EdWeek Research Centers sixth coronavirus-focused survey reveals 10 key findings related to those and other questions, drawn from questions answered by 1,907 educators (1,014 teachers, 447 principals, and 446 district leaders) between May 20 and 28. The findings, taken together, show how messy the challenges of maintaining high quality teaching and learning in the fall will be, whether school buildings reopen or not. 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. 1. 65 percent of educators say schools should stay shut to slow the spread of the coronavirus Nationwide, 74 percent of Americans say many businesses should remain closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus while the remainder would prefer to open up businesses to get the economy goingeven if it results in more infections, according to a Washington Post-Ipsos poll conducted April 27 to May 4. Asked a similar question about closing or re-opening schools, 65 percent of teachers, principals, and district leaders surveyed by the EdWeek Research Center expressed a similar sentiment, saying that school buildings should remain closed to slow the spread of the disease. The remaining 35 percent say the U.S. should open up schools and get the country going again, even if that means more people would get the coronavirus. High school teachers and principals are more supportive of reopening schools than were educators working with younger students. And educators are significantly more likely to support a reopening if they or a close loved one do not have an underlying health condition associated with a higher risk of suffering ill effects from the virus. A new report by the American Enterprise Institute examines the wide-ranging implications for schools, state by state, given that it might not be safe for many educators to return to school buildings until a vaccine is developed. This could lead to districts having to come up with alternative staffing plans, as well as figuring out how to address potential teacher shortages. The severity of the problem will vary by state, according to an AEI analysis of federal data. In Hawaii, for instance, 45 percent of principals are 55 and older, compared with only 9 percent in Illinois. More than a quarter of public school teachers in Maine and New Mexico are in this age group, compared with just 10 percent in Colorado and 8 percent in Kentucky. 2. More than 1 in 3 educators say they have a physical condition associated with a higher risk of suffering serious illness from the virus Thirty-six percent of teachers, principals, and district leaders say they have a physical condition associated with suffering adverse effects of the coronavirus. An even higher percentage, 69 percent, report that a close loved one they see often has such a condition. In addition, seven percent of respondents are age 65 or older, which the CDC indicates is a risk factor for severe illness. And 26 percent are male, another risk factor. Teachers in those categories worry about the implications of returning to school. Cossondra George, a middle school math teacher in Newberry, Mich., has asthma and will turn 59 in August. The thought of returning to school in the fall has led to lots of sleepless nights. Im really concerned about my health, Im concerned about my students health, she said. I just feel like opening schools back up has to be a really well-thought-out process. But so far, when it comes to maintaining social distance in the classroom, there are so many more questions than there are answers in my mind, George said. 3. Nearly 2 of every 3 educators are concerned about the health implications of resuming in-person instruction Sixty-six percent of teachers, principals, and district leaders are somewhat or very concerned about the health implications of resuming in-person instruction in the fall. Regionally, the percentage of educators who are very concerned ranges from 22 percent in the West to 32 percent in the Northeast. Urban educators are also significantly more likely to be very concerned than are their rural counterparts (34 percent versus 22 percent). And 35 percent of educators who have physical conditions that put them at greater risk of suffering severe illness are concerned, compared with 21 percent of those who dont have such conditions. In a situation where people carry the virus asymptomatically, ... were going to have to have all these different options for kids, as well as teachers, said Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers. Lets not put people who may be immunocompromised in a scary or threatening position. 4. 12 percent of teachers say the pandemic may lead them to leave the profession even though they were not planning to do so before the crisis One in 5 teachers say they are somewhat or very likely to leave the classroom at the end of the 2019-20 school year. (This survey question was developed in partnership with Teach for America.) However, that percentage is somewhat deceiving because 38 percent of those who now expect to leave say they were already likely to do so prior to the pandemic. A more accurate accounting of the impact of the pandemic on teacher turnover is evident in the overall percentage of teachers who were not likely to leave prior to the pandemic but now plan to do so. Overall, that percentage is 12 percent, more than 1 of every 10 teachers. Seventy-nine percent of those who indicate that the coronavirus may be pushing them out of the classroom report that they have a close loved one with a physical condition believed to make people more vulnerable to the impact of the disease. Offering early retirement to at-risk teachers or staff has been proposed by the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank in Washington. According to an AEI report, this could also be a cost-saving measure for districts, which are expected to face steep budget cuts that could lead to teacher layoffs. You want it to be one option among multiple options, said Frederick Hess, the director of education policy studies at AEI and one of the authors of the report. I dont really want to see us pushing educators out of the profession. Thats not preferred. 5. Teachers say theyre less effective working from home, but the vast majority will return even if virtual learning continues in the Fall In-person interactions play a key role in education. So it is perhaps not surprising that the majority of educators say they are more effective working in offices or schools rather than working from home. That said, perceptions do vary by role, with 82 percent of teachers versus 64 percent of district leaders saying that they are more effective in offices/schools. Most teachers (80 percent) predict that the vast majority of their colleagues (more than 80 percent) will return to the classroom in the fall even if school remains virtual or becomes a hybrid of in-person and online learning. (The question about the percentage of colleagues returning to the classroom was developed in partnership with Teach for America.) For Education Weeks latest annual Technology Counts report, teachers were asked what impact the coronavirus school building closures and the shift to full-time virtual learning had on their teaching, for better or worse. The frustrations of working from home were clearly high, but many teachers also reported that, by necessity, they had learned new technology skills and approaches to reach students more effectively in virtual environments. This shift to remote learning has required me to use innovation and creativity for the most critical assessments while highlighting the importance of the teacher-student relationship, said Liz Russillo, a 9th grade science teacher at Smithfield High School in Rhode Island. I will never again take for granted the student showing up for class early to tell me about their weekend or the student sitting in the back of the room trying to stay under the radar because they are having a bad day. 6. Nearly a quarter of educators say they would not return to their school buildings if they reopen without social distancing measures The CDC recommends staying at least six feet away from others to limit the risk of contracting the coronavirus. Twenty-four percent of teachers, principals, and district leaders say theyll leave their jobs if schools reopen without these kinds of measures in place. Educators with conditions that put them at risk of suffering severe consequences of the virus are much more likely to say theyd leave if schools reopen without social distancing, compared with their peers without such conditions. (32 percent versus 19 percent). However, 35 percent of educators also say social distancing measures will make it very difficult to have all students in school at the same time, meaning theyd need to implement extreme approaches such as double or staggered sessions to pull it off. Julie, an elementary school computer science teacher who requested that her last name and the name of her school not be used, said her husband is 57 and has an upper respiratory disease. If he contracted COVID-19, he might not survive, she said. The thought of returning to her job in an elementary computer lab keeps her awake at night. She sees more than 400 children a week, and they touch everything. 7. Less than half of teachers have taught live, interactive classes during closures The stereotype of coronavirus instruction is one of a teacher interacting with students online, the Hollywood Squares like Zoom interface displaying student faces. Only thats not necessarily the reality, according to survey results. Since schools closed due to the pandemic, less than half of teachers (48 percent) say theyve taught live, online classes in which they interact with students and students interact with one another. The most common means of instruction is collecting and returning work online. That said, the share of teachers whove engaged in live, interactive internet instruction has increased considerably since the EdWeek Research Center last asked about it on March 25. Back then, just 21 percent of teachers had used that method. Elementary teachers are most likely to teach live, interactive classes: Fifty-six percent say they do so, compared with 40 percent of middle school teachers, and 38 percent at the high school level. And rates of live, interactive instruction are higher in the lowest poverty districts. Among teachers who do teach live classes, the majority (59 percent) spend less than one hour per day doing so. Laura Peden, a kindergarten teacher in rural Paxton, Ill., said her district, following a state directive, tried to stick to a five-hour day remotely and proceed with its usual curriculum. But it quickly heard that parents, many of whom are essential workers, were overwhelmed, she said. Now she conducts one Zoom session with her class per week, sends paper packets home, and communicates with parents once or twice a week through Facebook and Class Dojo. District officials told schools not to teach new material, she said, because they worried that the huge discrepancy in parents abilities to manage at-home teaching could exacerbate achievement gaps. 8. Less than half of principals are interacting daily with teachers, parents, and students On a typical day, when schools are not closed due to a worldwide pandemic, most principals have at least some kind of interactions with teachers, students and probably even parents. Yet with schools closed, less than half of principals say they interact daily with these groups. Forty-seven percent of school leaders interact daily with teachers, a quarter interact daily with students, and 17 percent interact daily with parents. But many principals are trying to maintain communication under difficult circumstances. Sergio Garcia, the principal of Artesia High School in suburban Los Angeles, stays in constant communication with his staff through texts, online meetings, and drop-ins to instructional sessions. He has also reached out to give them face masks with the schools mascot on them, and lawn signs proclaiming that theyre all in this together. Knowing how distant you can feel, I knew we needed to support our teachers, Garcia said. 9. Student engagement continues to decline Seventy-six percent of teachers report that student engagement has declined a lot or a little in the past two weeks. Thats way up from the last time the EdWeek Research Center asked that question two weeks earlier, when 59 percent of teachers reported declines. High school teachers were slightly more likely to report declines than elementary or middle school educators. Those findings are fueling worry about students academic erosion. EdWeek data suggest that risk is even greater for students in high-need neighborhoods. There, students are more likely to have teachers who communicate with them less frequently, and who report spending less time teaching new material. Teachers in those districts also say their students spend only two hours a day on learning now, an hour less than what teachers overall report their students are spending. The picture is very uneven. Not all of our kids are getting access to the same things, said Michael Casserly, who leads an advocacy group for large districts, the Council of the Great City Schools. If these patterns persist, he said, they could create a permanent underclass of young people who lack the skills for work and civic responsibility, an inequity that harms the national economy and offends ones sense of moral equity. 10. Live, synchronous videoconferencing is educators top tool for science, English/language arts, and math instruction Three times, on three different surveys, the EdWeek Research Center has asked teachers and district leaders to identify the tools they say are very effective at teaching three different subjects (math, English/language arts, and most recently, science) during the coronavirus closures. For all three subjects, respondents are most likely to point to live, synchronous videoconferencing tools such as Zoom. Sixty-two percent say this is a very effective way to teach science. Sixty-three percent say its a very effective way to teach English/language arts. And 57 percent say its a very effective way to teach math. For science, experiments students can do with materials they have at home are a close second, with 58 percent of educators saying this method is very effective. Shared documents, such as Google Docs or Word Online, is cited as the second most effective virtual teaching method for English/language arts. Pre-recorded videos on specific concepts produced by the teacher is number two for math. Its very possible those live, video conferencing teaching skills will be necessary in the fall too. Public-health officials have warned of a possible resurgence of COVID-19 cases this fall, and the specter of the virus will loom until a vaccine is widely available. Seventy percent of educators who responded to an EdWeek Research Center survey in early May said theyre already planning for multiple reopening scenarios for the fall. It seems prudent, if youre a district leader, to be planning for the possibility that sometime in school year 2021, or multiple times, youre going to have to close for one, two, maybe three weeks at a time, said John Watson, the founder of Evergreen Education Group, a K-12 digital learning research and consulting firm. School leaders who work with Evergreens Digital Learning Collaborative have told Watson theyre preparing for a significant percentage of parents who dont want to send their kids back to the physical school. EAST LYME A Bridgeport man has been identified as the victim of a homicide after his body was found on the side of the road late Tuesday night, according to police officials. At 10:26 p.m., the East Lyme police got a 911 call about an unresponsive individual on the side of the road on West Society Road near the Interstate 95 Exit 73 south off ramp, according to police. OPEC and its allies edged closer to a consensus on extending production cuts to prop up the oil market, even as wrangling continued for a third day about whether to bring forward their next meeting. Russia and several other Opec+ nations favour extending the group's current production cuts by a month, according to people familiar with the situation. It is unclear if that will be enough for leading Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) member Saudi Arabia, though the proposal is within the range of the kingdom's own call for a one- to three-month extension. Oil prices have rallied from historic lows since Opec and partners put an end to a vicious price war by implementing cuts on a record scale. With a tentative recovery in fuel demand as the world emerges from the coronavirus lockdown, the cartel must now decide how long to maintain tight limits on output. Fears of a second wave of infections make predictions of a recovery perilous. And at about $40 a barrel, prices are still below what most Opec+ members need to cover government spending. As recently as last week, Russia's stance was that it didn't want to extend the cuts and instead favoured sticking to the original agreement to ease them from July. But a person familiar with its position said yesterday it was advisable to find a compromise. In March, Moscow resisted a Saudi-led proposal to deepen production cuts as coronavirus spread, talks broke down and the kingdom launched a price war which crippled producers and left gaping holes in countries' budgets. It's not unusual for Russia and Saudi Arabia to hold different positions before Opec+ talks, and on most occasions the two producers have found a compromise. Bloomberg By Trend Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 23 times, Trend reports on June 3 referring to Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. 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 regions. 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 regions. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz In a phone interview with the Star-Tribune, Cheyenne Police Department spokesman David Inman said that a full report on the incident which would likely be classified as a misdemeanor has not yet been completed, and will likely be completed sometime Wednesday morning. This weeks incident is not the first instance of vandalism to property occupied by the Wyoming Republican Party. In September of 2018, a man broke into and subsequently set fire to the Albany County Republican Partys offices in Laramie, resulting in a felony charge and 44 months in federal prison. Wyoming Democratic Party Chairman Joe Barbuto said he reached out to Republican leadership Tuesday morning, per a spokesman, where he condemned the vandalism. A lot of people are dissatisfied with and concerned about the way things are going in our state and country, Barbuto said in a statement to the Star-Tribune. We encourage them to take that passion and turn it into action through peaceful protests, volunteering for campaigns, and making sure they get themselves and others to the ballot box in August and November. GLENDALE, Ariz. Arizona officials reported nearly 1,000 new coronavirus cases Wednesday amid a recent surge in hospitalizations, a little over two weeks after Gov. Doug Ducey ended his stay-at-home order. The surge of new cases of COVID-19 is a troubling sign for former state health director Will Humble, who said the timing is too close to be coincidence. The one thing it does is it shows us that the stay-at-home order worked, Humble said. Because when it ended you see an increase in cases on the 26th, which is 10 days after it ended. You can look at it county by county by county and see the same thing. The current director of the state Department of Health Services, Dr. Cara Christ, said there are other factors that could account for some of the increase, including greater testing. But she acknowledged the stay-home orders end likely played a role. The goal was never to get rid of it, she told The Associated Press. So we knew that as we started slowly opening things up that we would see additional cases, because it is in the community. Shutdown orders in Arizona and across the nation were intended to slow the virus spread so hospitals arent overwhelmed. Whether the state-home order needs to be revisited is another issue, Humble said. Thats a tougher call, because it has really profound effects on other parts of public health substance abuse, child welfare, unemployment, the whole host of social determinants, he said. If youre an elected official, your hand might get forced if the cases continue to ramp up. Christ said shes closely monitoring hospital capacity and the incidence of COVID-like illnesses in emergency rooms, one key metric that hasnt jumped, as well as new infections and the rising number of hospitalized cases. And she said multiple measures would have to move in the wrong direction for her to recommend new restrictions. Like Humble, she also said the impact of closures on other aspects of public health are also important. So we are weighing all of that as were considering what the impact of this virus is, Christ said. The Health Services Department on Wednesday reported 40 new deaths, bringing the total in Arizona to 981. Health officials counted an additional 973 COVID-19 cases Wednesday, bringing the outbreak total to 22,223. Hospitals reported 1,092 people were being treated for COVID-19 disease as of Tuesday, with 379 of those in intensive care and 239 on ventilators. The daily hospitalizations exceeded 1,000 for the first time on Monday. Ducey, a Republican, faces pressure from businesses and GOP lawmakers not to clamp down again on the economy, which has been decimated by layoffs that began even before he issued his business closure orders, followed by the stay-home order on March 30. The recent increases appear to be independent of more testing, which has been fairly stable for several weeks, Humble said. Officials in Maricopa County, where the majority of the states cases and deaths have been reported, also said the increase was not unexpected after the stay-home order expired on May 15. Spokesman Ron Coleman said the virus is circulating widely and advised people not to go out if possible, especially the elderly and those with health conditions. Due to increased social interaction in the community, we expected to see an increase in positive cases, Coleman said in an email. We also anticipate seeing our other numbers such as hospitalizations start to increase over the next couple of weeks due to the lag in reporting. For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some especially older adults and people with existing health problems it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. In other developments: A judge has declined to appoint on expert to determine whether a private detention facility in Florence is following federal health guidance on guarding against the coronavirus. U.S. District Judge Diane Humetewa on Tuesday rejected a request by five detainees at CoreCivics Central Arizona Florence Correctional Complex to appoint the expert, ruling the facilitys COVID-19 policies havent been deliberately indifferent to the health of the detainees. The judge said the detainees couldnt identify one instance in which the facility wasnt complying with federal guidance. The facility houses about 3,000 detainees, and 26 detainees had tested positive as of May 22, the most recent count available. CoreCivic released a statement saying the company has rigorously followed the guidance of health authorities. ___ Associated Press reporter Jacques Billeaud in Phoenix contributed. Prince Harry and Prince William were once spending most of their time together. Now, though, things have greatly changed: Harry has moved to the other side of the world, and he and William reportedly were not on the best terms prior to Harrys royal exit alongside his wife, Meghan Markle, in early 2020. Now, though, a royal source claims the two are back on speaking terms and that Harry is leaning on William as he adjusts to life in Los Angeles, California. Prince William and Prince Harry | Eddie Mulholland/WPA Pool/Getty Images Prince Harry and Prince William reportedly went through a tough time last year After Harry married Meghan, the two started a life of their own that didnt involve William and Kate. At first, things seemed fine, but as Meghans relationship with the public deteriorated due to bad press, the rumors started that things between William and Harry were not going well, either. For a while, people werent sure what to believe, but in an interview with Harry last fall, he seemed to vaguely acknowledge that things with his brother werent in a good place. Harry said the two were on different pages but noted that they will always have a lot of love for each other. Prince William and Prince Harry reportedly had a rift last year | Toby Melville/WPA Pool/Getty Images There have been rumors that the brothers miss each other In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced that theyd made the decision to leave the royal family. On March 31, the two officially stepped back, and they returned to North America, where theyd been living for the past few months. The couple then settled down Los Angeles, and it didnt take long for royal sources to come forward and say that Harry and William were both missing each other. Sources claimed that Harry felt guilty for starting a life so far away from his family and that William was missing having his brother so close to him. Prince William and Prince Harry as kids | Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Images A royal source claims Harry is leaning on William right now These days, those close to the brothers think their relationship is back on the right track. A royal insider revealed to Us Weekly that William and Harry are back on speaking terms after taking a break from one another over the past few months. It also appears that Harry is leaning on his brother as he adjusts to life on a completely new continent. Though things are changing for Meghan as well, she was raised in L.A., so the change of scenery isnt much of a change for her at all. William is reportedly concerned for his brothers safety, though, and wants him to move back to London. Harry and Meghan likely wont move back to London Though Harry might be having a hard time adjusting, he must have expected that, and it doesnt mean the two will be moving back to the United Kingdom any time soon. A royal insider previously reported to Us Weekly that Harry and Meghan spent months planning their royal escape, and they have no plans to reverse their decision. The move to L.A. will allow Harry and Meghan to live a life far away from the royal spotlight, which is something the two have likely wanted since tying the knot back in 2018. AUSTIN Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday called for peace amid ongoing unrest, as thousands have taken to the street in cities across Texas to protest racism and police brutality. Speaking in Dallas after a fourth night of reported violence by some civilians and law enforcement officers, the Republican governor pushed a unifying message, calling the recent killing of a black man by a Minneapolis police officer a horrific act of police brutality, but saying he refuses to tolerate violence as a response. I join the millions of Americans seeking swift justice in this case, Abbott said, at times raising his voice in apparent anger. However, violence and vandalism have no place in Texas. Abbott and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, a Democrat, both emphasized that the majority of protesters have been peaceful, blaming violence and looting on extremists and criminals from other areas. FOR THE LATEST: Updates from Houstons George Floyd march These are outsiders who came into our city causing trouble, knowing that they wouldnt have to live with the consequences, Johnson said. The remarks came as the family of the man killed, George Floyd, prepared to march alongside thousands in downtown Houston, where Floyd grew up and lived much of his life. Floyd was killed last week as the officer, who is white, pinned Floyds neck to the ground until minutes after he his body went limp. The killing has sparked outrage and renewed calls for criminal justice reforms. On Monday, President Donald Trump chastised governors for not being tough enough on the protesters, and threatened to send in the military if they dont. In Texas, protests over the weekend descended at times into violence as demonstrators hurled objects at officers and law enforcement shot tear gas and non-lethal rounds at crowds. Several hundred arrests were made. Abbott, a close ally of the president, has not clarified who the extremists are, but Steve McCraw, the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, on Tuesday called out members of Antifa an umbrella for loosely knit groups of far-left militants known for escalating confrontations with the police. Local police have also said some far-right activists are exploiting largely peaceful demonstrations in the hopes of inciting violence. ESCALATION: San Antonio police chief says out-of-state extremists infiltrating peaceful protests Abbott was among the first governors to dispatch national guardsmen this weekend in response to the demonstrations. He insisted Tuesday that Texas has been a leader in police reform, but vowed to work alongside lawmakers to see what additional measures they might take. Were open to putting everything on the table and working toward positive solutions that will improve Texas, Abbott said. Earlier on Tuesday, opponents attacked the governor for failing to acknowledge systemic injustices and having signed a law in 2017 that encouraged racial profiling of immigrants. Words must give way to action, and Gov. Abbott has done nothing to stop racially motivated police violence across our state and across our country, Texas Democratic Party Deputy Executive Director Cliff Walker said in a statement. William Hoston, a professor who focuses on state government at Prairie View A&M University, said the protests comes after years of failure by state leadership to develop trust with minority communities after other killings and incidents of excessive force. Were beyond George Floyd now, he said. What youre seeing now is a group of human beings tired of structural racism and discrimination. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox But nationally, President Trump has doubled down against protesters. At the White House on Monday night, officers dispersed peaceful crowds with tear gas so the president could walk across the street to pose outside of a church holding a Bible. The president threatened to use the United States military against United States citizens exercising their rights enshrined in the United States Constitution, said U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, a moderate Houston Democrat, in an unusually fiery statement. The actions the president has threatened to take violate not only our rights but also the sacred trust that we the people place in our government a government of, by, and for the people. Rep. Henry Cuellar, another moderate Texas Democrat, tweeted: A presidents role is not to use the shameful acts of a few in order to respond with indiscriminate force against all citizens, but rather defend democracy, not violate or deprive it. At least one recent poll indicated that most 58 percent of registered voters would support calling in the military to supplement police forces amid the unrest. And Texas Republicans have mostly voiced support for the presidents call for more force. The president is sending a strong message to state and local authorities that they need to use the resources available to them because we simply cant tolerate this sort of lawlessness, Sen. John Cornyn said in a Fox News interview Tuesday. Benjamin Wermund contributed reporting from Washington, D.C. jeremy.blackman@chron.com twitter.com/jblackmanchron (TNS) Body-worn cameras for the Anne Arundel County, Md., Police Department are likely to be added to the proposed budget after a week of unrest across the country due to recent instances of police brutality, officials said Monday. The initial cost of the equipment and technology would add roughly $4 million to the $1.72 billion budget.Though Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman said he wanted to fund them in the fall after the state police report found that Anne Arundel had more instances of bias and hate crimes than any other jurisdiction in Maryland. He said he did not include them in his May 1 proposal, citing decimated revenue projections due to the coronavirus pandemic.Now, after a week of unrest around the country, state and county after yet another black person, George Floyd, was killed by law enforcement officers, Pittman has said his team is scrambling to put together a supplementary budget request that would add the body cameras to the budget.I think that we need to build trust between our police department and our communities. The image of George Floyd being tortured and killed by a police officer in broad daylight instills fear in the hearts of a lot of people particularly in African American people and African American young people who are wondering what their future looks like in this country, Pittman said in an interview with. They have to know that there is transparency and accountability in policing.Though their initial estimate for the equipment and technology is between $4 million and $5 million, Pittmans senior adviser Chris Trumbauer said it could end up being much less, depending on the vendor they partner with. If the administration and the council can find a way to pull the funds together, its likely they will have enough support to get the body cameras into the final budget.Though typically supporters of a smaller budget, the three Republicans on the Anne Arundel County Council came out in support of funding the cameras in a news release Monday, citing the need for trust-building and accountability.I cannot begin to understand the pain and anger that is being felt by people of color in Minneapolis and across this country, wrote Councilman Nathan Volke, R-Pasadena. There is no simple cure for systemic racism, but we must begin to take steps forward.Volke, along with Councilwomen Amanda Fiedler, R-Arnold, and Jessica Haire, R-Edgewater, wrote that body cameras wont solve systemic racism on their own but would be a first step supported by dialogue and input from community leaders, advocates, religious leaders and others.Haire wrote that she thinks the council can work together to make cuts in order to fund the cameras.On Friday, the council will meet with county auditor Susan Smith to evaluate the budget. They will amend the budget over the next two weeks before a vote.Councilwoman Lisa Brannigan Rodvien, D-Annapolis, said she understands that the urgency for police worn body cameras has increased dramatically over the last week, and she is supportive of the initiative.It would provide accountability, it would prevent all kinds of misunderstandings that we need to stop," Rodvien said. And helps build trust. If they can be caught on camera doing everything right, that makes a difference.Rodvien joined many other residents downtown Annapolis on Saturday to protest Floyds death.I do think there is anger about what the (black) community has had to endure for a very long time and frustration that things arent changing, Rodvien said.Jacqueline Boone Allsup, president of the Anne Arundel County NAACP, and Carl Snowden, a longtime activist and convener of the Caucus of African American Leaders, both called on Pittman to restore funding for the body cameras in the budget in a press conference Friday in response to Floyds killing.We know that body cameras are not the panacea; they will not solve the problems that we face in this country," Snowden said. "But what body cameras have proven to be is an unblinking eye that will tell a story that is not based on peoples perspective of what happened. The Police Command in Niger on Tuesday said it had invited Mohammed Jibril Imam, APC chairman in the state, over alleged financial misappropriation. According to its commissioner, Adamu Usman, the APC official is specifically accused of misusing party finances since he assumed office in 2015. Mr Usman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that a petition against the APC official had accused him of misusing funds realised from the sale of Expression of Interest forms to members that contested elective positions. He said that the petitioners accused the party chief of spending the funds unilaterally and without due process. According to him, the petition was written by some members of the executive council of the party who also accused the official of abuse of office. We are investigating the matter and shall get to the root of it. We want to find out if there is any substance in the claims of the petitioners, he said. The Nigerian Police has the responsibility to investigate any form of criminal complaint from any citizen of the state. That is what we are doing. We are handling the matter professionally to ensure that justice is done to all sides, he added. Efforts by NAN to speak with the affected party official did not yield fruits as he was said to be in deep discussions with personnel of the Criminal Investigation Division. (NAN) Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Jewish headstone with a rock which indicates someone has visited. The physical distancing requirements of the coronavirus pandemic affect more than just our daily lives. It has dramatically changed funerals and memorial services. Should a Jewish family experience a death, funeral homes and cemeteries have implemented a number of precautions that alter Jewish funeral traditions. Jewish funeral traditions involve the community: keeping the body company, preparing the body for burial, and coming together to comfort the mourners. Putting our community at a distance goes against centuries of Jewish practices. Yet now, we must physically distance ourselves, even in mourning. Changes Before, During and After a Funeral Kosher wood caskets built by Fathers Building Futures The ritual of tahara, the washing, dressing and casketing of the body in the traditional Jewish manner, has been suspended for the time being. This is for the safety of the Chevrah Kadisha volunteers who do this sacred work and their loved ones. Also suspended is the tradition of having a shomer, one who watches over the body before the funeral. Almost all funeral homes can help families make funeral arrangements virtually, either over the phone or by computer. In addition to having everyone present at a funeral wear a face mask, you will likely experience these changes: In-person funerals have been limited to 10 people at the most, spaced at least six feet apart. With a clergy person and a funeral director, that means only eight immediate family members can participate in person. Fortunately, 10 Jews makes a minyan. Most funeral homes are offering some sort of virtual attendance for funerals, either an online live video stream from a funeral home chapel or a recorded video afterward. Video recordings or live-streaming of graveside funerals can be made by the funeral home or a family member. Check with your clergy person whether to do the ritual of keriah, the tearing of clothing or a ribbon by members of the immediate family just prior to the funeral. The ritual of placing earth on the casket at the cemetery may be altered to avoid viral transmission through communal touching of a shovel or trowel. The tradition of sitting shivah, receiving the support of your community in person at home after the funeral, is discouraged. As with most everything else these days, shivah visits have gone virtual through Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and other video services. While a funeral is taking place, consider having a friend set up the home for shivah, covering mirrors and photos, arranging for low-to-the-ground seating, and preparing food. Have a tech-savvy person arrange for online video visits. Work with your local clergy regarding holding virtual prayer services in the home. One Jewish funeral ritual thats very much in vogue these days is washing your hands. Traditionally, a pitcher of water and towels are made available at the cemetery and at the door to the house of mourning. Beyond a ritual splash of water, make sure you scrub with soap and water for 20 seconds whenever you return home from any trip outside. Online Resources to Learn More [embedded content] Here are informative YouTube videos and online resources to help you become better acquainted with Jewish funeral traditions and planning ahead for end-of-life issues. The Coronavirus Cinema Collection: Recommendations of movies that entertain while educating about funerals and end-of-life issues. These videos include Jewish Funeral Traditions on Film, which highlight Jewish rituals and traditions in the movies Noras Will, My Mexican Shivah, and This Is Where I Leave You. You can see all these film recommendation videos through this short link: https://bit.ly/CoronavirusCinema Recommendations of movies that entertain while educating about funerals and end-of-life issues. These videos include Jewish Funeral Traditions on Film, which highlight Jewish rituals and traditions in the movies Noras Will, My Mexican Shivah, and This Is Where I Leave You. You can see all these film recommendation videos through this short link: https://bit.ly/CoronavirusCinema Jewish Funeral Traditions: This one-hour presentation explores Jewish rituals before, during and after a funeral. It was recorded at the Greater Albuquerque JCCs Taste of Honey learning event in 2014. https://bit.ly/JewishFuneralTraditions This one-hour presentation explores Jewish rituals before, during and after a funeral. It was recorded at the Greater Albuquerque JCCs Taste of Honey learning event in 2014. https://bit.ly/JewishFuneralTraditions Jewish Burial is Green Burial: This one-hour panel discussion features Donal Key with La Puerta Natural Burial Ground near Belen, Kilian Rempen with Albuquerque-based Passages International, a leading provider of green burial and eco-friendly funeral products, and Gail Rubin, CT, death educator and The Doyenne of Death. https://bit.ly/JewishBurialGreenBurial This one-hour panel discussion features Donal Key with La Puerta Natural Burial Ground near Belen, Kilian Rempen with Albuquerque-based Passages International, a leading provider of green burial and eco-friendly funeral products, and Gail Rubin, CT, death educator and The Doyenne of Death. https://bit.ly/JewishBurialGreenBurial Ethical Wills and Ecclesiastes: This 20-minute talk by Gail Rubin explores the concept of the ethical will and its connection to the Book of Ecclesiastes (to everything, there is a season). https://bit.ly/EthicalWills This 20-minute talk by Gail Rubin explores the concept of the ethical will and its connection to the Book of Ecclesiastes (to everything, there is a season). https://bit.ly/EthicalWills Kosher Caskets by Fathers Building Futures: This local nonprofit builds beautiful, affordable kosher caskets. They provide jobs and skills to previously incarcerated fathers, offering opportunities for family stability. Several local funeral homes carry these caskets. The Jewish Federation of New Mexico supports this organization. https://bit.ly/FathersBuildingFutures You can find these and other videos by searching for @Gail Rubin on YouTube. About Gail Rubin, CT Gail Rubin, CT, The Doyenne of Death Gail Rubin, Certified Thanatologist, is a pioneering death educator, member of the Albuquerque Chevrah Kadisha and Congregation Alberts cemetery committee, and president of the nonprofit Historic Fairview Cemetery. A professional speaker who does virtual and in-person presentations, shes also the author of three books on end-of-life issues. Download a free 10-page end-of-life information planning form and 50-point Executors Checklist from www.AGoodGoodbye.com. Share this: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 The Herman Trend Alert June 3, 2020 Solutions to Hack Life in the Time of COVID This COVID Pandemic has been a challenge to many of us. We want to keep being related to our friends and still want to stay safe by staying home---or at least not attending group meetings and parties. People with access to broadband are able to continue many aspects of their lives. This Herman Trend Alert is another in the series to give you hope and help in the time of COVID. A Variety of Answers, including Virtual Birthday Parties From online yoga classes to online church services to virtual dating, people are choosing to be together as they shelter in place. Not long ago, my granddaughter Rebecca in the Boston Area celebrated her fifth birthday on Zoom. In Austin, I bought a small piece of cake and stuck a candle in it. With all eight grandparents in attendance, we all sang "Happy Birthday," and when she blew out her candles, we pretended she was blowing out the candle in Texas as well. Months ago, Rebecca's mom, Belinda, also started the practice of daily local birthday celebrations for the residents of her town. For Rebecca, there was also a local celebration with more than a dozen cars who passed the house honking and waving. For the older women residents of my local Texas subdivision, we are launching a Zoom alternative for our Book Club. Telemedicine Comes of Age From COVID medical appointments to periodic check-ups, doctors are learning how to use telemedicine to keep everyone safe. In fact, when I thought I was having COVID symptoms, the first step was a telemedicine appointment. This field is so important we are devoting an entire Herman Trend Alert in a subsequent week. Teaching Martial Arts Online Martial Arts teacher Janie Villareal owns Ultimate Challenge Martial Arts, here in Austin, Texas. She was having a difficult time engaging her young students to stick with the classes. Then she started having the kids use pillows for punching and kicking practice; that made a huge difference---when the children could actually perform their normal class practices at home and make contact with a safe, home alternative to the pads she uses in her in-person classes. Now, Janie also includes the pillows for running games and though her five-years-olds rarely make it through the entire class, they are doing their practices regularly. Arts, Cooking, and More Founded in Boston, Yaymaker had offered in-person Paint Nites since 2012. Partnering with hundreds of entrepreneurs and artists throughout North America, they have hosted more than 300,000 events in more than 1,400 cities. Building off of their Paint Nite experiences, they began to offer Plant Nite, Design-a-Sign, Flower Workshop, Candle Maker, Cooking Classes, and something called "Innovation Lab." Once the COVID lockdown ended the in-person experiences, the company created online versions. Everyone buys the needed materials and using an online platform, they create together. There is even a digitally augmented art version using a technology called "Cupixel Sketch." Virtual School Assemblies Teacher, author, and education speaker Tyler Christensen engages fellow speakers and entertainers to provide content to K-12 students in his Virtual School Assemblies. As a 5th grade teacher he saw a need to share messages of inspiration, hope, and encouragement with his students, so he started reaching out to celebrities and professional speakers to do just that. Providing engaging experiences for young students, he works to deliver information and reassurance during this time when they are not able to physically attend school. Episodes can be seen on YouTube or listened to on the Virtual School Assembly podcast. (I will be featured in a subsequent podcast.) And it turns out, he is not the only one. There are, in fact, a number of other organizations providing engagement for at-home students, some of them even featuring the students themselves presenting. The Future is Full of Innovation There are many other examples of how people are using online platforms to continue to meet in a safe way. But these examples are only the beginning. Because this COVID Crisis is not likely to completely abate for at least 36 months (Thank you, award-winning author Laurie Garrett), our forecast is that humans will develop many other ways to hack life using the new technologies of Augmented and Virtual Reality and others to allow folks to be "alone together." For more information on the Yaymaker events visit Yaymaker.com; to access Christensen's Virtual Assembles, visit here. ********* Lallan, a painter in the NCR city Ghaziabad, waited near a railway station for three days for his turn to get on to a Shramik special. On the fourth day, he went to the bank, withdrew all his savings of Rs 1.9 lakh and headed straight to a second-hand car seller. He bought a used car for Rs 1.5 lakh, and travelled back to his home in Gorakhpur along with his family, vowing never to return. A resident of Kaitholia village in PP Ganj in Gorakhpur, Lallan said, "After the lockdown, I stayed on hoping that things would soon return to normal. When the lockdown kept getting extended, I thought it would be safer for me and my family to return to our village. However, we made several attempts to get seats on buses or trains but failed." Lallan said that the buses, in any case, were overcrowded and he feared that his family may get infected with the coronavirus if they travelled without maintaining social distancing. "Finally, when I failed to get seats in the Shramik trains, I decided to buy a car and travel home. I know I have spent all my savings but at least my family is safe," he said. Lallan left Ghaziabad in his car with his family on May 29 and reached Gorakhpur on the following day after a 14-hour journey. Lallan, who is in-home quarantine, is now hopeful of getting work in Gorakhpur. "If I can get work here, I will not return to Ghaziabad," he said. My experience has been that animal activists are the worst. They take tiny grains of truth and twist them into the most spectacular lies. Its annoying but effective. On more than one occasion, Ive spoken to complete strangers about what I do. When pushed a little, they eventually admit that the little they know about farming isnt positive. But even if they thought we abuse our animals, which is obviously a lie, most people arent planning to storm processing facilities or local dairy farms. Why? Because they dont witness it firsthand. Its hard for humans to understand things we havent experienced. Its hard for me to understand whats going on in our country right now because Ive never experienced it. Agriculture is a fairly secluded community. Were less diverse than most industries, and it seems to take us twice as long to acknowledge social and cultural change. Is that okay? Im seriously asking, are we okay with that? Is it enough to just ignore the problem because it doesnt directly affect our lives? Does that make us part of the problem? Im not saying we should all take up arms and join in protests, but we could try a little harder. We could listen more and judge less. We could acknowledge that we have a problem and work on fixing it. Since Ive started my Secrets of Ag project, the way I view the world has changed. Agriculture is so far behind it scares me. The traditional and conservative values we have come to cherish have turned into nonacceptance and intolerance. Ive received more than one message from farmers who have been and are being refused service from companies because of their sexual orientation or the color of their skin and thats not okay. The world is changing. Where will we be when it does? The author dairies in partnership with her parents and brother at Spruce Row Farm in Pennsylvania. Jessica is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, and since 2015, she has been active in promoting dairy in her local community. You can find her and her 250 Jersey cows on Facebook at Spruce Row Dairy or on Instagram at @seejessfarm. US representatives asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week to ban Puff Bar, the fast-growing e-cigarette that has quickly replaced Juul as the vape of choice among young people, alleging that it has been targeted at teenagers stuck at home during the pandemic. The disposable devices come in more than 20 flavours, among them pina colada, pink lemonade, watermelon and a mysterious blend called OMG. Although the Trump administration banned fruit, mint and dessert flavours in refillable cartridge-based e-cigarettes like Juul earlier this year, it carved out an exemption for brands that are used once and thrown away. Puff Bar, which launched last year, has been the key beneficiary of the loophole. It has built on its early success by adding a line of flavour pods called Puff Krush that are compatible with the Juul device, upsetting that company, whose own business has sunk since it restricted sales in the United States to tobacco and menthol varieties last fall. Based on data used only for tracked channels, which include convenience stores and some other retailers but not online sales or vape shops, Puff Bar sales have consistently been more than $3m (2.4m) a week since April, with volumes now more than 300,000 sticks per week. Puff Bar is quickly becoming the new Juul, representative Raja Krishnamoorthi wrote in a letter to the FDA on Monday. Mr Krishnamoorthi, the chair of the House Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, accused the e-cigarette company of exploiting the coronavirus to sell its products to schoolchildren. To make his case, the Democratic House member included a copy of a Puff Bar advertisement featuring a photograph of a bedroom, with the words: We know that the inside-vibes have been quite a challenge. Stay sane with Puff Bar this solo-break. We know youll love it. Its the perfect escape from the back-to-back zoom calls, parental texts and WFH stress. Mr Krishnamoorthi said that this advertisement is designed to convince children home from school to vape in their rooms without their parents noticing. A second advertisement included in the complaint features an attractive young woman wearing a tight T-shirt and spewing big clouds of vapour. The same picture was used in a separate advertisement that suggested vaping a Puff Bar as a way to relax over spring break. Todd Eric Gallinger, a lawyer who represented a company called Cool Clouds Distribution in a trademark application for the Puff logo, did not return a call seeking comment. The Puff Bar website does not list the names of any of the companys executives. Indeed, since it began, the provenance of the Los Angeles-based business has been a secret. Its website states: Who makes Puff Bar? Everyone wants to know the mastermind team behind the latest craze in the world of electronic cigarettes. Where did the Puff Bar team come from and where do they plan to go from here? Wherever it is, the company is not telling. The only details revealed indicate that the product is made in China and the flavours are developed in Malaysia. But the company has not been under the radar. Tobacco-control advocates, including educators, organisations like Parents Against Vaping E-cigarettes and others, have been concerned about Puff Bar since it turned up in schools late last fall. Robin Koval, the chief executive and president of Truth Initiative, which seeks an end to tobacco use, said she supports a Puff Bar ban. It is an outrage that during a pandemic that attacks the lungs, Puff Bar is freely targeting our nations youth, putting their lives at even greater risk, Ms Koval said. These egregious ads from Puff Bar are the latest example. In a recent online survey of 364 current vapers, ages 15 through 24, the Truth Initiative found that 57 per cent were worried that vaping put them at risk of serious illness from the coronavirus, and slightly more than half wanted to quit. The FDA declined to discuss Puff Bar. Still, in an email, Mitchell Zeller, the director of the agencys Centre for Tobacco Products, wrote that the agency intended to take action against any electronic nicotine product if it is targeted to youths, if its marketing is likely to promote use by minors, or if the manufacturer fails to take adequate measures to prevent minors access. When the FDA started regulating e-cigarettes, it permitted the continued sale of products that were on the market as of 8 August 2016, pending agency review. Since Puff Bar was introduced after that date, the agency does generally have the authority to remove it, despite the fact that the product is disposable and even if the agency cannot prove the company is targeting youths. The exception would be if Puff Bar had already been on the market before the 2016 deadline, under a different name, or sold by another company. In recent weeks, the agency has blocked the importing of two e-cigarette products from China: EonSmoke, which sold disposable e-cigarettes in a number of flavours before shutting down, and Relx, available in flavours including Drunk in Mexico, Naked in Iceland and Mango. The New York Times LINCOLN, Ill., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln College is extending its application deadline for the school's innovative Price Match Program until August 1. "With the uncertainty of the last several months, we want to do everything we possibly can to reduce the stress of making college decisions. Our ground-breaking Price Match program makes shopping for college easy and transparent. That is more important now than ever before," said David Gerlach, president of Lincoln College. As a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, many students and families who were considering large institutions, non-residential schools, out-of-state schools, or schools in large urban settings, are reconsidering those options. The Price Match Program can give qualifying students and their families the peace of mind that they can attend a residential school with small class sizes, no massive lecture halls and no high-rise residential buildings. Families can be assured that their students will receive a quality education at an exceptional value by allowing students to qualify to attend at less than the price offered by competing institutions. "Lincoln College has a tradition of offering affordable, quality education that goes back more than 150 years," Gerlach added. "Lincoln College offers scholarships or grants to all full-time traditional students and the Price Match program is just one option that we have available to make sure that every student can afford college." Consistent with its student-centered policies, Lincoln College also recently announced plans to resume in-person instruction on the Lincoln campus in the fall. While acknowledging that any resumption of classes and campus activities will be contingent upon central Illinois meeting the state's standards for reopening the economy, Lincoln College believes that students will be best served by a return to traditional instruction on the campus. At the same time, the College will take all necessary steps to assure the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff. The Price Match Program states that if a student receives a better financial aid package from another qualifying college or university, the student can provide Lincoln College with a copy of the competing financial aid award letter. If the student meets all eligibility requirements, Lincoln College attempts to not only match the net price of the competing offer, but may include an additional $2,000 award ($1,000 per semester) as part of the Lincoln College financial aid package. Any full-time student, including freshman and transfer students, can apply for the program if they meet the minimum eligibility requirements. While the Price Match Program is a merit-based program, Lincoln College offers many other merit and need-based scholarships and grants. In fact, 100% of Lincoln College's traditional full-time students receive some form of institutional financial aid. All other scholarship and loan programs remain in effect as well. "We understand that shopping for college can be a daunting task, and in today's environment that has become even more challenging as parents weigh new concerns," Gerlach said. "By extending the deadline we hope to give families more time to consider their options in light of changing and challenging circumstances. "We view the Price Match Program as just one tool that our financial aid counselors have available to cut through the clutter of college pricing," Gerlach said. "Our counselors are experts at helping students and their families navigate the challenges of paying for college. We strongly encourage anyone considering college to contact our admissions office, so we can identify the options that will work best for their individual needs." While the Price Match Program requires acceptance to a baccalaureate degree granting institution, Lincoln College remains a hybrid institution also offering two-year associate degree programs in a residential college setting. Lincoln College also offers its highly successful and affordable "Accelerated Bridge to Education (ABE)" program for working adults. The ABE program, offered on four Illinois campuses in Lincoln, Normal, East Peoria and Oglesby, allows adult students to earn a bachelor's degree while attending class one night a week in concentrated five- or eight-week sessions. Students and families interested in Lincoln College can visit the college website at www.lincolncollege.edu; email [email protected] or call toll-free at (800) 569-0556. In order to expedite any financial aid application, students and parents should include the Lincoln College code number 001709 on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Price Match Program Details Available At: (https://lincolncollege.edu/price-match-program/) Founded in 1865 as Lincoln University, Lincoln College is the only institution of higher education named after President Abraham Lincoln during his lifetime. Today, Lincoln College operates two campuses in the Central Illinois region united in the goal of uniquely empowering students to realize their full potential. More information on Lincoln College and its academic programs can be found at lincolncollege.edu. SOURCE Lincoln College Related Links http://www.lincolncollege.edu Days after Gov. Ned Lamont relented in letting hair salons open ahead of schedule then looked on as the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos did the same a trade group on Wednesday repeated its call for Connecticut restaurants to be allowed to offer indoor dining. Lamont indicated a willingness to consider moving up the target date. The governor had stuck previously to a June 20 return to indoor dining, after allowing outdoor service to resume two weeks ago. In a letter to the governor, the head of the Connecticut Restaurant Association blamed the permanent closure of a restaurant near the Connecticut State Capitol building on Lamonts ongoing restrictions on indoor dining. Speaking in Farmington Wednesday, Lamont repeated his previous exhortations to keep the foot on the accelerator to limit the spread of COVID-19, amid another drop statewide in newly diagnosed infections. At the same time, he left the door ajar to allow for earlier indoor dining. Everybody wants to get going yesterday I appreciate that, Lamont said. I am going to be a little cautious in terms of what the next round is. ... Maybe we can accelerate that a little bit. Some 550 businesses signed a petition by the restaurant association calling for a return to indoor dining on June 10. They include companies operating nearly 40 restaurants in New Haven and 30 in Stamford, from chains such as Buffalo Wild Wings, with locations in Stamford, Danbury, Milford and North Haven, to local haunts like Galaxy Diner in Bridgeport and upscale options such as Mediterraneo in Norwalk and Greenwich. Without this earlier date, it is clear that more restaurants can and will fail in the intervening days, wrote Scott Dolch, executive director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, in a letter to Lamont distributed to media outlets on Wednesday. This is not hyperbole. Just this week and only steps from the Capitol, Firebox Restaurant in Hartford closed after 13 years in operation. They simply could not hold out any longer. Right now, every day counts for our industry. Dolch noted that Rhode Island has already resumed indoor dining service, and that Connecticuts coronavirus case count is better than that of New York and Massachusetts. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil prices rose over 1 percent on Wednesday after industry data showed a small inventory draw. Prices were also supported by hopes of demand recovery and expectations that OPEC and its allies will extend their output cuts. Benchmark Brent crude for August delivery rose by 40 cents, or 1 percent, to $39.97, after reaching earlier as high as $40.53, the highest since March 6. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for July delivery were up by 60 cents, or 1.65 percent, at $37.42. The American Petroleum Institute said on Tuesday that U.S. crude inventories fell by 483,000 barrels for the week ending May 29. Analysts had predicted an inventory build of 3.038 million barrels. The U.S. government's official supply report is due out later in the session. The 23-nation OPEC+ group is set to meet online on June 4. It is widely expected that the cartel will extend output cuts through July or August. Earlier, they had agreed in April to cut their total oil output by 9.7 million barrels per day from May 1 through June 30. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Lucknow, June 3 : The arrest of UP Congress President Ajay Kumar Lallu has failed to spur the Congress into action. The UPCC chief has been left out in the cold after his bail plea was rejected by the MP-MLA special court on Monday. There was no anger palpable in the party ranks, exposing the deep division within the party, and no plans are underway to enlarge the scope of protests. So far, the 'protests' on the issue have been restricted to wearing black ribbons, holding a candle march and organizing a 'havan' for the UPCC chief's release. A party delegation also met Governor Anandiben Patel on Wednesday to seek her intervention in the matter. UPCC media coordinator Lalan Kumar said on Wednesday that the party would now launch a major protest against the UPCC president's "unlawful" detention. "We will also appeal in the High Court for bail," he said. However, there was no word whether any of the party's legal luminaries would take up Lallu's case. Top party leaders have so far made a token contribution by tweeting in support of Lallu, but no agitation or protest plan has yet been formulated. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi have also tweeted in support of the UPCC chief. Lallu was arrested on May 21 for alleged forgery of documents of buses that his party had arranged for ferrying stranded migrant workers. Rejecting the bail, special judge P.K. Rai said, "The offences are of serious in nature and adequate material has been collected against the applicant in the investigation. From the material prima facie, his complicity is apparent and as such at this stage, when the probe is still going on, there is no reason to release him on bail." Interestingly, the communication on the bus controversy was mainly between Sandeep Singh, personal secretary to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and the state government. Lallu had written only one letter offering 1,000 buses to ferry migrants. Sandeep Singh has neither been arrested nor questioned in the matter. Meanwhile, most senior leaders in the party have distanced themselves from the issue. A former UPCC president said, "Since this Congress wants to focus on the youth and has no room for veterans, it is now up to the youth to fight for their president. We have already been relegated to the sidelines, so why should we take the lead and hold protests? In any other party, this issue would have mobilized the cadre and spurred the party into action." Another senior leader said, "Ajay Kumar Lallu and his supporters have never shown even basic respect for senior leaders. They should realise that political parties are not a one-man show and if they are run like this, they will be reduced to a one-man party." Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Aradhana Mishra said the party had full faith in the judiciary and that the party would soon launch a protest against the state government. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Ottawa, Canada Wed, June 3, 2020 11:40 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbbed7b 2 World Donald-Trump,Racism,justin-trudeau,Canada,racial-issues,racial-discrimination,racial-tension,racial-violence,George-Floyd,black-lives-matter,anti-racism-protests Free Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared at a loss for words Tuesday, pausing for 20 seconds when pressed for this thoughts on US President Donald Trump's threat of military mobilization against violent US protests. "We all watch in horror and consternation what's going on in the United States," he said finally. Now "is a time to listen, it is a time to pull people together and a time to learn what injustices continue despite progress over years and decades," he added. Trudeau was responding to a CBC reporter who also asked the prime minister for his views on police using tear gas to clear protesters from outside the White House so Trump could pose for photographs at a nearby church damaged during civil unrest, and why Trudeau at times seemed reluctant to criticize Trump. Usually quick on his feet, Trudeau's pregnant pause during his daily COVID-19 briefing, televised live nationwide, spoke loudly. The two leaders have had a rocky relationship since Trump walked out of a G7 summit in Quebec in June 2018, but they appeared to have mended fences last year at the conclusion of North American free trade negotiations. As he has done in recent days, Trudeau chose to focus on Canada in his answer and reaffirmed that there was still a lot to do to fight racism in this country. He also cautioned against drawing comparisons between Canada and the United States, or concluding "that we are much better here." "Canadians [must] recognize that we too have our challenges, that black Canadians and racialized Canadians face discrimination as a lived reality every single day," he said. "We need to see that not just as a government and take action, but we need to see that as Canadians. We need to be allies in the fight against discrimination." Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands:--- CCRIF is pleased to announce that its member governments in the Caribbean have all renewed their parametric insurance coverage for tropical cyclone, excess rainfall, earthquake, and fisheries ahead of the upcoming 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season, ceding over US$1 billion in risk to CCRIF and increasing overall coverage by 8 per cent. To support Caribbean governments whose social and economic sectors have been significantly disrupted by COVID-19, the European Union (EU) under its Global COVID-19 Response, has provided a grant of 10 million (US$11 million) to CCRIF for premium support or for increasing coverage for its Caribbean members. This financial assistance to CCRIF is channeled through the EU Regional Resilience Building Facility managed by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and The World Bank. The GFDRR, the World Bank, and CCRIF will continue efforts to secure further potential discounts to CCRIF member countries. The renewal of countries catastrophe risk insurance policies at this time signals the strategic importance they are placing on disaster risk financing as key to advancing their sustainable development prospects and they welcome this additional support provided to them by the EU in the context of shrinking fiscal space. The EU-funded support that is available for each member country would provide at least a 26 per cent (26%) discount on total gross premium or an increase in policy coverage under their CCRIF parametric insurance policies. This is in addition to the discounts that CCRIF also is providing - 5 per cent discount on gross premium for Tropical Cyclone coverage, and a further discount of 15 per cent on additional coverage purchased by members for increased Tropical Cyclone and/or Earthquake coverage for the 2020/21 policy year. Daniela Tramacere, EU Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, OECS, and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, has reaffirmed the strong partnership with the Caribbean in these difficult times: Mitigation of COVID-19 impacts ahead of the hurricane season that already started in the region requires extraordinary and coordinated measures. EU is strongly committed to stand together with its partners in the Caribbean, providing emergency support, and participating in the social/economic recovery process. The 10 million support has been provided to CCRIF SPC to ease payment of member countries premiums and improve their risk coverage against natural hazards. Member countries have the option of utilizing the EU-funded discount during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 policy years. The decision to allow for use of the funding in 2021/22 is based on projections of low or negative growth in Caribbean countries next year, which undoubtedly will have an impact on their fiscal space. While CCRIF, over the years has received financial support from as many as 12 bilateral and multilateral development partners, this is the first time that support is being provided to all members simultaneously en bloc for premium support. The EU has been one of CCRIFs development partners from its inception in 2007 having contributed to a Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) that enabled the initial capitalization of CCRIF. Again in 2014, the EU contributed to the capitalization and development of new parametric insurance products for current and potential members of CCRIF, and to facilitate the entry of Central American countries and additional Caribbean countries to join the Facility. CCRIF CEO, Isaac Anthony commented, I must use this medium to openly thank the European Union for its rapid response in support of our member countries at a time when they are grappling with significantly diminished financial resources due to the economic crisis posed by COVID-19. I also take the opportunity to thank the GFDRR and the World Bank for facilitating this timely assistance to Caribbean countries as part of their wider response to the COVID-19 crisis in the region. Since its inception in 2007, CCRIF has made 41 payouts totaling US$152 million to 13 of its 22 member governments on their tropical cyclone, earthquake, and/or excess rainfall policies all within 14 days of the event. For example, following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, CCRIF made payouts totaling US$55 million to 9 affected Caribbean countries. The single largest payout made by the Facility was US$20.4 million to the Government of Haiti on its Tropical Cyclone policy following TC Matthew in 2016; and following Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas last year, the Facility made two payouts to the Government totaling US$12.8 million. CCRIF is working to bring new parametric insurance products to market for drought, the agriculture sector, and public utilities with support from our donor community. CCRIF limits the nancial impact of natural hazard events to the Caribbean and Central American governments by quickly providing short-term liquidity when a policy is triggered. As the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins, Caribbean countries are assured that they are covered for another year against tropical cyclones as well as excess rainfall events that occur throughout the year and earthquakes that may occur at any time. There is scientific consensus on an above-average Atlantic Hurricane Season this year. The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a likely range of 13 to 19 named storms (with winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (with winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). CCRIF also has three members in Central America that have coverage for tropical cyclones, earthquakes, and excess rainfall. The Facility is a working example of a disaster risk financing instrument and one of a suite of such instruments available to governments to assist in post-disaster recovery and to help close the protection gap. According to Mr. Anthony, The truth is what we do at CCRIF is about supporting governments to help their populations communities, businesses, and key sectors such as education, agriculture, and tourism. An assessment of the beneficiaries of CCRIFs payouts shows that over 2.5 million persons in the Caribbean and Central America have benefitted directly and/or indirectly from these payouts after a natural disaster. TCN News Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) has condemned the police brutality on George Floyd and ill-treatment of minorities, especially blacks by US Police in the past. Support TwoCircles IAMC said it is shocked and outraged against the police action on an unarmed Floyd, resonating that similar attacks against blacks in the US have become a commonplace and should not be tolerated or normalized. It has demanded that he officers responsible for his death be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, simultaneously endorsing the need for reforms in police training to ensure a just system of law enforcement. With increasing media reports on rampant arson, looting and violence by protestors in the wake of Floyds murder, IAMC has urged justice seekers to stand firmly but with patience and without resorting to violence. Repeating that blacks in America have suffered tremendously in the hands of authorities due to their minority character, IAMC has called for new structural changes through a lens of restorative justice and community-based models of policing to be introduced so that deeper systemic issues that have led to such killings in the past can be addressed better. While India has been reeling under rising hate speech and violence against minorities and marginalized sections after the re-election of BJP, IAMC has been instrumental in voicing human rights concerns through global support and solidarity networks. In this context, IAMC has echoed that the murder of George Floyd is actually a painful reminded of the state-sponsored hate which is responsible for mass persecution of Muslims, Christians and Dalits in India. Mob lynchings, mass arrests under false charges and police brutality on unarmed peaceful protestors during the anti-CAA-NRC-NPR mass movements leading to suppression of dissent represents horrific violations of human rights and religious freedom in India at a magnitude that is unprecedented in the countrys history, iterated IAMC. Extending condolences to George Floyds family and friends, IAMC reminded protestors that the cause of all people seeking justice is the same everywhere and therefore one must strongly oppose discrimination as well as repression based on race, ethnicity and religion. It has further expressed solidarity with individuals and organizations striving for equal rights and working for fair treatment of minorities all over the world. In its end note, IAMC has urged global activists to strive for new institutional changes for the sake of justice and shared humanity. The boyfriend of a woman found dead of pellet gun wounds has been charged with first-degree murder, the Mercer County Prosecutors Office announced Wednesday. Aaron Adams, 38, was initially charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon when police found BB guns in his Ewing residence Monday after they found Ashley Davis, 32, dead in the basement. An autopsy on Davis, of Levittown, Pennsylvania, found she suffered a gunshot wound by a metal air gun pellet that struck internal organs and caused massive internal bleeding, the office said Tuesday. Police found two long BB guns and a short BB gun, along with used bags of heroin in the home on Glen Stewart Drive, the office said. The prosecutors office did not reveal a motive for Davis shooting. Adams has multiple felony convictions, including aggravated manslaughter for the fatal stabbing of a man at house party in Atlantic City in July 2006, records and press accounts say. Adams was sentenced to six years in prison for the crime in 2010. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. For many years, Nordic noir was the dominant force in foreign-language television. Hits such as The Bridge and Borgen wooed British audiences with their melancholic landscapes, taut dialogue and impressive knitwear. But this small-screen pre-eminence has been replaced by offerings from a country that could not be further removed from the introversion and cautious pacing of Nordic TV. Israel is in some ways the anti-Scandinavia. The weather is hot, the people outspoken, the history bloody and disputed. Chaos in Arabic, Fauda chronicles a bloody game of cat and mouse between Israeli counter-intelligence soldier Doron (Lior Raz) and a Hamas terrorist The Panther (Hisham Suliman). Credit:Netflix Yet as a source of must-see television, the country has emerged as an international force to be reckoned with. And it has done so while avoiding becoming locked into a particular genre. Nordic TV can often seem to consist of different flavours of the same fatalistic murder mystery format. In Israel, by contrast, diversity is the watchword. From action to comedy via human-interest drama, anything goes. There are gripping thrillers such as mistaken-identity slow-burner False Flag and West Bank-set Netflix hit Fauda, which has just returned to the streaming service for a hugely anticipated third season. But Israel is also serving up escapist romcoms such as the brilliantly whimsical Beauty and the Baker, which has proved a surprise sensation on Amazon Prime. (The US adaptation, The Baker and the Beauty, airs on Stan. Nine is the owner of Stan and this masthead.) Tembici, which says it owns 80% of the market share in Latin Americas micromobility space, now has $47 million more in capital to double down on its docked e-bike offering. The Series B round was led by Valor Capital and Redpoint eventures. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, and Joa Investimentos also participated in the round. The new funding marks IFC's entry into the micromobility market, a notable move that will allow Tembici to work more closely with city regulators as it expands its e-bike offering. During the pandemic, in which global funding into tech startups has declined by 20%, the $47 million will allow Tembici to double down on the rollout of more electric bikes, and increase access to bikes in the major cities where the service is operative. The capital will also be used to further invest in R&D. As Uber scraps thousands of JUMP bikes in San Francisco that sit unused during the pandemic, CEO Tomas Martins tells me that Tembici is seeing increased ridership in Sao Paulo and other Brazilian cities. He says 20 million rides were taken on Tembici bikes in the past year, with 2 million rides happening per month. Tembici riders are split into two categories, says the CEO. As delivery demand increases during the pandemic shelter in place lockdown, more couriers are using Tembicis bikes to circulate items and food. As Brazilians work from home, commuter rides are declining. But the people who are commuting around cities like Sao Paulo and Rio are choosing Tembici. Tembici co-founders Tomas Martins and Mauricio Villar Tembici was co-founded by Tomas Martins and Mauricio Villar in 2010 at the University of Sao Paulo, and scored an early sponsorship from Brazils largest private bank, Itau. Tembici uses a docking station (similar to Citi Bike in New York City) system for the return and removal of bikes. Tembici is operative in Latin Americas main urban capitals such as Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife and Porto Alegre in Brazil, as well as Buenos Aires in Argentina and Santiago in Chile. Story continues Bicycles will undoubtedly play an important role in the post-pandemic world because theyre being strongly recommended by public health agencies for safe, sustainable transportation for individuals. As more people change their habits, the new investment will help us meet the increasing demand, says CEO Martins. Tembici says it has learned tons from observing Chinas pioneering micromobility efforts -- but there are some key differences in the Latin America market. Asian mobility companies scaled the dockless solution, but Tembici thinks the docked business model will yield more success and win the favor of Latin American city regulators. E-bike and scooter makers like JUMP and Mobike became acquisition targets for companies like Uber and WeChat that are building the super app (although there have since been some issues here, as Mobike was removed from WeChats payments system and JUMP pulled its bikes from a handful of cities in the U.S.). However those issues dont seem to be happening in Latin America. While the region has seen consolidation in micromobility over the past few years with Yellow and Grin, micromobility companies have remained relatively independent compared to their foreign super-app owned counterparts. Scott Sobel, managing partner at Valor, is joining Tembicis board of directors, along with Redpoint managing partner Romero Rodrigues. Sobel says we can expect to see more government partnerships and eventually consolidation from micromobility companies in Latin America in the future. A Channel 9 reporter was allegedly assaulted during a live cross from London by a screwdriver-wielding man who screamed 'Allahu Akbar'. The network's Europe Correspondent Sophie Walsh was reporting on upcoming George Floyd protests in the UK back to the Adelaide studio for the 6pm news when she said she was 'grabbed' by the man. 'Sorry, I just ... I just had someone come up and try and ... yeah. A man just came up and grabbed me. It's OK... A man just came up and grabbed me though,' the visibly shaken reporter said. Vision of the alleged attack wasn't captured as the news reel showed protests in France at the time, however chilling audio was caught. Walsh could be heard screaming several times before exclaiming 's**t!' while being 'grabbed' by the man who allegedly made stabbing motions toward her. The network's Europe Correspondent Sophie Walsh was reporting on upcoming George Floyd protests in the UK back to the Adelaide studio for the 6pm news when she said she was 'grabbed' by a man Walsh said her cameraman Jason Conduit chased the man down while 'armed with a light stand' before police apprehended him Walsh said her cameraman Jason Conduit chased the man down while 'armed with a light stand'. The alleged attacker was then arrested and charged for threats to kill and for possessing a weapon, believed to be a screwdriver. The Nine Network said Walsh was 'rattled by the encounter' but 'unharmed'. 'Nine News appreciates the enormous pressure our international correspondents are currently under and is offering Sophie all the support she needs,' a statement read. 'Sophie is grateful for the outpouring of support she has received from the public and wishes to reassure our viewers that she is safe and well.' Walsh said she was 'shaken but ok' following the terrifying incident. 'The man has been arrested for threats to kill and carrying a weapon. Im shaken but ok,' she said. 'Big thanks to my incredible cameraman Jason Conduit who chased him down armed with a light stand and got him arrested.' Walsh was covering protests that spread to the UK following nine days of fiery riots in the US after Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin, 44, allegedly murdered George Floyd, 46. In widely circulated footage of his arrest, Mr Floyd was seen on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back as Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. It comes less than two days after Seven News reporter Amelia Brace was attacked by United States police while reporting on George Floyd protests in Washington D.C Mr Floyd begged for Chauvin to take his knee of his neck, repeatedly saying: 'I can't breathe'. The alleged attack on Walsh comes less than two days after a Seven News reporter was attacked by United States police while reporting on George Floyd protests in Washington D.C. An officer was filmed using his shield to smash Sunrise correspondent Amelia Brace's cameraman Tim Myers in the middle of her live cross to the studio before another officer hit her in the back with his baton. Brace said they were both hit by rubber bullets prior to the altercation, as police used batons and tear gas to push hundreds of protesters back away from the White House. Brace shouted, 'We're media!' as officers targeted her and Myers. 'Cameraman Tim Meyers and I are both okay. Pretty bruised, but okay,' Brace later told Channel 7. Video of Keke Palmer talking to National Guardsmen during a Hollywood protest has gone viral. (Evan Agostini / Invision / Associated Press) Keke Palmer is being hailed as a hero after a recent video of the actress inviting the National Guard to march with protesters in Hollywood went viral. In the video, tweeted Tuesday by NBC News correspondent Gadi Schwartz, Palmer can be seen passionately urging National Guardsmen to leave their post and join the peaceful protest demanding justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other black victims of racial violence. "Once 'the looting starts, the shooting starts?'" Palmer says, quoting a controversial tweet from President Trump that has been flagged for "glorifying violence" by Twitter. "You have a president talking about the 2nd Amendment as a use for people to come out here and use firearms against the people that are protesting. This is the messages we're seeing. "I don't know if you on social media, because the news don't tell you everything, but you have to pay attention to what's going on. ... We have a president that's trying to incite a race war. And when the borders are closed, we can't leave. You have people in here that need your help. This is when you and y'all stand together with the community, with society, to stop ... the governmental oppression. Period. We need you." Watch all of this. pic.twitter.com/YHq0QhXrnw Gadi Schwartz (@GadiNBC) June 2, 2020 When one guardsman says he agrees with Palmer, the "Hustlers" star calls for action. "So then march with us. March beside us," she says. "Let the revolution be televised. March beside us, and show us that you're here for us. Make history with us, please. ... Come on. Be the change. Do it. Do it, please. Do it, please. We are good people. March with us." As "March with us!" chants echo through the crowd, one guardsman standing face-to-face with Palmer says, "I'll make you a deal." Story continues "I can't leave this post. I will march through this street with you guys," he says. "I will march from this intersection to that intersection, but I have to patrol this area." "Patrol?" Palmer repeats. "What is there to patrol, man? March with us. It would send a huge message. ... Protect us. Y'all, march with us. March around like we just did. Do that march with us, y'all. Stand beside us." The guardsman then reiterates his duty to "hold this intersection," but Palmer stands her ground. "No, you don't because you the protector," she says. "You can't patrol yourself. If it's you that's supposed to be patrolling us, then walk with us." When the guardsmen still don't move, citing a responsibility to safeguard surrounding businesses, Palmer bows her head in disappointment: "I'm at a loss. It's not enough." Eventually, a handful of guardsmen begin kneeling on the ground at the request of another demonstrator in an effort to compromise. Cheers and applause erupt from some of the protesters, but Palmer isn't impressed. Shows of solidarity from authorities who kneel at protests have drawn mixed reactions. Some appear to appreciate the gesture, while others are reminded of ousted Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who has been charged with third-degree murder after kneeling on Floyd's neck. "I don't know. That ain't enough for me," Palmer says in the video. "That ain't enough for me." Palmer's actions garnered high praise on Twitter, and the original clip has amassed more than 370,000 likes since Tuesday afternoon. More than 130,000 have retweeted the footage, including fellow performer Nick Jonas, who declared, "KEKE FOR PRESIDENT." Several other celebrities, including Halsey, Tessa Thompson, Kendrick Sampson, Michael B. Jordan, Nick Cannon, J. Cole and Ariana Grande, have also taken to the streets in support of #BlackLivesMatter. On Twitter and Facebook, Yemenis in Houthi-controlled areas have posted accounts of sending relatives with covid-19 symptoms to hospitals and never hearing from them again. Authorities did not permit the family members to retrieve the bodies of the deceased or inform them that the government had buried them. Yemenis have posted videos purportedly showing health workers, in white or green protective suits, secretly burying those thought to have died of the disease. Chinese social media sites are rife with video clips of tense stand-offs between the police and protesters in the aftermath of the death last week of George Floyd, after he was pinned to the ground by a white Minneapolis police officer who has since been charged with murder. Television shows feature videos of National Guard troops patrolling city streets, as broadcasters describe the long history of discrimination against minorities in the US. Social media sites are portraying America as unruly and chaotic: "This is not Syria, this is the US!" read a caption on one popular site. Global Times, a nationalistic newspaper controlled by the party, called on the US government to "stand with the Minnesota people". Its editor, in a tweet, pointedly called out Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who had said "we stand by the people of Hong Kong" in his condemnation of Beijing's move to impose national security rules. "The violent protests in the streets of urban America are further discrediting the US in the eyes of ordinary Chinese," said Susan Shirk, chair of the UC San Diego 21st Century China Centre. "The propaganda depicts American politicians as hypocrites living in glass houses while throwing stones at China." Shirk said that as the US reputation suffers in China fewer people might be willing to voice support for American ideals, such as free markets and civil liberties. 'As the US model is tarnished, the voice of Chinese liberals is silenced.' Sudan Shirk, UC San Diego 21st Century China Centre "Even without the propaganda, Chinese people nowadays find little to admire in the US," she said. "As the US model is tarnished, the voice of Chinese liberals is silenced." Loading While Chinese officials have gleefully joined the global chorus of criticism aimed at the United States, the unrest has put them in an awkward position. China's government has long maintained strict limits on free speech and activism, and authorities often resort to aggressive tactics to quash unrest. The police in Hong Kong, where the government is backed by Beijing, have been accused of using excessive force as it has sought to rein in anti-government protests that have convulsed the semiautonomous territory over the past year. With the comparisons to Hong Kong unmistakable, many mainland commentators have stopped short of endorsing the tactics used by American protesters, instead denouncing racism in the US in general terms and rehashing protest slogans. Riot police form a line as they plan to clear away people gathered in the Central district in Hong Kong last week. Credit:AP "The chronic racial wound in the United States is now smarting again," said a recent report by Xinhua, the state-run news agency. The Chinese government, in its first official statement on Trump's move against Beijing's national security rules, directly called out the US for hypocrisy. A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, Zhao Lijian, noted on Monday how American officials have portrayed protesters in their own country as "thugs" but glorified Hong Kong protesters as "heroes". Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam echoed the party line on Tuesday, accusing the US of having "double standards." Loading "When it comes to their country's security, they attach great importance," she said at a regular news briefing. "When it comes to my country's security, especially regarding Hong Kong's current situation, they've put on tinted glasses." Chinese officials, wading into the complex racial politics of the United States, have sometimes struggled with striking the right note. A spokeswoman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Hua Chunying, was widely praised in China recently when she wrote "I can't breathe" in response to a critical Twitter post by an American official. But she had less success with a post on Monday, when she wrote "All lives matter," apparently unaware she was embracing a slogan that has been used in the United States to criticise the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Chinese officials have used the protests to revive favourite propaganda themes, including the idea that the United States acts as a bully on the world stage, meddling in the affairs of other countries. Hong Kong has been a particular point of contention, with many news outlets in China pairing images of burning buildings and flags in American cities alongside comments last year by Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House, praising demonstrations in Hong Kong. Pelosi said the city's protests were a "beautiful sight to behold". Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of the Global Times has called the US out on use of force and human rights. Credit:Bloomberg The editor-in-chief of Global Times, Hu Xijin, said the attacks were to be expected given the intense criticism of China by American officials over the past year. "It's a kind of vengeful feeling, which I think is human nature," he said in an interview. "Americans shouldn't be unhappy about it." Hu claimed the unrest in the US, as well as the failures in the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic, had strengthened confidence among many Chinese in Beijing's political system. "It has made them believe that the government of this country really cares about people's lives and well-being," he said. "They see how the US government and capital despise the lives and interests of vulnerable and marginalised groups." Nationalism has been in full force in recent days on the Chinese internet, with many people taking to Weibo, a popular microblogging platform, to denounce the "arrogance" of the US and Trump. Hashtags about the American protests, including the decision to deploy the National Guard in some cities, are among the most popular topics on the site. [June 03, 2020] Quorum Donates Land Management Software to the Texas Tech University Rawls College of Business Quorum Software, the leader in digital transformation for the oil and gas industry, recently donated student licenses of its myQuorum Land Management Software to the Texas Tech University Rawls College of Business. This partnership provides students interested in energy career opportunities experiential learning as part of the Energy Commerce program. myQuorum Land Management Software serves as the foundation for a new course, Energy Systems, that teaches the practical application of concepts in Petroleum Land Management. The course first launched in the spring semester of 2020. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005433/en/ Quorum Software and its employees give back to Red Raider Nation by supporting future land professionals. (Photo: Business Wire) "Not only do we see digital transformation taking place in Oil and Gas, but weare also experiencing a generational shift as Generation Z enters the workforce," said Olivier Thierry, CMO of Quorum Software. "The college class of 2020 grew up amidst a severely depressed economy and oil prices, and they enter the workforce during a global pandemic. As we enter a new normal that includes staying connected while working from home, the energy professionals of the future are in a unique position to embrace new technology-driven modes of work," continued Thierry. "Quorum is uniquely positioned to help universities such as Texas Tech provide their students modern, web-based software for practical learning, whether that happens in a classroom or remotely." Led by assistant professor Jeremy Martin, J.D., Texas Tech began exploring land management software as an opportunity to enhance hands-on learning, a cornerstone of the Energy Commerce program. As oil and gas software evolves towards digital transformation, there is a clear opportunity for Quorum to collaborate with one of the leading energy education programs to gather feedback from the next generation of land professionals. "Technology continues to advance, and I know from prior experience that software can make life easier in land management," said Jeremy Martin, Texas Tech. "During my time working as a land professional in Oil and Gas, I had seen Quorum's land software at times and really liked the ease of use and intuitiveness. I knew Quorum would be a great fit for our students, and that they have unique technology perspectives to share in return." myQuorum Land Management Software incorporates two decades of experience, market feedback, and best practices from 100+ implementations into a single, integrated solution for the energy industry. The industry-leading software supports companies of all sizes, including 80 percent of the largest oil and gas companies in the United States. It combines mobile lease acquisition, web-based lease management, and integrated GIS mapping in one solution. For more information on myQuorum Land, visit www.quorumsoftware.com/products/land-management. About Quorum Software Quorum Software offers an industry-leading portfolio of finance, operations, and accounting solutions that empower our customers to streamline operations that drive growth and profitability across the energy value chain. From supermajors to startups, from the wellhead to the city gate, energy businesses rely on Quorum. Designed for digital transformation, the myQuorum software platform delivers open standards, mobile-first design and cloud technologies to drive innovation. We're helping visionary leaders transform their companies into modern energy workplaces. For more information, visit www.quorumsoftware.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005433/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] SOUTHWICK Selectmen did not mince words Tuesday after learning police had shut down a Connecticut-based food truck for illegally selling beer in the parking lot of the former Cove restaurant on Point Grove Road. I think everybody should have known better, said Board of Selectmen Russell S. Fox. Theres no excuse for this happening especially during this pandemic when lives are at risk. Lt. Robert Landis reported to selectmen during a board meeting Tuesday evening that police were called May 4 to investigate beer being sold from a food truck in The Cove parking lot. The food truck is registered in Connecticut and owned by Z Catering, which is affiliated with Wok on Water, the former Louis Bs. Wok on Water is co-owned by Jennifer Nolasco and Zhen Gao. It did not have a permit to operate in Southwick, officials said. Fox warned the food truck owners that it better not happen again. Youre not following laws. I dont know where the alcohol came from. Hopefully, this is the last mistake. If we have another issue it will be extremely painful, he said. When the police approached the truck, it was being operated by co-owner Kristen Garica of Granby, Conn. Landis said that when officers asked if she had permits to be operating, Garcia responded that she had a food permit for the truck issued by the state of Connecticut, and the alcohol was being sold under the current Cove liquor license. Garcia also identified herself to police as a business partner with Nolasco. Nolasco called the incident a miscommunication and told the board she was under the impression the liquor license owned by The Cove was transferable to the truck. We are very sorry, she said. We were just trying to make some money during the coronavirus. We didnt think we were doing anything wrong. We thought we were making it easier on all parties. Selectmen Doug Moglin and Joseph Deedy shared Foxs frustration. Each said Nolasco should have known that selling beer from a food truck in the parking lot was not permissible. We take alcohol licensing very seriously here in Southwick, Moglin said. The Cove license did not include the parking lot Thats not going to fly. The Coves liquor license is not currently active while the building is under construction. It is owned by Anthony Liquori and Martino DiBenedetto. Gao and the two Cove owners had a draft of a lease agreement. Town officials said Wok on Water does not yet have a liquor license as it is in process of being transferred from the former Louie Bs to Wok on Water. Fox also noted that none of the parties had been issued a food permit from the Board of Health. Turnout was light for the Tuesday Primary Election lighter than normal due to a new increased ability to vote by mail but there were still some intrepid electors out at the polls. Thats my right, said Vera Okyne, casting her ballot at Upper Darby High School Tuesday morning. Theres a lot of things that I need to see change and I believe that whoever I vote for today is going to bring (forward) those things that I really want to see. Another voter at Upper Darby, who gave only the initials Y.P., likewise said the right to cast a ballot was important, though he wasnt particularly interested in any one candidate. My people told me to go out and vote, said Y.P., 18, who cast his first ballot Tuesday. If its helping to get better, Ill do it. It aint really that hard to vote. I feel like everybody should do it if they can. Most of those interviewed Tuesday were not worried about COVID-19, including Tom George of Springfield, who dubbed those fears bull-. Hey, flu, you got all kinds of s going on, said George, 74. I had polio, I went through all the other stuff that hits this world. You know what? Theyre making a big thing of nothing. What did they say one million people were going to die? And now theyre making a big deal about the president making a statement about 100,000 Its a shame people died, but you know what? Thats what its all about. Youre born, you die. End of story. As a Republican, George did not have many contested races on the ballot this year, but said he was happy to vote for Bob Smythe to take on freshman state Rep. Jennifer OMara in the 165th Legislative District. George was a bit disappointed he had to do so by paper ballot, however. Fellow Republicans Darlene and Bill Lipke were also casting their ballots at the Springfield Township Municipal Building, but expressed trepidation about their votes actually making it into the system. Im afraid theyre going to tear it up, said Darlene Lipke, 61. Theres so much corruption, I dont know whos going to be biased as far as will my vote actually get where its supposed to be? I dont believe anybodys going to really believe the outcome of any election, whether this one or the major one in November, theres always going to be someone whos going to call foul, said Bill Lipke, 59. But I believe in what I believe in, Im voting Republican and giving God the rest. Steve Gronlie, judge of elections for Springfield 1-1, agreed it was not an ideal system. If he wanted to, he said, he could open the ballot box with a key around his neck, dump half the paper ballots and no one would be the wiser. In past elections, he noted the table number and machine number had to match up. Without that check, Gronlie said it throws the whole process into question. Ive been doing this almost 20 years and this is the worst election Ive ever been in, he said. If (I was a candidate and) I lost, I would say I want a recount, and how are they going to do that? At the Darby Township School, JoAnne Baxter said she was voting Democrat because there are a lot of issues going on right now that she hoped to impact with her selections. Baxter, who works in child welfare, said she knows a lot of police and has an affinity for them. She was concerned about the looting going on across the country as civil unrest has sparked numerous clashes between law enforcement and protestors nationwide. I am totally against the message of President Trump and the Republican Party always covering up for him, she said. So I am a Democrat and Im going to vote Democratic. Another woman voting at the Darby Township School said she was voting Republican to get the Democrats out of everything because theyve ruined the country. They should all croak for what theyre doing to this president and this country, said the woman, who declined to be identified. Its a disgrace. Fellow Republican Michele Buck, casting her ballot at Westbrook Park Elementary School, was less shy about giving her name or why she was voting. To not have Donald Trump as my Republican president, said Buck. I vote with my head, not a straight party ticket Nobodys happy with whats going on in the world right now and I dont like the way hes handled things. Buck said she did not know who else was running locally because she couldnt find a ballot online and she received no mailers this year. Normally I get inundated, but maybe theyre saving it up for the real election, she said. Maybe they think hes got a lock. Did they not see how the county voted last time? A man who identified himself only as Zach cheered Buck on for her comments. Zach, a Democrat, said he was a pro-Biden guy who also supports U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5 of Swarthmore. Ive had enough of this character in the White House. Hes mentally deranged, said Zach. I dont agree with him, period. You cant trust a word that comes out of Washington with him in power. He lies and the other people swear by it. A decidedly non-Biden guy but still a Democrat, Philip Ross said he was coming out Tuesday to perform his civic duty, but he was not happy that there was already a presumptive nominee at the top of his ballot. Im going to vote my choice, regardless of the presumptive nominee, he said outside the Springfield Township Municipal Building. (Biden) probably would have been my eighth or ninth choice in the field of 12. So Im looking at what is likely another Electoral College win for our president. And I say our president because Im not a fan of not my president. Thats ridiculous. Im a citizen of the United States. Donald Trump is my president. I just dont like it. Most polling places visited Tuesday reported that at least a few provisional ballots had been cast in each district as people who had hoped to do a mail-in either received one too late or did not receive one at all. A ballot box set up inside the lobby of the Government Center in Media saw a steady stream of those who wanted to bring their mail-in ballot straight to the source rather than risk mailing them or casting them at consolidated polling places. I was worried it wouldnt get here in time, said Kim Martinelli of Broomall, who stopped by the Government Center Tuesday afternoon. I wanted to make sure I personally dropped it off so it was here. I was a little disappointed in how long it took, said Dave Herrick of Media. I just got mine Thursday of last week and I applied to have it sent months ago. I dont understand the delay, because you see all the people who have to come put it in at the last minute. The county was expected to start posting results Tuesday night, though with the deadline to get mail-in ballots to the county extended by one week, vote totals will not be complete for some time. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ghana, Mr Sungsoo Kim, has expressed admiration at Ghanas recovery rate of the coronavirus (COVID-19), urging the citizenry to keep to all outlined safety protocols. Despite the increasing number of cases in Ghana, the recovery rate is showing a promising trend and we should all play our individual role to reduce the community transmission. Please keep physical distancing, wear your mask and wash or sanitise your hands in order to protect our loved ones and neighbours, he advised. Mr Kim made the observation in Accra when he handed over sanitary and food items worth $50,000 to the government for onward distribution to Zongo and marginalised Muslim communities in the Greater Accra Region. The donation, facilitated through the Korea International Cooperation Agencys (KOICA) World Friends Korea (WFK) programme, is expected to benefit some 325 households and 1,300 individuals in Zongo communities across the region in alleviating the socio-economic impact COVID-19 had brought on them. The items donated included disposable and reusable masks, hand sanitisers, veronica buckets, bars of soap, detergents, paper towels, boxes of sugar, bags of rice, cartons of cooking oil and chocolate drinks. The Ambassador who used the opportunity to congratulate Muslims in the country on a successful Ramadan in the face of the pandemic expressed his governments support to Ghanas COVID-19 response initiatives while committing to the bilateral relationship existing between both countries. We hope this support comes timely to help the beneficiaries to ease some of the burdens due to the economic impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic while also helping the communities to adhere to the prescribed guidelines in battling the virus transmission, he stated. Mr Kim noted that the Korean government through KOICA was re-aligning its current developmental projects in Ghana and sourcing new funds for in-kind support as part of its contribution to the fight against the pandemic. Although the partial lockdown has been lifted, many businesses, especially the informal sector, have been severely affected and the effect trickles down to the vulnerable and disabled who depend on their day-to-day income and we hope our approach will be helpful to beneficiaries. Throwing more light on KOICAs new interventions, Country Director, Yukyum Kim, pointed out that the Agency was partnering with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to re-programme some capacity building activities and re-allocate budget to support COVID-19 related interventions under its Improving Community-based Primary Healthcare through CHPS Strengthening (CHPS+) project in the Upper East region. The Tamale Infectious Disease Treatment Centre (IDTC) which was built by KOICA to boost public health emergency response is also currently supporting management of COVID-19 cases in Northern Ghana. KOICA is also in discussions with the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Tamale Teaching Hospital under its Global Health Security Agenda Project to equip and build capacity at Tamale-IDTC within the project scheme, he disclosed. Minister of State at the Office of the Vice President, Mr Abubakar Saddique Boniface whose constituency, La Nkwantanang-Madina, is expected to greatly benefit from the donation in receiving the items, thanked the Korean government for coming to the aid of Muslim communities. This pandemic has brought a huge burden on persons living in the Zongos who are mostly vulnerable. In my case, for instance, about 70 per cent of my constituency are Muslim communities and they have really suffered the brunt of this pandemic. Mr Boniface assured that the items would be evenly distributed and hoped the gesture goes a long way to strengthen the bond between Ghana and Korea. Source: 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 A Wounded Nation: Why We Cant Give Up in the Fight for Justice As our fellow Californians and Americans protest across our country, we must not lose sight of why they are protesting. Its because of a deep pain that we recognize all too well. The pain of not confronting a dark history that has spanned the life of our country. The pain of recognizing our fathers, uncles, brothers, mothers, sisters, and aunts in the faces of so many Black men and women who were taken from us because of racism and violence. Along with that pain is the exhaustion. Exhaustion because what we are experiencing is sadly not new. Many of us are old enough to remember when Rodney King was brutally beaten by police in Los Angeles nearly 30 years ago. The pain and the anger from those days are still fresh in our minds. I was proud to stand with protestors marching outside the White House in Washington, D.C. As we marched, I was heartened by how many peoplefrom all races, ethnicities, and walks of lifejoined our rallying cry that enough is enough. Enough with excessive force at the hands of police officers who took an oath to protect and serve our communities. Enough with being treated as less than human. Enough of living in fear that someone we love could be next. ADVERTISEMENT As we marched, I also thought of the moment a Black mother meets her baby and holds their body for the first time. She is met with overwhelming feelings of joy, but also the fear that one day her child could be seen as a threat simply for living. For jogging. For being in his or her apartment. For listening to music. That some could seek to do her child harm. That one day her child could be the next Emmett Till, Rodney King, George Floyd, Kalief Browder, Jordan Davis, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Philando Castille, Ezell Ford, Sandra Bland, Laquan McDonald, Tamir Rice, Alton Sterling, Freddie Grey, Sean Reed, or countless others. Americas wounds, our wounds, are raw. They are on full display for everyone to see. And they are deepened by Trumps inability to show empathy and understanding. They are deepened by law enforcement using tear gas in the middle of a pandemic from a respiratory illness. They are deepened by the problem of protests against excessive force being met with more excessive force. Let me be clear: we cannot lose sight of the fight. I share in our communitys sadness, anger, and pain. But we must stay in the fight. We need an America that lives up to the ideals of Equal Justice Under Law. Our future depends on it. Thats why Im working alongside Senator Cory Booker on legislation in the Senate to address police brutality at the federal level. Its time for a national standard on the use of force. Instead of states using a patchwork of reasonable force standards, we need a higher threshold by making officers prove that they used the least amount of force and that the force was necessary with no other alternatives available. That includes getting rid of things like chokeholds and carotid holds that stop vital blood flow. And if we are going to keep police truly accountable, we must ensure that conflicted district attorneys offices, which interact with police on a daily basis, cant investigate their colleagues when they are involved in a killing. We also need to bring back the Obama-era policies of using pattern and practice investigations and consent decrees whenever needed, which allow bad police departments to be rooted out. These solutions are practical. And with people speaking their truth across the country, we hopefully will get the political will needed to enact these solutions. Our country can no longer accept the status quo where Black people are treated as less than human. Where we have two systems of justice one for the privileged and one for everyone else. And where leaders fail to make changes that honor our humanity. With so many people lifting their voices and taking a stand against hatred and racism, we must make meaningful change. A lifelong public safety and civil rights leader, U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris was the first African-American and first woman to serve as Attorney General of California, and the second African-American woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate in history. Snapchat will no longer promote President Donald Trump's account in the curated "Discover" tab on the social media app, the company said Wednesday, following a week of showdowns between the president and social media companies. The president's account, realdonaldtrump, will still be live on the app, and people can still search and subscribe to it. But it won't show up in the tab that suggests new stories to watch or new people to follow. "We will not amplify voices who incite racial violence and injustice by giving them free promotion on Discover," Snap spokesperson Rachel Racusen said. "Racial violence and injustice have no place in our society and we stand together with all who seek peace, love, equality, and justice in America." Snapchat, a social media app to share disappearing photos, videos and time-limited "stories," is especially popular with Millennial and younger generation users. It has 229 million daily active users, it said in its first quarter financial results, even bigger than Twitter's 166 million daily active users. Trump's Snapchat account appears to post mainly videos of supporters and news clips of his activities. His current story on the app is a favorable broadcast of his walk from the White House to a nearby church. That appearance has received widespread backlash after protesters were cleared from Lafayette Park just before his walk using tear gas. Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, made the decision over the weekend after a week of protests engulfed the country, and Trump's comments provoked social media company Twitter to slap a warning label on several of his tweets. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Twitter first added a fact-check label to two of Trump's tweets where he made unsubstantiated claims that mail-in ballots are fraudulent. Later last week, Twitter labeled and limited the spread of a Trump and White House tweet for "glorifying violence." "These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen," Trump tweeted last Friday, adding, "Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Trump retaliated against the fact-check labels by signing an executive order that seeks to change a law that has been core to social media's success. The law, Section 230, protects tech companies from being held liable for the vast majority of posts their users put on their sites. Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday defended the company's decision to keep Trump's similar posts up on its social media network. That's prompted significant backlash from users who called for people to "delete Facebook" and has prompted employees to speak up and even resign in opposition to the company's decision. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel addressed the country's protests and social media's place in a lengthy memo to employees this weekend. "We may continue to allow divisive people to maintain an account on Snapchat, as long as the content that is published on Snapchat is consistent with our community guidelines, but we will not promote that account or content in any way," Spiegel wrote Sunday, without mentioning the president by name. "We will make it clear with our actions that there is no grey area when it comes to racism, violence, and injustice - and we will not promote it, nor those who support it, on our platform." Wife-killer Anton Mulder walks in Dublin city centre after his recent release from jail. One of Ireland's most notorious wife-killers has been photographed for the first time since his release from prison. Our photo shows Anton Mulder (60) coming out of a bargain store on Talbot Street after buying a backpack. It followed a lengthy stroll through the north inner city which started at the apartment he has been living in for at least a fortnight. He had spent well over an hour strolling in the sun yesterday before buying the bag. Sources say Mulder, who strangled wife Colleen Suzanne Mulder at their home in Duns- hauglin, Co Meath, shortly before Christmas 2004, was released from prison on licence over two months ago. It is understood that he had been serving his time in Shelton Abbey Prison in the months before his release in mid-March. He had been locked up since February 2005. Mulder has been released on licence because he was given a life sentence, meaning that he can be sent back to jail again if he breaks any laws. Bedroom The killer is a former South African traffic cop and his slain wife, a native of Bangor, Co Down, was found dead in an upstairs bedroom of the house they were renting on December 17, 2004. She was wearing pyjamas and had been strangled. During his two trials for her murder, the court heard that Mulder had told a colleague it would be easy to kill his wife in Ireland as he would only be sentenced to a few years for manslaughter. However, he served 15 years and two months for her murder. He had previously been found guilty of murder after a five-day trial in May 2006 but this verdict was later overturned by the Court of Criminal Appeal, which ordered a retrial. It gave the reason for the retrial as inappropriate interaction with the jury by Ms Mulder's brother William Pollock, who was banned from attending the next case. However, after the retrial, a jury convicted him by a majority of 10 to two of the shocking murder, in January 2008. Mulder had met his wife in South Africa but they came to Ireland with their family for economic reasons and he found work with Kentucky Fried Chicken. Miscarriage By 2002 he had been promoted to regional manager for Dublin and the family moved to a rented house in Dunshaughlin. By this time, the couple had six children. Ms Mulder worked part-time for Kentucky Fried Chicken, as did the two eldest children, Clinton and Christopher. In July 2004, Ms Mulder suffered a miscarriage and the marriage started to deteriorate. She became depressed and the couple started sleeping in separate bedrooms. Their eldest son, Clinton, said there were frequent rows, often about the custody of the younger children. He said he had never seen his father hit his mother but "she was scared of him". The jury also heard that Mulder had told a South African friend of his, Andries Loubser: "I am going to kill her. In this country it's easy. Five or six years' jail and I'm still young when I'm out then." To the Editor: Im always impressed by Roxane Gays impassioned and eloquent writing, but in Remember, No Ones Coming to Save Us (Sunday Review, May 31) she goes somewhat astray when she impugns white people for their capacity to fret over the destruction of property when citizens of color are being abused and killed in acts of systemic racism. Certainly, one cant compare the value of money or property with that of a human life. Even so, is it appropriate to dismiss the looting and torching of a merchants business when that merchant had nothing to do with the murder in question, especially when the owner of that business is a person of color himself or herself? If violence is emerging out of indigence and injustice, how does it help anyone (the murder victim included) to deprive another innocent victim of the savings and livelihood on which he or she has relied? The anger behind the recent demonstrations is absolutely justified, and yet the violence, especially when directed against those not responsible for the crime that precipitated them, can at best be rationalized but never excused. Stuart Freeman Brooklyn To the Editor: Im pained that The Times and other media continue to present the looters who have pillaged SoHo and Herald Square in New York City as a rogue element of those who are protesting George Floyds very public murder. He had the sense to recognize that a vast majority of demonstrators wanted what he wanted, a better city. And he clearly saw that the responsibility of the police was not to abridge but to safeguard the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech, assembly, the press and religion. In many places, the country is experiencing a communal breakdown so complete that mayors have thrown up their hands and ordered curfews or called in the National Guard. Unable to maintain urban life, they have tried to suspend it, just as they had done in response to the spread of the coronavirus. Healing the wounds ripped open in recent days and months will not be easy. The pandemic has made Americans fearful of their neighbors, cut them off from their communities of faith, shut their outlets for exercise and recreation and culture and learning. Worst of all, it has separated Americans from their own livelihoods. Fear of the police has further separated communities from those sworn to protect their rights. President Trump, who tends to see only political opportunity in public fear and anger, is in his customary manner contributing heat rather than light to the confrontations between protesters and authority. In the absence of national leadership, it is all the more vital that mayors and governors affirm the rules that ought to govern American society. The nation is founded on the freedom of speech and particularly the right to gather in protest against the government. Politicians must hold the police accountable for protecting the rights of everyone they are sworn to protect and serve. In the same vein, city and state leaders should pursue the reopening of houses of worship in consultation with public health authorities. Particularly in this agonizing time, many Americans want to turn to their communities of faith for support. And religious leaders have often been at the forefront of nonviolent social change. Makeup artists have been slammed for painting their faces with slogans and optical illusion looks to resemble being choked in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Protests have erupted in recent days after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, who died after former officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck while he was handcuffed for eight minutes, rendering him unable to breathe. After receiving a furious backlash on social media, some have removed their photos - including an Austrian teenage influencer who issued an apology after being accused of using blackface in her post. Ashley Richter ,who lives in Minneapolis also used makeup to write the slogans such as Justice 4 George Floyd across her lips and painted a fist on one cheek. Elsewhere, Patrick Carmona who lives in Germany, used beauty products to darken one side of his face and decorated it with silver jewels. Social media users have taken to Twitter to debate the viral trend of beauty influencers using makeup to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Pictured: Ashley Richter who lives in Minneapolis, with George Floyd's last words written across her face Many makeup enthusiasts have used the words George Floyd spoke before he was killed in Minneapolis on May 25 for their work. Pictured: A woman who used makeup to create the illusion of being strangled A beauty influencer who lives in Austria (pictured), was forced to issue a lengthy apology on Instagram after being accused of blackface Austria-based TikTok user who posts under the handle 'catharinas_beauty', was forced to apologise for blackface after sharing a clip darkening one side of her face. The 16-year-old removed the clip, which was paired with the song This Is America by Childish Gambino and wrote a lengthy apology on Instagram. Appealing for her 3,000 followers forgiveness, she wrote: 'I didn't meant it like that and you know that. But you guys still wish me death, only because I wanted to do a good thing and made a mistake? 'I'm only a child, and you are adult, you have to know better. I didn't research before I made this look, I should have done that I know. I'M SORRY, I HOPE YOU CAN FORGIVE ME.' The apology sparked a heated discussion, as some argued that influencers are trying to help the movement and shouldn't be condemned. A YouTuber from Sheffield, accused make-up artists of using the Black Lives Matter movement to increase their following One influencer wrote George Floyd's final words across her lips, along with the hashtag #BLM. Pictured: Sandra Prieto who lives in Chicago, wrote George Floyd's last words across her lips A debate begun on Twitter, after one user accused white people of sparking the viral trend of using makeup to support the movement. Pictured: A selection of influencers who used makeup to support BML, as rounded up by a man from America Sharing examples spotted on Instagram, a Twitter user wrote: 'What is up with you white b******, man?' Many responses to the post agreed that George Floyd's dying words shouldn't be used for a beauty trend. One person wrote: 'Why do they think this is activism? This does nothing to help.' 'Literally using someone's LAST WORDS as their makeup aesthetic. This makes me sick I can't believe people are like this,' said another. A third added: 'Imagine seeing a video of a man begging for his life and thinking, "This would be a good makeup look''?'. Beauty guru Patrick Carmona had his photograph shared on Twitter by a user arguing that the trend is ignorant. Pictured: Patrick Carmona who lives in Germany, used makeup to darken one side of his face A stream of responses to the viral debate argued makeup artists shouldn't be proud to use George Floyd's last words for a beauty trend Others argued using makeup to spread awareness shouldn't be viewed as different to any other creative outlet. 'I know it may be corny of whatever, but you can't tell everybody to spread awareness then when they do it you get mad. This is why people don't want to say s***. They could have chose not to do ANYTHING. This was their way of spreading awareness. Take it or leave it,' wrote one. Another said: 'It's no different than someone making a song about police brutality. They're using their platform *being makeup* to spread awareness which is what we all want. People to bring awareness to these issues. It's not traditional, but at least they're speaking on it.' A third added: 'Makeup is art and I personally hold the belied that this is no different to paint on a canvas etc. They're doing what they can to raise awareness and the only reason I can think for this being tone deaf is because it's on a face. It's not an aesthetic just because it's makeup.' Amelie Zilber had her clip shared on Twitter by a user questioning if the trend is trivialising the Black Lives Matter message. Pictured: Amelie Zilber from the United States, illustrated a clenched fist on her cheek Lupin signs distribution agreements in key EU territories for orphan drug NaMuscla Enables expanded patient access of rare disease medicine to treat myotonia symptoms in non-dystrophic myotonic disorders in three key territories Zug, Switzerland, 3 June: Lupin is pleased to announce that it has entered into distribution agreements with three companies for its orphan drug NaMuscla (mexiletine). Exeltis Healthcare S.L, Cresco Pharma B.V and Macure Pharma ApS will commercialize NaMuscula for the symptomatic treatment of myotonia in adults with non-dystrophic myotonic (NDM) disorders in certain EU territories. NaMuscula is the first and only licensed product for this indication. NDM disorders are a group of rare, inherited neuromuscular disorders which cause the inability to relax muscles following voluntary contraction. NaMuscla reduces myotonia symptoms in adult patients, resulting in a significant improvement in patient quality-of-life and other functional and clinical outcomes1. NaMuscla, which has been designated orphan drug status, received EU marketing authorization in December 2018. Under the agreements announced today, Exeltis Healthcare S.L will commercialize NaMuscla in Spain and Portugal, Cresco Pharma B.V will commercialize NaMuscla in the Netherlands and Macure Pharma ApS in the Nordic countries. Lupin will continue commercialization of NaMuscula in Germany and UK and will launch the product in Austria and France later this year. "These distribution agreements represent an important milestone for Lupin as we roll out commercialization of NaMuscla across Europe. Collaborating with partners that are highly effective in their focus territories ensures patients will receive the drug in as effective manner as possible," said Thierry Volle, President EMEA, Lupin. "Lupin is committed to addressing the unmet needs of patients with NDM through the establishment of country-specific solutions and to ensuring patient access across Europe in alignment with national health authorities, healthcare providers and patient advocacy groups." Today, more than 7,500 people in Europe2,3,4 living with NDM have limited access to a licensed treatment for myotonia that can reduce the daily burden of this disabling, lifelong symptom. Limited access leads to inconsistent medication supply, administrative challenges and associated financial burdens, which, along with low awareness and limited clinical experience among healthcare professionals due to rare nature of disease, may result in significant harm to patients5. Lupin recently obtained approvals to begin a paediatric trial as part of the paediatric investigation plan for NaMuscla and a post authorisation [safety] study to address long-term safety and treatment efficaciousness on patient reported outcomes. Both trials will begin later this year. For further information or queries please contact: Consilium Strategic Communications Amber Fennell / Sukaina Virji / Lizzie Seeley Tel: +44 Notes for Editors About Myotonic Disorders and Non-Dystrophic Myotonic (NDM) Disorders Myotonic disorders are a group of heterogeneous, inherited, neuromuscular disorders characterized by a shared symptom called myotonia. Myotonia can be described as an inability to relax a contraction of skeletal muscle which originates from a voluntary muscular contraction such as shaking someone's hand and blinking, or everyday activities such as walking across a street and climbing stairs. Non-dystrophic myotonias (NDM) are a sub-set of rare (prevalence of 1:100,0004), inherited, myotonic disorders which are caused by mutations within ion channels in the sarcolemma membrane of skeletal muscles. Non-dystrophic myotonias exhibit both sodium and chloride channelopathies which result in altered membrane excitability. For patients with NDM, myotonia is the most prominent symptom and demonstrates different phenotypes in subgroups of NDM disorders, and can affect different parts of the body, such as legs, arms or facial muscles, more severely. Myotonia in NDM patients has an onset in childhood and persists across their lifetime. Patients perceive that myotonia increases in severity over time, impacting daily life. Myotonia is described by patients in a variety of ways (stiffness, cramps, pain, difficulty releasing a fist, or difficulty swallowing or eating) which can contribute to substantial delays in diagnosis and treatment, leading to decreased patient quality-of-life and often significant disability. About NaMuscla (mexiletine) NaMuscla is the first and only antimyotonic agent licensed to treat symptomatic myotonia in adults with non-dystrophic myotonic disorders across Europe. In randomized controlled trials, NaMuscla (167 to 500 mg/day) has been shown to significantly reduce myotonia compared to placebo, reducing skeletal muscle hyperexcitability through its use-dependent, voltage-gated, sodium channel blocking actions which are independent of the cause of channel function. This resulted in an improvement in patient quality-of-life and other functional outcomes, with gastro-intestinal discomfort reported as the most common adverse event, demonstrating NaMuscla to be safe and well tolerated1. About Lupin Limited Lupin is an innovation-led transnational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai, India. The Company develops and commercializes a wide range of branded and generic formulations, biotechnology products and APIs in over 100 markets in the U.S., India, South Africa and across Asia Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), Europe and Middle-East regions. The Company enjoys leadership positions in the cardiovascular, anti-diabetic, and respiratory segments and has significant presence in the anti-infective, gastro-intestinal (GI), central nervous system (CNS) and women's health areas. Lupin is the third largest pharmaceutical company in the U.S. by prescriptions and in India by global revenues. The Company invests 9.6 % of its revenues on research and development. Lupin has fifteen manufacturing sites, seven research centers, more than 20,000 professionals working globally, and has been consistently recognized as a 'Great Place to Work' in the Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals sector. Please visit www.lupin.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook About Exeltis Healthcare S.L Exeltis is a fast-growing division of the integrated health sciences group Insud Pharma. With a global footprint spanning over 40 countries, Exeltis has a team of more than 4,000 professionals supported by a global manufacturing network. It boasts a leadership position in the Women's Health segment, and in recent years, Exeltis has also diversified into Central Nervous System (CNS), Ophthalmology and Endocrinology. Exeltis is constantly innovating and seeking new treatments and devices to improve patients health and wellbeing around the world. About Cresco Pharma B.V Cresco Pharma B.V. is a privately owned Dutch pharmaceutical company founded in 2008. The company is headquartered in Meerssen, the Netherlands. Cresco commercializes a range of products for the treatment of severe chronic patients. The company is focusing on the commercialization of respiratory products and neurology products. The mission is to improve care for patients by the distribution of best in class products and services. The company is key player in distributing combinations of inhaled antibiotics with fast nebulizer systems to contribute to improved patient adherence. Also in the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease, the company recently introduced a next generation of drug and pump therapy. Cresco Pharma is managed by an experience board of directors and has small dedicated team with focused on caregivers in hospitals. About Macure Pharma ApS Macure Pharma is a rapidly growing, Nordic specialty company focused on niche pharmaceuticals. The company's head office is in Copenhagen, Denmark. Macure Pharma has a full presence in each of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, Finland & Sweden) with separate warehousing, distribution & sales force in each market. Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Baba Tela, has tested positive for COVID-19, The PUNCH reports. The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Bauchi State governor, Muhktar Gidado, stated this in a media statement made available to journalists in Bauchi on Wednesday. He said the confirmation was sequel to a test carried out on him by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control when he exhibited noticeable symptoms of the disease. Gidado said the deputy governor, who is also the Chairman of the Bauchi State Task Force on COVID-19 and Lassa Fever, had since gone into self-isolation. He said, This is to inform the general public that His Excellency, Sen. Baba Tela, Deputy Governor of Bauchi State who is also the Chairman, State Task Force on COVID-19 was confirmed positive for coronavirus. He contracted the disease while discharging his onerous responsibility as Chairman of the Committee. Consequently, His Excellency, Baba Tela has gone into self-isolation in Bauchi and health professionals are properly managing his situation. The governors media aide said the samples of all his primary contacts have been taken by the NCDC for testing and are advised to remain in isolation pending the outcome of their results. He said the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has solicited prayers for his deputy and other COVID-19 patients speedy recovery. The governor also calls on the citizens to adhere strictly to the protocols against the dreaded virus to curtail its spread in the state, he said. The post Bauchi Deputy Governor Tests Positive For COVID-19 appeared first on . Share this post with your Friends on A black Chilean stray dog has again become a talking point as protests across the United States continue over the death of a black man in police custody. El Negro Matapacos, the black Chilean dog, has lately become a symbol of protests who, in 2011, started showing up at demonstrations in Chile and turned aggressive against police. He hated the water canons, but he never retreated. He barked and thrashed and gnashed his teeth. Because he was brave. pic.twitter.com/Mh6NRngC6S Respectable Lawyer (@RespectableLaw) May 31, 2020 The heroic Chilean dog fiercely protected protesters and attacked security personnel if they tried to disperse the crowd by force. For his hostile and aggressive stance against police officials during protests, the dog was named El Negro Matapacos or The Black Cop Killer. El Negro Matapacos died in 2019 but not before becoming the symbol of resistance. And he was always there to back up his friends. pic.twitter.com/1RlHNOg0LI Respectable Lawyer (@RespectableLaw) May 31, 2020 Read: Hundreds Of Migrants In Chile Wait To Return Home Protests in Chile In 2019, Chilean citizens took to streets demanding improved services with social and economic equality. The weeks-long demonstrations turned violent over a period of time and claimed several lives. The protests started against a hike in subway fares which soon took a massive form demanding a broad range of changes. He understood solidarity. He understood who the violent thugs were. And he was just a dog. pic.twitter.com/lXhznwkqyU Respectable Lawyer (@RespectableLaw) May 31, 2020 On November 26, Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Chiles national police of committing serious human rights violations including the use of excessive force on the people in the streets and abuses in detention. The face of the Chilean dog which had fought valiantly against the police in the past was spray-painted onto the side of buildings and printed on t-shirts during the protests. The heroic protest has again become relevant as Black Lives Matter matter got rejuvenated after the custodial death of George Floyd and protests flared across the United States. Read: Chile President Sebastian Pinera Tours COVID-19 Field Hospital If anyone wonders about the veracity of the biblical accounts about Adam and Eve, Noah and the Ark, Abraham and Lot, Isaiah in heaven, Jonah in the great fish all we have to do is see what Jesus said. Thats right, Jesus emphatically knew all of these biblical accounts were true. After all, Hes Gods Son, the One who walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day, who spoke with Noah, who visited Abraham, who revealed His glory to Isaiah in heaven, and who sent Jonah to Nineveh twice. In other words, the childrens Sunday school Bible stories are true. This includes another Bible story Jesus spoke about in His first recorded sermon. He was preaching in His hometown synagogue. Partway through His sermon, Jesus said: And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed only Naaman the Syrian (Luke 4:27). Elisha the prophet? He was Elijahs apprentice. Only the apprentice asked for a double portion of the Spirit and ended up doing twice as many miracles as Elijah. Perhaps the most spectacular miracle of all? Well, Jesus mentions it by name. The Significance of Naaman the Syrian in the Bible Naaman was the military commander of the dreaded Syrian army (2 Kings 5:1). He was personally responsible for pillaging and destroying Jewish cities and towns. The most hated man in all of Israel. Among his trophies, Naaman the Syrian had captured a young Jewish girl and brought her home to be his wifes slave (2 Kings 5:2). How will this little girl get even? Well, she doesnt. Instead, when Naaman contracts leprosy, the second greatest man in Syria is at risk of losing everything and dying. Until the Jewish slave girl speaks up. She tells her master about an Israelite prophet who can heal his horrific skin disease (2 Kings 5:3). Depending on where the Jewish girl lived, she may or may not have seen and heard of Elisha. Then again, she certainly knew about the amazing miracles the Lord did through Elisha. And, she was absolutely certain that the Lord God, Maker of heaven and earth, the only true God, could cure her masters leprosy. So sure is she that Naaman believes her and repeats what she said to the king of Syria (2 Kings 5:4). Even more remarkable? The king believes the girls story and sends Naaman off to the king of Israel with vast riches (2 Kings 5:5). Its unclear whether the king donates the vast riches or if Naaman takes them from his treasure house. Both were astoundingly wealthy, and whats a few million dollars? Naaman delivers the Syrian kings letter to the king of Israel (2 Kings 5:6). The Israel king freaks out (2 Kings 5:7). Elisha tells him to quit and send Syrias top military commander to him (2 Kings 5:8). Naaman arrives at Elishas doorstep (2 Kings 5:9). This is where the plot thickens. Instead of inviting Naaman into his courtyard, Elisha sends someone outside to tell the Syrian to go wash in the Jordan River seven times (2 Kings 5:10). Naaman storms away, greatly insulted and absolutely furious and raging (2 Kings 5:11-12). Surprisingly, Naaman doesnt slaughter Elishas household and burn the place down, but somebody is going to pay dearly that day. Under threat of instant death, one of Naamans men begs him to reconsider (2 Kings 5:13). We have no idea who this man is. Just that he works for Naaman. And, like the little Jewish girl, he cares about the military commanders healing. Naaman calms down, goes to the Jordan River, dips seven times, and yes, is healed (2 Kings 5:14). And not just barely healed. His skin is as fresh, new, and soft as a little childs skin. And his heart is fresh, new, and soft as well. Listen to Naamans astounding confession of faith to Elisha: Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel (2 Kings 5:15). When he believed in the true God, Naaman did what Israel didnt. As a light to her Gentile master, the Jewish slave girl was what Israel wasnt. Thats Rob Heijermans, author of Serves You Right: Loving Those Wed Rather Hate. Its the first full-length book about Naaman the Syrian in more than a century. God's Extended Mercy So, what point was Jesus making when He referred to this story? God extends His mercy to His worst enemies and to ours, says Heijermans. That idea was radical enough to cause the synagogue crowd to instantly riot, drive Jesus to a nearby cliff, and try to toss the Messiah to His death. In other words, God extends mercy to us we relish that. God extends mercy to our worst enemies we rage against that. So, who needs to change? God? Or us? The human heart loves to hate with a fierce passion. We feed off that anger, wrath, and rage. We want to keep hating more and more. A little Jewish slave girl who knew the Lord God of Israels love and mercy and who demonstrated both to her cruel master shows us another way. iStock/Getty Images Plus/Rawpixel David Sanfords book and Bible projects have been published by Zondervan, Tyndale, Thomas Nelson, Doubleday, Barbour, and Amazon. His newest book is Life Map Devotional for Men published concurrently with his wife Renees new book, Life Map Devotional for Women. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. At a Pentagon news conference Wednesday morning, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said that he opposed invoking the Insurrection Act and using active-duty military forces to help calm the largely peaceful protests that have been taking place around the country. Esper's comments directly contradict President Donald Trump, who in a nationally televised speech Monday threatened to use the military to "quickly solve the problem," implicitly suggesting that he would invoke the 1807 law. Esper's comments also came after many criticized him for walking across Lafayette Square with the president and posing for a photo in front of St. John's Episcopal Church, as well as using language like "we need to dominate the battlespace" on a Monday call with governors. On Tuesday evening, James Miller, a member of the Defense Science Board, wrote to Esper a letter, published in The Washington Post, to resign his position and to urge Esper to "consider closely both your future actions and your future words." It is tempting to dismiss Esper's comments as words rather than action. He is not resigning in protest, as his recent predecessor Jim Mattis did in December 2018. However for Esper to give televised remarks from the Pentagon podium - something that is rare in this administration in normal times - is a significant development. Here's why: - - - 1. Resignation in protest is very, very rare for high officials Mattis' resignation was quite unusual. In the United States, high officials rarely resign in protest. As I wrote when Mattis resigned in December 2018, we often expect resignations in protest that do not materialize, as in the case of Colin Powell in the Iraq War. Miller's resignation is the exception that proves the rule - he was not an official directly involved in the events that he cited in his letter. There are many self-interested reasons officials do not resign, including protecting their careers, livelihoods, and loyalties. After all, presidents are likely to select advisers who are inclined to support them. Presidents also work hard to avoid resignations in protest, sometimes bargaining with their advisers over policy and making sure the advisers are just happy enough to stay onboard. The costs of resigning in protest are high, but the benefits are particularly low a highly polarized environment, where the protest part of a resignation in protest may not change many minds. Furthermore, news overload and news fatigue in the Trump era makes it hard for what would normally be big stories to break through. Why should an official resign in protest as a message if the audience isn't likely to hear what she is saying? Of course, there are other reasons resigning in protest might be considered appropriate, and Esper may yet do so. But such events are uncommon for a reason. - - - 2. Public, on-camera opposition is also rare - and this will get attention When Cabinet officials oppose the president or even resign, they more often do so in print - often anonymously (remember that anonymous op-ed writer?). Even Mattis issued his disagreement via a letter of resignation. Furthermore, Mattis disagreed with Trump over the president's decision to remove troops from Syria and Trump's antagonism toward U.S. allies. But most voters do not pay much attention to foreign policy. Esper's comments were about using U.S. troops to suppress protests - an issue far more Americans know and care about. - - - 3. Advisers can affect public and congressional opinion When advisers speak out in public, their words have consequences. In my research on the politics of the use of force, I have found that advisers are significant political actors whose statements can affect public opinion. Jim Golby, Peter Feaver and Kyle Dropp have shown that public cues from the military shape public views of using force - especially when the military opposes using force. This might not tell us about the effects of Esper's words. He is a civilian, and all this research examines using military force abroad rather than at home. That said, it is plausible that Americans are more likely to pay attention when Esper speaks out on camera, contradicting the president's stated preference to use the military on domestic soil to quell protests, than when an adviser talks about the use of force abroad (which we already know can affect public attitudes). Esper's news conference will likely get attention among members of Congress, as well. - - - 4. Esper's news conference shows how Trump (mis)manages his advisory team All presidents face internal disagreement - in fact, some presidents welcome it. However, when disagreement happens, presidents have the task of managing the internal political fallout. They want to project unity, to help generate support for their policies. As my research on presidential bargaining with elites shows, sometimes presidents have to make concessions on policy, or how policies are implemented, to get that unity. This is one reason advisers have power and most often stay in their posts. Trump does not play this bargaining game. Instead, he generates unity by demanding loyalty, and firing those who disagree with him (as may yet happen with Esper). As Jonathan Bernstein has argued, this is one of the ways Trump fails to exercise his presidential power to his own maximum advantage. By lunchtime, there were already news reports that Trump was, predictably, very unhappy with Esper's statements. Trump has fired other Cabinet officials without facing major political costs (including his first secretary of state, Rex Tillerson). But if Trump ends up firing Esper, it may have political consequences. Up to this point, Republicans in Congress have mostly been willing to line up to support Trump, in part because they fear the electoral consequences if they don't. But as Michael Tesler showed here at TMC, and Daniel W. Drezner has also argued, Trump's handling of the protests is likely to hurt rather than help him politically. It's usually a good bet that Republicans will continue to back Trump. But a public breach with the secretary of defense in the middle of a major national crisis involving the use of military force on American soil may still be a politically dangerous moment for the president. - - - Saunders, one of The Monkey Cage's senior editors, is an associate professor in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. For other analysis and commentary from The Monkey Cage, an independent blog anchored by political scientists from universities around the country, see www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage The coronavirus has prompted many medical centers to switch from in-person appointments to video visits. A new study from UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals suggests that for some hospitals, video visits may become a permanent feature of the patient-provider landscape. Prior to March 2020, all patients at the UCSF Adolescent and Young Adult Clinic received medical care through in-person visits. By the end of March, 97 percent of visits -- approximately 80 appointments per week -- were done via videoconferencing with physicians or nurse practitioners, according to the study publishing June 3, 2020, in the Journal of Adolescent Health. "This has been a complex transition because we have had to navigate the uncertain waters of parent and adolescent/young adult involvement and confidentiality," said senior author Marissa Raymond-Flesch, MD, of the UCSF Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine. "However, after the current coronavirus crisis, we expect to maintain telehealth in many areas. "Patients will be able to complete video visits from school or work, or any setting that they identify as adequately private," Raymond-Flesch said. "This is a new domain in our field, and we are excited about reducing disparities in care in underserved areas such as rural communities." The clinic serves patients ages 12 to 25, of whom three-quarters are female, from a catchment area spanning 400 miles north to the Oregon border and roughly 100 miles east to the Central Valley. Service includes both general health care and specialty care in attention and mood disorders, sexual and reproductive health, eating disorders and addictions. Virtual Waiting Rooms Protect Patient Privacy In their study, the UCSF researchers used a videoconferencing platform that was compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects the privacy of health information and security of electronic records. To prevent third-party access, they created a virtual waiting room, requiring a doctor to authorize entrance for each visitor. The visits were streamed -- like FaceTime or Google Hangouts -- rather than recorded. They also identified ways for patients to share information without risking disclosure to people within earshot, such as by using headphones and responding to sensitive questions with "yes" or "no," as well as using the chat function to type responses. "The telehealth visit is a new reality and one that presents unique challenges," said Raymond-Flesch. "While you can see the patient's face, you cannot make direct eye-contact and you cannot demonstrate compassion by offering a tissue or a gentle pat on the arm. I found it meant that I had to exaggerate facial expressions or offer more verbal assurance than I would have done in actual visits." The researchers reported that virtual visits did not present a barrier in screening patients for depression, substance use or psycho-social development. Additionally, clinicians were able to provide contraceptive counselling and appropriate follow-up for established diagnoses like headache, acne and back pain; and they reported that they were comfortable managing mood disorders and medication maintenance for attention deficit hyperactivity, with referrals made to psychiatrists for some conditions. More challenging were appointments that required exams and procedures. Patients needing vaccines or tests for pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary-tract infections or high cholesterol required an in-person visit with a nurse or phlebotomist. While the researchers have not considered using devices such as electronic stethoscopes, which enable providers from a second clinic to stream data directly to the consulting site, they said patient-owned devices such as an Apple watch or blood pressure monitor and upper-arm cuff may be used in the future, pending tests for accuracy. Weight Checks a Challenge for Patients with Eating Disorders Virtual care for patients with eating disorders, who make up about a third of the clinic's patients, required significant workarounds to provide regular monitoring of weight, vital signs and electrolytes. Weight checks, in particular, can be very stressful for these patients and many prefer to not know their weight. In some cases, primary care providers or therapists were able to weigh patients and take vital signs, which they shared with the clinic. In other cases, a parent or trusted adult was tasked with weighing the patient and relaying that information in private to the clinician. "There were concerns that patients would overhear their weight or learn of nutritional interventions that normally parents would discuss confidentially with the physician during an in-person appointment," said Raymond-Flesch. "But on the upside, many families travel significant distances to reach us. Telemedicine may have allowed for increased parental participation," she said noting that patients with eating disorders were referred from a much broader geographic range than primary-care patients. In addition to improved accessibility, telemedicine also opened the door to collaboration with primary-care providers. "It's something that has been considered before but never implemented," said first author and clinical fellow Angela Barney, MD, of the UCSF Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine. "There's a sense that many of the changes are not just temporary responses, but rather the new normal," she said. "We are not proposing that telemedicine for adolescents and young adults will replace in-person visits, but we can look at this quick shift as an opportunity to reach our patient population in new ways, both in this time of crisis and beyond." ### Co-Authors: Sara Buckelew, MD, and Veronika Mesheriakova, MD, of the UCSF Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine. Funding and Disclosures: The study was supported by funding from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, National Institute of Child Health and Development, UCSF Watson Scholars Program, National Institutes of Health, UCSF Youth Outpatient Substance Use Program and the California Department of Health Care Services. There are no conflicts of interests to disclose. About UCSF Health: UCSF Health is recognized worldwide for its innovative patient care, reflecting the latest medical knowledge, advanced technologies and pioneering research. It includes the flagship UCSF Medical Center, which is ranked among the top 10 hospitals nationwide, as well as UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, with campuses in San Francisco and Oakland, Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital and Clinics, UCSF Benioff Children's Physicians and the UCSF Faculty Practice. These hospitals serve as the academic medical center of the University of California, San Francisco, which is world-renowned for its graduate-level health sciences education and biomedical research. UCSF Health has affiliations with hospitals and health organizations throughout the Bay Area. Visit http://www.ucsfhealth.org/. Follow UCSF Health on Facebook or on Twitter. Lewis Hamilton has urged people not to sit in silence in the fight against racism as he reflected on a 'dark' week in an emotional post on Instagram. In a long statement posted to coincide with Blackout Tuesday, the Formula One superstar opened up at being 'completely overcome with rage'. Earlier in the week, Hamilton had hit out at his fellow drivers for staying silent - writing 'I know who you are and I see you' - and now the Brit has further explained his thoughts in a long social media message. Lewis Hamilton posted this image alongside an emotional Instagram post on Blackout Tuesday The F1 champion admits it has been a 'dark week' in which he has been 'overcome with rage' 'This past week has been so dark,' he began. 'I have failed to keep hold of my emotions. I have felt so much anger, sadness and disbelief in what my eyes have seen. 'I am completely overcome with rage at the sight of such blatant disregard for the lives of our people. The injustice that we are seeing our brothers and sisters face all over the world time and time again is disgusting, and MUST stop. 'So many people seem surprised, but to us unfortunately, it is not surprising. Those of us who are black, brown or in between, see it everyday and should not have to feel as though we were born guilty, dont belong, or fear for our lives based on the colour of our skin.' Hamilton's words come as violent protests continue to rage across America, while marches have also taken place in cities across the United Kingdom, following the death of George Floyd. The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked protests across the USA and beyond Protests have been taking place in the UK as part of the Black Lives Matter movement Floyd, a black man, was killed after white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. The scene was filmed and has been viewed by millions around the world in the aftermath. 'Will Smith said it best, racism is not getting worse, its being filmed,' Hamilton continued. 'Only now that the world is so well equipped with cameras has this issue been able to come to light in such a big way. 'It is only when there are riots and screams for justice that the powers that be cave in and do something, but by then it is far too late and not enough has been done. It took hundreds of thousands of peoples complaints and buildings to burn before officials reacted and decided to arrest Derek Chauvin for murder, and that is sad. 'Unfortunately, America is not the only place where racism lives and we continue to fail as humans when we cannot stand up for what is right. Please do not sit in silence, no matter the colour of your skin. Black Lives Matter. #blackouttuesday' On Sunday, Hamilton criticised the lack of racial diversity in his own sporting discipline Australian driver Ricciardo recently took to Instagram to post this 'Black Lives Matter' message Following Hamilton's message to his colleagues earlier in the week, the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris all spoke out with 'Black Lives Matter' messages on social media. In his initial Instagram post, six-time world champion Hamilton had said: 'I see those of you staying silent, some of you the biggest stars yet you stay in the midst of injustice. 'Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white dominated sport. I'm one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone. I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can't stand alongside us. 'Just know I know who you who you are (sic) and I see you.' SIOUX CITY -- Steve King had never lost a race in his 24-year political career. Fellow Republican Randy Feenstra pulled off a stunning upset of King, a conservative firebrand who honed a national reputation for a series of incendiary comments on race and immigration during his nine terms in the U.S. House. Feenstra, a state senator from Hull, beat King, 45.6 to 36 percent, in the GOP primary for Iowa's 4th District with 96 percent of the vote in, according to the Associated Press, which called the race for Feenstra at 11 p.m. In his first interview with Iowa media, Feenstra told the Journal that lining up support from grassroots conservatives over17 months sealed the win, and "catapulted" him to a solid foundation prior to the spread of the novel coronavirus halted in-person campaigning in March. "At the end of the day, Iowa deserves a proven, effective congressman," he said. Feenstra also described having a phone conversation prior to 10:30 p.m. with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. "He just said, 'Hey, go out and win in November,'" Feenstra said. A three-term state senator and former businesman from Hull, Feenstra advances to the November general election to face Democrat J.D. Scholten, a Sioux Cityan who narrowly lost to King in 2018 and was unopposed in Tuesday's primary. Three other GOP challengers, Bret Richards, Jeremy Taylor, and Steve Reeder split about 18 percent of the vote Tuesday. Early voting by mail factored heavily in the outcome, as the Iowa Secretary of State office sent out ballot request forms to all registered voters, to reduce in-person voting during spread of the novel coronavirus. Feenstra ruled in his home county of Sioux County, where he had a 4,436 vote margin over King, taking 82 percent. In Woodbury County, the largest county in the 4th District, Feenstra got 38 percent to King's 34 percent, while Taylor had just 18 percent in his home county. The high-profile 4th District race, watched closely nationally, was widely seen as a referendum on King's effectiveness in the House after GOP leaders last year removed him from all his committees in the wake of published comments in which he questioned when terms like "white supremacist" and "white national" became offensive. Feenstra and his allies heavily outspent the field, arguing that King had lost his clout in Congress and it was time for a change. Feenstra was endorsed by abortion rights opposition group National Right to Life, once a longtime King supporter, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation's largest business lobbying group, and also picked up support from prominent Republican leaders including former Gov. Terry Branstad and evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats. King's paltry fundraising kept him from airing TV ads. Heading into the primary, King was seen as vulnerable, after only winning re-election by 3 percent in 2018 to Scholten, a political newcomer. Two months later, in a New York Times story on immigration, King was quoted as asking, "White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?" The published remarks fueled a national backlash that prompted GOP House leaders to strip him of his committee assignments, including Agriculture, a key spot for the largely rural 4th District. The full House also passed a resolution condemning white supremacy and white nationalism. Since then, King has repeatedly insisted the Times reporter misquoted him, and that Republican leaders were too skittish over the fallout to reinstate him to his committees. King took to the House floor in January 2020 to again criticize McCarthy, describing his treatment by the GOP leader as "unprecedented." King had run for office 10 prior times, for a state senate seat in 1996 and nine times for Iowa congressional seats, and won all 10 positions. King had faced primaries in 2018, when he got 75 percent of the vote, and 2016, when he defeated Republican Rick Bertrand, who at the time was a state senator from Sioux City. King got 65 percent of the vote that year, so he's fallen far from where he stood in those primaries. Bertrand on Tuesday said both King and Feenstra are "honorable men, but like many Republicans in the 4th District, we are tired of the political impotence that Congressman King now represents. We are Iowans, and we'd like a little pork every once in a while." As of June 1, there were 198,289 Iowans living in the 4th congressional district who had active Republican voting registrations. As of Tuesday morning, those Republicans had requested 70,890 early ballots and 59,752 had been returned. Love 10 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 16 Angry 0 KEY SUGGESTIONS BY EXPERTS Bridge gaps in PPEs, help with better quality and design Bankroll stay and facilities of frontline workers relieved from duty Reach out to families of frontline workers stuck at work for long periods Set up helplines for frontline workers States with lower pressure to help out states under greater caseload stress Doctor and nurse volunteers could pitch in to relieve highly stressed colleagues Working six hours at a stretch, not using the toilet, drenched under a PPE, sometimes attending to patients with air conditioners switched off (to protect other patients in facilities with central air conditioning). To top it all, not getting to see or be with their families for days on end and while seeing patients die or a close colleague suffer at work. And, not just within the hospitals, healthcare workers wearing a full PPE in the sun-scorched Mumbai slums in Dharavi tracking patients. To say life of a healthcare worker treating coronavirus patients is tough is an understatement. This has been happening for three months now and no wonder, fear of rising fatigue setting in among the healthcare workers is the biggest worry. A huge concern at the moment is the impact on mental health that the stress can cause. The easy answer to it all is to increase the number of healthcare workers but considering that the shortage of these professionals that is beginning to hurt now, cannot be immediately addressed, there are ways in which solutions could be looked at. For the business community, which to be fair to some of them, are doing their bit to help - be it through Azim Premji foundation or Cognizant foundation or Biocon foundation - in helping address different issues around COVID-19, the need now is to look at what the corporates can do to alleviate the element of fatigue that is could grow in the healthcare workers. Dr BN Gangadhar, director and vice chancellor, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), tells BusinessToday.In that this is the time for everyone to come forward and try to address the issue of fatigue among healthcare workers. The corporates, he feels, could consider looking at ways to bridge the gaps in availability of personal protective equipments (PPEs) in some of the regions like Maharashtra, where the COVID-19 caseload is rising sharply. They could also consider bankrolling the stay of doctors relieved from duty and under quarantine till they get back. Also, reach out to the families of those healthcare workers who have been out of home for long periods of time and reassure them of any help that they might need. There are others who agree with him and in fact feel, it is time corporates could pitch in and address the issue of poor quality of PPEs and help improve their quality monitoring and design changes to ensure while they remain safe, they also become a bit more wearable. Dr Gangadhar, who often reminds us of the support Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan have showed for healthcare workers, feels the states where COVID-19 pressure is not intense could help out other states, like Kerala is doing for Maharashtra. Also, he feels, the Ayush doctors could also be channelised to help out the doctors under high COVID-stressed regions. Doctors and nurses from other regions could volunteer and help the fellow doctors and nurses in the regions reeling under increase pressure. Dr Achal Bhagat, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist at Apollo Hospitals and Chairperson at mental health services company Saarthak, has looked at the issues around stress and mental health for long and sees it as a growing worry today. Speaking anecdotally, Dr Bhagat says it is indeed an extremely serious problem. "It is like an ongoing avalanche because being like this in an ICU (intensive care unit) is a tough job," he says. Dr Gangadhar says although he is not aware of any study that has looked at all the frontline workers and the stress and mental health challenges they are facing, it does not mean he is not aware of this problem and feels more drawn to their job on hand. Dr Bhagat agrees and feels today healthcare workers are so busy coping with the current challenges that those who are perhaps most stressed have neither the space nor the time to reach out for help in a formal manner apart from the stigma attached to issues around mental health. He feels the current need is to have healthcare managers ensure that these healthcare workers do not reach the levels of fatigue by addressing their concerns and removing their fears around their health and safety and that of their families, which as days go by may become even more difficult as the caseload keeps increasing. Planning in advance for this will also include giving them a break and a proper shift planning, which may not be always possible. Consider the situation in Maharashtra, where shortage of doctors and nurses has forced the state to seek help from Kerala, which is sending a team of healthcare workers. But some things that can surely be done include: "Testing of healthcare workers and their families, providing appropriate life and health insurances apart from putting in place other interventions, including taking preventive measures at the community level, makes the community better," says Dr Bhagat. The last, preventive measures at the community level is perhaps the most long lasting as it can truly help reduce patient flow to hospitals. That apart, keeping the healthcare workers motivated, rewarding and recognising their contribution is as important as addressing their concerns. Dr Bhagat is however happy that the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has come up with a dedicated helpline offering emotional support and referral linkages to healthcare providers and counsellors responding to COVID-19 cases across the country. "Such services can be replicated and deployed across the country," he feels. On typical signs of fatigue and he says these include becoming detached, irritable, sometimes working harder than usual, getting easily judgemental or angry. However, he is quick to remind that just because someone has any of these symptoms, it does not mean he or she is fatigued. But it makes sense to have interventions in place that can avoid a healthcare worker getting to this stage, checking sleep and appetite disturbances can also go a long way, the doctor says reminding that a healthcare worker is an amorphous group and is not just a doctor or a nurse but everybody involved with providing the healthcare services, including support staff, floor cleaner and others involved with maintenance of hospital equipment. Some would want to add others on the frontline too like the policemen and women. The National Democratic Congress (NDC), the largest opposition party in the country, has called on all citizens to join the crusade to get the Electoral Commission (EC) to back down on using the Ghana Card as the primary document for the compilation of the new Voters' Register. Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of the NDC, who made the call at a press encounter in Tamale on Wednesday, said the crusade on this matter must not be seen as NDC's battle but a major concern for all citizens to fight for their rights. He said people should not say that because they are not politicians, they would not be concerned about this matter, adding, This is the matter for chiefs, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists and leadership of all political parties. Mr Asiedu Nketia said the Ghana Card was work-in-progress, which was yet to capture many of the citizenry, therefore, relying on it as the main document to show proof of citizenship to be registered for the new Voters' Register would mean that many citizens would have to be guaranteed to be registered, which on its own was another challenging process. The EC announced that it would begin registration for the new Voters' Register to be used for the December, 2020 elections from the last week of June until close of July. According to the EC, the Ghana Card and Passport would be documents to consider for one to be registered and people who do not have those documents, must be guaranteed by two registered voters. However, the NDC and some smaller political parties that are against the compilation of the new Voters' Register, have argued that the existing voter's identity card be added to the eligible documents for registration onto the new Voters' Register. The existing voter's identity card has not been captured in the Constitutional Instrument as one of the documents to use to register for the compilation of the new Voters' Register, hence the ineligibility in presenting it as a document required for voting. Mr Asiedu Nketia said governance was about numbers and argued that if the number of people in the new Voters' Register would be considered for allocation of development projects amongst other interventions in communities, many constituencies, districts and regions would not get their fair share, because they would be few on the register when in actual fact they were more than that in the constituencies. He said many of the citizens did not understand those dynamics as far as issues regarding the compilation of the new Voters' Register are concerned, adding that the NDC has therefore, undertaken to go round the regions to explain the matters to them to enable them to speak against it. Mr Asiedu Nketia said since the EC is sticking to its gun, it is about time we discharged our responsibilities about the consequences of their action, hence this decision. He spoke about the pilot registration of people for the new Voters' Register conducted by the EC in all regional capitals from June 02 to June 03, saying reports from the NDC's observation teams showed that registration for the new Voters' Register would be disastrous as it was taking a long time to capture a person onto the register. Mr Asiedu Nketia said as has been the case since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, the old voter's identity card was always the primary document to show proof of nationality to be registered for a new voter identity card; adding that the current Voters' Register was to be permanent and the EC's obligation was to periodically revise it by removing unqualified persons and adding qualified ones to it. ---GNA MT. MORRIS, MI A woman in her 40s died after a house fire in Mt. Morris on May 21, fire officials confirmed June 1. Firefighters with the Mt. Morris Fire Department were called out shortly before 1 p.m. May 21 to the 1000 block of Coy Street near Mt. Morris Middle School for a report of a structure fire. Mt. Morris Fire Chief James Young said the original call was for two people trapped inside the home. Woman hospitalized after being rescued from Mt. Morris house blaze When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the male homeowner outside on the lawn after hed tried to rescue the woman. The woman was the mans roommate. The woman, whose name was not available, was transported by ambulance to Hurley Medical Center in Flint where she was later pronounced deceased. Two dogs and two cats also died in the fire, Young said. The Michigan State Police fire investigation unit has been called in to assist in determining a cause. He noted there were no working smoke alarms inside the home at the time of the fire. Up to three smoke alarms with a 10-year lithium battery are available through the fire department as well as special alarms for the hearing impaired and deaf community, Young said. Anyone interested in a free smoke alarm is asked to email jyoung@cityofmtmorris.org. These are illustrations by artist Pavel Mikhailov (1786-1840), made while in New Zealand in 1820. Mikhailov was one of 190 crewmen aboard two Russian vessels -- the Vostok and the Mirny -- that set sail from Kronstadt, near St. Petersburg, in July 1819 to discover whether a continent existed at the bottom of the world. That mission was successful -- though Britain and Russia dispute whose explorers first sighted Antarctica proper. But the state-funded Russian ships also spent months exploring the islands of the Pacific, as well as Australia and New Zealand. Artist Mikhailov, whose job was to document the adventure, closely followed his commission from Russias Academy Of Arts: Ensure everything drawn be an accurate representation of what you see. A member of the expedition recalled nearly the entire night sky being covered with rainbow-colored stripes that twisted sinuously with the speed of lightning, running from south to north, and shimmering with different colors. The expedition set off from Russia in July 1819 and returned after two full years of adventure, in July 1821. While in Australia, the Russian commanders met with the governor of New South Wales. An English-speaking member of the Russian expedition served as an interpreter for the meeting. The sailors were selected for being in excellent health, under 35 years of age, having knowledge of shipbuilding and, finally, the ability to shoot rifles well. Although most interactions the Russians had with local inhabitants were peaceful, one exchange ended with Polynesian women running out of the woods to the seaside and lifting their clothes to show us their backsides and slapping them while others danced. After the bum-slapping send-off, Bellingshausen noted, Some of the men asked permission to punish the islanders for insolence, to shoot at them, but I did not agree to this. The circular objects on the right are crayfish pots, which were weighted with rocks, set with bait, and lowered onto the seafloor from canoes. The sketches from the quiet fishing and trading settlement of central New Zealand capture a fleeting moment in Maori culture of the time. Seven years after the Russians left, the Maori drawn by Mikhailov were reportedly massacred by a rival tribe. One seal was caught and brought aboard the ship but died on the journey to Russia. Penguins were a welcome source of fresh meat for the crews. The blubbery birds were soaked in vinegar, then added to porridge or served with cabbage. According to Bellingshausen, even well-fed officers were fond of the penguin meat. After more than a year in the chilly southern oceans, the Russian expedition turned north for home. Mikhailov continued to sketch as they passed through the lush tropical islands of the Pacific. It looks really different just in terms of Im not going to be surrounded by community in the same way. Some of the annual traditions like Dyke March, for example, arent happening this year. But Ive seen a lot of people coming up with creative ways (to respond). Dyke March is doing fundraising to create a mutual aid fund right now, even though they cant physically have their annual march and rally. So yeah, Im really proud of the ways that the queer community has organized around this moment, and been able to prioritize whats been needed. Ive been really impressed by the work of Brave Space Alliance on the South Side, and the ways that theyve organized a food pantry and provided shelter to protesters. Some of the most essential needs, like having food, having shelter, having a ride home, those are the things that a lot of people are struggling with right now. The United States ratcheted up its sanctions on Venezuelas oil industry on Tuesday, focusing this time on maritime companies and their assets who have been assisting the Latin American country in getting its blacklisted crude oil to market, the U.S. Department of the Treasury said on Tuesday. The illegitimate Maduro regime has enlisted the help of maritime companies and their vessels to continue the exploitation of Venezuelas natural resources for the regimes profit, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said, adding that the US will continue to target anyone to supports Maduros regime and contributes to the suffering of the Venezuelan people. The additional sanctions comes on the same day as PDVSA documents showed that Venezuelas oil exports plummeted to a 17-year low, according to Reuters. Venezuela exported just a hair over 450,000 bpd of crude oil in Mayjust 18 cargoes. The 17-year low is attributed in part to the U.S. sanctions which has turned out to be akin to a game of whack-a-mole, with new shippers willing to ship PDVSA almost as soon as the last batch were sanctioned. The previous round of sanctions hit Rosneft subsidiaries. A Mexico company, Libre Abordo, was another company willing to trade oil with Venezuela, but the company declared bankruptcy on Sunday, claiming that the United States had spearheaded an international political campaign against it, causing it to lose more than $90 million. Libre Abordo said that Maduro had canceled the oil for food swap arrangement. The United States is having a hard time squashing Venezuelas oil exports to zero with Iran sending five tankers of fuel to the struggling country, with Iran unconcerned about running afoul of sanctions against Venezuela since its own crude oil is sanctioned as well. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held meetings with German Chancellors Foreign Policy Adviser Jan Hecker and German Chancellors Economic Adviser Lars-Hendrik Roller during the visit to Berlin on June 2. During a meeting with German Chancellors Foreign Policy Adviser Jan Hecker held within a working visit to Germany, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak said that Ukraine continues to insist on the prompt implementation of the agreements of the Normandy summit that took place in December in Paris to unblock the possibility of holding the next summit of the heads of state in Berlin, the press service of the President of Ukraine reports. As noted, the meeting with Jan Hecker was also attended by Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva, Adviser to the President of Ukraine Ruslan Demchenko, Vice Prime Minister - Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba and Minister of Defense Andriy Taran. According to Andriy Yermak, two rounds of mutual release of detainees according to the agreed formula "all identified for all identified" successfully conducted after the Paris Summit of the heads of state of the Normandy format are positive examples of how these agreements can be implemented. However, according to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, in order to unblock further mutual release, representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross should get access to persons illegally kept in ORDLO, as well as Crimea and the Russian Federation, the statement reads. In addition, Andriy Yermak stressed the importance of ending the shelling as a basic condition for advancing the peace process. The interlocutors discussed Ukraine's cooperation with the European Union. The Ukrainian party counts on Germany's support for Ukraine's European integration aspirations during the forthcoming German presidency in the Council of the European Union starting from July 1, Andriy Yermak said. Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine also held a meeting with German Chancellors Economic Adviser Lars-Hendrik Roller. Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Economic Adviser to German Chancellor Lars-Hendrik Roller discussed the issues of bilateral economic cooperation between Ukraine and Germany at a meeting in Berlin, the press service of the Head of State informs. The interlocutors, in particular, touched upon the issues of financial support to Ukraine, as well as the prospects of investment cooperation. Andriy Yermak thanked the German party for assistance in allocating a new tranche of the IMF loan to Ukraine. The meeting participants discussed the holding of the fourth Ukraine-Germany business forum scheduled for the first half of next year, and the possibility of participation of Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel in this forum. ol PSBs sanction loans worth over Rs 10k crore under Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 03: The Public Sector Banks have sanctioned loans worth over Rs 10,361 crore under the 100 per cent Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme, the government said on Wednesday. The Public Sector Banks have sanctioned these loans through the Rs 3 lakh crore Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme for the MSME sector hit hard by the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Centre launches micro-credit scheme to provide loans to street vendors Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall near Mumbai, coastal Maharashtra on red alert | Oneindia News "In a single day, June 1, 2020, #PSBs have sanctioned collateral-free loans worth Rs 3,200 crore through the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme," the finance minister said in a tweet earlier this week. "#MSMEs in more than 3,000 tier-II towns were covered in one day (Monday) under the collateral-free loans that will enable them to pay salaries, rent, and restocking expenses," it said. On May 21, the Union Cabinet approved additional funding of up to Rs 3 lakh crore at a concessional rate of 9.25 per cent through the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) for the MSME sector. Under the scheme, 100 per cent guarantee coverage will be provided by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) for additional funding of up to Rs 3 lakh crore to eligible MSMEs and interested MUDRA borrowers, in the form of a guaranteed emergency credit line (GECL) facility. For this purpose, a corpus of Rs 41,600 crore was provided by the Government of India spread over the current and the next three financial years. The scheme would be applicable to all loans sanctioned under GECL facility during the period from the date of announcement of the scheme to October 31 or till an amount of Rs 3 lakh crore is sanctioned under GECL, whichever is earlier. The main objective of the scheme is to provide an incentive to member lending institutions (MLIs) like banks, financial institutions (FIs) and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to increase access to, and enable availability of additional funding facility to MSME borrowers, in view of the economic distress caused by the COVID-19 crisis, by providing them 100 per cent guarantee for any losses suffered by them due to non-repayment of the GECL funding by borrowers. All MSME borrower accounts with an outstanding credit of up to Rs 25 crore as on February 29 which were less than or equal to 60 days past due as on that date, i.e., regular, SMA-0 and SMA-1 accounts, and with an annual turnover of up to Rs 100 crore would be eligible for GECL funding under the scheme Reuters Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told employees on Tuesday that he stood by his decision not to challenge inflammatory posts by US President Donald Trump, refusing to give the ground a day after staff members staged a rare public protest. A group of Facebook employees - nearly all of them working at home due to the coronavirus pandemic - walked off the job on Monday. They complained the company should have acted against Trump's posts about protests containing the phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Zuckerberg told employees Facebook had conducted a thorough review and was right to leave the posts unchallenged, a company spokeswoman said. She said Zuckerberg also acknowledged the decision had upset many people working at the company. On Friday, Twitter Inc affixed a warning label to a Trump tweet about widespread protests over the death of a black man in Minnesota that included the phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Twitter said the post violated its rules against glorifying violence but was left up as public interest exception, with reduced options for interactions and distribution. We have placed a public interest notice on this Tweet from @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/jau9J2edX7 Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) May 29, 2020 Facebook declined to act on the same message, and Zuckerberg sought to distance his company from the fight between the president and Twitter. He maintained that while he found Trump's remarks "deeply offensive," they did not violate company policy against incitements to violence. This has been an incredibly tough week after a string of tough weeks. The killing of George Floyd showed yet again that... Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Friday, 29 May 2020 One employee, who had tweeted his dissent on Monday, posted on Twitter his disappointment with Facebook executives. "It's crystal clear today that leadership refuses to stand with us," Brandon Dail wrote on Twitter. Dail's LinkedIn profile describes him as a user interface engineer at Facebook in Seattle. It's crystal clear today that leadership refuses to stand with us. https://t.co/duSSRmD5gR Brandon Dail (@aweary) June 2, 2020 Timothy Aveni, a junior software engineer on Facebook's team dedicated to fighting misinformation, announced on Monday that he was resigning his position. "Mark always told us that he would draw the line at speech that calls for violence. He showed us on Friday that this was a lie. Facebook will keep moving the goalposts every time Trump escalates, finding excuse after excuse not to act," he wrote in a Facebook post. I'm resigning from my job at Facebook. For years, President Trump has enjoyed an exception to Facebooks Community... Posted by Timothy J. Aveni on Monday, 1 June 2020 Civil rights leaders who attended an hour-long video call on Monday night with Zuckerberg and top Facebook executives called the CEO's explanations for allowing Trump's posts to stay up "incomprehensible." "He did not demonstrate understanding of historic or modern-day voter suppression and he refuses to acknowledge how Facebook is facilitating Trump's call for violence against protesters, said a joint statement from leaders of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and Color of Change. Uber board member Ursula Burns said Wednesday on CNBC's "Closing Bell," that, despite having climbed the corporate ladder, many black executives like her still fear for their lives on a regular basis. Burns is the former CEO of Xerox and was the first black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company. "I am part of the 1%, and I still worry when I'm approached by a police person," Burns said. Burns called on companies to diversify their boards order to dismantle racial imbalances more quickly. "Before you even look at the companies, look at the boards. Most of the boards still have zero or one African American on board, and that, I think that pressure in that area, can help to speed up progress and transitions for companies." "I think we really have to start looking more seriously at board composition and ensuring that we have the presence of difference on the board, a direct voice on the board," she added. Black leaders hold just 3.2% of executive and senior manager positions and less than 1% of Fortune 500 CEO spots, according to a December report from the Center for Talent Innovation. Several companies, from Nike to Amazon, have issued statements in the past week in support of the black community, following the death of George Floyd while in police custody. Burns said people must understand that there's still so much progress to be made. "Companies must be interested, concerned, active, vocal about how their communities, how their structures in their communities are run," Burns said. She added that companies could set diversity goals. Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier, echoed those fears on Monday, when he told CNBC what happened to Floyd could have happened to him. "What the African American community sees in that videotape is that this African American man, who could be me or any other African American man, is being treated as less than human," Frazier said in a "Squawk Box" interview. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 16:44:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JERUSALEM, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Israel has learned a lot from China in combating COVID-19 pandemic and hopes there will be more scientific cooperation between Israel and China in the future, an Israeli expert said recently. "If I have to make a list of why we had such good results in Israel, part of it is because we were able to learn from China," Dina Ben-Yehuda, dean of School of Medicine at Hebrew University, told Xinhua in a recent interview. Commenting on China's performance in its fight against the pandemic, she said Chinese physicians and scientists were "wise enough and responsible enough" to publish information, which helped the world save lives. To her, it's really important that everybody looks at what happened in China because China is the first country in the world to fight against the pandemic and has a lot of knowledge that "we don't have yet." Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the School of Medicine of Hebrew University has applied full scientific and medical expertise and resources to combating the novel coronavirus, such as designing rapid diagnostic kits, developing vaccine, conducting molecular epidemiology studies to identify susceptible and resistant populations, Ben-Yehuda said. "Humans now have the first signs of solutions, but we are not there yet," she said, adding that humans have to be modest since "the virus is stronger than us and the battle is not over." While the pandemic has brought adverse effects, good things have also emerged, she said, referring to collaboration. She stressed the pandemic is a battlefield that leaves no place for competition and everybody has to work together to make changes. On Israel-China cooperation in COVID-19 research, Ben-Yehuda noticed that through the pandemic the world understands the strength of China's medicine and researches. "We really feel that China today is at the top of the world in research," she said. Ben-Yehuda said her school is now building a national animal BSL-3 laboratory to be used for experiments in collaboration with China's Shanghai Jiao Tong University. "Also, we plan to cooperate with Zhejiang University in China to collect big data from both countries to fight diseases, because understanding the differences between patients is the base of precision medicine." Ben-Yehuda said her school has started several PHD exchange programs with some Chinese universities, which provide more opportunities for the cooperation between young scientists from Israel and China. "We will raise generations for whom doing research with China will be part of their day-to-day life." "I believe that we will see more and more collaboration from all over the world, and I hope that Israel will be one of the major collaborators," Ben-Yehuda said. On a post-pandemic world, the expert believed humans should learn lessons from the crisis and think together on how to avoid the next pandemic. It's not only a biological and medical issue, but also a social, psychological and economic one, she stressed. Enditem Two men have appeared before the Special Criminal Court charged with involvement in the attempted murder of Christy Keane at the University of Limerick almost five years ago. John Costello, 39, of Hennessy Avenue, Kileely, Limerick appeared before the non-jury court charged with having knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, to wit the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation, and that he provided transport to persons with the intention of facilitating the commission of the attempted murder of Christy Keane on June 29, 2015. Mr Keane sustained a number of injuries when he was shot after getting into an SUV following an early-morning gym session at the UL Arena. Garda Aled Harkin, in response to prosecuting solicitor Michael O'Donovan, said he arrested Mr Costello at 7.42am this Wednesday. When cautioned, he made no reply. There was no bail application made on behalf of Mr Costello. Larry McCarthy, 42, who has an address at Tower Lodge, Old Court Road, Limerick, also appeared before the court charged with making a vehicle available to a criminal organisation, the McCarthy-Dundons, in the attempted murder of Mr Christy Keane, between June 27 and June 29, 2015. The alleged offences come under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. Detective Garda Donnacha Coakley said he arrested Mr McCarthy at an address in Buncrana, County Donegal, shortly before 7am on Wednesday. He told the non-jury court he would be objecting to any bail application. Mr McCarthy appeared in court with a large patch over his right eye and his barrister, Marc Thompson BL, requested that his client receive appropriate medical attention for an eight-stitch injury which, he said, was sustained while he was in custody. Both men were remanded in custody until June 12. QUEEN VALLEY, Ariz. An evacuation order was issued Tuesday for some residents of Queen Valley east of Phoenix as crews continued to battle a lightning-caused wildfire. Tonto National Forest officials said the fire had burned nearly 33 square miles (8,500 hectares) as of Tuesday with 8% containment. A precautionary order was issued for homes along Silver King and Williams roads starting at noon Tuesday as firefighters begin backburning operations to protect structures in the area. Forest officials said Queen Valley residents should be prepared to be out of their homes for a minimum of three days. The town is located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Phoenix. The communities of Elephant Butte, Hardt Tank and Angel Basin were evacuated Monday by the growing wildfire that started Saturday night near the Peralta Trailhead. About 200 firefighters have battling the blaze, which is burning in the same area as a wildfire last year that charred about 195 square miles (50,500 hectares). Doctors in London are launching a trial to determine whether ibuprofen could treat severe cases of Covid-19 and save thousands of lives. Experts hope a special formula that contains the cheap painkiller will prevent life-threatening breathing problems that coronavirus patients can suffer. This could lead to infected patients spending less time in hospital and avoid being sent to intensive care or needing ventilation. Studies on animals with severe respiratory illness - which can be caused by Covid-19 - have shown ibuprofen can boost survival rates by up to 300 per cent. Researchers said the findings are 'very promising' and they 'want to translate that really compelling result into humans'. It follows controversy early on in the pandemic over fears the anti-inflammatory may actually make Covid-19 worse for those with mild symptoms. The NHS removed advice to take ibuprofen for the coronavirus off its website amid fears over the safety of the drug, which can be bought for pennies. But a review of 13 scientific studies of the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, found no evidence for or against using it. Doctors in London are launching a trial to see if ibuprofen could treat severe cases of Covid-19 and save live Now researchers from the same group that suggested ibuprofen is safe for Covid-19 - Londons Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College London - are seeing if it can even help cure the disease. The LIBERATE trial, which started at the end of May, is being conducted with the pharmaceutical organisation the SEEK Group. The drug is a unique formulation of ibuprofen, that is already licensed for use in the UK, but is very different to what's available to buy over the counter. Half of the 230 hospitalised patients enrolled in the trial will receive standard care, which tends to revolve around giving them more oxygen. The other half will receive standard care plus the special ibuprofen formulation, in the hope it will avoid aggressive treatment further down the line. Doctors will assess whether the drug can reduce a serious side effect seen among patients infected called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). WHY DID EXPERTS SAY IBUPROFEN COULD WORSEN CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS? Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation, and is used to decrease pain or a fever. Scientists say theres no clear evidence that ibuprofen makes COVID-19 worse, but there were fears this was the case at the early stage of the pandemic. This is why: Professor Paul Little, primary care research, University of Southampton, said: 'There is now a sizeable literature from case control studies in several countries that prolonged illness or the complications of respiratory infections may be more common when NSAIDs are used.' Experts say paracetamol should be a first choice because: 1. Ibuprofen may dampen the body's immune response to infection because it is has anti-inflammatory effects. This may slow the recovery process, Professor Ian Jones, a virologist at the University of Reading, said. 2. He added that it is likely the coronavirus acts in a similar way to SARS, in that it reduces an enzyme which regulates salt and water in the blood. This can lead it pneumonia. Ibuprofen may aggravate this, Professor Jones said. 2. NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation and stress on the kidneys if taken over a long period of time. This could be exacerbated in those who already have kidney or stomach problems brought on by severe illness, such as COVID-19, experts said. Advertisement ARDS - when the lungs become severely inflamed - can kill. Many patients affected are unable to breathe by themselves and need to be put on a ventilator. If it can be avoided, it could mean fewer patients end up on ventilation, which doctors prefer to avoid at all costs due to the potential long term damage. Mitul Mehta, professor of neuroimaging and psychopharmacology at Kings College London, said: 'It's a trial for patients with Covid-19 disease to see if giving them an anti-inflammatory drug - a specific form of ibuprofen - will reduce the respiratory problems they have.' He stressed that the trial was for hospitalised patients - not those who have mild or suspected Covid-19. Participants will be drawn from those who are hospitalised, but not so ill they are in need of intensive care. Professor Mehta added: 'And if we can reduce their symptoms at that stage we have a number of benefits: we could reduce the amount of time that someone spends in hospital - they might recover quicker and go home, that's obviously a fantastic outcome; we also might be reducing the degree of respiratory distress so that it can be managed in the hospital setting, without needing to go to ICU. And that is a fantastic outcome as well. 'Theoretically, this treatment, given at this time, should be beneficial. 'But of course, this is based on animal studies. It's based on case reports, we need to do a trial to show that the evidence actually matches what we expect to happen.' Professor Mehta said that animal studies into acute respiratory distress syndrome - a complication of Covid-19 disease - shows that around 80 per cent of animals with this condition die. But when they are given this special formulation of ibuprofen the survival rates increase to 80 per cent - a four-fold improvement. 'This is very promising,' he said. 'But of course it is an animal study, so we want to translate that really compelling result into humans.' It is hoped that the way the drug has been formulated will reduce potential gastric side effects linked to ibuprofen. Professor Matthew Hotopf, director of the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre said: 'This highly innovative therapeutic approach seeks to rapidly advance a potentially important new treatment. 'If successful, the global public health value of this trial result would be immense given the low cost and availability of this medicine.' Lab-based experiments performed by the SEEK Group show the drug was more effective than standard ibuprofen for treating ARDS. Early on in the pandemic, there was controversy over the use of ibuprofen after a French health minister advised against the use of it. French health minister Olivier Veran, a qualified doctor and neurologist, raised high profile concerns about anti-inflammatories with a tweet on March 14. He said: 'Taking anti-inflammatory drugs could be an aggravating factor of the infection. If you have a fever, take paracetamol.' Days before, a letter published in the The Lancet Respiratory Medicine suggested that ibuprofen could make it easier for SARS-CoV-2 to enter cells. At that point, the NHS guidance for anyone self-isolating with Covid-19 symptoms was to medicate with paracetamol and ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is widely taken to relieve pain as well as reduce a fever and aches caused by common colds and flu. The concerns prompted Number 10's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, to say the 'sensible thing to do' would be to not take ibuprofen until the science becomes clearer. Scientists at King's College London launched a review to assess non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) affect the body's immune system. The team scoured studies that related to Covid-19 and published their review in the journal ecancermedicalscience. The team wrote: 'Our search did not identify any strong evidence for or against the use of ibuprofen for treatment of COVID-19 specifically. 'The current literature does not give conclusive evidence for or against the use of NSAIDs in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.' Cancer and transplant patients have a higher risk of developing severe Covid-19 complications, especially as they may be treated with drugs that stop their immune system working properly. If these patients catch the coronavirus, their doctors need to know what medications to stop giving them in order to stop their disease becoming severe. The Commission on Human Medicines' expert working group concluded: 'There is currently insufficient evidence to establish a link between use of ibuprofen and susceptibility to contracting Covid-19 or the worsening of its symptoms.' Pakistani Christian couple's death row appeal delayed after 6 years in prison for blasphemy Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Pakistani Christian couple who've been imprisoned for six years and sentenced to death on false blasphemy charges of sending a text message insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad continue to have their conviction appeal delayed. Shagufta Kausar and her husband, Shafqat Emmanuel, who is partially paralyzed, were accused by a local imam of committing blasphemy by sending him an offensive text message in 2013. Maulvi Mohammed Hussain, a leader at a mosque in the town of Gojra in Punjab province, claimed that Emmanuel used his wife's cellphone to send an anti-Islamic text message. He later claimed other messages followed. Hussain said he was praying when he received the offensive text message from an unknown number. The Muslim cleric reportedly showed the text message to two other imams before approaching his counsel for legal proceedings. He and his lawyer later claimed they both received subsequent blasphemous messages. Police registered the blasphemy case following the imam's complaint, and the couple were arrested on July 21, 2013. They were charged with "insulting the Quran" and "insulting the prophet." They were sentenced to separate prisons in 2014. According to some reports, "[Kauser] is being held in the same prison cell Asia Bibi was held in before her release," Will Stark, regional manager for South Asia at International Christian Concern, told The Christian Post on Wednesday. "In regards to Shafqat, his medical condition has deteriorated significantly during his imprisonment," Stark added. "This is because the jail does not provide facilities for him, as someone partially paralyzed. Bedsores and lack of nutrition are definitely issues I have seen reported specifically in regards to Shafqats case." According to the BBC, a final hearing before the Lahore High Court was scheduled for Wednesday. However, the hearing was delayed and a new hearing date will be announced. Kausar's brother, Joseph, told the BBC that his sister and her husband are not only innocent, but he believes they aren't even literate enough to have written the text messages. Joseph also said his brother-in-law had been tortured and forced to make a false confession. "He told me the policeman hit [him] so hard that his leg was broken," Joseph was quoted as saying. The text messages were also alleged to have been written in English. Aside from being illiterate, Shafqat and Shagufta are not familiar with the English language written or spoken. The couple's lawyer, Saif ul Malook, who also assisted in the appeal of Asia Bibi's blasphemy case, said the charges against Kausar and Emmanuel are "deeply flawed" and "weaker" than those levied against Bibi. Although the phone was registered in Kausar's name, Malook told the BBC that "in their trial, they suggested a Christian neighbor they had argued with might have purchased a SIM card in Kausar's name and sent the messages in order to frame them." In 2014, Nadeem Hassan, who's also representing the couple at the high court, said the offending messages were sent from a phone that had been lost. He further explained that a "bogus SIM card" had been presented as evidence against the couple, The Telegraph reported. Hassan told ICC last year that the allegation is "based on religious hatred and is being used to settle personal grudges. Before her arrest, Kausar worked as a cleaner at a Christian school. Emmanuel has been paralyzed from the waist down since 2004, following an accident that fractured his spine. At the time of the accident, they were living with their four young children in a church compound. The children continue to remain in hiding as their parents case continues, Stark said. Like many relatives of Christians accused of blasphemy, they live in fear that their parents blasphemy accusation may cause extremists to attack them, he added. Malook said the couple needs the same international support that Bibi received during the years she waited for her appeal to be heard. And if they're acquitted, he said they will also need to be granted asylum. While no one has yet been executed on blasphemy charges, people who've been accused of the crime have been killed by retaliatory mob violence. Allegations of blasphemy are frequently lodged to settle personal disputes and to discriminate against religious minorities. Christians make up just 1.6% of the country's population. Last year, Asia Bibi was acquitted by Pakistan's Supreme Court of blasphemy charges after she languished on death row for more than eight years. Bibi has since written a book about her ordeal. Pakistan, a 96% Muslim-majority country, ranks as the fifth-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USA's 2020 World Watch List. In 2018, Pakistan was also named by the U.S. State Department as a "country of particular concern" for religious freedom violations. The couple's appeal hearing has been rescheduled for June 22. Standing with her mom, dad, godmother and younger sister, 18-year-old Daysia Dreese participated in a solo cap toss outside East Pennsboro High Schools auditorium Tuesday. Her family applauded as she did it, and her moment was captured on camera. Dreese, like several of her peers, said walking across the stage to an empty auditorium created an acceptable longlasting memory, even though it was a slightly lonely one. They said they would have preferred to share the graduation celebration with their entire Class of 2020, but added that the role they played to flatten the coronavirus curve was an important one. "It still counts because we got to walk the stage, Dreese said, who also works on the coronavirus frontlines. She delivers meals to senior citizens at a nursing home. "It was a little hard to study from home, she said. "I got bored with it. I just wish I could have done more socially in my senior year. The next step for her is to attend Harrisburg Area Community College followed by West Chester University, where she plans to major in criminal justice. She said she wants to be a homicide detective. "I was supposed to go to the Dominican Republic for my graduation gift, she said. But now Im not going. Ill get there eventually. I accepted that this was going on in the world. Im just going to keep going. Dreese participated in the first of a two-day Walk the Stage event, which was scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and will continue from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Students signed up for a time slot, and had access to a photographer thanks to the East Pennsboro Education Foundation. The school will hold a virtual graduation Friday. Excited to mark her high school years by walking across the stage, Amber Bumgardner said the high schools administration quickly adapted their graduation plans once Gov. Tom Wolf lifted some restrictions. "Even though its not what we were expecting, at least we get to have some form of closure, she said. I feel like I was able to learn a decent amount from home, even though we were learning a different way. But, I think we tackled it the best way we could. The future Millersville University student said she wouldve liked to spend the evening with her classmates to feel a "sense of community. "Some of my best friends and I are going to the beach in a couple of weeks, going hiking and going on a few of our own adventures, she said. Im excited about the future to see what it holds. Tyler Houdeshell, 18, said he wasnt a big fan of attending high school to begin with but he wished he had the time back to learn in a classroom setting his with teachers and peers. He plans to immediately enter the workforce as a machinist. "The experience was pretty cool, but it was without the crowd, he said, adding he wouldnt be opposed to the school district holding another ceremony in a stadium in the future for 2020 graduates. Walking into the auditorium with her family, 18-year-old Natalie Wilk said she plans to attend Alvernia College where she will major in nursing. Im grateful that we participated in flattening the curve, she said. If we had been at school during this time, obviously, there would have been more cases. Im glad that we were able to flatten the curve. I lost out on a lot of my senior year, but we just have to make the best of it. And, when it comes to her next rite of passage, Wilk said shes going to adhere to the idiom, expect the unexpected. Im just grateful to have this moment, she said. More PennDOT Driver License Centers to resume skill tests Christmas Tree Hill and Peddlers Alley to reopen 2 more stores, joining others that opened in May Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has donated 74,328 RT-PCR Covid-19 testing kits worth Rs 13 crore to help ramp up testing of patients in the country. The govt of Maharashtra, has received about 28,800 RT-PCR testing kits to help in the early detection of Covid-19. Others who received the RT-PCR kits include Indian Council of Medical Research (20,160 kits), Metropolis Labs (8088 kits) and Apollo Hospitals (17,280 kits). The RT-PCR testing kits consist of nucleic acid diagnostic kit, sample release reagent, throat swab, PCR tube and sample storage reagent. The testing kits are approved by international certification bodies such as CE IVD, US-FDA and EU CE, and are also listed in FIND, a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaboration Centre. Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman and MD, Hindustan Unilever Limited said, Sufficient supply of testing kits and other medical equipment will help frontline warriors competently tackle the Covid-19 virus. This will not only allow for free testing in critical regions, but also accelerate the process of testing asymptomatic patients, supplementing Government efforts to flatten the curve and arrest the spread of the pandemic in the country. This contribution comes on the back of 29 ventilators worth Rs 3 crore that HUL is donating to government hospitals in Maharashtra. Last month, HUL had also donated 5000 sets of PPEs, 20,000 N95 masks, 2,00,000 gloves, 112 pulse oximeter and 28 oxygen concentrators worth Rs 2 crore to the Maharashtra Public Health Department. Beside states like Maharashtra and New Delhi which have a high Covid-19 patient count, HUL is also extending product donation and other support across India around its manufacturing locations and offices in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. HUL recently committed INR 100 crore towards helping India fight the Covid-19 pandemic, undertaking various initiatives to ensure safety of people and communities, product sourcing, and business continuity. The initiatives include large scale awareness campaigns, providing free sanitation and hygiene products to COVID-19 frontline workers and underserved sections of the society, upgrading health care facilities in hospitals & testing centres, and setting up isolation centres to help local authorities curb Covid-19 spread. The company is supporting around six lakh migrant labour families with food kits and essential hygiene and nutrition products post-lockdown to help fight Covid-19. HUL also partnered with UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) and BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) to create public awareness campaign on social distancing and personal hygiene to prevent Covid-19. National carrier Air India will open bookings from 5 pm on June 5 for 75 additional flights to destinations in the US and Canada under phase 3 of the Vande Bharat Mission, civil aviation minister Hardeep Puri announced on Wednesday. These flights will be scheduled between June 9 and June 30 to cities including New York, Newark, Chicago, Washington, San Francisco, Vancouver and Toronto. Those who wish to travel to US and Canada and fulfil required entry conditions can book themselves on these outbound flights. Some foreign airlines have already carried out evacuation flights and are planning to operate more flights. These flights will also take foreign nationals, Puri tweeted. More than 57,000 citizens have returned to India on flights being operated under Vande Bharat since May 6, Puri said. On Wednesdsy 2,865 Indians return on flights from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Lagos, Bishkek, Muscat, Moscow and Jeddah. India is only allowing international repatriation flights; regular passenger flights have been suspended since March 22 because of the coronavirus disease pandemic and subsequent lockdown. Puri said regular international flights may take a while to resume. Normal International civil aviation operations will only start when they can. Right now most of our metro cities are under some form of restrictions due to which people from other cities cannot travel to catch flights and we also have requirement for mandatory quarantine on arrival, he said. We have to wait for the domestic operations to touch about 50-60% and consider the behaviour of the virus & its spread to fully lift these restrictions and lockdown. Till then flights under Vande Bharat Mission are facilitating both inbound and outbound international passengers, Puri added. Mujahid Asari Dokubo, leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force has taken a challenge thrown at him by Nnamdi Kanu of the Ind... Mujahid Asari Dokubo, leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force has taken a challenge thrown at him by Nnamdi Kanu of the Indigenous People of Biafra. In a tit-for-tat, he has also thrown the challenge back to Kanu. On Sunday 31 May, Nnamdi Kanu accused Dokubo of collecting N20million from him in 2016. The money, he said, belongs to IPOB. He then challenged him to swear on the Quran to deny the allegation. ASARI DOKUBO, if you claim that I didnt give you money and I didnt send people to discuss with you, make a video and swear with your Koran, SWEAR WITH YOUR RELIGION AND DIE. You are an idiot, you are a thief, over-bloated swamp pig, Kanu said. Dokubo has replied him in a video. He also asked Kanu to swear on the Bible or the Torah, since Kanu says he is a Jew, if he has not been collecting money from South East governors. Dokubo claimed Kanus payoff runs into hundreds of millions and that he collects money even beyond the region. He further made a claim that will shock rabid IPOB members. Dokubo alleged that Kanu has been betraying the IPOB members to the DSS, the secret police. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Report Summary: The report titled Active Air Sampler Market offers a primary overview of the Active Air Sampler industry covering different product definitions, classifications, and participants in the industry chain structure. The quantitative and qualitative analysis is provided for the global Active Air Sampler market considering competitive landscape, development trends, and key critical success factors (CSFs) prevailing in the Active Air Sampler industry. Historical Forecast Period 2013 2017 Historical Year for Active Air Sampler Market 2018 Base Year for Active Air Sampler Market 2019-2027 Forecast Period for Active Air Sampler Market Key Developments in the Active Air Sampler Market To describe Active Air Sampler Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by countries, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force; To analyze the manufacturers of Active Air Sampler, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2018; To display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers in Global, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2018; To show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type and application, from 2013 to 2019; To analyze the key countries by manufacturers, Type and Application, covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle-East and South America, with sales, revenue and market share by manufacturers, types and applications; Request For Report sample @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/11968 Active Air Sampler market forecast, b m 2018 to 2026; To analyze the manufacturing cost, key trategy and downstream end users (buyers); Todescribe Active Air Sampler sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc. To describe Active Air Sampler Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers MBV AG Bertin Technologies VWR Sartorius Sarstedt Particle Measuring Systems Orum International bioMerieux LightHouse Climet Instruments Emtek IUL Tianjin Hengao Multitech Enviro Analytical Aquqria srl Qingdao Junray Market Segment by Countries, covering North America (United States, Canada, Mexico) Market Revenue and/or Volume Europe (Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy) Market Revenue and/or Volume Asia Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia) Market Revenue and/or Volume Middle-East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa) Market Revenue and/or Volume South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, etc.) Market Revenue and/or Volume Market Segment by Type, covers Portable Microbial Air Sampler Desktop Microbial Air Sampler Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into Pharmaceutical Food Beverage Hospital Clinic More Info of Impact Covid19 @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/covid-19-analysis/11968 Vietnam has sacrificed economic benefits to protect the lives and safety of its citizens from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Hanoi chairman Nguyen Duc Chung said at a teleconference with leaders of over 40 cities across the world on Tuesday. The chairman of the Hanoi Peoples Committee attended an online mayoral meeting within the framework of the Cities Against COVID-19 (CAC) Global Summit. Organized under the initiative of Seoul Mayor Park Won Soon, the event was participated by leaders of 42 cities around the world to exchange experience in COVID-19 prevention and control. Speaking at the meeting, chairman Chung stated that Vietnam's Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong had issued an appeal to the entire nation to take drastic prevention measures when the epidemic first broke out. The Southeast Asian country has been combating COVID-19 as if it were an enemy, and has been willing to sacrifice economic benefits to protect its peoples health. The prompt and assertive directives have created trust and unity within the countrys political system and citizens in the fight against the pandemic, Chung stated. The country has gone through 48 days without any community transmission, he stated, adding that there have been 328 cases and no fatality confirmed in Vietnam so far. Hanoi, with a population of over ten million, has reported 114 coronavirus infections, with 113 having recovered. The capital has been promptly tracking and quarantining all people who had direct contact with COVID-19 patients, while those having indirect contact were also put under home quarantine, according to the chairman. Hanoi authorities have provided information about the epidemic publicly and transparently via different means of communication, and developed the Ha Noi SmartCity app to monitor quarantined individuals, he added. Quick COVID-19 tests were also carried out on a large scale in high-risk areas in the country, while all COVID-19 patients were treated free of charge. In his remarks, Seoul Mayor Park Won Soon expressed his hope to build an inter-city cooperation network to share and facilitate measures in response to the pandemic. At the end of the teleconference, the attendants adopted the Seoul Statement on solidarity and cooperation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has sickened over 6.45 million people and claimed more than 382,400 lives around the world, according to the Ministry of Healths statistics. Over three million patients have beaten the disease. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! With furloughed Connecticut workers now able to receive unemployment compensation through late July if they have medical conditions that coronavirus could exacerbate and a reasonable fear they could contract COVID-19 on any job they are offered Connecticut could see an extended period of workers staying on the sidelines while they wait out the pandemic. Gov. Ned Lamont ordered the change Monday as part of an executive order that gives some unemployed workers a measure of relief as they weigh medical risks against any immediate job offers while balancing the need for long-term economic security. As of mid-May, more than 40,000 Connecticut residents getting jobless benefits were 60 or older, the age brackets at which health officials are cautioning people to take extra precautions. More than 530,000 state residents having been processed for jobless compensation, which pays half the average rate of their prior earnings plus the temporary bumps of an additional $600 weekly and an additional $500 for each dependent in the care of one receiving benefits. With the Lamont order taking effect immediately, people can now refuse job offers whether new opportunities or from existing employers who put them on furlough to begin with if OKed by the Connecticut Department of Labor. That includes cases in which a worker might fear passing an infection to an individual at home who is at heightened medical risk. DOL commissioners addressed the possibility last week in referencing a new benefit for self-employed workers under the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which includes a similar provision. PUA already comes with criteria stating that you have to be able and available to work unless and it lists out, very clearly, criteria for those who are most vulnerable, said Dante Bartolomeo, deputy DOL commissioner. Folks will now be asked if they had refused any suitable work, [it] links to CDC guidelines for them to be able to verify ... if they have chronic, serious illnesses. The scenario came up early during the pandemic, given preexisting rules from the U.S. Department of Labor that beneficiaries had to demonstrate they are actively seeking work in order to receive benefits, with an accompanying willingness to accept job offers as they surface with exceptions for situations like excessive commuting times. This [order] would enable somebody who is over age 65 to ... continue to receive unemployment, said Gary Phelan, an employment law attorney and partner with Mitchell & Sheahan with offices in Stratford and Westport. Its recognizing the unique circumstance time and place that were in right now. Only the week or two before the coronavirus pandemic hit, Phelan negotiated a settlement in a legal dispute between an employer and a worker who wished to be able to work from home as an accommodation for a condition covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In mid-May, Phelan led a Connecticut Bar Association webinar after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission updated its own guidance to allow an employee with a risky medical condition to request accommodations to reduce the chances of contracting coronavirus. Under the EEOC guidance, employers are allowed to ask for supporting medical documentation. For many jobs, the easiest accommodation is to allow an employee to continue working from home if the job requirements allow them to, or otherwise transitioning them to that kind of work until pharmaceutical companies come up with vaccines or cures for COVID-19. Phelan noted that work-from-home arrangements were among the earliest accommodations that employers implemented to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, but that disputes continue to arise to this day that are litigated under the provisions of ADA. Ive done many working-from-home cases over the years they are often fought very hard by employers, Phelan said. The majority of courts have said in most cases, depending on the job that working from home is an essential function of the job. Ironically, that was laying the foundation for looking at [whether] working in the office is really essential? Thats been transformed, and thats what I think has been a catalyst. Includes prior reporting by Ken Dixon. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman Re: Coun. Stephen Wrights trip to New Brunswick Daily our prime minister and premier are urging Canadians to stay home, wash our hands, social distance and our mayor echoes the same sentiments. For this reason and as I am a resident of Northcrest Ward, I feel compelled to express my disappointment to Coun. Stephen Wright concerning his trip to New Brunswick via Quebec. I would like to ask you: 1. Did you self isolate upon return? 2. Did you seek advice from the health unit for this trip? 3. Were the mayor/councillors and the economic recovery task force aware of this trip? 4. Did you have sanitizer with you for use after eating takeout? Or to wipe your credit card after usage? Or for frequently handled gas pump nozzles? 5. Did having to sway an RCMP officer at a border checkpoint to enter New Brunswick not speak to you regarding the ethics of this situation? 6. Did you speak with anyone about your research? Many other questions came to mind while reading The Examiner article published on May 30. Coun. Wright I am not afraid to go out. What has changed is my awareness to what is going on around me. I practice social distancing, wear a mask, and carry sanitizer. A delicate balance exists between individual rights. My right to be healthy could be compromised by your pressing right to travel. Consider the current situation in New Brunswick due to an individual travelling out of province. I understand your reasoning. I agree that sometimes it is worthwhile to see for yourself. However in this new normal a phone call to a New Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, Mayor, business owner in any community, or a virtual meeting could have been considered. I applaud Peterboroughs leaders for their dedication to this city and encourage them to stay the course. Yes Coun. Wright, Canadians have the right to travel freely across provincial borders but ... right now ... should they? Betty Hubbeard Probe clears AGT talent An investigation of Gabrielle Unions complaints of racism on the set of Americas Got Talent concluded that her allegations were unfounded, according to NBC and the shows producers. The outside review also said that Unions claims had no bearing on the shows decision to drop her as a judge, the network and production companies FremantleMedia and Syco said in a joint statement. Syco is series host and producer Simon Cowells joint venture with Sony Music. Union, known for her roles in the films Bring It On and Bad Boys II, appeared on the talent showcase for a season, until she and fellow freshman judge Julianne Hough werent asked to return. The trade publication Variety reported that Union, who is black, believed she was fired because she had asked NBC and the shows producers to respond to an environment that tolerated racist jokes and remarks. That included what Union said were multiple notes from producers saying she was wearing her hair too black for the Americas Got Talent audience. NBC sought the investigation into Unions accusations. Through the investigation process, it has been revealed that no one associated with the show made any insensitive or derogatory remarks about Ms. Unions appearance, and that neither race nor gender was a contributing factor in the advancement or elimination of contestants at any time, NBC and the producers said. A representative for Union didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Songwriters get virtual awards The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers is going virtual with its annual awards shows this summer because of the coronavirus pandemic. The performing rights organization announced that it will hold three-day virtual events that will stream on ASCAPs social media channels for its four awards shows, which focus on pop, R&B/rap, Latin and film music. The ASCAP Pop Music Awards will be held June 17-19; the ASCAP Screen Music Awards on June 23-25; the ASCAP Latin Music Awards on July 7-9; and the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on July 15-17. ASCAP will honor some of todays top songwriters and publishers at its ASCAP Virtual Awards; winners and guest participants will be announced later. Last year the organization gave awards to Billie Eilish and her brother-collaborator Finneas, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Cardi B and Daddy Yankee. Associated Press Photo credit: USA Network From ELLE The second season of Dirty Johnsubtitled The Betty Broderick Storyexpands on the first season's themes of lies and gaslighting within marriage while telling an entirely new true crime story. In 1991, Elizabeth "Betty" Broderick was convicted of murdering her ex-husband, medical malpractice lawyer Daniel Broderick, and his new wife Linda Kolkena. The murder was the culmination of an ugly, years-long battle between Broderick and Broderick, beginning with the worst divorce case in San Diego history. Betty has been in jail since the day of the murders, and to this day has shown no remorse for the crime. Read on for a primer on the murder, the trial, and where Betty Broderick is today. In the early hours of November 5, 1989, Betty drove to Daniel and Linda's house with a pistol, and let herself in using a key she had taken from her daughter. I wanted to splash my brains all over his goddamned house, she later said. As Dan and Linda lay sleeping, Betty fired off a series of shots that hit Linda in her neck and chest, and Dan in his back. Both were killed. Betty turned herself in to the police later that day. The backdrop to the murder was several years of ugly legal proceedings stemming from Betty and Dan's divorce. After Betty discovered his affair with Linda, his then-secretary, the couple separated in 1985 after almost two decades of marriage, and their divorce was finalized a year later. During the divorce proceedings, Betty left a string of profane messages on Dan's answering machine, vandalized his home, and at one point drove her car into his front door, prompting Dan to take out restraining orders against her, withhold his agreed alimony payments, and at one stage, have her committed to a psychiatric hospital for three days. Betty pleaded "not guilty" to two counts of murder. After her first trial ended with the jury deadlocked, her second trial began in October of 1991, where she described being in "an altered state of consciousness" on the day of the murders and claimed not to remember firing her gun at Dan and Linda. The prosecution pressed for a first-degree murder conviction, while Betty's defense team argued for a verdict of voluntary manslaughter, on the grounds that she was "driven to the slaying by years of psychological abuse and intimidation," per the L.A. Times. Story continues In December of 1991, Betty was found guilty on two counts of second-degree murder, and sentenced to 32 years to life. She has been serving her sentence at the California Institution for Women in Chino, California ever since. She has been denied parole on two separate occasions, in January 2010 and most recently in January 2017, and will not be eligible again until January 2032. Betty Broderick is an unrepentant woman, deputy district attorney Richard Sachs said at her most recent parole hearing. She has no remorse and zero insight into the killings, he later told the L.A. Times. She just basically said, They drove me to do this. In a 1990 interview with the L.A. Times, Betty insisted that her actions were justified. "I bought into a 1950s Leave It to Beaver marriageand he stole my whole life, she told reporter Amy Wallace. "This was a desperate act of self-defense. You Might Also Like A Bay of Plenty man has been named as the victim of a homicide in Auckland. Police say the body of 47-year-old Clifford Umuhuri, of Whakatane, was found in Parkfield Terrace, Grafton on Monday morning. Detective Inspector Lloyd Schmid says police are appealing for sightings of a silver four-door sedan seen in the St Johns and Glen Innes in the early hours of Monday morning. "This vehicle was in those areas between 5.30am and 6.30am and we urge anyone that saw this vehicle to contact Police." Lloyd says CCTV footage from the wider area is still being examined by police. "Our investigation is progressing and we are following a number of lines of enquiry in this matter. "The enquiry team are working hard to hold to account the person or persons responsible for Mr Umuhuri's death. "I also continue to appeal to those people in the public who may know more about this to do the right thing and contact police." Anyone with information can contact Auckland City Crime Squad on (09) 302 6557 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Late Night With Seth Meyers returned Monday night after a weeklong hiatus, so it was the first time the show had an opportunity to address the killing of George Floyd, the resulting nationwide police brutality, and the Black Lives Matter protests. To help give context to the deep-rooted and justified fear black Americans have of the police, Meyers featured a clip from writer Amber Ruffin. She took a few minutes to recap a terrifying experience of being pulled over by a cop when she was a teenage black driver who did nothing wrong just one of many terrible experiences shed have with police throughout her life, including one time a cop pulled a gun on her. Every black person I know has a few stories like that many have more than a few. Black people leave the house every day knowing that at any time, we could get murdered by the police. Its a lot, she said. Sometimes when you see news footage like we have seen in the past week and you hear people chalking it up to a few bad apples instead of how corrupt an entire system is, it becomes too much. Ruffin ends the segment by saying she wanted to end on something hopeful to provide some comfort, but maybe its time to get uncomfortable. During Tuesdays Late Night, Meyers opened with another clip from Ruffin, who again shared a story about a past encounter with the police. The event happened just a few years ago in Chicago where Ruffin was spending some time with her friends. Simply skipping down an alley resulted in Ruffin being yelled at by a cop, who pulled his gun out, told her to put her hands on the hood of his car, and had his partner pat her down. This man is livid! It makes no sense! His anger level towards me is insane! Ruffin said. Im a young, adorable delight literally skipping down the street, and Ive infuriated him. If Ruffins white friend hadnt been standing nearby watching the entire thing, the situation couldve gotten much worse instead, Ruffin said when the cop saw her friend, He changes his attitude with the quickness! Hes suddenly professional instead of antagonistic. Its crazy that people dont run around telling everyone these stories all the time, but theres this unspoken rule that black people are supposed to take it in stride, Ruffin said at the end of the segment. Can you imagine having someone pulling a gun on you and being expected to take it in stride? Now imagine a bunch of incidents like that over one lifetime, multiply that by 43 million African-Americans, and that is why things are like this right now. On Wednesday, Ruffin returned with another story from when she lived in Chicago. One night a black friend left his wallet at her house and when Ruffin went out to her porch to hand it to him, a cop suddenly approached while holding a gun and accused Ruffin and her friend of running from the police. Isnt it hilarious that when people say run-ins with the cops they mean they got caught doing something, but when I say it, I just mean being a person that they bother? she said. Thats the kind of thing you have to do to stay alive when youre black: You have to let the police lie to you at your own house. At the top of Thursday nights segment, Ruffin said, For the past three days, we have opened Late Night with me telling a story about run-ins with the cops, and tonight Im out of stories. Just kidding, I have more! This time, the story involves a cop approaching Ruffin and her white friend in their car at a truck stop, being super nice and respectful to her white friend, and then accusing Ruffin of being a prostitute. The respect this cop just automatically had for my friend Ill never forget seeing it, Ruffin said. After the story, Ruffin reflected on the weeks protests, the black people who had to get killed by the cops in order for white people to start calling for change, and her thoughts about how we can make sure the current movement is more than just protesting in the streets. Dont let it cost more lives. Vote, call your representatives, unfriend racists, and most importantly, when you see something, say something, she said. Do something! Get loud! Dont let people get away with racist crap not anymore. Its a new day. This post has been updated throughout the week. Thanks to officers and (the) fire department and city administration for a job well done, Jack of Orland Park said in comments for the Daily Southtowns Speak Out forum. Quickly shutting down LaGrange Road and the mall Sunday and notifying residents by phone and email to stay home prevented almost all looting. (CNN) A prayer book that once belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots and contains an inscription by the tragic monarch is to go on sale, with an expected price of up to 350,000 ($432,000). Mary Stuart was famed for her tumultuous romantic life, political controversy and most of all for her death at the hands of her English cousin, Queen Elizabeth I. The detailed manuscript, which will be sold by auction house Christie's, was originally made for Louise de Bourbon-Vendome, Abbess of Fontevraud, who passed it on to her grand-niece, Mary, between the years of 1558 and 1561. De Bourbon left her monogram and her motto in one of the book's endleaves. An inscription in Mary's handwriting is also found in the book, along with her anagrammatic motto, "VA TU MERITERAS." The manuscript is decorated with 40 miniatures by an artist known as the Master of Francois de Rohan. According to the auctioneers, de Rohan was one of the most sought-after artists of the court of King Francis I. Born to King James V of Scotland and his French wife, Mary of Guise, Mary became queen of Scotland at just six days old, following the death of her father. At the age of 15, she married Francis, the heir to the French throne. Her husband -- the first of three who predeceased her -- became king a year later, in 1559. Seen by Elizabeth I as a threat to the English throne because of her Roman Catholic faith and Tudor ancestry, Mary was held captive in England for 18 years, before being executed in 1587 after the discovery of a plot to assassinate Elizabeth. Christie's said Mary probably brought the prayer book with her to Scotland in 1561, after spending a large portion of her young adulthood in France. The book spent time in England in the late 18th or early 19th century, and was rebound by the Edwards family of Halifax, in northern England. "This is a fleetingly rare opportunity to acquire a lavishly illustrated royal prayerbook that was owned and affectionately inscribed by one of the most intriguing figures in Scottish and European history: Mary Stuart, at a time when the Queen of Scots had already become Queen of France and was soon to meet her tragic fate," Eugenio Donadoni, Christie's specialist in Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, said in a statement. Christie's will sell the prayer book at an evening sale in London on July 29. This story was first published on CNN.com A prayer book inscribed by Mary, Queen of Scots is expected to sell for up to $434,000 A mild drama ensued at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State as a seven-man gang stormed the facility, beating security agents and forcibly moved one Nwachukwu Michael Mordi, who tested positive to COVID-19 on May 23, 2020. The forced movement of Mordi, a 53-year Chief Nursing Officer and employee of the Central Hospital, Agbor, was admitted into the Treatment Centre at FMC, created some apprehension in Asaba and its environs. Consequently, the state Ministry of Health expressed displeasure at Mordis resistance, even after testing positive for coronavirus on May 23 and was admitted into the FMC Treatment Centre, Asaba on May 24, 2020. It warned that the abductors constituted grave danger to their own health and that of persons and the communities they would come in contact with. In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the FMC, Ojebo Donald, management expressed concern that Mordis admission at FMC Isolation Centre, had witnessed aggression. He disclosed that he (Mordi) had continuously threatened caregivers and also rejected medications, alerting members of the public about the public health danger of associating with the patient and those who have had contact with him. A source at the hospital told The Guardian that the men who came in two cars, who claimed to be Mordis relatives, stormed the facility about 6pm against the consent of personnel on duty and took him away. Meanwhile, Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu said the setting up of Operation Delta Hawk would not stop the state from participating in the proposed Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta (BRACED) Commission security outfit for South-South region. He noted that while the state security outfit would concentrate mainly on internal security in Delta State, while the regional outfit would tackle the regions security issues, adding that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration was committed to ensuring security of lives and property in the state. Aniagwu added that the government would continue to assist security agencies operating in the state to ensure a safer state, as there would be effective intelligence sharing among all security agencies. On security, we have gone beyond the establishment of regional security outfit to establish the Operation Delta Hawk because, there are regional security threats and domestic security threats. We are committed to the setting up of the BRACED Commissions regional security outfit and we are also empowering and equipping the security agencies, even when they are federal agencies because they are protecting our people, he added. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates European countries are starting to relax travel restrictions, keen to lure back foreign tourists this summer as the number of new coronavirus infections falls. Here are some of the measures: GERMANY - Will lift a travel ban for European Union member states, Britain, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein from June 15. ITALY - Reopened its borders on June 3 to visitors from Europe, including the United Kingdom, unwinding one of the world's longest and most rigid lockdowns. Travel to and from non-European destinations will remain prohibited until at least June 15. SPAIN - Will reopen to international tourism from July 1. Authorities hope to allow holidaymakers from some low-risk countries to visit before that date, after a national state of emergency ends on June 21. BRITAIN - People arriving from June 8, including British nationals and with very limited exceptions, will have to self-isolate for 14 days. FRANCE - Has said it wants the European Union's internal borders reopened from June 15 and has passed a law allowing it to impose quarantine on visitors from specific nations it deems necessary, with reciprocity a key factor. GREECE - International flights to Athens and Thessaloniki airports will resume on June 15. People arriving from locations deemed high-risk, such as the United Kingdom, will be tested for coronavirus. Those testing positive will be quarantined for 14 days. Those testing negative will have to self-isolate for a week. AUSTRIA - Will lift all coronavirus-related border restrictions including quarantines from Thursday for new arrivals from all neighbouring countries except Italy. CYPRUS - Will allow visitors from Germany, Greece and a number of other countries from June 9, provided they have a test up to three days before arrival showing they do not have COVID-19. That test requirement will be dropped from June 20. Visitors from the United Kingdom and Russia, two major markets, remain barred for now. PORTUGAL - People arriving from all other European countries except Spain and Italy can enter freely and there are no quarantine requirements. NETHERLANDS - Citizens of the European Union, Britain, Norway and Switzerland can visit the Netherlands. Borders remain closed to non-European travellers until June 15. CROATIA - Has opened its borders to citizens of Germany and nine other mostly east European EU states. Other EU nationals need a reason to enter, such as a tourist booking confirmation. BULGARIA - Most European travellers are allowed to enter freely, but citizens of eight countries heavily affected by the pandemic, including Britain, Spain and Italy, must spend 14 days in quarantine. CZECH REPUBLIC - Will allow unrestricted entry for citizens of around 20 European countries from June 15. Visitors from about a dozen other countries including Britain, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands will require a test or quarantine. HUNGARY - Is expected to lift a state of emergency around June 20. For now only foreign travellers from neighbouring countries are allowed in and some face a two-week quarantine. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 23:13:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DOHA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Qatar's Health Ministry on Wednesday announced 1,901 new infections of COVID-19, increasing the total number of confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 62,160. "Some 1,506 people recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 37,542, while two died, raising the fatalities to 45," the official Qatar News Agency reported, quoting a ministry's 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 236,437 persons have undergone lab tests for COVID-19 so far. On Feb. 21, five Qatar Airways cargo freighters flew to China carrying approximately 300 tons of medical supplies donated by the airline. Enditem WASHINGTON - District of Columbia voters braved waits longer than four hours to cast ballots in a city primary election upended by coronavirus and demonstrations against police violence. The District attempted to shift to a mostly by-mail election to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. But many voters never received the absentee ballots they requested and the city shuttered most of its usual polling places, resulting in lines stretching for blocks. Results of the election were not available hours after polls closed at 8 p.m., to allow for the voters still waiting in line to cast their ballots. Initial results were not expected until early Wednesday. A 7 p.m. curfew the mayor imposed as protests continued to sweep the city halted public transportation and forced some voters to come up with alternative travel plans, and caused confusion when an officer improperly told voters lined up at a Georgetown-area polling place to go home. But residents said they were determined to exercise their voting rights in pivotal local council races and the presidential primary, with some citing the demonstrations against the police killing of George Floyd as inspiration. "It's very important to us to vote, because it's really hard times we're going through," said Claudina Harrison, a teacher who was the third-to-last person in line at Malcolm X Opportunity Center after 9 p.m. "Voting is the safest way to get our voices out and say our voices matter, our votes matter, our lives matter. . . . Everyone out here, that really inspires us to stay a lot longer than they normally would." Poet Taylor, a radio host, handed out water and snacks to neighbors who had been waiting in line at the center since 3 p.m. Then she got in line herself at 6:30. At 9 p.m., she remained toward the back. "You know they thought people wouldn't show up. They know how many people live east of the river. Why are we standing outside in the dark?" said Taylor. "People say they care; it sounds good. This is not caring," she added. Michael Bennett, the chairman of the District Board of Elections, acknowledged the election did not go smoothly because the agency's technology was not able to handle the surge of absentee ballot requests, and because voting on Election Day was higher than officials thought it would be. "The good news is I'm really, really glad we had so many people interested and willing to vote," Bennett said. "The bad news is everyone decided to vote on the last day that vote centers are open and they decided to do it in person, and that just created an incredible logjam when you consider the fact we are in the middle of a pandemic." He also said the election systems struggled to manage more than 90,000 absentee ballot requests - compared to the usual 6,000. "The system gets clogged and the technology doesn't tend to have to manage that large of a volume," said Bennett. The Democratic primary is tantamount to the general election in deep-blue Washington and will shape the ideological tilt of an increasingly liberal District Council. In one of the most closely watched races on the ballot, it was unclear whether Jack Evans would be able to advance to try to reclaim the Ward 2 District Council seat he gave up in January amid scandal. Evans faced seven competitors in his quest to return to the office he held for nearly three decades. Council members Brandon Todd, Vincent Gray and Trayon White Sr., all Democrats, also were up for reelection. Multiple candidates also are running in the general election for a seat vacated by David Grosso, an Independent, one of the furthest-left legislators. District Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, a Democrat, and Robert White Jr., a Democrat, were uncontested on the primary ballot and automatically secured the Democratic nominations for the general election. Sara-Marie Fedele rose to fame as a fresh-faced 21-year-old on the inaugural season of Big Brother Australia back in 2001. And now, almost two decades later, fans of the hit show still recognise the former reality star for her iconic bunny ears and 'bum dance.' So where is she now? Daily Mail Australia takes a look how Sara-Marie retreated from the spotlight to live a quiet life in Perth to be a doting mother to her daughter, five. She became famous for the 'bum dance' almost 20 years ago... but where is Big Brother star Sara-Marie Fedele now? (Pictured on the show in 2001, left, and right, in 2018) RISING TO FAME Sara-Marie appeared on Big Brother in 2001 and became one of the most popular contestants. She finished third on the series, but had incredible success after her eviction by starting her own sleepwear line, writing a book and even releasing a pop single called I'm So Excited (The Bum Dance). Sara-Marie returned to Big Brother in 2002 for the show's celebrity edition, and then enjoyed a stint as a presenter on the children's show Totally Wild. Familiar face! Sara-Marie appeared on Big Brother in 2001 and became one of the most popular contestants Success: She finished third on the series, but had incredible success after her eviction by starting her own sleepwear line, writing a book and even releasing a pop single Remember that? Sara-Marie released a book called 'The Sara-Marie Guide to Life' In 2005, she appeared as a contestant on Dancing With The Stars and in 2008 returned as a panelist on Big Brother's spin-off show, Big Mouth. She also enjoyed a stint working as a plus-size model under the BGM talent agency. Before her stint on Big Brother, she worked at a strip club in management. RETREATING FROM THE SPOTLIGHT Sara-Marie, now 41, lives in Perth and is a mother to a daughter, five. In March this year, Sara-Marie told Mamamia's No Filter with Mia Freedman about her approach to fame. 'I never cared to be known in the way that I did what I did, and then I was happy to go... I didn't have to do things to prove [to] myself that I needed to be liked.' Sara-Marie - who doesn't have social media accounts - said on the podcast that she's been focusing on motherhood and now is studying to become a teacher's aide. However, she added that she would be up for a stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Back in 2018, she appeared on Studio 10 and said she had an online business, selling personalised grains of rice that she writes names or inspirational messages on. 'I never cared to be known': Sara-Marie, now 41, lives in Perth and is a mother to a daughter, five. In March, Sara-Marie told Mamamia's No Filter with Mia Freedman about her approach to fame Fond memories: Looking back on her Big Brother jaunt fondly, Sara-Marie also admitted that her famous 'bum dance' was actually a message to siblings (pictured with Big Brother co-stars Blair McDonough and Ben Williams, the top three of the inaugural season) Looking back on her Big Brother jaunt fondly, Sara-Marie also admitted that her famous 'bum dance' was actually a message to siblings. 'That was to send a signal to my sisters,' she said. 'There's four girls in our family and we used to do it as a joke. One sister would get out the bongo drums and I had the biggest bum so I used to move it around. 'I thought, ''what could I send as a sign to my sisters that I was happy?'' So that's how that was created.' HEALTH BATTLES Sara-Marie also said on the recent Mamamia podcast that she had a hysterectomy shortly after having her daughter, when she had just turned 40. 'I'd just turned 40 and had bad pains, so I went to the doctors and they suggested a hysterectomy I knew at the time I wasn't having any more children,' Sara-Marie said. She said that she had endometriosis and cysts throughout her life, but said the hysterectomy 'went terribly wrong.' 'It went terribly wrong... They accidentally cut through my bladder so badly, I was in surgery for six hours, having bladder surgery after my hysterectomy,' she said. She added: 'I'm recovered now, I'm blessed to be back to normal.' The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday ordered the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in Andhra Pradesh (AP) to remove the colours painted on the gram panchayat buildings across the state within four weeks because they resemble that of the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) flag. An SC division bench, headed by Justice Lavu Nageshwar Rao, dismissed a special leave petition (SLP) filed by the state government challenging an earlier order given by the Andhra Pradesh high court (HC) in this regard. The apex court directed that the party colours painted on the government buildings be removed within four weeks and warned that if the government did not comply with the order, it would be treated as contempt of court. The SC rejected the state governments arguments that the colours painted on the government buildings did not resemble that of the YSRCP flag, but conveyed a different meaning. Earlier, the state government had issued an order in August 2019, around two months after coming to power to paint gram panchayat buildings in a specific green, blue and yellow colour scheme, which bears a striking resemblance to the YSRCP flag. It had also ordered the authorities to insert CM Reddys photograph on every panchayat buildings signboard, occupying at least 25% of the assigned space. The gram panchayats were told to incur the expenses for the new painting exercise. The HC had directed the state government to remove the YSRCP colours from the gram panchayat buildings while responding to a public interest litigation petition (PIL). The state government did not follow the HC order but issued a revised order, which tweaked the color scheme by adding another colour, terracotta, to give the impression that there was no similarity to the YSRCP flag. In May, the HC took exception of the state governments unilateral action and struck down the revised order. On May 28, the court summoned AP chief secretary Nilam Sawhney and two other Indian Administration Service (IAS) officers and threatened to issue contempt proceedings if they did not follow its order on the removal of YSRCP colours from the government buildings. However, the government chose to file a fresh SLP in the SC that upheld the earlier HC order on Wednesday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ugandans across the country are marking 3 June Martyrs Day with low-key celebrations due to COVID-19 restrictions. Paul Samasumo -Vatican City One needs to attend the Martyrs Day at the Namugongo Shrine in Uganda to appreciate the massive celebration that brings together close 1 million pilgrims in one place. This year, Ugandas Diocese of Masaka was expected to animate the Liturgical celebration. Martyrs Day is marked as a public holiday in Uganda. Celebrations in the dioceses National Director of Communications at the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Fr. Philip Odii told Vatican News that, this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Martyrs Day would be celebrated in the various dioceses with limited congregations. The Archbishop of Kampala, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga was scheduled to preside a Mass commemorating the martyrs at the Namugongo shrine. The Mass would be broadcast live on TV, radio and Facebook. Acknowledging the unprecedented situation leading to the cancellation of the annual celebrations, the Archbishop has since led the faithful in a novena to the Uganda Martyrs which ended on Monday, this week. Novena to the Uganda Martyrs During the novena, Ugandans committed to the intercession of the Martyrs, the sick, caregivers and those working to minimise the impact of COVID-19. This year, when the entire world is hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and so prompted to adopt new norms like social distancing, the Uganda Episcopal Conference made the historic and momentous decision to suspend public celebrations of the Solemnity of the Uganda Martyrs Day at Namugongo, explained the Kampala prelate. Floods and locusts in East Africa East African countries have this year been badly hit by floods as well as invasions of swarms of locusts that have destroyed crops. In response, Ugandans used the novena to also pray for victims of the flooding, those displaced as a result of the floods as well as those who have lost crops due to the ongoing invasion of locusts. Prayers were also made for Gods protection against all hazards. The 22 Catholic Martyrs The Uganda Martyrs were a group of 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican converts to Christianity in the historic Kingdom of Buganda. Most of the converts were young men and boys. The new Christian converts abandoned traditional forms of worship. This in turn led Kabaka Mwanga II (the King) to fear that the new religion and presence of the missionaries were severely eroding his authority in the Kingdom. He ordered the execution of the converts between 1885 and 1887. The decision unleashed a wave of persecutions against Christians in the Kingdom. A man wearing a protective mask buys corn from a street vendor at a market amid novel coronavirus spread concerns in the old quarter of Sanaa, Yemen on June 2, 2020. (Khaled Abdullah/Reuters) UN Says Donors Pledge $1.35 Billion in Humanitarian Aid to Yemen DUBAIInternational donors raised $1.35 billion in humanitarian aid for Yemen on June 2, although the amount fell short of the United Nations target of $2.4 billion needed to save the worlds biggest aid operation from severe cutbacks. The conflict between a Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-aligned Houthi group has left 80 percent of Yemens population reliant on aid. The country now faces the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, among acutely malnourished people. Saudi Arabia, leader of the coalition fighting the Houthis since 2015 in a stalemated war, hosted a virtual U.N. conference to help counter funding shortages for aid operations in Yemen. In total, donors pledged $1.35 billion to help aid agencies, U.N. aid chief Mark Lowcock told the conference. Saudi Arabia has already pledged $500 million, including $25 million to help fight the coronavirus outbreak, Saudi ambassador to Yemen Mohammed al-Jabir told Reuters. Saudi has faced criticism from international rights groups for its conduct in the war, particularly a campaign of airstrikes that has led to many civilian deaths and destroyed infrastructure. Britainwhich sells weapons to coalition membersand Germany announced respectively $201 million and $140 million. They called on the warring parties to immediately end the conflict that has killed more than 100,000 people, mostly civilians. The United States, which also backs the coalition, said in May it would extend $225 million in emergency aid for food. Lowcock, asked about Saudi Arabia co-hosting the event, said Riyadh is a large donor and the United Nations would continue to call out warring parties on actions they should not be doing. Saudi Arabia keeps trying to whitewash its coalitions role in the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, but co-hosting the funding event wont fool anyone, Afrah Nasser, Yemen researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. Lise Grande, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, told Reuters before the conference the operation would face catastrophic cutbacks if the donations fell short of $1.6 billion. We wont be able to provide the food people need to survive, or the health care they need or the water or sanitation or the nutrition support which helps to keep 2 million malnourished children from dying, she said. Some $180 million of required funding is needed to combat coronavirus in a country with shattered health systems and inadequate testing capabilities. Yemen has been mired in violence since the Houthis ousted the Saudi-backed government from the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014, prompting the coalition to intervene a few months later. Donors had cut funding to Houthi-held areas over concerns the group is hindering aid delivery, a charge it denies. By Aziz El Yaakoubi & Nafisa Eltahir The Epoch Times contributed to this report. MEXICO CITY Tropical Storm Cristobal made landfall in Mexicos Gulf coast state of Campeche on Wednesday, dumping heavy rain on the already soaked region ahead of an expected eventual turn toward the United States, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. The Mexican army evacuated 138 people in Campeche after floodwaters threatened homes, and police in Campeche reported water washing across highways. The storms sustained winds weakened to 45 mph (75 kph) after it moved inland, where it was expected to become a tropical depression by Thursday, before heading back into the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, where it could gather strength again. By Sunday it could move north and threaten the U.S. Gulf Coast. While Cristobal is forecast to regain tropical storm strength as it nears the U.S. coast, the model guidance currently suggests that the atmospheric environment over the Gulf will not be very conducive for strengthening, the hurricane center wrote. Forecasters expected Cristobal to meander along Mexicos Gulf coast Wednesday and Thursday, causing severe flooding. The hurricane center said the storm made landfall Wednesday morning near Atasta, just west of the major oil production town of Ciudad del Carmen. By late Wednesday, the storm was nearly stationary about 20 miles (35 kilometers) south of Ciudad del Carmen. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was in Campeches capital Wednesday as part of his weeklong tour promoting a train project. He was about 145 miles (235 kilometers) from where the storm made landfall. Cristobal formed Tuesday from the remnants of the Pacific Tropical Storm Amanda that had caused deadly flooding and landslides in Central America. At least 22 deaths in El Salvador and Guatemala were blamed on the storm. Cristobal was the earliest third named storm of an Atlantic hurricane season on record. In 2016, Tropical Storm Colin formed in the Gulf on June 5. A conservative journalist has been accused of 'performative activism' after she posed with a power drill outside a boarded-up business in Los Angeles amid George Floyd protests. Video emerged on Monday of a woman borrowing a drill from a construction worker as he erected plywood outside a business to prevent looters or rioters from breaking in. A man believed to be her boyfriend snapped a photo of her pretending to drill a hole into the wood before she thanked the construction worker, ran to a Mercedes and drove off. In the background someone sarcastically says: 'Good job guys! BLM [Black Lives Matter].' The video was met with swift backlash from hundreds of people condemning the 'disrespectful' and 'self-promotional' stunt. Commenters quickly identified the woman as Fiona Moriarty-McLaughlin, whose Twitter bio described her as a 'Commentary' journalist with the Washington Examiner. The critics pointed out that Moriarty-McLaughlin had previously denounced protesters taking to the streets to demand justice after George Floyd, a black man, died when a white Minneapolis cop knelt on his neck during an arrest on Memorial Day. Video emerged on Monday of a woman - identified as Fiona Moriarty-McLaughlin - posing for a photo with a power drill outside a boarded-up store in Los Angeles amid George Floyd protests This lady stopped someone boarding up a store in Santa Monica so she could hold the drill for a picture, then drove away. Please dont do this. #santamonicaprotest #BlackLivesMatter #BlackLivesMatterLA pic.twitter.com/lgt2rZogk9 e.wu (@ewuewuewuewu) June 1, 2020 A man snapped a photo of the woman pretending to drill a hole into the wood before she thanked the construction worker and handed the drill back. She was then seen running over to a Mercedes Benz and driving off Moriarty-McLaughlin is shown above in her Twitter photo The video, posted to Twitter by @ewufortheloss, racked up more than 24 million views by Tuesday evening. 'This lady stopped someone boarding up a store in Santa Monica so she could hold the drill for a picture, then drove away. Please don't do this,' the caption read. In a follow-up thread, the poster explained: 'The problem here is that she's 1) using this terrible situation to promote herself instead of the man who's actually helping and 2) completely insensitive to racial / class tensions. 'Influencers: use your platform for ACTUAL good, not the PERCEPTION of good.' Among the users condemning the woman's actions was filmmaker and director Ava DuVernay, who tweeted: 'You know what? I'm... I think I'm gonna put Twitter away for a few minutes before I throw this phone across the room.' Walter Shaub, the former Director of the United States Office of Government Ethics, commented: 'Wow, that's vile.' 'So utterly awed by this,' the official Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) Twitter account wrote in response. 'Influencer culture at its worst.' The video was originally posted on Twitter by @ewufortheloss, who explained why the woman's actions were problematic in a subsequent tweet (pictured) @ewufortheloss asked people not to expose the identity of the woman in the video, but her name came out regardless Among the users condemning the woman's actions was filmmaker and director Ava DuVernay New York Times reporter appeared to be the first one who identified Moriarty-McLaughlin In a later tweet @ewufortheloss asked commenters not to 'doxx' or release personal information about the woman in the video. 'Let's use this as something that helps us understand what's right and what's wrong, rather than an opportunity to brand someone for life,' they wrote. Despite that warning, Moriarty-McLaughlin was quickly identified by New York Times technology reporter Taylor Lorenz. Several other commenters, some of whom claimed to know the woman in the video, confirmed that it was Moriarty-McLaughlin. Since the video went viral, Moriarty-McLaughlin appeared to delete her Twitter account and switched her Instagram to private in an apparent effort to hide from further backlash. The journalist has not addressed the video publicly and did not immediately return requests for comment from multiple media outlets. Monday's video marks the second time this week that Moriarty-McLaughlin has garnered negative attention on Twitter. On Sunday she posted a since-deleted video of a Los Angeles protester spray painting an Ouai billboard with the words 'Black Lives Matter'. 'BREAKING: As if vandalizing all the buildings in LA wasn't enough @Blklivesmatter has taken to the billboards as a crowd of rioters roars in approval. #GeorgeFloyd #LARiots,' she wrote in the caption. Ouai founder and celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin replied to the video with a message of support for the protesters. 'Made our sign every better,' Atkin wrote. Moriarty-McLaughlin garnered negative Twitter attention on Sunday when she criticized a Los Angeles protester for spray painting an Ouai billboard with the words 'Black Lives Matter' This is an opinion column. Bit by bit, the Confederate monument in Birminghams Linn Park got shorter. On Monday night, contractors removed the obelisk from its pedestal, one segment at a time. With cranes they loaded the three blocks of tapered sandstone onto a flatbed truck before it drove into the darkness toward an undisclosed location. Where it went, city officials said, will be secret for now. On Tuesday night, those contractors returned to remove the plinth. For more than a century at the intersection of 20th Street and Park Place, those gray stones bore the weight of that Lost Cause lie. By Wednesday morning, where there had been a monument, there was instead a dirty square on the sidewalk, littered with rubble and cordoned off with metal barriers and caution tape. But all that was there is not gone. Im not talking about the remnant pile of broken stone or the protesters graffiti nearby, but rather what kept that monument there until this week what lies beneath. And the lies beneath. The footprint of the cornerstone of a confederate monument that was located in Linn Park. Construction crews removed the 52-foot obelisk on Monday night. The cornerstone was removed Tuesday night. With all thats happening in our country, the monuments removal will be a footnote. If and when it gets mentioned in national news, they will say its gone because protestors demanded it. Whats likely to be missed is why it was still there in the first place. The City of Birmingham, more than 70 percent black, didnt want the thing there. In 2017, city council members pushed then-Birmingham Mayor William Bell to tear the thing down. The riots in Charlottesville had only recently ended, and the mayors office seemed to worry a hasty demolition would invite that sort of unrest to Birmingham. Bell had built a plywood wall around the obelisk until tempers could cool and there could be a plan to deal with it in the least provocative way. But the Alabama Legislature had other ideas. Earlier that year, state Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, had sponsored the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act. In the Legislature, Allen has had a record of provocative legislation. He has advocated for gun rights in nearly all public spaces, including campuses, and he once proposed banning books with gay authors and gay characters from libraries. When asked whether the books should be burned, he told a reporter, no, they should be buried in a hole. Many of the bills Allen sponsors go nowhere, but this time, his proposal made it through passed by an all-white Republican majority over the objections of mostly black Democratic lawmakers. Gov. Kay Ivey signed that bill into law, and when she campaigned for re-election in 2018, she boasted about it in her first TV spot. It was her signature accomplishment. In the ad, she blasted Washington, political correctness and special interests. When special interests wanted to tear down our monuments, I said no, and signed a law to protect them, Ivey said. But that was a lie. It wasnt Washington special interests the law sought to thwart. It was black people in Birmingham, and the ad even featured the Birmingham monument unless anyone got confused by Iveys obfuscation. When Bell built the plywood screen around the obelisk, Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall promptly sued the city for violating the new law. That court battle lasted two years and bridged two administrations at Birmingham City Hall. Under the new mayor, Randall Woodfin, the city did not temper its words while fighting the law in court. Over the course of this litigation, the Act initially presented as a (purportedly) facially-neutral prohibition in the interest of historical preservation, has drastically morphed into the State of Alabamas unwavering endorsement of a position which affords more protection to the ideals expressed by Confederate loyalists in 1905 than the State is willing to afford to the ideals of Alabamas citizens and municipalities existing and operating today, city lawyers said in their filings. The Attorney Generals argument is a blatant proclamation of the States intent to exercise control over any opposition to the prominent display of relics that honor Alabamas open conflict as an enemy to the United States of America, and that mourn the Confederacys lost cause to operate as a separate and independent nation that fosters the enslavement of African-Americans. The city and state fought all the way to the Alabama Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled Birmingham was in violation of the law. But the bill had a weakness. While Marshall had argued the city could face $25,000 fines per day until the monument was returned to its previous condition, the court said that was wrong. The most the state could impose on Birmingham was a one-time $25,000 fine. The city has an operating budget in excess of $400 million. Paying a fine like that would be easy. One state Supreme Court justice, Mike Bolin, said in a concurring opinion that the Legislature should strengthen the law to make it a deterrent, and earlier this year, Allen introduced a bill that would make what happened this week in Linn Park a civil offense that would bankrupt the city. That bills breezed through a Senate committee, but the coronavirus pandemic interrupted the session and stopped the bill from making its way into law this year. When you see a bunch of white public officials in Montgomery coercing a majority-black city, against its will, to honor those who enslaved, tortured and murdered their ancestors, you might wonder monument bill aside how any such thing could be constitutional. But you must remember, that Alabama has its own constitution. Unyielding resistance to the U.S. Constitution and centralized white control is exactly how the Alabama Constitution of 1901 was designed to work. Written after the end of Reconstruction, Alabamas foundational document takes power away from local governments and gives it to Montgomery, and then men who wrote that document did not hide why they did this. It was, to use their words, for white supremacy. And what is it that we want to do? Why it is within the limits imposed by the Federal Constitution, to establish white supremacy in this State, an Anniston lawyer, John B. Knox said after being elected to preside over the 1901 convention. In that speech, Knox told his colleagues that blacks were not capable of government and that the purpose of this new document would be white control. The minutes of that convention actually has a subhead that reads White Supremacy by Law. But if we would have white supremacy, we must establish it by law not by force or fraud, Knox said. That wretched state constitution has been amended now more than 900 times and is now the longest such foundational document in the world. But even as racist language has been struck from it, even as the federal courts have nullified its more direct racist mandates, it still functions as it was designed to, just a few years before that monument went up in Birminghams Linn Park. The monument is gone now, and I am going to miss it. Not for any kind of aesthetic affection or misplaced nostalgia, but because it neatly connected all the dots and made visible something horribly wrong in this state. It misrepresented history badly, but it made the forces at play in our present clear for all to see. It showed that a white power structure still exists, that our legislature still writes unjust laws, that our governor still signs them, and that our attorney general and our courts still enforce them. If she wanted to, Gov. Ivey could call the Legislature into a special session tomorrow to repeal the monuments law. While there, lawmakers could rewrite Alabamas calendar so it would no longer honor Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and Confederate veterans with state holidays. They could and they should, but none of that is going to happen because doing so would be political suicide. When we excavate, layer by layer, what supported that monument there in Linn Park, somewhere between the sidewalk and the Earths molten mantle is us. It wasnt a memorial for some forgotten dead, but an exhibit of living racism. The Birmingham monument and others like it around the state might disappear in a flurry of protests, late-night contractors, and $25,000 checks to the State of Alabama. But all that held those statues up for so long all the lies beneath will still be there. Kyle Whitmire is the state political columnist for the Alabama Media Group. You can follow his work on his Facebook page, The War on Dumb. And on Twitter. And on Instagram. More columns by Kyle Whitmire When a Confederate monument wouldnt fall, rioters turned on Birmingham Congrats, Twitter, youve been Jeff Session-ized Alabamas Black Belt is in trouble, again Remember when Alabama lawmakers said porn was a public health emergency? That was three months ago. Alabamas secret prison plan puts public information into quarantine And now we play American Roulette Its not the Alabama State House that needs replacing The immutable weirdness of Troy King Alabama Legislature, same as it ever was Alabama AG needs something to do As cases there lead state, Mobile mayor wants to reopen Hey, Georgia! Our governor is better than your governor. The John Merrill Show is on again. Somebody change the channel. Mo Brooks spouts nonsense, Ivey finds her nerve A love letter for the Post Office The time to expand Medicaid is now. When will Alabama? How about never? Finding meaning in the ruins of coronavirus and Legos This is the most dangerous election. And the most important. Alabamas governor went on Twitter for a coronavirus Q&A. It was a disaster. Alabama is stuck on autopilot What Ill take from the quarantine: My daughters first steps Stop with the California comparisons, Kay Ivey Lieutenant governor demands Alabama coronavirus task force do its job If Alabama has to go back to work, so should the Legislature In grief for normal life The truth will tell itself A cut-price 'hair concealer', anti-bacterial hand gel and a liquid foundation that leaves skin luminous are the best-selling products of 2020 so far, research from a leading cosmetics comparison site has revealed. A Cosmetify study of the sales and online searches for 216,650 products found a L'Oreal spray that colours grey strands and covers roots in seconds was this year's most popular buy between January and April worldwide. A bottle of 'Magic Retouch' usually costs $15.99 AUD, but all shades are currently reduced to $7.97 AUD at Chemist Warehouse. In a sign of the times, Cuticura's $2.92 anti-bacterial hand gel was second followed by The Ordinary's $13 Serum Foundation, which comes in a range of 21 shades and promises to coat skin with natural yet flawless coverage. Huda Beauty was the world's most popular cosmetics brand for the second year running, followed by Anastasia Beverly Hills in second and MAC in third, with natural skincare labels Yves Rocher and Lush rounding out the top five. Scroll down for video L'Oreal Paris Magic Retouch hair spray, the world's most popular beauty product in 2020 Cuticura $2.92 Anti Bacterial Hand Gel (left) was second, followed by The Ordinary $12.70 Serum Foundation (right) 1. Huda Beauty Founded by Iraqi-American blogger and makeup artist Huda Kattan in 2013, the world's most popular cosmetics brand started with a single product - false eyelashes which launched in Sephora and quickly sold out after being worn by Kim Kardashian West. Seven years later, the Dubai-based company shifts record units of pigmented eyeshadow palettes, liquid lipsticks, mascaras, highlighters, foundations and baking powders. Best-sellers include a $38 lipstick, a $99 18-colour eyeshadow palette and a $70 foundation that promises to smooth and brighten skin like an Instagram filter. Huda Beauty's best-sellers, an $99 18-colour eyeshadow palette (left) and $38 creamy lipsticks (right) Today, Huda Beauty has more than twice as many social media followers - 44.3 million - as any other cosmetics brand, as well as being the most-mentioned brand on Instagram. The hashtag 'hudabeauty' is linked to a staggering 25.3million photos at the time of writing. Kattan, 36, ranked 36th on Forbes 2019 list of America's Richest Self-Made Women, with a net worth of $610million USD ($882million AUD). She recently celebrated the 10 year anniversary of her beauty blog, where the idea for her business was born, by launching Diamond Balms, a luxurious line of $44 lipglosses in 'diamond' inspired iridescent packaging. The company also pledged $150,000 USD ($217,500 AUD) to Doctors Without Borders Medecins Sans Frontieres an organisation Kattan and her family have supported and advocated for since 2016. The money will fund relief programmes for refugees, migrants, elderly and homeless people during the pandemic. Iraqi-American beauty blogger turned businesswoman Huda Kattan, who used her talent for makeup to build a million dollar cosmetics brand 2. Anastasia Beverly Hills In second is Anastasia Beverly Hills or ABH, a cosmetics company opened as an independent Beverly Hills beauty salon by Romanian-American beautician turned businesswoman Anastasia Soare in 1997. Soare, who was christened the 'Eyebrow Queen' by Kim Kardashian West, has built a billion dollar brand from her razor sharp focus on brows, which she says should be shaped around the natural bone structure of the face. The first Anastasia Beverly Hills product - a brow wax and shaping kit - launched in Nordstrom in 2000. Every weekend, Soare traipsed around department stores showing customers how to use her product. Businesswoman Anastasia Soare (left) with reality TV mogul Kris Jenner (right) in February 2020 The world's hottest beauty brands 1. Huda Beauty 2. Anastasia Beverly Hills 3. MAC Cosmetics 4. Yves Rocher 5. Lush Source: Cosmetify Advertisement By the mid-Noughties, the name Anastasia was synonymous with eyebrows. In 2012, the company expanded its range to include eyeshadow and highlighter palettes, bronzers and other face products. A collection for professional makeup artists was launched in 2014 followed by contour kits in 2015. The brand is now stocked in 2,000 international online and brick-and-mortar stores including Sephora, Nordstrom, Beauty Bay and Cult Beauty. Anastasia Beverly Hills has 20.4million Instagram followers, a base cultivated by Soare's daughter Claudia 'Norvina' who built her own eponymous beauty brand inside the ABH business. Norvina orchestrated collaborations with Mario Dedivanoic - Kim Kardashian's longtime makeup artist - and Amra Olevic, better known as AmRezy, which increased the brand's visibility on social media. Today, best-sellers include the $33 Dip Brow Pomade, the $76 Modern Renaissance eyeshadow palette and a $24 eyeshadow primer that reviewers say keeps pigment in place for more than 16 hours. Anastasia Beverly Hills' best-sellers, the $33 Dip Brow Pomade (left) and $76 Modern Renaissance eyeshadow palette (right) 3. MAC Cosmetics Long before Kylie Lip Kits there were MAC matte lipsticks. This year's third most popular beauty brand has been a major player in the cosmetics industry since 1984 when it was founded in Toronto, Canada by makeup artists Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo. The brand has historic association with supporting LGBTQi rights and raising money for HIV and AIDS research. The MAC AIDS Fund was established in 1994 to support people affected by the disease, and has since raised over $400million USD ($575million AUD) from sales of its iconic MAC Viva Glam lipsticks, donating 100 percent of the sale price to the cause. Top three up-and-coming brands 1. Merci Handy a French body brand specialising in clean, vegan and cruelty-free deodorants, facial mists and body gels, available at Mecca. 2. BUXOM a New York makeup label known for its $41 lipsticks, $60 eyeshadow palettes and $22 mascaras. International shipping is currently unavailable but select items are stocked on Beauty Club Australia. 3. Goop Gwyneth Paltrow's 'modern lifestyle brand' that sells everything from organically grown beauty supplements to 'vagina scented' candles. Advertisement Today, MAC has an online presence of 23.6million Instagram followers, along with 18.5million associated hashtags. Longtime best-sellers include its range of lipsticks, which were permanently reduced from $36 to $30 in 2019, $54 Studio Fix foundation and $55 powder highlighters. Notable collections include collaborations with RuPaul, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, as well as a line in honour of the late Selena Quintanilla, the 'Queen of Latin Pop' who was murdered in Texas on March 31, 1995 by the president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar. MAC best-sellers, the $54 Studio Fix foundation (left) and creamy finish lipstick (right) which were permanently reduced fro $36 to $30 in 2019 4. Yves Rocher A surprise entry in fourth position was French skincare line Yves Rocher, who entered the top five thanks to millions of searches across mainland Europe. Cosmetify data shows more people searched for the 'botanical skincare brand' between January and April 2020 than any other label. Proving its adaptability, the company - which was founded by French businessman Yves Rocher in 1959 - started manufacturing hand sanitiser in early March to meet growing global demand. Best-sellers include a $50 gel moisturiser that claims to tighten skin, making the complexion appear younger, and a $27 cleansing scrub that promises to lift blackheads and dead skin cells in seconds. Yves Rocher best-sellers include a $27 facial cleansing scrub (left) and a $50 gel moisturiser that claims to tighten skin, making the complexion appear younger (right) 5. Lush Rounding out the top five is Lush, a handmade skincare and beauty brand known for its sustainable and ethical ethos. The brand was founded by British hairdresser Mark Constantine and beauty therapist Elizabeth Weir in 1995 who shared a passion for natural hair and beauty products before it was fashionable. Constantine was awarded an OBE for his services to the British beauty industry in 2010. Today, Lush sells creams, soaps, shampoos, body washes, scrubs, bath bombs, lip balms and face masks in 923 stores across 52 countries. Best-sellers include a $29.95 body cream designed for dry and eczema-prone skin, $40 lavender perfume spray and a $17.95 peppermint mask that claims to soothe inflamed skin and reduce acne breakouts. The best-selling $29.95 Dream Cream body lotion from Lush, which claims to soothe, calm and hydrate dry or eczema-prone skin The brand has been involved in charitable fundraising since 2007 when it launched the Charity Pot, a hand and body lotion sold at the counter with 100 percent of the price donated to small organisations fighting for human rights, animal welfare and conversation. The company is regarded as one of the UK's best places to work after being voted the country's seventh best private sector employer by recruitment site Indeed in 2018. In January, the company made headlines Down Under by launching a limited edition 'koala body soap' to raise money for wildlife sanctuaries decimated by the Australian bushfires. An elderly person, who died due to COVID-19 at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, was denied cremation and family members were compelled to flee from Nagbani, Domana. For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here Belonging to hilly Doda district, the 72-year-old was undergoing treatment at GMC Jammu for breathing problems and heart ailment. However, he was tested positive for COVID-19 and died on Monday. According to the aggrieved family members, the body of the deceased was taken to Nagbani area in Domana for cremation as decided by the authorities. However, when they put the body on a funeral pyre, Amit Katoch family member of the deceased said that the non-locals and locals in large numbers assembled there and they opposed the cremation, pelting stones on them. They attacked the family members. After the residents didnt allow the deceaseds cremation, fearing that it would spread the infection in the area, the half-burnt body was brought back to the mortuary of the hospital, he said. Disappointed with the behaviour of the people, the family demanded that they want to take the body for cremation at their home town in Doda. Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Sushma Chauhan said, I sought a report why the cremation could not happen at the identified place. I am told that the wood was wet and could not catch fire despite repeated attempts. There was opposition by the locals. However, the allegations of stone pelting are incorrect, the DC said. A police officer said later they cremated the body on the bank of River Tawi in Jammu. This was the second incident, where locals resisted cremation of a COVID-19 patient in Jammu. Last month a coronavirus-infected person who had died in Jammu was denied cremation at Jogi Gate after opposition from the local residents. Local Congress councillor from ward number 7 in Jammu, Ritu Choudhary, had then said, Given the magnitude of the infection and ever-increasing death count, the administration should identify a proper place for the cremation of those dying of coronavirus. Every day seems to bring more news of airline job cuts. But one carrier at least still has expansion in mind. Wizz says the current crisis will be a drag into 2021. But its sticking to plans for a bigger fleet. That will see it have 9% more seats by March next year. A new joint venture in Abu Dhabi will also be bigger than originally planned when it starts up in the autumn. The Hungary-based carrier has one of the strongest balance sheets among European peers. Its the regions third-largest budget airline, behind Ryanair and easyJet. It expects to fly about 60% of its capacity over the summer, compared with about 40% at Ryanair. While it has announced 1,000 job cuts, Wizz says it wont delay deliveries on any new jets. Thats a sharp contrast with holiday firm TUI. On Wednesday (June 3) it said it had agreed a deal with Boeing to delay deliveries. That will help spread out costs at a time when money is tight. Boeing will also pay it compensation over the grounding of 737 MAX jets. Theyve been out of action since March last year following two fatal crashes. Last month TUI said it would shed 8,000 jobs and cut costs by 30% after holiday travel dried up. In Bulawayo we filled countless forms from all security arms of the State but none from the Ministry of Health. The forms were from Prisons, Intelligence and the Police. No health official has visited us since my arrival here on May 18. There was an incident where a young man developed shingle blisters on one side of his face. Health officials were called to attend but they never came. Inmates ended up getting whatever medication they could lay their hands on to help the man. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. The increasing demand for cooling systems from data centers is one of the major drivers for the fans and blowers market. The data centers, existing and upcoming, are expected to run at higher loads. Thus, this is expected to drive the demand for sophisticated cooling systems to maintain the temperature in these facilities. New York, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Fans & Blowers Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2020 - 2025)" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05821491/?utm_source=GNW Renewable power plants require very limited infrastructure for fans and blowers. With many major countries shifting toward renewable energy sources, the share of the renewable power plants in the power generation mix is expected to increase in the coming years, which, in turn, is expected to restrain the demand for fans and blowers. - The commercial sector is expected to create demand for fans and blowers in the years to come, driven by the increasing demand from the growing colocation centers, growing commercial kitchens, and large-scale shopping complexes. - With the increasing urbanization and growing population, the average height of buildings and the congestion have been increasing. With this trend expected to continue during the forecast period, the demand for ventilating equipment, to make up for the unavailability of proper ventilation, is expected to increase, providing an opportunity for the growth of the market studied. - The Asia-Pacific region is expected to continue dominate the market studied during the forecast period. Key Market Trends Commercial Sector is the Fastest Growing Market - Fans and blowers used for commercial applications are typically deployed for supplying air at a constant pressure for the purpose of ventilation, reducing the load on the building HVAC systems by replacing the make-up air and exhaust of smelly gases. - The regulations that mandate zero emissions from buildings, especially in Europe, drive the market for fans and blowers in the commercial sector. All the older buildings across Europe must be retrofitted with adequate fans & blowers, in order to achieve energy neutral buildings. - The number of commercial buildings is also growing significantly, owing to significant investments in the sector, especially in the developing economies, such as China and India. With the onset of emission reduction initiatives, even the developed economies are expected to deploy fans and blowers on a large scale for the commercial buildings, translating to a huge growth in the market. - On the other side, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for fans & blowers from restaurants and new commercial building is expected to be less, due to less consumer spending and less new construction activities due to economic slowdown. - Countries across the world are expected to witness a massive growth in the development of data centers in the future, on account of increasing deployment of cloud technology. This, in turn, is expected to drive the market for fans & blowers during the forecast period. In North America, the United States may need to deploy about 4,000 new data center facilities between 2018 and 2020. The development of such facilities may require about 200,000 sq. ft. and 25 MW capacity. As a result, the data center infrastructure in the country came under pressure, particularly in the last three years. Hence, investments in building the new data center infrastructure, as well as updating the existing data centers, are growing at a significant rate. - For data centers, cooling system infrastructure amounts to the largest share in the capital spending for infrastructure building, and fans are an integral part of this cooling system. Hence, the growth of the data center industry is expected to be a major driver for the demand of fans & blowers in the commercial sector. Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Market - The Asia-Pacific region is expected to continue dominate the market studied during the forecast period. However, the region is expected to register a slow growth rate, due to the slowdown in the manufacturing sectors in the top four manufacturing countries in the region, viz., China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The slowdown in these countries is the result of the combination of internal factors, such as government politics, and external factors, such as the US-China trade war and global economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak. - Increasing demand from data centers is a significant driver for the fans and blowers market. Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore, are coming up with new data centers, and they are planning to become the hub of the data center industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Hence, the demand for fans and blowers from the data center industry is expected to come from the developing countries. - However, the recent uncertainty in the major developing countries is expected to restrain the market. The economic slowdown is expected to affect negatively on all the major end-user sectors of the fans and blowers market, i.e., chemical industry, cement industry, construction sector, and mining sector. The economic slowdown in major countries, such as China, is expected to be the major restraint for these markets. - Since the last decade, the growth in China has kept the demand high for the aforementioned sectors. Factors, such as policy change by the government, the US-China trade war, and the countrys manufacturing industry and construction sector reaching an early stage of maturation, are the reasons for the slowdown - India has one of the largest chemical and petrochemical industries in the world. The agricultural and transportation sectors are some of the major consumers of these industries in the country. Additionally, India is also investing in its refinery and petrochemical business. As of March 2019, the refinery production was 22495.43 TMT, which is higher 6.51%, when compared with March 2018, and 8.18% higher than the target for the month. Cumulative production during April-March, 2018-19 was 257204.86 TMT, which is 1.30% and 2.09% higher than the cumulative target and production, respectively, during the corresponding period of last year. Hence, with the increasing trend, several foreign companies are investing highly in Indian refineries. Therefore, with the increasing growth in these end-user industries, the demand for fans & blowers is expected to increase as well. - Similarly, countries such as Japan and South Korea has plans to expand their manufacturing industry and power generation sector. This, in turn, is expected to drive the demand for fans & blowers during the forecast period. Competitive Landscape The fans and blowers market is highly fragmented, with a large number of local and international companies operating in the market. Some of the major players in the market studied include Acme Engineering & Manufacturing Corp., Airmaster Fan Company Inc., and Continental Blower LLC. Reasons to Purchase this report: - The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format - 3 months of analyst support Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05821491/?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. __________________________ Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 Xiaomi has started offering the Mi Band 4 NFC version outside of its domestic market. The wearable is currently listed on the Mi store for Russia and is priced at 3,990 Russian rubles (US$58). The Chinese company is expected to roll-out the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 NFC in other parts of Europe soon. Working For Notebookcheck Are you a techie who knows how to write? Then join our Team! English native speakers welcome! News Writer (AUS/NZL based) - Details here The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 NFC version is finally coming to other markets than China. Chinese users have been able to enjoy the NFC functionality of the popular wearable while users in other countries have only been able to utilize the non-NFC Mi Band 4 variant. However, the Mi Band 4 NFC is now listed on the Russian Mi store and will be made available for purchase from June 16. The price for the regular version of the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 in Russia is 2,990 rubles (US$44) so there is quite an extra charge for those who would prefer an NFC-capable variant of the fitness tracker. Xiaomi has set a price of 3,990 rubles (US$58) for the Mi Band 4 NFC, which will allow Russian users the benefit of making contactless payments with the wearable. Xiaomi has pointed out that potential shoppers must choose carefully when buying, as the Mi Band 4 NFC is a completely new product. Customers are advised to select the MGW4059RU model if they want the NFC variant. The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 NFC can only be linked to a Mastercard account at the present, although it is reported that Visa, Google Pay, and PayPal will be added as options later down the line. Xiaomi fans in Russia will be able to buy the Mi Band 4 NFC from June 16 onwards, while the NFC variant of the wearable is expected to be released in other countries shortly afterwards. The upcoming global version of the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 will also offer NFC functionality. (Newser) President Trump threatened to pull the Republican National Convention out of North Carolina if the thousands of expected attendees weren't allowed to gather in one facility, and now he's following through, NBC reports. In a series of tweets Tuesday night, Trump said he's making the move because the state's Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, will not guarantee that NC's coronavirus restrictions will have no impact on the event. An RNC official later confirmed that the celebratory portion of the event, at least, will be held elsewhere. The full statement from Trump: "Had long planned to have the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, a place I love. Now, @NC_Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena - Spend millions of dollars, have everybody arrive, and then tell them they will not be able to gain entry. Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-In-Place Mode, and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised. Would have showcased beautiful North Carolina to the World, and brought in hundreds of millions of dollars, and jobs, for the State. Because of @NC_Governor, we are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention." story continues below Cooper told the RNC earlier Tuesday that since no one knows "what the status of COVID-19 will be in August," when the convention is to be held, "planning for a scaled-down convention with fewer people, social distancing, and face coverings is a necessity." Politico reports that Trump wanted a 50,000-person convention with no social distancing or masks required, and no restrictions on capacity at restaurants and bars. But the RNC official noted that, "Should the governor allow more than 10 people in a room, we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte," with Trump simply making his acceptance speech elsewhere. Cooper's response to Trump's announcement: "We have been committed to a safe RNC convention in North Carolina and its unfortunate they never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe. Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority." Sources say possible alternate locations include Nashville, Las Vegas, Orlando, Jacksonville, or somewhere in Georgia or Arizona. (Read more President Trump stories.) Rozan Mitchell, Elections Director at Utah County Election "Dispersive and TXT2VOTE team up to solve a timely challenge that will be popular with anyone who likes the safety and convenience of casting a vote from a smartphone" said Chris Swan, CRO at Dispersive Networks, Inc. Dispersive Networks, a provider of ultra-secure virtual networking for government and enterprise, today announced they have joined forces with Global Mobile for its TXT2VOTE platform in an attempt to solve todays election issues for safe, secure Vote at Home/Remote Voting. By jointly creating the most secure smartphone election platform engineered for our digital era, TXT2VOTE and Dispersive address the immediate challenges of voting during COVID-19, and the long term needs of todays on-demand smartphone society. Todays voters use their smartphones to communicate, express opinion, gather information and now to make an election impact. What makes TXT2VOTE the best solution for voting is its patented simplicity: a voter texts their keyword to 2VOTE (28683) to enable voting activities including registering, curing their signature while also verifying identity to send in their ballot. With multiple layers of security and two U.S. patents granted for verification (10,187,372 & 10,027,647), each vote is verified by a user's unique pin, signature, and government issued Identification, plus verification from the wireless carriers. TXT2VOTEs national private network will be further digitally secured on the Dispersive Virtual Network (DVN) which will shield the system from adversarial attacks and ensure delivery. With 31 U.S. patents, Dispersive provides a highly secure and fast network built for mission critical industries and government agencies. TXT2VOTE is the only text voting platform with this level of security, said Ed Wood, CEO, Dispersive. In use since 2006, and backed by the people of Global Mobile, TXT2VOTE is extremely well positioned to drive further innovation in the U.S., with upcoming elections that will determine the future of our country and the world. Its time to modernize the way Americans vote and Dispersive is proud to contribute to the success of the TXT2VOTE initiative. TXT2VOTE increases voter engagement and maximizes security, allowing for a more streamlined cost-efficient process compared to the expense of vote by mail. Addressing the needs of USPS and mail house personnel who require limited on-site presence, voters who prefer to practice safe non-contact exposure, time limitations of VBM early voting requirements, and green issues for the environment, the TXT2VOTE platform quickly and seamlessly enables voting from the safety and convenience of a smartphone. From federal elections to school board initiatives, our clients are modernizing their voting infrastructure and providing voters more convenient and secure options, said Lee Durham, CEO of Global Mobile, the developer of TXT2VOTE. By partnering with Dispersive, we are able to secure and scale our platform communications, which serves government agencies and political parties, as well as other public and private sector organizations. Clients have said about smartphone usage by voters recently: Because of issues created by COVID-19, it was important to provide voting delegates different options to cast their ballots for this years 2020 assembly. The TXT2VOTE platform provided an easy, accessible platform for voters to participate in this process and was the preferred method to vote, as 92% of delegates used TXT2VOTE to cast their ballot. Matt Crane, Assembly Teller Committee Chair, former Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder The acceptance of TXT2VOTE by our voters for curing their ballots for this election is absolutely amazing. The combination of ease of use with TXT, and the security level we require for everything we do has proven to be a real winner with our voters. Rozan Mitchell-Utah County Our voters now have a very simple way to cure their ballot and based on the high % of use, they seem very happy with the TXT2CURE service. Cody Swanson-Jefferson County, Colorado ABOUT DISPERSIVE NETWORKS Dispersive Networks provides a radically different approach to secure virtual networking which delivers new levels of security, reliability, and performance. The company offers 100% software-based virtual networking that provides a foundation for innovation and digital transformation across industry verticals. Inspired by battlefield-proven wireless techniques, the Dispersive Virtualized Network dynamically splits session-level IP traffic at the edge device into smaller, independent and individually encrypted packet streams. It enables partners to securely connect digital businesses, products, clouds and technologies end-to-end across any kind of network infrastructure, including the public internet. Dispersive Networks' proven technology secures and accelerates the connected world. For more information, visit http://www.dispersive.io. ABOUT TXT2VOTE Global Mobile, the developer of TXT2VOTE, provides three innovative ways to increase voter engagement and participation. Mobilize your current voting systems by implementing our txt-initiated voting platforms including Voter Communication, Voter Verification and Smartphone voting. We are changing the way America votes. For more information, please visit https://www.txt2vote.com/. Media & Analyst Contact Information For Dispersive: Chris Swan cswan@dispersive.io +1.757.472.8707 For TXT2Vote: Lee Durham LDurham@globalmobile.mobi +1.678.873.0810 Harry was hacked earlier than previously thought, according to a source. (Getty Images) Prince Harrys phone was hacked while he was studying for his GCSEs, a whistleblower has said. The whistleblower spoke to Byline Investigates about his time working for the defunct News Of The World tabloid newspaper. The new claims pre-date the existing timeframe of hacking of the royals phone. The whistleblower told the news site: As the lead investigator, I was tasked to forensically gather as much intelligence about Prince Harrys activities in the nocturnal hours, with a view to enhancing the newspapers project. Read more: How Archie's LA life with Harry and Meghan will differ from his royal cousins The instruction was to monitor communications and to identify any references to drugs. The whistleblower said he would clone the identities of mobile phone company workers and use them to access customer accounts. The admissions come a few months after Prince Harry announced he would sue the owners of The Sun, the News of the World and the Daily Mirror. William and Harry were both victims of phone hacking. (Getty Images) As he and his wife Meghan finished off their tour in South Africa last October, Harry made the announcement that he would take legal action over the alleged illegal interception of voicemail messages. Harrys lawsuit is believed to include instances that go back to the 2000s. The hacker found no evidence of drug use. Read more: Why is Meghan Markle suing the Mail On Sunday? Meghan is pursuing her own legal action against the publisher of the Mail On Sunday and the Mail Online for copyright breach. In October, a spokeswoman for News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of the Sun and the News of The World, said: "We confirm that a claim has been issued by the Duke of Sussex." The Royal Family was first swept up in the phone hacking scandal in 2005, when a story emerged about William straining a tendon in his knee. Harry and Meghan are both taking legal action against newspaper groups. (Getty Images) A complaint from Buckingham Palace sparked a police investigation that opened up thousands of instances of hacking. In previous court hearings, it emerged that Harry, Prince William and the then Kate Middleton, had all been hacked. Story continues Kates messages were hacked 155 times between 2005 and 2006, while William was hacked 35 times and Harry nine times. News UK and a spokesman for the Sussexes did not comment to Yahoo UK. By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is investigating digital services taxes being adopted or considered by Britain, Italy, Brazil and other countries, the U.S. Trade Representative's office said on Tuesday, a move that could lead to new punitive tariffs and heighten trade tensions. Such taxes are seen by several countries as a way to raise revenue from the local operations of companies including Alphabet Inc's Google and Facebook Inc . "President (Donald) Trump is concerned that many of our trading partners are adopting tax schemes designed to unfairly target our companies," U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement. "We are prepared to take all appropriate action to defend our businesses and workers against any such discrimination." The announcement came after the U.S. Commerce Department said it would investigate whether imports of the metal vanadium violate national security, a sign that the Trump administration is actively pursuing new trade barriers despite the coronavirus pandemic. Trump based his nearly two-year trade war with China on a probe into Beijing's intellectual property and technology transfer practices under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes action, including tariffs, to end foreign government practices that curb U.S. commerce. Broad negotiations through the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to set a global standard for digital taxes have proven elusive, and the coronavirus pandemic has slowed them down. In a Federal Register notice, the USTR said the probe would cover digital services taxes adopted or under consideration by Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Britain. The trade agency said it has requested consultations with these governments. Spain's plans to tax tech companies' revenues do not discriminate against any country, a government source told Reuters. Story continues The Internet Association industry trade group said the probe was needed since a growing number of countries had proposed or enacted digital taxes despite the OECD negotiations. "The U.S. must continue sending a strong message to trading partners that targeted discriminatory taxes against U.S. firms are not an appropriate solution," said the group's trade policy director Jordan Haas. The USTR said the probe would look at whether the taxes discriminate against U.S. companies, are unfairly retroactive and "possibly unreasonable" in that they diverge from international norms. (Reporting by David Lawder; additional reporting by Catarina Demony and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Steve Orlofsky and Richard Chang) TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan has not yet established its position on a U.S. proposal for adding countries to the Group of Seven summit to be held later this year, Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Wednesday. Aso told reporters after a conference call with his G7 counterparts that he could not comment on what other countries said at the meeting when asked whether G7 ministers took up the issue during the call. Its the chair who will decide on such a matter, Aso said, adding that G7 sherpas were discussing the matter. Japan has not reached a stage where we can say its good or bad. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he would postpone a Group of Seven summit he had hoped to hold next month until at least September and expand the list of invitees to include Australia, Russia, South Korea and India. Trumps suggestion that G7 could be expanded to include Russia was quickly rejected by Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the European Union. The G7 groups the United States, Britain, France, Japan, Germany, Italy and Canada, and the European Union also attends. T he Chinese city of Wuhan, where the coronavirus was first detected last year, has identified just 300 cases of the disease following a huge drive to test all 10 million residents, according to officials. During the 19-day testing program, the city found no infections among 1,174 close contacts of positive cases, suggesting they were not spreading it easily to others. The new data jars with widespread concern that infected people without symptoms could be silent spreaders of the disease. There is no definitive answer yet on the level of risk posed by asymptomatic cases, with anecdotal evidence and studies to date producing conflicting answers. "It not only makes the people of Wuhan feel at ease, it also increases people's confidence in all of China," Feng Zijian, vice director of China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told state broadcaster CCTV. Children have returned to school in Wuhan / AFP via Getty Images Wuhan was by far the hardest hit city in China, accounting for more than 80 per cent of the country's deaths, according to government figures. A city official announced Tuesday that the city completed 9.9 million tests from May 14 to June 1. If those tested previously are included, virtually everyone above the age of 5 in the city of 11 million people has been tested, said Li Lanjuan, a member of a National Health Commission expert team. "The city of Wuhan is safe," she said at a news conference with city officials. The results are said to have 'increased confidence' in China / Getty Images The campaign was launched after a small cluster of cases was found in a residential compound, sparking concern about a possible second wave of infections as Wuhan emerged from a 2 1/2 month lockdown. The industrial city on the Yangtze River in central China spent 900 million yuan (about 99.3 million) on the tests, the official Xinhua News Agency said, citing a Wuhan official The rapid testing of so many people was made possible in part through batch testing, in which samples from up to five people are mixed together, Xinhua reported. If the result is positive, then the people are individually tested. National resources were also mobilized to help, said Wang Weihua, deputy director of the Wuhan Health Commission, according to Xinhua. Together, these efforts raised Wuhan's daily testing capacity from 300,000 to more than one million, she was quoted as saying. Few things bring out the Irish in me more than the Chinese government dunking on the United States of America. Like just about every American these days, Ive got my complaints about the direction of our country and how our government is dealing with the myriad challenges facing us. But, unlike virtually every Chinese citizen, Im free to express those complaints. Say what you will about the manifest incompetence and dysfunction of our government, but at least no, wait, that sentence should have ended at government. Consider that among the many shortages imposed upon Americans these days, the national stockpile of fresh insults for the current president is almost exhausted. Stand-up comedians and cable news pundits alike are trotting out recycled orange man jokes about his bronzer addiction. But unlike other shortages, government regulation isnt to blame; its simply because people have been mocking President Trump for so long, and so freely, new material is hard to come by. The same cant be said about China, where direct criticism of President-for-life Xi Jinping is outlawed. Critics have had to resort to clever workarounds. Images of Winnie the Pooh have been banned for several years because critics started using the rotund fellow as a symbol for Xi. This exposes the more interesting and ultimately wonderful difference between the United States of America and the Peoples Republic of China. Both countries are flawed. Both have official names that dont quite reflect reality. America isnt all that united, and China is in no way a peoples republic. But the rhetoric of Americas domestic critics is often theoretical and exaggerated for effect, while in China the rhetoric of domestic critics is coded, muffled or completely censored because it has to be. Every day, people call Trump an authoritarian, in part because he sounds like one but also because he isnt one. If he were an actual authoritarian, people wouldnt say it for fear of being thrown in jail. In China, fewer people call Xi an authoritarian precisely because he is one. In America, people rightly condemn the legacy of Jim Crow, slavery and apartheid. In China, they have all three, right now. Forced labor is alive and well in China. Ethnic minorities in China are denied access to schools, barred from traveling freely and are routinely discriminated against in the name of Han supremacy. Uighurs, Mongols and Tibetans are victims of cultural erasure and even genocide. Last week, CNN reporter Omar Jimenez was arrested by Minnesota state police while on air. The governor quickly apologized, and police claimed Jimenez was released as soon as they confirmed he was a journalist. This was surely a lie, since Jimenez identified himself live on TV during the arrest. But its worth noting the principle here. Even the police felt it necessary to pretend they didnt know Jimenez was a journalist as a way to save face. In China, silencing journalists to save face is the principle. Trump recently ignited a fierce and fiercely stupid debate about censorship on Twitter, a privately held platform. The alleged censorship was Twitters fraught decision to tag one of the presidents ridiculous tweets with a link to a somewhat poorly executed fact-check. In China, where social media platforms are vassals of the state, users are routinely censored (and worse), and reporting facts about the government is a criminal act. The Chinese government has been having a grand time trolling America over both our peaceful protests and the criminal looting and violence in response to the abhorrent killing of George Floyd. The death of George Floyd reflects the severity of racial discrimination and police brutality in the U.S., Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lijian Zhao declared. Hes right. But that doesnt change the fact that in China, racism and police brutality are features of the system, not bugs that need to be worked out. And then theres Hong Kong. The Chinese government has been hammering the idea that the U.S. and Hong Kong protests are morally equivalent, and therefore America is hypocritical for condemning Chinas crackdown while supposedly doing the same thing here. But in America, all of the responsible voices are asking nay, begging protesters to channel their rage at the voting booth. In Hong Kong, protesters are enraged because theyre seeing their right to vote, among other rights, nullified to fit official Chinese policy. In America, politicians and citizens fight over which policies will best address the lingering evils in our society. In China, politicians fight against the people to sustain the evils of their society. And thats all the difference in the world. Jonah Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch and the host of The Remnant podcast. His Twitter handle is @JonahDispatch. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Prince William and Prince Harry spent their whole lives together before Harry met his now-wife, Meghan Markle. And once Harry and Meghan realized that the press would always be relentless toward them, they did what they had to do to keep themselves happy they left the royal family. Through the ups and downs, though, there were rumors that William and Harry had lost touch. But now that Harry is living on the other side of the world, William is reportedly growing more concerned. Prince William and Prince Harry | Chris Jackson/Getty Images Prince William and Prince Harry have always had a close connection When William and Harry were growing up, they were in a position to which most people could not relate. Their mother and father went through a messy, highly publicized divorce when they were still kids, all while their father was having an affair and trying to prepare for the role as a future king. For this reason, Harry and William always looked out for each other. Those close to the brothers have said the two actually werent very good friends growing up, but it was mostly because their different personalities gave them varying demeanors and interests. Still, William always looked out for his younger brother, and when Kate came along, she brought the two of them even closer together. The two reportedly had a rift prior to Harry and Meghans exit When Harry married Meghan, the new couples royal priorities shifted away from William and Kates. They had their own busy schedule and decided to move away from the rest of the family for a bit more privacy. With that, the brothers stopped spending so much time together, and though its unclear what happened, rumors started that the two brothers were no longer on good terms. Harry somewhat acknowledged the rift with his brother in an interview back in September, saying the two were on different pages but reminding the public that theyll always have a lot of love for each other. Prince William and Prince Harry reportedly lost touch when Harry married Meghan Markle | Eddie Mulholland/WPA Pool/Getty Images William is growing increasingly concerned over Harrys move to the United States A source recently revealed to Us Weekly that William is having growing concerns over his brothers recent move to Los Angeles, California. William is reportedly concerned for Harry and Meghans safety after the move, since its not easy to find security that matches the harsh protection given by the royal family. Williams advised Harry to return to London or move elsewhere, somewhere safer, the source said. Hes concerned about his brothers well-being and safety. The queen has reportedly been reaching out to Harry as well to make sure he has all the resources he needs in a new country. There have been rumors that Harry feels guilty about moving away from his family, though nothing has been confirmed. Its unclear when Harry and Meghan will return to the United Kingdom Right now, travel is still largely off the table for most people around the world. International travel was halted upon the COVID-19 outbreak, though some countries, including the United States, have slowly eased restrictions. Still, its unclear when Harry and Meghan might return to the U.K. for a visit. It seems like the two are still finding their roots in California, so they might take some time to adjust before returning. But if Harry and William are now on better terms, which it seems they might be, then a visit could be in the near future. Francisco Leong/AFP via Getty Police in the U.K. have asked the public for help in tracking the movements of a 43-year-old German man identified as the main suspect in the mysterious disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Madeleine vanished from a hotel apartment in Praia da Luz on Portugals Algarve coast in May 2007, while on holiday with her parents and twin siblings. It is the first time British police have identified a key suspect, and senior police officers described the breakthrough to the U.K.s Telegraph as significant. Friends of Kate and Gerry McCann told the newspaper it was the biggest development to date in a case often described as the most scrutinized missing persons case in modern history. Scotland Yard said in a statement that detectives had identified the 43-year-old German man, currently in prison in Germany on unrelated charges, as a suspect following a 2017 appeal on the 10th anniversary of Madeleines disappearance. New Break in Maddie McCann Case Centers on Killer Pedophile On Wednesday, they appealed for help from the public in tracking the German mans movements around the Algarve during the time Madeleine went missing. The man, whose name was not released due to German privacy laws, lived on and off in the Algarve between 1995 and 2008. At the time of Madeleines disappearance, he was 30 years old and was living in a camper van in the area. He received a 30-minute phone call in Praia da Luz, the resort where the McCanns were on holiday, just an hour before the 3-year-old girl vanished, the statement said. Police are trying to track down the man on the other end of the phone call and took the unusual step on Wednesday of releasing the Portuguese mobile phone number the suspect was using as well as the number of the person who called him. Police also released images of the distinctive VW camper the suspect was living in, and a 1993 Jaguar saloon car that the suspect owned and re-registered in Germany under another persons name the day after Madeleine went missing. The Jaguar stayed in Portugal despite the man re-registering it in Germany. Story continues Scotland Yard Scotland Yard said he was driving the camper around Praia da Luz in the days before Madeleines disappearance and had been living it in for days or weeks. Madeleines disappearance almost 13 years ago garnered an extraordinary amount of interest globally and led to a high-profilebut largely fruitlesssearch for answers. There has never been any trace of Madeleine since she vanished and no arrests have been made. British tabloids subjected the McCanns to vicious and baseless allegations of being involved in their daughters disappearancehowever investigators have maintained that it was a criminal act by a stranger. In a statement, Kate and Gerry McCann said they welcomed the appeal and thanked police. All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know, as we need to find peace. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, who leads the task force set up by U.K. police to investigate the disappearance, said: While this male is a suspect we retain an open mind as to his involvement and this remains a missing person inquiry. A similar public appeal for information was due to be made on German television on Wednesday. The suspect was described by police as white and in 2007 was believed to have been six feet tall, aged between 25 to early 30s, with short blond fair, a slim build, and fair skin. 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. The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has called on the government to roll out a different stimulus package targeting smallholder farmers to revamp their operations. Mr Charles Kwowe Nyaaba, Head of Programmes and Advocacy at PFAG, who made the call, said We think that if we want this country to become food secure next year, government needs to come out with a different funding mechanism that addresses specific needs of smallholder farmers. He made the call at a training on COVID-19 held at Sognayili in the Sagnarigu Municipality for Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) drawn from the Tamale Metropolis, Sagnarigu and Savelugu Municipalities of the Northern Region. The training, organised by PFAG, was to equip participants with knowledge on the transmission, symptoms and safety precautions on COVID-19, such that they would also educate farmers on the disease as part of their extension activities to help curb its spread. As part of the training, PFAG presented a veronica bucket each including other personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Departments of Agriculture in the Tamale Metropolis and Sagnarigu Municipality to help ensure hygiene. Following the emergence of the COVID-19 in the country and its devastating impact on businesses, the government rolled out a GHC600,000,000.00 stimulus package to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to manage the impact of the disease on their operations. Mr Nyaaba argued that smallholder farmers would not benefit from the current stimulus package because, they neither registered their operations nor had tax identification numbers, which were key requirements for accessing the funds. He said funds under the currents stimulus package were also not enough, adding, a different stimulus package targeting smallholder farmers would help cushion them in this era of COVID-19 as they needed just between GHC500.00 to GHC2,000.oo to revamp their operations. He said We think that farmers bear more of the consequences of COVID-19 than other businesses. Farmers cannot sell their produce because of disruptions in businesses. Farmers have cleared their lands waiting for tractors to plough but there are no tractors because borders are closed, yet they are left out of the credit facility meant to cushion businesses. If we do not take a second look at that approach, we may be addressing one problem but the problem will escalate to the agricultural sector. Mr Iddriss Nouridean, an AEA at the Tamale Metropolis, who spoke on behalf of the participants, said the COVID-19 had overstretched resources of the Departments of Agriculture as AEAs had to now make two trips to communities instead of one for their extension activities to farmers. Mr Nouridean commended PFAG for the training, saying, it would boost their operations as they and the farmers would keep safe during this era of COVID-19. 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 KABALE A Ugandan businessman was on Monday shot dead by Rwanda security forces in Rwerere parish, Burera district, about 5km from the Uganda-Rwanda border. Warren Musekura, a resident of Kagogo village Bigagga parish Butanda sub county Kabale district, was reportedly killed while smuggling match boxes into Rwanda. The brother, Sidini Muhereza, confirmed the news, saying that fellow traders close to the border had informed him about the incident. However, he demanded that the deceaseds body is returned to Uganda for burial. We appeal to the Rwandan government officials to handover the body of our deceased relative for a decent burial. The deceased has a wife and 5 children, Muhereza said on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. The Kabale District chairman, Mr Patrick Besigye Keihwa, said Ugandan security personnel in the border districts of Kabale in Uganda and Burera in Rwanda were coordinating the process of handing over the body of the deceased to the relatives. Government of Uganda in November 2019 wrote a note verbale to Rwanda after Rwandan soldiers shot and killed two Ugandan traders over allegations of smuggling. Job Ebyarishaga and Bosco Tuhirwe were killed at Tabagwe village in Nyagatare District in Rwanda on allegations of smuggling tobacco into the neighbouring East African country. The Government of Uganda protests in the strongest terms the murder of its nationals by Rwandan security personnel for allegedly being involved in smuggling of goods across the common border. The alleged crime cannot justify the high handed and criminal act by the Rwandan security personnel, against unarmed civilians residing along the common border. Furthermore, the Ministry notes that these murders are inimical to the ongoing efforts to improve relations between the two countries. The Ministry demands that a joint investigation in the murders be conducted and the perpetrators held accountable, a statement issued by Mr Ofwono reads in part. Related New Delhi: Latching on to Anna Hazare's remarks on Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP, Delhi BJP on Tuesday wrote to the anti-graft activist, requesting him to come to Delhi and speak from the Jantar Mantar on the "unhealthy politics" of the Aam Aadmi Party. Hazare earlier had said that he was "very saddened to see" that some of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's colleagues have gone to jail, while some others are "indulging in fraud". "Delhi by and large never saw major misconduct by local politicians except in CWG build up but once in power, Delhi saw unprecedented scams in Jal Board, Transport, Food and Supplies and Revenue Departments...," Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay alleged in the letter. He said, he yesterday saw Hazare's first reaction on what is going on in Delhi, but, "this is not enough". "Jan Andolan run on public sentiments and Kejriwal has let them down. You are a pioneer of Jan Andolans... "I therefore request you to please rise for the nation and come to Delhi and speak from the Jantar Mantar on what you feel about the unhealthy politics of Aam Aadmi Party and guide the nation like you did to fight corruption under past regimes," Upadhyay wrote in it. Meanwhile, AAP today said Hazare's concerns are "genuine" and it reflects affection for the outfit. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A Belfast pensioner appeared in court yesterday accused of sex offences against two children A Belfast pensioner appeared in court yesterday accused of sex offences against two children. Dennis McKee (66) was arrested by police investigating alleged incidents last month. McKee, of Glenmeen Close in the west of the city, is charged with two counts of inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity. He is further accused of sexually assaulting one of the alleged victims. Belfast Magistrates Court heard the charges relate to May 21. No further details were given during McKee's brief appearance. An investigating detective connected him to the alleged offences, but did not oppose his release on bail on strict conditions. Granting bail, District Judge Fiona Bagnall banned McKee from any contact with either injured party or their relatives. She also excluded him from parts of Belfast, prohibited him from being drunk in public, and forbade association with any child unless approved by social services. McKee was told to appear back in court in four weeks' time. ABU DHABI, UAE, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Companies involved in the offshore oil and gas sector should use the COVID-19 pandemic, as a springboard to create stronger, more sustainable businesses, using digital technologies to do more with less and make the industry more exciting to the next generation of talent. Participating in an online ADIPEC Energy Dialogue Webinar, Philip Whittaker, Partner and Director, Oil and Gas, at the Boston Consulting Group, said the coronavirus has prompted offshore oil and gas businesses to ask how they can extract greater margins and use technological differentiation to create more stable, less cyclical businesses from their exposure to exploration and production. Discussing the latest developments and impacts around the Offshore verticals in the oil and gas industry, Whittaker said offshore companies have had to rapidly adapt to the changed work environment created by the coronavirus. Projects have been shut in, crews withdrawn from offshore platforms and work limited to core production operations. But he added, digital technology could speed up the sector's recovery. "At BCG, we are having a lot of conversations around, first, responding to the crisis quickly and, secondly, being really ambitious and using the events of the last few weeks as a springboard to create a stronger, really sustainable offshore business in the mid-term," Whittaker said. "A great example is one of our clients, working in North Sea operations, which has had to demobilize about 40 percent of its traditional crew from their platforms but due to the application of wearable technology, digitised remote viewing and remote work planning, they are still able to liquidate 90 per cent of the plant maintenance and integrity activity they have planned. "So it really starts to drive us towards the use of technology to do more with less, which has to be good for everyone." However, Whittaker said, the wider adoption of digital technology across the offshore value chain, would create a recruitment challenge for offshore businesses. "At the moment the sector faces two very distinct talent crisis. The first is the demographic crisis of attracting younger people into what they see as a sunset industry. And the second is around the type of talent required. "Beyond geoscientists, beyond traditional engineers, we need to attract the data scientists, the digital scientists, those who are leading the digital revolution and to be frank they are very, very mobile. We have to make offshore exciting for them but at the moment what we offer them is a cyclical and insecure environment, so that is going to be a tough job." The ADIPEC Energy Dialogue is a series of weekly online thought leadership events created by dmg events, organisers of the annual Abu Dhabi International Exhibition and Conference. Featuring key stakeholders and decision-makers in the oil and gas industry, the dialogues focus on how the industry is evolving and transforming in response to the rapidly changing energy market. ADIPEC 2020 is projected to attract more than 155,000 energy professionals from 67 countries; including senior decision-makers and energy industry thought leaders, over 2,200 exhibiting companies and 23 national exhibiting pavilions as oil and gas companies convene to share views and best practices to address the long-term impact of the triple challenge of lower oil prices, weaker demand and over supply. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC); and supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy & Industry, the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, ADIPEC is scheduled to take place from November 9 to 11, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). To watch the Energy Dialogue series go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEFmfFACMss About ADIPEC Held under the patronage of the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and organised by the Global Energy division of dmg events, ADIPEC is the global meeting point for oil and gas professionals. Standing as one of the world's top energy events, and the largest in the Middle East and North Africa, ADIPEC is a knowledge-sharing platform that enables industry experts to exchange ideas and information that shape the future of the energy sector. About Boston Consulting Group Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global management consulting firm and the world's leading advisor on business strategy. We partner with clients from the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in all regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their enterprises. Our customized approach combines deep insight into the dynamics of companies and markets with close collaboration at all levels of the client organization. This ensures that our clients achieve sustainable competitive advantage, build more capable organizations, and secure lasting results. Founded in 1963, BCG is a private company with offices in more than 90 cities in 50 countries. For more information, please visit https://www.bcg.com SOURCE ADIPEC A May 15 World Socialist Web Site article titled The 2003 SARS epidemic: How Canadas elite squandered the chance to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic characterized the response of the countrys ruling class to the novel coronavirus as a social crime. This point is further substantiated by perusal of a fourteen-year-old report that was commissioned by the federal and provincial governments in the aftermath of the 2003 SARS outbreak. The report both anticipated the current COVID-19 pandemic and outlined a comprehensive public health response. The recommendations contained in the report were essentially ignored by every level of government across the country. Titled The Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan for the Health Sector, the 550-page report was a significant undertaking, developed through the collaboration of governments at the federal, provincial or territorial, and local level. It recalled the devastating impact of pandemics and reiterated the necessity for preparedness, collaboration across provincial borders and governmental jurisdictions, and a rapid response to the countrys initial cases of pandemic influenza. Of particular note is that the report was coauthored by Theresa Tam, the countrys current Chief Public Health Officer. As late as January 29 of this year, Tam downplayed the risk to Canadians of the novel coronavirus as much, much lower than that of many countries. Tam made these remarks a month after the federal government and doctors across the country were notified of a novel virus outbreak in a Wuhan marketplace that would become the source of the pandemic. Four days earlier, on January 25, Canada had recorded its first case of COVID-19. What is even more striking is how accurately the 2006 report predicted the development of the outbreak in Canada. Under a section titled Background, the report made the prediction that a strain of pandemic influenza would likely originate in Asia, and that it would probably arrive in Canada within three months. The report went on to estimate that the peak in infections would occur two to four months after the arrival of the virus, with the peak in mortality occurring one month afterward. Ominously, the report also forecast that over 70 percent of the population would contract the virus. A mild to moderate outbreak would see 15 to 35 percent of the population fall clinically ill (5.6 to 13 million people), with a staggering 10,000 to 60,000 deaths. The COVID-19 death toll in Canada, currently at 7,395, is steadily approaching the lower limit of this projection. Notwithstanding the reports focus on the influenza virus, as distinct from the novel 2019 coronavirus (designated SARS-CoV-2), its projections retain their validity because of the similar pathological features of the two viruses, including the way they are transmitted and disease symptoms. The public health measures advocated by the report in its Preparedness section were, therefore, no less compelling. They stressed the need for rapid collection, collation and analysis of detailed epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical data on a new pandemic virus. This required the preparation of a robust research and testing capacity in the countrys medical laboratories. Instead, due to years of cuts to health care funding, Canadas testing capacity remains extremely low even as the pandemic enters its sixth month. In addition, a 2004 consultation by the World Health Organization cited in the report insisted that the containment of a novel pandemic virus would require aggressive public health care measures, including the use of antiviral drugs, contact tracing, quarantine and exit screening. The report tacitly acknowledged the ramshackle state of public health care in Canada. It described the countrys health care institutions as running at maximal or near maximal bed capacity, and warned that a pandemic could exceed the capacity of the current health care setting to cope. The images in 2020 of health care professionals working with inadequate or nonexistent personal protective equipment, and having to solicit donations of surgical masks from the general population, serve as a tragic confirmation that these warnings were ignored by all levels of government and all major political parties in the 14 years after the report was published. The three pillars of testing, contact tracing, and quarantine formed the bulk of the reports plan to combat a pandemic prior to the development of a vaccine. A group of data tables specified the recommended public health measures to be implemented at each stage of the pandemics evolution. For example, even in a scenario where a foreign virus had only hatched sporadic infections within Canada, the report recommended an approach only undertaken by a few countries to halt the spread of COVID-19, notably South Korea. It specified the collection and dissemination of epidemiological and clinical data for cases occurring in Canada, followed by a need to isolate cases, and quarantine or activity restriction [sic] of contacts. Without lending political support to the capitalist government of South Korea, it is clear that its early and aggressive containment of the COVID-19 outbreak by means of mass testing and contact tracing allowed it to emerge from the first wave of its pandemic with less than 300 deaths. Just as it was ignored for over a decade by federal, provincial, and municipal governments in Canada, the report has also been essentially overlooked in the corporate medias coverage of the pandemic. To call attention to this pandemic playbook would be to indict Canadas big-business governments, past and present, for willfully rejecting its rational public health directives. Governments across the country, from that of Trudeau and his Liberals in Ottawa to the hard-right Ford Conservatives in Ontario and Legaults Coalition Avenir Quebec regime, are instead frantically scrambling to reopen all workplaces and public institutions. They are doing so in opposition to warnings of medical experts that a premature rollback of restrictions could lead to the infection of millions and thousands more deaths. At the same time, a concerted effort is underway to place the blame for the upswing in infections on ordinary working-class people. Stories of large crowds ignoring social distancing guidelines have recently been given blanket coverage in the corporate press, ignoring the fact that figures like Ford exaggerated the mid-April dip in new COVID-19 cases to bolster his governments back-to-work push. Nevertheless, the 2006 report remains an important document for illustrating how Canada, or any country, could have effectively managed the current pandemic from a health perspective. It would be a valuable resource in any future worker-led tribunal into the Canadian ruling elites criminal handling of the current crisis. This author also recommends: Ontario takes over five nursing homes after military exposes systematic negligence [29 May 2020] The 2003 SARS epidemic: How Canadas elite squandered the chance to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic [15 May 2020] There has been a lot of concern on how the protests over the past several days may produce a wave of coronavirus cases. This discussion is often framed as though the pandemic and protests in support of black lives are wholly separate issues, and tackling one requires neglecting the other. But some public health experts are pushing people to understand the deep connection between the two. Facing a slew of media requests asking about how protests might be a risk for COVID-19 transmission, a group of infectious disease experts at the University of Washington, with input from other colleagues, drafted a collective response. In an open letter published Sunday, they write that protests against systemic racism, which fosters the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 on Black communities and also perpetuates police violence, must be supported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter and the experts who signed it make a case for viewing the protests not primarily as something that could add to cases of coronavirus (though they might) but as a tool to promote public health in and of themselves. Protests address the paramount public health problem of pervasive racism, the letter notes. We express solidarity and gratitude toward demonstrators who have already taken on enormous personal risk to advocate for their own health, the health of their communities, and the public health of the United States. By Tuesday afternoon, more than 1,000 epidemiologists, doctors, social workers, medical students, and other health experts had signed the letter. The creators had to close a Google Sheet with signatures to the public after alt-right messages popped up, but they plan to publish a final list soon, says Rachel Bender Ignacio, an infectious disease specialist and one of the letters creators. The hopes for the letter are twofold. The first goal is to help public health workers formulate anti-racist responses to media questions about the health implications. The second is to generate press to address a general public that may be concerned about protests spreading the virus. Advertisement Advertisement We live in an age where you are privy to seeing veritable lynching on your smartphone, says Jade Pagkas-Bather, an infectious diseases physician at the University of Chicago. The response now has been a long time coming. My colleague Julia Craven described the sensation of watching black people die at the hands of law enforcement, and feeling caught in a loop of trauma: Advertisement 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 Advertisement Its not a coincidence that were seeing protests against racism during a pandemic. Racism is dangerous to public health because black people experience disproportionate effects of the coronavirus, as Craven has documented extensively. Race can affect how difficult it is to get a test, whether drugs and vaccines are designed to work for you, whether health professionals believe and listen to you. Incarceration rates are higher for black peoplethe virus thrives in prisonas are rates for diseases that in turn exacerbate COVID-19. The reason why we have such high levels of diabetes, hypertension, and asthma is directly linked to structural racism, physician Uche Blackstock told Craven in March. Were already very vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement That link between racism and disease is why Ayesha Appa, an infectious disease fellow at the University of CaliforniaSan Francisco, signed the letter when she saw it circulating on Twitter. It is part of our job as infectious disease doctors to add our words of support. She calls racism one of the more dangerous infectious diseases. The explicit link between white supremacy and public health is why Dashawna Fussell-Ware, a social worker and doctoral candidate at the University of Pittsburgh, put her name on the letter. She felt frustrated with a lack of responses from formal organizations. I need very public denouncements of racism and white supremacy, Fussell-Ware said. Were not going to condemn the proteststhat was really, really important to me. Advertisement Advertisement In the long term, breaking down structural racism is an unequivocal public health good. In the short term, we are in danger of overemphasizing the viral spread that might come from the protests, these experts argue. We should have a realistic awareness that we may be tasked with more cases, says Pagkas-Bather. But she adds that the protests are not happening in a vacuum. Theyre happening as states are relaxing stay at home orders, as largely white crowds head to pool parties and brunch. Were not going to be able to pin this on the protests, says Pagkas-Bather. Advertisement Advertisement The letter outlines a number of ways that protesters can reduce the risk of spreading or catching the coronavirus, such as wearing masks, distancing, and, if theyre sick, staying home and donating supplies to others instead. But many of the risks of viral spread could be mitigated by law enforcement themselves. I imagine this wouldnt happen, but what a wonderful place this would be if law enforcement passed out masks to those that didnt have them, says Appa. Instead law enforcement is instigating violence thatbeyond the direct harm of rubber bullets and tear gas itselfpushes people into close contact and induces coughing. Putting protesters on buses and in jail also increases the risk of spread, notes Appa. That is: Many instances of increased transmission at protests are stemming from racism itself. For more of Slates news coverage, subscribe to What Next: TBD on Apple Podcasts or listen below. The United States is starting Section 301 investigations into digital services taxes considered by 10 U.S. trading partners, including the European Union (EU), Brazil and India, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced on Tuesday. "President (Donald) Trump is concerned that many of our trading partners are adopting tax schemes designed to unfairly target our companies," USTR Robert Lighthizer said in a statement. "We are prepared to take all appropriate action to defend our businesses and workers against any such discrimination." The probe announced Tuesday encompasses digital services taxes that have been adopted or are under consideration by Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the EU, India, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, according to a draft Federal Register notice. In light of the uncertainties arising from COVID-19 restrictions, "USTR is not at this time scheduling a public hearing in these investigations," the USTR's Office said. The United States has launched and completed a Section 301 probe into France's digital services tax regime but agreed to delay the imposition of tariffs on the country, as the two sides are negotiating a multilateral deal on international taxation at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. It remains to be seen if the digital tax dispute between the United States and other trading partners will intensify in the coming months. The so-called Section 301, under an outdated U.S. trade law adopted in 1974, allows the U.S. president to unilaterally impose tariffs or other trade restrictions on foreign countries. The global trading community has become increasingly concerned that the U.S. government's frequent use of Section 301 would go against the World Trade Organization rules, undermine the multilateral trading system and disrupt the global supply chain. Theyre all saying, essentially, that Donald Trump is not doing a very big part of his job, and we have to stage an intervention, even if that intervention is not coordinated, historian Michael Beschloss said. Foremost in the presidents job is to try to unite the country, especially in crisis. . . . These statements and gestures are saying, Donald Trump is not carrying out these essential functions of the presidency, so we have to step in. Sixteen civilians, five of them children, were killed overnight in a fresh massacre in the eastern DR Congo province of Ituri, a local official and a UN source said on Wednesday. The toll, which is still provisional, is of 16 people killed by knives or gunfire. The people killed are four men, seven women and five children all aged under five, the administrator of Djugu territory, Adel Alingi, told AFP. The toll was separately confirmed by a source in the United Nations peacekeeping force, MONUSCO. The attack unfolded at a village in the area of Mambisa, north of the Ituri capital Bunia, the sources said. The authorities attributed it to a notorious ethnic militia called CODECO, for the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo. The organisation is mainly drawn from the Lendu ethnic group, who are predominantly farmers and clash repeatedly with the Hema community of traders and herders. Nearly 300 civilians have been killed since the start of the year in attacks blamed on CODECO, while the UN says around 200,000 people have fled their homes. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, in a visit to Ituri in late January, said crimes against humanity had been perpetrated. Tens of thousands of people were killed in Hema-Lendu fighting between 1999 and 2003. A surge in violence in 2003 triggered the European Unions first military mission outside Europe Operation Artemis, under which a rapid-response force was deployed for three months to dampen the fighting. Ituri is one of several provinces gripped by militia violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a country the size of continental western Europe. An illustration of Oumuamua, the first object weve ever seen pass through our own solar system that has interstellar origins. Credit: European Southern Observatory/M. Kornmesser The aliens came on Oct. 19, 2017. That was the day telescopes picked up a strange object with an odd, elongated shape that moved like a cometbut had no apparent tail. The object, which baffled astronomers and led some to claim it could be a spacecraft sent by intelligent life, was named 'Oumuamua, which means "messenger from afar arriving first" in Hawaiian. But a new theory proposed by University of Chicago and Yale astronomers explains the phenomenon without aliensbut with interesting scientific implications. "It's a frozen iceberg of molecular hydrogen," said Darryl Seligman, an incoming UChicago postdoctoral fellow who authored a paper in Astrophysical Journal Letters laying out the explanation. "This explains every mysterious property about it. And if it's true, it's likely that the galaxy is full of similar objects." 'Oumuamua made headlines as the first object to visit from outside the solar system. Telescopes didn't pick it up until it had already swung past the sun and was on its way out, but its trajectory indicated it came from interstellar space. It also accelerated in a way which couldn't be explained by gravity; sometimes comets can accelerate similarly, but the propulsion comes from ice on the surface that burns up in the heat from the sun. The typical comets we've seen in our solar system have cometary tails, which we can see when small dust particles in the outflow reflect sunlight, but we could not see any such sparkle of dust from 'Oumuamua. Last year, however, Seligman and colleagues at Yale University and Caltech showed that it could be a comet whose outflow was simply invisible to telescopes. Starting from that idea, the researchers worked their way backward to see what the substance could be in the outflow. They knew where 'Oumuamua was, how fast it was moving, and how much energy it should be getting from the sun at any given time, so they checked the list of what materials would give the acceleration they saw when burned up. "The only kind of ice that really explains the acceleration is molecular hydrogen," Seligman said. Molecular hydrogen ice is a strange substance, only formed when the temperature is just a smidge above absolute zero. It doesn't reflect light or produce any light as it burns up, so telescopes would not be able to see it. "That we saw one at all implies that there's a ton of these things out there," Seligman said. "The galaxy must be filled with these dark hydrogen icebergs. That's incredibly cool." There are only a few kinds of places in the galaxy where molecular hydrogen ice could be made. This one would have been made in the dense cores of something called a giant molecular cloudmassive, freezing clouds of hydrogen and helium that are the birthplaces of stars. Astronomers can't see inside the cores of these clouds, so it would be a scientific bonanza to be able to intercept one and examine it, Seligman said. "It would be the most pristine primordial matter in the galaxy. It's like the galaxy made it, and FedExed it out straight to us." Finally, what about the odd shape? Seligman explained that the object would be constantly whittled away by energetic particles found in space and sunlight, both of which remove hydrogen from the surface: "Imagine what happens to a bar of soap. It starts out as a fairly regular rectangle, but as you use it up, it gets smaller and thinner over time." 'Oumuamua had been happily meandering through space, unmolested for millions of years, until it encountered our solar system. "This thing got smacked like a bug on a windshield," Seligman said. That collision and subsequent intense radiation from the sun accelerated the process that formed the object's unusual shape. That means that most of the evolution of 'Oumuamua's shape would have happened while it was fairly close to Earth, Seligman said, so the next time one comes by, we should be able to watch it happen in real time, which could prove the theory. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, under construction in Chile and scheduled to be online in late 2022, is more powerful than anything currently available. If many more such icebergs are out there, scientists should soon be able to see them. More information: Evidence that 1I/2017 U1 (`Oumuamua) was composed of molecular hydrogen ice. arXiv:2005.12932 [astro-ph.EP] Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Letters Evidence that 1I/2017 U1 (`Oumuamua) was composed of molecular hydrogen ice. arXiv:2005.12932 [astro-ph.EP] arxiv.org/abs/2005.12932 By Cecile Mantovani GENEVA (Reuters) - More than 600 nurses worldwide are known to have died from COVID-19, which has infected an estimated 450,000 healthcare workers, the International Council of Nurses said on Wednesday. The death toll among nurses more than doubled in the past month from 260 on May 6, according to its figures, which are based on data from more than 30 countries. "In the last two months, we have seen the number of deaths of nurses as a result of coronavirus around the world rise from 100 to now in excess of 600 and we think worldwide the number of healthcare workers who could be infected by the virus is around 450,000," Howard Catton, chief executive officer of the Geneva-based ICN, told Reuters Television. "These are numbers that keep going up," he said. The pandemic's true cost among health professionals was not known, the association said, renewing its appeal for greater protection for them and systematic collection of reliable data. On average, 7 percent of all cases of COVID-19, the lung disease caused by the novel coronavirus, are among healthcare workers, which means that nurses and other staff are at great personal risk "and so are the patients they care for", it said. Extrapolating from more than 6 million reported cases gave its estimate of some 450,000 infections among healthcare workers. Infection rates among healthcare workers vary greatly between countries, with fewer than 1% in Singapore and more than 30% in Ireland, it said. Spain and Germany have recorded low numbers of fatalities among healthcare workers despite large outbreaks, it added. "Why do the rates of deaths among nurses appear higher in some Latin American countries?" it asked, referring to the region that the World Health Organization (WHO) says has emerged as the new epicentre for the pandemic. "Why are some countries reporting disproportionate deaths among black, Asian and minority ethnic HCWs (healthcare workers)? This is an issue raised directly by the Philippine Nurses Association to ICN, concerning Filipino HCWs in the UK," it said. The ICN represents 130 national associations and more than 20 million registered nurses. (Reporting by Cecile Mantovani and Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Alex Richardson) Voting amid the coronavirus pandemic has been a complicated process due to the confusion of citizens, mail-ballots going missing, and long waiting lines in front of some polling centers. Tuesday saw the biggest challenge of voting amid the spread of the virus, with eight states going forward with voting, including the District of Columbia. The balloting served as a dry run to the upcoming election in November and offered a first look at the challenges that come with conducting a national scale election with the coronavirus's continuous threat, reported Reuters. Mail-in ballot voting On Tuesday, all participating states urged or spread that mail-in voting as a safer method of elections amid the COVID-19 threat. The process massively reduced the number of face-to-face polling that government officials had difficulties recruiting workers for. The move resulted in a surge of requests for mail-in ballots and cast across several states as well as complaints regarding delayed ballots and inquiries asking where people can vote after polling locations were consolidated. The interim director of Common Cause Pennsylvania, Suzanne Almeida, said that the most crucial information within the process is the voters' confusion with the whole ordeal. According to The New York Times, President Donald Trump has shared his dissatisfaction with mail-in voting. Stopping anyone from getting an absentee ballot, however, is something the president has not done. Also Read: Fact Check: Trump Claims California Governor Will Send Millions of Ballots to Illegal Immigrants With the US president's support for some individuals to move forward with absentee voting such as older citizens, military personnel serving internationally, and as Trump votes absentee as well, he has expressed his unproven claim that mail-in voting will result in election theft. Last month, Trump said during a White House briefing that we would have thousands upon thousands of people gathered in one living room where they sign ballots everywhere. Fraudulent votes Historically, ballot stuffing scandals have been an issue as well as an absentee vote scandal that Republicans in North Carolina were involved with, in 2018, as reported by NPR. Nothing in modern American politics suggests that the same would happen again. The small number of frauds in voting is mostly conducted by insiders and not voters, which limiting of mail balloting or ID laws would not solve. One clear example is where two local government officials pleaded guilty and revealed that they accepted bribes amounting to $2,500 to fix ballot boxes in three Philadelphia judicial races. Officials added that working through the number of mail-in ballots would delay the final tally. Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania ordered the extension of the deadline for handing in mailed ballots from June 2 to June 9 in several counties, including Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, along with Indiana, Maryland, and Rhode Island, has continued its voting process. The move comes after they delayed the process from earlier this year to avoid the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in the deaths of more than 105,000 people across the United States. There is no sufficient evidence to link mail-in voting with any sort of fraud, as observed by several studies. Related Article: Russian Scandal Revealed by Declassified Calls Between Former US Security Adviser and Ambassador @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo) esla Inc CEO Elon Musk speaks at an opening ceremony for Tesla China-made Model Y program in Shanghai, China January 7, 2020. After Elon Musk commented that stay-at-home-orders were "fascist," a worker from the Tesla factory was reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus. Read More: Ransomware Gang 'REvil' Auctioning 10,000 Stolen Data for Safe Return; Owner Buys it Back What went down A worker in Tesla's factory located in Buffalo, New York, has just been tested positive for the coronavirus pandemic, first reported by The Verge. For now, the employee's name has not been revealed and is the fourth to have the sickness inside Musk's factories. Musk reopened Tesla factories nationwide in May, and the very first Tesla employee has been reported sick. The factory in Buffalo is operated by SolarCity, Tesla's solar energy subsidiary. In full swing, the factory employs 1,500 employees. Still, almost 1,000 employees have been furloughed since the pandemic has halted the production of companies worldwide, as reported by Buffalo Business First. At the time of this writing, a Tesla spokesperson has not had any comment in regards to the Buffalo case, or share if they still plan to continue work and what steps to take from the people who came in contact with the infected individual. CEO Elon Musk has been a firm believer that the virus shutdowns are not suitable for his company's factories to produce the much-needed goods they produce. To the point that Musk called the lockdown directive "fascist" in a quarterly earnings call with his investors on April 29. Despite critics saying that this would put his workers at risk, Tesla still opened its doors. Read More: #DeleteFacebookNow Trends on Twitter; Here's Why Why Musk needs his factories open The reason for Musk to continue production is to sustain his goal and to advance humanity even further. He would need to continue to produce rockets, spaceships, solar panels, and cars that would change the future, Business Insider reported. Musk even went so far as to argue to file a lawsuit against Alameda County, stating that car production should be considered as essential during the lockdown. Musk tweeted, "Tesla is restarting production against Alameda County rules, I will be on the line with everyone else. If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me." It even came to the point that Musk has threatened his employees that if they don't come back to work just because they refused to go, for health reasons, and even legal rights that they would be fired and would no longer be part of Musk's dream to advance humanity. That shook the employees, and because of that, they all reported for work. Tesla recently published its guidelines for reopening the factory on its website, saying that it had "started the process of resuming operation." Regardless of how the stance of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, it still seems essential that the health of the employees should be the topmost priority especially given the pandemic is very much alive and show no signs of slowing down, especially in the United States. Read More: 'Sign in with Apple' Had a Serious Vulnerability, Which Was Recently Fixed! Here's the Story 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A total of 4,407 have been relocated from the coastal resort town of Alibaug - around 9 nautical miles or 90 km from Mumbai. Cyclone Nisarga is expected to make landfall just south of Alibaug between 1 pm and 4 pm. Nisarga, classified as a severe cyclonic storm, is expected to make landfall with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph, gusting upto 120 kmph. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has also warned of storm surges that may result in inundation in low-lying areas along the coastline. However, a survey of coastal villages showed that many people had still not left their homes despite warning by district authorities. Hindustan Times spoke to residents of three fishing villages - Siddharth Nagar, Shastri Nagar and Alibag Koliwada - who were still at home on Wednesday morning. Police officials was spotted going door-to-door, telling people to evacuate as rain and wind speed intensified marginally around 9.30 am. It has been raining since yesterday. We have to complete all our household chores before leaving. We will evacuate soon, said Kamla Perekar, a fisherwoman from Alibag Koliwada. Girish Hirlekar, a resident of Shastri Nagar, said, We were informed about being evacuated at 8 am by the local police. It will take us sometime to leave our houses. (I am worried that we will be leaving our homes) unattended during the cyclone. Alibaug on Wednesday recorded 33 mm rain between 5.30 am and 9.30 am while Raigad district, which comprises 17 talukas, recorded 285 mm rain during the same time period. Residents have been evacuated from other coastal districts too - as of 10 am on Wednesday, relocation of at least 2,553 people from Shrivardhan, 2,407 from Murud, 1,512 from Uran, 239 from Mhasala, 87 from Pen, and 55 form Panvel has taken place. People have been relocated to rest houses, schools, and government buildings for Wednesday and Thursday. They are mostly residents of fishing villages. Everyone will be allowed to return to their homes once we are told that there is no impending danger from the cyclone, said Manoj Sanap, district information officer of Raigad district, which Alibaug is part of. Sanap added that the district administration had been informed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) that Cyclone Nisarga is likely to make landfall close to Alibaug around 3 pm. There are seven teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in the district including two teams in Alibaug, he said. Until Wednesday morning, 20 teams of NDRF were deployed in Maharashtra: eight in Mumbai, five in Raigad, two each in Thane, Palghar and Ratnagiri, and one in Sindhudurg district. Each team has up to 45 jawans equipped with tree and pole cutting machines, communication gadgets, inflatable boats, first-aid kits, basic medicines and a rescuer-Covid kit, which includes a hand-wash, soap, gloves, face masks and face shields. There are more than 40 teams across the western coast, as Gujarat also prepared for the cyclones impact. Close to 1,00,000 people have been evacuated from the coastal areas of Maharashtra until Wednesday morning, state government and the NDRF authorities have said. Well-known Texas pastor, Manson B. Johnson II, dies of coronavirus Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Manson B. Johnson II, a beloved pastor who led the Holman Street Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, for more than 40 years, joined a growing list of Christian leaders who've died from the coronavirus. He was 71. Johnson, who has led the church since 1977, died on Sunday morning due to complications from the coronavirus, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner's office confirmed with the Houston Chronicle. The church also announced Johnson's passing on its Facebook page but did not highlight his cause of death. "It is with a heavy heart but faith in God to report Shepherd Teacher Manson B. Johnson has transitioned to his Heavenly home this morning. Our Shepherd Teacher loved serving God and God's people. We find strength in knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with God," the church said. "At this time please keep our beautiful First Lady, his children, family, Holman Street Baptist Church family, East Side University - ESUVCLC, and the entire Houston community in your prayers." Johnson, whose father was also a pastor and mother was a teacher, was born in Nashville, Tennessee, but grew up in Starkville, Mississippi. He moved to Texas after graduating high school to study history and government at Texas Southern University, one of the nation's largest historically black universities. It was while at Texas Southern University that Johnson started attending Holman Street Baptist Church where he first became a youth pastor. He would become a teacher after graduating and excelled in the profession before moving to full-time ministry. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, praised Johnson for his work with his church and his community and called him a "giant among men" in a statement on Twitter shortly after his death on Sunday. "Houston has lost a giant among men. Pastor Manson B. Johnson was a diligent shepherd at the Holman Street Baptist Church for more than 43 years. He had a passion for truth and fought to create opportunities for vulnerable people," she began. "He had a direct impact on providing educational and housing opportunities for the greater Third-ward area, and was a valued member of the Texas Southern University family. He remained committed to the Word of God, and his outstanding pastoral ministry," Jackson continued. "Pastor Manson B. Johnson will be greatly missed and celebrated for his invaluable visionary leadership which has enhanced the quality of life for many in the city of Houston. My deepest sympathy to his devoted wife and all of his loving children. Rest in Peace my dear friend." The Alumni Relations Office of Texas Southern University noted in a statement on Facebook that he was a major part of the school community. "Pastor Johnson did phenomenal things in the many years of pastoral ministry. Both his religious ministry and his community involvement speak of a man who devoted his life to the Lord and the people he served," the office noted. "His presence and perseverance in our TSU alumni ranks was consistent. His work as a TSU Foundation Board of Trustee was treasured. Pastor Johnson was the very fabric that is Texas Southern University. He will be deeply missed." Saudi Aramco has introduced recently deployed a smart helmet operating on artificial intelligence (AI) which remotely monitors equipment and material fabrication activities, helping to mitigate the risk of Covid-19 transmission. The technology behind the smart helmet, an Android tablet class wearable computer, is a hands-free device attached to a regular industrial helmet. It uses voice recognition software and allows for numerous functions such as easy document and screen sharing, high resolution image capturing, video recording, and real-time augmented reality mark-up for remote guidance. The helmet also enables multiple people to remotely run multiple support sessions at one time. Digital transformation is driving change in how we manage our business in Aramco Asia, and it supports our stakeholders through enhanced agility and innovative solutions especially in times of crises, said Anwar A Al-Hejazi, Aramco Asia president. Aramco Asia will continue to explore and adopt innovative technologies that can add value to our operations. Aramco Asia-Korea representative director Fahad A Al-Sahali said: This technology brings about many benefits that enable us to reliably and safely sustain our operations, by increasing on-the-spot audits to monitor materials fabrication activities and expediting related urgent assessment processes. Identifying suitable technologies that complement our processes at an early stage enhances our business continuity measures. TradeArabia News Service I am so angry about the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police. Without the camera footage, we would probably have never known about this. It would have quietly been swept under the rug by the Minneapolis Police Department, and blamed on some sort of resisting arrest claim by the officers involved. Before the days of camera footage, how many other black men have died at the hands of the police? Dozens? Hundreds? Thousands? Hundreds of thousands? I dare not even think of the next number that would come in this progression. Changing this police culture and eliminating racism must be our number one priority going forward in America. I mean immediate priority. Ahead of climate change. Ahead of the economy. Ahead of everything. This has to end now! When Barack Obama was elected President in 2008, I thought we had finally turned the corner on racism in this country. I was never so proud of our country. Finally the black and minority population would get a fair chance of success and equality in the United States of America. Now of course racism never really went away. It just moved underground to a less vocal place. The KKK still exists. The Neo-Nazis still exist. The White Supremacists still exist. Enter Donald Trump. In 2015/16 he hooked up with Steve Bannon and his alt-right Breitbart news organization. Mr. Bannon knew how to ignite the racists to support the Trump candidacy and become powerful members of his base. Now, I am certainly not saying that all Trump supporters are racists. But I do suspect that all racists are Trump supporters. They were a vital component of his election in 2016 and a very important part of his base that he needs for reelection in 2020. This is why he never calls out the racists in cases like this murder of George Floyd. Or why he could not speak out against the white supremacists in Charlottesville. He tweets Free the people of Michigan and other states to incite discord in swing states he needs for re-election. He is now blaming the protesters in Minneapolis calling them thugs. He even tweeted an old phrase by the Miami police chief from 1967: When the looting starts, the shooting starts. A perfect example of him fanning the flames. He needs racism to be alive and well in order to get reelected. Judging from the protests that are breaking out all over the country, there are a lot of people who are just as angry as I am. If we are going to move forward as a country we must eliminate racism. Trump must be defeated this year. We can not possibly survive as a democracy without human decency and truthfulness being the prime character of our leaders. Ending racism and changing police culture must be our number one priority. Now. Right Now. Once And For All. Larry Terhaar Danbury Disability rights activist Heidi Crowter has urged MPs not to approve Northern Irelands abortion regulations after they were rejected by the Stormont Assembly (Heidi Crowter/PA) A young woman with Down's Syndrome has thanked politicians for "voting for equality" for unborn babies with disabilities. Heidi Crowter (24), a well-known advocate for people with Down's, was commenting after the Stormont Assembly rejected new abortion regulations that includes terminations up to birth in cases of serious non-fatal disabilities on Tuesday. Ms Crowter said: "Firstly I would like to say thank you for voting for equality for disabled babies in the womb. "It makes me feel overjoyed and very proud of myself that my campaigning helped and inspired the MLAs. I listened to the debate and was delighted with the vote. "I would now call on the Government not to ask MPs and peers to vote for regulations that contain discriminatory provisions that tell people like me that we should not exist." MPs are due to vote on the abortion regulations, which were introduced in March, at Westminster later this month. The vote's outcome, however, does not change the recently introduced law in Northern Ireland. Nicola Woods from Belfast, whose son Daniel (7) has Down's Syndrome, was delighted that politicians "have spoken up" over the rights of an unborn child with disabilities. "It is great news that our elected representatives here in Northern Ireland have spoken up for the rights of the unborn with disabilities," she said. "There should be no difference in the treatment of pregnancies depending on the chromosomes of the baby. People with Down's Syndrome aren't stupid. "They understand that the screening and discriminatory abortion law around Down's Syndrome, and other disabilities, implies their lives are not worth living and the absolute opposite is the case." Expand Close A pro-life banner which was erected outside William Humphreys office / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A pro-life banner which was erected outside William Humphreys office Meanwhile, banners supporting abortion were placed outside the offices of two Belfast MLAs. DUP MLA William Humphrey has said he will not be "intimidated or deflected" after one was placed outside his constituency office in north Belfast. Socialist republican activist group Lasair Dhearg also put a banner outside Connolly House, Sinn Fein's west Belfast headquarters, calling for the party to "stop exporting Irish woman to England". Already we have seen that the first three institutions cannot be relied upon. Two of the three power ministries are being subordinated to the presidents personal and political interests. Under Barr, the Justice Department ignores traditional rules aimed at shielding prosecutors from political manipulation. So far these departures from the norm have been used to aid the presidents friends, though nothing prevents them from being used to persecute the presidents enemies. Meanwhile, the FBI is under attack for disloyalty to the president and may undergo a purge of those deemed unwilling to support the presidents personal and political agenda. The CIA faces similar pressures. All of this is occurring without obstruction from Congress and is actually aided by the Republican majority in the Senate. Whether the courts will or can contain the president remains to be seen. It is doubtful that the highly politicized Supreme Court would intervene in the presidents management of the executive branch, and the court is traditionally reluctant to intervene when a president says national security is at stake, whether or not the claim is legitimate. At least 40 workers of a chemical factory were injured on Wednesday in a huge fire caused by a blast in the boiler at Dahej in Bharuch district of Gujarat, district collector said. Around 35-40 workers sustained burn injuries after the boiler of an agro-chemical company exploded in afternoon. All the injured persons have been shifted to hospitals in Bharuch, and efforts are on to control the fire, said Bharuch collector MD Modia. The fire has still engulfed the unit, the collector said. He said residents of Lakhi and Luvara villages located near the factory are being evacuated as a precautionary measure because of the presence of plants of poisonous chemicals near the affected factory. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Nationwide tensions appeared to ease Wednesday as thousands of demonstrators launched peaceful protests across the U.S. over the death of George Floyd while he was being subdued by Minneapolis police. Major cities plan to continue enacting earlier curfews and beef up law enforcement resources after days of violence. Three former Minneapolis police officers will be criminally charged in connection with the death of George Floyd, court record show. In addition, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is increasing charges against Derek Chauvin, a former officer who had already been charged with third-degree murder in the case. Chauvin will now be charged with second-degree murder, the records show. President Donald Trump has not spoken publicly since Monday, when he threatened military action in U.S. cities. This is CNBC's live blog covering all the latest news on the demonstrations gripping the U.S. This blog will be updated throughout the day as the news breaks. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on George Floyd's death: 'The only wrong thing to say is to say nothing' Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020 in London, England. Max Mumby | Indigo | Getty Images 6:30 a.m. ET Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has spoken publicly about the death of George Floyd in a video commencement address to the graduating class of Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles. "I wanted to say the right thing and I was really nervous that I wouldn't or that it would get picked apart and I realized the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing," the duchess said. "George Floyd's life mattered, and Breonna Taylor's life mattered, and Philando Castile's life mattered, and Tamir Rice's life mattered. And, so did so many other people whose names we know and whose names we do not know," she added. The duchess went onto say she had decided to speak about the issue after remembering the advice of a former teacher: "Always remember to put other's needs above your own fears." More than 10,000 people have reportedly been arrested in connection with civil unrest Protester John Michaels carries an American flag through a residential neighborhood past a LAPD skirmish line during march on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Hollywood, CA. Brian van der Brug | Los Angeles Times via Getty Images 5:50 a.m. ET Nationwide protests against racism and police brutality have seen more than 10,000 people arrested, the Associated Press reported on Thursday, citing a tally of known arrest in the U.S. The number of people being arrested in the U.S. has grown by hundreds each day, the report said, as protesters took to the streets and encountered a heavy police presence and curfews that gave law enforcement officers increased power to arrest. Los Angeles accounted for more than a quarter of arrests nationwide, Associated Press reported, the highest of any city in the country. The largest city in California was followed by New York, Dallas and Philadelphia, respectively. George Floyd had coronavirus, medical examiner's autopsy says 1:10 a.m. ET George Floyd tested positive for coronavirus weeks before his death, according to an autopsy report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office. NBC News reported that the document showed an April 3 test was positive for the virus' RNA, which can remain in the body weeks after a disease clears. The autopsy said a second positive test after his death likely indicated that Floyd was asymptomatic from an earlier infection when he died May 25, NBC reported. The CDC has previously said that a positive RNA test does not necessarily indicate that the virus is infectious. NBC reported that it wasn't immediately clear if Floyd developed symptoms earlier or was asymptomatic. Christine Wang Secretary of Defense reverses decision to send active-duty troops home 12 a.m. ET Secretary of Defense Mark Esper reversed his decision of sending more than a thousand active-duty troops home after a meeting at the White House on Wednesday. Hours after 1,600 active-duty Army units arrived in the Washington, D.C. area to help local law enforcement with protest response efforts, Esper said he was going to send them home, only to then change his mind later in the day. On Tuesday evening, the Pentagon confirmed that approximately 1,600 active-duty troops from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Drum in New York were flown into the Washington D.C. area. A day later, Esper told reporters at the Pentagon that while he ordered the deployment of 1,600 troops to the region, he does not support invoking the Insurrection Act, a law that would allow President Donald Trump to send the active-duty military to respond to civil unrest in cities across the country. Following a meeting at the White House, a U.S. Army spokesperson told NBC News that Esper decided to reverse his decision and would not be sending troops home. Amanda Macias SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell comments on protests in email to employees after Demo-2 success 9:30 p.m. ET SpaceX launched humans into orbit on May 30 for the first time, sending NASA astronauts to the International Space Station, a milestone that coincided with nationwide protests against racism and police brutality in the U.S. On Twitter, where SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has around 35 million followers, he briefly commented on the Floyd homicide Monday, calling for the police officers working alongside Chauvin to be arrested. By contrast, SpaceX COO and President Gwynne Shotwell has no Twitter account. She reserved her thoughts about racism in the U.S. for an internal e-mail to employees on Wednesday. In the note she acknowledged the homicide of George Floyd, the deadly racism in the US and supported Black employees at the company. She wrote: "I want to ensure that SpaceX is a place where these difficulties are recognized and certainly a place where bias and discrimination are not tolerated." Read the full email obtained by CNBC. Lora Kolodny Correction: This entry has been updated to reflect that Gwynne Shotwell does not have a Twitter account. Amazon reopens warehouses that were closed to protect them from looting 9 p.m. ET Amazon temporarily closed two of its Midwest warehouses due to escalating civil unrest in the area. The facilities, located in Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana, were closed on Tuesday and are set to reopen on Wednesday, in time for the night shift to begin at 8 p.m. CT. Amazon closed the Gary, Indiana facility, known as DIN2, after it received reports that trailers were damaged outside of the building late Monday night. There was no damage to the Chicago facility, known as DCH1. Both facilities were closed to protect employees and partners, the company said. "We are monitoring the situation closely and have adjusted routes or scaled back typical delivery operations in the affected areas to ensure the safety of our teams," the spokesperson said. Annie Palmer Barack Obama says protests across the country aren't like the 1968 riots In a screengrab from the Obama Foundation, former US President Barack Obama participates in a virtual town hall on June 3, 2020. Obama spoke on reimagining policing in the wake of continued police violence as civil unrest continues across the nation after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. Obama Foundation via Getty Images 8:30 p.m. ET Former President Barack Obama said he doesn't believe the protests erupting across the country are like those that occurred in 1968. The 1968 riots, which came amid the Vietnam War, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King and inequality have come under renewed focus recently, with some noting they may have helped elect former President Richard Nixon. President Trump has called for "Law and Order" as Nixon did in his 1968 campaign. "You look at those protests and that was a far more representative cross-section of America out on the streets peacefully protesting, and who felt moved to do something because of the injustice they had seen," Obama said. "That didn't exist in the 1960s that kind of broad coalition." Lauren Hirsch Mattis breaks silence and tears into Trump: 'He tries to divide us' Former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis on September 03, 2019 in New York City. Steven Ferdman | Getty Images 8 p.m. ET In an extraordinary statement, former Secretary of Defense James Mattis tore into Trump for his handling of the nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. "Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people does not even pretend to try. Instead, he tries to divide us," Mattis wrote in a Wednesday night statement. "We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership," he wrote, adding that he "watched this week's unfolding events, angry and appalled." Before Mattis became Trump's Defense secretary, the four-star Marine Corps general led the U.S. Central Command, the combat command responsible for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He resigned in December 2018 citing differences in "core beliefs." Amanda Macias Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey gives to Colin Kaepernick's organization 7:30 p.m. ET Twitter and Square CEO Jack Dorsey said he's giving $3 million to former NFL player Colin Kaepernick's organization Know Your Rights Camp. Dorsey is the the latest tech executive to give to anti-racist organizations in the wake of widespread protests over the death of George Floyd. Kaepernick is best known for his time playing for the San Francisco 49ers, where he kneeled during the national anthem in protest of police killings against black people. The grant will help "advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization to elevate the next generation of change leaders," Dorsey stated. Jennifer Elias Uber board member Ursula Burns: 'I'm part of the 1%, and I still worry when I'm approached by a police person' 6:30 p.m. ET Ursula Burns, the first black CEO of a Fortune 500 company, called on companies to diversify their boards. False antifa rumors spread concern about protests 5:30 p.m. ET Rumors stating that antifa is busing thousands of protesters into white neighborhoods in order to loot them have gone viral on platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor. Some of the social media posts include a screenshot of a tweet from a fake antifa Twitter account that was created by a white nationalist group, NBC News reports. Donald Trump Jr. even posted the screenshot of the tweet on his Instagram account, while not knowing it was fake, further circulating it. The false claims have even prompted local law enforcement in cities in California, South Dakota and Idaho to refute the rumors and calm worried citizens. Hannah Miller Esper regrets using the term 'battle space' U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper visits DC National Guard military officers guarding the White House amid nationwide unrest following the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, U.S., June 1, 2020. Carlos Barria | Reuters 5 p.m. ET Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said he regretted using the term "battle space" when referring to civil unrest in U.S. cities spurred by the death of George Floyd. During a call with President Donald Trump and governors on Monday, a recording of which was obtained by NBC News, Esper urged states "to dominate the battle space" when dealing with nationwide protests." "It is part of our military lexicon that I grew up with and it's what we use to describe that area of operations," Esper said. "In retrospect, I would use different wording so as not to distract from the more important matters at hand or allow some to suggest that we are militarizing the issue," he added.Two retired four-star generals took to Twitter to condemn Esper's comments on Monday, by saying the language was inappropriate. Amanda Macias Jimmy Carter calls for racial justice in aftermath of Floyd killing Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter speaks at a news conference at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Chris Rank | Bloomberg | Getty Images 4:30 p.m. ET Jimmy Carter became the latest former president to sound off on the aftermath of the death of unarmed black man George Floyd, expressing sympathy for the Floyd family and condemning racial discrimination, and also adding that "violence, whether spontaneous or consciously incited, is not a solution." "Our hearts are with the victims' families and all who feel hopeless in the face of pervasive racial discrimination and outright cruelty," Carter said in a statement on behalf of himself and his wife Rosalynn. "We all must shine a spotlight on the immorality of racial discrimination." "We need a government as good as its people, and we are better than this," the Carters said. Carter is the latest former president to address Floyd's death. George W. Bush and Barack Obama have also released statements of their own. Yelena Dzhanova Insurers say riot damage is covered under most insurance policies for businesses A view of Kitson Store on Robertson displaying a message on their window during the COVID-19 lockdown on April 22, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. Frazer Harrison | Getty Images 4 p.m. ET As companies try to reopen after lockdown - the civil unrest has presented new challenges: devastating damage from rioting and vandalism. The good news for business owners is damage from rioting is typically covered under the property policy. Losses from looting may require specific coverage, and the industry suggests a careful examination of individual policies. When it comes to lost business income and business disruption insurance- insurers may need to take an innovative approach to assess what was lost. After all, many businesses have been closed due to coronavirus, so last week's receipts or last month's receipts might be meaningless. Experts recommend contacting your insurance company as soon as possible, gathering documentation and trying to get a police report if and when you can. Contessa Brewer, Jessica Golden Anti-racism protests continue across Europe When Remainers protested against Brexit: Thousands of protesters gather in London on September 09, 2017 in London, England. Barcroft Media 3:30 p.m. ET Demonstrators across Europe continued to protest over the death of George Floyd, at times clashing with police on Wednesday, according to Reuters. In London, tens of thousands of people took part in a peaceful march against the death of George Floyd, chanting "no justice, no peace" and "black lives matter." At Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square and other locations, thousands of demonstrators took a knee. A few officers lining the route who were urged by demonstrators to take a knee also did so. Reuters also reported that brief scuffles broke out between protesters and police close to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Downing Street office. In Paris, thousands assembled in memory of Adama Traore, a young black Frenchmen whose death in a 2016 police operation has been likened to the death of George Floyd. At an anti-racism rally in Rotterdam, the Netherlands' second largest city, Dutch riot police responded to disturbances by small groups of protesters who smashed windows and threw furniture. Michelle Gao All four officers involved in George Floyd death will be charged A screen grab of video obtained by NBC News appears to show four officers during the arrest of George Floyd. NBC 3:05 p.m. ET All four former officers who were involved in the Memorial Day arrest of George Floyd that ended with his death in police custody will face charges, according to court records. Three officers who helped in the arrest, Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, will face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder, the records show. In addition, Derek Chauvin, who was filmed kneeling on Floyd's neck as he cried out for help, will face an upgraded charge of second-degree murder, the records show. He was charged on Friday with third-degree murder. Klobuchar, the first public official to announce the charges, wrote in a post on Twitter: "Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is increasing charges against Derek Chauvin to 2nd degree in George Floyd's murder and also charging other 3 officers. This is another important step for justice." Ellison's office has not confirmed the charges. Gov. Tim Walz assigned Ellison to lead any prosecutions that resulted from Floyd's death on Sunday. Tucker Higgins George Floyd's son, Quincy Mason Floyd (C R) and family Attorney Ben Crump (C L) and other family members visit on June 3, 2020, the site where George Floyd died in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kerem Yucel | AFP | Getty Images Walmart locks up guns, ammunition at some stores 2:50 p.m. ET As protests continue in cities across the U.S., Walmart has removed firearms and ammunition from some of its sales floors. The retailer said the items are still available, but now kept in a secure room. They're not carried by stores in some major cities. "As a responsible seller of hunting and sporting firearms, we have temporarily removed firearms and ammunition from the sales floor in some stores out of an abundance of caution," the company said in a statement. On Wednesday, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said some locations have been damaged or looted, but said, "it's not very many stores as a percent of total." He spoke at the company's annual shareholders meeting, which was held virtually. McMillon began his remarks at the meeting by saying "the killing of George Floyd is tragic, painful and unacceptable" and emphasizing the company's commitment to inclusion. Melissa Repko The Walt Disney Company pledges $5 million to social justice nonprofits A man walks past a boarded up Disney store in Times Square shorty before the 11 p.m. curfew went into effect June 1, 2020, as demonstrators rallied across the five boroughs Demonstrations are being held across the US after George Floyd died in police custody on May 25. Timothy A. Clary | AFP | Getty Images 1:50 p.m. ET Disney revealed on Wednesday that it had pledged $5 million to support nonprofit organizations that advance social justice. Included in that was a $2 million donation to the NAACP. "The killing of George Floyd has forced our nation to once again confront the long history of injustice that black people in America have suffered, and it is critical that we stand together, speak out and do everything in our power to ensure that acts of racism and violence are never tolerated," Bob Chapek, Disney's CEO, said in a statement. Additionally, through the Disney Employee Matching Gifts program, employees of the Walt Disney Company will have their donations to eligible organizations matched by the company. Sarah Whitten Google to hold a moment of silence for black lives lost 1:34 p.m. ET Google will be holding a moment of silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds at 1 pm PT, CEO Sundar Pichai said in an email to employees. "I realize that nothing about this week feels like business as usual and it shouldn't," Pichai said. "Our Black community is hurting, and many of us are searching for ways to stand up for what we believe, and reach out to people we love to show solidarity." Pichai also said the company will provide $12 million in funding to organizations working to address racial inequities. As a result of an internal giving campaign launched last week, he said employees have already contributed an additional $2.5 million that the company said it will match. The public commitments also come the same day the company shot down shareholder proposals, which asked the company to expand diversity and inclusion efforts, including by linking metrics to company executive compensation. Jennifer Elias Clippers owner Steve Ballmer says CEOs need to take racial dialogue to the 'next notch' 1:20 p.m. ET Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said he's "very sad" and "angry" about the current events plaguing the nation due to discrimination against black people. Ballmer, who is the former CEO of Microsoft, appeared on CNBC's "Squawk Box" to discuss a wide range of topics, including a CEOs' role in creating economic opportunities for black people. Ballmer said both public and private companies have "distinct responsibilities" to take it to the "next notch" turning words into action. "We need to have the conversation," Ballmer said. "We need to do implicit bias training. We need to make sure that we're hiring a diverse slate of candidates." Jabari Young Defense secretary voices opposition to deploying active-duty forces against protesters U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper visits DC National Guard military officers guarding the White House amid nationwide unrest following the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, U.S., June 1, 2020. Carlos Barria | Reuters 11:45 a.m. ET Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that he is not in favor of invoking the Insurrection Act, a law from 1807 that would allow President Donald Trump to deploy active-duty U.S. troops to respond to civil unrest. "I say this not only as secretary of defense, but also as a former soldier and a former member of the National Guard, the option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort, and only in the most urgent and dire situations. We are not in one of those situations now," Esper said. "I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act," he added. Meanwhile, NBC News, citing two White House officials, reported that Trump is backing off the idea of invoking the act, at least for now. The latest revelation comes as Esper approved an order to bring 1,600 active-duty Army units to the Washington area for possible use controlling protesters. Amanda Macias NYC mayor says curfew will end as first phase of coronavirus reopening plan begins New Yorkers protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after being pinned down by a white police officer in Minneapolis, United States on June 2, 2020 in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. Tayfun Coskun | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images 11:24 a.m. ET New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that an 8 p.m. curfew imposed during the heated protests over George Floyd's death is set to be lifted Monday morning, when the city kicks off the first phase of its coronavirus reopening plan. "We're going to end it, as per now 5 a.m. Monday morning, curfew comes off," de Blasio said at a press briefing. "I'd like for us never to have to use it again if we can do things right, and then we go right into the reopening," the mayor said. The first phase of the plan to lift social distancing restrictions will include construction, manufacturing and wholesale businesses, as well as retail businesses that can provide curbside pickup services. "New Yorkers are resourceful. I have great confidence people will be ready," the mayor said. He apologized to any businesses dealing with the "additional challenge" of having to repair their stores following the violence and property destruction that occurred during protests over the past week. Kevin Breuninger Trump claims he went to White House bunker during protests for a brief 'inspection' 10:55 a.m. ET President Trump denied multiple news reports that he took refuge for his personal safety in an underground White House bunker during intense protests last Friday night. Rather, Trump claimed he only visited the bunker during the day for "a short inspection." "It was a false report. I wasn't down [in the bunker]" on Friday evening, Trump said on Fox News Radio host Brian Kilmeade's show. "I went down during the day and I was there for a tiny, little short period of time and it was much more for an inspection, there was no problem during the day," the president said. The New York Times first reported that Secret Service agents rushed Trump to the bunker, also known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, on Friday night as protests over George Floyd's death outside the White House grew hotter. Dan Mangan, Kevin Breuninger SoftBank announces $100 million investment fund for minority-owned businesses Marcelo Claure speaking at eMerge Americas in Miami on June 12, 2017. David A. Grogan | CNBC 9:53 a.m. ET SoftBank is creating a $100 million Opportunity Fund, which will only invest in companies led by people of color. The fund is one of the first big pieces of capital created in response to nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. "I see a lot of people have good intentions, but I think each one of us needs to contribute to make change in America," SoftBank executive Marcelo Claure told CNBC's "Squawk Box." The fund will start with $100 million of its own capital and could grow with more investments. Still, the fund pales in comparison to SoftBank's Vision Fund of $100 billion, which is designed to invest heavily in high-growth start-ups. Jessica Bursztynsky Bank of America CEO says 'Things aren't going to quiet down' 9:43 a.m. ET Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan told CNBC the U.S. has serious issues and "it's time to fix them." "Things aren't going to quiet down. They shouldn't quiet down in terms of making the economic progress and core social progress we need to make here," he said in a "Squawk Box" interview. He called upon the business community to "redouble efforts" in promoting progress. Bank of America has pledged $1 billion in local economic opportunities. Hannah Miller Johnson & Johnson CEO says white men need to listen more 9:34 a.m. ET Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky said white men need to "do more listening" to gain empathy and understanding of the experiences of black Americans. Gorsky announced earlier this week that J&J is committing $10 million over the next three years "to fighting racism and injustice in America." Berkeley Lovelace Gov. Cuomo 'dishonored' NYPD with criticism of looting response, Mayor de Blasio says 9:21 a.m. ET New York Mayor Bill de Blasio returned verbal fire at Gov. Andrew Cuomo after the governor said de Blasio and the NYPD "did not do their job" responding to rioters. "He can attack me all he wants. I'm used to it from him. I think he's wrong," de Blasio said in a Tuesday night radio interview. "But that's not the important point. The important point here is he dishonored the men and women of the NYPD in an absolutely inappropriate way while they were out there fighting in the streets to restore order and protect people. I mean, that's disgraceful," de Blasio said. Police Chief Terence Monahan said on NBC's "TODAY" that Cuomo's office called the night before to apologize for his comments. Cuomo himself also called New York Police Commissioner Dermot Shea to apologize, Monahan said. Today show tweet A spokeswoman for Cuomo did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. Kevin Breuninger Former Trump advisor urges president to show more empathy 8:35 a.m. ET A former top White House advisor told CNBC's "Squawk Box" that if he still had President Donald Trump's ear, he would urge him to show more concern and sympathy for the people protesting the death of George Floyd. Mick Mulvaney, who was Trump's acting chief of staff until March, said the rhetoric surrounding protests is often couched in a false "binary choice" between empathy and authority. "If I were advising the president, I would tell him, 'Look, law and order, safety and security, is empathy,'" Mulvaney said. Trump's response to the unrest over Floyd's death has focused on getting "tough" against the violence and looting. He has repeatedly pressured local leaders to bring National Guard members into their states and cities to keep a tighter lid on the protests and has threatened to call out the U.S. millitary. "If you're afraid of the police in your community, that's not safety, that's not security," said Mulvaney, who now serves as the U.S. special envoy for Northern Ireland. Kevin Breuninger Trump reportedly softens on sending troops into states 8:11 a.m. ET President Donald Trump has privately eased off the idea of sending troops into states to enact control over protests, The Associated Press reported, citing unnamed White House officials. Trump on Monday threatened to deploy the military if local law enforcement couldn't manage the unrest, and he later told governors that they needed to "dominate" in the face of demonstrations. The AP reports that Trump has shifted his thinking, in part after seeing peaceful protests unfold in many cities Tuesday. Sara Salinas NYPD makes 200 arrests Tuesday NYPD officers block off the entrance to the Manhattan bridge to prevent a large crowd that marches to protest against the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody on June 2, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Justin Heiman | Getty Images NORRISTOWN A Norristown man is awaiting a preliminary hearing on charges he allegedly assaulted a borough police officer during a disturbance on Monday night. Andre Livingston, 42, of the first block of East Spruce Street, faces charges of assault of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, aggravated harassment by a prisoner, simple assault, resisting arrest, disarming a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct and drug-related charges in connection with the alleged 10:30 p.m. incident in the 500 block of Green Street. Court documents indicate Livingston is being held at the county jail in lieu of $50,000 bail while awaiting a preliminary hearing on June 12 before District Court Judge Gregory Scott of Norristown. According to Norristown Police Chief Mark Talbot, officers were dispatched to the area for an alleged verbal disturbance involving men with guns. When police arrived they did not observe anyone in the area but a male approached police and stated, Are you looking for the guy walking around with the machete? No, there were no guns, hes wearing a white t-shirt and has a big long machete, according to the arrest affidavit filed by Norristown Police Officer Ashley Gaeta. A short time later, police were flagged down by residents in the 500 block of Green Street who reported a man was walking around waving a knife or a machete, according to court papers. Police observed a cotton/mesh machete soft cover with the tip covered in silver duct tape on a sidewalk and witnesses said the subject had dropped it there, according to the criminal complaint. Livingston subsequently was observed in the area and was identified by residents as the person who was carrying the large machete or knife, according to the arrest affidavit. Officers followed Livingston on foot northbound on Green Street toward Marshall Street and attempted to speak to Livingston but he refused to stop and attempted to flee west on Marshall Street, court documents alleged. As officers got closer to Livingston, he suddenly changed directions and ran directly toward an officer, authorities alleged. Livingston allegedly used both of his hands to strike a female officer in the face and head area and she was transported to an area hospital for injuries to her face and knee, according to the criminal complaint. Livingston continued to flee and refused to comply with commands to stop, according to police. An officer fired a Taser, striking Livingston in the back and he fell to the ground, court papers indicate. A struggle ensued as police attempted to take Livingston into custody, court papers alleged. During the struggle, Livingston allegedly was able to disarm an officer of his Taser and he attempted but was unsuccessful in removing another officers service weapon, according to the criminal complaint. Livingston repeatedly resisted officers but eventually officers were able to gain control of Livingston and placed him under arrest, court documents indicate. Livingston aggressively resisted with officers and attempted to disarm them for approximately seven minutes, Gaeta alleged in the arrest affidavit. When police searched Livingston they found he was possessing 11 small bags of a white rock-like substance believed to be crack cocaine, according to the criminal complaint. Livingston was transported to a local hospital and evaluated for any injuries that he may have sustained during the incident, police said. While at the hospital, Livingston allegedly remained assaultive, spat at several officers, attempted to head butt an officer, and told another officer, When I get out youre going to be the first one I kill, according to the criminal complaint. Talbot said Livingston was examined by hospital staff and found to have no injuries and subsequently was medically cleared to be detained at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. The Anti-Defamation Commission has warned of "ticking time bombs" in the community, tied to the resurgence of a neo-Nazi group that is actively recruiting in Brisbane. The National Socialist Network had two members from Brisbane hold up its flag in front of the Story Bridge last week as a call for action to draw recruits. Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich said this was a timely wake-up call for the Queensland government to keep watch on the resurgence of the movement. Dvir Abramovich is concerned. "These ticking time bombs are obviously emboldened and must be taken seriously since the threat of deadly violence posed by such home-grown extremists, terrorists in waiting, is real," he said. Despite the aspirations of our founding fathers to create a nation of freedom and equality, people of color still are held back. We can say it was ignorance, hate and fear that caused the white police officer to plant his knee firmly in Floyds neck and asphyxiate him. That officer and others whose actions widen the racial divide must be accountable for their violence. The officer who caused Floyds death belongs behind bars. As for the Americans who, through their silence and inaction are tacitly prolonging our nations ugly racist history, we urge you to reconsider. Regardless if you live in a metropolis or in the rural countryside, you can make a difference by adopting a new attitude about diversity and inclusion. Put an end to ignorance by getting acquainted with people who are different. How? Talk about the weather, compliment them on their children, ask about their work. It may surprise you, but weather, children and work are universal topics, and there are many others. Get to know people of different races and youll discover that what we have in common is stronger than what is holding us apart. [June 03, 2020] ASG Technologies and BigID to Power Pilot Flying J's Information Management and Governance ASG Technologies, a leading provider of solutions for the information-powered enterprise, and BigID, the leading data discovery and intelligence platform for privacy, protection and perspective of personal and sensitive data, today announced Pilot Flying J (Pilot) as a joint customer. Pilot, which is the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America, has selected Mobius Content Services to manage the company's content in compliance with today's data regulations. Privacy regulations like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have created new challenges for organizations, which now must not only understand where personal and sensitive data lives within the enterprise and whose data it is, but also take action to ensure its collection and use is compliant with ever-changing requirements. To solve for the privacy and personal information (PI) challenges associated with these regulations, Pilot turned to ASG and BigID. Based on data privacy insights provided by BigID, Mobius Content Services can manage and govern the explosive growth of an organization's content (documents, images, video and other types of content), and mitigate the compliance risks that come with that growth. With BigID, Pilot is now able to automatically identify and classify all PI at scale across all their structured data as well as all content stored in Mobius. What's more, they can take action (redact, delete or hold) on any content stored in Mobius based on BigID discovery insights to ensure Pilot is compliant with applicable data regulations. "Our customers are on the move, and we can't let a lack of understanding our data get in the way of our ability to serve them, both in their travel needs and their data privacy rights," said Greg Hydro, Pilot Flying J Chief Information Security Officer. "With ASG and BigID's solutions, we are confident in our ability to trust our data and understand where PI lives within our organization, enabling us to not only ensure we are compliant, but also continue to grow our business with a strong data foundation." BigID is an ASG Technology Alliance Partner, and together the companies integrate complementary solutions. ASG and BigID enable enterprises to sustain data trust, enrich insight for data management and balance compliance and business value demands. The integration of ASG's capabilities for analyzing how personal information moves, assigning business and regulatory context to data assets and governing access and data availability with BigID's ability to surface, classify and tag (News - Alert) data based on its relationship to individuals enables enterprises to: Ensure dynamic governance of data supply chains Automate policy-driven redaction of personal data across the information life cycle Allow data stewards and compliance teams to detect and reediate policy or compliance violations Automate data rights fulfillment through alignment of compliance workflows with personal information indexing Orchestrate end-to-end deletion workflows through integrated indexing of personal information and redaction News - Alert), Vice President of Product Management for Content Services at ASG. "Our partnership with BigID adds another layer to ASG's solutions and enables our joint customers like Pilot to sustain data trust and operationalize privacy compliance at a time when data privacy regulations are top of mind for enterprises." To learn more about ASG's Mobius Content Services, visit the product page. For more information on ASG and BigID's partnership and combined solutions, visit the Privacy-Aware Information Governance Datasheet and the Sustain Data Trust & Operationalize Privacy Compliance Datasheet. About ASG Technologies ASG Technologies is an award-winning, industry-recognized and analyst-verified global software company providing the only integrated platform and flexible end-to-end solution for the information-powered enterprise. ASG's Information Management solutions capture, manage, govern and enable companies to understand and support all types of information assets (structured and unstructured) and stay compliant. ASG's IT Systems Management (News - Alert) solutions ensure that the systems and infrastructure supporting that information lifecycle are always available and performing as expected. ASG has over 3,500 customers worldwide in top vertical markets including Financial Services, Healthcare, Insurance and Government. Visit us at ASG.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. About Pilot Company Pilot Company keeps interstate travelers moving as one of the leading suppliers of fuel and the largest operator of travel centers in North America. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot Company supplies more than 11 billion gallons of fuel per year and has an industry-leading network of more than 950 retail and fueling locations that offer a variety of products, amenities and innovative solutions to make road travel easier. The Pilot Flying J travel center network includes locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces with more than 680 restaurants, 73,000 truck parking spaces, 5,300 deluxe showers, 6,200 diesel lanes and 35 Truck Care service centers. The One9 Fuel Network provides fleets and professional drivers with more places to stop at a variety of fueling locations. Pilot Company's energy division supplies fuel, DEF, bio and renewables and provides hauling and disposal services as the third largest tanker fleet in North America. Pilot Company is currently ranked No. 10 on Forbes' list of America's Largest Private Companies. More information on locations and amenities are available on the Pilot Flying J app. For additional information about Pilot Company and its commitment to team members and giving back, visit www.pilotcompany.com. About BigID Based in New York, BigID uses advanced machine learning and identity intelligence to help enterprises better protect their customer and employee data at petabyte scale. Using BigID, enterprises can better safeguard and assure the privacy of their most sensitive data, reducing breach risk and enabling compliance with emerging data protection regulations like the EU's General Data Protection Regulation and California Consumer Privacy Act. BigID has raised $146 million in funding since its founding in 2016 and has been recognized for its privacy innovation as the 2018 RSA (News - Alert) Conference Innovation Sandbox winner, a CB Insights 2018 Cyber Defender, Network Products Guide 2018 IT World Awards "Hot Company of the Year" winner, a 2019 InformationWeek Vendor to Watch, a 2019 Business Insider enterprise vendor "to bet your career on," and a 2019 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer. Learn more at http://bigid.com or visit us at http://bigid.com/demo to schedule a demo. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005117/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] P riti Patel today suggested that antibody tests may be needed for summer holidays and business travel abroad as she set out five key steps before the Government will relax blanket coronavirus quarantine. The Home Secretary signalled that blood testing for antibodies, which show people have already had Covid-19 and may be immune, could become a requirement for overseas trips in future, just as travel jabs or malaria tablets are now. Her statement in the Commons this afternoon came amid increasingly desperate warnings from airlines and holiday companies that jobs and firms will be wiped out unless restrictions are eased. But Ms Patel was unbending in her insistence that a controversial blanket quarantine rule, requiring nearly all passengers arriving in the UK to go into isolation for 14 days, will come into force from Monday onwards. The plan has been attacked by several senior Tory MPs as too strict and mocked by Labour for containing loopholes, such as allowing travellers to use public transport and go shopping for food during their isolation. Health Minister Edward Argar this morning refused to deny reports that spot checks will only be carried out at random on one case in five in the UK, compared with twice a day for many cases in South Korea. The Home Secretary set out to try to calm the row by arguing that a blanket quarantine rule was a temporary measure needed to protect public safety and reduce the risk of a second peak in coronavirus cases being imported from foreign hotspots. But she held out hope by mapping out five key areas where progress would have to be made before travel restrictions are either eased for all, or relaxed for specific safe countries under bilateral agreements. Thanks to the determination and resolve of the British public, we are past the peak, she was expected to say this afternoon. However, we are no more vulnerable to infections being brought back in from abroad. Ms Patels five key tests were: Establishing exactly the rates of infection and transmission internationally. People arriving at Heathrow Airport / AFP via Getty Images Deciding the credibility of the way cases are reported in countries that are keen to accept British travellers, to ensure infections are not more dangerous than they claim. Assessing measures that international partners have put in place, such as social distancing rules in holiday hotspots. Measuring how countries fare that are planning to take a more relaxed attitude to border controls and the risk of infections. Agreeing how antibody and other testing methodologies could prove effective in reducing health risks to a minimum. Ms Patel was expected to tell MPs: The Government and the travel industry share the same aim: To get Britain and our economy moving again in a way that is safe and practical for everyone. Germany today said it plans to lift a travel ban for European Union member states plus Britain, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland from June 15. However, it also said coronavirus infection levels in those countries must be low enough, putting a question mark over how soon Britons will be allowed to go there. Germany boasts far lower rates than the UK, thanks to its mass testing programme, with just 8,551 deaths compared with almost 50,000 in the UK. Berlin also said it would require the countries concerned to open their borders to holidaymakers, which cast a question over whether the Home Office quarantine plan would wreck the offer. EasyJet, Ryanair and British Airways are among the airlines which have announced plans to ramp up their operations next month, despite the Foreign Office currently advising against non-essential foreign travel. Minister Mr Argar said he hoped people would be able to go on holiday this year. He told BBC Breakfast: Im not going to say a particular date on when that might happen because we will have to be guided by how the disease behaves, controlling any risk of a second wave and controlling the disease. Loading.... I hope that people will be able to go on holiday at some point this year. Portugals foreign minister Augusto Santos Silva confirmed his country is in talks with the UK about air bridges so tourists can avoid being quarantined. Loading.... An industry leader said the quarantine plan sends out a message that the UK is closed for business. The London Chamber of Commerce, which represents over 2,000 companies, called for a risk-based approach with country-by-country assessments as well as safe travel corridors with other nations. Top local business leaders have expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement, saying Australia cannot ignore its own shortcomings on racism and more must be done in the corporate world to promote social justice. Telstra chief executive Andy Penn, Atlassian's billionaire co-founder Mike Cannon Brookes, Culture Amp co-founder Didier Elzinga, Salesforce Australia head Pip Marlow and Betashares chief executive Alex Vynokur have all spoken out in response to the death of George Floyd in the United States which has set off the country's biggest surge of nationwide protests since 1968. Mike Cannon-Brookes said the scenes from the United States were heart breaking. Credit:Renee Nowytarger "To friends and teammates on the ground; were here with you," Telstra CEO Andy Penn posted on Twitter. "To those back in Australia; we mustn't allow ourselves to get caught thinking this is only a US-issue." Mr Cannon-Brookes also spoke out about what he said was deeply institutionalised racial prejudice and injustice in communities all over the world. 03 June 2020, Berlin: German foreign minister Heiko Maas gives a press statement as the German government prepares to end the travel warning for tourists from 15 June for 31 European countries. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa picture alliance via Getty Images Germanys foreign minister Heiko Maas criticised Donald Trumps threat to deploy the military to quash ongoing protests over the killing of unarmed black man George Floyd by the police, accusing the US president of pouring oil on the fire. "Instead of pouring oil on the fire, we must make reconciliation, Maas told Der Spiegel magazine. Instead of letting ourselves be divided, we should be united against the radical extremists." German chancellor Angela Merkels spokesman Steffen Seibert said at the regular government press conference in Berlin on Wednesday that George Floyds death is an avoidable death, that shocked us." Seibert said that the German government hopes that the violence in the US will end soon, adding that the US was a lively democracy, and that there had been also numerous peaceful demonstrations against racism and police violence. Trump on Monday said that mayors and governors should call in the national guard to quell the protestors, if that if they did not he would deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them. Protests continued for the eighth night in a row in the cities across the US on Tuesday night. READ MORE: US ambassador to Germany steps down after two years in Berlin Maas said that the threat of violence only triggers further violence. He tweeted on Wednesday morning that the words of Martin Luther King Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere remain relevant. He added that: Democrats must not escalate things, not even through words. European Parliament vice president Katarina Barley also slammed Trumps handling of the protests. She tweeted: They were very concerns at Trump's election as US President. And yet not big enough. Now he is bringing the country to the brink of a civil war. Now is the time for the brave and decent to speak out. Hopefully it's not too late. This article has been updated to include comments from the German federal government spokesperson. Research News UB historian says lessons for COVID-19 found in work of 19th-century scientist Humboldt UB history professor Andreas Daum, pictured in front of Pico del Teide on the Atlantic island on Tenerife this past January; Humboldt visited the island and climbed the volcano in the summer of 1799 on his way to the Americas. Photo: Courtesy of Andreas Daum By BERT GAMBINI Disease was not something in quotation marks for Humboldt. It can affect people globally but its not a global entity. Its something that affects people in various ways, and we have to examine the nature and severity of those differences. When German Chancellor Angela Merkel last year rhetorically asked researchers at the annual meeting of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation what the modern world could learn from the groups namesake, a 19th-century Prussian polymath, she quoted in response from an interview with UB history professor Andreas Daum. Merkels 2019 keynote address was on the global role of science, but Humboldts keen wisdom, using Daums words, is especially relevant in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Humboldt, too, suffered from the explosion of knowledge [and] therefore sought new strategies to cope with mastering knowledge. He created networks, communicated a lot with others, practiced a division of labor in his scientific research, promoted the new and coming generation and learned from young people, Merkel read, quoting from Daums writing. These are modern strategies [that] can be a model for us today in science and research, as in politics, so that we can tackle common problems as common challenges with an awareness that they impact us all. Alexander von Humboldt was the worlds best-known scientist, naturalist and traveler before the arrival of Charles Darwin, according to Daum, who is currently in Europe as a Humboldt Research Prize recipient. Daum has now highlighted Humboldts take on pandemics around 1800 and what we can learn from it today facing the COVID-19 crisis in an essay for a leading German newspaper, the Suddeutsche Zeitung. Humboldt spent five years traveling the Americas, from todays Venezuela to Peru, Mexico, Cuba and the young republic of the United States. Upon his arrival in South America in July 1799, he began documenting his observations on infectious diseases, recording information on plagues of a magnitude that far surpasses the deadly reach and impact of the novel coronavirus. When he returned to Europe, Humboldt began writing about this topic and integrated his findings in a multi-volume work on New Spain, most of which later became modern Mexico. Daum has pulled together these astute observations as he continues his research for a forthcoming book on Humboldt and his impact on globalization (Daum already authored a brief biography in 2019). Early 19th-century practitioners knew little about the nature of illness and infections. Any notion of medicine as a science was still many decades away from escaping the constricting hold of romantic theories and dubious treatments derived from guesswork or theological speculation. Its amazing how 200 years ago someone travelling with open eyes and open ears articulated these observations in such an imaginative way without knowing anything about bacteria and viruses, says Daum, an expert in modern German and transatlantic history, and the history of knowledge. What Humboldt can tell us today is fascinating. The Secretary of Defense and the commander of the District of Columbia National Guard have both ordered investigations into reports of Army Guard helicopters that appeared to fly dangerously low over crowds of protesters Monday night. Army UH-60 Black Hawks and UH-72 Lakota helicopters flew low enough over demonstrators, who were defying the District's 7 p.m. curfew, to kick up debris on the crowds, videos taken by those on the ground show. Read Next: These Are the Active-Duty Units Deployed to DC Region for Protests "I hold all members of the District of Columbia National Guard to the highest of standards. We live and work in the district, and we are dedicated to the service of our nation," Maj. Gen. William Walker, commander of the DCNG, said in a news release posted on the command's website. "I have directed an immediate investigation into the June 1 incident." On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper also said he was concerned by reports he had received and had directed Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy to probe the matter. It wasn't clear yet, he said, who had directed the flyover or what it was intended to accomplish. "Those are some of the details we have to tease out, in terms of who directed it," Esper told reporters in a Pentagon briefing. Esper said he'd received conflicting reports about the matter, including one that the helicopters had been asked by law enforcement to assess a National Guard checkpoint from the air. Although at least one of the aircraft bore medical markings, he said he understood their mission not to be a medevac. "When you're landing that low in the city, it looks unsafe to me," he said. "We have to find out what's going on." The DCNG said in its release that it was looking into the use of a medical evacuation helicopter that was assigned to the Joint Task Force DC operation. The flyovers occurred after President Donald Trump gave a speech Monday afternoon pledging to use all federal and military resources available if states don't put an end to the looting and violent riots that were ignited after the death of George Floyd, a unarmed black man who died May 25 after being taken into Minneapolis police custody. Esper joined Trump on a Monday call with governors, in which the president urged states to get much tougher on protesters. During the call, which was leaked to The Washington Post, Esper said, "We need to dominate the battlespace." Also Monday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper ordered about 1,600 active-duty troops from the XVIII Airborne Corps to deploy outside D.C. if needed. The deployment consists of an infantry battalion from the 82nd Airborne Division; the 16th Military Police Headquarters out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and the 91st MP Battalion out of Fort Drum, New York. Defense officials did not name the infantry battalion in a Tuesday night announcement, but the unit is designated as Task Force 504. In addition to the active-duty units, the D.C. Guard has been fully activated, and more troops have been sent to the District from Utah, New Jersey, Indiana, South Carolina and Tennessee to support local law enforcement. In total, more than 20,000 Guard troops have been deployed across the country in response to civil unrest. Walker ordered the investigation of the low-flying helicopter maneuvers "to ensure all involved complied with applicable procedures and safety regulations," the release states. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Related: 'Every American Should Be Outraged' at Police Conduct in George Floyd Death, Goldfein Says The call, made during an inspection tour of health facilities, aims to decrease the pressure on hospitals specialised in respiratory problems Egypt's Health Minister Hala Zayed has appealed to suspected coronavirus cases to head to the nearest of 376 hospitals that have been designated to receive cases in an attempt to reduce the burden on hospitals specialised in fever and chest problems, the ministry said in a statement. Zayed's statements were made during an inspection tour Tuesday of a number of hospitals across Cairo as part of efforts to monitor their performance. The minister's call comes days after her remarks that "some families prefer to treat their infected member at home, describing it as "a phenomenon, adding that most cases come to hospitals very late. "Anyone who has respiratory symptoms or a high fever should consider himself infected and has to go to the nearest hospital immediately," Zayed said earlier this week. The call, however, came amid citizen complaints about a shortage of hospital beds, with some claiming they can barely find hospitals in which to treat their relatives. The minister emphasised during her tour the increase in the number of beds in all hospitals that receive suspected and infected cases of coronavirus nationwide to more than 35,000 beds, and 5,800 ICU beds. According to health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed, Zayed stated that coronavirus tests and also treatments are provided free of charge in the ministry's hospitals. All general hospitals in Egypt started from 21 May to provide coronavirus tests, including conducting clinical examinations as well as running blood tests and chest x-rays, and PCR tests. As for the cost of coronavirus treatment at private hospitals, the ministry announced on Monday setting a fixed cost for Covid-19 treatment at such facilities ranging from EGP 1,500 to EGP 10,000 (approximately $90 to $600) covering hospital services, medical supplies, doctors fees, accommodation, and testing. The ministry's fixed prices were announced the day after prime ministerial directive to cap the cost of coronavirus treatment at private medical facilities to correct some "exaggerated prices." Tuesday saw the detection of 1,152 new coronavirus infections a decline for the second day in a row down from 1,536 on Sunday and 1,399 on Monday in Egypt where it had taken the virus 50 days to reach the milestone of the first 1,000 infections nationwide since the detection of the first case on 14 February. Despite the steady rise of infections' Egypt has been witnessing in recent days, Zayed said that "we cannot confirm or deny that we are now witnessing the peak stage. "We will not be able to determine the peak stage until after it has passed and the rate of infections begins to decrease for two consecutive weeks," Zayed said Saturday, appealing to all citizens to adhere to wearing face masks or even "a piece of cotton cloth" before coming out of their homes. Masks became mandatory, according to a cabinet decree, starting Saturday for workers or visitors at markets, shops, banks, governmental or private institutions, as well as for commuters taking public or private transportation with violators subject to a fine of up to EGP 4,000. Search Keywords: Short link: The Remove China Apps app was trending on top in India and was downloaded more than 5 million times since May. However, Google took action against the app for violating Google Play Stores Deceptive Behaviour Policy and took it down. Capitalising on the rising anti-China sentiments in the country, Remove China Apps, an app on the Google Play Store quickly garnered over a million downloads in the recent weeks. It did exactly as the name suggests, albeit selectively so. Now, Google has pulled the app from the Play Store. The app was trending on top in India and was downloaded more than 5 million times since May. The app basically detected apps developed by Chinese firms and gave users an option to delete them, giving the folks rooting for weeding out Chinese products from the Indian economy some catharsis. However, Google took action against the app for violating Google Play Stores Deceptive Behaviour Policy, which doesnt allow an app on the Play Store to make changes to the users device settings, or features outside the app, without their explicit consent. It also cannot encourage or incentivise users into deleting third-party apps. The app was developed by an Indian firm called OneTouch AppLabs and gained traction among citizens boycotting Chinese goods and services on social media, over an ongoing escalation at the Indo-China border. Having said that, this is not the first time Indians are lashing out against China by boycotting apps and phones originating from the country. The online campaign against Chinese apps and smartphones are also at an all-time high. Recently, popular video social network TikTok also came under fire with Indians going on the Play Store rating the app 1 star to bring down its popularity. There too, Google intervened and removed thousands of fake reviews calling the app out for simply being made in China, and restoring some of the old ratings back to the app. The Remove China Apps app quickly became the number one free app on the Google Play Store in India. Developed by a Jaipur-based firm, the app did not require any permissions to work. The developers claimed the app was made for educational purposes only and does not promote or force people to uninstall any of the apps it highlights as having originated from China. The following information was provided by police unless otherwise noted Trenton Suspected Arsonist: Justin Spry, 21, of South Plainfield, is suspected of torching a Trenton Police vehicle on East State Street during Sundays rioting. He was charged with aggravated arson. Cops said the feds might look into taking over the case after Trenton Police director Sheilah Coley called for some of the the more serious offenders involved in the mayhem to be prosecuted at the federal level. Beauty in the Eye of the Storm: Victoria Reeves, 19, was charged with criminal trespassing after cops found her inside the Kims Beauty Supply on Monday morning on the 1400 block of Greenwood Avenue. She was issued a summons and released. Crime Isnt Pretty: Wilaysia Jones, 21, of Trenton, and Duan Walker, 30, of Ewing, were arrested early Monday at Prizm Beauty on the 1100 block of East State Street. They were leaving the store as cops arrived. Jones was charged with criminal trespass and released. Walker was charged obstruction, resisting, criminal trespass and possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Gassed Up: Khazi Spady, 19, of Trenton, and Xavien King, 30, of Ewing, and Rasheed Funderburg, 32, of Trenton, were charged with theft and criminal mischief after cops took them into custody at the Riggins Gas Station. Obstruction: Malik Risher, 20, of Trenton, was charged with resisting and obstruction after being taken into custody on the 1200 block of West State Street during the riot. Walgreens Trio: Jerrod Baldwin, 37, of Howell, Jasmine Harris, 28, of Westampton, Jashawn Adams, 19, of Morrisville, were nabbed at the Walgreens on the 700 block of Greenwood Avenue. Officers found the front windows smashed in, went inside and found the three suspects. Each was issued summonses for criminal trespassing. Burglar: Devon Reynolds, 39, of Morrisville, was arrested on the 200 block of North Hermitage Avenue at a pharmacy. He was charged with burglary, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools, He was inside the store with $599 in suspected proceeds. He was lodged at the Mercer County jail. Roaming Roebling: Eric Marshall, 29, of Trenton; Kaliph Mitchell, 24, of Burlington; Qymir Robinson, 25, of Trenton; Shymir Robinson, 25, of Trenton; Larry Hickmond, 24, of Trenton; Eleazer Kolby, 22, of Burlington; Yahnaya Lewis, 20, of Trenton; Indya Anderson, 20, were arrested Monday. The charges ranged from criminal trespass to theft after many were caught in the area of the Roebling Market, cops said. Child Endangerment: Breonia Blackshear, 19, and Zyira Dixon, 19, were charged after cops caught them around 8 a.m. in a beauty shop on the 1100 block of East State Street. The two women were found inside the business while a vehicle was out back running with an infant inside. The duo was found with 37 hair extensions, flat irons, jewelry and sunglasses. The stolen property was returned to the owner. The infant was turned over to a family member, and the car was towed. They were both hit with theft-related charges while Dixon also was charged with child endangerment. Attempted Murder: Johntay Rivera, 27, was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, weapons offenses following a shooting on Asbury Place on May 2. The victim was laying on the floor after family members heard gunshots. There was no known motive for the shooting. Underaged Kids: Six juveniles were arrested as part of the widespread looting and chaos that engulfed the city: two 17-year-old; two 16-year-olds; and two 14-year-olds. One of the 16-year-olds stole from the PCX Store in Roebling Market around 10 p.m. The juvenile was spotted stealing clothes from the shop. He was charged with criminal trespass, theft and obstructing. He was released to his mother. The 14-year-olds and one 17-year-old were charged with burglarizing a Spring store in the Roebling Market. Another 17-year-old was charged with receiving stolen property from a beauty store on the 300 block of Pennington Avenue. Domestic Violence: Joel Diaz-Hernandez, 22, was arrested Sunday at 2 a.m. on the 100 block of Bayard Street, where officers responded to a domestic violence call. Diaz-Hernandez and the victim were in the house drinking together when they got into a fight. Diaz-Hernandez stabbed the victim with a six-inch kitchen knife. The victim was treated at the hospital for a wound to the abdomen. Diaz-Hernandez was charged with aggravated assault and weapons offenses. Father-Son Dispute: Piotr Szubert, 33, was arrested in connection with a domestic dispute between father and son. Szubert was just released from crisis and argued with his father about where his heroin was located. His father found the stash and threw it out. When Szubert learned that, he threw out his dads construction materials and told him he was going to kill him while he slept and then burn down the house. Lawrence Township Police cops picked him the son near the Brunswick Circle and turned him over tot TPD. More Looting Arrests: Davon Reynolds, 39, of Morrisville, was charged with burglary, obstruction, burglary tools and resisting; John Prall, 26, was nabbed at Roebling Market on multiple charges; Steven Gomez, 39, of Atlantic City, was hit with drug and obstruction charges; China Jackson, 23, of Trenton, was hit with receiving stolen property; and Jyasia Barber, 24, was also hit with the same charge. Representatives of China and Laos attend a ceremony marking the handover of medical supplies in Lao capital Vientiane on June 2, 2020. The second batch of medical supplies, provided by China's Ministry of National Defense to its Lao counterpart for the fight against COVID-19, was handed over in Vientiane on Tuesday. (Chinese Embassy in Laos/Handout via Xinhua) VIENTIANE, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The second batch of medical supplies, provided by China's Ministry of National Defense to its Lao counterpart for the fight against COVID-19, was handed over in the Wattay International Airport of Lao capital Vientiane on Tuesday. Chen Yongjing, military attache of the Chinese Embassy in Laos, said at the handover ceremony that China sincerely thanks Laos for its valuable support and assistance in China's fight against COVID-19. With the worldwide spread of COVID-19, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has actively carried out international cooperation to combat the virus, he said. Chen noted that in late April, a team of Chinese army medical experts came to Laos, bringing with them the first batch of donated medical supplies, to join Laos' efforts in fight against COVID-19. "Today, the Chinese air force aircraft brought the second batch of medical supplies including ventilators, monitors and other medical aid to meet the urgent needs of the Lao army," Chen said. "We believe that the joint efforts of the two armies, as an important part of the two countries' joint efforts to fight the epidemic, will contribute to the building of China-Laos community with a shared future," Chen added. Vongkham Phommakone, directer general of the General Logistics Department of the Lao People's Army, spoke highly of China's contribution to the global fight against COVID-19, and expressed Lao army's heartfelt thanks to the Chinese army for the support and assistance. Lao soldiers unload medical supplies from the Chinese air force aircraft in Lao capital Vientiane on June 2, 2020. The second batch of medical supplies, provided by China's Ministry of National Defense to its Lao counterpart for the fight against COVID-19, was handed over in Vientiane on Tuesday. (Chinese Embassy in Laos/Handout via Xinhua) The Ghana Association Of Medical Laboratory Scientists has threatened to withdraw their services in the COVID-19 fight after more than 14 of their members have become infected with the deadly virus. According to them, they only have records of the 14 members who have reported but the number could be more. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, Public Relations Officer for the association, Dr. Dennis Adu Gyamfi explained that most of their members have become exposed to the virus due to the poor working conditions they find themselves in. Efforts to draw the governments attention to the poor working conditions of their members have proved futile. He added that most of their testing laboratories for COVID-19 have run out of test kits and nose swaps thereby making their work difficult and exposing their members more to the virus due to the orthodox method they are applying to run the test for COVID-19 patients. "If the situation continues to persist this way, we will have no other option than withdraw our services for the COVID-19 fight," he said. They have also appealed to the Food and Drug Authority to release the report on the COVID-19 rapid diagnosis test kit that was submitted to them for approval. He explains that it has been months that about 300 pieces of the locally manufactured test kits were submitted to the Authority for approval but there has been no response from the FDA. COVID-19 Case Count Reaches 8,297 With 38 Deaths Ghana's COVID-19 case count has increased from 8,070 to 8,297 after 227 new cases were added after update by the Ghana Health Service on Tuesday afternoon since the last update announced by President Akufo-Aidoo on Sunday, May 31 during his 10th Address to the nation amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Ghana Health Service says the number of recoveries has now increased from 2,947 to 2,986, an additional 39. However, the number of active cases stands at 5,273. Out of the total cases recorded, 13 are severely ill, 3 critically and 1 on a ventilator. Two more additional deaths have been recorded moving the toll to 38. Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[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 The moments before Regis Korchinski-Paquet fell 24 storeys to her death last week are not captured by any police body cameras because none of the officers inside a High Park residence or any police officer working in this city are equipped with them. The devices did not record what happened before the April shooting death of mentally ill man DAndre Campbell inside his Brampton home, because Peel Regional Police officers do not wear them, either. As the high-profile deaths of Black people, including the killing of George Floyd by a now-former Minneapolis officer, have prompted mass protests across North America, Canada is seeing renewed calls for police body cameras coming from members of the public, politicians and Torontos police chief. Mark Saunders who has urged the public to await the findings of the Ontario Special Investigations Unit probe into Korchinski-Paquets death has vowed to fast-track equipping all front-line officers with the devices in the wake of allegations police played a role in the 29-year-olds death, calling it a textbook case of why cameras are needed to provide objective evidence and thwart misinformation. As of Wednesday afternoon, a petition urging Saunders to push for body cameras for officers had more than 40,000 signatures. In a letter Monday, Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca called on Premier Doug Ford to provide funding to any Ontario police force that is prepared to deploy body cameras. In Halifax, there are renewed calls for the police to adopt the technology. The first thing that popped into my mind was the body camera conversation is going to be coming out of this, Erick Laming, a PhD candidate in criminology at the University of Toronto, said about learning of Korchinski-Paquets May 27 death. Laming, who has studied body cameras and whose research focuses on police use of force and accountability, said a case in which there are no witnesses other than police will get the debate heated again. That debate is nothing new, of course. After the police shooting of mentally ill teen Sammy Yatim, who died in a hail of bullets on a Toronto streetcar in 2013, former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci recommended Toronto police use body-worn cameras. Multiple coroners inquests into police-involved deaths have called for the devices and, while expressing reservations about privacy implications, the Ontario Human Rights Commission called for a study into the feasibility of equipping every officer in the province with one. A look at the status of body-worn cameras in Toronto, how they could increase accountability and why critics say far more needs to be done to improve trust in police. Whats behind the delay in Toronto? Saunders told reporters Friday that he wants to speed up the process of equipping his front-line officers with body cameras, aiming to get them out in the next few months. The commitment comes more than five years after the service launched a year-long pilot project that saw 85 officers wear video cameras. Despite major hurdles, such as the high costs of buying the equipment and issues around storage and privacy, the report recommended front-line officers should wear cameras, saying they would increase police accountability and protect officers from unwarranted accusations of misconduct. The following month, the Toronto police board greenlit spending $500,000 on a request for proposals, but it wasnt until 2018 that the force began looking for a supplier; Toronto police spokesperson Meaghan Gray confirmed this week that a vendor has still not yet been selected, though she said that work is underway. Addressing the complexities of rolling out body cameras, Saunders told reporters Friday there have been a lot of details to work out, including how to equip the largest municipal police service in Canada with the devices, the systems involved and a host of other things. Because Toronto police have not yet ordered the cameras, Gray said she couldnt speculate on the exact cost of the project. According to a budget estimate submitted to the Toronto police board at the end of last year, Toronto police asked for a one-time cost of $4.8 million for the devices, with $2.5 million annually for cloud-based storage. Do body cameras improve police accountability? In their 2016 review of the pilot project, the Toronto police said the cameras would ensure an unbiased, independent account of police/community interactions. The review also said there were strong community and officer support of the technology, with surveys finding 95 per cent of the public and 85 per cent of officers wanting the cameras. But the devices have received mixed reviews in cities where theyre already in use. Just because police are wearing cameras doesnt mean they are always going to capture clear and convincing evidence, Laming said. There is always the possibility that the officer may not be facing the right direction, or the footage may be jumbled. Case in point: Floyds death last week in Minneapolis. The body-camera footage showed little of significance from the interaction, Laming said, in part because the officer who was wearing the camera wasnt even on the right side of the street. Instead, it was bystander video that captured officer Derek Chauvin pinning Floyd with a knee to his neck for more than eight minutes. And, just because officers are wearing body cameras doesnt mean theyll turn them on. For example, the police chief in Louisville, Ky., was fired after the mayor learned officers involved in the fatal shooting of David McAtee did not activate their body cameras. What we are seeing here is police still have the upper hand because they still control when that body camera will be used, said Kanika Samuels-Wortley, an incoming assistant professor and criminologist at Carleton University who has researched race and policing. According to Gray, the expectation for Toronto police would be that they turn on their body-worn camera prior to arriving at a call for service, or when they start investigating someone. An officer will turn on the camera anytime they are asking a person questions for the purpose of collecting their information. A police officer will turn off the body-worn camera when the call for service or investigation is complete or when the officer determines that continuous recording is no longer serving its intended purpose, reads a Toronto police release on the topic.. There has been little research-based evidence of the effectiveness of body cameras in Canada, Laming wrote in a recent article in Policy Options that called the push for the devices premature. Studies done across the country have neglected to experimentally test the technology on factors like the use of force or crime, he wrote. Laming told the Star he will want to see the Toronto police policies detailing how body cameras will be used here, including whether officers will face consequences for failing to activate their cameras. Are body cameras what the public wants? We need to hold police officers accountable for their actions. If there is no footage to prove the brutality, justice will not be served, the Change.org petition says. Korchinski-Paquets death highlights the ethical and privacy questions surrounding body cameras in part because it appears to have involved both a public order and a mental health issue, said Patrick Watson, a criminologist who teaches at Wilfrid Laurier University and is researching the cameras use in criminal cases. The case also underscores the significant value of having a record of these exact types of situations. I think this gives us an indication of exactly the kind of strengths that body camera evidence could give us in these scenarios, and that that strength is in the public interest, Watson said. Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, an assistant professor of criminology at the University of Toronto who researches policing, said the move may satisfy some community members as well as police officers. But he wonders how much the devices would increase transparency. Even if the officers had been wearing cameras, would that footage now be out? Or would it also be subject to restricted access pending investigation? he asked. But at a time when protestors are calling for the defunding of police theres also the question of the added cost, especially in Toronto, where the police budget for 2020 was $1.2 billion. Idil Abdillahi, an assistant professor at Ryerson University who researches anti-Black racism, said on Twitter that Black people dying is increasingly and consistently being captured on camera, yet it hasnt produced justice. Body cameras wont eliminate antiBlack violence, she wrote. Body-worn cameras are not the solution and we can not rely on footage for our freedom, she wrote. Samuels-Wortley agreed, saying far more needs to be done to address the roots causes of why fatal encounters with police are happening in the Black community. Wendy Gillis is a Toronto-based reporter covering crime and policing for the Star. Reach her by email at wgillis@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @wendygillis Uday Kotak; $11.3 billion The Regents of the University of California, a US-based endowment fund, has emerged as the top buyer in the mega Rs 6,900-crore block deal launched by banker Uday Kotak to reduce his stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank to 26 percent and comply with a settlement agreement struck with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). A total of 2.83 percent promoter stake was sold as part of the block deals at a price of Rs 1,240 a share. The markets cheered the move as the Kotak Mahindra stock ended up 7.5 percent at the end of trade on June 2. The Regents invest in select stocks in select markets with a very long term horizon, said a source familiar with the stake sale process. The Regents of the University of California currently manages a portfolio of investments totalling roughly $120 billion, which includes retirement, endowment, and cash assets. According to block deal data disclosed on the stock exchanges, the second highest buyer of shares was Oppenheimer Developing Markets Fund, part of the US-based investment management company, the Invesco Oppenheimer Group. Other marquee investors include JP Morgan Securities, Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund, SBI Mutual Fund, Canadian pension fund CPPIB, Singapores GIC, T Rowe Price, the Fidelity group and Aberdeen Asset Management. Kotak Securities, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley were the merchant bankers who worked on the promoter share sale. Execution of the promoter stake sale means that Kotak Mahindra Bank has raised more than Rs 14,000 crore in the last two weeks. Last week, the bank raised at least Rs 7,442.5 crore via a qualified institutional placement (QIP), which brought down Kotaks stake to 28.93 percent. The largest subscribers to the QIP were Invesco Oppenheimer Developing Markets Fund, which was allotted 8.02 percent of the total issue size, Canadian pension fund CPPIB (7.12 percent) and ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund (6.3 percent) On February 18, RBI had granted Kotak Mahindra Bank a six-month timeline to reduce promoter shareholding to 26 percent. At the end of March, the promoter stake in the bank stood at 29.92 percent. Earlier, the bank had dragged RBI to court over differences relating to the promoter dilution diktat, but later withdrew its petition after burying the hatchet with the regulator. Watchful tells companies what new features their competitors are going to launch TEL AVIV, Israel, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Watchful today left stealth, announcing $3 million in seed funding for the world's first product strategy intelligence solution. The seed round was led by Vertex Ventures Israel and included prominent Israeli angel investors. Watchful's platform is already being used by some of the world's biggest consumer mobile apps to give them an information edge. "Existing competitive intelligence solutions mostly track external metrics like website traffic, downloads or active users," said Yanai Oron, General Partner at Vertex Ventures Israel. "Watchful's approach is unique, delivering in-app insights that enable companies to really understand what their competitors are building, testing and planning." Mobile apps are critical to entire industries, such as social media, ecommerce, food delivery and streaming. Companies are constantly innovating to deliver the best user experience, simplest flow and most useful set of features. Development is a race as new features, UX design changes and even pricing models are built, A/B tested and eventually rolled out in the hope of winning more users. Product and strategy teams struggle to keep up with what's in their own app; tracking what competitors are doing has become unfeasible. In some companies, product managers spend hours each day just downloading and using competitor apps, or simply relying on guesswork and instinct rather than real data. Watchful is the first product strategy intelligence solution, giving leading companies detailed internal information about their competitors' applications to enable them to make informed product decisions. Using a combination of techniques borrowed from cybersecurity, including differential analysis and AI-powered recognition tools, Watchful uncovers hidden features buried inside the app's code, A/B tests, upcoming changes to the app's design, internal user flows and even performance information like startup times and battery usage. The platform also provides this same information about a company's own app, giving large enterprises visibility into what other teams are developing and allowing benchmarking with competitors. Watchful was founded by Itay Kahana, who had faced these challenges himself at his previous startup, Any.do . At the popular to-do list app, Kahana had to devote expensive R&D resources to developing new features, but without a full picture of what else was happening in the market. "I didn't know what my competitors were doing, and if it was working for them or not," said Itay Kahana. "We were forced to make business decisions in the dark. I realized there had to be a better way, and that's how Watchful was born. Competitive intelligence is stuck in the 1990s; we're enabling companies to know about major changes their competitors are planning, months ahead of when these innovations would become public". Watchful already has a team of 25 people and several Fortune 100 clients including household names. In January, Watchful's discovery that the social video app TikTok was about to launch a sophisticated deepfake generator received wide coverage, ultimately forcing Tiktok to remove the code from their English language app. The company is using its newly-announced funding to improve the AI-powered automated discovery tools, as well as expanding its coverage into more additional app verticals and markets. About Watchful: Watchful is the first and only intelligence solution solely focused on revealing your competitors' product strategy. Our solutions help automate and amplify competitive research, producing impactful insights that enable product teams to accelerate deliveries, reduce costs and fuel growth. Fortune 500 companies trust Watchful to drive better decision-making and to keep them ahead of their markets. Media contact: Judah Rosen VP, Growth [email protected] SOURCE Watchful ALBANY Larry Schwartz, a longtime confidant of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, is promoting SUNY Empire State College President Jim Malatras as the next chancellor of the State University of New York and even urged the SUNY Board of Trustees to forgo a nationwide search. Schwartz, a former secretary to the governor, is currently serving alongside Malatras on the governor's COVID-19 advisory team. In an interview with the Times Union, Schwartz said he had expressed his view to SUNY board Chairperson Merryl Tisch. "I think it will be short-sighted and a waste of time to do a nationwide search when there are many issues that need to be resolved now to move SUNY forward," he said. SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson confirmed Wednesday that she would be stepping down from the position in September to return to her native Ohio to become president of Ohio State University. SUNY's Senior Vice Chancellor Robert Megna, a former state budget director to Cuomo, is expected to become interim chancellor when Johnson leaves on Sept. 1. While acknowledging Johnson's academic credentials, Schwartz said SUNY's next chancellor should not be from another state. Malatras, he said, is entrenched in New York politics and can work well with the governor, unions, the Legislature and the higher education community. "I can't think of a better, stronger candidate than Jim Malatras," Schwartz said. "He's a brilliant public policy guy, he understands the state of New York, he understands state government, local government and you need to be a jack-of-all-trades to be a successful chancellor and leader." The governor has asserted more control over the SUNY's 64 campuses during the coronavirus pandemic, which has upended higher education. Sources said there also has been tension between the governor who keeps a tight rein on state agencies and departments and Johnson during her three years overseeing the sprawling university system. Schwartz, 64, and Malatras both have deep ties to the governor, having worked together for years. They also are part of a tight-knit group of former Cuomo aides that returned to his inner circle as volunteers to help coordinate New York's response to the health crisis and to devise a reopening plan as the state's fiscal outlook and economy have been devastated. "I've watched a lot of chancellors come and go," Schwartz said. "I don't think SUNY has come close to reaching its full potential." Malatras had previously served as president of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, which produced policy analyses and recommendations on timely topics to lawmakers. Between his earlier stints in the Cuomo administration first as deputy secretary for policy management, then as state operations director he served a year as chief of staff to former SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Schwartz insisted he was speaking not on behalf of the administration but merely as "a SUNY alum who has watched the quality of SUNY colleges decline. Academic credentials dont necessarily qualify someone to run a university system like SUNY. His interview with the Times Union was, however, arranged with the assistance of a current Cuomo administration official. When asked if the governor wants Malatras for the role, Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi said, "Jim's the smartest, most able guy I know, but we're fighting a pandemic and civil unrest as we seek to reopen the state (all efforts that he's also involved in). This will be a decision for the SUNY board to make down the road." A spokeswoman for SUNY did not immediately return a request for comment. Johnson's decision to leave in the midst of a crisis that has caused upheaval in the SUNY system came as a surprise to some in higher education circles. United University Professions, the labor union that represents most SUNY faculty, expressed "dismay" at the timing of her decision. Right now, the university is wrestling with how to safely reopen campuses in the fall after being forced to shut down for months due to the coronavirus pandemic," UUP President Frederick E. Kowal said in a statement. "SUNY also faces a financial situation that has gone from precarious to critical because of the pandemic." Haryana Education Minister Kanwar Pal on Wednesday said the state government would reopen the schools next month in a phased manner. Also, the state government will take feedback from stakeholders, including parents, teachers and experts, on whether to conduct classes in two shifts to maintain social distancing, Pal told reporters here. "In the first phase, Classes 10-12 would be started in July, followed by Classes 6-9, and in the last phase Classes 1-5 would begin," he said. The colleges and university classes will begin in August, the minister said. Educational institutions in Haryana have been shut after COVID-19 lockdown was imposed in March. Replying to a question, Pal said demo classes will be run in a few schools to find out how social distancing in the classrooms can be ensured. "It will give us an idea if we face any problem, because when we take a final decision on opening of schools then making frequent changes will not be feasible," the minister said. Meanwhile, the Directorate School Education has asked District Education Officers to constitute committees to discuss the issue of opening schools with various stakeholders to seek their feedback and send the report by June 7. On Tuesday, Pal had held a meeting with senior officials of his department to chalk out plans for reopening schools. The U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled for conference a case that could determine whether public employees will be refunded hundreds of millions of dollars in union dues taken out of their paychecks against their will. At the heart of the precedent-setting case is an Illinois College graduate. During a conference scheduled for June 11, justices could discuss whether to schedule a hearing in the followup to the courts historic Janus vs. AFSCME decision. Staff attorneys at the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation filed their final reply briefs in the continuation of Janus v. AFSCME on May 22. Illinois College graduate Mark Janus, a former child support specialist for Illinois state government, won the original Janus v. AFSCME lawsuit. He was represented by the Liberty Justice Center and National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation. A 2018 Journal-Courier profile of Janus is available on myjournalcourier.com. In the case, the Supreme Court ruled that forcing public employees to pay fees to a union they dont want to join is an unconstitutional violation of their First Amendment right to freedom of association. In his original case, Janus also sought to recoup the fees he had paid the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Council 31 union over several years. Justices sent that part of the case back to lower courts for review, but its now back at the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court agreed that the union taking money from nonmembers was wrong ,but the union still has the money it illegally garnished from my paycheck, Janus said in a statement. Its time for AFSCME to give me back the money they wrongfully took. The matter before the court is expected to impact public employees and unions nationwide. Dozens of lawsuits have been filed across the U.S. by public employees seeking to get back the dues they had been forced to pay unions prior to the Janus vs. AFSCME decision. Mark Janus is just one of many public employees whose money was illegally taken by government unions, said Patrick Hughes, president and co-founder of the Liberty Justice Center. The center and foundation argue that another favorable ruling in the case could have a massive impact and set a federal precedent that would be controlling in dozens of other cases seeking refunds of dues taken unlawfully by public sector union bosses. The foundations staff attorneys are currently litigating more than 30 cases for workers related to Janus violations. The nonprofit charitable organization provides free legal aid to employees whose human or civil rights have been violated by compulsory unionism abuses. According to a May 31 opinion issued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Public employers must ensure that employees consent to a payroll deduction for membership fees or dues in a union or employee organization is collected in a way that ensures voluntariness, such as requiring direct provision of authorization from an employee to an employer. A one-time, perpetual consent to a payroll deduction for membership fees or dues is inconsistent with the U.S. Supreme Courts holding in Janus; however, consent for one year from the time given is likely valid and is sufficiently contemporaneous to be constitutional. Texas is the second state in the U.S. to issue a clarifying opinion on Janus, following Alaska Attorney General Kevin Clarksons opinion in August, which was followed by an administrative order signed by Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy to bring Alaska into compliance with Janus. At least five other states have filed legislation to take similar action in 2020. The Michigan-based Mackinac Center for Public Policys Workers for Opportunity initiative expects that more states will follow the example of Texas and Alaska. A Nebraska Medicine employee apologized on social media Tuesday for her earlier online post asking whether people needing treatment for COVID-19 after rioting in crowds should be sent home with a hefty prescription of karma. The message was shared on social media, with at least one poster writing that it implied people who were protesting injustice dont deserve treatment. The person encouraged readers to contact the health systems human relations department. Nebraska Medicine shared the employees apology in a post of its own, noting that dozens of residents had reached out and asked the health system to address it. Before we heard about it from you, she reached out to us herself, health system officials wrote. (The employee) wanted to apologize and express her intentions, and she wanted us to help her share that message. The employee wrote that her intent was to state I was deeply worried as a health care worker to see so many people so close together because of the current pandemic. But the words I chose conveyed something else altogether something I didnt mean, dont reflect who I am and arent in any way what Nebraska Medicine is all about. A doctor who was present at an event attended by Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has tested positive for Covid-19, prompting the opposition Congress to ask for the minister be placed in quarantine and his swab samples tested. Test results for the doctor, whose samples were collected on May 29 as part of a routine process, came in positive on Tuesday. Following this, the hospital where he worked, his home and his private clinic were declared containment zones and all those who were in contact with him were placed in quarantine. Sarma had on Monday visited Singimari Model Hospital in Kamrup district, which has been turned into a Covid-19 facility, to assess arrangements there. The doctor, who visits the hospital as part of his duties, was present during Sarmas visit and was seen in close proximity to the minister. We have placed Sualkuchi first referral unit (FRU) hospital, his home and private clinic under containment. Since Singimari Hospital is a Covid-19 facility, all required protocols are already maintained there, Kamrups deputy commissioner Kailash Karthik N said. Some doctors at Singimari Hospital, who used to treat Covid-19 patients, have been placed in quarantine. We have traced 121 close contacts of the doctor and sent their swab samples for tests. The doctors family members have also been put in home quarantine, he said. A total of 79 Covid-19 patients are being treated at Singimari Hospital. Since the doctor also used to treat patients at his private clinic, efforts are on to trace those who visited the clinic or came in close contact with him. Debabrata Saikia, a Congress legislator and leader of opposition in the Assam assembly, said: We have seen in news videos how guidelines for social distancing were flouted and the doctor, who tested positive, was standing very close to the minister during the visit [to Singimari Hospital]. I want to know from the health department if they would place Sarma and all those close to him under quarantine and test their swab samples as a precautionary measure. Sarma, who has been travelling to all corners of Assam for the past three months and frequently interacting with doctors, people who have returned from other states and recovered Covid-19 patients, dismissed questions about his health. I visit hospitals daily, interact with doctors and also Covid-19 positive patients. Theres no worry as long as you wear masks and follow other safety measures, the minister told journalists on Tuesday while visiting another Covid-19 hospital in Dhubri district. Assam has recorded 1,622 Covid-19 cases till Wednesday morning. While 338 people have recovered, two have died, 1,277 are still being treated and three have gone back to their home states before recovery. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON For a fifth straight day, crowds carried signs, chanted and marched Tuesday in the Bay Area to protest the killing last week of George Floyd, an African American man, by a Minnesota police officer. Actions included a large march along San Franciscos Ocean Beach, a rally outside San Jose City Hall and a peaceful march by several hundred people in Fairfield, where widespread looting occurred the evening before. Cities and counties also braced themselves for late-night looting, extending or announcing new curfews. Contra Costa and Solano counties announced new curfews on Tuesday. During the day, all was trouble-free in San Francisco as upwards of 1,000 people marched down the Great Highway and gathered at Ocean Beach on Tuesday under the clear blue afternoon sky. The event, billed as Sunset Solidarity March for Black Lives Matter, began around 11 a.m. and was peaceful, a police officer said. By 3:45 p.m., the marchers had concluded as police vans were lined up on Sloat Boulevard, where roughly a dozen officers carrying batons and zip ties prepared to depart. In Oakland on Monday, marchers went from Oakland Technical High School to City Hall, where speakers decried the killings of black men and women by police. Police estimated that as many as 15,000 people were in the march and subsequent rally. Stanley Petey Cox, the Oakland rapper known as Mistah F.A.B., stood on a red flatbed truck with a sign that listed the names of black Americans killed by police and spoke to the crowd of hundreds gathered in front of City Hall. Now Playing: On June 2, 2020, residents of San Franciscos Outer Sunset marched in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and against the recent death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. Video: Manjula Varghese / The Chronicle We are here because were fed up. This is a boiling point, America, Cox told the crowd to roaring cheers. A protest without a plan and a list of demands is more like a parade. Among the participants was James Fisher, 19, who marched near the front of the protest proceeding down Broadway holding high a sign that read, What do you gain from killing us? People say violence is not the answer. The only thing I can say is that violence is the thing that started this, said Fisher, an Oakland resident who is a sophomore at Howard University in Washington, D.C. We cant live like this forever. As for President Trumps message urging governments to crack down on violence, Fisher shrugged his shoulders: I dont really care what he says. Its not worth my time and energy. The spirited event broke up before 7 p.m., and most participants headed back toward Oakland Tech. But several hundred protesters stayed behind and headed toward police headquarters, where they were stopped by a large line of police. Tensions hit their peak shortly before 8 p.m. police followed announcements of the impending curfew by firing tear gas canisters into the crowd of protesters. Many of them regrouped at Broadway and 14th Street, where police moved in and began arrests. Eighty protesters were taken into custody for curfew violations, the Police Department said in a statement early Tuesday morning, and another 20 were arrested for other related crimes where several guns were recovered, police said. In San Francisco on Monday evening, about 100 people gathered outside City Hall, kneeling while chanting Kneel for George Floyd. As people assembled, Cara Patricia of San Francisco sat with a group of protesters facing City Hall holding a sign that read: All power to the people. Black Lives Matter. Its important to put my body in places of support for black and brown people who have been victimized in our country for decades, Patricia said, adding that this was the first protest she has attended related to the killing of George Floyd, but unfortunately, Im able to use the same signs that I have before. Only a dozen or two protesters remained on the scene at 8:10 p.m., when police announced three times that the curfew would be enforced. Officers spilled out from Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and arrested at least two people who had lingered on the scene. 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. Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle In Walnut Creek on Monday, things got rough. After protesters moved onto Interstate 680 and blocked traffic in both directions at around 5:30 p.m., police officers used tear gas, rubber bullets and flash bangs to clear them out, according to multiple reporters at the scene. Several hundred participants gathered peacefully in Civic Park and marched through the upscale suburbs downtown. But after the citys curfew took effect at 6 p.m., police reported that several police and protesters were injured and there were several arrests. According to the police statement, property was vandalized and some in the crowd refused to disperse. As the night wore on, instead of the protests and marches throughout the region during the day and early evening, there was looting. In Richmond, after 200 or so people broke into Hilltop Mall near Interstate 80, police arrived on the scene and arrested about 15 suspected looters. There was a shooting by police overnight at a Walgreens in Vallejo, but police at a Tuesday news conference provided few details about the incident. There was extensive looting in Fairfield. Now Playing: East Bay columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. talks about the rage and unrest that's followed the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, and his experience covering the protests as a black journalist. Video: San Francisco Chronicle On Tuesday, the Solano County city witnessed a very different scene. Several hundred protesters against police violence, escorted by police, marched peacefully through downtown Fairfield on Tuesday, a day after the city saw a night of looting and destruction. At the county courthouse, they jointly dropped to one knee for nine minutes, the approximate time Floyd was pinned to the ground by a Minneapolis officer. The protesters chanted, I cant breathe, before ending with a prayer and a message of solidarity.. Chronicle staff writer Anna Bauman contributed to this report. Matthias Gafni, John King, Mallory Moench and Matthew Kawahara are Chronicle staff writers. Email: matthias.gafni@sfchronicle.com, jking@sfchronicle.com, mkawahara@sfchronicle.com, mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench, @matthewkawahara, @johnkingsfchron, @mgafni Janae Krysta Noriega, a senior at United South High School, was selected as the Laredo Sector Border Patrol Youth of the Year for 2019-20. This was the 33rd year the Laredo Sector Border Patrol has celebrated the Youth of the Year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Laredo Sector Border Patrol hosted the ceremony at the headquarters office. Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez made the announcement in a virtual ceremony that included Janaes family. Janae plans to attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she will pursue a degree in Biomedical Science and eventually transfer to the Baylor School of Medicine to become a Doctor of Medicine. She wants to return to Laredo to be a family physician. At USHS, she was the vice president of the National Honor Society, team captain of the USHS Science Team and president of the USHS Science Club. She was also a member of various other clubs and UIL academic teams. The Youth of the Year ceremony culminates the Youth of the Month program that recognizes one student each month during the academic year from each of Laredos 11 area high schools. Students are selected for the honor based on academic achievement, community involvement and demonstration of their dedication to succeed. Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents established the Youth of the Year program as an effort to recognize youths for their outstanding achievements. Community partners play an integral role in the Border Patrol Youth of the Month program demonstrating their commitment and dedication to supporting education by highlighting Laredos young leaders. Community partners provided Janae with various awards and gifts in honor of her selection as Youth of the Year. Among them was a framed certificate recognizing Janae as the Youth of the Year by Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Texas Senator Judith Zaffirini, State Representatives Richard Pena Raymond and Tracy O. King. Other awards and gifts given for the Youth of the Year award include: A $1,000 scholarship from Dr. Marcus Hinojosa. Four $500 scholarships from Dr. Sara Campos, the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, the Outlet Shoppes of Laredo and the Area Health Education Center (AHEC). A $150 scholarship from Joe Jackson Funeral Chapels. A $200 Visa gift card from Ashley Furniture Homestore. A $100 gift card and plaque from Chick-fil-A. A $50 gift card and gift basket from McDonalds. A $50 gift card and a gift bag from Laredo FOX/Univision Laredo. A $50 gift card from the International Bank of Commerce. A Youth of the Year plaque from attorney at Law Rosaura Wawi Tijerina. Tickets to a future event at Sames Auto Arena. Four cases of Nestle products from L&F Distributors A one-year membership to Rock Fitness Gym Twenty free car washes from Laser Carwash A Texas-shaped plaque from Awardmasterz. A burst electric toothbrush from Dr. CCs Tooth Factory Pediatric Specialists A full photo session including prints from Captured by Claudia Photography. Multiple gifts from Lins Grand Buffet. RALEIGH, N.C. The Republican National Committee unveiled plans on Wednesday to proceed with certain convention activities in Charlotte, even though President Donald Trump will deliver his nomination acceptance speech somewhere else. The move comes in response to growing concerns from Gov. Roy Cooper, D-N.C., that the full capacity convention Trump had requested is very unlikely to happen in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cooper wants the GOP to continue discussing a scaled-back convention, while Republicans are seeking assurances that more than 10 people will be allowed in a room. Cooper's present executive order limits indoor gatherings to 10 people, and the governor believes its not time yet to enter into phase 3" of reopening the state. Due to the directive from the governor that our convention cannot go on as planned as required by our rules, the celebration of the presidents acceptance of the Republican nomination will be held in another city," the RNC said in a statement. "Should the governor allow more than 10 people in a room, we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte. Dory MacMillan, a spokeswoman for Cooper, said in a statement that the governor "has been clear that the convention could be held with more than 10 people but that plans need to be in place for a scaled down convention with safety precautions. The state has asked for a plan from the RNC but instead has received a public demand for a guarantee of a full indoor convention without social distancing or protective measures. The RNC and city of Charlotte signed a contract that went into effect in July 2018. Both sides are working to make sure the other holds up their end of the bargain. City Attorney Patrick Baker met privately with city council members Wednesday afternoon, and Charlotte vowed in a tweet on Tuesday that it would be in contact with the attorneys for the RNC to understand their full intentions. Republican governors in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee have called on Trump to move the convention to their states, and the RNC is scheduled to visit Nashville on Thursday. Trump tweeted on Tuesday night that he would have showcased beautiful North Carolina to the World, and brought in hundreds of millions of dollars, and jobs, for the State," but that Cooper's refusal to guarantee crowds above 10 forced him to seek a different state to deliver his speech. Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, is one of the most populous and liberal parts of the state. While North Carolina is a critical swing state in the presidential election and Trump could have generated lots of enthusiasm among his loyal base of supporters, there is little precedent for a convention site boosting a candidate's performance. Michael Bitzer, a political scientist at Catawba College, noted former President Barack Obama held his 2012 convention in Charlotte but lost the state to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in 2012. Conventions dont really have as great of an impact as people think. The Democrats had a convention in Charlotte and the state went for Romney by two points in 2012. Local businesses, especially those in the struggling hospitality industry, stood to benefit from a boom in economic activity. But many are unfazed by Trump's decision to speak elsewhere. Aaron Seelbinder, who owns and manages rental properties in several states, said he spent $30,000 of his own money on upgrades to a house he hoped to rent for about $3,000 a night during the weeks surrounding the Republican National Convention. Yet the house remains unoccupied for the week of the convention. But Seelbinder, a North Carolina resident and unaffiliated voter, said he wouldnt be sad to see the convention go elsewhere because Trumps rhetoric surrounding the pandemic and recent protests against police brutality frustrates him. I put in a considerable amount of money, Seelbinder said. Ill probably lose a lot of money if RNC goes, but Im not willing to fight to make them stay. Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden referenced one of the most painful eras in Alabama history in remarks about the police-involved slaying of Minnesota man George Floyd. Speaking at Philadelphia City Hall, Biden also criticized President Donald Trump and his handling of Washington D.C. protests over Floyds death. This nation is a nation of values. Our freedom to speak is the cherished knowledge that lives inside every American, Biden said. We will not allow any President to quiet our voice. We wont let those who see this as an opportunity to sow chaos throw up a smokescreen to distract us from the very real and legitimate grievances at the heart of these protests. Biden went on to say that the its in some of the darkest moments of despair, that America has made great progress. The 13th and 14th and 15th Amendments followed the Civil War. The greatest economy in the history of the world grew out of the Great Depression. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 came in the tracks of Bull Connors vicious dogs. To paraphrase Reverend Barber its in the mourning we find hope, Biden said. You can read Bidens address here. In 1963, Connor was the Birmingham Public Safety Commissioner. He became known worldwide for using fire hoses and police attack dogs against black civil rights marchers in Birmingham. Images of the attacks were broadcast around the world and became lasting symbols of the brutality of the era. The U.S.-Taliban agreement obliges the Taliban to sever ties with al Qaeda and other Central Asian terrorist groups. Nevertheless, Central Asian Salafi-Jihadi groups celebrate the deal as a victory. The Talibans relationship with these groups will likely continue to develop in secret, and Central Asian regimes must seriously prepare for a new redistribution of power and resources in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. BACKGROUND: Central Asian Salafi-Jihadi groups, backed by Al-Qaeda, were encouraged by the U.S.-Taliban agreement signed in February 2020. Uzbek groups including Katibat Imam al-Bukhari (KIB), Katibat Tawhid wal Jihad (KTJ), and the Islamic Jihad Union (IJU), along with Tajik Jamaat Ansarullah (JA) and the Uighur fighters of Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) from Chinas Xinjiang region, have expressed clear opinions about the deal through their respective Telegram accounts. The groups have either hailed the agreement or dedicated emotional eulogies to the Taliban. The KIB, formed primarily by Uzbek, Tajik and Kyrgyz militants from the Fergana Valley, was one of the first Jihadi groups to congratulate the Taliban, denominating the deal as a great victory of the Islamic Ummah. In his congratulatory letter to the Taliban on February 29, KIB leader Abu Yusuf Muhajir labelled it a humiliation, disgrace, and failure of the crusade of U.S. and NATO forces. Abu Yusuf proceeded to praise the former Taliban amir Mullah Mohammed Omar, describing him as steadfast against the Americans. He also congratulated the Islamic Ummah on the Taliban victory and attached a poem, My Dear Taliban, to his letter. The KTJ group, which swore allegiance to al Qaeda in 2015, enthusiastically praised the Taliban successes. On March 15, the KTJ threatened the Central Asian states via its Telegram account Mujahideen of Sham. Its members reacted furiously to Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov, who during the signing ceremony of the U.S.-Taliban agreement in Doha stated that Uzbekistan would not interfere with the internal affairs of the Taliban. KTJ mocked the top Uzbek diplomat by calling him Tahgut [A Quranic term referring to those who rebel against Allah and transgress his will] and threatened the current Central Asian regimes. KTJ also honored the deputy Taliban leader, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, emphasizing that in 2010, he was in Karachi prison as a terrorist and in 2020, he signed an agreement on the surrender of America. KTJ continued to state that America humiliatingly acknowledged its defeat by the lions of Islam and this victory came at the behest of Allah, who subordinated the chief Shaitan [evil spirit in Islamic belief] to Mujahideen [holy warriors]. The Uighur TIP also praised the Taliban victory and described the Afghan government as traitors over its radio Voice of Islam, posted on the Muhsinlar.net website on March 7. IMPLICATIONS: The U.S.-Taliban agreement sharply raised the morale of Central Asian Salafi-Jihadi groups. They did not hide their cheery emotions on social media, posting gushing praises for the Taliban along with Takbir [Allah is greater]. The reason for the delight among Central Asian Salafi-Jihadi groups is that they have long-term and close ties with both the Taliban and al Qaeda. They are united in their aim to establish an Islamic government in Central Asia and Chinas Xinjiang region, which would be governed by Sharia law. This structure has a historical background, which should not be underestimated. Many Uzbek, Tajik, Kyrgyz and Uighur extremists, targeted by government forces in their homelands, were forced to flee and found refuge in Afghanistan during the Talibans rule from 1996 until 2001. The ideological views of the Central Asian Muhajireen [foreign fighters] were formed and refined under the influence of al Qaeda and the Taliban. This conception was crucial in determining the later fate of the Taliban, when the U.S.-led invasion toppled its regime for providing refuge to al Qaeda and its leader Osama bin Laden. The Central Asian jihadists became deeply integrated into the ranks of al Qaeda, which today has become the Taliban's Achilles heel in its relations with Washington. The agreement obliges the Taliban to sever ties with al Qaeda and other Central Asian terrorist groups and refusing them the possibility to threaten the security of the U.S. and its allies using Afghan soil. However, the agreement lacks specified mechanisms, timelines or demands for evidence for breaking the Talibans ties with al Qaeda. Judging by their reactions, the Central Asian jihadists are not at all concerned over the Talibans commitment to sever contacts with themselves and al Qaeda. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Talibans return to power and the establishment of an Islamic Emirate based on Sharia law, was a long-awaited dream for these groups. Among the Salafi-Jihadi movements of the post-Soviet area, the Uzbek KIB is closest to the Taliban regarding its ideological views on jihad and Sharia policy. The KIB openly identifies itself as an integral part of the Taliban, having publicly sworn allegiance [Bayat] to the latter in 2014. The group officially refers to itself as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Katibat Imam al Bukhari. It has the same emblem as the Taliban and operates in both Afghanistan and Syria. The Taliban and Sirajuddin Haqqani, one of the Talibans top deputies and leader of the powerful al Qaeda-linked Haqqani Network, were instrumental in deploying KIB to Syria from Afghanistan. The U.S. State Department designated KIB to the list of global terrorist organizations affiliated with al Qaeda on March 22, 2018, whereas the UN Security Council has expressed particular concern that KIB leaders view Afghanistan as a new staging ground to project attacks against neighboring Central Asian countries. The al Qaeda-affiliated TIP and the Taliban have a long and trusting relationship based on the general principles of Jihad. According to the UN Security Council, the ETIM/TIPs leadership and Uighur militants remain present in Afghanistan. The TIPs emir, Abdul Haq al-Turkistani, who is a steadfast brother in arms of Ayman al-Zawahiri and Haibatullah Akhunzada, periodically claims his unfailing allegiance to both al Qaeda and the Taliban. As the TIPs top leader, who was even appointed a member of al Qaedas elite Shura Council in 2005, he has sought to maintain the unity of Sunni Salafi-Jihadi groups under the leadership of the Taliban. IJU, KTJ and IMU also fight under the auspices of the Taliban in Afghanistan. According to the UN Security Council, IMU is now integrated into Taliban forces operating in the Provinces of Faryab and Zabul, while IJU, led by Ilimbek Mamatov, is operating primarily in the Afghan Provinces of Badakhshan, Sari Pul and Takhar. Almost all of the Central Asian terrorist groups in Afghanistan have reported via their Telegram channels that they participated in the Talibans Al-Fath Jihadi Operations last year. CONCLUSIONS: The U.S. legitimization of the Taliban by concluding the peace deal will force the five Central Asian governments to build bridges with the Taliban. Prior to this, only Uzbekistan had informal contacts with the Taliban, organizing an Afghanistan peace conference in March 2018 in Tashkent. Central Asian governments are aware that the Taliban will control Afghanistan in the future. For them, the main security challenge is al Qaeda-linked Central Asian Salafi-Jihadi groups and the remnants of the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) operating in Afghanistan. KIB and IJU have used the U.S.-Taliban deal to recruit new militants from Central Asia. The Taliban factor could also provide inspiration and a morale boost to underground radical Islamists inside Central Asia and encourage them to raise arms against secular regimes. If the Taliban comes to power in the future and establishes Sharia rule in Afghanistan, this could increase the activity of the Islamic opposition in the five countries to the north. There should be no illusions that the Taliban will abandon al Qaeda and Central Asian Salafi-Jihadi groups closely aligned with the Bayat easily or quickly. Moreover, the Taliban has a fragmented and networked structure, within which many local armed leaders respect the relationship with Central Asian Muhajireen. Therefore, their relationship will expectedly continue to develop in secret, in order not to provoke the United States. Central Asian regimes must seriously prepare for a new redistribution of power and resources in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of U.S. troops, which could be accompanied by hostilities felt far beyond Afghanistans borders, for several years to come. AUTHOR'S BIO: Uran Botobekov, PhD, is an expert on Political Islam and the author of Anatomy of Central Asian Salafi groups, (Modern Diplomacy, 2019). Image Source: The United States Army accessed on 6/3/20 Kansas officials will pay $3.5 million to the family of a man who was killed in 2017 with a homemade beanbag round fired by a Barber County undersheriff at close range. An attorney for the family said in a written statement that Barber County will pay the amount to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit brought by the widow of Steven Myers, who was unarmed and following law enforcement commands when he was shot on Oct. 6, 2017, by Barber County Undersheriff Virgil Dusty Brewer. Brewer is on unpaid leave after being charged in 2018 with reckless involuntary manslaughter in Myers death. Court records say authorities tracked Myers to a shed after he was accused of threatening people with a gun outside a bar in Sun City, about 110 miles (177 kilometers) west of Wichita. Attorney Michael Kuckelman, who represents Myers family in the lawsuit, said police video showed Myers emerged from the shed on officers commands with his empty hands when Brewer shot Myers in the chest with the beanbag. The beanbag round used was bought off the internet and given to Brewer by a former colleague in Texas, Kuckelman said. Court documents say Brewer hadnt been trained on how to use the less-lethal weapon. Kuckleman said the $3.5 million settlement is believed to be the largest to date in an officer-involved shooting death in Kansas. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Law Enforcement Kansas Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. New Delhi, June 3 : After both India and Australia accepted the US offer to be part of the expanded G7 meet on China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Scott Morrison will hold a virtual summit on Thursday to strengthen their bilateral strategic relationship. Sources told IANS that this is the first time that the Prime Minister of India will hold a "bilateral" online summit with a foreign leader. The focus of the virtual meeting would be to explore the possibilities of "stepping up investments and trade with each other," sources said, adding that a number of MoUs and announcements are in the pipeline. Prime Minister Morrison was to visit India in January and May but couldn't first due to bush fires in Australia and now due to the coronavirus-related restrictions. As a result, the two leaders decided to hold a virtual meeting. The meeting assumes significance in view of the Cold War-like situation that has emerged between the US and China since the Covid-19 pandemic which originated in Wuhan city of Hubei province, six months ago. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) which aspires to re-shape the international system in favour of its ideology and interests, has been continually challenging the US-led world order. In order to deal with China's aggression, the US believes that the Group of Seven (G7), an international inter-governmental economic organization of the seven largest advanced economies of the world including the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, needs to come together and also include India, Australia, Russia and South Korea. Officials in New Delhi argue that as two democratic nations, India and Australia have developed an understanding of each other's perspectives on regional and global issues. "We have a shared approach to a free open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. This has led to convergence of mutual interest in many areas. The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level, but also at the plurilateral level," an official said. Australia supports India's membership of the NSG and an expanded UNSC. It has also backed India's demand that Pakistan must take meaningful action against terror groups operating from its soil. Besides, it co-sponsored a UNSC resolution to declare Azhar Masood a global terrorist. Australia holds the view that recent developments with regard to J&K are India's internal matter. Officials in Delhi point out that the two nations have much in common, underpinned by shared values of pluralistic, Westminster-style democracies, Commonwealth traditions, the long-standing people-to-people ties, and sporting links. "Our economies have many complementarities with potential to enhance bilateral trade and investment, an official said. In 2009, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a 'Strategic Partnership' and in 2014, the two-way Prime Ministerial visits added momentum to the strategic partnership. Australia, in its White Paper on Foreign Policy-2017, recognised India as the 'pre-eminent maritime power among Indian Ocean countries' and a 'front-rank partner of Australia'. Overall, in the last five years, bilateral relations between both countries have strengthened and expanded tremendously. "Since 2014, they have stepped up security cooperation to include annual strategic dialogues, regular interaction between their two militaries and intelligence sharing on counter-terrorism issues," Sameer Patil, a fellow at Gateway House said. "The COVID-19 pandemic, U.S.-China tensions and a shared concern about China's growing influence provide an opportunity for India and Australia to deepen their security engagement," Patil said. The two countries, he said, can enhance their cooperation in defence technology, cybersecurity for the Indo-Pacific and investment in critical infrastructure. But above all, Australia and India, he said, can take the 'Quadrilateral Security Initiative' forward. "Given the synergies and strengths of the four countries (US, Japan, Australia and India) involved, a case definitely be made to expand Quad's focus from military to non-military but strategic issues - cybersecurity, counter-terrorism and technology including next-generation mobile communication and data transfer standards," he added. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text London: Seven Indian institutes have been listed in the top 400 educational institutions in the world by a UK survey which saw Cambridge slipping out of the top three global universities for the first time. According to QS World University Rankings 2016 survey, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) hold on to the top spot, followed by two other American universities Stanford at second position and Harvard at third position. Indian universities continue to lag behind in the global top 200, with Indian Institute of Science dropping five notches to 152 from 147 last year and Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi at 185 from 179 in 2015, the survey said, Other Indian universities that make the cut within the top 400 on the list are the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Bombay (219), Madras (249), Kanpur (302), Kharagpur (313) and Roorkee (399). This years rankings imply that levels of investment are determining who progresses and who regresses. Institutions in countries that provide high levels of targeted funding, whether from endowments or from the public purse, are rising, said Ben Sowter, head of research at QS. Cambridge University has fallen out of the global top three for the first time in the latest university rankings released. Cambridge, which was ranked a joint third with Harvard last year, slips to fourth with British competitor Oxford retaining its sixth rank. Experts believe the exact post-Brexit impact on UK universities will become clearer next year as bulk of the research for this years rankings was conducted before Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU) on June 23. Londons mayor Sadiq Khan said: Boasting more of the globes top universities and welcoming the most international students, London is the higher education capital of the world and I want to make sure it stays that way. The rankings include 916 universities from 81 countries, with 33 countries featured in the Top 200. The US dominate, with 48 institutions, ahead of the UK (30), Netherlands (12), Germany (11), Canada, Australia (9), Japan (8), China (7), France, Sweden and Hong Kong (5). The QS World University Rankings are based on four categories: research, teaching, employability and internationalisation. The methodology consists of six indicators: academic reputation (40 per cent), employer reputation (10 per cent), faculty student ratio (20 per cent), citations per faculty (20 per cent), international students (5 per cent), and international faculty (5 per cent). For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Google is facing yet another multi-billion lawsuit over its data collection practices in the US. The web giant has been sued for allegedly tracking users browsing activity even when they browse in private mode or Incognito Mode in Chrome browser. And, therefore, illegally invading their privacy. The class-action lawsuit was filed in US District Court for the Northern District of California on Tuesday, June 2, by Mark C. Mao, a partner at the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner. The firm alleged that Googles practices intentionally deceive consumers into believing that their browsing activity will not be tracked if they surf the web in private. Google tracks and collects consumer browsing history and other web activity data no matter what safeguards consumers undertake to protect their data privacy, said the complaint. It seeks at least $5 billion of damages from the company for violations of federal wiretapping and California privacy laws. Advertisement The laws require the consent of all parties to access the contents of private communication. Since Google is gathering data without consent, it is essentially intercepting the contents of private communication between users and websites. And as per the Federal Wiretap Act, users have the right to sue if their private communications are intercepted. Google faces lawsuit over tracking users in Incognito Mode If you open a tab in Incognito Mode in Chrome, it explicitly mentions that your browsing activity might still be visible to websites you visit, or to your internet service provider. However, the lawsuit says Google fails to mention that other tracking tools used by the company may also track users. The web giant allegedly gathers data through Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager, and other applications and website plug-ins. Advertisement The types of data collected include IP addresses, browser, and device information, as well as websites visited. So even when a user opts for private browsing, the company somehow keeps a tab on their activity. This is irrespective of whether the user clicks on a Google-supported ad. This gives the company information about users hobbies, favorite foods, shopping habits, and more. It even knows the most intimate and potentially embarrassing things users search for online. The Mountain View company may eventually augment user profiles by tracking their identities across different browsing modes. It can collect data from private and general browsing modes and combine them. Advertisement Google cannot continue to engage in the covert and unauthorized data collection from virtually every American with a computer or phone, the complaint added. It seeks at least $5,000 of damages per user who, since June 2016, have browsed the internet in private mode. Since the proposed class likely includes millions of Google users, the sum adds up to at least $5 billion. Google, meanwhile, says it will defend itself vigorously against the claims. We strongly dispute these claims, and we will defend ourselves vigorously against them. As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity during your session, said Jose Castaneda, a Google spokesman. Members of the Irish Defence forces at a Covid-19 testing facility at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (NIall Carson/PA) Over 10 million euro has been spent to help the Defence Forces in its fight against the Covid-19 outbreak. Minister with responsibility for Defence Paul Kehoe said the expenditure included additional medical, engineering and transport costs spent throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The Defence Forces has been helping across various areas including testing, contact tracing as well as collecting personal protective equipment. Mr Kehoe told the Dail: This expenditure includes the 5.2 million euros towards the acquisition of a new aircraft, some 4.2 million in respect of additional medical, engineering, building, PPE, audio visual, transport costs across the army and naval service and the Air Corps. Over one million in respect of additional allowance payments and some 400,000 in civil defence. Expand Close An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during his visit to the Defence Forces Joint Task Force (JTF) in McKee Barracks, Dublin (Photocall Ireland/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during his visit to the Defence Forces Joint Task Force (JTF) in McKee Barracks, Dublin (Photocall Ireland/PA) In addition ICT investment has facilitated remote working opportunities across the defence organisation, and has ensured ongoing business during this turbulent period. Mr Kehoe also said there has been a delay in the recruitment of Defence Force members because of the Covid-19 pandemic. He said there has been an increased interest in joining the Defense Forces as a career. The current strength of the Defence Forces is 8,485 which Mr Kehoe admitted was lower than planned. He said that general service recruitment applications of 2,994 are above anticipated figures for this point of the year. The number of application for Air Corps apprentices has also increased significantly over the last year, Mr Kehoe added. However, Fianna Fail TD Jack Chambers expressed concern of the rates of turnover in the Defence Forces. He said: Ultimately poor pay and conditions continue to overshadow many aspects of our Defence Forces who remain the worst paid in the public service, so it was not surprising to see the ongoing concerning rates of turnover and us not meeting our white paper target of 9,500. The strength is now below 8,500 well below the minimum strength figure. Last year the Defence Forces suffered a net loss 265 with 870 departing and only 605 being inducted. This represents a really concerning trend. Expand Close File picture of members of the Defence Forces (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp File picture of members of the Defence Forces (Brian Lawless/PA) The Dail also heard claims that a lack of morale has been allowed to manifest through the Defence Forces. People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said that the figures were damning. You have rightly praised the role of the Defence Forces in the public health effort and the fantastic work that they have done in areas like testing, tracing and the bravery of forces on missions in Lebanon and Congo and elsewhere, the TD added. Doesnt that praise ring a little but hallow when you consider the failure to really support our military personnel with decent pay and conditions? The figures are really damning because of the poor levels of pay, the cuts in allowances, the failure to restore many of the pay that were cut in the austerity period. The Defence Force strength stands at 1,000 less than it needs to be, we have 610 unfilled vacancies at junior NCO ranks, captain ranks stand at 77.6% of establishment. On Tuesday, the coronavirus death toll in Ireland rose to 1,658 after a further eight deaths were announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team. There were also 10 new confirmed cases of Covid-19, bringing the total since the outbreak began to 25,066. New Delhi: The Haryana government on Wednesday (June 3) decided to conduct the pending examination for Class 10 and Class 12 in the month of July. The Board of Secondary Education Haryana (BSEH) will hold the pending secondary and higher secondary examinations from 1 to 15 July. The BSEH stated that the detailed time table of the remaining board papers will be uploaded by it 10 days prior to the examinations. The students will be able to check the examination scheduled on the BSEH's official website - bseh.org.in. Earlier, Haryana Board Class 10 and Class 12 examinations 2020 were scheduled to be held between March 19 and March 31. The exams were postponed in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The BSEH, however, cancelled all the pending Haryana Board Class 10 examinations 2020, except the Science paper. The evaluation of the remaining papers was completed by April 22. The Board is expected to declare class 10 result 2020 for secondary class students on June 8. Those students who appeared for this examination will be able to check their class 10th Result 2020 by visiting the HBSE's official website: bseh.org.in. Meanwhile, the board would hold the pending examination for the science subject of class 10, but this will be only for those students, who would opt Science subjects in class 11th and 12th. The United States is currently dealing with civil unrest across dozens of states, and just when the secrets of the police force and the government were revealed, the infamous group Anonymous made a return exposed more people of immoral acts. Anonymous has been quiet for years, but the killing of George Floyd has forced the group to immerse from the shadows and fight back against the injustice committed by those in power, including President Donald Trump, supermodel Naomi Campbell, Ivanka Trump, Will Smith and the British Royal Family. Who is Anonymous? Anonymous is a group of hackers that has no leadership and no face. Their tagline is "we are legion", referring to their large numbers of members. The group does not have a central command structure so anyone can just claim that they are part of the "hacktivist" group. This also means that they do not have a single agenda, and they respond to a wide number of injustices in the system. Generally, they are activists who are aiming at those who are accused of immoral acts and abuse of power. They hijack websites, release documents, and hack accounts. The symbol of the underground organization is a Guy Fawkes mask, which was made famous through the movie "V for Vendetta." Also Read: Trump Calls Governors "Weak" After Protest Shows No Sign of Stopping What actions have they taken? The organization has conducted numerous cyber-attacks in relation to the George Floyd protests. The website of the Minneapolis police department was temporarily taken offline over the weekend in a DDoS or Distributed Denial of Service attack. It is a form of cyber-attack that floods a server with data until it can no longer keep up and it eventually stops working. The attack is the same when websites go offline if too many people logs in at once. Another attack linked to Anonymous was the database of passwords and email addresses that were hacked from the system of the police department. But there is evidence that the police servers have been hacked. In fact, Troy Hunt, a researcher, stated that what happened may have been due to the older data breaches. On the social media platform Twitter, there are unverified posts that caught the attention of netizens. The posts showed police radios being interrupted by music, thus preventing them from communicating with each other. Anonymous reveals However, there are experts that suggest that it is not a hack, it could be a result of a stolen piece of hardware that is being controlled by the protesters who are on the scene. Aside from the disruptions on websites and communication lines, the activists also posted accusations against President Donald Trump from years back, including his connection to child sex offender Jeffery Epstein and how he ordered for him to be killed. Documents of a civil court case were also posted that stated that Trump and Epstein raped a 13-year-old girl and the case was dismissed even before the accuser went to trial. In 2014, members of Anonymous took action in response to the shooting of Micheal Brown. A protest erupted in Ferguson, Missouri and Anonymous threatened the city if there are protesters harmed. The organization disabled the website of the city and disrupted the communications at the city hall. In the same year, they declared war on the Ku Klux Klan or KKK, and they released the personal details of the members online. Related Article: Hacker "Anonymous" Posted Names of Celebrities Linked to Child Trafficking, Reveals Claims About Trump @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As the academic year wraps up, San Antonio school districts are releasing summer schedules for free meal pickup and delivery, which will continue during the break in keeping with social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic. Families can check their school districts website, and also can visit summerfood.org for an interactive map that includes nonprofit-sponsored free meal locations. The federally-funded program enables children to receive nutritious meals throughout the summer, said Jenny Arredondo, senior executive director of child nutrition in the San Antonio Independent School District, in a prepared statement. Regular and appropriate nutrition is very important to support a students academic performance. On Mondays and Wednesdays this month, North East ISD will continue offering grab-and-go meals curbside at 29 schools and delivering meals to 43 different bus stops. Details are available at https://www.neisd.net/Page/3348 Curbside pickup will be open between 10 a.m. and noon. Three former meal distribution sites are no longer operational because of summer construction projects, according to the school district. On Mondays, each child will receive breakfast and lunch for two days and on Wednesdays, each child will receive breakfast and lunch for five days. Parents or guardians can bring birth certificates, school identification cards or report cards to pick up meal packs for children who cannot be present at campuses or bus stops. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio Food Bank wants schools to get word out about the new money San Antonio ISD will also provide free summer meals through Aug. 7, though the July schedule has not yet been released. Anyone age 18 and younger is eligible, regardless of participation in a summer program. Enrolled students younger than 21 are also eligible if they have been identified as disabled through a special education program. SAISD will distribute meal bundles from 10 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 28 schools. Each bundle will contain breakfast, lunch and supper for two days. Buses will run from Monday through Friday distributing bundles that contain breakfast, lunch and supper for that day. Locations and times for curbside pickup and bus routes can be found on the districts website by searching for SAISDSummer2020MealsProgram. For now, Northside ISD, the citys largest school district, will maintain its existing pickup schedule at the 20 schools where meals were distributed during the spring semester. The schedule might change after July 2, said Barbara Castillo, the senior operations manager at Northsides child nutrition department. Thats what were there for, she said. Thats what we do. Proof of eligibility is required if the child is not in the vehicle, and details about food distribution can be found by clicking on the COVID-19 updates banner at the top of the districts homepage. Alia Malik covers several school districts and the University of Texas at San Antonio. To read more from Alia, become a subscriber. amalik@express-news.net | Twitter: @AliaAtSAEN Protesters have taken to the streets of the Sudanese capital to demand justice for pro-democracy demonstrators killed a year ago in a violent crackdown by security forces. Early on June 3, 2019, gunmen in military fatigues had stormed a sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum, the focal point of months-long protests that led to the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. Following al-Bashirs military overthrow, the sit-in continued as protesters demanded that the generals who overthrew him cede power to civilians. They got down from their trucks and started beating people at the sit-in until they emptied the site, Mustaffa Yassen, a protester, told Al Jazeera, recounting the attack a year ago. They were using batons and gunfire. It seemed like a war zone with the sounds of intensive gunfire. At least 128 people were killed and hundreds more wounded in the attack that ended the sit-in, according to doctors affiliated with the protest movement. Official figures put the death toll to at least 87. But those were not the only atrocities recorded on the day. Rights groups reported women and men were raped and sodomised, and witnesses said bodies were thrown into the Nile River. Many others who were present remain missing. At the rally on Wednesday, a mask-clad woman held a banner reading, We wont forget and we wont forgive as many other protesters rallied and smoke billowed from burning tyres. In a televised statement marking the anniversary, Abdalla Hamdok, the new prime minister under a civilian-military transition authority, promised justice. I assure you all that achieving justice and retribution for the martyrs of the sit-in is an inevitable and irreversible step, he said. But a year on, some say the investigations are slow and justice is being delayed. When we took to the streets in December 2018, we demanded freedom peace and justice, Khalid, witness to the attack, told Al Jazeera. Sudan cant go forward without peace and freedom but more importantly, it cant go forward without justice. Doosan Group logo displayed at its head office in Dongdaemun, Seoul / Yonhap By Nam Hyun-woo State-run lenders will loan an additional 1 trillion won ($807.8 million) to Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, after accepting Doosan Group's detailed self-rescue plan aimed at improving its overall financial structure, and to protect the conglomerate from bankruptcy. The Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) will each hold committee meetings today, at the earliest, to finalize the new bailout program for Doosan Heavy. Earlier the parent group presented a detailed self-restructuring plan to improve cash flow to support Doosan Heavy by restructuring its portfolio and unloading both core and non-core assets. The plan is believed to be worth 3 trillion won. This is in line with the mid-tier conglomerate's earlier promise to creditors that it would secure 3 trillion won through restructuring. In accepting the plan, the government said Doosan Heavy will abandon its coal-fired and nuclear power plant businesses and "morph" into a green energy company. Though the administration did not reveal the specifics of the plan, Doosan Corp. will secure new capital through a new share offering, and sell "major subsidiaries and none-core assets" to improve Doosan Heavy's financial standing. If the lenders finally approve of the plan and give the 1 trillion won loan, a total of 3.4 trillion won of taxpayers' money will have been put into Doosan. Since March, the KDB and Eximbank have extended 2.4 trillion won of financial aid, including a 1 trillion won line of credit. Drawing market interest are the subsidiaries that Doosan Group will put up for sale. Currently, Doosan Group and its owner family are seeking to unload their stakes in material business unit Doosan Solus, Doosan Corp.'s hydraulic business department and Doosan Heavy's subsidiary Doosan Mecatec. Along with these subsidiaries, the group has put its real estate assets, including its headquarters of Doosan Tower in Dongdaemun, Seoul, up for sale. Holding the key is Doosan Bobcat, a heavy equipment subsidiary of Doosan Heavy and the cash-cow for the group. If the group fails to receive enough from selling the above-mentioned assets, it may have to tap into its Doosan Bobcat stake to keep its 3 trillion won pledge. "The creditors have told Doosan to look into the scenario of selling its Bobcat stake and Doosan replied that it will consider this," said an official at a global accounting firm with knowledge of the plan. Doosan Heavy has a 38.41 percent stake in Doosan Infracore, which holds a 51 percent stake in Doosan Bobcat. Market anticipation on the value of Doosan assets up for sale is pessimistic. The monetary value of Doosan Solus is believed to be the most, with the group hoping to raise between 800 billion won and 1 trillion won for a 61 percent stake held by the holding firm and owner family. However, potential buyers, such as Lotte Chemical, want to pay less. "The group's cash-cow businesses are the key to this plan, because except for Doosan Infracore and Doosan Bobcat, there are not many attractive assets left for Doosan to sell to secure liquidity," HI Investment & Securities analyst Lee Sang-heon said. Doosan Heavy has a huge amount of liabilities, with 4.2 trillion won due this year. U.S. President Donald Trump said at a recent press conference that the incompetence of the Chinese government has caused suffering around the world. Why, he asked, does China not allow people infected in Wuhan to travel to other parts of the country, while allowing them to travel freely around the world, including the U.S. and Europe? What Trump said is both fabricated and misleading. In a league of his own in terms of smearing other countries, Trumps ability to lie is on a par with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeos. Trumps accusation that China left infected people in Wuhan able to travel freely has no regard for the documented facts and timeline of China and the whole worlds fight against the coronavirus pandemic, which has been made public to the world. After China locked down Wuhan on Jan. 23, no commercial flights or trains left the city from Jan. 24 to April 8. Three major U.S. airlines announced the suspension of direct flights between China and the U.S. on Jan.31, and on Feb. 2 the U.S. government banned the entry of Chinese citizens and foreigners who had visited China in the past 14 days. With a look at the regulations and restrictions set in place, its not difficult to see the accusations made by Trump are fabricated. The allegation that China caused suffering around the world further unveils Trump and his associates game of passing the buck to China, politicizing the pandemic and stigmatizing China over the past few months. Tracing the origin of COVID-19 is a serious scientific issue that needs to be studied by scientists around the world with a science-based, impartial and open approach. It should not be manipulated by a few politicians for political purposes, as it has been proved that politicization of the virus has indeed caused suffering around the world. In past months, scientists and research institutions around the world, including those in the U.S. and Europe, have published numerous studies demonstrating that tracing the origin of COVID-19 is complex. Epidemic statistics in several major Canadian provinces indicate that the virus was introduced into Canada by American travelers. A study by the Pasteur Institute in France found that the source of the viral strain circulating locally in France is unknown. While none of the imported cases found in Russia came from China, the Australian Department of Health noted that only a very small portion of imported cases came from Northeast Asia. These facts seem to have given politicians with ill intentions a slap in the face. Between China and the U.S., its crystal clear who is incompetent. China mobilized nationwide efforts, accomplished major achievements in pandemic response in a relatively short period of time, and ensured the health and safety of 1.4 billion Chinese people. Chinas outcome in the battle against COVID-19 is a miracle. The Chinese government has saved lives and cured patients at all costs, including those aged above 80. China has also created the prevention and control model of early identification, early reporting, preventive quarantine and treatment to curb the spread of the disease. According to a study in the journal Science, the measures taken by China have reduced the number of infected people in the country by more than 700,000. In stark contrast, the U.S. failed to take effective measures to contain the virus. According to a report on the New York Times website on May 20, the delay of government measures on social distancing has cost at least 36,000 lives in the U.S. If the U.S. had begun imposing social distancing measures one week earlier than it did in March, about 36,000 fewer people would have died in the coronavirus outbreak. If the country had implemented such measures two weeks earlier, about 83 percent of the nations deaths would have been avoided. It begs the questions: what did Trump and his associates do during the two-month delay? Should they be held accountable? Facts speak louder than words, and no lie can conceal the truth. The purpose of U.S. politicians accusations against China under the excuse of COVID-19 is not only meant to shift blame to China, but to demonize, create hostility towards and hem in China to contain the countrys progress. Even though these vicious intentions are doomed to fail, the continuation of relentless attacks must be condemned. The capital of Ukraine has registered 3,133 cases of coronavirus infection since the beginning of the pandemic The mayor of Kyiv city Open source 62 new cases of coronavirus infection have been detected in Kyiv over the last 24 hours. In total, 3,133 cases have been reported since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. This was announced by Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko during an online briefing. "The number of Kyiv residents who have been diagnosed with coronavirus has increased by 62. 10 of them are doctors. To date, 3,133 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Kyiv," Klitschko said. 13 patients have been hospitalized, others are in self-isolation under the supervision of doctors. 38 people have recovered over the last day. Overall, 756 Kyivites were able to overcome the disease. As we reported earlier, as of early June 3, Ukrainian medics have confirmed 24,823 cases of coronavirus infection across the country. 483 new cases were observed over the last 24 hours. 735 people deceased since the epidemic reached Ukraine (+8 over the last 24 hours). 10,440 recovered (+362). 13,648 people are being treated from the disease at this moment. A woman watches waves splash on shores of the Arabian Sea in Mumbai, India, on June 3, 2020. (Rafiq Maqbool/AP Photo) Cyclone Lashes Indias Business Capital, 100,000 Evacuated MUMBAI, IndiaA cyclone made landfall on June 3 south of Indias financial capital of Mumbai, with storm surge threatening to flood beaches and low-lying slums as city authorities struggled to contain the CCP virus pandemic. Live TV coverage showed inky black clouds framing the sea on Indias western coastline. Trees swayed wildly as rain pounded the coastal towns and villages of the central state of Maharashtra. In the state capital Mumbai, the home of Bollywood, Indias largest stock exchange and more than 18 million residents, high winds whipped skyscrapers and ripped apart shanty houses near the beach. Dark clouds hang over the city ahead of cyclone Nisarga making landfall in Mumbai, India, on June 2, 2020. (Rajanish Kakade/AP Photo) Mumbai hasnt been hit by a cyclone in more than a century, raising concern about its readiness. In the hours before the storm hit Indias shores, drivers and peddlers deserted Mumbais iconic Marine Drive, fishermen yanked their nets out of the wavy Arabian Sea and police shooed people away from beaches. As the cyclone wended its way up Indias western coast, homes in city slums were boarded up and abandoned, and municipal officials patrolled the streets, using bullhorns to order people to stay inside. Cyclone Nisarga was forecast to drop heavy rains and sustained winds of 100 to 110 kilometers (62 to 68 miles) per hour through Wednesday afternoon after slamming ashore near the city of Alibag, about 98 kilometers (60 miles) south of Mumbai, Indias Meteorological Department said. A fishermans family seals up their window before cyclone Nisarga makes landfall in Mumbai, India, on June 3, 2020. (Rajanish Kakade/AP Photo) At Alibag, visuals shared by Indias Disaster Response Force on Twitter showed toppled carts, roads scattered with fallen trees and tin roofs ripped apart. The state of Goa, south of Maharashtra, already received 127 milimeters (5 inches) of torrential rain about a weeks average, the agency said. Some 100,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas in Maharashtra and neighboring Gujarat, according to the Press Trust of India news agency. Both states, already among the hardest hit by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, activated disaster response teams, fearing extensive flooding could further impair overwhelmed health systems. If hospitals and clinics are damaged by the cyclone, the city wont be able to cope with the large number of COVID-19 cases, and social distancing measures will become virtually impossible to follow, Bidisha Pillai, chief executive of Save the Children in India, said in a statement. Police officers patrol a deserted beach before Cyclone Nisarga makes landfall in Mumbai, India, on June 3, 2020. (Rajanish Kakade/AP Photo) Some 200 COVID-19 patients in Mumbai were moved from a field hospital built beneath a tent to another facility to avoid the risk of strong wind gusts, officials said. S.N. Pradhan, director of Indias National Disaster Response Force, said that evacuations were nearly complete and that social distancing norms were being followed in cyclone shelters. Let us fight this danger like we are standing up to the corona pandemic and are on our way to defeat it. Likewise, we will prevail over this situation too! Maharashtras top official, Chief Minister Uddhav Balasheb Thackeray, tweeted. The cyclone also threatened to worsen prospects for an economic turnaround as a 9-week-long CCP virus lockdown began to ease this week. India has reported more than 200,000 cases and 5,800 deaths due to the CCP virus, and epidemiologists predict that the peak is still weeks away. Maharashtra, which accounts for more than a third of Indias cases, has seen the rate of infection slow in recent days, beneath Indias national average. Migrant workers from other states desperate to return to their homes wait for transportation to a train station in Ahmedabad, India, on May 13, 2020. (Ajit Solanki/AP Photo) Some special trains departing from Mumbai that for weeks have carried millions of economic migrants who lost their jobs in lockdown were rescheduled, and newly restored domestic airline travel postponed. Nisarga comes just two weeks after Cyclone Amphan tore through the Bay of Bengal on Indias east coast and battered West Bengal state, killing more than 100 people in India and neighboring Bangladesh. Such storms are less common in the Arabian Sea than on Indias east coast, usually form later in the year and do so over a longer period. But Nisarga may represent the ways in which the warming of oceans due to climate change is already altering lives, experts said. The frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea is predicted to increase, said Adam Sobel, a climate scientist at Columbia University. The temperature of the top layer of the sea, from which the cyclone draws its energy, is unusually high, said K.J. Ramesh, former chief of Indias Meteorological Department. Much more frequent and intense cyclones have been appearing over a shorter time in recent years due to climate change, he said. Forecasting such storms becomes a challenge, he said. By Rafiq Maqbool, Emily Schmall and Aniruddha Ghosal Epoch Times staff contributed to this report. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 22:42:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close COLOMBO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Ten people have died from and over 2,000 are infected with rat fever in Sri Lanka so far this year, local media reports, quoting the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, said here Wednesday. According to official statistics, 2,198 patients were infected with rat fever till June 1, and the highest number of patients were reported from Ratnapura in south central Sri Lanka. According to the Epidemiology Unit, an increase in the number of patients was reported in January, February, and May. In Ratnapura, over 500 patients were reported while in Kalutara, on the outskirts of Colombo, over 200 patients were reported. The southern town of Galle also reported over 200 patients. In 2019, a total of 6,021 rat fever patients were reported across the country and those most vulnerable were farmers, drain workers, canal cleaners, and persons who swam and played in contaminated water. According to medical officers, the symptoms for rat fever include fever, chills, conjunctival suffusion, muscle tenderness and headache and decrease in passing urine. Those suffering from these symptoms should seek medical treatment immediately, the Epidemiology Unit said. Enditem New Delhi: The Board of Secondary Education, Haryana (BSEH) is expected to declare class 10 Result 2020 for secondary class students on June 8. Those students who appeared for this examination will be able to check their class 10th Result 2020 by visiting the HBSE's official website: bseh.org.in. The HBSE officials from Bhiwani Office reportedly made an announcement regarding the declaration of class 10th Result 2020. The board has confirmed that on 8th June, Haryana 10th Result 2020 will be declared for secondary students for only four subjects. The board will declare the BSEH Results only online and the same will be available via the official website in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the COVID-19 induced lockdown, the Haryana government has decided to cancel all the pending papers for class 10 students, including Science subjects. The board will now publish the Haryana 10th Result 2020 on the basis of the marks of four key subjects. Prior to the lockdown, the board could conduct exams of only a few papers, and the exams of science subject still pending. As the lockdown period was again extended, the Haryana government decided to cancel all pending papers for 10th Class students, including the Science Subject to keep the safety of students in mind. According to reports, the board would also hold the pending examination for the Science subject of class 10, but this will be for only those students, who would opt for the Science subjects in class 11th and 12th. SOMERS POINT As he removed the last piece of plywood from the windows of Gregorys Restaurant and Bar on Shore Road on Wednesday afternoon, co-owner Gregory Gregory was feeling grateful. Tuesdays protest, advertised as a Black Lives Matter peace march across the Route 52 causeway from Somers Point to Ocean City to protest the death of George Floyd, was indeed peaceful. I have nothing but thumbs up for the whole thing, Gregory said. Im all for the protesters. Not one bit for looters. The protest was in response to the death of a handcuffed Floyd, who was killed May 25 when then-officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder, and three other officers have been charged with aiding and abetting murder. Floyds death, captured on video, prompted protests in cities large and small across the country. Many business owners here, including almost all Shore Road restaurants and bars, prepared for the worst, Gregory said. Thats partly because of the looting that happened in Atlantic City after a protest there Sunday, and partly because no one was sure who was actually organizing the march. +25 Somers Point-Ocean City protest march peaceful, moving OCEAN CITY About 300 people met in Somers Point and walked together over the Route 52 caus Bob Owen /San Antonio Express-News Every day, MySA.com compiles the latest headlines and helpful links on the COVID-19 pandemic in the San Antonio area. COVID-19 updates: 43 new Covid-19 cases in Bexar were reported during the city's nightly address. No new deaths were reported. When it comes to fighting Covid-19 in Africa, the internet and social media have been a double-edged sword. Governments and public health officials have used Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media to reach large numbers of people, quickly and efficiently, with information on how to stay healthy and limit the virus's spread. And digital networks have allowed people to stay in touch, and some businesses to operate, in the face of lockdowns and social-distancing guidelines. Julia Sudnitskaya/Shutterstock via The Conversation. Digital sources of information increasing Conundrums A complicated problem Yet these technologies have also facilitated the spread of misinformation. Messages disseminated on WhatsApp claimed that people could self-test by holding their breath for more than 10 seconds , that African blood and black skin prevent Covid-19 and that inhaling steam or drinking alcohol could kill the virus Misinformation can be dangerous, as evidenced by hydroxychloroquine poisonings in Nigeria. And in the longer term, it undermines public confidence in guidelines and treatment information supported by robust scientific evidence. Misinformation, in other words, poisons the well.Concerns extend beyond the Covid-19 crisis. In Africa, where messaging was often centralised and speech freedoms were limited in the first decades after independence, the internet and social media provide individuals and organisations with new opportunities to share points of view and information that holds governments to account. On the other hand, they have been widely abused as political weapons.One study found that political misinformation is pervasive in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. Foreign actors, including some from Russia , have been increasingly involved in attempts to influence African politics using disinformation in social media.What do Africans think of the promises and perils of the digital age? Preliminary data from Afrobarometer, which is a non-partisan research institution, suggest that many have mixed feelings.They see the value of social media and use it extensively. They are also wary of its negative effects, but dont want curbs put in place.Its important to recognise that digital media remain beyond many Africans reach. According to newly available data from the eighth round of the survey, in 2019, nearly half (48%) of Africans used radio daily for their news, while about a third (35%) used television. Only 19% and 22%, respectively, used the internet or social media that frequently.And there is a pronounced digital divide. Younger, better-educated, wealthier, male and urban-dwelling Africans are much more likely to access social media and the internet.Nevertheless, the use of digital sources is increasing across eight countries for which both Round 7 (2016-18) and Round 8 (2019) survey data is available.Daily use of the internet is up five percentage points, while daily use of social media is up seven. Most countries saw substantial increases; in Cote dIvoire and Guinea, everyday use of digital media roughly tripled during this brief period. One of the exceptions is Uganda, where a social media tax launched in July 2019 may have served as a barrier to digital access.While more people are using the internet and social media, they arent entirely happy with what they see. On the positive side, most respondents who are aware of social media say it makes people more informed about current events (87% on average across nine countries surveyed in 2019) and helps people have more impact on political processes (72%). On the negative side of the ledger, however, strong majorities say social media usage makes people more likely to believe false news (74%) and makes people more intolerant (60%).A majority (54%) of those aware of social media say that the overall effect of social media usage is positive. The exception is Botswana, where only 35% see social media as positive.If false news is a problem, who do people think is responsible for spreading it? Two-thirds (66%) of respondents blame politicians and political parties. A staggering 83% in Kenya blame this group, but in every country except Angola (36%), majorities point the finger at political figures. Still, theres plenty of blame to go around. Six in 10 respondents (61%) attribute misinformation to social media users in general, while substantial portions blame government officials (53%), the news media and journalists (50%), and activists and interest groups (44%).For all their potential dangers, respondents are generally opposed to government restrictions on access to the internet and social media. Across the nine countries, only 34% agree that information shared on the internet and social media is dividing (our country), so access should be regulated by government, while 51% endorse unrestricted access. Support for open access is strongest in Cote dIvoire (63%), while only minorities support it in Ghana (48%), Kenya (44%) and Malawi (40%).Support for open access is particularly strong among people who use the internet every day (67%), youth (56%), urban residents (55%), men (54%) and respondents with post-secondary education (65%).These findings highlight the ambivalence that many people not just in Africa feel about the emerging digital era. People want broad access to the tools they have used to gather information and keep in touch with family and friends. Internet and social media shutdowns of the types that have hit almost half of the continents countries since 2015 are likely not popular. These tools have become even more crucial because of social distancing and lockdowns.On the other hand, unfettered internet and social media have a dark underside, with messages designed to misinform, discriminate and polarise. When fears are heightened, at election times or during pandemics, these threats are magnified. Fact-checking and digital literacy initiatives will go only so far, and calls for government censorship will likely grow. The danger is that governments will use these very real concerns as excuses to target their opponents selectively, in ways that stifle opposition, fair elections and accountability.This article was co-authored with Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny. She is Afrobarometer regional communications coordinator for anglophone West Africa, based at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Governance. Email: jappiah@afrobarometer.orgThis article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article Basel-Stadt specifies the key figures for its future stake in MCH Group Ltd. In the context of the General Meetings held on 29 January 2020 and 24 April 2020, MCH Group Ltd. announced that it was looking into a capital increase as a means of financing the investments required for the implementation of its corporate strategy. This would be accompanied by the corresponding changes in the shareholder structure, the shareholder rights set out in the Statutes and the composition of the Board of Directors. If the planned capital increase can go ahead, it will be achieved through the involvement of a new investor and the participation of the shareholders to date, who will be granted proportional subscription rights and be able to decide whether they wish to exercise these or not. In the case of the Canton of Basel-Stadt, which currently holds 33.5 % of the shares in MCH Group Ltd., it is the cantonal parliament that has to take the decision regarding the exercise of the subscription right. The government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt is asking the cantonal parliament to waive exercising the subscription rights for the Canton of Basel-Stadt in the event of a capital increase. This waiver would ensure that a new investor could acquire a significant minority holding, even if all other shareholders apart from the public-sector entities were to exercise their subscription right. In its advice to the cantonal parliament, the government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt states that the Canton will only agree to the intended transaction if the new investor signs a formal agreement with MCH Group Ltd. to the effect that the profitable trade fairs and congresses will continue to be held in Basel and Zurich for an appropriate, prolonged period of time. In addition, the Canton of Basel-Stadt, together with the other public-sector shareholders, wishes to maintain a stake of at least 33.33 % so as to have a blocking minority on decisions regarding amendments to the Statutes, which also stipulate, among other things, that trade fairs, congresses and other events are to be staged in Basel and Zurich. To enable the public-sector entities to re-establish a minimum holding of this type following a capital increase without exercising their subscription rights, and in order to strengthen MCH Group's balance sheet on a sustainable basis, the government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt is looking into converting its subordinated, interest-free loan of CHF 30 million into share capital. The government would submit a corresponding application to the parliament after the summer break. In addition, in its advice, the government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt points out that, in the context of the intended capital increase, the voting-rights restriction laid down in the Statutes, with only the public sector entities permitted to exercise more than 5% of the voting rights, is to be abolished. At the same time, the Board of Directors is to be reduced in size. The plans are for three seats for the new investor, three seats for the public-sector entities and, depending on the definitive size of the Board, one to three seats for further members. MCH Group Ltd. is engaged in intensive negotiations with potential investors. Providing that the negotiations can be successfully concluded with the outlined structures and conditions, and that the parliament of the Canton of Basel-Stadt agrees to waive the subscription rights, MCH Group Ltd. will convene an Extraordinary General Meeting. The outcome of the negotiations still remains open at present. Media releases online Media contact MCH Group Ltd. / Corporate Communications Christian Jecker +41 58 206 22 52 christian.jecker@mch-group.com www.mch-group.com A Pomona musician is the recipient of both a federal and state grant meant to support professional artists whose incomes have been impacted by COVID-19 cancellations and closures. One provision of the federal CARES Act provides relief for artists whose careers are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pomona musician Kevin Lucas was one of 500 artists across the United States who received a $5,000 grant. More than 50,000 applications were submitted nationwide for Artist Relief Grants, according to a news release from Lucas. Applications came from artists of every genre, including painters, comedians, actors, dancers, musicians and more. One percent of the applicants were awarded grants. It was meant for artists whose careers have taken a hit due to COVID-19, Lucas said. Before the pandemic hit the United States, Lucas was scheduled to have his Carnegie Hall debut in April in New York City with the Indie Collaborative. That performance is rescheduled to April 7, 2021 following the cancellation of events that would draw large crowds. Lucas applied for both the Artist Relief Grant and the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund, a similar state program for artists. I thought, it will be a miracle to get one of them. I was pretty shocked and lucky to win both, Lucas said. He received a $1,500 award from the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund. "To get chosen for the $5,000 national grant was a shock. I didn't think I had a chance. Then, to get selected for the state grant, as well is beyond amazing. It really makes me feel good about what I am doing as an artist, to beat those kind of odds, Lucas said. Lucas has had some recent success through his band, The Kevin Lucas Orchestra. The group, which broke up in 2013, currently has a radio hit in Japan with the song, Here I Am. Lucas said he received a check for $1,200 in royalties. When he called to see what the royalties were, he found out the groups song was receiving a lot of radio play in Japan. An artist receives a fraction of a cent each time his or her song is played. It was like hearing from a ghost, Lucas said. He made a call to the groups former vocalist and his former partner, Andy Waldron. The two friends had not talked for many years. They reconnected and decided to release a new Kevin Lucas Oorchestra song. It's great to release another song with Andy. I have been enjoying a successful solo career the last seven years, but I always enjoyed working with him," Lucas said. The new KLO song is being mastered in Seattle and will be released soon. I am extremely grateful to Artist Relief and AIRF for their amazing support. I wasn't expecting this at all," Lucas said. "I am also very appreciative of our doctors and nurses who are the soldiers right now fighting this battle. So many people are suffering." Lucas will perform at Big Muddy Brewery in Murphysboro on Saturday. He still plans to do his homeless benefit concert on July 25 at Alto Vineyards. The concert will benefit Good Samaritan House. 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. Students at Trinity College Dublin will attend both face-to-face and online lectures when the new academic year begins on September 28. The college says it will use a hybrid model which includes online lectures for larger class groups, and face-to-face seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes for smaller groups. Erasmus exchanges will go ahead in the first semester for students who want to take part. The university expects social distancing to continue at least into early 2021. University Council approved next academic year @tcddublin to begin on the 28 Sept. The Vice-Provost/Chief Academic Officer will email details to staff & students. Our aim is to combine face-to-face teaching for all students in Semester 1 w/ hybrid & online teaching. pic.twitter.com/TOV4bXPH7C Patrick Prendergast (@pjprendergast) June 3, 2020 The first semester will run until December 18, while the second semester will run from February 1 to April 23, 2021. Provost Dr Patrick Prendergast said: We are delighted to be able to offer our students the certainty of a start date, the promise of a rewarding and absorbing learning experience and our full commitment to making their Trinity education as distinctive, varied and intellectually stimulating as they expect and deserve it to be. "The outbreak of Covid-19 has led to enormous changes for Trinity students and staff and we are proud of how much has been accomplished in such a short time. For the rest of this year, and potentially into 2021, it will mean that education will involve a hybrid of face-to-face and online teaching and learning. "We are committed to continuing with face-to-face education as a core element of the experience of attending Trinity and our intention is to facilitate seminars, laboratory classes and tutorials as far as possible for all students, while at all times following Government guidelines on social distancing. A relatively peaceful protest wrapped up late Tuesday evening in Fremont, police said. Protesters were dispersing at about 7:30 p.m. after they walked east on Stevenson Boulevard to the Police Department. Police said illegal fireworks were set off one time and one time objects were thrown at a patrol car. But those were the only things that kept the demonstration from being peaceful, according to police. No information was available on whether anyone was detained or arrested in the two incidents. Late Tuesday afternoon Police Chief Kimberly Petersen, Mayor Lily Mei and two police captains met with a group of people who were outside the Police Department. Some users of Twitter commented on the meeting. One said that it was sad that police had a fence between the group and police and the mayor. "Take notes from Benicia police or even the chief in Michigan who marched with protesters," the user tweeted. Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the criticism. Another user complimented police. "Way to support peaceful planned protest," the user 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. 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. Transair's ground crew prepare a twin-jet Embraer for a one-hour technical flight, one of the few exceptions allowed under Senegal's anti-coronavirus restrictions / AFP 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. The small airline carries out once-a-week flights to ensure its planes remain airworthy and its pilots have sufficient flying time. The one-hour circuit costs $1,100 in fuel costs alone / 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. The arrivals gate at Dakar international airport. Global airline traffic will take two years to return to pre-pandemic levels, says IATA / AFP 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." It felt personal. As I watched the breath ebb out of George Floyd under the deliberate weight of the knee of the uniformed white police officer on his neck, I felt the asphyxia myself. That human being struggling for breath on the street of Minneapolis could have been me, could have been my son, could have been any of my many cousins, my nephews, my nieces, my schoolmates, or their children, could have been any of my many friends or their children who live in the United States of America. My mind went to the many people I know, Ghanaians and other Africans who have gone to a lot of trouble to send their children to universities in America. My mind went to the number of times I have thought I should write about the tragedy of the young talents Ghana is losing every day to the United States because many of our bright young people choose to remain there after completing their education. My mind went to the number of people I know who had planned journeys to America to attend the graduation ceremonies of their children or grandchildren and COVID-19 had blown away their plans. I know many of those young people whose achievements in top universities should be celebrated and who had followed the footsteps of other Ghanaians that we have lost and who now form part of the critical tech industry that creates the wealth of America. That struggling body which managed to bring out the I cant breathe, under the weight of the policeman, could have been any of them. My mind went to the Ghanaian I met in New Jersey back in 2013. He lived in Brooklyn and spelt for me the epitome of the hardworking, industrious Ghanaian adventurer. The story of how he got to America, the journey from the Ashanti heartland to Egypt, to Kuwait, through other unmentionable places and finally to America, would make an epic movie. At the time I met him, he had a going business as a freight forwarder and I was impressed by his drive and honesty. He was ever so proud of having made it to America and wanted to go back home to Ghana one day as a successful man. My mind went to the number of Ghanaians I met in an upmarket hotel in Manhattan last September, who were working there as chambermaids and waiters. Each one of them had a heartbreak story; a feckless partner who dissipates the hard-earned money they bring home, their recurring nightmare of trying to build houses back in Ghana and the money they send home never going into what it is meant to do. They were all putting their children through school and had great hopes for them. That struggling body, under that white policeman on the street of Minneapolis, could have been any of these women or their children. My mind went to the many black American friends that I have, to the sheer number of Africans in the diaspora who accepted President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos invitation last year to come and visit Ghana, and who made our Year of Return such a roaring success. That Year of Return seems such an age ago, but only six months ago the news was full of African-Americans claiming their African heritage, claiming their Ghanaian heritage. We all accepted that the African continent would benefit from the attention, the experience and enterprise of the Africans in the diaspora. We all accepted that black people in America would have an easier time and would be respected more if the mother continent was seen to be thriving and Africa shed its image of poverty, hunger and conflict. Four hundred years after the start of the transatlantic slave trade, the destiny of the descendants of the slaves and the descendants of the people from among whom the slaves came was inextricably linked. The Africans on the continent and the descendants of the slaves in America might not like each other, they might not be willing or able to see any relationship with each other, but the rest of the world does not see them as different; all of us are black and that is all that matters. And once you are black, and in the United States, you are a candidate for being wrestled to the ground by policemen and the rest of the story will be dependent on how lucky you are on that particular day. That is why the George Floyd experience is personal and I feel the full weight of the 400 years of hatred and disrespect on the face and knee of Officer Derek Chauvin. Solution The only solution that I can find lies in our making Ghana and the rest of Africa work. There is a generation of young black people growing up in America today who are the children of the Ghanaians and other Africans who were accidental immigrants to the US in the past 50 years. They do not have the advantage of the self-confidence that comes from being brought up in Ghana and simply being Ghanaian and not having to deal with being black or whatever colour. They will be sucked into the black American statistics. We dare not accept this narrative and I believe the past three months of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought an opportunity that we could use. All those Ghanaians who have houses and other properties in the US, the UK, Dubai, or wherever the popular places are for rich Ghanaians to buy property, would have recognised that when it came to the real crisis, all those properties were of no use to them. All those who rely on going abroad for their medical problems would have realised that when it came to the real crisis, the only hospitals available to them were those in Ghana. All those who had private jets at their disposal or were on commercial flights every other week would have realised that when it came to the real crisis, the only destinations available to them were their villages that had no toilets. All those young doctors who had determined to go to the US and work in their hospitals because the hospitals here in Ghana did not have the latest equipment and gadgets would have realised that when it came to the real crisis, our health facilities could rise to the occasion. And maybe all those young couples who go to such lengths to make sure that their babies are born in the US of A, so those children will have American passports and better opportunities, will recognise that their expensively born and beloved children are George Floyds who cant breathe under the knee of Officer Derek Chauvin. Being black is personal. Source: Elizabeth Ohene 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 Sarah Silverman put down her pots and pans on Tuesday to show solidarity with demonstrators protesting the senseless killing of George Floyd. The 49-year-old comedian draped a homemade sign with the phrase 'White Silence = White Consent' over the railing of her apartment's balcony in New York City. Silverman and her quarantine partner Annie Segal, who typically enter out onto their balcony nightly to cheer on essential workers, remained indoors. Solidarity: Sarah Silverman put down her pots and pans on Tuesday to show solidarity with demonstrators protesting the senseless killing of George Floyd Sarah could be seen looking out her window, while donning her glasses and sipping on a cup of water. Her hair was tied up into a ponytail and she wore a navy blue sweatshirt with a phrase written across the front in white lettering. Silverman has also been showing her support on social media by resharing protest resources to her Instagram Story and posting inspirational messages on her Instagram page. New York implemented a city-wide curfew on Monday as a means of gaining control over the sometimes violent protests. Making a statement: The 49-year-old comedian draped a homemade sign with the phrase 'White Silence = White Consent' over the railing of her apartment's balcony in New York City Change of plans: Silverman and her quarantine partner Annie Segal, who typically enter out onto the balcony nightly to cheer on essential workers, remained indoors The curfew was changed from 11pm to 8pm on Tuesday, but that did not stop demonstrators from gathering and passionately communicating their dissatisfaction. According to the New York Times, protesters walked 'peacefully through Brooklyn and Manhattan,' while 'chanting protest slogans and urging change as they had for nearly a week' in prior demonstrations. Protests erupted across the nation last week following the senseless killing of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota who died at the hands of police on May 25. Surveying: Sarah could be seen looking out her window, while donning her glasses and sipping on a cup of water Casual: Her hair was tied up into a ponytail and she wore a navy blue sweatshirt with a phrase written across the front in white lettering In the horrifying video footage of Floyd's death, he is seen saying that he can not breathe as officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck. 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. The Minneapolis policeman accused of killing Floyd, Chauvin, was taken into custody on May 29 and charged with third-degree murder, officials said. New York: According to the New York Times, protesters walked 'peacefully through Brooklyn and Manhattan,' while 'chanting protest slogans and urging change as they had for nearly a week' in prior demonstrations Americans love of pickups is the only saving grace of the U.S. auto industry at the moment a point highlighted Tuesday when Toyota Motor Corp. announced its San Antonio-made Tacoma scored its strongest-ever May sales, despite the economic catastrophe brought on by the novel coronavirus. Another sign the truck market is reviving: the Japanese automaker said it will bring 392 contract workers, who were laid off in April, back to work at its South Side plant. Theyll return to their jobs over the next two weeks. Demand is picking up faster than we originally expected, which means more truck production, said Kevin Voelkel, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas. As we continue to ramp up production, our focus will remain on the health and safety of our team members. Overall, Toyota laid off 5,000 contract workers at its 14 North American plants after the pandemic struck. Company officials declined to say whether contract employees would return to work at the other facilities. Toyota sold 24,853 midsize Tacomas last month, up 8.9 percent from May 2019. Sales of the full-size Tundra, also made in San Antonio, climbed 8.2 percent from the previous May, to 11,529. Industry analysts were taken aback. You dont expect the best May sales numbers in history in the middle of a pandemic, said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights at the automotive website Edmunds.com. Toyota spokesman Victor Vanov attributed the jump to improving customer confidence, pent-up demand and competitive incentive programs. Toyota offered zero-percent financing in May for five years on Tacomas a rare incentive for the most popular midsize pickup in the U.S., said Tyson Jominy, vice president, automotive data and analytics for market data research firm J.D. Power. It was a very attractive offer, he said. The trucks May numbers mark a major rebound from April, when Tundra sales dropped 19.4 percent and Tacoma sales plunged 30.4 percent from April 2019. Toyota isnt alone. The pickup has become the king of vehicle sales among most major auto manufacturers. General Motors has said its boosting production at its three pickup plants to three shifts a day, keeping them in operation around the clock, to meet consumer demand for its truck lineup. For nearly every other kind of vehicle, the market remained grim in May. Toyotas overall sales were down 26.6 percent from the same month a year earlier. Still, the slump was worse in April, when the automaker saw a drop-off of more than 50 percent. A lot of automakers are still struggling, Caldwell said. Clearly, this country is not completely functional yet. And there is so much financial concern among consumers that, for most people, an immediate vehicle purchase is out of the picture. So, I think automakers will be struggling for quite some time to return back to normal, she said. Auto analysts said the resurgence in sales is coming faster for pickups than for other vehicles because theyre needed for work, including construction and ranching. Also, trucks are especially popular in rural communities that have been less affected by stay-at-home orders than major metro areas such as San Antonio. We believe that as long as inventory holds up, pickups will continue to lead this sales recovery, said Michelle Krebs, executive analyst at Cox Automotive. The shutdown of plants by Toyota, General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles from late March through early May has cut into dealers inventories of pickups. Toyotas San Antonio plant, which re-opened May 11 and employs 3,000 workers, has not yet hit full production. Toyota suppliers account for another 4,000 workers in San Antonio. We have focused on ensuring the health and safety of all our employees, and have had a balanced approach to restarting the production line, with a focus on training and recertification activities, Toyota Texas spokeswoman Melissa Sparks said. With rebounding consumer demand, she said, Toyota will reinstitute its second-shift production June 15. The automaker is expected to shift Tacoma production from the San Antonio factory to its two plants in Mexico in late 2021. After that, the plant here will start manufacturing the Sequoia, a large SUV thats one of the least popular Toyota models. Toyota sold 394 Sequoias in the U.S. in May, down more than 50 percent from the same month a year earlier. Randy Diamond covers aviation, energy and manufacturing in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Randy, become a subscriber. randy.diamond@express-news.net The country is looking forward to welcoming back British holidaymakers. (Getty Images) With our summer holidays hanging in the balance due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Portuguese government has announced British people are most welcome in the country this summer. This development comes after Italy announced that British tourists could now travel to the country with no quarantine restrictions, but British people will still be required to quarantine for 14-days on their return. Augusto Santos Silva, Portugal's foreign minister, said he hoped a plan could be put in place for an air bridge by the end of June. An air bridge - which has also been referred to as a travel corridor - means that people may not have to self-isolate when returning from the UK if theyre returning from a country with low coronavirus cases. Read more: Crohns patient urges government to open public toilets The reason that only some countries will be treated to the lack of quarantine measures is directly because of the rate of infection in these countries. Portugals death rate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic remained low, although the country did have a full lockdown much like the UK. More information about the quarantine measures for British people were announced today and will come into play from 8 June. Arrivals to the UK will be asked to fill in a contact locator form which will include details on where they plan to isolate and how they can be contacted. A review of the measures and how theyre working will take place on 28 June, three weeks after they start. Read more: NHS shares new advice for extremely vulnerable people Although this is encouraging for people in the UK who are desperate to jet off on their summer holidays, the 14-day quarantine period will make holidaying abroad unattainable for many. After all, a one week holiday will now require a total of three weeks off work, unless that person has the ability to work solely from home. Speaking about the possibility of a travel corridor between the UK and less affected countries, home secretary, Priti Patel said they will be agreed as and when with the countries concerned. Story continues We need to ensure that those countries are deemed to be safe. We are not alone in our fight against this disease, or the measures we have taken to stop it. These measures, teamed with the governments track and trace system will - hopefully - give Britons greater visibility to move around as we ease out of the lockdown restrictions. Read more: People will need to arrive and leave public swimming pools in swimmers Santos Silva described quarantine restrictions as an enemy of tourism but admitted he respected the UKs decision. Despite welcoming British people back to the country, our holidays might look a bit different to normal as he announces there will be rules in place. The nightlife in Portuguese resorts is one of the areas expected to be greatly affected. Santos Silva said that resorts would be limited and people wouldnt be able to congregate at night. Tourists will also be given warnings about how full beaches are so they can look elsewhere if social distancing would be difficult on their chosen beach. Puff Bar e-cigarettes have taken advantage of the pandemic to market their single use vapes to teenagers, lawmakers claim. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to demand Puff Bars pull its products from the market. The company, which sells the disposable vapes for $9 each in flavors like mango, banana ice and 'O.M.G.' has been advertising them as a way to take a 'solo break' and 'escape...from parental texts,' Krishnamoorthi claims. Other ads allude to an escape from 'WFH,' or working from home, as many adults and students are doing amid the pandemic. Although a federal ban on flavored vapes went into effect in February, the rule makes an exception for disposable vaping products, a loophole which has allowed Puff sales to surge as it catches up to Juul to corner the market. Puff Bar sells disposable e-cigarettes in flavors like Blueberry, Mango and Peach Ice to teenagers illegally, lawmakers claim in a letter to the FDA A Puff Bar ad encourages teenagers to 'escape from...parental texts' amid stay-at-home orders put in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic 'Puff Bar is quickly becoming the new JUUL. It is cheap and brightly colored, resembles a JUUL device, and comes in kid-friendly flavors like Mango, Banana Ice, Pink Lemonade, Blue Razz, and O.M.G.,' wrote Chairman Krishnamoorthi in his letter to the FDA. 'You owe it to the public health to act now, particularly in light of evidence demonstrating how e-cigarettes lead to worse outcomes for coronavirus patients.' Puff Bars' follows all of the same tropes that Juul's early products did: Its small, easy to conceal, is appealing (it has the same sleek shape but is sold in bright colors) and comes in sweet-sounding flavors. Juul came under fire for ad campaigns that used models who at least looked like they could be teenagers. Arguably, Puff's goes further. One ad pictures a bedroom (albeit, a rathr adult-looking one, but in what appears to be an attic) and even refers to avoiding parents. Under the heading, 'SOLO BREAK,' it says: 'We know that the inside-vibes have been... quite a challenge. Stay sane with Puff Bar this solo-break. We know you'll love it. It's the perfect escape from the back-to-back zoom calls, parental texts, and WFH stress.' Krishnamoorthi found no evidence that Puff Bar had applied for or received FDA approval for its products. The deadline for applications was set for May 12, but extended to September 9, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Like Juul, Puff Bar ads feature young people vaping. It claims in this ad that it has sold out of its products three times in the past year, as it captures more of the e-cig market And Puff Bar's devices slipped through another crack in enforcement measures implemented to fight the teen vaping epidemic. The new regulations apply only to devices that use pre-filled cartridges in flavors besides tobacco or menthol. They left refillable devices untouched, and simply did not mention disposable ones - gaps that disappointed many health officials and school administrators. Puff Bars fit neatly into that gap, and says it has sold out of its products three times in the past year. The FDA's new rules on e-cigarettes do not mention disposable products, allowing them to slip through the regulatory cracks Krishnamoorthi pointed out a particular cause for urgency in pulling the products from shelves: e-cigarettes like Puff Bars could put users at risk for more severe illness from the very COVID-19 pandemic the company's ads use to encourage consumers to buy its products. Research has suggested that both smoking and, perhaps more so, vaping, could make people more susceptible to coronavirus, and make their infectios worse. '[A colleague and pulmonologist] had a couple of unusually sick young people with COVID show up, and they were vapers,' Dr Stanton Glantz of the University of California, San Francisco's Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, told DailyMail.com in a recent interview. 'A plural of anecdote is not evidence but it is certainly consistent with that view.' Dr Glantz explained that vaping and respiratory infections act like a one-two punch on the lungs and immune system, and amplify one another's effects. 'Markers of immune function and suppression are actually bigger in vapers than in smokers' he said. 'In terms of immunosuppressant and inflammatory effects, e-cigarettes might be doing more bad things than cigarettes - but both are really bad.' And Puff Bar's marketing suggests it is encouraging young people to increase their risks of these harmful effects, Krishnamoorthi claims. 'Puff Bar...appears to be taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis to explicitlyand illegallysell its products to school children,' he wrote. [June 03, 2020] Kioxia Announces English Version of World's First AI-Designed Manga Kioxia Corporation today announced that an English version of "PHAEDO," a new manga created and designed by AI and human collaboration, inspired by the artistic style of manga legend Osamu Tezuka, will be released on June 3 as part of TEZUKA 2020, the first phase of Kioxia's #FutureMemories brand campaign. PHAEDO, which debuted in February in Japanese comic magazine "Morning," will be made available for English-language audiences on Kioxia's TEZUKA 2020 website. PHAEDO is the world's first1 international manga created through human collaboration, high-speed and large-capacity memory and advanced AI technologies. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005356/en/ "PHAEDO" (Graphic: Business Wire) The process of developing PHAEDO involved using AI technology to generate the story and create the characters. As a first step, to learn the essence of Tezuka's work and his characteristics as a writer, AI analyzed 130 manga episodes, written and drawn by Osamu Tezuka, including globally famous titles such as "Astro Boy" and "Black Jack". Based on this analysis, the AI then generated 129 candidate storylines. As a next step, the AI studied 6000 images and applied transfer learning to generate visuals for the characters. By analyzing Tezuka's works, AI was able to generate the physical characteristics of new characters, outlines of new stories, after which illustrators hand-drew clothing and other Tezuka inspired details and writers added dialogue. The project team consisted of engineers from Kioxia, who optimize semiconductor fab productivity and product performance using AI technology, illustrators and writers from Tezuka Productions Co., and AI researchers from Keio University and Future University Hakodate. PHAEDO is the story of a homeless philosopher and his robot bird, Apollo, who try to solve crimes in Tokyo in 2030. This marks the first time Tezuka's work has been recreated in 30 years. Kioxia launched its #FutureMemories campaign last October to commemorate the company's rebranding as Kioxia. PHAEDO is one of the many ways Kioxia intends to change the world by pursuing the potential of memory to create new value with never-before-seen experiences. For details about PHAEDO, including videos and interviews, please visit TEZUKA 2020 website. Notes 1. As of June 3, 2020. Kioxia Corporation research. About Kioxia Kioxia is a world leader in memory solutions, dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and solid state drives (SSDs). In April 2017, its predecessor Toshiba (News - Alert) Memory was spun off from Toshiba Corporation, the company that invented NAND flash memory in 1987. The company pioneers cutting-edge memory solutions and services that enrich people's lives and expand society's horizons. Kioxia's innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, SSDs, automotive and data centers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005356/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi will release the admit card for its entrance exam for July/ August session 2020 today. Candidates who have applied for AIIMS entrance exam will be able to download their admit cards online at aiimsexams.org. The exam will be conducted on June 11. The AIIMS entrance admit card will be uploaded on the official website by 5 pm on Wednesday. Earlier the AIIMS entrance exam was scheduled to be held on June 5 which has been postponed to June 11 due to Covid-19. The best possible examination city has been allotted to the candidates as per choice & subject to availability. The candidates are required to check allotted city on MyPage of Final Registration after Login with credentials. The admit card will be uploaded on Wednesday, the 3rd June, 2020 by 05:00 pm, the official notification reads. All advisories / guidelines of Govt. of India, regarding social distancing and sanitization will be followed at all examination centres, the notice further reads. How to download AIIMS admit card 2020: Visit the official website at aiimsexams.org Click on the admit card link scrolling on the top of homepage A login page will appear Key in your login credentials and submit Your admit card will be displayed on screen Download and take its print out. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 14:04:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the Republican party was "forced" to choose another location for its presidential nominating convention, as North Carolina rejected its demand for a full-fledged gathering amid the coronavirus pandemic. Trump said on Twitter that because of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper's refusal to accommodate a fully-attended 2020 Republican National Convention in the Spectrum Arena in Charlotte, "we are now forced to seek another State." "The people of North Carolina do not know what the status of COVID-19 will be in August, so planning for a scaled-down convention with fewer people, social distancing and face coverings is a necessity," Cooper said in a letter to the Republican National Committee on Tuesday. "We are happy to continue talking with you about what a scaled down convention would look like and we still await your proposed plan for that," Cooper wrote. The Republican National Committee sent Cooper a letter on Saturday, demanding a 19,000-person convention in his state. Trump reportedly told Cooper in a phone call on Friday that he wanted the convention to be held without requirements for masks and social distancing. Following Trump's tweet on Tuesday, Cooper tweeted that "it's unfortunate" that the Republican party "never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe. Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority." The convention, at which Trump is expected to be confirmed as Republican presidential nominee seeking re-election later this year, has been postponed until August 24-27 due to the spread of the coronavirus. Enditem Emergency Preparedness What a Fall Reopening Looks Like New Jersey Institute of Technology started the process of planning its return to campus with a strength the concept of converged learning and began building from there. While New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) hopes to reopen in the fall, it's being aggressive in its planning to prepare for "all possibilities." That's pretty much how the university's "pandemic recovery plan" a work in progress opens. Flexibility is the prime mover. And that's a muscle that NJIT has been flexing since 2013 when it introduced a concept it calls "converged learning." But first came the agility. "We Had to Be Very Nimble" The institution, classified as an R1, has about 11,400 students, some 3,000 who usually live on campus. There's a high proportion of first-generation or low-income students. When cases of coronavirus began surfacing in New York City, the university took notice. NJIT sits in Newark, a 15-minute car ride from Manhattan. According to Johns Hopkins University tracking, Essex County, where Newark is located, has suffered 1,667 COVID-19-related deaths as of June 1, 2020, with 17,733 confirmed cases. By Feb. 3, the school had set up an emergency "rapid response" task force with representatives from across campus to monitor updates from the New Jersey Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and guide response. By March 10 the campus had announced that it would shift to virtual classes after spring recess; those would begin on March 23. Matthew Golden "We had to be very nimble," said Matthew Golden, chief strategy officer for strategic initiatives and a member of that task force. "We had to be willing to change plans quickly and make adjustments." Even as the university made the transition to an almost completely remote learning environment, which meant getting devices and webcams out to students who didn't already have equipment, it was also addressing the needs of students who were stuck on campus either because they were international and couldn't go home or because they "didn't have a place to go." Those students needed housing, meals and other services. However, in the time warp that is virus time, that seems like ages ago. Now the university has to look forward, to the fall. Yes, there will be washable face masks two per person and hand-sanitizing stations. But there's also the flexibility that has to come into play. While the emergency task force has moved into the background, a newly convened "recovery steering committee" has emerged to take up the load. Perry Deess Conversations in the Provost's Office eventually came around to the realization that NJIT needed to start work on its recovery planning. E. Perry Deess, NJIT's director of the Office of Planning and Accreditation, is part of the new steering committee, charged with developing the recovery plan, which really means roping together the thinking of leaders in every operation, academic office and unit on campus. And as far as Deess was concerned, converged learning had found its moment. "Over the past seven years we've been in a process of very slowly equipping all of our classrooms with cameras and microphones so that virtual and face-to-face classes [can meet] at the same time," he said. "Some students come in by internet, and the others are in the classroom. And they both have the same synchronous experience. We try to make it seamless between the students who are attending remotely and the students who are attending in person. What we realized was, oh, this is something which addresses our need for flexible instruction in response to the pandemic." The family of a kindergarten student has filed wrongful death lawsuit after their daughter was killed when boarding the school bus. About the Bus Stop Accident and Resulting Lawsuit According to FOX 6 Now, Maryana Kranz, 6, was waiting to board the bus outside her home in Plainfield, Wisconsin, on February 10 when a pickup truck driver came up on the right side of the bus, striking both Maryana and her 4-year-old sister. Maryana died, and her sister suffered injuries. Shannon Kranz, the girls mother, filed a civil lawsuit on March 25, claiming that the driver was casually negligent. Hannah Kranz, the injured girl, is also listed as a plaintiff. The defendants are the pickup's driver, 76-year-old Carl Millenix and his insurance company, State Farm Mutual. State Farm and the driver denied claims and asked for the case to be dismissed. So far, no criminal charges have been filed, and the crash remains under investigation by the Waushara County Sheriffs Department. What is a Wrongful Death Claim? A wrongful death claim is a claim in which a family seeks damages related to the loss of a loved one. The important thing to remember about wrongful death claims is that they are not actually filed on behalf of the deceased person; instead, they are filed on behalf of the individuals affected by the decedents death. As such, the damages family members seek when filing a wrongful death claim are: Loss of quality of life Loss of love and emotional support Loss of financial support Loss of companionship Loss of society Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim? Who can file a wrongful death claim can vary from state to state, but typically beneficiaries include at least: Parents Children Spouses Other states may allow for relatives, like brothers and sisters, to file as well, depending on the facts of the case. Contact an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of an individual, company, or other entity, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends to talk with you and your family about your potential case. At Thomas J. Henry, we offer a free case review, and you dont owe a thing unless we win your case. Our results speak loudly of our success in obtaining successful verdicts, settlements, and judgments for our clients. Let us help you and your family recover the compensation you deserve. Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com. By Gwladys Fouche OSLO (Reuters) - Norway, which chairs a group of international donors to the Palestinians, urged Israel on Tuesday not to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. Norway heads the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), which met on Tuesday, partly to discuss Israel's plan to extend its sovereignty to Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley in the West Bank, occupied territory that Palestinians seek for a state. "Any unilateral step would be detrimental to the (peace) process, and annexation would be in direct violation and contravention of international law," Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soereide told Reuters after the meeting. Norway helped to broker the 1993 and 1995 Oslo Accords, which provided for interim and limited Palestinian self-rule in the occupied territories, and initiated a now-moribund long-term peace process. Soereide said she had spoken on Tuesday with her Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi, to urge Israel to resume direct talks with the Palestinians and avoid unilateral moves. "It would undermine the potential for a two-state solution," she said. The AHLC meeting also urged donors to fulfil their financial commitments to the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations' Palestinian aid agency to help fight the spread of the new coronavirus. West Bank health authorities reported 388 cases of coronavirus with two deaths as of Monday, while in Gaza, 61 cases and one death were registered. (This story has been refiled to add word "partly" in second paragraph to show Israel's plan to annex parts of the West Bank was one of the topics discussed at Tuesday's meeting) (Editing by Kevin Liffey and Angus MacSwan) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Donald Trump on Wednesday that racist violence has no place in society, saying he was "sickened and appalled" by the death of George Floyd during an arrest. "My message to President Trump, to everybody in the United States, from the UK..., and I'm sure it's an opinion shared by the overwhelming majority of people around the world, is that racism, racist violence has no place in our society," Johnson told reporters. Search Keywords: Short link: MIAMI, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- International Money Express, Inc. (IMXI), a leading money remittance services company focused primarily on the Latin America and Caribbean corridor, announced today that President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Lisy, and Chief Financial Officer, Tony Lauro, will participate in a virtual investor update hosted by Northland Securities. The event will take place at 1:00pm E.T. on Thursday, June 4 and be webcasted via our investor relations website https://investors.intermexonline.com/news-events/events . Interested parties should register at least 5-10 minutes prior to the start of the event. About International Money Express, Inc. At International Money Express, Inc. (IMXI), the customer is at the center of everything we do. We use proprietary technology that enables consumers to send money primarily from the United States to 17 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Mexico and Guatemala, four countries in Africa and one in Asia. We offer the electronic movement of money and data to our customers through our network of sending and paying agents located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada, and throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and other territories. Our services are also available digitally through intermexonline.com. We were founded in 1994 and are headquartered in Miami, Florida with offices in Puebla, Mexico, and Guatemala City, Guatemala. They tied the knot with a lavish ceremony three years ago. And Duncan Bannatyne and his wife Nigora celebrated their anniversary with a romantic shot of them sharing a smooch at their wedding on Wednesday. The Dragon's Den star, 71, and his other half, 40, only had eyes for each other in the adorable snap, as they shared a passionate kiss beside their wedding cake. Seal with a kiss! Duncan Bannatyne and his wife Nigora celebrated their anniversary with a romantic shot of them sharing a smooch at their wedding on Wednesday Although Nigora's face was hidden, she still looked stunning in a sleeveless white wedding gown, while her brunette locks were accessorised with a pretty hairpiece. Meanwhile, Duncan was dressed in a white dress shirt, which was unbuttoned at the collar, teamed with a pair of black trousers. Duncan had one arm around his new wife's waist, while the other cupped the back of her head, as the bride held a glass of bubbly in her own hand. Returning his wife's affections, Duncan wrote: 'Love you so much darling. Three years married today. Feels like forever. [heart emojis]' Love: He married third wife Nigora, who is 31 years his junior, in Portugal in 2017 Beside the image, Nigora wrote: 'Happy 3 years anniversary to us! @duncan.banntyne I love you so much [heart emojis]' Returning his wife's affections, Duncan wrote: 'Love you so much darling. Three years married today. Feels like forever. [heart emojis]' Earlier this year, Duncan announced the birth of his granddaughter. The entrepreneur took to Twitter in late April to pass on the heartwarming message to his 749,000 followers. Happy news: Earlier this year, Duncan announced the birth of his granddaughter He wrote: 'Thank you NHS & Everyone at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. My daughter arrived at your doors late yesterday afternoon and very soon after had a beautiful baby daughter. 'Thank you for working and being wonderful [red heart emojis].' Duncan is already a father-of-six and has three grandchildren. The former Dragon shares four daughters, Hollie, Abigail, Jennifer and Eve, with his first wife Gail and another two children, Emily and Thomas, with second wife Joanna. He married third wife Nigora, who is 31 years his junior, in Portugal in 2017. Cyclonic storm Nisarga has started to show its sign in Maharashtra and its adjoining states. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday said that cyclone Nisarga was approaching the north coast of Maharashtra with a speed of 11 kmph at around 7:30 am IST. The cyclone was about 250 km south-southwest of Mumbai, 415 km south-southwest of Surat and about 200 km south-southwest of Alibag at 2:30 am, IMD informed in a tweet. According to IMD, Nisarga cyclone will cross Maharashtra on Wednesday afternoon with a maximum wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph. The wind will blow at a speed of 85-95 kmph gusting to 105 kmph along and off Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg. In Gujarat's Valsad and Navsari districts, the wind will gust to 90 kmph in the afternoon. Also read: Cyclone Nisarga LIVE Updates: Eye of cyclone visible in radar; large cloud cover over Mumbai Ahead of Nisarga's landfall, Goa reported wind 33 kmph, Ratnagiri-33 kmph, Colaba-33 kmph, Santacruz-09, Dahanu-07 kmph at 6:30 am on Wednesday morning, according to MeT. Besides, light to moderate rainfall was also reported in Goa (74mm), Ratnagiri (20mm), Harnai (12mm), Santacruz (21 mm), and Dahanu (04 mm) today. Met added that "Cloud band is engulfing Maharashtra coast. Rainfall will gradually increase over the Maharashtra coast". Also read: Cyclone Nisarga Update: Mumbai police imposes curfew until June 4 ahead of severe storm The weather forecasting agency added that after the landfall of Nisarga in Maharashtra and Gujarat, its storm intensity would continue for about 6 hours. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has asked Maharashtra people to stay alert and elaborated on 'do's and don'ts' in the situation. "We are already fighting the novel coronavirus. Now nature too is testing us. But we will face the situation with full strength and come out of it safely," the chief minister assured. Also read: Nisarga Cyclone Tracker: Path, weather forecast, FAQs, landfall date in Mumbai, Gujarat He said important documents should be kept safe and battery-operated devices like mobile phones should be charged. He urged people to not believe any rumours. Thackeray also warned people against using electrical appliances amid the cyclone. He also asked people not to take cover under makeshift or dilapidated structures. A safe distance should be maintained from gas cylinders or pipelines if there was any leakage, he said. In Maharashtra, fifteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force and four teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in different coastal areas while five teams have been kept on standby. Also read: Cyclone Nisarga: IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet cancel Mumbai flights on Wednesday WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Tyson Foods, Inc. announced that its 815 workers were found to be coronavirus or Covid-19 positive at the facility-wide testing in two Iowa plants in Council Bluffs and Storm Lake. Meanehile, Storm Lake, Iowa pork facility will resume limited production on Wednesday following a temporary halt for additional deep cleaning and sanitizing. At its Council Bluffs, Iowa case-ready beef and pork facility, 224 workers among 1,483 team members were tested positive, while more than half of them did not show any symptoms. Of the 2,303 team members who work at its Storm Lake, Iowa pork facility, 591 tested positive. Among them, more than 75 percent did not show any symptoms. At the Council Bluffs facility, 103 Covid patients have been through their required absence and have now returned to work. At Storm Lake, 186 of the team members are back to work. Tyson said its team members who test positive receive paid leave during the quarantine period and may return to work only after meeting the criteria established by both the CDC and the company. Tyson is rolling out advanced testing capabilities in more than 40 production facilities in the United States. The company will disclose test results at other plants where it is conducting facility-wide testing. According to it, disclosing the test results would help keep its team members and community safe. Tyson said it has increased short-term disability coverage to 90 percent of normal pay until June 30 and has doubled its 'thank you' bonus for its frontline workers. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Ukraine is considered by Iran as the priority state in the context of the investigation and decryption of the black boxes from the downed plane Information spread by the media about the intentions of Iran to pass the black box of the Ukrainian Boeing, downed in January 2020 for decryption in France, does not correspond to the reality, as Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Yevhen Yenin reported on Facebook. Recent reports of Iranian mass media about changes of Teherans plans on passing the black boxes for decryption due to supposed delay of the Ukrainian side do not meet the official position of Iran, the message said. The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine also stated that at the meeting of Yevhen Yenin with Irans Ambassador to Ukraine Manouchehr Moradi, the last assured that Iran is ready for the dialogue with Ukraine in the legal, technical and political areas for settlement of the issues tied with the consequences of the plane crash. Moradi also stated that Ukraine is considered by Iran as the priority state in the context of the investigation and decryption of the black boxes from the downed plane. During the talks, Yenin reported about the process of forming of the official delegation of Ukraine at the talks with Iran, noting that the negotiating team from Kyiv will be provided soon. The parties of the meeting agreed to strengthen collaboration at the diplomatic level to accelerate the solution of current issues, the ministry reported. January 8, 2020, Boeing 737 of Ukraine's International Airlines, flight PS752 with 176 passengers aboard crashed in Tehran, not far from Imam Khomeini airport. 11 citizens of Ukraine died in the crash of Boeing 737 of Ukraine's International Airlines (PS 752 flight). President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the passenger plane crash in the Iranian capital left no survivors. On January 19, 2020, the bodies of the Ukrainians, who died in a plane crash in Iran, were delivered to Ukraine. The farewell ceremony took place at Boryspil Airport. Newspapers across the country, including the Winnipeg Free Press, have formed a digital advertising network to make it easier for advertisers to get their messages in front of Canadian readers. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Newspapers across the country, including the Winnipeg Free Press, have formed a digital advertising network to make it easier for advertisers to get their messages in front of Canadian readers. News Media Canada, the industry association representing news organizations across the country, has formed Maple Network Exchange to offer its collective website inventory through a self-serve platform. John Hinds, the CEO of News Media Canada, said the pilot project is an attempt to offer an alternative to the digital duopoly of Google and Facebook with a self-serve programmatic network. 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. With just a couple of clicks, it will allow advertisers access to trusted sites visited by 32 million Canadians. "People had complained that we (Canadian newspaper websites) were too hard to buy," he said. "This is a way to compete with those entities who started us down this road." The Maple Network Exchange is supported by an alliance of major Canadian news media publishers, including Black Press Media, Brunswick News Inc., Glacier Media, The Globe and Mail, La Presse, Metroland Media Group Ltd., Postmedia, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited, Village Media and the Winnipeg Free Press. "Right now, if you wanted to buy an ad across Canada you would have to go to 11 or 12 agencies," he said. "Our platform will aggregate the inventory of all the sites." Bob Cox, the publisher of the Free Press and the chairman of News Media Canada, said, "I think its an important step to make it easier for Canadian advertisers to shop local by using the digital publications of the top news publishers in the country. We have demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic that our trusted news content is important to Canadians. We hope advertisers agree that we have an important audience for their messages." martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca DJ Simmons/Hearst Connecticut Media WESTPORT Out of concern for potential health risks to students and staff, Westport Public Schools will not be holding summer school in person this year. Given the potential health risks to students and staff and complex state regulations, which would significantly alter programming even if thyey could be adhered to, we have come to the conclusion that it would be untenable for the WPS to offer in-person summer programs, Interim Superintendent David Abbey said in an email to parents on Tuesday. This change will impact continuing education programs and camps and our extended school year special education services. WASHINGTON Former deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, a key player in the sprawling Russia investigation that cast a cloud over much of President Donald Trump's first term in office, defended his oversight of the probe Wednesday while acknowledging flaws in the FBI's surveillance process. "Senators, whenever agents or prosecutors make serious mistakes or engage in misconduct, the Department of Justice must take remedial action. And if existing policies fall short, those policies need to be changed," Rosenstein said in his opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Ultimately, Rosenstein acknowledged he is responsible for the missteps that happened in the early days of the Russia investigation. "I'm accountable. I feel accountable ... I think the issue is, 'How do we fix the problem?'" Rosenstein said. The committee, chaired by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., invited Rosenstein in the first of what he said would be a series of hearings on the Russia investigation. Rosenstein's testimony marks the first time his handling of the probe is publicly scrutinized since he left the Justice Department last year. Rosenstein defends Mueller: Rod Rosenstein, deputy attorney general, says Robert Mueller is 'not an unguided missile' Trump and his allies have sought to frame the entire Russia investigation as a hoax and a witch hunt against the president, seizing on some aspects of Crossfire Hurricane, the code name for the FBI's counterintelligence investigation into Russia's election meddling and possible ties to the Trump campaign. An inspector general's report offered a blistering account of the FBI's handling of multiple applications to wiretap former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page during the early months of the Russia probe in 2016 and early 2017. The inspector general found more than a dozen inaccuracies and misstatements in all four applications to wiretap Page. Investigators omitted information that contradicted their suspicions and inflated the justification to keep monitoring Page even as they gathered information that weakened the probable cause to continue with the surveillance. Story continues The inspector general, though, found the broader Russia probe was legally justified and there was no evidence political bias played a role. Rosenstein, who signed off on one of the applications to wiretap Page, said every application he approved "appeared to be justified." "The FBI was supposed to be following protocols to ensure that every fact was verified," Rosenstein said, acknowledging that the FBI failed to do so. Rosenstein said knowing now of the errors and misstatements, he would not have signed off on the application. During the hearing, Republicans renewed attacks on the Russia investigation and questioned whether the inquiry which special counsel Robert Mueller took over in May 2017 should have continued for two years, given the FBI's missteps in the beginning. Democrats portrayed the hearing as a tired re-litigation of Mueller's findings, which were made public last year. They criticized Republicans for holding a hearing on an investigation that's been concluded at a time of a public health crisis and racial unrest. Rosenstein emerged as a central figure during the tumultuous first months of Trump's presidency, when he and former attorney general Jeff Sessions had recommended the May 2017 firing of then-FBI Director James Comey. Comey, at the time, was overseeing Crossfire Hurricane. Rosenstein later appointed Mueller to take over the Russia probe, igniting Trump's bitter campaign against his own Justice Department. In his opening statement, Rosenstein defended his appointment of Mueller, a task that fell on him after Sessions recused because of his ties to the Trump campaign. It "was the best way to complete the investigation appropriately and promote public confidence in its conclusions," Rosenstein said. Former special counsel Robert Mueller testifies on July 24, 2019. Rosenstein said he does not believe the Mueller probe was a hoax and said he had talked to the special counsel about ensuring political bias did not interfere with the investigation. "I have confidence in Mr. Mueller's integrity," Rosenstein said, adding later: "I do not believe that Mr. Mueller was trying to get rid of the president." Rosenstein resigns: Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein resigns after two tumultuous years supervising Russia probe Rosenstein, however, took a jab at Andrew McCabe, telling senators the former FBI deputy director was not "fully candid" with him. Rosenstein said that when he began overseeing the Russia investigation in 2017, McCabe should've immediately disclosed to him that Comey had written memos about his meetings with Trump. In a statement, McCabe disputed Rosenstein's characterization, saying he briefed the former deputy attorney general on the memos days after he recommended Comey's firing. McCabe also denied misleading Rosenstein about the FBI's concerns regarding the Trump campaign's interactions with Russia. "Mr. Rosenstein approved of, and suggested ways to enhance, our investigation of the President," McCabe said. Andrew McCabe hints at 'inappropriate relationship' between Trump and Russia Mueller's two-year investigation found that the Kremlin orchestrated a "sweeping and systematic" campaign to help Trump win the White House, and that the president and his aides were eager beneficiaries of the effort. The probe, however, did not find enough evidence that Trump or members of his campaign conspired with Russia. Rosenstein said the investigation's findings don't mean that Russia is on any candidate's side. "Russia is on Russia's side," said Rosenstein, who resigned in April 2019, two years after he appointed Mueller. The president has sought to frame the investigation's findings as a complete exoneration of him. But Mueller said his investigation did not exonerate Trump. The former special counsel's voluminous report, released a year ago, detailed several instances of possible obstruction of justice including an effort to fire Mueller during the Russia investigation. Attorney General William Barr has appointed an outside federal prosecutor to review the origins of the Russia inquiry and the FBI's surveillance activities. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Russia probe: Rod Rosenstein testifies on election meddling probe By Express News Service HYDERABAD: The State government on Tuesday informed the Telangana High Court (HC) that it has completed the valuation of the Intermediate examination answer scripts and would announce the results by June 15. State Advocate General (AG) BS Prasad made this submission before the division bench, comprising Chief Justice Raghvendra Singh Chauhan and Justice B Vijaysen Reddy, when it was dealing with a PIL filed by K Omprakash, a social activist from Siddipet district. The PIL sought directions to the authorities concerned to defer the spot valuation of the Inter exam papers to another date, till the lockdown is lifted and the situation comes back to normal. On May 12, the HC permitted the Board of Intermediate Education to go ahead with the spot valuation of 9.65 lakh answer scripts. When the matter came up for hearing on Tuesday, the bench adjourned the case to June 16. Former Iran Lawmaker Says Nobody Dared Disclose November Protests Death Toll Radio Farda June 02, 2020 After a sitting member of the Iranian Parliament on Monday made an announcement about the death toll of the November protests, a former lawmaker said members of the previous of the parliament did not dare disclose the numbers because it was treated as a "security issue". Mahmoud Sadeqi (Sadeghi) who was not allowed to run in the elections for the new parliament said various committees of the previous parliament tried many times to make officials announce the death toll and even attempted to impeach the Interior Minister but did not succeed. "I had heard that the death toll was 249 or 250 which is closer to what the Interior Minister and Amnesty International have said." Mojtaba Zolnur (Zonnouri), a member of parliament from Qom on Monday told the semi-official Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) that during November 2019 protests 230 people were killed. He also claimed that six of those killed were police officers and 20 percent were volunteers presumably Basij militia members -- working alongside the security forces on the ground. Zolnur's claims put the number of security elements among those killed in November at 52, leaving only 178 civilians among the dead. He claims that his numbers are based on figures provided by the Iranian Legal Medicine Organization (forensics department). Nearly seven months after the protests Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli on Saturday for the first time implicitly said that the number of those killed was around 200. He also admitted that 80 percent of those killed were shot at by security forces. Amnesty International has documented at least 324 deaths . A Reuters report at the time quoted source from within the Interior Ministry as saying the number of those killed by security forces was as high as 1,500 because Khamenei had ordered "to do whatever it takes" to quell the unrest. Government officials vehemently denied the Reuters report but has never made an official announcement of the death toll. Zolnur's statement is the closest to an official statement that has been made so far. Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/former-iran-lawmaker -says-nobody-dared-disclose-november -protests-death-toll/30648248.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 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 15:24:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CANBERRA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Australia's peak tourism body has called for all domestic borders to be re-opened by mid-July. The Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) recently urged state and territory leaders to work "as one" on the resumption of interstate travel. The governments of Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA), Tasmania, Queensland and the Northern Territory (NT) have resisted pressure from the federal government to lift their border restrictions to boost the tourism industry. Simon Westaway, the executive director of ATIC, warned that the NT has the most to lose from keeping its borders closed. "States like SA traditionally experience a little over one in two visitor dollars being spent there by South Australians, in contrast the NT has been overwhelmingly reliant on domestic, interstate visitors with top-ups by international travellers," he told News Corp Australia. Steven Marshall, the Premier of SA, has flagged a gradual easing of the state's border restrictions from July 3. His NT counterpart Michael Gunner has declared that his decision on the issue will not be influenced by other states. "We work together and share information at National Cabinet but the Territory's borders are for the Territory to decide, and for no one else," he said. Enditem Pet Wants President Scott Hoots he exponential growth Pet Wants is seeing is a testament not only to the concept and the products, but also to the franchise support team and the innovative franchisees throughout the system. I'm excited to see what the next five years looks like for Pet Wants. - Chris Seman Pet Wants, the Cincinnati-based high-quality pet food and supplies franchise, is pleased to announce that the company has hit a major milestone reaching 100 franchise locations. Less than 20 percent of franchise brands reach the 100-location milestone and Pet Wants has been able to do it in just five years. That success was achieved not only because of the companys great story and fantastic products, but also because of our franchisees passion for what they do and the help of our investors and strategic partners at Franchise Funding Group as well as the synergy and shared resources that come from the affiliated franchise brands in the Strategic Franchising portfolio. Having the support and guidance of those teams has made a huge difference in our ability to scale quickly, nationally, and without sacrificing quality, Pet Wants President Scott Hoots said. Pet Wants originally launched in Cincinnati in 2010. Founded by Michele Hobbs, the business was built to provide small batch, slow-cooked, fresh, high-quality pet food delivered to customers through a retail store and a convenient home-delivery service. Hobbs partnered with Franchise Funding Group in early 2015 and the newly formed Pet Wants Franchise System, LLC began offering franchises in April 2015. The first franchise was in the late summer of 2015. The 100 franchise units 25 with retail stores and 75 with mobile operations all offer free delivery, making the company uniquely positioned to thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We are extremely proud of Pet Wants, the franchisees and the corporate team. To grow to 100 franchise units - and to do it in less than five years - is a huge accomplishment. In addition to hitting that milestone, Pet Wants made #376 in the Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 last year as the youngest pet franchise on the list. The exponential growth Pet Wants is seeing is a testament not only to the concept and the products, but also to the franchise support team and the innovative franchisees throughout the system. I'm excited to see what the next five years looks like for Pet Wants, said Chris Seman, President of Strategic Franchise Systems, which provides management and consulting services to Pet Wants Franchise and four other independent brands. Hoots is also looking forward to the next five years. The company is seeing strong interest from new franchise candidates and Hoots is working with the Pet Wants operations and marketing teams and their franchisees to make sure the company is ready to meet the needs of pet parents everywhere as the economy turns back around. While many pet parents have had to cut back, being a delivery-focused company has helped our franchisees continue to serve their communities, which means weve still been able to make investments at the national level. Weve expanded our support team to include a digital marketing specialist, we are improving the online shopping experience, we are looking into offering new products and services, and more. Pet Wants is poised for massive growth and Im excited to see the brand and our franchisees continue to grow, Hoots said. Preparing for the future also means preparing the company to be a national franchise brand, which is important not only for the franchise system, but also for each individual franchisee. "I'm excited to be part of a such a fast-growing, pet-focused franchise. Pet Wants can truly make a difference in the lives of pets and their families and, every time a new franchise opens, we, as a company, are able to help more people. Also, from an individual owner standpoint, the growth that Pet Wants has experienced not only supports that I made the right decision to join the national Pack, but also helps my local franchise grow through increased recognition, branding and system-wide innovation, said Chris Miller, the local owner of Pet Wants Hamilton in Hamilton, Ohio. To learn more about Pet Wants and to find your local Pet Wants franchise, visit http://www.PetWants.com. About Pet Wants: Pet Wants was started by Michele Hobbs out of love for her pets and frustration. Veterinarians were unable to help relieve her dogs painful skin allergies. After doing much research, Michele discovered the national dog food brand she trusted was not fresh and lacked sufficient nutrition and, when pet food sits in warehouses and store shelves for months and months, it loses even more nutritional value. She was committed to developing a better solution for all dogs and cats. Pet Wants food is exclusively crafted fresh, healthy, and slow-cooked with no sugar added, no fillers, and no animal by-products. Pet Wants sources only the best salmon, chicken, lamb, brown rice, and other ingredients. Fresh ingredients make for better food, which translates into better health for pets. And, since Pet Wants never uses corn, wheat, soy or dyes, the common pet health problems associated with these ingredients are no longer worries. Pet Wants fresh food is conveniently delivered to the customer within weeks of production, not months so the food is at the peak of healthy nutrients. You can learn more at http://www.PetWants.com. Each Pet Wants franchise is independently owned and operated. By Kwak Yeon-soo Novelist-turned-director Sohn Won-pyung / Courtesy of AceMaker Movieworks Novelists and actors are making career jumps to the film industry as filmmakers, making use of their storytelling skills. Best-selling author Sohn Won-pyung is making her feature film debut with "Intruder," which is set to hit local theaters on June 4. An adaptation of her award-winning novel "Almond," "Intruder" centers on a woman who returns to her family after being missing for 25 years. "Almond" has sold over 400,000 copies in Korea and, in addition to Japanese and English versions, is slated for release in Spanish, Hebrew and other languages. It won the Changbi Prize for Young Adult Fiction in 2016 and Japanese Booksellers' Awards for translated fiction novel in 2020. The novelist-turned-director explained that filmmaking requires a degree of collaboration in contrast to writing a book, which is a private act for the most part. A subtle and creative approach to topics is the strength of novelist-turned-directors, as they write the screenplays themselves and control the storytelling process. "While making the film, Sohn was able to see the big picture in small details without missing anything," said Kim Moo-yul, who stars in the film "Intruder." "She had everything the setting, characters, action and how everything comes out in the end in her mind and gave specific direction to the cast and crew." Novelist-turned-director Chun Myung-gwan, center, poses for a photo with the cast of "The Boiling Blood" in this photo provided by Kidari ENT. / Courtesy of Kidari ENT Inclusion Ireland says confusion remains around the reporting of Covid-19 cases in residential disability services. The virus incident rate in long-term residential settings is 42 times greater than the general population but it is not known how this breaks down into disability settings. Representatives from Inclusion Ireland meet Health Minister Simon Harris today, and will be seeking clarity on the issue. The organisation, which representatives 66,000 people with intellectual disabilities and their families, believe confusion remains about the accuracy of reported cases of Covid-19 cases in residential settings. Inclusion Ireland chief executive Enda Egan says the high infection rate in long-term residential settings is very worrying for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Mr Egan wants the minister to redouble his efforts to move people with intellectual disabilities out of institutional settings to more community inclusive, smaller settings. He blames successive governments for failing to move people with intellectual disabilities from large congregated settings into the community. Because of the long-delayed transition process, thousands of people with disabilities continue to be unnecessarily exposed to an increased risk of contracting the virus. Almost all disability day services have been closed since mid-March, a significant cause of stress for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Inclusion Ireland has found that people's experience of day service support during the public health crisis is minimal and mixed. Some people have had no support or a weekly check-in phone call only, while other people have had direct support or virtual support by Zoom, says Mr Egan. The survey tells us that people with complex or more severe disabilities cannot access remote support so they will need to be supported in a safe, face to face manner. Mr Egan says therapy staff should be moved back to their original posts and begin virtual therapy sessions with parents and children with disabilities immediately. "The possibility of a summer programme for children with disabilities is being examined by the departments of Health and Children and Education and Skills. "We would ask that this is completed and communicated to parents as soon as possible. This programme needs to be inclusive of all children with disabilities. Click here to read the full article. There was no Palme dOr ceremony, no red carpets, and no yacht parties on the French Riviera this year, but there was still a lineup for the 2020 Cannes Film Festival. Forced to cancel its physical event, the worlds highest-profile festival devised a workaround, announcing the Cannes 2020 selection today in the same way Criterion might unveil an extensive box set: These are films worthy of anticipation, wherever they show up, and the Cannes laurels will show up with them. The selection highlights a range of films that were already highly anticipated, from Wes Andersons The French Dispatch to Pixars Soul, but the announcement is even more notable for the films with much lower profiles. More from IndieWire Films selected for the lineup were required to have release dates planned between this June and May 2021. Others that planned later releases had to apply for the festivals next edition. That means that this selection provides the first major look at the next 12 months of international cinema; it also demonstrates Frances priorities as it kickstarts the film industry in a country that treasures the artform more than anywhere else in the world. Of the 56 films selected, 21 are French, which tees them up for theatrical releases and qualifies them for the Cesare Awards early next year. While the lineup provides a fascinating range of films from around the world, its harder to parse than previous editions since Fremaux and his programming team opted not to place the films in individual sections. (It did create a handful of new categories to make the lineup easier to browse, from The Faithful to First Films.) There is no imaginary Palme dOr competition, or Un Certain Regard sidebar. Instead, the festival unleashed a smorgasbord of titles with no clear sense of which ones might have had more prominent positions at the festival. To that end, the announcement is less of a curatorial statement than an invitation to explore. Story continues The pandemic forced Cannes decision to cancel its 2020 edition, but the announcement coincided with dramatic protests against police violence unfolding around America. Some industry insiders told IndieWire they considered it tone deaf to celebrate the Cannes logo at such a tumultuous moment. Nevertheless, the Cannes 2020 selection itself is filled with titles that tackle a range of troubling global issues, and it points to many entry points for wrestling with timely challenges that could have unfolded against the backdrop of this years festival and presumably will find their outlet soon enough. Here are a few major takeaways from the Cannes 2020 selection. Who Didnt Go? While the Cannes 2020 selection includes a lot of films that prognosticators might have expected, several major titles have chosen to hold off in the hopes of using the 2021 festival platform instead. These include Paul Verhoevens 17th-century lesbian nun drama Benedetta, which certainly seems to poised to draw attention to itself. Other Cannes competition regulars waiting for 2021 include preeminent French auteur Bruno Dumont for On a Half-Clear Morning starring Lea Seydoux and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, whose Memoria a film shot in Colombia, his first outside of his native Thailand, starring Tilda Swinton isnt finished yet, and the exacting filmmaker could use the extra time, anyway. A few directors who were primed to become Cannes big-timers this year also decided to wait: Israeli auteur Nadav Lapid launched into international acclaim with his Berlinale-winning Synonyms, and was expected to crack the Cannes competition with Aheds Knee, but will angle to do so next year instead. Ditto Mia Hansen-Love, the French auteur long overdue to become a Cannes competition hit with Bergman Island. British director Joanna Hoggs second installment of her intimate Souvenir film series was offered a slot in the selection, but its rumored to be under consideration for a premiere at Directors Fortnight in 2021. (The unofficial Cannes sidebar has made a handful of programming choices known to film reps, but chose not to publish them alongside the Official Selection.) The latter two films would have been welcome additions to a festival that has struggled in the past to make room for women filmmakers, though the selection shows some progress on that front even without the physical edition. Meanwhile, there are no Italian films in the selection for an obvious reason: the Venice Film Festival has dibs. But if one film from the country would have made sense this year, it would have been Croisette regular Nanni Moretti, the countrys preeminent filmmaker and former Cannes jury president. Instead, his Three Floors is almost certain to land on the Lido. And then theres Leos Caraxs long-awaited followup to Cannes phenom Holy Motors, the Amazon Studios-produced musical Annette, starring Adam Driver. While some theorized that the movie might hold off for Cannes 2021 given Caraxs history there, some insiders expect that it may target a Venice launch as well. No Competition, But Imagine the Palme dOdds This time, everyone will give out their own Palme dOr. So said Fremaux at the press conference, inviting diehard cinephiles to keep tabs on Cannes 2020 selections throughout the year and imagine which of them might have followed Parasite to win the most revered prize on the festival circuit. As mind games go, this one is fairly impractical Cannes would never squeeze 56 films into competition, and looking at the lineup without the usual designations of Un Certain Regard, Midnight, and so on makes it hard to parse which films would realistically have a chance to win the Palme under more traditional circumstances. There are a few exceptions, however. Cannes has tried to respond to criticism that it caters to the same competition filmmakers every year by working in a wider of names. Still, its easiest to envision a handful of directors in this years selection making it into competition simply because they usually wind up there. Fremaux referred to this bunch as the faithful those that were used to having at Cannes. Chief among them is Wes Anderson, whose Moonrise Kingdom opened the festival in 2012; The French Dispatch, a supposedly vibrant, near-cartoonish salute to journalism, may have scored a similar slot. For now, the Fox Searchlight title is still targeting an October release, and the Cannes laurels will follow it there. The same goes for French heavyweight Francois Ozon, whose Summer 85 is a personal work aiming to come out in French cinemas in time for their planned reopening on July 15. Another French regular, Maiwenn was chosen as part of the selection with DNA, a film that would have marked her return to the festival after the crowdpleaser Polisse in 2011. Other Cannes regulars that would likely have made the Competition cut include Japans Naomi Kawase with True Mothers, Thomas Vinterbergs Druk (Another Round), which reteams him with The Hunt star Mads Mikkelsen for the story of a tortured alcoholic, and Koreas Im Sang-soo with Heaven: To the Land of Happiness. Timely Standouts If Cannes did end up as a platform for discussing problems around the world, one of its loudest contributors would have been Steve McQueen. The 12 Years a Slave and Widows director first transitioned from the art world to filmmaking acclaim when Hunger premiered in Un Certain Regard in 2009. This year, thanks to the anthology series Small Axe produced by BBC (and set for U.S. distribution by Amazon), McQueen has two television films in the Official Selection. Each entry in the series focuses on the lives of Londons West Indian community: Mangrove revolves around the true (and very timely) story of the 1970 trial of the Mangrove 9, activists who protested police violence and were charged with inciting a riot, while Lovers Rock is a fictional romance about a couple at blues party in the early 1980s. (In a statement following the announcement of the selection, McQueen said he dedicated both projects to George Floyd and all the other black people that have been murdered, seen or unseen, because of who they are, in the US, UK and elsewhere, adding, Black Lives Matter.) But McQueen is hardly the only filmmaker in the Cannes selection with topical subjects at hand. Among the others in the selection that stand out, the Egyptian drama Souad, from Ayten Amin, focuses on the countrys youth against the backdrop of its political turmoil, Red Soil, a French-Algerian film about labor unions, and Broken Keys, a promising Lebanese film from writer-director Jimmy Keyrouz about a pianist who escapes a religious extremist town after his vocation is banned. On the zanier side of things, Yeon Sang-Hos Korean zombie hit Train to Busan now has a sequel, Peninsula. Set four years in the future, it will almost certainly take into account the ongoing tensions between South Korea and its northern neighbor. One could envision it making a splash in the Cannes Midnight section. Animation Takes the Croisette We knew for months that at least one major animated feature would take flight at Cannes, and its Pete Docters Soul. It follows another Pixar title, the 2009 Up, which started its journey to an Oscar win as the festivals opening selection. Disney now plans to open Soul in November, but its not the only animated title poised to carry Cannes laurels into its theatrical release. Japans revered Studio Ghibli returns to the Official Selection with Earwig and the Witch, a 3D title from Goro Miyazaki (the son of famed Studio Ghibli founder Hayao, still at work with his secretive new project). However, the most intriguing of the four animated titles singled out in the Cannes selection is the one that looks most ambitious: Flee, from Danish film director Jonas Poher Rasmussen, applies the animated format to a documentary about European refugees which suggests it exists on a continuum with Waltz With Bashir, a Cannes surprise hit back in 2008. Discoveries Galore At least it looks like that way. Among the 56 films in the program, 15 are from first-timers, the highest number of debuts ever to crack the Official Selection. In a normal festival year, they all would qualify for the venerated Camera dOr prize, which would have kept the jury very busy across 10 days. Now, its hard to tell which of them would have been the real breakouts. But their mere existence in this lineup means that the Cannes laurels will take on a different kind of connotation in 2020 as these films continue their journeys: Yes, the auteurs are there, but so is the potential for discovery. Browse the full Cannes 2020 selection here. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Chahid El Hafed, June 02, 2020 - The Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Mr. Mansour Omar, has sent a message of thanks and appreciation to his Algerian counterpart, Mohamed Mohamed Agout, Minister of National Education, and through him to all the Algerian educational institutions that welcomed the students of the Saharawi people during the 2020/2019 school year, which contributed to providing the best conditions to accommodate them and guarantee their safety and health, despite the difficult circumstances experienced by the Algeria Sister country generated due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Omar expressed the deep appreciation and pride of the Saharawi people in general and the families of the students in particular, especially those who were under the care and responsibility of the Algerian educational institutions, for the tremendous effort of the latter in all aspects of the school life of these students. In this regard, he greatly appreciated the enormous effort made by the Algerian authorities, led by the Ministry of National Education, to ensure that our children return to the refugee camps quickly, which brought great joy to their families. The Minister of Education and Vocational Training established a phone call with his Algerian counterpart, Mohamed Wajout, the latter expressed the willingness of the Algerian Ministry of National Education to support the fields of cooperation and coordination with institutions of the Saharawi people.SPS 125/090/TRA The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] In a sign that the death toll from the coronavirus pandemic is mounting in Pakistan, two more lawmakers succumbed to COVID-19 on June 3. Mian Jamshid Uddin Kakakhel, 65, a member of the provincial parliament in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, became the fifth lawmaker to die of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. He died days after testing positive for the coronavirus and his admission to an intensive care unit at a hospital in the capital, Islamabad. The same day Shaukat Manzoor Cheema, a provincial lawmaker in the eastern province of Punjab, also died of the virus. [He] was a cancer survivor and had other complex health issues as well, Bilal Farooq Tarar, his colleague from the opposition Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, wrote on Twitter. "His condition had significantly improved a few days back ... he was taken off the vent, he added. Deteriorated all of a sudden today." A day earlier, another provincial lawmaker died of COVID-19. Ghulam Murtaza Baloch, provincial minister for human settlement, died of the coronavirus in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Karachi, the capital of Sindh Province. "Baloch died due to the coronavirus. He was a brave and diligent member of the PPP, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, the most senior elected official in the province, said in a June 3 statement while referring to his Pakistan Peoples Party by its acronym. It will be a difficult task to replace him." Also, on June 2, family sources said Haji Munir Orakzai, 61, a member of the National Assembly or lower house of the federal parliament, died of cardiac arrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas western Kurram district. He had apparently recovered from COVID-19 in early May. On May 20, two other provincial lawmakers died of COVID-19. Shaheen Raza, 60, a member of the provincial assembly in Punjab, died at a hospital in the capital, Lahore. Like Kakakhel, she was a member of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf political party. The same day Syed Fazal Agha, a member of the provincial legislature in the southwestern province of Balochistan, died at a Karachi hospital. He was also a former provincial governor of Balochistan. The lawmakers deaths came amid a mounting death toll and rising infection rates in the country of 220 million people. On June 2, Pakistan recorded 4,131 new coronavirus infections -- the highest single-day increase since the country witnessed its first cases in late February. At least 67 people died of the coronavirus on the same day, which took the total death toll from COVID-19 to over 1,650. Pakistan has so far recorded more than 80,000 cases. Critics blame Islamabads bungled and seemingly contradictory approach to containing the coronavirus pandemic for mounting infections and deaths. Opposition politicians and independent commentators blame Prime Minister Imran Khan for easing the lockdown last month at a time when more robust steps were needed to contain the spread of the virus. The government, however, says it is doing its best to contain the virus. PM Imran Khan urged the nation to act responsibly and maintain the SOPs [standard operating procedures] given by the state in order to combat the spread of COVID-19, a June 2 tweet by the prime ministers office said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Moch. Fiqih Prawira Adjie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 16:52 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbdcf01 1 City COVID-19,coronavirus,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia,PSBB,large-scale-social-restrictions,pembatasan-sosial-berskala-besar,Tangerang,Tangerang-regency,South-Tangerang,Banten,satellite-city Free Jakartas satellite cities in Banten South Tangerang, Tangerang municipality and Tangerang regency extended their large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) period until June 14 as health authorities in the region are still recording a high number of new COVID-19 cases in the region. The provincial administration announced the issuance of a 2020 gubernatorial decree on the extension of the PSBB, which were initially scheduled to end on May 31. The administration stated the restrictions could be extended in the future if health authorities were still recording a high rate of COVID-19 transmission in the region. Apart from the PSBB extension, the decree also requires non-residents wanting to go on intercity travel to obtain an exit and entry permit (SIKM) issued by each city and regency administration. However, residents of the region and Greater Jakarta identity card holders traveling within Greater Jakarta are not required to obtain such permits. Read also: 50 days of Indonesias partial lockdown. Is it enough for the new normal? South Tangerang Mayor Airin Rachmi Diany said people wishing to travel to and from the municipality could acquire the permit through the citys online permit management information system simponie.tangerangselatankota.go.id. The application process is similar to the ones issued by Jakarta. The South Tangerang Investment and One-Stop Services Agency will disseminate the information to residents, Airin said in a statement on Tuesday. She added the permits could also be issued for emergency purposes, such as sick people and dying family members, as well as work trips for workers in companies allowed to operate during the PSBB period. The gubernatorial decree also states that schools are to continue online learning activities until June 15. However, some places of worship are allowed to open and operate under strict health protocols. In South Tangerang alone, there were 242 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday, 25 of whom died of the disease. Meanwhile, Banten recorded 954 confirmed cases with 69 deaths and 273 recoveries. A case about paedophile-hunting groups was heard at the Supreme Court, remotely, on Wednesday. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) A prosecution that used evidence provided by a paedophile-hunting vigilante group breached a convicted mans right to privacy, a court has heard. Judges at the Supreme Court, sitting remotely, heard on Wednesday about how authorities work with paedophile hunters and whether their investigations, and prosecutions based on their work, are compatible with human rights. The case has been brought by Mark Sutherland, who the court heard sent sexual messages to what he thought was a 13-year-old boy on the dating app Grindr. The Supreme Court said he arranged to meet the child at Partick station in Scotland. The account was actually a decoy created by an adult member of a paedophile-hunter group, which handed over evidence to the police about him. He was convicted of attempting to communicate indecently with an older child and related offences in 2018, according to the Supreme Court. Gordon Jackson said police tacitly encourage hunter groups. (Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Sutherland has appealed to the court on the basis that the covert Grindr account and resulting evidence passed to officers amounted to a breach of his right to privacy under article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Gordon Jackson, the dean of the faculty of advocates in Scotland, for Sutherland, said there was disquiet about the whole operation of vigilante groups that in general terms do not fit nicely or kindly with the way we do things. He said the police allow them because officers would need authorisation to try to snare potential paedophiles in this way, and the hunter groups provide a way to get around Scotlands investigatory powers laws. Jackson argued that covert surveillance, which is regulated for the police, cannot be left by the state to vigilantes. He said their activities were allowed by being justified by the abhorrence of the crime their targets commit, and enjoy tacit encouragement by authorities who secure convictions based on the hunter groups evidence. Sutherland's appeal says the decoy account on dating app Grindr contributed to a breach of his privacy. (PA Images) It is a systemic use of these organisations by the Crown who then say, nothing to do with us, they just come to us as private citizens, he said, adding that picture doesnt reflect the reality. Story continues Responding, Alison Di Rollo, solicitor general for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotlands prosecution service, argued the police have a duty to detect and prevent crime and respond when alerted to a person who may pose a sexual risk to children. She said there is no right to respect for such behaviour in a democratic society and no violation of article 8. Using Grindr to form relationships could engage article 8s privacy rights, she said, but that does not extend to doing so with children. Discussing how the groups work and their relationship with the police, she insisted: The self-tasking of the decoys is just that. Self-tasking. Di Rollo also said that police are issued advice about paedophile-hunters and the actions of vigilante groups are held accountable under the law. The Supreme Court judges will now decide on whether Sutherlands rights were breached. A date for the judgement has not been set. A petition to impeach the mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, is gathering fresh steam 10 months after it was first started as criticism of his handling of the protests mounts. De Blasio, the 59-year-old leader of America's largest city, has come under strong criticism for his handling of the protests which have been happening since Thursday,in response to the killing of George Floyd. Now a petition begun in July 2019, while de Blasio was running for president, has resurfaced and is gaining momentum. Last week, it had a total of 29,000 signatures as of 8.30am on Wednesday May 27. A change.org petition, started in July 2019 to impeach de Blasio, has new energy amid protests De Blasio, pictured on Tuesday speaking to the press, has been widely criticized for his handling of the protests. His response has been attacked as flip-flopping and indecisive An additional 33,000 people had signed it in the 24 hours leading up to noon on Wednesday, Amanda Mustafic from change.org told DailyMail.com. Now more than 85,000 people are calling for his impeachment. 'Mayor Bill de Blasio is destroying New York City,' the petition's author, going under the name NYPD New York, wrote. 'We cannot have him continue as mayor for the next two years. The people of NY want change, and now is the time to act before it becomes any worse. 'This is not about being conservative, left, etc. 'This is about radical politics that are harming the city and being neglectful of New Yorkers.' The petition is merely symbolic - de Blasio will not be impeached as he is term-limited and will complete his term at the end of 2021. De Blasio spokeswoman Freddi Goldstein said that he was unperturbed by the petition. 'The mayor is focused on keeping New Yorkers safe and reopening the city not this nonsense that doesn't represent the values of this city,' she said. The mayor has faced a barrage of criticism, however, for his handling of the crisis. On Tuesday de Blasio visited the Bronx to see some of the aftermath of the looting for himself De Blasio visited stores on Burnside Avenue in the Bronx which were targeted by rioters The mayor is seen speaking to business owners in the district, which was wracked by violence While he was quick to denounce the killing of Floyd, saying that the officers involved should face criminal charges, he was slower to respond to the protests, offering no plan or action to quell the tensions. When a police patrol car plowed into a group of protesters in Brooklyn on Saturday, he initially defended the officers, saying on Sunday that the situation 'was created by a group of protesters blocking and surrounding a police vehicle, a tactic that we had seen before in the last few days, a tactic that can be very, very dangerous to everyone involved.' He added: 'And we've seen direct attacks on police officers, including in their vehicles.' The following day, after it emerged that his daughter Chiara, 25, had been arrested overnight, he changed his tune and said the police had been heavy-handed. As news of Chiara's arrest was reported, the Sergeant's Benevolent Association, a law enforcement union that frequently spars with the mayor, tweeted a photo of the arrest record, which also revealed personal details about the her. Twitter quickly removed the tweet because it violated the social media's company's rules. The mayor was critical of the union, which has often accused him of not siding with police officers. 'The SBA did something unconscionable and it's not just cause it's my daughter,' de Blasio said. 'They do this all the time with people's privacy. This is another one of the things that has to change. Look, police unions could be part of the change and the improvement in the city and this country.' He said he was proud of his daughter, adding: 'I admire that she was out there trying to change something that she thought was unjust and doing it in a peaceful manner.' Police on Tuesday night arrest a man in New York City during the protests A group are arrested in New York on suspicion of looting in Manhattan on Tuesday night Names are taken of a group of people arrested during protests in New York on Tuesday By Monday de Blasio was even more critical of the force. 'There are some who do not belong in this job,' he said. 'And there are some that use violence when they shouldn't. There are some that are disrespectful to the people they serve. There are some that harbor racism in their hearts. 'These people should not be in the police force. And it's our job to get them out.' On Tuesday, after another night of rioting, Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York and a long-time adversary of the mayor, derided de Blasio's response. 'I am disappointed and outraged in what happened in New York City last night,' Cuomo said. 'The police in New York City were not effective at doing their job last night. Period. They have to do a better job.' Cuomo has put state police and 13,000 members of the National Guard on standby and even mused about invoking his statutory power to remove the mayor. De Blasio, at a tense news conference during which he snapped at reporters and called on local leaders to take a more active role in the protests, forcefully denounced the idea of allowing organized troops onto city streets, arguing their presence would only ratchet up tensions and heighten the chaos he is trying to tamp down. 'Someone needs a history lesson: When outside armed forces go into communities, no good comes of it,' he said. Police block protesters from exiting the Manhattan Bridge in New York on Tuesday night A man is arrested in New York for flouting the 8pm curfew, which came into effect on Tuesday Dermot Shea, commissioner of the NYPD, came to de Blasio's defense and criticized Cuomo for his words. 'I can tell you definitively that he has the backs of the men and women of this police department,' Shea said. 'It is an extremely difficult time. You heard him on the news and you may have heard his comments denouncing the actions of those attacking the cops. 'And again, what we need is probably less press conferences by many people and more support and more coming out and making difficult decisions that may not be the most popular.' That has done little to help the embattled mayor, however, whose flip-flopping on his response to the protests and seeming lack of leadership has angered New Yorkers. The city's residents were already deeply unimpressed with his performance - a March poll by conducted online by Change Research, commissioned by national progressive organization Arena, gave him an approval rating of only 40 per cent, with 31 per cent saying he was doing a poor job during the COVID-19 crisis. De Blasio's tweets were greeted with a torrent of responses reading: 'Resign.' Rudy Giuliani, his predecessor as mayor, also called on de Blasio to step down - something highly unlikely to happen. Rudy Giuliani, mayor of New York from 1994-2001, now serves as Donald Trump's lawyer Twitter was flooded with calls for de Blasio to resign for the handling of the protests De Blasio's tweets were greeted with a torrent of scorn and abuse, and calls for him to resign On Tuesday night police stopped protesters exiting the Manhattan Bridge and sent them back Memes urging de Blasio to step down have proliferated - something the mayor will ignore De Blasio has been widely unpopular in New York for some time, despite being elected twice De Blasio's unpopularity is not new. His track record is certainly not all bad, however. He kept his campaign promise to provide universal free pre-K schooling for the city's 70,000 four-year-olds, expanded paid sick leave and oversaw the city's increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour. New York's economy is strong and crime rates are low, although homelessness remains a problem. He was re-elected for a second term in 2017 with 67 per cent of the vote. He has also long had a strained relationship with the police, dating back to his campaign when he pledged to reform the city's stop-and-frisk practices, which the police credited for a decrease in crime but detractors said was institutionalized racial profiling. In July 2014 he was confronted with the first major challenge of his term, when Eric Garner was killed by a policeman on Staten Island. Daniel Pantaleo, who killed Garner in a chokehold, remains a New York police officer. The state of New York did not charge him, and the Department of Justice investigated the case and declined to bring charges. De Blasio says it is a matter for the NYPD. Two police officers were murdered in December 2014 in response to the death of Garner - the first officers to die in the line of duty since 2011. Police turned their backs on de Blasio at the Brooklyn hospital where the bodies were being kept. Many more echoed the gesture at Wenjian Liu's funeral the following weekend. Law enforcement officers stand, with some turning their backs, as Bill de Blasio speaks on a monitor outside the funeral for NYPD officer Wenjian Liu in January 2015 Liu died in a Dec 2014 ambush after the death of Eric Garner. The gunman then killed himself In February this year, when police were shot at in the Bronx, de Blasio tweeted his outrage at the violence claiming the shootings were an attack not only on police but 'on ALL New Yorkers and everything we believe in'. The police union, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, replied by 'declaring war'. 'Mayor DeBlasio, the members of the NYPD are declaring war on you!' the SBA tweeted. 'We do not respect you, DO NOT visit us in hospitals. 'You sold the NYPD to the vile creatures, the 1% who hate cops but vote for you. NYPD cops have been assassinated because of you. 'This isn't over, Game on!' NORRISTOWN Montgomery County officials said Tuesdays primary election, while not typical given the COVID-19 pandemic, went off without any major problems at the polling places as more people chose to cast ballots by mail. It was a relatively quiet Election Day. There were some normal Election Day things that happened but overall, it was a relatively quiet day at the polls, county Commissioner Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. said on Wednesday. According to Lawrence, who is chairman of the county Board of Elections, 88,688 county residents cast ballots in-person at one of the countys 140 polling places on Tuesday. Officials temporarily reduced the number of polling places from 352 to 140, a reduction of 60 percent, for the primary election after many traditional poll workers chose not to work this election cycle given the pandemic. Additionally, as of Wednesday afternoon, 112,853 mail-in ballots had been received by Voter Services. Officials previously said 161,044 mail-in ballots had been requested by county residents. According to county figures, there are 487,394 total registered voters in the county. On Monday, in response to protests in the region about George Floyds death, Gov. Tom Wolf said Philadelphia and several other counties in southeast Pennsylvania, including Montgomery County, can keep counting mail-in ballots for seven additional days. We can continue to count mail-in ballots that come in until June 9 as long as they were postmarked on June 2. So, we will have additional ballots. We had quite a few come in (Wednesday) that will be able to be counted now because they were postmarked by June 2, Lawrence said. Voter Services is working hard to tabulate all the ballots that will come in until June 9 due to the extension, Lawrence added. Election results will continue to be updated as those ballots are received. The preliminary results can be found at www.montcopa.org/voterservices All votes cast at the polls have been entered and the mail-in ballots will be entered gradually as well, said Lawrence. Officials previously dubbed the primary election the pandemic primary. Due to the pandemic it was not a typical primary. We needed to follow (federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, ask poll workers and voters to wear masks and make sure we regularly cleaned voting machines and stations so we were able give voters a safe environment to exercise their right to vote, Lawrence added on Wednesday. Lawrence thanked poll workers and county employees who came through under very difficult circumstances to help execute a successful Election Day for our residents. The top draw during the primary election was each partys nomination for president. According to the unofficial and preliminary figures, Joe Biden was leading on the Democratic ticket with 33,539 votes, while Bernie Sanders had 8,845 votes and Tulsi Gabbard had 1,142. For the Republican nomination for president, Donald Trump had 37,954 votes, according to unofficial and incomplete results as of Wednesday afternoon, while Bill Weld had captured 2,386 votes. The Trump administration says it will block Chinese passenger airlines from travelling to the United States starting on 16 June. The move, made by the US Department of Transportation, reportedly was in response to Beijing refusing to allow US air carriers to resume flights to the country amid the coronavirus pandemic, with the department now putting pressure back on China. "Our overriding goal is not the perpetuation of this situation, but rather an improved environment wherein the carriers of both parties will be able to exercise fully their bilateral rights," the Transportation Department's order on Wednesday read. "Should the [Chinese aviation authority] adjust its policies to bring about the necessary improved situation for US carriers, the Department is fully prepared to revisit the action it has announced in this order." The order would take effect on 16 June and apply to Air China, Hainan Airlines Holding Co., China Eastern Airlines Corp., and China Southern Airlines Co. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have pushed for China to be allowed to resume more flights operating between the country and the US. The airlines paused services in March amid the pandemic but now await approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of China to return. Currently, the aviation authority only allows airlines to operate the same number of flights that were operated on 12 March, which was when both airlines had no flights going into the country. "[China] effectively precludes US carriers from reinstating scheduled passenger flights to China," the Transportation Department said. We support and appreciate the US governments actions to enforce our rights and ensure fairness, Delta said in a statement. United has yet to comment. In late March, China allowed its own carriers to maintain just one weekly flight to any given country. Both Delta and United have asked to also be allowed limited flights as transportation increases. The State Department has said it "protested this situation to the Chinese authorities, repeatedly objecting to China's failure to let US carriers fully exercise their rights and to the denial to US carriers of their right to compete on a fair and equal basis with Chinese carriers." China "remains unable" to say when it will revise rules "to allow US carriers to reinstate scheduled passenger flights," the Transportation Department said. Donald Trump enacted a travel ban against China on 31 January in an effort to further prevent the spread of Covid-19 into the US. Soho House is considering its first rural American development with a farmhouse in the sleepy upstate New York town of Rhinebeck. The new development will be modeled on the Soho Farmhouse, which is spread across 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, and neighbors the quaint Cotswolds villages of Chipping Norton and Great Tew. Since its opening in 2015, the plush retreat has counted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Clooney's among its celebrity clientele. The club comprises 40 cabins, a seven-bedroom farmhouse and a four-bedroom cottage. Guests can use bicycles to travel between the dining venues, a 55-seat art deco-style cinema and a boating lake. Rhinebeck, a town with a population of just 8,000 in the Hudson Valley, is already to home to some celebrities, including Paul Rudd who co-owns a sweet shop there called 'Samuel's' with Walking Dead actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Pictured: A file photo of Rhinebeck in upstate New York, which Soho House is eyeing as a new rural development based on its Oxfordshire retreat Pictured: An exterior shot of the Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom People ride the bicycles downtown July 21, 2010 in central Rhinebeck, New York Pictured: An interior shot of a living room at the Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom It was also where former President Bill Clinton's daughter Chelsea Clinton was married to investment banker Marc Mezvinsky in 2010. The sleepy town, known traditionally for its wool festival and for having the largest collection of antique aeroplanes in the world, is 100 miles north of Manhattan and 180 miles west of Boston. A source told Page Six of the possible rural American development, 'It might make the town just a tad less quiet.' Last year, locals living near the farmhouse retreat in the English countryside said their once peaceful lanes were overrun with 'noisy super cars' and speeding SUVs belonging to 'a specific type of person who is more upmarket'. Since the club opened in 2015 they said the traffic had become 'terrible'. Soho Farmhouse is where Meghan Markle hosted her hen party in 2018 and membership costs 1,360 a year. George and Amal Clooney are also among its regular guests. Victoria and David Beckham are currently isolating at their 6million property which they bought near the farmhouse to be close to its spa. Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex emerge from the West Door of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018 after their wedding ceremony George Clooney and his wife Amal (pictured) are also among the retreat's upmarket guests Pictured: An interior shot of a living room and kitchen at the Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom British entrepreneur Nick Jones, 57, opened the first Soho House in 1995 in Greek Street, London, as a haven for people in the 'creative industries'. It soon became a luxury private member's club and celebrity hangout with 50,000 members worldwide and a waiting list of 30,000. As of 2020, Soho House operated 27 clubs across the globe, with plans to open in Nashville, Tel Aviv, Mykonos, Paris, and London in the next two years. Vietnam hands over face masks to help DFC cope with COVID-19 Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc handed over made-in-Viet Nam face masks as gifts to the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) on the occasion of his meeting with CEO of the DFC Adam Boehler on June 2 in Washington DC. Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc hands over made-in-Viet Nam face masks as gifts to the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Washington DC, June 2, 2020. During a meeting, Adam Boehler announced that as a development finance agency of the US Government, the DFC is implementing a series of plans to support investment projects in developing countries, especially those in the spheres of energy, infrastructure and digital economy. The DFC always attaches a great importance to and considers Viet Nam a preferred partner in US cooperative projects, he affirmed. At the regional level, the DFC is interested in supporting development projects in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, as well as those specializing in producing strategic products in the USs supply chain, he stated. Boehler also hoped that reached agreements will be implemented effectively during working meetings between the DFC and Vietnamese agencies, including the Ministry of Planning and Investment. The DFC official emphasized the effective coordination between Viet Nam and the US in producing and supplying medical supplies and protective equipment to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. For his part, Ambassador Ngoc shared Viet Nams experience in controlling the disease, as well as its priorities in economic recovery and promoting regional and global cooperation as the ASEAN Chair 2020. He highly valued the DFCs role and expressed his hope that the two sides would soon deploy specific cooperation projects in the region. Emphasizing that 2020 marks 25 years of normalization of Viet Nam-US relations, the diplomat called on the DFC to continue to participate in and contribute to relevant activities in the coming time, including joining ASEAN-US and Viet Nam-US conferences on investment cooperation in the region. Two State Troopers are ready to contain protesters who stay out after the Governors 8 p.m. curfew on the sixth night of protests and violence following the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 31, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Lawmakers look at Restricting Military Gear Going to Police The violent protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police have re-energized lawmakers to end the tradition of distributing surplus military gear to law enforcement organizations. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) said he would lead an effort in the House Armed Services Committee to restrict the Pentagons 1033 Program which has provided military gear to over 8,600 federal, state, and local police departments since it started. Local law enforcement officers shouldnt be confronting civilians with weapons designed for combat, Rep. Gallego said. A militarized police force makes our communities less safe and heightens the growing divide between police officers and the citizens they are sworn to protect. It also increases the likelihood that disproportionate or deadly force will be used, a problem that has led to these protests in the first place, added Gallego The goal of the 1033 Program was to find a use for surplus equipment the Defense Department no longer needed. This program was started over 3 decades ago, in the 1990s, and run by the Defense Logistics Agency. Over $6 billion worth of military equipment including armored vehicles, weaponized aircraft, riot control gear, and certain types of weaponry, firearms, and ammunition have been transferred to various law enforcement departments across the country. The first attempt to curtail the program was made in 2014 after seeing the effect of heavily armed police officers in riot gear in Ferguson, Missouri when Michael Brown was shot and killed by a police officer. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) headed up the effort to change the practice. Johnsons Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act was reintroduced in 2019 and it got bipartisan support. Johnsons bill would require law enforcement agencies to return some of the equipment previously supplied to them and provide greater accountability of how and what they are given is used. Senator Paul Rand (R-Ky.) supported the bill because he said it would cut back on wasteful spending and stop militarizing the police force. Not surprisingly, big government in Washington has created an incentivized system in which local law enforcement is provided mass amounts of equipment to build up forces that resemble small armies. Our neighborhoods arent warzones, said Gallego, who served in Iraq as a Marine. As a combat veteran and proud Marine, very little of my equipment or training was relevant to policing Phoenix or any American community. On Sunday, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), said in a tweet that he intends to introduce an amendment to the Senate version of the defense authorization bill that would discontinue the program. I will be introducing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to discontinue the program that transfers military weaponry to local police departments, said Schatz. The Obama administration issued an executive order 13688 in January 2015 that forced some limitations on the transfer of military equipment and increased oversight of the practice. That order resulted in recommendations on the prohibition and control of the transfer of certain kinds of military equipment. President Donald Trump issued his own executive order in August 2017, rolling-back the Obama administration restrictions. She's been eagerly sharing snaps of her toned physique during lockdown. And Tiffany Watson put on a sizzling display in sexy pink lace lingerie, in a snap she shared with fans on Instagram on Sunday. The Made In Chelsea star, 26, looked incredible in the skimpy two-piece as she struck a sultry pose in front of her bedroom mirror. Sexy: Tiffany Watson, 26, put on a sizzling display in sexy pink lace lingerie, in a snap she shared with fans on Instagram on Sunday Tiffany proudly showcased her toned abs in the plunging pink bra and matching bottoms with a lace trim. The star kept her blonde tresses styled into loose waves, as she relaxed on her bedroom floor with a cup of tea close by. On Monday, Tiffany also shared a snap of herself enjoying the sunshine at the park in Parsons Green, captioning the post: 'Park hopping.' Stylish: On Monday, Tiffany also shared a snap of herself enjoying the sunshine at the park in Parsons Green, captioning the post: 'Park hopping' Tiff let the current lockdown get the better of her, however, last month when she was spotted flouting the rules that are being enforced during the coronavirus pandemic. The blonde beauty broke government regulations as she headed to Tom Delamore's home on Thursday May 7, where she spent more than four hours and left at around 11:30pm. In exclusive footage obtained by MailOnline, it sees Tiffany leave Tom's home late at night. Drama: Tiff let the current lockdown get the better of her, however, last month when she was spotted flouting the rules that are being enforced during the coronavirus pandemic The social distancing rule states people, excluding those who live together, should stay 2m (6ft 6in) apart from other people in a bid to tackle the deadly virus. Britons have had to avoid meeting up with friends and families since March 16, a week before the full lockdown came in on March 23. MailOnline contacted representatives for Tiffany Watson for comment at the time. 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. The Cocoa Express Purchase Tool is available for use on the dealership's website today! Shoppers in the Cocoa, Florida, area will have an even more simplified experience thanks to a new tool found on a local dealerships website. Cocoa Hyundai has laid out the process of using its new Cocoa Express Purchase Tool, which simplifies the process of buying a car, whether planning to complete the purchase online or in the store. Thanks to Hyundai Assurance, shoppers have all sorts of benefits that make buying and owning a new Hyundai vehicle easier than ever before. This new tool not only enhances the shopping process for online buyers but for those who plan to finish things up in person at the showroom as well. The Cocoa Express Purchase Tool is an easy step-by-step process where shoppers simply have to plug in some information and answer a few questions before their final deal is generated completely online. From there, they can either complete the purchase online, or save the deal and bring it up when they talk to a salesperson at the dealerships physical location. Utilizing this process before going to the showroom can save shoppers over two and a half hours of time at the dealership, not only simplifying but speeding up the process as well. Residents of Brevard County and the surrounding area are encouraged to check out the dealerships website, http://www.cocoahyundai.com for information on this new tool and much more. Specific questions can be directed to the dealerships sales staff at 321-241-2063. Cocoa Hyundai is located at 1825 W. King St. GODFREY Ordinances regulating adult-use cannabis businesses and solar farms were approved by the Godfrey Village board at Tuesdays meeting. Although the board met in person, attendance was limited to village officials with the public able to access the meeting via teleconference. The board voted 3-2, with Trustee Nathan Schrumpf absent, to approved an ordinance regulating cannabis-related businesses. Voting in favor of the ordinance were Mark Stewart, Karen McAtee and Ben Allen. Virginia Woulfe-Beile and Jeffrey Weber voted no. The main point of contention was whether to charge $1,500 for a cannabis business license, which was part of the original ordinance. Before the vote on the ordinance, a proposed amendment reducing the license to $500 was defeated 3-2, with Stewart, Weber and Allen voting no, and McAtee and Woulfe-Beile voting in favor of the change. The cannabis business ordinance uses zoning regulations to set a number of requirements in addition to the license fee. Growers can operate only in agricultural districts, processors only in manufacturing districts, and dispensaries only in highway business (within the Godfrey Business District) and manufacturing districts. The village approved allowing cannabis-related businesses into the village last fall, but deferred setting up regulations until later. The ordinance had been considered and sent back for revisions several times. The solar farm ordinance passed unanimously. That ordinance had also undergone a number of revisions. It has originally been written to apply to all solar applications, including residential. However, it was later restricted to commercial solar farms because residential solar units are already allowed in the village, and subject to a few rules regarding permits and engineering reports that must be submitted for roof-mounted units. Solar farms would require a special use permit in areas zoned for agriculture. There are also a number of regulations ranging from the minimum sized lot, frontage and roads; to height of the units and bonding to ensure the land is returned to normal agricultural use after the life of the solar farm. Village officials said there has been some interest in solar farms within village limits. Copies of both ordinances are available on the village website at www.godfreyil.org. Two men arrested as part of an investigation into the shooting of gangland figure Christy Keane five years ago are due to appear in court today. Keane (55) was shot on the grounds of the University of Limerick on June 29, 2015 at 6.35am, as he parked his car in the grounds of the University of Limerick. He was seriously injured but survived. Gardai from the Henry Street District, with the assistance of local Gardai and the Armed Support Unit from Limerick and the North Western Region arrested a man (40s) in Donegal on June 2, this year. At the same time, a second operation was carried out in Limerick city and a man (30s) was also arrested. The two men were brought to Henry Street Garda Station and are due to appear before a sitting of the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, Criminal Courts of Justice today at 3pm. (CNN) Editor's Note: A version of this story appeared in CNN's Work Transformed newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. Not physically being in the office hasn't prevented some workers from "walking out." Some Facebook employees staged a virtual walkout Monday over CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision not to take action on a series of controversial posts from President Donald Trump last week, reports CNN's Kaya Yurieff and Donie O'Sullivan. The walkout meant that employees logged off for the day in protest. Here's what happened: Last week, Trump posted on social media about mail-in ballots. The lack of accurate information in the posts spurred Twitter to affix a fact-check label to Trump's tweets for the first time. Facebook, however, chose to do nothing on an identical post on its site. Days later, Trump began tweeting about the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis, in which he warned "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Twitter put a warning label on the post saying it glorified violence. Facebook and Instagram (which is owned by Facebook) left the posts untouched. The lack of action on Zuckerberg's part did not sit well with everyone, with some employees taking to Twitter to express their disagreement. Only a small number of Facebook employees have been publicly speaking out, and a source told CNN Business that the company's human resources department instructed managers not to retaliate against the staff who protested, or to make them use paid time off. It's becoming more common to see workers speak up against their employers. Last summer, we saw some Wayfair employees walk out after the company sold bedroom furniture to a nonprofit that operates migrant detention facilities. There still aren't nearly enough black leaders in Corporate America Despite growing awareness of the importance of diversity at work, there's still a scarcity of black professionals in corporate power roles. Here's a snapshot of how few black executives there are in the C-suites and on the boards of America's biggest companies: Black professionals in 2018 held just 3.3% of all executive or senior leadership roles, according to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. There are just four black CEOs who run Fortune 500 companies today. And more than a third of S&P 500 companies did not have any black board members, according to Black Enterprise's 2019 Power in the Boardroom report. CNN's Jeanne Sahadi explores some of the reasons why there's such a persistent dearth of black professionals in top roles. Chief among them: Companies aren't doing enough to grow their pipelines of talented black employees. Freelancers still waiting for unemployment benefits In previous economic downturns, freelancers typically couldn't turn to unemployment benefits as a financial safety net. But in March, Congress made a major expansion to the unemployment program, temporarily allowing the self-employed, gig workers and independent contractors to file for benefits. It was welcome news. But the benefits have proven hard to get. Millions of freelancers are still waiting for their checks -- some two months after losing their jobs, CNN's Tami Luhby reports. The expansion hasn't been easy as many states struggled to recalibrate their systems to include these workers. States also have different rules for applying for benefits, adding to frustrations. Click here to read the full report. Working from home with ADHD The shift to teleworking has been tough for many workers. And for some adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it's harder to stay focused and be as productive. Symptoms of ADHD can include inattention and hyperactivity, which can make it hard to concentrate and stay organized and on schedule. For some, the office environment and being surrounded by colleagues helped maintain structure. With all that gone now, some workers with ADHD are struggling to focus and prioritize tasks. But there are steps adults with ADHD can take to help manage working from home, reports CNN's Kristen Rogers. Start by planning your day the evening before. Split up your day to focus on complex tasks earlier in the day and easy, fun assignments toward the end of the day. Here are five more ways adults with ADHD can productively work from home. Are you ready to let repair workers into your home? Our homes might be paying the price from all the extra time we're spending in them. Whether it's a broken dishwasher, floundering washing machine or just a much-needed deep clean, we might be starting to consider bringing in some professional help. But every person you let into your home carries a risk of possible infection for both parties, which is why you can expect to see some protocol changes with in-home services. Think: masks, gloves, goggles and shoe coverings, social distancing and more cleaning equipment. And when it comes to hiring child or elder care help, there need to be clear rules about mask wearing and hand washing and regular updates on what everyone is comfortable with. Click here to read more about keeping everyone safe Coffee break If 2020 was the year you were finally going to take the vacation of your dreams, I am sorry. But it might still be possible to salvage some summer fun with a Plan B, C, D or maybe even E, depending on how things pan out. One good starting point is to look for wide open spaces. While Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon announced partial re-openings in mid-May, don't overlook lesser-known parks, and consider a lake trip over the beach scene. The Battlefields at Gettysburg have seen an increase in road traffic as people take self-guided tours back through history. If you need a little trip inspiration and some clues on what traveling might look like in the era of coronavirus, click here. This story was first published on CNN.com Micaylah and the Never Never: a gripping and potent tale about a girls exploration into places unknown as she encounters unexpected events and people along the way. Micaylah and the Never Never is the creation of published author E. H. Karl, a writer who was honorably discharged from the air force and has enjoyed traveling through the forty-eight contiguous states and the District of Columbia. His free time is spent volunteering, keeping company with a trio of critters, and gaining wisdom from other members of the Utah Christian Writers Fellowship. Karl shares, Fear and faith collide when a tragic, life-altering event forces twelve-year-old Micaylah Thompson to travel halfway across the world to the Australian outback. With help from Uncle Thaddeus and Aunt Sarah, missionaries to the aboriginal people, her fledgling faith and fragile spirit mend. Together with Kumquat, a perky Australian shepherd, she explores the wonders of a land that time has forgotten. This is her story of faith, which deepens and grows, touching those around her in the Never Never. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, E. H. Karls new book is a riveting creation that tells a story of faith after tragedies. Join Micaylah as she goes on a mission that will change her life and everyone elses! View a synopsis of Micaylah and the Never Never on YouTube. Consumers can purchase Micaylah and the Never Never at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Micaylah and the Never Never, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Financialnewsmedia.com News Commentary PALM BEACH, Florida, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The psychedelic drugs market is expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2020 to 2027. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the market is growing with a CAGR of 16.3% in the forecast period of 2020 to 2027 and expected to reach USD 6,859.95 million by 2027 from USD 2,077.90 million in 2019. Growing acceptance of psychedelic drugs for treating depression and increasing prevalence of depression and mental disorders are the factors for the market growth. The report says: " psychedelic drugs are used to enhance or change sensory perceptions, energy levels, thought processes, and to facilitate spiritual experiences. Psychedelic drugs can be categorized into dissociative drugs (such as PCP), empathogens and serotonergic (classic hallucinogens) (such as LSD). These drugs are used in the treatment of major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and opiate addiction among others." Mentioned in today's commentary include: Global Trac Solutions, Inc. (OTCPK: PSYC), Champignon Brands Inc. (OTCQB: SHRMF) (CSE: SHRM), The Yield Growth Corp. (OTCQB: BOSQF) (CSE: BOSS), Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. (OTCQB: MMEDF) (NEO: MMED), Mota Ventures Corp. (OTCPK: PEMTF) (CSE: MOTA). The report continued: "Psychedelic drugs market has increased with increased number of psychedelic drugs as compared to the past few years and increasing prevalence of depression and mental disorders in the U.S Growing acceptance of psychedelic drugs for treating depression is also increasing market value as the psychedelic drugs has repetitively proven its high rates of effectiveness for treatment for nicotine dependence, alcohol dependence, anxiety associated terminal illness and chronic PTSD as compared to other antidepressants. Currently, different research studies are taking place that are expected to provide a competitive advantage for new and innovative therapeutic manufacturers with competitive psychedelic drugs and methods to develop, define psychedelic drugs, and various other opportunities in the U.S. psychedelic market. " Global Trac Solutions, Inc. (OTC Pink: PSYC) Breaking News:PSYC Attracts Hundreds of Subscribers For Their Monthly Newsletter Launch in June - Global Trac Solutions is pleased to announce that as part of the successful launch of its Psychedelic Spotlight website (www.psychedelicspotlight.com) last week, the Company has added hundreds of new email subscribers for the monthly newsletter, which will cover the company's insights on industry news, including medicinal research, cultural reform and investor updates to present the historic progress being made in this quickly evolving industry. The first edition of the newsletter is scheduled for release this month, and the company is looking to continue to add to its growing subscriber base over the coming weeks. The intention of Psychedelic Spotlight is to create a communications platform to highlight the medical community's quest to successfully treat a wide range of mental health disorders that are currently affecting tens of millions around the globe with no existing treatment through traditional medicines. Medicinal psychedelics have shown great promise through a number of studies conducted over the last fifteen years, but the scientific progress being made in new and current studies over the last two years (and even within the last few months) have accelerated exponentially. Psychedelics are gaining a respectful and highly inquisitive position in the scientific community, which is helping to destigmatize these substances from a societal perspective and creating unprecedented opportunities in public trading markets. "Monumental studies being conducted at some of the most well respected research institutions around the world, such as Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Imperial College in London, are bringing psychedelics out of the shadows and exhibiting their therapeutic effect to successfully treat a number of intractable mental ailments suffered around the globe," said Vanessa Luna, CEO of Global Trac Solutions. "This noble work has an opportunity to heal tens of millions and change the course of humanity, which is often plagued as a result of these illnesses. By leveraging our website and our forthcoming newsletter and open source blog, we hope to create an important channel to share and distribute critical news and information on the importance of psychedelics as a tool to transform the way we think about the mind, mental health and human consciousness." The Company encourages those who are interested in following the trends and growth associated with medicinal psychedelics to subscribe to the Psychedelic Spotlight newsletter by visiting www.psychedelicspotlight.com. Furthermore, the Company contends that is on schedule for the release and distribution of its debut monthly newsletter on or around June 15, 2020. In other active company news in the markets this week: Champignon Brands Inc. (OTCQB: SHRMF) (CSE: SHRM.CN) recently announced that certain shareholders have agreed to a voluntary resale restriction period covering 17,840,000 common shares extending the period of time before the shares become free trading to July 15, 2020. These shares were previously only subject to a statutory hold period. The Company also announces that it has engaged Gold Standard Media, LLC ("GSM") to provide marketing and consulting services to raise public awareness of the Company, with a specific emphasis on the Company's North American clinical expansion. GSM is a limited liability company existing under the laws of the State of Texas with an office at 1102 S. Austin Ave, #110-283, Georgetown, Texas, USA. The agreement (the "Digital Marketing Agreement") with GSM is for an initial term of two years effective May 28, 2020. The Digital Marketing Agreement has an aggregate cost of US$300,000 (the "Consideration"). To the Company's knowledge, GSM and its principals do not hold any securities of the Company. In addition, the Company has no plans to issue securities to GSM as whole or partial payment of the Consideration. The Yield Growth Corp. (OTCQB: BOSQF) (CSE: BOSS.CN) recently announced that its majority owned subsidiary NeonMind has entered into an agreement entitled "CLINICAL TRIALS START-UP STUDY AGREEMENT" with Translational Life Sciences Inc. ("TLS") to initiate clinical trials to test certain potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin and other compounds in psychedelic mushrooms. According to the terms of the engagement, signed on May 6, 2020, NeonMind and TLS shall work together to conduct the evaluation of psilocin or psilocybin on cravings, on the metabolism, on food addiction and on glucose and hormone levels. Neon authorizes TLS to perform activities required to prepare for and conduct the study and the parties shall work towards entering into a clinical study agreement. NeonMind shall pay for all costs related to the study and TLS shall arrange for prior approval by Health Canada, and engagement of all necessary parties to conduct the study. Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. (OTCQB: MMEDF) (NEO: MMED) announced it is expanding its Phase 2a clinical trial of LSD microdosing for Adult ADHD. MindMed is the leading neuro-pharmaceutical company for psychedelic inspired medicines and as part of its expanding slate of research and clinical trials, will add an additional clinical trial site and Principal Investigator at the University Hospital Basel in Basel, Switzerland , the birthplace of LSD for its Phase 2a clinical trial of LSD microdosing. MindMed's microdosing division is pioneering the clinical development of consuming very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelic substances. The company intends to continue building its microdosing division into a global leader for microdosing psychedelics and expand a diverse R&D pipeline of sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelics to treat various mental health issues including Adult ADHD. Mota Ventures Corp. (OTCPK: PEMTF) (CSE: MOTA:.CN) recently announced the completion of its' Cdn$20,000,000 acquisition (the "Transaction") of all of the outstanding share capital of Verrian Ontario Ltd. ("Verrian") effective June 1, 2020. Verrian is an established and well advanced European psychedelic medicine company that is focused on delivering and developing products related to addiction reduction, with a focus on alcohol and opiates. Ryan Hoggan, CEO of the Company stated, "The massive shift towards psychedelic derived medicines is no longer in doubt and this acquisition sends a strong signal to the market that Mota Ventures intends to be a serious participant this coming decade. Unlike some companies that use psychedelics as a marketing term, this acquisition of Verrian brings Mota market ready products, world renowned addiction medicine experts, R&D facilities and a 110,000 square foot facility to make it happen. In my opinion this is the most complete psychedelic asset on the market, and therefore should immediately make Mota a market leader in the space." DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates Financialnewsmedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third- party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. 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Contact Information: Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com +1(561)325-8757 ELKO Elko County Manager Rob Stokes is planning to retire at the end of this year after roughly 20 years on the job, years of growth that is culminating in the county dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In my lifetime, that is probably the biggest thing to affect our society as a whole, he said of the pandemic that is affecting Elko County because of business shutdowns and statewide restrictions. Businesses were greatly impacted and even government revenues are being impacted greatly. Weve been closely monitoring the impact to the county budget. Were taking a pause to see what is going to happen, Stokes said on June 2, a day before Elko County Commissioners will act on his retirement. He said the county has delayed certain capital projects, such as remodeling at the Washington Federal Credit Union building that the county now owns. The credit union is leasing the building from the county until its new facility is completed, but there was room for putting a county office in there before the credit union moved. The plan was to go in earlier this year and start remodeling to put the recorders office in there. We delayed that, Stokes said. Plans also call for relocating the county clerks office to the credit union site, which will add 39 parking spaces for the county, and shifting offices around in the county building to make room for the third district court, when money is available. When Stokes came to Elko in January 2001 to replace retiring Elko County Manager George Boucher, his office was in the older, smaller building across from the current county building, and the county parking lot was where the district attorneys office was located. He said when he arrived, he was able to work with Boucher a little while before Boucher retired, and the South Canyon Road, Shovel Brigade events were just winding down, although the county spent years resolving that Jarbidge road issue. Public lands issues have continued throughout his years with the county, and Stokes said he had familiarity with public lands concerns at his previous job as county administrator in Greenlee County, Arizona, which is a copper mining area. Over the years weve dealt with a lot of land issues, and weve worked to build relationships with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Public lands are important to the county, Stokes said. He estimated roughly 75 percent of Elko County is public land. Elko County also has been supportive of the gold-mining industry in the area, including providing letters of support for proposed projects, Stokes said. I hope it is our mainstay for decades to come, he said of the industry. Commission Chairman Demar Dahl said he thinks Stokes is a great guy. Ive enjoyed working with him the 12 years Ive been on the commission. Hes done a great job for the county. Were going to miss him. Dahl said he has served on the Nevada Association of Counties and other boards, so he has seen how they operate, and he believes Stokes has been a a very good leader. He kept the peace among the troops. Stokes said his time has county manager has given him the opportunity to work with great people, including county commissioners, department heads and employees, as well as the public. Elko County is a great county, a great place to raise a family and the strong mining impact provides benefits we dont see in other areas, he said. Stokes said he let commissioners know a month ago he was planning to retire to give them ample time to look at a replacement. The county manager said he and his wife Tanya plan to stay in Spring Creek after he retires. They have children and grandchildren in Spring Creek, Colorado and Utah. Love 7 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 2 Angry 3 NEW DELHI: The central government is considering a proposal to deploy police officers with SPG experience for supplementing Prime Minister's security during his visit to the states. The matter was discussed last year during DGPs/IGPs conference in Pune. Center has also communicated to the states that a 'month-long trainer' course should be held for police officers on deputation to SPG and NSG immediately prior to their repatriation from the parent organisation, after repatriation they should impart training to the officers of their parent organization. The main objective of this proposal is to strengthen state police forces by providing them first-hand experience of SPG skills to the state police. "SPG to shoulder only PM's close proximity responsibility, while other protective duties should be handled by the state, using ex SPG and other trained personnel." said a source deployed in the central security establishment. During the DGP/IGP Conference, PM Narendra Modi had emphasised on regular sharing of best practices to make policing more effective. The PM also reiterated the need to use the latest technology, which can help improve the law and order situation. The escalation of tensions on the Sudanese-Ethiopian border has exacerbated already stalled negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam between these two countries and Egypt As tensions continue to heighten between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia since the breakdown of the last round of negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in Washington in February, the Sudanese-Ethiopian confrontation in Al-Fashqa on the border between the two countries has added a new layer of complexity to an already complicated situation. Sudanese positions on the mammoth Ethiopian Dam on the Blue Nile have grown more balanced in recent weeks, finally breaking with the long custom of the former Omar Al-Bashir regime to toe the line with the Ethiopian negotiating position. After stating that his country was committed to the Washington process as a framework for resolving the dispute over the dam, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok rejected an Ethiopian proposal to sign a partial agreement that would consent to Ethiopian plans to begin filling the GERD reservoir in July. His government also launched an intensive diplomatic drive to restart the negotiating process. However, the repeated armed clashes in Al-Fashqa situated along the Sudanese border with Ethiopia have cast a shadow over the future of Sudanese-Ethiopian relations and stirred speculation on the impact of this dispute on the question of GERD which has recently been the chief issue in that bilateral relationship. Since the beginning of this year, Ethiopian militias have been staging increasingly frequent cross-border raids against Sudanese villages in Al-Fashqa, a fertile agricultural region in the state of Al-Qadarif located opposite to the Ethiopian Amhara region. Ethiopian bands of highway robbers and militias known as Al-Shafta gangs have driven Sudanese farmers from their land, seized property by force, stolen livestock, and murdered and kidnapped people to hold them for ransom. Thousands of Ethiopian farmers have moved into the area to cultivate crops or raise livestock under the protection of these armed gangs. Sudanese sources estimate that the Ethiopian farmers currently occupy over a million acres of some of Sudans most fertile land. The phenomenon began decades ago. Ethiopian farmers began to move into the Al-Fashqa region in 1957, a year after Sudan won its independence. The encroachments then persisted, taking advantage of the inability of the two sides to reach an agreement over this border area. Although Ethiopia has not denied Sudans legal title to this land in accordance with the 1902 Nile Waters Agreement followed by a border protocol signed in 1903, it has continually worked to impose a de facto reality on the ground by facilitating the settlement of Ethiopian farmers in Al-Fashqa while procrastinating on border demarcation talks that it has attempted to prolong through endless local subcommittees. Sudan, meanwhile, has always averted confrontation with Ethiopia, whether out of fear that this might escalate into military conflict or in order to preserve strategic interests that it regards as more important. The recent attacks starting at the beginning of this year testify to a number of changes that might have important implications for the future of Sudanese-Ethiopian relations. Contrary to custom, the latest spate of attacks occurred in the winter and spring, whereas in the past they had generally been restricted to the harvest season in the autumn. This suggests that the Ethiopian farmers want to deprive their Sudanese counterparts of the opportunity to sow the soil from the outset, thereby facilitating a bid to secure permanent control over the land. Secondly, the attacks have become fiercer and deadlier. Whereas in the past the Al-Shafta gangs tended to plunder crops after harvest or steal livestock in order to sell the produce themselves, recently higher numbers of Sudanese farmers have been killed or abducted and Sudanese homes and farms have been burned. The intention appears to have been to terrorise the local Sudanese inhabitants in order to lend impetus to designs to drive them off the land. The Ethiopian attacks also appear to be more organised and systematic, rendering it unrealistic to continue to attribute this phenomenon to mere localised strife between neighbouring communities situated on opposite sides of the border. Indeed, there is mounting evidence that the Amhara state authorities have been involved in organising the expansion of Ethiopian farmers into Sudan and that the federal government in Addis Ababa has been unwilling to take any serious steps to deter them and halt the attacks. In the short term, the Al-Fashqa crisis is likely to impact negatively on the GERD negotiations as Addis Ababa may seize on it as another pretext to evade talks or use the evacuation of Ethiopian farmers from Sudanese territory as a means to leverage Khartoum into taking pro-Ethiopian positions at the negotiating table. In the longer term, however, the dispute will put paid to the narrative, dating from the Al-Bashir era in Sudan, that the bilateral Sudanese-Ethiopian was ideal, that Sudan had more to gain from the GERD than Ethiopia, and that Egypt was perpetually scheming to control the Nile and deprive the upstream nations of their rights to Nile water and development. The recent border crisis has opened Khartoums eyes to the reality of Ethiopian intentions. Ethiopias rejection of the 1902 Agreement regulating the construction of hydraulic projects on the Blue Nile and its tributaries is a prelude to a bid to renege on its commitment, under that same agreement, to recognise and respect Sudanese sovereignty over the Al-Fashqa region. The growing Sudanese awareness of this, combined with the increased frequency and hostility of the confrontations in the region, will increase the chances of more strenuous Sudanese objections to the GERD which, indeed, presents a looming threat to Sudan. In fact, Sudanese voices have already grown louder now that the Al-Bashir regime is no longer around to suppress them. RESPONSES: Largely due to the unusual developments in the mode of attacks, official responses on both sides have appeared confused, and in fewer than three months there have been several waves of escalating tensions followed by periods of calm. Faced with the growing belligerence and ferocity of the Al-Shafta gangs since the outset of this year, the Sudanese armed forces have had no choice but to break with custom and actively intervene to protect Sudanese lives and property. On 8 March, a small contingent of the Sudanese army was deployed to drive out the Al-Shafta gangs. Two Sudanese soldiers and three Ethiopian gang members died in the exchange. Then, as the Sudanese became more determined to clear the area, they crossed to the eastern bank of the Atbara River for the first time in about 25 years. Sudanese forces have been absent from this area for so long because they have been preoccupied with engagements on other fronts in Darfour and South Kordofan. But when the Sudanese forces entered Al-Fashqa they clashed with Ethiopian armed forces that claimed they were present on Sudanese territory in order to protect Ethiopian citizens. This development confirmed Ethiopian designs to prevent Sudanese forces from establishing a permanent presence in the areas under dispute. The skirmishes prompted Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, president of the Transitional Sovereign Council (TSC) in Sudan, to make an unscheduled visit to inspect the state of security in Al-Qadarif. Accompanied by the Sudanese army chief-of-staff and the director of intelligence, the TSC president reviewed the second infantry division in Al-Qadarif and the 6th Infantry Brigade command in the Doka region. The visit also occasioned the redeployment of a full regiment of the Sudanese armed forces to Al-Fashqa. In the aftermath of a round of escalation in early April, Sudan and Ethiopia tried to defuse the crisis. On 9 April, Al-Burhan called Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy. Soon afterwards, Ethiopian Chief-of-Staff Adam Mohamed visited Khartoum at the head of a high-level Ethiopian delegation, after which the two sides announced a new agreement on the border demarcation and the return of Ethiopian farmers to their country. Then, on 17-21 May, a high-level Sudanese delegation visited Addis Ababa to discuss a number of issues of mutual concern, foremost among them being a resolution to the problem of Ethiopian farmers in Al-Fashqa. The two sides agreed that a joint border demarcation committee would begin installing border signs in October and complete its work in March 2021. Despite these efforts, the renewed violence on 27-28 May showed that they were insufficient to resolve the problem. The clashes between the two sides, involving a larger engagement of the Sudanese armed forces, resulted in the death of a Sudanese officer with the rank of captain and six Sudanese conscripts. On 30 May, tensions escalated further when Sudan recalled the charge daffaires of its embassy in Addis Ababa to Khartoum in protest against the latest Ethiopian militia attacks. The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry issued what the Sudanese described as a feeble response on its Facebook page, stating that it sees no reason for a state of hostility and prefers to deal with such matters through diplomatic dialogue. The bumpy road to a resolution of the Al-Fashqa crisis could diverge into three possible courses, one being further escalation. This would occur, for example, if either or both sides thought it to their advantage to try to capitalise on the crisis to enhance their domestic legitimacy or their regional profile. If such a scenario led to a large-scale military confrontation, this could reshape the demographics of the area in a manner determined by the outcomes of the military confrontation. At the opposite end of the spectrum is a quick and definitive solution to the Al-Fashqa crisis. There is no reason why this should not be possible in the light of the close relations between Khartoum and Addis Ababa since the fall of the Omar al-Bashir regime in Khartoum. An agreement that stresses the close and historic relations between the two sides could include important concessions from the Ethiopian side (the aggressor) that would lay the dispute to rest once and for all. Given the tinderbox at the border, the two sides could draw on the unanticipated Ethiopian-Eritrean border resolution initiative in 2018. Option three, which falls between rapid escalation and a rapid solution, is temporary containment. The two sides have traditionally resorted to this option, which assumes the dispute to be limited, local, and apolitical. This would be convenient in that it merely requires some conventional reconciliations between tribal or other local leaderships, with some input from the local administrations in Al-Qadarif and Amhara. Unfortunately, arrangements of this sort have been short-lived in the past, even if they have offered some temporary reprieve to the two sides, which both want to avert escalation at present. Generally speaking, a full-scale conflict seems unlikely in view of various domestic, regional, and international factors. On the other hand, while the prospects of a more permanent solution with the border demarcations that should be carried out by March next year seem positive, the more likely scenario is the middle-of-the-road approach of a fragile, patchwork solution. The writer is head of the African Studies Unit at the Egyptian Centre for Strategic Studies. *A version of this article appears in print in the 4 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Prince Joachim of Belgium has apologised for attending a party in Spain last Tuesday, admitting that he 'deeply regrets his actions'. The 28-year-old nephew of King Philippe of Belgium and ninth in line to the throne, attended the bash on Tuesday in a private house in the city of Cordoba. Just days after attending the private party with his Spanish girlfriend, which breached social distancing rules, he was diagnosed with coronavirus. 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 has apologised for attending a party in Spain last Tuesday, admitting that he 'deeply regrets his actions' (he is seen in 2011) Speaking in a statement to People, he said: 'I would like to apologise for travelling and not having respected the quarantine measure. 'I did not intend to offend or disrespect anyone in these very difficult times and deeply regret my actions and accept the consequences, the royal concluded. 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. Prince Joachim of Belgium (pictured middle with father Prince Lorenz and sister Princess Luise Maria in 2017) was diagnosed with coronavirus a few days after attending a private party which broke lockdown rules in Cordoba, Spain The prince, 28, travelled to Madrid on a business trip on Sunday but then took a high-speed train to Cordoba (pictured) on Tuesday a week ago 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.' '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. 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 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.' 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 (seen) grew up The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has emphasized that it still opposes the compilation of a new voter register by the Electoral Commission (EC) contrary to ongoing reports of alleged participation of some of its regional members in the nationwide pilot. The main opposition party in the last few months have made their stance on the compilation of a new vote register very clear. They have time and again stressed that millions of Ghanaians stand to be disenfranchised and hence should be aborted. Despite its position, some members of the NDC have been alleged to have participated in the pilot exercise of the registration conducted by the EC in various parts of the country. This development has given many the course to believe that the opposition party has succumbed to the registration. Reacting the reports, the NDC has reiterated that it has not changed its position and has not backtracked on its position on the compilation of a new voters register by the Jean Mensah-led Electoral Commission. For the avoidance of doubt, our participation in the just-ended pilot voter registration exercise, which appears to be fueling this wrong and in some cases mischievous impression, was to monitor the process for purposes of our preparation towards a limited voter registration exercise, a position we have canvassed publicly, a press statement signed by Sammy Gyamfi who is the National Communication Officer of the NDC has explained. The party says their observation of the ECs pilot registration process has revealed serious issues that reinforce their position that the new voter registration agenda of the EC is needless, wasteful, and can erode the democratic gains the country has made since the inception of the fourth Republic if not stopped. We wish to state unequivocally, that our position against the compilation of a new voters register has not changed. We maintain that the existing voters register, which has successfully delivered five (5) national elections with legitimate outcomes is credible and fit for purpose, a portion of the statement noted. Read the full statement from the NDC below: Press Release 3rd June, 2020 NDCs POSITION ON THE COMPILATION OF A NEW VOTERS REGISTER REMAINS UNCHANGED. The attention of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been drawn to some misleading suggestions in both mainstream media and social media space to the effect that the party has backtracked on our position on the compilation of a new voters register by the Jean Mensah-led Electoral Commission. For the avoidance of doubt, our participation in the just-ended pilot voter registration exercise, which appears to be fueling this wrong and in some cases mischievous impression, was to monitor the process for purposes of our preparation towards a limited voter registration exercise, a position we have canvassed publicly. Our observation of the ECs so-called pilot registration process, has revealed serious issues which reinforce our position that, the new voter registration agenda of the Jean Mensah-led EC is needless, wasteful and can erode the democratic gains we have made since the inception of the fourth Republic if not stopped. We wish to state unequivocally, that our position against the compilation of a new voters register has not changed. We maintain that the existing voters register, which has successfully delivered five (5) national elections with legitimate outcomes is credible and fit for purpose. We still hold the position, that the entrenched decision by the intransigent and headstrong Jean Mensah-led EC to foist a new voters register on the country, is not only unreasonable and financially imprudent, but a ploy to rig the 2020 general election for President Akufo-Addo and the ruling New Patriotic Party, through voter suppression in NDC strongholds. The agenda of the Jean Mensah-led Electoral commission to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, has the tendency to jeopardize the peace and democracy of this country. Hence, we shall continue to employ every legitimate means to stop this evil agenda as we have already intimated publicly. The party shall, in the coming days make public its comprehensive assessment of the Electoral Commissions so-called pilot registration exercise which has turned out to be a total fiasco. Signed Comrade Sammy Gyamfi Esq. National Communication Officer Billie Piper and her son Eugene, eight, threw their support behind the Black Lives Matter movement as they attended a protest in London on Wednesday. Protecting her face with a scarf, the actress, who shares sons Winston James, 11, and Eugene Pip with ex Laurence Fox, threw herself into the spirit of the event. The 37-year-old star's outing comes just hours after Eugene's father and her ex, 42, sparked a furious backlash after sharing a flippant reference to the Blackout Tuesday movement in the wake of George Floyd's death. Out and about: Billie Piper and her son Eugene, eight, threw their support behind the Black Lives Matter movement as they attended a protest in London on Wednesday Thousands of protesters are marching around the globe in response to the death of Floyd, who was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis last week. Throwing her support behind the movement, Billie joined a host of other stars - including Liam Payne and John Boyega - in protesting. Seemingly having no intentions of protesting, Billie's ex-husband Laurence, from whom she split in 2016, was facing fury from fans and followers. Taking to Twitter on Tuesday after millions across the world boycotted social media by filling their feed with black squares, he wrote: 'Instagram seems to be broken.' Paying tribute: Protecting her face with a scarf, the actress, who shares sons Winston James, 11, and Eugene Pip with ex Laurence Fox, threw herself into the spirit of the event All aboard:The crowds clutched signs to assist in the protest Under fire: The 37-year-old star's outing comes just hours after Eugene's father and her ex, 42, sparked a furious backlash after sharing a flippant reference to the Blackout Tuesday movement in the wake of George Floyd's death Great loss: The movement comes after the death of African-American George Floyd, 46, last week, who passed away after Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for several minutes before he died from asphyxiation The movement was aimed to give people an opportunity to reflect on and learn about the Black Lives Matter movement and racial equality, sparked by Floyd's death at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis on May 25. Addressing his 183,000 followers, he wrote: Instagram seems to be broken. The comment sparked an inevitable wave of criticism, with many followers condemning Fox for being 'twisted, racist' and missing the point. Responding to the actor, one wrote: 'Obviously your thinking is. Making a joke about people showing solidarity for the appalling way black people have been & are still being treated for generations is pretty twisted.' While another added: 'And the most privilege blind award goes to L Fox. Your blind spot is immense!' A third commented: 'No Laurence. People are ending racism. Just as they ended the conflict in Sudan with a blue profile picture.' All in this together: Thousands of protesters are marching around the globe in response to the death of Floyd, who was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis last week Way back when: Billie and Laurence split in 2017 (pictured in 2014) Hitting back at the actor, another outraged follower wrote: Im sorry, have I missed something here? Is the problem that black police officers are wantonly murdering whites people and I have somehow got the wrong end of the stick? The actor son of celebrated screen star James Fox has been targeted for his outspoken political views following a controversial appearance on BBC show Question Time in January. Fox accused black university lecturer Rachel Boyle of 'being racist' on Question Time after she called him 'a white privileged male' for denying Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex was hounded from Britain for being mixed-race. Out and about: Throwing her support behind the movement, Billie joined a host of other stars - including Liam Payne and John Boyega - in protesting Target: Seemingly having no intentions of protesting, Billie's ex-husband Laurence, from whom she split in 2016, was facing fury from fans and followers He shot back at her: ''Oh my God. I can't help what I am, I was born like this, it's an immutable characteristic: to call me a white privileged male is to be racist - you're being racist'. Their angry exchange began when Boyle said criticism of Meghan in the media had been motivated by 'racism', adding: 'She's a black woman and she has been torn to pieces.' Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died last Monday after a white police officer knelt on his head for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, prompting a wave of protests. Joining her friends: Billie was also with pals as they stepped out A medical examiner's office on Monday ruled that Floyd's death was a homicide as they appeared to walk back initial reports that he wasn't strangled. The examiner's findings that the death was a homicide by asphyxiation confirmed the same conclusion of the independent autopsy that was also released on Monday, but there are key differences over the cause. Chauvin was fired from the Minneapolis police department over the incident, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Floyd's death roiled the globe and has sparked mass protests against police brutality across the nation - with the rows arriving in London on Wednesday. As we prepare to rebuild from the devastation wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, we will need solutions that match the magnitude of the moment. One challenge we will have to address is the youth unemployment crisis. In Connecticut, there have been more than 100,000 claims for unemployment over the last few months by residents under 30. Nationally, Americans under 30 are out of work at a level not seen since the Great Depression. This crisis touches all demographics but disproportionately affects youth of color, indigenous youth and rural youth. The good news is that we already have a strong foundation upon which to build. Shortly after his inauguration in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps to conserve our natural resources, create future national wealth and prove of moral and spiritual value not only to those of you who are taking part, but to the rest of the country, as well. Roosevelts Tree Army ultimately employed 3.4 million young men who planted 3 billion trees, created more than 700 state and local parks and constructed trails across the country. The 20 CCC camps in Connecticut fought fires, cleared roads and contributed to structures such as the Ellie Mitchell pavilion in Rocky Neck State Park. Investments in restoration, recreation and resilience create good-paying jobs more quickly than many other alternatives 15 to 33 jobs per million invested because most of the funds go towards labor, rather than materials. They will also give these young workers a meaningful employment experience in service to the country. Here in Connecticut, these young workers could restore sections of the Appalachian Trail and the New England National Scenic Trail, and they could tackle long-overdue projects in Connecticuts state parks and forests and restore more than 3,000 miles of trails. We all remember the devastation that Superstorm Sandy brought to Connecticuts shoreline in 2012. A new CCC could help protect us from future storms by restoring and rebuilding coastal habitats like dunes, oyster reefs and marshes. These workers could also prevent floods upstream by restoring wetlands and floodplains saving lives and money in the long run. As the climate warms, the importance of trees in urban areas becomes even more important. Imagine if there were a new Tree Army amplifying the work of Knox, Inc. in Hartford, Urban Resources Initiative in New Haven, Groundwork Bridgeport and others dedicated to making communities greener and healthier while breaking down historic inequity barriers at the neighborhood level. To scale up quickly, we could build on an existing AmeriCorps program, and we could have these young workers implement shovel-ready state, local and federal plans. And there are many non-profit, municipal and state partners ready and able to help. A new youth corps could also help the more than 600 species of concern Connecticut identified in its 2015 wildlife action plan. Take the monarch butterfly. This amazing pollinator has declined by 99 percent in the western states and is faring little better here in the east. A new CCC could create butterfly-friendly pollinator pathways in Connecticut and beyond to pull this charismatic critter back from the brink particularly if there were funding to implement the 2015 plan from the bipartisan Recovering Americas Wildlife Act. Time is of the essence. We need to lay the groundwork now, so we can swiftly put young people to work restoring Americas natural treasures as soon as it is safe. A new CCC will not just restart the economy it will increase our strength and resilience as a nation. Collin OMara is the president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. Eric Hammerling is the executive director of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association. Last month, an Arizona father and doctor allegedly shot and killed a naked man that broke into his daughter's bedroom. Urologist Aaron LaTowsky, 41 years old, fatally shot the burglar after their dog alerted him while he was working on the property when his entire family was sleeping, reported Crime Online. Inappropriate behaviour LaTowsky said that when their dog alerted him, he came inside to see that one of their side doors was left open and the animal kept barking down the hall, pointing towards his child's bedroom. The doctor added that while the entire family slept the night away, he quickly decided to grab his shotgun in preparations for what would have come next. He shared his gratitude that their beloved pet notified them of the break-in or else they would never have known, and they would have continued to sleep through the whole ordeal. Shortly before the shooting, local police officers responded to a call to a nearby residence that there was an attempted break-in. The resident that reported to the officials said they came face-to-face with the suspect, but that he fled afterwards. The law enforcement that responded to the LaTowsky report afterwards noted that the suspect matched the description given by the previous homeowner of the burglar. According to local law enforcement, the father, LaTowsky shot the masked man twice after he charged at him while holding a large piece of wood. The doctor also told KSAZ that he went into his daughter's bedroom and immediately discovered the suspect naked with his hands placed in the air. Also Read: Dead Body Leads to Two Naked, Malnourished Teenagers Locked in Australian Home "He basically was lunging at me, so it was very quick. I could see something dark or black coming at me, and again it was very, very close, so I fired almost immediately," LaTowsky shared. Police officers have not disclosed the suspect's identity, but they believe that he was about 18 or 19 years old. LaTowsky shared his appreciation for America and the Second Amendment and was glad that she was able to protect his household and family. He also thanked the police officers for their immediate response and assistance. The father also noted that this was their experience with a break-in but was also glad to say that they were prepared for the circumstance. Incomplete information The spokesperson for the Scottsdale police, Kevin Watts, announced that based on witness accounts and evidence, they had no reason to hold LaTowsky with any charge related to the fatal shooting. According to Law Enforcement Today, later on, authorities discovered the identity of the suspect as 18-year-old Cameron Yoe who was considered as "very bright and well-mannered" by people who seemingly ignored the facts of the events that led to his death. While there was no information gathered by police officers as to what led the suspect to commit the crime, he has received a crowd of supporters as well as a GoFundMe account that has been started in his memory to pay for the funeral costs in place of his family. Related Article: Argument Over $10 Leads to Fatal Shooting in Ohio @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. "It's better to have an existing relationship with a bank if you're seeking an SBA loan, Agudo says. If your regular bank is an SBA-approved lender, start there. They have familiarity with your business and may be able to guide you to the best programs, which may include: 7(a) loans: The SBA's marquee program, there are several types of 7(a) loans and thresholds for some extend to a $5 million maximum. The program's Express loans are designed to facilitate decisions within 36 hours of application on loans of up to $350,000. In each case, the SBA guarantees a portion of the loan, which may make it easier for borrowers with limited or less-than-stellar credit to qualify. But you must still be able to make a good case for your ability to repay. The SBA's marquee program, there are several types of 7(a) loans and thresholds for some extend to a $5 million maximum. The program's Express loans are designed to facilitate decisions within 36 hours of application on loans of up to $350,000. In each case, the SBA guarantees a portion of the loan, which may make it easier for borrowers with limited or less-than-stellar credit to qualify. But you must still be able to make a good case for your ability to repay. Veterans Advantage: This program provides loans to businesses that are at least 51 percent owned by a U.S. military veteran who meets criteria such as having been honorably discharged, being a service-disabled veteran, or being an Army or National Guard reservist, among others. This program provides loans to businesses that are at least 51 percent owned by a U.S. military veteran who meets criteria such as having been honorably discharged, being a service-disabled veteran, or being an Army or National Guard reservist, among others. CAPLines: This SBA program helps businesses with short-term working capital needs and includes specific programs for general contractors, seasonal businesses, subcontractors in various fields, and businesses with poor credit. This SBA program helps businesses with short-term working capital needs and includes specific programs for general contractors, seasonal businesses, subcontractors in various fields, and businesses with poor credit. SBA Express Bridge Loans: If you already have a relationship with an approved SBA Express lender, you may be able to get up to $25,000 within days. If you have an urgent need for cash in a federally declared disaster area and you're waiting for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, the SBA also offers Express Disaster Bridge Loans that might be an option. If you already have a relationship with an approved SBA Express lender, you may be able to get up to $25,000 within days. If you have an urgent need for cash in a federally declared disaster area and you're waiting for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, the SBA also offers Express Disaster Bridge Loans that might be an option. 504 loans: If your business is in an underserved community and your business will contribute to economic expansion, this loan program may be an option. The 504 loan is administered through designated Certified Development Companies (CDCs), which are nonprofit economic development corporations the SBA regulates. The loans are typically structured so that the bank extends a portion of the loan, the SBA underwrites a portion of the loan, and the borrower contributes 10 to 20 percent of project costs, depending on the circumstances. If your business is in an underserved community and your business will contribute to economic expansion, this loan program may be an option. The 504 loan is administered through designated Certified Development Companies (CDCs), which are nonprofit economic development corporations the SBA regulates. The loans are typically structured so that the bank extends a portion of the loan, the SBA underwrites a portion of the loan, and the borrower contributes 10 to 20 percent of project costs, depending on the circumstances. Debt relief options: For existing SBA loan borrowers who are experiencing financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act extends additional protections in the form of loan relief. The SBA will pay six months of principal, interest and fees that borrowers owe for existing 7(a), 504, and microloans, as well as new loans in these categories disbursed before Sept. 27, 2020. Borrowers do not need to request the relief, although it's a good idea to touch base with your banker to ensure that there are no delays or other issues. This relief does not apply to PPP loans or EIDLs. Government grants Other federal agencies also offer help for small businesses. Finding those that are right for and open to your small business may feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. But it may be worth your time, Agudo says. It's important that entrepreneurs are asking actively, How can I apply? What are the application guidelines? [as they search]. This should be a very public, he says. Some places to get started include: State and regional economic development authorities States, regions, and counties especially their economic development authorities are also places to look for funding options, Agudo says. Such programs may change depending on the priorities of the administration in charge, but it's a good idea to stay informed about new programs they may be launching. For example, in late May, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the New York Forward loan fund, which targets small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees. Other types of help The government may also be a good resource to help you find and apply for these loan and grant program. SBDCs are important information resources and may be able to help you find various programs. Your local SBDC may also be a good resource to find out about state and regional economic development programs that can benefit your business. In addition, SCORE the Service Corps of Retired Executives is a nonprofit that provides free mentors and advisors to small businesses. If your lender requires that you submit a business plan or if you're looking for ways to get started in potentially lucrative segments like exporting or government contracting, your local SBDC or SCORE chapter may be able to connect you with people and resources that can help. While few loans come directly from the government, there are often innovative and business-friendly programs at every level. Find an approved lender and explore your options depending on your business goals. You may find that Uncle Sam or your state government has just the answer you need to get the funding for your company, both during the COVID-19 era and afterward. Researchers from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw, ETH in Zurich and the University of Cambridge have synthesized and analysed active microparticles self-propelling in a fluid and reversing their propulsion direction depending on the wavelength of illuminating light. A research article summarising their work has recently been published in Nature Communications. Active matter encompasses systems elements of which can self-propel, drawing the energy from their environment and converting it into kinetic energy. This direction of research is currently a lively discipline in physics. It spans across many time and length scales, concerning e.g. the behaviour of birds in flocks (such as murmurations of starlings in the evening sky), schools of fish (as a form of protection against predators), and also bacteria in biofilms and other aquatic microswimmers. It focuses both on the behaviour of individual elements and understanding their mechanisms of energy conversion, interaction and coupling with the environment so important for the survival, and on the collective effects and emergence of new phenomena in large population. Both can be successfully described on different levels of precision, starting from simplistic minimal coarse-grained models, and up to refined numerical simulations. Bacteria, algae, spermatozoa, ciliates and other unicellular organisms are an important group of active swimmers. Exploring the physical basis of their dynamics is often complicated by their immense diversity, biological complexity, and high sensitivity to external conditions. Aquatic microworld is, however, governed by the universal laws of fluid dynamics which put limitations on all organisms. Due to their small sizes - micrometers, typically - and swimming speeds not exceeding tens of body lengths per second, the flow around them is dominated by viscous effects. This means that the swimming strategies of sharks or olympic swimmers fail completely in microscale competition. Macroscale swimming is based on inertia and pushing the water backwards rapidly. In microscale, inertial effects are negligible and water behaves like a very viscous fluid, such as honey or golden syrup. Imagine swimming in a pool filled with honey - a crawl stroke would be very exhausting and highly ineffective. Hence, swimming microorganisms have devised other strategies for propulsion, based on exploiting viscosity. Bacteria often have helical flagella, which they use to 'screw into' the fluid like a corkscrew. It turns out that in the viscous microworld this strategy allows for effective locomotion. Larger organisms, such as ciliates (and Paramecium among them, an often used example in school biology), have their bodies covered with thousands of cilia, resembling tiny hair. They move them in a coordinated way, similarly to a Mexican wave at a stadium. This allows the fluid to be dragged along the cell surface, and in result the cell propels in the direction opposite to the ciliary wave propagation. Understanding these mechanisms has inspired the development of a novel field of synthetic microswimmers. The vision of designing microrobots in laboratories has excited researchers for many years due to the potential wide applications in diagnostics, medicine, and technology, such as targeted drug delivery inside the patient's body. From this perspective, it is vitally important not only to design such swimmers, but also to control their motion. The mechanism described above and used by ciliated swimmers (also in multicellular organisms, e.g. cilia in human lungs and reproductive tract are essential for the transport of mucus), has inspired a number of swimmers using the phenomenon of diffusiophoresis. In order to explain it, let us take up the example of a Janus particle, inspired by the Roman god with two faces. A typical realisation is a spherical microparticle with one hemisphere covered with gold, and the other covered with platinum. When placed in a solution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the platinum side catalyses the decomposition of the peroxide to water and oxygen. In result, the concentration of products of this reaction on the platinum hemisphere increases and the concentration imbalance creates flow along the surface. Similarly to the swimming ciliates, motion of the fluid along the surface causes motion of the cell in the opposite direction. We thus have a system which locally converts chemical energy of its surroundings into its own kinetic energy. The mechanism described above is universal, the key ingredient being the nonuniform concentration of the reagents on the surface. Moreover, the chemical gradients can be replaced by an imbalance of temperature or electrostatic potential. All of these mechanisms have been experimentally confirmed in microscopic systems. It is worth noting that the typical sizes and swimming speeds of these synthetic swimmers are comparable to their biological source of inspirations. Thus by exploring artificial active matter we gain an additional insight into the swimming microworld. Many propulsion mechanisms have been proposed and are available for synthetic active matter. The challenge remains to control the motion of a swimmer, or program it such that it could reach a predefined place and e.g. deliver a drug to a chosen part of the body. Alternatively, it could be steered by an external stimulus, such as electromagnetic radiation, electric or magnetic fields, sound waves, or inhomogeneous temperature. A step in this direction is presented in the new paper by researchers from University of Warsaw, ETH in Zurich, and University of Cambridge, published recently in Nature Communications. It demonstrates novel, modified Janus particles, moving in a fluid under the influence of external lighting, with the direction of motion depending on the wavelength of the incident light. The particles with a diameter of 3.5 microns were made from anatase - a polymorph of titanium dioxide - with one hemisphere coated with gold. When illuminated with green visible light, the particles move towards the gold cap, while when exposed to UV light, they reverse their direction of motion. The particles were synthesised by Dr. Hanumantha Rao Vutukuri and Prof. Jan Vermant at ETH Zurich, where all the experimental works were performed. 'By changing the wavelength of light we activate different catalytic mechanisms on the particle surfaces, by which we can quickly steer the motion in a controlled way' says Dr. Maciej Lisicki from the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw. 'Moreover, we see very interesting collective dynamics: the particles can attract or repel each other, depending on their relative orientation and the colour of illuminating light. Tuning this, we observe rapid processes of fusion and fission, which we can steer'. The description of motion in such a system requires considering both the chemical interactions of particles though their inhomogeneous concentration fields of the reagents created on their surfaces, as well as the hydrodynamic flow caused by their presence. The theoretical model allowing to describe the dynamics of these novel active particles was constructed by Dr. Maciej Lisicki (Warsaw) and Prof. Eric Lauga (Cambridge). 'At micrometric sizes, we think about the fluid around the particles as being very viscous' says Maciej Lisicki. 'Their hydrodynamic interactions are thus far-ranged. The motion of each particle is felt by all others.' The researchers, who have been working on the applications of diffusiophoresis to the synthesis of artificial swimmers and microscale pumping for a long time now, believe that this novel, reversible and controlled mechanism of self-propulsion for Janus particles is a step on the way towards more complex microrobots which will eventually be able to transport cargo on cellular scale. It could also be used to control collective motion in microscale by local light-induced stirring in suspensions of active particles and mixtures of active and passive colloids suspended in a fluid. Physics and Astronomy first appeared at the University of Warsaw in 1816, under the then Faculty of Philosophy. In 1825 the Astronomical Observatory was established. Currently, the Faculty of Physics' Institutes include Experimental Physics, Theoretical Physics, Geophysics, Department of Mathematical Methods and an Astronomical Observatory. Research covers almost all areas of modern physics, on scales from the quantum to the cosmological. The Faculty's research and teaching staff includes ca. 200 university teachers, of which 87 are employees with the title of professor. The Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, is attended by ca. 1000 students and more than 170 doctoral students. ### SCIENTIFIC PAPERS: Hanumantha Rao Vutukuri, Maciej Lisicki, Eric Lauga, Jan Vermant "Light-switchable propulsion of active particles with reversible interactions" Nature Communications 11, 2628 (2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15764-1 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-15764-1 CONTACTS: Dr. Maciej Lisicki Institute of Theoretical Physics Faculty of Physics University of Warsaw tel. +48 605 667 471 email: Maciej.Lisicki@fuw.edu.pl RELATED LINKS: http://www.fuw.edu.pl/~mklis/ http://www.softmatter.ml Maciej Lisicki's homepage https://www.fuw.edu.pl The Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw web page https://www.fuw.edu.pl/press-releases.html Press office of the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw IMAGES: FUW200603b_fot01 https://www.fuw.edu.pl/tl_files/press/images/2020/FUW200603b_fot01.jpg Sketch of a Janus particle with two 'faces'. A classical realisation are hemispheres of gold and platinum in a solution of hydrogen peroxide. The platinum side catalyses the decomposition of the peroxide to water and oxygen. The concentration imbalance of the reagents causes a flow along the surface, which induces self-propulsion in the direction of the gold cap. (Source: UW Physics, M. Lisicki) FUW200603b_fot02en https://www.fuw.edu.pl/tl_files/press/images/2020/FUW200603b_fot02en.jpg Sketch of the new catalytic mechanism proposed in the present Nature Communications paper. The particle is made of titanium dioxide with a gold-coated hemisphere. Its motion is induced by external illumination. Under green light, the particle moves towards the gold cap, but when exposed to UV light, it reverses its direction of motion and moves in the opposite direction. (Source: UW Physics, M. Lisicki) FUW200603b_fot03 https://www.fuw.edu.pl/tl_files/press/images/2020/FUW200603b_fot03.jpg The novel double catalytic self-propulsion mechanism for Janus particles from the Nature Communications paper. The particles are made of anatase (a mineral form of titanium dioxide) and have a (bright) hemisphere coated with gold, as seen in the inset electron microscope image in the upper left corner. The bright field microscopic images are frames from a movie, in which initially (a-d) the particle exhibits free Brownian motion. The lightning bolt marks the start of illumination. (e-h) The particle propels when UV light activates the first catalytic mechanism. In the schematic drawing in (e, i) the gold colour represents the coated hemisphere. (i-l) The change of lighting to green visible light induces motion in the opposite direction. Scale bar in (l) is 5 micrometres. (Source: UW Physics, M. Lisicki) FUW200603b_fot04 https://www.fuw.edu.pl/tl_files/press/images/2020/FUW200603b_fot04.jpg Fusion and fission dynamics of switchable photoresponsive colloids. Collective effects in the dynamics of new catalytic particles described in the Nature Communications paper. Arrows depict the direction of motion of the particles. The colour of the lightning bold describes the type of illumination (blue for UV light, green for green visible light). (a-f) Fusion: time-evolution and dynamical growth of clusters leading to the formation of a single cluster. (g-l) Fission: after the change in illumination, the direction of flow created by individual particles reverses, and the large cluster explodes, creating small islands of particles. (m-p) Red arrows point towards the titanium dioxide hemisphere (bright part of the particle) and indicate the direction of motion. (q-t) Cyan arrows show the direction of motion under the change to green light illumination. Scale bar is 5 micrometres. (Source: Nature Communications 11, 2628 (2020)). MOVIE: FUW200603c_mov01.mov http://www.fuw.edu.pl/press/images/2020/FUW200603c_mov01.mov Bright-field microscopy movie shows the switchable propulsion direction of half-gold coated anatase TiO2 particle by light modulation. Active particle shows forward motion under the UV illumination, and backward motion in the opposite direction under the green light illumination. The propulsion direction reversal is achieved purely by switching the illumination wavelength. The movie is accelerated 2X. (Source: Nature Communications 11, 2628 (2020)). (Newser) As the number of those arrested in protests sparked by the death of George Floyd nears 10,000, with at least a dozen people killed amid the ongoing unrest, a big move from the school board in the city where it all started. Minneapolis public schools will no longer use the city's police department for school security after the board unanimously voted to terminate the contract, the Guardian reports. "We cannot continue to be in partnership with an organization that has the culture of violence and racism that the Minneapolis police department has historically demonstrated," a board member says in a statement. "We have to stand in solidarity with our black students." An alternate plan for providing security is being worked on, CBS Minnesota reports. (The University of Minnesota made a similar announcement soon after Floyd's death.) The Federal Government has reacted to the photographs of two children wearing discarded Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, that surface... The Federal Government has reacted to the photographs of two children wearing discarded Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, that surfaced on social media on Monday. Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha said though it was not certain the pictures were taken in Nigeria, such improper disposal of PPE could spike the number of coronavirus infection. Mustapha gave the warning during Tuesdays press briefing, in reaction to the photographs of three children wearing used PPEs that trended on social media. Mustapha described this as a dangerous development which required public education. He called on frontline health workers to ensure used PPEs are properly disposed of. Mustapha said, Shortly after the briefing of 1st June, 2020 [Monday], social media was trending with the photograph of two children wearing discarded PPEs (although it is not certain if the photograph was taken in Nigeria). Significantly, that photograph represents a dangerous development. He said the development underscores the need to engage the community in more risk communication, and diligence in the disposal of used PPEs on the part of our frontline workers and the administrators. He added, Above all, the photograph has left us to imagine what the impact would be, if schools were to be open and they attended school after being exposed so dangerously. According to him, those children represent a clear danger to themselves, family and the immediate community. Mustapha called on all the health authorities to make sure that waste disposal is done properly so as not to create opportunities for increasing the chances of spreading the coronavirus. BOSTON, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BAC Talks are deep level and forward-thinking discussions of relevant topics, rooted in our unique design perspectives and inspired by our global alumni leadership advisory network. Architect Thom Mayne to serve as keynote speaker of the day. Join The Boston Architectural College (BAC) on June 10, 2020, for our inaugural BAC Talksa series of forward-thinking and relevant discussionsinspired by the BAC's global alumni leadership advisory network. BAC Talks catapults the far-reaching and cutting-edge work of our global BAC community during a one-day virtual gathering. We invite the public to join in engaging in timely and meaningful discussions. As a leader of design education, online and onsite, we believe it is our duty to propel conversations toward the futureworking on building long-term solutions now, sparking action in the classroom and beyond. Keynote guest speaker for BAC Talks is Thom Mayne, principal of Morphosis Architects, an architectural firm based in Culver City, California. Mayne received the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2005. Under the Design Excellence program of the U.S. government's General Service Administration, Thom Mayne has become a primary architect for federal projects. Additional highlights of BAC Talks includes Opening Remarks & Greetings of the Day from Dr. Mahesh Daas, president, The Boston Architectural College and Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. The BAC community is proud to be joined by game-changing leaders to explore these timely and relevant topics with us, including: Dr. J. Keith Motley , Consultant President/CEO, Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM) to serve as co-moderator for Crisis as Conversation: Curricula for a Post-Pandemic World , Consultant President/CEO, of (ULEM) to serve as co-moderator for Leaders from DigDeep, Navajo Water Project serve as panelists for Post-Colonial Communities in the Time of COVID-19 Prakash Kota, CIO, Autodesk serves as a moderator for The Inverted Work Place MA Licensed Educational School Psychologist, Angela Cristiani , DtWT Boston, National Campaign to Stop Violence serves as a panelist for Trauma Informed Design: A Look at Educational Environmental Design in a Post-Pandemic Environment , DtWT Boston, National Campaign to Stop Violence serves as a panelist for Mr. Bill Cummings of the Cummings Foundation, Inc. speaks on ReDesigning the Future, a Look at Being Opportunistic and Entrepreneurial in Troubled Times These discussion topics offer opportunities for deep level conversations rooted in the BAC's unique design perspectives while we work toward offering solutions as an academic and socially-minded community. Visit our website here to register for a BAC Talks. For more information regarding BAC Talks, contact Eliza Wilson, special assistant to the president, advancement at [email protected]. The Boston Architectural provides excellence in design education emerging from practice and accessible to diverse communities and is the recognized leader in the education of design professionals, connecting theory and practice and engaging educators, practitioners, allied professions, and the public. SOURCE Boston Architectural College Related Links http://the-bac.edu Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper who was speaking on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', has said it is not easy to be a Head of State of any country especially in an era where the world is battling the coronavirus pandemic. According to him, it will be an act of wickedness not to feel sympathy for President Akufo-Addo, most especially in light of all the challenges confronting the economy. "I feel pity for the President (Akufo-Addo) . . ." Kwesi Pratt Jnr stated. "In this current dispensation; every President should be pitied . . . in Ghana anyone who doesn't sympathize with the President in this current state is wicked . . . In the first place, the economy is not doing so well and to carry this burden as President of Ghana; it is huge and so I feel pity for the President," he averred. Number of Testing Touching on the country's fight against COVID-19 relative to frontline workers at health facilities, Kwesi Pratt asked authorities to up their game in the number of tests being conducted. According to him, other countries are doing well with testing so there is a need to do more. As at Sunday 31st May, 218, 425 tests have been conducted, according to the Ghana Health Service. Restrictions eased, gatherings should not be more than 100 people President Akufo-Addo, over the weekend, introduced a phased approach of easing of restrictions especially in public gatherings and school attendance. In his 10th address to the nation on measures being taken against the spread of COVID-19, he said effective 5th June, churches and mosques can start meeting with a maximum congregation of 100 and the mandatory wearing of nose mask. "In addition to mandatory wearing of masks, a register of names and contact details of all worshippers must be provided; maximum duration of one hour per service," he said. Listen to his submission in the video below Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Experts worry the easing of a lockdown meant to stem the viruss spread could spark a rise in cases. Bolivian authorities are doing door-to-door checks in regions with severe coronavirus outbreaks as it looks to stem the spread of COVID-19 infections which have risen above 10,000, even as the country eases quarantine measures that have hammered growth. The landlocked country registered its first novel coronavirus infections on March 10, and until May 21 had reached 5,000 cases. That has since quickly doubled, government data shows. Its very saddening to see the number of infections we have each day, said Ignacia Castedo, an elderly woman from Trinidad, one of the worst-hit cities in the country. So many people are dying who had families or who left orphaned children behind. It is a great sadness. Latin America has become a global epicentre for the pandemic, with countries like Brazil, Mexico, Peru and Chile recording high numbers of cases. In Bolivia, a country of around 11.7 million people, the government is now easing a lockdown that was aimed at curbing the diseases spread to allow the economy to revive, though experts worry this could lead to a rise in cases. The threat of a flexible quarantine in cities is that it could start an accelerated and possibly explosive epidemic, national epidemiology chief, Virgilio Prieto, told reporters. To curb contagions in the worst-affected regions of Beni and Santa Cruz, medical teams, police and soldiers have gone house to house to find infected people, with the aim of transferring them to isolation centres and hospitals. Out of the national total of 10,531 patients, Beni and Santa Cruz, in eastern Bolivia, together have 8,903. There have been 343 recorded deaths nationwide. People line up to enter a market in La Paz, Bolivia [David Mercado/Reuters] Ronald Tapia, who lives in the highland city of La Paz, said peoples livelihoods had been hit hard by the lockdown, and he was going to make use of the relaxed rules to earn some money in case the quarantine was tightened again. There are people who live just day-to-day, not everyone can support themselves, he said. At least lets work these two weeks, so if we do return to a rigid quarantine, we will have a little more money to feed ourselves. Meanwhile, Bolivias electoral tribunal said on Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with the countrys political parties to hold general elections delayed by the coronavirus pandemic by September 6, a key step to bringing political stability to the country. The election is a rerun of a contentious vote late last year which prompted nationwide protests and led to the resignation of longtime leader Evo Morales. The repeat ballot had been originally planned for May 3. WASHINGTON - Attorney General William Barr personally ordered law enforcement officials on the ground to clear the streets around Lafayette Square just before President Donald Trump spoke Monday, a Justice Department official said, a directive that prompted a show of aggression against a crowd of largely peaceful protesters, drawing widespread condemnation. The forceful effort to squelch the demonstration came as Trump has sought to flex the federal government's muscle in response to a wave of unrest across the country, filling the streets in the District of Columbia with federal law enforcement officers from multiple agencies. On Tuesday, city officials said the White House had pushed to take control of the District police force to quell protests, an effort that Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, said she rejected. Still, by Tuesday evening, National Guard Humvees were streaming through downtown as officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security and Park Police were positioned throughout the capital. Bowser said that she had not requested any help from outside the city and that she has sought to fend off Trump's attempts to deploy active-duty military throughout Washington. The president - furious about criticism that he has not done enough to stop the protests and violence that followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis - told senior advisers Monday that they had to show they could control the streets of Washington and the area around the White House, according to two people familiar with his comments who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations. If they did not, it would send a bad signal to the rest of the country and they would look weak, he said. "You can't have a burning church in front of the White House was the president's message," one person said. Trump cheered on the dramatic show of force, tweeting Tuesday: "D.C. had no problems last night. Many arrests. Great job done by all. Overwhelming force. Domination." His willingness to press the outer limits of presidential powers was sharply denounced by local leaders and congressional Democrats such as Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., who compared Trump's actions to that of a dictator. Several Democratic House chairmen pressed the administration for testimony and documents about the decision to disperse protesters outside the White House with force. And it did not dissuade protesters. By Tuesday evening, as the curfew arrived, several thousand people amassed in Lafayette Square, facing a line of law enforcement officials. "Hands up! Don't shoot!" hundreds chanted. On Monday evening, officers from the Park Police and other agencies used smoke canisters, pepper balls, riot shields, batons and officers on horseback to shove and chase people gathered to protest the death of Floyd. At one point, a line of police rushed a group of protesters, many of whom were standing still with their hands up, forcing them to race away, coughing from smoke. Some were struck by rubber bullets. Secret Service officers then surrounded the area and created a protective zone for Trump, who moments later crossed the street and made an appearance outside St. John's Church, joined by Barr and other administration officials. On Tuesday, the administration offered conflicting explanations for the forcible removal of the protesters, seeking to separate the move from Trump's visit to the church. The White House asserted that the crowd was dispersed to help enforce the city's 7 p.m. curfew, although District police had not requested such assistance. The Park Police said that its officers responded after protesters began throwing projectiles. Other administration officials said the move to clear the crowd was part of a previously planned effort to extend the perimeter around Lafayette Square. Two federal law enforcement officials said that authorities decided either late Sunday or early Monday to broaden it by one block and that Barr participated in those discussions. The plan was to be executed the following afternoon, according to the Justice Department official, who was not authorized to comment ahead of Barr addressing the matter himself publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. But when Barr went to survey the scene, he was "surprised" to find the perimeter had not been extended and huddled with law enforcement officials on the ground, the Justice Department official said. "He conferred with them to check on the status and basically said: 'This needs to be done. Get it done,' " the Justice Department official said. Police soon moved on the protesters. District city officials said they were not involved in the decision to use force, which Bowser called "shameful." "I didn't see any provocation that would warrant the deployment of munitions, and especially for the purpose of moving the president across the street," the mayor said at a Tuesday news conference. District Attorney General Karl Racine, a Democrat, said in a statement that the District was "now reckoning with an unhinged president responding to nonviolent demonstration with war-like tactics." And officials with Virginia's Arlington County, which had dispatched officers from a civil disturbance unit in response to a mutual-aid request from the Park Police, said their police officers found themselves unexpectedly confronting protesters. "We were being used. . . . We had been asked to do something that turned out to be a political stunt," said County Manager Mark Schwartz, who said officials are now reevaluating the county's role the regional mutual-aid pact. Throughout Tuesday, several federal agencies involved in the response declined to answer questions about who ordered the use of force and the clearing of the park, which occurred just before Trump's visit there. A White House spokesman declined to comment on who gave the order, referring questions to law enforcement agencies. The Secret Service declined to comment. Defense officials on Tuesday said the National Guard did not participate in the decision to clear Lafayette Square on Monday evening and did not take part in firing any rubber bullets or gas. A Justice Department spokeswoman said Monday that Trump had directed Barr to personally "lead" the response to the unrest. Less than an hour before police moved to clear the peaceful demonstrators from in front of Lafayette Square, Barr was captured on camera with officials at the scene, including Tony Ornato, the White House deputy chief of staff. Ornato was involved in discussions Monday with Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner and other top White House officials about a possible visit by Trump to St. John's Church. Meadows told others the idea was suggested by the president's daughter, Ivanka Trump, according to two administration officials and first reported by the New York Times. Aides worked on plans for much of the afternoon, though a final decision was not made until after 6 p.m., a senior administration official said. There were also talks about invoking the Insurrection Act, a 19th-century law rarely used in modern history that allows the president to deploy the military domestically, but some advisers, including Barr, argued against it.Most aides were told to go home at 4 p.m. because of the city curfew, according to a memo reviewed by The Washington Post. Ornato ultimately contacted the Secret Service to arrange for the president to make a brief appearance the church, according to two people familiar with the plans. Following protocol, the Secret Service alerted other law enforcement agencies that it would need help clearing the area for the president's safety, they said. Black-clad officers and agents of the Secret Service's civil disturbance unit stood by during the tense confrontation with protesters and then helped secure the emptied-out streets. Trump told an ally Monday after the visit that the Secret Service was not "thrilled" about the idea of him visiting the church. It was unclear when Barr learned Trump would be walking across the square to appear in front of St. John's. A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment on that question. When Barr ordered the perimeter to be pushed back, the Justice Department official said, the attorney general "assumed that any resistance from the protesters of being moved would be met with typical crowd-control measures." The official said Barr had been told on the scene that there were reports of the crowd passing rocks among themselves and that a bottle had been thrown in his direction. Washington Post reporters who were at the square did not witness protesters using any rocks. The official defended Barr's decision. "This plan was happening, regardless of any plans of the president," the official said. One senior administration official said that Trump and other senior White House officials wanted the perimeter pushed back to I Street NW and that they expected it to happen earlier in the day. "We weren't saying to push it back just so he could go to the church," the official said. "That was not the reason it was pushed back." The official added that the goal was to spread protesters across the city and not just around the White House and to have armed D.C. National Guard officers help enforce curfew. About 30 minutes after the protesters were removed, Trump arrived at the church and posed for a photograph outside it, holding a Bible. Afterward, he told allies and advisers that he believed the event had gone well, and his mood improved. The use of such aggressive force startled some veteran former officers of the Secret Service and other federal agencies, because it appeared to be rushed and unprovoked by protesters. The line of officers rushing protesters, many of whom were standing still with their arms in the air, violated the normal protocol for clearing protesters, something the Secret Service accomplishes dozens of times a year in Lafayette Square without ever tossing smoke canisters or using riot shields. "Usually officers hold a line and don't move forward unless there is provocation," said one former Secret Service agent who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe operational procedures. "The officers give constant warnings and communicate clearly with the crowd. But here it seems like there is some time pressure; they were acting like a bomb is about to go off." Another veteran former Secret Service agent who reviewed video of the treatment of protesters said he feared that the order from Barr signaled a worrisome shift in who calls the shots about deploying use of force. "We protect the president," he said of the Secret Service. "We don't report to the president. It feels like that line has now been blurred." The Secret Service, which has the legal power to clear any area for the president's safety, did not respond to questions seeking an explanation of its decision-making. "For operational security reasons, the U.S. Secret Service does not discuss our protective means and methods," the agency said in a statement. White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement that "the perimeter was expanded to help enforce the 7 p.m. curfew in the same area where rioters attempted to burn down one of our nation's most historic churches the night before. Protesters were given three warnings by the U.S. Park Police." However, reporters who were on the scene and protesters said they could not make out any audible warnings. Zach Slavin, 32, said he was leaning against the metal barricade separating authorities from protesters when he saw the line of officers starting to move up in coordinated bursts. He heard "mumbled announcements" over the loudspeaker but was not able to discern what was being said. "There was absolutely nothing that was understandable," said Slavin, adding that he had been following police guidance throughout the day. At 6:30 p.m., Slavin said, officers passed instructions down the line, then suddenly burst forward past the barricade. A thick cloud descended over the crowd, he said, and armed officers on foot started firing rubber pellets at people. "There was no warning," Slavin said. With a bandanna around his face, Slavin began coughing and felt gas stinging his eyes, he said. As he tried to break free from the crowd, several canisters were dropped a few feet away from him and exploded. These explosives were dropped in the middle of the crowd, within several feet of at least a hundred people or more, he said. Officers continued firing rubber pellets at protesters who were already backing up. The officers "were acting like terrorists," said Slavin, an 11-year District resident. "I was being chased by police on the streets of my own city." Park Police spokesman Eduardo Delgado disputed that officers were not at risk. He said that officers were provoked by protesters throwing frozen water bottles and that there were other indicators of more serious potential harm the crowd could do. "We had intel that there were glass bottles they had stashed at the church to throw at us," Delgado said. "They had caches of supplies, bricks." - - - The Washington Post's Hannah Natanson, Tom Jackman, Missy Ryan, Peter Hermann, Fenit Nirappil, Patricia Sullivan and Nick Miroff contributed to this report. Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday said that the government has taken three historic decisions in the field of agriculture during the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day. Firstly, we have made farmer friendly amendments to the Essential Commodities Act, Javadekar said. Under the proposed amendments, essentials like grains, oil, pulses, potatoes, onions have been excluded from the Essential Commodities Act, Javadekar said. Farmers can now export or store these commodities as they wish. These are our farmers demands pending for nearly 50 years now, he said, adding that these restrictions will not be applicable again until unprecedented circumstances such as a period of calamity, war or inflation arise. As a result of this, farmers will get good returns, the minister said. ALSO WATCH | Big decision...: Govt hikes procurement prices for 14 summer crops Also read: Covid-19 cases in India to cross 15K-a-day mark by mid-June, predicts China The minister explained how the Essential Commodities Act stopped the free flow of investment. Farmers are free from the clutches of Agriculture Producer Market Committee, he said, adding that farmers will now be able to sell produce anywhere and to the highest paying party. Union Cabinet has approved 'The Farming Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020'. It will create an ecosystem where the farmers and traders will enjoy the freedom of choice of sale and purchase of agri-produce: PMO ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2020 These steps have been taken in tune with Indias vision to move forward as one nation one market. Also read: We will get our growth back, PM Modi tells India Inc Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approves historic amendment to Essential Commodities Act; regulatory environment liberalized for #farmers through this. Landmark decisions to benefit farmers and transform the agriculture sector: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar https://t.co/eq3KfIwLN6 ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2020 Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved historic amendment to Essential Commodities Act; regulatory environment liberalized for farmers through this. Landmark decisions to benefit farmers and transform the agriculture sector, the minister stated. Javadekars comments came during a joint press briefing with Minister of Agriculture, Narendra Singh Tomar on Wednesday. Union Minister for Agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar talked in detail about the amendments approved by Centre and discussed the many measures taken by the government in the past and during the Covid-19 to benefit farmers and to boost the agriculture sector. According to Bihar Chief Minister, more than 5 Lakh guest workers are still staying in various quarantine centres of Bihar Migrants workers from Assam, Bihar and West Bengal wait at a roadside near Central Railway Station for arrangement to return to their native places, during ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, in Chennai. PTI Photo Patna: With over 4000 coronavirus cases and 26 deaths, the Bihar government is taking preventive measures to deal with the crisis in the state. On Wednesday while addressing Panchayat and local body representatives through video conference, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that the state government has been trying to provide relief to people who have returned and are living in quarantine centres. Giving out details and figures he said that, We have spent around Rs. 5300 on each person who was quarantined in the centres which have been set up at blocks and Panchayat in Bihar. Officials have also been asked to increase the capacity of beds at isolation centres. According to Bihar Chief Minister, more than 5 Lakh guest workers are still staying in various quarantine centres of Bihar. As per an assessment, more than 30 Lakh guest workers have returned to Bihar after the countrywide lockdown was imposed by the centre in March. A large number of such workers have lost their jobs and now hoping to find a livelihood in Bihar. The Bihar government had earlier planned to provide relief to the states workforce and returning workers under the MNREGA scheme but in May after consulting administrative officials and taking stock of the scenario Chief Minister Nitish asked them to carry out skill survey of the guest workers. During his address, he assured them that the state government was working on a policy to provide job opportunities for them in their home state of Bihar. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 02:47:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close AMMAN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Wednesday reported two cases of the novel coronavirus, increasing the overall number of cases to 757. Jordan's Health Minister Saad Jaber said the two cases are for a Jordanian who recently arrived from Russia and was in quarantine after arrival and the second for a non-Jordanian truck driver who came from Saudi Arabia. The minister said in a statement that 12 patients recovered on Wednesday, and he added that 5,495 tests were conducted, increasing the overall number of tests to 204,374. Meanwhile, Jordan will resume arranging flights to bring Jordanians stranded abroad back to the country next week. Several thousands of Jordanians have been brought home over the past few weeks after the country's airports were shut down since mid-March. On May 31, Jordan and China signed an agreement under which China donated a batch of medical supplies to the kingdom to help combat the coronavirus. Enditem Rajya Sabha Polls: Speculations rife over Cong-JD(S) coming together once again India pti-PTI Bengaluru, June 03: Speculations are rife in Karnataka's political circles about coming together of former alliance partners Congress and JD(S) for elections to four Rajya Sabha seats from the state that will be held on June 19. Four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka, represented by Rajeev Gowda and B K Hariprasad of Congress, Prabhakar Kore of BJP and D Kupendra Reddy of JD(S) will fall vacant on June 25 with their retirement and polls have been scheduled for these seats on June 19. Cyclone Nisarga uproots trees, damages cars and buildings in Maharashtra| Oneindia News With 117 members (including Speaker), the BJP can ensure victory in two of the four seats, while Congress, with 68 MLAs, can win one seat. With a minimum of 44 votes required for candidates to win, no party can independently win the fourth seat. Speculations are rife that Congress and JD(S), which had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in an alliance and faced a rout, and eventually parted ways leading to the fall of the H D Kumaraswamy-led coalition government, may come together for the fourth seat. According to top party sources, the Congress that is likely to field veteran party leader and former union Minister Mallikarjun Kharge as candidate for the seat it can easily win, is mulling supporting JD(S) if party supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda is fielded. Elections for 18 Rajya Sabha seats to be held on June 19 The JD(S), which has 34 seats in the assembly, is not in a position to win a seat in the Rajya Sabha on its own and will need Congress' support for this. Parties are yet to finalise the list of candidates. The last date for filing of nominations is June 9. Sources said talks are on within the Congress over supporting Gowda and feelers have been sent to JD(S) in this regard, with a condition that the regional party support it in the elections to seven seats of the Legislative Council from the Assembly, slated later this month. Aimed at consolidating his position as a Vokkaliga leader, state Congress President D K Shivakumar is said to be keen on supporting Gowda, a veteran from the community that has a large presence in the southern parts of the state. Kharge seems to be front runner for the seat it can win, though there are several aspirants from the Congress,including former Union Minister Veerappa Moily and K H Muniyappa, Muddahanume Gowda (who gave up Tumkur seat for Gowda as coalition's joint candidate), also those retiring. Kharge, a nine-time MLA and two-term MP, who had served as Congress floor leader in the previous Lok Sabha, faced his first electoral loss in his political life spanning several decades against BJP's Umesh Jadhav in Gulbarga in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Gowda was defeated in Tumkur constituency after he chose to contest from the seat, vacating Hassan-his home turf, in favour of his grandson Prajwal Revanna (a current MP). According to some BJP leaders, the party that easily wins over two seats is unlikely to field a candidate or support an independent against Gowda if he contests. However no final decision has been taken in this regard, they said. Lobbying is said to have intensified within the ruling BJP for the RS ticket. While Prabhakar Kore is looking for another term, names of former Union Minister Ananth Kumar's wife Tejaswini and party general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Muralidhar Rao are also doing the rounds. Umesh Katti, an eight-time MLA, who has been sulking for not being made minister, is also making frantic efforts for his brother Ramesh Katti to be chosen for the RS seat, and had held a meeting with a section of BJP legislators from north Karnataka that set alarm bells ringing in the ruling party. Similar lobbying is also said to have intensified for elections to seven seats of the Legislative Council from the assembly, out of which BJP can win four easily, Congress two and JD(S) one. Congress is likely to seek the support of JD(S) for the third seat by not fielding a candidate in return to supporting Deve Gowda's election to the Rajya Sabha, sources said. Meanwhile, amid speculations about the possibilities of the former alliance partners joining hands and dissidence within the ruling party, BJP leader and Revenue Minister R Ashoka, noting that Congress was responsible for Gowda stepping down as PM, made cryptic comments about the party being open to support from the JD(S) for development. "Congress is a party with a culture of sham. They had earlier in a way cheated JD(S). It was Congress that made Deve Gowda step down as Prime Minister. JD(S) is aware about Congress...we (BJP) too had formed a government with JD(S) once. We are focused on development. Whoever supports development, if it is JD(S) also, we are fine," he said. A homelessness charity boss has defended breaching social-distancing rules after photos emerged of him drinking with 10 other people over the bank holiday weekend. Inner City Helping Homeless chief executive Anthony Flynn, who is also a Dublin city councillor, was pictured sitting closely beside several other people at a community event in the city centre. Mr Flynn said he would put his "hands up" if he was breaching social-distancing rules, but insisted the majority of those he was drinking with were from his "immediate family unit". Critical However, when asked how many of the 10 other people he was drinking with live in his household, he said four. Three others in the photo work with him. Under phase one of the Government's plan for reopening the country, four people who do not live together can meet outdoors while keeping at least two metres apart. Mr Flynn has been critical of the Government over the lack of social distancing in homelessness services. He said he attended the get-together, which was organised by a residents association, in his capacity as a councillor. "If there was a photograph taken where I wasn't social- distancing, I have no problem putting my hands up," he added. "If someone wants to take a swipe because I wasn't soc- ially-distancing, that's fine. "I have been working on the frontline for 11 weeks and I was on a day off." In reference to the Black Lives Matter protest in Dublin on Monday, Mr Flynn said "much bigger events" took place in the city which had "many people att- ending". "There were thousands of people walking down O'Connell Street. Did every one of them get a phone call?" he asked. Mr Flynn said around 150 people attended the charity event organised by a Portland Place and District residents group. The group's Facebook page said it had raised 650 for Temple Street Children's Hospital. "The commun- ity has been on lockdown for a number of weeks, and the event that was organised by the residents association encouraged physical-distancing throughout the day," Mr Flynn said. He founded Inner City Helping Homeless in 2013 in response to the increasing number of people sleeping rough on the streets of the capital. The charity's website says it now has 200 volunteers. Mr Flynn has been a vocal critic of the Government's response to the housing crisis and decided to run for the Dublin City Council in last year's local elections. He was elected to the Inner City North electoral area on the 15th count after receiving just over 600 first-preference votes. Critical Since the start of the pandemic, he has raised concerns about the impact of the virus on people living in homeless services across Ireland. "We have some hostels with 70 to 80 beds and little or no social-distancing, and this in turn puts vulnerable people, many with compromised imm-une systems, at serious risk," he said in March. Logan Paul, yes, that Logan Paul, just came out with a statement about Black Lives Matter and left the internet speechless. I was absolutely blown away myself. Not because it was terrible, mind you. Because it was one of the best statements on white allyship, I'd ever heard. A few days ago, our friend Logan posted a video on Twitter of a clip of him on his podcast passionately speaking out against police brutality and the protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, and it is truly one for the books. He starts off with a bang, stating his embarrassment at his own ignorance and emphasizing that silence is compliance. "It's not enough to not be racist. You have to be actively anti-racist." That was the point I put down my water bottle and went "Hmm. Baby Woody Harrelson is making some points." He goes on to talk about the importance of holding the people you look up to accountable for their views about race, whether they be authority figures like the police or loved ones like family and friends. Again the guy's really zeroing in on the concept that silence absolutely equals compliance, which is fascinating because men actually holding their friends accountable for anything is a groundbreaking concept for a lot of dudes out there. If you are white, Christian, and American, and want your fellow citizens to flourish and prosper together, you should be deeply troubled right now. In fact, troubled is too soft a word. 2020 has brought an assault on our senses and a challenge to our very ability to live together as a people. It began with the rancor and strife of the impeachment processwhich now seems like a lifetime ago. The coronavirus onslaught ravaged bodies and beat down our spirits. Then came the wave of economic devastation from the lockdown and 40 million Americans filing for unemployment. Now, in rapid-fire succession, the no-knock raid and death of Breonna Taylor, the hunting and killing of Ahmaud Arbery, the execution of George Floyd, and the rioting and looting of Americas urban centers. As Michelle Goldberg of The New York Times has pointed out, we have revisited some of the most traumatic experiences of the past century all in the space of five short monthsfrom the Spanish flu in 1918 to the economic crash of 1929 to race-related killings and urban unrest in 1968 to impeachment in 1974. Throughout all this, our leadership, especially in the political and media worlds, has brought more heat than light. There are exceptions, but in general we dont know whom to trust. Given everything, we feel disoriented, and many may wonder whether we have lost our moorings about who we are as Christians and Americans. Its not only natural but right, in response to the mistreatment of our brothers and sisters and fellow citizens, to feel angry. There is a time for righteous anger, and that time is when children of God are robbed of their humanity and denied the most basic of dignities (to freely walk or breathe). If youre not angry and feel deep sadness in this moment, it may be time for a soul check. Chaos, conflict, carnage, and confusion reign in our communities and in our hearts. We know this is not how it is supposed to benot who we are supposed to be, as Christians and as Americansyet we dont know the way forward. I grew up in a very white working class and rural community before heading off to Philadelphia for college in the 1980s. There I fell in love with my wife, Jean, the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Jean has always told our four children she is the product of the great American dream; her parents left China with a single suitcase, no money, and no home to greet them on the other side yet established a remarkable place for themselves in America. At Penn, I had the tremendous fortune to form deep relationships with people of all colors and backgrounds, particularly in the campus African American community. I sang in the universitys gospel choir and joined Alpha Phi Alpha (the first of all black fraternities, and the fraternity of Martin Luther King Jr., among many other great men). A white guy joining a black fraternity raised some eyebrows, but it was transformative for me. The experience of marrying into one racial heritage and investing deeply in the brotherhood of another laid a foundation for the past three decades of our familys life. We cant help but see ourselves as part of a beautiful American mosaic, where we all participate fully and truly benefit from the distinctive experiences of people of all heritages. With these foundational experiences, I ran a campaign for the US Senate in 2018 with a core management team that was black and white and Latino and Asian, as well as Democratic and Republican and Independent and Green. We found that people had lost their way; light was confused with darkness, truth with untruth; and anxiety, depression, and loneliness were exploding in every demographic. 150,000 deaths of despair per year. People searching for purpose and meaning. Long before 2020, we were divided, falling, and grasping for hope. Article continues below America was afflicted with a pandemic of the soul before it faced the pandemic of the body. What are some first steps, then, toward finding our way forward? Remember who we are, and who God made us to be. As Gods children, we are all beings made in the image of God, not only individually but also collectively reflecting his being and his character. This is the fundamental truth of who we are as a people. Yet, from the earliest beginnings we have been tragically broken and divided, oppressing one another both inside our closest ethnic group (Cain slaying Abel) and outside (Taylor, Floyd, and Arbery). The arc of Gods movement throughout the history of humankindto restore us to one another and to himselfwill ultimately not be thwarted. The apostle Paul tells us we are created to be together no matter which category of people we belong toJew or Greek, slave or free, white people wearing MAGA hats and card-carrying Black Lives Matter membersand to take up the burdens of the other without respect to identity (Gal. 3:28). In heaven, when everything is made new and all is set to right, the togetherness for which we are made will be restored! The apostle John describes a vast crowd from every nation and tribe and people and language, reflecting the glory of their Creator (Rev. 7:9). That is the glory for which we were made. When these trials and tribulations fade away, our truest essencetogether!will emerge. Listen, lament, and give thanks. We will only begin to heal as a people when we begin to hear one another. Those who have walked by Gods grace through great grief and lament in their lives (often in our more marginalized communities), and have chosen to not be victimized by it have many times forged into their souls the greatest moral and spiritual authority. Without defensiveness, without counterargument, without self-justification, we as white Christian Americans need to listen to our black brothers and sisters, whose experience of this country is often radically different from our own. If we truly listen, we may begin to feel the grief and lament. We may recognize that at times, there are no words to touch such deep places. The word injustice fails to describe the violence to Taylor, Arbery, or Floyd, or the psychic cost to all black Americans who have experienced something in the same vein, or simply bear the burden of knowing that such things all too often happen to people who look like them. We can and we should hold onto that on behalf of our brothers and sisters, lamenting in the great spiritual and biblical traditions. If we are not people who have experienced this other side of the American experience, then we should be grateful for all those (particularly in the black community) who have stayed so patiently with us in this American process. When they do not give up on the church, America, or even us as individuals when they would be so abundantly justified in doing so, that is grace and extraordinary strength in action. Raise your voice and take action. It is not enough to be non-racist. We need to use our voices and take action to stand against racism. Our brothers and sisters need us to speak. They are (too often literally) dying for it. In the words of King, There comes a time when silence is betrayal. Our faithwhich is one of sacrifice and redemption, not powerhas been used as a tool by political forces for centuries, and that is never more tragic than when it is used to oppress people in the name of Jesus. In the US, in too many cases the white church notoriously advanced a theology that the slavery of African people was intended by God, and we live and breathe that heritage today. As just one of a nearly infinite number of examples of that legacy, in the church of my upbringing (in Connecticut in the 1970s), the mixing of races and intermarriage was forbidden. Article continues below If you see our faith used in the name of power for those who would oppress others, reject it. It is anathema to the sacrifice of our Lord and will poison our gospel witness. One final note. As you look for leaders in the political world, sources in the media world, or consider any others vying for your trust, ask Gods Spirit to lead you. If you dont sense in their words and approach an anger and sadness regarding this injustice and its heritage, gratitude for those who continue to labor with us in forming a more perfect union, and a belief that all are Gods children and truly equal in the republicdo not follow them. Their spirit is not of God. John Kingston is the author of American Awakening: 8 Principles to Restore the Soul of America, and founder of American Awakening. Speaking Out is Christianity Todays guest opinion column and (unlike an editorial) does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publication. Human activity threatens 50 billion years of vertebrate evolutionary history A new study maps for the first time the evolutionary history of the world's terrestrial vertebrates: amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles. It explores how areas with large concentrations of evolutionarily distinct species are being impacted by our ever-increasing "human footprint." Research for the study was led by Dr. Rikki Gumbs of the EDGE of Existence Programme at the Zoological Society of London and Imperial College London and Dr. James Rosindell of Imperial College London in collaboration with Prof. Shai Meiri of the School of Zoology at Tel Aviv University's George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences and Steinhardt Museum of Natural History and other colleagues. The study was published in Nature Communications on May 26. "Being 'evolutionarily distinct' means that you have no close living relatives," explains Prof. Meiri, who generated and interpreted the reptile-related data for the study. "In other words, you are alone on your branch of the evolutionary tree of life. Aardvarks, crocodiles, and kiwis were all separated from their closest evolutionary relatives tens of millions of years ago and bear a unique evolutionary history. "The new research will provide a clear understanding of how best to protect nature given the current threats to specific locations and endangered species." The researchers developed two new metrics that combine phylogenetic diversity and the extent of human pressure across the spatial distribution of species -- one metric valuing regions and another prioritizing species. They evaluated these metrics for reptiles, which have been largely neglected in previous studies, and contrasted these results with equivalent calculations for all terrestrial vertebrate groups. The researchers found that regions under high human pressure coincided with those containing irreplaceable reptilian diversity. "Our analyses reveal the incomprehensible scale of the losses we face if we don't work harder to save global biodiversity," says Dr. Gumbs, the lead author on the paper. "To put some of the numbers into perspective, reptiles alone stand to lose at least 13 billion years of unique evolutionary history, roughly the same number of years as have passed since the beginning of the entire universe." Using extinction-risk data for around 25,000 species, the researchers found at least 50 billion years of evolutionary heritage to be under threat, as well as a large number of potentially threatened species for which we lack adequate extinction risk data. This suggests that the calculation underestimates the number of species that may be affected. According to the study's calculations, the Caribbean, the Western Ghats of India, and large parts of Southeast Asia -- regions that are home to the most unique evolutionary history -- are facing unprecedented levels of human-related devastation. "This new study highlights which species should be prioritized for conservation, based on their evolutionary uniqueness and the intense human impact on environments where they are thought to dwell," Prof. Meiri says. According to the research, the greatest losses of evolutionary history will be driven by the extinction of entire groups of closely-related species, such as pangolins and tapirs, and by the loss of highly evolutionarily distinct species, such as the ancient Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus); the Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), a gigantic bird that stalks the wetlands of Africa; and the Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), a nocturnal lemur with large yellow eyes and long spindly fingers. The study highlights several unusual species as urgent conservation priorities, including the punk-haired Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus), the Purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis), and the Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus). It also highlights many lesser known species, about which little is now understood by scientists, as priorities for further research. Adequate extinction risk data is currently lacking for more than half of the priority lizards and snakes identified. "These are some of the most incredible and overlooked animals on Planet Earth," says Dr. Gumbs. "From legless lizards and tiny blind snakes to pink worm-like amphibians called caecilians, we know precious little about these fascinating creatures, many of which may be sliding silently toward extinction." The study also identifies regions where concentrations of irreplaceable diversity are currently under little to no human pressure, particularly across the Amazon rainforest, the highlands of Borneo, and parts of southern Africa. Co-author Dr. Rosindell concludes, "Our findings highlight the importance of acting urgently to conserve these extraordinary species and the remaining habitat that they occupy -- in the face of intense human pressures." ### American Friends of Tel Aviv University supports Israel's most influential, comprehensive and sought-after center of higher learning, Tel Aviv University (TAU). TAU is recognized and celebrated internationally for creating an innovative, entrepreneurial culture on campus that generates inventions, startups and economic development in Israel. TAU is ranked ninth in the world, and first in Israel, for producing start-up founders of billion-dollar companies, an achievement that surpassed several Ivy League universities. To date, 2,500 US patents have been filed by Tel Aviv University researchers -- ranking TAU #1 in Israel, #10 outside of the US and #66 in the world. This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. (Reuters) - The United Kingdom is prepared to change its immigration rules if China imposes a national security law on Hong Kong, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday in an op-ed for the South China Morning Post. (Reuters) - The United Kingdom is prepared to change its immigration rules if China imposes a national security law on Hong Kong, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday in an op-ed for the South China Morning Post. "Since the handover in 1997, the key has been the precious concept of 'one country, two systems', enshrined in Hong Kong's Basic Law and underpinned by the Joint Declaration signed by Britain and China", Johnson wrote. The British prime minister added that China's decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong will "curtail its freedoms and dramatically erode its autonomy". He described China's step as being in conflict with the obligations under the Joint Declaration. "If China imposes its national security law, the British government will change our immigration rules," Johnson said. Under the change, holders of British National Overseas passports from Hong Kong would be allowed to enter the UK for a renewable period of 12 months and given further immigration rights, he added, "including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship". About 350,000 of the territorys people currently hold such passports and another 2.5 million would be eligible to apply for them, Johnson said. China's parliament last 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. On Tuesday, Britain warned Beijing to step back from the brink over the national security law in Hong Kong, saying it risked destroying one of the jewels of Asia's economy while ruining the reputation of China. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered his administration to begin the process of eliminating special U.S. treatment for Hong Kong to punish China. (This story has been refiled to fix punctuation in second paragraph) (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Tom Brown) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The COVID-19 pandemic has sent public health officials scrambling, the global economy into shock, and governments everywhere into crisis. It has also reshaped the way journalists work, not least because many authorities in many countries have cited the contagion as a reason to crack down on the news media. Certain dangers will subside with time: a vaccine for COVID-19 should ultimately protect people, including journalists, from spreading or contracting the virus. But some of the measures put into place that restrict press freedom whether intended or not could continue well into the future, experts say. It is possible that responses to the coronavirus could shift the long-term paradigm for journalism in unforeseen ways, in the same way the attacks of September 11, 2001, fueled the global expansion of anti-terrorism laws and in turn, ushered in an uptick in the jailing of journalists that continues today. Global press freedom violations that CPJ has documented in relation to the pandemic can roughly be divided into 10 categories to monitor (with examples cited): 1. Laws against fake news The pandemic has provided governments with a new excuse to wield laws criminalizing the spread of fake news, misinformation, or false information and offered a reason to implement new ones. Over the past seven years, the number of journalists imprisoned on charges of fake news or false news has climbed, according to CPJ research. Carlos Gaio, a U.K.-based senior legal officer with the Media Legal Defence Initiative, told CPJ that fake news laws will continue to spread as governments try to control messaging about the virus, affecting journalists and fact-checkers alike. Its a very complicated subject to outlaw something like that [and it] is very, very dangerous, Gaio said. Disinformation is a real problem, but these legal measures give governments latitude to decide what they consider to be false, sending a chilling message to critical journalists. In the U.S., President Donald Trump frequently disparages the medias COVID-19 coverage and uses the term fake news when he disagrees with reporting, a strategy that CPJ has found effectively discredits the media and erodes public trust. It serves as a green light for authoritarians to deride and prosecute their own press. President Donald Trump South Africa on March 18 criminalized disinformation about the pandemic with penalties that include hefty fines and jail time a particularly worrying move since the country often serves as a regional model. Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, on April 6 made it illegal for media outlets to transmit or allow the transmission of false information. Violators could face up to six months in prison and fines up to $5000. 2. Jailing journalists Arresting journalists has long been a tactic of authoritarian governments looking to silence critical reporting; at least 250 journalists were jailed worldwide at CPJs last annual count in December. With COVID-19 in circulation, imprisonment could be deadly; journalists are held in unsanitary conditions and forced into close proximity with others who could be infected. CPJ and more than 190 partner organizations have called on authorities worldwide to release all journalists jailed because of their work. Mics used to illustrate journalists. Nonetheless, arrests continue. In India, authorities in Tamil Nadu state arrested on April 23 the founder of SimpliCity news portal and accused him of violating the antiquated Epidemic Diseases Act and other laws. The website had alleged government corruption in food distribution efforts related to the pandemic. Jordans military arrested two journalists for satellite channel Roya TV on April 10 in relation to a report on worker complaints about the economic impact of a curfew. Somali authorities arrested an editor for Goobjoog Media Group on April 14 and accused him of spreading false news and offending the presidents honor after the journalist posted criticism on Facebook of the governments handling of the crisis. 3. Suspending free speech Some governments emergency measures have revoked or suspended the right to free speech for the duration of the emergency. Liberias constitution protects freedom of expression save during an emergency and affords presidential power to suspend or affect certain rights, freedoms and guarantees during a state of emergency like the one imposed April 11. Honduras on March 16 declared a temporary state of emergency that suspended some articles of the constitution, including the one that protects the right to free expression (though the government reversed that measure days later). 4. Blunt censorship, online and off Authorities in several countries suspended newspaper distribution and printing in what they called an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Elsewhere, media regulators have blocked websites or removed articles with critical coverage. Jordan, Oman, Morocco, Yemen, and Iran all suspended newspaper distribution in March. Advertisements Tajikistan blocked independent news website Akhbor on April 9, after it reported critically on the government. Russias media regulator, Roskomnadzor, ordered radio station Ekho Moskvy to take down an interview with a disease expert, and news website Govorit Magadan to remove an article about a local pneumonia death. 5. Threatening and harassing journalists, online and off Government officials and private citizens alike have responded to critical reporting on the pandemic response with violence and threats. In places where the reporting environment was already hazardous, the situation has grown more fraught. Chechnyas leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, threatened a Novaya Gazeta reporter after she wrote on April 12 that Chechens had stopped reporting coronavirus symptoms for fear of being labeled terrorists. Haitian journalists were assaulted by unidentified men at the governments National Identification Office on April 2 as they investigated claims that the office was violating COVID-19 guidelines on social distancing. Ghanaian soldiers enforcing restrictions related to the pandemic assaulted journalists in two separate incidents in April. 6. Accreditation requirements and restricted freedom of movement Authorities have restricted journalists ability to move about freely, such as if they want to report during curfews, or enter hospitals to get a first-hand account of health care. Sometimes the press is granted special access, but requiring members of the media to have government-issued press credentials allows leaders to decide who gets counted as a journalist. CPJ research shows that this leaves open the possibility that they will exclude those not affiliated with major outlets or those who report critically on the authorities. Indian police assaulted at least four journalists in three separate incidents in Hyderabad and Delhi on March 23 as they transited to or from work during the lockdown, even though national authorities have stated that journalists are exempt from the restrictions. Fct-Abuja City Gate [PHOTO CREDIT: Abuja on IG] Nigeria required journalists to carry a valid identification card to move around certain locked down areas, including the capital Abuja, and designated only 16 journalists as allowed to enter the presidents villa. 7. Restricted access to information Laws on freedom of information that allow journalists to request government data and records have been suspended. Government proceedings that journalists usually attend have moved online, with varying degrees of access for the press. In the U.S., Trumps antagonism to journalists sets a poor example for U.S. state and local officials. Gaio told CPJ that these trends are likely to persist. [Governments] will make it more difficult for officials to provide information. Access to information will take longer, and it will make it more complicated for journalists to access public spaces because of infection risks, he said. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on March 23 signed a measure into law that suspends deadlines for public authorities and institutions to respond to requests for information, and does away with appeals in case of denial. (Brazils Supreme Court overturned the measure on April 30, according to news reports.) United States governors and mayors have created a patchwork of access to press conferences around the country. In Florida, the governor on March 28 barred one reporter from attending a press conference after she asked about social distancing measures. 8. Expulsions and visa restrictions In order to control the narrative of how the government is responding to COVID-19, some states are being inhospitable to foreign media, which in some places has traditionally enjoyed greater latitude than locals to report critically. China and the United States have been engaged in a tit-for-tat over journalist access since early in 2020. Among the developments: In February, China forced out three Wall Street Journal reporters, ostensibly in retaliation for a headline on an opinion piece about COVID-19. In March, the U.S. imposed a limit of 100 on the number of visas for Chinese state media; China retaliated by terminating visas for at least 13 U.S. reporters from The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. Egypt expelled Guardian reporter Ruth Michaelson in retaliation for her report on March 15 that cast doubt on the governments official statistics regarding the pandemic. 9. Surveillance and contact tracing Governments around the world are monitoring mobile phone location data and testing or rolling out new tracking apps to follow the spread of COVID-19, according to news reports. the surveillance could imperil source confidentiality. The systems are introduced with limited oversight, and could endure long after the pandemic. Theres always a concern that emergency situations create new baseline expectations for what kind of surveillance the government is authorized to conduct. We certainly saw this through 9-11, but I think the same issue is presented here, said Carrie DeCell, a staff attorney with the Knight First Amendment Institute in New York. Actions that might be justified in that particular context certainly would not be justified once governments get a handle on this pandemic and once the crisis subsides somewhere in the near future. David Maass, a senior investigative researcher at the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation, agreed that once law enforcement is given a new technology, its difficult to take it back. Weve seen that today theyre using it for this very dangerous virus, but we dont know what will happen later. Telecom companies in Italy, Germany, and Austria are turning over location data to public health officials, though aggregated and anonymized; governments in South Korea and South Africa are monitoring individual cell phone locations, and Israel authorized security agents to access location and other data from millions of mobile phone users. 10. Emergency Measures Authoritarian rulers can take an opportunistic approach to emergency measures that criminalize or restrict newsgathering activities, as CPJ has documented previously. Hungarys parliament on March 30 approved a set of emergency laws enabling Prime Minister Viktor Orban to rule by decree. Thailand introduced on March 26 a state of emergency that allows the government to correct reports it considers incorrect and allows for charges against journalists under the Computer Crimes Act, which carries five-year prison penalties for violations. With many countries still under states of emergency that grant authorities power to rule by decree and the virus only beginning to take hold in some developing countries even more restrictions could be on the way. Katherine Jacobsen is CPJs U.S. research associate. Before joining CPJ as a news editor in 2017, Jacobsen worked for The Associated Press in Moscow and as a freelancer in Ukraine, where her writing appeared in outlets including Businessweek, U.S. News and World Report, Foreign Policy, and Al-Jazeera. The coronavirus pandemic is delaying the controversial privatisation of bus services in Sydneys northern and eastern suburbs by up to a year. The contracts for bus regions 7, 8 and 9 covering Sydneys northwestern suburbs, northern beaches and eastern suburbs were all slated for handing over to private operators between November and 2021. The government, however, will now delay and stagger the tender process for the regional services, according to documents seen by the Herald. The franchising of three Sydney bus regions has been pushed back by coronavirus. Credit:Edwina Pickles The transition for region 8 (northern beaches) is now proposed to begin in May next year, concluding in October; region 7 (north-west) will begin in August next year, ending in December; and region 9 (east) will begin in November next year, concluding in April 2022. LEHI, Utah, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seek (Seek XR, Inc.), a leader of web-based Augmented Reality (AR) experiences, has announced the issuance by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office of US Patent 10,665,037 for the core of Seek's technology. The newly issued US Patent covers Systems and Methods for Generating and Intelligently Distributing Forms of Extended Reality Content. Seek has exclusive rights to this patented technology. The fact that the US patent office agrees that the technology we have created is unique and novel, gives us substantial value in the market and further solidifies Seek as a leader in the augmented reality space, said Jon Cheney, CEO and co-founder of Seek. This technology empowers us to continue to automate 3D model optimization, making for smoother and more accessible AR experiences in the future. The technology, which is the foundation of Seek Studio , Seeks AR content management platform, allows brands to quickly and seamlessly deploy and manage AR and 3D content at scale. Users simply upload 3D models of any type. The platform then optimizes the model to create an AR experience accessible on any platform and operating system. This future-proof platform regularly updates to ensure users content can be viewed on any device from one smart, universal link. What would otherwise manually take months or years for companies to deploy can be implemented at scale in a matter of hours. Weve been experimenting with AR for the last few years, but Seeks system makes things easier and organized. We can actually measure and accomplish our goals. Seek has saved us weeks of processing time and thousands of dollars, said Bernie Kropfelder, CEO of Squatty Potty, LLC. "Additionally, since the launch of Seek's AR on our site, we have experienced significant increases in sales conversions on transactions where consumers engaged with the AR functionality. This has really separated us from our competitors and is a real gamechanger." Story continues This proprietary technology further supports Seeks goal to democratize AR. With the use of Seeks web-based AR platform for e-commerce, brands have seen an increase of 150% in conversion and a 25% decrease in returns. Since the beginning of March, when much of physical retail shut down, Seek noted a 600% increase in AR usage through its customers websites. To date, Seek has deployed over 10 million experiences with more than 100 customers, including Lego, Nestle, Overstock.com, Nixon, and Walmart, to name a few. For more information visit: https://seekXR.com/ip About Seek Seek brings AR directly to websites no app required. Seek helps improve the customer experience for Fortune 500 companies all over the world to deliver best-in-class AR content and services, with a primary focus on web-based AR solutions for e-commerce. Our proprietary, intuitive AR solution optimizes 3D models and then makes them accessible on any device. Seek gives brands the benefits of augmented reality without the hassle of developing an app. Easily create a better experience for your customers, where they can view realistic AR versions of your products anywhere, any time. Queen Elizabeth II of Britain has spotted horseback riding in Windsor, west of London. It is her first public appearance since lockdown was imposed in the United Kingdom due to the coronavirus pandemic. Doing well Queen Elizabeth was seen riding around Home Park, an area next to Windsor Castle. She was captured over the weekend wearing a colorful scarf and a green jacket. The images of the Queen was released on May 31. According to a Buckingham Palace new release, the Queen was riding a 14-year-old Balmoral Fern pony. The Queen is known for her love of horse racing and horseback riding and has been photographed with horses over the years. In April, the Queen turned 94-years-old, but she did not hold the traditional royal gun salute that was done every year for her birthday. Due to the pandemic, it was canceled for the first time in 68 years. Aside from the gun salute, the military parade that was held every year in mid-June to mark the official celebration of her birthday was also canceled. Also Read: Kate Middleton Furious! Tabloid Reports False News About Duchess' Attitude, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle In May, Queen Elizabeth gave a rare televised speech from Windsor Castle to celebrate the 75 anniversary of VE Day. She connected the response of the British people to the pandemic to the efforts of the British soldiers during World War II. Will the Queen resume her public duty? Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the lives of millions of people were put on pause, including the live and duties of Queen Elizabeth II. The 94-year-old Queen is still on lockdown in Windsor Castle and she will remain in the castle until this fall. According to the news site The Sun, the Queen has reigned for 68 years, and this will mark her longest break. Experts think that the risk of being exposed to the coronavirus could force her to stop her public duties and pass the crown to her son, Prince Charles. Andrew Morton, the royal biographer, said that although the alleged decision is sad, there is no way that the Queen can resume her job. The coronavirus is not going to disappear anytime soon and there is a chance that it will take more than a year before it clears out. The situation will be too risky for the Queen, which means she can't meet people on a regular basis anymore. As for her heir, the 70-year-old Prince Charles has contracted the virus two months ago and has immunity for it now. Morton added that he stills sees Queen Elizabeth playing a public role by using a "Zoom monarchy" where people will see her on-screen. Morton notes that in a lot of ways, the changes forced by the pandemic would mark a return to the royal family's more traditional way of interacting with the people. Princess Diana was the one who created the more up-close and personal approach to the public, but since the coronavirus requires people to be socially distant, the royals will be more remote. Back in March, Prince Charles tested positive for the coronavirus and was immediately placed into isolation. His sons, Prince William and Prince Harry were both negative of the virus, but while Prince William stayed in the UK, Prince Harry moved to LA with his wife, Meghan Markle, and son Archie. 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. TELUS Corporation TU recently announced that it has selected telecommunications equipment from Nokia Corporation NOK and Ericsson ERIC to deploy 5G services across its network. Notably, another Canadian carrier BCE Inc. BCE also snubbed China-based telecom equipment provider, Huawei, in favor of these Nordic firms as relations between Canada and China turned sour with a go-ahead in the extradition case of Meng Wanzhou, the CFO of Huawei. Over the years, TELUS has invested in high-speed broadband technology as part of its customer-first approach. The company has reportedly achieved a 4G LTE download speed of 75 mbps, on average, which is significantly faster than 59 mbps in South Korea. Notably, TELUS has invested about $200 billion for infrastructure upgrades since 2000 and intends to pump in an additional $40 billion over the next three years for the deployment of 5G network services. TELUS is poised to benefit from the increasing penetration of smart devices, wireless data services and wireline fiber optic networks. The Canadian telecommunications company expects balanced growth in the wireless and wireline businesses. TELUS has secured new 600 MHz spectrum licenses in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec for a consideration of $931 million. Equating to a national average of 11.3 MHz, these licenses will allow it to provide improved mobile broadband connectivity at a time when the industry is moving from 4G LTE to 5G. The deployment of this latest spectrum is important to TELUSs 5G growth strategy coupled with better network quality, speed and coverage. The 600 MHz band can travel distances in rural areas and penetrate barriers to better reach in-building locations. Markedly, TELUS 4G LTE network covers 99% of the countrys population and the addition of 600 MHz spectrum will help it increase urban capacity while expanding the rural availability of wireless broadband service. The company is focused on the execution of its strategies along with amplifying efforts for cost efficiency leading to margin-accretive customer growth and investments to support its expansion strategy. With the expansion of the Internet of Things marketplace into Canada, TELUS is focusing on consolidating its foothold in the market. It has introduced the TELUS Global IoT Connectivity platform to deliver seamless connectivity and simplified billing across 200 networks globally, thus supporting the expansion of Canadian business enterprises. In the next two years, the company aims to offer direct fiber access to 93% of Greater Quebec City and Eastern Quebec residents. The company plans to generate subscriber growth in key growth segments, including wireless, high-speed Internet and TELUS TV. Increasing demand for reliable access and fast-data services are expected to support customer addition. Furthermore, TELUS International and TELUS Health are likely to contribute to the companys growth organically and through acquisitions. With state-of-the-art equipment from Nokia and Ericsson, TELUS aims to leapfrog in the 5G race and drive digital development across industries backed by super-fast, scalable and low-latency network capabilities. This, in turn, is likely to spur economic growth as the country aims to navigate through the coronavirus-induced turmoil. The stock has lost 3.7% in the past year compared with a 39.6% decline for the industry. Story continues TELUS currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2020? Last year's 2019 Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolio returned gains as high as +102.7%. Now a brand-new portfolio has been handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Dont miss your chance to get in on these long-term buys. Access Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 today >> 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 Nokia Corporation (NOK) : Free Stock Analysis Report TELUS Corporation (TU) : Free Stock Analysis Report BCE, Inc. (BCE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Ericsson (ERIC) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Shoppers are in a frenzy over Coles' brand new Oreo Cheesecake after customers spotted the $11 dessert in the freezer aisle and shared photos online. The dessert features a vanilla cheesecake baked on a dark chocolate flavoured biscuit and Oreo crumb base, and topped with Oreo pieces. The cake can be purchased in Australian Coles stores and ordered online. According to the description, the cake must be stored in the freezer and for 'best results' should be defrosted in the fridge four to five hours prior to serving. Customers are in a craze over the new Coles Oreo Cheesecake, which is priced at only $11 (pictured) The cake itself is 425 grams though the product description doesn't specify how many people it serves The cake itself is 425 grams though the product description doesn't specify how many people it serves. On social media, shoppers rejoiced and shared their excitement about trying the new product. After an image was shared to the Dessert Boxes Facebook page, which received more than 3,900 comments, many said they can't wait to purchase the cake themselves. On social media, shoppers rejoiced and shared their excitement about trying the new product Coles supermarkets sell a collection of Oreo products including the Peters Oreo Ice Cream Tub, Oreo Frozen Cookie Sandwich, the classic Oreo biscuits and the Cadbury Oreo Vanilla Block Chocolate. 'I'll have to go buy one!' A woman said and tagged a friend, another joked: 'My husband will eat the whole thing.' A third said: 'I wish someone would stop telling me these horrible things, because it only makes me want to go out and get some!' In addition to the new cheesecake, Coles supermarkets sell a collection of Oreo products including the Oreo Ice Cream Tub, Oreo Frozen Cookie Sandwich, the classic Oreo biscuits and the Cadbury Oreo Vanilla Block Chocolate. Online customers also shared their joy for the new Toblerone Frozen Cheesecake (pictured left) as well as the Cadbury Picnic Caramel Flavour Ice Cream on a stick (pictured right) Customers also shared their joy online for the Toblerone Frozen Cheesecake, which is priced at $11 from Coles. Similarly to the Oreo dessert, the Toblerone cheesecake is made with a delicious baked filling on a chocolate flavoured biscuit base topped with Toblerone's milk chocolate. For those who love to bake themselves, customers online recommend buying the Coles home brand macarons to place as a decorative piece on top of cakes. On social media parents have also been purchasing the Cadbury Picnic Caramel Flavour Ice Cream on a stick for their kids. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has revealed it is investigating ME Bank for potential breaches of the law after the bank's chief executive admitted customers were deliberately kept in the dark over changes to its redraw policy. ASIC commissioner Sean Hughes told an emergency committee hearing on Wednesday that ME Bank forged on with its controversial plan to limit access to mortgage withdrawals without ASIC's approval. ASIC Commissioner Sean Hughes has slammed ME Bank's handling of the bungled redraw change. Credit:Josh Robenstone "For the avoidance of all doubt, ASIC did not endorse ME Banks remediation or communication plan, nor has it sought to do so," Mr Hughes said. ME Bank shocked customers in late April when it restricted access to more than $360 million from mortgage accounts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy change caused a major public backlash, ultimately resulting in an apology and policy reversal. Around 20 per cent of affected customers have had the original redraw facilities reinstated. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Moch. Fiqih Prawira Adjie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 15:05 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbd5dd6 1 National Papua-internet-blackout,PTUN,Court,internet-blackout,lawsuit,human-rights,freedom-of-expression,Communications-and-Information-Ministry Free A panel of judges at the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN) has granted a lawsuit filed by civil society groups against the governments decision to impose an internet blackout during weeks of protests in Papua and West Papua last year, declaring that such move violated the law. The petitioners the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet) and the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), among other groups -- filed a lawsuit against the President and the Communications and Information Ministry in January. They said the blackout, which officials argued was put in place to prevent fake news from spreading, was flawed in authority, substance and procedure. The court declares [the internet blackout] was a violation of the law by government bodies or officials, the presiding judge read the verdict during the hearing on Wednesday, as reported by YLBHI activist M. Isnur through his Twitter account, @madisnur. Daannn Hakim membetikan Amar Putusan mengabulkan Gugatan dan menyatakan #internetshutdown di Papua dan Papua Barat adalah Perbuatan Melanggar Hukum Alhamdulillah.. Panjang Umur Perlawanan#KeepItOn pic.twitter.com/eoEbY8DBEJ Isnur (@madisnur) June 3, 2020 The judges argued the government had imposed the internet blackout without the prior declaration of a state of emergency; therefore, violating the 1959 State of Emergency Law. The bench said the government failed to prove during the trial that Indonesia was in a state of emergency that required authorities to shut down the internet. Read also: Blackout lacks substance, procedures: Jokowi sued over govt-imposed internet ban in Papua Judges also said any decision that limited peoples right to information should be made in accordance with the law and not merely based on the governments discretion. The government initially claimed that its move to shut down internet access across Papua was in line with the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law. However, judges said the law could only be enforced to block access to electronic information and documents violating the law, not the entire internet. The bench also argued that fake news should be handled by using provisions in the Criminal Code or blocking the accounts spreading such false information, rather than shutting down internet access. The petitioners lauded the court for the verdict. The verdict also opens the possibility for affected parties to sue the government and ask for compensation, Isnur tweeted. The government throttled back internet access in parts of the countrys easternmost provinces on Aug. 19, 2019 between 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. shortly after widespread protests escalated in the regions in response to incidents of racial abuse suffered by Papuan students in Surabaya, East Java. According to the lawsuit, the government imposed a blackout between Aug. 21 and Sept. 4, affecting 29 cities and regencies in Papua and 13 cities and regencies in West Papua. YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. Wife of the Armenian prime minister Anna Hakobyan and her brother, the ruling My Step faction MP of the Armenian parliament, Hrachya Hakobyan, have filed a lawsuit against former Ambassador of Armenia to Vatican Mikayel Minasyan, Datalex online judicial information platform reported. The lawsuit seeks to make a public apology, publicly deny the defamatory factual data and compensate the damage caused to the honor, dignity and business reputation. The lawsuit was submitted on June 2. Recently former Ambassador Mikayel Minasyan posted a video in social network stating that smuggled cigarettes are being exported from Armenia at the consent of Hrachya and Anna Hakobyan. BudgIT, a civic group focused on ensuring financial transparency by government and public office holders, has raised an alarm over an alleged threat to the life of one of its field officers, Garba Abdullahi, for exposing fraudulent activities of government officials. According to a statement released by BudgIT, the threats came after a Fraud Alert post shared by Mr Abdullahi, the groups official in Abuja, on the Facebook page of the Senate Minority Whip, Philip Aduda. According to the post, Mr Aduda (FCT, PDP) allegedly mismanaged funds belonging to the Ministry of Water Resources and conversion of a public facility to personal use. After sharing the post, Mr Abdullahi said he received threats from loyalists of the senator, including one Sunday Dogo Zaka who said Abuja South of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), youths forum will take care of him. Iyanu Fatoba, the Communications Associate at BudgiT told PREMIUM TIMES that the community champion as their field officers are described has gone into hiding for over 48 days after he received several threats from the allies of the senator. According to Ms Fatoba, Mr Abdullahi will remain in hiding until relevant authorities give an assurance of his safety. Phone calls and text messages to Mr Aduda were not responded to. Find the full statement of BudgIT below; Our attention has been drawn to a threat received by our community champion in Abuja as a result of a fraud alert post shared from our Tracka page to his facebook page, sometime last week. The post, which was initially published on our Tracka page on the 30th of May, called out Senator Aduda and The Ministry of Water Resources for allegedly mismanaging financial resources to the tune of N225m and converting a public project into a personal project, by naming the constituency project after Jummai Aduda, Senator Adudas mother. The post which reads Fraud Alert, Sen. Aduda aided by Min of Water Resources has converted a public project of N225M mine. The Constituency Project gulped N100m (2016) N75m (2017) & N50m (2019) is now JUMMA/ ADUDA YOUTH CENTRE with engraved mothers picture. garnered several reactions from active citizens who joined BungiT and Tracka in condemning the unacceptable and unconstitutional act. Following this post, Sunday Dogo Zaka, a loyalist to Senator Phillip Aduda issued a threat through his Facebook page that the Abuja South PDP youth forum would take care of him, after which we received a distress call from our Community champion, Garba Abdullahi. He claimed that he has been receiving calls from strange and unfamiliar people who also threatened his life. Another anonymous caller advised him to visit the Senators former aide because they plan to do him something bad. As we speak, our community champion, Garba Abdullahi, has gone into hiding as a result of these threats. As an organization, BudgiT, together with Tracka reaffirms our position that the naming of constituency projects is not left to the prerogative of the parties involved as there are laid down procedures to be followed when re-naming a project. This might have community inputs, but the Honourable Senator is aware that there are laid down principles in re-naming a public project, as against what was stated in the Appropriation Act We also maintain that we will not share false information with members of the public to incite misunderstanding between them and their representatives at any point. By issuing this press release, we are calling on The Inspector General of Police to investigate this issue and prevent any mishap from happening to any of our staff, community champion, Garba Abdullahi or affiliated persons, it read. In-person activities for seniors will not be scheduled in June, per recommendation from state and federal agencies. The department will evaluate the situation for July and programs are expected to be re-instated in phases. The department will continue communication with residents via the newsletter and other sources. The department is committed to offering as many summer programs as possible, the plan says, possibly by making modifications for social distancing, sanitizing and group size. Some programs will be canceled. Watercraft rentals are available at Waterworks Park and fewer seasonal employees will be hired. The pool at Swan Park and the Crystal Lake Beach are tentaively scheduled to open June 13. Community services director Jana Stephens did not return calls Tuesday for more information. Library The library has its own governing board to make decisions about when it will re-open. The board voted to address the issue on June 12, though a special meeting could be called before then. Librarian Sarah Cournoyer said the library will give a presentation at the Common Councils next meeting, which had to be rescheduled to Wednesday due to technical issues. STOCKHOLM (dpa-AFX) - Sweden's services sector contracted at a slower pace in May, survey data from Swedbank and the logistics association SILF showed on Wednesday. The Purchasing Managers' Index for the services sector increased to 40.9 in May from 39.0 in April. Any reading below 50 indicates contraction in the sector. There are no clear signs of an imminent recovery in the business cycle, Swedbank analyst Jorgen Kennemar said. Order intake showed the largest increase in May, followed by employment. Meanwhile, suppliers' delivery time lengthened and business volume declined in May. The composite PMI, which combines manufacturing and services, rose to 40.5 in May from 38.3 in the previous month. However, the outlook for the Swedish business sector for the next few months remains challenging, Kennemar said. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday ordered that the amount of Rs 50 crore deposited by LG Polymers India Ltd with Andhra Pradesh government be spent for restoration of environment and for part compensation to victims of Styrene gas leak from the companys Visakhapatnam plant, which claimed 12 lives on May 7. A three-member bench of the tribunal headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said the final quantum of compensation to be paid by the company will be decided by a committee comprising representatives from the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF), central pollution control board (CPCB) and national environmental engineering research institute (NEERI) to be constituted within two weeks. The tribunal suggested that another committee comprising two representatives each from MoEF, CPCB and three representatives of state government be formed to work out the restoration plan in the affected villages within two months. The NGT bench asked the Andhra Pradesh government to take action against the officials responsible for permitting South Korean firm LG Polymers India Ltd to operate its plant at Visakhapatnam without statutory licences. It observed that the company had not obtained environmental clearance and the state pollution control board, on account of its ignorance of law or otherwise, gave the Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate in violation of law. The HT Guide to Coronavirus COVID-19 The bench said the LG Polymers has absolute liability for the environmental damage and consequential loss, including to life and public health, due to leakage of Styrene vapour. It said the government could go ahead with any criminal or other statutory proceedings against the company in accordance with the law. The bench ordered the state chief secretary to take action against those who had given permission to the company to operate and submit the action taken report within two months. The case was posted to November 3 for further hearings. The tribunal also ordered that the company cannot recommence its operations without requisite statutory clearances which could be given only after the examination of the tribunal. It also suggested that the environment ministry constitutes an expert committee to suggest ways and means to prevent violation of environmental norms and recurrence of such incidents in future. It asked the ministry to submit an action taken report within three months. The tribunal, quoting the reports of the expert committee, observed that the LG Polymers India and its Korean principal LG Chem betrayed lack of experience in monitoring and maintaining full tanks of Styrene that had been lying idle for several weeks without operation because of lockdown. Even the storage tank from which the gas leaked was of old design and this possibly contributed to the problem. Operators and any industrial persons are not aware of control measures in such a situation is the main cause, the NGT said. The LG Polymers did not present their version, except arguing that the NGT had no powers to take up the case suo motu, as the issue was pending in the Supreme Court. Image credit: First Element (The Diamond Loupe) - The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a paradigm shift, not only in how we live our lives, stay in touch with friends and family or do our shopping, but also in the way we do business. In an industry that has long relied on face-to-face interactions, particularly in the rough trading business, the crisis is accelerating business processes at a rapid pace. The Diamond Loupe spoke with Johan Erikson, CEO of First Element, a tender house operating in Antwerp, on how their processes have changed in the past few months to adapt to the new normal. We cover all of your building needs from roof to floor. Ribas Roofing and Services in Atascadero, CA has announced a new website by Access Publishing. Ribas Roofing and Services is an all-in-one general construction, roofing and flooring company that has been meeting the commercial and residential needs for Californias Central Coast and beyond since 2007. The companys services include: Certification in fire restoration and mold Certified to handle asbestos and lead-based paint Flooring for home or business, from the highest quality materials such as hardwood, laminate, carpet, vinyl and more. Roofing services for building a new roof, repairing an old one, or remodeling and reinforcing all of a roofs supporting structures. General construction, full-service from the ground up for residential and commercial building. The Atascadero-based Ribas Roofing and Services team members hold all of the appropriate licensing and certifications required by the industry. Owner, Daniel Ribas, has been working in the construction industry since 1995 and formed Ribas Roofing and Services in 2007. Ribas has a commitment to excellence and pledges to craft every aspect of every project to the customers precise specifications. Ribas Roofing and Services is the only company in the local area that services roofing contracts for Lowes. We are committed to stay on schedule and within budget, said Ribas. Our new website conveys our commitment to quality and showcases our services. The company carries a wide range of flooring products from the most well-known and trusted brands in the industry. Whatever your needs or preferences may be, we will certainly be able to accommodate you so that you can have the perfect floors for your spaces. No roofing job, from a new roof to repairs, is too big. The company uses the best quality tools and materials to do every job correctly. We cover all of your building needs from roof to floor, said Ribas. Ribas Roofing and Services is ready to help you customize and build your home exactly how you want it. We will construct and craft every aspect to your precise specifications, down to the smallest detail. Ribas Roofing and Services Atascadero, CA 93422 (805) 550-6160 This press release is by Paso Robles Marketing and SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-9890. Click here to read the full article. WASHINGTON President Trump put a nauseating new spin on Bible-bangin when he ordered flash grenades and tear gas to be lobbed at peaceful protesters outside of the White House so he could take a picture holding a Bible in front of a church. He has proven himself a Tartuffe of the highest order. Amid the stampede, still ringing in my ears is the voice that cried out, to nobody in particular, that There are kids here! It was 6:30 p.m. on a gorgeous Monday. Surely, Trumps base was thrilled to the marrow at the sight of him pawing the Good Book while, one block away, teenagers scrambled, even as the presidents own teenager presumably sat inside mere yards away even as the Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C., said she was outraged by the gambit. (In an extraordinary press conference from the Pentagon on Wednesday morning, Defense Secretary Mark Esper affirmed that he was left in the dark about Trumps intent to turn the show of force into a photo op, a plan that, according to The New York Times, was hatched in part by Ivanka and Hope Hicks. Esper also broke with the president by saying he didnt support invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807, which would allow Trump to deploy active-duty troops.) More from Rolling Stone Its a populist move when you hold a gun over your head or carry a bible, and so you see Trump as a full-bore populist in the mode of William Jennings Bryan right now, said presidential historian Douglas Brinkley. But by now, Trump must realize that, after four years, it is not just his own base he has been riling up. Whether he leaves or stays, someone is going to be mad, there will still be rioting, says an 18-year-old girl named Chloe at Sunday nights protest, around 5 p.m., while things were still peaceable. Her shirt had a picture of a baby Biggie Smalls on it, and she sat on the roof of a maintenance structure in Lafayette Square that was covered in Fuck Trump and Amerikka graffiti. (Images of the president later walking in front of it on his way to the church are among the most defining of this whole episode). If he is re-elected, the country will flip upside down its going to be this, times 10, Chloe says. Her friend Kai adds, I dont know how he got this far in the first place, but he needs to stop. Story continues Trump was lucky there was even a church left with which to conduct his piety PR campaign. Later Sunday night, the 204-year-old St. Johns, attended at least once by every president since James Madison, caught fire. It happened after a hail of rubber bullets and tear gas forced protesters from the wooded Lafayette Square and onto H Street, directly in front of the church, where they started a bonfire that grew to be 30-feet high. On the next street, helter-skelter whipped down the block in both directions: Black smoke billowed like Krakatoa from a row of flaming cars; the plate-glass windows of the giant union AFL-CIO building cascaded into flower beds; Kawasakis braap-ed by like Roman candles. Three white punks, one with blue hair, plopped on a stoop, chain-smoked, and watched the social distortion with intense interest. They seemed to be in their natural habitat. During the day, the momentum in the capital was mighty. It was core-shaking to feel George Floyds name reverberating off the white marble of the Lincoln Memorial. But at night, it felt like being inside a lawless coliseum where anything could happen. There was no way police could differentiate between the pacifists and the malefactors. Many protesters begged desperately with their compatriots not to burn, smash, or hurl. But it was futile. I stashed my press badge in my back pocket after several tetchy confrontations. At points, the animosity for the media burbled over, with news anchors and cameramen being pushed around and screamed at. Around the corner, I braced for another blast of tear gas as some 50 people barreled my direction. But there was no battalion at their heels. They had simply spotted a Nordstrom Rack, and sailed through the windows while the buildings security officer, a black man, shook his head, resigned to the fact that there was nothing he could do and no one he could call. Nearby, three men pogo-ed out of a jewelry store window, arms laden with treasure. From Capitol Hill to Georgetown, the city was tearing itself apart while Trump sat holed up inside the White House, retweeting Q Anon piddle. The next morning, on Monday, Ronnie Mervis looked anguished. He was standing in the ruins of his jewelry store, Mervis Diamond Importers. We believe it was a gang, he says. It seemed too organized. They seemed to know what they were doing, they seemed to know where they were going within the store, they managed to get directly into the room where the vaults were. They knew to go there. It couldnt have just been spontaneous. Video shows that people were all wearing similar, big gas-type masks, they all had hoodies the same color, wearing gloves. It was more than random. He adds, I cant even tell you how I feel. You wouldnt be able to print it. Ordinarily, the only people barreling down Connecticut Avenue are blue-and-gray suited lobbyists and lawyers, clutching lattes, not bricks. The thoroughfare was barren Monday but for clusters of construction crews, battening down whatever hatches remained ahead of the nights coming melee. The Bombay Club and the Oval Room, two restaurants where youd always see pols and the media elite kibitzing, were boarded up and one was tagged in huge red letters: The rich arent safe anymore! That weekend was the first time restaurants in D.C. could partially reopen for outdoor seating. Weve been going through this terrible time with COVID-19 now, we cant open for another month because all the glass companies cant produce so quickly, lamented Ashok Bajaj, who owns both joints. I watched Saturday night as the Oval Room became a wrecking room, with crowds starting a fire inside. Bajaj said he couldnt resist driving down at one oclock that morning after seeing news footage. Im sympathetic to the cause, but its also very painful to watch everything youve built get destroyed. And I was standing there, watching. Piles of soot and cinder and spiderwebbed glass sat in the streets, but in Washington a town where everything from where you live to where you eat is a political statement the million-dollar question was already being asked: Will it all help Trump, or hurt him? Politicos Playbook newsletter was sheepish to muse on the subject, writing that morning, It seems crass to focus on politics now, before focusing on politics. But everyone wondered: Which tableau vivant will be the stronger motivator? Will the Grand-Guignol displays of anarchy by night engender support for Trumps autocratic tantrum? Or will the scenes of peaceful protesters being gassed by day push more people to the polls to vote him out? Obama blogged on Medium, and Biden would later go on to give a well-received speech on Tuesday from Philadelphia. Democrats were relieved to see him shed the Man in the Basement schtick, as David Axelrod and David Plouffe dubbed him last month. Donald Trump has turned this country into a battlefield riven by old resentments and fresh fears, said Biden. Is this who we are? Back on planet Monday, by 4 p.m. hundreds were gathered in front of the White House, like The Birds, pecking at Trump, the tangerine-flaked Tippi Hedren who was inside, tweeting, as ever. Anarchists, we see you! he wrote just before 2 p.m. At 4:43 p.m., an emergency alert announcing the new, earlier curfew of 7 p.m. hit hundreds of pockets at the same time. The alerts eerie aria filled the street and a huge roar of We cant breathe! went up in response. Beyond the barricades, the National Guard members that Trump dragooned to the White House could be seen trooping through the park for the first time. Soon came the mayhem, then the photo op. After the Kings Guard pushed protesters down 16th Street, they marched past Farragut Square, where up-armored humvees were parked in the middle of the street. Officers announced that the protesters were officially violating curfew and could be subject to arrest, as scores of them climbed up Connecticut Avenue, blaring N.W.A. But the protest was a headless beast; half split off in another direction. This group trudged through a posh part of town while residents of the apartments above trained their phone cameras down on the marchers. A protester screamed up to a blond, white woman sitting on her balcony, If youre not an ally, youre part of the fucking problem! The woman gave a vinegary look and sipped her glass of white wine. In an apartment above Nobu, the sushi temple where expense accounts go to die, Tucker Carlsons face could be seen, oddly distorted, stretched across a huge TV screen. At that very moment, he was using his Ailesian pulpit to appeal directly to the president, saying: You can regularly say embarrassing things on television. You can hire Omarosa to work at the White House. All of that will be forgiven if you protect your people. But if you dont protect them, or worse, if you seem like you cant be bothered to protect them, then youre done. Its over. People will not forgive weakness. If Trump was watching, it mustve stung. Reports out of the White House suggest Trump felt so emasculated after being rushed to the underground bunker on Friday night that he orchestrated the field trip to St. Johns church as a show of strength. (Trump insisted Wednesday that it was merely an inspection of the bunker.) The protesters reached the bridge to Georgetown, where businesses including an Apple store were looted over the weekend. To Gerald Rafshoon, the very first political-media wiz and former adviser to President Carter, it brought to mind the racial riots of 1968 following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. At the time, Joe Califano, an adviser to President Johnson, rushed into the Oval Office to alert Johnson that Georgetown was burning, to which the president is said to have replied, Joe, Ive been waiting 35 years to see that happen. The dwindling crew was cut off by police barricades, though. They turned back into town, where black-hawk choppers circled overhead. As they traipsed across the National Mall, twilight fell and the moon shone on the white marble of the Washington Monument. The old obelisk was flanked on all sides by a ring of officers. The next afternoon, hundreds protesters were back in front of the White House. See where your favorite artists and songs rank on the Rolling Stone Charts. Sign up for Rolling Stones Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. People gather as shops burn in the background during a protest in Wamena, a regency in Indonesias Papua province, Sept 23, 2019. Indonesias president and his information minister unlawfully ordered the blocking of internet services in the insurgency-stricken Papua region during deadly rioting and widespread anti-government protests last year, an Indonesian court ruled Wednesday. President Joko Jokowi Widodo and Johnny G. Plate, the minister of communications and information technology, were named as the targets of a lawsuit lodged with the State Administrative Court by internet freedom group SAFEnet and the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) in November 2019. The plaintiffs argued that a mobile data blackout imposed by Jokowis government during the riots in the far-eastern Papua and West Papua provinces, between August and September, violated peoples right to information. The decision taken by Defendants I and II was an unlawful act by the government or a government institution, presiding judge Nelvy Christin said as she read out the unanimous verdict by a three-member panel, referring to Jokowi and Johnny. The central government violated the law by imposing the internet blackout without declaring a state of emergency, as stipulated by a 1959 law on states of emergency, the panel found. The judges also said any decision that limited peoples right to information should be made in accordance with the law and not merely based on the governments discretion, according to reporting by the Jakarta Post. The court found that the government blocked internet services in 54 cities and regencies across Papua and West Papua, from Aug. 21 through Sept. 4, 2019. Officials said at that time that the blackout was intended to curb the spread of misinformation after protesters torched government buildings during anti-government rallies. The lawsuit demanded that the government not take similar measures in the future in any part of the country. A lawyer for the plaintiffs, Muhammad Isnur, said the lawsuit initially demanded that the government publically apology for the blackout, but the judges said such a demand was unusual and requested that the plaintiffs drop it. Being found to have acted unlawfully is a blotch on the government. Could it have been that other government actions also violated the law? Isnur told reporters. Officials at the presidents office and the Communications Ministry did not immediately respond to requests from BenarNews for comment. On Wednesday, neither the office nor the ministry issued any statements on the court ruling. Amnesty Internationals director in Indonesia, Usman Hamid, said the ruling could pave the way for Papuans to seek compensation from the government. With the decision, the Papuan people can file compensation claims because the president and the minister of communications and information are proven to have committed legal violations, Usman told BenarNews. He praised the judges, saying the verdict raised hopes for improving the human rights climate in Papua, where security forces have been accused of committing abuses for years. This is a very progressive decision. We need judges like that for Papua and Indonesia, Usman added. More than 40 people were killed during last years unrest, which was sparked by the perceived harsh and racist treatment of Papuan students by security forces and vigilante groups in Java, Indonesias most populous island and the seat of the central government in Jakarta. Jakarta has blamed the separatist United Liberation Movement of West Papua and the National Committee for West Papua for the uprising, during which thousands of people joined protests calling for a vote on self-determination for the mainly Melanesian Papuan region. Police arrested dozens of pro-referendum Papuan activists in the wake of the unrest, prompting the authorities to send thousands of additional police and troops to the region located at the far-eastern end of Indonesia. In April, a court in Jakarta sentenced six activists to up to nine months in prison after finding them guilty of treason for participating in a 2019 protest that called for a referendum on self-determination in Papua. The activists Surya Anta, Ambrosius Mulait, Charles Kossay, Dano Tabuni, Arina Elopere and Isay Wenda have since been freed because they had spent time in detention since August last year. Meanwhile, seven other pro-independence Papuan activists are standing trial for treason in Balikpapan, a city in East Kalimantan province on Borneo Island. An armed separatist insurgency has simmered for decades in Papua and West Papua, largely impoverished and underdeveloped provinces that make up one-fifth of Indonesias land mass, although only 5.9 million of Indonesias 270 million people live there. The Papua region was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a U.N.-administered ballot known as the Act of Free Choice. Many Papuans and rights groups said the vote was a sham because it involved only 1,000 people. New Delhi, Jun 3 (UNI) The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday gave its approval for signing the Memorandum of Understanding between Indian and Bhutan on cooperation in the areas of environment. The MoU will enable establishment and promotion of closer and long-term cooperation between the two countries in the field of environment protection and management of natural resources on the basis of equity, reciprocity and mutual benefits, taking into account the applicable laws and legal provisions in each country, said Union Minister Prakash Javadekar while announcing the Cabinet decisions. Keeping in view the bilateral interest of both sides and mutually agreed priorities, a MoU covering the areas of air, waste, chemical management and climate change, an official release said. This MoU shall enter into force on the date of signature and shall continue to remain in force for a period of ten years. The government also said that both the countries parties intend to encourage organisations, private companies, government institutions at all levels and research institutions on both sides to establish cooperation activities aimed at fulfilling the objectives of the MoU. The MoU also suggested to hold joint working group or bilateral meetings to review and analyse the progress of activities and shall keep their respective Ministries duly informed of progress and achievements. UNI KNA SB 1896 Five more Mexican fishermen detained in Belize Belize Five Mexican fishermen who were reported missing Saturday from along the southern coast of Quintana Roo were detained in Belizean waters. The fishermen were taken into custody and placed in quarantine after Belize authorities found them outside Mexico boundaries. The five remain confined in quarantine for 14 days, after which time, they will be presented to the court to define their legal situation. This is the second time in as many weeks that Belize Coast Guard authorities have detained boats of Mexican fishermen. In late May, a group of three Mexican fishermen from Costa Maya were detained by Belize Coast Guard after they were found fishing in Belize waters. The trio were detained and placed in quarantine, however, they escaped. Uber has announced the launch of seven partnership initiatives in Egypt amid the Covid-19 crisis. The initiatives include partnerships with Ahl Masr Foundation, the Egyptian Red Crescent, and Venture Lifestyle, Uber said in a statement Tuesday. Uber also said that under its current partnership with Tabibi it has added five new hospitals to its initiative in coordination with the Ministry of Health that provides frontliners with free trips, bringing the total number of hospitals covered to nine. Ubers initiatives come out of its social responsibility to help mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on vulnerable communities. We are always on the lookout for opportunities to support society. We will continue working closely with various parties and contributing Ubers technology to accommodate the rising needs of society, while focusing on the safety measures that will help in curbing the rise of the virus," general manager of Uber Egypt Ahmed Khalil said. Uber has also extended its support to the medical sector with free and discounted rides to include staff at the two As-Salam International Hospitals, two Dar Al-Fouad Hospitals, and the Saudi German Hospital under an initiative launched in April in Cairo and Alexandria, according to the statement. Uber partnered with the Egyptian Red Crescent to help medical volunteers and workers move freely in their efforts to contain and fight Covid-19. The company supported 2,000 volunteers with access to transportation by providing 4,000 free trips, according to the statement. In collaboration with Ahl Masr, the foundation dedicated in treating, preventing and researching trauma and burn injuries, in addition to supervising three quarantine hospitals, Uber provided logistical support by offering more than 1,000 free trips for 70 agents to help them collect donations for existing patients, according to the statement. Search Keywords: Short link: First published in The Sydney Morning Herald June 5, 1992 The meeting was attended by several hundred people loyal to the Queen. Credit:ROBERT PEARCE Australians for Constitutional Monarchy launched their fight yesterday against the moves towards a republican Australia with three cheers for the Queen. They also sang God Save the Queen, after two rousing renditions of Advance Australia Fair. And they signed a birthday card to send off to Buckingham Palace, on the occasion of the Queens Birthday weekend. Why shouldnt she know that there are people in this country who love her? Mr Lloyd Waddy, QC, asked, to ringing cheers. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Mostly sunny skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 24F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low 19F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Facebook Inc and Snapchat developer Snap Inc became the latest U.S. companies condemning racial inequality in the United States as violent protests flared up across major cities over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died while in police custody in Minneapolis last week. The two tech companies followed Intel Corp, Netflix Inc, Alphabets Google, International Business Machines Corp (IBM.N) and Nike Inc in taking a public stance against Floyds death - calling out discrimination against African-Americans. But tech companies such as Facebook and Google for years have struggled to quell concerns about discrimination against African-Americans in their own workplaces, and black engineers remain underrepresented in their workforces relative to the U.S. population. The challenges are not expected to ease as the novel coronavirus pandemic forces the companies to slow hiring and work remotely for months to come. Facebook employees on Monday urged Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg to take stronger action against an inflammatory post last week by U.S. President Donald Trump about the Minneapolis protests. But Zuckerberg already said in a Friday post that Facebook would not take action on the post. He said Facebook will commit $10 million to organizations working on racial justice. Floyds death has renewed outrage across the U.S. on the treatment of African-Americans by authorities, polarizing the country politically and racially. We cannot end systemic racism without simultaneously creating an opportunity for all people, regardless of their background, Snap Chief Executive Officer Evan Spiegel told employees in an email criticizing racism and calling for increased taxes to create a society that benefits all of us. Twitter, which last week was at the center of a fight with Trump over its actions on his tweets, including a warning over one about the protests, added the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter to its account bio on the site. The U.S. Google and YouTube homepages bore a notice saying they stood in support of racial equality. On Friday, Nike flipped its iconic slogan to raise awareness about racism. For Once, Dont Do It. Dont pretend theres not a problem in America. Dont turn your back on racism, the company said in a video that has over six million views on Twitter and was shared by celebrities and rival Adidas AG (ADSGn.DE). Ruling on Vostochny bank stock sale upheld RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 11:28 03/06/2020 MOSCOW, June 3 (RAPSI) The Sixth Commercial Court of Appeals has upheld refusal to reconsider upon newly discovered evidence a ruling ordering the Cypriot Evison Holdings Limited, through which Baring Vostok and Russia Partners investment funds control a batch of the Vostochny banks stock, to sell 9.99% of shares, according to court records. In May 2019, the Commercial Court of Amur Region obliged Evison Holdings Limited to execute a call option agreement signed with Finvision Holdings company. Appeals and cassation instances upheld the ruling. Under the settlements terms, Evison Holdings Limited was to sell 9.99% of Vostochny bank shares to the banks minority shareholder Finvision Holdings but repudiated the contract, the plaintiff claimed. Previously, the court seized 9.99% of Vostochny bank shares belonging to Evison Holdings Limited, the defendants lawyer Dmitry Savochkin told RAPSI on April 1. On April 11, 2019, Moscows Basmanny District Court released Baring Vostok investment companys founder, U.S. citizen Michael Calvey, who stands charged with 2.5-billion-ruble (about $40 million) embezzlement, from detention and put him under house arrest. In mid-February, Moscows Basmanny District Court ordered detention of Calvey and five other defendants including Baring Vostok Industry Partner for the financial industry sector, French citizen Philippe Delpal, the companys partners Vagan Abgaryan, Baring Vostok Investment Director Ivan Zyuzin, Maxim Vladimirov and ex- chairman of Vostochny bank board Alexey Kordichev. Later, Delpal was placed under house arrest too. According to investigation, Calvey knowing about a 2.5-billion-ruble debt of the First Collector Bureau, a firm under his control, has organized the sale of its shares to Vostochny bank that has led to embezzlement. The Investigative Committee claims that he committed a crime that could not be classified as business crime because he used a chain of sham companies settling the deal. Moreover, investigators say they have a PricewaterhouseCoopers audit report on the done deal estimating the sold shares at 600,000 rubles, which indicates an instance of fraud. Calvey denies allegations insisting that the deal was fair as both companies agreed its terms and stood for it, including a person reporting an alleged crime to law enforcement bodies. He noted that a report has been filed with police by a member of Vostochny bank board of directors Sherzod Yusupov. According to Calvey, the real reason of his prosecution is a wide corporate dispute related to the control of the bank by two groups of shareholders: Baring Vostok and stockholders coming from Uniastrum bank, which was reorganized and joined to Vostochny in early 2017. Baring Vostok company founded by Calvey in 1994 focuses on private equity investments in the CIS and Russia. The company has invested in shares of Yandex, Vkusvill, Tinkoff Bank and other major projects. New Delhi, Jun 3 (UNI) Senior diplomat and former spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Raveesh Kumar was appointed as India's next Ambassador to Finland, the government announced on Wednesday. A 1995-batch Indian Foreign Service officer has served in the MEA as the spokesperson from July 2017 to April 2020. "He is expected to take up the assignment shortly," the MEA said. Before becoming the MEA spokesperson, he was serving as Consul General of India in Frankfurt. Mr Kumar started his career at the Indian Mission in Jakarta and it was followed by his postings in Thimpu and London. In his nearly 25-year career, he also looked after the East Asia desk in the headquarters of the MEA in Delhi and served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Jakarta followed by his posting as Consul General in Frankfurt from August 2013 to July 2017. In Finland, he succeeds Vani Rao. UNI ASH SB 1716 Former Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday once again questioned the Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre over the military standoff with China and asked if the government could confirm that no Chinese soldiers entered India. In a tweet, Rahul Gandhi said, "Can Government of India please confirm that no Chinese soldiers have entered India?" He also attached a news report that said that India-China will hold top-level military meeting on June 6 in a bid to resolve the troop confrontation in eastern Ladakh, quoting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where he also admitted that Chinese soldiers were present in a sizeable number in the high altitude. Can GOI please confirm that no Chinese soldiers have entered India?https://t.co/faR5fxEqQO Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 3, 2020 Earlier, Rahul Gandhi slammed the Central government on May 29 and also during his press conference in the last week of May. In a tweet on May 29, Rahul Gandhi said, "The government's silence about the border situation with China is fuelling massive speculation and uncertainty at a time of crisis. Government of India must come clean and tell India exactly what's happening." On May 26, during his fourth address to media through video conferencing, the former Congress chief had said, "The details of what happened along the border, the government should share with the people." He said what happened with Nepal and why, what is happening in Ladakh should be made clear. "I cannot see transparency. The issue of Ladakh and China is a live issue. Transparency is required," he said. He was responding to a question on the face-off on the LAC that was triggered after the Chinese objected to road construction and development of infrastructure by India within the Indian territory. Nguyen Van Lai of HCM Citys Binh Chanh District who installed rooftop solar panels in 2008, said 10 years ago he did not think that one day he could sell his electricity to the Vietnam Electricity (EVN). Installation of rooftop energy facilities on top a building in HCM City. But despite the hot weather and high consumption in his house, he has had a surplus of 170kWh a month for the last two months and sold it to EVNs grid, earning VND330,000-350,000. Pham Van Hoa of Binh Thanh District said he installed rooftop solar panels in June of last year and since August has been selling to EVN over 200kWh a month. Lai and Hoa are among thousands of consumers who sold solar power to EVN HCM City last year. According to figures released by the company, it has so far bought 31.39 million kWh of solar power for more than VND7.9 billion (about US$340,000) from households. An EVN HCM City spokesman said the number of rooftop solar panels installed in the city is nearly 7,000 with a total output of around 90MWp. Forty four companies in 18 industrial parks have also installed rooftop solar panels for a total capacity of 13.4MWp. Across the country, rooftop solar panels have been installed at more than 27,600 locations with a total capacity of 562.8MWp. According to EVN, Government Decision No 13 (valid from May 22), which allows their rooftop solar panels' owners to sell electricity to it, will help increase this number further. Experts said it would provide an impetus to the development of rooftop solar power. Assoc Prof Ngo Tri Long, former head of the Price and Market Research Institute under the Ministry of Finance, said rooftop panels do not occupy much space or take much time to install, but can help people reduce their electricity bills. Their cost could be recouped in four to five years, he added. Pham Viet Anh, an expert at the Vietnam Renewable Energy Forum, said: Relevant Government agencies should promulgate policies to allow administrative agencies, schools, hospitals and State-run enterprises to invest in rooftop energy facilities." Installation of rooftop energy facilities should be made mandatory for construction of big buildings such as apartment buildings, commercial centres and hotels. A spokesman for ien Quang Trading and Investment Joint Stock Co., a HCM City-based company that produces lighting and electrical equipment, said it has sped up work on a 500kWp rooftop energy facility at a plant in District 9. He said 50 per cent of its output would be sold to the national grid during peak hours. VNS More than 24,300 rooftop solar projects installed More than 24,300 rooftop solar projects have been installed this month, with a total capacity of 465.8 megawatt peak (MWp). Scientists in London are running tests to find out whether common painkiller and anti-inflammatory medicine Ibuprofen can help to treat Covid-19 positive patients and steer them away from fatal respiratory failure and the need for ventilators, news agency Bloomberg reported. A team of researchers from Londons Guys Hospital, St Thomas Hospital and Kings College are running a trial to see whether the painkiller and anti-inflammatory medicine Ibuprofen can be used to treat coronavirus patients. With around 180 countries across the world grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic amid escalating deaths, scientists and researchers are hoping that the low-cost treatment will reduce the burden on hospitals and medical facilities by keeping patients off ventilators. The study uses a type of Ibuprofen called Flarin thats available in the United Kingdom and has a separate composition than the standard version to protect the stomach. The study is being run by Guys and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, Kings College London and SEEK, a proprietary drug-research firm. ALSO READ | Remdesivir most beneficial for severely ill Covid-19 patients, say researchers If the clinical trial is successful, it would mark a turnaround in attitudes toward the drug during the Covid-19 pandemic. The trial, called Liberate, was launched after studies conducted on animals suggested that the medication could treat acute respiratory distress syndrome one of the complications associated with the Covid-19 disease. The trial will be randomized, with half the patients receiving standard care alone and the other half receiving the drug additionally. The first half who will receive standard care, will continuously be given oxygen as well. As a new illness, there are limited treatment options for patients with Covid-19, said Richard Beale, a professor of intensive care medicine at the NHS trust. The clinical trial will assess whether this unique formulation of an established drug benefits patients. ALSO READ | WHO says anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquines coronavirus trials to resume Professor Mitul Mehta, a member of the research team, stressed that the trial was for hospitalised patients and not for mild cases. Participants were drawn from among those hospitalised, but not requiring intensive care, according to the news agency. French Health Minister Olivier Veran had said in March that patients with Covid-19 should avoid anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen because it might aggravate their infections. Europes top medicines regulator said shortly afterward that theres no solid evidence that Ibuprofen makes the virus worse. At the onset of the pandemic in the United Kingdom, health experts had raised concerns over whether the anti-inflammatory drug should be used by people showing mild coronavirus symptoms. Following this, the UKs National Health Service (NHS) in March withdrew the advisory they had issued on their website for the use of Ibuprofen by people suffering from mild cases of Covid-19. The United Kingdom is one of the worst-hit countries in the world with a very high concentration of coronavirus positive patients. When we think of WWII fighters, it is rare for many of us to consider designs outside of those fielded by the major combatants. But we would be remiss to ignore the lesser known breeds which took to the skies in anger during that conflict; aircraft originating from nations like France, the Netherlands, Finland and Romania. While their overall effect may have been slight, in most cases, they are still worthy of consideration for their historical value. Sadly, very few examples of these aircraft exist today, and in many cases, none remain at all. They were rare enough in their day, so it should not be too surprising that so few survive 75 or more years later. Thankfully, in the last decade or so, we have seen a resurgence of interest in obscure WWII aircraft. This has included the resurrection of a handful of interesting types like the French Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 and Caudron C.714 More recently, we have seen projects to bring back previously extinct breeds, such as Hollands Fokker D.XXI, which we reported on HERE. And now, there is the exciting prospect of seeing a Romanian-designed IAR.80 fighter back in the air. While there are no surviving examples of this type, and engineering details are hard to find, there is a dedicated team hard at work to re-engineer this magnificent fighter, which saw service in the skies over the Ploesti oil refineries, and other strategic locations in Romania during WWII. Here to report on these developments in Calin Neatu Resurrecting the IAR 80 A Sky Legend Associations Project by Aviatim In November 1936, the Romanian Aeronautical Industry, IAR, proposed a new aircraft design to Romanias Ministry of Air and Navy; an all-metal, low-wing, monoplane fighter. This was essentially the birth for what would become the IAR 80. Two and a half years later, on April 4th, 1939, the IAR 80 fighter prototype took to the skies for the first time. More than four hundred examples would serve in Romanias military during the types service life. While a handful lingered on after WWII, the type soon gave way to more advanced jets. Sadly, no one thought to preserve even a single airframe for posterity Now, 83 years after pencil was first put to paper on the aircrafts design, the Sky Legend Association has set out to resurrect the IAR 80 for future generations to see. The Sky Legend Association was founded in 2019 by a group of passionate aviation enthusiasts in Romania seeking to rekindle the fires of the nations proud aeronautical heritage. The group is a public, non-governmental, apolitical organization that operates on a voluntary basis. The groups main objective is to design and build a full-scale flying replica of the Romanian IAR 80 fighter aircraft, which is as similar as possible to the original. Once design and manufacturing are completed, the aircraft will go through an official approval process and civil registration, so that it can take part in air shows and aviation events, both in Romania and abroad. The plane will be named IAR 80R, with the R standing for Redivivus. Although two other replicas of the IAR 80 exist, they are only static mockups, and do not have the ability to fly. Both are on permanent display at the National Museum of Romanian Aviation, in Bucharest. Founding the Sky Legend Association was the first step along the road to recreating the IAR 80. The next step involves planning and establishing the technical specifications for the replica IAR 80 fighter aircraft. Once these stages were completed, the design and execution stages followed, along with establishing an estimated budget necessary for building the aircraft. The budget is estimated at approximately 200,000 (US$225,000). At this moment, there is no functional version of the IAR 80 fighters IAR 14K powerplant available, nor even one which could be restored to airworthy condition. For this reason, the rebuild team has chosen a US-designed engine of equivalent performance. It will most likely be the Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92, the same kind of engine which aircraft like the Douglas DC-3/C-47 and Consolidated B-24 Liberator used. This engine is readily available for reasonable cost, and is still in wide use today, so there is a lot of support available, as well as a spare parts supply. Another important component which this project needs to consider involves the main landing gear. While no original IAR 80 undercarriage are available for refurbishment, and it would be impractical to consider remanufacturing them, the team intends to adapt a set of gear from another aircraft type which fits the same performance and profile specifications. The closest main landing gear available to those used in the IAR 80 comes from the North American T 28 Trojan. They are widely available, either new or repaired, and also have the benefit of FAA certification. If necessary, modifications can be made to comply with the landing gear technical characteristics of the IAR 80 aircraft. However, if this solution proves inadequate, the team will make the hard decision to design and build their own landing gear from scratch. Presently, with several stages of the project now complete, work is concentrating on recreating the aircraft components using Computer Aided Design software. Once this design work is finalized, parts manufacture will begin. Members of the Sky Legend Association and other volunteers are carrying out these duties. Their activity can be followed both on the Sky Legend Association website www.iar80.org, and their Facebook page IAR 80 Redivivus. On the same website, a flight simulator for the IAR 80 aircraft can be found, along with articles about the IAR 80s history and the pilots who flew them, not to mention information about how you can help support this important initiative. This occasion marks the first time that such a project has taken place in Romania, and although it is an ambitious, long-term initiative, we hope to see the IAR 80 fighter flying again in three or four years time. For more information about this project visit www.iar80.org Kalin Kayarna is a Romanian-based aviation photographer and writer who covers military aviation, scale modeling, Romanian Air Force heritage and more. To learn about Calins work, please visit www.aviatim.com Many thanks indeed to Kalin Kayarna for his article. We wish the Sky Legend Association much luck in their endeavor, and hope that some of our readers might contribute to their cause! Candidates for this year's West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSEC) will write 'Country Specific Examinations' due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The WASSCE is expected to commence from August 3 to September 4, this year following the postponement of the original date in June. This has become necessary because countries in the West African sub-region are battling the respiratory disease and at different levels of management and easing of restrictions, and it would be difficult to agree on a common date for writing the examinations. Over the past decade, some countries in the sub region, including; Ghana, Nigeria and Gambia have agreed to allow their students at the secondary school level participate in the WASSCE, which is supervised by the West African Examination Council(WAEC) and enable holders of WASSCE to pursue university education in member countries of ECOWAS. Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Ghana's Education Minister, giving details of the school reopening protocols following easing of restrictions on public gatherings in Accra on Tuesday, said WASSCE candidates would write 'Ghana Specific Exams', instead of the WASSCE. The Minister said all students will start lessons at 0900 hours and close at 1300 hours, break periods will be observed in the classroom when schools re-open on June 15. Government would provide three sets of reusable face masks to students and staff. There should be disinfection of all educational institutions both public and private, while school authorities ensure availability of washing facilities such as Veronica Buckets for hand washing. There would be no religious service and sporting activities in schools while students attend dining hall in batches. The Minister said all Day Students in boarding schools would be accepted as boarders whilst Day Schools would have enhanced daily health protocols. Also, there would be mapping of schools and link them with health facilities for quick response to any medical emergencies. University and SHS students would use six weeks for academic work and four weeks to write their exit examinations whilst JHS students would spend 11 weeks for academic work and a week to write the Basic Education Certificate Examinations(BECE). The Minister stated that parents or guardians who had children in boarding schools would not be allowed to visit their children during the period. In his 10th national broadcast on measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 last Sunday, President Akufo-Addo eased restrictions on public gathering and announced the re-opening of schools for the final year students at the basic, secondary and tertiary levels. He said effective Monday June 15, final year students of the universities should report to campus to prepare for academic work. Final year students at the Senior High Schools (SHS), together with the SHS Two Gold Track students were to report on June 22, while the Junior High Schools (JHS) Student Three are supposed to resume on June 29. All JHS 3 class will comprise a maximum of 30 students, SHS classes 25 and the Universities half the class sizes. Dr Opoku Prempeh said government would embark on aggressive back-to-school and re-entry campaign and entreated the leadership of schools to ensure hygiene and social distancing protocols are observed by the teachers, non-teaching staff and students. The Minister advised parents with sick children not to allow them to attend classes and seek treatment for them. The Minister said all foreign students outside the country would be allowed to return, but would undergo a 14-day quarantine. 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 News LATEST Trends Cyclone Nisarga to land near Alibaug with wind speed of 120 kmph: Here are 10 latest developments Feedback Cyclone Nisarga to land near Alibaug with wind speed of 120 kmph: Here are 10 latest developments Maharashtra, Gujarat, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have been put on high alert as these areas fall on the path of Nisarga Cyclone Nisarga Social media sites in China are rife with video clips of tense standoffs between the police and protesters in the aftermath of the death last week of George Floyd, after he was pinned to the ground by a white Minneapolis police officer who has since been charged with murder The cartoon shows the Statue of Liberty cracking into pieces, a police officer breaking through its copper robe. A mans head lies on the ground in front of the White House, its facade splattered with blood. Beneath human rights, says the title of the cartoon, which was published by Peoples Daily, the Chinese Communist Partys flagship newspaper, and circulated widely on social media sites this week. As protests over police violence engulf hundreds of cities in the United States, China is revelling in the moment, seizing on the unrest to tout the strength of its authoritarian system and to portray the turmoil as yet another sign of American hypocrisy and decline. It is a narrative that conveniently ignores many of the countrys own problems, including its history of ethnic discrimination, its record on human rights and its efforts to suppress protests in Hong Kong. Chinese officials are trolling their American counterparts with protest slogans like Black lives matter and I cant breathe. The State-run media is featuring stories about the double standards of the United States for supporting the Hong Kong demonstrators. Prominent Chinese commentators are arguing that American-style democracy is a sham, pointing to the countrys bungled response to the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing racial tensions. This situation in the US will make more Chinese people support the Chinese government in its efforts to denounce and counter America, Song Guoyou, a scholar at Fudan University in Shanghai, said in an interview. The moral ground of the United States is indeed greatly weakened. The propaganda push is the latest skirmish in a longstanding power struggle between China and the United States, with tensions between the two countries at their lowest point in decades. President Donald Trump has accused Beijing of covering up the coronavirus outbreak that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan, saying China should be held responsible for deaths in the United States and around the world. He has also threatened to punish China for moving to adopt a broad new security law in Hong Kong by curtailing the citys special relationship with the United States. Now, the protests in the United States are giving Xi and the Communist Partys propagandists a natural line of counter-attack. Chinese social media sites are rife with video clips of tense standoffs between the police and protesters in the aftermath of the death last week of George Floyd, after he was pinned to the ground by a white Minneapolis police officer who has since been charged with murder. Television shows feature videos of National Guard troops patrolling city streets, as broadcasters describe the long history of discrimination against minorities in the United States. Social media sites are portraying America as unruly and chaotic: This is not Syria, this is the US! read a caption on one popular site. Global Times, a nationalistic newspaper controlled by the party, called on the US government to stand with the Minnesota people. Its editor, in a tweet, pointedly called out Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who had said we stand by the people of Hong Kong in his condemnation of Beijings move to impose national security rules. The violent protests in the streets of urban America are further discrediting the US in the eyes of ordinary Chinese, said Susan Shirk, chair of the UC San Diego 21st Century China Centre. The propaganda depicts American politicians as hypocrites living in glass houses while throwing stones at China. Shirk said that as the reputation of the United States suffers in China fewer people might be willing to voice support for American ideals, such as free markets and civil liberties. Even without the propaganda, Chinese people nowadays find little to admire in the US, she said. As the US model is tarnished, the voice of Chinese liberals is silenced. While Chinese officials have gleefully joined the global chorus of criticism aimed at the United States, the unrest has put them in an awkward position. Chinas government has long maintained strict limits on free speech and activism, and authorities often resort to aggressive tactics to quash unrest. The police in Hong Kong, where the government is backed by Beijing, have been accused of using excessive force as it has sought to rein in anti-government protests that have convulsed the semi-autonomous territory over the past year. With the comparisons to Hong Kong unmistakable, many mainland commentators have stopped short of endorsing the tactics used by American protesters, instead denouncing racism in the United States in general terms and rehashing protest slogans. The chronic racial wound in the United States is now smarting again, said a recent report by Xinhua, the State-run news agency. The Chinese government, in its first official statement on Trumps move against Beijings national security rules, directly called out the United States for hypocrisy. A spokesman for Chinas foreign ministry, Zhao Lijian, noted on Monday how American officials have portrayed protesters in their own country as thugs but glorified Hong Kong protesters as heroes. Carrie Lam, Hong Kongs chief executive, echoed the party line on Tuesday, accusing the United States of having double standards. When it comes to their countrys security, they attach great importance, she said at a regular news briefing. When it comes to my countrys security, especially regarding Hong Kongs current situation, theyve put on tinted glasses. Chinese officials, wading into the complex racial politics of the United States, have sometimes struggled with striking the right note. A spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, Hua Chunying, was widely praised in China recently when she wrote I cant breathe in response to a critical Twitter post by an American official. But she had less success with a post on Monday, when she wrote All lives matter, apparently unaware she was embracing a slogan that has been used in the United States to criticise the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Chinese officials have used the protests to revive favourite propaganda themes, including the idea that the United States acts as a bully on the world stage, meddling in the affairs of other countries. Hong Kong has been a particular point of contention, with many news outlets in China pairing images of burning buildings and flags in American cities alongside comments last year by Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, praising demonstrations in Hong Kong. Pelosi said the citys protests were a beautiful sight to behold. The editor-in-chief of Global Times, Hu Xijin, said that the attacks were to be expected given the intense criticism of China by American officials over the past year. Its a kind of vengeful feeling, which I think is human nature, he said in an interview. Americans shouldnt be unhappy about it. Hu said the unrest in the United States, as well as the failures in the countrys response to the coronavirus pandemic, had strengthened confidence among many Chinese in Beijings political system. It has made them believe that the government of this country really cares about peoples lives and well-being, he said. They see how the US government and capital despise the lives and interests of vulnerable and marginalised groups. Nationalism has been in full force in recent days on the Chinese internet, with many people taking to Weibo, a popular microblogging platform, to denounce the arrogance of the United States and Trump. Hashtags about the American protests, including the decision to deploy the National Guard in some cities, are among the most popular topics on the site. Some worry that the propaganda campaign may further inflame tensions between the two countries. He Weifang, an outspoken law professor in Beijing, said that even some critics of the government are becoming more sympathetic to the official line. Any Chinese with a brain, he said, would not simply look at it as China being so successful and the US being a failure. But, he added, with the terrible compression of space for free speech, many peoples heads are gradually broken. Javier C Hernandez c.2020 The New York Times Company Official White House Photo by Shealah CraigheadBy CONOR FINNEGAN, ABC News (WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump's administration has come under criticism at home for using strong-arm tactics to clear protesters in the nation's capital or failing to address the anger over racist incidents that has fueled demonstrations and led to some violence across the country. But that response has also undermined America's message on the world stage, leaving the U.S. open to attacks of hypocrisy from foreign adversaries or facing condemnation from key allies. For U.S. diplomats, it's become a difficult position as they struggle to respond to protests at embassies overseas, criticism from local governments or press and their own emotions over the crisis back home after the killing of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. "As Americans, it is a difficult moment for all of us. Each of us should take the opportunity to reflect upon that tragedy (of Floyd's death) and what we can do in our lives to both bring about healing and to address its underlying conditions and causes," Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun wrote to all department staff Monday night in an email obtained by ABC News. In the week since the Minneapolis police officer asphyxiated Floyd with his knee -- the latest in a long line of unarmed African Americans killed by police -- some U.S. ambassadors have spoken out about the protests ricocheting across the U.S. and demanding racial justice. But their statements have been sneered at by adversaries like China and Iran, quick to highlight racial tensions in the U.S., and undermined by Trump's actions, particularly after law enforcement used flash bangs, tear gas and force to remove peaceful protesters assembled across from the White House on Monday. The day after that clearing operation, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned Hong Kong's government for barring a peaceful vigil for the anniversary of the China's brutal crackdown on the Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing. For the first time in 30 years, a permit for the annual demonstration was rejected, with officials citing restrictions because of the coronavirus. Pompeo blasted that as Beijing moving "to deny Hong Kongers a voice and a choice, making them the same as mainlanders. So much for two systems." Online and overseas, he has been challenged by critics condemning the Trump administration's assault on the peaceful protesters in Lafayette Park. Hong Kong's pro-Beijing chief executive Carrie Lam condemned what she called a "double standard" from senior U.S. officials, saying during a press conference, "They take their own country's national security very seriously, but for the security of our country, especially the situation in Hong Kong, they are looking at it through tinted glasses." "Your boss gassed peaceful Americans exercising their 1st Amendment rights yesterday for a photo op. You're a disgrace," Jennifer Rubin, a conservative columnist with the Washington Post, tweeted at Pompeo. Unlike his deputy Biegun, Pompeo has not sent a department-wide email about the tumult in the country. Biegun's note, which encouraged senior officials to lead dialogues about racial issues with their staff and asked all employees to complete an unconscious bias training course, said he and Pompeo "recognize this has been an extraordinary time in history, and a challenging time for you and your families," although it's signed by Biegun alone. When law enforcement cleared Lafayette Park Monday, police were seen on camera by ABC News affiliate WJLA-TV assaulting two Australian journalists, hitting a cameraman in the chest with a shield and a television correspondent in the back with a club. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne expressed "strong concerns" about the incident, and Australia's ambassador to the U.S. Arthur Sinodinos said the State Department is assisting the embassy in filing a complaint with the appropriate authorities and requesting an investigation. In his own statement, the U.S. ambassador to Australia Arthur Culvahouse did not apologize for the incident or comment on it directly. "Freedom of the press is a right Australians and Americans hold dear. We take mistreatment of journalists seriously, as do all who take democracy seriously. ... We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting journalists and guaranteeing equal justice under law for all," the statement said. Outside the U.S. embassies in London, Dublin, Berlin and Paris in recent days, hundreds of demonstrators have marched in solidarity with U.S. protesters. The European Union's top diplomat Josep Borrell said Tuesday that Floyd's death was an "abuse of power" by law enforcement and warned "against the excessive use of force." At least one U.S. envoy has spoken out to defend Trump's actions on Monday. Ambassador Jim Gilmore, the U.S. permanent representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, said Tuesday that "local law enforcement, supported by their governors and local authorities," had an "obligation ... to restore order in their communities." "The President has vowed to take swift and decisive action and he has called upon governors to do the same," said Gilmore, the former Republican governor of Virginia and chair of the Republican National Committee. He added that protesters have a right to march, but, "those who break the law through acts of arson and looting, however, must be arrested and held accountable for their transgressions." Other ambassadors, particularly those career diplomats in the Foreign Service, have voiced support for the protests. U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols released a statement Monday that candidly spoke about his pain and anger at Floyd's killing, writing, "As an African American, for as long as I can remember I have known that my rights and my body were not fully my own. ... In a long, unbroken line of black men and women, George Floyd gave the last full measure of devotion to point us toward a new birth in freedom." But Nichols rejected the idea that U.S. officials can't speak out against injustices, at home or abroad. "I have also always known that America, conceived in liberty, has always aspired to be better -- a shining city on a hill -- and that is why I have dedicated my life to her service," he said. "Americans will continue to speak out for justice whether at home or abroad. We can meet the ideals of our founding, we will change this world for the better." Nichols was summoned by the Zimbabwean government Monday to protest comments Trump's national security adviser Robert O'Brien made to ABC's This Week Sunday. O'Brien labeled the southern African country as one of America's "foreign adversaries" seeking to take advantage of the racial protests. Zimbabwean Minister of Information Nick Mangwana rejected that, tweeting, "Zimbabwe does not consider itself America's adversary. We prefer having friends and allies to having unhelpful adversity with any other nation including the USA." Asked what O'Brien was basing that on, a State Department spokesperson told ABC News Monday, "We remain deeply troubled by the Zimbabwean government's use of violence against peaceful protestors and members of civil society, as well as against labor leaders and opposition leaders in Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe has not arrested a single person in connection with any abduction since 2018, nor has it investigated and held accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuses." U.S. diplomats in Africa seem particularly outspoken about the issue of these racial protests across the U.S., as they compete with strong Chinese influence and growing Russian involvement across the continent and battle the perception that Trump, who referred to its 54 nations as "s---hole countries," and his administration do not care about Africa. The U.S. embassies in Kenya and Uganda tweeted that they are "deeply troubled" by Floyd's death and that there should be a "full investigation." The embassy in Tanzania also shared the Department of Justice's statement announcing its probe into what happened. U.S. ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo Mike Hammer had a more personal message Friday, tweeting in French that he was "deeply disturbed by the tragic death of George Floyd" and that the Justice Department will conduct a thorough investigation. "Law enforcement must be held accountable worldwide. No one is above the law," he added. That has been a common theme in many embassies' messages, as U.S. diplomats seek to promote the rule of law in their host countries. "The U.S. stands for human rights & freedoms for all, as enshrined in our Constitution. We will not avert our eyes to injustice at home & abroad. We'll support peaceful public assembly, constructive dialogue, rule of law, as we work toward a more peaceful, democratic world," said Rebecca Ross, spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Moscow. Hours earlier, Russia's embassy in Washington condemned U.S. law enforcement's "unacceptable" use of rubber bullets and tear gas against personnel from state-run Sputnik news agency, even though Russian police similarly used batons and force to beat back protesters in Moscow last year. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. The Republican primary voters of Iowas fourth district finally sent Steve King packing last night by a margin of almost ten points, in favor of more conventional conservative Randy Feenstra. As NRs editorial today notes, this is a welcome and overdue move. King had become openly toxic in too many ways, and dumping him is an act of both political and moral hygiene. It follows on the heels of Alabama Republicans deserting Roy Moore in this years Senate primary, and the Kansas Republican Party getting Susan Wagle to drop out in the hopes of unifying the party behind Roger Marshall against a Senate run by 2018 gubernatorial loser Kris Kobach. King himself had, in January 2019, been stripped by House Republican leadership of his committee assignments, a step just short of expelling him entirely from the caucus, and with the same effect on his political standing. One lesson here is that Republicans find over and over again that Trumpier-than-Trump candidates are losers who turn off a critical segment of the partys voters. Another is that the party remains capable of the sort of collective action among voters and party elites that was used in the early 1990s to chase David Duke out of the GOP, and that led to impeachment campaigns by Republican legislatures that forced the resignation of Republican governors of Missouri and Alabama within recent years. The harder question is exactly when Republicans should have kicked King to the curb. A lot of people argue as if this were an easy question: Either political parties should always protect their own side and never give an inch to criticism, or political parties should relentlessly police their ranks to cull bad members by the dozens. What makes bad members here can run the gamut: ethical lapses, sexual misconduct, stoking racial resentments, taking appalling stances on foreign policy and/or civil liberties, giving off too many gaffes, or just breaking too often with the party. Story continues Both extreme stances, however, lead to bad places. A majority national political coalition needs to take its voters where it finds them, and that includes a certain amount of tolerance for the people they elect, even if those people are morally, ideologically, or ethically suspect. Once you start down the road of demanding rigorous application of purity tests of any or all kinds, you find yourself rapidly burning your coalition down to an unworkable minority. This goes double for the House and state legislatures, which from the Founding have always been recognized as unruly places with more than their share of cranks. Its no longer routine for House members to bring guns and dogs and chewing tobacco to the floor, but it is still a place full of people who reflect rather than lead the voters who elected them. The standards for who is acceptable as a biennially reelected legislator should be lower than the standards for who is acceptable as an executive or a judge. My view of coalition politics is still influenced by Abraham Lincoln, the man who first turned the Republican Party into a national governing party. Lincoln understood that public sentiment in the 1850s and 1860s including voters the Republicans needed included a lot of anti-black racism. His party was forged, from the beginning, by an alliance with anti-immigrant Know-Nothings; Lincoln privately despised them, but he bit his tongue, spoke not a word against them in public, and accepted a former Know-Nothing into his cabinet as attorney general, just as he accepted slaveholders alongside immediate abolitionists. Lincoln accepted other disagreements as well: For example, he had little interest in enforcing his own partys platform equating Mormon polygamy with slavery. His original secretary of war was like some of his generals and congressional allies ethically shady. The important thing, to Lincoln, was that the party stand for big, important causes and accomplish them: save the Union, limit and later abolish slavery, build the railroads, expand the frontier to homesteaders, etc. His party is judged by where he led it, not who followed him there. On the other hand, taking a never take sides against the family approach is just as dangerous. Too many dissenters from the partys stated ideals or positions is one way you get an insurgency such as Donald Trumps 2016 primary campaign, which depended more than anything on the sense that Republicans had been lying to their own voters for too long about what they actually proposed to do in office. Too many ethical failures in one place is how you get Watergate or other scandals. And too much tolerance for race-baiters ultimately ends up making a mockery of the partys long-professed ideals, drives away voters who believe in them, and emboldens even worse people to step forward for public office. That, too, is part of the lesson of the rise of Trump: a lack of guardrails in what kinds of conspiratorial and race-baiting rhetoric went around various segments of the Right. King has been in Congress since 2003, but for at least the first half of those years, he was little known outside his district, and mostly appeared when he attracted attention simply as a guy who got periodically overheated in ranting about immigration. To some extent, that appears in retrospect as a failure to look too closely at the man. Still, while hes not whom Id want representing me in Congress, as one of many, the party put up with him. One reason he rose in prominence, of course, is the first-in-the-nation status of Iowa, which compelled national Republicans to court his support in ways that they would normally not do for a rank-and-file House member. Ironically, given his identification with some of the worst aspects of Trumpism, Kings anti-establishment bent led him to oppose Trump in the 2016 primary, backing Ted Cruz (who won the Iowa caucuses that year) while a good deal of the states Republican establishment saw Trump as preferable to Cruzs anti-ethanol stance. Since about 2013, King has both attracted a larger profile and grown progressively more reckless in his public remarks. His growing seniority would also have put him in more prominent positions on key committees. Regardless of exactly when he should have been renounced, it should not have taken until Republicans lost the House in 2018 to finally cut the cord. The argument against effectively excommunicating King is, basically, that Democrats dont do this: They dont turn on their own in the way Republicans do, and instead tend to just pretend that there are never any bad members in their own ranks. Theyve been acting this way more or less consistently throughout the entire history of the Democratic Party. As to racial and cultural resentments, theyve changed over time whose resentments they cater to, but never dropped the practice. But that ignores two things. One, the fact that Democrats act a particular way is an argument against it being right, not for it. Two, Republicans are just structurally different as a party. Republicans depend, for their support, on being seen as the party of respectable, married, job-holding, church-going adults, because that has always been the core of who votes Republican. That longstanding identity requires a certain level of responsibility and means that Republicans pay a greater political price than Democrats do for certain kinds of bad behavior. The increasing difficulty that downticket Republicans have in escaping the political costs of Donald Trumps antics is an illustration of this. While there is no perfect mathematical formula for deciding whom to disown and when, a political coalition is wise to engage on a regular basis in pruning the weeds: cleaning out its worst offenders, the people who are doing the most to damage its image and integrity. That means drumming out some people for extreme or toxic rhetoric, some for ethical lapses, some for being disloyal squishes who undermine the party agenda. Those may not all be morally equivalent sins, but they are all equally politically damaging. The longer you wait to remove the worst offenders, the more likely you are to instead encourage a broader revolt or a schism that breaks the party into shards. Focusing on a handful of bad actors each electoral cycle also sends a useful message to the rest of the party to take pains not to end up on that list. Recall Voltaires old line about the English: In this country, it is thought wise to kill an admiral from time to time to encourage the others. For several years now, Steve King has been one of the worst. Hopefully, his political demise will encourage the others. More from National Review By Express News Service Paramount Studios is reportedly developing an adaptation of Kyle Starks graphic novel Kill Them All. Victoria Mahoney, who recently undertook second unit directing duties on Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, is being eyed to helm what is being described as an ode to 90s action movies. Stark is known for the Rick & Morty comic book series on which he is a writer. The main characters of Kill Them All include an ex-cop and a betrayed murderess who have to team up to take down a crime lord residing in the penthouse suite of a 15-storey high-rise. The concept seems like a cross between the original Die Hard and The Raid: Redemption. Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec, who wrote Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, is producing the script penned by James Coyne. Apart from her Star Wars work, Mahoney has some directing experience in television, having directed some episodes in shows such as American Crime and Power. She also has some acting credits to her name in both film and television. Mahoney made her directorial debut in 2012 with the indie feature Yelling to the Sky, starring Zoe Kravitz and Jason Clarke. Recently, she collaborated with Ava DuVernay for an Amazon series based on Octavia E Butlers sci-fi novel Dawn. She has also directed an episode for Jordan Peele and JJ Abrams upcoming series Lovecraft Country. Pete Evans didn't seem to have a care in the world when he visited Maroubra Beach in Sydney on Wednesday. The 47-year-old celebrity chef was all smiles during his outing, despite facing backlash from fans for supporting Donald Trump's handling of the protests in the United States just a day earlier. Clutching his surfboard under one arm, the controversial star grinned widely as he emerged from the water following a morning surf. Feeling happy: Pete Evans didn't seem to have a care in the world when he visited Maroubra Beach in Sydney on Wednesday Dressed in a black wetsuit with white stripes around one thigh, the recently ousted My Kitchen Rules judges carried a brown and white striped beach towel in his free hand. After catching a few waves, a smiling Pete then made his way back up the beach to his car, before heading home. Pete drew criticism from fans when he shared a video of US President Donald Trump saying he would use force to 'take back the streets' in the wake of America's race riots and protests on Instagram on Tuesday. Putting on a brave face: The 47-year-old celebrity chef was all smiles during his outing, despite facing backlash from fans for supporting Donald Trump's handling of the race riots in the United States just a day earlier Life's a beach: Clutching his surfboard under one arm, the controversial star grinned widely as he emerged from the water following a morning surf Facing fury: Pete drew criticism from fans when he shared a video of US President Donald Trump saying he would use force to 'take back the streets' in the wake of America's race riots on Instagram on Tuesday He captioned the video with a red love heart emoji, despite President Trump facing widespread condemnation for his handling of the protests. 'I have no respect left for you Pete!! How can you agree with him when black people don't have the same rights?' one person commented. 'How can anyone support Trump! He's clearly incompetent in COVID-19, contributed to such division in the States and gives tax breaks to the very rich while the poor get poorer,' another person said. Drying off: Dressed in a black wetsuit with white stripes around one thigh, the recently ousted My Kitchen Rules judges carried a brown and white striped beach towel in his free hand With love: He captioned the video with a red love heart emoji, despite President Trump facing widespread condemnation for his handling of the protests The outspoken chef has used his page to share posts in support of Trump in the past. In a separate post on Instagram on Tuesday, Pete thanked his fans and said he uses his platform on social media to 'challenge' people. 'Thank you to everyone for sharing your comments. I will be sharing with you a lot more recipes, information, and news stories that may challenge your long held beliefs or perhaps reinforce them, wherever you are in your journey,' he wrote. Vocal advocate: The outspoken chef has used his page to share posts in support of Trump in the past Creating controversy: In a separate post on Instagram on Tuesday, Pete thanked his fans and said he uses his platform on social media to 'challenge' people Time to go: After catching a few waves, a smiling Pete then made his way back up the beach to his car, before heading home 'My intention is not to create division, but to create a platform for critical thought where many ideas can be presented. 'I invite you to unfollow at anytime... or not. The choice is yours and always yours and I wish you all love and light and I will not tell you what to think, but to encourage contemplation.' He added: 'We may need to look and feel into the wound for the healing to manifest.' Female gorillas that sit at the top of the social ladder have more reproductive success than their peers, a study has found. Scientists studying 34 female mountain gorillas in Rwanda discovered that high ranking females have babies more frequently, probably due to more access to males. Unlike male gorillas, body size and the subsequent advantage in fighting has no impact on which females are the most dominant in a group. Scroll down for video Scientists studying 34 female mountain gorillas discovered that high ranking females have babies more frequently, probably due to more access to males.Social status is determined by age and tenure, not by size, study claims (pictured, a mountain gorilla and her baby in Rwanda Lead author Dr Edward Wright, a primatologist at the the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany, said: 'High-ranking females produced offspring more frequently, perhaps as a result of preferential access to males. 'Very few studies have examined the inter-relationship among body size, dominance rank and reproductive success together. 'Higher-ranking female gorillas had significantly shorter inter-birth intervals than lower ranking ones - which is a proxy for reproductive success. 'It was really interesting to find neither of these variables significantly correlated with body size.' Researchers assessed daily behaviours of the females in Volcanoes National Park to determine which females had the highest social rank. They then compared this with body measurements to see if rank was correlated to body size. They found that, unlike males who achieve power thanks to wide backs and brute force, female gorillas reach a high status thanks to age or group tenure. Unlike males who achieve power thanks to wide backs and brute force, female gorillas reach a high status thanks to age or group tenure (Stock) Mountain gorillas are the largest living primate and display extreme size differences between the sexes. Males weigh around twice as much as females and can tip the scales at around 44lbs (200 kilos). Gorillas are the largest of the great apes, and among the world's most endangered species. Mountain gorillas have been widely studied in the wild since the 1950s and many factors have contributed to their endangered status, including habitat loss, poaching and snares meant for small game. The full findings are published in the journal PLOS. In the past weeks, New York State Forest Rangers encountered a handful of hikers injuring themselves. The following incidents took place from May 26 to 31. All information below was supplied by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Town of Hunter, Greene County Wildland Search: On May 26 at 9 p.m., Greene County 911 contacted DECs Central Office Dispatch requesting Forest Ranger assistance in a search for two hikers who lost the escarpment trail just past Sunset Rock in the Kaaterskill Wild Forest. GPS coordinates placed the 33-year-old woman and 35-year-old man from Brooklyn approximately 100 feet off the trail. Neither hiker had flashlights or water with them at the time. Forest Ranger Rob Dawson responded to the area and hiked up the escarpment trail to their location. Once the hikers were found, Ranger Dawson provided them with water, escorted them back to his vehicle, and gave them a courtesy transport back to their vehicle, which was parked at South Lake. The search and rescue concluded at around 12:40 a.m. Town of North, ElbaEssex County Wilderness Rescue: On May 27 at 10:45 a.m., DECs Central Office Dispatch received a call requesting assistance for an injured hiker in the High Peaks. The 26-year-old woman from Waterville had suffered an ankle injury near the Phelps Junction trail, approximately one mile from Marcy Dam. Forest Rangers James Giglinto, Kevin Burns, and Tom Gliddi responded to assist, but a Ray Brook trail crew at Marcy Dam advised they were closer to the hiker and would proceed to her location. The woman rolled her ankle after stepping from a rock into mud while her hiking group descended the Phelps summit. She attempted to continue until she lost sensation in two of her toes and called for help. Once the trail crew reached the woman, she was stabilized and assisted to Marcy Dam. The hiker reached Marcy Dam at 12:30 p.m., and Ranger Giglinto transported her out to South Meadow Road via UTV. The hiking group transported her to a local hospital for additional medical care. Town of Persia, Cattaraugus County Wilderness Rescue: On May 27 at 8:30 p.m., a male hiker fell off a ledge into a creek, injuring both legs, after he was separated from his hiking group. Another hiker in the area found the injured man and called 911. Forest Rangers Wayne Krulish and Justin Thaine responded to the area and followed 911 coordinates placing the man on the South Branch of the Cattaraugus Creek. At 11:25 p.m., rescuers from the Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department reached the 29-year-old man from Allegany, secured him in a litter, and carried him out to the Forty Road parking area, arriving at 1 a.m. Ranger Thaine conducted interviews and the injured hiker was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. All Rangers left the area by 3 a.m. Town of Keene, Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On May 27 at 8:30 p.m., DECs Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Forest Ranger Robbi Mecus advising that she had spoken with a man reporting his wife lost on Mount Colvin. The man said he last saw his wife on Colvin while he continued to Blake Mountain with his son. At this time, he believed his wife had started to hike back down without them. Ranger Mecus advised the man to give his wife some more time to get out of the woods and to call back if he hadnt heard from her by 10 p.m. Ranger Mecus advised Dispatch that the man called back at 10 p.m., and had still not heard from his wife. Forest Rangers Mecus, Benjamin Baldwin, and Chris DiCintio responded to the Adirondack Mountain Reserve access for Colvin and Blake to search for the lost hiker. With the assistance of Ausable Club staff, Ranger Mecus made her way across the Lower Ausable Lake while Rangers Baldwin and DiCintio searched the Gill Brook and Gill Brook cutoff trails before reconvening and continuing up Colvin. On May 28 at 12:28 a.m., Ranger Mecus advised that she was with the hiker. The 52-year-old woman from Saratoga Springs had fallen, struck her head, and was complaining of nausea when she was found. The Ausable Club employee in a boat picked up Ranger Mecus and the injured hiker and brought them back to the boat house. Ranger Mecus then drove the injured hiker to the Adirondack Mountain Reserve gate where she was turned over to Keene Valley EMS and transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Town of Keene, Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On May 28 at 4:10 p.m., Essex County 911 transferred a call to DECs Ray Brook Dispatch for a pair of hikers requesting assistance. The man and woman were hiking down the east side of Armstrong Mountain towards Beaver Meadow Falls when the 24-year-old woman from Duanesburg injured her left knee. Per Forest Ranger Lieutenant Julie Harjung, Dispatch was asked to contact the hikers and instruct them to continue hiking down the mountain where they would meet Forest Ranger Robbi Mecus on Lake Road. From there, Ranger Mecus would give them a ride out to the trailhead. Dispatch was unable to re-establish contact with the two hikers so Ranger Mecus proceeded into the woods to find them. At 5:57 p.m., Ranger Mecus located the couple at the Beaver Meadow Falls bridge, escorted them out to her vehicle, and gave them a ride to their vehicle. Town of Newcomb, Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On May 31 at 1:34 p.m., a hiker on Adams Mountain called DECs Ray Brook Dispatch reporting a 56-year-old woman from Peru, New York, with an ankle injury just below the steep summit. The hiker was reportedly still trying to progress downhill with assistance from her hiking party but was unable to put any weight on the injured leg. Forest Rangers Sarah Bode, Evan Donegan, Jamison Martin, and Logan Quinn responded, with one ranger bringing an ATV. The hiker had progressed a bit further when she was located by Rangers at 4:17 p.m. The Rangers assisted her to an awaiting ATV for transport to a Ranger vehicle, which then brought her to the Newcomb Rescue Squad before being transport to a local hospital for medical treatment. Town of Indian Lake, Hamilton County Wilderness Rescue: On May 31 at 1:47 p.m., a hiking group on Blue Mountain contacted DECs Ray Brook Dispatch reporting a 16-year-old girl from Herkimer with a non-weight-bearing ankle injury. Forest Rangers Melissa Milano and Bruce Lomnitzer, along with Assistant Forest Ranger Allison OConnell, responded to the trailhead. The hiker was reportedly continuing down the trail with the assistance of her hiking party when they were located by Forest Rangers at 3:35 p.m. Once the ankle was assessed and splinted, Forest Rangers and members of the Blue Mountain Lake Fire Department and Rescue Squad assisted the hiker down the trail and were out of the woods at 5:03 p.m. EMS personnel assessed the girl and she advised she would seek additional medical treatment on her own. Town of Schroon, Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On May 31 at 2:17 p.m., Essex County 911 transferred a call to DECs Ray Brook Dispatch requesting assistance for a group tubing the Schroon River outside of Ticonderoga. The group was unable to continue their two-mile trip between bridges after a 25-year-old woman from Fort Ann began displaying symptoms of hypothermia. Using the coordinates obtained through 911, Forest Ranger Logan Quinn responded and located the group at 3:16 p.m. Forest Ranger Quinn escorted the group back to their vehicles where they declined medical assistance and left. MORE NYUP DEC: Controversial $44.8 million Adirondack 'Rails to Trails project will be finished by 2023 How do you like them apple blossoms? Check out scenic Fowler Farms (photos, video) Outdoors oddity: Upstate NY wildlife photographer finds nearly all-white, red-tailed hawk Must-See Home in Upstate NY: $39,900 for gorgeous marina view in Whitehall Sun Thun (fourth from R) meets with CNRP chief Kem Sokha (fifth from R) in a photo posted to Facebook in March 2019. A court in Cambodias capital on Tuesday officially charged a former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) commune councilor with incitement to commit a felony, a day after Prime Minister Hun Sen vowed to eradicate the opposition partys local network for allegedly seeking to topple his government. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court charged Sun Thun, who currently works as a teacher, under Articles 494 and 495 of Cambodias Criminal Code and remanded him to Prey Sar Prison awaiting trial, his son Sun Theany told RFAs Khmer Service. Sun Thun, who regularly called into RFA talk shows to express views critical of the government, was taken into custody on Monday and sent to the court wearing nothing but a krama, or traditional Khmer scarf, his son said. After he was sent to Prey Sar on Tuesday, a court official notified Sun Theany that the Prison Department had suspended visits due to the coronavirus outbreak. We just requested lawyers and it will take a few days for them to meet with him, he said. RFA was unable to reach Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesman Kuch Kimlong for comment on Tuesday, but defense lawyer Sam Sokong confirmed that he had received a request to represent Sun Thun. Sun Thuns arrest came hours after Hun Sen told an inauguration ceremony in the coastal city of Sihanoukville that the CNRP was trying to start an insurrection from exile through its local supporters by calling on members of the public to halt loan payments amid the economic fallout from the pandemic. You are mobilizing a movement, your plan is to make the banks stop working, and your intention is to destroy the country, Hun Sen said, referring to acting CNRP president Sam Rainsy, who has urged the government to assist farmers and workers hit by the outbreak that cannot afford to repay their debts. Hun Sen threatened to arrest them all if Sam Rainsy and other CNRP brass in exile order their partys former officials to advocate for nonrepayment of loans, but assured those gathered at the ceremony that nothing is to worry about, because we have beheaded [their party]. In September 2017 CNRP President Kem Sokha was arrested over an alleged plot to overthrow the government and his party was dissolved by the Supreme Court in November that year for its supposed role in the scheme. The move to ban the CNRP was part of a wider crackdown by Hun Sen on the political opposition, NGOs, and the independent media that paved the way for his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) to win all 125 seats in parliament in the countrys July 2018 general election. Speaking to RFA on Tuesday, Sam Rainsy said Hun Sen is losing control of the countrys economy during the outbreak and attempting to use the opposition as a scapegoat. Amid the health crisis, he said, Hun Sen should implement economic reforms, eliminate corruption, and work to attract more investors. He shouldnt be using arrests and imprisonment to try to resolve the economic crisis, and threats wont help either, he said. The CNRP chief urged the public to delay paying off their debts to banks or microfinance lenders if they cannot earn an income, adding that the government should act when Cambodians are having trouble putting food on their tables. Increasing arrests Political analyst Seng Sary told RFA that while many local opposition activists have been arrested, people arent paying off their loans because they cant afford tonot because of Sam Rainsys comments. People cant afford to pay the banks because they cant earn any moneythis is the reason for Sam Rainsys appeal, he said. Last month, several villagers told RFA that as the coronavirus pandemic continues to hammer the economy, many of them are being forced to sell their livestock and farms to pay off debts to banks and microfinance institutions. Soeung Sengkaruna, spokesman for local rights group Adhoc, told RFA that recent arrests of CNRP activists and government critics are politically motivated, noting that many had been taken into custody without a warrant. At least 30 people have been detained for spreading fake news and other offenses since the start of the pandemic, according to New York-based Human Rights Watch. Soeung Sengkaruna also called the arrest of Sun Thun in a krama inhumane. This was a politically motivated arrest because we know that this activist was not involved in any political activities, he said. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. The family of an Aboriginal man who died in custody says protests against police brutality in the US should be a wake-up call about the plight of Indigenous Australians in the justice system. Speaking in the wake of video footage of an Aboriginal teenager being kicked to the ground by a NSW policeman, Paul Francis-Silva, whose uncle died in a Sydney prison in 2015, said: "It does happen here in Australia - the brutality, and the injustice against the First Nations people. The mother, sister and father of a teenage boy involved in an arrest in Surry Hills earlier this week have called for charges to be laid against the arresting officer. Credit:Louise Kennerley "The government needs to really wake up and address the issue of First Nations people being killed [in custody]." Justice advocates in Australia have drawn parallels between the death of George Floyd and the case of David Dungay jnr, a 26-year-old Dunghutti man from Kempsey who died in Long Bay jail after being restrained face down and sedated. Both men's final words, captured on camera, were: "I can't breathe". Glee actor Lea Michele has been accused of racially motivated behaviour on the sets of the show, after she tweeted in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Reacting to Micheles tweet, her former Glee co-star Samantha Ware wrote that she made her life a living hell on the show. Ware wrote, in all caps, Remember when you made my first television gig a living hell?!?! Cause Ill never forget. I believe you told everyone that if you had the opportunity you would s in my wig! amongst other traumatic microaggressions that made me question a career in Hollywood. Wares accusations were seemingly backed up by multiple people associated with the show. Actor Amber Riley posted a GIF of her sipping tea, while Alex Newell wrote, We aint got not a damn thing to lie about 6 years later! Im gonna say this one time... when my friends goes through something traumatic I also go through it... thats what friendship is... and if you cant understand that then youre part of the problem... and thats on PERIODT! And I mean that for both sides of this coin! Alex Newell (@thealexnewell) June 2, 2020 Supergirl actor Melissa Benoist, who appeared in the fourth season of Glee, offered her support by liking Ware, Riley and Newells tweets. Dabier Snell, who appeared in one episode of the show, wrote that Michele didnt let [him] sit at the table with the other cast members because she allegedly told him he didnt belong there. In LA in 2014 I made money by being an extra on Glee and Lea Michelle was a tyrant. She screamed at staff and once randomly had an extra fired only to find out it was Barbra Streisands niece and then quickly asked for her back on set to get her in touch w her aunt linux #BLACKLIVESMATTER (@linuxtherobot) June 2, 2020 Actor Yvette Nicole Brown, who worked with Michele in a 2017 show, wrote in response to Wares tweet, I felt every one of those capital lettersevery person on a set matters. Every person on a set deserves respect. And it is the responsibility of every series regular to make every person who visits their home feel welcome. This dismissive attitude is whats wrong in Hollywood and the world. After the controversy, Michele has been dropped by the brand HelloFresh. HelloFresh does not condone racism nor discrimination of any kind. We are disheartened and disappointed to learn of the recent claims concerning Lea Michele, the company posted on Twitter. We take this very seriously, and have ended our partnership with Lea Michele, effective immediately. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON H-E-B H-E-B will no longer require customers to wear face masks to enter its stores, the grocery chain said Tuesday. H-E-B encourages customers to wear masks but are no longer mandatory, said H-E-B spokeswoman Julie Bedingfield. Employees and vendors will still wear masks, H-E-B said. Brazil surpassed 30,000 deaths from the coronavirus outbreak on Tuesday as the disease continued to rip through South America's worst-hit country. Figures released by the health ministry showed a new record 1,262 deaths in the previous 24 hours, as well as 28,936 new infections. The figures come as some Brazilian states began to emerge from weeks of economically-stifling quarantine measures despite warnings from the WHO and epidemiologists. The overall number of confirmed cases - 555,383 - makes Brazil the second most affected country after the United States. The official COVID-19 death toll of 31,199 released on Tuesday is the fourth-highest in the world, after the US, Britain and Italy. Experts estimate the real number of infections could be up to 15 times higher than official figures, given relatively little testing across the vast country of 210 million. An anti-government protester takes part in a protest called 'Amazonas for Democracy' on June 2, 2020 against the country's president Jair Bolsonaro and his approach to tackling the coronavirus crisis, which has now seen more than 30,000 related deaths in the country. The protester's sign reads '30,000 deaths. "So what?"' The fresh record comes as some Brazilian leaders, including right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, continue to belittle the virus, warning that the economic fallout from quarantine measures will be worse than the virus itself. 'We lament all deaths, but it's everyone's destiny,' Bolsonaro said in front of the presidential residence in Brasilia earlier on Tuesday. Even in states and cities where leaders had previously instituted lockdown orders, authorities have been rapidly loosening restrictions in recent days, despite the number of daily new cases continuing to grow in most regions. Sao Paulo state on Tuesday recorded its highest daily figures for both deaths and infections, on the day when cities across the state began reopening shopping malls and offices. Sao Paulo now has a total of nearly 120,000 cases with almost 8,000 deaths. In Sao Paulo itself, Mayor Bruno Covas has put back reopening non-essential businesses until after June 15. The other worst affected state, Rio de Janeiro, also began emerging from quarantine measures on Tuesday with beaches and businesses re-opening. 'In the current situation, relaxing the measures is adding gasoline to the fire,' Rafael Galliez, an infections expert at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, told AFP. The regional office of the World Health Organization warned Brazil on Tuesday against reopening 'too quickly as there is a risk of a resurgence of COVID-19.' The health ministry said there was 'no way to specify when the peak of deaths will occur' due to the country's size and geographic diversity. Pictured: Emergency workers carry an elderly patient to an ambulance, amid the coronavirus outbreak in Manacapuru, Amazonas state, June 2, 2020. Brazil has recorded 555,383 cases of coronavirus, and is second only the U.S. in numbers of cases. Experts estimate that the figure could be 15 times higher than the official number Brazil's right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, pictured on June 2, 2020 in Brasilia leaving the Palacio do Alvorada, headquarters of the presidency. Bolsonaro has been heavily criticised for his attitude towards the coronavirus crisis Brazil's health crisis has merged with a political crisis, as far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has openly clashed with local authorities that insist on lockdown measures. Meanwhile, Brazil has seen days of protests. On Monday, Bolsonaro urged his supporters to put off their protests against the countrys Supreme Court next weekend after counter-demonstrations triggered violent clashes on Sunday. Bolsonaros critics say he has undermined democracy by endorsing almost weekly protests against the top court, which authorised an investigation into the president for allegedly interfering with police appointments for personal motives. The judge heading that probe compared Bolsonaros approach to Hitlers Germany. Pictured: Police clash with anti-government demonstrators in Sao Paulo, Brazil, May 31, 2020. Police used tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters in Brazil's largest city as they began to clash with small groups loyal to President Bolsonaro The 'Amazonas for Democracy' march, pictured making its way through Manaus on June 2, 2020, was a demonstration against fascism and Bolsonaro. The banner at the front of the march calls for Bolsonaro to leave office,with 'Fora' meaning 'Out' Activists clashed with police over the weekend as they marched in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States, which itself is seeing swathes of protests across the country. Some activists in Brazil were protesting against police brutality in the country, whose capital Rio saw a record number of police killings in 2019 - 1,814 - and whose political leadership has said it would 'dig graves' to stop crime. Anti-fascist Protesters in the northwestern Amazonas region also took to the streets of Menaus in a demonstration against Bolsonaro. The group, calling themselves 'Amazonas for Democracy', held signs calling for the president to be ousted from government, with one holding a sign, shaped as a coffin, that said '30,000 deaths, "so what?"' Biotoxtech, South Korea To Deploy Comprehensive Suite of Preclinical Study Management and SEND Software Solutions from Instem Instem, a leading provider of IT solutions to the global life sciences market, announced today that South Korean Contract Research Organization (CRO), Biotoxtech Co., Ltd. (Biotoxtech) has purchased a comprehensive package of preclinical data collection, analysis and regulatory submissions management solutions to automate and optimize study related processes at its R&D facility in South Korea's North Chungcheong Province. Founded in August 2000, Biotoxtech boasts the largest R&D facility within South Korea and was the first CRO in the region to achieve GLP, AAALAC, Japan PMDA and US FDA certification. Biotoxtech performs around 800 experiments a year for its domestic and international clients; its extensive range of services includes Toxicology, Reproductive & Developmental, Ecotoxicological, Genetic Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology studies, as well as Pharmacokinetics testing and Biological Sample Analysis. Biotoxtech sought to replace numerous disparate in-house and paper-based systems to harmonize preclinical data collection, management and reporting, streamline laboratory processes and meet growing client demand for SEND (Standard for Exchange of Nonclinical Data). Instem was selected following a comprehensive competitive vendor evaluation process that included detailed planning and discovery sessions, product demonstrations, portfolio review sessions and onsite visits to Instem offices in the UK and China. This deal includes software and services from across Instem's solution portfolio including Provantis, the leading solution for preclinical study management, submit, the most widely adopted software suite for creating, visualizing and managing SEND data, and Cyto Study Manager, for the management of genetic toxicology assays. Key Facts Jon Sparkes, Senior Director Sales, Europe & Asia, Instem, commented, "We are delighted to welcome Biotoxtech to our user community and are looking forward to delivering tangible business impact for them as their premier preclinical technology partner." About Biotoxtech Established in August 2000, Biotoxtech Co., Ltd. (Biotoxtech) is a non-clinical Contract Research Organization based in Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. Biotoxtech serves domestic and international clients and has submitted hundreds of documents to numerous international regulatory agencies including within the US, Japan and Europe for new compounds, as well as performing the most GLP certified non-clinical GLP studies in Korea. Biotoxtech is the only CRO to be KOSDAQ listed in Korea and was the first organization in Asia to receive Full AAALAC Accreditation. Furthermore, Biotoxtech has received Korea's first accreditations in safety pharmacology and alternatives to animal testing. In January 2015, Biotoxtech was the first domestic private non-clinical testing institution to receive GLP accreditation from the US FDA. Biotoxtech established a joint venture company, SCAS-BTT Bioanalysis Co., Ltd. (SBB), with Japan's Sumika Chemical Analysis Service to support the toxicokinetics/ pharmacokinetics sector. For further information visit http://eng.biotoxtech.com/ About Instem Instem is a global provider of leading software solutions and services that are helping over 500 clients bring their life enhancing products to market faster. We enable clients in the life sciences to more efficiently collect, analyze, report and submit high quality regulatory data, while maintaining compliance for their products around the world. Instem solutions are in use by customers worldwide, meeting the rapidly expanding needs of life science and healthcare organizations for data-driven decision making, leading to safer, more effective products. Instem supports its global roster of clients through offices in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Japan, China and India. http://www.linkedin.com/company/instem/ https://www.facebook.com/Instem.software https://twitter.com/Instemsoftware View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005045/en/ Thousands are marching in cities across America calling for justice for George Floyd Its my second living room. Mine is too little. Less light, and less beer. MATHIEU NOGUEIRA, settling in at Les Quatre Saisons, in western Paris, after cafes and restaurants in France were allowed to reopen, with new distancing requirements, after 11 weeks. A visa loophole is allowing immigrants to stay in Australia for years, but some say they are being left in limbo and unable to secure jobs that will give them careers. More than 10,000 non-residents are waiting for their permanent residency visas to be approved. It takes an average of three years for a permanent residency visa to be processed, so many immigrants are through the entire range of Australian visa options in order to stay in the country during that time. Heather Eiswirth has been in Australia for nine years and recently married to an Australian citizen, but that does not give her the right to permanent residency. More than 10,000 non-residents are in limbo while they waitfor permanent residency visas in Australia. Pictured: tourists arrive in Sydney before borders closed to non-citizens on March 20 this year 'I came to Australia at 19 on a working holiday visa and spent a year in hospitality waitressing and managing,' Ms Eiswirth told The Australian. 'After that, I obtained a student visa and studied event management at a TAFE in Melbourne.' The 28-year-old was born in Germany and is currently in the country on a 457 temporary skilled migrant visa. Ms Eiswirth plans to settle with her new husband in Melbourne and is planning to obtain her fifth Australian visa to stay in the country while she seeks permanent residency. 'Simply getting married to an Australian doesn't give you the right to stay in the country,' she said. Ms Eiswirth is one of thousands of tourists and international graduates in the country without permanent residency, leaving many unable to work in the industry they trained for. International tourists are required to do farm work in a variety of key industries in order to obtain a working holiday visa in Australia, with tourists on this visa unable to work for the same employer for more than six months. Some immigrants are working through the entire range of Australian visas to keep themselves in the country for years (stock image) The coronavirus pandemic has sparked calls to remove restrictions and allow skilled workers to provide assistance in industries with skill shortages such as nursing. Employers are often reluctant to hire staff without permanent residency in Australia, leaving many qualified international workers at a disadvantage when applying for jobs. Ms Eiswirth said immigrants struggle to find long-term career jobs without residency in Australia. 'I've been fortunate with my employer, but overall I do think it is harder to find career-type jobs if you are on a visa rather than having permanent residency,' she said. Nigerian government, through the Presidential Task Force, PTF, on COVID-19 has warned congregants against activities such as kissing, hu... Nigerian government, through the Presidential Task Force, PTF, on COVID-19 has warned congregants against activities such as kissing, hugging, shaking or touching at worship centres. The PTF National Coordinator, Sani Aliyu, released the guidelines to be applied on churches, mosques at the briefing on Tuesday. The task force said that churches/mosques facilities must be structured in a way that physical distancing can be observed. It said that persons above 55 should try not to go to worship centres but observe their worship services at home. The PTF also advised worshippers with Coronavirus symptoms not to go to places of worship. He said, Worshippers are advised not to touch each other in a manner such as hugging, shaking, kissing etc. Families are advised to stay together during the worship services. Church/mosque volunteers (ushers, choir, security etc.) that have underlying illnesses should not be allowed to serve. The PTF also advised that Churches/mosques with a high number of worshippers can divide their services into two or three. Such churches/mosques should have a break of at least 30mins between the services to allow worshippers wash their hands or to disinfect the centers. Worship centers should have different entry and exit points. Business outlets at worship centers should remain closed. The elderly above 55 are advised to observe their worship services at home. Windows should be left open during services, as its more dangerous to hold services in enclosed places. Open-air services are preferable. Worshippers with COVID19 symptoms should not go to places of worship. Persons identified with high temperature after a temperature check should be turned back. The 55th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Czech Republic) will take place between 3 and 11 July 2020, screening 16 films in 96 movie theatres across the country Related Czech Republic film festival to pay tribute to iconic Egyptian director Youssef Chahine The Egyptian film Luxor will be screened at the upcoming special edition of Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), which will take place between 3 and 11 July 2020. "Since the governments plan for loosening the lockdown on June 8 will allow cinemas to screen movies to a specified number of viewers (50), the festival has decided to organise a special version of the traditional KVIFF at Your Cinema (July 3 - 11, 2020) programme, whereby each year the best of the festival tours cities around the country," reads the festival's press release. As such, 16 films will be screened at 96 movie theatres across the Czech Republic. The selection includes Luxor, a film written and directed by Zeina Durra. The film talks about British aid worker Hana, who upon her return to the ancient city of Luxor comes across Sultan, a talented archaeologist and former lover. "As she wanders, haunted by the familiar place, she struggles to reconcile the choices of the past with the uncertainty of the present," the brief on IMDb reveals. The film was nominated to the Grand Jury Prize at the World Cinema segment of the Sundance Film Festival (2020). Luxor features Andrea Riseborough and Janie Aziz. This is not the first time for the Czech Republic's largest film festival to include Egypt's participation in its programming. Last year, when held in its typical location, Karlovy (a spa town in the west Bohemia region of the country), the festival honoured late iconic Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine (1926-2008) with a large retrospective of 11 re-mastered films consisting of lesser-known early works as well as established classics. In 2018, Dreamaway, an Egyptian documentary film produced by Roman Roitman, (Monokel/Germany) and Mark Lotfy (Fig Leaf Studio/Egypt) had its international premiere at the KVIFF's 53rd edition. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is the largest film festival in the Czech Republic. Every year, the festival presents some 200 films from around the world, and regularly hosts famous and important filmmakers. The festival was launched in 1946 in Marianske Lazne before moving to Karlovy Vary in 1947 and becoming a competitive festival with the main award being the Crystal Globe. In 1956, the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) officially designated Karlovy Vary a category A festival. 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: As legend has it, Emperor Nero fiddled while his city burned during the Great Fire of Rome. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. As legend has it, Emperor Nero fiddled while his city burned during the Great Fire of Rome. The story is most likely apocryphal, but it resonates today because U.S. President Donald Trump has been busy tweeting while much of his nation burns amid the worst outbreak of social unrest in decades. At a time when a president would traditionally be expected to offer calming words and dial down the rhetoric in hopes of healing a bitterly fractured nation, Mr. Trump has fanned the flames of violence by issuing incendiary tweets and, on Monday, threatening to deploy the military to states if they do not stamp out protests. The commander-in-chief is now being mockingly dismissed as the agitator-in-chief for his inflammatory response to widespread protests over the killing in Minneapolis of George Floyd, a black man who died, handcuffed and begging for air, while a white police officer knelt on his neck for nine minutes. Mr. Trump has called the protesters "thugs" and threatened to have them shot. "When the looting starts, the shooting starts," he tweeted, parroting a former Miami police chief whose words spurred race riots in the late 1960s. The next day, the president tweeted that if protesters breached the White Houses fence, they would "have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen." (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES/TNS) U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside of St John's Episcopal church across Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C. on Monday. Want more great journalism? Get our best news and features delivered in your inbox every weekday evening. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. On Monday, he portrayed himself as the law-and-order president and warned the nations governors "Most of you are weak" he would deploy the military. Later, police under federal command dispersed peaceful demonstrators with tear gas so he could walk to a nearby church and pose for a photo-op while clutching a Bible. "You have to dominate," the president scolded governors during part of his call. "If you dont dominate, youre wasting your time theyre going to run over you, youre going to look like a bunch of jerks." Indeed, authorities cannot sit on their hands and allow cities to burn. But arresting looters and arsonists is a far cry from the unprecedented threat of unleashing the American military on American soil to crack down on American citizens, the vast majority of whom are exercising their democratic right to engage in peaceful protest. Trump has tried to blame violence that has marred some protests on antifa short for anti-fascists an ideology held by disparate groups and individuals, some of whom use extreme tactics. Its possible some such extremists may be involved. But it is ludicrous to suggest a small number of fringe radicals could exert widespread control over thousands of demonstrators at protests that have sprung up in dozens of cities from coast to coast and sparked sympathy uprisings in Canadian and European cities. It is long past time for the president to do what elected representatives are expected to do in times of crisis attempt to heal a nation that is crying out for leadership at a time when long-simmering anger over police treatment of African-Americans is boiling over, leaving streets in chaos and buildings and vehicles in flames. Mr. Trump must also stop using his overworked thumbs to pour fuel on the flames of anger. When he warned the governors to dominate or risk "looking like a bunch of jerks", he would do well to remember that, in trying to dominate his people, Nero ended up as one of historys most infamous jerks. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) The Philippines may join up to five international clinical trials of potential vaccines against the new coronavirus. We are now doing negotiations for collaborations with at least four institutions, Science and Technology chief Fortunato de la Pena said at a Laging Handa briefing on Wednesday. De la Pena said two of them are based in Taiwan while the others are in China. De la Pena added that the partnerships can increase to five, but he did not elaborate. On May 22, Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases approved the recommendations of the DOST to participate in clinical trials aimed at developing a vaccine against COVID-19. De la Pena earlier noted that the development of vaccines requires a "very good research on viruses," but the country has no facility for that. This prompted the DOST to seek the establishment of a virology institute, mostly to prepare for another pandemic. He added the research center could pave the way for studies on viruses that attack humans, animals and crops such as abaca, papaya, mango and banana Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The global biodegradable plastic market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2018, and is projected to reach $6.0 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 21.3% from 2019 to 2026. Biodegradable plastic is a plant based plastic with no hazardous effects on the environment. It composed of petrochemical, renewable material, and micro-organisms. The idea of biodegradable plastic reveals little or no degradation of plastic material over the period, causing least hazards to environment. Hence, plastic that is defined as biodegradable is made of molecule that can break down naturally by the action of micro-organisms. Some of the major known types of the biodegradable plastic includes, Poly(lactic Acid (PLA), Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), Polybutylene Succinate (PBS), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and Starch Blends. The global biodegradable plastic market is in introductory phase of industry life cycle and is expected to explore new growth opportunities during the coming years. Some of the basic factors driving the demand for biodegradable plastic include governmental initiatives to eliminate single use plastic and strict regulatory outlook against the use of conventional plastic products. Industry trends are shifting toward bio based products to reduce dependence on conventional plastics. Biobased and biodegradable plastic is least toxic and causes no adverse effects environments. Hence, its demand is on the rise at significant pace. Request for Report Sample: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/13336 Moreover, most of manufacturers from each industry vertical are shifting toward use of biobased plastic due to pressure from regulatory bodies. Packaging textile, and agriculture industries are being some of them. Such factors are largely impacting the growth of the global biodegradable market. On the other hand, the growth of the market is restrained by high cost of biodegradable plastic over its conventional counterparts. Growth opportunities in this market are promising which is projected to come from concept like corporate social responsibility and decreased dependence on synthetic resources. The global biodegradable plastic market is segmented on the basis of type, application, and region. Based on type, the market is bifurcated into includes (Poly(lactic Acid) (PLA), Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT), Polybutylene Succinate (PBS), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Starch Blends, and others. On the basis of application, the global biodegradable plastic market is categorized into packaging, agriculture, textile, consumer durable and others. Based on region, it is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Some of the major manufacturers studied and profiled in the global biodegradable plastic market are BASF SE, DowDuPont Inc, Novamont S.p.A., Plantic, Natureworks, Corbion N.V., Biome Technologies plc, Eastman Chemical Company, and Danimer Scientific. KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS Porters five forces analysis helps analyze the potential of buyers & suppliers and the competitive scenario of the industry for strategy building It outlines the current trends and future scenario of the market from 2019 to 2026 to understand the prevailing opportunities and potential investment pockets Major countries in the region have been mapped according to their individual revenue contribution to the regional market The key drivers, restraints, and opportunities and their detailed impact analysis are elucidated in the study The profiles of key players along with their key strategic developments are enlisted in the report KEY MARKET SEGMENTS By Type PLA PBAT PBS PHA Starch Blends Others By Application Packaging Agriculture Consumer Durable Textile Others By Region North America o U.S. o Canada o Mexico Europe o Germany o France o Spain o Italy o UK o Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific o China o Japan o India o South Korea o Australia o Rest of Asia-Pacific LAMEA o Brazil o South Africa o Saudi Arabia o UAE o Rest of LAMEA Request for Report Discount: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/discount/13336 ABC News Four people, including two adults, a teen and an infant, have been found frozen to death about 40 feet from the U.S.-Canada border while being smuggled into North Dakota, according to U.S. and Canadian authorities. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and law enforcement officers with the Department of Homeland Security performed a traffic stop Jan. 19 on a 15-passenger van about 1 mile from the border when they found two undocumented Indian nationals from Canada inside, according to the Manitoba Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Less than a quarter mile away from the border, law enforcement encountered and apprehended five additional undocumented Indian nationals that walked across the U.S. border from Manitoba, Canada, according to the RCMP. By Jun Ji-hye Park Hyatt Seoul is presenting the "Experience More" package, a celebratory promotion to mark the hotel's official reopening on June 9. Park Hyatt Seoul was shut down temporarily, March 27, to ensure the health and safety of guests and associates, following a visit by a guest confirmed to have COVID-19. The Experience More package features a relaxing breakfast for two served in-room, a room upgrade and a Park Hyatt Seoul signature teddy bear, all at the lowest available room rate. A unique gift of a children's bath robe will also be offered to guests staying with children. Package guests can enjoy complimentary use of the hotel swimming pool and fitness studio. Park Hyatt Seoul's stunning indoor infinity pool is located on the uppermost 24th floor of the hotel, offering captivating views of the city. At sunset, the pool is bathed in a red evening glow, conjuring a dreamlike ambience of deep tranquility and relaxation. The Experience More package offers luxury escape and relaxation, complemented by the irresistible indulgence of a room service breakfast. A choice of five different breakfast sets is available, including Korean, Western and "healthy." The fitness breakfast features detox juice, seasonal fruit and Greek yoghurt topped with organic honey and granola, presenting a light yet highly nourishing start to the day for guests wishing to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Even greater luxury comes courtesy of a complimentary one-tier room upgrade with every reservation, applicable up to the city view deluxe level. A gift of one Park Hyatt Seoul signature "Parker" teddy bear is offered per stay. The package is priced from 283,500 won ($231). "We will continue to follow the strict hygiene and sterilization guidelines introduced at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, including the wearing of masks by all associates, hourly sterilization and temperature checks, complemented by further enhanced hygiene measures," a Park Hyatt Seoul official said. And now, the rest of the story. Like many races, the outcome of the Democratic Partys 10th Congressional District primary election will hinge on the opening, verifying and tallying of a torrent of mail-in ballots that came in this spring at the urging of Gov. Tom Wolf and public health officials trying to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this race in particular, the results will determine whether state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale or first-time campaigner Tom Brier earns the right to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott Perry in for Pennsylvanias 10th District seat. There are some things we know, and some things we dont, about how that process will go. Heres what were thinking about as the count resumes: 1. There are definitely enough votes to affect the outcome. At the conclusion of Tuesdays count, DePasquale held a large lead, but those results are skewed by the fact that the counting in York County, his home base and a place where he ran up a crushing margin on Brier, is literally over - York managed to count, at least unofficially, all of its ballots on Tuesday. Brier ran well in front of DePasquale in Dauphin County, and they fought to nearly a draw in Cumberland. The count will be the count, but heres why Brier hung onto the notion late Tuesday that he has a shot. As it stands, DePasquale holds a 9,695 vote lead. There are 22,275 mail-in ballots in hand in Dauphin County as of Wednesday morning, and at least 17,085 in Cumberland. If we assume Brier continues to slightly outpoll DePasquale in Cumberland, where he polled 50.5 percent of the live vote on Tuesday, he could shave about 160 votes off the auditor generals lead. At that rate, he would have to win 71 percent of the Dauphin County mail-in votes to make up the rest of that lead. If that seems impossible, consider this: In the live polling Tuesday, Brier scored 66 percent of the Dauphin County vote. In the alternative, if the Dauphin County numbers track exactly with the live voting on Tuesday, Brier would need to score a 60-40 win in Cumberland to close the gap. One way or another, Brier would appear to have to do just a little better in the mail-in count than he did in the live balloting to close DePasquales gap. 2. Other variables. The election really isnt over yet. Dauphin County received requests for mail-in ballots from 25,189 voters. As of Wednesday morning, they received 22,275. But that means theres potentially another 3,000 votes out there that could still be cast since, in Dauphin County specifically, Wolf extended the deadline for return of ballots to 5 p.m. June 9. He did that out of concern for voters in several counties across the state where protests over the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police might have caused them not to able to get their vote sent off. Its not clear how many of those votes will still come in - those voters still had to get their ballots postmarked by Tuesday - but there could be an additional trickle. We do know that the receipt of ballots has stopped in Cumberland and York. And finally, the biggest variable of all to these candidates? How closely does the mail-in ballot population track Tuesdays voters. You might ordinarily think that the early adapters to mail-in balloting in Pennsylvania would be younger voters and first-time voters, who are eager to try the new thing. That would tend to favor Brier. But this year, there was a big push to get the population at large to vote by mail in order to reduce risks of coronavirus exposure. Did that lead more older voters than would normally be expected to do the new thing to obtain a vote-by-mail ballot? If so, that might be a plus for DePasquale, who has tremendous support among the traditional Democratic Party establishment. 3. What else we dont know? Since its the first time, its hard to know how many of the mail-in ballots will be invalidated during the counting process. For example, did voters property sign their ballot when they sealed it up? Did they fill out the ballot correctly? Do the names provide an exact match with the voters registration. And how many provisional ballots might have been cast by voters who obtained a mail-in ballot, but never filled it in and then decided to go to the polls in person? Those are all reviewed and, where qualified, added to the count during the official canvassing process. There are likely more provisional ballots than there has typically been, which was to be expected, noted York County press spokesman Mark Walters. Finally, its unclear how quickly the scanning process will go. Elections officials got through all of the voting machine counts in the space of about four hours Tuesday night. Because of the cross-checks, it is expected that the mail-in counts will go somewhat slower. But again, this is the first time out with this process, so we dont really know as we sit here now. Environmental regulators did not inspect a North Carolina chemical facility for eight years even though it was under a federal agreement to prevent the release of a potentially toxic substance known as PFAS. WRAL reports that the revelation was made in a report released Thursday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys inspector general. The report said that regulators didnt inspect the plant because they didnt know the agreement existed. The report focuses on a Chemours facility in Bladen County, which is outside Fayetteville and near the Cape Fear River. The plant was operating under a 2009 federal consent decree. It required the company to capture 99 percent of a chemical that it manufactures from any discharges it made into the river or the air. An onsite inspection didnt take place until 2017. The plant manufactures a chemical known as GenX. It is part of a family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are commonly called PFAS. They are used in firefighting foams and other products. Some have been linked to cancer. The inspector generals report doesnt say that Chemours violated the agreement. But in 2017, the company had said it would stop discharging the chemicals into the river. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Trends Pollution North Carolina Chemicals India has recorded over 2 lakh cases of the novel coronavirus and 5,815 deaths, according to the Union Health Ministry's latest update. Of these, 1,01,497 are active cases while 1,00,302 have recovered. The data was updated at 8.00 am on June 3 on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's website. With 72,300 COVID-19 cases, Maharashtra has reported the highest number of infections, followed by Tamil Nadu (24,586), Delhi (22,132) and Gujarat (17,617). Here are all the latest updates: 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 >> As many as 40 people from a COVID-19 containment zone in Goa tested positive for the disease, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said. >> Germany said that it will be lifting travel warning for Europe from June 15. >> Uttarakhand extended quarantine period to 21 days for those returning from the country's 75 worst-hit cities. >> WHO, while retracting from its earlier order, allowed Hydroxychloroquine trials to resume, news agency AFP reported. >> The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) begins drills for putting in place SoPs that will be followed once pilgrimage to the cave shrine resumes. >> New cases reported daily are steadily declining in Western Europe, but not in hotspots in Russia and Eastern Europe, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said. >> Dubai said that it will now be opening shopping malls with full capacity. >> Australia is in recession as economy reels from coronavirus and bushfires, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said. A woman was joined by her dog while protesting in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 31 over the death of George Floyd. Sarah Emrick filmed her dog, Buddy, as the duo made their way through the city surrounded by fellow demonstrators. In the footage, Buddy carries a cardboard sign in his teeth that reads Black Lives Matter. Emrick told Storyful she was originally carrying the sign but she said Buddy took it from me because he loves to carry things. He had so much fun and loved all the attention that he got, she said. Protests, some violent, have happened across the US since May 26, the day after video circulated of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pinning Floyd, a black 46-year-old, to the ground with his knee on Floyds neck on May 25. Floyd died soon after. Credit: Sarah Emrick via Storyful DENVER - A customer turned to Jael Marquez when she couldn't find an item on the shelves of the Save A Lot, but Marquez knew it was in stock back in the warehouse, so he went and got it. It was weeks ago, sometime around the day he turned 17. He remembers it because it was the one time this spring when a customer looked him in the eyes and said "Thank you." "I appreciate you still working," the African American woman in her 50s said through a mask after taking the box. "Because there's a lot of risk." Marquez was stunned at this commonplace courtesy that had become so rare in these distanced times. Few people spoke. Few people acknowledged him. Few people came close enough to say anything: "I really appreciated that. It feels good to know you're appreciated." The woman couldn't have known that Marquez wasn't at the discount grocery in the low-income Montbello neighborhood by choice. It wasn't a risk he felt comfortable taking. It was a risk he had to take. He was there by necessity. In a world without covid-19, Marquez would be a junior walking the halls of Denver's Vista Academy, a small public school on the city's outskirts. Instead, he is one of thousands of teens across the country working the forgotten front lines of the pandemic - in grocery and big-box stores - keeping essential links in the nation's food supply intact while eschewing almost everything about being a teenager. Marquez has been his family's chief breadwinner, supporting his household while his parents quarantined in a basement with the familiar symptoms of a coronavirus infection. The virus has sickened nearly 27,000 people in Colorado and killed 1,474 as of Tuesday, so the concern in his household was very real. His parents unable to work, Marquez was the only hope of being able to pay the bills. Virtual school went out the window. Marquez became a 40-hour-a-week worker. He's not sure school will ever be a part of his future now. "I think I just want to start my own thing and start getting experience so once I'm 20, I can start my own company," Marquez said. Across town, in a King Soopers grocery store in Commerce City, another Latino teen confronted a similar, but perhaps more immediately urgent, dilemma. Alex Abreo, a senior at Bruce Randolph School, had seen his hours increase from 20 to 30 per week to 40 when the pandemic arrived in Colorado. People had rushed to groceries to stock up, and several of his co-workers came down with symptoms. When Abreo put on his mask, apron and gloves one day for another shift in the meat department, he looked down at a sealed plastic bag of beef fresh off a refrigerated supply truck and noticed two words that had once carried no weight but suddenly now alarmed him: Greeley, Colorado. Scrolling down his Facebook news feed that week he had stumbled on a news story that described the JBS meat processing plant in Greeley, an hour north of Denver, as potentially the biggest outbreak in the state. Could the virus ravaging the nearby plant be transmitted via this beef brisket? "Every time we get a bag of meat, it says 'Greeley' on it," Abreo said. "I was upset about that. I didn't know what to think." Abreo went back to work. His father had been helping him with payments on his new car - a 2017 Lincoln MKZ - until his hours at a sawmill were reduced and he lost the opportunity to earn overtime. His father's new level of pay barely covered just the basics: mortgage, groceries, electricity, water. Abreo, who needs internet access to complete his virtual school assignments, now chips in to keep the WiFi on. "If I didn't have this job, I don't know what I would do," Abreo said. - - - Denver Public Schools had more than 93,000 students enrolled in 2018, and 65 percent of them were eligible for free and reduced lunch, a widely accepted measure of poverty. At schools like Bruce Randolph and Vista Academy, those numbers are higher. More than 70 percent of Vista Academy's students and more than 90 percent of Bruce Randolph students receive free or reduced meals, classifying the latter as a "high-poverty school," according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Nationally, Hispanic and Latino students are the most likely to attend a high-poverty school (45 percent), followed closely by African Americans (44 percent) and Native Americans (38 percent). Just 8 percent of white children attend high-poverty schools, according to the center. "We have a number of students in this city and across this country who are asking, 'How relevant is this education, that you say I need, to where I am and to my future?' " said Eric Rowe, principal at PREP Academy in Denver, a 25-year educator and veteran of schools in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., St. Louis and Kenya. "In education, we're talking to them about college and career prep, and many of them are wondering where the next meal is coming from, or where they're going to sleep that night or that week." Rowe said the coronavirus outbreak has exacerbated these issues, especially among working-class families that have had to go out to jobs and thus have exposed themselves to its spread - or have fallen ill - and then have to rely on their children for support. "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth, right? Well, this virus is a Mike Tyson uppercut," Rowe said. "It's emphasized the impact of food deserts. It's emphasized the digital divide. And it's highlighting the idea that we are not serving all children well in our education system." The pandemic has forced a portion of America's teenagers into full-time roles in essential businesses like food services, where required training is minimal and pay is comparatively low. On a weekday in April, Marquez was stocking produce aisle shelves with avocados and lettuce bundles, wearing blue gloves - torn in spots - and a medical mask. His hours increased when people stopped showing up to work. "We have four people in the produce department and one is sick, so I'm picking up more morning shifts," Marquez said. "I don't really know where they are. Haven't heard from them in a month." Gabe Disbrow, chief operating officer at Leevers Supermarkets, a group of 18 stores that includes the Montbello Save A Lot, said the chain has sent home about 15 employees after they exhibited covid-19 symptoms. "Testing capabilities seemed like they were nonexistent early on," Disbrow said. "Anyone who had flu-like symptoms, managers would send them home and ask them to self-quarantine or direct them to their medical providers." Disbrow said grocery positions are "a great high school job for a lot of people, a great entry level job" and noted that teens have been a great "support to our company." The weirdest thing, Marquez said, is that he believes people aren't taking the virus seriously. The signs in Spanish and English posted on the sliding front doors suggest wearing masks while shopping, but the store doesn't require it. "Some people come in without even a mask," Marquez said. "And those people are the ones that also don't stay six feet away when you really should be doing that." He does a lot of moving out of the way and waiting for people to make produce selections before he continues stocking fruits and vegetables. The son of Mexican immigrants, Marquez said his parents have yet to tell him how they crossed the border before he was born, and he has never asked. "They probably, like, had it rough," Marquez said. "So they just never told me." Before the virus, Marquez's father worked for a door manufacturer and his mother worked in a bakery. First, his father experienced symptoms: Fever and weakness. He sequestered himself in the basement and his wife brought meals and care. Then Marquez's mother fell ill. So it was up to Marquez and two older brothers to deliver food to the underground sick bay. Marquez's work became more crucial, that weekly paycheck a lifeline. His parents declined to be interviewed. At 3:30 p.m., he goes home to a household of five. Cousins have helped him with virtual homework when he was too tired or busy to do the reading himself. "I wasn't really ever a school person, but I was trying to do that just to finish off the year," Marquez said. - - - Abreo worked his longest weeks in March, pulling in $440 after taxes for 40 hours of work at $12 an hour. He said he didn't choose the uptick in hours, but he couldn't turn down the opportunity either. "They know I don't have school," Abreo said of his managers. "So they could schedule me at all times throughout the day and I would just have to get caught up on virtual school on my own time. They started hiring temporary workers, so I know if I were to say, like, 'No, I can't do it,' they would have more people on the clock just like that because a lot of people are looking for work." His employer did not respond to requests for comment. Abreo had a few ideas about what to do after graduation. He gained admission to Metropolitan State University, but he would need help to pay for it. Without the money, he thought about possibly going to trade school instead, perhaps to become a barber. His plans quickly fell to the wayside because of the virus and his expanding role at the grocery store. Abreo had typically worked in customer-facing roles for the chain: cash registers and grocery cart retrieval, 30 hours a week after school and on weekends. Then the virus arrived, and the chain restructured workflow to meet new demands. Abreo's manager sent him to oversee the meat department's inventory. For a period in March and April, as demand spiked, Abreo saw cuts of meat come through the department he didn't realize the chain carried. "For a while they had to order things that they never ordered before just to fill the shelves," Abreo said. "Just like random meat, like, you know, like people don't really want chicken leg quarters. They want the breasts. We had all sorts of things that people don't normally buy." Abreo became drained quickly, and he found himself struggling to keep up with his virtual schoolwork. He saw some of his friends completing assignments in the mornings and having the rest of the day to themselves while he worked days and barely caught up with homework at night. When the federal stimulus check arrived, Abreo felt more secure focusing again on his studies. He asked his managers if he could finish his schoolwork and work spot duty at the store when needed. They obliged. "I decided to prioritize finishing the rest of the school year," Abreo said. "I couldn't let myself just basically give up. All of my teachers were messaging me constantly to get me on my work and asking if they could do anything to help. I just felt like I needed to finish things off right at Bruce, even if it's not a normal year." Abreo's parents also declined to be interviewed. Marquez, staring at the specter of another school year, started considering his options in late April. He went to Google: "GED practice test." On the second try, he scored a 70 on the math portion and a 68 on the reading, "but you need like a 90 or something to pass," Marquez said. "School just kind of feels pointless at this point," he said. His father went back to work two weeks ago, having been tested for the virus and receiving a negative result. His mother, though, has not been brought back to the bakery. Marquez doesn't have a bank account yet - he has been handing off his checks to his father, who rations the money - but Marquez likes working. The results are tangible, the gratification immediate. He says he will try to get his GED online, then work in groceries or construction to save enough money to start a company in "either plumbing or electricity or something like that" by the time he's 20, leaning on the experience of uncles who work in either field. He said he was going through the motions of high school before the pandemic interrupted his education, interrupted everything. "I didn't realize how bad it was all going to be, how much would change," he said. "I realized when my dad had to stop working. That's when I knew it was serious serious." As prospective holidaymakers and the travel industry wait to hear detailed plans for 14 days of self-isolation for arriving travellers, two warring Cabinet ministers appear to have confirmed that quarantine will be a three-week wonder. From 8 June, many arrivals to the UK will be required to self-isolate for two weeks. The travel industry says quarantine has stifled summer bookings for both inbound and outbound tourism, and will trigger thousands of job losses. In the Daily Telegraph, Priti Patel and Grant Shapps have co-written a justification for the policy. Ms Patel and the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, have backed the policy enthusiastically. The Labour Party has also welcomed quarantine. But Mr Shapps and many Tory MPs are appalled at the damage the proposals are causing to a travel industry that has already been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, and the message it sends about the UK closing down while the rest of the world opens up. In their article, the ministers signal that a series of so-called air bridges bilateral no-quarantine deals will soon be brought in to allow holidaymakers and inbound tourists to avoid the self-isolation rules. They write: We are working with the transport industry to see how we can introduce agreements with other countries when safe to do so, so we can go abroad and tourists can come here. The expectation is that the air bridges will take effect when the policy is first reviewed, on 29 June. The Portuguese foreign minister has told the BBC that negotiations are already under way with the Home Office. Portugal is one of very few countries with an infection rate comparable to the high level in the UK. Quarantine is now being described widely by travel-industry leaders as a three-week wonder that will be quietly dropped at the first opportunity. Sources have told The Independent that they have been assured July and August foreign holidays will be able to go ahead. In their joint article, the home secretary and transport secretary make a series of claims that are likely to be challenged by MPs. They write: It is crucial that we introduce these measures now. But questions will be asked about the wide loopholes identified by The Independent that will allow more than two million people, including bus drivers, dentists and police officers to avoid the need to self-isolate. The quarantine rules can also be circumvented by travelling via Ireland, an irresponsible technique known as the Dublin dodge. Ms Patel and Mr Shapps claim the measures are "informed by the science, backed by the public, and are essential to protect public health. While polls indicate quarantine is popular with voters, it is difficult to find medical opinion to back the imposition of restrictions two months after the number of cases peaked in the UK. The government did not ask SAGE, its scientific advisory group, for its view on the value of quarantine at this stage in the epidemic. The World Health Organisation says quarantine can play a part in dealing with pandemics, but only in the early phases. The ministers also say incoming travellers will follow the measures that our own citizens are undertaking. In fact, as The Independent has revealed, arriving passengers will be given far less freedom than the British public have endured during lockdown. Travellers will be told to avoid contact with the people they are staying with. They must not go out to buy food or other essentials if others can provide them. Quarantinees breaking self-isolation face a penalty of 1,000 in England and Wales. But some police representatives say they do not have the resources to enforce the rules. The quarantine policy was instigated by Dominic Cummings in late April. After he returned to Downing Street from a stay in Durham, the prime ministers chief adviser advocated border controls as a popular win in response to growing criticism of the governments care strategy. In a surprise announcement by Dover Motorsports, Nashville Superspeedway in Wilson County will reopen in 2021 and its race schedule will include a race from NASCARs premier Cup Series. The Cup Series hasnt competed in the Middle Tennessee area since 1984, when the last Cup race ran at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. A very tentative date of June 20, 2021 has been set for the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway. But, according to Mike Tatoian, chief operating officer for Dover Motorsports, that date could change as NASCAR and its broadcast partners finalize next year's schedule. Other races will also be held at the Nashville Superspeedway, Mr. Tatoian said. He did not elaborate as to what those races might be but NASCARs Xfinity and Gander Trucks Series have both had races at the track that is located Gladeville, Tn., as has INDYCAR. The anticipation is to operate the facility for a long time, Mr. Tatoian said. The return to racing at the track is not a one-shot deal. The 1.33-mile concrete track was built in 2001 by Dover Motorsports, Inc. at a cost estimated at over $100 million. It is unclear what Dover's decision means to the efforts of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. to host NASCAR races at Nashville Fairgrounds. But, it almost certain that Dover will be the first to bring NASCAR racing back to the Nashville area. Although Speedway Motorsports, which runs the track in Bristol, has expressed interest in bringing NASCAR to the Fairgrounds, there still isnt a deal in place after nearly two years of on and off dealings with Metro Nashville government. Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon was built on approximately 1,250 acres in Wilson County and about 150 acres in Rutherford County off Interstate 840. "The facility that seats 25,000 was built really, really well, Mr. Tatoian said, but there will be a close inspection, with an anticipation of necessary upgrades that will include an update to infrastructure. The track is in great condition, but well need to make sure its ready (to be) a year-round facility. NASCARs Cup Series Awards were held in Nashville in December, which helped get conversations started about the Wilson County facility reopening including with a NASCAR race. In turn, Dover International Speedway in Delaware will host one NASCAR Cup Series race weekend in 2021 instead of its customary two. When we built Nashville Superspeedway in 2001 our goal was to one day secure a NASCAR Cup Series race for the venue, Denis McGlynn, president and CEO of Dover Motorsports, Inc., said in a statement. While we have been in discussions with NASCAR for some time about the possibility of bringing the NASCAR Cup Series back to Nashville Superspeedway, plans really just became solidified in recent weeks. More announcements and updates are expected in the coming weeks, Dover Motorsports officials said. A portion of the Nashville Superspeedway property is being redeveloped into an industrial park. James Packer has emerged from lockdown, with the businessman spotted on his luxury yacht with friends in Mexico 's Cabo San Lucas. The 52-year-old billionaire appeared to be making the most of his outing, and was spotted strolling along the deck. There was no missing the sizable boat, which towered next to nearby apartment buildings. Back in business: James Packer has emerged from lockdown, with the businessman spotted on his luxury yacht with friends in Mexico's Cabo San Lucas recently James was dressed casually in a navy blue shirt, which he paired with dark trousers and a pair of sunglasses. He seemed happy and relaxed after months in lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic. It's been a rollercoaster few years for the renowned investor, who has dealt with his share of setbacks in both his career and personal life. Time to coast: The 52-year-old billionaire appeared to be making the most of his outing, and was spotted strolling along the deck Keeping it casual: James was dressed casually in a navy blue shirt, which he paired with dark trousers and a pair of sunglasses On Tuesday, it was revealed his new $2.4billion Crown casino in Sydney won't have a single pokie after a rival casino snapped up exclusive rights on Friday. The Harbour City's other casino, The Star, signed a deal with the New South Wales state government for sole rights to operate the revenue spinners for the next 21 years. Crown had been lobbying for years to remove a pokie ban at its Barangaroo site but was unsuccessful - leading The Star's share price to jump by more than four per cent on Monday. Ups and downs: It's been a rollercoaster few years for the renowned investor, who has dealt with his share of setbacks in both his career and personal life Bad for business: On Tuesday, it was revealed his new $2.4 billion Crown casino in Sydney won't have a single pokie after a rival casino snapped up exclusive rights on Friday The coronavirus pandemic has also thrown Crown's plan to target Chinese billionaires into disarray - leaving the company scrambling to drum up business by targeting RSL punters in Sydney's west. Crown Resorts, which operates casinos in Melbourne, Perth and London, had originally intended its Sydney operation to largely target international VIPs. In January, however, the Morrison government banned visitors from mainland China because of the growing coronavirus pandemic. Standing tall: There was no missing the sizable boat, which towered next to nearby apartment buildings Disappointing: Crown had been lobbying for years to remove a pokie ban at its Barangaroo site but was unsuccessful - leading The Star's share price to jump by more than four per cent on Monday Roll up: The venue will open its doors in February with 120 gaming tables and members only being allowed to place bets of a minimum of just $20 to $30 In April, Hong Kong gaming tycoon Lawrence Ho's Melco Resorts ended its joint venture with Crown by selling its 10 per cent stake in the company - further damaging Crown's ability to bring in wealthy Chinese gamblers. Construction of Crown casino at Barangaroo is nearing completion with the $2billion building - the tallest in Sydney - scheduled to be finished before the end of 2020. The venue will open its doors in February 2021 with 120 gaming tables and members only being allowed to place bets of a minimum of just $20 to $30. Roadblock: The coronavirus pandemic has also thrown Crown's plan to target Chinese billionaires into disarray - leaving the company scrambling to drum up business by targeting RSL punters in Sydney's west Backup plan: Crown Resorts, which operates casinos in Melbourne, Perth and London, had originally intended its Sydney operation to largely target international VIPs James currently divides most of his time between Aspen and Los Angeles, and said he hopes to spend more time in Sydney once Crown is complete. 'Having this hotel gives Crown three incredible resorts across the country, employing thousands of workers and attracting tourists from across the globe,' he previously told Daily Mail Australia. 'I grew up in Sydney and my kids still spend time here, it's a beautiful place and I hope to spend more time visiting.' Creating a problem: In January, the Morrison government banned visitors from mainland China because of the growing coronavirus pandemic Taking care of business: In April, Hong Kong gaming tycoon Lawrence Ho's Melco Resorts ended its joint venture with Crown by selling its 10 per cent stake in the company - further damaging Crown's ability to bring in wealthy Chinese gamblers 'I grew up in Sydney and my kids still spend time here, it's a beautiful place and I hope to spend more time visiting,' he's said James bought two floors of the building from Crown in 2017. 'Crown has reached in-principle agreement with Mr James Packer to sell two floors of the Crown Sydney Residences at the Crown Sydney Hotel Resort to Mr Packer for $60million,' a statement from the company at the time read. 'The floors are located above the mid-levels of the Crown Sydney Hotel Resort.' All aboard: The high profile businessman said Barangaroo will be among the best precincts in the world once construction is complete Stepping down: In March 2018, James resigned as director of Crown Resorts, citing mental health issue The high profile businessman said Barangaroo will be among the best precincts in the world once construction is complete. But it hasn't always been easy, and in March 2018, James resigned as director of Crown Resorts, citing mental health issues. 'We have appreciated James' contribution to the Board and respect his decision to step down from his role as a director at this time,' Executive Chairman John Alexander said at the time. 'We have appreciated James' contribution to the Board and respect his decision to step down from his role as a director at this time,' Executive Chairman John Alexander said at the time Speaking his truth: James has battled anxiety and depression for years, but the announcement was a rare public admission of his mental health struggles James has battled anxiety and depression for years, but the announcement was a rare public admission of his mental health struggles. 'I am happy now to live a quiet life, but I wanted to come back and see the progress at Crown Sydney with my own eyes,' he later told Daily Mail Australia. 'It's even better than I imagined and, again, I am extremely thankful to the workforce who have got us to this point.' 'I am happy now to live a quiet life, but I wanted to come back and see the progress at Crown Sydney with my own eyes,' he later told Daily Mail Australia In March 2018, shortly after he had resigned from the boards, he checked himself into a $35,000-a-week psychiatric hospital in the US. James delved into the private story behind his mental health journey in his biography, The Price of Fortune: The Untold Story of Being James Packer, written by journalist Damon Kitney. In 2016, he felt his life was spiralling out of control as his daily diet consisted of vodka and powerful prescription pills. Getting help: In March 2018, shortly after he had resigned from the boards, he checked himself into a $35,000-a-week psychiatric hospital in the US Downward spiral: In 2016, he felt his life was spiralling out of control as his daily diet consisted of vodka and powerful prescription pills As his businesses took serious hits, James was pushed into a third nervous breakdown. By October that year, he began to worry the people around him, with one psychiatrist even asking him: 'Are you trying to kill yourself?' In May 2019, he sold 19.99 per cent of his Crown Casino shares to Melco Resorts and Entertainment for $1.76billion. Paying tribute: He named the impressive boat IJE - the first initial of his three children's names, Indigo, Jackson and Emmanuelle James' $200million mega yacht was finally completed in April last year, after taking four years to construct. He named the impressive boat IJE - the first initial of his three children's names, Indigo, Jackson and Emmanuelle. The yacht was built by Benetti in Livorno, Italy and measures 108 metres in length, according to a report by The Sydney Morning Herald in April last year. Specially made: The yacht was built by Benetti in Livorno, Italy and measures 108 metres in length, according to a report by The Sydney Morning Herald in April last year It is considered to be one of the biggest superyachts ever to be built, and weighs 3700 tonnes and stands 30.4 metres tall. The boat features a cinema, heated swimming pool, gym, sauna, observation deck, and a 1.5 metre fire-pit on its 1000 square metre deck. Meanwhile, the yacht's garage can store up to eight jet skis. Thousands of people have gathered at Hyde Park in London in a show of support for those protesting over the death of George Floyd in the United States. He died after a white officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking days of protest. Floyds death has sparked a wave of anti-racism demonstrations all over the world. Protesters carrying Black Lives Matter placards came together at the London park in Floyds memory. People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London, in memory of George Floyd. (PA) People observe social distancing as they participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London. (PA/Getty) Protesters were initially asked to sit two metres apart unless they were in the same household and told to keep their arms stretched out to ensure social distancing when moving around the park. Most protesters wore masks or gloves and were pictured sitting apart from each other to observe social distancing, as requested by organisers. Read more: Black people more likely to be fined in London under coronavirus laws Explaining why she was at the protest, Filippa, a 20-year-old student, told PA: I know that Im healthy. So this felt more important than to stay inside when I have the opportunity. Star Wars actor John Boyega gave an emotional speech at the demonstration in which he referenced the deaths of two other black Americans who died in the US and the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence in the UK. He told demonstrators: "We are a physical representation of our support for George Floyd. We are a physical representation of our support for Sandra Bland. We are a physical representation of our support for Trayvon Martin. We are a physical representation of our support for Stephen Lawrence." He added: "I'm speaking to you from my heart. Look, I don't know if I'm going to have a career after this, but f*** that. "Today is about innocent people who were halfway through their process, we don't know what George Floyd could have achieved, we don't know what Sandra Bland could have achieved, but today we're going to make sure that won't be an alien thought to our young ones." A protester wearing a face mask holds a sign saying 'I can't breathe' during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park. (PA/Getty) People begin to gather ahead of the Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park. (PA/Getty) Labour says it supports those in the UK showing "solidarity" by protesting over the death of George Floyd, but called for those joining the demonstrations to follow distancing advice. Story continues The Hyde Park protest came as chief constables from across the UK issued a joint statement saying they "stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified" by Floyds death. In a statement, the chief constables, the chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council, the chief executive of the College of Policing and the president of the Police Superintendents' Association said: "We stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life. Justice and accountability should follow. Protesters wearing face masks, hold up placards and raise clenched fists during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park. (PA/Getty) Protesters hold up placards as people gather for a demonstration in Hyde Park. (AP) They also urged people who want to make their voices heard to be aware that "coronavirus remains a deadly disease and there are still restrictions in place to prevent its spread, which include not gathering outside in groups of more than six people". The police leaders' statement continued: "We are also appalled to see the violence and damage that has happened in so many US cities since then. Read more: Boris Johnson says Black Lives Matter at PMQs Our hearts go out to all those affected by these terrible events and hope that peace and order will soon be restored." In the UK, demonstrators previously protested outside the US embassy in south London and in Trafalgar Square following Floyd's death. The police joint statement went on to highlight the tradition of policing by consent and said officers are trained to use force "proportionately, lawfully and only when absolutely necessary". Protesters take part in a demonstration over the death of George Floyd. (AP) Protesters appear to follow social distancing rules as they stand apart during the Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park. (AP) The statement continued: "We strive to continuously learn and improve. We will tackle bias, racism or discrimination wherever we find it. "Policing is complex and challenging and sometimes we fall short. When we do, we are not afraid to shine a light on injustices or to be held to account. "The relationship between the police and the public in the UK is strong but there is always more to do. Every day, up and down the country, officers and staff are working to strengthen those relationships and address concerns. Only by working closely with our communities do we build trust and help keep people safe." Boris Johnson who said in the Commons on Wednesday that Floyd's death was "inexcusable" has faced calls to review sales of riot control equipment to the US. Hong Kong: Rail line to be commissioned earlier The full commissioning of the Tuen Ma Line could be brought forward to the third quarter of 2021 as a result of joint efforts by the Government and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) to expedite the project's progress. Secretary for Transport & Housing Frank Chan made the statement in response to questions by legislator Michael Tien concerning the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link project. Mr Chan explained that the Government and MTRC are focusing on the project's delivery with a view to expediting its progress so the public can enjoy the new railway service as soon as possible. Mr Chan said: After much effort, we anticipate that the full commissioning of Tuen Ma Line could be brought forward to the third quarter of 2021. By then, the Kai Tak to Hung Hom Section will connect with West Rail Line and Tuen Ma Line Phase 1. "This will further improve the connectivity between the northeast New Territories and the urban area, and relieve the pressure on the current transportation network. Regarding the works quality problems on the construction works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension, the transport chief said the MTRC is responsible for the estimated $2 billion in expenses related to the incident. Based on conclusions of the Commission of Inquiry's final report submitted to the Chief Executive on March 27, the Government will study the MTRC's responsibilities and follow up according to the Entrustment Agreement as and when appropriate, he added. The Government has taken a series of measures to closely monitor the MTRC's project management process and will continue to follow up with it on the commission's recommendations concerning areas for improvement. The Government will closely monitor the MTRC's implementation of the improvement proposals, Mr Chan emphasised. This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Amrut Brothers - Manufacturer and Exporter of High Quality Plastic Moulding Machines Amrut Brothers is a reliable name in plastic molding machines. We are committed to meet the needs of clients through our high quality plastic molding machines and cost effective rates. Our precision engineered machines are featured with different attributes like low power consumption, low pressure press moulding facility, noise less machine operation and excellent product quality. 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ABH2 - Series - Semi Auto Vertical Plunger Type Moulding Machine ranging from 60 to 2000 Grm We offer a wide range of high quality Semi Auto Vertical Plunger. Our range is appreciated for minimal power operation, accuracy and operated easily. Our plungers are tested stringently to meet the required parameters to ensure a quality of international standard. Further more, our products are used extensively in various industries across the world Vertical Screw Type Hydraulic Machine | Vertical Screw Type Toggle Clamping Machine | Vertical Screw Type Toggle Clamping Machine | Insert Moulding Machine | Vertical Cum Horizontal Screw Type Toggle Locking Machine | Fully Automatic Plunger Type Direct Ram Locking Machine | Semi Auto Vertical Plunger Type Moulding Machine Over the last month, we have witnessed a number of racial incidents in the midst of a global pandemic. The deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd have resulted in national outrage, reintroduced the troublesome nature of police brutality in our communities, and raised more conversations about the never-ending reality that is racism in our country. Coupled with these inexplicable deaths was the case of Amy Cooper, a White woman in New York Citys Central Park, who threatened to call the police on Christian Cooper, an African-American man, to say he was threatening her and her dog, despite video evidence to the contrary. Sadly, these types of incidents are not new. What is also not new are the widespread protests that have erupted across the nation as people of all races have expressed pain, frustration, and anger over the mistreatment of Black people in America. Black people and other people of color are beyond fatigued in explaining, demonstrating, pleading, recording, and articulating the realities of racism. How it plays out in our lives, how it remains embedded in American culture through our laws, policies, and beliefs; how even progressive people engage in problematic racist behavior. But could we be reaching a tipping point? Individual acts must transform into collective action, and educators can be part of that change." I have been encouraged to see the number of Whites engaging in peaceful protest, declaring that Black Lives Matter. It has long been said that racism will not end until White people feel just as outraged and upset about racism as people of color do. The recent protests seem to be a step in the right direction. But what does this mean for schools? How should educators respond? First and foremost, educators, even in this stay-at-home moment, you must address racism in America in your schools and classrooms. You must let students talk about what they feel, encourage them to write about their emotions, and create space for students to emoteeven as all of that will have to be done virtually. This is an emotionally fragile time for many Black students and other students of color. For many students, the fear is real, their anger is palpable, anxiety is high, and sadness is running deep. Do not expect that you will have all the answers. Just listen to and affirm your students. Please do not make things business as usual. We must also name the current crisis as something different. Labels such as mistreatment, discrimination, or prejudice no longer describe the depths and breadth of what we are witnessing. We must identify what we are seeing as anti-Black racism, and that should inform our current discussions. Anti-Black racism challenges the idea that there is a one-size-fits-all approach to tackling racism. Yes, racism affects all people of color in a multitude of ways, and Black people are part of that vociferous and untangled web. But anti-Black racism speaks to the specific ways in which Black people are seen, targeted, dehumanized, and often killed in a manner that is unlike any other group of people in the United States. More From This Author: In recent days, I have received texts, calls, and emails from friends, colleagues, and former students who are White, Latinx, and Asian-American who have apologized to me for the recent events. Theyve asked if I was OK and expressed their remorse for what is going on. Theyve asked me outright: What can I do? I appreciate these overtures. But individual acts must transform into collective action, and educators can be part of that change. Schools are not immune from the perpetuation of anti-Black racism. Many students, parents, and teachers have long argued that schools are rampant with acts of anti-Black racism. Schools can and should be better. And they must be part of the solution in racial reckoning and healing. If deliberate steps are not taken to end anti-Black racism, it will continue to cause irreparable harm to Black students. It will also leave an indelible imprint on the minds and psyches of non-Black students. To that end, there are four steps that educators can take to ensure that anti-Black racism does not persist in their schools: 1. Name anti-Black racism for what it is. Skirting around the excessive mistreatment of Black people in everyday life is only part of the problem. There is a pressing need for educators to develop a propensity, a knowledge, and the courage to discuss, name, and describe the levels of exclusion, oppression, hostility, and racism in the United States that have afflicted Black people for centuries. Educators must discuss examples of anti-Black racism, analyze the institutional and individual ways that it manifests, and not dilute the perniciousness of the unfortunate treatment that Black people have endured. 2. Believe Black students. The important #MeToo movement centered on the oppression, assaults, and abuse of women. The message was clear: Listen and believe women who are survivors of sexual violence. A similar call should be made for Black students. When Black students speak about issues of race, racism, discrimination, exclusion, and prejudice, believe their stories. When they state that they have been subjected to lower expectations, hostile teachers, different standards, and unfair discipline believe them, advocate for them, and challenge your colleagues who are skeptical. 3. Stop challenging Black Lives Matter. Efforts to minimize, dismiss, or ignore the pain and suffering of Black people is one of the central tenets of anti-Blackness. To that end, challenging Black Lives Matter or stating All Lives Matter is an attempt to minimize, ignore, or dismiss the types of structural inequality, political disenfranchisement, police violence, and educational and economic marginalization of Black people. Efforts to conflate Black peoples experiences with other peoples struggles, while appearing benevolent, robs Black people of an unapologetic and intentional spotlight and the crucial analysis of their experiences. 4. Identify and speak about Black excellence. So much of anti-Blackness is steeped in the pathological depiction of and belief in the inferiority of Black people, culture, and history. Often absent in anti-Black sentiment is the unbridled excellence that Black students possess. It is vital for educators to see their brilliance, celebrate their innovation, recognize their unique forms of expression, and promote their irrepressible potential and promise. It is vital for teachers, school staff, and school leaders to identify and discuss Black excellence, brilliant Black parents, and high-achieving Black students. Anti-Black racism needs to be understood, addressed, and ultimately uprooted in schools and society. The fact that countless people are marching, protesting, and risking their safety in the midst of a global pandemic to end anti-Black racism speaks to the sense of urgency to eliminate it. The Kenya Forest Service has urged Kenyans to be extra vigilant when buying land within Ngong Road Forest around Sunvalley Langata and surrounding areas. KFS noted that buyers were being swindled of millions of shillings by being sold grabbed forest land. Much of the land that is purportedly up for sale by crooks there is part of Ngong Forest land which will be reclaimed. It is just a matter of time. And it will not matter what is on the land, it will eventually revert to the KFS. It wont matter what sits on the forest land when we come for it. Well take all of what belongs to the forest, said KFS Chief Conservator of Forests Julius Kamau last week Thursday. The conservator said Ngong Road Forest sits on 1,224.4 hectares, but 789 hectares have been grabbed by unscrupulous developers. KFS board chairman Peter Kinyua added that some owners acquired titles to the land under forest area fraudulently. Anybody sitting on forest land will have to vacate. Many of the people on those parcels of land there say they have titles but they have titles to what? When was it degazetted, by whom? Because for public land to convert into private land, a parliamentary process to degazette it has to have happened, Mr Kinyua The Chairman said a process to recover the irregularly acquired land is already underway. Some people have illegally and irregularly erected structures on these 789 hectares. But it remains gazetted as forest land and it has a legal notice and there is no process of degazettement that has been undertaken, Mr Kamau said as quoted by Daily Nation. Anybody who is in the forest illegally has to vacate. Were very clear in terms of mapping all the forest areas around the country, he added. Mr Kamau called upon prospective land buyers to verify with the agency before sinking millions into grabbed land. And there are Kenyans whove actually been doing the right thing by writing to us to establish the status of what they want to acquire against the forest jurisdiction and we give them advice. I want to ask Kenyans who are buying in the area around Ngong Road Forest to do serious due diligence before investing millions of shillings. We do not charge for the service. It is absolutely free of charge, so Kenyans should not hesitate to come to us, said the conservator. According to the Nation newspaper, an unnamed former MP is one of the sellers of grabbed land where a 40 by 60 ft parcel of land goes for about Sh12 million. Congratulations, limsimi.com got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Limsimi.com scored 90 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 4.5/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 14 Jan 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. limsimi.com is very popular in Facebook and Twitter. It has 124 twitter followers. Furthermore its facebook page has 178 likes. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the limsimi homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if limsimi has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the limsimi homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the limsimi homepage on StumbleUpon. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the limsimi homepage on Twitter + the total number of limsimi followers (if limsimi has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the limsimi homepage on Delicious. Basic Information PAGE TITLE Johor Bahru Hunts, Malaysia - Latest News, Attractions, Events DESCRIPTION A guide on the latest news, attractions and events in Johor Bahru. Visit our discussion forum to hear the latest buzz from the online community! KEYWORDS Johor Bahru, Johor Baru, Johore Bahru, Johor Baharu, attractions, news, Johor Bahru Malaysia OTHER KEYWORDS johor, johor bahru, bahru, white, custom, tebrau, highway 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 UTF-8English DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Apache (PHP/5.3.19) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) The language of limsimi.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 limsimi.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK FOUND FACEBOOK PAGE www.facebook.com/pages/Limsimicom/240875015970525 DESCRIPTION Limsimi.com - Johor Bahru Hunts LIKES 178 PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT 2 PAGE TYPE Society/culture website TIMELINE PAGE TIMELINE A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. 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. 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 type of Facebook page. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK FOUND TWITTER PAGE twitter.com/#!/limsimi DESCRIPTION Editor of www.limsimi.com - Johor Bahru Hunts. ACCOUNT CREATED ON 06 Jun 2009 LOCATION Johor Bahru TWEETS 130 FOLLOWERS 124 LISTED 1 In total, 16,085 tests were conducted in the country over the period under review. Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has listed three leading regions in terms of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past day. Read alsoAbout 6,300 people undergo high accuracy testing to detect COVID-19 antibodies "In terms of the regions, the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in Lviv region (96 cases), Rivne region (50), and the city of Kyiv (62)," he told a briefing on June 3. In total, 16,085 tests were conducted in the country in the past day. In particular, there were 9,880 tests done with the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and 6,205 with the application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Since the pandemic, 4,785 healthcare workers and 1,791 children have contracted the virus in Ukraine, he said. "In the past day, 483 people contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus, including 44 children and 103 healthcare workers. Some 152 new patients were hospitalized. Eight COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the past day, while 362 patients recovered," he said. As UNIAN reported earlier, as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 3, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine was 24,823; of them, 483 cases were registered in the past 24 hours. 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. Is the asteroid really an iceberg of hydrogen? (Getty) The space rock named `Oumuamua was the first known interstellar object to visit our solar system, and made headlines around the world in 2017. When it flew past our sun, the world marvelled over its elongated, cigar-shaped body which some scientists initially suggested might be an alien probe. But now a new theory may explain what it really is: astronomers at Yale and the University of Chicago say its a hydrogen iceberg. Whats more, there might be many more of them out there, forming in the dense cores of molecular clouds throughout our Milky Way galaxy, the researchers suggest. Read more: Comet or asteroid? Cigar asteroid shows we may need a new classification A study based on the researchers findings has been accepted by the Astrophysical Journal Letters and appears on the preprint website arXiv. The researchers believe that the idea that its a block of hydrogen ice could explain many of the weird properties that led scientists to label it a possible alien spacecraft. Professor Gregory Laughlin of Yale said, We developed a theory that explains all of Oumuamuas weird properties. We show that it was likely composed of hydrogen ice. This is a new type of object, but it looks like there may be many more of them showing up, going forward. Researchers at the University of Hawaii first discovered Oumuamua in 2017, but as Oumuamua hurtled through the inner part of the solar system, astronomers noticed it had several unusual properties. Read more: Astronomers admit cigar asteroid is still a mystery It varied rapidly in brightness, suggesting it was either saucer shaped or cigar shaped. Also, it accelerated in a fashion similar to a comet, yet it showed no evidence of emitting gas or the fine billows of dust normally associated with comets. Laughlin and Seligman said Oumuamuas behavior can be explained if it is composed of hydrogen ice. As Oumuamua passed close to the Sun and received its warmth, melting hydrogen would have rapidly boiled off the icy surface providing the observed acceleration and also winnowing Oumuamua down to its weird, elongated shape much as a bar of soap becomes a thin sliver after many uses in the shower. Story continues The study theorizes that iceberg-like objects made of hydrogen can potentially form in the dense cores of molecular clouds that pervade the Milky Way galaxy and give rise to new stars and planetary systems. Laughlin said, Their presence would be an accurate probe of the conditions in the dark recesses of star-forming clouds and provide a critical new clue for understanding the earliest phases of the still-mysterious processes that generate the birth of stars and their accompanying planets. British police leaders have said they are appalled by the death of George Floyd and called for justice and accountability in the US. In a joint statement, three national police bodies admitted there was also more to do in the UK and said they were working to improve. We will tackle bias, racism or discrimination wherever we find it, it added. Policing is complex and challenging and sometimes we fall short. When we do, we are not afraid to shine a light on injustices or to be held to account. The statement was signed by leaders of the National Police Chiefs Council, the College of Policing and the Police Superintendents Association. They said: We stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life. Justice and accountability should follow. We are also appalled to see the violence and damage that has happened in so many US cities since then. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these terrible events and hope that peace and order will soon be restored. The College of Policing, which is the professional body for forces in England and Wales, has given training to US police in the past. There are mounting calls for the British government to stop sales of UK-made teargas, rubber bullets and riot shields to American police amid alleged brutality against protesters. The joint statement said that British police officers followed a tradition of policing by consent and were trained to use force proportionately, lawfully and only when absolutely necessary. But force is used disproportionately against black and ethnic minority people in the UK, and a number of inquiries into alleged police brutality, deaths in custody and fatal shootings are under way. 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 2011, riots broke out in London and other British cities following the shooting of a young black man. An inquiry found that Mark Duggan was lawfully killed and had most likely been throwing a handgun to the side as he was shot, but his family have doubted official accounts and initial police statements wrongly suggested there had been an exchange of fire. Following demonstrations over both the death of George Floyd and racism in the UK, police said they would facilitate lawful protest. But the statement warned that the continuing coronavirus lockdown still made public gatherings of more than six people illegal. We know people want to make their voices heard, it added. For whatever reason people want to come together, we ask that people continue to work with officers at this challenging time. It added: The relationship between the police and the public in the UK is strong but there is always more to do. Every day, up and down the country, officers and staff are working to strengthen those relationships and address concerns. Hundreds of people ignored social distancing guidelines in Trafalgar Square (Reuters) In the year to March 2019, 16 per cent of police use of force incidents in England and Wales were against black people, who only make up 3.3 per cent of the population. Black people were also involved in 25 per cent of firearms incidents and a fifth of less lethal weapons incidents, including Tasers. The vast majority of 428,000 total incidents recorded were handcuffing or restraint, which is counted as a use of force in Britain. According to analysis of official statistics by the Inquest charity, there have been 1,741 deaths in police custody or following contact with officers in England and Wales since 1990. Of those who died, 14 per cent were black and ethnic minority, which is proportionate to the population as at the 2011 census. However, Bame people die disproportionately as a result of use of force or restraint by the police, raising serious questions of institutional racism as a contributory factor in their deaths, a report by Inquest said. Police are also fining and arresting black people disproportionately under coronavirus laws during the ongoing UK lockdown. Rod Rosenstein, the former deputy attorney general who oversaw the Russia investigation, went before senators Wednesday to defend the need for the probe while acknowledging possible mistakes in its execution. "Every application that I approved appeared to be justified based on the facts it alleged, and the FBI was supposed to be following protocols to ensure that every fact was verified," Rosenstein said in prepared testimony about applications to a secret court in 2016 and 2017 to wiretap a former aide to Donald Trump. "Whenever agents or prosecutors make serious mistakes or engage in misconduct, the Department of Justice must take remedial action." It was an assessment that clashed with allegations by committee Chairman Lindsey Graham and other Republicans that the president was a victim of anti-Trump forces in the FBI and Justice Department more than three years ago. Amid dual national crises over policing in black communities and the coronavirus, President Trump reasserted in a tweet Wednesday that he was the victim of "Obamagate," a label reflecting the president's contention without evidence that his predecessor personally led a plot to undermine him. Graham pressed ahead with the hearing despite criticism from Democrats that the issue shouldn't be top-of-mind for lawmakers at the moment. Secretary Mnuchin Speaks At IRS Criminal Investigation 100th Year Anniversary Celebration "There shouldn't be hearings on President Trump's wild conspiracies about the 2016 election" as "the Covid pandemic continues to rage and Americans are taking to the streets to express their anger at police violence and racial injustice," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday on the Senate floor. Graham promised Tuesday that the committee will take a "deep dive" into questions of policing and race relations, tentatively setting a hearing on the issue for June 16. The senator from South Carolina said "this committee has a unique opportunity to build on some things the Obama administration did and ask ourselves some hard questions." For now, though, Graham, a close Trump ally, is sticking to his plan for extensive hearings on evidence of wrongdoing by some FBI officials in the early stages of its investigation into whether anyone close to Trump conspired in Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential campaign. Hours before the hearing, Trump tweeted that it's a scandal that "makes Watergate look like small potatoes!" After the testimony from Rosenstein, who appeared voluntarily, Graham has scheduled a committee vote for Thursday that would give him authority to subpoena a long list of Obama administration officials, from ex-FBI Director James Comey to former intelligence chief James Clapper. Rosenstein is hardly a hero to many Republicans. Although he provided Trump with a letter that the president cited in firing Comey in 2017, Rosenstein may be pressed about reports that he became so upset afterward that he mulled whether to wear a wire to secretly record the president. After then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation, Rosenstein named Robert Mueller as special counsel to take over. "I don't think there is any factual or legal basis to attack the initiation and process of the Mueller investigation," said Patrick Cotter, a former federal prosecutor. "It appears to be part of an attempt to discredit Mueller's findings to assist Trump's election." Democrats have their own complaints about Rosenstein, including that he joined William Barr, the current attorney general, in announcing there weren't grounds to charge Trump with obstructing justice after Mueller found evidence on both sides of the question. "As we now know, the eventual conclusions were that Russians committed crimes seeking to influence the election and Americans did not conspire with them," Rosenstein said in his prepared statement on Wednesday. In fact, Mueller declined to make a determination on whether Trump should be charged and later said Barr gave a misleading account of his findings. Judiciary Committee Republicans are likely to press Rosenstein on findings by the Justice Department's inspector general of wrongdoing by some officials in the Federal Bureau of Investigation in obtaining authorizations to wiretap Carter Page, a former Trump campaign aide, in 2016 and early 2017 as part of an operation called Crossfire Hurricane. Barr has also moved to drop charges against Michael Flynn, Trump's first national security adviser, for lying to the FBI about conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. Barr has said the investigation into Flynn wasn't legitimate, and Republican lawmakers have said the FBI sought to entrap him. The Justice Department opened a criminal investigation last year into whether Trump or his 2016 presidential campaign was illegally spied on. The attorney general appointed a career prosecutor, John Durham, to conduct the investigation, which is examining actions by both law enforcement and intelligence officials. Trump and his allies expect more revelations from Durham's investigation heading into November's election. Rosenstein said in a statement last week that "we can only hope to maintain public confidence if we correct mistakes, hold wrongdoers accountable, and adopt policies to prevent problems from recurring." But Kevin Brock, a former FBI and intelligence official, said Rosenstein should have to explain what he knew about the justification for opening the Crossfire Hurricane investigation and whether there was a legitimate reason to continue it once he took control. "He was acting attorney general at the time," said Brock, founder of the consulting firm NewStreet Global Solutions. "He had the responsibility at that time to make sure that it was a legitimate investigation." State Sen. Randy Feenstra defeated incumbent Rep. Steve King in Tuesday's Republican primary for Iowa's 4th congressional district, according to the Cook Political Report. Why it matters: King's history of racist remarks has made him one of the most controversial politicians in the country and a pariah within the Republican Party. House Republican leadership stripped the nine-term congressman of his committee assignments in 2019 after he questioned in an interview with the New York Times how the terms "white nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization" became offensive. The big picture: The Republican establishment coalesced around Feenstra beginning in January, when the Republican Main Street Partnership PAC became the first national GOP organization to publicly endorse and financially support him. University News The INTERPOL Digital Forensics Expert Group conference, which will be held virtually amid the global coronavirus pandemic, will bring together leaders in the field, enabling them to network and learn about cutting-edge developments in digital forensics and cybersecurity. By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications The Digital Forensics Expert Group Conference will bring together leaders in the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics. Ibrahim Baggili, Ph.D., is passionate about cybersecurity and digital forensics education for both his students and for professionals around the globe. He was determined not to let the coronavirus pandemic prevent the University of New Haven from hosting a conference that would educate digital forensics practitioners about the latest developments in the field. Last year, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), an international organization that facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control, asked the University and the MITRE Corporation a nonprofit organization that manages federally funded research and development centers supporting several U.S. government agencies to host its Digital Forensics Expert Group (DFEG) conference. "Our goal is to position the state of Connecticut as a worldwide hub, known for its thought leadership in cybersecurity and forensics." Prof. Ibrahim Baggili, Ph.D. It would've been the first time the event was held in the United States, and Dr. Baggili and his co-chair, Cory Hall, principal cybersecurity engineer at MITRE, planned to host the event at the University. Amid the impact of the coronavirus global pandemic, they are now taking the event online, and Dr. Baggili says the current crisis suggests their mission is more important than ever. Cyber criminals will always take advantage of people, and how we investigate these crimes is of the utmost importance, said Dr. Baggili, Elder Family Chair and director of the University's Connecticut Institute of Technology. From what we have learned from COVID-19, our livelihood, at this point, depends on technology. The University has a longstanding relationship with the MITRE Corporation. Last year, the organization was inducted into the Universitys Tagliatela College of Engineering Hall of Fame as an exemplary partner. The organization has hired graduates of the University and provided many more with internships. Digital forensics experts worldwide still require updates on new tradecraft and a place to connect and learn from one another, said Hall. This is a great example of collaboration across academia, nonprofits, and international law enforcement. It shows that our human spirit will prevail against this pandemic. The virtual conference will take place on four days over two weeks, bringing together professionals in the field from around the globe for a webinar that will take place via Zoom. Attendees will be able to listen to expert speakers, learn from each other, and take part in training workshops. "This is a great example of collaboration across academia, nonprofits, and international law enforcement. It shows that our human spirit will prevail against this pandemic." Cory Hall, DFEG 2020 co-chair The event will, for the first time, include a digital forensics challenge. Hosted by the University through its National Science Foundation and Department of Homeland Security-funded Artifact Genome Project, the challenge will give participants one week to provide solutions to a proposed scenario. The project is being funded through federal grants for training digital forensics practitioners. Open to members of the law enforcement community and employees of government agencies, the conference will also include invited professionals from digital forensics companies and academic institutions. Nearly 200 people from government agencies worldwide - representing 60 countries - are expected to participate in the event. Dr. Baggili hopes the program will provide a meaningful way for attendees to learn about the latest updates in the field as well as the important work taking place at the University of New Haven. This is another way to introduce the Connecticut Institute of Technology to the world, he said. Our goal is to position the state of Connecticut as a worldwide hub, known for its thought leadership in cybersecurity and forensics. To register for the conference, please visit the event's webpage. King Gon asked to meet the Chairman of KU company. He is the ex-husband of Minister Koo, who knew a lot about politics and her activities. He received a file from Chairman Cheo's secretary as he visited him in the palace. They give it to support and protect the KU company against Minister Koo. They found allegations such as treason to put Koo in less advantage against the palace. The audio of her instruction towards her ex-husband Chairman Cheo in one of their secret meetings was published. Her own words caught her, and the parliament asked her to leave her post as the Prime Minister. The Republic of Korea Eun Sup surprised his twin siblings and Na Ri outside her tea shop. Although he wears clothes like Jo Young, his younger sister recognized him as the right Eun Sup. They hugged as they cheered for a happy day. King Gon gave Eun Sup an expensive car to repay his assistance. Early in the morning, Tae Eul plans to go to work early and hears Jung Do in conversation with someone in the kitchen. King Gon seated while her father prepares breakfast. Tae Eul introduced King Gon as her boyfriend to her father. They surprised him over a hearty breakfast. As they separated, Tae Eul gave King Gon a new pair of black jacket and a black cap. She insisted if he can use that to hide his identity in public. She went to work, and King Gon returned to the hotel where Jo Yeong waited for him. Tae Eul requested Shin Jae to accompany her in her search for Koo Eun-ah's counterpart. They visited her apartment, which she abandoned a few days ago. They found the fingerprints from one of Lee Rim's men who have murder cases. They found out that they keep dead bodies in Yangsun Care Center. A facility where Lee Rim's counterpart was declared dead. Shin Jae and Tae Eul visited the center and searched for Koo Eun's missing body. Shin Jae took the director's ID card for access which she looked shocked, looking at his face. Tae Eul found Koo's dead boy at the morgue while Shin Jae opened a room with suspicion. King Gon fit the black jacket as Jo Young went out to buy soju at the store. The bell rang and made him reach for the door. He was surprised to see Tae Eul arrived early and brought a bag of beer. As he looks at her talking, King Gon realized that the lady in front of her talks differently and anxious while she angles her face. He confronted her that she is not Tae-Eul. King Gon reaches for Luna's ID, and as he looks at his reflection in the window. His jaw dropped. He realized that he looks the same as the person who saved him when he was seven years old in the hands of Lee Rim. King Gon was the one who saved himself in the past. He sat down, breathing heavily, but it was too late. He began to vomit and lost consciousness. Luna, seated on the couch, looks calm while looking at him lying on the floor. He took a sip of the beer Luna brought for him. Read Part 1 HERE. US President Donald Trump announced last week; he would pull out the US from the World Health Organization. Following this announcement from the government, America's division of WHO, on Tuesday, urged the country to consider the impact that could have on Latin America's COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, PAHO, or the Pan-American Health Organization, is part of WHO that depends on the US for nearly two-thirds of its funding. According to Dr. Carissa Etienne, PAHO director, support is crucial at present as the pandemic damages a huge part of Latin America and the Caribbean. Relatively, the region has already reported more than one million confirmed COVID-19 cases, and Brazil currently has the fourth-biggest number worldwide, of deaths from the virus. Urged to Continue Being a Partner Etienne then urged the US to still continue being PAHO's important partner, even if it pulls out of WHO. According to recent reports, President Trump "accused the WHO of being manipulated by China amid the COVID-19 pandemic." Additionally, the PAHO director warned too, that Caribbean and Latin American countries, not to loosen the social distancing directives, as well as the pandemic lockdown, too soon. According to scientists, Latin America has yet to reach its peaks in terms of contagions and deaths, particularly in Brazil where its president, Jair Bolsonaro has dismissed COVID-19 "as a 'hoax'." Latin America, Reportedly as the Pandemic's Epicenter During the latter part of May, PAHO announced that Latin America has already surpassed the US and Europe in the daily figures pertaining to confirmed COVID-19 cases. This particular information has put the region then, at the center of the global health crisis. In a press briefing, Etienne said, there were more than two million COVID-19 cases and more than 140,000 deaths in all of the Americas. She said too, that the region has now become the "epicenter of this pandemic." Last week, Brazil reported for new cases, the highest number for one week since the onset of pandemic began. Chile and Peru added have reported a high number of confirmed COVID-19 cases too. Etienne also warned that for countries in Latin America, it is not yet the right time for relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. This, she elaborated, is the perfect time to "scale back preventive guidelines." The Region's Worst Hit Nations As of this writing, Chile has recorded more than 108,000 confirmed cases and over 1,100 deaths from the time the COVID-19 began. Two government leaders of the country reportedly tested positive for the Virus in late-May after they experienced mild symptoms. The officials mentioned were Public Works Minister, Alfredo Moreno, and Minister of Energy, Juan Carlos Jobet. Peru, on the other hand, has now recorded over 170,000 confirmed cases and more than 4,600 deaths. Mexico has a high number of cases and mortalities due to COVID-19, too. As of this writing, the country has more than 93,000 confirmed cases, and deaths have reached more than 10,000 at present. Notably too, early this week, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs or OCHA cautioned that LatAm children are the most vulnerable ones to the virus, because of the weak healthcare system, high levels of unjust treatment, and informal economies. Check these out! Boulder, Colo., USA: Throughout Earth's long history, volcanic super-eruptions have been some of the most extreme events ever to affect our planet's rugged surface. Surprisingly, even though these explosions eject enormous volumes of material--at least 1,000 times more than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens--and have the potential to alter the planet's climate, relatively few have been documented in the geologic record. Now, in a study published in Geology, researchers have announced the discovery of two newly identified super-eruptions associated with the Yellowstone hotspot track, including what they believe was the volcanic province's largest and most cataclysmic event. The results indicate the hotspot, which today fuels the famous geysers, mudpots, and fumaroles in Yellowstone National Park, may be waning in intensity. The team used a combination of techniques, including bulk chemistry, magnetic data, and radio-isotopic dates, to correlate volcanic deposits scattered across tens of thousands of square kilometers. "We discovered that deposits previously believed to belong to multiple, smaller eruptions were in fact colossal sheets of volcanic material from two previously unknown super-eruptions at about 9.0 and 8.7 million years ago," says Thomas Knott, a volcanologist at the University of Leicester and the paper's lead author. "The younger of the two, the Grey's Landing super-eruption, is now the largest recorded event of the entire Snake-River-Yellowstone volcanic province," says Knott. Based on the most recent collations of super-eruption sizes, he adds, "It is one of the top five eruptions of all time." The team, which also includes researchers from the British Geological Survey and the University of California, Santa Cruz, estimates the Grey's Landing super-eruption was 30% larger than the previous record-holder (the well-known Huckleberry Ridge Tuff) and had devastating local and global effects. "The Grey's Landing eruption enamelled an area the size of New Jersey in searing-hot volcanic glass that instantly sterilized the land surface," says Knott. Anything located within this region, he says, would have been buried and most likely vaporized during the eruption. "Particulates would have choked the stratosphere," adds Knott, "raining fine ash over the entire United States and gradually encompassing the globe." Both of the newly discovered super-eruptions occurred during the Miocene, the interval of geologic time spanning 23-5.3 million years ago. "These two new eruptions bring the total number of recorded Miocene super-eruptions at the Yellowstone-Snake River volcanic province to six," says Knott. This means that the recurrence rate of Yellowstone hotspot super-eruptions during the Miocene was, on average, once every 500,000 years. By comparison, Knott says, two super-eruptions have--so far--taken place in what is now Yellowstone National Park during the past three million years. "It therefore seems that the Yellowstone hotspot has experienced a three-fold decrease in its capacity to produce super-eruption events," says Knott. "This is a very significant decline." These findings, says Knott, have little bearing on assessing the risk of another super-eruption occurring today in Yellowstone. "We have demonstrated that the recurrence rate of Yellowstone super-eruptions appears to be once every 1.5 million years," he says. "The last super-eruption there was 630,000 years ago, suggesting we may have up to 900,000 years before another eruption of this scale occurs." But this estimate, Knott hastens to add, is far from exact, and he emphasizes that continuous monitoring in the region, which is being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, "is a must" and that warnings of any uptick in activity would be issued well in advance. This study, which builds on decades of contributions by many other researchers, grew out of a larger project investigating the productivity of major continental volcanic provinces. Those with super-eruptions are the result of colossal degrees of crustal melting over prolonged periods of time, says Knott, and therefore have a profound impact on the structure and composition of Earth's crust in the regions where they occur. Because studying these provinces is vital to understanding their role in shaping our planet's crustal processes, Knott hopes this research foreshadows even more revelations. "We hope the methods and findings we present in our paper will enable the discovery of more new super-eruption records around the globe," he says. ### FEATURED ARTICLE Discovery of two new super-eruptions from the Yellowstone hotspot track (USA): Is the Yellowstone hotspot waning? AUTHORS: Thomas R. Knott; Michael J. Branney; Marc K. Reichow; David R. Finn; Simon Tapster; Robert S. Coe CONTACT: Thomas Knott, trk2@leicester.ac.uk URL: https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article/doi/10.1130/G47384.1/586793/Discovery-of-two-new-super-eruptions-from-the VIDEO: https://youtu.be/oKztjX9HNJQ GEOLOGY articles are online at http://geology.geoscienceworld.org/content/early/recent. Representatives of the media may obtain complimentary articles by contacting Kea Giles at the e-mail address above. Please discuss articles of interest with the authors before publishing stories on their work, and please make reference to GEOLOGY in articles published. Non-media requests for articles may be directed to GSA Sales and Service, gsaservice@geosociety.org. https://www.geosociety.org The two discussed the latest developments on several fronts, including the GERD, the Palestinian issue and coronavirus Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed the latest developments in Libya, among other issues, in a telephone call on Wednesday with his German counterpart Heiko Maas, the Egyptian foreign ministry said. The two officials agreed on the importance of implementing the goals set forth during the Berlin conference and support the UNs efforts to reach a comprehensive political reconciliation in a way that achieves security and stability and contributes to fighting terrorist and radical organisations in Libya. Shoukry also discussed with Maas the latest developments in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam issue as well as the latest updates in the Palestinian issue and the efforts to revive the peace process, warning at the same time against unilateral actions that threaten these efforts. The two foreign ministers also spoke about the latest in bilateral relations between Egypt and Germany as well as the latest updates concerning the coronavirus pandemic. Search Keywords: Short link: Press Release June 3, 2020 Drilon wants POGOs to fund COVID-19 response Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon proposed to use the 5% franchise tax on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) to fund the government's COVID-19 activities. "This is a significant amount that the government should be able to utilize. We must exert every effort to make these POGOs comply with our tax laws and settle their unpaid dues. This is nothing compared to the social problems their continued presence has brought to the country," Drilon said in a statement Wednesday. "The main justification for allowing the POGOs to stay in the country and even to operate ahead of other businesses during the enhanced community quarantine was to help fund the COVID-19 measures. My amendment will bring teeth to this policy," he added. "Our current fiscal situation is insufficient to fund the stimulus measures we are proposing under the proposed Bayanihan law. We need additional sources of funds to respond to the pandemic," Drilon emphasized. Drilon's amendment would earmark the 5% franchise tax for COVID-19 programs and activities as the country struggles for funds to help the economy recover from the effects of the pandemic. The economic managers earlier told the Senate that the economy could only afford P130 billion more for COVID-19 activities, he noted. Drilon said his amendment will mandate that the amounts derived from the 5% franchise tax on all gaming receipts/earnings or the agreed pre-determined minimum monthly revenues from gaming operations, whichever is higher, earned by offshore gaming licensees, including gaming operators, gaming agents, service providers and gaming support providers, will be used to fund the new Bayanihan law. During the hearing conducted by the Committee on Labor in February of this year, BIR Commissioner Sixto Dy said that POGO licensees and operators are currently not paying franchise taxes to the BIR. In total, the POGOs' unpaid taxes would amount to around P50 Billion. "If POGOs pay this huge amount, it could go a long way in our effort to alleviate the plight of the poor heavily affected by the pandemic," Drilon said. Failure to settle their obligations, Drilon said he would also propose an amendment that directs the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to implement closure orders against delinquent POGOs. "The Bureau of Internal Revenue shall implement closure orders against offshore gaming licensees, operators, agents, service providers and support providers who fail to pay the taxes due, and such entities shall cease to operate," Drilon said. The minority leader will also propose to include as a source of funding for the Bayanihan law income tax, value-added tax, and other applicable taxes on income from non-gaming operations earned by offshore licensees, operators, agents, service providers, and support providers. Voters navigated curfews and health concerns in a slate of primary contests on Tuesday that tested the nation's ability to host elections amid dueling crises and moved Joe Biden closer to formally clinching the Democratic presidential nomination. In all, nine states and the District of Columbia held primary elections to decide a series of state and federal contests, including the 2020 presidential race. With no real competition, Biden and President Donald Trump easily won their respective primary elections in Indiana, Rhode Island, Maryland, New Mexico, Montana and the night's biggest prize: Pennsylvania. Biden also won South Dakota. Voters waited in long lines hours after polls closed in some cases, brushing up against curfews in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, two cities rocked by protests following the police killing of George Floyd. Officials in both places said voters wouldn't be arrested for breaking curfew, but thousands of protesters defied the mayors' orders at the same time, setting up a potential clash with law enforcement agencies and National Guard troops patrolling the streets during a fifth night of social unrest. Pennsylvania, which offered the day's biggest trove of delegates, also represented a significant test case for Republicans and Democrats working to strengthen their operations in a premier general election battleground. Voters were forced to brave long lines in "militarized zones" because officials consolidated the vast majority of polling places in Philadelphia to minimize health risks, according to Erin Kramer, executive director of One Pennsylvania. She noted that some polling places in African American communities are in police stations. "Having to stand in line while police officers are entering and exiting the building on police business is not exactly how people want to spend their election day," Kramer said. Biden was on the primary ballot in almost every state in his bid to unify Democrats behind his campaign against Trump. The former vice president is already the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, given that all his rivals have dropped out of the race, but he needed to win 89 percent of all delegates at stake on Tuesday to formally clinch the nomination. If he doesn't secure the needed delegates Tuesday, he has other opportunities to do so this month. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Biden was in Philadelphia on Tuesday morning to deliver remarks about the civil unrest that has erupted across the nation. He didn't talk about the primary, instead focusing his attention on Trump, whom Biden blasted as "more interested in power than in principle." Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is not actively campaigning, having suspended his operation and endorsed Biden, but his name will appear on the ballots. On the eve of Tuesday's primaries, senior adviser Jeff Weaver encouraged progressives to vote for Sanders anyway. "People who support Bernie Sanders and his agenda, who want to maximize the influence of progressives at the convention, should cast their vote for Bernie Sanders," Weaver said, reminding voters that the Vermont senator is seeking leverage to shape the party's platform. At a time when her kingdom is in an unprecedented state of chaos, how reassuring to see the Queen back in the saddle, quite literally. Over the weekend, Her Majesty was photographed for the first time since leaving Buckingham Palace for lockdown at Windsor Castle riding Balmoral Fern, a 14-year-old fell pony, while sporting jodhpurs, a green blazer and a headscarf decorated in racing silk colours. Here's hoping she was watching as horse racing became the first UK sport to return after the coronavirus crisis yesterday, with a 10-race card at Newcastle Racecourse. The Queen may have been riding on a flat, neatly manicured lawn in Windsor Home Park, but how many other 94-year-olds are still riding at all, let alone in a marvellously devil-may-care headscarf rather than a helmet? Queen Elizabeth II rides Balmoral Fern, a 14-year-old Fell Pony, in Windsor Home Park. Credit:Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images "It was remarkable to see her looking so well," says Hugo Vickers, biographer of the Queen Mother, the Duchess of Windsor and Queen Mary. "Her daily riding is her main exercise, though she also walks her dogs. I think the nation needs reminders that the Queen is fit and well during these strange times." As throughout her life, horses have proved tremendous consolation to the Queen during lockdown at Windsor Castle, where she has been isolating with the Duke of Edinburgh since March 19 the longest time the couple have spent together, without royal duties intervening, for many years, and her longest absence from said duties throughout her 68-year reign. 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 Separately, more than 100 news organizations sent a letter on Tuesday asking Minnesota officials to stop arresting or targeting journalists as they cover protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd, who died after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck to pin him to the ground. The signatories include The Washington Post, New York Times, NPR, Fox News, CNN and state and local press organizations. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press led the coalition of media organizations that sent the letter. Harris County leaders and health experts Tuesday expressed concern that crowds gathered to protest the death of longtime Houstonian George Floyd will undo the areas social distancing successes and cause a surge in novel coronavirus cases. The officials walked a delicate line, saying residents deserved to have their voices heard, while at the same time urging that protesters wear protective gear and try to maintain some sort of physical distance. The concern that public health departments across the country have is as we are in the midst of fighting this pandemic, we now have protests that are occurring where the very messages weve been putting out about social distancing, wearing facial coverings and doing all the preventative measures are in contrast to how people are coming together, said Dr. Umair Shah, Harris Countys health director. We also recognize the right of individuals to express themselves. Now Playing: Here are the sights and sounds of the march for George Floyd in Houston on June 2, 2020. Video: Laura Duclos/Houston Chronicle But a number of Texas Medical Center leaders who have led the push for social distancing were quiet about it Tuesday amid what seemed a more important cause. Dr. Marc Boom, president of Houston Methodist, declined an interview request about the marchs impact on COVID-19 because of his focus on the importance of fighting racism in the country. On Monday, he'd emailed employees and tweeted that we cant allow our privilege to continue to blind us as to whats happening around us. And we certainly cant continue to stand idly by in the face of so much injustice. Enough is enough! And in an email to the campus community Tuesday, Baylor College of Medicine President Dr. Paul Klotman wrote that the school supports individuals speaking their conscience and noted many students, trainees, faculty and staff are participating to demonstrate against racism, violence, and the devaluing of African-American lives. Asked about the possible spread of the virus later in the day, Klotman responded: Just hope people wear masks! Tens of thousands of people on Tuesday attended the rally and march through downtown Houston. Many wore masks, though the size of the throng made distancing from others impractical. They marched shoulder to shoulder from Discovery Green west to City Hall. The same day, Texas reported 1,809 new cases, the largest daily increase since an outbreak began in the state in March. That figure represents residents who were stricken in the past two weeks, and could point to a steady uptick in cases since Texas businesses began reopening on May 1. NEWS IN YOUR INBOX: Sign up for breaking news email alerts from HoustonChronicle.com here Cases in the Houston area remain stubbornly high. A hospital census of 25 southeast Texas counties anchored by Harris reported 951 suspected and confirmed coronavirus patients, the highest figure since April 21. Turner marched with demonstrators on Tuesday while wearing a mask. Mary Benton, the mayors spokeswoman, said the death of black men in police custody is also a public health crisis. Floyd, who graduated from Jack Yates High School in Third Ward, was African-American. Tuesdays demonstrations included one at the Hermann Park Reflection Pool called White Coats for Black Lives where Texas Medical Center students, faculty and staff stood in silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the length of time Floyd was restrained. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said widespread protests in American cities over Floyds death at the hands of Minneapolis police will likely spur new outbreaks. In the past month, Houston experienced a steady doubling in the number of daily coronavirus cases, Rice University health economist Vivian Ho said, a trend that could be exacerbated by crowded protests. If significant numbers of people fail to heed public health guidelines, Im concerned that Houston could suffer an even larger outbreak in June, said Ho. And that outbreak would disproportionately harm the communities that have suffered the most from police brutality. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who since April has said social distancing has been the primary reason the Houston area has avoided the high death counts in New York City and Italy, urged residents to protest online. If they wished to do so in person, she urged them to wear masks, minimize physical contact with others and consider follow-up quarantining. Hidalgo said public protests, in-person graduation ceremonies and the reopening of bars, restaurants and churches put the county at risk of a spike in cases. Continuing community spread and limited testing have hampered the ability of the epidemiologists to identify virus hot spots here. In many ways, were blind, said Hidalgo, who did not attend Tuesdays rally. Were on the verge of an outbreak at any given time. Shah, the county health director, said demonstrators should avoid chanting or shouting, as both can help disperse the virus through the air. He added that anyone who develops symptoms after attending a protest or believes they had contact with someone who has the virus should visit one of the many free testing sites in the area. William McKeon, president of the medical center, said at the marchs beginning he would be watching to see how many people were wearing masks. A little later, he said he liked what he was seeing. As I watch the gathering, I am pleased to see that most people are wearing masks and several groups are distributing masks to those who need them, said McKeon. zach.despart@chron.com todd.ackerman@chron.com TRY THE APP: Get alerts, breaking news and in-depth coverage on what's happening in Houston for your mobile phone and tablet devices through our mobile apps on Google Play and the App Store A public artwork commemorating the coronavirus outbreak will be built on Sydney's northern beaches after the local council approved spending more than $100,000 to help support the arts community. Northern Beaches mayor Michael Regan says the artwork commemorating the coronavirus pandemic is not a 'giant germ statue'. Northern Beaches mayor Michael Regan defended the artwork plans after one councillor labelled it "absurd" and some community members lodged concerns of a "giant germ statue on a beach". Last week councillors endorsed the commissioning of the artwork for the coastal walk under construction between Manly and Palm Beach. Councillor Penny Philpott, who put forward the proposal, said it was intended "to remember, as a narrative, how the northern beaches community responded during the COVID-19 pandemic". An Alabama prisoner escaped from a work-release center in Decatur on Tuesday evening, the authorities said. Michael Glenn Kimbrough, 38, is described by prison officials as 6 feet 3 inches and about 205 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes, according to a news release from the Alabama Department of Corrections. Kimbrough escaped from the North Alabama Community Based Facility/Community Work Center in Decatur around 5:15 p.m., according to the release. He was last seen wearing a black tank top with black jeans. Anyone with information is asked to call the ADOC at 1-800-831-8825 or notify local law enforcement. Kimbrough is serving a 25-year sentence for a robbery conviction in Morgan County, records show. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced in 2004, according to court records. HONG KONG - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged Wednesday to overhaul immigration rules to grant almost three million Hong Kong residents a pathway to British citizenship, a response to Beijing's move to impose a far-reaching security law here that many fear will dismantle the city's political freedoms. Johnson's vow comes as the United States, Canada, Australia and others face pressure from lawmakers and human rights groups to offer residency to Hong Kong people fleeing deteriorating political circumstances in the former British colony, which was promised a high degree of autonomy under the terms of its 1997 handover to China. London's move, which Johnson said he would implement when China formally enacts the security law, could emerge as among the most significant ramifications of Beijing's effort to undercut Hong Kong's freedoms and bring the city more closely under the Communist Party's authoritarian rule. It would potentially grant British residency and working rights to up to 40 percent of Hong Kong's population, raising the specter of a brain drain from the Asian financial center. In op-eds published in the South China Morning Post and the Times of London, Johnson said the Chinese security law - which will criminalize broadly worded offenses such as sedition, subversion and foreign interference - gives Britain "no choice but to uphold our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong." Specifics of the new law are scant, but the approved proposal will allow Chinese security forces to operate in Hong Kong for the first time, enabling them to crush dissent as they do on the Chinese mainland. Hong Kong has been rocked in recent times by widespread protests calling for greater democracy and opposing Beijing's tightening grip. Johnson wrote that his government would allow holders of British National (Overseas), or BNO, passports to come to Britain for a renewable period of 12 months and gain the right to work. The move "could place them on a route to citizenship," he said. These passports, a holdover from British rule issued to people born before 1997, currently allow holders to stay in Britain for six months but do not afford work rights or residency. About 350,000 people in Hong Kong hold these documents but an additional 2.5 million are eligible. China's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that Britain had no jurisdiction over Hong Kong. Britain must "step back from the brink" and "stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs," spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters. As the former colonial ruler, London was a signatory to the Sino-British Joint Declaration in which China agreed to preserve Hong Kong's political freedoms and way of life until 2047. Hong Kong's government declined to comment Wednesday and referred The Washington Post to statements by China's Foreign Ministry. Lawmakers in other Western countries have issued similar calls to offer refuge to people fleeing the crackdown in Hong Kong, though the BNO passports give Britain a relatively easy route to welcome residents of the territory. This week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the U.S. response should "mirror those of other democracies who have opened their doors to Hong Kongers fleeing oppression." "Our nation has a rich heritage of standing as a beacon of light and freedom, from refugees of war to those escaping the Iron Curtain," he said. "We should exercise it again for the people of Hong Kong." President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan has said her government is also working on measures to allow Hong Kongers to move to the self-governed democracy to live and work. President Donald Trump last week said the United States would begin the process of revoking Hong Kong's special status under U.S. law after the State Department determined that the territory no longer enjoyed autonomy within China. Hong Kong protesters have repeatedly demonstrated outside the British consulate, and have pressed the British government to allow BNO passport holders a pathway to full citizenship. Since China announced it was imposing the security law by fiat, bypassing Hong Kong's legislature, dozens have flocked to renew those documents, local media reported. Rana Mitter, director of the University of Oxford's China Center, said Johnson's move underscores the "very significant turn - not 180 degrees, but let's say 90 degrees" - over recent months in the British government's approach to China. He said that for Britain, "it's becoming clearer that on certain issues, including maintenance of guarantees under the joint agreement on Hong Kong, it is not willing to be silent." By offering a path to citizenship for a significant number of people, the Johnson government can send a strong signal after Brexit that its departure from the European Union was "not purely about drawing up the immigration drawbridge," Mitter said. There has long been a strong sentiment in sections of Britain's ruling Conservative Party that the country did not do enough for the people of Hong Kong during the handover and that they want to do more now. A YouGov poll conducted last week found that more Britons support than oppose giving BNO passport holders greater rights to live and work in Britain. About one-third were undecided. Still, some in Hong Kong expressed skepticism about leaving, daunted by the prospect of navigating life in Britain. "The unemployment rate in the U.K. is high," said Ken Chong, a 30-year-old BNO passport holder who works at a bank in Hong Kong. "I'm not sure it will make a big difference for BNO holders, but as long as they are pressuring the Chinese government, then that's a good move." Wayne Ma, a social media editor in Hong Kong, said he would not consider moving to Britain because he couldn't afford to live there. "I wouldn't count on Britain to save Hong Kong, I think it is unable to even fend for itself," he said. - - - The Washington Post's Karla Adam in London contributed to this report. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Corry Michaels lost his production equipment and laptop full of irreplaceable music and notes to looting following protests on Saturday in Cleveland. But the Cleveland musician has found support from his surrounding music community. Michaels, who works at Stellas Music Club at 2217 E. 9th St., in Cleveland said he left a bag of his equipment at the venue over the weekend. When Cleveland protests about police brutality and a Minneapolis police officers killing of George Floyd turned volatile on Saturday night, Michaels said he called his boss and coworkers to see if the bag was still at the bar. The bag, Michaels said, was missing after the bar was broken into and looted. I was devastated. I felt like in that moment, everything that I had worked for -- the two years Ive been working on this album, all the songs Id been created, all the research I was doing, all the promo plans I had going on -- all of that suddenly felt like not a possibility anymore, Michaels said. That was already on top of the coronavirus. Though Michaels upcoming album, Give All Yourself, has been saved through his production team, all of his other music was lost, along with research on media, promotion, touring and more, which was saved to his laptop, he said. Despite losing his work, Michaels said hes been supportive of the protests. As a black man who loves my community, loves my city, and loves people of all colors, this is a moment for me to step back and really be reminded of what happened, whats happening in our city outside of me losing my personal things, Michaels said. This situation in reality is a lot bigger than me. Its huge. Its historic. Its generational. My music was just a casualty. After the incident took place, Michaels shared his experience on social media. Immediately, fellow musicians banded together to find a way to help. Michelle Gaw, the founder of Virtual Shows CLE -- a weekly online concert series developed during the coronavirus shutdown -- reached out to Michaels to feature the musician on the next show, and arranged for his performance in the series. One of our friends is going to do the production for the show since Corry has no way to do a show on his own right now. Several people have offered help financially, emotionally, and even offered to give him gear," Gaw said. It is a really beautiful thing to see. I know this has been devastating to Corry and the people coming together around him have been the only thing keeping his head up. The virtual concert will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 5, via Virtual Shows CLEs Facebook page, facebook.com/virtualshowscle. A suggested $5 donation has been recommended for most Virtual Shows CLE performances. A donation page for Michaels posted in advance of the concert has raised more than $800 as of Tuesday morning. What this community is doing right now to help me recover is exactly the thing we need to see, Michaels said. Not every person you meet that isnt your skin tone, is out to hurt you or harm you, but in some cases they truly want the best for you and want to support you and uplift you and see you shine. He continued: That is exactly what the riots were about, what the peaceful protests were about and even, to some extent, what the looting is about. Its about being included, being heard, being on one accord. Thats how Black Lives Matter works. Its not saying that all lives dont matter, but its saying that until black lives continue to matter to everyone - not specific people, but everyone - then all lives arent mattering. During Michaels Virtual Shows CLE show, hell perform songs from Give All Yourself, which is slated to be released on July 3. The title of the album, Michaels said, can be abbreviated to the word Gay. I am a gay black man, a queer black man, but the original meaning of gay is to be happy, Michaels said. In order to be happy, you have to give all of yourself -- it has to be something that youre dedicated to. Michaels will also debut a brand new song during the show, titled Bridges. Its a song about not wanting to let go because love is present, Michaels said. I think that is such a perfect message for this world right now We need to be building bridges between communities. You can find more information about Corry Michaels music at his Facebook page, facebook.com/CorryMichaels. Corry Michaels will release "Give All Yourself" in early July. (Album design by Joyo) Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect that the virtual show will take place on Facebook, not on Zoom. It's been almost two years since Married At First Sight's Martha Kalifatidis met boyfriend Michel Brunelli at the end of the aisle when they filmed their reality TV wedding. And although the couple may now appear stronger than ever, Martha admits things aren't always perfect behind closed doors. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday, the 31-year-old revealed the surprising issue that puts 'high pressure' on their relationship. EXCLUSIVE: Martha Kalifatidis has revealed the bizarre thing that puts 'high pressure' on relationship with Michael Brunelli after the pair appeared on Married At First Sight last year Martha said that living and working alongside each other from home as social media influencers can create tension. 'Look, sometimes it can be high pressure but for the most part we have it down to a fine science,' she explained. Martha and Michael film, edit and produce each other's content. They earn their full time income via sponsored fashion and makeup posts, fitness videos, cooking tutorials and other branded content, mostly all created from the comfort of their North Bondi home. Martha said tension between the two became more apparent than ever on Monday when she was filming her at home tie-dye tracksuit tutorial for the BWS Instagram page as part of a brand collaboration. 'It can be high pressure': Martha said that living and working alongside each other from home as social media influencers can create tension Business and pleasure: The couple earn their full time income via sponsored fashion and makeup posts, fitness videos, cooking tutorials and other branded content, mostly all created from the comfort of their North Bondi home 'I was trying to get Michael to help film, but we were having just one of those days where we just probably shouldn't have been on camera together,' said Martha. 'I ended up just setting up the camera and doing most of it in the bathroom'. When asked how the couple have maintained their popularity on social media after their season of the show aired, Martha believes it's all down to one reason. 'We were having one of those days': Martha said tension between the two became more apparent than ever on Monday when she was filming her at home tie-dye tracksuit tutorial for the BWS Instagram page as part of a brand collaboration 'We're pretty vulnerable and not perfect': Martha believes that the pair have maintained their popularity on social media because their 'relatable' and 'raw' for their audience 'I feel like we're really real. We're pretty vulnerable on Instagram and raw, and I think that's why people can relate to us, because we're not perfect,' she said. 'Nothing in our lives is perfect. Everything is a working progress, and I feel like the majority can relate to that. 'I guess you never really feel lonely either. If you're having a bad day, someone will write something to you and you'll feel good.' Tie-Dye tracksuits are the celeb-approved quarantine trend. You can watch Martha share her very own tie-dying tutorial via the BWS Instagram now What Canadian immigrants can expect in June 2020 Express Entry draws, PNP activity, language testing centre openings and more What Canadian immigrants can expect in June 2020 Express Entry draws, PNP activity, language testing centre openings and more What Canadian immigrants can expect in June 2020 Express Entry draws, PNP activity, language testing centre openings and more Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A There will be some big announcements to watch out for this month, such as whether or not Canada will reopen its doors to foreign travellers at the end of June. The flattening of the coronavirus curve in Canada overall, as well as the incremental reopening of the Canadian economy, points to the possibility of lifting travel restrictions on schedule. The Canada-U.S. border could open on June 21. Travellers from other countries could start to come back after June 30. Though the question of the border reopening is at the forefront of many peoples minds, there are more developments out of Canadas immigration department, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and language testing centres to also watch out for. Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs Express Entry There could be four Express Entry draws this month. Since Canada temporarily closed its border to most foreign travellers on March 18, Express Entry draw dates have become more unpredictable than they were earlier this year. All program draws, which included candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), were typically held every two weeks on Wednesdays. Since travel restrictions were implemented, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been holding draws inviting CEC and PNP candidates only to apply for permanent residence. The trend has seen Canada hold an Express Entry draw targeting PNP recipients, and then a second draw for CEC candidates. The two draws have been happening in pairs about every two weeks apart. Canada aims to welcome global talent from all over the world and hence, it will eventually resume draws for FSWP and FSTP candidates. If travel restrictions are lifted, we could see this happen sooner, rather than later. PNPs and Quebec Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws are typically difficult to predict as they often respond to the interest of immigration candidates as well as the provinces individual labour market needs. This is not the case for B.C, however. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) holds Tech Pilot draws practically every week. Two years ago B.C.s Tech pilot was extended until June 2020. The province is expected to release details on the future of the pilot this month. It also held two draws on June 2nd. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) seems to hold draws about once per month, but the provinces does not usually make the details public until some time after the fact. The last reported Alberta Express Entry Stream draw took place on May 13. Before travel restrictions went into place, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) was holding draws about twice per month this year. The most recent draw took place last week on May 28. Ontario hands out the most provincial nominations of any province given it is Canadas largest jurisdiction. So far this year the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has held ten draws, the latest round was held on June 3rd. Quebec does not have a PNP, but it does operate its own immigration system. The province is going to be adding requirements to its popular Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) within the coming weeks, according to its immigration minister. They are also talking about introducing two new pilot immigration programs for nurses aides and tech workers. More language testing centres scheduled to re-open The closure of CELPIP and IELTS testing centres has been a hurdle for people wanting to immigrate or study in Canada. However, more test centres are re-opening which will enable more individuals to submit Express Entry profiles and immigration applications. CELPIP testing is available in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, and Hong Kong, according to their webpage. Some other locations are scheduled to start opening later this month. The IELTS webpage lists the locations around the world that are currently running tests. They also report that some countries will start opening up centres this month. Both CELPIP and IELTS could resume operations in major markets such as India within the coming days. Renewal of Open Work Permit Pilot for spouses and common-law partners Canada is set to announce whether or not the Open Work Permit Pilot will be renewed for the fifth time. This open work permit allows foreign national spouses or common-law partners of Canadians to work while their application for permanent residence is being processed. The deadline for Canada to announce the pilot programs renewal is July 31. Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the drought and salinisation have expanded in scale, spreading from the South Central Coast to the Mekong Delta. Rainfall and upstream water flow have been decreasing, which has been exacerbating salinisation since last December, causing the intrusion set in earlier and deeper than in previous years. It is predicted that in the coming months, droughts, water shortages, and salinisation in the coastal provinces of the South Central Vietnam and the Mekong Delta will reach develop in a complex fashion that is difficult to predict. In the long term, due to the impact of climate change, rising sea-level, as well as increasing demand for water, and especially the exploitation of water in upstream areas, droughts, water shortages, and salinisation can occur more frequently and at more serious levels. On June 3, 2020, the world's largest beer group AB InBev continued to collaborate with Vietnam Red Cross to donate 140,000 cans of drinking water for people affected by salinity and drought in Binh Thuan, Kien Giang, Soc Trang, and Tra Vinh provinces. Truong Van Toan, legal and corporate affairs director of AB InBev in Southeast Asia, presenting the donation to Nguyen Trong Nghia, deputy head of Vietnam Red Cross AB InBev continues to profess its spirit of solidarity with the community through meaningful action, following the gifting of 250,000 cans of water in isolated areas across the country on May 13, 2020. With a unique production technology and an international production line for the world's leading beer brands such as Budweiser, Corona, Beck's Ice, these cans are reusable and completely harmless to the environment. 140,000 cans of pure water were distributed among people affected by salinity and drought in Binh Thuan, Kien Giang, Soc Trang and Tra Vinh provinces Salinity and drought are serious problems affecting the lives of the people in the South Central Coast and Mekong Delta. Driven by its whole-hearted interest in social issues, AB InBev a top 5 fast-moving consumer goods company in the world that occupies 25 per cent of the global beer output is doing its utmost to provide tangible, meaningful support to those affected by salinity and drought. Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2020) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed Winston Gold (OTCQB: WGMCF) ("the Company"), a junior mining company focused on advancing high-grade, low cost mining opportunities into production. CEO of the Company, Murray Nye, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly. Jolly began the interview by asking about the finalization of the Company's lease agreement with Pardine Mill LLC located in Radersburg, Montana. "I think that is a key milestone for the company," said Nye. "The other big capital intensive part of mining is actually processing the ore and in order to do that of course you need a mill," explained Nye, adding that the decision to lease Pardine Mill will save the Company both time and capital. "We leased it for three years with an option to purchase it," he added. "We're thrilled with that development. The savings that we generate are tremendous and it all goes to the bottom line." Jolly then asked about the Company's progress with their Carrabba Tunnel project. "The Carrabba Tunnel was designed to go between two veins we had identified through drilling," said Nye, adding that these veins include the Parallel and Block 93 veins. "Both of these veins were extremely high-grade," he added before elaborating on the Company's decision to construct the Carrabba Tunnel. "The mining engineer, geologist, and miners did a tremendous job in completing that tunnel," shared Nye. The conversation then turned to the Company's development and timeline for their current mining project. "What we plan to do now is drift roughly two-hundred feet parallel to the Block 93 workings," explained Nye. "That should be completed probably by the end of the month, and that would put us in a position where we could actually see what those veins look like and start a test mining program on those veins." Nye then updated listeners on the Company's recent private placement which closed in late April for $1.6 million. "The Chairman, Joe Carrabba, actually participated quite strongly in that - he provided about $700,000," shared Nye. "We also had some very loyal shareholders that wanted to participate again because they liked the direction the company was going," he added. To close the interview, Nye shared that the Company has been successful in completing its goals at the Winston Gold project and is now well on their way to enter a test mining program. Nye also noted the value of the Company's lease agreement with Pardine Mill LLC, which will allow them to become a fully integrated gold mining company. To hear Murray Nye's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7597889-ceo-of-winston-gold-murray-nye-updates-the-stock-day-podcast-on-its-2020-projects Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/ About Winston Gold Winston Gold is a junior mining company focused on advancing high-grade, low cost mining opportunities into production. Towards that end, the Corporation has acquired the under explored and underdeveloped Winston Gold project near Helena, Montana. The Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE) has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Forward-Looking Information This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Winston Gold Mining Corp. (the "Company") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company 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 may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. For more information, please visit www.winstongoldmining.com; or contact: Murray Nye, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Winston Gold Suite 201-919 Notre Dame Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0M8 Telephone: (204) 989-2434 E-mail: murray@winstongold.com About The "Stock Day" Podcast Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America. Stock Day recently launched its Video Interview Studio located in Phoenix, Arizona. SOURCE: Stock Day Media (602) 821-1102 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57168 Rev. T. Allen Bethel Dr. T. Allen Bethel is president of the Albina Ministerial Alliance and senior pastor at Maranatha Church in Portland. Like so many, I am in mourning. For George Floyd. For the countless men and women who came before him. Beginning with Tony Stevenson, to Kendra James and James Chasse and others in Portland. For our community, already ravaged by COVID-19 and the continued inequity in our society. It is easy to despair, and in moments, I have lost myself in that dark space yet, hope is my rope! In these times, I turn to prayer and to the words of Martin Luther King Jr. Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love. I urge Oregonians to think deeply about these words, and to seek inspiration and guidance from his message. We all have the capacity to love even those who may not agree with us, stand opposite us , or even against us. On Monday, a local Portlander, Eboni Samuels, spoke to protesters and urged them to remain peaceful. And they did. She made a choice that led to powerful images of Oregonians exercising their right to protest and helped shine awareness on the issues that exist in our community. This newspaper and many other outlets chose to lead with photos of peaceful protesters raising awareness for racial inequity instead of looting. There is always a choice to pursue peace.We simply lose our moral foundation when we choose violence. And when a small handful of protestors resort to fighting or looting, the resulting images come to define our movement. Instead, we must claim our movement and change the headline. We must continue to protest peacefully. We must call, write or tweet at our elected officials. Tell our neighbors. Educate our colleagues and our friends. We must vote. Volunteer. Go to school. Donate, if possible. In whatever way we are each able, we must show up for the movement or it will become yet another chapter of violence destined to be repeated again and again. To be blunt, there will be more hard days ahead. This period in our history is among the most challenging in recent generations. In these difficult moments, find your support, and find ways to let the love in. Showing up in non-violent demonstrations is how we advocate and change our future, and we will need every single ally to show up. I will continue to find solace in my faith, and I will continue to have faith in our community. I cannot help but quote a passage that seems all too relevant today, one that anyone, even a president, can find in the Bible: And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.- I Thessalonians 5:14. State residents who are ineligible for federal disaster benefits, particularly foreign-born people who are not here legally, will be given housing and food assistance under a new state and philanthropic partnership that will provide some landlords with $1,000 and workers hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic with debit cards worth hundreds of dollars. But advocates for the immigrant community said many millions of dollars more as much as $120 million is needed. During a morning news conference Wednesday outside a Hartford nonprofit agency that helps the foreign-born community, Gov. Ned Lamont said that eligible residents total nearly 5 percent of the state workforce, many of whom lost their jobs in the pandemic or they continue to work in occupations where they are exposed to the COVID-19 virus. The governor said that over the next couple of weeks, local organizations that serve the immigrant community will be contacting their most-vulnerable clients, who will also be tested for the coronavirus and given $200 to $400 debit cards. The state Department of Housing will be contacting landlords as part of a state-funded $2.5 million program. The overall effort is a partnership with the two-month-old 4-CT philanthropy, which is funding a million dollars worth of debit cards for food and clothing, said Ted Yang, the CEO and co-founder, who stressed that $10 million has already been awarded in direct aid. We are partnering together with community-based organizations and community health centers to distribute these cards to those most in-need in an accountable and equitable manner, he said, asking for people throughout the state to donate to the group. Its hard to get back to work if you dont have a roof over your head, Lamont said outside the Make the Road Connecticut headquarters on Farmington Avenue in Hartford. Other participating organizations include Connecticut Mutual Aid, with offices throughout the state, including Middletown, Norwalk, Stamford, Bridgeport, New Haven and Stratford. Until today we had very little support from the state, said Kica Matos, director of the New Haven-based Vera Institute of Justices Center on Immigration and Justice. While this is a step in the right direction, more is needed. The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress denies disaster relief to undocumented residents as well as U.S. citizens with undocumented spouses and even children who are citizens. The state Department of Public Health on Wednesday reported 17 overnight fatalities, bringing the death toll to 3,989 in the coronavirus pandemic. The agency said that a net reduction of 28 hospitalizations brought the statewide census to 406, the lowest since 404 were hospitalized on March 29, when 20 fatalities had been reported. There are about 140,000 foreign-born people in Connecticut who lack legal status, but pay state and local taxes but are ineligible for unemployment benefits, food stamps and the earned income tax credit. Lamonts office said that in 2018, 29,000 households filed state taxes with individual taxpayer identification numbers, which are available to those without Social Security identification. More than 7,700 people filed taxes jointly with a U.S. citizen. We believe we deserve to live with dignity and respect, said Barbara Lopez, director of Make the Road Connecticut, a statewide advocate for the immigrant community, both undocumented and mixed-status families. Today is a somber day. We want to move from a narrative of scarcity to a narrative of abundance. Seila Mosquera-Bruno, the state housing commissioner, who was born in Mexico, admitted that the $2.4 million in housing assistance is a small. These people are important, she said. This group of people is important and they represent about 4.9 percent of our workforce and we do need them. They provide very important work for our state. Veronica Ubaldo of Bridgeport said that the one-time payment of $1,000 to $2,500 for families in barely a start and should quickly exhaust the current $3.5 million budget. People who contribute to this country every day were left out in the most-tragic time, Ubaldo said in a statement. Many of my family members, friends, and community lost their jobs, they cant pay their bills, they cant pay their rent, they cant get the healthcare they need. This is not right. We deserve more. Eric Cruz Lopez, programming coordinator for Connecticut Students for a Dream, said many people have lost their jobs over the last 10 weeks but are ineligible for state or federal support. A one-time payment directly to the pocket of landlords is barely an excuse for a stopgap measure. Right now, rent is due for April and June, and next month, rent for May and July will be due. Thats four months rent in two months time. One million dollars is like giving a few coins to every immigrant in our state, said Carmen Lanche, the coordinator of Unidad Latina en Accion in Norwalk. Advocates for the foreign-born estimate that as a group, they pay the state $125 million a year in taxes. What's more, this $1 million does not even come out of the coffers of the state that swell every year with the hundreds of thousands of dollars contributed by our community -- the undocumented workers who are 'essential' and excluded, said Lanche whose family has had no income after he husband was laid off in March. Why don't they cut money from police departments and other institutions that commit violence against us?" said John Lugo, Community Organizing Director of ULA in New Haven. "Why don't they collect the money from all the billionaires and millionaires in the state, and from those institutions that historically profited off of slavery like Yale University? This is a rich state, but our people are lining up at food banks getting crumbs. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT Unless the California Supreme Court intervenes, veteran state Appeals Court Justice Jeffrey Johnson who sexually harassed and groped numerous attorneys and court employees, including a fellow justice, and lied about it under oath, according to a disciplinary agency will become the highest-ranking judge in the state ever removed for misconduct in office. Justice Johnsons misconduct has severely tarnished the esteem of the judiciary in the eyes of the public, the state Commission on Judicial Performance said Tuesday in a 9-0 decision ordering Johnsons removal from the Second District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles. Given his lack of candor during this proceeding, we do not have confidence that he has the fundamental qualities of honesty and integrity required of a judge. Johnson has made significant contributions to the judiciary as well as to his community, but they do not excuse his misconduct, the commission said. Johnson denied virtually all of the allegations in testimony to a commission fact-finding panel last year. In response to Tuesdays action, Paul S. Meyer, an attorney for Johnson, did not repeat those denials and appeared to acknowledge that Johnson had engaged in misconduct but said he deserved only a public censure, not removal from office. Justice Johnson is acknowledged to be a brilliant, fair and very respected author of monumental decisions, Meyer said in a statement. Not one witness ever claimed him to be unfair in any case. ... The entire matter here involved non-judicial social conversations. Justice Johnson is respected, fully engaged in productive counseling and self-improvement, and deserves the same level of discipline which the commission handed down (recently) to another judicial officer for repeated inappropriate and uncomfortable comments, Meyer said. He was referring to a Ventura County judge (Jeffrey Bennett) who was censured by the commission March 25 for what it described as sexist, profane and offensive comments in several cases, and remarks that appeared to show a bias against prosecutors. The commission, established in 1960, has removed 12 trial judges from the bench but has never ordered an appellate justice to step down. Johnson will remain in office while the states high court decides, possibly this fall, whether to review his case. If it grants review, a final decision could be least a year away. If not, he must leave office. Johnson, 59, was appointed to the court by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2009 after 10 years as a federal prosecutor and 10 years as a federal magistrate in Los Angeles. One of his accusers is Justice Victoria Chaney, another Schwarzenegger appointee who serves in the same division as Johnson. She testified that Johnson first told her that he wanted to have an affair with her in 2010, then approached her after a difficult hearing a few months later and told her he wanted to kiss and squeeze her breasts to make her feel better. He then hugged her and touched one of her breasts, she said. Johnson gave her similar full-body hugs over the years and sometimes patted her on the buttocks while they were walking to the courtroom, Chaney said. She said she did not invite the contact but never told Johnson to stop because she was and am afraid of him. 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 commission said Chaneys outwardly friendly treatment of Johnson seemed odd and hard to explain, but her allegations were credible and supported by complaints from 10 other women. One, Chaneys judicial assistant, said Johnson made sexually suggestive remarks to her for five years. Another, an attorney, said Johnson reached under a table at a dinner and put his hand under her dress. Another lawyer said the justice suggested at dinner that she put her mouth or hand on his penis. Johnson also was seen drunk at the courthouse on seven occasions over the years, the commission said. While the justice testified that he has stopped drinking and has undergone therapy, the commission said, He only undertook education and abstinence since the inception of this proceeding. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko NOTE: This story, first posted Wednesday morning, has been updated to include additional information on the rescue. WEST SPRINGFIELD Firefighters, aided by the head coach of the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club, rescued a male who jumped off the North End Bridge into the Connecticut River Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred about 4 p.m., Capt. Drew Piemonte, spokesman for the Springfield Fire Department, said. West Springfield firefighters, summoned to the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club located just downriver from the bridge, got into a skiff operated by Renee Jones, head coach at the club, and rescued the victim, Piemonte said. Ben Quick, executive director of the club, said Jones was already in the skiff, waiting to oversee six youths who were preparing to launch single shells onto the river, when a parent saw the male jump and called 911. Piemonte said the male, conscious and alert when he was rescued, was taken to a hospital. Quick praised Jones effort in the rescue. She is a voice of calm and the kids really respond to her, he said. I couldnt be happier she was on site. Piemonte said a rescue boat kept by the Springfield Fire Department at the club is awaiting repair and currently not operational. Springfield firefighters, however, launched another rescue boat from Agawam in their effort to get to the victim. The Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club is a community boathouse that offers rowing, kayaking and dragon boating programs as kayak rentals. WASHINGTON As the nation remained gripped by widespread protests against police brutality and systemic racism, black and Hispanic women won elections in multiple states on Tuesday while Representative Steve King, a nine-term congressman with a long history of racist remarks, was ousted in a Republican primary in Iowa. And as the coronavirus pandemic upended the election process, with millions of absentee ballots flooding clerks offices and consolidated polling locations leading to hourslong waits in cities across the country, a determined electorate pushed turnout past 2016 levels in nearly all of the eight states that held primary contests. In Philadelphia, voters strode past National Guard troops deployed amid the protests to drop off their absentee ballots. In Washington, D.C., voters observing social-distancing measures waited in line for close to five hours, some not returning home until after midnight, long after the curfew that had been set by the city. The result was a dramatic night for candidates of color up and down the ballot, largely in Democratic primaries for Congress, state legislatures and city halls, at a time when national leaders like former President Barack Obama are encouraging a nation reeling from the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other black Americans to embrace civic action and vote. The consumer watchdog is investigating whether Qantas scuttled a possible privatisation of its regional competitor Alliance Aviation, which could have made Alliance a stronger player in Australia's tightly controlled air travel market. Qantas bought 19.9 per cent of the ASX-listed Alliance in February 2019 for $60 million which immediately raised concerns from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that it could damage industry competition. Alliance has a fleet of 42 Fokker jets which it uses for mining industry charter flights and regular passenger flights on behalf of Virgin Australia, as well as its own regular passenger flights that compete with Qantas in Queensland. Alliance Aviation competes with Qantas primarily on regional routes and fly-in, fly-out services for the resources sector. Credit:Glenn Hunt The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age can reveal Qantas' investment last year came amid interest from private equity firms in taking a stake or privatising Alliance, with a deep-pocketed new owner able to more aggressively grow Alliance's share of aviation market. It feels like a distant memory, but its not so distant, that when the country was riven, particularly along racial lines, the president would speak to more than one group of Americans in a way that dignified their concerns and challenged others to do the same. Today, we dont have a president capable of such leadership. But other Americans, both famous and unknown, are stepping up and modeling an honorable way to fight for justice. Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Former Nashville mayoral candidate Carol Swain said she warned Mayor John Cooper to prepare for possible violence following Saturdays protests downtown. Cooper responded with a polite thank you and, apparently, little else. Swain told The Tennessee Star Saturday night that she and Cooper occasionally exchange texts. Swain said she and Cooper texted one another this morning. I told Cooper that he should a do press conference and make clear to people what the expectations and consequences are for violence. Instead, he not only went to the rally in violation of his own Phase Two Coronavirus safety guidelines, but he encouraged 40 council members to go and legitimized the whole process, Swain said. I hold him responsible for everything getting out of hand because he should have used his Phase Two coronavirus safety guidelines to say No, this cannot take place. As The Star reported, several thousand protestors descended upon Nashvilles Legislative Plaza Saturday on behalf of George Floyd. Many carried signs demanding that the government either defund or abolish the police. The crowd, composed of whites and blacks, chanted Black Lives Matter and No Justice, No Peace many times over. Cooper appeared on a platform and spoke briefly. Left-wing activist Justin Jones, who has had prior run-ins with law enforcement spoke, as did another speaker named Samuel X, who described himself as a student of the honorable Louis Farrakhan. Later in the day, and after Saturdays rally, protestors resorted to violence by trashing the Metro Courthouse and, later, parts of downtown Broadway. Swain said Saturday night that Cooper has not been good for Nashville at all. He has done nothing positive since he was elected, and he did not try to take preemptive action, Swain said. He could have contacted Governor Lee and had the National Guard downtown to prevent anything like the burning of the courthouse. And he didnt do that. Swain also said that she previously had high hopes for Cooper, but he has proven is that hes not a leader. He had plenty of time to put in place a plan. In fact I asked him this morning was he ready and prepared for the unrest? He said yes, Swain said. I did try to offer him some advice on how to handle the situation. And he did the opposite of what I think should have been done. The Tennessee Star Toronto and Spanish physicians describe in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) an approach to create dedicated COVID-19 patient units, infection control protocols and care teams to help other hospitals safely care for patients. "The care of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 cannot be construed as falling within usual hospital operating procedures," writes Dr. David Frost, a general internist at University Health Network and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, with coauthors. "Meticulous planning is required. There are unique challenges regarding necessarily strict infection control procedures, provision of care to potentially large numbers of patients and clinical considerations specific to COVID-19." The approach is based on real-world experience in Madrid, Spain, and from Toronto's University Health Network, one of Canada's largest hospitals, as well as relevant medical literature. Some highlights include Creating a dedicated COVID-19 unit with delineated risk zones and protocols Establishing a buddy system for health care professionals to safely doff and don personal protective equipment (PPE) Considering how rapidly care teams can be scaled up, how to integrate other physicians and how to maintain continuity of care Standardizing procedures with checklists to maximize efficiency and safety for ward rounds Adopting patient-centred practices to help lessen isolation and ensure links with families and caregivers Fostering a culture of safety and clear communications to all stakeholders To provide rapid access to the approach, the authors have created an open-access website http://www.torontocovidcollective.com. "The ability to rapidly disseminate information, iterate protocols and collaborate with physicians around the world will continue to be important through subsequent waves of the pandemic," the authors write. ### By partnering with Airside we are extending the Workforce Advisor solution with a world-class mobile application that can increase safety via a Digital ID that employees can trust to securely share testing status when entering the workplace. Bioinformatics leader hc1 and digital identity innovator Airside have partnered to deliver an integrated mobile CV19 Digital ID to hc1 Workforce Advisor, a cloud-based solution that enables employers to systematically implement and track guidelines that support the ongoing health and safety of employees returning to the workplace. COVID-19 presents unique challenges to employers as they grapple with how to safely reopen operations. Some of the best ways to keep employees safe include routine lab testing, physical infrastructure reconfiguration, workplace social distancing, and remaining vigilant for symptoms of, and potential exposure to, COVID-19. Faced with an urgent need to quickly implement and enforce a multitude of safety measures, employers are dealing with a massive amount of confusing, and often conflicting, guidance and an overwhelming amount of information to manage. Adding to these unprecedented return to work management challenges, employers must meet data security, privacy, and compliance requirements. That is why hc1, an expert at securely transforming real-time lab testing data into personalized healthcare insights, and Airside, whose digital identity products are used by more than 8 million people, have come together to deliver a privacy-centric mobile solution that enables individual employees to share their lab testing status with their employer in a secure manner. hc1 Workforce Advisor is the only return to work solution for employers that measures and reports the risk of infection at the workplace and in surrounding communities where employees reside, said Brad Bostic, hc1 CEO. By partnering with Airside we are extending the Workforce Advisor solution with a world-class mobile application that can increase safety via a Digital ID that employees can trust to securely share testing status when entering the workplace. hc1 Workforce Advisors CV19 Command Center enables employers to effectively implement and monitor systematic lab testing and symptom checking guidelines for employees consistent with national and local best practices. Using a secure, HIPAA compliant process, lab test results are organized and trends are displayed in easy-to-use dashboards sorted by employee and workplace location. With the integrated mobile application from Airside, employees gain an easy way to do their part in keeping the workplace safe by confirming lab testing guidelines are followed through a secure digital ID that can be scanned when entering any work location. Combining hc1s award-winning platform with our secure mobile application allows for large scale, streamlined, and, most importantly, safe operations when sensitive information sharing is necessary, said Hans Miller, Founder and CEO of Airside Mobile. Privacy is equally critical to employees and employers. We empower employees by making sure they control their personal information with transparent consent protocols on their encrypted device. Employers ensure a duty-of-care knowing that employee information is never stored in a central database, and protect against fraud with our easy-to-integrate tool to manage only the necessary information needed for a variety of workplace experiences. For more information about hc1 Workforce Advisor for CV19, its unique Command Center, and the integrated Airside Digital ID application for employers, visit http://www.hc1.com/workforce-advisor. About hc1 Founded to improve lives with high-value care, hc1 has emerged as the leader in bioinformatics for precision testing and prescribing. The cloud-based hc1 High-Value Care Platform organizes volumes of live data, including lab results, genomics, and medications, to deliver solutions that ensure that the right patient gets the right test and the right prescription. Today, the hc1 Platform powers solutions that optimize diagnostic testing and prescribing for millions of patients nationally. To learn more about hc1's proven approach to personalizing care while eliminating waste for thousands of health systems, diagnostic laboratories, and health plans, visit http://www.hc1.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. About Airside Airside builds innovative digital identity products for businesses and consumers alike with privacy-by-design and leading-edge security as its guiding principles. Airsides first product, Mobile Passport, has been downloaded by more than 8 million people and is counted on by more than 30 U.S. airports and cruise ports to reduce shared touchpoints, long lines, and crowding. Mobile Passport is sponsored by the Airports Council International (ACI-NA), and Airlines for America. Airside is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Learn more at: http://www.airsidemobile.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. WILSONVILLE, Ore., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- APCON, an industry-leading provider of hybrid network visibility solutions, today announced the release of the Series 4000 HyperEngine Packet Processor. This addition to APCON's Series 4000 network visibility system offers advanced packet processing in addition to 600Gbps of high-performance processing, significantly increasing efficiency and visibility of network security, analytics and performance monitoring solutions. The HyperEngine Packet Processor is an advanced packet processing solution that enables the Series 4000 system to deliver high-performance features for ultra-high-speed network infrastructures. It adds superior processing power for real-time packet processing and delivers streamlined packet traffic to existing network monitoring and security tools. "Fueled by several technology trends, enterprises everywhere are undergoing a digital business transformation that drives an exponential increase in data usage and network traffic," said Richard Rauch, President and CEO of APCON. "To accommodate this, organizations are rapidly adopting high-speed, high-capacity infrastructures, creating visibility and security gaps that traditional network tools may overlook. With HyperEngine's ultra-high-speed packet processing and APCON's innovative network visibility and security fabric, organizations can achieve total network visibility and reduce security gaps." The Series 4000 HyperEngine offers six high-performance, multi-threaded network processors with flexible user-selectable service options. These service engines provide convenient configuration of advanced packet processing features for network monitoring. HyperEngine is part of APCON's Series 4000 network visibility solution, and is compatible with all systems from 3RU to 9RU. Pair it with TitanXR, APCON's centralized management system, to enhance multi-site management and get 24/7 visibility. For more information about HyperEngine or register for our upcoming webinar, please visit https://resources.apcon.com/series4000-hyperengine-webinar. About APCON For more than 25 years, APCON has consistently delivered smart, stable and scalable technology solutions that provide an unparalleled level of confidence to organizations seeking total visibility and security of physical, private and public cloud networks. With customers around the world, APCON provides adaptable and flexible solutions to organizations ranging from midsize companies to Fortune 100 enterprises. APCON assures superior network monitoring while supporting traffic analysis and streamlined network management and security. For more information, visit us at www.apcon.com. SOURCE APCON Related Links http://www.apcon.com/ Recent days sometimes seemed like a return to the 1960s, as a gleaming spacecraft carried American astronauts aloft while a series of protests rocked dozens of cities in the outraged reaction to a black mans murder. This time, the victim was George Floyd, a hitherto unknown black man from Minneapolis, rather than the famed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But the reaction, and the underlying reason, was similar: revulsion at the frequent lack of equal justice for African Americans and other minorities. The combination of justified anger and unjustified looting was an unpleasant reminder of how, the more things have changed for some in 21st century America, the more they have stayed the same for others. Todays United States is radically different from a half-century ago. The proportion of minorities has more than doubled and will become a majority within the next 25 years. The country has elected a black president, and many cities have black mayors. Minorities have far greater access to wealth and power, a tribute both to individual initiative and a generation of governmental and private affirmative action. But the economic gap between the richest and poorest has also grown. Minorities still comprise an inordinate proportion of the latter. Minneapolis, the epicenter of riots in recent days, has an especially sharp disparity, and minorities have suffered a shockingly large proportion of COVID-19s infections and fatalities. Meanwhile, despite extensive efforts by many urban mayors and police chiefs, racial tensions between police and public often remain an unpleasant reality. Floyds death was at least the sixth involving a white officer and black victim in recent years. The current administration scrapped federal efforts to improve relations. It all boiled over on the years first warm weekend, legitimate protests likely worsened by local or outside troublemakers of both left and right. Tensions probably increased because the nation is still reeling from the pandemic that has killed 100,00 people, cost one of every four Americans their jobs and confined millions to their homes, breeding a toxic mixture of fear, boredom and frustration. The precipitating incident was the inexcusable murder of Floyd by Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, who kept his knee on the handcuffed mans neck for nearly nine minutes, ignoring his screams, I cant breathe. Demonstrations for justice in Minneapolis and St. Paul quickly spiraled out of control into looting and arson, as often seems to happen. Within a day, sympathetic demonstrators took to the streets from coast to coast, including some outside the White House. Minnesotas justice system has begun to deal with the immediate crime. But what about the rest of the country? When urban riots erupted in the late 1960s, President Lyndon B. Johnson created a commission to examine their underlying causes. Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white separate and unequal, its thoughtful report concluded. It is time to make good the promises of American democracy to all citizens urban and rural, white and black, Spanish-surname, American Indian, and every minority group. A more telling political response was the backlash among many white Americans over what they felt was favoritism to minorities in governments effort to correct the worst racial injustices. As a result, the presidency that made the biggest civil rights progress in American history was displaced by one vowing to restore law and order, though Richard Nixon slowed but did not reverse those advances. The contrast the Kerner Commission condemned still exists. It was hardly surprising that President Donald Trump, who not only has made no effort to heal national divisions but sought to exacerbate them, initially reacted by quoting a hardline Miami police chief of the 1960s that when the looting starts, the shooting starts. After briefly expressing personal sympathies to Floyds family, Trump reverted to form, using the situation to attack familiar foes Democrats, the media and the demonstrators rather than to lead or unite. How come all of these places that defend so poorly are run by Liberal Democrats? he tweeted at one point. And he warned protestors outside the White House that anyone who got too close would be greeted with the most vicious dogs and most ominous weapons I have ever seen. Unsurprisingly, presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden took a far different tone, initially siding with those concerned about the conditions that prompted the protests, while somewhat belatedly condemning the violence. Every person of conscience can understand the rawness of the trauma people of color experience in this country, from the daily indignities to the extreme violence, like the horrific killing of George Floyd, he said. Protesting such brutality is right and necessary. But burning down communities and needless destruction is not. In due course, as in the 1960s, order will be restored. The focus will return to the events that precipitated the outrage, the continuing impact of the virus, and Novembers election. But its a safe bet Trump will continue trying to exploit racial divisions. Hopefully, hell fail. It would be the ultimate irony if a president who has shown minimal concern for equal rights and encouraged some of the nations worst elements was the ultimate beneficiary of the concerns that spiraled out of control over the last week. Carl P. Leubsdorf is the former Washington bureau chief of the Dallas Morning News. Email him at carl.p.leubsdorf@gmail.com. In modeling COVID-19 locally, UB informatics experts focus on community reopening This graph on the hospital patient census in Erie County for COVID-19 demonstrates how closely the data (in blue) followed the predictions (in gold) of the UB biomedical informatics researchers. The self-quarantining and social distancing measures we took meant we had only about 40% of the hospitalizations and deaths we would have had otherwise. But that advantage also shows the downside of what will happen if we reopen too quickly. BUFFALO, N.Y. In a few short months, an interdisciplinary team of University at Buffalo researchers has reoriented its focus from academic pursuits in order to model the local transmission of COVID-19 cases. Now, with the first wave of cases subsiding, they are turning their attention to modeling the effects of reopening the local economy. Their early experience with the models has continued to be instructive. As they refined their early models, which were then presented to local providers and the Erie County Department of Health (DOH), they began to realize that the initial fears that local hospitals could be overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases would not be realized. We were lucky in the fact that we didnt have as many cases as New York City did by the time Erie County closed businesses and schools, said Gabriel Anaya, MD, a clinical informatics fellow in the Department of Biomedical Informatics in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB. Anaya and Sarah G. Mullin, a doctoral student in biomedical informatics are playing crucial roles in developing the models. That had a big effect on us, a big plus in Erie County. We are very lucky to live in a place where we are going through phases, Mullin agreed. Weve been in a state of government mitigation since almost the beginning of the pandemic in the county. Peter L. Elkin, MD, chair of the Department of Biomedical Informatics, who is supervising Mullins and Anaya, added: The self-quarantining and social distancing measures we took meant we had only about 40% of the hospitalizations and deaths we would have had otherwise. But that advantage also shows the downside of what will happen if we reopen too quickly. Modeling interventions Anaya and Mullin are modeling how different interventions will affect the local spread of the virus. We know that if half the population uses face masks we can mitigate increasing cases, Anaya said. But it depends on how consistent people are with face mask use. Statistics they are incorporating into their models will reflect changing realities on the ground, such as the reduction in social distancing. That, in turn, allows them to give more accurate information to hospitals and the DOH, which will then be used to develop policies. As the team did before when cases and hospitalizations increased locally they will again look to other countries that have already begun to reopen their economies to see what might be in store for Erie County. For example, South Korea had another spike in cases, so we are looking to see how they deal with it to inform how we might deal with a future spike in cases as we reopen, said Mullin. Its this continual consumption of information that we then incorporate into our models. That will probably continue until we have a vaccine or a drug. Real data According to Elkin, a key advantage of the models that Mullin, Anaya and their colleagues have developed is that the models include not just the predicted curve of cases or hospitalizations, but also social distancing, infected but asymptomatic individuals and people transferred to the ICU. Understanding the features of the pandemic leads to higher predictive accuracy of the models. For example, he said, the graph above demonstrates how closely the data (in blue) followed their prediction (in gold). It shows how well our predicted curve matched what happened, he said. The intense effort to get all hands on deck started with a simple email between Anaya and Mullin back in early March. How busy are you? was the urgent question. Mullin responded: Well Gabe, you know Im busy. But were in a pandemic. Let me know what you need. Within hours, Elkin had redistributed some of Mullins work so that she and Anaya could start collaborating to develop and adapt existing epidemiological models to the local COVID-19 epidemic. The collaboration between Anaya and Mullin has continued to be productive, with Mullins expertise in using ontology, the study of organizing and categorizing knowledge, to provide more accurate predictive analytics complementing Anayas expertise in clinical informatics, which leverages health care data from hospitals with new techniques to improve health care delivery. That simple exchange expanded into a wide-ranging collaboration that continues to the present, with researchers throughout the department, the Jacobs School and the School of Public Health and Health Professions. All are working to gather and analyze data to reflect and forecast how the local COVID-19 epidemic will unfold. We never expected wed be needed to this degree, Anaya commented. The team works under the direction of Elkin and Jacobs School faculty member Peter Winkelstein, MD, executive director of the Institute for Healthcare Informatics, clinical professor of pediatrics and chief medical officer at UBMD Physicians Group and Kaleida Health; along with School of Public Health and Health Professions faculty members Matthew R. Bonner, PhD, associate professor of epidemiology and environmental health, and Gregory E. Wilding, PhD, professor and chair of biostatistics. Other trainees in the clinical informatics fellowship program who are helping with the model are Arlen B. Brickman, MD; Jinwei Hu, MD; and Brianne E. Mackenzie, MD. Jonathan C. Blaisure, a doctoral student in biomedical informatics, is also part of the team. LANCASTER, Pa., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Turkey Hill LLC ("Turkey Hill" or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer and distributor of branded ice cream and refrigerated drinks, today announced that it has acquired an ice cream and novelty production facility in Searcy, Arkansas from Yarnell Ice Cream, LLC ("Yarnell's"), a subsidiary of Schulze & Burch Biscuit Company. The newly acquired 100,000 square foot production facility is SQF-certified and manufactures high-quality ice cream and frozen novelty products across various sizes and formats. The addition of this facility further expands Turkey Hill's production capacity, capabilities, and geographic reach. Rob Pistilli, Managing Director of Peak Rock Capital, commented, "We are delighted that Turkey Hill has closed this acquisition. This investment comes with significant capacity expansion and novelty production capabilities that will enhance Turkey Hill's brand appeal and ability to service and grow its loyal customer base. We are enthusiastic about Turkey Hill's progress to-date, and this investment is a testament to Peak Rock's support of the Company's continued growth and expansion." Tim Hopkins, CEO of Turkey Hill, added, "The addition of this facility in Arkansas highlights the Company's commitment to geographic expansion. Over the last year, Turkey Hill has experienced strong and growing consumer demand nationwide, and the strategic location of this facility will enable us to serve consumers across the United States for years to come. We look forward to welcoming the employees at the Searcy facility to our Turkey Hill family." Turkey Hill's existing footprint already includes one of the largest production facilities of ice cream and refrigerated drinks in the country a state-of-the-art facility located in Conestoga, Pennsylvania, which is powered by 100% renewable energy and situated on 72+ acres along the Susquehanna River. Within its flagship facility, Turkey Hill is also executing on its previously announced investment plan, which includes capacity and personnel expansion, investments across existing production lines, and facility enhancements to support its associates. Concurrent with the transaction, Turkey Hill has entered into a co-manufacturing agreement whereby it will continue to produce ice cream for the Yarnell's brand, which will be retained by Schulze & Burch Biscuit Company. ABOUT TURKEY HILL Founded in 1931 and located in the rich farming country of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Turkey Hill is a leading manufacturer and distributor of branded ice cream and refrigerated drinks for the retail, foodservice, and alternative channels. Over the past 20 years, Turkey Hill has doubled in size and now sells products nationwide and internationally. Turkey Hill believes part of its corporate responsibility is to be a good steward of its resources, community, and the world, and is actively defining and implementing green initiatives to cut down on waste, reduce packaging, and minimize outputs into the environment. In 2019, Turkey Hill's Conestoga facility paired existing wind power with hydroelectric energy to become powered by 100% renewable energy. Find out more at www.turkeyhill.com/about/green. For more information about Turkey Hill, visit www.turkeyhill.com, or follow Turkey Hill on Twitter or Facebook. Turkey Hill was acquired by an affiliate of Peak Rock Capital in April 2019. Turkey Hill LLC is not affiliated with The Kroger Co. or Turkey Hill Minit Markets. ABOUT PEAK ROCK CAPITAL Peak Rock Capital is a leading middlemarket private investment firm that makes equity and debt investments in companies in North America and Europe. Peak Rock's equity investment platform focuses on opportunities where it can support senior management to drive rapid growth and profit improvement, with expertise in corporate carveouts and partnering with families and founders seeking firsttime institutional capital. Peak Rock's credit platform focuses on providing bespoke primary financings and making investments in secondary loans for corporate debt and commercial real estate. Peak Rock's principals have deep expertise in complex situations and crossborder transactions, with the ability to provide tailored capital solutions and close transactions quickly where speed and certainty are priorities. For further information about Peak Rock Capital, please visit www.peakrockcapital.com. Media Contact: Daniel Yunger Kekst CNC Office: (212) 521-4800 [email protected] SOURCE Turkey Hill LLC Related Links http://www.turkeyhill.com SAN FRANCISCO Mark Zuckerberg, Facebooks chief executive, faced fresh criticism Wednesday as nearly three dozen people who worked at the social network in its early years called out his decision to leave President Donald Trumps aggressive posts on the site unaltered. The former employees said in an open letter that Zuckerbergs position was a betrayal of Facebooks ideals and urged him to reconsider it. They included Facebooks first chief of communications, as well as designers, engineers and policy executives. Some had helped write the social networks original community guidelines, which govern what can and cannot be posted. Zuckerberg has been under fire since Twitter added labels to several of Trumps tweets last week for the first time to indicate they were inaccurate or glorified violence. On Wednesday, Snap, which makes the Snapchat app, said it would stop promoting Trumps Snapchat account after determining that his public comments off the site could incite violence. Facebook has taken no action on posts in which Trump made inaccurate statements about mail-in ballots in the November election or his aggressive messages about protesters after the death of George Floyd, an African American man killed in police custody in Minneapolis. Zuckerberg has since faced strong internal pushback for the inaction. The dissent has spilled out across internal message boards, with some Facebook employees resigning in protest, while others staged a virtual walkout this week and refused to work. On Tuesday, Zuckerberg defended his position, saying Trumps posts did not violate Facebooks policies and reiterated that he supported free speech. Facebook did not immediately have a comment on the new letter. Read the full text of it below: ______ Facebooks leadership must reconsider their policies regarding political speech, beginning by fact-checking politicians and explicitly labeling harmful posts. As early employees on teams across the company, we authored the original Community Standards, contributed code to products that gave voice to people and public figures, and helped to create a company culture around connection and freedom of expression. We grew up at Facebook, but it is no longer ours. The Facebook we joined designed products to empower people and policies to protect them. The goal was to allow as much expression as possible unless it would explicitly do harm. We disagreed often, but we all understood that keeping people safe was the right thing to do. Now, it seems, that commitment has changed. We no longer work at Facebook, but we do not disclaim it. We also no longer recognize it. We remain proud of what we built, grateful for the opportunity, and hopeful for the positive force it can become. But none of that means we have to be quiet. In fact, we have a responsibility to speak up. Today, Facebooks leadership interprets freedom of expression to mean that they should do nothing or very nearly nothing to interfere in political discourse. They have decided that elected officials should be held to a lower standard than those they govern. One set of rules for you, and another for any politician, from your local mayor to the President of the United States. This exposes two fundamental problems: First, Facebooks behavior doesnt match the stated goal of avoiding any political censorship. Facebook already is acting, as Mark Zuckerberg put it on Friday, as the arbiter of truth. It monitors speech all the time when it adds warnings to links, downranks content to reduce its spread, and fact checks political speech from non-politicians. This is a betrayal of the ideals Facebook claims. The company we joined valued giving individuals a voice as loud as their governments protecting the powerless rather than the powerful. Facebook now turns that goal on its head. It claims that providing warnings about a politicians speech is inappropriate, but removing content from citizens is acceptable, even if both are saying the same thing. That is not a noble stand for freedom. It is incoherent, and worse, it is cowardly. Facebook should be holding politicians to a higher standard than their constituents. Second, since Facebooks inception, researchers have learned a lot more about group psychology and the dynamics of mass persuasion. Thanks to work done by the Dangerous Speech Project and many others, we understand the power words have to increase the likelihood of violence. We know the speech of the powerful matters most of all. It establishes norms, creates a permission structure, and implicitly authorizes violence, all of which is made worse by algorithmic amplification. Facebooks leadership has spoken with these experts, with advocates, and with organizers, yet they still seem committed to granting the powerful free rein. So what do we make of this? If all speech by politicians is newsworthy and all newsworthy speech is inviolable, then there is no line the most powerful people in the world cannot cross on the largest platform in the world or at least none that the platform is willing to enforce. President Trumps post on Friday not only threatens violence by the state against its citizens, it also sends a signal to millions who take cues from the President. Facebooks policy allows that post to stand alone. In an age of live-streamed shootings, Facebook should know the danger of this better than most. Trumps rhetoric, steeped in the history of American racism, targeted people whom Facebook would not allow to repeat his words back to him. It is our shared heartbreak that motivates this letter. We are devastated to see something we built and something we believed would make the world a better place lose its way so profoundly. We understand it is hard to answer these questions at scale, but it was also hard to build the platform that created these problems. There is a responsibility to solve them, and solving hard problems is what Facebook is good at. To current employees who are speaking up: we see you, we support you, and we want to help. We hope you will continue to ask yourselves the question that hangs on posters in each of Facebooks offices: What would you do if you werent afraid? To Mark: we know that you think deeply about these issues, but we also know that Facebook must work to regain the publics trust. Facebook isnt neutral, and it never has been. Making the world more open and connected, strengthening communities, giving everyone a voice these are not neutral ideas. Fact-checking is not censorship. Labeling a call to violence is not authoritarianism. Please reconsider your position. Proceed and be bold. Sincerely, some of your earliest employees: Meredith Chin, Adam Conner, Natalie Ponte, Jon Warman, Dave Willner, on behalf of Ezra Callahan, Chris Putnam, Bob Trahan, Natalie Trahan, Ben Blumenrose, Jocelyn Blumenrose, Bobby Goodlatte, Simon Axten, Brandee Barker, Doug Fraser, Krista Kobeski, Warren Hanes, Caitlin OFarrell Gallagher, Jake Brill, Carolyn Abram, Jamie Patterson, Abdus-Salam DeVaul, Scott Fortin, Bobby Kellogg, Tanja Balde, Alex Vichinsky, Matt Fernandez, Elizabeth Linder, Mike Ferrier, Jamie Patterson, Brian Sutorius, Amy Karasavas, Kathleen Estreich, Claudia Park This article originally appeared in The New York Times. KYODO NEWS - Jun 4, 2020 - 00:14 | All, World, Japan Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Japan, which was postponed from this spring due to the coronavirus outbreak, will take place after November, citing key diplomatic schedules, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Wednesday. On the timing of the visit, Motegi said on a television program, "The G-7 summit will certainly first take place," referring to the meeting of the Group of Seven industrialized nations in September or later. He also said he sees the summit of the Group of 20 major economies slated for November as taking place first. Both Japan and China are part of the G-20, while the G-7 groups Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. Xi would have been the first Chinese president received by Japan as a state guest in more than a decade and was due to meet with Emperor Naruhito and hold a summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Motegi underlined the importance of sufficiently preparing for the envisioned visit and ensuring it would bear fruit for both countries. Opposition to the visit by Japanese conservative lawmakers has been emerging, with those in Abe's ruling party urging the prime minister to consider canceling it, citing concerns over China's attempts to tighten its grip on Hong Kong. Related coverage: British PM warns against Beijing imposing security law in Hong Kong China using pandemic to silence Hong Kong protestors: activist China issuing more visas to Japanese hoping for post-virus rebound The Centres Bharat ke Veer platform that collect funds for families of central paramilitary personnel who are killed in action has been given permission by the ministry of home affairs to receive funding from abroad under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), people familiar with the development said. The trust, launched by senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and then home minister Rajnath Singh and actor Akshay Kumar on April 9, 2017, has received Rs 332 crore in donations till date, largely contributions by individuals within India. A large number of non-resident Indians (NRIs), too, had expressed their desire to contribute to the platform to help the families of troopers killed in the line of duty. After the Pulwama suicide bombing on February 14, 2019, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed, many NRIs and foreign nationals approached Indian authorities through social media platform and embassies abroad, enquiring about ways to donate. In the absence of a FCRA licence, they had to send their contributions to the embassies or local consulates. In one such example, 26-year-old Viveik Patel of Virginia in the US managed to collect Rs 7.5 crore within four days of the Pulwama attack through a fundraiser for the families of the slain troopers. This money was sent to Bharat Ke Veer through a cheque collected by the Indian consulate in New York as direct transfers from abroad were not allowed. Bharat ke Veers nodal officer, CRPF deputy inspector general (DIG) Vijay Kumar, said: A large number of NRIs and nationals from other countries understand the plight of families of martyrs who die fighting terrorists or extremists in Jammu and Kashmir, Naxal-affected states or northeast and used to contact us asking how they can contribute. When we didnt have FCRA licence, we used to tell NRIs to send the money through the embassy or an organization (registered to send money to India). People can now send money from anywhere in the world directly. The government last week also authorized the use of the Bharat Ke Veer corpus to help the families of central paramilitary forces personnel who succumb to Covid-19 while on duty. In the Bharat Ke Veer initiative, which was a brainchild of Akshay Kumar, families of individuals will receive up to Rs 15 lakh, which can be sent by people directly into their accounts. Once the amount touches Rs 15 lakh, the details of the slain trooper are taken off the platform. This financial assistance is separate from government benefits including provident fund, insurance and one-time compensation. As of now, Bharat Ke Veer has been used to provide finance assistance to families of 304 central paramilitary force personnel (maximum of 201 from the CRPF) out of whom 289 have already got the full Rs 15 lakh. Details of 15 families are currently available on the platform. Beijing, June 3 : Chinese smartphone maker Huawei has reportedly filed a patent for smartphones with an under-display selfie camera. The Chinese tech giant filed two patents back in 2019 that has finally been published by the CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Office). The patents also reveal that the phone will not have volume buttons, just like the Mate 30 Pro. Users will have to use a virtual slider to control the volume, reports LetsGoDigital. The front of the devices is shown to be bezel-less and with no notches of any kind to hold selfie camera, while there is no visible mechanism for a pop-up camera. Although the two patents show little difference, it's possible that they are for two entirely different models. Huawei may be planning to launch a variety of smartphones with under-screen selfie cameras. Earlier, Huawei filed a patent for a smartphone with three flip camera design. While the design is similar to that of the ASUS Zenfone 6, the upcoming Huawei's smartphone will feature three cameras instead of two. Brits are being told to swab themselves at drive-through Covid testing centres without the option of getting trained medics to do it for them, it has emerged. Throughout the crisis medics have been pictured leaning through car windows and swabbing suspected patients at dozens of the sites dotted across the UK. But one young family told MailOnline they were not given the choice of having a trained medic do the tests. Experts say relying on self-swabbing is 'dangerous' because they may be less likely to be accurate. Taking proper swabs can be uncomfortable because they need to be pushed deep inside the throat and nose. And sub-par swabbing is more likely to produce false negatives which may give infected patients misplaced confidence that they don't have the disease. The family was given three testing kits and a set of instructions through the window of their car when they visited the centre at Twickenham Stadium in south-west London. They were told to park in a quiet bay and were left completely unsupervised to swab their own throats and noses. Their only instruction was to flash their hazard lights if they had any problems. They said they left the centre 'with no confidence they were going to get the correct result'. A video posted on YouTube by the Department of Health on April 17 said 'some sites' were now providing 'simple kits with instructions on how to do the test yourself'. But the video did not say why this would be the case, or if it would be optional. When asked by MailOnline the Department of Health and Social Care did not acknowledge whether Britons were supposed to get the option of taking their own test or having a medic do it for them. A spokesperson said hundreds of thousands of people have successfully used the drive through sites adding that the tests are 'designed to be self-swab and have clear instructions but if people need help, they can easily alert a member of staff who can assist.' A young family told MailOnline they were shocked to be told they had to do their own swabs when they visited the centre at Twickenham Stadium (shown) A testing site in Harlow, Essex, has also started asked suspected patients to do the self-swabs One member of the family - who did not want to be named - said: 'We arrived under the impression that we'd be tested, but were shocked when staff slid home test kits through the window of our car and told us to do them ourselves. 'We had to park away from all the staff and were told to put our hazard lights on if there were any problems. 'When we opened the packets there were lots of bits of paper with quite specific instructions on them - like stick the swab 2.5cm up your nose.' They added: 'The step-by-step instructions were fairly simple but it was the practicalities of three of us trying to shove swabs down our throats and up our noses that was difficult - especially with a young child. It was all a bit shambolic. WHY IS A SELF-SWAB 'DANGEROUS'? Experts say relying on self-swabbing is 'dangerous' because false negatives might give infected patients the confidence to go out and spread the disease to others. Studies suggest that 30 per cent of swabs taken by healthcare professionals - who are trained to do them properly - give false negatives, when infected people are told they don't have the viral disease. For untrained people doing the swabs themselves, the margin of error is expected to be much higher, scientists say. Taking proper swabs can be uncomfortable because they need to be deep in the throat and nose. Poor swabbing technique leads to these false results, which experts fear could give infected patients false confidence and raise the risk of spreading the virus. At 125-a-pop, there is also concern that if people have to take repeated tests it could be a waste of money. Advertisement 'I thought, "shouldn't someone be watching us to make sure we've done them correctly?" There was no-one supervising us. 'We left with no confidence we are going to get a right result and we're convinced we probably did not do it correctly.' The family said that once they had finished, staff approached the car with a medical bin and asked them to put the samples inside. Studies suggest that up to 30 per cent of swabs taken by healthcare professionals give false negatives, when infected people are told they don't have the viral disease. Poor swabbing technique leads to these false results, which experts fear could give infected patients false confidence and raise the risk of spreading the virus. At up to 125-a-pop privately, there is also concern that if people have to take repeated tests it could be a waste of money. The family member added: 'At one point we had to put the hazards on. We had tried to put the swab in my five-year-old son's throat. 'The instructions said the swab had to be down his throat for five seconds without shutting his mouth - but he closed his mouth instantly and we had to request a new test. 'It probably didn't help that we were boiling in the car. 'We managed to get there in the end but you're bound to have someone who is unwell trying to swab their child in the car who is potentially unwell and is putting up a fight. You're bound to do it wrong. 'When we were there we only saw one other car pulled up - it was a mother and child and you could see the argument going on their car.' Throughout the crisis, medics in full hazmat suits have been photographed leaning through car windows and taking saliva samples from suspected patients at dozens of sites dotted around the country. Pictured: A drive-in testing facility at the Chessington World of Adventures Resort, west London But some testing centres appear to have ditched this approach and are now requiring symptomatic people to do to the tests - which are already prone to giving false negatives - themselves. Pictured: A health worker takes a swab to test a key worker at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge on May 5, 2020 Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine and infectious disease scientist at University of East Anglia said relying on self-swabbing results is 'dangerous'. He told MailOnline: 'What I'm worried about is if you've got symptoms, and the test comes back as negative, you can go out. That is dangerous because you get a lot of false negatives. 'I think it's dangerous, and it will get more dangerous, if the government continues to rely on test results as cases decline. Because a wrong result could lead to wider spread, particularly if the person is a super spreader. HOW TO CARRY OUT A CORONAVIRUS SWAB ON YOURSELF Clean your hands with alcohol gel. Take a deep swab of your throat for five seconds on either side. Rub the back of your throat several times. This may make you gag if done properly. Try to avoid swabbing your teeth or tongue. Use the same swab to collect a sample from one nostril, then the other. The swab should go in as far as it can until you hit resistance, which should be at around 2.5cm. It should be rotated in both nostrils. It's normal for you to tear up at this point. Without touching the end of the swab, lower it into a sample container until it reaches a black line. This indicates where the swab is to be snapped against the side of the container. Once it snaps off, screw the test tube lid back on. Advertisement A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Hundreds of thousands of people have successfully used the drive through sites and it has always been the case that they can either be self-administered or carried out by a medical professional. 'The tests at these regional test sites are designed to be self-swab and have clear instructions but if people need help, they can easily alert a member of staff who can assist.' There have been almost 4.7million tests carried out across the UK so far, of which 240,161 have been positive. Some 40 per cent of tests have been repeat tests to clarify if someone has got rid of the virus, for example when a patient leaves hospital. Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist and infectious disease expert at Warwick University, told MailOnline: 'I'm guessing around 30 per cent of results are a false negative. 'That means for every 100 people you test that are positive, 30 will come out as negative. 'False negatives happen for several reasons, but probably the main reason is a sampling error. 'It's always concerned me and many colleagues there is an issue with swabbing and I think some errors will creep in.' Nasopharyngeal swabs are the preferred choice of testing for SARS-CoV-2 worldwide because it collects the most concentrated sample. A long flexible cotton bud is supposed to be inserted deep into the nostril and along the nose 'floor' to collect a mucus sample. The aim is to reach the posterior nasopharynx, a cavity made up of muscle and connective tissue, covered in cells and mucous. It continues down into the throat. But the invasive test is so uncomfortable it's been described like 'being stabbed in the brain'. It can cause people to gag and suffer nosebleeds. The alternative is to take two swabs; one from the nostril and another of the back of the throat through the mouth. Home testing kits - of which some 35,000 are currently being sent out per day to key workers and their household members - use this method. Professor Young, who emphasised that nasopharyngeal swabs collect a stronger sample, said he believes there is an 'enormous variability' in how swabs are being collected, both at home and at drive-through testing facilities across the UK. 'You have to go deep into the nose. That's not happening [with self swabs],' he warned. 'If you're going to make judgements on one swab test, you have to be very careful especially if you are telling people if they can go back to work.' Indian fugitive business tycoon and founder of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines Vijay Mallya can be extradited to India in the coming days "anytime" as all the "legal process" has been completed, top sources in the government said on Wednesday. The development comes in the wake of Mallya losing his appeal in the UK top court on May 14 against his extradition to India. A top Enforcement Department source related to the development told IANS, "We will soon bring back Mallya to India anytime in the coming days." However, he remained tight-lipped on the date of the extradition. He said, "As he has lost his appeal in the UK Supreme Court there, we have completed all the legal process for his extradition." The teams of CBI and the ED are already working on the process of extradition to India. A CBI source related to the development said that after his extradition, we wil take his custody first as we were the first agency to file a case against him. A major roadblock in the extradition was cleared on May 14 when Mallya lost the case. Now the Narendra Modi government will have to bring him back in the next 28 days. Since May 14, it has already been more than 20 days since the UK court rejected his plea. The former parliamentarian, who ran India's largest spirits company, United Spirits, and founded the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines, faces charges of fraud and money laundering worth Rs 9,000 crore. He left India in March 2016 under the pretext of personal reasons. Mallya has defrauded at least 17 Indian banks, drawing loans which he allegedly routed to gain full or partial stake in about 40 companies abroad. Mallya after losing an appeal in the London High Court on April 20 against an extradition order to India, filed an appeal in the UK Supreme Court last month. On May 14, after the court ruling, he once again offered the central government that he will repay 100 per cent of his loan dues provided the case against him was closed. Mallya, however, said that his repeated offers to repay his dues have been ignored by the Modi government. Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a statement had said that the UK High Court order to extradite Mallya was a "milestone" in the agency's quest for excellence and a reminder that economic offenders facing probes in large value frauds cannot consider themselves above the process merely because they have changed jurisdictions. A CBI spokesperson said in a statement: "The decision of the UK High Court to order extradition of Mallya is a milestone in CBI's quest for excellence and a reminder that economic offenders, facing probes in large value frauds, cannot consider themselves above the process merely because they have changed jurisdictions." The spokesperson said the judgement also vindicated the "painstaking investigation" by the CBI, especially since Mallya had raised various issues with regard to the admissibility of evidence, the fairness of the investigation itself and extraneous consideration with a view to "divert attention" from his own acts. The CBI official further said that the extradition of Mallya was sought to face trial for offences of cheating, criminal conspiracy and abuse of official position by public servants, wherein Mallya faced allegations of conspiring with public servants and dishonestly defrauding the IDBI Bank to the extent of Rs 900 crore. The CBI had filed a chargesheet against Mallya and others on January 24, 2017 which was followed by a request for his extradition on January 31 in the same year. Based on the request, Mallya was arrested by the UK authorities on April 20, 2017. Rohingya refugees look out from their homes in Kuala Lumpur By A. Ananthalakshmi and Rozanna Latiff KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Eleyas, a Rohingya Muslim, fled to Malaysia six years ago, seeking a safe haven from persecution in Myanmar. Now he has been fired from his job by a boss who told him it was because of his origins and he is scared to leave his home in fear of arrest or harassment. "I want to find a new job, but it's not safe. We're all just staying at home," Eleyas, 38, told Reuters, not giving his full name for fear of retribution. For decades, Muslim-majority Malaysia welcomed Rohingya and largely turned a blind eye to their technically illegal employment in low-paying jobs. But, as in some other parts of the world, the novel coronavirus outbreak has turned sentiment against foreigners, who have been accused of spreading disease, burdening the state and taking jobs as the economy plummets. While the Rohingya have been the most obvious targets, other migrants are also worried in a country that relies heavily on foreign labour at factories, construction sites and plantations. "There is harassment on the streets and online. I've never seen anything like this in Malaysia before," said one Malaysian activist, Tengku Emma Zuriana Tengku Azmi, from the European Rohingya Council rights group. She was threatened with rape on Facebook after asking the government to allow boats carrying Rohingya refugees to land. The government turned back one boat with 200 refugees on board last month. The Rohingya are a minority from largely Buddhist Myanmar, which brands them illegal immigrants although many say they can trace their ancestry there for generations. More than one million now live in camps in Bangladesh. Some 700,000 Rohingya fled from their homes in 2017 alone in the face of crackdown by Myanmar's army. Malaysia was long seen as a haven of relative freedom and prosperity by Rohingya and it is now home to more than 100,000 of them despite the fact that it brands them illegal immigrants rather than refugees. Story continues RAIDS But the coronavirus changed the atmosphere towards Malaysia's estimated millions of undocumented migrants and most of all towards the Rohingya. Sentiment hardened as the government imposed economically paralysing movement restrictions to stop the spread of a virus that has now infected more than 7,000 people in the country of 31 million and killed 115 of them. As the mood turned against migrants, the government carried out raids this month in which at least 2,000 foreigners were arrested, some led away in handcuffs by agents in protective gear. The government has not given full details of the detainees' nationalities, but at least 800 of them were from Myanmar and the vast majority of people from Myanmar in Malaysia are Rohingya. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's office did not respond to requests for comment on the arrests and the backlash towards refugees and foreign workers. The government has not said how many Rohingya have been found to have the virus. Eleyas said that as the mood soured, he and eight other Rohingya workers were fired from their jobs at a supermarket. He did not identify the store, for fear he could be targeted. "They told us they could no longer employ foreigners, only Malaysians," said Eleyas. Reuters spoke to five other migrants who said they had recently lost their jobs. Two activist groups estimate that about 80% of the refugees who had jobs before lockdowns began were jobless. The unemployment rate among Malaysians rose to a five-year high of 3.9% in March. "The community is in fear at the moment. Their challenges have increased due to the lockdown and the xenophobic attitude," said Hasnah Hussein, a Rohingya volunteer at migrant rights group Tenaganita. RISK The Malaysian Employers' Federation said the firing of migrant workers was to be expected as businesses struggled and undocumented workers would be first to go. "Employers have always taken a risk by hiring refugees," the group's chief executive, Shamsuddin Bardan, said. Meanwhile, online attacks on Rohingya have surged - particularly after unfounded allegations that a Rohingya activist had demanded Malaysian citizenship. Tengku Emma said that she had flagged hundreds of examples to Facebook including the attacks on herself. She said Facebook suspended two pages with more than 300,000 followers after she flagged them. Facebook said it had removed content in Malaysia for violating its policies on hate speech, calls for violence and sexual exploitation. It declined to say whether or not it had seen an increase. Rights groups have accused the government of failing to respond to the attacks and a U.N. rights official said the "hate campaign" was undermining efforts to curb the coronavirus. The government has reiterated that the migrants are illegal immigrants and threatened legal action against Rohingya advocacy groups, saying no Rohingya organisation had ever been officially registered in Malaysia. "The 'hate speech' directed at the Rohingya community raises serious concerns about the Malaysia government's commitment to protect human rights," a group of 84 non-governmental organisations wrote in a letter to Muhyiddin. The government did not respond to a request for comment on the letter. (Editing by Matthew Tostevin, Robert Birsel) The plea by a Delhi-based man has claimed that such an amendment will ensure the citizens of this country to get over the colonial past New Delhi: The Supreme Court Wednesday said the Centre should treat as a representation a plea which sought a direction to amend the Constitution and replace the word India with 'Bharat' or 'Hindustan'. The plea filed before the apex court by a Delhi-based man has claimed that such an amendment will "ensure the citizens of this country to get over the colonial past". It contended that replacing the word India with 'Bharat' or 'Hindustan' will "instill a sense of pride in our own nationality." However, a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, which heard the matter through video-conferencing, told the counsel appearing for the petitioner that India is already called 'Bharat' in the Constitution itself. "Why have you come here?," the bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy, asked the petitioner's counsel. The counsel said that the plea has sought to amend Article 1 of the Constitution, which deals with name and territory of the Union. The petitioner's counsel said that he should be allowed to make a representation in this regard to the concerned authority. The apex court, after hearing the submissions, said that the petition should be treated as a representation by the concerned authority. The plea has sought to amend Article 1 of the Constitution to the effect that the same refers to the country as Bharat/Hindustan, to the exclusion of India". "The removal of the English name though appears symbolic, will instill a sense of pride in our own nationality, especially for the future generations to come. Infact, the word India being replaced with Bharat would justify the hard fought freedom by our ancestors," the plea has claimed. Referring to the 1948 Constituent assembly debate on Article 1 of the then draft constitution, the plea has said even at that time there was a "strong wave" in favour of naming the country as 'Bharat' or 'Hindustan'. "However, now the time is ripe to recognize the country by its original and authentic name i.e. Bharat especially when our cities have been renamed to identify with the Indian ethos," it said. Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg, during a virtual questions-and-answers meeting with employees, explained why the company didnt take action against President Donald Trumps recent comments on protestors and rioters in the same way other tech giants have. The decision split Facebooks workforce, with many staging a virtual walkout earlier this week. The meeting, which was held on Tuesday, was transcribed in a 10,000-word story by Vox on Wednesday. Zuckerberg weighed in on the companys decision to not restrict the presidents post from last Friday, in which, commenting on rioters and looters, Trump said that any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. He was later criticized for using the phrase because it had been used by Miamis police chief to scare protestors during the civil rights era. Miami Police Chief Walter Headley said it in a 1967 speech, in which he claimed his officers dont mind being accused of police brutality against teens and young adults he called young hoodlums. Zuckerberg said it was clearly a troubling historical statement and reference, whether or not its inciting supporters to go to violence. But Facebook decided against moderating the post, because we basically concluded after the research and after everything Ive read and all the different folks that Ive talked to, that the reference is clearly aggressive policing maybe excessive policing but has no history of being read as a dog whistle for vigilante supporters to take justice into their own hands. Facebooks decision to leave Trumps post alone set it apart from Twitter, which attached a notification to the same comment on Trumps Twitter account for breaking its rule against glorifying violence. Also Read: Trump Pulls Republican National Convention From North Carolina Overall, compared to other tech leaders, Zuckerberg has been more inclined to let politicians say what they want without having Facebook add qualifiers or notifications to their posts. Story continues I just believe strongly that Facebook shouldnt be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online, Zuckerberg told Fox News last week. Private companies probably shouldnt be, especially these platform companies, shouldnt be in the position of doing that. Zuckerberg had made similar comments multiple times last year, like when Facebook was skewered by many on the left, including Elizabeth Warren, for not fact-checking its political ads. Later, during the same Tuesday meeting, Zuckerberg was pressed by one employee who questioned who had made the call to leave Trumps post alone. Zuckerberg listed a handful of people, including COO Sheryl Sandberg, VP Nick Clegg, and Chief Diversity Officer Maxine Williams. That led to an awkward followup from the same employee, asking, Correct me if Im wrong. Besides Maxine, everyone youve listed is white, correct? Thats correct, Zuckerberg responded. To read the full transcript, click here. Read original story Zuckerberg: Trumps Shooting Comment Has No History of Being Read as a Dog Whistle At TheWrap There was a series of standoffs between protesters and police at a rally at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa late Monday night. (Ben Brazil / Daily Pilot) At least four protests were scheduled Wednesday in Newport Beach after similar demonstrations were held at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa as well as in Anaheim, Brea and Santa Ana in the previous days. On Monday, there was a series of tense standoffs between police and protesters outside South Coast Plaza. Protesters originally met at Bear Street and Sunflower Avenue across from the upscale shopping mall about 8 p.m. to demonstrate against racism and Minneapolis police officers involvement in the May 25 death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man. The crowd gathered in defiance of a second overnight curfew put in place by city officials after looting and rioting shook neighboring Huntington Beach and Santa Ana over the weekend. A few incidents of looting occurred in Santa Ana, but demonstrations were largely peaceful. In Costa Mesa, protesters chanted, Hands up, dont shoot! and held signs reading, Help I cant Breathe and No one is free until all of us are free. The demonstration began peacefully, with many saying they hoped for a protest devoid of violence. Some aimed for solidarity with police. Its not us against cops, its us against racists, said Adam Robinson, 21, of Costa Mesa. Social media posts show the first planned event Wednesday in Newport Beach is at noon at MacArthur Boulevard and East Coast Highway, at the northern end of Corona del Mar. Another protest is scheduled at 2 p.m. at Newport Pier. Two others are set for 5 p.m., one on the pedestrian bridge over San Miguel Drive at Civic Center Park near City Hall, and another at the Back Bay. A more specific location for the Back Bay demonstration was not provided. All of the demonstrations are being promoted as peaceful protests. The one on the Civic Center Park bridge is billed as "family friendly," for raising anti-racist kids. Newport Beach police are aware of all four demonstrations and had not planned any street closures in advance Tuesday, said department spokeswoman Heather Rangel. The city also had not preemptively called for any curfews. Story continues The damage to some businesses in Santa Ana sparked debate in the community. They destroyed for their game and not the cause, said Alexander Rodriguez, 25, who stood outside a Smart & Final on Edinger Avenue with smashed-in windows Monday. They dont care how the world sees us. It puts us in a bad position, said 40-year-old machinist Antonio Ortiz, who remained in his truck. What did we win from all this? I tell my kids all the time about using their voice, said Santa Ana High School history teacher Ann Huizar. She picked trash out of bushes alongside her son. But it needs to be in a constructive way. At OReilly Auto Parts, store manager Miguel Briceno spoke through the crack of a boarded-up door. They dont listen to our silent protests, the 38-year-old said, so maybe theyll listen to this. In Los Angeles on Tuesday, protests centered in Hollywood and downtown were largely peaceful compared with with earlier demonstrations that devolved into the destruction and looting of businesses. Hundreds more were arrested, mostly for violating curfew when protesters refused to leave. But initial reports showed far less looting and vandalism than in recent days. Brazil and Davis write for Times Community News. Insurance group, Hollard Ghana, in support of the fight against the spread of COVID-19 has donated hundreds of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to some organisations in the Northern Region which forms part of Hollards nationwide COVID-19 awareness and support campaign. Beneficiaries of the PPE include Kamina Barracks Hospital, Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited (NEDCo), Regional office of the Ghana Education Service, Tamale Airport, and the Tamale-Bolgatanga Transport Union, all in the Northern Region to enable them ensure safety at work places. The presentation of the Personal Protective Equipment to the Kamina Barracks Hospital was made by Mr. Sulley Mohammed Ali, Branch Manager of Hollard Insurance Ghana, in the company of Mr. Mutaru Abdul-Hamid, Hollard Life Assurance Sales Manager. According to the Branch Manager, every frontline health worker must be kept safe especially in this era of COVID-19 pandemic, and to contain the disease; this donation aligns with our purpose to treat everyone with care and dignity. Mr. Sulley Mohammed Ali reiterated that, the donation exercise forms part of the companys comprehensive initiative to safeguard essential service providers while creating awareness about the deadly pandemic. Dr. Aaron Anos, Medical Superintendent of the Kamina Barracks Hospital received the items on behalf of the facility. Dr. Anos expressed Hollard Ghana for donating nose masks to the hospital, and said the nose masks would go a long way to protect the staff and patients at the hospital which would help in containing the COVID-19 virus. We are grateful to Hollard Ghana for considering our safety and donating these PPE to us, as a health institution, the PPE remain most sought-after during this trying time, and with these in hand, we shall continue to do our best to deliver the best of health care services to the people of Tamale, the Medical Superintendent highlighted. According to management of Hollard, the PPE donation and awareness campaign come as Hollard Ghanas Life Insurance subsidiary, Hollard Life Assurance announced a free COVID-19 cover for all its existing and new customers on individual and group policies. Hollard Ghana combines its deep local knowledge of the market with the world-class expertise of an international insurance brand, with its feet firmly planted on the Ghanaian soil but Headquartered in South Africa. Hollard delivers innovative insurance solutions customized to the unique risks Ghanaians face. Hollard was previously Metropolitan Insurance which operated in Ghana for over 25 years. Jaime King announced on Twitter that she was 'arrested' during a 'peaceful protest' held outside of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's home in Hancock Park on Tuesday. 'Currently arrested for a peaceful protest. Writing in handcuffs in back of bus. EVERYONE WAS PEACEFUL. - Jaime and the rest of my sisters on this bus. 77th precinct,' wrote the 41-year-old actress to her nearly 220,000 followers. King was one of nearly 2,000 demonstrators that showed up to demand justice for African-American citizens who have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement. Detained: Jaime King announced on Twitter that she was 'arrested' during a 'peaceful protest' held outside of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's home in Hancock Park on Tuesday Walking the walk: Jaime King showed solidarity with protesters on Tuesday by taking to the streets, herself Jaime donned an 'I am a voter' tee and had her arm wrapped around a fellow protester's shoulders as they paraded up and down the Mayor's affluent street. Protesters chanted 'Defund The Police' and wielded various homemade signs throughout the duration of the peaceful demonstration. King's bleach blonde hair looked noticeably undone and she donned a medical grade face mask. She paired her statement t-shirt with a pair of black skinny jeans and some white trainers. Protest: The 41-year-old actress donned an 'I am a voter' tee, while protesting outside of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's home in Hancock Park Large turnout: King was one of nearly 2,000 demonstrators that showed up to demand justice for African-American citizens who have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement The highly, organized protest - presented by the LA chapter of Black Lives Matter -aimed to pressure Garcetti into significantly lowering the LAPD's exorbitant budget. According to reports, 'over 100 demonstrators' sat before a line of LAPD officers, in order to create a safe space for speakers and activists to voice their ideas and concerns. The death of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked days of demonstrations across the nation over police brutality against African-Americans. On May 25, Floyd - an unarmed, African-American male - experienced a horrific death at the hands of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Solidarity: Jaime had her arm wrapped around a fellow protester's shoulders as they paraded up and down the Mayor's affluent street Mission: The highly, organized protest - presented by the LA chapter of Black Lives Matter -aimed to pressure Garcetti into significantly lowering the LAPD's exorbitant budget In the horrifying video footage of Floyd's death, he is seen saying that he can not breathe as officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck. 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. The Minneapolis policeman accused of killing Floyd, Chauvin, was taken into custody Friday and charged with third-degree murder, officials said. Creating room for progress: According to reports , 'over 100 demonstrators' sat before a line of LAPD officers, in order to create a safe space for speakers and activists to voice their ideas and concerns Catalyst: The death of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked days of demonstrations across the nation over police brutality against African-Americans Earlier in the day, Jaime used her prominent Instagram platform to 'amplify' the voice of fellow activist and actress, Krystina Arielle Tigner. '[Krystina] uses her own platform to bring awareness to the struggles that she and other Black people face on a daily basis. Black voices matter, black stories matter, and black lives matter. How we use our voices and our platforms is important,' began King in her post's caption. 'It isnt enough to just say black lives matter and go back to our carefully curated social media squares. We have to use our influence to uplift and raise the voices of those that can change the world.' King drew attention to her own privilege by noting the privilege that exists in being 'able to walk out the door without fear that you wont walk back in because the color of your skin was seen as a threat.' Peaceful: Protesters pictured at the Hancock Park protest on June 2 Ally: Earlier in the day, Jaime used her prominent Instagram platform to 'amplify' the voice of fellow activist and actress, Krystina Arielle Tigner 'Its a privilege to have the platform that I have and to be able to be heard. I will never know firsthand the experiences of Existing while black. I will never send my sons out the door with the fear that theyll become a hashtag movement because their skin color was seen as a threat. But what I can do is listen.' Jaime vowed to actively 'search [her] own biases' and to listen to her 'friends when they say they are hurting and instead of saying Im so sorry. I can say I see you, I hear you, and fight to make room for them in a world that makes that hard.' She encouraged her 1.4million followers to use their voices to 'uplift black artists and creators' and to 'fight for representation' for all. 'Dont just say black lives matter. Prove it by supporting artists like Tina. Prove by supporting black artists and businesses. Prove it by making sure when you look at your table not every face looks like yours,' concluded the Cheaper By The Dozen star. Along with her lengthy, passion-filled caption, King included a photo of herself and Tigner beaming for the camera. Last night, police in New York city kettled hundreds of protestors on the Manhattan Bridge, preventing them from dispersing for hours, even after curfew fell. The New York Times reports that the protestors "found a way" around police blocking access to the Brooklyn end of the bridge, which seems an unlikely scenario, but nonetheless offers details on them being subsequently held there. As the curfew descended on Tuesday, hundreds of protesters made their way from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn onto the Manhattan Bridge with the goal of continuing their march on the other side. They wound up hemmed in from both ends for roughly two hours. Two New York Times reporters who followed with the protesters onto the bridge documented the episode, which ultimately ended peacefully, in a series of tweets. The police tried to block entry to the bridge on the Brooklyn side. Some people found a way on anyway A large group walked across toward the Manhattan side. Once they reached Manhattan, a police blockade kept them from exiting. The crowd became increasingly restless as police vehicles arrived. The demonstrators were eventually allowed to return to Brooklyn. Police not allowing protestors from Barclays across the Manhattan Bridge pic.twitter.com/kbXfeSKJxj Sandra E. Garcia (@S_Evangelina) June 3, 2020 With group of protestors who bypassed police blocking the Manhattan bridge who crossed side street, hopped a barrier to enter from another direction. pic.twitter.com/uDgPvcQTxO Amy Julia Harris (@amyjharris) June 3, 2020 Crossing the Manhattan bridge at dusk with hundreds of protestors while cars honk in solidarity pic.twitter.com/XvtYrlqYzH Amy Julia Harris (@amyjharris) June 3, 2020 And here's footage reportedly from the "Brooklyn Bridge", but I'm mostly sure it's from the Manhattan Bridge. @NYCMayor @NYGovCuomo alongside NYPD have blocked protesters and trapped us on the Brooklyn bridge on the Manhattan side. Told us wait ten minutes it's been 50 minutes and they just bought two big ass cans. pic.twitter.com/jncfAG6RDi Fvizs (@Fviz_s) June 3, 2020 my friend's phone is dying (i'm not in NY, he is), but he asked that i post this video. protestors are blocked in on the brooklyn bridge, per this video! they've been out since 2pm pic.twitter.com/9KzUBDCyRR (@DaShaunLH) June 3, 2020 An interesting rumor was that cellphone cameras stopped working for a time. Given the likelihood of overloaded networks, efforts to stream video would likely have failed frequently, and there's obviously plenty of footage from the bridge going around. But Apple was recently granted a patent on remotely disabling iPhone cameras: a perfect example of a purported copyright protection measure of obvious of use to authorities who do not wish to be held accountable. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: As many as 3,134 people got nfected 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, 70 more people have died from the coronavirus over the past day. So far, more than 997,000 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 160,600 people have been infected, 8,012 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 125,200 have reportedly recovered from the disease. The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease. The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19. The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 By Samir Ali Trend: Following a speech by Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov, the types of restrictions will be disclosed, Ibrahim Mammadov, spokesman for the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers, said. Mammadov made the remark in Baku at a briefing of the Operational Headquarters under the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports on June 3. Head of the Operational Headquarters, Prime Minister Ali Asadov will deliver the speech on June 4, the spokesman added. The prime minister will thoroughly inform the public about the restrictions. "As for the fines, they will remain valid regardless of restrictions, Mammadov said. Any decision and restrictions in any sphere will not be related to the fines. All violators of the quarantine regime will be fined." Congreso approved a sixth and final two-week extension of the Spain's state of alarm, first declared in the middle of March at the start of the coronavirus crisis, on Wednesday. Prime minister Pedro Sanchez gained a new period, from 8 to 21 June, in which central government retains powers to restrict movements within its phased lockdown easing programme. This extension was achieved on Wednesday evening with less difficulty than the last one, as Sanchez had previously secured the support of centre-right party Ciudadanos as well as the Basque nationalist party PNV. The Catalan republican party ERC agreed to abstain to allow the motion to go through. This time the government has promised that the regional authorities will be able to control the lifting of restrictions once regions enter Phase Three of the lockdown easing plan. The only control central government will necessarily retain once areas have moved into Phase Three is over movement between regions. Each regional authority will be able to decide whether or not to allow travel between provinces within that region in Phase Three. In addition, whole regions could come out of the state of alarm before 21 June, said the government. Women's Day controversy The prime minister was visibly more relaxed in Wednesday's parliamentary debate, knowing beforehand that he had enough support. However the day's proceedings were dominated by ongoing criticism of the Interior minister's handling of the recent removal of senior Guardia Civil officers. This week it emerged that the formal reason given to Colonel Diego Perez de los Cobos for his dismissal was failure to share with the ministry the existence of the investigation into the government's handling of the 8 March Women's Day marches. Last week Interior minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska strongly denied that was the reason. On Wednesday in Congreso, Pedro Sanchez defended Grande-Marlaska's actions. An Iranian scientist imprisoned in the US and acquitted in a federal trade secrets case returned to his homeland on Wednesday morning, an Iranian news agency reported. Sirous Asgari was seen in images wearing a face mask and being welcomed by relatives, in a report by the ISNA news agency. A professor at Iran's Sharif University of Technology, Asgari was indicted in April 2016, accused by US federal prosecutors of trying to steal secret research from Case Western Reserve University. Iranian scientist Sirous Asgari, imprisoned in the US and acquitted in a federal trade secrets case returned to his homeland on Wednesday morning, Iranian news agency ISNA reported. He is pictured being welcomed home A professor at Iran's Sharif University of Technology, Asgari was indicted in April 2016, accused by US federal prosecutors of trying to steal secret research. Asgari (center) is welcomed home by officials in Iran The Cleveland school had been working on a project for the US Navy Office of Naval Research to create and produce anti-corrosive stainless steel. Asgari was ultimately acquitted in November after US District Judge James Gwin tossed out the case by the prosecutors. Ken Cuccinelli, the acting deputy Homeland Security secretary, earlier told The Associated Press that the DHS had started to try to deport Asgari last December, following his acquittal. However, he said, Iran refused to recognize him as legitimately Iranian and provide him with a valid passport until late February. His return was then postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on international flights. Asgari also had pushed for his release after his lawyers complained the conditions at an immigration detention facility in Louisiana where he was kept in isolation were 'inhumane'. He was imprisoned at the Winn Correctional Center, a state prison for men in Winn Parish, which he complained was unsanitary and a concern because of a history of respiratory problems, the Independent reports. Asgari was accused of trying to stealing secret research from Case Western Reserve University. The Cleveland school (pictured) had been working on a project for the US Navy Office of Naval Research to create and produce anti-corrosive stainless steel Federal officials tried deporting Asgari several times, but five airline tickets purchased to send him home were cancelled due to the Coronavirus. Additionally, Asgari contracted COVID-19, but was later reported to have fully recovered. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif noted Asgari's return in an Instagram post. Asgari was ultimately acquitted in November after US District Judge James Gwin tossed out the case by the prosecutors. He is pictured in an image posted on the school's website 'Hello friends, a good news, the plane carrying Dr Sirous Asgari was flying from the United States. Congratulations to his dear wife and family,' Zarif wrote. Iranian officials had associated Asgaris release with US prisoners held in Iran potentially being freed, something Cuccinelli strongly disputed. A ministry spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, rejected speculation of a prisoner swap. VP-45 "Pelicans" Return from Deployment Navy News Service tory Number: NNS200602-13 Release Date: 6/2/2020 12:21:00 PM From Patrol Squadron 45 Public Affairs JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- The Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 "Pelicans" returned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, May 29, after an eight-month deployment. VP-45, led by commanding officer Cmdr. Paul Nickell, deployed with the "Diamondbacks" of Mobile Tactical Operation Center Five (MTOC-5). The squadron was deployed from October 2019 through May 2020 to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation (AO), and assumed command of Task Group 72.2 (CTG 72.2). "I have been consistently impressed by both the tactical and operational excellence of this team. It's been great to have back-to-back deployments in C7F to become sage practitioners of disciplined lethality, operating with commander's intent. The families and friends of our Sailors should be very proud of the selfless dedication and efforts of the team," said Nickell. The squadron conducted maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), theater security cooperation (TSC), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. VP-45 supported a variety of coordinated operations such as Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama, Annual Exercise 2019, Sea Dragon, and provided support to Joint Task Force (JTF) 519 Carrier Strike Group. These exercises maintained and strengthened maritime partnerships, as well as enhanced maritime interoperability. Over the eight months, VP-45 and MTOC-5 built critical relationships with Air Force partners such as the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, which allowed for the first long-range, persistent ASW event that spanned half the AO. VP-45 had the task of being Navy's first global force managed squadron to deploy the advanced airborne sensor (AAS) aircraft for theater ASW. "Aircrew and maintenance accelerated the timeline on AAS' role in the theater, helping operational planners prepare future deployments," said Nickell, who added that VP-45 maintainers executed over 13,000 man hours, ensuring every mission succeeded. VP-45 and MTOC-5 also strengthened relationships with other U.S. naval forces, including the USS Ronald Reagan, USS Abraham Lincoln, and USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Groups, as well as America Expeditionary Strike Group. Throughout various detachments and exercises, VP-45 had the opportunity to work alongside other naval forces such as the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, Republic of Korea Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and the Royal Canadian Navy. During the deployment, VP-45 executed over 5,000 flight hours during more than 875 sorties. They flew from Diego Garcia to Northern Japan, down to Southern Australia and across several Asia-pacific nations; in Guam, one crew located a stranded fisherman, deployed a life raft and directed recovery ships to his location. The squadron also participated in a large-scale exercise with a Joint Task Force in Palawan and supported multiple typhoon evacuations in the AOO. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC SEHK: 945 LONDON, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife Investment Management today announced the availability of a suite of funds within Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The funds now available, as of 15 May 2020, cover a range of asset classes including equity, fixed income, liquid alternatives and emerging markets. The funds registered will provide investors with access to UCITS vehicles across some of Manulife Investment Management's most popular global strategies. The majority of the funds are available in both USD and Euro. More details can be found in the chart below. "In keeping with our global growth strategy, the entry into the Nordics expands our European presence and enables us to better serve Manulife Investment Management's investment offerings to investors," said Paul Lorentz, President & CEO, Manulife Investment Management. "Manulife Investment Management understands the challenges investors are facing today and their need for a diverse range of investments to help mitigate risk and meet liabilities," said Morten Simonsen, managing director and head of distribution for Northern Europe at Manulife Investment Management (Europe) Ltd. "We are excited to offer these funds across the Nordics." "In light of the current economic environment, we foresee demand for specialised active management solutions, and these strategies may give Nordic investors the ability to further differentiate with products best suited to the needs of their portfolios," added Todd Cassler, Head of Institutional Distribution, U.S. & Europe, Manulife Investment Management. Fund Name Share Classes Availability* Manulife Global Emerging Markets Equity Fund Class W USD Acc, Class W EUR Acc Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife U.S. All Cap Core Equity Fund Class W USD Acc, Class W EUR Acc Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund Class I USD Acc, Class I EUR Acc Hgd Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife Strategic Fixed Income Fund Class W USD Acc, Class W EUR Acc Hgd Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife Emerging Markets Debt Fund Class W USD Acc, Class W EUR Acc Hgd Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife Asian Bond Absolute Return Fund Class W USD Acc, Class W EUR Acc Hgd Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife Strategic Income Opportunities Fund Class I USD Acc, Class I EUR Acc Hgd Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife Macro Currency Fund Class E2p EUR Acc Finland * Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. About Manulife Investment Management Manulife Investment Management is the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than 150 years of financial stewardship to partner with clients across our institutional, retail, and retirement businesses globally. Our specialist approach to money management includes the highly differentiated strategies of our fixed-income, specialized equity, multi-asset solutions, and private markets teams-along with access to specialized, unaffiliated asset managers from around the world through our multimanager model. Our personalized, data-driven approach to retirement is focused on delivering financial wellness in retirement plans of all sizes to help plan participants and members retire with dignity. Headquartered in Toronto, we operate as Manulife Investment Management throughout the world, with the exception of the United States, where the retail and retirement businesses operate as John Hancock Investment Management and John Hancock, respectively; and in Asia and Canada, where the retirement business operates as Manulife. Manulife Investment Management had CAD$832 billion (US$586 billion) in assets under management and administration.*Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit our website at manulifeim.com . * MFC financials in CAD. Global Wealth and Asset Management AUMA as of March 31, 2020, was $832 billion and includes $195 billion of assets managed on behalf of other segments and $139 billion of assets under administration. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1176200/Manulife_Investment_Management_Manulife_Investment_Management_Re.jpg Media Contact: Elizabeth Bartlett, +1 857-210-2286, Elizabeth_Bartlett@Manulife.com The Caesar Act is set to cause devastation to the Syrian economy, and the lives of Syrians, both of which are already suffering writes Baladi News. Pro-regime economic researcher Rasha Seiroub revealed to RT that the impact of the Caesar Act on the regime will be exorbitant, ruling out that its full cost could be avoided. According to Seiroub, though the Syrian regime has been able to circumvent and adapt to sanctions imposed on it since the 1970s, this time the cost will be too steep, which will increase the suffering of everyday Syrians and exacerbate difficulties in daily life. Social and economic ills will also intensify, presenting yet another obstacle to economic recovery. The economic impacts of the Caesar Act will extent to the entire economy, Seiroub said, adding that the most dangerous point was the laws view that the Central Bank of Syria is a money laundering institution. The gravity of this law should not be underestimated, as it was not released as an individual decree but rather as a piece of the United States National Defense [Authorization] Act, which indicates that Washington views the situation in Syria as related to American national security, Seiroub said. According to Seiroub, the law will raise fear amongst those who do business with the Syrian regime, such as banks, insurance and shipping companies, importers, and merchants, who will worry that they could inadvertently violate US or international economic sanctions. The law imposes sanctions on every person who, knowingly, directly or indirectly, provides significant construction or engineering services to the Government of Syria. The act also places penalties on anyone who intentionally provides monetary, technical and material support to the Assad government or senior political figures. Monetary support includes loans and export credit. As for oil and energy resources, the text of the law imposes sanctions on anyone who provides goods, services, technology, information or any other support that would expand domestic production of natural gas, oil and oil derivatives. The Caesar Act also deters foreigners from entering into contracts related to reconstruction. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. I expected to be older when 2047 came, is the darkly humorous meme that has circulated among youth in Hong Kong over the last week. Teenagers here have grown up knowing that in their middle age, the Sino-British Joint Declaration safeguarding their citys high degree of autonomy from mainland China would expire in the year 2047. Suddenly, this could happen at any time. A pro-democracy protester in Hong Kong told the Star via text: Its sinking in that for those of us who are still quite young, we wont even have the next few decades to live our lives without fear. Now, were facing the reality that 2047 is here. Theres no more, Well deal with that later, or Well worry about that when were older. In the last year, the young woman, who requested anonymity because of her fear of persecution, has been joining street demonstrations with her mother, donning masks and makeshift body coverings as their only protection against police tear gas, rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, water hoses and in some cases, live ammunition. Protests have been part of life for Hong Kongers, ever since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a one country, two systems agreement, which requires Beijing to respect the autonomy of Hong Kongs rule-of-law legal system for 50 years. But Chinas Parliament voted last week to bypass Hong Kongs legislature to develop and enact national security legislation on its own for the semi-autonomous territory. The law would criminalize acts including secession, subversion and activities by foreign forces to interfere with Hong Kong. Jennifer Creery, a Hong Kong-born British reporter for the Hong Kong Free Press, said her first reaction to the national security law was an overwhelming sense of shock. It was always seen as something that would happen in the future, so clearly last years protests had sped up the process, she told the Star in a phone interview. Now, journalists are worried that press freedom in Hong Kong will get worse as more may self-censor by avoiding topics that might land them in trouble. In a joint statement, Canada, Britain, the U.S. and Australia said the new legislation would curtail the Hong Kong peoples liberties, and in doing so, dramatically erode Hong Kongs autonomy and the system that made it so prosperous. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Beijing to de-escalate tensions and to engage constructively in dialogue with the people of Hong Kong. He said the Canadian government is very concerned about the situation because there are 300,000 Canadian citizens in Hong Kong and millions of others who are fighting for justice and peace. The Chinese government has consistently labelled pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong as dangerous and destabilizing. The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office last month called protesters a political virus and said the city will never be calm until poisonous and violent demonstrators are eliminated. Beijings resolve to push through the laws appears to have been hardened by its anger over the ongoing protests, and a determination to prevent them from reigniting this summer, experts say. Since last summer, its estimated that more than a million Hong Kongers have marched peacefully in the streets, while some have participated in smaller flash protests that often turned violent when police and protesters clashed. The uprisings were sparked by a now-abandoned extradition bill backed by city leader Carrie Lam that would have allowed criminal suspects in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China to face trial. Although the bill has since been dropped, the protest movement expanded to call for full democracy, Lams resignation and an independent investigation into police brutality. When a Star reporter visited Hong Kong last July, a group of young protesters had just broken into the citys legislature, destroying furniture and leaving graffiti on the walls declaring, Hong Kong is not China, not yet. The Hong Kong Police Force, once revered as Asias finest, said it had to do what was necessary to clear the rioters. Officers have also called the protesters cockroaches. Hundreds were arrested, at least three protesters were shot and others have died by suicide, leaving notes expressing sorrow over the citys political fate. Many police officers were also injured, including one who was shot in the leg with a protesters arrow. The protests only let up when COVID-19 hit. Hong Kong had suffered heavily from the SARS epidemic in 2003, and during the coronavirus epidemic, residents almost universally adopted the wearing of masks and physical distancing. Months later, the city of 7.4 million has only recorded four deaths from COVID-19. The young female protester felt uneasy through months of the COVID-19 lockdowns in Hong Kong. She said she became more anxious as the city returned to normal routines while cases were still spiking in Western countries. Part of me thought, Well this is a perfect time for the Chinese Communist Party to do something drastic! While another part of me thought, Given the hostility towards China right now, would the CCP really risk it? Beijings surprise move to swiftly pass the national security law also stunned Hong Kongs pro-democracy lawmakers. Hong Kong Legislative Council member Claudia Mo, who is a graduate of Ottawas Carleton University, describes the mood on the ground as chiefly one of desperation. While some legal experts called the security law technically unconstitutional, there is no way we can challenge it as Beijing itself is the constitution, she told the Star in a text message. The protests are leaderless by design, but some high-profile youth have played a prominent role in the push for democracy and the safeguarding of civil liberties. One man told the Star he expects to be among the first targets of the national security law. Nathan Law, 26, is a founder and former chair of Demosisto, a political party that emerged from the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests. At the age of 23, Law was elected as a legislator for Hong Kong Island, making him the youngest lawmaker in the citys history. After he was ousted from the legislature and jailed for several months for his leading role in the 2014 protests, Law now sees his responsibility as helping to raise awareness about Hong Kongs plight among the international community. Of course, the (founding) members of Demosisto, especially Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow, and I, are the priority targets of the national security law. So yes, indeed, we are worried but we will not give up. We will keep fighting and hope the world could join hands with us, Law said in an interview. However, Laws warnings dont resonate with some of his former constituents, who told the Star in interviews that they are fed up with the constant political unrest in their city. While an overwhelming majority of Hong Kong residents said in a recent survey that they oppose the new legislation, among the business community, 61 per cent believe the national security law will actually have a positive impact on businesses in the long-run, according to a separate survey conducted this week by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. But after the U.S. said it has determined that Hong Kong has lost its autonomy from China and U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to retract special commercial status for Chinese exports from Hong Kong, the Chamber called on Beijing to make details of the law available as soon as possible to address uncertainties. Trumps move was welcomed by protesters, including Law, who believes it could stop Beijing from implementing the law. However, the law and international responses to it would make the economic impact on Hong Kong and the international businesses that operate there far worse than it would be for China as a whole, said Rory Green, an economist for investment research firm TS Lombard. In the last 20 years, one of the big attractions offered by Hong Kong is that it was essentially China without the CCP. Businesses and funds could profit from breakneck economic expansion in the Mainland without taking the extra political and legal risks of operating in China, Green told the Star in an email. The passing of the national security law, which effectively gives Beijing direct oversight of the former colony, fundamentally changes this dynamic. Hong Kongs status as a common law free market entrepot is now indelibly tarnished and unlikely to recover. But, he said, Hong Kong wont turn back into a sleepy fishing village overnight. For Mo, Trumps decision is a double-edged sword. Hong Kong protesters, especially our young, have called for mutual destruction, but there are bound to be others who would lament the fact that while we are already suffering politically, now well suffer economically as well, she said. The Star also spoke with a group of Hong Kong business owners and executives, who requested anonymity since protesters have organized boycotts against pro-Beijing businesses and in a few cases, destroyed the property of business owners who have spoken out against the protests. Shops have to close when riots happen, and rioters have even blocked roads and the airport. This drives away tourists, especially the biggest number of our visitors who come from mainland China, said one former electronics company manager. He added that he understands why Beijing has turned to security laws to stabilize the chaotic city. Another Hong Kong business community member, who owns a factory in mainland China and exports electronics, said the Chinese government is being attacked by Western countries over geopolitical motives rather than out of sincere concern for Hong Kongers. Their politicians are deceiving their own people. Western countries have never wanted the Chinese to have a good life. In the past few years, especially in recent days, everyone can see this clearly, he wrote in Chinese, which the Star translated. While some have characterized the city as split along generational lines, with older people tending to support the status quo, a veteran protester told the Star whats happening on the ground is more complex than that. The reality is that I have received help from and have helped fellow Hong Kongers of all age groups, and equally I have met hostility from all age groups, said the male protester in his twenties, who asked to remain anonymous due to security concerns. He defended protest tactics that seek to funnel money away from pro-government businesses, and said its reasonable for protesters to call on international countries to suspend special trading and economic privileges with Hong Kong. The consensus among protesters is that if political pressure isnt working, conscious consumerism and backing of international trade sanctions could be a last avenue of resistance. Its not just a certain law that Hong Kongers have to defeat. Beijing has extended its iron fist on Hong Kong already, and we are under no illusion that persuading China to act with temporary restraint would solve the underlying problem of the timeline being changed, the protester said. This is 2047 being brought forward 27 years. With files from the Associated Press and Tonda MacCharles Read more about: Iranian Lawmaker Says 230 People Were Killed In November Unrest By RFE/RL June 01, 2020 A senior Iranian lawmaker said on June 1 that 230 people were killed in anti-government protests in Iran in November, state news agency IRNA reported. It is the first time that an Iranian lawmaker has given a death toll in the unrest, which was sparked by an increase in the price of petrol. The four days of unrest was the most widespread and violent Iran had seen since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Mojtaba Zolnour, head of the parliament's national security and foreign affairs committee, said 230 people were killed, about one-fifth of whom were members of the security forces. He said about one-quarter of those killed were passersby not involved in the protests, some of whom were shot in the head or chest from close distances. The lawmaker insisted that the security forces were too far away from the protesters to have done this. He also said a high percentage was killed by bullets that are not used in Iranian standard-issue weapons. Of the remainder, 16 percent died while attacking military bases and police stations, and 31 percent at public places such as malls, banks, and petrol stations. About 2,000 people were injured during the four days of unrest. The demonstrations erupted on November 15 in a handful of cities before spreading to at least 100 urban centers across Iran. Petrol pumps were torched, police stations attacked, and shops looted, before security forces stepped in. Officials had previously rejected death tolls given by foreign media and human rights groups as "lies" and passed responsibility of reporting on it between different state bodies. Amnesty International has put the number of dead at 304, and a group of independent UN rights experts said in December that 400, including at least 12 children, could have been killed based on unconfirmed reports. The United States has claimed that more than 1,000 were killed. Zolnour alleged that those behind the violence had aimed to use the unrest to "overthrow" the system. Tehran has yet to release any official statistics about the scale of the unrest, though two weeks ago the government acknowledged that the security forces shot and killed protesters. With reporting by AP and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran- unrest-zolnour/30647151.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 By now it is clear that no government agency is tracking the massive job loss that the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown has caused. On June 1, a union minister admitted it in so many words. This is the first hurdle to designing the right response. However, many non-government agencies, including the Mumbai-based Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) and the Bangalore-based Azim Premji University, are tracking job loss (as well as the impact of relief measures) which can be used for redesigning the responses. Magnitude of livelihood crisis: Job loss and reverse migration The Azim Premji University's survey provides a detailed account of job loss across all three categories of workers - self-employed, regular and casual - in urban and rural areas as well as for male and female workers. Its findings, based on the survey carried out during April 13-May 20, 2020 across 12 states, show a high percentage of job loss across the spectrum - as reproduced below. The percentage of job loss translates into a total loss of 276.2 million jobs. This estimate is arrived at by taking into consideration two factors: (i) total workforce at 465.1 million for 2017-18, as estimated by Azim Premji University's 2019 study that analysed the unit level data provided by the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) of 2017-18 and (ii) using the same proportion of male and female workers, in urban and rural areas and across all three categories of workers as the PLFS of 2017-18 findings suggest. Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown XIX: Where is excess liquidity generated by RBI going? The actual numbers could be different, but no official data is available beyond 2017-18. Of the 276.2 million people who have lost their jobs, 103.7 million reside in urban areas while 128.5 million dwell in rural areas (mapped below). The number of actual affected people would be more because a large number of migrants going home are taking their families along. Most of them are going to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, some of the most backward states with limited financial resources. Additional stress for the slowing economy Every reverse migration puts additional burden on the rural economy. Firstly, there would be no remittances from urban areas to support the rural economy. Some estimates suggest 80% plunge in domestic remittances by the first week of April. Secondly, there is a massive job loss in the rural areas also, reducing the pie further. Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown XVIII: Why India urgently needs SOPs for decision-making Urban areas are now without a significant chunk of workers. Even if they return and economic activities begin immediately, the fear of the virus, social distancing norms in factories, offices, and housing would prevent their re-hiring en masse. Re-hiring would be staggered. But more importantly, there may not be enough room or economic activities for re-hiring them for many months. Here is why. Going back to pre-pandemic GDP growth rate may take long The latest national accounts statistics released on May 29, 2020, shows that the GDP growth in the last quarter of FY20 (January to March) slumped to 3.1% - the lowest in 44 quarters (11 years since 3.09% in FY09). Also Read:Coronavirus Lockdown XVII: The economics behind India's Rs 21 lakh crore package The real state of the economy in the first quarter of FY21 would be far worse (would be known in August). The quarterly data released for FY19 and FY20 shows agriculture recording far better growth, touching 5.9% in Q4 of FY20, which is higher than the rest but here is a catch. Its share in total GVA for Q4 of FY20 is 15.6%, while it supports 43.21% of the total workforce of India, as per the ILO data for 2019 (that would closely match with FY20). Evidently, the income generated from agriculture is too low to adequately support the additional influx even with higher growth. The growth in manufacturing has been negative for three quarters and in construction for two. The numbers could be far worse in the current fiscal, seriously limiting their capacity to absorb workers. In Q4 of FY20, the manufacturing's share of GVA is 17.8% while its share of workers is 11.4%; the share of construction in GVA is 7.9% while its share of workers is 12.3% (using ILO estimates for 2019 for workers' share). Also read: Coronavirus Lockdown XVI: Why India should be wary of excessive push for liquidity or credit The current fiscal (FY21) is likely to witness negative GDP growth, as the RBI governor said on May 22. Economist Pronab Sen warns that if the stimulus is not sufficient (fiscal spending of 10% of the GDP), the negative growth may spread to the next fiscal (FY22), dragging India into a depression. All this would mean the level of economic activity may not be good enough for a year or more to accommodate all those who have lost jobs and livelihoods (the self-employed, for example). The overall growth rate has to reach at least the pre-COVID-19 level for that. That is why India needs to recalibrate its strategies towards workers and their families. Recalibrating response to human suffering The Azim Premji University's survey also maps how the lockdown and subsequent job and livelihood losses have impacted households. Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown XV: Not just stimulus 2.0, getting fiscal mathematics right is critical too It says 83% of urban and 73% of rural households are consuming less food than before, which is expected in such circumstances. It also says that 64% urban and 35% of rural households don't have enough money to buy a week's worth of essentials. This should be a cause of worry. As for the relief measures, 84.8% of the rural and 65% of urban households received ration; 41% of vulnerable households in rural areas and 23.8% in urban areas received Jan Dhan Account transfers; 26% of rural households received the PM-KISAN transfers and 58% and 36% of households in rural and urban areas, respectively, received at least one cash transfer. The task is, therefore, to reach out to the left out vulnerable households with more food supply through the public distribution system (PDS) and more cash transfers. Idle construction workers' fund, inadequate MGNREGS allocation Though the March relief package allowed Rs 52,000 crore lying idle in the construction workers' welfare fund to be transferred to them, there is no indication of any progress. This is primarily because the fund has been largely sitting idle for decades. Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown XIV: India needs to own and indulge its workers; they are more vulnerable than ever This fund resulted from two central laws of 1966 - The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act of 1996 and The Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Cess Act of 1996. In 2018, the Supreme Court took note of official apathy in not passing on the benefits and entitlements to construction workers, pointing out that millions of construction workers had not been identified and their whereabouts not known. It also pointed to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report which had red-flagged the same. Since then, two new labour codes have been introduced in the Parliament - Occupational Safety, Health and Working Condition Code (OSFWC) of 2019 and Code on Social Security (CSS) of 2019 - proposing to repeal these laws. Thus, the utilisation of the fund is suspect. Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown XIII: Five steps to rebuild a post-COVID economy Another key tool for relief is the rural job guarantee scheme, MGNREGS. An additional allocation of Rs 40,000 crore has been made in the Rs 21 lakh crore relief package, taking the total allocation for FY21 to Rs 100,568 crore. However, Rs 11,000 crore of this is pending dues for FY20, reducing the availability to Rs 89,568 crore. Prof. Reetika Khera of the IIM-Ahmedabad, who has been studying the MGNREGS works, estimates that Rs 2.8 lakh crore would be needed to provide 100 days of work to the existing 140 million job card holding households- much more than the current allocation. Accommodating additional demand for work from the migrants and those who lost their jobs in rural areas would require additional allocation. Coronavirus Lockdown XII: Why the wealthy should be taxed more Job scheme in urban areas and assistance for self-employed For years economists have been seeking a MGNREGS-like job guarantee scheme for urban areas because of high unemployment. The current situation highlights the need for this even more. This will not only benefit those who have lost jobs and stayed back, but also those who return to seek jobs but would have to wait for many months before the economic activities pick up to re-hire them. The self-employed workers constitute 52.2% of India's total workforce and have been badly hit due to the lockdown too. They are the ones who run micro-enterprises, that constitute 99.46% of units and provide 97% of employment in the MSME sector - according to the ministry of MSME's 2018-19 annual report. Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown XI: Why India's health policy needs a course correction These micro enterprises are more or less evenly spread in rural and urban areas and on an average, employ less than 2 workers, meaning that many are a one-man show. All credit facilities for the MSME sector announced so far (Rs 3 lakh crore emergency working capital or Rs 20,000 crore subordinate debt) are more likely to bypass the micro-units. Even the Fund of Funds, set up for equity infusion of Rs 50,000 crore (but only with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore), is meant for expansion in size and capacity of MSMEs and encouraging their listing in stock markets. This too is unlikely to offer much help to micro-enterprises under a threat to survive. It is for all these reasons that India's response needs to be redesigned so that a large part of its population rides over the multiple crises facing them. Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown X: Why it can't be business as usual for India Amid widespread outrage over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Massachusetts public officials Wednesday called for abolishing a doctrine that protects law enforcement officers from legal consequences for using excessive force. In a press conference Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins spoke out against the practice of qualified immunity, which shields government officials, including police officers, from being sued for discretionary actions performed on the job. The doctrine has been widely criticized for protecting law enforcement officials from being held accountable for police brutality and uses of excessive force. For too long, district attorneys, people who hold my position that are elected, have turned away and ignored when members, rogue members of law enforcement have engaged in criminal acts that result in broken bones, broken spirits and death in certain circumstances as we have seen with George Floyd, Rollins said. Markey, along with Senators Corey Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California, have introduced a congressional resolution this week that seeks to do away with the Supreme Court-issued doctrine that has been in place since the 1980s. We have a justice system that makes these sorts of murders at the hands of police a far too frequent occasion. The law makes it almost impossible for these victims of excessive force by a police officers to hold that officer accountable in a court of law, and that must end, Markey said. "If we want to change the culture of police violence against black and brown men and women, then we need to start holding accountable the officers who abuse their positions of trust and responsibility in our communities. That means abolishing the dangerous judicial doctrine known as qualified immunity. Floyd, who is black, died on Memorial Day after a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The 46-year-old unarmed man can be heard in a bystanders video of the incident pleading with the four officers pinning him down and gasping for breath. The killing of Floyd on May 25 sparked hundreds of protests throughout the country that have drawn tens of thousands of participants, seeking to speak out against police brutality and systematic racism. Marches have been held across Massachusetts, including in Northampton, Holyoke, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham, Brockton and Boston. Derek Chauvin, the policeman who held his knee on Floyds neck, has since been charged with murder and manslaughter. My heart breaks for all of George Floyds family and friends. No one should ever have to witness a murder of their loved one, especially not at the hands of police, who are supposed to be protecting and serving our residents, Markey said. But its not only the buildings that are smoldering. The soul of America is on fire." He added, Until we confront systemic racism, our country will never stop burning. Rahsaan Hall, director of the Racial Justice Program at the American Civil Liberties Union, as well as Michael Curry, president of the Boston branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, also talked about issues associated with qualified immunity. According to Hall, the doctrine has allowed for too many protections for police officers. As the court has expanded qualified immunity in recent decades, racist, aggressive and militarized policing practices have been allowed to spread, Hall said. In the eyes of the ACLU, the issue is one the Supreme Court needs to fix, he said, but Hall is glad members of Congress are willing to tackle the problem. He argued there should be no question that officers use of take-down maneuvers to detain individuals, defying orders and instructions they have been given, should not be allowed. Because of qualified immunity, though, such actions are permitted, according to Hall. There is no reason that it should be determined that a police officer aiming their pistol at or shooting at a dog and accidentally striking a child wouldnt violate the Fourth Amendment, but because of qualified immunity, it does," said Hall. This is the piece that can begin to change the conversation about how we understand policing in this country. Curry added that the public recognizes there are police officers who risk their lives every day to protect and serve. Those law enforcement officials have tremendous responsibility, and for that reason, they are given a gun and badge, he said. However, the public also knows that that responsibility comes with risks, especially if officers come into their positions with implicit biases, according to Curry. He noted that the legal cloak of protection of qualified immunity has always been a problem. In the NAACP national, we have a mantra that we live by that was coined by our former chairman, Roslyn Brock, and that mantra is, Courage will not skip this generation, Curry said. Im proud to stand with you, senator, and others in support of this resolution, and well be here to support that work." Markey pointed out that Congress has never endorsed qualified immunity and that the doctrine completely contravenes federal law." In 1871, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act, allowing individuals to sue public officials, including police officers, who deprived them of their civil rights. However, in the decades since, the Supreme Court has gutted the landmark piece of legislation, according to Markey. As it now exists, qualified immunity effectively immunizes law enforcement officers from civil suit. That is because the Supreme Court has concocted a nearly impossible standard that victims must meet to even have a chance at seeking justice. To prove that their rights have been violated by a public officials, victims must be able to find a previous case in which the courts have deemed the challenged use of force illegal. The case must also be in the same jurisdiction as the prior one, with the same facts, context and conduct, Markey said. Such limitations disincentive victims from bringing forth new cases and lead to judges dismissing such claims, leading to future victims facing the very same burden, the Massachusetts Democrat noted. The doctrine creates an insidious Catch 22," set up to be rigged against people claiming their rights were violated by public officials, Markey said. It is long passed time to dismantle the oppressive use of abusers in law enforcement, the senator said. We cannot allow this judge-made doctrine to perpetuate the violence against communities of color any longer. Related Content: THE daughter of a woman killed in a car crash by a disqualified driver has said she was saddened that her late mother's name was not even mentioned when an application for restoration of a driving licence came before Tullamore District Court. Banagher native Susan Griffith, a 76-year-old mother of seven, grandmother of 16 and great grandmother of one, died in November 2009 when the car she was driving burst into flames after being hit by the vehicle of Patrick Rhattigan. The Rochfortbridge man, aged 22 at the time, was a banned driver when the collision occurred near Tyrrellspass and was subsequently found guilty of dangerous driving causing death by a Circuit Court jury. He received a three-year suspended sentence and several different disqualifications from driving, the longest being 10 years. He had previous convictions and drove without insurance. Mr Rhattigan successfully applied for the restoration of his driving licence in April after the court heard more than half of the 10-year ban had elapsed. The application was opposed by the gardai. While there was reference during the application hearing to an extremely tragic accident, Mrs Griffith was not named and the impact on her and her family was not brought to the attention of the court. One of her daughters, Shirly Griffith, who lives in Melbourne, Australia, said she wished to share her perspective on the licence application. I just wanted my mother to be named and not referred to as 'the victim', said Ms Griffith. My mother would be the first to be forgiving. She wouldn't want any of this. She would let bygones be bygones. She said her mother was an Irish mammy who like most Irish mammies, spent her whole life giving to others. She provided for her family in the best way she could afford and ensured that everyone was warm, had enough to eat and went to school. But above all she gave the example of her own words and deeds; the example of hard work, selflessness, kindness, compassion, respect for others, knowing right from wrong, taking responsibility, helping your neighbours, caring for people, putting others before yourself. She was also a farmer and like most farmers she never took a day off and didnt have much time to give herself. By his actions, she said Mr Rhattigan had taken the very flesh from her bones, most of which were crushed by the ferocity of the impact. In an instant he had taken a mother from her children, had taken any chance of a final farewell kiss on the cheek, had taken the peace of mind of a whole family forever, had taken the laughter and joy. Since her death, additional great grandchildren have been born but for them she will be nothing more than a grainy photo from the ancient past, said her daughter. Originally Susan Bailey from Banagher, Ms Griffith lived in Tyrrellspass from the 1950s where she and her husband Francis Griffith, now 94, raised their family and farmed their whole lives. Francis was a brother of the well known Clara farmer, George Griffith, who died in March at the age of 97. Ms Griffith said her mother is loved and missed every day and her legacy continues. She has nine more great grandchildren whom she never met and one more on the way. The lessons she imparted live on in every decision and action taken by those she left behind. She continues to give long after she is gone. Tullamore District Court heard in April that nearly 11 years after the fatal road crash Mr Rhattigan now has a partner and four children aged between three and 14. The court heard one of the driving bans had been imposed in the District Court and the other had been imposed in the Circuit Court when they could have been dealt with together as they both arose from the same incident. Following her Forbes fiasco, it has now been revealed that Kylie Jenner has lost the incoming CEO of her company Kylie Cosmetics, Christoph Honnefelder, who only joined the company in January this year. FashionNework.com reports that Honnefelder was appointed to the leadership role as the incoming CEO in January of this year, but has now left for 'personal reasons.' Beauty giant Coty - who have a 51% stake in Jenner's makeup company for $600 million - announced yesterday that it was making a number of changes that will 'allow the company to focus on its core prestige and mass beauty businesses.' Shake-up: Following her Forbes fiasco, Kylie Jenner has now lost her incoming CEO of Kylie Cosmetics, Christoph Honnefelder, who only joined the company in January this year. The shake-up comes after shares of Coty plummeted 13 percent last month after Forbes kicked Jenner off it's billionaire's list and accused her of 'inflating the value of her cosmetics business for years.' Forbes published an article based on an examination of financial filings after the beauty mogul sold a majority share in her cosmetics company. Jenner sold a 51 percent stake in her Kylie Cosmetics brand to Coty in January for $600 million in a deal that valued the company at $1.2 billion. Exit: Christoph Honnefelder, who only joined the company in January this year as incoming CEO, has left Kylie's brand for 'personal reasons' But Forbes, which had declared the 22-year-old a billionaire in March 2019, said in an article published on its website that the fine print of the deal reveals that the business is 'significantly smaller and less profitable' than they were led to believe. Jenner was removed from Forbes' Billionaire List on Friday after the outlet claimed she had 'inflated the size and success of her business for years.' It also accused the famous family, of which Kylie is the youngest member, of creating tax returns that were 'likely forged.' Changes ahead: Kylie - pictured above for her company - has denied reports made by Forbes Investors saw Cotys stock close down 13 percent, to $3.63 a share. So far this year the stock has dropped 67 percent. Meanwhile, Jenner's beauty brand will now overseen by Simona Cattaneo, president luxury brands, the statement said. 'As part of this effort, we are building a strong foundation to support our strategic partnership with Kylie Jenner. As noted on today's investor call, Simona Cattaneo, president luxury brands, is overseeing the expansion of the Kylie business for Coty.' 'She assumes these responsibilities from Christoph Honnefelder, who announced to the senior team internally a number of weeks ago that he would not be assuming the role of CEO of Kylie Beauty for personal reasons.' 'Under Simonas leadership we are excited by the opportunities for the Kylie Beauty business, as indicated by the very successful recent launch of Kylie Skin in Europe.' Jenner has previously denied reports by Forbes that she has inflated her business in any way. Earlier this year, Michael Addamo was named as the 2020 winner of the Australian Poker Hall of Fame 'Young Achiever Award'. The Australian won two bracelets in 2018, and followed that up with seven six-figure cashes in 2019 including a third place in the WSOP $50,000 High Roller for $697,375. Addamo recently moved into third place on the Australian all-time money list, behind Hachem and Burns, adding A$1,073,790 ($741,752) to his career cashes after victory in the A$50,000 Challenge at the 220 Aussie Millions. Read the full article by clicking here. Phuket bus services set for weekend relaunch PHUKET: Limited bus services into and out of Phuket will start rolling again from this Friday (June 5), the Phuket transport chief has confirmed. COVID-19healthtourismtransport By The Phuket News Wednesday 3 June 2020, 10:43AM Phuket Bus Terminal will resume bus services this Friday (June 5). Image: Phuket Bus Terminal 2 Bus services to and from Phuket were initially set for relaunch on June 1, but were suspended again on Tuesday last week (May 26). Bus services to all previous destinations will be available from Friday (June 5), Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) Chief Banyat Kantha has now told The Phuket News. We are just waiting to confirm three provinces, Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala, he added. Chop Puttasupa, chief of Phuket Bus Terminal 2, explained that services will be limited on Friday. We expect about 20% of the full regular schedule to begin on Friday. We are still waiting on bus services to be confirmed by bus operators, as they were informed about the reopening only on Monday, Mr Chop said. On Friday two buses will depart Phuket for Ranong, two buses will depart Phuket for Nakhon Sri Thammarat, two buses will depart Phuket for Hat Yai, and one bus will depart Phuket for Samui, Mr Chop confirmed. At this stage, the first buses to Bangkok will depart on Saturday (Jun 6), when three buses will depart Phuket for the capital. There will be more, we are just waiting on the operators to confirm, Mr Chop assured. The full timetable is still being finalised, he noted, adding that he expected the timetable to be finalised tomorrow (June 4). People can confirm any information [about bus services] by calling 076-373193, he said. Phuket transport chief Mr Banyat reminded travellers to plan their journeys to ensure they do not violate the nightly curfew, from 11pm to 3am. All inbound and outbound travellers must register through the Thai Chana [web platform] and PhuketSmartCheck-in app. Those who do not have a smartphone will have to fill out a form instead, Chief Banyat said. The bus terminal staff, all operators and travellers must comply with the new normal health regulations set out by the Ministry of Public Health, Mr Banyat added. State transport company Transport Co, better known by its Thai initials BorKorSor, which oversees all bus services in the country, previously announced that all touch areas on the buses are to be cleaned frequently, and buses are to be cleaned thoroughly and left open for one to two hours while parked in the sun after cleaning. Passengers are to be spaced accordingly with one metre between each traveller, and all staff and passengers travelling on the buses must wear a face mask at all times. All persons are to wear face masks at all times while at the bus terminal. Any persons found with a body temperature above 37.5C will not be allowed to board the bus. While en route, travellers should expect to have their temperatures checked every two hours. Mr Banyat also recommended that people buy their bus tickets online. Buying your ticket at the bus terminal may cause delays and may have to sit and wait for the bus, he said. The coronavirus has shined a well-deserved light on the countless heroes working in the U.S. and across the globe to keep us safe and healthy. In addition to working rapidly to discover treatments and vaccines for the virus, American biopharmaceutical firms are doing all they can to provide support to health care workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. Connecticut is lucky to be home to a number of leading biopharmaceutical manufacturers focused on this critical research and development including Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi (Protein Sciences) and Alexion, among others. We can be proud that Connecticut is playing such a key role in the efforts to fight COVID-19. The states biopharmaceutical companies have committed countless hours to R&D and there are three COVID-19 leading vaccine candidates already in phase one clinical trials. Companies have even joined the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator, an organization working to identify potential treatments for COVID-19, accelerate their development, and prepare for the manufacture of millions of doses for worldwide use. These industry leaders are a tremendous resource to our state and our Danbury community during this novel pandemic. Globally these companies invest hundreds of millions of dollars each year in clinical trials to develop new medicines, and locally, employ hundreds of highly skilled people in the Greater Danbury area. But while research and development often take center stage in the media, they are actively doing their part to assist in our local communities as well. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, companies based in our state have contributed millions in financial grants and in-kind donations for local emergency aid. As personal protective equipment and medical supplies have dwindled, they have helped provide essential items such as protective masks, disinfectants, inhalers and medicines. Companies are also working with local organizations that use financial and medicine donations to organize help for patients in their communities. Additionally, one state-based company has even offered all of their employees up to 10 days of paid leave to volunteer with a wide variety of organizations working to bring COVID-19 relief. Residents of Danbury are directly benefiting from these types of partnerships. As recently reported by local news, Boehringer is working with Food Rescue US, and is utilizing its own cafeteria service provider, Sodexho, to provide 250 meals a day distributed here in Danbury to the citys Emergency Shelter and Housing Authority and to Hillside Food Outreach. Meals will also be spread to other regional towns. As was stated in the news report, this not only helps reach the people in our community who need it most, but also provides continued employment for food service employees to help support their families. Right now, with so many of our residents struggling, this is a very welcomed addition to our collective efforts. These local partnerships are crucial to meeting the challenges of disease outbreaks like the coronavirus. It is reassuring to know that during this frightening time, these vital organizations are working together with us as good neighbors to help those in need. As companies in Greater Danbury and across Connecticut continue to pull out all the stops to provide for our community and increase efforts to find treatments and a vaccine, it is crucial that they have our states ongoing support. P.J. Prunty is president of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce. New Delhi, June 3 : The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the setting up of an 'Empowered Group of Secretaries' (EGoS) and Project Development Cells in ministries and departments to attract investment into India and provide support and facilitation to investors for investing in India. An official statement said that this move is in line with the government's target of achieving a $ 5 trillion economy by 2024-25. Chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, the empowered group would include CEO, Niti Aayog, Secretaries of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Department of Commerce, Department of Revenue, Department of Economic Affairs (Member). Further, the Secretary of the department concerned will be also a member for the respective group. "Government is determined to put in place an investment-friendly ecosystem that strongly supports the domestic investor as well as FDI and will boost the economy manifold. DPIIT proposes strategic implementation of an integrated approach that will eventually bring about synergies between Ministries/Departments and among the Central and state governments in our investment and related incentive policies," it said. The empowered group is likely to bring synergies and ensure timely clearances from different departments and ministries and attract increased investments into India and provide investment support and facilitation to global investors. It will also be tasked to facilitate investments of top investors in a targeted manner and to usher in policy stability and consistency in the overall investment environment. The group will also evaluate investments put forward by the departments on the basis of their project creation and actual investments that come. Further, these departments would be given targets for completion of various stages. Further, a 'Project Development Cell' (PDC) has also been approved for the development of investible projects in coordination between the Centre and state governments and in turn increase FDI inflows. Under the guidance of the Secretary, an officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary of each relevant Central line Ministry, who will be in-charge of the PDC will be tasked to conceptualize, strategize, implement, and disseminate details with respect to investable projects. When police moved in to clear protesters at a Columbus, Ohio, demonstration Monday night, most fled, but three Ohio State University students showed their press passes. After a repeated exchange - with officers telling them it was after the 10 p.m. curfew and time to leave, and students responding that they were members of the news media, exempt from the rule - an officer shoved one of the students, according to Sarah Szilagy, campus editor of the Lantern, a campus newspaper. Then another officer pepper-sprayed them at point-blank range, she said. The spray got in her eye and hit other reporters as they rushed away toward an alley. "We felt it hit us again," said Max Garrison, a third-year student who is assistant campus editor at the Lantern, even as they were holding up their press passes, "while coughing and hacking up pepper spray from our lungs." A Florida policeman has been placed on administrative leave after video emerged of him with a knee on a black man's neck. Officer Martinez from Sarasota police department was filmed kneeling on Patrick Carroll's neck during an arrest on May 18 - just days before George Floyd was killed by an officer doing the same. Genevieve Judge, spokesman for Sarasota police department, confirmed to DailyMail.com that Officer Martinez had been put on administrative leave. She said they were not confirming his first name 'due to officer safety issues'. Helicopter footage from Sarasota authorities shows the moment Patrick Carroll is handcuffed When Carroll resists getting into the police patrol car he is wrestled to the floor by the officers Officer Martinez's knee, circled, is on Carroll's neck. Officer Wicinski restrains his legs Sarasota police say they received footage taken by bystanders on Tuesday. The footage shows a lengthy stand-off between Carroll, 27, a convicted felon who was wanted as a suspect in domestic violence, and the police. Police helicopter footage shows two officers, Martinez and Wicinski, speaking to Carroll from 7:40pm, with Carroll gesturing and the officers seeming to reason with him. At 7:47pm they move to put him in handcuffs. As he is walked towards the patrol car, handcuffed, he begins to resist the two officers, squirming and pushing back. The official police report, written by Martinez, states: 'After being placed in handcuffs, defendant attempted to pull away from officers and refused to get into the rear of the patrol vehicle.' At 7:48pm Officer Martinez grabs him by the neck and pushes him to the ground, while Officer Wicinski restrains his legs. A minute later Officer Martinez has his knee on Carroll's neck and a third officer, Stanaland, joins the two other policemen, standing over them and watching Carroll on the ground. 'Minor force was used to escort subject to the ground and secure him long enough for him to calm down,' Martinez wrote. An unidentified man, who took cellphone video of the arrest, shouts at officers: 'You got your knee on my man's neck, man, on his neck, bro.' Another angle of the scene, with Officer Stanaland standing over Officer Martinez Officer Martinez is seen with his right knee on the neck of Patrick Carroll, wanted for battery A bystander gestures at Officer Martinez, whose knee is on the neck of 27-year-old Carroll At 7:50pm, Officer Martinez removes his knee from Carroll's neck and continues to search him. At 7:51pm Carroll is helped to his feet and put inside the patrol car. The officers, in their report, said they found marijuana and .22 caliber rounds in his backpack, meaning he faces charges of illegal possession of ammunition in addition to domestic violence and resisting arrest. Bernadette DiPino, chief of Sarasota police, had 48 hours earlier condemned the 'knee-to-neck maneuver' used by Minneapolis police on May 25. 'The men and women of the Sarasota Police Department are not trained to use tactics I've seen in the videos in Minneapolis,' she said. 'The actions of the officers in Minneapolis were inexcusable.' Most police departments in the U.S. do not allow neck restraints, said Andrew Scott, an expert witness on the use of force and former police chief of Boca Raton, Florida. He told USA Today the use of the tactic was not often allowed. The Sarasota police department said the chief was unhappy at Officer Martinez's use of the maneuver. 'Chief DiPino was disturbed to see an officer kneeling on the head and neck of an individual in the video,' SPD said in an emailed statement. 'While it appears the officer eventually moves his leg to the individual's back, this tactic is not taught, used or advocated by our agency.' A politician claims she was told to dress differently at a supermarket because of what she was wearing. Lynn Ruane, an Irish politician, tweeted a Lidl Ireland discretely pulled her aside in an aisle and told her to wear a different top when she went shopping for bread on Monday. As if me wearing a swimsuit for a top in the summer is any different to any other little tank top I'd wear, she tweeted. Get a grip. Men walking around in vests showing just as much skin. Ms Ruane later added she had a sarong around her waist and the incident left her embarrassed as she was asked to get changed. Lynn Ruane said she was told she was dressed inappropriately at a supermarket. Source: Twitter/ Lynn Ruane People on Twitter called what happened to the senator ridiculous. Have they nothing better to do? I've seen people shop in much less, one woman tweeted. Another woman called it nuts. How prudish of them, policing women like that. They must be flogging old school nuns' habits in the middle aisle this week, another woman tweeted. In a response to Ms Ruane, Lidl Ireland clarified the comments made to the politician were from a security guard offered by a third party provider. It added the comments made to Ms Ruane are not store policy. And although this incident involved a third-party provider and not a Lidl employee we will be issuing a reminder to all employees via our internal communication channels, it tweeted. Irelands currently experiencing a warm spring. Met Eireann, the Irish National Meteorological Service, forecast temperatures to hit a top of 27C in some parts of the country on Wednesday. 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. Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said the Wolf administration has developed new partnerships to expand testing for the coronavirus in Pennsylvania. In a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Levine said the state Department of Health has reached agreement with Walmart and Quest Diagnostics to expand testing in northcentral and northwestern Pennsylvania. There will be 19 drive-thru testing sites in the northern tier, Levine said. None of the tests will be done inside the Walmart stores or Quest patient centers. The first five sites are slated to open Friday, Levine said. Tests will be available Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Those wishing to get tested will need to sign up a day in advance, Levine said. Patients will need to register through Quests patient portal. "We are removing barriers to testing, including costs, Levine said. In a wide-ranging news conference, Levine also talked about reopening schools, a new scorecard for yellow counties and voting in the fall, among other topics. You can watch it here. June 3 COVID-19 Update Join us as we provide an update on COVID-19 in Pennsylvania. Posted by Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 The state has been working to ramp up its testing capacity. The state reached its testing goals in May with more than 283,000 COVID-19 test results reported, the health department said Wednesday. Schools Levine was asked what schools should do to prove they are safe. She said the health department is collaborating with the state Department of Education, which said schools can reopen on July 1 in yellow and green counties. Levine said masks would be advised for students returning to school. Masks will be suggested for students, Levine said. She said there would be exceptions for students with medical conditions but said masks would be recommended. She also said the state would need to closely track to see if there are spikes in cases as children return to schools. Were going to need to monitor the situations really carefully, Levine said. Levine was asked about the PIAAs desire for more guidance to resume high school sports. She said the governors office would be coming out with more detail in the future. Without being specific, Levine emphasized the need for continued precautions. We have to realize COVID-19 is still here in Pennsylvania, Levine said. Cases Statewide, 73,405 residents have contracted the coronavirus and 5,742 deaths have been tied to COVID-19, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. About two-thirds of the states coronavirus deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Across Pennsylvania, 3,621 coronavirus deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, according to the health department. Earlier Wednesday, the health department said dentists can begin scheduling routine cleanings and appointments. Patients are still to be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. Reopening Pennsylvania Levine said the Wolf administration will unveil a scorecard Friday to show what those in yellow counties need to do to move to the green phase, which is the least restrictive. Gov. Tom Wolf has lifted the stay-at-home order for most of Pennsylvania under his color-coded plan to reopen Pennsylvania: red, yellow and green. The governor said he will lift the stay-at-home order from the remaining 10 red counties, including the Philadelphia area, on Friday. Levine said the Philadelphia region remains on track for a partial reopening on Friday. On Friday, the Pittsburgh area and a host of other counties are slated to enter the green phase, the least restrictive. These 16 counties go green on Friday: Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Clinton, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Indiana, Lycoming, Mercer, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland. By Friday, 34 of the states 67 counties will be in the green phase. Last Friday, Dauphin County and seven other counties entered the yellow phase, which allows more businesses to reopen, with some restrictions. These other counties moved to the yellow phase Friday: Franklin, Huntingdon, Lebanon, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, and Schuylkill. Even in the fall, Levine said its going to be important for Pennsylvanians to continue thorough hand washing and to practice social distancing as much as possible. She said such practices would be needed for the foreseeable future. We do not have anywhere near herd immunity, anywhere in the world, she said. Elections Levine was asked about the Pennsylvania primary and the outlook for the general election in the fall, when turnout should be far higher with voters casting ballots in the presidential contest. The health secretary said its important for voters and poll workers to wear masks. She also stressed the importance of using hand sanitizer and cleaning polling places as much as possible through the day. But with the pandemic, Levine made a pitch for voters to cast ballots by mail to limit exposure to the virus. "By far the safest way is to vote by mail, Levine said. More from PennLive When will Pa. colleges and K-12 schools reopen? State provides dates, orders them to have safety plans Round Two in Pa.'s 10th: Does Eugene DePasquales lead hold, or does Tom Brier pull off a mail-in miracle? Seven Pa. incumbent lawmakers may be at risk of losing their Senate or House seats Dr. Anthony Fauci believes US could have a couple of hundred million coronavirus vaccines by early 2021 Penn State Health loosens visiting policy, although strong COVID-19 restrictions remain Solar power systems with double-sided (bifacial) solar panels--which collect sunlight from two sides instead of one--and single-axis tracking technology that tilts the panels so they can follow the sun are the most cost effective to date, researchers report June 3rd in the journal Joule. They determined that this combination of technologies produces almost 35% more energy, on average, than immobile single-panel photovoltaic systems, while reducing the cost of electricity by an average of 16%. "The results are stable, even when accounting for changes in the weather conditions and in the costs from the solar panels and the other components of the photovoltaic system, over a fairly wide range," says first author Carlos Rodriguez-Gallegos, a research fellow at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, sponsored by the National University of Singapore. "This means that investing in bifacial and tracking systems should be a safe bet for the foreseeable future." Research efforts tend to focus on further boosting energy output from solar power systems by improving solar cell efficiency, but the energy yield per panel can also be increased in other ways. Double-sided solar panels, for example, produce more energy per unit area than their standard counterparts and can function in similar locations, including rooftops. This style of solar panel, as well as tracking technology that allows each panel to capture more light by tilting in line with the sun throughout the day, could significantly improve the energy yield of solar cells even without further advancements in the capabilities of the cells themselves. However, the combined contributions of these recent technologies have not been fully explored. To identify the global economic advantages associated with the use of a variety of paired photovoltaic technologies, Rodriguez-Gallegos and colleagues first used data from NASA's Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) to measure the total radiation that reaches the ground each day. The researchers further tailored this data to account for the influence of the sun's position on the amount of radiation a solar panel can receive based on its orientation, and then calculated the average net cost of generating electricity through a photovoltaic system throughout its lifetime. They focused on large photovoltaic farms composed of thousands of modules rather than smaller photovoltaic systems, which generally include higher associated costs per module. The team validated their model using measured values from experimental setups provided by three institutes and incorporated additional weather parameters to perform a worldwide analysis. The model suggests that double-sided solar panels combined with single-axis tracking technology is most cost effective almost anywhere on the planet, although dual-axis trackers--which follow the sun's path even more accurately but are more expensive than single-axis trackers--are a more favorable substitute in latitudes near the poles. But despite this technology's clear benefits, Rodriguez-Gallegos does not expect this style of photovoltaic system to become the new standard overnight. "The photovoltaics market is traditionally conservative," he says. "More and more evidence points toward bifacial and tracking technology to be reliable, and we see more and more of it adopted in the field. Still, transitions take time, and time will have to show whether the advantages we see are attractive enough for installers to make the switch." While this work considers standard silicon-based solar cells, Rodriguez-Gallegos and colleagues next plan to analyze the potential of tracking systems combined with pricey, top-of-the-line solar materials with higher efficiencies (called tandem technologies), which are currently limited to heavy-duty concentrator photovoltaics and space applications. "As long as research continues to take place, the manufacturing costs of these materials are expected to keep on decreasing, and a point in time might be reached when they become economically competitive and you might see them on your roof," says Rodriguez-Gallegos. "We then aim to be a step ahead of this potential future so that our research can be used as a guide for scientists, manufacturers, installers, and investors." ### This work was primarily supported by the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore. Joule, Rodriguez-Gallegos et al.: "Global Techno-Economic Performance of Bifacial and Tracking Photovoltaic Systems" https://www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S2542-4351(20)30188-4 Joule (@Joule_CP), published monthly by Cell Press, is a home for outstanding and insightful research, analysis, and ideas addressing the need for more sustainable energy. Joule spans all scales of energy research, from fundamental laboratory research into energy conversion and storage up to impactful analysis at the global level. Visit: http://www.cell.com/joule. To receive Cell Press media alerts, contact press@cell.com. OTTAWA, Ontario, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As healthcare providers continue to fight to prevent the spread of infection of COVID-19, a key challenge being faced is the ability to navigate and manage changing regulatory and occupational safety issues with paper-based screening processes. Preventing outbreaks is top of mind for organizations like The Royal Ottawa and The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre. "With the introduction of this new screening solution, staff are empowered to closely monitor their personal health in support of our concerted efforts to stop community spread of this virus," says Akos Hoffer, CEO, The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre. "By streamlining the screening process, staff have more time to focus on the provision of outstanding care for our community of more than 650 seniors." Macadamian HealthCheck enables organizations to collect employee responses to symptoms and exposure risk surveys with a mobile app prior to entering a facility or worksite. "In this unprecedented time The Royal's culture of innovation and collaboration has allowed us to adapt and provide the care our community needs in the safest way possible," says Joanne Bezzubetz, President and CEO of The Royal. "The implementation of an innovative digital screening solution allows our screening to remain highly effective while improving efficiency and, most importantly, keeping our environment safe for our clients and staff." Leveraging Macadamian's HealthConnect application development platform as a service and UX design services, the team at Macadamian collaborated with the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Center and The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre to deliver an occupational health and safety screening solution that staff can complete in less than 15 seconds while capturing data for reporting and analytics. These implementations build on the recent deployment of a similar solution developed in partnership with Bruyere Continuing Care last month. "Now, more than ever, as restrictions start to ease, it's important to protect the vulnerable in our communities. Macadamian is proud to be able to deliver a solution that is quick to implement and that can be customized to reflect evolving regulatory requirements," said Fred Boulanger, CEO of Macadamian. As governments look to open and restart the economy, the COVID-19 staff screening solution will go a long way in assisting healthcare service providers, long-term care centers, and businesses in preventing the spread of the disease. About Macadamian We design and develop digital and connected experiences to improve healthcare. Macadamian is a full-service software design and development consulting firm that provides a complete range of product strategy, user experience design and research, and software engineering services. Media Contact: Vani Edwardson, Vice President of Marketing Email [email protected] | Phone +1-819-772-0300 ext 287 About The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre As a vibrant seniors' village, the Perley Rideau is one of Ontario's largest and most innovative long-term care homes. The village includes 450 long-term care and short-stay beds, 139 independent-living apartments and a growing number of clinical, therapeutic and recreational services. The Perley Rideau has earned a reputation for providing top-quality care, as recognized by Accreditation Canada's Exemplary Status and as a Best Practice Spotlight Organization of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. The Perley Rideau's facilities, expertise, programs and population make it the ideal host for the first Centre of Excellence in Frailty- Informed Care. Media Contact: Jay Innes, Director of Communications Email: [email protected] | Phone 613-526-7170, ext. 2207; C: 613-608-3497 About The Royal The Royal is one of Canada's foremost mental health care, teaching and research hospitals. Our mandate is simple: to help more people living with mental illness and addiction into recovery faster. We combine our specialized mental health care, advocacy, research, and education to transform the lives of people living with complex and treatment-resistant mental illness. Media Contact: Karen Monaghan, Director of Communications Email: [email protected] | Phone: (613) 722-6521 ext 6449 Photo(s): https://www.prlog.org/12824552 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE Macadamian Technologies During a global conference that was addressed for Yemen on June 2, the son of a minister who was representing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made an appearance that drew laughs from high-level speakers. The conference, which was co-hosted by the UN and Saudi Arabia, aimed at donating $2.4 billion to Yemen amid what the UN has called the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, donations fell short of the target, with donors promising $1.35 billion for aid agencies. This video shows UAE minister Reem Al-Hashimi telling her son to go over there when he suddenly appears in the video and leans on her shoulder. She can be seen extending one arm to keep him out of the frame. On Twitter, UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Anwar Gargash expressed his admiration for the moment. Great moment with my colleague HE Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, at the Yemen Donors Conference, he said. Proud of the success of Emirati women in whatever they choose to do. Credit: United Nations via Storyful GRAND RAPIDS, MI One of the suspects accused of rioting allegedly lit a mannequin on fire and put it inside a patrol car to set it on fire. He was still wearing some of the same clothing he wore the night of the riot when he was later arrested, Grand Rapids police said. Another suspect was captured in photos and on video jumping on a Wyoming police car, climbing inside then ramming a stop sign through the windshield Kent County prosecutors on Wednesday, June 3, filed charges against five additional suspects, including a 15-year-old whose case is being handled in the juvenile system. The Saturday, May 30, riot began after a peaceful march in downtown Grand Rapids to protest police brutality after the May 25 killing of George Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis. A fired police officer, Derek Chavin, 44, kept his knee on Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes. So far, Grand Rapids police have obtained felony charges against seven in the riot. Police have so much photo and video evidence that a portal set up to receive evidence from the public has been shut down after 20,000 submissions. Ronald Raymond, 38, who is homeless, and John Dupree, 23, of Kentwood, were arraigned Wednesday in Grand Rapids District Court on charges of rioting, a 10-year felony, and malicious destruction of fire or police property, a four-year felony. Raymond is also charged with attempted third-degree arson for allegedly putting the burning mannequin into the police car. He was seen in photos and video as he damaged a police car, Grand Rapids police Detective Matt DeJong said in an arrest affidavit. When arrested, Defendant was still wearing some of the clothing he wore on the night of the riot and he admitted his involvement in damaging the police cruiser and attempted to start one of them on fire, DeJong wrote. Dupree was also seen in photos and video damaging a patrol car, using a stop signs to smash through the windshield, police said. His face was not covered and he was identified through several sources, the investigator said. He has admitted his involvement in the riot and damaging the police cruisers. He also admitted breaking windows in the downtown area that had already been broken by others, DeJong wrote. A 26-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman who both live near downtown Grand Rapids await their initial court appearances. She allegedly damaged Sundance Grill and Bar on Ottawa Avenue NW. She too was seen in photos and videos, including when she allegedly used what appears to be a black pipe to break windows. Surveillance video showed her destroy a cash register, steal liquor, then return a short time later to inflict more damage, DeJong wrote. The man damaged a patrol car with a portable stop sign, police said. Defendant was wearing distinctive clothing while committing these crimes and has been identified by witnesses who saw him that night wearing those clothes, DeJong wrote. The rioting resulted in damage to 100 businesses. Five Wyoming police cars and two Grand Rapids police cars were torched. The investigation continues with further arrests expected. Two others were arrested earlier. Alexandria Lyons, 22, of Grand Rapids, is charged with inciting a riot, punishable by up to 10 years in prison upon conviction, and malicious destruction of property, a five-year felony. She did a Facebook Live video while taking part in the riot, police said in court records. Adrian Keech Baker, 18, of Gobles, was charged with rioting, larceny in a building and malicious destruction of property. Police witnessed Baker twice strike the front-glass window at Biggby Coffee, causing it to shatter, police said in court records. Read more: Young woman incited riot on her own Facebook Live video, police say Businesses grapple with reopening following Grand Rapids riot Grand Rapids police chief kneels, chants with protesters The Government has been urged to scrap its 'confusing array' of lockdown phases, steps and alert levels to deal with the coronavirus today. Tony Blair's think tank has recommended that it be replaced by a 'simple' alert system that would help ease the current 'public anxiety' about the pandemic and the Government's handling of it. It says the current system seems different measurements 'overlap with one another substantially, are poorly defined and assessed in opaque ways'. They include a five-tiered Covid-19 alert level system, three steps for easing lockdown measures, three recovery phases and five tests for adjusting the severity of restrictions. In a report released today the Institute for Global Change says they should be rationalised to allay public fears and allow the economy to safely and strongly restart. The report said: 'Uncertainty is a major cause of public anxiety, while Government may not have all the answers it could make it easier for the public to understand where it does. Current measures include include a five-tiered Covid-19 alert level system (above), three steps for easing lockdown measures, three recovery phases and five tests for adjusting the severity of restrictions (top) Tony Blair's think tank has recommended that it be replaced by a 'simple' alert system that would help ease the current 'public anxiety' about the pandemic and the Government's handling of it 'With a simpler framework, businesses and individuals will at least know when and why we may see further easing or the future return of restrictions, and be able to trust that the Government's decisions are based on a consistent and objective assessment of risks.' The report recommended the easing of restrictions be based on the prevalence of the virus - measured by the total number of daily new infections - and the rate of transmission - measured by the R value. It also said the Government should provide a detailed risk assessment for different jobs and activities to help people manage risk. And the report suggested the strategy for containment should be clarified and based on 'meaningful outcome targets' - such as the proportion of new cases contacted by tracing operations. The report recommended the easing of restrictions be based on the prevalence of the virus - measured by the total number of daily new infections - and the rate of transmission - measured by the R value An executive summary to the report said the Government had 'courted controversy by pressing ahead with easing lockdown measures at a time when the number of daily new cases appears to be well above that for comparable countries when they took similar steps'. And it warned that 'any attempt to restart the economy will falter if people lack confidence that there is a clear strategy to keep them safe'. 'To date the Government's approach has been lacking, and as a result public confidence in its handling of the crisis was ebbing away at a rate not seen anywhere else in Europe even before the Cummings controversy broke,' said the summary. 'In recent days it is likely to have fallen further. This is far more than just a political problem. On the one hand polling suggests that many people may now be less likely to follow the Government's guidelines, which risks a second wave of infections. 'On the other, it seems as though a growing number of people lack confidence in the Government's plan and may consequently be even more reluctant to go back to work, spend money in shops or send their children to school. 'The dynamic of a loss of confidence fuelling distrust was on display in the recent controversy over the timing of reopening schools. 'The economic consequences of the confidence deficit could be severe, with jobs and businesses unnecessarily lost either to fear, or further restrictions imposed to quell a resurgence of the virus, borne of strategic mismanagement. 'But it is not too late to turn things around with a strategy reset. This should consist of overhauling the current plans to rebuild trust in three key areas: monitoring community-level risks, assessing individual-level risks, and controlling the virus.' Technavio has been monitoring the veterinary rapid tests market and it is poised to grow by USD 228.69 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 7% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005818/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Veterinary Rapid Tests Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Request for Technavio's latest reports on directly and indirectly impacted markets. Market estimates include pre- and post-COVID-19 impact on the Veterinary Rapid Tests Market Download free sample report The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. BioNote Inc., Biopanda Reagents Ltd., Fassisi, Society for Veterinary Diagnostics and Environmental Analysis mbH, Heska Corp., IDEXX Laboratories Inc., MEGACOR Diagnostik GmbH, SWISSAVANS AG, Virbac SA, Woodley Equipment Co. Ltd., and Zoetis Inc. are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. View market snapshot before purchasing The increasing prevalence of zoonotic diseases has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. However, the low awareness about animal health in developing and underdeveloped countries might hamper market growth. Technavio's custom research reports offer detailed insights on the impact of COVID-19 at an industry level, a regional level, and subsequent supply chain operations. This customized report will also help clients keep up with new product launches in direct indirect COVID-19 related markets, upcoming vaccines and pipeline analysis, and significant developments in vendor operations and government regulations. https://www.technavio.com/report/global-veterinary-rapid-tests-market-industry-analysis Veterinary Rapid Tests Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Veterinary Rapid Tests Market is segmented as below: Type Companion Animals Livestock Geography Asia Europe MEA North America ROW To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR40178 Veterinary Rapid Tests Market 2020-2024: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our veterinary rapid tests market report covers the following areas: Veterinary Rapid Tests Market Size Veterinary Rapid Tests Market Trends Veterinary Rapid Tests Market Industry Analysis This study identifies the rising adoption of companion animals as one of the prime reasons driving the veterinary rapid tests market growth during the next few years. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Veterinary Rapid Tests Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist veterinary rapid tests market growth during the next five years Estimation of the veterinary rapid tests market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the veterinary rapid tests market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of veterinary rapid tests market vendors Table of Contents: PART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORT 2.1 Preface 2.2 Preface 2.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ PART 03: MARKET LANDSCAPE Market ecosystem Market characteristics Value chain analysis Market segmentation analysis PART 04: MARKET SIZING Market definition Market sizing 2019 Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market outlook PART 05: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition PART 06: CUSTOMER LANDSCAPE PART 07: GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Asia Market size and forecast 2019-2024 ROW Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity PART 08: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY ANIMAL TYPE Market segmentation by animal type Comparison by animal type Companion animals Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Livestock Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by animal type PART 09: DECISION FRAMEWORK PART 10: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES Market drivers Market challenges PART 11: MARKET TRENDS Growing presence of veterinary clinics and hospitals Increasing funding for and investments in veterinary health Growing adoption of companion animals PART 12: VENDOR LANDSCAPE Overview Landscape disruption Competitive scenario PART 13: VENDOR ANALYSIS Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors BioNote Inc. Biopanda Reagents Ltd. Fassisi, Society for Veterinary Diagnostics and Environmental Analysis mbH Heska Corp. IDEXX Laboratories Inc. MEGACOR Diagnostik GmbH SWISSAVANS AG Virbac SA Woodley Equipment Co. Ltd. Zoetis Inc. PART 14: APPENDIX Research methodology List of abbreviations Definition of market positioning of vendors PART 15: EXPLORE TECHNAVIO About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005818/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ Union Public Service Commission, or UPSC, on Wednesday, released the scores of the non-recommended willing candidates, who appeared in the final stage of the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2018 on its official website. Candidates can check their scores online at upsc.gov.in. The results of the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2018 were declared vide Press Note dated 02.08.2019 recommending 416 candidates against 466 vacancies. Further on the receipt of requisition from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Commission has released a list of 50 candidates from Consolidated Reserve List on 08.05.2020 to fill up the remaining posts based on the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2018, reads the official notification. Since the Reserve List of Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2018 has been released, the scores (out of 600) and other details of non recommended 789 candidates, who have appeared in the P.T./Interview and opted for disclosure of their details under this Disclosure Scheme, is annexed herewith, further reads the notice. Click here to check the list of non-recommended candidates who have opted to share the marks information on the commissions website. Instagram went dark on Tuesday to observe, morn and protest the death of George Floyd, an unarmed man who was killed while in police custody. Millions of users are sharing a black image with the hashtag 'BlackOutTuesday' in solidarity, but some are tagging the post with #BlackLivesMatter and although well-intended, activists say it is not helping the cause. The black images are overloading the Black Lives Matter feed on the site, blocking other posts that provide 'helpful information, resources, documentation of the injustice.' Instagram has addressed concerns on Twitter with a post stating; 'You can choose to edit your post caption to remove the #blacklivesmatter hashtag and your post will no longer be shown on the hashtag page.' Scroll down for video Millions of users are sharing a black image with the hashtag 'blackouttuesday' in solidarity, but some are tagging the post with #BlackLiveMatter and although well-intended, activists say is not helping the cause Mental health advocate and Black Lives Matter activist Kenidra Woods posted on Twitter: 'It has come to my attention that many allies are using #BlackLivesMatter hashtag w black image on insta.' 'We know that's it no intent to harm but to be frank, this essentially does harm the message.' 'We use [this] hashtag to keep ppl updated. PLS stop using the hashtag for black images.' Woods included a video with the tweet of the Black Lives Matter feed on Instagram, showing most of the images were the black squares. Mental health advocate and Black Lives Matter activist Kenidra Woods posted on Twitter: 'It has come to my attention that many allies are using #BlackLivesMatter hashtag w black image on insta.' 'We know that's it no intent to harm but to be frank, this essentially does harm the message' When an image is posted with a hashtag it is automatically to a searchable feed, which people find using that same hashtag. The social media site took to Twitter to address concerns about the Black Lives Matter Feed being overrun by black images 'When you check the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag, it's no longer videos, helpful information, resources, documentation of the injustice, it's rows of black screens,' music artist Kehlani explained on her Instagram story. When an image is posted with a hashtag it is automatically to a searchable feed, which people find using that same hashtag. The social media site took to Twitter to address concerns about the Black Lives Matter Feed being overrun by black images. 'We're hearing asks from the community that posts related to Blackout Tuesday use the hashtag #blackouttuesday, and not #blacklivesmatter,' Instagram shared in a tweet. The #BlackLivesMatter hashtag aggregates important information and resources for the community.' The firm also noted that when #BlackLivesMatter is removed, it may take up to 10 minutes for the post to be deleted firm the feed. Blackout Tuesday was started by music executives Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang, who hoped the music community would pause all business operations on June 2 'in observance of the long-standing racism and inequality that exists from the boardroom to the boulevard.' The trend has been met with criticism, as many users have flocked to Twitter to share frustrations that this is the first time many people have shared anything about the Black Lives Matter movement Some also addressed there there are more than 26 million posts in #BlackOutTueday, yet on 11 million people have signed the petition that calls for justice for George Floyd Just like many movements, it made its way to other businesses, news sources and social media platforms. The idea of the black posts is a user taking a vow to refrain from posting anything on the site that is not related to the cause. The trend has been met with criticism, as many users have flocked to Twitter to share frustrations that this is the first time many people have shared anything about the Black Lives Matter movement. Some also addressed there there are more than 26 million posts in #BlackOutTuesday, yet only 11 million people have signed the petition that calls for justice for George Floyd. Floyd was killed on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota when Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck until he lost consciousness autopsies have since deemed the death a homicide. Egypts prosecutor-general has referred a doctor and a father of three to criminal court for performing female genital mutilation (FGM) on the mans three daughters. According to a statement by the prosecutor-generals office, the divorced father of the three girls, all of whom are under the age of 18, agreed with a doctor to conduct the FGM procedure without first informing the girls or their mother. The statement said that the man deceived the three girls and his wife by claiming that the doctor would vaccinate them against coronavirus, but instead forcefully put them through the illegal FGM operation. The forensic authority confirmed that they had undergone the operation. The prosecutor-generals office also took the statements of the girls mother and their aunt as witnesses. FGM has been criminalised in Egypt since 2008. A 2016 amendment mandates sentences of between five and seven years in prison for those involved in the procedure if it results in the death or disability of the victim. The first conviction for performing FGM in Egypt was in January 2015, seven years after the practice was first criminalised in 2008. According to the 2014 Egyptian Demographic Health Survey, 92.3 percent of ever-married women aged 15-49 have undergone FGM. Four-fifths of such operations are carried out by medical professionals, according to the survey. According to a health ministry in 2018, the rate of FGM among teenage girls aged 15 to 17 fell from 74 percent in 2008 to 61 percent in 2014. Search Keywords: Short link: GARDAI have arrested two men in relation to the shooting of Christy Keane in Limerick in 2015. Keane of St Mary's Park, was shot on the campus of University of Limerick as he made his way to the UL gym. At around 6.35am, on June 29, 2015 Keane was shot by two masked men as he parked his car in the grounds of the University of Limerick. He was rushed by ambulance from the UL campus to University Hospital Limerick where his condition was critical for a time. This Tuesday gardai from the Henry Street District, with the assistance of local gardai and the Armed Support Unit from Limerick and the North Western Region, carried out an arrest operation in Donegal and arrested a man in his 40s. At the same time, a second operation was carried out in Limerick city and a man in his 30s was also arrested. The two men were brought to Henry Street garda station and are due to appear before a sitting of the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, Criminal Courts of Justice today at 3pm. Every young person will be given a shot at an apprenticeship, Boris Johnson revealed yesterday. The Prime Minister announced he intends to keep making major interventions to support the economy as the recession starts to bite. He is targeting the younger generation for fear they could spend years out of work. I am afraid tragically there will be many, many job losses, said Mr Johnson. That is just inevitable because of the effect of this virus on the economy and because of the shutdown that has taken place. Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged that every young person will be given a shot at an apprenticeship yesterday as a means of boosting the economy as the country begins to leave the coronavirus lockdown. Pictured: Speaking in Prime Minister Questions yesterday In dealing with that fall-out from coronavirus, we will be as activist and as interventionist as we have been throughout. There is no other country in the world that has done as much, or few others that have done as much, as the UK in terms of putting our arms around workers with the furlough scheme, looking after companies that have run into difficulties, helping in any way that we can. We will be just as interventionist in the next phase, investing in the UK economy, investing in infrastructure, taking our country forward so that we bounce back as sharply and as decisively as we can. Mr Johnson said it was vital to target state help by age: For young people in particular for whom the risk is I think highest of losing jobs and then being out of work for a long time it is vital that we guarantee apprenticeships. The former Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond called for a temporary cut to VAT, saying taxes should be lowered rather than raised in the short term. Pictured: Speaking at the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' meeting in Chantilly, near Paris, on July 17, 2019 Mr Hammonds predecessor, George Osborne, warned that in the longer term there would have to be a return to austerity The Prime Minister also said the environment would be at the centre of his plans for the economy, adding: I want to see a lot more going into green technology, green batteries, green motor vehicles, low carbon motor vehicles of all kinds. His remarks came after Philip Hammond called for a temporary cut to VAT, saying taxes should be lowered rather than raised in the short term. Appearing before the Commons Treasury committee, the Tory former chancellor said: I dont think theres any economic logic in increasing taxes in the short term. 'I think we all accept that the UK, as a creditworthy, mature, very large economy, can carry more debt in the context of the short term. 'There may be a need for some short-term fiscal stimulus to the economy and that could be delivered through tax cuts that could be a VAT cut. But Mr Hammonds predecessor, George Osborne, warned that in the longer term there would have to be a return to austerity. He said: You dont have to call it austerity, you dont have to tell the public youre doing it; you could try and get away with it as a government and pretend youre not doing it. 'But the truth is youre going to have to. Parliament is going to have to make judgments about levels of tax, levels of spending. I raised VAT ... because we had to take big steps to repair the public finances. Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks at the daily coronavirus press conference at Number 10 Downing Street yesterday You can talk as much as you like about taxing billionaires, taxing tech companies and all those things and it all adds up and helps. 'But the big money raises are your income taxes, your national insurances, your VATs those big central taxes that government relies on. So to say you know were just going to get the billionaires to pay for it is a cop-out. Mr Johnson performed a U-turn yesterday to allow MPs who are over 70 or have health conditions to take part in Commons votes by proxy. Apocalyptic predictions from the Bank and England and others show the UK is on track for the worst downturn since the Great Frost swept Europe in 1709 He defended the chaotic scenes in Parliament that have seen MPs forced to join a queue more than half a mile long to take part in socially-distanced votes. He said remote voting would now be put in place for those who cannot attend Parliament because they are shielding or elderly. Business Secretary Alok Sharma went into isolation last night with suspected coronavirus. He looked unwell as he addressed the Commons yesterday afternoon. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. To set the reality in which Antifa plans to prosecute the Democrats promised revolution, it needs to attack all the pillars of society. Throughout the country, they burned post offices, police precincts, banks, gas stations. city halls, and courts -- they hit the CNN Center, and now churches. Barack Obama started the fundamental transformation of the United States of America. Yet, this is not Obamas Antifa. A failure as president, he did manage to accomplish one important prerequisite for this rebellion. He instilled in the left the understanding that change must be forced upon an unwilling electorate. With this insight, Antifa has transitioned from pajama-boy blobs of perpetually offended miscreants, mostly drawn from misanthropes who were picked last in high school, into a trained guerilla force with cool uniforms. Fascists like cool uniforms. Antifa, the paramilitary arm of the Democratic Party, has spent the last three years recruiting, and organizing. They have mobilized and learned tactics. They have a plan and are working hard to cover all the bases. Starting slow, they probed to find what government would allow, media would trumpet, and the public would endure. When they burned the 3rd Precinct in Minneapolis, they knew they could get away with anything. And, as we have seen, they can adapt. This was evident Monday night in New York City. Instead of massing together in one place to confront police, they executed lightning-fast blitzkrieg attacks in small groups. Hitting commercial properties, they ripped down plywood and broke windows. They didnt loot or dilly dally, they moved quickly to the next target before police could respond. This hit and run tactic is perfect for their organization because spreading the destruction over larger areas negates the numerical advantage of police and national guard. They will surely take this nationwide -- it is what guerillas do. Why Now? With efforts by Obama administration emeriti and media minions to depose President Trump having collapsed in ignominy, and the thinly confected impeachment attempt going down in flames, Democrats knew they needed to rethink and regroup. The advent of COVID and the ensuing lockdowns gave them the perfect opportunity to kill the crown jewel of Trumps presidency, the booming economy. Democrat governors would prolong the lockdowns through November 3, 2020. Yet, with Republican-run states successfully ditching the lockdowns to no apparent penalty, that plan is crumbling. Time for Plan B Democrats needed an excuse and the murder of George Floyd was perfect. It was time for them to unleash Antifa. Antifa started with Democrat-run cities, of course, where the political leadership provided them a modicum of protection against identification and arrest. Minneapolis was the test case. Then, Atlanta, New York City, Seattle, Portland, LA, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, among others, became flashpoints of unrest. The media and the Democrats portrayed the riots as a groundswell of support for not only those protesting Floyds murder, but also for their vision of hope and change. They bemoaned the violence, destruction, and anarchy, but reminded Americans that this was what democracy looked like, and the people have spoken. Even as the rioting became more violent and the destruction more prevalent, media figures stood in front of cameras insisting the protests were mostly peaceful, while buildings burned and riots raged behind them. To explain the dichotomy, Democrats and talking heads pulled from their bag of tricks the time-honored fascist big lie. It was right wing extremists who were causing all the violence and damage. People, however, know the riots they have seen every night for days have been fomented by Antifa in a deliberate plan to instigate a revolution. They do this with the full support of Democrats in control of the cities and states where their arson, looting, and terror have been most effective. A truncheon across the occiput followed by a Molotov cocktail is compelling as a means of terrorizing business owners and a recalcitrant populace who believe that this is still a free country where they have the right to defend themselves and their property. Rioting, looting, violence, and arson can only be effective when Democrat governors and mayors force their police to stand down under the ruse of allowing protesters to blow off steam. Had the police enforced zero tolerance, Antifa, lacking in numbers, would have folded. But when police are not free to police, it is as if there are no police. It only takes only one uniformed white-boy, black-clad Antifa with his backpack, communications equipment, and expensive gas mask to break the window of a Target, or CVS. The consequent looting then appears organic. It takes only one Antifa, trained in crowd agitation techniques, to incite a riot. Some believe, it is fun to break shit, run wild attacking cars, and bludgeoning the innocent. Targeted arson doesnt take a team. In an atmosphere of chaos, it takes one man with the right equipment, training, and a list of high-value targets. Democrats have a plan, Antifa is working the plan. After all, Antifa did not train themselves, and the choices of what to burn were not happenstance. This was organized and supported by the left. Media can micturate down our lower extremities and preach the expurgating power of precipitation all they like, Americans know what this is. This is an attempt by the Democrats and Antifa to overthrow the status quo and force a new world upon Americans. This is the revolution the Democrats couldnt win legitimately at the ballot box, or steal in the 2016 Presidential Election, or force upon America through the coup they have been prosecuting these last 3 years. Trump, Our Last Best Hope Almost alone, but with burgeoning support, Trump sees what is happening. His law and order speech on Monday night was perfect. Law and order always sells because people want to protect their families and property, and live in a world where they dont have to fear rioters or government. Trump walking across grass where people rioted the evening before to St. Johns Episcopal Church, a target of Antifa arsonists, was a signal to Americans that we will prevail because he is with us. Earlier in the day on a conference call, he told the nations governors they were weak, and that they must take back the streets. We are watching outright rebellion and revolution and we must not let them win. Trump promised he would stop this, with the National Guard and with the rest of our armed forces, if need be. With the Democrats and media supporting Antifa, Trump really is our last hope. Please Tweet this article and follow the author on Twitter @williamlgensert By Park Yoon-bae The alleged misappropriation of donations for the surviving victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery is at the center of a scandal involving an activist-turned-lawmaker. If it proves to be true, she must be subject to stern punishment. Yet, Rep. Yoon Mee-hyang of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has denied all the allegations raised by Lee Yong-soo, 92, one of the victims. She has also snubbed a call to give up her National Assembly seat she won under the proportional representation system in the April 15 general election. Yoon and Lee are locked in a tense game of truth or dare. Their estrangement is disturbing to many people who can hardly figure out who is on the side of truth. Lee, however, is dauntless in accusing Yoon of mobilizing the slavery victims to raise donations. She claimed Yoon spent little on helping the victims and their families. She even said Yoon has betrayed those forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military before and during World War II. Regardless of whether such allegations are true or not, Yoon deserves public criticism because she raised funds for the victims and diverted them into her personal bank accounts. She should have used the accounts of her advocacy group the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan. So it is not strange to hold her accountable for a lack of transparency in managing the donated funds. No one is better aware of the importance of transparency in operating civic groups than Yoon, who since 1992 had staged a campaign along with the victims to call for Japan's official apology and legal compensation for its wartime crimes against humanity. It is regrettable that Yoon and Lee have now become estranged, ending their three-decade-long collaboration and partnership in protecting the rights of the victims and raising awareness about Japan's wartime mobilization of "comfort women" for its troops. Now the prosecution should do the job of shedding light on the simmering scandal. Prosecutors must conduct a fair and thorough investigation into the case. If she is found to have committed any wrongdoing, Yoon should take moral and legal responsibility. Yet, she needs to think over why she faces the misappropriation allegations, including the diversion of the council's funds to foot the bill for her daughter studying in the U.S. and buying homes for her family. Yoon should also come clean about other allegations regarding the purchase of a house to build a shelter for aging slavery victims in Anseong, south of Seoul, in 2013. She and the council were found to have bought the house at a price much higher than its market value and then sold it far below the market price. No one can rule out the possibility of Yoon having manipulated the house prices to embezzle the council's funds. So prosecutors should focus on uncovering the truth behind the dubious transaction. Now Yoon should feel ashamed of facing such allegations. No one can overemphasize the importance of the moral high ground in running a civic group. If she had applied stricter ethical standards to herself and the council, she could have avoided any allegations of wrongdoing. In this sense, her case should serve as an occasion to overhaul the operation of the council and other civic groups. We have to admit that many NGOs are still run in opaque ways without using transparent bookkeeping methods. A more fundamental problem is that the council has to a large extent neglected reflecting opinions of the slavery victims. The group had invited criticism for blocking the victims from receiving "consolation" money from Japan twice, claiming the money was not legal compensation. But some of the victims actually got the money from the Asian Women's Fund which was set up by the Japanese government with donations from the Japanese people in 1995 offering "atonement money" to former comfort women in South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and the Netherlands. In 2016, some victims also accepted money from a similar type of a fund donated by the Japanese government in accordance with a 2015 deal with the then-Park Geun-hye administration to resolve the sex slavery issue. As Lee claimed, the council unilaterally prevented the victims from taking the money, without listening carefully to their voices. From now on, the group should make sincere efforts to reflect their opinions to heal their wounds. In other words, it must put the victims at the center of its civic movement. It remains to be seen whether the council can regain the moral high ground, and restore public trust and credibility in its noble cause of advocating for the slavery victims and furthering women's rights. The writer (byb@koreatimes.co.kr) is the chief editorial writer of The Korea Times. Following a report submitted to the United Nations that says that there are 6,500 Pakistanis among other foreign terrorist fighters in Afghanistan, India said it vindicates the country's long-standing position that Pakistan remains an epicentre of international terrorism. Those Pakistani terrorists are allied to groups like the Taliban, Al-Qaida, and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K). A report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which was submitted to the UN Security Council (UNSC), says among those groups posing a security threat, Afghan officials highlighted Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, Jaish-i-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba groups on which the Team has written in previous reports. READ | UN Report Claims 6,500 Pakistanis Among Foreign Terrorists In Afghanistan India's response India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, "We note with serious concern presence of senior leadership of UN-designated terrorist organisation Al Qaida and its affiliates in Afghanistan; as well as a large number of foreign terrorist fighters, including up to 6,500 Pakistani nationals, operating in Afghanistan. This vindicates Indias long-standing position that Pak remains an epicentre of international terrorism. That proscribed terrorist entities and individuals continue to enjoy safe havens and recruit, train, arm, finance, and operate with impunity from Pakistan with state support." The MEA further said that UN-designated entities like Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-i-Mohammed operating from Pakistan controlled territories are facilitating trafficking and imparting training to other terrorists in Afghanistan READ | 'It Was A Clean Operation': IGP Kashmir On Gun Battle Which Killed 2 Terrorists In J&K What UN report says "The presence of these groups is centred in the eastern provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar and Nuristan, where they operate under the umbrella of the Afghan Taliban," says the UN report. TTP, JeM and LeT are all designated terror groups in India and the latter two have been involved in cross-border attacks on civilians as well as military targets. (PTI Photo) READ | Pakistan Governor Calls Covid Lockdowns 'fashion Symbols', After Falling Prey To Infection READ | J&K: Jaish Module Busted By Security Forces; 3 Pak Terrorists Killed China has made slight retreat at Galwan Valley, one of the flashpoint leading to standoff with India, in Ladakh region on Wednesday, sources said. In a bid to resolve the issue, the China's People's Liberation Army moved back two kilometres and Indian Army has moved back by one kilometre. However, at another flashpoint Pangong Tso (lake), troops from both sides are stationed and are camping over there. This would be the main focus of the meeting on June 6 between top military officers of India and China. The general officer commanding of Leh-based 14 Corps, Lt. Gen. Harinder Singh, is set to represent India at the talks. Sources said that the Chinese are camping permanently at Finger 4 that has been under Indian control. "This needs to be resolved on urgent note," said a top Indian Army officer. Further, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General YK Joshi has reached Ladakh to review the ground situation and he is going to remain till Thursday. In addition to it on Tuesday, India and China military representatives carried out talks to resolve the ongoing face off in Eastern Ladakh. Division Commander Level Meeting was held between the Major General rank officers of the two sides on Tuesday afternoon to resolve the issue but in the end it remained "inconclusive". Another round of talks between Indian and ChineseAmilitary leaders will be held on June 6. Indian Army Chief MM Naravane is confident enough that the stand-off would be resolved at military level talks, sources said. Indian Army and China's PLA held several meetings to resolve the face off. However, no breakthrough has taken place. In the meantime, China has sent a large number of troops to the Line of Actual Control as reinforcement. Seeing so, Indian Army has also deployed forces accordingly. There four places where there is an eye ball to eye ball situation since May 5 at Line of Actual Control. Both sides have deployed over 1,000 troops in eyeball to eyeball situation at all four places. Indian Army is keeping close watch in the Pangong Tso (lake) sector of Eastern Ladakh and the Galwan Valley region where theAChineseAhave enhanced deployment. Other than Pangong Tso that is extremely sensitive the other places that are volatile in wake of the recent escalation are Trig Heights, Demchok and Chumar in Ladakh which forms western sector of the India-China frontier. The trigger for the face-off wasAChina'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. India and China have expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved trough bilateral talks and both the countries are working upon it. However, sources said, that the current standoff in Ladakh is not the usual patrolling faceoff but part of the new combative strategy that was rolled out by China after Doklam. In 2017, there was a 73-day stand-off between Indian and China. The standoff was at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction Doklam. China's road construction in Bhutanese territory was seen as an attempt to change the status quo by India and finally the road work had to be stopped. H-E-B is no longer requiring customers to wear face masks to enter its grocery stores, a company spokeswoman said Tuesday. Many thousands of shoppers pass through the stores every day H-E-B controlled nearly half of the San Antonio market last year. Most have grown accustomed to the masked strangers they have to skirt to get to the milk and eggs. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still urges people to wear face covers in public spaces to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Related: H-E-B further reduces purchasing limits on meat across Texas The San Antonio grocery chain said it, too, strongly encourages customers to wear the masks but wont deny entry to someone who isnt wearing one. All H-E-B employees and vendors will continue to wear masks. Max & Louie's New York Diner The change in store policy came after Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order in April preventing local governments from imposing fines on people who dont wear masks in public places where its hard to maintain a 6-foot distance from others. After that executive order, many of the cities and counties continued to keep their mask ordinances for several weeks, and in those cities, we adhered to the rules of the local government, H-E-B spokeswoman Dya Campos said. But Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff late last month renewed the Stay Home, Work Safe emergency orders through June 4. In that order, residents were strongly encouraged to wear masks as well as maintain social distancing. Previously, the emergency order made mask-wearing mandatory in public. Related: San Antonio H-E-B employee tests positive for COVID-19 When San Antonio renewed the declaration and moved to a strongly encouraged language, we moved along with San Antonio at that point, Campos said. We follow the laws in the municipalities we operate in, and their rules changed. Many shoppers, however, appeared unaware of the softened policy language, and assumed face masks still were required to shop at H-E-B. Of shoppers who choose not to wear a mask, Campos said: We prefer they use a face covering, but we are not prohibiting entry to stores. Masks and face coverings are a proven way to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, Campos said. We want our customers wearing face coverings. It helps to protect our partners and their fellow neighbors while shopping. The grocery giant complied with San Antonios initial order requiring face masks. Each store had employees posted at the front doors to restrict entry to anyone without a mask. H-E-B H-E-B reigns supreme in San Antonio, where the chain in 2019 commanded more than 48 percent of the grocery market in the city, according to research firm Metro Market Studies. Walmart, in second place, took up 30 percent of the market last year. H-E-B holds the top market share among grocery stores in 11 Texas cities, located primarily in the southern part of the state. In total, the company operates just under 350 stores with annual sales of $28 billion, the business intelligence firm Winsight Grocery Business reports. Face masks have sparked controversy amid the pandemic, with some people arguing that local officials dont have the authority to require residents to wear masks. Public health officials in San Antonio and across the U.S. have near-universally encouraged the use of face masks or cloth facial coverings to help prevent people from spreading the virus. Nirenberg said it was H-E-Bs decision to make regarding mask-wearing, but said San Antonians still should follow social distancing guidelines. It's a business decision masks are not required but we encourage them. And we encourage physical distancing, he said. diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net Virgin Media presenter Lucy Kennedy has said working from home has made her realise that she "worked too hard" in the past and is now enjoying spending quality time with her children. Due to the current public health restrictions, Lucy is working from the comfort of her dining room table. Her kids sometimes pop in to make an appearance on her Radio Nova breakfast show, but she doesn't mind and is instead embracing the chaos. I'm doing brekkie radio in the morning and then I'm kind of homeschooling, cooking, cleaning, wiping bottoms in the afternoon. Its just really weird, but I am adjusting, she told Independent.ie. What I have noticed is that I kind of realised that maybe I worked too hard. In the past, I literally at one point was hosting Ireland's Got Talent, and Livin' with Lucy, and being on the radio show all pretty much after giving birth. Now I'm able to kind of step back and go right, what actually matters? Before there was Irelands Got Talent, Radio Nova and Livin with Lucy, the broadcaster worked as a runner, a researcher, and a production assistant. This is where Lucy says she learned all the tricks of her trade before she eventually got her big TV break in 2006, co-hosting the Podge and Rodge show. I did a course in television and then I went straight out. My first job was a runner on the Weakest Link, that's when I bought Eamon Dunphy a foot spa, and I'd pretty much go from job to job as a freelancer. Then I became a researcher, then I was a production assistant and I worked my way up. "I was kind of working for a couple of months and then on the dole, working for a couple of months, then on the dole. And after a while, it did get to me. I was watching all my pals drive off in their company cars and their phones that there I was panicking about did I have enough petrol." But at the same time, I learned my trade so having worked behind the scenes, I know what the cameraman wants, I know what the lightning person wants because I respect everyone's job because I was that person. Livin' with Lucy, a show that follows her as she moves in with different celebrities, quickly became a hit with Irish audiences when it first aired in 2008. When asked if she has become pals with any stars she met through the show, she rambles off a list of A-list ex roommates she texts every now and then, but said she has at times had to switch her phone onto airplane mode because 'The Only Way is Essex' star, Gemma Collins began texting her during the early hours of the morning. Video of the Day "We kind of stayed in touch for a while, but then she would text me at crazy hours, telling me that she was connecting to the moon and that her fortune teller wanted to talk to me. I thought, Ah here, good luck to ya. For a while, I had to put my phone on flight mode. "She really is a total diva, but so lovable and such fun that she just gets away with it." Although Lucy has lived with an array of famous faces from Ireland and the UK, she is most excited to talk about what it is like to live with husband Richard Governey and their three children, Holly, Jack and Jess, while in lockdown. She said she and Richard are a perfect match because he is everything Im not. He's actually very easy to live with but obviously I'd never say it to his face, she jokes, he's calm, gentle, very funny but he's kind of quiet. Without being too Enid Blyton about it, hes my best friend, and if I was to go through this with anyone it would be him." Livin with Lucy was due to return to TV screens in September, but production could now be delayed due to the coronavirus restrictions. We just have to wait and see what the craic is with the ol' Covid-19 regulations is because obviously if Im living with somebody I would like to kind of get close to them. Its just a case of when do we film, and how do we do it, she said The show is one of three television projects the presenter has had to put on hold, including two new shows that are still in the pipeline. She can't reveal too much about her newest projects yet, but said: "It's all unfortunately on pause because there was an audience involved, so thats not a runner now, or at but I would like to think it would still go ahead, at least for the near future. In the meantime, Lucy has partnered with Danone Ireland for their Simply What Matters campaign. She said she often opts for the yogurts as she likes to make "quick and wise' choices when at the supermarket. She previously said her incredible figure is down to having to care and ride her nine horses. And Summer Monteys-Fullam looked tanned and toned as she took her beloved Chihuahua, Cookie, for a walk in the Kent countryside. The stunning redhead, 25, showed off her signature sense of style in a neon pink bandeau crop top, which highlighted her washboard abs and cleavage. Walkies! Summer Monteys-Fullam looked tanned and toned as she took her beloved Chihuahua Cookie for a walk in the Kent countryside Summer dressed for the scorching temperatures as she teamed the look with high waisted denim shorts and embellished sandals. The ex of Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood wore her ginger locks in a high ponytail and accessorised the outfit with a pair of black Celine sunglasses. Summer appeared to be making the most of the U.K's heatwave as she strolled through the country, with Cookie by her side. Out and about: The stunning redhead, 25, showed off her signature sense of style in a neon pink bandeau crop top Busty display: The tiny crop top highlighted her washboard abs and cleavage Turning up the heat: Summer dressed for the scorching temperatures as she teamed the look with high waisted denim shorts Designer garb: The ex of Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood wore her ginger locks in a high ponytail and accessorised the outfit with a pair of black Celine sunglasses Summer appeared in high spirits as she took a phone call before heading into a river with her pooch to cool off. The equestrian lover giggled as she watched Cookie paddle about in the water, encouraging the tiny pooch to swim. Summer has been staying at her family home during lockdown after moving back in following her break-up with Paul last year. Soaking up the sun: Summer appeared to be making the most of the U.K's heatwave as she strolled through the country, with Cookie by her side Making a splash: The equestrian lover giggled as she watched Cookie paddle about in the water, encouraging the tiny pooch to swim Nervous: Cookie appeared a little apprehensive as Summer waded through the river During lockdown the redhead focused on caring for her horses, which helped cure her heartache after her bitter split with Paul, 54. Last month, Summer welcomed two foals; Rainbow and Storm. Both Summer and her mother Sabina have been littering their Instagram with updates on their latest additions during their daily visits. Family first: Summer has been staying at her family home during lockdown after moving back in when she broke up with Paul last year Sun-kissed: Summer had certainly caught the sun as she showed off her bronzed tan Stunning: The red-headed beauty accentuated her sun-kissed glow with a polished make-up look Last month, Summer made a thinly-veiled dig at her Bake Off judge ex after it was reported he has already moved his new lover into the house they shared in Kent. Summer took to Instagram stories to share a snap of the view, which she accompanied with the track Savage by Megan Thee Stallion. The lyrics appeared to be quite pointed: 'B***h, that's my trash, you the maid, so you bagged him, ah I'm a savage (yeah), Classy, bougie, ratchet (yeah); Sassy, moody, nasty (hey, hey, yeah)! Keeping active: Summer previously said her incredible figure is down to having to care and ride her nine horses Enjoying the sunshine: The Kent beauty appeared thoroughly relaxed during her dog walk Her main man: Cookie sported a cute bow collar for the dog walk 'Acting stupid, what's happening? B***h (whoa, whoa) What's happening? B***h (whoa, whoa). I'm a savage, yeah! Classy, bougie, ratchet, yeah!' The post comes after friends of Paul's revealed his new girlfriend - pub landlady Melissa Spalding, 36 - is self-isolating with him in his 1 million farmhouse, just eight months after splitting from Summer. Taking a dip: Summer took a moment to cool off in the water before heading back home At one with nature: The horse lover appeared to thoroughly enjoy some alone time on her dog walk Talented equestrian: Summer has embraced single life and has used the time to focus on her main passion, her horses Just keep swimming: She gazed down at Cookie as the pooch paddled to the other side of the river Friends say she immediately accepted his invitation to relocate from the nearby Chequers pub in the village of Smarden where she lived, amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Paul bought the Grade II-listed house last year for him and Summer to live in. A friend told The Mail on Sunday: 'Paul and Melissa got together soon after his split from Summer and they are really happy together. Actually its looking like this one could very well last for Paul.' Turning heads: Summer teased a hint of cleavage as she encourage Cookie to have a swim Exciting: Both Summer and her mother Sabina have been littering their Instagram with updates on their latest additions during their daily visits Paul became close to twice-engaged Melissa after spending time in her pub when he split from Summer in August. The two women are understood to have previously been friends, but they no longer speak. Summer moved out of the 18th Century farmhouse amid claims Paul asked her to sign a non-disclosure agreement and back into her family home. The next chapter: Summer moved out of Paul's 18th Century farmhouse amid claims he asked her to sign a non-disclosure agreement and back into her family home Dunwoody DUNWOODY, Ga. Located just north of Atlanta, Dunwoody is a town of swim teams and summer camps, carpools and cul-de-sacs. Trees are everywhere here, and so are minivans. Dunwoody is a comfortable little community far removed from the ongoing protests in Atlanta which is why it was beyond surprising to see the citys major thoroughfare lined with well over 500 Black Lives Matter protesters on Tuesday afternoon. For a community whose civic centerpiece is a shopping mall, that qualifies as a serious statement. The protests have come to the suburbs. Granted, this is an infinitesimal sample size, given that protests are happening all over the world and in every state in the union. But Dunwoody is a primarily white, upscale community; at the most recent census, its population was 70 percent white, with a median family income of over $100,000. The area voted for President Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton by more than a 10 percent margin in 2016. So the fact that a large protest took place here, much less went off with virtually no backlash, speaks volumes about the strength of the movement now enveloping America. The protest stretched for more than five blocks along Ashford-Dunwoody Road, a wide, active thoroughfare that runs past upscale shops and valet-parking restaurants. A few miles further north, in Roswell, a similar protest also went off without incident. Law enforcement officials at the scene, who declined to give their names because they were not authorized to speak publicly, praised the demonstrators for their peaceful gathering and their equally peaceful dispersal. The Dunwoody protest ran through the hottest part of one of the hottest days of the year so far the mercury nearly touched 90 and Lydia Wells, the protests organizer, played the role of camp counselor, trying to make sure everyone stayed hydrated and kept in line. Stay on the sidewalk! Wells called out. We dont want you to get arrested. And wear your masks! Story continues Wells, who founded a nonprofit called Gods Eyes Initiative, dedicated to aiding the homeless, organized the protest in consultation with the Dunwoody police. We are aware of a planned peaceful protest in the Perimeter Mall area today. The DPD absolutely supports and encourages peaceful assemblies. We encourage protestors to stay on the sidewalk and to respect the rights of businesses and property owners. pic.twitter.com/aCNjwP88Bt Dunwoody Police (@DunwoodyPolice) June 2, 2020 I wanted to show that we could have a protest the right way, one thats peaceful, one where we could be good role models for our children, said Wells, who sported a black shirt that read QUEEN across the back. Im proud of what weve been able to do here so far. As it turned out, there were no provocations or aggressive actions, either from the protestors or the police. Aside from a couple cars whose occupants shouted obscenities and raised middle fingers as they drove by multiple protesters said there were, at most, two in the hours theyd been standing the traffic beside the protest was a steady stream of supportive honks and fist-pumps. SEC tailgates are more confrontational than the Dunwoody Black Lives Matter demonstration. The Dunwoody protest went off smoothly. (Yahoo) There were water bottles, and fruit snacks, and stacks of Papa Johns pizza. The entire feel was that of a high school homecoming parade, an exuberant sense of community which is not to say it wasnt serious. Were some of the protesters there just so they could post properly hashtagged selfies on Instagram before swinging through a Chick-Fil-A drive-thru? Sure, probably. But the overwhelming mood at the protest was community, not glory-seeking or confrontation. If youre not peaceful, we dont need you here, one organizer shouted. You are not going to ruin it for us! Almost every protester had taken the time to create a hand-drawn sign. Some had challenges (Why is my black skin a weapon to you?), some stuck with the straightforward BLACK LIVES MATTER, some listed the names of people who had died in police custody. Chants of No Justice! No Peace! and Hands Up! Dont Shoot! wound up and down the line, and protesters of all races joined in. When youve got white high school students in an affluent community in 2020 chanting two of social justices most memorable, galvanizing phrases, you know were entering a new chapter in our history. And yes, the presence of so many white faces perhaps even as many as half of the protesters joining up with the protest effort is significant. Multiple people interviewed for this story acknowledged how important it was to reach across the racial divide even within protest efforts themselves. We need to see [white people] out here, said Tanaesja Milligan, an occupational therapist from nearby Marietta. We want them to add their voice, their privilege to what were doing. We cant assume theyre not on our side, added Natasha McKend, a nurse from Marietta. We cant be complacent, said one woman, a longtime Dunwoody resident, who declined to give her name. White people like me need to stand side by side with people of color. What can we draw from small, peaceful protests in a week where so many larger ones have turned violent? By themselves, not much. But they demonstrated that when the focus of a protest is on communication, when the destructive elements arent present, when the police response is respectful rather than confrontational ... bridges start getting built. Its not much and one or two bad actors could tear it all apart in 24 hours but its a start. As the protest began to wind down toward its scheduled ending, organizers admonished demonstrators to clean up around themselves. Protesters rolled up their posters and began making their way back to their cars. One organizer tried to catch the newly motivated protesters as they left, seeking to keep them informed and engaged. Take a picture of our contact information, she said, holding up a card. We need to get your email addresses so we can let you know about the next one. Natasha McKend and Tanaesja Milligan joined the protest and brought water and snacks. (Yahoo) _____ Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo. Follow him on Twitter at @jaybusbee or contact him with tips and story ideas at jay.busbee@yahoo.com. BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military will increase the proportion of university graduates in its 2020 recruitment. The move is to send more high-quality personnel to the army, according to a document jointly issued by the Ministry of Education and the department of defense mobilization under the Central Military Commission. The document ordered smoother channels for university students to enlist amid the COVID-19 epidemic. "In military recruitment, priority should be given to those who have worked on the front line battling the coronavirus and their children, especially college graduates," it said. Starting from 2021, the scale of a special postgraduate enrollment program for retired college soldiers will be expanded from 5,000 to 8,000, the document said. Measures will be rolled out to facilitate the employment of retired college soldiers. For example, a special job-hunting section for retired college soldiers will be launched on the "24365" platform, an official online recruitment platform for university graduates, the document noted. China has changed its military recruitment from once a year to twice a year, starting from 2020. This year's military recruitment runs until Aug. 15. New research on two corvid species, Siberian jays (Perisoreus infaustus) and New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides), shows that extended family life is crucial to provide the social learning opportunities where juveniles acquire vital skills; the study authors propose that extended parenting could well have led to the extended, lifelong learning found in humans. Extended childhood is a key life history trait that impacts on human cognition, giving humans a period of cognitive flexibility to explore more options during learning. However, extended developmental periods evolved not only in humans and other primates, but also in bats, cetaceans, elephants and several bird families. But does an extended childhood make other species smart too, and if so, what is the role of parenting? To answer these questions, Dr. Michael Griesser from the University of Konstanz and Sun Yat-sen University and his colleagues focused on corvids, because these large-brained birds show convergent cognitive abilities that rival apes in many domains, such as in tool manufacture, planning and insight. The researchers observed two corvid species, Siberian jays and New Caledonian crows, in the wild to understand how young birds learning is related to parenting received during adolescence and survival in adulthood. In Sweden, the authors carried out field experiments to test the ability of young Siberian jays to learn crucial life skills: recognizing a dangerous predator and opening a puzzle box to access food. Siberian jays are sedentary birds that occur throughout the northern Palearctic. Their social system has two unique facets that provide insights into the benefits of family living: (i) they dont breed cooperatively (i.e. only parents incubate and feed young); (ii) their groups consist of a breeding pair, retained offspring and/or unrelated non-breeders; retained offspring can remain up to an age of 4 years with their parents, which is well beyond the mean lifespan of 2.2 years. In the study, young Siberian jays that stayed with their parents longer benefitted from being with their parents. They learned faster by watching their parents and received more food from their parents. As a consequence, they were more likely to live longer and to start their own family. New Caledonian crows are endemic to the South Pacific island of New Caledonia, where they live in family groups with extended dependency periods: offspring can be fed by their parents for up to 2 years. At a site on this tropical island, the scientists followed New Caledonian crows to track how juveniles learn a key survival skill: making tools for food retrieval. It takes about a year to learn this skill a costly time investment for the parents who still have to feed the young. Parents and other adults are extremely tolerant to young crows. While adults are using a tool to get food, they feed the juveniles, let them watch closely, and even tolerate tool theft and physical contact by juveniles. As a result of this tolerant learning environment, New Caledonian crows have the largest brain size for their body size of all corvids. Extended parenting has profound consequences for learning and intelligence, Dr. Griesser said. Learning opportunities arise from the interplay between extended childhood and extended parenting. The safe haven provided by extended parenting is critical for learning opportunities. It creates extended developmental periods that feed back into the extended childhood. In addition to benefiting young learners, extended parenting helps pay for the costs of an extended childhood, the researchers said. Having to feed extra mouths is costly, but when there is enough food available in the environment, parents can afford to keep on feeding the young for longer. With a safe haven, young birds have the time to grow a larger brain, learn difficult skills, and access vital food resources. These acquired skills lead to better survival, and possibly also allow the species to expand into new environments. The team also used phylogenetic comparative methods to analyze the differences between corvids and all other passerines. Both humans and corvids spend their youth learning vital skills, surrounded by tolerant adults which support their long learning process, said first author Dr. Natalie Uomini, a researcher in the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History. Moreover, corvids and humans have the ability for lifelong learning a flexible kind of intelligence which allows individuals to adapt to changing environments throughout their lifetime. In the light of this study, the importance of parenting comes into even greater focus. Parents have a vital role in helping young brains grow smarter, the scientists said. Children, like young birds, cannot learn skills in isolation. Instead they need a nurturing, supportive environment that allows the full potential of their large brains to develop. The research is published in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. _____ Natalie Uomini et al. 2020. Extended parenting and the evolution of cognition. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 375 (1803): 20190495; doi: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0495 Conditions attached to stage two of the state's COVID-19 roadmap continue to frustrate Queensland pubs and hotels, despite restrictions easing almost two weeks earlier than planned. From noon on Monday, cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs were allowed to host up to 20 people, and from noon on Friday, June 5, large venues will be able to host up to 20 customers in each area of their building. Restrictions have begun to ease for Brisbane venues. Credit:Must Do Brisbane Stage two of Queensland's roadmap to easing restrictions had been scheduled to come into effect at 11.59pm on June 12, but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk brought it forward on Sunday. Rob Comiskey, director of the Comiskey Group which owns the Eatons Hill Hotel, Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, Beachmere Hotel, and the Samford Valley Hotel said stage two had brought "a whole other level of issues" for his businesses. EDWARDSVILLE As a landlord, Lewis Simpson understands that many people have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic and may have trouble paying their rent. But Simpson believes that some tenants those that can afford to pay rent are taking advantage of the situation, especially after Gov. J.B. Pritzker extended a temporary ban on evictions as Illinois entered Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan. There has been a big push, which started out of Seattle, that people basically want free rent, said Simpson, who has rental properties in Granite City. In Illinois, there was a push to have rent forgiveness until this COVID thing is over. Ive got tenants that are out of work and Im more willing to work with them. Im retired now, but Ive been laid off when I was working. But (rental properties) are my 401k and getting rent from people is how I pay for my retirement. We have a problem with people who have never been unemployed through this. They are essential workers and they are getting stimulus money and theyre not paying a dime. We cant evict them because the governor has imposed an eviction ban. Simpson feels that Pritzkers policies address the concerns of low-income tenants and other people that have lost their jobs, while not recognizing the economic issues that the pandemic has created for landlords. From what I understand, the governors power in a situation like this extends for 30 days, and those 30 days are up, said Simpson, who is a member of the Metro East Real Estate Investment Association (MEREIA). On Friday, he arbitrarily extended the eviction ban until the end of June. I contacted the county treasurer (Chris Slusser) and he said there is going to be no forgiveness for us (landlords) for real estate taxes or insurance. Not only do I not have money coming in (from people who refuse to pay their rent), Ive got to dip into my little retirement fund and pay these bills because these people arent paying rent. Slusser explained that the county is not allowed to do any kind of tax forgiveness or discounting but added that some new legislation should help landlords such as Simpson. About 10 days ago, the county board passed a resolution allowing for a grace period for the first installment (of real estate taxes), Slusser said. The bills will go out at the end of this week and are still going to show a July 9 due date, but as long as that first installment is paid by Sept. 9, there will not be any penalties assessed. Slusser describes Pritzkers temporary ban on evictions as well-intentioned but poorly thought out and poorly executed. I can see if they halted evictions on people that had legitimate financial hardships due to COVID-19, but for people who have not been laid off, there is absolutely no excuse for them to not pay their rent, Slusser said. A lot of these landlords might own 30 properties and thats their only source of income, and some of them have told me that they are facing bankruptcy. If landlords are not able to pay their mortgages, the banks are going to suffer as well. Simpson originally had two tenants that had not paid their rent, but one of them moved out. The other tenant, however, owes Simpson about $2,500 in rent. For some people, thats not a lot of money, but for me, it is, Simpson said. When I asked this tenant to pay their rent, they said Stop harassing me and then they refused to return phone calls. According to the law, I served them a five-day notice to pay or quit back in March, and then the governor put the eviction ban in. Ive had no rent for April, no rent for May and no rent for June. The governor has issued a statement saying that tenants are going to be responsible for their rent, but if you dont make a certain amount of money, theres nothing we can do about it. Simpson stressed that his problems with tenants are not an isolated case. Its not just me. There are other people out there who are having issues with people who are not paying their rent because they dont feel they have to, Simpson said. Another landlord that has experienced similar issues is Julia Uhring, who is the secretary of the board of directors for MEREIA. I have one tenant that is avoiding me, Uhring said. I left her numerous messages and I know she got them because I left a note across the keyhole on her door. She has not done anything to communicate with me. She owes me a portion of the rent for April plus all of May and she hasnt paid for June. Every time I go by there, she has gone to work, or she is not at home. I left her a note and told her I was going to go into her house and gave a 48-hour notice. When Uhring entered the tenants house, she found some boxes packed up, but there was still a bed and a window was broken. I dont know if she is even living there, Uhring said. I complained to her about the grass not being cut because it was about 12 inches high, and she did cut the grass. Like Simpson, Uhring is retired and invested in rental properties to supplement her retirement income. She also feels that the state has failed to recognize the financial concerns of landlords during the pandemic. There are no consequences (for people refusing to pay rent) and were not getting any compensation (from the state), Uhring said. This is basically our business. I was a stay-at-home mom for 25 years and I dont have much money for retirement. We still have air conditioners failing and roofs that need to be repaired, and we still have to fix those things. Whether people pay the rent or not, they still expect us to come out and fix it. A bill backed by progressive Democrats in the Illinois House that proposed canceling rent and mortgage payments statewide for 180 days failed to advance. A final version of the bill, which reduced the moratorium on rent and mortgage payments to 60 days and dropped a freeze on rents, also stalled in the four-day emergency session that ended on May 23. The legislature did, however, increase the amount of money available from the state to tenants and landlords in a relief fund by nearly 90%. Landlords, who have been unable to pay their mortgages, and tenants, who have been unable to pay rent, can apply for a portion of the $396 million fund, set to be administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority. Applicants must earn less than 50% of their areas median income and prove they suffered economic hardship caused by the pandemic. The agency has 30 days to get the program up and running. Up to this point, though, financial assistance for landlords has been difficult to obtain. Initially when (the pandemic) started, the federal government was offering $10,000 to help us get through, so I applied for that and I never heard anything back, Uhring said. The last I heard the payment was down to $1,000 because so many people had applied for it. Ive never seen a penny of it and that was two months ago. Simpson hopes that a solution is on the way. This situation cant continue, Simpson said. We already had one housing crisis in Illinois back in 2015, and if this situation keeps up, the governor could have another housing crisis. If he wants to pay peoples rent, why doesnt he use the real estate taxes that we are paying? Low-income housing or affordable housing is disappearing because of the laws coming out of Springfield and Chicago. They want affordable housing, but they are hammering us with these laws. Then we have people who arent paying their rent, not because theyre not able to, but because they wont. For people that cant pay their rent, Slusser isnt sure that the eviction ban will provide the long-term help that is needed. The governor is saying that people are going to get three months reprieve for rent and hes giving them a year to get caught up, Slusser said. But a lot of these folks live paycheck to paycheck and if theyre paying for three months, theres no way theyre going to get caught up in one year. More than 500 killed by wild animals in Bengal since 2015, govt to give jobs to their kin Kerala govt orders probe into pregnant elephant death; Centre seeks report India pti-PTI Kochi, June 03: Taking a serious note on the death of a pregnant wild elephant in Keralas Silent Valley Forest, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday sought a complete report and assured stern action will be taken against the culprit. The elephant fell victim to an act of human cruelty after a pineapple filled with powerful crackers offered allegedly by locals exploded in her mouth when she chomped on it. When contacted, the Minister told PTI: "We have sought a complete report on the incident. Stern action will be taken against the culprits." Cyclone Nisarga uproots trees, damages cars and buildings in Maharashtra| Oneindia News Sketches to angry posts: How Twitter mourned elephant that ate cracker-stuffed pineapple in Kerala Meanwhile, the Kerala government said a wildlife crime investigation team will probe the brutal killing of a pregnant wild elephant last month in a forest area in Palakkad district even as the Centre took a serious note of it and sought a report from the state. As the incident triggered an outrage, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said a preliminary investigation has been launched into the death of the elephant in Mannarkad Forest division in Palakkad district and the police directed to take stringent action against those responsible for the act. A wildlife crime investigation team from Kozhikode has been dispatched to the place of the incident for further investigation, he told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram. The elephant died at Velliyar River on May 27. The post- mortem revealed that the pachyderm was pregnant. Her jaw was broken and she was unable to eat after she chewed the pineapple and it exploded in her mouth. This special presentation from MariMed Inc. is from Benzingas June 1 Virtual Cannabis Capital Conference. Click here for more coverage of this event, with presentations from some of the top CEOs, investors and lenders in the cannabis space. As many in cannabis know, 2019 was a humbling time for the industry. The struggle to raise capital, grow to other states and be seen as essential by institutions was discouraging. But many in the space continued to believe in the industrys potential and are reaping the rewards. Javier Hasse, managing director of Benzinga Cannabis, spoke with MariMed Inc (OTC: MRMD) President and CEO Robert Fireman about the business, innovation and wellness. MariMed is a pharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts. The company specializes in designing, development, funding and optimization of medical cannabis cultivation. The company is a fully integrated operator in six states, Fireman said. Refocusing MariMed's Business When asked why the company has stayed in six states, Fireman reflected on the last year. All the crazy deals that were going on from Boston to California and all the prices that were being floated when capital was much easier to find have now humbled us all, he said. The company has refocused its business by refocusing its core assets, with plans to finish its consolidation strategy. My father used to say, put the blinkers on, develop your own assets, grow your own business, expand within your space and your revenue and your earnings will be reflected in your stock at some point in time, the CEO said. Its Not All About The Money The cannabis industry needs to delve further into innovation and science, said Fireman. MariMed has established a scientific board of advisors and is talking to universities about testing and trials, figuring out how to make cannabis more mainstream and more routine in peoples lives, he said. Story continues In the CEO's view, quality and consistency are of utmost importance to the consumer, so they know the product they're consuming will give them the relief they need. Its not all about money. Our company has had a focus on wellness and working with people that were in the streets fighting for legalization. And I think at the end of the day, we should talk about what cannabis can do to help improve the wellness of peoples lives. Click here to learn more about Benzingas Virtual Events. See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Euromonitor International is the world's leading independent provider of strategic and tactical market research. We create data and analysis on thousands of products and services around the world. Beshear says that as deaths nationwide have hit over 105,000, several studies have shown that the quick action by his administration, and the sacrifices of Kentuckians, have benefited the state. He spoke about the various measures his team has taken in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus, including declaring a state of emergency, and the Healthy at Home initiative. According to Beshear, studies that have been performed by the CDC, the University of Louisville, and the University of Kentucky have shown that his early actions saved the lives of thousands of Kentuckians. Due to the efforts, Kentucky has been nationally recognized among a few other states that are meeting the White House and CDC guidance for reopening the economy. Beshear says cases are on a downward trend in the Commonwealth, and because of this the hospitals are able to handle the patient load, and Kentucky's COVID-19 testing program is making waves. Although he says Kentuckians should be proud of where we're at, he reminded everyone that the road ahead remains challenging and requires resilience. Out of the new cases, five are in Christian, two in McCracken, and one in Calloway and Fulton counties. There are currently 488 Kentuckians hospitalized with the virus, with 68 of those in the ICU. As of Wednesday, 3,283 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus. A total of 258,767 tests have been administered. There are eight new deaths related to the virus, bringing the total number of deaths to 450. Odion Ighalo has vowed to take Manchester United higher and higher after signing up for another six months. The Nigerians loan from Shanghai Shenhu has been extended until January 2021 after his original agreement was set to end last weekend. Ighalo scored four goals in eight games after joining the Red Devils at the start of the year. But he was set to return to China before the resumption of the Premier League later this month. However, United have agreed to pay 10million to keep Ighalo at the club for a while longer. And the forward says hes ready to help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bring the good times back to Old Trafford. He said: Im really happy. Its a dream for me to be here. Im buzzing and ready to go. Since the first day I arrived, I made it clear that I wanted whatever it takes to continue that work. Like Ive said, since I was young, Ive been supporting this club and playing for it is a dream. Now Ive extended my loan, it makes it even more clear and Im committed as I know, in my head, Im here until January. I just want to work hard and enjoy it, support the team and do whatever I can to make us go higher and higher. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Dupree Prentice has never been much for activism. But the image of George Floyd, a black man suffocated to death by a white police officer on a Minneapolis street corner last week, stirred something in him. Floyd, who was 46, bears an uncanny resemblance to the father of Prentice's younger brother, Jayden, he said. A nine-minute video depicts Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck after arresting Floyd on suspicion of trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Floyd pleads with Chauvin and three other officers, telling them he can't breathe, before dying. Two autopsies ruled the cause of death as homicide. "I still, to this day, have not watched the video and never will," Prentice said. "The picture explained enough for me. I'm not going to do that to myself. I've seen it too many times before; I've seen too many videos." As protests began to spread across the country, Prentice said he decided last Friday, when he returned home from his job at a call center tired and ready to hunker down for the night, to turn that inner rage into energy. "A bunch of my friends were texting me that they were going downtown to just let their voices be heard," he said. "I was tired, but something in me made me get up. I could not just sit in the house and not do anything. "It's been like that every night," the 26-year-old added. "There's nothing that's going to stop me from going out." While the protest started peacefully Friday, Prentice said tensions were high among those who gathered at the state Capitol and eventually began marching eastward. Eventually, in the early morning hours Saturday, that tension broke. A white pickup truck struck two black women taking part in the protest, igniting a riot at the EZ-Go gas station near 26th and O streets. Prentice, who was there, said the anger protesters are feeling is understandable, even justified, but that he did not agree with the violence and destruction. Nor did he agree with the violent and destructive outcomes of the next two nights, saying they worked against the protesters' goal of pushing toward a meaningful change. On Saturday night, what started as a peaceful march from the Capitol to central Lincoln and back to the County-City Building, where police were waiting armed with riot gear, devolved into an riot after plastic bottles were thrown at officers, who responded with tear gas and flash-bang grenades. Buildings along Lincoln Mall were burned, windows were shattered and office buildings trashed during the riot, while protesters were hit with rubber bullets and pepper shots. A Sunday night protest also turned violent in Lincoln's Near South neighborhood after law enforcement sought to enforce an 8 p.m. curfew imposed by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird. Prentice said before both nights' protests, he told a friend the goal should be to convince law enforcement to lay down their weapons and riot shields and to kneel or march with the protesters. "It only takes one person," he said. At the end of a peaceful demonstration in front of the County-City Building on Monday, there was no line of law enforcement dressed in riot gear, no K-9 units or drones buzzing overhead as in previous nights. After marching eastward down Lincoln Mall to the Capitol, the protesters were met by the Nebraska National Guard and Nebraska State Patrol on the north steps of the building. The protesters chanted while law enforcement remained stationary. Eventually, Maj. Mike Jahnke approached the protesters and spoke briefly with Tamircle Washington, 17, who had been leading the protests. She motioned for Prentice to join them. Prentice and Jahnke had a conversation on the other side of a chain divider keeping people from climbing the Capitol steps. "He (Jahnke) started off telling me he's outraged as well, and he felt what happened was definitely a crime," Prentice recalled. They discussed how neither wanted the situation to escalate, how neither side wanted anyone to get hurt, and how they could come together in that moment. Eventually, they decided Jahnke would give the order for the officers and guardsmen perched on the north steps of the Capitol to retreat inside and that together they would kneel for nine minutes the length of time Floyd struggled to breathe until his death at the hands of a police officer. Prentice raised a fist in one moment, an action that was reflected by the protesters in front of him, and later put both of his hands in the air, symbolizing a chant repeated by the Black Lives Matter movement for years: "Hands up, don't shoot." "I couldn't believe it. I was proud of myself for speaking up and asking him to do that, and I was proud of him as well," Prentice said. "That's a courageous act for him to be the only officer out there with all of us." Dupree's brother, Jayden Prentice, 18, said the action by Jahnke had been what many protesters had wanted all along. "All of our voices being heard didn't matter as much as what he did, which was make the cop listen," said Jayden, a student at Lincoln Southeast High School. "That's literally all we wanted." The unity between protesters and law enforcement was better than the violence and destruction seen in the previous days, Jayden said, who described the riots as "doing nothing and doing too much at the same time." Dupree Prentice said Monday's act was small, but meaningful, a first step for more positive action in the coming days and weeks. "Every day, I want to see something positive happen to make a statement, to prove we are equal," he said. "If we can have something like that every day going forward until something is resolved, that would be amazing." On Tuesday, a State Patrol spokesman declined comment for this story, saying the patrol didn't want it to appear as if this was the end of a broader discussion. While he never imagined himself as a leader, Dupree Prentice recognizes circumstances may have thrust him into that role. "I'm glad I was the one to do it, I honestly didn't know I had it in me," he said. "But now, I feel like I have a lot of weight on my shoulders. I'm going to be brave and I'm going to fight the fight." Reach the writer at 402-473-7120 or cdunker@journalstar.com. On Twitter @ChrisDunkerLJS Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Press Release June 3, 2020 PRC, IATF, CONCERNED AGENCIES, FINE-TUNE COVID TESTING PROCESS To expedite the process of testing for coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19, especially with some 500,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) expected to arrive until December, Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross, met with officials of concerned agencies to further fine-tune the testing process. "We have to make sure that we resolve the glitches that we have experienced with the OFWs that we already tested so that the process will be smooth sailing, especially with the volume of OFWs expected to arrive in the next few months and the large number of people that should be tested to determine the positivity rate," he said. Gordon met Tuesday with Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III; Transportation Undersecretary Raul Del Rosario, Administrator of the Office of Transportation Security; Bases and Conversion Development Authority President and CEO Vivencio "Vince" Dizon, who is also deputy chief implementer of the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases and the country's new COVID-19 testing czar; and Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration; and Dr. Robert Salvador, director of the Bureau of Quarantine, among others. Other attendees also included the Philippine Coast Guard, represented by Admiral Joseph Coyme; Bureau of Immigration, thru Griffon Medina; and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, represented by Dr. Nestor Santiago. Secretary Carlito Galvez, IATF chief implementer, was not able to attend the meeting due to an earlier appointment and had a separate meeting with Gordon later in the afternoon. Gordon presented some issues they have experienced which led to the alleged "backlog" complained by some OFWs, such as the samples were sent more than three days after swabbing; errors in the submitted case investigation forms; and wrong assignment of barcodes, among others. "Natatagalan kasi mali-mali ang pag-fill up nung CIF kaya matagal hanapin 'yung records. May case pa isang barcode, in-assign sa dalawang tao; meron namang isang tao, apat na barcodes ang naka-assign sa kanya. May mga pinaulit pa kaming swab kasi 'yung mga sample more than three days nang nakuha bago dinala sa 'min. Isa-isa na nating naresolve ang mga 'yan," he said. The PRC chief also presented the new COVID-19 Platform developed for the PRC's COVID testing centers by young volunteers Dashboard Philippines. The software system ensures speedy and organized process from start to the release of results. Dizon, for his part, liked the system, especially the Red Cross certification generated from the system and proposed to have it adjusted to have the certification from the Bureau of Quarantine and the PCG certification integrated into the PRC certification. He and the officials of the concerned agencies also assured that they would also address the other issues so they would not be encountered again. A wave of attacks on journalists covering US protests is driving growing anxiety in the media, with some blaming President Donald Trump for creating an atmosphere that encourages violence. Over the past week media watchdogs have logged scores of incidents of police violence against journalists -- with crews shot at, beaten, kicked, pepper-sprayed or arrested -- with many incidents captured on camera. An open letter to law enforcement endorsed by 18 press freedom organizations including the National Press Club and Committee to Protect Journalists called for a halt to "the deliberate and devastating targeting of journalists in the field." A tally by media watchdog groups cited 192 press freedom violations during the latest wave of protests including 131 assaults, of which 108 were by police. The tally included 31 arrests, 46 firings of rubber bullets, 30 cases of damage to equipment, 30 incidents of tear gas and 17 pepper sprayings. Some media advocates say Trump's persistent bashing of the mainstream press has opened the door to attacks by undermining the credibility of journalists covering the protests following the police killing of a black man in Minnesota last week. "This definitely creates an atmosphere where you are likely to see attacks on reporters," said Len Downie, a former Washington Post executive editor who is a professor at Arizona State University and authored a study earlier this year on the Trump administration and the media. Downie said that while Trump may not explicitly encourage violence against the press, his harsh rhetoric "deepens the divide" over credibility. "The country is split between those who believe the president and those who believe the press," he said. - 'I'm with the press! - Some stunned journalists took to Twitter recounting mistreatment, while others posted videos. "After showing my badge and yelling 'I am with the press' a @RichmondPolice officer sprayed pepper spray in my face and shoved me to the ground. Had 3397 on his helmet," tweeted radio reporter Roberto Roldan of Richmond, Virginia. One video showed an Australian TV crew being pushed to the ground by police near the White House in Washington "This is alarming," said National Press Club president Michael Freedman. "The instances I've seen have all included journalists playing by the rules, and we hope officials on the other side play by the same standards." Patricia Gallagher Newberry, president of the Society of Professional Journalists, said Trump's attacks have had a "harmful effect." Instead of attacking the media, elected officials "should speak out in defense of journalists and call on the community to protect journalists," Newberry said. "This is not supposed to happen in the United Stated of America. We have press freedom built into our Constitution. So to see police and protesters attacking the storytellers is shocking, is disheartening, is illegal and it is really disturbing." - Making things worse - Joel Simon, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, also highlighted the importance of the Trump attacks on media. "While Trump didn't make covering US protests dangerous, he has made the situation worse," Simon wrote in a column for the Columbia Journalism Review. "It is certainly possible that the president?s anti-media rhetoric has emboldened local police, who are attacking and arresting journalists at a pace not seen in recent history. And it is also possible that some protesters who have attacked journalists are Trump supporters motivated by his denunciations of fake news." The latest incidents come with many media outlets taking an economic hit from the virus pandemic while struggling to keep readers informed on critical issues. Media advocates say the shocking incidents underscore an erosion of respect for the constitutional guarantees of free press in recent years. "The scenes that played out across the country over the last week cannot be covered from a 'safe' distance," said Jon Schleuss, president of the NewsGuild, the union representing thousands of journalists. "Reporters and photographers understand the risks and don't expect special treatment. But attacking them for newsgathering is an unconstitutional attack on all Americans." A journalist is seen bleeding after police started firing tear gas and rubber bullets during a demonstration to call for justice for George Floyd, a black man who died while in custody of the Minneapolis police Journalists covering the anti-police brutality protests have faced a wave of attacks, many from police, with some saying the hostility stems from President Donald Trump's attacks on the press Some of the journalists covering the anti-racism protests say they have been subjected to attacks by police making no distinction between media and demonstrators Journalists faced rubber bullets and tear gas as the covered protests over a police killing of a black man in Minnesota Republican Michelle Garcia Holmes will take on Democratic incumbent Deb Haaland in the November general election after prevailing in the GOPs 1st Congressional District primary on Tuesday. Our campaign has done everything possible to reach voters and we are so grateful and proud of our volunteers, who worked tirelessly to help us get our message out, Garcia Holmes, a former chief of staff for the New Mexico Attorney Generals Office, told the Journal. So many voters have contacted our campaign to tell us they voted. Garcia Holmes garnered 49% of the vote as of 10 p.m. She bested Albuquerque attorney Jared Vander Dussen, who had 40% of the vote and Santa Fe businessman Brett Kokinadis, who had 11%. Results are incomplete and unofficial. Haaland was unopposed in her primary. She canceled an election watch party to participate in a podcast to show support for protesters upset about the death of George Floyd, who died after his arrest by Minneapolis police. The Republican nominee will be an underdog in the race against Haaland, pollster Brian Sanderoff said. In her first run, she (Haaland) won by almost 23 (percentage) points against a formidable opponent in Janice-Arnold Jones, he said. Sanderoff said 2018 was an unusual election year, with Democrats winning all 13 races on the ballot in the Blue Wave with President Donald Trump in the middle of his term. But he said Bernalillo County, the most populous county in the district, has been trending Democratic in federal elections. Theyre going to have to convince the Republican Congressional Committee to commit more money to the race like it has in CD2, Sanderoff said. So far, that has not happened. As of May 13, outside groups have spent more than $91,000 in the district, compared with the $2.5 million in the 2nd Congressional District race in southern New Mexico and more than $1.2 million in the 3rd Congressional District in the northern part of the state, according to Opensecrets.org. Haalands campaign had a large fundraising advantage at that time, with $302,000 cash on hand. Garcia Holmes had more than $128,000. Vander Dussen had more than $48,000 and Kokinadis had $284. Sanderoff said the Republican nominee stood to benefit if Trumps reelection campaign remained focused on the state and committed some of its resources to the race. Israel plans to ratify the Free Trade Agreement with Ukraine as soon as possible, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Ukraine Joel Lion said in an interview with the RBC-Ukraine. "Currently, our task in the relations with Ukraine is to ratify the Free Trade Agreement. Now this agreement is in the Knesset, and we will do everything possible to adopt it as soon as possible," the diplomat said. He also expressed hope that Ukraine would open the Investment and High Technology Office in Jerusalem. "At the same time, we will open a relevant office at our embassy in Kyiv. This will contribute to our ties, help find startups and investors in both countries," Ambassador Lion noted. As a reminder, the Ukraine-Israel Free Trade Agreement was signed on January 21, 2019. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine ratified it in July 2019. In August 2019, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law ratifying the FTA with Israel. The reason for the delay in Israel's ratification is the constant holding of parliamentary elections. They took place for the third time in a row on March 2 as Prime Minister Netanyahu failed to form a government after two elections in April and September 2019. ol When COVID-19 hit the world economy, KKR's management jumped on calls and quickly agreed they'd seen this movie before. The plot contained a massive market dislocation, financing shutdown and uncertain future for company earnings. That was during the 2008 global financial crisis, which KKR could have played better, according to Johannes Huth, its top dealmaker in Europe. Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. KKR / GTS Credit:Bloomberg "There's a conscious effort on our side to not repeat our shortcomings of 2008-09 in terms of deploying capital," he said in a interview by video call last week. KKR decided "very early on, before markets hit all-time lows," that it needed to invest through the downturn, Huth said. It has wasted little time. KKR has been the most-active private equity house globally since the coronavirus crisis took hold of markets at the start of March, deploying $US12.7 billion ($18.3 billion), according to data compiled by Bloomberg. A screen grab of video obtained by NBC News appears to show four officers during the arrest of George Floyd. NBC Three former Minneapolis police officers were charged Wednesday with aiding and abetting murder in connection with the death of George Floyd in their custody, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Wednesday. Derek Chauvin, a fourth former officer who had already been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, will now also be charged with second-degree murder, Ellison said. Former Minneapolis police officers (L to R) Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, Alexander Kueng "We are here today because George Floyd is not here," Ellison, a Democrat, said at a news conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, announcing the charges. Ellison predicted that the prosecution of the officers could take months, and urged the public to be patient as his office builds cases. "George Floyd mattered. He was loved. His family was important. His life had value. And we will seek justice for him and for you," Ellison said. He noted that winning the cases "will not be an easy thing. Winning a conviction will be hard." "In order to be thorough, this is going to take months, and I do not know how many," Ellison, a former U.S. representative who was deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2017 to 2018, said. "But it is better to make sure we have a solid case, fully investigated, researched, before we go to trial, than to rush it. It will take a while and I can't set a deadline on that." Chauvin, who is white, was charged Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter after video footage emerged showing him kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd, a black man, lay handcuffed, crying out that he could not breathe. At one point during the arrest Floyd also told the officers that "I'm about to die," according to the charging documents filed Wednesday. The three ex-cops who had not yet been charged, Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, assisted Chauvin in arresting Floyd on Memorial Day on suspicion that Floyd passed a counterfeit bill. All four officers were fired last week. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, appeared alongside Ellison and said that one of the officers charged Wednesday was in custody, and the other two were expected to be taken into custody later in the day. He did not specify which of the three was already in custody. Chauvin has been in custody since last week. crump tweet The video shows that Chauvin continued to keep his knee of Floyd's neck even after Floyd became unresponsive. Floyd's death has sparked widespread protests against police violence in dozens of cities across the country, with demonstrators and Floyd's family calling for charges to be brought against Thao, Kueng and Lane. The family also has demanded that Chauvin, 44, face a first-degree murder charge. Ellison said that he did not allow public pressure to influence his decision-making. "We made these decisions based on the facts that we have gathered," he said. Ben Crump, an attorney for the family, said in a statement earlier in the day that the family's reaction to the charges was that it was "a bittersweet moment." "We are deeply gratified that @AGEllison took decisive action, arresting & charging ALL the officers involved in #GeorgeFloyd's death & upgrading the charge against Derek Chauvin to felony second-degree murder," Crump wrote in a post on Twitter. Quincy Mason Floyd, George Floyd's son, said in an interview on CNN after news of the charges broke: "We demand justice. My father shouldn't have been killed like this. We want justice." A second-degree murder charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years upon conviction, compared with 25 years for third-degree murder. Thao, 34, Kueng, 26, and Lane, 37, are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The first count has a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison, while the manslaughter-related count has a 10-year maximum prison sentence. Actual sentences are often short of the maximum. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office was handling prosecutions stemming from George Floyd's death until Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz assigned Ellison the responsibility on Sunday. Minneapolis is located in Hennepin County. Floyd's memorial is scheduled for Thursday in Minneapolis and he will be buried in Houston next week. He was 46 years old. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison answers questions about the investigation into the death of George Floyd, who died while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers, during a news conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S. May 27, 2020. John Autey | Reuters Two separate autopsies, one commissioned by Floyd's family and another performed by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office, both found that Floyd's death was a homicide, but differed in their determinations of its causes. The Hennepin County medical examiner's autopsy found that Floyd died from "cardiopulmonary arrest" that was complicated by police subduing him with restraint and neck compression. The autopsy also cited underlying health conditions as contributing to his death. But the independent autopsy, conducted by pathologists hired by Floyd's family, found that he died from asphyxiation, and that pressure on both his neck and back contributed. Dr. Michael Baden, one of the pathologists and a former chief medical examiner for New York City, said Monday that Floyd "had no underlying medical problems that caused or contributed to his death." The original criminal complaint against Chauvin details Kueng's and Lane's actions during Floyd's arrest. According to the complaint, Kueng held Floyd's back and Lane held his legs. At one point, Kueng checked for a pulse, and said "I couldn't find one," according to the complaint. But he and the other cops stayed in their positions for approximately two more minutes. Floyd repeatedly told the officers that he could not breathe, cried out for his deceased mother and asked the officers "please," the complaint against Chauvin reads. In all, Chauvin held his knee on Floyd's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, including for nearly three minutes after Floyd became unresponsive, according to the complaint. Booking photo of former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin Photo provided by Ramsey County Jail YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian continues his meetings with the parliamentary and extra-parliamentary forces, NGOs and specialists of various fields aimed at discussing the current situation caused by the novel coronavirus and the ways to overcome its consequences, the Presidential Office told Armenpress. On the sidelines of these discussions the President had meetings with former deputy prime minister Vache Gabrielyan, former minister of finance and economy Levon Barkhudaryan, former president of the Central Bank Bagrat Asatryan and economist, former Mayor of Yerevan Vahagn Khachatryan. The discussions focused on the current coronavirus-related situation, the ways and possibilities to overcome the economic consequences of the pandemic. The meeting participants introduced their professional views and opinions to the President. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan CHICAGO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent death of George Floyd has led to widespread protests in cities around the country. Thousands of individuals are gathering daily to speak out and stand against police brutality towards the African-American community. In Chicago, peaceful protests over the weekend have turned violent, and an unprecedented amount of looting and vandalism has damaged local businesses, including restaurants and retail stores. Chicago Governor J.B. Pritzker has called for the deployment of the Illinois National Guard in hopes that the troops' presence will ease tensions, deter looters, and minimize the damage caused to individuals and businesses. Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, President of ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, shares her company's response. "We are aware that many businesses have been impacted by the looting happening in and around our community. Since Saturday, my staff and field teams have been busy helping these businesses navigate the next steps in cleaning and restoring their properties." As part of their comprehensive vandalism cleaning services, ServiceMaster by Zaba provides businesses with graffiti removal, broken window cleanup, fire and water damage restoration, and property reconstruction. While on site, ServiceMaster by Zaba abides by strict COVID-19 protocols ensuring employees are healthy, wear personal protection gear and abide by social distancing guidelines. The company is committed to continuing to clean and repair property damage in the safest way possible. To alleviate the burden for business owners, ServiceMaster by Zaba is also handling all the insurance claim paperwork. As a Quality Restoration Vendor (QRV), the company participates in the corporate ServiceMaster Restore special insurance company vendor program and is a preferred restoration vendor of major insurance companies with strong relationships at Chubb, Acuity, Hanover, State Farm, and many more. Businesses can contact ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba directly to begin the cleaning, restoration, and insurance claim process. The company's staff is trained and equipped to navigate these issues effectively. Diana summarizes: "We stand with those who are peacefully protesting change. We also stand with those who have had their businesses damaged or destroyed due to the looting and vandalism initiated by the violence taking place in our city. We are here to help rebuild and restore our community as soon as possible." You may contact ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba today for more information about the services available for businesses during this time. Diana Rodriguez-Zaba can be reached at the company's headquarters in Chicago by calling 773-647-1985 or via email at [email protected]. SOURCE ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba Chron.com is following the latest headlines on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the Houston area. 4:30 p.m. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has announced phase III of the state's recovery plan, which allows bars and restaurants to increase capacity levels and for other businesses, including amusement parks, fine arts performance halls and video game facilities, to reopen, according to a Wednesday press release. Beginning Wednesday, all Texas businesses operating at 25 percent capacity may expand their occupancy to 50 percent, including bars and restaurants. Bar patrons must remain seated; restaurants may expand maximum table sizes from six to ten people. Beginning June 12, restaurants may expand occupancy levels to 75 percent. Fine arts performance halls and video game facilities may reopen at 50 percent occupancy starting June 10. Beginning June 19, amusement parks and carnivals in counties with more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases may open at 50 percent capacity. "As we begin Phase III, I ask all Texans and Texas businesses to continue following the standard health protocols and to heed the guidance of our state and federal officials who continue to closely monitor COVID-19," Abbott said in the release. If we remain vigilant, we will continue to mitigate the spread of this virus, protect public health, and get more Texans back to work and their daily activities." The announcement comes just one day after Texas saw the largest single-day increase in cases since the pandemic began. Abbott attributed the state's uptick in cases to outbreaks at nursing homes, jails and meat-packing plants. "Thanks to the effectiveness of our Surge Response Teams, we have the ability to contain those hot spots while opening up Texas for business," he said. Businesses are required to follow certain state health protocols to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to continue to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, stay in groups less than ten people and avoid nursing homes. Those 65 and older should continue to stay home if at all possible. 8:30 a.m. Tuesday marked the day Texas saw the largest single-day increase in confirmed counts of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, according to the Houston Chronicle's data team. Statewide, cases increased by 2.75 percent, or 1,809 cases, for a total of 67,527. An additional 35 new deaths were reported, bringing the state's death count up to 1,718. The Houston region's county increased by 2.7 percent to 17,978 cases total. Two additional deaths were reported; the region's death count is not at 359. In Harris County, cases increased by 2.9 percent, bringing the total up to 13,027. George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Tony McDade. Thousands of people joined a car caravan organized by the Anti Police-Terror Project in Oakland on Sunday to protest police murdering these three beloved black community members and far too many others. Thousands more joined a youth-led march in Oakland on Monday. Though no amount of protest or moral outrage will bring back the victims, masses of people around the world have taken to the streets to demand a future without anti-black racism and state violence. And right here in Alameda County, the Board of Supervisors can take concrete steps to advance justice and healing that will help get us there. In the Bay Area, like much of the rest of the country, we find ourselves battling the dual crises of COVID-19 and a deadly criminal legal system. Indeed, the Alameda County Sheriffs Office has long led the region in the most in-custody deaths, and we are still collectively reeling from the recent police murder of Steven Taylor at a Walmart in San Leandro. For years, multiracial coalitions that I have been honored to be part of have fought to end the harms of the Alameda County Sheriffs Office. In the face of the global coronavirus pandemic, we have focused our energy on releasing people from our local county jail and investing our county resources in health instead of punishment. Just last month, during a massive budget crisis and despite unanimous public opposition, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved a preliminary budget expenditure of an additional $318 million for local Santa Rita Jail. In the midst of a global pandemic, this extra funding alone amounts to nearly three times the Alameda County Public Health Departments entire annual operating budget. This additional funding will pad the already bloated Sheriffs Office budget, which has grown substantially every year despite systemic human rights abuses and a decreasing number of people incarcerated in our county jail system. Even without this additional funding, the county already spends approximately $137,080 per year to jail each individual person inside Santa Rita Jail and to what end? Jail time does not address the root cause of whatever may have led a person to become incarcerated to begin with. People come out of jail sicker and in worse economic standing than when they went in, and it does nothing to heal communities. There is another way. In 2018, the American Public Health Association passed a policy statement on addressing law enforcement violence as a public health issue. The statement debunks popular but ineffective solutions to police violence in favor of advancing evidence-based solutions to the problem. One of the key strategies to preventing police violence is the reallocation of funds from policing to the social determinants of health, or those environmental factors that we know strongly impact ones health status, including housing and health care. Incidentally, bolstering these health-affirming resources would also make us more prepared for a global pandemic. Instead of pouring more money into harmful incarceration and senseless punishment, the Board of Supervisors could invest in health and justice for our county. They could address immediate community needs such as providing housing assistance to unstably housed residents, guaranteeing personal protective equipment for frontline essential workers, and ensuring low-wage workers can access paid sick leave and set us up in the long term to thrive. This month, lets ensure the Alameda County Board of Supervisors does everything in its power to pass a budget that acknowledges that black lives matter. They have the power to not only stop police murders of black people, but also to build a more inclusive and healthy Bay Area, through the power of the purse. Amber Akemi Piatt, MPH, is director of the Health Instead of Punishment Program at Human Impact Partners, a national public health nonprofit organization headquartered in Oakland, and a member of the Free Santa Rita Jail Coalition. Macquarie University Hospital's decision to order an external investigation to flush out the source of a leaked surgical list which raised concerns about alleged inappropriate surgery could be illegal under whistleblower legislation, a crossbench senator has warned. External investigators are interviewing medical staff over a leaked surgery list detailing procedures conducted during the national ban on non-essential elective surgeries from March 25 to April 27 and have demanded access to their phones, leaving clinicians fearing for their jobs. Private hospitals are being investigated over some elective surgery performed during the ban. Credit:Nicolas Walker Centre Alliance senator Rex Patrick said state and Commonwealth whistleblower protections may apply and he would be "alarmed if hospital management sought to identify and discipline a medical professional for raising a concern about the hospital acting in breach of a government directive". Multiple staff members have contacted The Sydney Morning Herald to say they feel "threatened" by the crackdown, accusing the hospital administration of "bullying" by ordering an investigation "to hunt down a critic" when no patient information had been disclosed. The Tuesday Jubilee Party Parliamentary Group meeting that culminated in changes in the National Assembly leadership, formed the basis of newspaper coverage on Wednesday, June 3. Also given attention is how 2019 KCSE candidates shared out university and college admission slots and the surging protests in the US over death of black man, George Floyd, in the hands of a white police officer. READ ALSO: Mike Sonko's daughter shares cute video of baby girl washing dishes at home The Tuesday Jubilee Party Parliamentary Group meeting at State House formed major headlines in newspapers on Wednesday, June 3. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Celebrated actor Ken Ambani alias Baraza proves hes still King in new Swahili telenovela Kovu 1. Taifa Leo The daily reports that President Uhuru Kenyatta used the Monday, June 1, Madaraka Day celebrations to please allies of Deputy President William Ruto by showing high spirits and bromance with the second in command. After the event, the president is said to have gone back to his newly found political friend and brother, ODM leader Raila Odinga, whom he spent quality time with. The two leaders were spotted during curfew in Nairobi's CBD reportedly inspecting city projects, a venture he would have perhaps performed with his deputy. A CCTV footage showed the duo drove to town in one vehicle, accompanied by some two other vehicles belonging to the president's security team. READ ALSO: Coronavirus update: Cases hit 2,093 as 72 more are diagnosed with COVID-19 2. People Daily Section of Jubilee Party MPs who attended the Tuesday, June 2, parliamentary group meeting at State House has described the conference as a tense one. Soy MP Caleb Kositany said no MP spoke during the PG which lasted less than an hour. President Uhuru Kenyatta used the chance to stamp his authority and read a riot act to lawmakers considered to be errant. "The president's tone was terrible and thank God he even swallowed some words, he didn't let them out. It was either 'my way or the highway'. Ben Washiali and Cecily Mbarire have been removed because they seem to be on the same agenda with the deputy president," said Kositany, a close ally of DP William Ruto and Jubilee Party deputy secretary general . In his remarks, the president is said to have warned MPs against attacking him stating he had been briefed about all insults they hurled at him. "You will know me. I will be so hard on you. I know what you have been doing and how you have been referring to me. Those names that you have branded me. I know them. I am always given the intelligence on each of you when you are still asleep," the president said. READ ALSO: Picha za wabunge wa Jubilee kwenye mkutano Ikulu 3. Daily Nation Even though National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale escaped President Uhuru's purge on Jubilee Party members with a dalliance with DP Ruto, it has emerged the MP's joy could be short-lived. Another meeting, Daily Nation says, will be convened to discuss his fate and he could be shown the door just like Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) and Cecily Mabarire (nominated) who served as National Assembly majority whip and deputy majority whip respectively. Deputy President William Ruto is said to have played a key role in pleading for mercy on behalf of the Garissa Township MP during an early morning meeting with the head of state. Another intrigue is that Duale dodged the axe as a result of the clan power matrix in Garissa which enlisted services of Senator Yusuf Haji among other influential leaders from northeastern to intervene. READ ALSO: Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro claims Uhuru will fire half of Cabinet by end of the week 4. The Star President Uhuru Kenyatta has said he will only pass the baton to a successor he believes supports and is part of his agenda. In what could be seen as a jab towards his DP William Ruto to stop early 2022 campaigns, the president said he would not let anyone turn him into a lame-duck president by ruining his legacy. "I will be happy to know that the person I will be passing the baton to is part of my agenda," the president said in an address to 212 MPs who attended the Jubilee Party Parliamentary Group meeting at State House. Uhuru's remarks show his choices for a successor are still wide but an indicator he could also throw his weight behind Ruto if he feels he is supporting him fully. READ ALSO: Special bean seeds helping men revive bedroom fire now available in Kenya 5. The Standard The Standard delves into how the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS) allocated university and college slots to 2019 KCSE candidates. During the exam, some 125,643 learners out of 689,007 scored C+ and above and landed government sponsorships. Out of the 125,643, some 122,831 were placed in degree courses in universities in the country with Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT) getting the lion's share of 6,006 candidates. Some 5,894 students got slots at the University of Nairobi, Maseno (5,716), Kenyatta (5,659), Kisii (5,556), Mount Kenya University (4,400), Moi (4,948), Masinde Muliro (3,292) and Egerton (3,281) among others. Out of 630 learners who scored A, UoN admitted 313, JKUAT (117), Kenyatta (64), Moi (53), Egerton (26), Technical University of Kenya (17), Maseno (10), MKU (eight), MMUST (six) and South-Eastern University of Kenya (three). 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. Why I beat my own mother- Lucy Nyawira | Tuko Talks | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke About twice as many white people as black people are killed by police. In fact, in about 75 percent of police shootings, the decedent is not black. Of course, that is not what you would grasp from consuming media. Take the website statista.com, specifically its breathless focus on Hate crime in the United States counterfactually insinuating that any shooting involving a black victim must be a hate crime. Heres their big headline from Tuesday: Black Americans 2.5X More Likely Than Whites to Be Killed By Police. It is fiction. It is sheer demagoguery, peddled as American cities are besieged by rioters in the wake of George Floyds killing by Minneapolis police. The falsity of the claim is demonstrated even by statista.com itself. Just three days ago, the site posted another series of bar graphs, showing that, in fact, whites are nearly twice as likely as blacks to be shot to death by police. Here are the numbers: Year White Black 2017 457 223 2018 399 209 2019 370 235 2020 (so far) 42 31 The rest of the bar graphs break out the numbers of Hispanic decedents (slightly lower than black, significantly lower than white), as well as those whose heritage is described as other and unknown. Right underneath its chart, statista.com writes, Sadly, the trend of fatal police shootings in the United States seems only to be increasing. In point of fact, it is steady and if I wanted to play games like statista.com does, by, say, weighting the numbers to account for population growth while ignoring all other relevant factors, I could even pretend that the number was decreasing. The Washington Post acknowledges that fatal shootings by police have run steadily at around 1,000 per year since 2015 995 (2015), 963 (2016), 987 (2017), 998 (2018), and 1,004 (2019). As Heather Mac Donald relates in an insightful Wall Street Journal op-ed, blacks make up only a quarter of the total number of people killed in police shootings annually, a ratio that has held steady since 2015. The reigning canard, however, is that this 25 percent figure proves racism since African Americans make up just 13 percent of the U.S. population. Story continues Ridiculous as this syllogism is (as well see, it conveniently elides more consequential factors), it still puts the lie to the slanderous narrative that police are hunting down black men. Even if we ignore the fact that an increasing number of police officers obviously including those involved in encounters with black suspects are themselves African Americans, the percentage of black deaths from police shootings would be much higher if blacks were being targeted. Police do not go looking for people to shoot. In shooting situations, police are confronting crime suspects, the majority of whom are armed. But given that George Floyd was unarmed, lets consider unarmed people killed in such encounters. Such unarmed decedents, too, were twice as likely to be white as black in 2019 i.e., 19 unarmed whites, nine unarmed blacks. As Ms. Mac Donald observes, this ratio is not stable (and there is some looseness in what the media define as unarmed): In 2015, it was 38 unarmed blacks to 32 unarmed whites. The Floyd killing has been injected into the bien pensant narrative of innocent, unarmed black men murdered by cops. But the number of unarmed black men killed by police is vanishingly small. As Mac Donald notes, there were 7,407 black homicide victims in the United States in 2018, the last year for which final numbers are available. Assuming a comparable number in 2019, the nine unarmed men killed in police shootings would represent just 0.1 percent of black homicides. In stark contrast, she asserts, a police officer is 18 times more likely to be killed by a black male than an unarmed black male is to be killed by a police officer. The media, the bipartisan political class, the academy, and the commentariat concoct their systemic, institutional, unconscious racism fiction by statistical tunnel vision: We must conclude that African Americans in particular, young black men are being targeted by police because the percentage of killings of blacks significantly overrepresents the black population. It makes no sense, however, to look only at the percentage of blacks involved in police shootings, as if it were the only attribute that mattered as if it were the only attribute by which blacks are overrepresented compared to their percentage of the overall population. While African Americans are involved in two times more police shootings than their percentage of the population would seem to warrant, they commit 53 percent of murders and 60 percent of robberies well over four times their percentage of the population. The political establishment would have you assume this statistical disparity is caused by institutional racism that myopically beams police attention onto black men. But we know the statistics accurately reflect reality because crimes get reported by victims a large percentage of whom are black (also outstripping their share of the overall population). If you just focus on interracial crime, though, Mac Donald (writing this time in the City Journal) has crunched those numbers. Between 2012 and 2015, blacks committed 85.5 percent of all black-white interracial violent victimizations. This, she qualifies, excludes interracial homicide. Powerlines Paul Mirengoff fills in that blank: Blacks commit around 70 percent of black-white interracial homicides. For this, he draws on FBI crime statistics for 2016. They show that, of 776 blackwhite homicides, blacks committed 533 and whites 243. Neither of these numbers, by the way, nor their combined total, comes anywhere close to the number of blacks killed by blacks: a staggering 2,570 the overwhelming majority male. The most dangerous threat to the African-American community in America is not cops. It is liberals. The United States is not institutionally racist. The political system, the criminal-justice system, and academe overflow with political progressives. The notion that they would tolerate racism in their institutions would be laughable if sensible people were encouraged to think about it rather than mindlessly accept it. Nor could we conceivably be unconsciously racist. Lets put aside that to discriminate is to choose, and that, where it exists, racial discrimination is a conscious state of mind. The reality is that our institutions of opinion are so obsessively racialist, no one in America has the luxury of being unconscious about racism. The African-American community is not a monolith. Like other segments of the American population, it is diverse and dynamic. The policies pushed by progressives damage the parts of it that need the most help. And the false narrative of racist police, which pressures law enforcement to back off from the communities most victimized by crime, is now destroying entire cities. More from National Review Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 21:55:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) Peter Wong, also deputy chairman and chief executive of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, receives an interview with Xinhua in Hong Kong, south China, June 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu) HONG KONG, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Businesses in Hong Kong generally believe that establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security at the state level is a move in the right direction and is expected to bring Hong Kong lasting prosperity and stability, Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) Peter Wong said. Wong, also deputy chairman and chief executive of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, said in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday that the business community agrees on the utmost importance of stability to Hong Kong as an international metropolis. Stability is the foundation and prerequisite for development, and businesses in Hong Kong believe the national security legislation will bring stability for Hong Kong in the long run, he said. In a recent survey by the HKGCC on 418 businesses in Hong Kong, 61 percent of the respondents believe the legislation will have a positive impact or no impact at all on their businesses over the long term, and 75 percent expect positive or no impact on their day-to-day operations. Most members of the HKGCC also agreed that the national security legislation will help Hong Kong maintain its status as a global financial hub, Wong added. Wong said that the business community opposes any sanctions imposed by foreign countries against Hong Kong, as such actions would unnecessarily increase the difficulties for local and foreign companies to operate here. The sanctions will not only undermine investment and business confidence in Hong Kong, but also hurt the United States itself and even the whole Asia-Pacific region, considering the large number of U.S. firms and their capital here as well as Hong Kong's status as a financial hub in the region, Wong pointed out. "As the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting the world economy, we should work together to boost the economy, instead of hurting each other." The strength of Hong Kong economy to fend off risks comes from the mainland, especially the increasingly integrated Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Wong said. With a stable social environment brought by the national security legislation and the support of the rapidly developing mainland market, Hong Kong's economy will surely get out of the current gloom and return to the track of growth, he said. "I have full confidence in the future development of Hong Kong," Wong said. Enditem "We all have our go-to local establishments, whether it's the neighborhood pub for happy hour, our favorite dinner spot, or our chosen venue for celebrating milestones," said Paul Elliott, CEO, Tiger Pistol. "Very few companies have a global footprint like AB InBev, and they support their worldwide community and make sure their establishments have everything they need to weather the storm today and succeed in a new normal future." Restaurants and bars are among the hardest hit industries across the globe. According to Statista, the year-over-year decline of seated patrons in restaurants worldwide dropped day by day February to May reaching a staggering 100% decline by early May A study by Deloitte states that while global at-home consumption has increased, it will unlikely cover the cost of lost sales even once the situation begins to normalize. In a survey by Technomic, 32% of consumers say they plan to eat at restaurants less often out of COVID-19 concerns. With layoffs and hour cuts prevalent across the industry, restaurants and bars need help to survive the crisis. In a Datassential survey, 33% of operators cited they needed help communicating their establishment's status, and 25% of local operators cited the need for collaboration to promote traffic. Tiger Pistol provides the ability to reach deeply into local communities all throughout the world, empowering individual restaurants and bars with locally relevant ads that use powerful messaging alongside globally-recognized brand creative. The ads are flexibly deployed from the local business' Facebook Page, with objectives in line with state, regional, or city-level government restrictions. This social strategy gives these small retailers, most of whom are suffering during this time, an advertising option to help them continue to drive business and recall the essential role restaurants and bars play in fostering memories and connections in the lives of consumers. "Tiger Pistol's global-to-local approach marries two strategies together to ensure AB InBev's success," said Elliott. "First, it brings their brands directly to consumers for immediate identification. Second, the local establishments can drive a personal connection with the consumer. By providing enterprise-strength tools to the local market, the consumer ends up with a highly relevant, localized ad." With each region affected differently, AB InBev and Tiger Pistol are working closely with the brand's global markets to create social media marketing plans to support small businesses during this crisis and to help them recover. AB InBev uses the Tiger Pistol Platform to support the following initiatives, among others, worldwide: Brazil , with tens of thousands of locations with local Facebook and Instagram campaigns that promote new e-commerce options, including through Ze Delivery , a delivery app that ABI Brazil created to promote online ordering and delivery services available from their favorite local spots, and with planned campaigns to help businesses connect with consumers in the post-crisis environment. , with tens of thousands of locations with local Facebook and Instagram campaigns that promote new e-commerce options, including through , a delivery app that ABI Brazil created to promote online ordering and delivery services available from their favorite local spots, and with planned campaigns to help businesses connect with consumers in the post-crisis environment. Belgium and the UK, with campaigns to promote their " Cafe Courage " and "Save Pub Life" initiatives that allow patrons to purchase gift cards or make donations to support their favorite hang outs, and with planned campaigns to help businesses promote their new operating hours and safety protocols to consumers as they begin to re-open. and the UK, with campaigns to promote their " " and "Save Pub Life" initiatives that allow patrons to purchase gift cards or make donations to support their favorite hang outs, and with planned campaigns to help businesses promote their new operating hours and safety protocols to consumers as they begin to re-open. Canada , with campaigns that support local on- and off-premise establishments in promoting take-out and online ordering and delivery options. These efforts are part of a long-term partnership to provide AB InBev's worldwide network of restaurants, bars, and retailers with an industry-leading platform for publishing high performance, local Facebook and Instagram ads. AB InBev first engaged Tiger Pistol for a Facebook advertising pilot in 2019. Tiger Pistol developed a simple, effective way for local establishments to automatically publish on-brand, best-practice Facebook ads straight from the local establishment's Facebook Business Page. The campaigns produced a 60% lower cost of advertising among other remarkable results . AB InBev continued to expand the program throughout the year, culminating in a global multi-year partnership. "We are partnering with Tiger Pistol to develop new tools that evolve how we market our brands and build relationships with our network of establishments - both in a time of crisis and in ordinary times," said Gabriel Mello, Global Vice President of Category Management and Trade Solutions, AB InBev. "Their technology and knowledge of social advertising have made Tiger Pistol the right partner to collaboratively develop a scaled social advertising solution." To learn more about Tiger Pistol's social advertising tools and how Tiger Pistol, the world's #1 social advertising automation platform for local, unlocks local activation at global scale for brands, resellers, and agencies visit www.tigerpistol.com . About Tiger Pistol Tiger Pistol is the world's #1 social advertising automation platform for local. For nearly a decade, the company has been obsessively focused on building the world's most effective social advertising platform for global brands, resellers, and agencies who realize the power of local activation at scale. As a preferred Facebook Marketing Partner and the largest third-party publisher of social advertising for local, Tiger Pistol creates, deploys, manages, and optimizes high-performance Facebook and Instagram ads at unprecedented scale, with over 800k Facebook and Instagram campaigns published to date. Tiger Pistol's first of its kind technology delivers meaningful and measurable business impact for brands, resellers, and agencies alike, helping to unlock value and efficiency through innovation-led social advertising automation. Tiger Pistol has been recognized by Digiday as the Best Social Media Marketing Platform , by Street Fight for Best Social Media Campaign and by Localogy as Best Localized Marketing Campaign . Tiger Pistol Ranks in the Top 100 on the Inc. 5000 List of Texas's Fastest Growing Private Companies and in the top 5 among advertising and marketing companies. To learn more, call (888) 400-8845, visit TigerPistol.com , or follow on Twitter , Facebook , or LinkedIn . About Anheuser-Busch InBev Anheuser-Busch InBev is a publicly traded company based in Leuven, Belgium, with secondary listings on the Mexico and South Africa stock exchanges and with American Depositary Receipts on the New York Stock Exchange. Our Dream is to bring people together for a better world. Beer, the original social network, has been bringing people together for thousands of years. We are committed to building great brands that stand the test of time and to brewing the best beers using the finest natural ingredients. Our diverse portfolio of well over 500 beer brands includes global brands Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois; multi-country brands Beck's, Hoegaarden, Leffe and Michelob Ultra; and local champions such as Aguila, Antarctica, Bud Light, Brahma, Cass, Castle, Castle Lite, Cristal, Harbin, Jupiler, Modelo Especial, Quilmes, Victoria, Sedrin, and Skol. Our brewing heritage dates back more than 600 years, spanning continents and generations. From our European roots at the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium. To the pioneering spirit of the Anheuser & Co brewery in St. Louis, US. To the creation of the Castle Brewery in South Africa during the Johannesburg gold rush. To Bohemia, the first brewery in Brazil. Geographically diversified with a balanced exposure to developed and developing markets, we leverage the collective strengths of approximately 170,000 employees based in nearly 50 countries worldwide. For 2019, AB InBev's reported revenue was 52.3 billion USD (excluding JVs and associates). CONTACT: Christina Morello Director, Marketing and Communications c [email protected] (330) 354-0899 SOURCE Tiger Pistol Related Links http://tigerpistol.com/ With the coronavirus pandemic disrupting air-travel demand, European low-cost carrier Ryanair Holdings RYAAY reported a 99.5% year-over-year plunge in May traffic to merely 0.07 million guests. As wide-spread travel restrictions are still in place, the carriers LaudaMotion unit in Austria did not carry any passenger during the month. This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) Irish carrier operated 701 scheduled flights in May including those for rescue operations, relief and medicine supply on behalf of various EU governments. Moreover, 99% of those flights arrived on time. On a rolling annual basis, total traffic at Ryanair (including the LaudaMotion unit) decreased 17% to 121 million. Load factor (% of seats filled with passengers) was 95% on a rolling annual basis. Due to travel bans and curbs, Ryanair expects its traffic numbers for June to be minimal too. To match this extremely low demand scenario, Ryanair trimmed its flight capacity significantly. Notably, it is not the only carrier to have slashed capacity due to the pandemic-borne crisis. U.S.-based carriers including American Airlines AAL and United Airlines UAL, both currently carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), also suspended various flights in the wake of the coronavirus onslaught. The traffic report apart, Ryanair recently grabbed headlines for challengingthe government rescue package for the Zacks #3 Ranked German carrier Deutsche Lufthansa DLAKY. This European low-cost airline fears that the huge state aid, which will be effective following the European Commissions approval, will tamper a healthy competition and deny a fair play to low-cost carriers like Ryanair. 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Zacks Investment Research Updated at 11:50 p.m. with more information about Ferguson and St. Louis after curfew. ST. LOUIS Curfews imposed in St. Louis and other regional cities Tuesday appeared to tamp down protests and episodes of violence that had earlier startled public officials. Both before and after the newly announced 9 p.m. curfew took effect, the scene in downtown St. Louis was largely quiet, with key areas including the Gateway Arch and City Hall virtually deserted. Most sidewalks were empty, except for some downtown residents gathered on the steps and sidewalk in front of various apartment buildings. They said the curfew was intended for assembling protesters and not people like them, minding their own business around their home. In front of some Washington Avenue apartments, local residents shared thoughts on the recent protests, including recent ones downtown. They said it was sad and frustrating to see peaceful protests marred by some agitators, and that its more important to stay focused on why millions of people are upset and not at the destruction caused by a far smaller number of individuals. We shouldnt have to suffer from the poor actions of others, said Tameka Harris, 33, a teacher in St. Louis Public Schools who lives downtown, explaining that the protests have attracted some (people) with the proper tactics, some without. Residents also suggested that some of the recent destruction gets blamed on the black community and its allies, despite originating from others looking to wreak havoc. I saw people that were the opposite color of me throwing a brick at that gas station over there, said Anthony Morris, 27, who is black. Multiple black residents said that, ultimately, sweeping changes and reforms beyond just policing will be needed to quell discontent in the African-American community and to repair inequalities that have been reinforced for centuries. Its much bigger than, We just want these people to go to jail. We want our kids to be able to read at the appropriate grade level, said Harris, citing disparities in education systems, and other systemic areas of unequal investment. That change begins, they said, with a simple request to be seen, respected, and treated as human whether by police, policymakers, and others. A lot of this shouldve been eradicated a long time ago, said Bruce Ratliff, 35. Were not asking, no more. Equality should also extend, Ratliff said, to rights to assemble and protest. He said its impossible to overlook the recent violent responses to those protesting in the wake of George Floyds death, while no such resistance met the heavily armed and predominantly white crowds who stormed various state capitals to challenge restrictions aimed at protecting public health amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. People like us wouldnt have made it that far without getting clocked in the head, said Ratliff. Meanwhile, a crowd of about 50 people gathered outside the Ferguson Police Department. Some had jugs of milk, presumably to rinse their eyes of tear gas or pepper spray should police use them. They then walked arm-in-arm through the streets, chanting, "Take a knee, take a knee" and blocking vehicles along their way. By 11 p.m., as protesters blocked a South Florissant intersection, police provided a police escort and some shook hands with protesters. Just before midnight, there was a scuffle in the crowd and a gun was shot in the air, and a little while later the crowd disperse. Police later arrested a group that headed north to the Dunn Center, at West Florissant Avenue and Dunn Road in unincorporated St. Louis County. St. Louis County police and other law enforcement agencies had squads of officers at the ready Tuesday evening in case protests, looting or vandalism erupted later in the night. But the large crowds and violence seen on previous nights never materialized. Bae Tran, owner of the Treehouse restaurant at South Grand Boulevard and Connecticut Street, boarded up the front of her building Tuesday in anticipation of vandals striking. She had closed for seven weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic and reopened May 23. Business is slow, she said, but shes not closing down yet. The challenge makes you more resilient, she said. Several businesses in the Delmar Loop had also boarded up storefronts in an apparent effort to limit potential damage from vandals. St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson said the curfew extending from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. will last for at least the next few days. People could be arrested if caught on the streets, sidewalks or in vehicles during that time, officials said, unless covered by exceptions that include traveling to or from work or for medical care. Ferguson, Brentwood and East St. Louis were among other cities that also imposed a curfew. St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said in a statement that police commanders told him a countywide curfew was not needed at this time, but county police would assist municipalities that establish curfews. Large protests in the region began Friday following the Memorial Day death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis. A video recording of a white officer pressing his knee into Floyds neck for more than eight minutes as a prone Floyd, a black man, struggled to breathe highlighted the racial divide in the U.S. and prompted mass demonstrations across the country. Krewson announced the curfew during a news conference earlier Tuesday at which she and other city leaders expressed shock and outrage at violence that began late Monday that resulted in four police officers being shot, the fatal shooting of a former police officer and damage to more than 70 businesses, including a half-dozen buildings that were set ablaze. Police said a total of 36 people were arrested Sunday and Monday. Krewson noted that an earlier, much larger protest and march Monday was largely peaceful but it ended in looting, shooting, burning and attacks on law enforcement. This cannot and will not be tolerated. (Monday) night was a terrible night for St. Louis, she said. David Carson and Christian Gooden of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. 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. Bryce Gray Reporter covering energy and the environment for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Bryce Gray 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Jesse Bogan Jesse Bogan is a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Jesse Bogan 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Although the UK government is easing lockdown restrictions across England this week, the central element of its test, track and trace strategy a COVID-19 contact-tracing app has yet to be rolled out. Originally slated to be available in mid-May, the app drew criticism when it was trialled on the Isle of Wight and has been missing from the launch of the governments manual contact-tracing policy. The app is now expected to be available to the public in the coming weeks. Teething problems The app has been plagued by difficulties from the start. In April, it was reported that NHSX was engaged in a stand-off with Apple and Google, with the two tech giants refusing to support the centralised way in which the government wanted to build the app, which it claimed was less secure. Even so, the app was officially launched in its centralised form on the Isle of Wight on May 6. With around 60,000 downloads so far 40% of the islands population the results have been mixed. The initial version was limited in terms of functionality. Users who logged feeling unwell could only report two symptoms a continuous cough or a high temperature; the app did not allow users to enter a coronavirus test result, positive or negative. (Government officials say the app has been updated to meet those shortcomings.) Contact tracing has clearly been proven to be a valuable tool in managing the pandemic, but only if utilised as part of a larger ecosystem, said Areiel Wolanow, CTO and Technical Architect at London-based BLOK BioScience. By itself, it is worthless. You need to have the other parts of the engine for the machine to work properly. In addition to contact tracing, Wolanow said, you need to have a self-sovereign record of someones active infection, antibody status, and symptoms. Without that information, getting ahead of the pandemic will be difficult. There are also concerns that a large percentage of the public may be unable to use the app. Speaking to a culture, media and sport committee in May, Helen Milner, CEO at the Good Things Foundation, a digital inclusion charity, said two million households in the UK dont have internet access. And another seven million people have used the net, but have very basic skills, like not knowing how to open an app. The majority of those who lack digital skills are among those most vulnerable to COVID-19, putting constraints on their ability to access information and safeguard their health. Security concerns Since the app launched, security professionals have highlighted a number of concerns involving security and data privacy. Specific security flaws were flagged at the beginning of the pilot, many of which stemmed from the centralised model the government decided to back. In total, seven security issues were flagged by researchers, including weaknesses in the registration process that could allow attackers to steal encryption keys; storage of unencrypted data on handsets; and generation of a new random ID code for users once a day rather than once every 15 minutes. At the time, GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said it was aware of most of the issues and was in the process of addressing them. More recently, concerns around data privacy have again emerged. On May 28, Public Health England posted a privacy notice that personal data about people with coronavirus, collected by the NHS as part of the test-and-trace programme, will be kept for 20 years. Along with data about the symptoms of those with coronavirus, information including full name and date of birth, as well as phone numbers and home and email addresses, will be collected and stored. Those who have been identified as contacts of people with coronavirus will have all but their date of birth collected and stored for five years. Youngjin Yoo, project lead of Sharetrace, said that while the government claims holding onto data for 20 years will help prevent the spread of coronavirus in the future, the move is likely to discourage people from downloading the app. It fails to take into account that user preferences might change over that time, Yoo said. They may be happy to offer the data now to support the wider spread of the current pandemic, but why should it be held to prevent a future pandemic that may never happen? He argued that users should not have to worry about their data for years just to feel safe now and said there are alternatives where users can keep control over their information, while allowing the NHS to access it when needed. Trusting the NHS with this data is not the same as ensuring that users' privacy is protected. We must prioritise the approaches that protect privacy of personal data, he said. Will the app be effective? Due to early negative reviews and the length of time its taken to get the app into the public domain, many IT and health professionals are concerned it will see poor download numbers due to a pre-emptive loss of trust. According to a study by Censuswide on behalf of Anomali, nearly half (48%) of the UK public surveyed about the NHSX COVID-19 tracing app do not trust the UK government to keep their information safe. Another 33% are concerned that the app might allow the government to track their whereabouts, and 36% fear it could allow the government to collect data on them. This lack of trust is something Matt Middleton-Leal, General Manager of data security firm Netwrix, is also concerned about. Living on the Isle of Wight, he has been using the app since the trial began. He believes the key issue when the app arrives wont be technical but the negativity around it. I do hope the potential benefits of the app, from easing lockdown and enhancing public health and safety dont get lost amongst the politics, he said. In times of crisis we should be trying all routes to get to a new normal, and the app, while not the final answer is an essential part of the jigsaw. The NHS has stated its not a perfect platform, but as long as there is a commitment to continuing to enhance the app, well be moving in the right direction. Other countries that have made their contact-tracing apps publicly available already have seen mixed results. In Australia, one month after its Covidsafe app launched, only one person had been identified using data from it. That app was also plagued by technical issues early on and the government initially refused to answer questions about the issues users were facing. Singapore and Norway also saw low download rates for their contact-tracing apps. There have been some success stories, however. In Iceland, 40% of the population downloaded its contact-tracing app, the highest rate globally though senior figures did stress the importance of using it in conjunction with a manual track-and-trace programme. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 14:36:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DENVER, the United States, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of protesters here on Tuesday staged a second straight day of peaceful protest against police violence toward African Americans, after the first four days of nighttime destruction and police response in the Rocky Mountain state. An officer, who posted a picture on Instagram with the caption, "let's start a riot," last week, was fired from the force Tuesday, according to a statement from the Denver Police Department (DPD), and Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen ordered an internal investigation into the matter. Denver media credited the second straight day of peaceful protest to reduced aggression by DPD, an extended curfew by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, and a gesture of detente Monday by Pazen. The police chief marched arm in arm with protesters on Monday, a symbolic gesture that diffused much hostility against police. He also kneeled with protesters Monday to denounce continuing violence against African Americans. Other peaceful protests took place outside Denver Tuesday in neighboring areas, including Aurora and Castle Rock, where no destruction or violence was reported. The second straight day of peaceful protests confirmed the correlation between the excessive police force and property destruction, which have occurred during the first four nights of protests since Thursday, where Denver police used teargas, pepper bullets, and aggressive tactics against both protesters and the media. The Denver City Council passed a resolution Tuesday to investigate incidents of excessive police force against the population. Meanwhile, Colorado's Democratic Governor Jared Polis, who criticized President Donald Trump's threat of military force Monday, turned his attention towards containing a projected spike in COVID-19 cases due to social distancing violation during the protest. Enditem What happened Another day, another sharp move higher for Embraer (NYSE:ERJ) stock. Shares of the Brazilian planemaker are up 9% at 2:30 p.m. EDT, and had topped 15% earlier in the day. But why? As my fellow Fool.com contributor Lou Whiteman pointed out earlier today, there's word of green shoots emerging in Brazil, Embraer's home country, with Rio de Janeiro making early moves toward reopening tourist attractions and other businesses. So what That sounds like it should be good news for Embraer, and is probably one reason Embraer stock is rising today. But what the company really needs at this point is for airplane demand to revive, so that airlines will resume buying airplanes from Embraer. The problem is -- as Lou also explained -- South American airlines in general and Brazilian airlines in particular are in dire straits right now, with Chile's Latam Airlines Group and Colombia's Avianca Holdings both currently stuck in bankruptcy court. By its very nature, bankruptcy tends to imply a lack of cash with which to buy new airplanes -- and that's not great news for Embraer. Meanwhile, the coronavirus continues to take a toll on Brazil's economy in general. Until that changes, I don't see much in the way of prospects for the Brazilian economy reopening, or Brazilians resuming travel. Now what But what about Embraer's talks with a multitude of potential partners in China, India, and Russia, you ask? Don't those promise the prospect that Embraer will get bought out, and investors will be paid a premium for the privilege of selling their shares? I don't think so. As I explained yesterday, those rumored talks are "still in an embryonic stage" and, even if they come to fruition, Embraer is really only looking for small-scale partnerships with foreign companies on individual projects. It's not looking to sell the entire company, as it was in the now-defunct Boeing deal. Embraer investors, so eager to buy the stock today, shouldn't look for a big payout anytime soon. 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. Divyanshu Poddar Last Saturday, as SpaceX, prepared to attempt the Crew Dragon Demo-2 mission for the second time, over ten million people tuned in to watch #LaunchAmerica. For the first time in almost nine years, America was about to launch American astronauts to space in an American made rocket, from American soil. It was a proud moment for the USA, and they made a big show of it, like always. Among the many millions of viewers that tuned in, a group of Indian space entrepreneurs who had been actively following the developments celebrated the remarkable endeavour of human spaceflight. A new era in Human Spaceflight For many many space enthusiasts around the world, the success of the Crew Dragon Demo-2 mission was inspiring and unprecedented in various ways. In 2011, after the space shuttle was retired, the NASA Commercial Crew Program began. At this time, the USA was wholly-dependent on Russian Soyuz rockets to hail rides for astronauts to and from the ISS. The aim of this program was to privately develop within America space transportation systems that would take astronauts to and bring them back from space safely, from American soil. Boeing, with its CST-100 Starliner capsule, and SpaceX with the Crew Dragon capsule, competed till the final leg of the program to achieve this milestone. Both were competing under multi-billion dollar development contracts with NASA. SpaceX won this race, with the success of their Crew Dragon Demo-2 mission last Saturday. The rocket booster was recovered with potential for reuse, like any other Falcon 9 booster. The astronauts, wearing cool new stylish spacesuits, were transported to the launchpad aboard Tesla Model Xs with their futuristic looking falcon-wing doors. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule is the first-ever with a large touchscreen-based interface and control panel, instead of a myriad of dials, buttons, switches, etc. The capsule also carried with the two human astronauts, Tremor a sparkly apatosaurus toy that was seen floating around the capsule acting as a zero-gravity (orbital insertion) indicator for viewers around the world. No knobs, buttons or flight sequence written on paper, #CrewDragon and the astronauts have touch screens that are seamless and efficient to use. Their gloves are also specially designed to let the astronauts touch the screen effortlessly. pic.twitter.com/ONrq8Njhet Tech2 (@tech2eets) May 30, 2020 With all of that, it was also for the first time ever that astronauts have gone to space in a capsule and rocket completely developed, manufactured, owned and operated by a private company. With this milestone, human spaceflight has, for the first time in history, the means and potential to become a completely private affair. Individuals can now literally buy a ticket to space, although SpaceX is yet to announce any such sales. The mission brought spaceflight to the 21st century, and it did this in style. This mission and other efforts by SpaceX have made a large impact on the public perception of space and spaceflight. They have single-handedly inspired a whole generation of space explorers, scientists, and rocket enthusiasts not just in America but across the globe. In doing so, they have also created completely new opportunities of doing business in space such as the first commercial, privately developed, non-academic Indian satellite (ExseedSat-1) launched by the Falcon 9 in December 2018, albeit not on an Indian rocket. The world's only civilian-first space program The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was set up on the daring and unprecedented vision of Vikram Sarabhai To be second to none in the implementation and application of space technology for the benefit of society. ISRO emerged to be a world-leading space program and the only one which did not evolve from military needs or national pride, but purely from the intent to benefit society. This vision that served us well for the last 5 decades, now grows old and outdated in the 21st century. Developments like the Demo-2 mission and others have slowly created the critical mass around the discourse of encouraging and growing private participation in the Indian space economy. India has mulled over opening up the sector to private participation many times and has a messy history of ISRO both embracing and denying private participation in different instances. There have been discussions in various industry forums about the privatisation of the PSLV for almost 15 years now, and even so, ISRO continues to operate the rocket on its own, with private players only acting as contracted manufacturers for components and subcomponents. Another instance of ISRO trying to embrace the private industry, but faltering was the Devas-Antrix Debacle. But as the global space economy undergoes a massive disruption, and space becomes highly entrepreneurial, India is faced with a choice to either stand on the sidelines and watch as we lose our position and eminence in space technology on the global front, or to make changes and adapt to this dynamic and exciting future of human spaceflight. I think these disruptive changes in the global space landscape have culminated in another attempt by the Indian government to seed a world-leading space industry in the country through major structural reforms. That said, mere announcements won't do. India is in dire need of a law and policy framework that enables Indian space startups and encourages their excellence. Just minor changes such as providing access to ISRO facilities while a crucial step in the right direction will not go a long way in creating the ecosystem we have potential for. Various issues plague Indian rocket and satellite manufacturers that need addressing GST, liability, insurance, orbital slotting, frequency allocation, launch permissions, among others. While the more downstream companies that want to dream up products and services requiring satellite data and the use of Indian space infrastructure (think NAVIC) need a more transparent and equitable data acquisition and use policy. These issues and more have limited the Indian space ecosystem from really flourishing. There have been many proposals to highlight possible reforms, from the space activities bill to setting up a separate regulator and enforcer the likes of TRAI and TDSAT for the telecom industry. I personally believe setting up a single-window licensing system that provides all clearances and licenses needed to build, launch and operate space hardware combined with a data policy that allows for satellite data to be traded in the market freely like any other commodity, would go a long way. We also need to ensure that the clearances are not discretionary and can be acquired by any company that wishes to do so. A specific, limited and exhaustive set of exceptions may be listed based on criteria such as national security, OST compliance and more. As we see the world change rapidly and spaceflight becomes accessible to private individuals and not just nation-states, this change needs to be ushered in. But we should be fast, lest it becomes too late. Reimagining the Indian space enterprise The private Indian space enterprise should also see the writing on the wall. As much as the Demo-2 mission signalled an exciting new era of human spaceflight, it was also an American dream fulfilled Americas attempt to protect and grow its strategic interests in space. While the commercial crew program began almost a decade ago, the culmination of it comes on the heels of the Artemis accords, and a presidential executive order paving the way for the USA to mine and use resources from the Moon for scientific or commercial purposes. Today, the USA has the policy, the laws, the entrepreneurs and the capabilities to make claims and do what it pleases where space resources are concerned. While other nations like China and Russia are strong competitors, India has a unique advantage. She is poised to be the one, truly capable, civilian-driven space program that can take human values to space and not just military might. As India prepares to completely reimagine its space enterprise in this new era, the private Indian space enterprise needs to envision the kinds of technologies that will grow this industry in the decades to come. Can we ensure India's interests and eminence in space are protected? Can we ensure that Indian presence in space will not be undermined due and a large technology and capabilities gap with other countries? Can we ensure that the next time an Indian space startup is at the cusp of breakthrough innovation, they dont depend on another country be subject to their whims and fancies in the form of tariffs, embargos and bans? Can we ensure that India has safe, affordable, reliable and on-demand access to space, and possibly the Moon or Mars? Our entrepreneurs could stand to be a lot more ambitious and audacious. Our policymakers could stand to be more progressive. We need to set the bar higher, being the country that gave the world it's only civilian first space program. Now, let us build on top of it a thriving space entrepreneurship ecosystem possibly even the best in the world. The author is an ex-ISRO, space industry enthusiast, and founder of Rocketeers, India's only manufacturer for commercial model and amateur rocketry systems. The eyes of the world are on the United States amid massive and violent protests sparked by outrage over the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis. The 46-year-old Black man died after a police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes. In Hamilton and other cities, there have been solidarity protests, and reminders that racism and violence happen here, too. The protests have also raised questions about local policing issues. Here is a look at what the laws and regulations say in Ontario and Hamilton about police use of force, discipline and oversight: Body-worn cameras In November 2019, the Hamilton Police Services Board voted not to outfit officers with body-worn cameras after considering a staff report that examined their use in other jurisdictions. At the time, Chief Eric Girt said the cameras come with myriad issues including cost, data storage and questions about accuracy. The board had looked at the issue after a call from families who lost loved ones in police shootings. Discipline In Ontario police are subject to the Police Services Act (PSA) and officers accused of misconduct can face disciplinary hearings. In Hamilton, those hearings are public and the media is alerted before the first appearance. Less serious matters are handled informally. Officers facing discipline, including those also facing criminal charges, cannot be immediately fired. Rather they are placed on administrative duties or suspended with pay pending the outcome of the PSA matter. Oversight There are several oversight bodies in Ontario tasked with investigating police. The Special Investigations Unit is an arms-length agency that investigates incidents involving police in Ontario when someone is seriously hurt, killed or there is an allegation of sexual assault. Typically, the police service alerts the SIU after an incident and the SIU decides whether to engage its mandate. If that happens, the SIU assigns investigators. They have the power to criminally charge police officers. If the SIU decides charges are not warranted, which happens in most cases, a detailed directors report is released publicly. For incidents that do not meet the criteria for an SIU investigation, including complaints about police conduct, the service or policies, there is the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD). The OIPRD may dismiss a complaint, send it back to the police service for an internal investigation or investigate itself. Less serious matters may be resolved by an informal resolution or mediation. Use of force Use-of-force training is mandatory for all officers in Ontario. They are trained through the Ontario Police College and then train in-house annually through the training branch. Officers are trained to use a firearm, conducted energy weapon (CEW), pepper spray and an extendable baton. There are also defensive tactics, which include open-palm strikes, elbow strikes and kicks. They are also trained on communication. Officers are not trained to use chokeholds. Police are trained to assess a situation and react based on the perceived level of threat. It is not an exact formula, but more subjective to the individual officer who is often making a split-second decision. All incidents of force are recorded by the police service and presented to the police board annually. In 2018 the latest numbers available showed a total 233 use of force incidents. The 10-year average was 235. The incidents are broken into 10 categories: shootings, firearm pointed, handgun drawn, aerosol weapon, impact hard, impact soft, empty hands hard, empty hands soft, canine bite and CEW. In Hamilton, most police shootings are to euthanize an injured animal. But in 2018 there were two fatal police shootings Quinn MacDougall, killed on April 3, 2018, and Robyn Garlow, killed in an apartment on King Street East on Oct. 20. Both incidents involved a distressed person with a knife. And in both incidents the SIU cleared the officers of wrongdoing. As of this January, police services in Ontario are mandated to collect race-related data in use-of-force arrests. Police across Ontario, including Hamilton, objected to how the data is collected. Hamilton police said the seven categories force officers to make an unfair perception decision. The categories Black, East/Southeast Asian, Indigenous, Latino, Middle Eastern, South Asian and White were adopted from the Anti-Racism Act. Advocates say the data is important to be able to assess racial discrimination. No use-of-force data has yet been released in Hamilton this year. Carding The practice of carding or street checks police stopping people who are not suspected of a crime to ask for identifying information has disproportionately targeted racialized groups across Ontario. In response, the province implemented COII (Collection of Identifying Information) legislation in 2017 that restricts what information and when police can collect identifying information from the public. When the legislation took effect, it drastically reduced the number of street checks recorded by police. Thousands of Black Lives Matter protestors took to the streets of Los Angeles on Tuesday for the seventh straight day. Cara Delevingne joined crowds to march, after the death of George Floyd incited protests across the country. The 27-year-old model shared snaps of herself and the crowd she marched with to her Instagram stories. Support: Cara Delevingne joined crowds to march on Tuesday in Los Angeles, after the death of George Floyd incited protests across the country In a selfie the runway star held a cardboard sign, she seemed to have made, partially cover her face from the eyes down. As the sign was reversed in her selfie, she wrote 'Silence is consent,' the phrase on her sign for followers to read. In a video, she showed the hundreds that marched in front of and behind her down the middle of a street as cars continued to try and drive. At one point hundreds seemed to take a knee in the street. Late Monday night, the Paper Towns actress shared a black square to her Instagram, in support of Black Out Tuesday, which calls for social media and businesses to go dark for any issues not relating to Black Lives Matter, racial injustice and protests. Marching: In a video, she showed the hundreds that marched in front of and behind her down the middle of a street as cars continued to try and drive Take a knee: At one point hundreds of protestors seemed to take a knee in the street Black out: Late Monday night, the Paper Towns actress shared a black square to her Instagram, in support of Black Out Tuesday, which calls for social media and businesses to go dark for any issues not relating to Black Lives Matter, racial injustice and protests (pictured in February 2020) It was the seventh consecutive night protests continued around the country with CNN reporting there was at least one protest in all 50 states. Protests began last week after Floyd was videotaped in police custody with an ex- Minnesota police officer kneeling on his neck and as many as two others on his body, for nearly nine minutes, until he lost consciousness and ultimately died on Memorial Day. One of the four cops, Derek Chauvin, was charged with third degree murder on Friday, after all lost their jobs. More than 7,200 people were arrested across 43 cities in the country over the weekend, according to CBS News. United: It was the seventh consecutive night protests continued around the country with CNN reporting there was at least one protest in all 50 states Los Angeles county was on its third day of a curfew after over 500 arrests were made Friday night during late night protests. As of Tuesday, more than 2,700 had been arrested in Los Angeles alone with many reported to be locals, according to the LA Times. Some cities in the area including Beverly Hills and Santa Monica were on 1pm curfews, since Monday, after storefronts were looted and vandalized in previous days. Los Angeles county remained on a 6p.m. curfew Tuesday. Be safe: Timothee Chalamet protested in Santa Monica and along a shot of a crowd of protestors he wrote 'They are starting to tear gas, stay safe' On the ground: The Call Me By Your Name actor shared a selfie holding his sign that appeared to have names of those killed by police On the ground: The Call Me By Your Name actor shared a selfie holding his sign that appeared to have names of those killed by police Others stars also took the street on Tuesday and posted to social media to mark the wide spread protests and Black Out Tuesday, that asked social media users to raise up black voices and to focus all social content on black justice. Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Emily Ratajkowski and Kendrick Sampson joined marchers of protestors. Chalamet protested in Santa Monica and along a shot of a crowd of protesters he wrote 'They are starting to tear gas, stay safe.' Organizer: While Zendaya shared a clip of an organizer speaking to a crowd on a microphone While Zendaya shared a clip of an organizer speaking to a crowd on a microphone. Model Ratajkowski took the streets for yet another day to protests against racism. 'Dismantle power structures of oppressions,' she wrote on a sign she brought to protest. She seemed to take aim at the police who lined up against a building in full protective gear. My support: 'Dismantle power structures of oppressions,'Emily Ratajkowski wrote on a sign she brought to protest' Questions: 'Who are you protecting,' she wrote. 'Who are you serving' Sit in: Alongside a photo of a large crowd gathering 'black lives matter,' as she panned to a large group of people sitting 'Who are you protecting,' she wrote. 'Who are you serving.' Alongside a photo of a large crowd gathering 'black lives matter,' as she panned to a large group of people sitting. Keke Palmer took direction action with National Guard members as she joined the protests. She shared on her social media that she engaged with National Guard members and asking them to kneel with her in protests. Engaging: Keke Palmer took direction action with National Guard members as she joined the protests Kneel with us: She shared on her social media that she engaged with National Guard members and asking them to kneel with her in protests Ireland Baldwin joined the fray and recorded crowds including those driving through the crowds in cards. 'LA showing up!' she wrote. 'I love these people.' Those in the car held signs that said 'we stand with you' and 'we see you' in support of the Black Lives Matter protestors. LA showed up: Ireland Baldwin joined the fray and recorded crowds including those driving through the crowds in cards. 'LA showing up!' she wrote. 'I love these people' Insecure actor Sampson was another who joined the LA protests and took to social media to share his thoughts with his followers Leave:He later shared a photo of an NYPD van on fire and took aim at President Donald Trump to resign. 'We took the streets with masks on amidst a pandemic,' he wrote. 'Our country is ablaze. Trump lit the match. He must resign' Insecure actor Sampson was another who joined the New York City protests and shared a selfie video from the protest. He later shared a photo of an NYPD van on fire and took aim at President Donald Trump to resign. 'We took the streets with masks on amidst a pandemic,' he wrote. 'Because we know we can build a world free from police violence.' 'Because we know we need to defund the police and fund our futures,' Sampson added. 'Our country is ablaze. Trump lit the match. He must resign.' We saw this coming: 'What is happening right now is exactly what happens when you leave a wound untreated and act obliviously in its constant presence,' Zayn Malik wrote in an Instagram post Before: 'This uprising has escalated due to the racism, ignorance, and arrogance that burdens America and the world,' the former One Direction singer added, Zayn was a member of One Direction from 2010-2015 Other stars who did not join the physical protests did voice support for the moment on social media. 'What is happening right now is exactly what happens when you leave a wound untreated and act obliviously in its constant presence,' Zayn Malik wrote in an Instagram post. 'This uprising has escalated due to the racism, ignorance, and arrogance that burdens America and the world,' the former One Direction singer added. 'I am deeply saddened by every act of discrimination and can not stay silent,' he concluded. In prayer: Jessica Simpson was another who supported Black Out Tuesday shared the black square that went around social media. 'I have been taken to my knees in prayer time and again over these days,' she wrote. 'I am listening to the testimonies crying out loud' Get away: Amber Rose shared a text post that read: 'I'm pro black af, pro LGBTW af, pro hoe, pro sex work, pro choice,' Rose wrote. 'If ur fatphobic, transphobic or ever screamed "All lived matter" get the f**k off my page' Jessica Simpson was another who supported Black Out Tuesday shared the black square that went around social media. 'I have been taken to my knees in prayer time and again over these days,' she wrote. 'I am listening to the testimonies crying out loud.' She added: 'I am hearing God's anointed power in the hearts that are steadfast. I am hopeful that God will deliver the souls of the righteous who are crushed in spirits.' 'I have resilient faith that anything hate can do, LOVE can do better,' she concluded. Create unity: Gabrielle Union posted on her story and on a main post in support of black owned businesses. Alongside a post asking followers to tag 'black owned businesses below' Call for them to join: The Being Mary Jane star also shared a story post saying 'Black people account for 15% of the population in the United States.' 'Join our mission as we call on major retailers to pledge 15% of their shelf space to black-owned businesses Amber Rose shared a text post that read: 'I'm pro black af, pro LGBTW af, pro hoe, pro sex work, pro choice,' Rose wrote. 'If ur fatphobic, transphobic or ever screamed "All lived matter" get the f**k off my page.' Gabrielle Union posted on her story and on a main post in support of black owned businesses. Alongside a post asking followers to tag 'black owned businesses below.' She wrote: 'Put your favorite black owned business on in the comments!! Tell us what the business is and what city/state is located in.' United: Kevin Hart shared a screen grab of CNN showing a map of the U.S. lit in red as each state recorded a protest in support of racial justice Where is the justice: 'I'm watching so many decisions be made to stop the looting and rioting,' he wrote. 'National guard has been in...curfews are being moved around. How about arresting the other officers that were involved in the death of George Floyd. How about justice?' The Being Mary Jane star also shared a story post saying 'Black people account for 15% of the population in the United States.' 'Join our mission as we call on major retailers to pledge 15% of their shelf space to black-owned businesses. Kevin Hart shared a screen grab of CNN showing a map of the U.S. lit in red as each state recorded a protest in support of racial justice. 'This is POWER....Enough is Enough. It's time for change,' the comedian wrote. Mind blown: He continued: 'This s**t is mind blowing...' The Night School actor then took to Twitter to further the discussion. 'I'm watching so many decisions be made to stop the looting and rioting,' he wrote. 'National guard has been in...curfews are being moved around. How about arresting the other officers that were involved in the death of George Floyd. How about justice?' He continued: 'This s**t is mind blowing... ' The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) which has deployed 20 teams across Maharashtra took sessions on how to protect lives and what to do during a cyclone. The sessions were conducted at the relief centres where villagers living near the coast have been brought in. The Maharashtra administration has evacuated over 100,000 people from the coastline since Tuesday in preparation for the cyclone which made landfall at 11.30 am just south of Alibag in Raigad district. Heavy rains have been lashing the coastline since morning, particularly at Murud and Revdanda, where the NDRF camps witnessed the landfall. Eight teams of the NDRF are stationed in Mumbai, four in Raigad, two each in Palghar, Thane and Ratnagiri districts, while one team is on standby in Navi Mumbai. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed in these districts too. Also read: Cyclone Nisarga landfall begins, will take 3 hours to complete A senior officer said that villagers have been instructed on basic Dos and Donts that are to be followed during the cyclone. Citizens have been asked not to venture near old buildings, temporary sheds or poles as well as power lines. Wherever possible, we are undertaking sessions on how people need to take care of themselves before the cyclone hits. We are also adhering to social distancing norms, he said. Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said that the state machinery has been geared up for the Cyclone Nisarga. Adequate force of NDRF, police, lifeguards, fire brigade have been deployed. Keeping the intensity of the cyclone in mind, citizens in the coastal parts of the state are requested to stay home, Pawar said. The name, Nisarga proposed by Bangladesh, means nature. It comes soon after cyclone Amphan that devastated the lives of over a million people and left 86 dead when it made landfall on May 20 at the Sunderbans, in West Bengal. The last severe cyclonic storm to hit close to Mumbai was in 1961. But climate scientists warned that devastation can be extensive as todays Mumbai is very different from the Bombay of 1960s and has lost most of its floodplains and rivulets and is now counted as among the densest cities in the world. When heavy rains lash over a city like Mumbai, which has lost its flood plains and defences, the flooding gets prolonged, scientists said A senior officer said that villagers have been instructed on basic Dos and Donts that are to be followed during the cyclone. Citizens have been asked to not venture near old buildings, temporary sheds or poles as well as power lines. Wherever possible, we are undertaking sessions on how people need to take care of themselves before the cyclone hits. We are also adhering to social distancing norms, he said. Press Trust of India South Africa has partnered with NASA to host a deep-space ground station, which will support human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. With this collaboration, South Africa became the fourth country after the US, Spain and Australia to host a deep space ground station. The partnership between the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to host the space station following an earlier agreement between the two organisations for the establishment of the station at Matjiesfontein town in the Western Cape Province. "The station will support human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. It will be integrated into an existing network of three sites in the United States of America, Spain and Australia," the South African government said in a statement on Monday. "As the fourth site, it will complement the other three sites and provide improved coverage and redundancy for critical mission support. SANSA will operate, maintain and manage the station," it said. The station will benefit South Africa in, amongst others, the development of scarce skills and the growth of the science, engineering, technology and innovation sector. It will also provide opportunities to feed the knowledge economy and increase the national research output in space science and technology. SANSA Managing Director Raoul Hodges said South Africa's advantage was its location at the southern tip of Africa, with the climate at Matjiesfontein being ideal for the frequency that will be involved in the space studies. Work is expected to start soon on building the dish antennas, with a height equivalent to a 20-storey building. "The dishes need to be large enough to capture the faint signals sent from millions or even billions of miles away (from the Earth)," the NASA said in a statement. The partnership between SANSA and NASA comes almost half a century after a tracking station was built by NASA at Hartbeestfontein in South Africa in 1961 to track NASA probes that were being sent beyond the earth's orbit. The facility was converted to a radio astronomy observatory after the original venture ended in 1974 when NASA quit South Africa because of the growing international opposition to the white-minority apartheid government. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 03:01:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held separate phone talks on Wednesday with his Russian and German counterparts where they discussed regional issues of mutual concern, said the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. In his talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and later with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Shoukry focused on the situation in the war-torn Libya and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, according to statements by Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez. "Minister Shoukry stressed the necessity of supporting the UN efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution that would restore security and eliminate all aspects of terrorism in Libya," Hafez said. Both Egypt and Russia support Khalifa Haftar, head of the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA), in his conflict against the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) led by his rival Fayez al-Serraj. Libya has been locked in a civil war since the ouster and killing of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The situation escalated in 2014, splitting power between two rival governments: the UN-backed GNA based in the capital Tripoli and another in the northeastern city of Tobruk allied with Haftar's LNA. The separate phone conversations also addressed efforts to revive the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis, urging for a comprehensive and just settlement based on the UN-proposed two-state solution and warning against Israeli plans to further annex occupied Palestinian lands. They also discussed chances for resuming Palestinian-Israeli peace talks, stressing that any relevant unilateral measures "would push the region towards further complication." The Egyptian minister also explained Egypt's willingness to resume tripartite negotiations with Sudan and Ethiopia regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) that Ethiopia is building on their shared Nile River. Over the past few years, tripartite talks on the rules of filling and operating Ethiopia's grand hydropower dam have been fruitless, amid Egyptian concerns that the GERD construction would affect Egypt's annual share of Nile water. Enditem Evangelical leader Pat Robertson says it isnt cool for Trump to berate governors over unrest after Floyds death. Pat Robertson, an influential Christian leader in the United States, has rebuked President Donald Trump for his threats to call in the US military against civilians and his hardline stance against the recent protests over the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, at the hands of a white police officer on May 25. Robertson opened his nightly 700 Club television show on Tuesday by saying the political moment in the US now calls for compassion and reassurance, not the threats of dominance and military force that President Trump offered in recent days. It seems like now is the time to say, I understand your pain. I want to comfort you. I think its time we love each other. But the president took a different course. He said, I am the president of law and order, Robertson said. And he issued a heads up. He said: Im ready to send in military troops if the nations governors dont act to quell the violence that has rocked American cities. Matter of fact, he spoke of them as being jerks, Robertson said. You just dont do that. Mr president. It isnt cool, he said. The rebuke was surprising because Robertson, who is one the founding leaders of the white, evangelical Christian movement in the US, has been a consistent supporter of Trump. His television show, begun in 1966, is seen by an estimated one million Americans every day. One in four American adults belong to an evangelical Christian denomination and they voted 81 percent for Trump in 2016, according to the Pew Research Center, a non-partisan group. Trump sparked controversy earlier this week when he posed for photographs in front of an historic Episcopal church near the White House that had been briefly set on fire by protesters on June 1. Episcopalians are not considered evangelical Christians. Federal police in riot gear and on horseback had forcefully cleared a city park so that Trump and top officials could walk to the church. Pat Robertson tells Trump that his response to the George Floyd protests "isn't cool." pic.twitter.com/vDBYxxUp10 Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) June 2, 2020 Trump, who is not particularly religious, casually brandished the Bible upside down and backwards in his hand. The move was widely interpreted as a publicity stunt and drew criticism from Episcopalian and Catholic church leaders. Bishop Michael Curry, the head of the Episcopal Church, released a statement, saying Trump had used the Bible and the church for partisan political purposes instead of coming to the church to pray, which many other presidents have done. At a time of deep political hurt and pain in our country his action did nothing to help us to heal us, Curry said. James Martin, a Jesuit priest and author, criticised Trump in a national television news interview and on Twitter, calling the presidents appearance at the church revolting. Let me be clear. This is revolting. The Bible is not a prop. A church is not a photo op. Religion is not a political tool. God is not your plaything. pic.twitter.com/RZwPeqrwoZ James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) June 2, 2020 But in a Fox News radio interview, Trump rejected the criticism from church leaders as partisan. Most religious leaders loved it. I heard Franklin Graham this morning thought it was great. Most religious leaders thought it was great, Trump said. Its only the other side that didnt like it, the opposition party as the expression goes, Trump said. Robert Jeffress, a Southern Baptist pastor who gave the sermon for Trumps inauguration as president in 2017, defended Trump in an appearance on Fox News on Tuesday. It was unbelievable what happened Sunday night that anarchists would try to destroy that historic church, Jeffress said. Watch my interview from "@FoxFriendsFirst" discussing President @realDonaldTrump's visit to St. John's Church here: https://t.co/06KeCbfWdW Dr. Robert Jeffress (@robertjeffress) June 2, 2020 I believe President Trump was absolutely correct in walking over there and standing in front of that church to show his solidarity not only with that congregation but with houses of worship all across America, demonstrating his intent to protect churches from those who would try to destroy them, he said. In his 700 Club monologue, Robertson also questioned Trumps public threats to call in the US military against the protesters, which the Trump administration has now backed away from. The question is, does the president have the authority to call out the troops, he said. You have got to go all the way back to pre-Civil War days to find an ordinance to give him that authority. The Pentagon had deployed rapid response, assault troops to military bases in the Washington, DC, region as well as two brigades of military police. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said he did not believe invoking the presidents authority to put down insurrections by military force would be necessary. Defense Department officials told The Associated Press news agency troops would return to their home bases in North Carolina and New York. There have been signs recently that Trumps political support among evangelicals may be eroding. An evangelical magazine founded by the late Reverend Billy Graham published an editorial on December 19 during Trumps impeachment in Congress calling for his removal from office for gross immorality and ethical incompetence. A survey conducted in late April and early May by Pew found that support among evangelicals for Trumps handling of the coronavirus pandemic, while still strong, had slipped by 6 percentage points. The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form Isaac Addo, a Court bailiff who forged the signature of a deceased judge and prepare a forged Power of Attorney in order to sell 13 parcels of land at Kitase has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in hard labour by an Accra Circuit Court. Addo pleaded not guilty to the charges of forgery of judicial or official document, possessing forged document and fraudulent transaction. The court presided over by Justice Harriet Jane Akweley Quaye found him guilty on the three charges and sentenced him accordingly after a two year trial. The case of prosecution, Chief Inspector Simon Apoisornu was that the complainants Mrs. Susanna Nunoo, an internal auditor and oldest daughter of late Justice Lt Col Michael Mensah Brown and four of her siblings and their mother Mrs. Susanna Mensah Brown. Prosecution said the convict was a court bailiff at Akuapem Akropong Circuit Court and worked as an errand boy for the late Justice Brown. He said in the year 1990, the father of the complainants bought 13 plots of land measuring 100 by 100 per plot from the father of Addo at Kitase near Aburi in the Eastern Region and the parcels of land was later walled. Prosecution said in the year 2013, the father of the complainants fell sick and gave power of Attorney to his wife to manage his affairs. He said in the year, 2015, Addo informed the mother of the complainants that some family members of his late father were trying to encroach on the land and suggested to her to allow him to sell the land for them. The prosecution said Mrs. Brown asked Addo to sell six out of the 13 plots. However to Mrs. Browns amazement, Addo sold all the 13 plots and accounted for only six. Prosecution said Mrs. Brown therefore launched investigations to ascertain the buyers of the plots of land and during that investigations one Alex Takyi Yeboah informed her that he bought the land after sighting a Power of Attorney in the name of Isaac Addo. He said a report was made to the Police on August 2, 2017 and Addo was arrested. The Prosecution said in his investigative cautioned statement, Addo admitted selling the parcels of land on the instructions of Mrs. Brown and that he gave her all the proceeds. He said Addo then produced a copy of the Power of Attorney issued in his name dated on January 1, 2015 and same was allegedly signed by the late Justice Lt Col Michael Mensah Brown. Prosecution said Police Forensic Laboratory investigations later revealed that the signature of the late Justice Brown was forged. 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 TICKERS: RVV; RVVTF Source: Streetwise Reports (6/3/20) Revive Therapeutics is focused on infectious diseases as well as treatments using psilocybin-based formulations. Revive Therapeutics Ltd. (RVV:TSX.V; RVVTF:OTCMKTS), a company that focuses on repurposing drugs for infectious diseases and rare disorders, is preparing to submit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a Phase 3 confirmatory trial to evaluate Bucillamine in patients with mild to moderate Covid-19. The drug has a long history, having been used in Japan and South Korea for over 30 years for rheumatoid arthritis. Revive has a clinical history with the drug, repurposing it to conduct a Phase 2 trial in the United States in 2015 for acute gout flares and cystinuria, a form of kidney stones. While it never went to market, Revive possesses substantial data on its safety and efficacy. "Bucillamine as an agent has a lot of strength in terms of anti-inflammatory advantages," Michael Frank, chairman and CEO of Revive Therapeutics, told Streetwise Reports. "From its long use in Japan and South Korea, it has a lot of good history, and good safety and efficacy background. Additionally, from our Phase 2 study for gout, we had a lot of data to support its safety as well as its inflammation treatment properties." Earlier this year, with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, Revive looked at Bucillamine again. "There's a lot of data to support that Bucillamine is much more powerful as an anti-inflammatory. It can help restore glutathione, which is an amino acid in the body that can help reduce inflammation. Bucillamine has a strong indication of possibly treating symptoms like lung inflammation caused by infectious diseases from specific strains of influenza, H1N1 and coronavirus, namely Covid-19," Frank explained. Revive in April filed a pre-investigational new drug meeting request with the FDA for Bucillamine for the treatment of Covid-19 to proceed to a Phase 2 clinical study. The FDA recommended that the company submit its IND for a Phase 3 confirmatory trial. The basis of the clinical study will analyze if "Bucillamine has the potential, via restoration of glutathione activity and other anti-inflammatory activity, to lessen the negative consequences of SARS-CoV2 infection in the lungs and to help treat Covid-19 manifestation," Frank stated. "The FDA agreed that Revive could rely on its data included in its previous IND with Bucillamine for gout to support the Covid-19 Phase 3 trial and, therefore, the company did not have to perform any Phase 1 or Phase 2 clinical studies," the company reported. "Because of our history with Bucillamine, and that Bucillamine has been around 30 years and it's been effective in South Korea and Japan treating rheumatoid arthritis, and because of the data, we were asked to provide an IND to go directly to a Phase 3 triala much bigger trial," Frank said. "FDA's support in advising Revive to move directly into a Phase 3 confirmatory trial provides an acknowledgment for the potential of Bucillamine in the treatment of Covid-19,' noted Frank. "Entering into a Phase 3 study is a major milestone for the company, and we are excited to unlock the full potential of Bucillamine not only for this virus but also for other infectious diseases that we will investigate in the future." Revive has also stated that it intends to conduct a clinical study of Bucillamine in Covid-19 patients in Canada and today announced that it has submitted a Pre-Clinical Trial Application (Pre-CTA) to Health Canada and will have its Pre-CTA meeting with Health Canada this week. "Unlike many micro caps in Canada and in the United States, getting to Phase 3 trial is a substantial plateau, and that's what sets us apart," Frank added. Revive is also actively investigating psilocybin-based therapeutics. The firm, which acquired Psilocin Pharma Corp., is investigating "novel oral dosage forms of psilocybin, such as oral dissolvable thin films or tablets, based on the company's wholly owned patent-pending psilocybin formulations and its exclusive licensed drug delivery technology from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation." "We are expanding our psilocybin-based pharmaceutical portfolio with unique oral dosage and drug delivery forms that will target and have the potential to treat diseases and disorders currently not investigated with psychedelic compounds," Frank said. "We are combining our robust intellectual property portfolio in both psychedelic formulations and our drug delivery technology which is unique within the industry, and leveraging our research partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to establish a specialty portfolio of psilocybin-based pharmaceuticals that we can advance to clinical trials and partnerships with other life sciences companies." The company is targeting rare diseases, mental health and addiction with the psilocybin formulations. Revive has approximately 189 million shares outstanding, 267 million fully diluted. [NLINSERT] Disclosure: 1) Patrice Fusillo compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee. She or members of her household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. She or members of her household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Revive Therapeutics. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. 3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. 4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Revive Therapeutics, a company mentioned in this article. 6) This article does not constitute medical advice. Officers, employees and contributors to Streetwise Reports are not licensed medical professionals. Readers should always contact their healthcare professionals for medical advice. 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. 'We'll Not Back Off': Chinese Troops Crossed Into Indian Side, Admits India's Defence Minister Sputnik News 13:48 GMT 02.06.2020(updated 15:46 GMT 02.06.2020) New Delhi (Sputnik): India and China have been engaged in a border stand-off since the last week of April, which is the longest since the 2017 Doklam stand-off. The ongoing situation in the eastern Ladakh region erupted after Beijing accused New Delhi of building defence infrastructure on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control. In a first public admission, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that People's Liberation Army troops crossed into the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control in early May, adding, however, that India had taken the necessary steps, while sending a large number of troops to match the Chinese deployment in the contested Ladakh region. "Our policy is very clear that we will not hurt [the] self-respect of our neighbours, but I assured the nation that the government would not let anyone hurt India's self-respect as well", Rajnath Singh said in an interview with the channel News 18 on Tuesday. The minister said that solutions are being found through military and diplomatic talks. He said that Army Chief M.M. Naravane had informed him about a high-level military leaders' meeting on 6 June to settle the issue peacefully. "This kind of tension escalated in the past as well and a solution was found", he said, referring to the 73-day Doklam stand-off in 2017. The Indian Army and the People's Liberations Army have been engaged in a stand-off over "no man's land" in the eastern Ladakh region's Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso for more than a month. Both Beijing and New Delhi have conducted eight rounds of talks to de-escalate the tensions, but the two sides continue to maintain aggressive posturing in the disputed border areas. The escalating build-up along the 4,057-kilometre loosely demarcated Line of Actual Control has turned into the most serious confrontation between the two countries since the 73-day Doklam stand-off in 2017, when Indian troops destroyed bunkers and a road laid by Chinese troops near the tri-border junction of India, China, and Bhutan. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zonar, the leader in smart fleet technology, today announced Zonar MyView, a next-generation app providing parents and caregivers details and location information into the school buses their children ride on every day. The route-agnostic app comes with a dispatcher portal that enables school districts to quickly deliver information and allows easy management of general school bus communications to users, including the ability to send messages within the app to keep parents and caregivers informed about late-running buses or bus substitutions. "We understand the challenges parents and caregivers face in making sure children are where they need to be at the right time. Schedule changes and even vehicle substitutions can cause very real problems, said Christopher Dean, business intelligence and analytics coordinator at Dean Transportation and Dean Trailways. We anticipate that Zonar MyView will be an outstanding tool to ensure dispatchers can communicate clearly and quickly to parents. This will give parents peace of mind while improving the effectiveness of proactive communication. The school bus remains the safest way for students to get to and from school. However, school districts still face numerous daily challenges when it comes to ensuring that student travel happens as efficiently and safely as possible. Across the industry, school bus driver shortages have led to inexperienced drivers and an increase in late bus arrivals. This causes more inbound calls for dispatchers to manage, approximately 90 percent of which are from parents asking about school bus location or a late or missed bus. MyView gives parents and caregivers real-time visibility into where their childrens school buses are and reduces the inbound calls school transportation departments receive, allowing them to better manage their time and responsibilities. "Zonar MyView increases the school bus information flow to parents and decreases unnecessary dispatcher interactions, said H. Kevin Mest, senior vice president of passenger services at Zonar. "Parents and caregivers have a tough job so were pleased to help address some of the challenges caused by lack of information. Enabling them to check on the school bus whenever they want means one less thing to worry about." Not every family structure is built the same, which is why MyView allows a custodial parent to set up a students profile and bus information within the app. They can easily and securely share their childs information with other caregivers, as well as edit, add, or remove other users. With shared access, all authorized guardians who expect the child to arrive at a specific destination can view that school bus's location. Parents can also build custom zones within MyView to better accommodate their schedules by setting up email or SMS alerts for when the bus is approaching. They can add multiple zones for different drop-off destinations such as daycare, sporting fields, or a caregiver's house. Plus, when managing multiple zones within MyView, parents can link each zone to relevant buses, eliminating unnecessary alerts. Before the release of MyView, Zonar customers were encouraged to use SafeStop, a school bus tracking solution from a trusted partner. The SafeStop product has been discontinued as of April 2020. To help your district prepare for the coming term, you can learn more about MyView here: https://www.zonarsystems.com/solutions/myview-bus-tracking-app/ About Zonar Founded in 2001, Zonar has pioneered smart fleet management solutions throughout vocational, pupil, mass transit and commercial trucking industries. Zonars mission is to enhance the safety, performance and success of our customers by transforming the delivery of innovative insights for commercial fleets around the world. Zonar achieves this by helping fleets of all sizes maximize the use of their assets with solutions dedicated to improving compliance, efficiency, maintenance, ridership visibility, safety and tracking. Cloud-based services with open APIs drive Zonar's smart fleet solutions by making it easy for fleet owners and managers to stay connected to their fleets and drivers and operators to dispatch. Headquartered in Seattle and part of the Continental family, Zonar also has a Technology Development Center in downtown Seattle, a regional office in Cincinnati, and a distribution center outside of Atlanta. For more information about Zonar, go to http://www.zonarsystems.com As the number of coronavirus cases race beyond the 6 million-mark globally, scientists and experts are speeding up the effort to arrive at the potential vaccine for Covid-19. In what can be termed as nothing short of a stepping stone in Indias fight against Covid-19, New Delhi has approved Gilead Sciences Incs antiviral drug remdesivir for emergency use for five doses in treating Covid-19 patients. Here are the key developments: Remdesivir, which is administered intravenously in hospital, is the first drug to show improvement in Covid-19 patients in formal clinical trials and is at the forefront of the battle against Covid-19, which has no approved treatment or vaccine. The drug was granted emergency use authorization by the US Food and Drug Administration last month and has received approval by Japanese health regulators. Besides the US and India, South Korea has also approved the emergency use of Gilead Sciences Incs remdesivir to treat Covid-19. Also Watch | Covid-19: India crosses 2 lakh case mark, multiple layer masks better than single Earlier this week, Gilead said remdesivir showed modest benefit in patients with moderate Covid-19 given a five-day course, while those who received it for 10 days in the study did not fare as well. A senior US Army vaccine researcher said it was reasonable to expect that some sort of coronavirus vaccine could be available to part of the US population by the end of 2020, news agency Reuters reported. Also read: Another single-day jump in Covid-19 cases with 8,909 new infections; Indias tally at 2.07 lakh American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company announced the first human trial of its potential Covid-19 drug. According to the Indianapolis-based drug-making firm, the drug agent has been drawn from the blood sample of an early US Covid-19 patient who successfully recovered from deadly contagion. Chairman of Swiss multinational chemicals and biotechnology company, Lonza, said the group aims to speed completion of two commercial production lines for Moderna Incs trial Covid-19 vaccine. The first results from the worlds largest randomised trial of drugs to treat Covid-19 patients could be available in early July, one of the scientists leading the UK-based study called Recovery said on Tuesday. (With inputs from Reuters) MINSK -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has dismissed his government, state media report, two months before a presidential election. "The president has decided to dismiss the current government. A relevant decree has been signed," Belarus 1 television channel said on June 3. A presidential election is scheduled to be held on August 9, with the 65-year-old Lukashenka widely expected to win a sixth term in office. None of the elections since Lukashenka took power in 1994 has been deemed free or fair by Western standards. Belarus abolished presidential term limits in 2004. Earlier in the day, Lukashenka met officials to discuss the composition of the next government, according to the BelTA news agency. The Belarusian leader was quoted as saying he saw no need to make radical changes when forming a new cabinet. "A sharp scrapping, replacing all members of the government, would be wrong from the point of view of the current moment, Lukashenka said, citing the "unprecedented economic crisis" the world is facing amid the coronavirus pandemic. "A new generation of leaders has grown up who have shown themselves well and worked well in the government. Why change them? They can work," he added. Nearly two years ago, in August 2018, Lukashenka appointed Syarhey Rumas as prime minister and replaced several ministers. Critics of Lukashenka say his government has shown little tolerance for dissent and independent media. The Central Election Commission has rejected a bid by prominent opposition leader Mikalay Statkevich to rub against Lukashenka. On June 1, Statkevich was sentenced to 15 days in police detention and dozens of activists were held by the authorities after rallies throughout the country. Human Rights Watch (HRW) last month warned that Belarusian authorities have intensified their crackdown on protesters, opposition bloggers, journalists, and other government critics with a "new wave of arbitrary arrests" ahead of the presidential election. The country of 9.5 million people has been the target of U.S. and EU sanctions over its poor rights record and lack of fair elections, but Belarus and the West have recently sought to mend ties to reduce Russias influence in the country. With reporting by Belarus 1, Reuters, and BelTA Masks in public places are now mandatory, and demand for reusable cotton ones has spiralled Wearing face masks is now mandatory for workers, visitors to markets, shops, banks, government and private institutions, and for commuters taking public transport. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to LE4,000. And with curfew hours shortened, and many offices back to work since the end of the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, more people than ever need masks. One-time use medical mask cost between LE4 and LE7, a substantial outline in Egypt, where a third of the population lives below poverty line. On Sunday, Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea announced that from next week washable cloth masks, which can be used up to 30 times, will be available on the market for LE5. The mask is now a necessity of daily life as Egypt comes to terms with co-existing with the virus, Gamea said in a telephone interview with MBC Misr TV. While normal medical masks are disposable, the cloth mask can be used between 20 and 30 times, provided it is washed daily. Gamea said the Health Ministry has issued standards for the cloth and dyes to be used in making washable face masks. We have given the details to textile and clothing factories, and they started production earlier this week, said Gamea. She added that one factory is already exporting cloth masks to France. Following meetings with representatives from the textiles and garment sectors, Gamea said Egypt was in a position to manufacture eight million fabric masks a month, and that capacity could be expanded to increase the figure to 30 million. Before the emergence of COVID-19, local consumption of disposable masks was 180 million annually, of which 120 million were imported from China, according to Ali Ouf, head of the pharmaceutical division of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce. The arrival of the new coronavirus has been accompanied by a steady rise in the price of disposable masks. Standard, locally-produced medical masks, which sold for LE2 before the crisis, now retail at between LE4 and LE7 in pharmacies, while online packs of 50 masks can be had for between LE90 and LE180. A medical supplier, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained the reasons behind the price variations. Some factories supplying the local market are unlicensed, which means they do not pay taxes. They often use substandard materials and sell their masks almost always online at cheaper prices. The licensed factories that pharmacies use to source masks have to meet set production and sterilisation standards, and the materials they use are monitored. That is why their prices are higher, says the medical supplier, before adding it is better to buy slightly more expensive masks from a reputable supplier than cheaper online alternatives from an unknown source. On Monday, head of the Federation of Egyptian Industries Medical Supplies Division Sherif Ezzat told CBC that 80 per cent of the masks being sold locally do not meet international medical or preventive standards. Hani Sobhi, 38, has been wearing a cloth mask made by a well-known underwear manufacturer for almost a month now. It is durable and washable, and I can choose between different colours, says Sobhi. Recently though, after reading different opinions about cloth masks, I became uncertain about their safety specifications and whether they really can prevent transmission of the virus. A study published in May in the Annals of Internal Medicine found cloth masks fared surprisingly well against medical masks in terms of filtration efficiency. Furthermore, the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (eg, grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas with significant community-based transmission. On Saturday, Health Minister Hala Zayed appealed to all citizens to adhere to the regulations on face masks. I hope that we all wear masks, and no one leaves their house without one... even a piece of cotton cloth will do. *A version of this article appears in print in the 4 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Google Maps A man died Tuesday in a fire at a house in Houstons Fifth Ward, officials said. The fire broke out about 11 a.m. at the house in the 5200 block of Noble Street. Fire crews used a rescue saw on a locked gate and burglar bars to gain access to the house, officials said. June 2, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada The Government of Canada is taking strong, immediate, and effective action to protect Canadians and businesses from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to prepare them for a strong recovery as the country emerges from the crisis. Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance took part in a virtual town hall with business, community and cultural organizations, hosted by Calgary Economic Development. The Minister discussed the challenges facing these communities and organizations, and underscored how the Government of Canada is supporting them through its COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. This is the 20th such outreach event in which Minister Fortier will have participated in the past two months. Her virtual meetings with businesses and other groups have spanned the country. Some of the key measures in the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan that address the needs of Canadians and businesses during this time of global uncertainty, include: The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, which provides a 75% wage subsidy to eligible employers, up to $847 a week. The Canada Emergency Business Account, providing interest-free, partially forgivable loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Expanding the Business Credit Availability Program to mid-sized companies, including oil and gas companies, with larger financing needs by providing loans of up to $60 million per company, and guarantees of up to $80 million. The Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility, which provides bridge financing to Canadas largest employers, whose needs during the pandemic are not being met through conventional financing, in order to keep their operations going. The application process for this program began on May 20, 2020. T he Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses, which will provide a forgivable loan to qualifying commercial property owners, who in turn give a rent reduction of at least 75% for April and May (retroactive) and June, to impacted small business tenants who have experienced at least a 70% drop in pre-COVID-19 revenues. The application process for these loans opened on May 25 . Allowing businesses to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020, and to defer GST/HST and customs duty payments until June 30, 2020. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit that will provide $2,000 monthly for up to four months to eligible workers who have stopped working because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security pension, with an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement to help them cover increased costs caused by COVID-19. The government has been working to put in place supports for all Canadians during this difficult time. However, COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on those most vulnerable, creating a greater need for community-based organizations. To help these Canadians, the Government of Canada is providing additional support to charities and non-profit organizations through the $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund. The impacts of COVID-19 are also being deeply felt within cultural communities. In recognition of this, the government has established the $500 million Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations. This fund will provide additional temporary relief to these organizations by allowing them to maintain jobs and support business continuity. The government continues to assess and respond to the impacts of COVID-19. It stands ready to take additional actions as needed to stabilize the economy and mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. As lives were drastically changed and flipped upside down with the onset of COVID-19, heroes around every corner donned their capes to help those most in need. Medical professionals are facing the threat of the virus head on daily to ensure their regular patients are still taken care of, receive their usual prescriptions and fight off any potential sickness that may put them at higher risk. At Grove Park Pharmacy, the new medical clinic is pushing to ensure it is able to provide care, safety and comfort to new and returning patients. Though the business has been providing medical care to the community since 1984, Grove Park Pharmacys Medical Clinic is just about a year old. Owner Charles Thompson said the new venture allows them to see patients right at Grove Park and prescribe medications. A person can come in, see a nurse practitioner (and) get a prescription written, Thompson said. We can fill it right in the pharmacy seamlessly. Amid the virus, Thompson said they had to alter how the business regularly operates. But it has not slowed them down. Weve been able to see patients and keep their medication refills up to date, he said. If there was a situation where they didn't need to come in and actually have hands on, we did it by telehealth. Communicating over the internet from their homes continues to be a strategy the clinic employs to ensure keeping patients taken care of while keeping them out of any potential risk. Thompson said this has been beneficial to patients unable to see their regular doctors. April Inabinet, one of the Grove Park Pharmacy Medical Clinics nurse practitioners, said telehealth calls have been an effective way to speak with patients, especially for chronic disease management. Theyll put the patient on the schedule and then were using approved medical software to video chat with the patient, Inabinet said. Its a little more difficult for acute visits but for our patients, its been very effective. Inabinet said shes spoken with colleagues in Columbia and Lexington also performing these virtual visits. They, too, see real value in maintaining constant communication and getting data from patients such as blood sugar levels for diabetes management. Consulting with patients is a way they have tried to combat any fears during this time. Nurse practitioner Tamara Till said one of their biggest concerns was that a patient would not seek health care out of fear. Till said it was important for them to provide that aspect of virtual health, and let them know that it is effective and we are able to adequately treat you. We want them to know that and to still be seen even if they're scared to come into the office because its so important for us to follow up with our chronic care patients in the rural areas, Till said. We want them to know were doing everything we can. Inabinet agreed that easing patients fears throughout this time is a major focus. We have had so many meetings in trying to find the best way, she said. Weve used numerous platforms to try and figure out whats the simplest to use. They have met patients in the parking lot and delivered medications directly to their homes. Blood pressure and blood sugar checks have been done out of patients vehicles to keep them from coming in if need be. When these patients have these needs, we just need to be able to be there for them, Inabinet said. Thompson said he wants to emphasize how proud we are of our employees and how dedicated they are. He said they have stepped up and put their health at risk to continue serving the community. Some employees working from home end up working overtime and outside of usual business hours just to make sure the patients are either able to speak through the telehealth channels or simply check in. When they started Grove Park Pharmacy's Medical Clinic, Thompson said there were concerns they would be overrun with new patients. They did not want to have to turn people away. In just a years time, the clinic has grown from just one exam room to four. Since its a new endeavor, we wanted to take it slow and have all our processes in place and be able to meet any challenge that comes about, he said. We feel like weve conquered all that now and were ready to ramp up. I feel like every one of our employees is an unsung hero, Thompson said. Advertisement Dozens of National Guard troops stood watch over a peaceful protest in front of the Lincoln Memorial in an extraordinary show of military force on Tuesday evening. Hundreds of people gathered for the demonstration at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Washington DC's fifth consecutive day of protests following the death of George Floyd. At least 60 law enforcement officials, most of them with the National Guard, were waiting on the steps of the monument when the protesters arrived. Extraordinary images show the officers clad in full riot gear lined up in separate rows as they stared down at the crowds standing in the same spot where Martin Luther King Jr gave his iconic 'I have a dream' speech half a century ago. Dozens of National Guard troops stood watch over a peaceful protest in front of the Lincoln Memorial in an extraordinary show of military force on Tuesday evening Hundreds of people gathered for the demonstration at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Washington DC's fifth consecutive day of protests following the death of George Floyd At least 60 law enforcement officials, most of them with the National Guard, were waiting on the steps of the monument when the protesters arrived The military show of force at the Lincoln Memorial drew outrage social media as critics questioned why so many officers were needed to patrol what ended up being a peaceful gathering. The crowds dispersed by the time a city-wide curfew went into effect at 7pm. Critics also pointed out the historical significance of the site honoring President Abraham Lincoln, who moved to abolish slavery with his Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. One Twitter user asked: 'What is Lincoln, sitting in that giant chair that overlooks DC, thinking tonight?' Neera Tanden, president of the liberal Center for American Progress, said: 'This is a travesty. The protests were entirely peaceful. 'This show of force by the military at the Lincoln Memorial is a desecration. A desecration of our Constitution. Our right to protest. Our right to demand change.' The stunning scene came a day after President Donald Trump threatened to send in 'thousands and thousands' of soldiers to patrol the streets of DC and other cities around the US where protests have devolved into violent confrontations with police and activists. Over the weekend the nation's capital saw fires set near the White House and vandalism at historic landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial. National Mall park rangers urged people to refrain from vandalism after the World War II memorial and a plinth near the Lincoln monument where scrawled with protest slogans. 'For generations the Mall has been our nation's premier civic gathering space for non-violent demonstrations, and we ask individuals to carry on that tradition,' the park service said. The military show of force drew outrage social media as critics questioned why so many officers were needed to patrol what ended up being a peaceful gathering A protester raises their fist in the air during the peaceful demonstration Stunning photos show the officers clad in full riot gear lined up in separate rows as they stared down at the crowds Demonstrators raised their fists by the Lincoln Memorial yesterday, looking towards the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool Attorney General William Barr made the call to station the National Guard at the Lincoln Memorial, a park service official told the New York Times. The National Park Service has reportedly been told to 'expect a more militarized presence' around its landmarks but it is not yet clear what that might look like. Tensions had flared in Washington on Monday after law enforcement fired tear gas, rubber bullets and flash bangs into crowds of protests. The dispersion tactics were meant to clear the streets before Trump set out for a photo op in front of St John's Episcopal Church, which was targeted by arsonists the night before. Trump walked across Lafayette Square escorted by a heavy security presence before waving a Bible in front of cameras, a stunt which even some Republicans have criticized. Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse said he was "against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the Word of God as a political prop", while Maine Senator Susan Collins said the US leader came off as "unsympathetic and insensitive". Reverend Gini Gerbasi, the rector at a church in Washington's Georgetown neighborhood, said she was 'deeply shaken' after having been forcefully cleared from the Lafayette Square area Monday evening. Clashes between police and protesters continued after the 7pm curfew went into effect and low-flying military helicopters swept in to break up crowds with wind. The Capitol was significantly quieter on Tuesday night despite protesters once again flouting curfews. The Pentagon confirmed that it had deployed about 1,600 troops from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Drum in New York to help keep the peace should the unrest continue. US Air Force personnel guard the World War II memorial with the Lincoln Memorial in the distance, as seen from the presidential motorcade as Donald and Melania Trump went to visit the John Paul II shrine yesterday Elsewhere, people defied curfews from New York to Los Angeles on an eighth straight evening of protests but there were fewer reports of looting and violence than on previous nights. Tens of thousands gathered in Houston to pay a hometown tribute to George Floyd, who grew up in the Texas city and is to be buried there next week. 'Today is... about George Floyd's family - we want them to know that George did not die in vain,' Mayor Sylvester Turner told an estimated 60,000 people. Floyd died nine days ago after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his head for nearly nine minutes Floyd was unarmed. The cop, Derek Chauvin, faces a murder charge. In New York, more than 200 people were arrested after thousands ignored the city's 8pm curfew and mayor Bill de Blasio's pleas to go home 'so we can keep people safe'. As night fell, groups of curfew-violators and looters around the city were rounded up and handcuffed by officers before being loaded on to NYPD vans. Revealed: Trump considered using military 'tanks' and ordered helicopters to blast protesters with their downdraft as hundreds of soldiers armed with BAYONETS are deployed to Washington President Donald Trump considered using 'tanks' or other armored military vehicles to help restore order in the US after violent protests broke out across the country for a sixth night, defense officials have revealed. As protests over the death of George Floyd enter their second week, Trump has threatened to deploy active duty military across the country to quell the unrest. On Monday, law enforcement officials pushed hundreds of protesters out of Washington's Lafayette Park, ahead of the district's 7pm curfew. A senior White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed on Tuesday that Trump hoped to make the aggressive action in Washington an example for the rest of the country. Two Pentagon officials also told AP that the president had ordered military aircraft to fly above the capital on Monday night as a 'show of force' against demonstrators. President Donald J. Trump returns after posing with a bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church after delivering remarks in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington Many of the protesters stood firm as the helicopters made several passes overhead Videos posted to Twitter showed demonstrators quaking beneath deafening gusts They did not say how many or what type of aircraft had been mobilized. Videos and photographs posted on social media showed helicopters flying low over buildings and hovering just above groups who were on the street despite a district-wide curfew. Law enforcement paired the tactic with heavy use of tear gas, pellets and chemical spray as protesters marched toward the White House. Trump's tactics were decried on Tuesday by some fellow Republicans as well as his presumptive Democratic opponent. Show-of-force missions are designed to intimidate and, in combat zones, warn opposing forces of potential military action if provoked. Three senior defense officials also told The Daily Beast that the idea of deploying military forces was being pushed by the White House, not the Pentagon. The sources revealed Trump consulted with aides about using military vehicles or 'the kind of hardware' used by the armed forces, to help bring the chaos under control. Hundreds of army soldiers armed with bayonets arrived at two military bases near Washington on Tuesday evening (pictured: 82nd Airborne Division soldier holding a bayonet in 2015) One official said Trump did not specifically order 'tanks' to patrol the streets, but said he mentioned it in discussions because 'I think that is just one of the military words he knows'. It comes as 700 soldiers dressed in riot gear and armed with bayonets arrived at two military bases near Washington on Tuesday evening, while another 1,400 are preparing to mobilize, as the nation's capital braces for another night of chaos. Hundreds of members of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division were called earlier after Trump promised a more aggressive approach on the violence and riots unfolding across the country. Defense officials told AP the US military and National Guard were operating under the mission name 'Operation Themis' - named after the titaness of divine law and order. Moments after the historic Lafayette Park was cleared of protesters on Monday, Trump walked across to pose with a Bible in front of a church damaged by fire during protests the previous evening. He hoped his personal walk to the church would send a message about how dominant force could restore law and order, sources said. Police fired tear gas into protesters in front of St. John's church to clear them out for the president's photo-op Protesters hold their hands up and try to steady themselves as a military helicopter flies low pushing a strong vertical down wash of air (rotor wash) onto the crowd 'D.C. had no problems last night. Many arrests. Great job done by all. Overwhelming force. Domination,' Trump tweeted Tuesday, after a night in which heavily armed military forces and federal officers swarmed the city. Trump added: '(thank you President Trump!).' In an evening address in the Rose Garden on Monday, Trump called on governors to ramp up the National Guard presence in their states to tamp down the protests. If they didn't abide by those orders, Trump said, he would dispatch the military to their states - a step rarely taken in modern American history. 'SILENT MAJORITY!' Trump tweeted Tuesday, embracing a phrase popularized by President Richard Nixon decades ago, in claiming broad support for his actions. Trump also emphasized the political importance of the moment to his supporters on Twitter and declared that 'My Admin has done more for the Black Community than any President since Abraham Lincoln.' The District of Columbia's federal status gives the president outsized authority to act, allowing him to direct the deployment of the National Guard. He authorized Attorney General William Barr to oversee a surge in the deployment of federal law enforcement officers, including the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team and agents from the Drug Enforcement Agency. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sought to distance themselves from Monday night's events after former military officials criticized their appearance with the president. Senior defense officials told reporters the two were not aware that the Park Police and law enforcement had made a decision to clear the square or that Trump intended to visit the church. They had been in Washington to coordinate with federal law enforcement officials but were diverted to the White House to brief Trump on military preparations, the officials said. HOW TRUMP MIGHT - JUST - BE ABLE TO SEND IN TROOPS THANKS TO THE 1807 INSURRECTION ACT Trump's dramatic declaration that he would impose troops on American cities if governors defied him sets up the possibility of an epic constitutional clash in a situation with little real precedent in American history. Trump did not say what his power was, but it is the Insurrection Act of 1807. On the face of it, it allows him to send in troops. But using that Act raises a series of questions about what courts would do - and even whether the armed forces would obey him. WHAT INSURRECTION ACT ACTUALLY SAYS Whenever there is an insurrection in any against its government, the President may, upon the request of its legislature or of its governor if the legislature cannot be convened, call into Federal service such of the militia of the other, in the number requested by that, and use such of the armed forces, as he considers necessary to suppress the insurrection. Whenever the President considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United, make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United in any by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, he may call into Federal service such of the militia of any, and use such of the armed forces, as he considers necessary to enforce those laws or to suppress the rebellion. The President, by using the militia or the armed forces, or both, or by any other means, shall take such measures as he considers necessary to suppress, in a State, any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy, if it (1) so hinders the execution of the laws of that State, and of the United States within the State, that any part or class of its people is deprived of a right, privilege, immunity, or protection named in the Constitution and secured by law, and the constituted authorities of that State are unable, fail, or refuse to protect that right, privilege, or immunity, or to give that protection; or 2) opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws. In any situation covered by clause (1), the State shall be considered to have denied the equal protection of the laws secured by the Constitution. Whenever the President considers it necessary to use the militia or the armed forces under this chapter, he shall, by proclamation, immediately order the insurgents to disperse and retire peaceably to their abodes within a limited time. Advertisement WOULD HE REALLY USE A LAW FROM 1807? Basically, yes. In the 1790s Militia Acts, Congress gave the president specific powers to call up militias - the forerunner of federalizing the National Guard. In 1807 the Insurrection Act made clear that, in addition, the president can call up 'such part of the land or naval force of the United States as shall be judged necessary.' It has not been changed substantially since but was amended in 1871, allowing the president to use it to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment - a civil rights amendment passed after the Civil War. Another amendment in 2007, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, made clear that the president can call up troops in the case of natural disasters. WHAT WOULD HE DO? The law's only requirement is a proclamation, to 'order the insurgents to disperse and retire peaceably to their abodes within a limited time.' Once that time has passed, Trump can move in troops. Trump also has to report to Congress on what he is doing and why. SO DOES IT GIVE TRUMP THE POWER HE CLAIMS TO SEND IN THE MILITARY ON HIS OWN? The simple answer is yes, it does. But the more complicated answer could lead to a constitutional crisis. If Trump has a request from a governor to send in troops, there is no question over the legality of the deployment, at least at a federal level. But to move in military force without a governor's request, Trump has to show that the people of the state do not have the basic rights of the Constitution enforced as they are entitled to, or that an 'insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy' obstructs federal law. If a state governor or attorney general goes to court to oppose the deployment of federal troops, they would argue that the protests and the violence do not deprive people of their constitutional rights in a way that cannot be dealt with by state authorities. Trump would have to show that the state authorities are failing to give people 'equal protection,' the crucial clause in the Constitution which means that laws cannot be unfairly enforced. The first clash would be in front of a federal district judge. That clash would inevitably have to reach the Supreme Court for settlement if one side or the other does not back down. It would then become a multi-faceted constitutional question with little precedent in this or the last century. It raises questions of states rights; the meaning of equal protection; the extent of First Amendment rights to protest and who decides what the limits of those rights are; and what the Founders meant about how a president can decide to act in an emergency. HAVEN'T PRESIDENTS SENT IN TROOPS WITHOUT PERMISSION BEFORE? Yes - repeatedly, but not with clear parallels to Trump's threat. The most recent examples were Eisenhower and JFK who used federal troops in the south on three occasions during the civil rights era. Each time they were used to enforce desegregation, first in Little Rock in 1957, then in 1962 in the aftermath of the Ole' Miss Riot, where pro-segregationists clashed with federal forces. 1957: Nine black students - the Little Rock Nine - are escorted into an Arkansas high school by the National Guard on the orders of Dwight Eisenhower 1963: Alabama governor George Wallace, third from left, makes his 'Stand in the Schoolhouse Door' by refusing to admit two black students to the University of Alabama - sparking a stand-off which prompted John F. Kennedy to intervene by taking over the state's National Guard Both presidents did so by citing the clear violation of the equal protection clause in the Constitution represented by segregation, and each deployment was to one state at a time. No 20th century president ever deployed troops across multiple states without requests from governors, as happened in 1968 when troops were used in Detroit, Chicago and series of other riot-hit cities, all when governors became overwhelmed. The last time a widespread deployment happened without governors' permission was in 1894 when Grover Cleveland used federal troops to break the Pullman Strike, which was paralyzing railroads. But he started by getting a federal injunction against the strike, meaning it was clear what legal rights he was enforcing with federal troops, even if the governor of Illinois - the center of the strike - did not ask for the troops to be deployed, or the governors of the other states where troops broke strikes and took control of railroad facilities. Additionally, no state challenged the invocation of the act. Trump would be the first president to try to deploy troops in the face of states going to court to stop him. COULD TRUMP BE STOPPED FROM USING THE ACT? Yes - but it could be difficult to stop him in advance. A federal judge would have to issue an injunction against the deployment, which would be appealed to the Supreme Court. Courts have historically been very reluctant to review a president's military declarations, said law professor Robert Chesney of the University of Texas. Beyond that, it would ultimately be up to voters to remove the president at the next election if they disapprove of his use of the Act. 'Historically, the real checks on abuse of these authorities have been political,' said Vladeck, the law professor. But this time might be more complicated - an injunction against deployment is a real possibility if a federal judge is being asked by a governor to stop a troop deployment because the governor claims it is unconstitutional. That would send it to the Supreme Court and until it is resolved there, the deployment is likely to stay on hold. The case would center on whether the Founders really wanted a president to be able to unilaterally intervene in the day-to-day policing of their states - over the objection of those states. SO WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN AT THE SUPREME COURT? A clash between a state - and probably groups of states - and Trump would have to go to the Supreme Court unless one or other backs down. The judges are a 5-4 conservative majority, with conservatives who say their key loyalty is to interpreting the Constitution as closely as they possibly can to the intention of the framers who wrote it. That would put two questions at the heart of it: Did the framers think the president should be able to intervene unilaterally in the 'police power' of states to guarantee their citizens' health, law and order If they did, are the circumstances right for Trump to do that? On one side states might well argue that the founding fathers wanted federal government kept out of states' affairs as much as possible, that the Articles of Confederation make that clear, and that the violence in their cities does not meet the high standards set for using the federal military. They would also be likely to argue a practical point - that states have not had a chance to decide on whether to ask for federal help, or if they have, have decided against it. And they would also be likely to claim that the 10th Amendment to the Constitution puts 'police' powers primarily in the hands of the states. Trump's case would center on the idea that the states could no longer guarantee the fundamental rights to life and liberty for the people of their cities, so it's up to the federal government to step in. He would have to argue that the founders' proclamation of equal protection is the key to his actions. And he would have to argue that military action assists people's right to protest under the First Amendment. Then it would be up to the justices in probably the most consequential decision since Bush v Gore in 2000. COULD THE MILITARY DISOBEY TRUMP? Quite possibly, yes. The military swear an oath to the Constitution, not to the president, and acknowledge him as commander-in-chief. They have a duty to follow lawful orders. If a federal judge issued an injunction again Trump's order, the military would be expected to comply. They would then have to wait for the outcome of the case. The situation could vary state by state. Trump would order the military in to each state, forcing each state which objects to go to court and seek an injunction. There could be a patchwork of deployments. And inside the Pentagon, lawyers would have to work out what the rules are and whether Trump's orders are lawful. OTHER TIMES TROOPS QUELLED RIOTS Troops have been called in to help deal with violent unrest repeatedly since World War II - and even during it. In 1943 FDR acted when the governor of Michigan asked for military help as Detroit was racked by racial violence. As social unrest gripped the nation in 1968, Johnson had to send for federal troops to put down three further riots in Washington, Baltimore and Chicago. The rioting followed the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968 in a wave of violence which reached dozens of US cities. Johnson was able to deploy troops in Washington without invitation, as commander-in-chief of the District of Columbia's national guard. In Baltimore and Chicago, the respective local leaders - governor Spiro Agnew of Maryland, the future vice president, and mayor Richard Daley of Chicago - requested Johnson's help to put down the riots. In the most recent case, president George H.W. Bush sent federal troops to Los Angeles during the Rodney King riots in 1992. Military units were deployed at the request of California governor Pete Wilson after the violence which broke out when four cops were acquitted of beating King. 1992: A man burns an American flag during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, the last time that a president - George H.W. Bush - invoked the Insurrection Act Other uses of the Act Having lobbied for the Insurrection Act in 1807, Jefferson was the first to use it the following year to enforce a trade embargo during the Napoleonic Wars. Jefferson declared New York's Lake Champlain on the Canadian border to be in insurrection because of its role in smuggling, allowing him to enforce the blockade. In addition to riots and civil rights clashes, presidents have dispatched federal troops to combat a variety of strikes and other brief episodes of unrest. In 1989, George H.W. Bush sent troops to keep the peace in the Virgin Islands after looting in the wake of Hurricane Hugo. His son George W. Bush considered sending troops to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but eventually decided against. The Bush White House's concerns about the legality of such a move prompted the 2007 amendment which specifically mentioned natural disasters. There have been other occasions where the military was deployed under different laws or where the mere threat of sending troops was enough to restore calm. Richard Nixon ordered the military to keep mail services running during a postal strike in 1970, citing the 1932 Economy Act rather than the Insurrection Act. In 1987, Ronald Reagan authorized his Secretary of Defense to call up the National Guard to quell an Atlanta prison riot, but the troops did not prove necessary. SINGAPORE: A record jump in money flowing into Singapore bank accounts from abroad underlines the city-state's safe haven appeal during the COVID-19 pandemic and political uncertainty in rival financial centre Hong Kong, analysts say. Singapore fiercely competes with Hong Kong as Asia's premier wealth centre and generally attracts capital flows during regional turmoil due to its political stability and AAA credit rating. Deposits from non-residents into the city-state's banks jumped 44% to a record S$62.14 billion ($44.37 billion) in April from a year earlier, marking the fourth straight monthly rise, central bank data showed. Deposits have risen in all but one month over the past year, a period marked by escalating political unrest in Hong Kong, a trade tussle between the United States and China, and most recently a virus outbreak which poses the biggest threat to the world economy in nearly a century. The data did not break down the origin of the inflows, but analysts say Hong Kong was an "obvious" source. "Hong Kong has been a source of funds for obvious reasons," said Song Seng Wun, an economist at CIMB Private Banking. But, Song said the pandemic and pressure on regional currencies had fed fears of a currency crisis and capital flight, which were also contributory factors behind the inflows. The data also showed foreign-currency deposits at banks in Singapore almost quadrupled to a record S$27 billion in April from a year earlier. They were up nearly 200% in the first four months of 2020 from the same period last year. Non-resident deposits include funds from individuals and companies with registered addresses outside the city-state. Analysts say though the data gives a partial picture of flows, it is seen as a good gauge of market sentiment. Bankers expect China's plans to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong could lead to more capital flight. Andrea Choong, an analyst at CGS-CIMB Securities, said safe haven flows into Singapore should continue as long as regional uncertainties, such as those in Hong Kong and U.S.-China trade tensions, persist. Reuters - Use of optical technology in industrial sector, increase in demand for diagnostic devices in healthcare, and surge in digitalization in developing economies drive the growth of the global avalanche photodiode market PORTLAND, Oregon, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Avalanche Photodiode Market By Material (Silicon Materials, Germanium Materials, InGaAs Materials, and Others), and End User (Industrial, Aerospace & Defense, Telecommunication, Healthcare, Commercial, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027" According to the report, the global avalanche photodiode industry was pegged at $151.2 million in 2019, and is expected to hit $202.5 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 3.5% from 2020 to 2027. Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities Use of optical technology in industrial sector, increase in demand for diagnostic devices in healthcare, and surge in digitalization in developing economies drive the growth of the global avalanche photodiode market. On the other hand, technical issues with avalanche photodiode curtail down the growth to some extent. However, adoption of optics in R&D in the field of science is expected to create multiple opportunities in the industry. Download Sample Report (Get Full Insights in PDF - 190 Pages) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/3319 COVID-19 Scenario: The novel coronavirus outbreak has impacted the global avalanche photodiode market badly. The development programs, projects, and optimization in production capacity have got delayed due to the lockdown. Moreover, work disruptions in the supporting sectors including aerospace and defense, textile, manufacturing, automobile, and others have hindered the demand in the market. The Silicon Materials Segment to Retain Its Dominance By 2027 Based on material, the silicon materials segment contributed to nearly half of the global avalanche photodiode market revenue in 2019, and is expected to lead the trail by the end of 2026. This is due to increase in the adoption of Si-avalanche photodiode in automobile, chemical, medical, manufacturing, aerospace & defense, textile industry, and others industry verticals which drives the growth of the segment. On the other hand, the InGaAs material segment would register the fastest CAGR of 6.2% throughout the forecast period. The rise in adoption of InGaAs avalanche photodiode in medical & healthcare, aviation, transportation & logistics, security, and surveillance, among other industrial vertical propels the growth of the segment. The Web Apps Segment to Rule the Roost Based on end user, the telecommunication segment accounted for around one-third of the global avalanche photodiode market share in 2019, and is anticipated to lead the trail till 2027. The adoption of latest technology such as 4G drives the growth of the segment. At the same time, the healthcare segment would manifest the fastest CAGR of 5.0% during the study period. The use of laser scanners, X-ray scanners, and other equipment increases the demand for avalanche photodiodes which further augments the growth of the segment. Asia-Pacific to Dominate in terms of Revenue, North America to Grow Significantly Based on geography, Asia-Pacific held the lion's share in 2019, generating nearly half of the global avalanche photodiode market. In addition, the region is also projected to portray the fastest CAGR of 4.6% during the estimated period. This is due to its high demand in sectors such as mining & extraction, food processing, automobiles, aerospace, naval, electronics & semiconductors, and textile in this region. Furthermore, North America is anticipated to register the CAGR of 1.8% during the forecast period. Interested to Procure the Data? Inquire Here @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/3319 Frontrunners in the Industry Kyoto Semiconductor Co. Ltd. LUNA OSI Optoelectronics SiFotonics Lumentum Operations LLC Renesas Electronics Corporation Excelitas Technologies Corp. First Sensor AG Global Communication Semiconductors LLC Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. Access AVENUE - A Subscription-Based Library (Premium On-Demand, Subscription-Based Pricing Model) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access Avenue is a user-based library of global market report database, provides comprehensive reports pertaining to the world's largest emerging markets. It further offers e-access to all the available industry reports just in a jiffy. By offering core business insights on the varied industries, economies, and end users worldwide, Avenue ensures that the registered members get an easy as well as single gateway to their all-inclusive requirements. Avenue Library Subscription | Request For 14 Days Free Trial of Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter Similar Reports: Advanced Packaging Market Projected to Hit $64.19 Billion By 2027 GaN Power Device Market Anticipated to Grow $1.24 Billion By 2027 WLCSP Electroless Plating Market Expected to Reach $2.88 Billion By 2027 Class D Audio Amplifier Market Projected to Grow $4.92 Billion By 2026 Embedded Processor Market Expected to Garner $36.38 Billion By 2026 Gate Driver IC Market Anticipated to Grow $2.04 Billion By 2025 Pre-Book Now with 10% Discount: Ultracapacitors Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2020-2027 Smart Meters Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2019-2026 About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. 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Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): 1-800-792-5285, 1-503-894-6022, 1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com Follow Us on LinkedIn and Twitter oLgo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research Hundreds of protesters made their way toward Barclays Center in Brooklyn to demonstrate against police brutality, May 29, 2020. Erik McGregor | Getty Images The U.S. is heading for a nasty second wave of Covid-19 infections this fall as the coronavirus circulates while protests rage across the nation over George Floyd's death and states ease restrictions on businesses, public health specialists warn. Epidemiologists and public health specialists warn that a slow burn of infection through the summer could lead to a massive resurgence this fall. Whether the new cases stem from increased movement across the country or the protests, the conditions collide to make reducing the outbreak all that more difficult, said former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb. Some other countries that have been hit hard by the coronavirus, such as Germany and Italy, have been able to drive down the number of daily new infections to just hundreds per day. The U.S., however, is still struggling with more than 20,000 new cases diagnosed every day. If that number doesn't fall, Gottlieb said, the rate of infection, which has plateaued in recent weeks, could reignite when the weather changes later this year. "A handful of cases seeded the country back in January. So we're not going to need a handful of cases coming from Italy and China to seed the country [in the fall]," Gottlieb said Tuesday in an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box." "We're going to have tens of thousands of cases here so we can seed ourselves." The protests now consuming the country will further spread the outbreak, according to interviews with a dozen epidemiologists and public health specialists. Some parts of the country are already seeing a gradual increase in cases that Dr. Katie Passaretti, medical director for infection prevention at Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina, said are tied to Memorial Day weekend and the lifting of restrictions. The protests won't be solely responsible for fresh outbreaks, she said, but they will complicate the chain of transmission, allowing the virus to spread more broadly. Passaretti said she's particularly concerned about areas that endured major outbreaks and rolled out stringent regulations to curb the spread of the virus, including New York City and Detroit. Those cities have made substantial progress in driving down new cases even as the broader U.S. struggles with rising cases, but the protests could set those cities back. "It's heartbreaking on a number of levels, for sure from the infectious diseases and epidemiology levels," Passaretti said. "You have big groups coming together and people from far apart places coming together. It's a risk for spread of Covid." Testing A demonstrator confronts police in Los Angeles, California on May 29, 2020. Mark Ralston | AFP | Getty Imgaes Public health officials across the U.S. have largely banned mass gatherings. Mardi Gras, Carnival in Brazil and Miami's spring break later proved to be super spreading events, and epidemiologists like Emory University's Bob Bednarczyk say the mass protests could prove to be the same. People are forced into close contact at such protests, shouting and chanting, which are both factors that contribute to spread he said. He added that the use of tear gas on groups of protesters could also lead to more spread as coughing is a known source of spread. "I am very concerned about the use of tear gas to break up these protests," he said. "When there is a respiratory disease pandemic occurring, the use of a chemical that causes people to cough violently can lead to more spread of disease." This is precisely the kind of situation where the U.S. would benefit from a greater capacity to rapidly test large groups of people for the coronavirus, said Dr. David Eisenman, director of the Center for Public Health and Disasters at UCLA. More testing would mean that health officials could ensure protesters don't spread the virus back in their communities. Health specialists and economists have repeatedly called for the U.S. to ramp up its ability for widespread testing. While the country's average daily number of tests nearly doubled in May from April, it still falls short of the massive testing programs that some have called for. "Now is the time when we need to be having testing more than ever, given the likelihood of spread," Eisenman said. "We need to be doing everything we can to protect those protesters and to protect the communities they go back into, the families they go back to every night." 'A good fall' Top U.S. health officials, including White House adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci, have repeatedly warned that the fall could present a massive challenge to the U.S. as the coronavirus potentially resurges just as flu season hits health systems. It's a problem that could hit every country exposed in the Northern Hemisphere. The protests and eased restrictions threaten the nation's ability to control the outbreak ahead of flu season, which will put even more strain on U.S. hospitals and their supply of ventilators. "I'm looking at the summer as if we do a good job then we can have a good fall and the fall is more essential in my mind," said Dr. Preeti Malani, chief health officer and infectious disease specialist at the University of Michigan. "But that gap between doing OK to being back into a state where we might not have enough ventilators is a narrow gap. And it can just shift within a couple of weeks if a lot of people make bad decisions." An unequal virus Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2020) - Sweet Earth Holdings Corp. (CSE: SE) (the "Company" or "Sweet Earth") is pleased to announce that it has listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE) under the ticker-symbol: (FSE: 1KZ1)1. The Company is also pleased to announce that it has joined the National Hemp Association ("NHA"), an American Organization established to support the growth and development of all aspects of the industrial hemp industry. The Company has also recently received Leaping Bunny accreditation. Leaping Bunny is comprised of eight national animal protection groups that have formed a coalition established for consumer information on cosmetics that promote animal-friendly products. National Hemp Association Logo To view an enhanced version of the National Hemp Association Logo, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3581/57140_14f527533458cb56_002full.jpg The NHA is a non-profit corporation created to encourage trade and discourse among hemp professionals and is dedicated to the development of the domestic industrial hemp industry. This goal will be attained by coordinating legislation, agricultural organizations, farmers, processors, manufacturers, and retailers. The promotion of the industrial hemp industry is congruent with the desire to improve the environment through production and utilization of hemp farming and products. Like Sweet Earth, it promotes land stewardship, an important characteristic of our operations. Sweet Earth utilizes environmentally friendly farming techniques and implements strict organic production standards. Leaping Bunny Logo To view an enhanced version of the Leaping Bunny Logo, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3581/57140_14f527533458cb56_003full.jpg Leaping Bunny accreditation assures consumers that products are cruelty-free cosmetics from a Company supporting animal free products, like Sweet Earth. Accreditation requires the final product to be cruelty-free. Many companies brand themselves as cruelty-free but still use raw materials that have been tested on animals; Sweet Earth assures its customers that all its production, in addition to being organic are 100% animal friendly. 1 https://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-aktien/sweet-earth-holdings-corporation.htm About Sweet Earth Sweet Earth is a vertically integrated "farm to shelf" hemp grower with a farm in Applegate, Oregon, that maintains a full line of hemp and CBD products for the US and global market. Its products combine CBD with herbal and organic ingredients, all of which are selected for their beneficial properties to soothe, rejuvenate, and reduce inflammation. In addition to high-end finished products, Sweet Earth prides itself on sustainability by minimizing the use of plastics in both production and packaging. Sweet Earth's in-house genetics team has been working on its own proprietary hemp strain. This strain has been grown in its indoor greenhouse resulting in high yielding CBD rich flower. Sweet Earth looks forward to planting this new strain outdoors for the 2020 season. It's products are sold on its website: www.sweetearthcbd.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Peter Espig" Peter Espig Director info@sweetearthcbd.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57140 Fifteen long years have passed since an explosion rocked the Ashrafieh district of Beirut, claiming the life of An-Nahar editorial writer Samir Kassir on June 2, 2005. But his legacy, thinking and ideas live on. Today, on the fifteenth anniversary of his tragic assassination, this legacy is more relevant than ever, as it takes on a new symbolic dimension with the protest movement that started on October 17. The name of Samir Kassir remains etched in the Lebanese collective memory as a fierce defender of Lebanon's liberty and sovereignty. He became a true synonym of the struggle for a better Lebanon. The journalist instilled these values so well in his political science students at Saint Joseph University in Beirut. But above all, he emphasized them in his daring editorials, which reflected his faith in this cause and made him the true "thinker of the revolution" of March 14, 2005, which led to the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon, after thirty years of suzerainty over Lebanon. In his articles, Samir Kassir urged the Lebanese to rebel against the country's grim reality and fight for their freedom and independence, despite the Syrian stranglehold on their country. Who can forget his famous editorial "Soldiers against whom?" in which Kassir, a journalist, political scientist and historian, denounced the actions of the Lebanese-Syrian security regime and reiterated his attachment to Lebanon's freedom. For the leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, the name of Samir Kassir, who was born to a Palestinian father and a Syrian mother, is above all synonymous with pan-Arabism and freedom. Kassir, Jumblatt said, had even predicted the Syrian Spring. In his article, "Beirut, spring of the Arabs," the slain journalist wrote that "When the Arab spring starts in Beirut, it will herald the blooming of roses in Damascus." "Samir Kassir fiercely believed that democracy in Lebanon would be complete only with a free Syria", Jumblatt told L'Orient-Le Jour. "He saw in the 2001 Damascus Spring - a period marked by a degree of political and social openness in Syria, but quickly repressed after Bashar Assad consolidated his power - a serious opportunity for change toward freedom. Thereafter, he was assassinated," Jumblatt added. Samir Kassir 's memory remains as vivid as ever, and his political and journalistic legacy is once again taking central stage following the protest movement that erupted on October 17. Many of his companions believe that the Lebanese have now finally understood the primary objective of Kassirs struggle for a better Lebanon. Like him, they are now convinced that "frustration is not destiny," as he once wrote in one of his articles. Finally, they have heeded his famous call on April 15, 2005 "return to the streets, and you shall return to clarity," which he wrote a few weeks before his assassination. Our colleague Gisele Khoury, Samir's widow, said the legacy of her late husband remains "one of burning topicality." She recalled that in the overwhelming majority of his articles, Samir Kassir denounced, as protesters do today, "actions reminding of militia rule, corruption, repression of freedoms and the instrumentalization of the security services". "I see Samir's ideas in several slogans of this popular revolt," Khoury told L'Orient Le Jour. "The country is still managed by the same political class which led Lebanon to a dead end and total collapse. Hence the need to return to Samir Kassir's ideas," she said. Aware that the popular revolt is" the only way of salvation that remains for Lebanon," Khoury called on the protesters to unify their ranks and leadership to achieve their objectives. An intellectual revolution Nabil BouMonsef, deputy editor-in-chief of An-Nahar and a colleague of Samir Kassir, said the protest movement must draw up a clear plan and well-defined objectives. "The popular movement needs an intellectual revolution to avoid failure." Speaking to OLJ, he stressed that therein lies the importance of Samir Kassir's thought. "Toward the end of his life, he was a perfect revolutionary, both in the street and his articles," BouMonsef said. "And he was quick to criticize the March 14 movement a few weeks after its creation, so it adjusts its course and avoids failure." BouMonsef believes that Samir Kassir would have been much more critical of the October 17 revolt than he had been with March 14 Revolution, since it involves several factions raising political as well as social and economic slogans. Samir Kassir's concern would have been to allow the social revolt to complement one with a political dimension," he said. "Future generations will continue to read Samir Kassir and will understand that he sacrificed his life for a noble cause." (This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour on the 3rd of June) Hamilton police have made an arrest in the murder of David Stevens an innocent victim mistakenly shot inside his Harvey Street rooming house in January when the killer fired through the wrong door. The 46-year-old was shot through the door of his 21 Harvey St. room by bullets police say were meant for another tenant. He was just an innocent individual at home, said Det. Sgt. Peter Thom of the major crime unit. He wouldnt have seen it coming. The true target was another tenant who had a unit on the same floor, but who was not home at the time of the shooting around 11:30 p.m. Jan. 29, he said. Police believe three people arrived at the residence to settle an ongoing dispute between the alleged shooter and the real target. In just 30 seconds, multiple shots were fired through Stevens door, striking the 46-year-old who was sitting in a chair on his laptop. Shajjad Idrish of Stoney Creek is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting. The 23-year-old was already in custody charged with the murder of Jason Kossatz, and the attempted murder of two others on Feb. 8 at the Galaxy Motel in Brantford. Thom said there is no connection between the two homicides other than the fact that both are shootings allegedly involving Idrish. Both the shooter and the intended target in the Hamilton homicide are involved in the drug subculture and human trafficking business, Thom alleged. Police warned the real target about the threat on his life a legal obligation called a duty to warn after the January shooting. The person has since moved from the residence. There were between seven and nine people in the rooming house at the time of the shooting. Thom said its not exactly clear what happened in those seconds before shots were fired. Its also not clear why the shooter picked Stevens door. Our belief is he just picked the wrong door, Thom said. Idrish was known to police before the two recent homicides, but only for minor incidents. Detectives believe he only recently became involved in the drug business. He moved very rapidly into this lifestyle, Thom said, adding that there may have been an incident that was a turning point in his life. He would not give details about this incident. Idrish was arrested Feb. 14 in London for the Brantford murder. At that time, Hamilton police had already identified him as a suspect in Stevens homicide and travelled to London to try to interview him. However, there was not enough time after Brantford police spoke with him and he was taken into custody, Thom said. Hamilton police have not been able to speak with him in jail. But with the alleged killer in custody, Thom said detectives were no longer worried about public safety and had time to go through evidence. Idrishs lawyer Asgar Manek said hes not been able to speak with his client yet. However, the 23-year-old appeared briefly by video in court June 3 and the matter was remanded to June 17. Hamilton police have surveillance video from Harvey Street on the night of the murder that shows three people kicking in the front door of the rooming house and then running out again 30 seconds later. The trio fled in a silver or grey Chevrolet Cruze that is a 2015 model or older, with four doors and no sunroof. Police continue to look for this vehicle. They also have not recovered the murder weapon only one gun was fired. The two Hamilton men, a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old, have been identified by police and detectives believe theyre the other two in the video. On March 6, the 19-year-old was arrested, interviewed and released unconditionally. The 20-year-old is considered a person of interest and has been notified. Thom said both men should seek legal advice as their status may change and the investigation is ongoing. Stevens had lived in the rooming house for at least a year. He was unable to work because of a medical condition and received disability benefits. Stevens grew up in Hamilton. He was an only child. His mom now lives out of town. Thom said he spoke with Stevens mom on Tuesday and she was pleased to hear about the arrest. Shes still trying to deal with the death of her only son, Thom said, adding that she also has to prepare herself to deal with the court system. Police released an image of the Chevrolet Cruze, which police believe was stolen from Brantford on the night of the murder and had the Ontario licence plate BKXP 727. Anyone who observes this vehicle or has knowledge of its whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Rich Wouters at 905-546-4921. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com. The Islamic State have assassinated a man in Deir ez-Zor, who they claim was a mukhtar for the Self-Administration reports Enab Baladi. The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed the assassination of a person in Deir ez-Zor who they claimed belonged to the Self-Administration in northeastern Syria, while the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) responded with raids searching for the groups cells. The Islamic States Amaq agency wrote on Tuesday via Telegram, details of the killing of a man called Hmeid al-Daif in rural eastern Deir ez-Zor. He reportedly died from gunfire on Monday in the village of al-Breihah in the al-Buseirah area, with ISIS justifying the killing on the pretext that Daif was a mukhtar for the Self-Administrations YPG. An Enab Baladi correspondent in Deir ez-Zor reported that Daif, who was 70 years old, was killed because of a vendetta against him, according to eyewitnesses in the area. Local news networks reported that Daif worked as a mukhtar in the area, and received support from the Self-Administration. In its latest operations in Deir ez-Zor, ISIS has honed in on officials and fighters affiliated with the Self-Administration and YPG, alongside seemingly daily operations against the SDF. The SDF today unleashed a campaign of raids in a number of villages in rural Deir ez-Zor, searching for people accused of working with ISIS. The Deir ez-Zor Media Center reported that the SDF arrested two people in the town of Baghouz, and others in the town of al-Souseh who were in possession of weapons, indicating that they belonged to an ISIS cell. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Level 3 Covid-19 brings another wave of economic activity, but given the new normal of masks, social distancing and a healthy dose of hand sanitiser, this makes life a little more complicated for intermediaries in the insurance sector, who rely on face-to-face interaction with their clients. Or does it? Peter Castleden, CEO, Sanlam Indie. Strong vs weak AI For many years, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in replacing the need for the traditional broker has been debated. Some say that a machine could never provide the same type of advice that a person does. Others argue that simple, low-cost platforms exist, allowing insurers to take advantage of AI to enhance customer service. It would also be particularly handy in the time of Covid-19 to reduce face-to-face interactions.The sweet spot lies in the combination of technology and human interaction. AI and technology are capable of augmenting intelligence and humans, rather than replacing them outright. Good insurance intermediaries are invaluable to clients and provide positive and powerful consumer engagement. Technology enables intermediaries to spend less time on time-consuming and laborious tasks, freeing them to spend more time investing in clients," says Peter Castleden, CEO of Sanlam Indie.AI has become a buzzword in recent years, but the concept is not widely understood. He says that there are two classifications of AI, namely - strong and weak. Weak AI is a system which is designed and trained for a particular narrow task. Strong AI on the other hand is a more generalised system which is capable of finding solutions to unfamiliar tasks without human intervention. Strong AI, for the most part, does not really exist and is more commonly found in movies.Weak AI has become far more commonplace across industries, including insurance. New and incumbent insurers are already looking at narrow tasks which they are able to automate using data and AI.Although AI and robo-advice are in vogue, nothing beats the personalisation and trust that a human broker experience delivers. No one likes paperwork neither the client, nor the broker. The idea is to use technology where its most efficient, but still have people involved where they add the most value to the customer, says Castleden.Technologies like AI should be integrated to the extent that they enhance the customer experience. There are cases where AI is used with a primary focus on cost saving, which is great. However, if it comes at the expense of a great client interaction, we believe the cost saving just isnt justified.I dont believe that brokers will be replaced by a robot in the near future, despite the fears around the spreading of the coronavirus. The insurance category needs more genuine human empathy, creativity and intuition especially at a time like now. Technology is just a means to deliver those qualities, not replace them. Bayview, Hunters Point Reese Benton of Posh Green Collective at last year's Outside Lands festival | Photo: Posh Green Collective/Instagram Reese Benton, born and raised in San Franciscos Ingleside neighborhood, will make history this month as Posh Green Retail Store, the first black woman-owned cannabis dispensary in San Francisco, opens in the Bayview District at 828 Innes Ave. Originally scheduled to open today, Benton said she's now delaying plans to host the official grand opening celebration until later this month, in conjunction with neighboring business Cafe Alma. The journey to this point has been a long and turbulent one for Benton. She said the idea for the business started with a contentious breakup with a boyfriend who owned a dispensary. "After we parted ways, he banned me from his dispensary. I went to other places but was either disappointed in the customer service or found it hard to select what I wanted, she said. I decided to open a store, find the best products possible, and provide an excellent service to the community. From flowers to oils, lotions, and accessories, Posh's menu offers a wide variety of products carefully selected by Benton. "Consider us the Nordstroms of dispensaries, she said. Outside Posh Green Retail Store | Photo: Meaghan M. Mitchell/Hoodline A longtime advocate for racial equity within the cannabis industry, Benton has advocated for policies that ensure people of color are placed in a position of power in the industry, and have access to opportunities for ownership. "Reese has been a selfless partner with the City for years, advocating not only for her right to participate fully in this now semi-legal economy, but also rightfully demanding that we make space for other Black-owned leadership in San Francisco's cannabis industry, said Brittni Chicuata, Acting Chief of Staff for the SF Human Rights Commission. Chicuata was previously a legislative aide in District 10 Supervisor Malia Cohen's office, where she wrote the ordinance to create San Franciscos cannabis equity program, in partnership with cannabis growers, business owners, and advocates, including Benton. Story continues The program, which went into effect in 2018, is meant to help people impacted by the war on drugs enter the legal cannabis market people like Benton, whose father was incarcerated for selling drugs and whose mother was a drug user. Inside Posh Green Retail | Photo: Courtesy of Reese Benton With a lot of hard work, and a little help from the new equity program, Benton was able to transition from running a medically-licensed cannabis delivery service to her new full-service dispensary. But she had to overcome fierce opposition, and financial and legal challenges, to get there. In 2019 the 2,020 square-foot retail space, located on the ground floor of a residential building, was initially set to open on "Weed Wednesday," a cannabis industry promotion which takes place the day before Thanksgiving. However, a resident who lives in the building organized a petition against her, resulting in an injunction that delayed the store's grand opening. "I spent thousands of dollars on hiring employees and had to lay them off the next week, Benton said. Inside Posh Green Retail | Photo: Courtesy of Reese Benton She said the stores front windows were smashed by an older white man who lives in the building, and that she received threatening letters and had people taking photos of her trash. "It was hurtful, Benton said. "I feel like these people put all this time and energy into making sure I didn't have a store when they could have used that money to invest in their community." With support from a lawyer and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent, the injunction was lifted on April 3, but the building sat empty while Benton continued to pay rent. Now with a staff of three, Benton is moving forward to softly open the space while following regulations of the City's Covid-19 shelter in place mandate "Reese has been working very hard to open a business that will provide a service the community has been requesting, District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton told Hoodline. She has had to endure several obstacles, and it is good to see another black woman business owner come into the community." Inside Posh Green Retail | Photo: Courtesy of Reese Benton Despite the setbacks, Benton is determined to open, continue to hire locally, and to advocate for women of color to become part of the industry. "I don't give up, Benton said. "I give myself 24 hours to be emotional, and then I keep going. As African American women, we are told not to be competitive in the business world and that's why some of us aren't successful. We are trained to be oppressed. I believe it's important to be aware that there will be obstacles, but we should never feel like we aren't good enough. Chicuata said the city has to do more to level the playing field for entrepreneurs like Benton. "Reese cannot be the model that we hold up as a sign of a job well done or progress made," Chicuata said. "The fact that she is the first and only Black woman, sole proprietor of a cannabis business four years after legalization should make clear how much more work we need to do." In his book The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History, John M. Barry writes that the 1918 flu that killed 100 million worldwide was not only a story of havoc, death and desolation but also a story of science, of discovery . . . and how one changes the way one thinks", Diplomatic Courier writes in the article INNOVATION AND POST-PANDEMIC HEALTHCARE. After more than a century of medical and technological advances, another global pandemic is causing sickness, hospitalizations and scores of deaths together with severe and growing economic and social unrest. Innovators immediately began working on new tests, antivirals and vaccines. The question of healthcare access is center stage, and companies playing a role in shaping the new post-COVID-19 environment will face new challenges as well as opportunities. There are six key questions that companies and innovators must consider to stay ahead and prepare to overcome these challenges to come back stronger. 1. How will innovators respond to demands for free or deeply discounted products and calls for access to their intellectual property? Will companies effectively demonstrate empathy and transparency as many already have in forecasting how they would provide their products to the public? How will they address demands, threats to their intellectual property and attempts to demonize their company and senior leadership? How will they speak to the innovative spirit of their employees and explain how they are good stewards of any government funding? Being mindful of access expectations and also effectively communicating their innovation story, they can position themselves as important allies on the pandemic battlefield. 2. How will the pandemic affect future regulatory policies? New innovations are springing forwardand being adoptedat record speed, leapfrogging once onerous regulatory processes. Will the regulatory regimes that carefully find the balance between speed and safety be altered to favor speed? Governments that maintain the balance and find ways to speed approvals without sacrificing safety will allow greater access of important new discoveries to their citizens. 3. How will government and private insurance reimbursement decisions evolve moving forward? The pandemic has also spurred rapid adoption of telemedicine and digital health technologies and the world will be watching whether the decision by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to reimburse for televisits will become permanent. In Asia, the impetus to adopt digital technology in healthcare provisioning has accelerated since the pandemic, and we are seeing traditional systems starting to embrace telemedicine. 4. Will competitors be open to working with rivals as partners and will public-private partnerships be strengthened? We are already seeing non-traditional alliances between competitors; how should they best communicate that partnership with customers and stakeholders? Questions will arise regarding how companies can be incentivized to work on licensing partnerships to quickly manufacture breakthrough treatments worldwide. Additionally, will there be more support for public-private partnerships? We have seen successful alliances in the past, such as Genomics England and Access Accelerated. In the U.S., that partnership has been manifested through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) at the U.S. Health and Human Services, and funding has led to several recent positive developments. Nations around the world, such as the EU and Singapore, are funding efforts to develop vaccines, anti-viral research, and devices and yet how quickly nations distribute funds to incentivize innovation will be determined. 5. The reputation of healthcare companies is on the risewill it continue? While the reputation of those on the frontlines such as nurses have traditionally been high, it has been less so the case for pharmaceutical companiesespecially in recent years as their pricing policies have been in the cross-hairs of politicians on all sides of the political spectrum. APCO Insights research data shows a shift in the views of healthcare companies by Americans. When asked the question as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, how much more or less important will each of the following be in creating a safe and prosperous world? Approximately 60 percent of respondents said global healthcare companies of all sizes are key to achieving that goal. Of course, these reputational numbers are not set in stone and what happens to reputation if there are quality concerns, delays in breakthroughs and conflict with government authorities? How companies manage these dynamics and communicate their empathy and commitment to innovation will be key. 6. How do health providers maintain access for patients during a pandemic? In many countries around the globe, the fears of overwhelmed hospitals and the lack of personal protective equipment, as well as the goal of flattening the curve led to government mandates on health providers prohibiting non-essential visits and procedures. But physicians and the public have questioned whether these orders have gone too far, and the cost to the health and well-being of the public. As nations prepare for subsequent waves of infections, governments and providers will have to rethink previously limiting policies and find creative ways to provide essential healthcare services such as oncology screenings while maintaining capacity for future COVID-19 patients. Pandemics are life-changingmedically, socially, and economically. As in 1918, today we are at a tipping point and issues of access to healthcare must be reevaluated. The main challenge will be the ability of governments and companies to quickly ramp up pharmaceutical and testing solutions and then distribute them to people around the globe. Over the next year, we will see whether the spirit of partnership between the healthcare industry and governments will be hampered or enhanced, whether policies fostering innovation take on new urgency, and whether lessons are learned about the response and mitigation efforts. The goal for healthcare companies should be to highlight their commitment to access through pricing, innovation, and even collaboration with competitors. They need to communicate the need for governments to support their efforts through policies that support innovation through regulatory policies and public-private partnerships. And if countries seek to shut down to preempt a second wave, providers, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates need to speak up on the health consequences, to strike a balance between caring for COVID-19 patients and keeping the doors to the doctors offices open. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Reuters) Athens Wed, June 3, 2020 09:33 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbb3e85 2 News Airlines,travel,greece,coronavirus,COVID-19,Qatar Free Greece on Tuesday suspended flights to and from Qatar after 12 individuals on a plane from Doha tested positive for the new coronavirus. The individuals were on a flight carrying 91 people from Doha to Athens that landed on Monday. Tests were carried out for the novel coronavirus and the passengers were taken to a quarantine hotel, authorities said. Those who tested positive will be in quarantine for 14 days, and those who tested negative will remain in quarantine for seven days, the civil protection ministry said. Those who tested positive include nine people from Pakistan with Greek residency papers, two Greeks traveling from Australia and a member of a Greek-Japanese family. The suspension will be in place until June 15. Greece has reported a low number of COVID-19 cases compared to many other European countries, and began a gradual easing of a weeks-long lockdown on May 4. By Tuesday, it had reported 2,937 cases, and 179 deaths. [The stream is slated to start at 11:30 a.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is holding his daily press conference on the coronavirus outbreak as thousands of demonstrators continue to protest across the U.S. over the police killing of George Floyd. On Tuesday, Cuomo said mass protests in cities across the U.S. could threaten the state's progress in containing the spread of the coronavirus. New coronavirus hospitalizations across New York hit an all-time low since the beginning of the outbreak at a three-day average of 154 on Monday, according to Cuomo. However, health officials warn that the outcome of days of protests in massive groups of people could show an increase in case numbers. "I know a lot of the protesters are so annoyed they don't want to hear about Covid anymore," Cuomo said. "'Covid is yesterday's news.' No, Covid is still a problem. Covid still kills also, so be mindful and respectful of that." The governor also slammed New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday for not deploying enough police officers to stem looting after a night of widespread property destruction and hundreds of arrests. "I believe the mayor underestimates the scope of the problem. I believe he underestimates the duration of the problem, and I don't think they've used enough police to address the situation," Cuomo said. CNBC's Noah Higgins-Dunn and Tucker Higgins contributed to this report. Read CNBC's live updates to see the latest news on the COVID-19 outbreak. Police prepare to enforce a curfew with gas as demonstrators chant in Atlanta on Tuesday. (John Bazemore / Associated Press) Officers swarmed around a sedan driving slowly near a downtown protest and demanded that the two black college students inside get out. Open the goddamn door! an officer shouted. No, I dont know whats going on, the young woman pleaded. As she started to exit the car, an officer, in riot gear, pointed a stun gun at her and fired. A different officer shattered the drivers side window and tased the young man behind the wheel. His body shook and went limp. Atlanta's mayor swiftly condemned the tactics and fired two of the officers within 24 hours. On Tuesday, three days after the incident, arrest warrants were issued for six officers. But by then, hundreds of thousands of people had watched video of the encounter, further stoking the outrage many protesters feel over the state of policing in America. In the days since demonstrators began filling the country's streets, demanding justice for George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in police custody, law enforcement agencies and the protesters they are trying to control have deployed varying tactics in what has turned into a national drama on race and the growing mistrust of public institutions. In some cities, including Atlanta and Houston, police chiefs spoke directly with protesters. Officers in other cities knelt in solidarity with the crowds. But night after night, as largely peaceful gatherings often devolved into looting and arson, other striking, more militaristic scenes veered across TV screens and Twitter feeds. A Santa Ana police officer fires tear gas into a crowd during a protest Saturday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Images told of a nation at conflict with itself: Tanks barreled through city streets. National Guard troops in camo patrolled with assault-style weapons slung over their shoulders. In several cities, protesters and journalists bled after officers fired rubber bullets into the crowds. Protesters in Philadelphia, who had just been tear-gassed by police, screamed out, I cant breathe the same three words Floyd uttered before he lost consciousness as a white officer's knee pressed into his neck. Story continues As days passed and rage intensified, protesters in a number of cities lashed back at police. An officer was in critical condition Tuesday after being shot near the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas as the police tried to disperse crowds that were pelting them with bottles. With these protests, which are leading to riot, Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo said, one tragedy is only leading to another. Four police officers in St. Louis were struck by gunfire in late-night protests that turned deadly. Their injuries were all non-life-threatening. Such an atmosphere has again exposed a polarization over law and order, and a suspicion many black and brown people have for institutions rife with racism in housing, healthcare and criminal justice. Voices in the discord include those who support the cops in a battle between looters and authority some even say police have been too hands off as small businesses have faced millions of dollars in damage. Ultimately, the images and videos of officers' behavior at protests against police brutality, where they know that they are being recorded, have further stoked frustrations and divisions over policing in America. On Monday, in the shadow of the White House, military police dressed in riot gear fired rubber bullets, flash-bang grenades and tear gas canisters into a peaceful crowd. As President Trump sees it, a show of force from police was not only appropriate, but also necessary. Minutes after protesters were tear-gassed, Trump vowed to deploy thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to American cities. An escalation, he said, was necessary to end the civil unrest. But Jim Coleman, a law professor at Duke University, says that is the wrong move. "This will all head south if governors and local officials take Trumps advice and use overwhelming force to end the demonstrations, said Coleman, who leads the schools Center for Criminal Justice and Professional Responsibility. "We may descend into a dangerously failing country. Friends pray in Louisville, Ky., on Tuesday. (Darron Cummings / Associated Press) Police enforcing a curfew violation in Louisville, Ky., early Monday morning shot and killed a black restaurant owner after he apparently fired on them. Leaders called for the body-camera footage to be released, but the citys mayor revealed the officers had not activated their cameras. The mayor fired the police chief, who was already set to resign. About 370 miles east in Richmond, Va., the police chief said officers who used tear gas on a group of peaceful protesters would be disciplined. In Atlanta, the police department has seemed to vacillate between opposite tactics: heavy-handed shows of force and a step-back-and-listen approach. The department has prided itself in recent years on working to develop a less antagonizing presence with protesters policing marches and demonstrations remotely, via CCTV cameras, and having officers wear regular beat uniforms, rather than militaristic garb. Then, this weekend, video of the Atlanta officers surrounding the college students, smashing the car window and yanking the woman from her seat went viral. Fulton County Dist. Atty. Paul Howard announced that six officers will be charged with aggravated assault stemming from the incident with the college students. "It is not indicative of the way that we treat people in the city of Atlanta, Howard said. On a recent afternoon, Andrew Goodman, a 48-year-old high school teacher, paused as he rode his bike at Atlantas Centennial Olympic Park and thought about the moment, another chapter in the nation's political divisions and cultural wars. "Trump is definitely stoking violence, he said, adding that the president's speech "stunk of totalitarianism and governmental terrorism and was a stark contrast to the symbolic olive branches the country witnessed as a sheriff in Michigan marched with protesters and police officers in his hometown knelt. After watching more of the speech, he said he worried about Trumps reference to the 2nd Amendment. Definitely a subtle call to arms for his alt-right base, Goodman said. In St. Paul, Minn., not far from where Floyd died in police custody, protesters gathered Tuesday at the foot of the state Capitol. The gatherings are an outcry, said Wakpor Rangel, who works for the Special Olympics. "It speaks volumes to how broken our country is, said Rangel, who is black. Her husband, Zach, who is white, stood nearby carrying a sign that read, My wife is not a threat. Minutes later, a man with a bullhorn shouted, Is anybody else out there scared? The crowd cheered, then started chanting, Enough is enough. In neighboring Minneapolis, Jerry Starr, 59, was happy to see a strong police presence. After several days, he had finally gotten a good nights sleep Monday. Other nights, he said, hed been staying up guarding his car lot from looters, who he said had gutted the neighborhood and ransacked a liquor store and Target, and set a pawn shop on fire. Since the military and the police could respond, everything has been good, he said. It went from chaos to order. Police in the 1950s and '60s were by comparison more aggressive against civil rights and anti-Vietnam war demonstrators. The militarization of police officially began in the 1970s during the "war on drugs." America was reminded of that six years ago when heavily armed officers in riot gear marched through the streets of Ferguson, Mo., during protests after 18-year-old Michael Brown was killed by a white police officer. Atlanta police clash with a demonstrator. (John Bazemore / Associated Press) President Obama issued an executive order in January 2015 that imposed some limitations on the transfer of military equipment to police departments around the country. But two years later Trump, who campaigned as a law and order president, reversed the Obama-era mandate. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has renewed a push to shut down a Pentagon program that transfers military weaponry to local law enforcement departments. Back in Atlanta on Tuesday, Sedio Stuart, a 22-year-old art student and photographer who has protested in recent days said that police were operating much more aggressively than they did on her first protest last week. Two of Stuarts best friends were injured over the weekend when police fired paintballs and rubber bullets into the crowd. Trumps talk of deploying the military, she said, was only exacerbating the conflict. "He doesnt really care why were protesting, she said. He doesn't really want to hear us out. He just wants to get us off the streets. Lee reported from Los Angeles, Jarvie from Atlanta and Hennessy-Fiske from St. Paul, Minn. A candlemaker is feeling the burn of a VAT bill for almost 400,000 after losing a legal challenge over the shape of candles it supplies to churches. The Tax Appeals Commission rejected an appeal by the unidentified firm against a VAT assessment totalling 394,802 issued by Revenue for its sales of church candles between 2013 and 2016. Revenue claimed the VAT Consolidation Act 2010 states that candles and night-lights are only zero-rated for VAT purposes if they are white and cylindrical. It pointed out that the legislation excludes a zero rate of VAT being applied to candles and night-lights that are decorated, spiralled, tapered or perfumed. As a result, tax officials argued a VAT rate of 23% should apply to all candles that are not white and cylindrical. The firm of chandlers gave evidence that it had always applied a zero rate of VAT to church candles it sold within Ireland. The company told the TAC that its church candles were not tapered but were instead frustoconical and part-cylindrical in shape. The TAC heard from a director of the firm that the shape of its candles represented a cone with its top missing. The company claimed its candles were cylindrical at both ends but just not the same size. It noted the base on the candle was a three-millimetre thick cylinder. It explained its use of such a shape was to provide additional fire safety as the candles were self-extinguishing and contained smoke and environmental protection features patented in Ireland, Europe and Canada. The firm said Revenue had failed to take into account the public interest in having such features in its candles. It claimed Revenue was acting inconsistently in its classification of church candles which undermined the EU principles of legal certainty and fiscal neutrality. Under cross-examination, however, the firms director admitted he had no correspondence from Revenue stating that church candles attracted a zero VAT rate. Revenue stated that the legislation governing the VAT rate to be applied to candles was unrelated to their use. In her ruling TAC commissioner, Lorna Gallagher, said the VAT Consolidation Act 2010 made no express reference to church candles or the use to which candles were put. Ms Gallagher said it did, however, specifically state that candles that were tapered attracted the standard VAT rate. She said the wording of the legislation was clear and unambiguous. PM Modi to host first ever India-Central Asia Summit in virtual format on Jan 27 Sibyl and Mika are mirror images of each other, both blonde, sharp-witted and somewhat tense. But as a comic character Mika is significantly more extreme and therefore more compelling, especially in the films most extended set-piece, in which a staged shipboard romance between Margot and Igor is derailed by drama behind the scenes. In a dreamlike manner, Sibyl is the only one who can get things moving, as if the other characters were puppets and she were pulling the strings. Once again, this might lead us to wonder how much of this is meant to be happening for real and what Triet herself might be working through, in a story that seemingly equates art and therapy or at least maps one onto the other. If Sibyl were an American film it would leave us with the sense the heroine had achieved a clear emotional breakthrough. Triet ends on a more ambivalent note. That's no bad thing, and yet as a confection Sibyl is finally unsatisfying, either too frothy or not frothy enough. The problem seems to be an over-supply of themes and ideas. Sibyls fascination with Margot, for instance, is a viable premise in itself but it would be easier to keep this relationship in focus if some of the extraneous material had been pruned. To take the opposite tack, it is surprising just how much is kept offscreen, including incidents that are turning points of the plot. Perhaps the version of Sibyl we have has been cut down from a significantly longer version, which no doubt would be even messier, but also potentially more compelling as psychodrama. Or perhaps, like Mika, Triet ran into trouble during the shoot, and had to fall back on a plan to fix it in editing. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper testifies to the Senate Armed Services Committee about the budget, on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 4, 2020. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo) Pentagon Chief Doesnt Support Invoking Insurrection Act to Quell Unrest Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said the federal government should not invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 that allows the president to deploy U.S. military and federalized National Guard troops within the United States in some instances. There was speculation President Donald Trump may use the law to quell civil unrest across the country. Ive always believed and continue to believe that the National Guard is best suited for performing domestic support to civil authorities in these situations in support of local law enforcement, Esper told reporters at a news conference Wednesday. He added that he is saying that also as a former soldier and a former member of the National Guard, the option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort and only in the most urgent and dire of situations. Amid the sometimes violent protests, looting, vandalism, and arson over the death of George Floyd last week, Esper noted that the U.S. is not in one of those situations now where the Insurrection Act needs to be used. On Monday, President Trump suggested that he could invoke the federal law to respond to the unrest if governors fail to act. The Insurrection Act has been used only sparingly but was invoked throughout the 19th century, namely during conflicts with Native Americans. It was also used to enforce federally mandated desegregation efforts in the 20th century, with Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy invoking the law in opposition to state leaders. Protestors run as riot police fire tear gas and move on demonstrators to clear Lafayette Park and the area around it across from the White House, in Washington, on June 1, 2020. (Reuters/Ken Cedeno) The act was also invoked during the 1992 Los Angeles riots by the late President George H.W. Bush. It was first used by third President Thomas Jefferson to deal with Embargo Act violations in 1808. In explaining why he might invoke the law, Trump said on Monday: 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. It came after Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said Monday that the president should use it to deploy active-duty troops to cities impacted by riots and violence. What the president can do is say that justice will be done in accordance with law for George Floyd and we will always respect the right of peaceful protests but the rioting, the anarchy and the looting ends tonight. If local law enforcement is overwhelmed lets see how these anarchists respond when the 101st Airborne is on the other side of the street, Cotton told Fox News. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He catches the wise in their own craftiness1 Corinthians 3:19 (New King James Version) The reaction by the left over President Trump standing in front of St. Johns Episcopal Church with a Bible in hand has been over-the-top , but very instructive. The lefts paroxysms of outrage lay bare their greatest weakness: their hatred of faith. Rush Limbaugh in his radio broadcast put it perfectly: But eventually the camera zeroed in, focused in on Trump in front of the church holding up a Bible and I knew when he held up the Bible, its like showing Dracula the cross. If the Drive-By Media is Dracula, a bunch of bloodsuckers, showing the Bible You talk about triggering somebody? And it did. They were livid! The left, encompassing the Democrat Party and the media, went crazy because the image of Trump walking to that church across from the White House, a sanctuary of history, and then standing in front of that church with a Bible in his hand conveyed a powerful image of hope. This came after Trump issued a brief and powerful speech minutes before promising to restore law and order to this beleaguered nation. I watched that speech and felt a sense of calm because of his leadership. I then felt inspired after this man walked, without a mask of fear, to the front of that church, damaged by rioters and boldly held up a Bible. And there lies the answer to overcoming the left, humbling ourselves and turning to God. The battle we face for the soul of America is more than just some intellectual pursuit. It is spiritual at its very core. Until we understand this truth we will continue to shake our heads in frustration whenever we try to intellectually out-debate a leftist. You see, the left only views truth in regard to political affiliation. As a result, any argument by a conservative is readily dismissed as racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, homophobic, anti-science, anti-environment, anti- planet, hateful or just plain dangerous. How does this affect conservatives? If you find yourself walking on eggshells around leftists or choosing the words you say to them, instead of the honest truth, then the defamations have worked. Leftism has corrupted everything from language, to education to law enforcement. Their dictates, whether we want to admit or not, affect every area of our lives because they have succeeded in shaming us into reluctant acquiescence. Nowhere has this been made crystal clear than during push to end the lockdown and opening the economy. Those who wanted to open up were branded as caring more about money than saving one human life. You cannot change the mind of someone who is arrogantly ignorant, so all you can do is change yourself. That takes humility and admitting you dont have all the answers. This is the point where we can take a knee and instead of making a political statement, take our plight to God. This nation was founded on Christian principles of morality and justice. You have only browse the quotes of the Founders to realize their deference to God in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. John Adams said this of the Constitution: Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. A moral and religious People put their faith in and pray to a living God no matter who it offends. Freedom-loving Americans do not need to march in the streets, virtue signal or place a bumper sticker on our car to proclaim our faith and dependence on God, we have only to go the Lord in a quiet place in our own home with love in our hearts, not hatred, bitterness or resentment. if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) God bless America should become our plea, rather than the close of some politicians speech. And speaking of politicians, no elected official, including President Trump, can bring healing to this land, only God can. We have a president who understands this which is why I believe he made his stand in front of that historical church. The left hates Christianity because they fear the faith that encompasses it. Deeming churches unessential, in the lefts own haughty eyes, does not change the power of Gods word to bless, convict and condemn. We find ourselves in our current state as a nation because we have forgotten the true foundation of America and that is love and reverence of God. All these years of compromising our faith and principles has left us weakened in standing for this nation. Now there are some reading this column that will dismiss it with prejudice. I understand that. However, there are those who understand the gravity of Americas plight and who feel downright hopeless. It is those people who I hope will join me in prayer to ask God for His help to turn our hearts back to Him, heal this nation and defeat the enemy within. Let us fight for America on Gods terms, not the lefts. Dex Bahr is the author of the book , No Christian Man is an Island. He is also a freelance writer and lecturer. Image credit: CNBC via YouTube screen shot The Federal Government has strongly advised Nigerians, who are 55 year-old and older to avoid churches and mosques, as it lifted the ban on worship centres on Monday. Also, those with health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, HIV, among others, have been advised to stay away from worship centres and worship at home. According to government, the advise should be adhered to because worship centres have been recognised as a major avenue of potential spread of Coronavirus. The government made this through the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 Control. It released the guidelines for states to follow in discussions with religious leaders before the reopening of churches and mosques for worshippers Advertisement The PTF National Coordinator, Dr. Aliyu Sani, who announced the guidelines said religious centres should keep a record of attendees. Dr. Sani said this would allow for contact tracing in the case of virus spread, adding that worshippers experiencing common symptoms of COVID-19 to stay away from churches and mosques. He said: We are strongly advising vulnerable individuals such as those with underlying conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, HIV, cancer and those above the age of 55 years to please stay at home and consider remote participation or non-contact attendance. When we look at the death rate for persons who have died from COVID-19 in Nigeria, the case fatality rate; more than half of those that died were above the age of 50. Secondly, the case fatality rate if you are above the age of 50, is 17 per cent. If you are above the age of 55, it is 18 per cent. It is almost a one in five chances of dying if you catch COVID-19 and you fall within that group. Worshippers should be reminded not to attend in person if experiencing common symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough and shortness of breath or have had close contact with an infected person in the last 14 days. Read Also: It Is Safer To Worship From Home, Despite Lifting Ban On Religious Gatherings: FG All worshippers noted to have temperature or are symptomatic should be turned back and not allowed admission. Places of worship should ideally keep up to date record of their staff including contact details and if possible, a record of attendees of church services for instance or a even small mosque to enable contact tracing in the event that somebody comes up positive. Considering the dangers posed by the pandemic, we strongly recommend that religious visits to homes by religious clerics should be discouraged. The national coordinator said: It is important to note that due to the nature of religious congregations, places of worship are particularly recognised to have a major potential for spreading COVID -19 infection among worshippers and this has been clearly demonstrated in several outbreaks globally linked to religious gatherings. Places of worship that are unable to comply with these measures should not be allowed to operate by state governments. Churches are to open from 5am and close by 8pm. Each service should be for a maximum of one hour with an interval of 20 minutes in-between services to allow time for disinfection. These guidelines provide a baseline for the states to then develop their own policies specific to their areas depending on the prevalence of COVID-19, depending on whether or not people are likely to follow and comply fully. But we will be reviewing these guidelines from time to time and we will definitely review them if it looks like we are having issues with regards to this relaxation and I plead with the public to understand with us but more importantly, continue to stay safe. It is better to stay at home and worship than to go into a place of worship, he emphasised. Let me make some clarifications because I understand there has been a lot of concern nationwide about the opening of places of worship. There is no doubt that COVID-19 is still around, there is no doubt that it is safer for you to stay at home and there is also no doubt that it is safer for you to worship at home. The PTF is providing safety advisory or guidance in the event that you need to upgrade your spiritual needs and you cannot do it at home but we are not making recommendations that people should go to places of worship but if they chose to, we are providing advisory to enable them to do so safely. COVID-19 has not gone away. You only need to look at the numbers. We are in the exponential stage of the illness. We have moved as a country right up to the third position in Africa and because of our population we could also move to the second position or even the first. So now is the time to continue to take precautionary measures. Now is not the time to relax. I hope I have made that clear. In view of the widespread community transmission of COVID -19, it is important that places of worship operate in a safe manner to ensure the protection of public health, avoid outbreaks and safeguard the health of vulnerable members of the population. The Government of Sudan has taken the first steps to ban the practice of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) in all parts of the country. In a country where, according to the United Nations, nine out of ten women ages 15 to 49 have been subjected to FGM/C, anyone who performs the procedure will face a possible three-year prison term and a fine under the new law. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called Sudans move a human rights victory: Its a big step, a bright step closer to a future in which all women and girls worldwide wont have to suffer this barbaric practice. Sudans civilian-led transitional government announced its intention to criminalize FGM/C in April. The transitional government was established last summer following a popular uprising and the ouster and arrest of Sudans long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir. In the months since the transitional government took power under the leadership of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, several promising developments have taken place. Among them are the appointment of women to key leadership positions; a commission of inquiry to investigate violence against protesters; and a commitment to holding democratic elections. Additionally, a new report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent federal commission that makes policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress, commended the transitional government for making important progress to improve religious freedom conditions in Sudan. According to USCIRF, under the Islamist-led rule of al-Bashir, Sudan was notorious for its egregious repression of members of religious minority groups. Due to positive actions taken by the transitional government, USCIRF upgraded Sudan to their Special Watch List designation during their annual report release in May. Sudan and the United States are currently working to build a stronger bilateral partnership. The two have decided to pursue the exchange of ambassadors for the first time in decades. As the United States and Sudan continue to develop policy and statutory criteria for rescission of Sudans State Sponsor of Terrorism designation, Sudan is taking steps to address longstanding issues of bilateral concern. Over the past year, Sudan has started to emerge from the decades-long grip of brutal totalitarian rule. Despite the countrys continuing challenges, recent positive developments bode well for the Sudanese people and for the possibility of new partnership between Sudan and the United States. Gone are the days where preachers lived humble lives with almost nothing to show for it. The reverse is the case today as pastors now live largely. The richest pastors in Africa have run their ministries and churches for decades to reach the wealthy status they enjoy today. With their followers' support, they have established businesses that afford them the good lifestyle they enjoy. Pastor Alph Lukau. Photo: @AMIKramerville Source: Twitter Many rich pastors in Africa come from West Africa and South Africa. Besides their preaching assignments, many have personal businesses to generate more funds to finance their ministry work, live comfortably, and be a blessing to many others. Consequently, they do not necessarily have to depend on their members for survival. 15 richest pastors in Africa in 2021 Thanks to televangelism, the so-called wealthy pastors reach wider audiences simultaneously, earning them thousands of Christians who follow their preachings on TV and online platforms. The following are 15 rich pastors in Africa you should know: 1. Alph Lukau - $600 million The General Overseer of Alleluia Ministries International. Photo: @AMIKramerville Source: Twitter Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with all major Ghana news This man of God is the General Overseer of Alleluia Ministries International, a gospel denomination located in South Africa founded in 2002. So, who is the richest pastor in Africa? It is Alph Lukau, considering his estimated net worth of $600 million. Pastor Alph Lukau has convinced his large congregation in different African countries that he can heal the sick and raise the dead like his lord and saviour, Jesus Christ. However, the controversies generated by these claims have not hindered the increase in his flock and wealth. 2. Bishop David Oyedepo - $150 million David Oyedepo. Photo: @Naija_PR Source: Twitter Bishop David Oyedepo is the founder and President of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel. In addition, he is the presiding bishop of the megachurch, Faith Tabernacle, in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The 65-year-old Nigerian preacher studied at Kwara State University, Malete, AIT Cafe, and has a PhD in Human Development from Honolulu University, Hawaii. He founded the Living Faith Church in 1981 after receiving a mandate from God through an 18-hour vision in the same year. David Oyedepo owns two leading Nigerian private universities: Covenant University and Landmark University, and serves as a chancellor in both universities. Moreover, he has four private jets, commercial buildings, and other properties in Nigeria and abroad. He currently boasts of a net worth estimated at $150 million. 3. Pastor Enoch Adeboye - $130 million Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Photo: @KogiFacts Source: Instagram Enoch Adeboye is the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos, Nigeria. He had his education at UNILAG and Obafemi Awolowo University, both in Nigeria. Yet, even with the wealth, he has amassed over the years, Pastor E. A. Adeboye, popularly known by his followers as Daddy GO, continues to show humility while preaching in the ministry. The 78-year-old Nigerian pastor was ordained as a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1977 and became General Overseer of the church four years later. His churches and properties include Redeemers University and Dove TV, a digital satellite TV broadcasting company. 4. Prophet Shepherd Bushiri - $100 million Prophet Shepherd Bushiri. Photo: @UebertAngel Source: Twitter Shepherd Bushiri is the founder and leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering, a Christian non-denominational evangelical church. The 37-year-old Malawian-born preacher currently lives in South Africa. He has created many other churches in Ghana, Malawi, Ghana, South Sudan, South Africa, and other African nations. Who is the rich pastor in South Africa? After Alph Lukau, it is Pastor Bushiri. He has a global investment company, Shepherd Bushiri Investments, located in Sandton near Johannesburg. His business deals in mining, real estate, an airline, and other commercial initiatives. Interestingly, he reportedly has an estimated net worth of $100 million. 5. Uerbert Angel - $60 million Uerbert Angel. Photo: @zimbabweanreal Source: Twitter Uerbert Angel was born in Zimbabwe, though he currently resides in the United Kingdom. The 41-year-old preacher is the founder of Spirit Embassy, a Pentecostal ministry in the UK. Uebert founded this church in 2007 and later changed the name to Good News Church. Other than preaching, Uebert also runs several businesses in Zimbabwe and the UK. His lifestyle allows him to fly in choppers when preaching the word of God. The pastor's source of wealth ranges from commercial properties he has, cars, investments, and other enterprises. He has heavily invested in real estate, making him one of the youngest richest pastors in Africa with a net worth of $60 million. 6. Rev Chris Oyakhilome - $50 million Chris Oyakhilome. Photo: @christemb_usa Source: Twitter Rev Chris Oyakhilome is the founder and President of LoveWorld Incorporated. Born on the 7th of December, 1963, in Edo State, Nigeria, Chris Oyakhilome is one of the richest pastors in Africa with megachurches. His church is also known as Christ Embassy. Besides running his church, the preacher takes care of his businesses and other ventures, including a private jet, LoveWorld television stations that air locally and internationally, LoveWorld Publications, and LoveWorld Records. Today, Rev Chris boasts of an estimated net worth of $50 million. 7. Pastor Paul Adefarasin - $50 million Pastor Paul Adefarasin. Photo: @Sleeksly2 Source: Twitter The man of God is the General Overseer and senior pastor of House on the Rock, established in 1994. The church is now one of the biggest in Nigeria and Africa, with a majestic headquarter in Lekki, Lagos State. The man is rich enough to buy several luxurious automobiles but has continuously declined his members' requests to purchase a private jet for him. His net worth is estimated at $50 million. 8. David Ibiyeomie - $41 million David Ibiyeomie. Photo: @SaharaReporters Source: Twitter If the saying "like father like son" is applicable in the ministry, then this preacher and his spiritual father, Bishop David Oyedepo, are a typical example. He founded Salvation Ministries in 1997 and has grown the church's congregation into several hundreds of thousands. Like his spiritual father, this man of God enjoys the land's fruit and has numerous cars and houses around the country to show for it. According to the Buzz Nigeria website, the pastor is worth about $41 million. 9. Ray McCauley - $28 million Pastor Ray McCauley. Photo: @Les18181 Source: Instagram Ray McCauley is a religious leader, businessman, and senior pastor of Rhema Bible Church. The 70-year-old is also the President of the International Federation of Christian Churches and co-chairs the National Interfaith Council of South Africa. Ray McCauley went for training before building his church. He started his service in the ministry in the late 1970s. Ray McCauley's church boasts about 50,000 members, including the rich and elite in South Africa. In addition, the former champion and bodybuilder owns several properties and businesses across South Africa. He has also authored several books and owns a TV station, Rhema Television (RTV). Consequently, he is worth about $28 million. 10. Paul Enenche - $25 million Founding and Senior Pastor, Dunamis International Gospel Centre. Photo: @Churchmatterrs1 Source: Twitter He is the founder of Dunamis International Gospel Center, and his wife, Becky, has been with him since 1996. The couple were medical doctors, and his church auditorium is one of the most significant and majestic worldwide. He generously gives back to society through his charity works that provide relief and aid to internally displaced people in Nigeria. 11. Sam Adeyemi - $19 million Sam Adeyemi. Photo: @SAMKLEF Source: Twitter Sam Adeyemi is the senior pastor and General Overseer of Daystar Christian Center. He is also a mentor and teacher to several youths and guides them through the path of success. He is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. 12. Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor - $15 million Ayo Oritsejafor. Photo: @GbemiDennis Source: Twitter Popularly referred to as Papa Ortisejafor, the pastor founded Word of Life Bible Church headquartered in Nigeria. He once served as the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) sometime in the past. According to him, he already knew his career path was to tread in the footsteps of his lord and saviour. But, unlike Jesus, who went about in leather sandals and skin-bags, Papa goes around the world to spread the gospel with his private jet and exotic cars. 13. Apostle Johnson Suleman - $10.5 million Apostle Johnson Suleman. Photo: @vanguardngrnews Source: Twitter This preacher is the founder of one of the newest gospel denominations in Nigeria. Omega Fire International Miniseries was established in 2014. The man who is the senior pastor is one of the most controversial preachers in the country and is not scared of calling out the Nigerian leaders for bad governance. Apostle Johnson Suleman is not just a preacher; he is a businessman, and his investments span real estate, oil and gas, airline and financial sectors. In addition, he is the proud owner of three private jets, among other exotic automobiles. According to the Buzz Nigeria website, his net worth is about $10.5 million. 14. Pastor Chris Okotie - $10 million Chris Okotie. Photo: @Naija_PR Source: Twitter Pastor Christopher Oghenebrorie Okotie is a famous Nigerian televangelist and the Household of God Church International Ministries pastor. He has been the senior pastor at the church since 1987. Interestingly, Chris Okotie had a short stint in politics and even competed for an elective post. He contested for the 2003 presidential ticket and lost to Olusegun Obasanjo. His source of wealth includes proceeds and donations brought by members of his church, properties he owns in Nigeria, and the sale of Christian publications he has authored. 15. Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams - $6.9 million Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams. Photo: @nanayawsuspence Source: Twitter Nicholas Duncan-Williams is the presiding Archbishop and General Overseer of the Action Chapel International ministry in Accra, Ghana. The 63-year-old Charismatic pioneer chose the path of salvation in 1978 after tragically losing his three fingers. Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams was on the list of the richest pastors in Ghana in 2020 and 2021, having founded and run more than 100 churches in his home country and across Africa. His love for affluence can be seen through the fancy suits he wears, jewellery, and the high-end life he lives. The Ghanaian preacher owns a jet, a mansion, and other properties across Ghana. Which is the biggest church in Africa? The Redeemed Christian Church of God takes the spot of the biggest church in Africa. Thanks to The Redemption Camp, which houses a three million sitting capacity auditorium completed in 2019. The project cost at least $60 million and boasts of various world-class infrastructures. Who is the richest pastor in the world? South African pastor, Alph Lukau, beats the likes of Kenneth Copeland, Pat Robertson, and Benny Hinn to the title of the richest pastor in the world. However, his 2021 net worth of around $600 million puts him comfortably beyond the reach of the riches of his fellow preachers. The public lives of the richest pastors in Africa have earned them fame and controversy. Some of the pastors cover headlines day in day out due to the intriguing remarks and actions. Despite the fluctuation in the economy, some politicians still accumulate wealth in Ghana. As published on Yen.com.gh, this set of politicians have made the list of the wealthiest ones in the country. As you will discover from the post, the likes of Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, with a net worth estimated at $1.2 billion and John Dramani Mahama, whose net worth is estimated at $900 million, have made the list. Find out others and how much they are worth. Source: YEN.com.gh Hu Weifeng contracted COVID-19 in January. He was a colleague of Ai Fen and Li Wenliang, who first sounded the alarm over the pandemic. Thousands of doctors have been infected because the government waited too long to declare an emergency. After testing ten million people, the authorities declare Wuhan to be free from the disease. Beijing (AsiaNews) A fifth doctor from the Wuhan Central Hospital died yesterday of the coronavirus. Hu Weifeng, a 42-year-old urologist, had contracted COVID-19 four months ago. Hu, who leaves a wife and two children, had been in a coma for a long while. His death, like that of his colleagues, is seen by many observers, in China and abroad, as evidence of Chinas failure to handle the pandemic emergency. Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, is the city where the pandemic broke out in December. About 50,000 of Chinas 84,000 cases have been recorded here, with 3,869 city deaths, out of a total of 4,645 across the country. In the early stages of the outbreak, until January 23, when Wuhan was placed under a lockdown, Chinese leaders denied the existence of the respiratory infection. At that time, local healthcare workers became infected because they did not wear the necessary protective gear. According to data from the World Health Organisation, 3,387 Chinese doctors and nurses tested positive for coronavirus in February: 90 per cent in Hubei. Hu worked with Li Wenliang, the 34-year-old ophthalmologist detained by police and silenced for publicly speaking about the epidemic. Li died from the infection on 7 February. In early March, two of Lis colleagues in ophthalmology, Mei Zhongming and Zhu Heping, died after contracting the disease; Jiang Xueqing, 55, head of thyroid and breast surgery, also died. Li had shared information obtained from Ai Fen, the doctor who first sounded the alarm on the coronavirus. In a message posted on WeChat (the Chinese Twitter) on 30 December, Ai asked the authorities to quickly intervene against the disease without results. For her troubles, Ais superiors ordered her to keep quiet so as not to create panic, accusing her of being an informer. Ai disappeared in mid-March; it is feared she might have been arrested for telling her story to Renwu (People) magazine. Hus death and that of other Wuhan doctors stand in contrast to the triumphalist tones used by the local administration, which recently declared victory against the coronavirus. On 1 June, health authorities completed diagnostic tests on ten million residents, identifying 300 asymptomatic cases. The systematic testing, which cost 900 million yuan (US7 million), began after a new outbreak was reported in early May. Official figures did not include any cases after 3 April, apart from those imported from abroad. GRAND RAPIDS, MI The Michigan Sheriffs Association condemned the killing of George Floyd, the 46-year-old black man who died after a now-former Minneapolis police officer pinned him to the ground with a knee on his neck. Floyd, who complained he could not breathe, was held down nearly nine minutes while handcuffed. The white officer, Derek Chauvin, 44, was fired and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Three officers at the scene were fired. Officers are expected to protect the communities they serve, Michigan Sheriffs Association (MSA) Board of Directors said in a statement. These officers have degraded, disparaged, and discredited our profession and broken trust with those we serve our residents and communities. It was bad policing, and we are deeply disturbed by those images. We want Michiganders to know that these kinds of actions will not be accepted or tolerated. The May 25 killing has touched off protests and riots across the country, including a riot in Grand Rapids over the weekend that followed a march protesting police brutality and racism. A 7 p.m. curfew in Grand Rapids expired Tuesday. In Kalamazoo, protesters were tear-gassed Tuesday for not dispersing after the 7 p.m. curfew. Protesters were met by Kalamazoo police, state police and the Michigan National Guard. Later, five houses in the city - four of them vacant - burned. Investigators said the cause of the fires is suspicious but, as of early Wednesday, they have not linked the fires to the earlier protest. MSA represents sheriffs in all 83 counties in Michigan. Police officers are expected to be professional, respectful, selfless, honest, and honorable. Police work is a calling, and it is good and noble work, the statement said. We grieve for and stand with Mr. Floyds family, and call for justice and peace. We stand with those peacefully redressing their government, and we stand with those seeking solutions. We seek them, too. Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker, who released the MSA statement, said that we do not condone and will not tolerate this type of conduct or police brutality. Read more: Five structures burn overnight in Kalamazoo, all deemed suspicious Kalamazoo protesters urge police to join them, are tear-gassed after curfew Young woman incited riot on her own Facebook Live video, police say 'Enough is enough: Hundreds march in Saginaw to demand justice for George Floyd Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 06:05:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LJUBLJANA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The registered jobless in Slovenia was up by 2 percent on a monthly basis to 90,415 in May, the Employment Service of Slovenia reported on Wednesday. But the trend slowed down as the country started the normalization process with the coronavirus restrictions easing. The number of people who registered with the Employment Service in May was almost halved (-45 percent) compared to April, standing at 7,928, which was, however, 75.6 percent more than in May 2019. Among the unemployed, those who saw their fixed-term contracts expire represented the largest number (3,915), followed by permanently redundant workers (2,585) and first job-seekers (389). Commenting the figures, the Ministry of Labour said that they were somewhat more encouraging and inspired optimism, but added that "we should remain objective despite the positive trend," according to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA). The Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has announced a financial support program worth 4.6 million euros (about 5.2 million U.S. dollars) for workers laid off during the epidemic. As part of the program, which is fully covered by the European Social Fund and implemented by the Employment Service, temporary compensation, career consultancy and inclusion in the existing active employment policies will be provided for around 2,500 unemployed people. Enditem The Trump administration moved Wednesday to block Chinese airlines from flying to the U.S. in an escalation of trade and diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FILE - In this March 18, 2020 file photo, a Southern China Airlines flight from Guangzhou, China passes in front of the sun as it arrives at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. On Wednesday, June 3, 2020, the Trump administration moved to block Chinese airlines from flying to the U.S. in an escalation of trade and travel tensions between the two countries. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press via AP) The Trump administration moved Wednesday to block Chinese airlines from flying to the U.S. in an escalation of trade and diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The Transportation Department said it would suspend passenger flights of four Chinese airlines to and from the United States starting June 16. The decision was in response to China's failure to let United Airlines and Delta Air Lines resume flights to China this month. The airlines suspended those flights earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic that started in China's Wuhan province. On Thursday, the Chinese air regulator said more airlines would be allowed to resume flights to and from China but gave no indication whether United and Delta were included. An employee who answered the phone at the Civil Aviation Administration of China and would give only her surname, Yan, said she had no details on the status of United and Delta. The Transportation Department said that China was violating a 1980 agreement between the two countries covering flights by each other's airlines. The department said it would continue talks with Chinese officials to settle the dispute. In the meantime, we will allow Chinese carriers to operate the same number of scheduled passenger flights as the Chinese government allows ours," the Transportation Department said in a statement. The department said President Donald Trump could put the order into effect before June 16. The administration had hinted at Wednesdays move last month, when it protested to Chinese authorities that Beijing was preventing U.S. airlines from competing fairly against Chinese carriers. The four airlines affected by the order are Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. Before the pandemic, there were about 325 passenger flights a week between the United States and China, including ones operated by United, Delta and American Airlines. While U.S. carriers stopped their flights, Chinese airlines continued to fly scaled-down schedules between the two countries 20 flights a week in mid-February and 34 a week by mid-March. To curb the spread of coronavirus, China limited foreign airlines to one flight per week based on schedules that they operated in mid-March. Since U.S. airlines had already stopped flying to China by then, that effectively has shut them out, the Transportation Department said. The department said it objected, but Chinas aviation agency said last week it was not violating the air-travel treaty because the same one-flight limit applies to Chinese airlines. Foreign airlines that arent on the March list will be allowed to make one flight per week to a port city that has the capability to receive them and is within the scope of their license, CAAC said in a written statement. Carriers will be allowed to increase that to two flights per week if they go three weeks with no passengers testing positive for the virus, CAAC said. It said a route will be suspended for one week if the number of passengers who test positive reaches five. United and Delta announced last month that they hoped to resume flights to China in June, as air travel has begun to recover recently. United wants to fly from San Francisco to Shanghai and Beijing and from Newark, New Jersey, to Shanghai. Delta seeks to resume flights via Seoul to Shanghai from Seattle and Detroit. We support and appreciate the U.S. governments actions to enforce our rights and ensure fairness," Delta spokeswoman Lisa Hanna said. United Airlines spokesman Frank Benenati said, We look forward to resuming passenger service between the United States and China when the regulatory environment allows us to do so." Messages to a spokesperson in China's embassy in Washington were not immediately answered, and efforts to reach the person by phone were unsuccessful. Eswar Prasad, a professor of trade policy at Cornell University, said the back and forth will increase political tensions between the U.S. and China, which already seem to have passed a point of no return. But Jeff Moon, a former State Department official and now a trade consultant, said the airline dispute was less complicated than other conflicts between the two countries. 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 case can be resolved if cooler heads prevail ... and there is a genuine desire to restore air links, he said. As the administration moved against the airlines, it also stepped up its criticism of China on the 31st anniversary of the deadly crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted out a photograph of him meeting Tuesday with several survivors of the crackdown. Shortly after that, the State Department released a statement saying Pompeo was honoured to meet the four dissidents, whom it called brave participants in the heroic protests for democracy that were brutally put down by the Chinese Communist Party on June 4, 1989. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian responded, taking aim at the U.S. over civil unrest over police killings of blacks. The protests once again reflect the racial discrimination in the U.S., the serious problems of police violent enforcement and the urgency of solving these problems, Zhao said. ___ Matthew Lee in Washington and AP researcher Yu Bing in Beijing contributed. Naoise Dolan and her debut novel, "Exciting Times." (Maria Bianchi / Ecco) The title of Naoise Dolans debut novel, Exciting Times, is a clever trick an ambivalent phrase that reads one way in millennial deadpan, an additional way as an earnest expression. Both intonations feel native to its 22-year-old narrator, Ava. It would be unfair to judge the young Irish writers debut by its American jacket copy, which makes Exciting Times sound as if Candace Bushnell had appropriated a mundane subplot of Crazy Rich Asians. Ava, an Irish transplant teaching English grammar to wealthy children in Hong Kong, starts sleeping with Julian, a wealthy English banker, but while hes away on business she falls in love with Edith, a wealthy Hong Kong-born lawyer. Emotional drama ensues. A more conventional book of this description might be dreadful, but Dolan has something more interesting in mind. In fewer than 250 pages, the 28-year-old has captured the touchstone millennial tension between sardonicism and sincerity the electric ambivalence of figuring out how to be a person in these times. While the publishers synopsis of Exciting Times falls short, some critics have suggested a more obvious and tempting comparison. A blurb from the Irish Times exclaims the novel is likely to fill the Sally-Rooney-shaped hole in many readers lives. Indeed, the two young Irish writers mine similar territory class, capitalism, queerness, power and the unfathomability of social mores and Rooney (whose " Normal People," adapted for Hulu, recently swept quarantine culture) even edited an excerpt in an Irish literary magazine. Stylistically, however, the women have little in common. Where Rooney is all relaxed, freewheeling dialogue, generous sentences and blurry edges, Dolan has buttoned-up elocution, taut phrasing and sharp angles. Dolan imposes on her narrator a strict sense of compartmentalization, established immediately in the books three distinct parts. Exciting Times begins with a section titled Julian, following Avas relationship with a blase 28-year-old Oxford-educated Englishman who lives in a posh, sterile apartment, drinks mostly Burgundy and holds centrist political views. Julian is intelligent, albeit aloof, and has nice arms, but he wouldnt be half as attractive without his money. He takes Ava out to eat, buys her nice things and eventually allows her to move in without paying rent. In the beginning, neither party wants to be in a relationship, but eventually Ava wants more. With Julian, Ava is disaffected, with a chilly wit and deep commitment to irony. Story continues The second section, Edith, picks up after Julian has left on business for London, clocking a string of platonic theater dates between Ava and Edith, also 22, which slowly transform into romantic encounters. Edith has beautiful hair, carries expensive bags invariably concealing more practical purses, curates a meticulous Instagram and attends to Avas personhood rather than her inscrutable persona. With Edith, Ava is generous, affectionate and accessible. But she doesnt disclose her relationship to her absent flatmate or Edith. They find out, of course, and the novel concludes with Edith and Julian. Spoiler: Dolan does not succumb to the lurid tropes of love triangles. Exciting Times is a funny novel (both haha and weird), resisting the pull of melodrama in favor of a sharp point of view and an intense concern with language. On their first outing, Julian asks if Ava has dated in Hong Kong yet. She replies, not really, musing that yet did contradictory things as an adverb and there were more judicious choices he could have made. While teaching a group of 7-year-olds, she interrogates the purpose of exact nouns like adult, child and teenager, finding it depressing that the way we specified ourselves the way we made ourselves precise and interesting was by pinpointing our developmental stage and likely distance from mortality. In many cases these dissections are clear-eyed and vivifying, arriving at a deeper set of emotional meanings. At their best, such moments elevate the book from a tale of amorous hijinks into something more nuanced. In other cases, it can feel as if the author has sashayed in to perform a high-wire act of semiotics which not only hinders the narrative flow but risks alienating the reader, even as it reinforces Avas neuroticism and insecurity. This exchange had catechized Julian on several points," Ava thinks. "Id told him that (a) he had a prestigious and well-recompensed job, (b) I didnt, and (c) to break the monotony of his status, he liked women with lip; women other men found waspish, and who found those men feeble, but who were quite at home in his living room or one of them was, there in archetype and not as someone he specifically cared for, her hauteur being something they had in common. Somewhat peculiarly listed on Amazon UK as a No. 1 bestseller in the category of political humour, Exciting Times is indeed engaged with the ways class, inequality and politics manifest in social life. In an exchange with an older, more affluent frenemy over tea, Ava notes the womans mispronunciation of the au citron and becomes engrossed in the possibility of changing her own order so she might pronounce it correctly, which would prickle her companion without letting her feel cathartically wronged. Eventually, Ava orders the lemon tea to make the woman feel bad for using French in the first place but then clarifies with the correct French pronunciation. The exchange concludes with the two splitting the bill. This evisceration of class tension feels scalpel-sharp; would that all of Avas observations were. Staying in his flat was possibly a rupture from the capitalist notion that I was only worth something if I paid my own way economically, Ava thinks, somewhat less subtly, on Page 19. Or maybe it made me a bad feminist. I could puzzle it out once the experience had passed. I cant be sure I wouldnt have tossed the book aside if it werent for my professional obligation, partly because Ive puzzled through a similar quandary and already know the answer: If the phrase rupture from the capitalist notion had been in my 22-year old vocabulary, I would have hightailed it out of Julians apartment the first time I wondered if he might be a Patrick Bateman cosplayer. But Im glad I stuck around longer (with Ava, not the guy). That tangle of revulsion and attraction to Avas perpetual ambivalence and the accompanying desire to reach out from this side of the looking glass and gently assure her this is simply a condition of being human is one reason to keep reading. And though Dolan is still be figuring it out how to be a writer (Arent we all?), there is reason to anticipate whatever she might do next and to suppose she might one day fill a hole in readers lives shaped only like herself. Pariseau is a writer and editor in New Orleans. Exciting Times Naoise Dolan Ecco: 256 pages, $28 President Donald Trump participates in an event on protecting seniors with diabetes, in the Rose Garden at the White House on May 26, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Trump Express Condolences After Death Of Retired St. Louis City Police Captain David Dorn President Donald Trump has paid his respects to a retired St. Louis City police captain, David Dorn, who was shot and killed outside of a pawn shop in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 1 in a looting incident. Trump on June 3 posted a photo of Dorn on Twitter, writing, Our highest respect to the family of David Dorn, a Great Police Captain from St. Louis, who was viciously shot and killed by despicable looters last night. We honor our police officers, perhaps more than ever before. Thank you! Our highest respect to the family of David Dorn, a Great Police Captain from St. Louis, who was viciously shot and killed by despicable looters last night. We honor our police officers, perhaps more than ever before. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/0ouUpoJEQ4 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2020 David Dorn, 77, was found dead by police outside of Lees Pawn and Jewellery store after responding to an alarm. He was reportedly shot in the torso at around 2:30 a.m. and died on the sidewalk in front of the shop at 4123 Martin Luther King Drive. The Ethical Society of Police of St. Louis said that Dorn was a retired St. Louis City captain, and his wife, Ann Marie Dorn, currently works for the police department. He had spent 38 years with the police department, KMOV reported. Ann, said her husband was a friend of the pawn shops owner and worked for him, and would often show up at the shop when burglar alarms sounded to check on the building, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said Dorn was murdered by looters at a pawnshop, and that he was the type of brother that wouldve given his life to save them if he had to. Violence is not the answer, whether its a citizen or officer. Flowers and messages are left at a memorial for David Dorn, a 77-year-old retired police captain who was murdered during overnight rioting outside Lees Pawn and Jewelry, on June 2, 2020 in St. Louis, Mo. (Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images) St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden said the retired officer was murdered during a looting while exercising law enforcement training. David Dorn was a fine captain, many of us young officers looked up to him, Chief Hayden said. Police have made no arrests and said they have no suspects. Authorities have announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Local officials said Dorns shooting death was captured in a Facebook Live video and several people on social media claimed to have watched a live broadcast showing the shooting at the pawn shop. The broadcast has since been taken down from the site. However, the social media company said the removal was a mistake and that the video did not expressly violate company policy on violent and graphic content. Construction is being done outside Lees Pawn and Jewelry where David Dorn, a 77-year-old retired police captain who was murdered during overnight rioting, on June 2, 2020 in St Louis, Mo. (Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images) Were saddened by what took place in St. Louis yesterday, a Facebook spokesperson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Under our policies, the video has been covered with a warning screen but remains on the platform so that people can raise awareness or condemn this event. Facebook spokesman, Andy Stone, stated that he was attempting to track down more information about the video. The looting occurred amid violent protests, riots, vandalism, and arson in the city in the wake of George Floyds death in Minneapolis police custody on May 25. Floyd, 46, died after an officer was recorded holding his knee on Floyds neck for about eight minutes during an arrest, as Floyd struggled to breathe. There is one big wait, make that yuuge winner in the sacking of major American cities that has been underway since mobs started with looting Target in Minneapolis and spread all the way to Macys Herald Square flagship in Manhattan and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Scott Adams took to Twitter to spell it out: I did not appreciate how profitable fake news could be for Jeff Bezos. If the Washington Post can support the protestors long enough, there will be no retail store competition for Amazon. Almost there. Id give it a week. Scott Adams (@ScottAdamsSays) June 2, 2020 No, this doesnt mean that Jeff Bezos set up conspiracy to destroy his competition, and no, there isnt any evidence Amazon is being protected. Their drivers are worried, too: An Amazon.com Inc. delivery driver in Long Island, New York, was told to abandon his van and call 911 in the event of looting and avoid high crime areas. A driver in Chicago encountered a heavy police presence and road closures. In Washington, another driver canceled his shifts for the week after seeing video of an Amazon van in Santa Monica, California, being looted in broad daylight. The thousands of drivers who deliver Amazon packages around the U.S. are adjusting to civil unrest that has prompted curfews and road closures aimed at quelling riots and looting. Its the latest test of a decentralized delivery machine made up of companies that hire people to drive blue Amazon-branded vans and independent drivers who use their own vehicles. Already worried about avoiding exposure to Covid-19, many drivers must weigh the risks of navigating around the unrest. But it doesnt take a genius (even though Jeff Bezos must be one) to understand that the periodic riots that have devastated inner cities weaken bricks and mortar retail, and that Amazon would benefit when this happens. But having the owner of the Washington Post profiting from rioters, that newspapers coverage of what it euphemizes as demonstrators needs to be taken with a grain of salt. That its coverage exactly serves the financial interests of its owner at best is an awkward coincidence. More plausibly, it is now a PR operation for the worlds richest man and should not be regarded as a legitimate news source. A capsule containing pieces of dead bacteria sold as a health supplement in Europe will be tested as a potential preventative for COVID-19 in a large government-funded trial. The team behind the trial says the capsule, known as OM85, may boost the immune system and help the body fight off COVID-19 and other viruses. Could bacteria be used as a defence against COVID-19? Credit:University of Queensland There has been plenty of scepticism about OM85 since it started being used in Europe in the 1970s. "A lot of people think youre talking voodoo and snake oil," said trial leader Professor Peter Sly, director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Children's Health. PHILADELPHIA (AP) Workers early Wednesday removed the statue of controversial former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo, which was recently defaced during a protest for George Floyd. A vandalized statue of the late Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo, who also served as the city's police commissioner, stands behind mounted State Police officers outside the Municipal Services Building in Philadelphia, The statue was vandalized during a protest over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis police custody on May 25. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)AP As National Guard troops deployed in the wake of recent protests watched, a crane lifted the 10-foot-tall bronze statue and workers shook it from its stand outside the Municipal Services Building, across from City Hall. It was loaded onto the back of a truck. Saying he "never liked" it, Mayor Jim Kenney on Monday said he had planned to move the statue later this month. "I can't wait to see it go away," Kenney said. The statue was frequently targeted by vandals and there had been calls in recent years to remove the figure of the former mayor. Kenney had pledged to move the statue to another location in 2021. BREAKING: Former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo statue removed overnight from its pedestal as @PhillyPolice @PANationalGuard looked on. The sculpture across street from Phila City Hall in front of Municipal Services Building where unrest in City began Saturday @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/hGCL556Ra4 Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) June 3, 2020 And while the Rizzo sculpture was being moved, @PhillyPolice get 911 call thay Frank Rizzo mural in South Philadelphia was vandalized overnight again. There have been severel incidents of paint being tossed on it previously @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/ZjzNedbutv Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) June 3, 2020 Supporters said Rizzo, who also served as the citys police commissioner, was tough on crime, while critics said he discriminated against minorities. There was no word where the statue was taken. Floyd died in police custody on Memorial Day in Minneapolis. His death has sparked protests worldwide about the treatment of black people, particularly by police. Protesters take to the Art Museum steps in Philadelphia, Saturday, May 30, 2020, during a protest over the death of George Floyd. Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody on May 25. (Heather Khalifa/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)AP Related: In Harrisburg and around Pa., peaceful George Floyd protests unfurl into violent clashes with police Amid violence of George Floyd protests, Gov. Wolf signs declaration to aid Harrisburg, Philly, Pittsburgh Trump slams governors as weak, urges crackdown on George Floyd protests PORTLAND, Oregon, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Asphalt Additives Market by by Type (Polymerized Asphalt Cement, Novophalt, Multigrade Asphalt Cement, Polyester Modifier and Others) and Application (Road Construction, Road Paving, Airport Runway, Parking Lots, Roofing and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027." According to the report, the global asphalt additives market garnered $3.6 billion in 2019, and is estimated to reach $5.3 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 5.1% from 2020 to 2027. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities: Increase in demand for asphalt from road construction industry, growth in conformity with latest manufacturing standards, and rapid urbanization drive the global asphalt additives market. However, change in regulatory environment restrains the market growth. On the other hand, rise in awareness regarding energy conservation & sustainable infrastructure creates new opportunities in the coming years. Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/595 Covid-19 Scenario During coronavirus pandemic, governments have held the budget allocations and investments in constructing new highways and expressways. However, the demand for asphalt additives have been decreased, especially in Asia-Pacific region, owing to the rapid transmission of corona virus in this region. region, owing to the rapid transmission of corona virus in this region. Moreover, due to lockdown, construction activities have been halted all across the world to avoid the spread of corona virus. Get Detailed COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Asphalt Additives Market @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/595?reqfor=covid The polymerized asphalt cement segment to maintain its lead status in terms of revenue throughout the forecast period: Based on type, the polymerized asphalt cement segment accounted for more than half of the total share of the global asphalt additives market in 2019, and is expected to maintain its lead status in terms of revenue throughout the forecast period. This is due to increased usage polymerized asphalt cement in road maintenance and repair activities to renovate previously constructed roads. However, the novophalt segment is estimated to portray the highest CAGR of 5.9% from 2020 to 2027, owing to the emergence of new urban areas in developing economies like China and India. Furthermore, this countries requires an efficient road construction mechanism to optimize maintenance costs and to provide stripping and rutting-free road surfaces. The road construction segment to maintain its leadership position during the forecast period: Based on application, the road construction segment contributed to the highest market share, accounting for more than half of the global asphalt additives market share in 2019, and is estimated to maintain its leadership position during the forecast period. This is attributed to construction of new roads along with road maintenance and repair projects in the developing countries like Brazil, China and India. However, the roofing segment is estimated to generate the fastest CAGR of 7.1% from 2020 to 2027. This is due to rapid urbanization in developing nations such as China and India. For Purchase Enquiry at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/595 Asia-Pacific, followed by North America, to maintain its dominant by 2026: Based on region, Asia-Pacific, followed by North America, accounted for the highest share based on revenue, holding for nearly one-thirds of the global asphalt additives market in 2019, and is projected to maintain its dominant position throughout the forecast period. Moreover, this segment is estimated to portray the highest CAGR of 5.6% from 2020 to 2027. This is attributed to the growth in infrastructure and building & construction activities that include construction of highways, expressways, residential complexes across the developing economies such as China and India. In addition, North America is anticipated to portray a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. Leading market players Arkema Group Akzo Nobel N.V. Evonik Industries AG Huntsman International LLC Ingevity, KAO Corporation Nouryon, Sasol Tri-Chem Specialty Chemicals, LLC. Bershire Engineering Supplies Kraton BASF SE Engineered Addtives LLC Delta Companies Inc Interested in Procuring this Report? visit: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/asphalt-additives-market/purchase-options Avenue Basic Plan | Library Access | 1 Year Subscription | Sign up for Avenue subscription to access more than 12,000+ company profiles and 2,000+ niche industry market research reports at $699 per month, per seat. For a year, the client needs to purchase minimum 2 seat plan. Avenue Library Subscription | Request for 14 days free trial of before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter Get more information: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access Similar Reports: Powder Coatings Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026 Functional Coil Coating Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018 2025 Reinforcement Materials Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 20202027 Stucco Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20192026 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): 1-800-792-5285, 1-503-894-6022, 1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allied-market-research SOURCE Allied Market Research A Connecticut weather enthusiast recorded what he called 55 seconds of Zen in the form of a slow pan taking in mist rising off the Connecticut River on a chilly June 1. Erich Twachtman captured this footage near Higganum, Connecticut. Twachtman, who runs the eWeather social media channels, pointed out that a fish even jumps out of the water at one point in the video, and water fowl swim along at the end. The low temperature in Higganum on June 1 was 43 F, according to reports, and the Connecticut River temperature was 68 F, Twachtman told Storyful, causing the mist to form. Credit: eWeather via Storyful Above a crowd of more than 1,000 people who were demanding answers from the mayor and the police chief after Richmond officers used tear gas Monday to disperse a peaceful demonstration, one voice stood out from the rest. An 8-year-old girl in a pink sweatshirt covered in hearts spoke, calmly and shyly, from the shoulders of those standing on the steps of City Hall on Tuesday. Im scared, Raigen Tucker said quietly into the megaphone that her mother, Latisha Carson, had brought with them to make sure they were heard, Carson added. Shes afraid they going to shoot tear gas at us, so we need to back up, Carson repeated for the crowd in her commanding voice. The 8-year-olds fear of the police brought a sobering moment that quieted the emotional crowd parts of which had teemed toward the municipal buildings entrance after security and organizers had already asked the crowd to move back. Most in attendance took a knee, even those who spilled into the street and onto the lawn of the building across from it. But tempers flared again quickly as Mayor Levar Stoney and Police Chief William Smith provided few answers, and even less action, as a result of the incident at the Robert E. Lee statue shortly before the 8 p.m. curfew Monday. Stoney said disciplinary actions will be taken. Those among the crowd cried out for the immediate firing of the officers involved, and Smiths resignation. They also asked that all charges be dropped against anyone who was arrested while protesting over the past four nights. I want to begin by saying Im sorry, Stoney told the crowd, which didnt want apologies. It should not have happened. Smith also addressed the crowd, saying: We have made mistakes. He said he was committed to working together to try to make this a better society. Most of their words, though, were drowned out by the objections of the crowd. Stoney and Smith walked back into City Hall after facing the crowd for about an hour, with some calling them cowards for leaving. Police officers barred residents from following them into City Hall. Lawmakers also condemned the actions. Del. Elizabeth Guzman, D-Prince William, called for the removal of the involved officers and full transparency. Enough is enough, she said in a statement. It is not anti-law enforcement to ask for oversight, just as there is in every other profession and not every other profession has the power to take and ruin lives. U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin, D-4th, called tear gas against peaceful protesters alarmingly authoritarian, un-American and utterly unacceptable. American citizens exercising their constitutional rights among them freedom of speech and assembly is law and order, said McEachin, who represents a district that encompasses part of Richmond and eastern Henrico County, among other places. We cannot ask protesters to make themselves heard in a peaceful, constructive way, then tear gas them while they are lawfully assembled. Mikhail Smith was doused with OC spray, commonly referred to as pepper spray, as police walked below his second-story window on Saturday night and was among the crowd as tear gas thickened the air Monday night. He said he had been among those demonstrating peacefully for the past four days and nights, and suffered the constant threat of the police brutality that is the subject of the protests. This is bigger than me, he said. Mikhail Smith, among those organizing the event on Tuesday, said he wanted answers from Stoney. He attempted, to little avail, to quiet the crowd. Nearly two hours after Mondays incident, the police department apologized on Twitter and promised discipline for officers caught on video aggressively pursuing and spraying people with tear gas. In an interview after the confrontation at City Hall, Chief Smith said he wouldnt go into details about the officers who were under review for their actions, nor would he ask the commonwealths attorney to drop the charges against those arrested during the protests. He also said rocks were being thrown at officers, which people in Mondays demonstration didnt see; Smith told another group, whom he spoke to outside City Hall after the event Tuesday, that people were trying to pull down a statue, which the group said was not the Lee monument. They apologized, but they still blamed us, said Faith Love, who was at the Lee statue on Monday. That was the weirdest apology ever. We dont want apologies. We want you to act. Love and the others in her group said the threat of tear gas will not deter them from returning to protest Tuesday night. But Lakeisha James, who with her 17-year-old daughter when the crowd around the statue was gassed, said shes not sure if she will go back out. Her daughter, who graduated from L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield County on Tuesday, was significantly affected by the gas, she said. Shes in pain, James said. Shes the future, and they hurt her. She feels like they should listen to her because she was out there expressing herself the right way. James was in tears because she didnt get a chance to speak to or really hear from Stoney, and tell him about her daughter. She had to rush downtown from her daughters graduation from Bird. I appreciated him for at least wanting to listen, she said. I dont usually get that. He didnt have to do this today. I wish they would have given people a chance to talk to me he was talking to me I was affected. Many in the crowd left City Hall, marching through the streets of Richmond for about two hours. The protesters planned to reconvene at 6 p.m., and Stoney joined them until 7:15 p.m. People booed as he left. arockett@timesdispatch.com (804) 649-6527 Twitter: @AliRockettRTD Staff writers Mark Robinson and K. Burnell Evans contributed to this report. A young man who recently returned to Assam from Tamil Nadu amid the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown has been forced by people in his village in Sonitpur district to undergo the mandatory home quarantine in a tree house. Amosh Basumatary came back from Chennai on May 26, after the car-seat manufacturing company where he worked shut down because of losses due to the lockdown, forcing him and many others to return to their home states. I spent three nights at an institutional quarantine facility in Dekhiajuli and was released after my Covid-19 test came negative. But when I reached home, people from our village insisted that I spend 14 days in quarantine in a tree house, said the 21-year old. All people returning to Assam from other states have to spend a 14 days in institutional and home quarantine. Those who test negative for the Coronavirus are allowed to go home and spend the rest of the period in isolation. Residents of Ansaipur, who built the bamboo tree house on the outskirts of the village located close to the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, insisted that Basumatary spend another 14 days in isolation, in addition to the three nights in institutional quarantine. Ive completed four nights in the tree house and have to spend 10 more. Though this is not as comfortable as home, I am willing to spend the next 10 days for the safety of other villagers, said the Class IX dropout. Assam has been witnessing rains over the past few days, and the tree house covered with a plastic sheet leaks a bit whenever there is a heavy downpour. The people of the village have provided Basumatary 20 kg of rice but he has no other ingredient to prepare decent meals. I wish they had given me some pulses and spices. I am eating yams and edible ferns found near the tree, but sometimes it gets tough. My elder brother, who stays in the village with his family, brings water for me. Fortunately, wild elephants that roam in this area havent come this way yet, he said. Basumatary went to Chennai in 2018 and spent two years there, hoping to earn well and send money back to his family. But now he doesnt wish to go back to Tamil Nadu, and plans to start farming in his village once his quarantine period is over. Kamaljyoti Borah, circle officer of Dhekiajuli, said: Im not aware of this specific case. But we know of cases in villages in the area where residents have constructed huts for returnees to undergo home quarantine. Because of the spread of Covid-19, theres a fear among villagers, plus most houses in the villages are small and dont have enough rooms where someone can undergo home isolation according to the guidelines. Till Tuesday, nearly 250,000 people had returned to Assam from different parts of the country. Assam recorded 1,673 Covid-19 cases till Wednesday afternoon, and nearly 1,500 of them were people who had returned from other states. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON (Newser) Rumors of a Nazi gold train in Poland resulted in nothing. But a new gold rush could be coming with the airing of a 75-year-old diary written by an SS officer in charge of transport, who describes 11 locations where Nazis hid gold, jewels, priceless paintings, and religious artifacts. The diary was held for decades after World War II by a Masonic lodge in Quedlinburg, Germany, that had counted Nazi officers among its members, reports Poland's First News. This March, however, the Polish foundation Silesian Bridge announced it had been given the journal. A rep, Roman Furmaniak, tells First News that it refers to a 200-foot-deep well on the grounds of 16th-century Hochberg Palace in Roztoka, Lower Silesia, where 28 tons of gold bars were hidden. Believed to have come from the Reichsbank in Breslau (now Wroclaw), the gold would be worth billions of dollars. story continues below Furmaniak believes he knows the location of the well, but getting there may not be easy. Other documents suggest Nazis used explosives to seal the entrance after dumping the bodies of witnesses inside, Furmaniak says. After the war, a director of the Silesian Museum admitted to hiding riches at the Hochberg Palace as well as dozens of other sites in Lower Silesia, per Live Science. Home to "countless caves, tunnels, pits and mines as well as castles and palaces with cavernous dungeons," it's really the perfect hiding place, according to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Yet most sites are thought to have been plundered by the Red Army in 1945. Even so, the owners of Hochberg Palace plan to search for the well during an upcoming restoration. Among the thousands of still-missing treasures looted from Poland is Raphael's Portrait of a Young Man, per Daily Art. (Read more Nazis stories.) Six people have been arrested following a brawl involving hundreds of youths on London's Hampstead Heath. Three van loads of police officers were deployed to the park at around 6.30pm on Tuesday to disperse the crowd. A dispersal order is now in place for the heath and nearby Parliament Hill, the Met Police said, and the public have been told to stay away. Six people have been arrested following a mass brawl on Hampstead Health in north London At least 50 police officers arrived to disperse the group of teenagers on Hampstead Heath At least 50 police officers arrived to disperse the group of teenagers on Hampstead Heath Jonathan Jones, who had been at the heath with his partner for exercise, estimated there were at least 50 officers at the scene. He told the PA news agency: 'On the way into the park, we heard and saw police car after police car and police vans streaming by. 'We then got to the park entrance and three vans rolled in and there were a lot of police officers.' Mr Jones said it wasn't clear what had sparked the brawl but he saw two young girls being led away in handcuffs. 'It looked as if the police were trying to break up a fight, and then at some point, it looks like someone was trying to go for one of the officers.' He added: 'More police came really quickly, and they broke everything up, and then ordered everyone to leave the park.' Met Police Camden tweeted: 'A S35 dispersal order is in place for Hampstead Heath & Parliament Hill. Please don't attend these locations. 'We were called at 6.30pm to youths fighting in P'ment Hill. 'Officers attended and the majority of people dispersed. No reported injuries and 6 people have been arrested.' Officers from Camden said they arrested a total of six people following the disturbance The Heath has been subjected to Section 35 dispersal order for the rest of the night 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: 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: 28:
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The statement comes as the UK and Brussels meet this week in another round of trade negotiations. Nissans global chief of operations Ashwani Gupta told the BBC that if the UK cannot have tariff-free access to the European market, where it sells most of its Sunderland-made cars, then the UK factory will not be sustainable. "You know we are the number one carmaker in the UK and we want to continue. We are committed, Gupta said in an interview with the BBC. Having said that, if we are not getting the current tariffs, it's not our intention but the business will not be sustainable. Nissan announced its worst results in over ten years last week, reporting a $6.2bn (5bn) net loss for the last financial year. The company is facing a radical restructuring as one of the three members of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. With each partner to take the lead on a particular region, Nissan will be focusing on Japan, North America and China. Nissan has only a 3% market share in Europe. Watch video below READ MORE: Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi reboot alliance with new strategy As part of its cost-cutting measures moving ahead, Nissan said that it was shutting down its plants in Barcelona, where it directly employs around 3,000 people. The news led to worker riots at the plant last week. It has also closed its plant in Indonesia. However, Nissan said that it was committed to its plant in Sunderland, where it employs around 7,000 people. While Renault (RNO.PA) will be the lead carmaker of the group for Europe, the French carmaker said last week that it has no plans for now to move any manufacturing to the UK. Volkswagen announced on Wednesday that it achieved a key production milestone at its Chattanooga assembly plant with the completion of its one-millionth vehicle, an Aurora Red Metallic 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line. Its gratifying to me that our team is back to work and able to mark yet another key milestone since the opening of VWs Chattanooga plant, said Tom du Plessis, president and CEO of Volkswagen Chattanooga. Part of us getting back to normal is taking time to recognize these important achievements which are only possible because of the hard work and commitment of our exceptional team here in Chattanooga. The Volkswagen Chattanooga plant has been producing Passat vehicles since 2011. Ground was broken in 2009 for what was to become the worlds first LEED-Platinum certified manufacturing facility. Since, Volkswagen Chattanooga has grown to employ approximately 3,800 people, produced more than 700,000 Passat vehicles, 100,000 Atlas vehicles, and recently started production of the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport and the facelifted 2021 Atlas. In that time, Chattanooga-assembled vehicles have been exported to Canada, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, and the Middle East. Volkswagen Chattanooga will also be Volkswagens North American base for manufacturing electric vehicles, representing an approximately $800 million investment, starting in 2022. The expansion to enable U.S. production of long-range EVs began in November 2019. The Passat marked Volkswagens return to assembling vehicles in America, after the Westmoreland facility in Pennsylvania closed in 1987. The 2012 Passat was specifically designed for the North American marketlarger than the European vehicle, in order to offer the kind of interior and trunk space that North American buyers expect from a midsize sedan. Nine years later, building on the success of the current generations combination of copious amounts of interior space, creature comforts and Volkswagens signature fun-to-drive nature, the 2020 Passat offers more than its predecessor of what mattersbolder design, upgraded technology, and enhanced access to convenience and driver-assistance features. The 2020 Passat is available in four trim levels, with a starting price of $22,995 for the Passat S. A 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI four-cylinder engine that makes 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission on all models. Standard features include 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, full LED lighting, App-Connect, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. VW Chattanooga Key Milestones July 15, 2008: Announcement of Chattanooga Factory Feb. 3, 2009: Start of Construction June 4, 2010: Opening of Volkswagen Academy Aug. 23, 2010: 1,000th employee hired Sept. 30, 2010: Opening of Supplier Park April 18, 2011: First Customer Passat rolled off assembly line May 24, 2011: Grand Opening of Volkswagen Chattanooga plant July 29, 2011: 2,000th employee hired Dec. 1, 2011: LEED Platinum certification of Plant and Academy May 31, 2012: 100,000th Passat produced Jan. 23, 2013: Power-up of Volkswagen Chattanooga Solar Park May 23, 2013: 250,000th Passat produced Aug. 13, 2013: Volkswagen Academy Inaugural Graduation Ceremony July 14, 2014: Midsize SUV Announcement Jan. 1, 2015: Midsize SUV Expansion Commences July 22, 2015: 500,000th Passat assembled Dec. 14, 2016: Midsize SUV Start of Production May 18, 2017: First Customer Atlas Delivered March 19, 2018: Five-Passenger SUV announcement May 7, 2018: 700,000th Passat assembled Oct. 5, 2018: 100,000th Atlas assembled Jan. 14, 2019: MEB production and expansion announcement Oct. 11, 2019: Atlas Cross Sport unveiled Nov. 13, 2019: Construction for electric vehicle manufacturing commences Pompeo 'Confident' Iran Arms Embargo Will Be Extended Radio Farda June 02, 2020 U.S. Secretary of State says he is confident that the United Nations arms embargo against the Islamic Republic of Iran set to expire in October will be extended. Washington will push for the extension, and if failed, it will use its diplomatic muscle to prevent Iran's arms trading, Mike Pompeo asserted on Monday, June 1. In an interview with researchers at a conservative think tank, American Enterprise Institute (AEI), on Monday, June 1, in Washington, Mike Pompeo reiterated that the United States has a much larger plan to change the Islamic Republic's behavior than the current sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, he disclosed that the US has put all its resources in place to deter Iranian aggression. "The most obvious thing that people see us do is the sanctions that we put in place, but the campaign is much greater than that. We've put resources in place to deter Iranian aggression on the ground. We've put diplomatic power behind uniting the world in a number of ways", Pompeo noted. Referring to Germany's recent decision to designate the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah as a terrorist entity, Pompeo insisted that it was Washington that persuaded Berlin to do so. "With respect to Iran's terrorism, we convinced the Germans just last month to designate Hezbollah. We're working with partners all around the world to continue to constrain Iran's capacity to ultimately get a nuclear weapon and to limit their capabilities on missiles and terrorism as well", Pompeo said, adding that President Donald Trump administration is hopeful to achieve an international consensus against the Islamic Republic. However, he immediately stressed, "We'd love to extend the prohibition on arms sales to Iran by agreement of all of the parties, all of the parties to the participants in [the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution] 2231. In the event that doesn't happen, we're going to use our diplomatic capability to prevent it from happening. It's too important." Based on the UNSCR 2231, the arms embargo against the clergy-dominated Iran ends on October 18, and Tehran will be allowed to buy and sell conventional arms. Should that happen, Pompeo believes Beijing and Moscow are set to sell arms and military equipment to Tehran. "They're lining up. The Chinese will be able to sell tanks to Iran. I'm confident looking to figure out how they can make money from that. We have a plan that we believe will successfully prevent that from happening", Secretary Pompeo promised. Furthermore, he repeated that Washington is hopeful to unite the world against the Islamic Republic. "We are hopeful that the United Kingdom and other parties to the JCPOA will recognize the threat from the expiration of the arms embargo that occurs just, goodness, a few months from now and themselves use their rights to make sure that doesn't happen," Pompeo said. In recent months, U.S. officials have repeatedly expressed concern over the lifting of UN arms embargoes on Iran, saying the United States would prevent this. One of the ways Washington is trying to make it possible to extend the arms embargo is through the "trigger mechanism" under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with five permanent members of the UNSC, China, France, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, along with Germany. The JCPOA's trigger mechanism is devised to resolve disputes over the deal. The mechanism stipulates that if Iran does not fulfill its obligations, the other parties to the deal can return the case to the United Nations Security Council and resume sanctions against Tehran. However, Iran, China, and Russia argue that, since the United States has withdrawn from the JCPOA, it is no longer a member of the deal and could not activate the trigger mechanism. So far, the European Union (EU) has taken a similar stance, saying the United States dropped the JCPOA in May 2018, and it is no longer a party to it. At the same time, the Secretary of the powerful Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic, Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, warned that if Tehran's arms embargo by the UN Security Council is extended, Iran's nuclear deal with world powers (JCPOA or its Persian acronym Barjam) will "die for good". Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/pompeo- confident-iran-arms-embargo-will- be-extended/30648164.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 Russias state-owned nuclear energy corporation, ROSATOM, has developed a device for sterilising medical instruments to combat the spread of COVID-19, as well as keep medical personnel and patients safe. Yulia Kurashvili, Advisor to Director General of ROSATOMs company JSC Rusatom Healthcare, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. Mr Kurashvili said that ROSATAM had already sterilised over 24 million medical masks, as well as 334,500 portable lab kits to test for COVID-19. According to him, unlike all other types of sterilisation, this method has sufficient penetrating power, which allows it to process hermetically sealed products. The generated streams of accelerated electrons are able to penetrate the packaging of medical devices without violating its integrity, which eliminates the possibility of re-contamination of the product. In addition, after processing the product with a stream of accelerated electrons, the product immediately becomes usable. This does not require degassing, unlike other sterilisation methods or other necessary actions, before actual use, he said. Mr Kurashvili said the method of sterilisation ensures environmental friendliness, adding that there was no side chemical and other pollution during processing. He said that ways to address the new challenges in the use of nuclear technologies in medicine was expected in the nearest future. Medical devices are constantly evolving. Their functionality is changing, they are becoming hybrid, the technologies and materials for their manufacture are changing and viruses evolve too. Therefore, I believe that specialists and medical sterilisation technologies should always be a step ahead, he said. Mr Kurashvili said that at the end of the pandemic, the need for studies of the functional state of various organs and systems of the body of patients undergoing COVID-19 would increase. Only visualisation based only on nuclear medical technologies and new radio pharmaceutical preparations will be able to provide such opportunities. At the moment, most medical rooms are treated with chlorine, which is a toxic substance, he said. The projects Supervisor, Stanislav Kosarev said that the ozonation, by contrast, was a clean technology that, if used correctly, does not have adverse effects. Using our device allows you to sterilise scrubs, etc. without thermal exposure, which will increase their lifespan. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that JSC Rusatom Healthcare is an integrator in the field of radiation technologies in medicine and industry. (NAN) Bhopal, June 3 : The coronavirus lockdown has wrecked havoc with the mental health of children leading to despair and anxiety among many. To deal with this problem in Madhya Pradesh, the government has constituted a team of psychologists and psychosocial counsellors which will advise the parents how to cope up with the situation. Vishal Nadkarni, coordinator of Woman and Child Development department of Madhya Pradesh, said: "Children are facing a lot of problems as a result of long period of lockdown. There is a need to give them proper guidance. We have started a child help line -- 1098 to give advice to the parents/guardians how to deal with the mental stress of their children during the lockdown. Apart from this, telephonic psychosocial help desk has also been established at the district level." "Trained and dedicated teams of psycho-social counsellors have been constituted in each district with the help of UNICEF and National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (NIMHANS) Bengaluru. District programme officer has been given the charge of the help desk. The advice is given from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday under the Government's Woman and Child Development department's initiative," he added. Nadkarni said the counselling is basically on how to stay safe, how to engage in creative work during the lockdown and online education. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation will soon roll out a revised and more affordable rate for their coronavirus testing packages. After further consultation with stakeholders and infectious disease experts, PhilHealth has set new prices for their benefit packages, as approved by the corporations board of directors. The adjustment resulted from its continuing consultation with stakeholders and infectious disease experts, increased availability and affordability of testing kits in the market, and increased number of qualified facilities to do SARS-CoV-2 testing, PhilHealth said in a statement on Wednesday. The new rate of the benefit package will be at 3,409, given that all services for testing will be procured and provided by the testing laboratory. This can even go lower to 2,077 provided that the test kits that will be used are donated to the laboratory. Only 901 will be charged if the test kits are donated to the laboratory and the cost of operating the RT-PCR machine is included in the facility's budget. The package is for costs attributable to services related to testing such as clinical assessment, specimen collection, specimen transport and materials such as PPEs and test kits, PhilHealth stressed. PhilHealth said it will soon announce the date of effectivity of the new rates, together with a Circular on pertinent guidelines. The original price of PhilHealths benefit package was 8,150. This drew flak from senators, who questioned the overpriced rates. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon even worried that the government may lose billions of pesos due to the supposedly costly package. A UNSW Sydney medical scientist shares his experiences cutting through myths and conspiracies with science communication. Credit: Shutterstock Associate Professor Darren Saunders is known for keeping misinformation in check and helping the public to better understand science. The medical researcher also won a prestigious Eureka Prize for his outstanding contribution to public science communication. "I'm a scientist who communicates; I make both my science and other people's science accessible to the public using evidence-based practice," A/Prof Saunders said. "I have a conversation with peopleI try to understand where they're coming from and what information they're looking for; I listen to and acknowledge their beliefs, fears, anxieties and questions, and then help them to navigate through the evidence." A/Prof Saunders said in order to get their message across, it was key for science communicators to show that scientists were real people who were there to help. "That's really important in the health space, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, because people are stressed and anxious, and they have a lot of big questions that are affecting their day-to-day lives," he said. "So, it's okay for people to be scared and confused about what's going on, but it's critical for us to be able to help people find accurate information and put facts and evidence into the discussion." Know your audience A/Prof Saunders said it was important for science communicators to understand who their audience was in order to communicate effectively. "We need to distinguish between the everyday person who's looking for information and wants to make good decisions for themselves and their family, versus people who are manipulating the situation for profit and have been doing so in various forms for years," he said. "There are some influential voices out there trying to direct eyeballs to their websites to sell stuff, who spread and amplify misinformation: that's their identity, their business model. "And a new, heightened aspect of this crisis is that there are people seeking political gain as well. So, it's essential to know who're you're talking to, because it changes how you approach engaging with them." Talking to friends, family and children A/Prof Saunders said acknowledging fears or anxieties was key in talking to people you knew who believed in myths and conspiracies. "If you're talking to a colleague, friend or family member, you already have a level of trust in the relationshipso, build off that: avoid ridiculing them, but address their fears," he said. "Acknowledge that they have an interesting idea and ask them to think it through, then suggest sources who you trust, and explain what those sources say on the issue and why you trust them. "Avoid engaging in a partisan or political waythat's probably going to make things worse and we're seeing that play out in public: the rampant politicisation of health and medical information, which has always been on the fringes of medicine but never before on such a big scale." A/Prof Saunders said another approach he used was to ask people how such myths or conspiracies worked in practice. "I always like to ask how the conspiracy is maintained; for example: 'Are you suggesting that every scientist, journalist and politician on the planet is keeping XYZ a secrethow is that possible?'" he said. "So use questions to show that the myth or conspiracy might not be what it seems." A/Prof Saunders said it was also important to know how to discuss myths and conspiracies with children. "Kids are a great one. I've got kids and I talk about this stuff with them all the time and it's really about helping them to understand the nature of the information, and the difference between what someone thinks and what factual evidence looks like," he said. "With kids, you can help them to learn what sort of information you can trust. So, it's the same approach, but at a basic level. "You can also help them to understand the motivation behind the information. For example, you can ask them: 'Is that person saying that because they want you to buy something from their website?' Kids get that." Pitfalls and the misinformation superhighway A/Prof Saunders said technology such as the internet was a "double-edged sword" when it came to science communication. "In some ways, the proliferation of online information has increased the challenge for science communicatorsit's difficult for people to change their beliefs and people have a natural bias towards information that reinforces those beliefs," he said. "Particularly with social media, information travels fast: there might be a tiny study with a few participants and a very small effect, that gets picked up by someone with a big platform and suddenly it's blown out of all proportion. "But in other ways we are seeing people gravitate towards trusted voicesso, there's been a bit of a shift back towards embracing and listening to people who are experts in the subject they're talking about." A/Prof Saunders said there were also parallels between how myths and conspiracies spread online and how viruses spread amongst people. "Researchers have been studying how information spreads in various forms, particularly on the internet, and there's really good evidence that you almost treat it in the same way you try to stop the spread of a physical virus," he said. "Understand the network: there are people who are misinformation 'super-spreaders' with a large platform and a large audience, who can disseminate misinformation rapidly. "So, in this context you try to arm people with the skills and knowledge to help them filter out this misinformation, which is also known as 'nerd immunity' a word play on 'herd immunity'." A/Prof Saunders said one thing to be mindful of, however, when myth-busting or fact-checking misinformation, was the pitfall of reinforcing or promoting the myth or conspiracy. "There is some evidence that you could, if you are not careful in how you frame the discussion, inadvertently amplify a belief in someone's mind," he said. "If you're dealing with big influencers who spread misinformation online, avoid arguing or engaging with them, but insert the evidence straight under their social media post so people can see the facts immediately. "And avoid the trap of posting links to myths or conspiracies, because that boosts the algorithm to enable more people to see the misinformation in their social media feeds. Screenshot it instead." A/Prof Saunders said people also needed to be wary of fake social media accounts spreading misinformation. "In terms of trolls, block and ignore them. But it's important to note, interesting evidence is emerging that something like half of all social media accounts discussing COVID-19 are fakethey're bots," he said. "So, you might just be arguing with a computer." Show, don't tell A/Prof Saunders summarised his principles of best practice science communication in the minefield of COVID-19 myths and conspiracies. "First, amplify facts and evidence; second, elevate experts in the discussion and third, show, don't tell," he said. "Demonstrate how a scientist thinks: help to arm people with the skills and knowledge to see through the holes in misinformation or identify where there are conflicts of interest at play. "As scientists, we should be out there demonstrating effective communication in the way we want it to be done, in the same space as those spreading misinformation, so we can crowd out the bad message with a good message. "It's also important for scientists to work with journalists and the media to help them communicate science to the public, because if we're not out there doing it, that leaves space for misinformation to come in and take over." Explore further Researcher launches effort to combat coronavirus conspiracies Thousands of commuters were caught in a long traffic jam at the Delhi-Ghaziabad border due to strict checking. The jam, say commuters, began at around 9am and led to long queues which then spread to the internal roads in Ghaziabad. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that borders of Delhi will be sealed for one week. Ghaziabad has put in similar restrictions since April 22, citing a rising number of cases in the district when city residents travel to Delhi. I came to drop off my wife who goes to Delhi by car pool. But we got stuck as there is heavy jam from the UP-Gate up to Dabur-crossing on the Link Road and also up to Gaur Green Avenue in Indirapuram on the Delhi-Meerut expressway. The cops are checking every vehicle at the border, which has led to this. Every vehicle is getting checked for passes, said Jeevan Singh, a resident of Vasundhara. The Ghaziabad police officials said the checking of vehicles by the Delhi police led to traffic jams on the UP side. The Delhi police are checking vehicles at the border so there is very slow movement of vehicles and have led to long queues in Ghaziabad jurisdiction. On our side, we are checking vehicles which are entering Ghaziabad from Delhi, said Anshu Jain, circle officer (Indirapuram). The officials have even restricted passage of vehicles before 9am and have advised commuters to return from Delhi after 6pm. Fresh instructions were issued on May 25 with certain categories of commuters exempted upon production of their identification cards and valid authorisation letters from their offices. Some of the commuters who left Ghaziabad for Delhi early morning said that there were no checks around 7.30am. I crossed the UP-Gate border around 7.30m but there were no checks either by the Ghaziabad police or the Delhi police. There was less traffic and I reached my office within 45 minutes. The National Highways Authority of India is also performing repair work on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and this has also added to traffic jams near the UP-Gate, said Kuldeep Saxena, Indirapuram resident. The officials of the NHAI said that the traffic jams were not due to DME works but due to barricading put up at the border area of NH-9. Generally the barricading or blocking the highway is not allowed but cops do it to maintain law and order. Earlier we had written to the Delhi authorities about this in order to remove barricading near Akshardham. Otherwise, the purpose of highway and expressway gets defeated, said Mudit Garg, deputy general manager of NHAI. According to NHAI officials, the traffic on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, which is under construction from the UP-Gate to Dasna in Ghaziabad, the passenger car units (PCUs) have reduced to one-fourth during the lockdown period. According to our estimates, there is about 80,000 PCU traffic at the UP-Gate which is just one fourth during the present times. The ratio is the same at our toll at Chijarsi (at Pilkhuwa town in Hapur). Our road has full capacity to cater to traffic and our works have not hampered movement of vehicles. It is because of barricading and checks taken up by police, Garg added. The phase 1 of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, about 10km, stretches from Akshardham to the UP-Gate and is operational. The stretch caters to about 1.2 lakh PCUs per day. The under construction phase 2 of the project is in Ghaziabad and spreads to about 19.8km from the UP-Gate to Dasna. This stretch caters to about 80,000 PCUs per day. The officials said that different works under phase 2 are taking place at Hindon canal, near Khoda, near CISF camp and Vijay Nagar areas in the Ghaziabad district. In a customer-friendly initiative, Alaska Air Groups ALK subsidiary Alaska Airlines announced three new promotions that customers and Mileage Plan members can enjoy. Apart from guaranteeing 2020 elite status through 2021, the airline is extending a 50% bonus of elite qualifying miles for flights taken through the end of this year. For the first time, Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders have the chance to earn elite qualifying miles. They also have the option to earn 2,500 miles for every $5,000 spent on purchases from Jun 1 through Sep 30, 2020. The maximum limit is 10,000 elite qualifying miles for a single cardholder. Alaska Airlines Visa consumer cardholders can earn two miles for every dollar spent, up to $1,500, for restaurant and related purchases, including delivery services from Jun 1 through Jul 31, 2020. Price Performance Shares of Alaska Air Group, which carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), have plunged more than 43% since the beginning of February due to coronavirus-led travel demand woes. With easing travel restrictions, U.S. airlines have been seeing improvements in demand over the past few weeks. To take advantage of the situation, Alaska Air Groups peers like United Airlines UAL and Delta Air Lines DAL plan to increase capacity. United Airlines, carrying a Zacks Rank #3, will be increasing trans-Atlantic service from Washington, D.C. and San Francisco to some European cities, starting next month. Additionally, the carrier will resume flights to Tokyo-Haneda, Hong Kong, Singapore and Seoul. It will also boost capacity across Latin America and the Caribbean. Last month, Deltas CEO Edward Bastian stated that he hopes to add around 200 flights in June and another 200 or 300 flights in July, amid signs of improvement in domestic travel demand. Delta carries a Zacks Rank #3. Alaska Air Group is yet to announce any such flight expansion measures. A Key Pick A better-ranked stock in the same space is Ryanair Holdings RYAAY, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Ryanair has an impressive earnings history having outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, the average beat being 62.7%. Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2020? Last year's 2019 Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolio returned gains as high as +102.7%. Now a brand-new portfolio has been handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Dont miss your chance to get in on these long-term buys. Access Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 today >> 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 Ryanair Holdings PLC (RYAAY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report United Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Two top officials at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), countrys nodal agency for COVID-19 outbreak management, have gone into quarantine after a senior scientist tested positive for the infection. Dr Balram Bhargava, director general of the council, and Dr RR Gangakhedkar, chief epidemiologist, had been holding meetings with the scientist among others till last week. The two are also senior members of the national task force that has been constituted for formulating countrys policy to tackle the pandemic. The infected scientist, who is from the ICMRs National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, had visited Delhi a few days ago and was tested after he developed symptoms. He is now hospitalised and said to be in a stable condition. After the confirmation, the ICMR headquarters had been sanitised and fumigated for two days, but is now open. Many scientists, however, have not turned up to the office yet. Neither Dr Bhargava nor Dr Gangakhedkar, among many others, who had come into close contact with the infected scientist has not undergone any test so far as the ICMR guidelines say that only symptomatic high-risk contacts should be tested. Washington A military police battalion from Fort Drum has been moved from Upstate New York to bases outside of Washington, D.C., in the past 24 hours, Pentagon officials said today. Members of Fort Drums 91st Military Police Battalion were deployed to the region along with soldiers from Fort Bragg, N.C., as a prudent planning measure, a Pentagon spokesman said, amid protests against excessive police force. The protests were sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis. President Donald Trump threatened Monday to mobilize the military to quell nationwide protests if state and local authorities did not quickly solve the problem. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has not requested help from active duty soldiers, and Pentagon officials stressed that none had been deployed to the city. Active duty elements are postured on military bases in the National Capitol Region but are not in Washington D.C., said Jonathan Rath Hoffman, a Defense Department spokesman. Rath Hoffman said the Fort Drum battalion is on heightened alert status but is not supporting civil authority operations. All told, about 1,600 soldiers from Fort Drum and Fort Bragg were flown to military bases near Washington, the Defense Department said. The locations were not disclosed. The Army units would be deployed under the federal Insurrection Act of 1807, which was last used in 1992 during the riots in Los Angeles that followed the Rodney King trial. Defense Secretary Mark Esper pushed back on Trumps suggestion Wednesday, saying he opposes use of active duty military as law enforcement against street protests. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also spoke out against the move. I dont think you should use active military for political purposes," Cuomo said Wednesday. "I dont believe its constitutional. The military police stationed at Fort Drum are not part of the Armys 10th Mountain Division, which accounts for most of the population at the post near Watertown in Jefferson County. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 'I Had No Formula To Do It' "I had no formula to do it, but the only intention was I won't let them walk on these highways", the actor added. Thousands and lakhs of migrant workers are jobless and penniless since the lockdown was imposed in March, leaving them with no other option than to walk thousands of kilometers to their states. Speaking about the journey, Sonu Sood said, "The first time I spoke to migrants travelling to Karnataka and there were almost 350 of them. So I got all the permissions ready and I sent them on bus. That was the first step. And then it started from Karnataka, to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh." 'When I Took This Intiative, I Knew That There Can't Be Any Numbers' "I started my contribution by giving my hotel to all the nurses, paramedical staff and doctors, which is in Juhu, so that they can come, rest, go back, and give their maximum time on duty, so they can save more lives. And till now, they are there. So, I think it was a small bit. And when this migrant intiative started, I knew that there can't be any numbers till the last migrant reaches his home", Sonu said. 'We Have Almost Sent 18,000 To 20,000 People Back To Their Families' Sonu Sood and team have almost sent 18,000 to 20,000 people back to their families till now. Talking about the process, he said, "First I have started on my own, then lots of people stepped in. Very close friend of mine, Neeti Goyal and we were doing a food drive, distributing food, once travelling through a highway, we saw these migrants and then we thought why not get into this whole issue and try to save and convince these people that you please stay. And once I had send the first group of people, the word spread. And then the trust factor came and people started calling me and I started sending them back to their home. Many people who had planned to walk, they stayed and waited for me to get those permissions and send them back. So I knew that the trust factor is very important and there is responsibility on my shoulders to get them back to their homes." 'I Wish Today I Could Have 30 Hours' "I started a toll free number, then I started getting all my chartered accountant and all my friends on my team and there are almost 15-20 people who are just making those numbers right, segregating who is travelling to which districts. I had a team of 50-60 volunteers who are just feeding people. So this is the support system that really helped me to move ahead and still miles to go", he further added. Explaining about his continuous effort to help migrants, the actor said, "This initiative is the most important phase of my life. I never thought that it will go to this level, I thought I would help few hundreds and then I wanted to help thousands, and now I want to help everyone. So it happened automatically, and I am blessed that God chose me as a tool to help them. I think this is my duty now. It takes almost 20 hours of my day and I wish today I could have 30 hours, so I could spend more time with them." 'The Journey Is On And I Will Leave No Stone Unturned' Overwhelmed with the love and blessings of the people, he said, "the best thing I have heard from the migrants so far is, they called me and they said that they named their kid as Sonu Sood Srivastava, and I asked them that how it can be Sonu Sood Srivastava, it must be Sonu Srivastava. But they said, no sir, not in my family but in many families you will have Sonu Soods'. So, I think that was very special. And that will stay with me forever. I just wish that I could reach to more and more people and make them reach their home. The journey is on and I will leave no stone unturned to make my parents proud who are sitting in heaven, and guiding me." 'You Are Successful Only When You Can Help Someone' He ended the interview with a thoughtful line said by his mother; "You are successful only when you can help someone". "And I am trying to do my bit and I will walk on the footsteps of my mother", concluded Sonu Sood. American and Russian troops reportedly squared off again in northeast Syria today after a Russian convoy ventured into territory controlled by the US-led international coalition against the Islamic State. The Rojava Information Center reported that a Russian patrol came face-to-face with an American convoy on a road outside the city of Derik, in Syrias far northeast corner near the Turkish and Iraqi borders. The standoff blocked local civilian traffic for hours, leading local police authorities to try to intervene, Syrian Kurdish journalist Hoshang Hasan reported. Other reports said the US convoy prevented the Russians from moving into Derik, thus forcing them to turn back to Qamishli, where Russian forces shares a base with troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. At least two helicopters, one Russian and one belonging to the US-led coalition, flew over the scene earlier today, the Rojava Information Center said. The US-led coalition did not return a request for comment by publication time. Although Moscow hasn't issued a statement on the incident, state-run news agency Sputnik alleged yesterday that a US patrol was turned back at a checkpoint near Tal Tamr, at the edge of an area controlled by the Syrian army. The standoff is the second reported in the area in just two days; the North-Press Agency said villagers around Derik protested against a Russian patrol Tuesday while a US patrol arrived at the northern entrance to the city to await the Russians. Last week the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Russian military is building a new military base in Qeser Dib, a village outside Derik, potentially posing a challenge to US influence in the area. The latest standoffs follow reports that Russia is negotiating with Damascus to expand its military basing in Syria. American and Russian soldiers have shared a series of tense encounters in northeast Syria, prompting US officials to accuse the Kremlin of testing Washingtons resolve. The two sides coordinate regularly about patrols and areas of operation, but American officials have said the Russians deliberately break those agreements. Russian forces in support of Assad's government moved into northeast Syria last year, following US President Donald Trumps order to pull out all US troops from the country in October 2019 a decision Trump later reversed. The Assad regime has vowed to retake the countrys northeast, which is controlled by an alliance of Kurdish-led militias backed by the US-led coalition against the Islamic State. The rival forces are not enemies in the conflict, but their close proximity has led to violence before. In February, a local man was killed when American soldiers stopped at a Syrian regime checkpoint near Qamishli shot back after coming under fire. In early 2018, Russian and pro-regime forces crossed the Euphrates River in Deir ez-Zor and advanced toward a natural gas field occupied by American soldiers. The United States defended the position with air and artillery strikes, reportedly killing hundreds of pro-regime fighters, including Russian mercenaries. The Trump administration says it remains in Syrias northeast to keep the countrys oilfields out of the hands of the Islamic State. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has acknowledged the American presence also is aimed at keeping the oil out of the hands of Russia and the Assad regime, which are seeking revenue streams to help pay for the countrys costly nine-year civil war. State Department officials are leading an international effort to diplomatically and economically isolate the Assad regime in hopes that Russia will force concessions from the Syrian government in line with reforms demanded by the United Nation Security Council. Three people died and as many were injured in cyclone-related incidents as 'Nisarga' made landfall near Mumbai, uprooting trees in nearby districts, on Wednesday. IMAGE: A sea-wave strikes at a vessel near Mirya embankment during Cyclone Nisarga at Ratnagiri Narmada Cement Port in Ratnagiri, on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo Cyclone Nisarga slammed Maharashtra coast with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph, making landfall at 12.30 pm at Alibaug near Mumbai. The process was completed by 2.30 pm, a senior India Meteorological Department official said. IMAGE: A Mumbai police official stands guard off the coast of the Arabian sea in Mumbai as cyclone Nisarga makes its landfall, on the outskirts of Mumbai, on Wednesday. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Alibaug witnessed wind speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour. It weakened into a 'deep depression' late on Wednesday evening, the IMD said. Police and civic officials said three people died-- two in Pune and one in Raigad district -- in cyclone-related incidents. IMAGE: A tree gets uprooted due to strong winds after the landfall of cyclone Nisarga at Dahanu in Palghar on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo A 58-year-old man was killed after a power transformer fell on him while he was rushing home to escape the cyclone fury in Raigad district, police said. A 65-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man died in house collapse after the tin sheets over the roof were blown in separate incidents in Pune district, according to an officer of the District Disaster Management Cell. IMAGE: A boat is lifted by a crane off the coast of Mumbai. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Mumbaikars and people in neighbouring areas, including those in coastal Gujarat districts had braced for the cyclone but heaved a sigh of relief as Nisarga's damage appeared limited to uprooting of trees in affected areas. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said the resilience showed by people and officials helped in 'mitigating the intensity' of the cyclone. IMAGE: Fishing boats are anchored at the shore near Chowk Dongri at the village of Uttan before the landfall of Nisarga in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo 'Thanking all who protected Maharashtra along with Mumbai in the face of the Nisarga cyclone which had hovered over Maharashtra at a time when the state is already grappling with COVID-19. 'But we all warded it (the cyclone crisis) off. The people and administration fought hard and mitigated the intensity of the crisis,' the chief minister said in a statement. IMAGE: Strong winds hit Juhu beach during the landfall of Nisarga in Mumbai on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo Ahead of Nisarga's landfall, thousands of people in its path were evacuated, trains rescheduled, flights cancelled, fishermen ordered out of the seas and rescue workers were put on standby. As the cyclone weakened into a depression, it was clear that the extent of damage was far lesser than anticipated. IMAGE: People help elderly citizens during an evacuation from a slum in Mumbai. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters 'It (Nisarga) made the landfall just north of the historic Murud-Janjira town. A slight change of direction towards North Eastwards meant, the impact of the cyclone on Mumbai was less severe than originally expected,' the Ministry of Earth Sciences said in a statement. The statement said Alibaug witnessed wind speeds of 120-130 kmph. Steeped in colonial history, Alibaug is a quaint little town and is dotted with sandy beaches, unpolluted air, several forts and temples. It is also home to many Bollywood stars and other rich people. IMAGE: NDRF personnel removing the uprooted trees in Raigad on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo Power utilities had shut down electricity supply in some parts of Ratnagiri district as a preventive measure while Mobile services were affected in parts of Raigad district. Alibagh recorded a rainfall of 45 mm and Ratnagiri 38 mm (till 4 p.m). According to Anupam Srivastava, Commander, National Disaster Response Force, a number of trees have fallen in several areas in the coastal dsitricts. IMAGE: Uprooted trees damage houses in Sindhudurg. Photograph: ANI Photo He said trees fell on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway too, but the traffic flow was not affected. NDRF Director General S N Pradhan said the cyclone caused minimal damage to life and property and the 'worst is over'. However, NDRF teams will remain deployed and assist state authorities in recovery work, Pradhan said in a video message. IMAGE: Hoardings blown away due to strong winds in Alibaug. Photograph: ANI Photo "Whatever damage has happened has been generally limited to Raigad district and its talukas," he said, adding the 'worst is over'. "We have an unconfirmed report of one death in Raigad district due to the cyclone but that has to be confirmed by the state authorities. "Overall, the worst has passed and the cyclone situation was well negotiated because of timely preparations and coordination between central and state authorities," the NDRF chief said. IMAGE: Uprooted trees due to strong winds after the landfall of Nisarga at Nariman Point in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo He said about one lakh people were evacuated from the affected areas. The NDRF had deployed 43 teams in the two states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, where the cyclone was headed. Power supply to more than 25 lakh consumers of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDC) in four districts of Raigad, Palghar, Thane and Pune was interrupted due to the cyclone. The cyclone, which is now moving northeastward after making a landfall in Alibaug caused considerable damage to power supply network, roads, houses and trees in these districts. The state utility cut the power supply to many substations in these districts as precautionary measure, the MSEDCL said. The power utility said it was working on a war footing to restore power supply in these areas by Thursday. IMAGE: People gather to be evacuated from a slum in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo 'Due to the cyclone, electric poles at various locations were uprooted and power supply was interrupted. Though it is difficult to ascertain the extent of damage caused because of this cyclone, we are working on war footing basis to restore the supply,' the MSEDCL said in a statement. As a precautionary measure, power supply to many substations, across these districts, was cut by MSEDCL. As a result power supply to more than 25 lakh consumers has been interrupted since morning. 'Due to the strong winds and rain, electricity poles at various locations collapsed. There were incidents where trees fell on high and low tension cables, which further interrupted power supply in some areas. Our officers have been on the ground and we will try to restore power supply by tomorrow,' a MSEDCL official said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Turkeys export of grains and legumes to international markets from January through May 2020 increased by 0.1 percent compared to the same period of 2019 and made up $2.9 billion, Turkeys Ministry of Trade told Trend on June 3. According to the ministry, Turkeys export of grains and legumes made up 4.7 percent of the countrys total export for the reporting period. In May 2020, Turkey exported grains and legumes worth $500.2 million to world markets, which is 15.3 percent less compared to the same month of 2019, the ministry said Turkey's export of grain and legumes in May this year amounted to 5 percent of the country's total export. From May 2019 through May 2020, Turkey exported the grain and legumes in the amount of nearly $6.8 billion. Turkeys export of agricultural products to the international markets exceeded $7.7 billion in the first four months of 2020, which is 2.9 percent more compared to the same period of 2019. In April 2020, Turkey exported the agricultural products worth $1.7 billion, which is 5.9 percent less compared to April 2019. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Editor's Note: Sign up for the International Precious Metals Institute's (IPMI) LIVE WEBINAR. A panel discussion on current issues facing the autocatalyst segment of the precious metals industry, including procurement, financing manufacturing, recycling and refining. Click HERE to register for FREE. (Kitco News) - Gold prices are pushing lower as economic data continues to come in better than expected. The latest report from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), shows improving sentiment in the service sector. Wednesday, the ISM said its non-manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index rose to a reading of 45.4%, up from Aprils reading of 41.8. The numbers were better than expected as consensus forecasts were calling for a reading around 44.2. The positive sentiment in the service sector comes after U.S. states have started to ease lockdown restrictions. Although sentiment is improving, the report noted that there are still significant concerns surging through the economy. Respondents remain concerned about the ongoing impact of the coronavirus. Additionally, many of the respondents respective companies are hoping and/or planning for a resumption of business, said Anthony Nieves, chair of the ISM non-manufacturing business survey committee Readings above 50% in such diffusion indexes are seen as a sign of economic growth, and vice-versa. The farther an indicator is above or below 50%, the greater or smaller the rate of change. Gold prices have been under pressure all morning as positive investor sentiment pushing U.S. equity markets higher. August gold prices last traded at $1,704.80 an ounce down 1.68% on the day. Looking at some of the components of the report, the ISM said that the Business Activity Index increased to 41%, up from Aprils low of 26%. However, the labor market data, which is used as a predictor ahead of Fridays nonfarm payroll data rose only slightly higher to 31.8%, up from Aprils reading of 30%. Andrew Grantham, senior economist at CIBC, described the PMI data as a stabilization of the sector. We should see a more meaningful increase in the headline reading next month as states were only just starting to reopen their economies towards the end of May, he said. Remember though, that because surveys such as the ISM measure the breadth of moves rather than the scale of such moves, readings for the coming couple of months may look more positive than the subsequent "real" economic data do. While the data is better than expected, Michael Pearce, senior U.S. economist at Capital, economics said that it still shows the U.S. economy will see slower growth moving forward. The small rebound in the ISM non-manufacturing index suggests that the services sector is now faring slightly better than the manufacturing sector as lockdowns are lifted. But the overall message is that the wider economic recovery is likely to be slow going. LONDON and NEW YORK, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Symphony Talent, a leader in transforming employer brand experiences through talent marketing software, and services, released today its reimagined talent marketing platform, SmashFlyX . It's the only platform in the industry that combines enterprise candidate relationship management (CRM), career site, talent mobility, and programmatic recruitment advertising solutions in an unmatched user interface. "We believe that talent acquisition greatness requires a combination of automating high-volume touchpoints and empowering teams for action and decision-confidence," said Roopesh Nair, CEO, Symphony Talent. "It's why we've focused on enhancing one platform that will drive adoption, strengthen pipelining and campaigning across every channel, and prove ROI." After Symphony Talent's acquisition of recruitment marketing platform SmashFly in November 2019, its product team focused on unifying SmashFly's robust CRM functionality and configurability with its award-winning career site, programmatic advertising, and analytics solutions. To support user adoption and push the standard of user experience, the product and creative teams worked together to design an entirely new interface. "I've always respected Symphony Talent's strong commitment to product research and development, and it shows in SmashFlyX," said Madline Laurano, founder of Aptitude Research Partners. "It's innovative and easy to use, with an exceptional user experience, all of which will help modern talent acquisition leaders better solve the challenges ahead." Driven by proprietary machine learning, SmashFlyX includes the following core modules: CRM, career site, programmatic advertising, referrals, and talent mobility. Recruiters and talent marketers can now create, automate, and measure every type of talent marketing campaign in one place: paid to owned, email to SMS, social media to banner and job ads, to both internal and external candidates. "SmashFlyX expands on our product strengths, but it's really a new vision for user experience that we haven't seen in the market," said Ajay Kutty, Chief Product Officer, Symphony Talent. "With customer input in mind, we designed a product that users will not only find innately helpful, but love to work in every day." The noteworthy capabilities and features include: The Dashboard: Every user's personal launchpad, the Dashboard is fully customizable by widget, diving into specific pipelines and jobs, top- and bottom-performing campaigns, and intuitive recommendations. Innate automation: SmashFlyX innately automates what already should be, like instant job alerts to relevant talent network profiles, self-optimizing advertising campaigns, and auto actions based on metrics. Pipeline intelligence: The AI recommendation engine within the CRM prioritizes top internal and external candidates, filters by pipeline or job match and brand engagement, then prompts and automates actions and workflows. 1:1 personalization: Using machine learning, the content management system personalizes jobs, events, images, and content as the visitor interacts with your site and continues to provide information. Chat assistant: The proprietary chat assistant, integrated fully with the CRM and career site, supports lead and resume capture and a fully-automated screen to offer processes for high-volume hiring. Video interviewing: Integrated with the CRM, teams can access and request virtual interviews and assessments from the CRM profile, plus auto-trigger virtual screenings of recommended candidates by job or pipeline. True-path analytics: One single data structure across every module, including CRM and programmatic advertising, provides visible, influence-based reporting from every single source talent and recruiters touch. More than 150 companies, including Ecolab, UCLA Health and Sky, are now utilizing SmashFlyX. The platform is ATS agnostic, integrating with more than a dozen of the most utilized mid-sized to enterprise applicant tracking systems. Take a look at the SmashFlyX talent marketing platform here . About Symphony Talent Symphony Talent is a global leader in transforming employer brand experiences through talent marketing software and services. Its talent marketing platform, SmashFlyX, unifies CRM, career site, talent mobility and programmatic advertising to help talent acquisition leaders automate tasks for efficiency and empower teams for interaction. Symphony Talent has won major awards in creative and employer brand services for EVP strategy, employer brand campaigns, career site design, and more. The company supports more than 600 customers across the globe, with headquarters in New York, London, Bangalore, and Belfast. Visit symphonytalent.com to learn more, and follow us on Twitter @SymphonyTalent_ and @SymphonyT_EU. SOURCE Symphony Talent Related Links http://symphonytalent.com Students play in the courtyard outside of Masterman Public School in Philadelphia on Friday, March 13, 2020. The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced that school will be allowed to reopen July 1, though they must submit health and safety plans to the state. Read more Pennsylvania teachers and students will be permitted to return to schools next month, the state Education Department announced Wednesday, though districts will make their own decisions on whether to reopen. According to preliminary guidance issued by Education Secretary Pedro Rivera, pre-K-12 schools in counties that have reached either the green or yellow phase of the states coronavirus reopening plan may resume in-person instruction on July 1, while colleges in those counties can restart in-person learning on Friday. Schools will be required to adopt their own health and safety procedures that meet both federal and state guidelines. While the state is permitting in-person instruction, it is not requiring it. Officials said both pre-K-12 schools and colleges would be allowed to decide whether they resume in-person instruction, and at what levels. They will be required to submit their plans to the Education Department, but the state wont be formally approving them, leaving that authority to local districts. Schools are going to have to engage their communities and their specific needs through this plan," Rivera said. He noted that not every parent will want to or be able to send their children back to school, and remote learning may well be part of districts plans for the coming school year. The guidance comes as schools and districts have been grappling with how to address the logistical concerns around reopening buildings while maintaining social distancing. A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association said the guidelines are a start but dont address some larger issues that schools may encounter. We are still a long way from reopening schools in Pennsylvania, but this guidance will cause schools to begin having conversations about what a return to school might look like in their respective community, said the spokesperson, Annette Stevenson. A task force of statewide education organizations, including the PSBA, is set to release its own recommendations later this month. That group is looking at recommending redesigns of facility layouts as well as staggered schedules for students in a bid to reduce class sizes. Stevenson said such scheduling would create numerous logistical, labor and financial implications for schools, adding that the right scenario is going to vary county to county and district to district. In areas like school cafeterias, its pretty hard to maintain six feet of distance" when you have many students in one space, said Chris Lilienthal, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Education Association, which represents teachers and staff. The guidance released by the Department of Education does not specify exactly how schools should handle cafeterias or prescribe specific class sizes, apart from noting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends no more than 25 individuals including staff" in a classroom. But it lays out a list of possible considerations in different categories, including for maintaining social distancing. Among the suggestions: holding classes in gyms, auditoriums, or other large spaces, and turning desks to face in the same direction or have students sit on only one side of tables, spaced apart. Schools can then personalize those expectations based on the needs of their classrooms, Rivera said Wednesday during a news conference. Other parts of the guidance call for steps to protect students and staff at higher risk of severe illness suggesting that schools implement flexible attendance policies, for instance and to lay out protocols for monitoring students and staff for symptoms. Rivera noted that a resurgence of the virus may force schools to close again after reopening. We are planning for the best in terms of school instruction, but we are planning for the worst, he said. Some districts plan to begin classes prior to traditional start dates in September and will be permitted to do so, Rivera said. He said some districts have also signaled that they are preparing for in-person summer school, while others have decided to go virtual. Rivera acknowledged unresolved complications including whether younger children or those with special needs would be able to wear masks. And social distancing guidelines will certainly change the methodology by which we transport students to and from school," he said. Pennsylvania has looked to other states for guidance, but also internationally to identify what works, whats being tried, and the efficacy of what works going forward," the education secretary said. Best-case scenario, he said, is having all students and staff back in classrooms this fall. The worst-case scenario," he said, "is that we continue with full online virtual instruction as we are. Staff writer Rob Tornoe contributed to this article. Cameroonian authorities must immediately disclose the whereabouts and the health and legal status of imprisoned journalist Samuel Wazizi, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Samuel Wazizis friends, family, colleagues, and lawyers have unsuccessfully sought answers about his arrest from the Cameroonian government for far too long, said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal. We are extremely disturbed by recent reports of the journalists death in government custody, and demand that authorities immediately and publicly account for his status. News reports and a tweet by Denis Nkwebo, the president of the Cameroon Trade Union of Journalists, published yesterday and today, allege that Wazizi died at a military hospital at an unspecified date after being tortured by security forces. The Cameroonian government has not commented on those reports. CPJ called and texted representatives of Cameroons Justice Ministry, Communications Ministry, and prime ministers office for comment, but did not receive any replies. Wazizi, whose legal name is Samuel Ajiekah Abuwe, was arrested on August 2, 2019, was transferred to military custody on August 7, and has not been seen since, according to CPJ research. Until his arrest, he worked as an anchor for privately owned broadcaster Chillen Muzik and TV. The men were standing on a sidewalk at 6:10 p.m. in the 2700 block of West Wabansia Avenue when someone in a white SUV fired at them, police said. Two of the men were hit by the gunfire and the third shot himself as he tried to pull out his own gun, police said. India said on Wednesday it has conveyed its concerns to Pakistan over the reported vandalism, defacement and destruction of Buddhist heritage in Gilgit-Baltistan, which New Delhi claims as part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Several images shared on social media in the past few days had purported to show the defacement and vandalism of several ancient Buddhist paintings and rock carvings. Responding to media queries on the matter, external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: We have conveyed our strong concern at reports of vandalism, defacement and destruction of invaluable Indian Buddhist heritage located in so called Gilgit-Baltistan area of the Indian territory under illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan. He said it was a matter of grave concern that the Buddhist symbols are being destroyed and the religious and cultural rights and freedoms are being trampled with impunity in the Indian territories under illegal occupation of Pakistan. Srivastava added, Egregious activities of this nature which display contempt for the ancient civilisational and cultural heritage are highly condemnable. We have sought immediate access for our experts to the area in order to restore and preserve this invaluable archaeological heritage. We have once again called upon Pakistan to immediately vacate all illegally occupied territories and end gross violation of political, economic and cultural rights of people living there. Pakistan has given near-provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan, a region that has witnessed several attacks by terrorist groups on the Shia Hazara minority. OTTAWAThe federal government must do more to help provinces prepare long-term care homes for the next wave of COVID-19, the Ontario Long Term Care Association says. Association CEO Donna Duncan is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to quickly negotiate an agreement with provincial governments to deliver funds to help long-term care systems ramp up preparations as soon as possible. We need to act fast, she said, noting many experts think the second-wave of novel coronavirus infections will hit no later than September. She is looking for an agreement along the lines of the 2017 deals signed between Ottawa and provincial governments to flow money for mental health and home care. Those agreements more than $11 billion over a decade required provinces to produce plans for how the funds would be allocated. Duncan said she doesnt have a specific national dollar figure in mind but is looking for everything from money to hire more workers, to prioritizing the delivery of personal protective equipment and rapid on-site COVID-19 testing, as well as infrastructure funds that will help make some of the older, smaller homes better able to prevent infection and isolate patients when they become ill. Last week, Trudeau said long-term care was on the agenda when he and premiers had their weekly COVID-19 conference call. He has not yet put any specifics on the table and has noted the provinces have jurisdiction. I said to the premiers, our government will be there to support them as we work together to ensure that our elders receive the care they deserve, Trudeau said Friday. Duncans organization represents about 70 per cent of the 626 long-term care homes in Ontario, but she said it is working with national and other provincial associations as well. Long-term care homes have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada to date, with more than 4,000 residents dying in Ontario and Quebec alone. The Canadian Armed Forces deployed more than 1,000 members to care homes in Quebec and Ontario that were unable to look after patients with so many staff members sick. Last week, the military reported serious problems in homes in both provinces. Quebec Premier Francois Legault is mulling over a full-scale overhaul of his provinces system for caring for seniors in their final years, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford has promised an independent commission to investigate the failings of his provinces care homes starting in July. Duncan said the commission and investigations are welcome but the residents and the workers who care for them need something a whole lot faster than that. Were a bit concerned that everyone wants to be reflective now, as if this is over, she said. It is not over. This is the beginning. Lets not become complacent. We have got to keep focused on keeping this out of our homes and protecting our seniors. In Ontario, more than 5,000 care-home residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19, almost one-fifth of all the confirmed cases in the province to date. As of Tuesday, 1,465 residents had died of it, representing almost two-thirds of the provinces total death count. Another 1,825 long-term care home workers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and seven have died. There are still outbreaks at more than 1,000 facilities in Ontario, affecting at least 1,000 patients and more than 900 staff. More than 2,000 long-term care residents have died in Quebec, and thousands more have been infected. A handful of care homes saw every single resident test positive for COVID-19. More than 100 residents of long-term care homes in British Columbia have also died of COVID-19. In Ontario, Duncan said long-term care homes where residents live in three- or four-patient rooms were the hardest hit by the outbreaks. Others that saw outbreaks use fans instead of air conditioning, which contributed to the spread of infected droplets, and have things like carpeting which is harder to keep clean. She wants funds to fix some of those issues, including immediately preparing to reduce rooms to a maximum of two patients. However, in Ontario that will mean needing to find space for 10,000 beds. The federal-provincial agreements should also look to the future, said Duncan, where an aging population is going to drive up the need for more long-term care homes. In Ontario alone, she said 100,000 new beds and 100,000 new workers will be needed over the next 15 years. But the looming threat of another wave of infections is what keeps me up at night, said Duncan. She said the fear and stigma about working in long-term care homes is high right now, so an aggressive recruitment and skills-training initiative is going to be crucial, along with better pay for those workers. She believes two or three months is enough time to do some decent skill-building and recruitment drives. Ottawa, which is helping provinces procure protective equipment like face masks, shields and medical gowns and gloves, needs to be sure to include long-term care homes on its priority list, she said. In the preparations for the first wave, hospitals were the focus for those things, and care-home workers were left short. Duncan said there are solutions, but it is going to take resolve and creativity to put them into action. Were all going to have to problem solve together and try to figure this out, she said. Read more about: On April 23, Franklin Templeton wound up six debt funds. No further investments were allowed and subscriptions were stopped. The fund house has left it to investors to decide the winding-up process. So, the investors will now need to vote on whether they would like to authorise Templeton to wind up the schemes, or to choose either the Templeton trustees or Deloitte to be in charge of the winding up of the process. In this episode of Simply Save, host Kayezad E Adajania speaks to Rajiv Shastri, a columnist at Moneycontrol Pro, to find out what are the possible outcomes of this vote. He said that 12 times in the few minutes before he died. No, thats not the transcript of what happened to George Floyd in the United States but the last conversation David Dungay jnr had only a few minutes before he died with five men on top of him inside a cell in a jail in Sydney, a few days after Christmas in 2015. The brouhaha that led to his death didnt kick off because he had attacked another inmate or a guard, but because Dungay was eating a biscuit and was told to stop. So tell me again how all lives matter. Explain to me why come to Australia is trending on Twitter when an Aboriginal man can die because he was eating a biscuit when he wasnt supposed to be. Today reporter and Gamilaroi woman Brooke Boney has set a challenge for her fellow Australians. Credit:Wolter Peeters When we saw that awful video of George Floyd being restrained by those officers in Minneapolis, black mothers in Australia saw the faces of their sons beneath that knee. When he cried out for his dead mother with his last breath, he may as well have been calling their names because they, too, are scared this is what will happen to their babies in Australia. Weve watched on in horror, clutching our pearls at the sight of the destruction, rioting and looting. But like Bob Dylan says, when you aint got nothing, you got nothing to lose. What hope do you have of a prosperous future when theres 20 per cent unemployment, 100,000 people around you have died from COVID-19 and police are killing your brothers and sisters for no good reason? Not that there is ever a good reason. SPRINGFIELD Democratic primary opponents Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse and U.S. Rep Richard E. Neal tussled Wednesday over the proper political and policy response the death of George Floyd and to an unfolding crisis about policing and race in America. On Wednesday, Morse campaign Twitter account retweeted a message criticizing Neal after his names was missing from a list of House members supporting Dorchester congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Ihan Omar, D-Minnesota and their resolution to condemn police brutality. Missing in action when it actually counts (unless its AIG and you need to throw a party), Morses account tweeted. The reference was a dig at Neals association with donors. But Neal's campaign, in a strongly worded email, said he'd already signed on to Pressley and Omar's resolution on Tuesday and that he was leaving it up to Pressley's operations to announce it. Who announces news and when is a touchy subject in campaigns. "The political posturing that Alex Morse has undertaken in the wake of the horrific killing of George Floyd has been disgraceful and nauseating, and we hope that he recognizes soon that this is not his moment," wrote Neal campaign spokeswoman Kate Norton. "Richie signed on to his friend Congresswoman Ayanna Pressleys measure on Tuesday. We share this information today now that the news has been released by Congresswoman Pressley. This statement by the campaign today, shared with reluctance, is a necessary measure to correct the red-herring clumsily thrown by Alex Morse, who appears to have made Congresswoman Pressleys work the centerpiece of his latest desperate attack on Richie." The news release goes on to detail Neal's duties in Congress as chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means. Morse and Neal appeared at separate events Tuesday calling for justice in the wake of Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police. Morse at a protest in Holyoke and Neal at a peace and prayer vigil at Springfield City Hall. Among other things, the resolution calls on the Department of Justice to assert its statutory authority in investigating individual instances of police brutality, violence, and racial profiling, and police departments that violate civil rights. A May 29 news release from Pressley 's office lists U.S. Rep. James McGovern, D-Worcester, as a supporter along with Katherine Clark, D-Massachusetts, vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, U.s. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III, and U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan. It doesnt list Neal. Norton, Neals spokeswoman, said Pressley secured the backing of all nine members of the House from Massachusetts, including Neal . But Neal's office said he signed on Tuesday. Pressleys office didnt return an email looking for comment. The Lagos State COVID-19 response team has received a contribution of five ambulances from BUA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of BUA Group, one of Africas leading foods and infrastructure conglomerate. Lagos, Nigerias business hub, has the highest record of COVID-19 cases in the country. The donation was in addition to a cash sum of N200 million earlier donated to the Lagos State Government by the foundation. The Group Chief Operating Officer, BUA Group, Chimaobi Madukwe, while presenting the COVID-19 response ambulances and cheque to the First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended the effort of the Lagos State Government in curbing the effects of the virus. Mr Madukwe also added that BUA will continue to support various effort across Nigeria to stop the virus. As a responsible corporate citizen, we felt a responsibility to support the state government and the people during these times. We are proud to be associated with the Lagos State government in this fight against the coronavirus. We are keen on contributing our quota where needed to end the pandemic and these ambulances are to ensure the people of Lagos state get the best medical attention. IMG_8857: Chimaobi Madukwe, Representative of BUA Foundation and Group Chief Operating Officer, BUA Group and Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State inspecting the 5 ambulances donated in addition to the N200 Million cash to Lagos State COVID-19 Response. IMG_8929: L-R: Otega Ogra, Group Head, Corporate Communications, BUA Group, Chimaobi Madukwe, Representative of BUA Foundation and Group Chief Operating Officer, BUA Group, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State and Dr. Oladipo Olurin, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Medical at the presentation of 5 ambulances and N200 Million cash donation to the Lagos State COVID-19 Response. We are working tirelessly with various stakeholders to further identify places where help is needed and had since set aside a grant in addition to this cash donation and 5 ambulances from which some projects are being carried out. READ ALSO: Receiving the donations on behalf of the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who described the donation as critical to the COVID-19 fight, thanked the foundation and the BUA Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for the gesture. She said the contribution will strengthen the states response to the pandemic. Angry customers have slammed Coles after discovering a shocking fact on the packaging of their Australian whiting fillets. The Australian supermarket chain has sparked outrage by labelling the 'responsibly sourced seafood' as 'made in Australia' but 'filleted in Vietnam'. One shopper, Bronwyn, shared her concern over the small print on Coles' Australian Whiting Mini Fillets to Facebook, 7NEWS reported. Customers have slammed Coles after discovering the Australian Whiting Mini Fillets (pictured) are labelled as 'made in Australia' but were filleted in Vietnam She questioned how the product could be considered 'made in Australia' when it was filleted overseas. The shopper asked: 'Could someone please explain why this is necessary, to transport Australian fish thousands of kilometres to Vietnam to be filleted?' 'I bought these yesterday noting the Australian Whiting and 95% Aussie ingredients ... Then have just noticed the filleting in Vietnam.' Bronwyn said that the fact the fish had been filleted in Vietnam had put her off eating the fish. 'Not so keen to eat them now. Fresh, I think maybe not. No way of knowing how old they might actually be,' she said. Facebook commenters were quick to voice their shock over the product's label. One user said: 'It is so crazy. How can they claim it as being fresh?' Another asked: 'Why cant they be processed here? Too bloody expensive to process by Aussies thats why!' Pictured: The packaging fine print claims the fish is made from 95% Australian ingredients One commenter noted: 'Disgraceful situation! Send it to Vietnam to be filleted as their wages are so much less than in Australia, then ship back here - better profit for Coles.' A Coles spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the company had met its 'Country of Origin obligations'. The spokesperson said: 'This product uses Australian whiting, which is filleted overseas, but is then crumbed and processed back in Australia. 'In line with our Country of Origin obligations, this is clearly labelled on the front of the pack.' The spokesperson explained: 'All Coles Own Brand seafood including seafood available at the deli, canned Own Brand tuna in the grocery aisle and frozen Own Brand products such as fish fingers have been responsibly sourced since 2015.' 'As always, customers who are unhappy with a Coles Brand product can return it to any store for a full refund.' (Newser) In what CNN calls a "major upset," Republicans in northwest Iowa ousted Rep. Steve King in Tuesdays primary, deciding theyve had enough of the conservative lightning rod known for making incendiary comments about immigrants and white supremacy throughout his nearly two decades in Congress. The nine-term congressman, shunned by his party leadership in Washington and many of his longtime supporters at home, lost to well-funded state Sen. Randy Feenstra in a five-way GOP primary, the AP reports. The challengers argued that Kings loss of clout, even more than his continuous string of provocative and racially-charged statements, was reason enough for turning on him. I said from day one that Iowans deserve a proven, effective conservative leader that will deliver results and I have done that in the Iowa Senate, being in the Iowa Legislature for the last 12 years, and I promise you I will deliver results in Congress," Feenstra said during a Facebook Live appearance with his family behind him. story continues below Iowa Democrats also chose a challenger for Republican freshman Sen. Joni Ernst in a race earlier thought to heavily favor Ernst until her approval shrank over the past year. Des Moines businesswoman Theresa Greenfield, who raised the most money and garnered the widest cross-section of the Iowa Democratic coalition of elected officials and labor unions, won the nomination over three others. But the focus was on the 4th District primary featuring King, the lone Republican in Iowas US House delegation. King was stripped of his committee assignments in 2019 for comments appearing to question the criticism of white nationalism in an era of increased sensitivity among Republicans nationally about the alt-right and white supremacists. He wondered aloud in a New York Times story about when the term white supremacist became offensive. King, 71, said the remarks were taken out of context. (Read more Steve King stories.) With passenger trains having restarted across the country, what's it like to travel inter and intra-state? Watch this Firstpost exclusive to find out. With passenger trains having restarted across the country, what's it like to travel inter and intra-state? Watch this Firstpost exclusive to find out. As Unlock 1.0 aka Lockdown 5.0 commences, the Railways have issued a strict set of protocol to maintain social distancing and safe travel for all passengers. From registering for an e-pass to physical distancing in the train and thermal scanning while exiting the station, it's a relatively well chalked out process. Additionally, all passengers are required to wear masks and carry sanitizers, with only asymptomatic passengers being allowed to board the train. However, are all COVID 19 rules being followed across the board? As Greeshma from Firstpost travels from Coimbatore to Katpadi, she documents what India's new travel norms are. 14 migrants tracked down after landing on Lampedusa Tunisian nationals to be transferred to hotspot (ANSAmed) - AGRIGENTO, JUNE 3 - Fourteen Tunisian nationals were on Wednesday tracked down on land near Isola dei Conigli on the island of Lampedusa after crossing the Mediterranean on a boat. They were taken to the Favorolo pier for initial health checks and will later be transferred to the island hotpot, which had been cleared earlier in the day of the 79 Tunisians that had been staying there. The latter were placed on a ferry heading for Porto Empedocle. (ANSAmed). Matovic and co. visited Czechia. Even foreigners living in Slovakia can travel to Croatia. PM Matovic, Deputy PM Veronika Remisova and Foreign Affairs Minister Ivan Korcok on board the flight to Prague for the official visit to the Czech Republic on June 3. (Source: TASR) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled This is your overview of news from Slovakia from June 3, 2020. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Hospital visits allowed again Three new coronavirus cases recorded in Slovakia after Tuesday's testing. People are allowed to visit patients in hospitals or clients in residential social care facilities as of Wednesday, the Health Ministry informed. Czechoslovakia restored and holidays in Croatia People will be free to cross borders between Slovakia and the Czech Republic as of midnight, June 4. The unrestricted regime at the borders between Slovakia and the Czech Republic will then come into force. Citizens of ten EU states, including Slovakia, are no longer required to prove their reason for entering Croatia due to the good epidemiologic situation in their homelands. The rule also applies to nationals of other countries who are residents in Slovakia, the Croatian Interior Ministry told The Slovak Spectator. Austria is also opening its borders with neighbouring countries, with the exception of Italy. Pellegrini: Stay or go? Peter Pellegrini said at a press conference that he and Fico are further miles away from each other. He suggested that he will announce his decision about staying or leaving Smer within days or weeks. (TASR) Corruption report As of December 31, 2019, Slovakia has completely implemented seven out of the 16 anti-corruption recommendations issued by the GRECO group under the Council of Europe, the group wrote in its report. Kuciak centre awarded Journalists Pavla Holcova, Arpad Soltesz, and Eva Kubaniova from the Investigative Centre of Jan Kuciak have won the 2020 WJP Anthony Lewis Prize for Exceptional Rule of Law Journalism. The trio was awarded the prize for reporting on the murder of their friend and colleague, the 27-year-old journalist Jan Kuciak, and his fiancee, Martina Kusnirova, the website reads. The winners wrote on their Facebook page that they were going to use most of the financial rewards for the centre's work. Crime and prosecution Investigations of crimes take a long time and are accompanied by unnecessary delays, the non-governmental organisation Fair-play Alliance (AFP) claimed. We are afraid that there is a vicious circle: there is no data about fact, there are regular delays in the investigation and responsible people may pretend the problem does not exist, said Peter Kunder, director of the Fair-Play Alliance. Almost 40,000 doses of methamphetamine that would be worth about 150,000 on the black market were detained during the Putika action by the police in the Bratislava borough of Petrzalka. (TASR) Business news Drivers might be able to start using the R7 dual carriageway by the end of June, Transport Minister Andrej Dolezal said. Three sections are planned to open by then: the R7 parts between Ketelec, Dunajska Luzna, Samorin and Holice and parts of the 30-kilometre-long D4 highway Ketelec - Rovinka. (SITA) After the anti-pandemic measures partially lifted in the country, the Bratislava Airport recorded an increased demand for business flights. According to the latest Eurostat data, Slovakia's unemployment rate grew faster than both the eurozone and the EU average in April, increasing from 5.6 percent in March to 6.8 percent. If an employee had the right to refuse work on Sundays, nearly seven out of 10 respondents would see such a rule as a good thing, the recent Focus poll has shown. Also on Spectator.sk: Related article Related article To love or to hate Bratislava (from our archive) Read more Related article The malaria drug hydroxychloroquine did not prevent Covid-19 in a rigorous study of 821 people who had been exposed to patients infected with the virus, researchers from the University of Minnesota and Canada are reporting on Wednesday. The study was the first large controlled clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine, a drug that President Trump has repeatedly promoted and recently taken himself. Conducted in the United States and Canada, this trial was also the first to test whether the drug could prevent illness in people who have been exposed to the coronavirus. This type of study, in which patients are picked at random to receive either an experimental treatment or a placebo, is considered the most reliable way to measure the safety and effectiveness of a drug. The participants were health care workers and people who had been exposed at home to ill spouses, partners or parents. The take-home message for the general public is that if youre exposed to someone with Covid-19, hydroxychloroquine is not an effective post-exposure preventive therapy, the lead author of the study, Dr. David R. Boulware, from the University of Minnesota, said in an interview. Another young woman spoke emotionally of the pain of having her brother being locked up for months. He couldnt access his schooling, she lamented, and his younger siblings didnt understand what was going on. Its a very sad thing, its terrible, she said, adding that she worried her younger siblings were at risk of wrongful incarceration. Im sorry for everything that is going on here. Her voice wavered with emotion, and she said she was speaking out at the rally so that other young people wouldnt face similar difficulties. Im coming here so that you dont have to do this, you dont have to worry about your skin color, about getting locked up, about being with your friends, because of your skin color, she said. If we dont talk, who is going to give us justice? Benjamin Henry II came to the rally openly armed with at least two weapons and a message for other people of color: It is good to learn your gun rights. Henry said he has permits for his weapons. He was stopped by police but allowed to continue. The first Alabama-built Airbus A220 has made its maiden flight. The company announced the flight via social media on Tuesday afternoon, saying that the aircraft took off from the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, performed test sequences and landed at 1:44 p.m. Aviation industry observers provided a little more detail. Simpleflying.com reported that the aircraft flew for about three hours, reaching a maximum altitude of 16,000 feet. Its flight took it southwest to the southeast tip of Louisiana and then a bit further south, where it flew a series of back-and-forth legs over open Gulf of Mexico waters before returning. The first #Airbus #A220 aircraft produced at the U.S. Manufacturing Facility has flown for the first time! The A220-300,... Posted by Airbus on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 This is an exciting milestone in the production of any aircraft, but this one is particularly special for the Mobile and Mirabel teams who have worked hard to bring this first U.S.-built A220 to reality, said Paul Gaskell, President of A220 USA and Head of A220 Program in Mobile. The airliner, which was built partly in established assembly facilities for the larger A320 family of jets, will be delivered to Delta later this year. Airbus recently announced that it has begun work on the first A220 to be built in a new final assembly hall built specifically for the family. That jet will go to JetBlue. PM lauds Meghalaya for being among first states to use drones for vaccine delivery. Details added, first version published on 19:29 (June 2) BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 2 Trend: Armenia must put an end to the policy of annexation and withdraw its occupying forces from the Azerbaijani territories, this is inevitable, Spokesperson for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Leyla Abdullayeva told Trend on June 2. The international community expresses support for the principles of inviolability of borders, sovereignty and territorial integrity on high-level platforms. An example is the speech of the EU vice president at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Abdullayeva noted that events taking place in the modern world, including the COVID-19 pandemic, clearly demonstrate that there is a need for peace within which states will rely on international rules, respect the norms and principles of international law and this will allow the spirit of international cooperation to develop. In particular, COVID-19 has openly shown the importance of state borders, the need for each state to ensure the security of its population within internationally recognized borders. It is no coincidence that the EUs senior government official from such a high-level platform as the UNSC speaks of a world order based on international rules and emphasizes that relations with the countries of Eastern Partnership are based on principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and also refers to the Helsinki Final Act 1975 where these principles are reflected, said the spokesperson. Shortly before this, the final decision of the EU Council on the Eastern Partnership referred to these principles reflected in the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris, and these principles were listed in a series of joint EU commitments, she added. Specifically, in our case, this is a reflection of Azerbaijans constant position, which it voices regularly. The position of the head of state, voiced, including from the highest international platforms, clearly emphasizes the importance of supporting the norms and principles of international law, in particular the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. Our country also demonstrates this position during the negotiation process with the mediation of the co-chairing countries of the OSCE Minsk Group, to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, said Abdullayeva. "Our position isn't to change, it is fundamental. However, the decisive position of the international communities is a message for some states that violate international legal obligations, said the spokesperson. Leyla Abdullayeva noted that the position of Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the provocative actions of Armenia in relation to so-called "elections" or the so-called "inauguration ceremony", as well as on other illegal activities, is voiced regularly. On May 28, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in his speech at the opening of the Gobu Park-3 residential complex erected for internally displaced persons (IDPs) made it clear that all international organizations support territorial integrity of our country, including all the leading countries of the world. The so-called "presidential elections" held in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region, once again demonstrated this, Abdullayeva noted. Leading countries of the world and international organizations have openly stated that they recognize neither these so-called "elections" nor their results. They stated that Nagorno-Karabakh is Azerbaijani land. In his speech about the process of resolving the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the head of state noted that a document on a phased settlement of the conflict is on the negotiating table, the spokesperson stressed. The head of state noted that the goal of resolving the conflict is the full and irrevocable guarantee of sovereignty within internationally recognized borders. We have always stated that the goal of negotiations on settling the conflict is to put an end to occupation, liberate the occupied territories, and return IDPs to their homes, restore their rights. As the head of state said, no one should doubt that we will achieve this goal, emphasized Abdullayeva. As for the negotiation process on settling the conflict, the ministrys spokesperson noted that Azerbaijan is the most interested party in an early settlement of the conflict, and speaks from the position of holding thorough and substantive discussions towards a phased settlement of the conflict. The current situation on the global pandemic should not interfere with the settlement of the conflict, on the contrary, it should intensify efforts towards the earliest possible provision of peace and security in the region. Because, the sooner the conflict is resolved, and the states, in accordance with international law, will respect the internationally recognized borders, the faster we will be able to talk about the progress of our independent and developing region, she added. Thus, the fact that Armenia must put an end to the annexation policy and withdraw the occupying forces from the Azerbaijani territories is a necessity. As the Azerbaijani side has repeatedly stated at the highest level, this conflict can only be settled within the framework of the territorial integrity of our country, stressed Abdullayeva. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 15:20:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GARDEZ, Afghanistan, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Five Afghan police, including a district police chief, were killed during a Taliban attack and ensuing bomb blast in eastern Paktia province on Tuesday night, provincial police confirmed on Wednesday. Enditem Hong Kong's three million employees covered by the city's compulsory pension fund face a difficult choice: should they stick with their Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) portfolio or make wholesale changes after last month's rout. With the city's stock market becoming the sentiment barometer for rising US-China tensions and given the uncertain economic outlook, some analysts say it is the right time to buy beaten-down equities while others advocate diversification into other markets. The 44 Hong Kong stock funds under the MPF plan reported a 4 per cent loss on average in May, the worst performer among all fund categories, according to data from Refinitiv Lipper. In comparison, all 414 investment funds produced an average gain of 0.8 per cent. The MPF had HK$969.46 billion (US$125 billion) of assets in 2019, with about one-third invested in local stocks, according to regulatory data. Hong Kong dollar deposits took up 14 per cent, while US stocks and Hong Kong bonds each accounted for 11 per cent. "Looking ahead, it seems a V-shaped global economy recovery is unlikely, as the pandemic has disrupted not only the supply chain but also the desire on the demand side," said Elvin Yu, chief executive of Goji Consulting, a pension consultancy. "Selective sectors are badly hit, and even large corporations cannot avoid the financial impact. For the rest of this year, volatility in Hong Kong and mainland stock markets is unavoidable, and there would be more downside risk than upside reward." Hong Kong stock funds underperformed their peers within MPF last month, according to Lipper. Japanese equity funds were the best of them, with average gain of 6.6 per cent, followed by US equity funds at 4.8 per cent and European equity funds at 3.8 per cent. A man stands next to a bank electronic board showing the Hang Seng Index rally outside the Hong Kong stock exchange building. A large number of employees covered by the Mandatory Provident Fund invests in Hong Kong stock funds. Photo: AP alt=A man stands next to a bank electronic board showing the Hang Seng Index rally outside the Hong Kong stock exchange building. A large number of employees covered by the Mandatory Provident Fund invests in Hong Kong stock funds. Photo: AP Story continues The poor returns of the Hong Kong stock funds came as the Hang Seng Index fell 6.8 per cent in May, making it Asia's worst performing benchmark. On May 22, the index tumbled by the most in almost five years after Beijing said it plans to pass a national security law that will curb secession and sedition in the city. In the first two trading days of this month, however, the index has risen 4.5 per cent amid buying from mainland traders, recouping all the losses since the May 21 announcement by the National People's Congress. Others however said that investors should not rush into any decisions because of short-term setbacks. Kenny Ng Lai-yin, a securities strategist at Everbright Sun Hung Kai, said investors should stick with their investments in Hong Kong and China markets. Both are trading at relatively low valuations compared to other global equity markets, he said. "We have a positive view for the Hang Seng Index for the second half, which we believe will reach as high as 26,500," he said, compared to the current level of about 24,300 points. "Therefore, we recommend that MPF investors keep a certain portion [of their funds] in Hong Kong and mainland markets to seize the opportunities." Employers and employees in Hong Kong contribute 5 per cent of monthly salary into the pension fund, with employees deciding how to allocate their money into different investment fund choices. 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. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said it is "common sense" to bring Russia back into the G7, despite Moscow's expulsion from the club after invading part of Ukraine. Speaking to Fox News radio, Trump said that the G7 countries -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- need Russian President Vladimir Putin back in a G8 format, regardless of his behavior. "It's not a question of what's he done, it's a question of common sense. So we have a G7: he's not there, half of the meeting's devoted to Russia, and if he was there, it would be much easier to solve," Trump said. "The problem is, many of the things that we talk about are about Putin, so we're just sitting around wasting time, because then you have to finish your meeting and somebody has to call Putin," he said. "I say, have him in the room. It used to be the G8. I don't say deserving or not deserving, I say common sense." Moscow was suspended indefinitely from the G8 after it invaded the Crimea region of Ukraine in 2014, then declared the territory part of Russia. The Kremlin simultaneously supported an ongoing armed rebellion against Ukraine's government in the east of the country. The episode was the final straw in the long-running deterioration of the relationship between Western powers and Putin's Russia. In 2008, Putin ordered troops into two regions of Western-backed Georgia that Moscow supports as independent from the Georgian government. The Russian government is also accused by European authorities of being behind a series of assassinations across Europe, including using biological and radioactive poisons in Britain. Trump, who is highly critical of the NATO military alliance and describes the European Union as a hostile trading competitor, has pushed repeatedly for a softer approach to Russia. After his hastily conceived plans for hosting an in-person G7 summit in Washington this month fell through, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, he abruptly announced Saturday that he wants to reform the group entirely, bringing Russia and other countries to a meeting later this year. Trump called the G7 -- long seen as a key diplomatic gathering for the richest, most advanced democracies -- "a very outdated group of countries." Washington's G7 partners are pushing back against the idea of transforming the group. EU foreign affairs high representative Josep Borrell said Tuesday that while Trump -- as this year's G7 chair -- could invite Russia with guest status, he does not have the power to change "the format on a permanent basis." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday said he opposed Moscow reentering the fold. "Russia was excluded from the G7 after it invaded Crimea a number of years ago," Trudeau told reporters. "Its continued disrespect and flaunting of international rules and norms is why it remains outside of the G7 and will continue to remain out," he added. US President Donald Trump seeks to bring Russia back into the G7 despite its having been expelled for its 2014 invasion of part of Ukraine Self-cleaning and anti-viral doorknobs that are able to kill the coronavirus in seconds could be a reality in the coming weeks. Dr Felicity de Cogan of the University of Birmingham revealed today that engineers are creating surfaces capable of rapidly neutralising the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Speaking at an online press conference, Dr de Cogan said the materials could be ready for the market in the coming weeks. However, she admitted it is more realistic they would be finished by Christmas. Scroll down for video Dr de Cogan said copper and silver have already shown promise when it comes to this. She says studies have found they are 99 per cent effective after 2-6 hours. Some countries have started coating surfaces regularly used by lots of people in the metal (stock) Dr de Cogan, founder of NitroPep infection-resistant coatings and an enterprise fellow at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said there is already some progress being made in this field. 'Surfaces are really important in the fight against COVID-19 and if we can clean surfaces we can stop the spread of disease,' she said. 'People can either clean surfaces manually, or we can create more self-cleaning materials. 'A self-cleaning surface, I believe, is a much stronger prospect as they need no maintenance, work continuously and don't require people to change their behaviour. 'We cant really clean surfaces quick enough ourselves and the existing self-cleaning surfaces can only destroy the virus after several hours, but think of how many people touch a train handrail in a matter of minutes. 'Self cleaning surfaces are designed to release, or permanently be, anti-microbial. So it continuously kills pathogens.' A British company called Copper Clothing, which is selling a 'Washable and Reusable Copper Infused KN99 Face Mask' for 29.99 (pictured), claims it has the technology to potentially destroy the virus on a surface almost instantly Coronavirus survives on surgical masks for up to SEVEN days SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world, can survive on surgical face masks for up to seven days, scientists claim. The novel coronavirus is being rapidly studied to understand how long it remains contagious on various surfaces and under certain conditions. A piece of research from Hong Kong found 'a significant level of infectious virus could still be detected on the outer layer of a surgical mask' after seven days. But researchers from the US report no viable SARS-CoV-2 was measured after 24 hours on cardboard, indicating using the postal service is relatively risk-free. Printing paper including newspapers kills the virus in three hours and experts have today announced the likelihood of infection from goods that have been transported is low. A piece of research published online at medRxiv, a pre-print site where research is posted before it has been scrutinised before other academics in a process known as peer-review. But the initial findings from Alex Chin and colleagues at the University of Hong Kong found the virus was highly stable for an extended period at 4C. At room temperature it can survive at high levels for seven days if untreated, but will be eradicated after 14 days. Advertisement Surface transmission is one of three main ways that scientists think the coronavirus can spread - along with direct human-to-human transmission via large droplets produced when coughing or sneezing and smaller airborne droplets. Dr de Cogan said copper and silver have already shown promise when it comes to killing the virus, meaning that people who touch these surfaces are unlikely to pick it up on their hands. She says studies have found that even non-engineered metal is 99 per cent effective at killing the virus after 2-6 hours. William Keevil, a senior microbiologist at the University of Southampton, has previously called for door handles, shopping trolleys, handrails on public transport, and even gym equipment to be coated in the metals. Professor Keevil told The Times recently 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. It is well known that copper has inherent antimicrobial properties but Dr de Cogan says the time-frame that it does this in is insufficient at preventing the spread of coronavirus in the community. A British company called Copper Clothing, which is selling a 'Washable and Reusable Copper Infused KN99 Face Mask' for 29.99, claims it has the technology to potentially destroy the virus on a surface almost instantly. Rory Donnelly, head of research and development at Copper Clothing, told MailOnline the firm has engineered copper to destroy SARS-CoV-2. In clinical tests run by the company, their unique form of copper was found to be 99.8 per cent effective in under one minute and 99.99 per cent effective in under 10 minutes. The fabric is currently incorporated into fabrics, such as cotton, and can be used to make face masks as well as gloves, bed-sheets and even a smartphone impervious to microbial infection. Mr Donnelly told MailOnline: 'Copper in our material is so close together that ions can easily transmit electrical signals. In engineered copper fabrics this can happen in under a minute. 'If a microbe lands on that, the copper goes into "schizophrenic mode" and sends electrical signals to each other which is like a human walking into an electric fence. 'It destroys the envelope surrounding the virus and this instantly kills it.' Previous research found 'a significant level of infectious virus could still be detected on the outer layer of a surgical mask' after seven days. While researchers from the US report no viable SARS-CoV-2 was measured after 24 hours on cardboard. Printing paper including newspapers kills the virus in three hours while cloth and steel can harbour the virus for up to two and seven days, respectively. Dr de Cogan says it is essential a surface is created which can 'kill the virus in seconds to minutes'. Speaking today she said she is confident a product capable of this will be on the market by Christmas, if not much earlier. Two businessmen convicted in case over $15 mln embezzlement of Defense Ministry funds RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 12:45 03/06/2020 MOSCOW, June 3 (RAPSI) The Shcherbinsky District Court in Moscow has sentenced two entrepreneurs to 8 and 4 years respectively in a penal colony in a criminal case over massive embezzlement of budgetary funds worth over 1 billion rubles ($15 million) allocated for construction and reconstruction of Russias Defense Ministry facilities, the court informs RAPSI on Wednesday. Kadyr Karakhanov was sentenced to 8 years in a maximum security penal colony, he was also fined more than 6.7 million rubles (about $100,000 at the current exchange rate); Arsen Oshkabayev to 4 years in a general regime penal colony, according to the court. The defendants were found guilty of especially large embezzlement committed by an organized gang; Karakhanov was additionally found guilty of bribery on a major scale. Last year, the Moscow City Court reduced the sentence of yet another defendant in the case, ex-first deputy director of the Federal Agency for Special Construction (Spetsstroy) Alexander Zagorulko from 8 to 6 years behind bars. Investigators and the court established that between September 2013 and December 2015, within construction and major repairs of three Defense Ministrys facilities Zagorulko and his accomplices including ex-deputy director of Spetsstroy Alexander Buryakov, and subcontractors Kadyr Karakhanov, Vakha Artsygov and Arsen Oshakbayev embezzled over 1 billion rubles by preparing and submission of documents containing false information of the volume and quality of the fulfilled works to a customer. Earlier, Buryakov had been sentenced to 4 years and 9 months behind bars and a 600,000-ruble (about $9,000) fine. A news outlet claimed that "American idol" mainstay host Ryan Seacrest is growing blind amid presumed health scares. In the current issue released by the "National Enquirer," the headline, "Fears Seacrest Is Going Blind!" underscores the TV and radio host's situation. After the "American Idol's" Season 18 finale, viewers observed that as Seacrest hosted the talent show remotely, he was seemingly struggling to get through lines. Taking into account his stammering speech and his right eye looking bigger than his left eye, fans were seriously concerned, according to She Finds. Seacrest seized the reports because numerous people assumed he was having a stroke during the show's finale episode. It was alleged that the renowned host possibly has administered Botox injection at home that could have cost his eyesight. The "National Enquirer" article is among other questionable declarations in tabloids about the "On Air With Ryan Seacrest" radio host, said Gossip Cop. The alleged stroke on air was not the reason behind Seacrest's potential blindness but could be due to the Botox injection he had administered, according to the tabloid. A "source that knows Ryan" was quoted by the tabloid, "It could well have been a reaction to a Botox injection administered by himself or someone else at his home as most Hollywood cosmetic surgeons are still closed." A Twitter netizen going by the username @KingDraqula wrote, "Is @RyanSeacrest okay? Not making light of this. He went from normal to his speech being off and his eye shutting halfway. #ryanseacrest #AmericanIdol" Also Read: 'American Idol' Alum David Archuleta Apologizes for Anti-Gay Tweet The tabloid tipster noted that applying Botox without a cosmetic surgeon to oversee is discomfiting. The article had a statement from a plastic surgeon indicating that if the injection was not done properly, the aftermath could be permanent damage such that he could go blind. One consequence noted was that it could "could force him off TV forever!" Another doctor told the news outlet, "The situation with Ryan appears serious, as it involves his speech and suggests a toxic or metabolic or neurologic condition." The following morning after the episode, the 45-year-old was not present on "Live With Kelly and Ryan." With the series of claims and concerns over his condition, a representative for Seacrest denied their theories, "Ryan did not have any kind of stroke last night." Gossip Cop discredited the article from "National Enquirer" as purely forged. Viewers are also aware that Seacrest is present again on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" upon skipping a day of work due to exhaustion. Gossip Cop also contacted a reliable source close to the TV host that the narrative was more than wrong and was "crazy." Aside from the dramatic claim, the outlet also has a dubious track record reporting about Seacrest's professional life. The rep confirmed that among the public, Seacrest is adapting to the new normal and maintaining work-home balance. There is also the further difficulty of having to put on live shows from home. "Between Live with Kelly and Ryan, American Idol, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, and the Disney Family Singalong specials, he has been juggling three to four on-air jobs over the last few weeks and he's in need of rest," the rep added. Related Article: 'American Idol' Reveals Farewell Season's Top 24 Along With Some Familiar Faces (PHOTOS) @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 02, 2020 | 02:37 PM | MURRAY Murray State officials say Lisa Robin Sanford's facility, Sacred Break Throughs, offers a variety of mental health services for Mayfield, Hickory, Paducah, and Benton. She is offering individual sessions, group sessions, couple's therapy, and online sessions. Sanford has worked at Recovery Works in Mayfield since April of 2018 as an inpatient substance abuse counselor. She is also an active member of the American Counseling Association, Indian Education Foundation, Women in Wellbriety, and the National Alliance in Mental Illness, and was recently awarded a registry into the Marquis Who's Who in America registry for her professional contributions in counseling and mental health advocacy and other personal achievements. She says her own recovery over the years has formed her approach to therapy, which includes her strong belief in human resilience, the ability to overcome obstacles, and empathy toward others and themselves. In her practice, Maple Street Counseling Center LLC, Lisa Frost has specialized in assisting clients with anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and coping with trauma. She works under the clinical supervision of Dr. Justin Brogan. She obtained additional education in addition and substance use disorders, as well as trauma-informed care, anger management, and domestic violence practices. She is a member of the Kentucky Counseling Association, and the American Counseling Association, she was also the 2017 recipient of a KCA scholarship. Frost completed her internship and practicum at the Murray State University Counseling and Assessment Center, and University Counseling Services, as well as Four Rivers Behavioral Health. She has been employed by the Massac County Mental Health Center as an outpatient substance abuse coordinator with Recovery Works as their inpatient substance abuse counselor. Two Murray State alumnae have opened their own mental health facilities in western Kentucky. Authorities surround a vehicle following a shooting in South Los Angeles triggered a police pursuit early Wednesday. (OnScene.TV) Two people were wounded and three others were arrested after a shooting led to a brief police pursuit in South Los Angeles early Wednesday. Officers responded to Broadway and Manchester Avenue shortly after midnight after hearing gunshots. At the same time, authorities received calls about a shooting in the area, said Officer Rosario Cervantes, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department. When officers arrived, authorities said they witnessed a shooting. At least one officer opened fire, though it was not clear whether the gunfire struck anyone, Cervantes said. It was not clear what prompted police to open fire. The officers then began pursuing a fleeing vehicle. Two suspects, who have not been identified, were taken into custody after they bailed from the vehicle during the pursuit, police said. The chase ended when the vehicle crashed near Slauson Avenue and San Pedro Street. The driver, who has not been identified, was arrested, Cervantes said. Two people suffering from gunshot wounds were taken to a hospital for treatment. It was not clear whether they were wounded by police or in the initial shooting. Guest Commentary By Don Curry When I was 19, I spent the summer haying in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. They get three hay crops a season there so I was busy, with two friends, going from farm to farm to bring the hay crops in. At first, we werent very good at it. I remember vividly a load of bales sliding off the trailer as we rounded a curve with the tractor going a tad too fast. But, that only happened once. We enjoyed the summer working outside, except for the unbearable heat as we stacked the bales in the haylofts. The farmers paid us what they could and fed us very well. There were other teams of high school and college kids doing the same that summer. There are lots of farms in the Fraser Valley. When I go back to visit my 95-year-old mom, my brother and his family, I can see the changes in the farms. Since my time in the field, immigrant labourers have became the backbone of Fraser Valley farms. In fact, many immigrant families now own the farms they work on. Driving from the Vancouver airport to Chilliwack, I see palatial multi-generation homes dotting the farm landscape. The farm labourers have become the owners, and thats what makes Canada the great country that it is. Canada offers opportunities for everyone and the COVID-19 pandemic is not going to change that. Some have argued that its time to close our borders, but they arent looking at the big picture. The pandemic has shown us how much we rely on immigrantsworking in nursing homes, hospitals, farmers fields, canning factories, meat packing facilities, and driving the transports that deliver our food. They own many of the restaurants that are providing take-out food. Statistics Canada says one in four health care workers in Canada is an immigrant. More than one-third of family physicians are newcomers. Universities and colleges are alarmed at the possibility of losing thousands of international students this fall. The sky-high tuition fees they pay account for approximately half of the post-secondary institutions tuition revenue. The notion of closing our borders may be coming from how long we have been staying home during the pandemic and our increased viewing of cable and other TV news. Donald Trumps obsession with closing the Mexican border and cutting back immigration has struck a chord that resonates with some, even in Canada. Canadas immigration minister, Marco Mendicino, wants to welcome 341,000 immigrants next year and 361,000 in 2022. Immigration this year has dropped due to the pandemic but we attracted 70,000 permanent residents in the first three months of the year. The numbers dropped once the pandemic hit us in mid-March, but 20,000 or so temporary foreign workers still arrived in April. The seafood industry in the Maritimes and the agricultural sector across Canada are in peril if travel restrictions seriously affect the number of temporary workers arriving this year. Attempts to hire locally are dismal failures. In a recent interview with Toronto Star journalist Susan Delacourt, Mendicino said: We are at a moment where we are responding to COVID-19, but we are also planning for the future. The future of this country depends on immigration. We need to continue to grow because we have an aging population, an aging workforce. In the short term, with our economy in tatters due to the pandemic, it is somewhat understandable that some people feel we should slow down on immigration. But, this too will pass, and the need for more immigration will become more obvious. Don Curry is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and journalist living in North Bay. He is a member of the NCM collective. Zantac is a heartburn drug that has been used on the market for decades. Just recently, in 2019, the FDA announced that the chemical N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, found in Zantac could cause cancer. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that NDMA may cause colorectal or gastric cancer when consumed in large volumes over time. Signs You Might Have Cancer According to ZME Science, if you have been regularly taking Zantac for heartburn and acid reflux, the following signs might mean you have developed colorectal (colon) cancer. Anemia related to intestinal bleeding Sudden and persistent changes in stool including diarrhea or constipation Episodes of pain, cramps, or gas in the abdomen Bloatedness or the gut never feels empty even after defecating The feeling of fatigue or weakness An unexpected loss of weight Your risk for developing cancer is increased if your family has a history of colon cancer. If you suspect that you have cancer, get tested immediately. Zantac Cancer Testing Options MRI The magnetic resonance imaging method is the best test so far for detecting colorectal cancer in humans. CT scan This scan is used on patients who have already been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. It checks whether the cancer has metastasized in other body parts. Blood tests Some doctors use this method to detect cancer, but it is not always 100% accurate. Blood tests identify colon cancer through the presence of the chemical carcinoembryonic antigen or CEA. Taking a biopsy of your colon through surgery If the doctor thinks you might have colon cancer, the doctor may suggest taking a biopsy of your colon through surgery. Surgeons will remove material from your colon to be tested at the laboratory. Contact Your Doctor If you have been taking Zantac for some time, you should ask your doctor if you are at risk of colon cancer. Your doctor will recommend tests to determine if you already have cancer, including blood tests as these may be the first to indicate the cancer presence in your body. The FDA and the WHO have not released any definite statement that Zantac causes cancer, but because of the risks, you may consider using a different drug. Have You Developed Cancer After Taking Zantac? Call Thomas J. Henry If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dangerous pharmaceutical drug or medical device, you may be entitled to compensation. You deserve dynamic representation from a law firm with the resources necessary to take on the pharmaceutical companies. Thomas J. Henry has a track record of helping clients receive record-breaking verdicts, settlements, and judgments. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Austin, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: A total of 1,021 passengers reached Vijayawada Railway Station on Tuesday from Mumbai and Secunderabad. Of the total, 892 arrived from Secunderabad by Golconda Express, while the remaining arrived from Mumbai by Konark Express. As part of the State governments Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the medical staff screened the passengers with thermal scanning guns and segregated them, according to districts. The medical teams collected swab samples from the passengers belonging to Krishna district. The district collector said all passengers travelling between stations within Andhra Pradesh shall not be quarantined, unless they are symptomatic. When it comes to the passengers coming from other States, they shall be subject to the procedure given in Covid-19 order No.52. Those passengers coming from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Chennai shall be sent to seven days institutional quarantine followed by seven days home quarantine. Passengers aged above 60 years and below 10 years, pregnant and lactating mothers and terminally ill passengers were given exemption from institutional quarantine, he said. . As a large number of passengers are expected from Hyderabad, the railway officials will conduct random sampling. To this end, five per cent of passengers in each compartment shall be tested for understanding the prevalence of infection. After observing the pattern of positivity for a week, this sampling may be modified. Data of all the passengers coming from outside the state will be uploaded in Migrant Movement App at regular intervals and home quarantine shall be monitored thoroughly, Imtiaz informed. DUBLIN, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Remote Patient Monitoring Device Market Outlook 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The worldwide market of remote patient monitoring is anticipated to achieve a CAGR of 14.94% during the forecast period, i.e. 2020-2027. Factors such as rising incidences of cardiovascular disorders amongst individuals, coupled with factors such as favorable government policies, advancement in healthcare facilities and the changes observed in the adoption of remote patient monitoring services are some of the factors anticipated to promote the growth of the global remote patient monitoring market. The market is also thriving owing to the opportunities that are derived from increasing R&D investments for the development of healthcare infrastructure and the strategic collaborations and partnerships amongst manufacturers in the healthcare industry. Moreover, growing concern for the increasing number of chronic diseases worldwide coupled with increasing number of diabetic patients, increasing funding by the governments of nations for R&D and the advancements in the quality of healthcare services are some of the factors anticipated to drive the growth of the global remote patient monitoring market. The global remote patient monitoring market consists of various segments that are segmented by product, type, end user and by region. The type segment is further sub-divided into wireless and wired, out of which, the wireless segment is anticipated to hold the largest market share and grow with a CAGR of 15.31% during the forecast period. Additionally, the segment is also anticipated to attain an absolute $ opportunity of USD 5,931.85 million during the forecast period. On the other hand, the hospital segment, which is a sub-segment of the end-user segment, is anticipated to hold the largest market share and attain a value of USD 883.62 million by the end of 2027 by growing at a CAGR of 14.63% during the forecast period. Based on region, the global remote patient monitoring market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. The market in Asia Pacific, which had accounted for 20.97% share in the year 2018, is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 16.06% over the forecast period owing to the rising geriatric population and increasing demand for advanced monitoring solutions. Some of the affluent industry leaders in the global remote patient monitoring market are BioTelemetry, Inc., Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., Resideo Technologies, Inc., Abbott, Boston Scientific Corporation, General Electric Company (GE Healthcare), Medtronic, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and ZOLL Medical Corporation. Key Topics Covered 1. Introduction 2. Assumptions and Acronyms 3. Research Methodology 4. Executive Summary 5. Key Market Opportunities 6. Regulatory Landscape 7. Analysis of Market Dynamics 7.1. Growth Drivers 7.2. Restraints 7.3. Key Trends 8. Epidemiology Analysis 8.1. Diabetes 8.2. Cardiovascular Disorders 8.3. Respiratory Disorders 8.4. Cancer 9. Risk Analysis 9.1. Demand Risk Analysis 9.2. Supply Risk Analysis 10. Global Remote Patient Monitoring Market Outlook 10.1. Market Size and Forecast, 2018-2027 10.1.1. By Value (USD Million) 10.2. Global Remote Patient Monitoring Market Segmentation, 2018-2027 10.2.1. By Product 10.2.2. By Type 10.2.3. By End-user 10.2.4. By Region 11. Competitive Structure 11.1. Detailed Overview 11.2. Assessment of Key Product Offerings 11.3. Analysis of Growth Strategies 11.4. Key Collaborations and Joint Ventures 11.5. Key Mergers and Acquisitions 11.6. Recent News and Developments 11.7. Key Clients and Partners 11.8. Exhaustive Analysis on Key Financial Indicators 11.9. Company Profiles of Global Remote Patient Monitoring Market 11.9.1. Biotelemetry Inc. 11.9.2. Mindray 11.9.3. Resideo 11.9.4. Abbott 11.9.5. Boston Scientific 11.9.6. GE Healthcare 11.9.7. Medtronic 11.9.8. Roche 11.9.9. Zoll Medical 12. Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ngxjau Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] 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 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Leading Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has commended Israel, China and India for contracting the airline to evacuate their citizens to their countries due to COVID-19 pandemic. The Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyeama, gave the commendation in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the airline on Sunday evacuated 312 Indian citizens from Nigeria to their country in a 10-hour non-stop flight. The flight, which departed on Sunday from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was operated with a B777 aircraft with registration number 5N-BWI. The flight, operated by 15 crew members, later arrived the Cochin International Airport in Kerala. NAN reports that Air Peace had also evacuated about 210 Israelis from Nigeria to Tel-Aviv on March 29, evacuated about 301 Chinese from Lagos airport to Guangzhou, China, on May 28, and also evacuated 286 Indians to Kochi from Lagos last Sunday. Mr Onyema said Air Peace was grateful to the three countries for the confidence they reposed in it, which in no small measure portrayed their support for the development of Nigerian airlines. He said: Israel blazed the trail when it approved the evacuation of its citizens from Lagos and Abuja to Tel-Aviv, followed by China and India. For these three countries to engage Air Peace to carry out the evacuation exercise speaks volumes about the level of confidence they have on the airline and its safety standards. This feat has been attested to by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification of our airline. What the three countries have done will help in creating and sustaining jobs for Nigerians and by identifying with a Nigerian carrier at this time shows that they love our country and their support has challenged us to do more by improving on our achievements. Air Peace is grateful to the government of these countries. Their support means a lot to us. It shows that they truly have the interest of Nigeria at heart. Mr Onyema noted that the gesture shown by Israel, China and India would not go unnoticed by the Nigerian public, which over the years have yearned for viable Nigerian carriers like Air Peace. According to him, such airlines could be flying them to different parts of the world, as it is known that Nigerians are great travellers. (NAN) World Vision launches historic $350M campaign against extreme poverty as coronavirus could erase progress Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Warning that the world could experience a 30-year setback in the fight against extreme poverty without intervention amid the coronavirus pandemic, evangelical Christian humanitarian aid organization World Vision has launched a $350 million campaign to help some 72 million people globally with pastors as key players. [This is] the largest ever global response in our 70-year history largest ever, Edgar Sandoval, president of the development organization, told The Christian Post in a recent interview. We are aiming to reach 72 million people, including 36 million children. To do this, we need to raise $350 million and thats what everyone is working really hard to do to raise the funds that we need to serve the most vulnerable. Extreme poverty, according to the World Bank, is living on less than $1.90 a day. The most recent available estimates from 2015 show that 10 percent of the worlds population or 734 million fall in that bracket. That figure is 36% lower than the 1.9 billion who were living in extreme poverty in 1990. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Sandoval believes the world could basically turn the clock back 30 years on extreme poverty if nothing is done. "This virus has the destructive power to potentially turn the clock back 30 years and all the progress that the world has made on eliminating extreme poverty, Sandoval said. It is urgent that we respond and that we respond with this level of scale. And pastors, said Sandoval, will serve as key players in helping them reach the worlds most vulnerable. We know that pastors and other faith leaders can be a real power, force, in stopping COVID-19 because they have the position of trust in their communities and they can, he said, noting that they are crucial in helping to combat misinformation about the disease. Drawing from previous experience, this is not the first time that World Vision is partnering with pastors and other faith leaders. This is something we have done in every single pandemic that we faced whether it is HIV and AIDS, or the Zika or Ebola outbreaks, this is the model that works, he said. He noted that during the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone in 2014, World Vision worked with pastors and faith leaders to help share safe but real practices and other ways for people to protect their families. Despite Sierra Leone being the epicenter of the Ebola crisis, not one of the 59,000 World Vision supported children and families died. Not one, he said. And that was only possible because of the great work that we did in partnership with the pastors and faith leaders. World Vision will be mobilizing their 37,000 staffers worldwide as well as their network of 400,000 pastors and other faith leaders in the areas where the organization operates along with some 220,000 community health workers. In their three-pronged global response, the organization will focus on: promoting preventative measures to stop the spread of the virus, supporting health systems and the workers that operate in those health systems, and addressing all the secondary impacts of the virus on children and communities. Just in our first two months of [the pandemic] weve already equipped over 36,000 pastors and faith leaders to disseminate the first phase of our response, Sandoval said. The humanitarian organization, which has also been doing significant work stateside to assist vulnerable communities with essential supplies through a network of churches, is primed to help during the pandemic due to seven decades of experience in the WASH sector. WASH is the collective term for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. World Vision is the worlds largest non-governmental provider of clean water in the world," Sandoval said. "We reach a new person with clean water every 10 seconds. We reach a new school with clean water every 60 seconds and so weve learned and weve become a world leader in sanitation, hygiene and clean water practices and so thats the expertise that has helped us and helped the communities that we serve fighting previous pandemics. And in this particular case, the WASH sector is fundamental, essential. The World Bank predicts that due to the coronavirus crisis as well as the oil price drop, the poor could suffer a disproportionate impact through job loss, loss of remittances, rising prices, and disruptions in services such as education and health care. The ongoing crisis, says the international monetary agency, will erase almost all the progress made in the last five years. For the first time since 1998, poverty rates will go up as the global economy falls into recession and there is a sharp drop in GDP per capita, the World Bank said in a recent report. In 2020, the agency also estimates between 40 million to 60 million people will fall into extreme poverty as a result of the coronavirus. The global extreme poverty rate could also rise by 0.3 to 0.7 percentage points, to around 9% in 2020. These are very different times and the amount of uncertainty is quite high, Sandoval said. World Vision has been focused on marching forward with its work through prayer, kindness and a bias for action. We believe this is our time. This is a time where every act of courage, love and belief in the name of Jesus does more than just stop the spread of fear, it replaces it with hope, he said of the work of his organization. He praised the faithfulness of World Visions donors and urged Americans to think about the vulnerable in the rest of the world as the U.S. looks to emerge from a period of high coronavirus deaths and infections. My prayer is that they will be on the minds of Americans especially now that the wealthy and the poor, the powerful and the weak, the north and the south, the east and the west, everyone is simultaneously vulnerable to this same imminent and present danger, he said. By Patricia Zengerle and Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON, June 3 (Reuters) - Five U.S. senators are to announce legislation on Wednesday to expand sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2, a natural gas pipeline that would increase exports to Germany but is opposed by many in Washington who say it would tighten Moscow's political and economic grip on Europe. The bill, called Protecting Europe's Energy Security Clarification Act, follows on legislation signed by President Donald Trump late last year. After the bill became law, Swiss-Dutch company Allseas immediately halted undersea work on the pipeline, which aims to double the capacity of an existing line sending Russian gas to Germany. But now two Russian-owned pipe-laying vessels will likely be used to finish the remaining 100 miles (160 km) of the project, led by state gas company Gazprom. Nord Stream 2, which would send gas under the Baltic Sea, could be launched by the end of 2020 or early next year, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said. The new legislation, whose sponsors include Senators Ted Cruz, a Republican, and Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, would expand the original sanctions to include penalties on parties involved in pipe-laying activities, not just pipe laying, and on parties providing underwriting services, insurance or reinsurance for the vessels. A copy of the bill was seen by Reuters. The bill, which must be passed by both chambers of Congress and signed by Trump before becoming law, also adds sanctions on companies providing services or facilities for the vessels including welding equipment, retrofitting, or tethering of the ships. Nord Stream 2 did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) TCN News Prominent leaders from Opposition parties during an online news conference on Monday condemned the arrests of scholars and activists amid the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown. Support TwoCircles Theres a need for a united political movement to oppose this government, said CPI general secretary D. Raja. He discussed that the Delhi Police reports to Home Minister Amit Shah and therefore he must be held responsible for their actions against peaceful protestors in the anti-CAA mass movement before the lockdown. The situation in US in the aftermath of police brutality against George Floyd was put into the Indian context, citing the example of the anti-Muslim violence in northeast Delhi in February. Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain remarked that the whole US boiled up in anger with the killing of one man whereas here in India we witness lynching and torture of people every day only because they belong to a particular community. He further spoke about Safoora Zargar, Ishrat Jahan, Khalid Saifi, Gulfisha Fatima, Sharjeel Imam, Shifa Ur-Rahman and others who were arrested during the lockdown under UAPA, demanding their release. Hussain expressed that every person with democratic values must rise against such arbitrary arrests and imprisonment of rights activists as they were being falsely accused of inciting Delhi pogrom against Muslims claiming 53 lives, hundreds of injuries and major loss of property. In the virtual conference, Opposition leaders voiced their support for these scholars and demanded that the government inquire into the real culprits who spread hate speech leading to communal violence. NCP leader Majeed Memon highlighted that Delhi Police is purposely delaying FIRs against BJP leaders who had engaged in hate speech hours before the massive communal rioting. Manoj Jha, RJD MP echoed support for activists saying that theirs is a constitutional fight and they, as leaders, would not allow the efforts to go to waste. The conference ended on a note to fellow politicians to act immediately to support those being prosecuted under false accusations. A New Zealand television presenter has returned to work for the first time since she tragically lost her unborn baby while in self-isolation. Hayley Holt, 39, who hosts TVNZ 1's Breakfast program, had been due to give birth to her son in July, according to the NZ Herald. Returning to screens on Wednesday, Hayley told viewers: 'I was really excited and could hardly sleep last night to come and be back with my whanau [extended family]. Love you guys,' 'I've missed you all and I just wanted to say, especially to [our viewers] out there as well, that the messages of support that were sent in on Facebook, Instagram - I broke my rule and I read the comments - they were beautiful,' she add with a smile. Hayley said she's managed to see the silver lining despite her tragic loss. 'I've been through a horrible, horrible experience, but the thing that I got out of it was the blessings,' she explained. Return: New Zealand television presenter Hayley Holt, 39, (pictured) has returned to TVNZ 1's Breakfast program for the first time since she tragically lost her unborn baby while in self-isolation 'I was really made aware of my blessings and the love of my family and my mum and dad and everybody who supported us.' The former Dancing with the Stars contestant proceeded to announce some happy news - she'd found love with the father of her late child. 'I've got a boyfriend! Josh and I have fallen in love,' Hayley said, adding that 'there is truth in the saying that love conquers all.' Brave: Returning to screens on Wednesday, Hayley told viewers: 'I was really excited and could hardly sleep last night to come and be back with my whanau [extended family]. Love you guys' Confirming that she's now in a 'really good place', Hayley declared: 'I'm full of gratitude for all that I have.' On May 8, TVNZ released a statement informing viewers that Hayley's unborn son had passed away while she was self-isolating amid the COVID-19 pandemic'. 'As we're sure you can understand, this is difficult news to share and we're asking you to assist us in respecting Hayley's privacy both while she's at home and when she returns to Breakfast,' the network's statement read. 'There is truth in the saying that love conquers all': The former Dancing with the Stars contestant proceeded to announce some happy news - that she'd found love with the father of her late child 'You've been part of this journey and we know you'll join all of us in the Breakfast family and the wider TVNZ team, in sending Hayley all your love and support. 'This is something which affects so many New Zealanders. If you need to talk about it, we can't recommend the teams at SANDS NZ or Baby Loss NZ highly enough.' Hayley had announced she was expecting live on her show in January, saying she was 'so happy' about the news after fearing her time had 'run out'. Heartbreaking: Hayley had reportedly been due to give birth to her son in July. On May 8, TVNZ released a statement informing viewers that Hayley's unborn son had passed away while she was self-isolating amid the COVID-19 pandemic' 'I've wanted this for a very long time and I thought my time had run out but it hasn't because it is happening!' she excitedly told her co-hosts. She confirmed her pregnancy after a viewer named Terry had sent in a letter remarking on her 'fuller' figure. 'Is Hayley pregnant or is it just today's outfit? Her bust and belly look quite full,' the viewer asked. 'As we're sure you can understand, this is difficult news to share and we're asking you to assist us in respecting Hayley's privacy both while she's at home and when she returns to Breakfast,' the network's statement read Hayley began her announcement by saying she had been indulging in some 'puds' over Christmas. 'I'd get angry and send someone to come and see you if, in fact, it wasn't true... because yes, Terry, I'm pregnant,' she said. Her co-hosts clapped and cheered at the news. Bittersweet: Hayley had announced she was expecting live on TVNZ 1's Breakfast program in January, saying she was 'so happy' about the news after fearing her time had 'run out' Hayley had joined the Breakfast panel in 2018 and revealed last year the schedule had impacted her social life. She said in an interview with Stuff that being single at her age was an 'anomaly' but her demanding job meant she was often tired in the evenings. She added that she was 'actually really happy now by myself' and didn't feel the need to be with someone just for the sake of it. Hayley also told Next in 2018 that fans often wanted to know what she was doing regarding conception. She admitted she had debated freezing her eggs but was put off by the cost and the 'scientific' nature of the procedure. By David Brunnstrom, Carl O'Donnell and Julie Steenhuysen WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior U.S. Army vaccine researcher said on Tuesday it was reasonable to expect that some sort of coronavirus vaccine could be available to part of the U.S. population by the end of the year. Defense Secretary Mark Esper vowed on May 15 that the U.S. military and other parts of the government would, in collaboration with the private sector, produce a vaccine at scale to treat the American people and partners abroad by year-end. Colonel Wendy Sammons-Jackson, director of the U.S. Military Infectious Disease Research Program, told a Pentagon news briefing it was "reasonable to expect that there will be some form of a vaccine that could be available at some level, to a certain population, by the end of the year." Another Army researcher, Dr. Kayvon Modjarrad, said researchers were learning about the new virus "faster than we have about any other virus before." "So, going to a vaccine in a matter of months, from concept all the way to Phase 3 clinical trials and potentially licensure is unprecedented. But in this case I think very much is possible." Army researchers said work was underway with U.S. and international companies, including AstraZeneca PLC, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna Inc and Sanofi SA, to develop anti-body drugs and vaccines and the military planned to test its own vaccine candidate on humans in the late summer. Scientists leading U.S. efforts told Reuters in late May the United States plans a massive testing effort involving more than 100,000 volunteers and a half dozen or so of the most promising vaccine candidates to deliver a safe and effective one by the end of 2020. Other U.S. authorities, including the National Institutes of Health and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, are also helping companies develop vaccines and therapies. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom, Carl O'Donnell and Julie Steenhuysen; Editing by Chris Reese, Leslie Adler and Tom Brown) AN ELDERLY man has died after suffering multiple injuries in a quad bike accident in Cork. The accident occurred shortly after 10am (Wednesday) at Coolanore outside Bantry where the 72 year old was operating the quad on a farm. It is understood the man was going to check on livestock when the accident occurred. Emergency services raced to the scene when the alarm was raised but, despite desperate efforts to help the pensioner, he was pronounced dead at the scene before he could be transferred to Bantry General Hospital (BGH). The man's body will later be brought to hospital for a full post mortem examination. Gardai are treating the incident as a tragic accident. As is routine in such cases, the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) have been notified. A file will now be prepared for the Cork Coroner's Office. It is the fourth farm-related tragedy in Cork in the space of just five months. In May, farmer John Reynolds (74) was killed after being attacked from behind by a bull and left severely gored. The accident occurred on a farm outside Ballinhassig. In April, grandfather Paddy Curtin (64) suffered fatal injuries on April 2 when he was similarly attacked by a bull as he was feeding animals. The fatal goring occurred on a property outside Charleville. Last January, another farmer died when the heavy door of a trailer struck him on the head as he was working. The man, who was in his 60s, died before he could be rushed to hospital. HSA figures revealed that, on average, a person dies in an accident on an Irish farm every 20 days. Farming remains the most dangerous workplace in Ireland in terms of overall fatal accidents. In 2019, a total of 18 people in farm accidents - the majority involving people aged 55 years. The majority of fatal farm accidents involve incidents with livestock, accidents with machinery and falls. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle recounted a story shes told before about the two black families hers being one of them in her grade school in St. Paul, Minnesota, just across the river from Minneapolis. But at a weekend news conference where she reflected on Floyds death, her recounting of the bullying she faced at the hands of racist kids somehow felt more brutal: From the first time I was in about first grade until about fourth grade, my younger brother and I were frequently waylaid by white boys on the way home from school. She said the boys called them racial slurs and started fights. The torment, she said, was one of the reasons she studied history, so she could discover why white people hated us so much. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee Ignores Victims of Police Brutality NEWS PROVIDED BY June 3, 2020 KNOXVILLE, Tenn., June 3, 2020 / Christian Newswire / -- Thousands of complaints have been filed in the state of Tennessee against law enforcement officers using excessive force, with no end in sight. On December 30, 2010, Christian missionary George Raudenbush was brutally beaten and barely escaped with his life. The individual responsible for the assault, Brian Millsaps, a City of Tellico Plains Police Officer. According to public records, Mr. Millsaps has a past documented history of using excessive force, having federal complaints filed against him, was charged with theft of city property, as well as reckless operation of a police vehicle. He was discharged from the Monroe County Sheriff's Department for violation of department policy. Mr. Millsaps also has had three separate failed marriages during the course of his public rampage of abuse of authority. See release at Christian Newswire What happens next is completely shocking. The Monroe County Sheriff's Department hires Brian Millsaps back and gives him a promotion! Mr. Raudenbush, as a result of the malicious attack is permanently physically disabled from head trauma and spinal injury. "I was attacked that night because I was bringing African American Youth Groups into Monroe County to perform mission work in the community, I was told to stop bringing in these groups by sheriff department officials and I didn't." See summary brief Mr. Raudenbush petitioned Governor Bill Haslam's office in 2018 about the coverup and abuses in Monroe County Tennessee however, the Tennessee Board of Parole obstructed Mr. Raudenbush's petition form ever reaching Governor Haslam's office according to the governor's former chief legal counsel, Dwight Tarawater. In August of 2019, Mr. Raudenbush again petitioned the governor's office asking newly elected Governor Bill Lee, whom Mr. Raudenbush voted for, to hear his petition and conduct an investigation. No such investigation was conducted according to Mr. Raudenbush and reflected by public records and no relief was granted. See summary brief Mr. Raudenbush spends his days in physical therapy under the Americans with Disabilities Act and he continues helping others in his limited capacity. Investigative Reporter Sharon Rondeau at The Post & Email has extensively covered Mr. Raudenbush's story since 2010. SOURCE Appalachian Youth Missions CONTACT: George J Raudenbush III, 865-228-9170, aym@aymissions.org Related Links RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is expected to announce plans Thursday to remove one of the countrys most iconic monuments to the Confederacy, a statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee along Richmonds prominent Monument Avenue, a senior administration official told The Associated Press. The move would be an extraordinary victory for civil rights activists, whose calls for the removal of that monument and others in this former capital of the Confederacy have been resisted for years. That is a symbol for so many people, black and otherwise, of a time gone by of hate and oppression and being made to feel less than, said Del. Jay Jones, a black lawmaker from Norfolk. He said he was overcome by emotion when he learned the statue was to come down. The Democratic governor will direct the statue to be moved off its massive pedestal and put into storage while his administration seeks input on a new location, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak before the governors announcement. Northams decision comes amid turmoil across the nation and around the world over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis officer pressed his knee into Floyds neck for several minutes, even after he stopped moving. Floyds death has sparked outrage over issues of racism and police brutality and prompted a new wave of Confederate memorial removals in which even some of their longtime defenders have relented. The Lee statue is one of five Confederate monuments along Monument Avenue, a prestigious residential street and National Historic Landmark district. Monuments along the avenue have been rallying points during protests in recent days over Floyds death, and they have been tagged with graffiti, including messages that say end police brutality and stop white supremacy. It was not immediately clear when the Lee statue would be removed. Other tragedies in recent years have prompted similar nationwide soul searching over Confederate monuments, which some people regard as inappropriate tributes to the Souths slave-holding past. Others compare monument removals to erasing history. Confederate memorials began coming down after a white supremacist killed nine black people at a Bible study in a church in South Carolina in 2015 and then again after a violent rally of white supremacists in Charlottesville in 2017. Also on Wednesday, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney announced plans to seek the removal of the other Confederate monuments along Monument Avenue, which include statues of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Confederate Gens. Stonewall Jackson and J.E.B. Stuart. Those statues sit on city land, unlike the Lee statue, which is on state property. Stoney said he would introduce an ordinance July 1 to have the statues removed. Thats when a new law goes into effect, which was signed earlier this year by Northam, that undoes an existing state law protecting Confederate monuments and instead lets local governments decide their fate. I appreciate the recommendations of the Monument Avenue Commission those were the appropriate recommendations at the time, Stoney said in a statement, referencing a panel he established that studied what should be done with the monuments and recommended the removal of the Davis tribute. But times have changed, and removing these statues will allow the healing process to begin for so many Black Richmonders and Virginians. Richmond is no longer the Capital of the Confederacy it is filled with diversity and love for all and we need to demonstrate that. Bill Gallasch, president of the Monument Avenue Preservation Society, said he worried the statues removal would change the soul of the street, hurt tourism in historic Richmond and stir up violence between far-right and far-left groups. The monument-removal plans also drew criticism from the Virginia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. And Republican state Sen. Amanda Chase, who is also running for governor, started a petition on her campaign website to save the statues. The radical left will not be satisfied until all white people are purged from our history books, Chases website said. But Joseph Rogers, a descendant of enslaved people and an organizer with the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality, said he felt like the voices of black people are finally being heard. Rogers spoke from the vicinity of the Lee Monument, where another rally was taking place late Wednesday afternoon and where he described one wave of cheering after another. I am proud to be black, proud to be Southern, proud to be here right now, he said. On Monday, President Donald Trump vowed, "we are ending the riots and lawlessness that has spread throughout our country," threatening to send "thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers," to end the uprisings fueled by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. At roughly the same time, a mix of law enforcement agencies was using "smoke canisters, pepper balls, riot shields, batons and officers on horseback to shove and chase" peaceful protesters so Trump could walk to a nearby church for a photo op (though the administration denied this was the purpose). Trump's declaration jarred Americans, and fostered widespread condemnation - and confusion. U.S. troops have been used sparingly on American soil in recent history - and not at all in the past 28 years - and some questioned whether Trump legally had the authority to approve such a deployment. Yet, despite the lack of recent precedents, the blurring of lines between civilian policing and military action dates back, not to the civil rights era, nor even to Jim Crow, but to the very dawn of the American republic. The use of militaristic violence to contain civil disorder is a technique as old as the union itself. America's first police force was the militia. We now associate the word "militia" with groups of agitators protesting against gun control in camouflage gear, but in the early years of the American republic, it had a different connotation. The militia was a volunteer civilian force made up of all able-bodied white male citizens between the ages of 18 and 45. They wore uniforms and met for training and inspections days, called "musters," several times a year. According to a 1792 act of Congress, they also had to carry "a good musket or firelock," "a bayonet" and "not less than twenty-four cartridges" suited to their chosen gun. The militia's official purpose was to maintain domestic law and order, and, if necessary, to act as a first line of defense against foreign invasion. It was a hybrid between an emergency service, a modern police force and a volunteer army. Newspaper reports from the 1790s show the militia putting out carriage fires, and intervening in disputes between customers and stallholders on market day. But militiamen were also called upon to participate in military efforts, and were often mixed in with U.S. Army troops during extended operations. Kentucky and Pennsylvania militiamen followed Gens. Josiah Harmar and Arthur St. Clair to the Ohio Valley in the early 1790s to wage war on Native American towns. In 1794, George Washington's administration raised a force of more than 12,000 militiamen to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion, and in 1798, Secretary of War James McHenry used Army units alongside the militia to suppress another Pennsylvania tax revolt, known as Fries's Rebellion. In both cases, the violence had largely subsided by the time the troops arrived, and their presence caused as many problems as it solved. According to historian Paul Douglas Newman, both armies disrupted local surroundings by requisitioning vast quantities of food and firewood, threatening civilians and even killing innocent bystanders. As part of their job as defenders of "order," militiamen were also essential to the regular policing of racial hierarchies in the early United States. In states with large enslaved populations, particularly in the South, the most important function of the local militia unit was to act as a slave patrol, shutting down gatherings of enslaved people and arresting those who were caught "strolling about from one plantation to another, without a pass from his or her master, mistress, or owner," according to a 1792 Virginia law. The same law required militia units to report these "offenders" to a justice of the peace, who would sentence them to "any number of lashes, not exceeding twenty, on his or her bare back." Together with regular troops, militiamen also took part in brutally crushing slave rebellions like the 1811 German Coast Uprising in Louisiana. Far from behaving as neutral enforcers of the law, militia units sometimes used moments of crisis to act out, violently, their own political desires. In 1798, a Federalist militia company in Lancaster County, Pa., used Fries's Rebellion as an opportunity to beat up Jacob Schneider, a local Republican newspaper editor. The militiamen dragged Schneider from his home and whipped him in the market square of Reading, Pa., stopping only when forced by the arrival of a competing Republican militia company. The political unreliability of local militia units troubled federal politicians in the 1790s and 1800s. The Haitian Revolution and the attempt by former vice president Aaron Burr to foment insurrection in the West heightened lawmakers' fears of armed rebellion, be it by enslaved African Americans or by white dissidents. They worried that militiamen lacked the discipline and loyalty to enforce the law in periods of major crisis. In 1807, therefore, Congress passed the Insurrection Act, which authorized "the employment of the land and naval forces of the United States, in cases of insurrection." The law gave the president the power to use the Army and Navy to quash domestic unrest, legalizing the practice of mixing together militiamen and soldiers to put down revolts. The first civilian police forces in the United States were established on a municipal level in the 1840s and 1850s, following the example of London's Metropolitan Police (established 1829). These forces were designed to take over responsibility for preventing crime and disorder from the militia and the army. In theory, the demilitarization of American policing seemed to be complete with the Posse Comitatus Act, signed into law by Rutherford B. Hayes on June 18, 1878. Under section 15, Congress made it illegal "to employ any part of the Army of the United States . . . for the purpose of executing the laws" without the "authorization by the Constitution or by an act of Congress." This last clause constituted a very large loophole because Congress never repealed the Insurrection Act. As such, presidents have been able to use the U.S. military on dozens of occasions domestically, including by President Eisenhower to enforce a court order desegregating Little Rock High School in 1957 and by President Johnson during the uprisings following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968. Most recently, President George H.W. Bush used it during the Los Angeles uprising in 1992. While much has changed about the American military since the 18th and early 19th centuries - including its dramatic growth - in 2020 we still have a reserve militia and a separate professional military. Through a 1903 act of Congress, the militia of the United States was renamed the National Guard, which, over the course of the 20th century, has become far more efficiently militarized than the unreliable local companies of the 1790s. Many governors have called out the Guard in recent days in an attempt to restore order. The Insurrection Act gives Trump the power to deploy the U.S. military alongside the National Guard. But the question raised by history is not whether such a move would be legal - it's whether deploying the Army against the protesters would do more harm than good. From the suppression of tax revolts in western Pennsylvania to the crushing of slave uprisings in the South, the use of military force for policing on American soil in the early United States came at a heavy cost, stoking fear and causing death and destruction. Leaders must ask themselves whether they are willing to risk causing more harm to American citizens already overburdened with economic instability, the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing racist violence. - - - Mallon is a doctoral candidate in History at the University of Oxford, where she works on state-federal relations in the early American republic. BASS LAKE A search is underway for a local man presumed drowned in Bass Lake in Starke County, according to Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Tyler Brock. The man, who is in his late 30s, was swimming in the lake with his girlfriend when he went under the water shortly before 3 p.m. and did not resurface, Brock said. The couple were swimming in a shallow area of the lake known as the point, he said. The DNR is searching the water by boat using sonar, Brock said. They are being aided by area firefighters and a dive team. "Please avoid the area as there are divers in the water," the DNR posted on social media. Come back to nwi.com for more details on this breaking story. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 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. NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore) has asked President Donald Trump to immediately revoke the $600 federal supplemental unemployment insurance benefit for people arrested for looting. Borellis call to the president comes after several nights of looting and unrest across New York City, prompting Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to order a citywide curfew on Monday. The mass looting of commercial property along 5th Avenue and throughout significant swaths of Manhattan and Brooklyn is doing irreparable damage to the sense of safety in New York City, said Borelli, an honorary state chairman for Trumps re-election campaign. Witnessing looters emptying Apple stores and exiting the store only to be violently assaulted and robbed by other criminals has shaken the confidence of everyday New Yorkers who are afraid to travel to work, hospitals, and shop for necessities. It is unfair and unacceptable that people who are furloughed from retail stores are receiving the same supplemental benefit as those who are smashing and looting retail stores and I hope this can be addressed immediately. The $600 benefit is part of the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package known as the CARES Act lawmakers passed March, and serves a supplement to unemployment benefits. Borelli said the $600 benefit should also be revoked for those who are arrested for committing violent crimes. The White House did not return requests for comment at press time. A citywide curfew began at 11 p.m. Monday evening in response to protests that ended with violence, rioting and looting in Brooklyn and parts of Manhattan over the weekend. The protests were sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis last Monday after a white police officer kneeled on Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes. However, the mayor started the curfew three hours earlier at 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening after looters broke into a number of stores along 5th Avenue and in the Bronx Monday evening. On Tuesday morning, Island elected officials called on the mayor to bring in the National Guard to New York City to keep the peace, but de Blasio refused to do so, arguing that no good would come out of them coming to the city and that they do not understand the local community. In Brooklyn, where police had clashed with protesters over the weekend, protests reportedly were peaceful on Monday evening. The NYPD said Wednesday that they had arrested about 290 protesters and looters overnight. Though unrest has been seen in parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx, rallies have remained peaceful on Staten Island. On Wednesday morning, de Blasio told reporters during a press conference that Tuesday night was a step forward from the previous days of unrest. Overall it was a very different reality in New York City last night and the areas that had been particularly affected in Midtown, Manhattan and parts of the Bronx the night before, did not see that kind of activity in any meaningful number last night de Blasio said. NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea posted a photo showing boxes of bricks as evidence of organized looting, which had been found at a number of locations across the city. This is what our cops are up against: Organized looters, strategically placing caches of bricks & rocks at locations throughout NYC. pic.twitter.com/HT317TjoqH Commissioner Shea (@NYPDShea) June 3, 2020 Shea said cops found that vehicles had been used to transport looted goods and scout out locations and take people to and from different areas. He said that some looters had come from the Bronx and Brooklyn and were using the George Floyd protests as cover and going off to intentionally cause unrest. However, he cautioned that, by and large, looters separate from the protesters. I think I draw a line of distinction between the protest overwhelmingly and some people trying to disrupt that and cause mayhem, and then when you get to the looters, I draw a distinction between the protestors and the looting, these are people taking advantage, Shea told reporters during a press briefing with the mayor. He said some of the looters had stolen bricks from construction sites and filled up water bottles with cement and thrown them at cop cars. Cops had also discovered that pre-staged objects like bricks were not isolated incidents and that the NYPD had found that bricks were being taken to peaceful protests. There is an orchestrated attack specifically on members of law enforcement across the country and we are seeing it unfortunately alive and well in New York City, he said. FOLLOW SYDNEY KASHIWAGI ON TWITTER. English Finnish Helsinki, Finland June 3, 2020 SSH Communications Security Corporation announced that SSH Founder Tatu Ylonen has yesterday sold 4.93 million shares in SSH to investment fund Accendo Capital SICAV, SIF. The amount corresponds to approximately 12.7% of the companys total shares outstanding. With this transaction, Accendo becomes the largest shareholder of SSH, with 29.2% of the company. Tatu Ylonen is now the second-largest shareholder of SSH after the sale with 18.0% of the company. Accendo Capital is an investment fund focusing on creating shareholder value through active ownership in publicly listed Northern European companies that are driving, or benefiting from, technological innovation. This transaction is a logical continuation of the initial transaction on May 22, 2020, and it is aligned with our investment strategy. We seek significant minority positions and typically engage on the Board of Directors to create shareholder value with a long-term view, said Henri Osterlund, Founder and Senior Partner of Accendo Capital. We strive to be a dedicated, entrepreneurial shareholder that improves portfolio companies strategic clarity, financial understanding, and interest alignment among owners, Board, and management." I plan to continue as a shareholder and board member at SSH and help the company build solid growth with its innovative products, said SSH Founder Tatu Ylonen. About SSH Communications Security Corporation SSH helps organizations access, secure, and control their digital core their critical data, applications, and services. SSH has over 3,000 customers worldwide, including 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies, many of the world's largest financial institutions, and major organizations in all verticals. SSH is committed to helping customers thrive in the cloud era with solutions that offer secure access with zero inertia, zero friction, and zero credentials risk. For more information, please visit www.ssh.com . For more information: Accendo Capital Henri Osterlund henri.osterlund@accendofund.com tel. +376 632 701 Amid anti-racism protests across the United States, California's San Diego city on Monday announced an immediate ban on the controversial carotid restraint a chokehold. Mayor Kevin Faulconer led a procession of city officials and community activists in hailing what they called a historical moment and a new chapter in police-community relations. Agencies In the wake of the apparent choking death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, city officials hope that the ban on the chokehold would help avoid fatal encounters. At least three major police departments have banned similar neck holds or chokeholds amid increasing attention on policing maneuvers that cut off oxygen to persons under arrest or restraint. Former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin used a similarly controversial knee-to-neck restraint, pressing his knee into Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes, resulting his death. AFP In San Diego, Police Chief David Nisleit and local elected officials announced Monday that officers would immediately stop using the carotid restraint as a use-of-force procedure amid nationwide protests against police brutality. San Diegos announcement that its officers will no longer use the technique comes on the heels of two days of protesting that has turned riotous in the region and the country after the death of George Floyd, who was handcuffed, in custody and on the ground when a Minneapolis police officer held a knee on his neck for several minutes. Floyd can be heard pleading, saying he could not breathe. The incident was caught on video and has sparked anger nationwide. Prime Minister Abe Shinzo says he maintains the goal of raising the country's minimum wage, while taking into account the situations of small- and medium-sized companies reeling from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Abe was speaking at a meeting on social security issues on Wednesday. Last year, the Cabinet approved the plan to raise the minimum hourly wage to 1,000 yen, or about nine dollars, at an early date. Abe said raising wages is important to keep a virtuous economic cycle going. But he noted that the coronavirus pandemic has hit hard Japan's economy and employment. He stressed that the government and the private sector should give the top priority to protecting jobs. Abe instructed the labor minister, Kato Katsunobu, to study how much the minimum wage should be raised, while considering the impact of the raise on small- and mid-sized businesses in difficulty. The Ministry of Health has added new drugs to its protocol for treating Covid-19. They include inteferons, drugs that are used in treating many diseases that involve the immune system, for patients with moderate and severe symptoms, to be taken inside hospitals and under direct medical supervision. They also include hydroxychloroquine. We have decided to use hydroxychloroquine which has been shown to be effective in treating Covid-19 patients, Gehan Al-Assal, a member of the Health Ministrys Scientific and Medical Committee, told Al-Ahram Weekly. She confirmed, however, that hydroxychloroquine will not be used to treat patients suffering from specific diseases of the heart and liver. According to Al-Assal, the committee removed the Tamiflu from the medical protocol. It has been replaced with more effective antivirals, hydroxychloroquine, immunity boosting drugs, vitamin C, zinc and antibiotics. Plasma from patients who have had Covid-19 is now being administered to critical patients, 30 of whom have recovered after receiving the treatment, leading to Al-Assal to call on people who have had Covid-19 to donate blood. The therapeutic protocol divides cases into those exhibiting mild, moderate and critical symptoms. In mild cases, 400 mg of hydroxychloroquine is administered every 12 hours on the first day, followed by 200 mg every 12 hours for the next six days. They also receive zinc, vitamin C, anticoagulants and anti-fever medication. Moderate cases - patients suffering from fever, respiratory symptoms, or pneumonia - receive 400 mg of hydroxychloroquine every 12 hours for one day followed by 200 mg every 12 hours for the next ten days; 75 mg of oseltamivir twice a day for 10 days; 500 mg of Azithromycin a day for five days; zinc; vitamin C and anticoagulants. Corticosteroids will be available to some patients, as needed, but will be administered in hospital under direct medical supervision. The use of antibiotics, says Al-Assal, will be determined by the presence of clinical signs of infection in moderate to severe cases. Anticoagulant drugs will be prescribed to those at risk of developing blood clots, and are a cornerstone of the coronavirus medical protocol. ICU patients with pneumonia will be provided with Tocilizumab. Meanwhile, Health Ministry Spokesman Khaled Megahed said kits containing medication for the treatment of Covid-19 were being distributed to health units and hospitals to be given to patients who will be quarantining at home. The kits contain everything needed to treat Covid-19 for a week. At the end of the first week, the patient should return to the hospital or health unit for a check-up. If the patient still needs further medication, he will be provided with another kit, said Megahed. Megahed said the guidelines for patients isolating at home include the patient staying alone in separate room that is properly ventilated for 14 days, using their own utensils and, if possible, their own bathroom. If this is not possible the bathroom should be sterilised each time the patients use it. In the case of children isolating within the home, a healthy parent ie, one who does not have an underlying health condition - should attend to the childs needs while taking all precautionary measures: wearing masks, frequently washing hands and keeping a distance of no less than two metres between them and the child. If a domestically isolating patient develops pathological symptoms, s/he should go immediately to a hospital. Pathological symptoms include a fever for three consecutive days, shortness of breath, chest pain that impairs breathing, dehydration, cramps (especially in children), impaired consciousness and severe cough. *A version of this article appears in print in the 4 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Vietnams most critically ill Covid-19 patient has been disconnected from the ECMO machine after 57 days following signs of recovery. "Patient 91," a 43-year-old British man working as a pilot for national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, was disconnected from the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine with stable blood pressure and pulse, a representative of Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City said Wednesday. This ended 57 days of ECMO treatment for the patient. He still needs to use a ventilator, but his liver and kidney functions have returned to normal, and his lung infections has improved. Luong Ngoc Khue, deputy head of the Subcommittee for the Prevention and Treatment of Covid-19, said that the patients condition was still severe. It will take weeks for him to be able to function free of the ventilator and recover movement, he said. Doctors will continue to use antibiotics to treat his infections and have him undergo physical therapy to recover his muscle and respiratory functions. The patient was confirmed to have contracted the novel coronavirus on March 18. His condition worsened and he slipped into a coma for over two months. He was declared free of the novel coronavirus on May 20 after seven negative tests in a row, and transferred from the HCMC Hospital for Tropical Diseases to Cho Ray Hospital for further treatment. Vietnam has confirmed 328 Covid-19 cases so far, of whom 302 have recovered, leaving 26 active cases. CLEVELAND, Ohio Ohio National Guard Adjutant Gen. John Harris said Tuesday that Ohio National Guard members have been dispatched to Washington to assist in quelling protests and riots. During Gov. Mike DeWines Tuesday coronavirus briefing, Harris said U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper requested assistance from states after President Donald Trump mobilized the military on Monday to respond to demonstrations. Washington, like other American cities, has been the site of massive protests sometimes turning into riots over the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by a white Minneapolis police officer. Regarding the mission in Washington, D.C., we did this morning send 100 of our trained soldiers to Washington, D.C. to support that mission that was supported by the secretary of defense, Harris said. Trump announced Monday he was activating military forces to respond to the protests in the District of Columbia. During his announcement, military police tear-gassed non-violent protesters outside the White House, clearing the way for Trump to stage a photo-op at St. Johns Episcopal Church. Federal officers from other departments, such as Customs and Border Patrol, have also been deployed by Trump. The Ohio National Guard was already deployed on missions in Ohio, helping food banks distribute food and assisting state officials with coronavirus testing in nursing homes. The Guard has also been dispatched to Cleveland and Columbus at the request of mayors of those cities. Both cities have been the scenes of protests that ended with authorities using force against demonstrators, rioting and looting. Read more cleveland.com politics coverage: Sen. Sherrod Brown denounces President Trumps handling of protests, Sen. Rob Portman calls for a national commission on race Protests, coronavirus divert state troopers from Ohio highways 2,258 Ohioans have died with coronavirus: Gov. Mike DeWines Tuesday update Ohio Legislative Black Caucus introduce resolutions to declare racism a public health crisis As India is dealing with the double whammy of cyclone Nisarga along with the coronavirus pandemic, a horrific event of a pregnant wild elephant being killed in Keralas Silent Valley National Park (Palakkad) left many deeply saddened according to a report by Business Insider India. The 15-year-old pregnant elephant tried to eat a fruit, believed to be a pineapple, likely stuffed with explosives. While the one-month pregnant elephant died on May 27, it isnt clear when or where the explosive-laden fruit exploded in her mouth that broke her jaw. Based on the nature of its wound, we are assuming that it died due to explosives. We are suspecting that the elephant fell prey to the explosive snare used to fend off wild boars, KK Sunil Kumar, Mannarkkad Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), told The News Minute (TNM). Using snares to trap, wound or kill an animal is a cruel practice, and even an attempt to do so is punishable under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Wild elephants are a protected species under Schedule 1 of Act. Maybe animals are less wild and humans less human. What happened with that #elephant is heartbreaking, inhumane and unacceptable! Strict action should be taken against the culprits. #AllLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/sOmUsL3Ayc Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) June 3, 2020 Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Surendrakumar told TNM that the injuries did show that the elephant was injured due to an explosive. This much we can say for sure now. Who was behind it and what happened, we are investigating, he said. There seems to be a discrepancy on how the elephant came in contact with the explosive, which is referred to as crackers in India. TNM reported that Mannarkkad Divisional Forest Officer Sunil explained that people illegally use two-feet-high fences laden with explosive snares in forest ranges to protect their fields against wild animals, especially boars. In addition, there is another illegal practice where animals eat fruit stuffed with poison or such bombs. In such a scenario, the wild boar is killed for its meat. There is no evidence now to suggest that the elephant was intentionally fed such an explosive. In fact, we are also investigating if it bit a fruit laden with explosives or directly bit these snares, said Sunil, adding, In this case, it is possible the elephant was injured due to these explosives. On the other hand, some reports mention the elephant wandered through the local village looking for food and was given a pineapple stuffed with crackers. NDTV reported on Tuesday that Mohan Krishnan, a member of the Rapid Response team, wrote about the heart-wrenching incident noting that the elephants tongue and mouth were badly injured so she was unable to eat. And despite being injured for days, the elephant never attacked any human settlements. "Even with that agonizing pain, she did not destroy any houses or injure any person. She was a good animal," he wrote. According to NDTV, the elephant eventually walked to the Velliyar River and stood there. Photos showed the elephant standing with her mouth and trunk in the water, perhaps for some relief from the pain. The forest officer said she must have done this to avoid flies and other insects on her injuries. After hours of attempts by the officials to rescue the elephant, she died at 4 p.m. May 27, standing in water. Many took to Twitter indicating the elephant was offered the cracker-laden pineapple by locals in the nearby village. How?????? How can something like this happen??? Do people not have hearts??? My heart has shattered and broken... The perpetrators need to be punished in the STRICTEST way. @PetaIndia @CMOKerala pic.twitter.com/697VQXYvmb Shraddha (@ShraddhaKapoor) June 2, 2020 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. Read more: The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations or CEPI, in collaboration with Ind-CEPI, has announced a new partnering agreement with a consortium comprising Bharat Biotech and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to advance the development of a Chikungunya vaccine. A release put out by Bharat Biotech says, the CEPI will fund the consortium with up to $14.1 million for vaccine manufacturing and clinical development of a two-dose live-inactivated vaccine (BBV87) against Chikungunya. Those in the industry, however, say efforts to develop this vaccine are on in other countries too and the development announced today has been in the works since the pre-COVID days and seems to have fructified now. Some also argue that in today's context, it is not quite an emergency vaccine compared to others, but Chikungunya vaccine is certainly important for India. This grant is supported by the European Union (EU)'s Horizon 2020 programme through an existing framework partnership agreement with CEPI. The consortium will be further supported with a grant of up to $2 million from the government's Ind-CEPI initiative which will fund the set-up of GMP manufacturing facilities for the vaccine in India, and the subsequent manufacture of clinical trial materials. In addition to manufacturing, the note says, the partnering agreement will finance a multi-centre Phase 2/3 adaptive clinical trial to be conducted by IVI in Colombia, Panama and Thailand, which will provide crucial data about the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate. There is no detailing in terms of the timeline and by when one could expect the vaccine. According to Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, Chikungunya continues to be a threat to public health in countries around the globe. "It is a painful and debilitating disease for which there is no licensed vaccine or treatment. Through this partnership with Bharat Biotech and IVI we will accelerate the clinical development of the Chikungunya vaccine candidate, with the aim of producing a vaccine and making it accessible to those most affected by the disease," he says. Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Chairperson, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) says: "Chikungunya has emerged as an important public health problem in India. The development of an effective Chikungunya vaccine will be a game changer in the global health sector. Under the Ind-CEPI mission, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India will support Bharat Biotech for this collaborative project, the first initiative of this mission, to expedite the development of Chikungunya vaccine." Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Biotech makes an important point. "We are witnessing that today's neglected diseases are susceptible to become tomorrow's pandemics and with this collaboration we have the opportunity to tackle them proactively." Bharat Biotech has also been in the news for its involvement in the vaccine development for COVID-19. Early last month, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had announced that the ICMR and Bharat Biotech had partnered to develop a fully indigenous vaccine for COVID-19 using the virus strain isolated at ICMR's National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. ICMR further said that the work on vaccine development has been initiated between the two partners. "ICMR-NIV will provide continuous support to Bharat Biotech for vaccine development. ICMR and Bharat Biotech will seek fast-track approvals to expedite vaccine development, subsequent animal studies and clinical evaluation of the candidate vaccine." Also read: Coronavirus Lockdown XX: 276 million unemployed, economy in doldrums; time to recaliberate India's response Also Read: Meet multi-millionaire Kotakites: 5 executives worth Rs 100 crore each in Kotak Bank Chinese Poet and Wife Arrested for Inciting Subversion Honest News Straight to Your Home. Try the Epoch Times yourself, and get a free gift. As the sensitive day of June 4 approaches, on May 30, a mainland poet, Wang Zang, and his wife were arrested from home by the police, and their house was raided. Wang Zangs wife was released in the early hours of the following day, while Wang Zangs whereabouts remained unknown. Before his capture, Wangzangs family was under 24-hour strict surveillance and was followed by undercover police when they went out. On the 31st, Wang Li (real name: Wang Liqin), wife of the mainland poet Wang Zang, sent a message asking people to help Wang Zang, saying that at 4:30 p.m. on the 30th, more than 20 people came into their house, and probably another 20 to 30 people waited outside. Police took her away along with Wang Zang. She was taken to the police station in Chuxiong and was not released home until the early morning of the 31st. As for Wang Zang, his whereabouts are still unknown. She returned home and found her familys bank cards, ID cards, Wang Zangs passport, various other important documents, as well as her and Wang Zangs cell phones were all taken. There are four people at home guarding us right now, and theres also a police car at the gate of my residential neighborhood. Ni Yulan, a Beijing-based human rights advocate concerned about Wang Zangs arrest, said that with four children to take care of at home while with her bank cards taken away, Wang Zang will face a difficult life. Beijing-based right advocate, Ni Yulan: (Wang Zhang was) arrested along with his wife. His wife was then released. Their home was raided, their bank cards and cell phones were all taken. They have four kids in the family, some are in elementary school, some are still in kindergarten. How are they going to survive if their bank accounts are frozen? Prior to Wang Zangs arrest, the family was under strict 24-hour surveillance. There are videos from the 24th and 25th on Twitter showing Wang Zang and Wang Li being followed by multiple plainclothes police officers. In one video, Wang Zang expressed his complaints. In the live video, Wang Zang said: You are following me even when Im just going out for groceries. To the police in Chuxiong, Yunnan, China, we did not break a law or commit a crime. Not mentioning you have been tailing us for months, following us wherever we go. That day we were followed by 8 police for 24 hours. Is this a society based on the rule of law? May I ask, my friends from all over the world, citizens from all over the world, is this Chinas society under the rule of law? Ni Yulan expressed that the CCP authorities began to closely monitor politically sensitive people such as dissidents and human rights activists prior to the two sessions. Beijing Rights Activist, Ni Yulan: They place you under arrest for subversion of state power. But no matter what crime they arrest you for, they always give you extra security. I think this has something to do with June 4th. Now (prisoners) in Beijing are all being watched, they are not free to go anywhere. They are all being watched prior to Chinas annual parliamentary meetings. Youll have to wait till June 4th for them to loosen their watch. Born after the 1980s and considered Chinas youngest critic poet, Wang Zang, whose real name is Wang Yuwen, is the author of several poetry collections. He was arrested in October 2014 for voicing his support online to the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement and was released in July 2015. Wang Zang was threatened and expelled by the police while living in Beijing and was forced to move his house multiple times. In 2017, his wife, Wang Li, developed a mental disorder due to stress, and the family moved back to their hometown in Yunnan. Tesco's finance chief, who helped steer the group from an accounting scandal to a successful turnaround, is to retire, setting the stage for an entirely new top executive team at Britain's biggest retailer by next May. Alan Stewart will depart next April, Tesco said yesterday, six months after CEO Dave Lewis is due to step down and be replaced by Ken Murphy, a former executive at healthcare group Walgreens Boots Alliance. Tesco was on its knees in September 2014 when Mr Stewart left Marks and Spencer to join the supermarket group as chief financial officer. The accounting scandal knocked millions off Tesco's profits and billions from its share price. In April 2015, the group reported an annual loss of 6.4bn (7.1bn), one of the biggest in British corporate history. But by October last year Mr Lewis, CEO since 2014, declared Tesco's turnaround complete and this April it reported annual core profits of 3bn (3.3bn). "Along with Dave Lewis, he (Mr Stewart) is a key component in effectively saving Tesco," said Shore Capital analyst Clive Black. Tesco said in its statement that Mr Stewart had led the firm's corporate restructuring, rebuilt its balance sheet, guided it back to investment grade and played a huge role in the financial transformation of the business in the last six years. Mr Stewart will leave on April 30, 2021, and the board will now conduct a search both internally and externally to identify a successor, it said. That means from May 2021, Tesco chairman John Allan will have a totally new main board executive team. Tesco said Mr Stewart has been granted "good leaver" status for his various deferred bonuses and share schemes, conditional on him not taking up employment as a director, consultant or adviser with retail sector competitors for six months after he leaves. Reuters - Taylor Swift posted on her Instagram account to express her hope that the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 in the Philippines will be scrapped - The new anti-terror bill has been criticized by many Filipinos and netizens on social media - The critics argue that it has the potential to be abused and used against critics of the government - There are also Filipino celebrities who slammed the new anti-terrorism bill, including Janine Gutierrez, Solenn Heussaff, K Brosas, and Senator Kiko Pangilinans daughter, Frankie Pangilinan PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Taylor Swift went viral after sharing her thoughts on the Philippines Senate Bill 1083, also known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. According to the international pop superstar, the bill should be junked. The new anti-terror bill has also been slammed by many Filipinos and netizens on social media. The critics of the bill argue that it has the potential to be abused and used against critics of the government who are not actually engaged in terrorism. Junk terror bill! When youre done: Educate yourself. This doesnt go away once the topic isnt trending, Taylor posted on her Instagram stories. PAY ATTENTION: Shop with KAMI! The best offers and discounts on the market, product reviews and feedback There are also Filipino celebrities who slammed the new anti-terrorism bill, including Janine Gutierrez, Solenn Heussaff, K Brosas, and Senator Kiko Pangilinans daughter, Frankie Pangilinan. PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 extends the number of days suspected terrorists can be detained without a warrant from three days under the current law to up to 14 days, which can be extended for another 10 days. The bill also removed the provision under the Human Security Act that a person wrongfully accused of terrorism must be paid half a million pesos in damages for each day he or she is detained. Any person who shall threaten to commit any act of terrorism, propose any terroristic acts or incite others to commit terrorism will be imprisoned for 12 years, under the new bill. It also allows the authorities to conduct a 60-day surveillance on suspected terrorists and force telcos to divulge their calls and messages. 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 By Express News Service BENGALURU: A study by UNICEF shows there are 30 different forms of physical and verbal abuse that Indian parents use on children as young as 0 to 6 years as part of disciplining efforts. The study 'Parenting Matters: Examining Parenting Approaches and Practices' conducted in two districts each in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, three districts in Rajasthan and four districts in Maharashtra in 2019 showed that, "Punishment, is a widely accepted method to discipline children for both boys and girls in families, schools and at the community level for both girls and boys." Speaking on the release of the report, Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF Representative in India said, "The various forms of violence against children includes physical violence (burning; pinching; slapping; beating with implements like stick, belts, rods) verbal abuse (blaming; criticizing; shouting; use of foul language); witnessing physical violence (towards one parent; towards siblings; outside the family) and emotional abuse (restricting movement; denying food; discrimination; instilling fear)," she said. During the pandemic like Ebola crisis, she said, "Our experience has showed that young children are more likely to experience violence, abuse and neglect as families struggle to cope, that could have a lifelong impact on them." Under COVID-19, there is an immediate need to designate child protection services as essential services. The response must include provision of critical health and social welfare and child protection services, including mental health and psychosocial support, and alternative care arrangements. "These services should be available to all, including children and migrants, those without parents, to ensure the protection for the most vulnerable children," she explained. ALSO READ| Laws lacking, child abusers not punished enough: Kerala HC The study also showed that girls and boys are raised very differently from a very early age with the burden of household chores, day to day restrictions, difference in the kind of toys given being imposed more on girls Mothers are the main caregivers for children while fathers are much less involved. However, the study found that in many cases they wanted to be involved but didn't know how to. Awareness on positive parenting practices are relevant now more than ever to promote both mental and physical well-being of children. Supporting parents and caregivers to provide young children with nurturing care in times of crisis is essential,"the study found. The UNICEF found that states like Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are forerunners in implementing innovative parenting programmes, that other states can adopt. With UNICEF support, parents, especially fathers, are being provided the information and skills to use material easily available in and around their homes. This has led to better and more parental engagement through storytelling, singing and playing with the child all critical for a childs brain development. This is also being done through training of Anganwadi and ASHA workers, so they can use their existing platforms effectively for parent engagement such as through monthly parent meetings and home visits. States are also organizing community events to involve all parents and caregivers around the importance of Eat, Play and Love, such as Palak (caregiver) Mela, in Maharashtra. UNICEF, together with partners, is also releasing several tools/resources/tips for parents to effectively engage with children on its website. In 2019, UNICEF reached with several community-based partners 1.2 million parents and caregivers with parenting programmes. The study recommended building skills of frontline workers to better engage with caregivers. It also highlights the need for quality engagement of fathers in caregiving to support their child's development. A 3D-printed logo for Twitter is seen in this picture illustration made in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina on Jan. 26, 2016. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters) Twitter Names Former Google CFO as Chairman Twitter said on June 2 it appointed Patrick Pichette, the former finance chief of Google, to the role of chairman, replacing Omid Kordestani. Pichette had been the lead independent director on Twitters board since the end of 2018. In this file photo, Patrick Pichette, then-CFO at Google (R) shakes hands with French Minister for Culture and Communication Frederic Mitterrand (L) at Googles headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., on March 11, 2011. (Ryan Anson/AFP/Getty Images) The appointment comes at a time when Twitter has drawn the ire of President Donald Trump after it added a fact-checking tag to two previous tweets. Twitter has also said his tweets on the Minneapolis protests had breached rules about glorifying violence. Trump on Friday signed an executive order threatening Silicon Valley social media firms with new free speech regulations. The company in March had reached an agreement with Elliott Management that lets Jack Dorsey stay as chief executive and adds three new directors, after Elliotts plan to push out the social media companys chief became public. Londons move, which Johnson said he would implement when China formally enacts the security law, could emerge as among the most significant ramifications of Beijings effort to undercut Hong Kongs freedoms and bring the city more closely under the Communist Partys authoritarian rule. It would potentially grant British residency and working rights to up to 40 percent of Hong Kongs population, raising the specter of a brain drain from the Asian financial center. Greece Protests Turkish Drilling Plans in Mediterranean By Anthee Carassava June 02, 2020 Greece has lodged strong protest with Turkey over Turkish plans to expand oil and gas exploration in in areas of the Mediterranean Sea that Greece considers its own. The Greek government has warned that any drilling in Greece's continental shelf areas will spark a heated response. Analysts warn that could spell a war between the two NATO allies. In a short but strongly worded statement, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said Greece was ready to take on what he called, "the Turkish provocation," warning Athens would respond if Ankara moved to start drilling in what it considers Greek waters. Dendias later met with Turkey's top envoy to Greece to express his dismay, but also to demand explanations on the controversial designs. The diplomatic protests come amid revelations in Greek and Turkish media that Turkey's state petroleum company has received license from the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to proceed with oil and gas explorations in a total of 24 locations in the East Mediterranean. No time frame was given for the drilling projects. But at least seven of them have been marked to take place just off the coast of some of Greece's major islands, including Rhodes and Crete. Despite the diplomatic protest, leading Greek government officials, like investment and development minister Adonis Georgiadis, appear to downplay Erdogan's designs. "We should remain calm," he says. "Greece should not rise to the bait of everything Turkey throws its way. There is no doubt that any showdown will be bad for both sides." But the diplomatic tensions could not come at a worse time for Greece. After two months of lockdown and a deluge of booking cancellations due to the coronavirus threat, Greece is scrambling to give its battered tourism on track and any semblance of tension between the two NATO neighbors is certain to spook tourists considering Greece and its Aegean isles as a summer vacation break. Even so, analysts like law professor at Angelos Syrigos at Panteion University in Athens say that Turkey's drilling designs should come as no surprise. Syrigos says there is no doubt that Turkey will proceed with its stated plan in the coming weeks. He says these media leaks about the 24 drilling locations in the Eastern Mediterranean amount to just a step in that direction and a war of nerves that Ankara is playing to test Greece's reaction. While both are NATO allies, Greece and Turkey have long challenged each other's sea and air rights in the oil and mineral rich Aegean Sea. But relations in recent months have suffered after Turkey clinched a controversial deal with Libya. The agreement effectively allows Turkey to explore and exploit the Mediterranean seabed for hundreds of miles, from its southwest coast to the northern tip of Libya. The problem for Greece is that several Greek islands, including Crete, lie in between and experts like Syrigos sea an armed conflict erupting if the government in Athens sees its territorial sovereignty violated. "A violent showdown is possible," he said. Erdogan, he added, is determined to assert himself and Turkey's interests on this important region. In recent years, the Eastern Mediterranean has yielded significant gas discoveries. Since then Egypt, Greece, Israel and Cyprus have been jockeying for greater control of the minerals-rich region, leaving Turkey alone to search on its own, even if it may now spell a showdown with Greece. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Defence Secretary Mark Esper broke with President Donald Trump on whether the US military should be utilised to crush George Floyd protests in cities across the country. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Mr Esper said he disagreed with the President's aspirations to deploy US military troops into the streets for the purposes of quelling the dissent movements triggered by the killing of Mr Floyd by former police officers in Minneapolis. "The option to use active duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort, and only in the most urgent and dire of situations," Mr Esper said. "We are not in one of those situations now. I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act." The Insurrection Act is an 1807 law allowing the president to use the US military to suppress civil unrest. CNN - citing sources familiar with the inner workings of the White House speaking anonymously - reported that Mr Trump and his top officials are "not happy" with Mr Esper's dissent. During the briefing, Mr Esper condemned the killing of Mr Floyd and called for the police officers involved to be punished. "The officers on the scene that day should be held accountable for his murder. It is a tragedy that we have seen repeat itself too many times," Mr Esper said. "With great sympathy, I want to extend the deepest of condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd from me and the Department. Racism is real in America, and we must all do our very best to recognise it, to confront it, and to eradicate it." In addition to taking a stance against Mr Trump's desire to use the military as a personal police force, Mr Esper also took the opportunity to distance himself from Mr Trump's decision to engage in a photo-op at St. John's Church after police forcibly removed protesters from the area. Mr Esper came under fire recently for using the word "battlespace" to describe protest scenes. The defence secretary was asked about that terminology during the press briefing and said it was simply a force of habit, as it was "something we use day in and day out ... it's part of our military lexicon that I grew up with ... it's not a phrase focused on people." He admitted that he would have used different wording if he could do it again. At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Trump's spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany said Mr Esper still enjoyed the president's confidence. Using the military as a means for crushing dissent isn't an idea solely entertained by Mr Trump. US Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican representing Arkansas, was quick to invoke not only the idea of using the military against protesters, but even fantasized about which units he'd like to see deployed against the citizenry. "Anarchy, rioting and looting needs to end tonight. If local law enforcement is overwhelmed and needs backup, let's see how tough these Antifa terrorists are when they're facing off with the 101st Airborne Division. We need to have zero tolerance for this destruction," Mr Cotton wrote. Mr Cotton was an officer in the 101st Airborne Division. Recommended Military trucks seen arriving at White House as protests continue He then went on to list all the groups he'd like to see fight "Antifa terrorists", including the 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne, 1st Cavalry, 3rd Infantry and "whatever it takes to restore order," even going so far as to call for "no quarter" for "insurrectionists, anarchist, rioters and looters." No quarter traditionally means that rather than capturing an enemy, they are killed. Mr Cotton frequently attributes the protests to anarchist and Antifa, despite the FBI reporting that they have no evidence linking Antifa to any acts of violence at the George Floyd protests. The coronavirus pandemic is shredding the global apparel industry, stripping hundreds of billions of dollars from sales and thrusting big names like J.Crew into bankruptcy protection. While no major fashion firms have been spared, Japan's Fast Retailing, owner of the Uniqlo brand and not far behind the world's No. 2 H&M in sales, looks well placed to cope with the crisis better than rivals. That's thanks to legions of faithful Chinese fans like 25-year-old IT worker Niu Ran, whose wardrobe is crammed with Uniqlo basics like shirts and socks and was looking for more in a ... LATEST June 3, 8:50 p.m. The National Guard has arrived in Vallejo after multiple nights of looting. On Tuesday, police shot and killed 22-year-old Sean Monterrosa of San Francisco, who police say was with a group of people targeting the Walgreens pharmacy. Police say Monterrosa was shot while kneeling after officers mistook a hammer he was holding for a handgun. June 3, 8 p.m. Hundreds of protesters in Oakland and San Francisco remain demonstrating past the 8 p.m. curfew in effect in both cities. Protesters in San Francisco are outside multiple locations, including City Hall and the Hall of Justice, while protesters in Oakland are outside City Hall. Many protesters in Oakland violated the curfew on Tuesday night but were not arrested, because the demonstration remained peaceful. The protest Wednesday night has also been peaceful. Twenty people were arrested in San Francisco on Tuesday for violating curfew, and Mayor London Breed said Wednesday will be the final night of curfew. June 3, 5 p.m. Peaceful protests continued across the Bay Area Wednesday evening prior the set curfew times across the region. Thousands marched through San Francisco's Mission District and while most wore masks, members of the large crowd did not attempt to keep six feet of separation from one another. The city's curfew is 8 p.m. June 3, 3 p.m. A number of peaceful protests against police brutality are under way across the Bay Area. Some of the largest gatherings include a march around Oakland's Lake Merritt, a gathering at Bell Street Park in East Palo Alto, and a group of Kaiser Permanente health care workers at Mosswood Park in Oakland. June 3, 1:50 p.m. West Wind has closed its drive-in movie theaters in Concord and San Jose due to the region's curfew orders. Contra Costa County is under an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew order until further notice, and San Jose is under a curfew order from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. until June 7. The theaters had previously re-opened last month and saw renewed popularity due to the coronavirus pandemic. June 3, 1:10 p.m. Stephen and Ayesha Curry joined a peaceful protest against police brutality around Oakland's Lake Merritt on Wednesday afternoon, adding their names to the long list of prominent athletes and celebrities involved in demonstrations in the aftermath of George Floyd's death at the hands of law enforcement last week. The crowd numbered around 500 people, reported the Chronicle's Connor Letourneau. Click here to read more. June 3, 12:50 p.m. While several Bay Area cities accepted an offer to bring in California National Guard soldiers to quell protests, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo says he told Governor Gavin Newsom, "Thank you, but no thank you," the San Jose Mercury News reported. We feel very strongly that it is really important for civilian police to be policing, Liccardo added. Putting people out there who are not professional police officers is a great risk to our residents because we know when individuals are in tense situations that they havent been in a lot may overreact and there are tragic consequences." June 3, 12:30 p.m. San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced in a series of tweets Wednesday afternoon that the city would be lifting its curfew as of Thursday morning at 5 a.m. "The protests we have seen in this city and across the country are for an important cause and our city will continue to facilitate any and all peaceful demonstrations," she wrote. "Following Saturday night, it was important for the safety of our residents to ensure that we could prevent the violence and vandalism that had taken place, but we know that the overwhelming majority of people out protesting are doing so peacefully and we trust that will continue." Read more from SFGATE Editor Alyssa Pereira. June 3, 12:20 p.m. The California National Guard has 2,530 soldiers deployed in California to help manage protests. In the Bay Area, 50 guard members are assisting in Vallejo, 50 in San Leandro and 50 in Vacaville. "The Guard's responsibilities during these missions includes logistics, aviation support, fixed post security, security at cleared areas and protection of critical infrastructure," according to a statement from the Cal OES. "The guard will operate in a unified command with the local law enforcement in areas which they are assigned." June 3, 12:15 p.m. The Northern California chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has released a statement speaking out against the curfews implemented in more than a dozen Bay Area cities. The organization shared on Facebook that the curfews banning people from leaving their homes from dusk until dawn were introduced in haste with no information on their scope or duration. "Blanket closure of all public spaces gives police unfettered discretion, which has been shown to lead to selective and biased enforcement, and high potential for the exact type of racialized abuses that are being protested," the group said in a statement released June 2. "We must prevent the government locally and nationally from seizing upon the public health crisis and this time of protest against police violence to enact broad and limitless measures that strip us of our fundamental rights." Many news outlets including KQED are reporting that the NorCal ACLU may take legal action and challenge the curfews in court in coming days. June 3, 11:15 a.m. Prosecutors are charging a Minneapolis police officer accused of pressing his knee against George Floyds neck with second-degree murder, and for the first time will level charges against three other officers at the scene, a newspaper reported Wednesday. Widely seen bystander video showing Floyds May 25 death has sparked sometimes violent protests nationwide and around the world. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired May 26 and initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The three other officers involved were also fired but were not immediately charged. The Star Tribune reported Wednesday that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison would be upgrading the charge against Chauvin while also charging Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. The newspaper cited multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the case that spoke on condition of anonymity. Read more from the Associated Press. June 3, 10:45 a.m. Around 300 individuals peacefully protested in Oakland Tuesday without any arrests or citations, the Oakland Police Department reported Wednesday morning. The situation was much calmer downtown than in previous nights, so officers allowed those demonstrating to be out later, close to 10 p.m., two hours past curfew. Officers also note they did not use tear gas or issue any citations. Tonight the Oakland Police Department chose not to enact the curfew order as the demonstrators were exercising their First Amendment rights in a peaceful manner, said Interim Police Chief Susan Manheimer. The curfew is a flexible tool that will be applied with discretion when dealing with crowds that create public safety threats or that require extraordinary resources after dark. It will allow those resources to be to where they are needed to rapidly respond to critical calls for service and protect our city. June 3, 10:30 a.m. San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin dropped charges against 19-year-old Kajon Busby following the circulation of a video that showed SFPD Officer Claudia Valle kneeling on the man's neck, the San Francisco Examiner reported. The footage resembled the video of the death of George Floyd. In this moment, the iconic image that has come to emblematically symbolize police excessive force is having someone lie prone on the ground with their face in the concrete, Boudin told the Examiner Tuesday. That is what the video of the arrest of Mr. Busby shows. Boudin tempered the assessment by noting Officer Valle is female and substantially smaller" than the man in officer involved in the death of Floyd. Busby had been charged with misdemeanor crimes of criminal threats and resisting arrest. Boudin also noted that Busby never should have been charged. June 3, 8:40 a.m. A peaceful protest in Santa Rosa that initially began as a large vigil for Andy Lopez, a teen shot by a Sonoma County sheriff's deputy in 2013, eventually gave way to an "unlawful assembly," the Santa Rosa Police Department reported Wednesday morning. Save for a few incidents, the protesters were largely peaceful, marching through a part of the city by the Old Court House Square. But after 9 p.m. curfew in Santa Rosa nearby residents say protesters began lighting fireworks and throwing rocks at cars. Other people took to the downtown area and began looting storefronts. After curfew, the SRPD arrested a total of 75 individuals and towed 20 vehicles. Officers reported they did not use tear gas or rubber bullets on protesters. June 3, 8:30 a.m. The city of Berkeley narrowly voted to extend its curfew to Friday during Tuesday nights city council meeting, Berkeleyside reported. The change puts the city in line with the rest of Alameda County, which established Monday that its curfew would last until June 5. The curfew could be lifted earlier should the situation call for it, Berkeley Police Chief Andrew Greenwood said during the meeting. "If the violence and looting subsides, I'm very mindful of that," Greenwood said. "The curfew could be immediately rescinded." Berkeley's curfew is now between the hours of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. June 3, 8:20 a.m. A protest march in San Francisco Tuesday starts at 4 p.m. and will begin at Mission High School. The demonstration will follow a route to the Mission Police Department. Participants are encouraged to wear masks. June 3, 7:25 a.m.: After several nights of turmoil, the City of Vallejo called on the California National Guard Tuesday. Five National Guard vehicles accompanied by 50 guardsmen provided assistance Tuesday night. Protests in the Solano County city have largely been peaceful, but the nights have turned chaotic with reports of looting and vandalism. Police arrested 100 individuals Tuesday night and used tear gas to disperse vandals and individuals breaking curfew. A status report posted by the City of Vallejo on Instagram reported 100 individuals and a couple dozen vehicles surrounding the Vallejo Police Department. There were also reports of burglaries and rocks and bottles thrown at officers. Read the full report from the city on Instagram. June 3, 7:10 a.m. A protest is planned for Wednesday in San Ramon, according to police in the East Bay city. The demonstration is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. "Our department is committed to the safety and protection of our community," the San Ramon police department shared. "We are working with the event organizer and have taken several measures to keep this demonstration peaceful." June 3, 7 a.m. About 20 people were arrested in San Francisco late Tuesday night for violating the city's curfew, police said at 10:10 p.m. The arrests were made at 850 Bryant St., which is the location of the Hall of Justice, after the protesters apparently marched from the area of Seventh and Market streets. A police spokesman said he was not aware of any other arrests during Tuesday's demonstrations in the city. MORE COVERAGE ON THE GEORGE FLOYD PROTESTS: Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on Bay Area protest coverage here. Rahul Dubey, the Indian-origin man who provided shelter to about 75 demonstrators who were marching away from the White House, a site of intense protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and saved them from arrest, has become Internet's new hero. Following Floyd's death, people from different walks of life have taken to the street in solidarity with 'Black Lives Matter'. Protesters who feared arrest for being on the streets of Washington past the 7 pm curfew were encouraged by Dubey to take shelter inside his house. Dubey made headlines for accommodating a large number of people, making space for them on the couch, for some in the rooms while some had to adjust around the ledges of the bathtub. A viral video highlighting Dubey's solidarity with the protesters have now caught the eyes of Indians and many netizens, who are now taking to social media to term Internet's new hero as 'absolute legend'. Meet Rahul Dubey, the 'absolute legend' who sheltered young protestors in his home overnight https://t.co/rAWMQHy3o0 ##blacklivesmatter #dc Gamer Geek (@DataAugmented) June 2, 2020 rahul dubey is a fucking legend. he took protestors into his own home and saved them from police who had them cornered and were trying to arrest them. #SaveJenny #BlackLivesMatter #blackoutdaypic.twitter.com/NXchLEer1J Ari (@juxtme__) June 2, 2020 Rahul dubey gave shelter to protestors in DC after being held against the wall by police. When one of the protestors asked, how were you let go? he says because I am not black Someone had the courage to say it. #RahulDubey #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/ZVhzaBp9GO the_scientist_pilla (@KunchalaPreethi) June 2, 2020 #Rahul showed to us what humanity and solidarity is all about. In times when the ones supposed to protect us, are treating us like enemies, there was an angel who open his doors to saw lifes.Thank you Rahul. Change the name from #SwannStreet to #RahulSt #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/TBTNqKUSS4 Sergio Torrez (@slazo88) June 2, 2020 Rahul sheltered 70 protestors for 9 hours from tear gas attacks by the police after the DC curfew last night. His message? "I hope my 13-year-old son grows up to be just as amazing as they are." This is what solidarity looks like #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/YwJzbFtKmp Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) June 2, 2020 Rahul Dubey, the DC homeowner who sheltered 70 young protestors in his home overnight after they had been trapped, pepper-sprayed and beaten by hundreds of police on his street is a hero. He gives me hope for our future. Thank you, Rahul. #blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/ityPKBRrcx Lena Moffitt (@LenaMDC) June 2, 2020 Not every Indian American is a Sanghi moron. Here is Rahul Dubey, the man who sheltered 70 protestors in his home while the police surrounded his home.#BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd #BLMprotest pic.twitter.com/1kRGxTDQNS Dr House, M.D. (@HOUSEQuarntined) June 3, 2020 Salute to Rahul Dubey. He gave shelter to 70-80 peaceful #BlackLivesMattter protesters in his home in Washington DC, in danger from police on a rampage who had trapped them in a street.#RahulDubey #GeorgeFloyd #ICantBreathe #GOAT pic.twitter.com/gSXrHtlZLm Asjad Nazir (@asjadnazir) June 3, 2020 Shilajit Mitra By Express News Service Love thy neighbour? Not quite in the world of Gulabo Sitabo, Shoojit Sircars new comedy premiering on Amazon Prime Video on June 12. Amitabh Bachchan plays Mirza, the 78-year-old owner of a crumbling Lucknow mansion overrun with tenants. Ayushmann Khurranas Baankey is the worst of them, skipping rent and telling off his big-nosed landlord. The film pits them in a game of squabbling, gazumping and driving each other up the wall (that is, if the wall holds). Its a cinematic match-up for the ages, cannily coordinated by Shoojit and screenwriter Juhi Chaturvedi. In this interview, Shoojit spoke to us about regrouping with his squad, capturing Lucknow authentically, the furore over the films digital release and why he is never over the awe of working with Amitabh Bachchan. Shoojit Sircar The film was initially set in old Delhi. What made you shift the setting to Lucknow? Besides Juhi being from Lucknow, the city itself has a special and different diction from the rest of North India. Also, Mr Bachchan is from UP, so he was aware of that lingo. As we see in the trailer, the old city of Lucknow plays an important role in the film. Nothing has changed about that part of the city: the structures, the people, the old markets. Its always noisy and chaotic. We wanted to pick up those moods and moments. In Piku, Big Bs character is deeply attached to his ancestral house in Kolkata. Something similar appears to happen here. How central is the idea of home to your stories? All my life I have lived in a rented home. My father was in the Air Force, so we kept moving. Sometimes we lived in a one-room home, then a two-bedroom one. Slowly we moved to a quarter and finally bought a house. It was a matter of existence as well as where you are rooted. This film, in particular, deals with people from a (limited) economic background. For them, its a matter of everyday survival, which we see all around us. Ayushmann had made his Bollywood debut in Vicky Donor (2012). How was it reuniting with him after eight years? He was aware he was coming back to Shoojit Das family. As such, he knew where to adapt and what to do. One thing that will never be in my film is playing to the gallery. It will have to be absolutely real to the character. Everyone should feel its not Ayushmann but Baankey. That way, he has not changed much. Hes still grounded as an actor, and theres a lot of bonding and understanding between us. You tend to bring out a new side to Big B each time. To put it in one word, Mirza is one of the naughtiest characters hes ever played (laughs). Of course, with him being Mr Amitabh Bachchan, that sense of awe is always there. But there is also a lot of mutual respect that has grown. Our relationship has matured. We understand each other much better. A little look of the eye is enough to get each other. Theres a lot of trust too, which is the most important thing between an actor and a director. Your first film with him, Shoebite, was stuck in a legal battle for years. It remains unreleased till date. Did that experience inform your decision to release Gulabo Sitabo digitally? The pain of Shoebite will never go away. Before every film, Im scared if it will be released. Apart from that, the digital medium is going to be here and at some point I had to experiment with it. I feel this was a situation and I adapted to that situation. Yes, there was criticism and a lot of people showed their resentment. I understand their point, but I think everything will move on and we will move together. Do you feel the pandemic has fundamentally altered how movies are distributed and consumed? The magic of the cinematic experience will never go. We will always have theatrical releases and both will co-exist. But we must understand that in terms of behavioral pattern, theres been a shift. More so because of the lockdown, people are tuned into the digital medium. So now its a question of experience: what people want to watch on OTT and what they want to see on the big screen. Youd also finished shooting Sardar Udham Singh, starring Vicky Kaushal. At what stage is the biopic now? We had to stop work on music and editing because of the lockdown. But now the Maharashtra government has allowed post-production to restart with guidelines. Im at home in Kolkata right now but that shouldnt be a problem. Yes, some physical work will be required, but a lot can also be done online. Officials had feared the storm would cause destruction in the financial hub, further compounding the coronavirus crisis. Indias financial capital, Mumbai, has largely escaped a cyclone that barrelled through the countrys western coast, despite early forecasts indicating possible destruction in the dense city of 18 million. Cyclone Nisarga was initially forecast to be the first storm of its kind to batter Mumbai since 1948, prompting citizens to stay off the streets and secure their homes against gale-force winds and torrential rain. Fears were compounded by the cyclones potential to wreak havoc on a city already hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. The state of Maharashtra, where Mumbai is located, accounts for more than third of the countrys 200,000 cases. To date, more than 6,000 people have died across the country from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. It landed a little [further] south than what we predicted. But Mumbai may experience bad weather until tomorrow, Madhavan Rajeevan, secretary at the Ministry of Earth Sciences, told Reuters news agency on Wednesday. Severe Cyclonic Storm NISARGA over coastal Maharashtra weakened into a Cyclonic Storm over interior Maharashtra, near latitude 19.0N and longitude 73.7E, 90 km east of Mumbai (Maharashtra). To move northeastwards and weaken into a Deep Depression during next 03 hours. pic.twitter.com/BObXcojpvu India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) June 3, 2020 The cyclone barrelled into the western coast, about 100 kilometres (62 miles) south of Mumbai, with winds gusting up to 120 kph (75 mph), the India Meteorological Department said. After landfall near Alibagh, the cyclone headed in a northeasterly direction, it added. Two people, a 58-year-old man and a 10-year-old boy, were killed after an electric pole and a tree collapsed on them in Raigad district, state disaster management chief Kishor Nimbalkar told DPA news agency. Fourteen people were injured in similar accidents in Ratnagiri and the Sindhudurg districts, also on the coast, he added. Pre-emptive evacuations No deaths or major damages were reported in Mumbai by late Wednesday, although high winds whipped skyscrapers and ripped apart shanties near the beach. Strong crosswinds forced Mumbai airport to suspend flights between 2:30pm and 8pm (09:00 to 13:30 GMT), after an arriving cargo plane overran the runway, while Indias largest container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, on Mumbais outskirts, was forced to close for 24 hours. About 10,000 city residents were evacuated before the storm and another 100,000 people were moved from low-lying areas in Maharashtra and neighbouring Gujarat state, officials said. A man walks past a small damaged ferris wheel and shacks at the beach as Cyclone Nisarga hit the town of Alibagh in Raigad district, India [AFP] With powerful storms rarely coming from the Arabian Sea, there were no pre-existing cyclone shelters in Mumbai, and many of the citys large and sturdy buildings had already been converted into coronavirus isolation or treatment facilities, National Disaster Response Force spokesman Krishan Kumar told The Associated Press. We moved people to other strong buildings where there is a supply of water, he said. The cyclone moved away from the city across Maharashtra state with its wind speed slowing to 85 kph (52 mph) on Wednesday night. Nisarga comes just two weeks after Cyclone Amphan tore through the Bay of Bengal on Indias east coast and battered West Bengal state, killing more than 100 people in India and neighbouring Bangladesh. Madisons curfew ended immediately Tuesday during a City Council meeting after alders did not ratify Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conways state of emergency. Under local statutes, Rhodes-Conway declared a state of emergency May 30 following civil commotion, disturbances, looting and rioting that occurred in the evening after a protest earlier that day. This allowed her to issue orders like a citywide curfew, which would have expired at 5 a.m. Wednesday. The curfew began at 9:30 p.m. both Sunday and Monday nights during days of peaceful protesting, with some smaller groups damaging storefronts and looting later at night. These interactions included confrontations with police that involved the use of tear gas. The councils discussion centered on the issue of curfews, with some emotional testimony from the longtime downtown alder, but alders also raised systemic issues. Ald. Donna Moreland, District 7, said this story is getting very old. This is not about a curfew. This is not about a state of emergency, Ald. Donna Moreland, District 7, who voted against the state of emergency, said. This is about people knowing that there are bad eggs in their (police) department and letting it go on. The City Council voted 9-9 with Ald. Lindsay Lemmer, District 3, abstaining. Ald. Zachary Henak, District 10, was excused from the meeting. As soon as the motion failed, the state of emergency and the orders authorizing curfew ended, according to the city attorney's office. If the motion had passed, the curfew would have extended through the night and the state of emergency would have ended at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. "The primary reason for the curfew was to keep bystanders and the public away from areas of unrest to protect their safety, Rhodes-Conway said in a statement after the meeting. I anticipate that Madisonians will exercise good judgement and continue to stay away from the downtown at times of disturbance or in the late evening hours. Proponents argued that a curfew limits the number of people downtown, easing the difficulty police have in enforcing order. People have gathered in Madison since Saturday and join many other movements in cities across the nation protesting the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis May 25. Over the past several nights, a smaller group of people have remained downtown following the peaceful protests and have looted stores, broken windows and caused other damage to businesses. Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said the unmitigated violence downtown is absolutely untenable. Youre sending a signal to all those folks downtown who are struggling to make any sense of this nightmare that theyre living through, Verveer said, noting many of the businesses affected are local mom-and-pop shops and owned by immigrants. Madison Police Department Acting Chief Vic Wahl said a curfew sends a strong message that people should stay out of the downtown area. Fewer people in the area helps police officers focus on those who are engaging in destructive behavior, Wahl said. For people protesting peacefully, Wahl said at an earlier meeting Tuesday that officers are not going to decide that thats an opportunity to enforce curfew. But others said the curfew still harms peaceful protesters by creating more violence and mistrust in the community. There are peaceful protesters there that will not leave, Ald. Max Prestigiacomo, District 8, said. This curfew is preventing more white allies from showing up and preventing more trauma. Members of the public who spoke out against the curfew said residents dont want to see militarized activity and want policy changes. The curfew does not grant the police additional authority to use force. Colin Bowden, who attended some of the protests, said an officer brandished a baton at him while he was peacefully protesting. Bowden said the curfew is not just and that the MPD escalates behavior. Bowden, who is black, said the community hears progressive talk from Madison leaders repeatedly but the same old, same old continues to happen. He said our kids are the ones who are being sacrificed for white comfort. When we fight about it, when we get angry about it even when were peaceful it feels like the best we get is a committee or very little action, Bowden said. It really doesn't feel a lot like leadership. 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 WASHINGTON The Trump administration has selected five companies as the most likely candidates to produce a vaccine for the coronavirus, senior officials said, a critical step in the White Houses effort to deliver on its promise of being able to start widespread inoculation of Americans by the end of the year. By winnowing the field in a matter of weeks from a pool of around a dozen companies, the federal government is betting that it can identify the most promising vaccine projects at an early stage, speed along the process of determining which will work and ensure that the winner or winners can be quickly manufactured in huge quantities and distributed across the country. The announcement of the decision will be made at the White House in the next few weeks, government officials said. Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the federal governments top epidemiologist and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, hinted at the coming action on Tuesday when he told a medical seminar that by the beginning of 2021 we hope to have a couple of hundred million doses. The five companies are Moderna, a Massachusetts-based biotechnology firm, which Dr. Fauci said he expected would enter into the final phase of clinical trials next month; the combination of Oxford University and AstraZeneca, on a similar schedule; and three large pharmaceutical companies: Johnson & Johnson, Merck and Pfizer. Each is taking a somewhat different approach. Advertisement Press Statement Rejects Announced N121 per liter The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Federal Government to Advertisement stop fleecing Nigerians with high fuel price by immediately reducing the pump price to N70 per liter to reflect the appropriate pricing template following the fall in the price of crude oil in the international market. The PDP completely rejects the N121 per liter price announced by the Federal Government, which has even remained unenforced, describing it as highly provocative and a further display of the insensitivity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the plight of Nigerians, particularly as they battle the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The party insists that a N121 per liter price amounts to fleecing Nigerians of over N50 per liter of fuel. This is in continuation of the N55 per liter overcharge, which Nigerians had borne under the inappropriate N125 per liter, which prevailed for months, before it was brought down to N123.5 per liter, in spite of the crash in international price of crude oil. The PDP rejects the unnecessary price pinching and demands that the Federal Government, should without further delay, implement the appropriate price as well as declare and account for the billions of naira accruable as overcharge since the crash in crude oil price. The failure to reduce the pump price as well as the non-declaration of the overcharge is completely unacceptable to Nigerians, as it only points to questions of corruption in the system. The PDP insists that the APC and its government have no justifiable reason to retain the pump price of fuel at over N70 per liter. It again challenged the APC administration to disprove Nigerians by immediately publishing the prevailing landing cost, depot cost, trucking cost as well as the retail outlet admin cost and show why the pump price should be above N70 per liter. The party urged the National Assembly to protect the interest of the people by using their legislative instruments to prevail on the Federal Government to implement the appropriate fuel pricing and account for the overcharges. Signed: Kola Ologbondiyan National Publicity Secretary Shortly after 5 p.m., May 7, 1890, on the docks of the James River in Richmond, Va., 10,000 citizens clamped 20,000 hands on ropes and hauled three huge crates a mile and a half up to the empty tobacco field now known as Monument Avenue. Inside the boxes, fresh from the sculptor's studio in France, was the massive statue that would soon loom over not just the skyline of Richmond but the psyche of Virginia: Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. After more than a century of Lee worship, Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, plans to announce Thursday that he will remove the iconic statue - covered in graffiti over the weekend by people protesting the police custody death of George Floyd - from its prominent perch in the former capital of the Confederacy. The statue will be put into storage. In Virginia, Lee's name is plastered on schools, an Army base and a trans-commonwealth highway that stretches from Rosslyn to Bristol. The Lee Chapel at Washington and Lee University in Lexington is a cathedral-worthy shrine that includes a statue of the general in eternal marble repose and his tomb one floor below it. The Lee mansion overlooking Arlington National Cemetery is a Park Service memorial that draws more than a million visitors a year. For many white Virginians, Lee ascended to the very ranks of the hallowed founders of the republic: Washington, Jefferson, Madison. When the Virginia legislature got to pick two notable natives to honor in the U.S. Capitol, it was Lee, not Jefferson, they chose to stand forever with Washington in Statuary Hall. But the presence of Lee and the other Confederate luminaries who line Monument Avenue have been a source of controversy for years now, especially after a group of white supremacists descended on Charlottesville in 2017 to defend another Lee statue. The gathering ended in deadly violence. The 1890 gathering of the Richmond crowd wasn't spontaneous, and it wasn't without controversy. The event was planned as both a practical way to haul the massive stone sculpture to its home and as a kickoff to the unveiling and dedication that would come three weeks later. John Mitchell, an African American member of the city council and editor of a black newspaper, condemned the project for celebrating Lee's "legacy of treason and blood," according to author Richard Schein in "Landscape and Race in the United States." But for white residents, the time was ripe that Monday to turn out for a mass benediction of Lee and the war effort he led. Twenty years after Lee's death and 25 years after Appomattox, veterans were beginning to die in growing numbers and Confederate honor societies were springing up to memorialize them. The revisionist "Lost Cause" movement was gaining steam, and Lee - whose reputation for rectitude made him an acceptable icon even to some northern whites - was the perfect "marble man" to change the narrative of the rebellion from slavery to honor. According to The Washington Post's front-page dispatch from the scene, under the headline "Drawn by Fair Hands," many of those jostling to take part in the tug-of-Lee were women, young girls and babes in arms. "Little tots were carried out into the streets in their mothers' arms, and their small hands placed upon the ropes," the report said. The next day's Chicago Tribune described a festive throng, with aging soldiers in their battle grays and Confederate flags waving over the crowd. The massive crates containing eight tons of Lee and his horse were mounted on three wagons, each with 200 feet of rope attached in twin lengths. One was pulled by citizens, one by veterans and the third by women. Porches along the route were packed with onlookers, and so many people tried to join in the pulling that 700 more feet of rope was added. "When the procession reached the monument pedestal, the crowd began to cut the rope," the Tribune reported. "The police at first attempted to stop this, but their efforts were useless and the hemp was soon stored in pockets as souvenirs." Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 16:02:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENNA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries daily basket price increased to 34.95 U.S. dollars a barrel on Tuesday, compared with 33.68 dollars on Monday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations released on Wednesday. Also known as the OPEC reference basket of crude oil, the OPEC basket, a weighted average of oil prices from different OPEC members around the world, is used as an important benchmark for crude oil prices. Enditem This week's appointment of Coun. Rawlson King as Ottawa's liaison for anti-racism and ethnocultural relations could hardly have happened at a more momentous time. For more than a week, protesters have taken to the streets of major cities in the United States and around the world to demand justice after the killing of George Floyd, a black man, by police in Minneapolis, Minn. On Friday afternoon, demonstrators will descend on the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa. King, the city councillor for RideauRockcliffe and the first black person elected to Ottawa city council, spoke Wednesday to Robyn Bresnahan, host of CBC's Ottawa Morning. Their conversation has been edited for length. How have you been affected by what you have been seeing and hearing in the last few days? There's a lot of pain and anger. I share that pain and anger, but unfortunately, I really believe it was predictable. That's what happens when you have a tremendous amount of social inequality in a society. I think we're doing better in Canada in terms of our political institutions that really can accommodate change and dialogue. That's what's important about having this [liaison for anti-racism] position. We really need to act collectively to really disrupt systems that perpetuate racism. I'm really proud of the actions that have been taken by this council to address racism. You sound buoyed by by the support that you're getting right now. But do you think that city hall has been complacent in dealing with racism? I think we needed a push. When I was elected there was a lot of elation, especially in the black community, because there was finally representation around the table. Then, a month later, there was a lot of deflation because of a racist incident in my ward with a family having the N-word spray-painted on their garage door. There should be equality in terms of employment, health, housing and economic development. We need greater education, but we also need systemic solutions. - Coun. Rawlson King Story continues The community said we needed action after seeing that. But they acknowledged there most likely will always be these individual acts of racism. What's important is addressing systemic racism. There should be equality in terms of employment, health, housing and economic development. We need greater education, but we also need systemic solutions. Who do you think needs to be educated? Everybody. Everybody needs to have a fulsome conversation. The problem with the media and social media landscape is that everybody is polarized. People are talking over each other rather than to one another. The idea will be to engage communities on a wider scale with education campaigns to tell people about the real impact of racism in our community. Kate Porter/CBC How do you bring people who might be on one side of that polarized debate, who think that every conversation that we have about racism is somehow virtue-signalling. How do you bring them into the conversation? You start with the conversation itself. The real challenge is that we can't have meaningful conversations in 120 characters. It just doesn't work. We build community by talking with our neighbours and understanding their concerns and working toward consensus. If we're going to take concrete steps toward a more equitable city then we must have meaningful conversations with those who are crying out, who experience these issues, who observe racial injustice and entrenched systemic inequality every day. We want that to be acknowledged. Then we want to move toward solutions. The conversation is key. But is conversation enough? What about policy change? We were talking earlier about race-based data collection, which I know you have been pushing for, especially around COVID-19. What are some of the concrete steps or actions that you would like to see to address systemic racism across the city? You're right, and that would be part of our objectives to ensure the policies that we have on the books are actually measured and monitored. That is a challenge. At the city of Ottawa we have wonderful diversity policies on paper. There is obviously a goal to have a very diversified workforce. But we didn't have a policy tool to really measure the effectiveness of that, to ensure that the city is living up to those policies. If you don't measure, then you can't manage. Yasmine Mehdi/CBC Earlier this week we heard from Ottawa's police chief, Peter Sloly. He reaffirmed his commitment to improve race relations between people of colour in this city and the police. What role do you think police should be playing in that conversation? They need to be central to the conversation. And I think the good news is that our new police chief Peter Sloly is dedicated to that task. In the conversations I've had with the police service they have said that they want to be really highly involved with the anti-racism secretariat. They want to move forward with substantive goals around equity inclusion and diversity. You said that these protests that are happening in the United States and in Canada are predictable. But does this feel different? Does this feel like a turning point for you? I think in this country it is. The federal government is looking at investing in anti-black racism resources. We're having this discussion at the municipal level. We had this discussion with the previous provincial government. Are we where we want to be? No. But the reality is that that takes time. At least we have institutions that are amenable to change, whereas in the United States, we've seen 50 to 100 years of issues around inequality. We haven't really seen the measures that are needed to really enact change. An indigenous teenager who had his legs kicked out from underneath him while he was arrested was 'distraught' following the ordeal. The 17-year-old's sister told Triple J Hack her brother shouldn't have been mistreated for being 'lippy'. The teenager told an officer he would 'crack you in the f**king jaw, bro', following a verbal altercation at Eddie Ward Park in Surry Hills about 5pm on Monday. In response, the officer handcuffed him and kicked his legs from underneath him at the same time, sending the boy tumbling face first into the footpath below. A 16-year-old boy suffered a chipped tooth and bruising all over his body after he was thrown to the ground by a police officer Police are conducting an internal investigation into the officer's approach to the arrest, and placed him on restricted duties for the duration of the investigation. His sister said the boy was distraught and his teeth were chipped during the ordeal. 'When he came back home later that night, he was shaken up,' she said. 'He was very sore this morning and he was distraught. 'Teenagers, they're lippy, but you don't just abuse children because they're lippy.' NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller on Wednesday admitted there were 'other ways' the officer could have dealt with the matter, other than the leg sweep. A police officer was filmed throwing a young indigenous man to the ground after he was threatened Following his arrest, the family claim he was taken to holding cells before being transferred to St Vincent's Hospital via ambulance, where he spent the night waiting for results from x-rays to his shoulder, knee and elbow. NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller (pictured) on Wednesday admitted there were 'other ways' the officer could have dealt with the matter, other than the leg sweep He said the officer in question had worked in the force for three-and-a-half years and had no record of complaints, and likely regretted the way he arrested the teen. The teen was released without charge and taken to St Vincent's Hospital for treatment. His family claim he suffered cracked teeth and bruising across his entire body. 'He has a bruised shoulder, cuts and grazing to his knee, face and elbow, and chipped teeth,' a relative said. 'This is a case of two things - is it reasonable for someone to swear and threaten a police officer? And then, is the force the officer used reasonable?' Mr Fuller told 2GB Radio. 'I don't know what happened before in terms of the lead-up but there was probably other ways the officer could have dealt with that matter, no doubt. Footage shows the officer, who was patrolling in Surry Hills in Sydney at the time, swipe the feet from underneath the man during the arrest (left). While on the floor, the young man appeared to struggle to manoeuvre his arms behind his back and was wailing (right) The vision divided readers - some of whom said he should have been detained following the threats while others said the police officer was too harsh 'I totally accept that officers need to show restraint.' Footage of the arrest was captured on a mobile phone and posted on social media. A bystander can be heard yelling: 'You just slammed him on his face. He's in pain.' The teenager's parents and other relatives will speak about the incident at a press conference at New South Wales parliament on Wednesday alongside Greens MP David Shoebridge. NSW Police on Tuesday said the professional standards command was investigating and the constable involved had been placed on restricted duties. 'He has a bruised shoulder, cuts and grazing to his knee, face and elbow and chipped teeth,' a relative said 'We're all aware of incidents that have taken place in the United States over the past week and we're aware of the sensitivities around what's occurring overseas,' Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing told reporters on Tuesday. 'Am I concerned about what I'm seeing in the footage? Absolutely. But I'm equally concerned about others who may use the footage to inflame it and turn it into something it's not.' Redfern Legal Centre has also referred the matter to the independent police watchdog. The footage emerged on the eve of a scheduled Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park, similar to the protests occurring in America following the death of George Floyd last week. A place to be (re)educated in Newspeak Scott has written about Bogdan Vechirko, the driver of a tanker truck that found itself on Highway 35W, the major North-South artery in the Twin Cities, suddenly facing thousands of illegal demonstrators. Vechirko, it turns out, had made a delivery to a black-owned gas station and innocently ventured onto the highway before authorities had effectively closed it. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but Vechirko was hauled out of his cab and beaten by protesters. He was rescued before they could murder him. Scott wrote: Trailer truck driver Bogdan Vechirko has been defamed by House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler and disparaged by Governor Tim Walz. Driving his rig on Highway 35W in Minneapolis, he was surprised to come upon protesters packing all lanes of the road in front of him. If he had wanted to hurt them, he could have taken them out like bowling pins. Instead, Vechirko blared his airhorn and brought his rig to a stop before he hit anyone. Protesters dragged Vechirko from the cab of his truck and commenced pummeling him. While Vechirko was arrested and taken into custody on a possible assault charge, no one in authority has even mentioned looking for the protesters who beat Vechirko. This is the video: His concern for the lives of others got him ripped from his cab and beaten. No question who the bad guys are in this scenario. https://t.co/VNz73p9wx2 Walter Hudson (@WalterHudson) June 1, 2020 We can add that the owner of the gas station has stood up for Vechirko, who reportedly was the only driver at his company willing to deliver a tanker load to war-torn South Minneapolis. Vechirko was released from jail today with no charges being filed, since he did nothing wrong. Scott referred to the fact that he was defamed by House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. This was part of an absurd effort by left-wing politicians, from Governor Tim Walz on down, to blame the looting and arson that they failed to control on white supremacists. That theory is too dumb for words, but Winkler tweeted, just after the incident occurred: The House Majority Leaders tweet was a complete lie. Vechirko is not a white supremacist, and his truck contained neither such imagery nor a Confederate flag. Winkler apparently made the whole thing up, seeking political advantage from an entirely innocent episode. Minnesota is suffering a crisis in its political leadership, and Majority Leader Winkler and Governor Tim Walz are two key reasons why. Tomorrow I will release this statement, calling on Ryan Winkler to resign from the Minnesota House of Representatives: For Immediate Release: June 3, 2020 Rep. Ryan Winklers long history of deceitful, divisive behavior (Golden Valley, MN) In response to House Majority Leader Ryan Winklers (DFL-Golden Valley) lie that a white supremacist intentionally tried to murder peaceful protestors on Sunday, John Hinderaker released the following statement: DFL House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler has a long history of deceitful, divisive behavior. His conduct is contrary to Minnesota values and the last thing we need in a legislative leader. Rep. Winkler is unfit for office and should resign. In 2013, Rep. Winkler tweeted a racial slur against the only black member of the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Clarence Thomas. In April, he was caught on video giving the middle finger to a Republican senator during a press conference. On Sunday, he slandered a hardworking, immigrant truck driver on Twitter, calling him a white supremacist who intentionally set out to murder peaceful protestors. Sundays comment was retweeted hundreds of times before Winkler deleted it. Bogdan Vechirko has a good defamation case against Ryan Winkler, and perhaps other government officials, including Governor Walz, who wrongly called him stupid for driving on a highway that Walzs own administration had failed to close. I dont know whether Vechirko is interested in pursuing this claim, but if he contacts me, I will set him up with a good lawyer. On the 567th anniversary of the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, Erdogan endorses the recitation of an Islamic prayer inside the basilica. In a strong-worded reaction, the Greek government calls it an insult to the international community. For Turkey, Hagia Sophia is on Turkish territory, and is our property and up to us. Catholics and Orthodox are in favour of the status quo. Istanbul (AsiaNews/Agencies) The celebrations for the 567th anniversary of the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople have renewed the row, never settled, between Greece and Turkey over the fate of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. On the eve of the anniversary, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan endorsed the recitation of an Islamic prayer, the al-Fath surah of Conquest, inside the former basilica and former mosque, transformed into a museum in 1935 under Kemal Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey. Erdogan, who followed the event via live stream last Friday, criticised the Greek government for the fact that Athens, the Greek capital, does not have a single mosque. His communication director Fahrettin Altun on Twitter hinted that the church will be converted once again into a mosque. Turkeys reaction came after Greece issued a strongly worded statement, calling the Islamic prayer an unacceptable attempt to alter the sites status, and constitutes an affront to the religious sentiment of Christians throughout the world. For the Greek Foreign Ministry, This action is an insult to the international community and once again exposes Turkey, which has an obligation to respect both the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and UNESCO, of which it is a member. In his reply, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Hagia Sophia is on Turkish territory, it was conquered, and What we do in our country and with our property is up to us. According to a review of the Greek media, the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans is seen as occupation, whereas Muslims see it as a grace. Against this background, the head of a Greek American organisation in Athens proposed to have Hagia Sophia used as a mosque and a church, on alternate months. In his view, If Hagia Sophia is open this way, millions of Christians will travel to Istanbul. And Turkey will gain in tourism. By and large, Catholics and Orthodox would rather see the church kept as a museum. But Erdogan has other goals. His Islamic version of Turkish nationalism appears to be heading more and more towards turning the basilica into a mosque, despite Mustafa Kemals secularism. Government had blamed them for the devaluation of the local currency, but now there appears to be a deal to control the currency market. Money exchangers in Lebanon have ended their strike and returned to work. The government had blamed them for the devaluation of the local currency. There now appears to be a deal to control the currency market. But many warn that stabilising the exchange rate cannot happen as long as US dollars are in short supply Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr reports. An investor looks at stock prices on the screens at a brokerage in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran. The VN-Index rose 0.73 percent to 881.17 points Wednesday, with banking stocks some of the biggest gainers in the session. Green returned to ascendancy in the market after the VN-Index experienced a losing session on Tuesday, dropping 0.44 percent, breaking a three-session gaining streak that had gained it 2.47 percent. Analysts had forecast that the market would likely see a lot of fluctuations this week with investors trying to cash in on short-term gains as the index tries to breach the psychological thresholds of 870-880 points. The Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), on which the VN-Index is based, saw 203 stocks gaining and 157 losing in Wednesdays session. Total transaction volume dropped over 10 percent compared to the previous session to VND5.4 trillion ($233.13 million), but remained above average levels of previous months. The VN30-Index for the markets 30 largest caps added 0.68 percent, with 23 stocks gaining and five losing. Leading gains this session was HDB of private HDBank, rising 6.9 percent to its ceiling price. It was followed by CTG of VietinBank, one of Vietnams three biggest state-owned lenders by assets, which added 2.3 percent, and GAS of energy giant PetroVietnam Gas, up 2.1 percent. Of the two other major state-owned lenders, VCB of Vietcombank gained 1.5 percent, while BID of BIDV added 1.1 percent. MBB of mid-sized state-owned Military Bank also rose 0.8 percent this session. Other major gainers included VRE of mall operator Vincom Retail, up 1.8 percent, FPT of IT services giant FPT, up 1.4 percent, STB of private Sacombank, up 1.4 percent, and POW of electricity generator PetroVietnam Power, up 1 percent. All private banking blue chips closed in the green this session, with the lesser gainers being TCB of Techcombank, up 0.9 percent, VPB of VPBank with 0.8 percent, and EIB of Eximbank with 0.3 percent. The real estate and construction sectors were a mixed bag this session, with CTD of construction giant Coteccons and ROS of real estate developer FLC Faros leading losses with 6.4 percent and 5.6 percent respectively, while VHM of real estate developer Vinhomes and NVL of real estate developer Novaland edged up 0.1 percent and 0.2 percent respectively. VIC of private conglomerate Vingroup, the largest capped stock on HoSE, added 0.1 percent this session. Vingroup is the parent company of both Vinhomes and Vincom Retail. The remaining tickers in the red were SAB of major brewer Sabeco, down 1.6 percent, VJC of budget carrier VietJet Air, down 0.8 percent, and HPG of leading steelmaker Hoa Phat Group, down 0.4 percent. Meanwhile, the HNX-Index for stocks on Hanoi Stock Exchange surged 2.51 percent, while the UPCoM-Index for stocks on Unlisted Public Companies Market went up 0.63 percent. Foreign investors turned net sellers on all three bourses to the tune of VND64 billion ($2.76 million), with selling pressure mostly on BVH of insurance giant Bao Viet Group, which kept its opening price, and the E1VFVN30, an exchange-traded-fund which imitates the composition, and in turn the performance of the VN30. New Delhi: Amazon India on Wednesday said it has expanded its packaging-free shipping (PFS) to over a 100 cities in India as part of its sustainability efforts. PFS - an India-first initiative - was launched in June last year in nine cities. "With this expansion of PFS, more than 40 per cent of Amazon customer orders shipped from Amazon India's Fulfilment centers are now packaging-free or have significantly reduced packaging. With PFS, multiple customer orders are secured and transported in reusable totes during deliveries," a statement said. The company said the PFS algorithm leverages technology and is applied to orders based on parameters like the location of the customer, distance the order has to travel and the category of product ordered. Products that are shipped packaging-free include tech accessories, home and home improvement products, shoes, luggage, and others. Liquids, fragile items, and personal care products that need additional protection during transportation continue to be shipped with packaging. "At Amazon India, we are aggressively working towards building innovative and sustainable packaging solutions which will help us minimise waste. We have been working with several brands to provide e-commerce friendly packaging to further reduce use of secondary packaging," Amazon India Director (Customer Fulfilment and Supply Chain) Prakash Kumar Dutta said. The expansion of PFS to 100 cities within a year is a testament to Amazon's commitment towards sustainability, he added. While major cities like New York and London may be regarded as the world capitals of private equity firms, this might be something of a blinkered approach. Thats because opportunities await the PE professional virtually anywhere across the globe including in Dubai. This key member of the UAE may be seen more as a glamorous holiday destination and have an economy largely based on oil revenue, but it also happens to boast a wide number of private equity firms with extensive funds behind them. One of the largest of these is Safanad. The company was founded in 2009 and focuses its attention on investing in a number of sectors including education, industry and property development. In the eleven years since its inception, Safenad has made investments totalling over $10 billion. The companys focus is in creating value in their commercial interests over time rather than seeking profit over the short term, making them highly respected and sought after in the region. A smaller, but no less successful, PE company is Samena Capital. Named after the region it serves (the Subcontinent, Asia, Middle East and North Africa), the firm was established in 2008. In this time it has successfully raised over $1.5 billion in capital and returned nearly 50% of that amount to investors over the same period. It currently operates in three key areas: private equity, credit and direct investments with capital of approximately $950 million. Also established in 2008, were Fajr Capital. Winners of the 2017 EMEA awards for the Best Private Equity Firm in the Middle East, Fajr concentrate on investing in high-growth companies throughout the region. An important part of their philosophy is to encourage ethical behavior and social responsibility alongside providing much-needed finance. Of course, there are many other PE equity firms and these are always on the look-out for expat employees. Roles available range from corporate lawyers to investment analysts at every level. Having one of the worlds big names in PE financing on your CV already is obviously going to make you a good candidate but even if you havent, the opportunities are still all there. In terms of why move and work in Dubai, there are plenty of reasons to recommend it. The first is financial: expats can work tax-free (although on leaving Dubai for good, an exit payment of up to 15% of earnings may be required). The balance between salary and cost of living is also good. Your biggest expense will undoubtedly be accommodation but this is also very reasonably priced. For example there are apartments available to rent on the Bayut website from 20,000 AED per year. Obviously, the more sought-after areas that they cover will cost more. But, compared with other major cities, they can offer you many more square meters for your dollar. Combine this with a climate that you can rely on to be sunny virtually all year round, the chance to live in one of the most Westernized parts of the UAE and its famous retail opportunities, and the appeals of becoming a Dubai PE professional are all too plain to see. Only 12 Nigerian universities have approval to operate both conventional learning and Open and Distance learning (ODL), the National Universities Commission (NUC) has said. The 12 were given conventional licences to operate a dual-mode system face to face learning in the classroom and also the open distance learning. The NUC also said only a few of these universities can run an efficient online learning platform. The commission said there is a big difference between online learning and open and distance learning. Distance learning is a method of studying in which lectures are broadcast or lessons are conducted by correspondence without the need to attend a school or college. Since the advent of the internet, distance learning has also included the use of the internet as most students receive and write their examinations online. Dual-mode refers to universities that can give instructions in the conventional classroom that is face to face, and it can also give instructions on open and distance learning,. Distance learning employs multimedia, and then it uses online. Out of the 43 federal universities, nine were given licences to run both conventional and ODL centres in Nigeria. Two state universities were licensed to operate both conventional and ODL centres out of the 48 states universities, and one private university out of the 79 private universities was given the licence to operate the dual-mode system. The 12 universities that are licensed for both conventional and ODL are: Ahmadu Bello University Federal University University of Abuja Federal University University of Maiduguri- Federal University Modibo Adama University of Technology Federal University Obafemi Awolowo University Federal University University of Lagos Federal University University of Ibadan Federal University University of Nigeria Federal University Federal University of Technology, Minna Federal University Lagos State University State University Ladoke Akintola University of Technology State University Joseph Ayo Babalola University- Private University The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) operates a uni-mode learning system. Advertisements A uni-mode system simply means that the NOUN can only operate through the open and distance learning mode. The institution was not granted the license to operate dual-mode like the other 12. In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, the spokesperson of the NUC, Ibrahim Yakassai, said online mode of learning is beyond WhatsApp and Telegram groups, which most universities and students are calling online classes. Some universities claimed they are having lectures online since coronavirus distorted the learning system. As far as we know, most universities, especially government-owned universities, cannot give the lectures online, except for a few private universities, he said. According to him, most of the public universities and a few private are not equipped for online learning. However, they might be doing some interactions via WhatsApp and Telegram. Online classes are given in modules, and it requires expertise to develop the curriculum, he explained. Universities that were approved for both conventional and ODL cannot do online, because it is different from each other. For open and distance learning, however, the techniques for online learning can be used, but they are not online, he said. He said some private universities with a lot of internet resources may have done some courses online because they have the facilities, and the students have corresponding gadgets. It is not so in some public universities where some students live in villages and do not have smartphones. A lot of private universities are having their classes online now, but we need to (have) conviction about public institutions teaching online. Difference between online learning and ODL He said there is provision for face to face interaction with the instructors at some point in ODL called contact session. Somehow through the programmes they have few instances where they would meet their instructors or teachers unlike online which is 100 per cent online. ODL started a very long time ago but before they were doing it on cassettes, CDs, handouts, and on instructional materials that were taught in modules. In open and distance learning, they normally write their exams in a centre but nowadays because of the internet in addition to the other multimedia equipment they use, radio station, television programs. Also, the materials structured in modules can also teach online. He said online classes are 100 per cent online and require a lot of data consumption which many students in public universities may not afford. Most students in public universities live in rural areas, some do not have access to the internet and the students will need to use applications, such as Skype and Zoom for online learning. He said a call has gone to all universities in Nigeria to explore the possibilities of online learning. So the students will start from where they stopped once school resumes, they have a syllabus to complete and they must complete it. The online lectures are different from face-to-face, it has its own style, and the internet must be sufficient, students must have browsing phones that can be used in their online classes. Coronavirus rampage Since the outbreak of coronavirus, which has made the government order the closure of all schools in Nigeria, most parents, schools, and students have tilted towards online teaching and lecturing to continue with the school curriculum. However, education regulators said there is no university in Nigeria that is approved to operate 100 per cent online learning but a few private universities with resources are taking advantage of classes online. (This June 1 story corrects to say Amash is a former Republican turned Libertarian instead of a conservative independent, paragraph 2) By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With cities across America in turmoil over the death of George Floyd, a U.S. lawmaker plans to introduce legislation this week that he hopes will end a pattern of police violence by allowing victims to sue officers for illegal and unconstitutional acts. U.S. Representative Justin Amash, a former Republican turned Libertarian, won support from a Minneapolis Democrat on Monday for his "Ending Qualified Immunity Act," which would allow civil lawsuits against police, a recourse that the Supreme Court has all but done away with. The high court's adoption (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-police-immunity-scotus-specialrep/special-report-for-cops-who-kill-special-supreme-court-protection-idUSKBN22K18C) of the qualified immunity doctrine has largely shielded police from financial settlements for victims or grieving families. The doctrine protects cops even when courts determine that officers violate civil rights, a Reuters investigation showed (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-minneapolis-police-immunity-outliers/when-cops-kill-redress-is-rare-except-in-famous-cases-idUSKBN22K193) "The brutal killing of George Floyd is merely the latest in a long line of incidents of egregious police misconduct," Amash told colleagues in a letter. "This pattern continues because police are legally, politically and culturally insulated ... That must change so that these incidents stop happening." A black man, Floyd died a week ago after pleading for his life as a white Minneapolis policeman kneeled on his neck. Protesters angered by his death and by racial inequities have demonstrated for six straight nights. Representative Ilhan Omar, a Minneapolis Democrat, intends to back the bill, according to an aide. Amash aims to introduce it on Thursday. It was unclear whether the legislation would gain support from the Congressional Black Caucus. Story continues The bill joins a flurry of Democratic legislation in the House of Representatives and Senate. Democratic senators have pledged to introduce separate measures that would create a national registry for police misconduct and stop the transfer of military weaponry to local police departments. "Be sure of this. We will propose and push for bold action," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on Monday. Republicans have condemned Floyd's killing and voiced support for peaceful protests, but have largely steered clear of criticizing or echoing President Donald Trump's harsh rhetoric toward violent protesters. Republican Senator Tom Cotton tweeted that Trump should use the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces to cities to "ensure this violence ends tonight." (Reporting by David Morgan, Richard Cowan and Susan Heavey; editing by Grant McCool) A 14-year-old boy charged in connection with the stabbing death of Barnard College student Tessa Majors pleaded guilty to robbery charges Wednesday in family court. The unnamed teenager pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery as a juvenile -- a felony. He will be sentenced by a judge on June 15 to a limited security facility for six to 18 months. "This resolution is in the best interest of the community and for a youth who has had no prior contact with the juvenile justice system and was not the main actor in the murder," said James E. Johnson, the city's corporation counsel, a division that prosecutes juvenile offenders, in a statement. The juvenile was 13 years old when he and two other teenagers, Rashaun Weaver and Luchiano Lewis, were accused in the fatal stabbing of Majors during a mugging gone wrong last December in Morningside Park, steps from Barnard College. Majors, 18, was stabbed several times before she staggered up a flight of stairs and uttered, "Help me, I'm being robbed," authorities said. PHOTO: In this Dec. 15, 2019, file photo, views of the crime scene are shown in Morningside Park four days after Tessa Majors, a Barnard freshman, was murdered, in New York. (Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images, FILE) The then-13-year-old did not physically stab Majors, according to authorities, but he confessed to providing the murder weapon to Weaver. "After that, we saw Tessa Majors walking on the stairs inside the park. Rashaun went up to her and said something to her and Tessa yelled for help," the boy said in statements to police. "Rashaun used the knife that I had handed to him to stab Tessa and I saw feathers coming out of her coat. Then I saw Rashaun take a plastic bag out of her pocket." MORE: 3rd teen suspect in killing of Barnard student Tessa Majors turns himself in The guilty plea was reached after a pretrial hearing determined that the teenager's lawful statements to the police could be used against him at trial. "The robbery and murder of Tessa majors was a horrific crime," Johnson said. "No family should have to endure such pain. We investigated the case involving [the teen] fairly based on the facts and with justice as our goal. This resolution is in the best interest of the community and for a youth who has had no prior contact with the juvenile justice system and was not the main actor in the murder." Story continues PHOTO: In this Dec. 26, 2019, file photo, a makeshift memorial stands for 18-year-old Barnard College freshman Tessa Majors in Morningside Park in New York. (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images, FILE) "Tessa Majors's death was tragic. It caused incalculable pain to her loved ones and affected our entire city," The Legal Aid Society said in a statement. "This plea to robbery in the first degree is consistent with our client's limited role in this tragic event. He did not touch Ms. Majors or take any of her property. Furthermore, no DNA evidence exists linking him to the events." "He will face its repercussions for a long time, likely the rest of his life," it continued. "This plea clears a path for him and his family to move forward with their lives. His acceptance of responsibility is an important first step; it provides an opportunity for this now 14-year-old to achieve a successful future." The other two teens, Weaver and Lewis, who were 14 at the time of the alleged attack, have been charged as adults in Majors' death. Their cases are still pending in Manhattan Criminal Court. Young teenager pleads guilty in connection to Barnard student Tessa Majors' murder originally appeared on abcnews.go.com File image The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against senior Congress leader and former Union minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media money-laundering case. A password protected e-chargesheet was filed against Chidambaram, his son Karti and others before the court of Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar here on Monday. The judge has directed the agency to file a hard copy of the chargesheet once the court starts functioning normally. Besides the Chidambarams, the chargesheet also names Karti's chartered accountant S S Bhaskararaman and others. Chidambaram was arrested by the Centreal Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the INX Media corruption case on August 21 last year. On October 16 last year, the ED arrested him in a related money-laundering case. Six days later, on October 22, the apex court granted bail to the senior Congress leader in the case lodged by the CBI. In the ED case, he got bail on December 4 last year. The CBI had registered its case on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to the INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007, during Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister. Subsequently, the ED had lodged the money-laundering case. Intelligence Bureau staffer Ankit Sharma, who was found dead during the riots in North-East Delhi in February this year, was stabbed 51 times, the Delhi Polices Crime Branch said in its chargesheet filed on Wednesday. The police chargesheet said that during post-mortem, the doctors found 51 sharp and blunt injuries on Sharmas body. Ten people, including suspended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Tahir Hussain, were arrested in this case. Investigation has revealed that there was a deep rooted conspiracy behind the riot and murder of Ankit Sharma, who was a familiar face in the area. He was specifically targeted by a mob led by Hussain, it further said in the chargesheet filed today. The police have also found the blood stained knife used to stab Sharma and the blood stained clothes of the killer. Hussains licensed pistol was also seized but in a separate case. The police had filed two chargesheets on Tuesday in connection with two separate cases registered during the communal rioting. In one of the chargesheets, the police named Hussain, alleging he played a pivotal role during the riots. The police said Hussain met former JNU student Umar Khalid, who, the department claimed, was part of a larger group organising the riots and protests in the city. Hussain has been charged under sections dealing with rioting, criminal conspiracy, dacoity, promoting religious enmity and under the Arms Act. At least 53 people were killed and around 400 injured in the violence that started as clashes between protesters for and against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA in February. Sharmas body was found in a drain near his home in North-East Delhis Chand Bagh area on February 26, a day after he had gone missing after Delhi riots broke out. It had multiple abrasion... deep cuts... by sharp edge objects according to news agencies who quoted the doctors who conducted the autopsy. The IB staffers murder was one of the most highlighted cases of Delhi riots. Sharma had joined the IB as security assistant in 2017. The pride we feel when we achieve in space can, at troubled moments, bring people together on land. And, since people began to explore beyond our world, movies have celebrated big dreams about places far beyond. Prompted by Saturdays historic launch of a new era in human spaceflight, here are my seven favorite movies about astronauts. Take a look. The Right Stuff (1983): How people dream of traveling beyond what they experience every day fuels this look at two examples of American bravery, when test pilots dare to break the speed of sound in the 1940s and, some 20 years later, when astronauts first venture beyond the earths protective atmosphere. Sam Shepard captures the can-do determination that defines the U.S. spirit while Ed Harris quietly makes John Glenn an everyman hero who brings the possibilities of space back to earth. Apollo 13 (1995): How American ingenuity solves big problems ignites this Ron Howard epic about a tough trip that three astronauts take to the moon and back in 1970. Tom Hanks makes us believe in what lures an astronaut into space while trying to keep everything settled back at home. And this is more than a star performance; Hanks makes certain that co-stars Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton and, especially, Gary Sinise have their days in the sun as well. The Martian (2015): How lonely space travel can be frames this magical story of an astronaut left behind on a distant planet. Without letting circumstance define his perspective, this solitary man creates a new life based on new truth he must confront. Matt Damon reminds us, in his clear portrayal, how the adventure of space reaches beyond what we seek to experience to what we hope to understand. And that, sometimes, we can only see in front of us when we look from far away. Hidden Figures (2016): How people behind the scenes, and on the ground, make a difference to the ambitions of the U.S. space program come to life in this exhilarating celebration of sisterhood. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae teach us what people can do when they focus on real work while Kevin Costner touches with his calming leadership at a time when everyone around him seems to swirl. This celebration of unsung heroes will make anyone proud. First Man (2018): How Neil Armstrong tries to balance his life on earth with his ambitions to walk on the moon frames this well-intentioned epic from Damien Chazelle. In the directors follow-up to his Oscar-winning La La Land, the moviemaker explores what drives Armstrong to push everyone around him to support his dreams of space-age accomplishment. That the movie lacks a sense of tension that defines similar films may be because this hero can remain so stoic. Apollo 11 (2019): How astronauts on that historic first flight to the moon prepare for and manage such a moment in history receives the first-class treatment in this critically-acclaimed documentary. Using rarely-seen footage, and recently-discovered interviews, the film celebrates the precisions that big dreams demand. Moviemaker Todd Douglas Miller doesnt apologize for the familiarity of the story; instead he celebrates that we know how this saga will ultimately end. Marooned (1969): How fictional astronauts deal with the dangers of space travel fills a big-screen epic in the best and worst traditions of Hollywood excess. Leave it to Gregory Peck, as a driven but human NASA administrator, to bring a voice of calm to the panic of the day when three astronauts find themselves, as the title suggests, lost in space. Lee Grant, in the small role of a stricken astronauts wife, captures the anxiety that family members must feel when their loved ones soar at risk. How proud we feel when we come together to celebrate what we achieve. And how much we need that now. See you at the movies. While much of the worlds people are staying inside their homes to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Napas artists are quietly creating art. This is the seventh in a series about what local artists are doing during this unprecedented time. Carl Ciliax Carl Ciliax had a serendipitous experience as California was starting to go into quarantine. As he stopped for gas on his way to the dump, the man pumping gas next to him noticed the sign on the door of his beloved 1952 Chevy pickup that read Carl Ciliax Sculpture in Bronze. He commented that he had always wanted a trout for his coffee table, and I told him I could do that, and we had a deal, Ciliax said. The work (on the trout) is now being cast at the foundry. The trout is a departure from his usual work. Ciliax is a Napa sculptor whose niche is the American West culture and wildlife. In his large body of work, Ciliax honors the Western heritage through his knowledge, dedication and craftsmanship. Whether his bronze depicts a cowboy sitting in the saddle, holding onto the reins as his horse tries to buck him off, a buffalo, or an Indian who is holding antlers aloft, each bronze tells a three-dimensional story. The details, form and sense of movement in his work contribute to the feeling that his creations have momentarily come to life. In 2013, he was commissioned to sculpt a monument for the historic city of Orland, California. His Sagebrush and Silence bronze was dedicated as the citys first public art installation in the city center. Celiax said he doesnt think the pandemic has influenced him to take a new direction in his work but recently he has been inspired to create a new piece that is outside of his usual subject matter. I challenged myself to create a sculpture to represent the Napa Valley and decided on a composition of two vineyard workers at harvesting time, Ciliax said. It is a small piece, but I am really hoping to have the opportunity to have it cast life-size or larger for placement in a public space. I feel the Napa Valley should have a monument to honor the workers who are the backbone of the wine industry, he added. His harvest workers, still in clay form, resemble the workers he and his life partner, Beverly Wilson, see working in the vineyard next door to them. Many of Wilsons oil paintings also honor these workers. In addition to the vineyard workers at harvest time, Ciliax has several other pieces in progress including a pronghorn antelope, a trout and two horses. Ciliax likes to use his own story to encourage others to realize that it is never too late to follow their own dream. Some art lovers who have visited Wilson and Ciliax during the annual Open Studios event may be familiar with it. My journey to becoming an artist is unique, and I have shared it with many people, Ciliax said. I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and I always loved the outdoor desert life, hunting and fishing. Descended from colorful characters in Arizona and Nevada history, Ciliax became an expert on Bighorn sheep and an accomplished guide at a young age. In my early 20s I was drawn to the cowboy way of life, he said. I felt at home in this culture and the many images from this time in my life the horses and the people who love them, along with Western wildlife have always stayed with me. Ciliax left his guiding work behind him to get a real job in order to raise and support a family. Fast-forward through 40 years of working in an unrewarding career, he said. I decided to stop everything and find the artist I knew was inside me. I thought I wanted to be a wildlife painter but after a one-week workshop with western bronze sculptor Mel Lawson, I knew I had found my medium and cancelled all my painting classes. I began my journey as a bronze sculptor at age 60 and have no regrets, Ciliax said. Not even the pandemic can cast much of a shadow on the life he enjoys these days as a Napa sculptor. By nature, I enjoy solitude, so the isolation I share with my partner, Beverly, has not been difficult, Ciliax said. Fortunately, we both enjoy time alone, and after the first few weeks of no studio time, we are returning to our art along with home projects, old movies and jigsaw puzzles. Both Beverly and I love to travel, and I look forward to the day we can start a new adventure, Ciliax said. His work is on display at Calamity Janes Trading Company in downtown Napa. The store was recently able to reopen. To see his work, go to carlciliax.com. Carl Ciliax can be contacted at 707-253-9247 (studio visitors are welcome by appointment). Beverly Wilson The first thing Beverly Wilson wants to do when the pandemic is over is to hug her family and friends. In the meantime, she has gone back to creating the kind of paintings that have made her work so popular with art lovers and collectors. Wilsons work is in many fine collections including those of Beringer Vineyards, Franzia Winery, The Doctors Company, The Banff School of Fine Art, Justin Vineyards, Lasgoity Vineyards, Demptos Cooperage, U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, and Mr. and Mrs. David Wolper. Her painting Cabernet Harvest hangs in the State Capitol building in Sacramento. As much as Wilson loves to immortalize Napa Valley through her art, painting was not her first reaction when the world shut down to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. Wilson did something out of character for her something she hadnt done in three decades. She stopped painting. The steady stream of bad news created such a sense of uncertainty that I was unable to paint until about two weeks ago, Wilson said. Instead, like so many others, I fell into the nesting mode and reorganized closets, watched movies, planted flowers and sorted old photos. With her creative energy redoubled, Wilson is back in her home studio in the middle of working on a large Napa Valley landscape commission that she is really enjoying. She has also started a new Napa Townscape for her series, which is a view of the Food City and Family Drug complex on Jefferson Street. In this series, she has focused on the beauty in the everyday historic corners of town that are beloved landmarks for locals, such as Buttercream Bakery, Napa Mill, Shackfords Kitchen Store and Ricos Auto Detail Shop. In addition, she is starting to hand-paint a few face masks. The organizing that Wilson did at the beginning of sheltering in place has paid off. It led her to rediscover several unfinished paintings. Now, looking at them with fresh eyes she remembers what initially inspired her to begin these paintings and she can see solutions to the problems that had stymied her when she set them aside. Wilson is continuing to celebrate ordinary moments by painting the landscapes, figurative subjects and Napa Townscapes she is known for as well as considering introducing something new. I am enjoying the freedom to create without a deadline for the first time in years and I think that I will open up some new subjects in my work, she said. While organizing, Wilson came across dozens of photos that she had taken in open-air markets during her travels. Such markets are colorful, energetic, and for centuries have been a common experience of virtually everyone on the planet, Wilson said. With time to reflect over the past few months, I feel motivated to depict my impressions of what used to be common activities, places to gather and socialize. Im excited by the challenge of capturing these past experiences on my canvas, she added. Wilsons ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary is a result of her lifetime of devotion to painting. She started art lessons from Carmelo de Simone, an Italian artist in San Mateo, when she was 10 years old. Later, she studied with Richard Diebenkom at UCLA where she earned her BFA. Influenced by Impressionist painters and colorists, Wilson developed her own vibrant style. She moved to Napa in 1983 because it reminded her of the vineyard regions of Tuscany and Umbria that she fell in love with when traveling through Italy for a year while supporting herself by selling her paintings. In Napa, she operated Beverly Wilson Design for nearly two decades before devoting herself full time to fine art. I feel very fortunate to have been able to follow my passion for the past 30 years and I owe so much of my success to the encouragement of my partner, Carl, my family and friends, art appreciators and collectors, she said. The extraordinary beauty of our valley inspires me every day. Although Wilson has been hurt by the cancellation of art events and, until last week, the closing of art galleries, she sees a silver lining of shelter-in-place in giving people the time and opportunity to contemplate self-development. She has noticed that people are gravitating to artistic activities and hopes theyll continue to nurture those interests. We are so lucky to be in Napa where the danger and risks have been staying low, Wilson said. I am so impressed and proud of our front-line workers, and of the cooperative, caring and positive attitude of our entire community. I hope the legacy of COVID-19 will be a more closely bonded community. To see her work, go to beverlywilson.com. Wilsons work can also be seen at the Jessel Gallery in Napa, as part of a new show, Shelter in Peace. Uganda: Lake Kyoga claims six lives despite ban on illegal fishing June 03,2020 | Source: AllAfrica Despite an existing ban on fishing activities on Lake Kyoga, some fishermen have continued to operate on the lake, with some losing lives. Available statistics indicate that six fishermen have drowned in the lake in a space of three weeks after encountering strong winds. Fishing activities on Lake Kyoga were suspended in April last year by the army's Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) to allow soldiers register fishermen and also enable them acquire standard boats and fishing gears. Although the suspension was to last for two months, it has persisted to date, forcing some fishermen to beat security and carry out illegal fishing at night. According to Mr Sam Kigula, the chairperson of Nakasongola District, the latest incident occurred last Friday at Zengebe Landing Site where two fishermen drowned after their boat was hit by heavy winds. "It is unfortunate that we continue to lose lives on the lake yet fishing activities were suspended. The fishermen sneak into Lake Albert in total defiance of the existing fishing ban. They end up encountering heavy winds leading to the drowning," Mr Kigula said on Saturday. Mr Issah Ssemwogerere, the Savannah regional police spokesperson, said the victims of the May 29 boat accident are Richard Wakanyira and Topher Ssebabi, all residents of Zengebe Town Council in Nakasongola District. "We have managed to retrieve the two bodies and handed them over to the relatives. We have recorded several other water accidents with the number now estimated at six this month [May]. We advise the fishermen not to risk lives through engaging in illegal fishing," Ms Ssemwogere said. 2020 AllAfrica Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods. Early Education and Care Commissioner Samantha Aigner-Treworgy provides an update on reopening plans for child-care centers. State Releases Guidelines for Childcare, Starts Allowing Family Visits to Nursing Homes BOSTON Child care is going to look different as facilities begin to reopen in the second phase of the commonwealth's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, but one element of elder care will start getting back to normal under guidelines released on Tuesday. Commissioner of Early Education and Care Samantha Aigner-Treworgy and Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders joined Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday at his daily press availability. Aigner-Treworgy laid out a number of the guidelines on child-care programs that were released on Monday. Sudders explained the rules that will let assisted living facilities to start allowing family members to visit their loved ones outdoors and while observing the social distancing rules that mark the rest of life in the commonwealth during the pandemic. "Child care, recreational summer programs and day camps serving youth are all critical components in getting families and the economy back to work," Aigner-Treworgy said. On Monday, in cooperation with the Department of Public Health, Aigner-Treworgy's office released the minimum requirements for those programs, giving providers time to implement changes ahead of the start of Phase 2 in Baker's plan to reopen the state's economy. "Child care will look different, and as a former preschool teacher, I want to acknowledge how hard this will be for both our educators and our families," she said. "Some examples of the changes include: Providers will need to scan and screen all staff and children, including health checks, prior to allowing them into the space each day; there will be one point of entry for all families; and families will need to drop children off on a staggered schedule at the door, so we can limit non-essential adults in our childcare facilities. "Daily activities will need to be redesigned to avoid close contact between children, encouraging social distancing whenever possible." Child-care facilities looking to open in Phase 2 will need to submit a plan to Aigner-Treworgy's department, and she said additional guidelines will be released in the days ahead. She also noted that the commonwealth will continue to operate the emergency program it implemented for essential workers in order to continue their access to childcare as the rest of the industry gets up and running. "We understand that social distancing is not easy with toddlers," Aigner-Treworgy said. "There will be many challenges in operationalizing these requirements. And I know there's a lot of anxiety in the field. I assure you our approach is meant to be supportive, not punitive." Baker later acknowledged a concern that some facilities will choose not to reopen under the more restrictive rules or that facilities will lose revenue because families of families choosing not to return out of concern for children's health. "We just don't know how people are going to respond to these things, especially in the short term," Baker said. Aigner-Treworgy said that child-care facilities, like any small business, will struggle as families decide whether to return to the system. "We have focused the federal funding that we receive toward those providers about 50 percent of the providers that are serving that 20 percent of our [at-risk] families," she said. "And we're looking at it in two-month intervals and trying to make sure the requirements and funding that we put in lasts through the summer." Sudders announced the results of the commonwealth's second round of COVID-19 compliance audits for long-term care facilities and explained the rules that will govern family visitation at those facilities. "Beginning today, family visitation restrictions at nursing homes, rest homes and assisted living facilities have been eased to allow scheduled, outdoor visits," Sudders said. "While we continue to promote alternative electronic methods of communication there's nothing, we know, like an in-person visit." Family visits will be limited to two family members from outside the facility, visitors will be screened, visitors will need to maintain a 6-foot distance from residents and a trained long-term care facility staff member must remain with the visitor throughout the visit, Sudders said. Any resident of a facility suspected of COVID-19 will not be eligible for a visit. Sudders also shared some good news about the commonwealth's monitoring of nursing homes. Ninety-seven percent of the commonwealth's 360 facilities have met the requirement to test at least 90 percent of residents and staff for COVID-19 by May 25. Beginning May 4, the commonwealth began auditing facilities on a 28-point infection control checklist, and last Friday, it completed the second of four rounds of those audits, Sudders said. In the first round of audits, May 4 to 15, all 360 facilities were audited and categorized either green, yellow or red based on five core competencies; failure to pass one category put a facility in the red. "Many of the facilities in the red category would have received a high enough score to be in the green if they had not missed that one core measure of competency," Sudders said. In Round 1, 132 facilities, just more than a third, finished in the red. The second round of audits looked at 230 facilities including the all 132 failures and found just 49 facilities, or 21 percent of the sites tested, in the red. "All facilities in the red and yellow will be audited again within the next two weeks and will continue to receive enhanced supports from us," Sudders said. "Overall, the results of the second round of audits demonstrate encouraging improvement among many nursing facilities. "The most common missed core competency remains the improper use of [personal protective equipment]. Facilities that consistently have low scores on audits and that we believe may potentially endanger the health, safety or welfare of residents will not be eligible for continued enhanced funding and will be subject to additional consequences, including potential termination of medicaid receivership and other sanctions." Sudders later clarified that the funding at risk for failing the audits comes from state's $130 million accountability package announced in late April. Wednesday's press conference, the first for the governor since Monday, covered a variety of topics: Baker reiterated his support for demonstrators who have been marching in recent weeks as part of nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. "The murder of George Floyd was a tragedy," Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said. "It was wrong, and it was an act of racism. We cannot and will not tolerate these injustices. We must listen, learn and make progress in this fight." Baker did acknowledge that demonstrations on the scale seen over the last week could heighten the danger of transmitting the novel coronavirus but noted that he had seen widespread use of facial coverings and hand sanitizer among demonstrators. He also said smaller protests have occurred in the commonwealth throughout the pandemic and he had no plans to use public health as a reason to quelch the demonstrations. "No one has been arrested, no one has been ticketed, no one has been fined [for violating the public health order limiting the size of gatherings]," Baker said. "I think our view on things like this is First Amendment rights are a balancing act for us in dealing with this pandemic and the contagious nature of it. We certainly appreciate the fact that many of the folks involved in these protests have worn face coverings." Although grocery stores and pharmacies continue to be required to set aside at least one hour per day for customers aged 60 and over, Polito said she does not anticipate similar requirements for restaurants or other retail establishments as they open during Phase 2. "I would not want to be overly proscriptive to restaurants about how to gain the attention of their customers and patrons who want to come back," Polito said. "That might be something that they would consider as an opportunity to have an older population return to a restaurant so they feel comfortable. But I would want to leave that up to restaurant owners to design a program to get their workforce back but also to help their patrons feel comfortable and confident that returning to a restaurant outdoors and indoors makes sense to them." Baker indicated an announcement could be made in the next few days about the start date of Phase 2 of the reopening. "As a reminder, our public health officers will be monitoring data all week to determine when we can start Phase 2," Baker said. "And we plan to be here with you on Saturday to detail the results and when Phase 2 will start." NTU and Facebook pilot programme to develop data centre talents in Singapore Tech giant Facebook has partnered Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU) to launch a pilot programme aimed at developing local talent in the data centre sector. The new nine-month pilot programme by the Centre for Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE@NTU) will offer four Specialist Certificates and one Graduate Certificate in the pilot phase, starting August 2020. The four Specialist Certificate programmes are in design engineering, network engineering, site operations, and facility operations; while the Graduate Certificate programme is in international construction management. Photo courtesy: NTU Singapore The courses are developed in conjunction with NTU College of Engineering, NTU said in a statement. They are aimed at training and upskilling local engineering talent to fill the increasing demand for specialists in the data centre industry. The programme will run alongside NTU undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum, both on campus and online. It is open to the public and eligible for funding and mid-career enhanced subsidy provided by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). "We are very proud to contribute towards growing local talent in the data centre sector through our collaboration with Facebook," said Professor Ling San, NTU Deputy President and Provost. "With NTU's deep expertise in emerging technologies and Facebook's data centre expertise, participants of our new certificate programmes will be able to benefit from a world-class education and stand in good stead in the future job market." Facebook broke ground on their first Asia-based data centre in Singapore in 2018, which will be operational in a few years' time. Commenting on the collaboration, Kiren Kumar, Assistant Chief Executive, Digital Industry and Talent Group at the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), said, "IMDA would like to thank NTU Singapore and Facebook for this partnership to train and groom more local talent for the data centre segment of our ICT sector." Neil Finn has enlisted the help of his Fleetwood Mac bandmates to help him fundraise for Auckland City Mission, who is fast approaching 100 years since it's finding. The trio wrote and recorded the new song 'Find Your Way Back Home' and released it earlier today. There are all these people in all of our lives, I think, that we drift away from, Finn told NZHerald. There was a story there, that was a connection that I made. It just puts it in your backyard. I live in a pretty fortunate situation, and I move in circles that are not in daily contact with homeless people. So, its good to be able to find a pathway in your head to relate to some degree. Find Your Way Back Home features guest vocals from Nicks and a co-writing credit for McVie, who Finn asked to help pen the song while on tour with Fleetwood Mac. I guess I had every incentive to make sure that the words were evocative, simple, relatable, truthful and not crass or message-y, he said. Its easy to be nebulous and abstract, and Im quite good at that in my songs generally. So, to be direct in a way is a real challenge. F ormer President Barack Obama has spoken out over the death of George Floyd, saying he is "committed to the fight of creating a more just nation". On Wednesday, Mr Obama held a virtual town hall event with young people to discuss the protests which have engulfed the country following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. It came as thousands of protesters in Washington knelt and sang "Amazing Grace" on another night of protests over the death of Mr Floyd. Mr Obama said: "Let me begin by acknowledging that although all of us have been feeling pain, uncertainty, disruption - some folks have been feeling it more than others, most of all, the pain that's been experienced by the families. "To those families that have been directly affected by tragedy, please know that Michelle and I, and the nation, grieve with you, hold you in our prayers. "We're committed to the fight of creating a more just nation in memory of your sons and daughters." He added: "I want you to know that you matter. I want you to know that your lives matter, that your dreams matter." To black men and women, the former president said: "You have the power to make things better...you've communicated a sense of urgency that is as powerful and as transformative as anything that I've seen in recent years." Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died after a white police officer pressed his knee into Mr Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. In a lengthy written statement last week, Mr Obama said that while he understood that millions of Americans were eager to "just get back to normal" when the pandemic abates, it shouldn't be forgotten that normal life for people of colour in the US involves being treated differently on account of their race. "This shouldn't be 'normal' in 2020 America. It can't be 'normal,'" Mr Obama wrote. Tensions across the country have escalated further in the days since Mr Obama's statement. President Donald Trump has cheered harsh crackdowns on the protests, some of which have turned violent, and threatened to deploy active-duty military to the states if local officials could not get the demonstrations under control. Thousands of people have been arrested as protests erupted across the country. George Floyd protesters 'take the knee' 1 /16 George Floyd protesters 'take the knee' AFP via Getty Images REUTERS Getty Images Getty Images PA PA AFP via Getty Images PA PA AFP via Getty Images PA Getty Images On Wednesday, Defence Secretary Mark Esper overturned an earlier Pentagon decision to send active-duty soldiers home from Washington amid growing tensions with the White House over the military response to the protests. In Portland, several hundred people broke away from a massive peaceful protest and engaged in a confrontation with police officers guarding a public building. Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says the city has taken a "step forward" in restoring order with the help of an early curfew. Police say they arrested about 280 people on protest-related charges Tuesday, compared with 700 the previous night. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 09:43:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KAMPALA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Uganda plans to evacuate over 2,400 nationals stranded in 66 countries abroad amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa said here on Tuesday. The Ugandan government is in consultations with the United Nations (UN), airline companies and countries involved, to make the final evacuation plans, he said. Airport and border closures amid the pandemic, which have been in effect since March 22, have caused troubles for Ugandans to return home. Kutesa said that each returning citizen will be tested for the virus and only those who are negative will be allowed to return home. On arrival, they will undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantined and will be tested before being released to the communities. The government has talked to airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, since the company can arrange to pick up Ugandans from different locations and gather them to a more central place, from where special flights can be arranged to bring them back home, said Kutesa. He added that discussions have also been held with the UN, asking the agency to consider placing stranded Ugandans on its humanitarian flights across Africa. He noted that the United Arab Emirates has agreed to arrange at least three flights to bring back home the migrant workers stranded in the Arab country. "Fortunately, many of these migrant workers already have air tickets which were provided by their former employers," he said. Enditem Two detectives who were accused of breaking a 21-year-old woman's arm during a forceful arrest have been cleared after a 15-month internal investigation. Madison Holt-Lea, from QLD's Capricorn Coast, lodged an affidavit calling for the Yeppon detectives to be charged claiming her arm had been snapped between her shoulder and elbow during questioning on February 11, 2019. Ms Holt-Lea, who was 21 at the time, said detectives arrived at a Taranganba home to question her about a stolen mobile phone, then put her hands behind her back and bent her over a railing. Madison Holt-Lea (pictured) lodged a complaint against two Yeppon detectives claiming her arm was broken on February 11 last year during questioning 'I yelled "I'm not resisting" three times,' she said in her affidavit, the Courier Mail reports. 'While both of my arms were behind my back and I was bent over the railing, Detective [name withheld] has then freed one hand and with this free hand punched me in the arm.' Ms Holt Lea said she heard a loud crack. '[He] was saying "f***, f***,f***" and yelled at Detective [name also withheld] "stop, I've broken her arm,"' her affidavit said. An ambulance was called and a subsequent scan showed her arm was broken. Last month, Ms Holt-lea received a letter from the Capricornia District Professional Practice Manager which said inquiries into her complaint revealed conflicting versions surrounding the circumstances of the matter. A scan (pictured) showed Ms Holt-Lea's arm had been snapped between her shoulder and elbow The letter implied the two detectives had misreported the incident and said they had been dealt with by an internal management process for the failing to appropriately report the events. It said without other evidence to prove her allegations, the matter had been now been finalised without any further criminal action taken. Leanne Holt, Ms Holt-Lea's mother, told reporters on Tuesday she and her daughter felt defeated by the outcome of investigation but they planned to take further legal action. The letter said the initial investigation against Ms Holt-Lea would recommence. It concluded by noting if evidence is gathered resulting in enforcement action taken against her, the proceedings will be closely monitored for any judicial criticism of the actions of police in those circumstances. The internal investigation against the detectives was overseen by the Crime and Corruption Commission which also agreed with the recommendations, the letter said. To date, she has not been charged as a result of last year's arrest. Mother of murdered Ofankor tenant, Stella Okyere, says her 30-year-old departed son left behind two children. The family of the late Benjamine Spark is in mourning after the budding musician was unexpectedly gunned down to death by his landlord. Speaking to GhanaWeb, the mother of the murdered tenant said her late son was not married but he had two children. My sons death is really a blow to us. He was a beacon of hope. We are not rich but Benjamin was a big inspiration to us. He always told me that my labour will not be in vain. Though she did not give details about her late sons offsprings, Madam Stella revealed that, Benjamin was not married but he had two children. She also mentioned that her dead son was the lifeline of the family, hence his passing will have a devastating effect on the family. My son was my go to person in times of need. He supported me whenever I needed money to go to the hospital. As he is gone now, where will my help come from when Im in need? Madam Okyere further called on all stakeholders to make sure justice is served. On May 24, 2020, a landlord, Victor Stephen Nana Kankam, reportedly murdered his tenant at Ofankor in the Greater Accra region. The landlord, according to police extract, shot budding musician Spark Benjamine, who was rushed to the police station with multiple injuries. The victim was subsequently rushed to the Police Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. DSP George Asare, the district commander and his team who went to the crime scene said they saw a pool of blood at the entrance of the deceaseds rented apartment. The suspect has been detained to assist the police in their investigations. 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 Drilling has started at the San Francisco de Los Andes ('SFdLA') breccia. de Los Andes ('SFdLA') breccia. The drilling campaign will be a concurrent blend of drilling at SFdLA breccia pipe and exploration drilling of newly discovered gold-copper-silver mineralised breccia pipes. Commencing drilling with a strong cash position and balance sheet. During the past two weeks, the Turmalina operations team has been busy onsite establishing the camp, constructing access roads to drill sites and building drill pads. This process has gone smoothly and Turmalina now is drilling at the SFdLA breccia pipe. This phase two drill program will be a concurrent blend of drilling at the (SFdLA) breccia, to follow up on a very successful initial drill program while also commencing exploration on multiple newly identified and sampled breccias that present high priority exploration targets. Two diamond drill rigs will be utilized to drill a total of 4500 meters during this drill campaign. Approximately 2500 m will be drilled at the SFDLA breccia pipe, testing for vertical and lateral extensions to high-grade gold-copper-silver mineralization encountered in the first phase of drilling (Figure 1). The remaining 2,000 m will test gold-copper mineralized breccia pipes identified during the summer mapping program (Figure 2). With drilling now underway Turmalina has also re-started infill rock chip sampling in newly identified gold-copper mineralised breccia pipes, starting at the Humilde breccia, and then continuing at the Solita and Colorada breccias. Dr. Rohan Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer, states: "It's pleasing to be drilling again at our flagship San Francisco project. The next few months promise to be a very busy and exciting time for Turmalina as we test for extensions to high grade gold-copper mineralisation intersected in our initial drilling at the SFdLA breccia pipe, as well as drill testing some exciting newly-identified gold-copper mineralised breccia pipes on the property. Some of these new breccia pipes have returned surface gold and copper grades even higher than those found on the surface of the SFdLA breccia pipe. In conjunction with the drilling program we have restarted detailed sampling and mapping of several high-priority targets and we look forward to keeping the market updated as drilling and fieldwork progresses over the coming months." SFDLA Drilling Initial drilling at the SFdLA breccia (see Turmalina News Release dated December 2, 2019 for full details of results including information on true widths) returned significant gold-rich intercepts including: 36.95m @ 6.31 g/t Au, 122 g/t Ag & 0.88% Cu (8.7 g/t AuEq) from 34.5m (SFDH-001) from (SFDH-001) 85.30m @ 4.43 g/t Au, 109 g/t Ag & 0.79% Cu (6.6 g/t AuEq) from 27.7m (SFDH-002) from (SFDH-002) Including 22.70m @ 6.66 g/t Au, 86 g/t Ag & 1.46% Cu (9.46 g/t AuEq) from 28.3m from Including 25.00m @ 5.29 g/t Au, 117 g/t Ag & 0.62% Cu (7.4 g/t AuEq) from 61m from 50.75m @ 3.62 g/t Au, 82 g/t Ag & 1.90% Cu (6.7 g/t AuEq) from 44.25m (SFDH-003) from (SFDH-003) Including 26.75m @ 5.47 g/t Au, 97 g/t Ag & 3.30% Cu (10.6 g/t AuEq) from 44.25m from 85.00m @ 2.65 g/t Au, 88 g/t Ag & 0.57% Cu (4.32 g/t AuEq) from 33m (SFDH-005) from (SFDH-005) Including 21.00m @ 5.05 g/t Au, 173 g/t Ag & 0.80% Cu (8.0 g/t AuEq) from 35m from 27.52m @ 3.00 g/t Au, 124 g/t Ag & 0.37% Cu (4.8 g/t AuEq) from 56.48m (SFDH-007) from (SFDH-007) Including 8.52m @ 4.91 g/t Au, 140 g/t Ag & 0.24% Cu (7.1 g/t AuEq) from 56.48m from And 16m @ 0.8 g/t Au, 281 g/t Ag & 1.59% Cu (6.1 g/t AuEq) from 150m . Initial Phase Two drilling at the SFdLA targets the projected vertical extension of the breccia approximately 60 to 80 meters below the deepest holes drilled by Turmalina to date (Figure 1). Further holes will then extend this to greater depths as well as test shallower along-strike extensions. Exploration Drilling on New Targets Over summer Turmalina completed a project-wide 3400 ha mapping and sampling program. This program included collection of over 4,494 soil samples, 1,240 rock chip samples and mapping of over 60 breccias. The upcoming drilling program will drill test four of these newly discovered breccia pipes (Figure 2). These new breccia pipes are all located in close proximity to SFDLA. Rock chip samples from one of these new targets included 79 g/t gold, 385 g/t silver and 7.7% copper: assay grades higher than those obtained from rock chips over the SFdLA breccia pipe drilled by the Company in 2019. To minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission to our team and the community the Company will apply rigorous protocols throughout the program. These procedures will include social distancing, improved hygiene, health screening of all staff and contractors, longer rosters at our remote field camp and an onsite medical professional to monitor health and ensure procedures are followed. About the San Francisco Project, San Juan, Argentina The 3404 ha San Francisco project is located in San Juan, Argentina. The project area contains more than 60 tourmaline breccia occurrences, several of which have supported small-scale mining. The Company is focused on mapping and sampling the breccias, and drill testing prioritized targets. Work Programs The summer field program at San Francisco extended geological mapping, portable XRF analysis and geochemical sampling (rock chips and soils) over the entire Project area. High-priority breccia targets defined by this first-pass sampling were subject to detailed mapping and channel sampling leading to the selection of drill targets for the pending drill program. The company is also consolidating our regional holdings as San Francisco is located within an 80 km long gold-copper mineralised belt. Qualified Person The scientific and technical data contained in this news release pertaining to the San Francisco and Turmalina projects has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Rohan Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer, MAIG, who serves as the Qualified Person (QP) under the definition of National Instrument 43-101. On Behalf of the Company, Dr. Rohan Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Email: [email protected] Mobile: +976 9999 6994 Website: turmalinametals.com Address: #488 - 1090 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V7. Statements About Turmalina Metals and the San Francisco Project: Turmalina Metals is a TSXV-listed exploration company focused on developing our portfolio of high grade gold-copper-silver projects in South America. Our focus is on tourmaline breccias, a deposit style overlooked by many explorers. Turmalina Metals is led by a team responsible for multiple gold-copper-silver discoveries who are highly experienced in this deposit style. Our projects are characterised by open high-grade mineralisation on established mining licenses that present compelling drill targets. The principle project held by Turmalina is the San Francisco project in San Juan, Argentina. For further information on the San Francisco Project, refer to the technical report entitled "NI43-101 Technical Report San Francisco Copper Gold Project, San Juan Province, Argentina" dated November 17, 2019 under the Corporation's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward Looking Statement: This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks (including those risk factors identified in the Corporation's prospectus dated November 21, 2019) and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Corporation is under no obligation, and expressly 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 expressly required by applicable law. There is no assurance when the government-imposed measures related to COVID-19 in Argentina will be lifted. There is uncertainty over the form and duration of government measures and multiple policy changes may occur with regards to these measures over time. The Company may not provide updates on various government measures and changes to these measures as they occur. SOURCE Turmalina Metals Corp. Related Links http://turmalinametals.com LAPORTE With the final results not being available for two more days, it's easy to understand why Earl Cunningham would look at Tuesday's count with caution. "I'm not going to count my chickens before they hatch," Cunningham, a Republican candidate for an at-large county council seat, said. Cunningham, who previously served two terms on the county council, decided to try to return to the council only because of a lack of candidates on the Republican side for the three at-large seats. Eventually, three others got into the race, giving each side five candidates. "I was very impressed with the good, young Republicans on the ballot. I told them, if they had filed earlier, I might not have filed because of my age," he said. He said he had expected Connie Gramarossa, the lone woman of the 10 candidates, to lead the primary balloting because there are more women than men in the county. Gramarossa was third behind Cunningham and Brett Kessler in the early voting. Joe Smith and Adam Koronka are the other two in the running. Gramarossa previously served two years on the board of commissioners. Lucknow: BJP on Wednesday held protest against controversial minister Azam Khan for his "objectionable" statement against Bhim Rao Ambedkar dubbing the Constitution maker as someone who grabs land. In his address at the inauguration of Haj House in Ghaziabad on Monday, Khan without naming Ambedkar had said, "All across Uttar Pradesh, there are statues of a person whose finger seems to say that not only does it own the plot of land on which it is standing, but also the plot towards which it is pointing its finger." "The BJP held protests in the state capital and the similar protests were also stagged across the state," Uttar Pradesh BJP President Keshav Prasad Maurya said. A BJP delegation led by Maurya handed over a memorandum to Governor Ram Naik at Rajbhawan demanding Khan's dismissal from the cabinet for "hurting sentiments" by making "derogatory remarks" against Ambedkar. "We request to make such an arrangement that those making such statements against great persons should be brought to book irrespective of their stature," he said. Maurya also attacked the Opposition parties for being silent over the remarks. "The silence of BSP proves that it is hand-in-gloves with the ruling SP and Congress. BSP has not initiated any action against Naseemuddin Siddiqui for derogatory remarks against women and also not sent any representative for Kashmir talks. This shows the way in which the party is running," Maurya said. Maurya alleged that BJP district president and other workers were injured in the lathicharge by police on protestors in Lucknow. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Navnirman Sena threatened to hold a 'mahapanchayat' on the issue which will be attended by people from 150 villages if Khan does not tender an apology. UPNS chief Amit Jani said if Khan does not apologise for the remarks against Ambedkar, a mahapanchayat will be called on September 25th. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. [June 03, 2020] RiskIQ Announces Investment from National Grid Partners SAN FRANCISCO, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RiskIQ, the world leader in attack surface management, today is pleased to announce an investment from National Grid Partners (NGP), the venture and innovation arm of British multinational utility company National Grid plc. This funding will enable RiskIQ to bring its attack surface management, threat detection, and unique threat hunting capabilities to critical infrastructure industries, which face a host of unique security challenges entering the new decade. Over 6,000 organizations worldwide, including 30% of the Fortune 500, trust RiskIQ's capabilities for their cybersecurity programs, including vulnerability management, application security, and penetration testing programs. The $15M Series D funding round reflects RiskIQs proven ability to enable safe, sustained growth and digital innovation by addressing threats outside the firewall, where 70% of cyber attacks now originate. RiskIQ's existing investors, Summit Partners, Battery Ventures, Georgian Partners, and MassMutual Ventures, joined NGP in the round. "We view NGP's show of support as an incredible opportunity to help customers in new markets thrive as their attack surfaces expand outside the firewall, especially now amid the COVID-19 pandemic," RiskIQ CEO Lou Manousos said. "Like us, NGP recognizes that operational technology around attack surface management is no longer just nice to have, and is a must for all businesses. We look forward to this collaboration bringing RiskIQ technology, as well as a platform for information sharing and community defense, to this sector." Mapping the internet for the past decade, RiskIQ has developed unmatched visibility, allowing organizations to accurately discover and inventory their digital attack surface, including IoT assets, third-party code, internet-exposed services, and mobile applications. The company's platform autonomously updates this inventory while simultaneously monitoring it for threats -- a mission-critical cybersecurity operation for critical infrastructure organizations to defend against nation-state cyber adversaries. "As a staple platform in their core security environent, our cyber threat analysts use RiskIQ regularly to enrich & identify incoming threats," said Lisa Lambert, president of National Grid Partners and Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of National Grid. "At NGP, we seek to partner with and invest in high growth companies that are strategic to National Grid. RiskIQ is a category leader in Attack Surface Management, with impressive technology and growth, and we are excited to lead their latest financing round." Director Andre Turenne led the investment for National Grid Partners. Along with the investment, NGP will be instrumental in providing ongoing strategic and tactical advice and guidance to RiskIQ as the company penetrates deeper into the infrastructure, manufacturing, and utility markets. "We're thrilled that our market leadership, vision, and substantial financial prospects made a strategic relationship with us attractive," said Manousos. "The investment supports RiskIQ's continued commitment to growth in new markets and illustrates the recognition of our technology. About RiskIQ RiskIQ is the leader in digital attack surface management, providing the most comprehensive discovery, intelligence, and mitigation of threats associated with an organization's digital presence. With more than 75 percent of attacks originating outside the firewall, RiskIQ allows enterprises to gain unified insight and control over web, social and mobile exposures. Trusted by thousands of security analysts, security teams, and CISO's, RiskIQ's platform combines advanced internet data reconnaissance and analytics to expedite investigations, understand digital attack surfaces, assess risk, and take action to protect the business, brand, and customers. Based in San Francisco, the company is backed by Summit Partners, Battery Ventures, Georgian Partners, and MassMutual Ventures. Visit https://www.riskiq.com or follow us on Twitter . Try RiskIQ Community Edition for free by visiting https://www.riskiq.com/community/ About National Grid Partners National Grid Partners (NGP) is the venture investment and innovation arm of National Grid plc., one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. NGP invests for strategic and financial impact and leads companywide culture transformation efforts. The organization provides a multi-functional approach to building startups, including innovation (new business creation), incubation, corporate venture capital, business development and culture acceleration. NGP is headquartered in Silicon Valley and has offices in Boston, London, and New York. Visit ngpartners.com or follow us on Twitter (@ngpartners_). 2020 RiskIQ, Inc. All rights reserved. RiskIQ is a registered trademark of RiskIQ, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Contact Holly Hitchcock Front Lines Media 805-801-9798 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi: The government on Wednesday said that it has considered relaxing visa and travel restrictions for certain categories of foreign nationals who need to come to India. Among those who are allowed to come to India include foreign businessmen on a Business visa (other than on B-3 visa for sports) in non-scheduled commercial/ chartered flights. Foreign Healthcare professionals, health researchers, engineers and technicians for technical work at Indian health sector facilities, including laboratories and factories will also be allowed in this category. However, their entry is subject to a letter of invitation from a recognized and registered healthcare facility, registered pharmaceutical company or accredited University in India, a home ministry release said. Foreign Engineering, Managerial, Design or other Specialists travelling to India on behalf of foreign business entities located in India viz all manufacturing units, design units, software and IT units as well as financial sector companies (banking and non-banking financial sector firms) are also allowed. Lastly, foreign Technical specialists and engineers travelling for installation, repair and maintenance of foreign-origin machinery and equipment facilities in India, on the invitation of a registered Indian business entity have been added in this category. These could be for equipment installation, or is under warranty, or for after sales servicing or repair on commercial terms, the home ministry said. The ministry further added that the above categories of foreign nationals would have to obtain a fresh Business visa or Employment visa, as applicable, from the Indian Missions/ Posts abroad. Foreign nationals holding a valid long term multiple entry Business visa [other than B-3 visa for sports] issued by the Indian Missions/ Posts abroad would have to get the Business visa re-validated. Such foreign nationals would not be permitted to travel to India on the strength of any electronic visa obtained earlier, it added. Navy Completes Joint and Combined Exercise Vigilant Osprey Navy News Service Story Number: NNS200602-11 Release Date: 6/2/2020 10:48:00 AM By Chief Petty Officer Brian Finney, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command (NAVNORTH) units completed U.S. Northern Command-led exercise Vigilant Osprey, a major service-integrated homeland defense exercise aimed to strengthen operational partnerships with allied nations, May 31. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), as well as Atlantic-based Navy submarines and aircraft, alongside forces from Canada, Denmark, and the U.S. Air Force were able to learn from the other services and combatant commanders while advancing tactical and operational proficiency in high-end warfare. "Exercise Vigilant Osprey provided the framework to operate alongside our partners in the Atlantic. Any opportunity we get to integrate and synchronize capabilities and capacities at-sea in today's complex, multi-domain, and contested environment is invaluable training," said Adm. Christopher Grady, NAVNORTH commander. "While any navy can surge forces, none of us can surge trust. This week we were able to further strengthen our strong partner ties knowing that we will not fight alone." Elements of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) joined with HSTCSG to conduct a bi-national, multi-domain exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. The RCN provided afloat logistics support to the CSG, HMCS Ville de Quebec (VDQ) participated in a bi-lateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and air defense exercise with HSTCSG, while CP-140 Aurora Long-Range Patrol aircraft conducted multiple overflights and participated in ASW events. "This was an excellent advanced readiness opportunity for Canadian and American maritime forces," explained Rear-Admiral Craig Baines, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT). "The scenarios utilized during these events enable our mutual ability to operate in a multi-threat environment, in which coordination and integration are absolutely critical for our success in responding to any crisis in our waters or internationally." Commander, U.S 2nd Fleet (C2F), as NAVNORTH's Maritime Command Element-East (MCE-E), and Joint Arctic Command (JACO) HQ in Nuuk, Greenland exercised tactical and operational information sharing in order to improve mutual situational awareness. The exercise between these headquarters ensured both classified and unclassified information could be shared in real time. "The Atlantic is a contested environment, and our partnerships strengthen our advantage and complicate potential adversary decision making," said Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet and Maritime Command Element- East. "Operating with multiple combatant commands, other services, and learning from our Canadian and Danish Allies in the North Atlantic enhances our collective capabilities. We are stronger together." Exercise participants utilized Link 16, a tactical data link system that enhances tactical capabilities by allowing players to share real-time situational awareness and command and control data. "Danish Joint Arctic Command is responsible for the defence and security of the Arctic regions of the Danish Kingdom, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands," said Major General Kim Jesper Jrgensen, commander Danish Joint Arctic Command. "The command values the opportunity to exercise with our friends and allies in U.S. 2nd Fleet and the Truman Carrier Strike Group. Exercises like this improve our ability to maintain peace and stability in the Arctic. I look forward to increasing the operational cooperation between U.S. 2nd Fleet and Danish Joint Arctic Command." While operating alongside supporting assets from the Northern American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), and the newly formed U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM), the strike group demonstrated their role in the National Defense Strategy as a flexible and lethal asset ready to defend the homeland. The naming for exercise Vigilant Osprey is in homage to the people and geographic location in which it was conducted. Vigilant is typically used in NORTHCOM exercises, and Osprey, Nova Scotia's provincial bird, is a tribute to the Canadian participants. The naming of the exercise is to honor the victims of the mass shooting which occurred in Nova Scotia several weeks ago, the loss of six aircrew and sailors in a military helicopter crash, and to Capt. Jennifer Casey, the Canadian Forces Snowbird's Public Affairs Officer who was killed in a jet crash this month. The HSTCSG is comprised of the flagship aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and the embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 1, Destroyer Squadron 28, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), and USS Farragut (DDG 99). The strike group recently operated under the command of U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets, and the deployment serves as another example of how our Naval forces continue to be the most inherently flexible & available assets in times of crisis, providing presence & capabilities when needed. HSTCSG remains at sea in the Atlantic, conducting operations and is ready for tasking, while protecting the crew from the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Recent Attack in Western Niger Sends More Then 1,000 Fleeing By Lisa Schlein June 02, 2020 The U.N. refugee agency reports more than 1,000 people have fled a site in western Niger following an attack by unidentified armed men on Sunday. The group a mix of Malian refugees, displaced and local Niger nationals has arrived in the town of Telemces, some 27 kilometers away. The attack, which occurred about 70 kilometers from the Malian border, left two Malian refugee leaders and a local host community leader dead. The U.N. refugee agency says it fears more deadly assaults will occur in this volatile region. The agency said there has been a sharp increase in attacks in the past few months in the Liptako Gourma region where the borders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger intersect. UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic told VOA armed groups operating in the area are deliberately targeting local communities to drive people further inland in Niger. "It is clear that this is an area where they see the possibility of being able to use the border area between the three countries and to operate with impunity," Mahecic said. "Obviously, that is why it is so important that there is a response to this." While security is important, Mahecic said it also is important to take into account the huge humanitarian and displacement needs in the region. Militant Islamist groups and armed criminal gangs operating in the Sahel have terrorized the civilian population for years, creating a huge displacement crisis. The UNHCR reports more than three million people are displaced in the region, including an estimated 820,000 refugees. Mahecic said the UNHCR, along with partners and local authorities, are providing immediate aid to those fleeing, especially water so people do not die of thirst in the desert heat. He said water also is needed to help fight COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. "Despite violent attacks and insecurity severely limiting humanitarian access to those in need of protection and assistance, we are stepping up our response in Niger, focusing especially on providing shelter, education and programs to prevent and address sexual and gender-based violence," Mahecic said. The UNHCR has condemned what it calls the assassination of the Malian refugee leaders. It is calling on all sides to respect civilian lives. The agency says those responsible for these crimes must be brought to justice to deter others from committing similar acts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Editors Note, June 5, 2020: After publication, this essay met strong criticism from many readers (and many Times colleagues), prompting editors to review the piece and the editing process. Based on that review, we have concluded that the essay fell short of our standards and should not have been published. The basic arguments advanced by Senator Cotton however objectionable people may find them represent a newsworthy part of the current debate. But given the life-and-death importance of the topic, the senators influential position and the gravity of the steps he advocates, the essay should have undergone the highest level of scrutiny. Instead, the editing process was rushed and flawed, and senior editors were not sufficiently involved. While Senator Cotton and his staff cooperated fully in our editing process, the Op-Ed should have been subject to further substantial revisions as is frequently the case with such essays or rejected. For example, the published piece presents as facts assertions about the role of cadres of left-wing radicals like antifa; in fact, those allegations have not been substantiated and have been widely questioned. Editors should have sought further corroboration of those assertions, or removed them from the piece. The assertion that police officers bore the brunt of the violence is an overstatement that should have been challenged. The essay also includes a reference to a constitutional duty that was intended as a paraphrase; it should not have been rendered as a quotation. Beyond those factual questions, the tone of the essay in places is needlessly harsh and falls short of the thoughtful approach that advances useful debate. Editors should have offered suggestions to address those problems. The headline which was written by The Times, not Senator Cotton was incendiary and should not have been used. Finally, we failed to offer appropriate additional context either in the text or the presentation that could have helped readers place Senator Cottons views within a larger framework of debate. This week, rioters have plunged many American cities into anarchy, recalling the widespread violence of the 1960s. New York City suffered the worst of the riots Monday night, as Mayor Bill de Blasio stood by while Midtown Manhattan descended into lawlessness. Bands of looters roved the streets, smashing and emptying hundreds of businesses. Some even drove exotic cars; the riots were carnivals for the thrill-seeking rich as well as other criminal elements. Outnumbered police officers, encumbered by feckless politicians, bore the brunt of the violence. In New York State, rioters ran over officers with cars on at least three occasions. In Las Vegas, an officer is in grave condition after being shot in the head by a rioter. In St. Louis, four police officers were shot as they attempted to disperse a mob throwing bricks and dumping gasoline; in a separate incident, a 77-year-old retired police captain was shot to death as he tried to stop looters from ransacking a pawnshop. This is somebodys granddaddy, a bystander screamed at the scene. Some elites have excused this orgy of violence in the spirit of radical chic, calling it an understandable response to the wrongful death of George Floyd. Those excuses are built on a revolting moral equivalence of rioters and looters to peaceful, law-abiding protesters. A majority who seek to protest peacefully shouldnt be confused with bands of miscreants. The victim in the alleged rape case against Dr Pranav Pandya, head of All World Gayatri Family (AWGF) - popularly known as Gayatri Parivar, recorded her statement before the court on Tuesday in Haridwar, said police. The development came a few days after the Haridwar police, in the ongoing probe of the case, recorded her statement in Delhi where she is currently staying. Pandya was questioned a couple of days ago at his residence in Haridwar. The victim, who hails from Chhattisgarh, came to Haridwar from Delhi to record her statement before the court. Senthil Avoodai K Raj, Senior Superintendent of Police, Haridwar confirming the development said, The statement of the victim was recorded before the local court on Tuesday amid police security considering the high-profile case. Apart from confirming the development, Senthil however, refused to reveal much about the case and said, As it is a serious case, not much can be told to media but a probe is on in the case. The case had come to light after the victim, hailing from Chhattisgarh, lodged her complaint against Pandya in Delhi in early May where she is currently staying. In her complaint, she had stated that she was allegedly raped, harassed and intimidated by Dr Pranav Pandya and his wife Shail Bala Pandya in 2010 when she was working as a kitchen attendant at their Haridwar-based Gayatri Pariwar ashram in Shantikunj. Following the case, Pandya refuted the allegations and later got a stay from the court against his arrest. Terming the allegations as baseless, he had said that, The lodging of the complaint by the woman after a decade of the alleged incident itself speaks of the false narrative and clandestine way the woman has plotted. She is just trying to tarnish my image. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. The two national teachers unions have signed on to an effort to get Congress to create a federal standard for when police officers can use force, prohibit racial profiling, and end a program that provides surplus military supplies to local law enforcement, including school police. In a Monday letter to congressional leaders , hundreds of organizationsincluding the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Associationsay that these and other changes to police practices and oversight will protect Black communities from the systemic perils of over policing, police brutality, misconduct, and harassment, and end the impunity with which officers operate in taking the lives of Black people. The letter cites the recent deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ky., and other black people at the hands of police, saying that these incidents are examples of abusive police practices and devastating state-sanctioned violence. We urge you to take swift and decisive legislative action in response to ongoing fatal police killings and other violence against Black people across our country, the letter states. Federal statutory reforms are urgently needed on a range of policing issues, including use of force, police accountability, racial profiling, militarization, data collection, and training. The support by the AFT and NEA for radical changes to law enforcement and protections for police officers highlights divisions within the labor movement that could grow. The extent to which teachers unions cultivate an alliance with police unions on certain labor issues, but differ with them on other political issues, has been an interesting one for some time. Both teachers unions have expressed concerns about the presence of police officers in schools, who disproportionately arrest black students . In 2016, however, at a rally of Chicago teachers , then-Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis told the crowd, Cops are not our enemies. If they let us, we will make them more helpful. Our kids are not criminals. But later at the same rally, an activist from a different group, which had called for the abolition of police, told the crowd, F-- the police, f-- CPD, and f-- anybody who roll with them. And some conservatives have expressed unease about police unions in addition to teachers unions. The AFT is an affiliated union of the AFL-CIO , and so is the International Union of Police Associations. Some activists want the AFL-CIO to end its affiliation with the police union . The call in the letter to end a program that provides local police with surplus military supplies comes a day after Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, also called for its abolition. As we wrote Monday, this programknown as 1033has led to equipment such as grenade launchers and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles ending up with police who work in schools . Among other demands, the letter says that new legislation in Congress should: Prohibit all maneuvers that restrict the flow of blood or oxygen to the brain, including neck holds, chokeholds, and similar excessive force, deeming the use of such force a federal civil rights violation. Prohibit racial profiling, and require robust data collection on police-community encounters and law enforcement activities. Data should capture all demographic categories and be disaggregated. Prohibit the use of no-knock warrants, especially for drug searches. End the qualified immunity doctrine which prevents police from being held legally accountable when they break the law. Read the full letter below: This article has been corrected to reflect the date the letter was sent by groups to Congress. Photo: Motorists are ordered to the ground from their vehicle by police during a protest on South Washington Street on May 31 in Minneapolis. Protests continued following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Follow us on Twitter @PoliticsK12 . And follow the Politics K-12 reporters @EvieBlad @Daarel and @AndrewUjifusa . It's been clear since early in the coronavirus pandemic that it was taking a disproportionate toll on black Americans. Over the past weeks, new data has revealed the grim extent of that reality.In Mississippi, where 38 percent of the population is black, African Americans account for 52 percent of COVID-19 deaths . In Michigan, 40 percent of COVID-19 deaths are among blacks, even though they constitute only 14 percent of the population. Nationwide, by one estimate, the COVID-19 mortality rate for black Americans is 2.4 times higher than the rate for whites.These disparities are not a coincidence. Widespread structural racism ensures that black communities always fare poorly, but particularly in times of crisis.There are many reasons COVID-19 is devastating black communities. African Americans are disproportionately likely to work in essential service jobs as health-care workers, bus drivers, postal workers and more in which the risk of contracting the disease is highest. Only 20 percent of black workers, compared to 30 percent of white workers, have the option to work from home Blacks are also more likely to be uninsured or underinsured and have fewer financial resources and employment benefits such as paid sick leave to weather health crises. Systemic barriers in housing, income and education make African Americans more susceptible to long-term health issues, such as diabetes and obesity, that make them more likely to die from COVID-19. Yet, instead of looking at working conditions, the persistent racial wealth gap and health-access inequalities, particularly in testing, we often blame the most vulnerable.Adding to all this, the Trump administration has threatened black Americans' access to needed medication. President Trump continues to tout hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 and claims to take it himself. But there is little to no proof that the drug is effective against the disease, and it can cause heart abnormalities that can lead to death. Meanwhile, the hundreds of thousands of Americans with lupus, a disease the drug is proven to treat, fear a supply shortage. The disease is three times more common in African American women than in white women.In sum, federal policymakers, and in too many cases their counterparts at the state level, are not doing enough to protect black communities. Black mayors are picking up the slack, developing solutions to improve the health of their residents.In Chicago, for example, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has created a Racial Equity Rapid Response Team that includes health-care providers, clinicians and other community stakeholders. The team aims to bolster education, testing and treatment for black residents, and it has created communications material to guide essential workers and multigenerational households on how to stay healthy.In Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner is helping bring COVID-19 testing to underserved communities of color by establishing mobile testing sites in their neighborhoods . The city also established a task force to provide public health education, masks and other supplies to these communities.In my city of Newport News, Va., I've supported outreach and mobile services for the homeless community, a majority of whom are people of color. Our team is providing services in the field, delivering food and essential supplies to these people. We've also established mobile showers and help with laundry services, and we're offering mobile testing for homeless people and folks in low-income neighborhoods.As the new president of the African American Mayors Association , I'm also supporting efforts to collect and release racial and other demographic data on COVID-19 to ensure an equitable recovery and culturally competent data analysis for policymakers and city executives. Without the data, we can't begin to get communities of color the resources, testing and treatment they need. We're part of the We Must Count Coalition , and we recently sent a letter to President Trump and all governors calling for complete data. We also commend the COVID-19 response bill recently passed by the House, which includes $130 million to bolster data collection.Black mayors provide local, tailored solutions. We will fight for black communities in this pandemic and beyond, and hope our work will spur more equitable state and federal policies that help to protectAmericans from the impact of COVID-19.GoverningGoverning P rotest and celebration have long been intertwined in LGBTQ+ communities. While queer representation in film remains, let's say, in development, these documentaries provide a window into the extraordinary stories of LGBTQ+ individuals who made huge change: the activists who stood up for trans rights and educated about HIV, night club owners who built spaces where people could be safe and lawyers who continue to challenge minority discrimination. However much you know about queer life around the world, there's always room to learn more. These films provide insight, encouragement and education and besides that, are all just a great watch. The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017) Trans women of colour led the fight that helped LGBTQ+ people secure rights, even if this has been forgotten by many in the decades since. Awareness is returning thanks to todays trans and queer activists and two trans women, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, will soon have a monument in New York. Both were at the forefront of the queer liberation movement for most of their lives, and played an integral part in the Stonewall uprising. Johnsons death in 1992 was ruled as suicide when her body was pulled from the Hudson River, but those who knew her believe she was murdered. Rivera is among the voices in this documentary, talking about Johnsons continuing impact on the rights we have today. Its an essential reminder of a person who gave up everything for her community. Paris Is Burning (1990) The ballroom scene in Harlem gave black and Latinx queer people a safe place away from the danger of the outside world. Many were homeless, living in poverty and at risk of being killed. The documentary goes inside the houses, which served as tight-knit families for people who often had nowhere else to go, and follows them as they compete in balls for trophies and glory. Through candid interviews, Paris Is Burning captured the struggle to survive and the importance of a chosen family. The culture of modern American drag was born in these rooms: shows such as RuPauls Drag Race owe everything to the ball scene, from their vernacular (shade and reading), to voguing. Kiki (2016) A quarter of a century on from Paris Is Burning, a new generation of LGBTQ+ youth created their own subculture in New Yorks streets. The Kiki scene, which continues today, draws inspiration from the early ballrooms, and much is still the same: they offer a safe place for young, queer people of colour, battling with homelessness, illness and prejudice. But this film and the characters it follows are also rooted in current issues. As a minority within a minority, Kiki shows how LGBTQ+ people of colour face police brutality and homophobia, and many are living with HIV. Its co-created by Twiggy Pucci Garcon, founder of the scenes largest house, and the documentary is intertwined with all the activism and passion that the movement was born from. Dykes, Camera, Action! (2018) Just as there arent many documentaries focusing on queer womens experiences, representation in the rest of the media isnt too great either. The dead lesbian trope is all too real queer women in film and TV tend to wind up dead or with men. Dykes, Camera, Action! looks at the ways in which women behind the camera have contributed to queer cinema over the years. It features filmmakers such as Desiree Akhavan, the creative force behind Appropriate Behaviour, The Bisexual and The Miseducation of Cameron Post, as well as Rose Troche, writer and director of The L Word. Before Stonewall: The Making of Gay and a Lesbian Community (1984) The Stonewall riots in 1969 were a turning point in queer history, but what came before is less talked about. In Before Stonewall, interviews with the likes of Allen Ginsberg and Audre Lorde help to trace stories over the 20th century, from the Harlem clubs in the 1920s, through World War II to the founding of queer neighbourhoods. It also gives a good insight into how wider societal attitudes evolved over time. The filmmaker later produced a follow-up film, After Stonewall, which was released in 1999, detailing the thirty years that came next. Of Love and Law (2018) Japan may have a seemingly progressive position on queer rights but, as Of Love and Law demonstrates, theres still a lot to be desired. Gay couple Fumi and Kazu run Japan's first LGBTQ+ law firm. Their clients include an artist Rokudenashiko, whose vagina-inspired art led to her being sued for obscenity by the police. The two men are an endearing presence, exuding a contagious love for each other and their cobbled together family, as well as an intense dedication to their work. Trembling Before G-d (2001) Trembling Before G-d shows a group of people who find themselves trying to reconcile their orthodox Jewish beliefs with the biblical prohibition of homosexuality. The film took six years to make and director Sandi Simcha DuBowski met hundreds of people, but only a handful agreed to be featured out of fear of being ostracised. The worlds first openly gay rabbi, a psychotherapist who ran a support group for other gay Jewish men, and a lesbian orthodox couple who have been together for ten years are just some of the people we meet along the way. We Were Here (2011) San Francisco was a relatively safe haven for the queer community in the 1970s. But in the decade that followed, everything changed when a man was diagnosed with AIDS, marking the start of an epidemic across the country. We Were Here traces the affect of this on the community and the fear of a mysterious gay cancer that meant sex could kill. The documentary revolves around five main interviews including an HIV positive artist who lost two partners to AIDS and a florist who supplied flowers to many funerals of people who died from the illness. As well as being a heartbreaking history, David Weissmans film shows the strength of the queer community in a time of crisis and how certain individuals managed to change the course of treatment for so many. Mala Mala (2014) The lives of Puerto Rican trans and gender non-conforming people and drag queens come into the spotlight in Mala Mala. Addressing the overlap between gender identity and cultural identity, the film features drag queen April Carrion, well-known for participating in RuPauls Drag Race, alongside hair salon owner Soraya, who talks about her struggle with gender dysphoria, and Samantha, who resorted to taking black market hormones with debilitating side effects. The film becomes all the more poignant with the chronicling of the Butterfly Trans Foundations activism, which influenced the passage of a law banning employment discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation. Jewels Catch One Catch One was the unofficial Studio 54 of the west coast, a gay disco club that played host to Madonna, Grace Jones, Eartha Kitt and Gloria Gaynor. Its owner Jewel Thais-Willliams ran the club for 42 years, fending off armed police raids and suffering all the prejudice a black lesbian had to deal with. The documentary features interviews with Sharon Stone, Thelma Houston and more, all talking about Jewels efforts to provide spaces for queer and black people and how she has become a model of how to deal with discrimination and help others. Days after crossing millions of downloads in India, the popular Google Play Store app "Remove China Apps" has been taken down by the tech giant. The app gained popularity in the last couple of weeks amid the apparent rising tensions between the Chinese and Indian troops along the Line of Actual Control or LAC. Following this #BoycottChina #BoycottChineseApps began trending on social media and the calls for giving up Chinese products were made by many including Sonam Wangchuk, whose work inspired Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 3 Idiots. But now Google has taken it down from its app store. This was conveyed in a tweet by the Jaipur-based app developer "One Touch AppLabs" on Wednesday. "Dear Friends, Google has suspended our #RemoveChinaApps from google play store. Thank you all for your support in past 2 weeks. "You Are Awesome"," the account wrote. Dear Friends,Google has suspended our #RemoveChinaApps from google play store.Thank you all for your support in past 2 weeks."You Are Awesome"TIPIts easy to find the origin of any app by searching on googleby typing origin countryStay Tuned !! Stay Safe!! onetouchapplabs (@onetouchapplabs) June 2, 2020 This was also pointed out by several Twitter users. Google suspends applications that violate its Play Store's policies. A report in Tech Crunch said the app was suspended as it violated Google Play Stores Deceptive Behaviour Policy. The report further noted that under such a policy, the app cannot make changes to the user's device settings or features outside the app without the user's knowledge and consent nor it could "encourage" the app to remove or disable third-party apps. Notably, Mitron App, India's answer to TikTok, was earlier suspended for violating the Spam and Minimum Functionality developer policies under the Google Play Store, reported CNBC-TV18. INDIA: Viral mobile app with a 4.9 rating, called 'Remove China Apps', becomes unavailable on the Google Play Store. pic.twitter.com/pnsCJW8SBK Norbert Elekes (@NorbertElekes) June 2, 2020 Upset by the app removal, Indians came out in numbers and questioned Google's move. Many others tagged Google's CEO Sundar Pichai to express their displeasure. Why Google cheating to india...https://t.co/upO00GFvUd removed nearly 8million ratings of tiktok. 2.remove china apps application is not visible in Google play store.3.what next ???@Google@GooglePlay https://t.co/h1ALVjgprL Ramesh Nagireddy (@ram_nagireddy) June 3, 2020 Play store become puppet of China#RemoveChinaApps pic.twitter.com/wQ6oKFLmTJ Prasad Kolage (@KolagePrasad) June 2, 2020 @googleplay @sundarpichai @GoogleIndia why you removed #RemoveChinaApps from Playstore? I can't understand the logic. You also managed the ratings of TikTok by removing 7million reviews. Why are so biased in favour of China? Gaurav Kumar (@IndiGK1) June 2, 2020 Google play store is working for china only:1. Removed around 8M negative reviews to increase tik-tok review rating.2. Now deleted "remove china app" from play store. !!!#GooglePlayStore Diksha Jain (@Dikshaj20) June 2, 2020 Verify which policy is violated. Only a app which compiles list of apps is also fine and wont violate terms and conditions AFAIK. Bring up an alternative asap. Don't let this movement die. Ishan Patel (@iatpatelishan) June 2, 2020 Just upload it with different name, specifing china is targetted harrasment and please share a link of apk. (@Paataaleshwar) June 2, 2020 Upload with new name Remove Sugar Apps , (@rs_d_dissector) June 2, 2020 While several others shared apk links to get access to the app. As the name suggests, "Remove China Apps" did exactly what it was intended to do. Once you opened the app, it scanned the apps on your device for their China origin and gave you an option to select and delete them as per your will. The app gained popularity in the days that followed and Indians who used the app to dump out Chinese apps, shared screenshots on Twitter. Married At First Sight star Seb Guilhaus is desperately searching for someone to take over the lease on his apartment in Adelaide so he can relocate to Sydney. The 30-year-old was initially meant to move in with girlfriend Elizabeth Sobinoff in the in February, before COVID-19 cancelled their plans. Seb revealed on Tuesday that he can't leave South Australia until he finds somebody to take over his $520-a-week tenancy agreement on his unit in Glenelg. 'Help me!' Married At First Sight star Seb Guilhaus is desperately searching for someone to take over the lease on his apartment in Adelaide so he can relocate to Sydney to move in with girlfriend Elizabeth Sobinoff He pleaded with his 92,800 Instagram followers to consider taking over the lease, before offering them a very enthusiastic virtual tour of the property. The modern pad boats three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open plan lounge, kitchen, laundry cupboard and balcony. It comes fully furnished. 'It's in a prime location! The beach is 500 meters that way, it's one of the best locations in Adelaide,' exclaimed Seb, as he filmed out of the windows. 'It comes fully furnished': Seb revealed on Tuesday that he can't leave South Australia until he finds somebody to take over his $520-a-week tenancy agreement on his unit in Glenelg All yours, if you want it! The modern pad boats three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open plan lounge, kitchen, laundry cupboard and balcony. It comes fully furnished Seb described his bedroom as a 'filth pot' and asked fans to excuse the mess. He has a framed wedding portrait with Elizabeth on his bed stand. The couple haven't seen each other for almost two months now due to coronavirus restrictions. 'So, if you're keen, it's $520 for the week or $260 per person, and that's not including bills. It's quite pricey but a great location and fully furnished,' Seb explained. 'I need to be in Sydney by the 20th so please help me, I need to get this sorted out.' Come on in! He pleaded with his 92,800 Instagram followers to consider taking over the lease, before offering them a very enthusiastic virtual tour of the property During the Married At First Sight reunion, which was filmed in January and aired in April, Seb explained he was moving to Dee Why with Elizabeth in several weeks. However, their rental on Sydney's Northern Beaches sadly fell through. The pair were then unable to secure another property amid the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, Seb has remained in Adelaide and Elizabeth on the Central Coast. He could have tidied up! Seb described his bedroom as a 'filth pot' Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more Facebook has set up American Edge, a political advocacy group for the high-tech industry, which is drawing scrutiny from United States lawmakers, The Washington Post reported Tuesday. American Edge will fund ad campaigns and studies by academics to push its efforts, according to the paper. Facebook is working with a diverse group of stakeholders to build support for the tech industry, it told the Post. Though it acknowledged its leading role in American Edge, the new coalition is just one of many technology industry-promoting efforts it supports. Facebook formed American Edge as a nonprofit organization in December, and registered an accompanying foundation in April. The setup lets American Edge advertise and raise money without having to disclose all of its donors, according to the Post. Other powerful organizations, including the National Rifle Association, operate in a similar way. After earlier calls for regulation by Mark Zuckerberg, for Facebook to now set up an NRA-style lobbying effort to avoid regulation speaks louder than words, said Marietje Schaake, international director of the Stanford Cyber Policy Center. U.S. lawmakers are warned, she told the E-Commerce Times. Free Speech Issues High taxes, regulation, the high cost of housing, crime and homelessness have reduced the lure of Silicon Valley as a high-tech hub, observed Mike Jude, research director at IDC. Other states are stealing high tech away, he told the E-Commerce Times. Wherever the academic environment is equivalent and taxes and the cost of labor are low, mini-Silicon Valleys are popping up, Jude said. My personal belief is that Silicon Valley is doomed. American Edge reportedly aims to convince policymakers that Silicon Valley is essential to the U.S. economy and the future of free speech an argument that appears to be gaining traction. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Were getting so much information from social media that Silicon Valley is material to the future of free speech, remarked Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. However, American Edge likely will put out false information and attack opponents, and that could harm free speech, he told the E-Commerce Times. Still, if antitrust actions cause the downfall of companies that distribute or control information Alphabet, Twitter and Facebook the result would be a sharp reduction in our ability to share and spread our ideas, Enderle pointed out. The other forums just dont have the same reach that primary social media firms enjoy. Tech companies dont give a fig about free speech, IDCs Jude remarked. They made the mistake of preaching free speech and are now trying to reconcile that with things like data collection, targeted advertising and censorship. Facebook eventually might pay people to use their site in exchange for providing it with their data, Jude suggested. That said, if Facebook just duplicates what the NRA has accomplished, the effort could be extremely powerful, Enderle said. Members of the American Edge Board The following have been named as American Edge board members: Former New Mexico governor Susana Martinez FP1 Strategies Danny Diaz, who worked on Gov. Martinezs campaigns Bradley Smith, Capital University Law School professor and former FEC Commissioner Jim Papa of Global Strategies Group John Ashbrook, Republican public affairs strategist and Cavalry founding partner Chris Carney, political consultant at Nossaman law firm and former Pennsylvania congressman Papa and Carney are Democrats; the others are Republicans. The boards makeup would imply that the group will tend to be conservative in its sights, Enderle observed, but that generally would be true of most corporate efforts like this. Fighting to Survive Silicon Valley has managed to tick off both sides of the political spectrum, Jude pointed out. Meanwhile, Congress is starting to worry about the influence that Big Tech could have on political discourse. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, as well as several government agencies, have launched antitrust and other investigations against Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Apple and Amazon. Facebooks launch of American Edge might be an attempt to play defense. Fifty-five percent of tech executives participating in the CNBC Technology Executive Council Q3 2019 survey said Facebook had the most to lose from the governments antitrust probes, while Google and Amazon were a distant second and third. That possibility is likely at the heart of Facebooks concerns, and fear does tend to loosen up the purse strings, Enderle suggested. Its an interesting and bold move, but Facebook has been pretty clueless when it comes to public perceptions in the past, suggesting its more likely to do the firm damage than to benefit it in the long term, he said. In the short term, Congress is focusing on the upcoming presidential election, Jude said. Post that, there may be some interest in pursuing antitrust actions, especially if theres a new administration. Social Welfare Purpose A 501(c)(4) organization must not be organized for profit, and must be operated exclusively to promote social welfare. Critics have expressed fears that Facebook will be able to distort and shape the public dialog at will. However, American Edge is not a PAC, nor is it a public education business, Jude said. It is simply an advertising company. Facebook is social media and social media is advertising, he added. The companys trying to deflect opprobrium the only way it knows how by starting a new advertising company. Advertising companies can hide their managers behind a corporate veil, Jude noted, so long as they are private. Ghislaine Maxwell felt no guilt in procuring girls for Jeffrey Epstein to satisfy his 'incredible sex drive,' Prince Andrew's distant cousin has claimed - adding that 'if anything, she was proud.' In Quest Red's new true crime documentary special Who Killed Jeffrey Epstein? it is alleged that socialite Ghislaine Maxwell - Epstein's former partner - procured girls for Epstein to 'satisfy his insatiable sex drive.' Socialite writer Christina Oxenberg, 57, from the US, who is a friend of Maxwell, notes that Maxwell felt no guilt in procuring girls for his pleasure. 'She says he has an incredible sex drive, he has to have three orgasms a day, so I help him out by bringing in the females,' explains Christina. 'She felt no compunction about telling me this, if anything she was proud.' Christina is the daughter of a Serbian princess and sister of the Hollywood actress, Catherine Oxenberg - who rescued her eldest daughter India, now 28, from the Nxivm sex cult run by its leader, Keith Raniere, after an 18 month battle. India was among the women he recruited under the guise of offering them self-help courses. Her actress mother pulled her out of it in 2018 after fighting relentlessly in the press to expose Raniere and his practices. Christina Oxenberg claims that Ghislaine Maxwell felt no guilt in procuring girls for Jeffrey Epstein to satisfy his 'incredible sex drive' in Quest Red's new true crime documentary special Who Killed Jeffrey Epstein? Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell attend de Grisogono Sponsors The 2005 Wall Street Concert Series Benefitting Wall Street Rising on March 15, 2005 in New York Prince Andrew and Virginia Roberts, aged 17 at Ghislaine Maxwell's townhouse in London, Britain on March 13, 2001 The documentary dives headfirst into the Epstein story, examining the mysterious circumstances surrounding the financier's death, aiming to answer one vital question: Did Epstein take his own life, or was it something much more sinister? On 10th August 2019, disgraced American financier Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his New York prison cell as he awaited his trial on sex trafficking charges. It was a dramatic end to one of the world's most mysterious billionaires, with the coroner officially ruling the cause of death as suicide. But it wasn't long before the circumstances surrounding Epstein's death were called into question. Having being linked with some of the world's most influential and powerful celebrity figures including Prince Andrew, Donald Trump and Bill Clinton some believe that Epstein may have been murdered. Maria Farmer (pictured) recalls her own experiences of abuse at the hands of Epstein while staying with him and admits at one point, she even feared for her life Led into a room by Maxwell, Maria (pictured when she was younger) remembers being told to give Epstein a foot massage when the abuse took place Speaking of the abuse, Maria (pictured when she was younger) says: 'I remember thinking that I was going to die too and thinking about my mother and how my mum was going to handle this' Jeffrey Epstein first met Ghislaine Maxwell the daughter of newspaper tycoon Robert Maxwell in the 1990s. As an affluent socialite, Maxwell divided her time between New York and London, attending parties and social events. As Laura Goldman, a Maxwell family friend, states in the documentary, Maxwell liked to have a good time. 'She was part of the scene, she liked to party, she was a goodtime girl,' she says. But in 1991, Ghislaine's life came crashing down when allegations of fraud were aimed at her father following his death. Oxenberg last saw Maxwell at a party in 2013 (pictured) to celebrate the launch of another of her novels - the British socialite turned up unexpectedly and gave her a hug Trafficking Victims Advocate Conchita Sarnoff (pictured) explains that Maxwell became the 'mistress of the house' and says 'she would also procure the girls that she felt he [Epstein] would like' 'After he died, it was discovered that he'd robbed his employees' pension funds to prop up his businesses,' journalist Thomas Volscho explains. Broke, Maxwell fled to New York to reclaim her social status. While in the city, a friend introduced her to Jeffrey Epstein, and the pair struck up a relationship. On 10th August 2019, disgraced American financier Jeffrey Epstein (pictured) was found dead in his New York prison cell as he awaited his trial on sex trafficking charges. Gradually, Ghislaine brought Epstein into her social circle, introducing him to several high-profile figures, including Donald Trump and Prince Andrew. As Legal Analyst Ashleigh Banfield argues, Epstein began to 'wriggle his way into the upper echelons of New York's society' - all while hiding his sexual proclivities. Over time, as Maxwell became a part of Epstein's sordid world, their relationships developed into something much more sinister, as Trafficking Victims Advocate Conchita Sarnoff explains. 'Maxwell became the mistress of the house; she would also procure the girls that she felt he [Epstein] would like, she says. An Epstein survivor also details her encounter with the businessman, and how she feared for her life as she was subjected to vile abuse. Maria Farmer, Epstein's former Receptionist, recalls the suspicious activity she noticed while working at his New York mansion. 'I saw a lot of children coming in, little girls,' she recalls. 'I remember thinking, how can this many young girls be coming and going. What's the deal?' Catherine Oxenberg on saving her daughter from a sex cult Catherines mission to save her daughter is recounted in her book, Captive, which describes how cheerful, intelligent India, now 27, slowly became drawn into Nxivm (pronounced Nexium) an organisation that promised personal and professional growth, but was a front for an alleged sex-slave cult. Founded by Keith Raniere, whos awaiting trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, the cult starved its female members and coerced them into having sex with Raniere though he denies this. At one stage Catherine and her daughter didnt speak for nine months. There were times I thought Id lost her, says Catherine. But I had a primal urge to save her. If I have a message for other parents, its never give up on your child. The daughter of Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia and her first husband, businessman Howard Oxenberg, Catherine, 57, grew up socialising with her cousins Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Shes even spoken of being courted by Prince Andrew, saying Andrew asked me to marry him on the Palace balcony before Charles and Dianas wedding. 'Id decided I wanted to act so I said no, and he said hed wait. 'Its probably not healthy to marry a cousin anyway. Oxenberg's daughter India was recruited by Raniere and his helpers. She is shown with her actress mother in a recent photograph Advertisement In the documentary, Maria also describes her own experiences of abuse at the hands of Epstein while staying with him. Led into a room by Maxwell, Maria remembers being told to give Epstein a foot massage when the abuse took place. 'I remember him moaning and being very dramatic and so I said, "oh I think I'm not very good at this."' He put his hand like this and started arming me on my chest, and she [Maxwell] mirrored him,' she says. 'So, they were both like twisting me on my chest and it was really strange, and I felt really uncomfortable and embarrassed.' Maria admits that, at one point, she even feared for her life. 'I remember thinking she was so disgusting,' she explains. 'That was, for me, the greatest moment of horror. I remember thinking that I was going to die too and thinking about my mother and how my mum was going to handle this.' Who Killed Jeffrey Epstein? premieres at 11pm Saturday 6th June exclusively on Quest Red and dplay The Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that it could consider terminating a military intelligence-sharing pact with Japan that was conditionally extended last November if the Japanese government refuses to lift curbs on exports of high-tech materials to Korea. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy the same day decided to revive a complaint against Japan at the World Trade Organization over the curbs on exports of three core materials used to manufacture computer chips and smartphones on which Japan then had a virtual monopoly. When asked if Seoul would once again consider terminating the pact, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kim In-chul told reporters, "When we announced the decision [to conditionally extend the pact] on Nov. 22, it was on the premise that we could terminate it at any time," depending on how bilateral relations proceed. "Japan must lift its export curbs," he added. In August last year, Japan removed Korea from a "whitelist" of countries receiving preferential treatment in trade. Korea retaliated by announcing the termination of the intelligence-sharing pact but relented under heavy pressure from Washington. The government also at the same time halted the complaint against Japan at the WTO. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) - The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the controversial anti-terrorism bill that was certified as urgent by the President. With 173 affirmative votes, 31 negative, and 29 abstention, House Bill 6875 or the Anti-Terrorism Bill repeals the Human Security Act of 2007 by giving more surveillance powers to the government forces. The Senate already approved its own version of the bill in February. The anti-terror bill defines terrorism as anyone who participates in any activities which endangers a persons life, causes damage or destruction to a government facility or private property, develops or possesses explosive devices or weapons, and releases any weapons of destruction. However, the bill stipulates that legitimate exercises of the freedom of expression and to peaceably assemble, where a person does not have the intention to use or urge the use of force or violence, are not covered by the measure. It also penalizes recruitment to any terrorist organizations as well as providing material support to terrorists. The police and the military can now track down suspected individuals or organizations and record discussions or communications supposedly regarding terrorism. Moreover, suspected terrorists can be detained without a warrant of arrest to up to 14 days. Anyone who threatens to commit terrorism, perform, or incite others to do any such act will be penalized with an imprisonment of 12 years. Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that the bill is good as passed as it only needs his signature after ratification before submitting it to President Rodrigo Duterte. Prone to abuse by state For her part, Vice President Leni Robredo said the anti-terror bill has provisions that may be misinterpreted or abused by the government. Hence, the enactment of the measure should not be rushed, she said. Walang puwang ang karahasan o terorismo sa lipunan," said Robredo in a statement. "Kung gagawa ng isa pang batas dagdag sa mga existing laws na mayroon na ngayon, pinakamainam kung magagawa ito nang masinop at kung malilinaw ang bawat probisyon. [Translation: Violence and terrorism have no place in our society. If we will craft a new law in addition to the existing ones, it would be better if it will be crafted well and the provisions are clear.] Hindi ito pwede madaliin; kailangang mapakinggan ang ibat-ibang tining sa pagpapanday ng batas. Lalo na dahil maraming mga probisyon na maaring ma-misinterpret o maabuso, she added. [Translation: We should not rush this; all sides must be heard in creating a law, especially when many provisions could be misinterpreted o abused.] Meanwhile, former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said people must be provided answers to their questions regarding the measure. "Our people need to hear our lawmakers ask the most important questions about our survival as a nation and the future of our freedoms under the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020," she said. She added that the government should not be a hindrance to everyones freedom to express themselves especially in social media. When Filipinos vent their frustration in the only way they can go through social media, government should be careful not to repress the human spirit that must always find a way to express itself, she stressed. 03 Jun 2020, 1:19 PM INX media case: ED files e-chargesheet against former FM P. Chidambaram, son Karti The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed an e-chargesheet against former finance minister P. Chidambaram, his son Karti Chidambaram, and others in the INX Media money laundering case in a Delhi Court. This is the first chargesheet filed by the ED in the case naming Chidambaram and his son under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Cyclone Nisarga Update: Mumbai police imposes curfew until June 4 ahead of severe storm The Mumbai police has imposed curfew in the city under Section 144 (CrPC) ahead of cyclone Nisarga's landfall in the state. According to the Mumbai police's order, people have been refrained from venturing out to coast-beaches, promenade, parks, and other similar places along the coastline until June 4, 12:00 am IST. Trump discusses G-7 summit invitation, coronavirus, India-China tensions with PM Modi US President Donald Trump has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he plans to invite India to join an expanded Group of Seven summit in September. In a telephonic conversation with PM Modi , Trump discussed his plans for the US Presidency of G-7, the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other issues. He also invited the Indian Prime Minister to attend the next G-7 Summit. Sugar production tops 268 lakh tonnes - higher than projected The lockdown may have spelt doom for most sectors of the economy but for the sugarcane industry it has come with a silver lining. Sugar production in the country topped 268.21 lakh tonnes by the end of May, which was higher than the 265 lakh tonnes that industry body Indian Sugar Mills Association had projected for the current season. Cyclone Nisarga LIVE Updates: Maharashtra on high alert as cyclone to hit in 1 hour Coronavirus curve will not flatten in India if testing not increased: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Amid the staggering rise of coronavirus cases in India, Biocon chairman and managing director Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said that the curve of the deadly disease would not flatten soon. She stated that community transmission was the most worrisome factor as there was less focus on asymptomatic cases. The Biocon head said that it was the right stage to increase coronavirus testing via serological tests and pool testing. India's services sector slump stretched into May - PMI India's enormous services industry endured another month of devastating contraction in May as the coronavirus brought activity to a near halt, causing steep job losses and cementing fears of a deep recession, a survey showed on Wednesday. India's coronavirus cases cross 200,000, peak still weeks away India's coronavirus infections crossed 200,000, the health ministry said on Wednesday, and a peak could still be weeks away in the world's second most populous country. Cases jumped by 8,909 over the previous day in one of the highest single-day spikes, taking the tally to 2,07,615. Six other nations, from the United States, to Britain and Brazil, have a higher caseload. Atma Nirbhar Bharat: Here are 53 drugs on which India will test self-reliance Part of the lack of attraction for companies like Huadian Fuxin, which was first listed in 2012, may lie in their relatively slow growth, despite Chinas desire to get more power from new-energy sources. The new-energy arm of China Huadian Corp. Ltd. said it has received a privatization proposal from one of its parents wholly-owned units, becoming the latest such state-owned clean energy specialist aiming to delist due to lack of investor interest. Despite big hopes for their listings over the last decade, many such state-owned new-energy specialists have had difficulty winning over investors, and as a result their shares have traded at depressed levels. Such low valuations make fundraising via stock market share sales unattractive, Huadian Fuxin Energy Corp. Ltd. said in announcing its privatization bid on Monday. Equity financing is of great significance for the company to maintain its market competitiveness and achieve long-term strategic goals, while the company has not been able to access capital through equity financing, the company said in its statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange. Without external equity financing capability, the company has lost the main advantage of a listing platform. Under terms of the privatization plan, China Huadians wholly owned Fujian Huadian Furui subsidiary is offering to buy all of Huadian Fuxin Energys shares for HK$2.50 ($0.32) each, representing a 65.6% premium over the companys May 27 closing price. The companys stock jumped 60.26% on June 2 after the announcement, and now trades close to the buyout price at HK$2.43 at Wednesdays close. The privatization would be the third since the start of last year for new-energy arms of Chinas major power producers. Last year State Power Investment Corp. Ltd. privatized its China Power Clean Energy Development Co. Ltd. from Hong Kong. And earlier this year, the listed new-energy arm of Huaneng Group announced it had also completed all of the steps for its privatization from Hong Kongs stock exchange, though the stock has yet to be delisted. Zhongtai International said in a June 2 note that the price for the latest buyout of Huadian Fuxin represents a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 6.9, based on the companys expected 2021 earnings, which is a reasonable rate. It added that the Huaneng offer from earlier this year represented a PE ratio of 6.3 based on its expected earnings this year. Part of the lack of attraction for companies like Huadian Fuxin, which was first listed in 2012, may lie in their relatively slow growth, despite Chinas desire to get more power from new-energy sources. Last year Huadian Fuxin posted just 8% revenue growth to 19.8 billion yuan ($2.8 billion), while its profit rose by an even smaller 6.5% to 2.42 billion yuan. Contact reporter Yang Ge (geyang@caixin.com) and editor Joshua Dummer (joshuadummer@caixin.com) Poachers have killed at least six elephants in just one day at Mago National Park in southern Ethiopia. The parks warden described the incident as a "massacre". The poachers used more than 30 bullets on just one elephant, Ganabu Balmy told the BBC. All of the elephants were from the same group who were drinking at the Omo river when they were attacked. They were found with their tusks missing. Poaching is not normally seen at this scale in the area, according to Henock Seyoum, a travel journalist familiar with the park. In the whole of last year authorities documented just 10 deaths, the Press Association news agency quotes the director for trafficking and control at the Wildlife Conservation Authority Daniel Pawlos as saying. 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 Calling George Floyds death at the hands of police officers tragic, Pope Francos warned of the sin of racism and denounced the violence that has marred peaceful protests. After more than a week of protests across the United States, the pontiff addressed Floyds death during his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican on Wednesday. He said he joined with others in praying for the repose of the soul of George Floyd and of all those others who have lost their lives as a result of the sin of racism. Dear brothers and sisters in the United States, I have witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in your nation in these past days, following the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd, Pope Francis said. My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life. He added, At the same time, we have to recognize that the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating." "Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Were excited to partner with XEO AI and continue to grow our Canada market, said Luis Fiallo, Vice President of China Telecom (Americas). Our partnerships with local and regional providers and agents are the foundation of our success. Xeo AI, the fast-growing Canadian Technology Distributor for information, communications and technology solutions, today announced a partnership with China Telecom (Americas) Corporation (CTA), China Telecom Corporation Limited American subsidiary. The partnership between Xeo AI and CTA enables Xeos channel partners to offer solutions to their customer accounts based on the global resources provided by CTA. Adding CTA as a supplier to their partners, Xeo AI is well-positioned to help its partners tackle the international connectivity solutions, including China and APAC regions. Were excited to partner with XEO AI and continue to grow our Canada market, said Luis Fiallo, Vice President of China Telecom (Americas). CTAs expertise and innovation as a global resale-based carrier has made us an indispensable partner for companies in the Americas, especially those with significant business interests in Asia. Our partnerships with local and regional providers and agents are the foundation of our success. Xeo recognizes the importance of having reliable communications solutions that connect businesses across the globe. We are anticipating a big change in the way businesses will connect and communicate in the post-COVID-19 state. This changing business environment will drive a huge uptake in remote connectivity and networking solutions. In this current era of prominent international networking and fast-pace progression we know it is necessary to give our channel partners the opportunity to strengthen and advance their global telecommunications and IT portfolio, making our partnership with CTA not only crucial but also timely Said Ruben Supramanyam, Channel Director, Xeo AI. Xeo AI will offer a full end-to-end suite of IT and network solutions, custom-built to best fit every channel partners needs. Xeo AI channel partners can now effectively support their global operations and ensure optimal business performance. About China Telecom: China Telecom (Americas) Corporation (CTA) provides customized, cost-effective and integrated network and communication solutions to its diverse base of customers. As a leading facility-resale carrier with unique access to providers in Asia and the Americas, we offer a wide range of services such as direct Internet access, Internet transit, data services, Internet data center, ICT services, mobile voice, professional services and industry solutions. CTA is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, with offices in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Panama City, San Jose, Sao Paulo and Toronto. Enterprises throughout the Americas trust CTAs one-stop, turnkey solutions to meet the challenges of todays complex business environment. Discover more at http://www.ctamericas.com About Xeo AI: Xeo AI is a fast-growing communications and technology distributor in Canada. A virtual ecosystem that connects different users of telecom and IT buying cycle to each other, Xeo is an AI-Powered Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Community distributor that enables Canadian channel partners, including Telecom resellers, MSPs, VARs, agents and consultants. As a Canadian Master Agency, Xeo AI negotiates supplier agreements with industry-recognized technology vendors on behalf of its vast network of resellers, agents and VARs to bring unique communications, cloud and security solutions into the Canadian markets. Xeo AI makes it possible for MSPs, VARs and agents to become a full-suite service provider instantaneously and resell any services from Xeo AIs consolidated portfolio to their B2B end users without any upfront resource or time commitment. By becoming a Xeo AI partner, Canadian channel partners can also get access to volume pricing and prioritized service levels. Working as a catalyst that connects different user groups of the ICT community, Xeo struggled with the lack of transparency within these user groups. Xeo quickly realized the need for a smart, connected platform that would provide a seamless service to buyers, channel partners and technology vendors alike. Xeo recognized the need for various users to connect instantaneously and efficiently to make informed decisions, saving them valuable time and resources. With that in mind, Xeo launched the xeo.ai ICT platform that connects multiple users on a single platform to provide a simplified buying experience for end-to-end cloud, telecom and emerging tech solutions. Xeo AI is the brainchild of Xeo Marketing & Strategic Consultancy Inc., a B2B strategic consultancy and technology marketing organization. For more information, please visit http://www.xeo.ai, follow @xeo_ai on Twitter or visit the ICT community blog. Dressed in a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress, drag queen G.VAN was the first act of the night. Appearing on stage at Trance, one of the oldest gay venues in Seoul, the performer stood in front of a solid red backdrop, lit by a single circular spotlight. Performing a cover of a Korean trot song a genre of popular music in Korea rearranged and performed in a traditional style, the reaction from the audience was immense. But it didnt come in the form of applause. Instead, it came in the form of a constant stream of emojis and comments scrolling up a screen. The event was a virtual drag show held last Friday to raise funds for queer nightlife performers in Seoul impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The mutual aid benefit was organized by members of KQTxPROJECT, a queer Korean grassroots group based in New York City and Seoul. G.VAN, a drag queen, participated in a digital drag show last week to support Seoul's queer community. (Courtesy G.VAN) After a spike of coronavirus infections in May led to a renewed shutdown of bars and nightclubs inside Seoul along with accusations that the virus was being spread by the citys LGBTQ community organizers were inspired to do something in support of the community. There was a lot of urgency in Seoul because a lot of queer nightlife performers have no source of income anymore, Patrick Lee, one of the organizers of the event, told NBC Asian America. It just felt like the right moment to try to make something happen. Prerecorded and broadcast on Instagram Live, the mutual aid benefit featured performances from several drag performers popular in Seouls queer nightlife scene and served as a bridge between LGBTQ communities in South Korea and those from across the Asian diaspora. Drawing a live audience of about 260 people, the roughly 30-minute show raised more than $4,500 through pre-show ticket sales and tips through mobile payment apps, according to Lee. Iemi Hernandez-Kim joined the livestreamed event from New York City after hearing about the effort from a friend. Im half Korean and fully queer, so I wanted to see how my culture does drag, Hernandez-Kim said. It was eye opening for me. I dont know a lot of Korean queer people. I loved seeing things from my culture explored in drag. Story continues The five-person set included a performance by drag king Azangman, a popular figure in Koreas queer scene, and a closing act by drag queen Jungle, who put on an impassioned performance to Robyns Dancing On My Own. Azangman, one of the most visible drag kings in the Korean queer scene, at virtual drag show to benefit nightlife performers impacted by the pandemic (Courtesy Azangman) I do this work for myself, and to uplift my queer community, Jungle said in a statement. But I really hope our community doesnt respond to hatred by closing up. Were queer, and that means our whole lives have been creative. So we can find better ways of fighting back, like through this mutual aid virtual show. Homophobia against the LGBTQ community in South Korea has seen an uptick in the past few weeks, after Korean media linked a cluster of new coronavirus infections in May to gay bars and nightclubs in Itaewon, a popular district in Seoul. Members of the LGBTQ community have faced an increase in online threats and discrimination since, complicating efforts to get those who were possibly exposed tested since many fear doing so will out them in the process. If you go and get tested for COVID, your friends, your family, your co-workers, would just infer or assume that you had to get a COVID test because you were at the gay clubs, like the media was reporting, Lee said. It was this fear and backlash that organizers of Fridays event were hoping to fight against, while also building solidarity between South Koreas LGBTQ community and those throughout the Asian diaspora. SuYoung Yun was another participant from Seattle. It is so important for me as a queer Korean to support queerean people wherever they are in whatever capacity they show up, said Yun, using slang for queer Korean. What I took away from this experience is that we are smart, creative, fun and fabulous in the ways we organize and support each other even in the midst of a pandemic. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 22:36:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday emphasized efforts to expand market-based employment channels and try every possible means to stabilize the overall employment situation for college graduates. In a written instruction to a teleconference held in Beijing, Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, noted college graduates are facing grim employment prospects due to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. All regions and departments are asked to strengthen the employment-first policy in a comprehensive way, boost employment for college graduates with solid and meticulous measures and promptly carry out initiatives to keep businesses and employment stable. Li underscored the need to promote the greater development of new industries and new forms of business to build a broader platform for college graduates to start their own businesses or seek flexible employment. More support should be given to graduates who are from regions hit hard by COVID-19 or have difficulty finding jobs, he said. Vice premiers Sun Chunlan and Hu Chunhua, who are both members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting and delivered speeches. The meeting stressed that state-owned enterprises and public institutions are encouraged to significantly increase their posts for university graduates. It also called for further support for needy graduates such as those from central China's Hubei Province, previously severely affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, and impoverished families. The meeting called for efforts to support innovation and business startups through tax and fee cuts as well as loans and subsidies, among other policies. It also noted the need for solving structural employment problems by advancing supply-side reforms of university education and promoting vocational education. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 31 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: The value of chemical products export from Turkey to Turkmenistan declined by 8 percent from January through April 2020 compared to the same period of last year and made up $34.5 million, Trend reports with reference to the Turkish Trade Ministry. In April 2020, Turkey's export of chemical products to Turkmenistan climbed by 9.4 percent compared to the same period of 2019, having stood at $9.5 million. Meanwhile, Turkey's export of chemical products to the world markets slid by 10.9 percent from January through April 2020 compared to the same period of last year and stood at $6 billion. Turkey's export of chemical products to world markets amounted to 11.7 percent of the countrys total export from January through April 2020. According to the ministry, in April 2020, Turkey's export of chemical products to world markets amounted to slightly over $1.2 billion, which is 27.3 percent less compared to the same month of 2019. Meanwhile, Turkey's export of chemical products made up 14.3 percent of the countrys total export. During the last 12 months (from April 2019 through April 2020), Turkey's export of chemical products to world markets amounted to $19.8 billion. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Scientists show, at the molecular level, how oral secretions of the cotton leaf worm can trigger defense responses in a plant Every species in nature is equipped with a strategy to survive in response to danger. Plants, too, have innate systems that are triggered in response to threats, such as insects feeding on them. For example, some plants can recognize "herbivore danger signals" (HDS), which are specific chemicals in oral secretions of insects. This activates a cascade of events in the plant's physiological defense machinery, which leads to the plant developing "immunity" against the predator. However, despite considerable research, exactly how plants recognize these signals has remained a bit of a mystery. In a new study, a team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science, led by Prof Gen-ichiro Arimura, attempts to shed light on exactly how plant HDS systems work. ### Reference Title of original paper: Soy and Arabidopsis receptor-like kinases respond to polysaccharide signals from Spodoptera species and mediate herbivore resistance Journal: Communications Biology DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0959-4 About The Tokyo University of Science Tokyo University of Science (TUS) is a well-known and respected university, and the largest science-specialized private research university in Japan, with four campuses in central Tokyo and its suburbs and in Hokkaido. Established in 1881, the university has continually contributed to Japan's development in science through inculcating the love for science in researchers, technicians, and educators. With a mission of "Creating science and technology for the harmonious development of nature, human beings, and society", TUS has undertaken a wide range of research from basic to applied science. TUS has embraced a multidisciplinary approach to research and undertaken intensive study in some of today's most vital fields. TUS is a meritocracy where the best in science is recognized and nurtured. It is the only private university in Japan that has produced a Nobel Prize winner and the only private university in Asia to produce Nobel Prize winners within the natural sciences field. Website: https://www.tus.ac.jp/en/mediarelations/ About Professor Gen-ichiro Arimura from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) Dr Gen-ichiro Arimura is a Professor in the Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Department of Biological Science and Technology at TUS, Japan. He completed his graduation at the Hiroshima University Graduate School, after which he worked in the field of plant biology for several years before moving to TUS in 2013. A senior and well-respected researcher, he has more than 110 publications to his credit. His key research interests include plant biotechnology, ecology, and biochemistry. Major General Ahmed Al-Mismari, spokesperson of the Libyan National Army (LNA), has said that combatting terrorism and ending foreign intervention in Libyan affairs is the responsibility of Libyans themselves, not the international community. Speaking to Egyptian media outlets in a video conference Tuesday, Al-Mismari argued that the international community did not give the right description for the Libyan case. Libya is now engaged in a war on terrorism, not a conflict over power or wealth as claimed by terrorist groups such the [Muslim] Brotherhood, Turkey and Fayez Al-Sarraj, he said. On Monday, we reached victory in the Asbiah battle, south of the capital Tripoli, and now Arab Libyan troops are bombing Al-Gharyan from both southern and southwestern sides. The Libyan military spokesman added that the LNA achieved victory in a number of battles around Tripoli in an eight-day battle. Fighting took place continuously for 155 hours. We successfully targeted large numbers of terrorists, whether Syrian mercenaries or Libyans, and many of them were leading figures, Al-Mismari explained. Through redeployment around Tripoli and the cities that surround it, we are seeking to target terrorist militias, many of which are affiliated to Al-Qaeda, Daesh, or the Muslim Brotherhood, and get them out of their fortifications. We want to defeat them easily without having civilian casualties. Al-Mismari stressed that the situation remains calm in eastern Misrata, though some artillery skirmishes occurred. Al-Mismari noted that this war, in which we are using new tactics to exhaust the enemy, requires patience. Al-Mismari, meanwhile, believes that Qatari money will not help Turkey in having a strong base in Libya. Watch what will happen in the coming days and weeks, he said. Al-Mismari confirmed the presence of Islamic State (IS) militants in southern Libya, though not on a large scale. Given the vast spaces, some of them managed to escape to Niger, Mali and Sahel and Saharan countries, he revealed. Yet, we cornered them till we eradicated them. But there is a new variable, which is the presence of those who have white skin, not Africans as it used to be in the past. Those are mercenaries that the Turks brought to take our armys attention away from fighting around Tripoli. On the political level, Al-Mismari announced that the LNA has accepted the UN invitation for a 5+5 talks because they want peace, although I know that a political settlement is still unsuccessful in Libya. We have three conditions to start negotiations with Al-Sarraj, including the complete withdrawal of Turkey and its mercenaries from the Libyan scene, excluding terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and Deash from the final deal, and dissolving militias and disarming them, Al-Mismari said. When asked further about a political solution for the Libyan conflict, Al-Mismari said that the Muslim Brotherhood and the militias that affiliated to it believe that they made the revolution against Muammar Gaddafi, and accordingly they dont accept any party to negotiate with them. Secondly, which is more important, revolutions were a conspiracy against the Arab armies so as to facilitate the Muslim Brotherhoods path to power. This is why they will not accept the Libyan Arab army, no matter what the price is, he pointed out. Al-Mismari noted that Al-Sarraj is a prisoner of these terrorist groups and their backers, mainly Turkey and Qatar. He (Al-Sarraj) only consults with Al-Salaby, Abdel Hakeem Belhag and other terrorists. He is a puppet in their hands, argued the LNA spokesperson. Concerning the US and Russian positions towards the Libyan crisis, Al-Mismari said Russia did not interfere during the events of 2011 and accordingly did not sell Libya for the Brotherhood and the terrorists, adding that we have old, military ties with Moscow. All our weaponry has come from Russia since 1970, and we cannot move to the West because this will take a long period of time. Al-Mismari stated that the arms embargo on the LNA remains in place, while after its end the LNA will have arms deals with Russia. He added that the Americans decided to take action and get in touch with Al-Sarraj after Turkey has declared that it will search for gas and oil in western Libya. The aim for the United States, said Al-Mismari, is to maintain the interests of the US oil companies. We will not allow or accept Turkish plans in that aspect. Firstly, they dont have international expertise in this field. Secondly, since 1957, we have contracts with US, Italian, French and British companies, and we will not violate any of them, whether conducted with companies or states, he warned. Meanwhile, Al-Mismari said that Egypt trusts the LNA and understands the situation. It is enough to say that President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi always stresses that Libya is engaged in a war on terrorism, and not a conflict over power. Others dont say it, he said. Regarding Algeria, I dont understand its position yet, while there is division in Tunisia. The majority of our Tunisian brothers back the Libyans, while Ghannouchi supports the Brotherhood and the terrorists, Al-Mismari concluded. Search Keywords: Short link: Results of the phase III Inter-B-NHL-ritux 2010 clinical trial reported today in the New England Journal of Medicine show 95 percent three-year survival for pediatric patients with advanced B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with the addition of anti-cancer immunotherapy rituximab to standard chemotherapy. The trial represents a major international collaboration between the European Intergroup for Childhood Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (EICNHL) and the Children's Oncology Group (COG), and was led in the United States by Thomas Gross, MD, PhD, University of Colorado Cancer Center investigator and pediatric oncologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, and in Europe by Veronique Minard-Colin, MD and Catherine Patte, MD, both pediatric oncologists at the Gustave Roussy Department of Child and Adolescent Oncology in Paris, France. The addition of rituximab decreased treatment failures by 70 percent resulting in a 10 percent increase in the three-year survival rate seen with chemotherapy alone (LMB protocol). "These outstanding results support rituximab as a new standard-of-care therapy for young patients with advanced B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma," Gross says. Rituximab attaches to a protein called CD20 found on the surface of cancerous and healthy B-cells, helping the body's immune system to recognize and attack these cells. The drug previously earned FDA approval for use in combination with chemotherapy in adult patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Though Burkitt lymphoma is the most common form of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it is a rare disease requiring collaboration of institutions in 13 countries to identify and treat enough young patients to effectively test the benefit of adding rituximab. In all, the Inter-B-NHL ritux 2010 phase III randomized trial involved 328 patients, age 2-18 years, treated in 176 centers distributed over four continents (Europe, North America, Australia and Asia). Gross says, "With more than 95 percent of kids alive and disease-free after three years, this looks like a cure for the vast majority of our patients, even those with the most advanced disease." Burkitt lymphoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in humans, doubling in size every 1-2 days. It develops in the lymphatic system, meaning that it can form anywhere in the body, but is most often seen in areas with high concentrations of lymph nodes including the abdomen and neck. "The Inter-B-NHL ritux 2010 trial is a fine example of international cooperation in academic clinical research, and shows the importance of public-private collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry," Gross says. The study led to authorization of rituximab for children with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Europe by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) and Dr. Gross is hopeful the FDA will use these results as the basis for approval in the United States of rituximab with this patient population. ### Two variants of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) virus from China and Europe are most prevalent, according to researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), who identified 198 variants of the Sars-CoV-2 virus in India. The most variants were found in Delhi, followed Gujarat, Telangana, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Scientists and scholars from ZSI have analysed nearly 400 genomes found in India and found at least 198 variants of the virus, which means the virus had mutated at least 198 times in India or before entering the country, said Kailash Chandra, director, ZSI, Kolkata. Also Watch | Covid-19: India crosses 2 lakh case mark, multiple layer masks better than single The study was conducted by a team of seven scientists from the Centre for DNA Taxonomy of ZSI, Indias apex organisation on animal taxonomy under the Union ministry of environment and forests. The researchers analysed genomes from India in the GISAID global database between early March and the last week of May. On June 2, the database showed more than 37,000 genomes, of which at least 550 were from India. Plotting the variants on the countrys map, we found that states such as Delhi, Telengana and Gujarat were the most heterogeneous. Those in the northeast showed the least number of variants, said Bhim Joshi, one of the researchers in the team. Delhi recorded around 39 variants, while Ahmedabad in Gujarat alone recorded 60 variants, and 13 were found in Gandhinagar. At least 55 variants were found in Telengana. In Maharashtra and Karnataka, the team found around 15 variants each. We found that two variants or haplo-groups (a genetic population that share a common ancestor) are most dominant. While one came from Wuhan in China, the other is the European variant, said Mukesh Thakur, a scientist with the Centre for DNA Taxonomy who headed the research team. Even though the initial variant had come from Italy, later variants from other countries in Europe also contributed heavily. Hence, we are calling it the European variant. Other variants, such as the ones which originated in Iran and Dubai, were found in (lower) numbers. Indias first Covid-19 case was a medical student evacuated from Wuhan, who tested positive on January 30, which reported the countrys first three cases. On March 2, two more cases of travellers back from Italy and Dubai were reported by the Union health ministry, following which the number of cases steadily increased. Of the nearly 200 variants we have spotted, one mutation was the most common. It has been named D614G. It was not the most prevalent mutation in India, but found in large numbers in Europe and the US. How the mutation has helped the virus, and whether its transmission modes have changed, need to be further studied, said Abhishek Singh, another team member. All viruses mutate with time, and studies from other countries shown that Sars-Cov-2 has also mutated. The mutations do not lead to easier or faster transmission, or make the disease less or more severe, but it helps scientists to understand the behaviour of the virus and also in developing an effective vaccine, said Joshi. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON There have been gains and losses across the board in 2020, but even with investor optimism, there are some U.S. equities that have been undoubtedly suffering. Despite pandemic fears slowly subsiding with the economy reopening, there are still residual impacts that will continue to weigh on certain sectors. Here are five stocks that made the selling list this month to consider removing from your holdings: -- Hertz Global Holdings (ticker: HTZ) -- Nordstrom (JWN) -- American Airlines (AAL) -- Coty (COTY) -- Macerich (MAC) [READ: Should Investors Sell or Buy Oil Stocks Now?] Hertz Global Holdings (HTZ) The stock price for this well-known car rental chain is now trading below $1 per share. Due to the pandemic-induced crisis, there is no revenue coming in. Yet creditors are still demanding their debt payments, which compelled the company to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This action frees a company from the threat of creditors' lawsuits while it reorganizes its finances. The rental car company is in a tight spot as it tries to avoid bankruptcy. Hertz has cut overhead expenses by reducing its workforce and extending furloughs, with a portion of those furloughed being laid off. Following the filing, renowned investor Carl Icahn sold his entire position in Hertz at a loss, which was a major hit to the company's largest shareholder. Icahn took a loss of more than $1.8 billion. In addition, last week, the New York Stock Exchange proceeded with filings to delist Hertz due to their bankruptcy filing. [READ:Sign up for stock news with our Invested newsletter.] Hertz has an alarming debt issue, holding debt of about $19 billion. The company has been unable to make a profit for the last two years, with its 2018 and 2019 financial statements showing negative net income for both consecutive years. Even though Hertz holds cash on hand in the amount of $1 billion, the company's debt heavily exceeds its cash holdings. Looking at the stock's historical performance, HTZ has been on the decline for years. Story continues The rental car industry has been sharply impacted due to a halt on travel and subsequent fall in demand in the rental vehicle business. As a result, the value of Hertz's used cars is falling, making it increasingly difficult for the company to make profits and meet debt obligations on its loans. Nordstrom (JWN) Since the beginning of the year, Nordstrom stock has underperformed compared with the S&P 500 Index. The retail giant has been taking measures to manage losses, such as cutting costs and reducing its inventory. The luxury department store chain's stock closed out the first quarter with a loss, adjusted for non-recurring costs, of $2.23 per share versus 23 cents earnings a year prior. When stores started to close in mid-March as a result of the pandemic, the retailer experienced a 40% decrease in sales at the end of the first quarter ending on May 2. The company has also taken steps to increase its cash position. In late March, Nordstrom suspended its quarterly dividends starting at the second quarter, halted share buybacks and borrowed $800 million in April to stay financially afloat. "We successfully strengthened our financial flexibility by increasing liquidity, lowering inventory by more than 25% from last year and significantly reducing our cash burn by more than 40% from March to April," said Erik Nordstrom, CEO of Nordstrom. Nordstrom announced in late May that it will be closing 19 of its luxury department stores overall, 16 full-line stores and three Jeffrey specialty boutiques to optimize existing resources and build up its cash pile. The retail industry as a whole has been suffering. Looking into the future, Nordstrom has difficulty estimating the lasting impact the store closures will have on its retail business and overall financial health. Coty (COTY) Coty is a cosmetics group that manufactures and sells beauty products worldwide, owning some of the most well-known beauty brands such as CoverGirl, Clairol and Wella. Last year, the company partnered with Kylie Jenner, taking a 51% stake in her company -- which includes Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin -- for a value of $600 million. The downside: Last Friday, Forbes published an article saying Jenner provided misleading financial information about her cosmetics brand and ended up kicking her off its billionaire list. This is troubling because Coty has been heavily advertising Jenner's brand on a global scale. More troubling, a law firm has opened a recent investigation into whether the beauty company's executives have been involved with securities fraud, urging shareholders to be cautious about their holdings in the company. Last week, Coty shares dropped 13% but closed higher Monday at $4.39; however, the stock has a year-to-date decline of 68%. As a result of recent events, Coty's senior management team restructured, with Coty chairman Peter Harf stepping in as the new CEO to replace Pierre Laubies. Coty sales have also been on the decline due to the pandemic, and revenues are expected to keep falling. COTY has been demonstrating weak performance and is very volatile, making it a prime sell candidate. American Airlines (AAL) American Airlines is a major airline that has been losing massive amounts of money, which is why it's a stock to sell this month. The airline continues to reduce capacity while spending cash on operating expenses and posting weak sales during the first months of the pandemic. The stock price decreased by 63% year to date to around $11, with a first-quarter loss of $1.1 billion. American holds long-term debt of $21.5 billion, and with low revenue expectations even after 2020, this airline faces deep credit-risk concerns. Current cash on hand is $3.7 billion, which is low compared to the company's debt obligations. American Airlines has taken steps to reduce monthly operating expenses, expecting to cut 30% of its management staff by about 17,000 people. The airline needs to fill around 80% of all flights in order to break even, which is the highest required load factor among airlines. Due to pandemic fears still looming, aircraft capacity won't come close to those expectations. Airline companies and the travel industry as a whole have been hit hard as a result of the pandemic and are facing financial threats that may have lasting impacts. Macerich (MAC) Macerich is a real estate investment trust traded on the New York Stock Exchange that focuses on leasing, management, acquisition and development of regional malls in the U.S. For the past five years, the stock has seen a steady downfall, underperforming its sector. Furthermore, collection rates from retail stores are low due to closures. "Regional mall" REITs are down 60.2%, according to Nareit data published in April, making it the property segment most affected by the pandemic. REITs are usually characterized as safe assets with consistent dividends being paid to investors, but if sales continue to be low as the economy starts to reopen, Macerich may have a difficult time collecting rent. More From US News & World Report Peer through the window of any clothes shop on your High Street these days and the picture is the same. Last seasons dresses sag on untouched rails. Jumpers languish on shelves. Hats and scarves gather dust by the till. Since lockdown started, stores have been frozen in time. Retailers across Europe have lost an estimated 3.26 billion a number still shooting upwards. Yet, as restrictions ease, with most shops allowed to open their doors from June 15, a flurry of sales are starting, and discounts of 50 per cent or more have appeared online. Marks & Spencer is even calling its clearance a rainbow sale, with 10 per cent of purchase prices going to the NHS. But all this raises questions over what exactly shops are selling. What has happened to their stock? Are these last seasons clothes? And how long will the sales last? Retail analysts estimate there is around 15 billion worth of clothing up for grabs, with some predicting wall-to-wall sales over the next six months. They say there has been little forward-planning. There was some indication shops would close, but in the end they couldnt predict it, says Clare Bailey, author of The Retail Champion. When the High Street does reopen, existing collections will be recalled to warehouses and shipped to stores where theyre likely to sell the quickest As soon as the announcement was made, buyers will have fired off frantic emails to suppliers, trying to figure out who should be paying for what, and where the stock would be stored. M&S alone has taken a 145 million hit due to unsold stock, and UK warehouses have reached 90 per cent capacity, with retailers stashing container-loads of clothes in railway sidings and on disused industrial sites. Storage charges at UK ports have risen exponentially, from around 20 per container per day to more than 100 another burden for struggling shops. Fashion items have ended up at various stages of the supply chain, says Graham Soult, retail consultant and owner of canny insights.com. Many items are still with suppliers overseas. There might be rolls of fabric that have not yet been coloured or woven into garments. With such disarray comes the vexed question of who pays and when? Firms such as New Look came under fire for cancelling some 20 per cent of orders and refusing to pay some suppliers. This passes on the risk to small manufacturers, many of whom are in poverty-stricken countries. In Bangladesh, 2.5 billion worth of textile orders have been cancelled, putting two million factory workers jobs at risk. Its a serious ripple effect, says Clare . Without work, many people will lose everything. And when retailers do want to start manufacturing again, they wont have a supply chain. The longer-term impact in the UK is that prices will rise. For now, the most pressing issue is what to do with all the stock. Graham says some items could be hibernated and sold next year. With summer staples such as T-shirts, shorts and swimwear, it makes sense to hang on to them for 12 months. But ultimately, despite the catastrophic environmental impact, an awful lot of unsold stock will end up dumped in tips, where it will be either burned or left to rot. This is especially the case in places such as China, where the practice is largely unregulated. Autumn/winter collections will be affected, too. Will people really want Christmas party outfits and New Years Eve dresses? asks Clare. Retailers will have to pull back on those orders, too. They dont know what theyre facing; they cant use any of their past market research data as this is unprecedented. When the High Street does reopen, existing collections will be recalled to warehouses and shipped to stores where theyre likely to sell the quickest. Experts say the sales cant go on for ever. Sales are costly. You need to sell roughly three or four items before you can justify selling one at half price, says Clare. Graham agrees. There wont be a frenzy of discounting in bricks-and-mortar shops, given the rules on social distancing. Retailers cant be seen to be encouraging people to flock to their stores. So make the most of the discounts while you can, with our guide to the corona sales . . . 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Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. When Mohammad Naser arrived in Winnipeg in 2012 as a Palestinian refugee from the Yarmouk camp in Damascus at the height of the Syrian civil war, he went grocery shopping. It was profoundly overwhelming: he hardly spoke a lick of English, and there he was, pacing the aisles with Google Translate in his hand, trying to read the labels and navigate unfamiliar terrain in search of halal meat and Middle Eastern ingredients. It was an uphill battle. "I didnt understand anything," he said Tuesday. "I couldnt find what I was looking for." That experience sparked an idea for Naser, whod worked in contracting and construction before coming to Canada: a Middle Eastern specialty food store where newcomers in Winnipeg could get a taste of home, while people whod never been to places like Damascus or Nablus could discover new products and cuisines. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The fava beans are always delicious at Tarboosh Middle Eastern. In December, that idea turned to reality when Naser, 38, signed a lease on a 6,000-square-foot space in a strip at 1566 Pembina Hwy. In a few months, the space would become Tarboosh Middle Eastern, a specialty store with in-house halal butchering and baking, and Al Basha, a restaurant and lounge. As the opening date neared, the outbreak of COVID-19 altered the projects schedule. New barriers to opening came left and right: construction was slowed, products on order from Palestine or Australia, from where much of the halal meat is sourced, was delayed. Orders also became more expensive. Naser, who also owns the Arabesque lounge on Corydon, dug in his heels. "I have a plan, I have a goal, and I have to go ahead and cannot stop," he said. Tarboosh soft-opened on May 24, after Eid, and customers trickled in to buy products like fresh-made pita, manakeesh, halal meat from Carman, and frozen Nabulsi kunafa, a Palestinian dessert made with phyllo dough and Nablus-style cheese. A full opening came on May 28. Inside the store, there is an extensive collection of Middle Eastern spices, olives, oils, coffees, and teas, plus several house-made tahinis and hummuses. When planning the store, Naser obviously didnt have COVID-19 measures in mind, but the aisles are wide, the ceilings are high, and the space is well-suited to keep cautious customers far apart. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Pita bread is freshly baked at Tarboosh Middle Eastern. One man walked in and said he was shocked by the vast selection, but even more so by the fact hed never been inside. "When did you open?" he asked. "Four days ago," chuckled Naser. There are still hurdles to pass for Tarboosh as COVID-19 continues to have lingering effects on grocery shopping. And Al Basha the Halal restaurant directly adjacent to the store hasnt set an opening date yet, but interior construction is nearly complete. Inside the empty lounge, Nasers excitement for what the space will become is tempered by anxiety, but hes optimistic about the future. 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. "Its hard, and coronavirus made it harder, but we have a mission and we cant stop," he said. In recent years, Winnipegs Middle Eastern food scene has blossomed, with restaurants like Les Saj on St. James Street, Ramallah on Pembina, and Yaffa Cafe on Portage Avenue, plus many others, popping up and earning raves. On Portage, Blady Middle Eastern market opened last year and has since become a local mainstay. Its a culinary scene vastly different than the one Naser arrived to find in 2012, and he wants Tarboosh and Al Basha to play a part in expanding it even further to the growing diasporic community. At Tarboosh, some labels are in Arabic with no English, and staff, many of whom are former refugees, speak fluently. Its the kind of store Naser was looking for when he was a newcomer, and he hopes it can be that for others, too. "Thats my dream," he said. ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca Google Maps San Antonio police are investigating after a man was found dead on the Northwest Side on Wednesday. Officers were called to the area of Henry and Elmendorf Streets just before 6 a.m. for an injured person, but when they arrived they found the unidentified man laying in the middle of a dead-end street. Police said he died from a gunshot wound. A 22-year-old student from Nigeria died on May 30 after she was attacked while she was in church, according to the Nigerian police. Brutal attack The victim, Uwaila Vera Omozuwa was brutally attacked while she was studying privately at the Redeemed Christian Church of God where she is also a member of the choir. According to the spokesman of the church, they are all devastated by her death. The victim decided to do some private studies while the country was on lockdown because the church was peaceful. Omozuwa took the key from the parish pastor and she returns it after her studies. However, on Saturday, the night guard found her half-naked and lying in the pool of her own blood in the church hall. The woman was taken to the hospital where the doctors tried to save her, but the university student died three days later. Omozuwa's mother talked to Town Crier, a Nigerian media platform, and said that their neighbor was the one who told her of her daughter's death. She said she ran to the church but before she got there, the responders took her to a private hospital. The doctors who examined Omozuwa stated that she was raped. Also Read: George Floyd Autopsy: Family Rejects Findings by Medical Examiners, Will Seek Private Autopsy Situation that shook the country The RCCG church is one of the largest denominations in Nigeria with hundreds of parishes. The church also has global branches in India, the USA, United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, and Australia. One of the most revered religious leaders in Nigeria, General Overseer Enoch Adeboye, issued a statement on May 31 about the rape and murder of Omozuwa. Adeboye said that he and the members of his family condemn the act and he urged everyone to stay calm as they are looking into the matter and they are cooperating with the authorities so that they can establish the facts of the crime. The death of Omozuwa sparked outrage online as Nigerian women voiced out their anger over the attack. On Twitter, the hashtag #justiceforuwa trended as thousands of citizens called for action against the murders. Dr. Kemi, the founder of Women at Risk International Foundation or WARIF stated that the people must not look away as young girls and women endure horrific acts of sexual violence and rape. The silence of the people has made them complicit and now is the time to speak up. WARIF is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 that is created to help survivors of gender-based and sexual violence. Amnesty International Nigeria described the gruesome attack as rape even though authorities have not said if Omozuwa was raped. The human rights group has issued a statement calling the government out for a quick and strong response to the crime. According to the statement that was posted on Twitter, Nigeria is still coming to terms with the violation in Jigawa state where 11 men were arrested for raping a 12-year-old girl at Limawa in Dutse. Rape is a crime that receives an inadequate response from the Nigerian government. They are now concerned that the perpetrators of the death of Omozuwa will escape punishment. Related Article: Australian Zookeeper Mauled by Lions, Suffered Critical Bites on Head and Neck @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Onfido, Deloitte and Evernym today announced the positive results of their Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulatory sandbox pilot, confirming that their reusable digital identity solution has been proven with market participants. Testing began in February 2019, shortly after these firms were accepted into the UK's FCA Regulatory Sandbox (Cohort 5) to evaluate how reusable or 'portable' identity can improve customer onboarding journeys and reduce compliance costs for financial institutions. Portable identity enables people to safely and securely re-use their verified identity across financial services and other organisations, so that they don't need to be re-verified every time they want to access new services. End-users have control over their identity from their smartphone, being able to provision its reuse across any service they want to access. Such a system means businesses no longer have to choose between security and customer experience, can reduce compliance costs, and are able to respond quickly to changing regulation. The Reusable Digital Identity Ecosystem In creating the ecosystem, the firms gained input from across the financial services industry, as well as the FCA while keeping the UK government informed of its progress. The solution brings the digital world something that already exists in the physical world: A way for individuals to hold and control a proof of identity that they can show to anyone, anywhere. Unlike a physical passport which is accepted at every airport; the digital world is different. Individuals have a unique credential (often, a username and password) for every online service they access to prove that they are who they say they are. With the average person managing over 191 pairs of user names and passwords, this quickly becomes unmanageable and insecure, putting a burden on organisations to verify their customers' identities and ensure that their data is secure. How the model works Credential providers are able to verify any relevant information about an individual or organisation and issue digitally verifiable credentials to that person. People hold multiple digital credentials on their phone and accept or reject requests to share information with institutions (we call these Relying Parties). Relying Parties request information from the consumer and receive digital credentials. The Results Piloting portable identity in the financial services industry, one of the most highly regulated industries in the UK, provided some of the toughest conditions and a high bar for testing a decentralised identity ecosystem. Its success therefore marked the next step in the journey to creating an open world where identity becomes the key to accessing online services. To prove the practical application and business relevance of digital identity, the pilot looked to validate market appetite from end-users and service providers and prove out the technology in a regulatory framework. In total, testers successfully opened financial products using their digital credentials. More than half went on to reuse their digital credentials to sign up for multiple live services. Of those that participated in focus panels, the majority stated they would recommend the solution to a friend. The participants were also encouraged by being able to hold, manage and control their own data which reduced the risk of their data being breached, since it was encrypted in distributed locations. In terms of regulatory acceptance, updates to the UK's Money Laundering Regulations that came into force on 10th January 2020, should allow the use of electronic identification of customers this will help pave the way for the next phase of this portable identity pilot, a production-ready solution for the UK market. The Impact "This pilot was instrumental in proving that portable identity significantly improves both consumer experience and protection, while accelerating customer onboarding and reducing KYC and compliance-related costs for financial institutions," said Husayn Kassai, CEO and Co-founder of Onfido. "Now that we've proven the model in one of the toughest regulated markets in the world, we're rapidly proceeding to apply it to other geographies and services as well such as renting a car, self-checking into a hotel and one day, even voting." "Our work alongside Evernym, Onfido and other industry participants has demonstrated the practical applications and business relevance of portable digital identity within the FCA regulatory sandbox," said Derek Ryan, Deloitte Partner. "We believe that the emergence of a portable digital identity provides a unique opportunity to build an open and scalable ecosystem which can help improve customer experience and protection, solve an institution's onboarding challenges, and also create new and scalable business models." "The pilot has been a shining demonstration of how portable digital identity can transform markets and solve real business problems in a way never before possible," said Steve Havas, CEO of Evernym. "When you put the individual in charge of her digital identity, everyone wins. It gives consumers the freedom to securely move about the digital world, and businesses the ability to finally know and trust who they are interacting with." Gartner states that: "Decentralized identity is making a debut in 2021, and will disrupt traditional methods of access for many providers, as it will be used for 25% of all bring your own identity (BYOI) logins by 2023."1 "By 2023, BYOI [Bring Your Own Identity] will unlock the value in digital identities, leading to a multi-billion-dollar industry, up from a $50 million industry today."2 What's next? The parties are now keen to develop a production ready solution to launch in the UK market. All parties welcome conversations from across the public and private sectors to help bring this model to market. To find out how your company can get involved email pid@onfido.com. About FCA The FCA is the UK financial services regulator, an organization that was set up to protect the financial markets and promote innovation in the interest of consumers it's widely acknowledged as one of the most progressive regulators world-wide. Its sandbox gives firms the opportunity to test innovative propositions in the market with real consumers. About Deloitte In this press release references to "Deloitte" are references to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited ("DTTL") a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms. Deloitte LLP is a subsidiary of Deloitte NSE LLP, which is a member firm of DTTL, and is among the UK's leading professional services firms. The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press. For more information, please visit www.deloitte.co.uk. About Onfido Onfido is the new standard for digital access. The company uses AI to verify any photo ID and then compares it with the person's facial biometrics. This use of AI means that businesses no longer need to compromise on customer experience, inclusion, privacy or security. Recognized as a global leader in artificial intelligence for identity verification and authentication, Onfido is backed by TPG Growth, Crane Venture Partners, Salesforce Ventures, M12 (Microsoft) Ventures, and others. With approximately 400 employees spread across seven countries, Onfido has raised $200m in funding and powers digital access for some of the world's largest firms. www.onfido.com www.linkedin.com/company/onfido/ www.facebook.com/onfido www.twitter.com/onfido About Evernym A market leader in portable credential technology, Evernym develops software and applications to help organizations around the world build trusted, digital relationships. Evernym is the original creator of Hyperledger Indy, the Sovrin Network and the Sovrin Foundation. The company was founded in 2013 and is based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. To learn more, visit www.evernym.com. 1Gartner: Predicts 2020: Identity and Access Management December 9, 2019 2Gartner: Innovation Insight for Bring Your Own Identity December 23, 2019 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602006010/en/ Contacts: Paul Jarratt; press@onfido.com CHICAGO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global goat milk products market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 7% during the period 20192025. The global goat milk products market is expected to witness significant growth and demand during the forecast period. The growing awareness via increased campaigns, advertisements, and digital marketing is expected to boost the sale of goat milk products. The increased usage of nutrient-rich goat milk powder in infant formulas and the growing number of the lactose-intolerant population are likely to contribute to the market further. The market is witnessing a surge from emerging economies. The shifting preference for packaged branded dairy products is another factor propelling the growth in emerging markets. Rapid urbanization and the improvement in chillers and cold chain logistics for categories such as yogurt and fresh milk have increased the availability of dairy products, thereby boosting the demand. Product freshness plays an essential part in the growth of goat milk products as more nutritious and shelf-stable variants are being made available, especially in the APAC market, where the health consciousness is gaining traction. Yogurt, milk powder, and drinking dairy products are expected to emerge important revenue contributors to the global goat milk products market over the next few years. However, the market faces certain challenges in terms of food safety, government regulations, and logistics. Growing incidences of food safety scandals in the past few years are expected to hinder the growth of the goat milk products market during the forecast period. Key Highlights Offered in the Report: The US is the largest market for goat milk products accounting for approximately 24% of the global market revenue in 2019, followed by China . Goat cheese accounted for the largest product segment and approximately 38% of the global goat cheese revenue comes from chevre or fresh goat milk cheese. Goat milk infant formulas are highly popular in APAC especially in China . In 2019 the goat milk powder segment contributed around 56% of the market revenue in the region. By 2025 APAC is expected to exceed Europe in terms of goat milk product revenue to become the leading goat milk product market globally, generating an additional revenue of over $2 billion . Europe was the largest market for goat milk products in 2019 contributing approximately 31% of the market revenue. It is expected to witness an absolute growth of over 42% by 2025. APAC is expected to be the fastest growing market, with China alone contributing an additional revenue of over $1 billion by 2025. Key Offerings: Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20192025 Market Dynamics Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by product, distribution, and geography Competitive Landscape Profile of 7 key vendors and 14 other vendors Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/global-goat-milk-powder-market-report-2025 Goat Milk Products Market: Segmentation This research report includes a detailed segmentation by product, distribution, and geography. The goat cheese segment dominates the global goat milk products market share in 2019 and is expected to sustain its position during the forecast period across geographies. The growing preference among consumers for healthier alternatives is primarily driving the growth. About 59% of manufacturers are offering several types of goat cheese. Chevre or fresh goat cheese is particularly preferred by consumers globally, and it contributed approximately 38% to the global revenue in 2019. The presence of several health benefits, including high protein, low fat, and cholesterol content, easy digestibility, and increased availability is primarily driving the goat cheese segment. The APAC region is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period; however, North America is expected to pose the highest incremental growth. The rapid growth demand in secondary markets such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, India, and Turkey is expected to boost growth. The rising awareness among consumers is expected to support the growth further. The goat milk powder market is likely to increase due to its high usage in infant nutritional formulas. Goat milk has high protein content and is easily digestible compared to cow and breast milk. More than 51% of the revenue is contributed by the APAC region, with the majority of the consumption being concentrated in China. The rising product availability, packaging, and promotion are further driving the growth. The high prevalence of lactose intolerance, especially among Asian consumers, is also driving the demand in the region. Marketing and distribution strategies are immensely influencing global consumption patterns. In terms of distribution channels, goat milk products are distributed via online and offline channels. While offline channels account for the majority revenue shares, specialty stores and online channels are expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, and medical and pharmaceutical stores are the major offline distribution channels. In North America, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, Costco, and Kroger are the major retailers. In Europe, Auchan, Tesco, Carrefour, and Argos are the major retail providers. Online channels mainly include company websites and third-party e-vendors. The development of digital marketing, e-commerce platforms, internet penetration, and mass data management has paved the way for the growth of the online segment. In emerging economies, the e-commerce sector is playing a significant role in product penetration. Countries, such as India, goat milk products are not extensively found in supermarkets. This has made the millennial and target group in the country to rely on online purchase. The increasing internet penetration contributed to the rising buying awareness and is likely to majorly benefit commercial buyers since they would have plenty of options to consider, such as cost, product features, brand reputation, and post-sale services. Online distribution channels are expected to emerge as a game-changer during the forecast period. Market Segmentation by Product Milk Powder Whole Skimmed Cheese Chevre Mozzarella Cheddar Feta Others Packaged Skimmed Whole UHT Milk Others Market Segmentation by Distribution Supermarkets & Hypermarkets Convenience Stores Specialty Stores Medical & Pharmacy Outlets Online Stores Others Insights by Geography The growth of the health-conscious population is primarily driving the market in Europe. Consumers are increasingly seeking products, which are non-GMO, organic, cruelty-free, and environmentally sustainable. Although goat milk products are becoming widely available across retails stores, they still constitute a niche segment in the overall dairy market. The growing vegan population in the region is expected to support the demand and consumption of non-dairy milk. North America is the second-largest goat milk products market with the US leading market in the region. The increasing number of lactose-intolerant people is fueling the demand in this region. The rapidly shifting consumer preferences for healthier alternatives, federal education programs, a growing number of lactose-intolerant people, and the well-developed retail landscape that facilitates innovation in terms of new product launches are the major drivers for the increased consumption of goat milk products. Goat cheese is the most popular product in the North American market. With the growing health-conscious population, the demand has increased in the region. Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/global-goat-milk-powder-market-report-2025 Market Segmentation by Geography Europe Germany UK France Spain Netherlands North America US Canada APAC China South Korea Australia & New Zealand & MEA South Africa GCC Turkey Others Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Insights by Vendors The global goat milk products market is fragmented in nature as the vendors are competing based on product quality, new products, and competitive pricing. Thus, consumer choices and preferences differ across regions and keep changing over time in response to geographical, demographic, and social trends, economic circumstances, and marketing efforts of competitors. Due to the highly competitive and volatile environment, the future growth mainly depends on the ability to anticipate, gauge, and adapt to the constantly changing trends and successfully introduce new or improved products in a timely manner. The introduction of innovative goods that cater to customer demands requires companies to devote significant efforts and resources. Research and development teams need to continuously analyze the trends and designs and develop and manufacture new product categories with distinctive features, size, taste, and shelf life. Key Vendors Dairy Goat Co-operation Stickney Hill Meyenberg Goat Milk Products FIT Company Bai Yue Group Goat Partners International Groupe Lactalis Other Prominent Vendors Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd, AVH Dairy Trade B.V., Delamere Dairy, Granarolo Group, Hay Dairies, Kavli, Summerhill, Vitagermine, Holle, Fineboon, Woolwich Dairy, Redwood Hill Farm and Creamery, The Good Goat Milk Company, and Cherry Glen Goat Cheese Co. Explore our Consumer Goods & Retail Technology profile to know more about the industry. Read some of the top-selling reports: About Arizton: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Mail: [email protected] Call: +1-312-235-2040 +1-302-469-0707 SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence David William John Sparenburg, 53, (pictured: passport) died in the early hours of Wednesday after suffering breathing difficulties in a guest house in Munggu An Australian living in Bali has been found dead inside his hotel room amid reports he may have had coronavirus. David William John Sparenburg, 53, died in the early hours of Wednesday after suffering breathing difficulties in a guest house in Munggu near the popular tourist spot Canggu. Mr Sparenburg complained of having a shortness of breath to his girlfriend Eka Surtika before dying in her arms. Police arrived at the home in protective gear following COVID-19 restrictions. Mengwi Police Chief I Gede Eka Putra Astawa said Ms Surtika had given the 53-year-old medicine before he passed away. 'She lived at the same address as him. She then gave him his medicine, a few hours later he again complained of breathing problems, held Eka and died in her arms,' he said, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. 'The witness contacted the home owner who then contacted the authorities. COVID-19 protocol were then followed during evacuation to Sanglah hospital morgue. There were no sign of trauma on his body. 'There is no history of COVID-19 in the area. We hope to get the test results back in a day or two. We did find a health record from a local hospital, he went to get a check-up a few months back. It is unclear what kind of check-up he did back then.' There have been just 490 cases of COVID-19 in Bali and five people have died. Modi, in a telephone call, told Trump that India would be happy to work with the United States and other countries to ensure the success of the next G7 summit, the Reuters reported. Trump said on Saturday he was postponing until September the summit that had been scheduled for late June at Camp David, the US president's country retreat, and that he wanted to invite Australia, Russia, South Korea and India ... 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 For the second day in a row, demonstrators took to Longviews streets Tuesday to protest inequality across the nation and peacefully show support for George Floyd, the black man who died at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25. Roughly 70 people waved signs and chanted in the area of the Civic Circle and City Hall. It was a younger crowd, and many had attended Mondays hour-long demonstration that drew 130 to 150 people to the City Hall parking lot to kneel silently for nine minutes in honor of Floyd. Jordan Gaynor, a black 26-year-old Longview woman who attended the demonstration Monday, said that as she was crossing the street during the protest that day, someone yelled the N-word at her out of a car window. I was in shock. I was in disbelief. And I kind of laughed, Gaynor said. What time am I in? I felt like I was slapped with 80 years in the past. I didnt expect, in 2020, to ever be called that way. I grew up in the South ... I didnt think, here, of all places, that we would have that. But only minutes later, the demonstrators took a knee and I felt like people were really trying to understand. The human race was trying to get its humanity back, Gaynor said during Tuesdays gathering. On Tuesday, Gaynor described the swirl of emotions she was feeling while watching the crowd again chant Black Lives Matter. Im feeling an overwhelming amount of emotion, Gaynor said. Happiness, because finally people are standing up for justice. But I also feel disappointed, because at yesterdays protest I got to see a lot of the shadows that are hiding. Gaynors mother, Lisa Gaynor, said the racial insult made her daughter feel horrible. It brought me back to when I heard it the first time, said Gaynor, 59. She didnt even want to come out today, but I told her if she doesnt, then they win. Carlos Rodriguez, an 18-year-old Longview man, dropped off water bottles and snacks for his fellow demonstrators. He said he was inspired by people at protests in Portland who offered first aid and water to him and others. Rodriguez said he was one of the demonstrators who suggested having an event earlier in the day. I feel like in the night time, all the gangs like to come out and fight people just for show. Thats not what we want. We dont want to invoke violence. We want to keep it as peaceful as we possibly can. Not all cops are bad, Rodriguez said, but he said there are enough to make protests like these necessary. Tensions had grown Monday night after the demonstration as the sun set and other groups, with at least one person carrying a rifle and several identifying with the far-right Proud Boys, stood watch at parking lots across 15th Avenue and Broadway. No such counter-presence was apparent Tuesday. In interviews Monday, members of both of the loosely defined sides said they wanted the same thing: for protesters to protest peacefully and head home, without a repeat of the sporadic violence and vandalism reported Saturday night after a peaceful march at the Longview Civic Center earlier that evening. In an email Tuesday morning, Longview Police Detective Sgt. Chris Blanchard said: There isnt anything to report. We did not take any enforcement action regarding protests or related issues. Nothing stood out as far as any criminal activities. Mondays protest was primarily organized by members of the Religion of Arts, Theatre and Science (R.A.T.S.) Jon-Erik Hegstad and Jeni Quiriconi. R.A.T.S., which is an incorporated religion, is a pro-science, pro-equality group, Hegstad said. Demonstrators began assembling well before the stated 8 p.m. gathering time on Monday, waving signs reading Black Lives Matter and End the Brutality and chanting Say his name! George Floyd! Many passing motorists honked or cheered in support; some revved engines loudly, and a few shouted harsh words. At about 8:20, the group began kneeling. Some went to the ground on their stomachs with their hands on their backs, mirroring the handcuffed position Floyd was held in while the officer put his knee to his neck. Aside from occasional honking, engine revving, and an unrelated amber alert that pinged across cell phones in the middle of the demonstration, the City Hall parking lot was silent for those nine minutes. Elle Couto, a Kelso woman and practicing attorney in Longview, grew emotional in explaining the importance of coming out Monday night. My fathers Asian, and hes lived through a lot of this stuff. My sisters engaged to a black guy. Theyre afraid to go out of the house. We cant be silent. We need to speak out. Sala Clark Fagalilo, a 25-year-old Longview man, said he came out to demonstrate peaceful protest against injustice in the U.S., not just for George Floyd. I dont think Longview would have done this 10 years ago, Ill tell you that, Clark Fagalilo said as a rush of honking cars passed by. I just hope that everybody can see life through a person of colors eyes, and try to recognize the differences. I just want everybody to be able to love each other. While she said she doesnt personally condone those who riot, Marinda Strine, a 20-year-old Kelso woman, said she understood why they do. The morning I woke up and watched the George Floyd video, I cried, and I understood in that moment why people wanted to go out and light stuff on fire and destroy things. Because its just outrageous. How could you have any kind of heart inside you, and see that video, and not want to stand up in some way? Jnova Trusclair, a 27-year-old Longview man, said hes recently finished a prison stint and saw similarities between his life story and that of Floyd, who according to media reports had served several years in prison beginning in 2009 for an armed robbery. I changed my life, Trusclair said. He got out, and he got his s- together, and now hes subject to be brutalized in front of a crowd of people. Trusclair, whos lived in Longview for two years and previously lived in Tacoma, called Mondays demonstration absolutely amazing. We would call this the sticks where Im from, Trusclair said. This town is way out. But the fact that this means this much to the people out here, its amazing. I never thought in a million years. I felt like the only black guy out here. And now Im seeing a whole bunch of people showing so much love and support. Around 9 p.m. Monday, a group of young people gathered near the U.S. Bank parking lot across the street from City Hall, and several scattered groups some wearing tactical vests or carrying firearms parked and stood in other parking lots nearby. Most of the group of young people declined to give their names, but they said theyd come out to deter any vandalism or other unruly behavior. One man said his car was vandalized in earlier protests, and another said his friends car window was shattered by a piece of concrete while that man tried to protect a store from vandals. The group said theyd be out until the other demonstrators left. Were making sure no buildings get damaged. Were just watching people, one man said. Keeping the peace. On police brutality: They (the protesters) need to understand not all cops are corrupt. Theres a lot of good cops, and in Longview, were super lucky, he said. But they criticized other protesters who they believe were responsible for starting fights or inciting some of the damage done over the weekend. Some said they believed the trouble-starters were mostly bored teenagers. It can be interpreted as intimidation that at least one man carried a rifle, one of the group members said, but at the same time, its an open carry state. Any day they can be doing that. If I was of age to open carry right now, I would, because it would help keep people from breaking into buildings. I think George Floyd was murdered, said TJ Peterson, a self-identified Proud Boy from Rose Valley who showed up to the demonstration armed. Im here for their right to protest and to prevent small pockets of aggressive people who are going to break businesses, Peterson said of why he came to the demonstration Monday. Im here to protect entrepreneurs, small business owners, the community. The Southern Poverty Law Center lists the Proud Boys as a hate group, and Yes, theyre going to be disgruntled, theyre not going to like us, Peterson said of the demonstrators. However, he expressed happiness at the peaceful resolution of the demonstration: This is perfect. The idea that the folks across the streets were simply keeping the peace rung hollow for Hollie Kero, a 37-year-old Longview woman who was helping move demonstrators along and out of the area after the kneel. Kero said the other groups presence was unnerving, and she was initially afraid that some of the younger demonstrators would get provoked. Honestly, its scary, Kero said. If you look out here right now (at the demonstrators), its a younger crowd. I feel like theyve surrounded us with lots of bulletproof vests and assault rifles Its more of an intimidation factor than a protection factor on their part. What Id like to see right now is everyone go home. I think we proved our point. We can be the bigger people and walk away peacefully without any rioting, looting, spray-painting. Love 43 Funny 11 Wow 3 Sad 1 Angry 10 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. In what was symbolically a way to cross over the bridge to the end of racism, protesters Tuesday began on the Somers Point side of the 9th Street Bridge and walked over the nearly 2.5-mile bridge into Ocean City. The peaceful protest, prompted by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, was in sharp contrast to many violent riots that have broken out across the state and country. Once across the bridge, the line of protesters, which at one point had close to 1,000 people participating, wound its way through each peak and valley of the bridge, with more people joining on toward the center of the bridge at the Ocean City Welcome Center. The group made its way to the front of the Ocean City Public Safety Building. While lying face down on the ground, they shouted phrases such as I Cant Breathe and Mama, which Floyd was heard saying on a video recording of Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck. Chauvin has since been charged in his death. In an emotional moment, two Ocean City Police Officers, Sgt. Tyrone Rolls and Lt. Pat Randles, were called into the center of the circle, where they knelt in solidarity with the protesters. Police officers getting involved and taking part in the protests and walking and speaking their mind, Rolls told NJ Advance Media. I think it is great because there are good ones whose voices are getting swallowed up by the ones who are not doing what theyre supposed to do. I think today was great. It is an emotional thing, and we are very grateful that everyones here, and we support them, Randles added. We appreciate them being here, and we want to make sure everyone knows that were here to protect them and make sure they get to speak their mind, and their voice is heard. The protests ended, but the displays of support did not stop. While protesters were walking back to Somers Point, dozens of cars honked their horns, with people placing their fists out in solidarity for the movement. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Tim Hawk may be reached at thawk@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. After actor Sonu Sood, Bollywood celebrity Abhay Deol is now going viral on social media. The actor recently weighed in on the trend of Indians supporting the 'Black Lives Matter' movement against racism in the United States using social media hashtags. Calling out "woke" Indian celebrities and middle class who were so interested in fighting systemic racism in the US, Deol said that maybe it was time Indians also looked into their own backyard. The actor tweeted an image of a piece of paper with the hashtags #migrantlivesmatter, #minoritylivesmatter, #poorlivesmatter written on it. "America has exported violence to the world... it was but inevitable that it would come back karmically," Deol wrote. The Aisha actor, however, said he was not saying the US did not deserve support during a crisis. But rather that selectively outraging against racism in the US was not really any useful to anyone since most social issues in India were fundamentally similar to those in the US. "Support them (Americans) by calling out the systemic problems in your own country because they turn out to be one and the same thing," Deol wrote. He further asked Indians not to blindly follow hashtags but create their own movement. "Follow their lead but not their actions. Create your own action, your own movement, relevant to your own country," he said. Deol's post comes in the wake of several Bollywood celebrities like Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, Karan Johar, Kareena Kapoor and others who recently spoke up the support of the Black Lives Matter' movement. Incidentally, Chopra had been roundly trolled last year due to her hyper-nationalist response to a Pakistani journalist who asked her a question on promoting violence in her films. None of the other celebrities have previously raised their voice against atrocoities meted out to minorities or the economically weak. Coming in the midst of growing debate regarding the rights of social and religious minorities in India, the Instagram post by Deol won many hearts on social media. A ministerial decision temporarily to suspend construction permits has impacted the construction sector, already suffering as a result of the coronavirus pandemic Minister of Local Development Mahmoud Shaarawi instructed Egypts governors last week to suspend the issuance of new construction permits and to halt existing building activities for a period of six months in a bid to limit building violations and illegal construction across the country. The decision applies to Greater Cairo, Alexandria, and other major cities and stipulates a halt to current construction work until reviews have taken place regarding their adherence to legal requirements. Shaarawi said that industrial, touristic, and government facilities, as well as national projects, were exempt from the decision, adding that the issuance of building permits in smaller towns and villages would not be affected. The heads of local municipalities and the engineering departments affiliated to them have been asked to review previously issued building licences and ensure that those responsible follow legal regulations, including building garages to accommodate cars in every building. Shaarawi said the state would deal firmly with any building violations, warning that offenders could be tried before a military court. The violations could include building without a licence, building higher than stipulated in a licence, building on land not allocated for construction, breaching plans filed for a building, or not building sufficient garage space. Construction violations in Egypt significantly increased following the 25 January Revolution in 2011, and Alexandria witnessed a large number of them. According to Governor of Alexandria Mohamed Al-Sherif, the coastal city could be considered to be the capital of violations. He said in a telephone interview on television last week that there had been 133,000 decisions to demolish buildings built without proper regard for regulations in Alexandria alone, though only 9,000 of these had been implemented. Procedures will be tightened from now on, and violators will stand trial before the military prosecution, Al-Sherif said. Mustafa Mahmoud, a bank employee in Alexandria, said that some contractors in the city had started construction and had only obtained licences after they had finished a building. This was because they could apply for a relaxation of violations in a city where construction is supposed to be limited to six floors only, he added. I hope that this is a real beginning to address the phenomenon of the illegal construction that had harmed the appearance of the city, Mahmoud said. The coronavirus pandemic has already slowed down the economy, and many sectors have been affected in Egypt including real estate. The ministerial decision has raised questions about its further effects on the sector. Ahmed Al-Wakil, head of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, said the decision to suspend building permits for a period of six months was needed, but that those working legally and abiding by the regulations should not be punished. We are living in harsh conditions, especially with businesses stalling because of the coronavirus crisis, and many companies are likely to be affected if the situation continues, with many workers possibly losing their jobs, Al-Wakil said. Mechanisms should be put in place to protect companies and developers working regularly and legally, he stressed, adding that the Alexandria Chamber would coordinate with the office of the prime minister and the governor of Alexandria to discuss the effects of the problem on the sector and proposals to remedy it. Ahmed Al-Zeini, head of the Building Materials Division at the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, said the decision was important in order to limit violations in construction and that it would not heavily affect the sector negatively as some might think. Even those who have legal permits and abide by the regulations cannot work normally at the moment because of weak demand in the real-estate market caused by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, he added. Demand for steel and cement has dropped enormously over the last couple of months, and sales of building materials have fallen by more than 60 per cent, Al-Zeini said. However, he said that construction in the new cities and the New Administrative Capital was going well, since they were national projects exempt from the ministerial decision. National projects represent 40 per cent of the demand for building materials in Egypt, while private projects make up about 60 per cent, he noted. Al-Zeini also said that there had been significant impacts on construction during the present coronavirus pandemic, especially luxury housing and tourism projects, and that demand for these had decreased significantly as buyers had opted to hold onto their cash instead. *A version of this article appears in print in the 4 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: ... Zulum wants Wulgo community resettled as Borno Governor meets Soldiers in Rann, Wulgo Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has led the distribution of food and non food items to 10,000 households living in Rann, headquarters of the Kala-Balge, the remotest local government area of the state. The latest visit was the fourth by the governor to the local government that shares border with the Cameroon Republic. A statement by Special Adviser to the Governor on Communications and PR Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau Tuesday said Zulum was flown from Maiduguri to Rann, onboard a military chopper, on Sunday May 31, 2020. The Governor who had made three previous similar trips, the first being in June, 2019, few days after coming into office, when he undertook the need assessment of public facilities and subsequently ordered construction works. He was later to return in December 2019 to distribute cash to 15,000 widows. Zulum was soon back to Kala-Balge in February this year to distribute N100 million cash to 10,000 trapped families. During the latest visit on Sunday, Zulum supervised the distribution of relief items to mostly women and aged men amongst other vulnerable persons in need, with about 300 Nigerians taking refuge in the Republic of Cameroon who returned to Rann benefiting from the gesture. Each of the beneficiaries received a bag of 50kg Maize grain, two cartons of spaghetti, two bags of 10kg rice and a-3 liters cooking oil, while female beneficiaries got wrappers in addition to the food items. Residents in Rann have since mid last year been trapped without road access to farmlands due to the flood from a dam, this forced Nigerians in Rann to resort to neighboring Cameroon Republic for livelihoods. Governor Zulum at a press briefing after the exercise, acknowledged food contributions from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Dangote Foundation. He said: I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, for all that he has been doing towards repositioning the northeast. "I also wish to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Northeast Development Commission, as well as NEMA and Dangote Foundation, all of them have contributed to the success of this excersice." ... Zulum wants Wulgo community resettled Meanwhile, after his food distribution exercise, Governor Zulum traveled to Wulgo, a border community, to assess the destruction caused by the Boko Haram insurgents. The assessment of Wulgo, acording to Governor Zulum, was preparatory to resettlement of thousands of IDPs from the community currently staying at formal and informal camps in Gamboru town of Ngala LGA. The governor said: The aim of our visit here is to assess the town with a view to resetting back the community. We will have an interface with the community, I think the first thing we will do is to clear the town. Zulum then proceeded to Gamboru Ngala where he passed the night, during which he interfaced with the Internally displaced persons from different communities. ... Borno Governor meets Soldiers in Rann, Wulgo Also during his visit, Governor Zulum while in Rann and Wulgo, paid visits to military formations in the two towns in order to boost their morale. During the visits, Zulum presented 250 bags of 50 kg rice,10 bags of 50kg sugar, 200 cartons of noodles, 500 cartons of sphagetti, cooking oil and cash to each of the formations. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jun. 3 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Quarantine regime is being strengthened in Kazakhstans Almaty city, citys Chief Sanitary Doctor Zhandarbek Bekshin said, Trend reports with reference to the official website on coronavirus situation in Kazakhstan. Bekshin said that within tightened restrictions, activities of previously opened facilities that do not comply with sanitary requirements will be suspended. The following facilities will also remain closed: - pools, beaches; - trade organizations operating in parks and squares, various amusement parks; - school health facilities; - sanatoriums, where many elderly people stay; - cultural facilities, cinemas, food courts and playgrounds for children in the malls. The first two cases of coronavirus infection were detected in Kazakhstan among those who arrived in Almaty city from Germany on March 13, 2020. The total number of coronavirus cases confirmed in Kazakhstan since the virus was first confirmed in the country amounted to 11,796 cases. This includes 5,996 people who recovered from the coronavirus, and 44 patients who passed away. The number of people infected in Almaty city is 2,715 people, making the city the largest epicenter of the coronavirus in Kazakhstan. The number of patients recovered in Almaty is 1,634 people, whereas the number of coronavirus-related deaths is 10. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh By Aziz El Yaakoubi and Nafisa Eltahir DUBAI (Reuters) - International donors raised $1.35 billion in humanitarian aid for Yemen on Tuesday but the amount fell short of the United Nations' target of $2.4 billion needed to save the world's biggest aid operation from severe cutbacks. The conflict between a Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-aligned Houthi group has left 80% of Yemen's population reliant on aid. The country now faces the spread of the novel coronavirus among an acutely malnourished people. Saudi Arabia, leader of the coalition fighting the Houthis since 2015 in a stalemated war, hosted a virtual U.N. conference to help counter funding shortages for aid operations in Yemen. In total, donors pledged $1.35 billion to help aid agencies, U.N. aid chief Mark Lowcock told the conference. Saudi Arabia has already pledged $500 million, including $25 million to help fight the coronavirus outbreak, Saudi ambassador to Yemen Mohammed al-Jabir told Reuters. Saudi has faced criticism from international rights groups for its condcut in the war, particularly a campaign of air strikes that has led to many civilian deaths and destroyed infrastructure. Britain - which sells weapons to coalition members - and Germany announced respectively $201 million and $140 million. They called on the warring parties to immediately end the conflict that has killed more than 100,000 people, mostly civilians. The United States, which also backs the coalition, said last month it would extend $225 million in emergency aid for food. Lowcock, asked about Saudi Arabia co-hosting the event, said Riyadh was a large donor and the United Nations would continue to call out warring parties on actions "they should not be doing". "Saudi Arabia keeps trying to whitewash its coalitions role in the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, but cohosting the funding event won't fool anyone," Afrah Nasser, Yemen researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. Story continues Lise Grande, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, told Reuters before the conference the operation would face "catastrophic cutbacks" if the donations fell short of $1.6 billion. "We won't be able to provide the food people need to survive, or the health care they need or the water or sanitation or the nutrition support which helps to keep 2 million malnourished children from dying," she said. Some $180 million of required funding is needed to combat coronavirus in a country with shattered health systems and inadequate testing capabilities. Yemen has been mired in violence since the Houthis ousted the Saudi-backed government from the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014, prompting the coalition to intervene a few months later. Donors had cut funding to Houthi-held areas over concerns the group is hindering aid delivery, a charge it denies. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington, Michelle Nichols and Stephanie Nebehay; Writing by Ghaida Ghantous and Aziz El Yaakoubi; Editing by Angus MacSwan) As modern medicine has advanced, so too has our understanding of what affects health. Over recent decades this has generated a number of new fields in medicine. One of the most important that has been born out of the latest generation is social medicine. It studies how social and economic factors help determine our health, specifically inequalities within societies that negatively influence health outcomes. Similar to primary health care , social medicine prioritises health equity and promotes a broad view of health, multi-sectoral action and the participation of communities. Both significantly contribute to progress in improving health equity . COVID-19 has placed a spotlight on the field of social medicine. It has done so by showing up inherent injustices in society. An example is the fact that African-American and Native American communities in the US are experiencing disproportionate COVID-19 deaths. The result is that more people are beginning to argue that social medicine should take centre state in the medical community. But the argument towards a more progressive approach to healthcare is also being met with criticism by those who still cling to the traditional model of medicine. The argument has come to head over approaches to medical education. The main argument against a 'social medicine' orientation in medical education is that it comes at the expense of practical preparation in areas like pandemic response and disaster preparedness. In a recent article a professor of medicine, Stanley Goldfarb, went as far as to argue that social medicine should be removed from the traditional American model of medical training. We are firmly in the camp of those who believe that social medicine is an integral part of the formation of health care professionals. We strongly believe that our trainees and graduates need to be content experts and practitioners. But that they also need to understand the social determinants of health and diseases. Both are necessary for an integral understanding of any major health challenges including pandemics. Our view is that it's not a question of social medicine at the expense of emergency medicine. This is a false dichotomy. Increasingly research has shown that a multi-sectoral approach is needed to deliver effective healthcare. Clinicians should understand how factors such as poverty, food insecurity and racism have an impact on the population health. This is particularly true for the most vulnerable. Consider this example: it's not an uncommon in many developing countries to see a malnourished child get admitted to a hospital with serious complications. They receive appropriate care including food recover significantly and are discharged in a very good state. But they are then readmitted with the same condition. The treatment of this child is not only the hospital-based administration of the food and medicine. It goes far beyond to food security, safe water provision, environmental health and other determinants of health and disease. Both lenses are needed Doctors should be trained in emergency and critical care. They should also be trained in social medicine. Missing out on either renders responses inadequate. One danger of a one-track approach to medical education is that it creates technically capable physicians who are dangerously unaware of the numerous factors that determine health on the individual, community and global level. This makes them ill-prepared for the reality of clinical experience. The reality is that an application of both social justice and a bio-social lens, which focuses on how social factors influence health, are needed to understand how different groups are uniquely affected by an event such as the current pandemic, how they access existing health services, and how this, in turn, can affect a nation's pandemic preparedness and response. For example, in the US the coronavirus is disproportionately affecting African Americans. In US hotspot Louisiana, more than 70% of COVID-related deaths have been among black Americans, despite making up only 33% of the population, according to the Louisiana Department of Health . Health professionals need to understand why. One reason could be the well-documented mistrust of the US health sector, which has, in the past, compromised public health responses. This has been also documented in other parts of the world, such as during outbreaks of tuberculosis , preventing the spread of HIV in Africa , and efforts to contain Ebola outbreaks. Why social justice matters The experience of COVID-19 has been a case study in why medical students need exposure to more, not less, social justice issues. There is a reason why medical schools globally are adopting these principles of social medicine, and why students encounter patients before they graduate . It comes back to the problem that has plagued the success of multiple health policies over time; how can you design and implement health systems, or treat patients, without understanding the historical, social, geographic and political circumstances of those you are serving? An effective pandemic response can't be separated from the how or the why of its arrival, the factors contributing to its transmission, or its devastating after effects. Concentrating only on fundamental classroom training puts a metaphorical plaster on the wound, and simply awaits the next graze on the knee. Understanding how and why these diseases come to fruition, avoids taking these learnings into the future, and protects millions of lives. Putting patients at risk From our experience as health practitioners and health educators, medical education that is not patient centred and pinned around social medicine puts patients at risk. Of course the world needs physicians who are better prepared to help battle deadly pandemic diseases like COVID-19. But students also need enough bio-social tools and social justice training to prevent, respond, and disaggregate the burden of pandemics in a way that's inclusive of everyone. And consequently benefit entire societies. Not doing this increases the risk for all even those who have the privilege of accessing care. Only by training a new generation of physicians who can look beyond medical charts and see the bigger picture can we be prepared for the next pandemic and any other health challenge we will face in the future. The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. By Abebe Bekele, Dean of the School of Medicine, University of Global Health Equity And Agnes Binagwaho, Vice Chancellor, University of Global Health Equity Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: The MCGM said that 49 deaths and 1,109 new coronavirus cases were reported in Mumbai on Tuesday, the total number of cases in the city is now 41,986, toll stands at 1368. Auto refresh feeds They are being shifted to COVID-19 care centre, tweeted the chief minister. Arunachal Pradesh registered a total of 21 active COVID-19 cases after two more individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus, said chief minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday. Both of them were asymptomatic positive cases While, close to 92,000 COVID-19 patients were cured of the viral infection. On Monday, the total number of coronavirus cases crossed 1.9 lakh nationwide with the toll reaching 5,394 after a record single-day spike of 230. The number of people testing COVID-19 positive was nearly 8,400 on Monday. The decision was taken after continuous rise in COVID-19 cases, especially its neighbouring northeastern states and the return of a large number of stranded people from other states. Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga on Tuesday said that 12 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in Zoram Medical College. On Monday, the state government extended the lockdown for another month till 30 June. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced that the National Capital borders will be sealed for the next one week and only essential services will be exempted. The Indian High Commission announced that as part of the Vande Bharat Mission's Phase 3, Air India is planning a flight from Johannesburg to Delhi and Mumbai on June 18, subject to approval from the government or South Africa. Indian nationals, who have been stranded in South Africa and the neighbouring Kingdom of Lesotho due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will have the opportunity to get back home as India on Monday announced plans to operate a special flight later this month. The approval process for remdesivir was accelerated in view of the emergency situation and the unmet need for medicines in light of the coronavirus outbreak, a source in the know of the developments told PTI. India's drug regulator has granted US pharma giant Gilead Sciences marketing authorisation for its anti-viral drug remdesivir for "restricted emergency use" on hospitalised COVID-19 patients in view of the crisis posed by the pandemic. Sample tests have been conducted in the state on war footing and with migrant labourers returning to West Bengal, such clinical examinations have been expedited, they said. Currently, there are 41 laboratories in West Bengal involved in conducting tests of samples to determine COVID-19 infection As the number of tests to confirm whether one is infected by novel coronavirus has increased manifold in West Bengal, results are also getting delayed under pressure, raising the chances of its transmission, officials of state health department said on Monday. Thirteen people at the Saras dairy plant in Jodhpur test positive for the coronavirus, ANI reports. The plants Managing Director says: They were contractual workers and used to work in the garden where waste water of dairy is utilised. They had not come in contact with packaging or milk. A total of 1,508 Mumbai Police personnel have tested positive for coronavirus so far. Of them, 227 are officers, while 1281 are personnel, reports News18. Apart from that, 74 SRPF personnel stationed in Mumbai, have also tested positive. One death was reported yesterday, taking the total death toll among Mumbai Police personnel to 17. India reports 8,171 new cases in 24 hours, taking the overall tally to 1,98,706. As many as 204 more deaths were also reported in this period, taking the overall toll to 5,598, according to the latest update by the health ministry. India has 97,581 active cases, while 95,526 people have recovered. Maharashtra continues to be the worst-affected state, with 70,013 cases and 2,362 deaths. This is followed by Tamil Nadu, which has 23,495 cases and 184 deaths, and Delhi, with 20,834 cases and 523 deaths. They said in a letter that these poor and middle-income countries, which represent nearly 70 per cent of the world's population and approximately one-third of global GDP, demand immediate action. Over 100 countries have approached the International Monetary Fund for help a, they said, and more are expected to do so. More than 225 current and former global VIPs urged the world's 20 major economic powers on Monday to hold an urgent meeting to agree to a 2.5 trillion plan to tackle COVID-19 and launch an economic recovery from the pandemic, especially for hard-hit developing and middle-income countries. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan cited economic losses to justify his government's decision to lift a coronavirus lockdown despite rising infections and deaths, urging people to "live with the virus." Pakistan has rolled back almost all shutdown measures, primarily to avert an economic meltdown. The country would open to tourism but cinemas, theatres and schools remain closed, reports Reuters. Foreign experts have concluded that home quarantine is the best quarantine, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi also told The Indian Express. Yet, we have run quarantine centres giving migrants all kinds of facilities, including reimbursement of train and bus fare and necessary items kit worth Rs 1,000. The Bihar government has announced that migrant workers returning to the state will no longer be registered or quarantined from Tuesday, The Indian Express reports. The latest case count in the country's financial capital now stands at 40,887, it said, adding that 40 more people succumbed to the viral infection, taking the death toll to 1,319 in the last 24 hours. The number of COVID-19 cases in Mumbai crossed the 40,000-mark yesterday, with 1,413 more people testing positive for coronavirus, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb urged people of the state to follow government instructions and cooperate with authorities as the number of COVID-19 cases are rising. He said all the 102 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have a travel history. The number of COVID-19 cases in Tripura rose to 423, with 102 people testing positive for coronavirus, officials said on Tuesday. They said 173 people have recovered from COVID-19 and have been discharged from hospital. According to China's National Health Commission (NHC), five imported cases and 10 asymptomatic cases were reported in the country on Monday. So far, 371 asymptomatic cases, including 39 from overseas, were still under medical observation, it said. China has reported 15 new coronavirus cases while Wuhan, the epicentre of the COVID-19, where over nine million people have been tested in the last few weeks has not registered any asymptomatic case for the first time, the health authority said on Tuesday. But behind the scenes, it was a much different story, one of significant delays by China and considerable frustration among WHO officials over not getting the information they needed to fight the spread of the deadly virus, The Associated Press has found. Throughout January, the World Health Organization publicly praised China for what it called a speedy response to the new coronavirus. It repeatedly thanked the Chinese government for sharing the genetic map of the virus immediately, and said its work and commitment to transparency were very impressive, and beyond words. No new deaths were registered Tuesday by the central government's National Health Commission, whose reports cover events occurring over the previous 24 hours. A state media outlet says a Chinese doctor has died from COVID-19 after four months of treatment. Internet news site The Paper said word of Hu Weifeng's death was received from a hospital source Tuesday morning. If confirmed, it would mark the first reported fatality from the disease in China in weeks. The rupee opened weak at 75.57 at the interbank forex market and then fell further to 75.60, down 6 paise over its last close. It had settled at 75.54 against the US dollar on Monday. Forex traders said, while firm start of the equity market and foreign fund inflows supported the rupee, factors like strong dollar, US-China tensions and Moody's downgrade of India's sovereign credit rating dragged down the local unit. The rupee depreciated 6 paise to 75.60 against the US dollar in opening trade on Tuesday as strengthening American currency and sustained rise in crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment even as domestic equities opened on a positive note. Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the inaugural address at the Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) annual session on Tuesday. He will give the speech to mark 125 years of the CII. The prime minister will share his vision on 'Getting Growth Back'. I trust India's capabilities to tackle the coronavirus crisis. I trust India's talent and technology, India's innovation and intellect. I trust our farmers, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. That is why I say yes, India will get its growth back, said Modi on Tuesday. Intent, inclusion, investment, infrastructure and innovation is required to bring economic growth back, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at CII's annual session on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that over Rs 53,000 crore of financial assistance have been given under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Scheme of free ration to poor and migrant workers. Strengthening economy one of top priorities alongside fighting coronavirus, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. "Have taken decisions that will help country in long run," said Modi. At least Rs 200 crore of purchases made by the Indian government, said Narendra Modi, adding, "global tenders have been removed to boost small-scale industries." Within three months, India has developed an industry of personal protective equipments (PPE), said Narendra Modi on Tuesday, adding "India is developing 3 lakh PPE kits in a day." We have taken decisions which will help the country in the long run. Reforms are not random, decisions are systemic, planned, integrated, inter-connected and futuristic process, said Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the current situation as 'rise to the occassion' and asked the industry leaders to come out as 'champions of indigenous inspiration'. Meanwhile, 13 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus at Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal's office on Tuesday. On Tuesday, 115 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh taking the state's overall count to 3,791. Rajasthan registered 171 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths in the state till 10.30 am on Tuesday, according to the state health department. With this, the total positive cases stood at 9,271 while the toll was at 201. The COVID-19 pandemic is likely a global effect of natural habitat destruction combined with the effects of globalisation, says Maria Cristina Rulli, professor at the department of civil and environmental engineering at Politecnico di Milano, who has worked extensively on the links between Ebola virus disease outbreaks and forest destruction in Africa. Destruction of forests for growing crops, urban expansion, and building road networks and a parallel intensification of wildlife trade has resulted in ecological conditions and movement of wild animals, which are reservoirs of some viruses or bacteria, towards human settlements. This, in turn, results in the emergence of new pathogens, they say. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) pandemic, believed to have been triggered by the transmission of the virus from animals to humans, has brought into sharp focus zoonotic diseases that are spread by animals forced to move out of their natural habitats that are increasingly being destroyed, say experts. The approval process for remdesivir was accelerated in view of the emergency situation and the unmet need for medicines in light of the coronavirus outbreak, a source in the know of the developments told PTI . Indias drug regulator has granted US pharma giant Gilead Sciences marketing authorisation for its anti-viral drug remdesivir for restricted emergency use on hospitalised Covid-19 patients in view of the crisis posed by the pandemic. Health officials only released the genome after a Chinese lab published it ahead of authorities on a virology website on 11 January. Even then, China stalled for at least two weeks more on giving WHO the details it needed, according to recordings of multiple internal meetings held by the UN health agency in January - all at a time when the outbreak arguably might have been dramatically slowed. Strict controls on information and competition within the Chinese public health system were largely to blame, The Associated Press has found from internal documents, emails and dozens of interviews. Throughout January, the World Health Organization publicly praised China for what it called a speedy response to the new coronavirus and thanked the Chinese government for sharing the genetic of the virus "immediately." But in fact, Chinese officials sat on releasing the genetic map, or genome, of the deadly virus for over a week after multiple government labs had fully decoded it, not sharing details key to designing tests, drugs and vaccines. As many as five COVID-19 deaths were reported in the state while, 296 patients were cured of the viral infection. Jharkhand has registered a total of 675 COVID-19 positive cases, including 374 active cases, so far, according to the latest data released by the state health department on Tuesday. Information on availability of hospital beds can also be obtained by calling on the helpline 1031. If a hospital refuses to provide you a bed even when our app shows beds are available in that hospital, you can call on 1031. Our Special Secretary will take immediate action, Kejriwal said. The application will also provide information about the availability of ventilators in Delhi. Currently, a total of 302 ventilators are available in Delhi, of which 210 are vacant. All this information will be updated on this app twice a day - at 10 am and 6 pm, the chief minister informed. Kejriwal took note of complaints about shortage of beds and medical facilities and attributed it to a gap in information, adding that 4,100 of 6,731 hospital beds for COVID-19 patients are still lying vacant in the National Capital. He also announced the launch of an app to provide information about all the hospitals in Delhi, private and government, and the availability of beds. Acknowledging that the number of cases in Delhi are rising, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal assured the people that anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will get the required medical services. We are four steps ahead of #coronavirus and have made all the arrangements for beds, ICUs and ventilators, he said. Nagaland health minister S Pangnyu Phom on Tuesday tweeted that six new cases of coronavirus had been confirmed, all in the Dimapur district, which is the commercial centre of the state. The total number of cases in the state stands at 49. Around 200 coronavirus patients who were quarantined in the MCGM's makeshift facility at BKC in Mumbai are being shifted to the facility at the NSCI Dome in Worli amid the alert due to Cyclone Nisarga, News18 reported. "Number of cases in Delhi are increasing, but there's no need to worry about medical care for the Covid-19 patients as we've done sufficient arrangements. If any member of your family tests positive, then they'll get the required medical services," he added, while addressing a video conference to announce the new medical facilities arranged by the government. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that although cases of coronavirus are increasing in the National Capital, the state government is "four steps ahead of the virus". Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu takes part in a procession in Chitradurga; social distancing norms being flouted at the event, amid COVID-19 pandemic. The body of Ram Bahadur, 42, was found hanging from the tree in Budvan village, Station House Officer, Khaga, Satyendra Singh said. He said the migrant labourer had returned from Ahmedbad on 14 May and was quarantined at a tubewell shed near forest area. A labourer, who had returned from Ahmedabad recently, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree at a village in Uttar Pradesh, police said on Tuesday. The ICMR said, "Instead of the use of the word 'community transmission', we need to understand the extent of the spread of the disease. We are far from the peak. Our measures to curtail the disease are effective. India has been very good in the reduction in mortality." Nivedita Gupta, an Indian Council of Medical Research scientist, said that 681 laboratories have been approved for conducting COVID-19 tests. Of these, 476 are in the government sector and 205 in private sector, as of 1 June 2020. The Karnataka government on Tuesday granted permission to microbreweries for fresh brewing/production and sale of beer as take-away in glass, ceramic or stainless steel container (up to 2 litres) till 30 June. Microbreweries allowed to be open from 9 am to 9 pm. "Yesterday I visited a few hospitals to see if govt rules are being implemented properly or not. I found that the implementation was not up to the mark at some places and show cause notices have been issued," he said. Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope on Tuesday said that the government had issued show cause notices to hospitals that weren't following the guidelines regarding coronavirus properly. Indian carriers operated a total of 4,062 flights till June 1 -- 428 on May 25, 445 on May 26, 460 on May 27, 494 on May 28, 513 on May 29, 529 on May 30, 501 on May 31 and 692 on 1 June. "Jump in the number of flyers from 44,593 on 31 May to 64,651 on 1st June is a welcome sign that our domestic operations are picking pace. Departures 692," Puri said on Twitter. Domestic services in India were suspended in March due to the coronavirus lockdown and resumed on May 25. Domestic air travel in the country is picking up the pace as 692 flights carrying 64,651 passengers operated on June 1 against 501 flights with 44,593 flyers the day before, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday. Migrant returnees in rural areas of the state are placed under seven-day institutional quarantine and another week of home isolation, while in urban areas, a 14-day home quarantine is mandatory. The Kendrapara district administration increases the period of mandatory institutional quarantine to 14 days from one week amid a spike in COVID-19 cases. The MCGM said that 49 deaths and 1,109 new coronavirus cases were reported in Mumbai on Tuesday, the total number of cases in the city is now 41,986, toll stands at 1368. Delhis Covid-19 case count rises to 22,132, with 1,298 new cases in the last 24 hrs; total death toll is 556: Delhi Health Department. "Voice of Pax, a survey conducted by BIAL to understand passenger perception and expectation towards air travel amid the coronavirus pandemic, revealed that 90 per cent of passengers considered air travel much safer compared to the other modes. According to the survey, 87 per cent participants also felt airports are safer compared to train and bus stations," the report said. A survey by the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said that a majority of people felt that air travel was safer than other modes of transport, after domestic air operations resumed on 25 May, The Indian Express reported. Delhi LG Anil Baijal on Tuesday appointed two IAS officials Udit Prakash Rai and Ravi Dhawan as Nodal Officers for "proper communication of data" related to COVID-19 from private and central government hospitals in Delhi. The Pune health department said that 22 deaths and 308 COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours in the district. Toll rose to 367 and total cases are now 8134. Telangana reports 99 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of cases in the state to 2,891. The toll is at 92, the state health department said. The Rajasthan government said that the examinations of various universities and colleges in the state that were deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to be held in second week of July. Alert ~ More 25 people found #COVID19 POSITIVE in Tripura today out of 581 samples tested. Among them, 23 people have travel history & 2 people are contacts of COVID19 patients. Requesting everyone to be cautious. #TripuraCOVID19Count In Japan, however, the Tokyo governor issued an alert as new cases rose again. In Paris, sidewalk cafes are open for outdoor business albeit with social distancing guidelines. Members of Britains Parliament have been called back to the office, though a few have reservations about the return. And in Portugal, theres hope the countrys vital tourism sector can rebound with some flights resuming to its popular Algarve region. Countries around the world continue easing lockdown restrictions and regaining a bit of what life was like before the coronavirus pandemic. Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday reported 369 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total number of cases to 8,729. So far, 229 people have succumbed to COVID-19 in the state. . Aid workers have long warned of a potential humanitarian disaster if there is a major outbreak at the camps in the Coxs Bazar coastal district. The Rohingya, members of a mostly Muslim minority, fled a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar. Today we got the confirmation that he tested positive for COVID-19, he told Reuters by telephone. The 71-year-old man died on May 31 while undergoing treatment at an isolation centre at the camps where over a million Rohingya live, said Bimal Chakma, a senior official of the governments Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission. An elderly Rohingya refugee has become the first person to die from coronavirus in the worlds largest refugee settlement in Bangladesh, where there are fears the disease could spread fast due to overcrowding. Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: The MCGM said that 49 deaths and 1,109 new coronavirus cases were reported in Mumbai on Tuesday, the total number of cases in the city is now 41,986, toll stands at 1368. The Maharashtra health department said that 2,287 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 72,300. 103 deaths were also reported on Tuesday. 1225 patients were also discharged, taking total recoveries to 31,333. Domestic air travel in the country is picking up the pace as 692 flights carrying 64,651 passengers operated on June 1 against 501 flights with 44,593 flyers the day before, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday. Domestic services in India were suspended in March due to the coronavirus lockdown and resumed on May 25. "Jump in the number of flyers from 44,593 on 31 May to 64,651 on 1st June is a welcome sign that our domestic operations are picking pace. Departures 692," Puri said on Twitter. Indian carriers operated a total of 4,062 flights till June 1 -- 428 on May 25, 445 on May 26, 460 on May 27, 494 on May 28, 513 on May 29, 529 on May 30, 501 on May 31 and 692 on 1 June. Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that the coronavirus situation is under control in many districts of the state, The Indian Express reported. He was quoted as saying, Except, in areas like Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpet, the situation is under control in the state. In todays meeting with higher authorities, we discussed the various measures to control the spread in Chennai. The spread of the disease is higher in slums in Chennai because of the cramped houses. More tests are done, close to 13,000 are done on a daily across the state and 4,000 in corporations. People even with slightest symptoms are tested and their contracts are traced in quick time." Nivedita Gupta, an Indian Council of Medical Research scientist, said that 681 laboratories have been approved for conducting COVID-19 tests. Of these, 476 are in the government sector and 205 in private sector, as of 1 June 2020. "Today, we are conducting 1 lakh 20 thousand tests every day," she added. The ICMR on Tuesday said that "indigenous platforms" are being used too for "ramping up COVID-19 testing capacity". "Truenat screening and confirmatory tests have now been validated. Outreach of testing has hence been increased since this is available in primary health centres and districts," said Nivedita Gupta of the ICMR. She added, "Indian RNA extraction kits are now available in good number, RT-PCR kits by 11-12 indigenous vendors are now being used, we are now in a comfortable position with respect to ttesting, due to identification and hand-holding of domestic players." The Union health ministry said that so far, 95,527 COVID-19 patients have recovered in the country. The recovery rate is now 48.07 percent, Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry claimed. "We have asked all states to analyse the trajectory of the cases in their respective states. If a state thinks that it needs to set up temporary COVID-19 care centres then it must do so," he added. Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu takes part in a procession in Chitradurga; social distancing norms being flouted at the event, amid COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Karnataka is 3,408. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that although cases of coronavirus are increasing in the National Capital, the state government is "four steps ahead of the virus". "Number of cases in Delhi are increasing, but there's no need to worry about medical care for the Covid-19 patients as we've done sufficient arrangements. If any member of your family tests positive, then they'll get the required medical services," he added, while addressing a video conference to announce the new medical facilities arranged by the government. As many as 13 people have tested positive for COVID-19 at Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's office situated at Raj Niwas Marg. Defence minister Rajnath Singh said that France has affirmed its commitment to ensure the timely delivery of the Rafale aircraft despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Defence minister Rajnath Singh said that France has affirmed its commitment to ensure the timely delivery of the Rafale aircraft despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Arvind Kejriwal announced the launch of an app to provide information about all the hospitals in Delhi, private and government, and the availability of beds. The application will also provide information about the availability of ventilators. Jharkhand has registered a total of 675 COVID-19 positive cases, including 374 active cases, so far, according to the latest data released by the state health department on Tuesday. As many as five COVID-19 deaths were reported in the state while, 296 patients were cured of the viral infection. Rajasthan registered 171 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths in the state till 10.30 am on Tuesday, according to the state health department. With this, the total positive cases stood at 9,271 while the toll was at 201. We have taken decisions which will help the country in the long run. Reforms are not random, decisions are systemic, planned, integrated, inter-connected and futuristic process, said Narendra Modi. Intent, inclusion, investment, infrastructure and innovation is required to bring economic growth back, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at CII's annual session on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the inaugural address on 'Getting Growth Back' via a virtual online meeting at the annual session of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at 11 am today. The prime minister's address comes at a time when companies are resuming operations after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed relaxations amid lockdown. Maharashtra continues to be the worst-affected state, with 70,013 cases and 2,362 deaths. This is followed by Tamil Nadu, which has 23,495 cases and 184 deaths, and Delhi, with 20,834 cases and 523 deaths. India reports 8,171 new cases in 24 hours, taking the overall tally to 1,98,706. As many as 204 more deaths were also reported in this period, taking the overall toll to 5,598, according to the latest update by the health ministry. India's drug regulator has granted US pharma giant Gilead Sciences marketing authorisation for its anti-viral drug remdesivir for 'restricted emergency use' on hospitalised COVID-19 patients in view of the crisis posed by the pandemic. Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga on Tuesday said that 12 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in Zoram Medical College. On Monday, the state government extended the lockdown for another month till 30 June. The decision was taken after continuous rise in COVID-19 cases, especially its neighbouring northeastern states and the return of a large number of stranded people from other states. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India shot up to 1,90,535 and the toll rose to 5,394 on Monday as restrictions were eased in many states under the Unlock plan announced by the Centre. The fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus infection came to an end on Sunday and the country entered the first phase of the Unlock plan announced by the Centre, which allows various economic activities to resume. Many states, in keeping with the Union home ministry's guidelines, had over the weekend issued orders allowing reopening of shops, markets and resumption of inter-state travel, while continuing with strict restrictions in containment zones. Toll climbs to 5,394 The COVID-19 toll rose to 5,394 after a record single-day spike of 230 fatalities in the 24 hours since 8 am on Sunday, the Union Health Ministry said in its morning update. It showed the number of confirmed cases rising by 8,392 to 1,90,535. According to the health ministry data, the number of active COVID-19 cases stands at 93,322 while 91,818 people have recovered, giving a recovery rate of 48.19 percent. Globally, close to 43 percent people have recovered so far while nearly six percent have succumbed to the virus. The health ministry said India's COVID-19 recovery rate has been improving and the rate of fatality has seen a steady decline to reach 2.83 percent. It said the recovery rate has improved from 11.42 percent on 15 April to 26.59 percent on 3 May and to 38.29 percent on 18 May. It further said the case fatality rate in India is 2.83 percent, as against 6.19 percent globally. From 3.30 percent on 15 April, India's COVID-19 fatality rate declined to 3.25 percent on 3 May and came down further to 3.15 percent on 18 May. "A steady decline can be seen in the case fatality rate in the country. The relatively low death rate is attributed to the continued focus on surveillance, timely case identification and clinical management of the cases," the ministry said. In an exclusive interview with News18, home minister Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led a "successful" fight against the coronavirus pandemic with the support of all the state governments. "Till now, 12.6 persons per lakh population in the country have been affected by COVID-19, which is far better than US, Brazil and other countries. India's recovery rate is above 42 percent, according to the latest data," he said. He also defended the central government's response to the migrant crisis, saying that the migrant workers hadn't been sent to their home states immediately after the lockdown began as health systems in rural areas had to be strengthened. Shah said that 55 lakh migrant workers have been sent back to their native states till now. He added that most migrant workers have now completed their quarantine period and started living with their families. Traffic snarls in some cities as shops, markets open Meanwhile, several states began easing lockdown restrictions with traffic snarls being reported in some cities. In Gujarat, life returned to near normal in many parts including in Ahmedabad, the state's worst coronavirus-hit district, as several restrictions were eased. Roads bustled with traffic as people came out in large numbers to visit markets, which have been allowed to remain open till 7 pm in all areas except in containment and micro-containment zones. In Ahmedabad, a limited number of city buses also began plying with 50 percent seating capacity to maintain social distancing, while auto rickshaws hit the roads for the first time in ten weeks. The Ahmedabad civic body has also identified 'micro-containment zones', thereby reducing the number of people covered in restricted areas to nearly 70,000 as compared to almost 13 lakh earlier. In Kolkata, people came out on the streets in large numbers, while traffic snarl was noticed at many places following the lockdown relaxations. Some religious places also reopened for worship by the people, which was also the case in various other states. In the National Capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced reopening of barber shops and salons, among various other relaxations, but said spas will remain closed for now. A complete lockdown in containment zones will continue till 30 June. Kejriwal also said there will be no restrictions on the number of people travelling in four wheelers, two wheelers, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws and other vehicles in the city. While all shops in markets have been permitted to function, they can be closed by authorities if social distancing guidelines are not followed, according to a government order. Fresh orders would be issued later for further relaxations from 8 June as per the guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry. Kejriwal, however, said Delhi's borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh will be sealed for a week in the wake of rising coronavirus cases in the city and sought suggestions from the people by Friday to reopen them. At the Delhi airport, authorities have set up a dedicated area at the entry point of its parking zone to ensure cabs coming there to pick up passengers are thoroughly sanitised. While domestic flights have begun in a phased manner, the international flights would be allowed only in the third phase of unlocking, though no dates have been decided so far. Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said several factors like restrictions in metro cities and the ban imposed by various countries on the entry of foreigners need to be addressed before resuming international passenger flights.' Aviation regulator DGCA separately asked airlines to keep middle seats vacant to the extent possible in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. If a flyer has been allotted the middle seat due to a high passenger load, then additional protective equipment like a wrap-around gown must be provided to the passenger in addition to a three-layered face mask and face shield, the DGCA said. State-wise figures Even as curbs were eased in many states, the coronavirus numbers continued to rise, with states including Maharashtra, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh reporting new cases and fatalities. Maharashtra saw the number of cases rising by 2,361 on Monday to reach 70,013, while the death toll rose by 76 to 2,362, the state health department said. In Nagpur, at least 12 customers of a barber, who is a resident of a containment zone, have been quarantined, after it was found that the barber had tested positive for coronavirus infection. Mumbai saw an increase of 1,413 new COVID-19 positive cases and 40 deaths, taking the number of confirmed cases 40,877. More than 100 doctors and nurses from Kerala will join the medical staff at some Mumbai hospitals to help them in the battle against COVID-19 pandemic. West Bengal reported eight more fatalities to take its death toll to 253, while the number of cases rose to 5,722 after 271 more people tested positive in the last 24 hours. In neighbouring Odisha, the number of positive cases rose to 2,104 after a record number of 156 cases were detected during the day. Of these, 153 were detected at various quarantine centres, while three others were found positive during COVID-19 contact tracing. In Tamil Nadu, 11 more people died of COVID-19 to take the toll to 184, while a record number of 1,162 new cases were detected to take the state's overall tally to 23,495. In Kerala, 57 new cases were reported, 55 of whom had come from abroad and other states, taking the state's infection tally to 1,326. More than 1.39 lakh people are under observation in the state. Andhra Pradesh reported 105 new cases, while the virus infection hit the state government's secretariat complex also with two government staff testing positive. Madhya Pradesh recorded 194 new COVID-19 cases, including 53 from worst-hit Indore, and eight deaths, taking the overall case count to 8,283 and fatalities to 358. With inputs from PTI A Mexican senator was caught topless during a government video meeting last week after getting changed in front of the camera without realising it was on. The incident occurred during an official meeting on zoom, a measure taken by the Mexican government during the coronavirus pandemic to avoid unnecessary risk of contagion. Martha Lucia Micher has now issued an apology for her mistake, blaming it on her lack of tech knowledge. According to local media, the meeting was attended by at least 15 senators from the left-wing National Regeneration Movement political party who convened with the governor of the Bank of Mexico and press representatives. Micher, 66, explained the incident in an open letter she shared online saying: 'Yesterday an unfortunate incident occurred during a virtual meeting with fellow senators about the current economic situation in Mexico and strategies to confront the 'new normal' over the coming months. While on an official government zoom call on May 29, Mexican senator Martha Lucia Micher took her top off thinking her camera was not broadcasting, only to be caught out when she realised it was. A screenshot has since been leaked online 'In one part of the session, without realising and while the camera of my computer was on, I got changed showing my naked torso. I carried on participating in the session and thanks to a call from senators Alejandro Armenta Mier and Ovidio Peralta Suarez, I realised my error.' The senator went on to offer an apology, saying that there are certain rules of conduct which nobody is exempt from and blamed the mishap on her not yet mastering these new forms of digital communication. Screenshots of the topless senator soon began to circulate on social media, prompting mirth and cruel comments about her appearance and physique online. Micher, who is also the president of the State Commission of Gender Equality, responded to these criticisms in her letter, in which she said that she is not ashamed of her body. She wrote: 'I am Malu Micher, and I am not ashamed to have shown part of my intimacy by accident, because it is exactly the notion that a woman is "just her body" that has allowed and fomented the objectification of women against which I have always fought. Martha Lucia Micher, 66, has since issued an apology, blaming the incident on her lack of technical ability, and added that she is not ashamed of her body Martha Lucia Micher said: 'I am a woman who has fought for the left for almost 40 years and who has occupied various public roles in my fervent commitment for the defence of human rights, I am a woman who is not ashamed of her body, I love it and I take care of it.' 'I am a woman of 66 years of age who has breastfed four children, three of whom are today professional and responsible men, and I feel proud of my body for having nourished them. 'I am a woman who has fought for the left for almost 40 years and who has occupied various public roles in my fervent commitment for the defence of human rights, I am a woman who is not ashamed of her body, I love it and I take care of it.' Many other colleagues and politicians also retweeted her letter and posted on social media to show their support for the senator. Fellow senator Ricardo Monreal Avila wrote: 'In view of the attacks against her, a product of a mishap during a virtual meeting, we endorse our fellowship. Morals and integrity will always be stronger than infamy and assaults.' Another senator, Maria Elena Morena posted: 'The rubbish stinks in the senate and on social media. Our political and party differences should have limits.' According to media sources, it has yet to be discovered who took and leaked the screenshots. Fellow party member Martha Tagle wrote: 'I will investigate and sanction those responsible for taking and leaking these photos. The violence to which you were subjected cannot go unpunished.' A Nigerian man identified as Engr. Fela who claims to be a lecturer at the University of Lagos, UNILAG, has been called out on Twitter for allegedly raping young boys on campus. Engr. Fela who claims to be a lecturer at the University of Lagos, UNILAG, has been called out on Twitter for allegedly raping young boys on campus It was alleged that the man presents himself as a lecturer at the Business Administration Department of the school and his modus operandi is to promise to help the young boys secure admission at the University. Some screenshots from alleged victims of the assault were shared on the social media platform, and many of them, aged 15-17, alleged that the man is fond of discussing porn with them and even tells his victims of his sexual escapades with his wife. The man is alleged to have lots of prospective students living with him in his house close to the University environment and he uses the opportunity to assault them. There are however calls for his arrest as many people claim he is not even a lecturer at the University, but just a Post-graduate student who happens to know many senior lecturers in the institution. His wife, who is reported to be a staff of the school, is alleged to be aware of the accusations, but called it bluff as they are all coming from faceless individuals.One Joe wrote: I would hazard a guess that when Masha Gessen began working on Surviving Autocracy, the title was meant more figuratively than literally. In the November 2016 essay that gave rise to this book, Gessen offered a set of numbered rules for salvaging your sanity and self-respect during a time of political upheaval. Physical survival didnt look like it was going to be the hard part. As a country like Viktor Orbans Hungary shows, autocracy can thrive on corruption and soft oppression: Dont speak up; just eat the bread and watch the circuses, and chances are youll get by. Most Americans in the age of Trump are not, like the subjects of a totalitarian regime, subjected to state terror, Gessen writes in the new book. But the last few months have shown what can happen when a presidents contempt for expert knowledge collides with a dire need for it: We could have imagined, but we could not have predicted, that a pandemic would render his arrogant ignorance lethal. Gessen was born in the Soviet Union and immigrated to the United States as a teenager, returning to Russia in 1991 to work as a journalist and document the death of a Russian democracy that had never really come to be. Gessen moved back to the United States in 2013 and eventually became a staff writer for The New Yorker not to mention one of this countrys most exacting critics of Vladimir Putin and his ruthless consolidation of power. As a gay parent, Gessen had confronted a Russian regime that threatened to remove children from same-sex families. When Gessen speaks about autocracy, you listen. In Surviving Autocracy, Gessen suggests that the United States has been terribly unprepared for a figure like Donald Trump. Not because he came out of nowhere; if anything, he took advantage of a political system that was ripe for a demagogue, swollen already by money and the powers concentrated in the executive branch. But too many Americans have maintained a stubborn hope that their vaunted institutions can save them. Establishment politicians like Barack Obama exhorted Americans to operate from a presumption of good faith. (Gessen quotes at length from a soaring speech that Obama gave the day after the 2016 election; reading it now might make you wince.) Even the most seasoned journalists, Gessen says, couldnt bring themselves to assimilate the unthinkable. Investors appear set to push the ASX slightly higher in early trade before the release of GDP figures which could all but confirm Australia's first recession in almost 30 years. The SPI 200 futures contract was higher by 31 points, or 0.5 per cent, at 5861 at 7am AEST on Wednesday, indicating a slight gain early. 1. Wall Street: US stocks posted gains overnight as market participants looked past widespread social unrest and pandemic worries to focus instead on easing lockdown restrictions and signs of economic recovery. Tech shares, along with cyclical stocks like industrials and financials, gave the biggest lift to all three major stock indexes. The Nasdaq, the S&P 500 and the Dow have been approaching their all-time closing highs in recent weeks and are now about 2 per cent, 9 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively, below record closing levels. 2. BP and BHP boost British market. British shares ended at almost three-month highs on Tuesday amid continued bets that government stimulus and easing lockdowns will help a swifter economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis.The blue-chip FTSE 100 added 0.9 per cent, ending at its highest levels since early March. It was propped up by resource heavyweights BP and BHP as commodity prices rose on the prospect of increased demand and - in the case of oil- more OPEC production cuts. New York Looting and vandalism in cities across the country have dealt another blow to small businesses that were already reeling from the coronavirus outbreak. Along with big chain stores like Target, Walgreen and Macys, independent retailers in neighborhoods and downtown sections were targets of vandals and looters who struck as police mobilized to contain large demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Many businesses had been closed by state and local government orders as officials tried to contain the spread of the coronavirus, leaving owners with little or no revenue since March. Now, already facing an uncertain future amid ongoing restrictions related to the virus, owners must figure out how to rebuild or relocate their companies. Over three nights, Ahmed Muhumuds Minneapolis optician shop was vandalized, looted and burned, leaving Midtown Eye Care in ruins. The store was just getting back to business after having been shut since mid-March by the virus outbreak. This has been a difficult couple of months, and now with the protesters and everything that followed its very difficult, Muhumud said. Hes trying to figure out what to do next; the building, which may not be salvageable, is in a hard-hit area with many minority-owned businesses that were also looted and burned. We dont know where to move, Muhumud said. Small businesses employ nearly 60 million people, or nearly half the U.S. workforce. Since the coronavirus brought the U.S. economy to a virtual standstill, the government has loaned businesses hundreds of billions of dollars to help them survive and keep their employees on staff as unemployment soars toward 20%. But some wont make it, and bankruptcies are already on the rise. Even as they pick up pieces of broken glass and try to assess their losses, many owners say they understand the anger over the killing of Floyd, who died after a police officer pressed his knee into Floyds neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. Johnny Grimes reopened his hair salon in Birmingham, Alabama, on Sunday after being closed for two months due to the virus outbreak. That night the windows of the Wheelhouse Salon were shattered and the establishment looted. As Grimes boarded up the salon Monday, he said he was devastated by what had happened to his business but was sympathetic with those who demonstrated against police brutality. I just hope that this isnt all for nothing, he said. I hope that this does spark some kind of national conversation on race, racial reconciliation, police brutality and how the African American, the black community, is treated in America, said Grimes, who is white. Sam Mabrouk tried to save his denim clothing store from being vandalized and left barren amid demonstrations Friday in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Mabrouk, who arrived from Egypt over a decade ago, owns two retail stores in the city; one, 89 and Pine, was destroyed. Mabrouk said he tried to convince the people ransacking his store and other minority-owned businesses nearby that he understood their cause and begged them to leave his store alone. I lost everything in one night, Mabrouk said of the estimated $70,000 in stolen merchandise. That was my savings from 11 years of working. Thats what hurts more than anything. Mabrouk had already lost business due to being shut down amid the virus outbreak but said he wouldnt give up. Even if I only have a thousand pairs of jeans to sell and nothing else, I will start from there, Mabrouk said. In Boston, vandals shattered the front windows at Clarendon Wines Sunday night and stole much of the alcohol at the front of the shop in the citys high-end Back Bay neighborhood. We never thought this could happen, said Kayla Levine, a manager at the store thats been family-owned since the 1940s. Boston has been good about protests. Theyve been mostly peaceful. We were hoping for the best this time. Levine said she supported the mostly peaceful demonstrations but felt other people had taken advantage of Sundays protests to cause destruction. Its just really sad because the message gets skewed, she said. Like other stores, Clarendon Wines has been contending with a steep drop in revenue due to the pandemic. The store normally relies heavily on workers in nearby office complexes for its sales, but those customers have been working from home. The pandemic remains an issue for businesses that are able to keep operating because social distancing requirements and weak consumer spending are likely to limit their revenue and income. Many owners, especially restaurateurs, have been uncertain about the future because of the virus, and the violence following Floyds death has added to that uncertainty. On Monday, one of Patrick & Co.s two San Francisco stationery stores was held up at knifepoint; the thief took backpacks and threatened employees but no one was hurt. The attack came after both stores had windows broken and merchandise stolen, not only during the protests, but also twice as they were shut due to the pandemic. Owner Jamie Patrick estimates that even with insurance reimbursement, the damage will cost between $15,000 and $20,000, a lot of money in the best of times for a small business, but harder to come up with when revenue is still down because of the pandemic. Having to replace windows and deal with everything else at this point is tough. But we stand with all the people who are protesting peacefully, Patrick said. Mercado, a Minneapolis marketplace for Latino retailers and restaurants, has been closed since March because of the virus outbreak. The restaurants planned to open for outdoor seating on Monday, but last weeks violence and looting has forced a delay, says Mercado general manager Eduardo Barrera. The tenants have not yet visited Mercado, and so the damage was still being assessed, Barrera said. I have no idea when were going to begin coming back, he said. Cookie Preferences Cookie List Cookie List A cookie is a small piece of data (text file) that a website when visited by a user asks your browser to store on your device in order to remember information about you, such as your language preference or login information. Those cookies are set by us and called first-party cookies. We also use third-party cookies which are cookies from a domain different than the domain of the website you are visiting for our advertising and marketing efforts. More specifically, we use cookies and other tracking technologies for the following purposes: Strictly Necessary Cookies We do not allow you to opt-out of our certain cookies, as they are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of our website (such as prompting our cookie banner and remembering your privacy choices) and/or to monitor site performance. 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Targeting Cookies We also use cookies to personalize your experience on our websites, including by determining the most relevant content and advertisements to show you, and to monitor site traffic and performance, so that we may improve our websites and your experience. You may opt out of our use of such cookies (and the associated sale of your Personal Information) by using this toggle switch. You will still see some advertising, regardless of your selection. Because we do not track you across different devices, browsers and GEMG properties, your selection will take effect only on this browser, this device and this website. Swedens state epidemiologist, who led the countrys controversial approach to tackling the coronavirus pandemic, has admitted more restrictions on movement and gatherings would have helped avoid a high death toll. Speaking to local radio station Sveriges Radio, Andre Tegnell agreed with the interviewer that too many people had died in Sweden. The Scandinavian country now has the highest per capita death rate in the world, four times higher than that of its Nordic neighbours. The Swedish government chose to ignore advice from countless health experts to lock the country down, and has kept things largely business-as-usual during the pandemic. Primary and secondary schools, restaurants, cafes and shops remained open and gatherings of up to 50 people were still allowed. Officials relied on people voluntarily practising social distancing and opting to work from home, putting the responsibility not to spread the virus squarely on the shoulders of the population. But Mr Tegnell said on Wednesday: If we would encounter the same disease, with exactly what we know about it today, I think we would land midway between what Sweden did and what the rest of the world did. Previously, Mr Tegnell has defended Swedens approach and criticised the lockdowns imposed by other European countries, calling the closing of borders ridiculous and counterproductive. When asked if he was satisfied with the no-lockdown strategy in an interview with science journal Nature in April, Mr Tegnell said: Yes! We know that Covid-19 is extremely dangerous for very old people, which is of course bad. But looking at pandemics, there are much worse scenarios than this one. He added that the voluntary strategy has had a real effect as flu and winter norovirus numbers dropped this year thanks to social distancing and more frequent hand washing, and the movement of Swedes fell dramatically. But last month, figures from the statistics office showed more Swedes died in April than in any one month for 19 years. About 90 per cent of the deaths were of people over the age of 70 and living in care homes. On Wednesday, Mr Tegnell added: There is quite obviously a potential for improvement in what we have done in Sweden. It would be good to know exactly what to close down to better prevent the spread of the virus. But Lena Hallengren, the health and social affairs minister, hit back: The government has been, at all times, prepared to introduce wider, further measures recommended by the expert authority, she told Reuters. Additional reporting by Reuters Holly Willoughby has opened up about being 'riddled with guilt' over missing her two eldest children's first days of school due to work. In a new interview, the This Morning presenter, 39, admitted that it's challenging juggling her busy TV career with being a mother to three children. Holly shares children Harry, 11, Belle, nine, and Chester, five, with TV producer husband Dan Baldwin. Emotions: Holly Willoughby has opened up about being 'riddled with guilt' over missing her two eldest children's first days of school due to work Speaking to Red magazine, the star opened up on motherhood, adding she felt worried that she'd get it 'wrong'. She told the publication: 'Becoming a mum was the only thing I knew I definitely wanted when I was growing up, but the image I had never involved me being a working mum. Thats the biggest challenge. 'Ive been riddled with guilt about getting that part wrong. You love them so much and you dont want to mess them up.' The host also revealed how she missed Harry and Belle's first days of school, due to filming commitments on This Morning, admitting she 'hated' not being there. Her pride and joy: In a new interview, the This Morning presenter, 39, admitted that it's challenging juggling her busy TV career with being a mother to three children She continued: 'I didnt do the drop-off because I was working. I hate that I wasnt there because those memories you cant get back. She went on to say the only was she could 'combat those feelings' of guilt was to realise that she doesn't always 'get it right'. Holly added that she's 'lucky' she's able to greet her kids after school and be there on weekends. Family: Holly shares children Harry, 11, Belle, nine, and Chester, five, with TV producer husband Dan Baldwin Last year, Holly thanked This Morning bosses for 'moving heaven and Earth' to allow her take youngest child Chester to his first day, adding on Twitter that she was 'full of emotions'. Meanwhile, Holly recently shared an emotional post on the responsibility she feels to teach her three children about racism following George Floyd's death. The presenter shared a quote from American activist Cleo Wade, before saying its reminded her how important it is that her sons Harry and Chester and daughter Belle have conversations around such important issues. Destiny: 'Becoming a mum was the only thing I knew I definitely wanted when I was growing up, but the image I had never involved me being a working mum. Thats the biggest challenge' Guilt: 'I didnt do the drop-off because I was working. I hate that I wasnt there because those memories you cant get back' It comes after George's death after being held on the ground by his neck by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin sparked mass protests across the US. Holly shared a post by Cleo which read: 'The world will say to you: We need to end racism. Start by healing it in your own family. 'The world will say to you: How do we speak to bias and bigotry? Start by having the first conversation at your own kitchen table. Important: Meanwhile, Holly recently shared an emotional post on the responsibility she feels to teach her three children about racism following George Floyd's death Rage: George's death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers sparked protests across the US. So far one officer has been charged for the incident while three others have been fired 'The world will say to you: There is too much hate. Devote yourself to love. Love yourself so much that you can love others without barriers and without judgement.' Under the post Holly captioned: 'It's hard to know even where to begin with this... 'For me it's the responsibility I have as a parent that my children understand the importance of these words said so poignantly by @cleowade 'I know they do already, however these are important conversations to have. Conversations that can never be had and emphasised enough... #georgefloyd #blacklivesmatter.' Reflecting: Holly shared a quote from American activist Cleo Wade, explaining it's reminded her how important it is that her children conversations around such important issues DES MOINES, Iowa, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart buildings innovator Igor today announced the general availability of Nexos Intelligent Disinfection. The solution pairs ultraviolet (UV-C) lighting with Internet of Things (IoT) controls to enable widespread, automated disinfection of surfaces. A webinar providing more details on the solution is scheduled for June 11, 2020, at 1 p.m. central. Online registration is open now. According to Igor Founder and Chief Technology Officer Dwight Stewart, the patent-pending solution was inspired by the need for confidence in this time of uncertainty and risk. "As more spaces reopen, intelligent disinfection becomes even more crucial," said Stewart. "Building owners and business operators are anxious about keeping their employees and customers safe. Igor's turn-key, rapid-deployment solution kit instantly provides maintenance-free automated disinfection, minimizes human contact and creates an audit trail of data." Healthy building scientists advise owners to incorporate a layered approach to disinfection in the design, operation and management of better buildings. Nexos Intelligent Disinfection fits well with this strategy, as the solution's Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connectivity makes it easy to integrate several other disinfection systems beyond UV-C lighting, like intelligent air purifiers or gas vaporizers. With all solutions unified within Igor, executives have a comprehensive view and data-rich evidence of the proactive actions taken to prevent virus outbreaks in their buildings. Aware of the potential dangers of UV-C lighting, Stewart and his team of Igor technologists designed Nexos Intelligent Disinfection to connect with other smart devices, such as occupancy sensors and motion detectors. The solution can also be configured to work with smart locks and warning lights to further prevent humans from entering a space that is being cleaned. In May 2020, the Nexos Intelligent Disinfection solution received funding from Clean Energy Trust, a nonprofit that supports early stage cleantech startups in the Mid-Continent region of the United States, to bring the solution to the global market. Clean Energy Trust utilized support from the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) program, a technology innovation platform funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). "We're very excited about the possibilities Igor has opened up with its PoE-based smart building platform," said Erik Birkerts, chief executive officer of Clean Energy Trust. "Dwight's vision to solve very specific problems, exemplified by Nexos, has proven to be a game-changer for the built environment. He and the Igor team are democratizing building automation by innovating around very deployable, off-the-shelf technology." About Igor Igor's flagship product, Nexos, is a PoE-based IoT smart building platform that incorporates hardware, software and cloud analytics to enable smart and secure buildings. Combined with an open API and real-time data, Nexos is a forward-looking technology that seamlessly integrates advanced lighting controls with building systems, low-voltage devices, business applications and more. Now installed in more than 30 countries, Nexos delivers on the global market's readiness to enter the IoT world. For more information, visit igor-tech.com. SOURCE Igor Related Links https://www.igor-tech.com/ Buying a home is a complicated process that involves sharing sensitive information with multiple people. And the latest major data leak highlights the risk consumers take on when they share that information. Roughly 885 million mortgage-related files stretching back over a decade were exposed by First American Financial Corp., one of the countrys largest title insurance companies, thanks to a flaw in the design of a website that stored the files. The files, which could accessed if someone had the proper URL, contained a wide array of personal information for parties to thousands of real-estate transactions, including bank-account numbers and statements, mortgage and tax records, Social Security Numbers, wire-transaction receipts, and drivers license images. The data leak was first reported by the watchdog website KrebsonSecurity.com. First American confirmed that the information was leaked and said it rectified the situation once it was notified of it. The company also said it has hired an outside forensic firm to investigate whether any customer information was compromised due to the security flaw. So far it does not appear that there was any large-scale access to the information, according to the company, but if that changes First American said it will notify consumers and provide credit-monitoring services. We deeply regret the concern this defect has caused, said Dennis J. Gilmore, chief executive officer at First American Financial Corporation. We are thoroughly investigating this matter and are fully committed to protecting the security, privacy and confidentiality of the information entrusted to us by our customers. This is not the first time this year that a data breach involved mortgage documents. In January, news site TechCrunch revealed that some 54,000 mortgage borrowers had their financial data exposed by Ascension, a financial data firm that converts paper documents into computer-readable files. Among those affected included past customers of Wells Fargo, Citigroup, and Capital One. While major data breaches like these attract headlines, many consumers nationwide have fallen victim to much simpler, email-based scams, which involved hacked or spoofed email accounts, losing thousands of dollars in the process. In some cases, scammers will pose as real-estate agents requesting money for a down payment. In other instances, they will dupe unsuspecting consumers into handing over the money for closing from their escrow account by pretending to be a title insurance firm or hacking into their systems. Business email compromise can happen to anyone involved in the transaction, said Katie Johnson, general counsel and chief member experience officer at the National Association of Realtors. Here are steps that consumers can and should take when buying a home to ensure their personal information and money are protected. Make sure your cyber house is in order. A lot of sensitive information will be shared throughout the process of buying a home and getting a mortgage. Now is a good time to ensure that all of that information is well-protected, Johnson said. This includes changing passwords to make them more secure and enabling two-factor authentication whenever possible. And since you cant freeze your credit during the mortgage process, its not a bad idea to sign up for credit-monitoring or identity-theft protection services. Ask every company how they will protect your data. Not all companies have the same policies when it comes to cybersecurity while banks may be subject to stringent federal oversight, the same is not true of smaller mom-and-pop real-estate agencies or title insurers. Before going with a certain company, consumers should find out how they protect information for instance, do they store documents in encrypted databases? Avoid sending documents or other sensitive information over email. Many wire-fraud schemes involve hacked or spoofed email addresses. If a real-estate agent, lender or insurer asks for sensitive information over email, consumers should call them to double-check the email is really from them, Johnson said. If possible, consumers should opt to deliver information in person, verbally over the phone or through a secure online portal rather than over email.DUMMY The post DUMMY Marketwatch story appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Minneapolis Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will elevate charges against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and charge three other ex-cops in the death of George Floyd, according to a new report. Law enforcement sources tell the Star Tribune that Chauvin will now be charged with second-degree murder after kneeling on Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes, killing Floyd on Memorial Day. Chauvin was arrested last Friday and initially charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Three other officers at the scene Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane will also be charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder, according to the Star Tribune sources. Chauvin, Thao, Kueng and Lane were fired last week but the other three were not charged. According to the Associated Press, Floyds family has demanded all four police officers be arrested for his death, which was captured on video and sparked protests nationwide against police brutality and racial discrimination. He died because he was starving for air, family attorney Ben Crump said Wednesday. He needed a breath. So we are demanding justice. We expect all of the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, tomorrow. Crump told the AP that the criminal complaint against Chauvin noted that Lane asked Chauvin twice if they should roll him on his side. Chauvin said they should keep him on his stomach. To us that is intent, Crump said. And he said the other officers were complicit because they failed to take action. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said on a National Governors Association call that Ellison, now leading prosecutions in the Floyd case, would make an announcement later Wednesday on the other officers. Personnel records released by the city show Chauvin served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army in the late 1990s. Since being hired as a police officer in 2001, he has been awarded two medals of valor: One for being part of a group of officers who opened fire on a stabbing suspect after the man pointed a shotgun at them in 2006, and one for apprehending another man in a domestic incident in 2008. In the latter incident, Chauvin broke down a bathroom door and shot the man in the stomach. Chauvin was reprimanded in 2008 for pulling a woman out of her car in 2007, frisking her and placing her in his squad car after he stopped her for speeding 10 miles per hour over the limit. His dashboard camera was not activated and a report said he could have interviewed the woman while standing outside her car. Lane, 37, and Kueng both joined the department in February 2019 and neither have any complaints on their files. Lane previously worked as a correctional officer at the Hennepin County juvenile jail and as a probation officer at a residential treatment facility for adolescent boys. Kueng was a 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota where he worked part-time on campus security. He also worked as a theft-prevention officer at Macys in downtown Minneapolis while he was in college. Thao, a native Hmong speaker, joined the police force as a part-time community service officer in 2008 and was promoted to police officer in 2009. He was laid off later that year due to budget cuts and rehired in 2012. Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Tuesday launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department and its history of racial discrimination, in hopes of forcing widespread change. The official autopsy by the county medical examiner concluded that Floyd's death was caused by cardiac arrest as police restrained him and compressed his neck. The medical examiner also listed fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use, but not as the cause of death. Crump and the Floyd family commissioned a separate autopsy that concluded he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression due to Chauvins knee on his neck and other responding officers knees in his back, which made it impossible for him to breathe. The Associated Press contributed to this report. By Akbar Mammadov Azerbaijan's State Oil Fund has announced its revenues from sales of oil and gas from Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli and Shah Deniz fields, the Fund's Public Relations Department said on June 3. Thus, from January to June, the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) received $ 2.106 billion in revenue from the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) oil and gas block development project in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. In the meantime, SOFAZ has earned $66 million from the sale of natural gas on the Shah Deniz field in the same period. The Fund also noted that in January-May, SOFAZ's revenue from the sale of condensate on Shah Deniz amounted to $120 million. The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan was established in December 1999 by the presidential Decree and is a sovereign wealth fund of Azerbaijan, which accumulates and preserves the nation's oil and gas revenues for future generations. SOFAZ aims to ensure intergenerational equality with regard to the country's oil wealth and to accumulate and safeguard the oil revenues for generations to come. The Fund accumulates income from the sale of oil contracts, and in 2003, it started to make transfers to the state budget of Azerbaijan. As for now, SOFAZ contribution to the countrys GDP is over 80%. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A peaceful rally against racial injustice in downtown Albany drew about 1,000 participants, who lined Ellsworth Street with signs and chanted. Motorists passing by honked their horns in support. The demonstration, the largest of its kind for Hub City in recent memory, came in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who begged for air as a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Video of the killing, by a bystander, sparked outrage. How many werent filmed? read a sign held up by Charles Williams of Albany, a bus driver for Greater Albany Public Schools. Williams said he was afraid for himself and his children in the aftermath of Floyds death, and that fear is something white people cant understand. If I get pulled over by a cop, am I going to be shot? Am I going to be beat up? he said. Williams acknowledged that he was shocked to see so many people out in support of black people in Albany. I dont feel so alone. I just hope our voice is heard. I hope theres reform in our police system, he added. Nearby, the crowd yelled, No justice, no peace. Some protesters made an addition to the chant: Prosecute the police. Anthony Sweat, 16, of Albany said it was good to see people trying to make a change for once. They post stuff on the internet and then never do anything, said Sweat, a junior at West Albany High School. He added that his heritage is the best of both worlds black and Native American. The event started with speakers at Albany City Hall at about 4 p.m. Racism is huge and a lot of people dont realize that, said Jadah Schmidtke, 16, a junior at South Albany High School. She recalled being called the n-word by her so-called best friend in the second grade. We can be peaceful and love each despite the color of our skin, Schmidtke added. Dasaan Huey, a 2018 graduate of West Albany High School, noted how when blacks protest injustice, theyre labeled as thugs. When white people protest the right to go to the hair salon, theyre not treated the same way, he added. Racism is all around us. Its in the way the system works, Huey told the crowd. Hueys mother, Earlean Wilson Huey, told the crowd that it was scary to be a person of color in Albany. She urged people to try and interrupt racism when they encountered the prejudice. When you see it, speak on it, try to stop it, she said. She added that Floyd was simply one person in a long list of people who have lost their lives to racism, and said his death was a modern day lynching without a rope. City Council member Alex Johnson II, Albanys first black councilor, attended the event, and said hes never been more proud of the town. This is amazing to me. My heart is full, he said. Johnson mingled with protestors along Ellsworth Street and offered encouragement. All these kids are going to benefit from this movement. They arent going to be afraid to speak up anymore, he said. Most of those at the demonstration were white, which was similar to another peaceful protest in Corvallis on Sunday. Unlike Corvallis, where nearly all the protesters were wearing masks, only about half of the Albany demonstrators wore facial coverings. Two white sisters from Albany, Ashley Balck, 24, and Emily Balck, 20, started the planning for Tuesdays demonstration along Ellsworth. This was just supposed to be about 10 of us getting together, said Ashley Balck, a history major at Oregon State University who is an AVID tutor at South Albany. I wanted to give my students a place where they could share their voice about the injustice happening, she added. At the end of the rally, demonstrators kneeled for about nine minutes the amount of time that a police officer put his knee into Floyds neck. At about 6:30 p.m., Heather Carmichael of Albany urged the crowd to go home before dark. We dont want this to be another thing in the news where our city got destroyed because we tried to do something good, added Carmichael, who is black. Carmichael helped organize the event as the steering committee chairwoman for the Albany Student Advocacy Project, a group that advocates for equity, diversity and inclusion for all GAPS students. Shes also the worship pastor at the Grove, an Albany church. Near the start of the event, Carmichael told the crowd that the rally had the support of local law enforcement, and urged demonstrators not to react to those who would seek to undermine them. Albany Police Department officers and Linn County Sheriffs Office deputies had a visible presence, but they were not clad in riot gear. There apparently were no major issues and Capt. Brad Liles of APD said he believed there were no citations nor arrests regarding the demonstration. Some Albany stores reportedly closed their doors due to concerns with the protest turning violent. Comments on a local social media site included misinformation about the event. Reporter Jarrid Denney contributed sections of this article. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 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. Recent Russian remarks about the presence of terrorists in northwestern Syria have come under fire by the Response Coordination Group writes Smart News. On Tuesday, the Response Coordination Group denounced Russias hostile statements against the residents of northwestern Syria, considering it responsible for the launching of new military operations. The Group stated that Russian statements represent people in northern Syria as terrorists, making Russia responsible for any launching of new military operations in the area. The Group added that Russia made similar accusations prior to controlling the de-escalation areas in southern and central Syria. The Group stressed the inability of northwestern Syria to bear new displacement waves, calling on the international community to stop Russia and the Syrian government from practicing hostilities and committing massacres. The Group indicated that the Syrian government forces and their loyalist militias continue to send more military reinforcements to restore military operations and control new areas, which is a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement in the area. On May 31, 2020, a military source from the National Liberation Front (NLF), affiliated with the Syrian National Army, reported to Smart News that during the past few days, the NLF monitored the arrival of military reinforcements of Syrian government forces c, foreign militia fighters, and a Russian reconnaissance team, armed with artilleries. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Even though we still say novel coronavirus, COVID-19 no longer feels new these days. We asked five department chairs at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for updates on where their work stands and what they hope to learn in the coming months. From their diverse perspectives, they each share a snapshot of whats working, what challenges remain, and what makes them hopeful. Reshaping Health Services to Meet the Crisis Colleen Barry, PhD, MPP Health Policy and Management When the risks of COVID-19 became clear in mid-March, our faculty quickly advocated for policy and regulatory changes to immediately save lives. For example, we pushed for changes to rules around access to medication for treating opioid use disorder. To allow for social distancing, patients with opioid addiction can now take home a supply of medication previously dispensed only at clinics. We will study whether this shift might be safely extended beyond the pandemic. To support a more robust and equitable telehealth infrastructure, our faculty who focus on health services research and health information technology are studying ways to create new systems of care and payment models. Other faculty are advising on how to build up the U.S.s public health infrastructure. The tools of health policy and management are essential for creating durable legal and regulatory systems to serve us now and in future health crises. In all areas of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is the potential for major long-term gains if we can figure out how to provide health care to people in new ways. Developing Treatments at Pandemic Speed Arturo Casadevall, MD, PhD, MS Molecular Microbiology and Immunology If you get COVID today, your chances of being very sick are roughly the same as they were three months ago. But on March 1 you did not have remdesivir. You did not have convalescent plasma. So today your chances of survival are better. And if we continue to flatten the curve, those who get infected later will have a lot more options. I think this is a beautiful story of how, without any governmental organization, physicians and scientists organized to do something that needed to be doneand in a matter of weeks. As of mid-May, about 16,000 patients have been treated with convalescent plasma donated by people who have recovered from COVID-19. As donations increase, well be able to use plasma to boost the immune systems of health care workers and first responders. The pharmaceutical industry is also using plasma donations to create standardized formulas of antibodies. Those will be superior products available in late summer/early fall. I believe we are going to beat this andif we can vaccinate large numbers of peoplemaybe even eliminate it. Intensifying Collaborations Across Global Networks David Peters, MD, DrPH 93, MPH 89 International Health From a global perspective, much of the pandemic is still ahead of us. Many innovations are taking place, particularly around using new kinds of data and collaborating across disciplines. However, access to science and technology is not open to all, particularly in poorer countries. We need to address the risks of the most vulnerable populations if were all going to benefit. People are rising to the occasion. This includes not only scientists and frontline workers, but also low-wage daily workers showing everyday heroism. Im positive about the human species! Our role as privileged outsiders in a wealthy country like the U.S. is to work with other countries as they figure it out and learn from each other. We at Johns Hopkins have an extensive global network of partners to help with this. Our faculty has for decades built relationships all over the world, and were staying in touch, maintaining joint-research protocols. But talking to policymakers is a little more difficult when you are not there. The trick will be if we can move past the crisis response and take care of the long-term economic and social consequences. Do we learn from this and invest in health equity, or will we return to complacency? Getting the Epidemiological Data Flowing David Celentano, ScD 77, MHS 75 Epidemiology As a department, we are deeply into the COVID response. Were looking at the human genetics of clinical response in patients, including setting up a community cohort in Baltimore thats enrolling 1,600 families to follow for a year. We really dont know the basic epidemiology yet because theres not enough testing. In the next month, well get a handle on what proportion of people are actually getting ill. Many of us have stopped human interactions, but were finding new waysreaching out by smartphone, doing study visits online. If people cant come to us, we come to them. Were learning to be more efficient and cost-effective. Whats hampering our studies of COVID-19 now is lack of personal protective equipment. A wealthy donor sent 100,000 non-medical masks to researchers at Johns Hopkins that we can use in labs and interviews, and our Doctor of Public Health cohort in Beijing donated 1,200 gowns. We band together and do what we do. After all, a public health pandemicthe 1918 flushaped our Schools mission from the beginning! Mining Data to Personalize Treatment Karen Bandeen-Roche, PhD, MS Biostatistics Were working in three areas: population modeling, studying the characteristics of patients in the Johns Hopkins Health System to forecast their outcomes, and putting together clinical data from hundreds of small studies around the country into a common platform so they can be looked at all together. We are learning so much not only from broad points of viewwho are the people who will fare badlybut also from a more detailed point of viewwhat do their vital sign trajectories look like, what do their lab panel slides show. This gives me a lot of hope that we will be able to personalize the treatment of COVID, including if theres a second wave. In each of these areas, the urgency has been a real lever for cooperation. Researchers are freely and quickly making connections with people theyve never collaborated with before just to answer these questions that require a crazy amount of teamwork to answer. Its awesome to see the power of this. Amy Dusto is a freelance writer based in Chicago. Her work has appeared in Discovery News, Symmetry Magazine, and Johns Hopkins Arts & Sciences Magazine, among other publications. RELATED CONTENT (TNS) New London, Conn., Police Chief Peter Reichard envisions every police officer in his department wearing body cameras by the fall, after the City Council voted unanimously Monday to authorize the mayor to sign a $1.2 million contract to buy cameras and related equipment.The five-year contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. covers a bundle of technologies new to the department and also includes Tasers, police vehicle cameras and cloud storage of all video footage.The city has additionally budgeted for a full-time information technology position, a civilian who will aid in training and the management of the camera system.The department is in the process of finalizing an agreement with the police union on a series of policies and procedures for use of the cameras.The cameras are expected to be activated manually by officers during most interactions with the public and automatically start recording when the officer draws a gun or Taser or activates lights on a police cruiser. The cameras are also connected via Bluetooth and activated when another officer in close proximity triggers his or her camera.Reichard said in an interview that he was always in favor of the use of body cameras "personally and professionally," well before the recent protests aimed at police over the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis."Myself and my officers, we don't tolerate that kind of abuse that takes place by police officers," Reichard said. "There's no need for that to be in law enforcement at all, anywhere. We strive to do better than anybody else."He said video footage is a way to provide transparency and accountability for citizens while protecting officers against frivolous complaints. Behaviors change, Reichard said, when people know they are being recorded.The city police department five years ago was poised to become the first area police department to equip its officers with body cameras. The City Council in 2015 even authorized some funding toward that goal.Reichard said antiquated technology at the department was one of the major obstacles, where the planned upgrades to the department's technological infrastructure linked to its merging of the department's emergency dispatch system with Waterford now make it possible.Reichard said his sense is that most officers want the cameras since it provides a level of protection from accusations that might come from short video clips taken on a cell phone. Officers' cameras will provide what he said is footage of an entire incident, start to finish, without the ability to edit any video.As for officers' behavior, Reichard said they know their videos will be monitored and "will continue to do the job they were trained to do."New London NAACP President Jean Jordan said in an interview that she thought cameras were something every police department needed."Body cameras keep people accountable, not just police but citizens also," Jordan said. "It's an accountability issue. We have 5% of police who do not do the right thing and that's reason enough. If I was a police officer I would want to be able to say, 'Look, this is what happened.'"Jordan said the one thing she will be watching for in the rules and procedures being developed by the department is "What happens to an officer that does not turn on their body camera?""They need to be up front about that," she said.Councilor Curtis Goodwin on Monday asked the chief whether officers would undergo cultural competency training, or "anything having to do with nonlethal options or training.""In the current climate we're in, it's super imperative we take note on the cultural competency training to make sure we're ahead of the curve and we're kind of a model city in doing that," Goodwin said.Reichard said training will include "deescalation" tactics and the department has attended "implicit bias" training provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office.Local police union President Todd Lynch said in an interview that the union continues to work with the city and police chief to finalize an agreement on policies and procedures with some concern over the cost, given the ongoing shortage of police officers.The one lingering concern, Lynch said, is that the cost of the cameras is taking priority over the hiring of more officers.Echoing comments from Councilor John Satti on Monday, Lynch said he wondered what would happen in the event of a budget shortfall at the department."This is a nice thing to have. We're on board, especially in today's world, but we want to make sure there are some types of checks and balances to ensure this isn't going to remain in the budget while officers get laid off or it prevents us from hiring," Lynch said.Lynch said he also thinks it would have been prudent for the city to finalize the policies and procedures before a contract was signed.Funding for year one of the contract, about $200,000, is expected to come from a 2015 bond authorization for public safety equipment and subsequent years would need to be budgeted. Reichard said he expects the department to absorb the costs of the contract though the city would seek any available state funding. Most serious Covid-19 patient on path to recovery: Vietnam No new death reported in Malaysia Belgium to open bars and restaurants but not nightclubs Zoom booms as pandemic drives millions to its video service Covid-19 test results within 24 hours by end of June, promises Boris Johnson Coronavirus not high threat to workers, EU says AIIMS nurses' union strike over better facilities at workplace continues With 2,560 new cases, Maharashtra's Covid-19 tally mounts to 74,860 Hydroxychloroquine trial to treat Covid-19 to resume, says WHO All asymptomatic passengers who enter Delhi to home quarantine for 7 days Coronavirus has found a new epicentre in the Americas as the US, Mexico and South Americas Brazil continue to report high numbers of deaths as well as cases. Mexico and Brazil reported 3,891 cases while Brazil recorded close to 29,000-cases. US, which has been the worst-affected by Covid-19, has recorded close to 15,500-cases. In Asia, once an epicentre China, reported 1 case of Covid-19. Click here for the complete coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic UN on the other hand have pointed out the economic hardship that Covid-19 can inflict upon economies will take a long time to recede. Service sectors in Japan and India have shrunk. Meanwhile, protests against the governments in the US and France have raised new fears of a deadlier wave of coronavirus. A coal mine south of Sydney seeking approval to expand is being investigated by regulators for a recent pollution spill into a nearby river that feeds popular water holes used for swimming. The Tahmoor Colliery, owned by green steel investor Sanjeev Gupta, is hoping to extend its life beyond the closure date of 2022 to 2035, maintaining a workforce of about 600 staff. Western Sydney University scientist Ian Wright and student Callum Fleming take samples from Teatree Hollow as it meets the Bargo River. The creek is used as a water release point from Tahmoor Colliery. Credit:Nick Moir The Tahmoor North section of the mine has also caused damage to some 720 homes because of subsidence from the underground operations, according to its managing director, Peter Vale. The proposed extension - which would lift annual output of coking coal from about 2 million to 3 million tonnes - is projected by the government's Subsidence Advisory NSW to affect 1333 more homes. For more than 90 per cent of the house, though, the effects would be "very negligible", Mr Vale said. The NSW Coroner will investigate the deadly outbreak of COVID-19 at the Newmarch House aged care facility in Sydney's west where 19 residents have died. The announcement comes after Newmarch operator Anglicare cleared all remaining patients of the virus on Sunday, seven weeks after the outbreak began. But the home itself is still some weeks away from being cleared by NSW Health. Tributes are left outside Newmarch House aged care facility, where 19 residents died after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Credit:Edwina Pickles A spokesman for the court said on Wednesday the state coroner "has accepted jurisdiction for COVID-19 related deaths of residents of Newmarch House. Police will prepare a brief of evidence for the coroner." Mary Watson, whose mother Alice Bacon was the last resident to die with the virus on May 19, said she is relieved the matter is being looked at "by someone outside Newmarch and NSW Health." Washington: Major American cities experienced a noticeable reduction in vandalism and conflict on Tuesday night (Wednesday AEST), even as peaceful protests against police brutality continued to multiply across the country in response to the killing of George Floyd. President Donald Trump faced blowback from religious leaders, some Republican politicians and ex-military leaders for his controversial threat to deploy the military in US cities and his decision to stage a photo opportunity at a church near the White House after protesters were forcibly cleared from the area. New York City police officers employed more effective tactics to exert control when a citywide curfew went into effect at 8pm after being roundly criticised for failing to prevent widespread looting in Manhattan the previous night. "So far, the curfew is certainly helping, based on everything Ive seen in Brooklyn and Manhattan over the last three hours," mayor Bill de Blasio said on Twitter. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said that the migrant labourers who had gone to other states for work were in great distress as the work providers did not take care of them. He said most of those who wanted to come back have returned. Kumar was addressing panchayat and local body representatives on COVID-19 through video conferencing on Wednesday. He asked people not to be afraid of the virus but be vigilant and cautious about it. Praising the role of police and health departments in enforcing the lockdowns, Kumar said the people also extended their full support to the authorities. "There was so much awareness in the villages, that people did not allow any outsider," he said. He appealed to the panchayat and local body representatives to make people more aware about how important it is to wear masks and maintain social distancing to ward off coronavirus. "Our government will provide 4 masks and soap to every family in the villages free of cost. The poor in the urban areas will also be provided masks free of cost," Kumar said. The chief minister cited facts in support of his claim that the government had done enough to prevent the spread of the disease and for the welfare of migrants. He said most of the migrants who wanted to come back have returned and they were quarantined for 14 days. After the quarantine centres are wound up, if any person is found corona positive, he or she will be kept in an isolation ward, Kumar said. "Currently, we have a capacity of 40,000 at isolation centres. A total of 2,344 beds have been arranged in Covid hospitals for the treatment of corona patients," he said. The Bihar Chief Minister claimed that this disease comes under the category of disaster. "We have always believed that it is the people who have the first right on the state's coffers during a disaster," he said. BERLIN, June 3 (Reuters) - German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Wednesday he was not sure whether now was the right time to shake up the format of the Group of Seven after U.S. President Donald Trump said it was a "very outdated group of countries" in its current format. "I have doubts about whether it makes sense to create another intermediate format," Maas told reporters, adding that it remained to be seen whether it was the right time for such a move. Trump said on Saturday he would postpone a G7 summit he had hoped to hold next month until September or later and expand the list of invitees to include Australia, Russia, South Korea and India. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke Editing by Michelle Martin Editing by Madeline Chambers ) GREENSBORO, N.C., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bell Partners, one of the nation's leading apartment investment and management companies, today announced that it has completed the final close for Bell Apartment Fund VII ("the Fund") at its hard cap of $950 million in equity commitments. The fund materially exceeded its target size of $800 million, with commitments coming from a broad range of domestic and international institutional investors, including the vast majority of investors from Bell Apartment Fund VI, as well as accredited high-net-worth investors. The Fund has the capacity to acquire over $2.5 billion in apartment investments with leverage. Park Hill served as an advisor to Bell Partners during the fund formation process. Bell Apartment Fund VII is a value-add strategy which focuses on investing in high-quality market-rate apartment communities in 14 target markets across the United States. The Fund intends to create value by enhancing operations, implementing renovations and capitalizing on price dislocations. The Fund has already purchased three properties in Dallas, Washington D.C. and Seattle. Bell's extensive nationwide operating platform and sophisticated business intelligence capabilities will continue to help the company identify opportunities and effectively deploy capital. "The fact that we were able to close Bell Apartment Fund VII above our target despite the volatility caused by Covid-19 is a strong vote of confidence from our investors," said Jon Bell, CEO of Bell Partners. "Bell Partners has weathered numerous economic downturns during its four-and-a-half decades in business and while this one is certainly unusual, we are well-positioned to navigate it. I'm humbled by the amount of support we have received and am confident that we will continue to outperform for our investors." "The positive reception of Bell Apartment Fund VII speaks to the strength of our people and company," said Lili Dunn, President of Bell Partners. "We are fortunate to have a large operating platform that affords us efficiencies and provides opportunities across the country while also having a deep regional presence and hands-on execution to inform our decisions and drive strong results. I'm grateful to our investors for their support and to our entire team for their continued commitment to excellence during these challenging times." Bell Partners has been recognized for its deep experience and strong track record in the apartment sector. As of December 2019, the Company has sold 250 apartment properties for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $7.6 billion resulting in a levered IRR and equity multiple of 17.5% and 2.1x (net of fees). Additionally, Preqin's Global Real Estate Report has ranked Bell Partners as one of the most consistently top-performing real estate fund managers globally every year since 2014. About Bell Partners Established in 1976, Bell Partners Inc. ("Bell Partners" or the "Company") is a privately held, vertically integrated apartment investment and management company focused on high-quality multifamily communities throughout the United States. With approximately 60,000 units under management, Bell Partners is one of the largest apartment operators in the United States. The Company has over 1,400 associates and eight offices (including its headquarters in Greensboro, N.C.) and offers an extensive and full-service platform containing expertise in acquisitions and dispositions, construction, financing, property operations, accounting, risk management and all other related support functions. Bell Partners is led by a senior management team with an average of over 20 years of experience that has invested throughout all phases of the real estate cycle and has helped the Company complete over $16 billion of apartment transactions since 2002, including approximately $1 billion in 2019 transactions. For more information, visit our website at www.bellpartnersinc.com . Media Contacts Amanda Lake / John Perilli Prosek Partners for Bell Partners, Inc. (401) 316-3375 [email protected] / [email protected] SOURCE Bell Partners Inc. Related Links http://www.bellpartnersinc.com Senior high schools (SHSs) will reopen to final-year students on June 22 for them to undergo six weeks of academic work up to July 31, this year. This is to enable them to prepare to write their final examination between August 3 and September 4, this year, the Minister of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has announced. The minister, who took his turn to further clarify the gradual easing of restrictions in the educational sector as announced by the President in his 10th address to the nation last Sunday night, said second-year Gold Track students would also be in school for six weeks, starting from June 22 to July 31, before proceeding on vacation, the minister said. In the case of junior high schools (JHSs), final-year students were going to be in school for academic work for 11 weeks, from June 29 to September 11, this year, and write their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) between September 14 and 18, this year. Speaking at the Ministers Briefing on the COVID-19 to throw more light on the phased easing of restrictions, the Education Minister said tertiary institutions would reopen to final-year students for academic work from June 15 to July 24 and the writing of their final examinations between July 27 and August 21. Support Dr Prempeh said the government would provide three reusable nose masks for all final-year students and staff of schools which are expected to reopen this month. He said the government would also ensure the fumigation of all schools that were to be reopened, both private and public, as part of laid down safety guidelines that were to be strictly adhered to. There will be disinfection of all educational institutions (public and private), the provision of WASH facilities for all schools, the provision of washable and reusable nose masks for all students and staff and the mapping of all schools to health facilities, he said. Safety measures in SHSs The minister of education said safety precautions included the fumigation of all reopening facilities and the reduction in the number of students in a class to 25 for SHS and 30 for JHS. He added that as part of measures to adhere to safety protocols, all day students of boarding schools would be migrated to become boarders for the six weeks they would be on the school compounds to prepare for their exit examination. All day students in boarding schools will be in boarding, while day schools will have enhanced daily health protocols, the Minister of Education said. Dr Prempeh said tertiary institutions, SHSs and JHSs would observe enhanced safety protocols, especially for students in purely day schools. He said students in boarding were not supposed to receive visitors. JHS class size With regard to safety protocols, the minister said classes would contain at most 30 students at any given time. He said classes would begin at nine in the morning and end at 1 p.m., without any break outside the classroom, except for one to attend to the call of nature. Measures He said tertiary institutions had been asked to adhere to the one-metre physical distancing rule. All classes are to be split, with not more than 25 students in a class, he said. He said SHS students would attend dining in batches, while mass gatherings and sporting activities had been banned in the schools. Religious activities Dr Prempeh warned that no religious activities should be carried out in any school, stressing: Schools are unavailable for religious activities. That, he explained, was to prevent too many interactions within educational facilities, which could become a conduit for the further spread of the COVID-19. It was also to ensure that contact tracing became easier, when necessary, he added. More on tertiary Dr Prempeh announced that arrangements had been made to welcome back into the country final-year foreign students who left Ghana before the closure of the borders. He said tertiary institutions had been asked to provide the travel details of such students to facilitate the process. He added that all tertiary institutions not under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education could also open to their final-year students within the given period, but must adhere strictly to the safety protocols. He said classrooms should be split to make room for physical distancing. All non-MoE educational institutions are also expected to reopen on Monday, June 15, 2020. Foreign students who are outside the country and are identified will be allowed to return, granted their countries will allow them exit, he said. Background As part of measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on March 15, this year announced in his second address to the nation the closure of all schools and universities until further notice taking effect from March 16, 2020. All universities, senior high schools and basic schools public and private schools will be closed Monday, March 16, 2020 till further notice. The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications has been tasked to roll out distance learning programmes. The President said all the measures announced would be subject to constant review and enhancement when necessary. 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 Wynnewood: A federal judge in Oklahoma has awarded ownership of the zoo made famous in Netflix's Tiger King docuseries to Joe Exotic's chief rival. In a ruling on Monday, US District Judge Scott Palk granted control of the Oklahoma zoo that was previously run by Joseph Maldonado-Passage - also known as Joe Exotic - to Big Cat Rescue Corp. A federal judge has awarded ownership of the Joe Exotic's zoo to his chief rival Carole Baskin. The Florida group was founded by Carole Baskin, who also featured prominently in the hit Netflix series. Maldonado-Passage is currently serving a 22-year federal prison term for killing five tigers and plotting to have Baskin killed. Baskin previously sued Maldonado-Passage for trademark and copyright infringements and won a $US1 million ($1.45 million) civil judgment against him. Palk's judgment on Monday found that ownership of the zoo was fraudulently transferred to Maldonado-Passage's mother in an attempt to avoid paying the judgment. New York's top uniformed officer says he 'couldn't be prouder' of how his NYPD officers have handled the protests and looting across the city as he acknowledged that Gov Andrew Cuomo had apologized to him for saying cops weren't doing their jobs to curb the unrest. Chief of Department Terence Monahan, who knelt with protesters in Manhattan's Washington Square Park earlier this week, defended his fellow officers on Wednesday following a fifth night of unrest in New York City. 'I couldn't be prouder of the work the men and women of this agency have done,' Monahan told NBC's Today. He slammed Gov Cuomo's suggestion that officers had not done enough to curb the violence that has seen widespread damage and destruction that has filled the city's streets this week. 'Don't ever call them ineffective,' Monahan said of NYPD officers. 'He'd have to come out and see what these men and women are doing.' Scroll down for video NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan, who knelt with protesters in Manhattan's Washington Square Park earlier this week, defended his fellow officers on Wednesday following a fifth night of unrest on New York City Monahan made headlines when he knelt with protesters in Manhattan's Washington Square Park on Monday during a peaceful protest following the May 25 death of George Floyd 'As a matter of fact, last night his office called and apologized to me. I know he called the commissioner directly to apologize that that's not what he meant. That he did not mean to put down the police officers,' he said. Monahan said he hoped Gov Cuomo, who also called the NYPD police commissioner directly to apologize for his earlier comments, would come out publicly on Wednesday with a similar statement. 'The men and women of this agency have done a remarkable job in probably unprecedented times.' He went on to say that the NYPD was being targeted as a result of white Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin being charged with the murder of black man George Floyd. 'There's not a police officer in this country that doesn't condemn what happened in Minnesota. We don't need to be targeted... because of the actions of someone in Minnesota,' Monahan said. Monahan said the 8pm curfew in place across New York City 'really helped' officers to help curb some of the rampant destruction seen over the past few nights. He officers allowed protesters who were still out demonstrating peacefully following the May 25 death of George Floyd after the 8pm curfew were allowed to continue. Monahan slammed Gov Cuomo's suggestion that officers had not done enough to curb the violence that has seen widespread damage and destruction that has filled the city's streets this week People are arrested for looting in New York City last night as police swooped on people who broke the city's curfew Police officers initially let people continue on their way, while making arrests in others. Pictured: Four people are handcuffed and detained for violating curfew Overnight, looters broke into Zara near the World Trade Center, Nordstrom Rack on 6th Avenue, fought with Guardian Angels at Foot Locker in the East Village and stores were also targeted in Soho again. Saks Fifth Avenue was also surrounded with razor wire after looters ransacked nearby Macy's the night before. The citywide curfew, which is in place through Sunday, was instated to prevent the widespread damage and destruction that has filled the citys streets over the last two nights after largely peaceful dayside protests. Mayor Bill de Blasio doubled down on the citywide curfew but rejected urging from President Donald Trump and an offer from Gov. Cuomo to bring in the National Guard. As unrest continued for a fifth night, Trump called on officials to enlist the help of the federal government to regain control of the city. 'New York's Finest are not being allowed to perform their MAGIC but regardless, and with the momentum that the Radical Left and others have been allowed to build, they will need additional help. NYC is totally out of control. [De Blasio and Cuomo] MUST PUT DOWN RIOTING NOW!' he tweeted. Shortly after the curfew went into effect Tuesday night, de Blasio had urged residents to go home 'so we can keep people safe'. Thousands ignored the curfew to continue their demonstrations but police arrested more than 200 people as night fell and some of the rampant destruction of the previous few days was quelled. Looters broke into Zara near the World Trade Center, Nordstrom Rack on 6th Avenue, fought with Guardian Angels at Foot Locker in the East Village and stores were also targeted in Soho again. Several private security stand in front of the building and razor wire wrapped around Saks Fifth Avenue to prevent looters in Manhattan Security guards and dog handlers are seen outside Saks Fifth Avenue, in New York City on Tuesday A man walks past a boarded up Macy's store in Herald Square after it was looted and damaged on Monday night A consumer electronics shop on 23rd Street in Manhattan is ravaged during protests Police began making arrests around 9pm and shut down parts of the West Side Highway in lower Manhattan, blocking it off to huge crowds of protesters. The police department announced it would not allow vehicle traffic south of 96th Street in Manhattan after curfew, though residents, essential workers, buses and truck deliveries were exempt. As night fell, groups of curfew-violators and looters around the city were rounded up and handcuffed by officers before being loaded on to NYPD vans. While the number of arrests were high, the scenes in New York were calmer than previous nights this week. The calmer scenes were echoed across much of America where protesters once again turned out in force but the confrontations with police were subdued and widespread rioting was limited. It followed a day of anger from Trump's critics over the way he threatened to deploy the military to quell riots across the US and cleared protesters in Washington DC so he could visit damaged St John's Episcopal Church. He also considered using 'tanks' or other armored military vehicles to help restore order in the US after violent protests broke out across the country for a sixth night, defense officials have revealed. Thousands of people took to the streets of NYC for a fifth night on Tuesday peacefully protesting the death of George Floyd A number of demonstrations were scheduled for Tuesday afternoon as Mayor Bill de Blasio was forced to bring curfew forward from 11pm to 8pm after last night's carnage (Alliance News) - The number of suspected and confirmed deaths from coronavirus in Britain has risen to 48,000, official data showed Tuesday. The Office for National Statistics figures tallied all fatalities in which Covid-19 was suspected or mentioned on death certificates up to May 22. The total of 48,106 is significantly higher than the government's latest daily figure of 39,369, which only includes deaths where the patient tested positive for coronavirus. By either measure, the toll is Europe's worst and puts Britain behind only the US in officially announced deaths, although each country has different reporting lags and methods.A The data also showed there had been 56,308 more deaths in England and Wales than the five-year average since the outbreak took hold in March. But in the week ending May 22, there were 2,589 mentions of "novel coronavirus" on death certificates in England and Wales a the lowest since the seven days to March 27. Britain is one of the last European countries to start easing its stay-at-home restrictions, which were imposed on March 23. Some younger children returned to school in England on Monday while some shops were allowed to reopen. However, some critics say the government is moving too quickly while infection rates and deaths remain high.A Separately, England's public health agency on Tuesday published a new report confirming previous evidence that the outbreak is hitting ethnic minorities the hardest. People of Bangladeshi origin had around twice the risk of dying than white British people, even accounting for age, sex, deprivation and region a although not accounting for comorbidities, occupation or obesity. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said coronavirus had "emphasised the existing health inequalities in the country", and promised further work on the issue. He said the report was timely given global protests over the death of George Floyd in the US, adding: "Black lives matter. And I want to say this to everyone who works in the National Health Service and in social care: I value the contribution that you make, everybody equally. And I want to say it right across society too. I want to thank you." source: AFP Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Different groups of drugs are used for the treatment of rheumatic conditions. They are intended to suppress the rogue immune system which attacks its own body. It is unclear to date whether the use of immunosuppressants increases the risk of a severe course in case of an infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. A current study published in the run-up to the European Congress of Rheumatology of the EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism) analyzed, for the first time, 600 COVID-19 cases in rheumatic disease patients from 40 countries and investigated the impact of the choice of rheumatic disease therapy on potential hospitalization and the course of COVID-19. The results of the study will be presented in an online press conference in the context of the EULAR Congress on 3 June 2020. Data on the course of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic conditions are still rare and limited to small numbers of cases. Patients with rheumatic diseases are concerned about the extent to which their condition increases the risk of a severe course and the impact of the intake of their immunosuppressants on this. "There is considerable uncertainty about the drug management in the context of rheumatic conditions," EULAR President Professor Dr. Iain B. McInnes from Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom explains. Scientists have now addressed the question to what extent the different groups of drugs increase the probability of hospitalization in rheumatic disease patients with COVID-19. For this purpose, they analyzed a series of cases involving persons with rheumatic conditions and COVID-19 from the combined EULAR and Global Rheumatology Alliance COVID-19 registries, dating from between 24 March 2020 and 20 April 2020. The study included a total of 600 cases from 40 countries. The researchers analyzed the patients' age, sex, whether they smoked or not, the rheumatic disease diagnosis, comorbidities and medication against rheumatic conditions taken immediately prior to the infection. The result: The intake of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs)such as anti-malarial drugs or methotrexatealone or in combination with biologics (e.g. TNF-alpha inhibitors), or the intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was not associated with hospitalization. The intake of TNF-alpha inhibitors was associated with a reduced probability of hospitalization, while no association with the intake of anti-malarial drugs was observed. Treatment with more than 10 mg prednisone per daycorresponding to a moderate to high dosewas associated with a higher probability of hospitalization. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid frequently used in rheumatology as a fast-acting anti-inflammatory drug. Less than half of the patients required hospitalization (277; 46 percent), while 55 fatalities (9 percent) occurred. This should not be interpreted as the true rate of hospitalization and death among patients with rheumatic disease infected with SARS-CoV-2. Due to the mechanism by which case information is collected severe cases are more likely to be reported to the database (i.e. mild or asymptomatic cases are less likely to be reported) therefore artificially increasing the rate of hospitalization/death in the group of reported patients. "The study shows that most patients with rheumatological conditions recover from COVID-19independent of the medication they receive," says Professor Dr. John Isaacs from The University of Newcastle, United Kingdom, Scientific Chair of the EULAR Scientific Committee. "It is necessary, however, to gather more knowledge about the course of an infection with the novel coronavirus in patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions." Within the space of only a few weeks, rheumatologists from all over the world teamed up in order to establish an international COVID-19 registry, an effort supported by EULAR that created a mirroring COVID-19 registry. "There is an urgent need to understand the outcome of patients who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 while at the same time receiving steroids, synthetic or biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs," Dr. Pedro Machado, Chair of the EULAR Standing Committee on Epidemiology and Health Services Research and co-senior author of the study, points out. "This will support rheumatologists and other health care professionals, such as specialist nurses, in advising their patients and improving their care." Explore further EULAR launches COVID-19 RMD reporting database as part of Global Rheumatology Alliance More information: Milena Gianfrancesco et al. Characteristics associated with hospitalisation for COVID-19 in people with rheumatic disease: data from the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance physician-reported registry, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2020). Journal information: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases Milena Gianfrancesco et al. Characteristics associated with hospitalisation for COVID-19 in people with rheumatic disease: data from the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance physician-reported registry,(2020). DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-217871 Premier Brian Pallister said he meant no offence earlier this week when he uttered the phrase "all lives matter" while referring to an upcoming rally at the legislature. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Premier Brian Pallister said he meant no offence earlier this week when he uttered the phrase "all lives matter" while referring to an upcoming rally at the legislature. Social media commenters quickly seized upon the remark, which has been linked to criticism of the Black Lives Matter movement. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister On Wednesday, the premier denied he intended to use the term as a racist dogwhistle. "I regret the fact that people would interpret me saying that all lives matter to be a racist comment, but I understand that others do say it in that manner for that purpose. I certainly didnt," he said. On Tuesday, Pallister was asked if he would attend a Justice 4 Black Lives Matter rally on Friday. The event was sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of local police. The premier said he would not attend the event for health reasons he's 65 years old and has asthma but he would "be there in spirit." Then he said: "I will encourage all who feel strongly about this issue to use the opportunity to safely demonstrate their support for people of colour. Black lives matter. All lives matter, of course. But in this instance, on the heels of what is happening in the United States and what has been happening too frequently there, we all have, I think, a responsibility... if you can't come to the protest, to make sure that we stand up for equality and the things we believe in." On Wednesday, he told reporters that "everyone would agree that using those three words in the context of a pandemic was quite legitimate." "I regret the fact that that phrase is used by others in a different way, but I would be a little bit obliged to clarify I certainly didnt mean it in that way, as you well all know." Meanwhile, Pallister and the province's chief public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, urged rally participants to do everything they can to safeguard their health and that of others at the event. The crowd is likely to be much greater than the maximum of 50 allowed under current pandemic rules. 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 looking to have people there make sure that social distancing occurs. I think that that's about the best we can come up with at this point in time. I wouldn't want it said that we weren't trying to make sure people were keeping each other safe," Pallister said Wednesday. Roussin said large gatherings "could put us at risk for transmission" of the coronavirus. He urged anyone with even mild symptoms to remain at home. "I just want everyone to stay safe," he said. with files from Carol Sanders larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca MANISTEE COUNTY Relief is in sight for those needing routine procedures and non-emergency healthcare. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifted Michigans stay-at-home order on Monday, and local healthcare providers have begun offering a full range of services to their patients. Michigan doctors, dentists, optometrists and veterinarians were allowed to reopen for non-urgent care beginning May 29, when Whitmer eased restrictions on healthcare providers. Whitmers March 21 stay-at-home order banned medical facilities from performing procedures that were not time-sensitive. This has caused a major backlog for local healthcare providers like Dr. Joel Anhalt of Arcadia Medical. Its hard to keep (patients) at bay anymore, Anhalt said. Anhalt collaborated with other healthcare providers in the region to find an expeditious way to safely reopen, while attending to the needs of his patients. We had two months of postponed visits, Anhalt said. You do get backlogged when you start to have physicals or new patients or hospital follow-ups that you need a little more detailed visits. We were trying to convert several to telemedicine, virtual or online visits. Arcadia Medical is currently seeing between 20 and 25 patients each day since the restrictions were lifted, Anhalt said. At this point were back to regular hours and weve tried to schedule patients so there is only one at a time, he said. Between those spaces were still doing virtual and parking lot visits. Anhalt said that efforts were being taken to triage the more severe cases from those that can be handled remotely. Its been nice for patients that dont need to get online or need a simple physical or just a face to face discussion, he said. "I did one this afternoon, reviewing lab results for a patient in the parking lot. The daughter and the wife needed to be able to listen in. Anhalt and other medical professionals warn it will not be business as usual for patients. Even as restrictions ease, healthcare providers plan to keep many of the current coronavirus precautions in place, including the use of masks, social distancing and disinfectants as well as regular medical screenings for both patients and staff. Dr. Pamela Lynch, owner of Coastal Woods Vision in Manistee, said that she was seeing fewer patients as her optometry office adjusts to what she calls the new normal. We have reduced the number of appointments during the day so we have time between patients to thoroughly clean, she said. Were seeing probably half the number of patients currently until we can get into a routine that were used to. Lynch said that Coastal Woods Vision, formerly Veach and Allen Optometry, was forced to temporarily close the office during the pandemic. We had to lay off the majority of our staff. As a new business owner it was challenging, she said. While many area healthcare providers have begun to reopen, at least one Wellston area family practice has opted to wait. Jordan Warnsholz, co-owner of Primary Health Service in Wellston, said he would wait until next week to reopen. We havent been able to reopen fully yet, theres still a lot of ambiguity on the emergency order (Whitmer) has put through, Warnsholz said. There was no actual change to the public health code to protect medical clinics and practitioners. Warnsholz said that his clinic was ready to open when the stay-home order was extended in May. It was the day before we were ready to start seeing patients in our office that (Whitmer) ordered the lockdown be extended to June 12, Warnsholz said. Our facility is ready; our staff is ready and starting next week we will start seeing people in the office on a non-emergency basis. Warnsholz joined a Mackinac Center Legal Foundation lawsuit against the Whitmer Administration last month. According to Warnsholz, the ban on nonurgent care had harmed several of his patients that were in need of regular checkups. A lot of patients havent been able to get routine testing to monitor their kidney disease, heart disease or diabetes, he said. So a lot of people have had health declines metabolically and physically. Warnsholz said that many nonessential procedures can turn into surgical emergencies. Weve seen cases of sepsis from simple infections that were not able to be addressed in a timely manner. Weve seen limb amputations for people waiting for routine elective procedures and unable to get those done, he said. Doctors agree that patients shouldnt anticipate a true return to normalcy anytime soon. That probably wont happen until theres antigen testing statewide for coronavirus or a vaccine, Warnsholz said. With the easing of the restrictions, a virologist at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR), Dr. Michael Owusu is warning of a possible hike in cases that could overwhelm their testing centre as well as others. President Akufo-Addo in his tenth address to the nation eased the restrictions imposed on social and religious gatherings. Dr. Michael Owusu, who has been working on coronaviruses for over a decade, says this could cause a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country. He believes that some people may not strictly comply with the protocols following the easing of restrictions which could further endanger others and cause a spread. According to him, the concentration should be on how cases would be detected early enough and managed to ensure they do not result in deaths. Once people are moving out and then we keep easing these activities, there is a possibility that some people may not entirely adhere to these measures and therefore, the number of cases may go up. Increasing infections is something we have to live with. We have to know that the numbers will always go up but the ability to pick them early, to isolate them, to manage them so it doesn't result in death is what we have to put our efforts in so we can reduce deaths that cone with some of these surges. He wants the government to support various testing centres to boost their capacity. He also called for other testing centres to be established to test as many samples as possible in case there is a surge in cases. He added that the government should fast track processes to get rapid diagnostic tests ready in order to augment the already existing testing regime. I think that easing restrictions should be part of our cycle. You can't forever lockdown. You cannot forever sit home. It's something that would have to come which is what has started. But easing restrictions must go along with measures- measures in terms of the preventive measures, surveillance measures, contact tracing measures and testing measures. I think that the testing capacity is still low and I will wish that once the restriction easing has started, we should gradually increase the number of testing sites and supply more reagents so once there are surges, this can be managed. I think that the testing capacity we have now, we are still limited. It's possible when the surges happen, we will not be able to test the population. I think this is what we have to focus our attention on. I will call on the government to work quickly on the rapid diagnostic tests- the RDTs, so they can support the PCR testing we have been doing so that we don't put too much pressure on the molecular testing sites that we have in the country, he said. The Director of KCCR, Prof. Richard Odame Philips insists that the Centre currently is not overwhelmed as they are able to test about 30,000 samples in a month. He says they are in constant touch with authorities to monitor the number of cases they record on a daily basis and are given resources to correspond to that. Usually, we talk. We keep on engaging with public health authorities to monitor the numbers that are coming and depending on the numbers, we get reagents from Accra and then we do the testing. So for now, I think we are okay. We are running the test and we haven't run out yet. So I think we still have a positive outlook, he stated. He believes that there will not be a surge in cases once people comply with all COVID-19 safety protocols. He is thus urging members of the general public to adhere to all protocols since experts say the virus may stay for a while. ---citinewsroom Fisherman Reels In Massive River Monster, Sets New State Record for Largest Catfish in Pennsylvania The content is not available due to expiration. People living with HIV/AIDs (PLWHAs) in the Sunyani Municipality have appealed for nose masks, hand sanitizers, and veronica buckets to enable them to comply with safety protocols to protect themselves from contracting the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19). The 991 PLWHAs who are active clients placed on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital (SMH) complained they felt neglected and had been denied attention in the fight against the COVID-19. They comprise 238 males and 753 females. The PLWHAs made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani after the Non-state Actors Ghana (NSAs), a non-governmental organisation consisting of consortium of academia and civil society organisations presented 60 nose masks to the ART Unit of the SMH. Mrs. Esther Sarfowaa Boakye, the Head of the Unit, told the GNA that 38 children comprising 20 boys and 18 girls have also been placed on the ART and they all needed protective equipment. She observed that the patients were vulnerable; hence the need to ensure that they and health officials had enough protective equipment such as gowns, gloves and masks to protect themselves and their immediate families. Mrs. Boakye thanked the NGO for the support, and appealed to corporate and religious bodies, philanthropic organisations and individuals to emulate the patriotic gesture and support the PLWHAs to protect themselves against the COVID-19. Mrs. Theresah Agyei-Mensah, the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Chair of the NSAs, assured the NSAs would continue to support the PLWAs to access quality healthcare. She said they were high risk group because of their health situation and advised them to adhere to social distancing, wash their hands regularly under running water and comply with government directives. 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 We may only be a few days into the month of June but so far there have been no new cases of Covid-19 reported in county Longford. Figures released on Sunday revealed that two more cases of the virus had been confirmed in the county, but those were the only two to be confirmed in a week. The county total currently stands at 283, which is just 1.1% of the national total. Across the borders, Cavan has had 844 confirmed cases in total; Westmeath has had 670 total confirmed cases; Roscommon has had a total of 336 confirmed cases; while Leitrim remains the county with the lowest number of cases by a long shot, standing at 83 total cases. Leitrim is the only county in Ireland to remain under 100. Nationally, the HPSC has announced three more deaths today, bringing Ireland's death toll to 1,659. As of midnight on Tuesday, June 2, there have been 47 more confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country, bringing the total to 25,111. The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread. Thuan Pham, CTO, Uber, on Q + A Stage during day one of RISE 2019 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong. Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images Uber's chief technology officer left the company in May after seven years under two wildly different bosses. Thuan Pham told Bloomberg in his first interview since leaving that there's "a little PTSD" setting in from leaving amid a pandemic that slashed revenues and led to mass layoffs. He also recommended Uber consider strategic partnerships to stem losses in its self-driving division, similar to what Waymo has done. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Uber's former top engineer, Thuan Pham, has given his first interview since resigning from the ride-hailing giant in May amid mass layoffs. The former chief technology officer and previously the longest serving executive at the firm told Bloomberg News that he stayed on following the company's scandals that resulted in founder Travis Kalanick's departure in 2017 because he believed in the mission of Uber. "The company is about more than just him," Pham said of Kalanick, who's been working on a "ghost kitchen" food-delivery competitor with his newfound Uber riches (among other investments). "It's the blood and sweat of thousands of people. I didn't want it to collapse like Enron." Still, Pham told Bloomberg that Kalanick was offended that he stayed: "I think he's still hurt." A representative for Kalanick declined to comment to Bloomberg on the matter. Business Insider has also reached out to Kalanick for any additional comment. Plenty has changed since Dara Khosrowshahi took over the helm. For starters, the company is publicly traded now, and bringing in easily more than double the quarterly revenues from back then. Culture has shifted starkly, too, with Khosrowshahi declaring the company's new mantra of "we do the right thing. period." But losses have doubled too. Pham recognized the need, in the current market environment a year after Uber's lackluster IPO, for the company to shore up its finances. Most recently, it disclosed a $2.9 billion loss for the first quarter of 2020. And according to Bloomberg, Pham said the company should consider shedding its self-driving efforts, or teaming up with other companies in the space. Story continues "Individually, none of the companies can go it alone and compete with Waymo," Pham said of the autonomous competitor from Google that's now raised $3 billion from outside investors and partnered with automakers, Lyft, and others. Despite some cost-cutting measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Advanced Technologies Group (with other technology bets) contributed a $108 million loss to first quarter EBITDA, Uber said in April. He's far from the only one to suggest this. Sam Abuelsamid, a research analyst at Guidehouse Insights whose areas of focus include automated driving and mobility services, previously told Business Insider that consolidation of smaller self-driving competitors could eventually pose a threat to Uber. "It's not clear exactly what they want to do," he said. As for what's next after Uber, Pham said he plans to rest, play guitar, and mentor other engineers in tech. "It is a very heavy burden," he said of leaving amid a global pandemic that slashed Uber's core source of revenue and ultimately led to layoffs. "I have a little PTSD setting in right now." Read the original article on Business Insider Homeless charity Focus Ireland has been ordered to pay a 68-year-old mediator 22,000 for unlawfully "retiring" him at the age of 66. At the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), adjudication officer Kevin Baneham found the charity discriminated against Joseph McGrath because of his age in not allowing him to continue beyond June 20, 2018 after he turned 66 earlier that year. He found Mr McGrath's role with Focus Ireland "was ended through unlawful and less favourable treatment because of his age". Mr McGrath said he had been recruited by Focus Ireland in 2016 to work on a new project involving family mediation to prevent young people entering homelessness. He told the WRC that age should have been a positive and not a negative. He said he felt "humiliated and hurt", in particular as this was a role he had dreamt about. Mr McGrath said he had always wanted to work with young people who were on the margins of society and signed a two-year fixed term contract for the role. Prior to his Focus Ireland job, he had worked for a government department and was previously in the Defence Forces and is in receipt of a pension earned by his service with it. Mr McGrath said the project was for five years and its funding, from a named philanthropy group, was dependent on achieving outcomes. He told how in February 2018, Focus Ireland emailed all staff to say the retirement age had been raised to 66. Mr McGrath received a phone call that day to acknowledge he would turn 66 on April 23, 2018. Mr McGrath's post was then advertised internally as part of an extension to the project and his application was not processed. He said he applied again as an external candidate and he was told by Focus Ireland that he would not be considered because of his age. Mr McGrath claimed that what occurred was a flagrant breach of the Employment Equality Act and Focus Ireland had not advanced any objective justification for the ending of his employment. Mr Baneham found the aims relied on by Focus Ireland relating to fitness and dignity of employees, were legitimate. He added: "I, however, find that the means used to achieve these aims were not appropriate or necessary. It was not necessary to use the blunt indicia of age when fitness could have been readily assessed in other ways." Mr Baneham said the project, for example, was evaluated and the line manager gave Mr McGrath a glowing reference. While Mr McGrath had reached the revised retirement age, Mr Baneham said he had advanced a strong case to continue for a further two years. He said Mr McGrath had successfully rolled out the first two years of the project and that a mix of ages was appropriate in addressing the challenges faced by the project. Mr Baneham said this possibility was not considered by Focus Ireland and "it only looked at the complainant's age and this was disproportionate". The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expects the arrival of a Canadian assessment mission that will determine the level of Ukraine's compliance with the necessary criteria as part of the work on visa liberalization between the two countries. This issue was discussed at a meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Larisa Galadza, the ministry's press service reported. "The interlocutors discussed visa liberalization between Ukraine and Canada. At the request of the foreign minister, Ms. Ambassador confirmed her readiness to facilitate the sending of a relevant Canadian assessment mission to Ukraine," the report reads. Kuleba said he expected the Canadian assessment mission to be sent in the near future. The mission will determine the level of Ukraine's compliance with the criteria for inclusion in the list of countries whose citizens have the right to enter Canada according to a simplified procedure. It will also determine further necessary steps. In addition, the parties discussed issues on bilateral agenda and cooperation within international organizations. According to the report, Kuleba stressed the importance of increasing the intensification of trade and investment between the two countries, which will be facilitated by the extension of the Ukrainian-Canadian free trade agreement to the sphere of services and investment. According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, the decision to include in the list of countries whose citizens have the right to simplified entry into Canada is made on the basis of the country's compliance with about 40 requirements that are divided into seven main areas: socio-economic conditions, migration issues, travel document integrity, safety and security issues, border management, human rights issues, bilateral considerations. Today, citizens of 27 countries and citizens of EU countries have a liberalized visa regime with Canada. op Matt and Darci Haney have been out on a financial limb before. In 2007, when the housing boom crashed and the economy followed, they pulled a house in Carlton they couldnt sell off the market and, catering to consumer wants, opened it as a short-term rental. Soon, weekends were booked by people wanting to spend a little time in Oregons wine country. After hard work and success, the Haneys sold a home in 2018 and, navigating another time out on a financial limb, bought Westerlook Farm, a 47-acre estate, at the north fork of the Yamhill River in Carlton. The 1911 Colonial Revival-style house was designed by respected architect Ellis Lawrence for the powerful Ladd family. The Haneys idea: To live with their two daughters in the main house and create a vacation getaway in the 3,000-square-foot, remodeled guest house. The rental rate: Around $536 a night. Travelers liked what they saw on Vrbo and Airbnb, and booked the space, blocks from downtown Carlton, to enjoy wine tasting, attend a wedding or just escape to a rural setting. Then the coronavirus pandemic hit and stay-at-home orders were issued in March. The Haneys watched as all but one of their reservations, which stretched into fall, were canceled. Instead of dashing their hopes and emptying their bank account, they came up with a Plan B. They would charge a lower daily rate for longer stays. Guests responded and booked for three weeks or longer. Having someone in there is better than letting it sit empty and what a great, private space to stay during a time of transition, especially for someone selling or buying a house, says Darci Haney, who offers long-staying guests 10% off for a week and 30% off for a month. Ultimately, we would love to have it booked this summer as short-term rentals," she says. "But even if airline reservations open up, people are not comfortable flying or the event they were coming out for has been postponed or canceled. Across the country, people who purchased a property with the idea that temporary renters would help pay the mortgage have been hurting since travel suddenly stopped in March. A new survey by real estate company IPX 1031 found that part-time and full-time Airbnb hosts have dropped their daily rates as much as $90 on average and 45% of hosts say they wont be able to sustain operating costs if travel restrictions and tourist disinterest last six more months. To counter the slide in vacation rental revenue, owners are promoting longer stays at discounted rates to generate income. Airbnb, Vrbo and other online travel agencies allow people to target their search to listings with weekly or monthly discounts. Were so glad we dont have two lodging places, says Darci Haney. At first, they thought of making the small carriage house on the farm a short-term rental as well as the guest house. Instead, they plan to convert it to an office, creative meeting space and farm store, and open it in July. The Haneys will sell pears, apples, plums, produce and flowers grown on the farm, plus eggs from their flock of chickens. We have big plans to bring Westerlook back to being a fully functioning, working farm, says Darci Haney, whose business with her husband, MD Haney & Co., includes construction, lodging, events, the farm and soon, the farm store. Matt Haney was hired 17 years ago by the estates previous owner to upgrade the guest house. Much of his custom woodwork from the past remains. Last year, the couple painted and installed better heating and air conditioning, and Darci decorated. I want it to be a cozy, home away from home, she says. The two-story Guest House at Westerlook Farms sits in an oak grove. Inside are white paneled walls, country kitchen with an apron sink and three master suites. Original estate owners Charles and Sarah Ladd spent millions to create Westerlook during the pre-World War I years, according to historians. Architecturally, it was similar to the couples Portland mansion, Cedarhurst. Banker and businessman Charles Ladd was the son of early developer and Portland mayor William S. Ladd. Charles Ladd also dabbled in landscape design, according to a 1920 story in the Telephone Register of McMinnville. He hired three railroad cars to deliver plants to his estate. His wife was as interesting. Sarah Hall Ladd was a well-known landscape photographer who traveled the Columbia River on a houseboat with a darkroom during the summers from 1903 to 1905. The Portland Art Museum spotlighted some of her photographs in the 2008 exhibition, Wild Beauty: Photographs of the Columbia River Gorge, 1867-1957. Her home darkroom is still in the basement, untouched, says Darci Haney. Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072 jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories The man doesnt know you either, though he groomed you to become the young men and women you are today. Even before you were born, he decided that you were worthless and would never amount to anything. So he turned his back on you and let you shrivel from high unemployment, poverty and poor education. Many view tiny Hong Kong as something of an anathema a hangover from the days of the British empire, part of China but not part of China, often missing the point that that is exactly its strength (or has been). That unique status, created under the terms of British withdrawal from the territory in 1997, has given Hong Kong many advantages and preserved its location as one of two financial hubs in southeast Asia (alongside Singapore). According to TIME magazine, almost 300 U.S. companies base their regional headquarters in Hong Kong and more than 1,300 have operations in the city including 3M, Goldman Sachs, and the insurer AIG. There are also an estimated 85,000 U.S. citizens living in Hong Kong. Indeed, the U.S. has in many ways taken over the role the U.K. once enjoyed of making Hong Kong its Asian base, attracted by the special trading rights Hong Kong enjoys with the U.S. and by the robust rule of law inherited from the British and underpinned by an individual judiciary. Hong Kong is part of China but enjoys a very distinct and separate status with its own currency, Olympics team, and a seat at the World Trade Organization TIME states. In recognition of Hong Kongs semi-independent status the USA granted HK special trading rights not accorded to mainland China. Since 1992, under the terms of the Hong Kong Policy Act, the U.S. has treated Hong Kong as distinct from the mainland when it comes to economic relations, applying a different set of rules from the rest of China on things like export controls, customs, and immigration. Related: 2 Reasons To Bet On Bitcoin Right Now That special status is now at risk following Beijings exasperation with the local Legislative Council, which failed to quell unrest, and the mainlands decision last week to directly impose a new security law on the colony, bypassing local politicians in a move widely seen as Beijing imposing its own security apparatus on the colony. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced last Wednesday that Hong Kong was no longer sufficiently autonomous from mainland China and that, as a result, the U.S. was considering a range of steps, including not just revoking the special privileges enjoyed under the Hong Kong Policy Act but also tariffs, visa restrictions, export controls and freezing the U.S. assets of Hong Kong and Chinese officials deemed to be aiding Beijing in its encroachment on Hong Kongs freedoms. The U.S. actions, while by far the most impactful, are not in isolation. Britain granted passports to some 300,000 of Hong Kongs best and brightest prior to leaving in 1997 and has said it will allow those citizens to apply for British residency if Beijing goes through with its perceived annexation of the colony. A joint statement by Australia, Britain, the U.S. and Canada on Friday said Chinas direct intervention in the citys lawmaking would breach a 1984 agreement between London and Beijing to protect the citys autonomy until 2047, according to the Financial Review, although Australia stopped short of backing sanctions against Chinese officials. Hong Kong remains one of the few countries in the world with which the U.S. enjoys a trade surplus. In 2018, U.S. foreign direct investment in the territory was $82.5 billion and U.S. goods and services traded with Hong Kong totaled an estimated $66.9 billion. In 2019, the trade surplus with the U.S. was about $26.4 billion; many U.S. corporations, plus the local and international firms that service those companies, will be anxious to see what steps the White House takes in the days to come. For those firms, severe sanctions or removal of special privileges could be serious for the people of Hong Kong, it could be far worse. By AG Metal Miner More Top Reads From Safehaven.com: The head of online shopping giant The Iconic has criticised the federal government for not providing enough support to the country's ailing retail sector during the coronavirus pandemic, echoing warnings of an industry collapse come September. Erica Berchtold, the recently appointed head of the $422 million retailer, said JobKeeper's requirement for companies to record a 30 or 50 per cent revenue slump to qualify for the scheme would mean by the time the stimulus kicked in, it would already be too late for many. The government's JobKeeper stimulus was too little too late, The Iconic boss Erica Berchtold believes. "If a retailer is down 30 per cent or down 50 per cent [in sales], JobKeeper is not going to be enough to save that retailer," she told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. "For sales to be down that much, there is a huge amount of inventory you're not clearing, so then all of your future profits are going to be spent trying to clear that inventory." ASX-listed junior telco amaysim Australia has acquired OVO Mobile in a $15.8 million deal that helps the company beef up its mobile subscriber base. The telco and energy retailer, which is in talks to sell its energy business, told the ASX on Wednesday that it would acquire OVO's 77,000 mobile subscribers and absorb the company's brand. Amaysim CEO Peter O'Connell announced on Wednesday that the company had bought 77,000 OVO Mobile subscribers. Credit: Peter OConnell, amaysims chief executive officer and managing director, said the acquisition, which is expected to be completed within four months, is part of plans to grow the companys recurring mobile subscriber base. The acquisition will grow amaysims total subscriber base to 1.17 million. Under our asset-light operating structure, we are able to scale the subscriber base with no, or nominal, additional resources, delivering positive future earnings from the acquired base, Mr OConnell said. No district spared The rural access gap Bridging the divide (TNS) From the rural Southern Tier to the shores of Lake Ontario, nearly 40,000 children across Western New York live in a household without either a computer or high-speed Internet.Thats enough to fill KeyBank Center twice.The number, based on the most recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, underscores the fundamental problem with teaching students from home since schools moved instruction online during the COVID-19 pandemic: digital access.It also shows how much work falls on schools to bridge the digital divide and prevent students from falling behind, especially if districts are forced to continue remote instruction come fall.Thats a big, big concern, said Bret Apthorpe, superintendent of Jamestown Public Schools.Part of reopening schools is requiring teachers and families to be prepared to be sent home again this fall in the event of a second wave of the pandemic, Apthorpe said. We got a pass as educators this first time, because there was no notice and it was all new. But were not going to get a pass the second time.The data shows none of the nearly 100 school districts throughout the eight counties of Western New York is immune to the problem. Its an issue, to some extent, for students in Buffalo or Barker, Amherst or Attica, West Seneca or West Valley, Clarence or Clymer, Cheektowaga or Chautauqua Lake.But the data clearly paints a portrait of a region where digital access poses more of a problem for some places than others, whether because of affordability or availability.For example, a third of those 40,000 kids without a computer or broadband at home live in Buffalo, where eight out of 10 students in Buffalo Public Schools are considered economically disadvantaged.Head 75 miles southwest to Sherman, a small Chautauqua County town, and nearly half of those under 18 are without access.Every student in grades three and up receives a tablet to take home, but teachers have nevertheless been told to plan their remote lessons with the assumption that not everyone has good Internet, if they have Internet at all, said Michael Ginestre, the Sherman superintendent.Its an infrastructure issue thats beyond the control of the school district and really beyond control of the family, said Patrick McCabe, superintendent of the Akron Central School District, where 14% of children are without digital access.Its not like they dont want to purchase it, McCabe said of broadband. Its just not there.The mid-March closing of schools and subsequent shift to online learning forced districts to send school-issued laptops home by the thousands and loan mobile hot spots to families in need.Early on, some districts relied on old-fashioned paper packets while they came up with creative solutions.One idea: Park school buses equipped with wireless routers in neighborhoods so students can access their coursework online.I dont know the answer. I really dont, Apthorpe said. Weve created a list of approximately 40 objectives that our reopening-the-school plan will have to achieve and this is one of those objectives, so we have to figure it out.The Buffalo News looked at the most recent Census Bureau estimates on computer and broadband access for those 18 and under in the 98 school districts in Western New York.The estimates show: Among the 312,000 children under 18, more than 39,600 live in a household with no access to a computer or high-speed Internet. Thats more than one in every 10 children in the region. All 98 school districts have at least some portion of their enrollment without access to either a computer or high-speed Internet. The percentage ranges from as high as 46.9% in Sherman to less than 2% in the Pembroke Central School District in Genesee County. Two-thirds of school districts have at least 10% of their students without digital access. They include Akron, Barker, Cheektowaga-Sloan, Cleveland Hill, Eden, Holland, Lockport, Maryvale, Newfane and Springville.Even in districts with the best access, roughly 2% to 4% of children are still without. They include Alden, Clarence, Frontier, Lancaster, Orchard Park and Williamsville. The largest numbers of disconnected students are in urban districts with large student enrollments and high poverty.Buffalo, the regions largest district, has by far the most with nearly 13,000 children, or 22.5%, living in a household without either a computer or broadband.In Niagara Falls, that number is more than 2,200 or 20.7%; Jamestown, nearly 1,200 or 16.2%; and Lackawanna, more than 1,000 or 23.1%. Statewide, Buffalo ranks 79th from the bottom with Niagara Falls close at 96th among the states 685 school districts when it comes to access. But they rise to third- and fourth-worst in the state when ranked among districts with populations of more than 50,000.Compared with its peers, Buffalo is in the upper middle of the pack. The 22.5% of children in Buffalo without a computer or broadband at home compares with 12.4% in Pittsburgh; 18.8% in Rochester; 23% in Cleveland; 32.1% in Syracuse; and 35.1% in Detroit. Small, rural districts in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegheny counties fare the worst in terms of the percentage of students without home broadband.They include Sherman, as well Clymer, 46.5%, Pine Valley, 43.3%; Randolph, 39.5%; and Belfast, 38.6%. The five rural districts rank among the worst in the state when it comes to percentage of students without access. Sherman and Clymer rank 9th and 10th from the bottom, respectively, among the states 685 school districts.As in urban and low-income suburban districts, poverty prevents many families in the rural Southern Tier from subscribing to broadband service, said Janice Dekoff, the executive director of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. On top of that, high-speed service simply isnt available in outlying portions of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, where homes are located too far apart to justify the cost of fiber installation.Through its $500 million New NY Broadband Program, launched in 2015, New York State agreed to subsidize the expansion of private broadband networks in underserved Southern Tier areas. But that project, originally scheduled for completion in 2019, encountered permitting and infrastructure delays that have left much of rural Cattaraugus and Allegany counties without service. The project is now expected to end in December 2021.A lot of it is the nature of where the housing is there's literally no fiber run, said Wendy Butler, superintendent of the Belfast Central School District, where roughly 40% of the student population does not have high-speed access. Our families live out in the woods and the hills, where no one has run fiber yet.In those areas which include sparsely populated swaths north of Olean, west of Springville, and south and east of West Valley, according to state broadband records homeowners typically have access to a cellphone data plan or to other, slower types of Internet, such as fixed wireless or satellite, said Richard Zink, executive director of the Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Development Board, which has led local efforts to expand broadband. But the speeds and data caps on those legacy services can make it difficult for students to participate in video calls, download large files, or take part in other types of digital instruction.Even Zink, whose work involves advocating for high-speed broadband, only has satellite access at home. If he and his family exceed their allotted monthly usage, the service automatically slows.Between my wife and I doing work from home now, and the kids doing Zoom or social networking were constantly over the limit, he said.School-issued laptops and devices have gone home by the thousands over the past couple months to help resolve at least part of the access problem.Just over 20,000, said Myra Burden, chief technology officer for Buffalo Public Schools.Niagara Falls, too, found the need to get more devices into the hands of their students after a survey of district parents found 77% had a computer at home.That number comes with challenges, said Mark Laurrie, the superintendent in Niagara Falls. Some of them are old, old devices that cant do much. Also, there may be three other siblings in the home and the mom uses it. So often times a five-person home is fighting over one device.As far as broadband access, districts are trying to get around the problem as best they can for now.In Akron, some students have been listening in on class by phone rather than online, said McCabe. One option may be to download video lessons onto memory sticks and distribute those to the roughly 175 students without broadband, he said.Both Akron and Jamestown had considered the idea of equipping school buses with wireless routers and parking them in neighborhoods so students can connect to the Internet. But neither district has the money in a tough budget year, the superintendents said.Both districts also have encouraged students and parents to access the districts Wi-Fi from the school parking lot. But Apthorpe doesnt know how feasible that really is, either.Buffalo and Niagara Falls, meanwhile, have made mobile hot spots available for households upon request. That, too, hasnt worked as well as first thought.In Buffalo, the district has stockpiled some 2,200 mobile hot spots to loan to families. Since then, there have been more than 1,000 requests. But as of last week, Burden said, only 270 have been picked up.Niagara Falls has had a similar experience with the 30 hot spots secured by the district, making Laurrie believe that household access to the Internet is greater than originally believed.We have 18 of those devices sitting downstairs not being used, Laurrie said. I was shocked. No one is clamoring for any of those 12 people. And Im not even sure those 12 needed them. (Micah Fluellen / Los Angeles Times) In the time of coronavirus, every change to the travel landscape has given way to another change, which is the only constant in these strange times. We talk a lot about the new normal. But Laurie Armstrong Gossy, a longtime media relations representative for San Francisco, has dealt with a dizzying array of upheavals because of coronavirus and thinks we should, instead, refer to these changes as the next normal. Except for one shift, which I hope becomes our new normal: understanding that travel is a privilege and, as with all privileges, comes with responsibilities that have taken on greater urgency. No less than the future of the travel industry lies in the balance, which is so precarious I want to mention it to you before I step away from my job as travel editor for the L.A. Times. You may see my byline again, because too many travel issues remain unresolved and too many travel questions are unanswered in the wreckage of COVID-19. But as I try to bring some sense to the business aspects of travel, I also want to remind you and by you, I mean us of some issues to which we, not fate, hold the keys. Why now? That may seem a silly question. We know how devastating coronavirus has been to an industry we dont always love but we always need, if only to feed our passion. But as we have watched the debacle unfold, Ive seen what may be an important shift in how we view travel. If youre old enough, youll recall our airline industry was shut down in the immediate aftermath of that terrible Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. It seemed like forever. It was two days. Commercial airlines sputtered and coughed back to some semblance of life by the end of the week, the L.A. Times reported. And in those many moments of rage, panic and sorrow, people decided travel was a right, which isn't exactly right. It's not like the ones guaranteed in, say, the First Amendment, which says our right to assemble peaceably shall not be abridged, or the Fifth, which says we shall not be deprived of our life without due process. Those are suffused with a desire for liberty and are bolstered by the gravitas of history, although as recent events have proved, even those are not always enough. Story continues But the fervor that gripped the U.S. after 9/11 somehow turned travel into a patriotic duty. How many times did we hear, If we dont travel, the terrorists win? And so we traveled, and traveled, and traveled some more. The Great Recession slowed us, but low-cost carriers emerged as travel superstars that opened the world to those who previously couldnt afford it, as did such sharing-economy innovations as Airbnb and ride-hail services. The financial cost of seeing the world dropped but the physical cost of seeing the world skyrocketed. Just ask Amsterdam; Venice, Italy; the coral reefs anywhere in the Pacific; Iceland; many cruise ship ports of call; Angkor Wat, Cambodia; and Boracay Island, Philippines. And thats just a brief list. Signs of self? We cannot solve our problems, Albert Einstein is often credited with saying, with the same thinking we used when we created them. And therein lies the problem: What were we thinking? Of our right to travel? Or the fabulous Instagram posts wed get? Or our fulsome bucket list, one of the most destructive terms ever to have been coined? Was this travels new equation? Our rights plus kudos we get from social media plus bragging rights equal to what one of my college professors used to call signs of self. We became careless with the world, and to what purpose? Weve been told since coronavirus hit that were in this together. I dont buy that. But what we are in together or need to be is the fight to keep from forgetting what a world refreshed by our absence might look like, if only anecdotally. Weeks after an interview with William Heinecke, the chairman of Minor Corp., which has more than 530 hotels around the world, I am fascinated by something he said almost as an aside. Foreign tourists walk along Patong beach, Phuket island, southern Thailand, in 2014 when it was announced that smoking was banned because cigarette butts accounted for about a third of the trash. (Yongyot Pruksarak / EPA-EFE / REX / Shutterstock ) Phuket, Thailand, where he was sheltering in place, had never looked better, he said. The ocean water was clearer; the coral seemed to be healthier; the beaches werent covered in trash; even the hornbill birds had returned. I am likewise haunted by the gallery of photos that shows our city skylines with stars, absent light pollution (bit.ly/nightskynolight). And I want to celebrate what has been called a return of wildlife in our absence. I hear more birdsong in my backyard because, I feel certain, wildlife is so happy to be unmolested. I doubt thats true; whats more likely is that I just never noticed. Its anecdotal and situational, not scientific. But even that like Heineckes hornbills and those starry, starry nights is something to celebrate. We stopped. We drew a breath. We saw. We listened. And if we listen more closely, heres what we will hear: Our duty that comes with privilege is even greater now. We must: Be mindful about what we are doing and consider whether the quest for the perfect photo is worth the price of admission. Remember that humankinds creations are testaments to genius, but natures are a journey into majesty and mystery. Believe that lasting change in ourselves and in our beliefs is the reward for inserting ourselves carefully into another culture or another country as gracious guests. Maybe, said Rick Steves, the guidebook author, tour operator and a thoughtful human being, this pause in travel will make people more conscious when they travel that every decision they make does matter. Whether were living the next normal or the new normal, it matters now more than ever. Parliament has disclosed that allegations by NDC MP for Ejumako Enyan Essiam that a question he filed in the House on details of funds allocated for the COVID-19 fight during the lockdown is yet to be answered - weeks later - are false. The House says if it did, it would apply the rules as is the norm. A statement from the Public Affairs Directorate of Parliament on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, indicates that the MP, Cassiel Ato Forson, has not filed any such question on the expenditure returns on GH280.3 million allocated during the coronavirus period contrary to a claim by him on JoyFMs 6:00 pm News on Monday, June 1, 2020. From our records in Parliament, there is no specific Question with the said amount filed by the Honourable Member or any Member for that matter. Per the rules and practices of Parliament, Questions are not filed in the name of, or by Caucuses. Rather a Member seeking a response to a specific issue would file a Question in his or her name, signed by the Member as provided for in Standing Order 64. The Office's interaction with the Honourable Member does not disclose that he had filed an earlier Question. Rather reference is made to a Question filed earlier by a Member of the Minority seeking to "ask the Minister of Health what emergency preparedness and response plan the Ministry has put in place to help contain the spread of COVID-19 virus and the details of how the 100 Million Dollars announced by the President will be spent." Upon further consultation with the Honourable Member, he indicated that he intends to file a Question today on the matter raised in the media. Once the question is filed, it will be processed in accordance with the rules of the House. The statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate also dealt with a claim that the Majority Leader, who is also the Chairman of the Business Committee had allegedly alluded to the creation of new constituencies in his presentation on Friday 20/05/2020 of the Business Statement for this week. No such presentation has been made by the Majority Leader. In fact, the Majority Leader in the said presentation, stated categorically that Committee on Subsidiary Legislation should endeavour to submit its report on the Public Elections (Registration of Regulation of Voters) (Amendment) 2020 for the consideration of the House on or before the coming into force of the Instrument. He insisted that the Committee must submit their report to the House by Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020 for consideration on Thursday June 4th, 2020. The attribution to him with regards to the creation of new constituencies is therefore wrongful. Source: 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 India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi walks past Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha (L) and Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison (R) during the 14th East Asia Summit in Bangkok on November 4, 2019, on the sidelines of the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. (Manan Vatsyayana/AFP via Getty Images) Australian PM Sets Virtual Summit With Indias Modi Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indias Narendra Modi wont be able to meet in person due to the COVID-19 restrictions so they are meeting online. Defence, trade and education will be on the agenda when Prime Minister Scott Morrison holds a virtual summit with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Thursday. Morrison said he was looking forward to discussing the countries responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. As like-minded democracies and natural strategic partners, Australia and India are in full agreement that our strong bilateral relationship is key to a more open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific, Morrison said. Prime Minister Modi and I will also discuss new opportunities in defence, trade, maritime safety and security, science and technology, and education. Both leaders have been invited by U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the next Group of Seven summit to be held in September at Camp David, the presidents country retreat. India is Australias eighth-largest trading partner and fifth-largest export market, due largely to coal and education exports. It is working on a 15-year Australia Economic Strategy to complement Australias India Economic Strategy. Theater stars and creatives are calling out racism in the New York theater industry in the wake of George Floyd's killing and the subsequent Black Lives Matter marches and protests across the United States. As Broadway shows and theater production companies began sharing messages of solidarity on social media, veteran stage manager Cody Renard Richard (Hamilton), Witness Uganda creator and star Griffin Matthews, and director Schele Williams (Aida), among many others, began to share their own experiences with racism while working on and off-Broadway. "I was standing backstage at Motown the Musical on Broadway wearing my hoodie and a stagehand came up to me and said 'Hey Trayvon,'" wrote Richard, who worked as a stage manager on that show, as well as on Dear Evan Hansen, If/Then, and Kinky Boots, in a Twitter post. "I started a new gig on Broadway and one actress decided not to learn my name at first. Instead, she decided it was ok to call me 'Brown *insert name of the employee I replaced*' for a month, because she thought it was a funny joke." In a lengthy video post on his Facebook page, writer and performer Matthews, who co-wrote the musical Witness Uganda (retitled Invisible Thread off-Broadway), recalled his experiences putting that production together, and detailed the racism he encountered at the hands of its producers, director, and the New York City reviewers who came to see it. "It is teeming with racist theater owners, producers, directors, writers, artistic directors, choreographers, agents, managers, actors, stage managers, company managers, casting directors, press teams, and reviewers pretending to be allies. And if the word 'racist' stings you, it should. Because racist behavior has been stinging artists of color from the beginning," he said. "Broadway is white," wrote Williams, a performer and the director of the upcoming revival of Disney's Aida, on Facebook. "Broadway values white over black. We know this because we have eyes. We see who is producing, writing, composing, arranging, directing, choreographing, casting, designing, promoting, every word we say and every move we make...If you mean the words in your statements, show us your values. Live up to your mission statements. Give us space to breathe and speak without fear of reprisal. Look around the room and if you only see yourself replicated CHANGE IT. You have the power to do that....The whole industry is on pause trying to figure out how we are going to come back. Perhaps that conversation should be broader. How are we going to come back from THIS?" Today we had a truth meeting with the TINA company. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/JIYGOiIMaj Tina Broadway (@TinaBroadway) June 1, 2020 To show their dedication, the producers of Broadway's Tina: The Tina Turner Musical held what they called a "truth meeting" for its company. "Black members of our company who wanted to speak expressed their truth," producer Tali Pelman wrote on Twitter. "This was a raw experience for everyone but in this time I believe it is essential to affirm we are a community and that as one community we need to listen, act, and create systemic change. I encourage every Broadway company who is able to, to do the same, because it's an essential start." Warren Adams, choreographer of Motown and co-founder of WalkRunFly Productions, shared similar sentiment. "Some of you expressed your heartache this weekend after the Black Broadway community demanded it of you. The words you wrote were very powerful and we thank you for it. But, those are only words. Your actions regarding this matter is what will really count...This is NOT a fight about WHITE vs BLACK. This is a fight about EVERYBODY vs RACISM. If you see it, smell it, touch it, feel it, DON'T turn away from it. Eradicate it. IMMEDIATELY!!! We will begin to see the growth of a theatre community like we have never seen before. Take this downtime to evaluate EVERYTHING. It is the perfect time to recalibrate, since ALL we have is TIME." TheaterMania would like to hear your stories. If you have similar experiences and feel comfortable sharing, you can email them to [email protected] Government's green light for the re-opening of religious centres on Sunday June 7, as part of efforts to ease COVID-19 restrictions, has divided opinion among churches; to open or not to. Various church leaders and some Christians have thus expressed contrary views as to whether to resume church service soon or to wait awhile amid the barrage of guidelines to be observed during worship. Checks and interviews by the Ghana News Agency revealed that a number of churches would not hold their communal service coming Sunday June 7, or anytime soon, while others would open for service. Many of the churches, including the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), The Makers House Chapel International, and the Seventh Day Adventists Church, had sent circulars and notices to their members on various social media platforms telling them to hold on for a while. Pastor Dr Chris Annan-Nunoo, Executive Secretary, Southern Ghana Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SGUC), told the GNA that all SDA churches in the country had been directed to wait for two more weeks before they opened for service. He said that decision, which was taken long before the Government announced the go ahead for the churches to resume in-person services, would enable them to prepare adequately for services. He said the church would rely on their television channel and home group meetings to reach out to their members with the gospel. We want to practice the one hour at our home groups level so that when we reopen and go to church, it will not be a new thing for us, adding that they would also use the period to put all the protocols in place and to educate members on the new parameters of worship. The Most Reverend Paul Kwabena Boafo, Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church of Ghana, said the churches needed not to rush for in-person services but should rather put their facilities in order before re opening. Dr Michael Boadi Nyamekye, founder of The Makers House Chapel International, said his church would continue to remain closed till the protocols were a bit more relaxed and Ghana had minimal daily case count of COVID-19. A circular to members via social media indicated that the Church had taken that decision based on its congregation size, number of services required, the health of the active players in a service, overhead cost, pressure on equipment and facility as well as the logistics to put in place, i.e, writing of names per service and submitting it to the authorities, among other COVID-19 protocols. The ICGC, in its official communication, had directed its pastors and local assemblies not to open but run in-house church services until so advised by the presbytery. The E. P. Church Kaneshie, the Banner of Grace Family Chapel International, and the Perez Chapel would also remain closed for sometime to assess the situation. However, other churches including the Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Assemblies of God Church, and the Gospel Faith Ministry have indicated their readiness to officially commence services on June 7 in accordance with the Government's directive, having indicated their willingness to abide by the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. The Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, said the Church would officially begin its service on Sunday. However, every parish priest must ensure strict adherence to all protocols and directives. He also cautioned that any parish that did not put in place measures to protect members would be shut down. The Presby Church's Pastoral Letter, authored by its Moderator to the faithful, advised all the local Assemblies to take steps to fumigate their respective church buildings and surroundings before they opened for worship on Sunday. Yet, the leadership of some churches the GNA spoke to said they were still holding meetings to see how best they could meet the guidelines on registration of congregants and manage the number limitations of 100 per service. Meanwhile, some Christians have said they would definitely be in church on Sunday to fellowship. They described government's guidelines to the churches as too many, but added that their churches were capable of implementing them because the church is one of the most organised institutions in the world." Some, however, stated that they would want to wait for some time to ensure that they would be safe. Im also scared of contracting the virus at church, for I will not know who has what because of the asymptomatic nature of the disease," said Abena Amofa, a worshipper. I believe in God but I will wait till the figures take a nose dive," said another believer. In announcing the relaxation of restrictions, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo urged the churches to devote the June 7 service to praying for the nation. 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 Born in New Zealand in the east coast of the North Island, Taika Waititi has shown a passion for telling the stories of native people along with topics that are often left out by the mainstream film society. Now the Oscar-winning filmmaker has been honoured on New Zealands Queens birthday list for services of film. He has been made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Read to know more about his latest honour- Also Read | Taika Waititi To Direct New Star Wars Film With Krysty Wilson-Cairns As Co-writer Taika Waititi honoured as an Officer Taika Waititi first received fame in the country with Boy in 2010, which he directed, wrote and produced. The movie was based in part on his own experiences. He talked about receiving the honour in an interview with a radio channel. The filmmaker stated that an award from his home country New Zealand means more to him than any honour around the world. He said that Boy, set on the east cape, remains his proudest work. Waititi added that he personally makes his projects for New Zealanders first and foremost. They are his first audience. His peers and colleagues, to be recognised by them, people who are closer to his home, is more significant, noted the Marvel film director. Also Read | Taika Waititi Brings Tony Stark Alive In 'Thor: Love And Thunder' Script? Taika Waititi made it to the list which also has other 177 New Zealanders. It includes former All Blacks captain Kieran Read, Maori linguist Ani Patene Gazala Wainu and novelist Elizabeth Knox with others. The New Zealand Order of Merit is given to recognize outstanding service to the Crown and people of New Zealand in a civil or military capacity. The filmmaker won Best Adapted Screenplay at the 92nd Academy Awards for Jojo Rabbit. The movie is based on Christine Leunens 2008 book Caging Skies. In his acceptance speech, the filmmaker thanked his mother for handing him the book. He mentioned that he dedicates the award to all the indigenous kids in the world who want to do art and write and dance and who are the original storytellers. We can make it here, he added. Also Read | Taika Waititi Makes Big Revelations About 'Thor: Love And Thunder' After winning the Oscar, Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand said that the country was incredibly proud of him. The author of the novel said that she watched all of Taika Waititis work before agreeing to him for adapting it. She added that there was something very distinctive, tragic and humour about his work. Living in New Zealand, she finds that the Maori have such a wonderful sense of humour, and such warmth and such inclusivity. In New Zealand, Taika Waititi garnered attention with his earlier films, which are Boy and Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016). They are the highest-grossing New Zealand films of all time. Waititi directed Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and shot to worldwide recognition. He was named New Zealander of the year in 2017. Also Read | Top Taika Waititi Films: From 'Thor Ragnarok' To 'Jojo Rabbit' Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. The supervisor said it felt like a more dangerous time to be an officer than it did during the rioting in 2014 over the Michael Brown killing in Ferguson, Mo., a sentiment echoed by other law enforcement officials. In 2014, there were threats of violence, people said all kinds of things, the supervisor said. I never felt that nervous. Much of policing, like much of politics, is local. But the outrage over the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis has upended that notion, inciting social unrest and violence that has put urban and suburban police departments across the country on alert. It has been a challenge for officers, at a time when many are also confronting the coronavirus. These type of protests take a significant toll on an officers mental wellness, and they add so much stress, said Manny Ramirez, a sergeant with the Fort Worth Police Department and the president of the police officers union. This is Fort Worth, Texas, 1,000 miles away, but yet these officers have become targets for that rage. Sgt. Ramirez, 35, was in a command post on Sunday when protesters began hurling frozen water bottles and rocks at officers. One officer was struck on the elbow with a projectile. Another broke his leg while chasing a looter. Theres got to be some way to ensure that going forward we can have something constructive come out of this, he said. In Beverly Hills, Calif., on Tuesday, several hundred chanting protesters were being monitored by the citys police officers, who closed Rodeo Drive and were flanked by reinforcements in SWAT tactical vehicles. Ive gone home once in the last four days, said a Los Angeles officer watching the crowd months after having the coronavirus. My girlfriend had to drop off clothes so I could change. Its been hell, for everybody. Monsters and Red Bull, thats the only thing thats keeping me up. Tracking is the most important factor. If you have done something good and you cannot explain and show your clients the results, then it's useless. Mohit Parnami In a recent interview with Kevin, owner of Keyword.com (previously known as SerpBook.com), SarkarSEOs director, Mr. Parnami reminisced and spoke at length about his journey on becoming one of the top SEO sellers and about his agencys plans for the future. Also, they have talked about various aspects of Search Engine Optimization that played a key role in taking Mr. Parnamis SEO game to the next level. Even though Mr. Parnami has been in the SEO industry for around 10 years, it wasnt until 2012 that he met Kevin and started using SerpBook.com (which, also, was new at the time) by buying one of their smallest packages. Tracking is the most important factor. If you have done something good and you cannot explain and show your clients the results, then it's useless. Mohit Parnami 8 years later, SarkarSEO is now clocking USD 2MN per year with an overall turnover of over USD 10MN, pushing to becoming one of the top SEO sellers. And Keyword.com has had a big hand in it. Without it, there wouldnt have been proper tracking, no quantifiable results, no acquiring new businesses, and retaining the old. In short, Keyword.com has been SarkarSEOs star-tracker and more. To anyone still trying to figure out life in SEO, Mr. Parnami would like to say hard work always pays off. But hard work in the right direction pays off richly. From Turnarounds to Turnovers: SarkarSEO SEO with a Difference SarkarSEO is a regular SEO company that does nothing different than other SEO agencies. They believe sticking to the basics is the best thing anyone can do in this fast-changing online world. And Mr. Parnami believes that he has done well in communicating this simple yet easily-forgotten message clearly to his team who seems to have taken it to heart. They have a whole bunch of passionate experts, dedicated specifically towards R&D, testing day in and day out, figuring out new strategies of putting their customers' beloved websites to the top. They keep a close watch on Google updates and work their way around it, ensuring costumers get consistent results, good results. They also update and better upon their services and packagesincluding the hot-selling services Sherlock, Galaxy, and Jack Sparrows Monthly Packagesafter every algorithm update, maintaining maximum efficiency in terms of both, traffic and customers websites security. What does the Future of Search Engine Optimization look like? With the recent Google May Core update 2020, if there is one thing that casts no doubt whatsoever on itself is that thin content no longer belongs in the top searches. In other words, if the content is poorly-written, doesnt serve a purpose, isnt original and relevant, and doesnt solve readers queries then the website where is posted will not be ranked anywhere near what anyone can call higher. That and link-building. High-quality backlinks from High DA Websites (including EDU sites) will bring customers high-quality traffic consistently, in turn increasing their own websites' authority and respect within the community. And post Covid-19, with most of the websites from the health and wellness industry constantly gaining more visibility after each passing day, it has become quite a challenge for the rest of the industries to make amends hereon. At SarkarSEO, they understand the need for it and are working tirelessly round the clock, researching, testing, fixing glitches, to ensure that their customers' websites can reach the top, irrespective of the industry it belongs to. Love in the time of Corona But most importantly, at SarkarSEO, they understand just how critical it is to play their part beyond their workspaces and businesses and jobs, towards the well-being of and love for all humankind. Which is why, most from their team are either working remotely or from home, maintaining social-distancing, contributing to the cause, each to his/her own way, setting an example. Mr. Parnami takes immense satisfaction in saying that there have been no layoffs, no salary cuts in their agency due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. If anything, in fact, they have only ended up expanding their team. And finally, Mr. Parnami once again wants to thank the customers for the trust in their services and their invaluable feedback. It really helps them serve the customers better. Yours Sincerely, Mohit Parnami aka Sarkar SarkarSEO Director, Ribbun Software Pvt. Ltd. India is likely to witness a steady rise in Covid-19 cases in June with the daily increase crossing 15,000-a-day by the middle of the month, a global forecast model for the coronavirus pandemic prepared by Chinese researchers has predicted. Established by Lanzhou university in northwest Chinas Gansu province, the Global Covid-19 Predict System makes daily forecasts for 180 countries. The research groups forecast model for India for June 2 had predicted 9,291 new confirmed cases in India; Indian government official data put the increase the biggest yet for a single day at 8,909 cases in the last 24 hours. From Wednesday onwards, the model predicts 9676, 10,078, 10,498 and 10,936 daily new cases for the next four days. Another example: India on Friday reported 7,467 new cases of the coronavirus disease for May 28 (Thursday). For May 28, we had predicted 7,607 new cases of Covid-19 in India, which is close to the reported number. Our prediction is at an initial stage. Error analysis will soon be updated on our website, Huang Jianping, director of Lanzhou Universitys Collaborative Innovation Center of Western Ecological Safety, who is heading the project told HT. By June 15, India could see more than 15,000 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 every day. India has recorded more than 8,000 cases for three consecutive days with the total number of infections now at over 2,00,000. The same system predicts that the US will see a daily increase of 30,000 new cases in June and major countries in Europe will witness a continuous drop in new daily cases. The dynamic forecasting model, which was unveiled online last week, takes into account the impact of climate and environmental conditions, population densities as well as control measures implemented by governments. The spread of the virus is affected by many factors, including population density, quarantine measures, and of course the environmental factors, Huang said. Different factors contribute differently in different regions in the world. Meteorological factors can affect the spread of the virus. We believe it is necessary to consider the impact of temperature and humidity, although the degree of their influence varies in different regions, Huang, the project leader, said. For India, the high population density reduces the social distance and is conducive to the development of pandemic. The influence of temperature is limited, compared with other factors, he said. Experts say that the number of new cases in India will rise as the government gradually eases the lockdown. Before the release of the system, repeated verification and debugging were carried out. There are many factors affecting the development of the Covid-19, and we will continue to adjust and improve it according to the actual situation, Huang said. The Centres prediction model is based on statistical epidemiology model and in the data in the model construction such as the number of confirmed cases and the death toll are from USs Johns Hopkins University. Meteorological data such as temperature and humidity were taken from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and NASA. According to the research, usually the temperature most conducive for the spread of the novel coronavirus is between 5 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius, with 60 percent of the Covid-19 cases around the world reported within the temperature scope. Our previous study found that 60 percent of the confirmed cases of Covid-19 occurred in places where the air temperature ranged from 5 C to 15 C, with a peak in cases at 11.54 C and approximately 73.8 percent of the confirmed cases were concentrated in regions with absolute humidity of 3 g/m3 to 10 g/m3. The content of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere is taken into account as it is related to vehicular exhaust. According to Huang, if the nitrogen dioxide content is less in the atmosphere, it means non-pharmaceutical measures like lockdowns and restrictions on transport have been effective. Texas A&M biomedical engineering researchers designed a medical device that mimics blood vessels to design and monitor drugs for patients with clotting disorders Researchers in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University are working on an entirely new way to detect blood clots, especially in pediatric patients. Unlike what a biology textbook may show, blood vessels are not straight cylinders. They are tortuous, meaning they have complex curves, spirals and bends. When the blood reaches these curves, it makes changes to its fluid mechanics and interactions with the vessel wall. In a healthy person, these changes are in harmony with the tortuous microenvironment, but when diseased, these environments could lead to very complex flow conditions that activate proteins and cells that eventually lead to blood clots. Dr. Abhishek Jain, assistant professor, said a big challenge in medicine is the medical devices used to detect clots and assess anti-blood clotting drug effects are entirely chemistry-based. "They do not incorporate the flow through the naturally turning and twisting blood vessels, which are physical regulators of blood clotting," Jain said. "Therefore, the readouts from these current static systems are not highly predictive, and often result in false positives or false negatives." To approach the problem from a new angle, researchers in Jain's lab at Texas A&M designed a microdevice that mimics tortuous blood vessels and created a diseased microenvironment in which blood may rapidly clot under flow. They showed this biomimetic blood clotting device could be used to design and monitor drugs that are given to patients who suffer from clotting disorders. Jain said he can see several applications for the device, including critical care units and military trauma care units. "It can be used in detection of clotting disorders and used in precision medicine where you would want to monitor pro-thrombotic or anti-thrombotic therapies and optimize the therapeutic approach," Jain said. After developing the device, the team took it into the field for a pilot study. Working with Dr. Jun Teruya, chief of transfusion medicine at Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, the team coordinated with clinicians to test the device with pediatric patients in critical care whose heart and lungs were not working properly. These patients were in need of an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine, which provides cardiac and respiratory support in exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. A common complication in ECMO is blood clotting, so patients are administered anticoagulants to prevent clotting. However, ECMO machines are also known to" eat" clotting proteins and platelets, which puts anticoagulated patients in further risk of bleeding. Anticoagulated pediatric patients on ECMO are especially prone to bleeding. Current chemically based blood clotting tests are expensive, time-consuming, can be unreliable and require a skilled technician. Jain's team's tortuosity based microfluidic system doesn't require expensive chemicals, is quick, with results within 10-15 minutes, uses low blood sample volume and is easy to operate. "The margin for error is essentially zero for these patients," Jain said. "Therefore, it's imperative that all the tests, not just clotting tests, must work and provide clinicians with quick and reliable information about their patient so they can provide the best care possible." By having the opportunity to test their system with real patients, Jain said his team was able to demonstrate that their design could detect bleeding in anticoagulated patients with low platelet counts, which can help guide doctors to make better evidence-based clinical decisions for their patients. The study was recently published in Nature's Scientific Reports journal. For Jain and his team, the next stage is continued clinical studies to compare their approach to standard methods and hopefully demonstrate key performance advantages. ### Burma Myanmar Doctor Jailed for Online Criticism of Monks Who Oppose Sex Education Dr. Kyaw Win Thant appears at the Chanayetharzan Township Court in Mandalay Region on Tuesday. The court sentenced him to one year and nine months in prison. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy MANDALAY The court in Mandalays Chanayetharzan Township on Tuesday sentenced a doctor who criticized Buddhist monks over their objections to the teaching of sex education in schools to one year and nine months in prison. Dr. Kyaw Win Thant, 31, was arrested on May 19 at the Koe Na Win Monastery in Meiktila as he performed a formal Buddhist apology ritual and a case was opened against him for insulting and defaming anothers religion. Mandalay district religious affairs officer U Tin Maung Aye filed the lawsuit under sections 294(b) and 295(a) of the Myanmar Penal Code for insulting, defaming and hurting anothers religion. The court heard testimony from the plaintiff and five witnesses for the prosecution, and Kyaw Win Thant admitted that he posted the criticism on Facebook, so the court found him guilty and sentenced him to one year and nine months in prison, said U Kyaw Myo Win, a spokesperson for Chanayetharzan Township Court. According to the court, Dr. Kyaw Win Thant was sentenced to three months for violating section 294(b), and one year and six months for violating section 295(a). Those convicted under section 294(b) face a maximum of three months in prison, and section 295(a) carries a maximum sentence of two years. Dr. Kyaw Win Thant criticized the Buddhist monks on social media for objecting to the planned introduction of a new sex education curriculum in Myanmar high schools, saying the monks who oppose sex education know nothing about it. The government plans to introduce the course in the coming academic year. Some nationalists and Buddhist monks have widely criticized the sex education curriculum on social media, saying it is inappropriate in the context of Burmese culture. In his posts, the doctor claimed that some Buddhist monks do everything that ordinary people do, including secretly watching porn movies, while at the same time criticizing sex education, and questioned their right to get involved in matters of health and education. After his Facebook posts, which mainly targeted Buddhist monks living in Meiktila, went viral, Dr. Kyaw Win Thant went to Koe Na Win Monastery in the township on May 19 to apologize. A crowd gathered at the monastery compound, and a number of angry men tried to hit the doctor and police who were providing security. Later the police escorted him out of the monastery and took him to Oh-bo Prison in Mandalay. After the court session on Tuesday, Dr. Kyaw Win Thant was sent back to Oh-bo Prison to serve his sentence. You may also like these stories: Two Monks Arrested in Drug Raids on Two Buddhist Monasteries in Mandalay When Monks Led a Revolution in Myanmar Authorities Open Cases against Organizers of Rally in Support of Fugitive Monk The love and craze that actor Nitish Bharadwaj received when he played Lord Krishna in B.R.Chopra's Mahabharat, returned manifold when DD decided to re-run the mythological show during the lockdown. The first-ever Lord Krishna of television was a huge rage back then and even now is. And it can safely saw that he was destined to play the role. And here's why!! Nitish Bharadwaj had gone on to reveal that he had first did not want to play the role of Krishna and he had to be convinced a lot. Instead, he was the first cast as Vidur, then replaced, offered to play Nakul and Sahdev's role in the show, but rejected that too because his heart was set on Abhimanyu's. Vishnu Puran Actor Nitish Bharadwaj Says Ved Vyas Talked About Evolution Before and in More Details Than Charles Darwin. Revealed the actor to Hindustan Times, "When I was first cast as Vidur, I was called to the Seth studios for the shooting. When I was in the makeup room, Virendra Razdan came up in costume and said he was playing Vidur. I said, How can you play Vidur? They have called me for the shoot. He said look at me, I am even wearing the costume and going to give my shot." Nitish Bharadwaj Reacts on Being Called 'Diplomatic' By Mukesh Khanna, Says 'It Helps In Not Hurting People Unnecessarily'. He further revealed, "I went inside to meet Ravi ji (Ravi Chopra), we had already done two ad films together and knew each other. He asked me to wait till he finished his lunch. He then told me, You are hardly 23-24. After a few episodes, Vidur is going to be an old man. It wont look appropriate. After that, I was jobless as far as Mahabharat was concerned." Nitish Bharadwaj, Actor Who Played Krishna on Mahabharat, Joins Social Media as Show Returns on DD National. He then went on to reveal that he was offered the role of Nakul and Sahdev but rejected hat too because he wanted to play Abhimanyu. "B.R. Chopra was convincing me whole day to do Nakul and Sahdev. I was convincing him throughout the day that I dont want to do Nakul and Sahdev because I knew Mahabharata story and wanted to do something better. Before pack-up, he asked me what I really wanted to do. I told him that I wanted to play Abhimanyu. He said okay, we will think about it when the time comes," revealed Nitish to the portal. He then revealed that after a few days, he got another call from the Mahabharat team to play the lead character of Lord Krishna. Divulging that he literally 'dodged' the role, Nitish went on to say, "I was told to call back my mother who told me that Gufi Paintal had called up, saying they wanted to screen test you for Krishna. I told her to say no as I felt I couldnt do it. She used her wisdom and told Gufi that I was shooting in Kolhapur and she would be able to inform me about his offer only when I return." Once Nitish returned from the schedule of his Marathi film when he bumped into BR Chopra. Nitish went on to confess, "He got to know that I was there. He asked me what is your problem, I am calling you for screen test, why are you avoiding? I told him You need a more experienced person, how can you have a new person playing the mahanayak (Krishna). He said you always wanted to play a good role, at least appear for the screen test." And that's how Nitish Bharadwaj went on to get cast in the role of Lord Krishna, a role that made him an overnight star. And can we say we are absolutely glad that it finally happened for Nitish? Happy Birthday Rockstar! (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 02, 2020 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). The People's National Convention (PNC) has expressed concern over how some people were deliberately misinterpreting the comment made by its National Chairman, Bernard Mornah to suit their parochial political interest. Mr Mornah, a Leading member of the Inter-Party Resistance Against a New Voters' Register (IPRAN) is alleged to have made an inflammatory statement for which he had since been invited by the Police for interrogation and investigation. His statement was We know when we come out to demonstrate, they will beat us, they will kill us, but when we don't die, we will resist. But the Central Regional branch of the Party in a statement issued and signed by its Chairman, Mr MacDonald Kobbs Tongo and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Cape Coast, denied the assertion that his statement was tantamount to inciting a war situation in the country. Rather, the Party admonished all and sundry to pay attention to its Chairman's statement and not interpret it to achieve their parochial political interest. Resistance as we know, is not subject to war. We all know that we have positive Resistance just as well as positive Defiance. Therefore, the interpreters should rather be accommodating with our socio-political sentiments within the tenets of our current dispensation, the statement said. Comrade Bernard Mornah loves his mother land Ghana and is proud of our democratic prowess having headed sub-regional platforms, would not temper with the peace we are enjoying today. The P.N.C. was proud and believed in the country's democracy and will not beat drums, the statement added. ---GNA Just a few months ago, 17-year-old Taylor Cassidy was spending hours flailing her arms in an attempt to pick up the latest dance move the "Renegade." That all changed as Cassidy watched videos by Black Lives Matter (BLM) and eventually began creating video skits on TikTok to illustrate the racial injustice she and her friends face on a daily basis. "Because the BLM movement has been present in society for such a long time, my generation has been able to use TikTok to spread awareness through the lens of a young person's mindset," Cassidy, who is black, told ... Oti Mabuse has revealed she has had to have a difficult discussion with her husband Marius Lepure about racism. The Strictly professional, 29, took to Instagram on Tuesday to tell her followers how herself and Marius, 37, have had 'conversations that he never dreamed of having and conversations that I am far too familiar with hearing.' Oti said she hopes 2020 will be the year for change, after the senseless death of George Floyd. 'Today my heart broke': Oti Mabuse has revealed she has had to have a difficult discussion with her husband Marius Lepure about racism Talking about the Black Lives Matter movement, Oti wrote: 'Today my heart broke. So much more learning should be done. 'So many people hurt. @MariusIepure and I had to have a deep discussion today because one day we hope we will never have to have these conversations. 'Conversations that he never dreamed of having and conversations that I am far too familiar with hearing. Honest: The Strictly professional, 29, took to Instagram on Tuesday to tell her followers how herself and Marius have had 'conversations that he never dreamed of having' Important message: Talking about the Black Lives Matter movement, Oti wrote: 'Today my heart broke. So much more learning should be done' 'We deeply hope not but for that to happen we need to bring this to light now! In South Africa 1990 was a big year for us and we are still working towards it. 'May 2020 begin that journey for America (and around the world). But something must change!!' Oti also shared a quote from Nelson Mandela: 'What counts in life is not the mere fact we have lived. 'It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead'. Another quote from Mandela read: 'It always seems impossible until it's done'. Happily married: Marius and Oti married in 2012 (pictured in February) Empowering message: Oti also shared a quote from Nelson Mandela: 'What counts in life is not the mere fact we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others' Time to change: Another quote from Mandela read: 'It always seems impossible until it's done' More than 25 million people took part in #BlackoutTuesday social media campaign by posting black squares on Instagram to protest the death of George Floyd. George, 46, an African-American man, died on May 25 after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His death has sparked days of demonstrations across the nation over police brutality against African-Americans. The Minneapolis policeman accused of killing Floyd, Derek Chauvin, was taken into custody on Friday and charged with third-degree murder, officials said. Matthew Busch /Contributor SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Food Bank is asking the community to recognize Tuesday as a day of service to honor the life of George Floyd. Floyd, a former Houston resident, died while in police custody last week in Minneapolis. Video showed an officer kneeling on Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes while he pleaded for help, saying, I cant breathe. Same-sex weddings have boosted the state and local economies in the US by $3.8 billion since the time it was legalized five years ago in June, suggested a new study. According to a report from the UCLA School of Law's Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy on Monday, the same-sex wedding industry has supported around 45,000 jobs and has generated more than $244.1 million in state and local sales tax since June 2015. According to the researchers, same-sex couples spent an average of $11,000 on weddings, which is around $4,000 less than heterosexual couples. Along with it, they estimated the total of out-of-state guests have spent $540,000 attending same-sex weddings during the same period. Further, currently, there are around 513,000 married same-sex couples in the United States, and 293,000 have been married since the legalization. In June 2015, the Supreme Court made the landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges guaranteeing same-sex couples the equal rights to marry as heterosexual couples. Read: Germany bans 'Gay Conversion Therapy' on minors; big penalty for pseudoscientific practice Increasing support for same-sex marriages Since the time of legalization, several people have come out in support of same-sex marriages. According to a Gallup poll that was released on Monday, over two-third (67 percent) of Americans are saying that same-sex marriages should be recognized as valid. Meanwhile, according to the Pew Research Centre, most Americans have opposed the idea of same-sex marriage before the legalization in 2015. However, by 2019, around 61 percent of the Americans were reported to be supporting it. Read: Civil rights pioneer and face of gay marriage dies at 95 Cost Rica legalizes same-sex marriages Meanwhile, on May 26, Costa Rica has become the latest country to legalize same-sex marriage. It has become the sixth country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, following most recently Ecuador, which allowed it last year. It is also permitted in some parts of Mexico. The issue took center stage in Costa Rica's 2018 presidential election after the Inter-American Court of Human Rights earlier that year issued an opinion that countries like Costa Rica, which had signed the American Convention on Human Rights, had to move immediately to legalize gay marriage. Read: Mexico holds mass weddings to mark 10 years of same-sex marriage legalisation Read: Costa Rica latest country to legalize same-sex marriage Acclaimed Bollywood actor and real-life hero, Sonu Sood joins Pepsi in its video campaign that aims at championing the cause of contactless greetings and encourages adherence to social distancing norms through a simple act of doing salaam/ namaste. With this video, Sonu Sood joins Dabangg co-actor, Pepsi brand ambassador and his friend & Bollywood superstar Salman Khan who kicked off the digital-forward campaign last week. Sonu Sood shared a fun Instagram video in which he is seen dancing to the tunes of SWAG SE SOLO. In the video, he brings alive the message to his fans and to the nation that greeting each other with Salaam/Namaste is a perfect way to ensure social distancing and yet maintain connections responsibly. Sonu Soods collaboration with Pepsi for a social cause in these trying times comes as no surprise as the actor has emerged as a real-life hero in the past few weeks. The actor has helped hundreds and thousands of migrant workers stranded in different parts of the country owing to the lockdown. Sood has left no stone unturned in maximizing his efforts to help the migrant workers by providing transportation, food supplies and more than that, hope. On the association Actor, Sonu Sood, said, I am proud to partner with Pepsi in driving the message to maintain social distancing thereby encouraging people to be responsible citizens. As we embrace the new normal, social distancing is the need of the hour and as public figures, it is our responsibility to communicate the importance of ensuring safety for ourselves and others. The act of greeting with Salaam and Namaste is simple yet effective and I have huge respect for people who are abiding by these contactless forms of greetings with Swag. - Actor, Sonu Sood. Speaking on the campaign, PepsiCo India spokesperson said, Pepsi as a responsible brand, aims to champion the cause of contactless greetings by encouraging people to use Salaam/Namaste. With social distancing being the new reality, we would need to re-evaluate the way we greet each other and through the video, we want to encourage people to act responsibly as they imbibe traditional greetings to communicate. Northern Arizona University professor Abe Springer researches springs and aquifers in the Grand Canyon and other arid parts of the southwestern United States. Credit: Northern Arizona University A Northern Arizona University professor co-authored a paper on the importance of springs in a drying climate that is in the inaugural climate change refugia special edition of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. The issue focuses on refugia, which refers to areas that are relatively buffered from current climate change and shelter valued wildlife, ecosystems and other natural resources. Abe Springer, a professor of hydrogeology and ecohydrology in the School of Earth and Sustainability whose research focuses on springs and aquifer health, collaborated on "Oases of the future? Springs as potential hydrological refugia in drying climates." The collaborators, which included the U.S. Geological Survey, Rocky Mountain Research Station, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Nature Conservancy, Sky Island Alliance, Hampshire College, the Museum of Northern Arizona and National Park Service and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, reviewed relevant published studies on the role of springs as refuges to support plants and animals in drying climates. They created a conceptual model that takes into account the response of springs to drying events and what investigations researchers must do to identify and classify a spring's potential to be a refuge. Springer contributed results and implications on springs as refugia from his research group's springs ecohydrology research with the Springs Stewardship Institute at the Museum of Northern Arizona. His role in developing a geomorphological-based classification system for springs ecosystems helped the team characterize and prioritize different types of refugia. The results, while not surprising, do serve as a call to action to researchers and citizen scientists alike. Springs have served as refuges for some species through previous climatic changes, and that's likely to become even more true in the future. However, scientists still can't say with certainty what effects a drying climate can have on these delicate ecosystems. "Springs importance of refugia may increase with future predicted drying in such places as the southwestern United States," Springer said. "Inventories of the richness and diversity of life at springs are still too limited to provide adequate knowledge of their response to drying events." They can, however, make some educated guesses with the available data. Springer said springs serve as wet refuges for certain plants and animals; these refuges are fed by groundwater stored in large aquifers, which can offset the drying events somewhat, offering a long-term buffer to such short-term, climate-influenced events. But as aquifers dry up from human pumping, springs are at risk of drying up, affecting entire ecosystems and even putting species at risk of extinction. These risks are what led to the special edition of the journal, edited by Toni Lyn Morelli, a research ecologist at the USGS's Northeast Climate Adaptation Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Morelli said she hoped bringing the issue of refugia to the fore would spur action and innovation among researchers and conservationists. Northern Arizona, already an arid climate, is at particular risk as climate change leads to even more drying. Springer has studied aquifers and springs in this region for years, including how the Grand Canyon gets its water (perhaps counterintuitively, it's not from the Colorado River), and has previously assessed the condition and risk of 200 springs in the Coconino and Kaibab national forests. This research led to conservation priorities among these springs, which forest managers have implemented. They include a range of various springs geomorphology to include the range of necessary refugia. "All climatic and human-induced changes to hydrologic systems influence the aquifers that supply waters to springs," Springer said. "Our regional studies about the hydrological influences of forest management is important for sustaining processes to buffer groundwater storage from drying climate." More information: Jennifer M Cartwright et al, Oases of the future? Springs as potential hydrologic refugia in drying climates, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment (2020). Journal information: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment Jennifer M Cartwright et al, Oases of the future? Springs as potential hydrologic refugia in drying climates,(2020). DOI: 10.1002/fee.2191 Twitter users are baffled by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's silence over George Floyd's death as the royal couple maintain a low profile on social media during the Black Lives Matter protests. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, now living in Los Angeles, haven't used social media to directly address the demonstrations sweeping the U.S. - and stayed offline during Blackout Tuesday on their Sussex Royal Instagram page. The royal couple have stayed silent on social media over the past two months, with their last Instagram post on March 30. Twitter users have accused Meghan Markle and Prince Harry of staying silent over George Floyd's death. Pictured: The couple in the Bo Kaap district of Cape Town in September 2019 However, the Queen's Commonwealth Trust (QCT), which is overseen by the Queen, Prince Harry and Meghan, shared on Instagram and Twitter a poignant Martin Luther King Jr quote, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' But their general quiet has been questioned, with one Twitter user commenting this morning: 'Meghan Markle has stayed annoyingly quiet during all of this... and it is really bugging me.' Another named Guisou said: 'Wondering why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are quiet about the racism occurring in the US?' Vivian Maria added: 'Where is Meghan Markle? She seems awfully quiet these days.' Sol wrote in response to a resurfaced campaign video from 2012 of Meghan opening up about her experiences of racism: 'Where is she now? I don't see her speaking about what's happening now.' An Instagram user questioned: 'Are there any recent pics and appearances? I think the sussexroyal account account is dormant right now. Do Harry and Meghan have a new account somewhere?' It comes as an old clip of Meghan, now 38, filmed as part of the 'I Won't Stand For...' campaign for non-profit organisation Erase the Hate, has gone viral in light of the recent protests. Meghan, who had not yet met Prince Harry when she taped the video, shared her hope that society will become more 'open-minded' and learn to see the beauty in a 'mixed world'. Meghan Markle pictured in a resurfaced campaign video from 2012 - filmed as part of the 'I Won't Stand For...' campaign for non-profit organisation Erase the Hate Meghan, who had not yet met Prince Harry when she taped the video, shared her hope that society will become more 'open-minded' and learn to see the beauty in a 'mixed world' The Queen's Commonwealth Trust (QCT), which is overseen by the Queen, Prince Harry and Meghan, has taken to social media to share a poignant Martin Luther King Jr quote (above) 'For me I think it hits a really personal note,' Meghan says while wearing a white T-shirt with the slogan 'I won't stand for racism' in the video, which also featured her then-Suits co-star Patrick J Adams. 'I'm biracial, most people can't tell what I'm mixed with and so much of my life has felt like being a fly on the wall. 'And so some of the slurs I've heard, the really offensive jokes or the names, it has just hit me in a really strong way. A couple of years ago I heard someone call my mum the N-word. 'So I think for me beyond being personally affected by racism, to see the landscape of what our country is like right now and certainly the world and to want things to be better.' Meanwhile, the QCT has joined forces with the Diana Award to show their support for the movement, tweeting alongside a Martin Luther King Jr quote: 'Young people are vital voices in the fight against injustice and racism around the world. Social media users, above, have posted on Instagram and Facebook about the couple's silence, with one tweeting: 'Meghan Markle has stayed annoyingly quiet during all of this' 'As a global community of young leaders we stand together in pursuit of fairness and a better way forward. Silence is not an option.' The Diana Award, a charity set up in the late Princess Diana's memory, tweeted: 'We will not be silent. 'We will continue to pursue a world where every young person, irrespective of the colour of their skin, fulfils their potential without the fear of discrimination. We see you. We stand with you.' Alongside the tweet, the page shared a drawing of a police officer asking a young child what they want to be when they grow up, to which the little boy replies: 'Alive'. Harry and Meghan's last post on their Sussex Royal Instagram account, written amid the height of the coronavirus pandemic, said they 'look forward to reconnecting soon'. It added: 'As we all find the part we are to play in this global shift and changing of habits, we are focusing this new chapter to understand how we can best contribute. 'While you may not see us here, the work continues.' Even though Prince Harry stepped down from royal duties on March 31, he is still technically a member of the Royal Family - and is therefore expected to remain strictly neutral on political matters and avoid airing his views in public. However he risked a diplomatic row in March after accusing Donald Trump of having 'blood on his hands' during a hoax phone call with Russian pranksters. And Meghan's father Thomas Markle revealed last June that Harry told him he was 'open to the experiment' of Brexit after they had a conversation about it. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) Government critics and activists do not need to raise alarm over the controversial anti-terrorism bill, the country's defense chief said Wednesday, as he stressed that citizens are protected by their various constitutional rights. Speaking to CNN Philippines, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said protests especially those staged "peacefully" will not be considered as acts of terrorism and will not be covered by the proposed measure. "No. Theyre not terrorists. Anybody who makes a peaceful protest... Theyre not terrorists. It is inside our Constitution that you can do a peaceful protest or assembly," Lorenzana said in an interview with The Source. "Depende (if protest action turns violent) kung 'yung violence na 'yan (it depends if the violence) is spontaneous... I dont think these are terrorism. Its only when its done very deliberately to manufacture weapons or bombs and to threaten people. Its different from demonstrators actually," he added. The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading House Bill 6875, a day after President Rodrigo Duterte certified it as urgent. The chief executive, in a letter addressed to House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, earlier called for the immediate approval of the Anti-Terrorism Bill "to address the urgent need to strengthen the law on anti-terrorism" and "effectively contain the menace of terrorist acts." The bill, which adopted the Senate version of the measure passed in February, expands the definition of terrorism, and proposes stiffer penalties for "terrorists" or those found to be helping them. Netizens have voiced out concerns over the hasty passage of the bill, with some questioning its "broad" and "vague" provisions that may lead to human rights violations. The hashtags #JunkTerrorBill and #ActivismIsNotTerrorism have trended over the past few days, as some said the proposed law may be used to target those who express dissent against the government. Some netizens have also questioned the timing of Congress' discussions, with the country still battling the COVID-19 crisis. RELATED: Sotto: Anti-terrorism bill 'good as passed' Lorenzana, however, denied claims the measure will give law enforcers "blanket authority" to tag anyone as a terrorist, reiterating that citizens have enough safeguards under the Constitution. He also shrugged off claims on the untimely passage of the measure, noting how some terrorists may take advantage of the current health crisis. "I guess we need it now because the threat that terrorists would also take advantage of the pandemic is very great," Lorenzana said. "So I think this is just to me, its high time that this bill is approved and passed into law." Under the proposed bill, suspected terrorists can be detained longer without an warrant of arrest from three days under the current law to up to 14 days, extendable by another 10 days. It will also impose 12 years of prison time to any person who threatens to commit any act of terrorism, proposes any such acts or incites others to commit terrorism The measure, which seeks to repeal the Human Security Act of 2007, will likewise give more surveillance powers to the military and police, allowing authorities to track down communications of individuals supposedly engaged in terrorist acts. The Deputy Majority Whip, Matthew Nyindam has rubbished suggestions that Parliament will have to shut down because of coronavirus. The House will not shut down. Business will have to continue, Mr. Nyindam insisted to the media. He suggested that observing the safety protocols would be enough to ensure MPs and staffers are safe. Addressing the media, the Kpandai MP said: The protocols that they have given us are protocols that we all must observe. Members of Parliament, we are not superhuman. As the government eases restrictions on public gatherings, the Minority Spokesperson on Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandor, renewed calls for a partial shutdown of Parliament because of the novel coronavirus. Amid unconfirmed reports that two legislators and 13 Parliamentary staffers have tested positive for the virus, Mr. Akandor believes Parliament should only sit on emergency issues. Though the MP admits he will not be able to give names specifically of persons purported to be infected with the virus, he was adamant Parliament ought not to operate as normal. I am not saying we should close Parliament entirely but I think we should be called in where necessary to attend to emergency issues and we can also be monitoring issues. As and when the virus slows down, we can be called back to Parliament to run fully, he said on Eyewitness News. On the status of the MPs and staffers, Parliaments official position is that the test results are not yet known . Parliament completed the mass testing of MPs and staffers last week following an order by the Speaker of the House. The Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has however called for the full disclosure on the results. I am totally disappointed in how the COVID-19 testing of MPs and Staff of the House has been managed. There should be nothing to hide, he said. Ghana's novel coronavirus case count currently stands at 8,297. citinewsroom Samsung have released an app designed to help make regular and thorough handwashing a habit as reported by Samsung Newsroom. It has been well-publicised during the Covid-19 pandemic that through handwashing is key to limiting infection. Samsungs new app hopes to tackle this by forming habits amongst the public. The app is available on the Galaxy Store for Gear S3, Gear Sports, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Watch Active2 users. The app offers clear guidance on how to best wash your hands as well as ways to establish this a routine. Technology is being used a number of ways to help fight the virus, including Oura Rings which may be able to predict symptoms. Google has also rolled out an exposure alert app able to help prevent the spread. How the App Works University College of London recommends we wash our hands 6-10 times a day. In order to help achieve this the app has an alarm function. This will remind you regularly to wash your hands and hopefully help form this habit. Users will have the option to customise how many alarms they want depending on how many times they aim to wash their hands in a day. Advertisement As has been said by many during the pandemic it takes 20 seconds to wash your hands thoroughly. The Samsung handwashing app has a countdown function which lasts 25 seconds to help with achieving this. It factors in 5 seconds for applying soap and the other 20 seconds for handwashing. The app also has an inbuilt dashboard which tells users how many times they have washed their hands that day. It also includes stats such as time since their last handwash. One can also monitor your weekly progress with regards to handwashing. By tracking your data over time it is thought that this will be helpful in creating longer-term habits. It is hoped that these reminders and further information will help promote more healthy habits for individuals. Six Key Steps to Handwashing Washing our hands has never been more important for yourself but also for society. Doing so thoroughly and efficiently is very important so here are the six steps to a perfect handwash. Advertisement First, rub the palms of your hands together with soap. Second, rub each palm over the back of the other hand and in between your fingers. Then interlock your fingers and rub palm the palm. Fourth, interlock your hands and rub the backs of fingers. Next, grasp the thumb of each opposing hand and rum whilst rotating. Finally, rotationally rub each hand onto the opposing palm with closed fingers. Loading "In some ways, as tragic as these past few weeks have been as difficult and scary and uncertain as they've been they've also been an incredible opportunity for people to be awakened to some of these underlying trends," he said. Obama spoke as confusion descended on the status of troops in Washington, DC. Defence Secretary Mark Esper declared on Wednesday he opposes using military troops for law enforcement in containing current street protests, tamping down threats from President Donald Trump, who had warned states he was willing to send soldiers to "dominate" their streets. Less than 48 hours after the president threatened to use the Insurrection Act to contain protests if governors were not able to get a handle on unrest, Esper said the 1807 law should be invoked in the United States "only in the most urgent and dire of situations." He added, "We are not in one of those situations now." Yet Esper abruptly overturned an earlier Pentagon decision to send a couple hundred active-duty soldiers home from the Washington, DC, region, amid growing tensions with the White House over the military response to the protests. The issue of the military deployed on streets is a sensitive one in the US because civilian rule is a central aspect of American democracy. At Trump's encouragement, Esper had ordered about 1300 Army personnel to military bases just outside the nation's capital. Defence officials said some of the troops were beginning to return to their home base Wednesday, but after Esper visited the White House following a press conference, plans changed, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press. McCarthy said he believes the change was based on ensuring there is enough military support in the region to respond to any protest problems if needed. McCarthy said he received notice of the Pentagon order to send about 200 soldiers with the 82nd Airborne's immediate response force home just after 10am on Wednesday. Hours later, the Pentagon notified him that Esper had reversed the decision. Mark Esper, US secretary of defence. Credit:Bloomberg The move to keep the troops in the region, however, comes as Pentagon leaders continue to insist they do not want to use active-duty forces to help quell the protests. Earlier in the day, Esper had tamped down threats from Trump about sending troops to "dominate" the streets, telling reporters at a Pentagon news conference that he opposes using military forces for law enforcement in containing the current street protests. Active-duty troops should be used in the US "only in the most urgent and dire of situations," he said, adding, "We are not in one of those situations now." Members of the D.C. National Guard stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial monitoring demonstrators during a peaceful protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, on June 2 in Washington, DC. Credit:Getty Images "It is our intent at this point not to bring in active forces, we don't think we need them at this point," McCarthy said in an interview with The Associated Press. "But it's prudent to have the reserve capability in the queue, on a short string." The AP reported earlier Wednesday that the 82nd Airborne soldiers would be the first to leave and would be returning home to Fort Bragg, NC. The remainder of the active-duty troops, who have all been kept at military bases outside the city in northern Virginia and Maryland, would get pulled home in the coming days if conditions allowed. But then the Pentagon changed its plans. "It's a dynamic situation," said McCarthy, adding that the 82nd Airborne troops "will stay over an additional 24 hours and it is our intent - we're trying to withdraw them and get them back home." Loading The active-duty troops have been available, but not used in response to the protests. About 1300 active-duty troops were brought in to the capital region early this week as protests turned violent. The protests came in the aftermath of the death in Minnesota of a black man, George Floyd, who died after a white police officer pressed his knee to Floyd's neck for several minutes. The active-duty unit that will be last to remain on alert is the Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, which is normally most visible as the soldiers who stand at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The troops, known as the Old Guard, are based close to DC at Fort Myer, Virginia, and have been on 30-minute alert status. They would continue to be prepared to respond to any emergency in the region within a half-hour for as long as needed. MARYVILLE Now is a time for rainbows. The American Cancer Society (ACS) Colors of Cancer campaign honors survivors of different cancers, with the opportunity to also highlight loved ones in memoriam, to raise research funds and awareness for cancers of various forms. This compassionate opportunity sheds light on lesser-known and/or lesser-researched cancers due to lack of funding. With the transition of Relay For Life in finding alternate desired ways of raising funds and raising awareness for different cancers many people cant walk the relay we want to offer alternative, honorable opportunities for everyone to participate, said the ACS North Central Regions Mandie Ernst, senior manager, community development, based in Maryville. The American Cancer Society Madison County Leadership Board of Directors launched Colors of Cancer last year. Among the reasons, one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. We need your help to raise the necessary funds and awareness to fight back against this disease, said Ernst, who leads the ACS nonprofit with Sheena Whitehead, senior community development manager, and Alissa Fuhrmann, community development manager. Glen Carbon couple Mark and Lisa Luer chose to raise awareness of pediatric cancer, so they are wearing the color gold throughout the month-long campaign that started June 1. They are wearing gold in honor of their son, Ryan, who was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma a few years ago. Last year they narrowly missed being the top fundraisers, raising more than $4,000. Busey Banks JJ Mueller, of Brighton, also an ACS board member, raised slightly more than the Luers for the top spot. We have been very open about Ryans journey with Ewings sarcoma, his mother said. We frequently have friends and co-workers ask about Ryans initial diagnosis, treatments and follow-up visits. We have been extremely fortunate that he responded quickly to his chemotherapy treatments and continues to be in remission. Ryan will have a follow-up visitation Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital this month. More Information Join a rainbow coalition with American Cancer Society's Colors For Cancer campaign When: Monday, June 1 - Tuesday, June 30 Info: Contact Community Development Manager Alissa Fuhrmann at 618-288-2320 or alissa.fuhrmann@cancer.org. See More Collapse Im sure we will share on Facebook as part of the fundraiser, she said. The couple also wore gold last year in honor of Ryan. We were very surprised at the response to our Colors of Cancer campaign in 2019, Lisa Luer said. To spread awareness of pediatric cancer through the campaign, the Luers try to post photos every day wearing gold in some way. We may have to get more creative this year, she said. Now through Tuesday, June 30, the Colors of Cancer campaign will take place with the top fundraising candidate revealed in July. Details of the reveal will be announced soon for that event, to be followed by a wrap-up event for everyone who participated. Anyone can join the Colors of Cancer campaign by contacting Fuhrmann at 618-288-2320 or email alissa.fuhrmann@cancer.org; or enter the campaign by registering at www.main.acsevents.org/cocmadisoncountyil. Colors of Cancer, sponsored by First Community Credit Union, asks you to choose a cancer types representative color for the entire month of June. Wear your chosen color throughout this month to bring attention and awareness to the cancer type for which you want to raise awareness and research funds. The minimum campaign goal but every little bit counts is $1,500. $25 will support one person suffering from this disease with free 24-hour telephone, email and online chats and information. $35 could help support three years of follow-up for one participant enrolled in ACS cancer prevention study-3, a research study that will help the ACS better understand what causes cancer, so the ACS can ultimately help prevent cancer. $50 could help provide five rides to and from treatment for a cancer patient. $100 could help provide one breast cancer patient with one-on-one peer support from a trained volunteer breast cancer survivor. $150 could help connect a trained patient navigator to a cancer patient so they can understand their diagnosis and get the help they need. $500 could help provide a cancer patient and their caregiver with five nights of free lodging at an American Cancer Society Hope Lodge community when their best hope for effective treatment is away from home. With every dollar raised, participants and/or donors will be helping those who are currently dealing with a cancer diagnosis, those who may face a diagnosis in the future, and those who may avoid a diagnosis altogether because of education and risk reduction. The American Cancer Society is available and accessible for those affected by every cancer in every community. Participates will help make a positive impact in their community and bring awareness to the type of cancer chosen to represent that which has affected their lives. Also, those supporters will be recognized at the website of Colors of Cancer, as well as the American Cancer Societys social media channels, including with the chosen survivor candidates photo and biography. An exclusive prize will be awarded for the top fundraiser. Other upcoming ACS Madison County events include Relay For Life Riverbend set for Friday, July 24, at Roxana High School. More details are coming about start time and activities as the board learns what social restrictions are in place due to the coronavirus pandemic. Visit www.relayforlife.org/riverbendil or Relay For Life Riverbend on Facebook for the most recent up-to-date information as it becomes available. ACS Madison Countys Farm to Table Metro East gala and fundraiser is set for Thursday, Aug. 27, at Gateway Center, in Collinsville. It will be a to-go/virtual format this year and the board is working on finalizing that plan. Again, more details will be coming. Visit www.acsfarmtotable.com and Farm to Table Metro East on Facebook. The ACS Madison County Leadership board meets monthly, rotating between locations at Anderson Hospital, in Maryville, OSF Saint Anthonys Health Center, in Alton, and Alton Memorial Hospital. To pledge a commitment to ACS Colors of Cancer, and learn more about this opportunity, visit www.cancer.org or call 618-288-2320 or 800-227-2345 for more information. Disclaimer: In an earlier version of the story based on the exclusive interview with Rajnath Singh, the headline and story inadvertently said: 'Sizeable Number of Chinese Troops Moved into Eastern Ladakh, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh'. The minister did not refer to Eastern Ladakh in the interview. The error is regretted, and the story has been corrected. Union defence minister Rajnath Singh has told News18 there will be a meeting between Indian and Chinese military leaders on June 6 to resolve the standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. Speaking to News18 on Tuesday, Singh said he was informed by Army Chief MM Naravane and other senior army brass about the military-level talks and expressed confidence that the dispute can be settled through dialogue. The defence minister said China has moved a "sizeable number" of its troops to the border areas in Ladakh, and India has taken all the necessary steps to deal with the situation. "Whatever is happening at present...It is true that troops from China are on the border. They claim that it is their territory. Our claim is that it is our area. There has been a disagreement over it, he told News18 in an interview. The defence minister said China should think about the issue seriously so that it can be resolved soon. Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in a bitter standoff in several areas along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh for close to a month. Both the countries are holding talks at military and diplomatic levels to resolve the dispute. "The Doklam dispute was resolved through diplomatic and military talks. We have found solutions to similar situations in the past as well. Talks at the military and diplomatic levels were on to resolve the current issue," Singh said. "India does not hurt the pride of any country and at the same time, it does not tolerate any attempt to hurt its own pride," he said, talking about India's long-held policy. Singh, however, refused to brand China is Indias enemy and said that he considers it just to be Indias neighbour. He added that Pakistan, too, is a neighbour despite its constant attempts to destabilise India by promoting terror. Singh said Pakistan continues to attempt to push in terrorists, referring to the recent foiled attack in Pulwama on the lines of the one that killed 40 paramilitary soldiers last year, and that the Indian armed forces have responded strongly at every turn. He assured that not just Pakistan but no foreign power can destabilise, break or weaken India and warned that whoever makes such an attempt will be answered appropriately. When asked about Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, he added that Indias stand remains that it belongs to us and said the Parliament, too, has passed resolutions to this effect. Whether youre in the process of moving, running out of space in your closet, or needing an emergency preparedness unit to store all of your extra goods and supplies, StorQuest Self Storage is here to help. StorQuest is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first Central Coast storage facility located at 1400 W. Betteravia St., just off of Skyway Drive. With 105,000 rentable square footage, the facilitys premiere location in west Santa Maria, also provides storage solutions for the rapidly growing communities of Guadalupe and Orcutt. StorQuest offers a variety of awesome storage solutions to Central Coast residents and business owners alike, including state-of-the-art security, drive up units, and access 7 days a week. StorQuest also offers specialized solutions for any circumstance, such as climate controlled storage, commercial units, and spaces for your RV or vehicle. Additionally, StorQuest offers contact-less rentals which includes 24/7 customer leasing and support, telephonic and online rentals, electronic gate access, online bill payment and month-to-month terms. Interested customers should contact the facility directly at 805-410-4513 or visit http://www.storquest.com to receive $1 Off First Months Rent. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter to keep up-to-date with business trends and exciting news! We are looking forward to continuing serving the Santa Maria community, and remember whatever life has in store for you, were here to help you make room for it. About William Warren Group & StorQuest Self Storage. StorQuest Self Storage, owned by The William Warren Group, Inc., owns and operates a thriving network of modern, innovative self storage properties across the United States. StorQuest is focused on delivering the highest-quality storage solutions backed by the best service in the industry, at an affordable price for all customers. To learn more visit: http://www.williamwarren.com and http://www.storquest.com. Click here to read the full article. Circle up. Furla is launching a new iteration to its iconic metropolis bag collection with the addition of a rounded shape. Founded in 1927 by Aldo Furlanetto, the Italian accessories brand with a rich history in leather goods counts the metropolis range as a house classic, with its box-like shape. Introduced with the Fall 2014 collection, over the years the house has reimaged the metropolis with a variety of colors, proportions and embellishments including several capsule collection, like the limited-edition range created to mark the brands 90th anniversary in 2017. Furla Metropolis has proved to be an iconic bag since its inception, said Giovanna Furlanetto, president of Furla. From that moment on, Furla Metropolis has been able to renew itself season after season, changing skin continuously while keeping the high-heritage touch thats typical of a historic Italian brand. We wanted to offer a transversal product, able to accompany women in every moment of the day. The new rounded version is made in leather, features tone-on-tone closure details and comes in two versions one with a shoulder strap, priced at $328, and one with a top handle, priced at $428. In addition, the accessories brand is also introducing a crossbody phone case, priced at $228. Furla counts 523 stores around the world, and according to the brand, saw its online sales grow 43 percent last year. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Maine Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa is encouraging all Mainers to consider purchasing flood insurance, even those who live outside of federally designated flood zones, as the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is underway. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs between June 1 and November 30 each year. No matter where we live, its important that we all understand our flood risk, and what it could cost us, Cioppa said in a press release issued by the Maine Bureau of Insurance. Dont wait until theres an imminent threat. Now is the time to call your agent to get a quote and purchase coverage. You can purchase a flood insurance policy at any time, but there is usually a 30-day waiting period for coverage to take effect. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reported that in recent years, hurricanes have caused above average flooding, with more than 40% of flood claims submitted from outside of high-risk flood areas between the years 2014 and 2018. Mortgage lenders generally require homes in flood zones to have flood coverage, but it is usually an optional purchase for all others, the Maine Bureau of Insurance release said. Source: Maine Bureau of Insurance Topics Flood Animal experiments are typically conducted under highly standardized laboratory conditions. While standardization is meant to improve reproducibility of scientific results, in reality reproducibility is surprisingly low. To produce more robust results, experts from different fields of research now recommend introducing biological variation into the design of animal experiments. "The ability to reproduce scientific findings through an independent replication study is the acid test by which scientists distinguish facts from mere anecdotes," says lead author Bernhard Voelkl, who hosted the workshop together with Hanno Wuerbel, professor of animal welfare at the University of Bern. Wuerbel adds: "Poor reproducibility produces economic costs and scientific uncertainty - and also raises ethical concerns, if it hampers medical progress and animals are used for inconclusive studies." Last year, Voelkl, Wuerbel and other experts in animal biology, experimental design, and biostatistics convened to discuss strategies to address this challenge. They concluded that a paradigm shift in experimental design is needed and present their considerations in the journal Nature Reviews Neuroscience. More biological variation needed Strict standardization of both the animals' characteristics and their environment is the norm when studying the effects of an experimental intervention, such as being given a candidate drug. Eliminating all sources of variation other than the experimental intervention is meant to increase the precision of the results, while at the same time reducing the number of animals per experiment. However, this rigorous standardization narrows down the range of animals and conditions to which the findings can reliably be generalized. "Many animal experiments are conducted under such a narrow range of conditions that there is a significant risk of obtaining results that are unlikely to be reproducible," says Wuerbel. The team therefore advocates "heterogenization", the deliberate inclusion of biological variation into the design of animal experiments to improve the range of conditions to which findings can be generalized and thus improve reproducibility. Maximizing knowledge gain per animal and experiment "With this design we can balance the need to compare interventions under similar conditions with the ability to introduce heterogeneity, which allows us to determine whether effects are robust over a range of conditions," says Naomi Altman, professor emeritus of statistics at Penn State. Researchers can introduce biological variation to study populations in many ways, for example, by including different strains of animals, age groups, or animals housed under different housing conditions. Alternatively, they may split experiments into several independent batches of animals or conduct multi-laboratory studies. "There is no single best solution for every experiment," says Voelkl. "Therefore, we recommend heterogenization of animals and environmental conditions in general terms. Researchers should justify their choices with respect to the range of animals and conditions to which their findings should generalize." Potential strategies should be explored in future studies to provide researchers better guidance in their choices. The experts are convinced that by introducing biological variation into study desigsn, fewer studies, and thus fewer animals, will be needed to produce robust results. Therefore, although in some cases the number of animals used in a single study may increase, the overall number of animals used in research will be reduced, the authors emphasize. "We propose a paradigm shift to increase the benefit of the research and reduce the number of animals used in research," says Wuerbel. "Instead of minimizing the number of animals per experiment, we should maximize the amount of knowledge we gain per animal and experiment." Reconsideration by funders and regulators To promote this paradigm shift, the team recommends that funders, regulators and scientific journal editors consider heterogenization as the default option and ask researchers to justify study designs in terms of the range of conditions to which their findings should apply. ### The workshop was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Animal Welfare Division of the University of Bern. Research for animal welfare at the University of Bern The chair of animal welfare at the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Bern is the first animal welfare chair at a Swiss University. Based on a contract between the University of Bern and the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), it was established in 2011 as a division of the Veterinary Public Health Institute. The Division of Animal Welfare covers the areas of animal welfare, ethology, and animal husbandry in teaching, research, and services. Its aim is to establish and disseminate objective scientific knowledge concerning relevant questions about animal welfare. http://www.tierschutz.vetsuisse.unibe.ch Stephen Colbert called upon Americans to B.Y.O.P.: Be Your Own President, on Monday night's episode of The Late Show. The 56-year-old comedian spoke about the lack of leadership displayed by United States President Donald Trump, and asked viewers to envision, 'what kind of nation do we want to live in. 'That answer requires moral leadership, so take it upon yourself to be a leader, and set an example of the country you want to live in,' he began. BYOP: Stephen Colbert called upon Americans to B.Y.O.P.: Be Your Own President, on Monday night's episode of The Late Show 'That might mean going down to a protest, or making a donation or having a tense conversation about race... but youre not going to get it from the White House,' Colbert added. 'So we need to step up and provide it ourselves. America is now officially B.Y.O.P.: Be Your Own President,' Colbert said. At the beginning of the show, Colbert's first show back after a 10-day break, the host admitted he didn't think there was a story that could take over the news cycle from a worldwide pandemic, but George Floyd's death did just that. Protest: 'That might mean going down to a protest, or making a donation or having a tense conversation about race... but youre not going to get it from the White House,' Colbert added 'I never imagined that after 10 days, a global pandemic would not be a lead story. Remember when we were all afraid of our groceries?' Colbert said. He added that the story that pushed 100,000 global deaths from COVID-19 'below the fold' was 'America's pre-existing condition: racism.' Colbert showed footage from protests over George Floyd's death in Minneapolis just one week ago from around the world, including Germany. No lead: 'I never imagined that after 10 days, a global pandemic would not be a lead story. Remember when we were all afraid of our groceries?' Colbert said. 'You know it's bad when Germany thinks your country is racist,' Colbert quipped. He went on to discuss the death of Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was arrested four days later, even though there was damning video evidence of Chauvin with his knee pressed against his neck for nearly nine minutes. Colbert also joked that it would have been, 'the shortest episode of Law & Order ever' because of the video. Germany: 'You know it's bad when Germany thinks your country is racist,' Colbert quipped He went on to criticize Minneapolis police for charging Chauvin with third-degree murder, which Colbert said was 'a pretty light charge. 'That's like charging Jeffrey Dahmer with having the munchies,' he joked. Colbert added that people are so upset, 'because this is so upsetting,' pointing to recent deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Eric Garner's death in 2014, where he was heard saying 'I can't breathe' like Floyd. Police: He went on to criticize Minneapolis police for charging Chauvin with third-degree murder, which Colbert said was 'a pretty light charge Floyd: Colbert added that people are so upset, 'because this is so upsetting,' pointing to recent deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Eric Garner's death in 2014, where he was heard saying 'I can't breathe' like Floyd Colbert also took a few shots at President Trump, after reports surfaced that his advisers suggested he address the nation to ease tensions, but it was scrapped because Trump's 'seeming disinterest in delivering a message of unity.' The host also bashed Trump's controversial call with the nation's governors, where he told them to 'dominate' the protesters. He also poked fun at Trump hiding out in a bunker during the protests, stating, 'If history taught us anything its that things always work out well for strong men who retreat to underground bunkers.' DURHAM, N.C., June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Greg Lindberg announced today a $1 million pledge to the ACLU's Criminal Law Reform Project (CLRP). This program focuses its work on the "front end" of the criminal legal system from policing to sentencing seeking to end excessively harsh criminal justice policies that result in mass incarceration, over-criminalization, racial injustice, and stand in the way of a fair and equal society. "People have taken to the streets to air their frustration with a system that is stacked against them," Mr. Lindberg said. "This contribution is meant to help people who don't have the resources to fight injustice." Mr. Lindberg commented, "I have been disturbed by the consequences of prosecutorial abuses and unjust incarceration of non-violent offenders for some time. Recent events have exacerbated these concerns. Most people can't afford to fight and they get rolled over by prosecutors and their bag of tricks. 'Justice for all' is sadly a mirage in much of today's America." The donation will support the objectives of the Criminal Law Reform Project to ensure that someday 'justice for all' are not mere empty words and that the United States justice system truly operates without regard to income, race, or political persuasion, said Mr. Lindberg. "The 'Justice' system is broken and your freedom is at risk. Major reforms are needed. Even for someone with an ability to hire the best counsel, fighting the U.S. or State Government can wipe people out -- emotionally, financially, physically, spiritually. Most unfortunately emerge not 'rehabilitated' but ruined and defeated. They can't get a job, start a business, or even open a bank account. And for what end? Families, lives, and futures are destroyed," Mr. Lindberg continued. Mr. Lindberg said he hopes the donation will help expose abusive prosecutors and law enforcement officers, including local, state and federal government agents, who prey on law-abiding citizens, sometimes for their own personal gain. Mr. Lindberg continued, "We call ourselves a free society but the truth is the United States has the highest prison and jail population (2,121,600 in adult facilities in 2016), and the highest incarceration rate in the world (655 per 100,000 population in 2016)." According to the World Prison Population List (11th edition) there were around 10.35 million people in penal institutions worldwide in 2015. The US had 2,173,800 prisoners in adult facilities in 2015. That means the US held 21.0% of the world's prisoners in 2015, even though the US represented only around 4.4 percent of the world's population in 2015. In The New Yorker article The Caging of America (2012), Adam Gopnik wrote: "Over all, there are now more people under 'correctional supervision' in Americamore than six millionthan were in the Gulag Archipelago under Stalin at its height." With the emergence of COVID-19 in prison populations, both Federal and state prisons have concluded that non-violent offenders are better off rehabilitating in home detention programs. "If these non-violent offenders are safe for society now, why weren't they safe before? The truth is, they were always safe for society and it took a pandemic for the government to appreciate that," Mr. Lindberg stated. As the ACLU Founder Roger Baldwin said, "So long as we have enough people in this country willing to fight for their rights, we'll be called a democracy." For more Greg Lindberg news please visit: www.greglindberg.com/in-the-news SOURCE Greg Lindberg Related Links https://www.greglindberg.com The boyfriend of a woman found dead in a laneway in Melbourne's Chinatown last year has pleaded guilty to murdering her. Christopher Allen Bell, 33, pleaded guilty to killing Natalina Angok when he appeared via video link in the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The 32-year-old's body was found by a tradie at the intersection of Little Bourke Street and Celestial Avenue in the early hours of April 24 last year. Christopher Allen Bell, 33, pleaded guilty to killing Natalina Angok (pictured) when he appeared via video link in the Supreme Court on Wednesday Christopher Allen Bell, 32 (pictured), on Wednesday pleaded guilty to killing Ms Angok last year Detectives quickly declared her death suspicious after a passerby found her lifeless with her handbag and cracked phone beside her. Bell showed no expression on his face as his indictment was read out for the Supreme Court, The Age reported. The guilty plea comes months after the 33-year-old pleaded not-guilty to Ms Angok's murder in December. Defence lawyer Rohan Lawrence said Bell was waiting to have a psychological assessment before an upcoming plea hearing on September 16. An earlier hearing heard the 33-year-old suffered from schizophrenia but had been un-medicated long before the alleged attack. Bell had been released from a mental inpatient facility just a week before Ms Angok was found dead, and had only been there for a week. Natalina Angok is pictured, a warehouse packager whose body was discovered by a tradesman at the intersection of Little Bourke Street and Celestial Avenue on April 24 last year The 32-year-old's body was found by a tradie at the intersection of Little Bourke Street and Celestial Avenue in the early hours of April 24 last year Shortly after her death Ms Angok's sister, Helena, told the media Bell had been dating her sister. Ms Angok and Bell were pictured together at the Exford Hotel on Russell Street about 2am on April 24. Bell is alleged to have gone to Crown casino after the young woman's killing, the court previously heard. Natalina was one of five siblings, who was a warehouse packager. Her sister described her as a 'down-to-earth Defence lawyer Rohan Lawrence said Bell was waiting to have a psychological assessment before an upcoming plea hearing on September 16 Natalina was one of five siblings and lived in Highton, Geelong, about 75kms south-west of Melbourne. She worked as a warehouse packager and was described as 'down-to-earth'. 'My sister is gone and when I think about it, I think this is not true,' Ms Angok said of her sister's death at the time. 'She loved everybody, even if someone did something bad to her, she would just talk and laugh with them.' Protests calling for an end to police brutality and racism have swept the globe following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week. Reuters/Getty Images Protests against racial inequality sparked by the police killing of George Floyd are taking place all over the world. Rallies and memorials have been held in cities across Europe, as well as in Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand. As the US contends with its second week of protests, issues of racism, police brutality, and oppression have been brought to light across the globe. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. In a global act of solidarity, thousands of people around the world have organized protests and memorials to fight for justice and honor the memory of George Floyd. For over a week, all eyes have been on the US after a video showing the death of Floyd at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis sparked horrified outrage. Floyd's death marked yet another example of the persistent issue of police brutality against black Americans. Since he was killed on May 25, the country has been gripped with seven days of protests. On Monday, the Trump Administration called on the unprecedented use of military force to suppress protests, and world leaders have expressed concern over the tumultuous state of the nation. But people around the world have stood in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Across the globe, people are fighting for racial equality, and demand justice for those who have been killed at the hands of police. These photos show how many people have come together around the world in the last few days to fight for change. Cities across Europe have come together after the death of George Floyd. In Amsterdam, an estimated 10,000 people filled the Dam square on Monday, holding signs and shouting popular chants like "Black lives matter," and "No justice, no peace." People take part in a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Amsterdam, Netherlands June 1, 2020. REUTERS/Eva Plevier Source: Reuters In London on Sunday, hundreds of demonstrators ignored social distancing guidelines for the coronavirus pandemic to gather in Trafalgar Square. Story continues People react during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Trafalgar Square, London, Britain, May 31, 2020. REUTERS/John Sibley Source: Insider Around 1 p.m., demonstrators took a knee in solidarity. Protesters held up signs that said "Abolish the police," "Justice for George Floyd," and "Racism has no place." People react during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd in front of the U.S Embassy, London, Britain, May 31, 2020. REUTERS/John Sibley Source: Insider In this photo, protesters are also seen marching with signs in London's Parliament Square. People react during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Parliament Square, London, Britain, May 31, 2020 REUTERS/John Sibley In Germany, people gathered in multiple locations throughout Berlin to demand justice for Floyd and fight against police brutality. People protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, at Hermannplatz square in Neukoelln district, Berlin, Germany, May 31, 2020. REUTERS/Christian Mang Source: Insider "People all over the world understand that their own fights for human rights, for equality and fairness, will become so much more difficult to win if we are going to lose America as the place where 'I have a dream' is a real and universal political program," Wolfgang Ischinger, a former German ambassador to the US, told the New Yorker. People attend a protest against the fatal injury inflicted by Minneapolis police on African-American man George Floyd, in Berlin, Germany, May 30, 2020. REUTERS/Christian Mang Source: Washington Post, The New Yorker A mural dedicated to Floyd was also spray-painted on a stretch of wall in Berlin that once divided the German capital during the Cold War. A man walks past a mural at Mauerpark in Berlin, Germany, on May 30, 2020, depicting African-American man George Floyd, who was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis. REUTERS/Christian Mang Source: Insider Support for Floyd has even trickled into international sports. On Sunday, Borussia Dortmund player Jadon Sancho was seen wearing a "Justice for George Floyd" shirt during a soccer match in Paderborn, Germany. May 31, 2020 Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho celebrates scoring their second goal with a 'Justice for George Floyd' shirt Lars Baron/Pool via REUTERS Source: CNN In France, protesters marched holding signs that said "I can't breathe" to signify both the words of Floyd, and the last words of Adama Traore, a 24-year-old black man who was subdued by police officers and gasped the sentence before he died outside Paris in 2016. People protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, next to the U.S. embassy in Paris, France, June 1, 2020. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann Sources: Insider, BBC In Spain, people gathered to march and hold up signs throughout Barcelona and Madrid. People hold banners during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in front of a U.S. consulate, in Barcelona, Spain June 1, 2020. REUTERS/Nacho Doce Source: The Local Some signs showed anger and direct frustration against US President Donald Trump. In some plazas, protesters laid down in solidarity for victims of police brutality. A person carries a banner during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in front of a U.S. consulate, in Barcelona, Spain June 1, 2020. REUTERS/Nacho Doce Source: The Local In Italy, protesters gathered and marched with signs that said "Stop killing black people," "Say his name," and "We will not be silent." Girls of the "migrant women and daughters network" protest in front of the war memorial in Dogali, Italy, displaying signs and writings on their bodies to support the protests in Minneapolis after the murder of George Floyd Simona Granati - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images Source: Insider In Ireland, protesters held a peaceful demonstration outside of Belfast City Hall, and others gathered outside of the US embassy in Dublin. People take part in a demonstration at Belfast City Hall on June 01, 2020 in Belfast, United Kingdom. The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, while in the custody of Minneapolis police has sparked protests across the United States, as well as demonstrations of solidarity in many countries around the world. Carrie Davenport/Getty Images Source: Insider In Athens, Greece, protesters took to the streets to collectively hold up a sign that read "I can't breathe." Supporters of the Greek Communist Party shout slogans during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, outside the U.S. embassy in Athens, Greece, June 1, 2020. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis Source: Greek City Times In Brussels, protesters were seen sitting in a peaceful demonstration in front of an opera house in the center of the city. Protesters sit in front of the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie as they take part in a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in central Brussels, Belgium June 1, 2020. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir In Denmark, protesters were heard chanting "No justice, no peace!" throughout the streets of Copenhagen, while others gathered outside the US embassy. Protesters gather during a 'Black Lives Matter' demonstration against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in front of the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark May 31, 2020. Ritzau Scanpix/Ida Guldbaek Arentsen via REUTERS Source: CNN In Canada, protesters were also grieving for Regis Korchinski-Paquet, a 29-year-old black woman who died on Wednesday after falling from her balcony during a police investigation at her building. Protesters march to highlight the deaths in the U.S. of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and of Toronto's Regis Korchinski-Paquet, who died after falling from an apartment building while police officers were present, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada May 30, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio Source: Insider Protesters in Toronto marched through the streets and called for an end to racism and brutality against black people everywhere. People who were identified as family and friends of Regis Korchinski-Paquet (no names provided) lead protesters as they march to highlight the deaths in the U.S. of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and of Toronto's Regis Korchinski-Paquet, who died after falling from an apartment building while police officers were present, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada May 30, 2020.REUTERS/Carlos Osorio REUTERS/Carlos Osorio Source: Insider In Australia, protests for Floyd also remembered David Dungay, an aboriginal man who said "I can't breathe" 12 times before prison guards killed him in 2015. Protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Sydney Reuters Source: Insider And in New Zealand, roughly 2,000 people marched to the US embassy in Auckland, chanting and carrying signs demanding justice. Protesters march down Queen Street on June 01, 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. The rally was organized in solidarity with protests across the United States following the killing of an unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hannah Peters/Getty Images Source: Insider In Brazil, protesters gathered outside the state house in Rio de Janeiro holding up signs in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, and protesting the government of President Jair Bolsonaro. People protest called by activists against the killing of black people during police operations in favelas amid the new coronavirus pandemic, outside the Guanabara Palace -headquarters of Rio State government- in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 31, 2020. MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images Source: CNN Memorials have been built for Floyd around the world, too. In Mexico City, portraits of him were hung outside the US embassy with roses, candles, and signs. Pictures depicting George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis police custody, are seen next to messages, and flowers as a symbol of a protest against his killing, outside the U.S embassy in Mexico City on May 30, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso Source: CNN In Poland, candles and flowers were laid out next to photos of Floyd outside the US consulate. Candles and flowers are laid in front of the U.S. Consulate General as a memorial event for George Floyd in Krakow, Poland on 31 May, 2020. Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images And in Syria, two artists created a mural depicting Floyd in the northwestern town of Binnish, "on a wall destroyed by military planes." Artists Aziz Asmr and Anis Hamdoun pose next to a graffiti of George Floyd in Binnish, Idlib, Syria June 1, 2020. Mohamad Jamalo/via REUTERS Sources: Reuters, CNN Read the original article on Insider B oris Johnson has said he is ready to open the door to nearly three million Hong Kong citizens if China imposes a new security law that critics say would rob the territory of its autonomy. The Prime Minister offered to make what he said would be one of the "biggest changes" in the history of the British visa system to allow 2.85 million Hong Kong citizens the chance of fully-fledged citizenship. The move, which represents a dramatic escalation in the stand-off between the UK and China, would put Hongkongers "on the route to citizenship", said the Conservative Party leader. China's ceremonial legislature, the National People's Congress, endorsed a security law for Hong Kong earlier this week that has strained relations with the UK and the US. Protesters call for 'liberation of Hong Kong' - In pictures 1 /16 Protesters call for 'liberation of Hong Kong' - In pictures Hong Kong protest - 24/05/2020 Anti-government protesters run away from tear gas during a march against China's plans to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong REUTERS Hong Kong protest - 24/05/2020 Anti-government protesters march against Beijing's plans to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong REUTERS Hong Kong protest - 24/05/2020 Anti-government protesters march against Beijing's plans to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong AP Hong Kong protest - 24/05/2020 Hong Kong riot police fire tear gas as hundreds of protesters march along a downtown street during a pro-democracy protest AP Hong Kong protest - 24/05/2020 Hundreds of protesters with banners march along a downtown street during a pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong AP Hong Kong protest - 24/05/2020 Pro-democracy protesters march during a protest against Beijing's national security legislation in Hong Kong AP Hong Kong protest - 24/05/2020 Pro-democracy protesters march during a protest against Beijing's national security legislation in Hong Kong AP Hong Kong protest - 24/05/2020 Riot police checking citizens on a roadside during a protest in Hong Kong AP Hong Kong protest - 24/05/2020 Protesters set up blockades during a protest against Beijing's national security legislation in Hong Kong AP Hong Kong protest - 24/05/2020 Burning debris is seen on a street during a protest against Beijing's national security legislation in Hong Kong AP Hong Kong protest - 24/05/2020 Medical volunteers help a man to move away as police fire teargas during a protest in Hong Kong AP Hong Kong protest - 24/05/2020 Anti-government protesters move away after riot police disperse them during a march against Beijing's plans to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong REUTERS The law will alter the territory's mini-constitution, or Basic Law, to require its government to enforce measures to be decided later by Chinese leaders. Critics have said the law erodes the "one country, two systems" framework that promised Hong Kong freedoms not found in mainland China for 50 years. Protesters have taken to the streets in Hong Kong to demonstrate , despite coronavirus social distancing restrictions still being in place. Mr Johnson said the national security law would breach the treaty between China and the UK and would "dramatically erode" Hong Kong's autonomy. If China chooses to go ahead with its changes for the island, the PM said he would effectively upgrade the status of British National (Overseas) passports, which 350,000 people in Hong Kong hold and 2.5 million are eligible to apply for, to grant immigration rights beyond the current six month limit. Writing in The Times, he said: "If China imposes its national security law, the British Government will change our immigration rules and allow any holder of these passports from Hong Kong to come to the UK for a renewable period of 12 months and be given further immigration rights, including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship. "This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history." Mr Johnson added: "Many people in Hong Kong fear their way of life, which China pledged to uphold, is under threat. "If China proceeds to justify their fears, then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away; instead we will honour our obligations and provide an alternative." The PM's intervention came just hours after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told MPs the UK would look to provide a "pathway to citizenship" for British National (Overseas) passport holders in Hong Kong if China carried out its changes. Making a statement to the Commons, Mr Raab said the proposed national security law would be a "clear violation" of China's international obligations and would "undermine" existing commitments to protect the rights and the freedoms of the people of Hong Kong, as set out in the Joint Declaration. Mr Raab warned China that there was still time to "reconsider" its behaviour. "There is a moment for China to step back from the brink and respect Hong Kong's autonomy and respect China's own international obligations," he said. But he called for a bigger caucus of opinion to be built up globally to prevent China dismissing efforts to ensure it respects Hong Kong's autonomy from Beijing, arguing the G20 member used "intimidation to get others to stay quiet". Political pressure is growing across the Commonwealth, with chair of the Commons foreign affairs select committee, Tom Tugendhat, joining his counterparts in Australia, Canada and New Zealand in writing to their national leaders to express concerns over the planned security law. The jointly signed letter by the committee chairs, which will also be sent to the Secretary General of the United Nations, states that Beijing's imposition is a breach of the legally binding agreement between the UK and China. The representatives have asked for collaboration to establish a United Nations Special Envoy for Hong Kong. Mr Tugendhat MP said: "The security law will allow Beijing to launch a complete crackdown on free speech, taking away the voice of the people by preventing any criticism of the Chinese government's ultra-authoritarian rule. "We cannot allow this to happen." Third Point Offshore Investors Ltd - Notice of AGM Third Point Offshore Investors Limited (a closed-ended investment companyincorporated in Guernsey with registration number 47161) LEI Number: 549300WXTCG65AQ7V644 (The "Company") 3 JUNE 2020 NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the 2020 Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at the offices of Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, St Peter Port, Guernsey on 1 July 2020 at 2:00pm. The Notice of AGM together with the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019 has been posted to shareholders. In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.3, the Notice of Annual General Meeting and accounts have been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at: www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM Enquiries: Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited The Company Secretary Trafalgar Court Les Banques St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 3QL Tel: 01481 745001 END Rioting that erupted in cities across the country after peaceful protests mourning the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis may rival the 1992 Los Angeles riots to become the most costly civil disorder for insurers in United States history. The civil disturbance in Los Angeles after the videotaped police beating of Rodney King in April and May 1992 caused $775 million in damages or $1.42 billion in todays dollars, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Those riots, however, were largely confined to one metropolitan area. Destruction and looting that erupted after Floyds death was reported in at least 25 cities, and spread into many suburbs as well. We expect this to be a significant loss event as the impact is being experienced in large and small markets across the U.S., stated III spokesman Mark Friedlander. However, because it is an ongoing event, it is premature to determine the volume of property loss that will be incurred. Civil disturbances generally cause modest property losses when compared to natural disasters, data from the Insurance Information Institute shows. Rioting in Los Angeles in August 1965 the second costliest civil disorder caused $357 million in damages, measured in 2020 dollars. Together, riots in Baltimore, Chicago and New York City in April 1968 caused $231 million in damages in todays dollars. By comparison, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 caused an estimated $20 billion in damages. Verisks Property Claims Service (PCS) over the weekend declared the riots a catastrophe event, which means it projects damages of more than $25 million. PCS hasnt designated a civil disturbance as a catastrophe since the Baltimore riots in 2015. PCS head Tom Johansmeyer said the riots that were sparked by Floyds death may be the first civil disorder tracked by PCS that includes more than one state. Johansmeyer said to better understand potential riots from current rioting, it make sense to look at losses caused by civil unrest last year in Chile which grew from protests over an increase in subway fares in Santiago. Rioting there caused insured losses of $2 billion. About a third of that came from property claims from a handful of large retailers. When you look at the United States, riot and civil disorder may generally look like a sub-US $100 million risk, although with the potential for much greater losses, Johansmeyer said in an email to Claims Journal. But, when you add a handful of large national or international companies with losses of more than US $100 million each, you could see a much larger industry loss begin to materialize. The large losses within the catastrophe could change the character of the overall event. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst Meyer Shields said Monday that his best guess is losses from the current riots will be relatively modest. Nevertheless, the losses will combine with losses related to COVID-19 claims and property damage from a predicted above-average hurricane season to amount to a capital event for some reinsurers. As always, major losses should subsequently intensify the current hard market, but the pain especially for individual (re)insurers exposed to disproportionate losses would come first, KBW said. The Insurance Information Institute said riots, civil commotion, vandalism, looting and fire in the U.S. are covered perils under virtually all business owners and commercial insurance property policies. Merchandise stolen by looters will also be covered. III said about 40 percent of small to mid-sized businesses are also protected by business interruption coverage. Even if the business was still shut down or operating at limited capacity due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, most insurers will determine income loss based on a 12-month assessment of the operations income, the Institute said in an email. That coverage may also protect businesses that have to shut down early because of curfews imposed by city governments, III said. About the photo: Police SWAT officers guard firefighters as they respond to the Champs Sports store after protesters looted and set the building on fire during protests on Sunday, May 31, 2020 in TampaProtests were held throughout the country over the death of Floyd, a black man who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) Topics Carriers USA Profit Loss Property On 25 May, the Moroccan people, the Arab nation and all the forces of freedom, progress and peace in the world lost an exceptional figure and one of the most outstanding symbols of the struggle for human rights, justice and democracy at the Arab and global levels in the late Abdul-Rahman Al-Yousifi, who died at the age of 96. Al-Yousifi was a former prime minister of Morocco and a former leader of the prominent left-wing Moroccan political party the Socialist Union of Popular Forces. However, more significantly in my view was his identity as a freedom-fighter, an advocate of democracy and a believer and activist in the cause of social justice. I will confine myself here to addressing only some aspects of the Arab and international roles of the late Abdul-Rahman Al-Yousifi. When I was living in Geneva in the mid-1980s to pursue my graduate studies, I was part of an extended group of Arab graduate students of different nationalities. There were Algerians, Egyptians, Iraqis, Lebanese, Moroccans, Palestinians, Syrians and Tunisians. Almost all of us were studying the social sciences or humanities at various academic institutions in Geneva, and we were fortunate enough to meet and discuss with two great Arab figures, the late Algerian president Ahmed Ben Bella and the late Moroccan prime minister Abdul-Rahman Al-Yousifi. In the course of such informal gatherings, this group of Arab young people had the unique chance to listen to, learn from and interact with these two extraordinary Arab figures regarding their views on issues that have long been considered central to the pan-Arab conscience, particularly among Arab youth. These issues varied from the Palestinian question and the dream of Arab unity to the realities and prospects for popular demands such as for freedom, democracy, social justice, equality, human rights and the empowerment of women and young people, all of which have been priorities for the Arab people for decades. International issues were also discussed in such informal settings. They particularly included attempts to explain what was happening in the former Soviet Union at the time, particularly during the Gorbachev era and the package of reforms being put together under the headings of Glasnost and Perestroika. They also witnessed discussions of alternative scenarios for the future world order and prospects for the Cold War. Abdul-Rahman Al-Yousifis contributions were very rich and covered many diverse areas of public life as befitted his role and influence that for many decades went beyond the national borders of Morocco and left an imprint on the whole Arab nation as well as at the global level. He was a firm believer in Arab nationalism, Arab unity and pan-Arab action throughout his life, including through his leading role as an advocate of human rights in Morocco and the Arab world. His pivotal role in the establishment of the Arab Organisation of Human Rights (AOHR) in 1983 should be highlighted, with his serving not only as a co-founder, but also as a member, vice-president and member of the board of trustees until the last day of his life. Al-Yousifi also chaired the committee that successfully led the organisations struggle to acquire observer status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). He played an equally leading role in the Arab Lawyers Union, explained by the fact that he was an outstanding lawyer as well as a pioneer in the defence of human rights and individual and collective freedoms. He was elected a member of the Permanent Bureau of the Arab Lawyers Union and later its assistant secretary-general. At the pan-Arab level, even before the independence of his own country Al-Yousifi took many initiatives to defend and promote the Palestinian cause, particularly in Europe, using his mastery of the French language in order to do so. His role in this regard reached the degree of his defending in his capacity as a lawyer a number of Palestinian militants who had been put on trial in various European courts. His commitment to the Palestinian national question was demonstrated on many occasions throughout his long life. He also never spared efforts prior to the independence of Algeria in 1962 to support the Algerian struggle for national independence, particularly after the launch of the Algerian Revolution on 1 November 1954. Besides being a legendary figure in Morocco and a pan-Arab historical figure, the late Abdul-Rahman Al-Yousifi was also an internationalist who consistently stood on leftist ground at the ideological and political levels. His convictions helped him to formulate his stands on many global issues. Just one example of this internationalist dimension of his life, an outcome of his fight for individual and collective human rights, on the one hand, and his leftist point of departure, on the other, was Al-Yousifis membership of the international court established in the 1960s to examine crimes committed in the war in Vietnam. *A version of this article appears in print in the 4 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Cyclone Nisarga, hovering over the Arabian Sea, is likely to make landfall at the coastal town Alibaug near the megapolis between 1 pm and 4 pm on Wednesday, a senior India Meteorological Department official said. IMAGE: A fisherman makes his way back to the shore after anchoring his boat before cyclone Nisarga makes its landfall, in Mumbai. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Already battling a raging pandemic, Mumbai hasn't experienced a serious cyclone landfall since 1891, according to a weather expert. "Nisarga is 95 km away from Alibaug and 150 km from Mumbai. It is likely to cross with an intensity of a severe cyclonic storm close to south of Alibaug, India Meteorological Department Mumbai's deputy director general of meteorology K S Hosalikar said. "At that time, its speed is likely to be 100 kmph to 110 kmph, he added. IMAGE: A lifeguard walks on Juhu beach before cyclone Nisarga makes its landfall, in Mumbai. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Steeped in colonial history, Alibaug is a quaint little town located about 110 km from Mumbai, and is replete with sandy beaches, clean unpolluted air and plenty of forts and temples. A speedboat from Mumbai to Mandwa jetty near Alibaug takes 20 minutes and is an easy option for those wishing to reduce road travel time. Cyclone Nisarga, headed towards the coastline of Maharashtra and Gujarat, comes a week after Cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc in West Bengal. Hosalikar said Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar will be under the influence of the storm. In Mumbai too, the winds may flow at 100 kmph to 110 kmph, he said. The IMD said the storm may also gust to 120 kmph and is approaching the coastal belt at a speed of 11 kmph. It has already predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the aforesaid coastal districts of the state. IMAGE: Lifeguards are seen patrolling Juhu beach ahead of the Cyclone Nisarga, in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo The department has predicted the storm will have an impact on areas in North Maharashtra, Pune, Ahmednagar, where rainfall is expected. The department has said kuccha houses, trees, electric poles may fall as they may not be able to withstand the speed of the storm. The state government authorities have already asked people in vulnerable areas to shift to safer places. SEE: Strong winds and high tides hit Versova Beach in Mumbai Bracing for the impact of what is being billed as the most severe cyclone to hit Mumbai, the Central Railway rescheduled special trains and many airlines also cancelled their Mumbai operations. The CR has rescheduled, diverted and regulated some trains on Wednesday, an official said. These include five special trains departing from Mumbai. Three special trains will be either diverted or regulated enroute, he added. With the cyclone set to make landfall on Wednesday, Maharashtra and Gujarat activated their disaster response mechanism, deploying National Disaster Response Force teams and evacuating people from areas likely to be hit. As a precautionary measure, the NDRF has evacuated around 1,500 people staying in a shelter at Thal near Alibaug, an official said. The teams also evacuated people from Uttan and Mira Bhayandar, he added. The teams conducted a recce of Palghar and Raigad coast early on Wednesday, the official said. Maharashtra and Gujarat have opened new fronts to tackle the fallout of the cyclone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to their chief ministers on Tuesday and assured them all possible help from the Centre. Nearly 43,000 people living near the coastline in Gujarat's Valsad and Navsari districts have been shifted to safer places as the state prepares to face the approaching cyclonic storm, officials said. All fishing boats which were out in the sea off Palghar coast have returned, an official said. As many as 577 fishing boats from Palghar had gone out in the sea and till Monday evening, 564 came back. IMAGE: Commuters rush to help bikers who met with an accident after their bike skidded off the road during light rainfall, in Navi Mumbai. Photograph: PTI Photo Later, help was sought from the Coast Guard, Navy and the fisheries department and the remaining 13 boats alsoreturned to the shore late Tuesday evening, Palghar district disaster control chief Vivekanand Kadam said. Ten teams of the NDRF have been deployed in parts of Maharashtra for rescue operations in view of the cyclonic storm, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said. An alert has been issued for Mumbai city and suburbs, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. Town planning authority MMRDA said nearly 150 patients at its COVID facility in Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai were shifted as a precaution ahead of the cyclone. The Navy has has kept five flood teams and three diving teams on stand-by in Mumbai, the official said. These teams, trained and equipped for rescue operations, are stationed at various naval areas across Mumbai and can provide early response over a larger area, he said. "We have evacuated more than 3,500 people from koliwadas (fishermen colonies) and temporary houses to safer structures like schools, community halls and government buildings," superintendent of police Raigad, Anil Paraskar said. IMAGE: Indian Navy rescue team gears up to assist citizens in times of natural calamities ahead of Cyclone Nisarga, in Mumbai. Photograph: PTI Photo Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday urged people from the states coastal belt to remain in safer places in view of the cyclonic storm Nisarga, which is likely to make landfall in the afternoon. Pawar said people should not step outside home till the intensity of the storm fades. People from Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts should remain in safer places, considering the landfall cyclonic storm Nisarga is set to make near Alibaug from Arabian sea, a statement quoted Pawar as saying. The administration is taking complete care to ensure there is no loss of life due to the cyclone, said Pawar, who is also the state's finance minister Spaced-out voting took place on Tuesday in Honesdale, Pa. Inequality hangs over the protests. It may be driving where they take place, too. Americans still talk today, almost in shorthand, about the urban neighborhoods devastated by riots in the 1960s. These were predominantly poor, segregated black neighborhoods, and they became only more isolated and ravaged by disinvestment for decades afterward: the West Side of Chicago; the U Street Corridor in Washington; Watts in Los Angeles. With that history in mind, it has been remarkable over the past week to see a very different set of places touched by unrest. Malls in upscale neighborhoods have been vandalized. Peaceful demonstrators in some cities have massed in wealthier neighborhoods. This uprising has been far more decentralized in any given city and it has reached into rich enclaves, too. Some of whats driving this is pure opportunism; there werent Apple stores to loot in the 1960s. But the shifting nature of protest also reflects drastic changes cities have undergone in the last 50 years. Inequality has widened, and anger about it has been rising. Big cities are increasingly home to the rich and the poor, with few jobs promising a middle-class life in between. And in so many jobs, the poor effectively serve the rich, an economic arrangement that is hard to separate from race. All of this means that inequality has been bound up in this uprising, too. Sometimes that has been explicit, in smashed windows scrawled with Occupy slogans, or in protests that have deliberately steered into gentrifying neighborhoods. At other times its in the background, contributing to what enrages people. Agreement will enable public sector bodies to fully embrace the benefits of Google Cloud LONDON, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Google Cloud today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK Crown Commercial Service (CCS). The intent of the MoU is to make it easier and more affordable for UK public sector agencies to leverage the full range of Google Cloud's services to increase innovation and deliver digital transformation. CCS, the UK Cabinet Office executive agency and trading fund, engaged Google Cloud in 2019 to discuss requirements for cloud services under the One Government Cloud Strategy, a joint initiative between Cabinet Office, CCS and Government Digital Service. CCS aims to open up the cloud services market to more suppliers to provide the best value and terms for public sector agencies investing in cloud technology. Working collaboratively with CCS, Google Cloud has confirmed a discount for qualifying public sector bodies based on aggregated cloud service demand and expected spend. Together, CCS and Google Cloud are breaking down the barriers to cloud adoption for all eligible UK public sector organizations, such as government departments, local councils, arm's length bodies, NHS bodies, public funded broadcasters, and charities. This will allow organizations to take full advantage of a range of technologies across Google Cloud, including infrastructure, analytics, artificial intelligence, application modernization and development, and collaboration solutions. The MoU also contemplates access by UK public sector agencies to Google Cloud's managed and serverless offerings, including its comprehensive hybrid and multi-cloud solution, Anthos, to easily manage workflows across multiple clouds and on-premise. Anthos will not only equip these organizations with world-class security tools to protect data and meet government compliance standards, but also drive operational benefits such as avoiding costly vendor lock-in. Google Cloud and CCS will also focus on providing support for UK SMEs who partner with public sector agencies, no matter where they are in their cloud adoption journeys. "CCS provides commercial agreements which help organisations across the entire public sector save time and money on buying everyday goods and services," said Simon Tse, Chief Executive, CCS. "This MoU with Google Cloud unlocks large-scale business benefits for our customers, and demonstrates CCS's role in helping the public sector serve UK citizens in more innovative ways." "This is a significant milestone for us, as we see the results of our focused investment in cloud services and solutions primed and tailored for the public sector," said Mark Palmer, Head of Public Sector EMEA, Google Cloud. "The UK public sector is a major focus for Google Cloud, and this is an opportunity to further support Her Majesty's government in their digital transformation." This MoU marks the beginning of an expanded relationship between CCS and Google Cloud. CCS and Google Cloud will maintain regular dialogue and strategy sessions to ensure the UK public sector has access to Google Cloud's latest innovations. About Google Cloud: Google Cloud provides organizations with leading infrastructure, platform capabilities and industry solutions. We deliver enterprise-grade cloud solutions that leverage Google's cutting-edge technology to help companies operate more efficiently and adapt to changing needs, giving customers a foundation for the future. Customers in more than 150 countries turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to solve their most critical business problems. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1032194/Google_Cloud_Logo.jpg [June 03, 2020] COVID-19 Impact on Facial Recognition Market - Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets CHICAGO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "COVID-19 Impact on Facial Recognition Market by Component (Software Tools and Services), Vertical (BFSI, Government & Defense, Retail & E-commerce, Healthcare, Education, Automotive, and Others), and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global Facial Recognition Market is projected to grow from USD 3.8 billion in 2020 to USD 4.5 billion by 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17.1% during the forecast period. COVID-19 impact on enterprises and economies is transforming the way businesses are operated and delivered worldwide. Public and private sector organizations are taking drastic measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on regular business conditions, such as remote work culture, ensuring the safety of their workforce through social distancing within the premises. Browse in-depth TOC on "COVID-19 Impact on Facial Recognition Market" 6 Tables 21 Figures 56 Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=185628151 The gig economy way of conducting businesses through permanent and contract employees have become the new normal during this crisis period. Factors such as a rise in government spending on security and public safety, along with the increase in demand for contactless identity verification systems, are driving the demand for facial recognition solutions and services. The increasing need for security and maintaining privacy has impacted the facial recognition market. The government and defense vertical is projected to witness the maximum growth rate during the forecast period Governments are relying on ubiquitous sensors and powerful analytics algorithms, instead of the physical presence of a human. In the war against COVID-19, several governments have implemented these new surveillance devices in healthcare, public safety, and surveillance applications. There are some major surveillance and authentication use cases of facial recognition to fight against COVID-19. Governments of all the COVID-19-affected nations have allocated special budgets to fight the epidemic. Different countries are also using digital technology to tackle the pandemic by strict monitoring with Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) caeras and using smart city services, such as smart transportation, smart parking, and smart citizen services for their citizens. People are advised to use delivery apps for essential items required. Maps are used to locate the real-time availability of essential items with confirmation from local people over the app. Digital banking transactions are also promoted to avoid touch and flow of contaminated cash. Speak to Analyst: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=185628151 By region, Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period The widespread effect of COVID-19 has changed the dynamic of many countries and their working cultures. Countries such as South Korea and Singapore have done better than Spain and Italy. Asian countries have used technologies, which can resist the pandemic. However, questions have been raised about violations of citizen's privacy in these countries. China has also implemented a facial recognition system with a temperature indicator in buses, which will help to identify COVID-19 affected individuals instantly and alert driver in such situations. The use of these technologies is also seen in the banking sector. The digital channels provide banks with data quickly and securely from the customers. Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea are among the countries that already have digital banking licenses. Several banks in Asia are implementing new technologies. For example, Seven Bank of Japan is using facial recognition technology in its ATMs so that the customers can open their accounts directly from the machines for which it is not required to visit banks. According to McKinsey, it is found that 55% to 80% of people preferred accessing their accounts digitally. Browse Adjacent Markets: Software and Services Market Research Reports & Consulting Browse Related Reports: Natural Language Processing Market by Component, Deployment Mode, Organization Size, Type, Application (Sentiment Analysis and Text Classification), Vertical (Healthcare and Life Sciences, and BFSI), and Region - Global Forecast to 2024 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/natural-language-processing-nlp-825.html Artificial Intelligence Market by Offering (Hardware, Software, Services), Technology (Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Context-Aware Computing, Computer Vision), End-User Industry, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2025 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/artificial-intelligence-market-74851580.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/covid-19-impact-on-facial-recognition-market.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/covid-19-impact-on-facial-recognition.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Protesters will convene again Wednesday in Boston in a demonstration calling for justice for George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died on Memorial Day after a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. Floyds death has sparked hundreds of protests nationwide that have sought to fight against racial injustice and hold police officers accountable for acts of brutality. Rallies have been organized throughout Massachusetts, including in Northampton, Holyoke, Springfield, Worcester and Brockton. Boston has seen several protests in the past week draw in tens of thousands of people. The demonstrations remained largely peaceful, but one on Sunday ended with 53 arrests and multiple people being hospitalized following clashes between police officers and protesters. Wednesday afternoons demonstration seeks to remain nonviolent and honor Floyd as well as all who have lost their lives to police brutality, according to the events Facebook page. Massachusetts needs to let America know we do not stand for racism!, one of the protest organizers wrote. We need to show support for our fellow Americans and honor human life The rally is expected to start on the common near Tremont Street at 3:30 p.m. and last until 5:30 p.m. Organizers urged participants to practice social distancing and wear a face covering. The city still has a curfew of 9 p.m. in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, so protesters have been asked to leave the area when the event ends. Organizers noted fireworks, airhorns, pepper spray and flare guns are not permitted. They also urged people to pick up their trash. Although this rally is in part protesting police brutality I would like to remind everyone how imperative it is NOT to provoke law enforcement and to obey all laws, an organizer wrote. This is to keep everyone safe and the protest successful. Despite reported looting and violence over the weekend, a protest in the states capital Tuesday remained largely peaceful, with thousands of protestors rallying at Franklin Park and eventually moving to downtown Boston. Only two people were arrested during the protest, according to the Boston Police Department. One individual was charged with assaulting a police officer and the other with breaking and entering a commercial building. Im proud of how Boston honored the memory of George Floyd and stood up against racism and injustice in Franklin Park and across Boston last night, Mayor Marty Walsh tweeted Wednesday. Demonstrators once again exercised their free speech rights passionately and peacefully, making an impact on all who witnessed, myself included. Im proud of how Boston honored the memory of George Floyd and stood up against racism and injustice in Franklin Park and across Boston last night. Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) June 3, 2020 Related Content: GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids leaders are considering several initiatives to improve the citys police-community relations amid national outcry over the death of George Floyd. One of the only initiatives presented to city commissioners Tuesday morning, June 2, with a definitive deadline was the establishment of a Community Police Advisory Council by Saturday, June 6. This is an opportunity for us to really look at policy, and for us to have community voice elevated as we make those important decisions, Brandon Davis, director of the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability, said of the advisory council. Davis department is a city government office, independent of the police and fire departments, created last year that oversees complaints against police and fire personnel. The other initiative with a deadline is to have Police Chief Eric Payne sit with protesters at their Wednesday, June 3, sit-in against police brutality in downtown Grand Rapids. The focus on improving police-community relations in Grand Rapids is nothing new. It became a focal point for the department and city leaders since early 2017 when police were the subject of public scrutiny for their use of force during a pair of incidents involving black youth, and for a March traffic-stop study that found black drivers were twice as likely to be stopped and searched than non-black drivers. Multiple protests in downtown Grand Rapids in recent days, plus a riot on Saturday night in the city, have brought the issue back to the forefront. The protests were sparked by the death of Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on the neck for more than seven minutes. The officer continued to kneel on Floyds neck despite pleas from bystanders and Floyd himself, who appeared unconscious or dead when the officer finally got up. The city initiatives, unveiled Tuesday, came in response to Floyds May 25 death and ensuing protests in Grand Rapids. One of Tuesdays biggest announcements is that Davis office plans to evaluate where the city stands on all of the recommendations on police-community relations compiled over the years from studies and task forces. His office will also recommend how the city can achieve these recommendations. We recognize that work has been done in this area by our community and we've benefited greatly from community voice, Davis said. There's been studies and there's been task forces that have occurred and we want to take all of those things, look at those recommendations, look at what those commitments have been and release a report about where we stand now and recommendations about how we accomplish those things. A timeline was not presented for that work, as well as others items under consideration, such as a virtual town hall to hear community concerns and seek solutions to repair police-community relations. The town hall would feature City Manager Mark Washington, Payne and officials from Davis office and the citys Office of Equity and Engagement as participants. The purpose of this town hall is for us to listen to community concerns and to seek innovative solutions for how we move forward after this incident and to repair relationships, Davis said. How do we go beyond just demonstrations and phrases to begin to have good policy reform and change, because I think that is the reason for the anxiety, that is the reason for the frustration that people want to see something happen that is different, he said. Related: Grand Rapids leaders turn down extending curfew Another proposed initiative is to host events led by psychiatrists on the processing and healing from trauma, and vicarious trauma, related to racism and police use of force. We have to recognize that those feelings are real, and that outrage is real and that trauma is real," Davis said. Other initiatives include increasing summer job opportunities for youths, hosting training sessions on how to be an ally in partnership with community" and creating an ambassador program that will provide people with tools to promote safety and accountability. Still more, there are plans to increase equity, justice and implicit bias training for city staff; work with the community to review and recommend improvements of Grand Rapids police policies; and devise a strategic plan that will increase restorative justice programming, elevating community voice and public safety engagement. Commissioners did not ask questions of Davis about the initiatives. Much of the discussion during Tuesdays Committee of the Whole meeting was focused the citys response to continued police brutality protests and the rioting that occurred Saturday. Read more: Grand Rapids protesters scatter after police, backed by Michigan National Guard, move in Downtown Grand Rapids quiet under curfew after night of rioting 12 arrested in Grand Rapids for curfew violations after weekend riot Woman, 22, accused of inciting Grand Rapids riot Cara Delevingne on Her Pansexual Identity, Singing With Fiona Apple and What Pride Means to Her https://t.co/9x2A6E3VJB Variety (@Variety) June 3, 2020 and when they broke up she came out to her dad because he asked her why she was so depressed.- "Pride to me is a sense of something that I never really had as a kid. A sense of pride is like a sense of belonging, a family outside your family, a place where you dont have to apologize or feel ashamed. I guess I never felt like I belonged anywhere as a kid. Or I always felt like I didnt belong in my own body. I felt so lost. Once I could talk about my sexuality freely, I wasnt hiding anything anymore, and the person I hid it from the most was myself."- Was the middle man for a million dollar partnership between Puma and the Trevor Project (an LGBTQ suicide prevention organization).- Her Pride collection with Puma has 20% going towards multiple LGBTQ organizations.- Talks about her recent collab with Fiona Apple. They met through St. Vincent when Cara and her were dating, and when they broke up they remained friends.- Fiona says: "shes a big, hearty hug of a woman, with a salty spirit and a loving kind of strength."- Taylor Swift says:"while shes spirited and outgoing, shes also the person youll find in the corner of a party talking to someone shes just met for hours, just because theyre going through a rough time."- Was in the middle of filming season 2 of Carnival Row when they paused production because of Coronavirus. She's not sure when they go back but says they filmed 6 of 8 episodes.- Been using this time to do yoga, play the drums, and spend time with her dogs. Despite escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, they are not in a new "Cold War," a former Singapore senior diplomat Bilahari Kausikan said Wednesday. From trade and technology conflicts to the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and a new law in Hong Kong, the world's two largest economies are currently embroiled in disagreements on several fronts. "I don't think they are on an inevitable collision course. People forget one big factor and that's the nuclear factor. There is a state of nuclear deterrence, and that makes war by design highly improbable," said Kausikan dismissing outright conflict between the two world powers. "Doesn't mean it cannot happen by accident, but it is improbable," said Kausikan, who was formerly Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and previously served as permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore. "On the other hand, I don't think it is the new 'cold war,'" he said, pointing out the former Soviet Union and the U.S. were "only very tangentially connected" economically. The national flags of the U.S. and China waving outside a building. Teh Eng Koon | AFP via Getty Images In comparison, China and the U.S. right now are so enmeshed and much more interconnected that both sides will find it very hard to decouple. While China has played up the current protests in the U.S. with the state media sometimes taking jibes, China is not unaware of its own problems, Kausikan told CNBC. "They are probably enjoying the show, but I don't think they are without worries of their own," said Kausikan, who is currently the chairman of the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore. More than the U.S., China needs economic performance to legitimize the Communist Party's rule, he said. With global economic performance battered by the coronavirus pandemic, hitting demand hard, Chinese growth cannot really recover till the rest of the world does, he said, and that will hurt social mobility. Beijing's emphasis on 'one country' China last week approved the plan to impose national security laws in the Chinese city of Hong Kong. It comes amid protests about eroding freedoms in the territory, as the new law will bypass the city's legislature. Since Hong Kong's sovereignty was handed over from the United Kingdom to China in 1997, it has been ruled under the "one country, two systems" framework which grants the city freedoms and limited autonomy that those in mainland China do not have such as freedom of speech and the right to protest. I don't know why anybody is surprised by this move by China. 'One country, two systems' Beijing's emphasis has always been on 'one country.' Bilahari Kausikan chairman of the Middle East Institute at the NUS China says Hong Kong will still retain its autonomy even with the new law that's aimed at secession, subversion of state power, terrorism and foreign interference. However, those opposing the law say it will further diminish Hong Kong's autonomy and gives the central government greater powers to control dissent. "I don't know why anybody is surprised by this move by China," Kausikan said. "'One country, two systems' Beijing's emphasis has always been on 'one country,'" Kausikan said. "Whatever autonomy Hong Kong has enjoyed since 1997 has been by the leave and favor of Beijing," he said, adding that the extent of that depends on Hong Kong's sense of the limits and self-restraint. "There is a substantial number of people in Hong Kong who don't know the limits," he said citing earlier pro-democracy protests even before last year's, such as those in 2014. It has also become increasingly clear that the city's administration has not been able to control the civil unrest. The Bank of England has warned the City to brace for Brexit trade talks to fail, it was claimed today. Governor Andrew Bailey is said to have delivered the message in a call with industry chiefs this week. The alert came amid rising concern among businesses about the deadlock in negotiations. Nissan has suggested its Sunderland plant will 'not be sustainable' unless there are zero tariffs in future. According to Sky News, the Brexit situation was 'the number one agenda item' for Mr Bailey's discussions with banks yesterday. City minister John Glen told a webinar today that that the UK's financial services industry is 'world class' and ready for any Brexit outcome. 'I continue to believe that we are still well placed as a sector, whatever the specific outcomes are of negotiations ahead of us in the second half of this year,' he said. Downing Street has accused the EU of wishful thinking for suggesting the UK is bound to back down over access to fishing waters and following Brussels standards. As the latest round of trade talks began, No10 said the bloc had failed to acknowledge that Britain is now independent. UK chief negotiator David Frost (left) and counterpart Michel Barnier (right) are holding meetings online after the last round of talks ended in stalemate UK chief negotiator David Frost and counterpart Michel Barnier are holding meetings online after the last round of talks ended in stalemate. The two sides must make progress ahead of a summit this month between Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, but the PM has threatened to walk away from talks if there is no prospect of an agreement by then. It was claimed yesterday that the UK would be willing to compromise on access to its fishing waters and 'level playing field' trade rules if the EU agreed to scale back its demands. 'There is only one way to get things moving and that is for the UK side to move and then, as Frost knows full well, the EU will move too,' a senior EU diplomatic source told The Times. But the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'This is wishful thinking by the EU. 'We have always been clear there is no question of splitting the difference on level playing field and fish. 'We are not compromising on those because our position on these is fundamental to an independent country. 'Any agreement has to deal with this reality.' The spokesman said there had to be a 'balanced solution' that reflected the 'political reality' on both sides, adding: 'What we cannot do is agree to any EU demands for us to give up our rights as an independent state.' Shares in cider and beer maker C&C jumped by just over 4% despite the Irish drinks group taking a near 48m hit from the Covid-19 disruption, writing down the value of its US operations by over 34m and saying it is burning through 7m of cash per month. Analysts have also warned it is likely to suffer losses of up to 30m in its current financial year. The group best known for its twin Bulmers and Magners cider brands and its Five Lamps and Tennents beer brands said it grew operating profit by 10.4%, to 116.4m, in the 12 months to the end of February, with annual revenue increasing nearly 8% to 1.7bn. However, total exceptional charges amounted to 92.5m and included the aforementioned Covid and US hits along with a credit loss and the cost of expired unused stock. C&C said the closure of the hospitality sector has meant no revenue has been generated through the likes of pubs and hotel bars since March. The on-trade typically contributes 80% of C&Cs revenue. Interim executive chairman Stewart Gilliland said the pandemic has presented a challenge of unprecedented scale and uncertainty and that the ongoing closure of the on-trade has material implications for C&Cs earnings potential. The group said it will put more emphasis and investment on its take-home/off-trade business line as a result of the forced shift in consumption habits. Davy expects C&C to suffer a 20m-30m loss in its current financial year, due to the operational disruption. However, C&Cs shares jumped by more than 5% at one stage on a number of positives namely that it sees itself being well-placed for industry recovery with ample liquidity; its UK distribution business Matthew Clark and Bibendum has reached break-even point; and in the absence of an on-trade, sales of its products in off-licences and supermarkets has been strong since the start of the lockdown. Meanwhile, Ibec-affiliated group Drinks Ireland has said Irish cider makers require urgent cashflow supports to cope with the Covid-19 impact. According to Drinks Ireland the value of Irish cider exports rose 32% last year to 64m and cider makers contributed 60m in excise to the economy. Were also calling for direct online selling to be allowed by craft cider producers, as many may not have a large presence in the off-trade, said Drinks Ireland chief Jonathan McDade. COVID-19 came and I was a little amazed at how relatively quickly everyone around the world actually complied and began to shelter in place. Shortly thereafter, I was even more surprised that some African-Americans, some highly intelligent and educated, told me that black people cant get it. I dont know how that myth started. Blacks in North America suffered two and a half centuries of slavery until emancipation, nearly a century of Jim Crow after the end of Reconstruction, 60 years of separate but equal until Brown v. Board of Education and decades of ongoing housing discrimination. So its understandable that they hoped there would be at least one thing in the world, a virus that originated in China, that at least wouldnt hit them harder than it did everyone else. Blacks were disabused of that idea pretty quickly. Black people are not immune. In fact, blacks have been disproportionately affected by this virus. They are less likely to be tested and more likely to be infected and more likely to die from it. Over the past few months, along with the rest of America, we have learned how COVID-19 attacks the lungs and makes breathing difficult. It has been described as feeling like an elephant is sitting on your chest as you are gasping for air. The images and the accounts of patients in intensive care for COVID-19 almost all involve severe shortness of breath. The local and federal governments took great measures to ensure that hospitals had ventilators. Doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists put themselves in harms way every day to keep patients oxygenated. Blacks are still trying to process the overwhelming evidence that black people are dying at a faster rate. But the national discussion has moved on to lifting restrictions and going back to work without much consideration of moving resources and putting in place safeguards for the most vulnerable communities. In my mind, that read as black people are dying at a faster rate and I guess some of your brothers and sisters are just going to have to die. (Brothers and sisters is not the term that I used in my head.) It left me feeling devalued, expendable, someone who doesnt matter. It signaled to me that my brothers and sisters, family, mother in a nursing home, my African-American friends and community, are all just collateral damage. Story continues As blacks continue to try to wrap their head around the data and the need for more frontline health care workers, they remember Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old African-American emergency medical technician who was fatally shot while asleep in her bedroom by police executing a no-knock warrant. They also remember Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year old black man who was pursued and killed by armed white residents in a coastal South Georgia town. As we came together, sheltered in place and sacrificed together to attack this common enemy that literally robs us of our breath, Memorial Day weekend was supposed to symbolize a bit of a turning point. A COVID-19 patient using a ventilator rests while his blood goes through a kidney dialysis machine at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Brooklyn, April 21. (Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images) Yet in the cruelest of ironies, on the very weekend America began to lift more restrictions, and then the message was that we would be able to exhale together as a nation, COVID-19s foot remained on the chest of black people and law enforcement had its knee on George Floyds neck. Again, blacks are on the frontlines. This is already a very difficult time for everyone. Theres a little more sadness, pressure and tension in all of our lives. Although it is said that were all in it together, we are all experiencing it differently. Throughout this pandemic we have attempted to define what is taking place with terms like: the new normal, the next normal and the world has changed as we know it. Weve also referred to this as a time of reflection when we can check in with ourselves and take inventory on who we are and who we want to be individually and collectively. Its a time where we should learn a new skill, take up a language and work on some new projects. Despite all the terms and euphemisms that were using, blacks are being reminded that they are still black in America. As the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall once said: A Pullman porter told me that he had been in every city in the country, he was sure. And he had never been in any city in the United States where he had to put a hand up in front of his face to find out he was a Negro. The deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd remind us that black peoples humanity can be put aside; they can still be viewed as different, less than, and can suffer harm or death at the hands of those who can say they are acting in the name of the law or at the knees of those who hold a police badge. George Floyd was arrested, handcuffed, held down on the ground by the knee of a police officer on his neck as he pleaded, Sir, I cant breathe and called out for his mother. The officer had his knee on George Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes. The image of George Floyds death is excruciatingly painful to watch, and 1,000 times worse for me when I viewed it with my 11-year-old son. I failed miserably at controlling my reactions, while trying to answer my son when he asked, But why is he doing that? Toward the end of the 90s I worked on the NYPD recruitment campaign. The NYPD was under a tremendous amount of scrutiny over the shooting of Amadou Diallo, a 22-year-old, unarmed West African immigrant who was shot 41 times, and the torture and sexual assault of Haitian immigrant Abner Louima in police custody. Over 20 years later we are still having the same conversation and asking ourselves, how can such a thing happen. This racial inequity and systematic mistreatment of black people needs to be protested. Protesters demonstrate outside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Monday in response to the police killing of George Floyd. (Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images) Witnessing the civil unrest and the burning buildings is very upsetting and sad. But we must not ignore the intersectionality of different communities. You do not have to be a resident of Minneapolis to be outraged and want to go there to peacefully protest. I appreciate the peaceful protesters. I am sure that there are some folks out there simply for the purpose of causing chaos. I also agree that violence and causing damage is not aligned with our values and that its not OK to do those things. I still want to know what those violent protesters are trying to say and communicate. Have we given rise to a group of people who do not have the tools to articulate their disdain for the injustice and atrocities theyve witnessed at the hands of those charged with the responsibility to protect us and keep us safe? What role have we played in creating the environment that encourages this behavior? I know that I am upset, hurt, outraged, angry and scared. I too am a black man with a young black son. I have nieces, nephews, family and members of my community who are black. I know that our allies are also feeling upset and angry but experiencing the hurt and pain differently. But I also have to acknowledge my privilege. I have the ability to work remotely, and I praise God that Ive been in a position where Im able to provide for my family these past couple of months. Weve moved from shelter-in-place global pandemic to melee. We need to understand all the drivers. We need to extend a certain sense of empathy for all those involved. We are currently in this place because we have lost empathy for each other. Protesters take part in a demonstration in response to the killing of George Floyd. (John Lamparski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) We must extend that empathy to everyone including the police. Not the officers who are directly responsible, but the police officers and police organizations that have spoken out and in no way agree with these injustices. I worked very closely with the police when I was a prosecutor in New York and after my best friend was murdered in front of my home. The police apprehended the perpetrators and held them accountable. For that I will always be eternally grateful for Detective Bond and the police team at the 88th Precinct in Brooklyn. We now need to hold ourselves accountable. As the news cycles change we must never forget this time, what we are seeing now and the physical and mental devastation that will forever scar our community. We must be relentless in our pursuit of justice as we move forward to ensure that we dont continue to repeat the same conversations. I pray and I hope that this time is different and that this can be the Me Too movement for racial justice. Ramcess Jean-Louis is Global Head for Diversity & Inclusion of Verizon Media. Cover thumbnail photo: Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images _____ 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: Community, Charity & Cause By Ls Cohen Published: June 03 2020 Women from Long Island played a big part in getting the right to vote passed for women in the United States. Photo shows suffrage pageant and parade in Mineola, Long Island, New York, May 24, 1913. Parade went from Mineola to Hempstead. Photo: Bain News Service, publisher. Library of Congress. LC-DIG-ggbain-12925 (digital file from original negative). No known restrictions on publication. The names Edna Buckman Kearns, Rosalie Gardiner Jones and Ida Bunce Sammis might not sound familiar but they should. These Long Islanders were instrumental in reviving the suffrage movement after it languished for years, part of a new generation of women who took up the cause and eventually got the 19th amendment passed in August 1920. Generally the time period between 1896 and 1910 is called the 'doldrum period' in the suffrage movement, said Jane Swersey, a retired history teacher, during the The Long Island History Project podcast. At the time, most states did not allow women to vote - some individual states did pass laws that gave women the right but it was not nationwide. New York at the time did not allow women to vote. Long Island women were particularly active in working for the right to vote, wrote Robert C. Hughes, Huntington Town Historian in a 2018 article. Kearns,from Rockville Centre, used an unusual tactic to promote the cause in the form of a Revolutionary War wagon that she festooned with suffragette paraphernalia and trotted out across the towns and villages of Long Island. The Spirit of 1776 Wagon became an icon of the movement of the time and is now in the collection of the New York State Museum. It was originally built by Huntoington resident Ebenezer Conklin in 1776 in support of the American Revolution. Just as the men of 1776 fought taxation without representation, so too did the women of 1913 fight for the same cause, wrote Hughes in his piece. Similarly, Jones, of Oyster Bay, used a different yellow-colored horse-drawn wagon across Suffolk County in her efforts to distribute information and literature about womens suffrage. She was also known as General Jones because of her dramatic flair, strong stance, and she led an army of suffragettes. A sign on the corner of Main and Wall Street in Huntington marks the spot where the suffragette movement came to a head on Long Island. It was on this site in July of 1913 that over one thousand people witnessed both anti and pro suffragists clash over the 1776 Wagon that was used as the symbol of the Votes for Women Movement, the blue historical marker reads. Watch video about the historic event here: Sammis, of Huntington, was the President of the Equality League, which informed women on issues pertaining to the right to vote. She was also one of the first women elected to the New York State Legislature. Kearns drove the Spirit of 1776 Wagon from Sammis home - following the Fife, Drum and Bugle Corps of Huntington Fire Department - to the First National Bank, according to an account on the William G. Pomeroy Foundation website, an organization dedicated to preserving history. Kearns butted heads with Mary Livingston Jones who laid claim to the wagon as a family heirloom - and a product of British loyalists making it a symbol of oppression and not liberty. (The I.S. Remson Wagon Company had given the 1776 Wagon to the New York Woman Suffrage Association.) In 1917 New York State gave women the right to vote, three years before the passing of the 19th Amendment. Below we present some historical photos of the womens suffrage movement on Long Island. Photo shows the hike lead by "General" Rosalie Jones from New York to Washington, D.C. for the March 3, 1913 National American Woman Suffrage Association parade. Library of Congress. LC-DIG-ggbain-12622 (digital file from original negative). No known restrictions on publication. Photo shows 3 suffragettes with bag "Votes for Women pilgrim leaflets." Library of Congress. No known restrictions on publication. Title: Rosalie Jones' Army [Suffragettes]. Bain News Service, publisher Ca. 1910 and ca. 1915. Library of Congress. LC-DIG-ggbain-15122 (digital file from original negative). No known restrictions on publication. Edna Buckman Kearns in her home office in Rockville Centre, New York, circa 1915. Marguerite Kearns / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) Photo shows suffrage pageant and parade from Mineola to Hempstead, Long Island, New York, May 24, 1913. (Source: Flickr Commons project, 2009 and New York Times, May 24, 1913). [between ca. 1910 and ca. 1915]. Bain News Service, publisher. Library of Congress. C-DIG-ggbain-12923 (digital file from original negative). No known restrictions on publication. OCEAN CITY, NJ There's a lot of news to keep up with right now locally, nationally and worldwide. Here's a recap of coronavirus updates in Ocean City and Cape May County. Cases The Cape May County Health Department has reported 10 active coronavirus cases, 32 people cleared off quarantine and one death in Ocean City as of Wednesday morning. The CMCHD has reported 159 active cases, 331 cleared off quarantine and 49 deaths in the county as of Wednesday morning. That includes 66 active cases, 91 cleared off quarantine and 39 deaths in longterm-care facilities. Here is the breakdown by municipality from the CMCHD: Testing Testing locations for COVID-19 now include Cape Regional Urgent Care in Wildwood, Marmora, and Cape May Court House, Cape Regional Hospital, Complete Care Health Network and CVS in Seaville. Proof of insurance is not needed at the Cape Regional Urgent Care locations. New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. Schools Ocean City High School's graduation ceremony is on. The school will hold a ceremony the morning of July 9 at Carey Stadium. Governor Phil Murphy announced Monday he would allow outdoor graduation ceremonies starting July 6. They must "comply with social distancing ensuring the health and safety of all in attendance," Murphy said. Following Murphy's orders to allow in-person graduations, the school district set a date of July 7. But new state orders required the district to keep July 7 open because it's New Jersey's primary election day. We're building a virtual yearbook, profiling local grads from across Ocean City and New Jersey, but we need your help to do it. MORE. The Ocean City School District has a resource guide for remote learning and support. Restrictions and Updates Story continues Here's what else you should know: Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Follow Ocean City Patch on Facebook. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com. This article originally appeared on the Ocean City Patch On May 28, three days after George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis, MSNBC anchor Ayman Mohyeldin spoke with New York Times opinion writer Charlie Warzel about his column, What Would Happen if Twitter Banned President Trump. Both men downplayed the implicit threats in Trumps tweets. Instead, they focused on his medium. Warzel, when asked about an executive order from Trump that aims to limit legal protections for social media companies, called it a piece of paper to wave around at people, grandstanding, and almost a stand-in for really digging in and doing something big and meaningful. The next day, Trump referred to protestors as THUGS, and threatened them with the phrase, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Twitter responded by masking the tweet with a warning that the post glorified violence. Later, on the show she co-anchors, Stephanie Ruhle described these events as a Twitter feud. Peter Alexander is at the White House with the latest on this back-and-forth, she said. Peter, when we are facing multiple crises impacting our lives, our livelihoods, and our democracy, can you please explain the newest dog toy that the president is tossing out for us to chase? Alexander has had serious run-ins with the president. He clearly did not consider the story a dog toy. He gave a rundown of the Twitter warning label and went on to explain the history of the phrase in the tweet. When the looting starts, the shooting starts, was spoken by Walter Headley, a racist Miami police chief, in 1967, at the height of the civil rights protests. We dont mind being accused of police brutality, Headley had added. They havent seen anything yet. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Ruhle failed to pick up the thread, and pushed the Twitter angle further. She spoke to Kara Swisher, a tech journalist for the Times. Okay, Kara, are we really going to fall for this? Ruhle said. This entirely predictable tweet from the president, the thug tweetisnt this just to sow discord and to distract from the fact that there are more than one hundred thousand dead, the infection rate is not decreasing, and more than forty million people are on unemployment? Swisher agreed. Yeah, I think distraction is part of his game its a lot of game-playing when this is a very serious situation in Minnesota and across the country, and of course around coronavirus. On Monday night, in a Bible-waving press conference staged to include the sound of flash bangs exploding nearby, Trump announced his intention to deploy the military. If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, he said, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for themall but calling for peaceful protestors to be shot in the streets amid the chaos of a raging pandemic, economic calamity, and massive civil unrest. If a person is waving a loaded gun at you, the immediately newsworthy thing about it is the gun. But MSNBC insists on analyzing his mental state, before hes been disarmed. This is the story: an administration that is deliberately fomenting violence and attacking citizens in the streets; a president who publicly states that the police may arrest or even shoot anyone accused of looting. Cable news hosts, even now, continue a damaging tendency to treat Trump as an entertainer, a reality-show star, someone who can be laughed at and dismissed with a bad review in TV Guide. That approach has failed. Its long past time to take this president seriously. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Maria Bustillos is the founding editor of Popula, an alternative news and culture magazine. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, The New Yorker, Harpers, and The Guardian. An Aboriginal writer and actress on has made an emotional plea on The Project for Australians to be angry about indigenous deaths in custody. Nakkiah Lui, a Torres Strait Islander and Gamilaroi woman, spoke after a Tuesday night rally in Sydney inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests in the US. Thousands of demonstrators gathered at Hyde Park to protest the death of George Floyd and demand an end to police brutality and Aboriginal deaths in custody in Australia. 'What I'm saying is be angry for us, stand with us, protest with us because we need you. There was never no wonderful Australia,' Ms Lui said while fighting back tears. Writer and actress Nakkiah Lui (pictured), who is a Torres Strait Islander and Gamilaroi woman, urged Australians to be angry about indigenous deaths in custody while on The Project on Tuesday night Prior to her appearance on the program Ms Lui spoke out about Aboriginal deaths in police custody on Twitter. 'Over 424 Aboriginal people have lost theirs lives since the [1991] Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody,' Ms Lui wrote. 'That's 14 people murdered a year. If a white person was murdered every month for 24 years by the same group, we'd call them terrorists. 'You call it Australia.' 'What I'm saying is be angry for us, stand with us, protest with us because we need you. There was never no wonderful Australia,' Ms Lui said while holding back tears on The Project Prior to her appearance on the program, Ms Lui posted a tweet on Tuesday afternoon about Aboriginal deaths in police custody. When Ms Lui was asked about her tweet by host Carrie Bickmore, she referred to the footage of police officers kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck. In the footage, Mr Floyd can be heard telling police he could not breathe moments before his death. 'So what I want to say is just to the people that are watching, think about your loved ones, what would you do if they died begging for help? What would you do if they died with a knee on their neck?' she said. She urged Australians to come together and fight against the mistreatment of Aboriginal people. 'We can create hope by creating a better world for each other. I don't want to live in a country where names become numbers. I just don't.' Her on-air plea was followed by 3,000 protesters marching through Sydney to rally against indigenous deaths in custody in the wake of the alleged murder of George Floyd, 46, during an arrest by police in Minneapolis Hordes of passionate protesters chanted 'I can't breathe', 'always was always will be Aboriginal land' and 'black lives matter' during the demonstration on Tuesday evening in the heart of the city Her on-air plea came after an incident in Surry Hills on Monday that saw an Aboriginal teenager taken to hospital after having his legs kicked out from beneath him by an NSW Police officer as he was arrested This was followed by 3,000 protesters marching through Sydney to rally against indigenous deaths in custody in the wake of the alleged murder of George Floyd. Protesters chanted 'I can't breathe', 'always was always will be Aboriginal land' and 'black lives matter' during the demonstration on Tuesday evening in the heart of the city. Protesters held signs calling for the end of 'white supremacy', police brutality and racism in Australia following violent protests sweeping across the U.S. since Floyd's death last week. 'No more black deaths,' 'silence is abuse,' 'black and indigenous lives matter' and 'end police brutality' were among other placards on display. President Zelensky submitted an urgent bill, proposing to call on the reservists for training at their own decision for up to six months Open source May 18, Ukraine marked the day of the reservist. President Zelensky then said that the Ukrainian army always counts on the support of the military in reserve. And after ten days, he submitted an urgent bill, proposing to call on the reservists for training at their own decision for up to six months. Like his predecessor, the president wants to bring the system of military records and the activities of local bodies of military command in line with NATO standards. Novation can affect more than 200,000 people throughout Ukraine. If the MPs support the initiative of the president, draft lawyers will be legally taken to the military commissariats directly from the street, and fines for them will increase by 7 times. Six months of service and verification fees The President of Ukraine, in accordance with the new initiative, receives the right to form another "army" of reservists. In fact, this possibility is also prescribed in the Constitution (actually, a call, not a mobilization). Mobilization decree should be approved by the Verkhovna Rada, however, the president can sign the decree on the annual urgent appeal individually. Ukrainians who are in reserve periodically undergo training camps to update their skills and can be called up for service. After retraining, they can become technicians, radio operators, platoon commanders. If the bill is passed, large-scale exercises will become possible. The service will last not two or three months, but up to six months. Reservists of the first stage, that is, participants in the ATO with a satisfactory state of health, are basically already assigned to military brigades. If a sergeant, for example, commanded a detachment and left the army, ideally he would occupy the same or similar position. But at the request of the Commander-in-Chief, now this sergeant will be able to equip not only the Armed Forces but also the National Guard. At the same time, reservists of the second stage (mainly graduates of military departments) will join the ranks of the rear units and territorial defense. The call will be possible at any time because since 2014 the "special period" has not been canceled. In addition, according to the plan of the General Staff, reservists will be able to engage in verification fees in order to evaluate in practice the combat effectiveness of our army. Commissars often cannot even call 40 people out of the 4,000 pretenders living in the same area, so the president has to extend the appeals. Today, the reservist receives a daily subsistence allowance, as well as an annual incentive from 60 USD to 115 USD for staying in a unit, at a field training camp or training. Conscripts can rely on the preservation of their place of work and salary. But many receive a salary in an envelope, which means that upon mobilization they risk losing their job. If the recruits find such conditions unattractive, they will be taken to the military enlistment offices by force. This is perhaps the main provocative aspect of Zelenskys bill. Raids and work in the "shadow" Last fall, in an attempt to fulfill the plan, military commissars illegally drafted guys into the army, even with medical contraindications. In the Rivne region, for example, the military took conscripts directly from workplaces. The police, from year to year, caught young people in clubs and hostels. But if earlier it was considered illegal, now they want to give her the full right to such actions. The presidents initiative implies that conscripts will be taken under tight control. Registry offices and other bodies must notify military registration and enlistment offices not only about marriages and divorces, but also "about events and actions that are related to the family of the reservist." This responsibility will fall on the shoulders of the police, the management of enterprises and educational institutions. In order to legally deliver a person against his will to the military commissariat, it is enough for the military commissar to transfer the surname of the offender to the police. Of course, there is nothing complicated in transferring such lists en masse. A person can be forced to undergo a medical examination in the military enlistment office. And this concerns not only conscripts, but also reservists. It is assumed that there will be almost no differences either in rights or responsibilities between conscripts and reservists. Lawyers say there are doubts about the legality of such an initiative. If, in some way, the conscript escaped from being taken to the commissariat, he risks being left without official work. The initiative of the president implies the need to present a military ID for employment. Theoretically, they could be asked if they wish today, but after the adoption of the bill, it will not be possible to conclude an employment contract without it. The experts are sure that today the adoption of such a law is out of time because it will be the next push of citizens into the shadow. People who have left for more than three months abroad will be removed from military records. Therefore, it is likely that the new bill will push Ukrainians to migrate abroad. Perhaps the state should focus on first and foremost giving people the opportunity to provide themselves at a decent level. In addition, when the president declares a course towards "the country in a smartphone", introduces the Diya system, using a paper military ID, which has become an anachronism, is a strange decision. It is still unclear whether this norm will work in practice because there is no explanation as to whether fines can be applied to violating employers. If not, then, theoretically, they will be able to calmly close their eyes to this norm. Fines for the escapists The reservist cannot terminate the contract until the end of the special period, which would unlikely end in the near future. It is allowed not to appear in the military registration and enlistment office in the event of a natural disaster, the death of a close relative or if the time until the end of the deadline for staying in reserve is less than the duration of the draft. Also, those who less than a year ago already served in the "special period" will be exempted from service. If a person has at least three minor children, or he independently brings up at least one minor, as well as in case of disability in his child (up to 18 or 23 years old, depending on the degree of disability), the parent is not called. They will not call on those whose relatives died in Donbas, or who have already served in Donbas hot spots, as well as those who receive higher education in the full-time department, and educational workers (with some restrictions). Escaping from the military registration and enlistment office on the agenda, untimely registration, violation of the order of fees for reservists, loss of military documents or their damage earlier could be fined 5-7 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens. In the case of the adoption of the bill, it will be 30-50 minimums. One such minimum is 17 UAH (0,6 USD). That is, for the first violation, the fine will amount to 20-30 USD. But, since there is a "special period" now, fines are increasing to 50-100 minimums, that is, up to 30 65 USD. Escapists should count on the same fines for repeated violations. For evasion of mobilization, they will be fined 60-120 USD (up to 190 USD for repeated violation), for officials - 60-190 USD (up to 320 USD for repeated violation). Much more critical is the fact that for "malicious evasion in a special period" a person will face not 2 years in prison, as before, but a term of 3 to 5 years. This shows that, first of all, it is important for the authorities not to fill the budget, but to fulfill the draft norm, intimidating Ukrainians. Whether this works is a difficult question. Ukrainians will be fined by military commissars. Zelenskys personal interests Some experts believe that in terms of the war, everyone should serve, as well as the MPs and the president. However, according to the bill, MPs still will not be called upon. In the context of the new initiative, a question arises to Zelensky himself about justice and common standards. Part of society accuses him of not serving. But before the election, the guarantor emphasized: each of us is the president. If the military advocates toughening the punishment for draft dodgers, this lends itself to logic, but the situation with Zelensky is paradoxical. While still a candidate, he promised to create a professional, voluntary, and motivated army. For many Zelenskys voters, this has become a decisive factor. Yes, and Minister of Defense Andriy Zagorodniuk after Zelenskys victory said that military service should be canceled. However, at first, the minimum draft age was lowered from 20 to 18 years, and now the president, even more, tightens the requirements for conscripts and reservists. On the one hand, today we really cannot afford a fully contracted army, as Zelensky promised. To do this, the country's military budget will need to be inflated approximately twice. And this means that less money will be spent on social payments. This is especially difficult for a country in post-quarantine depression, given the possibility of a second wave of the coronavirus epidemic. However, if there was no contract army, it would be possible for citizens to use not a stick, but a carrot. Mother of George Floyd's 6-Year-Old Daughter Speaks Out: "He Will Never Walk Her Down the Aisle" The mother of George Floyd's 6-year-old daughter Gianna is addressing the nation, one week after his death. In a press conference on Tuesday, Gianna and her mother, Roxie Washington, stepped up to a podium to demand justice for the 46-year-old, who was killed while being detained by a Minneapolis police officer.. "I don't have a lot to say because I can't get my words together right now, but I wanted everybody to know that this is what those officers took," Roxie, pointing at her daughter. She continued, "At the end of the day, they get to go home and be with their families. Gianna does not have a father. He will never see her grown up, graduate. He will never walk her down the aisle. If there's a problem and she needs a dad, she does not have that anymore." "I'm here for my baby and I'm here for George because I want justice for him. I want justice for him because he was good no matter what anybody thinks. This is the proof. He was a good man," she concluded her message before walking off in tears. Celebrities Speak Out in Response to George Floyd's Death Then, after a statement from their representatives and George's family, Roxie told those in attendance that she will always remember when he first met their daughter. Roxie recalled, "He was so happy to have her. He slept the whole time that I went through labor but when he heard her cry he got up, walked up. I still have a picture of him waking up and seeing her. He loved her, he loved her so much." Roxie's attorney Chris Stewart also shared a video of Gianna, taken by @Skrptz, declaring that her "daddy changed the world," something the attorney wants her to "always remember." On Tuesday, it was announced the 46-year-old will be laid to rest after he's memorialized in memorials taking place in three separate cities. George Floyd died on May 25 while under arrest by former police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin is facing third-degree murder and manslaughter charges. He and three officers were fired for their involvement in Floyd's detainment. "E! stands in solidarity with the black community against systemic racism and oppression experienced every day in America," the network said in a statement on May 31. "We owe it to our black staff, talent, production partners and viewers to demand change and accountability. To be silent is to be complicit. #BlackLivesMatter." Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 17:23:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on June 3, 2020 shows the unveiling ceremony of key industrial parks, in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. A batch of key industrial parks were unveiled on Wednesday in China's island province of Hainan, in an effort to promote the construction of the Hainan free-trade port. The 11 key parks around the island cover three major fields, including tourism, modern services and advanced technologies. China on Monday released the development plan for the Hainan free-trade port, aiming to build Hainan into a globally influential, high-level, free-trade port by the middle of the century. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng) HAIKOU, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A batch of key industrial parks were unveiled on Wednesday in China's island province of Hainan, in an effort to promote the construction of the Hainan free-trade port. The 11 key parks around the island cover three major fields, including tourism, modern services and advanced technologies. The industrial parks are important areas to illustrate trade and investment policies, pilot fields for bold trials, innovations and reforms and a new highland for reform and opening up, said Liu Cigui, Party chief of Hainan. Liu said the key industrial parks are expected to play a leading role in the construction of the free-trade port. China on Monday released the development plan for the Hainan free-trade port, aiming to build Hainan into a globally influential, high-level, free-trade port by the middle of the century. Enditem The Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, Adam Mutawakilu is demanding on government to immediately withdraw the increment in the BOST margin. He said the decision to increase the margin at this time amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is unfortunate situation that would overburden Ghanaians who are already hard-hit by the covid-19 pandemic He said the Minority in Parliament is concerned that while the government appears to be granting some reliefs to individuals and businesses due to COVID-19, it has been secretly introducing new levies and taxes that places extra burden on Ghanaians. Weve come to realize as a Minority that while President Nana Akufo-Addo is giving reliefs to Ghanaians, he clandestinely went behind to increase levies, taxes and margins. We call on President Akufo-Addo to as a matter of urgency to reverse this 100 percent increase in BOST margin so that Ghanaians who are burdened by COVID-19 will be able to make a good living, he said. The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) in a statement over the weekend said the BOST Margin which used to be three pesewas per litre of petroleum product has been increased by an additional three pesewas. The regulator in the statement said the increment was approved by Cabinet. We write to inform you of a review of the BOST Margin in the Price Build-Up (PBU) of petroleum products effective 1st June 2020. This is in line with a decision taken by Cabinet and communicated to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) by the Ministry of Energy, the statement said. The implication is that Ghanaians from 1st June 2020 started paying more for fuel at the various filling stations. The BOST Margin has remained at 3 pesewas per litre since 2011. In December 2019, it almost went up to 6 pesewas per litre but the decision was quickly reversed following intense pressure on government by opposition parties as well as CSOs such as the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC). ---citinewsroom Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2020) - Brand X Lifestyle Corp. (CSE: BXXX) (the "Company" or "Brand X"), is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary CBIO Brand Distribution International, INC., ("CBIO USA"), a wholly owned subsidiary of CBIO Brand Development, INC., ("CBIO CAN"), has entered into an Exclusive Marketing License Agreement, (the "Agreement") with GoRich International Marketing Representatives and AJH Investment Holdings, LLC., (together hereby referred to as "GoRich"). The Agreement establishes an exclusive business representation of CBIO's hand and surface sanitization business SaniGenix ("SaniGenix"), www.sanigenix.com, in the Gulf Cooperation Council territory which includes the countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and United Arab Emirates (together "GCC"). GoRich is a diversified marketing representative in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and an investment strategy firm working directly on behalf of the royal family offices of Abu Dhabi to bring unique products and services to the GCC territories. "Bill and his team at SaniGenix have worked long and hard developing high-quality and protective sanitization products. As the world continues to battle the outbreak of COVID, we hope that our partnership can immediately protect the communities throughout GCC, and more importantly, protect them for generations to come," says Abdo John Hajj, Founding Partner of AJH Investments. GoRich has been granted a 6-month Exclusive Marketing license, the Exclusivity will follow a month-to-month exclusivity ("Exclusivity Period"), for SaniGenix products in the GCC for the purpose of effecting and presenting potential business opportunities, new customers, and ventures. Abdulla salem saif humaid Al-shamsi (Managing Director) and Hany Ebtehal (Chief Executive Officer) who both play an important role in building UAE industry and economy diversification, committed to enhance the partnership between CBIO and GoRich and adapt Mr. Bill Monroe's vision to support UAE and other GCC countries and beyond, to battle the outbreak of COVID 19 Story continues Bill Monroe, President & CEO of CBIO USA had this to say, "in understanding the need for safe sanitizing products worldwide, we at CBIO, could not be more confident in having GoRich as our representative to the GCC territories. GoRich brings the talent and personnel needed to market and distribute CBIO's suite of sanitizing products to this region of the world and we look forward to building brand loyalty alongside the GoRich team." On Behalf of the Company, Arni Johannson, CEO Email: arni@canadiannexus.com Tel: 604-349-3011 About Brand X Lifestyle Corp. Brand X (CSE: BXXX) seeks investment opportunities in early to mid-stage blockchain and emerging technology companies. Brand X is dedicated to disciplined due diligence, governance, and an investment process that results in highly qualified investment opportunities. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements with respect to the consideration to CBIO Shareholders, generation of revenue by CBIO, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. 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 differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining regulatory approvals (including of the Canadian Securities Exchange), changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the Company's operations and the Company's limited operating history. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this presentation or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57197 Like many segregated cities before it, Minneapolis is burning. George Floyds killing by a police officer is tearing the city and the country apart. But this tragedy is also the result of two Americas, increasingly separate from each other, coming into wrenching conflict. Mr. Floyd was from a different world than Derek Chauvin, the police officer who has been charged with third-degree murder in Mr. Floyds death. Mr. Floyd grew up in Houstons Third Ward, one of that citys poorest and most racially segregated areas. The street corner on which he died itself sits inside one of Minneapoliss racial borderlands, where miles of majority-white residential neighborhoods begin transitioning into a cluster of majority-nonwhite blocks, in which black residents outnumber white residents two to one. Mr. Chauvin made his home in different circles. Public records indicate that he lives in Oakdale, Minn., a suburb of St. Paul, in a neighborhood that is nearly 80 percent white, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. (This is the norm for Minneapolis police: more than 90 percent live outside the city.) He owns a second home, where he is registered to vote near Windermere, Fla., an Orlando suburb that is 85 percent white. Severe segregation in the Twin Cities region is a relatively recent phenomenon. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Minneapolis region was one of the most racially integrated in the nation. This was partially the product of a carefully designed fair share program that required all municipalities within the region to develop affordable housing within their borders, preventing suburbs from effectively barring low-income residents, as had occurred in most major American cities. Minneapolis also operated an aggressive school desegregation plan. But over time, both programs broke down under pressure from special interests and were substituted for by less politically troublesome programs. Despite the countless calls for white Americans to not only acknowledge racism but actively denounce it, there are still far too many people willingly denying that it exists. Stephen tWitch Boss and Allison Holker shared a TikTok video that expresses the realities of white privilege, and its a powerful must-watch. In the clip, which Holker posted on social media on Tuesday, June 2nd, the So You Think You Can Dance alums can be seen with their 4-year-old son, Maddox. The couple participated in the Check Your Privilege Edition TikTok challenge, both putting up all 10 fingers. They were then prompted to put one finger down for each scenario theyd personally experienced. Think of it like the college game Never Have I Ever, but with much more consequence. The first prompt asked the couple to put a finger down if youve ever been called a racial slur, and Magic Mike XXL star Boss put down one of his fingers. Other prompts included followed in a store unnecessarily, had someone clutch their purse in an elevator with you, and been accused of not being able to afford something expensive, all of which Boss has experiencedand which Holker has not. By the end of the video, Boss was out of fingers to put down, unable to express that hes also been denied service solely because of the color of [his] skin. For her part, Holker was able to keep up all of her fingers, except for the prompt that asked, if youve ever had to teach your child how not to get killed by the police. The challenge ends by asking, Any fingers left? Thats privilege. The challenge was started by TikTok user @boss_bigmamma, a Black woman named Kenya from Virginia who has been using the app to speak openly about racial injustice since joining in March. Other TikTok users have since begun participating in the Put a Finger Down challenge, serving as an easyand powerfulway to acknowledge that simply being white is, in and of itself, a privilege in a country that views Black skin as less than. Viewers met Sutton Stracke from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills when she lowkey picked up custom Dolce & Gabbana couture at the private home of Domenico Dolce. Sutton Stracke attends SUTTON Store Launch at SUTTON |Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for SUTTON She spoke about the iconic designers like personal friends as she modeled the design for Lisa Rinna. The moment was impressive because Stracke didnt make a considerable fuss over popping in for a quick fitting, but Rinnas jaw basically hung open the entire time. One aspect Stracke left out during the visit was how she connected and became friends with the designers. Sure shes wealthy, as Rinna pointed out several times during the first episode, but Strackes relationship is actually deeper (and much sweeter) than having money. They bonded over a mutual love of dance She was first introduced to the designers when she attended a show with Jennifer Tilly in Italy I was never a Dolce girl before, she admits. I dont have that kind of body. But she instantly fell in love once she met the designers and tried the pieces. Theyre the nicest, most giving people, she said on the Behind the Velvet Rope with David Yontef podcast. She was in town for the show and ended up staying for three weeks. And I was like, Oh I get it. They really bring the area where the show is, to their clothes, Stracke describes. Its very specific and they love Italy and it just comes out. And they love their clients and its truly a family. RELATED: RHOBH: Sutton Stracke Is so Rich, She Insisted on Flying Her Piano to Her New Home Stracke says she hung out with the designers for the weeks after the show. But they also connected because of their mutual love of dance. And theyre big ballet fans and I dont know, we just really clicked for some reason. Dominico has very limited English but his partner Gui is fluent. So Gui can sometimes help us figure out what were trying to say to one another. Do they really make her a tiara for her birthday? They started giving me these tiaras for my birthday, she says. Like Ive never had a tiara before in my life. So I started getting a tiara for my birthday. And then I was kind of like I dig it. So you get addicted. Theyre addictive. RELATED: RHOBH: How Rich Is Sutton Stracke? Rinna actually tried on a tiara that was just sitting around in Dolces home during the fitting. Crowns have become a symbol for the series as former RHOBH cast member Lisa Vanderpump used to use the crown is heavy as her tagline. Rinna exclaimed in her moment alone the crown wasnt so heavy. What does it say about Sutton that Dolce & Gabbana make a one of a kind piece for her? Rinna said in a confessional. It says that shes rich, honey! Shes-a-rich! Stracke was in town with the cast for New York Fashion Week. But said, Ive been to lots of New York Fashion Week shows. Theyre just not my favorite because its so crazy that week. I kind of pick and choose. Even though she says Paris Fashion Week is crazy too, she finds it to be more fun. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is on Wednesday at 9/8c on Bravo. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ardila Syakriah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 07:05 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdba7ba9 1 National #COVID19,COVID-19,COVID-19-in-Indonesia,laboratory,PCR-test,mass-testing,lab-workers,#lab-workers Free Hardly ever mentioned alongside other front-line health workers like doctors and nurses, laboratory workers in Indonesia are grappling with an unprecedented scale of testing for the highly contagious coronavirus, as piling samples overwhelm short-handed labs. In a country where the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the golden standard testing method to detect the new virus, is deemed exclusive mainly for research rather than diagnostic purposes, a shortage of lab workers capable of running the tests has hindered mass testing efforts. Laboratory workers are on edge as the government looks into easing the already loose social restrictions despite new cases continuing to soar. They fear that future samples pouring in would be more than they can handle. Freelancer laboratorian Muhammad Mijar Al Faridzy in Surabaya, East Javas capital and Indonesias second-largest city, which is now the COVID-19 epicenter, said his lab had recently been receiving almost twice the number of samples it did when he started the job in April. The private lab was looking to recruit more people as piling samples began to overwhelm him and his colleagues, who had to work longer hours lately, Mijar said. "There are many laboratorians, but not all are trained to run the PCR machines, and that is the problem, Mijar, who is also a veterinary intern, told The Jakarta Post. Some of my fellow university friends only learned a bit about [PCR] in college, so they do not automatically understand how it works [upon graduating]. Read also: 50 days of Indonesias partial lockdown. Is it enough for the new normal? Mijar, who is tasked with the laborious process of manually extracting the virus' RNA from the samples, also shared his worry of contracting the virus even with his personal protective equipment (PPE) on, especially since he still lives with his parents in a densely populated part of Surabaya. His concerns are justified, as at least three workers at the biosafety level (BSL) 3 laboratory of Airlangga University's Institute of Tropical Diseases (ITD-Unair) in Surabaya have contracted the virus. The incident adds to the long list of frontliners comprising doctors and nurses who have been infected with the virus in Indonesia. Unair spokesperson Suko Widodo told the Post that it remained unclear how they contracted the virus but admitted that the lab had indeed been overwhelmed with the flood of samples. The lab has decided last week to stop accepting samples from hospitals other than the university's hospital, citing short-staffing as the reason as it tried to avoid a further backlog of tests. Earlier in May, COVID-19 task-force head Doni Monardo said the limited number of laboratory personnel hampered efforts to meet President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's target of 10,000 tests per day. As a result, labs expected to run for 24 hours could only run for 8 hours, he said. He highlighted the need to train lab workers and said the government had sought assistance from the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) as well as from an association of midwives and from community health centers to provide human resources for the labs, while also mulling to give lab workers extra incentives. Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) Biotechnology Research Center head Puspita Lisdiyanti criticized the Health Ministrys tardy decision in allowing more laboratories to process the tests in April, saying that labs needed much more time to prepare. The decision allowing various laboratories to conduct the tests as long as they meet certain criteria was issued a month after Indonesia confirmed its first COVID-19 cases in March and long after scientists called for the decentralization of testing. Testing on a scale never before seen in Indonesia required a large number of trained staffers familiar with molecular biology working in shifts to ensure they remain focused at work, hence minimizing accidents that could lead to them being infected, she said. "Manual extraction is a tiresome process; with PPE and N96 masks, workers might have difficulties breathing after just two hours, she said. The solution is to add more human resources, more shifts and also automatic extraction machines [...] Otherwise they might grow tired and forget to follow protocol. Even just fixing their glasses due to sweating could expose them to the virus. Read also: Indonesia targets local COVID-19 strain in Eijkman-led 2022 vaccine initiative LIPI has, since March, virtually trained 600 lab workers across the country and trained 10 non-LIPI staffers to be sent to other labs, and it is looking to train more this month. However, mobility restrictions and physical distancing made it difficult to train workers from other regions amid growing demand due to the uneven distribution of lab workers across Indonesia, Puspita said. A volunteer at a lab in Jakarta, Roswitha Muntiyarso, said the number of samples her lab received had declined, though not significantly, but she feared a new wave of infections would emerge once the so-called governments new normal scheme was put in place. "Especially when people's level of understanding of the virus is not the same [...] and their awareness of physical distancing might subside once the restrictions are loosened," said Roswitha, who has been staying at a hotel and avoiding meeting her parents often. Fauqa Arinil Aulia, an intern at a COVID-19 referral hospital's lab who had to join as a frontliner right after finishing her residency in clinical pathology in March, said the work had taken a toll on her physically and mentally, especially as she had to take extra caution while living with her parents and children. "I am exhausted, that is for sure, but how can I stop; who else will do it?" she said. PERTH, Western Australia, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perseus Mining Limited (Perseus or the Company) (TSX & ASX: PRU) wishes to advise that Perseus and Exore Resources Limited (ASX:ERX) have entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed under which it is proposed that Perseus (or a subsidiary of Perseus) will acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Exore by way of scheme of arrangement. HIGHLIGHTS Perseus to acquire 100% of Exore by way of scheme of arrangement in an all-share transaction under which, if implemented, Exore shareholders will receive 1 Perseus share for every 12.79 Exore shares held The Scheme delivers compelling value to Exore shareholders: Based on Perseuss 10 trading day VWAP, Scheme Consideration values Exore at a fully diluted equity value of A$59.8 million 1 or A$0.098 per share Based on Perseuss last closing share price on June 2, 2020, Scheme Consideration values Exore at a fully diluted equity value of A$64.0 million 1 or A$0.105 per share At Perseuss last closing price, the Implied Scheme Consideration represents a premium of: 69% to Exores closing share price of A$0.062 on June 2, 2020 78% to the 20 trading day VWAP of Exore of A$0.059, up to and including June 2, 2020 This is equivalent to a 56.9% premium based on the 20 trading day VWAP of both companies The Exore Board unanimously recommends that Exore shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme, in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an Independent Experts report concluding that the Scheme is in the best interests of Exore shareholders Exore has elected to exercise its pre-emptive right over Apollos 20% joint venture interest in the Bagoe and Liberty Projects in northern Cote dIvoire for US$4.5 million to obtain 100% ownership 1 Calculated based on 589,356,105 ordinary shares outstanding, plus 20,616,667 outstanding performance options that are expected to vest and be exercised prior to the record date, plus 5,000,000 options to be cancelled in consideration for Perseus shares Story continues Shareholders of both Perseus and Exore are expected to benefit from the increased strength of the combined entity Exores Bagoe project in northern Cote dIvoire has a maiden JORC-compliant Mineral Resource containing 90,000 ounces of gold classified as an Indicated Mineral Resource and a further 440,000 ounces classified as an Inferred Mineral Resource The Mineral Resources defined at the Bagoe project are within trucking distance of Perseuss Sissingue Gold Mine Perseus has the financial capacity, technical expertise and in-country experience to advance the Bagoe and Liberty projects as well as explore Exores highly prospective ~2,000km 2 land package Perseuss offer allows Exore shareholders to retain exposure to Exores exploration potential as well as gain exposure to Perseuss multi-mine, multi-jurisdictional portfolio of profitable mining and development operations, its highly competent technical team and licence to operate in West Africa Transaction Summary Perseus and Exore have entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed under which it is proposed that Perseus (or a subsidiary of Perseus) will acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Exore by way of scheme of arrangement. Exore has elected to exercise its pre-emptive right to acquire the remaining 20% interest in the Bagoe and Liberty Projects from Apollo Consolidated Limited for US$4.5 million which, upon completion of that transaction, will result in Exore owning 100% of the Bagoe and Liberty projects. Exore will fund this acquisition from its existing cash. The Scheme Consideration of A$59.8 million is calculated on a fully diluted basis1 applying a purchase price of A$0.098 per share (based on Perseuss 10 trading day VWAP). Consideration is to be paid in the form of shares in Perseus with each Exore shareholder receiving 1 Perseus share for every 12.79 Exore shares held. This share swap ratio is based on the 10 day VWAP of Perseus shares on 2 June 2020 and implies a price of A$0.105 per Exore share based on Perseuss closing share price on the same date. The Implied Scheme Consideration represents a premium of: 69% to Exores closing share price of A$0.062 on June 2, 2020; 78% to the 20 trading day VWAP of Exore of A$0.059, up to and including June 2, 2020 Transaction Rationale Exore holds approximately 2,000 square kilometres of highly prospective land in northern Cote dIvoire, near Perseuss Sissingue Gold Mine. Exore acquired an 80% joint venture in exploration permits that make up the Bagoe and Liberty projects, which cover 816 square kilometres, from Apollo in December 2018. Exore subsequently expanded this position to approximately 2,000 square kilometres through additional earn-in and joint venture agreements with local Ivorian groups. Exore recently announced a JORC Compliant Mineral Resource at its Bagoe Project comprising Indicated Mineral Resources of 0.75Mt @ 3.5g/t for 90,000 ounces of gold contained, and Inferred Mineral Resources of 5.85Mt @ 2.3g/t for 440,000 ounces of gold contained. Bagoe Gold Project, Cote dIvoire JORC 2012 Mineral Resource Estimate1 Cut-Off Classification Tonnes (kt) Gold Grade Ounces 0.5g/t Indicated 950 3.0g/t 90,000 Inferred 8,800 1.8g/t 510,000 Total 9,750 1.9g/t 600,000 1.0g/t Indicated 750 3.5g/t 90,000 Inferred 5,850 2.3g/t 440,000 Total 6,650 2.5g/t 530,000 Perseus is a multi-mine, multi-jurisdictional explorer, developer and producer of gold with a solid track record of successfully operating in West Africa. Perseus currently has two producing gold mines, one in Ghana and the other in Cote dIvoire, and a third mine, also in Cote dIvoire, in development. Perseus is on track to produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold per year with three mines in operation, generating a cash margin of more than US$400 per ounce from financial year 2022. Perseus Managing Director and CEO Jeff Quartermaine said: The acquisition of Exore results in Perseus gaining ownership of approximately 2,000 square kilometres of geologically prospective land in northern Cote dIvoire, close to our operating Sissingue Gold Mine. Sissingue currently has a mine life of three years from 1 July 2020, and with the acquisition of Exores land package, including defined Mineral Resources at the Bagoe Project, we have the option of developing the Bagoe Project into a new gold mine potentially using the Sissingue infrastructure, or alternatively, delineating further Mineral Resources that can be economically mined and trucked to our Sissingue plant for processing. Either option provides an opportunity to continue creating value for Perseuss shareholders. Exore Managing Director Justin Tremain said: The Board of Exore believes the proposed transaction with Perseus represents compelling value for Exore shareholders. In addition to the premium implied by the transaction consideration, Exore shareholders have the opportunity to benefit, at a time of near record gold prices, from Perseuss strong development and production capabilities which position Perseus as the ideal counterparty to unlock the future value of the companys Bagoe project, whilst de-risking the need for Exore to discover additional ounces to support a standalone operation or fund a standalone development. There are significant potential synergies that can be realised by utilising Perseuss pre-existing infrastructure in any future development of Exores projects with the Sissingue infrastructure comfortably within trucking distance of the Bagoe project. Exore shareholders will also benefit from exposure to Perseuss existing production and development assets, which provide an exceptional growth profile. ______________________________ 2 Refer to ASX announcement released by Exore on May 4, 2020 titled Maiden Gold Resource of 530,000 ounces at 2.5g/t for more detail Exore Board unanimously recommends the Scheme The Board of Exore unanimously recommend that Exore shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme, in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent experts report concluding that the Scheme is in the best interests of Exore shareholders. Exore Directors intend to vote in favour of the Scheme in respect of all the Exore shares which they control, subject to those same qualifications. Benefits to Perseus Shareholders Acquisition of shallow relatively high-grade Mineral Resources at Bagoe that remain open for further exploration If expanded, the Mineral Resource may be able to be developed in-situ or alternatively, may be economically trucked for processing through the mill at Perseuss near-by Sissingue Gold Mine and in the process, extend the life of the Sissingue operation without major capital investment Acquisition of a highly prospective 2,000km2 land package in close proximity to Sissingue that is relatively under-explored but known to host geological structures on which several significant gold discoveries have previously been made Benefits to Exore Shareholders The Implied Scheme Consideration represents a significant premium of 69% to last close and 78% to 20 trading day VWAP Through Perseus scrip consideration, retain exposure to Exores assets and future upside associated with exploration (including the Bagoe and Liberty Project of which, as mentioned above, Exore will obtain 100% ownership after having exercised its pre-emptive right over Apollos 20% interest) Benefit from exposure to Perseuss two producing gold mines and third mine in development (currently on time and on budget for first gold in December 2020) Benefit from significantly enhanced trading liquidity, scale, and asset diversification Benefit from Perseuss operational experience in West Africa, with proven success in developing and operating gold mines Mitigates development risks including permitting, capex and funding Details of the Scheme Implementation Deed The implementation of the Scheme is subject to several conditions, including: Exore shareholder approval; Court approvals; An Independent Experts report concluding the Scheme is in the best interests of Exore shareholders and not changing that conclusion; There being no Exore Material Adverse Change, Exore Prescribed Occurrence, Perseus Material Adverse Change or Perseus Prescribed Occurrence (each as defined in the Scheme Implementation Deed); and Other conditions customary for a transaction of this nature including TSX approval. The Scheme Implementation Deed contains standard no shop, no talk, notification and matching rights provisions, with a reciprocal break fee payable in certain circumstances. The no talk obligation is subject to a customary fiduciary carve-out. A copy of the Scheme Implementation Deed, which includes full details of the conditions to the Scheme, is available on www.asx.com, www.perseusmining.com and www.sedar.com. Perseus intends to rely on the exemption for Eligible Interlisted Issuers in Section 602.1 of the TSX Company Manual in connection with the transaction. Indicative Timetable A scheme booklet containing information relating to the proposed acquisition, reasons for the directors recommendation, an Independent Experts report and details of the Scheme meeting will be prepared and provided to Exore shareholders in due course. Exore shareholders will then be able to vote on the Scheme at a Court-convened shareholder meeting, which is expected to be held in late August or early September 2020. Subject to shareholder approval being obtained and the other conditions of the Scheme being satisfied, the Scheme is expected to be implemented in mid-September 2020. These dates are indicative only and may change. Advisors Perseus has appointed Sternship Advisers as financial advisor and Corrs Westgarth Chambers as legal advisor. Exore has appointed Hartleys Limited as financial advisor and Gilbert + Tobin as legal advisor. Investor Call A video conference on the transaction will be held for the investment community on Wednesday June 3, 2020 commencing at 10.00am (AWST) / 12.00pm (AEST). Investors, brokers, analysts and media can join the video conference through the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oqu3MISzTfaCAcV5qnMYxQ The Investor Presentation will be available via the ASX Company announcements Platform (ASX and TSX code: PRU, ASX code: ERX) as well as at Perseuss website at www.perseusmining.com and on www.sedar.com . A recording of the video conference will also be available later today at Perseuss website. This announcement has been approved for release by the Boards of Perseus and Exore. For further information, please contact: Perseus Mining Limited Managing Director: Jeff Quartermaine at telephone +61 8 6144 1700 or email jeff.quartermaine@perseusmining.com Chief Financial Officer: Elissa Brown at telephone +61 8 6144 1700 or email Elissa.brown@perseusmining.com General Manager BD & IR: Andrew Grove at telephone +61 8 6144 1700 or email andrew.grove@perseusmining.com Media Relations: Nathan Ryan at telephone +61 4 20 582 887 or email nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au (Melbourne) Exore Competent Person Statement: This announcement includes information that relates to Exores mineral resources, ore reserves and exploration results. This information was prepared by and is the responsibility of Exore only. It is extracted from Exores announcement dated 4 May 2020. These announcements are available to view on www.exoreresources.com.au. These announcements set out the key assumptions, mining and processing parameters and methods used to prepare the estimates. Exore confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affect the information in those market releases and that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, continue to apply and have not materially changed. Perseus has not undertaken sufficient work to independently verify Exores mineral resources, and further evaluation work and appropriate studies will be done by Perseus following completion of the Transaction. Perseus Competent Person Statement: All production targets for the Edikan and Sissingue Gold Mines referred to in this report are underpinned by estimated Ore Reserves which have been prepared by competent persons in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code. The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves for the Esuajah North deposit at the Edikan Gold Mine was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market announcement entitled Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves released on 29 August 2019. The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resources for the Edikan deposits (other than the Fetish, AFG, Bokitsi South, Esuajah North and Esuajah South deposits) was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market announcement released on 29 August 2018. The information in this report that relates to Ore Reserves for the Edikan deposits (other than the Fetish, AFG, Bokitsi South, Esuajah North and Esuajah South deposits) was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market announcement entitled Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves released on 29 August 2018. The above-mentioned deposits have been updated for mining depletion as at 31 December 2019 in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Edikan Gold Mines Mineral Resource & Ore Reserves released on 20 February 2020. The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates for the Bokitsi South and Esuajah South underground and to the Ore Reserve estimates for the Fetish and AFG deposits at the Edikan Gold Mine was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Edikan Gold Mines Mineral Resource & Ore Reserves released on 20 February 2020. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report Central Ashanti Gold Project, Ghana dated 30 May 2011 continue to apply. The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves for Sissingue was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market announcement released on 20 October 2018 and includes an update for depletion as at 30 June 2019 in a market announcement released on 28 August 2019. In respect of the Fimbiasso East and West deposits, previously Bele East and West respectively, the Company confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves described in market announcements dated 20 February 2017 and 31 March 2017 respectively continue to apply with the exception that the reported resources are now constrained to a US$1,800/oz pit shell as advised in a market announcement dated 29 August 2018. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affect the information in these market releases and that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report Sissingue Gold Project, Cote dIvoire dated 29 May 2015 continue to apply. The information in this report in relation to Yaoure Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market announcement on 28 August 2019. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report Yaoure Gold Project, Cote dIvoire dated 18 December 2017 continue to apply. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information: This report contains forward-looking information which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of Perseus believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by Perseus regarding, among other things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production without any major disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, development of new mines, the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of Perseus to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of Perseus to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by Perseus. Although management believes that the assumptions made by Perseus and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Perseus to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in Perseuss publicly filed documents. Perseus believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, Perseuss ability to carry on its exploration and development activities, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold, the ability of Perseus to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of Perseus to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Perseus does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. LONDON (Reuters) - Spanish utility Iberdrola said on Wednesday it will invest up to 4 billion euros ($4.5 billion) over the next four years in France to develop renewable energy. Iberdrola said it is already investing 2.4 billion euros in the Saint-Brieuc offshore wind farm in France and plans to invest in new onshore wind, solar photovoltaic and participate in future offshore wind capacity auctions. "France is a strategic country for Iberdrola," said Ignacio Galan, chairman and CEO of Iberdrola. "The company is very interested in participating in the new offshore wind capacity auctions to be held in the future by France," he added. (Reporting by Nina Chestney; editing by Jason Neely) The Pennsylvania Department of State reported 511 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, raising the statewide total to 73,405. Across Pennsylvania, 5,742 deaths have been tied to COVID-19, including 75 new fatalities reported Wednesday. About two-thirds of the states coronavirus deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. The health department released new data Wednesday; the numbers reflect cases and deaths reported as of midnight. Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine has hailed the drop in new cases in recent weeks. This marks the 24th consecutive day there have been fewer than 1,000 new coronavirus cases. Nursing homes and hospitals Across Pennsylvania, 3,621 coronavirus deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, according to the health department. There are 15,752 residents of those facilities who have contracted COVID-19, along with 2,719 employees. Putting it all together, 18,471 cases have been identified in nursing homes - about a quarter of the states coronavirus cases. Cases have been found at 611 facilities in 44 counties, the health department said. Fewer patients are also being treated in hospitals, according to the health department. According to the health department, 1,302 coronavirus patients are being treated in hospital. That number was more than twice as high a month ago. Statewide, 5,557 health care workers have been infected. Contact tracing Last week, the health department held its first meeting to discuss contact tracing in southwestern Pennsylvania. Levine has said contact tracing - the process of finding everyone who has been in contact with someone who has been infected - is a critical step toward moving to some degree of normalcy, particularly until a vaccine has been discovered. The department met with health systems, human service agencies and business groups. The department is working to set up six contact tracing consortiums across Pennsylvania. Reopening Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has lifted the stay-at-home order for most of Pennsylvania under his color-coded plan to reopen Pennsylvania: red, yellow and green. The governor said he will lift the stay-at-home order from the remaining 10 red counties, including the Philadelphia area, on Friday. On Friday, the Pittsburgh area and a host of other counties are slated to enter the green phase, the least restrictive. These counties go green on Friday: Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Clinton, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Indiana, Lycoming, Mercer, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland. By Friday, 34 of the states 67 counties will be in the green phase. On Friday, Dauphin County and seven other counties entered the yellow phase, which allows more businesses to reopen, with some restrictions. These other counties moved to the yellow phase Friday: Franklin, Huntingdon, Lebanon, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, and Schuylkill. More from PennLive DePasquale leads Brier in Democratic primary in 10th District, but race remains too close to call Pa. primary election went remarkably smoothly despite many challenges Pa. Turnpike Commission lays off 500, makes all-electronic tolling permanent Former Vice President Joe Biden followed a speech addressing the national protests over the death of George Floyd on Tuesday with a welcoming of Julian Castro to his campaign to help tackle police reform, an issue that was a cornerstone of Castro's failed presidential campaign. Julian I made a promise to Georges family that he wouldnt just become another hashtag. Were going to tackle this head on and were going to need your help to do it. Grateful for your support, Biden said in a retweet of Castro's tweet of support for Biden. The welcome mat for Castro, who was the only major Latino candidate in the Democratic presidential nomination race, comes almost two months after Castro first expressed support for Biden and amid a national uprising in peaceful and violent protests following Floyd's death after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyds neck for nearly eight minutes. In his speech, Biden called for Congress to take immediate steps to reform police, including outlawing choke holds, ending the transfer of military weapons to police, improving oversight and accountability of police and creating a national model on use of force. A clip of that portion of Biden's speech was tweeted by Castro. Castro made police reform a major part of his campaign and often got rousing cheers when he stated one-by-one in speeches and debates the names of victims of police violence. Joe Biden recognizes the urgent need for real reform to address our broken policing system. Im proud to support him, and I look forward to seeing these reforms become law, so that what happened to George Floyd never happens again, Castro said in his tweet. Castros tweet got a quick response in a tweet from Cristobal Alex, a senior adviser to Biden. So proud to join forces with Secretary @JulianCastro. As a leader for civil rights and a champion for police reform, Julian bring so much to this urgent national crisis, our campaign and the work that is needed to win in November and beyond. Welcome to #TeamJoe! Alex said in his tweet. Story continues Endorsements from just about every other 2020 rival to Biden for the nomination had been recognized for weeks by the campaign, generally with a press release announcement or event. Castro's absence from Bidens camp and the delay in the campaign officially accepting his support had become a point of speculation, particularly since Biden has been trying to ramp up his support among some parts of the Latino electorate. Some former competitors had joined Biden on the campaign trail before the coronavirus outbreak or in online events. Beto ORourke of El Paso, Texas, already had made two appearances with Biden, taking Biden to a Whataburger March 3, Super Tuesday, after a Dallas rally and then again in May for a virtual rally for young voters. Such visibility can be a boost for any politician that may want a place in the administration, should Biden win or should the former candidate pursue another wage another election. Castro spokesman Sawyer Hackett noted the official inclusion of Castro in the campaign as the nation grapples with race and policing is appropriate because Castro was the only presidential candidate who had a stand-alone police reform plan. Castro recited the names of police violence victims and referred to Black Lives Matter starting with his his speech launching his presidential bid, followed in debates and did so again in his exit from the presidential campaign trail, Hackett said. Castro served as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under Barack Obama and was mayor of San Antonio as well as a city council member. He pushed police reforms as mayor and pushed them as HUD secretary. He is the Democrat who has led on this issue and pushed it when it wasnt on the forefront of peoples minds, Hackett said. Biden's campaign continues to be working on ramping up its Latino support. Biden has held a few Latino-focused events, including one with former Latino Cabinet secretaries, that did not include Castro, the most recent Latino Democrat to serve as a Cabinet secretary and the youngest former Cabinet secretary. Biden and Castro had tangled in a Democratic debate in Houston last September when Castro was seen as questioning Bidens memory. That clash seemed to stall his campaign, which got a boost when Castro sparred with ORourke on immigration. Several members of ORourkes campaign now work for Biden, including ORourkes former campaign manager Jen OMalley Dillon. After he exited the race in January, Castro endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and was an active surrogate for her. After Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left the race, Castro expressed support for Biden, doing so in an April 8 tweet saying, The Democratic Party must now come together behind @JoeBiden to defeat Donald Trump and restore integrity, decency and competence to the Oval Office. Even if he has not officially been part of the campaign, Castro has made various appearances in town halls and online with various organizations, stressing the need to defeat Trump in November. Castro and Biden will be among those addressing the Texas Democratic Party's 2020 convention, being held virtually this week. Castro recently launched a political action committee to support down ballot races and used his email list to appeal through the PAC for contributions to community activists groups working on police reform and equity in criminal justice. Follow NBC Latino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This week's episode of Deadliest Catch will feature the tragic sinking of the F/V Scandies Rose, a veteran Alaskan crab boat, on New Year's Eve. In PEOPLE's exclusive sneak peek, a mayday call sounds out from the fishing vessel as winter slams the Bering Sea the ship and her crew of seven are sinking. The United States Coast Guard responds to the call, requesting all other vessels in the vicinity to maintain a sharp lookout. Sig Hansen, Captain of the F/V Northwestern, appears to be immediately bracing himself for the worst. "There's reports that the Scandies Rose has gone down, and that it's missing," he says. "I don't know if they were in their suits, I don't know if they're on board or made it in the water we just don't know." What he does know is that he's known longtime Scandies Rose Captain Gary Cobbin Jr., Bering Sea legend, "for as long as I can remember." Discovery A search and rescue team heads out towards the boat's last known position, 170 miles away east of Sutwik Island. But amid the perilous conditions of the brutal winter storm, the clock is ticking. "There's always a chance in the next hour or two that they might be able to find the guys. You know, the Coast Guard's got to search through the night. They'll probably search through tomorrow," says Captain Scott Campbell Jr. "But if they don't find them in a couple of hours, the odds of them surviving are not good." RELATED: Remembering the Late Deadliest Catch Stars, from Phil Harris to Blake Painter Five were lost with the Scandies Rose: Captain Gary Cobban Jr.; his son, David Cobban; Seth Rosseau-Gano; Arthur Ganacias; and Brock Rainey. Two survivors, John Lawler and Dean Gribble Jr., made it into survival suits and a life raft, where a Coast Guard helicopter found them near Sutwik Island. Watch the full episode of Deadliest Catch on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on Discovery. What you need to know about COVID-19 in Ottawa on Wednesday, June 3 Recent developments: Washrooms at five Ottawa beaches are open but the water remains off limits for swimming. Ottawa is reporting eight new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, but no additional deaths. Health authorities in the Outaouais are reporting two more deaths. Ontario has extended the provincewide declaration of emergency until June 30. As Gatineau salons reopen, Ottawa hairdressers say Ontario's pace may cost them their businesses. What's happening today? City of Ottawa officials have announced washrooms at five city beaches Britannia Park, Andrew Haydon Park, Westboro Beach, Mooney's Bay Beach and Petrie Island are now open and will be cleaned regularly. Mayor Jim Watson said during a teleconference Wednesday the water remains off limits to swimmers because there are no lifeguards on duty and the water quality is not being tested. The 2020 Canada Army Run has been cancelled due to concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers say. The annual event, which attracts thousands of participants, was scheduled to run from Sept. 12-20. Hairdressers in Ottawa say the province's decision to extend the state of emergency could cost them their livelihoods, especially as salons across the river in Gatineau, Que., reopen for business. Melissa Brouwers, a health services researcher and director of the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa, answered your summer vacation questions this morning on CBC's Ottawa Morning and on Facebook. How many cases are there? There have been 1,977 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa and 247 deaths linked to the respiratory illness, as of the latest Ottawa Public Health data available Wednesday. The city's death count decreased Wednesday because one of the individuals who died recently was found not to be a resident of Ottawa, the health agency says. There are more than 3,100 known cases across eastern Ontario and western Quebec. More than 2,400 people in the region have recovered from COVID-19. Story continues COVID-19 has killed 50 people in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties, 17 in other parts of eastern Ontario and 22 in the Outaouais. Confirmed cases are just a snapshot because, until recently, not everyone could be tested in Ontario. Also, not everyone with COVID-19 will go to get tested (potentially because they are asymptomatic) and results take time to process. What's open and closed? Ontario is in "stage one" of its three-stage reopening plan. When ready, its next stage should bring more offices, outdoor spaces and gatherings back. Ontario has extended its state of emergency until June 30. On May 31, the farmers market at Lansdowne Park reopened for pre-ordering and pickup-by-appointment. Drive-in movie theatres and batting cages in Ontario also opened Sunday. In Quebec, malls, campgrounds and Airbnbs, courts and services such as dentist offices and hair salons reopened Monday. National parks and historic sites across Canada, which includes Rideau Canal lockstations. Backcountry camping at Ontario Parks sites and recreational camping on Crown lands in Ontario is open. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press The City of Ottawa has cancelled all summer day camps and is providing refunds or credits. The city said it hopes to set up a different type of camp format, similar to what the City of Gatineau is doing, but didn't release any plans Monday. Many parks are now open with limits, such as not using playground equipment or gathering. Quebec elementary schools outside Montreal are open. Schools for its older students and all Ontario schools are closed through summer. The closure of overnight camping and some day-use activities at provincial parks and conservation reserves will continue until at least June 14. Post-secondary schools are moving toward more online classes this fall, with Ontario promising a fall plan for younger students by July and Quebec hoping to have students back in class full-time. Distancing and isolating The coronavirus primarily spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People don't need to have symptoms to be contagious. That means physical distancing measures such as working from home and staying at least two metres away from anyone they don't live with. Ottawa Public Health now wants people to think about how to safely do certain things and recommends people wear a fabric or non-medical mask when they can't always stay two metres from strangers, such as at a grocery store. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press Anyone who has symptoms or travelled recently outside Canada must self-isolate for at least 14 days. Specifically in Ottawa, anyone waiting for a COVID-19 test result must self-isolate at least until they know the result. The same goes for anyone in Ontario who's been in contact with someone who's tested positive or is presumed to have COVID-19. People 70 and older or with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions should also self-isolate. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? COVID-19 can range from a cold-like illness to a severe lung infection, with common symptoms including fever, a dry cough, vomiting and the loss of taste or smell. Less common symptoms include chills, headaches and pink eye. The Ontario government says in rare cases, children can develop a rash. If you have severe symptoms, call 911. Where to get tested In eastern Ontario: In Ottawa any resident who feels they need a test, even if they are not showing symptoms, can now be tested. Tests are done at the Brewer Arena from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., seven days a week, or at 595 Moodie Dr. and 1485 Heron Rd. those same hours on weekdays. Testing has also expanded for local residents and employees who work in the Eastern Ontario Health Unit area. There is a drive-thru test centre in Casselman and assessment centres in Hawkesbury and Winchester that don't require people to call ahead and others in Rockland, and Cornwall that require an appointment. In Kingston, the assessment centre at the Kingston Memorial Centre is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for anyone with symptoms. Napanee's test centre is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for people who call for an appointment. The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark unit asks you to get tested if you have a symptom or concerns about exposure. It has a walk-in site in Brockville open seven days a week at the Memorial Centre and testing sites in Smiths Falls and Almonte which require an appointment. The public health unit in the Belleville area is asking people to call it at 613-966-5500, their family doctor or Telehealth if they have symptoms or questions. If you have no symptoms, you can arrange a test in Bancroft, Belleville or Trenton by calling the centre, or in Picton by texting 613-813-6864. You can also call Picton's number as a backup. You may also qualify for a home test. Renfrew County is also providing home testing under some circumstances. Residents without access to a family doctor can call 1-844-727-6404 if they have health questions, COVID-19-related or not. If you're concerned about the coronavirus, take the self-assessment. In western Quebec: Outaouais residents should call 819-644-4545 if they have symptoms. They could end up being referred to Gatineau's testing centre. First Nations: Local communities have declared states of emergency, put in a curfew or both. Akwesasne has opened a mobile COVID-19 test site available by appointment only. Anyone returning to Akwesasne who's been farther than 80 kilometres away is asked to self-isolate for 14 days. Anyone in Tyendinaga who has symptoms can call 613-967-3603 to talk to a nurse. Pikwakanagan's council planned to let businesses reopen as of May 29. Kitigan Zibi is keeping schools closed through the summer. For more information A student who won $100,000 on his first-ever scratch card has shared his prize with the newsagent owner after she encouraged him to buy the ticket. The Perth man in his late 20s was purchasing his weekly Oz Lotto ticket at Morley North News but his $6.60 pay slip did not meet the shop's minimum $10 limit. 'The woman asked if Id like to buy a scratchie to make up the difference, so I agreed,' he said, 7News reports. A Perth student, aged in his 20s, won $100,000 from his first-ever Scratch'n'Win ticket (pictured) 'I scratched it in the car and had to go back and check to see if what Id won was right because Ive never bought a scratchie before.' The international student won $100,000 from the $5 Break the Bank scratchie and said he plans to spend the the money to pay for his studies and to try and become an Australian citizen. But first he returned back to the newsagent with a portion to say thank you. 'He came in with a box of chocolates and shared $300 of his winnings with us to say thank you for convincing him to buy a Scratch'n'Win ticket,' Morley North News owner Anna Chung said. Ms Chung said she was stunned by the generous gift and called the student a 'very sweet' man. She said the money will go towards buying a new bed for her daughter. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump was rushed to a secure bunker in the White House on Friday evening after a group of protesters hopped over temporary barricades set up near the Treasury Department grounds, according to arrest records and people familiar with the incident. The security move came after multiple people crossed over fences that had been erected to create a larger barrier around the White House complex around 7 p.m. Secret Service officers detained at least four protesters, who were charged with unlawful entry at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, according to arrest records. The incident took place near the border between the White House lawn and Treasury Department, about 350 feet from the East Wing, and close to a Treasury fence line that has been at the center of past security failures. The breach occurred around the time that the Secret Service alert level on the White House complex was elevated from "yellow" to "red," according to a law enforcement official who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal safety maneuvers. Officials familiar with the incident told colleagues that the president, the first lady and their son Barron were rushed to the bunker because of the episode, according to two people familiar with their accounts. The events contradict the president's claim Wednesday that he went to the bunker simply to inspect the secure location. Two of the people who were arrested said they were stunned by the idea that their actions prompted the abrupt relocation of the president. "I didn't even realize what I did was illegal," said one of the protesters, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the pending charges. "I stepped over a barricade. I never got onto the Treasury grounds or White House grounds." The White House and Secret Service declined to comment on what precipitated Trump's move to the bunker, part of a classified security system for safeguarding the president. "The White House does not comment on security protocols and decisions," spokesman Judd Deere said in an emailed statement. "For operational security reasons, the U.S. Secret Service does not discuss our protectees or our protective means and methods relative to all U.S. Secret Service protected facilities inclusive of the White House," an agency spokesperson said. Trump, who has been angered by reports that he was moved to the secure underground facility and the impression that he was in hiding, on Wednesday disputed that he was rushed to safety. "It was a false report. I wasn't down," Trump told Fox Radio host Brian Kilmeade. "I went down during the day, and I was there for a tiny, little short period of time, and it was much more for an inspection. There was no problem during the day." Pressed by Kilmeade on whether Trump was "inspecting" the bunker because the Secret Service expressed concern for his safety, the president insisted that wasn't the case. "Nope, they didn't tell me that at all," Trump said. "They said it would be a good time to go down, take a look, because maybe sometime you're going to need it." Former Secret Service agents said Trump's explanation did not make sense, noting that all presidents and their families are routinely given a security briefing in their first days in office. They are briefed on steps the Secret Service will take in an emergency and also shown secure locations where they will be taken in case of danger. Relocation to the underground bunker is part of various security steps the Secret Service may use in the case of potential threats to the president's safety. The incursion by protesters near the White House complex Friday came as swelling demonstrations filled the streets of downtown Washington in response to the killing of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police, with many people rushing barricades and throwing bottles. It was the first night of protests in the city, and the large crowd swarming so close to the White House took Secret Service officers aback, officials said. Lone protesters sometimes have tried to make a statement by jumping the fence, but not since the civil unrest of the 1960s have groups come directly at the White House grounds in such numbers. Trump's frustration with the impression that he was in hiding amid the tumult contributed to his decision Monday to walk from the White House to nearby St. John's Episcopal Church. Less than 30 minutes before his walk, federal agents rushed at protesters in Lafayette Square and an adjoining street with shields and batons, tossing gas canisters and pepper spray pellets into the crowd, causing a chaotic scurry. The arrests Friday took place near a Treasury Department fence line that borders the White House grounds and has figured in key security failures in the past, including a March 2017 incident when Trump was at home and was also rushed to the bunker for a short period. In that incident, Jonathan Tuan-Anh Tran, a California man carrying two cans of Mace and a letter to Trump about "Russian hackers," hopped the Treasury fence line. Due to outdated and failing sensors and alarms, he was able to reach the east side of the mansion and attempted to open doors there. Tran remained on the property for 17 minutes before he was spotted behind a pillar and apprehended near the South Portico entrance. The entire White House fence line was recommended for replacement after a 2014 fence-jumper incident, but the portion around Treasury had been delayed by Secret Service budget constraints. - - - The Washington Post's Alice Crites, John Wagner, Felicia Sonmez and Peter Hermann contributed to this report. Several issues of public concern were mentioned during a press conference following the monthly Government meeting in Hanoi on June 2. At the press conference Speaking at the event, Chief of the Office of the Ministry of Public Security Maj. Gen. To An Xo cited the Department of Criminal Polices report as saying that black credit crime now accounts for 22.6 percent of the total with various tricks in almost localities. Xo added that the ministry gave a warning about this crime on its portal and instructed people how to avoid its trap. In the coming time, the ministry will review the implementation of the Prime Ministers Decree 12/CT-TTg on fighting all types of crimes and law violations related to black credit activities. About investigation on five major economic cases causing serious consequences at Nhat Cuong company, the Vietnam Expressway Corporation, the Da Nang Quang Nam expressway management board, the Saigon Agriculture Corporation (Sagri), the Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (Sabeco) and the Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Corporation, he said the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption directed the ministry to fully verify and address them between now and the years end. As regards the responsibility of individuals, if any, for proposing rice export management policy, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said the Prime Minister ordered setting up an inspection team. Inspections on the issue will be completed on June 18, and conclusions will be publicised, he said, adding that the Ministry of Industry and Trade pledged to follow decisions of the Government Inspectorate. Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung also said during the Government meeting the same day, the PM requested striving to export 7 million tonnes of rice this year, or 400,000 500,000 tonnes higher than the same period last year./.VNA New Delhi, June 3 : On extradition to India, Vijay Mallya would be flown to Mumbai as the case against him was registered there, sources in the investigative agencies disclosed to IANS on Wednesday. The fugitive businessman will be accompanied by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials. At the Mumbai Airport, a medical team will do his health check-up. If Mallya lands in Mumbai at night, he will have to spend some time at the CBI office in the city. He will be produced in a court later in the day. If he lands during the day, he will directly be produced in a court, where the CBI will seek his custody. Later, the ED would also seek his custody, sources said. Hearing Mallya's plea in August 2018, a UK court had asked the Indian investigative agencies to share details of prison where he would be kept after extradition. The agencies had then shared video of the cell at the Arthur Road Jail, Mumbai, where they planned to keep Mallya after extradition. The agencies had also informed the UK court that post-extradition Mallya would be lodged in one of the high security barracks located in a two-storey building at the Arthur Road Jail complex. The Arthur Road jail has housed some notorious names from the underworld and the terror outfits. Ajmal Kasab, the sole terrorist arrested for the 26/11 Mumbai attack, was kept in this high security cell. Abu Salem, Chota Rajan, Mustafa Dossa, Peter Mukherjea and the Rs 13,500 crore PNB fraud accused Vipul Ambani are or were housed there. Mallya is wanted in India in the Rs 9,000 crore loan default case involving 17 banks. He lost his appeal in the UK top court on May 14 against extradition to India. India: Shrimp industry adapts to COVID-19 restrictions by Edward Gnana Jothi George, Ph.D. Sugumar Chinnadurai Vidya A June 03,2020 | Source: Aquaculture Alliance In this article, we analyze existing trends in the various segments of the shrimp production supply chain in India, including hatcheries, shrimp farms, feed production and exports. We also propose some strategies to help support industry resiliency and sustainability. India has an extensive coastline of 8,118 km across nine states and four union territories. The countrys shrimp aquaculture industry is one of its growing, protein-producing sectors which earns India important foreign exchange. Rising demand for animal protein, safe for human consumption, is on the rise due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has not only caused a huge transition in the global economy but also affected the shopping behavior of many people around the world. The countrys shrimp-farming area currently encompasses more than 176,000 hectares (ha): about 160,000 ha (91 percent) are used for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production, some 14,080 ha (8 percent) for black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) culture and around 1,760 ha (1 percent) for production of freshwater giant prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). Data from the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry show that year-on-year (YOY) shrimp production increased by 31 percent between 2019 (804,000 metric tons, or MT) and 2018 (615,692 MT), and that shrimp exports grew by 8 percent (667,140 MT) to various countries, representing 83 percent of total shrimp production in 2019. Exports were significantly driven by strong U.S. demand in the second half of last year, and India was the leading supplier of shrimp to the United States in 2019. Exports to that market grew 14 percent YOY with an export volume of 282,584 MT in 2019, when compared to the export of 247,783 MT in 2018. India exported 159,785 MT to China; 73,702 MT to the European Union (EU); 39,688 MT to Japan; 31,727 MT to Vietnam; 24,645 MT to the United Arab Emirates (UAE); and 56,762 MT to other destinations. Hatcheries According to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying), there are 311 shrimp hatcheries in India registered to import specific pathogen free (SPF) L. vannamei broodstock from 11 overseas suppliers, with an annual production capacity of 45 billion postlarvae (PLs). There are also 90 nauplii rearing centers (NRCs) with a capacity of 8.12 billion PLs that are registered with the CAA to produce seed for aquaculture farmers. Approximately 63,430 broodstock animals were imported in the first quarter of 2020, until the COVID-19 lockdown was announced by the Government of India (The Marine Products Exports Development Authority, or MPEDA), with no new imports since lockdown. By March 2020, 16 billion PLs were produced, and of these, some 1 to 1.5 billion animals, were discarded by hatchery operators due to lack of demand by farmers, which disturbed the cycle of shrimp seed production at the hatcheries. We estimate that approximately 4 billion PLs were produced in April 2020 during the lockdown. Hatchery operators were not able to produce seedstock during the initial period of the lockdown due to strict regulations on their operations, including various logistics aspects and labor. Also, drivers for delivery vehicles were not available to transport the PLs to distant regions. Because of the lockdown restrictions, lack of SPF broodstock, reduced hatchery seed production and a huge demand for PLs, seedstock prices increased by around 30 percent in the last three months, and further increases are possible unless conditions change. It is worth noting that the state government of the State of Andhra Pradesh has set maximum prices for PLs, with shortages expected in the coming months. Also, if broodstock imports do not satisfy demands, hatchery operators may resort to using farm-reared animals as non-SPF broodstock to produce PLs to meet farmers demand, and this would obviously affect seedstock quality. Nauplii survival during the summer would be lower, leading to severe shortages (of as many as six billion PLs) in the supply of PLs after May 2020. Shrimp farms In Indias shrimp farming industry, the first quarter (Q1) and early second quarter (Q2) of the year are commonly referred to as the summer crop, and this is the most active season for PL stocking. During February and March 2020, farmers were preparing to stock their ponds based on a normal PL supply situation. However, the official COVID-19 lockdown at the end of March significantly impacted the supply of PLs and the subsequent stocking of ponds, which resulted in a drastic fall in raw material prices. Because of the resulting uncertainty in international markets and also disease outbreaks, farmers carried out emergency harvests of ponds. Most farmers that stocked their ponds between January to early March have harvested their shrimp even at very small sizes. As a result, about 70 percent of the shrimp aquaculture area is now ready for stocking. Based on our own data gathered across the key aquaculture zones, the pond area presently stocked is approximately 30 percent. Farm gate prices for shrimp were steady from January to the first week of March 2020. However, prices started to fall during the second week of March and continued declining (Fig. 3) regardless of shrimp size (counts) perhaps due to a dynamic international market and caution on the part of buyers until the end of the third week of April, However, the prices of premium counts like 30- and 40-count declined in early May 2020, while prices for the other counts increased. This may be due to a market seeing an increased volume of premium counts like 30-count as farmers who stocked in January continue to harvest. These large sizes were highly utilized in restaurants, 70 percent or more of which remain closed across the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, medium-count shrimp can be exported to China and other destinations that purchase low-count (smaller) shrimp from India, which can also be absorbed by the domestic market. Shrimp farmers are now starting to recover from the difficult times caused by heavily slashed prices during recent months, as prices started recovering some starting in the last week of April. Farmers appear more motivated to stock their ponds as prices keep improving. Interestingly, Mr. Mopidevi Venkataramana Rao, Andhra Pradeshs State Minister for Animal Husbandries and Fisheries, recently stated that the government would ensure minimum prices as support for farmers. We estimate that around half of the farmers are likely to be re-stocking their farms as the situation improves and good demand in Q3 2020 is anticipated. But because 60 to 70 percent of farmers are anticipated to stock in May and June 2020, there could be a short supply of quality PLs available to farmers. Shrimp feed industry In 2019, more than 30 feed companies manufactured shrimp feed and produced around 1.2 million MT annually. During the first quarter of 2020, approximately 350,000 MT of shrimp feed were produced, but the output for April 2020 was estimated to be 80,000 MT, or 40 percent lower compared to April 2019 (authors data). With the support of the Government of India, the supply chain is now gradually coming back. The decline in feed production was caused by the COVID-19 regulations, which resulted in a manpower shortage, issues with raw materials logistics and fluctuating demand in the market. Fishmeal is one of the major ingredients for shrimp feed, but in the first quarter of 2020 India produced an estimated 46 percent less fishmeal than the amount of 120,000 MT (produced in Q1 2019 (IFFO The Marine Ingredients Organisation). For fish oil, production in Q1 2020 has dropped by about 28 percent compared to Q1 2019, when approximately 1,000 MT were produced monthly. These decreases are related to continuing issues with raw material supplies, and we expect that the demand for shrimp feed will increase as pond stocking by farmers increases. Shrimp exports Indias shrimp exports have had continuous growth over the past decade with year-on-year increases in volume (Fig. 4). In 2019, shrimp exports generated revenues of (U.S.) $5 billion (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India). The country currently has about 366 MPEDA-approved seafood export companies and 60 cold storage facilities. Through March 2020, about 230,000 MT of shrimp were produced, of which 180,500 MT (78 percent) were exported to various global markets. The top export destinations for India in Q1 2020 was the United States, with about 68,894 MT, followed by 24,848 MT to China, which resumed its shrimp imports from India. Though Ecuador is currently the major supplier to China, India is next in terms of volume with a contribution of 22 percent of the overall imports of shrimp in China (Fig. 5). Based on our internal data, approximately 25,000 MT of shrimp were in cold storage for future orders, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh supported the industry by opening major ports like Vizagapatnam, Kakinada and Krishnapatnam to resume exports. In addition to export market, farmed shrimp are also being sold in domestic markets, which was a long-awaited development for industry stakeholders, and which coincided with the low availability of wild captured product due to COVID-19 restrictions. Most interestingly, Japan has reduced import inspection sampling frequency for black tiger shrimp, which should help exports to that country in 2020. There are expectations that Indias shrimp exports may increase due to possible global shortages in the near future. By Chen Yang Trumps disagreement with US allies is no longer news. This photo shows the scene of the 44th G7 summit in 2018. (Photo/Associated Press) Russian President Vladimir Putin has not accepted the invitation to participate in the G7 leaders meeting sent by US President Donald Trump as Moscow needs to know more details about the upcoming summit to make a final decision, said Russian Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov, according to a report on Russias RT TV on June 1. This is another uncertain factor encountered by Trumps expansion of G7. Earlier, Trump said that G7 could no longer represent the general trend of todays world so that it will expand the list of participating countries. It is generally believed that Trumps move has the intention of expanding G7. However, it seems that relevant countries did not actively respond to Trumps proposal. German Federal Government spokesperson Steffen Seibert said on May 30 that considering the current overall situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, German Chancellor Angela Merkel could not promise to attend the meeting. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tactfully declined as this arrangement involves too many health and safety issues. French President Emmanuel Macron is willing to go to the US, provided that (US) circumstances permit, according to the Elysee Palace. The severe pandemic situation in the US is an obvious reason for the hesitation ofG7 member states to attend the summit in the US.. At present, there have been more than six million cases of COVID-19 in the world, and the number of deaths in the US has exceeded 100,000, accounting for nearly one-third of the global deaths. The US also has more than 1.7 million confirmed cases. Against such a background, if leaders attend the G7 summit, it will not only increase their own risk of infection but also easily send wrong signals to the peopleencourage them to go out. Also, during the pandemic, unilateralist practices by the US such as snapping up at a higher price or intercepting allies anti-pandemic supplies and the recent decision to withdraw from the WHO have planted seeds of discord among G7 members. Of course, the pandemic is only a short-term factor leading to the discord among G7. Still, the differences within G7 reflect the long-term decline of G7s influence and action from a deeper level. First, the overall economic strength of G7 has been declining, making member states unable to do what they hope to do in international affairs. Since the financial crisis in 2008, the decline of G7s international influence has become a recognized fact. G7s share of global GDP has dropped from 68 percent in 1992 to 45 percent in 2018, while emerging economies have occupied half of the global GDP. G7s capability has declined in formulating global economic policies and coordinating the macroeconomic policies of the worlds major economies. Second, the policy of America first weakens the internal consistency of the G7. Although the G7 can still speak as a group on global economic and financial issues, it cannot propose specific solutions or reach consensus on any issues. Especially in recent years, the US governments national priorities and trade protectionism have exacerbated this tendency. In fact, during the G7 leader video summit held on April 17, the US and the remaining six member states had big differences in treating the WHO. Last, G7 failed to adapt to the changing trends of the global governance system. The G7, with huge economic strength, always held power to formulate international economic rules before the 2008 global financial crisis. However, with the deepening participation of emerging economies and developing countries in global governance, especially the rise of global and regional mechanisms such as G20, APEC, and BRICS, days are almost gone for G7 to play a dominant role on the world stage. In fact, during the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not difficult to see the gap between G7 and G20. For example, the Extraordinary G20 Leaders Summit held in late March announced to inject 5 trillion USD into the global economy in response to the pandemic. Since March, G20 has held three meetings of finance ministers and central bank governors, working intensively on formulating action plans to deal with the impact of COVID-19. Recently, G20 announced that it would delay the debt repayment of the worlds poorest countries by one year. It can be said that in terms of responding to the global pandemic situation, G20 has played its role to coordinate the efforts of countries to fight against the pandemic while G7 falls short. The decline in overall economic power and the growing internal differences are the root cause of the decline of G7s influence and action. Without resolving these old problems, trying to rely on capacity expansion to survive will only become an unrealistic dream after all. The Minneapolis Board of Education, reacting to the killing of George Floyd in police custody, is terminating its longtime contract with the city's police department to provide security in school buildings. The panel voted unanimously late Tuesday to end its relationship with the department, which is now the subject of an investigation by the Minnesota state government that Gov. Tim Walz, D, said is designed to root out "systemic racism that is generations deep." The city's school board held a special virtual business meeting Tuesday solely to discuss its contract with the police in reaction killing of Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died while handcuffed and being held down on the ground by officers, with a knee pushed down on his neck. "I firmly believe that it is completely unnatural to have police in schools," Kimberly Caprini, treasurer of the board, said during the discussion. She added that schools that have close relationships with their school resource officers who are officers could continue them with after-school activities, "but not to the degree" that has existed for years. Police officials did not respond Wednesday to queries about the board's decision, but Deputy Chief Erick Fors said in a Tuesday statement quoted by Minneapolis media outlets: "The Minneapolis Police Department appreciated the opportunity to provide years of service to the Minneapolis Public Schools through the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. The relationships that were built were impactful not only for the students and staff, but for the officers who had a calling to work with our youth through mentorship and engagement. We will continue to work in cooperation with the Minneapolis Public Schools regarding safety and security issues." School District Superintendent Ed Graff said on social media that he would engage with students, staff and families over the summer to get input for a new security arrangement for the next school year. During the meeting, Nathaniel Genene, the student representative on the Board of Education, said he had solicited the opinions of students about their priorities for when school reopens, and he said they want to see, among other things, increased access to mental-health care, restorative justice practices and the hiring of more nurses, social workers and teachers of color. "While actions taken tonight by the board will not in any way directly result in justice for George Floyd and his family," he said, "it will show that real . . . change is possible." Meera Chopra, a cousin of Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, has recently filed a complaint against Jr NTR fans, for abusing and trolling her on social media. The Vaana actress alleged that she had been harassed by Tarak fans for confessing that she doesn't know the actor and is not a fan of him. It all started when Meera Chopra held a Q&A session with her fans on Twitter, in which one fan asked her a question about Jr NTR. The question was, "Say something about Jr NTR", to which she replied, "I don't know him. I am not his fan." Well, her reply didn't go down well with Jr NTR fans as they started abusing and trolling her on social media. Taking action over the same, Meera Chopra took screenshots of all the abusive tweets and sought help from Hyderabad Police on social media. She wrote, "@NCWIndia @sharmarekha @hydcitypolice @Twitter plz take action against these account holders. They r #slutshamming threatening of #gangrape, #acidattack, #murder openly. This cannot go unnoticed." Meera Chopra also tagged RRR actor Jr NTR and asked him to have a look into the matter. During the session, she also admitted that she likes Mahesh Babu more than him. The Section 375 actress wrote, "@tarak9999 I didn't know that ill be called a bitch, whore and a pornstar, just bcoz I like @urstrulyMahesh more than you. And your fans will send my parents' such wishes. Do you feel successful with such a fan following? And I hope you don't ignore my tweet!!" @tarak9999 i didnt kno that ill be called a bitch, whore and a pornstar, just bcoz i like @urstrulyMahesh more then you. And your fans will send my parents such wishes. Do u feel successful with such a fan following? And i hope u dont ignore my tweet!! https://t.co/dsoRg0awQl meera chopra (@MeerraChopra) June 2, 2020 "Well I didn't know not being somebody's fan was a crime.. I want to say this aloud to all the girls that if you are not a fan of @tarak9999, you could be raped, murdered, gangraped, your parents could be killed as tweeted by his fans. They r totally spoiling the name of their idol," she wrote in another tweet. Well i didnt know not being somebodys fan was a crime.. i want to say this loud to all the girls that if you are not a fan of @tarak9999 , u could be raped, murdered, gangraped, ur parents could be killed as tweeted by his fans. They r totally spoiling the name of their idol. meera chopra (@MeerraChopra) June 2, 2020 Meera Chopra also thanked her fans for supporting her. She wrote, "Thankyou each one of you for supporting me. Let's make this place safe for women and take down those losers who abuse and give death threats. Let's raise our voice against #womenabuse #rape #pedophilia #hooliganism." Thankyou each one of you for supporting me. Lets make this place safe for women and take down those losers who abuse and give death threats. Lets raise our voice against #womenabuse #rape #pedophilia #hooliganism. meera chopra (@MeerraChopra) June 2, 2020 Let's wait for Jr NTR's reaction on this matter! Also Read : Chinmayi Sripada Wants Meera Chopra To File A Case Against Jr NTR Fans! Also Read : Pawan Kalyan's Co-Star Calls Mahesh Babu Her Favourite Actor! TORONTO, CHICAGO and NEW YORK, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - BMO Financial Group today announced a donation of $1 million to a number of organizations in North America to support social and racial justice, and inclusion. Aligned with BMO's Purpose, the bank will donate funds to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Equal Justice Initiative, and the Canadian Anti-Hate Network. The donation also includes support for Greater Twin Cities United Way. "BMO will always stand up for a society that is more just, where all people are valued, equally," said Darryl White, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "That includes raising our voice to denounce racism, every time and everywhere we see it. This is a time to not be silent." "We are deeply saddened by the death of George Floyd, and the anguish it has created," said David Casper, U.S. Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "While physical distancing separates us, this is not a time to be passive. It's a time to reach out and engage in a dialogue, to reinforce the fundamental belief that our diversity is one of our great strengths as a nation." The donation builds on BMO's commitment to an inclusive society with zero barriers, including a focus on internal professional development for Blacks and Latinos and support to minority-owned small businesses, including clients and vendors. BMO continues to drive inclusive behaviours among its leaders and people as well as community alliances and partnerships in areas like workforce development, healthcare, small business, affordable housing, arts and culture. About BMO Financial Group Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider - the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $987 billion as of April 30, 2020, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets. SOURCE BMO Financial Group Related Links www.bmo.com New Delhi: A video purportedly showing NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad's self proclaimed trial for a teenage molestation victim, wherein she is seen hitting the accused has gone viral after the lawmaker uploaded the clip on social media. The 19-year-old victim, who lives in a nearby locality and her alleged harasser were called on night to Awhad's office, where the accused was "taught a lesson" by the girl and the supporters of the Kalwa-Mumbra legislator as per the post enclosed with the video. The post stated that the victim was on the verge of committing suicide after being frequently harassed by the 22-year-old college student. As per the post, the alleged molester was handed over to the police after being "punished" by the victim, who is a college student. PSI AD Gangavane of Naupada police station said the youth has been booked under sections 354(a)(b) and 506 of the IPC and section 12 of the POCSO Act 2012. The molester was arrested in the early hours of after the victim lodged a complaint alleging that he often made sexual advances at her and molested her. The video has apparently kicked up a heated debate, alleging the NCP MLA of taking law into his hands and "supervising" the beating of the accused along with his supporters. For all the Latest Viral News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Queensland seems to have avoided a second wave of coronavirus cases after the early easing of some restrictions, but experts are warning people not to get complacent. The state recorded no new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday after just one new case on Tuesday and no new cases for several days before that. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is encouraging Queenslanders to holiday within the state. Credit:Dave Hunt/AAP Health authorities have been watching the case numbers closely for any signs of an increase that would suggest the virus had begun spreading in the community. However, with sustained low case numbers and very limited locally acquired cases, it appears that the state could finally be entering a different phase of the pandemic. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday that the United Kingdom stands ready to open the door to almost 3 million Hong Kong citizens as the city's leader arrived in Beijing for meetings on a planned national security law that has many worried about their futures. Johnson, in a column published online by a Hong Kong newspaper, said the security law would curtail freedoms in Hong Kong and conflict with China's obligations under its agreement with the United Kingdom to take back the former British colony in 1997. "Many people in Hong Kong fear their way of life, which China pledged to uphold, is under threat," he wrote in the South China Morning Post. "If China proceeds to justify their fears, then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away." China shocked many of Hong Kong's 7.5 million people when it announced earlier this month that it would enact national security laws for the city, which is guaranteed a high level of autonomy outside of foreign and defense affairs. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, a supporter of the move, arrived in Beijing on Wednesday morning for meetings with central government officials on the planned laws. China could enact the laws later this month or at the end of August, analysts have said. About 350,000 Hong Kong citizens hold British National Overseas passports, a legacy of the colonial era, and 2.5 million others are eligible to apply for them, Johnson said in his column. Long lines have formed at DHL courier offices in the city since the announcement as some people rush to apply for or renew their BNO passports. Johnson, echoing earlier statements by Cabinet minsters, said that if China imposes a national security law, Britain would allow holders of these passports to remain for 12 months on a renewable basis and given the right to work, placing them on a possible path to UK citizenship. "This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history," he wrote, adding, "I hope it will not come to this." BNO passport holders currently can stay for only up to six months. A soldier with the Massachusetts National Guard has been removed from service after he made inflammatory and divisive comments on social media about the George Floyd protests in the state, Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard reports. The soldier, Keefe said in a post on his verified Facebook account, has been placed on inactive status and will not serve in any capacity while this matter is under investigation. The Guard did not provide further details about the soldier. The Massachusetts National Guard did not immediately return requests for comment from MassLive. An FBI spokesperson said the agency is aware of a social media post made by a member of the states National Guard but declined to comment beyond that. The social media post allegedly included the phrases (Expletive) your riots and Youre all stupid I cant wait to shoot you tomorrow night," The Boston Globe reported, citing a source briefed on the situation. In a statement to the Globe, a Massachusetts National Guard spokesperson said, The Massachusetts National Guard has a proven track record of fair and equitable service and takes pride in our diversity and inclusionary practices to support our residents in every community, and has no tolerance for this insensitive behavior. The Guard responded in a followup post to rumors that the guardsman in question was scheduled to be on duty anyhow. It has come to our attention several fake/imposter social media accounts have been created claiming to be from the Soldier who posted the inflammatory comments. These accounts have posts claiming this Soldier will be on duty tonight. This is not true. This Soldier has been placed in an inactive status pending an investigation and will not be on duty. As we find these accounts we are alerting each social media platform to their fraudulent nature. Please send a direct message to us if you find any fraudulent pages. Members of the 104th Air National Guard unit in Westfield were called into Boston Sunday to help quell the violence that erupted in the states capital. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said 53 people were arrested as a result Sunday. On Monday, President Donald Trump pushed for the states to ramp up National Guard presence in dozens of cities facing escalating violence following peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd. Related Content: GRANBY Fire Chief John Mitchell has been suspended without pay for the month of June and town officials are mum as to why. The Selectboard voted on Monday not to renew his contract, which pays Mitchell $90,000 a year. According to the terms of the pact, the Selectboard must provide Mitchell with at least a one-year notice. This means that as of June 30, 2021, Mitchell will no longer be the towns fire chief. Attempts to reach Mitchell were unsuccessful Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Carpenter is currently the acting fire chief, Town Administrator Chris Martin told The Republican. Asked whether Mitchell would be returning to work when his suspension ends on July 1, Martin declined to comment. He also declined to reveal the reasons for the disciplinary action taken against Mitchell, saying it was a confidential personnel matter. Mitchell, who had also served as Granbys veterans agent, resigned from that post on May 7, Martin told the board during a meeting last month. Michael Slater has replaced him on an interim basis, he said. In 2018, Mitchell was on paid administrative leave from July to September, when the town conducted multiple investigations of him, that resulted in a 32-page report, and him returning to work. The investigators determined Mitchell did not create a hostile work environement or harass an employee who filed a complaint. The Chief has his flaws, and unless addressed, these could prevent the department from ever functioning as well as it should, the report said, following an investigation by attorney Jack Collins, who the town hired to do the investigation. He was the subject of a no-confidence letter signed by 20 firefighters two years ago. Mitchell was appointed the towns fire chief in 2017. In other business, Granbys annual town meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place July 20. Martin said the town would be operating on a so-called one-twelfth budget, as the current fiscal year spending plan is only in effect through June 30. Also, the board renewed for three years the labor contracts of Council on Aging Director Chloe Canter, and Assistant Town Administrator Cathy Leonard. NPP Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankmese, Elvis Moris Donkor has belittled the political credentials of Hon Isaac Adongo, warning the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) never to consider the Bolgatanga Central MP as Mahamas running mate ahead of the December polls. He claims despite been described as an economic guru in the NDC, Adongo is a no-match to Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the field of economics. Speaking on NEAT FMs morning show Ghana Montie. Mr. Moris Donkor noted that it will be dreadful for the NDC top hierarchy to settle for the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central constituency, Isaac Adongo. Ah, I have heard that they want Adongo as running mate to face Dr. Bawumia. Its funny. Adongo cannot match Dr. Bawumia. Even Bawumias wife [Samira Bawumia] will treat him [Adongo] like a swine, he said. According to him the NDC after advice from Allotey Jacobs to find a running mate that can face Dr. Bawumia, has been wandering for months hitting a dead end in the process. They dont have such a person in their party, he added. When is Mahama announcing his running mate? The presidential candidate of the largest opposition party, former President John Dramani Mahama will in the coming weeks if not months make pronouncements on who his running mate will be for the 2020 elections. According to former President Mahama, the country still remains at the crossroad battling the COVID-19 pandemic which has delayed the outdooring of his running mate. NDC denies shortlisting running mates for Mahama NDC says reports on the shortlisting of running mates for the 2020 general elections are false. In a statement purportedly signed by the General Secretary of the party some weeks ago, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, said he has not issued any such statement or cause such publication to be made on [his] behalf. The general public is therefore advised to ignore any such frivolous and fictitious letter, which is clearly a creation of some unscrupulous persons, who want to divert attention from serious burning national issues, the NDC scribe noted Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/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 SAVANNAH, Ga. - Former President Jimmy Carter called Wednesday for Americans in positions of power and influence to fight racial injustice, saying silence can be as deadly as violence. The 95-year-old former president issued a statement through the Atlanta-based Carter Center to address the angry and sometimes violent protests that have roiled the nation in wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Carter made no direct mention of President Donald Trumps handling of the protests and the racial unrest that has fueled them. But he said: We need a government as good as its people, and we are better than this. Carter noted he had declared the time for racial discrimination is over during his 1971 inauguration speech as Georgias governor, and bemoaned that hes repeating those words almost 50 years later. We all must shine a spotlight on the immorality of racial discrimination, Carter said. But violence, whether spontaneous or consciously incited, is not a solution. He said his decades working to improve human rights worldwide have taught him that people of influence cant remain silent. People of power, privilege, and moral conscience must stand up and say no more to a racially discriminatory police and justice system, immoral economic disparities between whites and blacks, and government actions that undermine our unified democracy, Carter said. There have been at least 82 protests against police brutality in New Jersey, prompted by the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota last week. The New Jersey State Police provided an unofficial count of protests across the state, based on unconfirmed information from municipalities, counties and elsewhere, to NJ Advance Media. While a handful of protests resulted in arrests, injuries or property damage, most were peaceful. To the thousands of people across New Jersey who assembled peacefully this weekend: Thank you. We hear you. We see you. We respect you. We share your anger. And we share your commitment to change. AG Gurbir Grewal (@NewJerseyOAG) June 1, 2020 Tuesday was the busiest of four days of protests, with 30 reported protests. There were 12 on Saturday, 27 on Sunday and 13 on Monday, police said. More protests are planned in the coming days. Heres a look at some that have happened. Asbury Park A protest that remained peaceful for more than four hours on Monday took a combative turn when police began enforcing a curfew at about 9:30 p.m. Several protesters were arrested along with an Asbury Park Press reporter, for whom charges were being dropped and a police officer was injured. The protest started at 5 p.m. We want police to be fair with us, just like they are fair with other cultures. We just want a chance too," Jean Gue of Ocean Township, who grew up in Asbury Park, said. If youre going to arrest us, arrest us the proper way. We dont want to die while were getting arrested. We dont want to die while getting pulled over. We just want justice, Gue said. Atlantic City Peaceful Atlantic City protests over the police killing of George Floyd turns to looting and damage, Sunday, May 31, 2020. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Hours of peaceful protests in Atlantic City gave way to destruction on Sunday evening as a crowd smashed windows and looted stores, leading officials to issue a citywide curfew. Some people broke windows at the Tanger Outlets, an outdoor mall in the city, as a crowd of about 100 people gathered in the area. The city of Atlantic City was under siege yesterday, Mayor Marty Small said during a press conference on Monday. He apologized to the businesses for the people who took advantage of the city and said the administration would support their efforts to rebuild. Bloomfield Some images from todays peaceful protest in Bloomfield, Nj pic.twitter.com/sTw3AsO6Jc Liam Kealy (@fondufilms) May 31, 2020 About 75 protesters held a two-hour silent march and protest on Sunday, according to Tap Into Montclair. Some assembled by Watsessing Park, walking down Broad Street, and eventually gathering across from Bloomfield High School. Caldwell So proud of my town (Caldwell/West Caldwell, NJ). We had a powerful and peaceful protest tonight. It was an honor to participate in it. pic.twitter.com/yIwHOsmI5e Bryan Perez (@BryanPerezNFL) June 3, 2020 Protesters gathered at Grover Cleveland Park and walked to the gazebo. Camden Camden Police Chief Joseph Wysocki joined the march in his city Saturday while carrying a banner proclaiming Standing in Solidarity along with organizer Yolanda Deaver, left. Residents and police walked side-by-side on Saturday, carrying signs and calling for change. Camden Police Chief Joseph Wysocki helped lead the way, carrying a banner proclaiming Standing in Solidarity, while a police captain led a Camden Strong chant at one point. Others carried signs proclaiming Black Lives Matter and demanding justice for Floyd. Cries of No justice no peace and Black Lives Matter filled the air. Clifton Im at Clifton City Hall, at a protest that is growing by the minute. 400 plus id say pic.twitter.com/WdjzESV9UA Dan Golabek (@dgolabek) June 2, 2020 Protesters gathered in Clifton on Tuesday. Cranford Cranford also was the scene of a protest on Tuesday. Some photos from the Nomahegan Park protest. Drop your photos in the comments section to be run in our story tomorrow. Posted by TAPinto Cranford on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Englewood More than 1,000 showed up in Englewood on Saturday, according to NorthJersey.com. Marchers chanted, Justice for George Floyd, no justice, no peace and I cant breathe," the newspaper reported. Glassboro A protest was held on Sunday, with Police Chief John Polillo among those addressing the crowd. Sharing this everywhere. Awesome moment from todays protest when we got to hear from Glassboros Chief of Police. pic.twitter.com/oiugaAM11G Daryan (@dfennal16) May 31, 2020 Jersey City Hundreds of protesters walked through the streets of Jersey City on Monday and convened outside the South District police precinct. Protesters made their way down Bramhall Avenue to Martin Luther King Drive carrying signs that read I am not a Target and No Justice, No peace. Nevin Perkins, an organizer, said, Our goal here is not to combatively engage the police, but to proactively engage the community, so when youre outside on Martin Luther King (Drive) dont be afraid of your brothers and sisters. Engage them. A follow-up protest was held Tuesday. Long Branch Middle Township Protestors and Middle Twp police officers join together in prayer at a protest in Rio Grande, NJ over the killing of George Floyd. The intersection of Rt 9 and 47 is closed but the crowd is now dispersing. #GeorgeFloyd #peacefulprotest #middletwp @HeraldNews pic.twitter.com/COFubWoHDz SCR (@shayroddy) June 2, 2020 Millville Nearly 75 demonstrators gathered earlier today near City Hall in Millville, NJ to protest the death of George Floyd. pic.twitter.com/M3imtJheQc Mitchell Shields (@m_shields422) May 30, 2020 Morristown Protesters drove from Morristown High School to police headquarters in Morris Township, according to Morristown Green. Morristown Public Safety Director Michael Corcoran Jr. told the website that the rally was well organized, peaceful and a moving tribute to Mr. Floyd. Newark Protesters blocked traffic in New Jerseys largest city, with some motorists cheering on the demonstration even as they were stuck because of them. The daylong protest was largely peaceful, and city Mayor Ras Baraka walked side-by-side with protesters. Ocean City Emotional scene in Ocean City as 2 city police officer knee in solidarity with protesters pic.twitter.com/TsUZWyLq6L Chris Franklin (@cfranklinnews) June 2, 2020 Nearly 1,000 protesters walked 2 1/2 miles, at one point stopping in front of the citys public safety building. There, two Ocean City Police Officers, Sgt. Tyrone Rolls and Lt. Pat Randles, knelt in solidarity with the protesters. Rolls, who is black, said he understands the perspectives of both police, and protesters. The problem is its a lack of education. We dont teach the real American history. We dont teach about the ancestry of black people and black leaders and what they did to get here. If they did what they did and it changed the world, then why are we here now? So apparently, the peaceful protests back then the riots back then they didnt work," he said. But this is what I love, he said of his work in policing. Princeton South Brunswick Peace protest in South Brunswick NJ pic.twitter.com/3rAJXA00uo Prince Valentine (@AderinPrince) June 2, 2020 Toms River A mid-morning march was held in Toms River where police walked alongside residents from a shopping center on Route 37 down to the Ocean County courthouse, chanting I cant breathe. Black lives matter. All lives matter, said Michelle Kola Hunt, a Somers Point resident who was marching across the bridge Tuesday morning. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Its time to take a stand, a peaceful stand, which were out here doing now. Hopefully, it stays like this. Trenton Organizer Jayda Parker speaks to the crowd of protesters as they gather to honor those who lost their lives to police brutality across the country, in Trenton, N.J. May, 31, 2020 Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for Pockets of violence erupted Sunday night in Trenton, with at least one police vehicle being set on fire and windows smashed at downtown businesses following a peaceful protest. Video from social media showed an unmarked police vehicle burning on East State Street and people climbing on the roof of vehicles. NJ Advance Media staff writers Noah Cohen, Bill Duhart, Chris Franklin, Matt Gray, Tim Hawk, Rob Jennings, Rebecca Panico, Joshua Rosario, Jeremy Schneider, Michael Sol Warren and Avalon Zoppo contributed to this story. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. A shaman who attempted to walk 5,160 miles from Siberia to Moscow to topple Vladimir Putin has been committed indefinitely to a mental asylum. Alexander 'Sasha' Gabyshev was removed from his home by armed riot police and thrown in a psychiatric hospital. Amnesty International likened his treatment to dissidents in the Stalin era claiming he had been made 'an enemy of the state solely for voicing his dislike of Putin'. A prominent mayor of Russia's coldest city Yakutsk, Sardana Avksentyeva, had pleaded for mercy - to no avail. She indicated the judge in the case had been placed 'under colossal emotional pressure' to lock up the 51-year-old mystic in a mental asylum. She expressed the fear that now 'anyone can be sent to forced treatment'. Shaman Alexander 'Sasha' Gabyshev, pictured, planned to walk 5,160 miles from Siberia to Moscow to topple President Vladimir Putin, but was arrested and thrown in a psychiatric hospital The court did not put an end date on his incarceration in an asylum in Yakutsk, and found he 'suffers from over-valuing of his personality' shown in his desire to harm the government. Gabyshev had dragged a cart with his belongings when he set out on his first bizarre odyssey last year, aiming to use his shamanic powers to overthrow 'evil' Putin, Russia's elected president. The healer and diviner of spirits - nicknamed the 'new Rasputin' - was halted by police after gathering 700 supporters at a rally in a remote region of Siberia where he called for 'Russia without Putin'. Gabyshev had been arrested previously in September 2019 for attempting the trek under extremism charges, and again later that year in December. After being released in 2019, he was flown back to his remote city, but vowed to continue his journey He announced: 'God told me Putin is not a human, but instead a demon, and has ordered me to drive him out.' His aim was 'a different Russia which has to be young, new, and open to the world'. Later he was prevented by the authorities from making a second attempt to reach Moscow. Denis Krivosheev, of Amnesty International human rights group, said: 'Following weeks of intensive police surveillance, Alexander Gabyshev was forcibly taken from his home, where he was self-isolating, to a psychiatric hospital by a riot squad. 'When he demanded to be freed, he was pronounced to be "a danger to himself and others". 'Now the court has sanctioned his confinement in the hospital based on a "medical" opinion the conclusions of which are based on his political views.' President Vladimir Putin, pictured on June 2, 2020 speaking to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin during a teleconference meeting, has announced that a nationwide vote on reforms that could allow him to stay in power until 2036 will be held on July 1 after coronavirus delayed the initial April 22 referendum Krivosheev warned: 'By co-opting first the police and now the psychiatric system to do their bidding, the Russian authorities have revealed the astonishing lengths they will go to repress critics. This is wholly unacceptable.' Gabyshev should be 'immediately and unconditionally released', he said. Gabyshev has been likened to peasant Grigory Rasputin, described as a holy wanderer, who arrived in royal capital St Petersburg and became a favourite of Russian empress Alexandra, wife of the last tsar Nicholas II. He was 'healer' to their sickly son Alexei, the crown prince, who was shot by a Bolshevik firing squad with the rest of the imperial family in 1918. Rasputin was killed in December 1916 by Russian noblemen fearful at his sway in the royal family. Pictured: A never before seen picture of Grigory Rasputin. Gabyshev has been likened to Rasputin who became a favourite of Russian empress Alexandra, wife of the last tsar Nicholas II, in the early 1900s On Monday, Putin announced that a nationwide vote on reforms that could allow him to stay in power until 2036 will be held on July 1 after coronavirus delayed the initial April 22 referendum. Putin told a government meeting today that the situation had broadly stabilised and the vote could go ahead on 1 July. The number of coronavirus infections in Moscow has dropped sharply, he said, allowing the capital to start easing some restrictions. The changes, already approved by parliament and Russia's Constitutional Court, would reset Putin's presidential term tally to zero, allowing him to serve two more back-to-back six year terms until 2036 if reelected. Putin is currently required by the constitution to step down in 2024 when his second sequential and fourth presidential term ends. 'I really hope the country's citizens will take part actively in the vote on the amendments to the constitution,' Putin told a televised government video call from the Novo-Ogaryovo in Moscow. Critics have dismissed the vote as a constitutional coup which they fear will be rigged and urged voters to stay away or to reject the proposed changes. Others have accused him of failing to support businesses and ordinary Russians battered by the coronavirus. His approval rating fell to a historic low of 59 per cent in an April poll. Three days prior to the high-level meeting between the military leaders of India and China, some of Indian Army's most experienced officers have reached Ladakh to work out the strategies for the crucial talks amid border tension. From the Indian side, talks will be led by Lt Gen Harinder Singh, commanding officer of the Leh-based 14 Corps. The venue will be the Chushul-Moldo junction in eastern Ladakh, which is one of the designated meeting points between Indian and Chinese troops. On Wednesday, Lt Gen Y K Joshi, who heads the Indian Army's Northern Command, also reached Leh to review the situation with Lt Gen Singh and other senior officials. The inputs from Lt Gen Joshi a Kargil hero will be crucial to resolve the month-long border crisis because of his understanding of the terrain and knowledge about the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China. Lt Gen Joshi preceded Lt Gen Singh in the 14 Corps. He was also India's Defence Attache in Beijing. Lt Gen Joshi also had two stints at the Directorate of Military Operations in the army headquarters. The current tension between the Indian Army and the PLA along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh had its origin in Chinas unease over the construction of infrastructure by India in the border areas. Beijing apparently perceived such constructions as a prelude to a military move by New Delhi towards Aksai Chin a disputed area India claims as its own and accuses China of illegally occupying. Among the infrastructure under scanner is the strategically vital 255-km Darbuk-Shayok-Daulat Beg Oldie road that can bring Indian troops close to the Aksai Chin area, which is part of Jammu & Kashmir and under illegal occupation of China. Incidentally, the construction of the road began nearly a decade ago during the UPA era. The Lt Gen-level meeting between the two armies on Saturday will seek to dispel some of the misconceptions that the Chinese had, and address the ground issues related to Pangong Tso and other sites. The Pangong lake area had seen several confrontations in the past due to differing perceptions about the LAC between the two neighbours. There are eight finger-like spurs on the northern bank of the mighty lake. Going by the Chinese perception of the LAC, the disputed boundary runs through Finger 4 on the western side. But according to the Indian Army's perception, the LAC runs through Finger 8. As a result, the Indian Army goes patrolling up to Finger 8 and if a PLA patrol party comes from the other side, confrontation takes place. This was the case this time too. The picturesque lake lies on the disputed border, with China claiming two-thirds of the 135-km long lake and India, a third. Besides Pangong Tso, the current face-off also happened at Gogra post and Galwan valley presumably also due to construction of border infrastructure on the Indian side. At Galwan, which never was a contested area, the Chinese objection is to the construction of a feeder road to the DSDBO road. Hundreds of revellers have been filmed crowding together for a street party in London in a dramatic breach of lockdown rules. Fireworks were set off as Brent Police officers tried to break up the 'unlicensed music event' in Harlesden, northwest London, on Tuesday night. Officers were first called to a block party of around 60 people at 6.45pm yesterday, but as the gathering broke up a much larger one, thought to be around 500 people, formed less than a mile away. It went on until 3.40am. Five party-goers were arrested and remain in custody, police confirmed today, after 11 officers were assaulted by one group who refused to leave. Videos shared online showed hundreds of people dancing and holding plastic cups as they defied lockdown restrictions. A spokesman today confirmed 11 officers were left with minor injuries as they tried to disperse revellers. Brent Police officers tried to break up the 'unlicensed music event' in Harlesden, London, on Tuesday, but with no luck Up to 500 people gathered for the late night street party, in clear defiance of lockdown restrictions Five arrests were made - three for assault on police, one for affray and one for attempted grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving. The party went on until 3.40am, police said, as revellers ignored the heavy police presence. Under the latest rules groups of up to six, including mixed households, are allowed to meet in outside spaces - but social distancing must be strictly followed. But clips taken at the block party show revellers grouped closely together with some walking through the crowd paying little heed to the risk of spreading coronavirus. There have now been 39,369 confirmed deaths from the disease in the UK and Brent has suffered one of the highest number of cases in the country. Brent registered 465 covid-related deaths up to May 22, one of the highest in the capital and the sixth worst hit in the UK. Figures released on June 1 showed 45 people died at home in Brent of coronavirus, 40 died in care homes, four in hospices, and two 'elsewhere'. Five party-goers have been arrested, police confirmed, as videos shared online show people dancing and holding plastic cups as they defy lockdown restrictions One woman tweeted: 'Seriously? This is happening on Church rd Harlesden right now!! Can hear helis above. Guess no1 gets any sleep 2night. Selfish idiots.' [sic] A Brent MPS spokesman tweeting last night confirmed police were 'engaging and dispersing a large group of people'. 'There has been one arrest. The National Police Air Service (NPAS) is providing assistance.' Lines of police officers could be seen making their way through the crowds in one video, with revellers filming them on their phones. Videos show revellers grouped closely together with some walking through the crowd appearing to pay little heed to the risk of spreading coronavirus A Brent MPS spokesman confirmed police were 'engaging and dispersing a large group of people' Police vans lined the street nearby as officers attempted to disperse the crowd, but the party went on until the early hours There have now been 39,369 confirmed deaths from the disease in the UK and Brent has suffered one of the highest number of cases in the country Up to 400 revellers gathered to listen to music and dance together despite the risk of spreading the deadly coronavirus One woman who lived nearby tweeted the police: 'Please get it sorted we want to sleep! I can't imagine having to go deal with it, its massive! Thank you.' Another added: 'So this is what the helicopters over NW London are all about? Some people in Harlesden who don't give a s**t having a party? Hmm, can't say I'm convinced that explains THIS MANY helicopters...' One wrote at 10.25pm: 'Big police presence in north-west London as large groups of people ignore social distancing. I live a couple of miles away and could hear the rammy! Police helicopter above for over an hour now.' One woman who lived nearby tweeted the police: 'Please get it sorted we want to sleep! I can't imagine having to go deal with it, its massive! Thank you' Another penned: 'We can hear non stop police sirens on the A40 and there's a helicopter circling for the past 20 mins.' By 11.44pm another tweet read: 'Theres A Block Party On Church End/ Church Road Around 400 People Helicopter On Sight With Armed Police. 1 Arrest Made So Far.' Another wrote: 'Helicopters been flying over for 4 hrs now, fireworks been going off & this is round the corner from me. This is the hardest hit area for covid19 in london & this definitely isn't social distancing.' Others could not believe what was happening, as they blasted those who joined in the party. Brent had registered 465 covid-related deaths up to May 22, one of the highest in the capital and the sixth worst hit in the UK One penned: 'None of my friends would be stupid enough to go to a block party in the middle of a pandemic btw xx' Another wrote: 'Ive seen guest appearances, multiple fights, dance performance, fireworks, attempted lock off from the police all at this one block party? What sort of super celebration is this?' Another tweeted: 'I know this is a block party, but the amount of people there make it look like its a festival or sum.' One wrote: 'Catching corona for a block party vs catching corona for protesting black lives matter and basic human respect whilst still taking precautions (wearing masks etc) ?? Two very different things.' Even at 2am another tweeted: 'The police have been at that block party since when the sun was up and these people still havent gone home.' Chief Superintendent Roy Smith, Commander for North West London, said: 'Our officers are working hard to engage with the public to reinforce the public health advice on social distancing and large gatherings overwhelmingly our local communities have been supportive and responded to this approach and we thank them for that. 'To the very small minority who chose to break the law last night and who were not from the local area, I am clear; you do not reflect the communities of Brent and we will take appropriate action. 'Local residents should be reassured we will be increasing our patrols in the area following the incident.' Shocking moment dozens of teenagers brawl on Hampstead Heath as lockdown eases before 50 police swarm the area making six arrests by Darren Boyle for MailOnline Six people have been arrested following a brawl involving hundreds of youths on London's Hampstead Heath. Three van loads of police officers were deployed to the park at around 6.30pm on Tuesday to disperse the crowd. A dispersal order is now in place for the heath and nearby Parliament Hill, the Met Police said, and the public have been told to stay away. Six people have been arrested following a mass brawl on Hampstead Health in north London At least 50 police officers arrived to disperse the group of teenagers on Hampstead Heath At least 50 police officers arrived to disperse the group of teenagers on Hampstead Heath Jonathan Jones, who had been at the heath with his partner for exercise, estimated there were at least 50 officers at the scene. He told the PA news agency: 'On the way into the park, we heard and saw police car after police car and police vans streaming by. 'We then got to the park entrance and three vans rolled in and there were a lot of police officers.' Mr Jones said it wasn't clear what had sparked the brawl but he saw two young girls being led away in handcuffs. 'It looked as if the police were trying to break up a fight, and then at some point, it looks like someone was trying to go for one of the officers.' Officers from Camden said they arrested a total of six people following the disturbance The Heath has been subjected to Section 35 dispersal order for the rest of the night He added: 'More police came really quickly, and they broke everything up, and then ordered everyone to leave the park.' Met Police Camden tweeted: 'A S35 dispersal order is in place for Hampstead Heath & Parliament Hill. Please don't attend these locations. 'We were called at 6.30pm to youths fighting in P'ment Hill. 'Officers attended and the majority of people dispersed. No reported injuries and 6 people have been arrested.' The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission has asked its members to continue their daily prayers at home despite the President easing the restrictions on religious activities. President Akufo-Addo announced a partial easing of restrictions on public gatherings and religious activities imposed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. By this, churches, mosques, and schools have been asked to commence activities, but with particular requirements. The new guidelines, as announced by the sector Minister, Kofi Dzamesi is to curb the spread of COVID-19 amidst the lowering of the restrictions. Among other things, the guidelines stipulate that gatherings must be limited to a maximum of 100 worshippers, venues regularly disinfected, and the one-meter physical distancing rule must strictly be followed. Already, some churches have decided not to open for fellowship, asking their members to remain home and continue the virtual form of service. A statement signed by the Missionary-in-charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Alhaji Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih said that Ahmadi Muslims should continue to offer daily Salaat at home in a family congregational manner. All Jumaah Salaar must also be observed in the same way and manner as we have been doing since the ban was placed. Refrain from the observance of Jumaah in a congregated form in any Ahmadi Muslim Mosque, and in like manner, any of the mandatory five daily Salaat. The Mission took this decision after noticing a number of grey areas that have the potential of leading to certain challenges with the requirements needed to begin congregated services, which will need further consultation from authorities before making a conclusion. It further admonished its members to observe these directives until further notice. Challenges with directive Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, had earlier asked for further engagement between the leadership of the Islamic community and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to aid in implementing the announced guidelines for holding religious gatherings in the country. According to him, it is challenging to stick to some of the directives especially in huge mosques hence the call for engagement with the Ministry. ---citinewsroom by Paul Wang The organizers invite the population to light candles everywhere and participate in online gatherings. Groups of eight - the only number allowed by the pandemic rules - will gather in Victoria Park, like every year. The "health" reasons exploited to implement a censorship on the event, unique in the Chinese world. Mass for the fallen of Tiananmen and a prayer meeting, which was usually held before the big vigil, were also online. Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - Despite the police ban, the vigil for those killed in Tiananmen Square in 1989 will take place, but in different and more sober ways. The police decreed that the rally is too dangerous due to the pandemic and does not allow gatherings of more than eight people. The Alliance in support of China's patriotic and democratic movements, which has organized the vigil for the past 30 years, has asked the public to organize virtual online meetings tomorrow night and to light candles throughout the country. Tomorrow afternoon at least 100 kiosks will be set up at different points to distribute candles to people. Some groups have planned to go to Victoria Park, the traditional place where the vigil has always been held, and to gather in groups of eight or individually, to escape the police ban. Since 1990, hundreds of thousands of people have gathered continuously in Victoria Park for a candlelight vigil in which through elegies, prayers, offerings of flowers and speeches, the memory of those killed in Tiananmen Square has been remembered. On the night between 3 and 4 June, the tanks and the Chinese army cleared the square, occupied by a few thousand young demonstrators, killing them with rifles and maciulandoli under the wheels of the tanks. Young people, students and workers had been sitting in the square for months asking for democracy and an end to corruption. According to independent organizations, 200 to 2,000 young people were killed that night. The Chinese government never wanted to make the death toll public. On the other hand, he wrapped the massacre with silence: anyone in China dares to remember that event even in the distant past, is struck by censorship and prison. Hong Kong has so far been the only place on Chinese soil where the Tiananmen massacre has been remembered every year. There were sometimes demonstrations in Macau, but they never had the breadth of the Hong Kong vigil, where 180,000 people attended last year. For the occasion, many people from China tried to get to Hong Kong to participate. Groups of Christians, Catholics and Protestants have always attended the vigil. Before the main event, the Christians gathered in a corner of Victoria Park for a moment of prayer, to then return to the common assembly. This year, there will be a mass and a moment of online prayer, entitled " Have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you (Deuteronomy 31:6)." The ban on the vigil for "health" reasons does not convince the organizers who believe they are an excuse to erase the memory of Tiananmen from Hong Kong as well. Moreover, last week Beijing approved a security law that would increase control with spies and policemen on the population, canceling the "One country, two systems" principle which maintains the liberal character of Hong Kong compared to China's political and cultural dictatorship. The United Auto Workers faces the threat of a government takeover after former president Gary Jones pleaded guilty on Wednesday to racketeering charges. Jones admitted that he helped steal over $1 million from rank-and-file union members, in a case that helped reveal widespread corruption at the highest levels of the union. Former vice president of the union Joe Ashton was charged in November 2019 for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, while other officials have been prosecuted as part of an embezzling scheme. I apologize to my UAW family for this betrayal of trust and pray that they will forgive me, Jones said during a virtual court hearing on Wednesday. Matthew Schneider, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan and the lead prosecutor in Joness case, told theA Detroit Free Press that he is discussing with Justice Department officials the possibility of charging the UAW itself with racketeering. The move could allow the federal government to take control of the union, fire senior officials and enable direct elections by rank-and-file members of candidates to the board. My patience has pretty much run out I would like to have some serious dialogue and serious action about reforming the UAW itselfwithin a couple of months, Schneider said. The sprawling corruption probe into the UAW ballooned in a tumultuous time during which auto workers went on strike for over a month in September and October 2019. The coronavirus pandemic has since upended factory operations, with the Trump administration compelling auto makers to produce medical equipment through use of the Defense Production Act. More from National Review Flight operations at the Mumbai airport, which was suspended at 2.30 pm, has now resumed, a spokesperson of GVK said on Wednesday. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), the private airport operator, had earlier announced that all operations at the CSMIA will remain suspended between 2.30 pm and 7 pm as a precautionary measure in view of the cyclone Nisarga. 'The operations at Mumbai airport have recommenced,' the spokesperson said. A GVK-led consortium in partnership with AAI runs the Mumbai airport under a joint venture MIAL. 'The landing and take-off is permitted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) from 6 pm,' the airport spokesperson said in a statement. MIAL had scheduled a total of 19 flights for Wednesday, which include 11 departures and eight arrivals to be operated by five airlines -- Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir and AirAsia India. It had, however, said schedule could change also depending upon the situation. Meanwhile, during the day, a cargo aircraft belonging to FedEx overshot the main runway of the Mumbai airport on its arrival from Bengaluru, MIAL said in a statement. The aircraft was towed away from the runway and there has been no disruption in flight operations, it said. 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport witnessed a runway excursion today (Wednesday) with FedEx flight 5033 arriving from Bengaluru. The incident occurred when the MD11 aircraft landed on runway 14/32,' it said. Mumbai airport was allowed to operate a total of 50 flights per day, 25 departures and arrivals each following the resumption of air passenger services on the domestic routes from May 25. The operations of commercial passenger services were suspended on March 25 due to the imposition of a nationwide lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The government later lifted the restrictions on domestic flights from May 25. The international operations by the Indian airlines, however, remain suspended. The prime minister has accused the Labour leader of mounting endless attacks over the UKs coronavirus response as the death toll topped 50,000. Boris Johnson made the claim after Sir Keir Starmer asked during Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday why the governments test and trace scheme was not fully operational. The PM replied: I really do not see the purpose of his endless attacks on public trust and confidence. I think what the public want to hear from politicians across all parties is clear messages on how to defeat the virus. Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street for PMQs at the House of Commons. (Getty) Johnson added: Test and trace is a vital tool in our armoury. Contrary to what he said, we actually did at the end of May get up to 100,000 tests a day and we got up to 200,000 at the beginning of this month. Johnson described the scheme as an astonishing achievement from ten of thousands of people working to support government and said Sir Keir should pay tribute to them. The Labour leader hit back, saying the PM was confusing scrutiny with attacks. Sir Keir said he had previously openly supported the government and had taken criticism for doing so, but that the PM had been making it hard to do so over the last two weeks. Sir Keir also raised concerns about transparency, saying the PM had previously said on lifting lockdown restrictions that if the alert level will not allow it we will simply wait and go on until weve got it right. The Labour leader questioned why restrictions had been eased if the alert level was still at four. Johnson said the UK had been able to ease restrictions because its five tests for doing so had been met. The Commons clash came as the grim milestone of 50,000 deaths linked to COVID-19 was passed, according to analysis of official figures by PA. The PM defended his handling of the crisis, telling MPs: I take full responsibility for everything this government has been doing in tackling coronavirus and Im very proud of our record. Sir Keir said there had been a loss of trust in Johnsons administration and that Johnson had refused an offer to work together on building a consensus on the reopening of Englands schools. Story continues Johnson said Sir Keir had not offered any dissent during a private phone call about the governments approach. Read more: MPs made to form 'mile-long conga' outside Parliament to vote The PM also dismissed complaints over MPs queuing to vote by comparing the lengthy wait to that experienced by people at supermarkets. Sir Keir described the scenes as shameful and pushed the PM to instead allow remote voting to resume. Coronavirus: what happened today Read more about COVID-19 How to get a coronavirus test if you have symptoms How easing of lockdown rules affects you In pictures: How UK school classrooms could look in new normal How public transport could look after lockdown How our public spaces will change in the future Help and advice Read the full list of official FAQs here 10 tips from the NHS to help deal with anxiety What to do if you think you have symptoms How to get help if you've been furloughed Jason Derulo posted a powerful TikTok clip in support of Black Lives Matter integrating scenes from decades of civil rights struggles. It came amid the ongoing national unrest after a Minneapolis police officer killed a black man named George Floyd last week when he kneeled on the back of Floyd's neck while he was handcuffed, rendering him unable to breathe. 'If we can be taught to hate we can be taught to love,' the Miramar, Florida native, 30, captioned the clip. 'Every voice counts.' The latest: Jason Derulo posted a powerful TikTok clip in support of Black Lives Matter integrating scenes from decades of civil rights struggles amid the ongoing national unrest after a Minneapolis police officer killed a black man named George Floyd last week when he kneeled on the back of Floyd's neck while he was handcuffed The Whatcha Say artist added the hashtag #blacklivesmatter to the clip, which begins with old visuals of police releasing dogs and water hoses onto hordes of people marching for civil rights. Derulo said, 'We will not be silenced,' following by a gripping excerpt from Martin Luther King, Jr. in his August 28, 1963 I Have A Dream speech. 'No, no, we are not satisfied and will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like water ... knowing that we will be free one day,' King said. The TikTok clip also interspersed tragic visuals of the deadly police encounters with Floyd and Eric Garner, who died in 2014 as a New York City policeman - who'd accused him of illegally selling cigarettes - choked him out as he pleaded, 'I can't breathe.' The clip showed a grid of names and faces of black people who were victims of violence at the hands of authorities. Fast-rising: The In My Head performer has been a rising star on the burgeoning TikTok platform while quarantining at his home in Southern California's San Fernando Valley amid the coronavirus lockdown Upset: Protesters held signs up as they walked in the nation's capital Sunday Derulo urged, 'Let your voices be heard,' as the clip ended with a close up of the BLM logo. The In My Head performer has been a rising star on the burgeoning TikTok platform while quarantining at his home in Southern California's San Fernando Valley amid the coronavirus lockdown. In the May 25 incident involving Floyd, arresting officers said he matched the description of a forgery suspect, and subsequently resisted them when they took him into custody. In an accompanying clip, Chauvin was seen pinning his knee into the back of Floyd's neck as Floyd pleaded with him to relent. Tragic: A woman in Minnesota wore a face mask that said 'I can't breathe,' which both Floyd and Eric Garner said prior to their deaths at the hands of law enforcement 'Please, please, please, I can't breathe ... please, man ... my stomach hurts, my neck hurts, everything hurts ... I can't breathe,' said Floyd, who later died in police custody in a nearby hospital. Chauvin faces charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in connection with the incident. Minnesota state and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Tuesday put in a human rights complaint against the Minneapolis Police Department. In the wake of the jarring sequence of events, riots began in Minnesota and spread both nationwide and internationally, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets, even amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. overnments in Bangladesh and other developing countries have turned to the UC Berkeley Center for Effective Global Action for help in using advanced technology to support relief programs for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Credit: Jubair1985 via Wikimedia Commons For some of the poorest countries on Earth, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a life-or-death quandary: If people continue to work, the virus might spread unchecked. But if they have to stay at home to limit the contagion, hunger and malnutrition could soar. In the West African nation of Togo, policymakers decided that modest support payments to the neediest people are part of the solutionand they turned for help to the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) at UC Berkeley. The partnership has explored how artificial intelligencedriven by big data and machine learning, satellite images and phone recordscan help to pinpoint the areas where needs are most urgent. In recent weeks, CEGA faculty Co-director Joshua Blumenstock has worked with policymakers in Togo and Nigeria in Africa and in Bangladesh in South Asia to focus the power of advanced technology on pandemic relief. Blumenstock detailed these projects in an article published by Nature on May 14. Technology is not an answer by itself, Blumenstock said in a recent interview, but it can be a powerful tool for governments or agencies with a humanitarian mission. And, he said, such work exemplifies the ideals and on-the-ground potential of Berkeley's new Division of Computing, Data Science, and Society. In addition to his post at CEGA, Blumenstock is an assistant professor at the Berkeley School of Information and director of the Data-Intensive Development Lab. CEGA works with partners around the world to alleviate poverty and advance social change through research and innovation. [This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.] Berkeley News: Let's start with the basics: What is machine learning, and how does it work? Joshua Blumenstock: Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that's generally thought of as a method for finding patterns in data. It's a way to design a system that can learn and improve itself without being explicitly programmed. It's a fundamental technology that underlies most of the online services we use today, things like Google and YouTube and Netflix and Spotifybut also offline decisions like hiring and firing and lending and medical treatment. It's also used to transcribe the classes I teach. How are governments in the developing world using these tools now, during the COVID-19 pandemic? There's an acute humanitarian crisis in developing countries that's being driven by the coronavirus pandemic, and it's projected to get worse. Countries all over the world are instituting the same lockdown policies that we see here in the statesstay-at-home orders that stop people from working. The key difference is that, in a lot of developing countries, very large portions of the population don't have much in the way of savings or access to social protections. A recent report by the World Food Program projected over a quarter of a billion people are likely to be going hungry in developing countries by the end of the year. And a lot of this is due to the economic consequences of COVID-19. Policymakers who are trying to address this hunger pandemic need to know which people need aid the most. There aren't enough resources to do something like a universal basic income, where you give support to everyone. And so, they have this really difficult problem: 'Who should we give these limited resources to?' But they can't really answer that question using traditional data. For example, in a place like Nigeria, a lot of income is informal. Almost no one files taxes. The government can't see who's poor and who's rich just by looking at income tax returns. That's where these new tools come in. What we're doing is using data from satellites and mobile phone networks to try and identify specific regions or specific mobile subscribers that are very likely to be in need. Machine learning provides a way for processing and making sense of these big, non-traditional data sources. What would satellite images or mobile phone usage patterns tell us about who's in need? Wealthy regions just look different than poor regions. The roofs are made out of different material. The streets are of different quality. The farm plots are different sizes. And all of this is very informative about which regions are wealthy and which are poor. A human could look at an image and maybe figure that out, but you need algorithms to do this at the scale of an entire country of 195 million people. With phone data, it's a very similar idea. Wealthy people use their phones differently than poor people. Wealthy people tend to make longer calls. They tend to make international calls. They tend to add credit to their phone in larger denominations. We've shown in papers over the last several years that machine learning algorithms can pick up on these patterns and use them to develop accurate predictions of the socioeconomic status of individual mobile phone owners. But is there the capacity to identify specific communities that have been hard hit by the pandemic? We're working on that right now. Some of my earlier work shows that you can detect when people have negative, as well as positive, economic shocks based on how they're using their phone. Based on satellite imagery, you can see over time how road quality changes. But we're still trying to understand how accurately you can assess whether a household has been impacted by COVID-19. This requires new data collection. And this is an important point: The new machine learning models are only as good as the data that are used to train them. They're not meant to replace traditional forms of measurement, like survey- based data collection, but rather to complement them. So, what we're doing in Togo and Bangladesh, for instance, is conducting rapid-fire phone surveys to ask people about how COVID-19 it is affecting them. Then, we can use that data to calibrate the predictive models. You're working with Togo, Nigeria and Bangladesh. What are they hoping to achieve with these new tools? Their primary objective is really just to manage the humanitarian crisis that's unfolding. The policymakers are extremely hard-workingthey're staying up to talk to us at 3 a.m. in Togo because they want to be sure that their fellow countrymen don't starve. In Togo, they have an existing social protection program that's based on traditional government registry data. It's a very impressive program, but they're worried that maybe there are people slipping through the cracks. And so, they say: 'Can the satellite data and the phone data help us identify those people?' What are the challenges those governments face? One critical aspect of this approach is to figure out how to respond to the crisis in a way that solves the immediate objective, but doesn't compromise on ethical or privacy standardswhich might have longer-term consequences. The United States is a prime example of where national crises have led to lowered restrictions on personal privacy. I'm thinking specifically of the U.S. PATRIOT Act that was passed after the September 11 attacks in 2001. The act expanded government surveillance capacities, and those provisions were meant to sunset, but many are still in effect. There's no simple way to address these concerns. Policymakers want their COVID response to be as effective as possible, but they don't want to open the door to abuses of private data. There are good guidelines and frameworks that exist, but many are being stress-tested now for the first time. We're talking about AI and machine learning, but you keep coming back to the point that this is a human endeavor. The algorithms are sort of the shiny object, and they receive a lot of attention. But when it comes to actually implementing social protections, going the last mile to put money in the hands of people who need it, the algorithms are just one small link in a much larger chain of humanitarian assistance. Most of the other links are human. Algorithms can help surface relevant information, but humans must decide what to do with it. Explore further Digital 'virus' helps researchers map potential spread More information: Joshua Blumenstock. Machine learning can help get COVID-19 aid to those who need it most, Nature (2020). Journal information: Nature Joshua Blumenstock. Machine learning can help get COVID-19 aid to those who need it most,(2020). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-020-01393-7 Japan's tourism industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. As people adjust to a new normal in daily life, tourism officials are also trying to come up with a new normal for vacations. Achi village in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, is famous for its hot springs and as a prime spot for star-gazing. Surrounded by the mountains of the Southern Alps, the village is protected from urban light pollution. But coronavirus prevention measures have kept many visitors from the Tokyo metropolitan area away. Now, village officials have decided to attract people living more locally. They are offering residents of Nagano Prefecture a discount of nearly 50 dollars per night. One visitor from nearby said she wanted to contribute to the local tourism industry. "I think it's a good chance to experience the village's appeal." "Attracting local residents also has an advantage in terms of containing the coronavirus," said Japan Research Institute researcher Kousaka Akiko. "Even if a group infection occurs, it will be easier to track the route as many of them live in the prefecture." Meanwhile, overseas tours are almost impossible due to the travel restrictions in many countries. So instead, major Japanese travel agency H.I.S. has come up with the idea of offering virtual tours. Customers select their destinations and local guides talk them through the sights online. The tours are either free or cost up to about 10 dollars. H.I.S. officials say more than 4,000 people joined its online tours in the past month. "Some customers say they feel like they are actually there, or they really want to visit the place," said H.I.S. official Uemura Tomoko. "We will study how to make our products as safe as possible and prepare for the full resumption of overseas travel." Company officials say they want to make online tour packages major product lines for this summer. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You should upgrade or use an You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser Subscriber content preview SHORELINE An apartment building at 1122 N. 180th St. sold for $4 million, according to King County records. The sellers were two LLC associated with a family group that acquired the property in 1999 for $1.1 million. . . . Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 23:48:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Arif Alvi said here on Wednesday that his country firmly opposes the politicization of COVID-19 virus by some countries attempting to blame and pressure China. Alvi made the remarks during a meeting with a visiting Chinese military medical expert team. The president said his country stands with the Chinese government and people. The president thanked China for its medical assistance and support in fighting the pandemic and also hailed China's efforts for the international cooperation against the virus, saying that China has taken effective measures which led to a major and positive result in controlling the pandemic. He said the military medical expert team has been working hard in Pakistan and visited local hospitals to guide medical staff to treat patients contracted with the virus, noting that the consistent efforts made by the team shows the deep friendship between the two countries. During the meeting, the medical team briefed their work to the Pakistani side, shared Chinese experiences on battling the virus and exchanged views on further cooperation to curb the pandemic. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing emphasized said that the COVID-19 pandemic is a global challenge and China will continuously provide support to Pakistan. The 10-member military medical team arrived in Islamabad on April 24 to help Pakistan fight the pandemic. Enditem The sound of George Floyds name reverberated around the downtown streets of the city where he grew up, where tens of thousands of people rallied demanding justice, demanding accountability, demanding change. Say his name! George Floyd! People of all backgrounds had gathered for the Tuesday rally at Discovery Green organized by Black Lives Matter and rapper Trae Tha Truth. In the beating-down heat, they followed a procession of Floyds family and Houston public officials to a gathering in front of City Hall. Now Playing: Here are the sights and sounds of the march for George Floyd in Houston on June 2, 2020. Video: Laura Duclos/Houston Chronicle Tensions would later flare as police worked to get protesters to leave the area after dark, but, to begin, protesters and police took a knee, a gesture that has become a powerful symbol in the Black Lives Matter movement. It also brought back imagery of how Floyd died. It had been eight days since a video showed a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on Floyds neck, as Floyd repeatedly pleaded for air. His death inspired protests in cities around the world, including Houston, where residents now came together yet again to make their voices heard. Funeral for George Floyd A public memorial will be held June 8 from noon to 6 p.m. at The Fountain of Praise Church, 13950 Hillcroft Ave. A private service at an undisclosed location is slotted for June 9 at 11 a.m. See More Collapse They arrived on horseback and on foot from all reaches of the sprawling city, forming one of the biggest protest crowds here in recent memory; organizers estimated attendance at 60,000. With political support, and leadership from those who knew Floyd, people in his diverse hometown were standing up for one of their own. We know the worlds watching right now, Trae tha Truth (whose given name is Frazier Thompson III) told the crowd. George sparked the change in the world that we need right now. Floyd, 46, grew up several miles from City Hall in Third Ward. He graduated from Yates High School in 1993, where friends remembered him as a gentle giant a laid-back man in a 6-foot-6-inch frame. Big Floyd, friends called him. The passionate protest in his honor was a protest with Houston flair. The list of speakers included prominent local politicians, such as Mayor Sylvester Turner and two longtime African American Congress members, Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green. Ninety-one-year-old Rev. Bill Lawson, who founded Third Wards Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, was there in his wheelchair. Others revved the engines of their motorcycles so the sound echoed between the skyscrapers as Im so Houston played from speakers. They were representing the Bayou City, spreading a universal message. END POLICE BRUTALITY, a sign read. JUSTICE 4 GEORGE, said another. One girl, maybe 5, hoisted a sign that was almost the size of her body: I matter. Today its about lifting up the family of George Floyd, Turner said. Its about supporting 16 members of his family who have taken the time walked through the streets just like you did, to be here with you today. Added Turner: We want them to know George did not die in vain. Earlier in the afternoon, city employees removed piles of bricks and rocks where they found them. Photos of violence of prior protests across the country burned out police cars, people shot with rubber bullets, broken glass of looted stores werent far from mind. When everyone took a knee at Discovery Green, the crowd hushed. A group of black trail riders helped lead the way. At least one wore a T-shirt that read: Black Cowboys Matter. Soon, the slow, impassioned march to City Hall began. The marchers passed Houston police officers at the intersections. Some posed for photos, while others stood stoic. Later in the evening, about 20 protesters would silently take a knee in front of those officers. A protester would thank them for letting them peacefully gather. The officers would nod back. Crystal Lewis stood against a wall on Walker Street, watching awestruck as the chanting crowd passed. She was crying. She hadnt known the march was going to happen. This is so beautiful, Lewis said. I have never seen so many people get together like this. The crowd extended so far from City Hall that it was hard to hear as Reps. Jackson Lee and Green pushed for change. I will not lie, Green said. I am angry. Jackson Lee promised to introduce a police reform bill soon. In the crowd, there was an edgy energy. Some passed out hand sanitizer and water. Others got into the reflection pool. Alexis Nick, 23, and Kenisha Mynor, 25, weaved their way down McKinney Street, leading chants of No justice. No peace. Violence like the taking of Floyds life led Nick, who studied criminal justice, to want to pursue a career in law. She was upset that the community had to rally like this to see justice done to see people who committed murder be charged with murder. This hits home for me, Nick said. Its 2020 and were still fighting injustices that African American men and women have faced. And if were being completely honest, its frickin pitiful. As the speeches ended, the question became: What next? In front of City Hall, Johnny Salazar and Rey Salvador, both 20, held an American flag. They had spray-painted a clenched black fist on it, with the words Black Lives Matter. A crowd of young protesters surrounding it whooped and cheered. People have had enough, Salazar said. Too many people have lost their lives. Dylan Allen, 20, of Greenspoint, came to take a photo with the pair. Previous killings have drawn outrage only for that outrage to die away, he said. He hoped that wouldnt happen this time. Small groups of protesters confronted police. Say his name, they yelled for a few minutes at two separate groups of officers. The officers stood quietly and showed little emotion. Another agitated crowd surrounded Police Chief Art Acevedo. The chief spoke to them individually, giving his phone number to one, verbally sparring with another. You dont know whats in my heart! Acevedo said to one angry protester, who criticized him. He told protesters some of the changes for law enforcement need to come from legislative fixes. Some in the crowd demanded he release videos of recent officer-involved shootings in Houston. Acevedo offered varying reasons why the department hasnt released bodycam videos, including concerns from family members. The skirmishes would increase as the sun set, with police detaining people they said were refusing to leave the area. But for now a 60-year-old woman approached the back steps of City Hall and asked an officer manning a barricade if her two grandchildren could take a photo with him. Detective Kacey Saulsberry quickly moved the fence and walked down the stairs to pose with Lauryn, 5, and London, 4. Both wore stickers of badges that said junior police. I just wanted to show them, let them be a part of something they probably will get to understand later in life, said Latricia Tate, the grandmother. Say, We was there. You know? My granny took us. A nine-year-old Kenyan boy has received a presidential award for building a foot-pedalled handwashing machine designed to help limit the spread of Covid-19. Stephen Wamukota, who lives in Mukwa village, about 250 miles northwest of Nairobi, first came up with the idea after learning about ways to curb the spread of the disease on TV. The handwashing machine works by users standing on a foot pedal that tips a bucket of water over their hands to clean them, avoiding contact with the surface and thereby reducing the risk of transmission. Stephens father, James Wamukota, said he returned home from work to find that his son had made the device from pieces of wood that he had bought to make a window frame. James posted Stephens inventive creation to Facebook where it quickly went viral and ended up catching the attention of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. Stephen was awarded the Presidential Order of Service, Uzalendo (Patriotic) Award on Monday alongside 67 others for their efforts in helping Kenyas battle against the novel virus. In an address to mark Kenyas Independence Day on Monday, President Kenyatta urged unity in the countrys quest to beat the Covid-19 pandemic. We need not be persuaded as a people why we must do everything in our power to conquer this invisible enemy the coronavirus disease. "But to do so, and regain the ground we have lost, we must come together as a nation. Each one of us is called to become a Shujaa (warrior) against this disease, he said. Recommended Kenya police kill at least 12 in attempt to enforce coronavirus curfew Stephen told the BBC he was very happy with his award and that he has now made two machine, but plans to build more. The nine-year-old plans to become an engineer when he is older and local politicians have promised to give him a scholarship, his father said. Mukwa village has not yet recorded any cases of coronavirus although James worried that it could still affect the area. More broadly, Kenya has reported over 2,000 cases of Covid-19 and recorded 71 deaths, according to official figures. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 12:23:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Washington's decision to sever ties with the World Health Organization (WHO), widely seen as irresponsible and immoral, has once again riled the world for the Trump administration's indulgence in scapegoating others, particularly China and the WHO, for its own malfeasance to handle the double crisis of the raging COVID-19 pandemic and rampant racial unrest across the country. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly blamed China for loss of life and economic recession in the United States, as well as accused the WHO of being "China-centric." However, it's widely acknowledged that there is no evidence for the alleged wrongdoing of China and the WHO. Public health experts and officials worldwide generally stand opposed to the U.S. president, debunking his moves "as a way to deflect attention" for his administration's botched attempts to deal with domestic predicaments and calling for global collaboration. Epidemiologists have revealed that 90 percent of American lives might have spared amid the pandemic had Washington imposed ristrictions including lockdown measures and social distancing two weeks earlier on March 2. The pain for the U.S. exit from the WHO, a decision "both immoral and likely illegal," will be inflicted on "the COVID-19 battlefields and in every poor community that relies on U.N. agencies for emergency food, child immunizations, essential medicines, and guidance," Laurie Garrett, a Pulitzer Prize winning science writer, said in an article published by Foreign Policy. Garrett also opined that Washington's move to abandon the WHO "encapsulates the most questionable aspects of the president's leadership style: his penchant to blame others for his mistakes, his refusal to share the global stage politely with other actors, his indulgence of blind self-interest, and his utter contempt of science." The Infectious Diseases Society of America "stands strongly against President Trump's decision," said Dr. Thomas M. File, its president, on Twitter. "We will not succeed against this pandemic, or any future outbreak, unless we stand together, share information and coordinate actions." Calling Trump's decision "shameful and irresponsible," Ami Bera, Democrat of California in the U.S. House of Representatives, tweeted that leaving the WHO "will make the United States and the world less safe." The U.S. severance of ties with the WHO is "not a good sign," said Shekhar Mande, director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in India. "WHO is a valuable body which has played an important role. It has been involved in smallpox elimination, polio virus elimination and it has worked very well with countries," he said according to Indian daily newspaper Mint. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also voiced his opposition against Washington's move, criticizing it as "the wrong signal at the wrong time," according to German news media Funke. "We cannot tear down the dike in the middle of a storm," Maas was quoted by Reuters as saying. Enditem A priest, who was at St. Johns Episcopal Church at Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., on Monday when police used tear gas and flash-bang explosions to disperse a peaceful protest, described moments of chaos on her social media account. The Rev. Gini Gerbasi is a rector at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Georgetown, about two miles from where police cleared out peaceful protesters to create space for President Donald Trump on Monday evening. I am shaken, not so much by the taste of tear gas and the bit of a cough I still have, but by the fact that that show of force was for a PHOTO OPPORTUNITY, Gerbasi said on Facebook. The patio of St. John's, Lafayette square had been HOLY GROUND today. A place of respite and laughter and water and granola bars and fruit snacks. But that man turned it into a BATTLE GROUND first, and a cheap political stunt second. Following police removing protesters, Trump posed in front of the church holding a bible. President Donald Trump holds a Bible as he visits outside St. John's Church across Lafayette Park from the White House Monday, June 1, 2020, in Washington. Part of the church was set on fire during protests on Sunday night. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)AP Gerbasi reported that the space around the church remained peaceful until about 6:15 p.m. Shortly after, Gerbasi said, police stated pushing protesters off H Street, which is between the church, Lafayette Park and the White House. They started using tear gas and folks were running at us for eyewashes or water or wet paper towels, Gerbasi said. At this point, Julia, one of our seminarians for next year (who is a trauma nurse) and I looked at each other in disbelief. I was coughing, her eyes were watering, and we were trying to help people as the police in full riot gear drove people toward us. As others ran, Gerbasi said she remained with the Black Lives Matter medic team on site, which had prepared eye wash prior to the protest. She said she saw more tear gas, concussion grenades and believed she saw someone get hit by a rubber bullet. Gerbasi described a scene where police in riot gear walked onto the churchs patio with metal shields and pushed people off the patio, driving them back. Gerbasi estimated that the group was pushed back about 20 feet to K Street. It wasnt until 7 p.m., when Gerbasi arrived back at her car, that she realized Trump was at the church with a bible in his hand. WE WERE DRIVEN OFF OF THE PATIO AT ST. JOHNS - a place of peace and respite and medical care throughout the day - SO THAT MAN COULD HAVE A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH!!! Gerbasi wrote on Facebook. PEOPLE WERE HURT SO THAT HE COULD POSE IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH WITH A BIBLE! HE WOULD HAVE HAD TO STEP OVER THE MEDICAL SUPPLIES WE LEFT BEHIND BECAUSE WE WERE BEING TEAR GASSED!!!! Friends, I am ok, but I am, frankly shaken. I was at St. John's, Lafayette Square most of the afternoon, with fellow... Posted by Gini Gerbasi on Monday, June 1, 2020 Mariann E. Budde, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, according to the New York Times, watched the scene unfold while away from the church visiting with her mother. Church officials were not told of the plan and expressed outrage at the White Houses use of riot-control tactics on a generally peaceful crowd to clear a path for the president, the newspaper reported. He did not pray, the bishop, Mariann E. Budde, said to the Times. Referring to the death of the black man in police custody that set off the protests, she added: He did not mention George Floyd, he did not mention the agony of people who have been subjected to this kind of horrific expression of racism and white supremacy for hundreds of years. We need a president who can unify and heal. He has done the opposite of that, and we are left to pick up the pieces. One of the people on site left to gather those pieces was Gerbasi. I am DEEPLY OFFENDED on behalf of every protestor, every Christian, the people of St. Johns, Lafayette square, every decent person there, and the BLM medics who stayed with just a single box of supplies and a backpack, even when I got too scared and had to leave, Gerbasi said. I am ok. But I am now a force to be reckoned with. The Department of Veterans Affairs is to remove grave headstones of World War Two German prisoners of war that display swastikas and markings related to the Nazi regime at cemeteries in Texas and Utah. The VA said Monday in a statement that it has decided to replace the headstones on gravesites of three German POWs. Two are located at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, and one is at Fort Douglas Post Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was a change of heart by the VA, which had said as recently as last week that there were no plans to change the grave markers. The VA will begin the process to remove the graves later this month, it was announced. 'Americans must always remember the horror of the Nazi regime and why so many Americans sacrificed so much to free the world from its reign of terror,' VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a statement. 'It is understandably upsetting to our veterans and their families to see Nazi inscriptions near those who gave their lives for this nation.' The Department of Veterans Affairs is to begin the process to remove grave headstones of World War Two German prisoners of war that display swastikas. Two of the grave stones, pictured, are located at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas Two of the grave stones, pictured, two show a modified Iron Cross, which depicts a swastika within a cross Last week, members of the Texas congressional delegation condemned the markings on the headstones in a letter sent to Wilkie. But he had initially expressed that he didn't plan to disturb the gravesites. In a House panel testimony last week, Wilkie said he would consider the matter but not to expect a swift response, San Antonio Express-News reported. But that took a turn Monday when the VA announced it will begin the required legal action to replace headstones that bear symbols and text referencing the Nazis that millions of Americans fought during World War II. Wilkie didnt explain the abrupt change in his decision but said he wanted to replace the headstones quickly. It's not clear how long that would take. 'Americans must always remember the horror of the Nazi regime and why so many Americans sacrificed so much to free the world from its reign of terror,' said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie (pictured) Carved on two headstones is an inscription in German, which translates into English as: 'He died far from his home for the Fuhrer, people and fatherland.' One of the headstones shows that a prisoner was awarded the Iron Cross, a German military decoration for valor. The other two show a modified Iron Cross, which depicts a swastika within a cross. Also carved on two headstones is an inscription in German, which translates into English as: 'He died far from his home for the Fuhrer, people and fatherland.' The VA said it doesnt have unilateral authority to remove the headstones because theyre in cemeteries protected by the National Historic Preservation Act. Later this month, the agency will follow that law to seek guidance from stakeholders on how to replace the headstones with historically accurate markers that dont show the Nazi swastika and German text. The VA plans to preserve the headstones in its National Cemetery Administration History Collection after theyre replaced. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) Senators approved on second reading Wednesday Senate Bill No. 1546, getting a step closer to the eventual passing of the measure that would help Filipinos respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The approval was met with no objections. A total of 140 billion has been set aside for various programs effective until September 30 this year. Under the Bayanihan We Recover As One Bill, low-income households in areas under enhanced community quarantine, and households with recently returned overseas Filipino workers will get a monthly subsidy. Due to the problems encountered in the past months, the bill requires implementors to simplify and expedite the distribution of cash aid as well as submit a list of beneficiaries to Congress. Displaced workers, including contractual employees, will also get cash assistance. The bill also grants subsidy to college students in private schools and qualified private elementary, and junior and senior high school students. These students are not receiving any assistance from government educational subsidy or voucher programs and are facing financial difficulties. Senator Sonny Angara said the Senate decided not to put the amount of subsidy for displaced workers and students to give leeway to the implementors to decide based on their financial capacity. On Tuesday, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said they saw no reason to extend discussions on the proposed law beyond Thursday. He also pointed out that the bill filed by Senator Miguel Zubiri would be a new law and not merely extend the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act which gave President Rodrigo Duterte additional powers to counter the COVID-19 pandemic. In the House of Representatives, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed House Bill 6811, a similar measure that seeks to amend Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act, and extend Duterte's special powers by three months. The House of Representatives Committee of the Whole approved on Wednesday the substitute bill extending the validity of the Bayanihan Law. Both houses of Congress have only until June 5 to pass the proposed law as they adjourn sine die on that date. Should it be passed, the new law would give Duterte additional powers until September 30, 2020. Last week, Zubiri said he was given assurance that Duterte would certify Senate Bill No. 1546 as urgent. CNN Philippines' Joyce Ilas contributed to this report. BART closed nine stations as demonstrations over the death of George Floyd came to a boil Sunday night while looters ransacked shopping malls throughout the Bay Area. Agency staff said they looked at threats of violent activity or sightings of looters in considering which stations to shut down. Ultimately, the list spread from urban centers to quiet suburbs, including Walnut Creek, Powell Street, Concord, Bay Fair, 12th Street, Lafayette, Civic Center, Montgomery and Hayward stations. But the closures caught some city officials by surprise. Some stations were miles away from any civil disturbances on Sunday. And law enforcement has not presented any evidence indicating that looters use public transit. They use cars, said Sgt. Ray Kelly, spokesman for Alameda County Sheriffs Office. They steal cars, they take the license plates off, and they go in mobile packs. One shutdown was Hayward Station, located downtown. Although Hayward stores were ransacked on Sunday, most incidents occurred around Southland Mall, Kelly said. Its more than 2 miles from the station, and would require crossing the Interstate 880 freeway. BART closed the downtown station, where there was no unrest, city spokesman Chuck Finnie said. From our perspective, there was no reason to do that as a public safety measure. Hayward police asked for the closure because of crowding issues, BART reported. Officials at BART also locked up Concord Station before the end of service on Sunday, even though the city was largely untouched by violence. We didnt have any large-scale events or riots that night, said Cpl. David Petty, a spokesman for the Concord Police Department. He pointed to a few sporadic incidents, including fires that broke out on Clayton Road and La Vista Avenue, which didnt appear to be related to protests or looting. Now Playing: On June 2, 2020, residents of San Franciscos Outer Sunset marched in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and against the recent death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. Video: Manjula Varghese / The Chronicle Other than that, someone broke a window at a Gap clothing store on Diamond Boulevard, 2 miles from the station, Petty said. Even so, Concord Police Chief Mark Busillos encouraged BART Police Chief Ed Alvarez to close the station, fearing that a crowd would ride in from the protest in downtown Walnut Creek. According to city spokeswoman Jennifer Ortega, BART staff asked our Police Department whether it would help us if they closed the downtown Concord BART Station, and our police officials told them it would be helpful as we did not want the crowd that was looting in Walnut Creek to travel to Concord. Similarly, city leaders in Lafayette and Walnut Creek asked for those stations to be locked down after hearing about a scheduled demonstration in Walnut Creek. Simply closing Walnut Creek Station wasn't sufficient, they decided, worrying that protesters or looters might walk from downtown Lafayette to Walnut Creek a journey of about 3 miles up Highway 24. Paul Chinn / The Chronicle We were made aware that protests were imminent in Walnut Creek, but we only had 30 minutes notice, said Jeff Heyman, a spokesman for the city of Lafayette. At that point we decided it was conceivable you could walk." Its fairly routine for BART to temporarily close stations during protests. But the scale of Sunday nights shutdowns illustrated a more widespread and diffuse type of uprising, which quickly devolved into chaos. Notably, civil disobedience and sporadic acts of violence spread from downtown areas into the suburbs, hitting communities that for years have been insulated from social movements. As the situation unraveled on Sunday, Alvarez, the BART police chief remained in constant communication with his counterparts at local police departments, said Alicia Trost, an agency spokeswoman. Alvarez decides whether to close a station, sometimes with input from General Manager Bob Powers. The two exchanged text messages with other top brass throughout the evening, Trost said. A peaceful protest isnt enough to justify shutting a stations gates, she added. Now Playing: From peaceful protest to mass arrests: Police in Oakland fires tear gas at protesters condemning the killing of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer during the fourth night of demonstrations in the Bay Area. Video: Matthias Gafni, Mallory Moench, Erika Carlos 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 cant just be, Were nervous about BART, Trost said. There has to be a violent threat. Powers recommended closing some station entrances at 12th Street in Oakland after people threw bottles in the stairwells on Sunday. At 5:49 p.m., BART officials announced they had closed the station altogether. By then the agency had already shut down Bay Fair and Powell Street. Over the next three hours it would close six more stations, spanning the Bay Area from downtown San Francisco to the Diablo Valley. Alvarez closed Walnut Creek Station amid reports of looting and vandalism at its nearby shopping center, and a shooting near the KoJa Kitchen Restaurant on Olympic Boulevard. The chief shut down Concord and Lafayette stations because roving packs of looters were headed that way, Trost said. She added that a BART employee found shoe boxes scattered near Lafayette BART on Monday morning, suggesting that looters may have passed through the area. Heyman cited one commercial burglary and incident of vandalism in Lafayette Sunday, but said it wasnt clearly related to the protests or mass looting that erupted elsewhere. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Alvarez was not available for comment on Wednesday. Trost emphasized that trains still stop at closed stations, allowing passengers to disembark and walk through a security grille. The difference is that no one is allowed in, she said. Lateefah Simon, president of BARTs Board of Directors, supported the station closures mostly because they secured BART from fires that flared in several areas Sunday. She defended peoples right to assemble, but said BART has to balance that against its role to get people home safely, and its responsibility to protect the rail systems infrastructure. BART isnt the only transit agency to limit service in response to social unrest. AC Transit announced this week that starting Monday it would halt all buses at 7:30 p.m. to comply with curfews in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan For developers looking to quickly build identity management into their platforms, the most readily available options don't stray far from the internet's biggest, most data-hungry platforms. Magic, a small SF startup building a decentralized blockchain-based identity solution, wants to create a seamless experience that feels similar to login workflows from apps like Slack and Medium, where users are sent a link to they can click to immediately log in. Magic's SDK allows developers to craft similar experiences to Medium and Slack without building them from scratch, leveraging authentication via blockchain key pairs that allows users to securely log in across devices. "Our identity these days is mostly controlled by Facebook and Google; what's cool about this identity solution is that it's a decentralized identity," Magic CEO Sean Li says. The startup is launching out of stealth, rebranding from its previous company name Fortmatic, and announcing that they've raised $4 million in a seed funding round led by Placeholder . A host of other investors participated in the company's funding, including Lightspeed Ventures, SV Angel, Social Capital, Cherubic Ventures, Volt Capital, Refactor Capital, Unusual Ventures, Naval Ravikant, Guillermo Rauch and Roham Gharegozlou. Li has largely sought to minimize the blockchain aspect of the company's tech in an attempt to keep the appeal more mass market, but Magic's early customers are largely in the blockchain world, specifically Ethereum applications. The company is free for customers with less than 250 users, and past that subscription pricing scales from a $79/mo plan to custom pricing for full white-labeled enterprise roll-outs with custom integrations. Li says the Magic platform is SOC 2 compliant. In the company's security documentation, they note that any user keys completely bypass Magic servers and are stored encrypted on AWS's Key Management Service, ensuring that Magic never sees private user keys. The company is currently building out their SDK to support authenticator apps and hardware-based authentication through YubiKeys "One big difference that we have compared with something like Medium, is if you're trying to log into your laptop and click on the link on your phone, you'd be logged in on your phone and that's not the ideal place to edit an article," Li says. "But with our Magic link login you're logged into the laptop and you can click your magic link from anywhere." Alongside the funding news, Magic announced partnerships with front-end developer platform Vercel, Cryptokitties-maker Dapper Labs and the Max Planck Society research institute. U.S. President Donald Trump has said it is "common sense" to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to an expanded Group of Seven (G7) summit. Speaking to Fox News radio on June 3, Trump said the G7 leading industrialized countries needed to talk to Russia despite its policies on the international stage and illegal annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. "It's not a question of what he's done. It's a question of common sense," Trump said. "The problem is many of the things that we talk about are about Putin, so we're just sitting around wasting time because then you have to finish your meeting and somebody has to call Putin or deal with Putin on different things. And I say have him in the room," Trump said. On May 30, Trump said he would postpone the G7 summit from June to September because of the coronavirus pandemic and expand the list of invitees to include Australia, Russia, South Korea, and India. Some commentators suggested the expanded list was meant in part to isolate China. Trump described the G7 as a "very outdated group of countries" that in its current format doesn't properly represent what is happening in the world. The G7 includes the United States, Canada, Germany, Japan, France, Britain, and Italy. Russia was expelled from the G8 in 2014 after it invaded and illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Moscow has simultaneously supported separatists in parts of eastern Ukraine in a conflict that has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Other G7 members have responded coolly to the idea of having Russia rejoin the elite group. Germany on June 3 said that as the host this year Trump could invite any country he wanted to the summit as a guest, but that any change to the group's format would need the agreement of all the members. "Inviting guests to the G7 has precedent, and is a matter for the presidency," German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said. But "if someone wants to change the format of the G7, that could only happen in any case with a unanimous decision by the G7." France similarly said there had been no change in Russian behavior to justify Moscow reentering the group. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on June 1 said he opposed reintegrating Moscow into the G7. "Russia was excluded from the G7 after it invaded Crimea a number of years ago," Trudeau told reporters. "Its continued disrespect and flaunting of international rules and norms is why it remains outside of the G7 and will continue to remain out." With reporting by dpa and Reuters Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Moch. Fiqih Prawira Adjie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 21:05 596 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbe564d 1 National Papua-internet-blackout,PTUN,Joko-Widodo,Jokowi-second-term,freedom-of-expression,freedom-of-speech,ITE-Law,Papua-protest,racism-in-indonesia Free The Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN) ruled on Wednesday that it was unlawful for the government to shut down the internet in Papua and West Papua during heightened security tensions caused by antiracism protests in the two provinces last year. The panel of judges found that the government had violated the 1959 State Emergency Law by imposing the internet blackout after it failed to prove during the court hearings that Indonesia was in a state of emergency that required the authorities to shut down the internet. The panel of judges also ruled that any policy that limited peoples right to information should be made in accordance with the law and not merely based on the governments discretion. The court declares [the internet blackout] was a violation of the law by government bodies or officials, presiding judge Nelvy Christin said in reading out the ruling during a livestreamed hearing on Wednesday. Antiracism protests had gripped the country from August to September last year, after Papuan students were abused with racial remarks in Surabaya, East Java. The incident prompted nationwide protests supporting the Papuans and the provinces' pro-liberation movement. Read also: The elephant in the room: Racism in Indonesia The government started imposing internet restrictions in Papua and West Papua on Aug. 21, 2019 on the pretext of security, shortly after protests escalated into riots across the two provinces, reportedly leading to the deaths of dozens. The internet muzzle lasted until the beginning of September. The internet shutdown sparked outrage among residents and activists as it restricted access to information about conditions in the restive region, which saw thousands of additional security personnel deployed as the riots developed. The policy also severely crippled news reporting in the region. The court found that the government had blocked data streams in the countrys two easternmost provinces in at least three phases. It throttled back internet access on Aug. 19 between 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., shortly after widespread protests in Surabaya. It later imposed another internet blackout between Aug. 21 and Sept. 4, affecting 29 cities and regencies in Papua and 13 cities and regencies in West Papua. It imposed again and expanded the ban to six cities and regenciesJayapura, Jayapura City, Mimika and Jayawijaya in Papua, and Sorong and Manokwari in West Papuafrom Sept. 4 to 9. Read also: Papua protests continue amid internet blackout The government claimed in court that the internet shutdown was in line with the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law. However, judges said the law could only be enforced to block access to electronic information and documents violating the law, not the entire internet. The bench also argued that fake news should be handled by using provisions in the Criminal Code or blocking the accounts that spread such false information, rather than shutting down internet access in its entirety. Internet restrictions were introduced for the first time as part of the governments security measures during postelection riots in Jakarta in May last year. Three days of riots in the capital, which occurred only days after President Joko Jokowi Widodo was officially announced the winner in the 2019 presidential election, left at least eight people dead. The government had blocked social media and instant messaging in the capital, arguing that it was an effort to block fake news, videos and pictures relating to the riots. Read also: Government temporarily limits access to social media, messaging apps The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet) and the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), among other groupsfiled in January the lawsuit against the President and the Communications and Information Ministry on the Papua internet ban. YLBHI activist M. Isnur hoped that higher courts would uphold the ruling, should the defendants appeal the case. [This case] shows that the courts are still reliable and theres hope in them when seeking justice, we appreciate that, Isnur told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. Wahyudi Djafar, an Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM) researcher, said that the court ruling should be followed by legislation, preferably a revision of the ITE Law, that completely effaced the possibility of a total internet blackout. Considering the importance of the internet today, a blanket internet block is not tolerable even in a state of emergency, Wahyudi told the Post. An internet blackout will only have implications for other human rights violations. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet previously expressed concerns over the blackout, saying blanket internet shutdowns are likely to contravene freedom of expression and limiting communications may exacerbate tensions. Communications and Information Minister Johnny G. Plate said that the government would only respond to the official court ruling, which he claimed he had not yet received. We respect the courts decision, but we also reserve our legal rights as defendants. We will consult with the states legal team to determine the next step, Johnny said. He went on to say that the internet blackout was enforced to prevent the spread of hoaxes that could exacerbate tensions in the provinces at that time. Thuggish letters which ruin the lives of people with problem debts should be stopped, consumer champion Martin Lewis has urged. The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, which was founded by Mr Lewis, said out-of-date laws which force lenders to send such letters should be changed, as part of coronavirus crisis financial support measures. Money and Mental Healths stop the debt threats campaign is calling for rules in the Consumer Credit Act (1974) to be updated to make letters less threatening and distressing. Watch our Chair and Founder @MartinSLewis explain why its so important that the government takes action to stop the #DebtThreats - and lend your support by signing our petition here: https://t.co/vSRq1DJCMw pic.twitter.com/PfCK1jpeHx Money and Mental Health (@mmhpi) June 3, 2020 Letters sent to people considered to be in arrears may relate to repayments on overdrafts, credit and store cards, payday loans, or personal loans, for example. The institute said current rules dictate the content of some letters sent by lenders when people are seriously behind on payments. Confusing language may be used alongside threats of court action, it said. Martin Lewis, chairman of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute said: The fact that lenders are forced by a decades-old law to send thuggish letters to people with debt problems is staggering. These letters ruin lives, and many lenders say they dont want to send them, but the law gives them no option. The Government has put support systems in place covering a chunk of the population. Yet at such a sensitive stressful time, it needs to change the rules on debt letters Martin Lewis In the next few weeks, well have the perverse situation where lenders will be compelled to send threatening letters to millions of people, even if theyve been given permission for a temporary break from debt repayments. That will cause distress and confusion at a time when people in financial hardship, and many struggling with mental health issues, least need it. The Government has put support systems in place covering a chunk of the population. Yet at such a sensitive stressful time, it needs to change the rules on debt letters. A Treasury spokesman said: Its vitally important that banks communicate with their customers about debt so they can be supported to manage their finances. However, we are aware of the concerns raised and are looking into the issue carefully. The outbreak has affected the lives of many which is why weve introduced an extensive package of financial support that is helping millions of businesses and individuals through these challenging times. Who needs Parliament? It just impedes our elite betters from imposing their progressive, leftist utopia upon the plebs who pay their bills. Our Emperor Trudeau would have allowed Bill Morneau to impose taxes at his whim, without debate, review, or justification for almost two years! Carbon tax? To blazes with job loss and pandemics and highly questionable efficacy. Lay it on! Private property? He does not know or care that this country regulates firearms more tightly than practically any other nation of earth. So what if he has to prevaricate and obfuscate? He is more intent upon disarming his own law-abiding citizenry than the criminals who pay no attention to his useless confiscations. That this minority government would stoop so low as to scheme with the leader of the NDP to push back the full assembling of Parliament until fall is deplorable. That Trudeau would continue to seek an expensive and useless seat on the Security Council of the UN is incredible. Who needs Parliament? Canada does! Trudeau certainly does not seem to want any part of it. Ross Bassingthwaighte The protests erupted after Mr. Floyd, a 46-year-old black security guard, died after his neck was pinned under a white police officers knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis last week. The officer has been fired and charged with second-degree murder, and three other officers were charged with aiding and abetting murder. The killing, captured on video, was the spark for the outpouring of anger and anguish expressed in demonstrations in more than 140 cities. The popes comments came a day after Christian leaders criticized President Trump for using two religious sites in Washington for what they said were acts of political theater. On Monday, Mr. Trump posed holding a Bible outside the historic St. Johns Episcopal Church, and on Tuesday he and the first lady spent about 10 minutes inside the St. John Paul II National Shrine. The pope called for national reconciliation and peace and said the recent violence on U.S. streets was self-destructive and self-defeating. Like his predecessors, Pope Francis has often used his weekly addresses to the faithful a general audience each Wednesday and a prayer on Sundays to weigh in on global matters and issues of social justice. He has tackled subjects like human trafficking and migration, climate change and its impact on the poor, and access to universal health care, which have been among the cornerstones of his papacy. The popes condemnation of racism and calls for justice in the aftermath of Mr. Floyds death echoed comments from other current and former leaders. Former President Jimmy Carter Mr. Carter on Wednesday issued a statement in support of the protests but condemning the violence. Rosalynn and I are pained by the tragic racial injustices and consequent backlash across our nation in recent weeks, he said. Our hearts are with the victims families and all who feel hopeless in the face of pervasive racial discrimination and outright cruelty. We all must shine a spotlight on the immorality of racial discrimination. But violence, whether spontaneous or consciously incited, is not a solution. President Trump yet again pushed the conspiracy theory Wednesday that MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' host Joe Scarborough murdered a Congressional aide in 2001. 'I've always felt he got away with murder,' Trump told Fox News Channel's Brian Kilmeade on the anchor's radio show. 'That was my feeling, my very strong feeling, and I do feel it.' Despite Scarborough, a former GOP House member, being in Washington and police finding no foul play in the 2001 death of staffer Lori Klausutis at a Florida satellite office, the president has continued to make the claim. President Trump on Wednesday repeated the conspiracy that 'Morning Joe' host Joe Scarborough murdered a Congressional aide in 2001. Trump made the comments on Fox News Channel's Brian Kilmeade's radio show Last Wednesday, Joe Scarborough dedicated time to Trump's claims, calling the president's actions 'heartbreaking.' 'The cruelty is unspeakable,' Scarborough added, because Trump's continued to push the smear that Lori Klausutis was murdered Police officers investigate the scene of Rep. Joe Scarborough's Fort Walton Beach office after employee Lori Klausutis was found dead in July 2001. Authorities found that Scarborough was in D.C. at the time and Klausutis had an undiagnosed heart condition President Trump has continued to tweet about the conspiracy theory - despite Lori Klausutis' family being so rattled by it that her widower asked Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to pull Trump's tweets about his dead wife down Timothy Klausutis sent a letter to Twitter on May 21, but it didn't deter President Trump from calling Lori Klausutis' death a 'Cold Case against Psycho Joe Scarborough,' adding that he thought the television host was a 'Nut Job' There are among the tweets that Timothy Klausutis flagged and asked Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to strike from the site. Twitter refused to pull the tweets but has started flagging Trump's tweets in other way On Wednesday, Kilmeade had asked Trump why he continued to put Scarborough, and also CNN's Chris Cuomo, in his 'crosshairs.' 'When there's so many other huge problems out there,' Kilmeade pointed out. 'I just do it. People hit me. I hit back. I fight,' Trump responded. 'I had a lot of people in Florida felt he got away with murder - I think. So I've always felt that. That's not an uncommon story. Maybe you'll look at it. So we dont' have to waste time on it,' Trump said. Officials found that Klausutis had an undiagnosed heart problem that caused her to collapse and hit her head off her desk. She was found dead in the office. Lori Klausutis died at age 28 in 2001. She had an undiagnosed heart condition and fell and hit her head at work Scarborough and his wife and co-host Mika Brzezinski had been friends with Trump, but are now prominent critics. Scarborough responded to the accusations a week ago by dedicating time during the show to pay tribute to Klausutis. 'I think Americans should know about all of this,' Scarborough said on 'Morning Joe' last Wednesday. 'I didn't know Lori well. She worked in an annex office... I met her a couple of times at a couple of public events. But after she passed away [her widower] T.J. told me that she was working in a bank and she was a lifelong Republican and a faithful Catholic... and she decided she wanted to work in something bigger than herself,' he recalled. 'I've thought about this. A good woman, a young woman's desire to do something good for the country that she loved... and now the President of the United States is sullying this good woman's name,' Scarborough continued. 'It is heartbreaking, the cruelty is unspeakable.' On the show, Scarborough admitted there had been rumors swirling about Klausutis' death for years - and so Trump was right when he said, at one point, that the conspiracy theory 'was not a Donald Trump original thought.' Scarborough blamed 'vile people driven by hatred and petty politics.' 'Your attacks pass through me and they terrorize a family that has not been able to let their loved one rest in peace!' Scarborough argued. 'Enough! Let this poor woman rest in peace and let her family finally be able to move on with their lives, 19 years later.' Klausutis' widower Timothy, or T.J., had made that point to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in a May 21 letter to the tech tycoon. Timothy Klausutis told Dorsey 'I have struggled to move forward with my life' blaming the 'constant barrage of falsehoods, half-truths, innuendo and conspiracy theories since the day she died.' Timothy Klausutis wanted Dorsey to pull down Trump's tweets from his website in which the president brought up Lori Klausutis and suggested Scarborough had an affair with her and then murdered her. Twitter didn't remove the president's tweets about Lori Klausutis' death, but the site did start fact-checking and flagging Trump's tweets. This set off a war between Twitter and the White House with the president signing an executive order attempting to open up the social media website to more lawsuits. When asked about Timothy Klausutis' letter, Trump stayed on-message, calling Lori Klausutis' death 'very sad and very suspicious.' Trump said he'd seen the widower's letter and added, 'but I'm sure ultimately they want to get to the bottom of it and it's a very serious situation.' Amid an ongoing blame game between the states ruling party Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruling at the Centre, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday advised the Centre to transfer Rs 10,000 to the bank accounts of each of the migrant workers. People have been facing economic hardship of unimaginable proportions bcz of the ongoing pandemic. I appeal to Central Govt to transfer 10,000 each as one-time assistance to migrant labourers including people in the unorganized sector. A portion of PM-CARES could be used for this, Banerjee wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. Later in the evening, she said that some people from outside were trying to incite the states migrant workers against the state government and urged the workers not to fall in their trap. We had transferred Rs 1,000 to 4.5 lakh migrant workers, spending Rs 45 crore. Our state has taken care of the entire expenditure of 235 trains to carry back migrant workers, spending another Rs 25 crore on this account. Besides, Rs 4 crore was spent as bus fare and another Rs 11 crore in intra-state transport to send them back home. In contrast, other states took train fares from migrant workers, Banerjee said. The HT Guide to Coronavirus COVID-19 During a meeting with the officials in different districts, Banerjee asked them to look for alternative employment for migrant workers who had returned to Bengal. Following her demand of direct cash transfers, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national secretary Rahul Sinha said the chief minister was trying to divert the attention from the mismanagement in bringing back migrant workers from other states. The Centre had to push the state government to allow special Shramik trains to bring back stranded workers to West Bengal. BJP did not incite the migrant workers. They were angered by her apathy. She is trying to skip her responsibility of finding these workers alternative jobs, Sinha said. According to the state government, more than 8.5 lakh people, mostly migrant workers, have returned to Bengal so far and another 1.5 lakh are expected to enter the state in a few days. TMC has been alleging that the crisis of the migrant workers was created by the Centres unplanned lockdown announcement. The chief minister had also alleged that the railways move to send trains packed with migrant workers with the middle berths occupied has led to a spike in Covid-19 virus among the migrant workers, ultimately resulting in the spread of the disease in rural Bengal. HAMMOND After a Deja Vu customer found a cellphone loaded with pornographic images of children left behind at the strip club, police launched an investigation that led to the sentencing of an Illinois man. Philip A. Rice, 44, of Dolton, Illinois, was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to the production of child pornography, said U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch. He was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to a female victim. On March 5, 2016, a man was sitting in a booth at Deja Vu, a strip club on Ripley Street in Lake Station. He found a phone and attempted to identify the owner, in which he eventually removed the SIM card and saw the photo gallery. In the photo gallery, he saw multiple images of nude children in suggestive poses which he found disturbing. He turned the phone into police and detectives found more than 200 explicit images of children under 16 years old, court records said. Detectives determined the phone belonged to Rice and police were able to contact an underage girl who Rice had been in communication with. Further investigation revealed that he pressured a girl into sending him explicit photos on multiple occasions while she was between the ages of 10 and 12, court records said. WASHINGTON - In the days since protesters were driven out of Lafayette Square coughing and limping, their eyes burning amid clouds of smoke, the Trump administration has insisted federal authorities did not use tear gas on the crowd. "No tear gas was used and no rubber bullets were used," White House spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany told reporters Wednesday, echoing similar claims from U.S. Park Police and the president's allies. McEnany was correct, but only to the extent that police did not use products labeled "tear gas" and "rubber bullets." The U.S. Park Police acknowledged firing "pepper balls," a projectile munition that lofts irritant powder into the air, as well as "smoke canisters," to scatter the crowd Monday. The agency has not provided more details about the contents of the smoke it deployed, and a spokesman for the Park Police did not respond to requests seeking clarification Wednesday. At least one spent canister recovered from the streets outside the park Monday by reporters was clearly labeled "Skat Shell OC." The OC stands for oleoresin capiscum, an oily substance derived from chile peppers that is often used in topical ointments and "heat" creams for arthritis relief and muscle pain. When it gets into the eyes, noses and lungs, however, it triggers searing, debilitating pain, coughs, sneezes and mucus secretion. As police across the country use such chemical agents to quell protests and rioting, they also are triggering those major vectors for the spread of the novel coronavirus. Washington Post photo by Michael S. Williamson Like the pepper ball projectiles, the OC gas detected Monday is designed to produce tears. It clears crowds by making the air sting and burn - one reason the Park Police and other federal forces wore gas masks as they cleared a path for Trump to walk across the street and pose for photos outside a vandalized church. Isabelle Riley, a volunteer physician who was at the park on Monday, said she treated several protesters who had "symptoms consistent with a chemical irritant" - not the kind of thing that comes out of a fog machine or a campfire. "Acute exposure to smoke would not cause the severity of what I was seeing," she said. "We've all been sitting near a bonfire, and you're not walking away crying in agony because you can't open your eyes." Riley and other medical responders used milk and antacids to treat the protesters, she said, which "neutralizes the resin in the pepper." OC gas is considered less harsh than other airborne chemical agents that also fall under the catchall phrase tear gas and are widely deployed as "riot control agents" by military and police forces around the world. Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, which studies and advocates best practices among law enforcement agencies, said the use of chemical agents by local law enforcement is rare and "only a last resort when everything else doesn't work." "If a crowd is peaceful, you would never use it on them," Wexler said. "And if you did, you would want to announce it. Think about the impact of tear gas on those with some underlying medical or health issues." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, riot control agents are "chemical compounds that temporarily make people unable to function by causing irritation to the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, and skin." Several different compounds fall under this category, according to the CDC. Among others, they include chloroacetophenone, more commonly referred to as pepper sprays. Such compounds are all typically referred to as tear gas because their most prominent effect is to irritate mucus membranes, including the eyes, which secrete tears as a protective response. Riot control agents are designed to cause irritation within seconds of exposure, making people want to flee; toxicologists advise that getting away from the gas is the best and first thing to do to mediate the impact. The most common symptoms of exposure, according to the CDC, can include excessive watering and burning of the eyes, a runny nose, a burning mouth, chest tightness, coughing, skin burns, nausea and vomiting. Health experts have watched with growing alarm in recent days at the widespread, increased use of tear gas, smoke and other irritating chemicals on American protesters in the middle of the pandemic. They fear that the tear gas is both accelerating the virus' spread and making people more susceptible to it. As of Wednesday night, an open letter started at the University of Washington had been signed by more than 1,300 infectious-disease experts and others working in public health detailing those concerns. "When you get sprayed with tear gas or pepper spray, you cough, shout and scream. That projects the virus so much further. It gives the virus droplets super-spreading powers," said Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious-disease specialist at the University of California at San Francisco who helped lead that effort. "For those who don't have the virus, the first thing you're going to do is touch your eyes, nose, mouth. Even if you were wearing mask, that's now soaked with irritant, you're not going to keep it on anymore. From a transmission perspective, it's a disaster." Because of how such chemicals are designed to irritate the body's airways, it could also making protesters more susceptible to infection. Tear gas is not gas, but an aerosol version of irritant liquid or powder that inflames the pain-sensing nerves in the eyes, nose, and throat, said Sven-Eric Jordt, an associate professor of anesthesiology, pharmacology, and cancer biology at Duke University. The chemicals can weaken and damage tissue in the airways - including the fine cilia hairs or larger hairs that help protect the airway from foreign intruders, such as a virus. Research shows that people with weakened airways - from smoking, pollution or chronic respiratory conditions - are much more susceptible to flu, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. The question is whether tear gas, which is usually a shorter term exposure, could do the same. "If we're talking about low-dose exposure for a minute, I don't know what the effect is," said Chin-Hong. "But with higher dose, more prolonged exposure and underlying conditions, that's worrisome." At least three research papers published in 2014 documented worrying signs of lung injury and increased incidences of respiratory illnesses caused by CS gas - a stronger form of tear gas - among military recruits and troops. As a result, Jordt noted, the U.S. military deliberately lowered the amount of tear gas recruits were exposed to in training. "The amount and ease that our country is using tear gas right now is something we should think about," Chin-Hong said. "And if we're going to use it, then we need to be weighing the effects of that." Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas C. Carter made three things very clear in his Facebook Live discussion with PennLive this week. He doesnt condone excessive use of force by his officers. He doesnt condone the kind of knee-in-the neck torture used in Minneapolis against George Floyd. And he would expect any of his officers who saw such abuse to stop it. Carter says he works hard to set the right tone of policing at the top -- demanding his officers show respect for a community where he knows many of the young men on the street and can tell you where their Mammas live. There is no one in my agency who agrees with what happened to Mr. Floyd, Carter said on Mondays Facebook Live. Its a tragedy. Its an atrocity against all of us. Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas C. Carter speaks with PennLive Opinion Editor Joyce M. Davis about policing in the aftermath of unrest in Harrisburg. Carters attitude toward policing has not always been popular. For much of his career, cops were expected to be tough and feared, not Officer Friendly. But Carter has no problem apologizing to his community for offenses, and even took a knee in full public view this week to beg forgiveness for police in Minneapolis. Our readers clearly appreciated Carters approach, agreeing that a little humility and conscious display of respect for the community go a long way toward diffusing tensions and strengthening police authority. The approach paid off this weekend as Carter spoke directly with protestors, calming tensions that could have erupted into what cities throughout the nation suffered rioting, looting and chaos. But it doesnt always work, as he faced a tougher crowd to appease in Mondays protests. Harrisburg police Commissioner Thomas Carter takes a knee as he apologizes to the crowd for treatment by police at Saturday's demonstration. A demonstration is held at the state Capitol by 'The Movement-Harrisburg's Protest to Protect all People,' to protest racism and oppression and the murder of George Floyd. June 1, 2020. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Im proud of the peaceful protestors, wrote Kelly-Jo Song. Just annoyed by the outsiders coming in and trying to stir things up. Best chief ever, wrote Lucy Thompson. You truly care about the city and citizens. Good man Commissioner Carter is. I hope everyone hears what this man says. said Matt Evans Sr. But these are difficult times for police everywhere. And even Carters more compassionate, engaging style of policing can meet serious challenges, especially when people come into the area from outside with the intention of inciting violence and destruction. Carter also is well aware his officers, many of whom are white and live outside the predominantly African American city, must be well trained for their work. That training must include sensitivity and anti-racism training, and its not a once and done thing. Training must be continual and the behavior of officers must be closely monitored, especially if complaints mount. Harrisburg police Cpl. Josh Hammer elbow bumps Jyhire. Jyhire Barber, 7, was surprised by a birthday procession past his house that included Harrisburg police and firefighters, May 7, 2020. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com But that is what is troubling. When complaints mount against an officer, as they did with Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Carter said it can be difficult to remove him from the force. People have to understand, a police union is very powerful, Carter said. When you want to terminate a police officer, you go against a very powerful organization. And theres the rub. Youve got to be able to get rid of bad cops, quickly. No organization should be powerful enough to keep abusive police officers on the force. This has got to change. There should be clear standards of behavior and use of force for all police officers, as well as clear guidelines for when they have to go. And that should come long before an officer puts his knee in someones neck for nine minutes. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. You deserve the best. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. And please subscribe to Battleground PA to stay abreast of the issues in the 2020 elections! Haiti - News : Zapping... A man suspected of being infected, burned alive Monday evening at Lamentin 52 (Carrefour), a man in his fifties, suspected of being contaminated by Covid-19, died burned alive inside his house burned down by residents of the area... 137 people shot dead in 3 months 161 people were killed including 137 by gunshots in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince during the first quarter of the year, according to a report of the National Episcopal Commission Justice and Peace. The "Core Group" supports the presidential alternation in 2022 Tuesday, the Chancellor, Claude Joseph had an important working meeting with the main partners of Haiti gathered in the "Core group" (the head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the Ambassador of the United States United, the Ambassador of Canada, France, Germany, the European Union and the Special Representative of the OAS). They expressed strong support for the democratic and constitutional order in Haiti. The diplomats promised to support the electoral process which should lead to the renewal of the political staff and the presidential alternation in 2022. Covid-19 : Batches of materials for 17 border communes The town halls of the 17 border communes have benefited through the Ministry of the Interior and local authorities, via the project "Support to Local Governance and Territorial Development" and the technical and financial support of Canada and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP-Haiti), a batch of materials and equipment to strengthen their actions against Covid-19. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19877-haiti-politics-signature-with-undp-of-the-local-governance-project.html FAES opens 2 new community restaurants The Economic and Social Assistance Fund honored its promises by opening last weekend two community restaurants in Anse-a-Masson and Pointe Sable, two localities of the Cayemite Islands located in the department of Grand-Anse in order to allow the inhabitants of benefit from hot dishes daily for a modest sum of 10 Gourdes. Words of sympathy Audain Fils Bernadel Minister of the Interior and Local Authorities bows to the remains of Commissioners Carmel Florent from the Directorate of Traffic and Road Police (DCPR) and Joel Gentillon from the Corps of Intervention and Maintenance of Order (CIMO) very committed alongside the Ministry, in the fight against Covid-19. Sympathies to their families, their brothers in arms of CIMO and of the PNH in general, struck by these losses See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-30934-icihaiti-death-words-of-sympathy-from-the-commander-of-the-pnh.html HL/ HaitiLibre President Donald Trump holds a Bible as he visits outside St. John's Church across Lafayette Park from the White House. Read more WASHINGTON The scenes have been disturbingly familiar to CIA analysts accustomed to monitoring scenes of societal unraveling abroad the massing of protesters, the ensuing crackdowns and the awkwardly staged displays of strength by a leader determined to project authority. In interviews and posts on social media in recent days, current and former U.S. intelligence officials have expressed dismay at the similarity between events at home and the signs of decline or democratic regression they were trained to detect in other countries. "I've seen this kind of violence," said Gail Helt, a former CIA analyst responsible for tracking developments in China and Southeast Asia. "This is what autocrats do. This is what happens in countries before a collapse. It really does unnerve me." Helt, now a professor at King University in Tennessee, said the images of unrest in U.S. cities, combined with President Donald Trump's incendiary statements, echo clashes she covered over a dozen years at the CIA tracking developments in China, Malaysia and elsewhere. Other former CIA analysts and national security officials rendered similarly troubled verdicts. Marc Polymeropoulos, who formerly ran CIA operations in Europe and Asia, was among several former agency officials who recoiled at images of Trump hoisting a Bible in front of St. John's Episcopal Church after authorities fired rubber bullets and tear gas to clear the president's path of protesters. READ MORE: From Tuesday: Hundreds gather in fourth day of protests "It reminded me of what I reported on for years in the third world," Polymeropoulos said on Twitter. Referring to the despotic leaders of Iraq, Syria and Libya, he said: "Saddam. Bashar. Qaddafi. They all did this." The impression Trump created was only reinforced by others in the administration. Defense Secretary Mark Esper urged governors to "dominate the battlespace" surrounding protesters as if describing U.S. cities as a foreign war zone. Later, as military helicopters hovered menacingly over protesters, Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, toured the streets of the nation's capital in his battle fatigue uniform. "As a former CIA officer, I know this playbook," Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., said in a tweet. Before her election to Congress last year, she worked at the agency on issues including terrorism and nuclear proliferation. One U.S. intelligence official even ventured into downtown Washington on Monday evening, as if taking measure of the street-level mood in a foreign country. "Things escalated quickly," said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing the sensitive nature of his job. He emphasized that he went as a concerned citizen, not in any official capacity. After seeing tear gas canisters underfoot, he said he "knew it was time to go" and departed. Former intelligence officials said the unrest and the administration's militaristic response are among many measures of decay they would flag if writing assessments about the United States for another country's intelligence service. They cited the country's struggle to contain the coronavirus, the president's attempt to pressure Ukraine for political favors, his attacks on the news media and the increasingly polarized political climate as other signs of dysfunction. Trump supporters have defended his handling of the unrest, and his trip across Lafayette Square as a display of the strength needed to restore order in dozens of cities where protests have led to looting, fires and violence. Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, said it was "hard to imagine" any other president "having the guts to walk out of the White House like this." But there were also indications that senior members of the administration were uncomfortable with the president's outing and eager to minimize their role in it. A senior Pentagon official said Tuesday that neither Esper nor Milley knew when they set out to accompany Trump that police were about to charge through seemingly docile protesters or that they would find themselves playing supporting roles in a photo op. Even away from the cameras, Trump has assiduously cultivated the aura of a strongman. Earlier Monday, he had chided governors as "weak" for failing to employ adequate force in the face of mounting protests. "If you don't dominate, you're wasting your time," Trump said. He offered no words on how to ease tensions in crowds that have massed largely in anger over the death of George Floyd, an African American man who was killed while being pinned to the ground, a knee against his neck, by police in Minneapolis. Brett McGurk, a former top U.S. envoy to the Middle East who spent two years in the Trump administration, said the president's words recorded by participants and shared with news organizations would only embolden the world's autocrats and undermine U.S. authority. The imagery of a head of state in a call with other governing officials saying dominate the streets, dominate the battlespace these are iconic images that will define America for some time, said McGurk, who led U.S. diplomatic efforts to counter the Islamic State terrorist group. It makes it much more difficult for us to distinguish ourselves from other countries we are trying to contest or influence, he said. In recent years, U.S. officials have urged restraint or denounced crackdowns against protesters or vulnerable groups in Russia, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Syria and other countries. Even this week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lectured China about its efforts to prevent citizens of Hong Kong from holding a vigil to mark the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests. "If there is any doubt about Beijing's intent, it is to deny Hong Kongers a voice and a choice," Pompeo said in a statement that was met with derision on Twitter because it coincided with Trump-urged crackdowns in the United States. The seeming hypocrisy in the U.S. position has not been lost on foreign targets of American pressure or criticism. Ramzan Kadyrov, a Chechen leader previously sanctioned by the United States for alleged human rights abuses, said Tuesday that he was watching with horror the situation in the United States, where the authorities are maliciously violating ordinary citizens rights, according to reports from Moscow. A woman was groped by a drunk stranger near a Victoria Avenue South low-rise apartment. It happened at about 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, according to police. The woman did not need medical attention. A 24-year-old Hamilton man, who does not live in the apartment, was taken into custody and is charged with sexual assault. The Eastern Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Darfour is worried residents still doubt the existence of the coronavirus. This according to him is making it more difficult to sensitize residents on the preventive measures. Health officials in the Eastern Region have recorded 134 cases of the disease so far with 95 recoveries. Eric Kwakye Darfour who was speaking on the sidelines of the official reopening of Afcon Construction Camp B site at Kpong in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality believes the successes may be short-lived if residents fail to adhere to the safety protocols. When the President actually eased some of the restrictions, I engaged religious leaders and they told me that the President said they could bring 100 people into the church building so can we keep the others out? How do you do that? Someone also asked if we can start bringing people into the mosque other than the June 5, commencement date? But I told them to wait for the time to come. So we are battling not only the virus but also the scepticism associated with the existence of the virus. That is our major headache. So please, let us all help to educate the public so we can drive away this virus. The Ghana Health Service's update on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, indicated that 227 new COVID-19 cases have been recorded raising the country's case count to 8,297. Two more persons have died from the disease in Ghana bringing the country's death toll to 38. According to the Ghana Health Service's update, some 39 persons who contracted the virus have also recovered increasing the recoveries count to 2,986. ---citinewsroom The number of heart attack patients seeking urgent hospital care has dropped by more than 50% during the COVID-19 outbreak, according to an extensive worldwide survey by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The findings are published in the European Heart Journal - Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes (EHJ-QCCO) and shown graphically online. This is the strongest evidence yet of the collateral damage caused by the pandemic. Fear of catching the coronavirus means even people in the midst of a life-threatening heart attack are too afraid to go to the hospital for life-saving treatment. There has been a lack of public reassurance that every effort has been made to provide clean hospital areas for non-COVID-19 patients." Barbara Casadei, Professor and President, European Society of Cardiology "Yet the risk of dying of a heart attack is much greater than that of dying of COVID-19. Moreover, cardiac death is largely preventable if patients with a heart attack come to the hospital in time to get treatment. What we are witnessing is an unnecessary loss of life. Our priority must be to stop this from happening. We must continue to save the lives we know how to save." The ESC survey of 3,101 healthcare professionals in 141 countries was conducted in mid-April. In the most severe heart attacks, known as ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs), a major artery to the heart becomes blocked. Urgent treatment - either with a stent or clot-busting drugs - restores blood flow, saves lives, and prevents disability. Delay causes irreversible damage to the heart muscle, substantially increasing the risk of heart failure and death. The vast majority of hospital physicians and nurses answering the ESC survey reported a drop in the number of patients with these severe heart attacks coming to the hospital, compared to before the COVID-19 crisis. On average, there was a 50% decrease. In addition, most respondents said that of those patients who did go to the hospital, 48% arrived later than usual and beyond the optimal window for urgent treatment. A separate survey of interventional cardiologists, doctors who insert stents to open blocked arteries, found a 28% increase in life-threatening complications among patients with heart attacks during the pandemic.2 This poll - conducted by the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), a chapter of the ESC - surveyed more than 600 interventional cardiologists from 84 countries during the first two weeks of April. Nearly half of respondents said the restoration of blood flow was delayed due to COVID-19 fears, a situation likely to lead to premature death and disability. "The delays we are seeing in heart attack patients coming to hospital have significant harmful consequences," said EAPCI President-Elect, Professor Dariusz Dudek. "Patients who do not present promptly are in a far worse condition when they finally arrive at the hospital and they are often too late to benefit from the life-saving treatment that we can provide." "Don't delay if you have heart attack symptoms: call emergency," said Professor Dudek. "Every minute counts." The EAPCI survey also revealed that the number of other procedures has been drastically reduced during the pandemic. "Interventions on heart valves and other procedures must resume as soon as the local COVID-19 situation allows it. We need to avoid needless suffering and death," said Professor Dudek. Professor Casadei said: "Patients' fears of becoming infected by going to a hospital must be addressed. They need to be assured that the in-hospital risk of coronavirus infection has been minimized for patients being admitted with heart attacks or strokes." "If you have chest pain or other heart attack symptoms - such as pain in the throat, neck, back, stomach or shoulders that lasts for more than 15 minutes - you must call an ambulance. Remember that COVID-19 mortality is 10 times lower than that of an untreated heart attack. And rapid treatment for a heart attack works." China was slow to share early critical data on Covid-19, internal recordings made by the World Health Organisation (WHO) have suggested. An investigation claims that Beijing stalled for weeks on providing the WHO with detailed information on patients and cases at a crucial time when the outbreak could have been slowed. A recording obtained by the Associated Press from the second week of January revealed that US epidemiologist and WHO technical lead for Covid-19, Maria Van Kerkhove, felt that they were 'going off very minimal information' which was 'not enough for you do to proper planning'. A second recording saw top WHO official in China, Dr Gauden Galea, complaining that the organisation was being provided with information '15 minutes before it appears on CCTV [China's state broadcaster]'. China was slow to share early critical data on Covid-19, internal recordings made by the World Health Organisation (WHO) have revealed. Above, a medical worker takes a swab sample in China's Hubei province The recordings were taken at a crucial time in early January when there were fewer than 100 recorded cases of Covid-19. By the end of the month, the number of cases had exploded to nearly 10,000, when the WHO declared a global health emergency. Throughout January, the World Health Organization publicly praised China for what it called a speedy response to the new coronavirus. It repeatedly thanked the Chinese government for sharing the genetic map of the virus 'immediately,' and said its work and commitment to transparency were 'very impressive, and beyond words.' But behind the scenes, it was a different story, one of significant delays by China and considerable frustration among WHO officials over not getting the information they needed to fight the spread of the deadly virus, The Associated Press has found. Despite the plaudits, China in fact sat on releasing the genetic map, or genome, of the virus for more than a week after three different government labs had fully decoded the information. Tight controls on information and competition within the Chinese public health system were to blame, according to dozens of interviews and internal documents. Chinese government labs only released the genome after another lab published it ahead of authorities on a virologist website on January 11. Even then, China stalled for at least two weeks more on providing WHO with detailed data on patients and cases, according to recordings of internal meetings held by the U.N. health agency through January - all at a time when the outbreak arguably might have been dramatically slowed. This file photo taken on February 23, 2017 shows a worker standing next to a cage with mice (right) inside the P4 laboratory in Wuhan, capital of China's Hubei province. The WHO said on last month that Washington had provided no evidence to support 'speculative' claims by the US president that the new coronavirus originated in a Chinese lab This aerial view shows the P4 laboratory (left) on the campus of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on May 27, 2020 Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks during a news conference on the situation of the coronavirus (COVID-2019), in Geneva, Switzerland, February 28, 2020 WHO officials were lauding China in public because they wanted to coax more information out of the government, the recordings obtained by the AP suggest. Privately, they complained in meetings the week of January 6 that China was not sharing enough data to assess how effectively the virus spread between people or what risk it posed to the rest of the world, costing valuable time. 'We're going on very minimal information,' said American epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove, now WHO's technical lead for COVID-19, in one internal meeting. 'It's clearly not enough for you to do proper planning.' 'We're currently at the stage where yes, they're giving it to us 15 minutes before it appears on CCTV,' said WHO's top official in China, Dr. Gauden Galea, referring to the state-owned China Central Television, in another meeting. The story behind the early response to the virus comes at a time when the U.N. health agency is under siege, and has agreed to an independent probe of how the pandemic was handled globally. After repeatedly praising the Chinese response early on, U.S. President Donald Trump has blasted WHO in recent weeks for allegedly colluding with China to hide the extent of the coronavirus crisis. He cut ties with the organization on Friday, jeopardizing the approximately $450 million the U.S. gives every year as WHO's biggest single donor. In the meantime, Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to pitch in $2 billion over the next two years to fight the coronavirus, saying China has always provided information to WHO and the world 'in a most timely fashion.' The new information does not support the narrative of either the U.S. or China, but instead portrays an agency now stuck in the middle that was urgently trying to solicit more data despite limits to its own authority. Although international law obliges countries to report information to WHO that could have an impact on public health, the U.N. agency has no enforcement powers and cannot independently investigate epidemics within countries. Instead, it must rely on the cooperation of member states. The recordings suggest that rather than colluding with China, as Trump declared, WHO was kept in the dark as China gave it the minimal information required by law. However, the agency did try to portray China in the best light, likely as a means to secure more information. And WHO experts genuinely thought Chinese scientists had done 'a very good job' in detecting and decoding the virus, despite the lack of transparency from Chinese officials. WHO staffers debated how to press China for gene sequences and detailed patient data without angering authorities, worried about losing access and getting Chinese scientists into trouble. Under international law, WHO is required to quickly share information and alerts with member countries about an evolving crisis. Galea noted WHO could not indulge China's wish to sign off on information before telling other countries because 'that is not respectful of our responsibilities.' In the second week of January, WHO's chief of emergencies, Dr. Michael Ryan, told colleagues it was time to 'shift gears' and apply more pressure on China, fearing a repeat of the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome that started in China in 2002 and killed nearly 800 people worldwide. 'This is exactly the same scenario, endlessly trying to get updates from China about what was going on,' he said. 'WHO barely got out of that one with its neck intact given the issues that arose around transparency in southern China.' Ryan said the best way to 'protect China' was for WHO to do its own independent analysis with data from the Chinese government, because otherwise the spread of the virus between people would be in question and 'other countries will take action accordingly.' Ryan also noted that China was not cooperating in the same way some other countries had in the past. In this Wednesday, January 29, 2020 file photo, Maria van Kerkhove, head of the Outbreak Investigation Task Force for the World Health Organization speaks during a news conference regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. During one meeting, Kerkhove said 'we are going on very little information [from China]' 'This would not happen in Congo and did not happen in Congo and other places,' he said, probably referring to the Ebola outbreak that began there in 2018. 'We need to see the data...It's absolutely important at this point.' The delay in the release of the genome stalled the recognition of its spread to other countries, along with the global development of tests, drugs and vaccines. The lack of detailed patient data also made it harder to determine how quickly the virus was spreading - a critical question in stopping it. Between the day the full genome was first decoded by a government lab on January 2 and the day WHO declared a global emergency on January 30, the outbreak spread by a factor of 100 to 200 times, according to retrospective infection data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus has now infected over 6 million people worldwide and killed more than 375,000. 'It's obvious that we could have saved more lives and avoided many, many deaths if China and the WHO had acted faster,' said Ali Mokdad, a professor at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. However, Mokdad and other experts also noted that if WHO had been more confrontational with China, it could have triggered a far worse situation of not getting any information at all. If WHO had pushed too hard, it could even have been kicked out of China, said Adam Kamradt-Scott, a global health professor at the University of Sydney. But he added that a delay of just a few days in releasing genetic sequences can be critical in an outbreak. And he noted that as Beijing's lack of transparency becomes even clearer, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus's continued defense of China is problematic. 'It's definitely damaged WHO's credibility,' said Kamradt-Scott. 'Did he go too far? I think the evidence on that is clear..it has led to so many questions about the relationship between China and WHO. It is perhaps a cautionary tale.' WHO and its officials named in this story declined to answer questions asked by The Associated Press without audio or written transcripts of the recorded meetings, which the AP was unable to supply to protect its sources. 'Our leadership and staff have worked night and day in compliance with the organization's rules and regulations to support and share information with all Member States equally, and engage in frank and forthright conversations with governments at all levels,' a WHO statement said. This file photo taken on May 15, 2020 shows medical workers taking swab samples from residents to be tested for the COVID-19 coronavirus in a street in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province China's National Health Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had no comment. But in the past few months, China has repeatedly defended its actions, and many other countries - including the U.S. - have responded to the virus with even longer delays of weeks and even months. 'Since the beginning of the outbreak, we have been continuously sharing information on the epidemic with the WHO and the international community in an open, transparent and responsible manner,' said Liu Mingzhu, an official with the National Health Commission's International Department, at a press conference on May 15. The race to find the genetic map of the virus started in late December, according to the story that unfolds in interviews, documents and the WHO recordings. That's when doctors in Wuhan noticed mysterious clusters of patients with fevers and breathing problems who weren't improving with standard flu treatment. Seeking answers, they sent test samples from patients to commercial labs. By December 27, one lab, Vision Medicals, had pieced together most of the genome of a new coronavirus with striking similarities to SARS. Vision Medicals shared its data with Wuhan officials and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, as reported first by Chinese finance publication Caixin and independently confirmed by the AP. On December 30, Wuhan health officials issued internal notices warning of the unusual pneumonia, which leaked on social media. That evening, Shi Zhengli, a coronavirus expert at the Wuhan Institute of Virology who is famous for having traced the SARS virus to a bat cave, was alerted to the new disease, according to an interview with Scientific American. Shi took the first train from a conference in Shanghai back to Wuhan. The next day, Chinese CDC director Gao Fu dispatched a team of experts to Wuhan. Also on December 31, WHO first learned about the cases from an open-source platform that scouts for intelligence on outbreaks, emergencies chief Ryan has said. WHO officially requested more information on January 1. Under international law, members have 24 to 48 hours to respond, and China reported two days later that there were 44 cases and no deaths. By January 2, Shi had decoded the entire genome of the virus, according to a notice later posted on her institute's website. Scientists agree that Chinese scientists detected and sequenced the then-unknown pathogen with astonishing speed, in a testimony to China's vastly improved technical capabilities since SARS, during which a WHO-led group of scientists took months to identify the virus. This time, Chinese virologists proved within days that it was a never-before-seen coronavirus. Tedros would later say Beijing set 'a new standard for outbreak response.' But when it came to sharing the information with the world, things began to go awry. On January 3, the National Health Commission issued a confidential notice ordering labs with the virus to either destroy their samples or send them to designated institutes for safekeeping. The notice, first reported by Caixin and seen by the AP, forbade labs from publishing about the virus without government authorization. The order barred Shi's lab from publishing the genetic sequence or warning of the potential danger. Chinese law states that research institutes cannot conduct experiments on potentially dangerous new viruses without approval from top health authorities. Although the law is intended to keep experiments safe, it gives top health officials wide-ranging powers over what lower-level labs can or cannot do. 'If the virologist community had operated with more autonomy..the public would have been informed of the lethal risk of the new virus much earlier,' said Edward Gu, a professor at Zhejiang University, and Li Lantian, a PhD student at Northwestern University, in a paper published in March analyzing the outbreak. Commission officials later repeated that they were trying to ensure lab safety, and had tasked four separate government labs with identifying the genome at the same time to get accurate, consistent results. This January 28, 2020, file photo, shows Tedros Adhanom, director general of the World Health Organization, left, shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping before a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing By January 3, the Chinese CDC had independently sequenced the virus, according to internal data seen by the Associated Press. And by just after midnight on January 5, a third designated government lab, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, had decoded the sequence and submitted a report - pulling all-nighters to get results in record time, according to a state media interview. Yet even with full sequences decoded by three state labs independently, Chinese health officials remained silent. The WHO reported on Twitter that investigations were under way into an unusual cluster of pneumonia cases with no deaths in Wuhan, and said it would share 'more details as we have them.' Meanwhile, at the Chinese CDC, gaps in coronavirus expertise proved a problem. For nearly two weeks, Wuhan reported no new infections, as officials censored doctors who warned of suspicious cases. Meanwhile, researchers found the new coronavirus used a distinct spike protein to bind itself to human cells. The unusual protein and the lack of new cases lulled some Chinese CDC researchers into thinking the virus didn't easily spread between humans - like the coronavirus that casues Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, according to an employee who declined to be identified out of fear of retribution. Li, the coronavirus expert, said he immediately suspected the pathogen was infectious when he spotted a leaked copy of a sequencing report in a group chat on a SARS-like coronavirus. But the Chinese CDC team that sequenced the virus lacked specialists in the molecular structure of coronaviruses and failed to consult with outside scientists, Li said. Chinese health authorities rebuffed offers of assistance from foreign experts, including Hong Kong scientists barred from a fact-finding mission to Wuhan and an American professor at a university in China. On January 5, the Shanghai Public Clinical Health Center, led by famed virologist Zhang Yongzhen, was the latest to sequence the virus. He submitted it to the GenBank database, where it sat awaiting review, and notified the National Health Commission. He warned them that the new virus was similar to SARS and likely infectious. 'It should be contagious through respiratory passages,' the center said in an internal notice seen by the AP. 'We recommend taking preventative measures in public areas.' On the same day, WHO said that based on preliminary information from China, there was no evidence of significant transmission between humans, and did not recommend any specific measures for travelers. The next day, the Chinese CDC raised its emergency level to the second highest. Staffers proceeded to isolate the virus, draft lab testing guidelines, and design test kits. But the agency did not have the authority to issue public warnings, and the heightened emergency level was kept secret even from many of its own staff. By January 7, another team at Wuhan University had sequenced the pathogen and found it matched Shi's, making Shi certain they had identified a novel coronavirus. But Chinese CDC experts said they didn't trust Shi's findings and needed to verify her data before she could publish, according to three people familiar with the matter. Both the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Science and Technology, which oversees Shi's lab, declined to make Shi available for an interview. A major factor behind the gag order, some say, was that Chinese CDC researchers wanted to publish their papers first. 'They wanted to take all the credit,' said Li Yize, a coronavirus researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. Internally, the leadership of the Chinese CDC is plagued with fierce competition, six people familiar with the system explained. They said the agency has long promoted staff based on how many papers they can publish in prestigious journals, making scientists reluctant to share data. Employees work at the Beijing Applied Biological Technologies lab, which is developing COVID-19 molecular diagnostic test kits, during a government organised tour for journalists in Beijing, Thursday, May 14, 2020 As the days went by, even some of the Chinese CDC's own staff began to wonder why it was taking so long for authorities to identify the pathogen. 'We were getting suspicious, since within one or two days you would get a sequencing result,' a lab technician said, declining to be identified for fear of retribution. On January 8, the Wall Street Journal reported that scientists had identified a new coronavirus in samples from pneumonia patients in Wuhan, pre-empting and embarrassing Chinese officials. The lab technician told the AP they first learned about the discovery of the virus from the Journal. The article also embarrassed WHO officials. Dr. Tom Grein, chief of WHO's acute events management team, said the agency looked 'doubly, incredibly stupid.' Van Kerkhove, the American expert, acknowledged WHO was 'already late' in announcing the new virus and told colleagues that it was critical to push China. Ryan, WHO's chief of emergencies, was also upset at the dearth of information. 'The fact is, we're two to three weeks into an event, we don't have a laboratory diagnosis, we don't have an age, sex or geographic distribution, we don't have an epi curve,' he complained, referring to the standard graphic of outbreaks scientists use to show how an epidemic is progressing. After the article, state media officially announced the discovery of the new coronavirus. But even then, Chinese health authorities did not release the genome, diagnostic tests, or detailed patient data that could hint at how infectious the disease was. By that time, suspicious cases were already appearing across the region. On January 8, Thai airport officers pulled aside a woman from Wuhan with a runny nose, sore throat, and high temperature. Chulalongkorn University professor Supaporn Wacharapluesadee's team found the woman was infected with a new coronavirus, much like what Chinese officials had described. Supaporn partially figured out the genetic sequence by January 9, reported it to the Thai government and spent the next day searching for matching sequences. But because Chinese authorities hadn't published any sequences, she found nothing. She could not prove the Thai virus was the same pathogen sickening people in Wuhan. 'It was kind of wait and see, when China will release the data, then we can compare,' said Supaporn. On January 9, a 61-year-old man with the virus passed away in Wuhan - the first known death. The death wasn't made public until January 11. WHO officials complained in internal meetings that they were making repeated requests for more data, especially to find out if the virus could spread efficiently between humans, but to no avail. A man wearing a mask walks past a poster warning people that consuming wildlife is illegal, in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China, 25 May 2020. China's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a possible link to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus found in fruit bats. The respiratory virus was first detected in Wuhan, China, and can be passed between humans 'We have informally and formally been requesting more epidemiological information,' WHO's China representative Galea said. 'But when asked for specifics, we could get nothing.' Emergencies chief Ryan grumbled that since China was providing the minimal information required by international law, there was little WHO could do. But he also noted that last September, WHO had issued an unusual public rebuke of Tanzania for not providing enough details about a worrisome Ebola outbreak. 'We have to be consistent,' Ryan said. 'The danger now is that despite our good intent...especially if something does happen, there will be a lot of finger-pointing at WHO.' Ryan noted that China could make a 'huge contribution' to the world by sharing the genetic material immediately, because otherwise 'other countries will have to reinvent the wheel over the coming days.' On January 11, a team led by Zhang, from the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, finally published a sequence on virological.org, used by researchers to swap tips on pathogens. The move angered Chinese CDC officials, three people familiar with the matter said, and the next day, his laboratory was temporarily shuttered by health authorities. Zhang referred a request for comment to the Chinese CDC. The National Health Commission, which oversees the Chinese CDC, declined multiple times to make its officials available for interviews and did not answer questions about Zhang. Supaporn compared her sequence with Zhang's and found it was a 100% match, confirming that the Thai patient was ill with the same virus detected in Wuhan. Another Thai lab got the same results. That day, Thailand informed the WHO, said Tanarak Plipat, deputy director-general of the Department of Disease Control at Thailand's Ministry of Public Health. After Zhang released the genome, the Chinese CDC, the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences raced to publish their sequences, working overnight to review them, gather patient data, and send them to the National Health Commission for approval, according to documentation obtained by the AP. On January 12, the three labs together finally published the sequences on GISAID, a platform for scientists to share genomic data. By then, more than two weeks had passed since Vision Medicals decoded a partial sequence, and more than a week since the three government labs had all obtained full sequences. Around 600 people were infected in that week, a roughly three-fold increase. Some scientists say the wait was not unreasonable considering the difficulties in sequencing unknown pathogens, given accuracy is as important as speed. They point to the SARS outbreak in 2003 when some Chinese scientists initially - and wrongly - believed the source of the epidemic was chlamydia. 'The pressure is intense in an outbreak to make sure you're right,' said Peter Daszak, president of the EcoHealthAlliance in New York. 'It's actually worse to go out to go to the public with a story that's wrong because the public completely lose confidence in the public health response.' Still, others quietly question what happened behind the scenes. Infectious diseases expert John Mackenzie, who served on a WHO emergency committee during the outbreak, praised the speed of Chinese researchers in sequencing the virus. But he said once central authorities got involved, detailed data trickled to a crawl. 'There certainly was a kind of blank period,' Mackenzie said. 'There had to be human to human transmission. You know, it's staring at you in the face. I would have thought they would have been much more open at that stage.' On January 13, WHO announced that Thailand had a confirmed case of the virus, jolting Chinese officials. The next day, in a confidential teleconference, China's top health official ordered the country to prepare for a pandemic, calling the outbreak the 'most severe challenge since SARS in 2003', as the AP previously reported. Chinese CDC staff across the country began screening, isolating, and testing for cases, turning up hundreds across the country. Yet even as the Chinese CDC internally declared a level one emergency, the highest level possible, Chinese officials still said the chance of sustained transmission between humans was low. WHO went back and forth. Van Kerkhove said in a press briefing that 'it is certainly possible there is limited human-to-human transmission.' But hours later, WHO seemed to backtrack, and tweeted that 'preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission' - a statement that later became fodder for critics. A high-ranking official in WHO's Asia office, Dr. Liu Yunguo, who attended medical school in Wuhan, flew to Beijing to make direct, informal contacts with Chinese officials, recordings show. Liu's former classmate, a Wuhan doctor, had alerted him that pneumonia patients were flooding the city's hospitals, and Liu pushed for more experts to visit Wuhan, according to a public health expert familiar with the matter. On January 20, the leader of an expert team returning from Wuhan, renowned government infectious diseases doctor Zhong Nanshan, declared publicly for the first time that the new virus was spreading between people. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the 'timely publication of epidemic information and deepening of international cooperation.' Despite that directive, WHO staff still struggled to obtain enough detailed patient data from China about the rapidly evolving outbreak. That same day, the U.N. health agency dispatched a small team to Wuhan for two days, including Galea, the WHO representative in China. They were told about a worrying cluster of cases among more than a dozen doctors and nurses. But they did not have 'transmission trees' detailing how the cases were connected, nor a full understanding of how widely the virus was spreading and who was at risk. In an internal meeting, Galea said their Chinese counterparts were 'talking openly and consistently' about human-to-human transmission, and that there was a debate about whether or not this was sustained. Galea reported to colleagues in Geneva and Manila that China's key request to WHO was for help 'in communicating this to the public, without causing panic.' On January 22, WHO convened an independent committee to determine whether to declare a global health emergency. After two inconclusive meetings where experts were split, they decided against it - even as Chinese officials ordered Wuhan sealed in the biggest quarantine in history. The next day, WHO chief Tedros publicly described the spread of the new coronavirus in China as 'limited.' For days, China didn't release much detailed data, even as its case count exploded. Beijing city officials were alarmed enough to consider locking down the capital, according to a medical expert with direct knowledge of the matter. On January 28, Tedros and top experts, including Ryan, made an extraordinary trip to Beijing to meet President Xi and other senior Chinese officials. It is highly unusual for WHO's director-general to directly intervene in the practicalities of outbreak investigations. Tedros' staffers had prepared a list of requests for information. 'It could all happen and the floodgates open, or there's no communication,' Grein said in an internal meeting while his boss was in Beijing. 'We'll see.' At the end of Tedros' trip, WHO announced China had agreed to accept an international team of experts. In a press briefing on January 29, Tedros heaped praise on China, calling its level of commitment 'incredible.' The next day, WHO finally declared an international health emergency. Once again, Tedros thanked China, saying nothing about the earlier lack of cooperation. 'We should have actually expressed our respect and gratitude to China for what it's doing,' Tedros said. 'It has already done incredible things to limit the transmission of the virus to other countries.' Ahmad al-Arsali has been accused of being a member of the Air Force Intelligence and of being in Germany to spy on refugees reports Zaman Al-Wasl. Ahmad Yusef al-Arsali is a Syrian refugee in Germany who claimed he fled the war and Bashar al-Assads tyranny and suppression, but Zaman Al-Wasl sources have confirmed that he was an agent in the Air Force Intelligence, the notorious security branch that has committed war crimes against the Syrian people since the beginning of the uprising in 2011. Arsali, who applied for asylum in Germany in 2015, has participated in killings and looting in Syria, as he was also a part of the Air Force Intelligence and had connections with Hezbollah. Additionly, he actively participated in the incursions, torture and killings of civilians in several rebellious Damascene neighborhoods. He was immediately recognized by more than one survivor when shown his image. During the asylum interview held by the German authorities, Arsali claimed that he was an unarmed civilian, although his social media pages were full of pictures presenting him in military uniforms, carrying weapons, and driving off-road vehicles, which have long been considered a symbol of the shabiha in Syria. Arsali, who currently lives in the Grainau area in Leipzig, east of Germany, used to terrorize Syrians with violence and robbery. He took shelter in and was backed by Hezbollah in Leipzig. The party members, however, have been pursued by German authorities after they classified Hezbollah as a terrorist organization at the end of April 2019; banning its activities in a number of German cities since. Private pictures of the shabiha Arsali have been provided by one of his classmates in a German language course. In most of these photos, he appears wearing a military uniform and carrying a weapon, which confirms his involvement in war crimes. There are also other pictures of him accompanied by other men wearing the same uniform. Activists expressed their concern that Arsali was sent to Germany for the purpose of spying on refugees and collecting information about the main figures of opposition who are active in Europe. Lawyer Anwar al-Bunni had called on the Syrians who suffered torture to provide their testimonies to the German judiciary and insisted in an interview with The New Arab newspaper, on the possibility that the regime is, in fact, sending operative spies to Europe, and feeding them false information in order to mislead the German judiciary. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The Accra International Conference Center ( AICC ) is becoming a death trap as underground concrete pillars holding the upper structure of the facility have developed serious cracks, showing signs of weakness The Center ( AICC ) was built in 1991 under the PNDC government led by Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings to host the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement ( NAM ). The problem about the Center became known to journalists when members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of Parliament went on an inspection tour of the facility today (Wednesday). The Committee also inspected the ongoing work at the new site of the Passport Head Office and the Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Engineer Mike Addo at the AICC said the building was renovated in 2014 and attributed the cracks on the basement pillars of the building to lack of maintenance and presence of water beneath the building. The Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of Parliament, Hon Frank Annoh-Dompreh expressed shock over the serious structural defects on the International Conference Center building and urged government to take immediate action on it. He said the committee will adopt a bi-partisan approach to find permanent solution to the problem. The MP for Jirapa and a Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Dr Francis Dakura described the structural defects on the International Conference Center building as a very worrying situation which requires urgent steps to be taken. He said building a new conference center in addition to the AICC will not be out of place. 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 An ancient stone archway next to Jerusalem's Western Wall has been dated for the first time to between 20 BC and 20 AD, during the reign of King Herod or directly after his death. Archaeologists took charred seeds and stems, which formed mortar for the arch, and analysed them using radiocarbon dating to establish their age. Tests on the 33 samples confirmed a long-suspected link to King Herod, but also revealed that alterations were made between 30 and 60 AD when the holy city was ruled by Pontius Pilate. Wilson's arch, which can be seen when visiting the Western wall, formed part of the former great causeway bridge that pilgrims traipsed across to reach Temple Mount. Wilson's arch, pictured bottom left next to the Western Wall, was built between 20 BC and 20 AD, radiocarbon dating reveals, during the reign of King Herod They also found that alterations had been made to the arch between 30 and 60 AD, at a time when Pontius Pilate was in charge of the city. (Pictured is the area behind the archway) Archaeologists took their samples during excavations between 2015 and 2019 after they received permission from the Israeli Antiques Authority. They were then analysed in a lab to give reliable dates for the ancient structure. The study, published in PLOS ONE, aims to settle disputes over the archway's date of construction, which varies by about 700 years. 'We absolutely dated monumental structures to very narrow windows of time - even specific rulers,' said study author Dr Johanna Regev from the Weizmann Institute of Science. 'Wilson's Arch was initiated by Herod the Great and enlarged during the Roman Procurators, such as Pontius Pilate, in a range of 70 years, rather than 700 years, as previously discussed by scholars.' It formed part of the great causeway bridge, which pilgrims walked up to reach Temple Mount The technique represents a departure from traditional methods, which rely on material culture findings such as coins to estimate specific dates. But the archaeologists hope to see their technique applied elsewhere, in order to get more precise dates for other monuments across the Eastern Mediterranean. Radiocarbon dating works by measuring the amount of carbon-14 in an ancient organic item such as leaves, droppings or dead animals. Taken in while alive, the carbon decays in a predictable way, allowing archaeologists to reliably estimate ages. However, the method is not always accurate. Atmospheric fluctuations of carbon, which differ depending on the time period, have to be taken into account while using the method in order to establish ages. There is also a risk samples may be contaminated by other materials. Ruling party should embrace opposition Having a dominant majority must be a confidence booster. That is how it looks for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) as with its 177 seats the party is seeking to unilaterally open the new National Assembly, Friday. The Assembly, by law, must hold its opening session within a week of its inauguration; and the new speaker and vice speakers must also be chosen at this session. Previous Assemblies in Korea have delayed the commencement of proceedings as the ruling and opposition parties wrangled over the leaders and membership of committees. In that sense, the hurried steps to hold the opening session Friday and fill the 18 standing committees could be commendable. But there is still room and time for the DPK to work together with the main opposition United Future Party (UFP). We hope the rival parties will compromise to start the legislative process together. The DPK with its super majority would do well to accommodate some of the UFP's demands. A slew of bills to fight against COVID-19 and minimize its economic fallout including this year's third supplementary budget bill worth 35.3 trillion won ($29 billion) are pending approval at the 21st National Assembly. The DPK and the UFP are jostling mainly over who helms two key committees the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts. In principle, the DPK, as the governing party, can head both committees, especially if Speaker-designate Park Byeong-seug is confirmed at the opening session. But since the 17th Assembly, a lawmaker of the main opposition party has led the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. DPK floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon said holding the opening session on time was not subject to negotiations. In response, UFP floor leader Joo Ho-young condemned the unilateral move, comparing it to a dictatorship. Some of the DPK's recent steps such as a pledge by Chairman Lee Hae-chan to correct past historical distortions here can come across as unilateral. Also, the DPK's ethics committee last month issued a warning against former legislator Keum Tae-sup for voting across party lines in the just concluded 20th Assembly on the establishment of a separate anti-corruption body to investigate high-ranking officials. This harsh disciplinary action runs counter to a lawmaker's right to cast a vote according to their conscience as guaranteed under the Constitution and the National Assembly Act. The two rival parties must try to find a compromise. The country is struggling with an unprecedented public health and economic crisis. So it is crucial for them to get beyond partisanship and form bipartisanship to better cope with the coronavirus pandemic and its crippling impact on the economy. Just a month ago New Jersey was in the epicenter of the coronavirus, in the national spotlight with deaths rising along with New York City. The governor closed the states beaches for weeks and put in stay-at-home restrictions like other governors. Today, New Jersey is coming back, and last week Gov. Phil Murphy announced that in-person, outdoor graduation ceremonies could be held in the state starting July 6. Murphys decision on commencements was long-awaited, as some teens held hope that their final year in high school could end in a traditional cap-and-gown ceremony. The governor stressed that social distancing must be in place and there might have to be multiple ceremonies to be held across different times and days. The New Jersey decision caught our attention as Wisconsin school districts, including those locally, steer clear of in-person commencements even in July. How, may we ask, can a state with so many cases and COVID-19 deaths allow these milestones to happen for students in July and our state cant? And how, may we ask, can we allow people to line up in Walmart every single day and not allow our graduates to pick up their diplomas in ceremonies? Locally, Waterford Union High School showed it could happen, and we applaud the Racine County school. It was all smiles on Sunday as Waterford graduates received their diplomas before their families in a gymnasium set up for social distancing. Ive been waiting 12 years for this, said Mary Werth, proud of her son, Hunter. We deserved to see this. She and every parent in attendance certainly did. It can work, and Waterford showed us how. Now its time for Kenosha Unified and Racine Unified School Districts to schedule in-person commencement ceremonies in July. KUSD initially did that and then backed off two weeks ago, citing state and county restrictions. Its plan to hold a virtual ceremony in late July sparked protests last week by members of the Class of 2020 who want what they deserve. And we want that for them. There is nothing bigger for a family and for the community at large than celebrating high school graduations. Its this way every year, and it should be this way in 2020 too. Why cant the Kenosha Unified and Racine Unified districts use their stadiums for outdoor commencements with social distancing in place in the stands? The graduates, walking to pick up their diplomas, are not in any danger of getting the virus according to CDC guidelines that say it takes 10 minutes at 6-feet distance to have any spread. And families maintaining social distance in the stadium would not have any problem either. To do it right, maybe the big schools would have to have two or three stadium ceremonies. Lets do this, KUSD and RUSD. Give the Class of 2020 the celebration it deserves. And if these districts and this state and the counties cant authorize and do this, we question whether any plan to reopen schools in person and on schedule locally will happen. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, a popular Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and minority leader of the senate has bragged that his political Party is ready to sweep Ondo and Edo in the forthcoming gubernatorial In the two states. He made this known while fielding questions from newsmen at the end of the PDP caucus meeting which held in Abuja on Tuesday. Read Also: Five Years Of Buhari, A Road That Should Not Have Been Followed PDP The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed September 19 and October 10 for the elections in Edo and Ondo states. Advertisement He said, The PDP caucus met and considered matters that are germane to internal matters of the caucus. We also discussed matters related to the party and the recent congresses were held in all the states of the federation, he said. We also considered the fact that there would be elections in two states; Edo and Ondo states. We resolved that we will encourage our members in both states to be able to capture those states so we can increase the number of states under the PDP in Nigeria. Every election under this new regime of the APC is turned into a battle front, so Im using battle language. The PDP is very ready to make sure that those states that were under PDP before will return to the fold. This article by David Roza originally appeared on Task & Purpose, a digital news and culture publication dedicated to military and veterans issues. Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Goldfein addressed the violent protests that have roiled the United States as he laid out a plan to tackle racism in his service on Tuesday, a plan that includes an Inspector General review of the Air Force legal system. The plan came the day after Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright shared a powerful essay about his struggle against racism both in and out of uniform amid the nationwide protests the followed the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in Minneapolis last week. "Every American should be outraged that the conduct exhibited by police in Minneapolis can still happen in 2020," Goldfein wrote on Tuesday. "We all wish it were not possible for racism to occur in America but it does, and we are at a moment where we must confront what is." Goldfein detailed his plan to address racism in the service in an email first posted on the popular Facebook page Air Force amn/nco/snco. An Air Force official confirmed that the email had been sent to all wing commanders and above, with a directive to "ensure wide distribution of this message," the email read. Both Goldfein and Wright's messages to the service came just a week after the Air Force was blasted for covering up reports of racial disparities in its own justice system. In his message, Goldfein owned up to those racial disparities, which were first reported by the advocacy group Protect Our Defenders. The report cited Air Force conclusions that black airmen at the E-2 level receive discipline at double the rate of other demographics. "[W]hat happens on America's streets is also resident in our Air Force," Goldfein wrote. "Sometimes it's explicit, sometimes it's subtle, but we are not immune to the spectrum of racial prejudice, systemic discrimination, and unconscious bias. We see this in the apparent inequity in our application of military justice. "We will not shy away from this," he added. "As leaders and as Airmen, we will own our part and confront it head on." Goldfein urged airmen to start by reading Wright's essay, and to follow its advice of listening to the perspectives and life stories of their fellow airmen. "Discussing our different life experiences and viewpoints can be tough, uncomfortable, and therefore often avoided," he wrote. "But we have been presented a crisis. We can no longer walk by this problem It is time for every one of us to strive for understanding and a culture of inclusiveness and belonging across our Air Force." Goldfein and Wright will host the Facebook town hall at this link, starting at 5:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, on the subject. The town hall is expected to last two hours. More articles from Task & Purpose: A University of Arizona discovery suggests that the Maya civilization developed more rapidly than archaeologists once thought and hints at less social inequality than later periods. From the ground, it's impossible to tell that the plateau underfoot is something extraordinary. But from the sky, with laser eyes, and beneath the surface, with radiocarbon dating, it's clear that it is the largest and oldest Mayan monument ever discovered. Located in Tabasco, Mexico, near the northwestern border of Guatemala, the newly discovered site of Aguada Fenix lurked beneath the surface, hidden by its size and low profile until 2017. The monument measures nearly 4,600 feet long, ranges from 30 to 50 feet high and includes nine wide causeways. The monument was discovered by an international team led by University of Arizona professors in the School of Anthropology Takeshi Inomata and Daniela Triadan, with support from the university's Agnese Nelms Haury program and under the authorization of the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico. They used lidar - or light detection and ranging - technology, which uses laser-emitting equipment from an airplane. Laser beams penetrate the tree canopy, and their reflections off the ground's surface reveal the three-dimensional forms of archaeological features. The team then excavated the site and radiocarbon-dated 69 samples of charcoal to determine that it was constructed sometime between 1,000 to 800 B.C. Until now, the Maya site of Ceibal, built in 950 B.C., was the oldest confirmed ceremonial center. This oldest monumental building at Aguada Fenix turned out to be the largest known in the entire Maya history, far exceeding pyramids and palaces of later periods. The team's findings are published today in the journal Nature. "Using low-resolution lidar collected by the Mexican government, we noticed this huge platform. Then we did high-resolution lidar and confirmed the presence of a big building," Inomata said. "This area is developed - it's not the jungle; people live there - but this site was not known because it is so flat and huge. It just looks like a natural landscape. But with lidar, it pops up as a very well-planned shape." The discovery marks a time of major change in Mesoamerica and has several implications, Inomata said. First, archaeologists traditionally thought Maya civilization developed gradually. Until now, it was thought that small Maya villages began to appear between 1000 and 350 B.C., what's known as the Middle Preclassic period, along with the use of pottery and some maize cultivation. Second, the site looks similar to the older Olmec civilization center of San Lorenzo to the west in the Mexican state of Veracruz, but the lack of stone sculptures related to rulers and elites, such as colossal heads and thrones, suggests less social inequality than San Lorenzo and highlights the importance of communal work in the earliest days of the Maya. "There has always been debate over whether Olmec civilization led to the development of the Maya civilization or if the Maya developed independently," Inomata said. "So, our study focuses on a key area between the two." The period in which Aguada Fenix was constructed marked a gap in power - after the decline of San Lorenzo and before the rise of another Olmec center, La Venta. During this time, there was an exchange of new ideas, such as construction and architectural styles, among various regions of southern Mesoamerica. The extensive plateau and the large causeways suggest the monument was built for use by many people, Inomata said. "During later periods, there were powerful rulers and administrative systems in which the people were ordered to do the work. But this site is much earlier, and we don't see the evidence of the presence of powerful elites. We think that it's more the result of communal work," he said. The fact that monumental buildings existed earlier than thought and when Maya society had less social inequality makes archaeologists rethink the construction process. "It's not just hierarchical social organization with the elite that makes monuments like this possible," Inomata said. "This kind of understanding gives us important implications about human capability, and the potential of human groups. You may not necessarily need a well-organized government to carry out these kinds of huge projects. People can work together to achieve amazing results." Inomata and his team will continue to work at Aguada Fenix and do a broader lidar analysis of the area. They want to gather information about surrounding sites to understand how they interacted with the Olmec and the Maya. They also wants to focus on the residential areas around Aguada Fenix. "We have substantial information about ceremonial construction," Inomata said, "but we want to see how people lived during this period and what kind of changes in lifestyle were happening around this time." ### Company Also Implements its 2020 European Agricultural Initiatives and Novel food Application VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2020 / Stillcanna Inc. (OTC PINK:SCNNF) (STIL.CN) (FRANKFURT:A2PEWA) ("STIL" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") to acquire Sativa Group PLC, one of the United Kingdom's (the "UK") first medical Cannabis Companies (the "Proposed Transaction"). Further to the announcements made on 21 April 2020 and 20 May 2020, the boards of directors of Stillcanna Inc. ("Stillcanna") and Sativa Group Plc ("Sativa") are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended share for share exchange offer to be made by Stillcanna for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Sativa (the "Offer"). The Stillcanna shares have been halted from trading on the CSE with effect from market open on 22 April 2020 pending completion of the Offer, when the combined group will resume trading under its current issuer name, Stillcanna Inc. In addition, Stillcanna intends to publish a filing statement later this month in respect of the acquisition, which will be available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), under Stillcanna's existing issuer profile. Completion of the Proposed Transaction will be subject to Stillcanna obtaining the approval of the CSE, as well as the approval of a majority of Stillcanna shareholders at the Stillcanna shareholder meeting to be held as soon as possible pursuant to the policies of the CSE. Within the next day required documentation will be on Stillcanna's website at www.stillcanna.com and on Sativa's website at www.sativagroup.co.uk. Sativa's and Stillcanna's beliefs and visions for the Cannabis industry are aligned, and both companies feel strongly that only a fully integrated seed to consumer business will have the pricing, products, and stability to meet the cannabis market demand in the medium term. Story continues The Offer is a share for share exchange offer at a ratio of approximately 0.33507 (the "Exchange Ratio") new Stillcanna shares in exchange for each share of Sativa. The Exchange Ratio attributes an implied value for the entire issued share capital of Sativa of approximately 10,409,022 (based on the closing price of CAD0.095 per Stillcanna Share on 21 April 2020). Following completion of the Proposed Transaction, it is intended that the Stillcanna Board will be made up of 6 directors. This will be comprised of Jonathan Wearing as Non-Executive Chairman (Sativa's existing Non-Executive Chairman), Henry Lees-Buckley as Chief Executive Officer (Sativa's existing Chief Executive Officer) and Joseph Colliver as Chief Financial Officer (Sativa's existing Chief Financial Officer), and Non-Executive Directors consisting of Angus Kerr, Mark Blower (each non-executive directors of Sativa) and Jason Dussault (Stillcanna's existing Chief Executive Officer). Geremy Thomas (Sativa's existing Non-Executive Deputy Chairman) has elected to step down from the Board of Sativa and will continue to provide advice on strategy and growth as a consultant to the combined group. Each of Shae de Jaray, Bill MacDonald and Warren Robinson will step down as directors of Stillcanna. However, it is anticipated that they shall continue to provide support to the Stillcanna Board going forward, as consultants. Anne Tew (Sativa's existing Company Secretary) will perform the role of Corporate Secretary of the combined group. Stillcanna will continue to trade, or otherwise be quoted on the CSE, OTC and FSE following completion of the Proposed Transaction and trading in Stillcanna shares is expected to resume following completion expected in August 2020. In addition, Stillcanna intends to list the Stillcanna Shares on the AQSE on or shortly after the closing of the Proposed Transaction in order to maintain access to the AQSE for shareholders of the combined group. Admission for trading on the AQSE is subject to Stillcanna satisfying the regulatory requirements of the AQSE. "Trust is the most important commodity a brand must procure and maintain to be successful," stated Jason Dussault CEO of Stillcanna, "this is especially crucial in a nascent sector such as CBD wellness. The merger of the Sativa Group Plc and Stillcanna Inc. will secure this commodity through the stewardship of this special cannabinoid from seed through to cultivation and extraction, and now testing, bottling and distribution." "We are very excited about the combination of the Sativa Group PLC and Stillcanna Inc. This creates a true European "seed to consumer" CBD wellness and medicinal cannabis group; cultivating and extracting the highest quality CBD, through to developing and producing the highest quality finished consumer products. This integrated approach supported by optimized production capabilities and laboratory testing allows us to position our brands for strong sales growth not only in the UK but across Europe", comments Henry Lees-Buckley, CEO of the Sativa Group PLC. Stillcanna is pleased to announce that it has begun its agricultural initiatives in Europe to secure a steady availability of hemp biomass for the Company's NEXUS extraction facility in Poland for 2020 and 2021. This year the Company has taken a multi-pronged approach to its farming initiatives including planting on certified organic land. The Company's certified organic initiative could yield up to 100,000 kilos of premium organic hemp. Having a certified organic product allows Stillcanna to access a wider range of specialty customers. Stillcanna along with its own agricultural efforts in Poland has agreements with multiple European based hemp farmers to assure the Company high CBD content EU compliant hemp biomass for 2020. All of the Company's own biomass will be farmed organically and follow Good Farming Practices. The Company anticipates processing a minimum of 18,000 kilos of biomass in its Polish facility every month but could double that amount should the market demand be there. The Company's strategy of using its own farming complimented with agricultural partnerships is designed to assure the Company access to highest CBD content biomass available in Europe, while reducing agricultural risks. The Company is also pleased to announce it has begun its Novel Food Application and has hired Global Regulatory Services of the UK, an award winning global consulting firm with a specialty in Novel Food applications. Stillcanna is ready to submit its active ingredients for both stability and toxicology. As required within certain EU markets Stillcanna intends to have its Novel Food Application validated prior to the March 2021 deadline and remain market compliant in 2021 and beyond. "We continue to refine our agricultural initiatives to garner the best high CBD content hemp for the lowest costs available in Europe. Whether it's our own Polish farming or our agreements and cooperation with other farmers our plan will ensure a steady supply of hemp for our extraction facilities in Europe. We look forward to post COVID-19 and starting up manufacturing at scale in both Poland and Romania," commented Stillcanna CEO Jason Dussault. About Sativa Group PLC The Sativa Group PLC joined the UK's NEX market in March 2018 as the UK's first medicinal cannabis investment vehicle. The business evolved to focus on the development of an operational business capitalizing on its first-mover advantage. This change transitioned the Company from an investment Company to an operating Company at the forefront of both the CBD wellness and medicinal cannabis sectors in the UK. About Stillcanna Inc. Stillcanna Inc. (STIL.CN) www.stillcanna.com is a Canadian early-stage life sciences Company focused on the large scale manufacturing of CBD in Europe. The Company believes its proprietary intellectual property allows it to extract CBD at a lower cost. The Company has signed an initial extraction contract in Europe to be the exclusive extractor for Dragonfly Biosciences LLC, a United Kingdom-based supplier of CBD. The Company also recently completed the acquisition of Olimax NT SP. Z .O.O, a multi-generational hemp agricultural firm that is expected to increase the Company's market share in the European CBD industry. On Behalf of the Board Jason Dussault, CEO CONTACT: inquiries@stillcanna.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Stillcanna's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to information concerning the Definitive Agreement, the Proposed Transaction, the anticipated completion of the Proposed Transaction, the approval of the Proposed Transaction by the Canadian Securities Exchange and certain shareholder and regulatory requirements, the ability of the Company to meet the cannabis market demand in the medium term, the composition of the board following completion of the Proposed Transaction, the listing of the Company's common shares on the AQSE, the ability to secure a steady availability of hemp biomass for the Company's NEXUS facility, the Company's farming initiatives, whether the hemp biomass will be farmed organically, agricultural partnerships and the Company's readiness to submit its active ingredients for both stability and toxicology. Although Stillcanna believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. In particular, there is no guarantee that that the parties will successfully complete the Proposed Transaction on the terms contemplated herein or at all, that either will be satisfied with the results of their proposed due diligence, or that any required shareholder or regulatory approvals will be obtained. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this press release, and Stillcanna does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws SOURCE: Stillcanna Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/592594/Stillcanna-Signs-Definitive-Agreement-to-Acquire-Sativa-Group-PLC-of-the-United-Kingdom CHICAGO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market by Type (Toilet Sinks/Water Closets, Washbasins, Urinals, Cisterns), Application (Commercial and Residential), Technology (Slip Casting, Pressure Casting, Type Casting, Isostatic Casting), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market size is projected to reach USD 44.6 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 6.8%, from USD 32.1 billion in 2020. Request for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=581 Browse in-depth TOC on "Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market" 124 Tables 58 Figures 182 Pages View Detailed Table of Content Here: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/ceramic-sanitary-ware-market-581.html Initiatives by the public sectors of developing nations to improve access to sanitation are a major factor for the growth of the ceramic sanitary ware globally. Historically, the awareness regarding personal hygiene was low in developing nations. Therefore, the ceramic sanitary ware market had limited growth and development. However, due to the multiple initiatives taken by the governments of developing countries, the awareness about hygiene and proper sanitation is increasing. According to the latest data by the WHO, 45% of the global population used the safely managed sanitation service in 2017. This number is expected to increase in the coming years due to the rising public awareness, professional marketing of sanitation to those lacking the access, and initiative of the private sector in public sanitation. Moreover, the changing lifestyle and increasing purchasing power of the middle-class population are expected to drive the demand for the ceramic sanitary ware market between 2020 and 2025. Toilet sinks/Water closets is the largest type of ceramic sanitary ware. The toilet sinks/water closets segment accounted for the largest share of the overall market, in terms of value, in 2019. It is also expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The demand from emerging nations and increasing consumer preference for toilet sinks to meet their basic sanitation requirements are driving the demand for toilet sinks/water closets. They have been further classified into one piece, two piece, wall hung closets, EWC, and others. APAC was the largest market for toilet sinks and water closets. The increasing disposable income of consumers, coupled with the growing demand for luxurious products, is driving the market for ceramic sanitary ware. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=581 Commercial is projected to be the larger application of the ceramic sanitary ware market during the forecast period. The commercial application accounted for the larger share of the overall market in 2019. Ceramic sanitary wares have a wide range of applications in the commercial sector. Owing to the heavy use and frequent replacement of ceramic sanitary ware in the commercial sector, the growth of ceramic sanitary ware is high in this application. Moreover, with the increasing urbanization, high growth is expected in the commercial application in developing regions during the forecast period. Slip casting is projected to be the largest technology of the ceramic sanitary ware market during the forecast period. Due to its easy operation and low-cost labor, the slip casting segment accounted for the largest share in the ceramic sanitary ware market. The market in the pressure casting segment is projected to register the highest CAGR in the next five years. This is due to the increasing labor costs in North America and Europe. Moreover, the need for advanced technologies to produce ceramic sanitary ware products is driving the market in the pressure casting technology APAC is projected to be the largest market for ceramic sanitary ware during the forecast period. APAC is the largest market of ceramic sanitary ware, followed by Europe and North America. The massive industrial growth in APAC has been fueling the growth of the ceramic sanitary ware market over the past few years, which is expected to continue during the next five years. Domestic and foreign investments in key sectors, such as energy, manufacturing, construction, and mining, have been consistently growing over the past decade. It is expected to result in the growth of the industrial sector and the demand for ceramic sanitary ware in the country. Over the past decade, India has been witnessing a moderate GDP growth. The country has attracted heavy investments in key industrial sectors, such as construction, cement, and energy. The economic outlook for India has been very optimistic. The Government of India is focused on the manufacturing sector by liberalizing policies and providing additional incentives, such as land at cheap rates and faster clearances from all the concerned departments. As a result, the overall economy is rapidly growing. This is expected to drive the sale of ceramic sanitary ware in the region during the forecast period. The demand for ceramic sanitary ware is expected to decline in 2020, mainly due to the economic crisis of COVID-19. The lockdown in countries all over the world has resulted in major construction projects getting stalled, which will negatively impact the market growth in 2020. The key market players profiled in the report include Geberit Group (Switzerland), Kohler Co. (US), TOTO Ltd. (Japan), LIXIL Group Corporation (Japan), Roca Sanitario SA (Spain), Villeroy & Boch AG (Germany), RAK Ceramics (UAE), Duravit AG (Germany), Duratex SA (Brazil), and HSIL (India). Browse Adjacent Markets: Ceramics and Glass Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Kaolin Market by Process (Water-Washed, Airfloat, Calcined, Delaminated, and Surface-Modified & Unprocessed), End-Use Industry (Paper, Ceramic & Sanitarywares, Fiberglass, Paints & Coatings, Rubber, Plastics), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/kaolin-market-91196438.html Top 10 High Growth Ceramics Market (Transparent Ceramics, Technical Ceramics, 3D Printing Ceramics, Electronics and Electrical Ceramics, Ceramic Textiles, Ceramic Coatings, Bioceramics & Piezoceramics) - Global Forecast to 2021 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/top-10-high-growth-ceramics-market-177458889.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/ceramic-sanitary-ware-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/ceramic-sanitary-ware.asp SOURCE MarketsandMarkets Converse City Council will start the process of filling a vacancy after an appeals court struck down an injunction barring the 2019 removal of a councilwoman. Kate Silvas, first elected in November 2018 after eight years as the citys Economic Development Corporation executive director, was ousted Oct. 22 by a 4-0-1 council vote. Her ouster was tied to allegations that she requested information directly from two staff members, interaction that is prohibited in the citys charter. The Fourth Court of Appeals on May 20 released a judgment lifting an existing district court injunction blocking Silvas removal from council. The trial courts order granting the temporary injunction is reversed and the judgment is rendered denying the temporary injunction, said the order, a 3-0 decision in the Fourth Court of Appeals. The councils decision to oust Silvas came just days before the November election, when she faced incumbent Mayor Al Suarez and fellow Councilwoman Deborah James for the mayors seat. State District Judge Martha Tanners order on Oct. 28 blocked the attempt to remove Silvas. A subsequent district court hearing resulted in a temporary injunction to keep Silvas on city council until the trial could be held this year. We are pleased that the Court of Appeals upheld the will of the citizens of Converse as expressed in the City Charter and dismissed the majority of former Councilmember Silvas lawsuit, Suarez said in a May 27 news release. We anticipate that the remaining claim will be disposed of in a timely manner. Silvas, meanwhile, thinks the opinion keeps alive her assertion that actions by council and city officials were illegal. This judgment and opinion do not dissolve, but leave intact, my allegations that the mayor, several members of council, the city manager and city secretary all engaged in illegal misconduct in their attempt to remove me, Silvas said through a statement issued by her attorney, Dennis Drouillard. In fact, the trial courts preliminary rulings determined I was likely to win those claims and the Fourth Courts opinion does not change that, she added. The appellate courts ruling remands the case back to the trial court for further proceedings. I am confident that whether I am in or out of my council seat, I will prevail on the merits of the case and will be vindicated at last, she said. These banana-republic efforts to overthrow duly elected representatives occur outside of the United States, but no one could have imagined, she said, that they would occur in our own country much less in Converse, Texas. A release by the city said Silvas forfeited her position as a City Council member by violating the Converse City Charter, and she is no longer a sitting council member. Discussion at the Oct. 22 council meeting centered on Suarezs multiple requests of several city officials for public information, including copies of all city budgets and audits for the past 20 years, copies of all text messages sent and received by City Manager Le Ann Piatt since April 2018, and copies of all EDC budget and audits since it was created in 2000. Two of the more than two dozen requests Silvas made were directed to two city staff members one to then-city secretary Holly Nagy, who left the position in May for a job elsewhere in Texas; and another to John Quintanilla, the citys community services development director. The city charter forbids council members from directly interacting with staff without first contacting or consulting with the city manager. Quintanilla said the building permits information she requested to be located and assessed for the Oct. 22 meeting yielded 25 pages. Quintanilla said he had doubts that he could perform the feat in the given time requested at 3 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. meeting so he brought the matter to Piatts attention. But Silvas disputes the claim, saying she was only exercising her legal rights to information and questions the councils ability to remove her under the charter. The citys charter does not stipulate any process or procedure for the council to remove a member from office, she said. Nonetheless, I have done nothing wrong in exercising my Constitutional right to request public information as a citizen of the United States and as a duly-elected public official. I have a duty to be informed before voting on public business. Converse has 30 days from the May 20 decision to appoint a replacement for the now-vacant Place 4 seat. City Council meetings were scheduled for June 2 and June 16, both within the 30-day window. jflinn@express-news.net Derry City and Strabane District Council is facing a 'very scary' financial future due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, a meeting has been told. The meeting yesterday of the council's Governance and Strategic Planning Committee heard that the local authority is facing an estimated loss of 10.7m for the 2020/21 financial year because of the pandemic. This loss is a result of issues such as the closures of leisures facilities and museums, as well as money usually generated by the council's planning and building control departments. It was agreed at yesterday's meeting that the council should ask the government for more financial support. The council's Lead Finance Officer, Alfie Dallas, presented a report to the meeting outlining the full extent of the financial problems facing the council. Mr Dallas said that the council's annual expenditure was 75m. He said that rates received from both business and domestic properties funded 80% of this expenditure. This is obviously a very concerning and challenging position and one which, in the absence of significant Government intervention, could have a significant impact on Council services both during 20/21 and into subsequent financial years, with significant challenges for the upcoming 21/22 rates process, said Mr Dallas. In line with the Local Government Finance Act, it is clear that as a result of COVID 19 and without significant Government support, that reserves would be inadequate to fund Council services for the 20/21 financial year and place Council in an insolvent position. Mr Dallas outlined a number of steps the council had taken in a bid to mitigate the losses. This included securing an anticipated 2m from a fund set up by the government to help local governments through the coronavirus crisis. The council is also expected to save 1.25m as a result of being able to temporarily lay off around 250 employees through the government's furlough scheme. Another 1.05m has been secured to cover the costs of the council-owned City of Derry Airport until the end of this month. Mr Dallas said the proposed savings identified by the council came to almost 8m. However, he added that this would still leave the council with a remaining estimated deficit of 2.762m for this financial year. Councillors at the meeting spoke about their concern that the current situation would have on the striking of rates in future years. Sinn Fein councillor Mickey Cooper said it was a 'very gloomy picture'. He praised the council's financial management in recent years which had allowed it to build reserves which were helping the local authority through the current difficult period. Independent councillor Paul Gallagher described the situation as 'very scary' and said he was 'really concerned' at the rates outcome facing the council. He highlighted that many local businesses who pay rates to the council are not open and many of them will not have any income for a long period. Cllr Gallagher said any expected 'crash' in terms of the rates income able to be generated by the council would have a serious impact on its operations. He proposed that the council write to the British Treasury asking it to subsidise the council's 'rates base' for the next two years. He said this would allow businesses to build up their income to pre-coronavirus levels. DUP councillor Hilary McClintock said it was important to engage with government to look at ways of minimising the impact on local ratepayers. SDLP councillor Martin Reilly said it was likely that the full impact of the coronavirus on the council's finances would be seen in future years. Councillors agreed at the meeting to support Councillor Gallagher's proposal that the Treasury be asked to provide more financial support for the council. Boris Johnson warned workers that it was 'inevitable' there would be widespread job losses because of the coronavirus lockdown today. The Prime Minister said that few countries around the world has done as much to put 'our arms around workers' as he led the daily Downing Street press conference. And he pledged to follow the furlough and business loan schemes that have ploughed hundreds of billions of pounds into keeping firms afloat and preventing people being laid off. He insisted that he would lead an 'activist and interventionist' Government that would seek to invest the UK back to health. Figures last month revealed that the number of people claiming employment benefits has soared by a record 856,500 to 2.1million in the first full month of the coronavirus lockdown - despite the furlough scheme keeping millions formally in work. Asked about the bouncebackability of the economy tonight, Mr Johnson said: 'I am afraid tragically there will be many many job losses and that is just inevitable because of the effect of this virus on the economy and because of the shutdown that has taken place. 'All I can say it that in dealing with that, that fallout from coronavirus, we will be as activist and interventionist as we have been throughout the lockdown. The Prime Minister said that few countries around the world has done as much to put 'our arms around workers' as he led the daily Downing Street press conference Apocalyptic predictions from the Bank and England and others show the UK is on track for the worst downturn since the Great Frost swept Europe in 1709 'There is no other country in the world that has done as much or few others that have done as much as the UK in terms of putting our arms around workers with the furlough scheme, looking after companies that have run into difficulties, helping in any way that we can. 'We will be just an interventionist in the next phase, investing in the UK economy, investing in infrastructure, taking our country forward so we bounce back as sharply and decisively as we can.' He said he believed it was 'vital' to ensure young people who were likely to be the hardest hit were guaranteed apprenticeships. 'Young people in particular I believe should be guaranteed an apprenticeship,' he said. It came as a trio of former chancellors urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to cut taxes during the economic recovery from coronavirus - which they suggested could last for two years. Philip Hammond, George Osborne and Alistair Darling suggested there is little economic 'logic' to hiking taxes at this stage despite soaring government borrowing and debt. Instead they proposed cuts to get the economy moving, with VAT and national insurance the favoured options. Giving evidence to the Treasury Select Committee, the ex-Cabinet ministers also warned that even if GDP bounces back fairly quickly from the crisis, unemployment is set to soar. 'That is going to bring social challenges and economic challenges for this government,' Mr Osborne said. Philip Hammond (left), George Osborne (right)and Alistair Darling suggested there is little economic 'logic' to hiking taxes at this stage despite soaring government borrowing and debt Lord Darling (pictured) insisted that the current recession was 'very different' to the credit crunch. 'This one in my view is much more serious,' he said He said realistically the country was going to be poorer, and in the longer term would have to choose between either more tax or lower public spending. Mr Hammond, chancellor under Theresa May, said he would not be 'comfortable' with a situation where the deficit was permanently high. But he said there would be a recovery phase over 'the next two years where the debt as a proportion of GDP is not the primary concern'. Last week Mr Sunak announced that furloughed staff will be allowed to return to work on a part-time basis from July - a month earlier than originally planned. The Chancellor said firms will soon be able to take advantage of what he described as 'flexible furlough' which will enable employees to return as long as companies pick up a percentage of their salary equivalent to the hours they work. He said businesses must start to share the wage burden from August before the initiative is finally brought to an end in October. However, the proportion they will be asked to contribute will be tapered up to a maximum of 20 per cent over the three month period. After an outcry from Tory MPs, he also announced an extension to separate support for the self-employed - with grants continuing until August, but slightly scaled back. As the cost of the bailouts soar, Mr Sunak is desperately trying to balance the need to wean companies off government money with keeping the economy on life support during lockdown. The furlough scheme currently covers 80 per cent of pay for employees, up to a ceiling of 2,500 a month. Some 8.4million jobs are currently being propped up, to a total value so far of 15billion. The wife of Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who is charged with murder in the death of George Floyd, is now filing for divorce, according to her attorneys. "This evening, I spoke with Kellie Chauvin and her family. She is devastated by Mr. Floyds death and her utmost sympathy lies with his family, with his loved ones and with everyone who is grieving this tragedy. She has filed for dissolution of her marriage to Derek Chauvin," the Sekula Law Office said in a statement Friday night. "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." Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of Floyd on Friday. More arrests and charges are anticipated, according to Hennepin County Attorney Michael Freeman. Kellie May Chauvin requested to change her last name in this filing, which was obtained by ABC News on June 2. She didn't say in the filing which surname she'd take once the divorce was finalized. The filing cites an "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage" that was beyond saving. MORE: Derek Chauvin had his knee on George Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes, complaint says The couple was married on June 12, 2010, in Washington County, Minnesota. The couple separated on May 28, according to the filing, three days after the arrest in which Floyd died. Kellie works as a realtor, but is currently unemployed, the filing says. She is not asking for spousal support. Their major assets will be divided up by the court. She also did not ask for a restraining order. PHOTO: Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, has been charged with third-degree murder in connection to the death of George Floyd. (Ramsey County Sheriffs Office) Video of Chauvin pinning Floyd to the ground with his knee pressed into Floyd's neck set off widespread protests across the U.S. this week since his death on Monday. Many of those protests have turned chaotic and violent in cities like Minneapolis, New York City, Atlanta and several others. Story continues Prosecutors in Hennepin County, Minnesota, say evidence shows Chauvin had his knee on Floyd's neck for a total of 8 minutes and 46 seconds, including two minutes and 53 seconds of which Floyd was nonresponsive. MORE: Minnesota protest live updates: Atlanta protesters amass outside CNN headquarters Police were called after Floyd had allegedly used a fake $20 bill to make a purchase at a local Cup Foods, according to the complaint. Prosecutors said Floyd "resisted being handcuffed," according to the complaint, but "became compliant" once they were on him. ABC News' Whitney Lloyd and Catherine Thorbecke contributed to this report. Wife of Derek Chauvin, officer charged with murder in George Floyd's death, files for divorce originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The 41st anniversary of the 'June 4 Uprising' goes virtual this year with the celebrations scheduled for a virtual broadcast in compliance with the existing social distancing and ban on gatherings protocols instituted by the government as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. A press release by the office of Former President Jerry John Rawlings said the event will not be open to the public but will be broadcast live on Mr Rawlings' social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube). "Select members of the media have been invited to cover the E-Durbar. All non-invited media and the general public should kindly log in to the former Presidents social media platforms for a live broadcast of the event," the release said. "The social media handles are as follows: Facebook - @JerryJohnRawlings, Twitter - @JerryJohnRawlings and Youtube - @JerryJohn". Speakers Former President Rawlings and leader of the uprising will deliver the keynote address for the event which will be under the theme, Strengthening the Spirit of Patriotism, Resilience and Integrity in Difficult Times. According to the anniversary planning committee, other speakers at the E-durbar will include NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia as well as Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor, Ambassador Dan Abodakpi, Maame Efua Sekyi-Addo and Sussie Efua Adoboe all leading members of the NDC. Read the entire statement below; PRESS RELEASE June 2, 2020 ALL SET FOR JUNE FOUR VIRTUAL DURBAR THURSDAY All is set for the virtual celebration of the 41st anniversary of the June 4 uprising on Thursday. Former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings and leader of the uprising will deliver the keynote address for the event which will be under the theme, Strengthening the Spirit of Patriotism, Resilience and Integrity in Difficult Times. Due to existing social distancing and ban on gatherings protocols instituted by government as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the event will not be open to the public. According to the anniversary planning committee, other speakers at the E-durbar will include NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia as well as Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor, Ambassador Dan Abodakpi, Maame Efua Sekyi-Addo and Sussie Efua Adoboe all leading members of the NDC. Select members of the media have been invited to cover the E-Durbar. All non-invited media and the general public should kindly log in to the former Presidents social media platforms for a live broadcast of the event. The social media handles are as follows: Facebook - @JerryJohnRawlings Twitter - @JerryJohnRawlings Youtube - @JerryJohn As part of the celebrations, donations will be made to the Muslim community in commemoration of the Eid ul Fitr and select medical facilities will receive PPEs to support the fight against the coronavirus. Ahead of the durbar which will be broadcast from Flt Lt Rawlings office, there will be a wreath-laying and lighting of perpetual flame at Nungua last stop where the famous June 4 tree is located. The organizing committee wishes to inform sympathisers and members of the public to observe the event on the designated social media platforms as the event will not be open to the public due to the Covid pandemic. On June 4, 1979, members of the military, drawn mostly from the junior ranks and inspired by mass social and public discontent, took over the governance of the country after it had sunk into a state of social, economic and political decay. The following three months led to a housecleaning exercise after which elections were held and the mantle of political leadership handed over to the government of the Peoples National Party, ushering in the Third Republic. Issued By: Kobina Andoh Amoakwa (Communications Directorate) 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 Nisarga, classified as a severe cyclone, killed four people and left a trail of destruction damaged power-supply lines, roads, houses and trees with winds gusting up to 100-110kmph across Maharashtras coastal districts, mainly Raigad, where it made landfall on Wednesday afternoon. A 58-year-old man died after an electric pole fell on him in Alibag and a tree crushed a 10-year-old boy in Srivardhan, while eight people were injured in Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri, state officials confirmed, as the cyclone battered not only coastal areas, but even inland tehsils. Later in the evening, officials confirmed the deaths of a 65-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man after the tin sheets over their roofs were blown in separate incidents in Pune district. Across coastal Maharashtra, including in Mumbai, 85,000 people were evacuated from their homes. Maharashtras seven coastal districts Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad, Thane, Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban and Palghar district will continue to remain on alert till Thursday morning. According to a press statement issued by the state government, the cyclone is near Pune after moving on via Alibag-Mumbai-Thane and is weakening rapidly. With further deep depression, moderate rainfall in Pune and Nashik districts is expected, it stated. Cyclone Nisarga made landfall between Srivardhan and Murud areas, south of Alibag tehsil around 9 nautical miles or 90 km by road from Mumbai between 12.15pm and 12.30pm on Wednesday, said Nidhi Choudhari, district collector, Raigad, after assessing the preliminary extent of damage with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Wednesday evening. The high intensity of the cyclone was felt most for three hours between 12.30pm and 3.30pm, although it completed landfall within two hours (12.30pm to 2.30 pm). While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) rain data for Alibag between 8.30am and 3.30pm was 51.2 mm, the district administration s data showed 84.3mm rain between 8.30am and 5.30 pm for Alibag, while Ratnagiri, south of the landfall site, recorded 45mm during the same period. Besides the evacuation of 50,000 people in Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban districts, 34,933 were relocated in the five remaining districts 15,080 in Palghar; 13, 245 in Raigad; 1,387 in Thane; 5,156 in Ratnagiri and 65 in Sindhudurg . Private met forecaster Skymet Weather said it was a close shave for Mumbai. Our observation is that the impact on Mumbai was less because the landfall location was shifted somewhat south of Alibag. There was only light to moderate rains in Mumbai during and immediately after landfall, said Mahesh Palawat, vice president, climate and meteorology at Skymet Weather. The Raigad district administration estimated at least 10,000 tree-fall incidents across affected areas. Power utilities were shut down through most of the district, while structures with tin roofs blown away by high-speed winds were a common sight across all affected areas. Chaudhari said 58-year old Dasharath Waghmare died after an electric pole fell on him at Umte village in Alibag, while a 10-year boy died after a tree fell on him. Uday Samant, guardian minister, Ratnagiri, said: Four people, including a woman, were injured in two villages in Ratnagiri district. There are reports of huge damages to houses and structures in a few tehsils, including Mandangad and Dapoli, due to the gusty winds. I have asked the district collector to assess the losses in the next two days and compensate them accordingly, he said. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his deputy Ajit Pawar reviewed the situation in the morning with district collectors and the divisional commissioner. Thackeray directed the administration to launch rescue operations and survey the losses. Thackeray later thanked the people of Maharashtra and the state authorities in unitedly facing the crisis. Even as Maharashtra is battling the Covid-19 crisis, the cyclone stormed its coastal part. The state stood unitedly and successfully to face this challenge. I am sure this unity will help us tide over the Covid-19 crisis too, he said. Kishorraje Nimbalkar, secretary, relief and rehabilitation, said, The alert will stay. There has been considerable damage to properties in Raigad district, compared to the other districts. The entire district is cyclone hit as it struck us exactly at Diveagar, and later moved towards Alibag and Pen tehsils. The impact was felt as far as Margaon, Khopoli and Karjat (inland tehsils) where tree and electric lines were badly damaged, said Chaudhari. Estimated number of tree falls across Raigad is currently over 10,000 trees as per our preliminary assessment, with Roha, Revdanda and Srivardhan being worst affected. Around 15 trees were badly damaged at my office and residence. The IMD said the maximum wind speed when the severe cyclone made landfall was 100-120 kmph along the district. Mrutunjay Mohapatra, director-general, IMD, said Raigad was the worst-affected district with maximum impact. Alibag witnessed 100kmph, while Mumbai (Colaba) and Ratnagiri reported 72kmph and 65kmph, he said. Mohapatra added that storm surge was also highest for Raigad district with levels ranging between 1.8m to 2m. Maximum storm surge was seen at Alibag and Murud in terms of storm surge and wind speed. Areas like Mumbai, Thane, Ratnagiri and Palghar witnessed storm surge of 0.8 to 1m. The severe cyclone has weakened into a cyclonic storm and is expected to further decrease into a deep depression by Wednesday night as it moves its course towards north Maharashtra, said Mohapatra. This is the first time in history that IMD had issued a cyclone watch for Maharashtra and Gujarat after a low pressure area had formed in the Arabian Sea as early as March 31. This is not done usually throughout the globe, but we gave both governments enough time to take up management, added Mohapatra. Meanwhile, NDRF officials said every one kilometre distance in Alibag witnessed two cases of tree fall. Not only in Alibag, but a similar assessment is being seen across all affected coastal districts. We have identified exact locations where fallen trees are being removed and roads are being connected again. A similar exercise is being done for electric poles. However, the entire restoration process will take at least three days, said Mahesh Kumar, inspector (in-charge of Alibag), NDRF. While NDRF teams began efforts to remove tree branches and barks fallen on major roads across affected tehsils, district officials were directed to finalise further reports of devastation witnessed in Raigad by the end of the day, and simultaneously tend to damaged infrastructure such as roads and communication lines. Our appeal to all citizens is that they must not venture out even if the wind speed and rains have calmed. They must not leave their homes, while we carry out rescue relief operations through the night so that there is no loss of human life, said Choudhari. Raigad district information officer Manoj Sanap said, We have already cleared fallen trees and power lines along major highways such as Alibag-Pen, Alibag-Revas, Goa Highway up to Sukeli, and Murud to Majgaon. Mobile services were affected in many tehsils in the coastal districts. Tidal waves measuring up to 6-8 feet lashed parts of coastal areas in Ratnagiri and Raigad districts. Tin roofs of the houses and erected on the terraces of residential, commercial structures flew away in some places in Raigad, Ratnagiri and Palghar districts. Power supply was severely affected in parts of Maharashtra owing to the collapse of electric poles and damage of power lines. According to the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), 2,68,000 consumers were affected owing to power cuts in eight different talukas. However, Mumbai largely remained unaffected. MSEDCL is yet to estimate its losses, but officials said that it is expected to be a huge financial burden. District officials in Palghar, Ratnagiri and Thane also ordered forced shutdown of transformers to prevent mishaps. NDRF Maharashtra commandant Anupam Srivastava said that no major flooding was reported in the coastal districts. Owing to gusty winds, lot of trees got uprooted due to which roads were blocked in and around some areas of Alibag. Houses with tin and thatched roofs suffered major damage, he said. As of Wednesday, he said NDRF will be stationed in Raigad for five days, but will be relieved from other districts in the next two-three days. A total of 20 teams have been stationed across the seven districts since Tuesday. In view of the extensive damage caused in Raigad, two more teams of NDRF will be deployed in the district. One team each from Mumbai and Thane will be shifted to Raigad for relief measures, said Sachidanand Gawde, second in-command, NDRF, Pune. Food and civil supply minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who is also guardian minister of Nashik, took review of the preparations in district and in North Maharashtra. He directed the administration for the timely evacuation of the people to avoid any losses. Nisargas eye (region of calm at the centre of a cyclonic storm) was about 80km in diameter and the size of the cyclone was about 500km as captured by radar, encompassing neighbouring Mumbai and Thane districts, according to IMD. The cyclone track has been the same as forecast by us. It made landfall south of Alibag. The cyclones eye diameter was 80 kmcentre of the eye crossed south of Alibag in Raigad but rest of eye crossed neighbouring districts. Of course it passed over Mumbai. We never said that Nisarga will hit Mumbai directly, but Mumbai has been impacted by the severe cyclone, said M Mohapatra. A ship carrying diesel was stranded near Mirya port in Ratnagiri. The ship was anchored near Pandhara Samudra, when it received the cyclone alert two days ago. It was stranded as the anchor rope detached and later drifted to the shore because of formation of a huge wave. Thirteen sailors, including three foreigners, have been rescued safely. They will be tested for Covid-19 and quarantined for 14 days. The ship is damaged and expected to remain anchored for at least one month, Samant said. Ahead of Wednesdays landfall, a total of 4,407 people had been relocated from the coastal resort town of Alibag. However, a survey of coastal villages by HTs reporter showed that many people had still not left their homes despite a warning by district authorities. HT spoke to residents of three fishing villages, Siddharth Nagar, Shastri Nagar and Alibag Koliwada, who were still at home on Wednesday morning. Local police was spotted going door-to-door, telling people to evacuate as rain and wind speed intensified marginally around 9.30 am. Meanwhile, Sunita Devi, in-charge of cyclones at IMD, said, Unlike Amphan this cyclone didnt intensify rapidly, while in the ocean, but intensified very quickly when it was only 250 km from the Maharashtra coast as winds picked by 20 to 40kmph early morning on Wednesday and made landfall as a severe cyclonic storm. Intensification from a tropical cyclone to a category 1 cyclone in case of Nisarga happened in about 12 hours near the coast, said Mathew Roxy Koll, climate scientist at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. His team said that this was the first time after 1998 that a severe cyclonic storm crossed the west coast. The 1998 cyclone had made landfall in Gujarats Kandla and killed thousands of people, but didnt impact Mumbai. It is very unusual for a cyclone to make landfall in or near Mumbai or even on the Maharashtra coast. The storms that form during monsoon onset over Arabian Sea usually move towards Oman. Cyclone Phyan, of a much lower intensity had last impacted these districts in 2009 and even Mumbai had recorded extremely heavy rains. The upper level winds steered Nisarga towards Maharashtra coast. According to IMD, landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone coming onto land after being over water. (with inputs from Jayashree Nandi) CPP Acting General Secretary, James Kwabena Bomfeh, popularly called Kabilla has admonished the National Chairman of the People's National Convention (PNC) Bernard Mornah to know where his freedom of speech ends. According to Kabilla, even though Bernard Mornah has the right to express his mind on a national issue, the execution of his speech should be guided by caution. Bernard Mornah's Seditious Comments Mr. Mornah, who is also a leader of the Inter-Pary Resistance Against New Voter's Register (IPRAN), reportedly made some comments that critics have described as ''treasonable''. He is reported to have said the group will disrupt the new voters' registration exercise by the Electoral Commission and threatened to ''kill'' should the need arise. Arrest PNC/IPRAN Leader Following Bernard Mornah's comments, the Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan and the General Secretary of the PNC, Atik Mohammed, called for his immediate arrest. ''A constitutional body with a clear mandate subject to the law and you have a Ghanaian speak to the entire country that if they go ahead, we will disrupt and we will kill one another . . . One Ghanaian tells all of us that let the constitutionally mandated body charged with the duty to compile a register to enable us exercise our franchise to select or elect those who will wish to govern our country; let somebody go ahead, they will disrupt the exercise. They will kill one another. ''If I were the Minister for National Security, straightaway, I will pick up this man. What he did yesterday amounted to a declaration of war...Bernard Mornah tells the rest of us that they will disrupt the registration programme and that they will kill one another...My goodness, is this how far these people want for us?'' Kwamena Duncan registered his displeasure." Atik Mohammed also stressed that Mr. Mornah is not above the laws of the country and should not be left off the hook saying ''merely being the Chairman of a political party such as the PNC doesn't mean you can say any gibberish. It doesn't give you the licence to just say all kinds of things and I am on this occasion inviting the Police that they should invite Bernard Mornah...If you threaten mayhem, if you threaten violence, threat of violence and the visitation of violence on whoever are offences under the Criminal Offences Act. So, you cannot threaten mayhem against a State agency doing their work within the limits of the law''. CID Invites Bernard Mornah The Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service invited Mr. Mornah on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 for allegedly saying well beat and kill each other at the registration centres. "The CID Headquarters is investigating a case in which you were alleged to have threatened to resist any attempt by the Electoral Commission (EC) to compile a new voter's register for the 2020 general election." "You were also heard in a video interview to have threatened "that people who are already Ghanaians and already registered are going to be taken out of the register, don't you think confusion will come at the registration and if confusion come there, you think the EC staff will be safe, we will beat each other there, we will kill each other there if that is what the EC want to lead this nation to," the invitation letter dated May 28, 2020 and signed by Barima Tweneboah Sasraku III, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) for the Director General of CID read. Kill me, Jail me Responding to the CID invite, Bernard Mornah told host AKwasi Aboagye on Neat FM's morning show 'Ghana Montie' that he will not retract his words and that he is ready to die. He expressed no regrets about his utterance. I will say it in exactly the same way; what I said. If they [CID] want my life, I will give it to them freely. I will not be guarded and cease from saying what I feel will lead the country to peace and stability. They can kill me, they can jail me but that will not deter me from what I said. I will die but will still say it, he stated. Kabilla advises politicians Addressing the issue on Peace FM's Wednesday edition of 'Kokrokoo', Kabila advised the PNC National Chairman and all political figures in the country to watch their tongue saying ''yes, we have a right to free speech but, in your free speech, not every utterance is free. No! We must be careful of that. You have a right to free speech but not everything you say is free of free. But in saying this, it doesn't mean I want to criminalize speeches. I don't want to but we, in positions of influence, we must speak with responsibility''. 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 By Jon Dunbar Foreign residents of Korea will now need a re-entry permit if they wish to go abroad and return to Korea on the same visa as of June 1. The rule applies to foreigners with family in the country and permanent residents, while excluding holders of A-1 diplomatic, A-2 official, A-3 treaties and F-4 overseas Korean visas. The permits are issued at local immigration offices and applications must be made before departure. Leaving the country without a permit will result in cancellation of registration as a foreign resident. The Ministry of Justice plans to offer a service for re-entry permits on its website hikorea.go.kr starting later this month. While overseas, foreign residents must undergo a medical examination within 48 hours before returning home. They must receive a diagnosis report issued by an authorized medical institute in the country of travel, to be presented when boarding a flight to Korea. The report should be signed by a doctor and written in English or Korean. It should also include the date of examination and presence or absence of fever, cough, chills, headache, breathing difficulty, muscle pain, and pulmonary symptoms. The issuing medical institute must be recognized by local Korean embassies or consulates. Foreigners who hold an Isolation Exemption Certificate issued by a Korean Embassy or Consulate are exempted from the medical examination and the obligation to submit a written diagnosis. "Long-term foreign stayers in Korea have recently been found to have re-entered the nation being infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)," the Ministry of Justice said in a statement, "This has raised the need to strengthen the requirements for re-entry into the ROK from high-risk countries for COVID-19 infection." On returning, foreign residents will undergo COVID-19 testing and a mandatory two-week quarantine at their homes. A petition posted on the Cheong Wa Dae website has received 8,234 signatures as of June 2 at 3:15 p.m. It criticizes the harshness of the measure, questions why permanent residents require re-entry permits and asks for clarification on the medical report required for re-entry, especially for people visiting non-English-speaking countries. "Exactly where is logic, why F5 (holders) who are permanent residents have to get while F4 don't?" a Facebook user asked. "And for example if a person had F4 and then got PR he/she also has to get the re-entry permit ...That's ridiculous." Meanwhile, to make foreign residents feel more welcome in Korea, the alien registration card will be renamed the "foreign national card" or "foreign residence card." Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut on Wednesday asked the Centre to withdraw its proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020, saying it "clearly violates" the constitutional mandate and undermines its federal structure. The Congress leader also said that the Centre should focus on decentralisation of power for transparency and efficiency. Expressing his concern over the proposed amendments in the EA Act 2003, Raut alleged the Centre intends to "override and dominate" the state governments' responsibility in the administration of power generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. The Union power ministry had in April come out with the fourth draft of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill since 2014, which seeks to set up an Electricity Contract Enforcement Authority (ECEA) having power of a civil court to settle disputes related to power purchase agreement between discoms and gencos. The draft provides that the ECEA will have sole authority to adjudicate matters related to specific performance of contracts related to purchase or sale of power, between power generation companies (gencos) and distribution companies (discoms). "The seventh schedule of the Constitution of India empowers both, the central and state governments to enact laws on matters related to electricity as it is included in the concurrent list. "However, with proposed amendments, it is obvious that the federal structure of electricity wherein the Centre and state governments are responsible is being interfered," he said in a statement. He said the existing provisions empowering state governments as well as state commission to take appropriate decisions/make rules and regulations after considering the state-specific issues need to be continued. "Hence, the Centre should withdraw the draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020 proposed by the Ministry of Power, Government of India," Raut said. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment On the news or social media, you can't miss it: people young and old, regardless of political affiliation or financial situation, in disbelief about an awful tragedy. You won't find any shortage of commentary about it. I can't help but process this through my own experience listening to people with hearts that have been broken. My desire is to try to respond with God's perspective. My dad Ron puts it powerfully: "Since 9/11 I have prayed during shocking moments in the news: 'Lord, help me see and feel what You see and feel here.'" I haven't experienced injustice in the same way so many have. My wife is Native American, and I've lived on a reservation. It's plain to see the issue of injustice greatly affects anyone who's in a minority. I have seen up close and personal the pain caused by injustice. There seems to be something inside us that recoils at injustice whether it's clergy abuse, abuse of women and children, special legal treatment for powerful people, or unheralded injustices at our work or school. Or certainly one involving a deadly, violent incident. There's a reason for our heart's recoil. It's a reflection of God's heart and we're created in His image. God has wired us this way. Our hearts crying out for justice are a reflection of His own heart that cries out for the same. The cry is not a political one, but a holy one. God has rooted caring about justice in our hearts. This was displayed in Jesus' time on earth how He treated people, defying sexism, racism and favoritism. According to His Word, everybody is "His workmanship" (Ephesians 2:10) and lovingly "formed in their mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13). When we see that workmanship being wronged, it arouses the heart God wired us with: the cry for justice to be done. God's heart about injustice is in the book of Isaiah. His people were doing worship and good deeds without doing justice. The rich were exploiting the poor. The people lifted their hands to worship God but their hands were stained with blood (Isaiah 58:59; 1:15, 21). God could not answer their prayers because their sins hid His face from them. By ignoring justice, their "holy" actions were worthless to Him! There are amazing promises for those who obey God in doing justice. When we alleviate human need and act in justice, God promises that our night will turn to day. We will enjoy guidance, and experience abundant supply of good things, health, strength, beauty, fruitfulness, and even national restoration. Seeing someone in authority a boss, teacher, parent, pastor or someone with a badge hurt someone made in the image of God forces its way into our conscience. It's easy to look through the window at this. It's harder to look in the mirror. Because when I do, I see the darkness in my own heart. And one thing becomes clear: the essence of prejudice and injustice are fed and served by seeing people as categories. "I know what you're like because you're ____________." God made individuals, not categories. Jeremiah 17:9 says "The heart is polluted above all things and incurably sick." Our hearts are in danger of getting polluted when we let our own darkness become the "answer" to the darkness of injustice. Without the love of God ruling our heart, righteous anger about injustice can quickly and subtly turn into hatred and deep-rooted bitterness. Surrendering to Jesus is surrendering to the One who spoke against injustice in the Old Testament, and died so our hearts would be rescued from that polluted heart that produces injustice. Dr. F.L. Foakes-Jackson, distinguished church historian, well said, "History shows that the thought of Christ on the cross has been more potent than anything else in arousing a compassion for suffering and indignation at injustice." As we look forward to Jesus' "glorious return," where He will "make all things right," what shall we do in the meantime? God answers in Micah 6:8: "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." As I look around my personal sphere and community, I ask how I can contribute to justice being done and caring about the powerless. It is personal acts of caring and reaching out which are part of a right response in times like these when the "desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9) condition of the human heart is on display. Eric C. Redmond, Associate Professor of Bible, Moody Bible Institute, puts it this way: "Any objective reading of the New Testament should bring the reader to the conclusion that God has a great love for the world. This love is demonstrated through the giving of His Son who was the prophetic fulfillment of Isaiah 42 a servant of God who would bring justice to the world." We can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we have a God who understands and cares deeply about injustice. Jesus Himself was the victim of horrible injustice through His trial and crucifixion a Savior Who understands our feelings and suffering. Ultimately, to live Micah 6:8 is to invite Jesus to change my "desperately wicked" heart to a "new creation." Each of us can "do justly" because we've been "justified by faith" through belief in the death and resurrection of God's Son on our behalf (Romans 5:1). "Loving mercy" is personally experiencing God's mercy (Ephesians 2:4). To "walk humbly with our God" is to walk humbly before Him by confessing our sins and claiming His promise of forgiveness through the shedding of His Son's blood (Luke 14:11, James 4:10). Back to my dad's prayer: "Lord, help me see what You see." One thing He sees for sure in every injustice: the victim and the victimizer. Both made in His image. Both paid for with His blood. And His heart is broken. So should mine be. Farmers looking to pass on assets have been told to act now to preserve full tax reliefs which could be cut to help pay for the furloughing scheme, experts have said. The scheme, supporting workers during the Covid-19 crisis, was recently extended to continue into October, and is said to be costing the government around 14bn each month. Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) are both ways of passing on assets without needing to pay Inheritance Tax (IHT). The reliefs can currently achieve up to a 100% tax saving, meaning assets that fall into these categories - such as family businesses, AIM shares, agricultural land and farm buildings can be passed on to children tax-free. Rural law firm Irwin Mitchell said that while focusing on increasing taxes on income would be unpopular, cutting the reliefs on how rural and business assets are inherited are easy targets and could be reduced. Kelly Greig, partner at Irwin Mitchell said: At the moment we have the vital furloughing scheme supporting thousands of workers, with the bill being footed by the government. "But this is creating a gap that needs to be plugged, most likely through raising taxes." The government had previously looked at APR and BPR reform as it was a 'very generous' relief, Ms Greig said. "They've already reduced the lifetime allowance for pensions and the tax-free bracket keeps increasing, plus income tax is already high, so I wouldnt be surprised to see this 100% relief reduced substantially." She said it could be reduced to 50% for those assets currently qualifying for 100% or alternatively reducing the net that qualifies for relief. If they decide to keep those in place, we could instead see the government take up the Office for Tax Simplifications recommendation from last year that ending Capital Gains Tax (CGT) uplift on death should go ahead. There are some effective ways to protect these assets to bank the 100% reliefs now, but delaying could cost thousands later down the line, Ms Grieg warned. The advice is not to delay when it comes to making the most of the reliefs while theyre still available," she said. "Its a good idea to review your circumstances and look to bank some of those reliefs now, as this could potentially save thousands of pounds in tax in the long run. For instance, if the CGT uplift does indeed get scrapped, theres all the more reason to gift to a trust or to members of a family working hard in the enterprise. "It may be the case that market values may be lower in an uncertain market, so its a good time to gift these assets because of less CGT that would be paid." Ms Grieg added that trusts were another option, but there were 'plenty of different ways' to lock in the bonuses now. In these uncertain times its best to prepare in any way possible, and getting ahead of the curve now will pay off in the long run should APR and BPR reliefs be reduced, Ms Grieg said. Huntsville police Chief Mark McMurray and Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner have defended their decision to release tear gas into a crowd of protesters on the downtown courthouse square Monday evening. And, the sheriff said he would take the same action again if necessary to protect the countys residents, law enforcement or property. Before Mondays activities had ended, police had released chemical agents on the courthouse square and in Big Spring Park, deployed a canister of smoke in a crowd across the street from the courthouse, fired rubber bullets at a protester, confiscated a gun, and arrested at least two people. After a peaceful protest officially ended when the event permit expired at 6 p.m., police say, rocks were thrown at officers and some people in a crowd in front of the Madison County Courthouse breached police barricades. AL.com was streaming live video on Facebook when Sheriff Turner and Chief Mark McMurray ordered the crowd to disperse just before 7:30 p.m. The video feed didnt appear to show any protesters assaulting police, though the demonstrators can be heard shouting at officers. A protest is continuing in downtown Huntsville as police tell the crowd to disperse. Tensions have risen between police and protesters. Posted by The Huntsville Times on Monday, June 1, 2020 [If you cant see the video above, click here] The events in Huntsville followed several days of protests and unrest nationally and a day after a protest in Birmingham turned violent overnight. More than a dozen buildings were damaged, and news reporters were assaulted. Huntsville police said they didnt have any reports of serious damage in the city, though a trash can was set on fire in Big Spring Park, and chairs and trash cans were overturned across town at Bridge Street Town Centre -- a popular outdoor shopping district -- later in the evening. [Related: Huntsville police called out for inexcusable behavior] As Turner and McMurray reflected on their decision to deploy tear gas and other non-lethal weapons, they said they were trying to prevent rioting or other violence by dispersing the crowd before the sun set. Although Huntsville doesnt have a curfew like some other cities, McMurray said after the protesters refused multiple commands to leave the area they were in violation of a lawful order and blocking a roadway. That's called disorderly conduct, the chief said. It's called inciting a riot. There were multiple charges we could have put on over 100 people. We chose not to do that. Instead of arresting everyone in the crowd and risking a physical confrontation, the sheriff said, he and the chief decided the safer move was to release the gas. One canister of spray is a whole lot better than 40, 50, 60 cops having to fight a crowd to try to get them in handcuffs, Sheriff Kevin Turner said. It sent them on their way. We dispersed the crowd and I felt like it ended in a peaceful way. Chief McMurray described the tear gas as a soft chemical agent. He said police had a stronger version of the chemicals but chose not to use them. AL.com reporters covering the protest were exposed to the gas and described a burning sensation in their eyes and throats. Another protest tonight McMurray and Turner reflected on the events during an interview with local news reporters on Tuesday afternoon. At the same time, their departments were preparing for another protest against police brutality, which is scheduled for this evening in Big Spring Park. The local chapter of the NAACP is hosting the protest at 5 p.m. The Madison County Courthouse will close two hours early, at 3 p.m. Brent Patterson, a spokesman for the sheriffs office, said streets around the courthouse and down to Clinton Avenue will be closed after 6 p.m. for the protesters to march peacefully. The event is scheduled to end at 8 p.m. The chief and sheriff said they hope and expect the event will remain peaceful. The sheriff said his top responsibility is ensuring the safety of the people and property of Madison County and its cities, like Huntsville. If necessary, McMurray said he would take similar actions as those by police Monday night. If they cross that barricade, we are gonna do everything in our power, he said. We are not gonna sit back and let somebody vandalize our courthouse. Thats not gonna happen. As a precaution for future events, the city on Tuesday removed rocks from the landscaping around the courthouse square. Windows at some downtown businesses were boarded up in advance of todays protest, Huntsville TV station WHNT News-19 reported. A peaceful event The showdown between police and the group of between 100-200 protesters on Monday evening capped off what had been a non-violent protest against police brutality and in memory of George Floyd, a black man killed by a white officer in Minneapolis. More than 1,000 people gathered at Big Spring Park around 3 p.m. on Monday afternoon for prayers, speeches, singing and an eight-minute period of silence to represent the time Floyd was pinned under the knee of a police officer last week. The peaceful protest moved onto the courthouse square as demonstrators chanted, held signs and marched through the streets. 12 Huntsville protest June 1, 2020 The protest, organized by an Oakwood University student, was slated to end at 6 p.m. the time at which the event permit was scheduled to expire. But even after 6 p.m. passed and the overwhelming majority of protesters about 75 to 80 percent by the police chiefs estimate had left, a crowd remained on the square. Those who remained, McMurray said, were agitators and law breakers, separate from the peaceful protesters. These people were not Oakwood students, the chief said of those who remained downtown after the protest officially ended. McMurray praised the events organizers and those who protested peacefully. The chief and the sheriff acknowledged the emotion and pain felt by those who are protesting in the wake of Floyds death. Brendan Lewis, the 21-year-old Oakwood student who organized the protest, told AL.com he hopes their peaceful message wont be drowned about by what unfolded later in the evening. Lewis said he hopes Monday nights events in Huntsville wont deter people from protesting racial injustice and police brutality. Go out in the community and make your voices heard, he said. This is a tipping point for America. If we really want to see change, now is the time. Lewis, like the overwhelming majority of the demonstrators, left the area before police forced the crowd to disperse. He expressed concerns about what he saw on live video as police deployed tear gas. Tear gas When police began breaking up the crowd outside the courthouse, officers carrying batons lined up and pushed the crowd to the other side of the street. Police then released a canister of smoke into the crowd. And then they realized it was smoke and they came back at our officers and drew a line in the sand and said we're not going any further, Chief McMurray said. So Sheriff and I had to decide are we gonna put them in jail or are we gonna go the next step. Police advance on the last of the protesters in downtown Huntsville on June 1, 2020 at a protest over the death of George Floyd. Moments later, the police fired teargas and the crowd fled. Thats when police released tear gas into the crowd, which was in front of the AL.com building on the courthouse square. Nearly all of the protesters left after the tear gas was released. But police continued pushing one small group down Jefferson Street. The group broke up after a brief standoff with police at Clinton Avenue a block north of the courthouse square. Police said a second group ran into Big Spring Park, which borders the west side of the square, where one of the people set fire to a garbage can. McMurray said the group refused to leave and became confrontational with officers. Johnson said the group was playing loud music and taunting officers. One person threw bottles and rocks at the officers, Johnson said, so police eventually released gas and fired rubber bullets at the man. Later in the evening, people overturned trash cans and chairs at the Bridge Street shopping district, police said. Police didnt release information about arrests at Bridge Street. In downtown, police arrested two local people. One man was charged with obstruction of government operations and criminal trespassing, according to the sheriffs office. A second man was charged with possession of a firearm at a demonstration, records show. McMurray said police were pursuing a warrant against a third man who brought a gun to the rally. Police took the mans gun but decided not to arrest him at the scene. Turner and McMurray said they were proud of how their officers handled the situation on Monday evening. As sheriff of this county, my main responsibly is the safety of Madison County and the citizens and the city of Huntsville, Turner said. We wanted to make sure this ended in a safe manner. "That is our first priority to make sure everybody goes home safe and make sure our community is safe, the sheriff added. We all did a great job. This story was updated at 10:04 a.m. to show the Madison County Courthouse will close early today ahead of tonights protest in downtown Huntsville. Streets will be closed after 6 p.m. Read more: Obituary for a racist symbol: Birmingham takes down Confederate monument after 115 years Mobile cleans vandalized Confederate statue Huntsville group calls for removal of Confederate statue outside courthouse Were Huntsville police right to use tear gas against George Floyd protesters? Ghanaians have been urged to accept and adopt the regulatory immunity, which is the new science of immune health against flu infections, including the coronavirus. The Gut Microbiome International Trust Ghana (GMIT-Ghana), an NGO leading advocacy in the area of gut health education, which made the call, said the gut microbiome was the actual foundation of the immune system as it housed 80 percent the immune health of persons. Mr Nyaaba Aweeba Azongo, Chief Executive of GMIT-Ghana, told the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi, that regulatory immunity was having balanced microbes in the gut to have a healthy immune response which did not damage the lungs and other organs, including the brain. He said the science of immune health had advanced beyond boosting the immune system to immune regulation (Immunomodulation). This was because an underactive immune system was as dangerous as an overactive immune system. The newly discovered regulatory immune system, the Gut Microbiome is now considered key to respiratory health against flu infections, including the novel coronavirus and the health of all human organs, he told the GNA. Mr Azongo pointed out that whilst fibre rich fruits and vegetables were good for gut health, finding a clinically tested prebiotic gut supplementation was an effective complement in a comprehensive approach to immune health. He said GMIT-Ghana was a pioneer non-governmental organization in sub-Saharan Africa which was currently leading advocacy in education and inculcating the culture of gut health as a containment measure not only against COVID-19 but also emerging anti-microbial resistance. 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 hope they never need it, but South Jacksonville trustees were expected Tuesday to approve an emergency management ordinance giving the village president authorization to declare a local state of emergency. Trustees were scheduled to meet in special session. A draft of the ordinance defines an emergency as a riot or unlawful assembly characterized by the use of force or violence or the threat of the use of force by three or more people acting together; or any natural disaster, epidemic or man-made calamity or the threat of any of those events in the village. Under the ordinance, after a local state of emergency is declared, the village president may order a general curfew applicable to the villages geographical boundaries. Curfews have been put in place in recent days in several cities in which rioting and looting have broken out during protests and unrest following the police-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The South Jacksonville ordinance also would give the village president authority to make several executive orders during a state of emergency, including any deemed reasonably necessary to respond to the emergency, approving new spending by the village if the state of emergency extends beyond the current fiscal year, and ordering the closing of all retail stores and a halt to the sale of liquor. If a declaration is made under the ordinance, it would be effective for up to 30 days or until the adjournment of the next regular or special meeting of village trustees. Village President Harry Jennings said the ordinance is a precautionary measure based on a model ordinance from the Illinois Municipal League. Its an ordinance for emergency management that we hope we never have to use, and it just sits there as another tool in the toolbox, Jennings said. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit will consider on June 12 whether the judge has the power to examine and put on hold the Justice Departments plan to drop its long-running prosecution of Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents about his pre-inauguration contacts with the Russian ambassador to the United States. By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 02, 2020 | 02:55 PM | WESTERN KENTUCKY The Carlisle County Sheriff's Department and the Paducah Police Department has been awarded federal grant funding.The Department of Justice announced nearly $400 million in grant funding through the Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services COPS Hiring Program.As part of the grant, the Carlisle County Sheriff's Department will be receiving $203,106, and the Paducah Police Department will be receiving $375,000.Attorney General William Barr announced the funding awards to 596 law enforcement agencies across the country, allowing those agencies to hire 2,700 more full-time law enforcement officers.Applicants were required to identify specific crimes and problem focus areas, and explain how the funding would be used to implement community policing tactics to problem focus areas. According to officials involved in the grant, 43 percent of the awards will focus on violent crime, while the rest of the awards will focus on a variety of issues including school-based policing to fund school resource officers, building trust and respect, opioid education, prevention, and intervention. They received nearly 1,100 applications.You can see the full list of law enforcement agencies that are receiving grant funding at the link below. On the Net: New York, June 3 : New York City will be under a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning till Sunday to curb criminal acts emerging from protests over the death of black man George Floyd, Mayor Bill de Blasio said. Monday's curfew, the first in the city since 1943, started at 11 p.m. and did not stop looters from breaking into stores in Manhattan as soon as night fell, Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday. Over 200 people had been arrested before the curfew took effect on Monday night, and the whole night saw more than 700 arrests made, most of whom were youths, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The NYPD said that one officer was seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver in the borough of the Bronx Monday night, while another was hit by a car when trying to stop a burglary in Manhattan. "We saw vicious attacks on police officers. That is wholly unacceptable," said de Blasio at his daily briefing. "Anyone who attacks a police officer attacks us all." Starting on Tuesday, no traffic would be allowed in a large part of Manhattan as soon as the curfew begins, with exceptions made for residents, essential workers, buses, and truck deliveries, according to the NYPD. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said he was "disappointed and outraged" by what happened Monday night, saying the criminal activity hurt everyone. He criticized the city's preparedness for Monday night's chaos, saying the mayor underestimated the scope and the duration of the problem. Though the NYPD doubled its police presence to 8,000 officers on Monday, the governor said there should be more. The governor has said he has the National Guard on standby, but de Blasio has rejected the idea of having them deployed in New York City, saying it is not wise. "When outside armed forces go into communities, no good comes of it. We have seen this for decades," said the mayor. Protests continued on Tuesday in the city, with thousands of people, mostly students of various ethnic groups, walking and chanting slogans such as "No justice, no peace" in a largely peaceful manner by the afternoon in Lower Manhattan. Several streets were closed for demonstrations, and helicopters kept hovering above the moving crowds. Scores of police officers were dispatched to some key locations such as the plaza outside the NYPD headquarters in Lower Manhattan, Union Square and Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Most of the shops in downtown Manhattan have had plywood installed over their windows and entrances, and workers were boarding up more shops on Tuesday afternoon, bracing for another potentially violent night. So far, the city has arrested nearly 2,000 people since the protest erupted Thursday. More than 50 police officers have been injured, according to the NYPD. To celebrate National Doughnut Day on June 5, Krispy Kreme Australia will be offering free doughnuts to customers every Friday for the entire month of June. Whether you prefer the Original Glaze, Kookies 'n' Kreme, Strawberry with Sprinkles or a Vanilla Slice, one free doughnut will be added when customers purchase a box of 12. If ordered online via UberEats, Menulog or the Krispy Kreme website, customers will receive a voucher to redeem before June 30, 2020. Only selected stores across Australia are participating in the National Doughnut Month. Krispy Kreme Australia will be giving away free doughnuts every Friday throughout the month of June to celebrate National Doughnut Month. One free doughnut will be added when customers purchase a box of 12. Krispy Kreme Australia CEO, Andrew McGuigan said the company wanted to offer their services to lift the spirits of customers Krispy Kreme Australia CEO, Andrew McGuigan said the company wanted to offer their services to lift the spirits of customers due to the difficult scenarios that have taken place throughout the year. 'We've decided to extend our National Doughnut Day celebrations across the entire month of June, to spread the joy far and wide and allow our customers to enjoy free doughnuts on us, at their own pace,' Mr McGuigan said. And Krispy Kreme has been spreading this joy since the 1930s with their mouth-watering Original Glazed doughnuts. Krispy Kreme Australia CEO, Andrew McGuigan said the company wanted to offer their services to lift the spirits of customers due to the difficult scenarios that have taken place throughout the year Krispy Kreme has been spreading joy since the 1930s with their mouth-watering Original Glazed doughnuts On Facebook, thousands of social media users were thrilled to receive the great news and are excited to get their hands on a free doughnut this month. Hundreds tagged friends and family members saying the promotion is 'another reason' to love Fridays. Only one doughnut will be offered per customer every Friday. The Geneva watch brand Raymond Weil is a loyal and long-standing partner of WorldTempus. For our June competition, the brand has given WorldTempus exclusivity for their latest collection, the Toccata. This elegant watch will only be available on the market after the end of our competition at a price of CHF 1,020. From the end of June onwards, the winner of the competition will therefore be the very first person to own this beautiful watch - or to give it as a gift to the one dear to them. Toccata Raymond Weil Inspired by the world of music so dear to Raymond Weil, the Toccata collection offers classic and elegant watches for men and women. The latest to join the collection is this feminine model, entered in our competition. The new Toccata stands out from its predecessors with its rectangular case, a new addition to the collection. Made of stainless steel coated in yellow gold PVD, it houses a quartz movement that powers the hour and minute hands, which match the case, and displays the date in a window at 3 oclock. To try and win the Raymond Weil Toccata watch, simply answer three questions about the Raymond Weil brand. You will easily find the answers by browsing the section dedicated to the brand on our website. All participants who give the right answers will be included in the draw to determine the winner. Deadline for participation: June 30, 2020 Good luck ! China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page Retired police captain David Dorn killed protecting friends pawn shop from looters Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A retired 77-year-old St. Louis police captain, who spent 38 years protecting his community, was shot dead by looters as he tried to defend a friends pawn shop amid violent protests Tuesday over the death of George Floyd. The former police captain, identified as David Dorn, was killed outside of Lee's Pawn and Jewelry store in the 4100 block of Martin Luther King Drive around 2:30 a.m., police told KMOV4.Graphic video posted on social media shows Dorns final moments outside, which were reportedly streamed on Facebook Live. An unidentified man in the video says Dorn was killed by looters over television sets. Call the law man! Call the ambulance man! Come on, they just killed this man over some TVs cuz! the distressed man in a copy of the video posted on YouTube said. He could also be heard trying to encourage Dorn, who appears to be still alive at the start of the video, to stay with me. The Ethical Society of Police of St. Louis, founded in 1972 by African American Police Officers to address race-based discrimination within the community, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed Dorns death in a tweet Tuesday but said he would have given his life to save the looters if he had to. One of the people murdered last night was a retired St. Louis City Captain. He was murdered by looters at a pawnshop. He was the type of brother that wouldve given his life to save them if he had to. Violence is not the answer, whether its a citizen or officer. RIP Captain! the group said. President Donald Trump also praised the late police captain and said his killers are despicable. Our highest respect to the family of David Dorn, a Great Police Captain from St. Louis, who was viciously shot and killed by despicable looters last night. We honor our police officers, perhaps more than ever before. Thank you! he said in a tweet. He also promoted a fundraising campaign to help Dorns family that has already received more than $159,000. In a pained response to Dorns killing at a press conference Tuesday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson called for the arrest of the looters who killed the late captain. "The people that shot him should be accountable. And, no, they're not protesters. They're criminals and they're thugs ... and hopefully they get hunt down," Parson said. Dorn's son, Brian Powell, told KMOV4 that his father was amazing and had spent most of his life protecting his community. "The fact that he was protecting and serving, this is the way. I feel in my heart of hearts that he would have liked to leave this earth," said Powell. He said even though his father was no longer an active police officer, he would still make his duty to ensure his friends business was fine. Powell called his fathers killing senseless. It was senseless, it was senseless. Over TVs and stuff that's replaceable," he said. "They're forgetting the real message of the protest and the positiveness thats supposed to come out of it. And we get this negative light shown on a situation that really needs light to be brought to it." No arrests have yet been made for Dorns killing and authorities currently have no suspects. They are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Italy reopened to travellers from Europe on Wednesday, three months after going into coronavirus lockdown, but sparse arrivals dimmed hopes of reviving the key tourism industry as the summer season begins. Gondolas are ready to punt along Venice's canals, lovers can act out "Romeo and Juliet" on Verona's famed balcony, and gladiator fans can pose for selfies at Rome's Colosseum. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the country was clearly on the mend, adding latest contagion data was "encouraging." "There's enthusiam in the air, a renewed sociability. We deserve to smile, to be cheerful, after weeks of great sacrifice," he said, adding the time had come to lure tourists back. Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio urged European countries to open their borders too. "We are waiting for reciprocity from all European countries," the minister told a press conference. Austria and Switzerland are keeping their frontiers with Italy shut. There were also fears many are hesitant to come to a country like Italy still shaking off a vicious pandemic. "We hoped to see some movement from today, but have no foreign tourists booked in for this week or next," said Alessandra Conti, a receptionist at the Albergo del Senato hotel which overlooks the Pantheon in Rome. "We've got a few reservations from mid-June... (but) are still getting lots of cancellations for this summer". - 'Smouldering' virus - Italy was the first European country to be hit hard by the coronavirus and has officially reported more than 33,500 deaths -- the third highest toll in the world. It imposed an economically crippling lockdown in early March and has since seen its infection numbers drop off dramatically. With the country facing its deepest recession since World War II, it needs a swift return of foreign tourists. But it is still reporting hundreds of new cases a day, particularly in the northern Lombardy region, and experts warn Rome may be moving too quickly in permitting travel between regions and abroad. Infectious diseases expert Massimo Galli said it would have been better to wait until July to reopen the borders. The virus "smoulders under the ashes, and when it finds the ideal conditions, it explodes. Even more so if we lower our guard," he said Wednesday. - 'Like a leper' - International flights into Milan, Rome and Naples increased, with a few also coming into smaller, regional airports. German Regina Oswald, 53, was one of the very few foreign tourists to be spotted in Venice's Saint Mark's Square. "It's fantastic to see Venice without a lot of people, it's the one time in my life I can enjoy it like this," said Oswald, who arrived early Wednesday for a three-day stay. "I am worried about the virus, but will take precautions", she said, such as always eating at outdoor tables in restaurants. Italy fears those who usually travel in by car, train or ferry may holiday elsewhere. Switzerland has warned citizens going to Italy they will be subject to "health measures" on their return. It will open its borders with Germany, France and Austria on June 15. Austria is lifting border restrictions from Thursday -- but not with Italy, described last week by Vienna's health minister as "still a hotspot". Foreign Minister Di Maio had warned neighbours not to treat Italy "like a leper" and will Saturday visit Germany, Slovenia and Greece to try to persuade them Italy is safe. - 'Scared' - Lockdown had a devastating effect on Italy's tourism sector which amounts to some 13 percent of GDP. Only 40 of Rome's 1,200 hotels have reopened, the Corriere della Sera newspaper said, and just a dozen in Milan. Restaurants and cafes have slowly reopened in recent days -- but the government says it will impose localised lockdowns if it sees contagion numbers rise. "Who's going to come? No one from South America, China or the US. And the Europeans will be scared," Mimmo Burgio, 62, owner of a cafe near Rome's Colosseum, told AFP. (@FahadShabbir) Oil prices will not likely return to the pre-crisis level of $60 per barrel until 2022, yet the market has adjusted to the oil price of $30 per barrel, Equatorial Guinea's minister of mines and hydrocarbons, Gabriel M. Obiang, has told Sputni MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd June, 2020) Oil prices will not likely return to the pre-crisis level of $60 per barrel until 2022, yet the market has adjusted to the oil price of $30 per barrel, Equatorial Guinea's minister of mines and hydrocarbons, Gabriel M. Obiang, has told Sputnik. "I don't see oil going back to the pre-pandemic prices and $60 until 2022. There is a lot of cheap oil in the world, it's going take time for the inventory to go down. People expecting oil to go to the $40 and $50, they are being very optimistic. I think that more logical to be conservative and comfortable around $30 area, 30 to 39, 40," Obiang said in an interview. Although the price of $30 per barrel is not very comfortable and the producers would prefer a higher figure, it at least brings some stability and allows the budget to be managed, the minister noted. The oil prices plummeted earlier this year against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdown measures and the economic slowdown. In April, the prices of the West Texas Intermediate even went negative. However, the energy market is starting to show the signs of recovery after the OPEC+ group and some G20 nations decided to slash their oil output in an effort to stabilize the prices. EU should react to US' illegal moves on JCPOA, Iran's president says IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, June 2, IRNA -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday called on the European Union (EU) to live up to its obligations regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). In a phone conversation with the President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinisto, he added that Iran will comply with its commitments if the EU abides by its obligations thoroughly. The US' withdrawal from the JCPOA is indicative of violating the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and contrary to international law, political regulations as well as all moral values, he further noted. As soon as the European Union fulfills its 11-article commitments to the JCPOA, Iran will also abide by all its commitments, he reiterated. Expounding on the launch of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) by Europe, as well as the Swiss financial channel with Iran, the President stated that the channels have not yet been effective, calling on the EU to take the initiative to activate the financial mechanisms. President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinisto, for his part, praised Iran's steps taken for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Welcoming the launch of the INSTEX, he voiced his country's readiness to join the financial mechanism, adding Finland supports the payment of the International Monetary Fund loan to Iran. Describing the JCPOA as an international agreement, he underlined that Finland is making every effort to preserve the agreement. 7129**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MEXICO CITY Tropical Storm Cristobal made landfall in Mexicos Gulf coast state of Campeche Wednesday, dumping heavy rain on the already soaked region, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. The storm had sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph) and was expected to turn north later in the week, cross the Gulf of Mexico and eventually threaten the United States. But until then, forecasters expect Cristobal to meander along Mexicos Gulf coast, causing severe flooding. The Hurricane Center said it made landfall Wednesday morning near Atasta, just west of the major oil production town of Ciudad del Carmen. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was in Campeches capital Wednesday as part of his weeklong tour promoting a train project. He was about 145 miles (235 kilometers) from where the storm made landfall. Cristobal formed Tuesday from the remnants of the Pacific Tropical Storm Amanda that had caused deadly flooding and landslides in Central America. At least 22 deaths in El Salvador and Guatemala were blamed on the storm. Cristobal was the earliest third named storm of an Atlantic hurricane season on record; in 2016, Tropical Storm Colin formed in the Gulf on June 5. Police in Campeche state, where Ciudad del Carmen is located, said they have already closed several highways because of flooding. Forecasts call for 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 centimeters) of rain along Mexicos Gulf coast and more in isolated areas. On Tuesday night, the Mexican army said it had helped evacuate 138 people in Calakmul, Campeche, as floodwaters rose. On Wednesday morning, the storm was 15 miles (20 km) west of Ciudad del Carmen and moving south-southeast at 3 mph (6kph). Mexico had a tropical storm warning in effect from Campeche to Coatzacoalcos. The U.S. National Hurricane Center expected the storm to weaken slightly as it crossed eastern Mexico Thursday and become a tropical depression Thursday evening. Then it would reenter the Gulf of Mexico and begin heading north. As far as supplies other than masks and sanitizer, Amnesty Internationals Safety During Protest page advises people to bring water bottles several, you may be out for long hours in the heat with squirt tops to drink or to rinse out eyes or skin in the event of injury. In addition, you should bring your ID and emergency contact cards, and cash for food and transportation, preferably in a lightweight backpack. The guidelines also list shatter resistant swimming goggles to prevent eye injuries from tear gas, pepper spray, pepper balls, and rubber bullets all of which police have employed during the past week of protests. Goggles can also help protect against covid-19 exposure. A departure gate at Changi Airport in Singapore. (PHOTO: Getty Images) SINGAPORE Singaporeans will be able to travel to certain parts of China for essential business or official trips soon. In a joint press release on Wednesday (3 June), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said that the reciprocal fast lane arrangement between both countries will allow residents to travel between the city-state and six Chinese provinces and municipalities. They are Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Zhejiang. The fast lane arrangement will be gradually expanded to other Chinese provinces and municipalities, the ministries said. The press release did not specify a date for its launch. As Singapore moves towards Phase 1 of the post-circuit breaker period, such arrangements are part of the city-states gradual reopening of borders for Singaporeans and residents to conduct essential activities overseas and to allow safe travel for foreigners entering Singapore in limited numbers, they added. Business or official travellers sponsored by government agencies who are travelling into Singapore may submit applications through their respective sponsors from 8 June. Applications for company-sponsored travellers can be submitted in a later phase. They will have to file SafeTravel Pass applications on behalf of the applicant. When the application is approved, an approval letter will be issued to the applicant, as well as the sponsoring company or government agency. With this letter, an approved applicant who is a visa-required passport holder will proceed to apply for a visa for travel to Singapore through the usual channels, if necessary. Similarly, Singapore residents in Singapore seeking to make essential travel to China via the fast lane must be sponsored by either a company or a government agency in China, which will file an application on behalf of the applicant with the local provincial or municipal authorities. Pre-departure PCR test Approved applicants travelling from either country must monitor their health status before departure, take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 48 hours before departure and obtain a certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19. Story continues Users of the fast lane between China and Singapore will bear the cost of the pre-departure PCR test. In addition, applicants travelling from China to Singapore must have remained in any of the sending Chinese fast lane regions for the last seven days prior to departure for Singapore. The applicant is required to produce a valid SafeTravel Pass, a negative PCR test result, a return air ticket, and a valid visa, where necessary, for pre-boarding checks, or risk facing refusal for boarding. Approved applicants travelling from Singapore to China will undergo a PCR test and serology test after their arrival in China at their own cost, and remain in locations designated by the local provincial or municipal government for one to two days until the test result is released. If the result indicates that the traveller has tested negative for COVID-19, the host company or government agency will transport the traveller directly from the above-mentioned locations to the workplace or residence. If they test positive for COVID-19, the traveller will undergo medical treatment in China at their own cost. Travellers to use TraceTogether app An approved applicant travelling from China to Singapore will undergo a PCR test after arrival in Singapore. The applicant is also required to produce a valid SafeTravel Pass and a negative PCR test result from the test done prior to departure from China to arrival immigration, or be denied entry. Upon entry into Singapore, the applicant must remain in isolation at a self-sourced declared accommodation non-residential for one to two days until the test result is known. The host company or government agency will transport the traveller directly from the airport to the declared self-sourced accommodation. Travellers will bear the costs of the post-arrival PCR test in Singapore and stay in the declared accommodation. If the result indicates that the traveller has tested negative for COVID-19, the host company or government agency will ensure that the traveller is transported directly from the declared accommodation to the workplace, and back. If tested positive for COVID-19, travellers will undergo medical treatment at their cost. The host company or government agency shall ensure that the travellers to Singapore use the TraceTogether app for the duration of their stay. Limits on transportation options Travellers must also adhere to a controlled itinerary supervised by the host company or government agency for the first 14 days. They may not use public transportation for this purpose, with the exception of private hire cars or taxis or cohorted company transport. For travellers from Singapore who need to travel between the fast lane regions in China within the first 14 days upon arrival, they shall, through the host company or government agency, obtain in advance the approval of the provincial/municipal government of the next destination. The traveller will only be allowed to travel outside the six fast lane regions after staying within them for 14 days. Upon arrival back in Singapore, Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term pass holders returning to Singapore from China must monitor their health as well as show a copy of the invitation letter issued by the government authority in China to facilitate arrival immigration clearance. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Other Singapore stories: Teen e-scooter rider who beat red light, crashed into motorcyclist gets probation Man found guilty of raping daughter at knifepoint twice Authorities to reach out to 50,000 households in rental flats over pandemic-related needs Catholic churches to reopen for Phase 1 after MCCY allows engagement of its volunteers Telecom operator AirtelTigo and BIMA, a leading provider of mobile delivered health and insurance services have reached a proud milestone of paying 50,000 claims worth GHS22 million to insured families in the country since the launch of AirtelTigo Insurance. Under this program, AirtelTigo and BIMA offer AirtelTigo customers with simple and affordable insurance policies underwritten by Allianz Life Ghana and Prudential Life Ghana. For premium payments as little as GHS2 a month, customers of AirtelTigo and their insured relative can claim GHS30 per night at the hospital up to GHS900 a year, or receive up to GHS3,000 life cover. With over two million (and growing) Ghanaians covered under the insurance, the accessibility and affordability of AirtelTigo Insurance products have played a key role in helping more unbanked and uninsured get better financial protection. This reaffirms the partnerships commitment to improving the consumers financial security. Commenting on the milestone, BIMA Ghanas Country Manager Damien Gueroult, said: We are proud of this milestone because the magnitude of the number demonstrates our commitment to helping families in challenging times." "It also rewards our efforts in making the claims process quicker and simpler through the use of WhatsApp to receive documents and mobile money to send pay-outs. AirtelTigo is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the consumer. By making insurance accessible through the ubiquitous mobile phone, the hassles involved in paperwork and claims have been reduced or eliminated." The landmark number of 50,000 paid claims has been achieved by the companys customer first obsession and its quest to make the customers life simple said the Chief Executive Officer of AirtelTigo, Murthy Chaganti. For his part, the Deputy Commissioner of the National Insurance Commission, Kofi Andoh, congratulated AirtelTigo, BIMA, Prudential Life, and Allianz Life on their work in making insurance more accessible to Ghanaians. Insurance penetration in Africa is relatively low, but it is encouraging to see that Ghana has made considerable progress over the last few years. In difficult times, such as the current pandemic, the width of coverage that AirtelTigo Insurance has reached will make a difference in building financial resilience for Ghanaian families, especially those that were traditionally underserved by conventional insurance. AirtelTigo is a dynamic and innovative brand providing a wide range of telecommunications services including mobile voice, data, mobile financial services, and business connectivity solutions. With the credo of customer first, AirtelTigo constantly innovates to make life simple for its customers. AirtelTigo was launched in November 2017, from a merger between erstwhile Airtel and Tigo. www.airteltigo.com.gh About BIMA: BIMA uses mobile technology to deliver affordable insurance and telemedicine services to underserved consumers in emerging markets and families who cannot access these vital products through traditional channels. BIMAs technology platforms create a paperless experience and enable scale, while the agent force distributes services and provides customer education. This tech-enabled approach is the key to BIMAs growth, reaching 35 million subscribers in 9 markets across Africa and Asia. BIMA Ghana launched its operations in 2010 with the mobile operator Tigo (now AirtelTigo). Through this partnership, BIMA provides over 2.1 million Ghanaians with insurance. In 2014, BIMA also launched its own-branded insurance products to widen access to all Ghanaian families. BIMA offers life, hospital, and accident insurance policies underwritten by Prudential Life and Allianz Life, as well as the BIMA Doctor telemedicine service. For more information please visit on BIMA Ghana visit www.Bimaghana.com Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[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 Close Rev Al Sharpton gives eulogy at George Floyd memorial: 'I'm more hopeful today than ever' Donald Trump has claimed the city of Minneapolis was under siege before the US National Guard was called in during a press conference on Friday in which he implored other cities facing major protests to call the federal government for assistance. They were ripping that place apart, the president said about the city in which George Floyd was killed at the hands of a white police officer named Derek Chauvin, who has since been charged with second-degree murder. It was under siege like nobodys ever seen. Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser meanwhile called on Mr Trump to remove all extraordinary federal law enforcement and military presence from the city as protests have continued for ten days. In lengthy White House remarks amid sweeping social unrest, a rising virus death toll and Depression-level unemployment, the Republican president suggested that even Floyd would be pleased with the latest economic news. "Hopefully George is looking down right now and saying this is a great thing that's happening for our country," Mr Trump said. "This is a great day for him. It's a great day for everybody." Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Show all 30 1 /30 Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Philadelphia Police have clashed with protesters throughout the ongoing demonstrations across the US against police brutality and racism in the country, sparked by the recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality San Jose, California AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Boston, Massachusetts AFP via Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality White House, Washington AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality New York EPA Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Boston, Massachusetts EPA Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Washington, DC Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Minneapolis, Minnesota Reuters Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Chicago Chicago Sun-Times via AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Des Moines, Iowa The Des Moines Register via AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Washington DC AFP via Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Chicago Chicago Sun-Times via AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality New York Reuters Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Washington, DC AFP via Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality New York Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality New York AFP via Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Columbia, South Carolina AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality New York EPA Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Philadelphia AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Hollywood, California EPA Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality St Paul, Minnesota Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Washington DC Reuters Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Santa Monica, California AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Los Angeles, California EPA Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Washington, DC Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality New York Reuters Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Atlanta AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality White House, Washington AFP via Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality White House, Washington AFP via Getty Putting words in the dead man's mouth drew quick criticism, including from likely presidential foe Joe Biden, who said it was "despicable." A few blocks away, city workers painted a huge "Black Lives Matter" sign on 16th Street leading to the White House. On the economy, Mr Trump said an economic rebound was the answer to racial inequality, calling it "the greatest thing that can happen for race relations." Mr Trump was quick to seize the positive jobs report at a time when his political standing is at one of the weakest points of his presidency less than five months before the general election. Just two in 10 voters believe the country is headed in the right direction, a Monmouth University poll found earlier in the week. Few things matter more to Mr Trump's political future than the state of the US economy, which was all but shut down by state governments this spring to prevent greater spread of the deadly coronavirus. Defying health experts, the president has aggressively encouraged states to re-open and has assailed state leaders by name who resist. At the same time, he's taken an uneven approach to explosive racial tensions in the wake of Floyd's death. As he has in recent days, Mr Trump on Friday offered a sympathetic message to Floyd in one breath and lashed out at protests in his name the next. Local governments "have to dominate the streets," Mr Trump said. "You can't let what's happening happen." The president spoke in the Rose Garden after the Labor Department said that US employers added 2.5 million workers to their payrolls last month. Economists had been expecting them instead to slash 8 million jobs in continuing fallout from the pandemic. The jobless rate, at 13.3 percent, is still on par with what the nation witnessed during the Great Depression. And for the second straight month, the Labor Department acknowledged making errors in counting the unemployed during the virus outbreak, saying the real figure is worse than the numbers indicate. Still, after weeks of dire predictions by economists that unemployment in May could hit 20 percent or more, the news was seen as evidence that the collapse may have bottomed out in April. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Check out The Independent's live coverage below: Carrier Air Wing Eight, Ford Announce Cyclic Operations with Ordnance Navy News Service Story Number: NNS200602-09 Release Date: 6/2/2020 10:43:00 AM From USS Gerald R. Ford Public Affairs ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Commanding Officer of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Capt. J.J. Cummings and Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Capt. Josh Sager, announced the largest air wing embark to date, and Ford's first ordnance movement from a lower deck magazine to F/A-18E Super Hornets using Ford's state-of-the-art Advanced Weapons Elevators during a teleconference, June 1. CVW-8 embarked seven squadrons and is operating nearly 30 fixed-wing aircraft and both of their Helicopter Sea Combat squadrons. Cummings said this embark serves as an opportunity to stress and test Ford's unique design and demonstrate her ability to conduct integrated air wing operations. "This is a historic underway we embarked nearly 1,000 Sailors, the largest air wing embark to date, and we were able to commence cyclic operations and it's proven successful," said Cummings. "It's exciting to have the air wing onboard and get into their spaces and berthings so they can help us tighten things up to where they want them to be." In a 'crawl, walk, run' approach the air wing has ramped up to 3 day and 2 night integrated events with only a short break between day and night events. Sager said this is first time CVW-8 squadrons have been able to execute all of their missions aboard Ford. "We're thrilled to be here dropping light and heavy inert ordnance; but the biggest thing as the air wing commander is to do our primary mission: war at sea, air defense, air superiority and power projection," said Sager. "We're taking [Ford] from carrier qualification to a mission that focuses on combat operations and expanding that capability. It's been an honor to take [Ford] to a ship that's able to execute the Navy's warfighting mission." The inert ordnance mission sets were possible due to Ford's successful transfer of ordnance from a lower level magazine to the flight deck via the ship's lower stage weapons elevator (LSWE). The air wing's embark provided the first opportunity for Ford's weapons department to execute a full ordnance movement using LSWE 5. "We moved 40,000 pounds of inert, or not live, ordnance," said Cummings. "We loaded it on our ship a week ago and moved them to our magazines. Our team then built up the bombs and used lower stage five to get them to the hangar bay. From there we transferred them to the weapons handling transfer area via an upper stage elevator where we issued the weapons to squadron ordnance personnel for eventual loading on aircraft, on the flight deck, for training missions. It was a monumental day, and everything worked as advertised." In preparation for this milestone, more than 250 Sailors assigned to Ford's weapons department executed multiple training packages on buildup, transport, and break down of ordnance to build their proficiency. To date, the ship has conducted more than 9,751 cycles of the upper stage elevators and 109 cycles of LSWE 5. As far as Ford and CVW-8 leadership are concerned, Ford - now seven months into her Post-Delivery Test and Trials phase of operations - is showcasing her ability to support integrated air wing strike missions with proficiency and is looking forward to their upcoming Carrier Strike Group integration. "We're happy to do our job and do what we're paid to do, and that's launch and recover aircraft day and night," said Cummings. "Our Sailors are fired up to perform the job they have been trained to do which brings smiles to their faces. Morale on our ship is up pretty high right now because we're doing our job every day, and we're loving it." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Sunyani Area Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) of the Forestry Commission has, in collaboration with the National Forestry Commission (FC) Taskforce, impounded 43 trucks loaded with illegal lumber in the Ahafo Region. This seizure is part of an exercise to clamp down on illegalities in the timber industry, especially in the Goaso Forest Reserve. Twenty-three of the trucks that were confiscated belonged to illegal chain saw operators, while the remaining 20 trucks were hired to evacuate lumber sawed at various illegal sawmills. Altogether, the TIDD has seized more than 40,000 pieces of illegally sawn lumber and realised GH350,000 from the sale of some of the confiscated lumber. Additionally, more than 500 timber logs have also been seized from the illegal timber operators. Meanwhile, there are more timber logs yet to be evacuated from the various forest reserves and unregistered sawmills. Taskforce A military taskforce that was established to clamp down on illegal chain saw activities in the Goaso Forest Reserve has also arrested six persons for allegedly engaging in illegalities in the reserve. The nine-day operation by the 15-member military taskforce, codenamed "Operation Halt", also seized about 50 lumbering machines used by the unregistered sawmills and destroyed structures put up by some of the illegal chainsaw operators. Arrest, prosecution The National FC Taskforce Coordinator, Mr George Osei, told the media that the prosecution of the arrested persons would begin soon to serve as a deterrent to others. He said about 90 per cent of the sawmills in the Goaso Forest District were unregistered, saying: It is devastating to see how the illegal operators have depleted the Goaso Forest Reserve." Depletion According to Mr Osei, Ghanas 8.2 million hectares of forest reserves had been depleted to less than one million hectares. The forest reserves are being depleted at an alarming rate. At the inception, the country had about 8.2 million hectares of forest cover, but as we speak now we have only about one million hectares left, he said, explaining that the phenomenon contributed to climate change. 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 As protesters nationwide continued to hit the streets Wednesday, three more former Minneapolis police officers were charged in the death of George Floyd. The three former officers, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, were charged with aiding and abetting murder, according to criminal complaints filed by the state of Minnesota. The murder charge against the fourth, Derek Chauvin, was also elevated to second-degree, from third-degree. Curfews and arrests have done little to deter determined protesters in cities like New York, Los Angeles and Washington. Overall, however, demonstrations on Tuesday night and Wednesday have passed more peacefully than those held in previous days. Download the NBC News app for the latest updates. Hospitals in the Grand-Duchy are also coming out of the lockdown and are trying to become fully operational again. However, a number of difficulties still remain. The new normal already starts at the entrance of the Centre Hospitalier (CHL) in Luxembourg City: disinfecting your hands, putting on your face mask, and getting your temperature taken. The procedure is fast and seems straightforward at first glance. However, for the most part, leaving the lockdown is not as simple. The hospital is slowly catching up to the delays in surgeries. The field hospital, which had been built with the support of a NATO agency at the beginning of the crisis, is still right next to the CHL. What is going to happen with it? Another challenge comes in the form life threatening emergencies, when there is not enough time to do a corona test first. This happens two to three times per day. A significant effort, also in terms of staff, and especially complicated during the night. While the CHL confirms that people did return to the hospital and had faith, the hospital also notes that many had been negatively affected by the lockdown. Doctors at CHL found that many people had waited too long to go to the hospital. As a result, people now showed symptoms which doctors have not seen in a long time, such as peritonitis. The hospital in Esch is still lacking about 100 staff members until it can become completely operational again. The main problem here are people deemed "vulnerable" and therefore still unable to attend work. Meanwhile, in the Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch (Chem) people at times had to queue up on the street before they could enter on Tuesday afternoon. Parts of geriatrics and the rehabilitation centre had to remain closed. Very much a common scene of the "new normal" in Luxembourg's hospitals. In the context of all of this, there also still remains one unknown factor: How will the coronavirus evolve now that people are leaving lockdown and going on holiday again? Video report in Luxembourgish LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2020 / Los Angeles Murphy Media Distribution (MMD) is excited to announce they have entered into a strategic alliance with BLK Prime, effective immediately. BLK Prime is a subscription and pay-per-view service that specializes in diverse original media programing and provides global streaming video on demand all around the world. BLK Prime can be found on blkprime.com and is available on Roku and Apple TV. Murphy Media Distribution is a full-service distribution company that specializes in culturally diverse content and continues to grow rapidly. "This alliance brings together two like-minded companies with common goals" says Ray Murphy, Jr., co-founder of MMD. "This venture will allow us to provide even more content to an underserved market," adds Lalene Shepherd, Chief Financial Officer of BLK Prime. We are grateful for the support of Fetteroff Colen III of Colen Company who was instrumental in facilitating this deal. Murphy Media Distribution released Different Worlds earlier this month directly to BLK Prime Pay-Per-View. The movie was filmed in both Lagos, Nigeria and New Orleans, Louisiana and is about a Nigerian man traveling to America for adventure but has a life changing encounter with an American woman. Next month, MMD will release The Art of Comedy featuring Danny Cho, known for Ktown Cowboys and the TV series Parks and Recreation, Joey Guila, known for Walter and Teddy and Kevin Shea who quickly rose in popularity in Tosh.0. Please visit www.murphymediadistribution.com . Murphy Media Distribution (MMD) was formed in 2017 by Ray Murphy Jr. and Albert "Buck" Kolkmeyer. Together, the partners share over 75 years of experience in the movie industry. From different vantage points in the industry, Ray, from production and Buck, from distribution and exhibition, they came to very similar conclusions. First, there is very little diversity in the selection of movies in the marketplace. Based on the success of the few diverse movies that are able to get into the market, there is a huge untapped, underserved market. African Americans are frequent moviegoers, second only to the Hispanic community. Please direct all media requests and questions to Linda Tuisl, Publicist for Murphy Media Distribution at linda@murphymediadistribution.com or 630-660-6846. Media contact: Company: Murphy Media Distribution Name: Linda Tuisl Email: linda@murphymediadistribution.com Website: http://www.murphymediadistribution.com SOURCE: Murphy Media Distribution View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/592635/Murphy-Media-Distribution-Teams-Up-With-BLK-Prime After 15 years of delays, it seemed that progress was finally being made on the long-vacant site of the former Mission Mall in Johnson County. But just as the Mission Gateway development was taking shape, the coronavirus pandemic brought it to yet another halt. SAGINAW, MI - Protests have broken out across the county after Minnesota native George Floyd was killed when a police officer kneeled on his neck. Heres a look at upcoming protests and rallies planned for the mid-Michigan area, as well as some other events that are designed to address the issues of race relations and discrimination. Wednesday, June 3 Saginaw County police agencies and nonprofits The Bridge Center for Racial Harmony and SVAALTI Leadership Institute (formerly known as the Saginaw Valley African American Leadership Training Institute) are holding a Zoom meeting at 5:30 p.m. The session will discuss law enforcement and race relations, as well as the George Floyd protests. The event will also be streamed on The Bridge Centers Facebook page. Black Lives Matter - Bay City will host a protest from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wenonah Park, 111 Center Ave. Organizers will start the event with speakers and poems. The protesters will then march to the four corners on Washington and Center. Thursday, June 4 Daniels Den Ministries and Dakota Security are hosting a Saginaw County peace walk at noon Thursday, June 4 from Hoyt Park to the Saginaw County Governmental Center building. Local police and community leaders are planned to join the event. Organizers are asking attendees to wear masks and practice social distancing. The NAACP Saginaw Branch is holding a community rally and call to action at 4 p.m. in front of the Saginaw City Hall, 1315 S. Washington. The NAACP is asking Saginaw County clergy, educators, civil organizers and other leaders to join the rally against racial discrimination and discuss how to continue those efforts after protests end. Friday, June 5 Saginaw Police Chief Robert Ruth will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. in the front lobby of the Saginaw Police Department, 612 Federal Ave. Ruth will discuss the efforts of Saginaw PD and the Saginaw Advocates & Leaders for Police and Community Trust Committee, or ALPACT. The Saginaw Solidarity Demonstration, hosted by Women of Colors President Evelyn Wooten McGovern and KMS Creative Group owner Michelle McCoy, will honor Milton Hall. Eight police officers shot at Hall, a mentally-ill black man who was holding a knife, 40 times, killing him. The protest will be held at the spot he died, Riverview Plaza, located at 290 W. Genesee Ave., from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Peaceful Protest for Equality will protest at 5 p.m. at Lapeers Marguerite deAngeli Library, 921 W. Nepessing St. Jerry Tkach, who is running for state representative, and Desiree Duell, a Flint artist and activist, will speak at the event. Black Lives Matter of Grand Blanc will begin a rally at 5:30 p.m. outside the Grand Blanc Township Police Department, 5405 Saginaw Rd. Protesters are asked to bring a water and mask. Saturday, June 6 The Saginaw Protest for George Floyd/Black Lives Matter will meet at Saginaws Fashion Square Mall from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Protesters will meet at the corner of Bay and Tittabawassee. Organizers ask that those in attendance please use social distancing as much as possible and wear masks. Related news: 'Enough is enough: Hundreds march in Saginaw to demand justice for George Floyd Saginaw group spending 72 hours outside police department to protest George Floyd death in Minnesota Police brutality protests in Michigan: What you need to know from this weekends rallies, riots Flint-area police join protesters marching to seek justice for George Floyd Peaceful protest in Grand Rapids devolves into riot, looting and fires The 12th World Chambers Congress in Dubai, originally scheduled for February 2021, has now been postponed to November 2021 to coincide with the new dates for Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced. Co-organised by Dubai Chamber and the ICC World Chambers Federation, the upcoming Congress will now be held on November 23-25, 2021 under the theme Generation Next: Chambers 4.0. The global forum, hosted in a different region every two years, is considered as the largest event of its kind, gathering the World Chamber Federations global network comprising of 12,000 chambers of commerce from 100 countries. The Congress is a unique platform for chamber leaders and members to connect and collaborate, share knowledge, promote trade and investment opportunities and explore new solutions and best practices adopted by chambers of commerce from around the world. Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of the World Chambers Federation, said the decision to postpone WCC 2021 is due to a number of important factors, which include business challenges resulting from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and Expo 2020 Dubai, which has been rescheduled for October 2021. Buamim described the World Expo in Dubai as a key element of the WCC 2021 experience that will provide delegates with plenty of networking and collaboration opportunities and an ideal platform to showcase and learn about innovative solutions. - TradeArabia News Service A series of statements made to police by a mother accused of killing and dismembering her child cannot be introduced as evidence in her trial because she was not properly advised of her constitutional rights against self-incrimination, a judge has ruled. Nakira M. Griner, 26, of Bridgeton, allegedly killed 23-month-old Daniel Griner Jr. in February 2019, then reported he had been abducted. Police found the childs burned remains at the familys home hours after Griner called 911. An autopsy concluded that the child had been beaten to death and suffered multiple bone fractures. Following hours of questioning by police, Griner abandoned the abduction story and said he accidentally fell down a flight of stairs at the family home. She claimed she left the injured child alone in a stroller on a Bridgeton street in hopes someone would find and help him, then concocted a story that she was assaulted while walking to a store with her kids and that the stroller carrying Daniel was taken. During these interviews, Griner never admits to killing the child and disposing of his remains. Assistant Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Schultz filed a motion to suppress statements Griner made to police before an attorney was assigned to her case. The motion was heard over the course of seven sessions between January and May and Superior Court Judge Robert Malestein issued his ruling Wednesday. Griner was interviewed at the Bridgeton Police Department by detectives from the department and New Jersey State Police in the hours after she reported Daniels abduction on Feb. 8, 2019. Daniel Griner Jr. She was not read her Miranda rights during the first two interviews with Bridgeton detectives, making those interviews inadmissible, Malestein ruled. She spoke to state police Detective George Williams her third interview for about 20 minutes before he administered Miranda warnings. In all, her interrogations lasted an hour and 45 minutes before she was read her rights. As part of the Miranda warnings, Griner should have been told that the statements she made prior to the warning could not be used against her, but this was never done, the judge noted. In addition, the two interviews conducted by Williams, which included a lie detector test that Griner failed, took place in the same room as the earlier interviews with Bridgeton officers, were part of the same continuity of questioning and were so inextricably entwined with the earlier interviews that they also cannot be admitted as evidence by the prosecution, the judge found. Although there were several officers involved, there is no doubt that this constituted one continuous interrogation while she was in the constant presence of law enforcement, Malestein wrote. Taken together, the interrogations, both before and after she was read her rights, had the likely effect of undermining both defendants ability to assert her right to remain silent and her ability to knowingly, voluntarily, or intelligently waive that right. The prosecution previously stated it only wanted to introduce the first interview Williams conducted with Griner and Malestein ruled those statements could be used only to cross-examine the defendant for purposes of impeaching her credibility if she chooses to testify at trial. Griner, who is charged with first-degree murder and other offenses, is due back in court June 29 for her next hearing. A peaceful protest is held outside the Cumberland County Superior Courthouse following the detention hearing of Nakira Griner, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. Griner is charged with murder in the death of her 23-month-old son, Daniel Griner Jr.Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. The 51st anniversary of the Stonewall Riots is June 28, 2020. To commemorate the event, Stacker takes a look back at 50 years of history in the LGBTQ+ community in the United States and around the world. This article was first published on Stacker Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Sebastian Partogi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3 2020 A number of caregivers of people with Alzheimers disease had a meeting online from their homes, obviously, in observance of calls for physical distancing amid COVID-19 on June 1 to mark National Elderly Day. As they were dancing and singing together through the Zoom application, Novianti, a 36-year-old woman living in South Jakarta who takes care of her 86-year-old grandmother, however, suddenly sent a text to excuse herself from the meeting for a while. She had to go after her grandmother, who had suddenly walked out of the house to look for her husband Noviantis grandfather who passed away several years ago. Noviantis grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease in 2016 and is in the severe stage of the disease. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 2 By Eldar Janashvili - Trend: The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) held a foreign exchange auction with the participation of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), during which Azerbaijani banks acquired $51.9 million, Trend reports citing CBA. According to CBA, demand from the banks at the auction increased by 8.4 percent or by $4.8 million compared to the previous auction and amounted to $56.7 million. Considering the number of days remaining before the next scheduled auction, as well as with the aim of ensuring uninterrupted currency trading by the banks, the demand of banks at the auction will be fully provided during weekends. The first foreign exchange auction in a long time was held with the participation of SOFAZ on March 10, 2020, during which Azerbaijani banks acquired 323.2 million manat ($190.1 million). The CBA began to hold foreign exchange auctions through unilateral sale of foreign currency in competitive conditions since mid-January 2017. In March 2020, it was decided to hold extraordinary foreign exchange auctions in connection with the increased demand of the population for foreign currency amid the failed OPEC+ deal, which entailed a sharp decline in oil prices. (1 USD = 1.7 AZN on June 2) --- Follow the author on Twitter: @eldarjanashvili Separately celebrated May 26th By Malkhaz Matsaberidze Georgia recently celebrated Independence Day, but this, even symbolically, failed to unite the political spectrum. Everyone celebrated Independence Day separately. The next day, during the speech of the Prime Minister in the parliament, the government and the opposition met. The Prime Minister spoke about the successful fight against the epidemic and the beginning of the way out of the crisis, while the opposition reminded the government of the existing problems.On May 26th, Georgia marked the 102nd anniversary of the restoration of independence. No public action was planned due to the Coronavirus epidemic, and no flags were displayed in the streets. No symbolic event was planned, where representatives of the government and the opposition would celebrate together. Some celebrated at Rustaveli Street near the former government palace, some on Mtatsminda near the grave of Kakutsa Cholokashvili, the hero of the 1924 uprising.Today's Georgia considers itself the successor of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, which gained independence in 1918. It was announced on May 26th, 1921. It was occupied by Soviet Russia in February-March and forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union. Post-Soviet Russia has not been freed from aggression against Georgia and currently occupies two regions of Georgia. Therefore, May 26th was a good opportunity to talk about Russia-Georgia relations. However, Georgia's top officials - the Prime Minister and the President - did not mention the country's main problem during the Independence Day celebrations - the Russian occupation and the creeping expansion of the occupation zone by borderization.The occupation was mentioned only by the Speaker of the Parliament without any reference to the occupier: The occupation of our territories continues and thousands of our fellow citizens are not allowed to return home. However, the pro-Western part of the opposition didnt avoid the main topic of Georgia-Russia relations and spoke about the Russian occupation.While political leaders from around the world congratulated Georgia on Independence Day, the Russian government also remembered Georgia. It was on May 26th that Moscow expressed its concern over Lugar's laboratory, claiming that it posed a biological threat and requested an inspection. Clearly, Lugars Lab poses no threat. On the contrary, the laboratory played an important role in the fight against the coronavirus epidemic, which Georgia dealt more successfully with tham Russia.The opposition described the statement as another provocation and threat from Russia. Georgian authorities said that Russian observers could enter Lugar's laboratory but separately but only with representatives from other countries.The main topic of Georgian politics is still the implementation of the March 8th agreement. After the pardon of Ugulava and Okruashvili by the President, Giorgi Rurua remains, whose trial has continued. The united opposition says it will not support constitutional changes unless Rurua is released. The opposition considers him a political prisoner, while the government claims that there are no political prisoners in the country.After the lifting of the state of emergency, it became possible to renew the "universal-public discussion" of the constitutional amendments. If the government wants to fulfill this part of the March 8th agreement, it can make constitutional changes if the votes are mobilized in the parliament. If the government is looking for a reason to not meet the agreement, the boycott will work as the perfect excuse for it even though it poses the risk of exacerbating the tension and will send problematic messages to the West.Meanwhile, one of the MPs and a bishop have openly made anti-Western statements. According to the MP, we do not want such an America and the European Union to interfere in our internal affairs. The bishop demanded a new plebiscite, saying that the people no longer wanted a Western orientation.It was at this time that the results of the Transparency International-Georgia survey found that 56% of the population thought that Georgia should join NATO, even if it would strain relations with Russia. Almost half of the respondents (49% - 3% more than in 2019) think that Georgia should not have good neighborly relations with Russia without de-occupation. 39%, despite the occupation (5% less than last year), believe that Georgia should try to have good relations with Russia. Such a mood of the society is not a good background for a big pro-Russian turnaround. Clearly, those who do not like the results of the research can as usual say that they do not trust the results of the research, but it doesnt take a survey to clear that the pro-Russian mood in the society does not dominate.Prime Minister Gakharia's speech in parliament and subsequent debates captured two diametrically opposed images of the state of Georgia. According to Gakharia, Georgia is successfully coping with the epidemic and the economy is starting to work, and according to the anti-crisis 6-month program, the population will also receive assistance. The opposition sees the start of the pre-election campaign by the Georgian Dream in the government's anti-crisis program.Gakharia has been widely criticized. Bringing one quote is enough to show the picture. The Prime Minister came to the parliament empty-handed and empty-pocket. None of his words we heard here are trustworthy. Georgia is the only country in the world that has not helped its citizens with a single cent during the pandemic, said one of the UNM leaders Roman Gotsiridze.According to the opposition, the country is facing the most difficult problems and the government cannot solve them. They included under-18s and elderly people, those with illnesses, and tourists who had been stuck there. Upon arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, all the passengers and flight crew underwent health checks and were put into quarantine in line with Vietnams regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control. Based on citizens wishes, the local quarantine capacity, as well as the pandemics developments, authorities and airlines will continue to conduct flights to repatriate more Vietnamese citizens in the time ahead. For scammers, it's open season on your stimulus checks. Bolster, a fraud prevention company, turned up more than 145,000 suspicious domain registrations with the term "stimulus check," according to the firm's first-quarter analysis of phishing and online fraud. The federal government has issued 159 million so-called Economic Impact Payments to individuals, totaling close to $267 billion, since the program opened in mid-April, according to June 3 data from the Treasury Department and the IRS. Based on their adjusted gross income for either 2018 or 2019, individuals taxpayers are eligible for up to $1,200, while married couples who file jointly may receive up to $2,400. Households are also eligible for up to $500 per qualifying child under age 17. Rip-off artists tend to follow the money and the news. Consider that back in January, some 3,142 phishing and counterfeit pages went live every day, Bolster found. That number went to 8,342 phony sites going live each day in March. March 19 when the world was well into a panic over coronavirus was an especially busy day. More than 25,000 phony pages went live that day, the firm found. "There are a bunch of suspicious domains around stimulus checks," said Jason Alafgani, director of marketing at Bolster. These phony sites purport to help people get a hold of the funding they're owed by the federal government, and individuals may unwittingly plug in their personal details. The photo below is an example of a suspicious website, according to Bolster's research. A 23-year-old Afghani national studying at GB Pant University in US Nagar district was booked for allegedly molesting a woman on the university campus on Monday, police said on Tuesday. The accused was booked under IPC Section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) on the complaint of the womans brother. He was presented in a court today (Tuesday), said Ashok Kumar, incharge of Pantnagar police station. According to police, Afghanistan national Kareemullah, who is studying masters in horticulture at the university, has been staying in Shivalik hostel on the campus. Notably, around 50 foreign students are studying in the university and stay in hostels on the campus. Kumar said the accused allegedly molested the 22-year-old woman and a resident of India Colony in Pantnagar on Monday night when she was on a walk near Shivalik hostel after dinner. The accused stopped the woman and molested her besides passing lewd comments. Following this, she informed her brother over phone, who immediately arrived at the spot with his friends and nabbed the accused and handed over him to security officials of the university. On information, police rushed to the spot and took him into custody, said Kumar. In an interview with Al-Monitor published yesterday, the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al-Otaiba said that Israels plans to annex parts of the West Bank will make the region more unstable. We think that kind of decision will only take matters and make what is an unstable region at the moment even more unstable, Otaiba told Andrew Parasiliti in the On the Middle East podcast. The ambassadors comments come as Israel moves toward annexing Jewish settlements in parts of the occupied West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Israels unity government was sworn in last month after months of political squabbling. The coalition gave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the backing to finally pursue his goal of annexation. The West Bank is recognized as occupied by the international community and is currently split between areas controlled by the Israeli military and the Palestinian Authority. Israel plans to start annexation legislation in July. Several Arab countries staunchly oppose the move, including Jordan, which is one of only two Arab states to have formal relations with Israel. Palestinians argue that annexation deprives them of self-determination, while Israel believes the areas that would be annexed are essential for its security. In the interview, Otaiba was not solely pessimistic on the prospects of peace between Israel and the Palestinians. He called US President Donald Trumps peace plan a starting point. The plan accepts some annexation, which the UAE opposes, but also formally endorses a two-state solution and supports negotiations. Otaiba said the negotiations specifically are worth a try. Sit down, give it a try, see if it works, he said, adding, It may or may not produce anything, but we havent seen any negotiations. Otaiba said Jordan in particular would be harmed by annexation. Jordans population largely descends from Palestinians who fled Israel during and after its independence war against Arab states in 1947 and 1948. Many in the country oppose the governments peace treaty with Israel. It will put an incredible amount of political pressure on our friends in Jordan, he said. The UAE does not have formal relations with Israel, although the first-ever direct commercial flight from the UAE to Israel took place last month. Otaibas comments were preceded by criticism of West Bank annexation by the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash, who said Israels goal to incorporate parts of the Palestinian territory will harm peace prospects. Continued Israeli talk of annexing Palestinian lands must stop, Gargash said in a tweet. He continued, Any unilateral Israeli move will be a serious setback for the peace process, undermine Palestinian self determination & constitute a rejection of the international & Arab consensus towards stability & peace. Last year, Gargash criticized comments Netanyahu made about Palestinian citizens of Israel. The comments by Gargash and Otaiba, therefore, represent a potentially ongoing disagreement between the two countries amid their warming in relations. Turkey Hill is expanding its footprint with the purchase of an Arkansas ice cream production facility. The Lancaster County manufacturer of ice cream and drinks announced today it acquired the 100,000 square foot facility in Searcy, Arkansas from Yarnell Ice Cream, LLC, a subsidiary of Schulze & Burch Biscuit Company. The facility manufactures high-quality ice cream and frozen novelty products. Over the last year, Turkey Hill has experienced strong and growing consumer demand nationwide, and the strategic location of this facility will enable us to serve consumers across the United States for years to come, said Tim Hopkins, CEO of Turkey Hill, in a statement. Turkey Hill operates a state-of-the-art facility in Conestoga where it produces ice cream and refrigerated drinks. The facility is powered by 100% renewable energy and sits on 72 acres along the Susquehanna River. In a statement, Turkey Hill said its following up on a previous investment plan announcement, which called for expansion of capacity and personnel, as well as investments across existing production lines and facility enhancements to support its associates. Along with the purchase, Turkey Hill said it has entered into an agreement to continue to produce ice cream for Yarnells. 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. Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: Rajasthan government school teachers have been asked by various district authorities to entertain COVID-19 patients, count stray animals, ensure social distancing during weddings and raise awareness regarding the ongoing locust attack. The bizarre orders were passed last week, leading to a furore among teachers. A video of a teacher performing those duties even went viral. Following an appeal to Minister of State for Education Govind Singh Dotasara, the orders were withdrawn. We have revoked the absurd orders and have also asked officials to not carry out such orders without any written guidelines, Dotasara tweeted. The orders were passed by several sub divisional officers. In one such order, Karauli chief district education officer Ganpat Lal Meena asked a dozen physical education and music teachers in 12 quarantine centres of Mandarayan and Todabhim to teach yoga in the morning and organize activities such as singing and musical performances in the evening. A woman teacher was among the teachers who were asked to entertain the patients in quarantine. They were even asked to make videos of the programmes and send them to additional district education officer Dharam Singh Meena. In a second order issued by the panchayat elementary education officer of Kishanpura in Baran district, a school principal, referring to the orders of the SDO, asked a teacher to ensure social distancing during a village wedding and also ensure that no more than 50 people attended the wedding. The coronavirus pandemic has seen plenty of such orders on the teachers. Earlier, the Dholpur district collector had put teachers on MGNREGA inspection duty. There was also an uproar when the SDO of the Etawah subdivision of Kota asked teachers to join locust control teams. No to such absurd orders Rajasthan Primary and Middle Teachers Association president Shashi Bhushan Sharma, Rajasthan Teachers Union president Ravi Acharya and All-Rajasthan Teachers Union president Ramkrishna Agarawal have appealed to the CM to not put them in such non- teaching activities. The food, clothing and housing sectors are showing positive recovery signs in the weeks following Vietnams easing of Covid-19 restrictions. Japanese fashion brand Uniqlo opened its third store in Vietnam on May 15, less than a month after the country lifted its social distancing campaign in late April, keeping safety advisories in place. The 2,000-meter-square new store is located in one of the busiest malls in Saigon's District 7. The brand used the occasion to introduce a new summer collection. Uniqlo's confidence in the consumption capacity of the Vietnamese market was evidenced in the fact that just three days later, it announced that it would open its fourth store of similar size at the shopping center inside Saigons Landmark 81, Vietnam's the tallest building, on June 5. The recovery signs are also seen in the food sector. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food and food delivery services in March 2020 decreased by 0.43 percent over the previous month but jumped back soon, going up 0.66 percent in April and 0.34 percent in May. The reopening of restaurants and bars are expected to continue helping this group maintain its upward momentum. Morico, a Japanese-style restaurant chain, revealed that its takeaway sales dropped by 50 percent after the outbreak as customers returned to work. They were not dining at home and were coming directly to the restaurant, a representative said. The representative also said that sales at its restaurants in residential complexes had actually increased over the pre-social distancing and business closure period. The outbreak did not significantly affect their group of customers living in luxury apartments. Customers with high paying office jobs showed no change in consumption level compared to pre-pandemic levels. Other industries showing positive recovery signs are home appliances and furniture, predicated on both current and future housing. An upward momentum has been seen in shopping for renovation purposes. The CPI for household appliances and goods in April and May increased by 0.06 percent and 0.05 percent, respectively. On the same day that Uniqlo opened its third store in District 7, May 15, a new showroom of furniture brand Nha Xinh was launched in District 3. Just a week later, another showroom of the brand was opened in Thao Dien, District 2. Mai Do Thuy Dung, CEO of Aka Furniture Group, which owns furniture brands like Nha Xinh, BoConcept, Caliigaris and Bellavita Luxury, said the pandemic has stimulated the desire for home renovation. Even after the outbreak, many people continue wanting to invest more in their homes, giving the furniture industry a welcome boost. Generally upbeat According to a recent report by the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA), artificial intelligence platform SurveySensum, mobile market platform Adtima and market research firm Kantar Worldpanel Vietnam on how Covid-19 has affected the sentiments of consumers and businesses in Vietnam, consumers were less worried about the outbreak than other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The report said that 36 percent of the respondents said they were not worried but a bit more cautious; which was higher than India and Indonesia at 22 percent and 28 percent, respectively. Vietnamese consumers were also more optimistic about the economy's recovery time after the outbreak at an average prediction of two months, while Indians estimated three months and Indonesia, 3.2 months. The Morico representative said they expected clear signs of economic recovery by the end of this year. He said that the pandemic has also prompted a reassessment and adjustment of future plans: "In the past, we were planning to open a franchise restaurant system, but now we are suspending that and just focusing on trying to build a good restaurant." Tom Cruise is pulling all stops to make sure "Mission: Impossible 7" resume filming again this fall. Tom Cruise is pulling all stops to make sure "Mission: Impossible 7" resume filming again this fall. 3 Jun Of all the things we've heard Tom Cruise is planning to do (including that whole flying into space with NASA thing), this is definitely among the more ambitious ones. The Hollywood star is reportedly planning to build a village just so production on "Mission: Impossible 7" can resume. Not just any village, of course. According to The Sun UK, it will be a village free of the COVID-19 outbreak that has forced film productions to be halted since earlier this year. The seventh "Mission: Impossible" itself found its filming plan thwarted in late February when its filming location, Italy, recorded an alarming number of cases. But looks like production is set to begin again soon. Reportedly, the production team is building the COVID-free village on an abandoned RAF site in Oxfordshire, which will house several VIP Winnebago trailers for the cast including Cruise himself to live in. Having their own makeshift village enables the cast and crew to film the movie in a safe bubble, while solving accommodation issues since, as the source revealed, "it is tough to get hotel rooms at the moment." "It will mean some of the world's biggest stars all living together in a posh campsite while working alongside the rest of the team," the unnamed source added. Simon Pegg (L), seen here with Tom Cruise, confirmed that "Mission: Impossible 7" will resume filming in September. Regardless of whether the village rumour is true or not, production on the movie is reportedly set to begin again by this September. This was confirmed by Simon Pegg to Variety, stating that the filming will resume with outdoor shoots first. Pegg, who plays Benji Dunn in the spy franchise, added, "People that are involved in any close proximity stuff, it will have to be determined that they're safe to do that. I don't know what the testing situation is, how that works, or whether they'll be able to be tested regularly." "Mission: Impossible 7" first assistant director Tommy Gormley also earlier stated, "We hope to restart in September. We hope to visit all the countries we planned to. We hope to do a big chunk of it back in the U.K. on the backlot and in the studio." Gormley said on BBC Radio 4's "Today" programme that he was "convinced" the production could meet its target of filming from fall through to next spring, either April or May. If things pan out, "Mission: Impossible 7" won't have to be moved again to a later date and Tom Cruise will be seen leading the movie when it opens in North American cinemas on 19 November 2021. STAMFORD - A vote this week to launch demolition of the old police headquarters went down, so the contaminated 1955 building will remain standing for now. The Board of Representatives overwhelmingly rejected a $135,000 contract to hire an engineering firm to design a plan to safely remove lead plumbing and interior and exterior asbestos, then level the Bedford Street building. Only nine of the 40 representatives supported the contract, even though the board last year approved the demolition as part of a bigger project that built a new police headquarters next door. The demolition is expected to cost more than $3 million, money that representatives said could be better spent on other projects now that the city faces a financial crisis including a budget that just took a massive cut brought on by the coronavirus quarantine. There was little comment Monday night before representatives rejected the contract. The debate happened last week, when the boards Operations Committee talked about the demolition for 2 hours. I voted for this last year because at the time it made sense, Rep Dennis Mahoney, R-20, told the committee. Things are very different this year. The cost of the demolition became a rallying cry for teachers who lobbied the Board of Finance to change its mind about holding the school budget at the same amount in the coming fiscal year as it is now. Finance board members have vowed to not raise taxes on July 1 for Stamford residents facing economic hardship since the quarantine brought business to a standstill in March. Teachers and other union members were left with a choice of forgoing pay raises for two years or triggering potential layoffs and service cuts. Teachers called and emailed finance board members and spoke during their webinars saying the city could put off projects, citing the police headquarters demolition in particular, and use the money for salaries and school programs. Finance Chairman Richard Freedman and other board members explained several times that cities bond for projects and the proceeds go into capital accounts that, by state law, cannot be used to cover operating expenses such as salaries. Rep. Jonathan Jacobson, D-12, chairman of the Operations Committee, said during his meeting that its an understandable question. Like many of you I am getting inundated with a lot of concerned residents, parents, and teachers in particular, Jacobson told fellow committee members. Theyre asking why we are spending this much money to level a building when were talking about layoffs, wage freezes and a whole bunch of other things nobody wants to do. State law does, in fact, prohibit the transfer of municipal funds from capital to operating accounts, Jacobson said, but it does not prohibit the transfer between capital accounts. To spend the demolition money on another project, the mayors office would have to request a transfer and the Board of Finance and Board of Representatives would have to approve it, said Jay Fountain, director of the Office of Policy and Management. It has already been appropriated for the police building demolition, so it would have to be re-appropriated, Fountain said Tuesday. The city has estimated the total cost at $3.3 million, which is sitting in a capital fund, Fountain said. The old building, roughly 50,000 square feet on about an acre, has so much lead in the pipes that the city for years provided officers with bottled water. Signs posted inside warned of asbestos. A year ago police moved into a new $43 million building twice that size, allowing all divisions to consolidate under one roof. During the Operations Committee webinar, City Engineer Lou Casolo said the structure will be an eyesore and prevent the city from capitalizing on a lucrative asset. The tax office assesses the building and land at $8 million to $12 million, Casolo said. Its probably not prudent to have a contaminated, abandoned building in the heart of downtown, Casolo said. But Rep. Nina Sherwood, D-8, said the city has more pressing projects. This COVID crisis could go on for a long time. The economic future of our city at this point is unknown. I would rather put that $3 million toward something the city needs right now, Sherwood said. Cant we sell the police building as is, and instead of getting $8 million to $12 million, we get $5 million to $8 million? Rep. Terry Adams, D-3, said the city should just remove the contaminants. Why not abate it and put it on the market? Adams asked. The quicker we get this on the tax rolls, the better. Rep. Benjamin Lee, D-15, agreed. Lets take the abatement off the purchase price and allow the private market to handle it, Lee said. Rep. Monica DiCostanzo, D-7, chair of the Fiscal Committee, took the minority view. I support this. It could turn into more money for the city, DiCostanzo said. I believe in finishing what we start. Otherwise this will get kicked down the road. But Mondays vote showed that nearly three-quarters of the full board thinks something else should be done with the money. So the demolition project, though it cannot be transformed into teachers salaries, will not happen in the 2020-21 fiscal year that starts July 1. As for the rest of the budget, the finance board cut it by $32.2 million last week. acarella@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2296. Mrs and Mr Kapoor are the quintessential friendly elderly neighbours who exude compassion and warmth. From wishing the morning walkers, feeding stray dogs and participating enthusiastically in all community events, they symbolize the indulgence that grandparents are famous or infamous for. Having worked hard to secure an envious future for their children who now live in New York and Singapore respectively, they were content to spend their silver years in their ancestral home. While loneliness and the occasional inconvenience hassled them sometimes, help and companionship were always forthcoming from the community. A few months ago, a medical episode shattered their peace, but timely intervention saved Mr Kapoor from the eventuality, however, he was confined to his bed for a few weeks. Besides, the current pandemic has completely left the elderly couple at wits end despite their financial resources and has forced them to rethink the choices they have made. Struggling for basics, managing without house help and fretting about handling any medical emergencies have exacerbated their need for safety, wellbeing, and companionship. The Kapoors, however, are not alone in this struggle. They represent about 20 Mn elders who stay alone, and that number will rise exponentially in the next two decades with a majority of them not having access to any form of sustainable income. The good old joint family ecosystem has all but disintegrated exposing the vulnerability of our elderly population. Senior care services in India are still at a nascent stage, but the demand for such services is increasing rapidly. A report by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) suggested that Indias elderly population will grow to 158 Mn by 2025. By the end of the century, seniors will constitute nearly 34 per cent of the total population of the country.1 The upward growth projections of the elderly population signify the untapped market potential that this segment holds. As a services sub-sector, senior care can become a major contributor to Indias economic growth in the next few decades. Reshaping the future of senior living in India While several elderly care facilities in different shapes and forms exist in the country, it is at best a fragmented ecosystem. It is both urgent and imperative that we focus on the fundamentals that facilitate the establishment and flourishing of a sustainable ecosystem. With declining fertility and improvement in life expectancy, the elderly population will see a rapid rise in the next few decades. As the current discourse is centred more around taking advantage of its demographic dividend, it is also important to take necessary steps to ensure the wellbeing and comfortable living of the elderly population and identify possible areas to derive economic value out of this segment. Here are a few steps to reshape senior living in India in the post-Covid-19 world: Sectoral status for Senior Care As the first step, we need to recognize senior/elder care as a sector with appropriate regulations, policy support, tax structures, availability of subsidized financing and appropriate governance mechanisms including but not limited to a separate ministry. India has long cared for its elders with constitutional mandates to support the elderly populations. Besides, India also has a National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) announced in 1999 much before its global peers started taking elderly populations seriously. Additionally, adoption of best practices from countries like Japan who have found elegant solutions on how to address pain points of an ageing population can aid the transformation of the senior care segment into a sector. Niti Aayog is best placed to lead this transformation with the help of the existing industry players. Sustainable income for elders Given the shift in life expectancy but no change in retirement age, it is important to create sustainable incomes to fund the silver years of the elders. As the idea of senior care finds wider acceptance and adoption in India, financial stability will be crucial to afford these services. Appropriate financial instruments, insurance policies, to cover - health at home, rehabilitation and senior home expenses can provide adequate financial support to the elders. This will not only give the segment a boost but also attract investors including patient capital from pension funds and developed countries. Increased investment will create a competitive environment and would provide prospective customers with multiple options to choose from at affordable rates. Quality standards for care homes Unlike the West, quality and safety of senior living facilities remain a challenge in India with a major impact on consumer decisions. Establishing and implementing quality and certification standards across elderly care facilities will be key to ensuring adherence to minimum standards of safety, and security of elders. As India seeks to unlock the senior care market, adequate measures to ensure their safety and wellbeing will need to be put in place to drive demand and growth for the segment. With increased regulatory and policy support from the government and investment from private sector entities, the senior care segment could emerge as a sunrise industry for India. Skilled caregivers Ensuring availability of skilled caregivers including fostering community care models will be important to provide quality services to seniors. Further, establishing geriatric care as a vertical both in nursing and medicine to address the varied healthcare needs of elders will ensure a healthy living environment for them. Asha workers and social workers can be trained at district and block levels to meet the need for a skilled workforce. And, after much deliberation and discussion with their children, Mrs and Mr Kapoor decided to move into a senior living facility in their town. Life will be different in their new home where they will have the constant company of their peers, access to a variety of community events, workshops, and geriatric care. 1 https://india.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/India%20Ageing%20Report%20-%202017%20%28Final%20Version%29.pdf The author is CEO and MD at Antara Senior Living Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 02:35:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Children are seen on a street in Tunis, Tunisia, on June 3, 2020. Lobna Jribi, Tunisian minister in charge of major national projects, announced on Wednesday the main lines of the third phase of the national strategy for partially lifting the coronavirus lockdown. "From June 4, work will resume at 100 percent capacity in public administrations and in the other sectors of activity," Jribi said at a press briefing at the government's headquarters in Tunis. As of Wednesday, Tunisia has reported one imported COVID-19 case, bringing the total number of cases to 1,087. (Photo by Adel Ezzine/Xinhua) TUNIS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian minister in charge of major national projects Lobna Jribi announced on Wednesday the main lines of the third phase of the national strategy for partially lifting the coronavirus lockdown. "From June 4, work will resume at 100 percent capacity in public administrations and in the other sectors of activity," Jribi said at a press briefing at the government's headquarters in Tunis. She announced that mosques, all worship places, hotels and restaurants will reopen on June 4. "Party halls will reopen on the same date," said the minister, adding that the enclosed spaces will operate at 50 percent of their capacity, and the open spaces will operate at full capacity, but in compliance with hygiene measures. Various sporting activities will be resumed from June 8 without the public "for the moment," while respecting the preventive measures fixed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Travel between all Tunisian governorates will resume without authorization, said Jribi. Tunisian nationals abroad will be repatriated from June 4 to June 14, "and priority will be given to students and residents who have lost their jobs." "Since March 15, 2020, Tunisian authorities have managed to ensure the repatriation of 25,000 Tunisians stranded abroad, including 18,000 by air and 7,000 via land borders," said the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Anouar Maarouf, at a press briefing held in Tunis on Wednesday. Maarouf said that several flights have been scheduled recently to repatriate Tunisians living in various countries who wish to spend the summer holidays in Tunisia. "However the programming of new repatriation flights does not mean opening the borders," explained Maarouf. He stressed that any Tunisian national repatriated will be called upon to comply with a mandatory confinement of two weeks; "one week at the hotel at his own expense, during which two screening tests will be carried out, with one upon arrival and the other upon exit, and a second week at his home." Students, employees whose contract of employment has expired, Tunisian nationals in difficult financial situations, and those who have been stranded in the destination countries will be exempted from the quarantine fees. On May 26, Mohamed Rabhi, head of the health quarantine commission at the ministry revealed that mandatory quarantine in Tunisian medical centers over the COVID-19 concerns has so far cost the state 15 million dinars (5 million U.S. dollars). On June 1, Tunisia decided to reopen the land, air and sea borders from June 27, but Tunisian nationals abroad will be repatriated from June 4. As of Wednesday, Tunisia has reported one imported COVID-19 case, bringing the total number of cases to 1,087. The Tunisian government has imposed strict confinement measures shortly after the announcement of the first coronavirus case on March 2. The North African country has received several batches of medical aid from the Chinese government, Chinese foundations and companies since late March to help its fight against the pandemic. WASHINGTON - The scenes have been disturbingly familiar to CIA analysts accustomed to monitoring scenes of societal unraveling abroad - the massing of protesters, the ensuing crackdowns and the awkwardly staged displays of strength by a leader determined to project authority. In interviews and posts on social media in recent days, current and former U.S. intelligence officials have expressed dismay at the similarity between events at home and the signs of decline or democratic regression they were trained to detect in other countries. "I've seen this kind of violence," said Gail Helt, a former CIA analyst responsible for tracking developments in China and Southeast Asia. "This is what autocrats do. This is what happens in countries before a collapse. It really does unnerve me." Helt, now a professor at King University in Tennessee, said the images of unrest in U.S. cities, combined with President Donald Trump's incendiary statements, echo clashes she covered over a dozen years at the CIA tracking developments in China, Malaysia and elsewhere. Other former CIA analysts and national security officials rendered similarly troubled verdicts. Marc Polymeropoulos, who formerly ran CIA operations in Europe and Asia, was among several former agency officials who recoiled at images of Trump hoisting a Bible in front of St. John's Episcopal Church after authorities fired rubber bullets and tear gas to clear the president's path of protesters. "It reminded me of what I reported on for years in the third world," Polymeropoulos said on Twitter. Referring to the despotic leaders of Iraq, Syria and Libya, he said: "Saddam. Bashar. Qaddafi. They all did this." The impression Trump created was only reinforced by others in the administration. Defense Secretary Mark Esper urged governors to "dominate the battlespace" surrounding protesters as if describing U.S. cities as a foreign war zone. Later, as military helicopters hovered menacingly over protesters, Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, toured the streets of the nation's capital in his battle fatigue uniform. "As a former CIA officer, I know this playbook," Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., said in a tweet. Before her election to Congress last year, she worked at the agency on issues including terrorism and nuclear proliferation. One U.S. intelligence official even ventured into downtown Washington on Monday evening, as if taking measure of the street-level mood in a foreign country. "Things escalated quickly," said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing the sensitive nature of his job. He emphasized that he went as a concerned citizen, not in any official capacity. After seeing tear gas canisters underfoot, he said he "knew it was time to go" and departed. Former intelligence officials said the unrest and the administration's militaristic response are among many measures of decay they would flag if writing assessments about the United States for another country's intelligence service. They cited the country's struggle to contain the coronavirus, the president's attempt to pressure Ukraine for political favors, his attacks on the news media and the increasingly polarized political climate as other signs of dysfunction. Trump supporters have defended his handling of the unrest, and his trip across Lafayette Square as a display of the strength needed to restore order in dozens of cities where protests have led to looting, fires and violence. Former Wisconsin governor Scott Walker, a Republican, said it was "hard to imagine" any other president "having the guts to walk out of the White House like this." But there were also indications that senior members of the administration were uncomfortable with the president's outing and eager to minimize their role in it. A senior Pentagon official said Tuesday that neither Esper nor Milley knew when they set out to accompany Trump that police were about to charge through seemingly docile protesters or that they would find themselves playing supporting roles in a photo op. Even away from the cameras, Trump has assiduously cultivated the aura of a strongman. Earlier Monday, he had chided governors as "weak" for failing to employ adequate force in the face of mounting protests. "If you don't dominate, you're wasting your time," Trump said. He offered no words on how to ease tensions in crowds that have massed largely in anger over the death of George Floyd, an African American man who was killed while being pinned to the ground, a knee against his neck, by police in Minneapolis. Brett McGurk, a former top U.S. envoy to the Middle East who spent two years in the Trump administration, said the president's words - recorded by participants and shared with news organizations - would only embolden the world's autocrats and undermine U.S. authority. "The imagery of a head of state in a call with other governing officials saying 'dominate the streets, dominate the battlespace' - these are iconic images that will define America for some time," said McGurk, who led U.S. diplomatic efforts to counter the Islamic State terrorist group. "It makes it much more difficult for us to distinguish ourselves from other countries we are trying to contest" or influence, he said. In recent years, U.S. officials have urged restraint or denounced crackdowns against protesters or vulnerable groups in Russia, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Syria and other countries. Even this week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lectured China about its efforts to prevent citizens of Hong Kong from holding a vigil to mark the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests. "If there is any doubt about Beijing's intent, it is to deny Hong Kongers a voice and a choice," Pompeo said in a statement that was met with derision on Twitter because it coincided with Trump-urged crackdowns in the United States. The seeming hypocrisy in the U.S. position has not been lost on foreign targets of American pressure or criticism. Ramzan Kadyrov, a Chechen leader previously sanctioned by the United States for alleged human rights abuses, said Tuesday that he was "watching with horror the situation in the United States, where the authorities are maliciously violating ordinary citizens' rights," according to reports from Moscow. - - - The Washington Post's Julie Tate contributed to this report. LAS VEGAS (AP) A police officer was hospitalized on life support after being shot during a protest on the Las Vegas Strip and a man with multiple firearms was fatally shot in a separate overnight encounter with law enforcement officers outside a federal building, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said Tuesday. The wounded officer was in grave condition and a suspect in the late Monday night shooting was taken into custody in the shooting late Monday night. Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo said. Lombardo said the officer was shot as bottles and rocks were thrown at police who were trying to disperse a crowd outside the Circus Circus hotel and casino. Officers were attempting to get some of the protesters in custody when a shot rang out, our officer went down, Lombardo told reporters. In a separate incident, police and federal officers posted outside the federal building late Monday shot a man several times as he reached for a firearm, Lombardo said. The man, who died, appeared to be wearing body armor and had multiple firearms. Crowds have been protesting for days in Las Vegas and across the country over the death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, who was seen on video pleading that he couldnt breathe with a white police officer pressing his knee into his neck for several minutes before he stopped moving. Lombardo could not confirm that the man shot by officers was involved in the protest but said that the location of the shooting would lead one to believe that he was. He was obviously an open carry individual, Lombardo said. The shooting of the officer and of the man with body armor carrying firearms were under investigation, Lombardo said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 ADEN, Yemen, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its first presence on the ground in Yemen in May 2018, SDRPY has tackled health, environmental and other crises with development projects and initiatives in cooperation with the Yemeni government and local authorities, sharing experiences with relevant international and local organizations to arrive at best practices of direct benefit to the Yemeni citizen. With needs in Yemen now increasing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, SDRPY continues its operations. SDRPY projects are helping to raise health and environmental standards and limit the spread of coronavirus, providing modern laboratory equipment to hospitals and medical centers and securing medicines and supplies. Projects supporting Yemen's health sector, the first line of defense against the pandemic, also build the capacity of Yemenis to provide medical care to their countrymen. SDRPY has made it possible for medical services to reach patients in need in remote areas, not just cities. Projects on islands and in rural and remote districts have facilitated access to medical treatment for all, including patients who have never even had access to such services before. Anticipating the first registered case of COVID-19 in Yemen, SDRPY launched a prevention and sterilization campaign with the Yemeni Ministry of Health and the Cleaning Fund in Hadhramaut Governorate. This involved spraying and sterilizing public places, markets and residential areas, and in cities on the coast, beginning with Mukalla. Medical projects in Socotra include the rehabilitation and equipment of the Maternity and Child Care Center, Nogid Health Center and Amadhen Health Center, and the design of the 9,000-square-meter Socotra Hospital with 95 beds. In Al-Mahra Governorate, the program has built and equipped a kidney dialysis center and established an ICU and operation building at Al-Ghaydah Central Hospital. SDRPY's work in Aden includes equipping the dialysis center, providing a desalination plant and medical equipment at the Republican Hospital, rehabilitating Aden General Hospital and establishing the Cardiology Center. In Hajjah Governorate, the program has furnished and equipped the health center on Al-Fasht Island and provided a fully equipped ambulance in Hayran. Hadhramaut has received 5 modern ambulances, and in Marib Governorate, intensive care centers have been equipped by SDRPY and ambulances supplied to Kara General Hospital, 26th of September Hospital and Marib Authority Hospital. In the temporary capital of Aden, accumulated waste had caused the spread of disease. SDRPY responded by intervening with machinery and equipment for waste removal via a plan devised with civil society and official municipal bodies. In the first month of the 'Beautiful Aden' campaign, now in the second phase of its 3-month duration, 222% of the total waste expected to be cleared during phase one was removed. The campaign served 120,155 direct and 341,744 indirect beneficiaries in the governorate and exceeded its established targets by removing 21,755 cubic meters of waste that had piled up in Aden's streets and neighborhoods. The expected goal had been to remove 9,000 cubic meters. SDRPY projects also contribute to reducing the risks associated with using unclean water and preventing certain diseases, including cholera. SDRPY continues to provide water tankers, dig wells and develop the water sector with a multitude of projects, thus confronting the threat of COVID-19 and other epidemics and disease. Through its agriculture and fisheries projects, SDRPY has mitigated the impact of the current crisis on families and communities in Yemen by bolstering food production. The program has helped strengthen food security, build capacity and raise efficiency in local communities, making them more resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic. Crucially, SDRPY takes climate-based crises in Yemen into consideration as part of its crisis and emergency response plan. The program confronts these crises to facilitate development work, standing with Yemenis in the affected provinces who fall victim to climate-related hazards. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1176292/SDRPY_visiting_patient.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1176293/Beautiful_Aden_workers.jpg Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 23, 2020 | GRAVES COUNTY By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 23, 2020 | 10:08 PM | GRAVES COUNTY The Graves County Clerk's Office is once again reminding residents about the voting process for the upcoming Primary Election on June 23. Graves County Clerk Kim Gills said the Graves County Board of Elections had to change the voting process due to Gov. Andy Beshear's Executive Order on April 24. The changes are due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Gills said each registered voter in Graves County should have received a postcard from the Kentucky State Board of Elections with instructions on how to apply for a by-mail, paper absentee ballot at GOVOTEKY.com. Gills said the by-mail, paper absentee ballot election process will potentially reduce exposure to the COVID-19 virus for both voters and precinct workers. In-person absentee voting will be located at the Graves County Clerk's Office inside the Graves County Courthouse. Voting there will start on June 8, and run through June 22, by appointment only. Call the clerk's office to make an appointment. In-person voting on June 23 will take place at Graves County High School from 6:00 am-6:00 pm. There will be no other precinct locations used on June 23. Gills said CDC guidelines on social distancing will be posted. Anyone with questions is urged to contact the Graves County Clerk's Office. Although lockdown measures are starting to ease down across the UK, the battle against COVID-19 is far from being won yet. Spearheading the fight is the NHS and a relentless army of key workers who are keeping the country ticking. Supporting this endeavour are CIOs delivering digital solutions at a critical time. In Northern Ireland, Dan West, Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO) at the Department of Health Northern Ireland, is going beyond his remit of IT leadership and digital solutions in healthcare to focus on the COVID-19 challenge. Before joining the Department of Health in Northern Ireland, West was Director at NHS Digital, the national provider of information, data and IT systems for commissioners, analysts, and clinicians in health and social care in England, and prior to that he was a Managing Director in the Healthcare part of Accenture, the global professional and technology services company. In this interview, West spoke to CIO UK about how he and his team are overcoming the obstacles brought about by the pandemic within the Department of Health Northern Ireland. Below is an edited transcript of that conversation, for clarity and brevity. [More lessons from the NHS: Find here how NHS Digital is meeting COVID-19 cybersecurity challenges and how NHS CIOs are confronting confronting the pandemic.] CIO UK: As Chief Digital Information Officer for Health and Care in Northern Ireland, how are you and your team supporting medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic? Dan West (DW): The Health and Social Care digital response to the pandemic in Northern Ireland has included five main strategic goals, including mobilising the workforce; enabling locations and capacity; informing and supporting the public; developing data and insights; and supporting vulnerable people. CIO UK: Can you explain each of the five main strategic goals in more detail? DW: We are mobilising the workforce though the delivery of more devices and upgrading central infrastructure and systems to allow staff members to work remotely, including things like VPN firewalls and increased usage of tele and video conferencing services. This has been challenging due to our starting point around 80 percent of our roughly 45,000 machines are workstations and the rapidly increasing demands of the system (which include Business Continuity for critical resources prior to the Prime Ministers announcement of the stay at home policy, along with orders of magnitude more requirements for laptops and tablets subsequently). We are now looking at how cloud technologies might accelerate how we meet the wider mobilisation requirements and prepare ourselves for the next wave of the pandemic. By enabling locations and capacity, I mean that we are supporting Health and Social Care organisations to equip existing locations handling COVID-19 patients and new locations and facilities to increase capacity and support staff. This includes the use of Nightingale locations for increased acute beds, supporting the fit-out of MOT test centres and drive-in locations for virology testing. We are also enabling increased access to relevant patient information for elective work being carried out by independent sector hospitals. We are informing and supporting the public by providing a more modern user experience for information about the pandemic and triage support and reducing the burden on front line staff through telephone and digital channels where possible. Through developing data and insights, we are gaining understanding the flow of information within and across the Health and Social Care sector, providing consistent access and tool sets for analysts and supporting operations and planning for the pandemic response. Last but not least, we are supporting vulnerable people by building datasets and digital solutions to help vulnerable patients receive the best care, while reducing burden on acute facilities. Were working with partners across government to look after the shielded population. CIO UK: Can you share any specific examples of what you have been doing so far? DW: We havent historically had a single helpline number for citizens to call to interact with Health and Care services. England, Scotland and Wales all have variations on the 111 theme, but this hadnt been adopted in Northern Ireland. As part of the pandemic response weve set up the 111 COVID-19 helpline for the Northern Irish public to use for questions and to reduce some of the traffic that would have resulted in a telephone call with GP or GP Out of Hours. Weve also created a region-wide mobile app [COVID-19 NI], a first for the Health and Social Care system here. The helpline receives thousands of calls each day from worried citizens, and the mobile app has been downloaded around 48,000 times. It has strong approval ratings from users and is used several thousand times per day with hundreds of specific questions posed to the COVID-19 NI advice and guidance chat bot. As demand for frontline services increases throughout the peak of the pandemic, we are striving to improve the helpline and the mobile app so that more members of the public in Northern Ireland can find the vital information they need, without having to reach-out to front line Health and Care workers for help. In Northern Ireland, we have a number of existing, region-wide data resources, including regional data warehouses and information analysis for statutory reporting. While paying appropriate attention to data privacy regulations, we have been able to enhance the centralised information and provide a cloud-based reporting service that will provide a wider array of organisations with improved access to COVID-19 data for dashboard, analysis, and modelling purposes. Another first in the region. CIO UK: What are the greatest challenges for the NHS in Northern Ireland, as opposed to the rest of the UK, and how are you overcoming them? DW: Operationally, the ability to mobilise the workforce has been one of the biggest challenges in the beginning. The governments decision for non-essential workers to stay at home meant that a large number of non-frontline workers needed to access systems, and our infrastructure needed to be extended. This is not isolated to Northern Ireland, but progress made in other jurisdictions around the shift to cloud technologies, like Microsoft Office 365 and Teams, meant other regions found it slightly easier to scale their systems for the sharp increase. Also, historically, the approach taken to primary care in and out-of-hours services in Northern Ireland meant the idea of a region-wide helpline and digital self-triage facility was new for us. The national approaches managed by colleagues in Westminster to establish national COVID-19 virological testing capacity is resulting in some rapid activity around data matching and communication. In the secondary care space, prior to the pandemic, we were on the brink of commencing a very large electronic medical records (EMRs) transformation programme that would replace an array of legacy systems with an integrated platform. The main challenge here is that we wish that the pandemic had come after wed delivered that programme. Other non-digital factors, like staffing and vacancy levels, meant that we had to work quickly to bring on board new resources. CIO UK: Are you collaborating with the health services in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) to overcome these challenges and fight the pandemic more effectively? DW: Yes, we have had sharing of information with colleagues in the Department of Health in Dublin. The triage app was something that we collaborated on from the outset and the excellent work that has been done to establish on the RoI contact tracing service will become particularly relevant and interesting as we shift from the current lock-down phase into the later stages where rapid detection and reaction to outbreaks will be a big factor in saving lives. As we go forwards, the plans around digital proximity for democratising contact tracing will need particular alignment between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, partly given that Flybe is no longer operating into and out of Belfast. The North-South movement of the virus may be more of a concern than the East-West movement. CIO UK: Are you partnering with any vendors or tech providers in relation to any of these COVID-19 related projects? DW: Yes, the response from the technology industry has been absolutely fantastic. Vendors big and small have offered products and services, sometimes temporarily free of charge, during the pandemic. In the vast majority of cases this is with a genuine goal to helping in difficult times, rather than just a sales opportunity. We have partnered with Civica for development of the COVID-19 NI smartphone app and a design agency in Belfast called BigMotive to do the user research, engagement and testing, and app design. Weve been working with one of the Trusts that had already established a Microsoft Azure tenancy. The Trust along with partners from EY and Microsoft have been absolutely critical in getting the PowerBI based analytics platform established. CIO UK: Are you working with other NHS CIOs to offer a co-ordinated response during the pandemic? DW: Yes, we are staying connected across the other devolved administrations, sharing learnings and challenges directly with Scotland and Wales and via colleagues at NHSx who are facilitating across the UK. We are connected to NHSx, NHS Digital, Public Health England and NHS England in relation to product and service development. We have been supported by Gartner in getting connected to the IT leadership of the worst hit areas in Northern Italy to build a view on what lies ahead for Northern Ireland. CIO UK: Would you like to offer any other insights that you think might be useful to CIO UK readers in relation to the work you are doing at the moment? DW: Things are now starting to stabilise in the current phase of the pandemic, so we are turning our attention to enabling the recovery strategy, accelerating the safe return to normal for people in Northern Ireland. This means building operational and digital services to rapidly identify and react to individual infections and regional outbreaks, reducing the rate of infections to slow or stop the spread of the virus and reducing and delaying the next epidemic wave. Our focus is on the various digital interventions to support easement of social distancing measures, including things like the data architecture for multiple sources of testing capacity and use of digital tools in proximity and contact tracing to support the transition to containment phase. We need members of the public to continue to observe current social distancing measures and really engage with the digital tools that we will make available to help citizens to get back to work and normal life. Awareness of contact tracing is increasing, with the public and media discussion focusing on the importance of contact and proximity history for COVID-19. Contact tracing is a permanent and ongoing fixture within public health, with a number of infectious diseases subject to tracing every day, for example meningitis. The idea of a contact tracing app, which is receiving media and political focus, is a technique to accelerate the identification of contacts. The governments ability to step-down current lockdown arrangements and societys ability to keep the infection rate low and our people safe, will be greatly supported by wide engagement and adoption of the digital tools. It will be critical to get the current information governance, privacy and human rights concerns handled quickly, given the potential positive impact that the digital tools could have on the speed with which we can ramp-down restrictions. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Protesters in Kalamazoo pleaded with police to join them but the crowd was ultimately tear gassed when they refused to disperse after the 7 p.m. curfew. The protesters gathered on Michigan Avenue near Park Street Tuesday, June 2, against a police barricade of Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Michigan State Police and the Michigan National Guard. KDPS Assistant Chief Vernon Coakley Jr. and City Manager Jim Ritsema spoke with protesters and urged them to go home for about 40 minutes after the curfew took effect. Today as a community, we want to hear your voice in a safe space, Coakley said. Related: Police deploy tear gas on protesters in downtown Kalamazoo Chief Karianne Thomas announced the curfew at a press conference earlier Tuesday after businesses and storefronts in downtown Kalamazoo were damaged overnight Monday. The late-night vandalism followed an evening of peaceful protests along Michigan Avenue. The Michigan National Guard was deployed to help barricade roads and enforce the curfew. The group of about 100 people in Kalamazoo were protesting against police brutality. Protests across the nation were sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis after being restrained by a white police officer. The officer, who was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, knelt on Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes after putting him in handcuffs. Prosecute killer cops, one protesters sign read. The protesters chanted Floyds name and said they werent seeking violence but wanted peace with the officers. They criticized city leaders for employing military vehicles and police in riot gear while the crowd protested and at some points knelt or stood silently. Walk with us, the protesters said. Put down your weapons. Related: My heart was wrenched with pain, assistant chief says of ordering tear gas on protesters After the 7 p.m. curfew took effect, Coakley spoke with protesters multiple times and urged them to go home. He said he supported their message but the work to fix the system cant be done in one night and that police must enforce the curfew. The assistant police chief and city manager eventually knelt with protesters and unsuccessfully asked the crowd to join them in walking out of the street. Black lives do matter, said Coakley, who is black. I stand with you." Coakley felt awful using tear gas against the protesters but that police had a curfew to enforce, he said in an interview with MLive after the protest. Those people, that community was peaceful. They wanted to be heard," Coakley said. I dont want to do that. I dont want anyone to be fearful of my profession. That hurt. Protesters said the officers were racist and upholding racist systems by dismantling the protest rather than joining them to stand against police brutality. How do you stand at attention and not pay attention? one protester asked the line of police. Say youre racist. Youre on the wrong side of history," another protester said. Coakley said he believes the officers involved in Floyds death are criminals and that he is angry alongside the protests for what happened in Minneapolis. The assistant chief said he cant order officers to kneel with protesters and laying down weapons is not the duty of the officers. Shortly after Coakley finished speaking with protesters, state troopers with bicycles, helmets and padding replaced the uniformed troopers on West Michigan Avenue, facing the protesters. Similar troopers with bicycles were deployed Monday evening in Grand Rapids to disperse protesters after the curfew went into effect. But as protesters continued to stand defiant to police, officers ultimately fired multiple rounds of tear gas and mace pellets toward the crowd of people. The line of police then walked west on Michigan Avenue, pushing the crowd south through parking lots and ultimately dispersing them near Westnedge Avenue. Police then returned to the barricade at Michigan Avenue and continued directing traffic away from downtown. The curfew is in effect until 5 a.m. Wednesday. More on MLive: Protesters cause chaos overnight in downtown Kalamazoo Outside agitators forced officers to deploy tear gas, pepper spray in Kalamazoo, police say Kalamazoo city leaders met with protesters, who demanded answers about public safetys use of force Chief explains use of crowd management team at Kalamazoo protests Silent protesters hold demonstration in Kalamazoo Throngs crowd downtown Kalamazoo from days second protest TDT | Manama International recording artist, executive producer, and composer Veronica Vitale recently released a version of her original song Hymn to Humanity that brought together 250 voices from every nation in the world, including Bahrain. Entitled the Worldwide Choir Special Edition, the project was created as a response to coronavirus (COVID-19) isolation and quarantine, and participants sing in different languages with various music genres. Representing the Kingdom was Bahraini Mahmood Al Haiki. I am so proud of being able to participate in this project and to represent Bahrain, he told TDT. Also known as The Warrior of the Light, Veronica is renowned for her unique style which experiments between pop and electronic music, giving rise to her ground-breaking and unique Liquid sound, which has been described as genre-defying. Veronica labels herself as a global citizen, a lover and observer of languages, and an avid traveller. A native of Boscoreale in Italy, she moved to Germany in 2010 to release her debut album Nel mio bosco Reale, meaning Throughout my Royal Grove. She later moved to the US, where she currently resides and records her music. In an exclusive interview with TDT, Veronica talks about the Worldwide Choir Special Edition of Hymn to Humanity, and her life as a recording artist. Where did the idea to create Hymn to Humanity come from, and who/what inspired you? The world, as we know it, is changing. I think in this period of time in history, for the first time, no matter how strong of a believer you are, God needs to feel that our faith for Him is strong. And thats how I created my prayer. Thats the way I felt. How long did it take you to reach out to all the artists who contributed to Hymn to Humanity? Ive never done a call for artists before, but it took me two days to contact everyone. We had 750 submissions and 250 voices performing in the choir, in their own languages. The project is built on the idea of together at home, and we got it done in seven days. We really pulled off a miracle! How did you manage to create this piece of art during isolation and quarantine? Yes, it was very difficult to do everything far away from our studio in Los Angeles, California. But my team is made of 88 keysmy piano. My team is always with me. I believe that you dont need a whole crew to get the work done. When there is a will, there is a way! Childhood favourite artists/inspirations? What was it about them that you liked so much? Avril Lavine, Nickelback, Metallica and Freddie Mercury are some of my favourites. Because we have the same attitude towards music and towards art. I would never like to lip sync my songs and, like my inspirations, I believe that a performance should be something real. An explosion of energy, a vortex that you cant stop or fake. You cannot fake music! What keeps you motivated to keep discovering unique art? I studied system theory and system science and I know how to move around it. Thats how I created my unique liquid music genre. I needed a wider space to express my ideas. When I look back at my career, I realise that despite the people who criticised, stopped or ignored me, the pain I went through and the sacrifices I made led me to success. My father as well, has been a support throughout. What would you title the current chapter of your life? I would call this the dream chapter. Because after a long path, a long journey of pain and rebirth, I am now at this stage in life where I can be exactly what I wanted to be when I was 11 years old. I used to look at myself into the mirror and see through the eyes of that little girl, the woman I am today. And I am happy because now I can make those dreams possible. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has condemned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's failure to call out the "reprehensible" actions of U.S. President Donald Trump as protests escalate over anti-black racism. Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet said Trudeau "needs a spine" and should show more courage in the face of aggressive actions by a U.S. leader that are fuelling chaos on the country's streets. Blanchet said the prime minister is "more inclined" to accuse Canadians of being racist than to "accuse Donald Trump of being incendiary and provoking serious social tensions." "Mr. Trudeau is much more inclined to accuse us collectively of all the vices," the Bloc leader said. "His silence reveals hypocrisy," Singh said during a news conference in Ottawa this morning. WATCH | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pauses when asked about Trump's response to protests: When asked Tuesday to comment on Trump's threat to use military force against protesters demonstrating against the death of African American George Floyd in police custody, Trudeau paused for 21 seconds before giving a carefully worded response. He avoided criticizing the president directly, instead speaking more broadly of social "injustices." WATCH | Jagmeet Singh says what Trump is doing 'is wrong and needs to be called out': "We all watch in horror and consternation at what is going on in the United States," he said. "It is a time to pull people together.... It is a time to listen. It is a time to learn, when injustices continue despite progress over years and decades." Singh said that's not good enough. He said for too long people have been "passive bystanders," enabling hate and racism to flourish. People in positions of power, such as the prime minister, must lead by example, he said. "The prime minister of Canada has to call out the hatred and racism happening just south of the border, and if the prime minister can't do that, how can everyday people be expected to stand up?" Singh said. Story continues Singh said Trump's actions are "reprehensible" and are inflaming tensions in the United States. Other NDP MPs went further in their rhetoric. "Twenty seconds of silence? Trump is a fascist with ties to the KKK. Call his actions out Justin Trudeau and Chrystia Freeland," Winnipeg MP Leah Gazan tweeted. "Trump is a fascist and a racist and he must be called out. Speak up," Northern Manitoba MP Niki Ashton tweeted. (Trump has called the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), white supremacists and neo-Nazis "criminals and thugs" and "repugnant.") The NDP, a social democratic party, has long been critical of Trudeau's handling of the Trump relationship. Speaking in March 2016 ahead of the last presidential election, then leader Thomas Mulcair said Trudeau has been weak in the face of a "fascist." "Donald Trump is a fascist. Let's not kid ourselves, let's not beat around the bush," Mulcair said in an address to party staff. "I'm sorry, if a fascist becomes president of the United States, I want to be on record as having opposed it long before that election." Trudeau was 'excellent and eloquent': Freeland Trudeau has long been hesitant to wade into domestic U.S. politics or condemn Trump's more controversial remarks. Trump has been known to lash out at his critics and Trudeau has tried to maintain a diplomatic relationship with the leader of Canada's largest trading partner a country Canada depends on for critical supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic. In defence of the prime minister Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Trudeau's answer to the Trump question was "excellent and eloquent." "I think that most important response of any Canadian political leader has to be to understand our own responsibility for what happens here in our own country," she said. WATCH | U.S. President Donald Trump says tougher response to protests is needed: Blanchet said other world leaders "demonstrated more courage than Mr. Trudeau" in condemning Trump's actions Tuesday while Trudeau offered platitudes about anti-black racism. What Trudeau offered was "20 seconds of carefully meditated silence, strategic silence," he said a reference to Trudeau's long pause. "He didn't have the courage to say the president of the United States is once again throwing oil on a dangerous fire against people, most of them in a peaceful fashion, who express sadness, indignation, sorrow, anger, all of that being entirely legitimate," Blanchet said. WATCH | Yves-Francois Blanchet reacts to Trudeau's 21 seconds of silence: Green Party Leader Elizabeth May said she's not prepared to criticize the prime minister and Freeland for their silence on Trump's threat to call out the military to restore order in America's cities. She said the two depend on a healthy relationship with the Trump administration to negotiate agreements, such as the agreement on managing the border during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the opposition leaders and the government are in "different roles." WATCH | Elizabeth May says she won't criticize Trudeau: She also said she is appalled by Trump. "I want to give the prime minister and the deputy prime minister the space to navigate how they deal with the Trump White House. But, as an individual, as the parliamentary leader for the Green Party, I can't stand by. I think those of us in other countries should speak out," May said. She said the U.S. isn't safe for people of colour and Canada should consider admitting refugees, despite the current policy of not admitting asylum seekers because of pandemic-related public health concerns. More protests calling for justice in the George Floyd's death while in Minneapolis police custody are planned for Wednesday in San Antonio. Organizers are planning a peaceful protest at 3 p.m. at Public Safety Headquarters on Santa Rosa and again at 5:30 p.m at the Bexar County Courthouse. They say the goal is to speak with San Antonio police officials regarding community concerns. (Natural News) Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) charged that Twitter ought to look in the mirror when it comes to inciting violence when they host Antifa and violent Black Lives Matter organizers, according to a copy of his podcast, which Breitbart News exclusively obtained. (Article by Sean Moran republished from Breitbart.com) On Gaetzs podcast, Hot Takes with Matt Gaetz, the Florida populist reacted to Twitter adding a warning label for one of Gaetzs recent tweets for allegedly glorifying violence. On Monday, Gaetz cheered President Donald Trumps designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, to which Twiter claimed that his tweet lauded violence. Gaetz said, Now that we clearly see Antifa as terrorists, can we hunt them down like we do those in the Middle East? Now that we clearly see Antifa as terrorists, can we hunt them down like we do those in the Middle East? Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) June 1, 2020 A Twitter spokesperson told Politico: We have placed a public interest notice on this Tweet from @mattgaetz. The Tweet is in violation of our glorification of violence policy. As is standard with this notice, engagements with the Tweet will be limited. People will be able to Retweet with Comment, but will not be able to Like, Reply or Retweet it. In reaction to the news, Gaetz said on his Hot Takes with Matt Gaetz podcast that he views Twitters warning label as a badge of honor. The Florida congressman said, Well, Ill tell you this: I wear Twitters warning as a badge of honor, and Antifa is a terrorist organization. And, Im not afraid to tell the truth about it, and neither is the Trump administration. These riots, theyre hurting Americans, theyre hurting real people, blue-collar people, people like the folks that I care about, who just want a chance in this country to be successful, and who deserve every right to that success if theyre willing to work hard and play by the rules to achieve it. Gaetz, in a previous podcast released last week, said that is working with Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee to develop legislation that would strip social media giants of their Section 230 legal immunity if they fact check content on their platforms. He continued, Our government should hunt down these Antifa organizers and the organizers of any group that is encouraging violence or harm to our police, to our businesses. And I will not be afraid to continue saying it on Twitter, on this podcast, on television, on every platform that I am able to access, including the floor of the House of Representatives. You know why? Because its true, 100 percent true, that these are organic protests; these are not circumstances where people are simply showing up and then independently all at once deciding to throw things or attack cops or try to create some senseless act of disruption or chaos. No, they know what theyre doing when they go there. Gaetz said that Twitter bears some responsibility for inciting violence when they host violent Black Lives Matter protesters and ISIS extremists. If Twitter wants to criticize me for glorifying violence against terrorists, maybe they ought to look in the mirror at how they contribute to that violence themselves. When Twitter allows radical ISIS extremists access to their platform to spew their hate and their just absolute lust for violence, theyve got some accountability for that. When Twitter allows these Antifa thugs and these Black Lives Matter protesters, who, in many cases are peaceful, who are inciting violence against the cops, when they go and give them a platform, to organize and attack and strategize against the people who uphold our laws, then I think they should be held liable for that. Read more at: Breitbart.com A mother was killed in a horrifying balcony collapse after her colleagues rushed to take a group picture. Cheryl Taylor, 59, died when a balcony at a home in Doncaster, Melbourne's north-east, gave way under the weight of more than 30 Christmas party guests in December 2017. She had been enjoying the Tupperware staff party from a lounge chair in the middle of the balcony with fellow manager Sarah Kajoba, 37, when they plunged 2.7 metres to a paved area below. Cheryl Taylor (pictured right with daughter Melissa left), 59, died when a balcony collapsed at a Christmas party in north-east Melbourne in December 2017 Ms Taylor (pictured) was sitting on a lounge chair in the middle of the deck when around 30 guests and Tupperware colleagues tried to take a group photo and the balcony cracked Guests reported hearing a cracking sound before a 'moment of suspension' when six metre wide section of the balcony broke and when it fell to the ground. Ms Taylor died at the scene while Ms Kajoba was rushed to hospital with catastrophic and ultimately fatal injuries. Ms Taylor's daughter Melissa posted a photo of them to Facebook and paid tribute to her mother, captioning it: 'There is a light and it never goes out.' Ambulance Victoria said it was forced to activate its major emergency response plan to appropriately deal with the incident, turning the entire suburban street into a makeshift emergency room. There were 17 people rushed to hospital with varying injuries, and 12 more treated at the scene. Ambulance Victoria said 10 women and seven men aged between 20 and 69-years-old sustained soft tissue injuries, fractures and lacerations and were transported to Box Hill, Austin and Maroondah hospitals. Tupperware manager Sarah Kajoba, 37, also died and 26 other guests were injured after the balcony collapsed at the Doncaster home (pictured) An inquest is examining whether the balcony (pictured) complied with safety permits An inquest is now examining whether the original balcony was fit for occupancy, and if the balcony in its enlarged state complied with permits and the feasibility of a rating system for balconies Manningham Council building surveyor Russell Mills said the balcony, constructed in the mid-1980s, didn't comply with original building permits and modifications had since been made. Floor joists ran the opposite direction to those on the approved plan, a staircase had been constructed at the back of the deck and a verandah over the top. Pictured: Victoria Police examining the Doncaster East home in December 2017 The area below the deck had also been excavated. 'A number of defects and age-related deficiencies were located including weathering and decaying of structural members,' he said. The party hosts were renting the Doncaster East property. The owner has since complied with orders to replace the balcony and the inquest heard the owner is getting quotes to demolish the property entirely. Three other experts are due to give evidence at the inquiry before coroner Paresa Spanos, who saw the balcony the day after the collapse. The injured are planning to seek compensation and lawyer Lily Boskovski, representing six of the 17 people injured, says the psychological scars cannot be underestimated. 'They've witnessed their coworkers die. I can't even imagine how it might feel to one minute be enjoying a party and then saving yourself from dying,' she told AAP last year. Rise in use of salicylic acid in the preserved food & beverage industry, growing demand for aspirin drug, and surge in scope of application in personal care products have boosted the growth of the global salicylic acid market. However, the market across the Asia-Pacific region is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. The ongoing pandemic is expected to negatively impact the market growth. Portland, OR, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per the report published by Allied Market Research, the global salicylic acid market was pegged at $287.1 million in 2019, and is projected to reach $490.8 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.0% from 2020 to 2027. Rise in use of salicylic acid in the preserved food & beverage industry, growing demand for aspirin drug, and surge in scope of application in personal care products have boosted the growth of global salicylic acid market. However, the fact that temporary exposure of salicylic acid may lead to skin irritation, breathing problems, and digestive disorders hampers the market growth. On the contrary, high adoption in medical cosmetics and increasing demand from developing economies such as the Asia-Pacific region are expected to open opportunities for the market players. Request Report Sample at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/409 Covid-19 scenario: The emergence of Covid-19 has drastically impacted the global salicylic acid industry. As per the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the outbreak of Covid-19 has impacted the global FDI by 515%. This negative impact on FDI investment and raw materials and lockdown across various countries have hampered the market growth. As the manufacturing sector is a major part of a countrys economy, the governments are focused on encouraging the sector. This would help regain the growth rate of salicylic acid market post this pandemic. Get Detailed COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Salicylic Acid Market @: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/409?reqfor=covid Story continues The global salicylic acid market is segmented on the basis of chemistry and geography. Based on chemistry, the market is divided into pharmaceutical applications, skincare, haircare, food preservatives & others, and geography. The pharmaceutical application is further divided into wart remover, disinfectant, antifungal, dentifrices, antiseptic, anti-irritant, scale lifter, and ointment. The skin care segment is further categorized into moisturizer, sunscreen, and acne solution. Moreover, the haircare segment is classified into shampoo and conditioner. The pharmaceuticals segment held the largest share in 2019, accounting for around three-fourths of the market. However, the skin care segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period. For Purchase Enquiry at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/409 The global salicylic acid market is analyzed across several regions such as North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and LAMEA. The market across Europe held the largest share in 2019, accounting for more than one-third of the market. However, the market across the Asia-Pacific region is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. The global salicylic acid market report includes an in-depth analysis of the major market players such as Siddharth Carbochem Products Ltd., Alta Laboratories Ltd., Novacyl, J.M Loveridge Ltd, Alfa Aesar, Hebei Jingye Group, Zhenjiang Gaopeng Pharmaceutical Ltd., Zhenjiang Maoyuan Chemical Co. Ltd., Avnochem Limited, and Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. Interested in Procuring this Report? visit: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/salicylic-acid-market/purchase-options Avenue Basic Plan | Library Access | 1 Year Subscription | Sign up for Avenue subscription to access more than 12,000+ company profiles and 2,000+ niche industry market research reports at $699 per month, per seat. For a year, the client needs to purchase minimum 2 seat plan. Avenue Library Subscription | Request for 14 days free trial of before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter Get more information: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business -consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States Toll Free (USA/Canada): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-855-550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com After Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have finished all their official engagements as senior members of the British royal family, all eyes are on their in-laws, Prince William and Kate Middleton. Recently, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been experiencing the trials and troubles that have led the Sussexes to leave their royal lives behind. While it is Prince William and Kate Middleton's focus to keep the UK remaining uplifted because of the coronavirus pandemic, one major news with shocking revelations has curled through the British royal family, and the Duchess of Cambridge is furious. Because of this, Kate may be joining Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in abandoning the famous royal family mantra, "never complain, never explain." The saying was first adopted by Queen Elizabeth II's mom, the Queen Mother when she became the Queen Consort in 1936 and then passed it on to her daughter, who may seem to have followed the rule during her reign. After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wrote shocking letters that condemn four of the UK's biggest tabloids early this year, it's evident that they don't wish to follow the Queen's tradition. It also looks like Kate Middleton doesn't want to follow the tradition as well. Kensington Palace's statement made it clear that Kate and Prince William that they will be speaking out more. "This story contains a swathe of inaccuracies and false misrepresentations which were not put to Kensington Palace before publication." According to royal correspondent Katie Nicholl, their released statement was a "warning shot to the media." "It's unusual for Kensington Palace to comment on a specific article but not unheard of. When they feel that something is inaccurate and potentially damaging, they will refute it," she said. Nicholl shared that the Duchess of Cambridge's suggestion of "trapped and exhausted" is at the "nub of the complaint." "I think it's a warning shot to the media that the palace won't tolerate such allegations." On Monday, the Duchess' lawyers sent legal letters to Tatler in response to their profile of Kate, which is titled, "Catherine the Great." The profile shared conversations with unnamed sources who claimed to be friends of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Tatler's sources made a lot of claims about Kate Middleton's relationship with Meghan Markle. The publication's sources said that Kate was "furious" about the increased duties she has received because of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit. After the article was published, a spokesperson for the publication said they have been in touch with the Duchess of Cambridge's lawyers. "We can confirm we have received correspondence from lawyers acting for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and believe it has no merit." For the royal family, the legal action is highly unusual. It caused speculation that the monarchy's association with the press could be set to change dramatically if they continue to publish "ridiculous" claims. In the past, Kate and Prince William took legal action against papers, but only in the most extreme cases. For instance, they sued a French magazine that published topless photos of Kate Middleton. READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth Truth Revealed: Start Calling Her This! Novartis AG NVS announced that the FDA has extended the review period of its supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) for ofatumumab (OMB 157) by three months. The sBLA is seeking approval for subcutaneous ofatumumab, a novel B-cell to treat patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). As a result, the regulatory body will now announce its decision in September 2020 instead of the previously anticipated date in June. Notably, in February 2020, the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) accepted Novartis sBLA and marketing authorization application (MAA), respectively, for ofatumumab to address RMS. The filings were based on data from the phase III ASCLEPIOS I and II studies. While the FDA was expected to deliver its verdict this month, approval in Europe is expected in the second quarter of 2021. Per the company, on approval, ofatumumab will have the potential to become a first-choice treatment for a broad RMS population and the first B-cell therapy that can be self-administered at home using an autoinjector pen. Ofatumumab is marketed by Novartis for oncology indications as an intravenous infusion under the brand name, Arzerra. Shares of Novartis have declined 8.7% so far this year compared with the industrys decrease of 1.7%. In March 2020, Johnson & Johnson JNJ also submitted a new drug application (NDA) to the FDA seeking approval for ponesimod to treat adults with RMS. Notably, a marketing application seeking a regulatory nod for ponesimod in Europe was also filed in March. We remind investors that multiple sclerosis is a crowded market with many companies jostling for space with drugs in their portfolio already approved for the same indication. Biogen BIIB holds a strong position with a wide range of products including Avonex, Tysabri, Tecfidera and Plegridy. Israel-based Teva Pharmceuticals TEVA has long been in this market with its widely-used drug Copaxone, which has now lost patent protection. Besides, generics are rapidly eroding its revenues. Story continues Zacks Rank Novartis currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2020? Last year's 2019 Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolio returned gains as high as +102.7%. Now a brand-new portfolio has been handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Dont miss your chance to get in on these long-term buys. Access Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 today >> 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 Biogen Inc. (BIIB) : Free Stock Analysis Report Johnson Johnson (JNJ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Novartis AG (NVS) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research 3 June marks a major step in Italy's coronavirus emergency timeline. Italy welcomes visitors from the European Union and Schengen area countries from 3 June as the country makes a tentative return to international tourism following prolonged lockdown restrictions due to covid-19. From today Italians will be able to travel to most EU and Schengen zone countries, with several exceptions including Greece which reopens its borders to Italy on 15 June. However those travelling to Greece from the north Italian regions of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Piemonte and Veneto from 15-30 June will be required to undergo testing and quarantine. 'Italy not a leper colony' Italian foreign minister Luigi Di Maio has expressed his disapproval over the Greek restrictions, saying: "We believe in the European spirit, but we are ready to close the borders to those who do not respect us," adding that Italy has "distinguished itself for transparency" and its statistics are "very comforting". Read also: Di Maio, responding to perceived anti-Italian sentiment, has also warned countries not to treat Italy "like a leper colony." The foreign minister's remarks echo those of Italian premier Giuseppe Conte who has insisted that there should be no "privileged tourist corridors" or special tourism pacts between EU countries. Travel information For in-depth information about travelling abroad from Italy and the specific requirements of other countries see the Viaggiare Sicuri website. Travel in Italian regions Another major step for Italians on 3 June will be the removal of the restrictions prohibiting travel between Italian regions, opening up the possibility to visit family and go on holidays. Until today movement between regions had been reserved for matters of urgency or necessity, proved by a self-certification form which is now no longer necessary. Read also: Domestic tourism Italy will place a strong emphasis on domestic tourism this year in a bid to revive the country's key tourism sector. The national tourism agency (ENIT) said that around 40 per cent of Italians traditionally travel abroad for their holidays, however this year many of them will choose to vacation at home, helping local businesses. Read also: In addition, most of Italy's top museums and archaeological sites have reopened, from the Colosseum to Pompeii and the Vatican Museums, under strict conditions including advance booking, wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. Still a risk Italy's health minister Roberto Speranza admitted in recent days that the government's decision to allow travel between Italian regions on 3 June is not "at zero risk" as the covid-19 pandemic is still a reality. "To have no risk at all, we would have had to maintain a total lockdown for months, but the country would have not been able to stand it," he said. Health precautions In addition to social distancing, it will remain necessary to wear a mask in public places such as shops, hairdressers and on all public transport, including planes. Hugs and kisses are still reserved only for cohabiting family members, not friends, and the gathering of crowds remains prohibited. There are also rules in place for non-cohabiting people travelling by car between regions. Masks must be worn, with only the driver in front and a maximum of two passengers in the back, provided that the back row has three seats and not two. Current covid-19 situation in Italy Italy has the third highest coronavirus death toll in the world, with some 33,530 people dying since the outbreak came to light on 21 February. It also has the sixth highest global tally of cases - 233,515 - according to figures released by the civil protection agency on 2 June. However new coronavirus infections and fatalities are continuing to fall steadily. What destination did you fantasize about to pass the time during the long weeks of lockdown? According to an analysis of Instagram posts with the "TakeMeBack" hashtag, travelers in quarantine spent a lot of time dreaming of destinations across the globe, most notably in Egypt, but also in Indonesia, Greece, the United States and France. With borders closed and planes grounded, fans of getting away from it all had no other choice but to leaf through old photo albums to fantasize about traveling. On Instagram, many users of the social network posted snaps of their most fondly remembered vacations. An online lender in the United States, SavingSpot, has crunched the numbers for 208,362 posts with the hashtag "TakeMeBack" to see which destinations around the world were the most sorely missed by people during lockdown. Without a shadow of a doubt, mythology and mystery figured large in the minds of armchair travelers lost in a revery of faraway lands. Embarked on trips down memory lane, the first destination for many was the Egyptian pyramids, and in particular the iconic Giza pyramid complex, which accounted for twice as many "TakeMeBack" hashtags as its nearest rival, the Indonesian island of Bali. Another paradisiacal island was also ranked third on the list, the picturesque Aegean destination of Santorini. Next stop Florida in the United States, where the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World, which is also the world's most visited attraction of its kind, inspired many a nostalgic moment. Last but not least of the top five, the French capital's iconic Eiffel Tower was the focus for romantics who like to say, "We'll always have Paris". France has also been lauded as a global destination of choice in another recent survey reported by the Daily Mail, which ranked Paris as the world's second most memorable city after New York and ahead of London. The former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for fraud has been released from prison. The former governor was jailed for stealing N7.65 billion while he was the state governor along with his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited, and his then Commissioner. Orji Kalu regained his freedom after the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos ordered his immediate release from prison. The High Court on Tuesday ordered for the immediate release of the Senate Whip from detention following the nullification of his sentence by the Supreme Court on May 18. Earlier today, Department of State Security, Policemen were sighted at entrance of Kuje Correctional Center to escort Senator Orji Kalu out of the prison. Our correspondent gathered that Policemen, DSS were stationed at the entrance of Kuje Correctional center in Abuja with four hilux to escort Senator Orji A credible source said, Orji will be leaving the prison with four hilux loaded with Policemen and DSS. It could be recalled that Federal High Court on Tuesday released Senator Kalu from prison. Italy has reopened travel between regions as well to and from European countries, in a bid to lure tourists back in time for the summer season. This next phase marks an important milestone for a country where the virus walloped communities, killing over 33,000, and sent the economy into a tailspin. While restrictions on the 26 Schengen countries, the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Andorra and Monaco have been lifted, Milans once-bustling Malpensa airport still counted as few as nine international and 15 domestic incoming flights on Wednesday. Rather than the habitual beach goers, incoming planes disembarked passengers longing to reunite with their loved ones. A flight from Doha, Qatar, was the final leg of a journey that repatriated Manuela Buzziols husband and son and ended an ordeal that lasted over two months. They flew from Papua New Guinea to Australia, then to Qatar and then finally to Milan, Buziol said with a sigh of relief. Earlier attempts to leave Port Moresby where Matteo, her husband, works in the humanitarian sector had been thwarted by the pandemic. We tried to book flights in April, then again in May, and finally today we succeeded, the 44-year-old said. At the departures gate, Antonella Sechi, 31, was boarding a flight home for a visit to her family in Cagliari, in the island of Sardinia. As Italy went into lockdown in March, her sister gave birth and Sechi is looking forward to holding the new-born in her arms for the first time. I will not take my face mask off and we have arranged for me to have my own separate space, she said. It will be strange not to be able to hug my family, but Im happy just to at least be able to be with them again. In a telling sign of the slow pace of recovery, Linates city airport a hub for low-cost airlines was not reopened on Wednesday and air traffic remains confined to one of Malpensas two terminals. While Italy lifted its restrictions, some European governments have effectively blacklist states badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, including Italy. The foreign minister, Luigi Di Maio, said Italy was being treated like a leper colony and warned that the EU unity would be at risk if countries did not agree on concerted action. Tourism is a cornerstone of the Italian economy as it generates around 13 per cent of its GDP and employs around 15 per cent of its workforce. Confturismo, its tourism association, estimates Italy already lost 30 million tourists between March and May. Monica Rossi, manager of Il Leccio resort in Portofino, in the heart of the Italian Riviera on the Ligurian coast, saw business shrink by 70 per cent due to the pandemic. Despite the reopening, she still hasnt seen comforting signs of business picking up again. A passenger has her temperature taken to check for symptoms of Covid-19 before boarding a train to Milans Central Station, (AP) Since last Monday, we have been receiving calls from potential customers enquiring about the activities they will be able to access and the measures we have put in place to limit contagion, but so far this hasnt translated into new bookings, she said. However, she remained hopeful that her offer of private accommodations with an independent entrance and a limited number of guests per swimming pool will provide an enticing alternative to the beach. It will be strange not to be able to hug my family, but Im happy just to at least be able to be with them again. Antonella Sechi Some Italian regional governors, including those of Sardinia and Campania, where the Emerald and Amalfi coasts and their glamorous vacation resorts are located, expressed concern over the free movement of residents from the hard-hit northern regions and briefly considered introducing health passports and a quarantine period. Rossi said she did not dread the inflow of visitors from Lombardy a region that recorded over 16,000 of the 33,000 deaths from coronavirus as she believed many Milanese had already made a run across the border and to their holiday homes by the sea. What she hoped for was for the weather to be merciful, as sporadic heavy showers over the past weeks have been yet another calamity for local businesses. A car from Germany drives from Austria to Italy at the Brenner Pass boarder crossing (AP) The Italian government bowed to pressure from owners and agreed to reopen bars, restaurants and beauticians on 18 May, brought forward from the start of June. The Italian GDP fell by 4.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2020 and some observers have predicted an even larger contraction of the economic activity in the current quarter that will hit the service sector particularly hard. The prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, hailed the end of lockdown on 2 June as a new beginning for Italy, similar to that of 1946, when the country proclaimed itself a republic. We must all focus our efforts on standing up and starting again with renewed determination, he wrote on his Facebook page, asking everyone to do their bit as it has always been in the bleakest moments of our history. The US on Tuesday started an investigation into taxes on digital services in effect or being considered in other countries and their impact on American businesses, which could lead to retaliatory trade actions and open up potentially another front in Indias persisting trade differences with Washington. The government imposed a new tax of 2% in April on digital services rendered in India against payments collected abroad. The levy is restricted to non-resident companies and is expected to chiefly affect American digital services giants Google, Facebook, Apple and Amazon. People familiar with developments said New Delhi has no plans to change its levy. These investigations are just the start of a process. Its not as if some actions have already been taken by the US, said one of the people. Everything will depend on the findings of the investigations. So, its too early to say. Other countries that have levied this tax or are considering them are Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the European Union, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the UK. Most of them are allies of the US. President Trump is concerned that many of our trading partners are adopting tax schemes designed to unfairly target our companies, said Robert Lighthizer, the US trade representative and Americas top trade negotiator, in a statement announcing the investigation. We are prepared to take all appropriate action to defend our businesses and workers against any such discrimination. The investigation has been launched under Section 301 of the Trade Act, 1974, the same provision that was used by the Trump administration to slap an additional 25% tariff on $50 billion worth of imports from China in 2018, triggering a trade war between the worlds two largest economies. Any potential action against India would add to a list of trade differences that the two countries have tried to reconcile despite pressure mounted in recent years by President Donald Trump through public and private exhortation. Trump ended Indias special trade status last summer. Amit Maheshwari, a partner at AKM Global, a tax and consulting firm, said: The US investigation will focus on whether the digital services taxes (DSTs) discriminate against US companies, they are retroactive, and they reflect unreasonable tax policy, which would be when the DSTs may diverge from norms reflected in the US tax system and the international tax system in several respects such as extra-territoriality, taxing revenue not income, and a purpose of penalising particular technology companies for their commercial success. The Indian tax, which is the subject of this investigation, was rushed in the recent Finance Act and made into law from April 1, 2020, without consultations and gave little time for the industry to prepare. Several countries, including India, are adopting unilateral measures in the absence of multilateral consensus spearheaded by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development . We dont foresee global consensus anytime soon, he added. Farmers, like many of us, have had to adapt to a new reality in the wake of the coronavirus. Writer Janelle Bitker sat down with Aomboon Deasy of K&J Orchards for a video chat with subscribers. Hear about how the farm is adapting during the pandemic, get a peek at the orchards, and learn how you can help our local farms in this time. Janelle Bitker explores the Bay Areas culture through food. From restaurants to trends to the people who make it all happen, Janelles coverage stays on top of the vast Bay Area culinary scene. snipers Open source Since the beginning of the day, members of pro-Kremlin illegal armed gangs attacked positions of Ukrainian forces in Donbas combat area. The enemy used weapons of banned calibers. Joint Forces Operation HQ reported that on June 2. In Donetsk region, the enemy fired 82 mm mortars to shell Pavlopol, Bohdanivka and Starohnativka. In Vodyane, the enemy opened fire from automatic mounted grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms. An enemy sniper opened fire in the area of Mariinka; one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded. In Luhansk region, Russian mercenaries landed attacks near Mayorske and Novozvanivka, using anti-tank grenade launchers and small arms. During the working visit to Germany, Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak discussed the security policy and humanitarian situation in the east of Ukraine with Federal Minister of Defence Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer as the Presidents Office reported. Deputy Head of the Presidents Office Ihor Zhovkva, Vice PM, Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, and Minister of Defense Andriy Taran also participated in the meeting. TRENTON Twitter-happy accused police-car arsonist Justin Spry will remain free as he fights accusations that he purposely set fire to a Trenton Police vehicle during a protest that devolved into rioting Sunday night. But a federal judge warned him to stay off the web, or else. I dont want any social media tweets regarding this incident, U.S. District Judge Tonianne Bongiovanni said during Sprys first-court appearance held via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There should be no tweeting or nothing on Facebook about this incident, frankly. You have nothing to worry about, your honor, Spry said. I promise, I will be the most outstanding citizen I can be. The 21-year-old South Plainfield man was already facing state charges before the FBI slapped him with two counts Tuesday for attempting to torch a Trenton Police cruiser, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said. He faces five to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine if convicted of the charges. The hellfire broke out around 8:20 p.m. Sunday in downtown Trenton, the site of mass rioting and looting in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a black Minneapolis man killed by a white police officer. The conduct described in the criminal complaint demonstrates a deliberate effort to destroy a police vehicle during a demonstration, Carpenito said in a statement. Our office will not hesitate to bring to justice anyone who engages in this kind of destruction. We will work with our law enforcement partners to find these violent perpetrators and charge them appropriately. Sprys name appeared on Trenton lockup records as charged with aggravated arson. Federal prosecutors wanted Spry to remain jailed without bail, calling him a danger to the community. But Bongiovanni denied the detention motion Wednesday afternoon and ordered the defendant to be released on electronically monitored house arrest. You do not have another date to appear in court yet, the judge said, addressing the alleged arsonist, so you need to stay home. You need to comply with the conditions Ive set, stay out of trouble. The judge was referring to the accused arsonist, going by Spryson Tiller on Twitter, setting his social media posts ablaze with incendiary allegations against the cops in Trenton and suggestions for planned mayhem. On Sunday I attended a BLM protest in Trenton, NJ which was mostly peaceful until it wasnt, he wrote. I was beaten viciously by about 10 state troopers before they wrestled me to the ground and I can say with confidence that if I was black I probably wouldve been killed. This is not okay. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ramey said Spry also tweeted the following message on May 29: Can we start these riots everywhere? Im down to use all of my privilege for anti racism smoke. Ramey then accused Spry of attempting to set fire to a police car during a riot in Trenton on May 31, saying the incident placed members of the public and law enforcement in danger of injury. Sprys defense attorney, assistant federal public defender Benjamin West, argued there would be no community danger if his client were released on home detention with location monitoring. These conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community, he said. The judge admitted she was troubled by the tweet that Spry published May 29 but still released him on a $150,000 unsecured appearance bond subject to home confinement and conditions prohibiting him from possessing firearms or any other dangerous weapons. She ordered the defendant to undergo mental health treatment and substance abuse treatment if deemed appropriate and restricted his tweeting privileges. I am not minimizing the conduct at all, she said of the arson allegations, but it seems to stem from what may be viewed as an isolated incident, although I am troubled by the tweet that occurred afterward. Spry was facing charges at the local level before the feds came knocking. Trenton Police Detective Ciara Feliciano wrote in the criminal complaint that surveillance footage showed Spry attempting to set fire to the Trenton Police Departments vehicle and the New Jersey State Police officers immediately detaining the defendant and placing him under arrest. Casey DeBlasio, a spokeswoman from the Mercer County Prosecutors Office, said the state case against Spry is active and pending. Mercer County prosecutors are not moving to detain Spry, whose first appearance in New Jersey Superior Court is scheduled for June 24, DeBlasio said. Following the weekend riot, Trenton Police Director Sheilah Coley spoke at a Monday news conference about referring some of the criminal cases over to the feds for a looksie. Theres nothing concrete about that yet, Coley said. If they take all of them, that would be fine with me, too. The feds took her up on this one, bringing counts of attempting to damage or destroy by fire a vehicle owned or possessed by an institution receiving federal financial assistance and attempting to damage or destroy by fire a vehicle used in and affecting interstate commerce against Spry. FBI special agent Michael Hooper wrote in the criminal complaint that Spry was among a group of rioters on East State Street who smashed storefronts, looted and attacked TPD marked vehicles. A city of Trenton camera captured one of the rioters and Spry attempting to stuff a piece of cloth into the gas tank and ignite one of the cruisers, according to court documents. Spry attempted to flee from the cops, who saw him trying to torch the police vehicle, authorities allege. He was apprehended after a brief struggle. Editors Note: This story has been updated with additional information about Sprys state case TRENTON City firefighter Bryan Davis faces criminal charges after he drunkenly struck a woman crossing the street, police said. Davis, 32, was charged by summons May 29 following an investigation by Trenton Police Detective Vincent Mistretta into the Feb. 8 crash. Police awaited results of a blood-alcohol draw before filing charges of assault by auto resulting in serious bodily injury, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and careless driving against the firefighter, who was part of the 2017 class of recruits. I take any drunken driving offense seriously as a former prosecutor. Its especially abhorrent when it involves a public safety official, Mayor Reed Gusciora said. Davis blood-alcohol level came back at .11, higher than the states .08 presumed level of intoxication, Trenton Police Lt. Jason Kmiec said. Davis struck the 57-year-old woman around 2:30 a.m. near the 400 block of Greenwood Avenue, cops said. Davis, who identified himself as an off-duty firefighter, claimed he saw the woman in the street and swerved to avoid her but couldnt, Kmiec said. The woman survived but suffered multiple broken bones and contusions. She was taken to the hospital, where she underwent surgery and was listed for a time in critical condition, cops said. Davis consented to a blood draw, and he was charged when the results showed he was over the legal limit, Kmiec said. The Mercer County Prosecutors Office did not have a mug shot for Davis, who was charged by summons and released. Davis status with the Trenton Fire Department was unclear as director Derrick Sawyer didnt respond to a phone message seeking comment. It was unclear whether Davis is represented by an attorney. He didnt respond to a message sent to him through Facebook messenger. State records show he was enrolled in the pension system in May 2017 and makes $59,017 a year. As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a global crisis in early March, Fisk says the production team had to make decisions "day by day". In the same way production on the US Big Brother was halted momentarily during 9/11, a decision was taken to inform the housemates of the crisis in mid-March. "Our number one priority was to ensure that their family and friends were completely safe and well, so we were in contact with them on a daily basis," Fisk says. "But at a certain point, duty of care steps in, and it's what's right. Their lives would be affected when they would get out [of the house]. That was the reason we decided to tell them." "We were very honest with the housemates and I think that they appreciated that," Fisk says. Big Brother 2020. Credit:Seven Network The show also paused production for 48 hours when it was discovered a crew member had come into contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19. Production resumed when testing came back negative. Fisk came to the series with a couple of obvious qualifications: she worked on the UK versions of the series in 2004 and 2005, and then returned to Australia to work on our 2006 season. She also has one not-so-obvious qualification: she did her university thesis on the first season of Big Brother, whose housemates included Ben, Blair, Jemma, Pete and Sara-Marie. The thesis explored what was so fascinating about reality television, Fisk says, using the Big Brother and Changing Rooms formats as its two key touchstones. "The social experiment, what made it so brilliant? What was the attraction? What made it so fascinating?" The first season of the format remains unique, she says, because they were the only cast of the show who were properly unaware of how the cameras were framing them and structuring the show's narrative. The way we were ... Sara-Marie Fedele and Ben Williams from Big Brother season one. Credit:Ten Network "It will stand up as probably the realest TV will ever get because the housemates had no preconceived ideas of what they were even doing, what they'd signed up for, and the viewers had no expectations either," Fisk says. "So it was watching, firsthand, fly on the wall, what happened if you put a group of people in a house, cut them off from civilisation and watched their every move." Despite the fact that the format has drawn criticism, Fisk defends it on the basis that the results were compelling. "Every single Australian has had some memory with Big Brother. It doesn't matter if it was the good, the bad, the ugly, everyone can remember it somehow as part of their life. And that's what that first series did. It was fascinating television." The reboot of the series changes a number of key elements of the show. The daily shows are pre-filmed now rather than airing live with packages, and the housemates are allowed to discuss nominations, eviction and form clearer alliances in the house, a change that brings the format closer in structure to the US Big Brother, where such discussions are a key part of the game, and even Survivor, where the narrative is driven by the making and breaking of alliances. "The audience want more from their episodes, they want outcome, they want carry-through, they want a fast-paced format," Fisk says. "So we have taken lots of inspiration from the US and the Canadian formats of Big Brother to bring more game into this version. And having the housemates vote each other out just adds another level of purpose. "It's not just a social experiment any more where the viewer gets to vote on who they want to win. It's a game and it's up to the housemates to get themselves to the end. How they play the game and what they do, what lengths they go to get to the end, will ultimately [matter to the audience] because in the end, Australia is still going to decide on who will win." The winner, who will walk away with a $250,000 cheque, will be decided during a live broadcast planned for July. At that point in the competition three housemates will remain, and instead of voting each other out they will each need to effectively make a case for the television audience's vote. "It will be live, the voting lines will still be open and our final three housemates will be able to say their plea before Australia decides," Fisk says. "We're aiming for a live grand final with as many audience members as we can. Definitely all of our cast members, I feel like [even with] restrictions, [we] will get them at least back in the same room together." Because the show now lives in the post-production edit more than as a livestream, it is able to elevate its production values to match other successful shows in Australia's long-format, multi-night reality genre, such as Married at First Sight, The Block and MasterChef, Fisk says. "Big Brother has always been edited, it's just now ours is a longer edit," Fisk says. "We are crafting a series that can stand up against the other shows and their production values. So we've got a whole post [production] team that's looking through over 66 cameras' worth of vision. Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the amendment of the Essential Commodities Act allowing farmers to sell their produce in any market across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet today approved several measures to help farmers double their incomes. Announcing the decision at a press briefing, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said the move would help farmers get better compensation for their produce. "We are all moving towards One Nation, One Market," Javadekar said after the Cabinet meeting. "Anaj (vegetables), oil, onion, and potato have been removed from under the Essential Commodities Act. Farmers can now store their produce, sell to whoever they want. The Act may be invoked only when there is a natural calamity, war, or price rise," he added. Also Read: Coronavirus relief: New law to allow farmers to sell produce at attractive prices Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who was also present at the briefing, said that the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet are historic and will help farmers get the freedom to sell their produce outside the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC), even on electronic platforms. No taxes will be imposed on the sale of farmers' produce outside APMC markets; the cabinet decided. The Centre also accepted the Swaminathan report permitting 50% higher MSP than input cost for farmers. This is the second time the Union Cabinet has met this month. The first meeting was held on June 1 when the Modi-led NDA government entered its second year in office. Also Read: One year of Modi govt 2.0: CAA, abrogation of Article 370, other key decisions taken by BJP govt Here are the key announcements of the Cabinet briefing announced by Union Minister Prakash Javadekar:- 1. The cabinet approved the amendment in Essential Commodities Act and approved removing many items from the act. 2. The Cabinet approved removing restrictions on the sale of farm goods; farmers will be free to sell produce outside Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC). 3. The Cabinet approved the establishment of Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) as Subordinate Office under the Ayush Ministry. 4. The Centre approved a central law to allow inter-state sales of farm goods; approved forming an empowered group to enhance investment. 5. The government approved the setting up of an "Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) & Project Development Cells (PDCs)" in ministries/departments for attracting investments in India. 6. The Kolkata Port Trust has been renamed Syama Prasad Mookerjee Trust. 7. Visa and travel restrictions relaxed to permit certain categories of foreign nationals to come to India. 8. The Centre launched SWADES (Skilled Workers Arrival Database for Employment Support) initiative to conduct a skill mapping exercise for returning citizens under the Vande Bharat Mission. 9. The Cabinet approved to establish Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) under the Ministry of Ayush by merging into it Pharmacopoeia Laboratory for Indian Medicine (PLIM) & Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory (HPL)- two central labs based in Ghaziabad. The Delhi government on Wednesday made it compulsory for all asymptomatic travellers entering the national capital to home quarantine themselves for seven days, altering its earlier advisory which asked the people to monitor themselves for 14 days. In an order, the city government also instructed all district magistrates to keep a watch on the implementation of the norm. The airport, railway and transport departments will submit passenger manifests to the office of the principal secretary of revenue department on daily basis, said the order by Delhi Chief secretary and chairman of executive committee of Delhi Disaster Management Authority(DDMA) Vijay Dev. "All asymptomatic passengers who enter/deboard in NCT of Delhi shall home quarantine themselves for 7 days (in place of 14 days of self monitoring of health...)," said the order, which came on a day Delhi recorded 1,513 fresh coronavirus cases, highest single-day spike. The principal secretary (Revenue) will forward the passenger manifests to the district magistrates concerned to ensure that the passengers in their areas abide by the norm. Last week, the Karnataka government had also reduced the mandatory 14 days of quarantine period to seven days for asymptomatic travellers coming to the state except for those coming from Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government on Wednesday extended the 14-day quarantine period to 21 days for those returning from the country's 75 worst coronavirus-hit cities, which included Delhi, Noida, Agra, Lucknow, Meerut, Varanasi, Chennai and Hyderabad. According to an order issued by Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, people coming from these cities will be quarantined at an institutional facility for a week. Thereafter, they will be home quarantined for 14 days. With PTI inputs Protester holds a banner reading "don't touch MCA its our plant" as they demonstrate Renault's decision to cut 15,000 jobs worldwide, including 4,600 in France, in Maubeuge, on May 30, 2020. Photo: Francois Lo Presti/AFP via Getty Images French carmaker Renault (RNO.PA) has confirmed it has finalised a 5bn (4.45bn, $5.6bn) state-backed loan to help it survive the coronavirus pandemic that has devastated the automotive industry. The French government, which owns a 15% stake in Renault, will back up to 90% of the borrowed amount, the carmaker said. Renault faced protests at some plants in France last week, after it announced that it would make some 4,600 redundancies, as part of a plan to cut around 14,600 jobs globally and reduce production capacity as part of a plan aimed to create cost savings of 2bn in the next three years. French president Emmanuel Macron recently unveiled an 8bn rescue package to help the countrys struggling car industry survive the coronavirus crisis. READ MORE: Coronavirus: France earmarks 8bn stimulus package to support its car industry Macron stressed however that the government will want to see carmakers commit to safeguarding jobs in France. He also said that the focus must be on boosting electric- and hybrid vehicle production. Renault, Nissan (NSANY), Mitsubishi (MSBHY) last week announced a radical restructuring of their 21 year alliance to help streamline operations and avoid doubling up on development and production costs. READ MORE: Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi reboot alliance with new strategy We will focus on efficiency and competitiveness, rather than volume, said chairman of the alliance Jean-Dominique Senard at the joint press conference of the three companies. The new framework will allow each Alliance member to enhance its core capabilities, and benefit from the capabilities of the other firms. There were protests in Barcelona last week after Nissan announced that it would close its plant there. While Nissan committed to keeping its plant in Sunderland open, it said on Wednesday that the plant, the largest in the UK, would not be sustainable if the country were to leave the European Union without a trade deal. READ MORE: Nissan warns UKs largest car plant will not survive no-deal Brexit OPEC leader Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC Russia have agreed a preliminary deal to extend existing record oil output cuts by one month while raising pressure on countries with poor compliance to deepen their cuts, OPEC+ sources told Reuters. OPEC+ agreed to cut output by a record 9.7 million barrels per day, or about 10% of global output, in May and June to lift prices battered by plunging demand linked to lockdown measures aimed at stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Rather than easing output cuts in July, OPEC and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, were discussing keeping those cuts beyond June. "Saudi Arabia and Russia are aligned on the extension for one month," one OPEC source said. "Any agreement on extending the cuts is conditional on countries who have not fully complied in May deepening their cuts in upcoming months to offset their overproduction," the source said. The group also considered holding an online meeting on June 4 to discuss output policy, after Algeria, which holds the presidency of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, proposed bringing forward a meeting planned for June 9-10. The OPEC source said that an earlier meeting on June 4 is also conditional on compliance and that the discussions now are about implementing criteria for those countries who have not fully complied with the oil cuts and how they can compensate for their overproduction in the coming months. OPEC members Iraq and Nigeria has shown weak compliance with its output reduction targets in May. OPEC/O Kazakhstan also failed to fully meet its obligations under the OPEC+ oil cut pact, sources said. Two sources also told Reuters that Gulf OPEC producers Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are not discussing extending their deeper voluntary oil cuts of 1.180 million bpd beyond June. Oil prices rose in recent days from the lows of April buoyed by a continuing recovery in China, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, while other economies are slowly opening up after lockdowns to contain its spread. "Overall the market is moving in the right direction with the gradual easing of the lockdown. But we still need to be cautious. There is always a risk of another wave of the coronavirus," the first OPEC source said. "The other thing is how quickly will demand patterns recover. Inventories are still above average levels and that needs to be tackled." Search Keywords: Short link: Unilateral sanction has long been a typical practice of the U.S. diplomacy, and lately, the White House once again played its same old trick. It arbitrarily threatened to impose sanctions on Hong Kong as China progressed with its national security legislation in the special administrative region, staging another farce showing how indifferent it is to the basic norms governing international relations. However, the Chinese government and people will never allow any force to challenge the sovereignty, security, and development interests of their country. Any attempt to interfere with Chinas domestic affairs was, is and will be destined to fail. The more hypes the U.S. makes, the more it deviates from international justice. The national security legislation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is Chinas domestic affair, so the country has the reasons and legitimacy to propel it, and the legislation conforms to the practical interests of all Chinese people, including the compatriots in Hong Kong. Obviously, certain American politicians are unwilling to see the long-term stability and development of Hong Kong, so they wracked their brains to fabricate accusations and threaten to impose sanctions. Washington imposed visa restriction on Chinese students and threatened to investigate Chinese enterprises listed on the U.S. financial markets, which seriously violated the market competition rules and ran counter to the hope of both Chinese and Americans to carry out friendly exchanges. Such practices will surely further damage the China-U.S. economic and trade relations, as well as the social foundation for the two countries bilateral ties. Where have the high-profile and self-proclaimed openness and liberty of the U.S. gone? Thats a question raised by more and more people. Facts prove that international justice and diplomatic principles have never existed in the mind of some U.S. politicians who cherry-pick whatever that suits their own interests and abandon whatever that does not. To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail. The sanction game of the U.S. is nothing new to the world. When dealing with international affairs, the U.S. is always obsessed with a me-first mentality and supremacy, arbitrarily implementing unilateral sanctions on other countries relying on its certain advantages. Lacking the awareness of international rules, the U.S. has become a destructive factor undermining normal international relations. Nicolai N. Petro, professor at the University of Rhode Island, noted in an article titled America is Addicted to Sanctions that the best way to think about the role of sanctions in American foreign policy is to regard it as an addiction. He put it ironically that as Americans view of the world shrinks to the confines of the Washington Beltway, sanctions provide the only semblance of calm, the only relief that politicians can rely on, and so resort to them becomes habitual. Some U.S. politicians have triggered huge amounts of questioning and criticism for designating enemies based on lies and forming cliques with other countries for confrontation, especially the hysteric antagonistic remarks and practices they made when dealing with China. Many analysts have gone right to the heart of the matter, saying these politicians are addicted to acquiring private political gains by building a China intimidator image. U.S. Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs at Columbia University called American right-wing forces accusation on China reckless and dangerous, warning they could push the world to conflict. Former U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus said that the U.S. governments anti-China rhetoric reminded him of the McCarthy era. Joseph McCarthy, known for his unusual deceptive approaches that combined extreme boldness and crafty lies, had pushed the U.S. into extreme hatred and a nightmare of rampant persecution. Experiences shall be drawn from history. The U.S. addiction to sanctions is only able to entertain Washington itself, and is a total waste of time, because the world is no longer run by zero-sum games as some American politicians assume. The international system has its rules and justice, and now the world is no longer controlled by the U.S. supremacy. Frequent maximum pressure, defunding and withdrawals from international organizations remained a major diplomatic strategy of the U.S. in recent years. However, few countries and international organizations would really succumb to the U.S. On the contrary, such strategy is actually consuming the U.S. credit and influence in the international community. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remarked that issues related to Hong Kong are entirely Chinas internal affairs. The U.S. threat to impose sanctions on China in response to Chinas NPC deliberation on Hong Kong-related national security legislation fully exposed Americas sense of superiority and impunity, which will not make Washington a reliable dialogue partner on any other issues with China, he added. When the COVID-19 pandemic is posing unprecedented public health and economic development challenges to the world, China-U.S. cooperation bears more significance for the world to overcome the current difficulties. The U.S. side shall enhance anti-pandemic cooperation with China, and make its relationship with China rooted in mutual respect and cooperation, rather than confrontation and conflict. We advise the U.S. to stop its sanction game, halt its hegemonic practices, and discard Cold-War mentality and ideological prejudices as early as possible. It had better immediately stop meddling in Chinas internal affairs and not to go further down the wrong path. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by Peoples Daily to express its views on foreign policy.) Click here to read the full article. Like most media companies, Playboy Enterprises Inc. and People Magazine owner Meredith Corp. have for months been trying to navigate the coronavirus crisis as advertising plunges. Now, theres also a lawsuit to deal with. Playboy is suing Meredith and two other companies and seeking millions of dollars of damages it suffered for losses related to a separate subscriber privacy suit. More from WWD In a suit filed in New York state court last week, Playboy alleges that Meredith, Pubworx Services and Specialists Marketing Services improperly disclosed the information of Playboy magazine subscribers to third parties in violation of Michigan law. The print arm of the iconic magazine was recently shuttered after 66 years as part of cost-cutting measures implemented amid the pandemic. As a result of this alleged disclosure, Playboy faced liability of at least $50 million in a class action lawsuit filed by magazine subscriber Mark Kokoszki on behalf of him and others in 2019, but it was settled for approximately $3.85 million in February of this year. Now, Playboy is arguing that Meredith, Pubworx Services and Specialists Marketing Services are contractually obligated to indemnify it for all losses it incurred as a result of the breaches of defendants duties under their respective distribution and service contracts. Kokoszki, through his attorneys, alleged that data about the subscribers to Playboy magazine was offered for sale between January 30, 2016 and July 30, 2016, which resulted in them receiving much junk mail. According to Playboy, this stemmed from a 2016 agreement it made with Time Customer Service Inc., which Meredith acquired as part of its 2018 multibillion-dollar purchase of Time Inc. TCS provided fulfillment services, such as mail processing and order and payment to Playboy during 2016, while ProCirc, of which Pubworx is the successor-in-interest to, provided circulation services at the time. Story continues Playboy alleges that TCS and ProCirc disclosed subscriber data for Michigan subscribers to Specialists Marketing Services, which provided services, including the management and rental of Playboys subscriber list, to Playboy during 2016. In turn, Specialists offered the details of those subscribers for rent in violation of Michigan law. As a direct result of the actions of TCS, ProCirc and Specialists Marketing Services, Playboy has incurred obligations, liabilities, damages and losses for which it is entitled to recovery from Defendants, the suit said. Playboy has spent more than $145,000 defending the Kokoszki lawsuit, which seeks damages at a statutory rate of $5,000 per subscriber, plus attorneys fees and costs. In addition, Playboy will incur approximately $3.85 million in settlement costs. Playboys damages are a direct result of TCS, ProCirc and Specialists Marketing Services conduct, which each Defendant is bound to indemnify under their respective contracts. A Meredith spokeswoman said: The lawsuit, which involves work performed by TCS (Time Customer Service) when it was owned by Time Inc., is completely without merit and we plan to fight it vigorously. After the acquisition, Meredith moved the legacy Time Inc. titles to CDS Global, which it continues to use. Playboy declined to comment, while the two other companies involved did not immediately respond to request for comment. For more, see: Playboy Enacting Layoffs After Closure of Print Magazine Playboy Magazine Ceases Print Edition After 66 years Meredith: Advertising Pullback Is Worse Than During Financial Crisis Support has been pouring in for George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement from different parts of the globe even as the world battles the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Violent protests have rocked various parts of the USA with rioters ransacking stores, vandalizing property, and squaring off with the police. The heated protests have also reached the White House, with President Donald Trump being escorted to his bunker and the lights of the iconic structure being put out. However, in Hauge in the Netherlands, protestors lending their voice to the Black Lives Matter movement demonstrated peacefully while also maintaining social distancing. In a picture shared on social media, the agitators are seen maintaining adequate distance between each other while also wearing masks as they protest in an open field. Protestors and rioters in the US, however, gave coronavirus safety measures a skip as they expressed their dissent and demanded justice sans social distancing and wearing masks. READ | Biden Sharpens Attack On Trump For Using Teargas On Protestors, All For A 'photo Op' Social distancing observed at protest in Hauge Black Lives Matter demonstration in The Hague, The Netherlands while keeping a safe distance pic.twitter.com/tj7ocMf4Cg Tanks Good News (@tanksgoodnews) June 2, 2020 READ | Arrests During Protest Following The Death Of George Floyd Protest outside White House turns violent US President Donald Trump was rushed to a White House bunker after protest intensified outside the executive mansion on May 29, with some protesters resorting to stone-pelting. According to AP sources, the US President spent nearly an hour in the bunker which has been designed for emergency situations like terror attacks. The protests outside the White House turned violent and sparked one of the highest alerts since the 9/11 attack, prompting Secret Service agents to move Trump to the bunker. Trump reportedly confided to his advisers that he worries about his safety but the next day he tweeted that he couldnt have felt more safe. In a series of tweets, Trump said that protesters outside the White House would have been "greeted with vicious dogs had they come closer". He also hailed the Secret Services for their professionalism and for efficiently clamping down on protesters who were demonstrating outside the White House. READ | Thousands March For George Floyd In Los Angeles George Floyd death George Floyd died in police custody and his tragic death has angered millions across the world. Demonstrators reportedly said that the focus of the protests is the alleged institutional bigotry in American police forces. In viral footage, the police officer, who has now been arrested, could be seen kneeling over Floyds neck while he was struggling for breath while being handcuffed. All four police officers involved in 46-year-olds arrest have been fired and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a federal civil rights inquiry. After the death of Floyd, Americans have hit the streets in protests, which have taken a turn for the worse with incidents of vandalism, rioting and looting in the name of the protests. READ | Protest Near White House Stays Calm After Curfew Skaneateles, N.Y. Last June, Skaneateles village officials refused to fly a Pride flag at the village hall, saying the request wasnt done properly. More than 16 village businesses responded by putting up the rainbow flag thats a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and LGBT social movements. June is Pride month. The village relented and flew the Pride flag for the last three days of the month. This year, the village is taking another tack: It has voted to fly only the U.S. flag on village property. The village board in a March meeting, held remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic, voted 5-0 that the village will only fly the American flag and not permit flying any other flag on village property. Trustee Gregg Eriksen proposed the resolution, saying that he found flag flying policies in other municipalities to be overly burdensome and problematic, according to minutes from the meeting. Eriksen said that it would be difficult for a municipality as small as Skaneateles to distinguish legitimate requests from burdensome requests, the minutes show. Zack Ford, a Skaneateles resident who says he is running for mayor, advocated for the village to fly the flag last year and this year. To say theyre overburdened with disingenuous requests is hogwash, Ford said. In my opinion, the reluctance to fly the pride flag is, in large part, backlash against me in expense to the celebration of diversity. Ford said the village is targeting the Pride flag since the village has received no other requests to fly a flag. Ford filed a Freedom of Information request with the village seeking all correspondence relating to requests to fly other flags between June 2019 and May 20, 2020. The village answered there were no such records. In a statement on behalf of the board, Village Administrator Patty Couch said that any secondary flag policy would have to be written with the possibility of requests not just for symbols of inclusion like the Pride Flag, but also symbols of oppression, like the Confederate Flag. Effective and conscientious activists make a genuine attempt to understand the considerations of government officials and work together toward a common goal, the statement read. Instead, the Village Board has been presented with the false choice of either flying the Pride Flag or being labeled bigots and fascists. As it was last year, a worthy cause has been used as a Trojan Horse to undermine the good work that is done each day in the Village and to create a false narrative of confrontation where none need exist. Ford said drawing a comparison between the two flags is a logical fallacy. If the village is able to distinguish between flags of inclusion and flags of oppression ... then there is no problem deciding which flags to fly, Ford said. If it is too overwhelming for the mayor of Skaneateles to display a piece of rainbow fabric to celebrate diversity, he can feel free to resign. Ford has been a frequent critic of the village board for several years. Last September, Mayor Martin Hubbard banned Ford from contacting village officials and from going to village hall due to his disrespect and idle threats to our Village Board and general antagonistic attitude," and he was threatened with arrest if he did not comply. The ban was reversed about 10 days later amid pressure from the New York Civil Liberties Union. This year, an online petition calling for the village to fly the Pride flag had more than 971 signatures as of this morning. The petition was started by Mason Drastal. Drastal, who is gay, lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Skaneateles and said he often comes back to visit family. Drastal said he was moved when he saw the Pride flags displayed outside village businesses last June. Last year was the first time I ever felt totally welcomed completely in the community, he said. More than a dozen Skaneateles businesses placed Pride flags on their storefronts in the last several days. (Provided photo) Drastal has formed Skaneateles Pride. The groups first event, a virtual celebration, is scheduled for June 20. Both Ford and Drastal on Thursday called in to the village board meeting, which was being held remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. The two requested to make a public comment on the Pride flag, but they were largely prevented from doing so, according to the villages recording of the meeting. The Pride flag annually is flown in June by local governments in the cities of Syracuse, Auburn and Watertown as well as many communities across the nation. The village of Solvay started flying the flag last year. Pride Month is held in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots in New York City in June 1969. Members of the gay community were protesting against a police raid that began in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village. The raid and protests helped spark the LGBT movement. On Monday, Ford presented Solvay Mayor Derek Baichi with a Pride flag, which Baichi put up outside village hall. Solvay Mayor Derek Baichi puts up a Pride flag outside village hall on June 1, 2020.Zack Ford Ford said he hopes the village of Skaneateles will follow suit. If they fly it, I will thank them for being on the right side of history, he said. Contact Jacob Pucci at jpucci@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @JacobPucci. They will not exist for long if the nation does not recoil against an administration that includes a defense secretary who refers to this Republic as a battlespace. And also includes a four-star Army general who reports to the Oval Office in combat fatigues, dressed appropriately for an evening of police and military engagements that involved clearing a public park of peaceful demonstrators, and intimidating protesters elsewhere. The purpose of the clearing, achieved with flash-bang grenades and chemicals, was to enable the Bible-brandishing commander in chief to stand in front of a church for the purpose of stroking the portion of his political base that is composed of Evangelical Christians who relish rendering their souls unto this particular Caesar. Unfurl the Mission Accomplished banner. Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya might soon be extradited to India from United Kingdom, reports said. Investigative sources in the know have told news agency IANS that Mallya would be flown to Mumbai as the case against him is registered there. He will accompanied by teams of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED). A medical team will conduct check-up at Mumbai airport. He will spend the night at CBI headquarters in Mumbai if he is brought back to India tonight. The liquor baron will be produced in a court later in the day. If he arrives tomorrow morning, he will be taken to court straight away, where CBI and ED will seek his custody, IANS said. ALSO READ: India is in touch with UK over Vijay Mallya's extradition, says MEA Mallya is wanted on charges of loan fraud and money laundering in India amounting to Rs 9,000 crore. On May 14, the UK High Court had rejected his application against extradition order to India issued by the Westminster Magistrates' Court and certified by UK Home Secretary, starting the 28-day clock on extradition proceedings. Mallya, declared a fugitive by India, has been based in the UK since March 2016 and remains on bail on an extradition warrant executed three years ago by Scotland Yard on April 18, 2017. The High Court verdict in April upheld the 2018 ruling by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot at the end of a year-long extradition trial in December 2018 that the flashy former Kingfisher Airlines boss had a case to answer in the Indian courts. ALSO READ: UK Court rejects Vijay Mallya's appeal against extradition to India She found there was "clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds" and accepted a prima facie case of fraud and a conspiracy to launder money against Mallya, which has now also been accepted by the High Court. The Chief Magistrate had also dismissed any bars to extradition on the grounds of the prison conditions under which the businessman would be held, as she accepted the Indian government's assurances that he would receive all necessary medical care behind bars at Barrack 12 in Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai. India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty signed in 1992 and in force since November 1993. Two major extraditions have taken place under this Treaty so far: Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India in 2016 to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002, and more recently alleged bookie Sanjeev Chawla, sent back in February this year to face match-fixing charges. ALSO READ: Vijay Mallya loses final appeal; extradition process to begin in 28 days Seth Meyers broke down President Donald Trump's threat to call in the military to control the nationwide protests over George Floyd's death on Late Night. During his daily A Closer Look segment, Meyers, 46, delved into Trump's comments on Monday, when he said that if any city or state fails to, 'defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.' Meyers began by stating that Trump's speech was, 'one of the most menacing moments' in his tenure as President, which is no easy feat since he's 'always menacing.' Threat: Seth Meyers broke down President Donald Trump's threat to call in the military to control the nationwide protests over George Floyd's death on Late Night Military: During his daily A Closer Look segment, Meyers, 46, delved into Trump's comments on Monday, when he said that if any city or state fails to, 'defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them' Meyers then pointed to numerous examples of Trump's menacing behavior, like how, during the debates, 'he stalked Hillary Clinton like a Naked and Afraid contestant trying to sneak up on a bird.' He said he only has two modes, 'menacing sociopath or limp french fry that's been sitting in the bottom of the bag soaking up all the oii.' The host said that his speech featured both modes, with part of his speech showing a rather listless Trump, 'reading a speech like a 13-year-old reading a torah at a bar mitzvah.' Menacing: Meyers then pointed to numerous examples of Trump's menacing behavior, like how, during the debates, 'he stalked Hillary Clinton like a Naked and Afraid contestant trying to sneak up on a bird. Limp french fry: He said he only has two modes, 'menacing sociopath or limp french fry that's been sitting in the bottom of the bag soaking up all the oii' Meyers played a clip of Trump's speech where he suggested to the mayors and governors to 'dominate the streets' with the use of the National Guard. The comedian added that while it seems 'our brains seem melted' by the 'weirdness' of the Trump administration, he said that, 'This is a horrifying moment.' He added that the 'worst case scenario' where America descends into authoritarianism is here. Worst case: He added that the 'worst case scenario' where America descends into authoritarianism is here 'You're not gonna get an invitation in the mail asking you to RSVP to the democracy is over party. There's no on/off switch, as it turns out, Democracy is on a dimmer.' Meyers added that Trump has learned over the past three and a half years that he can get away with anything,' leading to him using the police and military police to clear a protest just so he could have a photo op near a church. The host said that this is all the result of a, 'cult-like political ideology that venerates violence and gleefully elevated an authoritarian strongman who glorified violence.' Dimmer: 'You're not gonna get an invitation in the mail asking you to RSVP to the democracy is over party. There's no on/off switch, as it turns out, Democracy is on a dimmer' Glorified: The host said that this is all the result of a, 'cult-like political ideology that venerates violence and gleefully elevated an authoritarian strongman who glorified violence Meyers also noted that Trump has previously praised China for the Tienanmen Square massacre and he claims to be 'the most militaristic person.' He also debunked that claim, since Trump has never served in the military and dodged the Vietnam draft. 'You love the military the way you love the constitution and the Bible, only when it serves you, and that is not love,' Meyers said. He concluded that Americans can't wait until November and hope to vote him out, 'to stop the country's descent into authoritarianism until it's too late.' Praise: Meyers also noted that Trump has previously praised China for the Tienanmen Square massacre and he claims to be 'the most militaristic person' Oxford Flow, an Oxford, UK-based flow control equipment specialist, raised 8.45m in funding. The funding has been secured from eight parties, with existing investors Oxford Sciences Innovation (OSI), Parkwalk, Oxford Investment Consultants and the University of Oxford contributing a total of 5.6m. The remaining amount is made up by GF Piping Systems, a division of Georg Fischer, a Swiss leader in fluid transfer equipment, individual investor Nick Harbinson and companies associated with GK Goh, the Singapore-based investment group. The company intends to use the funds to scale up its utility and industrials manufacturing, increase headcount in Oxford UK and Houston US, and continue to expand internationally. Led by Neil Poxon, CEO, Oxford Flow designs and manufactures innovative pressure control equipment using technology developed at Oxford University. The companys pressure reducing valves (PRVs) and gas pressure regulators can reduce costs for energy, water and process industries. She has since received an apology from the store regarding the incident Shared photo where she can be seen dressed in a colourful swimsuit and sarong An Irish politician has slammed Lidl after a security guard asked her to cover up while wearing 'inappropriate' clothing in the store. Lynn Ruane, who was dressed in a colourful swimsuit and a sarong during her visit to the store in Tallaght, took to Twitter to complain after she claims she was told to 'wear a different top' the next time she shopped at the Dublin Lidl branch. Expressing her frustration, she penned: '@lidl_ireland wants me to wear a different top to shop there apparently. 'As if me wearing a swimsuit for a top in the summer is any different to any other little tank top I'd wear.' 'Get a grip. Men walking around in vests showing just as much skin.' Irish politician Lynn Ruane (pictured) claimed a security guard stopped her and told her to 'wear a different top' the next time she shopped at the Dublin Lidl branch. Pictured, in the colourful swimming costume The Senator (pictured) later added that perhaps there was too much of her bottom half on show Taking to Twitter, the Irish politician penned: '@lidl_ireland wants me to wear a different top to shop there apparently' (pictured) It comes after Ireland and the United Kingdom are experiencing one of the hottest springs on record - with temperatures soaring to 27C. Lynn, who is an Independent Senator in Seanad Eireann, went on to say that when she returned home she 'berated' herself - despite it not being that dissimilar to any other little tank top she'd wear. She later added that perhaps there was too much of her bottom half on show. Lynn wrote: 'I went home. Checked the mirror. 'Berated myself that maybe you could see too much of my upper thigh through my sarong (although he didn't comment on my bottom half).' Lidl Ireland were quick to reply to Lynn's Tweet and encouraged her to send a direct message so they could look into the matter (pictured) Lidl Ireland were quick to respond to the post and penned: 'This is not our policy and if you'd like to DM us the store name, we will speak to store and regional management to make sure correct procedures are being adhered to.' The Senator later added: '@lidl_ireland have communicated with me very promptly, apologised for the incident and I'm glad they will be communicating their policy with the store and security involved. A spokesperson for Lidl Ireland commented: 'We have been made aware of a situation in a store regarding an inappropriate comment to a customer regarding her clothing. 'This comment was made by a member of Lidl's third party security company and not by a Lidl employee. In an effort to manage social distancing there are increased levels of security in stores and many of these guards are not overly familiar with store policies. 'We have been in touch with the customer to apologise directly and we have contacted the company to ensure that all third party staff contracted to Lidl are re-briefed on policies.' With work-from-home culture becoming a norm, many have resorted to video calls for meetings and announcements. However, for some employees, it is a task to get the right network with clear visibility and audio. The latest incident of Zoom CEO Eric Yuan forgetting to turn his mic on during an earnings call gives out a message that even the CEO of one of the most downloaded video-calling apps can struggle with virtual meets. Zoom CEO, Eric Yuan in a meeting with his investors forgot to turn his mic on, CNBC tech reporter Jordan Novet posted on Twitter. This was reported by Business Insider. Yuan was on an earnings call and left his mic on mute for several seconds before someone from the company's team indicated that he could not be heard. When it comes to holding video conferences or meets, there are still a large number of people who haven't got the grip of it. While it has been over 2 months since the world went into lockdown with nothing but virtual meets as an alternative for real-life office. While many people try to wrap their heads around virtual office spaces, there is an n number of hilarious videos on social media that show people making blunders leaving their colleagues in splits. "We were humbled by the accelerated adoption of the Zoom platform around the globe in Q1. The COVID-19 crisis has driven higher-demand for distributed face-to-face interactions and collaboration using Zoom. Use cases have grown rapidly as people integrated Zoom into their work, learning, and personal lives." Yuan said. A report by IANS noted that Zoom has earned $328.2 million in revenue for its quarter that ended on April 30. For its second quarter of the fiscal year 2021, the company expects $495 and $500. Zoom secured a safe position as one of the most downloaded apps during the pandemic period. Although, the app has been criticised for its security and privacy issues. The app saw banning from various platforms who cited cyber-security issues. To name a few companies who did this were Google, SpaceX, and Standard Chartered. The government of Taiwan asked its agencies to not use Zoom and in the most recent move, the Government of India issued a security advisory citing that using Zoom is "not safe." Zoom, however, brought in multiple features like setting meeting passwords and waiting rooms by default on the platform. Giving the account admin the ability to choose if their data is routed through specific data center regions, increasing password complexity, etc. Other video-conferencing apps like Google Meet, Google Duo also ramped up their features to take on zoom in the past months. Facebook introduced video calling for the Messenger app. 3 1 of 3 Allied Orion Group Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Allied Orion Group Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Houston-based Allied Orion Group has been hired by a Miami investor to manage The Element at University Park, an off-campus student apartment community serving both Texas A&M University and Blinn College. One Real Estate Investment recently acquired the 192-unit complex at 4475 Carter Creek Parkway in Bryan, close to Texas 6, with Electra Capital providing a preferred equity investment. Berkadia arranged debt and equity financing. Ulster University has hit out at government plans to limit the number of students from England who can study in Northern Ireland. Economy Minister Diane Dodds and her counterparts in Scotland and Wales have reacted angrily to a temporary cap on the amount of students from England studying in their universities, saying it was beyond the government's jurisdiction. The move was announced last month to prevent over-recruitment to make up for lost revenue caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. A spokesperson from Ulster University said they shared Minister Dodds' "shock and concern" at the development. "Having worked closely with the Department for the Economy on measures designed to promote UK-wide sector stability, this move is likely to cause further disruption and confusion for university applicants," the spokesperson said. "We call on the UK Government to cooperate with the devolved administrations in the interests of sector stability across the UK and not just in England." A total of how many students from England study at Ulster University was not available yesterday. Almost 1,000 students from England study at Queen's University Belfast, with a spokesperson saying they were confident it would remain an attractive option. "Queen's University's priority is to meet the needs of NI at this particularly important time as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic," they said. Alliance MP and former Employment Minister Stephen Farry said Stormont should have had a say in the decision. "Choice and the movement of students across the UK and further afield has been a cornerstone of higher education for many decades," he said. "There are of course Covid-19-related distortions that do have to be managed to avoid certain institutions absorbing the majority of what may be, for this incoming year's constrained demand, with a resultant detrimental impact on other higher education institutions. "However, these need to be addressed on a UK-wide basis, in consultation with all the devolved administrations, not unilateral action." The current measures would see intake capped for each institution's 2019/20 totals plus an extra 6.5%, which the government has stated is more than a "fair share" of students coming from England. WASHINGTON Protesters lined the sidewalks and grass along the town hall and stretched toward Route 202, standing 6 feet apart from each other, but together in unity for the Black Lives Matter movement. The protest is one of many that have been organized following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died on Memorial Day after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee onto Floyds neck for more than eight minutes. I think having a moment to silently honor the movement and stand in solidarity with black lives will be very important in a town like Washington that is overwhelmingly white and affluent,said Sophie Nickoll, the events organizer. I am aware that I am a white woman with a lot of privilege helping to organize this and it is not my story to tell or my fight to lead just support. Nickoll said she had wanted attend the protests in New York City, but was worried about the spread of the coronavirus. Her younger brother suggested they have a demonstration in Washington instead. She and her friend Hannah Frater set about organizing the event as a way to spread the word on where people can donate to help. She stressed people should listen to black people and other people of color. She recommended people contribute to the local organizations helping, such as the Connecticut Bail Fund, the Connecticut American Civil Liberties Union, Moral Monday CT and the Connecticut NAACP. My hope is that this doesnt feel like an easy solution to a big problem for people, Nickoll said. She said the racist, capitalist system founded on the subjugation of black people that cant be undone with this one event. Washington, and a lot of Litchfield County has historically been a very safe place for white indifference, Nickoll said. For non-racists but not for anti-racists. My ultimate hope for this protest is that Washington will no longer be that safe space for our privilege to mask our racism. Washington First Selectman Jim Brinton said he fully believes in peoples rights to protest and rally, as long as they are safe. He has been working with the organizers of this Black Lives Matter protest as well as another set for Saturday at noon against police brutality and racism. He said having these protests in Washington, which might be considered a sleepy town, shows the support for the message. It means people are paying attention, Brinton said. It means that theres not apathy. An employee can be seen sorting through returned clothing at one Stitch Fix's warehouses, in South San Francisco. Nick Otto for the Washington Post/Getty Images Online personal styling retailer Stitch Fix is laying off 1,400 California employees, or about 18% of its total workforce. The employees affected can stay with the San Francisco-based company if they relocate Stitch Fix will start hiring for 2,000 positions in lower-cost cities this summer. The company said the layoffs are not related to the pandemic, but the public health crisis has dealt a blow to the retail industry. California companies have looked elsewhere to expand since before the pandemic set in due to the state's high operating costs. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Stitch Fix, the personal styling retailer, is laying off 1,400 employees in California, or roughly 18% of its total 8,000-person workforce. Originally reported by The Wall Street Journal, the San Francisco-based company said the layoffs will begin now through September, but the stylists affected will also be able to stay with the company if they relocate. According to the Journal, Stitch Fix will start the hiring process for 2,000 stylists this summer and through 2021 in low-cost cities like Austin, Cleveland, and Minneapolis. As the San Francisco Chronicle reports, the affected employees are all remote workers in the state of California. If they choose not to relocate out of state, stylists will receive severance payments, potential bonuses, and health-care coverage, according to CNBC. There are 5,100 stylists among the company's 8,000 total employees. They help select the clothing and accessory items that customers receive in their monthly curated shipments. Customers then either pay to keep the items they want or return them. Stitch Fix, founded by CEO Katrina Lake, has evolved from a fledgling startup to a retail disruptor success story. The company earned unicorn status before going public in 2017 and was valued at $2 billion in 2018. The news comes as California companies continue looking elsewhere in the US for expansion to escape the state's high operating costs. Story continues The pandemic-driven economic fallout also continues to result in layoffs across the US, with an estimated 40 million Americans filing for unemployment in the past 10 weeks. But Stitch Fix told the Chronicle that the layoffs are unrelated to the pandemic. However, the crisis has wreaked havoc on the retail industry. Stitch Fix temporarily closed a South San Francisco distribution center in March in compliance with local public health orders. Read the original article on Business Insider Press Release June 3, 2020 HONTIVEROS SEEKS AUDIT OF FUNDS, SPECIAL POWERS UNDER BAYANIHAN LAW Have special powers really helped gov't fight coronavirus, Senator asks "Dahil sa Bayanihan Act ay isinuko na ng Kongreso ang kaniyang 'power of the purse.' Kaya kailangang bantayang maigi kung saan napupunta ang pera." This was the statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday as she called for a rigorous assessment of the success or lack thereof of its full campaign against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, before passing Bayanihan to Recover as One bill. "We should have established sufficient infrastructure and mustered enough human resources to adequately respond to this health crisis. However, this is clearly not the case," she said. In a privilege speech, Hontiveros pointed out that despite the passage of the Bayanihan Law or Republic Act No. 11469 granting emergency powers to the President, the government has failed to meet its health and economic relief targets, as evidenced by massive backlogs, slow contact tracing efforts, and delays in the release of test results to persons under quarantine or monitoring. "Apat na buwan na ang nakakaraan. Bilyon-bilyon ang pondo na nasa kamay ng pamahalaan at malawak ang kapangyarihan na ibinigay natin sa Pangulo. Pero hanggang ngayon, wala pa rin tayong pinangako nilang 30,000 tests per day. Hindi rin malinaw kung naflatten na ba ang curve ng pandemiya," she said. The Senator called out the Department of Health (DOH) for failing to present to the public comprehensive, reliable and accurate data on the pandemic. "Naguguluhan na ang publiko at mismong policy makers sa ibinibigay na datos. Biglang may "fresh cases," at may new cases pero old na raw. For government to produce the right policies, we have to have the right data in our hands," she said. Hontiveros also criticized the health agency for the purchase of overpriced personal protective equipment (PPEs) and testing kits as revealed by other Senators. "Paano natin mapagkakatiwalaan ang gobyerno na gamitin sa maayos ang pera ng bayan kung may mga taong walang konsensiyang pinagkakakitaan ang pandemyang ito?" she said. She then questioned the lifting of restrictions under the General Community Quarantine when flattening of the epidemic curve unclear. This will just endanger the lives of the employees as they go back to work. "Now that we have shifted to GCQ and asked them to go back to work without mass testing and mandatory and demandable safety at work protocols, we are putting their lives at risk." Hontiveros then urged the government to address these 'major flaws' first as the country transitions to a new and better normal. She challenged the government to step-up and employ the "whole of society" approach to overcome this crisis: include more health professionals and scientists and retract police and military from the forefront; get the involvement of development workers, work with the private sector; capacitate and empower local government units and communities; and capacitate local resources such as giving Kaligtasan Tanods information and education functions. Likewise, Hontiveros said that the health response measures must also include a sound economic and fiscal plan to ensure immediate recovery and avoid widespread loss of jobs and financial opportunities. But whatever efforts the government will carry out to restart the economy, it must come with appropriate protection for our people. Otherwise, this will not just deprive people of their livelihood but also of their right to live. "Health and economic safeguards must be put in place before we send them out to what is now called the new normal. Let our rallying cry be: Save lives, save jobs," she concluded. Spains Supreme Court has passed a ruling banning all unofficial flags from public buildings, a ban that includes flags representing all political views, from Catalan independence flags to multicolour ones. The judgement by Court 3 reverses the decision by the City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to display the tricolour flag of the Canary Islands, which features seven stars and is used by local pro-independence groups. The court ruling states that displaying unofficial flags outside government buildings and other public places is neither compatible with the Constitution and current legislation nor with the duty of the administration to remain neutral and objective, even if it is done occasionally and with the Spanish flag and other legally recognised flags also on display. In the case of the tricolour flag of the Canary Islands hung outside the Tenerife City Hall, the court finds that it unlawful because it is not the official flag and, therefore, it cannot represent the people of the Canary Islands, contrary to what the local council has argued. The ruling comes after the State Attorney filed an appeal against an earlier ruling by the Higher Court of the Canary Islands in November 2017 which upheld the decision of the local council and stated that flying an unofficial flag from an auxiliary mast on the outer perimeter of the building was legal. In 2016 the council had agreed to raise the flag as a collective symbol which the people of the Canary Islands feels represented by and an expression of the historic struggles of the archipelago for democracy, freedom and the greater well-being of its people, as well as promoting a tighter bond between the islands. Catalan president: no court, no administration may ban the LGTB flag or Catalonias independence flag Catalan president Quim Torra responded to the ruling by stating that no court and no administration of the state may ban the LGTB flag or Catalonias lone star pro-independence banner. This was the Catalan leaders reaction to the Supreme Courts judgement banning unofficial symbols from public buildings. Torra voiced his support for the mayor of Celra (near Girona), who posted a photo on Twitter showing the facade of Celras town hall with the LGTB and pro-independence flags visibly on display. President Torra was convicted of disobedience by a Catalan court for refusing to take down an unofficial symbol from the government building. During the campaign for the Spanish election the Central Electoral Board ordered him to remove a large yellow ribbon [in support of the Catalan political prisoners] on display outside the Palau de la Generalitat, but Torra refused to comply. As a result, the Prosecutor lodged a complaint against the Catalan leader and eventually Catalonias Higher Court of Justice disqualified Torra from office, a judgement that was appealed against before the Spanish Supreme Court, which has allowed Torra to hold the presidency until a final ruling is announced on the matter. Josep Costa, the deputy Speaker of the Catalan parliament, has also spoken against the Supreme Courts decision. He wrote a message on Twitter saying that the first flag to be banned was Catalonias independence banner and, at the time, nobody but independence supporters complained about it. ERC spokesperson Marta Vilalta has called the ruling an attack on the freedom of expression. Putin continues his aggression against Ukraine and refuses to comply with any obligations under the 2015 Minsk Agreement calling on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine's Donbas territory. Amid pandemic and unrest, U.S. President Donald Trump wants to reward Vladimir Putin with G-7 membership and a visit to Washington. With attention focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and the national unrest following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, several recent statements by President Trump concerning the G-7 meeting have gone largely unnoticed, David J. Kramer, Director of European and Eurasian Studies and Senior Fellow in the Vaclav Havel Program on Human Rights and Diplomacy at Florida International University's Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs wrote in his piece on The American Interest. First, Trump decided he would host the gathering in person at the end of June in Washington, despite concerns over coronavirus, until German Chancellor Angela Merkel balked at attending and forced Trump to postpone the meeting to September. More disturbingly, Trump indicated his intention to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend. This is an outrageous idea, and Putin's invitation should be rescinded immediately, the author believes. The idea of inviting Putin to the United States follows a number of recent conversations between Trump and the Russian leader as well as shipments of medical assistance to and from Russia. It comes on the heels of recent comments by Trump in which he said, "Russia and us have developed a very good relationship. As you know, we worked on the oil problem together." It is one thing to help Russians during a time of crisis, even one exacerbated by inept leadership from the Kremlin. Along with the United States and Brazil, Russia ranks among the top three countries with the highest number of COVID-19 cases; many observers and experts believe Russian authorities are grossly undercounting the number of deaths due to the virus. But it is another thing entirely to make nice with Putin by inviting him to Washington, the article says. Putin has done nothing to deserve kid-gloves treatment, the author says. On the contrary, Russia's leader has continued to engage in reckless behavior that poses a direct threat to American national interests. The explosion of COVID-19 cases in Russia has not slowed Putins hostile actions; he may even assume Western leaders are too distracted by the pandemic to respond to his provocations. Putin must be contained and confronted, not offered an open hand and an invitation to the States. Read alsoEU's chief diplomat takes position against readmitting Russia to G7 Kramer recalls that Putin continues his aggression against Ukraine and refuses to comply with any obligations under the 2015 Minsk Agreement calling on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine's Donbas territory. Putin has been clear that Russia will not return the Crimean peninsula to Ukrainian control, after Moscow illegally annexed it in 2014. More than 14,000 Ukrainians have been killed in this war it's not a frozen conflict and some 2 million have been displaced. In Georgia, Russian forces have moved the demarcation line from the 2008 ceasefire agreement following Russias invasion of that country deeper into Georgian-controlled territory. For a dozen years, Russia has occupied 20% of Georgian land and paid no price for doing so. Russian intimidation continues toward other neighboring states, too, especially Belarus. Energy cutoffs and pressure to host military bases are common tactics used by the Kremlin to get its way in the region. Russia has been trying to lure Turkey, which maintains the second-largest military in the NATO alliance, into its orbit and is stirring up anti-Western sentiment in the Western Balkans and even tried to launch a coup in Montenegro in 2016. Putin's military intervention in Syria, which has included war crimes, kept the murderous Bashar al-Assad in power. Read alsoRussia may try to drag occupied Donbas residents with Russian passports into voting Most recently, Putin has sent mercenary forces to Libya in support of rebel General Khalifa Haftar's efforts to overthrow the recognized government in Tripoli, and the Pentagon has accused Russia of sending warplanes to tip the balance in favor of Haftar. An invitation to Putin to Washington should spark outrage on Capitol Hill, the author suggests. A trip to the United States could be a boost to Putin and lend him international legitimacy at a time when his own ratings inside Russia are reaching record lows. It would demoralize Ukrainians who would conclude that Trump is writing them off. It would signal that the leader responsible for interference in the 2016 election and likely again this year is welcome on U.S. soil. Fellow G-7 leaders should boycott such a meeting if their Russian counterpart is there. Thankfully, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have already pledged to do so. KELOWNA, BC, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Valens GroWorks Corp . (TSX: VLNS) (OTCQX: VLNCF) ("Valens" or "The Valens Company"), a global leader in the end-to-end development and manufacturing of innovative, cannabinoid-based products, today announced a custom manufacturing agreement with TREC Brands Inc. ("TREC"), a cannabis brand house with a mission of doing good. In addition, the Company also provided an update on its Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") activity. Under the agreement between The Valens Company and TREC Brands (the "TREC Agreement"), The Valens Company will manufacture vape pens across three existing TREC brands; Thumbs Up Brand, WINK, and Blissed, with the potential to later produce other innovative products. TREC has already launched a successful line of tinctures, flower, and pre-rolls, but through this partnership, vape pens will be introduced as a new product format across its current brand portfolio. The TREC Agreement follows a royalty-based payment structure. TREC's mission is to build socially conscious, purposeful brands with commitments to initiatives that positively impact Canadian communities, the planet, and society as a whole. Each brand in their portfolio has a distinct mission that reflects the core values of the brand house: WINK curates unique products and partners with local designers to collaborate on accessories. The brand donates 10% of profits to advance local communities with a focus on progressing culture in fashion, art and music. Blissed strives to empower women to shed stigma and live happier, healthier and more authentic existences through educational content, community building and purposefully designed products. Thumbs Up Brand aims to deliver high quality cannabis at a fair price to the grower and the consumer. The execution of the TREC Agreement further solidifies the strength in The Valens Company's customized manufacturing platform that both Licensed Producers and CPG partners utilize to launch products and further their brands in the evolving Canadian market. The Company remains focused on its further development into a leading manufacturer of cannabinoid-based products and continues to broaden its customer product platform from its existing offering of capsules, tinctures, sprays, vapes, beverages, concentrates, distillate, isolate, and SoRSE by Valens emulsion, and expects to also include topicals and edibles in the near to medium term. With this platform, The Valens Company leads the industry as a one-stop-shop and manufacturer of high quality oil-based product formats. "Through this partnership, The Valens Company and TREC will thoughtfully bring to market high-quality, bespoke products while putting the unique needs of Canadian consumers at the forefront of product development," said Tyler Robson, CEO of The Valens Company. "As Cannabis 2.0 continues to allow for exciting new products and brands to hit shelves in Canada, we are excited to develop products in partnership with authentic, community-centric brands such as those in the TREC portfolio." "With The Valens Company's capabilities and expertise to provide customized products to suit each of our brands, we are confident that we are delivering the best possible products to our consumers with a company who values community-level engagement as much as we do," said Trang Trinh, Founding Director and CEO of TREC Brands. Update on NCIB Activity The Valens Company also announced that it has acquired 43,600 common shares ("Shares") through its NCIB during the month of May at a price range of $2.24 - $2.25 per Share. The Company intends to purchase additional Shares under the NCIB in the coming quarters, and in the near-term as the Company believes its Share price remains undervalued in comparison to its industry peer group under current market conditions. The Company will continue to purchase Shares under the NCIB as opportunities arise and will provide updates on its activity, subject to rules and policies of the TSX, and applicable Canadian securities laws, black-out periods and trading restrictions. About The Valens Company The Valens Company is a global leader in the end-to-end development and manufacturing of innovative, cannabinoid-based products. The Valens Company is focused on being the partner of choice for leading Canadian and international cannabis brands by providing best-in-class, proprietary services including CO2, ethanol, hydrocarbon, solvent-less and terpene extraction, analytical testing, formulation and product development and custom manufacturing. Valens is the largest third-party extraction Company in Canada with an annual capacity of 425,000 kg of dried cannabis and hemp biomass at our purpose-built facility in Kelowna, British Columbia which is in the process of becoming European Union (EU) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant. The Valens Company currently offers a wide range of product formats, including tinctures, two-piece caps, soft gels, oral sprays and vape pens as well as beverages, concentrates, topicals, edibles, injectables, natural health products and has a strong pipeline of next-generation products in development for future release. Finally, The Valens Company's wholly-owned subsidiary Valens Labs is a Health Canada licensed ISO 17025 accredited cannabis testing lab providing sector-leading analytical services and has partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to develop a Centre of Excellence in Plant-Based Science. For more information, please visit http://thevalenscompany.com. The Valens Company's investor deck can be found specifically at http://thevalenscompany.com/investors/. About TREC Brands TREC Brands is a global premium cannabis brand house with expertise in product development, sales, promotions, marketing and licensing. Based in Toronto, Canada, the socially conscious brand management organization operates on a foundation of Trust, Respect, Equality and Compassion, affectionately known as TREC. To further its mission of doing good first, TREC Brands donates 10% of all profits back to the communities it operates in. Currently overseeing Thumbs Up Brand, Blissed and WINK cannabis brands, product offerings include premium cannabis oils, dried flower and pre-rolls. For more information please visit www.trecbrands.com. Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements All information included in this press release, including any information as to the future financial or operating performance and other statements of The Valens Company that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are included for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Wherever possible, words such as "plans", "expects", "scheduled", "trends", "indications", "potential", "estimates", "predicts", "anticipate", "to establish", "believe", "intend", "ability to", or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will", or are "likely" to be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of these words or other variations thereof, have been used to identify such forward-looking information. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, all disclosure regarding future results of operations, economic conditions and anticipated courses of action. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others, regulatory risk, United States border crossing and travel ban, reliance on licenses, expansion of facilities, competition, dependence on supply of cannabis and reliance on other key inputs, dependence on senior management and key personnel, general business risk and liability, regulation of the cannabis industry, change in laws, regulations and guidelines, compliance with laws, reliance on a single facility, limited operating history, vulnerability to rising energy costs, unfavourable publicity or consumer perception, product liability, risks related to intellectual property, product recalls, difficulties with forecasts, management of growth and litigation, many of which are beyond the control of The Valens Company. For a more comprehensive discussion of the risks faced by The Valens Company, and which may cause the actual financial results, performance or achievements of The Valens Company to be materially different from estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, please refer to The Valens Company's latest Annual Information Form filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com or on The Valens Company's website at www.thevalenscompany.com. The risks described in such Annual Information Form are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Although the forward-looking statements contained herein reflect management's current beliefs and reasonable assumptions based upon information available to management as of the date hereof, The Valens Company cannot be certain that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. The Valens Company cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Valens 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 applicable law. Nothing herein should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or sell securities of The Valens Company. SOURCE The Valens Company Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 12:07:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A private survey showed Wednesday that the business activity of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region dropped less in May as the COVID-19 epidemic abated and related social distancing measures eased. The Purchasing Managers' Index of Hong Kong compiled by consulting firm IHS Markit rose to 43.9 last month from 36.9 in April. The figure came to the highest in four months but remained below the boom-bust line of 50, meaning business activity in Hong Kong was still in contraction. The IHS Markit report said the rate of contraction was the softest since January as the easing of some social distancing measures helped to support business activity at some firms. However, Bernard Aw, the principal economist at IHS Markit, stressed that business sentiment remained weak as firms continued to worry about the longer-term impact of the epidemic on economic activity. The HKSAR government relaxed anti-epidemic measures responding to the easing situation. However, as several local infections were reported in recent days, the government said it will extend some control measures. Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection reported on Tuesday six more COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong to 1,093. Enditem BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Export of chemical products from Turkey to Kazakhstan increased by 8.7 percent from January 2020 through April 2020, and reached $26.4 million, Turkeys Ministry of Trade told Trend. In April 2020, the export of Turkish chemicals to Kazakhstan increased by 15.5 percent compared to the same month of 2019, exceeding $6.7 million. Meanwhile, Turkey's export of chemical products to the world markets amounted to $6 billion from January through April 2020, which is 10.9 percent less compared to the same period of 2019. Turkey's export of chemical products to world markets amounted to 11.7 percent of the countrys total export from January through April 2020. According to the ministry, in April 2020, Turkey's export of chemical products to world markets amounted to slightly over $1.2 billion, which is 27.3 percent less compared to the same month of 2019. Meanwhile, Turkey's export of chemical products made up 14.3 percent of the countrys total export. From April 2019 through April 2020, Turkey's export of chemical products to world markets amounted to $19.8 billion. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testified to Congress on Wednesday that he would not have signed off on a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrant renewal to spy on former Trump campaign associate Carter Page had he been aware then of the unreliability of the underlying evidence. If you knew then what you know now, would you have signed the application? Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham asked Rosenstein during his testimony. No, I would not, Rosenstein replied. In December, the Justice Departments inspector general concluded in a report that the FBI omitted crucial details in its requests for warrants to surveil Page, saying the agency neglected to inform the FISA court that the controversial Steele dossier, cited in applications to spy on Page, was unreliable. The dossier was compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele who was investigating Donald Trump for an opposition research firm hired by the Hillary Clinton campaign. The dossier purported to show connections between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. However, the inspector general did not say the FISA court should have declined to grant the warrants and nevertheless concluded that political bias did not compromise the FBIs handling of the Russia investigation. Rosenstein defended his approval of the warrants, however, saying that every application I approved appeared to be justified based on the facts it alleged, and blamed the FBI, which he said was supposed to be following protocols to ensure that every fact was verified but failed to do so. The former deputy attorney general also defended his appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel for the Russia investigation. I decided that appointing a Special Counsel was the best way to complete the investigation appropriately and promote public confidence in its conclusions, Rosenstein said. I asked the Special Counsel to review each criminal allegation the FBI considered relevant to Russian election influence operations and recommended whether to close the matter; investigate because it might be relevant to Russian election meddling; or refer the matter to another prosecutor. More from National Review British expat Miriam Margolyes slammed Queensland's Gold Coast during a new episode of her controversial ABC documentary series, Almost Australian, on Tuesday. The Harry Potter star, 79, described the city as 'greedy' and said she felt 'angry about the massive skyscrapers'. While driving into the city Miriam said: 'I'm coming in to what I can see as massive skyscrapers. I feel angry about it because they are spoiling with these great structures. 'These are dead fingers pointing up into the sky': Miriam Margolyes (pictured) said she's 'angry about the massive skyscrapers' as she finally visited the Gold Coast on Tuesday 'These are dead, white, greedy fingers pointing up into the sky,' she added. Miriam, who travelled more than 10,000km around the country over two months for her documentary series, said the change she's seen since she first started coming to Australia in the 1980s is 'mind-blowing'. It comes after the star told TV Tonight that she was horrified by the 'brutality' and 'greed' of modern Australia - and later declared in an interview with The New Daily that she wouldn't be making any apologies for her remarks. 'We think we know what [Australia is] like, but we don't. It's quite complicated. It's layered. Lots of things happen. I do think I was right that it's harsher than it was. Maybe that's true in the world,' she told TV Tonight. Criticism: The Harry Potter star described the city as 'greedy' and said she felt 'angry about the massive skyscrapers' during her ABC documentary series, Almost Australian 'There's a harshness about it, which I didn't expect.' She said the most confronting part of the documentary was having to visit Surfers Paradise, a highly developed stretch of coastline on the Gold Coast, popular with holidaymakers. 'There is a brutality there and a greed in Australia, which I don't like,' she said. 'You know, the developers. Those horrible structures along the coast, that people should be ashamed of living in. Surfers Paradise, it's disgusting. I think that actually shocked me because I don't go there. It's not my world and I don't want to go there.' 'Put your claws back in Miriam': This comes after defensive Aussies slammed the British-born actress for comments she made about her adopted country Defensive Aussies slammed the British-born actress for comments she made about her adopted country. Many suggested that Miriam could always go back to the UK in scathing comments on Facebook. 'Put your claws back in Miriam and be thankful for the surroundings of where you are living. If you are so incensed with Aussies, simply pack your bags and head back to England,' one commenter wrote. 'One simple solution f**k off out of Australia. This country has a lot to offer. Get rid of you and that means some other deserving human might take your place. I sincerely hope you are pressured to leave,' another added. 'Nobody is forcing you to stay here!' one person wrote, while another added, 'Nobody is perfect Miriam... and no country is perfect either. We all know that.' Spains Congress of Deputies on Wednesday will vote on the sixth and final extension to the state of alarm that was decreed in mid-March by the Cabinet in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The two-week extension will prolong the governments emergency powers to June 21. Following talks with congressional groups, the executive is expecting to receive between 171 and 176 affirmative votes, and fewer than 150 against. In the 350-seat chamber, 176 votes constitutes a majority, although a simple majority of more yes than no votes is sufficient for the extension to pass. Today, with caution, we can say that the worst is over PM Pedro Sanchez Passage of the extension will be made possible thanks to support from Ciudadanos (Citizens) and the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), and to an abstention from the Catalan Republican Left (ERC), which voted against the most recent extension on May 21. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, of the Socialist Party (PSOE), heads a minority coalition with the leftist Unidas Podemos, and has been facing growing opposition in parliament to his requests for two-week extensions. The state of alarm underpins the confinement measures that have been in place since mid-March. Spain is currently deescalating these measures at different speeds, depending on each areas Covid-19 incidence and other factors such as primary healthcare capacity, and preparedness to deal with potential new outbreaks. Sanchez also announced that the executive will unify existing prevention measures under a new law in order to avoid new outbreaks, and called for political unity: The enemy is the virus and politics must serve to fight it together. The far-right Vox party recently held street protests against the government, which it claims is deliberately seeking to hold on to its emergency powers. Speaking in Congress on Wednesday, Vox leader Santiago Abascal accused the government of criminal negligence." He said that Spain has experienced the strictest confinement in the Western world, and the highest deaths per capita. The main opposition Popular Party (PP) holds a similar position to Vox and is no longer supporting Sanchezs extensions after initially doing so. In just a few months, [the government] has lost our trust, but also the trust of the Spanish people, said PP leader Pablo Casado on Wednesday. Worst months Speaking in Congress on Wednesday morning, Sanchez defended his governments actions since mid-March, when the country, hard hit by the pandemic with 27,127 dead and 239,932 infected according to official figures went into one of the strictest lockdowns in the world. We have been through the worst months in the history of our democracy, he told the chamber. Its been three months that seemed never-ending. Today, with caution, we can say that the worst is over. I am proud to preside the government of a country that has shown discipline, solidarity and responsibility. Since March 11, when the global pandemic was declared, the government has had no other goal than to save lives. Fragile majority Despite Sanchezs success crafting a new majority for the sixth extension to the state of alarm, nobody in government or in the opposition expects this to become a stable reality going forward. Ciudadanos which made the jump to national politics during the economic recession as a liberal protest party, then veered to the right under former leader Albert Rivera has made it clear that its support is on a case-by-case basis, and that it should not be automatically expected. Current chief Ines Arrimadas, who is seeking to take the party back to the center of the political spectrum, has said that Ciudadanos should not be counted on for the most important vote of all, the new budget, which will probably reach the floor around October. Spain is still functioning under the 2018 budget designed by the PP government of Mariano Rajoy. Civil Guard row Wednesdays plenary session also comes in the middle of a political storm involving Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, whose department recently sacked a high-ranking Civil Guard official, a move that was portrayed by the minister as part of a normal process of building new teams. But on Tuesday it emerged that Colonel Diego Perez de los Cobos was let go for failing to inform his superiors about ongoing investigations into the public events that took place on March 8, International Womens Day. A court is probing claims that government representatives authorized large gatherings, including the feminist march held that day, despite existing information about the spread of the disease. The judge had asked the Civil Guard for an analysis on the matter, and has since given instructions to report only to her. English version by Susana Urra. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) rose 1.65% to Rs 2,142.15 after the company on Tuesday (2 June) informed that it has ramped-up its production to 80-90% of normative levels, from approximately 70% levels in April. HUL said that all its factories and warehouses, except one in Assam, are open. Almost all its suppliers in India, are now operational. The FMCG major said it felt the adverse impact of COVID-19 in form of fractured supply lines and demand decline from mid-March. The firm is seeing heightened consumer focus on health, hygiene, and nutritional needs. Its portfolio comprising of categories like skin cleansing, home & hygiene, nutrition, tea, coffee and foods is well positioned to cater to these consumer demand spaces. "The impact on discretionary categories like hair care, skin care and colour cosmetics is more accentuated. While we are seeing some demand revival in these categories, the exact time which these categories will take to recover fully remains to be seen", it added. The company's out of home businesses comprising of ice creams and foods solutions and its consumer durables business of water has been most severely impacted by the lockdown. "We are operating with shorter planning cycles, stepping up agility, reducing complexity and working longer shifts to build resilience in our supply chain. Our B2B (business-to-business) sales ordering app Shikar and our hyperlocal ordering platform of Humara Shop have witnessed increased adoption and usage by trade and consumers under the lockdown", HUL said. The company said that the future impact on the business operations is difficult to assess at this point, as the situation is unravelling at a fast pace. "The pandemic has imposed incremental operating costs on the business. While there will be some impact on our profitability in the short term; however, it is difficult to assess the exact quantum at this stage", it added. With respect to the GSK Consumer Healthcare merger, workmen at the company's Nabha plant, that it acquired as part of the merger are currently on a strike. The company said that it is working with all stakeholders to find a resolution and will take appropriate steps as required. "We will provide a detailed update to the markets in the month of July on the merger and the synergy benefits", HUL added. HUL manufactures branded and packaged consumer products including soap, detergent, personal care products and processed food. On a standalone basis, HUL's net profit declined 1.24% to Rs 1519 crore on a 9.4% decline in net sales to Rs 8,885 crore in Q4 March 2020 over Q4 March 2019. Domestic consumer growth declined by 9% with a decline of 7% in underlying volume growth. EBITDA for Q4 March 2020 stood at Rs 2065 crore, declining 11% year on year from Rs 2321 crore in Q4 March 2019. Reported EBITDA margin reduced by 40 bps (160 bps reduction on comparable basis after adjusting for accounting impact of Ind AS 116). Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The deep depression in the Arabian Sea has intensified into a cyclonic storm and will cross the north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts on 3 June, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday. The cyclone, denominated Nisarga as per the cyclone naming system in South Asia, is set to make landfall in north Maharashtra and adjoining south Gujarat coast between Harihareshwar and Daman, close to Alibaug around noon on 3 June. It intensified into a cyclonic storm from a deep depression on Tuesday evening, said the India Meteorological Department, adding that it is likely to further strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours. Upon landfall, Cyclone Nisarga is expected to have a speed of 105-110 kmph and is likely to cause heavy rains in south Gujarat and coastal Maharashtra, the IMD has said. Rains in Mumbai, south Gujarat as cyclone nears land Cyclone Nisarga has led to constant drizzling in parts of Mumbai. Areas like Parel, Mulund, Goregaon Vasai Road, Navi Mumbai reported drizzle since early evening. Districts including Palghar, Greater Mumbai, Raigad and Mumbai have been put on alert. Meanwhile, areas like Valsad, Bhavnagar, and Amreli are also likely to receive showers overnight, IMD said. Satellite image of Cyclone Nisarga as on 2 June 4.30 pm. IMD The cyclone has been named 'Nisarga'. The name has been proposed by Bangladesh, IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said. According to IMD, at present, the depression is lying 300 kilometre south-southwest of Alibag, and 350 kilometres south of Mumbai. It is very likely to move north-northeastward and cross north Maharashtra and adjoining south Gujarat coast. It will make landfall as a 'severe cyclonic storm' with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kilometres per hour. It is likely to turn into a 'severe cyclonic storm' by Tuesday night, the Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said, adding that the storm will cross north Maharashtra and adjoining south Gujarat coast between Harihareshwar and Daman, close to Alibaug (Raigad District, Maharashtra). However, just before landfall, it is likely that the cyclone will start weakening and cross as Category 1 cyclone by tomorrow afternoon/evening between Mumbai and Shrivardhan in Raigad district, private weather forecasters said, although IMD is yet to confirm this. According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), the cyclone could induce flash floods in Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Palghar, Thane, Mumbai and Nashik, and tidal waves in the coastal regions of north Maharashtra and south Gujarat, CNBC TV18 reported. NDRF deploys 33 teams in Gujarat and Maharashtra Following the forecast, thirty-three NDRF teams have been deployed in the coastal districts of Maharashtra, the chief of the federal contingency force said. Both states have been dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, with Maharashtra reporting highest cases in India, while Gujarat has the fourth highest tally of active cases. In a video message, NDRF Director General (DG) SN Pradhan said, "Gujarat and Maharashtra have 11 and 10 teams respectively and they are being deployed in the coastal districts facing the Arabian Sea". On Gujarat's request, five more teams are being airlifted to the state from Punjab, he said. Gujarat will have a total of 17 NDRF teams, including two on standby, and neighbouring Maharashtra 16 teams, including six on standby, he said. "This will constitute a total of 33 teams in the two states," the officer said. An NDRF team has a strength of about 45 personnel and each unit is equipped with tree and pole cutters, communication gadgets, inflatable boats and a small basic medical unit. Pradhan said the teams on ground have begun the process of evacuation and have launched an awareness drive among the locals. "Although this is not an extremely severe cyclone, all precautions are being taken with the basic principle in mind that while we expect the best, we must prepare for the worst," he said. Gujarat to evacuate 20,000 people Meanwhile in Gujarat, the Valsad and Navsari district administrations have started evacuating nearly 20,000 people from 47 villages located close to the state coastline, officials said on Tuesday. Besides, in a relief to people living near the shore, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday indicated the cyclone may not make a landfall on the Gujarat coast. However, it will have an impact in the form of gusty winds coupled with heavy rainfall in the coastal belt, state MeT centre director Jayanta Sarkar said. As a precautionary measure, the district administrations of Valsad and Navsari have started shifting people living near the coast to safer places. Maharashtra prepares for Cyclone Nisarga Flight operations in Mumbai were partially hit due to the cyclonic storm approaching the west coast. Vistara put out an advisory saying, flights to/from Mumbai and Goa are likely to be impacted. "Please visit http://airvistara.com or SMS UK to 9289228888 to check updated flight status before booking and leaving for the airport," it tweeted. Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has said that people who live in temporary or weak houses will be shifted to relief camps, adding that precautions will be taken during the relief and rehabilitation works, considering prevalence of COVID-19. "Slum dwellers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, particularly those living in low-lying areas, have been instructed to evacuate," Thackeray's office tweeted. Mumbai administration has also shifted almost 150-200 COVID-19 patients out of the makeshift quarantine facility at MMRDA ground in BKC to NSCI Dome in Worli due to the cyclone alert. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation put out a list of Do's and Don'ts for citizens. DOs and DONTs for Mumbaikars to take on Cyclone Nisarga. Dial 1916 and Press 4 for any cyclone related query or concern.#BMCNisargaUpdates pic.twitter.com/HY9xYVUmLD Mumbai, BMC (@mybmc) June 2, 2020 Hospitals in coastal areas of the state and the Mumbai airport have been kept on high alert. Ten teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for rescue operations. Meanwhile, Mumbai fishermen have been asked to return from the sea in view of impending adverse weather conditions. Coast Guards have been deployed to help fishermen reach back to the nearest harbour. Furthermore, News18 reported that schools, marriage halls and other open spaces have also been identified to be used as shelter homes for affected people in Maharashtra. Elaborating on the government's preparedness for the approaching cyclonic storm, the Maharashtra CMO tweeted that an alert has been issued for Mumbai city and suburbs, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. It also said non-COVID hospitals are being made available. The state government is also taking measures to prevent power outages and is also taking precautions in chemical industries and the nuclear power plant in Palghar and Raigad districts. "Teams are prepared to tackle the likely damage that will be caused by tree falls, landslides and heavy rainfall," the CMO said. The control room at the mantralaya (state secretariat) is operational round the clock and instructions have been given to the Army, Air Force, Navy and the IMD to ensure coordination, Thackeray's office said. With inputs from PTI Americans have received more than $267 billion in rescue payments from the government in an effort to pull the economy through the coronavirus crisis, the Treasury Department said Wednesday. The department said 159 million Economic Impact Payments have been made in the two months since Congress appropriated the money. The funds were sent to all Americans for whom the IRS has the relevant information. "These payments are an integral part of our commitment to providing much-needed relief to the American people during this unprecedented time," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. As large portions of the U.S. economy shut down to combat the coronavirus pandemic, Congress approved the payments to see the economy through what will be its worst downturn since the Great Depression. The disbursements combined with extended unemployment benefits that saw many displaced workers receive normal unemployment compensation plus $600 per period. The maximum benefit was $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples, with pro-rated benefits for individuals making more than $75,000 and couples earning more than $150,000. While Treasury touted the aggressive effort to get the payments out, it noted that there are still those who haven't received benefits to which they are entitled. That group is primarily made up of those who haven't filed a tax return in the past two days. The department said those individuals can submit their information to the IRS and receive payments. KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has demanded one-time financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each for migrant labourers from the Centre, saying people have been facing economic hardship of unimaginable proportions because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The West Bengal Chief Minister took to Twitter and tweeted, People have been facing economic hardship of unimaginable proportions because of the ongoing pandemic. I appeal to Central Govt to transfer Rs10,000 each as one-time assistance to migrant labourers including people in unorganized sector. A portion of PM-CARES could be used for this.'' People have been facing economic hardship of unimaginable proportions bcz of the ongoing pandemic. I appeal to Central Govt to transfer 10,000 each as one-time assistance to migrant labourers including people in unorganized sector. A portion of PM-CARES could be used for this. Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 3, 2020 It may be noted that the Trinamool Congress leader, who had earlier clashed with the Centre over the migrant workers crisis, had on Tuesday said that the West Bengal government witnessed super Cyclone Amphan while fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. She said the devastation left behind from Amphan has been unprecedented and it was the fiercest storm in our recent memory. Through the resilience of Bengal and its people, along with a determined effort by GoWB machinery, we have been able to kickstart major relief and rehabilitation work for the distressed, with an immediate announcement of a Rs 6250 crore package as first tranche, she tweeted out. The West Bengal government has released Rs 1,444 crore to assist people as part of the rehabilitation process following cyclone Amphan, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday. The state government has already transferred money to nearly five lakh affected people for repairing their homes, besides crop damage assistance to 23.3 lakh farmers, she said. Financial assistance to two lakh betel farmers has also been provided, Banerjee said. Cyclone Amphan claimed 98 lives in West Bengal and at least six crore people were directly affected by it. At least eight districts of West Bengal were ravaged in the cyclone that hit the state on May 20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced an immediate relief package of Rs 1,000 crore for the cyclone-hit state. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert (right), has gone on the record to say "my meetings with the president have been dramatically decreased." AP Photo/Alex Brandon With the nation's coronavirus death toll now exceeding 106,000 people and spikes in cases popping up in several states that have reopened, the Trump administration has demonstrated little desire to keep the focus on public health efforts. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, recently went on the record to note how the White House Coronavirus Task Force infrequently meets now. "Certainly my meetings with the president have been dramatically decreased," Fauci said. Reports of new cases of the coronavirus are climbing in more than a dozen states, including in areas of the country like Washington State that previously appeared to have their outbreaks under control, according to data collected by the New York Times. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. While the cataclysmic effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue to ravage the globe, the Trump administration has moved on. For all of the enthusiasm President Donald Trump expressed over reopening the American economy and getting the nation back to work, his administration took its foot off the gas precisely when a new round of public health guidance was needed the most. There is still no federal strategy for coronavirus testing or contact tracing, for example, and Trump's coronavirus task force hasn't held a public briefing since late April, according to logs of the official White House schedule. The administration has held some other briefings, and Trump announced the launch of a federal coronavirus vaccine effort on May 15. A White House spokesman referred Insider to the Office of the Vice President for comment. A spokesperson for the vice president pointed to Pence's public schedule, which indicates the task force currently meets twice per week. Even insofar as there are federal guidelines for reopening various sectors of the economy, few states have come close to meeting those benchmarks. Story continues As daily new cases nationwide have dropped from their mid-April highs of more than 30,000 per day, "flattening the curve" has only resulted in a leveling off of around 20,000 per day. Spikes in coronavirus cases are popping up in several states, including ones like Washington that previously appeared to have their outbreaks under control, according to data collected by the New York Times. Some experts also fear that protests against police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd could lead to a fresh uptick in cases. Because of how the virus works, it could take a couple weeks before any spike in cases shows up in the data. Earlier this week, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, told the health news site STAT News that Trump has largely cut off contact with him and other public health experts. "We used to have task force meetings every single day, including Saturday and Sunday, and about 75% of the time after the task force meeting we'd meet with the president," Fauci said. "So I was meeting with him four times a week back, a month or so ago. "But as you probably noticed, that the task force meetings have not occurred as often lately. And certainly my meetings with the president have been dramatically decreased." Fauci has warned of a deadly second wave of COVID-19 that could come in the fall and winter, though he recently offered an optimistic take that it's "not inevitable" if proper measures are put in place as states reopen. Protests and unrest stemming from the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn. have dominated the news cycle this week, and drawn the president's focus. Yet even before then, Trump was shifting his public comments away from the coronavirus and toward things like enacting revenge against China, insinuating that a cable news committed murder, and fighting over potentially moving the location of the Republican National Convention (out of frustrations with North Carolina's coronavirus restrictions). With testing, contact tracing and all of the logistics of reopening left to the states, Trump is pushing for an economic rebound without taking an active role in the singular global threat to the economy: the coronavirus. Much of the slow rolling and eventual sidelining of public health experts began in May, with a New York Times piece on Trump's new strategy beginning with a stark analysis. "Confronted with America's worst public health crisis in generations, President Trump declared himself a wartime president. Now he has begun doing what past commanders have done when a war goes badly: Declare victory and go home." Trump has made variations of his co-opted "cure is worse than the disease" argument by pointing to the externalities facing the more than 40 million Americans currently unemployed, mainly through dubious claims that suicides and other deaths of despair could outpace coronavirus-related deaths. Nevertheless, as the new cases drag on in the tens of thousands and the curve stays blunted rather than on the decline, a scattered reopening will not be the cure the Trump administration is hoping for. Read the original article on Business Insider A protest march that began peacefully Tuesday ended hours later in Alamo Plaza when police began firing projectiles at the crowd after they allegedly threw glass bottles at officers. The march to honor George Floyd and to protest police violence began at about 5 p.m. at the Bexar County Courthouse downtown and was largely peaceful throughout most of the night. Once the protesters of more than 100 reached Alamo Plaza at about 10:30 p.m., they were met with a line of San Antonio police at Alamo Plaza and East Crockett Street who started firing smoke canisters and projectiles at the crowd. The line of officers then started pushing the crowd down East Crockett until they reached Losoya. Another line of officers then came down Losoya Street and fired another round of rubber bullets at protesters. An Express-News reporter and a Spectrum News reporter were among those struck by the projectiles. As the protesters were regrouping at East Commerce and Losoya, a line of officers once again began pushing the protesters down East Commerce toward North Presa Street. From there, parts of the crowd had dispersed as the police continued their operation. In a tweet posted by SAPD about 30 minutes later, officials said pepper balls, smoke, and wooden and rubber projectiles were used on the crowd after glass bottles were thrown at officers. An Express-News reporter at the scene noted that she only saw plastic water bottles being thrown. Those plastic bottles are also visible in a video posted by Texas Public Radio. Hours earlier, plastic water bottles also were thrown at Bexar County Sheriffs deputies on the courthouse steps, but they did not retaliate. Were protesters' privacy violated? Public health vs. individual rights Whitmer dives into group's data (TNS) The tracking of hundreds of Michigan Capitol protesters cellphones from two rallies this spring has raised questions about protecting privacy rights, while testing limits of what location data can predict about the spread of the novel coronavirus from packed public events.A liberal advocacy group most recently pursued the cellphone location data from more than 400 individuals who attended the American Patriots Rally on April 30 in Lansing against Gov. Gretchen Whitmers stay-home orders and used it to gauge their locations the next day in a bid to determine the potential spread of the virus from the demonstration.The location of 422 cellphones within a roughly four-block radius of the Capitol showed individuals traveled back to areas throughout the state, including West Michigan, Metro Detroit, Northern Michigan and the Indiana border after the event, according to data obtained by VoteMap on behalf of the progressive group Committee to Protect Medicare and Affordable Care."They ended up pretty much scattered across the state," said Dr. Rob Davidson, executive director of Committee to Protect Medicare, a west Michigan emergency room physician and a Democratic former congressional candidate.I think you can absolutely argue that a likely high-risk group of individuals all gathering in close quarters have a high risk of propagating the virus, said Davidson, whose group did not track protesters at the police brutality protests across Michigan over the weekend.But the group pulled similar data at an April 15 rally called Operation Gridlock.The tracking, known as "geoharvesting," is when data is gathered from a smartphone app on a device connected to the Internet. That data contains geolocation information that can be queried to show movement on a map.The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services contact tracing initiative has come across no reports where a COVID-19-positive individual reported attendance at an event, including protests, in their travel history, said Lynn Sutfin, a department spokeswoman.The tracking has raised the hackles of Capitol demonstrators, such as Phil Robinson, a Barry County resident who said he considers the data gathering during the April 15 and April 30 protests a violation of his rights. The committee at least could have alerted attendees they were being tracked, he said."Id have still showed up, but I would have left my phone at home. I wouldnt have gone live on Facebook," said Robinson, founder of the Michigan Liberty Militia who attended both protests.He also wondered why the Committee to Protect Medicare, which is supposed to be concerned about health care, would fail to track demonstrators at the police brutality protests in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Detroit."That doesnt make sense," Robinson said. "Theyre going to track us at the Capitol but nowhere else?"Ryan Kelley, a west Michigan resident who helped organize the American Patriot Rally, said he was uncomfortable with the cellphone location data being gathered there."That sounds like an invasion of privacy," Kelley said. "That sounds like it should be illegal.The protesters agreed to be tracked because the information was collected from "opt-in" cellphones, in which the user at some point agreed to terms allowing for such data to be collected by firms such as VoteMap, said VoteMap CEO Jennifer McEwan.The cellphone users remained anonymous and their locations were instead culled from the publishers of the opt-in apps they were using, said McEwan, CEO of the Austin-based startup Datum that is the parent company under which VoteMap falls. People gauging cellphone locations the day of the April 30 protest and the day after would not be able to see to whom the phone belonged, she said.While VoteMap is used primarily for Democratic-leaning campaigns, Datum also offers Moblyze for Republican campaigns and YouTarget for commercial endeavors, McEwan said."Data is always being transmitted," McEwan said. "You just cant see it. We sort that data thats already there and then query it to answer questions.Davidson, a Democrat who lost to U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, in the 2018 election, said his group hired VoteMap to monitor location data for both the April 15 Operation Gridlock and the April 30 American Patriot Rally.Between 800 and 1,000 individuals attended the American Patriot Rally, according to Michigan State Police, with dozens entering the state Capitol during House and Senate session. Some protesters were armed and chanted at State Police troopers outside the House chamber to let us in.At Operation Gridlock, the committee gathered the locations of roughly 506 cellphones, but the locations collected April 30 from the 422 individuals at the American Patriots Rally was a more useful data set since protesters were in close quarters inside the Capitol instead of segregated in their vehicles, Davison said.He argued the individuals in close quarters were more likely to spread the virus and more worthy of closer study.The activities taking place indoors that we all saw on TV certainly would be higher-risk activities for anyone who had the virus to spread it to others, Davidson said. The odds would argue that some people had the virus, didnt know it and spread it to other people.VoteMap pulled device locations from Operation Gridlock for the next two days, the company said. But it only pulled data through the next day from the American Patriots Rally.Similar data was collected by the committee at recent protests in Florida, Wisconsin, Illinois and Colorado.The data collected April 30 cant conclusively determine whether protesters contributed to flare-ups in their respective communities, Davidson said, though he argued it could be inferred given whats known about the transmission of COVID-19.In some cases, it might take weeks or several iterations of the infection to realize the full impact the gathering had on the virus spread, he said."I think it is extremely reliable for what it is," Davidson said.Since the cellphones were anonymous, its impossible to know whether those "pinged" at the April 30 rally and later queried for location were protesters, police, lawmakers, journalist or interested bystanders.Collecting phone data for use in public health studies or operations has become a hot issue because of the coronavirus pandemic, said Dr. Mona Sobhani, director of research and operations at the University of Southern Californias Center for Body Computing. Regular citizens might not realize it, but apps commonly collect location information and barter the data to companies interested in targeted marketing, she said."Theres this whole world of data brokers that buy and sell data," Sobhani said. "A lot of the times the default is that it collects location and you have to turn it off.There have been efforts to better digitize coronavirus contact tracing and symptom monitoring through apps developed at various universities, Sobhani said.The apps are not especially popular because of privacy concerns, she said. And, without a large swath of users, the data the apps gather is not very meaningful to reach public health conclusions, she said."It does raise this really interesting question about public health concerns versus individual freedoms and liberties," Sobhani said.Kelley, the April 30 American Patriot Rally organizer, said he worries that Whitmer would use the cellphone location information "to push her agenda."The Democratic governor appeared to refer to VoteMap data from a Capitol protest in a May 13 interview with "The View" when she said protests in Michigans Capitol showed the risk of perpetuating COVID-19 is real."Weve seen it happening," she said.Later that day in a state press briefing, Whitmer backpedaled from the claim, noting she didnt have proof protesters brought coronavirus back to their hometowns.Im not following everybody home and taking their temperatures and watching them for two weeks, said the governor, who noted a group had assembled a report tracking phones to areas where cases increased.I dont know the group, she said. I have not vetted the data. I cant vouch for it. But I think that would not be a surprising outcome if that was the case.Whitmer has consistently expressed concern that the Lansing protests against her stay-home order would exacerbate the spread of the virus and warned it could lead to a longer shutdown.On Monday, Whitmer expressed the same worries about the police brutality protests, noting she had a "high level of concern" about the protesters who refused to wear masks."I will say this, a lot of the early-in-the-day events, where it really was a peaceful protest, people were wearing masks," Whitmer said during a Monday press briefing."My hope is that we're fully re-engaged by the middle of the month to the end of the month ... we're going to follow the numbers and if we see things start to spike we're going to slow down, we may even have to take a step backward."Similar technology was used and publicized in Lansing by the Republican Governors Association in February when Whitmer gave the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address.The association aired an ad called Broken Roads, Broken Promises an hour before the GOP president gave his speech, and used geolocation data to target Facebook and Instagram profiles within a 10-mile radius of the Capitol building in Lansing.The ad featured media coverage of Whitmers struggle to pass a 45-cents-a-gallon gas tax increase through the Republican-led Legislature and includes a clip from Trumps December rally in Battle Creek, where he noted shes not fixing those potholes. NORWALK The citys parking authority has resumed the use of meters after suspending fees for months due to the coronavirus, though motorists wont be ticketed if their time runs out. The parking authority planned relaxed enforcement with motorists only receiving courtesy cards if they stay past the allotted time. We got to ease our way into it and the enforcement has got to be laid back, Parking Authority Chairman Dick Brescia said during a meeting last week. Brescia said there will be a grace period for the first two weeks of June with tickets only issued for cars that are illegally parked or causing a safety issue. The parking authority will begin issuing tickets during the second half of the month, pending the success of the courtesy cards. Jessica Casey, Norwalks chief of economic and community development, expressed concerns about reintroducing meter fees while the economy is still rebooting. The people were charging are the people trying to go to restaurants to support outdoor dining, Casey said in a parking authority meeting last week. Were not 100 percent there yet. The economy is not 100 percent engaged yet. If were charging them, Im concerned about what that looks like in terms of supporting local businesses. ... Its a mistake. I feel like we need to give it a little more time. People are hugely appreciative of parking in April and very appreciate of May. I know its a hit in revenue, but I do feel like June 1 is too early ... its going to look and feel like people are being asked to make additional payments. But Brescia said enforcement was in response to complaints about a lack of turnover. What we learned during the free parking period was that a lot of residents in the SoNo area were parking on the main streets in SoNo for weeks at a time because it was free parking, Brescia said. If I lived down there, Id probably do the same thing ... The whole rationale behind having enforcement is to create turnover and thats the reason to do it. Casey said business feedback on bringing back the meters has been mixed. Galo Aleman, general manager of Tablao Wine Bar and Restaurant, said the parking authority should be more flexible, considering the economic climate. We know everyone wants to get back in business, but restaurants are little companies, Aleman said. Its not like a giant company. We rely on the clients who come here and we want the clients to come back. We want the city and parking authority to be flexible and not just punishing customers who sponsor the restaurants. Itll be a good thing if they have this common sense. The parking authority is lowering rates for the Maritime Garage for people working in South Norwalk, as well as lowering permit rates in the Webster Lot. Parking permits at city garages will be offered at a reduced rate through the end of August. The parking authority furloughed 39 percent of its LAZ employees from enforcement, administration and management while fees had been waived during the pandemic. The authority is also anticipating $50,000 in revenue loss from 28 parking spaces temporarily eliminated to accommodate outdoor dining. erin.kayata@hearstmediact.com The current Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Raveesh Kumar on Wednesday has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Finland. He has also served as the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs. Earlier, Vani Rao was in charge was the Ambassador of India to Finland. Raveesh Kumar has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Finland. He is presently the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/bWpS6t9Kvg ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2020 Read: IndiGo CEO apprises passengers of safety measures, says airlines 'safest mode of travel' Earlier in April this year, Kumar had officially "passed on the baton" to Anurag Srivastava after 33 months serving in the high-profile MEA spokesperson post. Anurag Srivastava was previously the Indian ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union. He is from the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) batch of 1999 and has also served at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in Geneva. Before taking up his assignment as ambassador to Ethiopia, he had headed the Finance Division of MEA which is tasked to administer the ministrys annual budget of about US $2 billion. Along with it, he has also headed the political wing at the Indian High Commission in Colombo. Read: IMF ropes in former RBI guv Raghuram Rajan to COVID-19 related external advisory group About Raveesh Kumar The 1995-batch Indian Foreign Service Officer (IFS) Raveesh Kumar had started his career at the Indian Mission in Jakarta. He was later posted in Thimphu and London. Previously, he has worked in Delhi and has looked after the East Asia Desk. Later, he has also been posted in Frankfurt as Consul General of India. Further, he was the youngest appointed official MEA Spokesperson. Read: BREAKING: Anurag Srivastava takes over as MEA spokesperson as Raveesh Kumar 'passes baton' Read: Indian who tested positive for COVID-19 in Iran has died: Ministry of External Affairs A May 29 tweet by actress Lea Michele in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, brought an accusing response on Monday from her Glee co-star, Samantha Marie Ware. According to a report by Insider, Ware called out her former Glee costar Lea Michele for hypocrisy after she tweeted in support of the late George Floyd, who died after a police officer placed his knee on Floyds neck for more than eight minutes. George Floyd did not deserve this. This was not an isolated incident and it must end. #BlackLivesMatter, Michele wrote. Insider reported that Ware called her out (in all caps) for a series of alleged microaggressions that made her life a living hell when they co-starred together in Glee, Wares first on-screen acting credit. Although the report said Ware did not go into specifics about the other traumatic microaggressions she claimed Michele told people she would s--- in her wig. Heres the tweet Ware wrote to Michele: LMAO REMEMBER WHEN YOU MADE MY FIRST TELEVISON GIG A LIVING HELL?!?! CAUSE ILL NEVER FORGET. I BELIEVE YOU TOLD EVERYONE THAT IF TOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY YOU WOULD S--- IN MY WIG! AMONGST OTHER TRAUMATIC MICROAGRESSIONS THAT MADE ME QUESTION A CAREER IN HOLLYWOOD... Included in the Insider report were several more tweets by Lea Micheles former costars. Daybreak actress Jeante Godlock joined in with Wares tweet, writing: did somebody say cockroaches? because thats what she used to refer to the background as on the set of glee. but we grow up and we dont stay background forever sooooo..., the report quoted. In addition Dabier, another Glee actress, who appeared in a 2014 episode, tweeted: GIRL YOU WOULDNT LET ME SIT AT THE TABLE WITH THE OTHER CAST MEMBERS CAUSE I DIDNT BELONG THERE F--- YOU LEA. Amber Riley, who also starred in Glee, also tweeted, but used gifs instead of words. Insider reports this is not the first time for a Michele-costar feud. Glee actress Naya Rivera. wrote about a feud with Michele in her memoir, Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up. As the show progressed, though, that friendship started to break down, especially as Santana moved from a background character to one with bigger plot lines and more screen time, Rivera wrote. I think Rachel erm, I mean Lea didnt like sharing the spotlight. A Los Angeles Times report said, Alex Newell, who played choir member Unique Adams on Glee, thanked Ware for reminding him that he still followed Michele on Twitter (so that he could unfollow her) and said the all-caps declaration felt like claps. The Los Angeles Times reported that Wares tweet had amassed more than 290,000 likes and 4,000 replies, in less than 14 hours. A representative for Michele did not immediately respond Tuesday to the Los Angeles Times request for comment. Insider reports that Lea Michele has confirmed rumors that shes pregnant. An Instagram photo shows her wearing a blue dress that reveals her baby bump. 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. A total of eight searches were carried out in Dublin (PA) Four men have been arrested after gardai uncovered 1.5 million euro laundered through various bank accounts. Officers from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) and gardai from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) carried out a number of searches in different parts of Dublin on Wednesday morning. Gardai discovered a number of bogus companies established by a criminal organisation and a large number of bank accounts set up in both false names and money mules. Gardai found that about 1.5 million euro was laundered through these accounts. This money is the proceeds of various cyber-enabled frauds such as smishing and vishing, organised prostitution and thefts. Documentation relating to the companies and bank accounts along with identifications, cash and phones were seized and are being examined by gardai. A total of eight searches were carried out and four men were arrested for criminal activity, money laundering and obstruction. The four men are Romanian nationals and aged in their late twenties and early thirties. Two are being detained under the Criminal Justice Act at Clontarf and Ballymun garda stations, while another man is being detained at Raheny and the fourth man was arrested for obstruction and was taken to Swords garda station. Investigations are ongoing. Department of Energy officials say they plan to use a recent Executive Order on securing U.S. bulk power systems to tear out foreign-made parts and components if they believe they pose a national security or economic risk. In May, the White House issued an executive order declaring foreign cybersecurity threats to bulk electric power systems to be a national emergency. One of the initiatives created through the order will be a federal task force charged with developing energy infrastructure procurement policies and procedures for federal agencies. It will also work with industrial groups to develop similar criteria for how to legally purchase bulk-power equipment from foreign providers. The section has drawn comparisons to "rip and replace" efforts undertaken by the U.S. government and industry for Chinese-based Huawei telecommunications equipment as well as the removal of anti-virus software made by Russian-based Kaspersky Lab from government systems. During a web event hosted by the McCrary Institute at Auburn University, Energy officials made it clear they were eyeing a similar strategy for the energy sector. "We will be looking at identifying equipment, isolating it, monitoring it as appropriate, and where we find undue risk to the bulk power system, we will replace equipment as necessary," said Charles Kosak, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Electricity at Energy. Sean Plankey, Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response (CESER) at Energy, said his office will also look to better engage with the roughly 4,000 smaller electric carriers, last mile providers and distribution providers spread out across the United States, many of whom are stretched thin and plagued by lack of money or human resources. "None of them are big business, a lot of themare run by taxpayers in a municipality type of environment, and many of those [entities] in fact also own the water," said Plankey. Those small organizations are often ill-prepared to defend their systems and networks against foreign military or intelligence services. In some cases, Plankey said their systems can be connected to other critical infrastructure and rely on the same personnel, equipment and manufacturers, creating a single point of failure. The Energy Department is spending $6 million this year to boost support for rural and municipal utility cooperatives. They're also sharing research and development and supply chain information with the Environmental Protection Agency to develop better security models for cities and towns where their energy and water infrastructure overlap. Energy officials must also deal with the budget reality that many smaller towns and companies face, particularly in the wake of a pandemic and recession that has wrought havoc on state and local budgets. That means cybersecurity employees might be overstretched and wearing several different hats at the same time. "Cybersecurity is not a profit generator in an electricity energy provider company. No, it's a cost, and a lot of times when you think about the municipalities -- and no disrespect intended -- they're just smaller entities," Plankey said. "A lot of times the IT guy is also the security guy is also the guy who might be mowing the front lawn. That's just the way it is. On the one hand, you have someone who has total love and ownership of what he's working on. on the other hand, you're forced to be a Jack of All Trades." Other federal agencies, like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, have worried about the rising convergence of Information Technology systems with the Operational Technology systems required to physically control engines, conveyers and other machines within critical infrastructure. In addition to providing support for IT officials and CISOs, Plankey said his office was also trying to engage more with non-tech executives in the C-Suite to ensure they understand that while connecting the two environments may save a few dollars on the front end, it also makes their entire enterprise more vulnerable if they're compromised by hackers. "It's going to be a necessity to understand that interplay, to understand where your protocol handoffs are, to understand why you might want to connect your IT environment," he said. "Because you have your CFO and your business players on one side thinking 'I can do this faster and cheaper if I connect my IT systems so I can draw efficiencies from my industrial control system environment' but then you have your security aspect, which is slower and make things harder, so those things don't always agree." T housands of protesters "took the knee" together and raised their fists to the sky in London as demonstrations continue over the death of George Floyd. The mass kneel at 6pm in locations across the capital came after thousands of protestors descended on Hyde Park on Wednesday, before marching to Downing Street. Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in police custody in Minneapolis last week after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. Some police officers were seen taking a knee earlier in the day outside Downing Street, however as protesters knelt at 6pm none of the officers joined them. Protesters took part in the mass kneel from Downing Street and Trafalgar Square, and firefighters also took part in a rally in Brixton. Brits who wanted to support the Black Lives Matter campaign and protests from home were also urged to "take the knee'" from their doorstep. The move was organised by Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) as a gesture to honour Mr Floyd. Earlier, Star Wars actor John Boyega gave an emotional speech in Hyde Park about the death of Mr Floyd. The 28-year-old became tearful at points during his speech, which referenced two other black Americans who died in the US and the murder of Stephen Lawrence in the UK. He said: Today is about innocent people who were halfway through their process, we dont know what George Floyd could have achieved, we dont know what Sandra Bland could have achieved, but today were going to make sure that wont be an alien thought to our young ones. Police scuffle with anti-racism protesters in Westminster 1 /32 Police scuffle with anti-racism protesters in Westminster A protestor kneels in front of police officers in riot hemlets as he appeals for calm to his fellow protestors AFP via Getty Images Police officers in riot helmets walk along Whitehall AFP via Getty Images Police officers in riot helmets walk along Whitehall AFP via Getty Images Police officers in riot helmets reacts as protestors attempt to stop a police van leaving AFP via Getty Images Police officers in riot helmets reacts as protestors attempt to stop a police van leaving AFP via Getty Images Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Protestors scuffle with Police officers near the entrance to Downing Street AFP via Getty Images Protesters and police officers clash near Downing Street Reuters Police officers react after protestors pushed through barriers AFP via Getty Images Officers attempt to detain a protester AFP via Getty Images Protesters interact with police officers near Downing Street in London AP Protesters sit on what appears to be a vandalised van next to the Cenotaph Getty Images Police officers detain a protester following a clash near Downing Street during a "Black Lives Matter" protes Reuters Police officers detain a protester following a clash near Downing Street during a "Black Lives Matter" protes Reuters Officers attempt to detain a protester AFP via Getty Images Protesters are held back by police Getty Images Police officers react as an orange peel is thrown at them AFP via Getty Images Protesters are faced by a line of police AP A protester wearing a t-shirt with fake blood Getty Images Officers attempt to detain protesters AFP via Getty Images Later on Wednesday, Mr Floyd's family visited a makeshift shrine at the Minneapolis street corner where he died on May 25 and demanded the arrest of all four police officers involved in his death. The familys lawyer, Ben Crump, repeated his call for all four officers to be charged. The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been fired and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers who were present were also fired but none have been charged over Mr Floyds death. The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, has directed the Operation Vanguard team to hand over immediately any equipment it seized from illegal miners to the Lands Minister, as required by law. He has also urged the team not to succumb to any form of pressure from so-called higher authorities to release any seized equipment to them. "Section 99 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) states that all seized equipment from illegal miners must be kept in the custody of the Minister in charge of Mines. The President appointed a minister to be in charge of Lands and Natural Resources and his office is at the Lands Ministry. No other person has the mandate to take custody of any equipment," he stressed. Visit The minister gave the directive when he paid a working visit to the Forward Operation Base (FOB), Western Command of Operation Vanguard in Tarkwa in the Western Region yesterday. The visit formed part of a nationwide exercise being undertaken by the Lands Ministry to take inventory of all equipment that has been seized from illegal miners. In the minister's entourage were the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, Naana Eyiah; the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), Dr Norris Hammer, and some top officials of the ministry. Inventory At the Western FOB of Operation Vanguard, the minister took inventory of nine excavators, five vehicles, three motorbikes, 74 monitors, 54 control boards, 40 water pumping machines and 50 weighing machines. The Commanding Officer of the Western FOB, Supt Douglas Kumah, also handed documents covering other items, such as mobile phones, gallons of hydraulic oil, gold detectors, greasing machines, suspected gold dust, suspected mercury and chainsaw machines, to the minister. The addition of nine more excavators brings to 168 the number of excavators that have so far been taken over by the Lands Ministry. The list of seized items presented to the minister covered 71 items. Determination Speaking to the Daily Graphic during the tour, Mr Asomah-Cheremeh said he would continue working visits to mining areas to recover all seized equipment. "So far, we have taken inventory of 138 excavators on Adenta Aviation land; 21 in Obuasi, including 13 vehicles; and now we have nine in Tarkwa. We will continue to take inventory of all equipment as the law requires of us," he said. He urged the police-only Operation Vanguard team to live above reproach and stay committed to the national assignment of clamping down illegal mining. "There have been a series of allegations against you and it is not good for the galamsey fight. Many people have laid down their lives for this country and so I urge you too to act in the interest of Ghana by being honest in the mandate given to you by the state, he said. Commitment Supt Kumah said the team was committed to doing all within its means to fight the galamsey menace. "Our task is to seize all illegal mining equipment found at illegal mining sites and evacuate same to the nearest police station, destroy illegal mining camps, arrest illegal miners and arraign them for prosecution, as appropriate; and we are committed to doing this, he said. However, he said, some challenges, including the lack of assault boats for patrols, night vision devices and special uniforms for the conduct of its operations needed to be resolved to make the work efficient. Supt Kumah also said interference by persons in higher authority remained a huge challenge in the fight against the menace. For his part, the Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, urged the Operation Vanguard members to leave a positive legacy in the galamsey fight. "Some of your colleagues who were sent here to fight galamsey left a bad name behind but we want you to leave positive reports behind, so that we can all celebrate you for helping to tackle a national development challenge," he 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 Dallas, Texas, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dallas, TX The criminal defense law firm of Broden & Mickelsen strongly support the First Amendment and the right to engage in protests and demonstrations in order to bring about social change and social justice. The late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall once said, To protest against injustice is the foundation of all our American democracy. We completely agree. It has been reported that many non-violent protestors have been arrested in the Dallas area while exercising their First Amendment rights. This is a severe threat to American Democracy. Requiring those arrested for exercising their First Amendment rights to then have to pay for a lawyer further compounds the problem and stifles peaceful protests. As part of Broden & Mickelsens commitment to the First Amendment and criminal justice issues, we stand ready to do our part. We are, therefore, announcing that we will represent pro bono any persons in the Dallas area who, while exercising their First Amendment rights and responsibilities, were arrested for engaging in non-violent protests to affect social change and social justice. If you are in the Dallas area and were recently arrested while engaged in a non-violent protest, please call our office at 214-720-9552. Subject to our review of the facts of individual cases, we are prepared to represent you free of charge as an expression of our desire to truly make the United States a free country. About Clint Broden Clint Broden assisted in successfully changing the narrative of the Waco,TX, Twin Peaks incident. He was successful in coordinating the cooperation of more than 100 defense counsel over three years. His representation included the recusal of the justice of the peace and both district court judges, the recusal of the district attorneys office, three mandamuses to the court of appeals, twice overturning gag orders, the filing of numerous civil rights lawsuits, the initiation of a court of inquiry, and the filing of affidavits sexual assault of a childfrom various law enforcement officials and former DAs alleging corruption in McLennan County. Media Contact Attorney Clint Broden Call Dallas Criminal defense attorney in case of an emergency (214) 563-3154 (Attorney Clint Broden Mobile) (214) 563-3157 (Attorney Mick Mickelsen Mobile) https://www.brodenmickelsen.com clint@texascrimlaw.com https://www.facebook.com/DallasCriminalDefenseLawyersBrodenMickelsen/posts/2963262700454354 News Via: KISS PR - Submit your story FREE March started out rosy for the Indian arm of ClearScore, a company that offers online credit scores and loans. Within weeks, the coronavirus pandemic had taken hold, drastically changing the picture for the online lending industry in Asia. In the second week of March, we were talking about what a great quarter it would be and a month later, I had to let go of the team, said Hrushikesh Mehta, country manager for India at ClearScore. The UK-based company shuttered its India business on April 13, as 10 out of 14 lending partners withdrew their products within three days of the launch of a nationwide lockdown. Alternative lending companies and platforms across Asia are scrambling to raise funds and stave off bankruptcy as they face a wave of bad loans. Sixteen lenders and investors in markets across the Asia Pacific said companies were laying off staff and cutting costs to survive. Online lending had been one of the hottest sectors in recent years, as new players bet that a digital approach meant they could lend profitably to entities that banks found too costly or bothersome. Asian online lenders raised more than four billion dollars in 2017 and 2018, with Indian and Indonesian companies being the most prominent, according to data provider Tracxn. In India, there are nearly 500 online lending start-ups, and roughly 160 in Indonesia, many backed by Chinese money. Some are peer-to-peer platforms (P2P), which match borrowers with individual lenders who hope to earn a higher return on savings; others use their own funds or partner with other institutions. Many combine all three approaches. But as economies across Asia went into lockdown to limit the spread of the new coronavirus, many borrowers defaulted. I think it is only about 20 to 30 percent of [Indian online lenders] that are well capitalised, and the rest are going to struggle. Seventy percent are staring at an existential crisis, one online lending chief executive said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Since the lockdown started, demand is down by 90 percent and lending now is down by 95 percent. Dima Djani, CEO of sharia-compliant Indonesian business P2P lender ALAMI, described the situation as natural selection. This is a test. Those [who] come out unscathed will be the champions in a more saturated P2P landscape going forward, he said. Cost cutting in place The International Monetary Fund expects Asia to record zero growth for the first time in 60 years, as lockdowns bring service sectors to a halt, exports plunge, and companies and individuals stop spending. Small and medium-sized enterprises and workers in the informal economy have been particularly hard hit. Asia-focused banks, including HSBC and DBS, have taken greater provisions against bad loans, but alternative online lenders are worse off than their traditional competitors. According to data from financial regulator OJK, an estimated 4.22 percent of Indonesian online lenders loans were classified as non-performing in March, a situation in which borrowers have defaulted on payments of interest or principal on their loans. That is up from 3.65 percent in December, and much higher than the 2.77 percent non-performing loan ratio for traditional banks. Most fintech companies provide smaller-sized loans for middle-low borrowers to fill the gap that banks could not reach. This cohort is, unfortunately, one of the most impacted by the pandemic, said Markus Rahardja, of BRI Ventures, the corporate venture arm of state-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia. It is also harder for some lenders to get repaid. Because everything from the paperwork to lending happens online, consumers find it easier to default, said Ashvin Parekh, a Mumbai-based independent financial consultant. In many countries, online lenders that fall outside traditional bank regulations have fewer requirements about how much capital they must have on hand. That makes them more vulnerable to a wave of defaults, said Etelka Bogardi, a Hong Kong-based financial services regulatory partner at law firm Norton Rose Fullbright. Survival of the fittest Lenders must decide whether to lend more there is demand from businesses and individuals desperate for cash or hunker down. If you have lots of money and you have reporting requirements, you might choose the approach of issuing more loans, said Jianggan Li of from Singapore-based venture outfit Momentum Works. But thats dangerous, the minute the loans are issued, people cant pay back on time. Abheek Anand, head of Southeast Asian investments at Sequoia Capital, told a DealStreet Asia event he had warned portfolio companies to be careful and avoid temptation. More cash is necessary for either strategy. But venture capital funds invested just $388m in online lenders in Asia in the year to May, a sharper decline than overall fintech investment. The last thing I want to be getting into at the moment is online lending, said one China-based VC investor. Its just one turn of the glass, and you go from being the good guy supporting microfinance, to backing loan sharks. YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko dismissed his government on June 3, ARMENPRESS reports Belta news agency informed. A presidential election is scheduled for August 9, with the incumbent Lukashenko, who has ruled the country since 1994, widely expected to win a sixth term in office. Earlier on Wednesday Lukashenko said he was not going to radically reshuffle the government. A sharp scrapping, replacing all members of the government would be wrong from the point of view of the current moment, Lukashenko said at a meeting with officials in his office. A 13-year-old boy accused of being involved in the murder of Tessa Majors pleaded guilty to robbery Wednesday. The teen admitted handing over knife used to kill the Barnard College student at a hearing in the Manhattan Family Court, The New York Daily News reports. Majors, 18, was fatally stabbed during a robbery in Morningside Park near the Barnard campus in upper Manhattan in December last year. Prosecutors had said that Rashaun Weaver, 14, stabbed Majors and that Luchiano Lewis, 14, prevented her from escaping as she called for help. They both pleaded not guilty to murder in February. The 13-year-old boy, who has not been named because he is being tried as a juvenile, told the hearing Wednesday: 'Rashaun used the knife I had handed to him to stab Tessa Majors.' He added: 'Rashaun went over and said something to Tessa majors on the stairs. She started yelling for help.' Barnard College student Majors was fatally stabbed in a park in December 2019 Majors, 18, was fatally stabbed during a robbery in Morningside Park near the Barnard campus in upper Manhattan in December last year, pictured Prosecutors are seeking a minimum six month sentence and a maximum of 18 months in a limited security facility. Assistant Corporation Counsel Rachel Glantz said: 'Although respondent acted in concert in committing robbery and murder on Ms. Majors, he was not the main actor.' Weaver and Lewis were arrested in February after a two-month investigation into the stabbing. The Associated Press identified the 14-year-olds because of the seriousness of the crime and because they are charged as adults. The teen admitted handing over knife used to kill Major in a hearing Wednesday; he has not been named because he is being tried as a juvenile Prosecutors said that Rashaun Weaver, 14, stabbed 18-year-old Majors; Luchiano Lewis, 14, stopped her from escaping as she called for help, they allege Majors, who played in a rock band and aspired to study journalism, was stabbed as she walked through the park in the early evening. She staggered up a flight of stairs to street level and collapsed. She was pronounced dead at a hospital. Prosecutors say Majors fought back against her attackers and DNA from her fingernails matched Weavers DNA. They say Weaver was heard on an audio recording describing hitting Majors with a knife. Weaver has also been charged with robbing another person in the park. Tessa Majors was fatally stabbed on December 11 in Morningside Park in Manhattan, pictured Britannia Industries consolidated net profit surged 26% to Rs 374.75 crore on 1.6% rise in net sales to Rs 2807.78 crore in Q4 March 2020 over Q4 March 2019. Consolidated profit before tax stood at Rs 457.72 crore in Q4 March 2020, rising 1.6% from Rs 449.92 crore in Q4 March 2019. Net profit was aided by a significant drop in tax expenses. Total tax expenses declined 45.4% to Rs 84.92 crore in Q4 March 2020 from Rs 155.65 crore reported in the same period last year. InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 870.81 crore in Q4 March 2020 as against consolidated net profit of Rs 595.83 crore in Q4 March 2019. Pre-tax loss stood at Rs 1,289.77 crore in Q4 FY20 as against pre-tax profit of Rs 626.07 crore in Q4 FY19. Net sales during the quarter rose 5.3% YoY (year-on-year) to Rs 8,299.06 crore. Closure of flight operations during national lockdown on account of COVID-19 significantly impacted revenue for the quarter. Lupin announced that it has received approval for its Meloxicam Capsules, 5 mg and 10 mg, from the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA), to market a generic equivalent of Vivlodex Capsules, 5 mg and 10 mg, of Zyla Life Sciences US, Inc. The product would be manufactured at Lupin's Aurangabad facility, India, and is expected to be launched shortly. Syngene International has entered into collaboration with HiMedia Laboratories, a bioscience company with expertise in media manufacturing and diagnostics for over 45 years, to manufacture and distribute its ELISA kits. HiMedia will manufacture the kits at its facility in Mumbai and distribute it across India. Quess Corp said the company has completed the additional acquisition of 25% equity shares in Terrier Security Services (India) (TSSIPL), an associate company of Quess Corp (Quess) from Heptagon Technologies, another associate of Quess. The shareholding of Quess in "TSSIPL" stands increased from existing 49% to 74%, thereby making TSSIPL a subsidiary of Quess effective 1 June 2020. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. In Minnesota, all it took was a letter to get the governors attention. In Nevada, it might take a lawsuit. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak issued an executive order allowing restaurants, pools, fitness centers, and cannabis dispensaries to open at half capacity. But worship services were capped at 50 people, regardless of the size of the building. Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is going to court to argue that houses of worship cant be treated differently under the law. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued a similar order with varying rules for churches and for-profit businesses, but when he was contacted by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, Walz made adjustments. Worship services can now open up to 25 percent capacity in Minnesota. Churches were happy to work with the governor to come to that solution, said Diana Verm, senior counsel for Becket. They didnt want to litigate or buck the system. They wanted to open safely, cooperatively, and responsibly. In Nevada, things have gone another direction, according to Ryan Tucker, ADF senior counsel and director of the Center for Christian Ministries. There was a collection of churches that reached out via letter to the governor, and those attempts proved futile, Tucker said. ADF has filed a suit against the state on behalf of Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley in Dayton, Nevada, outside of Carson City. Tucker and Verm both said their clients dont want to jeopardize the health of church members or the broader community. But when they see other establishments treated with less scrutiny than religious institutions, it is a clear violation of the First Amendment protections. As governors develop and implement plans to end the COVID-19 shutdowns, the relationship between churches and states is proving to be a bit bumpy in some places. Christian leaders are considered part of the process in some places. But in other parts of the country, theyre struggling for a voice in the conversations. Some have decided they need to go to court to be heard. According to Becket, eight states have subjected churches to unequal treatment: California, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington. Churches in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Virginia have filed suit against their governors, alleging the different social distancing orders in effect place undue burdens on their First Amendment rights. A case in California went quickly to the Supreme Court. The court ruled against South Bay United Pentecostal Church, in the San Diego area, in a 5-4 decision. Chief Justice John Roberts said the states restrictions on worship in a pandemic appear consistent with the First Amendment, and were not notably different from rules for sporting event, theatrical performance, concert or other events where large groups of people gather in close proximity for extended periods of time. In his dissent, Justice Brett Kavanaugh objected that the restrictions were discriminatory. Assuming all of the same precautions are taken, why can someone safely walk down a grocery store aisle but not a pew? And why can someone safely interact with a brave deliverywoman but not with a stoic minister? he wrote. Such comparisons may not be as helpful as they seem, according to John Inazu, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis. The tension between religious freedom and public health requires charity and nuance. We need to prioritize the importance of careful analogies in all of these contexts, to what else is an essential activity and what else is socially distanced. The care of these analogies matters, Inazu said. Though the Supreme Court ruling decides the matter for California, the narrow ruling on an emergency request for extraordinary relief wont provide a lot of clarity for the other states. More conflicts over religious liberty are likely, especially when churches arent made part of the process in plans for reopening. In addition to the Nevada suit, ADF is battling the governors of Oregon and Washington, alleging their executive orders unfairly restrict religious activity. Washington Gov. Jay Inslees executive order threatens churches with criminal and civil penalties for meeting and institutes restrictions far more severe than those imposed on cannabis retailers and breweries, according to ADF. Where some businesses are allowed to open up to 50 percent capacity, churches arent allowed to be at more than 25 percent capacity. The organization is suing on behalf of Christs Church in Spokane County, Washington, which does not have equipment for recording or live-streaming services. Oregons reopening plan also includes harsh punishments for too many people in the pews. Gov. Katherine Browns executive order warns that Oregonians can be jailed up to 30 days and fined $1,250 for attending a worship service with more than 25 people. Tucker is accusing the state of a clear double standard. In Oregon, you can go to a restaurant with well over 25 people in a room and sit there for 90 minutes. But if you go to church with 26 people you could go to prison, he said. Some governors have collaborated with churches and local religious leaders to come up with acceptable rules for religious meetings in the transitionary periods. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, for example, removed the limits on the number of people who can attend in-person religious services when he signed an updated statewide stay-at-home order on May 29. Pritzker said the updated order was possible because his administration received many plans and ideas from responsible faith leaders on how to safely lift gathering limits. Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, told CTs Quick to Listen podcast that he recommends church leaders contact their local city officials and health departments to offer feedback on reopening guidelines. Often government officials have not properly investigated the impact their guidelines will have on churches, he said, and a phone call is all it takes to lift overly-burdensome restrictions. But in some cases, it's going to take going to court, Moore said. We probably will have that. But we have to make sure on both ends that we're rightly understanding what's going on. So a government shouldn't say its insurrection against the State for congregations to seek ways they can meet in proper, socially-distant ways. And just because a state having restrictions on gatherings to flatten the curve is not a state that's necessarily trying to crack down on worship. The lawyers who are defending churches right to reopen do not agree with each other on whether these cases will have a long-term impact on religious liberty in America. Verm thinks the specific nature of the government interest in this public health crisis will be seen as so different from other, future circumstances, that decisions in these cases wont set a significant precedent. Tucker thinks one of the lawsuits could go to the Supreme Court and a ruling from the countrys top court can always create a lasting rule. And it might be the acts of mercy and generosity exhibited by individual churches, rather than legal cases, that define churchs place in its community during the pandemic. I think churches will rise to the occasion of responding in crisis, finding ways to love their neighbors well, whether that means meeting only online for a time or reopening in accordance with the best safety protocols, Inazu said. Local political representatives in Mid Ulster have raised concerns over the fair allocation of funding for agriculture and horticulture. A 25m package was announced last week by the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots, but concern has been raised about where the money will go. Mid Ulster councillor, and incoming Chair, Cathal Mallaghan, obtained cross-party support at last Thursdays council meeting to write to the minister about their concerns. Last week's announcement of a package worth 25 million for agriculture and horticulture in response to the Covid 19 crisis was welcome news, he said. However, directly following this, Minister Poots made reference to the Dairy and horticulture sectors, and how he intended to direct the bulk of the resources towards these industries. We do not dispute the need for help for horticulture or dairy farmers, but there can be no denying that the sector worst affected are the small producers. Beef and Sheep producers account for 80% of all farmers in the north, and to think that they will not receive the majority of this fund would be disgraceful. MLA for Mid Ulster, Emma Sheerin, echoed Cllr Mallaghans comments, saying she has written to Minister Poots communicating the need for proportionate help. Small beef and sheep farmers have seen prices plummet at astounding rates since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis; 30/head for sheep and 240/head for cattle, she said. This, combined with the rise in fuel and fodder costs and the closure of local marts, has a massive impact on small farm businesses. These small farmers, particularly those working in mountain areas, already have to deal with challenges that aren't experienced in the lowlands. With the onset of Brexit and the loss of the ANC payment, these farmers were always going to have a difficult year in 2020, but this unprecedented health crisis has compounded everything. I have made it clear to Minister Poots that he needs to create a scheme that is fair, and that the sheep and beef farmers must be considered. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment On Saturday, SpaceX and NASA, in a remarkable achievement, sent astronauts to the International Space Station. We cheered their success, but the timing, juxtaposed beside the horrific murder of George Floyd, protests by so many disillusioned and hurting Americans, and repeated nights of lawlessness that left cities across America looted and burned, was more than a little strange. Think about it. We can go to space. We can instantly communicate with anyone anywhere in the world. We might even develop a treatment for COVID-19. Its amazing what humans can do. And yet, and yet, we are, by any objective measure, a nation barely holding itself together. Our best scientific achievements and our brightest technological innovations offer no solutions for our deepest divisions or our most serious problems. Though no one who witnessed the scope and scale of the chaos this weekend could conclude all is OK, there are indicators everywhere that our nations health is worse than were willing to admit. We are what Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn called, in his famous 1978 Harvard University commencement speech, a world split apart. Like his audience that day, we too risk underestimating just how deep the fissures are. For example, the initial condemnation of George Floyds killing was bipartisan and unequivocal by both right and left, but since is increasingly seen through, and being greatly distorted by, our political lenses. Solzhenitsyn warned against thinking the danger (of the Cold War) could be abolished through successful diplomatic negotiations alone. Well, neither can politics alone, much less increased state force alone, calm this perfect storm of a long history of racial grievance, a slow-moving and often malfunctioning justice system, misguided social justice warriors, and extremist agitators and opportunists, all swirling together within a nation on edge from weeks of social isolation. Christians must not run for political or ideological corners. To the best of our ability, we must affirm all truths, even those hard to swallow, and we must deny all lies, even the ones that are politically expedient. For example, even if the story is wrongly told, America still faces whirlwind-intense consequences from her original sin. Though current economic, political, and social conditions for the African American community is light years ahead of, say, 1863 or even 1963, American slavery was especially evil in ways that still poison today. In directly assaulting the image of God in African Americans, the heinous sin of racism took deep root in American hearts, American institutions, and American history. And, slavery uniquely targeted and, in many ways, broke the black family. These are generational-sized evils that one does not just get over. At the same time, indoctrinating our young in identity politics and critical theory has made things worse. These bad ideas have consequences too, which in this case, take the form of rioters hijacking both protests and grievances that dont belong to them. As Dr. Anthony Bradley of The Kings College has repeatedly noted throughout this episode on Twitter, privileged, woke white kids are wreaking havoc that will only blow back on the very communities they are purporting to stand with. Or, as Claire Lehmann, founding editor of Quillette tweeted, Maybe saddling an entire generation of kids with debt & no hope of joining the property class while sending them to institutions that marinate them in neo-Marxist orthodoxy wasnt such a good idea. Another hard truth to face is that no political solution can overcome our collective loss of virtue. Its either the conscience or the constable, and the cracks in our social fabric cannot ultimately be held together by more creative (or condescending) public policies, or strong-man type leadership, and certainly not by unwise tweets. To paraphrase C. S. Lewis, weve abandoned character and are surprised to see Antifa in our midst. The increasingly militarized governmental response that will most-likely be required in the coming days should not be confused, neither by us nor our president, as a solution. No, its a sign of just how bad things are. None of this is to say that we dont need leadership. Of course we do: political, spiritual, familial, and otherwise. Even more, we need a population able to govern itself. Our current lack of both means we instead, more and more, resemble Solzhenitsyns description of a dying society. This past Sunday, Christians around the world remembered Pentecost, the day that Gods gift of the Holy Spirit enabled apostles to proclaim Christ and His resurrection across tongues and tribes. The day foreshadowed the day John describes in Revelation 7, when Babel is reversed and people from every tongue, tribe, nation, and language are united, once again, before the throne of God. Could the Holy Spirit also empower us, today, to bridge the deep divide of tribe that inflicts our hearts and our nation? This Thursday, innovative thinker and cultural analyst Andy Crouch will join me for our Thursday Q&A session, based on his Truth. Love. Together. session that released this week. Its entitled How We Can Be the Sort of People the World Needs, right now. Live attendance is limited, but if you register and we run out of space, we will send you a link to the recording. Come to breakpoint.org to register. This piece was originally published at BreakPoint Mumbai, June 3 : Maharashtra braced for the onslaught of the Cyclone 'Nisarga' currently hovering around 175 kms from south-southwest of Mumbai -- which is expected to make a landfall near Harihareshwar in adjoining Raigad district sometime on Wednesday afternoon. All emergency services, the police, fire brigade, NDRF and SDRF, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Home Guards and others are fully geared for the anticipated fallout of the cyclone, while the domestic flight operations have been curtailed as a precaution. Slated to hit Raigad at a dizzying wind speed of 110-120 kmph over the next six hours, it is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, the effects will be experienced in the entire Konkan coastal region and adjoining districts of western Maharashtra, said IMD, Mumbai. Presently, the Nisarga is being tracked by the Doppler Weather Radars in Mumbai and Goa as it swirls gradually towards the land. According to the IMD, the tropical storm is currently 130 kilometres from Alibaug, 175 kilometres from Mumbai and 400 kilometres from Surat in Gujarat. The IMD has also warned of a storm surge of 0.5 to one meter, which is going to inundate areas up to two kilometres in Maharashtra's Raigad and Thane districts. The Mumbai International Airport Ltd. announced on Wednesday that it will operate only 19 flights -- including 11 outgoing -- instead of the regular 50 daily, in view of the cyclone. The flights shall be operated by Air India, AirAsia, IndiGo, GoAir and SpiceJet subject to possible last-minute changes in schedules, Mumbai has been battered by continuous rains since Tuesday evening and this morning, several low lying were inundated in the city and suburbs. While prohibitory orders are clamped in the city, Mumbai Police and other security forces are out in full swing to ensure people don't step out to the sea fronts, promenades or beaches and other open spaces. As a precautionary measure, an estimated 2,000 people living in the non-pucca houses have been shifted to safer locations and an estimated 2,000-plus slum-dwellers in low-lying areas have been asked to evacuate. Earlier Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued 'Red Alert' for June 3 for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar, Nashik, Dhule, Nandurbar. It will continue on June 4 for Palghar, Dhule and Nandurbar. Alerts have also been issued for Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. Nisarga comes on the heels of Cyclone 'Amphan' which had killed close to 90 people when it hit eastern India and Bangladesh on May 20, flattening villages, destroying farms and leaving millions without electricity. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed By Ritsuko Ando and Sophie Yu TOKYO/BEIJING (Reuters) - The coronavirus pandemic is shredding the global apparel industry, stripping hundreds of billions of dollars from sales and thrusting big names like J.Crew into bankruptcy protection. While no major fashion firms have been spared, Japan's Fast Retailing <9983.T>, owner of the Uniqlo brand and not far behind the world's No. 2 H&M in sales, looks well placed to cope with the crisis better than rivals. That's thanks to legions of faithful Chinese fans like 25-year-old IT worker Niu Ran, whose wardrobe is crammed with Uniqlo basics like shirts and socks and was looking for more in a post-lockdown shopping trip. "I like Uniqlo because it's very easy to match and the quality is not bad," he said, waiting in line to try on pants at a Uniqlo store in Wangfujing, Beijing's prime shopping district. "It satisfies all my needs, so I don't need to spend time elsewhere." Led by Tadashi Yanai, Japan's richest man, Fast Retailing has expanded aggressively in China with 750 Uniqlo stores, roughly the same number in its home market. Mainland China has all but contained domestic transmission of the coronavirus with lockdowns lifted in most areas since March and the worlds no. 2 economy is widely expected to emerge from pandemic-induced pain faster than other countries. In other parts of Asia too, key markets such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have been more successful than the West in curbing the virus. In contrast, rivals mostly focused on the U.S. market like Gap Inc or far more dependent on Europe like Zara-owner and industry leader Inditex and H&M, are expected to face a longer downturn. "Asia is going to be much faster to bounce back in terms of willingness to spend, which will favour operators with a big presence in Asia," said Honor Strachan, retail analyst at research firm GlobalData. Story continues "In the mature western markets across Europe, the U.S. and Canada, we expect the recovery to be long and drawn out," she said. GlobalData predicts the global apparel market will lose $297 billion in revenue this year due to the pandemic, with the United States accounting for 42% of that lost spending. Of Uniqlo's 2,260 stores globally, just 51 are in the United States. Its inability to make strides in the world's biggest clothing market has long been seen as an Achilles heel, but for the time being it may prove a blessing. Asia, however, accounts for three-quarters of Uniqlo's annual revenue and Greater China alone represents 20%. While Strachan notes H&M and Inditex are some of the most resilient players in the market, Asia & Oceania make up just 15% of H&M's annual revenue while at Zara, its "Asia and the rest of the world" category accounts for 23% of sales. THE BASICS ADVANTAGE Uniqlo's long shelf-life items like Oxford shirts for work, chinos and underwear as well as its reputation for value for money are likely to resonate with consumers grappling with lost income or less job security more than the trend-based clothing of Zara and H&M, according to analysts. "The quality is good and designs are classic," said Jiang Xin, an internet company employee in Beijing, one of many Chinese shoppers interviewed by Reuters who said they felt Uniqlo quality was a cut above comparably priced brands. Although Fast Retailing warned in April operating profit could slide 44% in the year to end-August, analysts expect a quick recovery assuming key markets are not hit by a large second wave of infections. With a large proportion of items no-frills basics, it is hoping to limit discounts. "We will be looking to gradually sell off the excess stock to normalise inventory over the next 18 months," CFO Takeshi Okazaki said on a call with analysts in April. Fast Retailing declined to comment further on its business outlook for this article. Rapid growth has brought Fast Retailing almost neck and neck with H&M. Last year the Japanese firm was more profitable with net income of around $1.5 billion compared to the Swedish chain's $1.4 billion (1.12 billion pounds), though its $21 billion in revenue was some $3 billion less. And while it still has a way to go before it matches Inditex's annual sales of $31 billion, Yanai's long-held goal of making Fast Retailing the world's biggest retailer has looked less far-fetched in recent years. But for that to happen, Uniqlo will have gain market share in the United States, analysts say, adding that it may have to offer more stylish items to get there. "They still need to find a way to compete in the U.S.," said Jefferies analyst Michael Allen. "The current crisis doesn't change the equation for that." ($1 = 107.82 yen) ($1 = 0.8987 euros) (Reporting by Ritsuko Ando and Sophie Yu; Additional reporting by Sonya Dowsett in Madrid and Anna Ringstrom in Stockholm; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) A prisoner behind bars with hands cuffed SINGAPORE A man who was serving a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at a serviced apartment but left his room several times and brought a female friend to his room twice was on Wednesday (3 June) jailed for four weeks. Chng Tianxi, a 37-year-old Singaporean, pleaded guilty to one charge each of exposing others to risk of infection while having reason to suspect that he had exposure to COVID-19, and of coming into close proximity with another person while being subject to a movement control measure. Four other similar counts were considered in sentencing. Culprit brought female friend to his room twice Chng, a car executive, arrived at Changi Airport at about 4pm on 26 March after a trip to Thailand. An immigration officer served him with a SHN from 26 March to 9 April. The perpetrator was to serve the SHN at Pan Pacific Service Suites Orchard along Somerset Road, having booked a room to stay there. He provided his signature to acknowledge the SHN and its contents, including his liability to prosecution if he failed to comply with the SHN requirements. But just six days later, on 1 April, Chng left his room at about 1.25am and went to the basement without wearing a mask to fetch a friend, Chen Yijun, a Chinese national whom he got to know only in March. Chen spent three-and-a-half hours in Chngs room, leaving only at about 5am. The court was not told how the duo spent the time in the room. Three days later, Chng again repeated his crime. He fetched Chen from the basement at about 12.35am on 4 April. This time, however, a security officer at Pan Pacific Suites saw what Chng did and alerted the front counter receptionist. Chen spent 1 hour and 26 minutes in the room on this occasion. During this period, the receptionist repeatedly called Chng to tell him that he was not allowed to leave his room or have any visitors, the court heard. The accused acknowledged but said that he needed more time to finish up dinner with the third witness, Deputy Public Prosecutor Jane Lim told Senior District Judge Ong Hian Sun. Story continues Pan Pacific Suites then reported Chngs breaches of his SHN to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Culprit met 3 friends despite being warned The next day, at about 1.45pm, three immigration officers visited Chng to investigate his crimes. The perpetrator was told that it was mandatory to remain in his room during the period of his SHN. Barely 11 hours later, Chng again left his room. At about 12.40am, the culprit met three male friends at the basement and the group went up to the 16th floor for a while before Chng returned to his room alone at about 12.50am. Chng has a string of offences dating back to 2000 for theft, criminal breach of trust and cheating by impersonation, among other things. For each of his two proceeded charges, he could have been fined up to $10,000 and also jailed for up to six months. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Other Singapore stories: Veteran coach Loh Chan Pew guilty of molesting teen athlete while massaging her COVID-19: Man who breached SHN to buy chicken rice fined $4,500 COVID-19 cases in S'pore cross 36,000 mark with 569 new infections, including 1 local resident Teen e-scooter rider who beat red light, crashed into motorcyclist gets probation Sex worker fined $7,000 for letting customer into condo unit during circuit breaker period Man found guilty of raping daughter at knifepoint twice June 03 : Bollywood glam queen Sunny Leone surely could get your mid-week boredom melting away in seconds with this one snazzy post! This stylish Mama of three toddlers has COVID special message for her fans which goes like this, #StayHome #StayBeautiful #StaySafe! The actress and her husband are at present residing in their luxurious home in Los Angeles along with their three children. They had traveled from India to Los Angeles as they felt that was a safe haven for the little ones. So, here they are free to run around, play, and also practice social distancing in a less complicated manner. Now, her latest post will help you get some style inspiration to dress right for a party date night. She posed in leather-based style cues for her look, and this was drool-worthy beyond words. Of course, this was some throwback shooting click that she had shared much ahead of the lockdown days. Still, this is a great stress and boredom buster for most of us. Breaking down her baby doll party outfit, she wore a two-piece that includes a leather blouse, a leather mini shorts, and full-length leather boots. She wore a faux textured tassel rich jacket and classy retro shades to complete this oomph look. For the makeup, she added a top-notch sexy touch, with a splash of pink hues, and red lipstick. Her shimmery touchup all over the body was all that was used to turn heads and we loved this cool vibe! The actress had stood against a mirrored pink backdrop and that is what added more glam to her look. On the work front, more than cinema she is trying to uplift the sales of the Made in India cosmetic company named StarStruck. With the lockdown moving on, she has been advertising through her social media handles that all products would be available at discounted prices until the stocks last. A young woman was raped and murdered last night, June 2, in her home in Ibadan and Twitter users are calling for justice for her. #JusticeForBarakat began trending this morning on Twitter following the rape and murder of Barakat Bello in Akinyele, Ibadan. Barakat was a Science Laboratory Technology ND1 student of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology Moore Plantation in Apata Ibadan, Oyo. Below are tweets calling for justice. Justice for Barakat trends as 18-year-old is raped and murdered at home in Ibadan The post Justice for Barakat trends as 18-year-old is raped and murdered at home in Ibadan appeared first on . Share this post with your Friends on The National Business Centre (NBC), which falls under the umbrella of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates Madayn, signed an agreement to incubate Science Traveler Company. Science Traveler provides wellbeing and self-development programmes integrated with engaging tourists experiences. The incubated company aims at contributing to the society by creating valuable experiences that inspire self-growth, wellbeing and prosperity. NBC is an initiative launched by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates - Madayn at the Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) to offer promising Omani entrepreneurs a platform to develop their business ideas and advance them into growing ventures. The centre offers a premier platform for Omani entrepreneurs by providing business development support and guidance, training and mentoring, access to markets and industry experts, and state-of-the-art and fully equipped office space, meeting rooms and presentation facilities. - TradeArabia News Service At first glance, it might not be all that unusual to learn that a couple, both of whom are Farmington natives, have been placed under quarantine with their daughter due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After all, hasnt everybody and their dog been bored to death while stuck in their homes for weeks trying to flatten the coronavirus curve? What makes this story unique, however, is that Ryan and Jennifer Roberts, along with their 14-year-old daughter Addison, are spending their time in lockdown on board the family sailboat Dragonfly while anchored at Megans Bay in the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands. Things could be a whole lot worse, right? Thats certainly true, and once readers learn the rest of their story, its understandable why most will likely feel a bit jealous of this familys unusual lifestyle. But first things first Ryan and Jennifer were born and raised in Farmington. They graduated from Farmington High School in 1991 and 1992, respectively. Jennifers parents, Dr. Doug and Pam Ross, and her sister Julie Powers, still live in town. The young couple ended up taking a different path. Jen and I both left Farmington after high school, Ryan said. Jen spent several years in sales and marketing while I spent a career in the Air Force flying F-16s. Together we have a small sales and marketing consulting business and I'm also partners in a small defense contracting company that I manage remotely. The couple, who will be celebrating their 19th anniversary in June, hatched a plan about 13 years ago that would eventually change their entire lives. I had spent some time on somebody elses sailboat taking it from Florida to Jamaica and came back from that trip and decided that was something I wanted us to do someday while our daughter was still young enough to travel with us, Ryan said. So, yeah, weve been kind of planning this for a while. The family bought the boat two years ago while living in Tampa, Florida. They immediately sold everything they had, moved onto the boat full-time and, according to Ryan, theyve been living happily on the 46-foot catamaran ever since. By sailboat standards theres plenty of room, by house standards its a very small apartment, he said. There are three staterooms with three independent heads [toilets]. We have a room, our daughter has a room, and then we have a guest stateroom. Ryan explained how the family ended up quarantined in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This season we were heading down through the Caribbean, which means generally that we were going to try to be in Grenada by sometime in July. The storm season starts getting active in July, so most folks like us try to find someplace a little bit out of the storm belt. We were in the British Virgin Islands in March when this whole thing happened. Basically, they wouldnt extend our visas and so we had to leave. There was no place to go because countries were closing borders everywhere. So, we ended up just moving over to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and weve been here ever since. We actually cleared into the U.S. Virgin Islands sometime around five or six weeks ago." Asked how the family was handling quarantine, he said, Well, were probably doing better than you guys. Life on a boat is semi-quarantined anyway, so it makes all this potentially a little easier for us. Weve been really lucky here compared to a lot of countries. A lot of places have been very strict with folks on boats, making sure that they are staying on the boat for long periods of time. But we were fortunate. We spent the first several weeks quarantined in St. John and most of St. John is a national park. So, we werent subject to a lot of the same rules that everybody else was. We were really potentially in one of the best spots we could have possibly been because during the whole quarantine we only had a two-week period where we werent allowed on beaches. So, we had two weeks where we could be in the water or on our boat, but we couldnt go onshore. Other than that, its been restrictive like it has been with other folks, but we havent been confined just to our boat. But then again, we also dont leave our boat too often. We go to shore when we need to, but theres not a lot of services open, of course. There are no restaurants that are open. So, we are really fortunate to be on a boat because really at any given time we have months worth of storage. We make our own water and weve got lots of food storage, so at any given time were good for a while anyway. Since were already kind of self-sufficient, we dont have the stress others are experiencing because we dont have to worry about a lot of where our day-to-day things are coming from. Ryan described the area where the family is quarantined as gorgeous and added that the lack of tourists makes the whole experience even nicer. This is usually by far the busiest time of the year, he said. Spring down here is stunning! Water temps are in the 80s, daily temperatures are in the 80s. Right now would be the time when all of these places would be filled with tourists and theres just nobody. Its just been us. Its just been mostly cruisers people who live on their boat and travel and thats what weve mostly seen. He admitted there has been one area of concern for the family over the past few weeks finding a place where they can go to wait out the upcoming storm season. Typically, you dont want to be hanging out in the middle of the Caribbean, he said. Youd rather be somewhere south where the storms dont go in Grenada, Trinidad. Places like that are typical, but they have been closed. Theres only a couple of countries in the entire Caribbean that are just now opening up. Just as of yesterday, Grenada is still not open. Its borders are not open, but they have implemented a plan to allow people who live on boats to clear in. We actually had to register. We had to buy a ticket for a very specific window of time late June to try and arrive then. Some of these countries south that I guess expect an influx of boats are trying to accommodate us, so its nice that we have a plan. A lot of folks like us gave up early a few weeks ago and went back to the states, of all places. But weve held out and I think its going to work out for us. Meanwhile, Jennifer admits that, despite having to deal with the fallout of a worldwide pandemic, living full-time on a boat is better than she had imagined. This is our second season and our first year was really learning boat life and making that transition from land to our catamaran, she said. It was a huge adjustment last year, but we learned so much. For me, I learned a ton how to cook and different things we needed to do so we could feel comfortable and know exactly what to do. We have so many different energy sources, as well, on this boat. Just knowing how to manage that to make sure that we can cook with everything based on the energy that we have, and so forth. Never would we have dreamed of a pandemic. I think we went through it beautifully because we knew what to do. We were ready. We are self-sufficient in every possible way. The couple said they couldnt be any prouder of their daughter, Addison, who immediately adapted to living life on a boat. The Roberts regularly keep in touch with other cruising families and there have been a number of other families like theirs who have ended up quarantined in the U.S. Virgin Islands as well. Its been really nice that shes been able to have those friends to play and socialize with, Jennifer said. Its been fantastic, actually. Its just such a beautiful setting. I think its been great for what weve experienced, and you look at people on land who are just not used to being with their families so much and learning how to home school. We already do that. It was just an easy situation. We just kept on going on with our day-to-day lives. Ryan interjected, Weve been really lucky. Addison just turned 14 a couple of weeks ago and shes been home schooling for two years. We actually use Virtual School out of Florida. We know how tough it must be for folks on land to try to adjust, but for us the fact that Addison is already home schooled our lives have just not been interrupted. I dont think Addison hasnt even noticed except that we arent moving around as much or exploring. Jennifer added, I think also that we have become very creative with the families things that the kids can do together. When we were still social distancing, the kids would go snorkeling together, which is completely safe because you can keep your distance in the water. We did go hiking, and paddleboarding was always something that we did daily with other cruising families. In addition to providing their daughter opportunities for social interaction with her peers, as well as offering her an unlimited number of activities in which to participate, the Roberts have definitely proven that its possible to raise a well-rounded child while living on a sailboat and traveling around the world. She just completed eighth grade about a month ago and she didnt want to take a break for summer, Jennifer said. She wanted to just jump into ninth grade, but Addison gave herself two weeks to hang out with her friends and celebrate her birthday. She just loves school and is ahead for her age. Shes starting ninth grade and is in pre-calculus. She also has some other honors classes. Shes thriving. Were really, really proud of her. All-in-all, Ryan said that the family couldnt be happier having made the decision to make the kind of radical change in lifestyle that most people only dream of. We certainly aren't wealthy, and with modern technology working remotely is becoming easier every year, he said. While this pandemic has scared a lot of people, will cause stress due to economic hardships, and generally has folks nervous, I think now is a good time for people to consider where their happiness comes from and that life doesn't have to be lived within the confines of normal. "We certainly didn't move to a sailboat as some form of doomsday prepping, but it has highlighted that we have what is needed to live independently. For us, that lack of stress helps us enjoy a happy life. Kevin R. Jenkins is the managing editor of the Farmington Press and can be reached at 573-756-8927 or kjenkins@farmingtonpressonline.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. The violence American police are inflicting on those protesting police violence extends to journalists, too. Freelance photojournalist Linda Tirado was permanently blinded in one eye by what she believes was a rubber bullet. Detroit police demanded a Free Press journalist show his press pass, and tear gassed him as he searched for the credential. Michael Adams of Vice filmed on his phone as Minnneapolis police told him to lie down on the ground of a local gas stationwhich he did, clutching his press pass and repeating the words I am pressand then soaked his face in pepper spray. Ive covered protests for 15 years across the US, tweeted CBS news correspondent Michael George on Sunday. This is the first time Ive ever seen police actively and intentionally target the press with rubber bullets, tear gas, and arrests. The presumption is that were being targeted, because being targeted means were important. The simple truth is that in a crowd, journalists are not separate. Were not protected. Were subject to the same soup of adrenaline, and rage, and terror as anyone else. We must stop focusing on ourselves. The journalist breathlessly detailing their own victimhood has become a sub-genre of a story that is, and should be, about the killing of George Floyd, its systemic causes, and the chaotic hostility of a president who fetishizes violence perpetrated by the strong over the weak (from the safety of his bunker). We are not worthier victims just because the fourth estate works to uphold democracy. Its our job. And wed do well to focus on those who dont have the opportunity to write 800 words about their own importance afterward. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Amanda Darrach is a contributor to CJR and a visiting scholar at the University of St Andrews School of International Relations. Follow her on Twitter @thedarrach. This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (yellow)also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19isolated from a patient, emerging from the surface of cells (blue/pink) cultured in the lab. Credit: NIAID-RML An experimental vaccine against the new coronavirus developed at the University of Oxford will be tested from mid-June in Brazil, the first country outside Britain to take part in the study, researchers said Wednesday. The vaccine will be tested in Brazil on 2,000 volunteers, who will be recruited starting this week, said the Federal University of Sao Paulo, which is coordinating the study. Volunteers "must be health professionals between 18 and 55 years old and be at high risk of infection, for example, cleaning and support staff in units treating COVID-19 patients," the Brazilian university's president, Soraya Smaili, told AFP. Testing the vaccine in Brazil "is very important because we are in the acceleration phase of the epidemiological curve," she added. Brazil is the latest epicenter in the coronavirus pandemic. The country of 210 million people is now second only to the United States in total cases, with more than 555,000, and has registered more than 31,000 deaths, the fourth-highest toll in the world, after the US, Britain and Italy. Experts say under-testing means the real figures in Brazil are probably much higher. Testing is due to start in Brazil the second week in June and expand to other countries after that, the university said. "The results will be fundamental for the vaccine's approval in the United Kingdom, expected late this year," it added. Oxford is partnering with British pharmaceuticals group AstraZeneca to develop and distribute the vaccine, one of several that researchers around the world are racing to test. Explore further Brazil surges to second in coronavirus cases worldwide 2020 AFP "Everywhere I went, from the first step of the campaign, every minute of the campaign early on people asked: Who is Congressman Visclosky, who is Pete, endorsing?" Mrvan said. "He's handled the job with grace and dignity, he has proven results, he's beloved within our community, and his endorsement was something that gave credibility and also allowed us to be able to move forward with momentum, along with the United Steelworkers one of the most powerful, results-driven unions in Northwest Indiana." Mrvan said those two endorsements, along with support from the American Federation of Teachers-Indiana and the International Longshoremen's Association, were especially important to his victory. "Those individuals worked extremely hard, they turned results, and they were able to help and assist us to get elected," Mrvan said. In addition, Mrvan said his family "worked as hard as we possibly could." "My wife, Jane Mrvan, was a political force that made a difference in this campaign. I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart for making an impact and fully immersing herself in the political process, and I love her very much. She made a huge difference." Raghav Chadha, the Aam Aadmi Partys national spokesperson, on Wednesday accused authorities of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital of inaccurate Covid-19 testing, and of violating orders that require hospitals submit test results to the government within 48 hours of their being conducted. Chadha, also AAP MLA from Rajendra Nagar, asked the Delhi government to act against the Centre-run hospital. The Delhi government collected 30 such samples from RML Hospitals that concern individuals who tested Covid-19 positive. The government re-assessed the samples, collected less than 24 hours ago and found that 12 of those samples tested negative and results pertaining to two of them were inconclusive. This suggests a variation of around 45%. It is absolutely irresponsible, and the amount of stress that the inaccurate results could have caused to the individuals and their families is unimaginable, Chadha said. He added, Government directives require hospitals to give best efforts in submitting test results within 24 hours, and provides a maximum window of 48 hours. The court also upheld such directives. RML Hospital has violated that time and again. Around 281 patents got their results after three days, 210 people got their result were after four days, 50 people got their result after seven days, four people got their result after nine days, and some reports were submitted after 31 days. I urge the Delhi government to initiate action against RML Hospital. Authorities from RML hospital disputed the allegations. The 30 samples that were tested by the Delhi government were collected after seven to 14 days of the test being done at RML hospital. In these many days, the virus can easily clear out of the system of those infected. There is no compromise in the quality of testing here at RML. In fact, we also keep verifying our samples with AIIMS [All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences] and NCDC [National Centre for Disease Control], and have the same level of accuracy. The hospital has already submitted a written reply to the Delhi government, as well as the Union health ministry, said Smriti Tiwari, the hospitals spokesperson. From: Carol M. Swain -- Political Scientist and Commentator For Immediate Release: Dateline: Nashville , TN Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Across the nation voters in blue states are confronting a host of restrictions on their civil rights and civil liberties ostensibly related to the Coronavirus pandemic. Opportunism abounds. Although Nashville, Tennessee is in a red state, the mayor has used the coronavirus as an excuse to dramatically raise taxes at a time people are suffering because of government actions. In this episode I interview Carey Bringle, a native Nashvillian who owns Peg Leg Porker, a restaurant located in the Gulch. Carey shares his views about the proposed tax increase and how it will impact local businesses. Bringle is involved with two organizations fighting to empower voters: notax4nash and 4GoodGovernment. This is the first of a three-part series about Nashville Mayor John Coopers proposed 32% property tax increase. Website: Peg Leg Porker Twitter: https://twitter.com/PegLegPorker Link to Letter: https://www.facebook.com/peglegporker/posts/an-open-letter-from-our-owner-and-pit-master-carey-bringle-to-mayor-john-cooper-/3223112511041623/ Continue Reading LOS ANGELES, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SnackNation , the country's leading provider of better-for-you snacks, coffee, and essential items for the office and home, today unveiled a specially curated product line designed to foster a feeling of safety and connection among employees, so they can do their best work, no matter where work happens. Considering the distinct perspective of work-from-home, in-office, and combination employees, the new line debuts a catalog of standalone safety products, including masks and hand sanitizers, and the Snacks + Essentials Box , a specially configured mix containing nutritious bites and employee safety essentials. Additionally, the company announced its LA-area staff will be working remotely for the foreseeable future, with the closure of its Playa Vista, CA office. The one-time "in-office snack delivery" brand has expanded its product line and is leading the progressive approach to the workplace to fully embed its people in the future of work, so they can better empathize with the forward-looking employers they serve. "We can't do our best work unless we feel safe and connected to our teams, whether in the office or at home. This long period of quarantine and social distancing has accelerated the remote work trend, and taught us just how important these connections with our coworkers are in feeling fulfilled, productive, and cared for," said Sean Kelly, Co-Founder and CEO of SnackNation. "We polled our membership, and 67% of them plan to bring less than half their staff back to an office full time. Plus, an overwhelming majority are in need of safety essentials like masks and hand sanitizer for workplace health risk mitigation. With the concept of workplace fluidity, versatility will be critical to the future of how we work and support companies and their teams across the globe. With a great deal of empathy and care, we thought about how we could empower our team to facilitate employee connection no matter where they work. We have expanded and created our product line to suit." SnackNation debuted a suite of products in three distinct categories to fit the evolving needs of the distributed workforce: Individual Care: Snacks, premium coffee, and essential health items. These boxes ship directly to employee homes or deliver to their in-office desks, depending on workplace needs. New Snacks + Essentials Box A selection of 8-10 individually wrapped snacks Hand sanitizer Three reusable face masks Five antibacterial wipes Emergen-C packet Thermometer Two bonus wellness items 12 Snacks + Coffee Box 15 Snack Box 30 Snack Box Office Pantry: Snacks and Essential Items For the In-Office Team: 150 SnackBoxes Workplace Essentials Catalog (sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, masks, and more) SnackNation+, a white-glove service that includes on-premise delivery by a dedicated SnackNation concierge, stocking and merchandising services, ready-to-drink beverages, equipment rental and maintenance, and more (LA only) Home: Snacks and coffee for you and your family Subscription boxes, single snack boxes, gift snack boxes, premium coffee, and more Pricing and subscription details for the entire product line are available at snacknation.com/pricing . For every box sold, SnackNation donates one meal to families in need, in partnership with Feeding America. The company has donated over six million meals to Feeding America to date, and during COVID-19, over 500,000 snacks to food banks and hospitals in partnership with its members. About SnackNation Founded in 2014, SnackNation's employee wellness platform delivers employee care essentials such as great tasting better-for-you snacks, ready to drink beverages, and safety items to offices, homes, and wherever work gets done to over half a million people in all 50 states. The company also uses machine learning to optimize curations and provides emerging brands the insights they need to scale faster. SnackNation is committed to helping fight hunger outside the office too, donating more than six million meals to families in need via their partnership with Feeding America. SnackNation was twice named to the Inc. 500, their annual list of the fastest growing private companies in America. To learn more, visit SnackNation.com. SOURCE SnackNation Related Links http://SnackNation.com LAPD officer Decote watches for people tossing debris from tall buildings as dozens of protesters are arrested for curfew violations on Broadway on Tuesday. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) After days of looting and vandalism and a barrage of criticism for failing to stop it, Los Angeles police have significantly increased their presence in affected neighborhoods and deployed more aggressive tactics to arrest those responsible for burglarizing businesses. Police also have enforced overnight curfews to sweep streets clear in startling, militaristic shows of force, at times without any apparent effort to distinguish between passive bystanders and those engaged in crime. "When violence escalates, including assaults on officers, arson, widespread looting ... the department needs to resort to a stronger message," LAPD Chief Michel Moore told the civilian Police Commission on Tuesday. "We are not going to stand for looting," said Asst. Chief Robert Arcos, in a separate interview. "We are doing all we can to make arrests immediately." The shift in strategy, as witnessed by those who have broken curfews in recent nights, contrasts with what was seen earlier in the weekend, when officers allowed looting downtown and in the Fairfax area to go unchecked for hours as they squared off with protesters. The new approach has been hard to miss, with officers in riot gear chasing down looters with their arms full of merchandise as protesters and neighborhood residents rushed to avoid the fray. But only time will tell whether the crackdown reduces the amount of looting. One thing is clear: It's contributed to an ongoing surge in nightly arrests. Since Friday, nearly 3,000 people in Southern California have found themselves in handcuffs amid the protests of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the use of excessive force by police against black people across the country. The bulk of those arrests have taken place in Los Angeles, where authorities took about 2,500 people into custody between Friday and Tuesday morning after a mix of peaceful protests and property destruction in downtown, the Fairfax District, Van Nuys and Hollywood. Story continues Given the department had confirmed upwards of 1,600 arrests had taken place over the weekend, that suggested more than 800 people were arrested Monday night, the most yet for a single night of unrest. Santa Monica and Long Beach police arrested an additional 475 people during largely peaceful protests that were also overshadowed by looting on Sunday. Booking records reviewed by The Times show the vast majority of those arrested in Los Angeles County for looting, vandalism and burglary offenses are from here, seeming to refute perceptions of outside agitators coming in to fuel unrest. Police leaders say their more aggressive tactics in recent nights were made possible by the National Guard's presence and the LAPD's decision to mobilize its entire force, giving them more manpower. They also say the shift has prevented what would have been much wider damage and reduced the danger posed to surrounding residents and business owners. The get-tough tactics have been demanded by many residents and merchants, who said they were shocked at watching unchecked looting both in person and on live television without police anywhere in sight. Anastasia Azaryan, 39, on Tuesday was painting the words we are open along with her family restaurant's phone number in big lilac letters on the wooden boards covering the front of Kebab and Pizza Time in Van Nuys. Her business was looted Monday. She said a protest nearby started peacefully. Some people had come to her asking if they could have drinks. Are you a protester? She asked. When they said yes, she allowed them to take free drinks from her fridge. But then, the situation became more aggressive. A group took almost her entire inventory. Others then shoved and smashed tables and chairs. She delivered five boxes of her hamburgers to police officers in Van Nuys and North Hollywood and returned to the restaurant to paint her sign. The police did excellent job, she said. We are all proud of them. Protesters, however, have alleged widespread abuses and wrongful detentions. Kath Rogers, executive director of the National Lawyers Guild in L.A., said her office had received 110 requests for legal assistance from people arrested since Friday, with many claiming police were unprepared to process the number of people they were putting in handcuffs for violations of dispersal and curfew orders. People complained of being held in flex cuffs or left on buses for up to six hours at a time, only to be cited and released for minor violations, Rogers said. Some said they had not heard a dispersal order or were unaware of curfews that had been hastily announced late in the day. One arrestee told us they were thrown to the ground and kicked in the head. Many said they were hit by rubber bullets," Rogers said. "Some people have specified that despite no violence or instigation by the protesters . they were struck by batons. In one incident that was aired live on Instagram and went viral online, a person walking down Hollywood Boulevard filming looters late Monday was suddenly confronted by armed officers with their guns drawn. Get on the ground! the officers screamed. Im sorry, I swear. I swear I didnt do anything, said the person filming. Shut the f--- up, screamed an officer. Dont f---ing move Hands behind your back! I swear I didnt do anything. I swear. Im not Im just letting you know because Im scared, said the person filming, dropping to the ground at gunpoint. On the officers radio came the voice of a commander: Units on Hollywood Boulevard, you should not be driving past anyone. Stop where you are and take someone into custody. The person, streaming again from home later, said they were eventually given a citation. Attorneys, legal observers and some of those arrested in Santa Monica over the weekend decried the tactics of responding officers, who they say seemed more focused on rounding up peaceful protesters than disrupting those looting or damaging buildings. Steve Doaty, 22, said he traveled from Woodland Hills to Santa Monica to take part in peaceful demonstrations on Sunday. But he and a group of about 30 demonstrators said they found themselves surrounded by police at 6th Street & Colorado Avenue, where Doaty says there were looters damaging property nearby. I pointed at the rioting and I pointed at the looting and I said, 'Hey, what are you gonna do about this?' And they said nothing, Doaty said of the officers. Doaty said he never heard a dispersal order and was unaware of the countys hastily ordered 6 p.m. curfew. Doaty says he was arrested for a curfew violation, but never read his Miranda rights. He was placed on a bus and taken to the Santa Monica airport, where he said he was held for almost three hours before being released. The police had taken his wallet, phone and keys, but a police officer told Doaty he would have to pick them up at Santa Monica police headquarters the next day. Santa Monica police did not respond to repeated calls and emails seeking comment. Police officials across the region have released only general information about who was arrested, and why. The Times has requested specific information about arrests from each city where looting and protests have occurred, and received only a partial response from the LAPD. Long Beach officials promised to provide information shortly." A review of booking records available to The Times shows 575 people have been arrested between Friday and Tuesday on suspicion of crimes likely related to violence during the protests including looting, robbery, vandalism, burglary and attacking police. The records do not provide figures for people arrested on curfew violations or for failing to disperse, meaning those arrestees were cited and released by police on the same day. In addition to crimes like looting, Moore said the department will investigate every complaint of police misconduct. Already, internal affairs officers are working around the clock. (Alliance News) - The following stocks are the leading risers and fallers within the main London indices on Wednesday. FTSE 250 - WINNERS Chemring Group, up 24%. The defence technology company reported 37% revenue growth in the six months to the end of April to GBP191.0 million, taking pretax profit up to GBP19.0 million from GBP4.3 million a year ago. Chemring increased its interim payout by 8% to 1.3 pence a share. The company said its performance in the first half of its current financial year was ahead of expectations, reflecting strong performance in both segments of its business and some positive timing differences. Chemring reported good progress in securing new business in the UK, US and Australia for the supply of global countermeasures. Looking forward, Chemring said all of its businesses have remained open despite the challenges presented by Covid-19. Its full-year expectations are unchanged, despite the challenging environment, with about 95% of expected second-half revenue in the order book or delivered to date. Marks & Spencer Group, up 5.8%. Jefferies raised the UK retailer to Buy from Hold. FTSE 250 - LOSERS B&M European Value Retail, down 1.3%, Jefferies downgraded the UK retailer to Hold from Buy. OTHER MAIN MARKET AND AIM - WINNERS Cadence Minerals, up 42%. The company - which invests in lithium mining projects - said its joint venture partner Hastings Technology Metals entered into binding master agreement with the German automotive supplier Schaeffler Technologies for the targeted supply of its MREC, the product mined and processed from Yangibana project in the Gascoyne region, Western Australia. Hastings obligation is to supply a substantial volume of MREC over a period of 10 years as initial period. Cadence owns 30% of the Yangibana, Yangibana North, Gossan, Hook, Kanes Gossan and Lions Ear rare earth deposit, which form part of the Yangibana rare earth deposit. "This contract represents a very important milestone in the development of Hastings as an emerging supplier of rare earth carbonate from Australia to Germany, an industrialised nation with a growing demand for a critical raw material used in many advanced technologies where a permanent magnet is needed," said Hastings Chair Charles Lew. Bluerock Diamonds, up 22%. The diamond producer reported no cases of Covid-19 at the Kareevlei diamond mine in the Kimberley region of South Africa. Bluerock said production averaged almost 2,000 tons a day since May 11 to bring total to 41,500 tons, which is 65% higher than the average daily production in the prior record quarter to the end of 2019. "The modifications made to the primary crushing circuit and the introduction of the third pan together with the processing of softer near surface material have allowed us to increase production at minimal cost whilst also reducing operating costs," said Executive Chair Mike Houston. React Group, up 12% at 1.70 pence. The carpet cleaning company said it placed 83.1 million shares at a price of 1.5p each, raising GBP1.3 million before expenses. The placing was materially oversubscribed following demand from both new and existing institutional and other investors. React said it intends to use the proceeds from the fundraising to strengthen its sales and marketing activities, and support a growing contract pipeline and accelerate organic growth. In addition, the proceeds will go towards additional working capital and to strengthen the company's balance sheet to support its aspiration to secure larger contracts. "This oversubscribed fundraise recognises the progress achieved so far and provides React with the working capital and balance sheet strength to support ambitions for further sustainable and profitable growth," said Chief Executive Shaun Doak. OTHER MAIN MARKET AND AIM - LOSERS Sareum Holdings, down 16% at 0.59p. The pharmaceutical company said it has completed a fundraising, comprising a placing by Hybridan in conjunction with an offer via PrimaryBid. Sareum said it raised GBP303,722 through a shares issue at a price of 0.6p per share. Accordingly, combined with the placing, the company has raised a total of GBP1.0 million. "We believe that our TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor candidates - SDC-1801 and SDC-1802 - represent exciting prospects. The way they act continues to be a focus for the broader industry interested in treating autoimmune diseases, cancer and more recently in addressing the severe respiratory symptoms associated with advanced Covid-19. These new funds will be used to advance their preclinical studies targeting completion in at least one indication late this year, pending successful progress," said Chief Executive Tim Mitchell. Beowulf Mining, down 9.2%. The exploration and development company said Chief Executive Kurt Budge has written to Ibrahim Baylan, minister for Business, Industry and Innovation, the government of Sweden. "Beowulf has several thousand Swedish shareholders, who own over 67 per cent of the company. They have witnessed the government's unacceptable mishandling of the Kallak application and false promises; the opportunity cost of which is incalculable. They are demanding the government be fully transparent now and remove all uncertainty as to when a decision on Kallak will be taken," Budge wrote. Beowulf said it is ready to play its part in Sweden's economic recovery, to advance Kallak in partnership with the community in Jokkmokk. By Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. SANTA FE State health officials say eight more New Mexicans all adults from McKinley or San Juan counties have died in the states coronavirus outbreak, bringing the statewide death toll to 375 on Wednesday. Testing also confirmed 122 new cases of the disease, including 25 cases among federal detainees at the Otero County prison. Seven of the eight individuals who died had underlying medical conditions of some kind, a risk factor for COVID-19, the illness caused by coronavirus. The deceased ranged in age from their 60s to their 80s. The deaths continued a trend in northwestern New Mexico, the part of the state hit hardest by the respiratory disease. The Otero County Prison Facility is also enduring an outbreak. Cases there now total 162, according to the Department of Health. Wednesdays numbers also contained an encouraging trend. The state reported that 170 virus patients are hospitalized in New Mexico a 19% drop from a week ago. The Department of Health has designated 3,013 people as having recovered from the disease out of the 8,140 cases overall since March 11. State health officials continue to urge people to stay home except for essential outings and to wear cloth masks if they must go out, unless theyre exercising, eating or drinking. The goal is to reduce the transmission of the disease and hit targets for reopening more of the states economy. New Mexico this week began a partial reopening of indoor restaurants, gyms and salons. Retail stores are also open under capacity limits. This article was updated on Tuesday, June 9, to reflect the number of jobs created by this project. MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MI - Early on Wednesday morning, public officials flipped the switch on new solar panels on the Muskegon Heights public works building - the first phase in a project that is expected to convert almost half the citys public buildings to solar energy. Heres to a new and brighter future, Muskegon Heights Mayor Walter Watt said before he; state Rep. Terry Sabo, D-Muskegon; and U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, officially turned on the solar panels that will power the DPW building at 3124 Wood St. Believe it or not, Sabo said, gesturing to the mornings overcast sky, the sun is shining again on Muskegon Heights. It took about two years to get to this point, said Muskegon Heights Fire Chief Christopher Dean, the self-described default nerd of the city. The idea came, originally, from looking at ways to help the city and improve the city, Dean said. There was a tremendous amount of teamwork that occurred over the last two years to bring this to the point at which were here today. Ultimately, a 645-kilowatt system will offset about 47 percent of electric consumption in city-owned buildings, saving about $100,000 per year, Muskegon Heights City Manager Troy Bell previously told MLive. Chart House Energy, a solar energy company based in Muskegon, and New Energy Equity, a solar project financing and development company in Annapolis, Maryland, are working with the city to develop at least four solar projects. In addition to the project at the public works building, panels will be installed on the ground at the water filtration plant, 2323 Seminole Road, at a pumping station on West Sherman Boulevard, and on the roof of Muskegon Heights City Hall, 2724 Peck St. New Energy Equity has overseen installation and infrastructure costs, and Muskegon Heights put up no upfront costs, Bell said. The project was also designed to create skilled construction jobs, with wages of $20 per hour. Three locals have been hired for this project, according to Jon Ledsworth, community development director at Chart House Energy, and they are expected to stay with the company on other solar projects in Norton Shores. Shoreline Staffing, a Norton Shores-based temporary staffing agency owned by William Roberson, who was present at the ceremony, helped connect local residents with those jobs. During brief remarks beforehand, Bell and Watt pointed to other projects that the city has planned for what is being described as New Heights, a broader effort to improve a city that has struggled with financial divestment in its public infrastructure and schools. This includes installing smart doorbells on every home to improve neighborhood safety. Sherman Boulevard, a main thoroughfare in a city pockmarked with potholes, is undergoing a significant repair project, including water main and drainage improvements, sanitary sewer manhole replacements, new sidewalk ramps and beautification measures. And the city is hiring new police officers. At a moment when the country is gripped by protests against police brutality, Bell, a former police officer himself, told MLive that he is focused on training people with community engagement backgrounds to become law enforcement, rather than the other way around. Speaking in remarks before the solar panel ceremony, Bell said he would be remiss not to address the national upheaval, which has seen protests in more than 180 cities, and has sometimes led to mass arrests, property destruction, fires, and even several deaths. But, he added, positive collaborations like the public-private partnership behind the solar panels foster a culture of value and respect for one another. We are setting our sights on the new Heights," he said. And we cant reach those heights unless we all work together. Read more on MLive: EPA administrator announces Great Lakes Advisory Board during visit to Muskegon Hundreds gather in Muskegon to march for racial justice Power outage hits area in and around downtown Muskegon Bill Murray Bill Murray's son has been arrested. Caleb Murray, the 27-year-old son of the Oscar-nominated actor and comedian, was taken to the Dukes County Regional Lockup in Massachusetts on Monday, the Dukes County Sheriff's Office confirmed to E! News. According to a report from The Martha's Vineyard Times, citing a police report, Caleb was handcuffed at a protest held at Five Corners in Vineyard Haven in memory of George Floyd and as part of the Black Lives Matter movement. According to The MV Times, Tisbury Police charged Caleb with malicious destruction of property, a threat to commit a crime, three counts of assault and battery on a police officer, making terroristic threats and disorderly conduct. Ahead of his arraignment on Tuesday, Edgartown District Court Clerk-Magistrate Liza Williamson threw out charges of making terrorist threats and malicious destruction of property, the newspaper reported. Per The MV Times, Caleb was initially accused of being seen breaking a window of a pickup truck, which, according to the Vineyard Gazette, prompted the malicious destruction of property charge. However, Williamson found lack of probable cause for that claim. "Truck was surrounded by protestors, glass broke, [Caleb] fell to his knees, but no nexus for [probable cause] for vandalism or [malicious] destruction," Williamson said in a court document, according to The MV Times. Celebrities Attending Protests Over George Floyd's Death Citing a police report, The MV Times reported Murray allegedly was uncooperative while being transported to the lockup after his arrest and was also accused of spitting on and biting an officer. Per the report, quoted by The MV Times, Murray was alleged to be uncooperative at the jail, "attacking deputies" and accused of using "a piece of the cell [he was put into] to not only cut himself but cut the deputies." According to the report, per the MV Times, Murray also allegedly threatened while at the jail to burn down buildings once he was released. Story continues According to The MV Times, Murray was arraigned on Tuesday, during which he was ordered to be held without bail until there was an opening at an evaluation facility. As the Sheriff's Office confirmed to E! News, his bail was later set to $10,000 and he is no longer in their custody. A sergeant with the Sheriff's Office told E! News that Murray was released from jail around 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The MV Times reported Murray's case was continued until July 31 and that it does not appear the Dukes County Sheriff's Office has taken out charges against him. E! News has reached out to Murray's attorney for comment and not yet heard back. President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the rape and murder of 22-year-old Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 100-level Microbiology student at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). KanyiDaily had reported that Uwa Omozuwa was brutally raped and murdered by unknown assailants while reading her books inside RCCG church in Benin city. The killing of the UNIBEN student has horrified many people across the country with celebrities, human rights groups, public figures and government officials demanding justice for the deceased. ALSO READ: Justice Must Be Served Falz Calls For Nationwide Protest Over Murders Of Tina Ezekwe And Uwa Omozuwa In a tweet on Tuesday evening, President Buhari finally joined Nigerians seeking justice for Miss Omozuwa as he offered his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. The president also urged the Nigeria Police Force to speedily and diligently investigate the case and ensure that all the culprits responsible for this barbaric act are brought to justice. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Uwaila Omozuwa, Buhari tweeted. I expect the Nigeria Police Force to speedily and diligently investigate this case and ensure that all the culprits responsible for this barbaric act are brought to justice. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Uwaila Omozuwa. I expect the Nigeria Police Force to speedily and diligently investigate this case and ensure that all the culprits responsible for this barbaric act are brought to justice. Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) June 2, 2020 Meanwhile, the sister of Vera Omozuwa has revealed how Police officers allegedly demanded bribe from her family after the rape of the deceased was reported. A Kildare North TD is calling for more transparency from the HSE on the reporting of deaths from Covid 19, and is appealing for an inquiry into the reasons that so many old people died in nursing homes. Sinn Fein TD for Kildare North Reada Cronin is expressing her sympathies to the families bereaved in Kildare North after the constituency featured so prominently in the fatality figures of Covid-19. Deputy Cronin said:The figures published on 28th May reveal a shocking deficit on the part of the state to protect our vulnerable citizens in nursing homes. These are peoples parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles." She said:My colleague Louise OReilly has requested that the chair of the Covid-19 Committee write to the HSE and the Dept of Health to call them back over the report as the committee had previously been told they didnt have the figures that were published. The inconsistency in the information from the Department of Health and the HSE is worrying and detrimental to public trust." She said:There is mounting acknowledgement that Nursing Homes were left to fend for themselves early on in the pandemic. Many reports indicate that through lack of testing the virus was brought into some nursing homes." Deputy Cronin said:A lot of nursing homes lost a number of staff to illness during the pandemic. Over 73,000 people applied to Be on Call for Ireland yet figures earlier this month indicate that less than 100 had been placed into healthcare positions. This is hard to imagine given so many nursing homes needed staff to fill in for those unable to work. She said:Nursing Homes Ireland reported nursing homes having difficulty getting PPE after the HSE purchased most of the stock in the state leaving nursing homes without in many cases.The staff in these Nursing Homes have been to hell and back caring for patients they treat as family. HSE must not continue to let them down. Staff, many on low wages, will be traumatised and should be offered any necessary counselling." She said:We have a habit of saying this must never happen again in Ireland. This is not about blame but the only way we can make sure it does not happen again is by insisting on accountability. I agree with Pearse Doherty that this will likely need an inquiry.There was evidently a very slow response from the HSE to the crisis. Given the vulnerability of the age profile of most patients they should have been the priority." Independent Cllr Ide Cussen said:"What has happened in the nursing homes is appalling. We need to know a timeline of events, those who told people what to do, need to explain. We failed our old people miserably." Also the issue of postmortems determining Covid 19 as the cause of deaths needs to be examined, and as to whether post mortems are being carried out, or have been carried out, says Cllr Cussen. As Spain urges tourists to return to the land of 11am beers and 4pm cafe con leches, Sicily offers to pay for half your flights, Iceland tries to make virus testing easier than a summer breeze and Greece proposes a quarantine free trip for Australian travellers, many have questioned whether we should slurp the deals on offer. But might they be spiked? Not exactly but the reservations, some which stem from travel insurance, others which stem from the legality of leaving Australia right now, make for a bitter beverage. Particularly with regards to insurance, as we reported last week, insurance companies will not cover you for any pandemic related expenses right now, and most appear poised to maintain that stance. So if you fancy a jaunt to Europe, even once restrictions lift, you could find yourself in Budget Bother should you be hospitalised for The Bat Kiss, or if any of your travel plans are affected by a pandemic related incident. That said, risk comes with opportunity. And sometimes the biggest leaps come with the biggest payoffs. Enter: your (hypothetical) Euro Trip 2020. This trip, though risky, if it were to be pulled off without incident, could see you traversing some of Europes hottest destinations, sans crowds. Just think about it: its been decades since international travel dipped so hard. As Bloomberg reported in April, during the peak of The Pandemic, the number of passenger jets in service dropped to the lowest levels in 26 years. Though the industry is now making a comeback, and though you might argue part of Europes attraction is its laissez-faire attitude to life (which, as The French Riviera last week showed, is now being impacted by safety restrictions) this remains a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Europes top tourist hotspots without the masses, if you can get there. It could also be your chance to meet more receptive locals. Though residents of tourist traps like Barcelona and San Sebastian have become known for their go home tourist graffiti in recent years, now that ~wanderlust~ revenue has been abruptly cut off, locals may start to realise tourists are as important as they are pesky. In any case, as The Old World recovers from the pandemic, this is an excellent chance for nations to discuss and plan how they better want to manage tourism in the future. While this might still mean reducing tourism (or luring a different breed of travellers, a la Amsterdam), its hard to imagine European authorities and those that live in the cities they govern wont come out of 2020 without a renewed appreciation for The Tourist Dollar. Of course, this whole conversation is academic if Europe decides to enact a European travel bubble and not permit visitors from Asia or the Middle East (two regions the vast majority of Aussie flights have to go through), which is the catch with Greeces quarantine free offer to Australians right now. But should these restrictions lift, this is why 2020 could be the best time in history to check out the following tourist traps. Barcelona View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bojan Stojanovski (@bojans88) on Jun 1, 2020 at 2:51pm PDT Though Barcelona, which normally gets 27 million visitors a year, is renowned for being a tourist trap, wed wager in the coming months, as Spain unleashes all its pent up lockdown energy, its going to be the place to be. While, in recent years, we might have recommended more offbeat places like the Basque Country, The Algarve or Cadiz, to discerning beach lovers, this year wed recommend Barcelona to get the best of both worlds, without the usual frustrations. Head up to Bunkers Del Carmel for the best view over the city, Razamataz or El Row to get weird, and the Beach clubs if you are looking for a classier good time. In terms of bars, youll be spoilt for choice. Literary lovers will probably also like to visit where Ernest Hemmingway and Salvador Dali composed their works of genius drank absinthe. If thats you: Bar Marsella calls. Paris View this post on Instagram A post shared by DUE B (@duebconcierge) on Feb 23, 2018 at 3:07am PST From melt-in-mouth croissants to the world-beating coffee, Paris would be to die (or spend an ungodly amount on an Airbnb) for even if it was historically void. When you factor in the cultural capital the place has though, and the fact officials have slated the Louvre to reopen on July the 6th (with the slight tweak that you now have to wear a mask and book your time slot in advance), then the city of light becomes (almost) a no brainer for those willing to throw their leave to the wind this year. Though you might not be alone, its sure to be a far cry from the 40 million-odd visitors a year Paris is known for receiving. Rome View this post on Instagram A post shared by Linda (@lindaseverini) on Jun 2, 2020 at 10:53am PDT Though Rome, which typically receives over 20 million visitors a year, has had Venice-like issues with overcrowding and Australians making an embarrassing coffee faux pas, its now much in the same boat as Barcelona and Paris epic if you can (and are willing) to get there, and want to see the sites without feeling like one of a million. Mykonos View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cavo Tagoo Mykonos (@cavotagoomykonos) on May 21, 2020 at 3:51am PDT Greece usually gets about 22 million tourists a year, and if Instagram is anything to go by, 21.9 of them can be found on Santorini and Mykonos at any one time, leaving selfie sticks and pink inflatable flamingos in their wake. This year wed imagine it will be rather different. Again: if you can get there. Put another way: its a jealous elitists dream come true: no drop-dead influencers making you feel bad about your dad bod, friendlier (probably) locals and more villas available to book. Thats what you call a triple win. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Breathtaking travel videos (@adventurousclips) on May 26, 2020 at 2:42am PDT Read Next People hold up placards to protest over the death of George Floyd outside the Seattle Police Department's East Precinct in Seattle, Wash., on June 2, 2020. (Jason Redmond/AFP/Getty Images) University Asks Professors to Accommodate Black Students in Finals, Citing George Floyd Protests The University of Washington (UW) is encouraging professors to give special treatment for black students in grading their finals because they are too busy fighting for their rights to sit down and study. Unimpressed by the universitys initial response towards the nationwide upheaval sparked by George Floyds death, the UW community started an online petition calling for changes to black students final grading policies. By the time of this publication, the petition titled Give Black Students Accommodation For Finals! has generated over 27,000 supporting signatures towards its new goal of 35,000. Give Black students a break! reads the petition. We are already DISPROPORTIONATELY impacted by this pandemic in terms of health care access and financial hardship. Now add state-sanctioned violence, how do you expect us to enter finals in this headspace?! We are busy fighting for our rights and for the rights of future black children and students to sit down and study, it continued. The least UW could do is demand professors to accommodate us during this time. Answering the students demand, four of UWs top officials, led by President Ana Mari Cauce, asked instructors to be especially responsive to the needs of students, particularly those from the black community, and provide them with accommodations such as extra time to finish assignments or a final examination optional approach. We are asking you to consider that while we are together as a community, some are being affected more than others, the UW officials wrote in the June 1 message, adding that black faculty who are disproportionately affected by current events should also reach out to administrators if they need of any accommodations, deadline extensions, or other support. Similarly, students at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) are calling for new grading policies for their final exams, claiming that recent unrest has made them unable to focus on their schoolwork. Please do not force students that are paralyzed by the current events to disengage in their political environment. Please do not prioritize students exams over their mental and emotional health, reads a sample letter thats been circulating among UCSD students who wrote to university administrators for a modification in the grading and the final exams, preferably a universal pass. A student who emailed the letter to school officials told student newspaper The Guardian that she has been too occupied with #BlackLivesMatter activism to prepare for her finals. I personally have been exhausting so much energy simply using my platform, researching, donating, having hard conversations, empathizing, and grieving to even focus on my classes and have to catch up as we speak because the past week has been excruciating, she said. Shale drillers are bringing some shuttered oil production back online as the glut eases. The total amount of shut-in production in the Bakken stood at 475,000 bpd on May 28, a total that was 7 percent smaller than the week before, according to Bloomberg. A couple of high-profile shale companies voiced optimism at the start of June. EOG Resources said it plans to accelerate production in the second half of 2020, finding prevailing oil prices sufficient to step up drilling activity. The company also reduced its hedging exposure, a sign that the company is bullish about the trajectory of prices. In addition, in an investor presentation, Parsley Energy also said that it is bringing back the vast majority of its curtailed production in June. Parsley shut down around 400 wells in March. Oil prices have shot up from negative territory in April to the mid-$30s by early June. The extreme supply overhang has mostly been corrected by steep production cuts, aided by the bounce back in demand. The three-month slump and the near total halt drilling activity has ratcheted up the pressure on shale drillers. Debt has not gone away, so there is a need for cash flow. Drillers are clearly itchy to begin bringing output back online again. WTI rising to the mid-$30s may be just enough to entice oil back onto the market. We see more evidence that the horizontal oil rig count is approaching the bottom of this down cycle, Bjornar Tonhaugen, Head of Oil Markets at Rystad Energy, said in a statement. However, what will determine the short term trajectory for US oil production is how quickly operators bring back parts of our estimated 1.65 million bpd of shut-in well production. The potential decision by OPEC+ to extend the production cuts for another two months, which seems the most likely outcome at this point, would pave the way for more U.S. shale production to come back online. Related: The World Has Too Many Oil Refineries With that said, some analysts say that the restart of production is premature. Two weeks ago, Standard Chartered wrote in a report: If the North Dakota data starts to show the shut-in wells tally stabilising and then falling back within the next two or three weeks, we would take that as evidence that the current WTI rally has probably overshot. The bank revisited that assessment in a report on June 2. That time now appears to have come; output in the Bakken shale is rising, the bank said. The return of 700 wells and 35kb/d of output in North Dakota is not significant in itself; however, it matters because of its canary in a coalmine quality. North Dakota tends to have more granular and timely data on drilling activity. Standard Chartered analysts went on to say that if wells are coming back in the Bakken, then they are probably also coming back in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Still, opening up shuttered wells is different from drilling brand new wells. The extreme state of oversupply is ebbing, but just because a few wells can cover opex costs at $35 per barrel, the U.S. shale industry is not roaring back to life. Oilfield services company ProPetro Holding Corp. said there are only about 20 fracking fleets in the Permian, down from 172 a year ago. The rig count also continues to fall, plunging to 222 last week. The Permian lost another 14 rigs, while rigs are hanging on by a thread in most other shale basins. During the previous downturn in 2015-16, horizontal oil drilling bottomed in May 2016 at about 250 rigs, nearly 50 rigs higher than the activity level seen right now, Tonhaugen of Rystad said. $30 oil might be enough to open up shuttered wells, but the industry probably needs prices around USD $45/bbl to start any significant recovery in completions and new drilling, and for many operators it would take USD 50 /bbl or more, Standard Chartered said. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Cyrell Paule has thrown her support behind the Black Lives Matter movement while candidly discussing her experiences of racism. The Married At First Sight star who is of Filipino descent explained in a heartfelt post to Instagram on Wednesday that she was 'proud' to see 'change is coming'. The 31-year-old revealed she held hope that her four-month-old son Boston would never encounter the racism she's faced in her life. 'Change is coming': On Wednesday, Married At First Sight's Cyrell Paule (pictured) spoke out about racism and hopes her four-month-old son Boston has a better future 'As a person of colour, I have witnessed, felt, received first hand what racism can do,' Cyrell began her post. 'U sit there afraid of being judged, treated, spoken to, just because of how you look,' she said. 'I stand proud and support Black Lives Matter for myself, my friends, my family and for the people around the world that have been put through the same thing. '(And) pray that one day our future generation, our kids... will never go through this'. 'Pray that one day our future generation, our kids... will never go through this': Cyrell revealed she hoped the BLM movement would lead to a positive change so her four-month-old son Boston (pictured) would never have to encounter the racism she experienced Accompanying the post was a sweet image of Cyrell tenderly cradling her adorable son Boston. Cyrell welcomed her first child in February with Love Island star Eden Dally. Meanwhile, the Black Lives Matter movement has gained global momentum this week as protests and riots erupted across the U.S. after the death of George Floyd. Family: Cyrell welcomed her first child in February with Love Island star Eden Dally (pictured) Floyd, an unarmed black man, died in Minneapolis on May 25 after a white police officer pressed his knee against his neck for eight minutes. The officer involved, Derek Michael Chauvin, was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter days after footage of the incident went viral. Protesters took to the streets demanding reform after what many consider another senseless death and example of police brutality. Floyd had been accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a deli. Prosecutors are appealing the pre-trial release of a man charged in the stabbing death of an off-duty corrections officer last month. Zachary T. Latham, 18, of Vineland, is charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter in the killing of his neighbor, 51-year-old William T. Durham Sr. Latham had feuded with Durhams family for several weeks before the fatal encounter. It all came to a head on the evening of May 4 when Durham and his family confronted Latham and a brawl ensued. Latham used a stun gun on Durham and stabbed him, according to investigators. A judge ordered Latham released from jail pending trial during a May 14 hearing. Taunts and TikToks Police records indicate the simmering animosity began when the victims wife, Catherine Durham, complained about Latham speeding in the neighborhood. She told police that Latham ignored her, revved his engine and sped off. Following this encounter, Latham began harassing the family online, according to Durham family friend Mike Gallagher, the vice president of PBA Local 105, the union that represented the slain officer. Several videos posted on Lathams TikTok social media account show interactions with members of the Durham family. In a video with 3.1 million views, Catherine Durham is seen taking down his license plate number as Latham mockingly calls her Karen, a slang term for a woman seen as entitled. The video cuts to a police officer arriving at the scene. All because my car is loud, Latham says, three cops cars. A follow-up video shows him in a confrontation with William Durham Jr. as the son walks up to Lathams car. Get out of the car, bro, Durham says as Latham tells him hes armed with a knife. Karens son found out the video went viral and tried taking me out of the car, Latham wrote with that video. Police responded to this incident and took accounts from both Durham and Latham, but no charges were filed, according to an investigation report. Catherine Durham contacted Vineland police on April 25 to report that Latham had harassed her on several occasions, according to a department call report, and she wanted the incidents documented. Latham began slowing down in front of the Durham home and revving his engine each time he passed, she told police. He has also blown her a kiss as he sped by while traveling to his house, according to the report. In a statement condemning his pre-trial release, state PBA Local 105 said Latham had taken pleasure in tormenting the Durhams. It is well known that Zach Latham consistently demonstrated a pattern of harassment against William Durham Sr. and his family over a period of several weeks prior to killing William Durham Sr.," according to the statement. "Lathams social media posts illustrate the sociopathic pleasure that he took in harassing the Durham family It takes a particularly perverse and depraved person to stun-gun and stab an unarmed man. William T. Durham Sr., a correctional officer at South Woods State Prison, was stabbed to death in a fight with a neighbor. Prosecutors sought detention Superior Court Judge William F. Ziegler ordered Lathams pre-trial release, though pre-trial services had recommended he remain detained. Assistant Prosecutor Charles Wettstein argued that Latham should remain behind bars, saying he could have called police and remained in his home until they arrived, rather than resorting to violence. Wettstein also noted that Latham, who recently turned 18, has a pending juvenile complaint for an incident that happened six weeks earlier in which he was charged with simple assault, terroristic threats and criminal mischief. That incident did not involve the Durhams. Latham, who lives with his grandparents, was emancipated at the age of 17, recently married and is a private in the New Jersey National Guard, Wettstein noted. Apparently, one would think that somebody that has the ability to do those things would have the reasonable mind to take the right action in this case, however he did not, Wettstein told the judge. One could make the same argument, however, as to the other members of the melee, public defender Nathan Perry countered. Perry described Latham as a victim who was trying to defend himself. The Durhams do not like Zachary Latham," Perry said. Hes, in their mind, the James Dean of the neighborhood." The defense submitted two videos of the incident as evidence in the case. Lathams wife recorded the encounter on her cellphone, police noted in their criminal complaints. This was a horrific tragedy, Perry said. It never had to happen, but to a very, very fair extent, the Durhams visited this great sadness upon themselves. Based solely on the charges involved Latham doesnt face a life sentence if convicted pre-trial release is presumed under state law, the judge said. He was not swayed by the prosecutions additional arguments and ordered that Latham be released with conditions. He was not allowed to return to his grandparents home on Thornhill Road, but is staying at another location that was not publicly disclosed during the hearing. Ziegler noted that secrecy was necessary because he had heard about several threats made against Latham. Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae declined to comment on her offices appeal of the judges decision when contacted Tuesday. Deadly encounter On the day of the killing, a dispute began in front of the Durham home on Thornhill Road involving the victim, his wife, and Latham and his wife after Latham allegedly swerved his car toward one of the Durhams sons, who was riding a bike, earlier that day, according to prosecutors. When the Lathams returned to their home, about 500 feet away, the Durhams and their two sons, ages 21 and 17, followed them. Latham retrieved a knife and stun gun from inside his home and confronted the unarmed family as they arrived on his property, prosecutors said. The group began fighting, two of Lathams friends joined the fray and Durham Sr. was stabbed multiple times. A wound to his left underarm punctured a lung and Durham later died at a hospital. Latham was treated for a concussion. In addition to manslaughter, he was charged with two second-degree counts of aggravated assault and weapons offenses. Durhams wife and two sons were also charged in the melee. Lathams two friends have not been charged. Latham is due back in court June 11 for a pre-indictment hearing. Local 105 launched a GoFundMe drive to help the late officers family. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. ALBANY As businesses slowly reopen and state employees make plans for returning to offices, for many Capital Region families access to child care will be crucial to coming back to work. While child care services remained an essential business throughout the stay-at-home orders aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus, the pandemic has pushed many providers to the financial brink as classroom capacity has been reduced and parents opted to keep their children home. Roughly 28% of child care providers who serve infants and toddlers outside New York City have closed, including 22% of family child care providers and 50% of child care centers, based on data that was self-reported to the state Office of Children and Family Services as of May 21, according to Raising NY, a coalition of advocacy organizations focused on expanding access to early childhood services. Providers that have remained open are reporting reduced enrollment, with family child care providers reporting about a 28% utilization and child care centers averaging 15%. Those numbers are even more stark for the Capital Region, where 43% of child care centers in Albany County are closed, 38% in Schenectady County, 38% in Rensselaer County and 29% in Saratoga County, according to Brightside Up. Brightside Up, which helps families in the Capital Region access child care, has seen a slight uptick in people seeking referrals for service providers but overall child care centers are operating at a reduced capacity, the organizations Executive Director Abbe Kovacik said. Currently, were operating at about 40% of the child care that we have had before the pandemic. People are operating at reduced capacity, Kovacik said. If we do smaller group sizes the program will run at a deficit because they dont have enough resources coming in to pay the salary they need to meet the ratio. The region already faced a shortage in child care resources prior to the coronavirus, according to an earlier survey, which showed about 58% of providers in the Capital Region have waiting lists compared to 48% of providers statewide. Child care centers operating at a reduced capacity has forced some providers into slimmer margins in order to comply with child-to-teacher ratios. Kovacik said for a classroom of four children, one teacher will suffice, but adding one more child would push a center into needing two teachers. Having a full classroom helps you to afford the teachers salary, Kovacik said. If a fifth child comes, you need another adult, but one more child isnt enough to pay the whole salary. Children and Family Services has been working with child care providers on issues facing the industry while also providing guidance for those who have remained open during mass closings of businesses and offices to slow the spread of COVID-19 cases. Those providers who have chosen to stay open have modified floor layouts and implemented specific protocols to protect employees and the children, minding all state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, Kovacik said. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that summer day camps could reopen on June 29, which could help alleviate the burden of reduced capacity at daycares, but the approval may have come too late. Kovacik and local elected officials say many organizations as well as municipalities that offer day camps have already been canceled. A lot of our towns have already pulled the plug, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin said regarding day camps in the county. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Kovacik expressed the same concern, which she said will only put more demand on existing child care options. I would not be surprised if employers had vast employees who could not come back to work because they dont have child care, she said. The Capital District YMCA, which has been providing child care at a reduced capacity throughout the stay-at-home order, will host child summer care in lieu of the camps that the nonprofit typically offers, said Erin Breslin, spokeswoman for the organization. Were not calling it camp because there are so many elements of camp. Were not going to have bussing, were not sending kids on field trips, Breslin said. We don't feel we can safely provide that given lack of any protocol to do it. Victory Riedy, owner of Victory Childcare, Inc., in Albany, has been able to weather the storm through the pandemic, remaining open for child care services to essential workers. However, Riedy said it hasnt been easy with fewer kids coming for child care, and is very fortunate for the help she has received. The center, located in the Leo W. OBrien Federal Building on Clinton Avenue, received federal funding through the CARES Act to help maintain staff salaries, and other organizations and community members have helped with donations of personal protective equipment and financial assistance, she said. Im so thankful for our families. We have to be able to maintain our staff if we want them here when families come back to work and need our care, Riedy said. I understand a lot of centers are closing, they just cant make it. I know that our industry is really being impacted by all this. So far, financial assistance has been made available to providers for obtaining face masks, gloves and other protective gear, paying the salaries of employees as well as funding to help essential workers pay for child care. About $30 million from New Yorks federal CARES Act funding went to funding child care scholarships for essential workers. Child care providers expect further assistance for the sector in the future. Raising NY is calling for the state to invest some of the $134 million still available in federal funding to invest in the child care system. Organisers of this weekend's planned march in Melbourne against black deaths in custody say their most serious concern is police violence as authorities warn that the destruction seen in the US this week would not be tolerated here. Tens of thousands of people have expressed an interest in the march and the turnout is expected to rival the annual Invasion Day rally, which organisers claim attracted a crowd of about 80,000 earlier this year. Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance are organising the protest. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui But despite fears from authorities of close-packed marchers catching and spreading coronavirus, organisers concede some protesters may not adhere to social distancing restrictions. Melbourne will join several international cities to hold Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality, following the explosion of unrest in the US over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Remember the names - Ben Kavanagh and Luke Murphy - for these two talented, young filmmakers from Kerry are surely set for big things in their industry, especially if their latest project is anything to go by. Their new short film is called 'Meat is Murder' and stars actors Lorcan O'Neill and Kerry comedian Bernard Casey in the two lead roles. The film - which is just over 10 minutes in length - has just been released online this past weekend. The concept behind the film is an entirely unique one, with the story set in a world in which the consumption of animal products is both taboo and illegal. Acting on a tip-off, the start of the film deals with a vegan SWAT team moving in to catch a notorious meat-dealer by the name of Peter Ash (O'Neill). Portmagee's Bernard shows off his own fine acting skills too as he takes on the role of Ash's lawyer, and these skills shine through in one scene in particular, where Casey delivers a fantastic monologue on the 'Eye for an Eye' clause. Also in the film is acclaimed actor Joe Mullins, who can boast of credits in projects such as both Pilgrim Hill and Glassland. 'Meat is Murder' marks the first time that directors Ben and Luke have collaborated on a project together and it was shot - entirely in Cork City - back in the summer of 2019 while the pair were in their second year of studying Film and Screen Media at UCC. Ben, who is from Tralee, has already made a name for himself on the film circuit by picking up numerous awards over the past number of years. His short film 'Word of Mouth' won Best Film at 'First Cut Film Festival' and the 'Best Comedy' at the Charlie Chaplin International Film Festival'. It was also chosen to be screened at the London Irish Film Festival, Junior Galway Film Fleadh, Kerry Film Festival and Fastnet Film Festival. Not to be outdone, meanwhile, Killarney man Luke and his own project 'Intro to Anthro' was also been very well received. It has been screened at the Fastnet Film Festival, the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, the IndieCork Film Festival and First Cut Film Festival. Anyone who wishes to watch the film can just head over to the film's 'Meat is Murder - Short Film' Facebook page. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, on Tuesday said an urgent action is needed to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minorities, including people of African descent. In a statement published on the UNHCR webpage, Ms Bachelet said the disease is exposing alarming inequalities in some countries. Urgent steps need to be taken by States, such as prioritising health monitoring and testing, increasing access to healthcare, and providing targeted information for these communities. The appalling impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minorities is much discussed, but what is less clear is how much is being done to address it, she said. Disproportionate death rates Ms Bachelet cited examples of the pandemics impact on various communities in several countries in the Americas and Europe. For example, she said, in Brazils Sao Paulo State, people of colour are 62 per cent more likely to die from COVID-19 than their white counterparts. Higher mortality rates have also been reported in the Seine Saint-Denis department in France, home to many minorities. Meanwhile, data from the United States shows that the COVID-19 death rate for African Americans is more than double that of other racial groups, she added. She explained that the situation is practically mirrored in England and Wales, where the death rate for black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi people is nearly double that of white people, even when class and some health factors are taken into account. In many other places, we expect similar patterns are occurring, but we are unable to say for sure given that data by race and ethnicity is simply not being collected or reported, Ms Bachelet said. Major reasons Multiple factors are at the heart of these disparities, she stated. They range from marginalisation and discrimination, to healthcare access, economic inequality, overcrowded housing, environmental risks, limited availability of healthcare and bias in provision of care may also play a part, she said. She said people from racial and ethnic minorities are also found in higher numbers in some jobs that carry increased risk, such as in the transport, health and cleaning sectors. Pandemic exposing inequalities In the statement, she encouraged authorities to not only focus on the current impact of these disparities, but also their root causes. This virus is exposing endemic inequalities that have too long been ignored. In the United States, protests triggered by the killing of George Floyd are highlighting not only police violence against people of colour, but also inequalities in health, education, employment and endemic racial discrimination, she said. These problems are mirrored to a greater or lesser degree in many other countries, where people of African descent and other racial minorities are subjected to entrenched forms of discrimination. It is a tragedy that it took COVID-19 to expose what should have been obvious that unequal access to healthcare, overcrowded housing and pervasive discrimination make our societies less stable, secure and prosperous, she said. Dismantling discrimination To move forward, Ms Bachelet harped on the urgent need for governments to prioritize the collection of disaggregated data, and to consult with ethnic and minority communities on pandemic response. Collection, disaggregation and analysis of data by ethnicity or race, as well as gender, are essential to identify and address inequalities and structural discrimination that contributes to poor health outcomes, including for COVID-19. Advertisements She stressed that the disease will not be defeated if governments refuse to acknowledge what she described as the blatant inequalities. Ultimately, efforts to tackle COVID-19 and to begin the recovery process will only be successful if everyones rights to life and health are protected, without discrimination, she said. Security issues in the disputed South China Sea helped convince the Philippines to delay quitting a key US military pact, the nation's envoy to Washington said Wednesday. The government of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced Tuesday it had suspended plans to cancel the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), a deal that is important to Washington's moves to counter Beijing's rising regional power. Duterte has cosied up to China in search of trade and investment, sparking US concern that its long-time ally and former colony would change sides in a strategic boost to Beijing. "Because of security issues... in that part of the world (South China Sea), both our governments have seen it would be prudent for us to simply suspend any implementation of the termination," Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez told ANC news channel. Since taking power in 2016 Duterte has moved closer to Beijing, but has faced push back from the Philippine public and concern in the military wary of its territorial ambitions in the disputed South China Sea. Billions in trade pass through the strategic waterway and it is thought to contain rich petroleum deposits, making it a frequent source of regional tension. Philippine analyst Richard Heydarian said the VFA reversal showed Duterte had to decide between an aggressive China and an historic ally that has been helpful. "This is not the time to initiate an ugly divorce, especially when China is spreading its tentacles everywhere," he said. The 1998 pact is key to the US-Philippines' broader decades-old military alliance, and underpins hundreds of joint military activities per year as well as speedy disaster aid and ongoing anti-terror efforts. The Philippine military receives significant American training and equipment, obtaining $554.55 million in US security assistance from 2016-2019. Manila's termination of the military pact was to have taken effect in August and was triggered by the cancellation of the visa of Ronald Dela Rosa, a senator who served as the main architect of Duterte's drug war. Duterte bristles at any criticism and sanction of his signature policy, which has seen police kill thousands of alleged drug users and pushers. Though Duterte has repeatedly threatened to pull the Philippines away from the US, ties have remained close. Romualdez said a US offer to assist the Philippines in its battle to contain its coronavirus outbreak also helped discussions on preserving the VFA for now. The suspension is for six months from June 1 and can be extended a further six months. An extension of the reversal would push the deal's life up to the final year of Duterte's constitutionally-mandated single term, which ends in June 2022. WASHINGTON - St. John's Episcopal Church for decades has been the cheery-yellow backdrop for smiling presidents going to worship on holidays or before their swearings-in. In the past few days, its exterior - across Lafayette Square from the White House - has become the backdrop for arson, fiery protests, and bible-carrying politicians and pastors. The rewriting of St. John's as a symbol continued Wednesday. A group of clergy - including the region's Episcopal bishop, Mariann Budde - planned a large afternoon prayer vigil outside the church. They had to move it a block away, however, due to an expanded security perimeter created by police agencies trying to control another day of mass protests over the death of George Floyd in police custody. "A church is not just a building," St. Johns rector Rob Fisher told those who gathered near crowds of protesters in the baking sun. "The damage to the building from fire is easily fixed. What's harder is healing." Attendees silently knelt in front of a row of military police that were blocking access to St. John's, a 200-year-old structure with a steeple and high white columns where a small basement fire was set during the protests on Sunday night. They carried a banner that said "We love, act, and pray in solidarity with those who love, act, and pray in justice." One man encouraged police to kneel with them, saying through a black mask in a hoarse voice, "it only takes one." The crowd broke its silence to echo that, chanting, "It only takes one." Those present spoke about their anger at Trump, who drew worldwide attention to the church by walking in front of its boarded-up facade on Monday, holding a Bible aloft. Police used rubber bullets and smoke to clear peaceful protesters from the area before the president strolled over - crossing a line, some said. "I think people wanted to respond - we felt compelled to be in solidarity and to say to the president: 'We are more than a prop,' " said the Rev. Keith Byrd, of Zion Baptist Church in the District of Columbia, who returned to the church Wednesday after praying and protesting there with about 25 black Baptist pastors on Tuesday. "He has merged some things and totally perverted some things with his photo op - that is untenable to God-fearing people," Byrd said. "We had to respond. This is not political, not about blue, red, it's about decency, respect and who we are as a nation. That's why St. John's has become this symbol." The Rev. Daryl Paul Lobban, minister for justice and advocacy for the Episcopal diocese of Washington, was also at the vigil. "Churches have always been springboards for social action and social justice. There's a connection between a church building and uniting for justice," he said. "And now, after the visit from President Trump, there is energy to try and reclaim that space back." St. John's Episcopal Church held its first service on Oct. 27, 1816. It's often called the "church of the presidents." According to the church website, every president since James Madison has attended at least one service there. Before his swearing-in ceremony, President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt attended a service at St. John's, setting a precedent that has been followed by presidents ever since, including Trump. Located on the north side of Lafayette Square, St. John's has naturally been in the vicinity of all kinds of protests over the decades. Its leadership turned overtly activist in the early 1960s, said Richard Grimmett, who chairs the Property Committee at St. John's and wrote a history of the church. When the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington was being organized, the pastor was on summer vacation, Grimmett said. A younger assistant pastor wanted to get St. John's involved and called the head pastor to come back. They organized a service during the march and emphasized that "the church is open to everyone now and in the future." Some older members, Grimmett said, had advised against becoming connected to the protests, for fear that"some might do some damage to the church physically." Since then the church has been active - but not in a very public way, Grimmett said. But in recent days, as protests over police brutality have spread through downtown Washington, with Lafayette Square as the focal point, St. John's has been front and center. The diocese has had members of its clergy out with water and snacks, showing support, said Lobban. On Sunday night, when some protests turned violent, a small fire broke out in the nursery of the basement of one of the church's buildings. Authorities believe the blaze fire was started through a window, Budde said. While she was distressed about the fire, she told The Washington Post that she does not want it to detract from the protests and the work of addressing systemic racism. Her condemnation of Trump's visit to the church the next day has rung out worldwide. The challenges of uniting protesters was on display at Wednesday's vigil, with some in the crowd of protesters confronting clergy - including people of color - who suddenly were in the media spotlight. The vigil concluded amid fractiousness as some protesters yelled at one another for confronting or refusing to confront the police. "Help us to tear down walls of misunderstanding," one black pastor said. One of the protesters who had criticized the clergy apologized, saying they had been upset to see attention diverted from a fellow protester who was facing off with police. "We've all just got to work together," said the Rev. George Gilbert, "and we apologize if you feel in any way we took anything away from your movement. Because it's all our movement." Almost two months to the day from when FEMA and the National Guard arrived in Worcester to transform the DCU Center into a field hospital, troops returned Wednesday to decommission the facility. City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said the process of decommissioning the states first coronavirus field hospital will take about two days. The DCU Center opened as a field hospital on April 9, but FEMA and the National Guard began delivering supplies and transforming the facility on March 31. WORCESTER, MA: April 1, 2020: Members of the Massachusetts National Guard erect a medical field hospital at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts for the expected influx of patients due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Staff photo by Nicolaus Czarnecki/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)BH On Wednesday, the inside of the convention center that once contained black sheets that acted as dividers for beds had been taken down. Most of the structures inside had been disassembled. The Massachusetts National Guard arrived in Worcester to decommission the DCU Center as a field hospital on Wednesday. The field hospital was created to relieve stress for the health care providers in Worcester. It could house 250 beds if necessary, although, it never neared its capacity with patients. The facility was also transitioned into a shelter for the homeless population during the pandemic. The city closed that portion in the beginning of May. According to Dr. Eric Dickson, President and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care, about 200 health care members staffed the facility while it was open. He said only one tested positive for the coronavirus, a figure that showed the safety precautions taken by staff. Augustus said even while the DCU Center is decommissioned, the supplies wont travel far in case it needs to be reactive following a spike in COVID-19 cases. The National Guard helps decommission the DCU Center as a field hospital in Worcester. Posted by MassLive Worcester on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 The National Guard arrived in Worcester a day after the final two patients in the Boston Hope field hospital were released. On May 7, the field hospital at Joint Base Cape Cod in Bourne closed without every hosting a patient. Massachusetts on Tuesday announced 50 new COVID-19 deaths and 358 new cases. Overall, the state has experienced 101,163 cases leading to 7,085 deaths. Related Content: A Russian man hit a cliff at a height of 20 meters while participating in a paragliding festival held in Mu Cang Chai District, located in the northern province of Yen Bai, last weekend. A Mu Cang Chai District leader confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) on Tuesday that the accident had happened in Cao Pha Commune during the opening of the annual Khau Pha paragliding festival on May 30. A few seconds after taking off, the Russian pilot fell to the ground due to a disturbance in the air, the district leader said. Meanwhile, Cao Phas chairman Vang A Chai told Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper that the pilot had mishandled the paraglider, leading to the accident. A video recorded by a witness showed the paraglider wobbling in the air before bringing the pilot into a free fall hitting the cliff, causing many of the spectators to scream. The victim sustained a minor back injury in the accident and is receiving treatment at Viet Duc University Hospital in Hanoi, according to the leaders. A Russian paraglider pilot falls to a cliff a few seconds after taking off at Khau Pha Pass in Mu Cang Chai District, Yen Bai Province, Vietnam in this supplied video. The weather disturbance also caused another pair, a pilot with more than 100 paragliding hours and a tourist, to sprain their ankles during a landing at the festival. After the two occurrences, authorities in Yen Bai Province and Mu Cang Chai District have requested relevant units to review and give thorough guidance on paragliding techniques to participants in the festival, and ensuring pilots and visitors are allowed to paraglide only when all safety conditions are met. The Khau Pha paragliding festival taking place on weekends from May 30 to July 15 is aimed at promoting tourism in Yen Bai, in response to the Vietnamese People Travel Vietnam campaign initiated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The fest covers paragliding shows and two-seater paragliding. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Houston arrest a protester during demonstrations following the death of George Floyd. Sergio Flores/Getty Images Andrew Gordon and Josh Esmay are attorneys at The Legal Rights Center in Minneapolis, where they coordinate a legal support hotline and legal assistance for protesters who've been arrested. Most of the people in jail have not been through the legal system before, so the center is helping them learn their rights and deal with practical issues like contacting family and getting medication. The two lawyers say that the situation on the ground feels different from past demonstrations over police shootings, and that their legal work includes advocating for broader changes. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Andrew Gordon is an attorney with The Legal Rights Center in Minneapolis, MN. Since 2014, he leads its community defense program, which offers free legal advice and defense to juveniles and adults charged with anything from misdemeanor traffic infringements up to first-degree murder. The program is currently directing most of its resources to help people who've been arrested following the protests over the death of George Floyd, who died in May after police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd's neck. It feels different from past protests over police shootings. I lived through the police shootings of Jamar Clark and Philando Castile. It's different to what's happened in the past. I think we're seeing better organization on the ground, we're seeing more people involved, more people volunteering. I hope that this will prompt actual, sustainable change. My specific role right now is helping to coordinate a legal support hotline around the Twin Cities. It allows folks who are being arrested at a demonstration to call in and say, "I've been arrested, you should know who I am, here's how you can keep track of me and help get me out." Andrew Gordon. Andrew Gordon At this point, I'm making sure we have someone who will always be there to answer the phone and getting information about the hotline out to community members, primarily through Twitter, Facebook, and word of mouth. We have documented over 200 calls about arrests. On top of that, we get people calling to vent and express frustration, and we also get spam calls from right-wing trolls. Story continues People also want to donate, but we are directing them to a fundraiser to support the recovery of Minneapolis' Northside. This is how we help people who've been arrested. First thing we tell someone who's been arrested is to take a deep breath. There's a very good likelihood that despite your arrest, you're going to be released without a bail. We make sure to document any injuries any individual received, such as being impacted by non-lethal munitions. Then, it's a matter of helping them through the process of organizing their immediate life. Who needs to know that they were arrested? Do they have kids at home, and if so, who's watching them? Do they need medication, and how can we get the medication to them? In the longer term, we're advocating for a change of leadership in the police. We need more actual community members on the police force, as opposed to individuals who live outside of Minneapolis. We need a decrease in funding for the police and increased funding for community-based resources. Josh Esmay, Gordon's colleague at The Legal Rights Center, has been coordinating the direct response at jails, interviewing detained protesters and helping them navigate the system. Most of the demonstrators have not experienced being arrested before. I'm down at the jail meeting with people who're held in custody and helping them apply for bail relief from the Minnesota Freedom Fund if it comes to that. Because I'm a criminal defense attorney and because most of the people I'm talking to haven't experienced anything like this, it's been helpful for them to sit down with me and have everything explained. Josh Esmay. Josh Esmay I go through the process step by step, starting with the law that's impacting them right now. In Minnesota, there's a 36-hour probable cause hold. Essentially, it means that if a cop thinks they have probable cause to arrest someone they can do that, and then the state can hold them in custody for up to 36 hours before a prosecutor has to make a decision about whether they're going to charge the case or not. If they don't charge the case, they have to let the person go. If they do charge the case, then the person has to come in front of the judge and the judge can make a decision about bail. The folks that I'm talking to are currently waiting out this hold period. Being arrested doesn't mean that you're going to be found guilty. Even though it feels like the end of the world right now, they're a long way from having a felony on their record. My gut feeling is that the officers aren't being particularly careful in the middle of what they perceive to be a riot. They're not gathering evidence or being detailed and meticulous in their police reports. I think what they're doing is just picking everyone up and booking them for riot and then figuring it out later. One of the things I'm telling clients is that one of the protections you have is that the cop's decision to arrest you and book you for probable cause doesn't mean you're guilty. Let's wait and see if you're even charged. The first filtering process is going to be a prosecutor looking at it and asking whether the facts that the cops use to justify this arrest even meet the elements of a crime. I try to keep them focused on getting out of here. But I do think it's helpful for folks who are not well versed in the criminal justice system to hear about their trial rights and what to expect if they do end up going to court for their first appearance, which is sometimes called an arraignment hearing. We're concerned that charges against Officer Chauvin will be dismissed. On Monday, I was at the jail for about seven hours, and then I went over to a rally at the governor's mansion to talk about The Legal Rights Center's concerns for how the county attorney charged the case against Officer Chauvin. We have been working on the policy piece of trying to push for more appropriate and more effective charges against the officer. We have a big concern that the third-degree murder charge can't stick against him. The third-degree murder charge is for unintentional murder, but it is usually brought in a situation where there's no intent to hurt any single individual person, such as going to a fair and firing a gun into a crowd. We think it's pretty likely that if that top charge doesn't get changed, it gets dismissed with a written motion from the defense. That would be a disaster you can imagine what the community reaction would be. Editor's note: On Wednesday, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison added a second-degree murder charge against Officer Chauvin. Read the original article on Business Insider Hyderabad: The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) under the Union Jal Sakthi ministry has convened a meeting of representatives of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in Hyderabad on Thursday amid tensions between the states over the construction of new projects on the river. The board, headed by newly appointed chairman A Paramesham, wrote to the irrigation departments of both states on Tuesday, asking them to submit detailed project reports of the proposed new projects on Krishna river. The board will go through the reports and refer the projects to the apex council of the ministry for further action. The apex council, comprising Union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and chief ministers of both states, will meet at a later date. The meeting of KRMB, being held on the directions of Shekhawat, will be attended by the principal secretaries and engineers-in-chief of irrigation of both states. The latest water dispute between the two states erupted last month, when the Andhra Pradesh government headed by chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy issued an order proposing the construction of a lift irrigation scheme on Krishna river on the foreshore of Srisailam reservoir, located between the two states, and the expansion of the Pothireddypadu head regulator to draw an additional six to eight thousand million cubic feet (tmc) of water from the river. The Telangana government wrote to KRMB, strongly objecting to the new projects proposed by the neighbouring state. It said they were a gross violation of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act and went against the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT)s award. KRMB sought an explanation from the Andhra Pradesh government, while the Jal Sakthi ministry directed the government to stop proceeding with the projects. Subsequently, the National Green Tribunal too issued an order staying the new projects. While replying to KRMBs letter, the Andhra Pradesh government defended the projects, saying they would be well within the water share allocated to the state. It made a counter-complaint against Telangana, saying it too had taken up schemes such as the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy, Dindi, Bhakta Ramadasa and Tummilla projects on Krishna river that violated the state bifurcation act and KWDTs award. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An Australian model has opened up on the terrifying moment she was forced to barricade herself in her bathroom when looters smashed their way into her New York apartment block. As race riots plague the U.S. in the wake of George Floyd's horrific death, plus-size model Georgina Burke said she was 'alone and terrified' at 4am on Monday when she woke to the sound of rioters breaking through the front door of her building. The 28-year-old, who is originally from Brisbane but has lived in New York City for 10 years, said feeling the building 'shaking and vibrating' was a frightening experience. Glamorous model Georgina Burke is originally from Brisbane but has lived in New York for ten years Ms Burke, who lives alone, locked herself in the bathroom, shuddering at the prospect of hoards of strangers bursting into her home 'I was in shock, I had my parents on my laptop on Facetime while I was getting a play by play of the rioting from my downstairs neighbour,' she told The Courier-Mail. Ms Burke, who lives alone, locked herself in the bathroom, shuddering at the prospect of hoards of strangers bursting into her home. 'Your mind just screams: "What is going to happen to me? Is this real? Can I wake up from this horrible movie? What would I do to defend myself if ten men came through my door?",' she said. Luckily she didn't meet that fate. Emergency crews pulled up to the front of the building and the mob dispersed. Ms Burke ran outside to find the windows at the entrance to the apartment block completely smashed up. People loot a store during demonstrations over the death of George Floyd in New York Pictured: Looters storming a store with broken windows in New York City during race riots on June 1 When she asked if a police car could stay out the front of the building as a precaution, she said officers laughed in her face. 'This isnt Australia darling, get upstairs and barricade yourself in your apartment,' she said they told her. Ms Burke said living in New York - America's epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic - was terrifying enough without having to endure violent protests. She described horror scenes on the streets of the city where refrigerators holding the dead bodies of coronavirus victims were in one direction, and the skeletons of burnt businesses were in the other. Ms Burke said living in New York - the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic - was terrifying enough without having to endure violent protests Ms Burke, 28, poses in New York. Despite fearing for her life on Monday night, Ms Burke said she supports the protests but doesn't condone violence Despite fearing for her life on Monday night, Ms Burke said she supports the protests, but doesn't condone violence. It comes as the United States enters its eighth night of widespread outrage, with thousands of people protesting George Floyd's death in cities across the country. The 46-year-old died on May 25th when a police officer knelt on his neck for nine minutes during an arrest, after a service station attendant accused the black man of paying for cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. Black Lives Matter protests have since emerged across the globe, with marches also held in France, Australia and New Zealand. Fears of U.S.-style violence on the streets of Australia this weekend as counter-protesters threaten to gatecrash Black Lives Matter rally Black Lives Matter rallies being held around Australia this weekend could turn ugly and be hijacked by counter-protesters, police fear. Marches will be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra on Saturday in the wake of black man George Floyd's alleged murder at the hands of a white cop in the United States. The rallies will call for an end to Aboriginal deaths in custody, police brutality and racism in Australia. More than 400 indigenous Australians have died in police detention since a 1991 Royal Commission into the deaths of Aboriginal people in custody. But police in Melbourne fear a 16,000-strong protest outside Parliament House could be gatecrashed by other groups with their own agenda. Assistant commissioner Luke Cornelius told reporters on Wednesday that police won't tolerate assaults, vandalism and theft if tensions escalate Police are on high alert for counter-protests being held in the city, and the potential for the crowd to turn on officers. Assistant commissioner Luke Cornelius said on Wednesday police won't tolerate assaults, vandalism and theft if tensions escalate. 'We absolutely understand the sentiment and the anger that lies behind that and we are very keen to support the community in giving a voice to their concerns,' he said. 'We have seen this in previous protests and we're very much alive to this and this has been factored into our planning. 'We do respect the right everyone has to protest peacefully and lawfully.' Police are on high alert for counter-protests being held in the city, and the potential for the crowd to turn on officers Premier Daniel Andrews said if the protest was not peaceful, police would step in restore order Mr Cornelius said the force was committed to working with the Victorian Aboriginal community. 'I understand from my engagement with local Aboriginal community members that there is a sense of frustration that it takes a death of a black American to highlight the experience of the Aboriginal community here in Australia,' he said. 'The events in America certainly do give us an opportunity to reflect on our own community.' Premier Daniel Andrews said if the protest was not peaceful, police would step in restore order. 'The only form of legitimate protest is a peaceful protest,' he said. 'Victoria Police will not tolerate violence and will not tolerate some of the disorder that we've seen overseas. 'Victoria Police will not tolerate violence, and they will not tolerate some of the disorder that we've seen overseas. 'What we've seen happen in the United States is a tragedy and it speaks to many of the differences between our society and the society in the United States.' But a spokeswoman for Warriors of Aboriginal Resistance, the group behind Saturday's protest, said police are the biggest threat to peaceful protests. 'When the police are coming there, are they going to over-police us like they always do?,' Apryl Day told Seven News. A peaceful protest was held in Sydney's CBD on Tuesday night, where no arrests were made and the 3000-strong crowd were well behaved Protesters held signs calling for the end of 'white supremacy', police brutality and racism in Australia following violent protests sweeping across the U.S. since Floyd's death last week 'We're not the threats, police are the threats.' A peaceful protest was held in Sydney's CBD on Tuesday night, where no arrests were made and the 3000-strong crowd was well behaved. Hordes of passionate protesters chanted 'I can't breathe', 'always was always will be Aboriginal land' and 'black lives matter' during the demonstration at Hyde Park and Martin Place on Tuesday evening. Protesters held signs calling for the end of 'white supremacy', police brutality and racism in Australia following violent protests sweeping across the U.S. since Floyd's death last week. 'No more black deaths,' 'silence is abuse,' 'black and indigenous lives matter' and 'end police brutality' were among other placards on display. Attorney General William Barr is facing demands to step down after the Washington Post reported that the nation's top law enforcement official personally ordered police to beat back peaceful protesters gathered near the White House Monday evening to clear the path for President Donald Trump's walk to St. John's Episcopal Church, where he delivered a militant speech and staged a photo-op showing him holding a Bible. Two anonymous federal law enforcement officials told the Post that "the decision had been made late Sunday or early Monday to extend the perimeter around Lafayette Square by one block." An unnamed Justice Department official said that Barr on Monday afternoon "went to survey the scene and found the perimeter had not been extended." "The attorney general conferred with law enforcement officials on the ground, which the official said is captured in a video of the incident," the Post reported. "He conferred with them to check on the status and basically said: 'This needs to be done. Get it done,' the Justice Department official said." National Guard soldiers and police proceeded to club peaceful protesters with batons and fire tear gas canisters and rubber bullets into crowds as Trump delivered a speech on the nationwide uprising sparked by the killing of George Floyd. The New York Times reported Tuesday that Barr "had strolled to the edge of the police line to observe the crowd in the minutes before the tear-gassing began." Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) was the first Democratic member of Congress to demand Barr's resignation in the wake of the Post's reporting, which was confirmed by ABC News. "The Attorney General is the top law enforcement officer in the country, the leader of an agency meant to protect Americans' constitutional rights," Beyer tweeted. "Barr betrayed that mission by ordering the violent and systematic violation of peaceful protesters' rights. He should resign." Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), also called for Barr's resignation. "AG Bill Barr's behavior has been deeply problematic since he was sworn in, but now it has become truly dangerous," CREW tweeted. "He needs to resign."In a statement released just ahead of the Post's report, Barr thanked the police and the National Guard for their "outstanding work" Monday night but did not mention his role in ordering the assault on demonstrators. "I am particularly impressed by the citizen-soldiers of the D.C. National Guard, who are committed to serving their community, and did so with great effectiveness last night," Barr said. "There will be even greater law enforcement resources and support in the region tonight." Pull Quote "The Attorney General is the top law enforcement officer in the country, the leader of an agency meant to protect Americans' constitutional rights. Barr betrayed that mission by ordering the violent and systematic violation of peaceful protesters' rights. He should resign." Rep. Don Beyer Before news of Barr's instructions to law enforcement broke, Senate Democrats unveiled a non-binding resolution (pdf) condemning Trump for "ordering federal officers to use gas and rubber bullets against the Americans who were peaceably protesting in Lafayette Square . . . thereby violating the constitutional rights of those peaceful protestors. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Democrats attempted to pass the resolution by unanimous consent, but Republicans blocked it. "President Trump ordered federal officers to attack peaceful American citizens exercising their constitutional rights by tear gassing them in a public park while military helicopters flew overhead," Schumer tweeted. "Appalling. An abuse of presidential power. Blatantly unconstitutional." Pull Quote "AG Bill Barr's behavior has been deeply problematic since he was sworn in, but now it has become truly dangerous. He needs to resign." Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington told NPR's Morning Edition that she resented Trump using a church to promote an inflammatory militarized approach to the wounds of our nation." "He did not pray," she said. "He did not offer a word of balm or condolence to those who are grieving. He did not seek to unify the country, but rather he used our symbols and our sacred space as a way to reinforce a message that is antithetical to everything that the person of Jesus, whom we follow, and the gospel texts that we strive to emulate ... represent. Louis Weisberg contributed to this report. The Trump administration issued an order suspending passenger flights from China-based airlines, saying it was retaliation for Beijing barring American carriers from re-entering that market, in a continued escalation of tensions between the two nations. The order issued Wednesday goes into effect June 16 but President Donald Trump can act sooner if he chooses, the Department of Transportation said in a statement. U.S. airline stocks rose amid a broad market rally and signs that travel demand is starting to rebound. A Standard & Poor's index of major carriers jumped 7% at 11:20 a.m. in New York to the highest intraday levels since March 31. Alaska Air Group led the rally with a 9.7% surge to $39.72, followed by United Airlines Holdings's 8.9% advance to $32.58. The move ramps up tensions between the U.S. and China, adding to disputes over trade, the coronavirus pandemic and the treatment of Hong Kong. On Friday, Trump said that the U.S. would "begin the process" of eliminating the policy exemptions that allow America to treat Hong Kong differently than the mainland. China's leaders recently moved to impose sweeping new national security legislation on the Asian financial hub. Beijing has prevented U.S. carriers from restarting service there while four of its airlines have maintained flights to and from markets here this year as Covid-19 erupted, according to the statement. U.S. airlines had asked to resume service as early as June 1. "The Chinese government's failure to approve their requests is a violation of our Air Transport Agreement," the DOT said in an emailed statement. The order stops short of an outright ban, allowing Chinese carriers to operate one flight to the U.S. for each flight that nation grants to American carriers. The order is aimed at Air China Ltd., China Eastern Airlines Corp., China Southern Airlines Co. and Xiamen Airlines Co. The news came after the close of trading in Shanghai and Hong Kong, which are major trading centers for publicly held Chinese airlines. It isn't clear how the DOT order could impact the burgeoning air cargo operations between the U.S. and China. Several U.S. passenger airlines have begun flying cargo in empty passenger planes as they struggle for revenue during the unprecedented downturn caused by the virus. At the same time, air-freight haulers such as FedEx Corp. and United Parcel Service Inc. have had to ramp up operations in China to fulfill demand for medical supplies and other equipment. The trade group that represents large U.S. carriers, Airlines for America, didn't immediately comment on the action. China's embassy in Washington also didn't immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. The department on May 22 said China had violated a bilateral agreement allowing airline service between the two countries by failing to respond to requests by Delta and United. The department accused China of unfairly blocking the carriers' attempts to resume service in that country. The DOT on Wednesday accused the Civil Aviation Authority of China of being "unable to communicate definitively" when it will allow U.S. airlines to resume flights. Delta originally sought to resume China flights on June 1 but has had to delay because the Chinese government hasn't approved its application. It's currently seeking to restart flights on June 11 between Detroit and Shanghai and Seattle and Shanghai, both with stops in Seoul. "We support and appreciate the U.S. government's action to enforce our rights and ensure fairness," the Atlanta-based carrier said in a statement. American's last China flights departed on Jan. 31. It's currently set to resume flights between Dallas-Fort Worth and Hong Kong next month, with other passenger service scheduled to restart in October. American has an average of six total daily non-stop flights to the cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing from Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles. United also plans to resume three routes to China as early as this month, pending regulatory approval. That would be for service from San Francisco to Beijing and Shanghai, and between Newark, New Jersey, and Shanghai. In early January, there had been approximately 325 weekly scheduled flights between the two countries. That fell to only 20 per week by four Chinese carriers by mid-February, according to the DOT. Earlier this year China said in an order that airlines couldn't operate more flights than they had scheduled on March 12. However, by that time, U.S. carriers weren't flying there, making it impossible for them to resume service, the DOT charged.China's order "effectively precludes U.S. carriers from reinstating scheduled passenger flights to and from China and operating to the full extent of their bilateral rights, while Chinese carriers are able to maintain scheduled passenger service to and from each foreign market served as of the baseline date, including the United States," the DOT said in its order. Instant noodles products on display at a supermarket in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by Shutterstock/Ho Su A Bi. Vietnam retained its fifth place in instant noodles consumption last year with 5.43 billion servings, up 4.4 percent year-on-year. Ahead of Vietnam were China with 41.4 billion servings, followed by Indonesia, Japan and India, according to data released by the World Instant Noodles Association. However, Vietnam ranked highest in terms of average serving per population, with per capita consumption of 56 servings a year, compared to Indonesias 46, Japans 44 and Chinas 29 and India's 5. This is the third year in a row Vietnam ranks fifth in overall consumption after being fourth in 2015 and 2016. A new instant noodles product is launched every two days in Vietnam, according to a report released last year by market research firm Kantar Worldpanel. South Korean instant noodle makers Nongshim and Ottogi increased their investments in Vietnam last year, considering it a base for advancing further into Southeast Asia. There are over 50 instant noodles producers in Vietnam, with 70 percent of market share belonging to Acecook Vietnam, Masan and Asia Food. China's top customs authority has released new data on its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) credit system, which the authority is employing to enhance the country's foreign trade and strengthen credit supervision over enterprises. The AEO system, initiated by the World Customs Organization, aims at facilitating customs clearance through the authentication by customs of trade firms with a high level of law compliance, credit status and safety. The new data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC) shows that, as of the end of May, 3,236 advanced certified enterprises had been identified by the GAC under the AEO system, while the number of discredited firms totaled 6,788. A low credit level can lead to a higher inspection rate, which increases the costs for those enterprises. In 2019, the average inspection rate for advanced certified enterprises stood at 0.57 percent, with that for discredited firms reaching 84.76 percent. China has signed mutual AEO agreements with 42 countries and regions, including Singapore, the Republic of Korea, the European Union, Switzerland and New Zealand, according to the GAC. The value of China's exports and imports with these countries and regions has accounted over half of the country's total trade value. Unlike other health insurance policies, which mostly covers hospitalisation expenses alone, the specialised cover is likely to include the cost of treatment during quarantine and payment of cash for incidental expenses. On the insistence of the regulator, and directions issued by the apex body of non-life insurers - General Insurance Council - the insurance companies are working on a standardised insurance product for COVID treatment, with sum assured ranging between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 5 lakh. The product needs to be offered mandatorily from June 15 onwards and the insurers have been given time till June 4 to come up with recommendations on the product, said sources aware of the development. In view of disparity of claims for Covid treatment, recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) asked the General Insurance Council (GI Council), to come up with ideas for standard cover for the pandemic. While the council is yet to submit its views to the regulator, industry sources say insurers are proposing the cover for people in the age group of 18 to 65. Unlike other health insurance policies, which mostly covers hospitalisation expenses alone, the specialised cover is likely to include the cost of treatment during quarantine and payment of cash for incidental expenses. The standard cover for covid 19 can have two add on covers -- quarantine cover, and hospital daily cash. "If the insured person is quarantined due to diagnosis or suspected infection of Covid-19 then the company will pay 1 per cent of sum insured per day subject to maximum up to Rs 3000/day, the draft guidelines said which was reviewed by Business Standard. Similarly, the insurance company will pay 0.5 per cent of sum insured per day for every completed 24 hours of hospitalization for treatment of COVID-19 on positive diagnosis of disease. Things like isolation of patients in hotels are not normally covered under the normal health policies. Now, that covid demands such line of preventive measures, so Irdai has asked us to include such things in the standard covid product, said a public sector insurance executive. According to the draft, room, boarding and nursing expenses will be capped at Rs 5,000 per day and costs of intensive care unit expenses will be capped at Rs 10,000 per day while ambulance charges will have a maximum limit of Rs 2,000 per hospitalisation. A GI council official said, "The regulator wants to give more clarity to the policyholders so a standard product helps in clearly spelling out what is covered and what are the conditions under which the ailment is covered." The product may remain in force for one or two years and will have some added features which will make the product more attractive while being cheaper than other comprehensive health policies as it will be covering issues pertaining to the COVID 19 virus only. Despite being a standard product, the insurers will be free to price it according to their underwriting understands. If we have to popularise the policy, the premium has to be kept less. "This will be one of the options given to the policyholders especially to those who do not have a health cover as there are high chances of catching the virus now. "Compared to other health policies, the premium for the standard health policy will be less, the official from GI council added. Notably, insurers are seeing a gradual decline in the average claim payout for COVID treatment. Initially, when claims started trickling in, the average claim size was in the range of Rs 2-3 lakh. However, now it has come down to around Rs1.5 lakh. Despite that, many private hospitals still charge high rates as there is no standardisation. Insurers have been calling for standardisation of rates when it comes to COVID treatment. But in the absence of any health regulator, the ball lies in the governments court to standardise rates. There is a general feeling that many hospitals are taking advantage of the situation and overbilling the patients. "Insurance companies are required to pay this bill. Also, as directed by the finance ministry, insurance companies, especially public sector ones, cannot refuse these claims. "They are required to settle them at the earliest. A standardised product helps, especially in case of patients from hospitals which are not listed as non-PPN (Preferred Provider Network) ones, said a head of a general insurance company. Many insurance firms have already come out with specialized Covid products. Standardisation will help bring more parity in the existing products as well. There are separate COVID products that various insurance companies have come up with but this is an effort to bring a standard product so that the policyholders get a clear sense of what is covered and what is not covered in a COVID only product. "The whole idea is to have a COVID only product that also has some extra elements which are normally not there in a typical health insurance policy like quarantine add on cover, said Sanjay Datta, ICICI Lombard General Insurance. For some, a statewide mandate to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces in Virginia will take some getting used to. But for many, an executive order that took effect Friday simply codifies what they were already doing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. There hasnt been a magical breakthrough thats just come down and we could all line up and get a vaccine and it would be all over with, Brendan McSheehy said on a recent visit to Food City off Euclid Avenue in Bristol, Virginia. As he unloaded groceries into his car, McSheehy, 67, of Abingdon, wore blue latex gloves and a white face mask protective steps that hes been taking since early March. Were going to be dealing with this for some period of time; its going to change our behaviors, he added. Those visiting grocery stores, retailers and other public indoor settings in Virginia are now required to wear face coverings under an executive order Gov. Ralph Northam issued last week as part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people practice social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet between each other and avoiding large gatherings. But when individuals do go into public settings, health officials urge them to wear masks that cover the mouth and nose to prevent the spread of the virus through respiratory droplets. The coverings have been advised for everyone, including those who feel healthy, because asymptomatic individuals who have COVID-19 can infect others. And before masks were required by the state government, they were still seen as an important way to help protect people who may be more vulnerable to severe illness from coronavirus, like those who are older or those with underlying medical conditions. My lungs are bad, so I try to be more protective, I suppose, and then I have an elderly mother that I go to every other day, so I dont want to take anything in on her, said Anita Silcox, an Abingdon resident who visited the Bristol, Virginia, Walmart this week. Silcox, 65, wore a blue mask and said her family has also been covering their faces. I think its going to be the norm for a while because of everything, and Im really surprised that its taken three months to be mandatory, she said. Still, the mandate which applies to ages 10 and older will require those whove been making mask-free trips to the store to don the coverings. Some businesses that closed for extended periods of time this spring may face awkward situations if customers continue coming in without masks. Its a little bit of an uncomfortable position for us to try to force someone to wear a mask, said Karen Hester, who owns two shops on State Street in downtown Bristol. Her businesses Cranberry Lane, a gift and home decor store, and Southern Churn, an ice cream and candy shop opened May 22 after being closed for two months. Employees have been wearing masks, and they will post signs about the state requirement. But enforcement may be tricky, she said. She estimated that only 25% to 30% of her customers have been wearing masks, and shes still trying to figure out how to respond if customers dont start covering their faces. Do I run the risk of offending a customer and potentially losing a sale? Hester said in a phone interview this week. Currently, Im not in the position to lose any sales because weve been closed for two months, and we have to have revenue coming in. Were thankful for every customer that comes through that door. Employees at other downtown stores who said they didnt have authorization from their owners to speak about the issue also raised questions about how the mandate will be implemented. The governors executive order authorizes the Virginia Department of Health to enforce the mandate. According to the text of the order, violations are punishable as a class one misdemeanor, an offense that could result in up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Northam has also directed the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry to develop emergency temporary occupational safety standards to address issues like personal protective equipment and sanitation in workplaces. At a news briefing last Tuesday, Northam cautioned that with his face covering mandate, hes not looking for people to get in trouble by not wearing a mask. But I am looking for people to please do the right thing I am asking people to respect one another, he said. The state Health Department has said it could enforce egregious customer violations through a court order. We are not looking to put anyone in jail we are focused on education, and we hope and expect that Virginians will do the right thing, the department said in a statement provided by Breanne Forbes Hubbard, the population health manager for the Mount Rogers Health District in Southwest Virginia. When asked about the challenges that businesses might face when it comes to making sure customers and patrons cover their faces, Forbes Hubbard said the public shouldnt put business owners in a tricky situation to begin with. If people will wear face coverings when they are out in public, we will not force our business owners to make a choice between safety and economic stability, she wrote in an email to the Bristol Herald Courier. Lets show our support for our local businesses by wearing face coverings. The U.S. Army announced recently that female soldiers will be integrated into all of its infantry and armor brigade combat teams (BCTs) by the end of the year. Currently, 601 women are in the process of entering the infantry career field and 568 are joining the armor career field, according to a recent Army news release. Read Next: These Are the Active-Duty Units Deployed to DC Region for Protests "Every year, though, the number of women in combat arms increases," Maj. Melissa Comiskey, chief of command policy for Army G-1, said in the release. "We've had women in the infantry and armor occupations now for three years. It's not as different as it was three years ago when the Army first implemented the integration plan." Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta started the process by lifting the ban on women serving in combat roles in 2013. The Army then launched a historic effort in 2015 to open the previously male-only Ranger School to female applicants. Out of the 19 women who originally volunteered in April 2015, then-Capt. Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver became the first to earn the coveted Ranger Tab that August. The plan is to integrate female soldiers into the final nine of the Army's 31 infantry and armor BCTs this year, according to the release. The service did not say how many female soldiers are currently serving in the other 22 BCTs. At first, the gender integration plan, under the "leaders first" approach, required that two female officers or noncommissioned officers of the same military occupational specialty be assigned to each company that accepted women straight from initial-entry training. Now, the rule has been changed to require only one female officer or NCO to be in companies that accept junior enlisted women, according to the release. Comiskey said it's still important to have female leaders in units receiving junior enlisted female infantry and armor soldiers, to help ease the culture change of historically all-male organizations. "Quite frankly, it's generally going to be an NCO leader that young soldiers will turn to for questions," she said. "The inventory of infantry and armor women leaders is not as high as we have junior soldiers. ... It takes a little bit longer to grow the leaders." In 2019, the Army began opening up more assignments for female armor and infantry officers at Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Drum, New York; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and in Italy. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Related: Army Will Soon Open More Combat Jobs to Women, General Says Democratic donors are pouring money into Joe Bidens campaign in the wake of the protests spurred by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week.Two fundraisers said President Donald Trumps response to the protests and violence that has accompanied some of them have motivated donors to give even more to support Biden. As a bundler, youre usually out chasing the bundle but now the bundle is chasing me, said John Morgan, a longtime Florida-based Democratic fundraiser and one of Bidens biggest backers. Bundlers raise contributions for candidates and parties from their professional and personal networks and bundle them together. Employees of Morgans law firm, Morgan & Morgan, gave Biden more than $435,000, his third largest source of funds for the primary. Those donations were capped at $2,800, but now Morgan, whos preparing to raise bigger sums in the general election, can collect bigger checks through different channels. Biden has set up a fundraising vehicle that can accept much bigger amounts, split between the Democratic National Committee, his campaign and 26 state parties, the general election fundraising will far outpace the primaries. He says hes fielded multiple calls this week from donors who can write large checks the maximum donation is now $620,300 asking how they can support the campaign. Its a whole new ballgame, Morgan said. And it could help Biden narrow the financial advantage Trump, who faced no serious primary opposition, has built for November. Bidens fundraising has trailed Trump, whose re-election effort raised $742 million in the last 16 months. Biden and the Democratic National Committee took in less than half of that, $342 million, through the end of April. Trump, the Republican National Committee and two fundraising vehicles had $255 million in the bank at the end of that month compared to $103 million for Biden and the DNC. Unlike Biden, Trump spent heavily on media, including pricey television ads, in May, in response to falling poll numbers. His campaign booked $17.8 million worth of ads, including $4.1 million on digital platforms, that month, according to Advertising Analytics, compared to $3 million for Biden, which was all spent on online ads. Campaigns and parties report their May fundraising numbers to the Federal Election Commission on June 20. Democratic fundraisers say their donors have been energized by Trumps performance since the killing of Floyd, who died after a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck for more than eight minutes. Violence erupted in dozens of cities, from Minneapolis to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington. Trumps confrontational tone he urged governors to dominate the streets in a call on Monday and vowed to deploy the military to quell violence are one factor in the surge, but even more significant is his failure to offer a unifying message to a country already reeling from the coronavirus epidemic and now facing racially charged violence, said Mitchell Berger, a longtime Democratic fundraiser from Florida.Donors are saying hes not doing it, hes not capable of doing it, so our only option is to dig deeper and make sure he doesnt win a second term, Berger said. An engineer from Ahmedabad has claimed he got connected with SpaceXs maiden manned spaceflight carrying two NASA astronauts into orbit. Adhir Saiyadh, a ham radio enthusiast, claims he got a response from the Crew Dragon astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken while trying to connect with the International Space Station, reports news agency ANI. I was on video call with a student explaining how to connect to ISS. It was then that I got a response, the 58-year-old Ahmedabad resident told ANI. Gujarat: Adhir Saiyadh, a ham radio enthusiast from Ahmedabad, got a response from SpaceX Crew Dragon's astronauts while trying to connect with International Space Station; says,"I was on video call with a student explaining how to connect to ISS, it was then that I got response" pic.twitter.com/QdqnP7u4wq ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2020 According to another report in Ahmedabad Mirror, Saiyadh got connected around the time the astronauts were giving the viewers of NASA TV an interactive tour of the cockpit. I was on video call with a friend from Valsad, explaining to him the features of a mobile application that helps track ISS. He asked me if we can connect with ISS. I realised that the capsule was to pass over India around then and I decided to try my luck. I coincidentally got connected to their frequency and received a response from one of the commandants of the capsule, Saiyadh told the Ahmedabad Mirror. A qualified engineer, Saiyadh told the publication that the experience felt personal as he got a response from astronaut Doug Hurley when he got connected. He added that the call made him feel that he too, was a part of the history they made. In a first of its kind spaceflight, entrepreneur Elon Musks company SpaceX became the first private entity to carry NASA astronauts into orbit. A Crew Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket, both developed by SpaceX, with Hurley and Behnken, lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center at 3.22 pm EDT on May 30 and docked with the ISS around 19 hours later. The SpaceXs Crew Dragon flight was also the first time in 11 years that NASA astronauts were launched into space in an American space vehicle and from US soil. Four Covid-19 patients (front) are discharged from Thai Binh General Hospital in Thai Binh Province after Covid-19 treatment on June 3, 2020. Photo courtesy of the Thai Binh General Hospital. Four Covid-19 patients in the northern province of Thai Binh have recovered, authorities announced Wednesday, leaving 26 active cases in Vietnam. All four were among 345 Vietnamese citizens repatriated from Russia on a Vietnam Airlines flight that landed May 13 at the Van Don airport in the northern province of Quang Ninh. A total of 34 passengers on the flight, including two attendants, have been confirmed infected so far. Eight other patients on the flight had been declared healthy earlier. The latest four recoveries, three men and a woman, were treated at the Thai Binh General Hospital. They tested negative at least twice. Vietnam has confirmed 328 Covid-19 cases so far, of whom 302 have recovered. May 26 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge in Montana has thrown out a Trump administration directive that weakened an Obama-era policy aimed at protecting a threatened Western bird, invalidating hundreds of oil and gas leases on federal land in Montana and Wyoming. In a ruling issued late on Friday, District Court Judge Brian Morris sided with environmental groups that had challenged the administration's 2018 policy reversal as well as three auctions in Montana and Wyoming in 2017 and 2018 that sold oil and gas leases in sage grouse habitat. The order was the latest legal blow to U.S. President Donald Trump's effort to increase energy production on federal lands by rolling back environmental regulation. Earlier this month, Judge Morris halted https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-pipelines-court/u-s-judge-halts-oil-leases-due-to-lack-of-federal-study-of-water-impacts-idUSKBN22D6BX nearly 300 of the same Montana leases, ordering an environmental analysis of the impact of fracking on drinking water. "The decision here really struck down the administration's basis for sacrificing all that sage grouse habitat for oil and gas leasing," Earthjustice attorney Mike Freeman said in an interview. Earthjustice filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Montana Wildlife Federation, the Wilderness Society, National Audobon Society, National Wildlife Federation, and Montana Audobon. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the arm of the Interior Department that oversees oil and gas leasing, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Friday's order threw out a 2018 memorandum https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-energy-sagegrouse/u-s-proposes-looser-protections-for-a-bird-to-boost-drilling-mining-idUSKBN1O51XK issued by Trump's Interior Department that changed how leasing in sage grouse habitat would be prioritized. The policy opened up hundreds of thousands of acres to oil and gas leasing that had been restricted under the Obama plan. (Reporting by Nichola Groom; Editing by David Gregorio) We volunteers and supporters of the Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Foundation (STBHF) join the people of Qatar and the rest of the world to wish His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY. We use this opportunity to acknowledge and honour a great and authentic leader, as well as a peace-loving Head of State whose devotion to the cause of humanity is unmatched and legendary. H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani was born on June 3, 1980 in Doha, the capital of Qatar and graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst of Britain in 1998. He became the heir apparent to the Qatar throne and deputy Commander-In-Chief of Qatar's Armed forces in August 2003. On June 25, 2013, H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani became the emir of Qatar. Upon assuming his duties as the Qatari emir, he became supreme commander of Qatar's armed forces, chairman of the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment, chairman of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, and chairman of the National Security Council. He is also a member of the International Olympic Committee. We note that H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thanis rising political profile since he became Emir of Qatar in 2013 is a testimony to his humility, humanity, forthrightness, diligence and doggedness. What will one say about a man of many parts on the occasion of his birthday? A man of peace and flamboyant champion of Pan-Arabism, a visionary, a role-model leader, a cheerful giver and epitome of humility and humanity; a God-fearing and worthy emulating leader with exceptional abilities in different areas of human endeavours. Indeed his achievements cannot be captured or bundled in a single lexicon, not to say in a mere statement or advert in the media. His strength lies in his love for his country men and women; his firm belief in the unity of the Arab people and in a global village free of terrorism, organized crime and outdated activities and prejudices. His love and respect for human rights and rights of others as well as his opposition to injustice, oppression, extremism and love for the environment, placed him tall above others. As Emir, H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani brought innovation into his countrys leadership and governance and places Qatar amongst the comity of civilized nations. He is a proven genuine leader and hero for peace, justice, freedom and human dignity. No doubt, the position of modern Qatar in the international stage would not be complete without ample recognition of the roles of this selfless leader in building a world of peace, security, stability and prosperity. People of different races and nationalities have benefited immensely from the fountain of knowledge, wealth of experience and leadership role-model exhibited by H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. On this occasion of his 40th birthday anniversary, we join the people of Qatar and the world in celebrating the abundant grace of Allah on the life of H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. His life has been an eventful one dotted by numerous achievements and accomplishments, and we wish him a birthday full of happiness, even as Qatar and the rest of the world battle the devastating Corona virus pandemic. As he steers the affairs of the State of Qatar, may Allah go with him every step of the way and support him to accomplish more in the service of the Qatari people and humanity. We pray and wish the Emir long and healthy life. Fatmata B. Bangura Acting Programme Coordinator Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Foundation (STBHF) Throughout the night, the police made several attempts to get inside, including sending fake protesters to the door to try to gain access, Ms. Lane said. The police repeatedly tried to persuade Mr. Dubey to make the protesters leave, she added, but Rahul was not having it. Chief Peter Newsham of the Metropolitan Police Department said at a news conference on Wednesday that after the curfew went into effect, officers were monitoring a group on Swann Street that was acting in a way consistent with the behavior that preceded very violent events in Washington the previous two nights. In all, there were 194 arrests on Swann Street on Monday, and there were reports of people kicking in doors on the block, Chief Newsham said. Believing that there were burglaries occurring and that residences were being entered, the police did deploy pepper spray, he said, adding that the officers use of the spray would be investigated, as would allegations of excessive force. He also confirmed that at least one officer had multiple conversations with Mr. Dubey through a window of his home. Mr. Dubey said that by 12:30 a.m., he knew that everyone would need to settle in until the curfew lifted, at 6 a.m. Mr. Dubey organized for pizza to be delivered, and the group received pizza donations from at least one neighbor. Over the course of the night the protesters, whom Mr. Dubey described as a mix of all ages, races and sexual orientations, talked extensively with one another. They were talking about where they had been that night, where they were peacefully protesting, said Mr. Dubey, who is of Indian descent. It was just beautiful. SDRPY projects are helping to raise health and environmental standards and limit the spread of coronavirus, providing modern laboratory equipment to hospitals and medical centers and securing medicines and supplies. Projects supporting Yemen's health sector, the first line of defense against the pandemic, also build the capacity of Yemenis to provide medical care to their countrymen. SDRPY has made it possible for medical services to reach patients in need in remote areas, not just cities. Projects on islands and in rural and remote districts have facilitated access to medical treatment for all, including patients who have never even had access to such services before. Anticipating the first registered case of COVID-19 in Yemen, SDRPY launched a prevention and sterilization campaign with the Yemeni Ministry of Health and the Cleaning Fund in Hadhramaut Governorate. This involved spraying and sterilizing public places, markets and residential areas, and in cities on the coast, beginning with Mukalla. Medical projects in Socotra include the rehabilitation and equipment of the Maternity and Child Care Center, Nogid Health Center and Amadhen Health Center, and the design of the 9,000-square-meter Socotra Hospital with 95 beds. In Al-Mahra Governorate, the program has built and equipped a kidney dialysis center and established an ICU and operation building at Al-Ghaydah Central Hospital. SDRPY's work in Aden includes equipping the dialysis center, providing a desalination plant and medical equipment at the Republican Hospital, rehabilitating Aden General Hospital and establishing the Cardiology Center. In Hajjah Governorate, the program has furnished and equipped the health center on Al-Fasht Island and provided a fully equipped ambulance in Hayran. Hadhramaut has received 5 modern ambulances, and in Marib Governorate, intensive care centers have been equipped by SDRPY and ambulances supplied to Kara General Hospital, 26th of September Hospital and Marib Authority Hospital. In the temporary capital of Aden, accumulated waste had caused the spread of disease. SDRPY responded by intervening with machinery and equipment for waste removal via a plan devised with civil society and official municipal bodies. In the first month of the 'Beautiful Aden' campaign, now in the second phase of its 3-month duration, 222% of the total waste expected to be cleared during phase one was removed. The campaign served 120,155 direct and 341,744 indirect beneficiaries in the governorate and exceeded its established targets by removing 21,755 cubic meters of waste that had piled up in Aden's streets and neighborhoods. The expected goal had been to remove 9,000 cubic meters. SDRPY projects also contribute to reducing the risks associated with using unclean water and preventing certain diseases, including cholera. SDRPY continues to provide water tankers, dig wells and develop the water sector with a multitude of projects, thus confronting the threat of COVID-19 and other epidemics and disease. Through its agriculture and fisheries projects, SDRPY has mitigated the impact of the current crisis on families and communities in Yemen by bolstering food production. The program has helped strengthen food security, build capacity and raise efficiency in local communities, making them more resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic. Crucially, SDRPY takes climate-based crises in Yemen into consideration as part of its crisis and emergency response plan. The program confronts these crises to facilitate development work, standing with Yemenis in the affected provinces who fall victim to climate-related hazards. SOURCE Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen A Utah man is accused of fatally stabbing a woman hours after they went on their first date, via the meet-up app Tinder, in an "unprovoked" attack, authorities said Sunday. Image: Ethan Hunsaker (Layton Police Department) The man, Ethan Hunsaker, 24, has been cooperative with investigators in explaining how he killed Ashlyn Black, 25, police in Layton, Utah, said. The two met through Tinder and went on their date late Saturday at a bar before they went back to his home near 1300 N. Reid Ave., about 25 miles north of downtown Salt Lake City, police said. Hunsaker called 911 at about 3:19 a.m. and police found Black, who had "sustained multiple stab wounds to the torso," according to a police statement. "Despite efforts to revive the victim, she was pronounced deceased on scene," police wrote. The victim of Sunday mornings homicide was 25 year old Ashlyn Black of Layton. We have included a picture of her at her familys request and extend our condolences to all of them. pic.twitter.com/8lRFwQWkh6 Layton Police (@laytonpolice) May 25, 2020 Hunsaker was being held without bail at the Davis County Jail on Tuesday, booked on suspicion of murder. "The motive behind this homicide is under further investigation; however, the attack appears to have been unprovoked," according to the police statement. Black's family called the crime "as senseless as it was evil." "A monster has taken away the life of our little girl in a crime as senseless as it was evil," according to a family statement. "Our hearts are broken and our lives are forever changed due to the despicable acts of another person. In just a few senseless and selfish minutes, a life of an amazing, fun loving young woman was taken, one who had a passion for being the voice of those who could not speak out for themselves. And a gift for working with those who have special needs. The lives of her friends and family are permanently altered. No time can fill the emptiness we feel, and the hole it has left in our hearts." FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - A police officer who was suspended for pushing a kneeling black woman to the ground at a George Floyd demonstration in Florida is under scrutiny again after the agency reviewed bodycam footage from two unrelated incidents and referred them to state prosecutors for possible criminal charges. Earlier this month, video of Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Steven Pohorence pushing a woman to the ground was shared widely on social media as protests against police violence and racial injustice erupted across the country. Pohorences shove escalated a clash in which bottles were thrown and tear gas fired. One woman suffered a skull fracture after being shot in the face with a rubber bullet. Police Chief Rick Maglione said Tuesday they had reviewed hundreds of minutes of bodycam footage and found two troubling incidents. The chief also turned the footage over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for investigation. In one video, Pohorence appears to place his knee on the neck of a suspect who refused orders to leave a parked bus and terminal. The incident is evocative of Floyds death, although in this case the suspect is clearly resisting Pohorence. In a second video, the Sun Sentinel reports Pohorence walks toward the suspect who allegedly trespassed on someones property, ordering him to put his hands behind his back or Ill put my hands on you. The suspect backs away with his hands raised and says he will leave, as Pohorence appears to place his hand on his gun, grabs the suspects shoulders and kicks his legs from under him, causing the suspect to fall. The video show Pohorence pin him down by placing his hand on the back of his neck as the suspect screams at Pohorence to let him go. The officer has been on paid leave since June 1 while the incident is under review. He could not be reached for comment and a call to the union was not immediately returned Tuesday. A review of his personnel files shows Pohorence has been under review 67 times times for pointing guns and using force on suspects, and at least once for racial profiling. In more than 50 incidents, Pohorence pointed his gun at suspects, many for driving vehicles suspected of being stolen. The files also reflect that Pohorence received several commendations over the years for helping people in need and was named Trooper of the Month once while employed by the Florida Highway Patrol. In his last review in October, supervisor Sgt. John Jones, said Pohorence requires little if any supervision and his self-motivation serves as a role model for others. As in other Midwestern cities, the relationship between people of color and the Omaha police has long been fraught, black leaders said. In 1969, the shooting death of a 14-year-old girl, Vivian Strong, by a white police officer who was later acquitted sparked riots that scarred Omaha for generations. More recently, activists cite the death in 2017 of a mentally ill Native American man, Zachary Bear Heels, as another killing in which officers used excessive force shocking and punching the victim. Three of the four officers involved were later reinstated, and the fourth was acquitted at trial. South Africa: Department welcomes court decision on CIPC certificates The Department of Trade and Industry and Competition (dtic) has welcomed a court decision not to grant Sakeliga the relief it sought in a matter involving the lawfulness of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission's issuance of certificates for companies to render service in the first phase of the COVID-19 lockdown. The dtic has welcomed a decision by the Gauteng High Court, which declined to give Sakeliga the relief it sought on the lawfulness of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) certificates issued to companies which were permitted to render essential services during the first phase of the lockdown, said the department on Wednesday. The independent, not-for-profit community organisation for business persons in general, approached the court seeking an order declaring that the CIPC had no authority to issue the essential services certificate to companies and close corporations permitted to operate during the lockdown. The CIPC is an agency of the dtic. In the judgement, the court remarked that giving such relief would be inappropriate. During the first phase of lockdown, the CIPC established an online registration platform for companies, which were permitted to operate as essential service businesses in terms of the regulations published by the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The service was established as a voluntary service for companies who wished to log their details with government over the period. The platform, managed through the Bizportal (https://bizportal.gov.za/), became popular with companies during the lockdown, with nearly 500 000 company registrations over the period. Given that it was a voluntary, self-certification service to build a data-base of companies, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition decided not to issue a direction that would have required companies to register. The lawyers for government pointed out prior to the matter being heard that the service was voluntary but Sakeliga persisted with its application. During the hearing, which took place on the day that the alert level 3 regulations were published, governments legal representatives pointed out that the issuance of certificates would not continue under alert level 3, as the concept of essential services would no longer apply, said the department. The court therefore declined to make an order in favour of Sakeliga, ruling that it would be inappropriate to make any finding in respect of the declaratory relief directed at the CIPC issue. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. 02.06.2020 LISTEN The South African Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has signed the Instrument of Ratification of the Convention establishing the Square Kilometre Arrays (SKA) Observatory to make it the future home of the mid-frequency telescope after the South African Parliament approved the Agreement. It is the third country after the Netherlands and Italy to complete its national process supporting the establishment of the SKA Observatory; the intergovernmental organisation responsible for building and operating the SKA telescopes, and the first of the SKAs three host countries to do so. South Africa was among the seven countries that signed the Convention in Rome on 12 March 2019, alongside Australia, China, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom. The Convention will enter into force once five countries, including the three hosts Australia, South Africa and the UK, ratify the text. SKA Director-General Prof. Philip Diamond said This is a significant moment not only because South Africa is the first of our hosts to ratify the Convention, but with multiple countries having done so, we are now closer to the SKA Observatory formally existing. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) has been leading the countrys participation in the SKA on behalf of the Department of Science and Innovation. South Africa is already home to two precursor telescopes: the 64-dish MeerKAT array which will ultimately form part of the SKAs mid-frequency telescope, and the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionisation Array (HERA), which is under construction. As well as conducting world-class research, MeerKAT is also providing vital input for SKA design work and science planning. "Ratification is a critical milestone for the SKA project. I would like to thank both Houses of Parliament as well as the Department of Science and Innovation for supporting our countrys participation in this iconic global science infrastructure project," said Rob Adam, Managing Director of SARAO. South Africas radio astronomy and related engineering expertise has evolved rapidly in the past two decades, and the contribution of South African institutes and industry in the detailed design work of the SKA has been invaluable. Recently, stunning early images from MeerKAT currently the worlds most powerful radio telescope in its category have cemented the countrys position in the premier league of radio astronomy. Scientists at South African institutions are also active in 10 of the SKAs Science Working Groups and Focus Groups. South Africas ratification of the Convention confirms South Africas strong commitment to the global SKA partnership. We are determined to ensure the success of what will be the first ever large global research infrastructure hosted in Africa, said Dr Blade Nzimande, South Africas Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. South Africas participation in the SKA project has significantly strengthened South Africas data science capabilities, precious resource in the fight against Covid-19. More than ever our world needs international cooperation and solidarity in science such as enabled by projects such as the SKA. Even with the terrible toll of this novel coronavirus around the world, countries have shown remarkable commitment to the SKA and continue to push forward. It is testimony to the strength of our global collaboration and the impact the project will have, added Prof. Diamond. Momentum is strong, and we expect Australia, China, Portugal and the UK to ratify in the coming months, with other countries joining the Observatory in due course. Once the SKA Observatory is up and running, construction of the largest science facility on the planet will begin in earnest. When he escaped his home town in his early 20s, it was the twin lures of the big city and art that brought him to Sydney. The other great incentive was his sexuality, as the NSW countryside was no stronghold of gay liberation. His artist brother, Max, who died in February this year at the age of 83, would remain in Muswellbrook his entire life. In Sydney, Watters set out to be a painter and had a show with Clune galleries. His days were spent working as a gallery assistant for Barry Stern, the dealer who got the Paddington art scene rolling. It was here that he met Geoffrey Legge, an economist with an escalating interest in art, and laid plans for a new venture. Geoffrey and his wife, Alex, provided the start-up capital for Watters Gallery, and acted as co-owners. Opening in Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, they earned Sterns congratulations for not selling a single work on that first day. In 1969, the gallery would move to a former pub in Riley Street, skilfully renovated by architect Don Gazzard. The bare concrete floors and white walls hosted shows by artists such Tony Tuckson, Robert Klippel, Richard Larter, James Gleeson, Ken Whisson, Vivienne Binns, Euan Macleod, Vicki Varvaressos, John Peart, Roy Jackson and Reg Mombassa, to name only a few of the best-known exhibitors. I met Watters in the early 1980s, when the art battles of the late modern era had died down and the fog of postmodernism was settling over the contemporary milieu. He was warm and friendly, as he was to everyone who came through the door with a sincere wish to learn about the art on the walls. Over the years there were dinners in his famous apartment above the gallery, where the walls were encrusted with art. I visited him in his rural retreat in Cassilis, which would become his permanent home when he retired from dealing. Over the years, Watters had been instrumental in lobbying for a museum survey of Australian contemporary art, which would be realised with the Perspecta exhibitions at the Art Gallery of NSW from 1981-99. He was a founding member and prime mover of the Australian Commercial Galleries Association, but always resisted calls for further red tape, such as written contracts between artists and dealers. Experience had convinced him that disputes were best settled person to person without legal complications. As he grew older, he was happy to declare he didnt give a damn or words to that effect for the machinations of the art world, or the novelties that sent the curators into ecstasies. He was impatient with bureaucrats, careerists and trendies. His main criteria for showing an artist was that he or she should be totally committed to their work. In an ideal world, the 50th-anniversary exhibition of Watters Gallery, hosted by the S.H.Ervin Gallery in 2014, should have been held at the Art Gallery of NSW. Watters was not about to complain or indulge in recriminations. When winding up the gallery, he donated his archive to the AGNSW, and invited curators to choose anything they liked from his extensive private collection. The final tally came to 32 major pieces at an estimated value of more than $1 million. A further gift of 67 works went to the UTS gallery, which will be exhibiting The Watters Gift until July 17. Gov. Kate Brown held a press conference Wednesday at 11 a.m. to give updates on Phase 2 of Oregons coronavirus reopening. She was joined by Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen and Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the state epidemiologist. Brown unveiled draft guidance last Friday on how Oregons 36 counties can move into phase 2 of reopening their economies after the pandemic shutdown, though state data shows that almost half did not meet the criteria as of Saturday. Thirty one Oregon counties began their 21-day Phase 1 reopening process on May 15. Those that can demonstrate they havent been backsliding during Phase 1 could be eligible this Friday to further loosen restrictions on businesses, summer camps and outdoors sports. Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter To enter Phase II, a county must again ensure that crucial public health metrics have been satisfied, Brown said in a letter sent to county leaders around the state. So far, Multnomah County is the only county that has yet to apply for Phase 1. Multnomah County officials say theyre aiming to submit a Phase 1 reopening plan to the governors office on June 5 and aim to gradually lift the coronavirus stay-home order starting June 12. Watch the press conference in the video above. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. SKOKIE, IL The number of new coronavirus cases among Skokie residents declined last week for the second week in a row, while the number of residents admitted to local hospitals with COVID-19 fell to its lowest level in three months, according to village staff. For the week ending Monday, there were 45 new COVID-19 cases detected among residents of the village, down from 90 the week before, Skokie Health Department data showed. Only three residents were admitted to the hospital last week, down from a high of 23 in the first week of April, according to the health department. The percentage of coronavirus tests that come back positive was also on the decline, with just 6 percent of specimens testing positive. Nearly 700 of the 845 residents with confirmed cases have either recovered or are recovering, a rate of 82 percent. Skokie village officials have yet to respond to a request for information about how its health department defines recovered cases, but any explanation provided will be added here. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports the statewide recovery rate is 92 percent. The agency defines anyone who is still alive 42 days after testing positive as a recovered case, according to its website. In neighboring Evanston, the municipal health department counts people as recovered when they are out of the hospital and not in isolation, according to its health director. Illinois Coronavirus Update June 3 Don't miss updates about Skokie's response to COVID-19 Sign up for Skokie Patch news alerts and newsletters. Since mid-March, 29 Skokie residents have died of COVID-19-related causes, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. The youngest was a 31-year-old woman who died in mid-April, while the oldest was a 99-year-old woman who died last week. Both had underlying health conditions, according to the medical examiner. Half of the Skokie residents to die have been older than 80 years old. Four residents in their 70s, four people in their 60s, two men in their 50s without listed underlying conditions and a 48-year-old woman with a chronic degenerative disease are also among those that succumbed to the virus. Story continues One out of every four Skokie residents over the age of 80 who have tested positive for COVID-19 have died, according to data from the village and county. (Village of Skokie) "Although COVID-19 continues to spread in Skokie, it is in a controlled way, which means that area hospitals are not overwhelmed," according to the village's website. "The number of deaths would be much higher if area hospitals were overwhelmed." On Friday, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported the following provisional coronavirus data from Skokie nursing homes: Lieberman Geriatric Center 20 cases, 2 deaths The Grove of Skokie 26 cases, 4 deaths Alden Northshore 3 cases, 1 death Citadel of Skokie 0 cases, 0 deaths Last week, Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty said his city had a lower per capita infection rate than Skokie or Chicago, with 156 confirmed cases per 10,000 residents in Chicago, 125 in Skokie and 90 in Skokie. As of Tuesday, Evanston has had 51 COVID-19 related deaths and a total of 728 confirmed cases. At least 27 residents of Evanston nursing homes have died from complications of the virus, state public health officials announced last week. North Cook County suburbs other than Evanston and Skokie are handled by the Cook County Department of Public Health, which reported the following number of confirmed cases for incorporated areas as of Tuesday: Glencoe 25 cases, 0 deaths Winnetka 72 cases, 2 deaths Wilmette 142 cases, 6 deaths Lincolnwood 148 cases, 23 deaths Prospect Heights 234 cases, 3 deaths Morton Grove 262 cases, 13 deaths Park Ridge 289 cases, 37 deaths Northbrook 294 cases, 34 deaths Glenview 474 cases, 38 deaths Wheeling 717 cases, 34 deaths Niles 752 cases, 100 deaths Des Plaines 1495 cases, 79 deaths The number of fatalities is provided by the medical examiner's office. As for those who live north of Lake Cook Road, Illinois Department of Public Health officials have refused to identify the ages, sex, date of death and hometowns of Lake County residents whose deaths have been classified as COVID-19-related in response to a request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Lisa Reynolds, an acting FOIA officer for the agency, claimed health privacy laws prevent the release of the information despite the fact such data has been released on a daily basis by Cook County officials. This article originally appeared on the Skokie Patch Y our summer holiday to Portugal could be sooner than you think as Portugals foreign minister has said his country is in discussions with the UK about air bridges so tourists can avoid being quarantined. Augusto Santos Silva told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that quarantine is an enemy of tourism. He added: During these weeks our diplomats will work together in order to guarantee that British tourists coming to Portugal would not be subjected on their return to England to any kind of quarantine. He added that anyone in the UK wanting to holiday in Portugal this summer would be most welcome and that an air bridge with the UK could be in place by the end of June. An air bridge would allow two nations to fly freely between each other and residents wouldnt have to partake in any sort of quarantine at either end. Italy, another country popular with UK tourists, began allowing people to travel in, out and around the country for the first time in around three months on Wednesday. Most people arriving in the UK from Monday, June 8 will be told to isolate for 14 days in an attempt to prevent coronavirus cases being introduced from overseas. A 1,000 fixed penalty notice in England will be levied on those failing to adhere to the quarantine, with prosecution and an unlimited fine potentially to follow. There is widespread concern that the measure will cause further damage to UK travel and tourism businesses, which have been badly hit by the pandemic. Home Secretary Priti Patel, who will set out the rules today (Wednesday) said avoiding a second peak of coronavirus will always be our top priority and insisted the restrictions on arrivals are informed by science, backed by the public and will keep us all safe. The Prime Ministers official spokesman confirmed on Tuesday that the Government is still looking at the prospect of air bridges between the UK and other countries, creating specific exemptions from the quarantine rules. Reports suggest Boris Johnson is in favour of the plan. EasyJet, Ryanair and British Airways are among the airlines which have announced plans to ramp up their operations next month, despite the Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently advising against non-essential foreign travel. UK Health minister Edward Argar said he hoped people would be able to go on holiday this year. He told BBC Breakfast: Im not going to say a particular date on when that might happen because we will have to be guided by how the disease behaves, controlling any risk of a second wave and controlling the disease. I hope that people will be able to go on holiday at some point this year, but I cant make that promise and because I have to be cautious and go with the science and I dont have that forward view yet of how a second wave or otherwise might behave. Additional reporting by PA. The Assin Central Municipality and the Assin North District of the Central Region have recorded one COVID-19 positive case each, being the first in this two areas. Mr Nicholas Fiifi Baako, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Assin Central and Mr Charles Ohene Andoh, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Assin North in separate interviews confirmed the cases to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday. Mr Baako said one the patients who is in his early 30s is a taxi driver in the Assin-Fosu Township. He said the patient has been quarantined and contact tracing had begun to curtail the spread of the pandemic. The Assin North, case involved a female patient whose specimen came out positive after it was sent to the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR), one of the major testing centres for Covid-19 in the country. He said the 33-year-old businesswoman based in Obuasi, came to a community in the district some weeks ago and went to a health facility for screening for the coronavirus disease and subsequently tested positive. He said the COVID-19 District Respond team quickly put her in isolation. "That patient is currently being quarantined at the health facility and will soon be transferred to Cape Coast, the Regional capital for further medical attention," he said. The DCE said nurses who came into contact with her were being prepared for some "clinical procedures" and that contact tracing had begun. He urged the public to remain calm as the professionals managed to contain the spread of the virus and asked for strict adherence to all the safety protocols. 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 Last week, the Real Housewives of Orange County alum Vicki Gunvalson closed on a retirement/vacation home in Mexico that she'll share with her fiance Steve Chavez Lodge. The 58-year-old retired reality star shared footage she shot in January of the three-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse apartment located in the seaside resort town of Puerto Vallarta. Once they're 'able,' the couple of four years will visit the condo where they can see panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the comfort of her jacuzzi on the breezy patio. 'I did it!' Last week, the Real Housewives of Orange County alum Vicki Gunvalson closed on a retirement/vacation home in Mexico that she'll share with her fiance Steve Chavez Lodge (pictured March 27) 'I own a home that makes me happy': The 58-year-old retired reality star shared footage she shot in January of the three-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse apartment located in the seaside resort town of Puerto Vallarta Gunvalson (born Steinmetz) plans on 'donating all the bedding and most of the furniture to an orphanage' before 'putting to work some painters and a decorator to make this home "Vicki."' Vicki - who also owns a home in Coto de Caza, California - realized it wasn't the most woke post in the midst of nationwide racial unrest and the global coronavirus pandemic. 'I know some of you may think it's wrong, especially in the state of the world,' the Coto Insurance owner wrote. 'But for me it immediately gives me hope and peace that things will resume to a new sense of normal soon...Thank you to all who support my decision as it wasn't an easy one to go through with it. Those who don't, keep your mean comments to yourself.' 'I won't be visiting there until I'm able': The couple of four years will eventually visit the condo where they can see panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the comfort of her jacuzzi Fully furnished: Gunvalson (born Steinmetz) plans on 'donating all the bedding and most of the furniture to an orphanage' before 'putting to work some painters and a decorator to make this home "Vicki"' Bathroom view: Vicki - who also owns a home in Coto de Caza, California - realized it wasn't the most woke post in the midst of nationwide racial unrest and the global coronavirus pandemic Gunvalson previously came under fire over her since-deleted April 20 tweet asking California Governor Gavin Newsom to quickly reopen businesses despite the stay-at-home order still in place. 'Let's get America who is healthy back to work,' Vicki - who boasts 2.3M social media followers - wrote. 'We need hairdressers, nail techs, small business's and restaurants to start reopening May 1st. Please?' Starting May 29 - some restaurants, hair salons, and retail shops have reopened with restrictions due to the 118K confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state leading to 4,320 deaths. The Coto Insurance owner wrote: 'I know some of you may think it's wrong, especially in the state of the world. But for me it immediately gives me hope and peace that things will resume to a new sense of normal soon' Gunvalson added: 'Thank you to all who support my decision as it wasn't an easy one to go through with it. Those who don't, keep your mean comments to yourself' 'We need hairdressers!' Vicki previously came under fire over her since-deleted April 20 tweet asking California Governor Gavin Newsom to quickly reopen businesses despite the stay-at-home order still in place The twice-divorced mother-of-two will soon become a grandmother for the third time when her daughter Briana and husband Ryan Culberson welcome a sibling for their sons Owen and Troy. Vicki's 32-year-old daughter Briana is from her second marriage to Donn Gunvalson, which ended in 2014 after 20 years of marriage. Gunvalson also has a 35-year-old son Michael from her first marriage to Michael J. Wolfsmith, which ended in 1991 after nine years of marriage. 'Couldn't be more excited!' The twice-divorced mother-of-two will soon become a grandmother for the third time when her daughter Briana and husband Ryan Culberson welcome a sibling for their sons Owen and Troy (pictured November 2) 'One producer didn't like me': Gunvalson announced she quit her Bravo series on January 24 after being demoted from housewife to 'friend' status in the 14th season last year (pictured March 1 with Tamra Judge) The Chicago-born blonde announced she quit her Bravo series on January 24 after being demoted from housewife to 'friend' status in the 14th season last year. 'Unfortunately, [for] my last two years, [one] producer didn't like me,' Vicki lamented on her Whoop it Up With Vicki podcast last Thursday. 'We got very expensive and I think they said that viewers were ready for younger blood. I thought, well, you can't really say that because the viewers and followers have followed my life for 15 years and all of a sudden...I just didn't die!' Raines International, one of the countrys leading executive search firms, announced today that Mr. Lylan Masterman has joined as the first member of the companys Advisory Board. Based in New York City, Mr. Masterman has 15 years of experience leading product and engineering organizations, most notably having worked at aQuantive, acquired by Microsoft for $6.3 billion. As a member of Raines Advisory Board, he will be a key resource for the Marketplace platform led by Matt Seiler, while also supporting the firms Technology and Innovation Practice focused on Difference Makers. Mr. Masterman, an experienced venture capitalist, has an accomplished background in technology leadership roles and venture investing. As a VC, Mr. Masterman evaluates the technology capabilities of investment opportunities and determines the scaling, growth and expansion potential for entrepreneurs. Mr. Masterman has previously served as the head of Product and Engineering of several VC-funded companies and has held several board advisory roles, including Board Member at Drop and Unacast. I have always been deeply impressed with Lylans knowledge of the global tech ecosystem, especially across Silicon Valley, NYC, and throughout Canada, said Dan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Raines. Weve relied on Lylans perspective for countless assignments on behalf of our clients, and now were ready to benefit from his expertise for our own initiatives as well. As weve become a truly tech-enabled firm with proprietary technology like Marketplace, it is critical that we have an expert like Lylan help us evaluate different forks in the road. Mr. Masterman is a 2016 graduate of The Kauffman Fellows, a two-year educational, networking, and leadership development program in Venture Capital. He earned his Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Mathematics in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo. In 2019, he was named one of NYCs top 50 Tech Influencers by AlleyWatch. Mr. Masterman said: Executive search remains an industry that has not been drastically transformed by technology. Dans vision to be a leader in disrupting his industry demonstrates remarkable forward-thinking. I look forward to advising the team at Raines on the best practices of the startup world as they build their technology platform. Raines also announced today the addition of Mr. Wayne Worthington, who joins the firm as a Vice President in Dallas, TX. Mr. Worthington joins from Korn Ferry, where he was Senior Associate in the Global Technology Practice. Prior to Korn Ferry, Mr. Worthington served as Captain in the United States Marine Corps. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture and the Fundamentals of Engineering. The additions further strengthen Raines Innovation & TMT Practice led by Mr. John Keller, who joined in 2019. Dr. Scott Thomas also recently joined the firm as Head of the Leadership and Organizational Transformation Practice, having led similar programs for Google, GE Digital, and McKinsey. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (File image: Reuters) With not many takers for fresh loans, the Rs 3 lakh crore micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) loan scheme announced by the government is yet to pick up the desired pace, bankers said. PSU banks are under pressure to make the scheme a success since this is one of the key items in the governments Rs 20 lakh crore economic package. Banks are also finding it hard to reach out to the customers on account of the present lockdown. On June 2, FM Nirmala Sitharman said the government sanctioned loans worth Rs 10,362 crore under the scheme compared with Rs 3,200 crore on Monday. Out of this, Rs 3,892 crore has been disbursed, the minister said. Much of this is likely done through State Bank of India (SBI). The bank on June 3 tweeted that it has sanctioned 45,457 loans amounting to Rs 9,627 crore under the scheme. SBI quickly responds to help our MSMEs cope with cash flow problems due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the bank said. Other state-run banks too are making all efforts to disburse loans under this scheme. As per the Guaranteed Emergency Credit Line (GECL) scheme, MSMEs with up to Rs 25 crore outstanding and Rs 100 crore turnover can apply for the emergency credit from banks and NBFCs up to 20 percent of entire outstanding credit as on February 29, 2020. These are loans guaranteed fully by the government. But, in many cases, MSME clients are telling banks that they arent keen on availing the additional loan and taking up the interest payment burden. These clients are citing bad business situation and are concerned that additional borrowing could push them to over-indebtedness. We have been asked to identify eligible borrowers and start the disbursements. We are in the process of doing that. But there are a lot of companies which feel they dont require the additional loan now, said a senior official at a government-owned bank on condition of anonymity. MSMEs are cautious because this is a term loan and interest will start to get accrued immediately. If the business environment doesnt pick up, repayment of these loans may be difficult. The poor demand scenario is a concern for businesses. The other issue is to reach out to these borrowers in the present environment. Branches are working under pressure. There is only so much you can do now, said the official. His bank has however sanctioned a few loans to MSME clients under this scheme. Another banker, who too spoke on condition of anonymity, said the scheme is unlikely to benefit MSMEs since the additional loan amount can be only up to 20 percent of the outstanding limit. 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 loan is up to 20 percent and not 20 percent. So it is up to the banks to decide how much should be given to whom, said the banker. MSMEs have been struggling for funds, especially after COVID-19 hit the economy, as banks have turned risk-averse to lend to these firms perceived as high-risk. But rather than loans, these companies were seeking direct assistance in the form of subsidies, tax holidays and so on. MSMEs contribute over 28 percent of GDP and more than 40 percent of the country's exports while creating employment for about 11 crore people. In other words, MSMEs are one of the major employers in the Indian economy. These companies needed assistance to meet their immediate payment commitments including payment of salaries and rents and meeting other operational expenses. Banks already have very high exposure to this segment. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, as at end March 2020, banks have a total loan outstanding of Rs 29 lakh crore to MSMEs. Around 9-10 percent of non-performing assets (NPAs) of banks are from this segment. Banks have significantly cut down their exposure to MSMEs due to high stress. In fact, in the 12-month period ending March 2020, banks havent really lent to this category. The year-on-year growth rate has remained nearly flat, at 0.7 percent. Rs 3 lakh crore additional exposure, around 10 percent of the current outstanding, will be significant. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 14:26:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Democratic Party's sole remaining presidential candidate Joe Biden continued to march toward official nomination Tuesday, as presidential primaries were held in seven states and the District of Columbia. As of Tuesday evening, the former vice president has won primaries in Indiana, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico and South Dakota. Voters are also casting ballots in the District of Columbia. Biden, already the presumptive nominee, is edging closer to winning 1,991 delegates, a threshold for nomination. He will have to win 89 percent of the 479 delegates up for grabs Tuesday to formally clinch the nomination. Though Bernie Sanders, the last candidate to drop out of the Democratic race, has claimed to endorse Biden, he remains on the ballot in a bid to influence the party's platform, which might slow down Biden's pace in becoming the nominee. Tuesday's primaries were special because they were held not only amid the coronavirus pandemic so that mail-in voting, instead of in-person, is encouraged; but also during nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in police custody. In Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, voters were still seen casting their ballots at polling stations despite the imposition of curfews. Earlier in the day, Biden said in a speech in Philadelphia that the "I can't breathe" cry from Floyd during the final moment of his life is a "wake-up call" for all Americans, and that he, not President Donald Trump, can provide the much-needed leadership that serves to unite the nation. "I won't traffic in fear and division. I won't fan the flames of hate. I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country - not use them for political gain," the 77-year-old said. "I'll do my job and take responsibility. I won't blame others. I'll never forget that the job isn't about me," he stressed. Enditem While chocolate was highly esteemed in Mesoamerica, where it originated, its adoption in Europe was initially slow. There is a common belief that Europeans needed to "transform" chocolate to make it appetizing. However, while Spaniards did put sugar, which was unknown to indigenous Americans, into chocolate beverages, this additive was not completely innovative. Mesoamericans were already sweetening chocolate with honey, and the step from honey to sugarincreasingly more available than honey because of expanding sugar plantations in the Americasis a small one. Likewise, although Spaniards adjusted Mesoamerican recipes by using European spices, the spices chosen suggest an attempt to replicate harder-to-find native flowers. There is no indication the Spaniards deliberately tried to change the original flavor of chocolate. 1. The author of the passage refers to the use of honey primarily to A. identify the origins of an additive previously untried by Europeans B. present an example of a product that was unknown to Europeans C. correct the misapprehension that Mesoamericans used a sweetener that was not available in Europe D. provide an example of an ingredient that was in the process of being displaced by a substitute E. explain why the Spanish use of sugar in chocolate was not a sign of a need to transform chocolate 2. Which sentence presents a misconception that the passage challenges? A. The second ("There is .... appetizing") B. The third ("However .... innovative") C. The fourth ("Mesoamericans .... one") D. The fifth ("Likewise .... flowers") E. The sixth ("There is .... chocolate") Two leading medical journals have 'expressed concern' about the quality of data used in studies they published about the coronavirus. The Lancet, one of Britain's top medical journals, has ordered an investigation into a study that said hydroxychloroquine raises the risk of death for Covid-19 patients. And the New England Medical Journal, based near Boston, MA, has done the same for a study which claimed blood pressure medications did not raise the risk of death for people with the virus. Both involved some of the same researchers and both used data from a private provider called Surgisphere. The legitimacy of Surgisphere's data has now been called into question by the high-profile journals which have ordered deeper investigations into how the studies were done. The shock findings in The Lancet halted global trials of the promising drug hydroxychloroquine, which US President Donald Trump admitted he was taking to fend off the virus. More than 120 top scientists and doctors criticised the study in an open letter to the journal, flagging 10 major flaws. The Lancet has now admitted there are 'serious questions' that need to be answered about the data - but did not reveal what those question were - in a public statement. But scientists say the move was too late and that the 'harm was already done', as the race for a cure to halt the virus that has ravaged the world continues. And the NEJM study attracted similar criticism from scientists who demanded more clarification about the data that had been used. A leading medical journal has 'expressed concern' over the study that said hydroxychloroquine (an antimalarial, pictured) raises the risk of death for Covid-19 patients, which halted global trials The Lancet, which published the controversial research on May 22, said there were 'serious questions' to be answered about the data used to come to its conclusions in a letter last night The study in the Lancet, published on May 22, claimed hydroxychloroquine raised the risk of death from the coronavirus by up to 45 per cent. And Covid-19 patients taking the drug were up to five times more likely to develop a life-threatening arrhythmia - a known complication. The paper came as a massive blow to hopes of finding a cure after hype around the medicine built from the beginning of the pandemic. US President Donald Trump has been criticised for promoting the drugs which are used to treat malaria, arthritis and lupus as a cure for the new virus. The authors from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, led by Professor Mandeep Mehra, said they were 'unable to confirm a benefit' of hydroxychloroquine. Their finding prompted the UKs drugs watchdog to temporarily suspend two major Oxford University clinical trials of the antimalarial. WHAT DID THE LANCET SAY? The Lancet: Expression of concern: Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine with or without a macrolide for treatment of COVID-19: a multinational registry analysis Important scientific questions have been raised about data reported in the paper by Mandeep Mehra et al Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine with or without a macrolide for treatment of COVID-19: a multinational registry analysis1 published in The Lancet on May 22, 2020. Although an independent audit of the provenance and validity of the data has been commissioned by the authors not affiliated with Surgisphere and is ongoing, with results expected very shortly, we are issuing an Expression of Concern to alert readers to the fact that serious scientific questions have been brought to our attention. We will update this notice as soon as we have further information. Advertisement The World Health Organization also pulled the plug on its SOLIDARITY study, on the back of the worrying results. But on Tuesday evening, the Lancet's editors published an 'expression of concern' and said 'important scientific questions' had been raised about the data used in the study. The data set was supplied by US-based healthcare data analytics company Surgisphere Corporation and its founder, Dr Sapan Desai, was one of the paper's four co-authors. Among the criticisms were the seemingly high mortality rates linked to drugs that have been routinely prescribed since the 1950s. The Lancet's editors said: 'Although an independent audit of the provenance and validity of the data has been commissioned by the authors not affiliated with Surgisphere and is ongoing, with results expected very shortly, we are issuing an expression of concern to alert readers to the fact that serious scientific questions have been brought to our attention. 'We will update this notice as soon as we have further information.' Surgisphere said: 'In our hydroxychloroquine analysis, we studied a very specific group of hospitalised patients with Covid-19 and have clearly stated that the results of our analyses should not be over-interpreted to those that have yet to develop such disease or those that have not been hospitalised. 'We also clearly outlined the limitations of an observational study that cannot fully control for unobservable confounding measures, and we concluded that off-label use of the drug regimens outside of the context of a clinical trial should not be recommended. 'Our Covid-19 research was not funded by any drug company, private or public donor, or political organisation. 'Our research collaborators on the piece for The Lancet devoted their time through personal funds and resources because they saw the urgent humanitarian need and opportunity to inform rapidly evolving pandemic responses.' US President Donald Trump has been criticised for promoting the drugs which are used to treat malaria, arthritis and lupus as a cure for the new virus The study analysed data from almost 15,000 patients with Covid-19 receiving the drugs alone or in combination with antibiotics. WHAT DID THE STUDY CLAIM? The research of nearly 100,000 Covid-19 patients, published in prestigious medical journal The Lancet, cast doubt over the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of Covid-19. As well as uncovering hydroxychloroquine had no benefit for coronavirus patients, results showed it raised the risk of death by up to 45 per cent. And Covid-19 patients taking the drug were up to five times more likely to develop a life-threatening arrhythmia - a known complication. Experts at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, analysed data from 96,032 hospitalised Covid-19 patients spanning six continents. Around 5,000 of the infected were either given hydroxychloroquine or its derivative chloroquine. Another 10,000 were given hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine alongside two other promising drugs, antibiotics azithromycin or clarithromycin. Data from those four groups was then compared against a control sample of 81,000 Covid-19 patients, who were given other medications. Analysis showed one in 11 patients in the control group died in hospital - at a rate of 9.3 per cent. In comparison, 18 per cent of patients given hydroxychloroquine succumbed to the illness. The rate was 16 per cent among the chloroquine group. When the two drugs were used in combination with one of the antibiotics, the death rate rose to almost a quarter of patients (23.8 per cent). Researchers cautioned that some of the difference in the rates of mortality was due to underlying differences between which patients received the treatment. But when other factors known to raise the risk of death were included - such as age, race, BMI and co-morbidities - the drugs still increased the risk of dying by between 34 and 45 per cent. The study added to past research that showed taking hydroxychloroquine could raise the risk of someone developing an abnormal heartbeat. Scientists in the US and France last month found 90 per cent of critically-ill COVID-19 patients given hydroxychloroquine developed heart arrhythmias. Massachusetts General Hospital researchers monitored 90 patients in intensive care units, while University of Lyon academics analysed 40 patients. Both uncovered similar results in JAMA Cardiology, after looking at the QT intervals - the time between the heart's ventricular muscles contracting and then relaxing. When this interval becomes too long, the patient has developed a dangerous form of heart arrhythmia, called atrial fibrillation. Advertisement It then compared this data with the hospital records of 81,000 controls who did not receive the drug - and claimed the data came from six continents. Treatment with the medications among patients with Covid-19, either alone or in combination with antibiotics, was linked to an increased risk of serious heart rhythm complications and death. But the authors stressed that anyone taking these drugs for other conditions should not stop taking them as the trial looked specifically at Covid-19. The researchers estimated that the excess risk attributable to the use of the drugs rather than other factors such as underlying health issues ranged from 34 per cent to 45 per cent. Professor Babak Javid, principal investigator at the Tsinghua University School of Medicine in Beijing, who previously said the study found 'absolutely no benefit' of hydroxychloroquine, said 'mounting concerns' had questioned the validity of the data. He said: 'For example, the number of Covid cases that were supposed to be from a subset of Australian hospitals was actually greater than the sum total of cases in Australia reported at the time. 'In many ways, the harm has already been done. No high-quality trials of hydroxychloroquine for Covid have yet reported, and some may now be unable to recruit sufficient patients to arrive at an answer.' Peter Horby, professor of emerging infectious diseases and Global Health in the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, said: 'The Lancet publication by Mehra et al has had major adverse impacts, resulting in the suspension of numerous well-designed clinical trials. This is completely unjustified. 'Even if the results were correct, observational data such as this, with its inherent weaknesses, should not be used to stop trials which will provide definitive and actionable answers.' Professor Stephen Evans, pharmacoepidemiology at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: 'In retrospect many readers and decision makers may well have placed too much reliance on that paper.' Dr Stephen Griffin, an associate professor in the School of Medicine, University of Leeds, said 'the question of efficacy when using these drugs remains unanswered'. Major trials have been stopped, while other studies have found little or no benefit of the drug. More than 120 scientists, including prominent Imperial College London epidemiologist Professor Neil Ferguson, whose stark warning that 250,000 Brits could die without action played a role in the UK triggering lockdown in March, wrote to The Lancet to address their concerns with the study. The signatories of the letter said the study did not mention the countries or hospitals that contributed to the data source, meaning they cannot be fact checked. They wrote: 'The authors have not adhered to standard practices in the machine learning and statistics community. They have not released their code or data. 'There was no ethics review... There was no mention of the countries or hospitals that contributed to the data source and no acknowledgments to their contributions.' The scientists nodded towards the fact the Lancet paper included data from more Covid-19 deaths in Australia that existed at the time. Dr Desai told the Guardian that this was due to an error that caused one hospital in Asia to be included in the Australian dataset, and a correction was made in the paper. 'This indicates the need for further error checking throughout the database,' scientists told The Lancet. The letter, first seen by the Guardian, also states that data from Africa claims nearly a quarter of Covid-19 patients and 40 per cent of all deaths on the continent happened in hospitals where Surgisphere operates. The experts say this is 'unlikely' to be true. It follows The New England Medical Journal (NEMJ) writing an expression of concern over a study it published using data from Surgisphere. The study, also led by Professor Mehra, found common blood pressure medicines do not put people at a higher risk of severe or fatal coronavirus symptoms, three major studies have found. There had been concern arising from animal studies that these medicines ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) might increase the body's levels of a protein called ACE2, which the coronavirus latches on to when it invades human cells, thus increasing people's vulnerability to the disease. It used observational data from 169 hospitals in Asia, Europe, and North America to also find Covid-19 patients with cardiovascular disease were at an increased risk of death, NEJM editor-in-chief Eric Rubin wrote in the expression of concern: 'Recently, substantive concerns have been raised about the quality of the information in that database. 'We have asked the authors to provide evidence that the data are reliable. In the interim and for the benefit of our readers, we are publishing this Expression of Concern about the reliability of their conclusions.' Professor Horby said: 'The very serious concerns being raised about the validity of the papers by Mehra et al need to be recognised and actioned urgently, and ought to bring about serious reflection on whether the quality of editorial and peer review during the pandemic has been adequate. 'Scientific publication must above all be rigorous and honest. In an emergency, these values are needed more than ever.' The Interamerican Commission of Human Rights has acknowledged Brazil for its good practices on human rights protection of persons deprived of liberty under the coronavirus pandemic. Among these challenges, a special one is imposed on the prisons and juvenile justice institutions. Under overcrowding and precarious health and hygiene conditions, the entrance of the virus to prison institutions can have a devastating human impact. Considering the necessity of establishing procedures for reducing epidemiological risks and preserving the health and the life of public agents, persons deprived of liberty and their families, the judiciary power in Brazil, with UNDP support has issued guidelines on preventive measures to avoid massive dissemination of COVID-19 in the penal and juvenile justice systems. Physical distancing According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one way of protecting yourself from spreading COVID-19 is maintaining at least one metre distance from others. But can people deprived of their liberty afford to do such a thing? With more than 750,000 convicts, the Brazilian prison system operates 70 percent above capacity and faces sanitary and hygiene difficulties. They include measures to orient the action of judges all over the country. Under this unprecedented health crisis, the document aims at supporting magistrates to be better equipped to promote the necessary actions to face the pandemic, at the same time as observing the country's legal framework and fulfilling human rights protection principles. It is recommended judges carefully analyze provisional detention measures, especially those imposed to pregnant and nursing women; mothers or persons responsible for children under 12 or people with disabilities; as well as elderly and others with critical vulnerabilities. It also recommends, under the conditions of the law, the revision of preventive arrests that are not related to violent crimes. The impact of these recommendations are crucial at this moment to reduce overcrowding in prisons. According to official data, Brazil has the worlds third highest prison population and 40 percent of those incarcerated are detained under provisional arrests. Meeting the urgency of the situation The President of the Council, Minister Dias Toffoli, says that the measure meets the urgency and unusualness of the situation, with parameters that can be replicated across the country. We are facing a pandemic with effects still unknown. It is imperative that the Judiciary does not omit itself and adopt a quick and uniform response, avoiding irreparable damage," he says. So far, near 30,000 prisoners have been released with no reduction in public security. Temporary prisoners, who have not been convicted, and those accused of non-violent crimes are the main beneficiaries. According to the National Penitentiary Department, lethality rate of COVID-19 among prisoners is 3.25 percent. Up to now, there have been 1,383 confirmed cases and 45 deaths. Only 5,384 prisoners were tested. Coronavirus guidelines The guidelines also give guidance on procedures to be applied in suspect or confirmed cases of coronavirus in prison institutions, that include health support and communication of the case to the responsible judge, for the evaluation of the possibility of applying home isolation measures, in scenarios where spaces for adequate health isolation are not available in the prison. Concerning visits, the provision of alternative measures to guarantee the virtual contact with families and compensate situations where isolation is necessary is also advised. The partnership between UNDP Brazil and the National Council of Justice also includes activities to foster the socio-economic integration of persons living in the prison system. These activities include a multidimensional methodology to provide psychosocial and legal assistance to labour inclusion and other income generating opportunities, offered in spaces called Social Offices. In a crisis, the most vulnerable are disproportionately affected. And UNDP is committed to supporting measures targeted to these populations, leaving no one behind. On the streets of Washington, The Stars Edward Keenan provides analysis on the extremes of the protests as well as the signs of everyday life unfolding around him, as well as seeing democracy in action. To give us a dispatch from Trumps DC, the Stars Washington Bureau Chief shares whats he seen and checks the moods of a divided America. It has been a week of protests and rage in the United States, as civil unrest takes over major cities over the case of George Floyd, a black man whose killing by police officers was captured on video. Since then there have been protests in over 40 U.S. Cities, many peaceful, but instances of violence and looting, with curfews enacted in several jurisdictions. Washington, D.C., has seen its share of both, including at the White House, where President Trump has denounced the violent protests as domestic terrorism. Trumps approval ratings had already taken a hit from his heavily criticized approach to handling the COVID-19 pandemic, but now there are those that feel he has embraced authoritarian tactics, especially after having authorities violently disperse a peaceful protest so he could take a photo op. Listen here or subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. 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. Perth, Australia, June 3, 2020 - (ABN Newswire) - Altech Chemicals Limited (ASX:ATC.AX - News) (HAM:A3Y.F - News) is pleased to provide an update on the status of activities at the Company's high purity alumina (HPA) site in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, where construction activities have now recommenced. In response to the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Malaysian government imposed a Movement Control Order (MCO) effective 18 March 2020, for an initial period of one month. The MCO resulted in the closure of all non-essential government and private business premises, and consequently the suspension of all construction works and closure of Altech's HPA plant site at Tanjung Langsat. Subsequently, the MCO was extended on four occasions and is currently in effect until 9 June 2020. However, the Malaysian government recently announced a relaxation of MCO restrictions under a revised Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO). The CMCO provides for the recommencement of business activities, such as construction, but only if pre-approval is obtained from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). A key condition of the recommencement of activities is a requirement to implement Standard Operating Procedures that follow the Malaysian Ministry of Health guidelines for COVID-19. Altech has now received the MITI approval for business recommencement and has implemented the required COVID-19 related workplace standards for personal and workplace hygiene, including individual screening (COVID-19 testing) and social distancing. COVID-19 testing for all personal was completed last week, and final site inspection by the Construction Industry Development Board for verification of implementation of the new procedures has been conducted; this has allowed for the recommencement of construction activities at site. Prior to the suspension of construction activities in March 2020, work on the electrical substation was nearing completion, with only cosmetic architectural detailing and internal fit out of some mechanical and electrical systems remaining. It is expected that these outstanding works will now be completed by July 2020, followed by rectification of any punch list items and a final handover inspection of the substation to Altech. Story continues To view photographs, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/XMV4NM9I About Altech Chemicals Ltd: Altech Chemicals Limited (ASX:ATC.AX - News) (FRA:A3Y.F - News) is aiming to become one of the world's leading suppliers of 99.99% (4N) high purity alumina (HPA) (Al2O3). HPA is a high-value, high margin and highly demanded product as it is the critical ingredient required for the production of synthetic sapphire. Synthetic sapphire is used in the manufacture of substrates for LED lights, semiconductor wafers used in the electronics industry, and scratch-resistant sapphire glass used for wristwatch faces, optical windows and smartphone components. There is no substitute for HPA in the manufacture of synthetic sapphire. Global HPA demand is approximately 25,315tpa (2016) and demand is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.7% (2016-2024), primarily driven by the growth in worldwide adoption of LEDs. As an energy efficient, longer lasting and lower operating cost form of lighting, LED lighting is replacing the traditional incandescent bulbs. Contact: Corporate Iggy Tan Managing Director Altech Chemicals Limited Tel: +61-8-6168-1555 Email: info@altechchemicals.com Shane Volk Company Secretary Altech Chemicals Limited Tel: +61-8-6168-1555 Email: info@altechchemicals.com Investor Relations (Europe) Kai Hoffmann Soar Financial Partners Tel: +49-69-175-548320 Email: hoffmann@soarfinancial.com Source: Altech Chemicals Ltd Copyright (C) 2020 ABN Newswire. All rights reserved. A joint team, while exploring phase diagrams in dense H 2 -HD-D 2 mixtures, has reported a new discovery in which they found counterintuitive effects of isotopic doping on the phase diagram of H 2 -HD-D 2 molecular alloy. This work was conducted by a research team at the Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science collaborating with researchers from the Center for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research and University of Edinburgh. It was published in PNAS on 2 June, 2020. Molecular hydrogen forms the archetypical quantum solid. Its quantum nature is revealed by classically impossible behavior as well as by very strong isotope effects. Isotope effects between H 2 , D 2 , and HD molecules come from mass difference and the different quantum exchange effects: Fermionic H 2 molecules have antisymmetric wavefunctions, while bosonic D 2 molecules have symmetric wavefunctions, and HD molecules have no exchange symmetry. To investigate how the phase diagram depends on quantum-nuclear effects, the joint team used high-pressure and low-temperature in situ Raman spectroscopy to map out the phase diagrams of H 2 -HD-D 2 with various isotope concentrations over a wide P-T range. When hydrogen and deuterium were mixed, they formed H 2 + HD + D 2 mixtures at very low pressures and room temperature. They found that mixtures of H 2 , HD, and D 2 behaved as an isotopic molecular alloy (ideal solution) and exhibited symmetry-breaking phase transitions between phases I and II and phase III. In their experiment, the researchers were surprised to find that all transitions occurred at higher pressures for the alloys than for either pure H 2 or D 2 . This ran counter to any quantum effects based on isotope mass but could be explained by quantum trapping of high-kinetic energy states by the exchange interaction. "Since HD has an intermediate mass and prevalent component in these alloys, one would expect that with its addition phase transitions would occur at intermediate P-T regimes", said the leading scientist of this study, "The discrepancy from the more classical understanding of molecular phase diagrams, derives from the quantum nature of the hydrogen molecules themselves, where the exchange-symmetry can in effect trap the molecules in different, higher energy states." "HD molecules have no exchange symmetry, at low temperature all HD molecules will be in the lowest energy state. However, pure H 2 and D 2 have exchange symmetry, so some of the molecules would be trapped in the higher energy states. So the trapped kinetic energy is lower in mixtures than in either pure elements, and it shifts the phase transition to higher pressure in mixtures", said LIU Xiaodi, the first author of the paper. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the CAS President's International Fellowship Initiative, the Science Challenge Project, the CAS Innovation Fund and the Director's Fund of Science Island. ### This is part of CNBC Make It's Out of Work series, where real people tell their personal stories of what it's like to be underemployed during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the story of Catherine Lieberman, director and co-owner of Bell's School for People Under Six in Fletcher, North Carolina, as told to Megan Leonhardt. You keep hearing people say we're all in the same boat with the pandemic. Yeah, well, not really. We may all be on the same ocean, navigating the same storm, but there are people in luxury yachts. And some of us feel like we're in Uncle Johnny's boat with one oar, worrying about whether or not there's a hole in the bottom. That's where I'm at. I'm struggling. And it's not because I'm not a good business person. I am. I'm 44. I have some background in business and administration and I've been in the child-care business for 26 years since the day I turned 18. I've been the director and co-owner of Bell's School for People Under Six in Fletcher, North Carolina for the last five years, and I was a teacher here before that. But child-care programs don't operate with a whole lot of capital, and that's not due to lack of business savvy. A lot of times it's because parents can only afford to pay so much. So you may only have one or two weeks or maybe a month of capital to run on. If your program has to close for 11 weeks, 12 weeks, 20 weeks, or you have reduced income during that time, it's financially devastating. And mine is a little better off than other programs I did have a little bit of savings, because I pinched every penny and tightened our belt when we could. But here we are, going on 11 weeks closed and we're struggling. In fact on April 1st, Bell School's 42nd anniversary, my co-owner, Isabel Taylor, and I had to make the tough decision of whether to stay open or possibly close permanently. We chose to stay open. We came to the conclusion that we could not ethically close the school when we had the families of doctors, nurses, EMT, grocery store and gas station employees that needed us. We will find a way to make the numbers work. But the result has been that I've lost over half my business. Before Covid-19 hit, the school was at capacity; we had 40 children. The first week of April, I had six, and they weren't attending every single day. Today, I have 16. What 'making it work' looks like Even with revenue coming in from families who have returned, I'm still struggling to pay the mortgage, to pay the electric bill, to keep the water running, to keep supplies flowing, to find all the cleaning supplies that I need to to just stay open. And I haven't taken a paycheck now since March 16. I don't feel like I can. I had to furlough 11 of my 13 employees in order to stay open because I can't afford to pay them. It was devastating emotionally, because for me it was very personal. I'm the one who had to look my teachers in the eye and say, 'I can't protect your job. I can't protect your health because I can't find the sanitation supplies that I need for a large group.' That was a scary, frank conversation to have. I had saved some money to replace the tiles in some of the classrooms because they're cracked. Instead I'm using that money to pay the remaining staff's salaries. Bell's School for People Under Six typically has about 40 children enrolled. But with the coronavirus pandemic, there are less than 20 attending now. Source: Catherine Lieberman Plus, almost everything costs a little bit more and is harder to find. The other day on Walmart's app, they had Lysol spray, and I thought: "Great! I can get four." Well, it turned out the app hadn't updated yet and they were out, so they substituted Fabreeze. I appreciate it, but it's not going to clean the cots or clean the tables. All it takes is putting one foot in front of the other and not being overwhelmed by the despair of the situation. Catherine Lieberman Director and co-owner of Bell's School for People Under Six But we're committed. Even if it goes on the credit card. In fact, I just used a credit card that my husband and I had finally paid off to buy hand soap and to get basic supplies. It was really tough because my husband and I have worked so hard to get where we are right now. We had paid off both cars and had paid down our credit cards. We paid off probably over $20,000 worth of debt. But we've pulled ourselves out of some debt before and we can do it again. All it takes is putting one foot in front of the other and not being overwhelmed by the despair of the situation. Putting new practices in place at school We are also dedicated to doing the right thing for our children, and that means making changes. Number one, we've dropped our group sizes there are less than 10 children and a teacher in a classroom. We're also lucky it's summertime. We're opening windows and spending a lot of time outside. We have the philosophy here that there is no bad weather, only bad clothes. That means we change clothes a lot, but that's just kind of what it is. We have some new procedures for drop-off and pick-up that have helped a little bit too. I follow as much of the guidance to help reduce spread as I can, but there is no way to physically distance all the time. As one of my teachers said, "If they're crying, I'm going to pick the kid up." A teacher at Bell's School helps a child build a puzzle. The North Carolina-based school celebrated pajama day on Friday, May 29, 2020. Source: Catherine Lieberman We also do masks as much as possible even though the state of North Carolina is not requiring the children wear them. (We're not doing masks at all with children under 3 just because there's a higher risk of SIDS and suffocation.) Isabel has made a bunch of masks for the children and teachers to use, and extras if we need them. You need to change them often, however, and you need to wash them. It's a little difficult I don't have laundry facilities on site. And if a family sends 10 masks, I have to send those 10 masks home to be washed that night, and I just have to trust that it's happening. Uncertainty looms large When it comes to the future, I'm not terribly confident. I was in February when my classes were filled for summer and for fall. I actually had a waiting list. But I'm worried because we don't know when or if a second wave of Covid-19 will hit and what that could look like. I'm a little nervous about picking up new families if they're not going to stay with us, because turnover can be expensive and it affects the classroom environment. Those of us who have followed the twists and turns of the Madeleine McCann story had all but given up hope of the long-running inquiry into her disappearance leading anywhere. So yesterday's announcement by the police came as a bolt from the blue. So much time has passed and so many leads have come to nothing. Yet now it seems there is a real possibility the end is in sight. If it is, this is in no small part due to the tenacity of Kate and Gerry McCann. My own daughter, Beatrice, was born just five days apart from her. They had the same huge, round eyes, those same soft, dimpled cheeks, the same impish grin. A photo of Maddie issued by the Metropolitan Police is left, and an e-fit (right) shows her aged nine No parents could have worked more tirelessly, often in the face of cruel and malicious opposition, to pursue the search for their daughter and for justice in her name. What they have suffered over the intervening 13 years is beyond comprehension for most people, and in particular for anyone who is a parent. Their fortitude, both as a family and as a couple, has been remarkable. Many people would not have survived such an ordeal. But they stuck by each other and by Madeleine. Her disappearance in May 2007 moved me to the core. My own daughter, Beatrice, was born just five days apart from her. They had the same huge, round eyes, those same soft, dimpled cheeks, the same impish grin. They even had the same haircut, an unruly bob with a straight blonde fringe. Im ashamed to say that, as the tragedy unfolded, there were times when I simply couldnt look. I couldnt bear to see the anguish in Kates eyes or the barely suppressed rage tensing Gerrys jaw. What parent hasnt, on occasion, lost sight of their little one in the supermarket or the playground? Above, Maddie's parents Kate and Gerry comfort each other days after their daughter went missing While the world seemed to hang on every detail, I tried to avoid reading about it because it made my heart hurt. When the Portuguese police, desperately hoping to cover up their own ineptitude, all but accused the couple of having killed her themselves, I felt enraged, imagining myself in a similar scenario, grieving for my lost child while trapped in a Kafkaesque nightmare. I hated the narrative that surrounded the McCanns, those who interpreted their dignity, eloquence and self-control as a tacit admission of guilt. I argued passionately in their defence with friends who angrily accused them of being irresponsible, of somehow bringing this abomination on themselves by leaving the children alone in their room during dinner at the resort in Praia da Luz. Of course, with hindsight they would have done things differently. But how were they to know that a predator was on the prowl? What they did wasnt negligent. Countless parents do similar things and no harm ever comes of it. The McCanns were just very, very unlucky. It was not their fault, I argued, that this awful thing had happened to them. To try to pin the blame on them for a minor lapse of parental duty was, to my mind, like blaming a rape victim for wearing the wrong clothes. Even now I cant imagine the kind of pain the McCanns must be experiencing, the sheer living horror of it. Above, a photo of Maddie dated May 2005 I thought of all the times I had been a less-than-perfect parent and thanked my lucky stars I wasnt in their shoes. What parent hasnt, on occasion, lost sight of their little one in the supermarket or the playground? Now imagine that gut-wrenching angst, that sickening panic, and multiply it a million times. Even now I cant imagine the kind of pain the McCanns must be experiencing, the sheer living horror of it. But worst of all must have been the lingering guilt, the most corrosive of emotions and one that any parent who has lost a child in such circumstances can never truly escape. And as the story rolled on and on, as Kate became ever more gaunt and haunted, as Gerry battled like a man possessed to clear his and his wifes name and find his lost child, my respect for them only grew. Not only do they need to know what happened to their beautiful little girl, they also need the world to know that it wasnt their fault It would have been easy for the McCanns to allow the world to forget Madeleine. But they have done precisely the opposite. They have kept the spotlight trained firmly on themselves and on her case. Their dogged determination, their incessant, and at times seemingly futile, lobbying of the authorities, the vast sums spent in pursuit of an ever-dwindling prick of light at the end of the tunnel, have shown over time the depth of their sincerity. Not only do they need to know what happened to their beautiful little girl, they also need the world to know that it wasnt their fault. It wont bring Madeleine back. Indeed, it may even be that when the truth finally emerges, it will reveal even greater agonies for the McCanns. But at least they will finally be able to rest and, perhaps in time, find some peace. It is the very least they deserve. And last night, God willing, they may have come a bit closer to it. Theres an old joke that you should take to heart: How did the artist end up with a million dollars? They started with $2 million. Become an expert with money. Start today. It is not hard to be the smartest person in the room about money, and Google will teach you for free how to do it. Keep in mind, though, that money and happiness are pretty much unrelated. If youre miserable when youre broke, youre still going to be miserable when youre not. London, June 3 : Manchester United have a "massive" chance to push for a top-four finish whenever the Premier League returns, according to former striker Dimitar Berbatov. United's upturn in fortunes before the Premier League was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic coupled with the fact that they will now have Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in the midfield will work in their favour, according to the Bulgarian. "Make no mistake, this is a massive opportunity for United and they know it," wrote Berbatov in a column for Betfair. "Hopefully, they will be prepared for that challenge because three points are nothing, if they win their first game back and Chelsea slip up then the three points aren't an issue anymore, it can be as easy as that. "But on the other hand, if United slip up and Chelsea win it will be six points, so they also have to be careful, there can be no room for error." Berbatov also said that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to be careful getting Pogba back into the first team. The French midfielder has missed most of the 2019/20 season due to injuries. United have had a huge boost in Paul Pogba returning to fitness. It is great news for the team. "The dangerous thing is that he hasn't played for so long, so hopefully he has prepared well and he will be ready to play at 100% again. Is he going to start? "I'm not too sure, coming back from a long injury may impact him starting, it will be interesting to see if Solskjaer puts him straight into the battle. I'm sure if the manager asks Pogba how he feels and if he is ready, then Paul will say 'of course I am ready.' "It will be the first time we get to see [Bruno] Fernandes and Pogba play together and it will be interesting to see if they can hit it off, they will have had the chance to get to know each other in training but that is totally different to a game," said Berbatov. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend: Uzbekistan's Ipak Yuli Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) provide loans to individual entrepreneurs and legal entities in Uzbekistan, Trend reports referring to Ipak Yuli. Under a joint program, EBRD and Ipak Yuli Joint Stock Innovation Commercial Bank provide financing to small businesses, both individual entrepreneurs and legal entities. The main advantage of the program for entrepreneurs is that it is not necessary to provide a business plan and preliminary assessment of collateral value. In addition, clients can use the services of a personal financial manager, who can quickly make a decision on the loan. Individual entrepreneurs and legal entities can receive a loan of up to three billion soum (or up to $300,000 in national currency equivalent) for up to 36 months. Repayment is made monthly in equal installments or according to seasonal schedule. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development facilitated the development of international trade in, from and within Uzbekistan by opening trade finance limits for Uzbekistans National Bank, Asakabank, Uzpromstroybank, Ipoteka Bank, KDB Bank Uzbekistan, Hamkorbank and Ipak Yuli Bank. To date, EBRD has invested 1.85 billion euros through 79 projects in Uzbekistan's economy. Earlier, the International Finance Corporation and Ipak Yuli 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. Ipak Yuli Joint Stock Innovation Commercial Bank, founded in 1990, is one of the first private banks in Uzbekistan. It provides a wide range of banking services to retail and corporate clients through a well-developed network consisting of 16 branches and 36 express centers in eight regions of Uzbekistan. --- Follow author on Twitter: @seyfaddini Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC) Executive Director Peter Friedmann said Roger Guenther "became famous" in mid-March when two Port Houston terminals were temporarily closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. "Port Houston was the first major port in the United States to get hit by COVID and you all were sort of the guinea pig on how does a port respond. You responded in a way that became kind of the model for the rest of the country," said Friedmann in introducing Guenther, Port Houston's executive director and a speaker at AgTC's annual meeting, conducted virtually this week because of the coronavirus pandemic. Operations at the Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals were suspended for about 24 hours after the port authority learned an employee who worked at both facilities had contracted the coronavirus. "We had a little hiccup with some cases early on that, quite frankly, we weren't ready for, but we were totally transparent in how we dealt with that. We confided and worked with all our brethren ports across the country to make sure we're all prepared," Guenther said, adding that the situation "allowed us to expedite and set the standards and protocols and procedures to make sure our employees were safe first and foremost so we could deliver the goods." Like its brethren ports, Houston's volumes were down in April because of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Of course our container activity has been impacted somewhat," Guenther said. "After a strong January and February start, we're actually up 5% [year-over-year] in our container volume overall through April. That's after a 12% drop in April over April last year." Port Houston handled a total of 221,540 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in April. In the first four months of 2020, it handled 994,627 TEUs. Like other U.S. ports, Houston also is experiencing more canceled sailings this year. Story continues "We saw very few in February and March. I think we had nine in March and April. Those have ramped up a little bit. We're going to see eight total in May and seven in June and a couple in July we've already been made aware of. That would probably be 26 that we're looking at in Houston," Guenther said. He noted that in March and April, the blanked sailings were primarily trans-Pacific sailings, but the port now is seeing more cancellations on European and Mediterranean trade routes. "Despite the blanks, the ships that are coming in seem to be full or even more full than normal," he continued. "The good thing about it is our trade in Houston is very balanced and it remains that way. The equipment availability is very plentiful." Guenther said the port got good news a couple of weeks ago when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed off on the Houston shipping channel expansion report. The report, the culmination of a four-year, $10 million study, now goes to Congress for authorization and funding of the channel deepening and widening through the Water Resources Development Act. "We expect to start that project in 2021 to allow for even larger ships," Guenther said, pointing out that Port Houston also is "making investments so our terminals continue to be fluid and reliable and have the capacity to meet growing needs." Earlier in the day, Ric Campo, chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority, said plans were being made for post-pandemic operations. "We're in the ninth week of operating in this environment," Campo said during the commission's monthly board meeting, held virtually. "We will probably continue this program in terms of how we're operating today at least into June." But a "return-to-work" team has been formed, he said. "I'm not sure that's a good moniker. It ought to be the return-to-normal team. It's a very large, cross-functional team with 27 members.They're looking at the best, safest, most productive way for us to open our offices and get back to a more normal process," Campo said. Guenther told the AgTC that Port Houston is in good shape now but once that return to normal takes place, it will be in a great position to help the U.S. economy bounce back. See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. The Saturday night incident gained attention from a viral video in which the young couple can be heard screaming. Six police officers from Atlanta, Georgia have been charged after a dramatic video showed authorities pulling two young people from a car and shooting them with stun guns while they were stuck in traffic caused by protests over George Floyds death, a prosecutor said on Tuesday. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announced the charges during a news conference. Atlanta police did not immediately have a comment Tuesday. I feel a little safer now that these monsters are off of the street and no longer able to terrorise anyone else, said 22-year-old Messiah Young, who was dragged from the vehicle along with his girlfriend, 20-year-old Taniyah Pilgrim. A director of the police union, however, said the move to bring charges without a thorough investigation was unfair to the officers, none of whom have been interviewed. We believe that this is premature, said Vince Champion, southeast regional director for the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, adding that he believed officials were trying to score political points rather than uncover all the facts. Why were the students stopped? We dont know the answer to that. The Saturday night incident first gained attention from video online and on local news. Throughout, the couple can be heard screaming and asking officers what is happening. Two Atlanta police officers are finally fired after body-camera footage showed they used excessive force in protest incident. Please tell me how anybody thinks this is remotely okay?! Or why so many cops are covering their badge numbers and body cams pic.twitter.com/pWHvmbILaj Sytrux (@Sytruxx) May 31, 2020 Two of the officers were fired Sunday after Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and police Chief Erika Shields determined from body camera footage that they had used excessive force. Pilgrim was released without charges. Howard said Young was charged with attempting to elude the officers, and the mayor has said shes ordering his charges dropped. Body camera video from seven officers shows police taking another young man into custody in a downtown street alongside a line of stopped cars. The man, whom Howard identified as Chancellor Meyers, is pleading with police to let him go, saying he didnt do anything. Sitting in the drivers seat of a car stopped in the street, Young holds up his phone, appearing to shoot video as an officer approaches and pulls the drivers side door open. Young pulls the door shut and says repeatedly, Im not dying today. He urges the officers to release the other man and let him get in the car as the dark sedan advances a bit. The car gets stuck in traffic and officers run up to both sides of the car shouting orders. An officer uses a stun gun on Pilgrim as shes trying to get out of the car and then officers pull her from the vehicle. Another officer yells at Young to put the car in park and open the window. An officer repeatedly hits the drivers side window with a baton, and another officer finally manages to break it. As the glass shatters, an officer uses a stun gun on Young and officers pull him from the car as officers shout, Get your hand out of your pockets, and, He got a gun. He got a gun. He got a gun. Once hes out of the car and on the ground, officers zip tie Youngs hands behind his back and lead him away. Howard said no gun was found. Youngs arm was fractured and he suffered a gash requiring 24 stitches when he was pulled from the car, Howard said. Young told Howards investigators that an officer who escorted him from the scene after his arrest punched him in the back more than 10 times as they walked. Im so happy that theyre being held accountable for their actions, Pilgrim said at the news conference. Both Young and Pilgrim are rising seniors at historically black colleges near downtown Atlanta. Young, from Chicago, is studying business management at Morehouse College. Pilgrim, whos from San Antonio, Texas, is studying psychology at Spelman College. The two officers whose firings were announced Sunday Investigator Ivory Streeter and Investigator Mark Gardner were charged along with four other officers. Streeter is charged with aggravated assault for using a Taser against Young and is also charged with pointing a gun at Young, arrest warrants say. Gardner is charged with aggravated assault for using a Taser against Pilgrim, a warrant says. Lonnie Hood is charged with aggravated assault against both Young and Pilgrim for using a Taser against both of them, an arrest warrant says. He is also charged with simple battery for violently pulling Pilgrim from the car and throwing her down on to the street, a warrant says. Willie Sauls is charged with aggravated assault for pointing a Taser at Pilgrim, a warrant says. Hes also charged with criminal damage for repeatedly hitting and damaging the drivers side window of the car, which belongs to Pilgrim, a warrant says. Armond Jones is charged with aggravated battery for hurting Youngs left arm when he dragged him from the car and slammed him onto the street, a warrant says. Hes also charged with pointing a gun at Young. Roland Claud is charged with criminal damage for using a window punch to break the windows of Pilgrims car, a warrant says. Howard says he has asked a judge to set a signature bond of $10,000, which means the officers would not have to pay anything unless they fail to show up for court dates. The two main reasons for that is to limit the number of people in the Fulton County jail during the coronavirus pandemic and because they are police officers, Howard said. The officers have been asked to turn themselves in by the end of the day Friday, he said. To come up with the figure, we relied mostly on information supplied by the Citizen Association in the UK and chances are high that more than 37 people might have died in the UK as some of the deaths were not reported. LAKE GEORGE Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne illness with symptoms similar to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, is on the rise in the Adirondacks and upstate New York. Its a concern for state health officials as more people go outside to fight cabin fever amid a wider focus on the pandemic. Some of the symptoms include fever, muscle aches and even respiratory failure, all similar signs of the infectious COVID-19 disease that has killed more than 100,000 people in the United States this year. Anaplasmosis, if left untreated, can also be fatal. The carriers are usually the Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the deer tick or black-legged tick. Its a little challenging to cut through COVID (19) news, said Byron Backenson, deputy director of the state Health Departments Bureau of Communicable Disease Control. He and other officials are reminding healthcare providers about tick-borne illnesses, something that might get forgotten with coronavirus on everyones minds. While Lyme disease tends to get the spotlight and is still the most prevalent tick-borne illness in the state with more than 5,500 new cases each year, local researchers are seeing a trend in more cases of anaplasmosis. Thats one thats really on the rise, particularly in the northeastern part of New York, Backenson said, specifically highlighting Washington, Warren, Saratoga and Rensselaer counties. The state collects data from county health departments and healthcare providers about what tick-borne diseases people are getting, and it also collects ticks to see what bacteria theyre carrying that cause the diseases. We can sort of compare what we see in ticks, and what we see in people, and see if that matches up, Backenson said. What we do know, there are areas of the state where we see ticks that are much more infected with the bacteria that cause anaplasmosis. What we see in that particular neck of the woods (northeastern New York) is real, so its definitely something. Not including New York City, the state saw about 300 human cases of anaplasmosis in 2009 but by 2018, records show cases more than tripled. In 2018, nearly 20% of the ticks researchers collected and tested carried the anaplasmosis-associated bacterium in Warren County, home of Lake George. Thats compared to 2009, when no tested ticks carried the bacterium. Ticks typically thrive in warm, low-elevation woods and fields, but researchers are seeing more in the Adirondacks and at higher elevations. In Essex County, home of many of the popular Adirondack High Peaks, Paul Smiths College Professor Lee Ann Sporn said there were more than 50 human cases of anaplasmosis last year. That was a real heads up because its easy to miss, Sporn said of the disease. Theres no rash. Its just a fever and feeling unwell. Unlike the unpredictable and often inaccurate test for Lyme disease, Sporn said the test for anaplasmosis is easy. It is often treated with antibiotics, according to the Centers for Disease Control. While the density of ticks is still low in the North Country compared to other parts of the state, Sporns research is showing higher rates of exposure to tick-borne diseases. Shes not sure why, but its something Sporn hopes to continue examining. Its possible, she said, that the ticks in the Adirondacks are somehow better at transmitting diseases. Backenson said the health department is also working with Vermont health officials on the outbreak. Sporn and Backenson are continuing their tick collection studies this summer, though without students and at a slower pace, due to the pandemic. Theres also very little funding in the state budget to study ticks this year. After a number of schools and organizations requested $1.5 million for tick-related studies, the state budgeted $250,000 to be split among them. Sporn is unsure if any will go toward Paul Smiths College. The Cloudsplitter Foundation has stepped up, Sporn said, and will fund her research for this summer. Backenson and Sporn are also worried that unseasoned hikers looking to get out of the house during the pandemic will be unprepared and more likely to get bit by a tick. Ticks are especially a problem from late May through early July, when baby ticks are out. Theyre called nymphs, and are difficult to see at about the size of a poppy seed. Dogs also tend to pick up ticks easily and can transfer them to their owners. Backenson recommended consulting with your veterinarian for the best way to protect pets from ticks. A version of this article first appeared on AdirondackExplorer.org, a nonprofit news magazine covering the Adirondack Park. Two more COVID-19 deaths reported Two more people have died from COVID-19 infections in Santa Barbara County, bringing the total number of deaths to 14, public health officials announced Tuesday. One individual lived in Lompoc and was in their 70s with underlying health conditions; the other was incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Complex in Lompoc and was in their 50s with no underlying health conditions. As of Tuesday, the county had 1,697 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 979 of those at the Lompoc prison complex and 718 in the community. Of the total, 1,559 patients have fully recovered, county officials said. The lawyer for 10 churches challenging Gov. Kate Browns social-distancing restrictions for places of worship contends a ruling by the nations high court last week against a California church in a similar case shouldnt diminish their claims. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the California churchs request to block enforcement of Gov. Gavin Newsoms restrictions on attendance at religious services. Even so, Browns "infringements on the right of the Oregon churches to practice their religion exceeds constitutional bounds, attorney Ray Hacke wrote in a brief Tuesday to the Oregon Supreme Court. The churches want the states high court to uphold Baker County Circuit Judge Matthew B. Shirtcliffs May 18 preliminary injunction and his finding that Browns emergency "Stay Home, Save Lives'' orders are "null and void'' because they exceeded a 28-day time limit. The churches successfully argued in Baker County that state law ORS 433.441 limits public health emergencies like the COVID-19 outbreak to 14 days, or up to 28 days maximum. They also argued that the governors social gathering restrictions violated their constitutional right to the freedom of religion and assembly. The governors office won a hold on Shirtcliffs ruling to allow the state Supreme Court to review the case. The governors office has argued that another law allows Brown to make emergency declarations and has no time limit, giving her the authority to exercise all police powers vested in the state by the Oregon Constitution, including the power to close businesses and limit public gatherings. Hacke quoted from Chief Justice John Roberts, who wrote a concurring opinion to the 5-4 decision in the California case. Roberts wrote that state officials act in areas fraught with unscientific certainties, their latitude must be especially broad but Roberts also acknowledged, according to Hacke, that a governors powers to respond to an emergency arent limitless. Roberts asserted, Hacke argued, that only where a governors broad limits are not exceeded they should not be subject to second guessing by an unelected judiciary. Implicit in Chief Justice Roberts statement is that a governors broad emergency powers can be exceeded,'' Hacke wrote in his latest brief to the state Supreme Court. "That is what happened here. While the social distancing restrictions adopted by Brown at the outset of the pandemic might have been warranted, they now go well beyond what is necessary for the safety of Oregonians, "especially in largely rural counties where the coronavirus curve has mostly been flattened and/or barely existed to begin with, he wrote. Hacke sought to downplay the significance of the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling in the California case, pointing out that it resulted from the narrowest of margins and mostly along Democratic and Republican party lines, with the exception of Roberts. Hacke also argued that Browns restrictions have unfairly harmed churches rights while not placing similar restrictions on secular gathering places, such as restaurants and bars. Churches and those who attend them, not Governor Brown, are the best judges of how they can comply with social distancing guidelines, protect the most vulnerable people in their congregations, and yet still follow biblical commands concerning gatherings, the brief said. By not trusting churches, Governor Brown is assuming the worst about people who go to worship. While Brown has called faith communities a source of healing, Hacke wrote, she should stop hamstringing them. Richard Samp, a lawyer for the National Civil Liberties Alliance, filed a brief in support of the churches. The alliance is a nonprofit group that it says was formed to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. If the Oregon Governor feels the need to impose drastic measures to respond to a public health emergency, she should seek authority for those measures from the Oregon legislature. Liberty is threatened whenever legislative and executive powers are placed in the same hands. -- 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 Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury tearfully discussed their puppy Mr Chai's death, with social media star Molly thinking the pooch's death was a 'prank' at first. On Tuesday, the reality star announced Mr Chai had died, six days after welcoming the pup into her home after receiving him for her 21st birthday present. And on Wednesday, the pair took to her YouTube channel where they spoke about the circumstances surrounding the pooch's tragic death, with the couple stating that boxer Tommy 'threw up everywhere' after hearing the devastating news. So sad: Love Island 's Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury tearfully discussed their puppy Mr Chai's death, with social media star Molly thinking the pooch's death was a 'prank' at first Starting the video, the pair were clearly emotional as Molly-Mae began: Were trying to find the right words to talk about what we want to talk about. Neither of us wanted to film a video or talking about this but after everything weve seen today and reading everyones opinions, I think its really important that we actually do sit down and talk about it and explain how we are feeling and what we now know after receiving the autopsy results. Molly went on to explain that when they released their statement on Wednesday morning, they had no idea the autopsy results would come back so quickly. The couple went on to say that that when they got together, they both wanted a dog, adding that they were both huge animal lovers. Shock: Molly-Mae Hague's new puppy gifted to her from boyfriend Tommy Fury, was not from a registered breeder, The Kennel Club have confirmed Prior to getting Mr Chai, the couple discussed the possibility of getting a pooch and Molly told Tommy that if he were to get her one for her 21st birthday, she would love a Pomeranian as shed always loved that breed. She also recommended the breeder who they obtained the pooch from, telling her beau that this was a breeder that all my friends have used as well as multiple people in the public eye. Ensuring her followers that Tommy did in fact approach the breeder she selected and didnt find the dog online, she said: I just want to clarify that as Ive seen a lot of tweets that Tommy typed in on Google cutest puppy. I selected the breeder, I asked Tommy to get the dog from this breeder, it had nothing to do with him. Stunned: And on Wednesday, the pair took to her YouTube channel where they spoke about the circumstances surrounding the pooch's tragic death, with the couple stating that boxer Tommy 'threw up everywhere' after hearing the devastating news So many people are writing vile tweets saying that he had selected the breeder, I had picked the breeder. Tommy then chimed in, saying: Listen, its not about that though, you cant always think on the worse side of things. If your friend got a nice dog and you would like a dog and youre an animal lover, youd say oh, where did you get that dog from? and you would trust that everything would be OK. Speaking about receiving Mr Chai, Molly said he was absolutely everything, adding that the couple were both nearly in tears when he came home to them. She added that it was literally like we had a baby as she described the perfect but short time they had with him. After describing how Mr Chai was energetic in his first few days with them as a puppy should be, they soon noticed that he started showing symptoms, with Tommy explaining: His poo was runny, he was vomiting, he wasnt running. So sad: We were both utterly shocked, she explained. Tommy literally just threw up everywhere Couldn't believe it: I just kept saying to him its a prank as we get prank called all the time. I was like some sick person has found out that Chais gone to the vet. I was like its a prank, its a prank The pair took him to the vet and Molly recalled that while waiting outside, she could tell something was wrong, adding that Mr Chai was wriggling and recalled that dogs almost know when they are about to die. She then said that 30 minutes later, the vet rang and informed them that Mr Chai had had a seizure and that he had died. We were both utterly shocked, she explained. Tommy literally just threw up everywhere. Molly added that at first she thought it was a prank, but was then left devastated when his death was indeed confirmed. She said: I just kept saying to him its a prank as we get prank called all the time. I was like some sick person has found out that Chais gone to the vet. I was like its a prank, its a prank and she was like no, your dogs died. She explained that they paid for an autopsy to happen immediately, with the duo left wracked with guilt over fears their dog may have eaten something. Defence: I selected the breeder, I asked Tommy to get the dog from this breeder, it had nothing to do with him' The YouTuber also hit out at claims the pair took Chai out before hed had his injections, adding: We would never ever ever do that. Chai had every single one - we have the paperwork. He was four and a half months old... 'So anyone that's making comments about us killing our own dog? I mean, honestly.' She also addressed backlash that the pair imported the pup from Russia, stating: 'Whilst we completely understand everyone's opinions about being shipped over from Russia, what you need to understand is that is not what made him die. 'He was going to die regardless. If we had the time again we would have got a dog from the UK or got a rescue dog from the UK.' She said of his fast-tracked autopsy: 'Chai's skull wasn't fully developed. Part of his brain was exposed. In a tiny dog, any knock probably wasn't very helpful.' Earlier on Wednesday, a representative of Molly-Mae and Tommy confirmed that Mr Chai had died of 'a seizure and neurological issues.' Puppy love: Speaking about receiving Mr Chai, Molly said he was absolutely everything, adding that the couple were both nearly in tears when he came home to them A statement read: 'Chai died of a seizure and neurological issues. This probably relating to the puppies skull not being fully formed (see note on anterior fontanelle below). 'Chai passed away with a number of health issues outlined below and the puppy clearly was not at full health and potentially had been carrying an infection and fighting it for some time before reaching Molly and Tommy.' It then listed a number of ailments that the dog suffered from, including: 'no white blood cells present in blood, anterior fontanelle not completely ossified, body condition 3/5, liver congested, spleen enlarged congested, adrenal glands enlarged, kidneys congested, colon congested, lungs congested and Heart right ventricle dilated.' Ailments: Earlier on Wednesday, a representative of Molly-Mae and Tommy confirmed that Mr Chai had died of 'a seizure and neurological issues' The message concluded: 'The bloods and further investigations are ongoing and results should be back in the coming days to see if they identify anything else.' Meanwhile, it's been reported that Molly-Mae and Tommy's puppy was not from a registered breeder, The Kennel Club have confirmed. Tommy appeared to have bought the dog through Cheshire-based business Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians, which is licensed by Cheshire Council but not a Kennel Club assured breeder. It's unlikely that Tommy and Molly would have been aware of this before purchasing the pooch. Head of Health and Welfare at the Kennel Club Bill Lambert told The Sun that the puppy's death was 'devastating' for any owner, especially having died at such a 'such a young age.' Upset: Meanwhile, the dog breeder they brought the pup shared her devastation over the pup's death and insisted that he had been 'healthy' He continued: 'While we dont know the details about Mr Chai, how a puppy has been bred and raised has a direct impact on its health, both as a puppy and an adult dog. We urge all potential new owners to always, always see the puppy interacting with its mum and the puppys home environment, and be vigilant of any red flags. 'If you have any concerns about the breeder or how the puppy has been raised, and alarm bells are ringing, walk away and avoid the potential heartache. 'Rogue dog breeders selling imported puppies directly to new owners can be masking terrible conditions and the gap in puppy buyer awareness about how to identify a good breeder leaves people and dogs very vulnerable.' Bill went on to say that following their Puppy Awareness Week last year, they discovered that one in three potential new puppy owners were 'clueless' about finding a 'reputable source' for their dog. He added that the Kennel Club had a 'growing concern' over the import of dogs from abroad and said that it raised 'significant welfare concerns' for dogs bred in poorer countries where animal welfare wasn't a high priority. Heartbroken: On Tuesday, the reality star announced Mr Chai had died, six days after welcoming the pup into her home after receiving him for her 21st birthday present He advised that people wishing to buy dogs should go to a 'Kennel Club Assured Breeder' to ensure they see a breeder who is dedicated to ensure they 'produce healthy, happy puppies.' MailOnline has contacted Molly-Mae's representatives and The Kennel Club for comment. Meanwhile, the dog breeder they brought the pup from shared her devastation over the pup's death and insisted that he had been 'healthy'. Alongside a video montage of Mr Chai's life, she wrote: 'I am truly devastated to learn about the death of Mr Chai. He was a beautiful young dog with a loving and playful temperament. 'I had watched him grow up, having regular video calls with his birth family. My heart goes out to Molly Mae and Tommy at this time.' Tough times: The couple set up an Instagram account for Mr Chai last week She continued: 'Mr Chai was a healthy dog. I only work with trusted people and have a small network of reputable breeders who care for their dogs to the very highest standards and see animals as part of their family. 'I have rigorous processes in place to check animal health and the suitability of forever homes providing support and guidance for health and wellbeing throughout. I have worked with dogs my entire life and this has never happened before.' In a lengthy statement on Wednesday, Molly-Mae confirmed the sad news that Mr Chai had passed away. The star penned: 'Tommy and I are utterly heartbroken and shocked to even be writing this. Our beautiful new puppy Mr Chai was taken ill in the last few days and tragically has passed away.... 'Chai became out whole world in the short time we had him and we couldn't have taken any better care of him. We loved him so much and he brought us more happiness than we can describe... 'We are really hoping that we can get some clearer answers in the coming days whilst we wait for details and more information from the veterinary experts. Myself and Tommy are completely in shock and truly devastated.' Company: Tommy appeared to have bought the dog through Cheshire-based business Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians. The company shared a number of posts featuring the couple and lamented Mr Chai's death on Wednesday In a nod to the global coronavirus pandemic and the shocking protests in the US following the senseless death of George Floyd, Molly-Mae conceded there are 'bigger things in the world, but still voiced her deep sadness. She went on: 'In a world currently full of tragedy and loss, we understand there are far far greater issues that this, we just need to share this information in order to start the process of trying to accept and overcome this awful situation... 'We are asking for some time and respect so that we can come to terms with this immense sadness and loss of our beautiful puppy.' When Tommy gave the dog to his beloved girlfriend, he also gifted a Louis Vuitton dog carrier, which range from between 1,880 and 2,080. The social media influencer shared a snap of the note on her Instagram Stories, which read: 'Dear Mummy, I can't wait to meet you in a few days. 'Until then have the best birthday and I know Daddy will be spoiling you rotten love you loads. Your son, Mr Chai. Woof woof.' Also in shot was the designer dog carrier and a pack of puppy pads. Tommy appeared to have bought the dog through Cheshire-based business Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians. The company shared a number of posts featuring the couple and lamented Mr Chai's death on Wednesday. Oh dear: Molly shocked fans when she revealed that he was on his way from Russia, in a move that came under fire, as she penned: 'He was meant to be here on my birthday btw guys but he's coming from Russia so there were delays etc' Molly shocked fans when she revealed that he was on his way from Russia, in a move that came under fire, as she penned: 'He was meant to be here on my birthday btw guys but he's coming from Russia so there were delays etc.' One wrote: 'MOLLY MAE's F***ING DOG IS COMING. From. RUSSIA. The ignorance, I'm so disgusted... wait Molly Mae is having a puppy shipped to her from Russia? 'Theres literally so many dogs sat in adoption centres and they choose to get a dog shipped from another country wtf is that about?' The couple set up an Instagram account for Mr Chai last week. On Sunday, the boxer, 21, was left fuming when the sweet puppy used his side of the bed as a toilet. He shared the clip that showed him cuddled in bed with 'mum' Molly. Over the top of the sweet clip Molly-Mae penned: 'Hehe mum can't say no to me having cuddles on the bed' In another caption she penned: 'I did a poo on daddy's side and I don't think he was very happy about it'. 'Theres literally so many dogs sat in adoption centres and they choose to get a dog shipped from another country wtf is that about?' Pained: She penned: 'We asking for some time and respect so that we can come to terms with this immense sadness and loss of our beautiful puppy' The couple set up an Instagram account for Mr Chai last week. On Sunday, the boxer, 21, was left fuming when the sweet puppy used his side of the bed as a toilet. He shared the clip that showed him cuddled in bed with 'mum' Molly. Over the top of the sweet clip Molly-Mae penned: 'Hehe mum can't say no to me having cuddles on the bed' In another caption she penned: 'I did a poo on daddy's side and I don't think he was very happy about it'. Last week, the reality star doted on her adorable pet by cradling him in her arms while posing for a snap with Tommy during their outing in the park. Molly-Mae and her boxer beau met on the 2019 edition of the hit ITV2 dating show, where they came runners up behind Amber Gill and Greg O'Shea. After leaving the villa Molly-Mae and Tommy quickly moved into together in Manchester into the open-plan flat they now share. Cheeky: On Sunday, the boxer, 21, was left fuming when the sweet puppy used his side of the bed as a toilet. He shared the clip that showed him cuddled in bed with 'mum' Molly BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand plans a stimulus package to boost domestic travel to support the economy as the coronavirus pandemic cuts foreign visitor numbers, a finance ministry official said on Tuesday. The ministry will discuss the package with the Tourism Authority of Thailand later this week, Lavaron Sangsnit, head of the Fiscal Policy Office, told reporters. (Reporting by Kitphong Thaichareon; Writing by Orathai Sriring; Editing by Louise Heavens) Andersen Global announced its collaboration with Doha-based tax firm MS Partner, adding depth to the organizations presence in Qatar and expanding its global platform. MS Partner was founded in 2018 and includes two Partners and more than 10 professionals that specialize in providing tax services to a variety of international clients including individuals and companies both private and public. MS Partners Chairman His Excellency Shaikh Sultan Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani is a prominent business leader in the State of Qatar. We value our clients and people, and maintain the highest of professional standards, said Office Managing Director Manikandan Rajan. Weve watched Andersen Global grow regionally as well as globally, and the organization has set the standard for providing clients with best-in-class service in an independent and seamless manner. We look forward to working closely with our fellow collaborating firm in Doha, Al-Khalifa Law, as well as all the collaborating firms and member firms of Andersen Global. Mani and his team bring the type of expertise, stewardship and professionalism that it takes to be leaders in their market, said Andersen Global Chairman and Andersen CEO Mark Vorsatz. Tax is an expanding industry in the Middle East, especially with importance on diversifying the economies. We are continuing to expand our capabilities in this region so that we can best serve our clients. The combination of MS Partner and Al-Khalifa Law makes a very impressive and competitive platform for our organizations presence in Qatar. Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax and legal professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has more than 5,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 172 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005307/en/ Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 15:45:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai expressed his support for China's efforts to safeguard national unity and security in a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Wang Yu on Tuesday. "Hong Kong's affairs are China's internal affairs, and shouldn't be interfered with by any other country," Karzai said during the meeting. "China's principle of 'one country, two systems' has effectively preserved national unity and promoted Hong Kong's prosperity," Karzai said. "I firmly support China's efforts to safeguard national unity and security," he added. Karzai later expressed his support for the one-China policy on Twitter, posting, "China's right to protect its national security must be respected." "All countries should adhere to international law and the basic principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries," he tweeted. Chinese lawmakers voted overwhelmingly at the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature, last week to approve a decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security. Enditem WASHINGTON - Federal authorities drew a new line in the Washington streets Wednesday, pushing protesters away from the park near the White House that has been at the center of demonstrations for days. For the first time, rows of military personnel stood face-to-face with the crowd, with no physical barriers separating them. The decision to eliminate access to Lafayette Square caused protesters to spread out during the day, moving to other areas such as President Donald Trump's downtown hotel and the U.S. Capitol. The sixth day of protests, which had a lighter feel with musical moments, followed another day of relatively peaceful demonstrations. But by nightfall, a giant group was stacked up in front of the military lines on 16th Street for two blocks. Just before 10 p.m. there was a brief moment of tension, and many of the protesters left and marched toward the Capitol. The increased federal response frustrated both District of Columbia officials and crowds that gathered to protest the police-involved killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. District police were not involved in the showdown, and said they weren't even entirely aware of what agencies were now patrolling their city. Asia Horne and Haley Mahon, in the city for their fifth day of protests on Wednesday afternoon, said they felt they had walked into an unrecognizable version of downtown, with police and military personnel seemingly on every sidewalk and barring every intersection. When they tried to march with hundreds of others to the Lincoln Memorial, they found that it had been converted into something akin to a military fortress, guarded by immense ranks of law enforcement. "I've only lived here three years, but I did think the nation's capital was supposed to be more open," said Mahon, 21. "These national landmarks are supposed to be open to the people." Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, and other city leaders also pushed back against the Trump administration's response, which included bringing National Guard troops and several federal law enforcement agencies into the District. District leaders were unhappy with the expanded presence of federal officers and Guard troops, many of whom covered their names and removed their insignia, refusing to say where they were from. "We should all be concerned about who is giving the orders," Bowser said at a news conference. At midafternoon, the Minnesota attorney general announced an elevated murder charge against the officer seen with his knee on the neck of Floyd last week, and charges against the three other officers at the scene of Floyd's arrest. Authorities were waiting to see whether the developments lowered the temperature of protests, which proceeded with full-throated intensity around Washington earlier in the day. At 4 p.m., a crowd of about 1,000 protesters marched through the city's downtown neighborhood, stopping in front of Trump International Hotel. There, they all took a knee, blocking the intersection at Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th Street, as they chanted "Black Lives Matter" and "F--- Trump!" The hotel appeared empty, with a couple of first-floor windows smashed in. With access to Lafayette Square blocked off, a man who would only identify himself as Mo said it would make sense for the president's hotel to become the new focal point of demonstrations. "We need to send a message," he said, as the chants of more people marching up Pennsylvania Avenue echoed in the distance. "He ain't hearing us." Chef Jose Andres stood handing water and sandwiches to the marchers. "Cheese sandwich?" He asked as people walked by, sharing thin baguettes and cold water out of a Jaleo bag. "I am a bad thrower and you are a worse catcher," he told one protester who dropped his water bottle on the ground. For the first time Wednesday, protesters could not get near Lafayette Square, the two-block-long expanse directly in front of the White House. On Tuesday, federal authorities erected a nine-foot chain-link fence around the park, which created a 30-yard separation of demonstrators from Park Police, National Guard units and federal officers packing the site. The separation led to an uneventful night after Monday's chaos, as District police chose not to enforce the city's 7 p.m. curfew, and the federal authorities took no aggressive actions. But on Wednesday, federal officials established roadblocks with hulking military vehicles in a one-block perimeter in all directions around the park. The action put heavily armed officers closer to the protesters on Wednesday evening, with nothing to separate them. Two rows of soldiers in camouflage uniforms and riot gear stood shoulder to shoulder on 16th Street NW, where protesters fled chemical gas and flash-bomb grenades days before, and the line at times included Federal Bureau of Prisons and Guard personnel. Some carried stinger rubber ball grenades, which have been used to disperse crowds. Others grasped pepper spray and what looked like grenade launchers for smoke explosives. Angelique Medley, 21, was in the front row of protesters, shouting "This has to stop!" Medley said none of the officers replied. "I came for my dad - a black man who lived through the civil rights era," she said. "He taught me to challenge authority, except his." On Wednesday morning, after a night in which there were no clashes at Lafayette Square and 19 arrests citywide, mostly for violating the curfew, Bowser shifted the curfew from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. "We have allowed peaceful demonstrations every night," the mayor said. "What we are concerned about are people who are not peaceful and destroying our city." On Wednesday afternoon, people lay facedown near ornate fountains at the east front of the Capitol, hands held behind their backs as though restrained, as Floyd was before he died. At noon, hundreds stood in the rain at the Capitol chanting "Justice now!" and "I can't breathe!" Asad Caicee, 18, had once again made the trip from the Maryland suburbs to protest the president. But when he approached Lafayette Square, he saw that the street was blocked off with police officers and military vehicles, making it impossible for him to even see the White House. So he went with the group to protest in front of the Trump International Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue. "It's tyranny," he said. "Our ability to protest is being violated with these blockades." Numerous federal agencies and Guard members from some states have deployed around the city. In one case, federal officers expanded a White House perimeter. Peter Newsham, the District police chief, said he was not given advance notice of the operation. On Wednesday, the Ellipse was blocked off, as were 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Both Newsham and Bowser also criticized the deployment of a helicopter, which hovered over protesters on Monday night and sent glass and other debris flying. "It was a potentially very dangerous scare tactic that was meant to intimidate D.C. residents," Bowser said. "It is wholly inappropriate in urban settings." The U.S. Park Police, who have jurisdiction over Lafayette Square and participated in the Monday sweep against protesters, have put two officers on administrative duty as the agency reviews their interaction with Australian reporters, acting Chief Gregory Monahan said in a statement. The two reporters from 7News were live on-air Monday when they were struck by police in riot gear at a protest by the White House, prompting Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison to request an investigation. Such conflict was replaced by music in many places, including at the Capitol during the day, and on 16th Street in the evening. At 8:30 p.m., with thousands still gathered as close as they could get to the White House, Arianna Evans strode to the heart of the crowd, gripped a microphone and quieted the demonstrators. Unlike on previous nights, they fell silent en masse, almost immediately. Swinging her long violet braids over her shoulder, Evans, a 24-year-old college student from Maryland, began by warning anyone who wanted to loot and cause destruction to go away. This fifth day of protests is and will remain peaceful, she vowed: "We will flush you out," she told would-be troublemakers. Then she handed the mic to Kenny Sway, a District musician she'd met just hours before at another protest on Capitol Hill. He asked the still-silent and docile crowd to sit cross-legged, raise their cellphones, turn on the flashlights and wave the devices in the air. With the sun setting over his right shoulder, he launched into a rendition of "Lean On Me," thousands of voices joining him on every chorus. Evans sang along, too, thrilled it had all come together. They hadn't planned it - but after she and Sway fell into conversation at the earlier Capitol Hill protest, he decided to follow her to the White House with his microphone and speakers. At nightfall, the crowd began to thin. Some drifted away, some marched to other parts of the city. The front line of soldiers acknowledged that they were Utah National Guard members. - - - The Washington Post's Perry Stein, Steve Thompson, Fredrick Kunkle, Samantha Schmidt, Clarence Williams, Emily Davies, Rachel Chason, Jessica Contrera, John Woodrow Cox, Ann E. Marimow, Peter Hermann, Joe Heim, Kyle Swenson, Susan Svrluga and Rachel Weiner contributed to this report. New Delhi, June 3 : The Congress has attacked the central government for making false claims on fares of Shramik special trains that are ferrying stranded migrant workers across the country. As per the claim, the Railway Ministry was bearing 85 per cent of the travel cost and states the rest 15 per cent, but as per the central government's submission in the Supreme Court it was not paying anything, said Congress senior spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi. "In a statement to the court on behalf of the central government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said fare for the Shramik special trains is either given by the originating state or the receiving one," Singhvi said. Singhvi said it was evident now that the Narendra Modi government had not spent a single penny on the travel of migrant workers. Citing media reports, he said, of the 3,740 Shramik trains since May 1, about 40 per cent were late. The average delay worked out to eight hours, he said and added, 421 trains were delayed for 10 hours or more. Around 10 per cent (373) Shramik specials were 10-24 hours late. One train from Goa to Manipur took five days (119 hours) to reach its destination, he added. Washington, D.C., June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Six Bahai prisoners of conscience remain imprisoned by Yemens Houthi authorities, despite COVID-19 spreading to prisons in Sanaa and warnings from the UN that the virus is multiplying fast in the country. Two months ago, Mr. Mahdi Al-Mashat, the president of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, ordered the release of the Bahais, including Mr. Hamed bin Haydara, who was sentenced to death in January 2018 on charges of espionage and apostasy that were decried as baseless by the Bahai International Community (BIC), along with several human rights organizations. The release order has not been implemented. The BIC reported that two detainees in the Central Prison of Sanaa have been diagnosed with COVID-19, thereby heightening the risk of it spreading widely throughout the prison. The Bahai International Community is deeply alarmed that Mr. Mahdi al-Mashats order, issued on 25 March, has not been implemented by judiciary and security authorities who have not yet released the six Bahais, said Ms. Diane Alai, the Bahai International Communitys Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. The prisons are hotbeds for coronavirus outbreaks due to their unsanitary and abysmal conditions and the six Bahais, who have been tortured and denied medical care for years, are like all the other prisoners in similar conditions, very vulnerable to disease, which is already making its way through prisons in Sanaa. Holding these individuals in prison carries grave health risks and even death. It is inexplicable and irresponsible, she added. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for prisoners of conscience to be released to protect them from the higher risk of infection in prisons. Moreover, UN human rights experts have called for the immediate and unconditional release of the six Bahai detainees. James Samimi Farr US Baha'i Office of Public Affairs 202.833.8990 usbahaimedia@usbnc.org (Newser) The Trump administration says it is going to block all commercial flights to the US by Chinese airlines on June 16or sooner, at the president's discretion. The Transportation Department says the move is a response to China's refusal to allow American carriers including Delta and United to resume flights to China this month, the New York Times reports. American airlines halted all flights to China after President Trump's travel ban in February, while Chinese carriers continued to operate at least 20 flights a week between the two countries, reports the AP. In late March, Beijing said it would restrict foreign airlines to one flight per week based on flight schedules earlier that monthwhich meant zero flights for the US carriers. story continues below United and Delta had hoped to resume flights to China in June, while American Airlines, which also operated flights to China, had not announced plans to resume service before October. The administration says China's restriction on US airlines violates a 1980 aviation agreement that calls for rules to "equally apply to all domestic and foreign carriers." "Our overriding goal is not the perpetuation of this situation, but rather an improved environment wherein the carriers of both parties will be able to exercise fully their bilateral rights," the new US rule states. The rule affects seven Chinese carriers, including Air China, but will not affect cargo flights, reports the Washington Post. US authorities say China is considering changing its rule, but it has not provided a timeline. (Read more China stories.) 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 Coronavirus: More than one lakh samples tested every day, says ICMR India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, June 03: With India reporting 8,908 cases in the last 24 hours, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Tuesday said that more than one lakh samples are being tested every day. "ICMR is focusing on to increase Covid-19 testing capacity," ICMR scientist Nivedita Gupta said. "As of June 1, we have 681 laboratories that are approved for conducting Covid-19 tests - 476 government and 205 private labs. Today, we are conducting 1.20 lakh tests every day." Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall near Mumbai, coastal Maharashtra on red alert | Oneindia News With nearly 9,000 fresh cases, Indias coronavirus cases cross 2 lakh-mark; death toll at 5,815 She also said, "Instead of the use of "community transmission", we need to understand the extent of the spread of the disease. We are far from the peak. Our measures to curtail the disease are effective. India has been very good in the reduction in mortality." Meanwhile, India's total number of infections rose to 2,07,615, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The toll has risen to 5,815. As many as 1,00,303 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far, with 1,01,497 active cases. Kyrgyz National Hospitalized In Fresh Incident On Kyrgyz-Tajik Border By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service June 02, 2020 BISHKEK -- A Kyrgyz national has been hospitalized with a gunshot wound in another shooting near a disputed segment of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border. The Kyrgyz Border Guard Service said on June 2 that the incident took place overnight in the southern Batken region. According to the service, unknown individuals opened fire at a car with Kyrgyz license plates in the Eski-Tash district at around 1.30 a.m. local time. The man in the car was wounded and is being treated at a hospital in the village of Samarkandek, the Border Guard Service said, adding that law enforcement officials from both nations are working together on the issue. The Tajik side has not commented on the situation yet. It is the fourth shooting incident in the area in recent weeks. The two countries have accused each other of escalating tensions along the border since early May. Many border areas in Central Asia have been disputed since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The situation is particularly complicated near the numerous exclaves in the volatile Ferghana Valley, where the borders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan meet. Dozens of people were wounded on May 31 in clashes between Kyrgyz and Uzbek citizens near Uzbekistan's Sokh exclave in the same region. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/one-kyrgyz- national-hospitalized-in-fresh-incident-on -kyrgyz-tajik-border/30648046.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 The balance of money circulating in Japanas economy reached A543 trillion in May, hitting a record high for the second straight month, as the central bank pumped more cash to cushion the blow to businesses and consumers from the coronavirus pandemic. Armed with a raft of loan programs aimed at prodding commercial banks to boost lending to cash-strapped firms, the Bank of Japan is expected to keep expanding its balance sheet to ease the fallout from the health crisis, analysts say. aJapanas economy will probably be in crisis-mode at least for the rest of this year. It would be very hard for the BOJ to slow the pace of money printing,a said Mari Iwashita, chief market economist at Daiwa Securities. The balance of monetary base, or the amount of cash in circulation and deposits at the BOJ, stood at A543.4 trillion ($5 trillion) at the end of May, up 2.7 percent from the previous month, central bank data showed on Tuesday. As part of monetary easing steps taken in April, the BOJ expanded a loan plan created in March and pledged to pay financial institutions a 0.1 percent interest for borrowing money and lending it out to companies. The move led to a surge in the number of regional banks participating in the program. The Armenian opposition accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian on Wednesday of trying to shift the blame for his governments handling of the coronavirus crisis to the public. Leaders of the two opposition parties represented in the National Assembly pointed to Pashinians daily statements to the effect that the virus has been rapidly spreading in the country because Armenians do not follow safety rules set by the health authorities. I agree that each of us should bear individual responsibility but to say that each of you is responsible for yourself reminds me of the famous [and sarcastic Russian] saying: Drowning people must rescue themselves, said Naira Zohrabian of the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK). No, its the government thats responsible. Frankly, I am seeing for the last two days a very dangerous and dishonest tendency to put the blame for this situation on citizens. Dont you dare do such a thing, Zohrabian warned the government. Edmon Marukian, the leader of the Bright Armenia Party (LHK), said the government is also to blame for the fact that many people are still not taking the coronavirus epidemic seriously. Why are people incredulous? Marukian told RFE/RLs Armenian service. Maybe because they heard what [Health Minister] Arsen Torosian said in March and still do not believe [in the epidemic.] We were saying in March that this virus is very serious, that the constitutional referendum and the Karabakh elections should be postponed and that they should shut do this and that, whereas they were telling the people that the opposition is spreading panic, he said. If we set a rule which is almost impossible to apply in practice we thereby forego responsibility, said another senior LHK figure, Mane Tandilian. I dont want the government to be engaged in that now. It should receive counseling from countries that have successfully fought against the coronavirus. Other opposition parties have been even more critical of the government measures against the virus. They too accuse Pashinian of trying to dodge responsibility for the growing number of COVID-19 infections and deaths caused by them. Pashinian denied this during his latest video address livestreamed on Wednesday. Its not about who is responsible, he said. I am responsible. But does it change anything? Does [the question of] who is responsible make things easier for dying people and their loved ones? Pashinian again called on Armenians to practice social distancing, wear face masks and frequently wash or disinfect their hands. He said this alone would stop the spread of the deadly virus. The Armenian health authorities have registered more than 10,500 coronavirus cases and 170 deaths. They have also reported the deaths of 59 other people infected with COVID-19 which they say were primarily caused by other, pre-existing diseases. [June 03, 2020] Apple Growth Partners Broadens Canton Office Tax Talent Apple (News - Alert) Growth Partners (AGP), award-winning accounting and business advisory firm, welcomes Anthony (Tony) Peterson, CPA, to the Canton office as a senior tax associate. Peterson comes to AGP with an impressive tax and accounting background, having already passed the CPA exam within two years of completing his bachelor's degree. Peterson served as a senior accountant in his previous role in Tuscarawas County, where he specialized in preparing and reviewing forecasting engagements modeling the tax implications of New Market Tax Credit, Historic Tax Credit, and Opportunity Zone transactions. His experience includes audits, compilations, cost certifications, partnership and non-profit tax returns, and management responsibilities. While completing his education, he provided his free time as an IRS volunteer income tax preparer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Recently celebrating the 2nd anniversary of the Canton office in May, expanding the tax leadership team addresses the growing needs of Stark County business owners. Chairman Chuck Mullen has made a significant effort to develop additional client services as a result of strategic reruitment efforts in the Canton area. "Our Canton location has shown significant value in the two years since our doors opened," explains Mullen. "Tony is a fantastic addition to our Canton office with his wide range of experience early on in his career." Senior tax manager and Canton office leader Leif Erickson, CPA, agrees. "Adding Tony to our team helps increase our tax services to privately held businesses, including our recent developments of COVID-19 resources specifically for business owners," says Erickson. In March, AGP's COVID-19 Response Team quickly mobilized to formulate interactive tools and assistance for business owners in a variety of needs, including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) support, Main Street Lending program tools, cash management techniques, and more. The Canton office recently held a complimentary webinar for members of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce to help navigate the recent changes in legislation. "Our Canton office is ready to help Stark's businesses reopen and recover," comments Mullen. "Tony's addition to our team strengthens and expands our services." About Apple Growth Partners Apple Growth Partners is an award-winning accounting and business advisory firm with more than 75 years of helping grow local businesses. With offices in Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and Kent, AGP offers a full range of services, including audit and assurance, tax planning and compliance, business valuation, litigation consulting, employee stock ownership plans, and transaction advisory services. To learn more, visit www.applegrowth.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005747/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Gemma Holliani Cahya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 The global #MeToo movement has swept through Indonesias higher education system, with victims of sexual abuse and harassment, one by one, speaking up and seeking help and justice over the past two years. However, a lack of safe spaces, both on campuses and in the legal system, has forced these young people to take the avenue most accessible to them: social media. Over the past few weeks, social media has been dominated by discussions and stories of alleged sexual abuses on several campuses across Indonesia. Survivors of sexual abuse or their friends, most of whom are female university students, have stood up and used online platforms to share their stories with the public, hoping to find justice and support. And although their decision to share their stories publicly could put them at risk, womens right activists have said many survivors see it as their only way to find support and justice when universities and law enforcement bodies are often reluctant to take up their cases. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Lower Allen Township police are looking for three people they believe are writing counterfeit checks to get groceries and gift cards from Weis Markets in the central Pennsylvania area. Loss prevention employees at the grocery chains Lowther Road location told police that on May 23, two women and a man used three checks to buy items worth a total of $2,724.35. They left the area in a red Mazda, police said. Employees later discovered the checks were fake. Authorities believe the trio has committed the same crime at other local stores. Anyone who recognizes these individuals or has information regarding the thefts can contact township police at 717-975-7575. Tips can also be submitted online. READ MORE: State police looking for thief who plucked chickens out of a Dauphin County pen Pa. primary election went remarkably smoothly despite many challenges PennDOT Driver License Centers to resume skill tests He took over Alan Jones' role as host of 2GB's breakfast show on Monday. And on Wednesday, everything appeared to be scooting along just fine as Ben Fordham took time out of his busy schedule to spend some quality with his family. The 43-year-old beamed as he enjoyed a trip to the park and raced his oldest child, son Freddy, five, on a scooter. Scooting along just fine! On Wednesday, Ben Fordham (left) enjoyed a trip to the park with his lookalike son Freddy, five, (right) after his 2GB breakfast show debut The doting father looked relaxed and happy for the outing in a casual ensemble including a black t-shirt and light shorts with a floral print. The host of Australian Ninja Warrior coordinated with a black pair of running shoes and protected his eyes with a dark pair of round sunglasses. His sweet lookalike son Freddy looked adorable as he scooted along in front of his father in a navy and white long-sleeved stripe top and grey tracksuit pants. Two peas in a pod! Ben and Freddy appeared to be having a ball as they raced along on scooters Family affair! Also along for the outing was Ben's stunning wife Jodie, 35, (right) who pushed their nine month-old daughter Marigold along in a navy stroller Also along for the outing was Ben's stunning wife Jodie, 35, who pushed their nine month-old daughter Marigold along in a navy stroller. The couple also share daughter Pearl, three. It comes after Ben made his debut as the host of 2GB's breakfast on Monday, a role which had been held by Alan Jones for 35 years. Stylish: The Australian Ninja warrior host looked relaxed and happy for the outing in a casual ensemble including a black t-shirt and light shorts with a floral print A big week: The fun outing came after Ben made his debut as the host of 2GB's breakfast on Monday, a role which had been held by Alan Jones for 35 years Ben admitted to Stellar magazine this week that he turned down the role multiple times as he was not sure that it was 'best for his family'. 'I totally appreciate that the job itself is a spectacular one. But make no mistake, it's not one I was chasing for family reasons. I just wasn't. 'I was concerned about the impact it would have on the family setup. And I suppose I just thought it would be easier not to. I think I said no about six times,' he admitted. 'I totally appreciate that the job itself is a spectacular one. But make no mistake, it's not one I was chasing for family reasons. I just wasn't': Ben told Stellar magazine this week he turned the job down several times Ben was ultimately swayed by the realisation that his new schedule would allow him to pick up his son, Freddy, from school, and the endorsement of Jodie. He explained: 'I lean on her heavily. And I gave her a deadline and said, "Listen, if you change your mind and say no, I will never hold it against you.'" Jodie told Stellar: 'I knew he had to take it, but I probably had a bit of a knot in my stomach trying to process it'. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has officially filed new charges against the police officers involved in the death of George Floyd during an arrest in Minneapolis last week. Ellison, who took over the investigation into Floyds death as a special prosecutor, has charged Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. The fourth officer, Derek Chauvin, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter last week, but today Ellison upgraded those charges to second-degree murder. The family had been fighting for a first-degree murder charge. I strongly believe that these developments are in the interest of justice for Mr. Floyd, his family, our community, and our state," Ellison said when announcing the charges. The very fact that we have filed these charges means that we believe in them. But what I do not believe is that one successful prosecution can rectify the hurt and loss that so many people feel. CNN reported that Chauvin had 18 complaints filed against him while working for the Minneapolis Police Department. All four officers were quickly fired after Floyds May 25 death. Floyd was detained last Monday on suspicion of forgery. He had just purchased cigarettes from a corner store but employees of that store said Floyd passed a fake $20 bill and called police. Video shows Floyd being cuffed and calmly talking to officers Lane and Keung outside his car. Later, he was taken to their cruiser, which is when officers Thao and Chauvin showed up and the incident escalated. The still-cuffed Floyd was put into, then dragged out of, a police cruiser and then subdued. Chauvin kneeled directly on Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes, with other officers seen on video spending at least some portion of that time kneeling on his back and legs as well. Chauvin can be seen kneeling on Floyds neck as Floyd screams, I cant breathe and he, along with onlookers, ask police to help him. Authorities say Chauvin remained on Floyds necked even as Floyd lost consciousness, and also for a full minute after paramedics arrived. Floyd was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The official autopsy said the restraint, combined with underlying health conditions and potential intoxication contributed to his death, but an independent autopsy ordered by Floyds family showed he died directly of asphyxiation as a result of pressure on his neck and back. Were investigating as thoroughly as we can because being complete and thorough is critically important, Ellison said. It takes time... this is important because every single link in the prosecutorial chain must be strong. It needs to be strong because trying this case will not be an easy thing. Waves of protests have since gripped Minneapolis and cities around the United States. Some protests have resulted in violence and looting, including some in our area. President Donald Trump declared he would take drastic steps to prevent violent protests, including using the United States military. Massachusetts Attorney Maura Healey quickly tweeted that the president did not have the authority to deploy the military in Massachusetts to stop peaceful protests. This is a tipping point. This moment is a tipping point to change America and see if America truly believes in the words of Thomas Jefferson," Floyd family attorney Benjamin Crump said during a visit to the scene of Floyds death on Wednesday. "That we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equally; that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. That among them are the pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In America, that means Black people too. A memorial for Floyd is being held on Thursday. Related Content: Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi, has called for the inclusion of COVID-19 testing in the International Certificate of Vaccination otherwise known as Yellow Card to strengthen health security. He said the inclusion would help prevent, protect and contain the spread of the coronavirus disease across borders and avoid the interference with international traffic and trade. A statement issued by Superintendent Michael Amoako-Atta, the Head of Public Affairs, said the call was made during a web-based seminar on the impact of COVID-19 on the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) free movement protocol and the regional integration agenda. It was organised organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) under the auspices of the European Union, ECOWAS Commission and International Labour Organization. The statement said there is the need for health clearance for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases to be strictly enforced as part of requirements for entry into member states when implemented. It expressed concern over the nonexistence of health facilities at the various entry points of member States of ECOWAS to cater for the health needs of border officials who were unwell and exposed to infectious diseases and other ever-changing health risks. "We need effective collaboration between border security agencies and health institutions to curtail the possible spread of infectious diseases across borders, Mr Takyi said. The Comptroller-General said member states should consider building the capacity of port health officials through a continuous training programme to strengthen health security in West Africa as part of the new paradigm shift, post COVID-19. The statement said as part of policy intervention, member States must leverage on technology to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras along the borders for effective monitoring of movements of persons along the frontiers. It said some of the lessons learnt from the closure of the borders were the increasing use of unapproved routes by migrants to enter the entry, which has led to the identification of several unapproved routes of entry and exist. Others, the statement said, were the connivance of transport operators and border residents who aided travellers to cross borders illegally, adding: tip-offs from border residents and the sharing of intelligence among border security agencies are therefore crucial to combating irregular migration and the fight against infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Other panellists for the webinar were H.E. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister for the Interior of Federal Government of Nigeria; Mr Tei Konzi, Commissioner of Trade, Customs and Free Movement for ECOWAS Commission; Ms Melita Gruevska-Graham, Head of Anti-Trafficking Programme for ICMPD; and Ms Lotte Kejser Chief Technical Adviser for International Labour Organization (ILO). Source: Ghana Immigration Service 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 NEW YORK Six of Americas late-night television comedy hosts five of them white men turned serious after the nations weekend of unrest following the death of George Floyd to suggest they and others need to do more than talk about racism. It has become a ritual a somewhat inexplicable one, as TBS Conan OBrien noted for these comics to come on the air after acts of terrorism, school shootings or other national traumas to try and make sense of them for their audiences. Floyd died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into the handcuffed black mans neck for several minutes, even after he stopped moving. Today feels very different, OBrien said Monday night. It doesnt feel right to talk about my feelings of sadness and anger. That truly feels inadequate and somehow wrong. Instead, OBrien said it was important to listen to people who have direct experience with our national crisis, the fact that much of the black community in the United States doesnt feel safe, seen or heard. He brought on CNNs Van Jones as a guest. Thats one thing OBrien had in common with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, James Corden and Seth Meyers: They all invited black guests or, in Cordens case, collaborator Reggie Watts, to talk about the issue after saying their piece. Trevor Noah of Comedy Centrals The Daily Show brought a different personal experience, having grown up in South Africa with a white father and black mother. He offered a serious, expansive monologue that touched upon the coronavirus impact on minorities, the New York woman who recently told police she was being threatened by an African American man in Central Park, and George Floyd. To feel threatened by law enforcement feels to many blacks like theyre being held to a standard that some responsible for enforcing laws dont adhere to themselves, he said. Noah said he understands the mentality that leads to looting when many whites cant. Try to imagine how it feels to be a black person when they watch themselves be looted every day, Noah said, because thats whats happening in America. Police in America are looting black bodies. NBCs Fallon, like all of the hosts speaking from home because of COVID-19 restrictions, noted how the Floyd story coincided with his own personal issues. Fallon recently apologized after stories emerged about how he appeared in blackface to impersonate Chris Rock in a 2000 Saturday Night Live skit. He said he was advised to keep quiet when people talked about him online, but he realized he had to talk about it. What that small gesture did for me was break my own silence, the Tonight show host said. Staying silent was the biggest crime that people like me can do. We need to start saying it not OK, more than just one day on Twitter, said Fallon, who later spoke on the air with NAACP President Derrick Johnson. Unlike the others, Colbert and Meyers mixed jokes into their monologues, but there was no mistaking their messages. Denying human rights and dignity for any people will ultimately destroy society, said Colbert, the late-night ratings leader on CBS Late Show, Take it upon yourself to be a leader and set an example of the kind of country you want to live in, he said. That might mean going down to a protest or making a donation, or having a tense conversation about race. Youre not going to get that from the White House, he said. So we need to step up and provide it ourselves. Because America is officially BYOP, bring your own president. Meyers was sickened by the amount of money local communities spend on policing. We spend more on the system that punishes and devalues black lives than we do on the things that reaffirm and value black lives and allows people to live lives of safety, decency and health, he said. Corden, from Britain, seemed shaken on his CBS show. I feel hopeless, he said. I dont have the answers. But I do want to do more. I want to learn more and let that be a start. ABCs Jimmy Kimmel aired a rerun Monday. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is facing criticism from the teaching fraternity after it roped in teachers from municipal schools to work in COVID-19 hospitals in the city. The teachers are expected to help in coordinating the work of other workers and accompany medical teams to locations where coronavirus cases have been detected. AMC School Board Administrator L D Desai told The Economics Times that 100 teachers have been sent across hospitals where they will be helping with the coordination work from the help desk. "In a global pandemic situation, every resource needs to be put in use," Desai said. This move by the AMC has not gone down well with many teacher associations. Bhaskar Patel, president, Gujarat State School Management Federation, told the daily that lives of teachers are being put on serous health risk and four teachers have already lost their lives to the virus which they contracted while performing COVID-19 related duties. "AMC Commissioner is well within his right to deploy teachers wherever he wants to. But it would have been good if their lives were not risked while attending such duties," Patel said. A teacher who had been deployed to a private hospital by the AMC told the daily that while such deployments have become a part of their job description. Their tasks include coordinating with chairmen and workers of housing societies where COVID-19 cases have been detected. The teachers also have to go along with medical teams whenever a positive case is reported. The teacher also said that even though the teachers are expected to to be given PPE, many were denied such protective gear increasing the risk of contracting the virus. Also Read: Cyclone Nisarga LIVE Updates: Maharashtra on high alert as cyclone to hit in 1 hour Also Read: Cyclone Nisarga Update: Mumbai police imposes curfew until June 4 ahead of severe storm T wo teenagers accused of murdering PC Andrew Harper have been named for the first time. Albert Bower and Jessie Cole, both 18, are accused alongside Henry Long, 19, of killing the Thames Valley Police officer when he was dragged for more than a mile along a country line while on duty. Bower, from Mortimer, Reading, and Cole, from Bramley, Hampshire, were identified for the first time on Wednesday after they turned 18 in custody. Their first trial had to be stopped in late-March due to the coronavirus outbreak, as jurors were forced into self-isolation and Mr Justice Edis decided the case had no chance of finishing due to the impending lockdown. At the Old Bailey on Wednesday, the judge scheduled a new trial in the week of June 15, telling the court the case had been designated as a priority and would be heard swiftly. Only a handful of criminal jury trials have been held around the country since the decision was taken last month to restart cases. The Lord Chief Justice approved the move to restart jury trials as long as government guidance on social distancing was observed by all participants, and the courtrooms passed strict hygiene tests. Mr Justice Edis said the PC Harper murder trial would be able to start once another case in the courthouse has finished and the courtrooms have been thoroughly cleaned. It is expected three rooms will be taken up by the case, with a secondary courtroom occupied by journalists and members of the public following proceedings on a livelink and a third room used for jury deliberations. Bower, Cole and Long, also of Mortimer, Reading, all deny murdering PC Harper on August 15 last year. The officer had been called to reports of a burglary and died of injuries suffered when he was dragged along a country lane by a tow rope. None of the defendants were present for today administrative hearing, which was conducted over Skype. CLEVELAND, Ohio Shutdowns, stay-at-home orders and restrictions prompted by fears over spreading the coronavirus have eased globally after months indoors, but its very clear life as we knew it isnt returning any time soon. So as were mostly cooped up at home, what are we turning to the Internet for? Google recently released its most-searched terms over the past three months, and to no ones surprise, the coronavirus has been at the top in 2020, so far. The most frequently asked questions about the virus in the U.S. are: How many cases of coronavirus in US? How did the coronavirus start? Is coronavirus airborne? How many people have died from coronavirus? How long does coronavirus last? There are some eye-catching search trends too. For example, would you be surprised to learn folks are trying to find ways to date during these socially distanced times? Take a look at some of the more unexpected, highly-searched terms and trends on Google this year. Lifestyle trends Quarantine dating Just because you are alone during a quarantine doesnt mean you want to be. The idea of managing a relationship when two individuals couldnt physically be together led to a lot of questions. The terms quarantine dating and dating during coronavirus were breakout searches over the past three months in the U.S. To cope with the changing dating landscape, dating apps like Hinge and Match introduced in-app video calling, so users dont necessarily have to give their phone number to a virtual stranger in order to chat face-to-face (so to speak). And outlets like The New York Times and NPR have given folks strategies on how to keep a good thing going, even when physical closeness isnt an option. Weddings Engaged couples have had to drastically re-think their 2020 weddings due to the coronavirus. Many are opting for small, socially distanced ceremonies, and many more are seeking to postpone their big day so all their loved ones can celebrate the way they envisioned. Those quests to find the best option led to a 2,500% spike in the search term wedding coronavirus in the U.S. In Ohio, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted recently announced wedding reception venues and banquet halls would be allowed to have up to 300 guests in attendance, but that came with many restrictions no dancing and no mingling, for example. Beauty and self-care Desperate times call for desperate measures, at least when it comes to our appearance. Ohio salons and barbershops are working with a rush of clients coming to them as coronavirus restrictions ease. But what about those who really couldnt wait as businesses were closed about two months? The search term how to remove gel manicure at home was a breakout query across the world over the past three months, while Youtube how to cut your own hair was a breakout search in the U.S. If youre still not comfortable heading to your nail salon or barbershop just yet, here are some product suggestions to help you look your best while staying home. Food trends Quarantine cocktails Couldnt go to the neighborhood watering hole to grab a drink with friends? That didnt mean going dry for many across the globe. Quarantine cocktails was a breakout search term internationally over the past three months. In Ohio, it was clear at least when the states stay-at-home order began that alcohol was essential. The states licensed liquor agencies sold more than $123.7 million in spirits this March, an increase of 20 percent over sales in February and a 26% jump from the same time period in 2019. If youre still looking to improve your home bartending skills -- yes, were looking at you, quarantini sippers we have a few ways to amp up your at-home drinks. Banana bread It feels like we all know someone (or a few people) who decided their quarantine projects would revolve around the kitchen. Search interest in terms like bread and comfort food hit all-time highs on Google worldwide over the past three months. Which makes sense fewer of us were heading to restaurants for meals, even when take-out was an option. Long grocery lists and three square meals at home became the norm. Breaking that down further, people across the world were seeking recipes for foods like banana bread, sourdough, pancakes and chocolate brownies. But you might be wondering why banana bread? Experts told CNN banana bread is a quintessentially American food. In the 1930s, during the scarcity of the Great Depression, bananas and chemical leavening agents like baking powder were both easy to find and cheap. The loaves became a tasty way to make sure none of the food in the house went to waste. Banana bread also conjures up nostalgia for many Americans who grew up eating a slice for breakfast or as a treat at Grandmas house. Baking an easy recipe can relieve stress and bring joy, one expert told CNN. Quarantine fitness Forget the Freshman 15. The Quarantine 15 is what folks around the world were worried about in 2020. Quarantine workout was deemed a breakout search term internationally over the past three months. Now that Ohio gyms have begun to reopen, locals may not need to worry about seeking equipment any longer. But the return to gyms could be slower or non-existent with the amount of fitness equipment purchased during the shutdowns. Searches for some of the more expensive equipment, like bicycles and stationary bicycles, hit their all-time highs globally over the past three months. But as the world economy took a nosedive during the coronavirus pandemic, people across the globe were also searching out more cost-effective fitness items, like dumbbells, jump ropes, resistance bands and exercise mats, during quarantine. Additionally, no-equipment workouts hit their all-time highs in Google searches over the past three months; across the world, people were searching best running, jogging, burpee, sit-up, push-up, lunge and squat techniques. U.S. Best trends The Top 10 search terms that start with best in the U.S. over the past three months are eclectic, to say the least. But they reflect the transition from the office to work-from-home life, as well as a desire for physical and mental self-care. Best Zoom backgrounds Best Warzone loadout Best hair clippers Best movies 2020 Best laptop 2020 Best face mask Best banana bread Best weed killer Best margarita recipe Best office chair Read more coronavirus-related coverage: Ohio coronavirus cases per capita mapped; Cuyahoga County among hardest hit; low rates in much of southern Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine intends to reopen Ohio schools this fall Masks 4 Community coalition will distribute 60,000 washable face masks in low-income areas hit hard by coronavirus Hydroxychloroquine did not prevent healthy people exposed to covid-19 from getting the disease caused by the coronavirus, according to a study being published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study is the first randomized clinical trial that tested the antimalarial drug, touted by President Donald Trump, as a preventive measure. It showed that hydroxychloroquine was no more effective than a placebo - in this case, a vitamin - in protecting people exposed to covid-19. "As we say in Tennessee, 'That dog won't hunt' - it didn't work," said William Schaffner, professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Schaffner, who was not involved in the trial, praised it as "rigorously done." The results were the latest development on a highly charged medical and political issue - the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in combating covid-19. Trump has repeatedly touted the drug as a "game changer" for covid-19, and recently said he took it for several days. But federal regulators have said it should be used only for hospitalized patients or in clinical trials because of possible side effects, including serious heart-rhythm issues. Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School launched the trial in mid-March. They enrolled more than 800 adults in the United States and Canada who were exposed to someone with covid-19 because of their jobs as health care workers or first responders, or because they lived with someone with the disease. The study was a randomized placebo-controlled trial, and was double-blinded, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew what the participants received. Such a study is considered the gold standard for clinical trials. Adding to the controversy surrounding the drug, a large observational study on hydroxychloroquine that warned of dangerous side effects has come under fire in recent days. The study, published May 22 by the medical journal Lancet, was based on records from hundreds of hospitals and involved 96,000 hospitalized coronavirus patients on six continents. It found that those who received hydroxychloroquine, or a closely related drug, chloroquine, had a significantly higher risk of death than those who did not. Shortly after its publication, the World Health Organization suspended the use of hydroxychloroquine in a large international trial testing therapies for the disease, and France banned it as a treatment for covid-19. In recent days, scientists have raised questions about the validity of the data used for the study. On Tuesday, The Lancet published an "expression of concern" about the study. The researchers said in a statement they are conducting an independent review of the data, which came from an outside company. Among other things, critics are skeptical that so many health records could have been collected in such a short period of time and have cited inconsistencies about dosing information. In addition, the company has not explained its methodology, scientists say. The WHO, meanwhile, resumed its trial of hydroxychloroquine, saying its safety experts concluded there was no reason to discontinue it. The prevention trial released Wednesday showed 40 percent of the participants who took the drug developed side effects that weren't serious - mostly nausea, upset stomach and diarrhea. The study found no serious side effects or cardiac complications, the researchers said. Its findings reinforced those of previous studies showing the drug does not provide benefit against covid-19. "It's not surprising given that there has not been efficacy established for this drug in any meaningful way." said Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in San Diego. "It's not a large study but it extends the spectrum from the most severely ill patients to mildly ill and now preventive." Jeanne Marrazzo, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said the results "should provide a very big nail in the coffin" for the idea that hydroxychloroquine can help prevent covid-19. David Boulware, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Minnesota and senior investigator of the study, said he launched the trial because hydroxychloroquine had shown activity in a lab setting against the coronavirus. About two-thirds of the trial participants were health care workers and the rest were a mix of other people exposed to someone with covid, he said. They were given either hydroxychloroquine or a placebo for five days and then followed for two weeks to see who developed the disease. The participants were recruited on the internet through social media. Their eligibility was confirmed with documents, and the team sent medications overnight via Federal Express. Given the political sensitivities of the issue, Boulware said, it was important the participants did not know who was getting the drug and who was getting the placebo. "So if some were for Trump, and some were not Trump supporters, all that would be washed out because the trial was blinded," he said. Overall, about 12 percent given the drug developed covid-19, while 14 percent given the placebo also did - not a statistical difference. There was no benefit for people who also took zinc or vitamin C, the researchers said. Boulware said that the analysis tried to drill down on whether any subgroups, by race, occupation, age, or co-morbidities, had any hint of benefit. But they could not find any, he said. One weakness of the trial, he added, is that because testing was not widely available during the time of the trial, their analysis used a combination of lab-confirmed positive covid-19 tests and symptoms to count someone as infected. A teenage girl has been sexually assaulted in a terrifying attack in a laneway in Melbourne's CBD. The 19-year-old was followed into the alley between Swanston and Russell Street by an unknown man at 12.48 on Monday morning. Police said she was grabbed and sexually assaulted by the man before managing to break free and escape. The woman was not injured in the assault. Police have released images of a man (pictured) they hope can assist with their inquiries Detectives have released CCTV images of a man they hope can assist with their investigation. The man is described as Caucasian with a brown beard and medium build. He was pictured wearing a black hoodie with grey sleeves, black pants, cap and runners with a blue water bottle. Police have urged anyone with information on the incident to contact Crime Stoppers. (Bloomberg) -- Two major Canadian wireless companies said they will build out their next-generation 5G wireless networks with equipment from European providers, sidelining Chinas Huawei Technologies Co. Montreal-based BCE Inc. said that Ericsson AB will provide the radio access network equipment -- the critical antennas and base stations -- for its 5G network. Telus Corp. said in a separate statement that it has selected Ericsson and Nokia Oyj to support building its network, without elaborating. Those announcements come ahead of a closely watched -- and long overdue -- decision by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on whether to ban Huawei from participating in the nations 5G infrastructure amid deeply troubled relations with Beijing. Huawei previously played a large role in Canadian wireless networks but has faced growing national security concerns from Western governments. BCE would still consider working with Huawei if the government allows their participation in 5G, the Canadian company said in an e-mailed response to questions. The Trump administration has lobbied allies to ban Huawei 5G, saying its equipment would make networks vulnerable to exploitation by the Chinese government. Despite that, the U.K. said in January it would allow Huawei a limited role. In recent days, Prime Minister Boris Johnsons government has backtracked, saying it seeks to reduce reliance on the companys technology and on China. Telus and BCE awarded Huawei its first major project in North America in 2008 -- a pivotal contract that helped cement the Chinese providers reputation as a global player that could compete on quality. The deal paved the way for it to become a major supplier to all three of Canadas biggest telecom companies over the next decade. Stalling in Ottawa The Telus announcement comes as a particular surprise after Chief Financial Officer Doug French told the National Post in February that were going to launch 5G with Huawei out of the gate by the end of the year. Story continues Telus spokeswoman Donna Ramirez didnt immediately respond to a question on whether the companys announcement still leaves room for Huawei to participate in its 5G rollout. Huawei said in an emailed statement it looks forward to the federal government completing its 5G review and making an evidence-based decision about its role in helping build Canadas next-generation wireless networks. Trudeau has stalled on whether to ban Huawei. Tensions between the two countries have been rising since Canadian authorities arrested Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. handover request in late 2018. After her arrest, China put two Canadian citizens in jail, halted billions of dollars in Canadian imports and put two other Canadians on death row. The extradition proceedings against Meng, the eldest daughter of the companys billionaire founder, have pushed Canadas relationship with its second-biggest trading partner into its worst state in decades. Beijing has accused Canada of abetting a U.S.-led political persecution against a national champion. (Updates eighth paragraph with statement from Huawei) 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. Level field: Jay Clayton of the SEC said he likes the PCAOBs approach Wall Street's top regulator is signaling support for legislation that could lead to the delisting of Chinese companies from US stock exchanges if American officials aren't allowed to review their financial audits. A bill passed by the US Senate last month that would bar trading in securities of companies that fail to comply for three straight years is "sensible," Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman Jay Clayton said in an interview at the Bloomberg Invest Talks conference yesterday. The SEC would have to write a rule to implement part of the measure if it is signed into law. "This is a very sensible way to approach a problem that's been around for a while," Mr Clayton said. "This is a problem that I believe needs to be addressed and I hope it can be." At issue is China's longstanding refusal to let the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) examine audits of firms whose shares trade in the US. The requirement for the inspections by the agency, which was created in the wake of the Enron accounting scandal, is meant to prevent fraud and wrongdoing that could wipe out shareholders. China's resistance has recently become a focal point in Washington as the Trump administration and lawmakers from both parties call for a tougher stance against the Asian nation. For some, the need for action was also highlighted by the accounting scandal surrounding China-based Luckin Coffee. During the interview, Mr Clayton said the PCAOB's inability to inspect audits of Chinese companies that trade in the US creates an "unlevel playing field" for investors. "I'm not a guy who wants to take precipitous, hit the nail on the head with a hammer tomorrow, but I like the way they've approached it," he said of the legislative approach. "There's a period of time to come into compliance and if you don't then it's time to take measures beyond just disclosure," he said. Bloomberg In her speech, Lightfoot said the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd is linked to a history of racism in America and police misconduct exemplified by Laquan McDonalds murder and by infamous city cop Jon Burge. She said four shameful Minneapolis police officers ... took (Floyds) life" and praised the bystanders who stopped, trained their cameras on this obvious injustice and preserved that moment for the rest of us to bear witness. Video of elephant drinking water from sprinkler goes viral. Twitter showers all its love Sketches to angry posts: How Twitter mourned elephant that ate cracker-stuffed pineapple in Kerala India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, June 03: The brutal death of a pregnant elephant in Kerala after eating a pineapple filled with crackers has sparked huge outrage on Twitter. The pregnant pachyderm in Silent Valley Forest had fallen victim to an act of human cruelty on May 27 after a pineapple filled with powerful crackers offered by a man exploded in her mouth when she chomped on it. Tagging a news report of the brutal incident, Actor Anushka wrote, "This is why we need harsher LAWS against animal cruelty!!" "How? How can something like this happen? Do people not have hearts? My heart has shattered and broken... The perpetrators need to be punished in the STRICTEST way. Death of pregnant elephant: What Forest Minister Javdekar says about the cruel act Sharing a petition by PETA India, the actor further said, "We need stricter laws against animal cruelty. It's HIGH time. Please sign this petition." John Abraham shared a news report on Instagram and captioned it: "Shame on us. Ashamed to be human." There's a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone.#Elephant pic.twitter.com/1J2epz2YDG Aman banka (@AmanBanka00) June 2, 2020 Humans are so good?? No baby, we are monsters in disguise. She trusted us and we betrayed her. #Elephant let all the living beings live in peace.. mother earth is their home too... pic.twitter.com/XXfO8Cvf02 amrutha vk (@amrutha_vk) June 3, 2020 Earth is not only for humans..!! Live and Let live. #SaveElephants pic.twitter.com/1iLgNsyqy9 DHONIsm (@DHONIism) June 3, 2020 Mamata urges Centre for one-time financial assistance for migrant labourers | Oneindia News The COVID-19 pandemic quickly changed how credit unions operate, including the skillset needed for credit union professionals to excel in their roles. By observing your peers and benchmarking the ways they are successfully training their staff, you can better inform your efforts and redirect your focus towards training initiatives that you may not have otherwise considered. The recent sharp increase in usage of two training resources offered by CUNACUNA Professional Development Online (CPD Online) and CUNA Training Bundleindicate that credit union professionals are hard at work gaining new skills to better serve their members during these challenging times. CPD Online provides a centralized knowledge hub for training with trackable results while CUNA Training Bundle delivers unlimited access to all of CUNAs eSchools and webinars. Both offer content vetted by credit union experts across all functional areas. From November 2019 to March 2020, credit union professionals completed 24,076 more courses through CPD Online than the same time last year, a 72% increase in usage. The number of individual users also rose 41% during this same period. For CUNA Training Bundle, the number of courses registrations in Training Bundle from January to April rose 265% over 2019 and number of individual users increased 141%. There was a significant growth and usage trend in the following categories: Finance Member engagement Regulations DEI and HR Security (physical and cyber) Collections Professionals at mid-sized credit unions spent more time learning basic skills, credit union fundamentals and job-specific skills. At larger asset class credit unions, employees sought development opportunities on topics such regulations, collections, finance and engagement. Below are some of the remote learning offerings completed through CPD Online and CUNA Training Bundle that credit union professionals are taking to adapt to changing circumstances. CPD Online: Serving Members Facing Financial Hardship BSA for Tellers Regulation CC Elder Financial Abuse Awareness and Prevention Safeguarding Member Information: Gramm-Leach-Bliley CUNA Training Bundle: Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) Change Management webinar From Budget Analysis to Spending Plan webinar Understanding and Improving Cash Flow webinar Retirement webinar Explore these tools and their content at CPD Online and CUNA Training Bundle. A protester takes the knee near the US embassy in London, during demonstrations against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African American George Floyd: Reuters British police leaders have said they are appalled by the death of George Floyd and called for justice and accountability in the US. In a joint statement, three national police bodies admitted there was also more to do in the UK and said they were working to improve. We will tackle bias, racism or discrimination wherever we find it, it added. Policing is complex and challenging and sometimes we fall short. When we do, we are not afraid to shine a light on injustices or to be held to account. The statement was signed by leaders of the National Police Chiefs Council, the College of Policing and the Police Superintendents Association. They said: We stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life. Justice and accountability should follow. We are also appalled to see the violence and damage that has happened in so many US cities since then. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these terrible events and hope that peace and order will soon be restored. The College of Policing, which is the professional body for forces in England and Wales, has given training to US police in the past. There are mounting calls for the British government to stop sales of UK-made teargas, rubber bullets and riot shields to American police amid alleged brutality against protesters. The joint statement said that British police officers followed a tradition of policing by consent and were trained to use force proportionately, lawfully and only when absolutely necessary. But force is used disproportionately against black and ethnic minority people in the UK, and a number of inquiries into alleged police brutality, deaths in custody and fatal shootings are under way. In 2011, riots broke out in London and other British cities following the shooting of a young black man. An inquiry found that Mark Duggan was lawfully killed and had most likely been throwing a handgun to the side as he was shot, but his family have doubted official accounts and initial police statements wrongly suggested there had been an exchange of fire. Story continues Following demonstrations over both the death of George Floyd and racism in the UK, police said they would facilitate lawful protest. But the statement warned that the continuing coronavirus lockdown still made public gatherings of more than six people illegal. We know people want to make their voices heard, it added. For whatever reason people want to come together, we ask that people continue to work with officers at this challenging time. It added: The relationship between the police and the public in the UK is strong but there is always more to do. Every day, up and down the country, officers and staff are working to strengthen those relationships and address concerns. Hundreds of people ignored social distancing guidelines in Trafalgar Square (Reuters) In the year to March 2019, 16 per cent of police use of force incidents in England and Wales were against black people, who only make up 3.3 per cent of the population. Black people were also involved in 25 per cent of firearms incidents and a fifth of less lethal weapons incidents, including Tasers. The vast majority of 428,000 total incidents recorded were handcuffing or restraint, which is counted as a use of force in Britain. According to analysis of official statistics by the Inquest charity, there have been 1,741 deaths in police custody or following contact with officers in England and Wales since 1990. Of those who died, 14 per cent were black and ethnic minority, which is proportionate to the population as at the 2011 census. However, Bame people die disproportionately as a result of use of force or restraint by the police, raising serious questions of institutional racism as a contributory factor in their deaths, a report by Inquest said. Police are also fining and arresting black people disproportionately under coronavirus laws during the ongoing UK lockdown. Read more Labour urges Boris Johnson to suspend export of arms to US UK urged to take the knee in solidarity with US protesters Three officers face charges in George Floyds death, attorney says President Donald Trump called into Fox friend Brian Kilmeades Fox Radio show Wednesday morning to address reports that the Secret Service rushed him to an underground bunker Friday night as protests swelled outside the White House. Trump was reported to have spent approximately an hour in the secure location, where he was joined by his wife, Melania, and youngest son, Barron. The news that several thousand protesters on Pennsylvania Avenue forced such a retreat put a sizable limp in Trumps tough guy swagger. To rectify the appearance that he was hiding out, Trump blasted his way through unarmed protesters Tuesday to St. Johns Church. But even that might not have been enough for the historically thin-skinned president. So he had to come up with something, and boy did he. Take a listen: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says he went to the White House bunker for inspection: It was a false report. I wasnt down I went down during the day and I was there for a tiny, little short period of time, and it was much more for an inspectionIve gone down two or three times, all for inspection." pic.twitter.com/RFPi4aAsfX JM Rieger (@RiegerReport) June 3, 2020 It was a false report. I wasnt down, Trump said. I went down during the day, and I was there for a tiny, little short period of time, and it was much more for an inspection. There was no problem during the day. Kilmeade asked Trump if he was inspecting the bunker because the Secret Service expressed concern for his safety? Nope, they didnt tell me that at all, he said. They said it would be a good time to go down, take a look, because maybe some time youre going to need it. Trump said he had been in the bunker, believed to be most recently used in cases of potential terrorist attacks, two or three times, all for inspection. You go there, and some day you may need it, he said. Uh-huh. For more of Slates news coverage, subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts or listen below. MUSKEGON, MI - A committee dedicated to providing insight in Washington about the Great Lakes has been reestablished with 14 members from the public and private sectors, U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced during a visit to Muskegon Wednesday. Speaking at Grand Valley State Universitys Annis Water Resource Institute, with a view of Muskegon Lake in the distance, Wheeler also said that recent changes to the federal Clean Water Rule will not affect the health of Lake Michigan. The committee, known as the Great Lakes Advisory Board, will support the water bodies ecological health and economic potential, said Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, who was part of a panel of five participating in the June 3 press conference. U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph; Alan Steinman, director of the Water Resource Institute; and Kurt Thiede, regional EPA administrator for the Great Lakes region, also participated in the event. The advisory board, which was formally re-established in December of 2018 after dissolving in June of 2018, will be particularly focused on issues related to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, an agreement between the U.S. and Canada, as well as funding of preservation and restoration projects. The members of the voluntary advisory board were appointed on April 1, and come from a range of backgrounds, including government, indigenous tribal leadership, community organizing, conservation, and the private sector, including farm and energy interests. The board will be co-chaired by Stephen Galarneau, a bureau director with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells, CEO of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. Their oversight of restoration projects coincides with a $20 million funding increase through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, to go toward work on invasive species control, excess nutrients, and pollution alleviation, according to a press release. The announcement also came some weeks after the EPA published a rule redefining which waters are federally protected based on whether or not they constitute navigable waters of the United States. Some environmental advocates have said this change leaves many bodies of water, including perhaps half of the regions wetlands, unprotected. These changes to the federal Clean Water Act will not affect Lake Michigan, Wheeler said on Wednesday. We dont consider that to be a rollback, he said of the changes. Which U.S. waters can be regulated has been controversial for decades, and his agency sought to clarify those that fall under federal guidance, Wheeler said. Other state and local laws protecting local wetlands, streams and rivers, which may eventually connect into the Great Lakes, remain in place, and all navigable waters near the Great Lakes remain protected through the Clean Water Act, even following the rule change, he said. Just because its not protected under the definition of navigable waters (under the) Clean Water Act ... doesnt mean its not protected by the states, he said. Steinman, who will also sit on the Great Lakes Advisory Board, said that these changes could negatively impact wetlands. From an ecological perspective, its disappointing that, with this new rule, the wetlands are no longer protected because theyre not navigable waters, he said. As long as theres other protection that comes in that deals with them, thats fine. But right now, theyre unprotected. Turning to Wheeler, he added: I do hope that that is dealt with in a very concrete way. Wheeler, an Ohio native and former coal lobbyist, has overseen the agency since 2018, and was permanently confirmed in 2019. He joked on Wednesday that he is the first EPA administrator to have grown up swimming in one of the Great Lakes. The federal official was speaking during a visit to the region that has also included a tour of the lakeshores eroding edge. The Great Lakes Advisory Board comprises: Stephen Galarneau, director of the Office of Great Waters Great Lakes & Mississippi River, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Co-Chair) Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells, chief executive officer, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (Co-Chair) Scudder Mackey, chief of the Office of Coastal Management, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Chad Able, administrator, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians James Williams Jr, chairman, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Jeff Stollenwerk, director of government and environmental affairs, Duluth Seaway Port Authority John Hull, founder and chairman, Hull & Associates Inc. Lisa Frede, director of regulatory affairs, Chemical Industry Council of Illinois Larry Antosch, senior director, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Kay Nelson, director of environmental affairs, Northwest Indiana Forum J. Val Klump, dean and professor of the School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Alan Steinman, director of Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University Brian Miller, retired, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and Illinois Water Resources Center Sylvia Orduno, organizer, Michigan Welfare Rights Organization Read more on MLive: Third marijuana dispensary rises in Muskegon cannabis corridor One-day-only Match Day to help Muskegon-area nonprofits recover from coronavirus Soul Filled Kitchen in Muskegon Heights cant keep up with demand for comfort food Click here to read the full article. PARIS French luxury groups and their brands have been weighing in on racial equality both publicly and privately, emphasizing their commitment to fighting discrimination after last weeks killing of George Floyd by police prompted protests around the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. Kering said on Tuesday that it would donate to the NAACP, which fights race-based discrimination in the U.S., and Campaign Zero, an organization working to reduce police violence. Kering and all its brands stand in solidarity against racism. Too many black lives have been lost in the fight for equality in America. We will not stand by silently, the group said in a statement. The company went on to list its brands, which include Gucci, Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta, saying that they all acknowledge that words alone are not enough and want to contribute to organizations focused on combating systemic racism and ending police violence toward the black community in the U.S. Everyday, the group and its brands will continue to develop initiatives and internal programs to foster respect, equality and fairness, recognizing that it is a journey and we are committed to continuously doing the work, added Kering, which has also been communicating internally with employees on the issue. LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, which owns companies ranging from Sephora to Dior, told employees this week it plans to increase efforts to fight unconscious bias and help its brands promote equality, according to an internal e-mail seen by WWD. We plan to accelerate our efforts to combat unconscious bias and support our brands in helping to make sure that they meet the highest standards in promoting equality, for every person we work with and serve in the U.S. and around the world, Anish Melwani, chairman and chief executive officer of LVMH in the U.S., said in an internal memo distributed on Monday. The events over the past several days in Minneapolis and in cities around the United States are heartbreaking. On behalf of the global leadership of the LVMH Group, we stand with the black community and condemn the injustice, intolerance and tragedy we have seen, he said. Story continues The group expressed its commitment to treating employees fairly and with dignity, and noted it celebrates varied backgrounds through diversity and inclusion programs. What we have witnessed over the past few days tells us that we must strive to do even more to ensure that racism and prejudice never find a place in our group, Melwani continued, noting LVMH plans to draw on internal and external resources to ensure an unyielding dedication to inclusivity is reflected in company policies, practices and the way we treat each other. Melwani closed the letter with an appeal to individual employees. Thank you to each of you for your commitment to these principles. We are all at our best when we are learning from each other and treating everyone with the respect they deserve, the executive said. The subject line of the e-mail reads Dignity, equality and inclusion. In an example of the flurry of efforts by fashion labels belonging to luxury groups, Gucci executives shared a letter on social media on Tuesday. Co-signed by ceo Marco Bizzari, designer Alessandro Michele and all employees, the letter said they stand with those demanding justice for violence against black men and women. Through Guccis North American Changemakers Impact Fund, Gucci is supporting donations to the NAACP, Campaign Zero and Know Your Rights Camp, in addition to commitments on behalf of Kering brands. Gucci supported the NAACP last year, supporting the organizations awards and Campaign Zero rounders DeRay Mckesson and Brittany Packnett are part of Guccis North American Changemakers council. It has also been working with Colin Kaepernick and his Know Your Rights Camp. The brand is holding a pause on Thursday in the U.S., giving employees a day of reflection, to honor the memorial for George Floyd and the many other lives lost, and to recommit ourselves to being part of the solution, it said. Balenciaga announced on Instagram that it is setting up an annual donation on May 25 to the NAACP as well as a fund to support local actions against racism in France, noting that the financial support is only the beginning of what is to be done in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. While many fashion and retail companies have moved quickly to send out strong statements condemning racism and donating to organizations supporting diversity, some have experienced a backlash for a lack of diversity in leadership. Nikes Dont Do It video was met with questions over the tangible impact of a minute-long video, while LOreal was criticized for posting a public comment in support of Black Lives Matter, including by a model it fired two years ago after she spoke out publicly on race. Last year Gucci, moved quickly to implement a number of initiatives to improve cultural diversity and awareness throughout the company globally, including appointing a global diversity officer, after a Gucci balaclava-style sweater sparked accusations that it evoked blackface; sales in the U.S. were impacted that year. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. One week after a video went viral of a white woman calling the police to falsely accuse an African American man of threatening her life in Central Park, a similar video is making the social media rounds. A black woman, who Page Six has identified as Janae Garcia, took to Instagram to post multiple video clips of an encounter she had with socialite Svitlana Flom, a white woman. Both women were at a park in their Upper West Side neighborhood, where Garcia alleged Flom, who was out with her two children, approached her. This woman, Svitlana Flom, felt the need to not only approach me but call the cops multiple times on me, Garcia stressed in her Instagram caption. She was too alarmed that I was sitting comfortably in her neighborhood! wrote Garcia, who also lives in the neighborhood. The first call was because she THOUGHT I was smoking in public, Garcia explained, noting that Flom called the police a third time and claimed she was threatening her and her children. (Instagram) While giving my description, she exaggerated her story and made it seem like I was the aggressor, Garcia went on to say. In Garcias footage, Flom, who is on her phone, can be heard saying, Shes playing the black card, and in another clip, She was just like attacking me. Speaking to Page Six, Flom alleged that Garcia twisted the video footage. Flom said that she initially told [Garcia and a friend] theyre not supposed to be smoking [weed] and [Garcia], jumped off [her seat], ran in my face. She didnt care I was pregnant, or that I had two little kids." She put her narrative on it to make me look like a racist, Flom alleges. She twisted the entire thing like shes some poor girl sitting alone on a bench and Im white trash, harassing her for no reason. (Instagram) I want this video to be gone, Flom can be heard saying into the phone in another clip. No, we gotta see the type of person that you are, Garcia can be heard replying. In her Instagram caption, Garcia also encouraged people to Share these videos as many times as possible." Former Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein, who supervised the investigation of Russian election interference, conceded to a Senate committee Wednesday that law enforcement made mistakes during the high-stakes probe, particularly with the surveillance of Carter Page, who briefly served as an advisor to President Trump's 2016 campaign. The FBI obtained a warrant focused on Page from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and a Justice Department inspector general's report later found "basic and fundamental errors" in the process. Rosenstein said he would not have approved a renewal application for the warrant if he had known of the problems. But Rosenstein largely defended the probe at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, giving his first testimony since special counsel Robert S. Mueller III wrapped up his investigation in March 2019 and since Trump and his allies launched a campaign to undo Mueller's work and undermine his conclusions about Moscow's role in the 2016 election. Rosenstein expressed sympathy with Trump's anger over the probe, which cast a cloud over Trump's White House for more than two years, although he flatly denied that it was a "hoax," as Trump has repeatedly claimed, or corrupt. I do not consider the investigation to be corrupt, but I certainly understand the president's frustration, given the outcome, he said. Rosenstein defended his decision to appoint Mueller, a former FBI director, as special counsel in 2017, saying it was the best way to complete the investigation" that the FBI previously had begun, and to "promote public confidence in its conclusions." The White House said Rosenstein's testimony was further proof that the investigation was fatally flawed. "It was a travesty," said Trump's press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany. "We hope to get to the bottom of this." Former Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein testifies before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday. (Jim Lo Scalzo / Associated Press) Senators largely rehashed familiar arguments, with Republicans insisting the special counsel investigation was illegitimate and Democrats defending it as fully warranted. Story continues "There are people on our side of the aisle who believe that this investigation, Crossfire Hurricane, was one of the most corrupt, biased criminal investigations in the history of the FBI, and we would like to see something done about it," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), the committee chairman, using the former FBI code name for the Russia probe. Graham said his panel would take a "hard look" at Mueller's work, which he described as an "abuse of power," and he sharply questioned Rosenstein about whether evidence showed Trump's campaign had conspired with Moscow. "There was no 'there' there in August 2017," when Rosenstein issued a secret memo outlining the scope of Mueller's investigation, Graham said. "Do you agree with that general statement or not?" "I agree with that general statement," Rosenstein responded. When the memo was issued, Mueller had yet to file his first criminal charges, however. His work eventually produced charges or convictions against 34 people. "The president and his allies have been trying to rewrite the special counsel's findings since the day they were released," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the ranking member of the committee. "But ignoring or excusing what happened in 2016 is really very dangerous. It puts American democracy and national security at risk." In his final report, Mueller documented how Trump's campaign welcomed Moscow's interference in the campaign, which included releasing hacked Democratic Party emails and spreading disinformation on social media. But he did not establish a criminal conspiracy between any Americans and Russians. The special counsel's office also investigated whether Trump obstructed justice by trying to interfere with the Russia investigation. Mueller ultimately did not say whether the president broke the law but said the evidence "does not exonerate him." The testimony comes against a backdrop of growing pushback from the Trump administration to Mueller's work. Atty. Gen. William Barr asked a federal judge last month to drop the government's case against Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security advisor and the only former White House official charged in the probe. Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents but later claimed he was innocent, and the judge has not issued a ruling on Barr's request. In recent weeks, senior intelligence officials have declassified documents involving the origins of the Russia investigation, fueling Trump's claims that he was the target of a sinister and vague conspiracy that he calls "Obamagate." The president also has mused about pardoning Roger Stone, his longtime political advisor, who was convicted of lying to Congress and witness tampering. The special counsel investigation ensnared several members of Trump's inner circle, including his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, and his former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort. Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for various crimes, including lying to Congress about Trump's efforts to build a skyscraper in Moscow during the presidential campaign. Manafort was sentenced to more than seven years for tax evasion, bank fraud and conducting an illegal lobbying campaign on behalf of the former Russia-backed government in Ukraine. Both men are now under home confinement as federal prisons release some vulnerable inmates to reduce the risk of infection from the coronavirus. Some 1,600 active-duty soldiers are now staged just outside Washington, D.C. awaiting possible orders to support protest response in the city, the Pentagon announced Tuesday night. The troops were dispatched from Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Fort Drum, New York at the order of Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, according to the announcement. Read Next: Bill Would Ban Sale of Military Weapons to Police "Active duty elements moved to the National Capital Region by military aircraft over the last 24 hours," officials said. Officials confirmed on Monday that active-duty units from Bragg had been moved into the region and placed on alert status. Tuesday night, they identified the units that had been deployed. They include the following: An infantry battalion, designated Task Force 504, out of Fort Bragg 16th Military Police Brigade headquarters, out of Fort Bragg 91st Military Police Battalion, out of Fort Drum It's not clear how many troops from each element were deployed. Officials said that the 16th Military Police Brigade headquarters would provide command and control capability for military police and engineers attached to the 91st. "Active duty elements are postured on military bases in the National Capital Region but are not in Washington, D.C," officials said in the statement. "They are on heightened alert status but remain under Title X authority and are not participating in defense support to civil authority operations." The prospect of deploying active-duty troops to suppress protests on American soil is a hotly contested issue. President Donald Trump, who has expressed dismay at what he called states' "weak" responses to protest violence, property damage and looting, said in a Monday address that he was ready to deploy "thousands and thousands of heavily armed" troops to quell the demonstrations. While employing Title 10 troops in a domestic law enforcement capacity is prohibited in most cases under the Posse Comitatus Act, the president has the authority under the Insurrection Act to determine such a mission necessary. At the Pentagon Tuesday morning, a senior defense official said Defense Department leaders hoped to avoid employing active-duty troops. "We really would like to see this stay a National Guard response to the degree that we have to put any uniformed forces against it," the official said. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has also expressed her strenuous objection to military presence at the protests. "We don't want armed National Guard, armed military -- we don't want any of those things on D.C. streets," she said in a Tuesday interview with MSNBC. "I would regard that as an affront to even our limited home rule and the safety of the District of Columbia, absolutely." Some 2,700 National Guard members from Washington, D.C.; Utah; New Jersey; Indiana; South Carolina and Tennessee are now in the district to support local law enforcement. Pentagon officials said Tuesday that they were not armed with non-lethal weapons such as tear gas and rubber bullets, although some carried long guns and sidearms. A striking photograph published Tuesday night showed masked Guard members -- unarmed but in helmets and body armor -- standing in rows on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as the sun set. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Related: Active-Duty Troops Remain Outside DC as Guard Force Grows A video from Mexico has surfaced showing a man dying when a cop pressed his foot on his neck for 90 seconds. The clip from Tijuana shows Jair Lopez lying face down with the officer standing over him during his arrest on March 27 - two months before George Floyd was killed in a similar hold in Minneapolis. They swarmed on Lopez after people reported that he was throwing rocks at customers at a gas station. The video has been shared on social media as outrage and unrest continues to spread across the United States following Floyd's slaying at the hands of law enforcement. Another officer is seen lying on Lopez's legs while adding pressure to his restrained hands. The cops eventually removed themselves from Lopez when he fell unconscious, but couldn't revive him. WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT A police officer (left) in Tijuana, Mexico, was captured on video March 27 stepping on the neck of Jair Lopez (pictured lying down) while he was handcuffed for reportedly throwing rocks at gas station customers. He died on the scene despite police efforts to revive him Tijuana police officers attempt to lift an unconscious Jair Lopez after one cop kept his foot over Lopez's neck while another officer kneeled over his legs and presses his handcuffed hands down A man in a nearby car is heard saying, 'he is pale, he is dead,' while a second male interjected, 'he killed him, he killed him already.' A couple of minutes would pass before Lopez's body was turned around as a police officer attempted to revive him by giving him chest compressions. However, he was declared dead on the scene. The latest police excessive show of force unfurled after Lopez had been apprehended for hurling rocks at gas station customers, according to the Tijuana Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection. The law enforcement agency said Lopez 'had seizures at the time of arrest.' Both police officers were suspended March 31. The Baja California State Attorney General's office is has taken over the investigation. A police officer attempts to revive Jair Lopez by performing chest compressions before he was declared dead A motorist in Tijuana recorded the moment a cop pressured Jair Lopez's neck by placing his foot over it while another police officer pinned the handcuffed man down on the ground 'It was initially thought that he had precisely died as a result of an overdose. Once the information was obtained, it was established that the cause of death was suffocation,' said Baja California lead prosecutor, Hiram Sanchez Zamora. On Tuesday evening, Baja California governor Jaime Bonilla Valdez went on Twitter, calling for a full investigation of the two cops. 'In Baja California there will be no cases of impunity, before any act that breaks our laws, at any level, ' Valdez tweeted. 'The Baja California State Attorney General will determine the legal situation of the two police officers involved in the act.' Floyd (pictured), 46, died shortly after Chauvin kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes News of Lopez death broke on the eighth day of nationwide protests across the United States after Floyd was killed in Minnesota after Derek Chauvin, a police officer, placed his knee over the side of Floyd's neck while he was handcuffed and lying face down on May 25. Video of the incident also showed two other cops kneeling over Floyd's body as he said 'I can't breathe' and called for his mother after the police had arrested him for allegedly using a fake $20 bill at a deli. Chauvin and the three other officers - Tou Thao, Thomas K. Lane and J. Alexander Kueng - who were at the scene were fired. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Multiple footage of the incident has motivated peaceful demonstrations across the world. However, some of the protests have been marred by acts of looting caused by groups that have infiltrated the mass gatherings. Derek Chauvin, a 44-year-old white cop who has since been arrested, was seen in footage kneeling on Floyd's neck for eight minutes as the victim repeatedly said he could not breathe (incident pictured) In addition to Chauvin, present at the scene were officers (left to right) Tou Thao, Thomas K. Lane and J. Alexander Kueng A family attorney has blasted a medical examiner's findings that Floyd had fentanyl in his system as a 'red herring' meant to distract attention away from a Minneapolis police officer's responsibility for his death. During a news conference Tuesday, attorney Ben Crump also disputed the findings released by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner that the cause of death was cardiac arrest, which happened as police restrained Floyd and compressed his neck in a widely seen video that has sparked worldwide protests. The medical examiner also listed fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use, but not as the cause of death. An autopsy commissioned by the family, which Crump released Monday, concluded that Floyd died of a lack of oxygen caused by the officers' knees on his neck and back. Bhopal, June 3 : The Congress has attacked Rewa BJP legislator and former Madhya Pradesh minister Rajendra Shukla for seeking actor Sonu Soods help to facilitate the return of migrant labourers from Mumbai. The Congress accused the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government in Madhya Pradesh of making tall claims to bring back lakhs of labourers, while its MLA has to seek help from Sonu Sood. Responding to Rajendra Shukla's tweet, former Congress MP unit president and ex-Union minister Arun Yadav tweeted, "Rajendra Shukla's tweet exposes the bitter truth in MP. See Shivraj ji, former minister and current BJP MLA from Rewa does not trust your government, he is compelled to seek help from actor Sonu Sood for migrant labourers trapped in Mumbai." Yadav also retweeted Shukla's tweet, which stated, "Sonu Sood ji, Rewa and Satna residents have been stranded in Mumbai for a long time and have not been able to return yet, please help us get them back." Sonu Sood replied, "Sir, now no brother will be stranded anywhere. Tomorrow we will send your migrant brothers to you Sir. If I ever come to MP, I would love to have Poha." Thanking Sood, Shukla said, "Thank you Sonu Sood ji, you are always welcome in the holy land of Vindhyas. Of the 168 migrant labourers remaining in Mumbai, nearly 55 have been sent back. There are 113 people left, I thank you in advance and wish you all the best for sending them safely." Responding to the Congress attack, Shukla wrote, "My indolent Congress friends, 45 labour trains have brought back 42,000 people to Rewa in the last three weeks. Besides, 75,000 Vindhya residents have been brought back by 1,500 buses from different parts of the country and the state. This has been possible only with the cooperation and coordination between the Centre and the state government. "During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Congressmen are hiding in their homes. They have no idea that lakhs of Vindhya residents have returned to their homes with the help of Central and state governments. In the last two months, BJP has provided ration and medical and financial support to the people stranded in different parts of the country." Sonu Sood is in the news these days for helping migrant labourers return home from various parts of the country. Gardai investigating the shooting of a man in Limerick five years ago have arrested a man in Donegal. A second man has been arrested in Limerick City. Gardai say the arrests are in relation to the shooting of Christy Keane in Limerick in 2015. Keane was shot on the campus of University of Limerick as he made his way to the UL gym. At around 6.35am, on June 29, 2015 Keane was shot by two masked men as he parked his car in the grounds of the University of Limerick. He was rushed by ambulance from the UL campus to University Hospital Limerick where his condition was critical for a time. Yesterday, gardai from Dublin with the assistance of local gardai and the Armed Support Unit from Limerick and the North Western Region carried out an arrest operation in Donegal and arrested a man in his 40s. At the same time, a second operation was carried out in Limerick city and a man in his 30s was also arrested. The two men were brought to Henry Street garda station in Dublin and were due to appear before a sitting of the Republic's Special Criminal Court this evening. George Floyd's brother made an impassioned declaration that people using his sibling's name to loot were 'disrespecting his legacy'. Rev. Kevin McCall spoke on behalf of Terrence Floyd as he offered remarks at The House of The Lord Church in Brooklyn on Tuesday. The pair were scheduled to meet with NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea but Floyd was too 'overwhelmed' to attend the meet up, McCall shared. 'He wanted to call for peace, he wanted to call for justice,' McCall said. 'He wanted to make sure you can't get one without the other.' Rev. Kevin McCall spoke on behalf of Terrence Floyd as offered remarks at The House of The Lord Church in Brooklyn on Tuesday 'We are hearing that justice is being made and we are moving in the direction of justice and that's a good thing, but we must continue to keep the conversation going here in New York City.' The church leader stressed that the conversations come with 'peace, justice, policy and then legislation'. A memorial for George Floyd is scheduled for Thursday in Camden Plaza in Brooklyn. A time has not been specified but Terrence Floyd is expected to attend, along with other family members. McCall then turned his attention to the looters, many of which have not been associated with the many peaceful demonstrations. The pair were scheduled to meet with NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea but Floyd was too 'overwhelmed' to attend the meet up, McCall shared. he is pictured above on Monday A memorial for George Floyd is scheduled for Thursday in Camden Plaza in Brooklyn. A time has not been specified but Terrence Floyd is expected to attend, along with other family members 'Don't do it in the name of George Floyd,' he declared. 'You're disrespecting his legacy. If you want to chant peacefully, you can do so, but don't do it in the name of George Floyd. The reverend explained that New York City police and community leaders were at a crucial turning point for 'bridging the gap'. 'We have an issue in New York City which is a good thing in terms of having a relationship in bridging the gap in this hostile environment and I'm thankful now that we can have a voice and turn something negative into something positive,' he said. The reverend explained that New York City police and community leaders were at a crucial turning point for 'bridging the gap' The reverend's message comes after members of Floyd's family took to the street to call for peaceful protests. 'George Floyd's six-year-old daughter Gianna has been told her 'daddy changed the world' but still does not know he was killed by cops. The six-year-old and her mother Roxie Washington appeared on Good Morning America on Wednesday morning where Gianna, bright-eyed and smiling, said she misses playing with her father. Gianna Floyd, on her uncle's shoulders, on Tuesday in Minneapolis, saying: 'Daddy changed the world' She said she wants to grow up to become a doctor and wants to 'take care of people.' 'I miss him... he played with me,' Gianna said. In another video which emerged on social media on Tuesday, Gianna is seen on her uncle's shoulders watching peaceful protests in Minneapolis and saying: 'Daddy changed the world!' The family turned out to join peaceful protests in Minneapolis on Tuesday as others took place around the country in Floyd's name. They urged people to protest peacefully against police brutality and rebuked violent looters and rioters giving the cause a bad name. Unrest has unfolded across America since Floyd's death last Monday. All four of the officers involved in George Floyd's death have now been charged and face 40 years behind bars. Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng and Tou Thao were all present when Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck in Minneapolis on Monday for eight minutes and 46 seconds. On Wednesday afternoon, the Minnesota AG charged the trio with aiding and abetting second degree murder which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years. Chauvin was originally charged with second degree murder which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years but he now faces 40 years behind bars too after being hit with an additional charge of second degree murder. Some skeptics of voting by mail have worried that ballots that were sent but never made it to their intended recipients might be intercepted, and that someone else might use them to fraudulently vote. Bennett said that the District guards against that: Every voters signature is on file, and the signature on each ballot is checked against that signature before the ballot gets counted. We have some where they dont reasonably match up, and we do contact the voter, he said. The fatal virulence of coronavirus has declined and 90 per cent of patients now have mild symptoms, said the Director of Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Dr Randeep Guleria. He spoke to Hindustan Times Hindi language publication Hindustan where Dr Guleria said that the people who initially contracted the disease with serious symptoms. Since these patients were kept in isolation, the disease could not spread much, he added. He said that 12 to 13 cities in the country have more than 80 per cent of Covid-19 cases. If we control these hotspots, the disease will reach its peak in two to three weeks. Dr Guleria said that Indians have higher immunity because most of us have got the BCG vaccination. He added that number of patients in intensive care and ventilators are very less. He also spoke about hydroxychloroquine and remdisivir, the medicines which are being touted as cure for Covid-19. Remdisivir can decrease the hospitalisation time, but it cannot reduce the death rate in serious patients. Hydroxychloroquine too is helpful for people with mild symptoms, said Dr Guleria. The AIIMS Director said that there is no community spread in India, but people need to be cautious in hotspots. India on Wednesday saw another record spike in the number of new Covid-19 cases. There were 8,909 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), another single-day surge, and 217 deaths in the last 24 hours (between Tuesday and Wednesday), taking Indias tally beyond the two lakh-mark, data from the Union ministry of health showed. The health ministry dashboard showed there were 207,615 infections, including 101,497 actives cases and 5,815 fatalities. The recovery rate was 48.31, up from Tuesdays 48.07%, after 100,302 people were cured or discharged in the country, according to the health ministry. A Winnipeg firefighter and martial arts instructor on trial accused of sexually assaulting two women testified he had consensual sex with both women, telling court he was shocked when one of his accusers pursued him romantically. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Winnipeg firefighter and martial arts instructor on trial accused of sexually assaulting two women testified he had consensual sex with both women, telling court he was "shocked" when one of his accusers pursued him romantically. "For the most part, she was always the one to initiate (sex)," Manuel Ruiz said of one accuser, describing their relationship as "friends with benefits." Ruiz, 54, is on trial charged with nine offences, including sexual assault, uttering threats and forcible entry dating back more than 20 years. In testimony last week, a now 46-year-old woman told court she first met Ruiz when she was 12 and they were both taking classes at the same taekwondo studio. She alleged they maintained a friendship through her teen years and into her 20s. She told court when she was 25, Ruiz sexually assaulted her in her apartment and continued to have sex with her against her will on other occasions at his home and martial arts studio. Ruiz testified Tuesday he didnt remember meeting the woman before 1997 or 1998 when she jogged past a Sherbrook Street patio where he had been sharing drinks with some of his jiu-jitsu students. Over time, the two became friends, Ruiz said, with the woman making the first sexual overture during a visit to her apartment for tea in 2002. "We talked for a while," he said. "When I told her I had to go she reached up and kissed me. I was pretty shocked that she would do that. I responded and we kept kissing." Ruiz said they stopped short of sex, with him telling the woman he had to go. "I dont know if I was having second thoughts I believe I had a date that night," he said. Some days later, the woman invited Ruiz to a Grosvenor Avenue bed and breakfast where she was working and the two had sex, Ruiz said. "She asked me if I wanted to finish what we started," he said. "I knew what she meant by that." Ruiz testified the woman provided him with a booking schedule at the bed and breakfast so he would know when it was safe to come over for sex. The woman denied ever having consensual sex with Ruiz, telling court last week he threatened to burn her mothers house down and poison her dogs if she did not comply with his sexual demands. The woman alleged Ruiz forced her to lodge his teenage son at the bed and breakfast for a number of weeks. When, on her bosss order, she kicked the boy out, Ruiz came to the bed and breakfast and broke down the door with a shovel, the woman said. The woman ran out the back way and called her uncle for help. When they returned to the building with police, they found Ruiz sitting on the couch, calmly sipping tea, the woman said. Ruiz told court Tuesday he had asked if his son could stay at the bed and breakfast and he agreed to pay her $1,500 for a months rent. "Things were good between us at the time, she was very agreeable," he said. Ruiz said he returned to the bed and breakfast two weeks later after his son told him he had arrived to find all his belongings on the porch. He said he and his son were sitting in the living room having tea when the woman arrived with her uncle and two police officers. "They said I was under arrest for trespassing," Ruiz said. "I was in disbelief." Ruiz said he had been sitting handcuffed in a police cruiser for half an hour when an officer returned with his still-uncashed cheque and told him he could press charges against the woman. "I said no, I just never want to talk to her again," he said. Ruiz suggested the incident was prompted by his reaction a week earlier, when at a Corydon Avenue restaurant, she broached the topic of marriage. "I laughed and she started crying and ran out of the restaurant," he said. "I thought it was just friends with benefits. It was never formalized. It was never anything else." A second, now 35-year-old woman told court last week she and Ruiz had been dating for a short time when he pushed her to have sex with three men, saying "Youll do this if you love me." The woman said she lived with Ruiz for a few months in 2006, during which time he would often lock her alone in his bedroom for up to eight hours. 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. She said in 2009, she was visiting Ruiz at his home when, after giving her massage, he sexually assaulted her. Testifying Tuesday, Ruiz denied sexually assaulting the woman, locking her in his bedroom and pushing her into sex with other men. Ruiz said the two only lived together three weeks and had sex just three or four times. "I was going through a lot at the time and wasnt always able to perform," he said. dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Megan Quitkin and Tara Singh Bam (The Jakarta Post) Paris/Singapore Wed, June 3 2020 While academics, the media and the public health community frequently debate the utility and dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping, this discourse has a myopic focus on the United Kingdom and the United States, which repeatedly pit their respective country experiences against one another. Notably absent from the discussion is careful consideration of how novel products, including heated tobacco products (HTPs), will impact the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where they are being aggressively introduced and marketed. In diverse nations like Ukraine, Yemen, Iraq, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, these products will further stress already fragile health systems, now further constrained by COVID-19. Young people are particularly vulnerable. We highlight these increasingly challenging issues amid the pandemic, in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day of May 31. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. San Francisco, 3 June 2020: The Report Smart Faucets Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Commercial, Residential), By Distribution Channel (Brick & Mortar, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025 The global smart faucets market size is expected to reach USD 667.3 million by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., expanding at a CAGR of 12.0% over the forecast period. Rising spending on smart home technology on account of increasing living standards and luxury among middle-class household population is expected to be a key factor for the market growth. Moreover, increasing number of luxury hotels as a result of growth of the tourism sector in countries including Germany, France, China, and India is projected to expand the scope of smart bathroom accessories, such as faucets. Growth of the hospitality industry in the developed economies including U.S., France, and Germany is expected to have a positive impact on the market growth. According to the Department of Commerce, U.S. projections, the foreign travel in U.S. would witness an annual growth rate of 2.7% from 2017 to 2020. This substantial growth in travel and tourism will propel the hotel industry of the country, which, in turn, will fuel the demand for smart faucets. For instance, in June 2018, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts announced plans to open a new luxury hotel in Houston, U.S. Moreover, the company is going to open its 150-room hotel in Texas, U.S. by the end of 2023. Such type of construction by prominent players will surge the demand for smart faucets in the country in the forecast period. North America was the largest market, accounting for a share of more than 30.0% in 2018. Over the past few years, adoption of internet of things (IoT) in U.S. has fueled the smart home technologies. Major manufacturers are adopting various strategies including product innovation and expansion of distribution channels. For instance, in July 2017, Kohler Co. redefined the scope of exclusive stores and showrooms with the introduction of KOHLER Experience Centres. These centers help in the enhancement of product experience when displayed in front of the design professionals and consumers. These experience centers held in creating a more intimate understanding of products and services provided by the company. The company is focused on targeting the top ten lucrative markets including New York, Los Angeles, London, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Delhi, Bangkok, Taipei, and Dubai. Access Research Report of Smart Faucets Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/smart-faucets-market Further key findings from the report suggest: North America was the largest smart faucets market, accounting for a share of more than 30.0% in 2018 owing to increasing smart homesand growing hospitality sector The commercial application segment accounted for exceeding 60.0% share of the global revenue in 2018. Positive outlook towards global hospitality sector is expected to open new avenues Brick and mortar was the largest distribution channel with a share of more than 70.0% in 2018 Key players include LIXIL Group Corporation, CERA Sanitaryware Limited, Roca Sanitario, S.A., Kohler Co., TOTO LTD., Masco Corporation, Villeroy & Boch, Hansgrohe, and DELTA FAUCET COMPANY Browse more reports of this category by Grand View Research at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry/homecare-and-decor Grand View Research has segmented the global smart faucets market on the basis of application, distribution channel, and region: Smart Faucets Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025) Commercial Residential Smart Faucets Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025) Brick & Mortar Online Smart Faucets Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025) North America Europe Asia Pacific Central & South America Middle East & Africa Access Press Release of Smart Faucets Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-smart-faucets-market About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare. For More Information:www.grandviewresearch.com Fauji Bhai alias Abdul Rehman, a top bomb-maker Jaish-e-Mohammed, was among the three terrorists killed in an encounter with security forces in Kashmirs Pulwama on Wednesday morning The operation was conducted by a joint team of security personnel that had been tracking Fauji Bhai, also known as Ismail, who has also been linked to the car bomb intercepted in Pulwama districts Rajpora area on May 27. Inputs available with security forces, however, indicate that there are two more similar car bombs, or vehicle improvised explosive devices (V-IEDs), in Kashmir, that Fauji Bhai, a Pakistani national, had built. Also Watch | Security forces gun down 3 Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists in J&Ks Pulwama Our information was that Fauji Bhai, also known as Ismail, had fabricated three vehicle IEDs. We seized one of the three on May 27 but there are two more out there, possibly somewhere in Budgam and Kulgam areas, a top counter-terror official told Hindustan Times. There had been a barrage of intelligence inputs over the last two months about plans by Jaish terrorists to carry out major strikes targeting security forces. The Santro car packed with explosives that was seized by security forces on May 27 was the first of these planned attacks. It was intercepted when it was being taken to a Jaish terrorist Sameer Ahmed Dar of Kakpora, Pulwama by an overground worker. Sameer Ahmed Dar is a relative of Adil Dar, the suicide bomber who drove his Maruti Echo vehicle into a CRPF convoy on 14 February 2019 killing 40 troopers. This terror attack was followed by an Indian launching air strike on a terror facility in Pakistans Balakot, and a subsequent dogfight between the air forces of the two neighbouring countries. This time, Sameer Ahmed Dar had offered to drive the vehicle IED into a security camp. Intelligence reports indicate that one of the likely targets of the car bomb was the 44 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Shadimarg, Rajpora, Pulwama. Vijay Kumar, Inspector General Police of Kashmir Range described Fauji Bhais elimination in Wednesdays encounter as a huge success for the security forces, next only to the killing of Hizbul Mujahideens Riyaz Naikoo in Kashmirs Beighpora area of Awantipora last month. Kumar said it could not be verified that he is related to JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON If you asked Regina King, the 14-year-old star of 227, what she wanted to accomplish in her career, she probably wouldn't have said be a three-time Emmy winner, a Golden Globe winner and an Oscar winner. Instead, she'd probably tell you she just wanted to play a superhero. It's been a dream of hers since watching Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, a dream that came true in 2019 with Watchmen. Now, Watchmen is back with a DVD set (out now) filled with special features, prompting King to revisit her time with Angela Abar aka Sister Night. Warning, the below contains spoilers for the miniseries created by Damon Lindelof, as does the exclusive sneak peek of the DVD's special features above. Renewed and Canceled TV Shows 2020 Guide SUPERHERO DREAMS King's first acting job was in the sitcom 227 opposite Jackee Harry and Marla Gibbs. She was 14 years old when she got the gig and hasn't stopped working since. In 2019 she headlined Watchmen, an HBO series based on the acclaimed comic series of the same name, won a Golden Globe and an Oscar, both for If Beale Street Could Talk. This followed her 2018 Emmy win for Seven Seconds. But back in 1985, all this acclaim was the furthest thing from her mind, she just wanted to work. Watchmen, Regina King "You know, I wasn't thinking of it that far in advance, 'cause I was just a kid. I think more than anything I was just really present and wanted to do my job and do it well. I was very much aware that doing a good job here was going to possibly determine what the next thing was going to be, or if I'm going to be wanted to do another thing, another project. But you know, at 14, 15 years old, you look at things as, 'I got to do a good job.' That's just kind of how your mind at that age works...Very present, you know, 'I want to get a gold star now.' So, that's kind of where I was with it," King told E! News. "One thing that I will say probably remained consistent from 14 to now 49 was that I wanted to play a superhero that never changed. I always wanted to do that." Story continues That chance came with Watchmen, an experience that went "beyond" her expectations. "Now here's the thing, probably if you asked the 14-year-old me what I wanted to have played, 'Do you want to play Sister Night?' I would have thought that the name was cool, but I was not mature enough to understand that someone heroic could have that many complexities. So, that's the reason why I say it was beyond what I could have ever imaginedin a positive waybecause all of the things I've learned along the way from a teenager to now, I was able to employ them in some way in Angela," King said. All the Greatest Superhero Costumes on TVRanked From Super Tragic to Super Epic! SISTER NIGHT RISES The role of Angela Abar, a police officer who enforces the law as a masked hero named Sister Night in Tulsa, Oklahoma in a time when masked heroes and vigilantes are outlawed following the events of the Watchmen comic series. Following an attack by the white supremacist group inspired by the character Rorschach, officers in Tulsa began wearing masks to conceal their identities. The series followed Angela as she discovered her history tied with some of America's first masked heroes and the Tulsa race massacre of 1921, as well as her relationship with the all-powerful hero Doctor Manhattan. For many viewers, the Tulsa race massacre, sometimes referred to as the Black Wall Street Massacre, when white people attacked, displaced and killed black residents and of black-owned businesses in the Greenwood area of Tulsa, was something they were unaware of. It's not widely taught in history classes, so Watchmen was their first exposure to the atrocity. "I did know about it. Luckily, my mother's a teacher and so we would get lessons on things that were not in the history books," King said. "I think that was one of the things for Damon...was that he felt so ashamed that he didn't even know. But the reality is, it wasn't taught, it was left out, ignored. When the people that are actually the ones that are inflicting the pain and doing the crime are also the journalists, are the ones that are reporting on it, then of course it's going to be erased." Watchmen Lindelof began writing the series in 2017, it started filming in 2018 and hit the air in late 2019. Eight months later, Watchmen is even more relevant as protests around the world call for systemic changes following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of police officers. Revisiting her work on the series with Emmy buzz swirling, King said her feelings on Angela, a type of character she previously said she had never encountered anything like before, and the project have not changed. "No, not at all because the thing about it is, I'm speaking from just my own experience. Maybe someone else has seen a character like Angela before and I just didn't see whatever it was that they saw, or I didn't receive it the same way," King said in an interview before nation-wide protests started. For King, "someone who has always wanted to play a superhero," the experience was all the more special because Sister Night didn't have any "supernatural powers"at least not yetwhich made the character all the more "heroic" and a "complex crimefighter." "Her origin story, she discovering it as we're discovering it, was exciting. And then there's similaritiesdare I go out on limb and say thisbut between Angela and Batman. And Batman is one of my all-time favorites," she said. "So, just the kid in me loved that I could play a character that has a origin story that is similar to one of the most beloved comic characters in history, but then to be able to flip that on its head and she be right in the middle of things that are happening today, but yet we are able to put it in an alternative universe was exciting, you know? 'Cause I could satiate that desire to have wanted to play a superhero, but then I also can feel like I'm being responsible as a storyteller by being a part of something that is holding a mirror up. When you can do both, that's quite exciting." Watchmen THE POWER OF LOVE Watchmen ended with a bit of a cliffhanger. Angela lost her husband, Cal/Dr. Manhattan (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), but saved the day. At the end of the series while replaying conversations with her late husband, Angela realized he may have left her a gift. Was it the gift of his great power or something else? She ate an egg and put her foot to the water to see if she had gained his power. Cut to black. Viewers were left to imagine what happened to Angela. "It's funny because to me, I felt like she falls in," King said with a laugh. "I have always looked at it as just the ultimate love story. And I guess just as a person that loves to watch stories and read stories, that the writing team, that they were able to infuse a love story within all of this wildness, it was kind of magical in a lot of ways, you know? I'm like every other person that's in love with love, just wants to see it prevail the way it doesPlaying Angela, when we got to the point where she's going back over in her mind of the last moments she and John were together and then sees that egg, I looked at it as less of opportunity to inherit Dr. Manhattan's powers and more of an opportunity to have possibly one more moment, or possibly a lifetime, with the man she loves." Lindelof has said he would be open to Watchmen becoming an anthology, with no immediate plans for a second season until he gets an idea that moved him as much as the first season. King would certainly be open to return alongside him. "I would be down for something like that if Damon was involved because I know that he's going to take careI feel like it's very important when you are creating stories from something that exists, when you're using it as canon you have to find a way to tell your own story but still respect and honor the original work and not make the fans, like, hate you for it. And I feel like he was successful in that. So, I have to believe that if it were to come back, that he would do the same," she said. "So, even if there is no Sister Night or if there's just Sister Night in one or two episodes, I believe that that is the right thing to be." The Watchmen Blu-ray/DVD set, with all nine episodes and a number of behind-the-scenes special features including "Hooded Justice," "The Colossal King" the 2019 New York Comic Con panel and many more, is out now. George Floyd's death in the US on May 25 has triggered massive outrage on the streets of the country with people protesting against racism suffered by the black people in America. With many coming forward on social media, Bollywood celebs too have spoken about it on their social media platforms. But, its their hypocrisy thats startling many of us considering they havent ever spoken about injustices happening in our own homeland. For years, we have been seeing injustices happening around us. People who are poor and minorities are always on the edge but no one spoke then. Google, Labeled For Reuse Abhay Deol, who earlier spoke about the hypocritical stand of Bollywood celebs on the fairness creams debate, has now pointed fingers at their stand on #BlackLivesMatter. He countered the woke celebrities in his Instagram post. Abhay raised three strong and valid points through his post he penned a long post showcasing the plight of migrant workers in our country. Take a look at these three strong points raised by the actor: 1. He pointed out how these woke Indian celebrities have been ignoring whats happening in our county all this while. He said, Maybe its time for these now? Now that woke Indian celebrities and the middle class stand in solidarity with fighting systemic racism in America, perhaps theyd see how it manifests in their own backyard? 2. He also said that America has, time and again, promoted violence and its Karma thats hitting them back. He also added he isnt implying that we shouldnt be supporting the cause of black lives matter but we need to stand out for the issues that we have been facing in our country. I do agree with how celebs, in past years, have managed to ignore all the brutalities happening around in India. America has exported violence to the world, they have made it a dangerous place, it was inevitable that it would come back karmically. Im not saying they deserve it, Im saying look at the picture in its totality. Im saying support them by calling out the systemic problems in your own country because they turn out to be one and the same thing, wrote Abhay. 3. He also added that theres no us or them. He wants everyone to understand that its time we also speak up about the issues relevant to our country. He wants us to be together in fighting all the odds. He also added, Im saying follow their lead but not their actions. Create your own actions, your own movement, relevant to your own country. In the larger picture, there is no us and them. There is not a country thats real. But a planet in peril. Heres Abhay Deols long post: Well, I do agree with the fact that Indian celebs have been hypocrites and have always been very diplomatic and filtered on the issues of poor people and minorities back in our county. Its time that we stand in solidarity! The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Tuesday issued notices to all trustees of PM-CARES Fund and the Union government asking them to submit details of the amount collected and utilisation of the funds. The court was hearing a petition filed by a Nagpur-based lawyer, Arvind Waghmare, who sought the government to periodically declare the amount collected under the PM-CARES Fund on governments website for the knowledge of the common public. He also prayed for funds audit through the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) instead of an independent auditor to be nominated by a board of trustees. The Union government counsel, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, however, opposed the move and sought dismissal of the petition. Keeping in mind the need for having a dedicated national fund with the primary objective of dealing with any national emergency or distress situation - like the one posed by the Covid-19 pandemic - and to provide relief to the affected, a public charitable trust Prime Ministers Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES Fund) was set up. Additional solicitor General Singh informed a division bench of the court, comprising Justice SB Shukre and Justice AS Kilor, that the Supreme Court had in April dismissed a similar petition against the PM-CARES fund. The bench noted that the petition before it sought different reliefs, and directed the Union government to file an affidavit in response to the plea within two weeks. File an affidavit stating whatever is your (Union government) stand, the court said. As per the plea, the PM-CARES Trust, with Prime Minister as its chairperson and ministers from departments of Defence, Home and Finance as its members, was created with the prime objective of dealing with the emergency or distress caused by the coronavirus. The trust was created seeking financial assistance from people from across the country and overseas to provide relief and assistance to those affected by Covid-19 pandemic, it said. Waghmare contended that certain guidelines were issued while setting up the fund that specifically mentioned that apart from the ex-officio chairperson and ex-officio trustees, three more trustees will be appointed/nominated on the trust. However, three other trustees have not been appointed yet, but donations to the tune of crores of rupees are being accepted. The petitioner demanded that at least two members from the Opposition parties should be included in the trust. The novel coronavirus has changed our lives in countless ways, but one of the most noticeable is that many of us are working from home. Even once companies start reopening their facilities, it's entirely possible that many of us will continue to work from home to a certain extentan exciting prospect for people who hate their commutes, their co-workers, their cramped offices, or other aspects of corporate life beyond just the germs these areas could be carrying. Theres just one problem: Where to work? If you dont have a home office, working from the dining table or living room couch can be done for only so long. Enter backyard offices, or office sheds as theyre often called. Easier than building an addition to your home and usually less expensive, too, these prefab offices can be shipped right to your address to assemble yourself. And if you ever do return to a company office, this shed could easily double as a guesthouse or in-law suite, so we doubt the extra space will go to waste. It's no surprise, then, that office sheds are more popular than ever right now. Studio Shed, a manufacturer of such sheds, says sales have risen fivefold compared with a year earlier. Office shed basics: Questions to ask before you build Yet adding an office shed to your property is not as easy as clicking Buy and seeing it pop up in your backyard overnight. For one, make sure to check with your city or town before ordering in case there are any permitting regulations on new structures. Plus, brace yourself for a lengthy wait before it ships (often four to six weeks) and assembly that may last a few days but up to a few months, depending on the complexity and comfort level you seek. In fact, you may want to consider hiring a professional to properly install it for you, says Tyler Drew, president of Anubis Properties. "Go the extra mile, and pay someone to do the heavy lifting for you," Drew says. "There are many issues a novice doesn't consider when building an outdoor office, even outside local ordinances. For starters: power. Are you going to run extension cords? Can your electrical panel handle the load of a sudden addition to your house? One of the first 'home offices' I had would lose power if someone in the house used the microwave and toaster at the same time." Another issue is the land on which you're putting it. "If you aren't going to build a foundation for your shed, check the drainage in your backyard," Drew continues. "Are you putting your shed on the lowest part of the yard? If so, prepare for your office to flood come winter. Or maybe the ground beneath your shed simply cannot hold the weight, and now your office floor slants on one side. Doesn't seem like much, but when your office chair is constantly being pulled to one side of the room, it can cause some serious back issues. Take it from personal experience: I've even seen a home office shed collapse." Another downside is office sheds, although cheaper than a home addition, don't come cheap. While prices range considerably, expect to pay $10,000 and up. Still, if having an office all to yourself is worth any price, then here are some options to consider. 1. Best office shed for the budget-conscious An affordable office shed Studio Shed If youre looking for an affordable, basic backyard office, the Signature Series from Studio Shed starts at just $9,600. The final price, however, will depend largely on the choices you make regarding size, type of siding, and finishes. Installation can be done by yourself or with the help of Studio Shed professionals. 2. Need a large office shed? This model is available in sizes ranging from 192 to more than 500 square feet. Kanga Rooms Need office space for you and your co-workers? The Modern Studio Luxe from Kanga Room Systems ranges in size from 192 to 500 square feet, plus the option of a bathroom. Residents in the company's home state of Texas are also eligible to receive completely furnished dwellings and the option of professional installation. But if you live elsewhere, the company will send a shell kit and youll have to add the interior finishes on your own. Shell prices for this model start at $10,000. 3. An office shed with lots of light With lots of windows, this model is light and bright. Sheds Unlimited The Urban 360 comes with two large, insulated windows as well as windows up top to bring in plenty of sunideal for artists or others who need natural light. Prices for this model start at just over $13,000 for an 8-by-8-foot model, without the interior finishes. 4. Best customizable office shed The company's founders are Icelandic natives, thus the company's fun name. Plus Hus Plus Hus (which is Icelandic for "plus house" and pronounced like "couscous") offers a basic 16-by-20-foot structure, and then you can choose to customize it based on one of three plans. The Open is the most basic version, and includes the structure as well as doors and windows, ceiling lights, interior cladding, and an AC and heating unit. It runs $47,000, although the company notes that you should also plan on an additional $70,000 to $90,000 for site planning, permitting, and contracting. It must also be assembled on a concrete foundation. 5. Want a sturdy office shed? This modern-looking office is made from shipping containers. Buhaus The Buhaus is made from shipping containersand is therefore one of the sturdier models. Its price reflects that, with an all-inclusive tag of $96,000. (That does not include the cost of installation, and septic and electrical systems.) Despite the high price tag, buyers do get the option of some cool built-ins such as a desk, couch, or Murphy bed depending on whether they plan to use it for work, sleep, or combination thereof in case they need a postlunch nap before they tackle their afternoon shift. The post 5 Gorgeous Office Sheds To Take Working From Home to the Next Level appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Representative image Maharashtras Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope on June 2 said show cause notices had been served to four prominent private city hospitals for not following rules with regard to COVID-19 treatment and warned of strict action against hospitals violating norms. Tope said the notices had been served to Bombay, Jaslok, Hinduja and Lilavati Hospitals for not adhering to rules related to treatment of COVID-19 patients. The Health Minister said he visited the four medical facilities following complaints that some private players were not cooperating with patients after the Maharashtra government took over 80 percent of the beds in private hospitals amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. He also tweeted that strict action would be taken against hospitals which will not follow government orders. Follow our LIVE blog for the latest updates of the novel coronavirus pandemic 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 According to an official statement, at the Bombay Hospital, a board displaying information about availability of beds, as required under government norms, was not put up. At some hospitals, rate cards as decided by the state government for treatment of patients were not displayed, it said. The Health Minister took stock of reserved beds at all the four facilities and instructed the hospitals to not deny beds to patients, to give timely treatment to them and cooperate, it added. In a separate matter earlier, the Supreme Court of India (SC) had on May 27 sought to know why private hospitals which had been given land free of cost or at a concessional rate could not treat COVID-19 patients for free. In May, the Maharashtra government had taken control of 80 percent of beds in all private hospitals across the state till August 31. Brought into effect by an order passed under the Epidemic Diseases Act, the state government also regulated the usage of private hospital bed capacity and capped prices of treatments that can be billed to patients. Hospitals are allowed to charge their own rates in the remaining 20 percent beds. (With inputs from PTI) Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nina Larson (Agence France-Presse) Geneva, Switzerland Wed, June 3, 2020 07:45 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdba9fff 2 World anti-racism,UN,anti-racism-protests,UN-Human-Rights-Council,racial-discrimination,racial-issues,racial-tension,racial-violence,US,Racism,inequality,George-Floyd,black-lives-matter Free The coronavirus pandemic's disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities, and protests triggered by George Floyd's death, have laid bare "endemic inequalities" in the United States, the UN rights chief said Tuesday, urging action. Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned that the COVID-19 crisis has had a worse impact on racial and ethnic minorities in the United States and a range of other countries. "This virus is exposing endemic inequalities that have too long been ignored," she said in a statement. Similar inequalities were also fuelling the widespread protests over the police killing in Minneapolis last week of Floyd, an unarmed black man. "In the United States, protests triggered by the killing of George Floyd are highlighting not only police violence against people of color, but also inequalities in health, education, employment and endemic racial discrimination," Bachelet said. Floyd was killed when a white police officer knelt on his neck, and video images of his killing have sparked demonstrations in hundreds of US cities against police brutality and racism. It has been the most widespread unrest in the United States since 1968, when cities went up in flames over the slaying of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Bachelet meanwhile stressed that entrenched racial discrimination is taking a heavy health toll during the pandemic, which has killed more than 375,000 people out of nearly 6.3 million infected worldwide. In the United States, which is the worst-hit country with over 105,000 deaths, she noted that the virus death rate for African Americans is reported to be more than double that of other racial groups. Her statement also highlighted the situation in Britain, where government data for England and Wales shows a death rate for blacks, ethnic Pakistanis and Bangladeshis that is nearly double that of whites. And she pointed to Brazil, where people of color in Sao Paulo are 62 percent more likely to die from the virus than whites, and in France's heavily minority-inhabited Seine Saint-Denis suburb of Paris, which has reported higher excess mortality figures than other areas. 'Urgent steps needed' "The appalling impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minorities is much discussed, but what is less clear is how much is being done to address it," Bachelet said. "Urgent steps need to be taken by states, such as prioritizing health monitoring and testing, increasing access to healthcare, and providing targeted information for these communities." She said the disparities likely resulted from a range of factors linked to marginalization, discrimination and access to healthcare, along with economic inequalities, overcrowded housing and environmental risks. People from racial and ethnic minorities are also more likely to have jobs that require them to leave their home, like the transport, health and cleaning sectors, raising the risk of infection. "It is a tragedy that it took COVID-19 to expose what should have been obvious -- that unequal access to healthcare, overcrowded housing and pervasive discrimination make our societies less stable, secure and prosperous," Bachelet said. She stressed that such factors were likely playing a devastating role in many countries, but lamented that a vast majority of states do not disaggregate data by ethnicity, making it difficult to get to the root of the problem. "Collection, disaggregation and analysis of data by ethnicity or race, as well as gender, are essential to identify and address inequalities and structural discrimination that contribute to poor health outcomes, including for COVID-19. "The fight against this pandemic cannot be won if governments refuse to acknowledge the blatant inequalities that the virus is bringing to the fore," Bachelet warned. Haiti - COVID-19 : The PNH hard hit by the pandemic Rameau Normil, Director General ai of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) expresses his deep sadness at the increase in cases of contamination of the Covid-19 coronavirus in the country https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30930-haiti-flash-more-than-2-500-cases-increase-in-8-departments.html, of which several members of the police institution are victims. Since the start of the epidemic, no less than 6 police officers have died from the Covid-19, recalls Normil, who underlines that the medical and social services of the PNH will continue to accompany sick police officers throughout their convalescence. In addition, arrangements will be made with technicians from the Ministry of Public Health to disinfect certain spaces and buildings in which police and administrative staff work, in order to considerably reduce the risk of contamination. Rameau Normil insisted on respecting barrier gestures, namely hand washing, mandatory wearing of a mask and physical distancing, and urged all employees of the police institution to exercise caution in this context of health crisis. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30930-haiti-flash-more-than-2-500-cases-increase-in-8-departments.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30928-haiti-covid-19-daily-report-june-2-2020.html HL/ HaitiLibre The death of George Floyd, a black man who died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by a white Minnesota police officer, has sparked outrage and protests in Minneapolis and across the United States. Second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter charges have been filed against Derek Chauvin, the officer who prosecutors say held his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes. Three other officers have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting manslaughter. Chauvin and the other three officers at the scene, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J Alexander Kueng, have been fired. The Department of Justice is investigating. PHOTO: A protester and an officer shake hands in the middle of a standoff during a rally calling for justice over the death of George Floyd Tuesday, June 2, 2020, in New York. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. (Wong Maye-e/AP) Wednesday's biggest developments: All 4 officers now facing charges At least 9,300 people arrested across the country Ferguson, Missouri, the site of the shooting of Michael Brown, elects first African American mayor Minnesota Department of Human Rights to investigate police department Here is how the news unfolded on Wednesday. All times Eastern. 9:39 p.m.: LA announces police reforms Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the city's police commission board announced new reforms for the Los Angeles Police Department. The department's budget won't be raised and they will begin to find $150 million in cuts, he announced. The decision comes amid calls from protesters to defund the police -- a popular chant outside City Hall in recent days. The $150 million in policing cuts will come from a total shift of $250 million from the proposed budget to instead be reallocated to minority communities, he said. "Today President [Barack] Obama challenged mayors to sign a pledge to recognize that there are things that are still not right. I was proud to be one of the first mayors in America to sign that pledge," Garcetti said at a press conference. "Tonight I want to announce that we arent just putting the work of moving forward on the shoulders of activists or of African Americans or police officers. Its on those of us who youve elected." Story continues "Our city identified $250 million in cuts so we can invest in jobs, in health, in education and in healing and those dollars need to be focused on our black community here in Los Angeles," he added. The department will also be instructed to invest in more implicit bias training, youth programs and oversight programs, according to the mayor. 8:33 p.m.: Floyd died of cardiopulmonary arrest; tested positive for COVID-19 The Hennepin Medical Examiner's office released the full 20-page autopsy of George Floyd and revealed that he had previously tested positive for COVID-19, but was likely asymptomatic when he died in late May. The report said he initially tested positive for COVID-19 back on April 3. A post mortem nasal test was performed on Floyd on May 26, one day after his death, and it came back positive for 2019-nCoV RNA. "Since PCR positivity for 2019-nCoV RNA can persist for weeks after the onset and resolution of clinical disease, the autopsy result most likely reflects asymptomatic but persistent PCR positivity from previous infection," the report said. Floyd's death, first released earlier this week, was listed as "cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression" with hypertensive heart disease, fentanyl intoxication and methamphetamine listed as additional conditions. 7:58 p.m.: All officers involved in Floyds death in custody Alexander Kueng, Tou Thao and Thomas Lane, the former Minneapolis cops who were charged today in connection with George Floyds murder, have been arrested and booked into Hennepin County Jail. The authorities released mugshots of the former officers later in the evening. PHOTO: Minneapolis Police officers Tou Thau, Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane. (Hennepin County Sheriff's Office ) Lane, Thao and Kueng were slated to have a court appearance Thursday afternoon, according to Hennepin County Jail records. Former officer Dereck Chauvin has been in custody since last week after he was charged with murder and manslaughter charges. 6:30 p.m.: Park Police officers put on admin duty following attack on Australian reporters The U.S. Park Police department tweeted out a statement concerning an incident where officers were seen hitting and harassing members of the Australian press. The incident took place Monday night when Attorney General William Barr ordered Lafayette Park cleared out of peaceful protesters prior to President Donald Trump's photo op at St. John's Church. Channel 7 News reporter Amelia Brace was pushed out of the way, while her cameraman was punched by an officer and hit with his shield and nightstick. "As is consistent with our established practices and procedures, two U.S. Park Police officers have been assigned to administrative duties, while an investigation takes place," U.S. Park Police acting Chief Gregory T. Monahan said in a statement. (2 of 2) "As is consistent with our established practices and procedures, two U.S. Park Police officers have been assigned to administrative duties, while an investigation takes place regarding the incident with the Australian Press." USPPNEWS (@usparkpolicepio) June 3, 2020 6:13 p.m.: DC mayor heckled by protesters after she doesn't take knee Washington, D.C., Muriel Bowser made an appearance at the protests outside of the White House. The mayor did not take a knee or chant with the crowd and they responded with cursing and shouts. Bowser stressed that she wants people to continue to peacefully protest. "We want people to peacefully protest. Nobody wants anybody who is bent on destruction," she told ABC News. "People have grievances that must be heard." Asked to evaluate the president's response so far, Bowser said, "I think to insinuate, or actually bring the United States military into an American city, is unconscionable and may be illegal." It was a hot, muggy day in Washington with temperatures hitting a high in the 90s. The crowd was large, but smaller than it had been yesterday. 5:20 p.m.: St. John's bishop says Trump should be replaced Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, continued to express her frustration with President Donald Trump's photo op outside the damaged St. John's Episcopal Church Monday evening. Speaking outside the church, Budde told ABC News she is done trying to talk to the president. "We need to replace President Trump. We need leadership that will lead us in ways that this country deserves," she told ABC News. MORE: Trump denies ordering protesters forcibly removed for church photo op Budde said the press should be focusing on the message of the protesters around the country. "It is a message of a call for justice -- for swift justice -- for George Floyd," she said, "for systemic justice for all brown and black people who have been under the knee of this country in ways that we have witnessed time and again." 3:26 p.m.: 3 other officers charged Three other former Minnesota police officers have been charged in the death of George Floyd, court records show. Thomas Lane, 37, Tou Thao, 34, and J Alexander Kueng, 26, were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting manslaughter, according to the court records. The maximum punishment for each is no more than 10 years of prison. Lane and Kueng were the first two officers at the scene at 8:08 p.m., according to a criminal complaint. A 911 call had come in about a man allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill to buy merchandise at Cup Foods, the complaint read. Floyd was in the driver's seat of a car by the time Lane and Kueng arrived, and when the officers approached the vehicle, Lane at one point pulled his gun, the complaint read. Lane put his gun back in its holster after Floyd put his hands on the steering wheel. Floyd was then pulled out of the car, handcuffed, and sat on a sidewalk, according to the complaint. Floyd said "calm" at the time and said "thank you man" to Lane. When Lane asked Floyd if "was on anything," Lane noted that there was "foam at the edges" of Floyd's mouth. Officers then tried to put Floyd in a squad car after informing him he was under arrest, but he stiffened up and fell to the ground, according to the complaint. Floyd told the officers he was not resisting, but did not want to get in the back seat and was claustrophobic. Chauvin and Thao then arrived at the scene in a separate car. PHOTO: Demonstrators take a knee, June 2, 2020, in Philadelphia, during a protest over the death of George Floyd. (Matt Rourke/AP) They all tried to force Floyd into the backseat, during which time Floyd said he could not breathe, according to the complaint. Chauvin eventually pulled Floyd out of the passenger side of the squad car at 8:19 p.m. and Floyd fell to the ground face down, still handcuffed, according to the complaint. "Officer Kueng held Mr. Floyd's back and Officer Lane held his legs. Officer Chauvin placed his left knee in the area of Mr. Floyd's head and neck. Mr. Floyd said, 'I can't breathe' multiple times and repeatedly said, 'Mama' and 'please,' as well. At one point, Mr. Floyd said 'I'm about to die.' Officer Chauvin and the other two officers stayed in their positions," the complaint reads. Thao got a hobble restraint from the squad car to restrain Floyd, but the officers decided not to use it and stayed on top of Floyd. Thao also "became considered about a number of citizens who had gathered" so he stood between the citizens and the officers on top of Floyd, which is what Thao is seen doing on the video of Floyd's death, according to the complaint. Floyd's movements and sounds stopped at 8:24 p.m. At 8:25 p.m., body camera video appears to show Floyd ceasing to breathe or speak. Lane asks, "want to roll him on his side" and Kueng checks Floyd's right wrist for a pulse, but says he cannot find one. "None of the officers moved from their positions," the complaint reads. Two minutes after that, Chauvin removed his knee from Floyd's neck and an ambulance arrives. Floyd was pronounced dead at the Hennepin County Medical Center. Benjamin Crump, the attorney for Floyd's family, called the charges a "bittersweet" moment for the family. "This is a significant step forward on the road to justice, and we are gratified that this important action was brought before George Floyd's body was laid to rest," Crump said in a statement. "That is a source of peace for George's family in this painful time." PHOTO: Quincy Mason Floyd, center, son of George Floyd, and attorney Ben Crump, left, kneel at the site where George Floyd was killed, on June 3, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minn. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Gov. Tim Walz called the charges charges "a meaningful step toward justice for George Floyd. But we must also recognize that the anguish driving protests around the world is about more than one tragic incident." Attorney General Keith Ellison said the charges against the three other officers were "justified by the facts and the law." He said he was not swayed by public pressure and his goal is justice for Floyd. "George Floyd mattered. He was loved. His family was important. His life had value and we will seek justice for him and you," Ellison said at a press conference. "The very fact that we have filed these charges means we believe in them." Arrests warrants were issued for Lane, Thao and Kueng. Ellison said one of the officers was already in custody and the others should be this afternoon. ABC News confirmed that Kueng was that detained officer. 3:04 p.m.: Charges increased for Chauvin to 2nd-degree murder The charges against former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin have been increased to second-degree murder, court records show. Chauvin, who was the officer seen on video with his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes, was charged last week with third-degree murder and manslaughter. All three charges are felonies. 2:50 p.m.: Curfews extended in Minnesota, LA county The state of Minnesota will be under a 10 p.m. curfew again on Wednesday, Gov. Tim Walz announced. Walz said residents "need more than ever to lean on their neighbors, show up for their communities, and add their voice to this urgent conversation on addressing our systemic problems. Thank you for doing those things peacefully we again ask you to plan to stay inside beginning at 10." Los Angeles County will also remain under a curfew. It begins on Wednesday night at 9 p.m. and ends at 5 a.m. The start time is later than previous nights. Residents are asked to stay in their homes during the curfew. "The countywide curfew does not apply to the following: peace officers; firefighters; National Guard or other military personnel deployed to the area; emergency medical services personnel; individuals traveling to and from work; individuals working on a public work of improvement construction project; credentialed media representatives involved in news gathering; people experiencing homelessness and without access to a viable shelter; and individuals seeking medical treatment," according to a statement from the county. 1:13 p.m.: Floyd family attorney expects all officers to be arrested Benjamin Crump, the attorney representing George Floyd's family, said he is confident that the Minnesota attorney general is "working feverishly to do the right thing." "We expect all the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis tomorrow," Crump said at a press conference at the scene of Floyd's death. He said the other officers are "just as guilty for the death of George Floyd as Officer [Derek] Chauvin." Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. The other three officers involved in the incident have not been arrested or charged. PHOTO: Civil rights attorney Ben Crump gestures next to George Floyd's son, Quincy Mason Floyd, as they visit the site where George Floyd was taken into police custody, in Minneapolis, June 3, 2020. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters) Crump urged the public to "take a breath." "For peace, let's take a breath. For justice, let's take a breath. to heal our country and most importantly for George Floyd," Crump said. 11:53 a.m.: About 30,000 National Guard members activated for protests There are 74,000 National Guard men and women activated for domestic operations across the country, according to a statement from the National Guard. About 30,000 are supporting law enforcement amid protests and nearly 40,000 are supporting COVID-19 response efforts, the National Guard said. The number of National Guard members activated now surpassed the 51,000 Guard personnel that was activated to support Hurricane Katrina response efforts. Your Lincoln Memorial this evening. pic.twitter.com/QByGgWeDDm Martha Raddatz (@MarthaRaddatz) June 3, 2020 "Governors in 31 states and the District of Columbia have activated 30,000 National Guard members to assist state and local law enforcement in support of civil unrest operations," according to a statement from the National Guard. "The situation remains fluid and the numbers may change rapidly as governors assess their needs." Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said the National Guard "is here to help, and we will stay as long as we are needed." 11:38 a.m.: NYC curfew to remain New York City will remain under a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through June 7, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced. The mayor said he hopes to lift the curfew in time for the city's phase one of reopening. Restrictions on transportation will remain in place throughout the week. De Blasio said that the protests throughout the city last night were calmer than before. The mayor said that the public needed to turn their attention back to the novel coronavirus pandemic. "As important as the issues are being addressed [in the protests], the single most important thing is the battle against the coronavirus," de Blasio said. He encouraged people to stay home to the maximum extent possible, practice social distancing consistently and wear face coverings at all times. 9:36 a.m.: UK police stand with those 'appalled' by Floyd's death Chief constables from forces across the United Kingdom, the chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council, the chief executive of the College of Policing and the president of the Police Superintendents' Association have issued a joint statement saying they stand with those "appalled and horrified" at George Floyd's death. "We are also appalled to see the violence and damage that has happened in so many US cities since then," according to the statement. The police said justice and accountability should follow. "In the UK we have a long established tradition of policing by consent, working in communities to prevent crime and solve problems. Officers are trained to use force proportionately, lawfully and only when absolutely necessary. We strive to continuously learn and improve. We will tackle bias, racism or discrimination wherever we find it," the statement said. The law enforcement officials acknowledged that there is more to do to make relationships between police and the public better. "Every day, up and down the country, officers and staff are working to strengthen those relationships and address concerns. Only by working closely with our communities do we build trust and help keep people safe," the statement read. Around when that statement was released, police officials also publicized statistics that showed black people in London were more likely than their white counterparts to be fined or arrested for breaching coronavirus lockdown rules. 8:56 a.m.: Peaceful protests in Massachusetts town end with clashes Brockton, Massachusetts, Mayor Robert Sullivan addressed protests that began peaceful but ended with confrontations between officers and civilians. Sullivan said one state trooper was injured by a projectile during the protests. Peaceful protests dominated the day, but around 8:30 p.m. a person from the crowd set off fireworks and others threw water bottles and rocks at police, according to ABC Boston affiliate WCVB. Police responded with tear gas canisters to disperse the group. Some arrests were made, according to Sullivan. He said there was damage reported elsewhere in the town, including a Dunkin' Donuts that was set on fire and vandalized. Even as tensions rose in the evening, there was still peace. At one point, four people kneeled with hands up in front of a line of officers. One man who kneeled told WCVB he "had to stand up for what he believes in," but didn't want violence. "We come in peace," the man who only identified himself as a Brockton resident told the station. "We don't want war. We go home; they go home, and everyone is all peaceful. That is all we want." 5:50 a.m.: NYPD arrest 280 people, looting and vandalism on the decline The NYPD made about 280 arrests during Tuesday night/Wednesday morning protests, a lower tally than previous nights, as the city came under an 8 p.m. curfew and stopped for-hire vehicles, CitiBikes and rental scooters that vandals had used to cause trouble. There were fewer officers injured as well with only two suffering minor injuries. PHOTO: A man jumps from the window of a damaged store in New York City, June 2, 2020. (Jeenah Moon/Reuters) There was less vandalism than there has been during previous nights as police sealed off parts of Manhattan even before the curfew took effect. A standoff on the Manhattan Bridge ended without incident when 5,000 demonstrators returned to Brooklyn after they had been prevented from entering Manhattan. 3:04 a.m.: At least 9,300 people arrested across the country The Associated Press has announced that at least 9,300 people arrested in protests across the country since George Floyd's death, according to their tally. The events leading up to Floyd's death were filmed, went viral and has been the catalyst for protests nationwide. Police were called at around 8 p.m. on May 25 by an employee of the Cup Foods convenience store alleging that a customer used a counterfeit bill to pay for cigarettes and that the person appeared drunk, according to the 911 log released by the Minneapolis Police Department. The employee went to the car outside the store where the customer was sitting and asked him to return the cigarettes, but was denied, according to the 911 call transcript. PHOTO: A protester outside St George's Hall on June 2, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) The employee described the customer as a 6-foot-6 black man, which was Floyd's height, and repeated to the 911 operator that he appeared drunk. Around eight minutes later, Minneapolis police officers Thomas Lane and J.A. Kueng arrived at the shop and approached Floyd and two others in the car, according to the criminal complaint. A few minutes after that officers Derek Chauvin and Tou Thoa arrived to help arrest Floyd, which led to Chauvin placing his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes, the criminal complaint said. All four officers were fired and, but as of Tuesday afternoon, Chauvin is the only one to have been arrested. He was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Minnesota's Department of Human Rights filed civil rights charges against the Minneapolis Police Department on Tuesday. 1:50 a.m.: 200 Arrested in Houston, police stress that majority of protests were peaceful The Houston Police Department announced that they made more than 200 arrests in downtown Houston Tuesday involving people engaged in criminal conduct, including throwing rocks and bottles at officers, and people who refused to clear the streets when they were ordered to do so. "This is an extremely low number of arrests considering the thousands of people in our community who marched and demonstrated peacefully today," the HPD said in a tweet. "We're not aware of any significant property damage or injuries. We will have updated arrest numbers/info later this morning." This is an extremely low number of arrests considering the thousands of people in our community who marched and demonstrated peacefully today. We're not aware of any significant property damage or injuries. We will have updated arrest numbers/info later this morning. Houston Police (@houstonpolice) June 3, 2020 1:09 a.m.: Prince George's County Police suspends 3 officers for use of force After seeing cell phone footage of two officers using excessive force while detaining a suspect at a Langley Park gas station in Maryland, Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George's County Police Department and the Department's Executive Command Staff made the decision to immediately suspend the two involved officers and their supervisor while the incident is investigated. In the video, while attempting to handcuff the suspect, one of the officers can be seen kicking the suspect twice. "I am sorry and I am angry. I am sharing the video in the interest of transparency. During my tenure as chief of police, four officers have been criminally prosecuted for assault. This will be thoroughly investigated and in keeping with past practice, the findings will be referred to the office of the state's attorney," Stawinski said. The preliminary investigation revealed the officer who used force observed an assault and attempted to detain the involved suspects. After a foot chase that ended at the gas station, he was able to handcuff one suspect. He is then seen on the video taking the second suspect to the ground. When a backup officer arrived, that second officer assisted the first officer in the apprehension. During that attempt to handcuff the suspect, the first officer kicked the suspect. The two suspects were ultimately released when the assault victim could not be located. 12:31 a.m.: DC National Guard has directed an investigation into use of medical helicopter to target, disperse DC protesters The Washington, D.C., National Guard has announced that they are directing an investigation into the actions of their rotary aviation assets on June 1 after it was reported that their medical helicopters were used to target protesters. According to The Washington Post, numerous videos were posted on social media showing a Lakota medevac helicopter with Red Cross markings hovering very low over demonstrators, possibly in an effort to disperse the crowds. The use of a medical helicopter in a law enforcement capacity may violate military law and regulations. "Our priority is the safety of our Guardsmen who support civil authorities," the DCNG said in a tweet. "We are dedicated to ensuring the safety of citizens and their right to protest." 12:04 a.m.: Ferguson elects 1st African American mayor The city of Ferguson, the site of 2014 unrest and protests over racial justice after Michael Brown, an 18-year old black man, was killed by a white police officer, elected its first African American mayor Tuesday. Ella Jones, a councilwoman in the predominantly black city, is also the first woman to hold the position, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She will succeed James Knowles III, a term-limited, Republican mayor who defeated Jones in 2017. This year, Jones defeated another councilwoman, Heather Robinett, by 6 points, according to unofficial results from county election officials. 10:39 p.m.: Trump objects to GOP criticism of church photo-op President Donald Trump lashed out at fellow Republicans who have criticized his decision to clear protesters out of Lafayette Park on Monday evening prior to a photo op in front of St. John's Episcopal Church. He called out Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, James Lankford of Oklahoma and Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who were critical of the violent removal of peaceful protesters with flash-bangs and smoke canisters. "You got it wrong! If the protesters were so peaceful, why did they light the Church on fire the night before?" he tweeted, though it was a different group of protesters and Monday's group had not been violent. "People liked my walk to this historic place of worship! Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. James Lankford, Sen. Ben Sasse." ABC News' Kendall Karson, Alexandra Faul, Chad Murray, Aaron Katersky, Matt Stone, Elizabeth McLaughlin, Ben Stein, Alex Stone, Rachel Scott and Whitney Lloyd contributed to this report. Floyd died of cardiopulmonary arrest, tested positive for COVID-19, autopsy shows originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Goodbody Stockbrokers has released its latest Irish Economy Health Check which uses UK trends as a guide as to what the potential demand for loans by Irish SMEs may be. Goodbody say the extraordinary take-up under the three pandemic lending schemes in the UK highlights the urgency for an increase in the scope and scale of government-backed schemes in Ireland. Lending to UK businesses under the three new lending facilities set up since the start of the pandemic continued to increase last week. A further 3.9bn in lending was approved to 94,000 businesses in the week to 31st May. This takes the total amount lent under the three main lending schemes to 31.3bn to 745, 000 businesses. According to UK Finance, an average of 275,000 loans and overdrafts were issued per year over the past five years by the 10 largest banking groups. The total number of facilities agreed also amounts to c.31% of non-financial businesses in the UK. Goodbody used the UK trends as a guide as to what the potential demand for loans by Irish SMEs may be. Scaling the lending done in the UK, this would potentially result in lending of 3.4bn ISME, the group representing Irish SMEs, noted the very low take-up of loans under the schemes that have been introduced in Ireland to date. Less than 75m has found its way to SMEs, while legislation has not yet been passed for the additional government guaranteed lending scheme. A new government will need to be formed before this happens. The UK experience suggests that banks may be unwilling to lend to businesses in this environment, even with an 80% government-guarantee. According to Goodbody Stockbrokers, "The funding characteristics of UK and Irish SMEs are not that different and with both countries experiencing lockdowns of similar scale and duration, cash-burn is unlikely to be dramatically different. While debt will not be the answer for all firms, there is an urgent need for additional lending supports for Irish SMEs." Source: www.businessworld.ie The Sidewalk Starlite Drive-In has rescheduled its screening of The Peanut Butter Falcon for June 13 at The Summit shopping center in Birmingham. The 2019 movie -- an adventure tale and buddy film starring Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson and Zack Gottsagen -- originally was set for June 6 at the REI location of The Summit, 335 Summit Blvd. However, the timing of the 7:45 p.m. screening would have violated the curfew in Birmingham. On Monday, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced a curfew that runs from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Its linked to a state of emergency resulting from violent unrest that rocked downtown Birmingham on Sunday. The curfew will be in place until further notice, Woodfin said. Protesters here were responding to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died during an arrest in Minneapolis on May 25. Video footage shows a white police officer with his knee on Floyds neck. Three other officers watch. In the video, Floyd tells them he cant breathe and then goes silent. In Birmingham, a crowd gathered downtown on Sunday for a peaceful protest, but it turned into a violent melee after some of the protesters tried to tear down a Confederate monument in Linn Park. Another statue was toppled in the park; fires blazed; glass doors and windows were shattered in nearby buildings. Two members of the media were injured. On Tuesday, the Jefferson County Commission voted to enact its own curfew, which runs 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. The curfew started Tuesday night and lasts until June 9. All tickets for the June 6 showing of The Peanut Butter Falcon will be honored on June 13, Sidewalk organizers said. Refunds are available for ticketholders who cant attend the new date. They also can donate the purchase price to the Sidewalk Film Festival, a nonprofit organization. The Sidewalk Starlite Drive-In launched on May 9 with a pop-up screening of Clueless at the Ladd Lot downtown. The series moved to The Summit after that, and has sold out screenings of The Karate Kid (May 16), Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (May 23) and Pretty in Pink (May 30). Because the drive-in concept has proved so popular, Sidewalk added a June 12 screening of Dirty Dancing to its agenda. Tickets are $20 per carload, available at the Sidewalk website. Gates open at 7 p.m. The screening begins at 7:30 p.m. -- or shortly afterward, at sunset -- and the lot closes at about 7:45 p.m. Sidewalk has posted a list of drive-in policies on its website. These guidelines are intended to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe summoned the U.S. ambassador in Harare on Monday after a senior White House official said the country was among "foreign adversaries" using the unrest over the death of George Floyd to interfere in U.S. affairs. Protests demanding justice for Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis after a policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, have spread across the United States and turned violent. Robert O'Brien, President Donald Trump's national security advisor, told ABC news in an interview on Sunday that countries such as Russia, China, Iran and Zimbabwe were adversaries that were using the unrest to stoke tensions in the United States. Washington has frequently criticised Zimbabwe's human rights record in the past, including crackdowns on opposition protests. In a statement, Zimbabwe's Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo said O'Brien's accusations were "false and deeply damaging to a relationship already complicated due to years of prescriptive megaphone diplomacy and punitive economic sanctions". "We take due note of the measures deployed by the U.S. authorities to deal with the challenges currently confronting them. At the same time, we recall the harsh U.S. criticism and condemnation of our own response to multiple instances of illegal, violent civil unrest," said Moyo. In a statement in response, Nichols, the U.S. ambassador, said the United States would continue to speak out against injustices at home and abroad. (Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Emma Rumney and Peter Graff) Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK By Express News Service CHENNAI: Crossing the 1,000-mark for the third consecutive day, Tamil Nadu recorded 1,091 positive cases on Tuesday, pushing the Statewide tally to 24,586. Chennai continued its upward spiral, with 806 fresh cases, taking the citys tally to 16,585. The number of deaths, too, saw a spike, with 13 more people succumbing to the virus, all with co-morbid conditions. The toll now stands at 197. While 12 of the deceased were from Chennai, one was from Chengalpattu. They were all in the 50-80 age group. Chairing a review meeting with corporation officials amid this unabated spike in cases, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, said the high rate of testing has recorded such readings. Death rate is just 0.8 per cent owing to the States dedicated healthcare workers. If the other States test 13,000 people a day like we do, the number of cases there will also be high. In Chennai alone, 4,000 people are being tested every day. Countering allegations on the lack of ventilators at the States disposal, he said a total of 3,371 ventilators were available, including 630 in private hospitals and the recently-procured 620. Only around 5 per cent of patients need ventilators, he added. The number of returnees from other states have also been adding to the States load. Among the 55 returnees, 40 are from Maharashtra, eight from Karnataka, three from Andhra Pradesh and two each from Kerala and Delhi. Chennais neighbouring districts such as Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram reported 82, 43 and 15 cases respectively. Brazil surpassed 30,000 deaths from the coronavirus outbreak as the disease continued to rip through Latin America, while Italy -- at one point the hardest-hit country -- prepared to reopen its borders in time for the European summer. After chalking up devastating human losses in Europe, the virus has now taken a firm grip in Latin America, where Brazil surpassed a chilling landmark late Tuesday. The latest official COVID-19 death toll of 31,199 is the fourth-highest in the world, after the US, Britain and Italy. The figures come as some Brazilian states began to emerge from weeks of economically-stifling quarantine measures despite warnings from the WHO and epidemiologists it is too much, too soon. A gravedigger burying a person at the Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery in the neighbourhood of Taruma, in Manaus, Brazil, on June 2, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic / AFP "In the current situation, relaxing the measures is adding gasoline to the fire," Rafael Galliez, an infectious diseases expert at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, told AFP. - Surf's up again in Rio - Yet surfers and swimmers streamed back to the beach in Rio de Janeiro as the city started easing lockdown measures, allowing the reopening of places of worship and water sports. "I think that here, in the water, there is no risk. It's not like in the stores," said Cesar Calmon as he delighted in the waves off Ipanema beach. A surfer walks at the Arpoador beach in Rio de Janeiro on June 2, 2020 as some beaches reopened to surfers and swimmers / AFP In Europe, most countries have flattened their initial infection curves and are gradually easing out of confinement as they try to curb the economic fallout of the shutdowns. Italy reopens its borders to travellers from Europe Wednesday, three months after the country went into lockdown, with hopes for economic revival pinned on reigniting its tourism industry. But there were fears many foreign tourists will be put off visiting a country where 33,000 people died of the disease. "Come to Calabria. There's only one risk: that you'll get fat," the southern region's governor Jole Santelli said as the race began to lure big-spenders -- or any spenders -- back to Italy's sandy shores. - Symbolic victory - In a symbolic victory in the French capital, Parisians reclaimed beloved cafe terraces that were allowed to sprawl across pavements to accommodate social distancing measures. "Coffee on a terrace, that's Paris!" said Martine Depagniat, among those enjoying the new freedom after 10 weeks of closures. The cafes of Paris are busy again on June 2, 2020 as lockdown measures ease / AFP Schools, swimming pools, pubs and tourist sites are steadily reopening across the continent to ease the economic pain, and stock markets rose on European optimism, despite fears of a second wave of infections. Greece suspended flights to and from Qatar on Tuesday after detecting multiple infections on a flight from Doha to Athens. The respiratory disease has claimed nearly 400,000 lives and infected more than 6.2 million in its rampage around the globe, upending life for billions since it first emerged in China late last year. The focus now falls on Latin America, which passed one million cases this week. Brazil has more than half of that caseload -- 555,383 -- making it the second most affected country after the United States, where experts fear mass demonstrations over the police killing of African American George Floyd could reignite the spread of COVID-19. The World Health Organization has warned that healthcare systems could soon be overwhelmed with Peru, Chile and Mexico also seeing big daily increases in infections. Mexico has also started rebooting the economy after more than two months of shutdown, allowing activity in the car, mining and construction industries to resume. - Journalists die - China's national Centre for Disease Control and Prevention declared Wuhan 'the safest city' / AFP In Venezuela the virus forced political rivals to come together, with the government of Nicolas Maduro striking a deal with opposition leader Juan Guaido, who claims the presidency, to seek resources to address the disease's spread, all parties confirmed Tuesday. Meanwhile at least 20 journalists have died from the coronavirus outbreak in Peru, most of them infected while reporting on the pandemic, often with little protection, the country's journalists' union said. Peru is Latin America's second worst-hit country after Brazil with more than 170,000 cases and 4,600 deaths. "As of June 1, the number of dead colleagues is 20 in all of the country," said Zuliana Lainez of the National Association of Journalists. Many of them contracted the disease while reporting from streets, markets and hospitals on the effects of the virus, without proper protective equipment, Lainez said. "They have gone to hospitals, which are foci of infection, with homemade masks," she said. Back where it all began in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the virus first emerged in December, officials touted another success after finding only 300 positive cases after testing nearly 10 million people over the past two weeks. "These numbers show that Wuhan is now the safest city," said Feng Zijian, deputy director of China's national Center for Disease Control and Prevention. burs/db/st As the world faces an ongoing battle with COVID-19, the hospitality housekeeping department is emerging front and center, ensuring guest safety, satisfaction and loyalty. Nominations are open for the 1st annual Guest Room Attendant Excellence Award, which acknowledges the contributions of guest room attendants (GRAs) at hotel companies across the United States. Sponsored by UMF Corporation, the award celebrates the often unheralded workers who serve as the first line of defense in ensuring a safe guest environment. The deadline for nominations is Monday, Aug. 31, 2020. As the world faces an ongoing battle with COVID-19, the hospitality housekeeping department is emerging front and center, ensuring guest safety, satisfaction and loyalty, said UMF CEO George Clarke. Industry associations and thought leaders have reacted quickly to create thoughtful, comprehensive cleaning and disinfection protocols to help the hospitality industry ensure the safety of all guests and employees. Amidst all of this, hotel housekeeping departments are adopting hospital-grade infection prevention processes as the industry embraces the new normal. As UMF enters its 11th year recognizing healthcare environmental services workers with the Environmental Hygiene Specialist Award, we knew that now was the time to also focus attention on the invaluable contribution of the hotel housekeeping department and, in particular, the GRA. The GRA will play a critical role in guest satisfaction and safety in the post-COVID-19 era. According to the CDC, one of the top five recommendations for preventing COVID-19 is to regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. And, the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) recently launched its Stay Safe program, an initiative that is focused on enhanced hotel cleaning practices, social interactions, and workplace protocols to meet the new health and safety challenges and expectations presented by COVID-19. An industry expert recently remarked, "Cleaning [in hotels] will become a theatrical performance." The housekeeping staff will be the lead players in ensuring a safe guest environment. Recommendations from organizations such as the CDC and AHLA underscore the crucial role that hotel housekeeping departments, and GRAs, in particular, serve in ensuring optimal cleanliness and disinfection in hotels, added Clarke. We created our first ever Guest Room Attendant Award to underscore their importance in hospitality, especially as the industry adjusts to a new way of operating amidst the global health crisis. As new technologies and hospital level infection prevention are trialed and adopted, the GRA will be the trained associate that operates and ensures these new technologies are used effectively to process the guest environments. Hotel managers are encouraged to nominate dedicated staff members for the award. The award recipient will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two, including airfare to a location of their choice within the 48 contiguous states. Nomination forms, available at https://bit.ly/304TcI2 should be submitted by Aug. 31, 2020. About UMF Corporation UMF Corporation is the leader in the research and development of high-performance products, programs and training for the infection prevention and commercial cleaning markets. Through extensive testing, exhaustive analysis and the commitment of significant human and financial resources, new antimicrobial technologies have been merged with innovative product designs that are redefining the future of clean. https://www.perfectclean.com/ Hong Kong Leader Accuses US of 'Double Standard' Over Protests By VOA News June 02, 2020 Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the violent protests across the United States are an example of foreign governments applying a "double standard" when it comes to China's approach to quelling a year of anti-Beijing protests. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced last week that it no longer considers Hong Kong autonomous from China's autocratic rule after the mainland's rubber-stamp parliament approved a bill that would prevent and punish acts of "secession, subversion or terrorism activities" that threaten national security, and allow Chinese national security organs to set up agencies in Hong Kong. Lam told reporters Tuesday that the U.S. and other governments who have criticized China "are very concerned about their own national security, but on our national security...they are looking at it through tinted glasses." She called reporters' attention to the reaction in the U.S. over the pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong last year, and compared that to how local governments in the U.S. are handling the unrest sparked by the death of a black man in police custody in Minneapolis last week. With 1,300 American businesses operating in the financial hub, Lam warned the United States will be "hurting their own interests" if the Trump administration suspends Hong Kong's preferential status that has made the city a top U.S. trading partner. Hong Kong's government announced Wednesday that Lam will lead a delegation of senior Hong Kong officials to Beijing on Wednesday to present her views on the planned national security laws to Chinese government officials. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By AFP WASHINGTON: The United States on Tuesday ordered the suspension of all flights by Chinese airlines into and out of the country after Beijing failed to allow American carriers to resume services to China. "US carriers have asked to resume passenger service, beginning June 1st. The Chinese government's failure to approve their requests is a violation of our Air Transport Agreement," the US Transportation Department (DoT) said in a statement. The suspension order takes effect June 16, but could be implemented sooner if President Donald Trump orders it, the statement said. US air carriers sharply reduced or suspended service to China amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but United and Delta submitted applications at the beginning of May to resume flights and have been unable to receive authorization from Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC), DoT said. Coming at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, the latest spat centers partially on the CAAC deciding to determine its limit on foreign airlines based on their activity on March 12. But US carriers by then had suspended all flights due to the pandemic -- meaning their cap was calculated to be zero -- while Chinese-flagged flights continued. The "arbitrary 'baseline' date... effectively precludes US carriers from reinstating scheduled passenger flights to and from China," the DoT order says. The department also said there are indications Chinese airlines are using charter flights to get around the limit of one flight a week to increase the advantage over US carriers. "Our overriding goal is not the perpetuation of this situation, but rather an improved environment wherein the carriers of both parties will be able to exercise fully their bilateral rights," DoT said in the order. In early January 2020, before the pandemic struck, US and Chinese carriers operated approximately 325 weekly flights between the two countries. Sphephelo Mhlongo is a professional architect currently at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works. His hope for Youth Month 2020 is that it ignites passion, drive and a fresh sense of entrepreneurship in SA's youth, as they navigate their way through the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. Sphephelo Mhlongo, professional architect, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works Tell us a bit about yourself and your background. What drew you to a career in architecture? What are some your achievements in your field of which you are most proud? What aspects of your field are you most passionate about? Youre a previous winner of the AfriSam-SAIA Sustainable Design Award. What, in your opinion, made your design stand out from the competition? What are some of the challenges young people face in the architecture industry? How would you suggest they be overcome? The Covid-19 crisis is likely to have a significant impact on the opportunities available for professional development for young South Africans. Do you have any words of encouragement? What to you is the significance of Youth Month in 2020? Words you live by? We chatted to Mhlongo to find out more about his journey as an architect, what some of the challenges are that young people face in the industry, and his thoughts on the significance of Youth Month this year.Im a Zulu boy, born and raised in eSikhawini, a township on the outskirts of Richards Bay in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. I was fortunate enough to have parents who instilled values of good education in me. This meant that from a very early age, I was always keen to learn and I believe that this was the foundation of my academic career.After finishing matric, I moved to Johannesburg to study architecture at the University of the Witwatersrand. Moving to Johannesburg and adapting to the big city life contributed to my growth as an individual and as a creative. I found myself in a diverse, dynamic, urban environment which cultivated creativity and resilience. I completed my Master of Architecture (Professional) qualification in 2016.Whilst studying architecture I developed an interest in African urban environments, particularly how theyre put together and how they function. This led me to enrol part-time for the Urban Design programme at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2017. I completed my Master of Urban Design qualification in 2019.Upon completing my architecture qualification in 2016, I moved back to my home town and started working for Jeremy Steere Architects as a candidate architect. It was at Jeremy Steere Architects where I grew the most as an architect. Jeremy Steere ensured he imparted his design values and philosophies to me, which became the foundation from which I built my own design values and philosophies. I am now a professional architect, currently working at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works.I think it was just fate. I, unfortunately, dont have a beautiful back story to what drew me to architecture. I remember being confused and not knowing what I wanted to study in matric. What was certain, however, is that whatever I studied had to be in the built environment because that was where my interests lay. So I applied to a couple of courses within the built environment and luckily or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, I was only accepted at the University of the Witwatersrand to study architecture.I say it was fate because my name, Sphephelo, translated means shelter. This to me means that I have fulfilled my parents' prophecy. I always make jokes about how my name means shelter and I now design shelters for a living.The achievement I am most proud of is helping my parents renovate their house and convert it into the house of their dreams. I can think of no reward better than giving back to the people who have been in my corner since the beginning of my architecture journey. What made it even more rewarding was being able to physically show my parents that this is what I have been doing in Johannesburg for the past six years.Another achievement I am very proud of is obtaining my second Masters degree. The Master of Urban Design degree was challenging because it forced me to change how I perceived architecture and its role in forming and creating space.Detail, detail, detail! I, much like every other architect, enjoy arranging spaces and making them work in ways which create beautiful functional architecture. I, however, enjoy the small intricate details of architecture a lot more. I realised this when I was renovating my parents' house. I ended up designing even items such as window boxes, burglar bars, stainless steel kitchen counters and the steel supports for the shelves in the kitchen and pantry. I believe the small details make the architecture.Over and above the design of the building, I think it was the story behind the project which made it stand out from the rest. Jeremy Steere, the principal architect, got the project and designed the building he thought was appropriate for the client. The client rejected his proposal and said that it wasnt sexy enough. He then gave me the opportunity to lead the project and design a sexy landmark building for the clients. I designed the building and the client liked the design I had proposed. My design eventually became the building which was built. What is amazing about this project was Jeremy Steere, an experienced architect, taking a step back and giving me, a young technologist at the time, the opportunity to design a building.The biggest challenge young people face in the industry is getting opportunities, like I received at Jeremy Steere Architects, which is to design and lead projects. Designing and leading projects allows young people to become individuals and create their own identities as architects. It is important that more young architects are given those platforms because it would create a more diverse spectrum of architects. The more diversity we have, the more diversity we will have in the spaces we design and create. I think being proactive and constantly asking to be given those opportunities will go a long way to assist young people overcome this challenge.The pandemic has changed so many of our norms, especially our work culture. This pandemic and the period of uncertainty it has created has forced individual and communal evaluation of the goals and expectations we had placed on our careers. It has given birth and revived many business ideas and concepts. The beauty about this period is that more people are seeing which space they fit into in their 'careers'.I feel it has also forced many of us to future-proof our careers and by doing so, making us more resilient to change. This pandemic has brought many challenges but through the difficulties, people are finding themselves coming out of this pandemic stronger, and are ready to face the evolving work environment. They key is definitely agility and being able to adapt to change.The first half of 2020 has been eventful and, in light of Covid-19, questions about the future of the youth have been palpable. Youth Month comes at a time where it seems as if the youth are being excluded and have lost their voice across our country. This is exemplified by the ever-rising youth unemployment numbers.For me, Youth Month has always been a reminder that the youth should be at the forefront of imagining and creating a future for this country. I, therefore, hope that Youth Month 2020 ignites passion, drive and a fresh sense of entrepreneurship in our youth, allowing them to sustain themselves past the pandemic. I am because you are, and you are because we are.We dont live alone. We constantly need other people as much as they need us. This creates a sense of community amongst those around us, which in turn gives us a sense of self-worth by making us valued members of a community. In short, treat everyone with respect and dignity and they will reciprocate. UPDATE: Today is the 12th day of no new cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand. Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield is delivering the latest update on the coronavirus situation in New Zealand. "There are no new cases to report. This is now our 12th consecutive day of no new cases. "There is just one active case." Ashley says there are no cases which require hospital care. New Zealand's total number of confirmed cases remains at 1504. "We still have probable cases and the total number remains at 1154." Yesterday, laboratories carried out 1262 tests. The total number of test carried out to date is now 283, 525. Ashley says while New Zealand continues to report zero new cases, the situation is very different outside of our borders. He says there are thousands of cases still being reported each day, showing that this is a continuing global pandemic. EARLIER: New Zealand has seen zero new cases of COVID-19 for more than a week now. Will the trend continue? Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield will be delivering the latest update on the COVID-19 response at 1pm. SunLive will provide updates throughout the afternoon for those who can't tune into the livestream above. What we know so far As of yesterday, there was only one active case of COVID-19 in New Zealand. This case is reported to be in Auckland. There were no new cases or deaths reported by the Ministry of Health. The number of confirmed and probable cases remained at 1504, with the total number of confirmed cases - which is reported to the World Health Organisation - still 1154. The number of recovered cases was unchanged at 1481 with just one active case remaining and no people in hospital with the virus. Terror groups Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed have been expanding their footprint in Afghanistan as part of a carefully-crafted strategy of Pakistans deep state to fuel terrorism in Kabul and beyond irrespective of how the US-Taliban peace process pans out, people familiar with the development told Hindustan Times. Pakistans Inter Services Intelligence, or ISI, is infiltrating the Lashkar and Jaish terrorists into the Islamic State-Khorasan Province that has been in tatters after the arrest of its chief Abdulah Orakzai aka Aslam Faroooqui and his top commanders by Afghan security forces. Farooqui was replaced by Maulvi Mohammed as the ISKP new chief. Maulvi Mohammed also has deep links with the Lashkar-e-Taiba, counter-terror officials in Kabul said. As part of the blueprint drawn up in Pakistans Rawalpindi, a counter-terror official in Delhi said ISI officials have created the financial and logistic support network to facilitate their operations. ISI officials were also present at a recent meeting convened by Taliban shadow governor in Kunar province Ahmadullah with top Lashkar and Taliban operatives. The revelation comes days after a sanctions monitoring team of the UN Security Council spotlighted the role of the 6,000-6,500 foreign fighters who had been inducted into Afghanistan. The UNSC report estimated the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba had about 800 fighters operating with Taliban forces in Mohmand Darah, Dur Baba and Sherzad Districts of Nangarhar Province and the Jaish-e-Mohammed, 200. The Lashkar had another 220 fighters and the Jaish, 30 more, in Kunar province. Security officials in Kabul said the ISIs emphasis on pushing the Lashkar and Jaish terrorists came after the 29 February pact between the Taliban and the United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad. The agreement provided for withdrawal of United States forces drawdown in exchange for Taliban counter-terrorism measures, exchanges of prisoners between the Taliban and the Government of Afghanistan and other steps to reach a permanent ceasefire. The infiltration of the Lashkar, Jaish terrorists is the ISIs joint backup plan with the Taliban. They can both claim to be working for peace in Afghanistan and yet, keep the pot boiling, a diplomatic source in Kabul told Hindustan Times. The terror groups have hit the ground running. Officials said the two groups have been carrying out operations in the bordering districts of Kunar, Nuristan and Nangarhar provinces along the Durand Line. The relocated Lashkar groups have organised attacks in Afghan cities and ambushed border security posts of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces in coordination with the Taliban, its sword arm the Haqqani Network and Al Qaeda. There is a continuing effort to increase their numbers. In the last week of May, a source told Hindustan Times, a group of 30 Lashkar cadres had moved into Dangam district of Kunar province. They were led by Bilal alias Zarqawi, an ex-ISI officer who had been in charge of a major terror training centre in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as well as for the Jalalabad operations. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Special Investigations Unit has cleared a York Region police officer in a New Years Eve collision that killed an innocent bystander following an abandoned pursuit of a speeding driver. According to an SIU report issued Wednesday, the police officer was travelling east along Major MacKenzie Drive around 7 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2019, when she witnessed a speeding vehicle. The officer followed the vehicle, reaching speeds upwards of 110 km/h, the SIU said. Unable to catch up, the officer eventually lost sight of the vehicle and abandoned the pursuit, the SIU said. The driver in the speeding vehicle continued speeding east along Major MacKenzie before turning left on Ninth Line. Within seconds of turning onto Ninth Line, the driver collided with another vehicle, causing both vehicles to roll into a ditch on the east side of the Ninth Line. The collision injured a 68-year-old man, the SIU said. The officer who initially abandoned the chase was summoned to the area of the collision over the police radio, the SIU said. On arrival, the officer administered CPR to the injured man, but was unable to save him. The man died of his injuries on scene, the SIU said. The SIU said there was no evidence to indicate that the driver was ever aware of the police cruiser pursuing him. The bystanders death was needless and tragic, said SIU director Joseph Martino in the news release. While the (officer) is a part of that sad story because of the efforts she made to resuscitate him at the scene and pull over the driver moments before he caused the collision that took the (mans) life, there are no grounds to believe that the officer acted other than professionally throughout, Martino said. There is no basis for proceeding with criminal charges against the officer, Martino concluded. The SIU is an arms length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. Jacob Lorinc is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @jacoblorinc In the wake of the impending threat posed by Cyclone Nisarga, which is expected to hit Maharashtra on Wednesday (June 3) afternoon, Indian Railways has rescheduled some trains that were scheduled to arrive/depart from Mumbai on Wednesday. The India Meterological Department on Wednesday said that Cyclone Nisarga is approaching north Maharashtra coast with a speed of 13 kmph and it is 155 km south-southwest of Alibag and 200 km south-southwest of Mumbai. Here is the list of trains which are rescheduled due to Cyclone Nisarga: 02542 LTT-Gorakhpur special will leave at 20.00 hrs on 3.6.2020 instead of 11.10 hrs 06345 LTT-Thiruvananthapuram special will leave at 18.00 hrs on 3.6.2020 instead of 11.40 hrs 01061 LTT-Darbhanga special will leave at 20.30 hrs on 3.6.2020 instead of 12.15 hrs 01071 LTT-Varanasi special will leave at 21.00 hrs on 3.6.2020 instead of 12.40 hrs 01019 CSMT-Bhubaneshwar special will leave at 20.00 hrs instead of 15.05 hrs Similarly, the following Uttar Pradesh special trains scheduled to arrive Mumbai on 3.6.2020 will be regulated/diverted 03201 Patna-LTT special schedule to arrive at 11.30 hrs on 3.6.2020 to be regulated enroute and arrive behind schedule 01094 Varanasi-CSMT special schedule to arrive at 14.15 hrs on 3.6.2020 to be regulated enroute and arrive behind schedule 06436 Thiruvananthapuram-LTT special scheduled to arrive 16.40 hrs on 3.6.2020 will be diverted via Pune to arrive LTT behind schedule. Mumbai, Surat and coastal areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat are on high alert as cyclone `Nisarga' is expected to intensify into a "severe cyclonic storm" and cross Maharashtra and South Gujarat coast on Wednesday (June 3). Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has urged people to stay alert as cyclone Nisarga is expected to be more severe than cyclonic storms in the past. An interstate travel bubble could be set up between select states in time for the July school holidays. Canberra, Tasmania and South Australia are reportedly considering unrestricted travel between their borders as early as next month. South Australia Premier Steven Marshall hinted he would like to see residents move freely between the majority of states, Nine News reported. Canberra, Tasmania (Wineglass Bay pictured) and South Australia are reportedly in discussions to establish a travel bubble in time for the July school holidays South Australia Premier Steven Marshall hinted he would also like to include the Northern Territory, Western Australia (Lucky Bay pictured) and potentially Queensland The Premier is reportedly hoping for a travel bubble between Tasmania, the ACT, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and potentially Queensland. Borders are set to be open in some form by the time school holidays commence in the ACT, NSW, SA, TAS and WA on July 3. An SA State Government spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'A range of options are currently being considered as we move towards opening South Australia's borders.' Tasmania Premier Peter Gutwein said the possibility of a travel bubble had been 'discussed'. Mr Gutwein told reporters on Wednesday: 'Obviously we would like to open our borders when it is safe to do so.' 'It may be that there is an opportunity to step back into that with states and territories that have got a lower instance of the virus than other states,' he said. New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland were the only states that recorded new coronavirus cases on Tuesday. Australia has recorded 7221 cases overall with only 494 still active and three people in intensive care. The border news comes amid ongoing talks to establish a trans-Tasman bubble between New Zealand and Australia. Borders are set to be open in some form by the beginning of school holidays on July 3. Pictured: Uluru in the Northern Territory Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been 'regularly' discussing resuming travel across the ditch with New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern in a move that would boost both countries' economies and create jobs. He said the plan will go ahead regardless of the state borders in place in all jurisdictions except New South Wales and Victoria. 'I hope in Sydney and Melbourne you can get to the states and territories and Auckland at the same time but we'll see what happens,' Mr Morrison said. The Prime Minister said no date has been decided. Ms Ardern has suggested that the bubble is likely to be in place by September. 'September is realistic, but I haven't given specifics around what date precisely,' Ms Ardern said on Thursday. 'Needless to say, Prime Minister Morrison and I have been very, very keen to see us moving towards an opening up about borders as soon as it's safe to do so.' Brazil surpassed 30,000 deaths from the coronavirus outbreak as the disease continued to rip through Latin America, while Italy -- at one point the hardest-hit country -- prepared to reopen its borders in time for the European summer. After chalking up devastating human losses in Europe, the virus has now taken a firm grip in Latin America, where Brazil surpassed a chilling landmark late Tuesday. The latest official COVID-19 death toll of 31,199 is the fourth-highest in the world, after the US, Britain and Italy. The figures come as some Brazilian states began to emerge from weeks of economically-stifling quarantine measures despite warnings from the WHO and epidemiologists it is too much, too soon. "In the current situation, relaxing the measures is adding gasoline to the fire," Rafael Galliez, an infectious diseases expert at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, told AFP. - Surf's up again in Rio - Yet surfers and swimmers streamed back to the beach in Rio de Janeiro as the city started easing lockdown measures, allowing the reopening of places of worship and water sports. "I think that here, in the water, there is no risk. It's not like in the stores," said Cesar Calmon as he delighted in the waves off Ipanema beach. In Europe, most countries have flattened their initial infection curves and are gradually easing out of confinement as they try to curb the economic fallout of the shutdowns. Italy reopens its borders to travellers from Europe Wednesday, three months after the country went into lockdown, with hopes for economic revival pinned on reigniting its tourism industry. But there were fears many foreign tourists will be put off visiting a country where 33,000 people died of the disease. "Come to Calabria. There's only one risk: that you'll get fat," the southern region's governor Jole Santelli said as the race began to lure big-spenders -- or any spenders -- back to Italy's sandy shores. - Symbolic victory - In a symbolic victory in the French capital, Parisians reclaimed beloved cafe terraces that were allowed to sprawl across pavements to accommodate social distancing measures. "Coffee on a terrace, that's Paris!" said Martine Depagniat, among those enjoying the new freedom after 10 weeks of closures. Schools, swimming pools, pubs and tourist sites are steadily reopening across the continent to ease the economic pain, and stock markets rose on European optimism, despite fears of a second wave of infections. Greece suspended flights to and from Qatar on Tuesday after detecting multiple infections on a flight from Doha to Athens. The respiratory disease has claimed nearly 400,000 lives and infected more than 6.2 million in its rampage around the globe, upending life for billions since it first emerged in China late last year. The focus now falls on Latin America, which passed one million cases this week. Brazil has more than half of that caseload -- 555,383 -- making it the second most affected country after the United States, where experts fear mass demonstrations over the police killing of African American George Floyd could reignite the spread of COVID-19. The World Health Organization has warned that healthcare systems could soon be overwhelmed with Peru, Chile and Mexico also seeing big daily increases in infections. Mexico has also started rebooting the economy after more than two months of shutdown, allowing activity in the car, mining and construction industries to resume. - Journalists die - In Venezuela the virus forced political rivals to come together, with the government of Nicolas Maduro striking a deal with opposition leader Juan Guaido, who claims the presidency, to seek resources to address the disease's spread, all parties confirmed Tuesday. Meanwhile at least 20 journalists have died from the coronavirus outbreak in Peru, most of them infected while reporting on the pandemic, often with little protection, the country's journalists' union said. Peru is Latin America's second worst-hit country after Brazil with more than 170,000 cases and 4,600 deaths. "As of June 1, the number of dead colleagues is 20 in all of the country," said Zuliana Lainez of the National Association of Journalists. Many of them contracted the disease while reporting from streets, markets and hospitals on the effects of the virus, without proper protective equipment, Lainez said. "They have gone to hospitals, which are foci of infection, with homemade masks," she said. Back where it all began in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the virus first emerged in December, officials touted another success after finding only 300 positive cases after testing nearly 10 million people over the past two weeks. "These numbers show that Wuhan is now the safest city," said Feng Zijian, deputy director of China's national Center for Disease Control and Prevention. burs/db/st A resident of the Divino Espirito Santo community, on the Pacaja River, who had COVID-19 symptoms is transported by boat-ambulance in a 12-hour trip to a municipal hospital in Brazil on June 2, 2020 A gravedigger burying a person at the Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery in the neighbourhood of Taruma, in Manaus, Brazil, on June 2, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic A surfer walks at the Arpoador beach in Rio de Janeiro on June 2, 2020 as some beaches reopened to surfers and swimmers The cafes of Paris are busy again on June 2, 2020 as lockdown measures ease China's national Centre for Disease Control and Prevention declared Wuhan 'the safest city' Washington, June 3 : Policing in the United States is defined along racial lines, Nigerian columnist Morak Babajide-Alabi said Sunday. Babajide-Alabi made the remarks in an article titled "'I can't breathe' is a plea for life," published by Nigerian newspaper Vanguard. African American George Floyd, 46, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes until he stopped breathing. In a video posted online, the victim is heard saying "I can't breathe," while three other police officers stand close by. The article said the landscape of policing in the United States is littered with pieces of evidence of how white police officers treat black people with iron fist, Xinhua news agency reported. As the incident has triggered massive protests against racial discrimination across the United States, the article asked "For how much longer can a black man walk the streets without fear of a police bullet in his back? Or when will the heartfelt cry of 'I can't breathe' be a thing of the past?" "Things are not looking good in race relations right now in the US," the article concluded. "Racism seems to have become a familiar issue in a country where nationalism has taken a wrong turn." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Radio breakfast Jonesy has made an impassioned plea for Australians to protect black and Aboriginal lives, amid furious protests about racist brutality in America. The DJ, whose full name is Brendan Jones, called for people to stop saying 'all lives matter' as the global focus should be on black lives. It comes as American endures its eighth day of protests after the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who had a policeman kneel on his neck - despite his pleas that he couldn't breathe. 'Of course all lives matter, but right now, for people of colour, they are the global focus,' he explained on his WSFM show. In 2016, Jonesy admitted to having an 'epiphany' while watching the SBS show First Contact, and broke down in tears on air. He said he 'felt so guilty' about how Aboriginal people were treated, saying he was ashamed of his previous views. Amanda Keller (pictured, left) and Brendan 'Jonesy' Jones (right) discussed the Black Lives Matter movement on their radio show Speaking out in an emotional episode of his show with co-host Amanda Keller in 2016, the DJ explained he thought he understood the issue because he lived in WA. 'I thought I knew a lot about regional Australia because Ive lived in a lot of remote communities in Western Australia and Ive seen indigenous communities up close,' he said. 'I used to think, "Oh why dont you let them go out of the community and go back to their old ways" but the thing is, they cant go back to their old ways, we took them away. 'I just I feel so guilty and Im a white Australian and Im as sorry as hell.' He explained that since the epiphany, inspired by the reality series, he has felt more aware of issues affecting the non-white community. Black Lives Matter demonstrators are seen in Sydney on June 2 (pictured), with another protest planned for the weekend 'Its different for us as white people when we get pulled up by the coppers,' he explained on Wednesday. 'We dont have to worry that were gonna be spread eagled on the ground, and it happens here in Australia with Indigenous folks here. 'From law enforcement to getting adequate health or education opportunities so right now, black lives do matter, and as a white person whos 52, therell be a moment when the penny drops about the plight of black people.' His comments come after shocking footage showed an indigenous teenager having his legs kicked out from underneath him while he was arrested in Sydney. The 17-year-old's sister told Triple J Hack her brother shouldn't have been mistreated for being 'lippy', and was 'distraught' after the ordeal. SBS series First Contact (pictured) is what Jonesy said gave him an 'epiphany' about the treatment of Aboriginal people in Australia The teenager told an officer he would 'crack you in the f**king jaw, bro', following a verbal altercation at Eddie Ward Park in Surry Hills about 5pm on Monday. In response, the officer handcuffed him and kicked his legs from underneath him at the same time, sending the boy tumbling face first into the footpath below. Police are conducting an internal investigation into the officer's approach to the arrest, and placed him on restricted duties for the duration of the investigation. His sister said the boy was distraught and his teeth were chipped during the ordeal. 'When he came back home later that night, he was shaken up,' she said. 'He was very sore this morning and he was distraught. 'Teenagers, they're lippy, but you don't just abuse children because they're lippy.' NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller on Wednesday admitted there were 'other ways' the officer could have dealt with the matter, other than the leg sweep. The teenager was taken to St Vincent's Hospital (pictured), where he spent the night waiting for results from x-rays to his shoulder, knee and elbow He said the officer in question had worked in the force for three-and-a-half years and had no record of complaints, and likely regretted the way he arrested the teen. The teen was released without charge and taken to St Vincent's Hospital for treatment. His family claim he suffered cracked teeth and bruising across his entire body. 'He has a bruised shoulder, cuts and grazing to his knee, face and elbow, and chipped teeth,' a relative said. 'This is a case of two things - is it reasonable for someone to swear and threaten a police officer? And then, is the force the officer used reasonable?' Mr Fuller told 2GB Radio. 'I don't know what happened before in terms of the lead-up but there was probably other ways the officer could have dealt with that matter, no doubt.' Protesters are seen taking a knee at the State Capitol in Denver, Colorado, on June 1 as demonstrations continue across America The treatment of non-white people by police is now being debated worldwide, while America falls further into chaos. US president Donald Trump has ordered the National Guard into dozens of cities to quell the protests, with crowds tear gassed by police outside the White House. America is enduring its eighth day of mass protests over the death of unarmed black man Mr Floyd, who died after a policeman put his knee into his neck for eight minutes. A post-mortem found Mr Floyd's death was a homicide, with his cause of death being 'cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression'. His treatment triggered protests across the country about the treatment of black people by police. Shocking footage has emerged both of crowds looting and ransacking local businesses, and also of police using aggressive tactics. Blair, Nebraska, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Great Plains Communications, a growing Midwestern telecommunications provider with an ever-expanding, privately-owned 11,500+ mile fiber network is pleased to welcome Carl Brandt as the new Senior Account Director of Carrier Services. In his new role, he will work with carrier and wholesale customers to serve their needs for capacity, connection and products over the companys diverse network that serves more than 11,000 lit buildings and touches 11 states. Carl will work with current customers to add to and enhance their existing lines of products and services, while working to expand the reach of the division by adding new customers and driving additional revenue. Great Plains Communications continues to grow and enhance our network year over year to keep pace with the growing bandwidth and product demands of the carrier market, said Josephine Bernson, Chief Revenue Officer for Great Plains Communications. We have an aggressive growth plan to provide more capacity and advanced services to keep pace with these rising demands while we continue to increase our national footprint, adding more fiber and diverse routes. To meet our goals and the goals of our customers, we need strong professionals on our team. Carls impressive experience and background including fiber-to-the-tower (FTTT), wireless, carrier and wholesale capacity and product solutions, network infrastructure, and his dedication to creating strong customer relationships make him an ideal addition to our Carrier Services team. With senior sales leadership roles at ExteNet Systems, ZenFi Networks, Colt, Lightower Fiber Networks and other telecom companies, Carl has extensive experience with network infrastructure, carrier and wholesale expansion and relationship management, data center colocation, cloud services, IoT applications, smart cities and other technologies. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Pace University, New York, NY. Story continues I am very excited to join Great Plains Communications. They have over a century of experience and an impressive network that continues to grow and improve, said Carl Brandt, Sr. Account Director of Carrier Services. I am confident my experience, knowledge and proven track record for success, along with the notable experience, services and reach of Great Plains Communications will be a winning combination for regional and national carrier customers. About Great Plains Communications Great Plains Communications is the largest privately-owned telecommunications provider in Nebraska. They have over a century of experience providing enterprise and residential customers with forward-thinking, fiber-based technology services including internet, ethernet, video and hosted and traditional voice solutions across the state. The company also prides itself on their progressive approach to accommodating the unique needs of all regional and national telecommunications carriers, LECs, ISPs, wireless carriers and other service providers utilizing superior engineering and custom build strategies. At the core of their service offering is an extensive 11,500+ mile regional fiber network, including long-haul and metro networks that span the state of Nebraska extending into Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota and Wyoming. The network offers community access rings, last-mile and middle-mile solutions, all fully supported by their 24x7x365 Network Operations Center. For more information visit www.gpcom.com. Laura Kocher Great Plains Communications 4024566429 lkocher@gpcom.com Protests against police brutality following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis are planned throughout New Jersey over the next few days. There have been at least 82 protests against police brutality in New Jersey since the weekend. While a handful of protests resulted in arrests, injuries or property damage, most were peaceful. Protests over Floyds death spread across the country beginning last week, spilling into New York City, Atlanta, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Portland and Washington, D.C. Four police officers who were at the scene of Floyds death have been fired, and one, Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the case. In New Jersey, all 21 N.J. county prosecutors offices have called images of George Floyd death deeply disturbing and said police are not exempt from law. New Jersey State PBA President Pat Colligan condemned Chauvin and the four officers also at the scene. The actions that we saw on video are contrary to all our training and does harm to the good reputation of the overwhelming number of brave men and women in law enforcement trying to do their job in an honorable and lawful manner," Colligan said. Nobody in law enforcement can look at that video and justify the actions of those officers. Among the protests planned in New Jersey this week: A March for Peace will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Vineland, beginning at the steps of City Hall and proceeding down Landis Avenue to the old Sears building. Mayor Anthony Fanucci, members of the City Council and city first responders released a statement saying they will join representatives of the clergy and local community organizations in the march. A Rally for Justice is planned for 1 p.m. Thursday at Lombardi Field in Old Bridge. The community of Kearny will host a rally in front of the town hall at 1 p.m. Thursday. One town over, a peaceful protest will be held in the Scotch Plains/Fanwood and Westfield area. The march will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday and will go from Park Middle School to the Westfield train station. There will also be a Scotch Plains/Fanwood sit in at the police department at 2 p.m. Sunday. A March for Black Lives will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday in Clark at the Clark Commons at 1255 Raritan Road. Note that the protest was initially supposed to begin at noon. A protest is planned in Clinton at 5 p.m. Thursday beginning at the North County Branch Library at 65 Halstead St. A peaceful protest will be held on the Bergen County Courthouse steps in Hackensack beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The Borough of Barrington is asking people to light a candle to show support for racial justice in its Barrington Lights Up the Night initiative. Demonstrators are asked to light candles at 8:30 p.m. Thursday. A protest in Hoboken will be held between 1 and 4 p.m. Friday beginning at Maxwell Place Park. In a joint statement, Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante and Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla stated that the police department is taking every proactive measure possible to protect our city and have been in actively speaking with organizers to ensure everyones safety. A protest and march will take place at 3 p.m. Friday in front of the South River Police Headquarters. The South River police department released a statement saying that they have been in contact with organizers with the goal of ensuring the safety of both our residents and participants. There will be a demonstration in front of City Hall in Trenton at 1 p.m. Saturday. The rally to end police brutality will be held in front of Jersey Citys City Hall at 280 Grove St. from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. The downtown Lakewood area is expected to hold a rally at 1 p.m. Saturday. Police have already notified business owners on Clifton Ave. Long Beach Island will host a march at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Causeway Bridge, moving east towards LBI then west toward Stafford. A march for justice will be held between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday at Newton Square in Sussex County. A protest is set for noon Saturday in Flemington. The demonstration will begin at the Flemington Justice Building and move to the Flemington Courthouse. There will be a demonstration at 1 p.m. Saturday beginning at Penns Grove Middle School. The march will continue west on East Maple Ave., north on South Broad Street and west on West Main Street. It will end at the Penns Grove Police Department. Another march in Atlantic City will take place at 12 p.m. Saturday, starting at City Hall and heading toward the police department. It will be the second demonstration in Atlantic City, which ultimately led to a citywide curfew Woodbury is hosting a One Community in Unity rally between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday. The event will be a march from the Child Development Center at 36 Carpenter Street up Broad Street to Hunter Street then to the Justice Complex at 70 Hunter Street. Speakers will be set in front of the complex for the final hour of the rally. There will be a March to the Vigil in Elizabeth at 11 a.m. Sunday in Jefferson Park. A march will be held in Nutley down Franklin Ave. starting at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Demonstrators will meet at Yanticaws Park at the Frank Cocchiola Playground at 11:15 a.m. A protest in Woodbury Heights will be held starting at 1 p.m. Sunday and will march through the borough. The march will begin at the playground on Lake Avenue and will continue to Veterans Park on Elm Ave. where the demonstration will kneel for nine minutes in remembrance of George Floyd and a commitment against racism. The Black Diaspora Club is organizing a rally in Jersey City Sunday. The demonstration will begin at 4 p.m. and is scheduled to go until 9 p.m. in front of City Hall at 280 Grove St. A student-planned protest is scheduled in Millburn Sunday with demonstrators meeting at the high school at noon, marching down Millburn Ave. at 1 p.m. and ending with a vigil at Taylor Park at 3 p.m. The Young Activists of Atlantic County is hosting a rally, beginning across the street from the Galloway Municipal Complex at 300 E Jimmie Leeds Road. The demonstration will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday. According to township police , there are also protests planned for 1 p.m. Tuesday and 1 p.m. Saturday. A demonstration will be held at Turkey Brook Park in Mount Olive on Sunday. The march will begin at 3 p.m. with a vigil being held at 8 p.m. A protest is planned at Johnson Park in Jackson at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The park is at the intersection of Kierych Memorial Drive and Cooks Bridge Road. Robbinsville Township is hosting a Night of Unity at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Town Center Gazebo. In a statement , Mayor Dave Fried said that we feel it is our responsibility as a government, as a society and as human beings to do all we can to be part of the change. NOTE: NJ.com has removed information about a protest in Summit, Short Hills and New Providence Thursday because it could not be verified Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Andrew Koob may be reached at akoob@njadvancemedia.com. Groups say equipping police in manner more appropriate for battle may put them in mindset conflict is inevitable. Images and videos of police across the country allegedly beating and shooting demonstrators, members of the media, medics and bystanders with projectiles, tear gas and flashbangs have inflamed tensions after George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last week Many of these scenes feature police officers dressed in full body armour and carrying shields as vehicles that look more like tanks than cruisers flashing red and blue lights roll by. The US police force is heavily militarised, thanks to the transfer of surplus military goods to law enforcement departments across the US for decades. The scenes playing out across the US today have renewed worries that the militarisation of police has created a climate among law enforcement that encourages excessive force. In city after city, we are witnessing actions that could be considered unnecessary or excessive force, said Rachel Ward, national director of research at Amnesty International USA. Equipping officers in a manner more appropriate for a battlefield may put them in the mindset that confrontation and conflict are inevitable, Ward said in a statement on Saturday. Some protesters experience this first-hand. Haley Pilgrim, a member of Resource Generation, a multiracial membership community of people aged 18-35 who aim to create a world that is racially economically just, was present at demonstrations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Friday. Pilgrim told Al Jazeera she saw police using batons on demonstrators and was whipped to the ground as she filmed the demonstration. Without a doubt, there was more police force. Ive never seen up close batons being used, multiple times, being used on protesters, said Haley, who has been active in organising for eight years. While images of police cars burning were shared widely on social media, Pilgrim said that did not occur until law enforcement began acting forcefully with demonstrators. The protesters didnt come to be violent, she added. We had posters and microphones Cops came with shields and batons. Philadelphia police did not respond to Al Jazeeras request for comment. The police officers with whom Pilgrim dealt directly were not wearing riot gear, but law enforcement donned the equipment as protests escalated in the city and looting began. 1033 programme The US has transferred excess military equipment to police forces under the current system since at least 1990. The National Defense Authorization Act of 1990s section 1208 authorised transfer of military-grade to federal and state agencies, according to the law. The equipment was meant to be used in police actions against drug use and sales. But the National Defense Authorization Act of 1997 saw the expansion of the programme to include all law enforcement agencies to acquire property for bona fide law enforcement purposes that assist in their arrest and apprehension mission, though counter-drug operations were still given preference. A pile of burning rubbish set by demonstrators is seen during looting after marching against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in the Manhattan borough of New York City [Eduardo Munoz/Reuters] Public outcry about the programme began in earnest in 2014, following the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teen, in Ferguson, Missouri. As protests continued, images of police officers wearing advanced body armour and wielding hi-tech weapons were widespread. The 1033 programme, headed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the Department of Defenses combat logistics support agency, has given domestic law enforcement at least five billion dollars in surplus military defensive equipment since 1997, Human Rights Watch wrote in 2017. This equipment included aircraft to battering rams and riot gear, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). The programme provided these weapons, at times without cost, to roughly 8,000 police departments across the US, according to the programmes website. In recent years, Granite City, Illinois, with a population of roughly 30,000 people, received 25 M16 and M14 rifles, an armoured truck and a robot for explosive ordinance disposal, according to Forbes. Leesburg, Florida, with roughly 22,000 residents, received a mine-resistant armoured vehicle. Former President Barack Obama signed an executive order in 2015 that limited what items could be given to police under the programme. Before that, even bayonets and grenade launchers were available, HRW wrote. While Obama was lauded for this order, an investigation by left-leaning paper In These Times found that it did little to stem the flow of combat gear to police. President Donald Trump, who has called for governors to handle the protests with more force, meanwhile, has continued to provide military equipment to police forces across the country. Transnational police force US police forces not only receive weapons from their own military, many also receive training from Israels military, which has been accused of grave rights abuses against Palestinians. Israels national police, military and intelligence services have provided training on crowd control, use of force and surveillance to thousands of members of US law enforcement over the years. This training has occurred in the US, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. This training placed US law enforcement employees in the hands of military, security and police systems that have racked up documented human rights violations for years, Amnesty International wrote in 2016, citing alleged extrajudicial killing, surveillance and excessive use of force, among other violations. Israeli authorities deny these accusations. Hennepin County sheriffs from Minneapolis have been trained in Israel-US police exchange programmes, as have cops in every major police force in this country, Randa Wahbe, an analyst with al-Shabaka, a Palestinian policy think-tank, said in an email to Al Jazeera. Hennepin County sheriffs were not involved in Floyds death. While the structures of policing in the US and Israel are meant to ensure that Black and Palestinian people are never treated as fully human, Wahbe said, the violent tactics seen today in the US extends beyond the Israel-US exchange programmes to slave patrols in the Antebellum South, the Black Codes during Reconstruction, the Jim Crow era, the War on Drugs, and the Prison-Industrial Complex. Though policing is inherently anti-Black and in Israel, anti-Palestinian, Wahbe claimed, what is happening is not about who teaches who the strategies of surveillance and violent policing its about recognising the rise and entrenchment of a transnational police force that criminalises and violently suppresses any threat to its hierarchies of power hierarchies that are predicated on anti-Blackness. She concluded: The structures of law enforcement as we know them must be abolished. Nigeria says it is ready to redefine audience measurement in advertising to meet global standards for a robust creative industry as it sets out to combat the likely effects of coronavirus pandemic on the 2020 plans for the industry. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Tuesday, inaugurated the committee named Task Team on Audience Measurement during a virtual meeting. According to WARC, a platform dedicated to bringing marketing information to businesses, audience measurement quantifies the number of people in an audience for a piece of content or advertising. It includes the measurement of radio listenership, TV viewing, newspaper and magazine readership and traffic on websites. Mr Mohammed said the dearth of a world-class audience measurement regime has resulted in under-investment in the sector as the advertising community rely on subjective factors in content production as opposed to how many viewers the content truly attracts. Today, television platforms are subjected to renting out space on their channels to sustain their businesses, and content producers are at the mercy of sponsors which, unfortunately, skews the authenticity of their creative output in favor of a few decision makers, instead of the millions of TV viewers, he said. The minister underscored the need for an objective and scientific Audience Measurement System that articulates the value of the content to consumers, as well as the value of the audience to advertisers, particularly in the television sector. For the Digital Switch Over (DSO) in broadcasting to be effective, he said, there has to be a robust audience measurement system to make it sustainable for signal distributors, channel owners, TV content producers and advertisers. Ladies and gentlemen, with this Task Team, we are today heralding a new dawn in our Broadcast Industry. The Digital Switch Over (DSO) of our television from Analogue is now well underway, and we are set to announce a new, accelerated agenda, in order to ensure that the DSO becomes a veritable tool to help lift the Creative Industry out of the crippling effect of COVID-19, the minister said. With swaths of the economy greatly affected, the ravaging pandemic is also upending businesses around the audience-centred creative sector. According to Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, the creative industry contributed 0.31 per cent to Nigerias real GDP in the first quarter of 2020; its growth stood at 2.20 per cent, a 31.16 per cent decrease to the 35.4 per cent in Q1 2019. Reiterating that the creative industry is the new oil, Mr Mohammed tasked the team to develop a framework that will rejig the countrys Audience Measurement System to meet global standards and support the sustainable growth of the industry. He said the team is independent of the federal government, so it should recommend a Payment and disbursement framework among the key stakeholders in the industry, that is, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) and the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN). READ ALSO: In his remark, the Chairman of the committee, Bello Kankarofi, said the inauguration of the committee is a watershed in the annals of the broadcast and advertising industry in the country. Mr Kankarofi, said there was a failed attempt in 1995 to set up an audience measurement system for the advertising industry and expressed that the commitment of the minister would drive the effort to succeed this time around. Other members of the committee include: Obi Asika, Saaa Ibrahim, Mahmoud Balogun, Pauline Ehusani, Tolu Ogunkoya and Joe Mutah as Secretary. The committee has six weeks to submit its report. SEOUL, South Korea South Korea on Wednesday reported 49 new cases of COVID-19, continuing a weekslong resurgence of the virus as the government defended its decision to reopen schools despite health risks. The figures announced by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on brought national totals to 11,590 cases and 273 deaths. All but one of the new cases were reported from the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, where hundreds of infections have been linked to entertainment venues, church gatherings and a massive e-commerce warehouse. Mayors and governors in the greater capital area have shut thousands of nightclubs, hostess bars, karaoke rooms, churches and wedding halls to slow the spread of the virus. Some entertainment venues in Seoul, Incheon and Daejeon began collecting the personal details of their customers through smartphone QR codes this week so they could be located easily when needed, a requirement that will be expanded nationwide on June 10. Despite the spike in transmissions, the government has been pushing ahead with a phased reopening of schools, which began with high-school seniors on May 20. Class openings were planned Wednesday for nearly 1.8 million children high-school freshmen, middle-school juniors and third- and fourth-grade elementary kids. The Education Ministry couldnt immediately confirm how many schools had to delay their openings because of virus concerns. But it said that 519 schools so far have been forced to go back to remote learning. Keeping schools closed would have been a difficult political decision in a country where teenagers are thrown into hyper-competitive school environments because graduating from elite universities is seen as crucial to career prospects. But some critics say that would have been the right decision for public health interests and that officials are risking the safety of children and their families. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said that the country kept schools open even during the 1950-53 Korean War. I believe that we cannot fail the dreams and future of our children because of the current difficulties, Chung said during a virus meeting. In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region: CHINA DENIES DELAY IN INFORMING WHO: A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson says a report from The Associated Press that Chinese officials sat on releasing the genetic map, or genome, of the novel coronavirus is seriously inconsistent with the facts. Zhao Lijian told reporters at daily briefing on Wednesday that Chinas anti-epidemic efforts are open to the world, in which the time and the merits and demerits are clear-cut, and the facts and data are in plain sight. It can stand the test of time and history. Zhao repeated Chinas claims to have maintained close communication and cooperation with the World Health Organization and to have acted in an open, transparent and responsible manner. Officials kept the information to themselves for more a week after multiple government labs had fully decoded it, not sharing details key to designing tests, drugs and vaccines, the AP has found from internal documents, emails and dozens of interviews. Strict controls on information and competition within the Chinese public health system were largely to blame. WUHAN COMPLETES TESTING: The central Chinese city of Wuhan, where the global pandemic originated, says it has succeeded in carrying out nucleic acid tests on virtually all of its 11 million people excluding children under age 6. The tests were carried out over during the second half of May, adding to the more than 1 million people tested previously. This is extraordinarily rare anywhere in the world, National Health Commission expert Li Lanjuan told reporters. It not only shows confidence and determination in the fight against the epidemic in Wuhan, but has also provided reference to other cities for their prevention. No confirmed cases of COVID-19 were found, although 300 people tested positive for the virus without showing symptoms and have been placed in isolation. NORTH KOREANS RETURN TO CLASS: Wearing masks and having their temperatures checked, students returned to class in North Korea, which started to reopen schools this week. In capital Pyongyang on Wednesday, masked children stood in lines as health workers dressed in white protective suits screened them for a fever. Students were also seen washing their hands with what appeared to be disinfectants contained in plastic buckets. The cramped classrooms, however, didnt seem to show much effort to enforce distance between students. The North has said there hasnt been a single case of COVID-19 on its territory, but the claim is questioned by many outside experts. The North in April told the World Health Organization that it had tested 740 people for COVID-19 but that all came out negative. The North then said it released more than 25,000 people from quarantine since Dec. 31. SOUTH KOREA OKs DRUG: South Koreas Food and Drug Safety Ministry has allowed the use of Gilead Sciences antiviral drug remdesivir in treatment of COVID-19 patients. The ministrys fast-track import approval Wednesday came after health authorities concluded that the drug could possibly help patients recover faster. Officials plan to soon hold discussions with Gilead to arrange the drug shipments. CHINA REPORTS FOUR CASES: China on Wednesday reported four new confirmed coronavirus cases, one from abroad and three added retroactively after nucleic acid tests returned positive results. However, the countrys overall count fell by one to 83,021 after five other cases were eliminated retroactively. No new deaths were reported, leaving the total at 4,634. Just 73 remain in treatment and another 360 people are in isolation. AUSTRALIA IN RECESSION: Australias government says the pandemic has pushed its economy into recession for the first time in 29 years. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the current June quarter will be the second in a row in which the Australian economy has shrunk. Data released on Wednesday for the March quarter show a 0.3% contraction since the three months through December due to destructive wildfires and the early stages of the coronavirus lockdown. Australia has recorded 7,221 coronavirus cases with 26 people still in hospitals. There have been 102 fatalities. ___ Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak Hong Kong's Lam Hits Out at US Threat of Sanctions 2020-06-02 -- Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam hit out at recent moves by the United States to reevaluate the city's special status as a separate legal jurisdiction and trading entity, saying any sanctions would hurt U.S. interests. The Trump administration announced on May 29 it would begin the process of taking away the special trade and investment status it grants Hong Kong, in response to China's decision to impose a national security law that ends the city's status as a separate legal jurisdiction. Beijing last week ratified a plan to impose draconian sedition and subversion legislation on Hong Kong that will enable its feared state security police to operate in the city, which was promised the continuation of its traditional freedoms under the 1997 handover to China. In a move that likely signals the end of Hong Kong's promised autonomy and traditional freedoms of speech and association, the ruling Chinese Communist Party says the law is needed owing to "notable national security risks" following months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong. The powerful National People's Congress (NPC) standing committee will now draft the legislation and insert it into Hong Kong law without going through the city's own legislature. Chinese and Hong Kong officials "directly or indirectly involved in eroding Hong Kong's autonomy" will face sanctions, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned. Lam said there was "no justification whatsoever" for any government to impose sanctions as a result of the new law. "My stance is to point out to the American government and indeed to other governments, should that occasion arise, that they will be hurting their own interests in Hong Kong," Lam said, citing a trade surplus in goods between the U.S. and Hong Kong in Washington's favor, and visa waivers offered to U.S. citizens, which aren't reciprocated. "I point out the facts and the figures so that they will do their own calculations," Lam said. She said she believes that Hong Kong will retain its judicial independence even after the law enters the statute books. Many fear for their freedoms But a recent opinion poll showed that more than 63 percent of respondents are worried that the national security law will affect their rights and freedoms as residents of Hong Kong. A similar proportion said they believe the national security law will undermine the city's status as a global financial center, while 64 percent said it would destroy the city's separate legal jurisdiction, commonly known as "one country, two systems." Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) politics professor Ma Ngok said the ruling Chinese Communist Party, in foisting the national security law on Hong Kong without bothering to go through the provisions set down in Article 23 of the city's Basic Law, has violated the city's mini-constitution. Ma Yue, an associate professor in the Department of Politics and Administration of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told this station that Article 23 of the Basic Law states that Hong Kong can legislate on its own. This time the Beijing authorities forcibly passed the "Hong Kong version of the National Security Law", which was a violation of Hong Kong's laws. "Article 23 of the Basic Law states that Hong Kong is to legislate on its own account," Ma said. "This has been the understanding for more than 20 years." "The Chinese government can say that the National People's Congress (NPC) standing committee has the power to modify the Basic Law, but I think ... [this move] has violated Hong Kong's right to make its own laws." Ma said Beijing's actions would make people doubt that Hong Kong's judges would be able to maintain neutrality, fairness, and impartiality when hearing cases under the law. "We have already had a great number of political cases [linked to last year's protests and the Occupy Central movement], and many people in Hong Kong already feel that they weren't tried in a fair and impartial manner," Ma said. "Their confidence in Hong Kong's judicial independence has been severely damaged, so it will be even more difficult to win people's confidence in the judiciary if even more high-profile cases are brought under the national security law," he said. 'Call to step back' The United Kingdom called on Beijing to step back and fulfill its international obligations over the former British colony. "It can cross the Rubicon and violate the autonomy and the rights of the people of Hong Kong or it can step back, understand the widespread concern of the international community, and live up to its responsibilities as a leading member of the international community," foreign secretary Dominic Raab told parliament. "To be very clear and specific about this, the imposition of national security legislation on Hong Kong by the government in Beijing rather than through Hong Kong's own institutions lies in direct conflict ... with China's international obligations freely assumed under the Joint Declaration." "There is time for China to reconsider, there is a moment for China to step back from the brink and respect Hong Kong's autonomy and respect China's own international obligations," Raab said. "This is a question of specific undertakings, which were made at the time of the handover, to the United Kingdom and, more important, to the people of Hong Kongand, indeed, to the world," he said in a separate remark. "We will, with our international partners, press rigorously and robustly to try to require China to live up to its obligations and, frankly, the responsibilities that come with wanting to be treated as a leading member of the international community." The Hong Kong opinion poll, commissioned by the Ming Pao newspaper and carried out by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), also found that 37 percent of Hongkongers are willing to emigrate, an increase of 13 percent compared with the last survey in March. The survey found that many of the younger generation are now looking at democratic Taiwan as a possible destination, after the island's president, Tsai Ing-wen, announced a fast-track immigration package for Hongkongers fleeing retaliation for last year's protest movement. Among people identifying as being from Hong Kong, rather than as Chinese or other identities, the percentage of those wanting to emigrate rose to more than 63 percent. Immigration consultant Hui Tak-wai said his company has been getting around 100 calls a day, compared with 20 to 30 requests daily prior to the announcement of the national security law. Reported by Man Hoi-tsan and Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service.Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. 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 June 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 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 21:45:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 1,486 after 142 new COVID-19 positive cases were confirmed on Wednesday, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health said. This is so far the highest daily increase in the Horn of Africa country. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health, in a statement issued on Wednesday, revealed that from the total of 4,120 medical tests that were conducted within the last 24-hours period, some 142 of them have been tested positive for COVID-19, eventually bringing the total number of cases in the country to 1,486 as of the stated period. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health further indicated that while 140 of the latest confirmed cases are Ethiopian nationals, the remaining two are Portuguese and Djiboutian nationals, with an age range of seven to 78. The ministry also indicated that from the latest 142 COVID-19 positive cases, some 126 of them were identified in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, which is so far considered as the hotbed of COVID-19 infections in the country. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health also said that 246 patients who were tested positive for COVID-19 have so far recovered from the virus, in which 15 of the patients recovered during the past 24-hours period. The ministry also disclosed that three COVID-19 patients -- including 71-year-old female, 46-years-old and 40-years-old males -- succumbed to the disease on Wednesday, eventually bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the East African country to 17. 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 announced a five-month state of emergency to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Enditem [June 03, 2020] D2L AND INTEGRITY ADVOCATE ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP Kitchener, Waterloo, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global learning technology leader D2L announced today that it is partnering with Integrity Advocate, the next evolution of proctoring technology, to support academic integrity in online learning. Integrity Advocate is an application and a service that verifies learners identity, monitors training participation and proctors online examinations across all devices/browsers and without the requirement of a high speed internet connection. Through unique biometric ID verification & AI assisted participation monitoring, Integrity Advocate makes sure that students, employees and contractors receive and retain critical information during their online learning experience while protecting program integrity and learner privacy. Integrity Advocates applications and services also verify student identity and makes sure that required course work is completed in full. D2L will integrate Integrity Advocates proctoring and other features into Brightspace for clients who wish to use it to monitor student progress. Were committed to making online learning the best experience it can possibly be, says Scott Dellinger, Chief Technology Officer at Integrity Advocate. Weve developed an incredibly powerful suite of digital tools that support the integrity of online learning, which is more important than ever with so much learning happening remotely as a result of COVID-19. Were incredibly excted to partner with D2L, who shares our passion for making online learning responsive, reliable and easy to use. Theyre also the maker of the best learning platform in the world, which were thrilled to now help make even better. We were looking for an online learning integrity solution to offer for our corporate and educational clients, and it was quickly apparent that Integrity Advocate was the ideal partner, says John Baker, President and CEO of D2L. The need for a solution that could meet both D2L and client needs for learning integrity, privacy protection and reduced administration/support is long overdue. Integrity Advocates suite of industry-leading tools in tandem with D2L now provides the much-needed assistance that organizations need to pivot quickly and address the demands of COVID-19. ABOUT D2L D2L believes learning is the foundation upon which all progress and achievement rests. Working closely with organizations globally, D2L has transformed the way millions of people learn online and in the classroom. Learn more about D2L for schools, higher education and businesses at www.D2L.com . ABOUT INTEGRITY ADVOCATE Integrity Advocate is a privacy company providing identity verification, participation monitoring and examination proctoring for online training events. Human reviewers assisted by artificial intelligence and biometric technology are able to monitor the learning environment and the learner while providing the highest level of privacy protection, for both the learner and the utilizing organization. Integrity Advocate provides both their patented technology and an on-demand service that not only captures the learning event but also reviews the event so that utilizing institutions are free from ongoing administration obligations. Services are available on-demand 24/7/365, across all current browsers, on desktops, laptops, tablets and phones and without the need for a user install. D2L MEDIA CONTACT Dana Dean Director of Awareness, D2L Corporation [email protected] Twitter: @D2L 2020 D2L Corporation. The D2L family of companies includes D2L Corporation, D2L Ltd, D2L Australia Pty Ltd, D2L Europe Ltd, D2L Asia Pte Ltd, and D2L Brasil Solucoes de Tecnologia para Educacao Ltda. All D2L marks are trademarks of D2L Corporation. Please visit D2L.com/trademarks for a list of D2L marks. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] - The five were four men and a woman who had a land dispute with Salva Kiir's distant relative named Akook - The incident sparked street protests which rocked the country's capital prompting the government to deploy national security service - The president said the police would investigate the matter and the public informed of the outcome through the court of law At least four men and one woman have been killed in South Sudan in a land-related dispute between locals and the president's family in Sherikat area of Juba town. The incident that sparked outrage in Africa's youngest and unstable nation happened on the early morning of Wednesday, June 3, according to a statement from the presidency. READ ALSO: Daring police chief asks President Donald Trump to shut his mouth President Salva Kiir said the killings will be investigated and progress report made public. Photo: Salva Kiir Mayardit. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Wear face masks during intercourse to reduce COVID-19 spread - Study recommends President Salva Kiir Mayardit through his press secretary condemned the killings by his relative which he termed as the most serious criminal act that should not go unpunished. The president clarified the perpetrator, Lual Akook Wol Kiir, was not his biological son but a nephew and was acting alone. "The suspect is called Lual Akook Wol Kii, a distant cousin to president Kiir's son called Lual Salva Kiir Mayardit. In fact, he is a distant relative of the president but he was acting alone," he press secretary said. The authorities managed to arrest Akook and took him to the hospital as he had injuries. It was not clear whether he sustained the injuries during the shooting or after his arrest, he was said to be in a critical condition. Kiir said the police would investigate the matter and the public informed of the outcome through the court of law. The incident would be investigated and public will be informed of the outcome through the court of law. The president of the Republic, urges restraint from the families/community of the victims," he urged. The land dispute was between the president's family members and the local residents according to Sudan Post. Following the killings, street protests rocked the country's capital prompting the government to deploy national security service. Dozens of rioters were detained as a result. 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. Why I beat my own mother- Lucy Nyawira | Tuko Talks | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke HAMDEN Town police spoke out against the death of George Floyd in a statement Wednesday, vowing to learn from residents and focus on empathy moving forward. In a release, Capt. Ronald Smith said officers, like others, had witnessed the horrifying mistreatment and subsequent death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, as well as the reprehensible decision by other officers to stand by and let it happen. The atrocity committed by the officers involved, has been instrumental in eroding the trust that we as police officers have attempted to build within our communities, said Smith. We understand that we can and must do better. With the assistance from the communities we represent, we must pledge to continue to train and educate ourselves to be the best that we can be. This endeavor will be a continuous work in progress. Of utmost importance, we will focus on the word EMPATHY. Our success and relationship with our community greatly depends on the empathy that we have for one another. Smith said the department was grateful for the chance to participate in a unity march organized by the Abdul-Majid Karim Hasan Islamic Center. About 50 marchers traveled roughly four miles from the mosque to the town hall Tuesday, side-by-side with about a dozen uniformed Hamden police officers. They called for further dialogue after the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police late last month. Were want to walk and talk in community, to see if we can hold one another accountable, Imam Saladin Hasan said. The march provided members of the department with an opportunity to engage in thoughtful conversation with members of our community. It is our hope that we can attempt to build renewed trust from this first positive step, Smith said. The men and women of the Hamden Police Department would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. George Floyd. Other area police, including in New Haven, Guilford and Orange, have spoken out against Floyds death, which has prompted protests throughout Connecticut and the country in recent days. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com German French English Basel-Stadt specifies the key figures for its future stake in MCH Group Ltd. In the context of the General Meetings held on 29 January 2020 and 24 April 2020, MCH Group Ltd. announced that it was looking into a capital increase as a means of financing the investments required for the implementation of its corporate strategy. This would be accompanied by the corresponding changes in the shareholder structure, the shareholder rights set out in the Statutes and the composition of the Board of Directors. If the planned capital increase can go ahead, it will be achieved through the involvement of a new investor and the participation of the shareholders to date, who will be granted proportional subscription rights and be able to decide whether they wish to exercise these or not. In the case of the Canton of Basel-Stadt, which currently holds 33.5 % of the shares in MCH Group Ltd., it is the cantonal parliament that has to take the decision regarding the exercise of the subscription right. The government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt is asking the cantonal parliament to waive exercising the subscription rights for the Canton of Basel-Stadt in the event of a capital increase. This waiver would ensure that a new investor could acquire a significant minority holding, even if all other shareholders apart from the public-sector entities were to exercise their subscription right. In its advice to the cantonal parliament, the government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt states that the Canton will only agree to the intended transaction if the new investor signs a formal agreement with MCH Group Ltd. to the effect that the profitable trade fairs and congresses will continue to be held in Basel and Zurich for an appropriate, prolonged period of time. In addition, the Canton of Basel-Stadt, together with the other public-sector shareholders, wishes to maintain a stake of at least 33.33 % so as to have a blocking minority on decisions regarding amendments to the Statutes, which also stipulate, among other things, that trade fairs, congresses and other events are to be staged in Basel and Zurich. To enable the public-sector entities to re-establish a minimum holding of this type following a capital increase without exercising their subscription rights, and in order to strengthen MCH Groups balance sheet on a sustainable basis, the government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt is looking into converting its subordinated, interest-free loan of CHF 30 million into share capital. The government would submit a corresponding application to the parliament after the summer break. In addition, in its advice, the government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt points out that, in the context of the intended capital increase, the voting-rights restriction laid down in the Statutes, with only the public sector entities permitted to exercise more than 5% of the voting rights, is to be abolished. At the same time, the Board of Directors is to be reduced in size. The plans are for three seats for the new investor, three seats for the public-sector entities and, depending on the definitive size of the Board, one to three seats for further members. MCH Group Ltd. is engaged in intensive negotiations with potential investors. Providing that the negotiations can be successfully concluded with the outlined structures and conditions, and that the parliament of the Canton of Basel-Stadt agrees to waive the subscription rights, MCH Group Ltd. will convene an Extraordinary General Meeting. The outcome of the negotiations still remains open at present. Media releases online Media contact MCH Group Ltd. / Corporate Communications Christian Jecker +41 58 206 22 52 christian.jecker@mch-group.com www.mch-group.com US President Donald Trump delivers remarks in front of the media in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC on June 1, 2020. After several rounds of tense correspondence between the organizers of the Republican National Convention and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, President Donald Trump announced late Tuesday that the GOP has now been "forced" to look for another state to host the event. "Had long planned to have the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, a place I love. Now, @NC_Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena - Spend millions of dollars, have everybody arrive, and then tell them they will not be able to gain entry," Trump tweeted. "Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-In-Place Mode, and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised. Would have showcased beautiful North Carolina to the World, and brought in hundreds of millions of dollars, and jobs, for the State. Because of @NC_Governor, we are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention." Trump's announcement comes just hours after the release of the latest terse communication between Cooper and RNC officials, in which the North Carolina governor, a Democrat, said it's "very unlikely" that the Republican National Convention will be held at full-scale participation. "As much as we want the conditions surrounding COVID-19 to be favorable enough for you to hold the Convention you describe in late August, it is very unlikely," Cooper said in a letter. "Neither public health officials nor I will risk the health and safety of North Carolinians by providing the guarantee you seek." After Trump's announcement, Cooper said, "We have been committed to a safe RNC convention in North Carolina and it's unfortunate they never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe. Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority." Cooper has long resisted Trump's demands to loosen social distancing guidelines to benefit the convention, scheduled for the week of Aug. 24. Trump has crafted several tweets in which he railed against Cooper for not relenting on these guidelines, threatening for weeks to move the convention to another state. The City of Charlotte, meanwhile, tweeted that it has a contract with the GOP and that the city's attorney "will be in contact with the attorneys for the RNC to understand their full intentions." While Trump did not specify in his tweet to where the convention will be moved, multiple governors and GOP officials from places such as Texas and Georgia immediately offered up their states as potential hosts when the saga over the location of the convention first broke out. The enforcement of social distancing guidelines at the convention would force a cap on the number of participants, ensuring that the event will not be nearly as attended as in previous years. National political conventions have traditionally drawn thousands of protesters even in years without the added crises of a pandemic, 40 million Americans out of work and now, widespread civil unrest. The demands that would likely be placed on any city's infrastructure and public safety apparatus, in order for that city to provide convention security and pandemic-level sanitation are difficult to quantify, but surely enormous. The White House declined to comment. When reached for comment, an RNC official gave the following statement to CNBC: "Due to the directive from the governor that our convention cannot go on as planned as required by our rules, the celebration of the president's acceptance of the Republican nomination will be held in another city. Should the governor allow more than 10 people in a room, we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte." Cooper's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment asking about the move. In previous correspondences, Cooper and other state officials have asked RNC officials to present a detailed convention operation plan that uses social distancing to receive permission to carry out the event as they wish. But the RNC has skirted the issue of releasing a social distancing plan in its discussions with North Carolina. In a letter released Thursday, the RNC outlined a number of safety protocols such as temperature scans ahead of entry and the availability of disinfectant in the convention site. But absent from their plan is a way to encourage social distancing and cap the number of people who are able to attend the convention. The coronavirus outbreak has spread to dozens of countries, with more than 6.2 million confirmed cases worldwide and over 375,987 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There are at least 1.8 million cases in the United States and at least 105,147 deaths, Hopkins data showed. CNBC's Christina Wilkie contributed to this report. Malian teachers went on strike on Tuesday, the first day schools reopened after being closed for two months, over fears of inadequate protection against coronavirus. Details of the number of students affected were unavailable, but seven teachers unions are striking, officials said, in a move that will hit public primary and secondary schools, as well as teacher-training colleges. The government shut schools to curb coronavirus in late March. These reopened on Tuesday, but only for final year students who are facing exams. Sambou Diadie Fofana, the general secretary of Malis National Union of Secondary School Teachers, told AFP that the strike was triggered by a lack of measures (taken) in schools to protect everyone. Authorities have recorded 1,351 coronavirus cases in the country to date, with 78 fatalities. Malis education ministry did not immediately respond about the number of students and teachers who returned to school on Tuesday. In a meeting with education organisations on Monday, Malis Education Minister Mahamadou Famanta promised that facemasks and hand-washing kits would be available in schools, local media reported. Moussa Diallo, 41, a unionised public-school teacher in the capital Bamako, said that soap and water had been made available in several places in his school. Malian teachers also walked out of classrooms in January before coronavirus hit over a pay dispute. Authorities had promised salary hikes in October 2016, which never transpired. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates CARBONDALE Southern Illinois municipalities are taking a closer look at their liquor rules and regulations after Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday signed legislation legalizing the sale of cocktails to go. Pritzker signed the legislation in an effort to help businesses recover from losses incurred from COVID-19 restrictions, according to a news release from the governor's office. The state now allows restaurants and bars to sell alcoholic beverages in sealed, labeled containers with a tamper-evident cap, or sealed by an employee of the liquor license holder who is over the age of 21 and trained in responsible alcohol service, according to the news release. Cocktails can only be delivered after an employee verifies the age and level of intoxication of the consumer. Local mayors and city managers need to make sure their books line up with the new law. Its just a regulation issue, Carbondale City Manager Gary Williams said Wednesday. He said the city will have to possibly change ordinances that currently make traveling with a mixed drink illegal. However, he said, it may not even be an issue if the drinks are sold in sealed containers as the legislation requires. Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens and Marion Mayor Mike Absher were less certain what their cities might need to do. Obviously there is a state law (that) supersedes what cities do, Stephens pointed out. The sale of these drinks would be legal at a state level and would void the citys prohibition. But, Stephens said, the city often has to change its ordinances to line up with new state legislation. Were still looking through it, Absher said, adding that it has not been at the top of the citys priorities this week. As the citys liquor commissioner, Absher wasnt sure if he had the power change regulations himself or if it would have to go through City Council. Williams said the mayor currently has emergency powers to make changes and declarations for the city, but with a City Council meeting set for Tuesday, Williams said he wanted to wait and have members weigh in. Weve been trying to do everything we can to assist businesses and approach everything with an open mind. We just need some time to talk it through, Williams said. As with all the curves thrown at restaurants and bars during the pandemic, owners have to weigh whether or not to-go sales, coupled with limited outdoor seating, is worth reopening or not. Just to call up The Hangar and ask, can you make us two bloody Marys to go, well pick them up, I just dont see people doing that, Hangar 9 owner Sally Carter said. She said shes told her staff she plans to wait to reopen until they can open the entire bar. Bars and restaurants are currently allowed to operate with outdoor service only. However, Walter Witt, manager of PK's, said they plan to offer prepackaged cocktails as soon as the city gives the OK they already have frozen, alcoholic popsicles for their patio customers. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BarFly Ventures, LLC ("BarFly" or "Company"), the parent company of HopCat, Stella's Lounge and Grand Rapids Brewing Co., today announced that it has begun to reopen certain of its restaurants in accordance with their states' reopening guidelines and safety measures. Effective June 13, all Michigan restaurants will be open to host dine-in guests with Lincoln, Nebraska and Indianapolis, Indiana following on June 22. The Company is taking extraordinary precautions to protect employees and guests with increased cleaning, sterilization and social distancing procedures, among many other steps taken to ensure the safety of guests and employees. Barfly's other restaurants will be opening in phases with dates to be announced soon. "It's been a rough few months, but we're excited to welcome our team and local community members back into our restaurants," said Mark Sellers, founder of BarFly Ventures. "We're following all CDC guidelines and taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of our staff and guests." In mid-March, Barfly temporarily closed all locations under federal and local government mandates, and as a proactive step to protect customers and employees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial Restructuring: The Company also announced that it is pursuing a comprehensive financial restructuring aimed at reducing the Company's current debt which has become untenable because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to other reasons. The goal is to strengthen its balance sheet so Barfly is better positioned for long-term growth. To swiftly facilitate the restructuring and reduce the debt exacerbated by the closures of restaurants as mandated by the State of Michigan and other states in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the Western District of Michigan. The Company will operate in the ordinary course through this process and anticipates moving through the process swiftly. "This action should have little to no impact on our day to day business operations, but will allow us to emerge as a financially stronger company and enable us to continue serving our guests, team members and other business partners for many years to come," Sellers said. The Company expects the restructuring process to be seamless for guests, team members and vendors and intends to: Honor customer programs such as gift cards and HopCat loyalty rewards Pay employee wages and benefits in the ordinary course of business Pay vendors and suppliers in a timely fashion going forward "As is the case with most restaurants, BarFly has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including increased industry competition and craft beer saturation," Sellers added. "However, we were meeting these challenges, and operationally the business was sound until the recent global pandemic pushed us into an unforeseen economic crisis and a 100% drop in revenue for almost three months. After an exhaustive examination of all options, we've determined that the Chapter 11 process is the best path forward to enable BarFly to focus on continued growth and transformation for the future." Pachulski Stang, Ziehl & Jones LLP and Warner, Norcross + Judd are serving as legal advisors to the Company. Rock Creek Advisors is serving as financial advisor and Mastodon Ventures, Inc. is serving as investment banker. About BarFly Ventures BarFly Ventures is the parent company of HopCat, Stella's Lounge and Grand Rapids Brewing Co. Founded in 2008 with the opening of HopCat in Grand Rapids BarFly owns and operates restaurants throughout the Midwest. Media Inquiries: Jennifer E. Mercer Paladin for BarFly Ventures 213-770-4600 [email protected] SOURCE BarFly Ventures, LLC Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 07:08:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Police officers monitor a protest over the death of George Floyd in New York, the United States, June 2, 2020. New York City will be under a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning till Sunday to curb criminal acts emerging from protests over the death of black man George Floyd, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) NEW YORK, June 2 (Xinhua) -- New York City will be under a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning till Sunday to curb criminal acts emerging from protests over the death of black man George Floyd, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Tuesday. Monday's curfew, the first in the city since 1943, started at 11 p.m. and did not stop looters from breaking into stores in Manhattan as soon as night fell. Over 200 people had been arrested before the curfew took effect on Monday night, and the whole night saw more than 700 arrests made, most of whom were youths, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The NYPD said that one officer was seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver in the borough of the Bronx Monday night, while another was hit by a car when trying to stop a burglary in Manhattan. "We saw vicious attacks on police officers. That is wholly unacceptable," said de Blasio at his daily briefing. "Anyone who attacks a police officer attacks us all." Starting on Tuesday, no traffic would be allowed in a large part of Manhattan as soon as the curfew begins, with exceptions made for residents, essential workers, buses, and truck deliveries, according to the NYPD. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said he was "disappointed and outraged" by what happened Monday night, saying the criminal activity hurt everyone. He criticized the city's preparedness for Monday night's chaos, saying the mayor underestimated the scope and the duration of the problem. Though the NYPD doubled its police presence to 8,000 officers on Monday, the governor said there should be more. The governor has said he has the National Guard on standby, but de Blasio has rejected the idea of having them deployed in New York City, saying it is not wise. "When outside armed forces go into communities, no good comes of it. We have seen this for decades," said the mayor. Protests continued on Tuesday in the city, with thousands of people, mostly students of various ethnic groups, walking and chanting slogans such as "No justice, no peace" in a largely peaceful manner by the afternoon in Lower Manhattan. Several streets were closed for demonstrations, and helicopters kept hovering above the moving crowds. Scores of police officers were dispatched to some key locations such as the plaza outside the NYPD headquarters in Lower Manhattan, Union Square and Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Most of the shops in downtown Manhattan have had plywood installed over their windows and entrances, and workers were boarding up more shops on Tuesday afternoon, bracing for another potentially violent night. So far, the city has arrested nearly 2,000 people since the protest erupted Thursday. More than 50 police officers have been injured, according to the NYPD. Asia Biden Raps Trump Over Racial Unrest in Heated Election Campaigning Former US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden smiles at rally in Los Angeles on March 3, 2020. / KYODO A low-level explosive device that detonated in Lancaster this week has led authorities to urge residents to stay home and safe, as many are taking to the streets in solidarity of national protests against police brutality. Unplanned, or quickly-assembled protests have continued to take place in central Pennsylvania cities, including in Lancaster. Lancaster police are recommending extra precaution after finding two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the 100 block of North Prince Street early Tuesday morning. A low-level device also went off in the area, police said. Authorities are also looking for a car that drove through a group of protesters on the first block of West Chestnut Street early Tuesday morning. Others have threatened to set fire to the police station, courthouse and stores, police said. While none of that has happened, authorities believe agitators were scouting the area near for the police station to cause future damage. We are concerned about everyones safety, said Jarrad Berkihiser, chief of the Lancaster Bureau of Police. Do not threaten, promote or commit acts of violence because you will face arrest and charges. Berkihiser said residents should call the police if they notice suspicious people or packages. Unplanned demonstrations were held outside Lancasters police station Monday and Tuesday, the police chief said. The police chief said on Monday theres definite evidence white nationalist groups were among those that protested over the weekend. Caucasian individuals threw rocks and bottles containing cayenne pepper at police, he said. Police said that since Sunday, a handful of arrests have been made for minor offenses during the protests. Theyre also talking to witnesses and reviewing extensive video footage to try to identify agitators. Officials said several Lancaster protests over the weekend drew crowds of up to about 1,000 and were largely peaceful. I want to thank the many in attendance who remain peaceful and want their voice to be heard. I want to thank the community leaders who have been working so hard on the ground to help organize and keep the demonstrations safe. I especially want to thank the many Bureau officers who have been working long hours, under stressful, emotional and difficult times to keep the area and people safe. Also our officers who had the forethought on their own to want to speak with members attending the demonstration yesterday, Berkihiser said. Opening up a dialogue is a beginning, humanizing each other is necessary for the conversation to advance. A number of protests broke out over the weekend for George Floyd, a black man from Minneapolis who died on May 25 after a white police officer kept his knee on his neck for several minutes. The four officers present while Floyd was taken into custody have since been fired, and the officer who knelt on Floyd was charged with murder. READ MORE: Police reforms proposed after Antwon Roses killing have languished in Pa. Will now be any different? Man arrested at Pa. protest in response to George Floyds death tells judge he tested positive for COVID-19: Report Outdoor funeral service with city leaders planned for Harrisburg boy shot near his home By Express News Service COIMBATORE: Five out of 180 passengers, who arrived at the Coimbatore International Airport in the first repatriation flight under Vande Bharat mission from Dubai, tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. According to the health department sources, one person each from Coimbatore, Erode, Trichy Thiruvarur and Tuticorin tested positive while the remaining passengers tested negative. "As part of the COVID-19 treatment, the passengers who have been tested positive, will be admitted in the concerned district government hospitals," said sources in health department. According to airport sources, out of 180 passengers, 160 are adult, 17 are children and three are infants, who travelled in the repatriation flight. However, several passengers refused to stay in paid quarantine, had tussle with the health and revenue officials and left along with their relatives. Most of them had left to their native without adhering the health official's word, sources added. Though the health officials say that only 20 pregnant mothers had left, many of them gone to their native. According to G Ramesh Kumar, Deputy Director of Health Services, out of the 180 passengers who reached Coimbatore from Dubai on Wednesday morning, 20 were pregnant women. They will be monitored from their home. "Though the test was carried out for all passengers in Dubai, we have been testing here based on the central government's SOP. All the passengers co-operated well for taking samples. However, some of them hesitated to stay in paid quarantine citing financial constraints. But, we have pacified them and later they realised the need and staying in paid quarantine," he added. Please register or log in to keep reading. No credit card required! Stay logged in to skip the surveys. House of Representatives members overwhelmingly back bill but opposition MP calls it terrorism against democracy. The House of Representatives of the Philippines has approved new anti-terrorism legislation that gives President Rodrigo Dutertes administration sweeping powers, including the ability to carry out arrests without warrants and to hold suspects without charge for a longer period. The bill cleared Senate in February. Dutertes Congressional allies voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to approve the bill on third reading, clearing the path for the president to sign the legislation into law. A total of 173 legislators voted in the affirmative, with 31 members opposing and 29 abstaining. On Monday, Duterte sent a letter to the speaker certifying the bill as urgent and calling for its passage before Congressional members go on a two-month break from June 6. Jericho Nograles, a leading sponsor of the legislation in the House of Representatives, said that under the law activism is not terrorism, adding that there are sufficient safeguards in place to prevent abuse. A last-minute effort to defeat the bill failed, but it is likely the opposition would question the legality of the bill before the Supreme Court. This is terrorism against human rights. This is terrorism against our democracy, said Carlos Zarate, one of those who opposed the legislation, accusing the House leadership of ramming through the unconstitutional legislation through Congress. Vice President Leni Robredo, a member of the opposition, also weighed in on the controversy, saying Is terrorism really the focus of the Terror Bill? Or is it just interested in giving the state the powers to call anyone a terrorist? By passing a bill identical to the one approved by the Senate, the House skirted a longer process of reconciling two versions, and cutting the time to debate. The most contentious provisions include the warrantless arrest and 14-day detentions of suspected terrorists, and the creation of an anti-terror council that would determine what is terrorism and order arrests without a warrant a function usually reserved for the courts. Those who are accused of proposing, inciting, conspiring, and participating in the planning, training, and facilitation of a terrorist attack could also face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole The new legislation includes a provision allowing up to 12 years of imprisonment for any person who joins designated terrorist organisations or group(s). The bill also removes a provision on payment of 500,000 Philippine pesos ($10,000) damages for wrongful detention. Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday defended the proposal, saying, the people need not fear, because there were civil liberties safeguards in place. Use this time to connect with yourself. One way to do that is to let your attention rest with the sensations of your breath. Read more As the Philadelphia area moves toward reopening after weeks of stay-at-home orders to contain the spread of COVID-19, one thing is clear: This summer will look much different than in years passed. Though we will soon be lifting many restrictions, our routines will still be disrupted in all sorts of ways, and there is much we dont know about the future. Will there be a second wave of COVID-19 cases? When will a vaccine be available? Will schools open in the fall? Take a deep breath. These questions could go unanswered for months. Thats why its important right now to focus on improving your mental health and learning how to accept the uncertainty of the future. Meditation is a great way to do that. Because we arent able to give ourselves a break in the way that we normally would, such as by going out to a restaurant, now is a good time to spend some time with yourself and use that as a way to support you, said Michael Baime, a physician and director of the Penn Program for Mindfulness in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. READ MORE: Missing touch in your life? So are we. Heres what to do about it. If you're new to meditation and mindfulness practices, Baime shared tips for how to get started at home and common pitfalls to avoid: Take small steps. To start, aim for three minutes every day for a week to just be present. Dont try to do anything or change anything about how you feel, Baime said. Instead, use this time to connect with yourself. One way to do that, Baime said, is to let your attention rest with the sensations of your breath. He cautioned that your mind will likely wander during this time. But, he said, the trick to doing it successfully is to not fight that. READ MORE: Stress can change the way we breathe. These exercises can help. Set realistic expectations. Many people have expectations of meditation that are different from what really happens. You wont dissolve into white light or reach unconditional bliss, Baime said. Meditation is about feeling how you are. With practice, you get more comfortable with that, and it gives you a kind of steadiness in your life, he said. Dont try to change. Avoid trying to make certain thoughts go away or assuming you should feel a different emotion. Thats a kind of pretending, Baime said. Mindfulness is all about being true to whats actually here, and learning how to hold that with appreciation for how complicated things are and for what you have. The most important thing, he said, is to be kind to yourself. Be consistent. Meditation, like exercise or eating right, is a practice that works through small consistent steps that in the end give you something very important, Baime said. If you need help getting started, Baime suggested guided meditation apps such as Headspace which is currently free for those who are unemployed or Calm. For a more immersive experience, the Penn Program for Mindfulness will host an online eight-week mindfulness-based stress management program at the end of June. For more information, go to pennmedicine.org. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will unveil his plan to rebuild a battered economy on the day Italians end almost three months of lockdown measures and can again travel freely. The premier will outline his governments recovery strategy in a speech late Wednesday, Italian media reported, and repeat an appeal to put aside the countrys political divisions. Conte, who heads an unruly coalition, on Tuesday had called on Italians to come together and help revive their country, but his message was met by opposition rallies in hundreds of cities on Republic Day. The renewed appeal comes as new virus cases continue to decline and as Italians can again travel within the country without restrictions starting Wednesday. Still, local differences are growing deeper, with officials from the substantially virus-free South threatening to turn away citizens from Lombardy, Italys richest and most populous region, where new cases continue to be reported. Lines for reopened ferry service between Sicily and the Italian mainland began forming as early as 4 a.m. Wednesday, la Repubblica reported, with most of the traffic heading away from the island. Lets combine and concentrate all our energy in the shared effort to pick ourselves up and begin again with maximum determination, Conte said in a message posted Tuesday on Facebook, evoking efforts to rebuild the nation after World War II. Contes finance minister, Roberto Gualtieri, was in the meantime engaged in a sniping war with the head of industry lobby Confindustria, Carlo Bonomi, who charged in an interview with Repubblica that some proposed policies could do more damage than Covid. Pumping resources to individuals would waste money, he said, while the country needs investments in areas like infrastructure in order to restart the economy. The Health Ministry on Tuesday reported 55 fatalities, the fewest in more than a week. New cases rose by 318 to 233,515, with almost 60% of new infections in Lombardy. The region, which includes financial center Milan, accounts for almost half of the more than 33,500 fatalities nationwide and still has the highest ratio of new cases per 100,000 people. Tourism Boost The decision to open the country internally is also designed to help boost tourism, which accounts for about 13% of gross domestic product. Italy will now allow travellers from other European Union states to enter without undergoing quarantines. Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio is due to meet his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian on Wednesday to hammer out details for cross-border travel between the two countries, daily La Stampa reported. Di Maio is also seeking French support in easing travel restrictions for Italians heading to other European destinations, including Greece, Stampa said. Railway operator Ferrovie dello Stato is doubling the number of long-haul trains from June 3, with fewer seats to facilitate distancing. Struggling airline Alitalia is increasing flights by 36% this month, including a non-stop Rome-New York route. Some restrictions remain in place. Schools wont reopen before September, while cinemas and theaters will be allowed to operate again from mid-June. Italys economy shrank 5.3% in the first quarter, the most since the current data series began in the mid-1990s. A deeper contraction is expected this quarter and the full-year slump is likely to exceed 10%, according to economists. The recession, along with extra spending on health measures, has prompted additional government borrowing, adding to the nations already considerable debt pile. Italy received over 100 billion euros ($112 billion) of bids for its syndicated offering of 10-year debt on Wednesday. The nation has to drastically ramp up bond sales in order to fund a growing fiscal deficit, with the countrys debt as a share of economic output set to top 150% this year. A 24-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder over a knife attack on a garda who sustained head injuries after he came to the aid of a wounded man in Dublin. Gardai in Kilmainham were called to the incident on St. Vincent's Street West, Inchicore at around 2.30am on March 30 last. A garda was slashed and suffered injuries from his hairline back to the crown of his head, a court heard. Lee Quinn from Keeper Road in Drimnagh, Dublin was refused bail a day later after he appeared in court charged with knife possession, assaulting the garda and obstruction in connection with the incident. He appeared again at Cloverhill District Court today. A further charge for attempted murder of Garda Alan Murphy who was injured in the incident has been brought. The district court cannot consider bail on the new charge. Lee Quinn was remanded in continuing custody pending the preparation of a book of evidence. He will appear again on July 1 next. At his first hearing, on March 31, Detective Sergeant Brian Hoey said the garda was slashed and suffered injuries which went from his hairline back to the crown of his head. 'Large laceration' Gardai had responded to a report of a stabbing at Tyrone Place in Inchicore and on arrival found a man with stab wounds to the left side of his torso. The garda tried to engage with him but the wounded man walked away as he became aggressive and threatening, Detective Sergeant Hoey had said. It was alleged Mr Quinn then arrived and was carrying a large kitchen knife with an eight-inch blade. The court heard it was alleged Mr Quinn approached the garda from behind and attempted to strike him on the side of his abdomen and his head. The officer sustained a large laceration which started to bleed while he attempted to restrain the accused. The court heard he was allegedly attacked by both Mr Quinn and the other wounded man. All three fell to the ground and it was alleged the accused swung the knife in a downward motion but the garda prevented him by holding his arm. A Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance crew arrived and intervened, Detective Sergeant Hoey had said. The injured garda had a laceration to his head and a grazed hand. Detective Sergeant Hoey said the officer was extremely lucky to get away with the injuries he did get away with. He said the injuries went from his hairline back to the crown of his head. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment. Capture wanted to remove any barriers to attending Innovate USA. That is why we are charging no fees, registration is not required and were streaming the conference on as many platforms as we can. - Capture CEO Leonard Napolitano https://capture.buzz/InnovateUSA | In an effort to bring the entire enrollment industry together, Captures Innovate USA is now open to all and does not require registration. This free, 3-day virtual conference provides a forum for the nation's college enrollment leaders, recruitment experts and admissions counselors to join together during these challenging times. Captures Innovate USA will be streamed live on the following platforms: YouTube Live Twitch Facebook Live LinkedIn Live Periscope Links to the live event pages and the full Innovate USA agenda can be viewed here: https://capture.buzz/InnovateUSA Capture wanted to remove any barriers to attending Innovate USA, says Capture CEO Leonard Napolitano. That is why we are charging no fees, registration is not required and were streaming the conference on as many platforms as we can. We want Innovate USA to be an opportunity for enrollment teams, which have been forced to work remotely, to come together and find a path forward to success. This is a pivotal moment for all college enrollment professionals to join together and we want to make that as easy, seamless and productive as possible. With an agenda loaded with powerful sessions, panel discussions and interactive workshops, the live event will help guide higher education institutions through these challenging and unprecedented times. Captures Innovate USA Keynote Sessions Tuesday Keynote Emailing Gen Z: Best Practices in this Challenging New Era Laura Rudolph, Director of Enrollment Communications, Transylvania University Wednesday Keynote Daring Acts of Data: Tips for Taming Quantitative Beasts from a Fire-Eating Data Scientist Andrea Jones-Rooy, Ph.D., Director of Undergraduate Studies, NYU Center for Data Science Thursday Keynote Creative Impact and Transformative Strategies: Staying Inspired During Challenging Times Jessica Bellamy, Co-Founder, Root Cause Research Center Through Innovate USA, Capture will provide a venue for universities to get the information, tools and industry resources necessary to address the immediate needs of their institutions during these quickly changing times, Napolitano says. This means adjusting the traditional enrollment journey by reconnecting with their prospective students, reenergizing their applicants who might be wavering in their decision process, and, restoring their recruitment classes within this rapidly changing reality. Captures Innovate USA virtual conference will broadcast live June 9, 10 and 11 from 1:00 p.m. ET to 3:30 p.m. ET /10:00 a.m. PT to 12:30 p.m. PT each day. While it is not required, registration ( https://capture.buzz/InnovateUSA ) does allow attendees to get the latest news, updates and reminders as well as be entered to win daily giveaways. Attendees also can access the registration page to see the conferences full agenda (https://capture.buzz/InnovateUSA). Available for Comment Leonard Napolitano, Capture CEO About Capture Headquartered in Louisville, Ky., Capture is a leading innovator of marketing platforms and solutions for higher education recruitment and enrollment management. Captures Behavioral Intelligence Platform (BIP) offers solutions throughout a prospective students college decision journey. With industry-leading marketing automation, managed solutions and AI-powered predictive modeling built specifically for higher education, Capture gives institutions the control needed to effectively target interested students in relevant ways that increase engagement, drive admissions and improve student retention. Founded in 2011, Capture has served hundreds of higher education institutions and programs across the country while being recognized by Inc. 5000 as a fastest-growing U.S. company. Rahul Gandhi's dialogue with industrialist Rajiv Bajaj on the economic fallout of the Covid-19 crisis will be aired on Thursday, the latest in the series of deliberations the former Congress chief is having with experts from various fields on the impact of the pandemic. In the teaser of the conversation released on various social media accounts of the party, Gandhi, citing experts, is seen talking about the fear of the coronavirus disease, which, if spreads once, is difficult to get rid of. In the teaser, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj, is seen talking about the ... It has been almost a month since President Rodrigo Duterte forced the closure of ABS-CBN, but as the Philippines largest media network awaits a high court ruling and congressional decision that will determine its future, the companys 11,000 employees are increasingly anxious. The Supreme Court could, at any moment this week, decide on ABS-CBNs plea to resume operations while waiting for Dutertes allies in Congress to act on the renewal of its 25-year franchise, but a favourable court ruling remains in question. ABS-CBN said it has been bleeding between $597,000 and $697,500 in daily advertising revenue since the closure on May 5. Failure by Congress to approve the renewal application before it rises for a two-month recess on June 6 could mean more financial losses, endangering the jobs of many of its 11,000 employees. Writer Reyma Buan Deveza has been with the companys online division for 20 years. Since a lockdown was imposed on Metro Manila in mid-March, she has been her familys breadwinner, with her husband temporarily out of work. Now, she worries about how to send their son and daughter to school, while also fretting about affording the diabetes medications that she and her mother are taking. I already have anxiety over how we can stay healthy in this time of coronavirus. Now, Im also thinking about how long I can keep my job and support my family, Deveza told Al Jazeera. The personal attacks on social media against the company and its employees are also very vicious. What they dont realise is that behind the camera and the stories that we publish, we are also human beings, she added between tears. There is no doubt in Devezas mind that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) order to shut down Southeast Asias oldest television company is a clear suppression of freedom of the press. NTC is the countrys telecommunications regulatory body under the office of the president. Poisoned well Theodore Te, former spokesman for the Supreme Court and a leading human rights lawyer, said that as a factual matter the franchise of ABS-CBN had lapsed on May 4. He pointed out that under a 2003 high court ruling a franchise is necessary to continue to operate. But the question that needs to be asked, he said, is why NTC, despite its powers, refused to issue ABS-CBN a provisionary authority to continue operating before the franchise expired. Other stations in a similar situation were previously granted a temporary licence. NTC had also promised Congress in February that it would allow ABS-CBN to operate while legislators deliberate on the pending application. But it reversed course and issued a shutdown order after Dutertes solicitor general, Jose Calida, threatened a lawsuit against its commissioners. Separately, Calida also filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to void ABS-CBNs previous franchise altogether. The court decision on that case is also pending. The threats against ABS-CBN have focussed attention on press freedom in the Philippines [File: Francis R Malasig/EPA] Te said the delay in Congress to take up the renewal, as well as the discriminatory treatment of NTC cannot but be linked to the expressed displeasure of Duterte. That is why it is a press freedom issue because the President made it one, he said, adding that Duterte created a hostile environment for the station. The well had been poisoned, so to speak, by the presidents manifest displeasure at ABS-CBN. Enmity towards ABS-CBN Duterte has long harboured enmity towards the station, accusing it of playing favourites after refusing to run his political advertisements during the 2016 presidential campaign. ABS-CBN has denied the allegations. After his election, Duterte repeatedly threatened the company with closure, declaring in 2019, I will see to it that you are out. ABS-CBNs coverage of the war on drugs, which has killed thousands of people, also riled the Philippine president. Emil Maranon III, a SOAS-trained lawyer based in Manila, said that while the public favours the return of ABS-CBN on air, it will not be an easy time for the company as it seeks the opinion of the highest court. This is not an easy decision. The Supreme Court knows, for example, that the public sentiment is on the side of ABS-CBN, and at the same time, they dont want to find themselves clashing with the president. So, it will entail a balancing act on its part, he told Al Jazeera. How the court will decide on the case remains hard to predict, Maranon said, but legal observers can also study the composition of the court and the voting trends of its members. At present, 10 of the 14 justices are Duterte appointees. The current chief justice is also a Duterte pick, but was appointed to the Supreme Court by a previous president. One seat remains vacant. ABS-CBN said it has been bleeding between $597,000 and $697,500 in daily advertising revenue since its closure on May 5 [File: Rolex dela Pena/EPA] At best, what the Supreme Court can do is extend temporary relief to ABS-CBN, Maranon said. But it is still up to Congress to renew the franchise, so the issue becomes political, with Dutertes allies also dominating the legislative body. We can see right now; it is basically tiptoeing around the administration, it is really a difficult position on the part of ABS-CBN. Generoso Villanueva Jr, has been working for ABS-CBNs regional department for the last 23 years, and like other employees of the company, his future remains in limbo. The company had promised full salary and benefits to all its employees until August. Villanueva, who is the president of the rank and file employees union, also said many of his colleagues are concerned if they will still be able to find employment elsewhere. The media landscape in the Philippines is already saturated, and many will have to compete with younger applicants. ABS-CBN has been treating us well, and it is like family to many of us who have worked here for many years. So if we have a choice, we want to stay, he said. I hope that Congress will act on the franchise soon. Our existence as a company has never caused disadvantage or injury to the country, so I hope we will be allowed to reopen. For high school seniors such as Yesenia Rodriguez, the final year of high school has not turned out the way as expected. The coronavirus pandemic led to the disruption of a traditional school year and the cancellation of several senior year traditions, leaving many high school seniors disappointed and wondering about what could have been. On Sunday afternoon, a drive-by parade was held in honor of graduating seniors in the Solana Ridge subdivision in southwest San Antonio. I enjoyed every moment of it and honestly, it was a day to remember and yes, I got emotional, said Rodriguez, a graduating senior at Southwest High School. It was emotional because this (coronavirus) pandemic is going around and we understand we got to be six feet apart, but at least we got to have fun doing something that weve never done before. Rodriguez was one of approximately 100 seniors and their families in the parade who were cheered by residents and parents along the parade route which followed Sol Trace, the main thoroughfare in the subdivision, and wound its way through every neighborhood in the subdivision. The San Antonio Police Department provided an escort for the parade. The parade was organized by Ruby Herrera, a member of the Solana Ridge Homeowners Association Board of Directors and chairwoman of the HOA social committee. It was awesome having all the community gather together, Herrera said. You see all the residents outside and supporting all these seniors. It turned out really good. Herrera said she wanted to do something memorable for the seniors who havent been able to participate in events that would have marked their final year in high school, including prom and field trips. I felt bad for the seniors because I feel they should be acknowledged for all their hard work that theyve done all year long, Herrera said. This is for the seniors. So, Im hoping they enjoy themselves, just to make it memorable for them. Most of the seniors who participated in the parade attended Southwest High School. The parade also had seniors from several other high schools including Southwest Legacy, Harlandale, and Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering. Several of the seniors in the parade were from other neighborhoods and subdivisions. During the parade, Solana Ridge residents were allowed to come up to the vehicles and put snack, beverage and other items in empty laundry baskets provided to the seniors before the start of the parade. Amanda Lopez was one of the subdivisions residents who filled the seniors baskets as they drove by her home. Yelling Go seniors! Lopez enthusiastically gave a variety of snack items, from popcorn to Pop-Tarts, to the grateful seniors. After the parade, the seniors and their parents met at the subdivision community park, where a flatscreen TV and DVD player was raffled off to a senior. Two gift cards to area restaurants were given to the senior with the best decorated vehicle in the parade. In addition, gift baskets were given to 45 seniors from Solana Ridge that were put together by subdivision residents. The baskets contained each of the seniors favorite goodies and snacks, which the residents gathered from a list provided to them before the day of the parade. Americans, defying curfews in several cities including New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington DC, protested, in some cases violently, against the custodial killing of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis. IMAGE: Protesters kneel in the street as riot police move on demstrators to clear Lafayette Park and the area around it across from the White House near the White House, in Washington. Photograph: Ken Cedeno/Reuters Floyd's death on May 25 has sparked civil unrest that has since spread nationwide. The 46-year-old, a native of Houston, was handcuffed and pinned to the ground on May 25 by a white police officer who kneeled on his neck as he gasped for breath. In some cases, peaceful protests turned violent resulting in large scale looting, damage to properties and monuments, and vehicles being set ablaze. The civic unrest is said to be the largest in the US in recent decades. Curfew was imposed in several cities, including New York and Washington D C, as most protests turned violent during the night. Reportedly, protesters defied curfew in many of these cities. IMAGE: Healthcare workers kneel in solidarity with protesters rallying against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd in the Manhattan borough of New York City. Photograph: Aleksandra Michalska/Reuters In Washington DC, military vehicles were seen on streets close to the White House and there was heavy deployment of armed security personnel at the Lafayette Park, where thousands had gathered to protest the death of Floyd, a native of Houston. Thousands of people marched on the streets of New York against police brutalities. The city, on Monday night, had witnessed looting, including that at a popular departmental store in midtown Manhattan. "The New York Police Department and the (city) mayor did not do their job last night, I believe that," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told a news conference. IMAGE: People take part in a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, at Trump International Hotel in New York. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters In St Louis, four police officers were hospitalised after they suffered serious injuries during a protest, while a police officer is said to be in critical condition in Las Vegas after he was shot while attempting to quell an unruly mob. In Atlanta, Georgia, six police officers face criminal charges after a video captured them pulling two college students out of their car and firing tasers at them while enforcing curfew on Saturday night, according to media reports. Several armoured vehicles formed a tight cordon around the Georgia Capitol after tear gas shells were fired on protesters to scatter them, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Confrontation between security personnel and protestors were reported from across the US, while Minnesota Governor on Tuesday ordered an investigate into the Minneapolis Police Department's policies and practices over the past decade. New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced that the state will update its guidelines governing the use of force by police for the first time in two decades. He also announced a mandatory statewide licensing programme for all officers. IMAGE: NYPD officers detain protesters for violating curfew during demonstrations in reaction to the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in the Manhattan borough of New York City. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters Thousands rallied in Boston against the recent deaths of Black people across the country at the hands of people, a local newspaper said. "The protesters, protected from cars by marshals in yellow vests, chanted, 'Black Lives Matter' and 'No Justice No Peace!' They then stood up and began marching through a park to rally peacefully at a large open area outside the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital," Boston Globe reported. According to The New York Times, hundreds of protesters gathered steam for hours before converging at the corner of Hollywood and Cahuenga Boulevard, a Los Angeles landmark that in many ways is the heart of the city's film roots. The Los Angeles Times reported that several hundred people have been arrested in the city. In Washington DC, thousands of people remained in a park facing the White House in defiance of the curfew. IMAGE: Demonstrators gather along the fence surrounding Lafayette Park outside the White House as protests continue over the death in police custody of George Floyd, in Washington. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters The Washington Post described it as the largest crowd since the protest started on Friday night. Senator Elizabeth Warren joined the protestors in Washington D C. "Let's remember why people are protesting. They are protesting for the black lives who matter. For the black lives who were taken from us," Senator Kamala Harris said in a tweet on Tuesday. "Right now, America is raw. Her wounds are exposed. But instead of having a president who understands it, who empathises and acknowledges the pain, we have someone who chooses to hold up the Bible like a prop for a photo op after tear gassing peaceful protesters," the Indian-origin Senator said. According to The Wall Street Journal, more than 20,400 troops have been deployed in 28 states and district of Columbia to maintain peace. IMAGE: A demonstrator holds an image depicting George Floyd as people gather in front of the fence surrounding Lafayette Park. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters Meanwhile, a Chicago man was arrested on a federal arson charge for allegedly setting fire to a Chicago Police Department vehicle this past weekend. Timothy O'Donnell placed a lit object into the gas tank of the marked police vehicle while it was parked in the 200 block of North State Street in downtown Chicago on Saturday, according to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in US District Court in Chicago. The vehicle ignited in flames. At the time, Chicago Police officers were in the area investigating reports of various malfeasances and unrest. O'Donnell set the fire while wearing a 'joker' mask that partially covered his face, the complaint states, the complaint said. Similarly, in New Jersey, Justin Spry, 21, was arrested by FBI on charges of attempting to set fire to a marked police vehicle after a demonstration over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Attorney-General Christian Porter has suggested increasing welfare payments to reduce Australia's 'lamentable' indigenous jail rates. Global protests about the police killing of African American man George Floyd have renewed focus on the systemic mistreatment of Aboriginal people. More than 400 indigenous people have died in custody since 1991. Although Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults make up just two per cent of the national population, they constitute 27 per cent of the national prison population. The problem is even worse with young First Nations people. Protesters at the Black Lives Matter protest on Tuesday evening in Sydney. The George Floyd protests in America have renewed focus on mistreatment of Aboriginal people in Australia Attorney-General Christian Porter has suggested increasing welfare payments to reduce Australia's 'lamentable' indigenous jail rates Mr Porter says both sides of politics are committed to reducing indigenous incarceration rates. 'They are lamentable. They are a sharp policy focus. It is a very difficult problem to solve,' he said in Sydney on Wednesday. 'It is a problem that has to be acknowledged, and is acknowledged, at all levels of government.' He said indigenous incarceration rates were driven by complicated economic factors. 'The greatest thing in my observation that we can do to, over time, decrease rates of indigenous incarceration is increase rates of indigenous welfare and employment,' Mr Porter said. 'The mistake has always been made by looking at rates of incarceration, which I absolutely agree are lamentable, but to view that as a criminal justice problem. 'It is a much broader problem that has to require significant increases in the welfare and employment of Aboriginal Australians.' He cautioned against drawing too many parallels between the United States and Australia. 'We shouldn't mistake specific problems of grotesque police brutality in America - literally a world away - with our own problems,' Mr Porter said. 'Which is not to detract from the necessity to recognise our own problems and solve our own problems, but we shouldn't mistake one problem for another.' The cast of Brooklyn Nine-Nine have donated $100,000 to the National Bail Fund on Tuesday, in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Taking to Twitter following her own $11k donation to the cause on Monday, Stephanie Beatriz revealed that the entire cast and showrunner had donated the money to help the fight against police brutality after George Floyd's tragic death. In a statement, the Rosa Diaz star, 39, explained: 'The cast and showrunner of Brooklyn 99 condemn the murder of George Floyd and support the many people who are protesting police brutality nationally. Making a stand: On Tuesday, Brooklyn Nine-Nine's showrunner and cast donated $100,000 to the National Bail Fund Network following George Floyd's death 'Together we have made a $100,000 donation to The National Bail Fund Network. We encourage you to look up your local bail fund: the National Bail Fund Network is an organization that can lead you to them. #blacklivesmatter' Stephanie's co-stars Andy Samberg, Melissa Fumero, Terry Crews, Andre Braugher, Joe Lo Truglio, and Joel McKinnon Miller, shared the same statement on their respective social media platforms. The cast also included a link to the Act Blue page where others could donate money to Bail Funds across the United States. On Monday, Stephanie called upon actors who play police officers on television to get involved in helping those protesting following Floyd's tragic death last week. Good cause: Making the donation in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement, and to help those protesting, the cast shared a joint statement calling for others to do the same Helping out: On Monday, Stephanie called upon actors who play police officers on television to get involved in helping those protesting following Floyd's tragic death last week She thanked actor Griffin Newman for suggesting that if you're an actor who has been paid for playing a cop onscreen, then you should donate to the National Bail Fund Network, which help protesters. 'I'm an actor who plays a detective on TV,' Beatriz tweeted. 'If you currently play a cop? If you make tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in residuals from playing a cop? I'll let you do the math.' Beatriz posted a receipt that seemed to claim she had donated $11,000 to the cause, and her contribution receipt said: 'Thank you for making a contribution to the #FreeThemAll Emergency Response Fund.' 'Your donation will be distributed to a local bail/bond fund in the National Bail Fund Network to get someone free from jail or immigration detention during the COVID-19 crisis.' Doing her part: Stephanie gave $11k to the #FreeThemAll Emergency Response Fund Tragic loss: Floyd passed away last week at the age of 46 after Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for several minutes before he died from asphyxiation Meanwhile actor Griffin Newman had tweeted: 'I'm an out-of-work actor who (improbably) played a detective on two episodes of BLUE BLOODS almost a decade ago,' before revealing he had donated. Many responded to the tweets, even amateur actors who had played a cop in a play offering to donate money to the cause. Floyd passed away last week at the age of 46 after Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for several minutes before he died from asphyxiation. A medical examiner's office on Monday ruled that Floyd's death was a homicide as they appeared to walk back initial reports that he wasn't strangled when a Minneapolis cop knelt on his neck during an arrest last week. The medical examiner's findings that the death was a homicide by asphyxiation confirmed the same conclusion of the independent autopsy that was also released on Monday, but there are key differences over the cause. Chauvin, who is white and was fired from the Minneapolis police department over the incident, was hit with third-degree murder and manslaughter charges as protests over Floyd's death roiled the nation. Bengaluru: Complying with the Supreme Court direction, Karnataka government on Tuesday decided to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu despite severe hardships, as protests in the wake of the court order intensified with the highway between Bengaluru and Mysuru blocked by farmers. Despite severe hardships faced by the government of Karnataka, the state will release water as directed by the Supreme Court, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters tonight after nearly a three-hour long all-party meeting convened by him here. He also said the state would approach the Supreme Court with a modification petition explaining the its difficulties in implementing its order, directing release of 15,000 cusecs per day to Tamil Nadu for next ten days, and seeking change in it and also move the Cauvery Supervisory Committee. The Chief Minister said it would be difficult for a Constitution-bound state to defy the Supreme Court order or to refuse release of water. With a heavy heart, it has been decided to provide water to Tamil Nadu even though the state itself was facing a very severe distress year, he said. Seeking to assuage the feelings of protesting farmers in the Cauvery heartland of Mandya and other districts in the basin, he said all efforts would be made to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and other places as also for crops. He appealed to farmers to maintain peace and tranquility and not to cause any damage to public property. In Mandya, agitated farmers and activists belonging to pro-Kannada outfits blocked Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway as protests intensified in the wake of the apex court directive to the state to release Cauvery water. Mandya district, the nucleus of Cauvery politics, saw a bandh with protesters holding road blockades and dharnas at several places, as hundreds of security personnel, including Central forces, were deployed in the Cauvery belt to maintain law and order. Prohibitory orders have been clamped around the Krishnarajasagar Dam and entry of visitors to it prohibited till September 9, as the Cauvery row hotted up after yesterdays Supreme Court directive on a petition by Tamil Nadu government. The court has directed Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs of water for the next 10 days to address the plight of the farmers in Tamil Nadu. Protesters also mobbed and ransacked several government offices in Mandya forcing their shut down, while attendance at government offices remained thin, police said. The court order triggered an immediate backlash with the farmers body, spearheading the stir, calling for a bandh today in Mandya district. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A federal audit released this morning found New Jersey failed to adequately monitor a Medicaid program that provides support for long-term care at home, in group homes and within assisted living facilities, putting health and safety at risk. The report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General estimated that the state made $721 million in payments that did not comply with federal and state requirements. New Jersey pays managed care organizations, known as MCOs, to provide long-term services and support to Medicaid beneficiaries living in home and community-based settings, outside of traditional nursing homes. But the audit said the state did not do its job in making sure those healthcare providers did their job. It found some offered only the most basic of services, and omitted services covered by Medicaid that might have been of benefit, such as physical and occupational therapy, rehabilitation and vision and dental services. The audit said the failure of those healthcare providers to meet their contracted responsibilities could have resulted in beneficiaries not getting the services that they needed, and may have put their health and safety at risk. New Jersey officials challenged the findings and questioned how the auditors came up with their numbers, calling them misleading. In a response attached to the federal audit, state Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said the departments monitoring regimen is robust, has evolved substantially over the course of the program, and represents efficient use of limited state resources. Disagreement over Medicaid spending, which is jointly funded by the state and federal government, is not uncommon. In 2017, the state contested another federal audit that charged New Jersey had padded its Medicaid bills by $600 million over a dozen years by seeking reimbursement for public worker pensions that the state never paid and inflating the pay rates. That issue remains unresolved, federal officials said, with the inspector generals recommendations still unimplemented. At issue in the current audit is New Jerseys Medicaid managed care program, which deals with a number of outside managed care providers that deliver services to those who require long-term care, but do not live in nursing homes. That assistance may include personal care, respite care, care management, home and vehicle modifications, and home-delivered meals. In a random review looking back to monthly payments dating to 2016, the inspector general found issues with 68% of 100 Medicaid beneficiaries chosen as a sample. It reported that a number of managed care organizations under contract with the state did not comply with requirements to evaluate and cover the needs of recipients for long-term services and support. It said some did not comply with requirements for conducting and documenting assessments. The MSOs were not named. An earlier federal audit of Medicaid home and community-based and managed long-term-care services in New York identified similar problems, said the report. In New Jersey, at least 60 beneficiaries did not receive adequate care management, the audit found, although it noted that noncompliance with federal and state requirements did not mean that the monthly payments were not allowed. A physicians review by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid found care plans for those receiving benefits were not individualized, and included only the most basic set of services. For example, three people suffering from visual impairment were not referred for cataract surgery. Seven individuals who had experienced multiple falls in their home or had difficulty walking were not evaluated for physical therapy, the audit noted. The inspector generals report concluded that the state had not adequately monitored its managed care organizations and recommend that New Jersey take steps to ensure they comply with contractual requirements by imposing fines or other financial disincentives to address the problems. New Jersey rejected the audits conclusions. While we are always looking for additional opportunities for improvement and may introduce additional or modified monitoring, we do not believe that existing monitoring efforts could be reasonably characterized as inadequate or insufficient, wrote Johnson in her departments response. The Human Services commissioner said the $721 million in spending cited in the report represented the expenditures for all medical and long-term care services for community-based enrollees, which the report made clear was not part of its review, adding that the areas that were audited accounted for less than 6% of the states monthly payments. She called the inspector generals characterization of the expenditures misleading, innovation stifling, and contradictory to the practical reality of the program. Federal officials, responding in the report, acknowledged New Jerseys efforts to improve its monitoring of the long-term care program and its objections to the findings. But they maintained that their recommendations were valid. We determined that New Jerseys monitoring during our audit period was not adequate, they wrote. Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL Jordan has put five people on trial after they were charged for plotting suicide attacks on Israeli positions in the Israel-occupied West Bank, a judicial source said on Tuesday. The state security court recently began legal proceedings against five people accused of involvement in a terrorist plot, which the intelligence unit foiled in February, the source told AFP. The suspects were arrested in February. The court also noted that one of the suspect had visited the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip in 2007, where he was trained to make explosive vests and bombs. He returned to the kingdom in 2010 and recruited seven years later the four other suspects with whom he plotted to infiltrate the West Bank and carry out attacks with bombs against buses and trains and with explosive vests against other Israeli targets, AFP notes. The Middle East country is the second Arab country aside from Egypt, which has diplomatic relations with Israel. The 1994 agreement has been tested several times but both countries have maintained close cooperation in matters of security and intelligence. Buf Creamery (http://www.bufcreamery.com), an award-winning cheese and yogurt creamery, has achieved Non-GMO Certification for several Buf products by the NON-GMO Project. (https://www.nongmoproject.org). Buf Creamery products become the first water buffalo creamery products to obtain Non-GMO certification. Buf Creamery was founded in 2014 in Colombia, South America. Since then Buf Creamery has been working to elevate the mozzarella category by becoming the freshest and tastiest water buffalo mozzarella available in the U.S. market. The most interesting part of this process is knowing the opportunity we have as a country to offer food of excellent origin and quality Miguel Escobar, Milk Management Leader. We are so proud to receive NON-GMO Certification. Receiving the NON-GMO Certification is a unique and important achievement for our company in the Mozzarella and water buffalo dairy product market. It continues to drive home that our dream of making the best water buffalo dairy products is realized in the best possible way said Founder and CEO Alejandro Gomez. Buf Creamery NON-GMO Certified Products Buf Creamery offers a growing product line of delicious NON-GMO Certified cheeses and yogurts for the US market. Mozzarella All Buf Mozzarella sizes are now NON-GMO Certified. (Mezza Libra, Ovoline, Ciliegine, Bocconcini and Organic Mozzarella Ciliegine) Ricotta Yogurts Andean Plain and Andean Honey Along with the NON-GMO Certification, Buf Creamery cheeses have won several awards from the American Cheese Society. Mozzarella is rich and creamy and comes in 4 different sizes. The mezza libra size is the largest of the sizes and the Gold Medal winner in 2018. Its my favorite size because its the biggest and juiciest format with the best balance and texture. says Alejandro. Ovoline size was Gold Medal winner for best Mozzarella in 2016 by the American Cheese Society. Burrata has a fresh mozzarella encasing with a distinctly softer, separate curd and cream. Winner 2017 from the American Cheese Society. Ricotta is a fine, semi-sweet cheese that's made from the whey residue of the cheese-making process. Winner 2017 from the America Cheese Society and a 2018 Winner. Buf uses only the freshest whey rendering a sweet and creamy version with both savory and sweet uses. Yogurt Buf Creamery provides a premier line of grass-fed, free-range NON-GMO water buffalo yogurt to the US food service market. The yogurts are created with water buffalo milk and are naturally thick and creamy. Lactose-free, additive-free, and free of cows milk proteins. Andean Plain Pure grass-fed NON-GMO water buffalo milk cultured to a creamy, tangy perfection. Andean Honey A creamy, naturally thick NON-GMO yogurt sweetened with honey harvested from wildflowers in the Colombian mountains About the Water Buffalo at Buf Creamery Water Buffalo have called the mountains of Colombia home for many years. Colombia contains over 800,000 of them - one of the highest concentrations in the world. Water buffalo are well suited to rugged and humid environments making the Colombian mountains a perfect home for Buf water buffalo. Buf Creamery believes that great grass produces great cheese. The lush grass of the Colombian Andes combined with fresh air creates the foundation for the dairy. By keeping the buffalo relaxed in their natural environment, the cheese just tastes better. Water Buffalo naturally eat grass and Buf believes that it's best to keep it this way. This means Buf keeps everything natural. BUF keeps calves with their mother as this is the most sustainable and humane way to raise water buffalo. Buf uses no hormones, pesticides, or GMOs. As Alejandro says Buf is the Taste from Colombia, changing the way we share meals together, changing the future of traditional dairy industry and opening the doors of this beautiful Andean country to cheese lovers everywhere. To Learn more about Buf Creamery Please visit http://www.bufcreamery.com for more information. Contact Information alexa@bufcreamery.com #bufcreamery YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan held a consultation in a remote way in the government over the current situation in the civil aviation sector and its development prospects, the PMs Office told Armenpress. Chairwoman of the Civil Aviation Committee Tatevik Revazyan participated in the discussion. Revazyan presented clarifications to the PM over the ongoing processes in the field. She reported that on May 12, 2020, the session of the European flight safety team tool place as a result of which a decision was made to include all airlines certified in Armenia to the EU Air Safety List. According to the European Commission and the EU Air Safety Committee, the reason for such decision is the implementation of improper control and incomplete certification functions by Armenias Civil Aviation Committee for many years. The decision restricts airlines certified in Armenia to operate flights to Europe, except for the flights relating to evacuation of citizens, for humanitarian and medical purposes. These airlines, however, will continue operating flights to other countries. At the same time the decision will not affect the operation of flights by international airlines en routes EU-Armenia and vice versa. Revazyan stated that since the session of the team Armenias Civil Aviation Committee is taking actions to raise the air safety level, and the change of the decision can only be discussed in November 2020. In this context the EU aviation authorities welcomed the Armenian governments commitment and expressed readiness for cooperation. PM Pashinyan tasked the Civil Aviation Committee to develop a roadmap for further steps before November 2020, as well as a timetable for its implementation. He said actions must be taken not only to raise the air safety level, but also the competitiveness of the local aviation which will enable to develop the civil aviation in Armenia. During the consultation a number of issues relating to the reforms of the Civil Aviation Committee were also discussed. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan My daughter has been accepted at Lehigh University. She was elated upon her acceptance, but we have a very hard decision to make, as we here on the West Coast see infection rates in the Lehigh Valley that are more than five times ours. If my daughter begins classes this fall, there will be no bringing her back home very easily. I have an auto-immune disease; she would have to quarantine for 14 days anytime she wants to come home. It breaks my heart, but I wont accompany her to school because of the COVID-19 mortality rate among people like me. My daughter had similar auto-immune issues when she was small. While we hope she has outgrown them, she gets sick often and doesnt bounce back quickly, so I worry that COVID might be deadly for her, too. Will Lehigh regularly check the temperatures of students, teachers and staff? Will quarantine housing and services be provided for students who test positive? Will Lehigh end the fall semester at Thanksgiving? Will Lehigh provide year-round lodging for students like my daughter because it make no sense to go back and forth? Or will it put off campus operations until summer 2021, when we may be better at combating this virus? Ive read that college campuses are petri dishes for infection, and that the second wave of the Spanish flu was five times deadlier than the first. Lehigh officials should take all the time they need to gather information on this. In a time when we cant trust our federal government, we are looking to our great educational institutions to lead. Please consider our childrens lives and those they touch before making this decision. There may be no happy answer, but we dont want history showing there was a very wrong one. Libby Winston Corte Madera, Calif. More than 10,000 people have been arrested in protests decrying racism and police brutality in the wake of George Floyd's death, according to an Associated Press tally of known arrests across the US The count has grown by the hundreds each day as protesters spilled into the streets and encountered a heavy police presence and curfews that give law enforcement stepped-up arrest powers. Los Angeles has had about a quarter of the national arrests, followed by New York, Dallas and Philadelphia. Many of the arrests have been for low-level offences such as curfew violations and failure to disperse. Hundreds were arrested on burglary and looting charges. As cities were engulfed in unrest last week, politicians claimed that the majority of the protesters were outside agitators, including a contention by Minnesota's governor that 80 per cent of the participants in the demonstrations were from out of state. The arrests in Minneapolis during a frenzied weekend tell a different story. In a nearly 24-hour period from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon, 41 of the 52 people cited with protest-related arrests had Minnesota driver's licenses, according to the Hennepin County sheriff. In the nation's capital, 86 per cent of the more than 400 people arrested as of Wednesday afternoon were from Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. It is not known how many of the people arrested were locked up - an issue at a time when many of the nation's jails are dealing with coronavirus outbreaks. The protesters are often placed in zip-ties and hauled away from the scene in buses. In Los Angeles, an online fundraising campaign has gathered $US2 million ($2.9 million) so far to help some 2700 people arrested in demonstrations since Floyd died on May 25 in Minneapolis. Kath Rogers, executive director of the Los Angeles office of the National Lawyers Guild, said she was surprised by the huge number of arrests in that city. The office is calling on those arrested to be in contact so they can be part of the group's mass defence. So far, they have heard from about 400 people, she said. She said some people had been swept up in the arrests because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, like a woman who was simply going for an evening walk and wasn't part of the protest. Or a young man who was taking pictures of the looting with his phone and then was arrested for looting. "I've been here for two years and we go to hundreds of demonstrations, but I've never seen rubber bullets flying like this, tear gas used this way," she said. Los Angeles Chief Michel Moore told the city's Police Commission Tuesday the bulk of the arrests, about 2,500, were for failure to disperse or curfew violations. The rest were for crimes including burglary, looting, assaults on police officers and other violence, Moore told the panel, which functions as the police department's civilian oversight board. The only other US city with an arrest toll that comes close to Los Angeles' is New York, with about 2,000, according to AP's tally. A Los Angeles group called the Peoples City Council Fund as of Wednesday night had gathered more than $2 million for arrested protesters there through the online fundraising platform gofundme. More than 46,000 people donated mostly small amounts, some just $10 or $20. Fundraiser organisers said hundreds of thousands of the dollars raised will go to Black Lives Matter LA as well as the National Lawyers Guild, a progressive group that has been defending civil rights activists since the 1930s. The AP tally didn't take into account any additional arrests still unreported from Wednesday evening. AP Advertisement It has been almost a month since London diagnosed a hundred coronavirus patients in one day, statistics show in a sign the outbreak is fading in the capital. Department of Health figures reveal May 7 was the last time more than 100 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the city, when 147 people were diagnosed with the life-threatening disease. This has fallen consistently to just 19 on May 25, the lowest recorded on a weekday since the outbreak spiralled out of control, showing the capital has emerged from the epidemic's darkest days. Only the South West, which has been least affected by the epidemic, has gone longer without 100 cases in a day, since 113 tested positive on May 1. More than 1,000 people were being diagnosed every day in London at the peak of the outbreak but the number of cases has now plummeted to just dozens. Data shows the average number of people getting diagnosed every day in the capital fell by 82 per cent in the last week of May compared to the first, from 136 to 25. Average daily positive tests in all regions more than halved over the same period, although statistics are still being updated. Falling diagnoses comes despite an increase in the number of tests being carried out - 630,000 tests were done in the week ending May 7, compared to 836,000 up to May 25. Other regions have also seen drops in the number of people being diagnosed with the virus. In the North West, positive tests dropped from a month high of 342 on May 5 to 105 on May 25. And in the East of England they fell from 266 on May 1 to 79 on May 25. Case results have been even lower this week but it can take days for results to be analysed and fewer are recorded at the weekends, meaning last week is the most accurate recent measure. The data comes as separate statistics today revealed that the virus had pushed the numbers of deaths from all causes to more than double in some parts of London. May 7 was the last time more than 100 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the city, when 147 people were diagnosed. This has fallen consistently to just 19 on May 25, the lowest for a weekday since the outbreak spiralled out of control, showing the capital has emerged from the epidemic's darkest days The South West has gone the longest without recording 100 new cases in a day out of all England's regions, Public Health England data shows - since May 1. The North East has not hit the figure since May 9. For the East Midlands it was May 13, for Yorkshire and the West Midlands May 19, for East of England May 21, for South East England May 22, and for the North West - the most recent - it was May 29. Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, London has been the region with the most cases of the virus diagnosed, with a total of 27,021. However the North East of England, which had a lower total (10,266) has had a higher rate of infection. There, 386 people per 100,000 have caught the virus, compared to 303 per 100,000 in the capital. The rate was also higher than London's in the North West, where it has been 354 cases per 100,000 people but a total of 25,796 - almost as high as London's. People living in the South West have been least exposed to Covid-19, with just 7,680 cases diagnosed there at a rate of 137 infections per 100,000 people. HOW AVERAGE DAILY POSITIVE TESTS DROPPED IN MAY All regions of England saw the average number of positive tests they recorded each day drop by more than half between the first week of May and the last. The figures are calculated by averaging the number of positive tests each day between May 1 and May 7, and comparing this to the average number of daily positive tests between May 23 and May 29. The late May figures may still be subject to change - a five-day buffer has been left to account for as yet unreliable data over the weekend and in the past 48 hours. REGION London North East South West East of Eng Yorkshire South East West Mids North West East Mids START MAY 136 126 75 183 191 189 169 247 87 END MAY 25 32 20 51 57 62 54 101 41 % CHANGE 82% 75% 73% 72% 70% 67% 68% 59% 52% Advertisement A closer look at PHE's data shows that Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria, has the worst rate of infection of any local authority in the country. The seaside town near the Lake District has had 561 diagnosed cases of Covid-19 from a population of around 67,000 people. Its infection rate is 836 cases per 100,000 people. Ashford in Kent has seen infections at a rate of 628 per 100,000 (812 total), while the rate is 553 per 100,000 in Lancaster, where a total 798 cases have been found. Others in the list of worst-affected places include South Lakeland (Cumbria), Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Middlesbrough, Blackpool and Oldham. All except Ashford are in the hard-hit North East and North West regions of England. Meanwhile, more rural and southern areas have got off lightly in the first wave of Britain's epidemic. Torridge, Devon, is the least affected district in England, with a total of 36 cases and an infection rate of just 53 per 100,000 - 16 times lower than in Barrow-in-Furness. This is followed by Mendip in Somerset, which contains Frome and Glastonbury, where 63 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed. The infection rate is 55 per 100,000. Other areas that appear to have gotten off lightly so far include Hastings, West Lindsey (Lincolnshire), Rutland (East Midlands), South Hams (Devon), West and North Devon, Dorset and North East Lincolnshire. A decline in positive tests across all regions is noticeable by averaging the total number of daily positive tests results in the first week of May and comparing this to those in the week ending May 29. The latter figures may be subject to change but are more reliable than more recent figures from the weekend or this week, which may not yet have been completed. London recorded 82 per cent fewer cases per day, on average, at the end of May when compared to the beginning - a drop from 136 to just 25. In the North East, the average number of daily positive tests fell from 126 in the first week of May to 32 per day in the last week of the month - a 75 per cent drop. The South West saw a fall of 73 per cent from 75 cases per day to 20. In the East of England the number fell from 183 to 51 (72 per cent), and in Yorkshire and the Humber it dropped 70 per cent from 191 to a 57 daily average. In South East England the daily average fell from 189 to 62 (67 per cent), in the West Midlands it was 169 to 54 (68 per cent), in the North West 247 to 101 (59 per cent), and in the East Midlands it fell from 87 to 41 (52 per cent). Professor Keith Neal, an epidemiologist at the University of Nottingham, explained: 'Testing has been expanded so we are still testing people who would have been tested in the early days, we have added more groups so the decline in positive tests reflects a genuine fall in new cases. 'Essentially if we expand the groups of people you could see a rise in positive tests even if cases were falling. 'We need to encourage all people with symptoms to get tested so we can contact trace as many people as possible. 'A number of infections are asymptomatic so we can not find these people directly but contact tracing allows us to isolate potential asymptomatic people before they spread infection. 'Any resurgence in cases can readily be detected and control measures implemented before we reach a second wave.' The data comes after a separate analysis by The Telegraph showed that the coronavirus pandemic has driven up death rates in some parts of London to double what they are in a usual year. Official statistics show the number of Britons who died during the first five months of 2020 was massively higher than average because of the Covid-19 crisis. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday revealed at least 56,000 'excess deaths' have been recorded in England and Wales alone, while the figure for the entirety of the UK is in the region of 62,000. And while not all of these people have been direct victims of the coronavirus, many have died because of indirect impacts of the outbreak, such as reduced NHS services. The London borough of Brent is the worst affected part of England and Wales by this measure, with the number of deaths soaring from 447 in January-May in an average year to 925 in 2020 - an increase of 108 per cent. Data shows that 17 out of the 20 worst affected places across the two countries are all boroughs of the capital. Other parts of London that witnessed their death tolls approximately double were Harrow (99.7 per cent increase), Newham (95.4 per cent) and Enfield (90.3 per cent). The highest increase in deaths outside of London was seen in Hertsmere in Hertfordshire, where fatalities rose by 86.2 per cent from 236 to 439. Meanwhile, more than a dozen areas across the two countries actually appeared to be unaffected by the outbreak and saw the numbers of people dying fall to lower-than average levels. In North East Lincolnshire the death rate dropped by 8.8 per cent, while it fell by 8.2 per cent in Conwy, Wales, and by five per cent on Anglesey, off the Welsh coast. THE 20 AUTHORITIES IN ENGLAND AND WALES WITH THE MOST COVID-19 CASES... PLACE Barrow-in-Furness Ashford Lancaster South Lakeland Sunderland Gateshead South Tyneside Middlesbrough Blackpool Oldham Thanet Carlisle Knowsley Brent King's Lynn and West Norfolk Dartford Sheffield St. Helens Watford Oxford TOTAL CASES 561 812 798 527 1,381 1,005 745 678 649 1,084 651 493 670 1,476 670 479 2,541 753 404 643 CASES PER 100k 835.6 628.1 553.2 504.2 497.8 496.3 495.8 482.4 465.9 460.1 459 454.9 447.9 446.2 441.3 436.6 436.2 418.2 417.5 416.6 Advertisement ... AND THE 20 AREAS THAT HAVE RECORDED THE FEWEST COVID-19 CASES PLACE Torridge Mendip Hastings West Lindsey Rutland South Hams West Devon North Devon Dorset North East Lincolnshire East Devon Rother Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Arun Wiltshire South Somerset Teignbridge South Kesteven North Kesteven East Lindsey TOTAL CASES 36 63 55 80 35 80 53 93 365 156 141 95 576 164 534 184 148 164 135 164 CASES PER 100k 52.8 54.8 59.2 84.3 88.2 92.8 95.4 96.8 96.9 97.6 97.7 99.3 101.4 102.6 107.2 109.6 111.4 115.6 116.4 116.5 Advertisement REVEALED: HOW MANY CASES OF COVID-19 HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED IN YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY SINCE THE OUTBREAK BEGAN? LOCAL AUTHORITY CASES RATE PER 100,000 LOCAL AUTHORITY CASES RATE PER 100,000 Barrow-in-Furness 561 835.6 South Derbyshire 243 232.6 Ashford 812 628.1 South Ribble 257 232.5 Lancaster 798 553.2 Chelmsford 411 232.1 South Lakeland 527 504.2 Hackney 649 232.1 Sunderland 1,381 497.8 Herefordshire, County of 444 231.1 Gateshead 1,005 496.3 Stafford 314 231.1 South Tyneside 745 495.8 Broadland 299 231 Middlesbrough 678 482.4 Derby 591 229.8 Blackpool 649 465.9 Central Bedfordshire 650 229.2 Oldham 1,084 460.1 Hambleton 208 228.2 Thanet 651 459 East Hampshire 274 227 Carlisle 493 454.9 Northampton 508 225.6 Knowsley 670 447.9 Staffordshire Moorlands 222 225.6 Brent 1,476 446.2 Swale 334 224.9 King's Lynn and West Norfolk 670 441.3 Tandridge 196 224 Dartford 479 436.6 Coventry 816 222.5 Sheffield 2,541 436.2 Southend-on-Sea 405 222 St. Helens 753 418.2 Haringey 597 220.6 Watford 404 417.5 Hinckley and Bosworth 247 219.7 Oxford 643 416.6 Derbyshire Dales 158 219.5 Harrow 1,032 412.6 Burnley 194 219.1 Basingstoke and Deane 723 411.4 York 459 218.7 Copeland 281 410.7 Chesterfield 228 217.9 Rushmoor 390 409.9 Stevenage 191 217.7 Folkestone and Hythe 459 407.7 Wakefield 751 217.7 Bury 764 401.9 Runnymede 190 215.9 Southwark 1,272 400.9 Worcester 220 215.9 Wirral 1,295 400.6 Peterborough 431 214.4 Barnsley 974 397.2 East Northamptonshire 200 213 Croydon 1,511 392.1 Bracknell Forest 257 211.2 Bromley 1,280 386.6 Blaby 212 211.1 Walsall 1,091 385 North Somerset 451 210.8 County Durham 2,013 382 Cannock Chase 210 209.8 Wolverhampton 1,001 382 Broxtowe 237 209.2 Bedford 652 379.9 Aylesbury Vale 416 208.6 Hertsmere 390 374.3 Chiltern 200 208.5 Lambeth 1,211 371.6 South Bucks 146 208.4 Rotherham 983 371.4 Richmond upon Thames 410 208.2 Wigan 1,208 370.5 Telford and Wrekin 368 207 Warrington 772 368.4 City of London 18 206.8 Salford 935 367.5 Warwick 294 206.3 Darlington 391 366.9 Breckland 287 206 Sutton 750 366.7 Swindon 455 205 Rochdale 801 364.1 Pendle 187 204.6 Stockport 1,054 361.2 Wellingborough 162 203.8 Luton 771 360.1 Eastleigh 267 202.6 Bolton 1,024 358.8 Wychavon 256 201 Reading 585 358.4 Tower Hamlets 634 199.6 Hammersmith and Fulham 664 358.1 Welwyn Hatfield 244 198.8 Newcastle upon Tyne 1,064 354.4 Lewes 203 197.6 Hartlepool 329 352.8 Worthing 217 197.2 Ealing 1,203 351.8 Eden 104 196.7 Trafford 828 350.3 Tewkesbury 182 196.5 Newcastle-under-Lyme 453 349.8 Thurrock 339 196.5 Reigate and Banstead 514 347.9 Sevenoaks 236 196.2 Sefton 932 338.4 Broxbourne 190 196.1 Cheshire West and Chester 1,151 338 Bassetlaw 229 196 Merton 697 338 Colchester 376 195.3 Dover 393 336 Bolsover 155 194.9 Nuneaton and Bedworth 428 332 Castle Point 175 194.3 Barnet 1,299 331.3 Rochford 169 194.3 West Lancashire 377 330.8 Windsor and Maidenhead 292 193.5 Liverpool 1,630 329.4 Islington 462 193.2 Tameside 740 328.6 Mid Sussex 288 192.4 Boston 227 327.2 Havant 242 192.3 Fylde 261 327.2 Hart 183 190 Cheshire East 1,241 325.9 Milton Keynes 510 189.9 Lewisham 986 324.8 Ashfield 241 189.5 Wyre 360 323.7 Harrogate 304 189.4 Northumberland 1,023 319.4 Spelthorne 188 189.3 Kensington and Chelsea 498 318.8 Elmbridge 258 188.8 North East Derbyshire 322 318.4 Fenland 190 187.2 Sandwell 1,037 316.8 Crawley 210 186.8 Halton 405 315.3 Gedling 220 186.8 Surrey Heath 280 315.1 Woking 188 185.8 Preston 444 313.1 Nottingham 613 185.2 Gloucester 403 311.7 Hyndburn 149 184.4 Solihull 667 310.4 Tunbridge Wells 217 183.8 Redcar and Cleveland 423 309.4 Cambridge 228 181.3 West Oxfordshire 339 308.7 Rugby 194 181 Stoke-on-Trent 784 306.4 Corby 128 180.7 Wandsworth 997 305.4 Harborough 166 179.5 Slough 454 304.5 East Hertfordshire 264 178.3 Stockton-on-Tees 595 301.7 Malvern Hills 137 175.4 Canterbury 496 301.4 South Norfolk 242 175.3 North Lincolnshire 518 301.2 Cotswold 155 174.1 North Tyneside 619 300.5 North Hertfordshire 231 173.4 Bromsgrove 295 299 Kirklees 759 173 Kingston upon Thames 524 298.6 Mid Suffolk 177 172.7 Chorley 346 296.2 Tonbridge and Malling 223 170.9 Harlow 256 295.6 Somerset West and Taunton 261 169.6 Winchester 367 295.3 Uttlesford 151 169.3 North Warwickshire 190 293 Charnwood 307 168.1 Bexley 724 292.8 Stroud 198 166.4 Manchester 1,587 289.8 Rushcliffe 193 164 Newham 1,003 284.9 Erewash 189 163.7 Stratford-on-Avon 363 284.5 Daventry 138 163.3 Birmingham 3,241 284 Ribble Valley 98 163.2 Kingston upon Hull, City of 734 281.6 Babergh 149 163 Great Yarmouth 279 280.8 Torbay 221 162.8 Scarborough 305 280.5 North Norfolk 170 162.6 Gravesham 297 279.2 Norwich 226 160.1 Waltham Forest 769 277.9 Braintree 242 159.7 Redditch 236 277.7 Sedgemoor 195 158.8 Three Rivers 258 277.3 Amber Valley 200 157.9 Cherwell 413 276.9 South Northamptonshire 145 156.7 Blackburn with Darwen 411 275.9 New Forest 280 155.8 Havering 711 275.8 Fareham 181 155.6 Medway 766 275.7 Adur 99 155 Dudley 880 274.5 North West Leicestershire 157 153.7 Cheltenham 321 274.1 Brighton and Hove 444 152.9 Epping Forest 357 272.2 Selby 136 152.6 Oadby and Wigston 155 271.7 Bristol, City of 706 152.4 Lichfield 282 271.2 Portsmouth 320 148.7 Hounslow 731 270 Horsham 211 148.4 East Staffordshire 320 269.9 Maldon 95 147.5 East Riding of Yorkshire 916 269.7 Eastbourne 152 147.3 Wokingham 447 266.1 Gosport 124 145.4 Enfield 887 265.7 Ryedale 79 143.8 Mole Valley 229 262.5 South Gloucestershire 403 142.6 Basildon 487 262 Isle of Wight 200 141.3 South Oxfordshire 365 259.8 Melton 72 140.9 Epsom and Ewell 206 257.7 Wycombe 246 140.9 Maidstone 438 257.7 Calderdale 294 139.9 Doncaster 800 257.6 Plymouth 358 136.1 Allerdale 251 257.4 Wealden 216 134.9 Westminster 657 257.3 Newark and Sherwood 163 134.1 Hillingdon 784 257.2 South Cambridgeshire 210 133.3 Huntingdonshire 455 256.6 Forest of Dean 115 132.9 Guildford 379 256.3 Exeter 169 129.6 Leicester 907 255.3 East Cambridgeshire 113 126.5 Ipswich 349 253.8 West Suffolk 226 126.3 South Staffordshire 284 253.3 Mansfield 134 123.1 Shropshire 810 252.9 Lincoln 121 122.2 Craven 142 249.9 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 483 122 Redbridge 758 249.5 Bath and North East Somerset 234 121.8 Bradford 1,336 248.7 Mid Devon 97 118.7 St Albans 366 248.3 Chichester 142 117.6 Richmondshire 132 247.9 East Lindsey 164 116.5 East Suffolk 612 246.5 North Kesteven 135 116.4 Rossendale 174 245.4 South Kesteven 164 115.6 Greenwich 700 244.6 Teignbridge 148 111.4 Kettering 247 243.9 South Somerset 184 109.6 Test Valley 305 243.7 Wiltshire 534 107.2 Brentwood 185 241.7 Arun 164 102.6 South Holland 227 241.5 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 576 101.4 Waverley 303 241.2 Rother 95 99.3 Camden 630 240.3 East Devon 141 97.7 West Berkshire 379 239.1 North East Lincolnshire 156 97.6 Wyre Forest 241 238.5 Dorset 365 96.9 Tendring 347 238 North Devon 93 96.8 Vale of White Horse 314 234.8 West Devon 53 95.4 Tamworth 180 234.7 South Hams 80 92.8 Barking and Dagenham 497 234.4 Rutland 35 88.2 High Peak 216 234.2 West Lindsey 80 84.3 Dacorum 360 233.3 Hastings 55 59.2 Leeds 1,840 233.1 Mendip 63 54.8 Southampton 589 233 Torridge 36 52.8 Source: Department of Health Britain announces 215 more Covid-19 victims as the official death toll edges closer to 40,000 - while data reveals the areas of England and Wales that have recorded the highest rate of 'excess deaths' during the pandemic Britain today announced 215 more coronavirus deaths, taking the official number of victims one step closer to the 40,000 mark. Department of Health bosses have yet to confirm the final tally, which is expected to be higher because it takes into account deaths in all settings. The preliminary toll is calculated by adding up the updates provided by each of the home nations. NHS England today recorded 179 more deaths in hospitals, while Wales posted 17 in all settings, followed by 11 in Scotland and eight in Northern Ireland. It means the official number of victims who have died after testing positive is now 39,584 - but other data including suspected deaths shows the true toll is almost 10,000 higher. Health chiefs yesterday announced 324 deaths - a 68 per cent drop in the space of a fortnight. And a leading statistician predicted Britain is on track to have zero Covid-19 deaths by July. It comes as a shocking analysis of data today revealed the coronavirus pandemic has driven up rates of excess deaths in some parts of London to double what they are in a usual year. Official statistics show the number of Britons who died during the first five months of 2020 was massively higher than average because of the Covid-19 crisis, with 62,000 more victims than expected across the UK. The London borough of Brent is the worst affected part of England and Wales by this measure, with the number of deaths soaring from 447 in January-May in an average year to 925 in 2020 - an increase of 108 per cent. In other coronavirus news today: McDonald's will open another 497 drive-thru restaurants today and is aiming to have more than 1,000 back in business by next week. Monstrous queues have been pictured outside those that have reopened; The Government is doubling down on its 14-day quarantine rule for travellers entering Britain. Home Secretary Priti Patel said it was necessary to prevent more coronavirus outbreaks and deaths; West London - Ealing, Hillingdon and Hounslow - is the area of the capital where people have received the most police fines for breaking lockdown rules. 165 fines were issued there between March 27 and May 14; Labour leader Keir Starmer has warned Boris Johnson to 'get a grip' on the coronavirus crisis and accused him of 'winging it'; UK charity the Health Foundation has warned of a 'digital divide' that could be caused by the NHS's contact tracing app because elderly people, the unemployed and manual workers are less likely to download it. The number of excess deaths in England and Wales spiked dramatically during the peak of the coronavirus outbreak. Professor Carl Heneghan, an Oxford University epidemiologist, predicted that the number of people dying would fall to average levels again by July Separate data published yesterday showed that Birmingham has recorded the most deaths of diagnosed coronavirus patients, with 1,082 victims Each nation's health agency report their own figures. These numbers do not always match with the Department of Health count because of a difference in how they are recorded. NHS England revealed four of the 179 new victims who died had no underlying health conditions. The youngest of the fatalities included a 12 year old who wasn't named. A separate batch of data analysed by The Telegraph shows that 17 out of the 20 worst affected places across the two countries are all boroughs of the capital. As well as Brent, other parts of London that witnessed their death tolls approximately double were Harrow (99.7 per cent increase), Newham (95.4 per cent) and Enfield (90.3 per cent). The highest increase in deaths outside of London was seen in Hertsmere in Hertfordshire, where fatalities rose by 86.2 per cent from 236 to 439. And while not all of these people have been direct victims of the coronavirus, many have died because of indirect impacts of the outbreak, such as reduced NHS services. The data includes people who died of any cause between January 1 and May 22 in each of the local authorities in England and Wales. More than a dozen areas across the two countries actually appeared to be unaffected by the outbreak and saw the numbers of people dying fall to lower-than average levels. In North East Lincolnshire the death rate dropped by 8.8 per cent, while it fell by 8.2 per cent in Conwy, Wales, and by five per cent on Anglesey, off the Welsh coast. Excess deaths are considered to be an accurate measure of the number of people killed by the pandemic because they include a broader spectrum of victims. As well as including people who may have died with Covid-19 without ever being tested, the data also shows how many more people died because their medical treatment was postponed, for example, or who didn't or couldn't get to hospital when they were seriously ill. WHICH AREAS RECORDED THE MOST EXCESS DEATHS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK? (Data January-May. Source: The Telegraph) PLACE NAME AVERAGE DEATHS 2020 DEATHS EXCESS DEATHS % CHANGE Brent 445 925 480 108% Harrow 388 775 387 100% Newham 338 661 323 96% Enfield 516 981 465 90% Hertsmere 236 439 203 86% Ealing 503 918 415 83% Haringey 311 564 253 81% Barnet 613 1,101 488 80% Hackney 283 508 225 80% Westminster 272 486 214 79% Croydon 625 1,106 481 77% Southwark 332 583 251 76% Merton 318 550 232 73% Hammersmith 236 409 173 73% Waltham Forest 355 614 259 73% Mole Valley 217 374 157 72% Lambeth 374 642 268 72% Redbridge 455 780 325 71% Greenwich 383 649 266 69% Surrey Heath 202 340 138 68% Experts are divided, however, on how accurate excess deaths are as a measure. Oxford University's Professor Carl Heneghan yesterday said that comparing deaths this year to an average taken from the past five years overlooked population growth. He said the average could have been expected to be higher because there are more people, and more elderly people, in the UK than there were in 2015. If true, this could mean the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic was overestimated. WEEKLY CORONAVIRUS DEATHS ARE LOWEST SINCE LOCKDOWN The weekly coronavirus death toll in England and Wales has dropped to its lowest levels since the lockdown began in March, promising statistics today revealed. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed 1,983 people died across the two counties in the week ending May 22, down from 2,766 a week earlier and the lowest figure for two months. Every week since March 27 has recorded more fatalities from the virus, showing that Britain is now en route to how it was before the unprecedented lockdown was imposed on March 23. At the peak of the outbreak, a staggering 16,000 people in England and Wales died of the coronavirus in just two weeks in April. But the sobering statistics also show that there have now almost certainly been more than 50,000 people killed by Covid-19 across the UK this year. The coronavirus was listed as a contributing factor on the death certificates of at least 47,871 people by May 22, cementing Britain's position as one of the worst-hit countries in the world. Advertisement Meanwhile, the University of Cambridge's Professor David Spiegelhalter, argued the measure is still useful. He said: 'Deaths this year were tracking pretty close to, but below, the five year average. There is no perfect baseline. 'I still think [the five-year average] is useful to give an idea of trends, peaks and spikes, but it is not a precise measure.' Professor Heneghan yesterday said he expects the number of deaths to have returned to normal by next week. He said: 'If the trends continue, the deaths look like they will be back to where they should be normally by next week. 'There's been a continued reduction in hospital deaths, care home outbreaks are coming down so the "all deaths" by (week) 22 I'm expecting will be back to where we should be.' Professor Heneghan said there may be no Covid-19 deaths by the end of June - which would follow Spain yesterday. Italy is still reporting between 50 and 100 deaths per day, and France around 30. 'But it also depends on what happens next, within sporadic outbreaks,' Professor Heneghan said. Experts say that unless care home and hospital outbreaks cannot be stopped, deaths caused by the coronavirus will continue at low levels. Data published in The Telegraph showed that the top five worst affected areas were Brent, Harrow, Newham, Enfield and Hertsmere, which all had total death increases of more than 86 per cent. These were followed by Ealing (83 per cent), Haringey (81 per cent), Barnet (80 per cent), Hackney (80 per cent) and Westminster (79 per cent). Others in the 20 worst-affected areas, most of which were in London, were Croydon, Southwark, Merton, Hammersmith & Fulham, Waltham Forest, Mole Valley (Surrey), Lambeth, Redbridge, Greenwich and Surrey Heath. At the other end of the scale, some more rural areas of the country saw the number of people dying drop from its usual level. This may have been because those areas were relatively untouched by the coronavirus but the lockdown had other health benefits - reducing the transmission of flu, for example, which kills older people, or fewer car crashes. Or it may simply have been because fewer people were dying anyway and the rate wasn't increased by the virus as it was in other areas of the country. The list of areas where the coronavirus appears to have had the least impact on the number of people dying is topped by North East Lincolnshire, where fatalities dropped by 8.8 per cent, and Conwy in Wales, where they fell by 8.2 per cent. The number of people dying also dropped in Anglesey (-5 per cent), Hastings (-4.9 per cent), Torridge (-4.6 per cent), Mendip (-2.4 per cent) and Rother (-1.5 per cent). Other areas recording slightly lower than usual numbers of deaths in January to May were Gwynedd, Isle of Wight, Ceredigion, Mid Devon, North Devon and East Devon. Unusual photographs show a blissed out alpaca appearing to have a great time as his heavy coat is sheared away for the summer, giving him an altogether more slimline look. The three-year-old South American animal, named Steely Dan, looked totally relaxed as two people removed its 7lb fur coat, while another collected the wool. Despite living in Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders - far cooler than their natural habitat - Steely Dan and 34 other alpacas at Velvet Hall Alpacas are being shaved to ensure they can withstand the unseasonable 80F heat. Three-year-old Steely Dan, looked totally relaxed as two people removed its 7lb fur coat. Pictured before (left) and after (right) at Velvet Hall Alpacas in Innerleithen, Scottish Borders The five-minute shearing process allows the alpacas to cool down, as their coats can be the equivalent of wearing four cashmere jumpers. Enthusiasts Stuart Ramsay, 56, and wife Jean, 65, who describe themselves as hobbyists rather than professional farmers, started out in 2013 with four males - but they brought in some females and started breeding. Mr Ramsay, who works as an engineer, said: 'Some have four kilos of fleece on them, it's like wearing three or four cashmere jumpers. Steely Dan gets his coat sheared down his long neck by a professional shearer, flown in from New Zealand Gritted teeth: The alpaca seemed to be making some amusing facial expressions throughout the five minute shearing Despite living in much warmer climes naturally, the South American animals still need to be sheared to ensure they can withstand the Scottish Borders' 80F summers Each alpaca is expected to produce 7lb of wool this year, totalling more than 220lb which will then be sent away to hand spinners or a mill 'It only takes about five minutes to shear them, it's not long. 'We started at 8am and should be finished by around 1pm. They will feel better afterwards. 'We've got shelters for them and let them decide whether to come or go. 'But when the weather's like this they like being outside, even the wee one's who'll follow their mothers around.' An alpaca is held down while its back legs are shaved to prepare it for summer The shearer eventually removes the mop of hair on the top of Steely Dan's head Another alpaca is seen having his large fleece removed while another shearer holds his head After tying the alpacas hooves up with rope to stop them kicking they have their hooves trimmed The couple employ a shearer from New Zealand who comes to the UK every summer to shear alpacas of their thick coats, which weigh around 7lb to 9lb each. Each alpaca is expected to produce 7lbs of wool this year, totalling more than 220lb which will then be sent away to hand spinners or a mill, so the fleece can be turned into balls of wool to be sold. Some are also sent to fleece shows who grade the wool and awards are issued based on the best quality coats. Stuart Ramsay weighs fleece from one of the alpacas. One of many bags of wool collected The hardworking group clear up the wool as the next alpaca lines up to be shaved Here a variety of wool colours can be seen filling a dozen bags, the farm expects to collect 200lb of wool every year The couple first came across alpacas at a country show in 2011 and fell in love with them, and decided to get four to graze their land and see how it would go. Dad-of-one Mr Ramsay, added: 'We're not farmers, I'm an engineer and Jean works in a hospital pharmacy. 'It's been a steep learning curve, but we got some females and started breeding and took it from there. 'It's been good fun.' We've all been spending a lot more time in the kitchen over the past couple of months, some of us more successfully than others. But if you're feeling ambitious, aren't afraid of power-packed spice blends, and have a place to hang raw meat in your home for a few days, consider upping your Covid-19 culinary game with an Armenian appetizer that'll make you weak in the knees. For the uninitiated, basturma is a salt and spice-cured tenderloin encased in a deep red crust of paprika, fenugreek, allspice, black pepper, cumin, cayenne and lots of fresh garlic. Some call it Armenian salami. It's not very pretty, but what dried meat is really, and you're unlikely to find a more addictive match when placed alongside olives, Armenian string cheese, and lavash. The sumptuous new book, Lavash, by food writer Kate Leahy (of Burma Superstar fame), chef and food stylist Ara Zada, and photographer John Lee finally gives Armenian food the culinary and cultural fetishization it so rightly deserves, and demystifies the process of transforming fresh beef into razor-thin, almost translucent slices of zesty piquant basturma. The book's central focus, lavash, is only a jumping off point for the dozens of other recipeswhile somewhat arcane, many are also surprisingly simpleall exquisitely photographed and accompanied by thoughtful and intriguing histories and editorial. Heghineh Cooking Show demonstrates the basturma-curing process in a how-to vid (and I do love her Russian-Armenian accent). Videos by the Lavash authors (including a how-to for lavash) can be found here. Once you've mastered basturma, try your hand at jingalov hats. Google has been alleged to collect user information even when users of its Chrome browser surfed the internet through its private or Incognito mode. The California based tech giant is now facing a $5 billion (~Rs 37,700 crore) class-action lawsuit based on these allegations. Reuters The lawsuit has been filed in US District Court for the Northern District of California. As per the lawsuit, Google tracked the browsing history of Chrome users even if the users were working on the Incognito mode in the web browser. Incognito mode is a private mode on Googles Chrome browser that does not keep a track of the browsing activities of users. If found guilty of the charge, Google will be responsible for violating the privacy of its users by collecting information about user behaviour online without their approval or knowledge. The lawsuit mentions another violation of privacy by Google. It allegedly broke a California law that requires consent of all parties before it can read or learn the contents of private communication. Another law that prevents anyone from tracking private communications is the Federal Wiretap Act in the US. As per the Act, users have the right to sue in case their private communications are intercepted. "Google tracks and collects consumer browsing history and other web activity data no matter what safeguards consumers undertake to protect their data privacy," the complaints mentioned. The complainants are seeking compensatory damages for the violation. Google Chrome Incognito Mode A Google spokesperson, however, has denied the claim. "We strongly dispute these claims, and we will defend ourselves vigorously against them," a Google spokesperson was quoted as saying. "Incognito mode in Chrome gives you the choice to browse the internet without your activity being saved to your browser or device. As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity during your session," the spokesperson further added. The spokesperson highlights the common misconception that no browsing data of the user can be collected in Incognito mode. While the browser (Chrome) itself does not store any data in that mode, the same is not true for the websites one visits or the internet service providers. Websites visited by Chrome users, even in Incognito mode, are able to track the browsing activities through tools like Google Analytics. An example of this was cited in a recent IANS report, wherein more than 20,000 porn websites are mentioned to be using a tool called "webXray" to track user data and leak it to third-party organisations. European stocks marched higher Wednesday as optimism over the reopening of major economies outweighed investor fears over widespread protests in the U.S. The pan-European Stoxx 600 closed up by more than 2% provisionally, with all sectors and major bourses in positive territory. Insurance stocks were the best performers, gaining over 6%. Investors around the world are keeping an eye on continuing unrest in the U.S. in the wake of the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while he was in the custody of the Minneapolis police last week. State and local officials ramped up efforts to contain the protests Tuesday evening, adding to police forces and imposing earlier curfews as demonstrators took to the streets in major cities across the U.S. for another night of demonstrations. On Wall Street, stocks rose sharply on the back of better-than-expected economic data, which bolstered optimism over the recovery from coronavirus-led shutdowns. The coronavirus remained firmly in focus for markets. White House health advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday that he worries about the "durability" of a potential coronavirus vaccine, noting that there's a chance a vaccine may not provide long-term immunity. Back in Europe, IHS Markit's final composite PMI (purchasing managers' index) readings on Wednesday indicated that euro zone business activity suffered another devastating contraction in May, but the downturn eased to a reading of 31.9 from April's 13.6. Anything above 50 represents an expansion. In corporate news, Lufthansa reported a net loss of 2.1 billion euros ($2.35 billion) for the first three months of the year. The German airline's stock was up 4.3% during afternoon trade. French luxury goods group LVMH's proposed $16.2 billion takeover of Tiffany & Co. is now looking uncertain, with fashion publication WWD reporting that LVMH's board has reservations amid the coronavirus pandemic and the unraveling security situation in the U.S. Biggest movers Alhaji Saalim Bamba, the Ashanti Regional Nasara Coordinator of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has backed the Electoral Commissions (EC) decision to compile a new register ahead of the 2020 general elections. He said the EC was acting within its mandate as enshrined in the constitution and that the compilation of a new register would ensure a credible election that would further deepen the countrys democracy. Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, Alhaji Bamba said the EC was mandated to manage elections in Ghana and must be given the space to perform its constitutional duty. The Commission has assessed their system and come to the conclusion that there is the need to compile a new voter register based on information available to them, he pointed out. He said the NPP had since 2016 proven that the existing register contained the names of foreigners and had since advocated a new register which was in line with the position of the EC. The Nasara Coordinator said even though the NPP won the 2016 election with the current register, the partys position on the register still remained unchanged. He said the protest by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) against the new register was untenable because the EC had not breach any of the electoral laws governing its operations. He also disagreed with the argument that there was limited time for the EC to compile a new register and called on all stakeholders to support the EC to deliver a credible register. This is the time for us to get a credible register which will be accepted by all parties ahead of the election, he stated. He entreated people of Zongo communities to register in their numbers not only for election purposes, but also to be able to access other public services as Ghanaians. According to him, the current voters ID cards would cease to be valid immediately the new ones were produced, and it was important for everybody to have the new one. 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 Sloane Sires carries drinks to customers dining in at the San Pedro Brewing Company on Friday. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) California counties are pressing forward with plans to reopen the economy, even as the number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise across the state. Overall, the state has reported 117,687 confirmed cases and 4,361 deaths as of Wednesday. As protesters filled the streets Wednesday for another day of marches sparked by the death of George Floyd, the Department of Corrections reported the deaths from the virus of two more inmates at the California Institution for Men in Chino, bringing the total number of deaths related to COVID-19 at the prison to 12. The Chino prison has reported 444 cases of the virus among inmates. Across California, the total number of cases is approaching 120,000, and more than 4,300 people have died. The virus is not spreading at the same rate in all parts of the country, though, with some states seeing a decline in the number of new cases reported each day. Data collected by researchers at Johns Hopkins University show that California is one of about 20 states where the number of new cases has continued to increase over the past five days. The pandemic has hit Los Angeles County especially hard. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced 46 new deaths and 1,155 new cases Wednesday. County officials said there have been a total of 58,234 confirmed cases in L.A. County, and a total of 2,489 deaths more than any other county in the state. Testing to see who has been infected with the virus continues to be an important strategy for controlling the spread of the disease, health officials said, but several testing sites in the county were scheduled to close early Wednesday or not open at all amid continued protests and curfews. Residents who had appointments at closed facilities would be notified via email or phone to reschedule, officials said. "We are committed to ensuring that our testing sites are safe for both patients and staff, Dr. Christina Ghaly, director of the L.A. County Department of Health Services, said in a statement. Testing remains a priority. Story continues Meanwhile, the Orange County Health Care Agency reported 100 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday and three additional deaths. Even as the number of new cases continues to grow across the state, some counties are announcing plans to open businesses that have been shuttered for months because of stay-at-home orders. In Sonoma County, health officer Dr. Sundari Mase said she would allow stores to reopen for indoor shopping and restaurants for indoor dining by Saturday, barring immediate spikes in cases or hospitalizations, the Press-Democrat reported. Wineries, brewpubs, barbershops and salons in the county also would be allowed to reopen, Mase said. And if all goes well, religious congregations would be allowed to host groups of up to 100 people at a time into churches and other houses of worship. However, nail salons, tattoo and massage parlors, and gyms and fitness studios will remain closed in the county. As of Tuesday night, Sonoma County had reported 579 confirmed cases of the virus since March 2, and 42 hospitalizations. Mase said that 71% of the cases were in the Latino community, even though Latinos make up just 27% of the local population. She attributed this discrepancy to "systemic and longstanding inequities" among the county's Latino population. For example, Latinos are more likely to live in closer quarters and work in jobs deemed essential that require them to leave their homes, she said. Some stay-at-home orders also will be lifted in Santa Clara County on Friday, the Mercury News reported. County health officer Sara Cody, who sounded an alarm a week ago about the clip of reopening across the state, said that on Friday, Santa Clara residents will be able to make use of outdoor seating at restaurants, shop indoors and attend outdoor religious services. However, Cody told the county's board of supervisors Tuesday that she plans to wait at least three weeks before rolling back other parts of the health order. This will give officials time to see how the looser restrictions have affected case counts, hospitalizations and deaths, she said. Our goal remains to continue to contain this virus, suppress it as much as we possibly can, while we reopen. Were in a very good position to pivot. In San Jose, the City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night on a new ordinance that requires individuals to wear face coverings in situations when they are likely to come in contact with others, the Mercury News reported. The ordinance requires residents to wear masks inside or while waiting in line to enter any business, while obtaining healthcare services and while waiting for or riding on public transportation. Residents do not need to use a mask when exercising outside, including while running, biking or hiking. Officials are hopeful the new order will reduce new infections as the city reopens. I really do believe that weve got to give everyone every tool possible to ensure that we can manage and reduce the potential spread so that we can get back to work, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said at a City Council meeting Tuesday night. The council's decision comes about a month after similar regulations were put in place in neighboring counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda and Marin. With businesses closing, jobs lost and schools shutting, the coronavirus crisis has put an unprecedented strain on Britains food banks as families try to keep their heads above water. New figures on Wednesday show that last month demand was greater than ever an 89 per cent rise for The Trussell Trust, the UKs biggest food bank network, while the Independent Food Aid Network, which has around 350 food banks, saw a 175 per cent increase in requests for emergency parcels. But for each of these figures there is a person a mother struggling to feed her children, a nursing assistant who can no longer afford to put food on the table, professionals who have slipped through the net of government employment support. These are some of the stories behind the statistics: I work so hard yet I cant afford the basics: The NHS worker with no support from the state The Trussell Trust has seen an 89 per cent rise in demand (SWNS) Theo Manugerwa was struggling before the coronavirus crisis began. The 47-year-old, who lives with her two daughters aged 12 and 10 in Leicester, has been working in the NHS for 11 years, but her immigration status means she has no recourse to public funds (NRPF) meaning she cannot claim any form of state support. As a result, the single mother has always had to work overtime in order to afford rent and provide for her children. Since lockdown started, Theo has been unable to work the extra hours. Her children are still going to school as she is a key worker, but after-school clubs are no longer operating and the friends who used to look after them while she was at work are no longer able to, due to the lockdown. She says: It has become very hard. Once I take off my rent, Im left with nothing at all. It has always been difficult, from the day they gave me that NRPF condition, but at least I could get extra shifts here and there to put food on the table for my children. Recommended How to support our campaign The money Im making now is not enough to cater for the three of us. We are depending on charity. Ive always been very proud. I didnt want to give in and ask for help. The feeling when you walk into a food bank is very painful. I work so hard yet I cant afford the basics. Theo, a Ugandan national who moved to the UK 20 years ago, is due to apply for her next visa extension next month, at a cost of more than 2,000, and she says the thought of it makes her feel sick. The Home Office told The Independent it would help Theo apply to get access to benefits under measures introduced to tackle the pandemic. But for now, she has also fallen into rent arrears, and fears she is going to generate serious debt. I just need some support. I have no support at all. You get tired of depending on people. You dont want to keep telling people your problems. I feel undervalued as a health worker during this time. I feel abandoned. Ive always worked hard to provide for my children, but it makes me feel like Ive let them down. Three weeks in I had a breakdown: Parents who skip meals to feed their five children Sian Abbott with her five children, aged three to 10 (Sian Abbot) Its been nightmare. Both financially and mentally, says Sian Abbott. The 28-year-olds family of seven started using food banks about a year ago when her husband lost his job as a poultry farmer and she says things have become even more difficult during the Covid-19 crisis. Sian, who lives in Pembrokeshire and has five children, aged between 10 and three, says: Three weeks into the pandemic I had a breakdown. We ran out of food because the food bank people couldnt get to us. I ended up reaching out to my church and they sent us an emergency supply package. Its stressful, especially with the school closures. At least when the kids were in school they were able to get a meal. My husband and I go without meals sometimes so the children can eat. Sian, who previously worked as a taxi controller and a carer but had to stop working to look after her autistic son, says she has noticed a lot more people who didnt previously use food banks are now turning to them, but worries that the supply isnt there. In the supermarkets there used to be trolleys full of donations, but now theres barely one. Prices are higher. The cost of nappies have nearly doubled, which is really difficult for us, she adds. Its funny because when we first heard about food banks six years ago we were donating to them usually around 50 or 60 a week but now were having to rely on them ourselves. Wed never known food poverty until coronavirus: Freelancer whose work has dried up Zoe Green and her husband David are really struggling financially for the very first time. The couple and their four children aged from two to 11 now depend on a weekly parcel from a food bank based at their local school in north London, a project supplied with fresh produce by The Felix Project charity. Ms Green, a 36-year-old freelancer who worked in TV and documentary production, hasnt been able to find any work over the past few months. She received less than 1,000 pounds for a three-month period after applying for the governments self-employment income support scheme. Although 39-year-old Mr Green still gets around 400 a month while on furlough from his part-time retail job, the couple have found they have a shortfall of around 300 a month for household bills. This is being met by The Film and TV Charity, but the couple do not know how long the emergency stipend will last. Its not been an easy time weve never known food poverty until the coronavirus hit, she said. When we got the first food package from The Felix Project, I was literally crying as I took out all the fresh food. The work they and the other charities are doing right now is really, really appreciated. I never thought wed need it. Im really hoping the government will extend the self-employment scheme. Im also hoping they might factor out the periods I was on maternity leave and wasnt able to earn as much, so I can get a higher average amount. Phoebe Waller-Bridge joins The Independents Food For London Now campaign Food banks have been a godsend: Self-employed mother who isnt eligible for government support Susan, 45, said she found herself in financial difficulty in the months before the pandemic after her fledging health drink business collapsed. Although she set herself up as a private education tutor in February 2020, she found she wasnt eligible to apply for the governments self-employment income support scheme after lockdown began. I struggled to be able to buy food during the lockdown, as Id lost income and also fell through the government net, said the west Londoner. It made a difficult situation even more difficult. She and her two children, aged 10 and 12, are now relying on a weekly food bank set up at the Bollo Brook Youth Centre on her south Acton estate. The children being at home is tough to manage. Its stressful trying to keep up with it all and help with their school work whilst worrying about bills, she said. Weve been fortunate and receive help with food that we would not have been able to buy. Its been godsend to get us through this time until we can rebuild our lives back to normal. Its a battle to keep going: Food bank manager whose demand is up tenfold Billy McGranaghan, founder of the Dads House charity and food bank (Dads House) Originally set up to provide support for single fathers, the Dads House charity now runs food banks for anyone in financial need at two sites in west and south London. Founder Billy McGranaghan said he and his volunteers saw between 30 and 50 people looking for help each day before the pandemic, but in the past couple of months demand for food parcels has shot up tenfold to between 300 and 500 people a day. Its heartbreaking to see the long queues, he said. The volume is something weve never seen before. Its poverty like youve never seen. People tell us theyve got 20 or 30 to get through the week. Some are telling us theyre having to sell possessions or borrow money from loan sharks. Mr McGranaghan added: Some people had been in very casual work before the crisis bar staff, nannies, cleaners. So theres no furloughing going on to help them. But in many cases theyre not necessarily self-employed either they were dependant on that weekly wage. So theyre not eligible for the government self-employed scheme. The food bank founder said many people were applying for universal credit, but they are forced to face at least five weeks before any money appears in their bank account. Im just hoping some people are able to get back into work when the shops re-open in a couple of weeks, he said. But at the moment its a battle for people to keep going. The Independent is encouraging readers to help groups that are trying to feed the hungry during the crisis. Find out how you can help here. Follow this link to donate to our campaign for The Felix Project in London, in partnership with the Evening Standard. Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya is to be extradited to India soon. He will be flown in to Mumbai, where the case against him was originally registered, sources told news agency IANS. The report noted that Mallya will be lodged in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail. However, a final date for his extradition to the country is awaited. Upon his arrival in Mumbai, Mallya will be accompanied by officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). A medical team at the Mumbai airport will undertake a health check-up, the IANS report said. His custody will then be sought by the CBI and the ED. This comes after he lost his final appeal against extradition to India in the United Kingdom's Supreme Court on May 14. Soon after, on May 22, the Centre had said that it is in touch with the British government over the extradition of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya after he exhausted legal options against New Delhi's request to the UK to extradite him. Also Read | Vijay Mallya's extradition: Here's what his Arthur Road cell looks like The promoter of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, Vijay Mallya is wanted in India over charges of fraud and money laundering to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore. He defaulted on repayment of loans taken by the airlines from several Indian banks. In January 2019, a special PMLA court in India finally declared him a 'fugitive economic offender'. The former United Spirits chairman fled to London in March 2016, following which his passport was revoked by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). A consortium of 17 banks led by the country's largest lender, the State Bank of India (SBI), had filed a case to recover dues worth over Rs 9,000 crore. Mallya was arrested in the UK in April 2017 but was soon released on bail. WA's opposition leader says WA's hard border closure is a complete myth and needs to be lifted after figures revealed hundreds of people from interstate were entering the state each day. Liberal leader Liza Harvey has called for WAs border restrictions to be loosened to create a travel bubble between Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory all states with no evidence of community spread of coronavirus. She said the 21,000 people who had entered WA from interstate since the April 5 border closure proved Premier Mark McGowan was playing political games keeping the border shut and causing unnecessary damage to the economy. It proves the Premiers hard border has been exposed as a complete myth, Ms Harvey said. An app designed to remove Chinese apps from smartphones and tablets has been pulled from the Google Play Store. The app, called 'Remove China Apps', garnered nearly five million downloads in India, where anti-Chinese sentiment is growing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was free to download, had no ads, and its sole purpose was to detect which apps on a smartphone were built in China. Users would then be able to swiftly delete them from their handsets via the app itself. Once deleted, a message said 'You are awesome, no China app found'. Google has now removed the Indian app from its store, citing a violation of its Deceptive Behaviour Policy. Scroll down for video Remove China Apps garnered almost five million downloads in India where anti-Chinese sentiment is growing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.It was free to download, had no adds, and its sole purpose was to detect which apps on a smartphone were built in Chin TechCruch reports the app has now been removed from the Play Store for making changes to a user's phone outside of the app. The ability of Remove China Apps to delete apps from the phone is the offending feature, not the fact it facilitates a growing feeling of unease towards China. Chris Hauk, Consumer Privacy Champion at Pixel Privacy, told MailOnline: 'I see this situation as having severe privacy repercussions for Android users. 'The mere fact that an app that can delete other apps could find its way into the Google Play Store is chilling. 'Since the Android operating system (unlike Apple's iOS) apparently allows apps to delete other apps, this could lead to a war between individual developers that sees important apps (and a user's personal data), being deleted against their wishes, as developers battle for Android device real estate and users.' The app was wildly popular in India, the world's second most populous nation, becoming the top trending app there following its release in late May. It was created by Jaipur-based company OneTouch AppLabs and enabled civilians to show their patriotism by ridding their device of anything that may support China. The decision to pull the app comes as the two nations develop a growing sense of animosity towards one another, seemingly running from the nations' officials down to its civilians. However, reaction in India to the decision by Google has been largely negative and reinforced the racial divide. A viral tweet with more than 18,000 likes features a photoshopped logo of the Play Store which incorporates part of the Chinese flag. Comments on the post reveal a widespread belief that Google has sided with China over the situation by removing the app, despite Google being banned in the communist state. One Indian user tweeted that Google has become China's puppet. An Indian influencer with more than 30,000 followers tweeted a screenshot of his phone showing he had 'No China App fund in his system'. A thread below this post featured hundreds of people replying with their own version. The discussion online focuses on depriving Chinese companies of income from Indians, and it is being viewed as a patriotic act by many. The hashtag #boycottchina was trending, with people even discussing the possibility of discarding their Chinese made phones. China has mastered making affordable Android devices, with Chinese companies such as Xiaomi and Huawei becoming very popular in India. Hey, I am using Remove China Apps to get rid of Chinese apps. If you want the same try using the app by clickinghttps://t.co/wS1NBXeJuM pic.twitter.com/AtROAXZVUO Anurag Dixit (@bhootnath) May 30, 2020 Indian users could use the app to swiftly delete Chinese apps on their handset via the app itself. Google has now removed the Indian app from its store, citing a violation of its Deceptive Behaviour Policy Growing causes of Indian-Chinese hostility Covid-19 Remove China Apps garnered almost five million downloads in India where anti-Chinese sentiment is growing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Business Insider reports that 67 per cent of Indians hold China responsible for the spread of the pandemic. It comes as the WHO claims China was slow to share early critical data on Covid-19, according to internal recordings. Himalayan border dispute Disagreement over a stretch of the China-India border called the line of actual control (LAC) has led to military posturing from both sides. In May, soldiers from both sides ended up in physical confrontations, with fists, rods and stones used as weapons. Indian and foreign military experts say the Chinese are displeased with India building a road on its side of the border to easier transport military vehicles. Economy India amended its foreign direct investment policy in April to make it harder for Chinese firms to buy out struggling Indian companies. In New Delhi it was said this was to 'curb the opportunistic takeover' from the Chinese. Indian Prime Minister Modi has also called for a boycott of foreign companies Advertisement Together, the two countries have a combined population of 2.7 billion people - more than a third of the world. The number of people in India and China today exceeds the global population in 1950. China has the world's most rapidly growing economy due to three decades of ruthless investment and expansion from its communist government. India, meanwhile, has one of the swiftest growing economies in the world. However, the nation has been hit hard by the ongoing pandemic, and its economy is expected to contract by up to ten per cent due to the coronavirus fallout. Business Insider reports that 67 per cent of Indians hold China responsible for the spread of the pandemic. As a result, India amended its foreign direct investment policy in April to make it harder for Chinese firms to buy out struggling Indian companies. In New Delhi it was said this was to 'curb the opportunistic takeover' from the Chinese. Indian Prime Minister Modi has also called for a boycott of foreign companies and increased focus on Indian-made goods to boost the economy. Amit Shah, India's home minister, urged India's population to avoid foreign goods in order to give the country's economy 'a jump'. This, as well as a rising form of nationalism in both India and China, has seen tensions between the two countries boil over. Disagreement over a stretch of the China-India border called the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has led to military posturing from both sides. In May, soldiers from both sides ended up in physical confrontations, with fists, rods and stones used as weapons. Indian and foreign military experts say the Chinese are displeased with India building a road on its side of the border to easier transport military vehicles. 'The Chinese don't like the infrastructure being built along the Indian side of the border, although they have built infrastructure on their side,' Srikanth Kondapalli, professor of Chinese studies at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University told DW. 'So essentially, they are saying, 'We can develop infrastructure but you shouldn't'. Any emerging deal will require ratification by Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Green Party membership. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire INDEPENDENT TDs have been offered constituency deals similar to arrangements between Fianna Fail and the former Kerry Independent deputy Jackie Healy-Rae in the late 90s and 2000s. The offer was tabled by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan during talks with Independent deputies Marian Harkin, Michael Fitzmaurice and Michael McNamara at Government Buildings on Wednesday. Expand Close BIG CALL TO MAKE: Green Party leader Eamon Ryan TD at Leinster House last Thursday. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp BIG CALL TO MAKE: Green Party leader Eamon Ryan TD at Leinster House last Thursday. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins Constituency deals similar to those Fianna Fail struck with Independents like the late Jackie Healy-Rae and Mildred Fox, a former Independent TD for Wicklow, in the late 90s were more likely than the offer of government ministries, the meeting was told. Expand Close Jackie Healy-Rae. Pic Tom Burke / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jackie Healy-Rae. Pic Tom Burke This would involve TDs getting deals for their constituencies, including funding for certain local projects, and access to ministers in return for supporting the government in Dail votes. Expand Close Marian Harkin. Photo: Damien Eagers / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Marian Harkin. Photo: Damien Eagers Afterwards, Mr McNamara said: Their clear priority is agreeing a programme for government that is acceptable to their memberships, that is understandable. I think Independents will feature but in a relatively low-key way. Ministries were not discussed by either side. The tripartite talks are continuing amid expectation that a deal on a draft programme for government will be reached next week. The parties continue to be at odds over when to start cutting the deficit and how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7pc per annum with the Greens insisting there will have to be a reduction in the national herd. The Independent TDs were told they would not have the same level of input into the programme for government as those who were involved in the 2016 negotiations which led to the Fine Gael-Independent minority government. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 11:14:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MACAO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The gross weight of containerized cargo by land to Macao in April grew by 64.1 percent year-on-year to 2,167 tonnes, the special administrative region's statistic service said here Wednesday. The latest report from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the cargo passing through the Cotai Checkpoint expanded by 61.1 percent to 2,127 tonnes. On the other hand, the gross weight of containerized cargo by port decreased by 33.5 percent to 7,435 tonnes. The cargo handled at the Kaho Harbour reduced by 85.4 percent to 784 tonnes while cargo shipped through the Inner Harbour rose by 14.4 percent to 6,651 tonnes. In the first four months, the gross weight of containerized cargo by land increased by 24.7 percent year-on-year to 7,244 tonnes, while that of port containerized cargo dropped by 28.9 percent to 33,873 tonnes. The Macao International Airport handled 1,515 tonnes of air cargo in April, a drop of 56.4 percent year-on-year. The gross weight of inward cargo (131 tonnes), outward cargo (1,372 tonnes) and transit cargo (12 tonnes) all recorded decreases. In the first four months of 2020, air cargo reduced by 34.7 percent year-on-year to 7,916 tonnes. Enditem Allegations are that on May 25 this year at about 8pm, Sibanda was at home when Chadyiwa confronted her inquiring about David, whom she was communicating with on her social media platform. Rep. Eliot Engel sparked criticism Tuesday after he repeatedly asked to speak at a Bronx news conference on protests over the killing of George Floyd, then said near a live microphone, "If I didn't have a primary, I wouldn't care." Engel, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is serving his 16th term in the House as a Democrat from New York. He is facing a competitive June 23 primary, and his leading challenger, middle school principal Jamaal Bowman, cited the statement as a sign that it's time for Engel to leave Congress. "This is so incredibly painful to watch from @RepEliotEngel," Bowman tweeted. "It hurts. We need to be taking care of our communities right now - whether it's election season or not. It's clear that we need new leadership in #NY16." Engel clarified his remarks Tuesday afternoon, saying in a statement that he had wanted to convey that he cares "deeply about what's happening in this country." "In the context of running for reelection, I thought it was important for people to know where I stand, that's why I asked to speak," Engel said. He added: "I love the Bronx, grew up in the Bronx and lived here all my life. I would not have tried to impose on the borough president if I didn't think it was important." Engel made the comment recorded by a microphone at a news conference led by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz and other officials in response to the nationwide protests over the killing of Floyd. The 46-year-old black man died in Minneapolis police custody last week. According to footage posted online by a reporter for local television station NY1, Engel twice asked Diaz for a turn to speak at the event. Diaz appeared to rebuff Engel, telling him that there were too many others who would then want a turn at the microphone. "Then I've gotta then go down the list, and there's just too many folks here," Diaz said. Engel twice responded by saying, "If I didn't have a primary, I wouldn't care." "Don't do that to me," Diaz said in reply. Bowman has the backing of the Justice Democrats, a political committee that has backed liberal insurgents such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. On Monday, Bowman also received a boost when one of the other Democrats running against Engel, special education teacher Andom Ghebreghiorgis, withdrew from the race and endorsed Bowman's campaign. Republicans also criticized Engel over his remarks Tuesday; no GOP candidates are running in the race. "While Democrat Rep. Eliot L. Engel may have been whispering, his disgusting message was loud and clear," Steve Guest, director of rapid response for the Republican National Committee, said in a statement. "As looting and rioting ravages New York City, Rep. Engel is only thinking of his political future." - - - The Washington Post's David Weigel contributed to this report. The anger and revulsion roiling the nation over the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers feels painfully familiar. Portland has been here before with the police shootings of Kendra James, Aaron Campbell, Quanice Hayes and many others over the years. While the names change and the circumstances may differ, the city knows too well this cycle of grief and rage, despair and destruction over the tragic killing of a black man, woman or teen by police. And yet, theres something different this time. The horrifying video captured by a bystander that showed Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin driving his knee into Floyds neck as he pleaded for breath has put racial bias and police brutality in sharp focus for those who have stubbornly dodged the picture. Leaders and police organizations from across the country, including the union representing Portlands rank and file officers, have decried the killing in unsparing terms. The atrocity of the action has made plain that the cycle must be broken. Leaders are stepping up. City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, drawing on her decades of expertise and deep credibility advocating for police reform, is already lighting the way. Along with Mayor Ted Wheeler, she and others have shown their commitment to seeking necessary changes, including renegotiating a police contract guided by community participation that ensures greater accountability for individual officers. That will be a critical element of any effort to chart a path to better policing. A contract that answers the communitys demands must include provisions that broaden the range and formal documentation of discipline as well as allow greater independent civilian oversight. Unfortunately, with the coronavirus pandemic shutting down public outreach, the council is likely to seek a one-year extension of the current contract, Hardesty told OPBs Think Out Loud. While it is disappointing to wait, the rationale for a delay is sound. Reform, however, also relies on the police unions willingness to accept changes. While the Portland Police Association eloquently denounced the inhumanity of Floyds death, it will no doubt aim to secure the best provisions for its members in a new contract. However, the union should also recognize the value of a contract that gives the public greater trust in the police force. Making it easier for individuals who violate training protocols or fall short of community standards to be retrained or appropriately disciplined will only boost the standing of police as a whole. Change must take place at the state level as well. Sen. Lew Frederick said that he and other legislative members of the People of Color Caucus plan to introduce a bill into an expected special session designed to prevent an arbitrator from reducing or reversing disciplinary actions issued to officers found to have engaged in misconduct. While a disciplinary structure would have to be negotiated as part of the contract, the Portland Democrat said the legislation could help prevent outcomes in which officers fired for violating protocols or community standards are ordered to be reinstated. But the onus for reform extends to Oregonians as a whole as well. We need widespread recognition and affirmation by the community that black lives matter. That shouldnt be a controversial statement. Those three words simply push back against our countrys ugly tradition of treating black lives with less respect, less value and less humanity than white lives. And yet, the slogan has often been viewed with suspicion or met with a defensive retort that all lives matter a response that seeks to whitewash the stark difference in realities that exist for black Americans and white Americans. Never mind the data that shows over and over disparities in educational and economic opportunities, discriminatory treatment by businesses and a disproportionate policing of black residents, from traffic stops to criminal charging decisions. It also means maintaining the focus on peaceful protest and distinguishing the legitimate goals of demonstrators from the alternate agendas of those smashing windows and looting stores. Such property damage and theft have nothing to do with racial justice and only harm the business owners and workers who stand with protesters in pursuing police reform. Credit the throngs of protesters who successfully kept the entire focus Monday on peaceful demonstration and stymied would-be agitators. That effort shows just how powerful a united front can be. And that will be exactly whats needed to help leaders and police keep on the path to reform. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board A driver drove a tanker truck through a large group of protesters on Sunday. KARE11/YouTube A truck driver accused of speeding into a crowd of protesters in Minneapolis has been released from jail without charges. Bogdan Vechirko has been identified as the man who drove an 18-wheeler among a large group of peaceful protesters on the highway in Minneapolis on Sunday. Video showed the truck driving past protesters gathered on the highway shoulder and then coming to a stop just short of some people who stood in front of its path. Minnesota state officials have said that Vechirko did not appear to have intended to harm anyone but that authorities are still investigating. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. A 35-year-old truck driver accused of driving aggressively past peaceful protesters on Sunday in Minneapolis was released from jail on Tuesday. The truck driver, Bogdan Vechirko, was not charged with a crime. A statement by Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said investigators were still "gathering additional information and answers to aid in the charging decision." His arrest came after a video showed an 18-wheeler speeding past a large group of peaceful protesters on I-35 in Minneapolis. The highway was shut down and was filled with people demonstrating against the police killing of the Minneapolis resident George Floyd. Minneapolis state officials said during a Monday press conference that Vechirko appeared to have entered the highway before it was closed. Vechirko, whose tanker truck was not carrying anything, told investigators he drove onto I-35 on accident. Video footage of the incident showed the truck driving past the crowd at speed for a time. People captured by the I-35 traffic camera quickly scattered as the tanker truck approached, with some running into the green on the side of the freeway altogether. The driver started to slow down when he approached the protesters and eventually came to a full stop. At that point, he was pulled out of his truck. Nobody was killed in the incident. Story continues Officials said Vechirko acted foolishly but did not appear to have purposefully tried to hurt anyone. Those on the scene have disputed public officials. A protester named Drew Valle told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the driver showed "a callous disregard for someone's humanity." Read the original article on Business Insider The country filed a lawsuit at the United Nations top court last year accusing Myanmar of genocide against Rohingya Muslims, renewing international attention on the issue, and is investigating the human rights abuses of its former dictator Yahya Jammeh a process that has partly unfolded on live stream. Protests across the US have rolled into their seventh day - with those seeking to highlight the horrors of police brutality and institutional racism finding themselves increasingly threatened and attacked by police forces armed with military grade equipment and buoyed by calls from the White House to dominate the streets around them. Protests have sparked up across the country following the Memorial Day death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died after being pinned to the ground by an officer. Mr Floyd had been accused of buying a packet of cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill by a shop worker. (AFP via Getty) The death is the latest in a string of killings of unarmed black men, women and children at the hands of US law enforcement deemed a symptom of systemic racism in both police forces and society at large. Protesters have invoked the memories of the 2014 death of Eric Garner in New York who, like Mr Floyd, told officers he couldnt breathe while being pinned by them; and the recent death of paramedic Breonna Taylor, 26, who was shot in her Kentucky home by an officer during a narcotics raid. A lawsuit alleges officers did not announce they were entering, and had already apprehended the suspect in their investigation when she was shot. Since Mr Floyds death the US has seen one of the most intense moments of civil upheaval of the past century. Some 21 states have brought in the National Guard, with protests erupting in at least 140 cities amid a backdrop of nationwide lockdown measures introduced to stem the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus - which has led to more deaths in the US than any other country. The number of deaths now stands at about 107,000, with 1.8 million people infected. And with looting and vandalism following a number of otherwise peaceful protests across the country under the banner of the movement Black Lives Matter - including in Washington DC where fires were set near the White House and Minneapolis, the city Mr Floyd died in, which saw its police station torched - the public have been met with more brutality from officers. Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Show all 30 1 /30 Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Philadelphia Police have clashed with protesters throughout the ongoing demonstrations across the US against police brutality and racism in the country, sparked by the recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality San Jose, California AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Boston, Massachusetts AFP via Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality White House, Washington AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality New York EPA Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Boston, Massachusetts EPA Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Washington, DC Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Minneapolis, Minnesota Reuters Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Chicago Chicago Sun-Times via AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Des Moines, Iowa The Des Moines Register via AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Washington DC AFP via Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Chicago Chicago Sun-Times via AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality New York Reuters Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Washington, DC AFP via Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality New York Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality New York AFP via Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Columbia, South Carolina AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality New York EPA Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Philadelphia AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Hollywood, California EPA Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality St Paul, Minnesota Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Washington DC Reuters Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Santa Monica, California AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Los Angeles, California EPA Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Washington, DC Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality New York Reuters Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality Atlanta AP Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality White House, Washington AFP via Getty Police clash with people protesting over racism and police brutality White House, Washington AFP via Getty Officers arrested 4,100 people across the weekend alone, while footage from scenes across the country has shown black bystanders harassed, peaceful protesters pinned to a wall with no escape as they were barraged with tear gas, and journalists fired upon with rubber bullets. President Donald Trump has been accused of doing little to placate concerns of protesters. On Monday heavily armoured riot police were deployed to clear the streets with tear gas as he made his way to St Johns Church in Washington DC for a photo op, during which he posed with a bible. (AFP via Getty (AFP via Getty) Meanwhile black restaurateur David McAtee was shot and killed in Louisville, Kentucky, as officers enforced a curfew in the area. The Louisville chief of police has since been relieved of his duties after it was discovered two officers implicated in the shooting had not had their body cameras switched on to document the incident. One person who has been volunteering as a medic at protests told The Independent he was targeted by police during a demonstration in Brooklyn, despite wearing clear markings identifying himself as a medic. (AP) If the police werent there agitating, nothing would happen. The confrontation happens because the police are present., he said. As a medic it has become difficult to remove people to safety. On Friday night I was carrying a semi-conscious person to safety. They wouldnt even let me pull them to the side. I could barely carry the person as they were battoning me. Over the past year, The Hamilton Spectator's journalists have covered everything from medically assisted dying to the greatest goal scorer you've never heard of. Signing up for an annual digital subscription to TheSpec.com gives you access to this vital local reporting and keeps you in the know on the most important Hamilton topics from the award-winning staff at The Spec. The best part: an annual digital subscription to TheSpec.com is only $72 before tax. Here's a look back at some in-depth coverage of local issues in 2019 from Spectator reporters and columnists and 72 reasons to sign up: A look back at Hamilton in 2019: Part 2 25) Arkells' secret: a top-drawer live act, work ethic, chameleon musicality, activist social conscience and Hamilton itself. 26) Finding the gun used in a crime is only part of the story. What happens after? How and where is the gun traced? And, perhaps most importantly, what can they tell us about how criminals are accessing and using guns? 27) Hamilton General Hospital widely known as one of Ontario's nine Level 1 Trauma Centres was left off a list of hospitals qualified to properly diagnose and treat traumatic brain injury. This glitch nearly cost a family up to $1 million in insurance money. 28) Hamilton's most vulnerable residents are struggling to find affordable housing in the face of increasing home prices, rising rents, a lack of government-subsidized rental housing and the gentrification of older inner-city neighbourhoods. 29) Just when many people are joining a gym to shed extra pounds gained over the holidays, there comes a cautionary tale about fitness club memberships. 30) Nancy Pegg was shocked when her annual insurance rate jupmed 14 per cent. Pegg is 71, lives in a quiet neighbourhood on the east Mountain and only drives about 5,000 kilometres a year. 31) Scotty Morrison once averaged a hat trick a game. So why don't you know of him? 32) Violence and death are decimating Caron Douse's family and she doesn't even know why. 33) Harbour town: A six-part series examining Hamilton's diverse and evolving waterfront, from its port industries to recreational west harbour ... Part 1 34) Jody Donovan wished he wasn't dying. Not because he wanted to keep living or was scared about what's on the other side. No, he didn't want to be dying because he was hoping to be already dead. 35) A long-simmering dispute between vendors at the Hamilton Farmers' Market has led to criminal charges after one of the business' banking machines was vandalized the pin pad buttons coated with superglue. 36) A Brantford baby nearly died of whooping cough and her family wants other parents to realize the danger that lurks when too few people are vaccinated. About 14 vaccine candidates in India have shown promise, said Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary of Department of Biotechnology, in an interview with Economic Times. She also said that India has about 30 potential COVID-19 vaccine candidates right now. Out of these, the recombinant BCG vaccine from the Serum Institute of India and Cadilas Mycobacterium vaccine are in the third phase of trials already. Human trials for about three to four other candidates may begin in two to six months from now. Additionally, Moderna Inc has reportedly started the mid-stage trials for its mRNA-based vaccine. Here are all the recent developments regarding COVID-19 vaccines: Moderna to begin phase-III trial next month Last Friday, the American biotech company Moderna Inc reportedly began phase-II trial for mRNA-1273, their vaccine candidate for COVID-19. In this phase, the vaccine will be tested on about 600 volunteers. The firm had released some initial results from their phase-I trial last month and had said that the vaccine showed promise. However, due to lack of insufficient data, a lot of questions were raised about the efficacy of the vaccine. Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has reportedly said the Moderna vaccine will enter phase-III trial in the first week of July. About 30,000 people will be enrolled in the trial, mostly from the age group of 18-55 years ,but also the elderly and people who are at risk of severe COVID-19. This phase will be the final stage of vaccine development. If the firm gets favourable results in these trials, the vaccine may be made available to the general population. Dr Fauci reportedly said that the results of the phase-III trial would be available by November or December this year, by which time, the company will already have produced about 100 million doses of the vaccine. China may launch a vaccine by year-end Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac has reportedly said that they are 99 percent sure of the efficiency of their vaccine candidate CoroVac, which is an inactivated virus vaccine. The vaccine is in Stage 2 trials and the company is reportedly in talks to conduct their stage-III trial in the UK. Meanwhile, Chinas state-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) has revealed that the country may launch a coronavirus vaccine within this year. At least five vaccines are in the clinical trial phase in China. Oxford University may try their vaccine on children As schools are starting to reopen in the UK, Oxford University and AstraZeneca are reportedly planning to test the ChAdOx1 vaccine on children between the ages of 5 and 12. The Oxford team will start recruiting volunteers for the vaccine soon. ChAdOx1 is an adenovirus vector-based vaccine that contains the sequence for the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus. The spike protein is what the COVID-19 causing virus uses to latch on to and enter host cells. The vaccine is currently in Phase I clinical trials and has been given to more than 1,000 adults between the ages of 18 and 55, who are now being followed up to study the effects of the vaccine. It will soon enter phase II/III trials, in which about 10,260 people of all ages from five to above 70 years will be included. Even though children are considered to not be at risk of severe disease, they will need to be vaccinated to stop the transmission chain of the virus. Balance between fast-tracking and safety of vaccine crucial In a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances, researchers have warned that going too fast may not be ideal when it comes to vaccine development. As per the study, vaccines are fast-tracked on the basis of neutralising antibodies. However, there is always a risk of antibody dependant enhancement of the disease. In other words, the antibodies developed due to the vaccine may lead to more severe disease if the person is exposed to the pathogen. This kind of reaction has been seen in dengue, ebola and HIV vaccines. Also, there is a need for a vaccine that stimulates not only antibody production but also the production of both CD4 and CD8 T-cells to provide complete protection against the pathogen. The study concluded that a balance between fast-tracking the vaccine and the safety of the vaccine is needed. For more information, read our article on Why is it taking so long to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. 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. "Dr. Smalley is a highly accomplished physician and healthcare executive with more than 20 years of experience delivering care to those populations most in need," said Sivik. "Her leadership will be instrumental in addressing the overall health and wellbeing of our members, as well as the social factors such as food access, housing and transportation that are so critical to healthy outcomes." Prior to joining 'Ohana Health Plan, Dr. Smalley served as medical director at AlohaCare, a local nonprofit health plan in Hawaii. She also served as senior medical director for medical policy at UPMC Health Plan in Pittsburgh where she chaired the technology assessment committee and oversaw evidence-based coverage policies and held leadership roles in California's MediCal Medicaid program. Dr. Smalley received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Sonoma State University and her medical degree from the University of California, Davis. She completed her residency at Kaiser Permanente's San Francisco Medical Center and practiced medicine in North California for a decade. Dr. Smalley is board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology. "I have a passion for improving health outcomes by promoting patient-centered, high-quality care," said Dr. Smalley. "Working in collaboration with our state partners, network of providers, and local community-based organizations, I look forward to delivering on our mission to help our members live better, healthier lives." As of March 31, 2020, 'Ohana Health Plan serves 54,000 Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Plan (PDP) members across the state. About 'Ohana Health Plan 'Ohana Health Plan provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (WellCare) across the state. 'Ohana Health Plan is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-national healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. For more information, please visit www.wellcare.com/hawaii. SOURCE 'Ohana Health Plan Related Links http://www.wellcare.com/hawaii UPDATE: On Thursday, June 4, the three killed PG&E contractors were identified by a workers' union. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers' Local 1245 Union admitted that two from the accident were part of their organization. They were identified as Local 676 Journeyman Jimmy Wasdin, 41, and Local 1245 Fourth Step Apprentice Lineman Travis Shull, 29. The pilot, Roscoe Gray, was not a union member but had close ties to the union and Pacific Gas and Electric Co. "We are absolutely devastated by the news we received late yesterday regarding this on-the-job accident. Our hearts go out to the families of these two IBEW brothers whose lives were cut short by this terrible tragedy," said IBEW 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell. "Line work comes with many very serious risks, and the founders of the IBEW understood that above all, our union must stand up for the safety of all electrical and utility workers. As we collectively mourn for Brother Wasdin and Brother Shull, we must simultaneously renew our commitment to safety on the job, today and every day." On Tuesday afternoon, June 2, a contractor helicopter carried PG&E employees crashes in the Northeastern part of San Francisco. Three passengers and pilots were said to be dead after the chopper got a clip with a power line and burst into flame after a crash. Aside from their deaths, a part of the land-- where the plane crashed-- resulted in a massive grass fire. Three died after helicopter gets clip on power line and bursts into flame Bell 206 chopper flying three contractors from the private-owned company Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) crashed this Tuesday afternoon, at 1:00 p.m., outside of Fairfield area. As reported via Daily Mail UK, the three contractors were reportedly fixing a power line around the area, when the chopper suddenly got caught by a power line and bursts into flame. Upon crashing, the area-- where the chopper crashed-- also resulted in a seven-acre grass fire. KCRA Sacramento reported that firefighters and emergency responses team already headed to the scene. However, due to its large-scale fire and the water tanker's overturning en route to the crash scene, three of the firefighters were reportedly injured. As of now, the fire was already put out by the firefighters. Authorities did not yet release details about the killed PG&E contractors. The Federal Aviation Authority and the National Transportation Safety Board said that they are already investigating the incident on why the plane gets caught by the power line. 36,000 residents affected by power outages Reports also indicate that 38,000 households around the Fairfield area are now experiencing power outages due to the incident. It was not yet said on when this will be scheduled to be fixed. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Michigan health officials reported 199 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 37 new deaths during the daily update Tuesday, June 2. It was the second consecutive day with fewer than 200 new cases -- the first streak of its kind for the state since it began reporting in mid-March. The states total confirmed cases are up to 57,731, while the total deaths linked to COVID-19 are 5,553 since mid-March when the governor declared a state of emergency. Michigans seven-day moving average for cases dropped to 375 per day, while its new deaths per day average climbed slightly to 41. One week prior, the seven-day average for cases was 393 per day and the average for deaths was 36 per day. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Fifty-four of Michigans 83 counties reported no new cases Tuesday. Eaton and Monroe counties each had one case removed from their totals. For the first time during the pandemic, Iron County in the Upper Peninsula reported a confirmed case of COVID-19. Before Tuesday, Iron was one of four counties in the state -- all in the U.P. -- that hadnt reported a positive case of the virus. Kent County had the most new cases Tuesday (29), followed by Wayne County (22), Calhoun County (14) and Macomb County (13). St. Joseph was the only other county that reported double-digit new cases with 10. As for deaths, only Wayne County reported double-digit new deaths with 12. The southeastern county, home to the city of Detroit, has accounted for almost 45 percent of the states COVID-19 deaths during the pandemic. Heres a look at the Michigan counties with the most confirmed cases. 1. Wayne County: 20,468 cases (2,475 deaths) 2. Oakland County: 8,412 cases (999 deaths) 3. Macomb County: 6,720 cases (818 deaths) 4. Kent County: 3,777 cases (93 deaths) 5. Genesee County: 2,021 cases (252 deaths) 6. Washtenaw County: 1,340 cases (99 deaths) 7. Saginaw County: 1,050 cases (109 deaths) 8. Kalamazoo County: 848 cases (58 deaths) 9. Ottawa County: 786 cases (35 deaths) 10. Ingham County: 745 cases (27 deaths) Browser does not support frames. Michigan processed 9,256 diagnostic COVID-19 tests on Sunday, May 31. Of those, 2.4 percent came back positive for the virus. It was the lowest positive percentage since March 11 when the lone test processed that day came back negative. Both Region 2N and 2S in the Metro Detroit area saw new lows for positive test rates of 2.2 percent and 2.0 percent, respectively. Regions 1, 7 and 8 each reported less than 1 percent positive test rates again. For more statewide data, visit MLives coronavirus data page, here. 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: From hair salons to gyms, experts rank 36 activities by coronavirus risk level Michigan coronavirus stay-at-home order lifted: Heres what opens when Tuesday, June 2: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan A 15-year-old girl has been arrested and charged with murder in the death of a 37-year-old Iowa man that was initially reported to police as a suicide. The teen, whom the Des Moines Police Department did not name, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder in the the death of Zachary Brooks, according to a press release. Brooks was found dead in an apartment at 1516 Evergreen Avenue at around 5.40pm on Monday after someone called authorities to report a suicide there. Police in Des Moines, Iowa, have arrested a 15-year-old girl on a first-degree murder charge in the killing of Zachary Brooks, 37, who was found dead inside this building Monday The officers who arrived found Brooks body, but said it did not appear he'd killed himself, reported KCCI. Police later declared Brooks death as the citys 12th homicide of the year, but did not detail how Brooks died. Investigators have not revealed how the 15-year-old suspect knew the victim more than 20 years her senior, and have said nothing about a possible motive. DailyMail.com has reached out to the police department seeking additional information on the case. Des Moines Register reported that a hearing is scheduled to take place later today to determine if the teenager will be charged as an adult in Brooks' death. Since Saturday, at least 18 people have been arrested in connection to violence after the conclusion of peaceful protests in San Antonio. The Alamo City was just one in hundreds across the country that has been protesting for police reform after Floyd died while in police custody last week. At least seven people have been arrested in San Antonio for charges of engaging in a riot since Saturday and several others have been arrested for resisting or evading arrest related to the rioting. Nine more people, including six teenagers, were arrested on Tuesday following protests for similar charges. Those arrested on June 3 were: Deandre Hogan, 27, charged with unlawful carry of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and violation of city ordinances Payton Kirkham, 24, charged with a warrant, possession of marijuana and city ordinance violations Those arrested on June 2 were: Dameion Kyle Bell, 18 charged with engaging in a riot and evading arrest Carlos Alfredo Cabrera, 19, charged with engaging in a riot Jose David De La Cruz, 17, charged with evading arrest Jonathan Caballero, 19, charged with evading arrest and engaging in a riot Damion Smiley Calderon, 17, charged with evading arrest Jophrank Jaramillo, 17, charged with criminal trespassing Brian Michael Sunblade, 24, charged with resisting arrest, failure to identify and crossing against pedestrian control sign Nathan Abraham Carranza, 21, charged with engaging in a riot and criminal mischief Priscilla Iree Gonzales, 27, for pedestrian in the roadway Those arrested May 31 were: Natalie Calderon, 33, charged with two counts of criminal mischief Those arrested on May 30 were: Joe Canales, 44, charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer, evading arrest, rioting and resisting arrest Wayne Waldrip III, 21, charged with assault, resisting arrest and unlawful carry of a weapon Alejandro Yanez, 17, charged with rioting Ryatt Aguilar, 19, charged with rioting and retaliation Davianna Reece for a curfew violation Ethan Pulliam for a pedestrian in the roadway After a peaceful protest on Wednesday, SAPD officers arrested two people unrelated to the protests after Hogan was bragging about wanting to kill cops. Police detained him for violating the city's 9 p.m. curfew downtown and upon search found a handgun and a bottle of ecstasy. Kirkham, who was with him, was also charged after finding marijuana in her possession. On Tuesday, Carranza was arrested after police said he damaged the Travis Park United Methodist Church on Saturday. Police said he was throwing rocks at the church, shattering windows and costing more than $3,100 in damages. Police arrested Canales, of Uvalde, on Saturday for multiple charges, including aggravated assault and engaging in a riot. Canales, along with about 50 other people were allegedly rioting downtown, ignoring police commands to follow the enacted curfew. Police said Canales was throwing about a dozen "softball-size" rocks at police, hitting two officers, an arrest report said. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox He also allegedly tried to throw tear-gas canisters back at officers before throwing bottles of urine at them. Canales was allegedly also attempting to encourage other rioters to "throw whatever they had on hand at (officers)," the report said. SWAT officers attempted to arrest Canales, but he took off running, before he was tripped by one of SAPD's bicycles and detained. He was charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer, engaging in a riot, evading and resisting arrest. A 33-year-old San Antonio woman was also arrested downtown this weekend after breaking windows of the RiverCenter Mall. RELATED: Police out in force in downtown San Antonio Sunday night after violence, looting marred Saturdays George Floyd protest On Sunday, two witnesses informed officers that a woman, later identified as Natalie Calderon, was kicking the windows of the H&M store, causing them to shatter. When officers located Calderon in front of the Menger Hotel next door, she admitted to the vandalism, saying she did it because she "was just angry," an arrest report said. Calderon was charged with two counts of criminal mischief. Officials and protest organizers have both emphasized that the group responsible for looting and vandalizing downtown businesses on Saturday and Sunday were not linked to to the peaceful demonstrations advocating for civil change. The protest on Saturday brought nearly 5,000 people downtown to march through the streets for racial injustice after Floyd's death. San Antonio leaders said the Alamo City hasn't seen near the same level of destruction and violence many cities have been seeing across the country. A nightly temporary curfew has been enacted for the Alamo Plaza in an effort to mitigate destruction downtown. Not pictured above: Jonathan Caballero, Priscilla Gonzales, Davianna Reece and Ethan Pulliam Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for MySA.com | taylor.pettaway@express-news.net | @TaylorPettaway Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rizki Fachriansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 10:11 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbb7efb 1 National new-normal,Lapor-COVID-19,PCR-test,PSBB,pandemic,COVID-19,coronavirus Free Experts and volunteers with the LaporCovid-19 (Report Covid-19) community movement have warned of a potentially tumultuous "new normal" period following the easing of the large-scale restrictions (PSBB), pointing to the country's numerous issues in data gathering, testing capacity and risk perception. These factors are essential to ensuring a safe post-epidemic environment for resuming economic and social activities. LaporCovid19 spokesperson Irma Hidayana said on Sunday that Indonesias COVID-19 data did not live up to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. In particular, the government had not taken into account the number of deaths among suspected COVID-19 cases, which comprised the majority of coronavirus-related deaths in the country. LaporCovid-19 had recorded at least 5,021 deaths among suspected cases by May 29, comprising 4,814 deaths among patients under surveillance (PDP) and 207 deaths among persons under monitoring (ODP). Along with the 1,503 deaths among confirmed cases, Indonesia's cumulative total was at least 6,232 deaths by May 29. Based on the data we gathered from 479 regencies across 34 provinces, the number of deaths among suspected [cases] have far surpassed the number of deaths among confirmed cases. Seventy-seven percent of all deaths [occurred] among suspected cases, Irma said. Read also: 102 areas with zero COVID-19 cases allowed to start 'new normal' Irma continued that the official government data contradicted the data of individual regions and merely illustrated the tip of the iceberg, and stressed that the lack of data transparency remained a major problem ahead of moving toward the government's "new normal" framework. Take North Sumatra, for example. On May 29, the provincial administration updated its data, which now includes the number of [suspected COVID-19] deaths. As a result, the number of deaths linked to COVID-19 in the region has shot up to more than 150, she said. The government must incorporate deaths among suspected cases to fill the holes in its COVID-19 data before ushering in sweeping changes to establish "the new normal", she said. The public deserves to know the true scale of the emergency," Irma said, and that the government's daily updates on COVID-19 cases was "simply insufficient to fully capture the gravity of the situation. Executive director Elisa Sutanudjaja of the Rujak Center for Urban Studies concurred with Irma, saying that several regions had rushed to lift the PSBB despite questionable data on COVID-19 transmission and poor public compliance with physical distancing measures. Read also: Dentists continue services via teledentistry and with tighter protocols It remains to be seen whether [these] regional administrations, such as Makassar in South Sulawesi, Tegal in Central Java and Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan, had conducted epidemiological studies [with] health experts and sociologists prior to ending the PSBB, Elisa said during the same event. The three regions she referred to had all lifted the PSBB just a few days ahead of Idul Fitri, which fell on May 24-25. The Palangkaraya administration last week implemented more lenient restrictions at the subdistrict level to replace the PSBB, which it said had yielded lackluster results. At least 15 new COVID-19 cases have since been reported in the region following the measure. Over the past few weeks, the central government has called for its citizens to adapt to what it refers to as "the new normal" as it looks to relax restrictions and reopen businesses under strict health protocols. Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto earlier claimed that several regions had shown a decline in COVID-19 transmissions and suggested that they might be ready to welcome the "new normal" phase. The regions he mentioned included Jakarta, the epicenter of the Indonesian outbreak. [RA::With policy flip-flops, 'new normal' looks gloomy for Indonesiahttps://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2020/05/19/with-policy-flip-flops-new-normal-looks-gloomy-for-indonesia.html] University of Padjajaran epidemiologist Panji Hadisoemarto said, however, that it was simply impossible to determine whether the timing was right for Indonesia to enter the "new normal" phase, as the country lacked the testing capacity that was critical to making such a determination. Our testing capacity is currently at 10,000 [test] per day, which still falls short of the capacity of other countries that have entered a 'new normal' period, said Panji. As for the situation in Jakarta, he warned that new clusters of infection and wider community transmission could occur leading up to June 4, when the PSBB in the capital would end. June 4 is also the expected starting date of the "new normal" phase. We have to be careful, as the end of the current PSBB period in Jakarta will occur about one week following the high movement of individuals recorded over Idul Fitri, [and] which is when new cases might be reported, Panji said. Read also: New normal aims to keep economy running: Minister Sociologist Sulfikar Amir at the Nanyang University of Singapore said that the successful rollout of the "new normal" phase would also hinge on the perceived risks of the pandemic among the public. He said risk perception an individuals subjective impression of perceived threats to themselves or their environment was highly dependent on the governments ability to provide credible information that fully illustrated the COVID-19 health crisis. As more people perceive the dangers of COVID-19, they will try and adopt what we call safe behavior to avoid contracting the disease, which will in turn contribute greatly to flattening the curve of transmission, Sulfikar said. He also noted that risk perception would vary depending on an individual's socioeconomic condition. As of Tuesday, the government's official count recorded 27,549 confirmed cases and 1,663 deaths. A Jersey City man has been charged with sexually assaulting his stepdaughter multiple times over a period of four years, starting when she was 8 years old, authorities said. The 36-year-old was being investigated by Jersey City police over a domestic violence incident when the sexual abuse of the girl, who is now 13, was brought to light, according to information provided during his detention hearing Wednesday. In arguing to have the man detained through his prosecution, it was revealed that authorities had text messages they described as incriminating. The mans attorney argued that there was no evidence of who sent the text messages and the identity of the recipient. The man was ordered detained by Hudson County Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale. The 36-year-old has been charged with first-degree sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault of a child in his care and endangering the welfare of a minor. The man, who is not the girls father, was arrested on May 22. According to the criminal complaint, the man was also charged with a domestic violence offense. His name has been removed from the story to protect the identity of the alleged victim. The complaint also said the victim told her mother and her grandmother about the sexual abuse. Jersey City police then reported the alleged crimes to the Hudson County Prosecutors Offices Special Victims Unit. An accused child molester in California is now behind bars, and police say the current COVID-19 pandemic helped them solve the nearly 2-year-old molestation case. The benefit that was brought forward by COVID to help us solve this crime; we had access to a sample and a mask, said King City police captain Keith Boyd. Investigators arrested 28-year-old Leonardo Ramirez after DNA taken from his face mask linked him to the 2018 rape of a girl under 14 years old. Under the current coronavirus pandemic, health orders require the use of face coverings, and Ramirez was wearing one when police called him to police headquarters to talk about an unrelated crime. He showed up and he was wearing a mask, but they offered him a fresh mask and he accepted that mask and then subsequently discarded the mask he had been wearing into a bag, which had been pre-staged, said Boyd. The used mask was then submitted to the department of justice for DNA analysis. And subsequent to that analysis, we were able to obtain a positive match from the sample in that mask and the sample initially obtained during the investigation two years ago, Boyd. Soon after the results came back, Ramirez was arrested. Since the news broke King City police have been showered with praise on social media with comments like good job KCPD, smart detective work right there, good thinking, clever work, thats funny, and thank you for getting him off the streets. Sneaky, creative yeah, but thats our job to try and find ways to make the community safer and by doing this we were able to take someone who is really a predator off the street, the captain said. King City police said not only do they have the suspects DNA, but they also have a confession. Investigators say when Ramirez was questioned by detectives, he confessed to the alleged crimes. Investigators say the COVID-19 pandemic provided a key opportunity to crack this case. Without the pandemic, detectives wouldve spent more man-hours investigating and trying to get a search warrant so they could eventually get a swab from the accused. Im sure well look back one day and think whats the chance of something like this we would benefit from who thought we could use it to our advantage, Boyd said. Some residents of Ketu South Municipality in the Volta region have welcomed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's easing of COVID19 restrictions in the country. Mr Ernest Banini, a dealer in footwear for farmers said government was on track with the measures and called on the citizenry for support to defeat the virus. So far, Im impressed with measures government has announced since the outbreak of this disease including the recent easing of the restrictions. "The education sector remained one of my problems and now that hes asked the final year students to resume school, I believe plans are underway to get the remaining ones back to school. As for the borders remaining closed, we need to support government because the intention is to prevent the importation of cases into the country as thats how the virus initially got here, he added. Madam Sitsofe Asinyo, a seamstress said though she was comfortable with some of the new directives, there were other disturbing ones. The green light for the Electoral Commission to compile new register is not good enough. You know the restlessness and agitations that come with people having difficulty registering because thats the only card that will allow them to vote and you can trust that these health protocols will be ignored. She added that, as a border community, our lives depend on crossing to Togo because for me, I usually buy my materials from Lome which is close but with the closure, I have to travel all the way to Accra and this means extra cost, time among others. Madam Asinyo therefore appealed to government to consider easing the restrictions on the country's borders too. Ms Joan Afiyo, a middle-aged trader at the Aflao border also said with safety measures at the borders, they could be opened to promote trade and businesses. Another trader said although the hygiene protocols were good, they could not prevent anyone from contracting the virus and that it was the grace of God on the country. 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 Editors Note: This story was updated at 7:30 p.m. on June 3 to reflect updated information from authorities on the number of people injured in the shooting. A gunman opened fire on a downtown Trenton block Wednesay morning and injured four people - including a child, police and city officials said. City spokesman Michael Walker confirmed the incident, and said Mayor Reed Gusciora and police officials would elaborate at a 2 p.m. press event at City Hall. The shooting occurred just before 9:30 a.m. in the area of North Montgomery Street hear Wood and East Hanover streets, police said. The conditions of the four victims were not immediately known, but all four were taken to area hospitals for treatment. City officials did not report any arrests or charges. Due to the nature of the shooting victims, Mercer County Prosecutors Office detectives were assisting Trenton detectives, police said. The city is reeling from 13 homicides since March, as well as a Sunday evening riot downtown during which vandals looted stores and danced on top of two Trenton police cars, one which was set ablaze. The violence followed a peaceful protest of the death last weekend of George Floyd in Minnesota. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Tiffany Trump, daughter of United States President Donald Trump, has joined in on the "Blackout Tuesday" movement that has been trending on the social media platform, Instagram. The campaign aims to raise awareness about police brutality and racism. Tiffany posted a black square on her official Instagram account, accompanying the black block with a Helen Keller quote, "Alone we can achieve so little; together, we can achieve so much." She also used the hashtags #blackoutTuesday and called for justice on George Floyd's death. The 26-year-old, who graduated from Georgetown Law School in May, became the only Trump family member to post for the controversial movement. No other prominent Republican political figure tweeted or published for the campaign. #blackoutTuesday Blackout Tuesday was reportedly launched by members of the music industry. It started circulating on Saturday with the help of various record labels, music companies, streaming giants, and celebrities. Members of the music industry called Tuesday "a day to disconnect from work and reconnect with our community." They also urged authorities to take an urgent step to promote accountability and change. Additionally, music labels announced the decision not to release new music on Blackout Tuesday. Sony, Spotify, Warner Music, Def Jam, and other industry giants pledged their support to the movement. On Spotify, several playlists and podcasts were accompanied by a dark square instead of colorful images. Meanwhile, Sony Music has vowed to expand its mental health support for employees to include grief counseling and group meditation. Def Jame Records also revealed many of the company's employees would donate a day's wage to an organization supporting the black community. Many fan accounts for artists have also joined in on the Blackout campaign and will suspend posting updates on Tuesday. #TheShowMustBePaused The Blackout Tuesday posts followed "The Show Must Be Paused" campaign launched by two black women who are music industry executives-Jamila Thomas, a senior marketing director at Atlantic Records, and Brianna Agyemang, a senior artist campaign manager for Platoon. On the movement's website, the executives called for a break in the music industry. They included links where the public can donate to George Floyd's and Ahmaud Arbery's families and a petition in support of justice for Breonna Taylor. The site also includes links to donate to community bail funds, Black Lives causes and campaigns, and anti-racism resources. Confusion While the Blackout Tuesday campaign supported the protests and the black community, organizers for the Black Lives Matter movement claimed artists and influencers who used the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag clogged channels of information about protests or fundraising efforts. Users who searched #BlackLivesMatter on Instagram were met with rows of black squares that drowned critical information, resources, and documentation. The organizers behind The Show Must Be Paused urged people not to use the Black Lives Matter hashtag unless it was to share important information about the movement. Some social media users were also encouraged to edit their post and type out "Black Lives Matter" to avoid "muting vial dialogue in a sea of black boxes." Read more here: Kyle Sandilands has made no secret of the fact he lived on the streets of Brisbane when he was just 15. But on Wednesday, the 48-year-old shock jock surprised his radio co-star Jackie 'O' Henderson when he ruled out ever appearing on SBS's Filthy Rich & Homeless reality show, which sees high-profile Australians volunteer to experience life on the streets. Speaking on his KIIS 106.5 breakfast show, Kyle said he wouldn't consider appearing on the program as he doesn't believe SBS would be able could afford him. 'They're too cheap': Radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands (pictured) believes SBS hasn't invited him to appear on Filthy Rich & Homeless because they can't afford him 'I spent a year on the street, but not long enough for SBS to come along and invite me to appear on the show,' he said. Jackie replied: 'None of them [the celebrities] have been homeless, that's why they put them in there.' Kyle (pictured on 60 Minutes) said: 'I spent a year on the street, but not long enough for SBS to come along and invite me to appear on the show' To which Kyle responded: 'No wonder, I wouldn't go on it anyway, it's too cheap. 'SBS - they've got no money. As if they'll be able to pry me out of my joint to go and live in a box again.' Jackie then tried to explain: 'It's about raising social awareness, rather than the paycheque, Kyle.' Reality TV king: Kyle is no stranger to reality TV, having previously hosted his own Channel 10 series, Trial By Kyle. He also appeared on Big Brother, Australian Idol and X Factor In 2018, Kyle told the audience at a charity event that he was lucky to be able to turn his life around. 'I thank God every day because if I didn't find that job or if I didn't have that opportunity from my auntie, I have no idea where I would be,' Kyle began. 'Sometimes you just need to know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel. There is a way out. 'Back in the '80s, I was from a broken home. There was domestic violence and alcohol in my young childhood. One day, my mum got the courage to walk off with myself and my younger brother and leave that horrible life behind.' Landing on his feet: In 2018, Kyle revealed he 'thanks God every day' that he was able to turn his life around after living on the streets Kyle went on to reveal that he was kicked out of his mother and stepfather's home after throwing a house party that ended in carnage. But after living on the streets of Brisbane for more than nine months, a chance encounter with his aunt turned his life around. Kyle's aunt offered him a place to stay and he eventually landed an entry-level job in radio. This year marks the radio duo's 20th year working together. They reportedly earn approximately $7million per year at KIIS FM. Chrome News Track is a yet another exclusive from Chrome Data Analytics and Media which conducts study on News Content aired across India by choosing the "Most Aired, Most Watched and Most Discussed News of the week". The automated data picked from 30200 Chrome DM Panel Homes across India. It analyses the effectiveness of the News aired on television every week and categorises it through three broad segments namely Most Aired, Most Watched and Most Discussed. Most Aired News in Week 21: According to the Chrome News Track data for the Week 21 - 2020, Coronavirus lockdown in India was the most Aired News this week, followed by News about Coronavirus cases in World. The News about Security forces defuse LED bomb stood at the 3rd Virtual rally to mark Modi 2.0 anniversary was next in the list and News about India China relations managed to take the fifth and the last spot. Most Watched News in Week 21: The data also unveils that Coronavirus cases in World was the most watched news for the week grabbing maximum eyeballs, followed by Coronavirus lockdown in India. The news about Virtual rally to mark Modi 2.0 anniversary, Security forces defuse LED bomb & India China relations also generated interests amongst viewers and are placed at 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively in the list. Most Discussed News in Week 21: On the other hand, taking a closer view of the Most Discussed News category, the news about Coronavirus lockdown in India has been the talk of the nation making it the most discussed news whereas the News Coronavirus cases in World happens to be the 2nd most discussed news as per the automated data picked from 30200 Chrome DM Panel Homes. Virtual rally to mark Modi 2.0 anniversary became the 3rd most discussed news among masses. India China relations and Security forces defuse LED bomb are placed at 4th & 5th respectively in the list. Any MPs who broke social distancing rules to take part in the Black Lives Matter protest in London should be prevented from returning to the Commons until after a period of isolation, an MP has said. Tory Imran Ahmad Khan said MPs including former shadow minister Barry Gardiner have fragrantly flouted the law and have been boasting that they have broken social distancing measures. Mr Khan called on any MPs involved to be prevented from rejoining this House until they have undergone a period of self-isolation for the safety of all those working inside the parliamentary estate. Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing said MPs who took part have put themselves at risk and should act responsibly. It came after thousands of people joined a protest in London on Wednesday over the death of African-American George Floyd in US police custody nine days ago. Been social distancing since March. Today I broke it to join the #BlackLivesMattter demo outside Parliament and take a knee with thousands of brave young people calling for Justice. pic.twitter.com/1KWZeOPi01 Barry Gardiner (@BarryGardiner) June 3, 2020 Mr Gardiner had earlier posted a video of himself in the middle of the protesting crowd outside Westminster. Raising a point of order in the Commons, Mr Khan (Wakefield) said: It has come to my notice that certain members of this House, including well-known members such as the member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner), have fragrantly flouted the law and have joined the protests outside, breaking in fact boasting that they have broken social distancing measures. I feel that we are going to be placed at risk when there has been such advertised and self-publicised breaking of the law and vectors of the disease that we are fighting, and that this Government is fighting, will be, if he returns to this House, a vector of the disease will be allowed access to spread amongst the hard-working staff here. Story continues Are there measures in order to make such members who have flouted the law and are now possibly more likely to be contagious or indeed infected by the disease to be prevented from rejoining this House until they have undergone a period of self-isolation to ensure that we do not suffer a threat because of their aberrant behaviour? Dame Eleanor told MPs that Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has gone to a great deal of effort to make sure that members and staff working here are protected. She added: If any member of this House is openly flouting the rules which we have asked every citizen of the United Kingdom to observe in order to keep this virus under control and to protect the vulnerable and to protect the NHS, then that member is putting not only himself or herself at risk, but is putting everyone else at risk as well. I hope that the facts are not as he has stated them, but if it transpires that the facts are as he has stated them then it should be incumbent upon anyone coming into this building, if they know that they have put themselves at risk of contracting or passing on the virus, that they should act responsibly. In a tweet sent earlier on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Gardiner said: Been social distancing since March. Today I broke it to join the #BlackLivesMattter demo outside Parliament and take a knee with thousands of brave young people calling for Justice. Responding to a concerned member of the public who worried his actions could be risking public health, Mr Gardiner replied: Tested negative this week. Several people pushed for a grand jury after Kleine said Monday that he didnt think one was necessary. Folks even started inquiring about petitioning for a grand jury, a move that would have required about 20,000 signatures. I want to thank the black community for getting us this grand jury the pressure (from) everybody, Scurlock said. State Sen. Justin Wayne, an attorney for the Scurlocks, said it wasnt just the black community. The outpours, the calls, the emails were huge in this matter, he said. And the reason it was huge in this matter is we are still having witnesses, videos and evidence coming forward. I think that played a role in this decision, and as we get a more clear picture, justice will be served for James. Kleine said he personally will file a petition with the presiding judge for a grand jury and a special prosecutor. He noted, however, that because of COVID-19, it may be a while before the grand jury can meet. Monday, after reviewing a handful of grainy and graphic videos and transcripts of witness interviews, Kleine announced that he had concluded that the bar owner, Gardner, acted in self- defense when he shot and killed Scurlock. An elderly black woman has slammed looters saying they 'lied' when they said 'Black Lives Matter' and telling them to 'get a job' after her Brooklyn store was destroyed in riots. Shocking footage posted on social media shows the distraught New Yorker blasting the actions of looters as she stands in front of her shell of a store with its front now exposed and wires seen dangling down from the ceiling. 'The problem that bothers me? You said Black Lives Matter,' the emotional black woman is heard saying while other people cleaning up the destruction look on. 'I've worked here part time and I'm a part owner of this store. 'You said Black Lives Matter. Why don't you choke me? I'm black!' she says as she makes a choking gesture on her throat. Scroll down for video An elderly black woman has slammed looters saying they 'lied' when they said Black Lives Matter and telling them to 'get a job' after her Brooklyn store was destroyed in this week's riots Shocking footage posted on social media shows the distraught New Yorker blasting the actions of rioters as she stands in front of her shell of a store The distressed woman points out all the damage done to the store, the exact location of which is not clear. 'Look what you did to my store. Look!' she says gesturing at the damage as the camera rolls onto the now exposed storefront following the fifth night of chaos in the Big Apple. 'Look at the things you done! We've been here all night cleaning up!' she says. The woman, wearing plastic gloves from cleaning up the damage, then walks over and points out a pile of destroyed goods from inside the store which are now on the sidewalk. 'Tell me Black Lives Matter? You lied - you wanted to loot this store. You needed money - get a job like I do!' she says. 'Stop stealing. This is the neighborhood - we trying to build it up and you tearing it down.' 'You said Black Lives Matter. Why don't you choke me? I'm black!' she says as she makes a choking gesture on her throat The woman, wearing plastic gloves from cleaning up the damage, then walks over and points out a pile of destroyed goods from inside the store now lying on the sidewalk 'Tell me Black Lives Matter? You lied - you wanted to loot this store. You needed money - get a job like I do!' she says In New York City, peaceful daytime protests over George Floyd's death have descended into rioting come nightfall with looters ransacking stores in mainly wealthy areas such as Soho as well as in some local neighborhoods. Around 200 people were arrested in New York City Tuesday night and Donald Trump has threatened to send in National Guard troops to bring an end to protests. The city was put on an 8pm curfew from Tuesday through Sunday but thousands continued to defy the order. Floyd, a 46-year-old father of two, was killed last Monday in Minneapolis when a white cop knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. Floyd begged officer Derek Chauvin to stop and said 'I can't breathe'. People surf Internet on their phones in a park in Hanoi in 2018. Photo by Shutterstock/Andy Tran. Repair of the disaster-prone AAG undersea cable will take an extra four days to complete, so Vietnamese internet users will continue experiencing sluggish speeds. The operator of the Asia America Gateway (AAG) cable has notified local service providers that the repairs would be completed this Saturday (June 6), instead of Tuesday as originally planned. The cable had suffered a disruption on May 14. They said the reason for the delay that was that technicians had found a new rupture with the undersea cable, said a local internet service provider. Earlier, many Vietnamese internet users had complained about sluggish internet speed as the AAG cable connecting Vietnam and Hong Kong experienced a technical problem on a branch around 107 kilometers off the beach town of Vung Tau in southern Vietnam. Then, the cable operator said repair work on the faulty section began May 28 and was set to finish on June 2. The Asia Pacific Gateway (APG) undersea cable that links Vietnam with its neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region also broke down on May 24, worsening internet speed in Vietnam. No information has been released on repairs for this cable. It runs for around 10,400 km, with connection points in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Vietnam has six submarine cable systems and a 120 gigabit channel that runs overland through China. Connected in November 2009, the $560-million AAG handles more than 60 percent of the countrys international Internet traffic. The cable runs more than 20,000 kilometers (12,420 miles), connecting Southeast Asia with the U.S., passing through Brunei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. But it has experienced frequent ruptures and repairs, affecting services in Vietnam, where more than 64 percent of the population is online. The APG cable, officially launched in December 2016, is capable of providing bandwidths of up to 54 Tbps (Terabit per second). It runs for around 10,400 km, with connection points in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The race to represent the 134th District in the state House of Representatives is a study in contrasts. Laura Devlin, the three-term incumbent Republican from Fairfield, is facing a challenge from Carla Volpe, a Trumbull teacher and relative political newcomer. Both women received the unanimous endorsement of their parties. The district lies mostly in Fairfield but does include about 30 percent of Trumbull. Both also said the priority in the next General Assembly session would be recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope that we take this moment as a mandate to work together collaboratively to rebuild our state and to return to a more normal life, said Devlin. Now more than ever, we need leadership that is grounded in transparency, compassion and collaboration. Volpe echoed those sentiments, saying that Connecticut was beautiful and underappreciated and that the state deserves representatives that will sow the seeds of a vibrant renewal with active leadership and a clear vision for the future. First elected in 2014, Devlin serves on the Transportation Committee, Education Committee and Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. She also has been part of the legislatures Womens Caucus, Fire and EMS Caucus and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Caucus. While the state has been in a partial shutdown because of the global health crisis, Devlin has hosted bi-weekly town hall webinars with other Fairfield legislators to offer guidance on the states response to the coronavirus. She also co-founded a weekly food drive in Trumbull with Trumbull EMS that directly benefits the Trumbull Food Pantry and she has been volunteering at food drives that benefit Operation Hope in Fairfield and the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. Volpe, a Trumbull resident who grew up in an immigrant household in Fairfield, is a former teacher in the Trumbull schools. She currently teaches art at Derby High School. She is a member of the Trumbull Arts Council. deng@trumbulltimes.com Pope Francis has spoken out against racism and called on the United States to come together amid destruction that he said was self-destructive and self-defeating. The Pope broke his silence on Wednesday after eight nights of protests over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while in police custody. Dedicating the entire English-language section of his weekly audience to the US, the pope said the 46-year-olds death was tragic. Pope Francis added that he was praying for all who died as a result of the sin of racism, including Mr Floyd. My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life, Francis said. At the same time, we have to recognise that the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost, he said. The Pope then asked Americans to ask God for the national reconciliation and peace for which we yearn. It comes after American church leaders condemned the Donald Trump over his decision to use religious symbols as props during photo opportunities. Police in Washington DC teargassed protestors between the White House and St Johns church so that Mr Trump could pose outside with a Bible in hand, on Monday. The churchs bishop, Mariann Budde, said afterwards that she was outraged at the US presidents actions. Let me be clear, the president just used a Bible, the most sacred text of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and one of the churches of my diocese, without permission, as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus, she later told CNN. Catholics then protested as Mr Trump travelled to another photo opportunity at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine on Tuesday, where the president was seen asking Melania Trump to smile. Washingtons Roman Catholic Archbishop Wilton Gregory said in a statement that John Paul certainly would not condone the use of teargas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of a place of worship and peace. The archbishop who is black, also criticised the administrators of the John Paul shrine, saying he found it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated. Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said on Tuesday the raise in the minimum support price (MSP) announced by the central government was totally insignificant and demanded an increase in the limit of procurement for crops to at least 50%. Ashok Gehlot said in a series of tweets that the Centres promise to double the income of farmers by 2022 was just another jumla. His comments came after the Centre on Monday raised paddy MSP marginally by Rs 53 per quintal to Rs 1,868 per quintal for the 2020-21 crop year and hiked the rates for oilseeds, pulses and cereals substantially. Cottons MSP was increased by Rs 260 per quintal to Rs 5,515 for medium staple variety and by Rs 275 per quintal to Rs 5,825 for long-staple variety of cotton for the current crop year (July-June). Hike in MSP announced by government is totally insignificant looking at the hardships faced by our farmers, who have been hit hard by not only corona but sliding economy, locust attacks, cyclone etc. Farmers have been desperately waiting to get concrete relief but their hopes have been dashed, Ashok Gehlot tweeted. Hike in MSP announced by Govt is totally insignificant looking at hardships faced by our farmers, who hv been hit hard by not only corona but sliding economy, locust attacks, cyclone,etc. Farmers have been desperately waiting to get concrete relief but their hopes hv been dashed. Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) June 2, 2020 If the government of India really wants to help the Annadata, it should increase the limit of MSP procurement from 25% of the crop produce to at least 50% under the Price Stabilization Scheme and fix MSP as recommended in the Swaminathan report, he said. If the government of India really wants to help the Annadata, it should increase the limit of MSP procurement from 25% of the crop produce to at least 50% under the Price Stabilization Scheme and fix MSP as recommended in the Swaminathan report. Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) June 2, 2020 The so called raised MSP is a paltry amount, which doesnt even cover farmers input costs. The increase is just 2.07 % for moong and 7.5 % for bajra, which makes the tall promise of GoI of doubling the farmers income by 2022, look like yet another jumla (sic), he added. Recently, the state government had announced relief to farmers, industries and domestic consumers in the payment of electricity bills on April 2. It has extended the payment of electricity bills to June 30, which earlier was till May 31 amid the coronavirus pandemic. The government had also extended the amnesty scheme period till June 30 for such agricultural and domestic connections, which were disconnected before March 31, 2019, over pending arrears. The Supreme Court Wednesday asked the Centre, Maharashtra government and others to respond to a plea which has sought directions to rename the Bombay High Court as the High Court of Maharashtra. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, hearing the matter through video-conferencing, issued notices to the Centre, governments of Maharashtra and Goa and Registrar General of the Bombay High Court seeking their responses on the petition filed by a former labour court judge. The plea, filed by Thane-based V P Patil who had served as a judge for 26 years, has also sought a direction to the authorities to take effective steps for implementation of a clause of the Maharashtra Adaptation of Laws (State and Concurrent Subjects) Order, 1960 for conservation and preservation of distinct culture, heritage and traditions of the people of Maharashtra. Patil said the concerned authorities in other states should also be directed to change the names of their high courts as per the name of the states where they are located. "This court ought to consider that expression of regional and geographical identity forms part of freedom of speech and expression as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution of India and thus expression of the word Maharashtra while referring to the high court pertaining to the state amounts to fundamental right of the petitioner," it said. It said that assertion of word 'Maharashtra' denotes special significance in the life of Maharashtrian and its usage must also find expression in the name of the high court. The plea said that nomenclature of a public institution is "part of right to autonomy of a Maratha/ Maharashtrian." "As per Article 214 of the Constitution of India, it is mandated that each state shall have a high court of its own. It is humbly submitted that several states in the country have high courts named after the state and the state of Maharashtra is being denied the same," the plea said. It said that same name of the high court as well as the state will lessen the confusion that arises in multiplicity of names and will be in the interest of public. "This court ought to have appreciate that it is the duty of Union of India to take all measures for protection of the rights of the people of the state of Maharashtra who wish to assert their identity in the name of the public institution of their state," it said. Cardenas Ortiz-Sandovals mother, Guadalupe, died last month. Cardenas, 22, helped to plan her funeral. She was told by mortuary officials that the state of California would not allow more than ten people to attend her mothers graveside service. Some family members were forced to stay home. Lifelong friends could not bury a woman they had known for decades. So many public spaces are open, Ortiz-Sandoval told CNN, but a cemetery, which is open-air, is limited to ten per funeral. The family of Guadalupe Ortiz-Sandoval did not burn Los Angeles to the ground. They did not start riots. They, and millions like them, did not attend their loved ones funeral service because the public-health authorities told them not to. As I write this piece, a policeman is scouring the streets in my ruralish Connecticut suburb, patrolling the neighborhood for congregants and other insubordinates of the social-distancing regime. It is nice outside. Many are sick of sitting indoors, or pacing the streets in solitude. Most have dutifully followed the orders of the public-health officials, epidemiologists, and chart-makers whom the media have coronated as our de facto shepherds through this pandemic. You remember what they told us. People on the beach? Fools. Three people riding together on a boat in Michigan? Lethal. Tepidly reopening the economy? An experiment in human sacrifice. The virus doesnt go away because youre bored. It doesnt care that youre grieving, your livelihood is ruined, your business has collapsed, or your spouse is abusive. You cant pray it away at your church. So stay home, stay safe, and flatten the curve. And thats an order. Unless, of course, youre protesting racial injustice. Those protesting George Floyds death in crowds large enough to fill a small stadium have evaded scrutiny from the same people who told us that Floridians lying distanced on a beach were Literally Killing People. Some elected officials say that these protests are different that the demonstrators have a good reason to be congregating on the streets. As Bill de Blasio said, the protests are much different from the matter of the aggrieved store owner or the devout religious person. They dont have good reasons to break quarantine. The looters do. Story continues Everyone you know has a good reason to break quarantine. Some wish to bury a relative, while others want to visit a lonely elder in a nursing home. Parents want to baptize their children to save their souls, and first-generation college students want to attend graduation. All of them were told to abstain from these things in the name of public health. Following those orders had human costs rates of domestic violence increased during the lockdowns. Calls to suicide hotlines skyrocketed. Millions were thrown out of work. Businesses built over generations filed for bankruptcy, Some will never recover. Those who protested the lockdown regime were ridiculed. Governor Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan said that anti-lockdown protests came at a cost to peoples health. Michigan nurses stood in front of protesters cars with folded arms, leering on in contempt. As hordes of looters and rioters turned to the streets, however, NPR informed us that dozens of public health and disease experts have signed an open letter in support of the nationwide anti-racism protests. Nurses in New York stood outside a hospital and cheered as protesters, some of whom were unmasked, packed together like sardines and marched through the streets to protest police brutality. The chair of the New York City Councils health committee, Mark Levine, says that if there is a spike in coronavirus cases in the next two weeks, we ought not to blame the protesters. Blame racism. If we shouldnt blame them, then we ought not blame the regular people who break quarantine to mourn their dead. If its true, as the experts told us, that the virus does not discriminate, and does not care how trying your personal circumstances are, then the virus certainly does not care about how unjust the Minneapolis police department may be. If no open letter of apology from the medical community is forthcoming to the bereaved who stared at their casketed relative on an iPad, the least that those officials can do is admit that they never really cared about the lockdowns at all. More from National Review Regulatory News: Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) ("PSH") today announced that it has purchased, through PSH's agent, Jefferies International Limited ("Jefferies"), the following number of PSH's Public Shares of no par value (ISIN Code: GG00BPFJTF46) (the "Shares"): Trading Venue: London Stock Exchange Ticker: PSH Date of Purchase: 3 June 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 35,753 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 1,954 pence 24.61 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 1,942 pence 24.46 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 1,949 pence 24.56 USD Ticker: PSHD Date of Purchase: 3 June 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 21,202 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 24.60 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 24.60 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 24.60 USD Trading Venue: Euronext Amsterdam Ticker: PSH Date of Purchase: 3 June 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 48,154 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 24.60 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 24.45 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 24.59 USD PSH will hold these Public Shares in Treasury. The net asset value per Public Share related to this buyback is 34.24 USD 27.72 GBP which was calculated as of 31 May 2020 (the "Relevant NAV"). After giving effect to the above buyback, PSH has 196,980,971 Public Shares outstanding, or 202,899,951 Public Shares calculated on a fully diluted basis (assuming that all Management Shares had been converted into Public Shares at the Relevant NAV). Excluded from the shares outstanding are 13,975,779 Public Shares held in Treasury. The prices per Public Share were calculated by Jefferies. The number of PSH Management Shares and the one special voting share (held by PS Holdings Independent Voting Company Limited) have not been affected. PSH also announces that it has published to its website, in accordance with the EU Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, details of transactions in its own shares for the past week. Information is available at https://pershingsquareholdings.com/company-reports/other-materials/. About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund that makes concentrated investments principally in North American companies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005840/en/ Contacts: Camarco Ed Gascoigne-Pees Hazel Stevenson +44 020 3757 4989, media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk Republican Representative Steve King, whose comments about white supremacy earned him the condemnation of many members of his party last year, lost his primary bid early Wednesday morning. The nine-term Iowa congressman lost the race to state Senator Randy Feenstra. I called Randy Feenstra a little bit ago and conceded the race to him, King said in a video message posted to Facebook on Wednesday. And I pointed out that theres some powerful elements in the swamp that hes going to have an awfully hard time pushing back against them. I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support over the past 17 months that made tonight possible and I thank Congressman King for his decades of public service, Feenstra said in a statement after his victory. In a New York Times interview in January of last year, King asked, White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization? Republicans came out swinging against Kings remarks, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the highest ranking House Republican, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. Rep. Kings statements are unwelcome and unworthy of his elected position, McConnell told the Washington Post. If he doesnt understand why white supremacy is offensive, he should find another line of work. King later tried to explain away the controversy, criticizing the Times for saying he supported an evil and bigoted ideology and claiming in a House floor speech that he had merely asked, How did that offensive language get injected into our political dialogue? King was stripped of his committee assignments later that month, but an effort to directly censure the embattled congressman fizzled when the censure resolution was referred to the Ethics Committee instead. King also shocked across party lines in August when he mused during a speech whether humanity would exist if it were not for rape and incest throughout history. He made the remarks while speaking about his opposition to exceptions for abortions in cases of rape and incest. Story continues Feenstras platform is similar to Kings in that he supports pro-life policy as well as building a wall at the southern border. More from National Review By PTI NEW DELHI: The AAP government has informed the Delhi High Court that it was not indulging in any discrimination between ration and non-ration card holders in providing relief kits and foodgrain ensuring that no person remains hungry due to the COVID-19 lockdown. A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan, conducting the hearing through video conferencing, noted that several steps have been taken by the Delhi government to provide foodgrain and cooked food to the public at large irrespective of the fact whether they have ration cards or not. Holding that no further directions were required to be passed at this stage, the bench said: We expect from the respondents (Delhi government) that the schemes floated by them shall be scrupulously followed for the welfare of the public at large and may continue even after the lockdown period is over. "In the event necessary, the respondents may also take steps to enhance the coverage or benefits of the schemes floated by them, to realise their objective that no person in Delhi should go hungry by reason of the present lockdown. The court passed the order while disposing of a plea by NGO Nayee Soch Society seeking direction to the authorities to provide coronavirus relief kit, foodgrain and food relief of the same level and status to ration card holders and Aadhaar Card and voter card holders from March 24 till the operation of Disaster Management Act due to COVID-19. While the order was passed on Tuesday, it was made available on Wednesday. The petitioner's grievance was that discrimination was being done by the authorities between the ration card holders and non-ration card holders in providing corona relief kits and food grains or rice. The court, however, noted the submissions of Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain and Delhi government additional standing counsel Anuj Aggarwal, representing the Delhi government, that there are hunger relief centers in which ration card holders, as well as those who are not having ration cards, can enter and get cooked food free of charge. It also noted that a number of schemes have been floated by the central government and Delhi government and care has been taken by the authorities to provide food grains and cooked food whether that person is having a ration card or not. Similarly, under Mukhya Mantri Corona Sahayata Yojana, there is provision of emergency food relief coupons and the person in need can get the benefit, irrespective of the fact whether a person is a ration card holder or not. Thus, grievances ventilated by the petitioner about the discrimination between the ration card holders and others is not tenable, the bench said. The court was informed by the ASG that as per a Cabinet decision, 400 designated distribution centres were set up across Delhi which provided 4 Kg wheat and 1 kg rice, free of cost, to 10 lakh non-PDS beneficiaries and it was then extended to 30 lakh people. To reduce the economic hardship, under Mukhya Mantri Corona Sahayata Yojana, provision has been made to distribute one 'Essential-items kit' per household, containing 1kg refined oil, 1kg sugar, 1 kg salt, 1 kg chhole chana, 200 gm chili powder, 200 gm dhaniya powder, 200 gm haldi powder and two soap bars in May to both PDS and non-PDS households, he said. The Delhi government also submitted that no distinction has been made between PDS and non-PDS households regarding the provision of essential items kits by it and every Member of Parliament and Member of Legislative Assembly of Delhi have been provided with 2000 emergency food relief coupons which can be issue by them to the most vulnerable and poor persons in need of food. Out of the total coupons issued to the MPs/MLAs, ASG submitted that 1,01,243 coupons currently stand utilised by them. He added that the government is also running more than 1800 hunger relief centers, where approximately 8 to 10 lakhs people are served lunch and dinner daily. Thousands of furloughed South Korean workers could soon return to their jobs on U.S. military bases in South Korea under the terms of a deal announced by the Pentagon. In a statement late Tuesday, the Defense Department said it has accepted South Koreas offer to fund labor costs for all Korean national employees on U.S. bases through the end of 2020. The agreement does not completely resolve a months-long impasse between Washington and Seoul over how to split the cost of the roughly 28,000 U.S. troops in South Korea. The allies previous military cost-sharing agreement expired at the end of the year. Over 4,000 South Korean civilian employees were placed on unpaid leave in March, after temporary U.S. funding ran out. Military officials and analysts have warned the furloughs could jeopardize military readiness, especially amid the coronavirus pandemic and increasing North Korean provocations. Under the new agreement, South Korea will provide more than $200 million for the entire Korean national (KN) workforce through the end of 2020, the Pentagon said. The U.S. said it expects all Korean employees to return to work no later than mid-June. This decision enables a more equitable sharing of the KN employee labor burden by (South Korea) and the U.S., the U.S. statement said. More importantly, it sustains the Alliances number one priority - our combined defense posture. A South Korean foreign ministry official confirmed the arrangement, according to the Yonhap news agency. But the announcement does not mean that a broader cost-sharing deal, or Special Measures Agreement (SMA), has been reached. Critical defense infrastructure projects will remain suspended and all logistics support contracts for USFK will continue to be paid completely by the United States, the Pentagon statement said. Burden sharing will remain out of balance for an Alliance that values and desires parity, the U.S. statement added. USFKs mid- and long-term force readiness remains at risk. President Donald Trump, who has long accused South Korea of taking advantage of U.S. protection, last month said he rejected South Koreas latest offer. The negotiations have spilled over into the public - a rarity for such talks - greatly straining the alliance. South Korean officials have said publicly that a 13 percent increase is their final offer. Washington is reportedly now asking for a 50 percent increase. It does not seem like we are anywhere close to an agreement, said David Maxwell, an analyst who focuses on U.S.-South Korea military relations at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. This is only a band-aid. It will not stop the bleeding in the alliance. Any eventual cost-sharing deal must be approved by South Koreas National Assembly, and observers have noted that allies of South Korean President Moon Jae-in may be less likely to cede ground on the issue after winning a landslide election last month. It is not clear if the narrower labor proposal will need to be approved by parliament. A British Airways passenger has complained about the lack of social distancing on a 'packed' flight from Heathrow to Gibraltar with only 'one or two' empty seats as photo show people huddling together in the aisle as they disembark. The Gibraltarian national said he captured the shots to give people an insight into what flying looks like as lockdown restrictions begin to be relaxed across the UK. The photos, captured on Sunday, appear to show passengers on the flight from Heathrow airport huddled together in the aisle as they disembark the plane. The man, who has flown several times during lockdown, said it was the busiest flight he had been on since the beginning of the pandemic. He said he saw no tourists among those flying, with passengers either being from Gibraltar or Spain. Since May 15, holidaymakers who crossover from Gibraltar into Spain have face 14 days of quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic. This was a relaxation of rules introduced in mid-March, which allowed only Spanish people returning home to enter Spain. Pictured: Flyers don face masks on the plane as they clump together in the centre aisle on a British Airways flight Pictured: People crammed into the aisle on the British Airways flight from Heathrow to Gibraltar The businessman said: 'The plane was packed. I saw one or two empty seats and they were asking people to put their hand luggage in the holds. 'All the passengers had masks on though. The girl sat next to me was wearing two masks on top of another and two pairs of gloves. 'I've had a lot of people asking me whether planes are busy or not at the moment and I wanted people to know what to expect. 'The people on the flight weren't tourists as they were being stopped from boarding at Heathrow by security. 'It was a mixture of Gibraltarians and Spanish people. There were no groups of people coming on with their sombreros.' Another flyer took to social media to say she'd witnessed no social distancing when she took a flight. Since lockdown began three months ago, there have only been four flights a week between the UK and Gibraltar, down significantly from two to three flights per day prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. The man who took the photos said he thought the reduced service operating between the UK and the rock might explain why the flight was so busy. Gibraltar has been in a strict lockdown since mid-March in an attempt to control the virus and travel across the border to Spain has been banned during this time. The businessman said: 'The crew weren't wearing masks, but there was no reason for them to wear them as all the passengers were wearing masks. Their contact with passengers was minimal. 'They weren't serving food or anything and they tended to stay away from each other, rather than huddling at the front like you normally see on flights. 'It just seems strange as you're coming off the plane where you're close to each other into an airport with strict social distancing in place.' A spokesperson from BA said: 'We follow all the guidance from the UK Government and global health authorities, including Public Health England and the World Health Organisation. 'We have taken several steps to greatly reduce contact between customers and crew. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told MPs a 'blanket' 14-day quarantine rule for arrivales will be introduced from next month 'Like other forms of transport, we are keeping vital links open - repatriating customers and ensuring key supplies like medicines and food are flown in. Our teams are doing an amazing job.' Since June 1 BA has a new policy whereby all customer-facing colleagues must wear masks. One hundred and eighty passengers were made to sit just inches from each other on the BA Flight 430 from London Heathrow to Amsterdam on Sunday morning. A passenger who took this photograph, showing the cabin filling up as people started to board the Airbus A320, also said that at no point was his temperature taken to test for Covid-19. He fumed: The plane was fully booked, every seat was taken by the time we took off. I sat there bewildered watching person after person file on to the aircraft. Id expected, given the Coronavirus rules of being at least two metres apart, that thered at least be a seat in between me and the next person as well as some rows left empty. But it wasnt the case, the aircraft was full as it would be normally which meant that you couldnt help but be a few inches from other passengers. It seems dangerous and irresponsible to do that even though the vast majority of people were shielding their faces with masks because youre enclosed in a tight space with nearly 200 other people. Ironically during the 45-minute flight, the attendants took to the intercom at least twice to remind us to keep two-metres apart. Well, that was impossible, especially during take-off and landing. To top it off when we landed in Amsterdam, we were warned again to be wary of social distancing measures though this time in the Netherlands it was 1.5m. Wed lost half a metre flying across the North Sea! The passenger, who asked not to be named, works as an engineer and is on a project in Groningen in the north of the country for four weeks, although half of that time will be spent in quarantine in a hotel. He added: At no point was I even tested to see if I, or any other passenger, had Covid because the desk where someone should have taken your temperature was empty. The first time I got tested was when I got to the hotel in Groningen and was met by a rep for the company Im working with. Heathrow was a complete ghost town so it was easy to keep apart from everyone else, it was only when I got on the plane that I realised Id have to spend three quarters of an hour packed in closely next to other people. It comes as British Airways has asked all staff to sign new 'zero hour' contracts that would allow the airline to lay them off without negotiations, it has been reported. The beleaguered carrier has already announced plans to send up to 12,000 workers 'to the dole' owing to the coronavirus crisis, and warned it may end operations at Gatwick, London City Airport and even Heathrow. Its Spanish owner, International Airlines Group (IAG), has secured 900million of commercial loans with 70 per cent guaranteed by the Madrid government to prop up Iberia and Vueling during the crisis. Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary (file picture) today launched a savage attack on the government's plans for 14-day quarantine on arrivals to the UK It has also taken a 300million loan for British Airways in government-backed loans from the coronavirus corporate finance facility. Unite the Union ordered legal proceedings against the airline yesterday, and demanded that the business supports its UK workers. Ministers are mulling coronavirus 'air bridges' to allow travellers to move between countries without the need for quarantine once the outbreak is under control, it was revealed today. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said a 'blanket' 14-day quarantine rule for arrivals will be introduced from next month. But he disclosed that there are 'active discussions' going on over what countries could be exempted from the regime in future, referring to the idea of 'air bridges' - usually used to refer to military flights over enemy territory. Countries with lower infection levels, such as Australia, New Zealand and Greece, could potentially be excluded from the tough rules, which will be enforced by law. Earlier, Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary launched a savage attack on the government's plans for 14-day quarantine on arrivals to the UK. The new rules are set dash hopes of summer holidays for most of the summer, as exemptions are largely limited to lorry drivers. However, Mr O'Leary dismissed claims it will prevent his aim of resuming flights in July, saying he believes the policy is so 'defective' and impossible to enforce that the public will merely ignore it. He insisted the government is 'making stuff up as they go along' and face masks are the best way to protect the travelling public - despite many scientists saying they are of limited benefit. By Yakubu Uba/Maiduguri Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has suspended all resident medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians, on government payroll, with immediate effect. The suspension affects the staff at the General Hospital in Ngala town. They abandoned patients to an International NGO, fhi360. Ngala, which was liberated from insurgents in 2015 is the Headquarters of Ngala Local Government Area with an international land route into Cameroon, Chad, Sudan and Central Africa. Zulums spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau, in a statement said the development followed a surprise visit to the hospital by the governor. To Zulums shock, he met only the NGO staff attending to many patients mostly Internally Displaced Persons that besieged the hospital. The governor was disappointed to find out that inspite of the high turn-out of patients, not one of the many government paid staff, from doctors down to clerical staff, was at the hospital as at 11am, Gusau said. He explained that the governor was received at the hospital by the Field Coordinator of the fhi 360. Gusau quoted Zulum as saying: This is a General Hospital belonging to Borno State Government. Unfortunately there is no single state government staff here to attend to all these patients, and we promptly pay all of them salaries. These humanitarian workers from the iNGO (fhi360) are supposed to complement the state government staff but not to completely take over the hospital. I am directing the Borno State Hospitals Management Board, if there is any staff on the payroll of this Hospital, to immediately suspend all the workers on government payroll. I will be back to this hospital, hoping to see the opposite of what I saw today, Gusau quoted Zulum as saying. While in Ngala the governor also visited three schools and ordered the rehabilitation of classrooms destroyed by insurgents. He also announced plans to resettle displaced persons in neighbouring communities of Logumani and Gajibo Related Thousands of Americans who hit the streets to protest the death of George Floyd may have come face-to-face with law enforcement who look more like the armed forces than local police. The scene is a result of the US Department of Defense's 1033 program that provides officers with hand-me-down equipment from military groups for the price of the shipping cost. More than $7.4 billion in gear, vehicles and weapons have been allocated to over 8,000 police departments across the nation since the program's inception in 1997, according to a report from Wired. The program has militarized both state and local officers that are currently responding to violent protests across the nation, as they arrive in armored vehicles wearing camouflage, bullet-proof vests and gas masks while touting shotguns and M4 rifles. Congress and the White House stand by their decision that turning the police into soldiers combats crime, but political scientists argue that 'militarization affects the decision making of police by moving their preferences toward more violent responses to suspects.' Scroll down for video Thousands of Americans who hit the streets to protest the death of George Floyd may have come face-to-face with law enforcement who look more like the armed forces than local police Floyd was killed on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota when Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck until he lost consciousness autopsies have since deemed the death a homicide. Over the past few weeks, thousands of Americans and people around the world are protesting his death, along with advocating for the end of police brutality. The 1033 program, developed in part of the National Defense Act established, was designed to help the Department of Defense unload excess equipment to American police officers, at a cost of the shipping fee. The Defense Logistics Agency (LESO) keeps a publicly available spreadsheet of the items transferred in the program, including receiving departments, total cost of the item and its use. More than $7.4 billion in gear, vehicles and weapons have been allocated to over 8,000 police departments across the nation since the program's inception in 1997. The Defense Logistics Agency (LESO) keeps a publicly available spreadsheet of the items transferred, including receiving departments, total cost of the item and its use The militarization of the US police departments took center stage during the 2014 Black Lives Matter protest in Ferguson, Missouri in response to the death of Michael Brown an 18-year-old black man who was shot by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. A year following Brown's death and mass protests across the US, former president Barack Obama signed an executive order that prohibited law enforcement from obtaining certain types of gear, such as grenade launchers and weaponized aircraft. However, President Donald Trump lifted the ban in 2017, allowing for the militarized police that are currently being deployed to cities across the nation. However, Kenneth Lowande, a political scientist at the University of Michigan whose research includes the 1033 program, argues that Obama's ban only applied to some 300 departments and there are no records that show these departments have received any transfers since. Congress and the White House standby their decision that turning the police into soldiers combats crime, but political scientists argue that 'militarization affects the decision making of police by moving their preferences toward more violent responses to suspects.' The dots represent police departments that have received transfers from the 1033 program in 2015 Lowande also told Wired that Obama's order showed 'no detectable impact on violent crime or officer safety,' during the two years it was in place. A 2019 study, titled 'Does Military Aid to Police Decrease Crime? Counterevidence from the Federal 1033 Program and Local Police Jurisdictions in the United States', argues that providing officers with military grade weapons encourages them 'to adopt the legalistic style' of policing, which puts police officers 'under some pressure to 'produce' more stops, searches, citations, and arrests.' The paper notes that a surplus of military equipment to police increase the probability of an officer is killed by civilians or civilians are killed by the police officer. Ryan Welch, a political scientist at the University of Tampa who co-authored a 2017 study on the effects of the 1033 program on police violence, said: 'Our research suggests that officers with military hardware and mindsets will resort to violence more quickly and often.' George Floyd (pictured) was killed on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota when Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck until he lost consciousness autopsies have since deemed the death a homicide The militarization of the US police departments took center stage during the 2014 Black Lives Matter protest in Ferguson, Missouri in response to the death of Michael Brown (pictured) an 18-year-old black man who was shot by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson 'Other research shows that when governmental responses are violent, dissidents and protesters are more likely to act violently at the site and in the future. 'Of course, that leads to more violence from the government creating a spiral that is hard to escape.' Another issues that rose out of the 1033 program, according to political scientists, is that the Department of Defense does not train police officers how to properly use military weapons. Jonathan Mummolo, a political scientist at Princeton University who focuses on policing, told Wired: 'What programs like 1033 have done is given people the equipment to carry out operations that are traditionally done by tactical teams that otherwise would not have been able to obtain it.' 'That is for sure not always accompanied by extensive training.' 'There's just a lot of variation in policing standards across the board.' Mummolo's research also found that militarized police are deployed more often in communities of color. However, sending these officers in has not, on average, shown any benefits of protecting the individual or reducing violent crime. Mummolo told Wired that 'militarized police are active in this country all the time.' 'It doesn't take a situation like we're seeing right now to activate them.' However, a group of lawmakers are working to unarm militarized local police departments. Another issues that rose out of the 1033 program, according to political scientists, is that the Department of Defense does not train police officers how to properly use military weapons However, a group of lawmakers are working to unarm militarized local police departments. Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz and Senator Rand Paul (pictured) seem to have joined forces to pass a new amendment to abolish the 1033 program On Monday, Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz (D) announced the introduction of a new a amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to end the 1033 Program. 'It is clear that many police departments are being outfitted as if they are going to war, and it is not working in terms of maintaining the peace,' Schatz told the New York Times. 'This is not the only thing we need to do, but as our country sees these images on television that remind us of some countries far, far away, it's time to recalibrate this program. Just because the Department of Defense has excess weaponry doesn't mean it will be put to good use.' And he has one Republican on board for sure Senator Rand Paul. Paul has long advocated for the demilitarization of the police and has joined forces with Schatz in the past to abolish the program. Paul's chief strategist, Doug Stafford, showed support for Schatz's proposal on Twitter stating: 'We've been doing this one [for] years. Happy to help.' Xiaomi is hosting yet another sale of the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max. Launched alongside the regular Note 9 Pro in March, the Max variant was delayed due to the coronavirus lockdown. The handset is very similar in terms of design and features when compared to the Note 9 Pro with minor differences. The sale will be happening today from 12PM and customers can purchase the handset from Mi.com and Amazon India. The handset comes with a 6.67-inch LCD display with a punch-hole placed on top center and a quad-camera setup in a square module. Like the previous Redmi Note 8 series, it has Gorilla Glass on the front and back, but this time the cameras are also protected with the same. Other notable design features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner similar to the Poco X2 and the Realme 6 series. The device is powered by the 8nm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G which should be more efficient and slightly more powerful than the 730G. The smartphone will be offered in a total of three variants including 6GB RAM with either 64GB or 128GB of storage and an 8GB RAM option with 128GB internal storage. There is also a dedicated microSD card slot to expand the storage further. The square camera module is placed at the center and is raised from the main body. It includes a 64-megapixel main sensor next to an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera. There is also a 5-megapixel macro camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. At the front, there is a 32-megapixel selfie camera placed in the punch hole. According to the company, the camera is capable of shooting RAW photography and some nifty tricks in pro mode while shooting video. The battery unit is rated at 5,020mAh which is said to be the biggest on a Redmi Note device. It supports 33W fast charging (provided in the box) as well. Rest of the features include support for 4G VoLTE, NaVIC GPS, dual-SIM card slots, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, side-mounted fingerprint scanner, P2i coating, USB Type-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The handset will come with Android 10 with MIUI 11. There are three colour options to choose from including Aurora Blue, Glacier White, and Interstellar Black. As for the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max pricing, the 6GB + 64GB variant is priced at Rs 16,499, the 6GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs 17,999 while 8GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs 19,999. The pricing is different from what we saw during the launch due to revised GST rates in the country. Airtel is offering double data benefits with Rs 298 and Rs 398 unlimited packs. Tom Reel /Staff photographer The San Antonio Food Bank is planning to honor George Floyd with a day of service on June 9. San Antonio Food Bank CEO Eric Cooper said he recognizes that the death of Floyd, who died in Minneapolis Police Department custody last week, has motivated people to react with "love." This is the terrifying moment a white driver tries to mow down George Floyd protesters in his SUV in New York City. The unnamed man pulled onto the sidewalk in Queens on Tuesday before driving at demonstrators. Alarming footage shows as he threatens to kill protesters while brandishing knifes strapped to his arm. Protests had been largely peaceful Tuesday and streets were calmer than they have been in days since the killing of George Floyd set off sometimes violent demonstrations against police brutality and injustice against African Americans. But a number of videos of this incident were widely shared online showing the man driving up onto the sidewalk where a number of people were protesting. Footage shows as the man threatens to kill protesters while brandishing knifes The unnamed man pulled onto the sidewalk in Queens on Tuesday before driving at demonstrators. People are forced to run out of the way of the vehicle before he speeds off People are forced to run out of the way of the vehicle before he speeds off. In a second clip the man tells onlookers: 'Ill kill you. Ill kill you.' He appears to have a number of knives strapped to his arm. Protesters run and can be heard screaming as he shouts at them. Police told The New York Daily News they are investigating the incident. Sharing the footage Arianna Agudo said: 'This man had four knives tied up on his arm and was trying to stab...kids and then he got up on his car and got on the sidewalk and tried to run over this people, people who are less than 21-years-old.' They added: 'People are literally crazy. They don't even think twice on taking somebody's life and end it just like that. 'I'm sick and tired of this! People are protesting for what's right, for justice! They're not doing nothing wrong!' Police told The New York Daily News they are investigating the incident. Posting the footage to Twitter @lambomursy wrote: 'Right now this man in Whitestone New York was threatening people with a sword/multiple blades and then drove right through them ..... someone find out who he is right now.' Another protester added: 'Please find this man. We were putting signs up, he drove on the street to run us down and had a weapon. Theres kids here.' An earlier curfew and efforts by protesters to contain the violence prevented more widespread damage to businesses in New York City overnight. Protests had been largely peaceful Tuesday and streets were calmer than they have been in days since the killing of George Floyd set off sometimes violent demonstrations against police brutality and injustice against African Americans A glass window is smashed at a Pret a Manger store in NYC on Wednesday As of Wednesday morning, arrests grew to more than 9,000 nationwide since the unrest began in response to Floyd's death May 25 in Minneapolis. There was a marked quiet compared with the unrest of the past few nights, which included fires and shootings in some cities. Many cities intensified their curfews, with authorities in Washington also ordering people off streets before sundown. Protests began after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against Floyd's neck while the handcuffed black man called out that he couldn't breathe. The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been fired and charged with murder. New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (June 3) disposed of a petition moved by an NGO named Nayi Soch, that prayed for directions to the Centre as well as the Delhi government seeking the same benefits in the form of Corona relief kit, foodgrains, and food relief be provided to Aadhaar card and voter cardholders as is being given to the ration cardholders. Disposing of the petition, a division bench comprising Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jain observed that it expected from both the governments that their schemes to ensure food safety will be scrupulously followed for the welfare of the public at large. The court further said that it expected that the schemes may be continued even after the lockdown is over and added that the schemes may also be enhanced so that no person in Delhi goes hungry due to lockdown. Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain submitted that the Delhi government is not discriminating ration card and non-ration cardholders and has taken adequate steps that no one suffers from hunger in the capital. The court was also informed that around 1800 hunger relief centers were functioning where 8 to 10 lakh people were being served food every day. The court expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the governments and disposed of the matter. Earlier on Tuesday, the NGO had filed the plea praying for directions to the Centre and the Delhi government in this regard. It also urged that the relief should be provided to the beneficiaries till the operation of the Disaster Management Act in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aker BP has signed an agreement with the Norwegian maritime tech company Yxney Maritime for their MARESS cloud-based software solution. Maress will enable Aker BP to get a detailed insight into the fuel consumption and emissions from the fleet of advanced offshore vessels operating on the Norwegian Shelf. The Maress software provides a foundation for making informed and data-driven decisions on how to decarbonise operations. Aker BP is actively pursuing initiatives to optimise energy consumption and to reduce the carbon emission intensity from our operations. We have a close cooperation with some of the very best and most energy efficient vessel owners out there, says Gunn Elin Hellegaard VP for Logistics & Marine in Aker BP. Our ambition is that Maress will strengthen this collaboration even further and enable us to shave off several additional percentage points in the fuel consumption of the fleet that we charter. The environmental potential of this is significant. Energy efficient operations is in the interest of everyone involved, and is core to Aker BPs strategy. This will also be an important tool to drive improvement and enable full effect of the performance incentivised contacts with our Strategic Partners for Platform Supply Vessels, Hellegaard adds. There is an incredible momentum in the industry now to reduce the emissions from operations, says Yxney CEO Simen Sanna. Having the right insight and willingness to act on it determines the winners of tomorrow. Aker BP has clearly demonstrated a capacity to use advanced data-driven solutions to get an edge. We look forward to cooperating with Aker BP in this spirit, and to create tangible emission reductions. For a company such as Aker BP who is chartering vessels from a range of vessel owners, it can be a big task to gather and structure fuel and emission data. Maress solves this by connecting to available data streams from vessel hardware, and makes the data comparable across vessels, segments, or specific parts of the operations. At its core Maress is a tool that creates transparency and aligns the sustainability efforts of energy companies and vessel owners. Aker BP will be able to use Maress to closely follow the efficiency development of single vessels and the chartered fleet as a whole. In addition to creating a solid foundation for deciding what fuel saving initiatives to deploy, it will also be possible to evaluate the direct savings from specific initiatives such as the installation of a battery system on a vessel. The agreement between Aker BP and Yxney Maritime has a one-year duration, with option to extend. -- Tradearabia News Service Former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro joined forces with former Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday, giving him a wholehearted endorsement and agreeing to help Biden push police reforms in the wake of the killing of former Houston resident George Floyd. After Castro endorsed Biden on Twitter, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president replied to Castro directly asking him for help in crafting policies on the matter. Julian I made a promise to George's family that he wouldn't just become another hashtag. We're going to tackle this head-on and we're going to need your help to do it, Biden said. Up until now, Castro has been noticeably absent from the campaign trail for Biden. While other former Democratic contenders for the White House, including Beto ORourke and Elizabeth Warren, have done campaign events for Biden, Castro had offered limited expressions of support. Castro was one of the earliest candidates for the White House to roll out a comprehensive plan for police reform. That plan, released in June of last year, called for ending over-aggressive policing aimed at minority communities and doing more to hold bad police accountable for their actions. The system is broken, Castro said when he released that plan. Floyd, a Houstonian, died in Minnesota police custody last week as an officer pressed his knee into Floyds neck, pinning him to the ground for nearly nine minutes. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Earlier Tuesday, Castro tweeted out a portion of a speech Biden delivered in Philadelphia in which he called for Congress to pass immediate police reforms such as ending chokeholds, stopping the federal governments practice of sending military-style equipment to police forces, and setting a model use-of-force standard for the police nationwide. Castro, 45, praised Biden on social media, then later in a statement to his supporters. These policies are important first steps that we need to take to protect our communities, particularly communities of color, Castro said. Castro and Biden both served in the Obama administration together. While Biden was vice president, Castro was the secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2014 to 2017. Castros own campaign for the White House ended at the start of 2020 as polls showed him unable to build widespread support. However, Castro had an impact on the race by helping frame debates around issues including police reforms, studying reparations for slavery, and immigration reform. The Trump administration has said it will block Chinese airlines from flying to the United States in an escalation of trade and travel tensions between the two countries. The move, which was announced by the US Department of Transportation on Wednesday, will take effect on June 16 as the US pressures China to allow American carriers to resume flights. Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines are the four airlines that have been suspended from flying to and from the US. The decision penalizes China after Beijing failed to comply with an existing agreement on flights between the world's two largest economies. Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines are the four airlines that have been suspended from flying to and from the US United Airlines and Delta Air Lines were blocked from resuming flights this week to China after they were suspended earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic that started in China's Wuhan province. Delta said in a statement on Wednesday that 'we support and appreciate the U.S. government's actions to enforce our rights and ensure fairness'. United did not immediately comment. The Transportation Department said that China was violating an agreement between the two countries covering flights by each other's airlines. 'The Department will continue to engage our Chinese counterparts so both U.S. and Chinese carriers can fully exercise their bilateral rights,' the agency said in a statement. 'In the meantime, we will allow Chinese carriers to operate the same number of scheduled passenger flights as the Chinese government allows ours.' The department said President Trump could put the order into effect before June 16. The Trump administration on May 22 accused China's government of making it impossible for US airlines to resume service to China and ordered four Chinese carriers to file flight schedules with the U.S. government. The move, which was announced by the US Department of Transportation on Wednesday, will take effect on June 16 as the US pressures China to allow American carriers to resume flights The Chinese carriers are flying no more than one scheduled flight a week to the United States but also have flown a significant number of additional charter flights, often to help Chinese students return home. The Trump administration is also cracking down on Chinese passenger airline charter flights and will warn carriers not to expect approvals. Administration officials have suggested charter flights have been used to circumvent Chinese government limits on flights. Before the pandemic, there were about 325 passenger flights a week between the United States and China, including ones operated by United, Delta and American Airlines. While US carriers stopped their flights, Chinese airlines continued to fly about 20 times a week between the two countries in mid-February and increased that to 34 flights a week by mid-March, according to the Transportation Department. United and Delta announced last month that they hoped to resume flights to China in June, as air travel has recovered slightly since mid-April. American's schedule shows flights resuming in October; it has not announced any plans to restart service sooner. Chicago-based United, Atlanta-based Delta and Fort Worth, Texas-based American did not immediately comment on the Transportation Department order. "Save your business while saving lives," reads the website of Because Health, a Seattle tech startup selling two types of tests to employers willing to pay $350 a pop to learn whether their workers have been infected with COVID-19. The "Workplace Health" plan includes not only nasal swab tests to detect infection, but also blood tests aimed at indicating whether workers have developed antibodies to the virus and, possibly, future protection. "There's a tremendous consumer demand," said Dr. Lars Boman, the Boston-based medical director for the firm. "Can they return to work? Can they return to life?" What the website does not make clear, however, is that public health officials have explicitly warned that antibody tests should not be used to make decisions about workplace staffing. "This is a personal choice of the business, of the consumer," Boman said. Across America, untold numbers of employers, employees and ordinary citizens are turning to a slew of sometimes pricey new COVID-19 blood tests. Knowing who's already been infected could have important implications for understanding the spread of the disease, scientists say. But serious questions about the accuracy of some of the serology tests and the usefulness of the results they provide have prompted the federal Food and Drug Administration to try to rein in what several infectious disease experts described as "the wild, wild West" of antibody testing. "It does look as if companies sprang up overnight both importing these tests and distributing them," said Dr. Michael Busch, director of the nonprofit Vitalant Research Institute in San Francisco. "It's outrageous that people were trying to make money off of this fear." More than 200 tests have flooded the market in a matter of weeks, promising to detect antibodies, which are proteins that develop in the blood as part of the body's immune response to an invading virus. These are different from the molecular tests, typically done with nasal swabs, used to diagnose infection. As of June 1, only 15 antibody tests had received FDA "emergency-use authorizations," which allow tests that haven't been fully vetted to be used in a crisis. Even that standard has become a selling point for some large companies, such as LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics, which emphasize that they rely on tests that have received the FDA nod. In late May, the FDA removed more than 30 serology tests from a list of commercially available kits, saying they "should not be distributed" for sale. Removal could result from a manufacturer not submitting an emergency-use authorization request within a "reasonable period of time," or if the test shows "significant problems" that cannot be or have not been addressed in a timely manner, the agency said. The manner of enforcement remains unclear. Last month, the CDC issued new guidelines warning that, given the low prevalence of the virus in the general population, even the most accurate tests could be wrong half of the time. "Serologic test results should not be used to make decisions about grouping persons residing in or being admitted to congregate settings, such as schools, dormitories, or correctional facilities," the guidelines state. "Serologic test results should not be used to make decisions about returning persons to the workplace." Such tests are most useful for understanding the epidemiology of the virus, not for making individual decisions, said Dr. Mary Hayden, director of the division of clinical microbiology at Rush Medical Laboratories in Chicago. Even the best tests can't yet answer the crucial question about whether antibodies confer immunity from future COVID infections, Hayden said. "The best possible scenario is that people get infected and they have protective immunity for a long time," she said. "That would be awesome. But we just don't have that right now." But a plethora of tests being pitched to consumers explicitly promise results aimed at allowing a return to work, school and other social arenas. The tests offered by Because Health are among hundreds churned out since March, ranging from those offered by commercial labs and academic research centers to small developers seeking a toehold in the lucrative market spurred by a global pandemic. Because Health is using two antibody tests in tandem, one of which received emergency-use authorization on May 29; the other is still pending. Anders Boman, the son of the medical director and co-founder of Because Health, said that until the COVID crisis occurred, the company, which launched in Seattle last year, was focused on "a niche of integrative care and sexual health," including hormone treatments for men and women. "Consumers are not concerned about sexual health right now," Boman said, explaining the change in focus. "They're concerned about how to get back to work, how to return to normal and are they safe?" The FDA normally follows a stringent approval process for tests to detect diseases, often a costly effort that can take months or years. That typically requires independent validation of the accuracy of the tests. But after being criticized for the fumbled rollout of diagnostic tests during the start of a global pandemic, the FDA swung hard in the other direction, waiving its usual requirements and letting firms rush self-validated tests into the market. "They sort of relaxed all regulatory oversight," Hayden said. Several experts interviewed by Kaiser Health News said the FDA faced tremendous political pressure to make antibody tests available. "It was really a single pressure and that was the fact that the original inability to get a [diagnostic] test on the market in the U.S. as the outbreak escalated means they were trying to do basically everything they could to get these out," said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. The relaxed rules drew concern from Congress, where a subcommittee of the Committee on Oversight and Reform detailed the FDA's failure to "police the test market." Groups such as the Association of Public Health Laboratories also raised questions. Scott Becker, the APHL's chief executive, said he spoke to top officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in early April. "We just let loose and we said, 'This is a really bad policy,'" Becker said. "'We're going to get flooded and we're going to lose control of quality. We're not going to know what to do with the results.'" That's exactly what has happened, said Osterholm. "The FDA needs to bring much more discipline to this area and they need to articulate it clearly," he said. A key issue is the accuracy of the tests, which rely on measures known as sensitivity and specificity. A highly sensitive test will capture all true positive results. A highly specific test would identify all true negative results. In April, researchers at the University of California-San Francisco, led by immunologist Dr. Alexander Marson, analyzed 14 COVID-19 serology tests on the market and found that all but one turned up false-positive results, indicating that someone had antibodies to the coronavirus when they actually did not. False-positive rates reached as high as 16% in the study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed. Unreliable results worry Dr. Jeff Duchin, the public health officer for Seattle and King County, Washington, where the first surge of COVID cases emerged in the U.S. A person who tests positive for antibodies that don't exist may mistakenly believe he or she is free to ignore guidance about preventing infection, potentially spreading the disease. "Regardless of whether you test positive or negative, the workplace still needs to take steps," he said. "They shouldn't think a testing program in any way relieves them of that responsibility." FDA officials said they're working now with the National Cancer Institute to independently validate serology tests on the market. Until that list is public, users must rely on the relatively few that have received the emergency-use authorizations to date. More than 190 others have asked for that authorization, pending FDA review. But consumers may have little control, because they are most likely getting tests from their employers or doctors, with little understanding of why those products were chosen. "There isn't a national standard, there isn't a one-stop shop or a Consumer Reports for antibody tests," Becker said. "I don't expect a member of the public is going to be able to figure this out." Even savvy physicians can have trouble. US Acute Care Solutions, a physician-owned medical services group, was trying out a Chinese-made test supplied by Minneapolis-based Premier Biotech, with plans to test its staff of more than 3,500 doctors and employees, said the group's chief medical officer, Dr. Amer Aldeen. That test has been widely used, including in recent controversial serology surveys conducted by Stanford University and the University of Southern California. When USACS used it, the Premier test failed to detect antibodies in several employees who had been ill and tested positive for the coronavirus on diagnostic tests, Aldeen said. The results could have been caused by faulty instructions rather than flaws in the test itself, he said. Still, the Premier test has not received FDA authorization and the results gave him pause. "It does no good to select a test that isn't FDA-approved," he said. In a statement, Premier Biotech officials said they anticipate exceeding FDA standards, which call for tests that are at least 90% accurate in identifying positive antibodies in a sample and 95% accurate in identifying samples that contain no antibody. Some might ask why the FDA didn't just identify several reliable antibody tests and require their use to avoid the chaos. An FDA official said making that type of choice would be outside the scope of the agency's responsibilities. "FDA's lane is to review these tests and make sure that they are safe and accurate for the American people," said spokesperson Emma Spaulding. "It wouldn't be within our lane to say which test must be used." Although health officials understand the desire for a test that could provide comfort amid the uncertainty of COVID-19, Duchin advised employers and consumers to wait a little longer. "There are costs to testing with unvalidated tests that might outweigh the benefits of satisfying your curiosity," he said. A 53-year-old man who died in Bali late on Tuesday night may be the second Australian to perish of coronavirus in Indonesia. A copy of the man's passport obtained by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age said his name was David William John Sparenburg. He died in a boarding house in Munggu, Mengwi Village, in Badung regency. David William John Sparenburg may be the first Australian to die of coronavirus in Indonesia. The victim had complained of shortness of breath on Tuesday evening before he died and police had attended the scene in full protective gear as a precaution against COVID-19, in line with new rules on the island. Mengwi Police Chief I Gede Eka Putra Astawa said the Australian was "complaining of difficulty breathing around 11pm local time [1am AEST on Wednesday] to a witness named Eka Surtika". Protesters and officers clashed outside Brockton Police headquarters on a rainy Tuesday night, with police responding to tossed fireworks and bottles by firing teargas and pepper spray into the crowd. Much tear gas has been deployed in Brockton after protestors started hurling objects at the police line including large fireworks and glass bottles. @NBC10Boston @NECN pic.twitter.com/MFotb6VTb0 Kathryn Sotnik NBC10 Boston (@KatNBCBoston) June 3, 2020 The tense scene was one of many over the last several days as cities across Massachusetts and the country have seen unrest over systemic racism and the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. The protest escalated at about 8:30 p.m. after several hundred protesters gathered outside the Commercial Street station as rows of officers stood watch, WCVB reported. Videos showed lobbed fireworks descending on the line of officers, who responded by firing teargas canisters to disperse the group. NBC10 Boston reported at about 8:45 p.m. that much tear gas has been deployed after protesters hurled objects at police, including fireworks and glass bottles. WCVB noted that state police and members of the National Guard were at the scene along with Brockton Police Department Special Reaction Team. At a peace rally hours earlier at West Middle School, Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan asked the crowd to take a knee and shout Floyds name, WCVB reported. He also warned of rumors of escalation later in the night. People might come to this community to try to create badness," he said, WCVB reported. Its not acceptable. Thats not what coming together as a peaceful protest is about. So, weve taken precautions. Social media is not always accurate. We know that. We hope its not. State Rep. Mike Connolly tweeted Tuesday night that his office was working on legislation banning the use of teargas on protesters. Tonight in Brockton, police fired several tear gas canisters into a crowd of #BlackLivesMatter protestors. Tear gas is considered a chemical weapon and is not allowed on military battlefields. My office is now working on legislation to ban its use against protestors, too. pic.twitter.com/troyUdgMZp Mike Connolly (@MikeConnollyMA) June 3, 2020 Related Content: American Water Works AWK announced that its subsidiary, Missouri American Water will replace two water mains, one in Ballwin and the other in St. Louis County, MO. Both the projects will replace the water main pipes installed in 1950s that have reached the end of their effective service life. These water main replacement projects are part of Missouri American Waters projected $92-million capital investment in water main replacements in St. Louis County in 2020. Year to date, the company has replaced more than 30 miles of water mains in the county. The upgrades and replacement of water mains will ensure service reliability, and prevent wastage and contamination of potable water. American Water has been ensuring 24x7 potable water and wastewater services to nearly 15 million people across the United States. American Water continues to make repairs and replacement, as well as upgrade its existing water and wastewater infrastructure to provide high-quality services to the expanding customer base. American Water Works has plans to invest $8.8-$9.4 billion in the 2020-2024 time period and $20-$22 billion in the next decade. Water Mains Need Replacement Water mains of the United States are gradually approaching the end of effective service life. Per a finding from American Society of Civil Engineers, there are 240,000 water main breaks per year in the United States, which results in the wastage of more than 2 trillion gallons of treated drinking water. Per American Water Works Association, an estimated $1 trillion is necessary to maintain and expand services to meet demand over the next 25 years. In February 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $2.7 billion for State Revolving Funds. This funding will help protect surface water and provide safe drinking water to communities across the United States. In addition to EPA, the water utilities operating in the United States are also making regular investments in upgrading and replacing the aged water mains in their service territories. Flight Against COVID-19 Per the World Health Organization, washing hands with soap at regular intervals and maintaining social distancing are crucial measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Hence, the continuous supply of water is essential. Due to extended lockdown, many utility customers are facing financial crisis and might not be in a position to pay utility bills. Water utilities like California American Water CWT and American Water Works, among others, have already announced that they will continue providing services to customers, even if they fail to repay dues amid this unprecedented economic crisis resulting from the virus outbreak. Zacks Rank & Key Picks Currently, American Water has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A couple of better-ranked stocks in the same industry include American States Water Company AWR and Middlesex Water Company MSEX. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. American States Water, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 at present, delivered average positive earnings surprise of 6.5% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2020 earnings has moved up 3.2% in the past 90 days. Middlesex Water Company, currently holding a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), delivered average positive earnings surprise of 2.2% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2020 earnings has moved up 1% in the past 90 days. Price Performance Shares of American Water have outperformed the industry in the past 12 months. Story continues Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2020? Last year's 2019 Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolio returned gains as high as +102.7%. Now a brand-new portfolio has been handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Dont miss your chance to get in on these long-term buys. Access Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 today >> 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 Middlesex Water Company (MSEX) : Free Stock Analysis Report American States Water Company (AWR) : Free Stock Analysis Report American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) : Free Stock Analysis Report California Water Service Group (CWT) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg laid out the citys plan to recover from the economic losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and reviewed the citys response to the virus in his State of the City address Tuesday night. We followed political columnist and "Puro Politics" host Gilbert Garcia " as he live-tweeted the address. Watch a replay here, or scroll through the quotes and tweets for highlights below. 7:23 p.m. | "San Antonio will emerge as a strong city with a population fully prepared to engaged in our modern economy." Nirenberg said, ending the address. "The worst is temporary. And the best is yet to come." 7:20 p.m. | Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city's current budget will have $200 million less than anticipated. 7:17 p.m. | Nirenberg announced changes to his plan for funding for extended public transit and aquifer protection. 7: 15 p.m. | Nirenberg quoted Spurs Coach Popavich saying, "Its not about any one person. You've got to get over yourself and realize that it takes a group to get this thing done." 7:14 p.m. | The number of people seeking help from the San Antonio Food bank doubled during COVID-19. 7:12 p.m. | Nirenberg says the fundamental question is: How we ensure our community is healthy how do we ensure that every family in San Antonio can come out of this ahead of where we started? 7:08 p.m. | "The best way to honor (victims) memories is to remember that COVID-19 is an invisible enemy." Nirenberg reminded people to practice social distancing and wear masks when in public. "We are prepared for a second wave." 7:05 p.m. | "It's unusual for a mayor to make a prime time address, but these are extraordinary times." Mayor Nirenberg started by addressing the city's George Floyd protests. In the aftermath of the overnight unrest that occurred in Worcester, authorities said 19 people were arrested. The disorder took place in the Main South area of the city, hours after a peaceful protest had ended Monday night. The protest that happened (Monday) was flawless and unconnected in my mind from the activities that happened well after the protest had concluded," City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said. "And unfortunately are part of a pattern weve seen not only in Massachusetts but in other parts of the country. The Worcester Police Department, which has been criticized by Clark University for its officers response, said the peaceful protest in the wake of George Floyds death ended around 8:30 p.m. and the people who had gathered went home. Around 9:45 p.m., Worcester police said a separate group of 50 to 70 people gathered in the downtown area at Portland and Federal streets. Police called the group unruly. Individuals in this group had thrown glass bottles at police cruisers, and they walked to Main St. and began to block traffic, according to police. The mood was violent and chaotic. Officers followed the group and blocked off Main St. traffic to keep vehicles from driving into the crowd as it walked south on Main St. Police said the group began to crowd around a cruiser parked at the intersection of Main and Hammond streets. The officer inside called for help and ran from the cruiser. The departments Tactical Patrol Force was called in. Officers with megaphones ordered the crowd many times to disperse, police said. Members of the crowd began throwing objects at the police. One officer was struck in the head with a piece of concrete, and others were struck with rocks. Other individuals starting shooting fireworks and Roman candles at the officers. An officer was struck in the chest by fireworks, which burned his uniform and skin. Both Augustus and Mayor Joseph Petty applauded the action of the officer in the cruiser, who became surrounded by the crowd. To the officers credit, he didnt move. He didnt try to drive through that, Augustus said. "It could have gone very wrong. It goes to the officers professionalism and restraint that he called for backup and that crowd was able to be dispersed before anybody got hurt. " Some people in the crowd said police boxed people in the area making it hard for them to leave. Video shot by a Clark University student shows the student being arrested. Clark University said four students were arrested. The university said it would support those students and will no longer use Worcester police details for large events. In a news release, police didnt respond to Clark Universitys statement condemning the departments response. However, city officials, after watching video of the incidents at the police department on Tuesday, said the officers followed showed restraint and acted properly. I want to thank the police department in how the conducted themselves professionally and restrained themselves, Petty said. People should remember this, when this is all said and done, nobody got seriously hurt in the city of Worcester. That means the police tactilely handled themselves [properly] in this matter. Police said the Main South neighborhood was filled with smoke from fires intentionally set by some people. A police cruiser struck by fireworks caught fire while other cruisers were damaged by debris being thrown. Several buildings were vandalized, and numerous cars drove at the officers assembled in the street, police said. Dumpsters were lit on fire and pushed toward officers in an attempt to injure them. Residents came out of their houses and asked officers to get the riotous crowd under control. About an hour-and-a-half after the disturbance began, officers used less-lethal measures including smoke grenades and pepperball rounds to disperse the crowd and make arrests. Pepperball rounds dispense oleoresin capsicum, the same ingredient found in pepper spray. Some people stood in Main Street or took a knee in front of police cruisers. Others had their hands up. Worcester police did not originally name all 19 people, but then later released their names. Officials said one person, 18-year-old Vincent Eovarious, a city resident, was on the roof of the PennyWise Market armed with several Molotov cocktails. Police spoke with him for 10 minutes before he surrendered himself to police and was arrested. Augustus said the destruction of property extended beyond the neighborhood that experienced the arrests and police presence. There was also damage done to businesses near city hall, Webster Square and Lincoln Street. The front window on the door of city hall wall was shattered, covered by brown paper. I dont know to be honest with you if that was connected with this or if that was opportunistic activities that because the police were tied up with this core group here, people took advantage of looting at different locations, Augustus said. Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent said in a statement that he proudly joined the peaceful protest over the death of Floyd, a 46-year-old man who died last week after a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on Floyds neck until he stopped breathing. The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Yesterday I proudly joined the protest over the death of George Floyd and stood in solidarity with the protesters. The rioting that took place later in the evening was separate from the peaceful rally that I attended earlier, Sargent said. These individuals were not delivering a message but rather promoting violence. They were putting the citizens of our city at risk, along with our officers who came under attack. Our officers showed great restraint and professionalism as they restored order to the neighborhood while being assaulted. Violence is never the answer. Dialogue is. Together, we can move forward in an open and peaceful manner. Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said he also listened as speakers shared their anger, pain and frustration at the Worcester Common. He said the gathering, organized by City Councilor Khrystian King, was peaceful. Unfortunately, after that protest, there was a small group not looking to share outrage about George Floyd, but bent on destruction and chaos, Augustus said. To the credit of the Worcester Police Department, they showed tremendous restraint. I look at that group much different than the protesters that held themselves very appropriately and admirably during the rally at City Hall. Some businesses, including an EbLens on Park Avenue, were looted during the overnight disorder. Augustus said leaders from around the state spoke with him on Monday to warn the city about a pattern of violence occurring following a peaceful protest. Some riots broke out in cities across the country after Floyds death. Boston saw 53 people arrested Sunday night. Unfortunately, [the violence] often gets us to talk about that as opposed to talking about George Floyd, Augustus said. And talking about the injustice that was done to him and talking about the structural racism thats important for us to talk about as a community. Those are the kinds of things that we need to be talking about. The 19 people arrested were identified by police as: Vincent Eovarious, 18, of Worcester, charged with attempted arson of a dwelling, disturbing the peace and attempt to commit a crime Courtney Harriott, 19, of Worcester, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Sean Craig, 22, of Millbury, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Ashley Briddon, 22, of Millbury, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Taylor Atkinson, 22, of Fitchburg, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Lasunia Bell, 19, of Worcester, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Emerson Rivas, 23, of Worcester, charged with disorderly conduct, trespass and interfering with a police officer Roberto Retana, 24, of Clinton, charged with trespass, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and failure to disperse during riot Richard Cummings, 44, of Worcester, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Sarah Drapeau, 23, of Worcester, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Olyvia Crum, 23, of Worcester, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Jay Verchin, 23, of Worcester, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Antoine Hernandez, 22, of Dorchester, charged with disorderly conduct and receiving stolen property Antonio Barrera, 19, of Oxford, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Lyndsay Demanbey, 23, of Worcester, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Veronica Pasquantonio, 28, of Westport, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Javier Amarat, 24, of Worcester, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Max Marcotte, 24, of Worcester, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Christopher Euga, 28, of Westport, charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace Related Content: Rouhani: EU must take stand against illegal US moves against Iran Iran Press TV Tuesday, 02 June 2020 2:50 PM President Hassan Rouhani has once again censured the unilateral American sanctions that are disrupting imports of medical supplies into Iran, renewing a call for the European Union to take a stand against such illegal US moves. "The Americans have taken the health of 83 million Iranians hostage by imposing cruel sanctions [on them] and preventing the transfer of medicine and essentials to Iran" at a difficult time when a coronavirus outbreak has hit the country, Rouhani said in a phone conversation with his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto on Tuesday. "Under the ongoing circumstances, the European Union, particularly Finland, should carry out its duty by condemning the illegal measures of the United States," Rouhani added. He noted that all countries should be treated similarly in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, especially when it comes to free access to medicine and medical equipment. The president also lashed out at Washington for adopting a "narrow-minded" approach towards the World Health Organization (WHO) and slapping bans on the UN's health organ as the entire world community is busy battling the deadly virus. Turning a blind eye to the pandemic, America has "violated international regulations and also increased sanctions against Iran," the Iranian president added. "It is imperative that the European Union fulfill its duties [in protecting] human rights at this critical juncture," he pointed out. He noted that Washington's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a breach of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorses the agreement, and of international law, political norms and all moral obligations. Pointing to Iran's good cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the body's supervision of the country's nuclear activities, Rouhani said, "If the European Union fulfills its 11-paragraph commitments under the JCPOA, we will, in turn, live up to all of our commitments." The historic deal has been slowly crumbling since US President Donald Trump withdrew from it in May 2018 and re-imposed unilateral sanctions on Iran. Bowing to US pressure, the EU3 the three European signatories to the nuclear deal has failed to protect Tehran's business interests under the JCPOA against the American bans. Iran has scaled back its commitments under the nuclear accord to both retaliate against Washington's departure and prompt the European trio to respect their obligations towards Tehran. The Iranian president further criticized the US for failing to show any goodwill gesture at any stage and that Washington continued to impose "illegal sanctions and increase economic pressure" on the Iranian people despite the pandemic and in defiance of human rights principles. Rouhani said, "The Americans must have realized that it will not be in their interest to take this path and that disrupting the JCPOA will be detrimental to all sides." He further pointed to Iran's achievements in the fight against the COVID-19 and stressed the importance of exchange experience and information with Finland in this regard. "Success will be achieved in the fight against this pandemic through collective cooperation, but if countries fail to stand together, it will be very difficult to get rid of this dangerous disease," Rouhani said. The Iranian president called for the expansion of relations with Finland in all fields and expressed hope for continued talks between the two countries on issues of bilateral, international and regional significance. Finland fully supports JCPOA as international deal: Niinisto The Finnish president, for his part, said that his country completely supports the JCPOA as an international agreement and vowed to make utmost efforts to preserve it. Finland believes that the JCPOA should be maintained and implemented by all parties, Niinisto added. He also hailed Iran's achievements in battling the coronavirus and urged the development of bilateral relations. The Finnish leader said Helsinki backs Iran's request for a five-billion-dollar loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help finance its efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak. The US is blocking the IMF from providing Iran with the loan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Illinois law enforcement officer bill of rights creates numerous impediments to accountability. The Illinois statute governing the use-of-force by law enforcement tracks very closely to the constitutional rule established by the Supreme Court an extremely low standard. The state law should be revised to more closely reflect current best practices by emphasizing that an officers use-of-force is only reasonable when it is necessary to address the law enforcement goal in that moment, whether that is placing someone under arrest or protecting the officer or someone else from threatened harm. And the statute should be revised to permit the use of deadly force only when the officer faces an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to himself or someone else, and only as a last resort. Residents in the Oti region have lauded their chiefs for releasing lands to support the construction of four hospitals in the region by govenment. The four hospitals are part of the 88 new hospitals earmarked by the government to improve the country's health sector. They described the gesture of their Chiefs and the initiative of the government as a good show of generational leadership and hoped the partnership will continue till the projects are done; as the hospitals will bring great relief to them. One of them, Winifred Asiedu of Kadjebi reiterated the commendation when four chiefs in the Oti region recently released about 80 acres of land to government for the purposes of Municipal and District hospitals in their respective areas. The chiefs include Nana Akua Owupe Kadjebi Akan Queen Mother, Ubor Konja Tassan VI of Kpassa in the Nkwanta North District, Nana Kanya Obrempong of Bejamese in the Krachi Nchumuru District and Nana Biyano Kwaku II of Dambai in the Krachi East Municipality. The 80 acres of land comprise 23 acres at Kpassa, 15 acres at Kadjebi, 22 acres at Dambai and 20 acres in Krachi Nchumuru although the government had earmarked 15 acres for each of the hospitals. The four new hospitals will supplement the existing hospitals in Oti located in Worawora (Biakoye District), Jasikan, Nkwanta South and Krachi West District. The traditional leaders who separately thanked the President for the initiative, adding that although it was long overdue, it will go a long way to reduce the disparity in quality health delivery in underdeveloped areas in the country, like the Oti region. Ubor Konja Tassan VI of Kpassa, in the Nkwanta North district prayed that there will be enough commitment in ensure the project becomes reality and not just a political promise. He added that the region apart from being a predominantly farming area lacks bad roads and several other social amenities and support systems that makes access to healthcare very difficult. Hence, building a hospital facility will restore hope for children, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups who have to travel long distances on roads, sometimes at the peril of their lives and that of others to access health care. The Kadjebi Akan Queen Mother, Nana Akua Owupe reiterated the call of the Chiefs that everything should be done to ensure the projects take off early and are completed on time. She recounted with the hospitals, the unpleasant incident in Dambai, the Oti regional capital (Krachi East) where a lady who was due for delivery had to be delivered on the street will be a thing of the past. The Oti Regional Minister, Nana Kwasi Owusu-Yeboa who inspected the lands commended the chiefs for the commitment shown by the chiefs and assured that government is also committed to ensure that every Ghanaian irrespective of location or background gets access to the best of healthcare services, hence the projects will all be completed promptly immediately they begin. ---Daily Guide Superhydrophobic surfaces repel water like nothing else. This makes them extremely useful for antimicrobial coatings - as bacteria, viruses and other pathogens cannot cling to their surfaces. However, superhydrophobic surfaces have one major flaw - they are extremely susceptible to cuts, scratches or dents. If a superhydrophobic surface gets damaged, the damaged area can trap liquids and the benefits of the coating are lost. Now, however, a collaboration between researchers in China and Finland has developed an armour-plated superhydrophobic surface which can take repeated battering from sharp and blunt objects, and still repel liquids with world-record effectiveness. The research - which is the cover feature of this week's issue of Nature - has designed superhydrophobic surfaces that can be made out of metal, glass, or ceramic. The superhydrophobic properties of the surface come from nano-sized structures spread all over it. The trick is to pattern the surface of the material with a honeycomb-like structure of tiny inverted pyramids. The fragile water-repellent chemical is then coated on the inside the honeycomb. This prevents any liquid from sticking to the surface, and the fragile chemical coating is protected from damage by the pyramid's walls. "The armour can be made from almost any material, it's the interconnection of the surface frame that makes it strong and rigid," says Professor Robin Ras, a physicist at Aalto University whose research group was part of the project. "We made the armour with honeycombs of different sizes, shapes and materials. The beauty of this result is that it is a generic concept that fits for many different materials, giving us the flexibility to design a wide range of durable waterproof surfaces." As well as their useful antimicrobial properties for biomedical technology, superhydrophobic surfaces can also be used more generally in any application requiring a liquid-repellent surface. One example is photovoltaics, where the build-up of moisture and dirt over time blocks the amount of light they can absorb, which reduces electricity production. Making a solar panel out of a superhydrophobic glass surface would maintain their efficiencies over long periods of time. Furthermore, as solar cells are often on roof tops and other difficult to reach locations, the repellent coatings would cut down the amount of cleaning that is needed. "By using the decoupled design, we introduce a new approach for designing a robust superhydrophobic surface. Our future work would be to push this method further, and to transfer robust superhydrophobic surfaces to different materials and its commercialization" said Professor Xu Deng, the leader of the group at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in Chengdu who took part in this research. Other desirable applications for superhydrophobic surfaces include in machines and on vehicles, where conditions can be very tough for brittle materials for long periods of time. To simulate these working environments, the researchers subjected their new surfaces to extreme conditions, including baking them at 100 C nonstop for weeks, immersing them in highly corrosive liquids for hours, blasting them with high-pressure water jets, and subjecting them to physical exertion in extreme humidity. The surfaces were still able to repel liquid as effectively as before. Now that the strengths of this new material design have been demonstrated, future research will explore its broad potential in real-world applications. ### The work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, the European Research Council, the Academy of Finland, Aalto University, and Business Finland. The full paper, Design of robust superhydrophobic surfaces can be read online at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2331-8 Sean Liburd spent much of Tuesday night answering emails from customers, most looking for books to help them better understand the mass protests against police brutality in the United States and broader anti-racism movement that some are engaging with for the first time. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Activists protesting police brutality created and shared book lists for people who want to be anti-racism allies to educate themselves on white privilege, systemic racism and the history of being Black in North America. Desmond Cole is photographed in Toronto on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. Desmond Cole's "The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power" jumped 185 per cent in sales for the week ending May 31, while Robyn Maynard's "Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present" soared 172 per cent. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Sean Liburd spent much of Tuesday night answering emails from customers, most looking for books to help them better understand the mass protests against police brutality in the United States and broader anti-racism movement that some are engaging with for the first time. Everyone wanted to read about the topic, which urges action to identify and overcome structural and other types of racism, said Liburd. Teachers sought educational materials and kids wanted books on how to talk with their parents about problematic behaviour from older generations. Unlike the vast majority of his typical client base, "a lot of those people" were white, said Liburd, who co-owns Knowledge Bookstore in Brampton, Ont. About 95 per cent of the books he sells at the shop, which he's owned for more than 20 years, are written by black authors as part of an effort to educate black readers of all ages about African history and culture, as well as help them see themselves represented in literature. Amid mass demonstrations against structural racism spurred by George Floyd's death in police custody in Minneapolis, Minn., activist-created book lists have been widely shared across social media for would-be allies to educate themselves on white privilege, systemic racism and the history of being black in America. Sales of such titles have spiked in recent days, and retailers are trying to meet the demand, with orders for some titles jumping fivefold from a week prior. "We've seen a massive increase even just in the couple of days ... since protesting started," for books about racism, said Noah Genner, CEO of BookNet Canada, a non-profit organization that tracks sales data for physical (not digital) books. Many of these titles saw sales jump hundreds of percentage points for the week ending May 31 compared to the week prior, according to BookNet's most recent data. Desmond Cole's "The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power" jumped 185 per cent in sales that week, while Robyn Maynard's "Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present" soared 172 per cent. BookNet also noted a spike in orders from retailers, said Genner. "We're seeing percentage increases there of five- and six-hundred per cent." Where possible, activists encouraged people to purchase these books from black-owned business. Liburd operates one of the few black-owned bookstores in Canada. He's only aware of one other with a storefront in the country. He started to notice an increase in interest around the past weekend. On Monday, he received calls and emails from people interested in purchasing books they'd seen recommended on social media or others on the topic. Cole's "The Skin We're In" was a popular request, as was Robin DiAngelo's "White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for People to Talk About Racism," among some others, he said. "Yesterday was crazy," he said. "Yesterday, I think, was probably our biggest online sales day." When he last checked traffic statistics at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday, some 1,300 Canadians had visited the bookstore's website and about 30 orders were placed. There would have been more orders, he said, except some of the popular books were out of stock. Many of the people contacting him over the past 48 hours are not his regular clientele, he noted, but are reaching out because of the mass protests. He's somewhat conflicted about the sudden interest. "On one side, I am extremely pleased about it," he said. "It just, it saddens me a little bit that, you know, it had to get, things had to get to this place where we have America pretty much on fire... All of this negativity has to take place before people start really paying attention." "I think people are actually trying to do the right thing right now. But the hope that I have is that it will be something more long term," he said. Liburd spent more than a quarter of a century studying African history and related issues, and said it takes time to gain a fulsome understanding of such a complex issue. "I'm just hoping that people will actually make it more of a lifestyle," he said, and "actually instill some of your readings... make it an actual part of your life." Black-owned businesses beyond bookstores may also experience a boost in sales as activists urge people to consider supporting the community now. Willy Mahailet started AfroBiz.ca in 2018 to showcase black-owned businesses in Toronto. It eventually grew to include other parts of Canada and now lists more than 600 such establishments across the country. Over the past few days, more than 50 new businesses joined the platform, he said, and the website received more than 40,000 views on Tuesday an almost 1,000 per cent increase. "It's really had an impact an immediate impact." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2020. A jawan stands guard during an encounter with the militants in the Kangan area of Pulwama district of south Kashmir. PTI photo Srinagar: As security forces have pushed offensive actions more vigorously against separatist militants in Jammu and Kashmir, a senior commander of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) was along with two associates killed during a gunfight in southern Pulwama district on Wednesday. An Army jawan was injured in the clash, a report said. The J&K police and Army officials said that slain JeM commander Abdur Rehman Alvi alias Fouji Bhai alias Fouji Baba was an Afghan war veteran as he is reported to have fought alongside the Taliban before turning to Kashmir a few years ago. He was also known as an expert in fabricating improvised explosives devices and reportedly involved in the February 14, 2019 terror attack at Lethpora, Pulwama in which more than forty CRPF personnel were killed. The officials said that fighting broke out in Pulwamas Kangan area early Wednesday after the J&Ks polices counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG) together with the Armys 55 Rashtriya Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)s 182 and 183 Battalions launched a cordon-and-search operation to flush out militants dead or alive. Defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said, The joint operation was launched in the early hours today on specific intelligence input. Soon contact was established with terrorists hiding in the village. He added that announcements were made through public address system asking the holed up militants to surrender but they responded by opening fire on the security forces, triggering the fire fight. A J&K police spokesman said that Alvi was active in Kashmir Valley since 2017. The investigations reveal he was an IED expert and the mastermind of recent failed car bomb attack in Pulwama, he said. The security forces combating a three-decade-old insurgency in J&K had on May 28 claimed that they foiled a militant plan for an act of terror in Pulwama similar to the one carried out in the same district on February 14 last year by timely detection of a Santro car laden with 40-45 kilograms of explosives that was being driven through the district. The IED planted in the car was subsequently detonated by the bomb disposal squad. A report from Pulwama said that Wednesdays fighting in Kangans Astan Mohalla left several residential houses damaged. Soon after the guns began roaring, the authorities snapped internet service in entire district as a precautionary measure. The police claimed that Alvi was a close confidante of JeM chief Moulana Masood Azhar and a photograph circulated through social media some time back is testimony of that. In the photograph Alvi is seen flanking Azhar at a function held somewhere in Pakistan. The police said that the identities of the two other slain militants are yet to be ascertained. While addressing a hurriedly called press conference here, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Vijay Kumar said that investigations have also revealed that Alvi, a resident of Multan in Pakistani Punjab, was a relative of the JeM chief. He termed his killing as a big success of the security forces in their fight against militants, 75 of whom, as per his claim, have been killed, so far, this year. The slain included top commanders of the JeM, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, he said. The IGP said that the two other militants appeared to be local Kashmiris. We have called some people to identity the slain and if they turn out to be locals, their parents will be allowed to participate in the burial in (far off) Baramulla district, he said. He added that two more IED experts of the JeM still at large are known within the militant ranks by their codenames Waleed Bhai and Lamboo Bhai, both foreigners. Replying to questions, the IGP said that the police have learnt that the JeM chief in Kashmir Abdullah Rashid Gazi is operating from the woods of Pulwamas Khrew area. Im sure he too will be neutralized once he comes down. But we can even catch him where he is hiding currently. It is because of our source base that we have identified the Jaish chief otherwise the outfit doesnt disclose the name of its head, he said. The security forces had in a similar operation on Tuesday killed two suspected militants in Saimoh village of Tral area in Pulwama. Earlier, the Army had claimed killing thirteen infiltrating militants in a series of clashes at different locations along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&Ks Poonch and Rajouri districts. However, independent sources confirmed the killing of only three suspected militants in Rajouris Noushera sector on Monday. The Spanish Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft law that introduces a new tax on plastic waste, among other environmental measures. The indirect levy will tax the manufacture, import or acquisition of non-reusable plastic packaging from other European Union countries for use in the Spanish market, according to the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition. The ministry said that the proposed tax is similar to what other countries such as the United Kingdom and Italy are planning to introduce. It would require payment of 0.45 for every kilogram of plastic packaging, and is expected to bring in annual revenue of close to 724 million, based on 2017 figures. Ecological Transition Minister Teresa Ribera warned Tuesday about the absolutely disproportionate, irrational and irresponsible use of plastic packaging. Spains initiative falls within the EUs strategy of waste reduction. Single-use plastics will be banned from July 3, 2021. RUNGROJ YONGRIT (EFE) The European Commission and international organizations such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been urging Spain for years to increase its green taxes and introduce greater penalties for the most contaminating activities. On Tuesday, the ministry said that based on 2017 figures, revenue from green taxes represented 1.83% of Spains gross domestic product (GDP), compared with the EU average of 2.40%. Spain has the fifth-lowest ratio of environmental revenue-to-GDP of the entire EU, said the ministry in a release. The Spanish government first started a public consultation on green taxes in late February, when it discussed the possibility of introducing a tax on single-use plastic packaging. In the end, this levy has been included in a broader draft law on waste and soil contamination. Following its Cabinet approval, the draft will now begin to make its way through parliament. The Ministry for Ecological Transition is hoping that it will go into effect during the first half of 2021. Single-use plastics The draft legislation seeks to transpose and implement EU directives on plastic waste that contributes to ocean pollution. It includes bans on single-use items such as straws, balloon sticks and plastic cutlery, effective on July 3 of next year. The Spanish government also wants to prohibit the use of microplastics in cosmetics and detergents, a longstanding demand of non-profit groups. Restaurants and bars will have to offer customers tap water free of charge, regardless of whether they continue to sell bottled water. Spain's minister for ecological transition, Teresa Ribera. EUROPA PRESS/E. Parra. POOL (Europa Press) The draft law is part of a broader Circular Economy Strategy approved on Tuesday that seeks to reduce waste generation by 15% in 2030 from 2010 levels. Currently, Spain only recycles 37.8% of its waste. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, plastic manufacturers and a few other industries have asked the European Commission to halt or delay its calendar for curbing plastic-waste generation. But Commission sources said last week that there were no plans to do so. There is no going back, and member states have the obligation to observe the norm and the deadlines, said a source in Brussels. The Spanish ministry said that the coronavirus crisis will not alter its plans, either. Last week, Riberas department issued guidelines to avoid the use of non-reusable face masks and gloves. Circular economy The ministry has described the circular economy strategy as a tool for recovery from the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, saying its implementation could create 70,000 jobs throughout this decade. The draft law also establishes that 77% of plastic bottles that are placed on the market will have to be collected separately by 2025, and this figure will have to reach 90% by 2029. Provisions are made for the introduction of deposit and return systems, mirroring reverse vending machines already in operation in other European countries, where customers get a few cents back for every returned bottle. The ministry has yet to decide whether to introduce this system; a final decision is expected in the first half of 2021. Textiles and food The draft law stipulates that from 2021 onwards, unsold non-perishable items such as textiles, toys or electrical appliances may not be destroyed. Starting in 2025, there will also be a system in place for collecting used clothing. Food waste is also addressed, and criteria established to facilitate the conversion of certain types of food into subproducts such as animal feed. As for so-called planned obsolescence, a production technique that purposely limits the useful life of products to encourage greater sales volume, the draft legislation says there will be policies to encourage the design, production and use of products that use resources efficiently, that are long-lasting, and that can be repaired, reutilized and upgraded. Municipal waste Spain recycles a little over 46% of its urban waste, and the draft law sets targets to improve this figure. By 2025, 55% of municipal waste must be recycled or reused. This percentage should rise to 60% in 2030, and to 65% in 2035. Separate collection systems will be key in order to meet these goals. By 2022, every municipality with a population of more than 5,000 residents will be obliged to have biowaste bins the brown-colored type that are already used in some parts of Spain. Smaller villages will have until 2024 to introduce these bins. Takeaway food containers In 2023, plastic and single-use food containers will no longer be free, and their price must be reflected on the sales ticket. These products must be gradually phased out and replaced with reusable ones. Sanctions The new legislation sets out sanctions of between 50,001 and 2 million for violators who dump waste outdoors or who bring dangerous waste into the country. English version by Susana Urra. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 22:19:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CHANGSHA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- China's target year for the eradication of poverty is 2020, which means that around 5.51 million people who remained impoverished at the end of 2019 will be lifted out of poverty by the end of this year. Great strides have been necessary to reach this goal, and the improvements can perhaps best be illustrated by an inspiring return trip to Shibadong. The idea of "targeted poverty alleviation," first put forward in 2013 at the then poverty-stricken Shibadong village in central China's Hunan Province, includes the requirement of tailoring relief measures to different local conditions. In 2018, "targeted poverty alleviation" was included in the first ever resolution addressing poverty eradication in rural areas to be adopted by the UN General Assembly. PRECISION "Precision" is a buzzword when it comes to targeted poverty alleviation, meaning that appropriate resources should be used in the right place at the right time. The first step is to precisely identify impoverished residents. A working team was dispatched to Shibadong in late 2013 to sort out which households needed assistance. To make sure that the process was fair, they published the evaluation criteria. Excluded from the definition of poverty-stricken households were people who had broken the law and those who lived in buildings of two or more stories. Because the incomes of villagers tended to fluctuate and some people moved into the area while others departed, another round of village-wide identification was carried out in 2017. Rich in natural beauty and scenic landscapes, Shibadong was hampered by its rugged terrain, which meant a lack of transportation and arable land. So the next step was to cultivate suitable businesses to help the locals to thrive. Kiwi fruit was a suitable crop for the local environment, but the limited arable land and the scattered distribution of villages prevented Shibadong from developing kiwi farming on an industrial basis. Therefore, Shibadong rented land from a neighboring village on which to plant high-quality kiwis. Meanwhile, the tourism industry is booming in the village, thanks to its unique Miao culture and special landscapes. Some villagers operate restaurants. Others run family inns. Over 40 housewives have established a cooperative for producing and marketing Miao embroidery, an attractive form of intangible cultural heritage. What is more, the village has arranged for locals to go out to study, launched a range of lectures to provide technical training and linked farmers with the market so that households can find ways to make money on their own terms. Official figures estimate that over 90 percent of the registered impoverished population across China have received support in employment and industry-based relief. ALL-ROUND ASSISTANCE There are various reasons for a family to be trapped in poverty. Some are common, while others are unique. Infrastructure has long been a weakness in rural development. With the goal of building a beautiful and livable village, Shibadong has been vigorously promoting ethnic folk customs throughout its construction. The improvement of roads, drinking water, power grids, residential buildings, landscapes, tourism facilities, and public service facilities in the village have completely transformed the original situation, doing away with traffic jams, shabby cottages and a degraded environment. During the hiatus caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the village stepped up its infrastructure construction to prepare for the post-pandemic tourism boom. Medical expenses used to be an unbearable burden for rural residents. But all the residents of Shibadong have now been covered by basic medical insurance and serious disease insurance. The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province also set up a telemedicine site in the village. Long Yuanzhang, an impoverished villager, was hospitalized for pulmonary infection last year. His insurance has covered 1,524 yuan (about 214 U.S. dollars) out of the total medical bill of 1,544 yuan. "The disease cost me almost nothing, thanks to the insurance," he said. By the end of 2019, targeted medical insurance had helped 4.18 million impoverished people with health problems shake off poverty, data with the National Healthcare Security Administration showed. For those households facing extreme difficulties, pairing-up assistance has been adopted. Soon after the anti-poverty team entered Shibadong, five officials paired up with the five most impoverished households. From on-the-job training to getting loans, even setting up romantic dates for aged bachelors, the officials pooled their resources to tackle the most urgent difficulties for the villagers. Back in 2013, the per capita disposable income of the 939 villagers in Shibadong was only 1,668 yuan, with 57 percent of the population living below the poverty line. In 2017, Shibadong officially ridded itself of poverty. In 2018, the village's per capita disposable income stood at 12,128 yuan. The Chinese government vows to continue applying the current poverty alleviation standards, increasing the allocation of resources and taking stronger steps to implement poverty reduction measures. The aim is to ensure that all of China's remaining poor people are lifted out of poverty by deadline of 2020. Enditem Private conglomerate Vingroup plans to pour over $400 million into industrial real estate, hoping to reap gains from the shifting of production from China. The investment will also serve to expand its manufacturing plans. The biggest listed company in Vietnam has recently increased the charter capital of its subsidiary Vinhomes Industrial Zone Investment (Vinhomes IZ) from VND70 billion ($3 million) to VND6 trillion ($259 million). In early April, the company requested permission from authorities to spend over VND4.1 trillion ($117 million) developing infrastructure at the 319-hectare Thuy Nguyen Industrial Park planned in a suburb of northern city Hai Phong. Company leaders said that investment in industrial real estate seeks to tap rising demand of FDI companies. "Vingroup has identified industrial real estate as a main business in the future as it brings in a regular cash flow," chairman Pham Nhat Vuong said a recent shareholders meeting. Vingroups real estate arm Vinhomes, which owns the majority stake in Vinhomes IZ, plans to pour VND10 trillion ($432 million) into industrial real estate in the next two years. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has inflicted major damage on various industries, with tourism and hospitality among the hardest-hit. Vinpearl, the hospitality arm of Vingroup, posted a pre-tax loss of nearly VND1.7 trillion ($73 million) in the first quarter as it shut down resorts amid the pandemic. Industrial real estate, however, remains in high demand thanks to companies moving out of China and considering Vietnam as their next manufacturing destination. The supply of ready-built factories and warehouses in Vietnam will increase by 25-28 percent this year thanks to surging demand from manufacturers for relocation, according to real estate consultancy CBRE. Another reason for Vingroups increased investment is to serve its manufacturing expansion, which it has chosen as a future core businesses. Nguyen Dieu Linh, chairwoman of Vinhomes, said that the first industrial real estate customers will be suppliers for automaker VinFast. Some foreign suppliers like South Koreas LG Chem and Germanys ZF Group are already present in VinFasts existing manufacturing complex, also located in Hai Phong. When the new industrial park is established, VinFast and its suppliers will move there; and VinFast will receive no higher incentives in land lease compared to other customers, she said. Vingroup targets to have industrial real estate contributing 10 percent of its annual revenue in the future, or around VND15 trillion ($648 million). Vietnam has 260 industrial parks with an occupancy rate of 76 percent, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Another 75 are under construction. A father in Utah shot and killed his two young sons before turning the gun on himself in what police are investigating as an apparent double murder-suicide. The violent domestic incident took place at a home in the 4300 block of West Pentenwell Lane in South Jordan on Tuesday afternoon. According to the local police department, the mother of the slain children, identified as 10-year-old Ezra Osborn and eight-year-old Seth Osborn, came home from work at around 4pm to discover her sons and her ex-husband, 41-year-old Brian Osborn, suffering from gunshot wounds. Two Utah brothers, identified by a neighbor and a family friend as Seth Osborn, 8 (left), and Ezra Osborn, 10 (right), were allegedly shot and killed by their father in a murder-suicide Police responded to this home in South Jordan on Tuesday after the boys' mother came home from work to find her family slaughtered A neighbor on Tuesday launched this GoFundMe page to help the boys' mother, Sandra Ang, with her sons' funeral expenses Officers who responded to the scene found the mother, Sandra Ang, holding her mortally wounded eight-year-old son in the living room, reported Fox 13. They found the boy's older brother and the children's biological father dead from gunshot wounds in other parts of the house, according South Jordan police Lt. Matt Pennington. 'It was a horrible scene,' he told Salt Lake Tribune. The younger victim was rushed to Riverton Hospital, where he later passed away. Pennington said police believe the father was babysitting his sons and killed them sometime between 3.30 and 4pm. A neighbor of the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign and wrote in the description about the slain children. Ang is pictured with her sons Ezra (left) and Seth (right), and their dog Bruno The mother and the boys' father had separated last fall. Police say their records include domestic calls to the family's house from the time of the couple's split The older of the boys was pronounced dead at the scene. His younger brother died at the hospital a short time later 'Ezra (10) was an artistic, imaginative boy who loved to throw parties,' the post reads. 'He loved making others feel special and was an amazing friend. Seth (8) was a ball of energy! He loved to be outside, play nerf gun wars with his friends, and finding adventures wherever he could. These boys were Ying and Yang; except for their love of reading. Both loved to curl up and lose themselves in a good book.' The fundraiser, which so far has drawn more than $24,000 in donations, features multiple photos of the two boys with their mother, Sandra Ang. According to police, who did not identify Ang by name, she and the boys' biological father had separated sometime between October and November 2019. Lt Pennington said police records include domestic calls to the home on West Pentenwell Lane from around the time of the couple's split, but none since. According to the police spokesman, the father was no longer living at the home at the time of the suspected murder-suicide. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) A total of 301 barangay (village) officials are facing criminal complaints for supposed anomalies in the distribution of financial assistance from the social amelioration program, the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced on Wednesday. Of the number, 57 are village chiefs or barangay captains and 57 are barangay kagawad or village councilors, DILG spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in a statement, citing the report of Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. Malaya said the 301 public servants had been charged for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices, RA 11469 known as the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, and RA 11332 or Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases. Meanwhile, authorities continue to build up a case against 76 other village officials, Malaya added. Some local governments are not yet done distributing the first tranche of cash aid, failing to meet the May 10 payout deadline. President Rodrigo Duterte's said in his 10th report on the government's COVID-19 response to Congress on Monday that 98 percent of the target beneficiaries of the social amelioration program have received their subsidy. The first tranche of the government's SAP initially covered 18 million low-income households, who were expected to receive 5,000 to 8,000 worth of assistance. The distribution of the second tranche of cash aid is expected to start once the Department of Social Welfare and Development finishes validating the names of people who got the first tranche of the cash aid to avoid duplication. Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi says some people are exploiting the suffering and chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic for political and material gain. By Robin Gomes An Indonesian bishop has hit out at individuals and groups who have exploited the Covid-19 chaos for economic and political benefits. Profiting from misery Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi of Amboina in Maluku province said he could not believe that amid the Covid-19 pandemic that has caused so much misery worldwide, there are people and groups wanting to profit from it. They are now becoming richer, the Sacred Heart bishop said during a live-streamed Mass on Pentecost Sunday, May 31, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Ambon. He said these exploiters did not want to see a decline in the number of new cases, because if the pandemic subsides their income will also drop. Speaking to UCA News on Tuesday, Bishop Mandagi explained that he spoke out because he could not tolerate people profiting from the suffering of others. Profiteers want pandemic to continue "I was saddened because as the nation struggles to stop the virus, some individuals, politicians and groups want the pandemic to continue," he said. Without mentioning any name or groups, the 71-year old bishop said these profiteers want the economic situation in Indonesia to get worse, and more people to become jobless and poorer so that the government will be blamed and they can demand a new government. They are power-hungry people and want to maintain wealth gained through corruption. They are against the Holy Spirit, he said. Pope Francis on profiteers Bishop Mandagi was sharing the sentiments of Pope Francis who had earlier condemned these profiteers. At the start of a Mass streamed live from the Vaticans Casa Santa Marta on April 8, the Pope urged prayers for people who during this time of the pandemic make business at the expense of the needy. May the Lord touch their hearts and convert them, the Holy Father said, regarding people such as the mafia, usurers and others who profit from the needs of others. At another Mass on April 23, the Holy Father again hit out at unscrupulous money-lenders who are profiting from the misery of the situation. This is another pandemic, another virus: It's a social pandemic, he said. Many families who are not working and do not have food to put on the table for their children, the Pope continued, are prey to usurers who end up taking the little that they have. Political gain Stanislaus Riyanta, an intelligence analyst at the University of Jakarta, agreed with the Bishop Mandagi, saying there were groups using the pandemic for their own political interests. Besides extremist groups wanting to establish a caliphate, there are also political groups spreading discontent and inviting people to weaken a legitimate government. Economic downturn Indonesia on Wednesday reported 684 new coronavirus infections, taking the total number of cases to 28,233, with close to 1,700 deaths. Southeast Asias biggest economy is trying to ease its large-scale social restrictions (LSSR) in a bid to restart the economy battered by the pandemic. According to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, in the nation of 265 million people, the fourth most populous country in the world, some 9 million Indonesians were already out of work when the virus hit. Since then, another 2 million have lost their jobs. We cannot stay at home until next year. There will be more people hungry and they will become angry, Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs said on May 26. He warned that rising unemployment could cause a crisis in the financial sector, which may have further adverse consequences. (Source: UCA News) CLEVELAND, Ohio The Ohio National Guard has been an active presence in the state over the past several months, both during the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing protests in major cities. Ohio National Guard Adjutant Gen. John Harris said Tuesday that 100 Guard members were deployed to Washington to help with response to protests in the nations capital. Guard members are also currently aiding in the states coronavirus response, including distributing food at food banks and assisting the Ohio Department of Health with testing in nursing homes. Heres a quick look at who the Ohio National Guard is, what they do and their history. Who is in the Ohio National Guard? There are two distinct branches of the Ohio National Guard: the Ohio Army National Guard and the Ohio Air National Guard. Both function as in-state auxiliary forces for U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force with the same basic duties. The Ohio National Guard consists of volunteers from within the state. There are currently more than 16,000 Guard members in the state. Members are separated into two categories: enlisted members and officers. Enlisted members are the rank-and-file members from privates to sergeant majors. Officers range from lieutenants to generals. There are also warrant officers in the National Guard ranks who hold specialties in specific fields. Most Guard members are part time, though some work full time. Members are under the auspices of the adjutant general of Ohio when on missions within the state. When on federal deployment, they serve under their respective branches. When was the Ohio National Guard founded? Ohio National Guard spokeswoman Stephanie Beougher said the Guard traces its lineage to 1788 when the Northwest Territory was carved out. Ohio was admitted into the United States in 1803 and one of the first acts of the legislature was to establish a militia, the historical equivalent of the Ohio National Guard. The title Ohio National Guard was first used in 1864 under Gov. John Brough. The Ohio National Guard has served in conflicts ranging from the War of 1812 to the Iraq War. Arguably the most infamous moment in Ohio National Guard history came May 4, 1970, when Guard members shot 13 unarmed Kent State University students protesting the Vietnam War, killing four. Whats the commitment? National Guard commitments are eight years, though members could serve as little as three or six years with the rest of their contract on Individual Ready Reserve, a type of inactive duty that could be called in case of an emergency, according to the National Guards website. Members can be activated for a variety of roles, including both domestic response and active combat duty. Guard members are routinely called in to assist with natural disaster response like flooding and tornadoes. Theyve been an active presence during the coronavirus pandemic, assisting with food banks, planning for buildout of medical capacity, prison testing and nursing home testing. The Guard is also currently in Cleveland and Columbus at the request of mayors of those cities to help police respond to ongoing protests. How does it work? Enlistment works just the same as any other branch of the military, though training, daily duties and deployment are different. Guard members typically train one weekend a month known as drill with a longer annual training varying based on the Guard members specialty. In times of deployment, Guard members are on duty at their site. This could be laying sandbags at a flood site, backing up law enforcement for riot control or serving in active combat zones such as Iraq or Afghanistan. How much are Guard members paid? Pay for Guard members varies based on rank and length of service. The vast majority of the National Guard are enlisted members. Guard members are normally paid for their weekend drill and annual training. If called into active duty, they receive a bump in pay for the month they are active. A new member at the lowest rank E-1 Private makes around $3,311 annually, according to the National Guards income calculator. That breaks down to $214 per weekend drill and $748 per annual training. When on active duty, that same member would be paid $1,602 per month ($19,224 per year if active for a full 12 months). A more tenured enlisted member such as an E-4 Specialist who has served four years makes around $5,445 annually $351 per weekend drill and $1,229 per annual training. Their active duty pay would be around $2,635 per month ($31,620 per year). Officers make much more than enlisted members. A First Lieutenant or O-2 rank who has served five years makes around $685 per weekend drill and $2,397 per annual drill for around $10,613 annually. Active duty pay is $5,136 per month ($61,632 per year). Guard members also qualify for a variety of benefits, most notably 100% of their college education paid for, with some exceptions. Where do Guard members stay when deployed? Where Guard members are housed when active depends on their deployment, Beougher said. There are times where they can stay at an armory if the response is close to an armory, Beougher said. If theyre close to home, they can go back to their home. In some cases, especially with (coronavirus), there have been instances where members because they might be in a high risk area such as a prison, they dont want to spread that to their families there have been other ways theyve been able to stay in other locations such as area hotels. When on federal orders, Guard members stay wherever their corresponding branches order. Beougher said she did not know where the 100 Guard members currently deployed to assist the District of Columbia National Guard in Washington are housed. When deployed overseas, Guard members usually stay on bases with their corresponding branches. How do you join the Ohio National Guard? Guard members join through a recruiter either at a local recruiting center or requesting a recruiter to contact them personally. Read more cleveland.com coverage: Cleveland police gave order for George Floyd protesters to disperse; legal observers, witnesses said no one heard it Gov. Mike DeWine again dodges questions about Donald Trump and protest crackdowns Cleveland blamed 1966 Hough riots on outsiders -- and it wasnt true Cuyahoga County Sheriff says department was unprepared for scale of protests that turned into riots in downtown Cleveland A 58-year-old man died after an electric pole fell on him at Umte village in Alibag, as Cyclone Nisarga made landfall in Maharashtras Raigad district on Wednesday afternoon. No other casualties have been reported from the state so far, District Collector, Raigad, Nidhi Choudhary said. One death has been reported from Alibag. A 58-year-old man died after an electric pole fell on him at Umte village in Alibag. No other death has been reported so far across the district, Choudhary said. Several trees have been uprooted, electricity poles brought down leaving thousands without power in Maharashtras Raigad district, close to Alibag, where Cyclone Nisarga made landfall on Wednesday afternoon. ALSO WATCH | Amid cyclone, plane skids off runway in Mumbai ALSO READ | Cyclone Nisarga snaps trees, electricity poles in Maharashtras Raigad; no loss of life reported According to officials, 85 large trees, some of which fell over houses, and 11 electric poles were ripped out as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said its teams will assess the damage once the cyclonic storm completes landfall. After lashing the Maharashtra coast with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph, Cyclone Nisarga has started weakening and its intensity will reduce further by evening, the India Meteorological Department said. The landfall of the cyclone began at 12.30 pm at Alibag and the process was completed by 2.30 pm, IMD director general Mrutunjay Mohapatra said. It has started weakening. The wind speed is currently 90-100 kilometres per hour and the intensity will reduce further by evening, he said. The cyclone will further weaken into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday evening and into a deep depression by late night, an IMD bulletin said. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), earlier on Wednesday, deployed 43 teams in Maharashtra and Gujarat and also evacuated nearly 1 lakh people living close to the coastline as Cyclone Nisarga began landfall in Raigad district. ALSO READ | Cyclone Nisarga: Nearly 1,00,000 evacuated, rains from Mumbai to Hubli A total of 43 National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed in the two states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Of the teams, 21 are on standby in Maharashtra and the rest in the neighbouring state. Nearly 1 lakh people have been evacuated from the areas in the path of the cyclone, NDRF Director General SN Pradhan had said. Besides Maharashtra, neighbouring Gujarat, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli have all been put on red alert as these states and union territories fall in the path of the severe cyclonic storm. This is the second such cyclone to hit India within a month, after Cyclone Amphan, which barely two weeks days ago had battered West Bengal causing severe destruction and killing at least 80 people. In the past, weve asked some of our favorite artists to choose the five minutes or so theyd play to make their friends fall in love with classical music, the piano and opera. This time, the goal couldnt be easier: Persuade those same curious friends to love the cello, that most soulful of instruments. We hope you find lots here to discover and enjoy; leave your choices in the comments. Anthony Tommasini, Times chief classical music critic Even when the cello moves into its high register, the sound seems to emanate from a deep, russet realm. That quality comes through sublimely in the fifth movement of Messiaens mystical Quartet for the End of Time. The composer indicates that this Praise to the Eternity of Jesus should be played infinitely slow, ecstatic. Arent those words opposites? Not to Messiaen. The cello line is restrained, wistful, seemingly never-ending, but the cellist Fred Sherry brings just enough throbbing intensity to suggest spiritual ecstasy. The piano supports with a series of steady, spare, low chords, played by Peter Serkin with glowing richness and eerie calm. Over a 15-year stretch, LanzaTech has developed technologies that can turn carbon emissions into ethanol that can be used for chemicals and fuel. Today, the company announced the spin-out of LanzaJet, alongside its corporate partners Mitsui, Suncor and All Nippon Airways, to bring sustainable aviation fuel to the commercial market. The new company has launched with commitments from the Japanese trading and investment company, Mitsui & Co. and Canadian oil and gas producer Suncor Energy to invest $85 million to back the first pilot and development-scale facilities that LanzaJet will be constructing. The first tranche of money, a $25 million commitment from Suncor and Mitsui, will be used to build a demonstration plant that will produce 10 million gallons per year of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel starting from sustainable ethanol sources. For LanzaTech chief executive Jennifer Holmgren, the launch of LanzaJet is the next step in the process of bringing to market her company's technology, which promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb climate change by creating a more circular carbon economy. LanzaTech bills itself as a leader in gas fermentation, a process that takes industrial gases and makes sustainable fuels and chemicals from industrial off-gases; syngas generated from any biomass resources like municipal solid waste, organic industrial waste, agricultural waste; and reformed biogas. Through synthetic biology and industrial processing, the company says it can make more than 100 different chemicals. With the LanzaJet spin-off, the focus is squarely on sustainable jet fuels. "We finished the investment side and the off-take agreements and thats all committed," said Holmgren. "Now were working on getting the feedstock We're making sure that we can source low-carbon intensity ethanol." Those suppliers of second-generation cellulosic ethanol need to meet the right carbon footprint criteria, and LanzaJet is working with the relevant renewable energy standards organization to make sure that the ethanol it's using has the right pedigree. Story continues A history of innovation in second generation biofuels Of course, some of that feedstock could come from LanzaTech itself. The Chicago-based company has been developing processes to capture emissions from power plants and other sources and convert those emissions into ethanol by injecting them into microbe-filled vats. The microbes convert the gas into ethanol, which can then be used as fuel or feedstock for chemical manufacturing. Once LanzaJet identifies its feedstock supplier, the company expects to begin working on building the demonstration facility, which should be completed by 2022, when production will begin on the first line. In addition to its corporate partners, LanzaJet received a $14 million grant from the Department of Energy to work on the development of cellulosic ethanol manufacturing processes and the development of a biorefinery at the company's site in Soperton, Ga. Indeed, the whole story of LanzaTech's 15-year journey is woven with public-private partnerships that were conducted alongside government research agencies. The conversion technology at the heart of LanzaJet's process was the result of years of collaborative research between LanzaTech and the U.S. Energy Departments Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). It was the PNNL that developed the catalytic process to upgrade ethanol to alcohol-to-jet synthetic paraffinic kerosene (ATJ-SPK) that LanzaTech took from the laboratory to pilot scale. Vintage illustration of couples walking inside chemistry beakers in front of a chemical processing plant, 1952. Screen print. (Illustration by GraphicaArtis/Getty Images) Investors with benefits For Suncor and ANA, the development of sustainable alternatives is a strategic necessity. The International Air Transport Association has committed to cut emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2005 levels and to achieve carbon-neutral growth by the end of this year. While national lockdowns imposed earlier this year to combat the spread of COVID-19 reduced travel and dramatically cut into the emissions causing global climate change, the aviation industry will have to shift its sources of fuel consumption and invest heavily in carbon offsets if it wants to achieve its stated goals. ANA is thrilled to work alongside LanzaTech, Mitsui and Suncor on this new venture, said Akihiko Miura, executive vice president of ANA, in a statement. We believe that this partnership is a great step forward for carbon-neutral growth initiatives. ANA is happy to share in this innovative endeavor and to be a part of a carbon-free future in the aviation industry. For its part, Suncor, a Canadian oil and gas company with significant operations in that country's controversial oil sands region, looks at LanzaTech's LanzaJet technology as another way to diversify beyond the traditional oil and gas business. The company has already begun installing charging stations for electric vehicles across its network of filling stations that span the breadth of Canada. With LanzaJet's fuel, the company can add sustainable jet fuels to its services for customers at airports in Calgary, Denver, Colo., Edmonton, Montreal and Toronto. Its diversification comes at a time when even Suncor's chief executive is acknowledging the transition to a different energy mix. "While Canadian oil and gas will remain a significant part of the global energy mix for some time, we have to take advantage of new opportunities that offer attractive growth prospects," Suncor CEO Mark Little wrote in an opinion article for Canada's Corporate Knights magazine, Reuters reported. "The temporary economic lockdown triggered by the 2020 pandemic is giving us a glimpse into a not-too-distant future where the transformation of our energy system could disrupt demand on a similar scale." The company's work with LanzaTech can also help move it toward the commitments it has made to hit emissions reductions targets associated with the Paris Accord's two degrees Celsius goals. "Were taking a view towards how do we think the energy transition is going to progress," said Suncor's vice president of strategy and corporate development, Andrea Ducore. For the company, bio-based, low-carbon fuels is one solution, Ducore said. "As the owner of Petro-Canada gas stations across Canada, we're asking ourselves what do our customers want today and what do they want 10 years from now." Photo: Getty Images/ipopba/iStock Taking flight Leading the charge as LanzaJet rockets into the sustainable aviation fuel industry is Jimmy Samartzis, a former United Airlines executive and current board member at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. With experience in both technology and aviation -- including a stint with the International Air Transport Association -- Samartzis is well-positioned to make the new company's pitch to potential consumers. Samartzis and Holmgren, LanzaTech's founder, initially met when she was working at Universal Oil Products (now a subsidiary of Honeywell). Eventually the two collaborated when LanzaTech began marketing its sustainable jet fuel to companies in the industry for pilot flights nearly a decade ago. "When we did all of that, he was one of the people at United that was involved in sustainable aviation fuel," Holmgren recalled. As LanzaTech searched for an executive who could take the reins at its new jet fuel initiative, Samartzis was one of the first calls that the young company made, Holmgren said. The launch of LanzaJet marks an historic milestone in the clean energy transition that is underway globally. Ive been part of many renewable energy and sustainability firsts over the last decade, and this one is the most exciting, said Samartzis, in a statement. The commercialization of LanzaJet -- built on the shoulders of LanzaTech, Suncor, Mitsui, ANA and with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy -- gives our world, and aviation in particular, an important solution in shaping a cleaner future. While Holmgren thinks LanzaTech could be one of the main suppliers for the feedstock that LanzaJet needs to operate, she said the goal in spinning out the company was to ensure that there was broad-based demand for ethanol coming from multiple potential vendors. One of the reasons we created LanzaJet and decoupled them from LanzaTech was because it will incentivize others to produce the right low-carbon ethanol feedstock," said Holmgren. "If you want a low-carbon future it cannot be about LanzaTech and LanzaJet. We thought lifting that limitation was the right thing to do." Eventually, those fuel sources could include things like ethanol from direct air capture of carbon dioxide and other emissions that cause climate change. "LanzaJet as an entity can drive that to incentivize producers to drive to the lowest carbon intensity ethanol to provide feedstock for aviation fuels," said Holmgren. The Union Cabinet on June 3 approved amendments to the Essential Commodities Act, removing APMC restrictions for farmers to deregulate agricultural commodities like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, onions and potatoes. The government also announced promulgating an ordinance to allow farmers to engage with processors, aggregators, large retailers, and exporters. While briefing the media, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said, "Farmers have been freed from the constraints of the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC)." Javadekar said that "landmark decision" to liberalise the regulatory environment for farmers will not only benefit them, but "transform the agriculture sector". In addition, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the Cabinet had approved The Farming Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020 in order to ensure barrier free trade in agricultural produce. "It will not bind farmers to sell their crop only to licensed traders in the APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) mandis of their respective talukas or districts," Tomar said. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020 will empower farmers to engage with processors, aggregators, large retailers, exporters on a level playing field without any fear of exploitation. This will go a long way in helping Indias farmers while also transforming the agriculture sector. The proposed amendment to the Essential Commodities Act will allay fears of private investors of excessive regulatory interference, he added. Earlier, while presenting the contours of the Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that Centre will formulate a legal framework to enable farmers to sell their produce at attractive prices. Sitharaman had then said that the framework will include enabling barrier-free inter-state trade as well as e-trading of agricultural produce. FACTBOX - Britains Quarantine Scheme The British government plans to introduce a 14-day quarantine period for almost everyone entering the country from June 8. WHO DOES IT APPLY TO? Everyone arriving in the UK will be required to self-isolate for 14 days except those on a list of limited exemptions which the Government said it would publish later. Exemptions include: - Road haulage and freight workers - Medical professionals who are travelling to help with the fight against the coronavirus - Anyone moving from within the Common Travel Area, which covers Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man - Seasonal agricultural workers will be able to self-isolate on the property where they are working The government says it will continue to look at options such as air bridges; agreements between countries who both have low transmission rates, to remove the need for quarantine measures. WHAT WILL PASSENGERS HAVE TO DO? All arriving passengers will have to fill in an online contact form providing details and travel information so that they can be contacted if they, or someone they may have been in contact with, develops the disease. This will include giving details of their self-isolation accommodation and if it doesnt meet the necessary requirements, theyll be required to self-isolate in facilities arranged by the Government, at the passenger's expense. The Government said people should use personal transport to travel to their accommodation where possible. They should not go to work, school, or public areas, or use public transport or taxis. They should not have visitors, including friends and family, unless they are providing essential support and should not go out to buy food or other essentials if they can rely on others to do so. WHAT PENALTIES WILL BE IN PLACE? The new regime will be in place across the United Kingdom, although enforcement measures will be set individually by each of the devolved nations. In England, breaching the self-isolation rules will be punishable with a 1,000 fine, or potential prosecution and unlimited fine. The level of fine could increase if the risk of infection from abroad increases. Border Forces may refuse entry to any non-British citizen who refuses to comply with these regulations and is not resident in the UK. Failure to complete the contact form will incur a 10 fine. The Government said Public Health Authorities will conduct random checks in England to ensure compliance and foreign nationals who refuse to follow the rules may be deported. HOW LONG WILL THE SCHEME LAST? The rules will come into force on June 8 and will be reviewed every three weeks with the first review scheduled to take place by June 29 to consider the following factors: - The rate of infection and International Transmission. - The measures International partners have put in place. - Levels of imported cases in other countries where there are more relaxed border measures. - The degree to which antibody and other testing methodologies prove effective in minimising the health risk. Outrage over George Floyds death in the United States has rippled throughout the world, prompting messages of solidarity from far-flung countries and people to reflect on racial injustice and police violence in their own societies. In France, Floyds death has reignited anger over the death of Adama Traore, a black man who died in police custody four years ago, as well as decades of strained police relations with immigrant communities in Paris suburbs. Thousands of French protesters defied a coronavirus-related ban on large gatherings on Tuesday evening to denounce Traores death, speak out against racism and police violence and to pay homage to Floyd who died in custody in Minneapolis on May 25. Full coverage of George Floyds death and protests around the world The demonstration Tuesday was also triggered by an independent autopsy report that found Traore had died from a tackle to the stomach during his arrest. In Paris, people initially gathered peacefully around the main courthouse holding signs that reflected those thousands of miles away in the United States, including Black Lives Matter and without justice there is no peace. Image: France protests (Mohammad Ghannam / AFP - Getty Images) Police estimated that some 20,000 demonstrators descended onto the capital's streets despite concerns of coronavirus which had led the police to ban the protest. Gatherings of more than 10 people are currently banned in France as part of virus confinement measures. Video circulated of protesters kneeling to pay their respects to Traore who was aged 24 when he died. "Today, it's not just the fight of the Traore family, it's your fight with all of you, Traores sister, Assa told the crowd. Today, when we fight for George Floyd, we fight for Adama Traore. Later, however, after around two hours of calm, video circulated of at least two fires breaking out and reports of tear gas being fired. Paris police said at total of 18 arrests were made during the protest for vandalism. Full coverage of George Floyds death and protests around the country Story continues Traores case has become emblematic of the fight against police brutality in France. The circumstances around his death are still under investigation after years of conflicting medical reports about what happened, according to the Associated Press. Separately, tensions between police and residents of Paris suburbs, or banlieues, have been heightened by coronavirus restrictions in recent weeks. Protests on Tuesday also take place on the streets of Lyon, Marseille and Lille. In Lyon, local media reported that tear gas had been fired and that protesters who also gathered near the main courthouse had been pushed back by security forces. Frances Interior Minister, Chistophe Castaner, denounced some of the scenes witnessed in Paris. Violence has no place in democracy, he tweeted on Tuesday. Nothing justifies the outbreaks which happened this evening in Paris when public gatherings are prohibited to protect everyones health. Meanwhile, further protests have been planned throughout France this week against racism and police violence including in Paris, Strasbourg and Nice. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Charles Dickens's great-great grandsons have revealed an unprecedented insight into what the writer really looked like because of their 'uncanny' resemblance to him. Museum historians have harnessed the striking likeness by imprinting Gerald and Mark Dickens's complexions on to black-and-white portraits of their ancestor. The remastered pictures show the Victorian author with fairly tanned skin in what the experts claim to be a 'really accurate portrayal'. The descendants hope the colourised photos will 'bring Dickens to life' and dispel the idea he was dull and dreary. Gerald Dickens, 56, from Oxfordshire, told MailOnline: 'It was always going to be an imperfect science to a certain extent. 'But the Dickens gene throughout the family is very very strong and you can see Charles Dickens in many of the relatives and cousins right across the family.' His cousin Mark Dickens, 64, from Sussex, who also dresses up in Victorian clothes occasionally and is Head of the Dickens family, agrees. He said: 'If you know the connection you can probably see it... if you wear Victorian costume, trying to look like him, then the resemblance can be very uncanny.' A striking resemblance: Mark Dickens (right) recreates an image of his great-great grandfather (left) to lay bare the likeness Mark said: 'If you know the connection you can probably see it... If you wear Victorian costume, trying to look like, him then the resemblance can be very uncanny' Experts at The Charles Dickens Museum in Holborn, London, researched the novelist's fashion choices, skin tone and the complexion of his living descendants to create 'a really accurate portrayal' Charles Dickens's genes (author, left)run strongly throughout his descendants, according to his family (Mark Dickens, right) Mark revealed there are 237 members of the Dickens family, but only about 60 direct descendants alive today. Eight black-and-white portraits of the writer have been colourised by the Charles Dickens Museum to celebrate the 150th anniversary of his death. So far, the only indications of Dickens's complexion are oil paintings, which Gerald believes were then 'romanticised' to please the client. The great-great grandsons both hoped Dickens's olive complexion would allow people to dispel the idea the author was a dull and dreary Victorian. Gerald said: 'Dickens was an outdoors man, he loved to walk he spent a lot of his time outdoors he would work from the Medway towns in Rochester and Chatham through to London. 'When he was travelling he would make sure he got out and walked as much as he could. 'So I guess taking that evidence you could assume there was a healthiness to his complexion, a sort of ruddiness as he spent a lot of time out in the sun.' Gerald Dickens, the great great grandson of Charles, whose complexion was analysed to colourise photos of the novelist Mark Dickens, who regularly dresses up as his ancestor, posed to recreate portraits of Dickens in colour Gerald writes his own Dickens spin-offs and has taken his stage show on tour across the UK. But despite years of playing his great great grandfather, he said that posing for the colourised pictures afforded him an unprecedented connection. He said: 'It was a fascinating morning just sitting there being posed while he was looking at the original portrait, going backwards and forwards to his laptop getting me in the right pose, the exact lighting, just to capture the portrait as it was but in colour so you felt an incredible connection with Charles Dickens. 'As I was sat exactly the way he was sat - the inclination of the head, or leaning on a hand, whatever it might have been. 'It was amazing. Quite how he took the technical aspect and melded it together is beyond me but the actual being Dickens for that morning was an amazing experience.' 'When I'm doing it on stage it's a theatrical representation it has to work on many different levels... this was much much more personal as we were getting down to the fine fine aspects of how he looked. 'It made everything I've done before on the theatrical side much more real to me.' An old picture of Gerald (left) with his father, the great grandson of Dickens, who also bares a striking resemblance to the Victorian writer David Dickens, Mark's uncle and Charles Dickens's great-grandson, who bears the family beard Ancestors: Left is Dickens's grandson Admiral Sir Gerald Charles Dickens and right is his great grandson Captain Peter Charles Dickens Mark was photographed by his son Ollie, rather than in a studio, because of the coronavirus lockdown. But he still had to ensure the lighting and his pose exactly matched the portraits of Dickens. Commenting on the finished works, he said: 'You get a very different perception of what he looked like. 'I didn't know what I imagined. I'm extremely pleased with the result. I think it's brilliant and it brings the person to life again.' The first of eight images to be transformed ahead of the 150th anniversary of the author's death shows a 47-year-old Dickens wearing an 'ostentatious' patterned waistcoat, textured navy jacket and a bow tie. Experts at The Charles Dickens Museum in Holborn, London, researched the novelist's fashion choices, skin tone and the complexion of his living descendants to create 'a really accurate portrayal', curator Frankie Kubicki said. The museum has been shuttered by the lockdown, but hope to commemorate the anniversary of the author with the major exhibition when it is allowed to reopen. Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast This wasnt the election year summer that President Donald Trump planned. Set to run on a booming economy and a conservative court takeover, he has seen a pandemic, economic devastation, and race riots intervene. Now hard-pressed for a positive agenda item, Trump is plotting to go even more scorched earth than usual, ginning up national turmoil and painting his opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden, as sympathetic to left-wing violence. Republicans concede that the strategy is born from a place of desperation. As cascading crises have dented the presidents re-election prospects, Trump and his political machine have been forced to pause and revise their election strategy. And with no end to the civil unrest in sight, an economy that shows few signs of a quick rebound, and the looming prospect of a new coronavirus wave, they have few options left to use other than the nuclear. I dont know if there is a heck of a lot [Trump] can do to inform people about himself or substantially change his numbers, particularly on favorability, said Danny Diaz, who ran Jeb Bushs 2016 campaign, making him acutely aware of the arrows coming Bidens way. I think the play is a clear one and an uncomplicated one. Its one thats been run before. And its to absolutely take apart the Biden campaign between now and Election Day, period. The throw-it-all-against-the-wall approach, Republicans say, will be unrelenting, personal, and not always coherent. Trump and his team and allies plan to cast the former VP as a cynical D.C. insider who cut international deals to benefit his own family, but also as a clueless dupe, incapable of completing sentences and haplessly manipulated by the radicals in the ranks of his campaign. On Tuesday alone, President Trump and his political team portrayed Biden as weak on crime and in league with violent demonstrators, but also also as a callous, tough-on-crime drug warrior determined to incarcerate the very people for whom demonstrators are rallying. Story continues Trumps team was always going to run an unrelenting negative campaign against Biden. But they had planned to do it differently. A sustained campaign against the likely Democratic nominee was supposed to take place over months, leading up to the political conventionsmuch in the way Barack Obamas 2012 campaign used that time period to bloody and bludgeon Mitt Romney. But real-life events have condensed the campaign season and limited Trumps ability to maneuver. A lot of this is totally out of his hands, said Dave Carney, a longtime GOP operative and an adviser to several Texas Republicans. On the economy, for instance, he can be a cheerleader for it. But its really up to the states. A COVID-19 Surge in Young People May Sabotage Reopening While the coronavirus pandemic has altered the campaign trajectory, the riots in particular have clearly spooked the president, who covets his image as a law-and-order stalwart. Behind the scenes, Trump has complained of the mass civil unrest rocking the nation as at least partially, if not chiefly, an image problem. You know when other countries watch thistheyre watching this, the next day, wow, theyre really a pushover, Trump told a group of governors during a conference call this week. And we cant be a pushover. In portraying himself as the embodiment of law and order and his opponents as pushovers, few approaches have been more effective, in Trumpworlds view, than efforts to tie Biden and his campaign to the rioters themselves. The campaign has seized on reports that at least a dozen Biden campaign staffers donated to a nonprofit in Minnesota that has put up bail money for protesters arrested there. And Trump himself has said Biden is trying to get the Anarchists out of jail. I think you can expect the Trump campaign to continually wrap that decision around their neck, said a Republican close to the White House, and combine that with the silence about the looting and violence from some Democrats, you can expect the Trump campaign and Republicans at large to really paint the Democrat Party as the political party supporting riots and looting. Biden: Congress Must Ban Police Chokeholds Now But the efforts to paint the former VP as sympathetic to the looters will likely be edgier, too. In the past few days, Team Trump, and the president personally, have done everything short of saying the former VP is a card-carrying member of the antifa, the loosely organized group of leftist radicals that has caused mayhem and mass property damage during protests. And theyre doing so as Trumps administration seeks to officially brand antifa a terrorist group. An email sent out on Tuesday by a joint fundraising arm of the campaign and the Republican National Committee blared the all-caps subject line: ANTIFA. Dangerous MOBS of far-left groups are running through our streets and causing absolute mayhem. They are DESTROYING our cities and rioting - its absolute madness, the email declared. Please add your name IMMEDIATELY to stand with your President and his decision to declare ANTIFA a Terrorist Organization. Petitions such as those have no practical purpose. The number of people who sign them are irrelevant, and the signatures arent delivered to anyone in the hope of swaying opinions on the matter. And in a statement to The Daily Beast, Biden's press secretary TJ Ducklo dismissed the attacks as a pathetic attempt to spin yet another epic presidential failurethis time explaining away Donald Trump ordering gas and pepper balls fired at American citizens so he could denigrate St. Johns church as a political prop. The reason why isnt complicated. More than 105,000 Americans are dead and over 40 million are out of work because he failed to act, and hes desperate to change the subject. But Trumps team believes that the attacks can be an effective way of keeping his most dedicated fans engaged. And the hope among Republicans is that they can also dent Bidens margins among voter groups that hes already winning, allowing Trump to stay competitive in states he needs. Trump just needs to lose less badly among suburban women, said one top GOP pollster. If he pairs up on economic security and personal security and safety, that works. Its kind of back to what happened in 16. He gets to run against the machine and the politicians fucking the country up. He gets to be a strong man to stop the looting. Its like his inaugural address: American Carnage. Reminded that Trump is now overseeing the carnage, the pollster chuckled. I know, he replied. But now he can say hes going to end it. Its not actually clear that the Trump administration can, legally or logistically, even designate antifa as a terrorist group. But its nevertheless catnip for the presidents political base, and his campaign is determined to extract whatever political value it can from mass unrest that threatens to tarnish his carefully crafted image as a law-and-order president. For down-ticket Republicans, the riots present a chance to ding any opponent who voices support for those involved in the unrestor even declines to denounce themas at best irresponsible and at worst an active supporter of literal terrorists. The National Republican Congressional Committee has repeatedly hit up its press list this week with emails attempting to tie vulnerable Democratic incumbents to the riots. And some Trump allies went even further, suggesting that those Biden aides who contributed to bail funds should be criminally investigated for supporting antifa due to their efforts to assist with protester bail payments. Every single person funding and supporting ANTIFA needs to be investigated. Including @JoeBiden & his campaign for posting bail for these terrorists, declared Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican House candidate in Georgia, in a tweet on Monday morning. Shes no fringe candidate. Greene has raised more money than four of her five primary opponents, and drawn endorsements from the political arm of the House Freedom Caucus, caucus chairman Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), former chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), and Charlie Kirk, the leader of pro-Trump student group Turning Point USA. With backing from such mainstream Republicans, Greene has assumed the mantle of antifa nemesis. We also must... shut down social media accounts, websites, and organizations supporting the terrorist group, she said in a separate tweet. We will not tolerate insurrection. 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. Giovanni Marzona was 16 in the summer of 1944 when he saw Americans for the first time, parachuting over the mountains to help liberate Italy from fascism. He said they brought food, weapons and democracy. Mr. Marzona, 92, said what he sees now worries him. We always looked at America as the first defender of freedom, he said. If they go backward we will all go backward. He often visits schools to warn students about the danger of bullies, and the importance of standing up to them. Now Trump wants to be a bully, he said, but you have to stop bullies, otherwise they become little Mussolinis. Alessio Cotroneo, a 24-year-old student from Turin, keeps a poster of the Declaration of Independence by his bed and dreams of working in the United States. But now, he said, I am seeing a thin vein of authoritarianism. EMMA BUBOLA, ROME A group, who called themselves old-time Fishtowners, walk west on Girard Avenue carrying bats, hammers, and shovels in Philadelphia on June 1, 2020. The men said they believed they were protecting their neighborhood in the event looters or rioters showed up in Fishtown. Read more The images of panicked crowds scrabbling up the embankments of I-676 to escape tear gassing on Monday will likely be one of the defining images of the protests in Philadelphia and of the Kenney administration. Whether that tear gas was an outrageous response to a peaceful protest or, as the mayor and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw maintain, a justified response after protesters descended on the highway and refused to disperse, we need better answers. That it came an hour or so before peaceful protesters at a church near the White House were tear gassed in order to clear the way for President Donald Trump to pose in front of that church with a Bible links the two events. Trumps tear gassing followed his announcement that he will deploy the military to go into cities to quell the protests that ignited over the weekend an astonishing declaration of war on all of the American people, not just those protesting the loss of black lives at the hands of police. Trump has continued to drop lit matches on the fires of racism that have been burning across the country for generations, and it didnt start with protests over George Floyds death. But he brought a blowtorch by threatening military occupation in order to quell protesters, by goading governors to get tough with protestors, and claiming to these officials that most of you are weak. That strongman mindset escalates the kind of racist violence on the part of those police who fail at their jobs to keep citizens safe and protected, and who kill without accountability. That behavior, in turn, emboldens more widespread racial violence, the threat of which appeared in Fishtown Monday night when white men armed with bats, hammers, and shovels patrolled the streets. Trump would likely applaud Philadelphias response on Monday. And thats sad. Philadelphia is better than this. We are the city where the principles and promise of free speech were forged. If riots are the language of the unheard, the citys response to protests over the last few days has been the language of force and confrontation, rather than a strategy of de-escalation. De-escalating can work. In the summers of 2014 and 2015, when police across the country responded violently to Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of Ferguson, Mo., and Baltimore, then-Commissioner Charles Ramsey instructed police to de-escalate riots. When other cities combusted, Philadelphia didnt. This time around, the city has responded with a National Guard presence, with tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and flash bangs. Research shows that using force can turn a peaceful protest violent. Mayor Jim Kenney has called for an internal affairs investigation into Mondays protest, but that likely means no one will ever know the truth of who made the call to tear gas and whether it was justified. Kenney also needs to be clearer about the rationale for the arrest of journalists, the guidelines for curfews and why that doesnt seem to include people protecting their neighborhoods and on the chain of command for decisions to use tear gas and other means of force. We need more from our mayor than smoke signals and excuses. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, speaks to the media before the opening of the Berlin representation of Google Germany in Berlin on January 22, 2019. Google CEO Sundar Pichai encouraged employees to take a moment of silence Wednesday afternoon to honor black lives lost. "I realize that nothing about this week feels like business as usualand it shouldn't," Pichai said in an email to employees Wednesday. "Our Black community is hurting, and many of us are searching for ways to stand up for what we believe, and reach out to people we love to show solidarity." "Today at 1:00pm PDT we'll be standing together to honor the memories of Black lives lost in an 8 minute and 46 second moment of silence," he continued. The silence represents the length of time a white police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis, before Floyd died. Since that incident was captured on video on Memorial Day, it has gone viral and ignited worldwide protests. Google reportedly has been cutting back its diversity and inclusion programs since 2018. Pichai also said the company will provide $12 million in funding to organizations working to address racial inequities. As a result of an internal giving campaign launched last week, he said employees have already contributed an additional $2.5 million that the company said it will match. Pichai said that, on Tuesday, he met with a group of black leaders within the company to talk about where it should go from here. "We discussed many ideas, and we are working through where to put our energy and resources in the weeks and months ahead," he said. "We'll work closely with our Black community to develop initiatives and product ideas that support long-term solutionsand we'll keep you updated. As part of this effort, we welcome your ideas on how to use our products and technology to improve access and opportunity." The public commitments also come the same day the company shot down shareholder proposals that asked the company to expand diversity and inclusion efforts, including by linking metrics to company executive compensation. "As America faces a painful new reckoning around racism, white supremacy and gender injustice, our company remains predominantly white and male," said Pat Miguel Tomaino on behalf of lead filer Zevin Asset Management in Wednesday's shareholder meeting. "Alphabet must move beyond words, pledges and reporting. It must move toward accountability." COLUMBUS, Ohio - People want to help each other, even when it costs them something, and even when the motivations to help don't always align, a new study suggests. In research published today in the journal Science Advances, sociologists found that people overwhelmingly chose to be generous to others - even to strangers, and even when it seems one motivation to help might crowd out another. It is the first study to examine how all the established motivations to be generous interact with one another. "We wanted to do an exhaustive study to see what the effects of those motivations would be when combined - because they are combined in the real world, where people are making choices about how generous or kind to be with one another," said David Melamed, lead author of the study and an associate professor of sociology at The Ohio State University. Melamed is also an affilialte of Ohio State's Translational Data Analytics Institute. The study involved more than 700 people, and was designed to help researchers understand prosocial behavior. "It means doing something for someone else at a cost to yourself," Melamed said. "So one example would be paying for the person behind you's order at the coffee shop. Or right now, wearing your mask in public. It's a cost to you; it's uncomfortable. But you contribute to the public good by wearing it and not spreading the virus." Scientists previously had determined that four motivators influenced people to behave in a way that benefited other people. One: The recipient of a kindness is inclined to do something nice for the giver in return. Two: A person is motivated to do something nice to someone that she saw be generous to a third person. Three: A person is likely to do good in the presence of people in their network who might reward their generosity. And four: A person is likely to "pay it forward" to someone else if someone has done something nice for her. Those four motivators had all been studied isolated from one another, and some had been studied as a pair. But until this experiment, scientists had not conducted a comprehensive study about how the four motivators might affect one another in the real world, where the motivation to be kind to others might be influenced by multiple factors. "In the real world, the conditions under which people are nice to each other are not isolated - people are embedded in their networks, and they're going about their daily lives and coming into contact with things that will affect their decisions," Melamed said. "And these experiments show that all the motivations work. If you want to maximize prosocial behavior, it was a really great thing to see." For this study, which was done online, participants had to decide how much of a 10-point endowment to give to other people. The points had monetary value to the participants; giving cost them something. Then the researchers created different scenarios that combined one or all four of the potential motivators for giving. Melamed said that prior to the experiment, he thought the motivations for kindness might crowd one another out. For example, a person may be less apt to indirectly reward another's generosity toward a third person when he is focused on directly giving back help that he received. "People have a self-bias," he said. "If you do something nice for me, I may weigh that more than if I see you do something nice for someone else. But we found that all the motivators still show up as predictors of how much a person is willing to give to someone else, regardless of how the differing motivators are combined." This research helps us understand the remarkable quantity and diversity of prosocial behavior we see in humans, Melamed said. "From an evolutionary perspective, it's kind of perplexing that it even exists, because you're decreasing your own fitness on behalf of others," Melamed said. "And yet, we see it in bees and ants, and humans and throughout all of nature." ### CONTACT: David Melamed, melamed.9@osu.edu Written by: Laura Arenschield, arenschield.2@osu.edu Highlights TikTok has slipped from number 3 to number 5 in the Google Play store. In the iOS app store the fall in ranking is steeper as the app went to number 10 from number 5 within a month. Some other Chinese apps too saw fall in their ranking. It seems that the growing chorus to boycott Chinese products because of Beijing's aggressive posturing in Ladakh has hit popular Chinese apps like TikTok in Indian market, data shows. But, the lesser-known applications developed by the Asian giant have, ironically, witnessed growth in their rankings around the same time, according to industry statistics. TikTok, other popular China apps see fall Data from the Finland-based mobile-ranking platform, AppFollow, indicates that applications like TikTok have borne the brunt of Indian anger over Ladakh tensions. The popular short-form video app was ranked 5 in top-ten free applications on Apple's platform in India before the May 5 scuffle between Indian and Chinese troops. A month later, TikTok slipped down to number 10 on App Store. Among Android users, the same Chinese application dropped from number 3 to number 5 in India ranking. But it still remains on the list of top-ten popular apps in India. However, at the same time must be added that TikTok could also have been impacted by a campaign that some Indian YouTubers ran in the last month after a virtual fight between YouTube users and TikTok users. TikTok was given millions of one star reviews by Indians supporting YouTubers, leading to TikTok's rating come down to 1.2 stars. Google later deleted these millions of reviews. Another popular Chinese application, SHAREit, has witnessed a decline among Google's Android phone users -- from number 11 earlier to number 16 now. Helo, a fast-growing Chinese content-sharing and social-networking application, also reported a slip among iPhone users, moving down from 30 to 42 in the rankings. On Android, Helo is out of the top-ten category of free apps, sitting now at number 12 from 8 earlier. Lesser-known Chinese apps thrive But lesser-known Chinese applications, on the contrary, grew in the Indian market during the same period. BIGO LIVE, controlled by top Chinese streaming platform YY, for instance, rose from number 22 to number 10 in the top-grossing mobile applications in India among iPhone users. The platform also witnessed a gain among Android users, where it jumped from 86 to 81 in the top free application category. A new Chinese rival of TikTok called Likee, run by Guangzhou-based JOYY, improved its user-base among iPhone users, climbing to 150 from 176 in the free-app list. There is no clear evidence to suggest Indian users have shifted to other platforms permanently. The takedowns On Tuesday, Google removed Mitron app, the touted Indian alternative for TikTok. Earlier, experts had pointed out flaws with its security and had found evidence that the app was actually made by someone in Pakistan. The app's privacy, content and spamming related policy was also under the scanner. It is not yet known if the app will be listed again on Playstore. Google also removed a recently-launched application, which helped users identifying and uninstalling Chinese applications from the phones. Created by Jaipur-based technology firm, Remove China Apps had witnessed close to one million downloads within ten days. Its developers did not disclose the reasons behind the takedown, but said they are working on suggestions and feedbacks. The governor of Katsina, Aminu Masari, on Tuesday, said the state government would no longer negotiate a peace agreement with the dreaded, rampaging armed bandits who are killing innocent civilians in the state. The armed bandits have betrayed our trust in them, following a peace agreement earlier negotiated with them, in our quest to find a lasting peace in the state, Mr Masari told BBC Hausa service. The governor said despite the peace agreement entered, the bandits, in coordinated attacks with their accomplices from Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger Republic, have continued with indiscriminate killings across the state. The governor said in 2016, his administration introduced the peace agreement and it was successful because of the positive impact it made. However, the armed bandits later betrayed the government, the governor said. He said there are unrepentant bandits, they are the ones carrying on with the attacks. Now, it is the security agents that can negotiate with the bandits, he added. READ ALSO: We chose peace dialogue for peaceful coexistence in the state and we have done our best; yet, the attacks continue, Mr Masari said. As a result of the peace agreement, the government banned vigilante groups and identified cattle routes and facilitated free movements of bandits to convey their livestock in the markets. The Federal Government has deployed more troops with at least five fighter jets that would work between Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto. However, the security agents are complaining of (a) dearth of logistics to help them fight the bandits, the governor said. Philadelphia: Voters navigated curfews and health concerns in a slate of primary contests on Tuesday that tested the nation's ability to host elections amid duelling crises and moved Joe Biden closer to formally clinching the Democratic presidential nomination. In all, nine states and the District of Columbia held elections, including four that delayed their April contests because of the coronavirus outbreak. With no real competition, Biden and President Donald Trump easily won their respective primary elections in Indiana, Rhode Island, Maryland and the night's biggest prize: Pennsylvania. Biden also won South Dakota. An election official helps voters at a polling station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US. Credit:Bloomberg Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania were rocked by protests following the police killing of George Floyd. The dynamic was especially intense in Washington, where voters reported waiting hours in line to cast their ballots. While D.C. officials said voters wouldn't be arrested for breaking the 7pm curfew, thousands of protesters clogged key areas around the district, setting up a potential clash with law enforcement agencies and National Guard troops during a fifth night of social unrest. The reopening of schools in Australias two most populous states, New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, has coincided with multiple children testing positive for coronavirus. The infections have exposed state and federal government claims, both Labor and Liberal, that teachers, staff and children are safe to return to school amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In NSW, with only a weeks notice, the Liberal government of Premier Gladys Berejiklian ordered the full reopening of the schools on May 25. Just one day later, two schools in Sydney had to be closed, Moriah College and Waverley College, after students, one in Year 5 and another in Year 7, tested positive. The schools were closed for several days while they were cleaned. Children who had been in close proximity to the infected were advised to self isolate, and many families took their children to get tested. There was no identified spread of the virus from the two confirmed cases. The two private schools are located very close together in Sydneys eastern suburbs, near Bondi beach, which emerged as one of the coronavirus hotspots at the peak of the initial wave of infections in late March. How the students were infected, and whether there was a connection between the two cases, remains unknown. In what has emerged as a repeated pattern, the media initially reported the Sydney school infections but then quickly dropped coverage, with no follow up investigative reporting. NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell insisted that despite the new infections, the government had made the right call in reopening schools. She added that there will be occasions [when] we do have a positive case that affects a school community, declaring this was something were going to have to live with. The same disregard for public health and safety has been demonstrated by the state Labor government in Victoria. On May 25, schools reopened for students in Years Prep-2 and 11-12, ahead of a full reopening next Tuesday. As in NSW, the rushed return to the classroom has triggered coronavirus infections. In the working class Melbourne suburb of Keilor Downs, a cluster of at least 13 cases has resulted in the temporary closure of three schools. Keilor Downs College closed last week after a student tested positive, reportedly through a known source. A teacher had earlier tested positive, though had reportedly been working from home and had not had physical contact with the school. St Albans Secondary College and Taylor Lakes Secondary College were also affected, with 80 students from the three public high schools told to self-isolate. A younger relative of the infected student later also tested positive, resulting in the closure of Holy Eucharist Primary School in St Albans and the quarantining of a Year 2 class and the teacher. The young student had reportedly been asymptomatic before being tested, underscoring the likelihood of ongoing community transmission that is not being detected by the targeted testing system in place. In a separate case reported yesterday, a kindergarten teacher from Macleod Preschool, in Melbournes north-east, tested positive. The kindergarten was closed for deep cleaning. Health officials reported that at least 12 children and 8 staff were considered close contacts of the infected teacher. As in NSW, the state Labor government has insisted that school staff need to accept that continued outbreaks of infections are inevitable. Victorian Education Minister James Merlino declared last week: There is no doubt, there will be outbreaks we will deal with them on a school-by-school basis. The rushed reopening of the schools in the midst of the pandemic is grossly irresponsible. Government assurances of school staff and child safety are outright lies. Scientists are still learning about the coronavirus, including how it affects children. It is well documented that COVID-19 disproportionately affects older people, but doctors internationally are only beginning to explore the painful and potentially fatal symptoms in a minority of cases that trigger what has been called paediatric inflammatory multi-system syndrome, resembling Kawasaki Disease. Moreover, there are conflicting scientific studies concerning the question of whether the coronavirus is less transmissible through young children. Christian Drosten, virologist at Berlins Charite hospital, explained in late April that evidence indicated that viral loads in the very young do not differ significantly from those of adults children may be as infectious as adults. The study that Drosten led concluded: Based on these results, we have to caution against an unlimited reopening of schools and kindergartens in the present situation. The rushed reopening of the schools in Australia has nothing to do with an objective, scientific evaluation of the real risks confronting teachers and school staff, students and families. Rather it forms the spearhead of the ruling elites drive to fully reopen the economy for big business and finance capital, eliminating social distancing and lockdown measures that impinged on the generation of profit. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, supported by the Labor Party through the national cabinet, has insisted that there will be no plan to eliminate coronavirus because it would be too costly. The Australian Education Union and other teacher unions, including the NSW Teachers Federation, are complicit. The bureaucracies have endorsed the rushed reopening of the schools, playing a crucial role in suppressing teacher concerns and opposition by agreeing with and amplifying the official rationales for a return to face-to-face teaching. Teachers are being given contradictory and impossible to implement advice. Morrison has repeatedly declared that social distancing is not necessary or advisable within schools, but at the same time, half of the federal governments glossy poster for school teachers is devoted to advice on how to maintain social distancing measures. One of these states: Maintain smaller classes. As though class sizes are determined by teachers! No funding or other measures necessary to reduce class sizes have been put in place, such as strict class caps and the hiring of tens of thousands of additional teachers across the country. Teachers and school staff cannot allow themselves and their students to be used as guinea pigs in a dangerous social experiment. The Committee for Public Education (CFPE) published a statement on May 28 opposing the reopening of school systems in states and territories where there is community transmission of COVID-19currently New South Wales (NSW) and Victoriaand calling for the formation of safety action committees to protect the safety and wellbeing of students and staff threatened by the coronavirus pandemic. This remains an urgent requirement. All teachers and school staff looking to develop this discussion should contact the CFPE. Email: cfpe.aus@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/commforpubliceducation Twitter: @CFPE_Australia WASHINGTON - Key Senate Republicans have openly embraced the need to rein in police brutality in a manner that was largely unthinkable five years ago, when the political imperative of supporting officers remained central to the GOP's "law-and-order" ethos. The nearly nine-minute video of a police officer's knee compressing George Floyd's neck left these Republicans stunned, like most of America, concluding that black communities were right in charging some police forces with decades of systemic injustice. No, these Republicans are not denouncing President Donald Trump's actions, not even his declaration of being the "law-and-order" president before clearing out largely peaceful protesters so he could walk to a historic church near the White House. Trump's hold on conservative voters remains too strong for any real rebellion from Republicans on Capitol Hill. But Floyd's death has prompted Republicans to hold uncomfortable conversations and talk more openly, sometimes awkwardly, about a subject they had long avoided. Yet many GOP lawmakers remain unsure of what steps the federal government should take to break this systemic problem. Consider Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a close Trump ally. On Tuesday, Graham spoke to reporters about his discussions with black pastors in South Carolina who talked about how they teach younger African Americans to act if they get pulled over by the police. "Don't reach into the glove compartment to get your ID. Keep hands on," Graham said, his voice trailing off. "That doesn't happen in my church. So there's a problem here and we've got to get to the bottom of it." Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., a lieutenant in the leadership team, has had similar conversations. "You know, with my sons, the discussion has always been if you get in trouble, find a policeman and they'll solve this problem," Blunt said Tuesday. His African American friends tell their sons to remain calm and call their parents at first chance, Blunt said. "That's a different kind of America, and I think people are understanding that those protests make sense." Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., went a step further and called the Minneapolis case murder, even as prosecutors have charged one former officer with second-degree murder and charged three other former officers with aiding and abetting murder. "We had a senseless murder of a fellow American, George Floyd, in recent days, and it led to understandably anger and grief among so many Americans, great pain. And I think we all feel it," Young, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told reporters. It remains to be seen whether these comments produce action or echo like the "thoughts and prayers" statements that many conservatives issue after mass shootings, without any substantive legislation passing to prevent gun violence. Trump, for one, does not sound like a president who wants to sign new legislation, and Republicans emerged from their daily policy luncheon Wednesday saying there were no discussions about next steps on the issue. But it is a marked shift in tone for Republicans. Back in 2014, after Michael Brown died in Ferguson, Mo., and Eric Garner died while in a chokehold by New York police, Republicans expressed some level of sadness, but nothing like some of their current rhetoric. John Boehner, R-Ohio, then the House speaker, called them "serious tragedies" that Americans "want to understand more of what the facts were." By the spring of 2015, as the GOP presidential contest unfolded, few contenders spoke out after Freddie Gray died after riding in the back of a Baltimore police van, and in July 2016, Trump called it "disgraceful" that local prosecutors tried to charge those officers. By January 2017, House Republicans pulled down a painting depicting the situation in Ferguson that had been selected to hang in a Capitol hallway from a student art competition. And, to be sure, some Republicans continue to embrace a get-tough approach to any disturbances on city streets, applauding Trump's tone Monday. "The president talking that way will put a little spine in some of these governors that aren't calling out the National Guard," Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said Tuesday. Sen. Tom Cotton. R-Ark., has led the call for Trump to use the Insurrection Act to send active-duty military to work with local authorities to contain any violence, an idea that Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Wednesday that he does not support. And many Senate Republicans have also expressed opposition to such a rare step. They range from Graham, who said it would only be a "last resort," to freshman Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., who said there is no need at this point. Those Republicans who want to do something - actual legislation to take on police brutality - are struggling with what to support. "We had some, some discussions. We have some members who have some ideas. So we're, you know, hearing them, hearing those out," Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the majority whip, told reporters Wednesday. Thune cited the December 2018 law that revamped the criminal justice system, eliminating some mandatory sentencing guidelines, for how it won support from conservatives and liberals. Graham is holding a June 16 hearing on police issues, but he has no idea if legislation can emerge that would win enough Republican support and secure Trump's signature. "Wait and see what happens at the hearing. I don't have anything in mind right now. But hopefully as part of the hearing we can find some things to do together," he said. Four Senate Republicans renewed their call to push legislation that requires states to keep track of data related to police shootings, including the race of the person shot. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina the chamber's only black Republican, first introduced the bill in 2015 after an unarmed black man was shot in the back and killed by police in South Carolina. Blunt said he would encourage Attorney General William Barr to reinstate the Justice Department's "pattern and practice" program to thoroughly investigate an entire police force's historic behavior, rather that just probing an individual officer or officers after one incident of alleged brutality. That program, originally housed in the civil rights division, began in 1994 and conducted reviews of departments such as those in Ferguson and Chicago, but under Trump, it was severely limited. Blunt formalized the proposal in a letter to Barr on Wednesday. "Looking at individuals is important, but it's not enough. Looking at the pattern and practice of an entire department does matter," Blunt said. Restoring order to Americas cities isnt a complicated proposition. All it requires is resources and determination, and a firm rejection of the longstanding progressive fallacy that an overwhelming police presence is provocative and escalatory and must be avoided. As has been established across decades of civil disturbances, it is police passivity that emboldens mobs. When the cops stand by, or dont show up or, even worse, run away, it is a permission slip for destruction. They might as well supply the spray paint, bricks and hammers for the crowds, and beckon them into the local Target or Nike store to take whatever they want. Out-of-control looting is almost always a failure of municipal resolve or police tactics, and we have seen plenty of just such cowardice and foolishness during the past several days, most notably in Minneapolis, ground zero for this spasm of urban disorder. In a display of sloppy wishful thinking at the worst possible time, the citys leaders decided last week to vacate the 3rd police precinct. Mayor Jacob Frey explained that they believed this would be a way to both help de-escalate and prevent hand-to-hand combat. Instead, it allowed for a major escalation, as protestors gleefully torched the police building, in the worst symbol of official abdication of this crisis so far. During the first couple of nights of violence, Minneapolis barely managed to arrest anyone. For his part, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota hesitated to mobilize the National Guard lest he seem oppressive, apparently unaware that his target audience wasnt a social justice seminar at Oberlin College, but provocateurs and nihilists who were going to take every inch they were given and make it a mile of broken glass and looted goods. President Donald Trump has been a steady fount of inflammatory and crude statements during the last week, but when he blasted the total lack of leadership in Minneapolis, he wasnt wrong. All state and municipal leaders need to know about controlling riots is obvious from a cursory review of the history. Consider the worst disturbance in recent times, the L.A. riots. They began when about two dozen cops retreated before an angry crowd after the Rodney King verdicts, some of them literally running away. The mob descended on the intersection of Florence and Normandie, and began beating Anglo and Latino motorists, completely unmolested by the authorities for hours. Some police reported being ordered to leave the area and then being ordered not to return. A couple of squad cars drove through the intersection without stopping. The rest is history days of violence, more than 60 people killed and 2,000 injured, and in excess of $1 billion in property damage. By the end, thousands of federal troops were in the city. Back in 1970, in his classic book on domestic unrest, The Riotmakers, Eugene Methvin identified police absence or pullback as the accelerant on riots. It was a huge factor in the Watts riots in 1965. The same dynamic held in a Philadelphia riot the year before (an officer there expressed exactly the same sentiment as a retreating LAPD officer in 1992, The hell with it. Let them do what they want). In Detroit in 1967, cops retreated and the authorities underestimated the forces they needed as a riot devastated the city. It is simply not true that rioters will be quickly sated if they are allowed to break and burn things freely. Disorder feeds on itself. Looting one store, overturning one police car is never enough. There is no alternative to imposing curfews, zealously enforcing them, arresting violators and calling out the National Guard if theres not enough police manpower for the job. This doesnt escalate the violence, it stops it. During the weekend, Minneapolis finally got more serious about policing itself and saw a drastic diminishment of destruction. Anyone who doesnt want American cities to burn should take note. Rich Lowry is on Twitter @RichLowry. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 FM says Italy ready to welcome foreign tourists Minister begins meeting with EU counterparts (ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 3 - Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio announced in a Facebook post Wednesday that starting today he would be meeting with his EU counterparts to ''show everyone that Italy is ready to welcome foreign tourists in security and with maximum data transparency''. He noted that ''the French minister Le Drian will be arriving in Rome in the afternoon. On Friday I will be in Germany, Saturday in Slovenia and Tuesday in Greece''. He added that welcoming tourists means getting the economy back to functioning and giving crafts workers, shopkeepers, entrepreneurs and hotel owners the possibility to work. (ANSAmed). NEWTON, MA A Newton South junior, challenged by her teachers to do an extra final project related to the Black Lives Matter movement, decided she wanted to have a final project that really made an impact. So, she created a way to make it easier for people to take action and ask for change from municipal law enforcement. She built @reptilebot, an automated text bot that allows people to sign and send email messages to local police departments, specifically to demand justice for incidents of police brutality. Since it went live early Tuesday, it has sent some 1,200 emails, Ellen Yang told Patch. "When I logged on today and saw how many people had been using it, it's just really moving to see so many people using a tool that you made for good," she said. "It's a win for the movement and for amplifying the fight in general against police brutality." Yang, who is 17 and has her own side consulting company among other business endeavors, said that as far as she can tell, this is the only SMS bot that's been created specifically to reach out to law enforcement. Hers is similar to Resist bot, which allows people to contact legislators and sign petitions related to everything from the Keep Families Together Act to COVID-19. But with RepTile bot, all you have to do to use it is text "ACTION" to 617-553-6633, and the automated bot will ask you which city you want to contact and provide a list of issues. You text the one-word responses and then your name and where you live, and the app will automate your demand and deliver it. So far, you have two choices: Send a message to either the Minneapolis police or the Boston police. Photos: Protesters Hold 'Die-In' Outside Boston's Franklin Park The topic of racism near and far was a trending theme throughout the year in many of her classes at Newton South this year, Yang said. As the end of the school year neared, both her biology and math teachers added an option to have a final project that related. Story continues The wheels of Yang's mind immediately set to work on a project that could work for both, she said. She started her project the evening of June 1 and finished it at 3 a.m. the following day, less for her math and bio teachers the project isn't due for days and more for its potential impact. "So many people are on social media sharing quotes about Black Lives Matter, and people are resharing stories and are like 'OK, I've done my part,'" she said. But the issue is people often don't know where to start, or feel scared to go find emails and send to law enforcement to take that next step to make their voices have impact. "I wanted to make a super easy solution, and who doesn't have time to send a text?" she said. "It started as a school project, and now it's spiraled into much bigger than a class final." The bot collects the name and cities and then sends an automated message, but doesn't give out contact information to the police. Yang is working to reach out to both police departments to see if someone might respond to the requests. She's ever thinking of ways to improve the bot, and different causes to add, and she is taking requests on Instagram. She does have to pay for each text, and that adds up, she said, so she's had to ask for donations to come in. Down the line and, yes, she expects to keep this going for a while she hopes to have something in place that's a bit more sustainable. "The main thing I hope people take away is that they can take action," Yang said. "As great and important as social media is, if you don't take the time to actually contact the people in power and have the power to change [you're missing a big component]. It's what pushes the movement and the fight against police brutality." So far, more people have opted to send messages to the Minneapolis Police Department than Boston police, she said. "I hope that more people will continue to use it as a tool to make sure that our voices ARE heard by those with power and keep pushing the Black Lives Matter revolution forward," Yang said. Read more: Protesters Hold 'Die-In' Outside Boston's Franklin Park Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, opinion piece. This article originally appeared on the Newton Patch Tens of thousands of people marched peacefully through the streets of downtown Houston, wearing masks and chanting 'Black Lives Matter', to pay tribute to 46-year-old African-American George Floyd, whose death in police custody in Minneapolis triggered violent protests across the United States. IMAGE: Protesters march at a rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Houston, Texas. Photograph: Callaghan O'Hare/Reuters The protests across the country led to the death of at least five persons, arrest of over 4,000 people and damage to property worth billions of dollars. Chanting "hands up, don't shoot" and "no justice, no peace", the crowd, estimated to be over 60,000, along with 16 members of Floyd's family, some of whom flew down to Houston, marched about a mile from Discovery Green Park to City Hall under the scorching sun. Organised by rappers Trae Tha Truth and Bun B, the march had as its participants several city leaders and officials, including Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee, Lizzie Fletcher and Sylvia Garcia, and Congressman Al Green. Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen led a prayer with Floyd's family members, with the crowd later getting down on one knee and observing silence for 30 seconds in the memory of the Houston man. IMAGE: Protesters raise their hands in solidarity as they rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in downtown Houston, Texas. Photograph: Adrees Latif/Reuters "Never did I think we would have this many people for my brother," said Floyd's sibling, while a nephew of his said, "don't stop until we get justice for my uncle." Rapper Bun B led the chanting crowd. He said "What's his name?" and the crowd replied, "George Floyd." "That's right and do not you ever forget it," Bun B said. Reverend Bill Lawson, who had marched with Dr Martin Luther King, addressed the marchers and said "(the crowd) needs to make noise". "We have been quiet for too long," he said. IMAGE: Philonise Floyd, brother of George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis police custody, is surrounded by family members as he speaks at a protest rally against his brothers death, in Houston, Texas. Photograph: Adrees Latif/Reuters Mayor Turner said that as "we protest and demonstrate, we do it in such a way that we do not deface George Floyd's name". "This day is not about City Hall. This is your city. Today is about the family of George Floyd," Turner said. "We want them to know that George did not die in vain," the mayor said addressing the rally. "Let me say to his family, as the mayor of the fourth largest city, that we are with you in the years to come. George Floyd did not die in vain. We are not perfect. We recognise that. In our city, we respect every person, every person is important, every neighbourhood is of value. We have to commit ourselves to doing better every day," Turner said. IMAGE: A lone protester kneels in front of City Hall after protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd cease in Houston, Texas. Photograph: Callaghan O'Hare/Reuters Congresswoman Lee said, "I want us to know the pain of these loved ones... some of whom I've had police officers tell me what an inspiration George Floyd was. You are this nation. And I've come here to take your nation (back)". It is time a for a revolution of change, she said. Congressman Green said he is angry because not only do "we want an arrest, we want a conviction." IMAGE: Protesters hold signs while standing in a pool outside city hall, as they rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd in Houston, Texas. Photograph: Sergio Flores/Getty Images It is time to declare a war on racism in the United States, he said, adding that US President Donald Trump should have been impeached for his racism. Before the event, officials urged those marching to have their voices heard, while demonstrating peacefully. Violence was discouraged. IMAGE: Attendees hold up signs during a march in honour of George Floyd in Houston, Texas. Photograph: Callaghan O'Hare/Reuters Shortly before the start of the march, the City of Houston in an alert asked the public to report any suspicious behaviour. Houston Public Works crews have removed several piles of bricks and rocks from locations around the city, officials said. Update [June 3 9am Beijing Time ]: According to a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province tested 9,899,828 people between May 14 and June 1. No confirmed cases were found, and 300 asymptomatic cases were found and quarantined. Negative! That was the good news that Yang Taizhen, a 96-year-old Wuhan citizen, got from her family when they told her the results of her nucleic acid test on May 23. Though Yang has not been out of her apartment since the community lockdown was introduced, the community still arranged for her to take a test out of safety concerns. The government is doing a great thing and being responsible for all its citizens, Yang said. About two weeks ago, Wuhan, the former epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in China, launched a citywide campaign to test all 11 million of its residents in ten days after six new cases emerged in a residential community earlier in May, breaking a 35-day streak of zero cases in the city. The testing drive aims to better understand the number of asymptomatic cases or people who show no clear symptoms despite carrying the virus. From May 15 to May 24, samples were taken from more than 9 million residents and over 6.5 million have been tested, with 218 asymptomatic cases being identified, according to the Wuhan Health Commission. On May 22, more than 10 percent of the citys population, or 1.47 million citizens, were tested in a single day. Determined to leave no person behind, the city has set up 231 sampling sites, searching for and testing residents who were left out of the initial drive. As of May 31, a total of 320 asymptomatic carriers in Wuhan have been put under quarantine and their close contacts were being closely tracked, according to the citys health commission. Race against time Residents take nucleic acid tests at a testing post set up at a primary school in Dongxihu District in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, May 15, 2020. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) Processing tests for a city of around 10 million is no easy task, and communities are doing their best to ensure peoples safety. Most of the tests are conducted outdoors in residential communities, with residents being kept more than a meter apart to avoid cross-infection. Volunteers and community workers are nearby to maintain order, and the medical workers change their gloves for every test. Medical workers also paid door-to-door visits to those unable to make it to the testing sites, such as the elderly and disabled people. Locals showed great support for the tests, partly because it was free of charge. The total cost, which is at 900 million yuan (126 million U.S. dollars), is being shouldered by the government. To increase testing capacity, authorities used a batch testing method, which involves pooling samples together to be tested in batches, only carrying out individual tests if a batch proves positive. Experts pointed out that the method works best in places with low infection rates. Batch testing is a more economical and efficient way in areas with an infection rate of less than 1 percent, said Peng Zhiyong, ICU director of Zhongnan Hospital in Wuhan. Residents line up for nucleic acid tests at a testing post set up at a primary school in Dongxihu District in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, May 15, 2020. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) Since the testing campaign began, the local health authority has been releasing the number of new asymptomatic infections every single day on its official website. For the public, open and transparent data sharing is an important way to address their concerns, said an official from the Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to the total number of infections, citizens have been able to get access to personal results since May 22 on WeChat, one of Chinas leading social messaging apps. Many residents have posted their own results in chat groups or Moments, not only to share their excitement at being healthy, but also to ease their neighbors worries. Wang Liying, a local resident living in Wuchang District, felt relieved after seeing her neighbors test results. My little grandson is seven months old and cant wear a mask. I didnt dare to take him out in the past few months. Now I feel its safe to take him out, she said. Mass tests, increased confidence Citizens shop in a supermarket in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. (Photo/Peoples Daily) Like Wang, more and more citizens are going out after the testing campaign. The city has seen life gradually return to normal, with the hustle and bustle of normal times returning to public places. According to local health authorities, testing has been carried out on all employees at the citys major supermarkets and restaurants, including more than 55,000 people. As the epidemic has taken a heavy toll on businesses in Wuhan, the citywide testing has helped increase citizens willingness to consume. In addition, nearly 60,000 employees from the public transportation sector, including bus, subway, airport and railway corporations, have completed the tests, with none testing positive. The gruelling ten-day battle is no doubt a shot in the arm for Wuhan citizens, with many expressing their increased confidence in the gradual resumption of work and production and restoration of normal order in their lives. After the testing drive, the number of people on the streets has increased significantly. We feel more secure when going shopping and going to work, said local resident Mrs. Qian. A citizen takes a photo on a bridge in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. (Photo/Xinhua) The testing campaign in Wuhan is a very difficult task, but it is necessary, said Zeng Yixin, vice-minister of the National Health Commission. Expanding the scope of nucleic acid testing is being done not only to protect peoples health, but also to better restore social and economic order. Lu Zuxun, a public health professor at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, said the mass testing effort will help uncover potential sources of infection and reduce risks as the city further resumes work, production and schooling, demonstrating its determination and ability to contain the virus. As the COVID-19 rampage continues globally, Wuhans testing drive can provide other countries with more anti-virus experience, he added. MOUNTAIN VIEW (dpa-AFX) - Google and its parent company, Alphabet Inc. is facing a lawsuit for allegedly invading millions of users' privacy by tracking their internet use even when browsing in private mode. The complaint, filed in the federal court in San Jose, California, seeks at least $5 billion in damages for violations of federal wiretapping and California privacy laws. Plaintiffs Chasom Brown, Maria Nguyen, and William Byatt claimed that the internet search company tracked their and millions of users' internet use between June 1, 2016 and the present through browsers set in 'private browsing mode.' As per the lawsuit, Google collects data through Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager and various other applications and website plug-ins including on mobile devices. Google gets detailed, personal information such as the user's IP address, what they are viewing, and details about the user's hardware, even when they take steps to maintain their privacy, according to it. This is regardless of whether users click on Google-supported ads. The lawsuit said, 'Google's practices infringe upon users' privacy; intentionally deceive consumers; give Google and its employees power to learn intimate details about individuals' lives, interests, and internet usage; and make Google 'one stop shopping' for any government, private, or criminal actor who wants to undermine individuals' privacy, security, or freedom.' Responding to the lawsuit, Google spokesman Jose Castaneda reportedly said the company will defend itself vigorously against the claims, noting that it clearly states each time that the websites might be able to collect browsing information. In late May, a consumer fraud lawsuit was filed against Google by the U.S. State of Arizona alleging deceptive and unfair practices used to obtain users' location data. In the filing, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich accused that the tech giant exploits these data for its lucrative advertising business. In February, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas had filed lawsuit against Google alleging that its educational platforms violated federal child privacy laws. The company is also being probed by a coalition of state attorneys general over its dominance in online advertising. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. STAMFORD Health care information firm Sema4 announced this week that it is increasing the capacity for its new coronavirus testing program to at least 10,000 tests daily and up to 20,000, with the initiative supporting first responders, nursing homes and primary care centers in Connecticut. Sema4s partnership with the state government builds on a regimen that since April has processed several thousand COVID-19 tests at its laboratory in Branford for 30 Connecticut-based health care facilities. Sema4 is also conducting antibody testing to identify people who have been exposed and whose immune systems have responded to the coronavirus virus, with the goal of running about 5,000 of the tests per day by the end of June. As a health intelligence company, we will fully leverage our technical expertise to deliver a state-of-the-art digital solution for the ordering, tracking, analysis and viewing of test results for providers and patients, in delivering rapid and accurate COVID-19 testing, Sema4 founder and CEO Eric Schadt said in a statement. Our team is working relentlessly to provide expanded viral and antibody testing to support state employees, first responders and all Connecticut residents who need testing during this public health crisis. Today, Stamford-headquartered Sema4 is building out its system to run tests for the residents and staff at more than 30 nursing homes; patients at all Community Health Centers in the state; first responders in Stamford, Darien and other parts of Connecticut; and Connecticut National Guard members. Sema4s viral tests are manufactured by PerkinElmer and its antibody tests are run on the Abbott Alinity system, in accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations Emergency Use Authorization. Results are returned within about 24 hours of receiving the sample for the viral test and around 48 hours for the antibody test, according to the company. Sema4 accepts saliva, nasal swab and oral swab samples, which are collected by health care providers and at authorized collection sites. It plans to soon accept saliva samples taken at home. The tests are offered with no out-of-pocket cost to Connecticut residents, the company said. Testing is crucial to efforts to track and reduce coronavirus spread. As of Monday, about 259,000 people had taken tests for the virus in Connecticut. About 7,300 of every 100,000 people in the state have been tested, a rate that ranks ninth among the states, according to Johns Hopkins Universitys Coronavirus Resource Center. Rhode Island ranks No. 1, having tested about 14,800 for every 100,000 people, followed by about 10,800 for New York and 9,600 for North Dakota. To help employers manage back-to-work programs, Sema4 said it would provide an even more complete, end-to-end digital solution for those ordering and receiving tests, including portals for registering employees, tracking samples and reporting results. We are very fortunate to have Sema4 as a partner with industry-leading testing experience, state-of-the-art digital tools and analysis, outstanding clinical expertise, and the labs to be able to ramp up COVID-19 testing quickly, Lt. Col. Christopher Chabot, leader of Connecticut COVID-19 testing program, said in a statement. Our partnership with Sema4 will make a significant difference in keeping many of our residents safe, including numerous people that are particularly vulnerable to infection. Alongside its coronavirus testing, Sema4 provides genomic testing and analysis services to hundreds of thousands of patients every year that focus on womens health and oncological care. Sema4s main offices are based at 333 Ludlow St. in the South End of Stamford. It is building another lab in the Waterside section of Stamford, with the 70,000-square-foot center scheduled to open later this year. pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; twitter: @paulschott The Union Cabinet has cleared the proposal to suspend Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) proceedings for bank defaulters for six months with a provision to extend the period for up to one year, CNBC-TV18 said in a news flash. This will be applicable for NPAs (non-performing assets) after March 25. This was one of the proposals Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced in her series of press conferences on the Rs 20 lakh crore economic package. The move will offer relief to lot of companies battered by the COVID-19 crisis since these firms will not be dragged into the IBC proceedings for now. However, the decision may not be good for the banking sector since banks will have to sit on bad assets for a long period. They won't be allowed to take those accounts to IBC for quick resolution. This could lead to potential future stress and lower realisation through resolution process. According to rating agency Icra, suspension of fresh insolvency proceedings for a period of one year would ensure relief for the companies that are severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and are unable to meet payments to their creditors. However, realisations for financial creditors in FY 22 could be even lower due to the suspension of fresh insolvency proceedings for one-year period, Icra said. According to Icra, the COVID-19 outbreak and the suspension of new proceedings under IBC is expected to result in significantly lower realisations of upto 30-40 per cent for the financial creditors in FY20-21. "ICRA expects the resolution of corporate insolvency resolution proceedings (CIRPs) would be impacted during FY2021 due to a decline in the number of CIRPs yielding a resolution plan as well as an increase in haircuts that lenders would have to take. The financial creditors could realise about Rs. 600 - 700 billion in FY2021 through successful resolution plans from the IBC as compared to about Rs. 1,000 billion realised in FY2020," the agency said. The government decided to suspend the IBC proceedings in view of the Covid-19 impact on the economy. To fight Covid, the government announced a nationwide lockdown beginning March 25 which continues even now with some relaxations. The prolonged lockdown has impacted businesses severely curtailing their ability to pay back loans to banks. The IBC holiday was announced in this context. Introduction of IBC in the first term of Narendra Modi government has been one of the major reforms in the Indian banking sector. This helped banks to progress on bad asset resolution in a quicker manner compared to the erstwhile debt resolution tribunal (DBT) system which took years to resolve a case. Since the introduction of IBC, Indian banks have managed to achieve resolution in some large cases. According to rating agency, CARE, so far, 3,774 companies have been admitted to IBC proceedings on a cumulative basis. Of this, 24 percent cases are closed by liquidation while only six percent cases have been closed through resolution. The manufacturing sector accounts for the highest share at 40 percent of the overall cases, followed by the real estate (20 percent), construction (11 percent) and trading sectors (10 percent). In Q4, the sectors have remained constant compared with the previous quarter. Of the total 12 cases that were directed to the IBC by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2017, a resolution has been arrived at in six cases while liquidation orders were passed against two companies. In two companies, resolution has happened but banks have not received payment. Beside, in the case of another company, the resolution plan failed and hence the process has been restarted, the report said. The six companies that had found a resolution are Electrosteel Steels, Bhushan Steel, Monnet Ispat, Essar Steel, Alok Industries and Jaypee Infratech. In Jyoti Structures and Bhushan Power and Steel, resolution happened but payment is yet to be received. Against the admitted amount of Rs 236,907 crore, the creditors realised Rs 113,076 crore from these eight firms. Only in the case of Jaypee Infratech, the creditors managed 100 percent realisation of the admitted amount. These 12 companies had outstanding claims of Rs.3.45 lakh crore compared to a liquidation value of Rs.73,220 crore. In the case of Amtek Auto, the resolution failed and the process has been restarted, said the report. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Luminex Resources Corp. (LR.V) (the Company or Luminex) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of agents, led by Haywood Securities Inc. (collectively, the Agents), that have agreed to sell, on a commercially reasonable efforts private placement basis, up to 9,286,000 common shares (Shares) at a price of C$0.70 per Share (the Offering Price), for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$6,500,200 (the Brokered Offering). In addition, the Company intends to complete a concurrent non-brokered private placement of up to C$3,500,000 worth of Shares (the Non-Brokered Offering, and together with the Brokered Offering, the Offering"), on the same terms as the Brokered Offering with certain insiders and strategic investors. The Company has granted the Agents an option (the Over-Allotment Option), exercisable in whole or in part by the Agents, to sell an additional C$975,030 of Shares at the Offering Price. The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Offering for the exploration and advancement of the Companys projects in Ecuador and for general corporate purposes. The Offering is scheduled to close on or about June 24, 2020 (the Closing Date), and is subject to certain conditions customary for transactions of this nature, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company has agreed to pay the Agents a cash commission of up to 6% of the gross proceeds raised under the Brokered Offering. The common shares issued in the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day following the Closing Date. The securities to be offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (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, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Story continues The Company expects certain related parties as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") to participate in the Offering. Any such resulting related party transaction will be exempt from the formal valuation requirement and shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of any Shares issued to such persons will not exceed 25% of the Companys market capitalization. About Luminex Resources Luminex Resources Corp. (LR.V) is a Vancouver, Canada based precious and base metals exploration and development company focused on gold and copper projects in Ecuador. Luminexs inferred and indicated mineral resources are located at the Condor Gold-Copper project in Zamora-Chinchipe Province, southeast Ecuador. Luminex also holds a large and highly prospective land package in Ecuador, including the Tarqui and Pegasus projects, which are being co-developed with BHP Group plc and Anglo American respectively. Further details are available on the Companys website at https://luminexresources.com/. To receive future news releases please sign up at https://www.luminexresources.com/contact/contact-us/. LUMINEX RESOURCES CORP. For further information contact: Signed: Marshall Koval Scott Hicks info@luminexresources.com Marshall Koval, CEO and Director T: +1 604 646 1899 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 news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to: the size of the Offering, the expected participation of insiders in the Offering, the anticipated Closing Date and the receipt of regulatory approvals for the Offering. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as will or variations of that word and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results will, could or are intended to be taken, occur or be achieved. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions, the prices of gold and copper, and anticipated costs and expenditures. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Companys continuous disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities administrators. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Big C Mien Dong has failed to reach an agreement with the building owner The announcement of Big C said that it failed to reach an agreement with the owner of the building. Accordingly, the retailer argued that the rent required by the owner would make it impossible for Big C to keep to its commitment to keep prices low, so they decided to close the Big C Mien Dong branch. Big C and Central Retail Vietnam committed not to let a single employee go by transferring personnel to other branches. Since then, however, the supermarket remained open as usual and the announcement has been removed. In a talk with local media, the representative of Central Retail, which operates the Big C supermarket chain, confirmed that Big C Mien Dong will be closed in June due to the disagreement on rent. To curtail the impact of COVID-19, the firm has tried to negotiate with the owner of the building in order to maintain business after the pandemic and provide goods at the most affordable price. However, the new requirements of the owner would make it impossible for us to keep to our target, so we decided to close this supermarket, the representative said. After closing, Central Retail will continue serving customers by online delivery via its hotline and mobile phone application. Big C Mien Dong is located on To Hien Thanh Street (Ward 15 in Ho Chi Minh Citys District 10), and was one of the first supermarkets of Frances Casino Group which entered in Vietnam in 2003. The Big C supermarket chain has been in the hands of Thailands retail giant Central Group since 2016. In Ho Chi Minh City, there are seven Big C supermarkets, including Big C Truong Chinh, Au Co, Phu Thanh, Go Vap, An Lac, An Phu, and Thao Dien. Protesters hold up signs in Hyde Park during a 'Black Lives Matter' rally in Sydney, Australia, on June 2, 2020. Speed Media/Icon Sportswire A video showing a Sydney police officer knocking an Indigenous teen to the ground has raised concerns about police violence against Aboriginal Australians. The constable has been put on restricted duty, and police have opened an investigation into his conduct. The boy's family wants charges filed against the officer. "This isn't the first time something has happened like this with our people," his sister said. "Maybe this time people will take listen and take action." New South Wales Police commissioner Mick Fuller downplayed the incident. "You would have to say he has had a bad day," Fuller said. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Racial tensions are mounting in Australia after a police officer in New South Wales is alleged to have used excessive force against an Indigenous teenager. On Monday evening, a video surfaced of an unnamed officer tripping a 16-year-old and slamming him face-first into a brick sidewalk, The Guardian reported. In the clip, the constable can be seen approaching a group of young people in a park in Surry Hills, a suburb of Sydney. After the officer told one of the group to "open up your ears," the teen responded off-camera: "I don't need to open my ears, I'll crack you across the jaw, bro." The officer then used his leg to sweep the boy's feet out from under him while pinning his arm behind his back, causing him to faceplant into the hard surface. The officer and another constable restrained the teen as he moaned in pain. Another youth in the group said: "He is in pain, bro, I've never heard that." A relative told The Guardian the teen, whose name is being kept private, sustained a bruised shoulder, chipped tooth, and cuts to his face, elbow, and knees. He was taken to a police holding cell before being transferred to the hospital. The constable has been put on restricted duty, and police have opened an investigation into his conduct. Story continues At a press conference on Wednesday, the teen's sister said their family is feeling anger and frustration at the constable's "unnecessary and irresponsible" use of force, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. She also called for charges to be filed. "This police officer must be charged so we don't have to deal with another incident like this and I truly hope this is a turning point within our community and the police." She linked her brother's encounter to the global outrage over George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on his neck for almost nine minutes. "What is happening in America has been happening in Australia for a very long time," she said, according to ABC. "This isn't the first time something has happened like this with our people. Maybe this time people will take listen and take action." The family's lawyer said they were considering the rare step of initiating a private criminal prosecution if charges were not filed. The teen's father invited attendees to take the knee in support of global protests against police violence. Protesters with placards march on Parliament House in Sydney, Australia, on June 2, 2020. Speed Media/Icon Sportswire "What I want to do is acknowledge the George Floyd family," he said, according to ABC, "We are in solidarity with you and what's happening in America." Surrey Hill MP David Shoebridge said the 16-year-old represented the "reality of what it means to be a First Nations community member in 2020." But police commissioner Mick Fuller downplayed the incident Wednesday on Sydney radio station 2GB, saying the officer had been on the force for three-and-a-half years and "doesn't have a checkered history." "If there certainly is a complaint sustained against him, you would have to say he has had a bad day," Fuller said. He said the constable could have handled the situation better, but also blamed the 16-year-old for threatening an officer. "I was just as disturbed about the threat from a young person to physically assault a police officer as I was with the response." Demonstrators gather in Sydney, Australia, on June 2, 2020, to support U.S. protests over the death of George Floyd and urge their own government to address racism and police violence. Rick Rycroft/AP Protesters have taken to Australia's cities in response to George Floyd's death, with some decrying police attacks on Indigenous Australians, as well. At least 432 Indigenous Australians have died in custody since a 1991 commission was conducted, according to the Human Rights Law Centre. In 2015, an Indigenous prisoner died while being transferred to a mental health unit, just a few weeks before he was scheduled to be released. Five officers restrained David Dungay face-down on the floor, according to ABC, causing him to yell "I can't breathe" numerous times. The officers involved were not given any disciplinary action. Read the original article on Insider Europe tried to reassure Russia during a UN Security Conference video call Tuesday after a French warship intercepted an oil tanker off the coast of Libya under an operation to halt the flow of arms to the North African country. European Union representatives spent the closed-door meeting -- which Russia requested -- explaining the EU's naval mission to enforce an arms embargo on Libya, which began April 1, according to diplomats who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The bloc reiterated the "commitment of European states to respect (arms and oil) embargoes" "within the strict rules of Security Council resolutions," one diplomat said. According to another diplomat, Russia is one of the only Security Council members that has raised concerns about renewing authorization for the Operation Irini high seas inspection mission when it expires on June 10. A vote on the Berlin-penned reauthorization text is scheduled for June 9. Moscow denies claims it is providing arms and mercenary troops to Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar. The Russian mission stressed the need for Irini to be in compliance with the resolution authorizing it, calling for any renewal to be "unbiased" and to "prevent any imbalances." "We will thoroughly study how the operation evolves and see if its modalities are subject to a new Security Council mandate," they said. "Irini is covered by the existing resolution and we are looking at a rollover," German UN Ambassador Christoph Heusgen said of what he called a "very important" part of keeping arms out of Libya. "We believe this new operation is just a successor of the previous one," said French UN Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere, comparing Irini to the EU refugee naval mission Sophia. "It operates under the exact same mandate," he said. Diplomats said the interception of an oil tanker by the French ship off the coast of Tobruk 10 days ago was a major topic of conversation during Tuesday's session. The Gabon-flagged Jal Laxmi was collecting a multi-million dollar oil shipment but had not received authorization from the Tripoli-based Libyan National Oil Corporation, a specialist told AFP on the condition of anonymity. The ship ultimately did not dock in Tobruk after the vessel's owner and insurer became wary of potential sanctions, the specialist said. "The UN welcomes France's actions and indeed all efforts to uphold the UN oil embargo," the UN said about France's involvement last week. According to one diplomat, intercepting illegal oil shipments is a lower priority for the Irini mission than controlling illegal arms, for which European ships have carried out around 50 checks on other ships off the coast of Libya since early April. "There have been multiple and concerted efforts on the part of the UN member states and the UN Panel of Experts to contact all companies and countries involved in this current affair regarding the Jal Laxmi to caution all involved against proceeding," UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said, reiterating that only the Libyan National Oil Corporation could buy or sell oil in the country. The French foreign ministry only said the warship had "interacted" with the oil tanker. JACKSON, Miss. June 2, 2020 Mississippi Aaron Sisk Mississippi Provider Training and Support Training for clinicians and support for front-line providers dealing with the COVID-19 crisis and the increase in mental health-related challenges in their practices. Expanding Access to Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) An investment to help the National Council for Behavioral Health transition part of their training program to a virtual program, which will make MHFA training more accessible for people in Mississippi and nationwide. Rowan University Mississippi Mississippi Mississippi Mississippi /PRNewswire/ -- May is Mental Health Month, a national observance to raise awareness about mental health. In support of this observance, Magnolia Health (Magnolia) announced today a plan to provide additional mental health resources toresidents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a series of local partnerships, Magnolia will enable providers to better support communities that are experiencing elevated levels of stress and mental strain caused by an increase in grief, loss, economic pressure, unemployment and social isolation."We must consider the negative toll that the pandemic is taking on the mental health of our communities especially among underserved communities," said, plan president & CEO. "We will continue to supportresidents across the continuum of care throughout the pandemic and beyond."As part of this effort Magnolia, in partnership with its parent company Centene Corporation, is announcing investments to support the following programs:For many, the emotional trauma of COVID-19 will last longer than the pandemic itself. Magnolia is partnering, through Centene with Allegheny Health Network and the CARES Institute atto fund virtual Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) training cohorts, which will enable clinicians inand nationwide to receive this highly effective training. TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment for the impact of traumatic experience on child and adolescent mental health.Magnolia is also directing funds to Crisis Text Line to support their 'For the Frontlines' initiative. For the Frontlines provides fast, free, text-based crisis support to individuals on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other essential workers.To ensure a long-term impact beyond the current pandemic, Magnolia will donate to the National Council for Behavioral Health's COVID-19 Relief Fund, specifically for the provision of Mental Health First Aid. MHFA teaches people to identify, understand and respond to someone who might be experiencing a mental health crisis, such as suicidal thinking or mis-using substances. Magnolia's support will provide greater access to MHFA virtual trainings, helping more individuals support someone experiencing mental health and substance use challenges at this critical time.Magnolia Health has been supportingresidents since 2011 across its MississippiCAN, Allwell and Ambetter plans. For more information about Magnolia Health and its programs, visit www.magnoliahealthplan.com.Magnolia Health is a long-term solution to help the state ofenhance care for Medicaid recipients, while most effectively managing taxpayer dollars. A physician-driven,-based Coordinated Care Organization (CCO), Magnolia is backed by its parent company, Centene Corporation (Centene). Centene has more than 30 years of experience in Medicaid and other government-funded programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and long-term care. For more information about Magnolia, visit www.magnoliahealthplan.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/magnolia-health-to-invest-in-critical-mental-health-resources-301068783.html SOURCE Magnolia Health Your browser does not support the audio element. Starting from a vow ten years ago, Ho Chi Minh City-based photographer Huynh Chau Truong Giang has been committed to fulfilling the dreams of many underprivileged couples by providing an all-out wedding photoshoot package free of charge. The newly-wed couple Nguyen Thi Yen and Le Trong Viet, both in their fifties, cherish the ecstatic moments of their marriage. They just had a wedding ceremony going beyond their wildest dreams. Part of the miracle came to life because of Huynh Chau Truong Giangs offer to glam up the couple for a glitzy photoshoot. The dream wedding photo albums Both Viet and Yen are working-class people taking informal jobs to get by in Ho Chi Minh City. Yen is a seamstress who fixes and alters clothes and Viet sells lottery tickets. Yen is a person with a disability who once took refuge at the Mai Am Mua Xuan center in Tan Binh District, a shelter for disabled and struggling people in the city. The journey to their wedding was an uphill fight due to disapproval from Yens family. The couple had to pull all the stops to finance the ceremony. The norm is to have the newly-weds wedding photos exhibited at the entrance of the ceremonial venue. Yen only wished to pose for one picture as she and her husband-to-be are not well off. She contacted Giangs studio on Go Dau Street in Tan Phu District after a reference from an acquaintance. After a meeting, Giang went forward to offer Yen and Viet a free photoshoot package including costumes and makeup. He pointed me to the wedding dress rack at his studio and told me to pick one, Yen recalled. Having a wedding photo album was the dream of Yens life. I was past my maiden day and not well off, so one photo was already great, let alone a whole album, Yen said. The couple welcomed the work of their photographer with glowing praise. Giang captured great moments of ours. Many people shed tears when they saw these pictures since Giang put a great deal of work into the landscape setting and shooting, Yen said. He even attended the wedding ceremony to record and take photos, put up a montage video, and printed the photo album as gifts for the couple. Another young couple, Kieu Minh Trung and Ngo Thi Lan Thanh, share a similar experience with Yen and Viet. They are both athletes with disabilities who faced objections from their families when they announced their plan to get married. They started with only VND3 million (US$130) to organize the ceremony. They received support from various sources, everything from the venue to catering. Photography was the only thing left. We really wanted it but still hesitated due to budget constraints, Trung said. They reached out to Giang only seven days ahead of the ceremony. Trung said he would cover it all and told me not to worry. On the day of the photoshoot, he went out with the best of his ability to help us as if we were part of his family, performing stunts and all to help us relax and pose, Trung recalled. Free service is still service Giang also acts as a benefactor for many betrothed couples in a similar situation in Ho Chi Minh City, When asked about his motivation to perform these acts of charity, he recalled a special encounter in 2007 that opened up his mind. That morning, he quoted the price for a wedding photo album at VND3.5 million ($150) to a woman visiting his studio. Only after the down payment was made did he realize that the woman and her soon-to-be husband are both blind. They are quite young and hail from remote provinces. They play the piano at restaurants for a living. I already made the contract, so I offered a 50 percent discount to them. For the ceremony, I lent them a wedding dress and suit with no charge, Giang recalled. After the encounter, the photographer made a vow to himself that he would provide his service to struggling couples with no monetary requirement including but not limited to makeup, photoshoot, photo editing, bookbinding, and ceremony photography. Upon the purchase of his first car, he started to lend the 'flower car' a wedding vehicle decorated with flower bouquets to his customers in the same philanthropic manner. He is more than eager to serve people in need, even seeking couples with budget constraints so he can provide help on his personal Facebook account. Coming to his studio, the bride is invited to pick three wedding costumes and, along with their groom, is asked to speak about their vision for the album. He usually recommends morning photoshoot sessions to utilize good lighting conditions. Yet in some cases, the clients have to work late at night and cannot make it into the morning schedule. Waking them up just for a photoshoot is not worth it. In those circumstances, I will just slate it for the afternoon, he explained. Despite working free sessions, Giang still strives to bring his best for the customers. Even if I do it for free, I will make it worthy with all my heart. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Snap just became the latest social media company to take action against Donald Trump. Snapchat will no longer promote content from Trump's Snapchat account in its app, the company announced. The change will make Trumps Snapchat posts more difficult to find in the app, though the company isnt removing any content or changing how his posts appear to his subscribers. We are not currently promoting the Presidents content on Snapchats Discover platform, a company spokesperson said in a statement. We will not amplify voices who incite racial violence and injustice by giving them free promotion on Discover. Racial violence and injustice have no place in our society and we stand together with all who seek peace, love, equality, and justice in America. A Snap spokesperson said the company made the decision over the weekend in response to tweets from the president that threatened protestors with the most vicious dogs and ominous weapons, I have ever seen." The Trump campaign is quite active on Snapchat and spends a significant amount on advertising in the app. Ads will be unaffected by Snaps decision and Trumps content will continue to appear to subscribers, as well as for those that search for him. But Snap will no longer provide Trumps account with free promotion by allowing it to appear organically in the For You section of Discover. Snap has long tried to differentiate itself from Facebook and Twitter in how it approaches content on its platform. The company heavily curates what appears in the Discover section of its app. Snap also fact-checks political advertisements, unlike Facebook. The move comes after the company published a company-wide memo from CEO Evan Spiegel, in which he called for a Reparations Commission and appeared to condemn Trumps rhetoric, though he did not mention the president by name. As for Snapchat, we simply cannot promote accounts in America that are linked to people who incite racial violence, whether they do so on or off our platform, Spiegel wrote. We may continue to allow divisive people to maintain an account on Snapchat, as long as the content that is published on Snapchat is consistent with our community guidelines, but we will not promote that account or content in any way. Update 6/3 3pm ET: In a statement, Trumps campaign manager, Brad Parscale, accused the company of trying to rig the 2020 election. Snapchat is trying to rig the 2020 election, illegally using their corporate funding to promote Joe Biden and suppress President Trump, he wrote. Radical Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel would rather promote extreme left riot videos and encourage their users to destroy America than share the positive words of unity, justice, and law and order from our President. Snapchat hates that so many of their users watch the Presidents content and so they are actively engaging in voter suppression. If youre a conservative, they do not want to hear from you, they do not want you to vote. They view you as a deplorable and they do not want you to exist on their platform. The Taiwanese gaming company Asus has announced in a press release that it is a Verified Solution Partner of Unity, the platform that is used for creating plenty of mobile games. As such, it will ensure its SDK is always optimized for Unity Editor and will allow developers to use its devices for proper testing. The Republic of Gamers brand will also create a plugin for Unitys Engine that will support five features of the ROG Phone II, as well as the ROG Phone III - and yes, this is the first time Asus has said anything official about its upcoming phone. Having such a partnership between two of the biggest names in gaming is definitely a good thing for mobile gaming as well. Junbo Zhang, GM of Unity Greater China, called the deal more than thrilling, while the company revealed in a press release that Republic of Gamers plans to attend selected important dev-engagement events during 2020. As part of this joint venture, game developers using the Unity 3D creation platform will have exclusive access to a set of plugins, including TwinView SDK, Gamepad SDK, Aura Light, SDK, Refresh Rate Control SDK, and Performance Boost SDK. In simpler words, all future Unity games should be able to control the performance of an ROG Phone II and ROG Phone 3, including how it reacts to add-ons, without compromising the gaming experience. - Key Companies Profiled are BOURBON, Vroon, Damen Shipyards Group, "K" line (Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd), Hornbeck Offshore, Solstad Offshore ASA, MMA Offshore Limited, Nam Cheong Offshore Pte Ltd, Maersk Supply Service, Other players PUNE, India, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Offshore Support Vessel market size is poised to gain traction from increasing investments in the deployment of renewable and non-renewable energy generation procedures across all regions with the seashore. Offshore Support Vessel serve various operational purposes such as construction work, or oil and gas exploration at high seas. According to a recent report by Fortune Business Insights titled, "Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis By Vessel Type (Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel (AHTS), Platform Supply Vessels (PSV), Crew Vessel, Others), By Water Depth (Shallow Water, Deepwater, Ultra-Deepwater), By Application (Oil & Gas, Offshore Wind, Patrolling, Research & Surveying, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027", the market is anticipated to hitUSD 20.73 billion by 2027 from USD 16.10 billion earned in 2019. The forecast period is set between 2020 to 2027 and the market is likely to exhibit a CAGR of 7.9%. Get Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/offshore-support-vessels-market-100147 The emergence of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill. We understand that this health crisis has brought an unprecedented impact on businesses across industries. However, this too shall pass. Rising support from governments and several companies can help in the fight against this highly contagious disease. There are some industries that are struggling and some are thriving. Overall, almost every sector is anticipated to be impacted by the pandemic. We are taking continuous efforts to help your business sustain and grow during COVID-19 pandemics. Based on our experience and expertise, we will offer you an impact analysis of coronavirus outbreak across industries to help you prepare for the future. Click here to get the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this market. Please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/offshore-support-vessels-market-100147 The Report Answers the following Questions How fierce is the competition in this market? How will the current COVID-19 pandemic impact the market? Which strategies are adopted by players to maintain their foothold in the market? What is the future of this market? Drivers & Restraints- Discovery of New Reserves to Add Impetus to Market The growing number of production and exploration activities and the recent discovery of offshore hydrocarbon assets is considered as a key Offshore Support Vessel market growth drivers. In addition to this, the presence of a substantial amount of oil and gas reserves is also boosting the market. For instance, the company Eni announced the discovery of a new reserve called Sureste Basin in the Mexican offshore in February 2020. This unexplored reserve is estimated to hold 200 to 300 million barrels of oil somewhere in the deepwater and an output capacity of more than 10,000 barrels of oil daily. The discovery of such precious reserves is likely to bode well for the market in the coming years. In addition to this, the current pandemic of COVID19 has led to prolonged geopolitical uncertainties in trade relations. The rapidly increasing rate of coronavirus cases has impacted the cross-country trade relations via sea trade very badly This may pose a major challenge to the growth of the market. Nevertheless, the increasing demand for energy, and oil and gas products is likely to create growth opportunities for the market in the long run. Segment- Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel (AHTS) Segment to Hold Largest Shares Owing to Presence of Huge Equipment for Rescue Operations With respect to segmentation by vessel type, the anchor handling tug supply vessel or the AHTS segment is holding the dominant share. This is because these types of vessels consist of cargo-carrying barges and large equipment such as Tugs, anchors, winches, and others that can be useful in case of emergency or any rescue operations. In 2019, this segment earned a 31.6% share. Speak to Analyst: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/offshore-support-vessels-market-100147 Regional Analysis- Asia Pacific to Emerge Dominant Attributed to Clean Energy Outlook Geographically, Asia Pacific earned USD 4.08 billion in 2019 and emerged dominant on account of the rise in hydrocarbon activities, coupled with the advantages provided by clean energy outlook. Major nations leading this region include Japan, Australia, India, China, and other Southeast Asian nations. On the other side, the uptaking of various clean energy initiatives and hydrocarbon reserve exploration activities are likely to help Europe compete closely with Asia Pacific. Other than this, North America will witness significant growth on account of the growing production of conventional and unconventional reservoirs. Furthermore, the availability of huge unexplored reservoirs at low capital expenditure is expected to help the Middle East and Africa region witness notable growth during the forecast period. Competitive Landscape- Players Aiming to Provide Efficient Operations for Generating More Revenues Several players are operating in this market, some of which are engaged in designing of new vessel structure to improve their fleet integrations across a variety of application range. This is expected to help players gain momentum in the market. Besides this, players are also investing heavily in exploration activities for earning the lion's share in the market. Significant Industry Developments of the Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) Market include: March 2020 - An announcement was made by OSV operator based in Norway called Solstad Offshore for supplying five platform supply vessels (PSLs) in the North Sea. These units were deployed for supporting the offshore drilling rigs functioning in the waters of the United Kingdom region. January 2019 - Three fast support vessels (FSVs) were acquired by Seacor Marine to its fleet offering. This new addition will help increase the total FSV count of the company to 20, thereby serving offshore production and drilling with higher speed and versatility. Fortune Business Insights lists out the names of players operating in Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) Market. They are as follows: BOURBON ( France ) ) Vroon ( Netherlands ) ) Damen Shipyards Group ( Netherlands ) ) "K" line (Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd) ( Japan ) ) Hornbeck Offshore (U.S.) Solstad Offshore ASA ( Norway ) ) MMA Offshore Limited ( Australia ) ) Nam Cheong Offshore Pte Ltd ( Malaysia ) ) Maersk Supply Service ( Denmark ) ) Havila Shipping ASA ( Norway ) ) SEACOR Marine Holdings (U.S.) Edison Chouest Offshore (U.S.) Siem Offshore ( Norway ) ) Tidewater Marine (U.S.) Other players Quick Buy - Offshore Support Vessel Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/100147 Detailed Table of Content Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Key Emerging Trends - For Major Countries Latest Technological Advancement Regulatory Landscape Industry SWOT Analysis Porters Five Forces Analysis Qualitative Analysis - Impact of COVID-19 Impact of COVID-19 on the OSV Industry Steps Taken by the Government to Overcome the Impact Key Developments in the Industry in Response to COVID-19 Potential Opportunities and Challenges due to COVID-19 Outbreak Global Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) Market Analysis (USD Billion), Insights and Forecast, 2016-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Vessel Type Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel (AHTS) Platform Supply Vessels (PSV) Crew Vessel Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Water Depth Shallow Water Deepwater Ultra-Deepwater Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Application Oil & Gas Offshore Wind Patrolling Research & Surveying Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa & Latin America TOC Continued..!!! Get your Customized Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/offshore-support-vessels-market-100147 Have a Look at Related Research Insights: Platform Supply Vessels (PSV) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Cargo, Support), By Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) (Small, Medium, Large) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Offshore Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Service Type (Inspection {Visual Inspection, Ultrasonic, Electromagnetic}, Maintenance {Reactive Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Predictive Maintenance}, Repair), By Type (Offshore Support Vessels, AUVs/ROVs, Others), By Application (Oil & Gas, Wind Farms, Others) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Offshore Helicopter Services Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Light Weight, Medium Weight, and Heavy Weight), By Application (Inspection, Monitoring and Surveying, Passenger Transport, Goods Transport, Search and Rescue, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Offshore Wind Power Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis By Installation (Fixed Structure, Floating Structure), By Water Depth (Up to 30m, Above 30m), By Capacity (Up to 3MW, 3MW to 5MW, Above 5MW) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Offshore AUV & ROV Market Size, Share and Global Trend By Product(Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) & Remotely Operated Vehicle), By Propulsion(Electric System, Mechanical System, Hybrid System), By Application(Drilling and Well Completion Support, Construction Support, and others), and Geography Forecast till 2026 Offshore Drilling Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis, By Rig Type (Drill-ships, Semi-submersibles, and Jackups), By Water Depth (Shallow Water, Deepwater, and Ultra-Deepwater), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Offshore Decommissioning Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Service (Project Management, Engineering, and Planning, Platform Preparation, Well Plugging and Abandonment, Platform Removal, Material Disposal, Site Clearance, Others), By Structure (Topside, Subsea Infrastructure, Substructure) By Water Depth (Shallow Water, Deep Water) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Offshore Drilling Rigs Market Size, Share and Global Trend By Type (Bottom Supported Rigs, Floaters Rigs), By Depth of Water (Shallow Water, Deepwater, Ultra Deepwater) and By Geography Forecast till 2026 Offshore Mooring Systems Market Size, Share And Global Trend By Type (Single Point Mooring, Taut Leg System, Semi-taut Leg System), By Anchorage (Suction Anchors,Vertical Load Anchors, Drag Embedment Anchors), By Depth Of Operation (Shallow Water, Deepwater), By Application (Floating Production Storage and Offloading,Floating Liquefied Natural Gas, Semi-Submersible Platforms), And Geography Forecast Till 2026 Offshore Pipeline Market Size, Share and Global Trend By Installation Technique (S lay, J lay, Tow In), By Line Type (Transport Line, Export Line), By Product Type (Natural Gas, Crude Oil, Refined Products), By Diameter (Below 24 Inch, Above 24 inch), By Depth of Operation (Shallow Water, Deep Water) and By Geography Forecast till 2026 About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. 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The next no-contract returns will be available Sunday, June 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 03:18:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Protesters confront police during a protest over the death of George Floyd in Washington D.C., the United States, on May 31, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's remarks blasting President Donald Trump came after police used tear gas, flash grenades and rubber bullets against peaceful protesters near the White House so that Trump could visit a church for a photo op. WASHINGTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. Vice President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Tuesday blasted President Donald Trump for staging a photo op near the White House a day earlier as protesters were being dispersed by police. Speaking in Philadelphia to address the nationwide unrest over the killing of George Floyd by police brutality, Biden said the American people "can be forgiven for believing that the president is more interested in power than in principle, more interested in serving the passions of his base than the needs of the people in his care." He was referring to events on Monday when police used tear gas, flash grenades and rubber bullets against peaceful protesters near the White House so that Trump, after finishing a speech during which he threatened to send in the military to quell the escalating chaos, could visit the St. John's Episcopal Church, where he stood for a photo op flanked by senior administration officials. Protesters rally in front of the White House during a protest over the death of George Floyd in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 1, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) In the speech, which came on the same day when seven states and the District of Columbia will hold primaries that could see Biden reap the number of delegate votes enough to win the nomination, Biden said the nation was "crying out for leadership that can unite us," and that he, instead of Trump, could deliver it. "I won't traffic in fear and division. I won't fan the flames of hate. I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country - not use them for political gain," the 77-year-old said. "I'll do my job and take responsibility. I won't blame others. I'll never forget that the job isn't about me." Biden said that demonstrators chanting "I can't breathe" to echo Floyd's last words before choking to death is "a wake-up call for our nation, for all of us." Meanwhile, he said there was "no place for violence" or "rioting" or "destroying property," adding that "nor is it acceptable for our police ... to escalate violence." Seven days into the nationwide protests, incidents of arson, vandalism and looting happened in various places, along with civilian deaths and injuries of journalists related to alleged abusive use of force by the police. GRAND FORKS, N.D. The military on Wednesday identified the woman and man killed in a shooting at the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. The U.S. Air Force said Airman 1st Class Natasha Raye Aposhian, 21, was killed in the shooting Monday morning in an air base dormitory. The military said Airman 1st Class Julian Carlos Torres, 20, died at a hospital of his injuries shortly after the shooting. Aposhian was a native of Arizona who was assigned to the air base in April and worked as an aircraft parts store apprentice. Torres, a Texas native, was assigned to the base in December and worked as an installation entry controller and an internal security response team member. "This is heartbreaking," Col. Cameron Pringle, the 319th Reconnaissance Wing commander, said in a statement. "I cannot begin to express the sorrow and pain I feel on behalf of these units and the families affected by this tragedy." Former President Barack Obama weighed in on how systemic racism has been thrown into "high relief" during both the COVID-19 crisis which has disproportionately impacted communities of color and the nationwide protests amid tension between law enforcement and the minority communities they serve. During a virtual town hall Wednesday, coming amidst civil unrest across the United States over the killing of another unarmed black man at the hands of police officers, Obama said that the tragedy of recent events, while "difficult and scary and uncertain," also represent "an incredible opportunity for people to be awakened to some of (the) underlying trends" of systemic racism in the United States. "They offer an opportunity for us to work together to tackle them, to take them on, to change America and make it live up to its highest ideals," he said. "Part of whats made me so hopeful is the fact that so many young people have been galvanized and activated and motivated and mobilized. Because historically, so much of the progress that we've made in our society has been because of young people. " Speaking directly to young people of color he said "I want you to know that your lives matter. Your dreams matter." The My Brother's Keeper "Anguish and Action: Reimagining Policing in the Wake of Continued Violence" town hall comes as protesters have taken to the streets en masse across the country after the death of George Floyd, a black man who died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by Derek Chauvin, a white Minnesota police officer. MORE: George Floyd protest updates: All 4 officers now facing charges Chauvin was captured on cell phone video pinning his knee onto the back of Floyd's neck while he was on the ground; according to the arrest warrant documents, Chauvin kept his knee like that for eight minutes and 46 seconds, even as Floyd repeatedly said, "I can't breathe." Story continues PHOTO: Former President Barack Obama addresses the recent protests over the death of George Floyd over Zoom, June 3, 2020. (Obama.org) Chauvin has now been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. On Wednesday, the other three officers present at the scene were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting manslaughter. All four have been fired from the Minneapolis Police Department. MORE: Nationwide protests return focus to why George Floyd was initially detained Floyd's death came on the heels of outrage over the deaths of two other black Americans, Breonna Taylor, 26, and Ahmaud Arbery, 25. Taylor, a frontline worker, was shot and killed by a police officer in her own home in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 13. The FBI in the city is investigating the case. Arbery was shot and killed while he was jogging in Satilla Shores, Georgia, on Feb. 23. It took until May 7, after a cell phone video of the moment he was killed emerged, before any charges were brought in the case. Father and son Gregory and Travis McMichael were arrested for felony murder and aggravated assault. Obama published a piece on Medium on Monday addressing the protests nationwide following the death of Floyd -- and, specifically, how he thinks people can move forward to "sustain momentum to bring about real change." "Ultimately, its going to be up to a new generation of activists to shape strategies that best fit the times," he wrote. "But I believe there are some basic lessons to draw from past efforts that are worth remembering." Obama asked the nation's mayors and local elected officials, who are tasked with appointing most police chiefs in the country and negotiating with police unions, to take a pledge to review their "use of force policies with members of your community, and commit to report on planned reforms." "We need mayors, county executives, others who are in positions of power to say this is a priority. This is a specific response," Obama said.Several mayors have already taken the pledge, according to Michael Smith, executive director of the My Brother's Keeper Alliance, the organization within the Obama Foundation putting on the town hall. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have already signed the pledge, Smith said. "Most of the reforms that are needed to prevent the type of violence and injustices that we've seen, take place at the local level. The reform has to take place in more than 19,000 American municipalities, more than 18,000 local enforcement jurisdictions," Obama said. "So as activists and everyday citizens raise their voices, we need to be clear about where change is going to happen and how we can bring about that change." Former Attorney General Eric Holder, who, during his tenure in the Obama administration sought to implement reforms in approaches to law enforcement underscored that "one of the key things that people have to understand is that there's not a tension between justice, and having fair treatment, and public safety. You can keep people safe, and also have a better, more equitable criminal justice system." "It was for me, the highlight of my time as attorney general, it was to be given the opportunity to get into communities to affect positive change, to bring and establish relationships between, again, people in law enforcement, people in communities of color," Holder said. "That was, I think, in some ways, you know, what I'm most proud of. And it laid, I think the foundation for future -- for future work. But I will always emphasize this -- that young people, young people... young people were critically involved in all of the work that we did starting at Ferguson and other parts of the country." Despite some people seeking to compare this moment to the "riots and protests and assassinations and discord" in the 1960s, Obama said that what's happening now is different. "You look at those protests, and that was a far more representative cross section of America out on the streets peacefully protesting... who felt moved to do something, because of the injustices that they had seen," he said. "That didn't exist back in the 1960s, that kind of broad coalition."Obama said there's a "change in mindset that's taking place, a greater recognition that we can do better." He said this is a "direct result" of the mobilization of young Americans "who put themselves out on the line to make a difference." While the actions of police officers sparked the outrage and mass demonstrations, many members of law enforcement have stood in solidarity with the protesters, marching with them, taking a knee alongside them. Obama said he was "heartened" to see that because they are "a vital part of the conversation." "Change is gonna require everybody's participation," he said. And for those unsettled by the unrest, Obama had words of hope. "The fact that people are paying attention, provides an opportunity to educate activate mobilize and act, and I hope that we are able to seize this moment," he said. "This country was founded on protest... and every step of progress in this country, every expansion of freedom and every expression of our deepest ideals has been won through efforts that made the status quo uncomfortable." Former President Barack Obama to young people of color: 'Your lives matter. Your dreams matter.' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A small boat carrying migrants in the English Channel last month. - Steve Finn/Steve Finn Photography European Union governments will refuse to negotiate an agreement to take back illegal migrants crossing the Channel to Britain if the UK does not back down in the Brexit trade talks, diplomats in Brussels warned on Wednesday. Talks are deadlocked over fishing, the level playing field guarantees, the future role of the European Court of Justice and Britains refusal to promise to stay in the European Convention of Human Rights. Britain will no longer be covered by the Dublin regulation once the Brexit transition period finishes at the end of the year. The EU law means an asylum seeker must claim asylum in the first EU country they arrive in. British negotiators have put two replacement agreements on the table. One would allow the swift return of illegal migrants who have arrived in the UK from the EU. The other allows unaccompanied migrant children to be reunited with families in either the UK or EU. EU diplomats warned that Brussels was under no obligation to negotiate the agreements because they were not part of Michel Barniers mandate or the Political Declaration setting out the goals of the negotiations. They pointed out the EU had leverage over Britain on migration because more illegal migrants transited through the bloc with the goal of reaching the UK than vice versa. Turning the Channel into the Mediterranean might not be in most states interests, one EU diplomat said, but at this stage of the negotiations most member states do not see an immediate interest for the EU to discuss these issues. "Neither of these issues is covered by the EU mandate," an EU official said, "we have not engaged in discussions on these points as yet." There has been a significant increase in migrants crossing the Channel in small boats due to the good weather and the impact of coronavirus on lorries, the Channel Tunnel and ferries. Story continues By last Thursday, about 1,730 migrants had crossed the Channel from France this year compared to 1,890 in the whole of last year. In May, the Government said it was planning new laws to force Channel migrants back to France and Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, claimed the UK would be able to renegotiate Dublin with the EU. Given the asymmetry of the migration flow it is not at the top of member states minds, the EU diplomat warned during the fourth round of tough trade negotiations, which are being held online because of the coronavirus pandemic. This migration stuff seems to be a rather newish addition to the UK demand list, another EU diplomat said, and it is definitely not the kind of agreement that is part of any previous EU trade deal. David Frost, the UK's chief negotiator, with Michel Barnier in Brussels in March. - Olivier Hoslet/AFP At the end of the last frustrating round of talks, Michel Barnier, the EUs chief negotiator, accused the UK of trying to preserve the benefits of EU membership without the obligations. We have presented the UK legal text on Asylum and Illegal Migration cooperation, and await a response from the EU on their willingness to reach an agreement in this area, a British source said the day after officials discussed the issue. The current round of negotiations, which end on Friday, are the last before Boris Johnson is expected to attend a June high level meeting with EU chiefs to evaluate the progress in the trade talks. Unless a free trade agreement is finalised by January 1, or Mr Johnson breaks his promise to not extend transition, the UK and EU will be forced to trade on less lucrative WTO terms. July is the deadline for any extension of the transition period. On Tuesday, the prime ministers spokesman vowed there would be no British surrender over the issues of fishing and the level playing field guarantees on labour rights, tax, state aid and the environment. EU sources had claimed the UK would fold once Brussels hinted it was willing to compromise on the major obstacles to a trade deal but this was dismissed as wishful thinking by Boris Johnsons spokesman. The European Commission says the level playing field guarantees are commitments to match EU standards to prevent unfair competition and are the price of a zero tariff, zero quota deal with a close market. The UK argues the guarantees will prevent the UK from diverging from EU rules and are far more stringent than similar commitments in EU trade deals such as the agreements with Canada and Japan. The EU wants a long term status quo fishing deal with reciprocal access to waters under existing conditions and has made it a condition of the trade deal. Britain wants a Norway style fisheries agreement, which is separate to the trade deal with annual negotiations over access and fishing opportunities. WASHINGTON As the country is gripped by civil unrest over racial injustice and the death of George Floyd, the U.S. Senate has been poised to confirm the first black chief of a military service branch. But the nomination was being quietly delayed by one senator as leverage in a basing decision for the KC-46 aerial refueling tanker. Sen. Dan Sullivan has lifted a legislative hold he placed on the nomination of Air Force Gen. Charles Brown, Defense News has learned. The Alaska Republican established the hold shortly after Browns confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee in early May, preventing his nomination from moving forward, according to three sources with knowledge of the matter. President Donald Trump on March 2 nominated Brown, currently the commander of Pacific Air Forces, to replace Gen. Dave Goldfein as the Air Forces top general. Brown was one of four nominees SASC reported favorably on May 19, but the only one not to receive Senate floor consideration in the days since. The weekslong delay for Browns historic confirmation vote has flown under the radar amid other controversies surrounding Trumps involvement of the military as a response to protests and violence around the country and as the Pentagon wrestles with its own sensitivities to racial issues. On Wednesday evening, Sullivan confirmed to Defense News that he had held up Browns nomination while waiting for responses to additional questions about the KC-46. You probably saw the confirmation hearing. I had some follow up questions on it. They got back to me now and so hes cleared hot, he said. You know the nomination process, youve seen that I take it very seriously. The questions I asked are serious and then when we have questions for the record, theyve got to be answered appropriately. So were just going through that. And we got there, so yeah hes cleared hot. Chief Wright: I am George Floyd, promises review of Air Force justice system Story continues Sullivan is widely known as a dogged advocate for his state as a strategic hub for the U.S. military. The lawmaker has lobbied the Air Force to base the KC-46 tanker in Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, which is under consideration as one of four candidate bases in the Asia-Pacific region. In a May 2 interview with Defense News, Sullivan said, its a complete no brainer that it should be Alaska. During Browns hearing, Sullivan engaged Brown in a long line of questioning about whether it would be advantageous to position the KC-46 within reach of several combatant commands, near an installation with access to both a large airspace, and close to fifth generation fighter jets like the F-35 and F-22 all characteristics of U.S. air bases in Alaska. Brown responded in the affirmative. Does it make sense, on the flip side, to have OCONUS [outside the contiguous United States] KC-46s in a location that's focused only on one combatant command and will be vulnerable soon to long-range precision weapons from our adversaries in the [U.S. Indo-Pacific Command] region? Sullivan asked. Senator, it probably does not because it increases the risk to the fleet, Brown responded. How the US Air Force is assembling its northernmost F-35 squadron amid a pandemic However, Brown stopped short of committing to base KC-46s in Alaska. On May 19, the committee voted by voice to approve a number of civilian Defense Department nominees en bloc, to include now-Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite, and a number of uniformed nominees en bloc, to include Brown. Though Browns name been on the Senates executive calendar ever since, Brown was not among the group of 30 uniformed officers who were approved on the Senate floor on May 21 by unanimous consent. SASC Chairman Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., said Wednesday he would know before the end of the day when Browns nomination would receive consideration on the Senate floor. Senators can hold back a nominee from moving forward in the confirmation process in secret, but a formal hold must be reported to the lawmakers party leadership. And while holds can be overcome, it requires time consuming procedures such as filing cloture, a motion to end debate that requires 51 votes. Usually, a senator will drop a legislative hold on a nominee after the presumptive official answers key questions or satisfies outstanding requests made by that lawmaker. However, the Air Force only announces basing decisions after going through an analytic process that takes into account factors such as cost, environmental considerations and how that location affects the ability of a platform to accomplish its mission making it unlikely that Brown could satisfy a request from a lawmaker to base assets in a certain location. In the months before his nomination was announced, Brown had been widely viewed among his Air Force peers as a lock on the chief of staff position due to his extensive experience commanding U.S. forces overseas. Before being named as head of PACAF in 2018, Brown was deputy commander of U.S. Central Command for two years. From 2015 to 2016, he served as U.S. Air Forces Central Commands combined force air component commander, where he oversaw the bombing campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, as well as operations against insurgent groups in Afghanistan. The Air Force plans to buy a total of 179 KC-46s from Boeing. So far, the tankers have been based at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma and Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire. Updated on 6/3/20 to add comments from Sen. Dan Sullivan. Doug Barrett, 37, is a photographer, Army Veteran and former police officer from Atlanta who moved to Kansas in 2011. I was a former police officer in Gwinett County, Ga., working in SWAT and narcotics. So, part of why I feel comfortable shooting photographs and getting into the thick of things is because I understand the law enforcement perspective. I understand being a black American with a camera in my hand. Ka Neisha Collins -US Army & Ulyses Bridges in Junction City, Kans., May 29, 2020. | Doug Barrett I made a Facebook post last Thursday about my experiences to share with people in Manhattan, Kans., because so many people have been reaching out to me that I know in the community. They want to understand what is it that African Americans go through. What is it that theyre missing? How can we help come together and unite? In the post I wrote: So here it goes undefined Ive shared my personal experiences of what that looks like so that people arent just thinking that all cops are bad. I was a police officer till 2011 and switched careers and joined the Army. When I came out west, and was stationed at 1st Infantry Division, in Ft. Riley, Kans. I suffered some injuries while active-duty and took a medical retirement. Went through three surgeries to fix my back and lower extemeties. Being older, I said, you know what? Ill take my chances being a civilian again. After my service, I started my own company because Id been taking images since my mom and dad gave me my first camera. I tried to find my space in the photo community, and I was determined to work on a veteran project. The documentary work, being a veteran, sharing the stories of homeless veterans in black-and-white portraits is where I find my heart. Im not 100%. Im a disabled veteran. I dont make any excuses, and I try to do the best I can each day, which is how that homeless veteran project started. I think Ive gone to 17 states and taken black-and-white portraits of 75 homeless veterans in total. You can see them on my Instagram. Story continues I went to photograph a protest last Friday. The two most impactful things that hit me the hardest were an image of an older African American female. She said, Im in my 60s, and Im still having to protest. I captured an image of her holding the another mans hand. A Protest in response to the killing of George Floyd in Heritage Park, Junction City, Kans., May 29, 2020. | Doug Barrett Then I saw that I had photos of so many kids. And I remembered one of the ladies telling me she has an 8-year-old son, and she says, My son, this is his second protest. Because his first one was when Trayvon Martin was killed in 2012. I was like, wow, how heavy is that? At the protest we counted about 105 people. The protest was staged by local leaders within the black community. As cars passed, people honked. People cheered, waved. They protested right there on the corner. Peacefully. No law enforcement. Michael Turner & Ray Wilson - leader of the peaceful protest in Junction City, Kans., May 29, 2020. | Doug Barrett They did march to the Geary County Sheriffs Office. Two of the police officers were out there. People chanted and, voiced their concerns. The officers smiled. They didnt do anything reactionary to the protesters. And then the march continued back to its original point at Heritage Park. I was with two other photographers and I decided rather than get in their space, I was going to go on the sidewalk. I saw a pop of light where I wanted to capture images. So, I started shooting and Jason Simmons with his siblings and his mom came right through that patch of light. Two days later, I was culling through images, I was posting what I felt most of the people wanted to see. But then I was kind of reflecting. As a parent, I couldnt even imagine taking my kid to a protest. Obviously, Im shooting. Then again, people are taking their kids out there to see this, the experience. Im a contributor to @everydayblackamerica on Instagram. So just prior to going shooting this, they had asked me to start putting work out there to them. And they put the image on their page, and thats pretty much the history on it. Later on, the kids mother responded. Because somebody tagged her and said look at your babies in the picture. And her response was, My heart just stopped. Oh, my God, this is powerful. When I see this photo of Jason, I think we just need to stop the hate. If we stop the hate, then we can make progress on how we fix these issues from the local level. Its about stopping the hate and educating, to get people to understand that this does happen. It is an ongoing issue and we just want to fix it. Nobodys asking for anything. We just want to live. Joao Pedro Matos Pinto was young, gifted and black, and he died last month with an assault rifle shot to his back. He had dreams. He wanted to be a top lawyer, said Neilton da Costa Pinto, the father of the Brazilian teenager, whose shooting during a botched police raid has drawn comparisons to the killing of George Floyd, 9,000km north in Minneapolis. He always used to say: Dad, one day Ill make you proud, remembered Pinto, a driver from Sao Goncalo, a city just east of Rio. And Id say: Ive no doubt about it, son. Because he was such a dedicated boy. He really knew what he wanted in life. Related: 'Instead of doctors, they send police to kill us': locked-down Rio faces deadly raids Joao Pedro, who was 14, was far from the first young black Brazilian man to meet a premature death at the hands of the police. Thousands have been killed in recent years and 75% of the victims were black. But his killing has sparked an unusually loud public outcry, amid growing fury over an upsurge in deadly police violence that continues unabated despite a government-ordered shutdown designed to combat Covid-19. On Sunday, demonstrators will march for the second time in a week to denounce the police assaults on the favelas and what they call a state-sponsored genocide of Brazils black youth. This must stop, said Joao Pedros father. The police should be protecting us, not killing us. When the coronavirus quarantine was declared in mid-March activists and observers hoped police incursions into Rios redbrick favelas might subside and at first that seemed to be happening. In the first 15 days of social isolation there was a sharp drop in the number of operations and armed confrontations in the city of Rio which was really welcomed because its not the time for this, said Flavia Oliveira, a leading black journalist and broadcaster. But by April the shooting had resumed. Rio state police killed 177 people that month alone, or one person every four hours the second-highest tally since records began more than 20 years ago. Story continues In May, as Brazils coronavirus death toll rose above 6,000, the repression continued, with 13 people killed in a single police raid on 15 May. Three days later, Joao Pedro set off for his cousins home in Sao Goncalos Complexo do Salgueiro as police prepared to storm the favela in search of drug traffickers. His aunt, Denize Roza Matos Pinto, recalls becoming increasingly agitated as she watched police helicopters hovering over the seaside community from a nearby beach where she was working. Her son and Joao Pedro were among six teenagers hanging out at her home and, despite the shooting, Pinto raced back hoping to protect them. Huddles of armed officers surrounded the residence, and when they finally allowed her inside she felt dread. The front window was full of bullet holes. The television was all shot up, the sitting room, the bedroom, everything It was horrible the grass was burned from the grenade theyd thrown, said Pinto, 42. On the floor she spotted a pool of blood where Joao Pedro appeared to have been shot. But there was no sign of his body which, for reasons which remain murky, had been flown 25 miles across the bay to Rio by helicopter, and was only located by the family the next day. All I could think of was the scene of horror those children had witnessed, said Pinto as she reflected on her nephews terrifying final minutes in a building left pockmarked with more than 70 bullet holes. Neilton da Costa Pinto at the funeral of his son Joao Pedro Matos Pinto, 14. Photograph: Ricardo Moraes/Reuters Oliveira, the journalist, said she was appalled by the upswing in gratuitous, insane, excessive and asymmetric violence against a group of people who are even more defenseless than usual because of the pandemic. The favelas are already dealing with a lack of work, income and food, she said now they were needlessly coming under fire too. Related: 'Caught defenseless in the crossfire': Rio families cope with deaths by police violence Joao Pedros killing is under investigation. Police have reportedly claimed he was caught in the crossfire as they pursued fleeing gang members. Those close to him believe he was a victim of either police malice or gross incompetence. They used these kids for target practice, claimed Glaucio Ribeira, a family friend. Joao Pedros aunt whose son, like the other four teens, emerged physically, if not mentally, unscathed said she was certain race played a role in such bloodshed. Like it or not, there is a racial side to this and it shouldnt be like this. Were all supposed to be equal [But] if youre on the bus and the police get on, theyll search the people of colour first If a black man runs, hes guilty. Were tired of seeing this kind of thing happen, she said. Joao Pedros father said: The police need to understand that the favelas are home to good people. Decent black people. But unfortunately when they come into a community they treat us all like criminals. They are wrong. As protesters prepared to return to Brazils streets to shout Vidas negras importam (Black lives matter), Joao Pedros family was adjusting to his absence. Related: Brazil official recorded calling black rights movement scum Were in a bad way, said his aunt. We look at the sofa and it reminds us of him. We eat something he used to like and we remember him. His poor mother: hes got a little four-year-old sister whos always saying: Joao liked this! Joao did this! Look the cartoon that Joao liked to watch! Its so sad to see. It feels like any minute Ill hear his voice. On Monday, a fortnight after his sons dream of becoming a lawyer was shattered, Joao Pedros father paid tribute to a happy, studious, churchgoing boy. The pains still there, he said. Its like it eats you from the inside out. In a brutal incident of animal abuse, a pregnant elephant died in Kerala after eating a pineapple filled with crackers. It was allegedly offered to her by a local who had stuffed the fruit with crackers. The incident has enraged people from all walks of life and theyre not holding themselves back while condemning this brutality. People have taken to Twitter and other social media platforms to express anger over this incident, also demanding action against the perpetrators. It died standing in river Velliyar after it suffered an injury in its lower jaw, the wildlife officer of Silent Valley National Park told ANI. Actors Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma, Shraddha Kapoor, and Randeep Hooda are among those who took to Twitter to speak against this heinous act. Maybe animals are less wild and humans less human. What happened with that #elephant is heartbreaking, inhumane and unacceptable! Akshay Kumar tweeted. Strict action should be taken against the culprits, he added and shared an image of the dead animal. Anushka Sharma shared an Instagram post and tagged Keralas chief minister. In her post, she shared a heartening sketch of an imaginary conversation which transpired between the mother and her unborn baby and credited it to Bratuti. In the posts caption, Sharma detailed the entire story of how the elephant was killed. From anybody who throws stones at a stray dog to anybody hurting a living soul, choose one face. A lot of these animals trust human beings because they have been helped by them in the past. This is cruel beyond measure. When you lack empathy and kindness, you do not deserve to be called a human being. To hurt someone is not human, she added. In the following lines she asked for justice for the innocent animal. Until the guilty are punished in the worst possible way, these wicked monsters will never fear the law. Though its a difficult task, I hope they are able to find out the one who committed this crime and punish them accordingly, she added. Heres the entire post: How?????? How can something like this happen??? Do people not have hearts??? My heart has shattered and broken... The perpetrators need to be punished in the STRICTEST way, tweeted Shraddha Kapoor. Randeep Hooda wrote, An act most #inhumane to willfully feed a pineapple full of fire crackers to friendly wild pregnant #Elephant is just unacceptable. He then tagged several people, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and urged them to take strict action against the culprits. Besides expressing their anger against this inhuman act, people are also sharing drawings and sketches to convey their emotions. Another Twitter user shared this image to show how some humans betray the trust of animals: That's why we are facing several disasters again and again. God bless her soul As a human I am sorry #Elephant God please forgive us #Karma pic.twitter.com/CH7lFPJrQW Sakshi Gupta (@Sakshi4india) June 3, 2020 Expressing the same notion, heres what another user of the micro-blogging site tweeted: Theres a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone, tweeting a quote by actor Sylvester Stallone, this is what a Twitter user shared: There's a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone."#Elephant pic.twitter.com/1J2epz2YDG Aman banka (@AmanBanka00) June 2, 2020 Some posted angry tweets over the incidents. A few also wrote that the whole incident has shaken them to the core. How can we expect nature will not punish us? You could not have given anything to eat. Why give a fruit filled with explosive? WE WANT JUSTICE! wrote a Twitter user. RIP humanity! This incident has shown literacy doesnt guarantee common sense and humanity, expressed another. Another Twitter user shared this image to say sorry and we think he voices the feelings of several people across the nation: Forest officials reported that the animal was spotted standing in the river for some time in an attempt to get relief from the pain before it died. Nine minutes in Minneapolis sparked five days that saw outrage and action across Alabama. In the midst of a pandemic that has already killed more than 640 in the state, Alabama citizens emerged from their homes, taking to the streets in mostly peaceful protests before its largest city convulsed into a night of violence and damage. Then, in the quiet of a downtown under curfew, a century-old monument to a conflict older than Birmingham was no longer standing. Birminghams mayor, Randall Woodfin, summed it up in the aftermath of Sunday nights chaos. A persons knee being pressed in another persons neck and all of us watching that video saw his life taken from him. Thats shaken all of us to our core," he said. Its hit us all. Its brought up every emotion you can think of - anger, fear, and sadness and so many more. The events of the past week began with protests over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died May 25 in Minnesota after a police officer pressed his knee into Floyds neck while handcuffed in an incident caught on video. As images circulated, Alabama was one setting around the nation seeing blacks and whites express their collective outrage. More than 100 demonstrators gathered last Thursday in Birminghams Kelly Ingram Park, amid statues and memories of the citys 1960s civil rights legacy. After two-and-a-half months of sheltering for many, as one of the attendees Karan Vance said, Being on your keyboard is not enough. At that point, demonstrators were still calling for the arrest of Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who was videotaped pressing his knee against Floyds neck. He and three other officers were fired before Cauvin was arrested Friday, charged with third degree murder. A day later, the crowd at Kelly Ingram was 10 times what it had been Thursday, with about 1,000 people huddled across from the historic Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. And the demonstrations were no longer confined to Birmingham. Hundreds gathered on the courthouse square in downtown Huntsville. More than 100 marched in Hoover along U.S. 31 at the citys municipal complex. There, the memory of Floyd mingled with that of E.J. Bradford, who was shot to death by a Hoover police officer at the Galleria in November 2018. There were also two arrests, and windows broken at two businesses as cities around the United States began to see unrest. By Sunday, like the rest of the nation, action had moved out into nearly every major metropolitan area in the state. There were peaceful protests in several cities Mobile, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Florence, Jacksonville, Troy, Anniston, Gadsden. Dr. Yvonne Mitchell, one of the organizers of the Mobile event, put into words how one incident a thousand miles from Alabama had provided the spark for so much action. Its not just about Mr. Floyd, she said. Its about all the Mr. Floyds. But Sunday was also the turning point where action turned violent. Sunday afternoons Rally for Peace and Justice began at Kelly Ingram Park, but the action moved to Linn Park and focused on the 52-foot-tall Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Monument there, still boarded over from an ongoing, three-year legal fight with the Alabama Attorney General. After comedian Jermaine FunnyMaine Johnson called for demonstrators to tear down the monument, some set to work making it happen. At first they began to chip away at the monument with anything they could find. Ropes were then placed around the monolith, then chains, but the stubborn stone wouldnt yield. Demonstrators spray painted the base and scratched away at the inscriptions at the bottom. A pickup truck was recruited to help pull. The rope broke on the first attempt. Birmingham police officers stood by watching the protesters, later pulling back further from the scene. The crowds attention then focused on a 8-foot-tall bronze statue of the parks namesake, Charles Linn, a sea captain who volunteered to aid the Confederate Navy. As his image came to rest on the ground, covered in spray paint, protesters then chanted one more to go," referring to the main granite monument. But it remained, so Woodfin asked the crowd to leave, saying he would finish the job within 24 hours. But by this time, something had changed. Some booed the mayor while others chanted, Stand with us! The unity of the crowd seemed lost. A few took stones chipped from the monument and began breaking windows in the Birmingham Board of Education. Someone set fire to the base of the Thomas Jefferson statue at the courthouse adjacent to the park, as rocks shattered some of the courthouse windows. Men kicked over trash cans and struck park benches with sledgehammers. In front of the Harbert Center, someone set fire to a flag. Media members, including one from AL.com, were assaulted near the Alabama Power building. What began as a demonstration had now become chaos. Groups splintered off and began moving throughout the citys business district to beyond. Bars and restaurants were vandalized. The windows of the Alabama Theater were broken. Some businesses, like the California Fashion Mall, were burned. Heavily armed police and angry protesters filled the streets through the night. By 2 a.m. Monday, an armored police vehicle with an officer holding a rifle out of the roof led a caravan of police SUVS through downtown, clearing the streets. Left behind were a string of broken windows, looted buildings and at least five commercial fires. By first light, though, volunteers began arriving to see what needed cleaning. At the 5th Avenue North offices of Juanakee Adams, Alabamas first licensed black female optometrist, there were so many volunteers to help, including comedian Roy Wood Jr., that she was passing them off to neighboring businesses that needed help, she said. The city also responded in the aftermath. Woodfin, declaring This is not who we are at a morning press conference, initiated a state of emergency for the city until further notice. Other surrounding cities Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook responded with curfews of their own. Though only a handful of protesters were arrested Monday night in Linn Park, demonstrations continued in other Alabama cities. Evidently what had happened in Birmingham 24 hours earlier had made an impression elsewhere. Cities now struggled to allow demonstrations but appeared uneasy with anything that stretched past daylight. Police placed barricades around the State Capitol grounds and blocked off the streets close to the Capitol, including Dexter Avenue, where Martin Luther King Jr. and others helped lead the Montgomery bus boycott that transformed the city and civil rights movement. Montgomerys first black mayor, Steven Reed, dealing at the same moment with his city being a pandemic hotspot, begged those protesting to return to their homes and ask what they could do to help build one another up and not tear one another down? That same evening, another monument honoring a Confederate hero, Robert E. Lee, was taken down outside the city high school bearing his name. A peaceful protest began in Huntsville at 3 p.m. in the park and eventually made it to the Madison County Courthouse. Some there focused on the Confederate monument, with Dexter Strong, a political activist and ordained minister from Huntsville who had spoken earlier, putting himself between a chanting crowd and the line of law enforcement officials stationed at the top of the courthouse steps. But as darkness came on, city leaders, including Mayor Tommy Battle, asked the crowd to leave Battle going so far as to take a knee. Finally, around 8 p.m., police fired tear gas on what remained of the crowd. And meanwhile, in Birmingham just after 10 p.m., a crane slowly lifted the first section of the Confederate monument from Linn Park. Workers continued for another five hours, extracting the obelisk from its 115-year-old base, completing a project that began on a state holiday the birthday of Jefferson Davis, the Confederacys only president. And a quiet city awakened Tuesday to an empty base and a new foundation to build on. Featuring reporting by Carol Robinson, Howard Koplowitz, Jeremy Gray, Dennis Pillion, Anna Beahm, Trish Crain, Giana Han, Lawrence Specker, Chris Harress, Ivana Hrynkiw, Mike Cason, Paul Gattis and Lee Roop. Alec Baldwin has responded to criticism about his recent social media output. The 62-year-old actor posted a lengthy video to his Instagram account which addressed outrage over both his decision to promote controversial director Woody Allen and dismiss #BlackoutTuesday as 'this...national day of whatever'. He called the video a 'pre-break ramble' and also declared he would 'be taking a break from social media for a time.' Speaking up: Alec Baldwin has responded to criticism about his recent social media output However that promise was immediately broken, when the star of The Departed returned to the social media platform to post a video of flowers and some clouds. He captioned that post: 'Taking a break to smell the flowers. (Only posting contractually required promotions)'. In his nearly ten minute long video, the star defended his dismissal of 'Blackout Tuesday protocols' as simply seeing voting as 'equally, if not more important' than the social media movement. He also referred to his participation in social media as 'a form of psychosis'. However Alec's focus was on his belief in the innocence of his most recent podcast guest Woody Allen. Time out: He called the video a 'pre-break ramble' and also declared he would 'be taking a break from social media for a time' Outrage: The 62-year-old actor posted a lengthy video to his Instagram account which addressed outrage over both his decision to promote controversial director Woody Allen and dismiss #BlackoutTuesday as 'this...national day of whatever' The Annie Hall helmer's appearance on Here's The Thing had been promoted during Tuesday's 'blackout', resulting in criticism of Alec for both bad timing and support of an alleged sexual predator. In 1992 Dylan Farrow, Allen's estranged adopted daughter with ex-Mia Farrow, accused him of sexually molesting her when she was seven years old. Now 34, Dylan later repeated her allegations several time as an adult and, for his part, Woody has long denied her accusations. Asserting his belief in Allen's innocence, Baldwin said 'there were two [police] investigations [into the allegations] and he was cleared by both.' 'There are people who believe Woody based on two forensic reports and evaluations that were done at the time.' Not having fun: He also referred to his participation in social media as 'a form of psychosis' Alec Baldwin is facing backlash for promoting his new podcast interview with controversial director Woody Allen on #BlackoutTuesday. Baldwin took to social media with several posts about the interview and was immediately met with fury from his followers for not only his choice to sit down with Allen, who has been accused of sexual assault by his adopted daughter, but also for his 'tone-deaf' timing. BlackoutTuesday was devised to disrupt the work week by stopping production and social media promotion in order to reflect and focus time and energy on promoting black artists, businesses and projects. Defending himself: Baldwin is facing backlash for promoting his new podcast interview with controversial director Woody Allen on #BlackoutTuesday and then he doubled down on his choices after being met with fury from his followers On Tuesday, the 62-year-old actor shared a shot of director Woody Allen on his Instagram with a long caption hyping up their conversation on his podcast, Here's The Thing. Allen came on as a guest to discuss his controversial new memoir, Apropos of Nothing. 'Woody Allen's new book, Apropos of Nothing, starts with a portrait of his father, a tough-guy World War One Navy veteran and onetime gunman in a firing squad,' Baldwin's caption read. 'It's the first of a series of surprising, fascinating stories from a life that went from working-class Jewish Brooklyn in the 1940s to movie sets in Rome and Paris.' Backlash: Followers immediately took umbrage with Baldwin for his choice to interview Allen, who has been accused of sexually molesting his adopted daughter when she was seven, and the fact that he posted the promo messages on #BlackoutTuesday 'National day of whatever': Alec went on to tell his followers he had 'no idea' about #blackouttuesday and added the 'professional lives of some people cannot be put on hold at the whims of political correctness' 'The book also addresses the accusation of an incident of sexual abuse leveled by Dylan Farrow. Allen and Alec cover it all -- plus how he's doing in the age of coronavirus -- in this candid and wide-ranging interview.' 'I've worked on three Woody Allen films, each being a highlight of my career,' Alec Baldwin wrote in a second post promoting his podcast. Adding: 'Today he joins me on my podcast and we talk about everything from his mentors, to his method of directing, and the accusation of sexual abuse.' A time to pause: BlackoutTuesday was devised to disrupt the work week by stopping production and social media promotion in order to reflect and focus time and energy on promoting black artists, businesses and projects. Anger: Alec jumped into the comments and doubled down on his relationship with Allen, saying he believes the director is 'innocent' and called Blackout Tuesday a 'national day of whatever' His followers seemed floored that Baldwin went ahead with his business-as-usual promotional posts, which came on the same day as #BlackoutTuesday. 'Always love following your account but this is a tone deaf thing to post today,' one person quipped. Others added things like 'I am speechless, 'Are you serious?' and 'accused him of being 'dismissive' and 'defending a pedophile.' Baldwin is pictured here with Allen on the set of To Rome with Love in 2011 'Was this a scheduled post? Might be better rescheduled for another day, as the majority of us are obviously taking the day to show solidarity and also to take the time to listen and learn about white privilege,' another added. 'This post surprises me. Please let me know if this is a post that you just put up and wasnt scheduled.' Despite some people trying to give Baldwin the benefit of the doubt, he actually doubled down on his relationship with Allen and the timing of his posts calling Blackout Tuesday a 'national day of whatever.' Alec jumped into the comments with a lengthy response explaining away his choices because he was obligated to promote the episode as his guests 'have either requested or required a specific posting date in order to promote a project.' 'We make every effort to honor those requests. Allen is no exception,' he said. 'As for the perceived lack of sensitivity re BlackOutTuesday, I had no idea about this...national day of whatever.' Social media: As part of Blackout Tuesday, social media users have been sharing blank black images to show solidarity, like this one by Justin Bieber; Those images have been met with some criticism by many who see them as a hollow gesture that serves to clog up feeds and silence black voices. 'Three things: the professional lives of some people cannot be put on hold at the whims of political correctness. I believe Allen is innocent and that is my right. Posting a black screen today or any other day, though a decent sentiment, is not an effective political stance.' As part of Blackout Tuesday, social media users have been sharing blank black images to show solidarity. However, those images have been met with some criticism by many who see them as a hollow gesture that serves to clog up feeds and silence black voices. Particularly, those posting the black boxes have been asked not to use the Black Lives matter hashtags in those posts (#BlackLivesMatter, #BLM) to keep those feeds flowing with crucial information. In defense: Baldwin later reposted a call to action from his 24-year-old daughter Ireland about how the black squares are overtaking feeds and suppressing black voices and she came to his defense in comments Baldwin suggested that viral hashtags didn't do much good for the overall cause and said 'voting, and working to enroll others to vote, is more...practical.' He reposted a call to action from his 24-year-old daughter Ireland about how the black squares are overtaking feeds. She responded in the comments defending her her dad: 'Although the black squares are a sign of solidarity, Im shedding light to the posts that my black activist friends are continuing to post and get out there. 'I think everyone commenting negatively is missing the whole idea here. defending my dad because I know his intentions and where his heart is at.' On Monday, Ireland was spotted marching alongside protesters in Van Nuys, California. After days of state and national protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, the co-chairman of the Connecticut legislatures Judiciary Committee is considering ways to shore up police accountability here. Sen. Gary Winfield was responsible for getting sweeping legislation passed in 2019 that made investigations into police use of force more transparent and created a task force to look into other avenues of police accountability. Close to a year later, the task force has only met once and Winfield is reviewing his notes to refine what hed like to address in an upcoming special legislative session possibly slated for late June or early July. There was a lot left on the sidelines and Im trying to figure out what would be impactful, Winfield said. Im looking at what we can do during the special session. My intent is to make sure the state is looking at it. But not everyone is coming from the same place. I dont know what that means, police reform legislation, Gov. Ned Lamont said Tuesday during his briefing. He said he doesnt know if it should be part of a special session. Its just too vague. I dont know what police reform legislation means, Lamont said. Like leaders and police chiefs throughout the state, Lamont denounced the tactics Minneapolis police used that resulted in Floyds death as he was being held for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill. An officer put his knee on Floyds throat for nine minutes while the black man said he couldnt breathe, reports said. The officer was fired and later charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The death has prompted riots and demonstrations across the country including in Connecticut. The protests here have been mostly peaceful, which Police Accountability Task Force Chair Daryl McGraw said shouldnt be viewed as an indicator that the state doesnt have a problem with police brutality or people dying at the hands of police. Because the response hasnt been looting or rioting, theres a misconception that Connecticut is better, McGraw said. There have been people murdered by police in Connecticut. Weve had seven deadly shootings by police in 2019 and 2020. McGraw said the video of Floyds death as he was on the ground with the officers knee to his throat brought back memories of his own interactions with police. Were the same complexion, were about the same height, we had the same experience; the only difference is that I lived and he didnt, McGraw said. Hes hoping the task force can have a serious discussion on police accountability during a virtual meeting slated to take place June 8. It will be groups second meeting since being formed late last year. By law, the task force was supposed to submit ideas for increased police accountability by January, but the group wasnt fully seated and didnt have their first meeting until the end of January. The next meeting was cancelled due to the threat of COVID-19 as legislative business was shut down in mid-March. McGraw saw the unfolding tragedy in Minneapolis and the response in Connecticut and the rest of the country and decided that the group should meet again as soon as possible. There are plenty of good police officers in our state, McGraw said. There are also those who at any given moment could put us in the state Minneapolis is in. Winfield and Rep. Robyn Porter, D-New Haven, have worked for years to change police accountability laws, said David McGuire, executive director of the Connecticut American Civil Liberties Union. But their efforts have been continually hamstrung by the states police chiefs and police unions which have bucked change, McGuire said. There needs to be a radical change in the standard thats used to determine whether there was an excessive use of force, McGuire said. There also needs to be an independent body that investigates use-of-force incidents and can prosecute police officers based on the findings. Over the years, a handful of legislators have backed changes in police accountability laws but few have passed, he said. Were calling for the legislature to step up and find a real answer, McGuire said. House Majority Leader Matt Ritter acknowledged that Connecticut has a lot of work to do when it comes to police accountability, but hes going to let others like Winfield determine the direction of that discussion. I want to talk to Senator Winfield and others who started to work on that, Ritter said. I dont wanna pre-judge what they believe the right process is. I want to respect their ability to come out with their ideas. They know they have a partner in me 100 percent on it. I want to defer to folks on the timing and how they want to approach it, Ritter said Monday. The law Winfield got passed in 2019 changed the way information is released following any incident involving a serious use of force by police. The law reshapes the way police handle use-of-force incidents and fatalities by requiring certain details to be made public on request within a set period of time, and by prohibiting police from firing into fleeing vehicles. It also included the creation of the Police Transparency and Accountability Task Force chaired by McGraw. It is incumbent upon us as elected officials to do more, Ritter, who is likely to be the next speaker of the House, said. Its simply horrific, its unacceptable. It makes me so, so sad that in our country in 2020, were living through this. When it comes to police accountability in Connecticut, the legislature has had mixed results. State Rep. Joshua Hall, D-Hartford, said that when Porter tried to introduce legislation in 2017 that would hold police officers accountable for using deadly force, police departments in Connecticut came to the state Capitol to intimidate her and those who supported her. The question now is for my colleagues that are here today, is when we go back into session, what are we going to do? Hall said last week at a protest. Are we going to stand by and make sure it never happens again? New results from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope suggest the formation of the first stars and galaxies in the early Universe took place sooner than previously thought. A European team of astronomers have found no evidence of the first generation of stars, known as Population III stars, as far back as when the Universe was just 500 million years old. The exploration of the very first galaxies remains a significant challenge in modern astronomy. We do not know when or how the first stars and galaxies in the Universe formed. These questions can be addressed with the Hubble Space Telescope through deep imaging observations. Hubble allows astronomers to view the Universe back to within 500 million years of the Big Bang. A team of European researchers, led by Rachana Bhatawdekar of the European Space Agency, set out to study the first generation of stars in the early Universe. Known as Population III stars [1], these stars were forged from the primordial material that emerged from the Big Bang. Population III stars must have been made solely out of hydrogen, helium and lithium, the only elements that existed before processes in the cores of these stars could create heavier elements, such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and iron. Bhatawdekar and her team probed the early Universe from about 500 million to 1 billion years after the Big Bang by studying the cluster MACSJ0416 and its parallel field with the Hubble Space Telescope (with supporting data from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the ground-based Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory). "We found no evidence of these first-generation Population III stars in this cosmic time interval" said Bhatawdekar of the new results. The result was achieved using the Hubble's Space Telescope's Wide Field Camera 3 and Advanced Camera for Surveys [2], as part of the Hubble Frontier Fields programme. This programme (which observed six distant galaxy clusters from 2012 to 2017) produced the deepest observations ever made of galaxy clusters and the galaxies located behind them which were magnified by the gravitational lensing effect, thereby revealing galaxies 10 to 100 times fainter than any previously observed. The masses of foreground galaxy clusters are large enough to bend and magnify the light from the more distant objects behind them. This allows Hubble to use these cosmic magnifying glasses to study objects that are beyond its nominal operational capabilities. Bhatawdekar and her team developed a new technique that removes the light from the bright foreground galaxies that constitute these gravitational lenses. This allowed them to discover galaxies with lower masses than ever previously observed with Hubble, at a distance corresponding to when the Universe was less than a billion years old. At this point in cosmic time, the lack of evidence for exotic stellar populations and the identification of many low-mass galaxies supports the suggestion that these galaxies are the most likely candidates for the reionisation of the Universe. This period of reionisation in the early Universe is when the neutral intergalactic medium was ionised by the first stars and galaxies. "These results have profound astrophysical consequences as they show that galaxies must have formed much earlier than we thought," said Bhatawdekar. "This also strongly supports the idea that low-mass/faint galaxies in the early Universe are responsible for reionisation." These results [3] also suggest that the earliest formation of stars and galaxies occurred much earlier than can be probed with the Hubble Space Telescope. This leaves an exciting area of further research for the upcoming NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope -- to study the Universe's earliest galaxies. ### Notes [1] The name Population III arose because astronomers had already classified the stars of the Milky Way as Population I (stars like the Sun, which are rich in heavier elements) and Population II (older stars with a low heavy-element content, found in the Milky Way bulge and halo, and in globular star clusters). [2] Owing to the expansion of the Universe, the light from the distant galaxies is shifted from ultraviolet and optical wavelengths into the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 is well equipped to probe this part of the spectrum. In addition, the telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys is optimised for visible/ light observations. [3] These results are based on a previous 2019 paper (https://arxiv.org/abs/1807.07580) by Bhatawdekar et al., and a paper that will appear in an upcoming issue of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS). These results are also being presented at a press conference during the 236th meeting of American Astronomical Society. More information The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA. The European team of astronomers in this study consists of R. Bhatawdekar and C. J. Conselice. Image credit: ESA/Hubble, M. Kornmesser. Links Images of Hubble - http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/archive/category/spacecraft/ Hubblesite release - http://www.spacetelescope.org/%20https://hubblesite.org/contents/news-releases/2020/news-2020-34. Contacts Dr Rachana Bhatawdekar European Space Agency / ESTEC Noordwijk, The Netherlands Email: Rachana.Bhatawdekar@esa.int Bethany Downer ESA/Hubble, Public Information Officer Garching, Germany Email: Bethany.Downer@partner.eso.org Patna (Bihar) [India], June 2 (ANI): Bihar Police on Tuesday arrested four persons for allegedly raping a minor from Nepal in Patna. According to the police, the other two accused are still at large and search is on for them. "We have arrested four men for raping a 14-year old girl from Nepal in Patna. Search for two more is on. Accused have confessed to committing the crime," Aarti Jaiswal, Station Incharge, Women Police Station, Patna said. (ANI) Nisarga, the first severe cyclone to impact Mumbai in more than 60 years, largely spared Indias financial capital on Wednesday as the severe cyclonic storm weakened after its landfall south of the city, claiming no major damages or loss of life in the region. The cyclone crossed the coast near Alibag in Raigad district with wind speeds of up to 120km per hour at 12.30pm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Experts said Mumbai remained largely unaffected as the landfall, initially expected to be 16km away in Alibag, deviated 75km from the coastal resort town. Two people died as the storm uprooted trees in neighbouring districts, but no major damages were reported as workers began clearing debris on Wednesday night. The deep depression that formed over the Arabian Sea earlier this week turned into a severe cyclonic storm and reached the coastline of Maharashtra on Wednesday. It made landfall south of Alibag. The cyclones eye diameter was 80km and the eye crossed south of Alibag in Raigad but rest of it crossed neighbouring districts, said IMD director general M Mohapatra. He added that while the forecast on the cyclone track was accurate, the effect on Mumbai was diminished as the landfall happened at least 75km south of Alibag, in Diveagar. IMDs prediction of extremely heavy rainfall was not reported in several areas of Mumbai. The city, however, recorded a gale wind speed of 72kmph at its southern tip, Colaba, quelling fears that the administrative and health care resources, already stretched on account of its coronavirus disease (Covid-19) caseload, would not be able to cope with a natural disaster. Private forecaster Skymet Weather said it was a close shave for the city, which has so far recorded about 43,000 Covid-19 cases and is making attempts at keeping its health care system from being overrun. Our observation is that the impact on Mumbai was less because the landfall location was shifted somewhat south of Alibag. There was only light to moderate rains in Mumbai during and immediately after landfall, said Mahesh Palawat, vice president, climate and meteorology at Skymet Weather. Visuals of lacerating rain, swaying trees and waves crashing against tetrapod barriers that line the Konkan coast beamed on television screens as people stayed indoors on the advice of the state government, even as teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force evacuated at least 160,000 people over Tuesday and Wednesday morning from the coastal districts of Maharashtra particularly Raigad and Palghar as well as Navsari, Valsad and Surat in Gujarat. Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and his deputy Ajit Pawar spoke to district collectors of all seven districts on alert in Maharashtra, and directed the administration to assess the losses to citizens. Kishorraje Nimbalkar, secretary, relief and rehabilitation said: The alert continues till tomorrow [Thursday] morning in seven districts. There are huge losses of properties reported in Raigad district, while in other districts it was comparatively less. There is no cyclone-related loss of life reported in the state. The assessment of the losses will begin tomorrow. As it passed over the coastline, Nisarga spanned 500km, as captured by radar and encompassed Mumbai and Thane districts, IMD stated. Its eye (the region of calm at the centre of a cyclonic storm) was about 80km in diameter by all measures, it was every bit the severe cyclonic storm that the states were bracing for. However, cyclones tend to lose speed the more they travel inland, and by Wednesday night, Nisarga made its way towards Pune and was headed in the north-east direction towards Madhya Pradesh at a speed of 60-70kmph. The cyclone made landfall between Srivardhan and Murud to the south of Alibag, Raigad district collector Nidhi Choudhari said. Though the cyclone completed landfall between 12.30 and 2.30pm, its intensity lasted for another hour afterwards. Alibag received 84.3mm of rain between 8.30am and 5.30pm on Wednesday, while Ratnagiri district, south of the cyclones landfall site, recorded 45mm in the same time period, according to data provided by the district administration. The entire district is cyclone-hit, Choudhari said, as she assessed the extent of damage with the NDRF team on Wednesday evening. It struck us exactly at Diveagar, and later moved towards Alibag and Pen tehsils. The impact was felt as far as Margaon, Khopoli and Karjat (inland) where tree and electric lines were badly damaged. Choudhari estimated at least 10,000 trees were affected 15 in her own office and residence, she said. A 58-year-old man died in Alibags Umte village when an electricity pole fell on him, and four people were injured in Ratnagiri district. Another death was reported from Raigad district, a 10-year-old who was killed due to a tree fall. The cyclone uprooted a large number of trees. Power supply was affected in most coastal districts and tenements with missing tin roofs, blown away by the high speed winds, was a common sight. In anticipation of flooding, on account of a predicted storm surge, the Birhanmumbai Municipal Corporation evacuated close to 20,000 people from low-lying areas in the metropolitan region, including Colaba, Worli Koliwada, Gorai and other western suburbs. This was to be the second severe cyclonic storm after 1961 to impact Mumbai in its path. However, as of Wednesday night, no major loss to life and property reported. The Chhattrapati Shivaji International airport, which shut operations for three hours during the day, resumed flights at 6pm. This could have been very bad. Winds were very strong but rainfall was moderate, which probably saved Mumbai. We do not expect any major rains anymore, Mumbais deputy director general of meteorology KS Hosalikar said. We may withdraw the orange alert for Mumbai and only keep a yellow alert, he added. Sunita Devi, incharge of cyclone department at IMD, said: Unlike Amphan, this cyclone didnt intensify rapidly while in the ocean but intensified very quickly when it was only 250km from the Maharashtra coast as winds picked by 20 to 40kmph early morning on Wednesday and made landfall as a severe cyclonic storm. Climate scientist at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Mathew Roxy Koll, said: Intensification from a tropical cyclone to a Category 1 cyclone in case of Nisarga happened in about 12 hours near the coast. His team said that this was the first time after 1998 that a severe cyclonic storm crossed the west coast. The 1998 cyclone made landfall in Gujarats Kandla and killed thousands of people but didnt impact Mumbai. It is rare for a cyclone to make landfall in or near Mumbai or even on the Maharashtra coast. The storms that form during monsoon onset over Arabian Sea usually move towards Oman. Cyclone Phyan, of a much lower intensity, last impacted these districts in 2009 and even Mumbai recorded extremely heavy rainfall. The upper-level winds steered Nisarga towards the Maharashtra coast. This is the first pre-monsoon severe cyclone to have made an impact on Mumbai since 1961. Storm surge during the three-hour cyclone period ranged between 1-2m for the Konkan coast. The maximum storm surge for Raigad district was 2m from Alibag to Diveagar, and 0-0.8m for Ratnagiri, Mumbai and Thane. Storm surge warnings shoreward movement of water above astronomical tide height under the action of wind stress indicate the extent of inundation to expect. A storm surge of 0.5m to 1.3m over coastal Alibag may result in flooding up to 1.4km of a low-lying area. These are the first images of the smiling British pilot who has woken from a coma after defeating COVID-19 when he was in a critical condition in Vietnam. The 43-year-old Vietnam Airlines pilot, known as Patient 91, is now reportedly fully conscious, smiling and talking to doctors at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam. Photos show the pilot smiling to doctors from his bed, other pictures show him being fed by doctors with a spoon and being given a drink. The 43-year-old Vietnam Airlines pilot, known as Patient 91, is now reportedly fully conscious, smiling and talking to doctors at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam He was admitted to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City on March 18 and became the country's most-critical patient, with his lung function dropping to just 10 percent. British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Ian Gibbons, wrote a letter of thanks to the Vietnamese health authorities for their care of the ill pilot. Reports state he is receiving physical therapy twice a day as his recovery continues and his lower limb strength is up to around 40 percent, with his upper limbs at around 60 percent. He is now drinking sugar water but his lungs are still reportedly infected with two types of bacteria. A kind health worker holds the hand of the British pilot in Cho Ray Hospital where he is being treated The pilot can be seen moving his hand as two medics attend to him. The pilot has reportedly been communicating since waking from the coma Here the pilot is seen receiving an injection into his shoulder. He has been smiling at healthcare workers His kidney has now seemingly recovered after he was taken off dialysis on May 27, with consistently positive results from tests for three consecutive days. The pilot is still using an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) system but the blood rate through the system is down to 3.7 litres per minute, compared to 5.7 litres per minute at his worst condition. The ECMO pumps bloody out of the body to a machine which carries out the functions of the heart and lungs, removing carbon dioxide and sending oxygen-filled blood back. The Director of the Administration of Medical Examination and Treatment at Vietnam's Ministry of Health, Luong Ngoc Khue (pictured), has said the hospital has 'fulfilled its mission of treating the British man' The team hope to reduce the flow going through the system to 2.5 litres per minute as his lungs begin to play a bigger role in oxygenation. He remains in a serious condition and doctors are reportedly looking for suitable donors for a lung transplant. He woke from his coma last week, with Tran Thanh Linh, the deputy head of the hospital saying that he was able to communicate after his doses of muscle relaxants and sedatives had been reduced. British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Ian Gibbons, wrote a letter of thanks to the Vietnamese health authorities for their care of the ill pilot Local media reported the pilot can move his fingers and toes but still has problems breathing. He was declared free of COVID-19 on 21st May and was transferred from the Hospital for Tropical Diseases to his current facility. The Director of the Administration of Medical Examination and Treatment at Vietnam's Ministry of Health, Luong Ngoc Khue, said the hospital 'fulfilled its mission of treating the British man'. He had suffered from cytokine storm syndrome when his immune system overreacted to the coronavirus attacking his body and released too many cytokines, damaging his organs. Cytokines are proteins released by white blood cells and in cytokine storms they can overwhelm the body. Cu Chi Field Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. The British pilot who was Vietnam's most-critical COVID-19 patient has now been confirmed free of covid-19 and has woken from a coma The pilot was declared free of COVID-19 on May 21 and was transferred from the Hospital for Tropical Diseases to his current facility, Cu Chi Field Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City In his letter of thanks addressed to Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong, Consul General Gibbons expressed his gratitude to the Hospital of Tropical Diseases and Cho Ray Hospital for their 'excellent care'. He wrote: 'They have worked tirelessly and spared no efforts in helping him during the time he has been critically ill in hospital. We have been in very close touch with all the relevant authorities throughout the time he has been so unwell. 'We are in regular contact with his family and close friends. We could not have asked for better treatment. Once again, my sincere and personal thanks to all involved in his care.' People who smoke cigarettes are more likely to die due to COVID-19 than non-smokers, according to Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) National Advocacy Co-ordinator Lorraine Govender. Research shows that people who smoke tobacco products are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 outcomes, Govender said. They are more likely to require mechanical ventilators, ICU, and are more likely to die. South Africas continued ban on the sale of tobacco products as part of the governments measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 has been the source of much controversy. Although officially decisions around COVID-19 mitigation measures are taken by the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC), Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has been regarded as the main proponent of the ban. She has claimed smoking increases the potential spread of COVID-19, particularly in poorer communities where individuals share cigarettes or use saliva when rolling hand-made sticks. However, multiple surveys and studies have shown the ban does not appear to be working, with many people still able to get their hands on illegal cigarettes, an underground industry which was doing well even before governments ban. A UCT report titled Lighting up the illicit cigarette market surveyed 16,000 smokers between 29 April and 11 May 2020 and found 90% were still able to buy cigarettes during the lockdown. The ban has also driven the prices of these illicit cigarettes through the roof, with the report revealing the price per cigarette increased by an average of 4.4% each day during the 13 days that the survey was conducted. Certain groups representing poorer communities have claimed the price surge has increased the trend of cigarette-sharing, counteracting the intended effect of the ban. The early studies the minister has cited do give an indication that smokers may be more susceptible, although the scope and variables of this research leave them open to criticism. Additionally, a study from France claimed that smokers are 80% less like likely to contract COVID-19 than non-smokers. The Hopitaux de Paris and Pasteur Institute claimed a substance in cigarettes likely nicotine could be responsible for increased resistance to the initial infection. However, CANSAs Lorraine Govender told MyBroadband that there was sufficient evidence that smokers are more likely to die if they contract COVID-19. Cigarettes leave you vulnerable Govender explained since COVID-19 affects the respiratory system and smoking likewise weakens the lungs a critical part thereof there is sufficient scientific evidence that smokers are more likely to die should they get diagnosed with COVID-19. Tobacco smoke weakens the immune system and compromises the ability of the lungs to fight viral and bacterial infections. Having optimal lung function is critical when dealing with a virus such as COVID-19 that primarily attacks respiratory health, Govender said. She acknowledged that the ban may be tough on mental health and cause anguish for many, but added that it has provided more reasons for smokers to kick the habit. The ban on the sale of tobacco products intended to improve COVID 19 outcomes, while not sensitive to the needs of those addicted to tobacco and forcing many to go cold-turkey, may have provided the incentive for others to quit the smoking habit for good, Govender said. Quitting smoking can be a real challenge for most tobacco smokers and while some may be able to quit cold turkey, others may experience withdrawal symptoms which may be unpleasant but are temporary, Govender stated. Govender explained that quitting smoking results in near-immediate benefits and could potentially reduce the risk of dying from COVID-19. In 24 hours, risks of strokes and heart attacks reduce. In two weeks the lung function improves. From one month the lung and immune system are starting to get better, which is key in the face of a respiratory illness like COVID-19, Govender said. Govender said while the country is losing out on tax on legitimate cigarette sales, smoking generally costs the economy far more with regards to its impact on the health sector. It is true that revenue is lost to illicit trade, and it also true that the harm to the economy annually amounting to R59 billion, outweighs tax from tobacco of R12 billion. Inconsistent measures What many have pointed out is an apparent inconsistency from the government with regards to which lockdown measures are regarded as more effective in curbing the spread of the virus. The ban on alcohol sales was considered to be an effective measure, due to the abuse thereof often leading to medical incidents which require hospitalisation or care that may impede facilities abilities to assist COVID-19 patients. However, the government has now chosen to allow the sale of alcohol for home consumption under lockdown level 3. Additionally, the congregation of large numbers of people poses a great risk to the quick spread of the virus, but places of worship are now able to resume services with up to 50 members in attendance. The cigarette ban is being challenged in court by the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) and British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA). The matter involving FITA is set to be heard by a full bench of the North Gauteng High Court on 9 and 10 June 2020. Now read: Liquor companies push for South African bars to sell alcohol for home consumption BERLIN, GERMANY - JUNE 03: German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas speaks to the press about travel restrictions in Europe in front of the Federal Foreign Office on June 03, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Koehler/Photothek via Getty Images) German foreign minister Heiko Maas on Wednesday announced that the country will lift its travel restrictions for 31 countries on 15 June. As well as allowing its citizens to travel to 26 EU member states, Germany will also lift its warning for Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the UK. However, Maas said that the government does not recommend travel to the UK while the country still has a 14-day quarantine period in place. I realise that this decision will raise great hopes and expectations, but let me say that travel warnings are not travel bans and travel advisories are not invitations to travel, Maas said. Meanwhile, the US is not on the list of places Germans can now go to right now and existing travel restrictions remain in place. Europes largest economy shut its borders to most of its neighbours in the middle of March, meaning only essential goods vehicles and commuters could cross. That same week, on 16 March, German chancellor Angela Merkel announced national lockdowns, as the federal government in Berlin agreed with the 16 states that all commercial and social life must be shuttered to contain the virus. READ MORE: Coronavirus: Early testing and swift lockdowns prevented 'up to 100,000 deaths' in Germany At the time of the shutdown, Germany had only 4,800 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, and around 10 deaths from COVID-19. Two-and-a-half months later, the comparatively low number of deaths some 8,576 as of today points to the effectiveness of the swift lockdown. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo Finance UK Germanys leading virologist, Christian Drosten, has attributed the relatively low death toll to the fact that his team at the Charite hospital in Berlin was developing a coronavirus test in January already, and clinics were well-armed to start mass testing early on in the outbreak. The German foreign minister said today that what were previously travel restrictions, will now be replaced with travel advice, meaning that the government will issue guidance on whether or not it is safe to travel to a certain country on an individual, case-by-case basis. Maas also noted that travel warnings could be reintroduced in the future if new coronavirus infections in a particular country surpass 50 per 100,000 people in the space of one week. ALBANY Marchers are moving through the streets of Albany to protest the abuse of black men by police. The rally began in Washington Park and moved along New Scotland Avenue, Whitehall Road, and other streets to the south of the park. As protesters moved through the streets, they chanted for justice. Police escorted the marchers through the streets. "Walk with us," demonstrators called as they passed homes on the route. At one point, the crowd was brought to cheers when they learned that new charges were filed against the officer accused of killing George Floyd, a black man who died in at the hands of police in Minneapolis, and that other officers involved in the incident were to be arrested too. The rally is the latest in Albany since Saturday when hundreds of people march through the streets to decry the killings of Floyd and a number of other black men in confrontations with police and armed white men. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Rally have been held in cities across the country since Floyd's death on May 25. While most of the rallies have been peaceful, a number have turned violent. Albany has seen three peaceful rallies but a rally Saturday and Monday nights turned violent with protesters tossing rocks at police and police using tear gas to disperse crowds. Monday night's rally led to nine arrests early Tuesday morning. For Hungary's nationalist leader Viktor Orban it marks the country's darkest day: "June 4, 1920," a date carved into a triangular column marking the spot where the Hungarian, Romanian, and Serbian borders meet. It was on that day, soon after World War I, that a treaty was signed in the Trianon palace in Versailles, France, defining Hungary's new shrunken frontiers after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian empire. "Flags here will be at half-mast on June 4," said Robert Molnar, mayor of Kubekhaza, a village beside the tri-border, ahead of the centenary Thursday. "The Trianon borders split up villages and families," Molnar told AFP, pointing at church towers across the fields -- each in a different country. Hungary, as part of the defeated Austro-Hungarian empire, was forced to sign away two-thirds of its territory, and half of its multi-ethnic population. At a stroke, more than three million ethnic Hungarians -- or Magyars -- a third of the total, as well as key economic resources and several historic cities became part of neighbouring states. - 'Betrayed by the West' - "The great powers led by France unjustly punished Hungary, no matter the cost," Csaba Pal Szabo, director of a state-financed Trianon Museum, told AFP at the museum's archive in the city of Szeged near the Serbian border. "We were betrayed by the West." Szabo objects to what he says were unfairly drawn borders "not reflecting ethnic populations on the ground". Among the historical maps and memorabilia on display are 1920s propaganda material proclaiming "No! No! Never!" -- and calling for territorial revision. Hungary's interwar leader Miklos Horthy later allied with Nazi Germany, partly in a bid to reclaim lost lands. But another treaty in 1947 confirmed the borders set out at Trianon. During the subsequent four decades of communist rule, any mention of Trianon was taboo in case it riled fellow socialist states. This was despite widespread discrimination endured by Magyar minorities -- especially under Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. - 'National Cohesion' - EU membership for Hungary and most of its neighbours has since 2004 brought more cross-border freedom of movement. Even so, moving on from Trianon has proved difficult. On coming to power in 2010, Orban adopted an assertive "national policy" aimed at uniting Hungarians after what he calls the "dismemberment". Orban, 57, swiftly declared June 4 a "Day of National Cohesion", and has since sent lavish financial aid to schools, cultural and religious groups in the diaspora. He also granted dual citizenship and voting rights to more than a million non-residents -- many of whom have voted for his Fidesz party in Hungarian elections. A "National Cohesion" monument will be unveiled soon in Budapest bearing the Hungarian-language names of villages, towns and cities in pre-WWI Greater Hungary. After historians spotted that many of the localities listed on it were never populated by ethnic Hungarians, a government official denied the edifice expressed a desire to turn the clock back. Orban's fondness for Greater Hungary nostalgia encourages an idealised picture of relations between Hungarians and other ethnic groups before WW1, according to analysts, and appeals to ultra-nationalistic voters in particular. In recent speeches, he has made what appear to be more conciliatory calls for regional cooperation to "build Central Europe". But Orban's critics worry that his policies have frayed relations with Hungary's neighbours -- and could harm the prospects of the diaspora communities. In Romania, Hungarian aid to Transylvania is seen as meddling. Orban is accused by nationalists there of fomenting demands for autonomy in the mostly ethnic-Hungarian Szeklerland region. Many new dual citizens in non-EU members Serbia and Ukraine meanwhile have used their Hungarian passports to emigrate to Hungary or richer western Europe rather than stay home. - Moving on - The diaspora population in Hungary's neighbours has dwindled to under two million, mainly due to emigration and assimilation over the past century. But many Hungarians still have relatives or roots there, ensuring that Trianon remains an emotive issue. Budapest's liberal mayor has called for a minute of silence across the city Thursday, a sign that the trauma cuts across party lines. "It's unclear how Hungary can ever get over it," historian Gabor Egry told AFP. "Official commemorations emphasise only the suffering, not the nuances or diversity of the minority experiences in the different countries, or how things have changed." Balazs Erlauer, a 34-year-old Magyar from Serbia's multi-ethnic Vojvodina region who moved to Hungary when his family fled the 1990s Yugoslav wars, said he "would happily forget about discussing Trianon" if he was allowed to do so. What bothered him, he told AFP, was not "lines on a map as much as nationalistic aggression". This triangular stone column marks the spot where the borders of Hungary, Romania, and Serbia meet 'We were betrayed by the West,' Csaba Pal Szabo, director of a state-financed Trianon Museum, told AFP Historians have already pointed out that many places listed on a ?National Cohesion? monument to pre-WWI greater Hungary in Budapest were never actually populated by ethnic Hungarians Melania and Donald Trump at St Johns church on Monday: (The Recount - Twitter) President Donald Trump appeared to tell the first lady, Melania Trump, to smile, during a visit to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, a day after his visit to the St Johns Episcopal Church outraged religious leaders. In footage taken of the visit to the shrine on Tuesday, the president was filmed briefly saying something to Ms Trump, before smiling for the photographers, who were documenting their visit. He then seemed to notice that she was not smiling, and spoke to her again before Ms Trump then forced a quick smile and walked away with her husband. Trump's visit to the shrine infuriated church officials. Archbishop Wilton Gregory, the nation's highest-ranking African American bishop, condemned the visit in a statement released on Tuesday morning. "I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree," he said. The visit was the second Mr Trump made to a religious site in the space of a day. On Monday evening, the president left the White House to visit the St Johns Episcopal Church, for a photo opportunity. Both appearances came amid protests across the US, where protesters have been demonstrating in opposition to police brutality against Black Americans, following the death of George Floyd. Mr Floyd died last week after then Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck while detaining him. The protests started in Minneapolis, but quickly spread to Chicago and New York, and many other cities across the US over the weekend. In order for the president to get to the church, he had to cross Lafayette Square, which was full of demonstrators protesting outside the White House gates. Before he left the executive mansion, police were ordered to disperse the group of protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets, creating a clear path for him to get to the church. Story continues Bishops in charge of the St Johns Episcopal Church were not made aware that the president was going to be at the church to get his picture taken. Around 20 bishops and volunteers, who were giving out snacks and refreshments to protesters, were told the leave the church so that Mr Trump could have his picture taken. The Right Reverend Mariann Budde, who is the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, released a statement saying that he was outraged that the president chose that moment to visit the church for a photo opportunity. The president just used a Bible and one of the churches of my diocese as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for, she said. To do so, he sanctioned the use of tear gas by police officers in riot gear to clear the churchyard. Reverend Gini Gerbasi, from a nearby church in Georgetown, told Religious News Service that when she left briefly to get supplies, armed police began to set off tear gas to expel protesters. I was suddenly coughing from the tear gas. We heard those explosions and people would drop to the ground because you werent sure what it was, Ms Gerbasi said. They turned holy ground into a battleground. Read more Biden hits out at Trump over threat to crush protests Recently, Kareena Kapoor Khan made an intresting revelation. She said that her husband, Saif Ali Khan, was offered the lead role opposite her in Talaash. The film had released in 2012, with Aamir Khan playing the lead. The actress said that she was taken aback when Saif told her that hed declined Talaash.She shared, "I think at that time Saif wanted to do a more commercial kind of movie." Kareena also let out that she only got attached to the project after Aamir Khan signed on to play the lead role. She called it one of her finest works. Talaash released in the same year that Kareena and Saif got married.Speaking about Saif and the things that she learnt from him, Bebo said, The best thing Ive learned from Saif is being comfortable with myself and not always running after money, success, fame. Hes taught me to love the greater things in life, that theres something greater than money, fame and success, which I probably didnt know -- like family, love, calmness, peace of mind, or reading a book, or sitting and having a conversation not about work and competition. The actress, who has been ruling hearts for years now, also said that she hopes to be an inspiration for younger actors. She hopes they can see the importance of making good choices in life and competing with themselves rather than with each other.Kareena also spoke about the choices she made. She chose not to pursue a career in Hollywood, unlike her contemporary Priyanka Chopra, as she wanted to be close to her family. She agreed she'd be good in a Hollywood film. However, she said, I can be good in a Hindi movie also.Concluding her talk, Bebo let out that she'd love to move to London and settle there. London is my favourite city in the world," she said. The union cabinet has cleared the proposal to suspend the insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC) for non-performing assets after March 25, the day when the nationwide lockdown started, sources told CNBC-TV18. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared the proposal to suspend the insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC) to avoid companies at large from being forced into insolvency proceedings for non-performing assets during the COVID-19 period starting from 25 March until a date which will be notified later by the government, sources told CNBC-TV18. The move is on the back of the government giving its nod to the proposal to introduce a new clause -- 10A, under section 10 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. The section makes it clear that creditors cannot drag any company to courts/insolvency proceedings, which will be in effect for the next six months and can be extended by up to one year. This would imply that any default from March 25 until a date, which will be notified later, can never be dragged for insolvency proceedings. Thereby, giving a lifetime exemptions to such defaults. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (on May 17) as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package announced the suspension of any fresh initiation of insolvency proceedings up to 1year, permanently excluding debt accrued due to COVID-19 to be considered as default. But, the government had not notified the date from which the move will be considered. It was earlier on March 24 when Sitharaman had said that if the situation remained bleak beyond April 30, the government may consider suspending Section 7, 9 and 10 of the IBC, 2016 for a period of six months so as to stop companies at large from being forced into insolvency proceedings during such a crisis. The new clause overrides sections 7, 9 and 10 of IBC. Section 7 deals with financial creditors initiating insolvency action, Section 9 deals with operational creditors initiating action. Section 10 allows a defaulting company to approach the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to declare it insolvent. The government had earlier decided to provide this relief to companies from being dragged into insolvency proceedings for the next six months, through a cabinet proposal, which was cleared on April 22, but it had not earmarked a time-period for which the clause should be considered. CNBC-TV18 earlier reported that the new clause -- Section 10A -- is to suspend Sections 7, 9 and 10 for six months or until further orders, with a rider that the amendment clause cannot be extended more than a year, and will be a one-time measure. The proposal, which has been approved by the union cabinet is to move the amendments via promulgation of an ordinance. Sources said, a formal announcement on the ordinance is now expected post it gets the president's nod. It is to be noted that the old proceedings will continue. Donavan West, head of the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ and Del. Read more Im not OK. So wrote Donavan West in a letter to African American Chamber of Commerce members this past week. As the president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, West is tending to a struggling group of about 600 members and business owners, helping them rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic. Then he wrote an impassioned, personal note to his circle, on which he elaborated with The Inquirer. West, 45, was named president of the chamber in October 2019. He was the longtime chief operating officer of People for People, founded by his mentor Herb Lusk, a Philadelphia pastor and former Eagles running back. But West felt personally motivated to speak out on behalf of black-owned business owners until the coronavirus and the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. READ MORE: From Wednesday: The Rizzo statue comes down First, he wrote out of anguish. Like many in his community, I saw myself in those cuffs, on the ground with three officers squeezing the life out of me as I pleaded for air and asked for my mother in my final moments. While I am the president of the African American Chamber of Commerce, I proactively engage with literally every race in an effort to identify common challenges and interests so that we can leverage new partnerships toward bigger impacts for the small business communities, he wrote. I and countless others have to adjust our mental and spiritual energy so that we can successfully balance what were going through while continuing to contribute in meaningful ways. Its not easy. West, a graduate of Penn State who has a masters from Eastern University, said he got an eerie feeling seeing George Floyd, whos only a few months older than me, and an inch taller. It was like watching myself die, watching my twin die, at the hands of the cops, he said. As for his business members, Right now, its extremely stressful for business owners. Imagine youre of a minority who survives COVID, only for your business to be decimated by the rash of looting taking place in business corridors. Black business owners The AACC currently has a mix of self-employed, micro-entrepreneurs, small-business, retail, food service, construction, and about 20 corporate members. About 60% of members suffered financial damage from COVID, and as to damage from looting, were still doing call-ins. Right now were a low percentage of those impacted. Areas or sectors that were hardest hit include such corridors as West Philly, especially 52nd Street and Parkside; 77th and City Avenue; 48th and Girard; 57th and Vine; and Lebanon Road. He mentioned ShopRite, in particular, as an essential business that offers second-chance employment. Those have also been decimated. What is the chamber doing? We assist with applying for grants that will be made available in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods, an estimated $112 million or so expected, West said. Members of the African American Chamber are extremely supportive of the protesters and understand the core issue, he wrote. The issue is disproportionate exposure to all the negative elements of life and criminal justice, health infrastructure, and job infrastructure, West explained. The cost of doing business as a person of color is totally different than white business owners. That said, We are in full support of peaceful protest. The majority of whats happening with violence and looting is strategic and foreign. Most black business owners arent swayed from the cause by the subsequent rioting, he said. Theyre victims of the effects. There are thousands of people participating in peaceful protest. It was safe, and then other people who participated in riots. Thats different from a demonstration and protest. Hes glad the cameras are rolling. Thank God for the digital age. He also wrote that while his members are losing their livelihoods, I also have to be reminded that I am not able to: What needs to happen next, he wrote: The roof of a school collapsed under heavy rain in Pakistan's northwest near Afghanistan on Tuesday, killing seven children and injuring 13 others, police said. Azam Khan, a local police official, said the incident took place in the district of North Waziristan. He said the children were between the ages of 4 and 14. Unfortunately, all the children who were martyred or injured in this incident were receiving Islamic education at the madrassa, Khan said. Rescue workers recovered the bodies and transported injured students to the area's main hospital, he said. Rains in Pakistan often damage homes and other structures because of poor construction quality and many homes are made of mud brick. North Waziristan served as the headquarters of Pakistan's Taliban and foreign militants until 2017 after security forces in a series of operations dismantled their network and killed or arrested scores of them. The region has dozens of schools where children receive Islamic education. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 19:39:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Keren Setton JERUSALEM, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The world is lacking a coordinated global response to the raging COVID-19 pandemic and its economic ramifications, several Israeli experts have said recently. To better cope with the COVID-19 crisis, they have urged all countries to come together to form cohesive policies on such issues as vaccine research and international travel. LACK OF COOPERATION Many previous crises in history, such as the financial crisis of 2007-08, have witnessed countries making joint efforts to tackle problems, yet the current COVID-19 crisis, which has so far recorded over 6 million infections worldwide and more than 380,000 deaths, has seen a lack of coordinated response across the world with some countries shirking responsibilities expected of them, experts said. For example, international flights were canceled and airports shutdown following the outbreak. The United States, the sole superpower which should have taken the lead in promoting global cooperation, halted exports of masks and respiratory machines to neighboring Canada, as well as Latin American countries. Amnon Lahad, chairman of Family Medicine at the Hebrew University, found the real situation quite contrary to such expectations "that the United States would lead and that there would be a global response." "There should have been an agreement on the implementation of World Health Organization (WHO) decisions. But every country made their own policy," Lahad told Xinhua. Noting that politics have overshadowed the response process, he said that the current crisis "became a political problem rather than a health problem." "Medicine mixed with politics, which made decision-making difficult," he said. "What we witnessed is not a global world," Ronni Gamzu, CEO of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, told Xinhua, adding that the lack of cooperation against the epidemic has also darkened the global economic outlook. CHANGES NEEDED In the face of the deadly virus, experts have urged countries to make changes as soon as possible, such as by forming cohesive policies on developing vaccines. The international community should coordinate a push for progress in research for vaccines and treatment, they said. Lahad warned that under the current circumstances, "vaccines will be distributed unevenly, not according to morbidity but according to financial or manufacturing abilities." Still, he said the above-mentioned situation could be avoided with firm international resolve, adding that global leaders must not be shortsighted when dealing with this global issue. The experts also called on countries to set the same standard on pre-travel testing, and to form a common policy on how to compensate people who were and may still be hit by travel bans and flight cancellations. "Now is the time to begin working," Lahad said, adding, "there should be an international summit with experts from all countries that will manage the crisis before a second wave." "The WHO needs to improve its operative multi-national arm," suggested Gamzu, calling for solidarity among the members of the global agency. Ygkkk.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 7 Oct 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the ygkkk homepage on Twitter + the total number of ygkkk followers (if ygkkk has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the ygkkk homepage on Delicious. The total number of people who shared the ygkkk homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the ygkkk homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if ygkkk has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the ygkkk homepage on StumbleUpon. Basic Information PAGE TITLE - QVOD DESCRIPTION ,, KEYWORDS , , , , , ygkkk., www.ygkkk.com, OTHER KEYWORDS dvd, bd , dvd, bd , bd , bd , dvd The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The description 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 URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The title found in the head section of the homepage. Domain and Server DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE UTF-8 DETECTED LANGUAGE SERVER Microsoft-IIS/6.0 (ASP.NET,PHP/5.2.17) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2003 Operative System running on the server. Type of server and offered services. The language of ygkkk.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) 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 ygkkk.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 The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. The type of Facebook page. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The URL of the found Facebook page. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND GPM satellite provided a look at Cristobal's rainfall rates on June 3 at 0311 UTC (June 2 at 11:11 p.m. EDT). GPM found heaviest rainfall in the south falling at rates of more than 1 inch (25 mm) per hour over Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Lighter rain rates appear around the entire system. Credit: NASA/NRL The third tropical cyclone of the Atlantic Ocean basin has been generating large amounts of rainfall over Mexico's Yucatan and parts of Central America. Using satellite data, NASA analyzed that heavy rainfall and provided forecasters with valuable cloud top temperature data to help assess the strength of the storm. On June 2, 2020, by 2 p.m. EDT, Tropical Depression 03L strengthened into Tropical Storm Cristobal over Mexico's Gulf of Campeche. The Gulf of Campeche is surrounded by Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, and the gulf is part of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Cristobal remained in the Bay of Campeche on June 3, and a Tropical Storm Warning remained in effect from Campeche to Puerto de Veracruz. Analyzing Rainfall The Global Precipitation Measurement mission or GPM satellite provided a look at Cristobal's rainfall rates on June 3 at 0311 UTC (June 2 at 11:11 p.m. EDT). GPM found heaviest rainfall south of center over Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, falling at rates of more than 1 inch (25 mm) per hour. Lighter rain rates appear around the entire system. Analyzing Cloud Top Temperatures Another way NASA analyzes tropical cyclones is by using infrared data that provides temperature information. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument aboard NASA's Aqua satellite provided data on cloud top temperatures of Cristobal. Cloud top temperatures provide information to forecasters about where the strongest storms are located within a tropical cyclone. Tropical cyclones do not always have uniform strength, and some sides are stronger than others. The stronger the storms, the higher they extend into the troposphere, and the colder their cloud top temperatures. On June 3 at 4:20 a.m. EDT (0820 UTC) NASA's Aqua satellite analyzed Tropical Storm Cristobal using the MODIS instrument and found coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as or colder minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.2 Celsius). A large area of the strongest storms were located over the Yucatan Peninsula and along the coastline of the Bay of Campeche. NASA research has shown that cloud top temperatures that cold indicate strong storms that have the capability to create heavy rain. On June 3 at 4:20 a.m. EDT (0820 UTC) NASA's Aqua satellite analyzed Tropical Storm Cristobal using the MODIS instrument. MODIS found coldest cloud top temperatures (yellow) as cold as or colder than minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.2 Celsius). Credit: NASA NASA provides data to forecasters at NOAA's National Hurricane Center or NHC so they can incorporate it in their forecasting. Cristobal's Status on June 3, 2020 The National Hurricane Center noted on June 3 at 8 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Cristobal was located by an Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft near latitude 18.8 degrees north and longitude 92.1 degrees west. The center was about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Ciudad Del Carmen, Mexico. Cristobal was moving toward the southeast near 3 mph (6 kph), and is expected to turn toward the east later in the day. Maximum sustained winds were near 60 mph (95 kph) with higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extended outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center. Gradual weakening is forecast while the center remains inland, but re-strengthening is expected after Cristobal moves back over water Thursday night and Friday [June 5]. The minimum central pressure reported by an Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft is 994 millibars. NHC Forecast for Cristobal A motion toward the north-northeast and north is expected on Thursday and Friday. On the forecast track, the center will cross the southern Bay of Campeche coast later today and move inland over eastern Mexico tonight and Thursday. The center is forecast to move back over the Bay of Campeche Thursday night and Friday. Tropical cyclones/hurricanes are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA's expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting. GPM is a joint mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. The GPM and Aqua satellites are part of a fleet of NASA Earth observing satellites. Explore further NASA analyzes Gulf of Mexico's reborn tropical depression soaking potential NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Ahead of the next wave of protests, buildings and businesses were boarded Wednesday to protect against potential vandalism and looting throughout Manhattan. On Tuesday night, hundreds of chanting protesters swept through Lower Manhattan after the 8 p.m. curfew. While the majority of the protests were peaceful, there were some arrests and looting. Even before the curfew, police chased numerous suspects and recovered apparent burglary tools -- like hammers, bats and tools -- from vehicles, according to abc7ny.com. Workers secure Lower Manhattans Trinity Church in preperation of Black lives matter protests, Wednesday, June 3, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Steve Zaffarano) By Wednesday morning, stores along Fifth Avenue and at Rockefeller Center were completely boarded up or in the process. Private security stood outside of several stores for an extra layer of protection after several nights of looting across the city. Razor wire and nearly a dozen private security guards stood outside of Saks Fifth Avenue. N.Y. Gifts store is seen protected with plywood in prepration for more Black Live Matter protests, Wednesday June 3, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Steve Zaffarano) New York City extended the curfew through Sunday night and announced most vehicles would be banned south of 96th Street in Manhattan during the curfew. The exceptions would be residents, essential workers, buses and truck deliveries. Stores along Broadway in Manhattans Financial District are secured with plywood, Wednesday, June 3, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Steve Zaffarano) A worker secures a Lower Broadway building in Manhattans Financial District, Wednesday, June 3, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Steve Zaffarano) Graffiti is scrawled on the front of the Federal Hall, Wall Street in Manhattans Fnancial District, Wednesday, June 3, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Steve Zaffarano) Demonstrators under arrest are held for processing, on West Street in Manhattan's Financial District, Tuesday, June 2, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Steve Zaffarano)Steve Zaffarano Jcrew, Anthropologie and other stores are among the retailers at Rockefeller Center boarding up their stores this morning after several days of looting. Jcrew has some private security guards standing outside to oversee the process pic.twitter.com/H1zKE9vhzk Sydney Kashiwagi (@SydneyKashiwagi) June 3, 2020 The @Sephora on 47th and 5th Ave has gotten creative with its board up pic.twitter.com/k2f5DQzUZ7 Sydney Kashiwagi (@SydneyKashiwagi) June 3, 2020 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 On Day 7 of nationwide demonstrations sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Angelenos continued to show in large numbers to protest racism and police brutality. Tuesday's largest demonstrations took place in downtown L.A. and Hollywood, where one report estimated a line of marchers a mile long. In the late afternoon, another group of protestors converged in Hancock Park at the home of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. Here's what happened Tuesday. You can use the tabs below for shortcuts: HOLLYWOOD HANCOCK PARK DTLA Protestors gather outside Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti's house, in the Hancock Park neighborhood, on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 2. (Libby Denkmann/LAist) HANCOCK PARK Reporters Libby Denkmann and Mike Roe are near the corner of 6th St. and S. Irving Blvd. in Hancock Park, one of the city's wealthiest neighborhoods and home to the official mayoral residence. This stealth protest was organized by Black Lives Matter, which Denkmann reports "kept this action under wraps all day. They held a training nearby to emphasize peaceful methods of resistance." Denkmann said that a police officer estimated the number of protestors at "a couple thousand." 6:30 p.m. Organizers officially call an end to the protest in Hancock Park. Organizers officially calling the protest to an end leader of the police unit here (Palka) marches with protesters toward Wilshire, raises a fist #BlackLivesMattter pic.twitter.com/Iypr8F3LGp Mike Roe (@MikeRoe) June 3, 2020 6:27 p.m. Police officers take a knee next to protestors. Police take a knee with protesters at Wilshire; crowd takes a knee, then chants No gas, no bullets as they walk away pic.twitter.com/SPDDATly7R Mike Roe (@MikeRoe) June 3, 2020 5:21 p.m. Large police presence in intersection next to the mayors house for #BlackLivesMatter protest (some in masks, some not) Crowd chants including racist cops have got to go & defund the police (Covering for @LAist/@KPCC w/ @libdenk) pic.twitter.com/skWEagcucv Mike Roe (@MikeRoe) June 3, 2020 5:11 p.m. Just saw a remarkable decision by @LAPDHQ to remove their line of officers who were standing at Irving & 6th, blocking one group of protesters from joining the rest in front of Garcettis house. The officers, confronted by maybe 150 sitting peacefully, fell back around the corner Libby Denkmann (@libdenk) June 3, 2020 5:07 p.m. The electric slide with a side of f*** Garcetti pic.twitter.com/td1RDDGPXE Libby Denkmann (@libdenk) June 3, 2020 4:51 p.m. At the corner of 6th & Irving Blvd near Mayor Garcettis house. Protesters are sitting down in front of a line of police while @BLMLA organizers speak using a megaphone at the center of the block pic.twitter.com/s1dS1J1CpG Libby Denkmann (@libdenk) June 2, 2020 4:21 p.m. Outside Mayor Garcettis house peaceful protesters are demanding #CareNotCops and a #PeoplesBudget. Organizers with @BLMLA kept this action under wraps all day. They held a training nearby to emphasize peaceful methods of resistance. @MikeRoe and I are here for @LAist @KPCC pic.twitter.com/wojP74qcJq Libby Denkmann (@libdenk) June 2, 2020 HOLLYWOOD Demonstrators take a knee during a protest in Hollywood on Tuesday, June 2. (Giuliana Mayo/LAist) Reporters Emily Elena Dugdale and Matt Tinoco are at the scene. Sean Keel, 25, came out -- along with hundreds of others -- to Sunset and Vine at around noon. She was carrying a sign with a quote that read, "Racism is so American that when you protest it, people think you're protesting America." Keel told Dugdale she is there to support anyone who has been victimized by police brutality and to honor "the lives of people who have been unjustifiably killed by the cops. We just want peace ... We don't want to cause a riot. We don't want to loot. We just want our voices heard." Protestors chanted, "Hands up, don't shoot." Tim Russ, 63, led one of those chants. Russ, an actor who played Lieutenant Commander Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager, said he has a pre-existing conditiong and is concerned about coronavirus, but said he felt comeplled to come out and protest: "This is record-breaking. This has never been seen before. I was around during the civil rights and Vietnam riots, and this is nothing like them at all. This is seven or eight days, almost worldwide, of consistent nationwide protests. This is a serious cause. We're seeing a literal reovlution culturally happening before our eyes. Things are going to change, I think, overnight. And this is going to make a huge impact on it, wake people up to what's going on." Tim Russ, a former Star Trek actor, held this sign and told me thats the most important thing to do now - vote. He told me hed protested during the Vietnam War - this is nothing like that. This is so much bigger, and more peaceful. @LAist #protests pic.twitter.com/EyBRxTDfoM Emily Elena Dugdale (she/her) (@eedugdale) June 2, 2020 4:03 p.m. .@onthatbombshell and I are out at the Hollywood #protests right now. People are seated with fists raised in front of a line of national guard soldiers. Racism is so American that when you protest it, people think you are protesting America, - sign held by young protester. pic.twitter.com/9M5INZCvsz Emily Elena Dugdale (she/her) (@eedugdale) June 2, 2020 DOWNTOWN L.A. Protestors in downtown L.A. (Chava Sanchez/LAist) Organized by The Baptist Ministers Conference, this march started at 10 a.m. and was supposed to end at LAPD headquarters. "This is a symbol of unity. We will raise the value of black life. Please come or pray," organizers wrote in a Facebook post. At 2:27 p.m. Mayor Eric Garcetti took a knee to show solidarity with protestors. National Guard members also took a knee. Rev. K.W. Tulloss, president of the Baptist Minister's Conference of Southern California, spoke to KPCC this afternoon and said he appreciated the gesture: By Express News Service THOOTHUKUDI: Indian Navy Ship Jalashwa, the vessel repatriating 686 Indians stranded in Sri Lanka under "Operation Samudra Setu", arrived at V O Chidambaranar Port here at 9.30 am on Tuesday. Of the repatriated, 670 belonged to Tamil Nadu. Among the crew members were nine fishermen -- five from Nagapattinam and four from Pudukottai -- arrested by the Sri Lankan navy for illegally fishing in the country's waters. The fishermen embarked on the vessel after obtaining bail on March 20, sources said. Passengers disembarking from the vessel (Photo. | V Karthikalagu) Since May 29, the port authorities have been working alongside the district administration, customs, Port Health Organisation (PHO), Immigration, and Indian Navy for a seamless disembarkation process. The passengers were screened before disembarking the vessel and were provided each with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kit, with their luggage disinfected by the port authorities. Installing "Aarogya Setu" mobile application was mandated by the port authorities, who along with the district administration, provided breakfast and lunch for the passengers. Sources said that 25 government buses, each accomodating 25 passengers, were arranged to transport the repatriated to their destinations. VOC Port Chairman T K Ramachandran, Collector Sandeep Nanduri and Superintendent of Police Arun Balagopalan supervised the disembarking of passengers. Sandeep said that a set of expatriates -- stranded in Maldives and Iran -- are likely to be brought back to the country on June 7 and 17, respectively. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 06:38:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The United States is starting Section 301 investigations into digital services taxes considered by 10 U.S. trading partners, including the European Union (EU), Brazil and India, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced on Tuesday. "President (Donald) Trump is concerned that many of our trading partners are adopting tax schemes designed to unfairly target our companies," USTR Robert Lighthizer said in a statement. "We are prepared to take all appropriate action to defend our businesses and workers against any such discrimination." The probe announced Tuesday encompasses digital services taxes that have been adopted or are under consideration by Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the EU, India, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, according to a draft Federal Register notice. In light of the uncertainties arising from COVID-19 restrictions, "USTR is not at this time scheduling a public hearing in these investigations," the USTR's Office said. The United States has launched and completed a Section 301 probe into France's digital services tax regime but agreed to delay the imposition of tariffs on the country, as the two sides are negotiating a multilateral deal on international taxation at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. It remains to be seen if the digital tax dispute between the United States and other trading partners will intensify in the coming months. The so-called Section 301, under an outdated U.S. trade law adopted in 1974, allows the U.S. president to unilaterally impose tariffs or other trade restrictions on foreign countries. The global trading community has become increasingly concerned that the U.S. government's frequent use of Section 301 would go against the World Trade Organization rules, undermine the multilateral trading system and disrupt the global supply chain. Enditem A legal agreement has been reached between Frances far-right National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen and a Russian firm suing it over a $10.1m unpaid loan, according to a Moscow court. An amicable agreement was reached between the parties. The judge approved it, a court spokeswoman told AFP news agency on Wednesday after the first hearing into the dispute. Documents filed in December last year to Moscows Court of Arbitration showed aviation parts company Aviazapchast was suing Le Pens party for 639.8 million rubles ($10.1m) loaned to the party. Documents show the sum has since increased to 734 million rubles ($11.5m), though it was not immediately clear what accounted for the increase. It should have made a single payment of nine million euros ($10m) in 2019, after interest payments. The debt-recovery action was filed with the Russian court late last year, and the National Rally party was notified in a December letter of the first hearing in June. The court said a document outlining the full agreement would be published within five working days. Controversial loan The French far-right party, which has struggled financially for several years, took out the loan with Russias First Czech-Russian Bank in 2014. News of the lending sparked concerns the Kremlin had thrown its weight behind Le Pens party, which is critical of Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis. In March 2016, the original loan was passed to Russian car hire firm Konti, shortly before the First Czech-Russian Bank went into administration and eventually shut down in July the same year. State-owned Deposit Insurance Agency then indicated that the loan had been passed on to Aviazapchast in late 2016. Russian news site Open Media says Aviazapchast has its roots in a Soviet-era company. As well as selling Russian aircraft parts to Asia and Africa, it also sells metals for the aerospace industry to India and Syria. Previous debts The National Rally was already in debt in its previous incarnation as the National Front, when it was led by co-founder Jean-Marie Le Pen, father of the current leader. Marine Le Pen took over leadership of the party in 2011. In 2018, the French authorities withheld $2.2m of public subsidies normally paid to political parties, pending an inquiry into the alleged misuse of European Union funds. French authorities are also pursuing the party to recover nearly 11.6 million euros ($12.9m) in damages and interest for alleged fraud and misuse of public money during the 2012 parliamentary election campaign. Chandigarh The Punjab and Haryana high court on Wednesday summoned the record pertaining to extension given to Vijay Singla as director prosecution by the Punjab government. The record was summoned by high court bench of justice Ritu Bahri on the petition of Satnam Singh Kaler, a joint director with the prosecution department. Kaler had told court that Singla, an additional director was holding the charge of director prosecution when he retired on January 31, but was called back after three days of his superannuation. The court was told that Singla had availed two optional extensions in service till January 31. But after retirement he was re-employed on February 3, on regular basis against a regular post without the approval of finance department and state cabinet, the court was told, adding that only two extensions can be granted to an employee as per rules. It was also submitted that the department initiated process of departmental promotion committee (DPC) for the appointment on January 23 and on January 25, Singlas retirement orders were passed. The DPC met on February 10 and his name was recommended for promotion. But by that time Singla had joined. Despite him being the only eligible person in the department for promotion to the post of additional director, he was not considered, Kaler had told the court. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Alexandria Sage (Agence France-Presse) Rome, Italy Wed, June 3, 2020 08:09 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbabd97 2 News rome,Italy,colosseum,travel,Tourist,coronavirus,COVID-19 Free Rome's famed Colosseum reopened Monday after a three-month coronavirus lockdown but only a few hundred people were expected at Italy's top tourism site. The massive amphitheater, which witnessed savage fights and the gory deaths of unlucky gladiators and wild animals centuries ago, was eerily silent as the first tourists passed through its gates with new health protocols in place. Officials said they expected only 300 people -- a far cry from the thousands of selfie-taking tourists who jam-pack the stadium on a normal basis. Also visibly absent were the modern-day gladiators usually parading outside, waving their plastic swords as they vie for tips for photographs. Workers took advantage of the lack of crowds to patch up mortar, and a solitary cat was seen roaming on the main deck. The Colosseum's director, Alfonsina Russo, said it had been "surreal" seeing the empty landmark during the quarantine, adding: "It's a symbol of Rome and of Italy. "But the sense of emptiness highlighted the great beauty of this place and it's fragility," Russo told AFP. Last year, an average of 20,000 tourists visited the Colosseum daily on a combined ticket with the Imperial Forum -- the site of ancient Rome's government and religious temples -- and the Palatine Hill, where the city's elite built their villas, thrown in. Seventy percent of those tourists came from abroad. On Wednesday, visitors from within the European Union will be allowed to travel for the first time to Italy, but borders remain closed to tourists from further afield. Read also: Italy opens ancient Greek site as lockdown eases 'Old stones' Pierluigi, a Roman preparing to enter with his wife, said this was his maiden visit. "We took advantage of the fact that foreign tourists aren't here yet," he said. "I'm excited at the idea of seeing it, being inside." Another local, Luca, said he, his wife and daughter "wanted to see the old stones!" He was surprised by the lack of crowds but conceded: "There's so much else to see in Rome." Things were busier at the Vatican Museum on Monday, where hundreds awaited entry to see the Sistine Chapel and other papal treasures. Italy's tourism sector is vital for the economy, accounting for about 13 percent of revenues. Museums were allowed by law to open on May 18, but many still remain closed as they await a greater influx of tourists. Famous sites throughout Italy such as the ruins of Pompeii and Pisa's leaning tower have reopened in recent days. On Tuesday, Florence's Uffizi Gallery and its Accademia, housing Michaelangelo's David, are set to welcome visitors once again. The partnering agreement will finance a multi-centre Phase 2/3 adaptive clinical trial to be conducted by IVI in Colombia, Panama and Thailand which will provide crucial data about the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate. June 3 2020, Oslo, Norway; Seoul, South Korea; Telangana, India--CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, in collaboration with Ind-CEPI, has announced a new partnering agreement with a consortium comprising Bharat Biotech (BBIL) and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to advance the development of a Chikungunya vaccine. CEPI will provide the consortium with up to US$14.1 million for vaccine manufacturing and clinical development of a two-dose live-inactivated vaccine (BBV87) against Chikungunya. This award is supported by the European Union's (EU's) Horizon 2020 programme through an existing framework partnership agreement with CEPI. The consortium will be further supported with a grant of up to $2.0m from the Indian Government's Ind-CEPI initiative which will fund the set-up of GMP manufacturing facilities for the vaccine in India, and the subsequent manufacture of clinical trial materials. In addition to manufacturing, the partnering agreement will finance a multi-centre Phase 2/3 adaptive clinical trial to be conducted by IVI in Colombia, Panama and Thailand which will provide crucial data about the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate. The partnership will build on BBIL's experience of developing and supplying affordable vaccines, and WHO prequalification procedures, to ensure affordable access to the vaccine in countries where Chikungunya is endemic, in line with CEPI's core commitment to equitable access. The investment is part of CEPI's third call for proposals which was launched in January 2019. Since the launch of this call, over US$80 million of CEPI core funding has been committed to three Chikungunya vaccine candidates and two Rift Valley Fever vaccine candidates. BBV87 vaccine candidate BBIL's BBV87 vaccine is an inactivated whole virion vaccine based on a strain derived from an East, Central, South African (ECSA) genotype. The vaccine has completed standard pre-clinical studies, and an optimum immune response was elicited by the adjuvanted vaccine in phase 1 clinical trials in India. Inactivated virions technology has a safety profile which potentially makes this vaccine accessible to special populations, such as the immunocompromised and pregnant women, that some other technologies cannot reach. Chikungunya virus Chikungunya virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1952, with sporadic outbreaks of the disease reported subsequently across Africa and Asia. (1,2) In 2004, the disease began to spread quickly, causing large-scale outbreaks around the world. Since the re-emergence of the virus, the total number of cases has been estimated at over 3.4 million in 43 countries. (3) Chikungunya is spread by the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes and causes fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can persist for weeks to years. (4) Climate change could further amplify the threat posed by Chikungunya. As the climate warms, more areas across the world will become habitable for the mosquito vectors that transmit the virus, thereby increasing the size of the human population at risk of infection. For example, in 2007, an outbreak of Chikungunya virus infections was declared for the first time in Europe with more than 200 human cases reported in Italy. (5) Since 2014, in the USA, local-transmission of the virus has been reported in Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (6) Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI said: "Chikungunya continues to be a threat to public health in countries around the globe. It is a painful and debilitating disease for which there is no licensed vaccine or treatment. Through this partnership with Bharat Biotech and IVI we will accelerate the clinical development of the Chikungunya vaccine candidate, with the aim of producing a vaccine and making it accessible to those most affected by the disease." Dr. Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Chairperson, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) said: "Chikungunya has emerged as an important public health problem in India. The development of an effective Chikungunya vaccine will be a game changer in the global health sector. Under the Ind-CEPI mission, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India will support Bharat Biotech for this collaborative project, the first initiative of this mission, to expedite the development of Chikungunya vaccine." Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech said: "We are immensely proud to be part of this esteemed alliance to bring to the world a safe and effective solution against the debilitating Chikungunya infection. "At Bharat Biotech, we have always been at the forefront of innovation while developing vaccines for neglected diseases such as Typhoid and re-emerging epidemics such as Zika, H1N1 and Japanese Encephalitis. We are hopeful that with accelerated clinical development in endemic countries, the candidate CHIK vaccine will be successful. "We are witnessing that today's neglected diseases are susceptible to become tomorrow's pandemics and with this collaboration we have the opportunity to tackle them proactively." Dr Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI, said: "Vaccination is the most sustainable and cost-effective way of protecting millions of people from Chikungunya, a painful disease with no known cure or licensed vaccine. In line with IVI's mission to develop vaccines against diseases that primarily impact low- and middle-income countries, our partnership with Bharat Biotech and CEPI seeks to develop and produce a safe, effective, and affordable vaccine that protects people from the debilitating effects of Chikungunya and enables them to live productive lives." Dr Sushant Sahastrabuddhe, Principal Investigator and Director of the Global Chikungunya vaccine Clinical Development (GCCDP) consortium, said: "Through these late-phase clinical trials under GCCDP, we're looking forward to generating additional safety and immunogenicity data from three endemic countries to support use of this vaccine in outbreaks and routine immunization in endemic countries." ### Notes to Editors Since CEPI was launched, the European Union has provided a total of 136 million in Horizon 2020 funding for vaccine development and trials; in addition, significant contributions through the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) and the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) have also supported CEPI's efforts. About CEPI CEPI is an innovative partnership between public, private, philanthropic, and civil organisations, launched at Davos in 2017, to develop vaccines to stop future epidemics. CEPI has moved with great urgency and in coordination with WHO in response to the emergence of COVID-19. CEPI has initiated 9 partnerships to develop vaccines against the novel coronavirus. The programmes will leverage rapid response platforms already supported by CEPI as well as new partnerships. The aim is to advance COVID-19 vaccine candidates into clinical testing as quickly as possible. Before the emergence of COVID-19 CEPI's priority diseases included Ebola virus, Lassa virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus, Nipah virus, Rift Valley Fever and Chikungunya virus. CEPI also invested in platform technologies that can be used for rapid vaccine and immunoprophylactic development against unknown pathogens (Disease X). Follow our news page for the latest updates. About Ind-CEPI The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India is implementing the Ind-CEPI mission 'India Centric Epidemic Preparedness through Rapid Vaccine Development: Supporting Indian Vaccine Development Aligned with the Global Initiative of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)'. Ind-CEPI Mission aims to strengthen the development of vaccines for the diseases of epidemic potential in India as well as build coordinated preparedness in the Indian public health system and vaccine industry to address existing and emergent infectious threats in India. About Bharat Biotech Bharat Biotech has established an excellent track record of innovation with more than 100 global patents, a wide product portfolio of more than 16 products, registrations in more than 70 countries and WHO Pre-qualifications. Having already delivered more than 4 billion doses of vaccines to the world, Bharat continues to innovate having developed vaccines for H1N1, Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis, Chikungunya, Zika and the world's first conjugated vaccine for Typhoid. Our commitment to global social innovation programs and public private partnerships resulted in the introduction of path breaking WHO pre-qualified vaccines BIOPOLIO ROTAVAC and Typbar TCV' combatting polio, rotavirus, typhoid infections respectively. The recent acquisition of the Rabies vaccine facility, Chiron Behring from GSK has positioned Bharat as the largest Rabies vaccine manufacturer in the world. About the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is a nonprofit inter-governmental organization established in 1997 at the initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, IVI was the first international organization hosted by Korea. IVI has 35 signatory countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) on its treaty, including Korea, Sweden and India as state funders. Our mandate is to make vaccines available and accessible for the world's most vulnerable people. We focus on infectious diseases of global health importance such as cholera, typhoid, shigella, salmonella, schistosomiasis, Group A Strep, Hepatitis A, HPV, TB, HIV, MERS, COVID-19, as well as antimicrobial resistance. For more information, please visit https://www.ivi.int Media contacts CEPI: Email: press@cepi.net Phone: +44 7387 055214 IVI: Aerie Em +82 2 881 1386 Aerie.em@ivi.int Bharat Biotech: Sheela Panicker +91 98498 09594 enright@enrightpr.com Footnotes: (1): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chikungunya (2): https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/214/suppl_5/S441/2632641 (3): https://cmr.asm.org/content/31/1/e00104-16 (4): https://jvi.asm.org/content/jvi/88/20/11644.full.pdf (5): https://ecdc.europa.eu/en/chikungunya/threats-and-outbreaks/chikungunya-fever-eueea (6): https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/geo/united-states.html BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 By Samir Ali Trend: The number of infected people has been increasing in Azerbaijan recently, Ibrahim Mammadov, spokesman for the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers, said. Mammadov made the remark in Baku at a briefing of the Operational Headquarters under the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports on June 3. The difference between those infected and recovered is huge, the spokesman added. This created a new situation. The main reason is non-compliance with the requirements of the quarantine regime. Therefore, the issue of the suspension of the process of easing the restrictions and the re-introduction of strict measures of the quarantine regime is being discussed, Mammadov added. In this regard, the relevant structures appealed to the Operational Headquarters. Perhaps, the movement may be completely limited from Friday evening on June 5 until Monday morning on June 8 and the working hours may be limited, Mammadov said. Shops may also close. In this regard, the Azerbaijani prime minister will deliver speech on June 4. The further details will be provided. German airline Lufthansa posted a net loss of 2.1 billion euros ($2.35 billion) in the first quarter, writing down the value of assets as the coronavirus pandemic hits the travel sector. The loss, which compares to a net loss of 342 million euros in the year-earlier period, was driven by write-downs of 266 million euros on its fleet, as well as write-downs on the book value of catering business LSG North America by 100 million and on budget unit Eurowings by 57 million, the carrier said on Wednesday. Lufthansa, which had grounded almost all its aircraft at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, confirmed a loss before interest and tax of 1.2 billion euros during the first three months of the year, first reported in April. The airline is bracing for a significant decline in 2020 earnings before interest and tax, adjusted for one-off items, from the 2 billion euros reported last year, saying demand was only gradually recovering and that it was unable to be more specific amid uncertainty over the pandemic. The group's non-executive board on Monday approved a 9 billion euro ($10 billion) government bailout that will force it to cede some of its prized landing slots to rivals. Under the plans, the German government will take a 20% stake in the airline, which could rise to 25% plus one share in the event of a takeover attempt, as well as two seats on its supervisory board. Lufthansa will also be obliged to transfer to rivals up to 24 take-off and landing slots at its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. Analysts expect the national carrier to be removed from Germany's benchmark blue-chip index DAX .GDAXI of which Lufthansa has been a constituent since the gauge's inception in 1988. Stock exchange operator Deutsche Boerse is expected decide the a relegation on Thursday. Also read: Cyclone Nisarga: IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet cancel Mumbai flights on Wednesday Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry affirmed on Tuesday the importance of achieving a "comprehensive and just" solution to the Palestinian issue "by supporting all endeavours aiming to revive the peace process", Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez said in a statement. The foreign minister's remarks came during his video conference meeting with the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), a 15-member committee that serves as the principal policy-level coordination mechanism for development assistance to the occupied Palestinian territory. Shoukry warned during the meeting of any unilateral measures that undermine the chances of achieving the desired peaceful settlement within the framework of the two-state solution, including any step to annex lands in the West Bank. The Egyptian minister moreover stressed the need to maintain the Palestinian Authority's stability and supporting its financial position in facing of the existing challenges especially in dealing with the economic and social repercussions of coronavirus pandemic, Hafez added. "Egypt is committed to supporting AHLC activities since its establishment in order to alleviate the effects of difficult economic conditions inside the Palestinian territories," Shoukry said, reviewing Egypt's continuing efforts to back the Palestinian people and United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The AHLC was established in November 1993 by the Multilateral Steering Group of the multilateral talks on Middle East peace in the context of the Washington Conference that followed the signing of the Declaration of Principles in Oslo by Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation in the same year. It is chaired by Norway and co-sponsored by the EU and the US, and seeks to promote dialogue between donors, the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel. Search Keywords: Short link: Secretary general of the Department of Education Sean OFoglu said there would be, "definite information for principals by the end of the month. (stock photo) Today, the first Wednesday of June, is usually first day of the State exams. They are not happening this June, but there is plenty to be getting on with for Leaving Cert candidates who wish to continue to explore their options for next year. CAO For those hoping to progress through the CAO system, it is business as usual for this process. Universities, institutes technology and other higher education institutions are busy preparing for changes to college life come September and there is much support being provided for applicants through virtual Open Days and Q&A sessions on websites, Instagram etc. This is actually no different from previous years as institutions tended to lean towards online information sessions in June as students, occupied with exams, were unable to attend Open Days. Applicants should engage with these information sessions even if they are certain of their CAO choices, as they will gain some invaluable information on what college might look like in September 2020. For example, DCU is introducing a flexible approach to booking accommodation as it is unlikely students will need to be on campus all week. Some universities such as Trinity and UCD have even moved their 5th year summer schools online rather than cancelling them. Summer schools allow TY and 5th year students to experience life at university and are invaluable in helping them make decisions about what they would like to study in the future. Maynooth University (MU) is currently accepting applicants for its second-chance maths exam. CAO applicants to MH304 Engineering who are concerned they may not be awarded the necessary H4 in Maths, can sit this exam as alternative approach to seeking to satisfying this requirement. The exam, as well as a preparatory course, will take place in August, in the week following the release of calculated grades Students who sat the HPAT Ireland test in February can expect to receive their results in mid June. Many students will then be one step closer to their goal but for a significant proportion of students the HPAT result will be a strong indicator that they will not be receiving an offer for Medicine this year. These students may then wish to consider other CAO options in place of, or along with, Medicine. This can be done using the Change of Mind process. Such applicants should consider listing courses that they would enjoy studying and from which they could build an alternative career, in case Medicine does not work out for them. They can may also use this degree to apply for Graduate Medicine in the future. It is important to remember that in order to qualify for Graduate Medicine a degree in any area is acceptable but applicants must achieve a minimum 2.1 The Change of Mind process will close on July 1. All applicants should take another look at their CAO order of preference list before that date and consider if they are still happy with what they have listed. Applicants can add courses (excluding restricted entry courses), remove courses or make changes to their order of preference. Applicants should ensure they have listed their dream courses, have some realistic choices and some just in case courses (courses for which they feel confident they will receive and offer). Although I would advise that the CAO be filled out in this way every year, I think, with the introduction of calculated grades, this will be even more important this year. SUSI Many more students are expected to qualify for a Susi college grant for next year because of the impact of Covid-19 on household finances. Normally, Susi assesses applicants on the basis of income in the previous calendar year, but a "change of circumstances" clause makes provision for a sudden drop in income in the current year. CAO and Further Education (FE) applicants maybe unsure as to what they will do in September, but if they think they would qualify for a Susi grant, they should submit their application as soon as possible. The priority closing date for new SUSI grants is July 9, however the earlier an application is submitted the better and, if approved, will provide certainty to students about what financial support they can expect. There is a delay in many public services at the moment and collecting financial documents to support an application may be more difficult this year than in previous one, which is another reason to start the process as early as possible. The form will ask applicants to enter where they intend to study next year. It is acceptable to list where you hope to or believe you are most likely to study in autumn and it is not a problem if this changes at a later stage. Completing the grant applicant early and submitting all requested documentation on time will avoid any delays to your payment come September. If an applicant decides not to enter third level in 2020 then they will be at no disadvantage as a result of completing this application. Access/supports Supports for students in college take on an even greater importance this year with the Covid-19 restrictions expected to lead to significant changes in the approaches to teaching and learning. AIB is supporting the opening of new maths drop-in centres at the TU Dublin Tallaght and Blanchardstown campuses this autumn, offering free one-to-one tutoring in any area of maths that students may find challenging. Already available elsewhere in TU Dublin, as well as many other higher education institutions, they will provide non-judgemental assistance to students of all math abilities. The new centres are being funded by new 1m educational grant from AIB to TU Dublin to support increased participation in higher-level education among students from areas and backgrounds of socio-economic disadvantage. The grant will also support other equality, diversity and inclusivity initiatives, including an AIB Civic Engagement Outreach Centre at TU Dublin Grangegorman which will host activities such as workshops for Junior Cycle students. Apprenticeships With the closure of many industries there is a stall on recruitment across the country, although this does not mean that apprenticeship schemes are all closed to newcomers. There are a number of positions currently being advertised on apprenticejobs.ie although significantly fewer than one would expect for this time of year. Hopefully the number of positions here will increase over the coming weeks and months as industries begin to reopen. Four apprenticeship schemes actively recruiting are the Laboratory Apprentice, Accounting Technician, Logistics Associate and the Insurance Practitioner. The Insurance Practitioner programme will allow successful applicants to earn a Level 8 qualification in insurance practice from IT Sligo. Allianz, Zurich and AIG are currently hiring apprentices and more information can be found on earnandlearn.ie. PLCs Further Education (FE) courses nationwide continue to accept applications. Traditionally these courses, often referred to as post-Leaving Cert courses, require applicants to hold a basic entry requirement of five passes at Leaving Cert and attend an interview. None of these colleges are currently able to invite prospective students for an interview but they are accepting applications. Some colleges have added a personal statement section to their application form but this should not put off any young person who is considering applying. Applicants should simply include a little about their experience in this area to date and how they see this course fitting into their plans for the future. FE colleges would not expect any school leaver to have extensive experience - this is simply an opportunity to outline any school projects or work experience etc which may relate to this course and show you have spent some time reflecting on the course, your own talents and interests and have an understanding of what may be involved. I advise all my students who are interested in applying for third level to also apply for an FE course. Interested applicants should contact their local further education college directly for information on new courses, links to institutes of technology and universities as well as available places. As the new counts were read in court, Kerners mother Roxann Kerner and other family members quietly sobbed. Kerner, dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit and wearing a mask like others in the courtroom because of the COVID-19 pandemic, answered, Yes, your honor, when Bradford asked if he understood each of the new charges. By Peter Nurse Investing.com - European stock markets are set to open higher Wednesday, amid hopes for more stimulus and an economic recovery in the second half of the year despite a host of concerns from the coronavirus to growing U.S. civil unrest. At 2 AM ET (0600 GMT), the DAX futures contract in Germany traded 0.9% higher. France's CAC 40 futures were up 1.4%, while the FTSE 100 futures contract in the U.K. rose 1.1%. Earlier Wednesday, a closely-watched survey of Chinas service sector activity showed its index recovered to pre-epidemic levels in May. This adds to various signs of recovery in business activity as governments slowly restart their economies. Additionally, the European Central Bank is expected to ramp up stimulative bond purchases when it meets on Thursday, and this comes after the European Commission announced last week a 750 billion euro ($830 billion) recovery plan. "The good times continue to roll in risk markets," Mazen Issa, senior FX strategist at TD Securities, said in a report. "As intense as the rally has been, this is likely set to continue as the breadth of the equity rally has now spread outside the U.S." Still, there are various risks that could hobble the global economy, including a second wave of Covid-19 infections, fraught Sino-U.S. tensions and rising social unrest in the United States following protests against police brutality. In corporate news Wednesday, Lufthansa (DE:LHAG) posted a hefty net loss of 2.1 billion euros ($2.35 billion) in the first quarter due to the pandemic The German airline agreed last week to a 9 billion. euro rescue package from the state. AXA (PA:AXAF) has decided to cut its dividend for 2019 in half and the French insurance giant expects the coronavirus pandemic to have a negative impact on earnings for this year of around 1.5 billion euros ($1.67 billion). Theres an abundance of economic data due for release in Europe Wednesday, including PMI services indices for the region, as well as unemployment numbers for Germany and the euro area. Story continues Labor market dynamics will be an important determinant for the depth and duration of the current crisis. So far, job losses in Europe have stayed more muted than the U.S., not least thanks to short-time working schemes, said analysts at Danske Bank, in a note to clients. Oil prices posted more gains Wednesday, climbing to near three-month highs amid optimism that major producers will extend production cuts later this week. Helping the positive tone was the American Petroleum Institute reporting late Tuesday that U.S. oil supplies fell by 483,000 barrels for the week ended May 29. At 2 AM ET, U.S. crude oil futures traded 3.5% higher at $38.09 a barrel, while the international benchmark Brent contract rose 2.4% to $40.52. These contracts have bothe climbed to the higest levels since March 6. Elsewhere, gold futures fell 0.4% to $1,727.95/oz, while EUR/USD traded at 1.1210, up 0.4%, its highest in nearly three months. Related Articles Renault finalises 5 billion euros credit facility with French state Lufthansa vows company revamp as losses balloon Shell looks to raise $2 billion from sale of stake in Queensland LNG facilities Northcrest Ward Coun. Stephen Wright issued an apology on Wednesday to the residents of Peterborough and New Brunswick for crossing restricted borders for a trip to New Brunswick in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it wasnt enough for at least two constituents: Arthur Duncan and Ingrid Buck separately contacted The Examiner on Wednesday to say they want Wright removed from council at least temporarily, if not for good. Get rid of Wright: thats my message, said Buck in an interview. I think he needs to do more than apologize he put so many people at risk. Duncan wrote in an email that Wrights trip was inexcusable. The mayors request for a public apology doesnt go far enough, he wrote. She should be asking him to step down from council. When Mayor Diane Therrien was asked on Wednesday whether Wright could face removal from council, censure or expulsion from any committees, she wrote this in a message: Locally, there have been suggestions about how best to proceed and were looking into what the impact might be. Wright had been under fire since The Examiner first reported online about the trip on Friday. He said he travelled there on a fact-finding mission to see for himself how the reopening of restaurants from the pandemic shutdown was working in the province while Peterborough prepares for future reopenings of restaurants and bars from the shutdown. Wright then came under fire from New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs and Saint John, N.B. Mayor Don Darling. Therrien then also asked him to apologize. The story also made the front page of the Saint John Telegraph-Journal earlier this week. After initially saying he was free to cross the border, Wright now admits it was an error in judgment and he was being overzealous. To the residents of New Brunswick and Peterborough, I would like to offer my sincerest apologies for my recent trip to New Brunswick in the month of May, Wright wrote in his apology. I take my role as a city councillor very seriously and do not consider that to provide me with any special privileges. I made an error in judgment by travelling to New Brunswick during this pandemic. My overzealous approach to research the restaurant sector in the anticipation of reopening our economy, and for that I am truly sorry. To Premier Higgs, and the residents of New Brunswick who have not been able to return home to be with their loved ones during to this unprecedented pandemic; I receive your criticisms and hope you accept my deepest regrets. I will have no further comment on this matter. Therrien wasnt available for interview on Wednesday, but she texted a statement to The Examiner. This was a serious error in judgment and reflects poorly on the city, she wrote. I am the mayor but I cant control all the actions of council. Again, this trip was not endorsed by or paid for by city hall or the mayors office. On Sunday, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs said in a press conference that a full investigation into Wrights trip had been launched and that it would find out what questions were asked of Wright at the provincial border and what answers he supplied. I have heard there are some investigations happening from New Brunswicks end, and I encourage Coun. Wright to co-operate with authorities in New Brunswick on any followup questions they may have, Therrien wrote. Meanwhile one New Brunswicker whos been following the story, Andrene Mosher, wrote her reaction to Wrights apology in an email Wednesday. I accept his apology, she wrote. Ive made mistakes in judgment and luckily wasnt crucified in the media for them. The weather department has said cyclone Nisarga will cross Maharashtra coast between Harihareshwar and Daman, very close to Alibaug between 1 pm and 4 pm on Wednesday. Keeping in mind the threat by Cyclone Nisarga, the Central Railways has rescheduled several trains that were supposed to arrive and depart from Mumbai on Wednesday. Cyclone Nisarga has made landfall near Raigad district of Maharashtra around 1:30 pm on Wednesday. According to Central Railways, due to cyclone Nisarga, special trains bound for Gorakhpur and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Darbhanga (Bihar) and Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) have been rescheduled for 3 June. Train number 02542 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT)-Gorakhpur special will now depart at 8 pm instead of 11:10 am. Click here for Cyclone Nisarga LIVE Updates Train number 06345 LTT-Thiruvananthapuram special will leave at 6 pm instead of 11:40 am. Train number 01061 LTT-Darbhanga special will leave at 8:30 pm as against 12:15 pm. Train number 01071 LTT-Varanasi will depart at 9 pm instead of 12:40 pm. Train number 01019 that was scheduled to leave Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) for Bhubaneswar at 3:05 pm will now depart at 8 pm. Due to #NisargaCyclone likely to hit Mumbai area on 3.6.2020, the train running pattern will be as under pic.twitter.com/NIB4rXNfId Central Railway (@Central_Railway) June 2, 2020 Also, special trains bound to Mumbai from Patna, Varanasi, and Thiruvananthapuram and will now arrive behind schedule. Several trains have been diverted due to the severe cyclone in Maharashtra. According to Central Railways, train number 02617 Ernakulam-Hazrat Nizamuddin, 06346 Thiruvananthapuram-LLT, 02432 New Delhi-Thiruvananthapuram, 02618 Hazrat Nizamuddin-Ernakulam, and 02431 Thiruvananthapuram-New Delhi have been diverted. Diversion of special trains due #Nisargcyclone likely to hit Mumbai area on 3.6.2020. pic.twitter.com/02KbQXAuD4 Central Railway (@Central_Railway) June 3, 2020 As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) the severe cyclonic storm will move towards the north coast of Maharashtra with a wind speed of 100-110 km per hour gusting to 120 kmph. The weather department has said cyclone Nisarga will cross Maharashtra coast between Harihareshwar and Daman, very close to Alibaug between 1 pm and 4 pm on Wednesday. The IMD has predicted moderate rainfall in most parts of the metropolis and heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places over the next 24 hours. NDRF Director General (DG) SN Pradhan has said that over 40 disaster response teams have been deployed in the coastal districts of Maharashtra and Gujarat. A teenage girl who was repeatedly stabbed with broken bottle by a gatecrasher has been left fuming after her attacker walked free from court. Isabel Bisset, 17, was at a party at her sister's house in Christchurch, New Zealand on January 4, last year, when a group of uninvited guests showed up. The gatecrashers - which included Ena Schaapveld, 17, and her friend - arrived at party at 10pm but they were quickly told to leave by Ms Bisset. Moments later the friend swung the bottle of Jim Beam bourbon, hitting Ms Bisset in the head, the New Zealand Herald reported. Isabel Bisset, 17, suffered serious injuries to her right arm after she was attacked by two girls at a party at her sister's house in Christchurch, New Zealand on January 4, last year Isabel Bisset (pictured) had asked the gatecrashers to leave the party but was bottled and then stabbed Ms Bisset suffered two cuts to her arm - one 4cm cut to her right bicep, another 6cm on her forearm As the friend tried to strike her again, revellers stepped in and pulled her away. Ms Bisset then tried to walk away but Schaapveld grabbed her by her hair. The pair began brawling in front of other party goers. Schaapveld had a bottle in her hand as she fought with Ms Bisset. During the brawl the bottle smashed without her realising. She ended up stabbing Ms Bisset twice in the arm. Ms Bisset suffered two cuts to her arm - one 4cm cut to her right bicep, another 6cm on her forearm. She was rushed to hospital where she had to undergo surgery. It may take two years before the nerve damage is fully healed. Schaapveld pleaded guilty to wounding with reckless disregard. She was ordered to pay $700 in emotional harm reparation to Ms Bisset. Judge Raoul Neave discharged her without a conviction as a conviction would impact her future employment. He noted she had 'significant difficulties in her background' which he was sure had 'affected her decision-making'. In an affidavit, Schaapveld apologised for her actions. 'I was so angry at myself for letting myself get in that situation and I feel so bad about what I did to Isabel and I wish that it had never happened. Ena Schaapveld, 17, (pictured) and her friend began fighting with the party host after they were told to leave the house Ena Schaapveld was discharged without conviction after pleading guilty to wounding with reckless disregard 'I feel like I have closed the doors to my future ... now I am just hoping I will be able to get a job, I feel like my future is shrinking and my options are drying up.' She was given strict bail conditions ahead of her sentencing which meant she was unable to associate with some school friends. As a result she had dropped out of school, she told the court. Ms Bisset was angry about the outcome, telling the New Zealand Herald she felt as though the justice system had failed her. 'My life has completely changed because of Ena and I don't feel like she should get to resume hers like normal ... Life's not fair but she sure is getting it pretty fair.' It was a recurrence of bloodbath when armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in the early hours of Wednesdays invaded Tudun Doka community in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, slaughtering many indigenes of the rural community. It was indicated that about 16 persons cannot be accounted for in the community after the slaughter. Report indicated that nine people, especially, women and children, were killed with machetes by the herdsmen, as seven others were declared missing. An indigene was gathered to have narrated that the herdsmen started attacking around 5.00am today, they hacked my daughter to death. The list of the people murdered by the invaders include Richard Yusuf, Kefas Yusuf, Fidelis Wada, Kachia, Genesis Soja, Victoria Gyata, Rose Soja and Rahab Soja; while seven other persons were said to be unaccounted for as they were neither found alive nor their corpses discovered after the carnage. Another indigene, Rifkatu Hassan, was gathered to have narrated: We were just waking up when the herdsmen came around 5.00am. They came with weapons and started chopping people to death. It was said that doctors are battling to save the life of a three-year old child, Elizabeth, still lay flat in the hospitals after sustaining severe injuries inflicted on her by the vampires. The mother of Elizabeth was gathered to have said, I just came from Doka, I am the mother of Elizabeth Samaila. This is one of the serial attacks on Southern Kaduna that the federal government often do little to protect the lives of the people, particularly, so when such killings are linked to Fulani herdsmen since the Buhari administration. Such invasion and slaughter of defenceless citizens by Fulani herdsmen took place May 19 to 24. Suspected herdsmen had struck at Idazau, Etissi, Bakin Kogi, Dutsen Gora, UN Gora, Pushu Kallah and Magunguna villages, killing several persons and burning several houses. These are beside several other attacks and killings in Southern Kaduna. HOLYOKE The City Council approved $249,000 in Community Preservation Act awards for the Wistariahurst Museum, Holyoke Housing Authority, and restoring the Lady Liberty statue at Veterans Park. Kip Foley, who chairs the Community Preservation Act Committee, said, Creating affordable homeownership opportunities, preserving historic public resources and honoring veterans seems especially important these days. The Holyoke Housing Authority and Wistariahurst are leveraging $225,000 of CPA funds to access an additional $850,000. A $104,500 award will upgrade the electrical system at Wistariahurst, the former home of the Skinner Family. The museums director, Kate Preissler, estimated the upgrade at $353,350. A report flagged significant safety concerns with the wiring in both the Music Room and Main House basement. Since then, the museum limited the size of functions, concerned about electrical overloads. Switches and light fixtures were corrected in event spaces, but the home still contains old wiring, plugs and fuse boxes. Preissler noted the electrical system in over 60 years old, with some wiring dating to the 1920s. Councilor Joseph McGiverin, the Finance Committee chair, said with the museum closed due to the pandemic, work can begin sooner on the electrical system. Ward 2 Councilor Terence Murphy praised the efforts of Preissler and City Engineer Bob Peirent. When all of this is done, were going to have an outstanding Wistariahurst Museum, he said. In a statement, Preissler said the funds were a key piece and supplement funding from the Mass Cultural Council Facilities Fund. The museum and Peirent will tap into Community Block Grant money to complete schematics for the new electrical system. The Massachusetts Historical Commission approves restoration projects for historical structures. Once the plans are approved, repairs will start with fuse boxes installed in the 1930s and 1960s, which Preissler deemed as the most dangerous. I am grateful to the Committee and City Council because, without CPA funds, it may have taken us years to privately raise what is needed for a project of this scale and complexity, Preissler said. She added, With the CPA and MCC combined, we will be able to cover the costs of the most pressing hazards in our electrical system and ensure that Wistariahurst remains a safe and valuable public cultural site for the foreseeable future. With the accelerated repair schedule, the museum would stay shuttered until the fall. We are able to reopen fully we will be doing so with a much safer, more usable building than before, Preissler said. The Holyoke Housing Authority, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, received a $120,000 grant to build several homes on Jackson Street. The authority will sell the homes to first-time buyers at $150,000 each. McGiverin said the homes designs would complement the nearby Hope VI project, which replaced the Jackson Parkway Housing Project with owner-occupied homes. The authority estimates construction costs at $714,000. Under Community Preservation Act guidelines, local committees can allocate money for low-income residential construction projects. Its a home run across the board, McGiverin said. Councilor Mike Sullivan, who represents the council on CPAC, said the new homes would bolster the citys tax rolls. Councilor Peter Tallman said, Its going to be a great benefit to the city and to the homeowners who are going to purchase properties there. He added that Habitat for Humanity projects require sweat equity from the buyers, who assist on the builds. The final Community Preservation Act award will help restore Lady Liberty, the monument that towers over Veterans Park downtown. The committee awarded $25,000 to conduct a study and for restoring the statue, which includes re-etching the names of Holyoke soldiers lost in the Civil War. According to the Holyoke War Memorial Commission, the statue was designed by H.G. Ellicott and dedicated July 4, 1876, the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Councilor Howard Greaney said, That statue is the centerpiece of Veterans Park, and I think we need to make every effort to restore it to its original glory. Norman Reedus left quarantine to advocate for an end to racial violence at a Black Lives Matter protest in Los Angeles, after the murder of George Floyd. The Walking Dead star, 51, appeared in high spirits, as he posed for pictures with fans and rode in on his black motorcycle on Tuesday. As he headed to join others at a demonstration, the father-of-two could be seen wearing an olive green face mask and a black t-shirt, which read: 'Pura Vida Costa Rica' in yellow letters. Vocal supporter: Norman Reedus left quarantine to advocate for an end to racial violence after the murder of George Floyd at a Black Lives Matter protest in Los Angeles For an iPhone snap with one of his supporters, Reedus shot a raised fist. As others took pictures of him, he smiled with his shaggy hair down, helmet in his hand and facial covering resting below his chin. On his social media, he maintained his activism by encouraging his more than 6.7 Instagram followers to remember to vote in their states' primary elections. Friendly: The Walking Dead star, 51, appeared in high spirits, as he posed for pictures with fans and rode in on his black motorcycle Additionally, he asked others to also consider donating to bail funds, legal aid and other organizations working to help victims of police violence. His sighting comes after remaining in quarantine with his longtime girlfriend Diane Kruger, who welcomed his daughter in November of 2018. The pair have been hunkering down at their Hollywood Hills home amid the coronavirus pandemic, and recently enjoyed an outdoor picnic together just three days ago. Chatting away: As others took pictures of him, he smiled with his shaggy hair down, helmet in his hand and facial covering resting below his chin The couple first met on the set of their indie drama Sky, while Diane was in a relationship with longtime boyfriend Joshua Jackson, 41. Once Diane split from Jackson for good in 2016, her and Reedus began dating and have remained in a steady relationship since. Though Diane's daughter with Reedus is her first child, Norman is already a father to son Mingus, 20, who he shares with model ex Helena Christensen, 51. Bell Canadas 5G deal with Ericsson builds on a longstanding partnership between the companies, which includes 4G LTE network provision. High among the key use cases envisaged by the operator for the capacity offered by its 5G network are mobile 4K video, immersive augmented reality, connected vehicles and industrial IoT automation. The operator is using Ericsson 5G radio access network (RAN) technology for the network and hopes to expand coverage to Canadian cities and rural locations following the 3.5 GHz spectrum auction by the national government that is due to take place later in 2020.Ericsson plays an important role in enabling Bells award-winning LTE network and were pleased to grow our partnership into 5G mobile and fixed wireless technology, commented Stephen Howe, Bell Canada chief technology officer. 5Gs high-capacity and near-instant connections will enable next-generation applications like mobile 4K video and immersive augmented reality on a massive scale, and our plan is to deliver the benefits of the 5G wireless revolution.Niklas Heuveldop, president and head of Ericsson North America, added: We are proud to have earned Bells trust to be selected as one of their key partners and significantly expand our existing relationship to accelerate the transformation of their network with 5G mobile and fixed wireless technologyBell will be able to provide Canadian consumerswith innovative experiences and services whether they are on the move or at home, regardless if they are in urban or rural areas.Over in Germany, operating under the O2 brand, Telefonica Deutschland will implement a completely independent 5G core network with full cloud compatibility in its infrastructure by 2021, using Ericssons dual-mode 5G Core technology. The capacities of the new core network are dimensioned to ensure the growing transport and data transmission tasks in view of the massively increasing data streams of O2 customers over the long term. The operator adds that thanks to the independent architecture of the core network, it will be able to realise 5G such as network slicing or edge computing, the latter especially important in ensuring the delivery of high-quality mobile video experiences."With our cloud compatible 5G core network, we are entering a new technology era," says Mallik Rao, chief technology and information officer of Telefonica Deutschland. "Gigabit data rates, real-time communication and massive IoT - these visions are now becoming reality. We have a clear plan for the further development of our network infrastructure towards a standalone 5G network that can handle the massive data streams of the future and open up new digital business models for all our customers. Russia Expects Turkey's Final Decision on 2nd Delivery of S-400 Missile Systems Sputnik News 09:42 GMT 02.06.2020(updated 10:11 GMT 02.06.2020) Russia began delivering the first batch of S-400s to Turkey in July 2019. Washington, unhappy about the deal between Moscow and Ankara, has demanded that Turkey cancel all purchases of the S-400s, threatening to delay or cancel deliveries of fifth-generation F-35 jets to the country. However, the Turkish cabinet has refused to scrap the agreement. Moscow is awaiting Ankara's final decision on the delivery of the second batch of Russia's S-400 air defence systems, the head of the Russian Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Shugayev, stated on Wednesday. "Taking into consideration restrictions related to the global pandemic, I would say making forecasts on the time frame of signing this contract is meaningless. However, dialogue on the deliveries of the second regimental batch of the S-400 are on quite an advanced stage, and we await the final decision of the Turkish side", he said in an interview with Turkish broadcaster Ecoturk TV. The official also noted that Turkey has ordered $1billion worth of Russian military equipment. Ankara has been at odds with its NATO ally the US since it struck a deal to buy the Russian-made S-400 air defence systems. The US attempted to put pressure on its ally and force Turkey to cancel the deal; however, Ankara refused to make concessions and received the first deliveries from Russia in 2019. According to Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin, the government is committed "in principle" to its plans to activate the system, despite a lag caused by the COVID-19 health crisis. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. Lita Martinez contributed to this report. This article is based on an interview conducted by AirTalk host Larry Mantle. Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said Tuesday that she shares the anger of those taking to the streets over the police custody death of George Floyd in Minnesota. Marches and demonstrations began gaining momentum in Los Angeles last week, with organizers conducting rallies in front of Lacey's office. She's come under fire during her tenure as DA by activists with Black Lives Matter and other groups who say she's done little to hold abusive police officers accountable for their actions. Lacey spoke today with Larry Mantle, who hosts our newsroom's public affairs show, AirTalk. She told him that charging a police officer with a crime is difficult, but demonstrators are right to raise the issue. "I'm angry about the fact that so many African American men have been murdered at the hands of police. And I'm doing the absolute best job that I can as a human being." Lacey is currently running for a third term as DA, with a November runoff against former San Francisco DA George Gascon, a former LAPD officer who has been sharply critical of Lacey's policies Mantle asked Lacey about a caller to the show who said she'd been arrested as part of a group protesting after the curfew was in effect. "She said she was transported to a facility, was issued a citation and then released," Mantle asked Lacey. "Is that what is typically being done in these cases? Or are any of the curfew violators being referred for prosecution?" MORE ON LA PROTESTS Lacey said those cases are being deferred, a practice for non-violent offenders that was already in place, due to COVID-19. Police officers arrived after people looted and destroyed shops at the Grove shopping center on Saturday (Valeri Macon/AFP via Getty Images) Lacey went on to clarify that looting, which is considered a violent crime, is not eligible for zero bail, even if the theft of merchandise is valued under $950, which is typically a misdemeanor. She said because the courts were closed over the weekend and on Monday, they were today seeing the first of those cases and trying to determine which cases warrant a felony charge. "There could be a scenario where someone comes in to steal food because they're hungry or diapers. That's different," Lacey said. "But some of the cases that we expect will be organized theft rings or stealing things that can easily be sold." Lacey also was asked about sharp criticism from Black Lives Matter-LA and other protesters. "Protesters have been highly critical of your tenure as District Attorney," Mantle noted, "believing you haven't done enough to hold abusive police officers to account, for [example], instances where individuals have been killed ... or injured in police custody." "What's your response to their contention that one of the main things that they're protesting is the job that you've done as District Attorney?" Lacey said that "charging police officers with a crime is one of the most difficult challenges I've faced as a District Attorney. And part of it has been due to the law that allows officers to use deadly force. Notwithstanding that, where I take issue with my critics is they refuse to give us credit for the 200-plus officers we have filed on since I've been District Attorney. They've refused to even acknowledge that our office has the only case in the state right now involving an officer-involved shooting." Lacey said she doesn't "make these decisions alone. I have an extremely diverse group of people within the office -- about 20 people sit in and review these cases -- and we talk about them and we talk about race and we talk about bias. But we need to look for solutions." Among the solutions she mentioned: Implementing training for police officers on how to de-escalate a situation A law mandating more training, specifically bias training Recruiting more African American police officers Better screening of recruits A neutral investigative team to investigate use of force She said of criticism from Black Lives Matters organizers: "I think they're right to raise this issue." Lacey, who noted that she is "an African American woman who grew up in the Crenshaw [neighborhood]," said a lot has changed with the LAPD, but more change is still needed. "Not everybody is suited for police work," she said. "Certainly the guy who murdered Mr. Floyd, you could look at his face, how he was reacting during the time that he had his knee on Mr Floyd. That's somebody that shouldn't have been in policing to begin with." LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ZUG, Switzerland, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the coronavirus continues to take its unrelenting toll around the world, Solway Investment Group has been making financial and logistical contributions towards efforts to tackle the pandemic in the regions of its operations. Across all of its operations, Solway continues to pay its employees' full salaries to ensure that they may focus on their families' health and safety during this challenging time. Solway has implemented preventive and social distancing measures at its mining entities in North Macedonia, Guatemala, Indonesia and Ukraine in accordance with local government guidelines and global best practices. These measures have allowed the group to continue its operations despite the coronavirus pandemic. The Group's subsidiaries have all made cash donations towards pandemic relief efforts. This includes supplying masks and protective equipment to emergency and healthcare professionals, as well as the provision of essential goods, food, and water, to the group's local communities. In Guatemala, the Fenix project has invested more than in donations of supplies, medicines, and groceries, as well as an upgrade of the emergency room at the Caimi Maternal and Child Care Center. The Fenix project has also donated supplies and provided logistics support to the local authorities of the National Civil Police, El Estor Municipality, Municipal Traffic Police, and the Nutritional Recovery Center. The Fenix project supplies 40,000 gallons of drinking water every day to the town of El Estor. Over the past few weeks, the company has donated more than 10,000 food packages (400,000 pounds of corn, rice, oats, sugar and packaged milk) to members of the Association of Fishermen Bocas del Polochic, the Committee Aj Kar, and families in need in El Estor. CGN/Pronico also perform nightly sanitization of the municipality's main streets, and support sanitary checkpoints established at the entrances to the municipality, where there are temperature checks and the tires of vehicles are disinfected. Fenix's has also been supporting other municipalities in the greater Izabal area. In North Macedonia, DOO Bucim Radovish donated towards North Macedonia's fight against COVID-19. A donation was made to the special donor account of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of North Macedonia. An additional donation was given to local health centers in the municipalities of Radovish, Shtip and Strumica. Financial assistance was provided to the Red Cross of Radovish. These funds were used to support socially disadvantaged families from the municipalities of Radovish and Konce in order to help them better cope with the new reality caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Packages with basic products, including groceries, personal hygiene products, and disinfectants, were delivered by the Red Cross of Radovish to families in need in Radovish and Konce. Bucim has also donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare employees in municipal institutions in Radovish and Shtip. Medical protective masks were donated for the protection of employees at Radovish's municipal police station, health center and fire service. Equipment was also provided to the employees of the public communal enterprise and to the municipal organization, Red Cross Radovish, and protective suits were donated to healthcare workers at the Regional Clinical Hospital in Shtip. In Ukraine, during the country's 60-day lockdown, PFP has granted financial aid to the NGO "Emergency Medical Care and Disaster Medicine Center of Kirovograd Region". These funds were used to purchase individual protective equipment for medical workers, disinfectants and sterilizing equipment. Medical workers were also provided with respirator masks (BUK-3K FFP3), face protective masks, one-piece garments, boot covers and single use hats. The village hospital was also provided with supplies, cleaning agents, and detergents. PFP has also purchased digital thermometers. Additionally, PFP is providing assistance beyond education and healthcare in the local village. It has spent on a local landfill, and has supported the local police department. During the lockdown around the globe, Solway has continued to support its e-learning team who are providing online English language instruction to Solway's talented teenage scholars and local language teachers. This program makes it possible for young people with internet access to stream English lessons led by private tutors in accordance with a specially tailored program. Solway understands the important role education plays in building a better future for the youth in its mining communities, as well as the importance of the English language as a tool of international communication. The e-learning program has been made available to scholars in the municipalities of Radovish, Konche, El Estor and Kropyvnytski. https://solwaygroup.com/ In case of further questions or interview requests, please contact Solway Investment Group's press office at: +41-41-740-04-00 or [email protected]. SOURCE Solway Investment Group Related Links https://solwaygroup.com G Suite users are starting to go through the migration process from Hangouts to Google Chat today. According to Google, admins now have the capability to move their users over to using Google Chat instead of the classic Hangouts app. Google also notes that hangouts.google.com will still be available to visit. So this migration wont lock you out of using the website. What it will do is replace all the classic Hangouts apps that organizations use. As well as replace Hangouts inside of Gmail with Google Chat as the default communication tool. Advertisement The G Suite Google Chat migration is essentially opt-in Admins wanting to migrate all of the employees at their organization from Hangouts to Google Chat are not required to do so. This is essentially an opt-in, and admins have the choice to move everyone over or not. The way this works is that there is a new setting in the admin console that is called chat preferred. If this option is selected, then this initiates the migration over to Google Chat as the default tool. But while this isnt a mandatory thing that Google is forcing G Suite customers to do, it is strongly encouraging them to make the change. Google highlights numerous benefits that follow after migrating over to Google Chat. Advertisement Including things like the ability to seamlessly communicate without having to switch tabs. There are other features that Hangouts also doesnt provide that Google Chat does. Such as bot integrations, full-screen rooms, emoji reactions and more. Across the board there are a handful of features that Google feels make the migration worth it. And it definitely wants G Suite customers to know about all these benefits. Chat Preferred is disabled by default As noted earlier Google set this up as an opt-in process. As such, the toggle setting to use Chat Preferred is disabled by default. Advertisement Because its off by default teams would still be using Hangouts until the switch is made by admins. That being said, admins wont be able to toggle this setting on right away. At least not all of them. Google says the rollout for the new setting could take up to 15 days for feature visibility. It also just started rolling out this change as of June 2. So some admins wont see the option to toggle this on for another couple of weeks. Google is also rolling out an ability to migrate employees on an organizational unit level. Which basically means group by group. Though that wont be rolled out until sometime in the coming weeks as well. For now, any migrations happen all at once. New Delhi, June 3 : Amid the ongoing standoff at the Line of Actual Control with China in eastern Ladakh, Air Marshal B. Suresh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command visited the air force station at Halwara in Punjab to assess the operational preparedness on Wednesday. Halwara is the base station of frontline fighter jets Sukhoi 30 MKIs. Air Commodore A. Bhadra, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Halwara, received Air Marshal Suresh where he inspected vital installations and assessed operational preparedness. "He reviewed all measures taken against COVID-19 pandemic," Indian Air Force said in a statement. Air Marshal Suresh said there are developing security threats along with the pandemic threat, and emphasised the importance of ensuring operational capability through diligent planning and utilisation of resources during these challenging times. He also appreciated the excellent involvement and commitment to duty displayed by all personnel of the station and advised them to stay fit and "be vigilant considering the current security situation". In May, Chinese military choppers were found flying close to the Line of Actual Control in the Ladakh region. The incident happened around the time when soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army and Indian Army came to blows in the upper reaches of Ladakh and North Sikkim. India and China have expressed the hope that the matter would be resolved through talks and that both sides are working on it. But no breakthrough has happened yet. China has sent a large number of troops to the LAC as reinforcement. The Indian Army too has deployed forces accordingly. There are four places where there has been an eyeball-to-eyeball situation since May 5 at LAC. Both sides have deployed over 1,000 troops . There are reports of further reinforcements. The Indian Army is keeping a close watch in the Pangong Tso (lake) sector of eastern Ladakh and the Galwan Valley region where the Chinese have enhanced deployment. Other than Pangong Tso that is extremely sensitive, the other volatile places in the wake of the recent escalation are Trig Heights, Demchok and Chumar in Ladakh, which form the western sector of the India-China frontier. 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 besides construction of another road connecting the Darbuk-Shayok-Daulat Beg Oldie road in Galwan Valley. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 2nd, 2020 / Victory Resources Corporation (CSE:VR)(FWB:VR61)(OTC PINK:VRCFF) ("Victory" or the "Company") announced today that it will focus on its mineral exploration project, the Mal-Wen property located near Merritt, BC, with an exploration program consisting of geological mapping and sampling, over burden survey and airborne magnetometer and IP surveys, It is anticipated that this program will cost approximately $150,000 and be completed in the third quarter of this year. In addition the Company announces that it is undertaking a non-brokered private placement of up to $600,000 consisting of common share units issued at $0.02 per unit. Each unit will consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant entitling the holder to subscribe for one common share for $0.05 for a period of 2 years from closing. Proceeds will be used for the exploration program described above, working capital and to evaluate other mineral properties that the Company is reviewing. With the increased price of gold and renewed interest in the mining sector, the Company withdrew its Exchange application for a change of business, and will concentrate on its interest in that sector. For further information, please contact: David Lane, President Telephone: +1 (236) 317 2822 E-mail: IR@victoryresourcescorp.com About Victory Resources Corporation VICTORY RESOURCES CORPORATION (CSE: VR) is a publicly traded corporation with mineral exploration interests in North America. The company is currently seeking other exploration opportunities, preferably in Canada. 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 release. Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws. SOURCE: Victory Resources Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/592496/Victory-Announces-Upcoming-Exploration-Program-and-Private-Placement The man who drove a van into crowds of pedestrians along Yonge Street, killing 10 people and injuring 16, will have his murder trial begin in November after it was postponed due to the pandemic. The judge-alone trial for Alek Minassian, 26, on 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder is now set to start on Nov. 9, scheduled for four to six weeks. Minassian has admitted in an agreed statement of facts to planning to rent a van and using it to kill and injure 26 people on April 23, 2018. In a long police interview hours after his arrest, Minassian described himself as part of the incel movement and motivated by the violent hatred of women. At issue at his judge-alone trial will be his state of mind. The evidence is expected to mostly come from the testimony of forensic psychiatrists who have examined him while he has been in custody. Minassians trial was originally set to begin on April 6. In March, Minassians lawyers argued that a video from the police station, in which Minassian calls himself a murdering piece of s-, should be excluded from the trial. The statement came in response to a routine question from an officer about whether he was suffering from any illnesses. Minassians lawyer Boris Bytensky argued that the statement and some other comments made by Minassian before his police interview should be ruled inadmissible because his rights to counsel and to silence were violated. A ruling wont be made by Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy until the end of the trial. Last month, the RCMP laid terrorism charges against a 17-year-old accused of first-degree murder in the February stabbing death of a 24-year-old woman at a North York massage parlour, alleging he was motivated by incel ideology. This was Canadas first terror charge related to the group of largely young men who call themselves incels, short for involuntarily celibate, and who have expressed support for acts of violence against women. The RCMP defines the group as an ideologically motivated violent extremist movement. Minassian has not been charged with a terrorism offence With files from Wendy Gillis Voters sign in at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Read more In long and short lines, near boarded up stores, and in polling places within earshot of chanting protesters, Pennsylvanians came out Tuesday to cast their votes in the unprecedented midst of a deadly pandemic and the greatest urban unrest in a generation. Many said they voted as their own form of democratic expression, the importance of which felt heightened this week. Others said they were in line because their requested mail ballot never showed up. On the whole, a primary day flipped on its head and rescheduled from April ran largely smoothly for election officials operating with a skeletal staff and a fraction of the polling places typically open. But the success of the operations of this election and its results may lie in the days ahead, as officials process stacks of mail ballots, which more than 1.9 million Pennsylvanians requested. There was nothing that was gonna keep me from voting today, even during a pandemic and with a curfew, said Paul Griffing, who put his ballot in a drop box near City Hall. The drop box became a miniature place of celebration, where people took photos of one another and even applauded as each voter placed an envelope in the red, white, and blue mailbox. They mourned the absence of I voted stickers, which those who chose the mail-in method did not get. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf extended the deadline to June 9 for mail ballots from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and several other counties, but those ballots had to be postmarked by 8 p.m. Tuesday. READ MORE: Pa. held an election. We wont know the results for days. Heres what that means for November. In the city, the primary coincided with the fourth day of protests, clashes with the police, and property damage, sparked by the death of George Floyd as a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck. A curfew was set for 8:30 p.m., after polls closed. The city also remained in the red phase of the states public health restrictions, largely shut down even before the protests. Despite all of that, voters said they mostly felt safe casting votes in person. I just made sure I had a mask, said Venus Little, 63, who voted at the Upper Darby Municipal Building, near where National Guardsman had been deployed in response to looting in the area. We need a change in Washington, added Little, who said she was excited to vote for Joe Biden to be the Democratic nominee for president. Im just hoping people turn out, she said. Its sad what happened to George Floyd. Its been going on for ages. They just had enough. I hope they see whats important, and thats the election. The most serious election issue in the region was reported in Northwest Philadelphia, where an already high-trafficked voting neighborhood had to contend with a mix-up: incorrect machines delivered to three polling locations. Yellow tape on the sidewalk directed voters to stand a few feet apart, though that extended less than halfway down the line of voters, which at one point stretched around the corner and part of the way down another block. READ MORE: Polling locations in Northwest Philly got the wrong voting machines, causing confusion and long lines: It was a mess Rasheen White, 50, cast her ballot after waiting an hour and a half at the Masjidullah mosque and Islamic community center by the border of the East Mount Airy and West Oak Lane neighborhoods. I wanted to come, she said. Just doing my duty. The correct machines rolled in by late morning, but wait times of as long as 90 minutes persisted throughout the day. If people were getting agitated, they didnt show it. Theres a certain peace with these people standing in line, said Councilmember Cherelle Parker, who patrolled the polling place encouraging patience and marveling at it. Theyre saying, We dont care how long it takes. We are standing. Because we gon vote.' Thats resilience," she said. "Thats what youre getting from Philadelphia today. ... And its across the city of Philadelphia. And particularly in the black community. Voters said this year, more than most, they believed that voting was a moral imperative. When a few people stepped out of a long line at the Masjidullah polling place, a woman shouted, Thats what they want! Chris Mckant, 32, of Mount Airy, said he feared that a lot of young people protesting dont think their vote can change anything. A lot of people right now are distracted because of whats going on across the city and the country, he said. People feel their priorities are somewhere else. The vote does matter. I know that 1,000%. The main thing Ive learned is I definitely need to be more involved and active in local politics," said Mike Magaraci, 29, of Graduate Hospital, who dropped his mail ballot off at City Hall. "Decisions that are made that dont affect me as a white male, affect a lot of people I care about. Vote here. Vote in November. Thats my plan from all of this. Magaraci was particularly motivated to vote for Bernie Sanders, whose name was still on the ballot, in hopes he rakes up enough delegates to influence the party platform at the Democratic National Convention. How the combined forces of protests and a pandemic affect outcomes remains to be seen. In the coming weeks, political scientists, political organizers, and campaigns will analyze voter behavior and how to apply its lessons to the high-stakes election in November. Challengers had an especially difficult time campaigning against incumbents, with in-person activities suspended and fund-raising difficult. For many voters, their place in line was a necessity, not a choice, because they said they never received mail ballots. There were also reports of thousands of provisional ballots cast, likely due to problems with mail ballots. Kerry Dowd, of West Philadelphia, said he applied for a mail ballot three weeks ago but it never came. So he waited about 30 minutes to vote in person. I need a change. I think we need a change from the bottom to the top, he said, calling Biden a good soldier. I think he can stabilize some of the things going on," he said. "I think everybody likes to see things turned upside down but when they get turned upside down, they realize, This isnt great. Its time to get back to what we were, which is a country that was respected around the world. Others said they were voting in person because they were skeptical of voting by mail, which has extremely few incidents of fraud. That was a refrain in the heavily Democratic Northwest and in more Republican parts of Bucks County. Theres a strong distrust for this vote-by-mail process, Parker said of her constituents in Northwest Philadelphia. They know that there are folks across this nation and this city and all over who would prefer that they did not vote." In Bucks County, Ryan Meehan, son of Andy Meehan, who is challenging Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick said, We want everyone to go in and vote in person. We dont want any mail-in ballots. We dont want anything going on. We dont really trust mail-in ballots. It was the busiest day of voting nationally since the pandemic took hold in mid-March called the Super Tuesday of COVID-19, since seven other states and the District of Columbia held primaries. They shared many of the same issues, from closed polling places to the turmoil on the streets. Lucille Alexander, of West Philadelphia, described it with mixed emotions. Its a weird time to be voting, she said. It feels extra important to vote but it also feels like you worry nothings gonna happen anyway. I was filling out my ballot and I was like I hope this matters I dont really know if it does but I have to believe that it does and do what I can in the off chance it does. Staff writers Allison Steele, Chris Brennan, Jonathan Lai, Justine McDaniel, Jonathan Tamari, Astrid Rodrigues, Raishad Hardnett and Sean Walsh contributed to this article. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 21:53:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Teresa Cheng, secretary for justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), receives an interview with Xinhua in Hong Kong, south China, June 1, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Shen) HONG KONG, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The national security legislation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will not affect Hong Kong's judicial independence and its residents' legitimate rights, HKSAR government's Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng has said, urging the general public "not to be misled by people with ulterior motives." In a recent interview with Xinhua, Cheng refuted unwarranted claims by some foreign politicians that the national security legislation will undermine Hong Kong's common law system and judicial independence. "Countries that practice common law, such as the United States and Britain, have already enacted laws for safeguarding national security. There is no inevitable conflict between the common law system and national security laws," she said. Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, its judiciary has been exercising independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, Cheng noted. The spokesperson of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council has reiterated that the national security legislation will never affect Hong Kong's independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. "I believe Hong Kong's judicial independence will not be affected." Stressing that the national security legislation only targets at the small minority committing serious crimes, the justice secretary also rebutted allegations by the opposition that Hong Kong residents' rights and freedoms will be compromised due to the legislation. The decision adopted on May 28 by the National people's Congress (NPC) has clearly stated that the national security legislation for the HKSAR aims at safeguarding Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability and guaranteeing the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong residents, Cheng noted. "The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents and guaranteed by the Basic Law will not be undermined," she said. The opposition's allegations are exaggerated to scare people, she said. "The vast majority of Hong Kong residents who are law-abiding have no reason to worry." On the recent U.S. attacks on the legislation and threat of imposing sanctions, Cheng pointed out that enacting laws to safeguard national security is a matter within the scope of national sovereignty, and what the United States did is serious interference in Hong Kong affairs, which are purely China's internal affairs. "According to international law, all countries are equal, and no country can interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. What the United States did seriously violates the international law and the norms governing international relations." Given that there are 85,000 U.S. citizens living in Hong Kong and more than 1,300 U.S. firms operating here, and the United States has a trade surplus of about 300 billion U.S. dollars over Hong Kong during the past decade, the so-called sanctions may cause greater harm to the United States itself, Cheng pointed out. Hong Kong's economy and the rule of law have been badly damaged by the prolonged social unrest. "Under such circumstances, the national security legislation for Hong Kong will surely play a key role in safeguarding Hong Kong's long-term peace and stability," Cheng said. The establishment and improvement of legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security at the state level will ensure a more stable social environment, which will strengthen investment and business confidence and promote Hong Kong's economic recovery, she said. "After peace is restored in the community, Hong Kong residents will enjoy a better life without being disturbed in their normal work and daily life," she said. "All law-abiding residents will benefit from the law." Enditem In Berlin, particular attention was paid to joint efforts to achieve peace in eastern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky's Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak says Ukraine is extremely unhappy with the slow pace of the Minsk talks on Donbas. "Ukraine is categorically not satisfied with slow progress within the Minsk format. Therefore, we are doing our best to make the negotiations more efficient," he said at a meeting with his German counterparts in Berlin on June 2, according to the presidential press service. Read alsoYermak names condition for unblocking Ukrainian prisoners' release from Russian captivity In Berlin, particular attention was paid to joint efforts to achieve peace in eastern Ukraine. Yermak briefed German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on details of the negotiations within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) in Minsk. He also announced a reshuffle and raising of Ukrainian delegates' status in the TCG. "We have not only proposed video conferencing 24/7. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has significantly expanded the Ukrainian delegation in the Minsk [Trilateral Contact] Group and raised the status of its members," Yermak said. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the implementation of the agreements reached at a recent Normandy summit in Paris in December 2019. The Ukrainian side thanked the German counterparts for support within the Normandy format as well as for backing reforms, it said. The representatives of Ukraine and Germany discussed, among other things, issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged experience in countering the coronavirus pandemic. As UNIAN reported, Zelensky on May 5 approved the composition of Ukraine's delegation to the TCG on Donbas. It is led by ex-president Leonid Kuchma. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov is his first deputy and Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Oleksandr Merezhko is his deputy. Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture Yulia Svyrydenko became Ukraine's envoy to the working subgroup on social and economic issues. Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada's Committee for Legal Affairs Andriy Kostin was appointed as Ukraine's envoy to the working subgroup on political issues. Deputy Defense Minister Oleksandr Polishchuk represents Ukraine in the working subgroup on security issues. Halyna Tretyakova, the chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans' Rights, defends Ukraine's interests in the working subgroup on humanitarian issues. Donald Trump and Narendra Modi New Delhi: Amid ongoing tensions with China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Donald Trump invited Prime Minister Modi to the G7 conference. President Trump has also expressed interest in including India in the G-7. The two leaders discussed the Corona epidemic, World Health Organization (WHO) reforms and the G-7. Advertisement Narendra Modi and Donald TrumpPM Modi also said that such a strong organization (G-7) was needed in the post-Corona period. The Prime Minister said that it was a pleasure to work with the United States and other countries for the success of this conference. Prime Minister Modi expressed concern over the ongoing violence in the United States and wished a speedy recovery. Violent protests are taking place in several US cities. Violence erupted in the United States after the death of a black man named George Floyd. Donald Trump recently talked about a proposal for mediation between India and China. Advertisement Donald Trump and Narendra ModiDuring the talks, President Trump recalled his visit to India in February this year. He mentioned the great welcome in India. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi said that the meeting was memorable and historic. It has also added new impetus to bilateral relations. The two leaders also discussed World Health Organization (WHO) reforms and the corona virus. The United States recently withdrew from the World Health Organization. Donald Trump has said that the WHO is completely under China's control. The WHO has failed to initiate the transition process and the United States will end its relationship with the World Health Organization. Advertisement WHOThe talks between Prime Minister Modi and Donald Trump came at a time when China is at loggerheads with India and the United States. The United States has blamed China for the corona virus. The United States said that the Corona was spread around the world from Wuhan's lab. At the same time, the LAC in Ladakh has been under tension between India and China for almost a month. Hon. Lawyer Adwoa Safo,Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya 03.06.2020 LISTEN Yes, it is indeed true that there are leaders and there are leaders. Whereas some leaders were born, others were made, and whereas some leaders are respected because they occupy leadership positions, others are respected because they are deserving to be respected by reason of the great leadership acumen they exude and the inspiration they provide to their followers. There is no disputing the fact that leaders belonging to the second category are hard to come by, particularly in Africa. It is also true that while in other justifications where women, just like their male counterparts, largely have it easy in climbing the leadership ladder, in this part of our world (i.e. Africa and Ghana in particular), the situation is completely different. Our women have to be exceptionally good and defiant of the many socio-cultural inhibitions of society in order to get to the top. And even when they get there, they are still not spared the shackles of name-calling, suspicions and character assassinations. In view of this, you will find out that there are very few women who have been able to muster the testicular fortitude to defy the odds of society in order to get to the top echelon and more importantly, to remain there. One of such few women in this part of our world, undoubtedly, is Hon Lawyer Sarah Adwoa Safo, whom can, rightly so, be best described as the greatest sensation of Dome Kwabenya. She is the current Member of Parliament of Parliament of the Dome Kwabenya Constituency in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, and the Chairperson/Leader of the NPP Women Caucus in Parliament, as well as the Women Caucus in general. Her journey to the House of Legislature and for that matter political stardom had not been smooth at all. It had been characterized by a lot tumultuous occurrences, but she persevered and she is still persevering because the obstacles will just not go away. This woman, though had been very active and supportive of the partys activities in the Constituency and beyond, it was not until the year 2007, when she first put herself up to contest the then incumbent MP for the constituency, Prof Mike Ocquaye, who is now the Speaker of Ghanas Parliament. A lot of odds went against her in the party primaries which, of course, had absolutely nothing to do with her competence. And so, she was unsuccessful in unseating the Dome-Kwabenya Mugabe at the time. Notwithstanding the issues that characterized the said primaries to her disadvantage, Hon Adwoa Safo never gave up on the party, as she continued to lend her unalloyed support and immerse contribution to the party not only at the Constituency Level but also at the Regional and National Level. And so, as fate would have it, when she came back to contest in the Dome-Kwabenya primaries in 2011, she was successful, and got elected overwhelmingly as the partys candidate and eventually as the MP for the constituency, a position she still occupies having had her mandate renewed in the 2015 NPP primaries and subsequently in the 2016 general elections. You would also recall that it was Hon Adwoa Safos single act of extreme vigilance during the 2012 general elections that uncovered the NDCs rigging enterprise which unfolded in Dome Kwabenya, one of the most populous constituencies in the country. This, of course, was what eventually set the stage for the NPPs decision to challenge the outcome of the 2012 general elections in the famous Election Petition, where so many mindboggling revelations bothering on electoral improprieties were brought to the fore. What is even more intriguing about her is that, owing to her exceptional qualities, throughout her life journey, Hon Sarah Adwoa Safo, has been breaking existing records and setting new records. First of all, she is the First Minister of State in Charge of Public Procurement in the history of Ghana. Also, in just her second term in Parliament (having spent less than 8 years in the august house), she rose up to become the 1st Female Deputy Majority Leader of the Parliament of Ghana, and also chairs both the NPP women caucus and the bipartisan women group in Parliament. On her enviable educational accomplishments, Hon Sarah Adwoa Safo holds a law Degree from the University of Ghana, and is the youngest ever product of the Ghana School of Law, graduating in 2004 at age 22. Whilst pursuing her law programme at the nations premier University, she represented the University in a number of Moot Court Competitions including the All Africa Law Competition (Kenya, 2001), the Commonwealth Competition (Australia, 2003) and Jessup (U.S.A., 2004). Even though she is still in her thirtys (30s), the Dome-Kwabenya legislator has a lot of academic and professional qualifications to her credit including a Barrister at law Degree in UG; a Professional Certificate from the Ghana School of Law; a Masters of Law Degree in Government Procurement Law from the George Washington University, Washington DC, USA as well as a number of certificates in Governance, Gender and Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She also holds an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University USA, as well as some professional certificates in Public Procurement from the International Law Institute, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA. The Dome-Kwabenya sensation, Hon Sarah Adwoa Safo, is also extremely passionate about community service and meeting the needs of the vulnerable in society. And pursuant to this, she set up the Adwoa Safo Foundation (ASF), an NGO, primarily dedicated to providing livelihood support to vulnerable groups in society particularly women and children as well as persons with disability with the view to tackling inequality and promoting inclusiveness in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Again, in line with her age-long commitment to pushing the feminine agenda, she has become a leading member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC), African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, Ghana Bar Association, Commonwealth Lawyers Association and Member of the Women Political Leaders Forum. Of course, she chairs the Women Caucus of Ghanas Parliament from 2017 till date. She is also the chairperson of the Resolutions Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), (Africa Region), and also chairs the Management Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association of the Parliament of Ghana. You certainly cannot expect more from a Parliamentarian who is still less than 40 years old And you can only get this from the sensation of Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Hon. Adwoa Safo. To be continued . With its debt cut by nearly 60 percent, Pioneer Energy Services Corp. has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in an attempt to profit in the depressed oil-field services industry. The San Antonio companys reorganization plan, approved four months after seeking bankruptcy protection, slashes Pioneers debt to $208 million from $475 million. As part of an agreement with creditors, Pioneer secured a $75-million revolving credit facility. Pioneer CEO Stacy Locke said the restructured company will be looking to acquire other oil-field service firms. The industry needs to consolidate, he said. There needs to be fewer companies. In a landscape littered with other oil-field service companies near bankruptcy, Lock said acquisitions will enable Pioneer to obtain the scale necessary to succeed. At its peek in 2014, Pioneer had more than 60 oil drilling rigs and more than 4,000 employees as fracking reinvigorated the oil industry in Texas and other parts of the U.S. That was the last year Pioneer made a profit. Now, the number of rigs is down to 10, mostly in the Permian Basin in West Texas. The company has just under 1,000 workers. Pioneer certainly has a chance to survive, with the price of West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. oil industry benchmark, rising to nearly $37 a barrel, said Ed Hirs, an energy economics lecturer at the University of Houston. He said the recent price increase should boost oil exploration, which plummeted as government stay-at-home orders cut demand for gasoline and jet fuel and world markets were glutted with crude. WTI slid to $25 a barrel in early March when Pioneer Energy filed for bankruptcy protection. The continued to slide, dropping to under $20 a barrel in May. Everyone talks about being an opportunistic investor and acquiring other companies and other rigs in a downturn like this, Hirs said. Sometimes that works. Sometimes the companies can become too aggressive and over over-commit themselves. Early on, Pioneers reorganization plan ran into trouble after key creditors Credit Suisse, DW Partners LP and Whitebox Advisors LLC attempted to withdraw from the deal, citing Covid-19-related damage to the oil market, according to bankruptcy court documents. The creditors, which held $117 million of Pioneers debt, originally had agreed to swap senior notes for equity in the company. In turn, lenders such as the global money manager BlackRock Inc. and MSD Capital, the firm that manages the investments of Dell founder Michael Dell, were to be repaid in full for their $175 million in loans to Pioneer. Under a revised deal, May 12 court documents show, BlackRock and MSD Capital will purchase $45.9 million of $65.2 million in convertible bonds from Credit Suisse and the other bondholders. BlackRock and MSD Capital also will purchase about $78 million in newly-issued Pioneer secured bonds. We had that group of guys trying to get out of the deal, and it was just a bunch of mayhem, Locke said. Working out an agreement with all the parties took an additional month, he said, but we got it done. Randy Diamond covers aviation, energy and manufacturing in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Randy, become a subscriber. randy.diamond@express-news.net Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 22:31:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BISHKEK, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Torugart checkpoint on the border of China and Kyrgyzstan will reopen for cargo from June 8, the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan said Wednesday. Following bilateral talks, the two sides agreed to restore the Torugart checkpoint from June 8 for cargo transportation between China and Kyrgyzstan, the embassy said in a press release. Meanwhile, the restrictions on passenger transportation between both sides will remain in place, the embassy said, adding that authorities of both countries will further discuss the issue. There are two border crossings -- Irkeshtam and Torugart -- on the Chinese-Kyrgyz border. Both were closed on Jan. 23 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, both sides have agreed to restore the Irkeshtam checkpoint for freight traffic between the two countries. Enditem Wax lyrical: Candles must be white and cylindrical to be VAT exempt A candlemaker has been hit with a VAT bill for almost 400,000 after losing a legal challenge over the shape of candles its supplies to churches. The Tax Appeals Commission (TAC) rejected an appeal by the unidentified firm against a VAT assessment totalling 394,802 issued by Revenue for its sales of church candles between 2013 and 2016. Revenue claimed the VAT Consolidation Act 2010 states that candles and night-lights are only zero-rated for VAT purposes if they are white and cylindrical. Legislation excludes a zero rate of VAT being applied to candles that are "decorated, spiralled, tapered or perfumed". As a result, tax officials argued a VAT rate of 23pc should apply to all candles that are not white and cylindrical. The firm of chandlers gave evidence that it had always applied a zero rate of VAT to church candles sold within Ireland. The company told the TAC that its church candles were not tapered but were instead "frustoconical and part-cylindrical in shape". The TAC heard from a director of the firm that the shape of its candles represented a cone with its top missing. The company claimed its candles were cylindrical at both ends but just not the same size. It noted the base on the candle was a three-millimetre thick cylinder. It explained its use of such a shape was to provide "additional fire safety" as the candles were self-extinguishing and contained smoke and environmental protection features which had been patented in Ireland, Europe and Canada. The firm said Revenue had failed to take into account there was a public interest in having such features in its candles. It claimed Revenue was acting inconsistently in its classification of church candles which undermined the EU principles of legal certainty and fiscal neutrality. Under cross-examination, however, the firm's director admitted he had no correspondence from Revenue stating that church candles attracted a zero VAT rate. Revenue said that the legislation governing the VAT rate to be applied to candles was unrelated to their use. In her ruling, TAC commissioner Lorna Gallagher said the VAT Consolidation Act 2010 made no express reference to church candles or the use to which candles were put. She said the wording of the legislation was "clear and unambiguous". It is understood the company requested the TAC to have the ruling reviewed by the High Court by way of the "case stated" legal mechanism. [June 03, 2020] Bow Street Responds to False Allegations Regarding its Mack-Cali Board Nominee Bow Street LLC ("Bow Street") today issued the following statement regarding the unfair and untrue allegations made by Mack-Cali Realty Corporation ("Mack-Cali" or the "Company") regarding Tammy Jones, one of Bow Street's nominees for election to the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"). Akiva Katz and Howard Shainker, Managing Partners of Bow Street, said, "It is highly disappointing that Mack-Cali has chosen to impugn Ms. Jones, who is one of the few African American female CEOs in the commercial real estate sector. Ms. Jones has a sterling reputation, unimpeachable integrity and is widely recognized as a champion of gender and ethnic diversity in the commercial real estate industry. Mack-Cali shareholders would greatly benefit from the independence, intellect, and experience she would bring to the boardroom. That Mack-Cali's legacy directors and CEO Michael DeMarco would choose to mislead shareholders with innuendo and falsehoods about Ms. Jones further underscores their misaligned priorities." Here are the facts: Ms. Jones and her spouse were working with Ferguson Partners, the search firm retained by Mack-Cali, on a diversity initiative for more than 6 months before Mack-Cali began its search for director candidates. In 2019, Bill Ferguson, Ferguson Partners' CEO (who personally handled the Mack-Cali Board search), and Gemma Burgess, Ferguson Partners' President of the America's, were directly working with Ms. Jones and her spouse on an initiative to create a pipeline of ethnically diverse candidates for public company boards. Ms. Jones and her spouse disclosed their personal and professional relationship to both Mr. Ferguson and Ms. Burgess in 2019. In fact, in September 2019, Ferguson Partners asked Ms. Jones to solicit her spouse'shelp on a diversity mandate in Boston where his company is based. Ferguson Partners wanted to recommended Ms. Jones for Mack-Cali's 2020 Board slate, however, Ms. Jones declined the opportunity and further specified to Ferguson Partners that she had a conflict with it. In the context of her ongoing diversity initiative with Ferguson Partners, Ms. Jones provided Ferguson Partners with a list of highly qualified African American executives in commercial real estate (including her spouse). Mr. Ferguson confirmed with Ms. Jones that these names were going to be used for all upcoming board searches, particularly with an ethnic diversity mandate, not only for the Mack-Cali Board search. Additionally, Ferguson Partners never followed up on Ms. Jones' conflict, nor did the firm ultimately select any of the diverse candidates she proposed for Mack-Cali's 2020 slate. Ferguson Partners has a longstanding history with Mack-Cali and is not an objective third-party. Mr. Ferguson was retained by Mack-Cali previously. In fact, he placed CEO Michael DeMarco in his current position. In an attempt to manipulate the facts to serve its own interests and mislead shareholders, Mack-Cali did not disclose its longstanding relationship with Ferguson Partners and deliberately omitted information about Ms. Jones' and her spouse's ongoing diversity initiative with Ferguson Partners. Ms. Jones is an independent, highly capable, and experienced nominee, who, as a Mack-Cali director, would not only protect shareholders' interests, but also provide thought leadership to incorporate ESG principles into the Company's long-term strategy. The nation's leading, independent proxy advisory firm, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS"), recommended that Mack-Cali shareholders vote the GOLD proxy card to elect ALL EIGHT of Bow Street's nominees, including Ms. Jones. In its report, ISS stated, "Of the dissident's four new nominees, Jones possess[es] strong real estate investment and/or operational qualifications that will be essential in overseeing the execution of the company's transaction-heavy strategy."1 These are the facts and Mack-Cali shareholders deserve to know them. Shareholders are encouraged to read the email evidence that supports these facts by visiting http://www.bowstreetllc.com/mack-cali2020/. ___________________________________ 1 ISS Special Situations Research on Mack-Cali Corporation (CLI): Proxy Contest with Bow Street dated May 29, 2020. About Bow Street LLC Founded in 2011, Bow Street is a New York-based investment manager that partners with institutional investors and family offices globally to invest opportunistically across public and private securities. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005911/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] "That's the only reason. There's no recourse," he said. "A judge deemed it valid. So the civil side of it, with the execution of the will [and] dispersement of the funds is one thing. But then you have the criminal side which is unable to prosecute." 10KMedia has been launched by Adam LaGreca, who was previously director of communications for tech startup Gremlin, which was founded by engineers from Amazon and Netflix. Gremlin has signed on a client at the new agency, which will offer a range of services including public relations, analyst relations and social media for startups. 10K Media will be based in Brooklyns DUMBO neighborhood. Before joining Gremlin, LaGreca served as senior public relations manager for Datadog and PR coordinator for DigitalOcean. San Diego-based (W)right On Communications, Inc. and management consulting firm Excelerate, LLC have created a joint venture, (X), that will integrate business strategy solutions with complex communications for organizations as they navigate the post-pandemic lansdcape. (W)right On Communications CEO Grant Wright and Excelerate president Jana De Anda will co-lead the organization, supported by their respective teams, combined resources and offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, Portland and Vancouver, B.C. The two firms have client partners across the country and have worked with companies in such sectors as retail, conservation, financial services, energy and water utilities, cleantech, tourism and hospitality, higher education institutions, not-for-profits, and regional and city governments. Scott Circle Communications, a D.C.-based firm that works with nonprofits, associations and corporate social responsibility programs, has launched a free program to help teams stay connected while they are working from home. Circle Up provides activities and customizable templates that organizations can use to encourage their teams to step away from their desks, be creative and support each other. From cooking tips to games, the program aims to give corporate teams space to have the kinds of conversations that are common in office situations. A new edition will be released each month. To see this months edition, click here. Long lines formed outside several Philadelphia polling places on June 2 for the primary election. Others kept a steady pace of voters eager to cast their ballots. In the midst of a pandemic and growing civil unrest, many felt it was more important than ever to exercise their right to vote. With all thats going on, with the COVID epidemic and the George Floyd riots, voting was one of the most powerful ways that I could express my voice, said Marlon Brandon, a voter from Zone North 6 in Philadelphia. It was a primary election like none-other in Philadelphia, with confusion over mail-in ballots as some claimed never to have received theirs, others werent aware of how to drop them off. Coronavirus restrictions meant those voting wore face masks and gloves to cast their votes, keeping six feet away from others at all times. At least one voter, Hilda Rosa in North Philadelphia, was concerned that the citys efforts to consolidate polling places would lead to a lower voter turnout. Philadelphia went from 831 polling places last year to 190 for the primary, as many poll workers expressed concern for their safety during the pandemic. We visited polling places in the South 15 Zone (which encompasses the Bella Vista and Hawthorne neighborhoods in South Philadelphia), South 10 Zone (which includes much of Graduate Hospital and Grays Ferry) and North 6 Zone (which is near Temple University) during the early afternoon of June 2. We spoke with voters of all ages and ethnicities to see their thoughts on how the primary was going on and why they felt the need to vote in person. You can watch their responses in the video at the top of this article. Cant see the video? Click here. 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. As protests continue nationwide, many conservative commentators and organizations have pushed a pro-police, law-and-order narrative. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., declared, "The president should use the Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty military forces to these cities to support local law enforcement and ensure this violence ends tonight." (President Donald Trump later threatened to do just that.) Fox News asked whether the New York Police Department "did enough? Did they go far enough?" The talk radio host Buck Sexton claimed, "This isn't going to stop until the good guys are willing to use overwhelming force against the bad guys." Trump himself tweeted, "Let New York's Finest be New York's Finest. There is nobody better, but they must be allowed to do their job!" If you think of American conservatism in rigidly ideological terms, such enthusiastic responses might come as a surprise: Conservatism, we are often told, means limited government. The overbearing, omnicompetent state easily becomes a tool of tyranny. If unchecked, the road to serfdom - the premises that, as Friedrich Hayek argued in his 1944 book of that name, economic planning creates the underlying forces for totalitarianism - is a short one. Or so the argument goes. But if conservatives really believe this is the case, why do so many of them reflexively defend the police, the armed servants of the state? The answer is that in the conservative worldview, while the state represents potential tyranny, police stand for the authority of the law. Conservatives see the federal government as a distant vessel for imposing liberal diktats, such as racial integration, school busing, same-sex marriage. By contrast, the police - with their local control - are perceived as the standard-bearers of legitimate law and authority. In part, this is because conservatives tend to value social order and have generally been skeptical of explanations of criminality that downplay economic or "deviant" cultural factors. Where in the conservative view, the federal state often appears to meddle with the social order, the police enforce the status quo. They protect property, maintain boundaries and monitor deviant behavior. When he spoke to a group of police officers in 1965, the conservative writer and editor William F. Buckley described "a world in which order and values are disintegrating." The "symbols of authority, of continuity, of tradition" are attacked by "the unruly." Amid this disintegration, the police suffer, Christ-like, as symbols of order while they are "hated for doing" their duty and "reviled by those who misrepresent them." Over the next half-century, that premise would metastasize into the idea that the police were the primary bulwark of civilization itself. By 2018, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions could confidently tell the National Association of Police Organizations, "This is the Trump era. We support law enforcement," in an address bearing a striking resemblance to Buckley's remarks five decades earlier, one that hit now-familiar beats about the liberal-dominated media and the supposed threat of violence toward police, all while emphasizing the honor of their role. These associations aren't merely symbolic: Conservatives have long seen the police as specifically local defenders of largely white communities and property. About 85% of law enforcement is governed at the state, city or county level. According to the Department of Justice, in 2012, the country's nearly 18,000 law enforcement agencies employed about 750,000 sworn agents at the state, county or local level (while in 2016, there were about 132,000 federal agents). County sheriffs are directly elected in 46 states. In these localities, the police reflect the interests of the politically, economically and historically dominant groups. Police forces are typically enmeshed in these white working- and middle-class communities. This has tended to mean that conservatives' experience with law enforcement is one of being closely associated with the police and being protected by the police - not an experience of being policed. In his study of "blue-collar conservatism," Timothy Lombardo connects law-and-order politics in Philadelphia - in many ways representative of Northeastern cities in the 1970s and 1980s - to urban decay, deindustrialization and exploding crime. But he also highlights the relationship between the police and the white working class that filled the force's ranks. The Philadelphia police force reflected the community ethos of the city's white ethnic population. Lombardo argues that blue-collar whites in Philadelphia "maintained a defensive culture of reverence for the police based on class commonality and the mutually reinforcing boundaries of race and urban space." As the urban crisis peaked, blue-collar whites supported "unfettered police action in the face of disorder, and harsher penalties for criminal behavior," clashing politically with black civil rights advocates under police commissioner and, later, mayor Frank Rizzo. In his influential "Thinking About Crime," the neoconservative social scientist James Wilson intellectualized the close relationship between communities and police that Lombardo analyzed in Philadelphia. After crime waves, Wilson argued that an urban white community would "reassert control over its turf." The police "assisted in that reassertion of authority by acting, sometimes violently, on behalf of the community" by foisting out "toughs," "vagrants" and prostitutes. It is impossible to disentangle the police from the workings of racism and white supremacy in America, and conservatives have often been complicit in this tortured past. In the Jim Crow-era South, local law enforcement officers were among the most visible symbols of the white supremacist racial hierarchy, which they maintained both through legal enforcement of segregation and extrajudicial violence. As the white South (and urban white North) fled the increasingly black cities for white suburbs, it was, and remains, the police who protected private property and the boundaries of privatized space. White conservatives from communities with positive police engagement tend to treat their experiences with the police as universal and, to some extent, project their positive views onto people of color. A 2017 Pew Research Center survey found that 77% of conservative Republicans felt "very warm" toward the police. By contrast, 30% of black respondents felt "very cold," 8% felt "somewhat cold," and 28% were "neutral." Seventy-nine percent of Republicans thought the police were doing well or excellently "protecting people from crime" nationwide; 78% of Republicans thought the police treated "racial and ethnic groups equally." Such deep divisions over the perception of police suggest stark differences in expectation and experience with the police along racial lines that filter into the political sphere. Occasionally, conservatives frame local law enforcement as a community bulwark against the federal state, and here, too, race has frequently played a role. In a 1957 article about the federal enforcement of school desegregation in Little Rock, Arkansas, National Review linked police powers to states' rights: "Either the states have broad powers to maintain public order, or they do not; either the people have a right to domestic tranquility, or they do not." If the federal courts overrode "the police power of the states" in favor of "the newly created rights of Negro pupils," the magazine warned, there would be chaos, violence and school privatization. Here was an explicit connection of local police power with Southern white ideas about order and community against the more liberal federal state. In the decades since, a discourse of urban warfare has further underpinned conservative deference to police. Conservatives frequently claim that police working in predominantly poor and black or brown neighborhoods are in something like a war zone. In 1992, for example, National Review quoted a police officer who, in language that would resonate with ideas expressed by Trump almost 30 years later, recounted the high-powered weaponry possessed by "hoods" and reported that "the FBI is coming to the conclusion that parts of the city are becoming beyond the scope of regular law enforcement." The force deployed by police departments across the country over the course of the past week is the direct result of the militarization of law enforcement driven by these very ideas of policing war zones and bringing riots to heel. Finally, conservatives typically perceive themselves as tough-minded on issues such as crime and race, leading them to support "necessary" measures against crime. It's an attitude exemplified by Trump, who, in a call about protests, reportedly told state governors, "If you don't dominate, you're wasting your time. They're going to run over you. You're going to look like a bunch of jerks." The same sentiments are there in his own deployment of the oft-cited maxim "When the looting starts, the shooting starts," a phrase that explicitly links protection of property to sanctioned police violence. Manhattan Institute fellow Heather Mac Donald's recent work on the police comes from this tradition of conservative tough-mindedness that also emphasizes the thinness of the blue line and the dangers of policing. Despite general conservative deference to the police, there are plenty of libertarian and libertarian-leaning critics of excessive police powers, especially when they extend the power of the state or advance the militarization of the police. Even National Review, which has long pushed the pro-police line, expressed skepticism of the president's call to brand the loosely connected antifa group a terrorist organization, suggesting that it was just an excuse for warrantless surveillance. Nevertheless, the gap between conservatives' fear of the political state and their deference to its armed representatives is clear. To most conservatives, the federal state threatens a combination of potential tyranny toward citizens and permissiveness toward crime. Meanwhile, the police represent both local communities and law and order against declining standards and all-too-often racialized visions of crime. - - - Tait is a historian of American conservatism. He has a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a columnist for Arc Digital. The World Health Organization is resuming its trial of hydroxychloroquine, the malaria drug backed by President Donald Trump to combat the deadly coronavirus, after temporarily halting research over safety concerns. The Data Safety Monitoring Board decided there was no reason to discontinue the international trial after reviewing available data on the drug, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a press conference Wednesday at the agency's Geneva headquarters. "The executive group received this recommendation and endorsed the continuation of all arms of solidarity trial including hydroxychloroquine," he said. On May 25, WHO announced it had temporarily suspended its trial of the drug over safety concerns. The announcement came days after a study published in medical journal The Lancet found that hospitalized Covid-19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine had a higher risk of death than those who didn't take it. That study is now being reexamined. The suspension spurred French drugmaker Sanofi and others to temporarily halt recruitment for their own trials looking at the drug. There's no evidence that any drug actually reduces the mortality in patients who have Covid-19, WHO officials said Wednesday. Tedros said the safety board will continue to closely monitor the safety of all therapeutics being tested in its trials, which involve more than 3,500 patients across 35 countries. "WHO is committed to accelerating the development of effective therapeutics, vaccines and diagnostics as part of our commitment to serving the world with science, solutions and solidarity," he said. In addition to malaria, hydroxychloroquine is often used by doctors to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It is known to have serious side effects, including muscle weakness and heart arrhythmia. Numerous clinical trials are looking to see if it's effective in fighting Covid-19, but it is not a proven treatment. Trump asked dozens of governors in a conference call Monday to send their National Guard troops to the nations capital to handle the protests. Esper was also on the call and told the governors, I think the sooner that you mass and dominate the battlespace, the quicker this dissipates and we can get back to the right normal. We need to dominate the battlespace. An eight-feet tall fence greeted protestors at the White House Tuesday, aimed at keeping them further away from the seat of American power, but it failed to deter them from showing up in even larger numbers. They stayed late, chanting slogans and singing, in defiance of night-time curfew. Protestors in New York city also stayed on the streets till late in clear violation of a night-time curfew that started earlier that before. They had been largely peaceful but as it got late into the night, looting and violence broke out sporadically, but not on the scale seen the previous night. More than two dozen American cities such as Washington DC, New York City, Los Angeles were under various durations of curfew as protests and demonstrations continued across the United States in support of justice and against persisting racism, triggered by the death of George Floyd, an African unarmed American man, in police custody in Minneapolis last week. I want justice for him because he was good, no matter what anybody thinks, Roxie Washington, the mother of Floyds six-year-old daughter, told told reporters at a press conference in Minneapolis on Tuesday, breaking down uncontrollably at time.s. He was good and this is the proof that he was a good man, she added, pointing at their daughter Gianna. Protests at the White House and the Trump administrations overwhelming response to them, with implications for the rest of the country, have come under special scrutiny. Specially in the light of the action taken by law enforcement agencies to clear a park teeming with protestors Monday to make way for the president to walk to a nearby stage with an entourage of cabinet members and senior officials to stage a photo-op. US defense secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday sought to further clear his role in this incident and the use of US military reservists of the National Guard by the Trump administration to quell the violence accompanying the protests in some parts with a strategy to dominate the streets. I dont support invoking the Insurrection Act, Esper said in first public comments, referring to a 200-year-old law the president has sought to invoke to deploy active-duty troops against the protests. He added, in a significant break with the president, The option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort and only in the most ... dire of situations. We are not in one of those situations now. But on Tuesday, the Pentagon moved 1,600 additional troops to the Washington DC area. But it stressed, in a statement from the the spokesman, Active duty elements are postured on military bases in the National Capitol Region but are not in Washington, DC. They are on heightened alert status but remain under Title X authority and are not participating in defense support to civil authority operations. US military police personnel have been standing by deployment in New York, at the request of local officials, who have so far not only held off on calling in either them or the National Guard reservists, despite repeated public calls from the president, a former New Yorker . New York city fared much better Tuesday than the night before . So far, the curfew is certainly helping, based on everything Ive seen in Brooklyn and Manhattan over the last three hours, he wrote on twitter late int he evening. But some disturbances were reported after, once again, nothing comparable the previous day. Family says it wants world to remember Floyd as a good father, not just for the horrible video of his final moments. Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Through tears, the mother of George Floyds six-year-old daughter, Gianna, made an emotional plea for the world to remember Floyd as a good father and good man, not just a name or a rallying cry. I wanted everybody to know that this is what those officers took from me, Roxie Washington said, Gianna standing by her side. At the end of the day, they get to go home and be with their families, she added. Gianna does not have a father. He will never see her grow up, graduate. He will never walk her down the aisle. If theres a problem shes having and she needs a dad, she does not have that any more. Washingtons heartbreaking comments came more than one week after Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died after a white officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, setting off mass protests across the United States. A video of the incident shows Floyd repeatedly pleading I cant breathe before going motionless, still under the officers knee. The image that most of us have of George Floyd is the horrible video that weve seen, said Floyd family lawyer, Chris Stewart, alongside Washington and Gianna. George Floyds 6-year-old daughter Gianna, is embraced by her mother Roxie Washington, and uncle at Minneapolis City Hall, in Minneapolis, Minnesota [Lucas Jackson/Reuters] Weve seen the anger in the streets; weve seen so much violence; weve seen beauty, also. Weve seen people standing up and speaking up, and weve seen massive changes across the country, he added. But what we really wanted the world to see is the beauty of their child. The beauty of Gianna who is going to be taller than me soon, just like her dad. The beauty of Roxie who is holding up strong throughout this. And the actual situations in life that these things affect. I want justice County and private medical examiners have both ruled the autopsy a homicide, but they differed on how Floyd died. The private autopsy, requested by Floyds family, found that the 46-year-old died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression by police, according to the Floyd family lawyers. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner found that Floyd experienced a cardiopulmonary arrest while being restrained by law enforcement officer(s). It said Floyd suffered other significant conditions, including heart disease and hypertension, fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use. A woman and children put flowers at a makeshift memorial honouring George Floyd, at the spot where an officer kneeled on his neck [Carlos Barria/Reuters] All four officers involved in the incident were fired a day after Floyd died. The officer who knelt on Floyds neck has since been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. But Floyds family, community leaders and protesters want the three other officers involved charged, as well. Im here for George because I want justice for him, Washington said. A father was taken Earlier on Tuesday, at the intersection where Floyd died, Bishop Harding Smith, remembered Floyd as a giver. Hes someone that I knew very well, and the love and support you see out here, Smith told Al Jazeera. You see, Floyd used to help me outside the Salvation Army feed the homeless, Smith said. People gather at a memorial for George Floyd that has been created at the place where he was taken into police custody and later died in Minneapolis, Minnesota [Leah Millis/Reuters] Flowers have grown out of the concrete 38th Street and Chicago Avenue. Signs, cards, candles fill the cracks between the bouquets in the street that have taken over the street as a memorial to Floyd. Protesters gather at the site daily. I have mixed emotions: hurt, and pain, and disgust, said Kim Anderson, 56, as she paid her respects. Its about time, she added, speaking about the need for people to come together and get justice. Her call echoed that of Floyds family. I want justice for him, Washington said. No matter what anybody thinks, he was good. And this is the proof that he was a good man, she added, looking at Gianna. Stewart added for every family affected by police brutality, the grief goes much deeper than that of any protest or call. Its not just that someone passes and people are angry in the streets, he said. It affects peoples actual lives and their futures. A father was taken. A brother and sister lost another brother. On the battlefield, the roar of helicopter blades paired with a Red Cross is salvation for wounded troops and civilians. But the thwomping blades of military helicopters, including one with Red Cross markings, were part of a low-flying show of force over Washington's streets on Monday night - an incident now under investigation. Numerous videos on social media showed an unarmed Lakota medevac helicopter hovering over demonstrators. Its Red Cross markings, visible on the aircraft's belly and side, was flown by the District of Columbia Army National Guard. The use of a helicopter with Red Cross markings was an abuse of global norms that could help erode its neutral symbolism, military justice experts said. This was a foolish move, said Geoffrey Corn, a former Army lawyer and professor at the South Texas College of Law in Houston. The symbolic significance of the Red Cross is pervasive: It denotes a 'noncombatant' function of the armed forces. Recommended Trump insists NYC needs National Guard as George Floyd protests rage The National Guard has been used to augment police across the country, defence officials have insisted, including 18,000 Guard members in 29 states and DC mobilised in response to unrest after the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis last week. The use of a helicopter's rotor wash, the downward rush of air from its rotors, is a common military tactic to incite fear, disperse crowds and warn of other capabilities, like rockets and guns, said Kyleanne Hunter, a former Marine Corps pilot who flew Cobra attack helicopters in Iraq and Afghanistan. Red Cross helicopter is used to disperse protesters (AFP/Getty) Ms Hunter, now a senior adjunct fellow at the Centre for a New American Security in Washington, said she flew low over civilian vehicles to disperse them ahead of convoys in Iraq. And after reviewing videos of the helicopter, she concluded that it flew far too low to be on a surveillance mission. You add more military equipment, you get more military tactics, she said. It's to provoke and incite rather than protect and serve. Major General William Walker, commander of the DC National Guard, has directed an investigation into the low-flying manoeuvre, a spokesperson said on Tuesday evening. The decision to use the manoeuvres was authorised by the highest levels of that command, The New York Times reported. Guard members were among the local and federal law enforcement officers that cleared out Lafayette Square on Monday to allow Donald Trump a photo-op at a nearby church, but they did not have, and did not fire, tear gas or rubber bullets, defence officials said. But the use of medevac helicopters during demonstrations after curfew stunned justice experts, who said the Red Cross symbolises mercy. Misuse of the Red Cross symbol is prohibited even during peacetime by the First Geneva Convention, to which the US is a party, said Rachel VanLandingham, a former Air Force attorney and professor at the Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. Linking the symbol with law enforcement, Ms VanLandingham said, can weaken its effectiveness as signifying medical and humanitarian assistance, a symbol of trust that is needed to give those vehicles with that symbol needed access where they are needed during armed conflict. It is unclear whether the helicopter was one of few available. Ms VanLandingham said it might have been prudent to consider covering up the Red Crosses before flight. The use of the helicopter also may violate Army regulations, Mr Corn said, including domestic operations that outline the use of medical resources for the evacuation of patients, movement of medical supplies and personnel, and support of search and rescue activities. Flying low in urban areas presents numerous risks to the pilots, crew, aircraft and people on the ground, Ms Hunter said, factors that are typically considered before flying such a mission. Helicopters are not as aerodynamic as aeroplanes, so in the event of a malfunction, pilots need to assess their altitude, speed and weight before calculating what to do. One solution, Ms Hunter explained, is to rotate the aircraft so air can move over the blades - an attempt to control the helicopter into a crash landing. But the presence of protesters on the ground, buildings on all sides and a low altitude would make such a manoeuvre virtually impossible in the event of engine failure, Ms Hunter said. The best a pilot could hope for at that altitude, she said, is minimising injuries on the ground. The Washington Post DETROIT (AP) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prevailed Thursday in a high-stakes challenge by Republican lawmakers who sued over her authority to declare emergencies and order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak. A 1945 law cited by Whitmer, a Democrat, is not limited to regional emergencies and can have no end date, said Judge Cynthia Stephens of the Court of Claims. The opinion effectively means the governor's orders stand, including a stay-home decree that is likely to be extended beyond May 28. It would take a particularly strained reading of the plain text of the (law) to conclude that a grant of authority to deal with a public crisis that affects all the people of this state would somehow be constrained to a certain locality, Stephens said. The claims are meritless, she said. The lawsuit from the House and Senate grew out of frustration with Whitmer's one-size strategy to stop the spread of the coronavirus by keeping people at home statewide and shutting down businesses, even if regions far from the Detroit area were not harmed as much by the virus or COVID-19. Tension between the governor and Republicans also has been fueled by her status as a possible running mate for presidential candidate Joe Biden and provocative anti-Whitmer demonstrations by gun-toting protesters. Barbers and hair stylists, out of work because of virus restrictions, gave free haircuts Wednesday at the Capitol to highlight their resentment. The Legislature did not extend Whitmers emergency declaration in late April but she acted anyway, covering her bases by using the '45 law and a 1976 statute. The Legislature said Whitmer violated the '76 law, which says lawmakers get a role in emergency declarations after 28 days. Indeed, the judge said the governor can't use that law to extend emergencies without input from lawmakers. But Whitmer won the case anyway. Stephens' decision was a third time that a Court of Claims judge has ruled in the governor's favor. The other lawsuits were brought by residents, a business owner and a new group that has organized protests at the Capitol. Story continues The House and Senate plan to appeal. Republican leaders took some comfort that the judge said Whitmer can't use the '76 law to unilaterally make emergency declarations. The governor was pleased with the overall result. She will continue to do what shes always done: take careful, decisive actions to protect Michiganders from this unprecedented, global pandemic, Whitmer's office said in a written statement. Meanwhile, Whitmer has been rolling back restrictions on the economy as new virus cases and deaths slow down. Bars and restaurants in northern Michigan can reopen Friday morning, and a ban on certain medical procedures will be lifted next week. While a stay-home order remains in effect, groups of 10 people now can gather. Similar legal challenges have occurred in other states. In Wisconsin, the Supreme Court said the Democratic governors health director exceeded her authority by extending a stay-home order without working with Republicans in the Legislature. Restrictions by some local Wisconsin governments, however, still are in effect and are a target of a lawsuit in federal court. ___ David Eggert in Lansing contributed to this report. ___ Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwhiteap (Newser) A retired police captain was fatally shot, apparently by looters, at a St. Louis pawn shop early Tuesday amid ongoing unrest across the US over the killings of black people at the hands of police. The death of David Dorn, 77, was reportedly streamed on Facebook Live before the video was removed by the social media company, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Police have no suspects yet. A handwritten sign outside the shop, near the sidewalk on which Dorn died, read, "Yall killed a black man because they killed a black man??? Rest in peace." story continues below Dorn's wife says her husband, who retired from the St. Louis PD in 2007 after 38 years, worked for the pawn shop owner, who was a friend, and that he would check on the shop when burglar alarms sounded. "A true public servant," the former St. Louis County police chief tweeted of Dorn. "Protecting & serving all the way to the end. None of us who knew you are surprised you went out fighting at Lee's Pawn this morning. God speed my friend." President Trump also tweeted a tribute to Dorn, who he said was "viciously shot and killed by despicable looters last night. We honor our police officers, perhaps more than ever before." (Four police officers were also shot in the city Monday night.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 04:15:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeded 166,000 with more than 800 new cases recorded on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Iran reported more than 3,000 new infections with the tally surpassing 160,000. The total number of COVID-19 cases in Turkey, the hardest-hit country in the Middle East, climbed to 166,422 after 867 new infections were reported, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted. The death toll from the coronavirus in the country rose to 4,609 after 24 new fatalities were added in the past 24 hours, he said, adding that the overall number of recoveries reached 130,852. Koca said at a press conference that Turkey does not expect a second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak as long as the citizens take precautions. On the same day, Ali Can Aksu, head of the Turkish Hotel Managers Association, said that Turkey's tourism sector needs to develop a new system, which will be based on ecological values and nature, in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. "We should deliver a new message to the world and say that we are now at peace with nature and environment," Aksu said at an online press conference in Istanbul. Iran reported on Wednesday 3,134 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 160,696. Kianush Jahanpur, head of Public Relations and Information Center of the Iranian health ministry, said that 70 people died of the coronavirus in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 8,012. Saudi Arabia reported 2,171 news infections on Wednesday, bringing the accumulated cases to 91,182, the Health Ministry said. A total of 30 fatalities were reported, increasing the death toll to 579, the ministry said. In Qatar, 1,901 new cases of coronavirus infections were detected, bringing the total number to 62,160, of whom 45 have died and 37,542 recovered. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday announced 571 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total confirmed cases in the country to 36,359. The UAE said that 427 more patients have made full recovery from the virus, taking the tally of the UAE's recoveries to 19,153. Kuwait reported 710 new cases, bringing the country's total number of infections to 29,359, which included 230 fatalities and 15,750 recoveries. Egypt's coronavirus cases reached 28,615 after 1,079 new infections were added. The Egyptian Health Ministry also reported 36 more deaths and 523 cases of recoveries, increasing the death toll to 1,088 and the total recoveries to 7,350. Israel reported 92 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the tally of coronavirus infections to 17,377. The deaths from the virus in Israel rose to 291, while the recoveries rose to 14,983. Oman's Ministry of Health announced 738 new cases of infections, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 13,538, including 67 deaths and 2,845 recoveries. Algeria reported 107 new cases, taking the tally of infections to 9,733, while the death toll hit 673 and the recoveries reached 6,218. In Morocco, the tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 7,922 after 56 new cases were added, of whom 206 have died and 6,866 recovered. Iraq reported 781 new coronavirus cases, the biggest single-day increase, bringing the total number of infections to 8,168, of whom 256 have died. In Lebanon, the number of COVID-19 infections increased by 14 to 1,256, the death toll remained at 27. Jordan registered two more infections, bringing the total coronavirus cases to 757, including nine deaths and 561 recoveries. Five new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases infected with the deadly virus to 66 cases in the Gaza Strip since March 5, Gaza Health Ministry said. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a presidential decree, allowing the renewal of the emergency state for another month starting on June 4. The decree is part of Palestine's efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Enditem Update (12:30 a.m.): A protest march that began peacefully Tuesday ended hours later when police in San Antonio's Alamo Plaza began firing projectiles at the crowd that they said attacked them with bottles. About 100 protesters who reached the Alamo at about 10:30 p.m. were met with a line of San Antonio police at Alamo Plaza and East Crockett Street who started lobbing tear gas and firing projectiles at the crowd. According to a tweet by SAPD officials, about 30 minutes later, glass bottles had been thrown at officers. The officers responded to the attack by using pepper balls, smoke, wooden, and rubber projectiles at the marchers. The line of officers then started pushing the crowd down East Crockett Street until they reached Losoya Street. Another line of officers then came down Losoya Street and fired another round of rubber bullets at protesters. As the protesters were regrouping at East Commerce and Losoya streets, a line of officers once again began pushing the protesters down East Commerce toward North Presa Street. From there, parts of the crowd had dispersed as the police continued their operation. Now Playing: San Antonio police at Alamo Plaza launched tear gas and projectiles at the crowd that they said had attacked them with glass bottles. Video: Emilie Eaton Original story continues: Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News As marchers hit the streets of downtown for the fourth day in a row to honor George Floyd and to protest police violence, the Texas Army National Guard said it was sending 100 soldiers to San Antonio to support state troopers. Another 50 Texas Air National Guard personnel were sent to the Alamo City on Tuesday to help the DPS and provide logistical support. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the soldiers to San Antonio along with other cities at the direction of the president, said Brandon Jones, a Texas Guard spokesman. Some of the soldiers, who have training in law enforcement and crowd control but will not have arrest powers, either were here or would arrive by today, Jones said, and would support the DPS wherever protests might occur. Were hearing the Alamo, but I dont know how true that is, Jones said of potential trouble spots. The city said Tuesday that Alamo Plaza will be closed to car and pedestrian traffic every night until Sunday, from 8:30 to 6 a.m. as a precautionary measure to minimize the possibility of civil disturbance and damage to sensitive structures. As of about 5 p.m. Tuesday, Mayor Ron Nirenberg had not been told of the order to reinforce the DPS with Guard members, said his spokesman, Bruce Davidson. Tuesdays largely peaceful protest started about 5 p.m. at the Bexar County Courthouse, as hundreds gathered despite a rain forecast. Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News We want to make sure that none of us die any longer, Jourdyn Parks told the crowd as her two young sons and daughter watched her from the sidelines. This was Parks third protest this week. An Army veteran, she says she loves her country and thats why she protests. I want the country to be better, she said. Because I actually do want America to be great for the first time, I stand, and I do this. Zachariah Paul, 27, came with his friend Jay Windbush, 28. They said they were protesting police violence and all other forms of systemic injustices against black people in this country. Were tired. And tired is just an emotion, Paul said. Its physically painful when people need to have conversation with their 3- and 4-year-olds about why it is these protests are happening. About why you cant be black in America without a pre-existing death penalty. On the courthouse steps, speakers led chants. At one point, they reminded the crowd that the San Antonio police union contract is up for renewal next year a chance to advocate for more protections for their community. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar also was at the courthouse, and he and a few other deputies found themselves surrounded by members of the crowd when he went to greet them. Theyre a young group, Salazar said. Theyre just frustrated with whats going on in our country. As the sheriff was walking out of the crowd, he and others encountered a man who drew the groups ire as he shouted, Latinos for Trump! The crowd began arguing with him for a moment until deputies escorted him out of the group for his own safety. Salazar told the crowd members the majority of law enforcement officers locally support them. Lexi Qaiyyim, 24, said Salazars words were nice to hear, but that there needs to be action. This is the first time that some real change has started to happen, she said, referring to the arrest of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer seen in a video kneeling on Floyds neck before his death. Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News Qaiyyim, 24, addressed the protesters when they took a knee and held a moment of silence outside the courthouse before marching to Public Safety Headquarters. We have been silenced, and we have been told to stay in our lane, but we wont. No more, she said. We are here to show them that we will stand for what is right and for our lives. The police presence largely was unseen, save for deputies standing behind a barricade at the Paul Elizondo courthouse and a police helicopter overhead. The sheriff said deputies with riot gear were waiting out of sight, ready to intervene should the need arise. Theyre a loud group. Theyre boisterous. Theyre enthusiastic about what theyre doing, but theyre doing no harm, Salazar said. Jacob Beltran is a reporter covering San Antonio and Bexar County. To read more from Jacob, become a subscriber. jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfromSA UPDATE: Republican primary candidate Dean Browning said Friday, June 5, he had called Lisa Scheller the day before to concede the race and offer his support. INITIAL POST: Incumbent U.S. Rep. Susan Wild will face business owner Lisa Scheller in the Nov. 3 general election to represent Pennsylvanias 7th Congressional District, according to unofficial results from Tuesdays primary. Scheller bested Dean Browning in the Republican primary election for the PA-07 district covering Lehigh, Northampton and southern Monroe counties, the results show. After receiving the endorsement of President Donald Trump, Scheller earned 24,401 votes to 22,747 for Browning, a margin of 3.5 percentage points, according to The Associated Press tally released early Wednesday afternoon. The race had been too close to call Tuesday night. Browning was not conceding the race as of Wednesday afternoon, saying he understands Lehigh County alone had 28,000 more ballots to count. He was aware of the AP tally, he said. Im not sure how theyve called it without all the votes, although the math is not in my favor, Browning told lehighvalleylive.com. Wild, an attorney and a Democrat, is seeking her second two-year term in the U.S. House. She was unopposed in Tuesday's Democratic primary. Scheller is chairwoman and president of Silberline Manufacturing, the business owned by her family where shes worked since 1987 and which she took control of following the death of her brother in 1998. The company has its global headquarters in Tamaqua in Schuylkill County, where Scheller grew up, and makes aluminum-based pigments for the automotive and other industries. Scheller about 1 p.m. posted a link to a fundraising website on Facebook, with a message to the district: Thank you! Our campaign to protect the American Dream took a GIANT step but our work is far from done. Our fight is only just beginning. Its time to elect a STRONG leader for the Lehigh Valley, and Im ready to be that congresswoman. During an afternoon Zoom meeting with reporters, Scheller read a statement thanking her volunteers and asking for the support of Browning and those who backed his candidacy. This year we are in the fight for the future of our country and the American dream as we know it, Scheller said. To my opponent, Dean Browning, and his supporters, even though this primary is behind us, as Republicans we now have a shared mission to re-elect President Trump and defeat the Nancy Pelosi puppet Susan Wild this November. Scheller went on to describe the vast change in the country since she announced her candidacy eight months ago, with a global pandemic, civil unrest, record unemployment and political grandstanding driving Americans apart. But even in these tough times America is still the greatest country on Earth, she said. Scheller said her record as a Lehigh County commissioner who helped cut taxes and save residents a collective $41 million prepared her for political battle, as did her continuing recovery from drug addiction. Lets fight for the American dream and the future together, she stated. Wild in a statement Tuesday said she is ready for the general election battle, having raised over $2.27 million and built a team of nearly 2,000 supporters who signed up to volunteer for her campaign. She said she worked during her first term in a bipartisan fashion on issues like lowering the cost of prescription drugs, increasing access to quality education and creating jobs in the Lehigh Valley. Wild stated: "My work for the people of Lehigh, Northampton, and Monroe Counties is just getting started. Im honored to have the opportunity to represent our community and to once again have your support as the Democratic nominee. "This year, more than ever, we have so much at stake. We need leaders who bring people together, not sow division. From the beginning of my time in Congress, I have worked with anyone who's willing, Republican or Democrat, to expand access to health care for seniors and children, bring millions of dollars to our local school districts, and create good paying jobs by investing in career training and technical education in the Greater Lehigh Valley. "No matter who wins the Republican nomination, I will be facing an opponent who opposes access to affordable health care, and who will put wealthy individuals and CEOs ahead of the middle class and our small businesses as we work to recover from this pandemic. My pledge is simple: I will never stop working for you. Together, well move forward and get the results our community needs. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Trisha Goddard has discussed racism amid the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of George Floyd's death last week. Appearing on This Morning on Wednesday, the TV icon, 62, who lives in Connecticut, revealed what she has seen in the US during the ongoing protests while she also admitted she has been accused of 'talking white' in the past. She revealed: 'People have asked me why I'm speaking 'white', because I look the colour but I have the accent of the oppressor, almost'. Open and honest: Trisha Goddard has discussed racism amid the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of George Floyd's death last week Protests have exploded across America since Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died last Monday after white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his head for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, prompting a wave of protests. Trisha discussed what she has seen in the protests: 'Stanford just had a small peaceful protest, and I think that's what's really frustrating... '90% of marches are peaceful. Cities, towns everywhere have had marches and the great thing is black white children dogs, everyone has been really fine, the police have been in 90% of cases nice and amiable... 'There are always opportunists who come along and do these things, and there have been fair amount of evidence of opportunism.' Shock: Protests have exploded across America since Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died last Monday after a white police officer knelt on his head for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, prompting a wave of protests (Protesters in Vegas last week) Joining Trisha during the appearance was Matthew Wright, who revealed his consuming sadness at his belief that the protests 'won't change anything' while he also lamented the behaviour of Donald Trump. He said: 'I lose faith in humanity. It breaks my heart to see the leader of the free world almost urge for military action against his own people... 'Rather than addressing the great social injustices weighed on people primarily for the colour of their skin that are visible throughout the United States.' A medical examiner's office on Monday ruled that Floyd's death was a homicide as they appeared to walk back initial reports that he wasn't strangled. Pained: Joining Trisha during the appearance was Matthew Wright, who revealed his consuming sadness at his belief that the protests 'won't change anything' The examiner's findings that the death was a homicide by asphyxiation confirmed the same conclusion of the independent autopsy that was also released on Monday, but there are key differences over the cause. Chauvin, who is white and was fired from Minneapolis police department over, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter, over Floyd's death roiled the nation, which has sparked protests against police brutality across the nation. Black Lives Matter, which was first founded in 2013 following the acquittal of George Zimmerman and was nationally recognized for its involvement in the Ferguson protests in 2014 has been galvanized once more following the death of Floyd. Embattled President of the African Development Bank (AfDB),Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on Tuesday was reassured of Nigerias support for his second term bid at the bank. President Muhammadu Buhari at closed door meeting with Dr. Adesina in Abuja on Tuesday pledged that Nigeria would work with all other leaders and stakeholders in AfDB to ensure that Adesina was elected for a second term to build on his achievements during his first term. He said: I will remain consistent with you, because no one has faulted the step I took on behalf of Nigeria. I didnt say because you were a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) minister, and I belonged to the All Progressives Congress (APC), so I would withhold my support. The African Union had already endorsed the incumbent AfDB president as sole candidate for the continent, but some other stakeholders are trying to ensure that he is re-investigated for alleged breach of the Banks code of ethics. In his remarks, Adesina, a former Minister of Agriculture, said the 16 allegations raised against him were trumped up, and without facts, evidence, and documents, as required by the rules and regulations of the bank. He added that the Banks Ethics Committee cleared him of all the allegations, and calls for fresh investigation by the United States were against the rules. He said: My defense ran into 250 pages, and not a single line was faulted or questioned. The law says that report of the Ethics Committee should be transmitted to the Chairman of Governors of the bank. It was done, and the governors upheld the recommendations. That was the end of the matter, according to the rules. It was only if I was culpable that a fresh investigation could be launched. I was exonerated, and any other investigation would amount to bending the rules of the bank, to arrive at a predetermined conclusion. He stressed that the motive was to soil his name, and that of the bank, saying he was proud to be a Nigerian, and thanked President Buhari for his unflinching support. You helped me to get elected in the first place, and you have supported me robustly all along, and the African Union unanimously endorsed my re-election, he declared. By Jessica Resnick-Ault NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil ended slightly higher on Wednesday but remained below the session's early highs above $40 a barrel, the highest since March, retreating as doubts emerged about the timing and scale of a potential extension to the pact between OPEC and its allies to cut crude supplies. Oil prices were supported by a drawdown in U.S. crude inventories in the latest week, but came under pressure as U.S. refined product inventories surged on tepid demand. [EIA/S] "As product demand remains subdued, gasoline inventories showed a solid build, while distillates showed a mammoth one - despite refinery runs being over 3.6 million barrels per day below year-ago levels," said Matt Smith, director of commodity research at ClipperData. Saudi Arabia and Russia have a deal to extend oil output cuts by a month, but a policy meeting on Thursday rather than later in June is unlikely, sources said. Early in the session, oil fell when Bloomberg reported the Thursday meeting was in doubt. "Prices were firm so far this week on the news that the meeting was earlier," said Olivier Jakob, oil analyst at Petromatrix. "The retracement today is definitely due to the latest headlines on OPEC." Brent crude futures for August settled up 22 cents, or 0.6%, at $39.79 a barrel. The session high of $40.53 was the highest since March 6. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for July rose 48 cents, to $37.29 a barrel. Both benchmarks have surged in recent weeks, with Brent more than doubling after hitting a 21-year low below $16 in April, when U.S. crude turned negative. The OPEC+ group, comprising the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, is cutting output by 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd) in May and June, equal to about 10% of global output before the coronavirus crisis. Talks have been focused on keeping the current level of cuts beyond June. But a one-month extension would be shorter than some sources have said was under consideration. Oil also weakened on reports that Gulf OPEC producers are not discussing extensions to their deeper voluntary production cuts beyond June. Pointing to demand recovery, the services sector in China, the world's second-biggest oil consumer, returned to growth last month, a survey showed. (Additional reporting by Aaron Sheldrick and Alex Lawler; Editing by David Gregorio, Richard Chang and Tom Brown) At least 35 officials working at the ministry's headquarters in South Block were sent into home quarantine after Kumar showed symptoms A police constable checks e-passes of commuters at Delhi-Noida border, during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, in New Delhi. PTI photo New Delhi: India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, following which the defence ministry carried out a massive contact-tracing exercise, official sources said. Kumar's condition is stable and he is currently under home-quarantine, they said. At least 35 officials working at the ministry's headquarters in South Block in the Raisina Hills have been sent on home quarantine after reports of Kumar testing positive for the infection emerged on Wednesday morning. There was no official comment on Kumar's health condition. The defence ministry spokesperson refused to comment on the issue. It is learnt that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh did not attend office as part of a precautionary measure. The offices of the defence minister, the defence secretary, the Army Chief and the Navy Chief are on the first floor of the South Block. The sources said all laid down protocols on contact-tracing and quarantining of people are being scrupulously followed. McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile has bowed to public pressure by painting over a Confederate flag on the ceiling of the schools entrance foyer, replacing it with the state flag of Alabama. The Archdiocese of Mobiles immediate action follows an online petition calling for the removal of the flag, which has become the focus of continued protest after the death of George Floyd May 25 and the subsequent activism that has taken place across Alabama and the country. The petition, which had just over 6,000 signatures Tuesday afternoon, said the flag was a a symbol of institutionalized hatred and systemic racism that goes against our Catholic faith. At McGill-Toolen Catholic where we emphasize Gods love for everyone, we must not have a symbol of hate for ANYONE in the school, especially as one of the first things that someone might see when walking in, said the online statement from Oriana Murphy. The confederate flag is a symbol of institutionalized hatred and systemic racism, which totally goes against our Catholic faith. It is important to make sure that our school not only preaches about love and inclusiveness, but also reflects these beliefs in our hallways. We must take every effort in our community to make sure that all of us live in an environment where we are all respected equally. In a statement Tuesday, the private school said: Because the Confederate flag has become such a polarizing symbol, offensive to many, we have considered what should be done to the mural in the school lobby, said the statement. One artistic suggestion seemed appropriate to us simply paint over the Confederate flag with the sixth flag which was part of the Seal of the City, namely, the State flag of Alabama. This suggestion was accepted by the school and the Archdiocese, and has now been completed. The action comes as public and private institutions across the state are being intensely scrutinized for continuing to use symbols relating to the Confederacy. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin ordered Sunday the Confederate monument in Linn Park to be taken down and removed. It has since been taken to an undisclosed location. In Mobile, the Raphael Semmes statue downtown was vandalized, but later cleaned by city officials. The furor over Confederate symbols more recently came to prominence in June 2015 after the shooting of nine African American people in South Carolina. Investigators at the time found proof the shooter had been influenced by white supremacy and Confederate symbolism. The case led to nationwide debate over the monuments and use of the Confederate flag. South Carolina voted to remove the flag from state capitol grounds. Addressing the Confederate flag and its association with racism, McGill-Toolen said that it condemned all forms of racism and hoped the flags removal would show the schools commitment to justice. McGill-Toolen is a Catholic High School, and, in accord with our belief in the dignity of every human person, we condemn all forms of racism, and teach our students to respect the dignity of every person, from conception to natural death, said the statement. We are also proud of our record of providing an excellent academic education, as well as formation in faith, for all of our students, including many African-Americans. The flag in our lobby was never meant to recall or promote the Confederacy, or any of the other nations represented. It was and is a symbol of our pride in being part of the great City of Mobile, and we trust that the change in this painting will more clearly communicate our civic pride and our commitment to justice. Beevan Magoni Media personality, OAP Beevan Magoni, has stated that the fight against rape is not fair to men, while also alleging that NGOs are cashing out on the gender profiling. Taking to his Facebook page, Beevan Magoni, stated that both men and women are dangerous and none is better than the other. According to him, he wont like his son to experience what he has all for being male. See What He Wrote Below; NO MAN IS SAFE Our Women are not safe with men, men are scum, men are monsters, men are Nyenyenye Shebi gamalin 20 dey your brain abi? Thats why you are talking like a drowning fish. Me do I look like Im safe with men? Even with all the macho behavior I dey avoid men. When I say men I mean both men and women. We are a dangerous specie. None of us is better. I am pained because in the cause of journalism I know what Ive seen and the manipulations there in. When you people start your blame game just pray I dont see it. I fight for men and women alike. I fight for humanity. I have a reputation for fighting. Come for me or utter the wrong word and Ill fight you. And like Id always say, the fight is not even fair. I dont want my son to experience what Ive experience as a result of him being a man. From primary school they flogged us double and pet the girls. They made women look angelic while the male students were demons. You dont even know thats the genesis of rebellion in most male children? They see the imbalances in disciplinary approach and became rebels. Years later as an adult Im confronted with feminism and the girl childs right. What happens to the male child? And today, women are not safe with men like say my mother or my sisters don carry me go police station say I dey worry them for house. Look, if you have terrible brothers call them out. I can even organize a beating party for them. If the guys in your family forcefully sleep with women call them out. Dont drag men along. The men I know, and the man I was brought up to be is a protector and provider. I was groomed to be a lover and a beacon of hope to my generation. The world is not even fair to me. Women have cheated beaten and broken me. As a matter of facts, if I were to carry on with that negativity, Id be stark naked shooing humans on sight. You as a woman have you been fair to men? Has your behaviour not driven some men to the point of no return? Did they call your entire specie? This fight should be a collective fight of hope. Make victims understand that they are not alone and that all men are not the same. Give them hope of justice and not create nightmares for them because you want to cashout on their predicament. Dont be a dickhead by jumping on trends of vendetta. NGOs and CSOs are cashing out on these irresponsible tags and gender profiles. Faze out of my face please And if women are not safe with men, start at home by lookin at your pa saying, look, I dont feel safe with you! AND let me warn you, another set of men you should beware are those tagging along with the narrative. Smooth operators! A Kansas City man has been charged with a felony after allegedly posting on social media a suggestion that the Walmart in Raytown should be looted, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker. (CNN) Bank of America is donating $1 billion over the next four years to community programs and small businesses to help address economic and racial inequality that has been exacerbated by COVID-19. CEO Brian Moynihan said in press release Tuesday that "underlying economic and social disparities" were made worse by the pandemic and mentioned the nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody has "created a sense of true urgency." "We all need to do more," he said. The billion-dollar donation is an expansion of the several hundreds of millions of dollars Bank of America donates to nonprofits and lends to small, minitority-owned businesses. Bank of America said the money will expand health services, like vaccination clinics, in communities of color, "support" small businesses, and recruitment of new bank employees in economically disadvantaged communities. Bank of America's donation, which amounts to $250 million a year over the next four, is tiny fraction of the $27.4 billion it made in 2019. It also returned a record $34 billion in share repurchases last year, the bank announced earlier this year. The bank also has a troubled history with minorities: It was fined $2.2 million in 2013 for discriminating against black job candidates over two decades. The US Department of Labor ordered it to pay the fine after finding that more than 1,100 African-American job seekers faced discrimination at the company's offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, at various times between 1993 and 2005. Moynihan is the latest high-profile CEO to publicly speak about the protests. Fitness startup Peloton, Intel and Verizon also announced donations to minority oriented organizations. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Bank of America pledges $1 billion to fight racial inequality." Hastings Technology Metals (ASX:HAS) said today that it signed a supply agreement with Schaeffler Technologies AG, a tier-one German automotive company. Hastings traded up two cents before settling at A12 cents a share. Rare earth mined and processed at Hasting's Yangibana Project in the Gascoyne region, Western Australia, will supply raw materials for Schaeffler and its emerging electrical vehicle business. In 2019 Schaeffler generated sales of approximately 14.4 billion (US$15.84 billion) with around 87,700 employees globally. A definitive feasibility study was completed for the Yangibana project in late 2017. Hastings has also signed three memorandum of understanding offtake agreements with Qiandong Rare Earths, China Rare Earth Holdings and Baotou Sky Rock Rare Earth. The company intends to sell a total of 6,000 tonnes of mixed rare earths carbonate per annum. This is the heart-stopping moment a fearless worker shimmied along two power lines to remove a fallen tree branch after a village lost power in southern India. The clip, filmed on Sunday in Nizampur, Telangana, captures a power company employee known only as Noor as he slowly makes his way along the high-tension wire. After a few nail-biting seconds, he manages to reach a fallen tree branch on the line which is believed to have caused a blackout in the village. A heart-stopping clip, filmed on Sunday in Nizampur, Telangana, captures a power company worker known only as Noor as he slowly makes his way along a high-tension wire He shakes the line and pushes at the branch with his feet to remove it from its position, before carefully heading back to the wooden pole. Noor walks with his hands on one line, and his feet on another, his body steadily in place as he shimmies along and climbs to safety. When he reaches the ground he is greeted by his colleagues, who inspect the fallen branch before the clip comes to an end. After a few nail-biting seconds, Noor manages to reach a fallen tree branch on the line which was believed to have caused power loss in the village He shakes the line and pushes at the branch with his feet to remove it from its position, before heading back to the wooden pole and climbing to safety The power company had been called to the village, in the Sangareddy district, after residents reported they had lost electricity on Sunday. Noor quickly discovered a branch on the line was likely to blame, and he decided to climb the pole and remove it from the high-tension wire with his bare hands. It is believed the branch had fallen due to windy weather in the area over the weekend. Noor was not injured after the incident. Two of the states top cops on Tuesday said they are encouraged by the generally peaceful Connecticut protesters, but they have to be prepared for possible violence and crime that has occurred in many cities around the country. New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes and State Police Col. Stavros Mellekas, who joined Gov. Ned Lamonts daily news briefing in the state Capitol, said they are also concerned that people from out-of-state could come to Connecticut to step up the level of violence. You have the protesters that are upset in these disturbing times and you have agitators within the group, Mellekas said. The protesters, they are against that. We want to identify those parties and address it accordingly. So the protesters, we want to listen to them and let them express their concerns and work with them. The agitators, they go toward looting or rioting, thats unacceptable. Reyes said that it appears some people around the country are crossing state borders to cause problems and violence. His department is working with federal authorities to prepare. If we can distinguish those folks, we can do some pro-active work to arrest those folks if we indeed identify them, because they do not represent the community, Reyes said. Community leaders, Reyes said, are not happy that people from out of the area might be here to try to take advantage of the tension by stoking violence. It does not represent a majority of our respective communities, he said. Its important that we work to identify who the agitators are and were taking pro-active measures. He said it hasnt happened yet but there are some indications online about intentions to loot stores. We have not experienced that and we hope not to, Reyes said. Were not ignorant to the fact that there is an intent by certain agitators and individuals to turn to civil unrest. Reyes notices that there is a generational shift in the makeup of the protesters, with many young people, with whom he wants to engage in conversation and collaboration to lower the chance of violence and involve them in the states recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. I think this is the time where we capitalize on the relationships that weve built, the long-standing relationships weve built with the cross-section of members in our communities, not just faith leaders but our civic leaders and our young folks, Reyes said. We have seen that many of the protesters are young people and theyre looking for a different type of change. They are looking to be heard. So we are working with our youth organizations pro-actively to engage these young folks. I think we need to listen. Something you have to remember is that all our troopers are human beings, Mellekas told reporters. They have a heart, use common sense and decency. So we encourage independent thinking and using reasonable logic. He described an incident Monday in which a State Police supervisor joined protesters in prayer during a highway protest in Hartford that could have become dangerous because of traffic. Lamont says demonstrators want accountability and give you confidence that our police, state and municipal, are there representing you, representing the community, because public health and public safety is based on trust. Thats why he has made efforts to make hiring decisions that reflect the diversity of the state, he said. On a day where for the first time since March there were a single-digit increase in fatalities 8, bringing the total to 3,972 dead in the coronavirus pandemic Lamont also announced that the state will partner in a blood-surveillance study of 1,400 random state residents to see if they have developed antibodies, a sign of prior infection and possible immunity to COVID-19. By the early evening, Lamont had issued an executive order allowing child care programs to increase from the current 30 kids, to 50 without having to get approval from the state Office of Early Childhood. But providers of care for more than 50 children need the approval. Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly considering adding warning labels to Facebook posts penned by government leaders if they incite violence - less than a week after he criticized Twitter for doing the exact same thing. Vox obtained access to a video conference call between Zuckerberg and several of his Facebook employees Tuesday, during which he revealed he was toying with the idea. According to the publication, Zuckerberg also predicted that the United States could be entering a 'prolonged period of civil unrest', meaning that the company may 'alter its policies on what kind of announcements government leaders can make about state violence, such as excessive use of police force.' However, the Facebook co-founder allegedly told his employees that such actions would not happen overnight. 'These policies have to be developed... There's no way we can do something like that on the fly,' he stated. Just last week, Zuckerberg defended keeping posts up without annotations, telling Fox Business: 'I just believe strongly that Facebook shouldn't be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online.' He took a dig at Twitter, further stating: 'Private companies probably shouldn't be, especially these platform companies, shouldn't be in the position of doing that. Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly considering adding warning labels to Facebook posts penned by government leaders that may incite violence - following outrage over his failure to censor Trump's 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' post The post was shared on both Facebook and Twitter. Facebook left the post up as is, while Twitter hid it behind a warning label Twitter flagged Trump's post for 'glorifying violence' His sudden about-face comes after outrage from Facebook employees and civil rights activists over Zuckerberg's decision not to censor an incendiary post by President Trump last Friday. Twitter hid the same post behind a warning label, which claimed that the content 'glorified violence'. Trump's post - which referenced protests over policing in Minneapolis - 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!' Many critics of the post complained that it not only glorified violence, but that it was also grounded in racist origins. 'When the looting starts, the shooting starts' is a phrase that was first uttered in 1967 by Miami's then-police chief, who was accused of using racist tactics to patrol black neighborhoods. But a day later, Zuckerberg stood by his decision to keep Trump's post up. He wrote on Facebook: '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'. He further described himself as 'the leader of an institution committed to free expression'. On Saturday, Zuckerberg stood by his decision to allow Trump's post to stay up unedited. Trump's post came after riots in Minneapolis on Friday, which saw shops looted and buildings destroyed But on Monday, many Facebook employees staged a virtual walkout over Zuckerberg's move. The employees, who took the day off by logging into Facebook's systems and requesting time off to support protesters across the country, also added an automated message to their emails saying that they were out of the office in a show of protest. Dozens of online posts appeared from employees who claimed Trump's post should have been censored or removed altogether. Among them were all seven engineers on the team maintaining the React code library which supports Facebook's apps. 'Facebook's recent decision to not act on posts that incite violence ignores other options to keep our community safe. We implore the Facebook leadership to #TakeAction,' they said in a joint statement published on Twitter. 'Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind,' wrote Ryan Freitas, identified on Twitter as director of product design for Facebook's News Feed. He added he had mobilized '50+ likeminded folks' to lobby for internal change. On Monday night, Zuckerberg then held a conference call with civil rights leaders who condemned him for failing to remove the post from President Trump. In a subsequent statement, Rashad Robinson of Color of Change, Vanita Gupta of the Leadership Conference and Sherrilyn Ifill of LDF said: 'He [Zuckerberg] did not demonstrate understanding of historic or modern-day voter suppression and he refuses to acknowledge how Facebook is facilitating Trump's call for violence against protesters. Mark is setting a very dangerous precedent for other voices who would say similar harmful things on Facebook.' Color of Change President Rashad Robinson also told Bloomberg: 'The problem with my ongoing conversations with Mark, is that I feel like I spent a lot of time, and my colleagues spent a lot of time, explaining to him why these things are a problem, and I think he just very much lacks the ability to understand it. 'He continues to do things and make decisions that hurt communities and put people in harm's way and is not accountable for it. 'His employees are outraged. I've got outreach from some of them. Saying Black Lives Matter, saying I'm going to give money, but having your policies actually hurt black people, people will know the difference.' Some of the company's senior staff have taken to Twitter to make their discontent.' However, in his Tuesday meeting with his Facebook employees, Zuckerberg insisted he was not deferring to President Trump. 'This isn't a case where [Trump] is allowed to say anything he wants, or that we let government officials or policy makers say anything they want.' Extensive fiscal measures have been input in place across the GCC, with a view to offsetting the impact of the coronavirus on individuals, businesses and the broader economy. Measures have primarily been aimed at stimulating economic activity in the private sector and supporting entities that are struggling to manage their cash flows and tax compliance. Emergency tax measures introduced in the region include the extension by several months of due dates for filing tax returns, the reduction or elimination of penalties for the late submission of tax returns, and the introduction of tax payments in instalments. While such changes are not specifically tailored to the smaller, more vulnerable businesses in the region, they will play a key role in keeping many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) afloat. Most of these measures do not differentiate between large and small businesses. However, they usually have a greater positive impact on SMEs than on big corporations, Wadih AbouNasr, head of tax at the Saudi Levant cluster of KPMG, told OBG. In Qatar several commodity classesincluding food and medical itemshave been exempted from Customs Duties for six months. A similar relaxation of Customs duties has been seen in Oman, where it is also possible for donations made towards fighting the Covid-19 pandemic to be treated as a tax-deductible expense during the 2020 tax year. Meanwhile, the UAE has introduced a 20% refund on Customs fees on imported products sold in Dubai, a cancellation of the bank guarantee required when undertaking Customs clearances and a reduction of up to 90% on fees associated with submitting Customs documents. Another move in the UAE was the easing of value-added tax (VAT) obligations for foreign businesses. A refund window has been opened by the Federal Tax Authority for all foreign businesses registered in the country to take VAT refund requests for the 2019 tax year. The window will remain open until August31. Saudi Arabia has also put in place several tax measures aimed at easing the burden for the local business community, among them extending the deadline for filing tax returns, amending fines on all late payments and waiving various expatriate levies. However, in a significant regional divergence, Saudi Arabia announced in early May that it would be increasing the VAT rate from 5% to 15%, as ofJuly1. Revised social contract The GCC originally agreed to introduce a 5% VAT rate in 2016, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia the first to introduce the tax in2018. To date only Bahrain has followed suit, introducing the tax in 2019. The original 2016 agreement came amid pressure from international bodies such as the IMF to reduce state largesseandimplementnewfiscalmechanismstobroadenrevenuestreamsacrosstheregion. The timing was also significant: the social contract that traditionally existed in Gulf states ensured that oil wealth trickled down to citizens in the form of generous state salaries as well as subsidies on fuel and electricity. Governments found it difficult to cut these benefits or raise VAT on goods when oil prices were high. However, in the wake of the 2014 oil price collapse, reducing public expenditure became more urgent and justifiable, and the move was widely welcomed by many in the regions business community. This latest decision by Saudi Arabia once again coincides with significant turmoil in global oil markets as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with muted demand coming up against oversupply. Moreover, while it came as a surprise to many, it fits with the rapid economic and social transformation currently taking place in the Kingdom as part of Vision 2030. The hike also places Saudi Arabia on roughly the same pegging as other G20 nations although it is still below the global average VAT rate of 19.7%. While some were initially concerned that the new tax rate will dampen business sentiment, AbouNasr is confident that the long-term trajectory of the Kingdoms economy is positive enough to ensure that international capital continues to flow in. Foreign direct investment into the Kingdom will not be particularly impacted, as the decision to invest relies on other economic factors, such as the potential growth of the economy, government spending and market opportunities, which remain positive for Saudi Arabia at this stage, he told OBG. One of the three teenagers the police say was involved in the stabbing death of an 18-year-old Barnard College student in Morningside Park pleaded guilty to robbery in Family Court on Wednesday. Six months ago, the teenager, whom the Times is not naming because he is a minor, told the police he took part in the mugging that led to the death of the first-year college student, Tessa Majors, as she walked through the park in the evening of Dec. 11. Ms. Majors was stabbed while struggling with the three teenagers and later died, after climbing up a set of concrete steps and collapsing on 116th Street just outside the park, the police have said. Her death, coming in an era of record-low crime, rattled the city and brought to mind the high crime days of 30 years ago, when parks were considered dangerous. Still, it is the Trump campaigns pushback on the tear-gas reports that seems in some ways beside the point. Whether or not it was tear gas the bursting clouds that governments have used for nearly 100 years to disperse crowds it remains undeniable that protesters were doused with chemical irritants. And it was their forcible removal, not the kind of chemical used, that spurred controversy. MediaNews Group/The Mercury News/MediaNews Group via Getty Images The curfew enacted in the city of San Francisco to disperse crowds at night following protests will be lifted Thursday morning at 5 a.m., Mayor London Breed announced on Twitter Wednesday afternoon. "The protests we have seen in this city and across the country are for an important cause and our city will continue to facilitate any and all peaceful demonstrations," she wrote. "Following Saturday night, it was important for the safety of our residents to ensure that we could prevent the violence and vandalism that had taken place, but we know that the overwhelming majority of people out protesting are doing so peacefully and we trust that will continue." Protesters are arrested after curfew went into effect during mostly peaceful demonstrations over George Floyds death downtown in Los Angeles, Calif. on June 2, 2020. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) More Than 70 Premium Cars Stolen From Dealership During California Looting Police in Northern California are searching for suspects after looters stole more than 70 premium cars in the Bay Area on Sunday, according to a dealership owner and authorities. San Leandro Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership owner Carlos Hidalgo told FOX2 in Oakland that he blocked the exits but thieves started ramming, ramming until they could get out. They took out chains and fence posts. It was a very malicious act, he said. The incident took place as peaceful protests, arson incidents, riots, and lootings took place in the Bay Area over the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis last week. Nationwide protests have ensued following his death. You walk in [and] its like a war zone, Hidalgo said. Its not a cause for anybody. This is just bad thieves. Its horrible. This is domestic terrorism brought upon to people that work. Thats not right. He said that thieves first looted a Nike store across the street before moving onto the dealership. Nearly all of the dealerships $90,000 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcats were stolen, Hidalgo said. San Leandro Police Department Lt. Ted Henderson told local media that hes not sure if it was planned or a spur-of-the-moment crime. No arrests have been made, although police are searching social media for video footage. The events in Minneapolis have re-opened old, raw wounds and forced us to confront societal injustices that need to be addressed, Chief Jeff Tudor wrote in a statement on the departments Facebook page. Those who peacefully protested have started that conversation. But those who have looted and stoked violence in our community are hurting that effort. Henderson told SFGate that around 20 to 25 of the dealerships vehicles have been recovered. Some were damaged. We tried calling the cops and they were too busy, Hidalgo told a local CBS affiliate. They couldnt respond. On the same night, the Walmart in San Leandro was also vandalized, its shelves emptied, and a fire was set. A Sees Candy, a Subway, a Burlington Coat Factory, and other businesses were also vandalized or looted. But on Tuesday, protests were largely peaceful and the nations streets were calmer than they have been in days. Earlier curfews and efforts by protesters to contain the lawlessness prevented more widespread damage to businesses in New York and other cities overnight. By Wednesday morning, arrests had grown to more than 9,000 nationwide since the vandalism, arson, and shootings erupted around the country in reaction to Floyds death May 25 in Minneapolis. At least 12 deaths have been reported, though the circumstances in many cases are still being sorted out. The Associated Press contributed to this report. US YouTubers Myka and James Stauffer have lost major business deals after their shock announcement that they had decided to give their adopted son Huxley away to another family in a move they described as rehoming. The pair hit headline last week after uploading a video described by several fans as deeply upsetting in which they tearfully shared the news that four-year-old Huxley, who was diagnosed with autism after being adopted from China, had been rehomed after the pair struggled to cope with his special needs. Myka and James were parents to five before their decision in February. Photo: instagram/ mykastauffer Now companies who have previously collaborated with the family, who have 203,000 followers on Instagram and over 700k subscribers on YouTube, have confirmed they are no longer working with the family. In response, companies including Mattell, Fabletics, TJ Maxx and Playtex Baby all confirmed on social media that they would not be working with the family going forward. Myka and James Stauffer shocked their fans when they announced that they had given up adopted son Huxley. photo: YouTube/Myka Stauffer Playtex Bay responded to several social media comments asking after their relationship with the family, confirming they were no longer tied to Myka. Hi, we wanted to share with you that her last Instagram post for Playtex Baby was back in February, they wrote. We are not partnering with her moving forward. We are not currently working with the Stauffer family, and do not have plans to partner with them in the future, the Instagram page for Mattells Barbie wrote in response. Barbie confirmed via social media that ties with the family have been cut. Photo: Instagram/barbie Kate Hudson, who is behind Fabletics, also confirmed to a concerned fan that she would no longer be working with Myka. ... she was terminated, the actress responded. Thank you for your awareness and care. People Magazine reports several other brands have similarly distanced from the controversial pair over the move. Myka introduced Huxley in a YouTube video in December 2017. Photo: YouTube/ Myka Stauffer The controversy started after fans noticed Huxlets absence from the family Instagram page from March, and it was confirmed by the parents in a YouTube video last week. Story continues "Do I feel like a failure as a mom? Like, 500 per cent," Myka said in the video, sayingHuxley had found a new forever home. Husband James revealed the pair were unaware of the extent of Huxleys special needs when they adopted him as a baby, and that the past 12 months had seen issues escalate to the point where the pair say they could no longer meet his needs. "There's not an ounce of our body that doesn't love Huxley with all of our being," Myka added, in tears. "There wasn't a minute that I didn't try our hardest and I think what Jim is trying to say is that after multiple assessments, after multiple evaluations, numerous medical professionals have felt that he needed a different fit and that his medical needs, he needed more." The pair have four biological children, and have been sharing their familys progress with their 715,000 YouTube subscribers for years. Following the video, Myka updated her social media bios from mum of five, to mum of four. The wording of the announcement has since been slammed by fans and professionals alike, who point out rehoming is traditionally used for shelter animals. The pair have since disabled comments on recent posts, after old photos with Huxley attracted furious comments from irate fans. Fans are also calling for the pair to delete sponsored ads on the page which include images of Huxley, arguing his privacy should be extended to old social media posts. Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com. The current COVID-19 pandemic proves to be the biggest test on how todays flexible working practices enable employees to stay productive while working remotely. Cybercriminals, however, are making it clear that they are not taking any time off as cyberattacks continue to rise, targeting individuals and organizations alike. Nine Things to Consider When Deploying Remote Working Setup For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a report last April that there has been an increase in the number of cyberattacks directed at its staff, as well as e-mail scams targeting the public at large. Other organizations also experience similar threats, especially those that employ remote working as their organizational business continuity measure. According to security experts from Fujitsu, accessing data outside the office or beyond a secure network perimeter opens unprecedented attack surfaces for cybercriminals. It also creates additional security vulnerability for organizations. How then can businesses ensure cyber-security resiliency? To help in tackling these threats, Fujitsu has put together these following imperatives: Regular patching is important. For most IT leaders, applying security patches to software is something that must be highly governed to prevent it from affecting the IT operations negatively. This mindset, however, causes companies to fall behind in patch management routines, which increases their attack surface. It is expected that attackers will continue to aggressively try exploiting the changes in working practices amid the current health crisis. Businesses, thus, are advised to patch frequently and manage eventual outcomes rather than waiting for months to patch perfectly. Learn how to spot COVID-19 phishing e-mails. Cyberattack cases, related to COVID-19, are seen to rise in the Philippines over the last couple of months. Recently, the government warns the public about the growing number of online fraudsters, exploiting peoples fear and using the pandemic to lure their victims into clicking phishing e-mails and installing malware capable of stealing private and sensitive data. Fujitsus security experts say that the growing volume of these pandemic related emails from both internal and external sources target Office 365 users as part of widespread phishing campaigns. Once hackers successfully accessed an account, they also get access to many other Microsoft tools, such as OneDrive and Skype. Hackers can then hijack conversation threads, other sensitive data, and use them to misdirect financial transactions, among others. It pays to ensure that all employees have a better understanding of how internal COVID-19 communications look like and who the senders are. They should also be reminded to be cautious in accessing unsolicited external e-mails, claiming to be about updates, advice, among others, on the current health crisis. Be extra vigilant around C-Suite e-mail accounts. For many attackers, having access to the e-mail accounts of senior and C-level executives is like a trophy. By assuming the identity of these executives through their compromised accounts, these cybercriminals can now easily attack other internal and external users. Employees and customers naturally trust the links and attachments in the e-mails sent by senior executives. Users must be trained on how to spot e-mails from colleagues and seniors that do not seem rightfrom the tone, grammar, to the obvious and underlying risks, among other details. Everyone in the organization must know how to detect and report potential phishing attempts. The total coverage across the organization will go a long way in eradicating this form of social engineering. Targeted Security will be required. As the current working practices change drastically, corporate networks now have distributed users and remote workers using their own devices, such as smartphones, more than ever before. Thus, it is critical to ensure that security monitoring systems and processes can quickly identify network anomalies and signs of compromise. Organizations must take a risk-based approach to prioritize assets, users, and systems, which present the highest risk to ensure that they are monitored appropriately. For instance, due to global responses, such as lockdowns and community quarantines, vendors that operate brick and mortar stores are moving or relying on e-commerce. Collaboration tools, on the other hand, will most likely have taken on greater importance for day-to-day operations. Make cyber-security education a critical element of secure remote working. When working from home, users are most likely to visit dubious sites and click on links that they would not have in an office environment. At a time when attackers are actively exploiting remote working vulnerabilities, organizations must ensure that employees do their part in keeping the enterprise secure. To support their employees, organizations must share best practices, provide workers with consistent security awareness training, focused on working from home, and allow workers to report incidents on time. Ensure reliable and secure network access. In a remote working setup, keeping a reliable and secure network is critical since users need to have access to resources that they need to do their tasks. It will also help prevent unauthorized users and devices from gaining access to the network resource. Companies must keep an eye on the use of shadow IT. It also pays to promote the use of approved tools, messaging, devices, and applicationslike secure file-transfer and document management tools. Users, on the other hand, must be aware of their responsibilities when using corporate devices and networks by making them well-informed about relevant policies, as well as well-guided on which tools and applications are acceptable. Redefine trust for people in the organization. Before the pandemic, any device inside a secure network can be trusted and, those that are outside cannot. Organizations must start rethinking this concept, especially that secure remote access has become critical to effective operations. Organizations must keep their operations and customers secure by giving their people the trust they need to work remotely by implementing the Zero Trust model for devices. This approach means that the access to business systems should be granted when a trusted person with the correct identity and credentials requests it and, not when a device, which just happens to be in the right place, makes the same request. Consider the physical elements of cyber-security. Many enterprises provide workspace equipment for remote workers to ensure their compliance with health and safety policies. This time, it will be best to add security equipment to the provided kit. For instance, consider including privacy black-out filter screens to help ensure that the data is not compromised. It also pays to enforce session time-out measures for sensitive applications to ensure systems cannot be compromised when employees forget to lock their systems. These precautions are important, particularly in cases where employees reside in shared accommodation. Collaborate with peers for the greater good. Lastly, the unprecedented challenges amid the current health crisis urge all organizations to create new security strategies and formulate responses rapidly with limited information. Since everyone faces the same challenges, it will be beneficial to collaborate and share cyber-security challenges, best practices, and lessons learned with peers. Drawing on external sources of intelligence and inspiration will accelerate the development of an efficient strategy. It will also help ensure resilience throughout the entire supply chain, as well as the industry. To help local organizations, Fujitsu Philippines, Inc., one of the countrys leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) system integrators, provides various solutions to meet the needs of its customers. With its 45 years of local presence, it has made the Japanese IT design and technology available through its server, storage, and scanning hardware and solutions. Fujitsu Philippines also offers cloud technology that provides relevant and cost-effective IT solutions to all organizations of various sizes and needs. Demonstrators lay on the ground for eight minutes and 46 seconds at a park in Homewood, Alabama, on Tuesday, June 2, to protest police brutality following the officer-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. According to reports, hundreds of protesters gathered in Homewood Central Park and lay on the ground for eight minutes and 46 seconds while George Floyds final words echoed around the park. Two people were detained at the protest but were subsequently released, police said. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, was seen kneeling on Floyds neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds in a video that emerged on May 24. Credit: baileybradfurd via Storyful 51% worry job will disappear, mental health the most affected, Abacus study finds MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 3, 2020 /CNW/ - A new poll of Canadians released today* by Abacus Research finds that young Canadians are feeling the greatest immediate effects of COVID-19 compared with other age groups --- but also feel the most hopeful about the future. The Abacus survey, commissioned by World Vision, explored a variety of Canadian pandemic perspectives including the impact on mental health, personal relationships, job security and outlook for the future. : "One of my emotions is relaxed because I have a lot of free time," says Deanne, a student at the University of Waterloo. "But Ive also felt scared because there is so much uncertainty." According to a poll by Abacus Research, commissioned by World Vision, Canadian youth say they feel more affected by the COVID-19 lockdown than other generations. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada) "I would say in the last couple of months I felt a little bit vulnerable to be honest because it's such a new situation," says Sonia, a student at Western University who recently participated in a World Vision video project aimed at sharing Canadian youth perspectives and building global solidarity. "No one has really lived through something like this, so I think we're all a little bit vulnerable in terms of course, like the physical health side of it, and also the mental health side of it. You just start to feel a little bit isolated or overwhelmed. But I'm also definitely a little bit hopeful that we're able to grow from this and come out stronger." "In terms of my view on the world, it seemed to me at times that people were drifting more apart," says Junaid, a student at McMaster University. "With all the news about people like some countries hoarding equipment and diverting equipment and taking it from each other and everything. But I've been coming to realize that we're actually more together in this time than we ever were in history. Because if you think about it, every single country is dealing with the same issue." REPORT KEY FINDINGS: More than half of young Canadians (51%) worry their job could disappear. 31% of young Canadians feel their emotional and mental health has been affected more than others, highest of any age group. 66% of young Canadians worry about the impact of the pandemic on social cohesion in Canada , the most of any age group. 64% of young Canadians think about the impact of the pandemic on people in poor countries, highest of any generation. 32% of young Canadians feel they have more hope for the future than others, highest of any age group. MEDIA RESOURCES Abacus poll link: HERE World Vision Video of Canadian youth perspectives: HERE World Vision youth-led petition calling for a Canadian global response: HERE ABOUT THE SURVEY *The survey was conducted with 2,087 Canadian adults between the dates of May 14 to 19, 2020. About World Vision World Vision is a relief, development and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.ca or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. SOURCE World Vision Canada For further information: MEDIA CONTACTS, Joanne Legin, PR & Communications Officer, World Vision Canada, [email protected]; m 416-738-7720 Related Links http://www.worldvision.ca Dance of Death, Michael Wolgemut (1493). Credit: Wikimedia Contact tracing has been remarkably successful at helping contain the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, Australia and Germany, as well as some smaller places. Using 21st-century systems of telecommunications and surveillance, healthcare workers in these places have led the way in identifying those who have been in contact with the infected, and then testing and isolating them. Minus the modern technology, contact tracing goes back a long way. The American historian William Coleman's wonderful 1987 book, Yellow Fever in the North, associates "case tracing" with the origins of epidemiology in the mid-19th century. The disease is spread via mosquitoes and not person to person, but that would only be discovered half a century later. French physicians fighting yellow fever in the 1840s focused on finding the first casewhat we would now call "patient zero". Later in the 19th century, they began paying greater attention to connections between households, and people inside and outside of them. The search for syphilis The ideas behind contact tracing are much older, however. It was anticipated in the early 16th century in relation to the great pox, which would come to be known as syphilis thanks to a poem by the physician Girolamo Fracastoro from 1530. Physicians such as the celebrated anatomist Gabriele Falloppio, chair of medicine at the University of Padua, the citadel of 16th-century medical learning, sought to understand the origins of the disease using a different approach to the norm. Instead of just relying on what the ancient and early medieval Arabic medical authorities had to say about diseases, Falloppio and other doctors sought to track the spread of this venereal disease by turning to contemporary histories, most prominently Christopher Columbus's journals. Through these works, they could track the progression of the disease from the Americas to hospitals in Barcelona. It then spread via soldiers recruited by King Ferdinand II of Aragon, and most significantly with the invasion of Italy and the siege of Naples in the winter of 1495 by King Charles VIII of France. The siege and the ensuing dispersal of Charles' mercenary soldiers to their homelands were the "superspreader events" that gave syphilis pandemic force. In the 1530s another physician, Bernardino Tomitano, also a chair of medicine at the University of Padua, followed the disease's continued spread into eastern Europe, pinning it to Venetian commerce. The rapid spread of syphilis broadened physicians' notions about disease transmission and the role played by human carriers. But the earliest known example of doctors searching for specific contacts and disease networks relates not to the great pox but to a disease to which Europe had become grimly accustomedthe bubonic plague. And the physician involved is not nearly so famous as Falloppio or any chair of medicine at Padua, but a village doctor with a few publications to his name. While treating patients on the shores of Lake Garda at Desenzano in northern Italy during the bubonic plague outbreak of 1576, Andrea Gratiolo used contact tracing in a manner we can recognise today. It was employed not to trace the spread of plague as such, but to disprove that it derived from a woman who was rumoured to have carried it to Desenzano from where she lived in Trento. Gratiolo noted that the woman had "taken a small and tightly packed boat with 18 others sleeping on top one another". One woman had slept all night with her head in the accused woman's lap. Gratiolo also investigated the household of the second woman and discovered that "she, her husband and their four small children all slept in the same bed". In a plague treatise published later that year, Gratiolo argued that the boat's passengers and the entire household of the accused should have become infected, yet none had. In further evidence of contact tracing, he adds: "no other person [the accused] had associated or interacted with had caught the disease". Unrepentant rationalists Gratiolo used the bulk of his treatise to blast universal theories that plague derived from certain configurations of the stars, corruption of air that was "thick, swampy, foggy and stunk", bad food that corrupted the humours or "rumours that one individual was responsible for the transmission of plague into a large city". His notions didn't spring from an ideological vacuum. During that peninsula-wide plague outbreak of 1574-78, other plague doctors were similarly going against the prevailing orthodoxies of the time. Gratiolo even questioned the first principle of plague causation from the early Middle Ages that would to some extent endure until the 19th centurythat it came from God to punish our sins. It may seem difficult to believe that at the pinnacle of the counter-Reformation, a village doctor argued that the influence of God was "irrelevant, not even a proper question for doctors to be asking". To curb the spread of diseases, Gratiolo held that doctors should focus on natural causes and leave questions of God to the theologians. Contact tracing was probably more widespread in 16th-century Europe than historians have been able to show, and not only in Italy. For instance, an undated hospital duty book from Nuremberg in Germany, compiled between 1500 and 1700, lists questions to be asked of every patient wishing treatment at any of the city's facilities, regardless of the illness. These related to how, when, where and, if possible, from whom the patient had contracted it. Both this evidence and Gratiolo's plague investigation are good examples of how the received wisdom about origin stories can be misleadingjust as today we may often assume that pandemics originate from a single "patient zero". By 1576, our country doctor had already questioned that one, too. Explore further China diagnoses 3rd case of bubonic plague This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. All 50 states in the United States are now protesting against police brutality after the gruesome murder of George Floyd. The incident was caught on video and quickly went viral, leading people to march in the streets and demand the imprisonment of all police officers that were involved in the murder of African Americans. The two pandemics in America The tension between the public and the police and military force has been high for eight days in a row. As people gather and demand justice, the public seemed to forget that just two months ago, everyone was asked to stay inside their homes and practice social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic. The United States is the leading country with the most coronavirus cases, but due to the protests and gatherings across the country, the total number of coronavirus cases has now jumped to 1.8 million, with 104,000 deaths. Health officials are now pushing for testing, using masks and social distancing as the cases continue to increase. In the past 24 hours, there have been 19,807 new coronavirus cases with 602 deaths. The CDC has warned that the United States may record 115,000 deaths linked to coronavirus in the next three weeks, according to Good Morning America. This is an urgent alert as demonstrations are still being organized and are still taking place in the country, most of the people are not wearing masks and there is little room for social distancing. The mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms stated that everyone who went out to protest needs to be tested immediately as the virus shows no signs of stopping. Also Read: Anonymous "Hacktivists" Expose Donald Trump, High-Profile Celebrities, Politicians and the Royal Family According to Washington post, amid the nationwide protest, on June 2 eight states and the District of Columbia continued with their primary elections with Maryland, Indiana, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania rescheduling their earlier dates because of the pandemic. The voters encountered just a few voting locations, there were signs that encouraged social distancing and there are poll workers in full protective gear. Memorial Day weekend On May 25, the country celebrated Memorial Day, and thousands of people across the country went out to celebrate as bars, restaurants and public pools opened. Time reported that in Missouri, a partygoer who tested positive for coronavirus went to a couple of bars in the state and also spent time in the then jam-packed Backwater Jacks resort. The health officials released a statement that they are seeking to inform all those who went to the resort to get tested in order to make sure that they didn't contract the virus. The patient is a resident of Boone County in Missouri and has tested positive on May 31, just days after visiting the resort, according to the Camden County Health Department. The officials also released a brief timeline of the patient's whereabouts during the weekend. Aside from Backwater Jacks, the patient also went to Shady Gators and Lazy Gators. Gary Prewitt, the owner of Backwater Jacks, stated that no laws were broken when the resort opened, but images and videos showed that people violated the state order issued by Republican Gov. Mike Parson that required social distancing. Related Article: Trump's Church Visit and Bible Photoshoot Shocks Religious Leaders, Disperse Demonstrators @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Mosaic of GALEX observations from the GALEX All-Sky Imaging Survey showing a far ultraviolet (130-180 nm) image of the Ursa Major Arc. The gradient of the far-ultraviolet images is shown to bring out the contrast of the arc against the diffuse background. The arc extends between the two black dots. Credit: A. Bracco/R. Benjamin/NASA-GALEX Astronomers announced the discovery of a ghostly, almost perfectly circular, arc of ultraviolet emission centered on the handle of the Big Dipper and stretching 30 degrees across the Northern sky. If the arc were extended, it would completely encircle the Big Dipper with a diameter of 60 degrees. This unique object was discovered by Andrea Bracco, an astronomer at the Ruer Boskovic Institute in Zagreb, Croatia, Marta Alves, an astronomer at Radboud University in the Netherlands, and Robert Benjamin, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the United States. Benjamin, who contributed to the analysis of the structure, presented the team's newest results at an on-line meeting of American Astronomical Society on June 2. A report on the discovery has been published in the April volume of Astronomy & Astrophysics Letters. The arc, stretching beyond the constellation Ursa Major, is 30 degrees long, a fraction of a degree thick, and made of compressed, energized interstellar gas. The source of the energy and the arc shape indicate an advancing shock wave from a stellar explosion or supernova which occurred 60 degrees above the plane of the Milky Way Galaxy. The distance and age of the explosion which created the shock wave is highly uncertain. The team estimates that the explosion occurred more than 100,000 years ago at a distance of approximately 600 light years. Because the full circle covers nearly 2,700 square degrees of sky, the blast may have been partially responsible for creating a clearing of gas and dust above the sun. "This region of the sky is known for several interstellar windows used to study the properties of galaxies outside the Milky Way. This arc may be evidence for one of the explosions that created these windows," said Benjamin. The arc was discovered in an archival dataset of ultraviolet images taken by NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) as part of the GALEX All-Sky Imaging Survey and found using the Aladin Sky Atlas developed by CDS, Strasbourg Observatory, France. By comparing the brightness of the emission in two different ultraviolet bands, the team argues that the ultraviolet emission arises predominantly from a compressed region of hydrogen gas. The origin of the discovery dates to 1997, when Peter McCullough, now an astronomer with the Space Telescope Science Institute, used an experimental camera which detected faint H-alpha emission to discover a two-degree-long straight line of H-alpha hydrogen gas across the sky, making it roughly the length of five moons put side-by-side. H-alpha is an optical (red) emission line produced by hydrogen gas. McCullough showed the pictures to Benjamin at a conference both were attending. "In astronomy, you never see perfectly straight lines in the sky," said Benjamin. "I got really interested, and Peter and I wrote a paper together, effectively saying 'There's this odd straight line in the sky, what could it be?'" Nearly 20 years later, this work attracted the attention of Marta Alves who decided to observe the object using LOFAR, a network of low-frequency radio telescopes principally located in the Netherlands. "The fact that you have data in different wavelengths, it gives you more constraints as to the physical origin," noted Alves. Her colleague, Andrea Bracco, then found the ultraviolet arc while searching for archival datasets which could help them interpret the low-frequency radio observations. Much to their surprise, the two-degree line of H-alpha stretched into a 30-degree arc in these ultraviolet observations. "Frankly, I could not believe that such a great structure in the sky was not known yet. I was looking at ultraviolet observations from 15 years ago," said Bracco. But some of their colleagues expressed concern that it might be a flaw in the data. In October 2018, Bracco and Alves met Benjamin at a workshop sponsored by the Universite Paris-Saclay, where they invited him to help them interpret the arc. Additional confirmation of the arc's existence came when the team contacted a group of amateur astronomers in Massachusetts who were conducting their own survey of the sky using a robotic telescope based in New Mexico: the MDW (Mittelman/di Cicco/Walker) H-alpha survey. When contacted, they uncovered a 10-degree section of an optical arc in the same area where the GALEX ultraviolet arc was seen. They contributed their observations to the paper; additional researchers based in France (Andrew Lehmann, Francois Boulanger, and Ludovic Montier) also joined the effort to help in interpreting the ultraviolet emission. So, what's next? In addition to getting better constraints on the distance, age and physical size of the "Ursa Major Arc," Alves noted that the ultraviolet discovery may help us better understand radio frequency telescope observations of the sky. "It opens the door for more low-frequency radio observations. We have UV and H-alpha now, adding in the radio observations would be really cool." Explore further First optical measurements of Milky Way's Fermi Bubbles probe their origin More information: "Discovery of a 30-Degree-Long Ultraviolet Arc in Ursa Major," A. Bracco, R. A. Benjamin et al., 2020 April 27, Astronomy & Astrophysics Letters "Discovery of a 30-Degree-Long Ultraviolet Arc in Ursa Major," A. Bracco, R. A. Benjamin et al., 2020 April 27, doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202037975 , Preprint: arxiv.org/abs/2004.03175 Provided by University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Kelly Craft, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations (right), joins U.S. President Donald Trump at a luncheon in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, Dec. 5, 2019. The United States has submitted a diplomatic note to the United Nations rebuking Chinas sweeping maritime and territorial claims in the South China Sea, which drew a rapid response from Beijing accusing Washington on Wednesday of trying to stir up trouble. Kelly Craft, the U.S. Representative to the U.N., sent a note on Monday to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and requested it be posted to the body responsible for evaluating countries claims to the seabed off their coasts. The note referenced the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and a 2016 tribunal between the Philippines and China that ruled Chinas claims in the South China Sea were invalid under international law. The U.S. statement was the latest in a series of diplomatic notes and protests from countries against Chinas vague, sweeping claims. It follows notes by Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It also comes at a time of heightened tensions in the South China Sea and growing solidarity between claimants concerned about Chinas aggressive behavior. In asserting such vast maritime claims in the South China Sea, China purports to restrict the rights and freedoms, including the navigational rights and freedoms, enjoyed by all states, Crafts note read. The note specifically mentioned the objections raised by the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. The United States again urges China to conform its maritime claims to international law as reflected in the Convention; to comply with the Tribunals July 12, 2016, decision; and to cease its provocative activities in the South China Sea, it said. The U.S. has not ratified UNCLOS but recognizes it as general international law. The deluge of diplomatic notes against Chinas claims began when Malaysia submitted its own claim for an extended continental shelf to the U.N.s Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in December. That prompted China to reiterate its stance on holding historic rights to nearly the entire South China Sea. Last month, Indonesia joined in explicitly agreeing with and citing the Permanent Court of Arbitrations 2016 ruling. Both Indonesia and the U.S. echoed the tribunals ruling that Chinas historic rights to the South China Sea have no basis in international law, and that the features China claims there cannot generate maritime zones as they are not valid islands. On Wednesday, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Zhao Lijian responded to the U.S. note. Despite the 2016 ruling that indicates otherwise, Zhao insisted Chinas stance is consistent with international law including the U.N. Charter and UNCLOS. He said the U.S. has sought to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, resorted to military provocation, and attempted to drive a wedge between regional countries. None of this is conducive to peace and stability in the South China Sea, Zhao told a news conference in Beijing. The U.S. has kept up a series of naval maneuvers in the South China Sea in recent weeks particularly in response to Chinas deployment of a survey ship and a flotilla of its coast guard into Malaysian waters for a month starting in mid-April. China apparently had been trying to pressure Malaysia out of exploring for resources on its own continental shelf. In another provocative action, a Chinese warship in February locked its radar gun onto the Philippine Navys BRP Conrado Yap in Philippine waters, sparking a diplomatic spat between the two countries. President Rodrigo Duterte has pursued closer ties with China since he took office in 2016 and has diverged from the Philippines long-standing treaty ally, the U.S. But Beijings provocative actions in the South China Sea appear to have prompted a rethink in the Philippines attitude toward Washington. On Tuesday, the Philippines announced it was suspending for six months its plans to terminate a key defense agreement with the U.S., citing political and other developments in the region. The Visiting Forces Agreement had been set to expire in August. Because of security issues ... in that part of the world (South China Sea), both our governments have seen it would be prudent for us to simply suspend any implementation of the termination, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez told ABS-CBN, a Philippine news network. Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. explained Dutertes change of heart on Twitter, saying, A man who does not change his mind cannot change anything. And he ran on the slogan: Change is coming. But in the vast and swiftly changing circumstances of the world, in a time of pandemic and heightened superpower tensions, a world leader must be quick in mind and fast on his feet for the safety of our nation and the peace of the world. The BBC has offered hospital radio stations the opportunity to broadcast its news bulletins. They will also be given access to the corporations interviews and programmes from local radio. More than 75 stations will be able to use the bulletins. Having accurate local news and trusted information has perhaps never been more vital for those in hospital Chris Burns, head of BBC local radio Chris Burns, head of local radio for the BBC, said: Having accurate local news and trusted information has perhaps never been more vital for those in hospital. Local radio is about companionship and our 39 stations are with you all day, every day. When representatives from hospital radio stations came to us about sharing bulletins and other content we jumped at the chance to support them, as we know what they offer is hugely valued by their listeners. The BBC is working with the Hospital Broadcasting Association (HBA) to share the content with stations including Chorley Hospital Radio, Chichester Hospital Radio and York Hospital Radio. Graham Medhurst, vice chairman of the HBA, said: The HBA is today delighted to reveal the alliance with BBC local radio as one of many support measures for member stations during the current coronavirus situation. The HBA are immensely proud of the way that member organisations, right across the UK, have adapted to new ways of delivering the vital health and wellbeing service relied upon by patients, staff and wider communities. Video of the Day It has been encouraging to see the increased use of technology, remote broadcasting, streaming and opportunities such as this to ensure that broadcasting continues. The BBC has previously made local bulletins available to community stations in England and around 75 of them are using the broadcasters content. Russias Business Ombudsman urges more active fight against corruption in state procurement RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 18:51 03/06/2020 MOSCOW, June 3 (RAPSI, Alena Savelyeva) The measures aimed to prevent unscrupulous actions on the part of commissioners in the sphere of state procurement lack efficiency, according to Russias Business Rights Commissioner Boris Titov. This issue has been highlighted in Titovs annual report on the problems faced by Russian businesses to President Vladimir Putin. On Wednesday, addressing an online webinar of the Moscow Transport Interregional Prosecutors Office and the Moscow office of the Delovaya Rossiya business association, Public Ombudsman for Combating Corruption Dina Krylova raised an aspect of this issue concerning the procedures currently governing state procurement. The current rules do not envisage mandatory advance payments on the part of commissioners, so they frequently seek to protract acceptance procedures and delay payments in expectation of kickbacks, or attempt to initiate criminal prosecutions of their contractors to avoid paying for the works and products altogether, Krylova said. In some cases commissioners dispute due performance of contracts falsifying expert opinions; as a result, the contractor is also refused payments the Public Ombudsman noted citing the information provided by Titovs office. Such widespread corrupt practices could be combated more efficiently, Krylova believes, if they were typified, so to be met with respective general measures and not investigated as unique cases. According to the Public Ombudsman, largest oversight agencies have already compiled so-called cards of corruption risks, which define typical corrupt practices; nevertheless, the Interior Ministry has so far failed to implement them, although, if using such a card where initiation of criminal cases against contractors the results of whose work were confirmed by acceptance certificates was designated as a corrupt practice, it could make it much easier for affected contractors to appeal against such allegations. Besides, such cards need to be introduced with respect to state procurement commissioners, Krylova believes. She also urges the adoption of a new law on legal expert examinations. Ukrainian side is ready to negotiate special status of these regions within Ukraine, without giving them right to veto Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine is ready to discuss the special status of Donbas and Crimea within Ukraine. The minister said this in an interview with the German news agency of DW. The Minister has noted that the Ukrainian side is ready to negotiate on the special status of these regions within Ukraine, without giving them the right to veto any national decisions. "We offer Russia a very simple solution: we will never cross our red lines, which are the sovereignty and control of our border. In exchange, we are ready to negotiate the special status of these regions within Ukraine, without giving them the right to veto any national decisions," Kuleba said. Kuleba also emphasized that Ukraine would never give up sovereign control over Donbas or Crimea. "We will never give up sovereign control over Donbas or the Crimea, and no matter how long we need it, but we will de-occupy these territories and reintegrate them into Ukraine," he stressed. As we reported before, the next meeting of ministers of the Normandy Four member countries could take place in the near future Lenovo introduced innovations that push the limits of Chrome OS-powered tablets with a new 2-in-1 form factor in the IdeaPad Chromebook Duet. This new device mimics Microsofts Surface Pro line, using the Chrome OS instead of Microsoft Windows. It redefines what the Chrome OS can do on a convertible tablet, compared to Android. The Duet comes with a 10.1-inch screen, a magnetically attached keyboard with trackpad, and 128 GB of internal RAM for US$199.99. The response to both the Pixel C and Pixel Slate was so poor that Google abandoned plans to make its own Chrome OS-powered tablets. The Duet, released last month, is Lenovos attempt to fill that niche with a new Chromebook form factor that runs Android and Linux apps within Chrome OS. It is a 2-in-1 device that also is compatible with an MSI stylus for drawing and handwriting. However, it does not come with one. Lenovo debuted the Duet at CES in January. As of this writing, Lenovo wasnt openly selling the Duet. However, it went from not listing the Duet at all to displaying it on its website as a Coming Soon attraction. Best Buy offered a limited quantity of Duets for preorder in May. When mine arrived, I made it my temporary main computing platform so I could check out how well it could help me get stuff done. So far, using it steadily has been mostly successful. However, a few glitches have forced me to set the Duet aside and turn instead to my Linux desktop or laptops to complete specialized production tasks. Those issues aside, the Duet poses serious competition to the likes of higher-end rivals such as the Samsung Chromebook 3 and the HP Chromebook x360. The Duet has a few innovations that rekindled my interest in using an actual Chrome OS-powered tablet as a viable alternative computing platform. Marking the Turf I have shied away from using Android tablets since earlier Chromebook convertibles arrived on the scene. Especially since Chrome OS acquired the ability to run Android and Linux apps, I have supplemented my workflow mostly with 2-in-1 Chromebook devices. I like having a fully functional keyboard that I can swing behind the screen in order to use the touch display as an oversized tablet. The Duet enhances that experience, but the first-generation model has a few design weaknesses. I hope they will be resolved in Gen 2 hardware. I like being able to run my essential Linux apps along with the same Android apps I use on my phone. So it seems logical that the Duet could offer the next advancement in a slightly smaller and more portable device. Lenovo makes a great case for Chrome OS in this form factor. Years ago I transitioned away from Android tablets. Even with Bluetooth-connected keyboards, my use case required far more than Android tablets or even the now defunct Android convertible units could handle. I needed a reliable production/creation platform. So I transitioned to the Chromebook as an experiment that proved to be very workable. I was preparing to buy one of the anticipated next-generation Chromebook models to boost my work productivity and non-work computing convenience, so the Duet form factor became a second transitional experiment with Chrome OS technology. Its price is much lower than the more costly high-end Chromebooks now available. So the Duet saved me money while improving on the functionality that my current Chromebooks provide. Alternative Form Factor The Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook Duet is not like existing Chromebook 2-in-1 laptops. Those have fold-under attached keyboards that are disabled when you use the device in tent or tablet modes. The Duet has a detachable keyboard with a much smaller and less bulky tablet screen. The Duet is a Chromebook at its core, composed of three essential parts. Out of the box you get the aluminum-encased tablet with a soft blue accent band at the top, the keyboard with touchpad, and a back cover plate that magnets hold in place. The back cover has a durable two-tone gray fabric that makes the tablet easy to grip firmly. You can pull the back cover loose, but there is no need to do that. The hinged lower panel serves as the kickstand to hold the screen when attached to the keyboard, as well as securing it in tent mode without the keyboard. If you do remove the hinged kickstand panel, you end up with a thinner and slightly more slippery tablet to hold. The multi-angled hinged lower panel (left image) serves as the kickstand to hold the screen when attached to the keyboard. The attached keyboard turns the Duet tablet into a fully functional small-form factor Chromebook laptop. The kickstand backing is sturdy and tight. The kickstand is multi-positioning, which allows you to adjust the viewing angle to suite a variety of circumstances. The keyboard has a narrow, flexible band above the top row of keys. The Duet becomes a clam shell-style laptop when you place the keyboards connecting strip near the bottom edge of the tablet screen. Magnets pull the two halves together as two plastic guide pins and five POGO connector pins align. On a solid surface such as a table top or desk, the screen and keyboard combination is sturdy. On your lap, however, the laptop configuration makes typing difficult. The Duet in this situation becomes wobbly. The tethering strip between keyboard and screen is flexible, and the two sections stay connected just fine. The two halves are very unsteady when balanced on your legs. Its fine if you use a flat surface under the Duet. For example, I used my Asus Chromebook convertible as a lap base, placing the Duet on top. That eliminated the unsteadiness and let me use it on my lap just fine. A D V E R T I S E M E N T The Lenovo IdeaPad Duets tablet is good for media consumption and casual typing using the onscreen keyboard. It is not so ideal for creating output. That is where the keyboard comes into play. Performance and Power The IdeaPad Duet seems a bit underpowered at first blush. Yet Lenovo has done considerable tweaking to make it competitive with leading devices. Although the Duets design takes convertible Chromebooks to the next level, you must be willing to compromise if the transition is going to work for you. Keep in mind that the Chrome OS works differently from iOS and Windows 10. Under no circumstances would I run Microsoft Windows on a laptop underpowered with 4 GB RAM, for instance. That much memory is fine on a Chromebook, though, even while it runs Android and Linux apps. The Duet comes with 4 GB LPDDR4X of RAM and 64 or 128 GB of eMMC storage. I would prefer a model with more RAM to let me push my productivity limits. The Duets Best Buy released for preorder last month were the 64-GB model and the 128-GB model for a whopping $20 more. So far, no plans exist to release a Duet with additional RAM. Since the Duet lacks a microXD slot, you definitely want the larger internal storage capacity. Your data and bulk files are stored in the Google Drive cloud, but Android and Linux apps must live on local internal storage. Core Delivery The Duet is powdered by the MediaTek Helio P60T processor. This is primarily a smartphone chip on steroids. It thrusts the Duets performance ahead of other devices that are powered by high-end smartphone processors. For example, my aging Samsung Galaxy 8+ Smartphone has 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage plus a nearly maxed-out XD card. It is powered with a Snapdragon 835 processor. Though it cost just a few hundred dollars, the Duet is noticeably faster on the Internet and also more responsive than the $1,000 smartphone. The eight-core chip brings MediaTeks NeuroPilot Artificial Intelligence technology to small form factor devices like netbooks and smartphones. It has on-board AI face detection and AI-enhanced smart imaging and video. This optimized chip delivers high-end features that improve energy efficiency, provide longer battery life, and offer better performance from demanding applications. I am used to using Chromebooks with batteries that last six-to-eight hours depending on how I balance screen display and sleep mode. The Duet far exceeded that staying power. I routinely can use the Duet 12 hours or more doing a variety of real work tasks that range from Web browsing, note-taking, viewing and creating documents, and reading. The Screen The tablet portion of the IdeaPad Duet includes a 10.1-inch 1080p display. The 9.13mm bezels make the tablet a bit bulky to hold. Still, the feel is comfy and is much easier to manipulate compared to the slightly larger Asus and Acer Chromebook 2-in-1s I use. The screen display features FHD (1920 x 1200) resolution in 400 nits brightness. The details and color are sharp. Night mode eases eye strain. I found that slightly adjusting the display scaling to 90 percent is a big help in using screen real estate more efficiently. Go to system settings and scroll down to the Device section. Then tap Displays. Next, find Display Size under the Internal Display category and move the slide bar at the right that shows Tiny-to-Huge to the left until the popup readout shows 90 percent. Lowering the scale percentage leaves you with more room on the screen without sacrificing touch targets. On this same settings screen you can turn on the Night Light feature, adjust the color temperature of the screens whiteness, and set the schedule for the display to go into Night Light mode automatically. I spend considerable time working in both dimly lit environments and outdoors. I was pleased to find that the screen is bright in direct daylight. If only my smarthones screen display were so accommodating outside. One annoyance with the screen, however, was its tendency to go dim if too many seconds went by without any interaction with the screen, This is more of a hassle when the screen is detached from the keyboard, although the dimming occurs with the keyboard attached as well. If I crank up the brightness control, that usually helps reduce but not eliminate the dimness issue but then I have to remember to adjust the brightness control when the keyboard is attached. That is done with a key on the keyboard. Alas, the detached tablet has no brightness control. Nor is there a brightness setting in the Chrome OS settings to adjust when holding the tablet. The Keyboard Lenovos marketing material describes the keyboard as being full-sized. That is wishful thinking. It is far from full-sized, but it is fairly close to being a standard Chromebook keyboard in terms of keys included and their layout. Lenovo redesigned a confined keyboard to squeeze in a standard Chromebook configuration. Lenovo halved the size of some keys to fit them within the confined keyboard design. It is a compromise that forces you scrunch your fingers in order to touch the keys on the outskirts of the deck. These tinier keys include the tab, backspace, enter, and most of the punctuation keys on the right side. It took me a few hours of continuous typing on the Duet to adjust to the smaller form factor. I have gotten used to shifting my fingers around to accommodate keyboard configurations that range from larger Chromebook designs to full-size desktop keyboards and kind of full-size laptop keyboards. The Duets keys have good travel. The keyboard itself is responsive, with a soft touch. In fact, the Duets keyboard was a pleasure to use once I stopped yelling at my fingers for misbehaving. Then there is the trackpad. It is nothing special. Its small, plastic design took less getting used to than the smaller keyboard. The trackpad is a key navigational component in both clamshell and tablet modes. Duet Peripherals The Duets accessories inventory is more bare-bones than I would like. Again, this is a compromise between price and convenience. The Duet comes with built-in microphones, a 2MP front-facing webcam with fixed-focus and LED indicator, an 8MP auto-focus rear-facing camera, and a single USB-C port. Missing is a headphone jack. Instead you get a converter adapter that takes the earbud or headphone connector in one end and a USB-C port plug at the other end of the dongle. The single USB-C port is used for charging, data transfer and display out. The USB-C port accepts any power delivery charger and includes a fast-charging one in the box.If you need to plug in anything else at the same time, or more than one something else, you will need a multi-connector bus. The dual Dolby audio speakers provide fairly decent sound reproduction in small rooms with little noise competition. For anything more boastful, you will need a Bluetooth external speaker. Chrome OS Improved Googles most recent operating system improvements include gesture navigation and a touch-optimized browser interface. These improvements are key factors in making the Chrome OS more viable than Android on a tablet format. The Duet introduces new dynamics that do not exist on the more conventional Chromebooks, both with and without the tablet mode option. I like the evolution of the ChromeOS that updates the operating system more rapidly and constantly introduces new and better features. That just does not happen with Android tablets. Chrome OS tablet interface is one example of the dynamic usefulness. More than other Chromebook models on the market today, the Duet demonstrates how the Chrome OS in a laptop and tablet combination can be a very workable computing alternative. Final Thoughts Despite my praise for Lenovos IdeaPad Chromebook Duet, I am disappointed in what is either a design flaw or misguided feature that puts the tablet mode at odds with the virtual desks. When Chrome OS first gained the desk feature, it was functional in tablet mode on convertible Chromebooks. Without explanation, that virtual desk functionality either disappeared or became unstable. It was annoying on a 2-in-1 device. It is even more so with the Duets pull-apart tablet configuration. In tablet mode the virtual desk feature sometimes disappears when you detach the keyboard. In tablet mode, no switch exists in the touch interface to add from one-to-four virtual desks. With the Duet, sometimes virtual desks come and go on the tablet screen. The same peek-a-boo behavior occurs intermittently with the button on the bottom dock that activates the virtual desk feature when the keyboard is attached. Specs at a Glance Processor: MediaTek Helio P60T Octa-Core Operating System: Chrome OS Display: 10.1 FHD (1920 x 1200) IPS, 400 nits, 10-point touchscreen, 70% NTSC Graphics: ARM G72 MP3 800GHz Battery: Up to 10-12 hours Connectivity: 802.11AC (2 x 2) and Bluetooth 4.2 Dimensions (H x W x D): Tablet Only 9.44 x 6.29 x 0.29 Tablet + Keyboard: 9.64 x 6.66 x 0.71 Weight: LONDON After almost a week of violence in cities across the United States following the death in police custody of George Floyd in Minneapolis, thousands took to the streets of central London on Wednesday to protest racism and show solidarity with their American counterparts. On a gray and dreary day in Britains capital, the crowd met in Hyde Park, near Buckingham Palace, before walking toward the countrys Parliament. Some chanted Justice now. Others held placards reading Black lives matter and We cant breathe the last words uttered by Floyd, 46, before he died after a then-Minnesota police officer pushed his knee on his neck during an arrest last Monday. The officer, Derek Chauvin,was fired and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter Friday. Three of his fellow officers Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng were fired by the Minneapolis Police Department the day after Floyd died. Since then, days of protests in Minneapolis and multiple U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles and Houston have led to violence and civil unrest and also sparked demonstrations overseas. Fires broke out in Paris on Tuesday evening as thousands defied a coronavirus related ban to denounce the death of Adama Traore, a black Frenchman who died in police custody four years ago and pay homage to Floyd. Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politics Demonstrations have also taken place in a number of other French cities and other countries including Ireland, Brazil and South Africa, as well as New Zealand and Australia. In London, the gathering was largely peaceful, although minor scuffles broke out between protesters and the police later. Image: Black Lives Matter Movement Inspires Protest In London (Justin Setterfield / Getty Images) While many ignored social distancing rules, in place to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, most were wearing masks. Vula Malinga, 40, told NBC News that Floyds death has struck a nerve because racism affects everyone worldwide. Its important people understand its not an American thing. Its a global thing, she said. Story continues Malinga, an American citizen with South African heritage, added: Its not going to change overnight for sure but it needs to start now. She said she would protest outside the U.S. Embassy in London this weekend. She added that she was encouraged by the many white people and other ethnicities who have joined the protests so that we can actually move forward together. Her fellow protester Gary Tatham, 24, said that minorities around the world could relate to the experiences of their American counterparts. He said there had been many injustices in the U.K. and that as a black man, he felt wary of the police. I do have my guard up, he said, adding that he thought about whether he was dressed right or looked like a thug. American citizen Vula Malinga, center right, protests in London on Wednesday. (Linda Givetash / NBC News) However, Emily Holligan, 35, said it felt like there was a little bit of solidarity for an issue weve been facing on our own for so long. Having watched the recent wave of racial tensions in the U.S., she said: I felt like I needed to be doing something, something that means more than just posting on social media. I wanted to know that people were noticing the cause and it wasnt just a hashtag, that it was actually people who genuinely cared about black lives and wanted to see something change, she said. Among the crowd in Hyde Park was Star Wars actor John Boyega, who delivered an emotional speech about Floyds death. Telling his fellow protesters that he was "speaking to you from my heart", he said: "We are a physical representation of our support for George Floyd. He added: I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing and that isn't the case anymore, that was never the case anymore." @JohnBoyega at the #BlackLivesMattter protest in Hyde Park today (see thread to hear the speech) pic.twitter.com/Axs1OMR714 Pabz (@pabznotmally) June 3, 2020 Others appeared to be protesting the death of Belly Mujinga, a British railway worker who died from COVID-19 after reportedly being spat at by a man who said he was infected with the virus. British Transport Police launched an investigation into her death but have since said they would not be taking any further action. Members of Mujingas family descended on Victoria Station in London - where she was working at the time of the spitting incident - holding a sign that read "Justice for Belly Mujinga." Gary Tatham was among thousands of protesters calling for racial justice in London on Wednesday. (Linda Givetash / NBC News) While Londons Metropolitan Police would not comment on the number of protesters, NBC News and several British news organizations estimated several thousand were in attendance. More protesters appeared to join as people marched past Prime Minister Boris Johnsons official home at 10 Downing Street to the square in front of Britains Parliament. At a later press conference, Johnson said: "We mourn George Floyd and I was appalled and sickened to see what happened to him. He added that people had the right to protest but "I would urge people to protest peacefully, and in accordance with the rules on social distancing". It can be easy to feel defeated after seeing all of the protests against police brutality, the escalating violence, the cops treating old dudes with canes like warm-up partners before a night of Monday Night RAW, and no policy changes to show for it. Yes, it's horrific that the President has responded to all of this by hiding in a bunker and calling on the military to use force against his own citizenry, but at this point, it's about what we can expect from Trump. What we didn't expect, or at least, what white dudes like me didn't expect, was that the pleas of protesters would be ignored so thoroughly by elected officials on a local level. The nation is crying out, "HELP US" and leaders of both parties have replied, "Shhh, the curfew is 1 pm. Now go to bed." In Los Angeles, for example, the "Liberal" Mayor just passed a budget that gives the Police an additional $120 million in funding. This came after the Police Chief partially blamed the death of George Floyd on the protesters saying, "his death is on their hands as much as it is those officers." He later walked back these comments but coupled with rampant violence of the LAPD against protesters, like this video of an LAPD SUV hitting a protester and then driving away, Police Chief Michael Moore's words rang hollow. This is just one instance of many across the country that leaves you feeling powerless, and while we don't know if change will come any time soon, we do have something that can offer a modicum of solace. Specifically, we have videos of angry residents of Los Angeles tearing into the Police Commission during a public forum -- for anyone craving a bit of catharsis during all of this violence, trust us, it is better than porn. WASHINGTON - Moving through the pulsing mass of angry activism outside the White House, a handful of people are providing help and first aid to police and protesters alike as enraged Americans register their dismay with the police killing of George Floyd. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Demonstrators gather to protest the death of George Floyd, Tuesday, June 2, 2020, near the White House in Washington. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers. Moving among the pulsing mass of angry activism outside the White House, a handful of people are on hand to provide help and first aid to both police and protesters alike. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Jacquelyn Martin WASHINGTON - Moving through the pulsing mass of angry activism outside the White House, a handful of people are providing help and first aid to police and protesters alike as enraged Americans register their dismay with the police killing of George Floyd. Morris Crawford, a former U.S. military combat medic, toted a backpack filled with medical supplies through the streets Tuesday night just outside Lafayette Square, the front line in a standoff between demonstrators and an endless line of troops armed with truncheons and riot shields. "I came out here to help to spread my word, but also to help people who are injured," Crawford said, straining to be heard over the gas mask around his neck as protesters seethed against the two-metre fence around the park, shouting at officers. Over the course of the night, the troops would occasionally return the sentiment, advancing their formation menacingly towards the fence, prompting the agitators to hoot and holler in anticipation of another fight a clash that, on this night, would not materialize. "I'm loaded down with medical supplies," said Crawford, jerking a thumb toward his bulging military-issue backpack. "My goal out here is if I see someone injured, I'm running to help them. I don't care where they are at, cop or non-cop, if someone's injured I'm going to try to help them." One pair of Good Samaritans dragged behind them a wagon loaded with water, snacks and bottles of milk (to ease the sting of pepper spray), urging eager protesters to take whatever they needed. Others moved through the crowd, squirting sanitizer into outstretched hands a pointed reminder of the threat of COVID-19, which stalks Americans through a cultural crisis not seen since the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Another woman brandished a chisel-tipped marker, writing a D.C. phone number on people's forearms for them to call should they suddenly find themselves in police custody. "Who wants a bailout number?" she shouted. "If you're scared, go home." Protesters have been roiling the streets of U.S. cities nightly for nearly a week since the May 25 death of Floyd, whose final eight minutes of life under the knee of since-fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin were recorded on cellphone video. Ariana Masotti, a senior at D.C.'s George Washington University, rode her bike up to a small group of protesters Wednesday and passed out bottles of water in front of heavily armoured police and National Guard soldiers blocking the street near the square. "I saw people doing it, and I thought, 'You know what, it's not going to kill me to bring a case of water down here,'" Masotti said under a broiling mid-afternoon sun. "We have a cause here, and it's really important. If we don't help our own, there's no way we can stay out here. I think it's important that we keep it up." Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison upgraded the charge Wednesday against Chauvin to unintentional second-degree murder. He also laid charges against the other three officers involved in Floyd's arrest. Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Whether the new charges help to assuage the public anger remains to be seen. In D.C., one man leaned on a medical bag, a red cross fashioned from duct tape affixed to his black T-shirt, as he sat on a curb Wednesday, watching protesters gather in front of the police lines. A trained emergency medical technician, the man he gave his name only as Ramsay said he's part of a larger group of EMTs who are on the scene each night, spread out to provide medical assistance where necessary. "A bunch of us EMTs saw what was going on for the last few days, and we just decided to come out," Ramsay said. "We're here for that patient first, everything else is second." Like his fellow guardian angels, Crawford was moved by Floyd's death to join the protests, which he's now done for three nights. But he has a personal motive as well, describing a confrontation with D.C. police four years ago that he's convinced was a result of the colour of his skin, even though it was a clear-cut case of mistaken identity. "I had a cop's gun pointed at my head. He thought I was the guy he was chasing not even close," he said. "Next thing, I'm outside, on the ground, until they finish running all my information and everything, and they told me pretty much that I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and I needed to get the hell out of there." Crawford said he wants to see the protests spark lasting reform in law-enforcement circles third-party committees to adjudicate incidents of racially motivated abuse, education programs to help officers learn the insidious nature of racial profiling and mechanisms to ensure departments do a better job of policing their own ranks. The ranks of the protesters swelled dramatically Tuesday after Donald Trump staged a dramatic display of police aggression and political opportunism. During the supper hour Monday, authorities used pepper spray, smoke grenades and mounted officers the White House denied that tear gas was used to clear the intersection of protesters before Trump, Attorney General Bill Barr, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and officials strolled through the square for an awkward Bible-brandishing photo-op in front of a historic, protest-scarred church. 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. Trump has promised to take a hard line with protesters who have set fires, smashed windows and looted stores. There was little of that late Tuesday, thanks in large part to the fence that now surrounds Lafayette Square, as well as some within the protests who shouted down those lobbing water bottles or shaking the barrier. "The crowd has done a pretty good job so far of policing itself, calling out the instigators and keeping it from escalating to that point," Crawford said. "I'm of the group that says we've been peaceful, and we need to stay peaceful. As soon as we start escalating it, what we're trying to tell them gets lost in the noise." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2020. Follow James McCarten on Twitter @CdnPressStyle With files from The Associated Press. Peel Regional Police have identified 97 hate-motivated crimes for 2019, as outlined in the statistics report for hate-based crimes and incidents, which was presented at the May 29 Police Services Board meeting. The report, which was authored and presented by Det. Feras Ismail, compares the numbers from 2019 against the last three years. Hate-motivated crimes are described as a criminal offence, whereas hate-motivated incidents are not criminal. Things like discriminatory or hostile speech are classified as non-criminal. While introducing the report, Ismail said that hate crimes are the most under-reported crimes of all time. Generally speaking, the number of reported hate-motivated crime offences have fluctuated over the past four years, with a decrease of almost 10 per cent between 2018 and 2019, read the report. In 2019, 97 Criminal Code offences were identified as hate-motivated crimes by Peel Regional Police, with 40 of those resulting in charges. Of the 97 cases, 42 were identified as mischief, 26 as utter threats, 11 as assaults and eight were classified as assault with a weapon. Five cases were identified as criminal harassment and two as weapons dangerous. Categories of point firearm, cause disturbance and intent to resist each account for one crime. These 97 crimes are further broken down into five motivating factors: race/nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability and other. For 2019, crimes motivated by race or nationality increased from 39 crimes in 2017 to 52 in 2019. Crimes motivated by religion remained the same from 2017 to 2019, at 76 incidents. Sexual-orientation-motivated crimes decreased from nine cases in 2018 to six cases in 2019. Crimes motivated by disabilities have stayed the same from 2018-19, with one reported case. Cases identified as other decreased from 25 crimes in 2018 to 12 in 2019. The report noted that members of Peels black community had the highest reported victimization numbers between 2017 and 2019, though the numbers of such incidents declined from 39 to 30 in that two-year span. The South Asian community experienced the second-highest victimization numbers, according to the report, with an increase from 12 to 22 cases in the same two-year period. Twenty-two crimes were also reported from white communities, though these crimes appear to be targeted largely because of religion or sexual orientation, according to the report. The Middle Eastern community saw a decrease from three crimes to one between 2018 and 2019, while the Asian community also saw a decrease from five crimes to zero in the same period. Out of the total hate-based 97 crimes, 38 were identified as having religion as either the sole motivator or in combination with another motivator. Jewish and Muslim community members reported the highest victimization numbers, though both groups experienced decrease between 2017 and 2019, read the report. Sikh community members have reported an increase in hate-based crimes, increasing from two to eight cases in the same two-year period. Some of those incidents that were targeting Sikh communities were meant to target Muslim communities, said Ismail while addressing the meeting, noting bigotry and lack of awareness as potential motivating factors. Sabrina Gamrot is a reporter with the Mississauga News and Brampton Guardian. Reach her via email: sgamrot@mississauga.net Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2020) - Hemostemix Inc. (TSXV: HEM) (OTC: HMTXF) ("Hemostemix" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has retained DLA Piper, a global law firm, and filed for an injunction against Aspire Health Science, LLC, for the return of the Company's property. A hearing for the injunction is set for June 18, 2020 at 10:00 MDT before the Court of Queen's Bench, Alberta. Equally, the Company is pleased to announce DLA Piper filed an amended motion to dismiss the Aspire Health Science, LLC Complaint in the Complex Business Litigation Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, in and for Orange County, Florida. ABOUT HEMOSTEMIX Hemostemix is a publicly traded autologous stem cell therapy company. A winner of the World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer Award, the Company developed and is commercializing its lead product ACP-01 for the treatment of CLI, PAD, Angina, Ischemic Cardiomyopathy, Dilated Cardiomyopathy and other conditions of ischemia. ACP-01 has been used to treat over 300 patients, and it is the subject of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind trial of its safety and efficacy in patients with advanced critical limb ischemia who have exhausted all other options to save their limb from amputation. On October 21, 2019, the Company announced the results from its Phase II CLI trial abstract entitled "Autologous Stem Cell Treatment for CLI Patients with No Revascularization Options: An Update of the Hemostemix ACP-01 Trial With 4.5 Year Followup" which noted healing of ulcers and resolution of ischemic rest pain occurred in 83% of patients, with outcomes maintained for up to 4.5 years. The Company owns 91 patents across five patent families titled: Regulating Stem Cells, In Vitro Techniques for use with Stem Cells, Production from Blood of Cells of Neural Lineage, and Automated Cell Therapy. For more information, please visit www.hemostemix.com. Story continues Contact: Thomas Smeenk, President, CEO & Co-Founder TSmeenk@Hemostemix.com 905-580-4170 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information in relation to: the date for the first hearing for an injunction before the Court of Queen's Bench, Alberta and the commercialization of ACP-01. This forward-looking information reflects Hemostemix's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Hemostemix which the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: no applications or motions delaying the date of the first hearing; no delays in the first hearing due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other reasons which require the Court of Queen's Bench, Alberta to delay the hearing; the results of ACP-01 research, trials and studies being equivalent to or better than previous research, trials or studies as well as management's expectations of anticipated results; Hemostemix's general and administrative costs remaining constant; the receipt of all required regulatory approvals for research, trials or studies as well as any required or desired financings of Hemostemix, including TSX Venture Exchange acceptance and any third party consents; the level of activity, market acceptance and market trends in the healthcare sector; the economy generally; consumer interest in Hemostemix's services and products; competition and Hemostemix's competitive advantages; and obtaining satisfactory financing to fund Hemostemix's operations including any research, trials or studies. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Hemostemix to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the ability of Hemostemix to complete its current CLI clinical trial, complete a satisfactory futility analysis and the results of such and future clinical trials; litigation and potential litigation that Hemostemix may face; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; the actual results of future operations including the actual results of future research, trials or studies; competition; changes in legislation affecting Hemostemix; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; long-term capital requirements and future developments in the Company's markets and the markets in which it expects to compete; lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals; and risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, service disruptions, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession; the potential impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on Hemostemix may include a decreased demand for the services that Hemostemix offers; and a deterioration of financial markets that could limit Hemostemix's ability to obtain external financing. A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in Hemostemix's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Although Hemostemix has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Hemostemix as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. However, Hemostemix expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57176 TANZANIA, Tanzania - The president of the U.N. General Assembly announced Tuesday that elections for new members of the U.N. Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and his successor as head of the 193-member world body will be held simultaneously on June 17. Last Friday, assembly president Tijjani Muhammad-Bande announced the adoption of a new voting procedure for elections, aimed at preventing a large gathering and ensuring social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of meeting in the horseshoe-shaped assembly chamber at U.N. headquarters overlooking New Yorks East River, ambassadors from U.N. member nations will cast secret ballots during spaced-out time slots. Muhammad-Bande said Tuesday that voting will take place in the General Assembly Hall and that five working days prior to the elections, he will inform all countries of their specific time slot. The assembly president said the casting of ballots will be webcast, and he will be in the assembly hall overseeing the voting along with tellers who will also be observing the whole process. 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. This years closely watched Security Council election had been scheduled for June 17, but it wasnt clear until Muhammad-Bandes announcement that it would keep the date. 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, with five members elected every year. This year, seven countries are vying for five seats on the U.N.s most powerful body, 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. Winning a council 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. Member states will also elect 18 new members of the 54-nation U.N. Economic and Social Council to serve three-year terms. The council, known as ECOSOC, focuses on achieving economic development while preserving the environment and ensuring human rights. And the 193 U.N. members will also elect the president of the 75th session of the General Assembly, which begins in September. There is only one candidate veteran Turkish diplomat and politician Volkan Bozkir and his name was initially sent to member states for unanimous approval, but several countries requested a vote. Diplomats identified the three countries as Greece, Cyprus and Armenia, speaking on condition of anonymity because the process was private. Volcanic eruptions and human-caused changes to the atmosphere strongly influence the rate at which the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide, says a new study. The ocean is so sensitive to changes such as declining greenhouse gas emissions that it immediately responds by taking up less carbon dioxide. The authors say we may soon see this play out due to the COVID-19 pandemic lessening global fuel consumption; they predict the ocean will not continue its recent historic pattern of absorbing more carbon dioxide each year than the year before, and could even take up less in 2020 than in 2019. "We didn't realize until we did this work that these external forcings, like changes in the growth of atmospheric carbon dioxide, dominate the variability in the global ocean on year-to-year timescales. That's a real surprise," said lead author Galen McKinley, a carbon cycle scientist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. "As we reduce our emissions and the growth rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide slows down, it's important to realize that the ocean carbon sink will respond by slowing down." The paper, published today in the journal AGU Advances, largely resolves the uncertainty about what caused the ocean to take up varying amounts of carbon over the last 30 years. The findings will enable more accurate measurements and projections of how much the planet might warm, and how much the ocean might offset climate change in the future. A carbon sink is a natural system that absorbs excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it away. Earth's largest carbon sink is the ocean. As a result, it plays a fundamental role in curbing the effects of human-caused climate change. Nearly 40 percent of the carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere by fossil fuel burning since the dawn of the industrial era has been taken up by the ocean. There's variability in the rate at which the ocean takes up carbon dioxide, which isn't fully understood. In particular, the scientific community has puzzled over why the ocean briefly absorbed more carbon dioxide in the early 1990s and then slowly took up less until 2001, a phenomenon verified by numerous ocean observations and models. McKinley and her coauthors addressed this question by using a diagnostic model to visualize and analyze different scenarios that could have driven greater and lesser ocean carbon uptake between 1980 and 2017. They found the reduced ocean carbon sink of the 1990s can be explained by the slowed growth rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide early in the decade. Efficiency improvements and the economic collapse of the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries are thought to be among the causes of this slowdown. But another event also affected the carbon sink: The massive eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 caused the sink to temporarily become much larger coincident with the eruption. "One of the key findings of this work is that the climate effects of volcanic eruptions such as those of Mount Pinatubo can play important roles in driving the variability of the ocean carbon sink," said coauthor Yassir Eddebbar, a postdoctoral scholar at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Pinatubo was the second-largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. The estimated 20 million tons of ash and gases it spewed high into the atmosphere had a significant impact on climate and the ocean carbon sink. The researchers found that Pinatubo's emissions caused the ocean to take up more carbon in 1992 and 1993. The carbon sink slowly declined until 2001, when human activity began pumping more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The ocean responded by absorbing these excess emissions. "This study is important for a number of reasons, but I'm most interested in what it means for our ability to predict the near-term, one to ten years out, future for the ocean carbon sink," said coauthor said Nicole Lovenduski, an oceanographer at the University of Colorado Boulder. "The future external forcing is unknown. We don't know when the next big volcanic eruption will occur, for example. And the COVID-19-driven carbon dioxide emissions reduction was certainly not anticipated very far in advance." Investigating how the Pinatubo eruption impacted global climate, and thus the ocean carbon sink, and whether the drop in emissions due to COVID-19 is reflected in the ocean are among the research team's next plans. By understanding variability in the ocean carbon sink, the scientists can continue to refine projections of how the ocean system will slow down. McKinley cautions that as global emissions are cut, there will be an interim phase where the ocean carbon sink will slow down and not offset climate change as much as in the past. That extra carbon dioxide will remain in the atmosphere and contribute to additional warming, which may surprise some people, she said. "We need to discuss this coming feedback. We want people to understand that there will be a time when the ocean will limit the effectiveness of mitigation actions, and this should also be accounted for in policymaking," she said. ### The study was coauthored by Amanda Fay and Lucas Gloege of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Scientist contact: Galen McKinley mckinley@ldeo.columbia.edu More information: Kevin Krajick, Senior editor, science news, The Earth Institute kkrajick@ei.columbia.edu 212-854-9729 Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory is Columbia University's home for Earth science research. Its scientists develop fundamental knowledge about the origin, evolution and future of the natural world, from the planet's deepest interior to the outer reaches of its atmosphere, on every continent and in every ocean, providing a rational basis for the difficult choices facing humanity. http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu | @LamontEarth The Earth Institute, Columbia University mobilizes the sciences, education and public policy to achieve a sustainable earth. http://www.earth.columbia.edu. A Rathlin pensioner has threatened to go on hunger strike after claiming he was stopped from travelling to the mainland to buy food. Police were called over the dispute involving the island's ferry. Bertie Currie (76), who has lived on Rathlin from birth, was spoken to by police after he attempted to travel on the ferry to Ballycastle on Tuesday morning. He had also attempted to make the journey on Monday. The PSNI confirmed the incident, which was reported by the Causeway Coast Community news website. "One man was spoken to by officers and a file will be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service following the incident," the PSNI said. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph Mr Currie, who lives alone, described how he was spoken to by officers and he left the ferry, having been informed he had allegedly been causing an "obstruction". He claimed that with the current lockdown restrictions, living on Rathlin had become akin to being on Alcatraz, the infamous former island prison in San Francisco Bay. He said that he had been on the ferry because he was "completely out of food". He explained: "I said to the police: 'How do you expect me to get food?'. They said: 'Take a private boat'. "The only thing is that councils have the harbours officially closed." Mr Currie claimed the ferry has been operating for passengers on an emergency and essential travel only-basis. He said these restrictions were due to be lifted from Monday - albeit with reduced passenger numbers - only for them to be reinstated. He stressed that while he can buy food on the island, he wanted to visit a supermarket on the mainland. "I wouldn't die of hunger but I've got to make a protest. No matter what part of Britain you are in, you've been able to go to the shop, even at the very start (of the lockdown)," he said. "I've my own places for shopping. Now I'm thinking I'm going to have to do a hunger strike - I'll sit on the harbour. That is the last resort, but what else can I do?" He also insisted he wanted to be prosecuted, because he believed he did not do anything unlawful. "I want it to go to court... who has the authority to tell me that I can't leave the place I was born? I would not mind if it was law. I've been a law-abiding citizen for the last 70-odd years. "No country should operate under conditions like that." Mr Currie added that he is more than happy to adhere to social distancing and taking precautions. "I don't want the virus. I was sitting on the ferry with my gloves and mask on," he added. He fears he will have no choice but to protest the restrictions if nothing is "sorted". "I fear the nearest we could be is Alcatraz - I can't get off this island," he said. In response Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd confirmed normal services had been due to resume with reduced passenger numbers, but were subsequently kept to essential and emergency passenger journeys only. The company also referred queries to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), which provides funding for the ferry service. The DfI had not responded to a request for comment at the time of going to press. Check out the companies making headlines after the bell. Cloudera The software company's stock fell 11% in extended trading after Cloudera provided its first-quarter earnings. The company reported first-quarter earnings of 5 cents per share excluding some items on revenues of $210.5 million, while analysts polled by Refinitiv expected earnings of 0 cents per share on revenue of $204.6 million. Cloudera also issued weak revenue guidance for the second quarter, but strong earnings guidance for the second quarter and the rest of the fiscal year. The company said their outlook assumes the pandemic's "recessionary impact" will peak in Q2 and Q3. Cloudera's stock hit a 52-week high earlier on Wednesday. Fossil The fashion company fell 4% in extended trading after it announced first-quarter financial results. Fossil said it lost $1.69 per share on revenues of $390.7 million. Factset analysts estimated a $1.51 loss per share for the quarter and $381.3 million in revenue. To deal with setbacks stemming from the pandemic, the company said it has cut costs and "enhanced its financial position" by drawing down $100 million of its $275 million credit facility and eliminating the majority of its planned capital expenditures for 2020, among other measures. Fossil said it is not providing future financial guidance due to uncertainty stemming from the pandemic and said it expects the biggest sales impact to be in the second quarter. The company said it has started a phased reopening of its retail stores and expects to be completed by the end of June 2020. Coty Shares of the cosmetics company rose 4% after the closing bell. Coty is in discussion with Kim Kardashian West about a potential beauty product collaboration, according to an SEC filing. The company previously paid $600 million in 2019 for a majority stake in Kylie Cosmetics, which was founded by Kardashian's half-sister, Kylie Jenner. Costco The big-box retailer's stock climbed about 1% in extended trading after the company released sales results for the month of May. Costco said it had net sales of $12.55 billion in May, a 7.5% increase from last year, according to a company statement. The retailer previously saw a drop-off in sales in April as most Americans remained under stay-at-home orders, but had experienced huge surges in bulk-buying in March during the early stages of the pandemic. Boeing The plane manufacturer's stock lifted about 2% after the market closed. TUI Group, Europe's largest travel company, said Wednesday that it had reached a deal with Boeing over compensation for the grounding and delayed deliveries of the manufacturer's 737 Max planes. TUI, which has been struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic, said the compensation amount represented "a significant portion" of the financial impact resulting from the March 2019 grounding of the Max. Later Wednesday, Amazon announced that it leased 12 Boeing cargo planes to help with the surge in online orders from the pandemic. He and his family have had a strained relationship with Trump and have rejected his politics, though they have largely avoided directly criticising him. Bush ends his statement urging Americans to "choose the better way" forward. "There is a better way - the way of empathy, and shared commitment, and bold action, and a peace rooted in justice," Bush said. "I am confident that together, Americans will choose the better way." The full statement follows: "Laura and I are anguished by the brutal suffocation of George Floyd and disturbed by the injustice and fear that suffocate our country. Yet we have resisted the urge to speak out, because this is not the time for us to lecture. It is time for us to listen. It is time for America to examine our tragic failures - and as we do, we will also see some of our redeeming strengths. Loading "It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country. It is a strength when protesters, protected by responsible law enforcement, march for a better future." "This tragedy - in a long series of similar tragedies - raises a long overdue question: How do we end systemic racism in our society? The only way to see ourselves in a true light is to listen to the voices of so many who are hurting and grieving. " "Those who set out to silence those voices do not understand the meaning of America - or how it becomes a better place." "America's greatest challenge has long been to unite people of very different backgrounds into a single nation of justice and opportunity. The doctrine and habits of racial superiority, which once nearly split our country, still threaten our Union. "The answers to American problems are found by living up to American ideals - to the fundamental truth that all human beings are created equal and endowed by God with certain rights." Loading "We have often underestimated how radical that quest really is, and how our cherished principles challenge systems of intended or assumed injustice. The heroes of America - from Frederick Douglass, to Harriet Tubman, to Abraham Lincoln, to Martin Luther King, Jr. - are heroes of unity. " "Their calling has never been for the fainthearted. They often revealed the nation's disturbing bigotry and exploitation - stains on our character sometimes difficult for the American majority to examine. We can only see the reality of America's need by seeing it through the eyes of the threatened, oppressed, and disenfranchised. "That is exactly where we now stand." "Many doubt the justice of our country, and with good reason. Black people see the repeated violation of their rights without an urgent and adequate response from American institutions. We know that lasting justice will only come by peaceful means." "Looting is not liberation, and destruction is not progress. But we also know that lasting peace in our communities requires truly equal justice. The rule of law ultimately depends on the fairness and legitimacy of the legal system. And achieving justice for all is the duty of all. "This will require a consistent, courageous, and creative effort. We serve our neighbours best when we try to understand their experience." "We love our neighbours as ourselves when we treat them as equals, in both protection and compassion. There is a better way - the way of empathy, and shared commitment, and bold action, and a peace rooted in justice. I am confident that together, Americans will choose the better way." (CNN) The Nigerian government has lifted restrictions placed on religious gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic. The previous ban on religious and social gatherings was placed on Lagos, Nigeria's commercial center, Abuja, its capital city, and Ogun state by President Muhammadu Buhari in March. But during a televised briefing on Monday, the Chairman of Nigeria's Presidential Task Force, or PTF, on Covid-19, Boss Mustapha announced that mosques, churches, and hotels are now free to open with certain conditions. Worshippers must wear face masks, maintain social distancing and properly wash or sanitize their hands before joining their congregation. Hotels are also to maintain the same interventions and limit the capacity of guests they allow in. Restaurants, bars and other social gatherings are to remain closed. Also, schools are yet to be opened and interstate travel is still banned. With more than 10,500 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of June 2, the task force on Covid-19 says Nigeria is yet to reach the "peak" of the virus, citing higher cases in Europe and South America. All decisions made in relation to coronavirus response are based on the thorough assessment of PTF on Covid-19, according to Mustapha. Some of the recommendations made by the PTF to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as religious institutions and hotels open up include: managed access to markets and locations of economic activity to limit the risk of transmitting Covid-19, mandatory use of face masks and temperature checks in public places, and information campaigns on the dangers of the virus among others. 'Still a fight for life' Mustapha says despite easing restrictions, it is still important for Nigerians to observe all guidelines and stay safe to prevent the spread of the virus. "Covid-19 is still a fight for life," he said during the briefing. "Our advancement to phase two (of easing restrictions) does not mean that Covid-19 has ended as Nigeria has not reached the peak of confirmed cases." According to Mustapha, while making decisions to ease Covid-19 related restrictions, the task force took into consideration the advice of the World Health Organization on the need to improve case finding, testing, isolation and quarantining contacts, which the country is doing. Other African countries like Ghana, Madagascar and South Africa have also eased their coronavirus-related restrictions. In April, Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo lifted a three-week lockdown in two cities, Accra and Kumasi, citing the severe impact of restrictions on the poor and vulnerable in the West African nation. And in South Africa, alcohol is back on sale after a ban was imposed as part of measures to fight Covid-19. The alcohol ban was in place to allow the police and hospitals to better focus on tackling the virus. Still, the WHO has warned that as countries continue to ease coronavirus regulations, there is a need to remain vigilant and ramp up testing and surveillance measures to detect any spike in cases. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Nigeria reopens churches, mosques and hotels amid rising cases of Covid-19." Overuse of antibiotics to treat patients infected with the novel coronavirus will lead to more deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday. Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said a 'worrying number' of bacterial infections are becoming resistant to the medications commonly used to treat them. He said that he and his colleagues were concerned that inappropriately using antibiotics during the pandemic would only worsen the threat of resistance. 'The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased use of antibiotics, which ultimately will lead to higher bacterial resistance rates that will impact the burden of disease and deaths during the pandemic and beyond,' Tedros said during a press conference. The World Health Organization warned on Monday that using antibiotics to treat coronavirus will lead to higher bacterial resistance rates and, in turn, more deaths. Pictured: WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a press conference, February 28 New guidelines were issued asking doctors not to provide antibiotics as a treatment or a prophylactic for patients with mild to moderate illnesses if a bacterial infection is not suspected. Pictured: Nurse Paula Johnson administers a deep suction tube into the lungs of a COVID-19 patient, in the ICU of Roseland Community Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, April 22 Antibiotics have been doled out unnecessarily by physicians and hospital staff for decades, turning once harmless bacteria into superbugs. Bacteria can become drug resistant when people take incorrect doses of antibiotics or if they are given out unnecessarily. Superbugs cause 2.8 million infections and 35,000 deaths in the US every year, according to a 2019 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Estimates show that superbugs will kill 10 million people each year by 2050, with most succumbing to bugs that were previously deemed insignificant. The WHO has previously warned that if nothing is done, the world is heading for a 'post-antibiotic' era. 'It's clear that the world is losing its ability to use critically important antimicrobial medicines,' Tedros said on Monday. 'The threat of antimicrobial resistance is one of the most urgent challenges of our time.' The WHO said only a small number of patients with COVID-19 need antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections. Because of this, the UN health agency is issuing new guidelines, recommending that doctors not provide antibiotics as a treatment or a prophylactic for patients with mild to moderate illnesses without suspicion of a bacterial infection. Tedros said new models are need to combat the threat of antibiotic resistance. 'On the supply side, there is essentially very little market incentive to developing new antibiotics and antimicrobial agents, which has led to multiple market failures of very promising tools in the past few years,' he said. The WHO also released the results of a survey, which found that the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases had been disrupted since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in December. Approximately 53 percent of countries said treatment services for hypertension had been partially or completely disrupted. About 49 percent reported disruption for diabetes treatment and related complications, 42 percent for cancer treatment, and 31 percent for cardiovascular emergencies. Some of the most common reasons for little to no services included canceled planned treatment sessions and staff being reassigned to treat coronavirus patients. A two-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being shot alongside three other people in a terrifying attack in London last night. Two men in their late teens and the child's mother, in her late 20s, are in non life-threatening conditions following the shooting in Harlesden, Brent, at 9.45pm. The child was rushed to a central London hospital where police said he was in a serious but stable condition. The Met said a lone man wielding a handgun approached the group in the street and fired 'multiple shots' at the two teenage men and into a nearby car. But the gunman hit the mother and the child, who had been in the vehicle, and fled on a motorbike. Police confirmed that nobody has yet been arrested in connection with the horror shooting. Two men in their late teens and the child's mother, in her late 20s, are in non life-threatening conditions following the shooting in Harlesden, Brent, at 9.45pm. Pictured: Police on the scene today The child was rushed to a central London hospital where police said he was in a serious but stable condition (pictured, the scene today) Horrified residents said they saw the child 'unconscious' before being wrapped in a blanket and taken to an ambulance. Valerie Miller who lives yards from the scene, said: '[The child] was wrapped in a silver insulating blanket and appeared to be unconscious. It was very disturbing and quite unsettling.' Ms Miller, 63, added: 'I saw another victim. He looked like he was a young man and appeared unconscious too. There was a third adult victim, but they were conscious.' Another neighbour, Nina Moran, said she heard screams and crowds gathering at the scene while she was at home alone with her young son. The 34-year-old said: 'I just heard people screaming and saying a kid around three years old had been shot. Everyone was saying just ring an ambulance. 'My neighbour went out to help one of the men who was shot. She told me that the bullet had gone through his shoulder and she was pressing the wound to stop the blood flowing.' The Met said a lone man wielding a handgun approached the group in the street (pictured today) and fired 'multiple shots' at the two teenage men and into a nearby car Police confirmed that nobody has yet been arrested in connection with the horror shooting A school teacher who lives opposite the scene said she saw a man running from the scene before fleeing on a moped. The woman, called Yvonne, 55, said: 'I heard four or five gunshots and looked out of the window. She said: 'I then saw a person dressed in black with a motorcycle helmet on running from houses on Energen Close where the shooting happened. 'I can only assume the person running from the house had fired the shots and then fled. 'They jumped on the back of a scooter driven by another person. I could not see their faces because of the helmets. 'But they were both dressed in black. I couldn't see whether the man running from the flats had a gun.' There was a heavy police presence on Thursday morning after the shocking incident last night Another man and a woman are in non life-threatening conditions following the gun attack in Harlesden, Brent, at 9.45pm Yvonne remained at the scene from where she said she saw the child being taken into an ambulance. She added: 'I saw it with my own eyes. He was a baby boy, aged about one and a half. 'I'm sure he was a boy. He was wrapped in a silver-coloured blanket. I know the family involved, but don't want to give any further information.' Detective Chief Inspector Rick Sewart of the Met's Specialist Crime Command said: 'As result of this terrible crime an innocent two-year-old-boy is now seriously ill in hospital. 'This child was shot in a wanton act of indiscriminate violence. I know that people will be shocked and horrified that a little boy should be the victim of a gunman and I need the community to show their support for him, and his family, by telling police what they know. 'Anyone giving information will be fully supported and if you don't want to give your name you can call Crimestoppers, which is totally anonymous. 'But however you want to do it, make that call, and anyone who is doubtful should think of that little boy and his family's anguish.' Police confirmed that nobody has yet been arrested in connection with the horror shooting Forensic officers were checking a white car at the scene, which had its windows smashed North West Borough Commander Roy Smith added: 'This violent incident in itself is shocking but even more abhorrent is the fact that one of the victims is a young child. 'We are doing all that we can to bring these criminals to justice and I am working closely with the senior investigating officer from the Met's Trident Command who is leading the investigation. 'The Trident team are being supported by specialist detectives from across the Met along with officers from the North West Command Unit. 'We want to hear from anyone who might have any information which could help the investigation no matter how insignificant they feel it is. 'As a child is battling for their life I urge everyone in the local community to support us by coming forward with any information that will help us make arrests. 'I am making sure that we have extra officers on the borough, right now and in the coming weeks. This includes offices from the Violent Crime Task Force and the Met's Specialist Firearm Command. 'I know that residents will be worried about their safety and the safety of their families. 'This is my primary concern and local officers will be conducting additional patrols to provide support and a visible reassurance. 'I also know that to tackle violence we need to work together I have been in touch with community leaders today and we will continue to listen and respond to concerns raised by local residents.' I do not believe Black Lives Matter. Rather, I believe All Lives Matter. And using the latter over the former, I am mad too. The rioting that is taking place all over America is against the law. It restricts my freedoms, bridles my trusts, is contrary to my beliefs, and if it still matters is blatantly unconstitutional. That the President of the United States has no choice but to call out our military to restore peace real peace to our country is just as appalling to me as a rioter screaming inches from a police officers face, with an eye-to-eye glare daring our peace-keeper to do something about it so a nearby camera can take a picture, and that The Legion of the Miserable will whisk to the nearest television station for a top-of-the-news broadcast. You bet your biffy I am mad. Im tired of the tag wagging the dog. I want anyone black or white, male or female, put in jail if they make the individual decision to break the law. I want anyone who flaunts freedom, as well as the other bandits who break-and-enter, commit robbery, destroy public and private property to pay stiff fines, serve sentences, and be demanded to pay restitution to anyone whose their selfish actions have hurt. Just as importantly, I want freedom to be restored to those in America by the same agenda-driven politicians who have allowed our worst riffraff to wreck The Great American Dream. My God, how much more are the 95 percent of law-abiding American citizens black, white, male, female, adults, children going to be forced to endure? What has happened in the past 10 days is rank insanity. We have Hillary Clinton chiding President Trump for some photo op at a vandalized church, accusing him of deliberately scattering protesters with tear gas who were in his way. Were having to use tear gas in darn near every state and Hillary blames it on a photo op? Please woman, sit down. Instead the egg-headed Dems ought to face reality and ask instead, Why did that church parish burn? and Who did this? On the front of the Metro page in Tuesdays local paper is a picture of some Picasso who is writing the words, America Never Was Great on a Confederate statue on our courthouse lawn. Nowhere in the article was the obvious mentioned: the guy is defacing public property in such an overt display of his misguided rights it is nauseating. Find the guy, shackle him, book him for a misdemeanor and serve him a no-nonsense fine. Then, one of our honorable judges and they are every bit as miffed as I am should direct Picasso with a bucket of soap and water to his defaced handiwork and tell the bum: Have at it Thats completely fair. Why should the taxpayers, which includes all the rest and best of us, foot the bill for the bashed courthouse fountain and other vandalism? I dont know anybody who loves our city and its people who agrees with his limp, America Never Was Great, or wants to read it, or agrees that the you-and-mes in America should foot the bill for his lawless actions. In other words, who represents the great majority of us right now in Hamilton County? Nowhere in the article does it acknowledge the crime. The article also identified protesters for the vandalism, which is totally incorrect. They are vandals, heretofore punishable in any other day, month, or year in Chattanoogas history. Protesters are legal and welcome. Criminals of any degree are not. Who dared to change our nations most basic rules? When? It never happened, then apply the letter of the law to everyone who deserves it. Believe if you will that this week the loathsome get a free pass, or you do something to stop it. Our states General Assembly should enact emergency legislation that would protect, safeguard, restore full credibility, and appropriate power to every law man or women in this state. I have first-hand knowledge from the wife of a Chattanooga police officer who kisses him goodbye at the door in the early dawn, fully knowing he is going to be defiled and verbally abused by the worst slime in this city. His strict orders are to stand down. Thats every day. But today theres a bigger terror in the wifes heart now she doesnt know if he is coming back or not at the end of the day. Stop imagine the overwhelming significance of that. All it takes is one lunatic, this at a fragile time for mental health in a pandemic. On Tuesday four uniformed police officers in St. Louis were shot by guns from a riots crowd. A Las Vegas officer was shot in the head by other protesters. You say it will never happen in Chattanooga? At 11:30 Monday night alert Chattanooga officers challenged and then apprehended Trevan Young, 29, of the Laurel Ridge Apartments, 4715 Bonny Oaks Dr., as he joined protesters at downtowns Miller Park. In Trevors backpack was an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, and three full ammo clips (magazines). Yet all of the the good guys sit and say nothing. I dont get it. A police protection bill should include a mutual respect clause; if the protester respects an officer, the officer will respect protester. But if you riot, and destroy property, and further incite pandemonium, it will no longer be disturbing the peace with a slap on the wrist. No, we need to put teeth into it where Picasso and his beer swills will know its back to crime doesnt pay and we could give a rats tail who your daddy or minister might be. What happened to George Floyd, the Minnesota victim who was allegedly (a legal word) murdered in clear sight, was America at its worst. We all agree on that. What is happening in New York, Chicago, and every other city goes right into the same bucket. Billions of dollars in damages, small businesses many owned by minorities destroyed beyond repair, tears of anger and frustration by the tanker truck, and no one anywhere can show me the win on any scorecard. A national political commentator, grave-faced, tell us to get ready for a long hot summer. Why do that, give in to people who want to ruin our nation? No sir-ree. Come down with a lead fist and a hob-nailed boot and if it takes a Marine Division halt this embarrassing travesty promptly, quickly, and finally. The liberal elite gasp, You are going to send American troops to protesters? No, absolutely not. Im for sending troops in right now for only the criminals. When the city, county and state police are ordered to stand down because some jerk who got elected during easy times cant seem to find his avowed pledge during hard times, the thugs and punks and other assorted vermin will bury our country when law-and-order is compromised. Thats exactly what is happening. Im mad. Who do I see about it? * * * HOW YOU CAN PROTEST, LEGALLY, AND FREELY Get an envelope, stamp, and piece of paper. Then write a hand-written note no emails -- of your contempt and your solution to: * -- The Honorable Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee, State Capitol, 1st Floor, 600 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Blvd., Nashville, TN 37243 * -- State Legislators from Hamilton County: (use the Find My Legislator tool on the General Assemblys website at capitol.tn.gov. It will give you the correct mailing address) * -- Jim Coppinger, Mayor of Hamilton County, 208 Courthouse, 625 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37402 * -- Sabrena Smedley, Chair, Hamilton County Commission, County Commission office, 401 Courthouse, 625 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37402 * -- Andy Berke, Mayor of Chattanooga, Mayor's Office, 101 E. 11th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 * -- Chip Henderson, Chair, Chattanooga City Council, City Council office, 1000 Lindsay Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 * -- Jim Hammond, Sheriff of Hamilton County, 600 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 * -- David Roddy, Chief, Chattanooga Police Dept., 3410 Amnicola Hwy., Chattanooga, TN 37406 * * * THE BEST OF THE DAY BY FAR Jacob Frey, the mayor of strife-torn Minneapolis where many millions of dollars in damages have occurred since the shocking video of George Floyds murder surfaced last week and a week of continuous carnage has been done, has just issued this press release: The city encourages everyone to exercise caution and stay safe while participating in demonstrations, including wearing masks and physical distancing as much as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The city has made hundreds of masks available to protect the protesters this week. There. Now you know. royexum@aol.com It was 3 a.m. Tuesday before the Rev. Virginia Gerbasi was finally able to fall asleep. Every time she started to drift off, she began thinking again of the church and the protesters and the volley of flash bombs and pellets and gas that sent them all running for cover. But what kept her awake was the anger she felt and the disbelief about what happened. Gerbasi went on Monday to St. John's Episcopal Church, near Lafayette Square across from the White House, to pass out water and snacks to demonstrators who had gathered to protest the death of George Floyd. She was there, she wrote later on her Facebook page, to help make the patio of the church "a place of respite and peace." A little after 6 p.m., it became anything but. In her post, Gerbasi, who is the assistant rector at St. John's Episcopal Church in Georgetown, described a peaceful day that erupted in mayhem and terror as federal law enforcement officers sprayed chemical irritants and shot pellets at nonviolent demonstrators before President Donald Trump walked to the front of the church and held up a Bible in front of cameras. "Around 6:15 or 6:30, the police started really pushing protestors off of H Street . . . the street between the church and Lafayette Park, and ultimately, the White House," Gerbasi wrote. "They started using tear gas and folks were running at us for eyewashes or water or wet paper towels. At this point, Julia, one of our seminarians for next year (who is a trauma nurse) and I looked at each other in disbelief. I was coughing, her eyes were watering, and we were trying to help people as the police - in full riot gear - drove people toward us." Gerbasi, who once served as vice-rector at St. John's in Lafayette Square, was stunned by the police aggression and how quickly it escalated. She and others including clergy members and volunteer medics from Black Lives Matter were soon overrun. "Around 6:30, there was more tear gas, more concussion grenades, and I think I saw someone hit by a rubber bullet - he was grasping his stomach and there was a mark on his shirt," Gerbasi wrote in the post, which had been shared more than 125,000 times on Facebook by early Tuesday afternoon. "The police in their riot gear were literally walking onto the St. John's, Lafayette Square patio with these metal shields, pushing people off the patio and driving them back. People were running at us as the police advanced toward us from the other side of the patio." After being driven from the church by police using stun grenades and chemical irritants, Gerbasi, 56, made her way to her car on K Street. There she began receiving texts from people saying the president was standing in front of the church holding a Bible and having his photo taken. The White House later issued a short video of the president's walk past a phalanx of officers in tactical gear and through the park to the church. "I literally COULD NOT believe it," Gerbasi wrote. "WE WERE DRIVEN OFF OF THE PATIO AT ST. JOHN'S - a place of peace and respite and medical care throughout the day - SO THAT MAN COULD HAVE A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH!!! PEOPLE WERE HURT SO THAT HE COULD POSE IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH WITH A BIBLE! HE WOULD HAVE HAD TO STEP OVER THE MEDICAL SUPPLIES WE LEFT BEHIND BECAUSE WE WERE BEING TEAR GASSED!!!!" The outrage of her first-person account of the attack on the clergy and peaceful protesters struck a chord with tens of thousands of readers, Gerbasi said in an interview Tuesday afternoon, because it "tapped into something that was so universally offensive. That church people got driven off of church grounds by riot police for a photo op for the president in front of a church holding a Bible is offensive to the core." In her account, Gerbasi, who is married and has two grown sons, wrote that the crowd had been peaceful all day and had not thrown anything at the police until after they began deploying flash bangs and chemical irritants. The incident, she wrote, was deeply troubling. "I am DEEPLY OFFENDED on behalf of every protestor, every Christian, the people of St. John's, Lafayette square, every decent person there, and the BLM medics who stayed with just a single box of supplies and a backpack, even when I got too scared and had to leave. I am ok. But I am now a force to be reckoned with." On Tuesday, however, federal officials offered conflicting reasons for the forcible removal of the protesters, seeking to separate the move from Trump's visit to the church. The White House asserted Tuesday that the crowd was dispersed to help enforce the city's 7 p.m. curfew. Meanwhile, two federal law enforcement officials said the decision had been made late Sunday night or early Monday morning to extend the perimeter around Lafayette Square by one block. On Tuesday, Gerbasi said most of the responses to her post have been positive. Young adult parishioners at her church have asked how they can join the protests or support its goals. "It almost makes me cry thinking about that," she said. But there have been threats and hateful messages as well. She said she has learned to expect those. They will not deter her however. Gerbasi said she plans to continue showing up at the St. John's Church in Lafayette Square and supporting the protesters. "I know that I'm standing on firm ground. I'll be out there every day," she said. "That's my life now. How can it not be my life now? People were unbelievably harmed for this. People were terrified. People dropped to the ground thinking they were being shot at for this. Maybe God has called me to this whole wacky world of being a priest for just such a time as this." She has also thought about what message she would like Trump to receive. "I would say I ache for him to live his life according to that book that he held up in front of the church. I ache for him to live his life that way than rather literally use it as a photo op or a prop," she said. "The stories in that book are about finding ways to love your neighbor. And your neighbor is everyone, and we are all made in the image of God. And you don't charge at innocent people and fire tear gas at them and rubber bullets when you're living a life based on being grounded in wholeness and reconciliation and love and kindness and care for the least. I ache for him to live that life." There's no shortage of excellent antiracist reading lists that have circulated in recent days as the nation has been convulsed by mass demonstrations and protests against police brutality following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis. We are going to add our own to the mix, with recommendations by PW editors for recent nonfiction books about some of the many issues at play, whether that's police brutality, institutional racism, activism, or what it's like to be black in America today. This is, of course, a far from complete accounting of the many worthy books on these topics. We'd love to hear what you'd recommend in the comments. Lists for antiracist children's books, comics and graphic novels, and fiction books are forthcoming. Being Black in America Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (Random/Spiegel & Grau) "As a meditation on race in America, haunted by the bodies of black men, women, and children, Coates's compelling, indeed stunning, work is rare in its power to make you want to slow down and read every word." Negroland: A Memoir by Margo Jefferson (Pantheon) "Perceptive, specific, and powerful, Jefferson's work balances themes of race, class, entitlement, and privilege with her own social and cultural awakening." No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black & Free in America by Darnell L. Moore (Nation) "Moores well-crafted book is a stunning tribute to affirmation, forgiveness, and healingand serves as an invigorating emotional tonic." On the Other Side of Freedom: The Case for Hope by DeRay Mckesson (Viking) "[A]ctivist and podcaster Mckesson reflects on what hes learned from protest, family upheaval, racial inequality, homophobia, community organizing, abuse, and love." What Doesnt Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in Essays by Damon Young (Ecco) Young uses pop culture references and personal stories to look at a life molded by structural racism, the joy of having a family that holds together in a crisis, and the thrill of succeeding against difficult odds. Civil Rights Activism A More Beautiful and Terrible History: The Uses and Misuses of Civil Rights History by Jeanne Theoharis (Beacon) "Theohariss lucid and insightful study ...[offers] a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the civil rights movements legacy, and [shows] how much remains to be done." How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi (One World) "Kendi follows his National Book Awardwinning Stamped from the Beginning with a boldly articulated, historically informed explanation of what exactly racist ideas and thinking are, and what their antiracist antithesis looks like both systemically and at the level of individual action." They Cant Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in Americas Racial Justice Movement by Wesley Lowery (Little, Brown) "Digging beneath the news headlines of police killings and protests, Lowerys timely work gives texture and context to a new era of African-American activism." When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele (St. Martin's) "This is an eye-opening and eloquent coming-of-age story from one of the leaders in the new generation of social activists." Institutional Racism and Police Brutality The Black and the Blue: A Cop Reveals the Crimes, Racism, and Injustice in Americas Law Enforcement by Matthew Horace and Ron Harris (Hachette) "Horace, a former agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and a CNN analyst, explores the 'implicit bias' and overt racism that makes black people the targets of profiling, harassment, beatings, and unjustified gunfire from cops." Blood at the Root: A Racial Cleansing in America by Patrick Phillips (Norton) "This is a gripping, timely, and important examination of American racism, and Phillips tells it with rare clarity and power." The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein (Liveright) "Rothsteins comprehensive and engrossing book reveals just how the U.S. arrived at the 'systematic racial segregation we find in metropolitan areas today,' focusing in particular on the role of government." Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights by Gretchen Sorin (Liveright) "Lucidly written and generously illustrated with photos and artifacts, this rigorous and entertaining history deserves a wide readership." Five Days: The Fiery Reckoning of an American City by Wes Moore, with Erica L. Green (One World) "Moore provides important context in the history of Baltimores racial and income inequality and the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Readers will be enthralled by this propulsive account." Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson (Random/Spiegel & Grau) Stevenson, a professor of law at New York University and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal firm providing services for the wrongly condemned, describes in his memoir how he got the call to represent this largely neglected clientele in our justice system. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander (New Press) "Legal scholar Alexander argues vigorously and persuasively that '[w]e have not ended racial caste in America; we have merely redesigned it.' Open Season: The Legalized Genocide of Colored People by Ben Crump (Amistad) "Civil rights attorney Crump, who has represented the families of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, delivers a forceful debut expose of Americas 'legalized system of discrimination.' White Fragility: Why Its So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin Diangelo (Beacon) This slim book is impressive in its scope and complexity; Diangelo provides a powerful lens for examining, and practical tools for grappling with, racism today. (Bloomberg) -- Snap Inc. is no longer promoting U.S. President Donald Trumps content in the news section of its Snapchat app, citing his posts on Twitter that threatened violence against protesters. The move prompted a sharp rebuke from Trumps re-election campaign. We will not amplify voices who incite racial violence and injustice by giving them free promotion on Discover, Snap said Wednesday in a statement. Racial violence and injustice have no place in our society and we stand together with all who seek peace, love, equality, and justice in America. Trumps Snapchat account remains publicly available, but the decision will affect his reach on the platform. While the president has 1.5 million followers, he received the most attention when Snapchat would display his posts in the Discover section, potentially reaching hundreds of millions of people who use the social-networking app. Snapchat will be particularly important for reaching young and first-time voters ahead of the 2020 election, with schools and other gathering places potentially closed. Snapchat is trying to rig the 2020 election, campaign manager Brad Parscale said in a statement. Snapchat hates that so many of their users watch the Presidents content and so they are actively engaging in voter suppression. If youre a conservative, they do not want to hear from you, they do not want you to vote. They view you as a deplorable and they do not want you to exist on their platform. Snap shares fell as much as 4.3% on Wednesday. Trump recently posted messages on Twitter and Facebook that included the phrase when the looting starts, the shooting starts, in response to protests over the police killing of George Floyd. That prompted tech companies to weigh if the president broke their rules about inciting violence. It has also sparked a heated debate about how social media rules should be applied to world leaders versus regular users. Twitter Inc. put a warning label on Trumps post, while Facebook Inc. did nothing, standing by its decision even after employees protested publicly. Story continues Snaps move was based on another Trump tweet from May 30 in which he warned that if protesters came close to breaching the White House fence they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs and ominous weapons. The president frequently reposts his tweets to Snapchat, though the warning about the dogs was not reposted. Snap decided that, unlike Twitter and Facebook, its not attempting to be a neutral town square. The Discover page uses a mix of manual and algorithmic curation, while Twitter and Facebook rely on automation based on data about viral sharing and other measures of popularity. Snaps decision was reported earlier by the New York Times. (Updates with Trump campaign comment in fourth 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. Intravacc and EpiVax Team up in Development of COVID-19 Emerging Vaccine Details Category: Vaccines Published on Wednesday, 03 June 2020 09:33 Hits: 1481 - Combines Intravacc's unique OMV delivery platform with synthetically produced COVID-19 epitopes from EpiVax' immunoinformatics toolbox - Goal is to generate safe and effective adaptive immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses - Clinical studies anticipated to start in Q4 2020 BILTHOVEN, The Netherlands and PROVIDENCE, RI, USA I June 2, 2020 I Intravacc, one of the world's leading translational research and development vaccine institutes, with an extensive track record in developing viral and bacterial vaccines, and EpiVax, a biotechnology company based in Providence with expertise in developing vaccines and therapeutics, announce that they have entered into a collaboration agreement to further progress an novel vaccine against COVID-19, based on Intravacc's proprietary Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMV) technology platform. For this joint research project, Intravacc will combine its safe and immunogenic OMV delivery platform with synthetically produced COVID-19 epitopes (protein allergens), designed and optimized by EpiVax using advanced immunoinformatics tools, in order to generate a safe and highly effective T-cell response against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses. Pre-clinical studies will start immediately so as to select the best candidate peptides for the vaccine. Intravacc will utilize its in-house pilot-scale facility for the GMP production of the OMV-peptide vaccine, for clinical (phase I) studies expecting to start in Q4 2020. Annie De Groot, MD, CEO and CSO of EpiVax, said: "We are thrilled to enter into a partnership with Intravacc using their very novel 'click-on' OMV technology and the highly immunogenic and safe SARS-CoV-2 multi-epitope-bearing peptides designed using the iVAX toolkit at EpiVax. We believe that the combination of technologies and the strength of our longstanding collaboration with Intravacc will lead to the development of an effective and safe vaccine that could rapidly benefit hundreds of millions of people around the globe." Dr. Jan Groen, CEO of Intravacc, stated: "A COVID-19 vaccine based on this approach is expected to be very safe and to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates associated with COVID-19. The vaccine is expected to lower the risk that individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 will require hospitalization and/or intensive care. It also expected to induce long-term memory responses to prevent COVID-19 disease and infection from other beta-corona viruses. We expect that leveraging Intravacc's unique vaccine development expertise, broad-based network and successful track record in global technology transfer to vaccine manufacturers will bring success". About Intravacc's OMV platform technology For the development of vaccines against pathogens, Intravacc has designed and developed a platform based on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) spherical particles with intrinsic adjuvating properties. Using genetic engineering, the OMVs can be decorated with immunogenic peptides that combine T- cell epitopes that will drive effective adaptive immunity. Heterologous OMV vaccines are a suitable alternative approach to protect against pathogens that require a high level of containment, that are difficult to cultivate, or that contain viral and/or parasitic proteins. The antigens of choice are attached to the 'empty' OMV carrier resulting in a more effective immune response. Intravacc also has developed genetic tools to increase the yield of OMVs, to reduce toxicity, and to achieve the desired antigenic composition. Intravacc's OMV platform is fully scalable and allows for fast and efficient modification of antigen composition, either via genetic modification of the bacterial host or by associating antigens to stockpiled carrier OMVs. About Intravacc The Netherlands-based Intravacc is one of the world's leading institutes for translational vaccinology. As an established independent R&D organization with over 100 years' experience in the development and optimization of vaccines and vaccine technologies, Intravacc has transferred its technology all over the globe, including oral polio vaccines, measles vaccines, and DPT, Hib and influenza vaccines. Intravacc offers a wide range of expertise to independently develop vaccines from lead concept to clinical phase I/II studies for partners worldwide such as academia, public health organizations (WHO, BMGF), and biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Intravacc also has its own proprietary vaccine platform. Intravacc has established state-of-the-art research and production (GMP) facilities. Its aim is to substantially reduce development risks and costs of new vaccines in order to contribute to global health and equity in access to vaccines worldwide. About EpiVax EpiVax is a 22-year old privately-held biotechnology company located in Providence, RI, with a broad portfolio of projects including vaccines and immunotherapies for infectious diseases, autoimmunity and cancer. Scientists at EpiVax, led by co-founders Annie De Groot, MD and Bill Martin, have a strong history of developing and applying innovative approaches to improving vaccines and biologics, making the former more immunogenic and the latter less immunogenic using their advanced immunoinformatic tools. The ISPRI and iVAX toolkits for therapeutics and vaccines are used by a global roster of companies. Visit www.epivax.com for more information. Contact info: Intravacc, Dr. Jan Groen, CEO, T: +31 30 7920 454. Mirjam Hartman, Media relations, T: +31 6 115 969 94, E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . EpiVax, Inc., Annie De Groot, MD, CEO/CSO, T: +1 401-272-2123, E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . SOURCE: Intravacc The Minister for Health spent more than two hours in the Dail chamber last Wednesday, despite stating advice that it was unsafe to do so. Simon Harris said on May 21, that TDs cannot spend any longer than two hours in the chamber, on public health advice specific to the Oireachtas as a workplace. Minister Harris withdrew from a second session of Dail questions the same day, based on the advice from Professor Martin Cormican of University Hospital Galway, and hours ahead of the first sitting of the special Dail committee on Covid-19, which he also did not attend. On Wednesday, May 27, Mr Harris can be seen on video entering the Dail chamber for a vote on the order of business, sitting down and speaking to the Taoiseach for approximately, 10 minutes and 33 seconds, and was still present in the chamber when the video is suspended. Later on the same day, taking questions on Covid19, Mr Harris is present in the chamber for another two hours and six minutes and is still present when the video is suspended. A total of over two hours, 16 minutes. Mr Harris did not avail of another invitation to the Covid Committee yesterday, but said that it was a "ropey interpretation" that he was invited, as he wasn't "formally invited". The advice Mr Harris' cited, notes that if a person develops Covid-19, anyone who had spent a cumulative period of two hours or more during a 24-hour period in an enclosed space with that person must self isolate for 14 days, which would, in Mr Harris' case, include a number of TDs. The same day, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar left a question and answers session in the chamber and continued his proceedings through a video link from a committee room after the session passed the two-hour limit. The day after Mr Harris submitted the advice to the Dail, the deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said: To be absolutely categorical, there is no bar on any meeting lasting greater than two hours. He added that meetings lasting more than two hours presented additional risks, but that did not mean they were banned, highlighting that all steps out of lockdown came with risks that employers needed to balance with benefits. It has emerged Mr Harris went into self-isolation for a number of days last week fearing he had contracted Covid-19. Test results confirmed Mr Harris did not have the virus and has since returned to work. Labour leader Alan Kelly says the advice is a "red herring" being used to avoid accountability. "There is no public health advice that stipulates TDs should only stay in the chamber two out of every 24 hours. Professor Cormican made this clear in his follow up advice," he said. "So why has Minister Harris and the Government used this red herring to avoid coming into the Dail? At the end of the day, ministers must be accountable. "Minister Harris must practice what he preaches. "If he was that concerned about potentially becoming a possible close contact he would not have stayed in the chamber for well beyond his own self imposed two-hour limit. It makes a mockery of his argument and is not very respectful to the Dail." The Dail Business Committee has considered a proposal that the current practice of applying a two-hour limit for debates be discontinued and will consult with their parties before considering the matter again on June 9. Advertisement The consensus around the world is that the lessons from the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) would provoke commonsense among Nigerian leaders to harness the full potential of their local economy, but this dream may never come close, if President Muhammadu Buhari does not lead by example. A defining theme of my foray into the 2019 presidential race is that Nigerias problem is not as complex as commonly imagined. For the problem is neither the lack of natural resources nor human resources. It certainly has nothing to do with good visions or the enabling policies. The Nigerian endemic problem is squarely the failure to influence the efficient implementation of the policies towards the greater good. It is not surprising, therefore, that amid the COVID-19 pandemic, President Buhari demonstrated visionary leadership by declaring that Nigeria will henceforth promote and patronize made-in-Nigeria products over foreign goods. Buharis vision is laudable and mirrors the case of Asian countries, particularly China and India, which for several decades banned a good number of foreign products to enable their local industries to thrive. Today, both Asian nations have become economic envy of the world. Advertisement Interestingly, not long after the made-in-Nigeria policy went public, instead of patronizing Innoson Motors, the sole local auto manufacturing outfit, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) hurriedly approved a whopping sum of N683, 613 million for purchase of 19 Made-In-Japan Toyota vehicles for the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA). According to the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, the justification for the abrupt breach of the policy is that the need for the foreign vehicles predated the COVID-19 pandemic. As if her logic lacks in folly, the Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi, followed that the approval became necessary, because its the first time in four years that NPA was buying any vehicle. The simple takeaway from both Ahmed and Amaechi is that Nigerian leaders embrace lunacy as legacy. This goes without saying that the rationale behind the choice of the foreign vehicles over local brands has nothing to do with the common good. Instead, it has everything to do with the manic competition for financial profligacy among the different arms of the Nigerian government. The decision by the Executive arm of government is merely to outdo the wastefulness synonymous with the Nigerian Legislature. The NPA squander dittoed the Senate, which not long ago rejected Innoson only to launder over N5 billion for Toyota brands. The House of Representatives would also double down to sink another N5 billion into Toyota Camry saloon cars in place of moderately priced Innoson jeeps that are specially designed and tested for the Nigerian roads. This pattern of lavishness by public officials, particularly under the prevailing COVID-19 crisis, is plain cold-blooded. It is impunity going too far. But President Muhammadu Buhari must own full blame. Though his call to patronize local products is commendable, he is neither able to influence his appointees to implement the policy nor able to lead by example himself. Rather than demonstrate patriotism, by proudly using the Made-in-Nigeria goods that he preaches, Buhari appears to be emulating the ostentatious style of the regime before him. Mister Buhari should quickly revert to the tenets of his 2016 Change Begins With Me slogan. The core principle demands that he declares Innoson as the official brand for all government agencies, beginning with the Presidency. If a General Buhari, as a military head of state, could endear himself to the Nigerian people over 30 years ago, by embracing jagged foreign Peugeotthen assembled in Nigeriaas a badge of honor, it is only patriotic for him to replicate such gesture for wholly made-in-Nigeria vehicles. It is worth mentioning, however, that the Innoson Motors is on record to have stated that the company has seen more patronage from the Buhari government than the one before it. That is commendable, at base. But the mediocrity of the previous regime can never be substituted as a gold standard for success. President Buhari is a man widely known as ascetic and who assumed power on the mantra of revolutionary change. He should, therefore, embolden his change vision, as well as the authenticity of his policy on local goods, so that others can follow. The message, if it is not already explicit, is that the Nigerian president should, without further delay, replace his official car, a German-made Mercedes Benz, with a Nigerian-made Innoson brand. The COVID-19 pandemic has combined to plunge Nigeria into an economic miasma and true change has become inevitable. The leaders can no longer afford to carry on business as usual. In short, besides leading by example, it has become imperative for President Buhari to remind public officials that the country risks a serious mass revolt, if they continue to swim in ocean of affluence while submerging the masses deeper and deeper into abject poverty and despair. SKC Ogbonnia, a 2019 APC Presidential Aspirant, writes from Ugbo, Awgu, Enugu State. Twitter: @SKCOgbonnia UMass Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins said the world can learn to live with COVID-19, but the respiratory illness thats caused more than 7,000 deaths in Massachusetts is not going away any time soon. Collins said that community spread of the virus continues to decrease. It means that social distancing is working, mask-wearing is working but I would also say that I think were a long way from this being behind us," Collins said Wednesday morning during a virtual health care discussion held by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. Collins gave an update on whats been happening at the medical school amid the crisis while also cautioning people to not develop complacency about COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. He said its quite likely that the virus will replicate in the fall. The virus is going to be here. Its not going away, Collins said, noting that the virus needs people. It wants us to do things that are intemperate. It wants us to lose our patience and take off the mask. It wants us to go and be in big crowds of thousands of people. It wants us not to socially distance on the weekend. And if we do those things the virus will replicate and we will be the host and it will be happy, Collins said. Or, we can do all the things that public health experts have told us, socially distance, wear the mask, good hand hygiene, avoid large crowds, and if we do that well be in a much better position." UMass Medical plans to welcome students back on Aug. 3, Collins said, and has classrooms mapped out so students can learn at a distance. UMass will welcome 162 first-year medical students, Collins said. We know we need more doctors and nurses so we think its essential that we bring these folks back and not wait, Collins said. For other colleges with large, bustling campuses, there will likely be a challenge to find enough room for learning at a physical distance, Collins said. Last week, UMass Medical brought 2,200 employees back to work, Collins said. Everyone was tested before coming back, with only six testing positive. Employees now answer health questions through a self-monitoring app before coming to work. The campus has a universal masking policy and there is room to socially distance, Collins said. The routine is starting to settle in for employees and labs are back up and running, the chancellor said. UMass Medical did put about 100 employees on furlough during the pandemic, Collins said. Those furloughed included employees who would have worked on events like commencement or dinners, which did not happen this spring. Financially, Collins said he believes the medical school will end up having an OK year. Scientists at UMass Medical School have been working at trying to find a way to turn off the virus once it gets into a patients lungs. Collins said the UMass site was the seventh in the world to enroll in the remdesivir trial. Other research is ongoing. Collins said he hopes the construction of a new $325 million education and research building could be a part of the resurgence of the economy in Worcester. The construction will bring hundreds of workers to campus, the chancellor said. Collins took a moment to recognize a change in the country, as protests across the nation, and locally, have taken place to condemn the killings of black men at the hands of police officers. The protests have been sparked by the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, in Minneapolis. Video captured police officer Derek Chauvin with his knee against Floyds neck. Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. I think all of us need to be mindful of the very challenging times facing our nation," Collins said. The best way Ive heard it put this week is that people are saying its terrible that George Floyd died but weve got to stop this rioting. I think we need to change the phrase. I think it needs to be its terrible theres all this rioting going on, but weve got to stop the killing of African American men." Collins added that he was proud to see that protests in Worcester have raised voices without violence. Related Content: New moderate income housing program could be on the way to Long Beach British medical journal the Lancet on Tuesday said it had concerns about data behind an influential article that found hydroxychloroquine increased the risk of death in Covid-19 patients, a conclusion that undercut scientific interest in the medicine championed by US President Donald Trump. Hydroxychloroquine - which has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties - inhibited the coronavirus in laboratory experiments but has not been proven effective in humans, particularly in placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials considered the gold standard for data. The debate has become highly politicized, and many scientists have voiced concern. Nearly 150 doctors signed an open letter to the Lancet last week calling the article's conclusions into question and asking to make public the peer review comments that preceded publication. "This is not some sideshow or minor issue," said Dr. Walid Gellad, a professor at University of Pittsburgh's medical school, who was not a signatory of the letter but has been critical of the study. "We're in an unprecedented pandemic. We've organised these enormous clinical trials to figure out if something works. And this study stopped or paused a couple of those trials, and changed the narrative around a drug that no one knows if it works or not," he said. The observational study published in the Lancet on May 22 looked at 96,000 hospitalised Covid-19 patients, some treated with the decades-old malaria drug that Trump said he took and has urged others to use. Several clinical trials were put on hold after the study was published. The study, using data provided by healthcare data analytics firm Surgisphere, was not a traditional clinical trial that would have compared hydroxychloroquine to a placebo or other medicine. The Lancet's editors said in a note that serious scientific questions about the study were brought to their attention and an independent audit of the data has already been commissioned. Surgisphere said in a statement that the audit "will bring further transparency to our work (and) further highlight the quality of our work." Earlier on Tuesday, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) said it was concerned about the quality of the data behind a different study it published in May that also used data from Surgisphere and had the same lead author. Dr. Mandeep Mehra, the lead author and a professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, defended the use of the Surgisphere dataset as an intermediary step until clinical data is available. "I eagerly await word from the independent audits, the results of which will inform any further action," Mehra said in a statement after the Lancet note. The World Health Organization (WHO) suspended hydroxychloroquine's use in a large trial on Covid-19 patients after the Lancet study. Following the WHO trial suspension, the governments of France, Italy and Belgium halted the use of hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19 patients. Among the critics of the study to sign the letter last week were several academics from the University of Oxford and Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) in Bangkok, which had been conducting the global "COPCOV" trial of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment of Covid-19. The trial was paused last week, after the Lancet article. In March, Trump, with little scientific evidence, said hydroxychloroquine used in combination with the antibiotic azithromycin had "a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine." He later said he took the drugs preventively after two people who worked at the White House were diagnosed with Covid-19. Trump and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro discussed a joint research effort on using hydroxychloroquine as both a prophylaxis and treatment for the coronavirus, the White House said on Tuesday. [June 02, 2020] KLEVV Builds on New SSD with Enhanced Line-up: Introducing NEO N610 2.5" SATA & CRAS C710 M.2 NVMe SSDs HONG KONG, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- KLEVV, an emerging memory brand introduced by Essencore, announced the launch of two new products, the NEO N610 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s SSD, and the CRAS C710 M.2 NVMe SSD. The next-generation solid-state drives are available in enhanced capacities of up to 1TB, offering accelerated system speeds while maintaining core stability. The introduction of these two new KLEVV SSDs is to provide an even more compelling SSD choice for users looking for rock-solid reliability and fast speeds for a wide range of uses. NEO N610 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s SSD: A Perfect Combination of Performance, Reliability, and Stability The NEO N610 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s SSD features latest 3D TLC NAND and a 4-channel controller IC, which increases the amount of data that can be transmitted at any given time. Different from other KLEVV 2.5" SSDs, NEO N610 provides an embedded DRAM buffer that enhances runtime performance while also extends the lifespan of the drive. It comes further equipped with a powerful LDPC ECC engine, an intelligent SLC caching algorithm, S.M.A.R.T. (self-monitoring, analysis, and reporting technology), over-provisioning, bad block management, and Global Wear Leveling technology. All of which combine to optimize performance, durability, reliability, and data integrity. The new NEO N610 SATA SSD comes in three capacities: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while delivering sequential read/write speeds of up to 560/520 MB/s, catering to customers with varied efficiency needs. CRAS C710 M.2 NVMe SSD: Built for Gamers & Enthusiasts Also offered in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB using 3D TLC NAND, the CRAS C710 M.2 NVMe SSD adopts PCIe Gen3 x4 interface supported by NVMe 1.3 technology. Which provides a sequential read speed of up to 2100 MB/s and a sequential write speed of up to 1650 MB/s, while retaining legacy technology to ensure stable performance even at high processing speeds, making it ideal for gaming or image processing. Optimized technologies include a thermal throttling algorithm to protect SSD integrity, SRAM error detection and correction, and CRC parity for end-to-end data path protection. In addition, the CRAS C710 shares all the essential functions that make KLEVV drives reliable, such as LDPC ECC technology, SLC caching, S.M.A.R.T. and Global Wear Leveling. Responding to the Market with Additional Data Backup Software for Peace of Mind By making customer service a top priority, Both CRAS C710 & NEO N610 have gone through KLEVV's rigorous in-house examination process, and come with a five-year limited warranty as standard. Further to that, KLEVV has improved user experience by providing complimentary Acronis True Image HD 2018 software activation key, which gives users full disk-image backup access and universal restore functions for a seamless data transfer experience. Additional Acronis Active Protection function against ransomware is also available to help protect valuable data from this nefarious & modern data threat. KLEVV products are distributed by Scorptec Computers in Australia. All lineups are available at Scorptec's online and offline stores. Find out more about the full range of Essencore/KLEVV products at: http://www.essencore.com/ and http://www.klevv.com. About Essencore Established in 2014, Essencore Limited, a company founded by a group of key figures from the major memory IDMs, aims to become the world's top vendor of DRAM modules and NAND flash application products. The company started with one goal: to "Change the world and be a leader in semiconductor distribution". The business strategies of Essencore is to adopt the newest technologies to differentiate ourselves in front of customers from competitors, deliver dedicated Memory products, and offer various product portfolio for customer's competition readiness. For more information, please visit www.essencore.com. About KLEVV KLEVV, is a premium brand of Essencore, the major Module and NAND Flash application product vendor. The KLEVV range includes gaming memory modules, microSDs, USB flash drives, and solid state drives. KLEVV is committed to delivering world-class products with first-rate quality. All products are designed in South Korea, home of the world's top two largest memory IDMs. KLEVV memory has been recognized by Germany's Red Dot Design Award in 2015 and 2019. For more information, please visit www.klevv.com. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200407/2771158-2-a Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200407/2771158-2-b SOURCE Essencore [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] President Donald Trump on Wednesday denied he had ordered peaceful protesters forcibly moved so he could visit a church near the White House earlier this week, amid harsh criticism for the crackdown. "When I said, 'Go to the church,' I didn't know protesters or not," Trump said. "Nobody tells me that. They say, 'Yes sir, we'll go to the church.'" PHOTO: President Donald Trump departs the White House to visit outside St. John's Church, June 1, 2020. (Patrick Semansky/AP) Law enforcement on Monday used chemical irritants and smoke canisters to clear peaceful protesters from Lafayette Park, just north of the White House, immediately before Trump briefly walked to the church to pose with a Bible in front of it and took photographs with his aides. PHOTO: Demonstrators kneel in front of a line of police officers during a protest for the death of George Floyd, Monday, June 1, 2020, near the White House in Washington. (Evan Vucci/AP) MORE: Police use munitions to forcibly push back peaceful protesters for Trump church visit "When I went, I didn't say, 'Oh, move them out'I didn't know who was there," Trump said in an interview with Fox News Radio. "I figured I was going to walk over to the church, very nearby." "We walked over to the church," he said. "It was very fast. I think it was very symbolic. I did hold up a Bible. I think that's a good thing, not a bad thing." PHOTO: President Donald Trump holds up a Bible as he stands in front of St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House during ongoing protests over racial inequality in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Washington, D.C., June 1, 2020. (Tom Brenner/Reuters) Church officials roundly blasted Trump, with the Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington who oversees the church, telling "Good Morning America" it was "as if it were spiritual validation and justification for a message that is antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and to the God of justice." Trump dismissed the criticism, saying it was "only the other side that didn't like" his visit. "The church leaders loved that I went there with a Bible," he said. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Wednesday defended the officers as acting in self-defense and said "they used the minimal force that they could to ensure that that situation was safe, to ensure St. John's church would not burn a second night in a row." Story continues The U.S. Park Police said in a statement Tuesday that the protesters threw "projectiles including bricks, frozen water bottles and caustic liquids," although reporters at the scene said the demonstration had remained peaceful. "When an officer is at risk, they have the right to defend themselves," McEnany said. "They did so peaceably." She compared Trump's photo op to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill surveying the bombing damage to London during World War II, as well as to former President George W. Bush throwing out the first pitch at a baseball game after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack. "Through all of time, we've seen presidents and leaders across the world who have had leadership moments and very powerful symbols that were important for a nation to see at any given time to show a message of resilience and determination, like Churchill," McEnany said. "It sent a powerful message of leadership to the British people." PHOTO: Police clear demonstrators from Lafayette Park as they protest the death of George Floyd, June 1, 2020, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP) In the Fox News interview, Trump also downplayed being brought to an underground bunker during protests outside the White House Friday, when the building was briefly put on lockdown. On Friday evening, Trump was moved to the bunker to shelter in place for a brief period of time, multiple senior sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. MORE: Trump praises 'overwhelming force' and 'domination' in DC morning after peaceful protest broken up for photo op The president denied he had gone down because of the protests, but rather to conduct an "inspection" of the bunker. PHOTO: The White House is visible behind a large security fence as a uniformed Secret Service agent stands on the street in front of Lafayette Park in the morning hours in Washington, June 2, 2020, as protests continue over the death of George Floyd. (Andrew Harnik/AP) "They said it would be a good time to go down and take a look, because maybe you'll need it," he said. He went for a "tiny, short period" of time, he said. The U.S. Secret Service declined to comment on Trump's description of events, as did McEnany. ABC News' Katherine Faulders, John Santucci and Jack Date contributed reporting. Trump denies ordering protesters forcibly removed for church photo op originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Firefighting officers in the north-central Vietnamese province of Quang Tri have rescued a tipped-over truck that was carrying nearly five metric tons of explosives. The accident occurred when the truck was traveling along a mountain pass on the border of Gio Linh and Huong Hoa Districts in Quang Tri Province at around 4:00 pm on Tuesday, according to Colonel Le Van Tien, head of the provincial firefighting police unit. The vehicle was carrying nearly five metric tons of explosives and many detonators to the construction site of a hydroelectric project developed by Son Hai Corporation. Three fire engines and a rescue vehicle, along with many officers, were quickly dispatched to the site of the accident. The truck had tipped over on a sloped terrain, while the explosives also posed a lot of challenges to the rescuers. Rescuers remove boxes of explosives from a truck that tipped over following an accident in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, June 2, 2020. Photo: L.V.T. / Tuoi Tre The worst-case scenario was that the truck could further slip down the slope. Officers had to gradually remove boxes of explosives from the truck before salvaging the vehicle. The rescue effort was completed at around 7:30 pm the same day. The 41-year-old truck driver was hospitalized for treatment of his injuries. Preliminary information showed that the driver had lost control of the truck while following the descending road. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Home Minister added that other states had behaved responsibly, accepted migrant workers in large numbers and allowed more trains, but Bengal had not done the same. On Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah hit out at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming she did not allow enough trains to ferry migrants wanting to return to the state from various parts of the country. Amit Shah, in an exclusive interview with Network 18s Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi said, We dont have any differences with Mamata ji. There is no clash between Bengal and the Centre. Dont you think it is the right of the mazdoor to stay with their family members during the pandemic? But Mamataji is not allowing more trains to Bengal. Responding to Banerjee's allegation that Centre hatched a political conspiracy against the West Bengal government, Shah said, There is no fight. I would like to clarify that Uttar Pradesh allowed more than 1,200 trains for migrant workers, Bihar allowed nearly 1,000 trains but Bengal didnt even allow 100 trains for migrant workers. He said, If they (migrant workers) want to return home and you're terming them Corona Express do you think it is right to make such comments? Is it not the right of Bengali migrant workers, who are stuck in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra, to go back to their hometown?" he said. Shah added that other states had behaved responsibly, accepted migrant workers in large numbers and allowed more trains, but Bengal had not done the same. "Till today, she has not accepted adequate number of trains. I believe that the people of Bengal will remember this and they will give a befitting reply to her for terming them (migrant workers) Corona Express," Shah said. On the issue of the migrant crisis, Shah said that had migrant labourers been sent to the respective states before the lockdown, it would have posed a huge problem to the state governments as they did not have sufficient testing and quarantine facilities at that time. "We wanted to first strengthen the healthcare system in states before sending the migrant workers. He said, We have started the special trains on 1 May, but before that on 20 April, the government started sending labourers from nearby areas to their states. Nearly 41 lakh labourers were sent through bus services. About 4,000 trains were pressed into service for migrants. However, some of the labourers lost patience and started walking towards their states, so we took many people to the nearest railway station or their native district. The Modi government has arranged buses and trains for the migrants and till now, 55 lakh migrants have been sent to their native states. The Railways has helped migrants in returning home, most of them have completed their quarantine period and have started living with their families, Shah added. Responding to Amit Shah's comments, TMC MP Derek OBrien said that the BJP's priority today was the 2021 Bengal elections and not the Covid-19 crisis. Amit Shah Ji thanks for confirming what your partys topmost priority today is the 2021 Bengal elections. Overcoming Covid challenge? No. Standing by those affected by Amphan? No. Keep doing your politics. Let Mamata Banerjee do what she does best stand by people," OBrien wrote on Twitter. He added that migrant workers were given just a four-hours notice before a 21-day lockdown and alleged that 80 lives had been lost because of the BJP's neglect. "You gave #MigrantWorkers just 4 hours notice before a 21day lockdown - abandoned them. Robbed them of their dignity. Packed them on trains like cattle 50 days later without any food. 80 precious lives have been lost because of your neglect. If it still didnt stir your conscience.. nothing will, the tweet said. The newly installed Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland said US President Donald Trump crossed the line when using a bible for a photo opportunity outside a church in Washington DC. Rev Dr David Bruces words come after the Presidents stunt outside St Johns Chapel in Washington where he posed for a photo opportunity as riots continued across the USA following the death of George Floyd. Read More The Moderator warned against the use of religious symbols for personal gain. Normally I would not comment on events happening outside of my own country but I felt provoked to speak by the Presidents use of religious symbols for a photo opportunity at a time when his country is facing multiple challenges through both coronavirus and race riots, he said. The bible is often described as a double edged sword and everyone must always be careful when handling it. We cannot appropriate it for our own cause, either ideological or party political. When we think we own it, we find out it owns us. It reflects hard truths. While this is not intended as a direct criticism of the President, all statesmen need to know that the bible is not your own. The situation in the USA is tragic and I see echoes of our own history here in Northern Ireland. Im of a generation that lived through the worst of the troubles and if any culture ought to have an understanding its ours. We are extremely conscious of the prejudices were now seeing across America. I don't want to see symbols of faith being used in this way and on this occasion we had two - the church and the bible. "Appropriating those for a cause is crossing the line. Expand Close Rev Dr David Bruce became the 175th person to hold the post during a livestreamed ceremony in Belfast. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Rev Dr David Bruce became the 175th person to hold the post during a livestreamed ceremony in Belfast. The Church of Ireland said it would not be commenting on events which have occurred outside the country. President Trump faced widespread criticism from church leaders in the USA. The Episcopal Bishop of Washington, the Right Reverend Mariann Budde, said: The president just used a Bible, the most sacred text of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and one of the churches of my diocese, without permission, as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus. James Martin, a Jesuit priest and consultant to the Vaticans communications department, tweeted: Let me be clear. This is revolting. The Bible is not a prop. A church is not a photo op. Religion is not a political tool. God is not your plaything. Read More Meanwhile SDLP MPs Colum Eastwood and Claire Hanna have said they will support efforts led by Labour MP Dawn Butler, to resist the sale of tear gas, riot shields and rubber bullets to the United States as a result of the disorder in recent days. The scenes of police brutality against the black community in the United States has been horrifying and deeply shocking. The murder of George Floyd, and numerous black men and women before him, has been distressing to many across the globe. Peaceful protests have taken place in cities in the US and many countries across the world, including Belfast, have joined in solidarity," South Belfast MP Ms Hanna said. The reaction of political leaders in America should be to listen, understand and take action to dismantle the structures that allow racism to exist and grow. Regrettably, it is difficult to think of a President less qualified or capable of showing the kind of leadership needed. Indeed, President Trump has recklessly declared his intention to suppress peaceful protest. At a time when Trump is gearing up to use the US military to repress legitimate protests taking place across America over the murder of black civilians, it would be fundamentally wrong for the UK Government to supply him with the arms and equipment he would use to do so. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 01:55:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Another 359 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain as of Tuesday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 39,728, the Department of Health and Social Care said Wednesday. The figures include deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community. As of Wednesday morning, 279,856 people in Britain have tested positive for the disease, a daily increase of 1,871, said the department. Home Secretary Priti Patel on Wednesday revealed details of the government's plans to impose 14-day isolation on almost all people entering or returning to Britain from June 8. Imported cases of the novel coronavirus posed a more significant threat now and it was now important to "protect our hard-won progress as we move in the right direction," she told lawmakers in the House of Commons (lower house of the parliament). A breach of self-isolation could result in a 1,000 pounds (about 1,260 U.S. dollars) fixed penalty notice in England, or potential prosecution, according to Patel. Chairing the Downing Street daily briefing, Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended the government's quarantine plans despite criticism from the opposition parties and the aviation sector. There is a need to impose strict controls to stop the risk of imported cases, said Johnson. He added that "air bridges" will be considered with countries with similar or lower levels of the virus but "only when it is safe to do so". Noting that Britain is seeing continuing falls in deaths, Johnson said that "we want to take more steps to unlock our society." But he urged people to follow "basic rules" such as washing hands, self-isolating, taking a test and observing social distancing. "We are beating this disease -- and we will beat it if everyone works together," he said. Enditem According to the Oxford Dictionary, culture is defined as the customs and beliefs, art, way of life, and social organization of a particular country or group. Whenever we go to a restaurant, its not only the food which draws us there, but the entire atmosphere. There are places which you go to when youre feeling social, while you would prefer other options when all you want to do is enjoy a quiet meal. But over the last decade, the number of theme based restaurants has increased, giving us a wide variety to choose from, which may or may not have anything to do with their food. So where do you go when you want to have a good meal, be surrounded with horror movie posters, a Parsi vibe or be transported to 1950s America? Read on to find out. Big Chill If you are a horror movie fan, you cannot miss the movie posters up on the walls of any of the Big Chill outlets in Delhi. The refreshing part, however, is that they arent posters of recent English movies, but the classics and also now unheard of horror movies from the 30s, 40s and 50s Hollywood. And when youve ordered your favourite Banoffee pie with some lasagna, the mood is set once Michael Jacksons Thriller starts playing on their music system. Big Chill, which currently has seven outlets (plus their bakery), was started by Aseem Grover and Fawzia Ahmed (his wife) in 2000 with an outlet in East of Kailash. Both quit their jobs when starting their first restaurant and did not know anything about handling a business. Aseem was in the army while Fawzia worked for a British NGO. All the recipes were envisioned by Fawzia, who wasnt even a trained chef, but enjoyed it as a hobby. The beginning was very basic, with them even using the microwave from their house. But what about the horror movie posters? Fawzia and her cousin both would collect film posters and movies from the time they were in school, though he was more of a horror fiend. When we started off, we even had a large TV and occasionally with friends we would watch movies in the afternoon in our restaurant, which of course was a different era. The posters had been lying around for a long time anyways, so we just had to put them up, says Aseem. But pinpointing a singular dish which is a favourite with customers is difficult for Aseem. Everyone has their own preferences and choices. When we started off, our menu was a single A4 sheet with 32 dishes on them. We kept adding items throughout the years, but around five years ago we decided to take a few dishes off. However, over time different customers would enquire why their favourite item had been taken off, so we decided to put everything back. Currently we have about 450 dishes on our menu, adds Aseem. Sodabottle Openerwala No asking for discount- No talking to cashier- No flatulence- No showing off. These are the signs that greet you in different spaces of Sodabottle Openerwala. If youre in Delhi and miss the Irani cafes of Mumbai, its the place you would head to, the first outlet of which was launched in 2013 at CyberHub Gurgaon. Currently, there are three outlets in the national capital and once seated in any of their outlets you feel the Parsi vibe. Mumbai too has three outlets while Bangalore and Hyderabad has one each. All our outlets have 45 to 70 seats and Berry Pulao is our signature dish. Apart from this, we have our Salli Boti, Dhansak, Bohri Kheema Pav, Eggs Kejriwal, Kundapuri Prawn, Smoked Brinjal Patio which are the most loved by the guests, says Chef Irfan Pabaney, Country Head, SodaBottle OpenerWala. American Diner The moment you enter the American Connection Diner, located at the India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, its as if you are transformed to 1950s America. Posters of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Boops, The Beatles and more adorn their walls, with the black and white tiles and bright colours adding to the vibe of the place. It is based on the concept of the American diner, started by Water Scott, an entrepreneur from Rhode Island, who refashioned a horse-pulled wagon into a car which served coffee and sandwiches to people late at night. People relate to a restaurant for food, but my connection with The All American Diner, a landmark bistro in the Delhi restaurant scene, is beyond food. It may sound a little surprising, but my first visit to the restaurant was for an interview for an offshore job. I was offered the job and I kept going back to the restaurant even after I returned to India after more than a year to relive the memory. Gradually, I also started falling in love with its weekend brunch. At around 700 plus taxes it is a killer deal. Much before Delhi was flooded with brunch deals by the pubs, there was one and only The All American Diner. The alfresco sitting goes well with the brunch on winter mornings. In my opinion the brunch to a large extent is an authentic affair barring the dosa, which they serve to attract the vegetarians, nonetheless it is always a pleasure gorging on sausages with hot masala dosa, says A. Sarwar Borah, who is a gastronome and runs a blog called Delhi Explore. The author tweets at @shadowwarior and can be reached at kabir.bhandari@htdigital.in and Instagram.com/kabirsinghbhandari Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The acting Director of Public Affairs of the Electoral Commission, Madam Sylvia Annor has said her outfit is much concerned about the safety of the electorates during its piloting exercise. She explained that all the necessary health protocols are being observed at all centres across the country. Speaking in an interview on NEAT FMs Ghana Montie programme, Madam Sylvia Annor said the exercise has been smooth so far with no difficulties. Our staff have been trained to assist everyone so its not going to be a difficult exercise when we start the actual work. The piloting so far has been smooth, she told host Kwesi Aboagye. According to her If you come and you are not wearing your face mask, we will not allow you to register. That is compulsory. EC begins nationwide pilot exercise In its bid to compile a new register of voters for this years general elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) has begun a pilot registration exercise in selected constituencies across the country. The pilot exercise, which started on Tuesday, 2 June 2020, is aimed at preparing for the 40-day registration exercise later this month. Main registration The Commission has also confirmed to the various political parties that it will commence with its intended registration exercise despite opposition from some political parties who are seeking to have the exercise halted. In an Inter-party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting at its headquarters on Wednesday, 27 May 2020, the EC said it intends using 30 days spanning from June to July this year to complete the exercise ahead of the December general elections. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/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 MONROE The districts administrative team continued its makeover Monday. Longtime Jockey Hollow Principal Jack Ceccolini was appointed interim assistant superintendent during the Board of Educations remote meeting. Darleen Fensore was named director of student support services and Jennifer Parsell assistant director of student support services. I am appreciative and excited about the opportunity to join the central office administrative team, said Ceccolini. I appreciate the Board of Education having the trust and faith in me to assist acting Superintendent Joe Kobza in leading our school district. Said Kobza, Jack brings with him a strong understanding of the district and its needs having worked at all three levels. We are fortunate to have him. Ceccolini started his career in the Monroe public schools in 1986 as the band director at Chalk Hill Middle School. He became band director at Masuk High School in 1988. Kobza told the Board of Education he was lucky enough to be at Chalk Hill when Ceccolini started his Monroe teaching career. I was a student Jack was a teacher, said Kobza, smiling. Ceccolini began his administrative career in Southbury before returning to Monroe to serve as the principal of Fawn Hollow Elementary School in 2000. For the past 14 years, he has served as the Jockey Hollow principal. Although I will miss the day-to-day contact with the Jockey Hollow students and staff, said Ceccolini, I look forward to working with the administrators, teachers, staff, students and families across the district to continue the excellence in education that we are all accustomed to in Monroe. Fensore started her career in Monroe as a paraeducator in 1986. After earning her teaching certification, she took a position as an elementary school teacher in Stratford. Kobza said she returned to Monroe Elementary in 2001 where she taught second grade and special education for 13 years. In 2014, Fensore assumed the role of instructional leader of special education for grades 6-12. Two years later, in 2016, she became the assistant director of student support services. She has been the interim director of student support services since December. Parsell started her teaching career in Monroe as a special education teacher at Jockey Hollow in 2000. She transferred to Masuk in 2005 and became the transition counselor in 2011. It was in this role that Jen was recognized as Monroes Teacher of the Year in 2015, said Kobza. Parsell followed Fensore as the instructional leader of special education for grades 6-12 in 2016. She has served as the interim assistant director of student support services since December. brian.gioiele@hearstmediact.com New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday took a swipe at US President Donald Trump's controversial walk two days ago when protesters were cleared before he walked to a church across the street from the White House where he held up a Bible but did not read from it. "The president held up the Bible the other day in Washington, D.C. Here in New York we actually read the Bible," Cuomo told a briefing before reading some passages from the book. In the wake of violent protests in the United States following the death of George Floyd, while being in police custody, Indian American Rahul Dubey has surfaced as a hero and saviour in riot-torn Washington DC. The Swann Street resident pulled open his doors to shelter nearly 70 protesters who were being chased and sprayed with pepper spray by police. The US capital was under curfew from 7 pm Monday till 6 am the next day after violence erupted near the White House on Sunday night. The protesters that Dubey saved had been caught violating the curfew by cops who corralled them in from two ends of the street and attempted to subdue them with pepper spray. While the police made hundreds of arrests in the area, Dubey who has lived on the street for 17 years decided to throw open the doors to his three-storey house and shelter as many protesters as he could. Despite repeated attempts by police to enter his property and make arrests, Dubey managed to save nearly all the protesters he had sheltered. It was only at 6 am when the curfew lifted that the protesters left Dubey's residence. Despite becoming the humane face of the Black Lives Matter movement and a sweetheart among activists, Dubey seems to believe that he did nothing special. The interviews he has given to various media outlets from Tuesday onward after news of his generosity went viral have been insightful in understanding the extent of Dubey's compassion and humility. I found this very inspiring, Rahul Dubey of DC who sheltered ~50 protestors on #SwannStreet last night, after emerging, gave this interview to @WUSA9 and @slazo88 Our flag is hanging by a string#2020Protests #savejenny #1stAmendment #compassion pic.twitter.com/S5uVzgrrQe Ian Glenn (@IanBGlenn) June 2, 2020 Dubey told "In the wake of violent protests in the United States following the death of George Floyd, while being in police custody, Indian American Rahul Dubey has surfaced as a hero and saviour in riot-torn Washington DC. The Swann Street resident pulled open his doors to shelter nearly 80 protesters who were being chased and sprayed with pepper spray by police. The US capital was under curfew from 7 pm Monday till 6 am the next day after violence erupted near the White House on Sunday night. The protesters that Dubey saved had been caught violating the curfew by cops who corralled them in from two ends of the street and attempted to subdue them with pepper spray. While the police made hundreds of arrests in the area, Dubey who has lived on the street for 17 years decided to throw open the doors to his three-storey house and shelter as many protesters as he could. Despite repeated attempts by police to enter his property and make arrests, Dubey managed to save nearly all the protesters he had sheltered. It was only at 6 am when the curfew lifted that the protesters left Dubey's residence. Despite becoming the humane face of the Black Lives Matter movement and a sweetheart among activists, Dubey seems to believe that he did nothing special. The interviews he has given to various media outlets from Tuesday onward after news of his generosity went viral have been insightful in understanding the extent of Dubey's compassion and humility. Dubey told Washington Post in an interview that what he did was nothing special. I just opened a door. What they did was special. Theres nothing special about what I did, Dubey told Washington Post in an interview. "Our flag is hanging by a string. And no one is doing anything about it. Except for these people (the protesters) that were in this house on that night," Dubey told Wusa9 tv reporter outside his house.">Washington Post in an interview that what he did was nothing special. I just opened a door. What they did was special. Theres nothing special about what I did, Dubey told Washington Post in an interview. "Our flag is hanging by a string. And no one is doing anything about it. Except for these people (the protesters) that were in this house on that night," Dubey told Wusa9 tv reporter outside his house. I found this very inspiring, Rahul Dubey of DC who sheltered ~50 protestors on #SwannStreet last night, after emerging, gave this interview to @WUSA9 and @slazo88 Our flag is hanging by a string#2020Protests #savejenny #1stAmendment #compassion pic.twitter.com/S5uVzgrrQe Ian Glenn (@IanBGlenn) June 2, 2020 Speaking to ABC news channel WJLA, Rahul had a very positive message for the protesters. "I hope that my 13-year-old son grows up to be as amazing as they are. I hope they continue to fight, and that they go out there peacefully like they did yesterday and not blink. Because our country needs them more than ever now. Rahul sheltered 70 protestors for 9 hours from tear gas attacks by the police after the DC curfew last night.His message? "I hope my 13-year-old son grows up to be just as amazing as they are."This is what solidarity looks like #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/YwJzbFtKmp Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) June 2, 2020 Speaking about his experience of giving up his entire house to group of strangers, Dubey told BBC "Overnight, every square inch of this place had a person on it. And they were all strangers. They didn't know each other... There were many races and ethnicities together. It was beautiful. Like America. It gave me hope." What a lovely story. Good on you Rahul Dubey#Rahul #RahulDubeyBBC News - George Floyd death: The man who sheltered 80 US protesters https://t.co/NAMWnBqPnN Manny Virdi (@mannysvirdi) June 3, 2020 Describing events from outside the street, Dubey said, And now the pepper spray is coming, and theyre coughing and they cant see and theyre tripping up on the stairs and their friends or whoevers around them is helping them, pulling them inside the house. And this went on for 10 minutes, Dubey said, adding that it was pure terror. It was 10 minutes of terror. A Twitter user by the name of posted an incident on Twitter: "Rahul dubey gave shelter to protestors in DC after being held against the wall by police. When one of the protestors asked, how were you let go? he says "because I am not black". Someone had the courage to say it." As per police reports, nearly 300 protesters were arrested from Washington on Monday and nearly 200 of them were from Swann Street. Dubey is now being hailed as a hero for the community. On Tuesday, he was greeted by cheers and shouts from his fans, even as social media filled with admiration for the good samaritan. Rahul Dubey took dozens of protesters into his home and sheltered them overnight while police waited outside to arrest them. Repeatedly refused to let the cops in. This morning they were able to leave freely. Be like Rahul. Don't cooperate with police thugs. https://t.co/B9QLop5TXT Carlos Maza (@gaywonk) June 2, 2020 Thank you Rahul Dubey for opening your heart and your home to the weak and the oppressed.https://t.co/L5pCf7bXVV Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 3, 2020 Dubey also garnered fans in India including Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi who shared Dubey's story on his Twitter handle and thanked him for opening his doors to the "weak and oppressed". Police take back the streets at around midnight after firing copious amounts of tear gas to disperse protesters and rioters outside the Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct during the fourth night of protests and violence following the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 29, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Resistance Has Become Insurrection Commentary After nearly four years, weve arrived at the end game, the final, violent cry of the resistance as it continues to try to overturn the results of the 2016 election and tip the United States of America irreversibly toward anarchy and socialism. Aided and abetted by the mainstream media and a surprisingly large number of Democratic politicians, the current unrest sweeping the country is being presented as dissent and protest but is, in fact, insurrection. Its time to put it down, hard. Although the media would have you believe otherwise, weve been down this road as a nation before, and dealt with insurrection decisively. At the very start of the Republic, President George Washington extinguished the Whiskey Rebellion, a dispute that began in 1791 over a levy on distilled spirits meant to help retire the Revolutionary War debt, but mushroomed into a tax revolt along the western frontier of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. By 1794, it had become an outright insurrection, and something had to be done. Supported politically by Alexander Hamilton, Washington himself personally led a militia force against the rebels, and in the teeth of overwhelming force, the rebelsincluding men who had fought alongside Washington in the Continental Armysurrendered peacefully. Ironically, the principal military commander of Washingtons troops was Henry Light Horse Harry Lee, who had fought gallantly during the Revolution; his son, Robert E. Lee, would later command the Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War in a rebellion that meant to fracture the country permanently. The Whiskey Rebellion never threatened the integrity of the Republic (although it did give birth to a century of moonshining in the Appalachian hills). But in 1805, President Jefferson began to fear that his erstwhile vice president, Aaron Burr, whose term had just ended, was up to no goodas indeed he was. The man whod shot and killed Hamilton in a duel now wished to collude with territorial governors to foment rebellion and create a new country in the West. But Jeffersons options involving the use of federal troops were limited. Nonetheless, Burr was finally arrested on Feb. 19, 1807, and charged with treason, but was acquitted. In response to the Burr affair, and to give future presidents more flexibility in dealing with rebellions, Congress passed the Insurrection Act of 1807, which reads: In all cases of insurrection, or obstruction to the laws, either of the United States, or of any individual state or territory, where it is lawful for the President of the United States to call forth the militia for the purpose of suppressing such insurrection, or of causing the laws to be duly executed, it shall be lawful for him to employ, for the same purposes, such part of the land or naval force of the United States, as shall be judged necessary, having first observed all the pre-requisites of the law in that respect. The Act has been amended several times and been invoked frequently in times of crisis, most recently during Hurricane Katrina; it also overrides the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which forbids the use of federal soldiers in domestic policing. The Act was wielded with gusto by President Ulysses S. Grant during Reconstruction, to put down the southern Democrats paramilitary organization known as the Ku Klux Klan. President Lyndon Johnson used it to justify the deployment of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions to Detroit during the 1967 riots, and deployed federal troops again the following year during the 1968 riots in Washington, D.C. National Guard troops also patrolled the streets of Los Angeles in 1992, during the Rodney King riots. So President Donald Trumps thinly veiled threat to use the Army shouldnt be seen as an unconstitutional bluff: He has both history and the law on his side. Title 10, Chapter 13, Section 252 of the U.S. Code clearly states: Whenever the President considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States, make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States in any State by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, he may call into Federal service such of the militia of any State, and use such of the armed forces, as he considers necessary to enforce those laws or to suppress the rebellion. Insurrection That this is an insurrection, there can be no doubt. The suspiciously well-planned and timed protests across the country (which are now starting to spread around the world) have nothing to do with poor George Floyd, the ex-con (assault, armed robbery) from Houston who died at the hands of the Minneapolis police department while being taken into custody. His death is just a pretext; after all, the nation didnt explode over the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery by some white men in Georgia in February; indeed, few even knew about it until The New York Times tried to make it an inflammatory issue in late April. But Floyds unfortunate deathone of the cops has been charged with third-degree murdercreated the perfect vortex for the anger of the Black Lives Matter movement (never mind that the statistics dont bear out the allegations that white cops are waging a war on black people) to combine with the layabout thuggery of the Antifa movement. This is the long-planned transformation of Antifa into the modern incarnation of the Klan (which was itself, recall, a resistance movement against the Republican-led federal government), and their unleashing upon the American public. This time, however, their animus is motivated not simply by revanchism, but by a burning hatred for the country, and a grim determination to destroy itand the neo-Marxist concept of structural racism has always been their preferred field of fight. Its all coming together: the push for socialism, the hollowing out of democratic institutions at the highest levels of state and federal government, and the progressive chic of celebrities and elected politicians who, instead of decrying or even stopping the violence, are actually egging it on. From the launch of the baseless Russian collusion charges, through the sandbagging of Michael Flynn, to the impotent impeachment overwhat was it again?to the unconstitutional lockdowns over the CCP virus, which were designed to destroy Trumps robust economy, and now to this moment, the goal of the resistance is clear: to destroy this presidency once and for all, and usher in a new, green, progressive, egalitarian, totalitarian, socialist United States. As Barack Obama said in his 2008 speech in Berlin: This is our moment, this is our time. He was just a little premature. Inflection Point Make no mistake: We are at an inflection point in U.S history, one thats already blown past the political and race riots and Hong Kong flu of 1968 and is barreling toward Fort Sumter, Shiloh, and Antietam. For decades, a number of blue states have been in open defiance of federal law, especially regarding drugs and immigration. Theyve created sanctuary cities, and have refused cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), resulting in needless deaths of many Americans. And they dont care. Today, from their bastions in New York City, Albany, Los Angeles, Sacramento, California, Chicago, and Lansing, Michigan, they have openly trashed the First Amendments guarantees of the free exercise of religion and peaceable assembly in deliberate overreaction to COVID-19, while simultaneously finding a right to violent mass protest and property destruction. They are no longer demanding a redress of grievancesthey see the country as the grievance itself. Designating the masked cowards of Antifa as terrorists is a good first step. It will give the feds valuable new tools to put them away. But neither should the feds shrink from confrontation. This is no time to play patty-cake with the rainbow coalition of terror now being visited upon us. The only thing violent thugs understand is overwhelming force, brutally applieda principle that Grant and William T. Sherman came to understand in their conduct of the Civil War. The resistance should remember Shermans words to his opponents: You people dont know what you are doing. This country will be drenched in blood, and God only knows how it will end. It is all folly, madness, a crime against civilization! You people speak so lightly of war; you dont know what youre talking about. War is a terrible thing! they wanted war, and I say let us give them all they want. No doubt there are advisers in the White House counseling Trump not to give in to the provocations, that the left will howl bloody murder the instant their shock troops are bloodied. The media will thunder, Joe Biden will poke his head out from his Delaware basement and bleat on cue, and impeachment will be threatened again. But the time for Trump to bring the hammer down is now. Follow procedure, invoke the law, send in the troops, get on with it, and get it over. At this point, hes got nothing to lose, and a country to save. Michael Walsh is the author of The Devils Pleasure Palace and The Fiery Angel, both published by Encounter Books. His latest book, Last Stands, a cultural study of military history, will be published in December by St. Martins Press. Follow him on Twitter @dkahanerules. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Austin, Texas, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ST Math has been selected again by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) as an approved blended learning program for the statewide Math Innovation Zones (MIZ) initiative. ST Math has been an option since the inception of MIZ, which supports Texas school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in the expansion of blended learning instructional models in math. 350 schools in 42 districts across the state are currently using ST Math, a PreK-8 visual instructional program that leverages the brain's innate spatial-temporal reasoning ability to solve mathematical problems. The programs unique, patented approach provides students with equitable access to learning through challenging puzzles, non-routine problem solving, and informative feedback. We are thrilled to continue to have been selected as a MIZ approved program, said Brett Woudenberg, CEO of MIND Research Institute. ST Math brings a high-quality blended learning experience and will help to ensure Texas students deeply understand and truly love math. With ST Math, students build deep conceptual understanding, and schools see proven, repeatable results. In fact, a recent study for Brazosport ISD revealed that schools using ST Math moved 15% more students into Meets or Masters levels on the STAAR. This analysis included Brazosport's districtwide 3rd and 4th grade performance. ST Math is the best program choice for us because it aligns to our established district priorities, is accessible to all students, and keeps grade level content a priority, said Courtney Davis, Blended Learning and MIZ Coordinator at Crowley ISD. Its accessibility to all students was a huge selling point for Crowley because barriers such as language, the ability to hear, and/or English proficiency are non-existent. We are very excited about this partnership and product! Math Innovation Zones schools that partner with ST Math from the list of approved vendors will have dedicated support. MINDs MIZ Project Manager, a former Texas K-12 District Math Director, will: Provide guidance on data reporting. Support district project managers with implementation. Share strategies for success using ST Math in a blended learning setting. Ensure districts have the tools to fulfill the requirements and criteria of a meaningful learning experience and data driven instruction as listed in the MIZ grant. We use ST Math to help empower our students to reach their maximum potential in math, added Mary Lankford, Director of STEM Academy at Sinton ISD. ST Math's unique approach allows students to build problem-solving skills and increase deeper conceptual understanding, all while helping their new friend JiJi. About MIND Research Institute MIND Research Institute is a neuroscience and education social impact organization dedicated to ensuring that all students are mathematically equipped to solve the worlds most challenging problems. MIND is the creator of ST Math, a PreK-8 visual instructional program that leverages the brain's innate spatial-temporal reasoning ability to solve mathematical problems. Its unique, patented approach provides students with equitable access to learning through challenging puzzles, non-routine problem solving, and informative feedback. MIND has also developed programs under MathMINDs to provide students, teachers and families dynamic ways to actively engage with math, and to close the experience gap for all learners. MathMINDs includes Family Nights, the national K-12 Game-a-thon and MathMINDs Games. For more information, visit mindresearch.org. Attachment Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet voiced alarm over "arbitrary" arrests made against those allegedly spreading fake news in different countries, including the Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The commissioner said some laws against misinformation are raising "human rights concerns," saying they have been used instead to target government critics. She cited the provision in the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act that penalizes fake news peddlers with a fine of up to P1 million and the time the Labor Department wanted to deport an overseas Filipino worker in Taiwan who made comments against President Rodrigo Duterte. "In the Philippines, arrests have been made under new COVID-19 special powers legislation which criminalizes the alleged spread of 'false information,'" the commissioner's office said in a statement. " A Government ministry also sought the deportation of a Filipino migrant worker abroad for her critical online comments." Labor officials back then claimed that the OFW's "posting of nasty and malevolent materials" against the President was considered a crime. Bachelet also raised similar human rights concerns in several other countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. "This crisis should not be used to restrict dissent or the free flow of information and debate," said Bachelet. She added that although addressing false information is inappropriate in the middle of a health crisis, the public's freedom of expression must still be respected. "While Governments may have a legitimate interest in controlling the spread of misinformation in a volatile and sensitive context, this must be proportionate and protect freedom of expression," she maintained. NEW ORLEANS, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The US Department of Justice today joined a newly unsealed whistleblower lawsuit filed by Phillips & Cohen LLP that alleges AECOM and certain institutions in New Orleans cheated the Federal Emergency Management Agency out of more than $100 million in disaster relief funds by repeatedly submitting fraudulent information in violation of FEMA rules. "The government, after methodically and thoroughly investigating our client's allegations, decided to intervene in the case," said Amy Easton, a partner and whistleblower attorney at Phillips & Cohen. "We are fortunate to have such a strong team of DOJ lawyers pursuing this case." The alleged fraud involved FEMA disaster relief funds designated for nonprofit educational and religious institutions that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The "qui tam" (whistleblower) lawsuit alleges that AECOM, working on behalf of institutional applicants, submitted many false damage claims using fake photographs and other falsified information to boost disaster fund payments. The FEMA Public Assistance Program pays to repair facilities damaged by natural disasters and restore them to their pre-disaster condition. If the repair costs exceed more than 50% of the cost of a new building, then FEMA would pay for a new building. The lawsuit alleges that the false damage claims caused FEMA to pay for new buildings instead of less costly repairs, as FEMA rules require. "The government trusted AECOM, a prime contractor, with billions of dollars in taxpayer funds to help rebuild New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina," said Jeffrey Dickstein, a partner and whistleblower attorney at Phillips & Cohen. "AECOM was expected to work with these important New Orleans institutions so that they received every dollar they were entitled to, but no more than that." Xavier University of Louisiana, which the whistleblower and government alleged participated in the scheme, has paid the government $12 million to settle its liability in the qui tam case. The Archdiocese of New Orleans also is named as a defendant in the case. Xavier used FEMA funds to replace the Xavier gymnasium and the student center and make significant upgrades to its electrical distribution center, claiming all had suffered more extensive damage from Katrina than actually occurred. Phillips & Cohen filed the qui tam lawsuit alleging violations of the federal False Claims Act on behalf of Robert Romero, an AECOM employee, in 2016 in federal district court in New Orleans. The lawsuit was filed under seal as required by law to give the government time to investigate. The court unsealed the qui tam complaint today. "Mr. Romero thought it was important that FEMA funds were given to those who truly needed the money to repair the catastrophic damage from Katrina and its aftermath, in accordance with the rules," said Peter Chatfield, a partner and whistleblower attorney at Phillips & Cohen. The False Claims Act allows private citizens who know of entities and individuals defrauding the federal government to file lawsuits against them and recover funds on the government's behalf. The law offers whistleblowers protection against job retaliation and rewards of 15% to 25% percent of the recovery when the government joins a case. About Phillips & Cohen Phillips & Cohen has represented whistleblowers for over 30 years and is the nation's most successful law firm representing whistleblowers, with more than $12.3 billion recovered from its cases. The firm represents whistleblowers in qui tam lawsuits as well as SEC, CFTC and IRS cases. www.phillipsandcohen.com SOURCE Phillips & Cohen LLP Related Links http://www.phillipsandcohen.com Government formation talks have hit a wall over greenhouse gas emissions and transport spending among issues, with a deadline for a deal now expected to fall back even further. Negotiators have confirmed outstanding disagreements among Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Greens over pensions, welfare spending and housing issues all are also slowing down the talks with many issues being sent back for party leaders to decide. The Greens are particularly critical of Fine Gael's continued refusal to compromise while Fianna Fail have privately admitted the Friday deadline this week for a draft deal report now looks out of reach. This is despite negotiators meeting last night over agreeing final texts on education, tourism, sport and some areas of welfare. However, a looming deadline to extend the Offences Against the State Act, to keep the special criminal court in operation, may focus minds. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told his Fine Gael party last night that, in the absence of a government deal by the end of June, that some sort of cross-party agreement may be needed to ensure the Seanad is filled with 11 nominees so the relevant legislation for the court is renewed. Furthermore, this weekend also marks the deadline for nominations for the Green Party leadership contest, with deputy party leader Catherine Martin still to decide if she will challenge Eamon Ryan for the position of leader. These issues, plus the stalled talks, are adding to pressure, say sources. Junior public expenditure minister Patrick Donovan also warned, during a Fine Gael private meeting last night, that there was a dishonest narrative going around about the Greens demand to reduce carbon emissions by 7% and that this would not just be hunky dorey. He warned that Fine Gael could be party to the economy turning from a recession into a depression and that that Mr Varadkar and negotiators needed to be careful Tuesdays talks on the climate emergency continued to fall down around major differences of opinion in changes to transport and commercial agriculture. Green Party sources say they feel they are consistently asked to come up with policies on how to tackle the issue of emissions, which are often rejected by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, who offer little of their own suggestions on the topic. Without serious changes to road building and big Ag, the Green Party feel it will be difficult to reduce Irelands greenhouse gas emissions. Some Green TDs are frustrated at the lack of input from the civil war parties on the issue considering the resources they have at their disposal in comparison to ours. Meanwhile, Mr Varadkar told his party meeting last night that he was confident the country would be able to move into Phase 2 of the roadmap to ease restrictions in the Covid-19 battle next Monday. A final decision will be made by Cabinet this Friday. He said a decision regarding how long to extend the pandemic payments will be made towards the end of the week. Regarding Government formation talks, Mr Varadkar said if they are to be successful, it may be sometime next week before talks are finalised. He said any Programme for Government had to reflect Fine Gael policies, values and be attractive to the partys support base. (CNN Philippines, June 3) Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella has said he will ask the Department of Transportation to allow public utility jeepneys to resume operations at reduced capacity due to the lack of transportation options for commuters who need to report physically for work. Mayor Edgar Labella said 40 buses were deployed since Cebu City shifted to general community quarantine on Monday, but they struggle to meet the public transit demand. "Kuwang pa gyud kaayo. Daghang mga pasahero ang natanggong sa ilang mga tagsa tagsa ka mga trabaho (It is not enough. Several workers were left stranded), Labella said in a press conference Tuesday afternoon. In the meantime, Labella said the city government will distribute a sack of rice to each of the 1,000 identified jeepney drivers in the city. In March, Labella asked the Transportation Department to relax their policy against back-riding on motorcycles. The department rejected his request. Labella on Monday sent another plea to the DOTr to allow immediate family members to be pillion passengers. He said, I am hoping we will have a positive response this time. Since Monday, some workers in Cebu City have been left with no choice but to go to work on foot. T he Government is starting to look ragged. It happens to all administrations at some point, but usually several years after an election victory, not several months. Tories plead in mitigation that the epidemic brought an abrupt end to the honeymoon, and no government was going to get everything right. But the public understand that, which is why in many countries governments have sustained high net approval ratings throughout this crisis. The Germans, Canadians, Danes, Australians and Irish think their leaders have done a very good job. The Brits join the Americans, the Spanish and the French in thinking the reverse of theirs. There are exceptions the Chancellor, with his modest, diligent approach and creative economic rescue package, continues to command high approval. But in general, the huge popular goodwill that existed in March as ministers wrestled with dilemmas, and grew when the Prime Minister himself went into intensive care, has largely evaporated. It has yet to turn to outright hostility, but Downing Street is clearly rattled. Hence, for the third time in this crisis, were being told today that Boris Johnson is stepping in to take personal charge of it. Its easy to point the finger at self-inflicted mistakes. The miscommunication over the easing of the lockdown; the farce of the travel quarantine; the sleight of hand with the stats; the absurdity of the Moggian queues of MPs; above all, the high-handed arrogance in response to the revelations about Dominic Cummings. All these things are transitory, as U-turns are made, flailing ministers are shuffled out and the political crowd moves on. There have also been unsung successes our NHS has not been overwhelmed as many feared, and predicted. But the Governments problems are rooted in a central truth: more people have died in Britain as a result of this virus, per head of population, than in most other advanced countries. Our public knows this. A poll this week showed that there is no European country that Britons believe has handled the outbreak less well than the UK and every European population, including Italy and Spain, thinks that the UK has handled Covid worse than them. Ultimately, administrations thrive or fail on the strength of their performance. The troubles facing this Government are just beginning.. Protests grip the world The world has marched in memory of George Floyd. What started with horror at the death of one man has become a global movement shocked by wider inequality. There are things Britain has done better than many places. The Metropolitan police, found to be institutionally racist by the 1999 Macpherson report, has reformed. It is far from perfect, but a world away from the behaviour of many officers in the United States. There is no comfort, though, in the data released yesterday which shows that the death rate from Covid-19 among men of black ethnic groups is almost three times that among white men, or that the death rate in the working-age population has seen people of Bangladeshi ethnicity at 80 per cent higher risk than the white population. The data does not say why this is the case: but although the Black Lives Matter campaign started with the police, it will not end there. Loading.... Our recovery Kickstart As Londons paper and website we want to play our part in making it stronger. Thats why today were launching the Kickstart Fund helping todays business dreams become tomorrows successes. Weve teamed up with venture capital firm Triple Point as part of our Spirit of London campaign. If you have a great idea for a tech startup, apply you could get funding of up to 150,000. BRIDGEPORT A majority of the City Council proposed a resolution Wednesday calling for reform and accountability with the citys Police Department following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis. We stand united and in solidarity with the family of George Floyd and families of color who have endured the tragic loss of loved ones at the hands of police officers both unjustly and with little to no accountability, said Council President Aidee Nieves standing outside City Hall. Some residents of Bridgeport have experienced similar incidents with our own police department and have called for reform and accountability, she said. Among the actions called for in the resolution, to be taken up at the June 15 meeting, are: a ban on police using knee and choke holds; all settlements for police use of excessive force and civil rights violations to be paid out of the Police Departments overtime budget; the function and structure of the Board of Police Commissioners will be reviewed; police officers will be provided both constituent engagement and de-escalation training; and all officers will be equipped with body cameras that must be turned on during all interactions with residents. Councilwoman Eneida Martinez said police have to be held accountable for their actions. Residents are afraid right now, said Councilman Alfredo Castillo. They dont know whether cops are good or bad. Mayor Joseph Ganim, who did not attend the council's press conference, said he supports the councils idea. I have spoken to the council president and I wholeheartedly endorse and agree with the councils resolution, Ganim said later on Wednesday. The mayor said he will support its implementation including the requirement that settlements come out of police overtime. The mayor said he recalls when police officers found to have violated someones civil rights were required to pay a portion of the settlement. Perhaps it time to return to that time, he said. On May 4, the City Council voted to approve a $342,500 settlement to city resident Carmelo Mendez and another $20,000 settlement to his sister, Wanda Mendez, on allegations that 17 police officers either used excessive force or lied about not seeing it being used against the two people when police broke up a birthday party at their Colorado Avenue home in 2017. Video from the scene showed officers pummeling and kicking Carmelo Mendez while he was handcuffed on the ground. Photographs later showed Mendez with a S stamped on the side of his head from the butt of an officers flashlight. The citys Office of Internal Affairs Investigation found that 17 Bridgeport police officers and two civilian detention officers violated a laundry list of department regulations. Nieves declined to comment but Councilwoman Maria Pereira later said the Mendez case was one of the reasons she insisted that the council resolution include the requirement that settlements come out of police overtime. You want them to be accountable, then take the settlements out of their overtime, she said. (The Mendez) case was disgraceful. It happened almost three years ago and only one officer had been disciplined. This is the reason residents lose faith with the police and local government. Eleven officers are facing disciplinary action for the Colorado Avenue incident; the citys police commission resumed hearings into the case in February. President Trump on Tuesday announced that the Republican National Convention would not take place in Charlotte, N.C., after Governor Roy Cooper said the state could prevent the convention from proceeding at full capacity due to the pandemic. Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-In-Place Mode, and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised, Trump wrote on Twitter. Would have showcased beautiful North Carolina to the World, and brought in hundreds of millions of dollars, and jobs, for the State. Governor Cooper, a Democrat, responded, We have been committed to a safe RNC convention in North Carolina and its unfortunate they never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe. Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority. A complete cancelation of the convention could cost the city of Charlotte tens of millions of dollars in damages, the Charlotte Observer reported last week. The contract between the city and the RNC does not include an act of God clause that could have exempted the city from liability because of the pandemic, although the Observer noted that many political events do not include such clauses in their contracts. It is not going to be easy for anyone to say Were out, said City Council member Ed Driggs, a Republican. This is a legal, commercial and political minefield. The convention would have seen up to 19,000 people gathering in Charlottes Spectrum Center, but Cooper said earlier on Tuesday that it was very unlikely the convention would occur at full capacity. However, some Republicans could still gather to conduct official business in Charlotte about a week before the convention itself. Due to the directive from the governor that our convention cannot go on as planned as required by our rules, the celebration of the presidents acceptance of the Republican nomination will be held in another city, the RNC said in a statement. Should the governor allow more than 10 people in a room, we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte. More from National Review (Newser) Another social media giant has decided to take action against President Trump. Snap Inc. says it isn't going to ban Snapchat content from the president, or add warnings to certain bits of it, as Twitter has donebut it will stop promoting his account on the app. The company says it is going to stop including Trump's account on its heavily curated Discover home page, which features content from high-profile users, the New York Times reports. Snap said it made the decision after Trump's tweets on the George Floyd protests. "We will not amplify voices who incite racial violence and injustice by giving them free promotion on Discover," says Snap spokesman Rachel Recusen. story continues below Snapchat says Trump's content will remain accessible to those who search for it. Reuters notes that Trump's Snapchat account "consists mostly of campaign content and does not contain the informal rhetoric" he uses on Twitter. In a company-wide memo, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel denounced racism and called for an US "Commission on Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations." "As for Snapchat, we simply cannot promote accounts in America that are linked to people who incite racial violence, whether they do so on or off our platform," he wrote. "We may continue to allow divisive people to maintain an account on Snapchat, as long as the content that is published on Snapchat is consistent with our community guidelines, but we will not promote that account or content in any way." (Read more Snapchat stories.) KALAMAZOO, MI Curfews enacted in Kalamazoo and Portage Tuesday, June 2 were lifted effective immediately Wednesday afternoon. No curfew will be in effect overnight on June 3 or moving forward, a news release from the city of Kalamazoo stated. What the city had called a peace zone established downtown is also no longer in effect. The peace zone was set up to bar anyone who was not a resident from going into the downtown area. After refusing to disperse at the request of public safety officers and members of the Michigan National Guard, protesters were tear-gassed just outside the boundaries of the peace zone shortly after the curfew went into effect Tuesday night. The National Guard, Michigan State Police and other agencies that were present Tuesday night will not be in Kalamazoo tonight or future nights unless circumstances require further assistance, the release states. Public Safety will be conducting additional patrols throughout all neighborhoods and will be focused on patrolling around known vacant buildings. Public Safety officers responded to two separate fires overnight in the city of Kalamazoo, which resulted in six homes being damaged or destroyed five of which were vacant properties. The sixth property was the longtime home of 84-year-old Nancy Harwood. According to her daughter, Cindy Harwood, a GoFundMe is in the process of being set up to assist the elder Harwood in her time of need. One of five structures burned in the West North Street/Staple Avenue fire, along with Harwoods, was about to be converted into eight affordable apartments for low income families, according to the citys release. The city of Kalamazoo is committed to working with the property owner and the neighborhood to see that those affordable apartments are built in the Northside neighborhood, the release states. While lawful protests and demonstrations are welcome and encouraged in Kalamazoo, other groups have taken this moment to create chaos, destroy property and engage in other criminal activity in the community, the city highlighted in the release. Chaos that occurred Monday night led to the implementation of last nights curfew, Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Karianne Thomas said at a Tuesday morning press conference. Monday was filled with peaceful protests around the community and also resulted in an abundance of property destruction in downtown Kalamazoo. The night ended with a number of people being tear-gassed in Bronson Park, some of whom police said were outside agitators," others who were residents of Kalamazoo. Residents are being asked by the city to stay alert for potential criminal activity to assist law enforcement in addressing the individuals responsible for this activity. This will help protect residents, homes, and property in every neighborhood in the city and differentiate people engaging in legitimate, needed protests from people seeking to cause destruction and harm in our community, the release states. In lifting its curfew, the city of Portage stated in a release that a local state of emergency will remain in place through June 8 as a precautionary measure. We are so grateful to the women and men of the Portage Department of Public Safety," City Manager Joe La Margo said in a pre-written statement. We will continue to work closely and in coordination with other local and state officials and adjust as circumstances warrant. Also on MLive: Five structures burn overnight in Kalamazoo, all deemed suspicious Kalamazoo protesters urge police to join them, are tear-gassed after curfew My heart was wrenched with pain, assistant chief says of ordering tear gas on protesters Kalamazoo city leaders met with protesters, who demanded answers about public safetys use of force Outside agitators forced officers to deploy tear gas, pepper spray in Kalamazoo, police say Volunteers help business owners clean up after night of protests, vandalism in Kalamazoo Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) Charges may be filed against people selling free educational materials, the Department of Education said on Wednesday The DepEd said it received reports that sellers were posting free learning materials online. "Earlier reports also claim that DepEds Most Essential Learning Competencies or MELCs are being sold through YouTube subscriptions," the statement said. DepEd launched a resource portal where teachers and students could access these materials to make sure the learning process could continue even with restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working nonstop to create, check, and curate all our content to make it more accessible to everyone, only for these people to use it for their own gain. We are warning these individuals that DepEd will prosecute you, Undersecretary Alain Pascua said. DepEd employees found participating in such activities would be charged with appropriate administrative or criminal charges for the sale of such materials. We have dispatched our field coordinators to seek out illegal activities such as this, and we are in talks with our legal department for any legal action we can take on these erring groups and individuals Pascua said. He also warned against the authenticity of the materials for sale, saying all materials are still undergoing quality assurance. The department also warned against those charging for supposedly free webinars, saying all DepEd webinars are free. Mr. Raphael Ahenu 03.06.2020 LISTEN Cluster of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Bono East, Bono and Ahafo regions will launch a new $100,000 Covid-19 response project on 15 th June, 2020 aimed at addressing the challenges vulnerable communities in those regions are facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project dubbed COVID-19 VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES SUPPORT (CVCS) PROJECT is to support CSOs collaborative efforts around COVID-19 and to stimulate creative interventions that promote resilience within and among vulnerable communities. The CSOs Cluster to implement the project include; Global Media Foundation, World Evangelical Alliance Business Coalition Ghana, Citizens Watch Ghana, Indigenous Women Empowerment Network, West Africa AIDS Foundation, Indigenous Youth Alliance Ghana, Ahafo Network of NGOs, Sunyani Municipal CSOs Platform on SDGs and Global Coalition on Infectious Diseases. The CSOs through this project, will provide seed grants to community-based organizations, women and youth networks who are able to propose programs aimed at enhancing awareness about precautionary measures, supporting vulnerable households, combating discrimination and stigmatization against covid-19 victims, and serving the needs of the most vulnerable individuals and communities. The project is also targeting individuals and organizations deploying direct interventions and community-led mobilization to minimize the spread of the virus and build resilience in urban informal and mining affected settlements that otherwise can be difficult to reach. The Founder/CEO of Global Media Foundation, Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu told the media in Accra there was the need for effective on-the-ground prevention and rehabilitation efforts targeted at vulnerable communities in urban informal and mining affected settlements characterized by a dense population and acute poverty. According to Mr. Ahenu, urban slums and mining affected settlements are pigeonholed by a dense population and acute poverty, which makes social distancing and hygiene standards difficult to practice. Adding that, without disposable cash to hoard food and basic necessities, these vulnerable communities cannot afford to stop working. Mr Ahenu, who is also the National Coordinator of WEA Business Coalition Ghana, said the consequences of an outbreak in these communities can be devastating with loss of jobs and income, malnutrition and deteriorating health, and will moreover leave entire populations vulnerable by allowing COVID-19 to spread more easily. The project he said has four strategies: 1. Raising of awareness: focus on training of the media, community health workers and volunteers, combating misinformation through information campaigns, as well as providing age- and literacy-appropriate COVID-19 prevention information through relevant media platforms including social media. 2. Providing access to basic sanitary supplies: focus on provision of hand washing equipment, clean water containers and community toilets as well as production and distribution of critical supplies like water, soap, sanitizers and personal protective equipment 3. Mitigating educational disruption: focus on supporting parents and caregivers to encourage remote learning as well as distance learning practices including low-tech, peer-to-peer learning and gender-responsive approaches 4. Ensuring community resilience: focus on, supporting entrepreneurs with the development of low cost-to-serve solutions that target vulnerable communities, especially affordable access to basic services With this, Mr Ahenu called on partners and donors to support the implementation of this vulnerable community-led initiative that can help deploy rapid responses and build community resilience amidst covid-19. He further called on individuals, corporate organisations and institutions as well as Churches to donate to the fund to ensure that vulnerable communities are well catered for in the wake of COVID-19. Patna, June 3 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said that the migrant labourers who had gone to other states for work were in great distress as the work providers did not take care of them. He said most of those who wanted to come back have returned. Kumar was addressing panchayat and local body representatives on COVID-19 through video conferencing on Wednesday. He asked people not to be afraid of the virus but be vigilant and cautious about it. Praising the role of police and health departments in enforcing the lockdowns, Kumar said the people also extended their full support to the authorities. "There was so much awareness in the villages, that people did not allow any outsider," he said. He appealed to the panchayat and local body representatives to make people more aware about how important it is to wear masks and maintain social distancing to ward off coronavirus. "Our government will provide 4 masks and soap to every family in the villages free of cost. The poor in the urban areas will also be provided masks free of cost," Kumar said. The chief minister cited facts in support of his claim that the government had done enough to prevent the spread of the disease and for the welfare of migrants. He said most of the migrants who wanted to come back have returned and they were quarantined for 14 days. After the quarantine centres are wound up, if any person is found corona positive, he or she will be kept in an isolation ward, Kumar said. "Currently, we have a capacity of 40,000 at isolation centres. A total of 2,344 beds have been arranged in Covid hospitals for the treatment of corona patients," he said. The Bihar Chief Minister claimed that this disease comes under the category of disaster. "We have always believed that it is the people who have the first right on the state's coffers during a disaster," he said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Vienna Wed, June 3, 2020 13:08 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbc53bb 2 Art & Culture adolf-hitler,House,Austria,police-station,Holocaust,nazi Free Austrian officials unveiled Tuesday plans to "neutralize" Adolf Hitler's birth house by turning it into a police station, with the building receiving some cosmetic changes in the process. The yellow corner house in the northern Austrian town of Braunau on the border with Germany, where Hitler was born on April 20 1889, was taken into government control in 2016. The building's fate was the subject of a lengthy legal battle with the house's owner, which only ended last year. Austrian architecture firm Marte.Marte, run by two brothers, has been chosen from among 12 candidates to carry out the modifications to the property. Read also: Artworks attributed to Hitler to be auctioned in Germany The government expects the work to cost some 5 million euros ($5.6 million) and be completed by early 2023. "A new chapter will be opened for the future from the birth house of a dictator and mass murderer," Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said at a press conference announcing the plans. Ministry official Hermann Feiner added that by adjusting the architecture and usage of the building the government aimed to "neutralize the entire premises". Although Hitler only spent a short time at the property, it has continued to draw Nazi sympathizers from around the world. Anti-fascist protesters have also organised rallies outside the building on Hitler's birthday. Officials said Tuesday that the 800-square-metre (8,600-square-feet) property -- which also has several garages and parking spaces located behind the main building -- would get two pointed gables but that much of the original structure would remain intact. A commemorative plaque outside the building will also be removed and may be exhibited in a museum. Austria's highest court ruled last year that Gerlinde Pommer, whose family owned the house for nearly a century, was entitled to some 810,000 euros in compensation, ending a lengthy legal battle. Pommer had been renting the property to the interior ministry since the 1970s. The government paid her around 4,800 euros a month and used it as a center for people with disabilities. But this arrangement fell apart in 2011 when Pommer refused to carry out essential renovation work and also declined to sell it. Since then, the building has lain empty. At one point, the interior ministry was pushing to have it torn down but the plans ran into angry resistance from politicians and historians. Germany annexed Austria in 1938, and although many top henchmen from Hitler downwards were Austrians, historians say the small Alpine country was slow to acknowledge for many years its shared responsibility for the Holocaust and the other crimes of the Nazis. Flight Path Museum Scholarship Opportunities These annual scholarships have given a valuable boost to the education and careers of numerous students throughout the years Students planning careers in aviation or aerospace now are offered an extended opportunity to apply for competitive scholarships offered through the Flight Path Museum at Los Angeles International Airport. The museum board has extended the application deadline to June 26, 2020. Five scholarships totaling more than $15,000 are offered, according to Agnes Huff, PhD, Flight Path Museum president. These include the museums Pete Conrad Scholarship and the Anton Acherman, Clay Lacy, Morrey Plotkin and Howard Drollinger scholarships funded by Flight Path benefactors. Qualifications, selection process details and application forms are available on the Scholarships page of the museum website http://www.flightpathlax.com These annual scholarships have given a valuable boost to the education and careers of numerous students, said Huff. A previous winner now is a commercial airline pilot and others are well on their way to exciting careers in aviation. Flight Paths Pete Conrad Scholarship was named for the famed Apollo 12 and Gemini 11 astronaut, a man who walked on the moon and set a space endurance record. It is supported by proceeds from the museums annual Gala and other donations. The Anton Acherman Scholarship, created in memory of Westchester resident and distinguished mechanical engineer Anton Acherman, is funded by his family, friends, neighbors and local businesses. The Clay Lacy Scholarship was established by one of Southern Californias most notable commercial pilots and aviation entrepreneurs. Clay Lacy has generously funded this scholarship for many years. He has been actively involved with the museums scholarship committee in selecting awardees. The Morrey Plotkin Scholarship perpetuates the legacy of Flight Paths founding chairman. Morrey Plotkin was a successful business leader and a longtime benefactor of the museum as well as several other community organizations. The scholarship was established and funded by the Plotkin family. The Howard Drollinger Scholarship, funded by his family foundation, honors Howard Drollingers support of aviation education, decorated service as a World War II Army Air Corps navigator, and leadership as a real estate developer in the LAX area. Flight Path Museum, located in the LAX Imperial Terminal, is temporarily closed in compliance with state health directives. The museum is operated by nonprofit Flight Path in cooperation with Los Angeles World Airports, the agency which operates Los Angeles International Airport. Flight Path Museum's mission includes the preservation of Southern California s aviation and aerospace heritage as well as encouragement and assistance to those pursuing education and careers in these fields. For more information on scholarships, our new gift shop and a virtual museum tour experience, visit http://www.flightpathlax.com. Harris County prosecutors this week tried to extend the legally allotted time to bring arrestees before a magistrate for probable cause findings after protesters detained during George Floyd demonstrations started filling the jail, according to several sources familiar with the request and an unfiled court document obtained by the Chronicle. The Harris County District Attorneys Office had petitioned a hearing officer to grant an additional 24 hours to process more than 30 people through the jails Joint Processing Center after being arrested on May 31 and June 1, according to the sources, who requested anonymity because they are not authoritied to speak about the order. A magistrate never signed the proposed order , and those arrested were eventually released on personal recognizance bonds prior to 24 hours as required under state law. In the proposed order, prosecutors attributed delays in the time between arrest and filed charges to an unusually large number of individuals arrested at the same time during protests related to the death of George Floyd. By state law, people in custody have to be seen by a magistrate for probable cause hearings within a 24-hour period on misdemeanors or a 48-hour period on felonies, or else they are to be released on a personal recognizance bond. Exceptions to the rule sometimes extend the time period, but federal law stipulates that magistrates set a defendants initial bail amount for misdemeanors within 48 hours of the arrest. The district attorneys office never filed its request online but submitted it personally to a magistrate, an anonymous source with knowledge of the request confirmed. Dane Schiller, spokesman of the district attorneys office, verified that the document was drafted out of an abundance of caution in the event that any people werent able to be seen by a magistrate in 24 hours. He emphasized that the proposed order ended up being unneeded, and added that prosecutors would have been protecting arrestees constitutional rights as police and filing officials struggled to keep up with a backlog at intake. We referenced a law that permits the time period to be extended due to exigent circumstances, however, no one was ultimately held longer than allowed, Schiller said. What you have is an unsigned document, unsigned because it was not even needed. We acted in advance to ensure the court was aware of a potential situation so that everyones right to due process was respected. Harris County public defenders on Tuesday criticized the district attorneys offices attempt and said they feared it could happen again if Tuesdays protests which are intended to be peaceful, according to organizers took a turn for the worse. A lot of these folks are being arrested for minor misdemeanors and they should be released as soon as possible, Harris County Public Defender Alex Bunin said. Theres no danger. If the district attorneys office had been successful, the 30-plus people they named in their proposed order could have languished in jail for up to 48 hours before they were seen by a magistrate, as opposed to the usual maximum of 24 hours for misdemeanor charges. On felony charges, that time could have stretched to 72 hours. High intake at the Harris County Jails Joint Processing Center continued throughout the weekend and into the week, with police making 200 arrests during Fridays protest alone. And the numbers peaked on Monday, with 407 people taken into the Joint Processing Center, according to documents obtained by the Chronicle. In the five days before, intake numbers never exceeded 243. Public defenders also questioned conditions protesters were being held in after their arrests. Sarah Wood, the public defenders office policy director, alleged in a written objection to the states original motion that Houston police had also been holding protest arrestees at 51 Reisner for extended periods before bringing them to the Joint Processing Center. The public defenders office, which acts as arrestees first line of defense in probable cause hearings, has no way of identifying people or monitoring their cases when theyre kept at Reisner, Wood said. Attorneys with the public defenders office also found that the protesters were being kept in a gymnasium room at 51 Reisner, without food or water. Their hands were still zip-tied and their masks removed, Wood said. Houston police did not respond to requests for comment. Monique Sparks, a Houston attorney who is working with a team to represent at least 20 arrested protesters for free, said she has heard similar complaints from her clients. Every day my mouth goes wide open based on another thing I hear, she said. Elizabeth Rossi, senior attorney with Civil Rights Corps, the group that successfully brought a landmark lawsuit challenging Harris County's bail system, said she finds it unconscionable that the prosecutors' office sought extra time for arrestees' detention without findings of probable cause, especially during a pandemic. "Theres certainly no need for them to be detained without a finding of probable cause," she said. "What we need now is a different response to the pain and trauma that people are experiencing at the hands of the police." tech2 News Staff Two studies conducted on Hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malarial drug that has been widely campaigned by American President Donald Trump and India's top medical research body - Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has come under the scanner yet again. After a study published in The Lancet Journal claimed that administering hydroxychloroquine to people infected with COVID-19 infection can increase their risk of death, the World Health Organisation (WHO) suspended a large scale trial on COVID-19 patients. Following in the WHO's footsteps, the governments of France, Italy and Belgium halted the use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 patients. The study had shown negative effects of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine on COVID-19 infected people. Now, concerns are mounting about studies in two influential medical journals - The Lancet and The New England Journal of Medicine - on hydroxychloroquine used on people infected with the coronavirus. The New England Journal of Medicine issued an expression of concern on Tuesday on a study it published on 1 May that suggested that the widely used blood pressure medicines were not raising the risk of death for people with COVID-19. The study relied on a database with health records from hundreds of hospitals around the world. Substantive concerns have been raised about the quality of the information, and the journal has asked the authors to provide evidence that its reliable, the editors wrote. The same database by the Chicago company Surgisphere Corp was used in an observational study of nearly 100,000 patients published in The Lancet that tied the malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to a higher risk of death in hospitalized patients with the virus. The Lancet issued a similar expression of concern about its study on Tuesday, saying it was aware important scientific questions had been raised. Although it wasnt a rigorous experiment that could give definitive answers, The Lancet study had wide influence because of its size. Hydroxychloroquine - has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties - is said to inhibit the coronavirus in laboratory experiments but has not been proven effective in humans, particularly in placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials considered the gold standard for data. The drug has been mired in controversy since President Donald Trump repeatedly promoted it, calling it a game-changer. He even took it himself without clear evidence that its safe or effective for preventing or treating coronavirus infection after two people in the White House were tested positive. (Also Read: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) study shows increased mortality in COVID-19 patients just as ICMR widens its use in India) Dr Mandeep Mehra of Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, is a professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the lead author of both studies, along with Sapan Desai, Surgispheres founder. He defended the use of the Surgisphere dataset as an intermediary step until clinical data is available. I eagerly await word from the independent audits, the results of which will inform any further action, Mehra said in a statement after The Lancet note. A hospital statement says the authors launched an independent audit of the data in The New England Journal paper on Monday. A second statement notes that The Lancet posted a correction Friday on a discrepancy found in that study and that an independent review would be done of its data too. The correction did not change the overall results or conclusions. A statement on Surgispheres site says it stands behind the integrity of its studies and notes that observational data like what it supplied from electronic health records are not a substitute for rigorous experiments to test a drug. Surgisphere also said in a statement that the audit will bring further transparency to our work (and) further highlight the quality of our work. Nearly 150 doctors have signed an open letter to The Lancet last week calling the articles conclusions into question and asking to make public the peer review comments that preceded publication. This is not some sideshow or minor issue, Dr Walid Gellad, a professor at University of Pittsburghs medical school, who was not a signatory of the letter but has been critical of the study, told Reuters. Were in an unprecedented pandemic. Weve organized these enormous clinical trials to figure out if something works. And this study stopped or paused a couple of those trials, and changed the narrative around a drug that no one knows if it works or not." The Lancet and the authors need to do more to address the many concerns that scientists have raised, said Dr Eric Topol, a research methods expert and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in San Diego to The Associated Press. I had accepted The Lancet paper on its face because the journal and lead author are highly regarded, and because the results are consistent with prior research -- 13 studies have found no benefit from hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus, Topol said. With the new concerns and correction, the cloud around the database has now been greatly amplified, Topol said. With inputs from agencies Also Read: Gilead granted marketing authorisation for remdesivir for potential Covid-19 treatment in India Without Charles Lippincotts groundbreaking approach to publicity, there is a good chance that far fewer people would have flocked to a film set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. That film, of course, was Star Wars, George Lucass 1977 space opera starring Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford, which not only became a box-office smash but also grew into one of the most successful franchises of all time. But before it was released, no one knew if there would be much of an audience for it. Mr. Lippincott set out to build one. He began promoting Star Wars more than a year before its release date, arranging for tie-ins with Marvel Comics and building enthusiasm by courting aficionados of science fiction and comic books at conventions. Sometimes he brought along Mr. Hamill, the little-known actor who starred as Luke Skywalker. His approach, unheard-of at the time, has since become de rigueur. 3 1 of 3 Handout/National Institutes of Health/AFP via Getty Images Show More Show Less 2 of 3 LI WENLIANG/Getty Show More Show Less 3 of 3 A staff member at Deering Nursing and Rehabilitation tested positive for coronavirus, according to a press release from Ector County. The state-mandated testing occurred at Deering on May 19 and results came back May 21. Results showed 100 percent negative results from residents and staff. The nursing home is working with local health authorities to determine a re-testing plan to investigate the full spread of the outbreak, according to the release. In the meantime, residents are having their temperature checked three times a day and have been provided information on how to self-monitor then report symptoms to a nursing team member. Staff members are screened upon arrival for their shift. McDonald's sparked a frenzy in May with its launch of $2 cinnamon doughnut balls - and now the fast food giant has released a new banana caramel pie McFlurry. In partnership with UberEats, the new ice-cream flavour can be purchased for $4.95 exclusively off the food delivery app between June 3 to 10. From June 11, Australians can buy the banana caramel pie McFlurry from McDonald's restaurants. The new flavour has chunks of the McDonald's crispy pie pastry with a banana, caramel filling topped with hot caramel fudge. McDonald's has launched a new banana caramel pie McFlurry for $4.95 and customers are calling it a 'game changer' On social media the news quickly spread, with thousands of customers expressing their excitement online. 'I need to try this one!' one woman wrote on Facebook. 'An absolute game changer,' another said, a third added: 'I need this!!' For an extra 55 cents customers can choose to add another dollop of the delicious caramel topping, but a delivery service fee will be charged when ordered off UberEats. The new ice-cream flavour can be purchased off UberEats between June 3 to 10, and from June 11 Australians can buy the banana caramel pie McFlurry from McDonald's restaurants Last month customers also went crazy for the cinnamon balls (pictured). The $2 dessert comes with hot fudge dipping sauce for an extra $1.50 and is currently only available in New South Wales Last month customers also went crazy for the cinnamon balls, but not everyone was able to get their hands on them. The $2 dessert comes with hot fudge dipping sauce for an extra $1.50 and is currently only available in McDonald's restaurants across New South Wales. The menu item, which includes five donut balls coated in cinnamon sugar, is expected to be available throughout all Australian states in the coming weeks. 'Donut Balls from Maccas. I've died and gone to heaven,' one wrote on Facebook. 'Did anyone else know you could get Donut Balls from McDonald's? Today is a good day!' another said. Afghanistan is testing only about 20 percent of its daily suspected coronavirus cases, officials and experts said, as confirmed infections crossed 17,000 in the impoverished country Wednesday. Afghan health authorities reported 758 new positive cases of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, taking total confirmed infections to 17,257. "The health ministry is really concerned about the spread of the virus," deputy health minister Waheed Majroh told reporters. "Unfortunately, the number of cases nationwide is more than what we record daily. We have capacity to conduct up to 2,000 tests a day, but the demand is way more." For latest updates on coronavirus outbreak, click here The International Rescue Committee (IRC) said in a statement Tuesday that "between 80 to 90 percent of potential cases are not being tested", citing figures provided to them by the health ministry which said between 10,000 and 20,000 samples were being received per day. The charity warned that Afghanistan was on the brink of a health crisis after confirmed cases spiked by 684 percent in May. Afghanistan has one of the highest rates of tests coming back positive -- about 40 percent -- the IRC said, indicating high levels of undetected infections. The IRC urged the international community to work with Afghanistan to improve its testing capacity. Four decades of war have devastated the health care system, Vicki Aken, IRC head in Afghanistan said in the statement. ] "Many health clinics do not have the proper protective gear to treat or refer COVID-19 patients and are turning away those showing signs and symptoms," Aken said. The spike in cases came after Afghanistan grappled with rising violence in recent months that diverted vital attention and resources away from the fight against the disease. The country's few hospitals focus mainly on basic care and trauma wounds and lack the expertise and equipment needed to deal with infectious diseases. The virus's spread has surged amid a nationwide lockdown that residents have largely ignored, with many preferring to take their chances with the disease than lose a day's work. Experts warn Bolsonaros actions, unequal health system and easing of lockdowns will lead to more dire consequences. True to form, a maskless Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro rode a police horse through a crowd in Brasilia this weekend, shaking hands with supporters, again dismissing social distancing and other measures in place to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has killed at least 31,000 and infected more than half a million. The scene followed similar incidents in the weeks prior. So what? Bolsonaro said in May when asked by a reporter about Brazils mounting coronavirus fatalities. Im sorry but what do you want me to do about it? Bolsonaro, a former army captain who has dismissed the virus as the little flu, has pushed back against social isolation measures mandated by state governors, and called for the wider use of antimalarial drugs to treat COVID-19, in defiance of public health experts warning of their possible health risks. He has continued to maintain that protecting Brazils economy is the most important consideration, despite widespread domestic and international criticism of his handling of the outbreak and a rapidly rising death toll. His open defiance has led to the loss of two health ministers one was fired, the other resigned, after they openly disagreed with the far-right leader about how to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Experts have said the two sudden changes in leadership in the health ministry, compiled with Bolsonaros continued opposition to lockdowns is already having devastating consequences on Brazil, a vast, developing nation with widespread poverty, and an underfunded public health system. The two ministers were focused on implementing health policies that are in line with public health guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as from Brazils own epidemiologists and experts, said Anya Prusa, senior associate at the Brazil Institute in the Wilson Center. But they ran into a government and a president who was not interested in crafting policy based on health guidelines, Prusa told Al Jazeera. He is a president that is focused on the economy with the exclusion of all else. People standing in front of a shop in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil [Pilar Olivares/Reuters] Last week, a University of Washington study warned that Brazils death toll could surge to 125,000 by early August, and urged the country to impose stricter lockdowns to reduce the rate of transmission. Brazil must follow the lead of Wuhan, China, as well as Italy, Spain, and New York by enforcing mandates and measures to gain control of a fast-moving epidemic and reduce transmission of the coronavirus, said Christopher Murray, the director of the universitys Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Until then, IHME is forecasting the death toll in Brazil will continue to climb, there will be a shortage of critical hospital resources, and the peak of deaths may not occur until mid-July, said Murray. The dire warnings are only compounded by a public health system that has been underfunded and strained for years. Health experts say that with the number of cases and higher demand for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, it will be very challenging for hospitals to cope. Unequal system Brazils universal health system provides free care for the majority of its 212 million citizens. But the sprawling system is severely under-resourced and offers uneven health services across the country. We have a system where everybody has a right to health, everybody has rights to some healthcare services, but because of underfunding, the distribution is absolutely unequal, said Miguel Lago Executive Director, Institute for Health Policy Studies. It is unequal geographically and in terms of social class, Lago added. Lago said that more than half of the population live in regions where there is an insufficient number of ICU beds crucial in the treatment of severe cases of COVID-19. Coronavirus infections in Brazil were first restricted to wealthy neighbourhoods and large cities in close contact with international travellers, but experts say, the virus has more recently made its way to poorer and more isolated areas to devastating effects. COVID in Brazil came through the penthouse, but nowadays it is going through the dungeons, said Ana Maria Malik, a professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sao Paulo. The heterogeneity of the country means that people are going to die simply because they are poor or because they live in states where there is no infrastructure, Malik said during an online panel discussion on Brazils healthcare last week. A patient being treated for coronavirus in the ICU of a field hospital in Guarulhos, Sao Paulo state, Brazil [Amanda Perobelli/Reuters] In the more isolated regions of Brazil, such as in the state of Amazonas, residents rely on philanthropic hospitals that are run by churches or charities. While the private healthcare sector which treats millions of patients a year albeit mostly in large cities and more affluent parts of the country is better equipped, it too has become inundated with coronavirus patients, straining hospitals and staff. Our occupancy rate is very high, said Joel Velasco, senior vice president at UnitedHealth Group, one of the largest private hospital groups in Brazil. We do have some idle capacity, but not much, Velasco said during the online discussion. All the ICUs are at 80-85 percent [capacity], and in cities like Rio it is at 90 percent, it means that there are no beds, that there is a waiting list for people to get into the ICU, he said. Easing restrictions Experts warn the situation will likely only get worse as states relax lockdowns and stay at home orders. Malls, shops and real estate operations were allowed to operate for 15 days on Monday as part of phase two of the reopening plan in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazils largest city and the hardest hit city by COVID-19 infections. Observers said Sao Paulo, the countrys financial hub has been facing growing pressure to allow businesses to reopen after two months of loosely enforced quarantines have taken a toll on the economy. The citys mayor, Bruno Covas said the city met all the states criteria to move forward with relaxing restrictions and the move will be based on clear protocols on hygiene measures and testing. He added that the city could only progress through the next reopening stages if the indicators hold for 14 days. If the numbers worsen, we can go back to phase one, Covas said in a news conference on Thursday. Brazils President Jair Bolsonaro greeting supporters during a protest in Brasilia, Brazil [Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters] Experts fear continued surges in cases is inevitable. Last week, the WHO declared that the Americas had become the new global epicentre of the virus, warning Brazil would not be seeing the pandemics end anytime soon. Now is not the time for countries to ease restrictions, Carissa Etienne, WHO director for the Americas said during a videoconference. Filipe Carvalho, a Brazil analyst with the Eurasia Group, said plans to reopen come after local leaders faced great difficulty in coordinating the response to the epidemic and in the absence of a stable team with a national plan. Carvalho said with the two leadership changes and a president at the helm who refuses to abide by health expert recommendations on social distancing let alone promote them, local leaders faced an uphill battle in imposing lockdowns leading to a conflicting image about the dangers of the virus and eroding compliance with quarantine measures. The danger is that you would increase very abruptly the strain on the healthcare system and states are forced to shut down again, Carvalho told Al Jazeera. They would have this unpredictable stop and go scenario where cities open but need to pull back again because the numbers rise too quickly again. Bishop Budde, 60, and Archbishop Gregory, 72, are both groundbreaking figures: In 2011, she became the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, which includes the National Cathedral. Archbishop Gregory is the first African-American to hold his position, which he assumed just over a year ago. His appointment by Pope Francis to Washington, a prominent archdiocese, puts him in line to become the countrys first African-American cardinal. The Archdiocese of Washington did not respond to a request to interview him. In a statement on Sunday, Archbishop Gregory decried the horror of George Floyds death, referring to the unarmed African-American man who was killed after a white police officer in Minneapolis knelt on his neck, the episode that has set off more than a week of protests across the United States. Archbishop Gregory said the incident reveals the virus of racism among us once again even as we continue to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. The National Shrine is run by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization with ties to conservative Washington and to Mr. Trumps orbit. Shortly after the presidents visit, the shrine released a statement on its Twitter account clarifying that the White House originally scheduled this as an event for the president to sign an executive order on international religious freedom, which he did later in the day. In a statement, Brian Burch, the president of the conservative group CatholicVote, defended the presidents visit to the shrine as appropriate and criticized Archbishop Gregory. He called it regrettable that the Archbishop of Washington chose this occasion to engage in a partisan attack on the president, especially when the country is in desperate need of healing and unity. And during an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Kellyanne Conway, a senior White House adviser, bristled at criticism that the president was using religious sites as a prop. Arguing that Mr. Trump has made religious liberty a priority of his presidency, she took aim at Bishop Budde personally, saying: That is not, quote, her church, that is not, quote, her Bible, Ms. Conway said. We dont look into other peoples hearts and souls and discern and judge what their faith is. An eight-year-old girl has allegedly been tortured to death for accidentally releasing pet parrots owned by the parents for whom she was babysitting in Pakistan. Zahra Shah sustained injuries to her face, hands, rib cage and legs, in Rawalpindi in Punjab on Sunday and later died. The police report also said there were wounds on her thighs which were consistent with a sexual assault. Police said Hassan Siddiqui admitted that he and his wife had battered Zahra after she allowed his 'expensive pet parrots escape from their cage.' The parents - who had employed Zahra to look after their one-year-old child four months ago - were arrested shortly after she was admitted to hospital. Police said Hassan Siddiqui (pictured in custody) admitted that he and his wife had battered Zahra after she allowed his 'expensive pet parrots escape from their cage' The couple will remain in custody until at least June 6, Dawn reported. Zahra had left her home some 250 miles to the south in Kot Addu to work at the couple's home. Siddiqui is said to have promised her an education in exchange for her work. The horrifying case has brought the rights of children back into focus in Pakistan, with #JusticeForZahraShah trending on Twitter and celebrities chiming in. Actress Mahira Khan wrote: 'The demons walk freely among us.' Rapper-comedian Ali Gul Pir decried the latest example of alleged child abuse, saying: 'If a child who was killed because she wanted a bird to be free can't get justice. Then nothing that you have achieved matters.' It comes after the parliament in Islamabad passed new legislation this year to specifically address sexual crimes against children. The Zainab Alert Bill passed in January and is named after six-year-old Zainab Ansari who was raped and murdered in Kasur in 2018. Zainab's case brought nationwide protests after she was found dumped in the trash. Her death was the 12th such brutal incident in the city of Kasur in as many months. New revelations from the World Health Organization point out that China may have intentionally keep valuable data from the early days of the pandemic. This evidence comes about from records from the internal meetings of the WHO, that investigates Beijing's outbreak response. China intentionally conceals information about possible pandemic According to AP News, these recordings contained what can be interpreted as dissension on the 6th of January, when the CCP intentionally withheld the vital information to assess the risk it represented. Because of this delay, there was no proof the coronavirus would be as virulent as it was found to be. A deadly stall that cost the WHO an early opportunity to sound the alarm for a global emergency. The results were seen later as many countries fell victim to the coronavirus that infected several millions and killed more than 350,000 souls. An epidemiologist for the WHO, Maria Van Kerkhove, said they were lacking information and this made deciding on the coronavirus not easy without conclusive evidence, or even how to organize a way to handle the response. Gauden Galea, the top WHO China official mentioned that they were getting the data, in 15 mins before the info goes on CCTV (Chinese State TV), according to Stripes. By this time, China was already subject to the negative PR on the way how China was perceived as the guilty party, and why the contagion got so bad and killed thousands. To be accurate, there are more than 6 million cases, with 375,000 killed by the COVID-19 world-wide. The US has made it a point that the WHO was a 'China PR agency,' case in point is why did the early warning get snuffed along with the information needed to know how to deal with it. President Trump and Mike Pompeo put the pressure on China and the WHO, who were colluding in the eyes of the US. WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, never miss a chance to give China credit. The AP asked the WHO office in China for the recordings of the meeting. The WHO office gave assurances about the processes in the WHO organizations, that dealt honestly on the board as confirmed by CNBC. Also read: China Side Stepped Accusations at the World Health Assembly Not the first time China concealed information It was clear the initial response failed as the WHO had not provided the important data in the early days, which resulted to a lost chance in routing the pandemic if the minutes of the meeting were reviewed. One of their officers, Michael Ryan, the WHO's chief of emergencies, was worried about a recurrence of a SARS-like epidemic, like in 2002 which the Chinese kept wrapped initially before warning the world, reported by the Tulsa World. AP getting of the recordings of WHO meetings gives another picture of the critical scrutiny how it went about with the early stages of the pandemic. Soon there will be an organized investigation to know the beginnings of the outbreak, to get the facts straight once and for all. Ryan reiterated what happened with SARS and the data that was hard to get, he told in the report. For WHO, it was not easy to resolve because of Chinese government's secrecy. Related article: 100 Countries Demand Answers, Join Forces to Probe China's Cover-up of Coronavirus @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. DETROIT A Detroit man has been charged for crimes related to stealing $590,900 from a federal program meant to help businesses keep employees on the payroll during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. 51-year-old Darrell Baker is believed to have used the money to purchase four expensive vehicles for himself and two family members. Baker was charged this week for his alleged role in the scheme to defraud the Payroll Protection Program by applying for funds for a defunct business, U.S. Attorney Matthew Scheider announced with FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven M. DAntuono. Defendant Baker is charged with lying to obtain money that was supposed to help small businesses struggling with their payroll and expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Schneider said. Defrauding banks to obtain loans is never acceptable and doing so during our current national emergency is unconscionable. Bakers alleged actions harmed hard-working Americans and deserving small businesses by syphoning taxpayer funds that could have otherwise helped legitimate businesses, DAntuono said. Baker applied for the funds on behalf of Motorcity Solar Energy, Inc. He allegedly submitted paperwork with his loan application to Customers Bank in Pennsylvania stating that the company had 68 employees and, in 2019 paid wages, tips and other compensation totaling $2.8 million. The bank funded the PPP loan. However, the business corporate status was dissolved by the state of Michigan in July 2019. All of Motorcitys purported business locations were empty suites or single-family residences, with no evidence of business activity. Additionally, Motorcity never established an account with the State of Michigans unemployment insurance program, which is required of any valid employer in the state. In the two days after the loan was funded, it is alleged that Baker purchased four cashiers checks and withdrew an additional $60,000 in cash. The cashiers checks were allegedly used to purchase two Cadillac Escalades, a Dodge Charger and a Hummer. One vehicle was purchased for Bakers sister, one went to his brother-in-law; he kept two for himself, according to the announcement. The PPP is managed by the Small Business Administration. It provides loans to help businesses keep their workforces employed during the COVID-19 crisis. The SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The U.S. Attorneys Office is committed to holding accountable anyone who would exploit the COVID-19 crisis for their own greedy desires, Schneider said. READ MORE: Wednesday, June 3: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan From hair salons to gyms, experts rank 36 activities by coronavirus risk level Michigan coronavirus stay-at-home order lifted: Heres what opens when Qatars state-owned oil and gas company signed a massive deal with South Korean shipbuilders Monday. Qatar Petroleum plans to buy more than 100 ships worth $19 billion from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings and Samsung Heavy Industries, Reuters reported. The ships are for carrying liquefied natural gas and will arrive through 2027. It is the largest ever single order of such ships, according to the outlet. An analyst told Reuters that the three major South Korean companies would have faced difficulties staying afloat without the deal. The purchase comes as global oil and energy producers such as Qatar are showing signs of recovery from the drop in prices caused in large part by the COVID-19 pandemic. Global oil prices rebounded somewhat in May from historic lows in March. Prices have continued to rise this month as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia discuss further supply cuts. Easing of coronavirus-related restrictions is also increasing the price of oil. Correction: June 4, 2020. An ealier version of this article mistakenly stated that Qatar was a member of OPEC. Qatar withdrew from OPEC in 2019. A prominent GAA family in the UK are devastated that they have been denied permission to have an Irish term inscribed on their mothers gravestone. The family of Margaret Keane, who died in July 2018, had appealed to have the inscription In ar gcroithe go deo engraved on her headstone but a court of the Church of England has ruled that to do so without an accompanying English language translation could leave it open to be read as a political statement. The term means in our hearts forever yet the chancellor of the Consistory Court of the Diocese of Coventry has ruled that the Gaelic term must be accompanied with the English translation. Mrs Keane, who was born in Westmeath, was a member of the Catholic Church but she was buried in the local Church of England graveyard as it was in the suburb of Ash Green in Coventry where she had spent most of her life. Her death at the age of 73 in July 2018 is the subject of a legal case being taken against the health authorities by her family as it occurred in controversial circumstances. We are devastated, Mrs Keanes daughter Bernadette told the Irish Examiner. We loved our mum and her death was traumatic and unexpected and we have been through processes running along with fighting for the headstone so we have been in suspended grief. It was to be a last memorial to a dear and special woman and will also be the headstone of our father when that day comes so not to have that allowed was devastating. Mrs Keanes widower Bernard, a native of Ballyhaunis, was previously the president of the GAA in Great Britain, and Margaret had also been active in the association all her life. In 2017, she was the recipient of the GAA presidents medal. The family had requested the headstone include a Celtic Cross with the emblem of the GAA at its centre along with the four-word term. After their initial request was rejected, they then appealed to the churchs Consistory court which allowed the cross and emblem but refused to allow the Irish term stand on its own. Given the passions and feelings connected with the use of the Irish Gaelic, there is a sad risk that the phrase would be regarded as some form of slogan or that its inclusion without translation would of itself be seen as a political statement, according to the Stephen Eyre, chancellor of the Consistory Court of the Diocese of Coventry. British historian Francis Young tweeted that he found the judgment shocking. I am left open mouthed at this apparent resurgence of old-fashioned anti-Irish prejudice, not only in a judicial tribunal, but in a judicial tribunal of the church. When contacted by the Irish Examiner, he said that he was not an expert in this area and was speaking as a concerned citizen. A large number of ballots were cast by mail for the primaries on June 2 and many counties have predicted delays in the tabulation of votes. The Associated Press will continue to tabulate and report votes after election night. This article is part of the Free Speech Project , a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech. In the middle of a global pandemic, as a wave of anti-racism activism sweeps the nation, conditions are rife for a spike in online hate and harassment. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets to protest police brutality while millions more socially distance at home, anxious and isolated, with eyes glued to phones and computer screens. In this climate of extreme uncertainty and unease, the tensions playing out IRL are sure to reverberate and escalate in the digital realm. Weve already seen a rise in online attacks against scientists, public health experts, Asians, and Asian Americans, and we will no doubt see increased abuse targeting activists, journalists of color, and anyone commenting or reporting on the protests. Advertisement Online abusefrom impersonation accounts to hateful slurs and death threatsbegan with the advent of the internet itself, but the problem is pervasive and growing. A 2017 study from the Pew Research Center found that more than 40 percent of Americans have experienced online abuse, and more than 60 percent have witnessed it. People of color and LGBTQ+ people are disproportionately targeted, and women are twice as likely as men to experience sexual harassment online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This abuse poses a direct and pressing threat to free expression, stifling underrepresented voices and intimidating the very experts providing us with the information and guidance we urgently need. At PEN America, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and defending the written word where I work, we have seen firsthand the nefarious ways it is deployed to censor and silence. We believe that only when we develop a clear understanding of what online abuse looks like and a shared language to describe and condemn it can we strategically fight back. Advertisement Advertisement With that in mind, we have worked with creative and media professionals, lawyers, psychologists, and technologists to develop a digital toolkit, the Online Harassment Field Manual, that offers comprehensive guidance on navigating online abuse in the U.S. If you or someone you know comes under attack, remember that you are not powerless. There are concrete steps you can take to defend yourself and others. 1. Identify the Abuse Figure out whats happening to you. Is it a mean-spirited critique? (Youre the worlds worst writer.) Is it an insult-riddled comment? (Youre not only a terrible writer, youre a moron.) Or outright abuse containing, for example, gendered or racist slurs and threats? (Everyone knows **** like you cant write and deserve to die.) Advertisement Advertisement Online abuse is defined as the repeated or severe targeting online of an individual or group through harmful behavior. Common tacticsalbeit ever-evolving and often overlappinginclude: hateful speech, sexual harassment, threats of physical and sexual violence, impersonation, doxing, nonconsensual pornography, message bombing, and many more. You can find detailed definitions and examples of these terms here. If youre being critiqued or insulted, you can choose to refute it or let it go. But if youre being abused, naming what youre experiencing not only signals that its a tangible problem but can also help you communicate with allies, employers, and law enforcement. 2. Document the Abuse Keep in mind that if you report online abuse that violates a platforms terms of service and succeed in getting it taken down, you could lose valuable evidence. Thats why its critical to document abuse before reporting it. Save emails, voicemails, and texts. Take screenshots on social media and copy direct links whenever possible. If youre being abused repeatedly by a specific individual or group, you may want to create a log, which can help you see patterns and build up evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Documentation will be necessary should you decide to engage law enforcement or pursue legal action. It can also be hugely helpful in conversations with an ally, manager, or employer, as repeating abusive comments aloud can be retraumatizing and paraphrasing them can mask their actual severity. Pointing to a screenshot is often less uncomfortable and more impactful. 3. Assess Your Safety Has the online abuse made you concerned for your physical safety or that of your family or colleagues? The anonymity afforded by the internet, alongside the proliferation of bots and other fake accounts, can make it very hard to judge. Run through some key questions to help you assess the threat, ideally with a close friend or colleague as a sounding board: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you know your abuser, and do they have a history of erratic or violent behavior? Is the threat directed and specific? Does it include your name, a time, a place, or a method of attack? Does the abuser seem irrational, for example, threatening you using their real name, email, or phone number? Has the abuser migrated across platforms or moved offline (e.g., voicemails, physical mail, or packages left at your door or workplace)? The above are just red flags, but if youre being made to feel physically unsafe in any way, trust your instincts. You may need to temporarily relocate to a hotel or a friends place. And, depending on the circumstances, you may also need to consider reporting to law enforcement. While not all authorities are well-trained in dealing with online abuse, at the very least you are creating a record that could be useful later. If you are not comfortable engaging with law enforcement on your own, consider bringing an ally, enlisting the help of your manager or employer (if the abuse is work-related), or consulting with a lawyer. 4. Block, Mute, Report Blocking, muting, and reporting abuse on social media platforms are each distinct actions. You can block accounts (so they cannot communicate with or follow you), and you can sometimes mute accounts or even specific posts or words (so you dont have to see them). You can report abuse that violates terms of service to try to get a post taken down or an account suspended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While valuable, these tools are imperfect. Blocking can escalate abuse, muting can mask threats you may need to monitor, and reporting mechanisms are not always effective, even when abusive content blatantly violates terms of service. Enlisting allies can help: Trusted friends or colleagues can keep tabs on your mentions while youre blocking and muting, inform you of any escalation or threats, and report with and for you. 5. Bolster Your Cybersecurity It can be difficult to find the mental space to tackle your cybersecurity when youre under attack, but abusive trolls will often try to access and broadcast your private information to humiliate or intimidate you. To protect yourself from hacking and impersonation, start by practicing password hygiene: use long passwords (ideally a string of words and symbols with at least 16 characters), never reuse passwords, invent answers to security questions, and set up two-factor authentication on your key personal and professional accounts (email, social media, banking, etc.). If youre wondering how youre going to keep track of all that, consider getting a password manager. Advertisement To protect yourself from doxing and other invasions of privacy, take some time to dox yourself (not literally), and establish firm boundaries between your personal and professional presence online. 6. Enlist Allies While discussing online abuse can elicit feelings of fear and shame, remember that abuse is intended to isolate you. You are not alone. Seek support from friends, family, and colleagues, and deploy your wider cyber community to serve as allies. If you are being abused in retaliation for your work, are concerned about professional ramifications, or feel physically unsafe, seriously consider telling your employer or professional contacts (in writing). Your employer may be able to offer support, from mental health care to legal counsel, and help escalate your concerns to tech companies and law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because not everyone is equally well-versed in what online abuse is, prepare yourself for these conversations by bringing documentation, emphasizing the impact the abuse has had on your livelihood, and being clear about whether youre asking for a listening ear or specific assistancelike helping you report, document, or assess your safety. 7. Speak Out (With Caveats!) The standard advice Dont feed the trolls is often sound. Abusers, when confronted, may escalate attacks or try to goad their targets into lashing out to get them in trouble. Speaking out against abuse, however, can also be profoundly empowering. The key is to be careful and deliberate as you decide what will work for you. One way to do this is to practice counterspeech without directly confronting your abuser. Counterspeech could involve forcefully denouncing harassment and hate, defending your reputation, reclaiming an abusive symbol or hashtag, fact-checking disinformation, and enlisting the support of your allies or employer. Some folks have even gotten creative, responding to their abusers by sending puppy photos or telling their mothers about their bad behavior. Basically, do what feels right for youbut be mindful of your employers social media policy and avoid resorting to abuse yourself. 8. Practice Self-Care Remember, this is not your fault. Online abuse can elicit feelings of fear and shame. It is exhausting and demoralizing. It can do real and lasting damage to your mental, emotional, and physical health. Resist the urge to ignore how youre feeling, and remember that people can be affected differently depending on their race, gender, sexuality, and experience. Make time for self-care. This can include anything from meditation or cooking to listening to music or going for walks. Whatever you choose, it must involve taking regular breaks from your devices. Advertisement Advertisement Seeking professional mental health care can also make a big difference, especially if you get to a point where you feel hopeless or paralyzed by fear, talk about your abuse obsessively, struggle to enjoy things, or have difficulty eating or sleeping. If you do not have access to mental health care benefits through an employer, take a look at the Anxiety and Depression Association of Americas Guide to Affordable Mental Health Care and check out this advice from a psychologist with her own experience of online abuse. You dont have to follow each and every step listed above, let alone in order. In fact, you may end up doing a bunch of these things at the same time, or skipping some and coming back to others when they are most helpful. Remember that, at the individual level, it is exceedingly difficult to prevent people from being abusive online, and at the institutional level, theres still much work to be done to improve tools for self-defense and mechanisms for accountability. But the above guidance offers a good place for individuals experiencing abuse to start. Armed with your own wits and resilience, bolstered by concrete guidance and the support of others, you have the power to push back against abuse and protect the space for free expression in the digital realm. A version of this article also appears on the website of the Harvard Business Review. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Many businesses are beginning to reopen their doors as Texas tries to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, and the Tomball Economic Development Corporation gave an update on what theyve been doing and how Tomball businesses are faring. Tiffani Wooten, the assistant director of the Tomball EDC, said they had been reaching out to businesses to see how they were doing through March and April, as well as compiling resources, but not all the businesses they talked to were struggling. New development planned: Tomball EDC purchases land, warehouses near Main Street We definitely heard a lot from our retail side that things were kind of doom and gloom but some of our primary employers, they were still expanding, Wooten said during a May 28 meeting of the TEDC and Tomball B&TP Property Owners Association. They were still ready to move forward with growth efforts. When the pandemic has lessened, Wooten said the EDCs first roundtable would be focused on COVID relief efforts, with business owners talking about best practices, what they learned, and what they need to be prepared for in the future. On HoustonChronicle.com: Home sales spike in Houston for first time since pandemic began Wooten said they also reached out to other economic development organizations to see how they were handling the pandemic. Many of them reached out to local businesses with loan opportunities, but Wooten said that almost had a backlash for some of them. What they told us in hindsight was we were not prepared for what we got, Tomball EDC Executive Director Kelly Violette said. Some said they ran out of loan money within 48 hours, Violette said, which also happened with Harris Countys grant program. When we started looking at doing a grant or a loan and talking to some of the other EDOs that have done that, they were like, we could spend our entire budget and still not help every business, Violette said. Violette said a couple of Tomball businesses have had to close during the pandemic, some of which she said were not strong prior to the pandemic, but not many have had to completely close because some have gotten funding from federal loan programs like the paycheck protection program. Wooten said the EDC would be talking to several businesses that survived and working to spotlight their success stories. She said three local employers had reached out to her recently looking to hire people. Our businesses are surviving, Wooten said. paul.wedding@hcnonline.com Gender Advocacy NGO, Bridge for Equity Ghana, has petitioned government to scrap taxes on sanitary pads and enable local production across the country to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. In a 6-month campaign dubbed 'No Pad Tax' the NGO argued that the scrapping the 20% tax on sanitary pads, also termed as luxury items by the Ghana Revenue Authority will go a long way to address issues related to period poverty. The 24-paged petition document, which gives a background to the problem, statistics, effects and recommendations, is attached with 2,000 signatories from concerned citizens across the country. According to the founder of the NGO, Lilipearl Baaba Otoo, the No Pad Tax campaign is to also create awareness on Menstrual Hygiene as well as expose citizens to the challenges that young girls go through during their period. She cited absenteeism, teenage pregnancy and school dropouts as the major consequences of menstruation to schoolgirls in Ghana, especially in rural Ghana. It is really strange that something as normal and regular as menstruation could be a major contributing factor to messing up the future of young girls in Ghana. Schoolgirls, especially in rural Ghana, cannot afford sanitary pads because they are expensive and almost inaccessible to them, she said. Lilipearl added that: The goal is to get the government to distribute these pads for free at least for Basic and Secondary school girls however we need to start from somewhere and that place is to petition the government to scrap the 20% tax on sanitary pads and enable local production. On his part, Coordinator for Bridge for Equity Ghana, Mr. Patrick Fynn noted that enabling local production will not only fall in line with the agenda to encourage made-in-Ghana goods, but it will also go a long way to address issues of unemployment, poverty, school dropouts, absenteeism and even teenage pregnancies. He also cited the importance of educating men on the nature of menstruation and the psychological effects it has on women especially when they are period-shamed. Receiving the petition, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Cynthia Morrison commended the NGO for the efforts they had taken on their initiative. She said her Ministry has been working assiduously to get the taxes on sanitary pads scrapped and assured that they will work in collaboration with the Finance Ministry on the way forward. The No Pad Tax campaign is supported by Plan International Ghana, in collaboration with other like-minded NGOs such as Standout Care, Global Youth Network, CAMFED Association, Future Friends, Fanthonio Foundation, Pad a Girl, Girl Child Concern Ghana, Stay Free, The Kyereh Foundation, Plan Ghana Alumni Network, Future Leaders Advocacy Group and the Organisation for Inclusion and Empowerment (OFIE). ---citinewsroom Governor Whitmer Announces Plans for Police Reform to Promote Racial Equity Governor Whitmer Announces Plans for Police Reform to Promote Racial Equity FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 3, 2020 Media Contact: Press@Michigan.gov Governor Whitmer Announces Plans for Police Reform to Promote Racial Equity LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her support for a series of policy plans for police reform in Michigan, calling on Michigan law enforcement agencies to enhance their training and policies to help create a police culture where all Michiganders are treated with dignity and respect under the law. Governor Whitmer also voiced her support for measures that require law enforcement officers to complete training on implicit bias and de-escalation techniques, and applauded the Senate for taking up Senate Bill 945, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin, which addresses many of these issues. The governor also urged police agencies to require their officers to intervene when they observe an excessive use of force by another officer, which will save lives and help to keep people safe. The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor were a result of hundreds of years of inequity and institutional racism against Black Americans, said Governor Whitmer. Here in Michigan, we are taking action and working together to address the inequities Black Michiganders face every day. Thats why I'm calling on Michigan police departments to strengthen their training and policies to save lives and keep people safe. I am also ready to partner with the Michigan Legislature and law enforcement officials to pass police reform bills into law. We recognize the shortcomings of the systems in place todaysystems that have left Black, Latino, and other communities of color feeling underserved, even threatened by law enforcement, said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. People across Michigan have been calling for changes to police practices, and these actions are clear steps in the direction of needed reform. We are not done, and we strongly encourage cities and counties to adopt and enact local measures that build trust, accountability, and a comprehensive, non-discriminatory experience of safety for everyone in our state. The role and responsibility of police officers in our society is a great one; one in which our authority is derived from the trust and support of the people we serve, stated Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police. Our members take an oath to protect and serve all people, and in this time, we cannot stand on the outside looking in. We must listen and take action, reviewing our policies and practices to work together to pave a path forward where everyone has a voice and all are treated equally as human beings. I strongly support requiring the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards re-examining, recruiting, hiring , training and retention requirements for Michigans police officers, said Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. This examination is not only long overdue but it is absolutely imperative. Police officers must have policies and training systems in place that encourage and mandate they take immediate action to intervene when observing any form of police brutality, said Lansing Police Chief Daryl Green. We look forward to partnering with Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist to reform the systemic racial inequities in this country, said Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Chair and Senator Marshall Bullock (D-Detroit). This is a time for rational thought and actions, exemplified by those using their voices and feet to march for justice and we look forward to working with leaders in the legislature to address these critical issues. Silence is no longer an option Out of the fractured sadness, despair, and widespread anger at the tragic murder of George Floyd has arisen a powerful, united voice, said Detroit Caucus Chair and Representative Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit). We know that we can do anything when we do it together, so lets keep talking and moving the arc to bend toward justice because the world is listening. I am grieved by the murder of George Floyd and countless other Black men and women at the hands of police, said Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington. The outrage and hurt felt by members of our community is real. The City of Grand Rapids is committed to continuing to implement actionable steps to create change that leads to increased accountability, justice, and safety for all Grand Rapidians. ACTIONS THE GOVERNOR IS TAKING: Requesting that the Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) provide guidance to law enforcement agencies on continuing education that will help officers keep up with the everchanging landscape of new laws and issues facing the community, including diversity and implicit bias training. Encouraging police departments to participate in efforts that are underway on comprehensive reporting on the use of force by police departments. Urging law enforcement agencies to implement duty to intervene polices. The governor applauded Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren and Lansing Police Chief Daryl Green for their efforts in ensuring their officers intervene when an officer observes another officer doing something inappropriate or illegal. Calling on the Legislature to act on SB 945. Under Senator Irwins bill, SB 945, incoming law enforcement officers would be required by law to go through training on implicit bias, de-escalation techniques, and mental health screenings. Under the leadership of Governor Whitmer and Col. Joe Gasper, the MSP has already taken a number of actions to reform policies that will ensure MSP members treat all Michiganders with dignity and respect. ACTIONS MSP HAS TAKEN: Created an Equity and Inclusion Officer position within the department. Set a goal to increase the racial minority trooper applicant pool to 25 percent and the female trooper applicant pool to 20 percent, in an effort to diversify the department. Established community service trooper positions to institute a community policing concept statewide. Posted all non-confidential department policies online to increase transparency. Implemented recurring implicit bias training for all enforcement members and assisted in the development and pilot of a nationwide implicit bias training for civilian personnel. Generated a public-facing transparency web portal for FOIA requests. Revised the departments pursuit policy to limit the circumstances in which MSP members can engage in a vehicle pursuit. Governor Whitmer has been committed to enacting criminal justice reforms since the day she took office. In April of 2019, she signed an executive order to create the Michigan Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, which has reviewed the states jail and court data to expand alternatives to jail, safely reduce jail admissions and length of stay, and improve the effectiveness of the front end of Michigans justice system. The task force has produced a report and made recommendations that are awaiting action by the legislature. In January of 2019, the governor signed Executive Order 2019-9, which requires each director of a state department and head of an autonomous agency to designate an Equity and Inclusion Officer to help strengthen non-discrimination protections for state employees. ### The Adamawa State police command, on Wednesday, confirmed the arrest of one of its officers who allegedly shot dead a motorcyclist who refused to part with a N100 bribe. The alleged crime occurred at a checkpoint in Maiha local government. Wuro-ba Adamu village in Maiha local government was on Monday engulfed in crisis when a corporal, Richard Zaphet, allegedly shot dead a 20-year-old commercial motorcycle operator. The commercial motorcyclist, Arabo Tambajam, reportedly refused to accede to the policemans demand to settle him with the N100 before he could pass with a container of petrol he was carrying, a source said. Confirming the incident, the police spokesman in the state, Sulaiman Nguroje, said the policeman has been arrested and is currently facing investigation. Mr Nguroje said Yes the policeman in question Cpl. Richard Zaphet has since been arrested and brought to the State CID. The commissioner of police has directed an assistant commissioner of police to investigate and report for immediate action. The command assures all and sundry that justice will be done on the matter. Angry mob Reports indicate that shortly after the incident, irate youth in their numbers mobilised and moved to mete out jungle justice on the trigger-happy policeman. He was, however, saved by a group of soldiers, who also prevented the mob from setting a police station ablaze. According to residents, the policeman was said to have been deployed from Mubi area command to Maiha. Meanwhile, the chairman of Maiha local government, Idi Amin, has pleaded for calm noting that justice will prevail over the matter. Despite public outcry, extra-judicial killings carried out by security operatives, especially the police, usually over refusal to pay bribes is common in Nigeria. Mr Amin, who visited the hospital were the young man was taken to before he died, condemned the crime. WASHINGTON Amid the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide protests against systemic racism after the death of George Floyd, there was still an election on Tuesday. And it brought big wins, albeit expected, for former Vice President Joe Biden. Biden swept all seven states holding presidential primaries Tuesday Maryland, Indiana, Rhode Island, New Mexico, Montana, South Dakota and Pennsylvania. Washington, D.C., also voted in a presidential primary Tuesday, but results were not available early Wednesday morning. (Iowa had primaries Tuesday, but it's first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses were in February, when Biden finished in fourth place.) Bidens wins in those states push him closer to meeting the 1,991-delegate threshold to be the Democratic nominee. He needs roughly 100 more delegates to cross that line. More: Follow Tuesday primary results Despite early losses in the primary season, Biden, 77, scored a huge comeback with a dominating primary win in South Carolina. He went on to rack up delegates on Super Tuesday a few days later. In early April, Biden became the presumptive nominee after Sen. Bernie Sanders, his last Democratic opponent still in the race, suspended his presidential campaign. Here are other takeaways from Tuesday night: U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, speaks to the Westside Conservative Club on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, at The Machine Shed in Urbandale. Longtime Rep. Steve King loses Republican primary Rep. Steve King of Iowa, a nine-term Republican congressman, lost his primary to Republican state Sen. Randy Feenstra. King represents Iowa's fourth congressional district, which is largely Republican. King was stripped of his House committees last year after remarks he made to The New York Times about white nationalism. All four challengers used King's removal from those committees as evidence that they would be more effective in Congress while still sharing King's conservative values. King denied supporting white nationalism and said those comments were taken out of context for political reasons. He described the backlash as an orchestrated campaign against him. King's comments were formally rebuked by the House of Representatives. Story continues .@RandyFeenstra taking a call from Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Randy is ready to get to work. #IA04 pic.twitter.com/AJXd0Aqe56 Matt Leopold (@Matthew_Leopold) June 3, 2020 Many in his party distanced themselves from the congressman. Throughout the primary cycle, Iowa and national Republicans either stayed on the sidelines or endorsed Feenstra. Shortly after news organizations announced Feenstra won the primary, his campaign manager Matt Leopold tweeted a photo of the state senator. ".@RandyFeenstra taking a call from Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Randy is ready to get to work," Leopold wrote in the tweet. Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel congratulated Feenstra in a tweet: "Steve Kings white supremacist rhetoric is totally inconsistent with the Republican Party, and Im glad Iowa Republicans rejected him at the ballot box." Congratulations @RandyFeenstra on winning the GOP primary in #IA04! Steve Kings white supremacist rhetoric is totally inconsistent with the Republican Party, and Im glad Iowa Republicans rejected him at the ballot box. Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) June 3, 2020 Rematch set in N ew M exico swing district, Mfume keeps seat Republican Yvette Herrell won the GOP primary for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District. Herrell will go up against incumbent and first-term Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, D-N.M., in the general election in November. The two competed against each other in 2018, when Small beat Herrell by less than 2 percentage points. Republicans hope to flip the seat in the general election. In Maryland, Rep. Kweisi Mfume won the Democratic primary for the state's 7th Congressional District, which was held by Rep. Elijah Cummings. After Cummings' death in October 2019, Mfume won a special election in April to serve the remainder of Cummings' term. Mfume, former CEO of the NAACP, defeated 18 Democrats running in that primary, including Maya Cummings, the widow of Elijah Cummings. Mfume will probably be elected in November for his first full term. Maryland's 7th Congressional District, which encompasses more than half of Baltimore and the majority of Howard County, is largely Democratic. Attorney Teresa Leger Fernandez of Santa Fe defeated former CIA operative Valerie Plame to succeed U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan in the 3rd Congressional District. Attorney Teresa Leger Fernandez defeated former CIA operative Valerie Plame to win the Democratic nomination in New Mexicos 3rd Congressional District. Leger Fernandez overcame six competitors to win her partys nomination to succeed U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan as he runs for U.S. Senate. The nomination of Leger Fernandez, a professional advocate for Native American pueblo communities and voting rights issues, is likely to be decisive in the vast northern district where Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 2-1. In her first run for public office, Plame harnessed her fame as a former U.S. intelligence operative whose secret identity was exposed shorty after her diplomat husband disputed U.S. intelligence used to justify the Iraq invasion in 2003. On the campaign trail, she emphasized her experience in speaking truth to power in Washington and her solidarity with people who feel betrayed by President Donald Trump. Leger Fernandez upstaged Plame with support from a long list of advocacy groups for liberal causes and greater Latina representation in Congress. She landed prominent political endorsements from U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland of Albuquerque and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a former presidential contender. A long line forms at the Broad Ripple High School voting site on June 2 in Indianapolis. Some voters reported an hour wait time. Long lines at polling locations Several states reported long lines at polling locations as voters headed to the ballot box for presidential, House and Senate primaries across the country. In Indianapolis, Carly Gonzalez, 27, who worked as a server but is out of work because of the pandemic, said she would wait all day to vote if necessary. Theres a lot of unrest, and I think people want to speak on it the only way we can as peacefully as possible, she said. The long lines at polling sites were the only significant issue reported statewide, said Ian Hauer, a spokesman for the Indiana secretary of state's office. Many people in line said they requested absentee ballots, but they never arrived or did not arrive in time to mail them in. Connie Martin has voted in every election since turning 18 in 1975. She requested an absentee ballot, but it came too late. Instead, she joined the line at Broad Ripple High School. November could be even worse, she said. If they get absentee ballots out in time, it wont be, but of course, some people are trying to stop that from happening, she said. Long lines were also reported in Washington, where residents complained of waiting hours to vote, and Maryland. Its 7:30 p.m. A line to vote at a polling site in D.C. is at least three city blocks long. pic.twitter.com/Xt8bEEl1Ye Deborah Berry (@dberrygannett) June 2, 2020 Contributing: The Associated Press, Indy Star This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elections: Steve King ousted in Iowa as Joe Biden nears delegate victory Teachers of 2020, congratulations on a job well done. As the school year ends, a new chapter starts. A chapter like none that has come before will soon begin, not only for professional teachers of Texas like me, but for the millions of parents who have been supervising their childrens education from home when schools were closed. All we can be certain of is that next year will not look like this year. It certainly wont look like last fall, with classrooms full of kids learning, and eating and playing together. It wont look like the rapid unplanned shutdown of this spring. We dont know yet what fall classes will be like, but we can be sure more change is coming. What have we learned this year? Education depends on fostering personal connections among students and their instructors in order to transform information into knowledge. That is true no matter how many students we have or what format we teach in. Teachers know how to do this in face-to-face classrooms. Parents know how to do it raising their children. For all of us, migrating abruptly to an online teaching environment strained our skills to the breaking point. There were many losses, failures and frustrations along the way. Even so, a lot of things went well. We figured out how to use videoconferencing, although youre still muted is now a fixture of classroom dialogue. We got better at organizing and delivering online educational materials. We devised new ways to test what students could do. But improved access to information is not enough to work the magic of turning information into knowledge. Much of that transformation depends on keeping students engaged. Some students thrive working on their own, but most rely on their teachers to create structure and motivation. Teaching is like parenting in this regard. Sometimes kids dont really care about what were asking them to do. But they do it because they dont want to disappoint us or their fellow students. Almost despite themselves, they fall into the habit of doing their work, and they learn. This dependence on teachers entails a solemn responsibility. It is our job to believe in our students even or especially when they dont believe in themselves. To cheer them on, to sympathize with their struggles, to show them the way forward. We know this because in these difficult months, students have thanked us again and again for believing in them. For caring about them as people and for believing they can succeed. Whether our teaching succeeds in the fall will depend largely on how well we are able to create those bonds outside of face-to-face classrooms. For most of us, that is a work in progress. Teachers will need more time and training to learn how to do this effectively online. Parents need more flexibility and recognition of their impossible act of balancing parenting, working and now teaching. Our usual methods of educational assessment focus on information, not knowledge. They do not reward the teacher who spends as much time reaching out to struggling students as in developing instructional videos. They do not recognize the student who learns both course material and life skills by persisting in a tough class. Yet that is how education truly succeeds or fails, now more than ever. What will happen this fall? Will we have the resources to connect with our students in our future classrooms? Will the ways we measure success reflect the ways we are teaching now and the challenges that students are facing? Our next chapter will be about those questions. The experiences of the teachers of 2020 should play a key role in coming up with the answers. Deborah Beck is an associate professor of classics at the University of Texas at Austin. Bomb attack hits mosque compound near Afghan capital's Green Zone Iran Press TV Tuesday, 02 June 2020 5:39 PM A bomb attack has targeted a mosque compound near a fortified diplomatic district in Kabul, injuring at least three people. Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tareq Arian said that the bomb attack was carried out at the entrance of a popular mosque located on the edge of the Green Zone on Tuesday. "A bomber blew himself up inside a washroom at Wazir Akbar Khan Mosque. Initial reports show three people wounded," Arian said. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Late on Monday, seven civilians in the northern province of Kunduz were killed by a roadside bomb blast that authorities blamed on the Taliban militant group. A bombing attack by the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group also killed a journalist and a technician of a local TV station in Afghanistan's capital on Saturday. The attacks come shortly after a three-day ceasefire offered by the Taliban militant group to the Afghan government ended last Tuesday. Violence has surged despite a deal between the Taliban and the United States in February, which paves the way for the withdrawal of all foreign forces by May next year. The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 as part of the so-called war on terror. While the invasion ended the Taliban's rule in the country, it has failed to eliminate the militant group. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) in Germany have developed a new sustainable method of extracting the flavoring agent vanillin from lignin, a component of wood. Large quantities of waste lignin accumulate during the production of pulp, an important raw material for making paper. The process the researchers describe in their article in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering involves dissolving the lignin in caustic soda and heating this mixture to 160 degrees Celsius in a simple electrolysis cell with nickel electrodes to which a current is applied. This oxidizes and breaks down the lignin to produce vanillin of such a high quality in a reagent-less process that it cannot be distinguished from natural vanillin. "After many years of intensive research, we have now made a real breakthrough," said Prof. Siegfried Waldvogel, coordinator of the SusInnoScience (Sustainable Chemistry as the Key to Innovation in Resource-efficient Science in the Anthropocene) research focus at JGU, who developed the project. To date, vanillin has been predominantly made from petroleum, a process which, in contrast to this new method, produces toxic waste difficult to dispose of. There is in fact already a process for producing vanillin from lignin. However, according to Waldvogel, this is much more expensive, not least as it requires the use of copper. Furthermore, only a small proportion of the waste stream of lignin from pulp production can be processed using this method. In terms of quantity, vanillin is the most important flavoring and aroma agent in the world. Many tens of thousands of tons of it are used every year in the production of food and cosmetics as well as in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. On the other hand, more than 100 million tons of lignin is generated as waste in pulp production each year to be then mainly thermally exploited. "Because our method has a vanillin yield of around four percent of the lignin used, it could theoretically meet the global demand for vanillin very easily," said Waldvogel. He is convinced that the new process is "significantly better" than the previous methods of vanillin extraction - not only because no toxic waste is produced, but also because it is more commercially viable - and he is already in discussions with relevant business partners. As part of the LIBERATE project funded by the European Union (EU), the method, which has so far only been used in the laboratory, will soon be tested on an industrial scale. A pilot plant is currently being built for this very purpose at the Norwegian research institute SINTEF, with which JGU is cooperating. In addition, Waldvogel wants to determine whether the new method can be further improved by producing vanillin not only from pure lignin, but directly from the so-called black liquor, a byproduct of wood processing in pulp mills also containing lignin. ### Related link: https://susinnoscience.uni-mainz.de/ - SusInnoScience (Sustainable Chemistry as the Key to Innovation in Resource-efficient Science in the Anthropocene) research focus at JGU Read more: https://www.uni-mainz.de/presse/aktuell/8934_ENG_HTML.php - press release "Research on the sustainable conversion of lignin into valuable chemical compounds is attracting further funding" (3 July 2019) https://www.uni-mainz.de/presse/aktuell/6739_ENG_HTML.php - press release "EU funding to promote the utilization of lignin" (24 October 2018) UPDATE: Charges filed against three people; more pending KALAMAZOO, MI After multiple groups some peacefully protesting the death of 46-year-old black man George Floyd and others, simply outside agitators converged on Kalamazoo throughout Monday evening and overnight, the city implemented a local state of emergency at about 1 a.m. With that, Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Karianne Thomas, announced June 2, a 7 p.m. curfew will take effect in the city of Kalamazoo Tuesday night. The city of Portage has also announced a 7 p.m. curfew. The Michigan National Guard will help local police enforce the curfew and keep the peace, Thomas said. The death of Floyd on May 25 has sparked peaceful protests, standoffs with law enforcement and looting across the country over the past week. Floyd died after now former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin was recorded holding his knee on Floyds neck for several minutes, as Floyd could be heard on video shouting, I cant breathe." Thomas said six people were arrested Monday night and early Tuesday morning in Kalamazoo, and one officer was injured amid looting and vandalism that occurred after hours of peaceful protests throughout Kalamazoo County. Twenty-five Kalamazoo businesses and buildings were damaged overnight, the chief said. RELATED: Volunteers help business owners clean up after night of protests, vandalism in Kalamazoo Law enforcement officials blamed much of the destruction on outside agitators. Kalamazoo Public Safety Assistant Chief Vernon Coakley said the department received intelligence earlier in the day Monday that in addition to numerous planned peaceful protests throughout the county, outside agitators were headed in to disrupt the peace. You name the state, you name the city, they came," Coakley said. Earlier in the day we had great peaceful protests, people kneeling and people laying for Mr. Floyd in our community and I was proud and prideful for that. Around 10 p.m. that changed, Coakley said. Coakley said more than 500 vehicles converged on downtown, practicing exhibition driving, screeching tires, cutting people off, and driving the wrong way down one-way streets. The assistant chief said the agitators met up with several other groups of protesters and began to get violent toward officers, throwing rocks and bottles at police, and at the same time breaking windows out of downtown businesses. Coakley said Kalamazoo Public Safety officers assisted by the Michigan State Police as well as law enforcement from multiple other agencies from around Kalamazoo County and surrounding counties issued several warnings before tear gas and pepper spray were used to disperse the crowd at around 12:30 a.m. Many did disperse, but many did not comply, Coakley said. Coakley addressed public matters of concern over videos that have surfaced on social media of officers deploying the gas to protesters who were laying in the street, acting peacefully. The assistant chief said, the protesters who were laying there had been chased all around the community before the gas was deployed. Not all protesters said that was the case. RELATED: Kalamazoo city leaders met with protesters, who demanded answers about public safetys use of force Kalamazoo resident Matt Lechel wrote in an online post that police provoked violence toward protesters. I dont know what would of happened last night if the police hadnt provoked violence, but I do know that the police provoked and caused violence in downtown Kalamazoo last night, Lechel wrote. What they did was unnecessary and harmful and almost seems as if they wanted to start a fight. Thomas called last nights situation dynamic and fast-moving and said there was a lot occurring at one time at different locations around the city. I have certain tools that I dont want to use that I had to use last night ... but it was to help to maintain the safety of our city, she said. It was not our citys finest hour and we have to come together and move forward to heal." Thomas said she admires the people who want to have their voices heard and that the department respects peaceful protests. We absolutely want to help that occur here in Kalamazoo and allow those voices to be heard and do everything we can do to keep the community safe," she said. On Saturday, multiple large but peaceful protests were held in downtown Kalamazoo to protest the death of Floyd and decades of police violence against black people across America. Thomas said the department has information that more protests are planned for today and some have indicated they will not be peaceful. Were at a fork in the road and its a big fork," Coakley said. "Lets continue to work together. Lets not stop today. "Mr. Floyd needs to be the last one. And I say that not with a badge of honor, but Im angry for what I saw four law enforcement officers do who wore my uniform. Because thats not what a million and one officers in this United States does every day. Also on MLive: Kalamazoo imposes curfew at 7 p.m. today in response to vandalism, protests Volunteers help business owners clean up after night of protests, vandalism in Kalamazoo Protesters cause chaos overnight in downtown Kalamazoo Chief explains use of crowd management team at Kalamazoo protests Silent protesters hold demonstration in Kalamazoo Throngs crowd downtown Kalamazoo from days second protest Protesters take to downtown Kalamazoo streets in response to George Floyds death The Rajasthan government will purchase 100 fire engines from the state disaster response fund (SDRF). The vehicles will be used in locust control apart from other calamity relief activities, the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) said in a statement. The district collectors have also been allocated funds from SDRF for the purchase of tractor mounted sprayers and other vehicles, chemical and for other arrangements for locust control. All the collectors have been allocated 1.47 crore. Along with this, the recruitment process of 290 assistant agriculture officers and one thousand 900 agricultural supervisors in the Department of Agriculture will also be completed soon, the statement said. In a review meeting at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlots residence to take stock of the locust invasion, agriculture minister Lalchand Kataria and revenue minister Harish Chaudhary said that there is no dearth of resources to control locusts. They said a district-wise strategy has to be drawn up to fight the locusts. Congress deputy chief whip Mahendra Chaudhary said that in view of the frequent attacks of locusts, it has become necessary to strengthen the locust warning organization. Principal secretary of agriculture department, Naresh Pal Gangwar said that till now locust control has been carried out across 95,000 hectare area. Over the past few weeks locust swarms have invaded Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Two sailors who were stranded in shark-infested waters after their boat capsized at dusk thought they were done for when their distress signal went unnoticed. Samuel Martel and Guy Sherro's two-man catamaran capsized six kilometres off the Brisbane coast in rough waters on Tuesday evening. They were marooned about halfway between King and Green Island in Moreton Bay. 'The boat was still upside down and we were in the water and it got dark by that time, it was dusk, so we tried to stay out of the water as much as we could for shark reasons,' Mr Martel told The Courier-Mail. 'Being upside down in the water for so long we were starting to realise (the boat) was getting lower and lower, so if we were out there too long it wouldn't have ended too great for us.' Samuel Martel and Guy Sherro's two man catamaran capsized six kilometres off the Brisbane coast in rough waters on Tuesday evening As darkness began to fall at about 5pm, Mr Martel and Mr Sherro decided to let off a flare in a last ditch effort to alert a rescue crew As darkness began to fall at about 5pm, Mr Martel and Mr Sherro decided to let off a flare in a last ditch effort to alert a rescue crew. 'We actually deployed it at a vessel approaching us, so we thought for sure they'll see it and rescue us but they carried on by,' Mr Martel said. But the flare caught the attention of a mystery bystander who was walking along the shore 6km away. They immediately called for help. Samuel Martel (pictured) is an experienced yachtsman from Brisbane Guy Sherro (left) and his friend Samuel Martel thanked the unknown person who spotted the flare for alerting them Mr Martel praised the coast guard's response, with rescuers arriving to their capsized boat within a few minutes. The pair were only stranded for less than an hour, but said their minds raced as both began to fear the worst. Brisbane Coast Guard thanked the unknown person who spotted the flare for alerting them. 'Thanks to the member of the public who sighted the flare and gave an accurate description of its location to the police,' a statement read. They also said the rescue acted as a warning to always pack safety equipment. 'They were located quickly due to the fact they had the correct safety gear onboard and knew how to use it. A timely reminder not to leave shore without it,' a spokesman said. I m sick of writing this piece. Im tired of making the same argument about racism over and over again. But we are stuck in this loop of a black person getting killed or humiliated, followed by a mass outpouring of shock and sorrow, followed by indifference, amnesia and attack. The death of George Floyd triggered protest, fury and heartbreak but it wasnt the only incident. Just days earlier in Central Park, New York, a white woman was filmed calling the police and trying to frame an African American man, lying that he was being physically aggressive with her. He could have ended up being another death at the hands of the police. The fact that these events were filmed and are incontrovertible is so important, because had they not been filmed, there would now be a bunch of people disputing whether they had actually happened. Because if you are a person of colour, not only are you more likely to be subjected to racial abuse these days, you are also more likely to be publicly discredited, labelled a snowflake, and accused of having invited the abuse, or even worse, inventing it. Picture, or it didnt happen, is the inane clapback from ignorant trolls, along with the highly fashionable trope stop banging on about it yawn. When a woman of colour talked about racism on Question Time recently, she was famously shut down by actor Laurence Fox who told her she was boring. He went on to be feted and is now the poster boy for the whole racism is boring movement. The thing is though, it is. For so many, its creeping, cyclical, inescapable, inevitable and will blight not only their life, but that of their children and grandchildren. And its boring because nothing ever changes. The world wakes up every decade when a black man is murdered by the state. But then we sleepwalk back into business as usual. I am sick of celebrities and big brands showing what they think are Mandela-like levels of empathy by taking a selfie, or by jumping on the latest social media hashtag 24 hours of no Insta was their Robben Island but then never using their power to hire or promote a critical mass of black people. Until we as a society get the link between the killing of a black man on the street and the fact that all our powerful, influential workplaces which shape society are white including politics, business, law, finance, academia, the arts, creative industries and, of course, the media nothing wil change. How hard can it be? Im sick of the bogus diversity industry which talks a good game but never delivers results because the executives in power refuse to be forced to change via quotas or positive action. I dont mean to be ungrateful, but spare us your hot tears and hot takes. Do something about it. And Im ever so sorry if you found this boring. Sari was unravelling with my dignity Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, the star of Mindy Kalings Netflix show Never Have I Ever, says her favourite costume on set was a sari as it was awesome to have an outfit that is so important to Tamil cultures in our mainstream media. Saris are beautiful but can be difficult to wear, as I discovered at my brothers wedding in India. I thought I looked an absolute vision as people were staring at me. Turns out it was unravelling, as was my dignity. [June 03, 2020] Anvil Raises $5M from Gradient and Citi Ventures to Eliminate Paperwork SAN FRANCISCO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Anvil , a paperwork automation platform, today announced it has raised $5 million in Series A investment. Gradient VenturesGoogle's AI-focused investment fundled the round, with participation from Citi Ventures, Menlo Ventures, Financial Venture Studio and 122 West. Anvil is a low-code paperwork automation platform that helps businesses quickly build simple online experiences for paperwork processes. Paperwork is at the core of office work in America; every day millions of forms are shared, filled out, signed, and then returned to the requester for processing. The process is insecure, error-prone, tedious and requires countless human hours to transcribe information from PDFs into various computer systems. Endless forms also waste valuable time and cause frustration for consumers who fill them out, often repeating the same information input over and over. "The addressable market for Anvil's solution is limitless," said Darian Shirazi, general partner at Gradient Ventures. "America spends over $1 trillion each year completing, processing, and storing paperwork. Anvil's platform has allowed existing paper and PDF forms to be automatically populated with a series of APIs and AI techniques. Processes that used to take weeks now take minutes and allow banks, insurance companies, and many other industries that rely on paperwork to automate and delight customers." The flexibility of Anvil's platform allows its solution to be applied to literally any existing paperwork process. Anvil's current customers span industries ncluding financial services, human resources, technology and healthcare companies. "I'm fascinated by technology that brings efficiency to businessesfrom large enterprises all the way down to individuals who rely on software to accomplish their work," said Naomi Ionita, Partner at Menlo Ventures and investor in early-stage SaaS businesses. "Anvil's broad set of tools, from developer-first APIs to their no-code workflow builder, helps automate away the mundane and painful parts of peoples' jobs so they can focus on higher-order problems." Most recently, Anvil's platform was used by Minneapolis-based Sunrise Banks to deploy its digital application process for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). "With Anvil, we were able to help more than 1,600 small businesses apply for $127M in Paycheck Protection Program loans in just five days," said Brett Cooksey, Sunrise Banks' Chief Information Officer. "The Anvil platform made it possible for us to provide a customer experience that was a dramatic improvement over our previous application process, eliminating some stress for the small business community." "We're really proud of the way that Anvil's platform bridges the gap from offline to online," said Mang-Git Ng, CEO and co-founder of Anvil. "As virtually all businesses struggle to deliver services remotely in this COVID-19 era, Anvil's solution brings pen and paper processes online, enabling access to services whenever and wherever the customer is." "We see incredible possibilities in financial services for Anvil's solution," said Ryan Falvey, Managing Partner at Financial Venture Studio. "Their ability to provide a working solution to Sunrise Banks in days, not months, shows us the promise of what tech can bring to modern financial services." About Anvil San Francisco, CA-based Anvil offers solutions for bringing offline, paper-heavy workflows online. Anvil's low-code platform ensures that paper processes can be transformed into simple online workflows by non-developers in hours, not months. Anvil enables businesses to address the challenges of delivering services remotely by giving them a tool to create 100% online experiences for critical processes, while leveraging automation to help businesses run more efficiently. Welcome to your new digital, automated, PDF-free future with Anvil. Learn more at www.useanvil.com About Gradient Ventures Gradient Ventures is Google's AI-focused venture fund - investing in and connecting early-stage startups with Google's resources, innovation, and technical leadership in artificial intelligence. The fund focuses on helping founders navigate the challenges in developing new technology products, allowing companies to take advantage of the latest techniques so that great ideas can come to life. Gradient was founded in 2017 and is based in Palo Alto, California. For more information, visit www.gradient.com . View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anvil-raises-5m-from-gradient-and-citi-ventures-to-eliminate-paperwork-301069879.html SOURCE Anvil [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Ibrahim Adamu 03.06.2020 LISTEN A 43-year-old man, Ibrahim Adamu has allegedly defiled an eight-year-old girl at a maize farm at Duta, a suburb of Aflao in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region. The incident which is reported to have occurred about a week ago on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 has infuriated residents who said the act is becoming one too many. Gabriel Ayitey, the Assembly member of the Duta Electoral area told the media that residents are not only worried by the incident but also angry that such criminal acts continue to jeopardise the lives of young girls in the area. He alleged that this latest defilement incident is the third this year. In the two previous cases, the culprits for some reason were not prosecuted. Ayitey said his community members suspect there may be some underhand dealings that afford the perpetuators an opportunity to pay their way out of prosecution. He was hopeful that this incident will take a different turn so that it deters other perpetuators from repeating the life destroying act. The Public Affairs Officer of the Volta Regional Police Command, Cpl. Prince Dogbatse who confirmed the defilement incident narrated that on that day, the victim was playing with her friends when the accused person, Ibrahim Adamu called her. He held the hand of the poor girl and took her to a nearby maize farm, undressed her and had sexual intercourse with her. The girl later reported the incident to the father and on Saturday, May 30, 2020 the suspect who has been identified as a citizen of Niger was arrested. Medical form was issued to the family to send to the hospital for the victim to be assessed. The medical report proved that indeed the girl had been penetrated. Suspect, Ibrahim Adamu was subsequently arraigned before the Dzodze Magistrate Court on Monday June 1, 2020 where the case was adjourned to Wednesday June 17, 2020. ---Daily Guide LONDON, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Online trade finance scale-up Stenn has secured participation from Barclays Bank, Coface SA, and Crayhill Capital Management LP in its latest investment round. The funding is for its core trade financing programme, Stenn Assets Funding, now sized at half a billion dollars. The two investors and the insurance provider have joined Stenn's award-winning financing programme, alongside existing financing providers Natixis, which is also the arranger of the programme, NN Investment Partners, and M&G. The investment supports Stenn's continued growth in the field of cross-border trade finance and comes on the back of the European Structured Finance Deal of the Year 2020 award from International Financial Law Review. Second funding round in one month to help companies during the Covid-19 crisis. The latest investment round is the second in less than a month for Stenn. The company closed a new $200 million programme on May 11 from Crayhill, a New York-based private credit manager and asset-based lender, in order to expand its digital trade finance services and further support companies in boosting their international trade flows. With this added capacity, Stenn is positioned to offer greater numbers of businesses access to fast and flexible cross-border trade finance at a time when working capital is critically scarce. Stenn's fully digital financing is unique in international trade. Founded in 2015, Stenn is a financial technology company that provides fully digital financing for buyers and sellers in global supply chains. Amounts up to $15 million may be funded and managed online, with larger amounts available on request, dramatically speeding up access to capital to fund cross-border transactions. The company supports international trade across a range of industries, helping to address the $1.5 trillion 'trade finance gap' identified by the International Chamber of Commerce as a significant unmet need in global trade financing. Stenn has grown significantly since launch, now residing as a top player in cross-border trade financing. The company's financing is available to exporters in 178 countries, allowing greater numbers of businesses to access financing and accelerate the rate at which they do business. Greg Karpovsky, Founder of Stenn, commented: "We're seeing supply chains at risk of breaking down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Companies had to deplete liquidity reserves to get through lockdown and are now in need of working capital to reignite their business. This funding comes at a crucial time for the firms we support and the participation of such high-quality investors in this programme expansion affirms our strategic vision to inject liquidity into global supply chains. Together with our recently-announced Stenn Direct Funding programme, we are exceptionally well-positioned to help our clients boost their international trade flows and accelerate the global recovery." Chris Rigby, Global Head of Finance & Capital Markets at Stenn, commented: "We are delighted to have secured an upsize and extension of Stenn's core AR funding programme. Notwithstanding the recent dislocation in global capital markets as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Stenn has proven capable of developing innovative and scalable financing architecture, as well as attracting and retaining capital from a world-class group of banks and institutional investors." Frederic Bourgeois, Managing Director of Coface UK and Ireland, commented: "Coface is delighted to join Stenn International and its funders in this new phase of their development, at a time when access to trade finance is critical for most economies worldwide. These growing needs represent financing opportunities which we are glad to support." Emmanuel Issanchou, Global Head of Structured Credit & Solutions at Natixis said: "A long-term partner to Stenn since 2018, Natixis is proud to have supported this extension and upsizing of the company's core finance programme. In the current challenging economic conditions more than ever, Stenn's offering provides its clients with a clear advantage in ensuring they are able to quickly access the financing they need to support their international transactions." Notes to editors About Stenn International Ltd: Stenn International Ltd. is a UK-based data and financial technology company providing flexible financing to companies engaged in cross-border trade. Stenn's trade finance solutions may be secured and managed online, speeding up access to liquidity for export suppliers while allowing import buyers to purchase on open account terms. These innovative practices allow Stenn to finance in sectors and geographic regions currently underserved in global trade. Stenn operates globally with offices in Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dusseldorf, Berlin, Mumbai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Qingdao and Shanghai. Learn more at stenn.com or follow Stenn on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. SOURCE Stenn International As the city prepares for a rally in solidarity with demonstrators across North America, many black Winnipeggers are reflecting on their own experiences with racism and injustice. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. As the city prepares for a rally in solidarity with demonstrators across North America, many black Winnipeggers are reflecting on their own experiences with racism and injustice. A peaceful rally has been scheduled for Friday at the Manitoba Legislative Building, following in the footsteps of hundreds of thousands of Americans and Canadians protesting the death of George Floyd, 46. Floyd died May 25, after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck during an arrest. Winnipeg police have been accused of anti-black racism in the past: most recently last year, after an officer shot and killed Machuar Madut, a South Sudanese father of three, struggling with mental health issues. In January, Manitobas police watchdog decided no charges should be laid against the officer. Kwene Appah, student MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS "If I critique something, Im an angry black woman, or Im too aggressive, critiques that wouldnt be given to everyone unanimously," Kwene Appah said. Appah has lived in Winnipeg for 15 years. It has been a "tricky lived experience to navigate" when facing racism. "As I think most visible minorities do; its usually in the form of racial slurs being hurled at me, unprovoked," she said Tuesday. Microaggressions (more subtle forms of prejudice, often presented through day-to-day interactions) are something Appah said she has had to deal with, as well. "If I critique something, Im an angry black woman, or Im too aggressive, critiques that wouldnt be given to everyone unanimously," she said. "So its hard to navigate both the very aggressive physical forms of racism that everyone can verifiably say is bad but then when youre trying to make a case for the more subtle ones that exist in academia, or exist in personal life, or relationships, or friendships, its harder to make a case for that." "So its hard to navigate both the very aggressive physical forms of racism that everyone can verifiably say is bad but then when youre trying to make a case for the more subtle ones that exist in academia, or exist in personal life, or relationships, or friendships, its harder to make a case for that." Kwene Appah Appah said her time as a sociology grad student at the University of Manitoba is "set in settler-colonialism," and the education is very focused on white, male theorists. "Winnipeg does a great job about showcasing and acknowledging its diversity, but there are places like academic institutions or schools where its not given the same type of platform Theres a lot of discussion around diversity, but theres no actual change towards inclusion," she said. She said she has had her fair share of neutral instances with Winnipeg police, and "one or two" instances of negative ones, but emphasized they often strike the same level of fear regardless. "Theyve all caused me to feel the same: whenever I do get pulled over, or whenever a police officer does stop to talk to me, my anxiety goes up," she said. "Im automatically anxious, I worry about where my phone is, I worry if its charged, I worry if I told someone where I was this exact moment." Appah feels she "has to perform harder" when interacting with police than her white-passing colleagues would, even when following the law. "Its difficult. Its hard on your heart, its hard on your conscience to always feel that way." Nuun Ahmed, truck driver MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Nuun Ahmed (left) and Said Harir Omar talk about race, skin colour, and discrimination at Central Park. Said Harir Omar, construction worker At downtown Central Park, Nuun Ahmed and Said Harir Omar are getting some sun. Both are new to the city Omar arrived in September 2019, and Ahmed in October 2019 and both are originally from Somalia. "This is a good place. We dont get any problems," Ahmed said. Despite this, Omar said a recent issue with hiring had given him some concern. Hes a construction worker, and said hes had some trouble finding work. During an interview, he said he was cut off and "shooed" away, but suggested it could be a language barrier concern. Ahmed, a truck driver, said despite doing well on a recent driving test, he was recently turned away from a job as well, and suggested race may have been a factor. "Maybe that was part of (my) colour, I think," he said. Both are concerned for their family in the wake of protests in America: Ahmed has family in Texas; Omar has a brother in Minnesota. The men said theyve felt welcomed by Winnipeg, and have not had any negative interactions with police. "Winnipeg people, theyre good people," Ahmed said. "Theyre already mixed, a lot of black people are here, so everybodys good friends." Leah Aidiu, customer service worker MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS "My other Canadian friends, it didnt take them maybe a month, or weeks to find a job, even though I had more experience in customer service," said Leah Aidiu, with niece Maki in the park today. Leah Aidiu has been a Winnipeg resident for four years. Originally from Ethiopia, she has had similar troubles finding work in the city, noting it took her months to find a job. "My other Canadian friends, it didnt take them maybe a month, or weeks to find a job, even though I had more experience in customer service," she said, suggesting race could be a factor. "People have this idea that black people dont have much experience, or they dont speak the language," she said. "But they dont even know that I speak more than five languages they dont give you a spot to learn or to have an experience." Aidiu said she hasnt interacted with city police often, but has heard concerns of unfair treatment from other people in her life. "To be honest, I dont hear much stories... but I hear people complaining about it." Sened, high school student MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Sened's a recent immigrant from Ethiopia, and has been in Winnipeg for 2 1/2 years. Sened is 15, in Grade 9, and wants to be an astronaut when he grows up. Hes a recent immigrant from Ethiopia, and has been in Winnipeg for 2 1/2 years. Hes well-aware of the current unrest between police and protesters across North America, but believes Canada and Winnipeg is a safer place to live. 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. "Actually, in Canada, theres a freedom, and I really like it," he said. "I would rather live in Canada than America." He said his personal experiences with police have been positive, including a time where an officer walked him home late at night through downtown. "Its equal, black and white," he said. "Ive never felt like this before, when I came here, I really enjoy it." malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: malakabas_ LITCHFIELD Resident Harmony Tanguay is thinking about whats next. Following a recent successful demonstration they organized to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement, Tanguay and a group of friends are hoping their town will look at its own role in society and the way it treats others. Part of Tanguays focus is on initiating change in Litchfield, which has a mostly white population, to talk about racism and how to understand it and learn from it. Im a mom and an activist, and this is super-heartening, but I am taking this a day at a time, Tanguay said. I started a Facebook group, and it has 150 people in it already, because people want to be involved. Protests and demonstrations showing support for the black community continue around Connecticut and the nation. The demonstrations are focused on the death of George Floyd while being restrained by Minneapolis police. His death has led to the numerous protests around the U.S. One police officer is facing murder charges and several others have been arrested. Tanguay said shes a little overwhelmed by the response to the recent event, to which about 300 people turned out. I have tons of people reaching out to me, and I dont even know whats next, she said. Im in talks with (First Selectwoman Denise Raap) to hold a community conversation, and pick out some leaders to lead that conversation, Tanguay said. We had this great turnout, and people are contacting us, but I hope the people who are so passionate about protesting are going to show up for other things, to make systemic, concrete change in our town. Thats where I want people to do the work. The friends who organized the demonstration were deeply disturbed by Floyds death, Tanguay said. (The demonstration) came to be when my friend Keira Hartnett texted me and Barbara Ellis, another Litchfield mom, and said, We need to do something. We threw it together in less than 24 hours, and the outpouring was unbelievable, she said. We would have been happy if 10 people showed up, and there were so many more. Voices heard Locally, in addition to driving calls for change within the community, participation in these events is reviving memories of past demonstrations on the Litchfield Green. The event drew 300 people to the Litchfield Green Sunday, with participants dressed in black and wearing safety masks and standing on West Street from the Route 63 intersection down to Meadow Street, holding signs. Tanguay attended a protest in Waterbury that morning. (It) was quite different than ours, as you can imagine, she said. When I got back, I parked at the bottom of the Green, and I just saw people literally coming out of the woodwork, dressed in black, carrying signs. Audrey Blondin and her husband, Dr. Matthew Blondin, joined the event, foregoing their own 45th wedding anniversary celebration to be part of history, she said. We got there a little after 3 p.m., and the entire Green was filled, she said. Its the most people Ive ever seen on the Green at one time. Residents Dorothea and Mario DiCecco, who created a group called Imagine Peace, have held protests on the Green in the past, including over the Iraq War. We went every Sunday, she said. There were always a lot of people that kept coming and coming, every Sunday. Sometimes it would just be three or four people. It was very wonderful to meet people, but it was hard to keep people interested. But we were an anti-war group. We didnt stop for a long time. DiCecco has watched the reaction to Floyds death unfold with concern and interest. What our presidents doing its no way to settle anything, she said. He is now trying to get troops in to quiet down our country. That wont work. Im so moved by whats happening now, she said. Not just in the U.S., but in England, Germany, France. ... In England, theyre saying, Weve got to talk about colonialism, and recognize what happened to build these countries up. I feel like these are things that really have to change. People have suffered for so long. We talk about what a great country we are, and a lot of it is wonderful, but its only for certain people, she said. Maybe some good will come of this. I feel optimistic for the first time in a long time. Blondin has participated in several marches in Washington, DC, including the 2017 March for Women and a Black Lives Matter March in 2016. She also protested the war in Vietnam on the New Haven Green in the 1970s. Sunday was a peaceful assembly of like-minded citizens, all there for the same reason, expressing their thoughts and beliefs and showing their support, she said. What was really interesting was the age of the people who were there. There were young parents with their small children in strollers, and there were seniors, and everything in between. It was just great. Tanguay and her group arent planning any more demonstrations at the moment, because other towns are holding their own. Were letting people make the rounds, she said. University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross asked Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and legislative leaders Wednesday to consider temporary changes for UW campuses in response to COVID-19, including potentially starting the fall semester early. Many other colleges across the country have announced plans to begin the fall semester a few weeks early and end in-person instruction by Thanksgiving. The rationale for this approach: eliminating students traveling in late fall, a time some public health experts say could coincide with a second wave of infections, could limit the spread of the virus. But under state law, UW campuses cannot begin classes until after Sept. 1, with the exception of medical school students and some studying at UW-Madisons School of Veterinary Medicine. The decision to change the academic calendar would affect some campus operations, such as faculty and freshman orientations, as well as aspects of life beyond academia. For example, the Sept. 1 start date applies to K-12 schools, too. If UW campuses start earlier, it could create child care problems for some employees who have children. Cross called on Evers, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, to hold a special legislative session and approve a one-time exemption to the law. He also asked for the ability to borrow money, which currently the System does not have bonding authority to do on its own. Several peer institutions have recently borrowed to address cash flow problems. Debt would be held by the System, not the state. We face significant financial and operational challenges that are made much worse by the ever-changing nature of the pandemic, Cross wrote in the letter. As seen throughout higher education, our costs are increasing, and revenues are decreasing dramatically. System officials estimate a coronavirus-caused budget hole of about $100 million through the end of the summer. The figure factors in federal relief money campuses received, a roughly $40 million spending lapse for this fiscal year and savings the System captured through furloughs, travel cancellations and layoffs. A third request from Cross asks for a reduction in the number of reports the System is required to complete and send to the Legislature for oversight at least four dozen annually, according to System spokesman Mark Pitsch. Reducing reporting requirements would save some costs and also free up staff resources at a time when campuses need the most help, Cross said. The Legislature has adjourned its regular session for the year. Lawmakers returned in April to pass a bill in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and Evers said then that more work was to be done. The Legislature is widely expected to have to meet sometime this year to make budget cuts to deal with severe drop-offs in state tax revenues due to the pandemic. Evers spokeswoman Britt Cudaback said the governors office anticipates many state agencies will seek flexibility in operations related to COVID-19. She encouraged the Legislature to get back to work. Vos and Fitzgerald said through spokespeople that they plan to discuss Cross request with their respective caucuses. Fitzgerald also said the System has pushed some of the ideas presented in Wednesdays letter even before the pandemic and the Senate has previously had concerns about easing up on financial oversight. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 03.06.2020 LISTEN I WAS TOLD JUNE 4TH WAS A NATIONAL DISASTER, ONLY TO GROW AND REALIZE HE IS HUMAN RATHER, A SELFLESS HOUSE CLEANER. Had I the chance to enforce my stands, I'd dance till everyone understands, And would proclaim a period of enlightenment, That our historians failed to document; The hidden secret of of Parliament, Which hid from us the sacred monument, That birthed the bouncy baby of 4th June, Who took blame and a bitter fortune, And vaccinated the castle for us all to be immune. Yet, does immunity connote dancing to every tune? What is the need for a "demo" with no one to see? Is there a weed at all if all plants are useful by Mr Bee? An answer is our only youthful plea, And further expiations if need be, Should we hail our democracy at sea? Since the contractor doesn't trust his carnal sense of judgement, He uses the Spirit Level in ensuring accurate alignment. But the mason who fails to employ quality material, Only meets clients with the pocket of an actuarial. Ghana, our beloved country is free forever! Only stays with those who still remember, And not those who disregard the latter. Since then, have we grown any stronger? Because they believe in their doubts, Always questioning our Freedom shouts, Enviously finger pointing those who shed blood, Which is now the palmy they rather flood. Our education is free forever! Our resources are ours together, Our land is our settlement eternal, Our jobs are abundant perennial. Many more proclamations I call euphemistic, With nothing tangible nor dreams futuristic, Waiting to take disasters keenly opportunistic, And making campaigns out of a common pandemic, With names suggesting to be Patriotic, Others accolade themselves as Democratic, Bombarding us with manifestos in our premises, And decorating our streets with poetic promises. It's of no use changing names without changing hearts. Are elections necessary if parties are armed with darts? With politicians raiding our media with armour carts, Citizens queue up for kenkey and waakye as well as ID cards, No more Media freedom in our own orchards. I see an upsurge in mature minds, Different from the revolutionary kinds. But mustn't we foster tranquillity as this year rescinds? In you did Nkrumah and June 4th confide, And you have election 2020 to decide, Whatever choice we make, in Ghana we all reside. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 03:15:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close The Italian Frecce Tricolori (Tricolor Arrows) aerobatics team fly over Rome on the occasion of Republic Day in Italy, on June 2, 2020. (Photo by Elisa Lingria/Xinhua) More challenges lie ahead in the "reconstruction" of the country in the wake of the pandemic, said Italian President Sergio Mattarella, adding "we are not alone." ROME, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Italy on Tuesday marked its annual Republic Day with a tribute to the almost 33,500 Italians who lost their lives to the novel coronavirus. The national holiday is the anniversary of June 2, 1946, when a majority of Italians voted in favor of being a republic instead of a monarchy in a national referendum that was also the first time women were allowed to vote. On Tuesday morning, Italian President Sergio Mattarella placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument in the central Piazza Venezia, in the presence of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and other top officials. The Italian Frecce Tricolori (Tricolor Arrows) aerobatics team fly over Rome on the occasion of Republic Day in Italy, on June 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Cheng Tingting) Then the Air Force acrobatics team -- the Frecce Tricolori (Italian for "three-colored arrows") -- flew in formation over the capital, leaving smoke trails in the colors of the Italian flag: green, white, and red. This year, beginning on May 25, the Frecce Tricolori have flown over the capitals of Italy's 20 regions in what the Air Force called "a symbolic hugging of the entire nation with the three-colored smoke in a sign of unity, solidarity and recovery." "One of the crucial principles of acrobatic flight is that of flying together while maintaining the right distance," the Air Force said in a statement. "This principle can become a metaphor for ... our daily lives now: distant, but united." The Frecce Tricolori also flew over the town of Codogno in the northern Lombardy region, where the COVID-19 pandemic first broke out on Feb. 21 and where the first red zone was set up. The Italian Frecce Tricolori (Tricolor Arrows) aerobatics team fly over Rome on the occasion of Republic Day in Italy, on June 2, 2020. (Photo by Elisa Lingria/Xinhua) Instead of presiding over the traditional military parade in Rome, which was canceled this year, Mattarella on Tuesday traveled to Codogno to "pay tribute to all the victims and to bear witness to the courage of all Italians" in the battle against the new coronavirus. He met with local and regional officials and visited the local cemetery, where he laid a wreath for those who lost their lives to the virus. Back in Rome, Mattarella attended a concert in honor of the victims of the novel coronavirus at the Lazzaro Spallanzani Hospital, which houses the National Institute for Infectious Disease (INMI) and which is on the frontlines in battling the virus. The Italian Frecce Tricolori (Tricolor Arrows) aerobatics team fly over Rome on the occasion of Republic Day in Italy, on June 2, 2020. (Photo by Elisa Lingria/Xinhua) In a televised speech to the nation on Monday evening, Mattarella said that "many of us hold the heartbreaking memory of those who passed away due to the coronavirus: relatives, friends, colleagues." The president said the people of Italy are fighting "an invisible enemy" which has "disrupted our lives ... and placed the productive structure of our country under enormous strain." More challenges lie ahead in the "reconstruction" of the country in the wake of the pandemic, Mattarella said, adding "we are not alone." The Italian Frecce Tricolori (Tricolor Arrows) aerobatics team fly over Rome on the occasion of Republic Day in Italy, on June 2, 2020. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua) "Europe shows it has recovered the authentic spirit of its integration," Mattarella noted. "Solidarity between the countries of the (European) Union is not one option out of many, but the only way to face successfully the most serious crisis our generations have experienced," he said. "No country will have an acceptable future without the European Union -- not even the strongest, not even the one least stricken by the virus," the president stressed. Washington: Major American cities experienced a noticeable reduction in vandalism and conflict on Tuesday night (Wednesday AEST), even as peaceful protests against police brutality continued to multiply across the country in response to the killing of George Floyd. President Donald Trump faced blowback from religious leaders, some Republican politicians and ex-military leaders for his controversial threat to deploy the military in US cities and his decision to stage a photo opportunity at a church near the White House after protesters were forcibly cleared from the area. Crowds marched to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC under the watchful eyes of the National Guard stationed on the steps leading up to the memorial. New York City police officers employed more effective tactics to exert control when a citywide curfew went into effect at 8pm after being roundly criticised for failing to prevent widespread looting in Manhattan the previous night. "So far, the curfew is certainly helping, based on everything Ive seen in Brooklyn and Manhattan over the last three hours," mayor Bill de Blasio said on Twitter. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo blamed de Blasio and the New York City Police Department for failing to prevent looting on Monday night at the iconic Macy's department store and other businesses in midtown Manhattan. "The NYPD and the mayor did not do their job last night," Cuomo said at his daily press conference. "It was rampant looting across the city last night that they did not stop." Washington, DC, saw its biggest protests since the shocking death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week, with a distinct diversity of different ages and races represented at marches throughout the capital. Hundreds of protesters gathering outside the Lincoln Memorial the site of Martin Luther King jnr's "I have a dream" speech were met by dozens of uniformed members of the National Guard. Hundreds of people continued to protest outside the White House in defiance of a 7pm curfew, but there there were no significant confrontations with law enforcement officers. Large protests in cities such as Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Portland were also overwhelmingly calm and peaceful, with demonstrators chanting slogans and kneeling silently to honour Floyd's memory. "Im proud of the protesters across the city who are peacefully expressing themselves," Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti said at a press conference. "I embrace our right to do that and Im glad that it has been peaceful." The numbers protesting in Washington against the death of George Floyd on Tuesday were the largest all week, but peaceful. AP Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden used a speech in Philadelphia to draw a contrast with Trump, who had urged local leaders to use force to "dominate" violent protesters. "I won't traffic in fear and division," Biden said. "I won't fan the flames of hate. I'll seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued our country, not use them for political gain. I'll do my job and I'll take responsibility I won't blame others." Responding to Trump's brandishing of a Bible outside St John's Episcopal Church, just metres from the White House, Republican senator Ben Sasse said: "There is no right to riot, no right to destroy others property and no right to throw rocks at police. "But there is a fundamental a constitutional right to protest, and Im against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the word of God as a political prop." Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory criticised Trump's decision to follow up that visit with an appearance at a shrine honouring Pope John Paul II on Tuesday. "I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree," Gregory said in a statement. US President Donald Trump holds a Bible as he visits St John's Church, across Lafayette Park from the White House, on Monday. AP Responding to the President's threat to deploy the military in US cities against the wishes of state governors, Martin Dempsey, the former head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said: "America is not a battleground. Our fellow citizens are not the enemy." In an open letter, former president George W. Bush said he and wife Laura were "anguished by the brutal suffocation of George Floyd" by a Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee into Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes last week. "It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African-American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country," the 43rd president said. Barack Obama is expected to address police violence in a live-streamed conversation at 5pm American standard time (7am AEST), according to the Obama Foundation. He will "discuss the tragic events of recent weeks, the history of police violence in America, and specific action steps needed to transform a system that has led to the loss of too many lives". The state of Minnesota has announced a civil rights investigation into Floyd's death. Governor Tim Walz and Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero said they hoped to reach agreement with the city to identify short-term ways to address the police department's history of racial discrimination, and use the investigation to find long-term solutions for systemic change. The New York City Democratic Socialists of America may not have started in Western Queens, but with the election of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2018, it did become the birthplace of the current DSA movement in New York. She provided proof of concept a progressive DSA candidate is capable of unseating an entrenched Democratic Party-backed incumbent. Now the DSA is looking to capitalize on the energy in the area by targeting an Astoria Assembly district. A win on June 23 would help reaffirm the DSAs power in the part of New York City where its influence has been most prominent, especially after a narrow loss in last years Queens district attorney race. The group has backed Zohran Mamdani, a housing counselor for foreclosure prevention, in the Democratic primary for Assembly District 36. Hes running against Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, a 10-year incumbent backed by the Queens County Democratic Party who is now facing her first primary challenger. We are infusing this Assembly district with the first true grassroots campaign in years, Mamdani told City & State. Because of her progressive record, Simotas doesnt fit the mold of other DSA-targeted incumbents. Although recent election results show that DSA-backed candidates do well in Simotas Western Queens district, Mamdani, a recent transplant to the borough, still faces an uphill battle in challenging her from the left. Based on their policy platforms, very little seems to separate Simotas and Mamdani. Both candidates support canceling rent during the coronavirus crisis, passing tenant protections that amount to universal rent control, eliminating cash bail and raising taxes on the wealthy to pay for public services. That has made it hard for Mamdani to gain widespread traction in the insurgent progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Ive worked with Aravella, and Im not quite sure how you could be more left-leaning than she is, said Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, who won a 2018 race against a party-backed incumbent in a nearby Queens district and has endorsed Simotas. Asked about Mamdanis assertions that Simotas is too close to the Queens Democratic Party, Cruz brushed aside the criticism as irrelevant. For me, what matters is what have you done for your community, Cruz said. Cruz added that she questioned campaigns whose only goal is to challenge the machine, which she asserted no longer has power in Western Queens anyway. Mamdani has framed his campaign as challenging the countys Democratic political machine. He has questioned Simotas ties to the party, pointing to it supporting her in her first race and her employment of political consultants used by other machine-backed politicians. Simotas took issue with the accusation that shes too close to the Queens County Democratic Party. I call them out when they do something wrong, Simotas told City & State. She gave examples, including denouncing the party for endorsing Donovan Richards in the nonpartisan special election for Queens borough president. She thought the contest should have remained an open race free of party interference. Asked about the county organizations backing in her own 2010 open primary, she said the organization chose to endorse her, but she would have run without its blessing. Simotas also pointed to when she called on Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to send a bill to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for signing during the contentious Queens district attorney recount between Caban and then-Borough President Melinda Katz. The bill, which passed before the election but sat unsigned, allows more affidavit ballots to be considered valid even if they contained minor technical mistakes. Caban supporters, of whom Mamdani was one, believed it would have allowed more of her votes to be counted. But Mamdani also said that he was not challenging Simotas simply because her district is in the heart of the DSAs hotbed of support. He raised several issues with her record on education, housing, state spending and unions. Mamdani pointed to a 2015 bill that Simotas co-sponsored, which never came to a vote, that would have provided tax credits for donations to private school scholarships and a budget vote the same year that tied teacher evaluations to state test scores. Teachers unions strongly opposed tying evaluations to test scores and have fought for years to undo the mandate. Left-wing education advocates generally disapprove of any public subsidies for private schools, arguing that education funding should go to public schools. Mamdani also said Simotas sued to stop a homeless shelter from being placed in her district back in 2014. And he attacked her for voting for Cuomos first budget in 2011 that included many cuts amid a $10 billion shortfall, and for voting in favor of slashing public employee pensions in 2012. The latter bill was a Cuomo proposal that passed quickly after its introduction as part of a package of contentious issues with little time for public scrutiny. When you never have a challenger, there isnt much accountability, Mamdani said. And in this race, were also trying to make it clear that the reason Im challenging this person has been voting over the past decade. Simotas defended her two budget votes, saying that sometimes compromises must be made when it comes to the massive omnibus bills in order to get the good parts. This year, Simotas voted against the budget because of the freeze to school aid, the lack of new taxes on the ultrawealthy and rollbacks on bail reform. When it came to education more generally, Simotas said she was able to secure $5 million for her communitys schools last year. Teachers and parents know my commitment to public education and that is why I have earned the support of the (United Federation of Teachers) and (New York State United Teachers) for my reelection, Simotas said in an email. When asked about her 2012 pension reform vote, she similarly pointed to public union support for her reelection. Simotas also denied that she ever opposed providing shelter for the homeless, saying that she sued Mayor Bill de Blasios administration because it was excluding the community from the discussion around making a temporary shelter in the area permanent. Instead of going through the normal process of land use, (de Blasio) was just pushing it and claiming it was an emergency, Simotas said, adding that the shelter was operating rooms without kitchens, which she found unacceptable. However, the shelter was a contentious neighborhood issue, and many in Astoria opposed it outright. We didnt want a homeless shelter in this community, Rose Marie Poveromo, president of a local civic association, said at a 2015 town hall. Aside from the specific votes that he brought up, Simotas supports nearly every position in Mamdanis platform. Mamdani wants to pass the New York Health Act, which would create a single-payer health care system statewide; Simotas has voted in favor of it each of the past four times it was brought to the Assembly floor. Mamdani wants to pass universal rent control; Simotas is a co-sponsor on every piece of legislation that makes up the Housing Justice for All coalitions platform, including a good cause eviction bill considered the cornerstone of universal rent control and a bill to create a pied-a-terre tax. Mamdani wants U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement out of courtrooms; Simotas penned a letter in 2017 asking that courts restrict immigration agents access. I work exceptionally hard in Albany to write and pass progressive legislation, and that has been recognized by my neighbors, Simotas told City & State. Simotas recently became the first state lawmaker to donate campaign money from police groups in the wake of citywide protests against police brutality and racism. Simotas, who is co-sponsoring a bill that would repeal the law protecting police disciplinary records from public view, said in a tweet it was time to draw a CLEAR line in the sand. The move came after a Mamdani supporter tweeted a spreadsheet of lawmakers who had accepted police-related donations, and Mamdani celebrated when she returned the money less than 24 hours after the post. Simotas has also long fought for more protections for women against sexual assault. In 2019, she sponorsed a law that amended the statute of limitations for second- and third-degree rape, and she currently sponsors a bill to redefine rape to remove the penetration requirement that so far has only passed the Assembly. She was one of the key lawmakers pushing for a slate of landmark sexual harassment reforms that passed last year, along with state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, who has endorsed Simotas. Biaggi said Simotas was the first Assembly member she sat down with after winning her primary, offering to partner on the package of sexual harassment legislation. She doesnt back down; she doesnt take no for an answer, Biaggi told City & State, noting that shes seen Simotas stand up to legislative leaders. In my time working with her, Ive seen nothing but her working being a champion for the people who are incredibly vulnerable. But Mamdani is not just challenging Simotas on her legislative track record. He said that her endorsements show she is out of touch with her district, which he called one of the most progressive in the state. The area went for Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton, whom Simotas endorsed, in the 2016 presidential election. It swung for Ocasio-Cortez rather than the Simotas-endorsed Rep. Joseph Crowley in 2018. The same year, the district voted for Zephyr Teachout for state attorney general and Cynthia Nixon for governor while Simotas remained silent in those contests. And in 2019, it went for Caban over party-backed Katz, another race where Simotas was neutral. I think if were looking to have someone who is a representative, they should be representing where the district is at in terms of the progressive vision they want to see, Mamdani said. Simotas countered that she endorsed progressive Jessica Ramos in her race against former IDC state Sen. Jose Peralta in 2018, bucking the Democratic Partys stance to not back IDC challengers. Simotas also said she focused on Crowleys established history and the ways he could leverage his leadership position in the House of Representatives to help the district, but that she now works very well with Ocasio-Cortez, who she finds inspiring. And Simotas said she chose not to support Katz despite being pressured by some to do so. Asked why not then endorse Caban, if she supported criminal justice reform, Simotas said she didnt know her well enough at the time. I see myself primarily as a legislator and not a politician, Simotas said, in contrast to Mamdanis assertion that her bully pulpit is equally important. All my energy was devoted to passing my bills on sexual harassment, expanding the statute of limitations for rape and reforming the criminal justice system, because I believe thats the best way I can serve my constituents. Up until the end of 2018, Mamdani was not one of those constituents. Fitting with the common criticism of the DSA that they are wealthy transplants, Mamdani, 28, lived in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, from the age of 7, when he emigrated from Uganda, until he moved to Astoria a year and a half ago. Mamdani and his family are ethnically Indian. In a podcast Mamdani recorded in March 2016, he said he was living in a lush apartment rent-free. My parents house, son! he shouted into the mic. By his own description and according to voter registration records, he still lived at his parents Manhattan address on Riverside Drive until he moved to Astoria. Mamdani also grew up affluent. His mother is Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mira Nair. For years, Nair owned a Chelsea condo that she rented out for $6,500 a month. She put it on the market in 2017 for $1.85 million. The family lived, and his parents still do, in Columbia University housing, where his father is a professor. In many ways, Mamdani fits into the demographic accused of gentrifying Western Queens and contributing to the affordability crisis that is central to his campaign. Some have pointed to those wealthy transplants to explain the recent leftward swing for DSA-backed candidates that Mamdani said is evidence of Simotas being out of touch with her community. Mamdani did not deny the economic realities of his upbringing. I have never claimed to grow up any other way than one where I had the privileges of economic comfort, he said, adding that did not shield him from racism. It didnt stop immigration officers from pulling me aside to double-mirrored rooms and asking me if I had intentions of attacking this country, or if I just returned from a terrorist training camp. He also said he specifically moved to Astoria because he spent time in the neighborhood visiting family, and it was a place he always felt at home as a South Asian and a Muslim New Yorker. He said one goal of his campaign is to get the Muslim community in the district more civically engaged. Still, Mamdanis background offers a fairly sharp contrast to Simotas, who has lived in Astoria since she was an infant. (Like many pre-gentrification Astoria residents, Simotas is Greek American.) My brother and I shared the living room and we slept on cots, and my parents had the bedroom, Simotas said. When we immigrated to the United States, that one-bedroom saved our lives, and thats why Im adamantly pro-tenant. She has deep ties to the district and local affairs, having been a member of Queens Community Board 1 and the United Community Civic Association before becoming an elected official. Although Mamdani said his campaign is inspired by his work as a housing counselor, assisting low-income minority homeowners avoid foreclosure a job he started around the time he moved to Astoria and his own experiences with burdensome rent, he did not consider running until he was asked to in August of 2019 by a DSA colleague. I realized there was no time to postpone this any longer, he said. If you see an elected official, and you see a record that is out of place with regards to the district, and you see someone who hasnt been representing the district its incumbent upon you to challenge them. Thousands of people protesting at close quarters, shouting demands and coughing violently when hit by tear gas: experts fear demonstrations roiling the US could reignite the spread of the coronavirus. But, stress clinicians and researchers, racialized police violence itself remains a grave and neglected public health crisis for African Americans, threatening not just their lives but raising the risk of stress-related diseases from heart failure to cancer. It has been just over a week since George Floyd, an African American man, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes, sparking a wave of protests across the country against institutional racism. For Ebony Hilton, a physician at the University of Virginia hospital who is herself black, the issue highlights what she calls the threat of the two pandemics: COVID-19, and police brutality. "We are expecting to see a spike (in coronavirus cases) because there's no social distancing and unfortunately most people wear their masks incorrectly," she told AFP. Law enforcement agencies have routinely fired tear-inducing pepper spray and tear gas, a nerve agent that causes intense burning, in order to disperse crowds. On Monday, for example, federal police hit peaceful activists in Lafayette Park outside the White House with rubber bullets and tear gas in order to let President Donald Trump get a photo-op at a historic church that had suffered damage the night before. "The pepper spraying and resulting coughing/gagging also heightens risk," said Hilton. "Additionally, COVID can be spread via droplets on eyes and many aren't wearing goggles." - Police a 'public health threat' - A protestor holds a sign near the White House in Washington, DC, on June 2, 2020. Experts have also warned that racialized violence by police against African Americans is itself a serious health hazard / AFP Even so, said Hilton, it was important to contextualize why people were willing to take these risks. A study carried out in 2019 found that black men are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by the police than their white counterparts. "We think that there's ample evidence that police are a threat to public health in the United States," Rutgers University's Frank Edwards, the lead author of the paper, told AFP at the time. Relying on media reports as well as official data, Edwards and colleagues estimated one fatality from police use of force for every 1,000 black male births. Police violence is a leading cause of death for black men aged 20-29, just behind cancer. Cav Manning, a 52-year-old emcee from New York, is just one of tens of thousands nationwide willing to risk coronavirus as he joined a protest in Brooklyn on Monday evening. "What we saw is so disturbing that we've got to be out here right now, despite COVID, despite the fact that you might get infected," he told AFP. The problem isn't just the high profile deaths that make the news, but the psychological stress inflicted on African Americans continually targeted by police. "What we know is that chronic stress is directly linked to increased risk of cancer formation, directly linked to hypertension, to diabetes, to heart failure, to obesity," said Hilton. - Precautions stressed - The demonstrations come as the number of new coronavirus deaths in the US, the world's hardest hit country, continues to decrease after peaking in mid-April, and as states partly reopen their economies. Research has linked warmer summer months to a decreased COVID-19 spread in temperate parts of the world. Brandon Brown, an epidemiologist at the University of California Riverside said that while the expected risk of COVID-19 transmission is lowered outdoors, it is not reduced to zero, especially when people are unable to physically distance when faced with charging police. "It is important to wear a mask not only to protect yourself against COVID-19, but also from state surveillance," he emphasized. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician in New York added that the aerosol produced by tear gas itself could potentially act as a carrier that projects viral droplets far deeper into a crowd than they would otherwise have traveled. All of these factors have combined to make public health professionals very nervous about the impact two or so weeks down the line. This is particularly since the protests feature large numbers of blacks and other minorities who are at higher levels of risk from COVID-19 because of underlying health conditions that worsen the disease's progression. Manning, the emcee, said he and others were aware of the danger. "But this is also something that is happening for the health of the nation." A woman was rescued after she fell into a manhole and was trapped there for several days in Texas, officials have said. On Tuesday the unnamed woman was found stuck in a manhole in the 7200 block of North Grand Parkway in Harris County. Several Harris County constables and Klein firefighters rescued her. A woman was rescued on Tuesday after she fell into a manhole and was trapped there for several days in Harris County, Texas Its not clear exactly how she fell into the hole, or why she was in that vicinity as it appears to be a construction area. She was checked out by first responders and said to be alert and breathing. No injuries were reported in the incident. Harris County Constable Precinct 4 shared photos of the alarming rescue showing an officer putting down a long stick into the hole, likely to pull the woman out. Another image shows the area were she fell which appears to be a newly constructed neighborhood Harris County Constable Precinct 4 shared photos of the alarming rescue showing an officer putting down a long stick into the hole, likely to pull the woman out. Another image shows the area were she fell which appears to be a newly constructed neighborhood. The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Monday backed the move by a social critic to sue his wife, Betty Akeredolu for all... The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Monday backed the move by a social critic to sue his wife, Betty Akeredolu for alleged defamation. The governor, while reacting to a letter being circulated on social media and addressed to his wife over a planned legal action following the First Ladys altercation with a social critic and political commentator, Jimmy Adekanle, said that his wife does not enjoy immunity, hence the lawyer should proceed with his clients request. Last week, the governors wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu had in a social media post called the social critic who is based in Canada a rapist. The post by the First Lady was sequel to a post made by Adekanle who is popularly known as JAF alleging that the First Lady broke the federal governments inter-state travel ban when she travelled to Ondo State from Imo State amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Responding in a post, the First Lady said, Jimmy Adekanle Jaf shut the hell up. You are still talking. Canada lresivist. This has entered in Ondo social media lexicon. I even heard that you are a sex offender and you ran away to Canada. Shame on you! Come back. Police is waiting for you. And my office is after scumbags like you. You are in real trouble. Arabinrin has no mercy for rapists like you. Jail term awaits you. FAKE HUMAN IRESIVIST While demanding a retraction and withdrawal of the alleged defamatory post within a stipulated seven-day period, the social critics lawyer, Tolu Babaleye said that a profound and unreserved apology must be tendered to his client for the psychological and social effect the post had cost him. Stressing that the apology must be published, Babaleye stated in the letter that his client will be left with no option than to approach the court for redress if the First Lady failed to do the needful. Meanwhile, reacting to the development, Governor Akeredolu in a social media post told the lawyer to go ahead with his clients request. The post reads, Tolu Babaleye, please go ahead with your clients further instructions and file the action. The First Lady does not enjoy immunity, the governor said. Project will be a systematic review of existing studies on the environmental benefits of AM The Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA), a global trade group created to promote green benefits of additive manufacturing (AM), announced today that it had selected Jeremy Faludi, Ph.D., a leading researcher of sustainable engineering, to oversee its first commissioned university research project, a literature-based systematic review on the environmental sustainability of metal AM. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005280/en/ Dr. Jeremy Faludi, LEED AP BD+C (Photo: Business Wire) "We are excited to announce our first research project and thrilled to be able to work with Dr. Faludi," said Sherry Handel, the AMGTA's Executive Director. "This project will provide our membership and the public in general with an excellent survey of existing research on the sustainability benefits of AM. Dr. Faludi is a renowned researcher within this field, and we are looking forward to understanding better the existing scope of research on this topic." Dr. Faludi, LEED AP BD+C, is a sustainable design strategist and researcher. He is assistant professor of design engineering at Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands, where he specializes in design for the circular economy and green 3D printing and is adjunct faculty of engineering at the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College. Dr. Faludi has taught at Stanford University, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and earned a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at University of California Berkeley, a Master of Engineering in Product Design at Stanford University, and a B.A. in Physics from Reed College. This AMGTA commissioned research paper will be comprised of a literature review of existing studies "describing where metal additive manufacturing provides environmental benefits compared to older manufacturing methods," noted Ms. Handel, further explaining that, "this research may also reveal areas in the manufacturing process where AM could cause higher environmental impacts than older manufacturing methods. Through rigorous, independent and ongoing research the AMGTA will publish research findings and share with industry and other key stakeholders what our eco-footprint is now and what we will need to focus on in the future to be more sustainable." About AMGTA. The AMGTA was launched in November 2019 to promote the environmental benefits of AM over traditional methods of manufacturing. The AMGTA is a non-commercial, unaffiliated organization open to any additive manufacturer or industry stakeholder that meets certain criteria relating to sustainability of production or process. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005280/en/ Contacts: Sherry Handel +1 954.308.0888 www.amgta.org 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. Despite suspending production at its manufacturing plants in accordance with their local lockdown measures, Ford managed to keep its vehicle design section productive, thanks to virtual reality technology. Coordinating work on new vehicles in a virtual design studio, the Blue Ovals designers from around the world were able to work with each other and create computer-aided design (CAD) models of vehicles in development. The team also got busy working on initial sketches of its virtual racing car for Team Fordzilla P1 Project. With real world racing currently at a standstill, automakers are coming up with their own forays into simulated competitions, and Ford is making sure they do not get left behind. media.ford.com The captains of Fords five Fordzilla eSports teams from Europe, along with other stakeholders, have been closely monitoring the creation of Fords virtual racing car. An initial series of eight polls garnered more than 220,000 votes, which will be used to decide on the package of this unique vehicle, with the design scheduled for completion in mid-June. Key members of Fords global design leadership team, including Amko Leenarts, Ford Europes Director of Design, gave a demonstration of this virtual design studio last May 21. During the livestream, the designers, from Europe, the US and Australia answered questions and discussed how COVID-19 might influence the future of design and conduct the first review of the Team Fordzilla P1 Project. Collaboration is integral to design, Leenarts said. We need to be able to try things, bounce ideas around and get feedback from others. Virtual reality enables us to do just that while staying at home, but we never imagined we would employ it the way we have and that it would make us see vehicle design in a new way. media.ford.com Ford is also using virtual reality to create vehicle interiors. With its newly developed, 360-degree sketching tool, Ford designers can render and share drawings that can immediately be experienced from the drivers point of view, or from anywhere inside the car, in 3D or in virtual reality. Story continues As Ford design teams gradually return to the actual design studio, the iconic American carmaker plans to continue using virtual reality for global collaborations and to complement the clay modelling process. Locally, Ford Philippines has started reopening its dealerships and welcoming back customers as the enhanced community quarantine measures have eased. Photos from Ford Also read: Ford Releases More Details on Reservations for Ford Mustang Mach-E Replica of GT40 Used in Ford v Ferrari Going to Auction The ever-worsening global environmental crisis, coupled with the depletion of fossil fuels, has motivated scientists to look for clean energy sources. Hydrogen (H 2 ) can serve as an eco-friendly fuel, and hydrogen generation has become a hot research topic. While no one has yet found an energy-efficient and affordable way to produce hydrogen on a large scale, progress in this field is steady and various techniques have been proposed. One such technique involves using light and catalysts (materials that speed up reactions) to split water (H 2 O) into hydrogen and oxygen. The catalysts have crystalline structures and the ability to separate charges at the interfaces between some of their sides. When light hits the crystal at certain angles, the energy from the light is absorbed into the crystal, causing certain electrons to become free from their original orbits around atoms in the material. As an electron leaves its original place in the crystal, a positively charged vacancy, known as a hole, is created in the structure. Generally, these "excited" states do not last long, and free electrons and holes eventually recombine. This is the case with bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4 ) crystal catalysts as well. BiVO 4 has been recently explored for water-splitting reactions, given its promise as a material in which charge-separation can occur upon excitation with visible light. The quick recombination of pairs of charged entities ("carriers") is a disadvantage because carriers must separately partake in reactions that break up water. In a recent study published in Chemical Engineering Journal, scientists from the Photocatalysis International Research Center at Tokyo University of Science, Japan, together with scientists from Northeast Normal University in China, developed a novel method to improve the charge-separation characteristics of decahedral (ten-sided) BiVO 4 crystal catalysts. Prof Terashima, lead scientist in the study, explains, "Recent studies have shown that carriers can be generated and separated at the interfaces between the different faces of certain crystals. In the case of BiVO 4 , however, the forces that separate carriers are too weak for electron-hole pairs that are generated slightly away from the interfaces. Therefore, carrier separation in BiVO 4 decahedrons called for further improvements, which motivated us to carry out this study." In the technique they propose, BiVO 4 nanocrystals are exposed to what is called "solution plasma discharge", a highly charged jet of energetic matter that is produced by applying high voltages between two terminals submerged in water. The plasma discharge removes some vanadium (V) atoms from the surface of specific faces of the crystals, leaving vanadium vacancies. These vacancies act as "electron traps" that facilitate the increased separation of carriers. Because these vacancies are in greater number on the eight side faces of the decahedron, electrons are trapped on these faces while holes accumulate on the top and bottom faces. This increased charge separation results in better catalytic performance of the BiVO 4 nanocrystals, thereby improving its water splitting performance. This study represents a novel use of solution plasma discharge to enhance the properties of crystals. Prof Akira Fujishima, co-author of the paper, says, "Our work has inspired us to reconsider other crystals that are apparently ineffective for water splitting. It provides a promising strategy using solution plasma to 'activate' them." The use of solution-plasma discharge has many advantages over using conventional gaseous plasma that make it far more attractive from both technical and economic standpoints. Prof Xintong Zhang from Northeast Normal University, China, remarks, "Unlike gaseous plasma, which has to be generated in closed chambers, solution plasma can be generated in an open reactor at room temperature and in a normal air atmosphere. In addition, by working with crystal powders in a solution, it becomes more convenient to change the parameters of the process, and it is also easier to scale up." This study hopefully takes us one step closer to an efficient way of producing hydrogen so that we can finally do without fossil fuels and other energy sources that are harmful to our planet. Further commenting on the promise of this study, Prof Terashima says, "If efficient hydrogen energy can be produced using sunlight and water, two of the most abundant resources on earth, a dream clean society could be realized." ### Reference Title of original paper: Solution plasma boosts facet-dependent photoactivity of decahedral BiVO 4 Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.125381 About the Tokyo University of Science Tokyo University of Science (TUS) is a well-known and respected university, and the largest science-specialized private research university in Japan, with four campuses in central Tokyo and its suburbs and in Hokkaido. Established in 1881, the university has continually contributed to Japan's development in science through inculcating the love for science in researchers, technicians, and educators. With a mission of "Creating science and technology for the harmonious development of nature, human beings, and society", TUS has undertaken a wide range of research from basic to applied science. TUS has embraced a multidisciplinary approach to research and undertaken intensive study in some of today's most vital fields. TUS is a meritocracy where the best in science is recognized and nurtured. It is the only private university in Japan that has produced a Nobel Prize winner and the only private university in Asia to produce Nobel Prize winners within the natural sciences field. Website: https://www.tus.ac.jp/en/mediarelations/ About Professor Chiaki Terashima from the Tokyo University of Science Chiaki Terashima obtained an undergrad degree in Science and Engineering in 1994 from the Tokyo University of Science, and a PhD from the Division of Engineering of the University of Tokyo in 2003. He has been with Tokyo University of Science since 2013, where he conducts research on plasma chemistry and diamond materials. He is a member of the Photocatalyst International Research Center and also of the Research Center for Space Colony, both at the Tokyo University of Science. Funding information This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (91833303, 51072032, 51102001 and 51872044), the Jilin Province Science and Technology Development Project (20180101175JC and 20190103100JH), the 111 Project (No. B13013), the Jilin Provincial Education Department Project (JJKH20201162KJ), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, and the Sakura Science Program granted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Andhra Pradesh: Deep sea fishing resumes, boats out again June 03,2020 | Source: The Times of India Deep sea fishing along the Visakhapatnam coast resumed on Tuesday. Fishing operations were put on hold since March 23 and the ban on fishing ended on May 31. Even though the ban ended a few days ago, fishermen resumed fishing only on June 2, said Arjili Dasu, executive director of Visakhapatnam Fishermen Youth Welfare Association. The delay in resumption of fishing activities is being attributed to the lack of adequate people to take up fishing due to the lockdown. Before venturing out into the sea, the fishermen offered prayers to Goddess Gangamma. Around 750 mechanised boats and 5,000 motorised boats are deployed for deep see fishing in Visakhapatnam. Of these, 300 mechanised boats and 80 per cent of the motorised boats went on short trips (lasting two to three days) on Tuesday. If catch is abundant they may carry on fishing for a week, Arjili Dasu told TOI. Dr K Phani Prakash, joint director, fisheries said that the state government has already credited the ban incentive of Rs10,000 per head to all 20,273 fishermen in the first phase. In the second phase, 1,016 fishermen will receive Rs10,000 each, he said. We have sent the second phase list to the commissioner and will distribute the amount when we receive orders, Prakash said while adding that the government has given orders for oil subsidy and other welfare mechanisms such as distribution of rice along with the ban incentive. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} They had him wear a helmet and dark glasses and physically surround himself with other crew members anytime he was outdoors, even when he used the bathroom. During his first month on Tinian, Kuroki said he actually felt safer getting shot at during the bombing raids, than back at base. The air raids over Japan had started in June 1944 but were greatly expanded once Tinian and the other Mariana Islands were captured. At first the bombing raids by the B-29s attempted high altitude precision bombing against industrial facilities during the day. This proved ineffective as much of the manufacturing processes in Japan were carried out in small workshops or private homes. The U.S. shifted tactics to low altitude fire bombings by night against urban areas. This shift resulted in widespread civilian casualties, with between 241,000 and 900,000 people dying in the raids. Fire bombing raids against Tokyo had so damaged the capital that it was taken off the list of targets when the atomic bombs were to be used. Protesters in New York, New York, rally against the police killing of George Floyd, which took place on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Reuters Looters in New York City took freely from luxury stores and pharmacies alike on Sunday evening. In many instances, New York police officers sat and watched as people ransacked the stores. Some 400 people were arrested for looting on Sunday evening, the New York Times reported. On Monday evening, about 700 people were arrested for looting and other offenses, Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a press conference on Tuesday. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Solidarity protests for George Floyd have led to chaos in the streets in New York City. While most demonstrations were peaceful protesting police brutality and systemic racism after Floyd, a black man, died under the knee of a white police officer on his neck some have been marked by violence and looting. On numerous occasions, as looters took what they could from stores in Manhattan, police officers sat back and watched. On Twitter, NBC News journalist Keith Feldman posted a video of a group of looters grabbing merchandise from a SoHo store and driving away in their cars. "Looters are literally pulling up in nice cars and cleaning out stores in #Soho," he wrote. "What #Curfew?" About three miles north of SoHo, others looted a North Face store in Midtown Manhattan. "A van of cops drove up to this looted store, then left. Looters went in two more times including while this NYPD van drove by," reported Matthew Chayes, a Newsday journalist. High-end and luxury stores were not the only places of interest for looters, who also ransacked pharmacies and sneaker outlets, the New York Times reported. "Must say I do not understand the NYPD strategy tonight," Rachel Olding, an editor at the Daily Beast, wrote on Twitter. "There's a huge group of officers just standing around here on Broadway/51st while looting is out of control in the surrounding blocks." Story continues In the Bronx, north of Manhattan, video footage shows looters near Fordham University running in and out of a storefront as a police officer stands by. In lieu of answering questions, the NYPD directed Insider to Mayor Bill de Blasio's Tuesday press conference. Nearly 700 people were arrested on Monday evening for looting "and other offenses and attacks on officers," de Blasio said. Around 400 people were arrested for looting alone on Sunday night, according to the Times. "There is no such thing as being able to loot with impunity. I am so sick of these efforts to mischaracterize reality," he said, answering a journalist's question about why police officers watched on as looters stole from stores. "I saw police officers trying to deal with a very difficult situation," he added. Looting "is never, ever accepted." Read the original article on Insider LPP fusion discovered the FF-2Bs prototype anode was cracked. They have used the shutdown time, necessitated by both the crack and the coronavirus, to complete the design of our new switches, and to redesign the anode. They are aiming to resume firing with these crucial new upgrades in the fall. This will allow us to keep to our plan of initiating experiments with hydrogen-boron fuel in 2020. Above Side view of anode shows one of two cracks extending down the sides. Top view shows two cracks, top and bottom extending out of the damage area on the inner lip of the anode. They had have to be extremely careful to ensure that no beryllium dust escaped to contaminate the experimental room, we had not planned to do any complete disassembly this year. The team came up with a plan to remove just the anode from above, while maintaining a reduced pressure in the chamber, guaranteeing that air would be flowing inwards into the chamber and no dust could escape. The tricky part was to lift the anode vertically so it would not hit the surrounding ceramic insulator and crack that, too. There is only a 1 mm gap between the two parts. But Research Scientist Dr. Syed Hassan worked out a way to lift the anode with lab jacks and a level to guide a supporting rod. During the delicate operation on March 30, which they recorded, one jack collapsed. Fortunately, Dr. Hassans many lab skills include a quick reaction time, so he seized the supporting rod in time to prevent any damage to the insulator. (Fig.1) With Chief Scientist Eric Lerner assisting, Dr. Hassan successfully removed the anode and substituted an older steel plate with an O-ring as a temporary seal. They have made major design changes to their new switches that will likely eliminate prefires. We will avoid in future shots turning off the preionization and firing at low pressures. In addition, the new anode we will be getting can be strengthened with design changes and annealing, a process of controlled heating to release strains caused during the machining of a part. They expect that it will take about three to four months to replace the beryllium anode and they have already contacted potential suppliers. To avoid a major delay in the work, they will simultaneously be getting the new switches made and installed. They are already soliciting bids on their manufacture. The new switches will not only eliminate prefires, they will also allow for much less downtime for maintenance. Even more important they will increase the amount of current the device produces which will increase fusion yield. When they resume firing in the early fall, they believe they will have a device that can overcome the remaining hurdles to high fusion yield. While the cracks were bad news, the inspection of the beryllium anode also brought good news. The erosion of the electrode near the insulator has markedly decreased with the beryllium electrode as compared with the previous tungsten electrode. Laser PB11 Shows Big Advance An international scientific collaboration using the PALS laser facility in Prague has reported a major advance in hydrogen-boron (pB11) fusion. The report, published in January in Physical Review E, demonstrated a 40-fold increase in fusion yield over previous experiments at the same facility in 2014. Researchers hit a target of boron nitride with some embedded hydrogen with a 2 TW burst of infrared laser radiation, focused down to an 80-micron spot. The research team explained that they achieved the 40-fold increase in fusion yield simply by making the target thicker. The advance is both a step forward for hydrogen-boron fusion, which has the potential to provide cheap, totally clean energy, and an example of the sort of leaps that can occur in fusion research. The laser approach to pB11 fusion is being promoted by Australian company HB11 Energy, although that company was not involved in the PALS experiment. The main disadvantage of this approach relative to Focus Fusion using the plasma focus device is the very low efficiency of the laser needed to initiate the fusion. The iodine laser at PALS, for example, needs 1.2 MJ input to produce a 600 J laser pulse. The fusion output from the latest experiment was 0.06 J, so the critical ratio of output energy to input energy is still about 80 times less than that achieved by LPPFusions FF-1, using a much less reactive fuel, deuterium. To reach net energy, HB11 Energy envisions fusion generators that would be much larger and more costly than will be needed for Focus Fusion. Despite these drawbacks to the approach, the data obtained in the PALS laser experiments is extremely encouraging to all those, including LPPFusion, working toward pB11-based energy generation. ABSTRACT The nuclear reaction known as proton-boron fusion has been triggered by a subnanosecond laser system focused onto a thick boron nitride target at modest laser intensity (10,000 trillion watts per square centimeter) resulting in a record yield of generated particles. The estimated value of particles emitted per laser pulse is around 100 billion, thus orders of magnitude higher than any other experimental result previously reported. The accelerated -particle stream shows unique features in terms of kinetic energy (up to 10 MeV), pulse duration (10 ns), and peak current (2 A) at 1 m from the source, promising potential applications of such neutronless nuclear fusion reactions. We have used a beam-driven fusion scheme to explain the total number of particles generated in the nuclear reaction. In this model, protons accelerated inside the plasma, moving forward into the bulk of the target, can interact with 11B atoms, thus efficiently triggering fusion reactions. An overview of literature results obtained with different laser parameters, experimental setups, and target compositions is reported and discussed. SOURCES Physics Review E, LPP Fusion Written by Brian Wang, Nextbigfuture.com Regulatory News: All Carmila (Paris:CARM) shopping centres in France and Italy and the vast majority in Spain have now reopened, complying as strictly as possible with the required health measures. Our centres, located right at the heart of their regions, have posted encouraging results in terms of footfall and sales. Once again, they are fully involved in fulfilling their role as local economic stakeholders Carmila's very raison d'etre All shopping centres in France and Italy fully operational since the reopening dates Although they maintained some level of activity during the lockdown so as to keep hypermarkets and other essential retail outlets open, all Carmila shopping centres reopened their stores (except for restaurants and leisure activity stores) on 11 May in France and 18 May in Italy. In Spain, where the easing of the lockdown started on 25 May and is still rolling out progressively, 78% of Carmila shopping centres and 82% of all stores are now open. The ones that are still closed mainly consist of restaurants and leisure stores, or are located in regions where the easing of the lockdown measures is happening more gradually, such as Madrid and Barcelona. Shopping centres being partially open during the lockdown meant that teams were able to test strict and effective health measures. They worked alongside health authorities on supplementing and expanding these measures, to then apply them to our centres once they were opening more widely. In France, all Carmila shopping centres, including those with more than 40,000 sq.m of sales area, were able to open on Monday 11 May thanks to their regional roots and the commitment of teams. Encouragingly high footfall as centres reopen In France, that accounts for 72% of Carmila's assets, over the first three weeks post-lockdown, shopping centres witnessed average footfall that was 80% of what it was for the same period in 2019 despite the health measures in place designed to regulate customer flows. In Italy, where all centres reopened on 18 May, average footfall given the very strict sanitary measures for the first two weeks post-lockdown was 70% of what it would normally be for the same period In Spain, that accounts for 23% of Carmila's assets, Carmila's shopping centres were able, on the first post-lockdown reopening week, to maintain footfall at 70% of what it was over the same period in 2019, with considerable purchase transformation rates. Retailers' sales also encouraging In France, over the first two weeks post-lockdown, and based on a panel of 209 stores, retailers' sales figures amount on average to 92% of last year's turnovers on the same given period. Average sales of Health Beauty products amount to 105% of turnover over last year, while Household Equipment products are clearly outperforming with +45%. On average, sales in the Culture/Gift/Leisure sector amount to 91% of last year's turnover. Regarding the Clothing Accessories sector, despite heterogeneous performances depending on the brands, the 119 brands in our panel achieved an average turnover equal to 90% of N-1 turnover*, with particularly good performances recorded in the Fashion medium-sized stores, children's Fashion and Lingerie. In Spain, over only one post-lockdown week, sales recorded excellent results across all sectors, boosted by very high transformation rates. Based on a panel of 320 stores, sales of this first week have been 35% better than they were over the same period last year In Italy, not enough sales data has been communicated so far for us to discern a trend. This strong performance is evidence of just how appealing Carmila's shopping centre model is: well-established local centres with hypermarkets, stores and services that are useful on an everyday basis with high visibility and acknowledged dynamism, sites that can be accessed by high numbers of people and operated under optimum conditions for welcoming customers. These results are also underpinned by the expertise that Carmila leverages in terms of customer knowledge and its sound understanding of local digital marketing solutions. Since the lockdown, teams have maintained ongoing, high-quality ties with customers, keeping them informed about barrier protection measures, reassuring them about the conditions under which they can do their shopping, and providing them with online booking and click-and-collect options. In fact, since March 17th, Carmila shopping centres have published almost 10,000 posts on social networks which that have been seen by more than 17 million customers. Carmila remains cautious about these encouraging results, given just how short the periods under consideration are. More robust trends should be evidenced between now and the end of the third quarter of 2020. * Sales over the second post-lockdown re-opening week (18-23 May), accounting for the delayed openings of a significant number of brands from our panel during the first week. Financial Calendar 29 June 2020 (9:30 AM):General Shareholders' Meeting behind closed doors 29 July 2020 (after market closure):2020 half-yearly results 30 July 2020 (2:30 PM):Financial information meeting 23 October 2020 (after market closure): Activity for the third quarter of 2020 About Carmila Carmila was founded by Carrefour and large institutional investors in order to develop the value of shopping centers anchored by Carrefour stores in France, Spain and Italy. As at December 31st, 2019, its consists of 215 shopping centers in France, Spain and Italy, mostly leaders in their catchment areas, and was valued at Euro 6.4 bn. Inspired by a genuine retail culture, Carmila's teams include all of the expertise dedicated to retail attractiveness: leasing, digital marketing, specialty leasing, shopping centre management and portfolio management. Carmila is listed on compartment A of Euronext-Paris market under the ticker CARM and benefits from the "SIIC" real estate investment trust (REIT) tax status. On September 18, 2017, Carmila joined the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global Real Estate (EMEA Region) indices. On September 24, 2018, Carmila joined Euronext CAC Small, CAC Mid Small and CAC All-tradable indices. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005674/en/ Contacts: Investors and analysts Pierre-Yves Thirion Chief Financial Officer pierre_yves_thirion@carmila.com +33 (0)6 47 21 60 49 Press Morgan Lavielle Communications Director morgan_lavielle@carmila.com +33 (0)6 87 77 48 80 Searches for package holidays to Spain this summer have increased by 52 per cent, Greece by 51 per cent and Portugal by 38 per cent in the past fortnight on the back of news that European tourism is reopening and quarantine-free air bridges can be established. There have been 40 per cent more price comparison searches for July, August and September holidays in the past two weeks. Thats according to searches on holiday price comparison site TravelSupermarket from May 16 to 30 compared with the previous fortnight, for package holidays overseas departing between July 1 and October 31 this year. Portugal has gone up two places in the search rankings in the past fortnight, compared with the start of May, to become the fifth most popular summer holiday search option for Britons. Searches for package holidays to Spain this summer have increased by 52 per cent, Greece by 51 per cent and Portugal by 38 per cent, says TravelSupermarket This uptake in searches for Portuguese holidays is on the back of the countrys announcement that it is hoping to welcome holidaymakers including Britons as soon as possible and will not quarantine them. Greece has also been one of the first countries in Europe to say it wants to welcome back international holidaymakers - international flights will be operating to its two largest mainland airports from mid-June. Similarly, Spain has been outlining in the past two weeks its desire for tourists to return in July and for the summer season to be salvaged. According to TravelSupermarket, as Britons look to get away when lockdown restrictions are lifted, the country of choice to visit before the end of October is Spain. In second place is Greece followed by the United States, Turkey and Portugal. When it comes to more specific destinations, the top ten most-searched-for places by Britons in the past fortnight for a holiday to depart between July 1 and October 30, 2020, are Las Vegas (first), Tenerife (second), the Maldives (third), the Costa Blanca (fourth), Dubai (fifth), Orlando (sixth), Canary Islands (seventh), Majorca (eighth), Amsterdam (ninth) and Crete (10th). An uptake in searches for Portuguese holidays is on the back of of the countrys announcement that it is hoping to welcome holidaymakers including Britons as soon as possible and will not quarantine them. Pictured is a beach in the Algarve BRITONS' MOST POPULAR HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS Most popular destinations to search for a holiday for between July 1 and October 30, 2020 1. Las Vegas 2. Tenerife 3. The Maldives 4. Costa Blanca 5. Dubai 6. Orlando 7. Canary Islands 8. Majorca 9. Amsterdam 10. Crete Most popular countries to search for a holiday after lockdown, any departure date 1. Spain 2. U.S 3. Greece 4. Maldives 5. Turkey 6. Mexico 7. Italy 8. Portugal 9. Cyprus 10. Unite Arab Emirates Source: TravelSupermarket Advertisement TravelSupermarket points out that searches for package holidays to Crete have shot up by 73 per cent in the past two weeks - it was in 19th place. The website says this comes as many airlines and holiday companies say they will resume flights to the Greek Islands from the beginning of July. Package holiday price enquiries to Tenerife have increased by 36 per cent and to the Costa Blanca by 46 per cent, taking holidays to resorts including Benidorm from seventh to fourth most popular with Britons. Emma Coulthurst, travel commentator from TravelSupermarket, said: 'There are more people searching for a holiday now for this summer than there were at the beginning of May. Talk of air bridges and countries opening up to tourism appears to be getting people searching and comparing holiday prices. TravelSupermarket says that package holiday price enquiries to the Costa Blanca, pictured, have increased by 46 per cent 'Holiday prices have also been creeping down in the past fortnight and there are some good prices on offer. However, the reality is that we dont yet know when Brits will be able to travel again. 'The Foreign and Commonwealth Office indefinite advice against anything but essential travel remains in place and there is no indication of when this will be lifted. It is wait and see as to which countries will let Britons travel there and when and when the UK Government will allow Brits to travel overseas for holidays again. The UK 14 day quarantine is also set to come in on Monday (June 8) and to be reviewed in the last week of June. 'Despite the increase in people searching for holidays for this summer in the past week, people are clicking through from our site and booking with travel companies for next summer, more than they are for this summer. There needs to be more certainty before people are willing to take the plunge on this summer more than next.' HOLIDAY SEARCHES IN THE PAST FORTNIGHT FOR ANY FUTURE DEPARTURE DATE TravelSupermarket also looked at the most popular holiday searches for all dates in the future, not just this summer. The most-searched-for destination between May 16 and 30 was the Maldives, followed by Las Vegas and Orlando. Tenerife was in fourth place, New York fifth and Cancun was sixth. The Costa Blanca came seventh with the Canary Islands eighth, Dubai ninth and Amsterdam 10th. The rest of the top 20 most-popular searches in the past fortnight were Lanzarote (11th), Ibiza (12th), Majorca (13th), Dominican Republic (14th), Bali (15th), Barbados (16th), Cape Verde (17th), Jamaica (18th), Hawaii (19th) and The Algarve (20th). The most-searched-for destination for all departures in the future between May 16 and 30 was the Maldives, pictured Island escapes seem particularly popular as 11 of the top 20 most popular searches are to islands. TravelSupermarket says that Ibiza has seen the biggest jump in search interest in the past two weeks, up 85 per cent, taking it from the 22nd to the 11th most-searched destination for a future holiday from the UK. The website points out that the Balearic Islands, as a whole, have seen a 55 per cent increase in clicks in the past fortnight. There has been a 48 per cent increase in searches to Portugal, taking it from 13th to the eighth most-searched country for holidays from the UK in the space of a fortnight and there has been a 45 per cent increase in holiday prices searches to Greece. Spain has seen a 43 per cent increase in holiday price searches as has Italy, says TravelSupermarket. Other destinations that have seen a significant uplift in searches in the past fortnight are Crete (68 per cent), the Costa del Sol (63 per cent), Tenerife (46 per cent), Lanzarote (44 per cent), Rhodes (44 per cent), Goa (40 per cent), the Algarve (38 per cent), Santorini (37 per cent) and Cancun (36 per cent). The most popular country on British holidaymakers' wishlists to visit after lockdown is Spain (No1), followed by the U.S, Greece, the Maldives and Turkey. The rest of the top 10 comprises Mexico (sixth), Italy (seventh), Portugal (eighth), Cyprus (ninth) and the United Arab Emirates (10th). THE MOST POPULAR MONTHS FOR A HOLIDAY When looking at all holiday searches in May on TravelSupermarket, the price comparison website says that October 2020 is the most popular departure month. It is followed by September 2020, December 2020 and May 2021. Data shows that the most popular destinations to search for an October 2020 holiday are the Canary Islands, Las Vegas, Dubai, the Costa Blanca and New York. Las Vegas, pictured, is one of the most popular destinations for searches for a holiday for October 2020 The most popular destinations that Britons are comparing prices for in September are the Costa Blanca, Tenerife, Crete, Dubai and Las Vegas. For December, the wish list is headed up by New York, followed by Tenerife, Lanzarote, the Maldives and Dubai. For May 2021, British holidaymakers are looking and booking ahead for holidays to Orlando, followed by Majorca, the Maldives, the Balearic Islands and the Costa Blanca. For departures being looked at for this July and August, the most price comparison searches are for the Canary and Balearic Islands and the resorts in and around Antalya in Turkey. Other price comparison sites are available. 03.06.2020 LISTEN The management of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) has stated that all students, including those in their final year, will take their end-of-second semester examination for the 2019/2020 academic year online, as earlier scheduled prior to the partial easing of restrictions. President Nana Akufo-Addo on Sunday, 31 May 2020, directed that all final-year students should return to school on 15 June 2020 to prepare for their exit examination. In an official notice circulated online to all GIJ students on Tuesday, 2 June 2020, however, the school said the online examination will be conducted as previously arranged and scheduled for 8 June 2020 to 26 June 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant restrictions and safety protocols instituted by the government since late March this year, all school activities came to a halt. This led to the restructuring of the academic calendar and the migration of tuition online. Initially, GIJs management announced an online examination timetable from 25 May 2020 to 10 June 2020. It was later rescheduled. The schools management reiterated that all previous arrangements regarding examination for the second semester of 2019/2020 academic year remain unchanged. --- classfmonline Protesters on the Manhattan Bridge in New York, N.Y. on June 2, 2020. (Scott Heins/Getty Images) Las Vegas Police Officer in Grave Condition After Being Shot in Head: Officials The Las Vegas police officer who was reportedly shot in the head on Monday is still in critical condition, officials said, as a 20-year-old suspect was taken into custody and charged with attempted murder. Shay Mikalonis, 29, of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, is still on life support after the suspect, named by officials as Edgar Samaniego, opened fire on officers. Police were trying to disperse a group of protesters near the Circus Circus casino, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Assistant Sheriff Chris Jones identified Mikalonis as the victim, saying he is in grave condition as of Tuesday night. According to Las Vegas police, Samaniego was apprehended after officials used surveillance footage. Investigators tracked him to a motel across the street from where the shooting occurred. Its not clear if Samaniego was involved in the protests, which were sparked nationwide after the death of George Floyd in police custody. I know this is a difficult day for Nevada. And its during these trying times we must remind ourselves that creating a state where justice and peace exist together in partnership, not as a binary choice, is the goal we must all work toward, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak told Fox5. I am committed to doing all I can. I am praying for the LVMPD officer who was senselessly shot last night there is no place for this behavior in Nevada. I am praying for all of the communities across Nevada who are experiencing grief and pain right now. Violence has no place in our communities and we must all work toward peaceful solutions together. As your Governor, I am committed to listening, heeding calls to action, and healing, he said. In a second shooting incident, authorities identified a man killed in a shooting in downtown Vegas. Officials told Fox5 that Jorge Gomez had three weapons and was initially struck by nonlethal rounds before he raised his firearm. Then, police opened fire. He was taken to a local hospital before his death. Authorities said protests in recent days have turned progressively more violent, with people throwing objects. Across the United States, the demonstrations on Tuesday turned more peaceful. Earlier curfews and efforts by protesters to contain the lawlessness were credited with preventing more widespread damage to businesses in New York and other cities overnight. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 16:24:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan National Police (ANP) has arrested 17 terrorists for conducting bomb attacks in Kabul, the country's Ministry of Interior said Wednesday. "Over the past few weeks, ANP has managed to arrest 17 mine planters and detect and defuse 10 rounds of roadside mines and improvised bombs prepared by terrorists for explosions in different locations of the capital," the ministry said in a statement posted on line. Over the past years, the capital city has been hit by series of terror attacks by the Taliban insurgents and militants of the Islamic State (IS). According to the ministry, efforts are made to arrest all elements behind bomb attacks and mine plantations in the capital. Enditem Photography has become a new passion for actor Shakti Arora, who is taking lessons online, while also putting his new found knowledge to good use with his new camera. The actor reveals that he has been self-shooting his audition videos amid this lockdown. Ive recently shot a music video Ek Umeed which is a tribute to people working on the front line and Im getting a lot of calls for ad films and new shows as well to audition for, Arora says. From handling the camera, setting the background and lighting to acting, he reveals how it has become a one-man job. The makers ask us to not only send them our self-test video but also the pictures of our house. They tell us the location for the shoot and direct us on the phone the 33-year-old adds. This, he says, is going to be the new work format for actors especially those who are in different cities. I dont think shooting on the sets is going to start in full swing till September- October. On set, there is a minimum requirement of around 50 -70 people and in the current social distancing scenario, that is not possible at all. And many aspiring actors, who I know, have gone back to their native cities as rent in Mumbai was getting expensive. For them as well, this is the best, he says. While many celebrities have taken to social media to post about their life in quarantine, Arora has made a conscious decision to not follow suit. I dont like the concept of going live and constantly being on social media. Instead, I will go on YouTube and self-study about a new skill. Some people have become a little crazy in this lockdown posting pictures and videos of their household chores, workout, grooming and cooking. While some are doing it for time pass, many people are earning through all this. The actor points out, Actors are surviving through social media more, not their acting projects. You do one post and your expense for a month is are taken care of. Their fans also encourage celebrities to post more in order to engage with them. So its a win-win situation. But I dont think over-exposing yourself on social media is a good thing to do, Arora shares. Welsh Government announce next phase of school re-openings and term changes This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jun 3rd, 2020 All children will have the opportunity to Check in, Catch Up, Prepare for summer and September, the Education Minister Kirsty Williams announced today as she published details of the next phase for schools in Wales. It is proposed that all schools will start the next phase on 29 June, with the term extended by a week, therefore ending on 27 July. Welsh Government have said pupils are expected to attend school. However, families will not be fined if they do not send their children to school this term. Children and teachers who are shielding or at more risk, including pregnant workers, are not expected to return this term. This also applies for pupils and teachers who live with relatives who are shielding. In the next academic year, beginning in September, the intention is that the autumn half-term break will be expanded to two weeks. In each school there will be a phased approach. Year groups will be split into cohorts with staggered starts, lessons and breaks. It is expected that this will mean, at most, a third of pupils present at any one time, though schools may need time to reach this level of operation. There will be much smaller classes, which Welsh Government say will provide secure dedicated time with teachers and classmates. This time will include online and personalised classroom experience, getting children and teachers ready for a similar experience in September. Next week, the Welsh Government will publish guidance to support schools, as well as further and higher education institutions. This will include information on managing their facilities and logistical arrangements, including buildings, resources, cleaning and transport. The Government is also today publishing a paper from its COVID-19 Technical Advisory Group, representing the latest understanding of the virus with respect to children and education. Further Education colleges are ensuring that appropriate measures are being taken to re-open for face-to-face learning from 15 June. They will prioritise those students requiring licence to practice assessments and vulnerable learners. This follows close working with Government and the joint trade unions. Guidance for childcare providers will also be published in the next week, supporting them to increase the numbers of children in attendance alongside schools. Kirsty Williams said: My announcement today gives schools three and a half weeks to continue preparing for the next phase. We will use the last weeks of the summer term to make sure pupils, staff and parents are prepared mentally, emotionally and practically for the new normal in September. 29 June means there will have been one full month of test, trace and protect, which will continue to expand. I can also announce that teachers will be a priority group in our new antibody-testing programme. As we continue to keep Wales safe, this approach will be critical. The evolving science suggests that warm weather and sunlight gives us the best opportunity to ensure more time in school. Waiting until September would mean almost half a year without schooling. That would be to the detriment to the wellbeing, learning progress and mental health of our young people. This is and has been a worrying period for us all. I know that many will feel apprehensive. We have not rushed this work and this decision. The three and a half week period before the next phase also gives us time to keep watch on developments elsewhere and provides further check-points to review evidence and the roll-out of testing. This is the best practical option that meets my five principles which underpin my decision making. I am also convinced that it is only by returning to their own school that we will see increased attendance from our more vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Working together we will secure equity and excellence for pupils as they check in, catch up, and prepare for summer and September. China and Singapore agreed to exempt certain travellers from mandatory quarantine rules as part of the fast lane arrangement. China and Singapore agreed to fast lane rules easing restrictions for approved business and official travelers as part of plans to gradually relax limits on flights and resume trade amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Under an agreement effective June 8, travelers from both countries who have obtained approval from authorities will be exempt from rules requiring everyone else to serve quarantine periods of as many as 14 days, the Singapore government said Wednesday. "This is part of Singapore's gradual reopening of our borders for Singaporeans and residents to conduct essential activities overseas and to allow safe travel for foreigners entering Singapore in limited numbers, with the necessary safeguards in place to ensure public health considerations are addressed," Singapores Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade and Industry said in a joint statement The ministries said Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders returning to Singapore from China must monitor their health and comply with prevailing health measures. Approved travelers must first agree to be tested and bear the costs. If they are found to be infected with Covid-19 upon landing in Singapore or China, they will be hospitalized and will have to pay for their own treatment, according to the agreement. Initially, the new system will apply only to business and official travel on flights between Singapore and six provinces in China Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Travelers will have to jump through several hoops before boarding a flight. The business organization or government entity sponsoring the trip must apply for approval from authorities on behalf of the traveler. Applications open June 8. In addition, travelers must submit and adhere to an itinerary. Travelers from China must take a Covid-19 swab test 48 hours before departure and another swab test when they land at Singapores Changi Airport. Upon entry into Singapore, travelers must remain in isolation in accommodations at nonresidential addresses they have sourced themselves and declared for one to two days until the test result is known. In addition, travelers may not take mass public transport such as trains and buses and must instead use private-hire cars, taxis or transport provided by their employers. They will also have to download the TraceTogether app for the duration of their stay. If a traveler does not have a TraceTogether-compatible device, the host company or government agency should provide one. Similar rules will apply to Singapore travelers going to China. There will also be a limit on the number of people whose trips are approved. To facilitate immigration clearance on arrival, travelers must show a copy of the letter approving their trip issued by the government authority in China. China currently allows each Singapore carrier to fly to only one city in China once a week. Singapore Airlines now flies to Shanghai, Scoot to Guangzhou and SilkAir to Chongqing. There are no flights to Beijing. Similar travel discussions are ongoing between Singapore and other countries including South Korea, New Zealand and Malaysia, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing said last week. Priority for the resumption of business travel will go to essential business people, technical personnel for critical operations and government officials, the minister said Wednesday in a Facebook post. The fast lane arrangement represents some light at the end of the tunnel, though it will be a long time before life returns to near normal, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said Wednesday in another Facebook post. However, recreational travel will have to take a back seat for now, he said. This story was first published in The Strait Times. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 13:56:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti took a knee in solidarity with protesters in a Tuesday demonstration over the death of African American man George Floyd in police custody last week in Minneapolis. Garcetti took a knee during one of the demonstrations held near LA Police Department headquarters in downtown Los Angeles, expressing his support for peaceful protests against police brutality. "A black face should not be a sentence to die, nor to be homeless, nor to be sick, nor to be under-employed, nor to be under-educated," the mayor was quoted by local news outlet City News Service as telling the protesters. "We need a country that listens," Garcetti noted. The protests over Floyd's death went into the seventh straight day on Tuesday in the Los Angeles area. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Hollywood Tuesday afternoon in the largest demonstration of the day in the area and many remained on the streets even after a countywide curfew took effect in the evening. Authorities in Los Angeles had taken approximately 2,500 people into custody between Friday and Tuesday morning after a mix of peaceful protests and property destruction rocked the city, reported the Los Angeles Times, citing Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore. Although police clashed frequently with protesters after demonstration turned violent during days of civil unrest across the United States, some police officers were pictured taking a knee alongside protesters to honor the memory of Floyd. Enditem (Bloomberg) A colony of fewer than 300 birds is standing in the way of one of Chinas key hydropower dams in a battle between environmentalists and a construction company that has become a test of Chinas pledge to conserve its ecology. A high court in Yunnan Province is to decide on a case that has held construction of the 270 MW Jiasa River dam in limbo for almost three years on concerns from environmental groups that the reservoir could destroy a key habitat of the endangered Green Peafowl, Chinas native version of the dazzlingly plumed birds. On the one hand environmentalists see it as a trial of how far Chinas government and legal system have come in taking environmental protection seriously as the Communist Party drafts its next five-year plan. On the other is a 3 billion yuan ($420 million) investment in renewable energy in one of Chinas poorest provinces at a time when the economy has been rocked by the pandemic. Almost three years ago, Beijing-based Friends of Nature filed a lawsuit to block construction of the dam in southwest Chinas Yunnan province. A local court ruled in March that the dam builder a unit of China Hydropower Engineering Consulting Group must suspend work pending a new environmental impact assessment (EIA). Both sides appealed. Any protection of the green peafowl could only be done once the Jiasa River dam is permanently canceled, said Zhang Boju, secretary-general of Friends of Nature. Other, smaller dams in the region where the birds live should also be dismantled. The builder, Xinping Co., which has spent more than 1 billion yuan on the project so far, says there is no evidence the dam would harm the peafowls and its original EIA meets the requirements of the law. King of Birds Called the king of birds in ancient Chinese literature, the green peafowls numbers are believed to have slumped to between 235 and 280 birds in the wild in China, mostly in Yunnan, as a result of habitat destruction, poaching and pesticide pollution. The bird is rarer in the country than the emblematic Giant Panda and is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List. Fragmented groups of related species exist in parts of Southeast Asia. The Jiasa River hydropower station is listed as a key project by Yunnans provincial government. Construction began in 2016 in the Red River valley. Centuries-old forest was felled and land leveled to make space for the project, which was scheduled to begin operating in 2021. The environmental impact assessment, carried out by the Kunming Survey and Design Institute, says green peafowls were not seen in the region and the project would not affect them, although there were some trails showing their activities. Friends of Nature says the dam would flood the last major habitat of the bird in China, a result that was overlooked by the institute, which is a shareholder in the construction company and the general contractor on the project. It is like someone is both the player and the judge in the same game, said Gu Bojian, a doctoral candidate in conservation biology at Fudan University, who has spent three years working with environmentalists to study the peafowls and the effects on their habitat in the valleys of the Red River and its tributaries in Yunnan, Chinas most bio-diverse province. Calls to the Kunming Survey and Design Institute during office hours werent answered. Chinas EIA rules have come under fire since they were implemented in 2003, because, while the public is given the right to provide feedback, the company that produces the environment report is paid by the project builder. Experts who suggest different views would be excluded from the assessment work, Gu said. Wang Canfa, a professor of environmental law at China University of Political Science and Law, said the investor and builder of the Yunnan dam could have avoided the delays and losses if they had done a better job of assessing the environmental effects before starting the project. The environment is becoming more and more valued, Wang said. Environmental risks should get as much attention as traditional risks in a companys investment assessment. Otherwise the investors can lose a lot. Environmental protection has become one of the priorities for Chinas central government, reinforced by President Xi Jinpings pledge to create an eco-civilization. The government introduced an Ecological Conservation Red Line in 2011, aiming to protect important habitats and areas of natural beauty covering one quarter of Chinas land from development. Wetland Recovery In some cases, those promises have been heeded. In eastern Chinas Jiangsu province, at least 314 square kilometers of aquaculture farms in the Yancheng Wetland National Natural Reserve have been shut down, and in the Qinling mountains in northwest Chinas Shaanxi province, more than 1,000 illegal villas were demolished and 22 mines shut in the past few years after Xi visited the region and stressed the need to protect nature. The pandemic, which some scientists believe was started by Chinas trade in and consumption of wild animals, has also put pressure on the central government to revise wildlife protection laws this year, including bans on the trade of more species and the regulation of wild-animal use in traditional Chinese medicine. But the economic effect of the virus has also made environmental protection a burden for local and provincial governments that are trying to meet goals to revive growth. Many have circumvented efforts to curb pollution and construction by framing projects as green infrastructure or poverty alleviation. I have heard many people saying to protect the green peafowl is to deprive local peoples right of a better life, Gu said. But there are other ways to develop, such as eco-tourism, that could both benefit nature and the people. RIO DE JANEIRO - For a time, early in the pandemic, when Latin America was mostly a spectator watching outbreaks in China, then Europe, then the United States, there was hope that when the coronavirus arrived here, things would be different. The climate was warmer. The people were younger. The governments had more time to study the mistakes made elsewhere, and to prepare. Weeks later, more than a million people have been infected, tens of thousands are dead, and those hopes are gone. The warmer weather did little to slow the disease as it devastated tropical metropolises in Ecuador and Brazil. Youth has not protected Mexico or Peru. And despite early and aggressive government action in many cases, Latin America has been unable to avert what now appears to have always been inevitable. The disease has been a disaster in Brazil, now second only to the United States in reported cases, with more than 31,000 dead, but it's not the only country in the region in the full grip of the coronavirus. Peru has now confirmed twice as many infections as China. Mexico has suffered more than 10,000 deaths. Officials in Chile, now in the throes of one of the world's most explosive outbreaks, warn that the hospital system in Santiago is teetering at capacity. The World Health Organization has declared Latin America the new epicenter of the global pandemic. "The situation is very uncertain, and what is the plan?" asked Oscar Contardo, a prominent Chilean journalist. "The government response has been very weak for the magnitude of this situation." In the end, Latin America's efforts to stall the disease were undone by a familiar cast of foes. Poverty, inequality, corruption, plunging faith in institutions - many of the societal problems that predate the pandemic are now being magnified by it. Countries that tried to enforce complete lockdowns haven't been able to maintain them for long as hunger mounts, misinformation spreads and distrust grows. "The crisis is interacting with structural problems that Latin America has had for a long time, and these structural issues are exacerbating the effect of this health shock," said Luis Felipe Lopez-Calva, the Latin America director of the United Nations Development Program. "People saw this coming. There were plans." Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr., the assistant director of the Latin American office of the World Health Organization, flew throughout the region this year to meet with health ministries. In early March, Barbosa said every country was making plans. Cases were then very low - not a single instance of community transmission had been registered in Latin America - but everyone appeared to be taking the disease seriously. The region, he said, had some built-in advantages. Many countries aspire to provide universal health care, and though reality might fall short of ambition, the poor can usually seek treatment without fear of being turned away for lack of money. The region had more-recent experience in dealing with infectious diseases than Europe or North America. Public health infrastructure built during the Zika outbreak that raged through South America in 2016 was still in place. "The capacity to respond has improved, and this is an advantage," Barbosa said at the time. "We can see that there is an important commitment . . . They are concentrating all efforts on using containment strategies." The region became a laboratory for such strategies. Witnessing what was happening in Europe and the United States, officials imposed quarantine practices long before cases began to spike. Chile issued a 90-day national emergency declaration within days of its first cases, restricting freedom of movement and banning public gatherings. Argentina closed its borders. In Peru, President Martin Vizcarra imposed perhaps the strictest measures in the region, allowing people to leave their homes only to buy food and medicine. The sense was the same nearly everywhere. Outbreaks had brought much of the developed world to its knees. Leaders in Latin America, with their poorer health systems, had to do what they could to stop the virus from making similar inroads here. In countries where presidents were lax in preparing - principally, Brazil - state governors stepped in to impose social distancing measures and build field hospitals. But despite the diversity in approaches - from the draconian in Peru to the laissez-faire in Brazil - many countries are ending up in roughly the same place: watching cases surge, with little political or institutional capacity to flatten their ascent. "I have tears in my eyes and goose bumps on my skin," said Alexandre Kalache, one of Brazil's most respected doctors. "I'm grateful that my children are far away in England. I'm not seeing a future for this country for years to come." How it got to this point has been a case study in the difficulties of controlling a pandemic in the developing world. Policies such as social distancing and isolation - which must be maintained for weeks to have any effect - have proved simply untenable in countries where many people live crowded in urban slums and must work every day to survive. "Here people are calling it the Peruvian paradox," said America Arias Anton, country director of Action Against Hunger in Lima. "The correct measures for the incorrect country." For containment policies to succeed, analysts say, they need both public support and robust aid for the poorest. But in much of the region, both elements have been lacking. In Brazil, what little aid the government offered - around $110 per month for informal workers - has for many been either laughably insufficient or blocked by an inscrutable application process. Peru has paid the poor less than the minimum wage. Many laborers still have to leave their houses to get by. Now, as exhaustion after 10 weeks of isolation settles in, trust in both policies and government officials is falling. In a region marred by corruption scandals and other breaches in public confidence, few have faith in public institutions. Today only half of Latin Americans support democracy, surveys show. Confidence in the media has plummeted lower. "The worldwide media and the local media is dominated by the left," said Aluizio Montelo da Silva, 63, who lives in the northern Brazilian city of Belem. "It's a biased media. It's an activist media. There's no way you can believe in a media like this." For weeks, his clothing shop has been closed to comply with containment measures - and for what? It didn't stop his city from suffering a devastating outbreak. The hospitals still became overwhelmed. People are still dying. So much sacrifice, and so little to show for it. His frustration has given way to distrust. He believes officials are using the pandemic to bilk the system. Leaders are being accused of fraud and corruption from Panama to Rio de Janeiro, where the state governor is now embroiled in scandal. The people, Montero said, are being played for fools. So he now leaves the house whenever he can - to protest the quarantines and show support for President Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly played down the disease and called on the country to reopen immediately. "I never believed the stories," Montero said. "I'm not someone who blindly follows the media." As cases in Brazil surge and the hospital system buckles, the country is losing the political will for more quarantines. The streets are filling once more. Officials in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo barely even talk anymore about harsher containment measures. "I know my country," said Margareth Dalcolmo, a researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. "There are 2 million people who live in the favelas in Rio, and to talk about social distancing is ridiculous. It's pathetic. It's empty rhetoric. It doesn't mean anything." The Pan American Health Organization last week urged a recommitment to social distancing in Brazil to avert a calamity. Its projections showed that 88,000 people could die by August. Researchers at the University of Washington put their death toll still higher - around 125,000 by August. "It is still not the time to relax restrictions or to reduce preventive strategies," said Carissa Etienne, the director of the Pan American Health Organization. "It's necessary to remain strong and vigilant, and implement aggressive and proven measures of public health." But the following day, Joao Doria, the governor of Sao Paulo, the heart of the outbreak in Brazil, announced what he described as a "conscious reopening." Cases continued to climb, and there's no vaccine, but the country is trying to force its way back to normal. "All of the government decisions in relationship to covid-19 have been based on science and medicine," he said. "There is no guessing here." - - - Journalist Heloisa Traiano contributed to this report. The government has decided to revive a complaint against Japan at the World Trade Organization for curbing exports of high-tech materials to Korea. The decision comes after Tokyo declined talks to resolve the dispute. Na Seung-sik, a deputy minister for trade, industry and energy, made the announcement in a press conference at the government complex in Sejong City on Tuesday. Korea argues that Japan's curbs on the export of three core materials used to manufacture computer chips and smartphones go against WTO rules. Tokyo claims it is taking precautionary measures on key "dual use" materials that could somehow end up in Pyongyang's hands to make weapons. But in reality the curbs were economic retaliation in a diplomatic spat over compensation for wartime forced laborers. It usually takes more than two years for a trade dispute to be settled at the WTO, and the organization has been paralyzed by the Trump administration blocking appointments. Korean semiconductor manufacturers have also to some extent managed to diversify their sources, to the point where Tokyo last month admitted that Japanese manufacturers are being hurt. But the government said its aim in reviving the complaint is to "inform the international community about the illegality and unfairness of Japan's measures." Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed "regret" over the Korean government's plans and claimed that dialogue between trade officials from both sides had taken place. * 2,000-year-old trove may not have single origin * Domesticated cows, desert sheep used for parchments Genetic sampling of the Dead Sea Scrolls has tested understandings that the 2,000-year-old artefacts were the work of a fringe Jewish sect, and shed light on the drafting of scripture around the time of Christianitys birth. The research - which indicated some of the parchments provenances by identifying animal hides used - may also help safeguard against forgeries of the prized biblical relics. Tania Bitler, Senior Conservator at the Dead Sea Scrolls Laboratory of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) looks at a fragment from the Dead Sea Scrolls that underwent genetic sampling to shed light on the 2,000-year-old biblical trove, at the IAA laboratory in Jerusalem June 2, 2020. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun (REUTERS) The Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of hundreds of manuscripts and thousands of fragments of ancient Jewish religious texts, were discovered in 1947 by local Bedouin in the cave-riddled desert crags of Qumran, some 20 km (12 miles) east of Jerusalem. Many scholars believed the scrolls originated with the reclusive Essenes, who had broken away from the Jewish mainstream. But some academics argue the Qumran trove had various authors and may have been brought from Jerusalem for safekeeping. DNA sequencing conducted by Tel Aviv University and the Israel Antiquities Authority has allowed for finer matching or differentiation among the scrolls. While the sheepskin of some of the scrolls could be produced in the desert, cowskin - found in at least two samples - was more typical of cities like Jerusalem, where Jews, at the time, had their second temple and were under Roman rule. Fragments from the Dead Sea Scrolls that underwent genetic sampling to shed light on the 2,000-year-old biblical trove are shown to Reuters at the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) laboratory in Jerusalem June 2, 2020. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun The very material, the biological material of which the scrolls are made, is as telling and as informative as the content of the text, Noam Mizrahi, Bible studies professor at Tel Aviv University, told Reuters. The Israeli researchers, assisted by a Swedish DNA lab, determined that two textually different copies of the Book of Jeremiah were brought to Qumran from the outside. Such findings, the researchers say, indicate that the wording of Jewish texts was subject to variation and interpretation - contrary to later views of holy writ as fixed. The lesson, Mizrahi said, is that Second Temple Jewish society was much more plural and multifaceted than many of us tend to think. Tiny slivers of parchment - or just dust - were taken for testing. The process could prove a godsend for spotting counterfeits, such as five supposed Dead Sea Scrolls that were removed from the Museum of the Bible in Washington in 2018. A fragment from the Dead Sea Scrolls that underwent genetic sampling to shed light on the 2,000-year-old biblical trove is shown to Reuters at the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) laboratory in Jerusalem June 2, 2020. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun Since we can distinguish scrolls that originated from Qumran from other scrolls, we think that maybe in the future it could help identify real versus false scroll pieces, said Oded Rechavi, neurobiology professor at Tel Aviv University. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A group of London designers are working together on a volunteer-led project which makes scrubs for frontline health and social care workers across the UK. The Emergency Designer Network has sent more than 6,700 scrubs to seven hospitals since it was founded in March. Its 170-strong army of volunteers have also partnered with specialist medical supply companies MedisupplyUK and Shield to ensure garments are delivered to care homes and smaller health centres. The project, founded by Hackney-based designers Holly Fulton, Bethany Williams, Phoebe English and Cozette McCreery, has raised more than 30,000 so far from GoFundme donations. The money is used to buy raw materials such as NHS-certified fabric. Ms McCreery told the Standard: At present we are continuing to make scrubs as hospitals are now stockpiling in anticipation of a potential second wave. She added: We get so many messages from machinists whove been really happy to be making a difference. The team at EDN are seeking skilled sewers with sample machinist or garment industry background, manufacturers with sewing capabilities as well as donations from the public. 2020 will be remembered as the year the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) swept across the world and impacted our public health systems, as well as our daily lives and work. The virus has infected huge populations of people in a short span of time, which imposes huge pressure on the medical systems of many regions. As a result, the medical industry is looking for ways to improve and expedite diagnosis and treatment. Using the AI-empowered medical technology can contain the virus and save more lives. The medical diagnosis and evaluation using CT images are important to preventing and controlling the spread of the COVID-19. At the peak of the pandemic, the number of patients in hospital every day usually surpasses the maximum treatment capacity of the hospital. This means that not only are most departments overwhelmed, but this is hindered by traditional CT technology, which is not capable of providing fast and accurate diagnosis. Specifically, the system processes image browsing, compares historical images, and describes impact before generating an analysis report for radiologists. In normal settings, conventional diagnosis technology takes 1520 minutes and delivers an accuracy rate up to 90%. However, due to the limited medical resources and heavy workload of doctors, this figure may decline in practice. Consequently, this impacts the future treatment of suspected cases, false negatives, and confirmed cases. At this critical juncture, Huawei works with medical partners to find a way forward. In March 2020, Huawei and Advanced Global Solution (AGS), an Italian-based enterprise, jointly launched an AI-based medical image diagnosis system to supercharge the diagnosis and treatment for COVID-19. This diagnosis solution runs on the AI foundation and ultimate computing power of the Atlas 800 server and Atlas 300 inference card needed in a wide range of intelligent functions, such as intelligent CT image reading, automatic pneumonia classification, multi-color rendering of lesions, and intuitive comparison of baseline histograms. Combined with the AI image diagnosis system and the expertise of doctors, the solution quickly identifies the symptoms of patients with COVID-19 within 2 to 3 minutes, and evaluates the treatment effect with an accuracy rate over 98%. The fast and accurate diagnosis is crucial to the treatment of pandemics like the COVID-19. With the Atlas-based intelligent solution, doctors can determine the treatment scheme as soon as possible and allocate medical resources based on the severity of the disease, providing effective and timely treatment for patients in critical condition. Huawei The open Atlas 800 inference server is an easy-to-use device that offers high performance and adaptive configuration in a secure and trusted manner. It runs on the Kunpeng- and Intel-based AI inference platforms, and can be easily deployed within half a day, allowing hospitals to immediately provide AI-based diagnosis and treatment amid the medical emergency. This speed is so impressive that this solution has been widely adopted in many hospitals across the world, such as Italy, Poland, France, and Mexico, to deal with the growing number of patients. Huawei Huawei focuses on open hardware, open source software, and partner enablement. Huawei is committed to providing full-stack, all-scenario AI computing infrastructure and application solutions to empower industries with AI and bring pervasive intelligence. To learn more about Atlas, please click here. Maesaiah Thabane, wife of former PM Thomas Thabane, transferred to correctional facility after court revoked her bail. Police in Lesotho have arrested the countrys former first lady over the 2017 murder of the then-estranged wife of recently resigned Prime Minister Thomas Thabane. Maesaiah Thabane, who was out on bail, is suspected of orchestrating the shooting of Lipolelo Thabane in the capital, Maseru. Lesothos court of appeal last week revoked her bail on suspicion that the procedure was not followed correctly and ordered her rearrest. On Wednesday, Maesaiah arrived at the magistrate court in Maseru under the escort of armed police officers. She was told she would be taken to the female correctional facility in fulfilment of the appeals court judgement. The decision of the High Court to grant you bail has been set aside by the Court of Appeal, said the magistrate. You will remain in the correctional facility. You will report back on June 16, 2020 to find out the progress of your case. Thomas, who is yet to be formally charged, is also a suspect in the case. Both Thomas and Maesaiah deny any involvement. The former prime minister stepped down in May after months of calls for his resignation over the case. Lipolelo was murdered in June 2017, just two days before Thomas took office. The couple were in the midst of a divorce when she was shot outside her home. Two months later, Thomas married his current wife. Lesothos former finance minister, Moeketsi Majoro, was sworn in as prime minister on May 20, replacing the octogenarian leader. 8 Months after activist, Abubakar Idris popularly known as Dadiyata went missing after he was seized by unidentified men in Kaduna. Twitter influencers and Activists marked his birthday remembrance through the #HappyBirthdayDadiyata hashtag. @AnthonyEhilebo said may your abductors never find peace. I know they think they have won, No they will loose this one #HappyBirthdayDadiyata may your abductors Never find peace.. I know they think they have won..No they will loose this one..#WhereIsDadiyata will keep them up at night..every night.. and everything they see will be about you and you..they will NEVER find peace.. pic.twitter.com/hQ1Ha3FIWN Anthony Ehilebo (@AnthonyEhilebo) June 3, 2020 According to Nigerian Police reports, Dadiyata was on his way home by 1am when unidentified armed men abducted him in his car. Dadiyata would have turned 35 today and was a lecturer at the Federal University Datsinma, Katsina State. His wife, Hameeta sued the Kaduna SSS command, The Kaduna State Government and the Commissioner of Police for the sum of N50 million and unconditional release of her husband. The SSS and Police have denied having a hand in his abduction. Other activists like @HerssernUmar said they took our rights away, tool all our happiness, took everything away and still our brother is no longer with us. They took our rights away, took all our happiness. Took our everthing away, and still our brother is no where to be found..just give us back dadiyata. #HappyBirthdayDadiyata#JusticeForDadiyata pic.twitter.com/n16e4Y5lhv ? Hasanul Basari ? (@HerssernUmar) June 3, 2020 We are begging anyone who come across this tweet to not scroll down without saying a prayer for @dadiyata He has been abducted for over 10 months & his whereabouts is yet to be found He has a wife & 2 children!#HappyBirthdayDadiyata #JusticeForDadiyata #Pray4Dadiyata pic.twitter.com/hCfO1d84h9 Kwankwasiyya_Empire ? (@RMK_2023) June 3, 2020 According to the Reporters Without Borders, Nigeria is ranked 115 on the World Press Freedom Index. The Rhode Island Department of Health announced 107 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the statewide total number of cases to 15,219. The family of a teenage boy who was felled by a police officer kicking his legs out from underneath him then pinning him to the ground want the constable to be charged. Speaking a day after video of the boy's arrest in Surry Hills became public, the family said the force used on the teen was "unnecessary and irresponsible" and they were feeling a mix of "anger and frustration" at what had occurred. The boy's mother, sister and father. Credit:Louise Kennerley NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday said the footage showed Australia had a "long way to go in our country" while Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the officer, who had no incidents on his record during his three and a half years in the force, had a "bad day". The family said if the constable is not charged they would take civil action against the NSW Police. Ratnagiri: The ship which ran aground tossed by waves at Mirya Beach in Ratnagiri after Cyclone Nisarga made a landfall near Harihareshwar in Raigad district of Maharashtra on June 3, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News Bhavnagar: Gujarat's Bhavnagar witnesses heavy rains accompanied by strong winds triggered by the effect of cyclone Nisarga that made a landfall near Raigad in Maharashtra; on June 3, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, June 3 : One person was killed in Maharashtra's Raigad district and at least 7 others injured in Mumbai as Cyclone Nisarga wreaked havoc after a thumping wet landfall at Shriwardhan-Dive Agar in Raigad on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. Raigad Collector Nidhi Choudhari said one man was killed in Umte village when he was hit by an electric pole uprooted by the force of the gales lashing the region. As per the latest India Meteorological Department bulletin, the cyclone which was expected to move towards Mumbai-Thane-Palghar, has apparently veered off to the east and moving towards Pune. "Nisarga lay centred over coastal Maharashtra, close to east-southeast of Alibaug, 75 kms south-east of Mumbai (Colaba) and 65 kms west of Pune. Current intensity (near centre) 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph," said the IMD. From the changed direction, the cyclone is likely to head towards Nashik, Jalgaon and then onto Madhya Pradesh, officials said, even as Nisarga seemed to have missed Mumbai by a whisker. However, Raigad and Mumbai suffered collateral damage as the cyclone whirled past at speeds of over 100 kmph. In Mumbai, three persons sustained minor injuries when some construction stones fell on the tin roof of their slum in Santacruz, and four others were injured when pieces of a roof crashed on them in Walkeshwar. There were around 196 incidents of trees or branch crashes and at least two taxis getting crushed under them, 9 incidents of minor house or wall crashes and and 29 incidents of short-circuits all over the city, but no fatalities, said the Disaster Control of BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The BMC shifted around 18,890 people from risk-prone coastal areas to 35 temporary shelters, while Raigad authorities had moved around 13,000 to safety from the Nisarga fury, with similar action taken in Thane and Palghar for over 200 persons. Raigad also witnessed scores of uprooted trees, including coconut and palm plantations, a large number of electric poles or power lines getting knocked down and scores of roofs blowing away from homes as people remained crouched indoors. Several hours before Nisarga's landfall, heavy rains or showers soaked the entire coastal region - Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg - accompanied by strong gales of upto 60-70 kmph since Tuesday evening, which intensified by Wednesday morning. Mumbai recorded upto 7 cms average rainfall. By evening, the restricted traffic movements in Mumbai had normalised though the Bandra Worli Sea Link and other coastal roads remained deserted in view of the heavy waves in the Arabian Sea, At least 10 crew members stranded aboard a merchant ship - which was tossed in the waves and ran aground near Mirkawada fishing village in Ratnagiri - were safely rescued by local fishermen and Indian Coast Guard. Following a runway excursion by a FedEx cargo aircraft on the Mumbai International Airport Ltd.'s secondary runway, and owing to inclement weather conditions, the airport suspended all flights from 2.30 p.m. but they were resumed at 6 p.m. Several long-distance trains on the Central Railway and Western Railway had been rescheduled to avoid the cyclone. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, along with other ministers and officials, continuously monitored the unfolding cyclonic situation while Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was in constant touch with all coastal District Collectors and sought ground reports from them. Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat said that though Mumbai has been spared of the cyclonic wrath, the danger is not yet over as it continues to move in a north-eastern direction. "We are currently getting details with 'panchnama' of all the damage that has taken place in the affected regions. People must still remain vigilant as rains and strong winds will continue for at least another day," Thorat said. Rescue teams of the NDRF and the SDRF, besides army, navy, air force, coast guard, police, fire brigade, along with expert divers continue to remain on standby at various points in Mumbai to handle any flood like situation. Maharashtra Fishermen's Association President Damodar Tandel said that many fishing villages on the entire coastal belt have suffered huge damages due to the storm. "As per the latest information, most of our fishing boats were moored safely since the past couple of days, but the real damage will be known only after the stormy weather recedes. There are no reports of any casualties or missing fisherfolk," Tandel told IANS. Due to overnight rains, several low-lying and coastal areas of Mumbai and Thane, besides other districts experienced inundation, but there were no disruptions as most people kept off roads and stayed put in their homes. Turkey vowed to defend its interests in the eastern Mediterranean, where it's preparing to issue new energy exploration licenses over the objections of Greece and the European Union. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan chaired a National Security Council meeting late Tuesday at which civilian and military leaders discussed "activities of some countries against Turkey's interests in the Mediterranean," according to a statement. "Turkey will continue to defend its rights and interests in the land, air and sea without any concession," the council said. The eastern Mediterranean has become an energy hot spot with big finds for EU member Cyprus, Israel and Egypt in recent years, and Turkey's push to secure a share of the resources in those waters has exacerbated strains in an already tumultuous region. "Greece, Egypt and some other countries have tried to exclude us" from energy sharing in the Mediterranean, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told TV24 television in an interview on Wednesday. "Any deal that excludes Turkey can't survive and is not valid, we won't allow any fait accompli." Having sent troops to northern Cyprus after a 1974 coup aimed at uniting the island with Greece, Ankara vehemently opposes Cypriot drilling without an agreement on sharing any proceeds. It also struck an accord with Libya on their maritime boundary that led Erdogan to declare rights to parts of the seabed that Athens say is Greek under international law. In return, Turkey has given military support to Libya's internationally recognized government, turning the tide in its war against militia commander Khalifa Haftar, who is backed by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russian mercenaries. The National Security Council statement expressed continued "military support" for the government of Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. "Haftar can't win this war," Cavusoglu said. While European nations, Egypt and Israel have built a forum to promote their interests, Turkey deployed its own exploration ships under the protection of its navy and air force. Turkey's state-run oil company, TPAO, officially sought new exploration licenses in the Mediterranean last week. It's preparing to expand its exploration activities closer toward the Greek island of Crete while drilling for oil and gas off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus at the same time. "The fact that NATO allies are staring each other down on the European Union's doorstep should cause all Europeans to pay greater attention to the region," the European Council on Foreign Relations wrote in a recent report. "Given the potential for instability in the eastern Mediterranean to affect core EU interests - migration, counter-terrorism, energy security, sovereignty, and more - European states not directly involved in the overlapping conflicts should help improve the relationship with Turkey." A grief-stricken father who accidentally hit and killed his young son with a 100-tonne truck has broken down while reading a heartbreaking letter at the boy's funeral. Doug Sproule, 38, was parking his truck in his workplace yard in Picton, south-west Sydney, on May 22, unaware that five-year-old Harrison was behind the vehicle. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and Liverpool Hospital staff, the boy died on the day of the accident. On Tuesday, hundreds mourned the loss of the young boy who was remembered for his love of trucks and travel, 7 News reported. Harrison Sproule, five, was killed on Friday afternoon after his father accidentally hit him with his truck in Picton, south-west Sydney A teary-eyed Mr Sproule read a letter, addressed to his dead son, to family and friends at Camden Baptist Church. 'Dear Harry,' the letter began. 'You lived your life to the fullest, full of adventure with your two brothers and big sister who loved you dearly.' It's believed the five-year-old became stuck in between his father's truck and another vehicle on Friday afternoon Harrison loved riding in the truck with his father and was close with his two brothers and sister 'Your mum and dad will miss you. We will see you again. Keep trucking, little man.' Also known to close friends and family as Road Train Harry, the youngster spent most of his short life travelling alongside his father in a truck - venturing as far as Darwin and Western Australia. Harrison's body was driven from the church to the cemetery in a heavy-duty Kenworth truck - a vehicle manufacturer the boy could recognise from the age of three. Most family and friends watched the funeral service via a live stream from the path outside Camden Baptist Church due to COVID-19 restrictions. Harrison's body was driven from the church to the cemetery in a heavy-duty Kenworth truck Just a day after the accident, Mr Sproule told the network he blames himself for the horrific accident. 'It's my job to protect them and I failed on this one,' the father-of-four said. 'Sorry is all I can say. I fix problems every day but I couldn't fix this one.' Harrison's sister Claire and brother Max sat in tears beside their father as they reassured him he wasn't to blame. Harrison's father Doug Sproule (middle with daughter Claire and son Max) said he blames himself for the horrific accident 'You don't have to be sorry, it was an accident,' Claire told her father. 'You didn't fail.' Mr Sproule said he 'loved' riding in the truck and would try and stay awake with him through the night. It's believed the five-year-old was winched in between his father's truck and another vehicle. Nearly four years after Burma Superstar employees filed a lawsuit alleging the popular Bay Area restaurant chain wasnt fairly paying its employees, the business has agreed to a settlement, awarding hundreds of current and former workers $1.3 million. The dispute began in 2016 when Burma Superstar employees filed a lawsuit in Alameda County Superior Court. They claimed the restaurant was paying workers less than minimum wage, withholding overtime pay, and denying breaks and sick leave. The lawsuit was initially filed on behalf of three employees and around 100 similarly situated workers by Legal Aid at Work Employment Law Center, Asian Law Caucus and Centro Legal de la Raza. The recent settlement includes 353 current and former workers across multiple locations owned by restaurateurs Desmond Tan and Jocelyn Lee. The restaurants include Burma Superstar, Burma Love, and B Star restaurants in San Francisco, Oakland and Alameda. According to the Legal Aid at Work, in addition to paying the $1.3 million settlement, the restaurant owners will also pay back-owed tips to kitchen staff; restore holiday and time-off benefits; translate employee handbooks and workplace rules into Burmese, Spanish, and Chinese; provide workers rights training during paid time to staff and management; revise language regarding meal period waivers; and establish designated rest areas in each restaurant. Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle In 2016, the owners described the allegations as allegations frivolous and false. Tan maintained that position in a statement emailed to The Chronicle on Wednesday addressing the settlement. In it, Tan said Burma Superstar is dedicated to the well-being of its staff. While we strongly disagreed with the allegations in the class-action lawsuit, we settled the lawsuit in order to move on. We are glad that this matter has come to an end, and now we can continue to focus on doing what we love: providing the Bay Area with delicious Burmese cuisine, while taking care of the people that are with us today, he said. These are challenging times for all restaurants, but we know that we will get through it with the support of our community and our dedicated employees, who have been a huge part of our success. The settlement comes at a time when Bay Area restaurant employees are struggling to find work as local eateries in Oakland and San Francisco close or cut staff, with most of the region still banning or restricting indoor dining under health orders. Despite the lawsuit, the Burma Superstar enterprise has expanded over the years. Before the coronavirus pandemic, Tan opened Burma Bites in Oakland, which offered food to go and delivery. The Burma Superstar, Burma Love, and B Star restaurants are now open for delivery and takeout. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. In a statement, Carole Vigne, director of the Wage Protection Program at Legal Aid at Work, said she hopes the lawsuit can inspire positive change within the Bay Area restaurant industry during the ongoing health crisis, which she said has exposed the gaping holes in our countrys safety nets and widened the inequalities that exist. We hope better jobs await restaurant workers as they return to work, she said in the statement. Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @JustMrPhillips Germany's Government Spokesperson Steffen Seibert folds his hands prior to the weekly cabinet meeting at the Chancellery in Berlin BERLIN (Reuters) - Russia was excluded from the Group of Eight powers over its annexation of the Crimea peninsula and the basis for that decision still stands, a German government spokesman said on Wednesday. "It is up to the Russian leadership to end this situation," Steffen Seibert told a regular news conference in Berlin. Russia was expelled from what was then the Group of Eight in 2014 when Donald Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, was U.S. president, after Moscow annexed the Crimea region from Ukraine. Russia still holds the territory, and various G7 governments have rebuffed previous calls from Trump to re-admit Moscow. (Reporting by Thomas Seythal; editing by Paul Carrel) Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 22:58:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TOKYO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told his South Korean counterpart Kang Kyung-wha on Wednesday that Seoul's move to reopen a World Trade Organization complaint about Japan's tightening of export controls is "extremely regrettable." According to Japan's foreign ministry, Motegi also told his South Korean counterpart during the 40-minute telephone talks that the move was also "not helpful" in resolving disputes between both sides, as both countries remain at odds over numerous issues that have severely marred bilateral ties between both countries of late. According to South Korea's Foreign Ministry, Kang voiced "deep regret that Japan had not held up its end of the deal by easing its export controls despite South Korea having addressed all of Tokyo's concerns." The South Korean government on Tuesday announced that it would move ahead with procedures to reopen the complaint against Japan's tightening of export controls last July on three high-tech materials. The move was made on the part of South Korea due to Japan having not shown willingness to deal with the conflict bilaterally, despite months of negotiations that have already been put in to try and find headway, South Korea's Trade, Industry and Energy Ministry said Tuesday. Japan slapped tougher export controls on three high-tech material bound for South Korea last July, which are used to manufacture semiconductors and display panels, mainstays of South Korea's economy. A month later, Japan removed South Korea from its "white list" of countries given preferential trading status. Tokyo said at the time the reason for this was that it was concerned that Seoul's rules on exporting sensitive goods were not stringent enough. South Korea,for its part, filed the WTO complaint in September. It stated that Japan's measures were both political and retaliatory in nature, although Seoul suspended the complaint in November after both sides agreed to begin dialogue to try and improve the export controls situation. Tokyo and Seoul have been at odds since South Korea's top court ordered a Japanese firm to pay compensation for the forced labor of South Koreans during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Japan maintains the matter was settled by a 1965 pact, which saw Tokyo pay Seoul some 500 million U.S. dollars under the banner of "economic cooperation." The dispute, however, continued and spread to trade and security issues, with both sides tightening export restrictions and removing each other from their preferential lists of trade partners. The Japanese side had claimed that South Korea had been lax in making sure that certain goods being imported from Japan were not being diverted for military use. The spat had also spilled over into security areas, with Seoul cancelling the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), before deciding to extend the pact with Japan just hours before the deal was due to expire. GSOMIA is a bilateral military intelligence-sharing accord signed between both countries in November 2016. The pair on Wednesday agreed to keep diplomatic channels open with an aim to resolving the standoff through ongoing dialogue, a Japanese foreign ministry spokesperson said. Enditem The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday revised its forecast and said Cyclone Nisarga is now likely to make landfall between 1pm and 4pm just south of Alibaug, a resort town in Maharashtras Raigad district. Cyclone Nisarga is now 130km south-southwest of Alibaug, 175km south-southwest of Mumbai and 400km south-southwest of Surat, the weather bureau said. It had said earlier that Cyclone Nisarha is expected to make landfall very close to Alibaug between 12pm and 3pm. Click here for cyclone Nisarga LIVE updates The severe cyclonic storm Nisarga has intensified with a wind speed of 100 to 110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph, officials added. It will make landfall as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of about 110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph. Even though landfall site is south of Alibaug, extensive damage can be expected in Raigad, Mumbai, Thane and neighbouring areas, said Sunita Devi, head, national weather forecasting centre. The diameter of the eye of the storm has decreased in the past hour and is about 65 km at present, indicating an intensification of the weather system. The wind speed too has increased from 85-95kmph to 90-100kmph (gusting to 110kmph). The eye is the region of calm weather at the centre of tropical cyclones. As conditions indicate further intensification, wind conditions will increase up to 100-110 gusting to 120 kmph. A higher sea surface temperature and low vertical wind shear favoured the intensification of severe cyclonic circulation, said IMD scientists earlier. IMD has issued a red alert for at least seven coastal districts of Maharashtra, while several districts along Gujarats coast are also expecting heavy rainfall. Efforts to evacuate residents of these coastal districts were underway all of Tuesday even as the Prime Ministers Office assured all help to state officials. Mumbai, which is on the path of the cyclone, will likely receive very heavy rainfall upwards of 164mm. The city is already reeling under a high caseload of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, and the possibility of inundation of low-lying areas has raised concerns over the strain on healthcare infrastructure and municipal resources. A predicted storm surge of about 1-2 metres height above astronomical tide is likely to inundate low lying areas of Mumbai, Thane and Raigad districts and 0.5-1 metre height above the astronomical tide is likely to inundate low lying areas of Ratnagiri district during the time of landfall. A June 2 Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services bulletin indicated a very rough sea along the Konkan coast: from 5.30pm on Tuesday to Wednesday evening, the wave height could be as high as 2.5 to 4 metres in Thane; 2.5 to 4.5 metres in Greater Mumbai; 3 to 6.5 metres in Ratnagiri; and 3 to 5.5 metres in Sindhudurg. The last severe cyclonic storm to hit close to Mumbai was in 1961. This storm is severe but with a wind speed of only 100 to 110kmph. Important thing is to take all precautions possible which state governments are trying. Inundation is possible so evacuation of vulnerable people is important, M Mohapatra, IMDs director general, said on Tuesday. It is not common for tropical cyclones to hit Maharashtra coast. Usually, during monsoon onset the cyclones that develop move towards Oman and Yemen coasts. The track of the cyclone is completely dependent on wind direction and pressure while warm ocean surface gives energy and intensity to the cyclone, Sunita Devi, the head of the national weather forecasting centre, said. The sea surface temperature in parts of the Arabian Sea is 31 to 32 degree Celsius compared to 28 degree Celsius expected during this season. Nisarga is the 65th named cyclone in the north Indian Ocean and its name, proposed by Bangladesh, means nature in Bengali. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has decided to dismiss the current government, Belarus-1 TV channel informed on Wednesday, TASS reports. According to the channel, the leader signed the corresponding decree. Earlier on Wednesday, Lukashenko discussed the potential composition of a new government. The leader noted that the participants of the session had discussed the possible candidates. He added that he sees no need in making radical changes when forming the new government. The current Belarusian government has been active since August 18, 2018 under the leadership of Prime Minister Sergei Rumas. The Belarusian presidential election is set for August 9. WILTON Except for assaults, which are at a five-year high, crime in Wilton was down in 2019, compared to 2018, according to the Wilton Police Departments annual report. The number of assaults recorded last year was 48, four times the number (12) reported in 2015, marking a steady increase of 24 in 2016, 38 in 2017, and 41 in 2018. Of the 48 assaults last year, 21 were family violence incidents that are also counted under domestic calls. The category of assault includes the offenses of simple assault, aggravated assault and intimidation, such as threatening and violations of protective orders, Capt. Rob Cipolla said. Updating of guidance from the state on the proper reporting of certain types of offenses, such as protective order violations being an intimidation offense, contributed to the total number of assaults. Crimes against property such as burglary, larceny, and stolen cars were down in almost all cases to a total of 228 incidents, compared to 263 in 2018. The crime with the highest number of incidents was larceny, with 91 incidents. This was a decrease, however from the 135 incidents in 2018, attributable, the report says, to fewer reported thefts from vehicles. Fraud was next highest with 69 incidents followed by destruction of property with 36 incidents. There were 13 incidents of burglary, seven stolen cars, two incidents of embezzlement and one of stolen property. There were no reports of robbery, bribery or extortion. What are termed as crimes against society were also down with 33 incidents of drugs/narcotics, five incidents of pornography/obscene material, and one weapons violation. There were no reports of prostitution. Totaled up, crimes against property account for 73 percent of crime in Wilton. That is higher than the national average of 60 percent. However, Wiltons rate of crimes against people, 15 percent, and crimes against society, 12 percent, are lower. Click here to receive The Bulletins free electronic newsletter, Online Today. Arrest rate There was a total of 315 offenses last year and police made 183 arrests, 15 of which were for crimes reported in previous years. For the assaults, which were the only crimes against people reported in 2019, the police had a clearance rate of 71 percent. That means 71 percent were cleared by arrest or exceptional means. Exceptional means refers to when police cannot arrest and charge an offender such as if the offender dies or extradition is denied when an offender is being prosecuted for a crime elsewhere. Seventy-nine percent of the crimes against society resulted in arrest, but only 13 percent of the crimes against property were so cleared. Traffic stops and accidents The number of traffic stops made by police continued a three-year decline since a high of 6,280 in 2016. Last year, police made 4,015 traffic stops. Of those, 18 percent were Wilton residents and 90 percent were from Connecticut. Arrests of impaired drivers also declined to 36 last year. That is considerably fewer than the high of 67 in 2015. DUI-related crashes have also decreased to 10 in 2019, compared to 14 in 2015. Only one of the 2019 crashes resulted in a report of injuries, compared to five in 2015. Recognizing the drop in enforcement, Cipolla said the department is sending newer officers to advanced DUI-recognition training. Pre-COVID we began to see some early returns on that effort in 2020, he said. Motor vehicle crashes in general were on the increase, totaling 536 in 2019, more than any of the last five years. Of those 138 resulted in injuries but there were no fatalities. Domestic violence Domestic incidents have stubbornly remained consistent over the last five years. The number increased slightly in 2019 to 88, compared to 82 in 2018. The greatest number over the past five years was 102 in 2016. Of the incidents last year, 33 were attributed to family violence, which means there was physical harm or a threat of violence. Arrests occurred in 29 of those cases. Family violence, the report says, accounted for 16 percent of all arrests in Wilton last year. Fourteen incidents of family violence, resulting in 12 arrests, occurred between spouses and ex-spouses. At least one child was present in seven of the incidents involving arrest. Eight arrests involved parent-child relationships. Four incidents involved people in a current or former dating relationship. Domestic incidents that are not classified as family violence are those that involve disputes that are primarily verbal arguments and do not involve physical harm. Since 2013, Wilton police have followed the Lethality Assessment Screening Program where officers offer victims in danger access to help immediately. Last year, of 19 victims believed to be in high danger, 14 spoke to a hotline worker. Use of force Twelve police officers were involved in seven instances where force was used on a suspect. That is down from the previous year when 17 officers were involved in nine incidents. All 2019 incidents were within police policy, the report says. Two of the incidents involved a firearm being pointed. Seven involved officers hands only, one involved OC (pepper) spray and two involved pointing a Taser-like weapon. Force was used twice in making an arrest and three times for crisis intervention. In each of the incidents the civilian was white; six were male, one was a female. The report indicates 99 percent of Wilton police arrests are made without force. Complaints There were 15 complaints lodged against police last year; three alleging discourteous conduct, five regarding standards of conduct and seven alleging procedure violations. Six complaints were serious enough to be investigated by an internal affairs officer, the others were investigated at the supervisor or command level. Six were sustained, eight were found to be unfounded and one was not sustained. Notable arrests Overall, police responded to 14,431 calls for service last year, down from 15,674 the year before. The greatest number were for motor vehicle investigations (39 percent) followed by other service such as vehicle lock-outs and permits (31 percent), alarms (11 percent), criminal investigations (10 percent), and EMS calls (9 percent). One reason for the decline in calls for service is the corresponding number of declining traffic stops. As our department has continued to run understaffed, it has impacts on the amount of resources we have available for proactive vehicle enforcement, Cipolla said. He noted that despite the decline in calls for service, the amount of time officers are spending on those calls for service has increased from 6,203 hours in 2018 to 6,532 hours in 2019. As officers are tasked with responding to increasingly complex calls, more time spent on scene is required, the report says. The report also includes a list of notable arrests made in 2019. They include: The seizure of 5 1/2 pounds of marijuana, 50 grams of cocaine, hallucinogenic mushrooms, LSD, prescription pills, and $13,770 in cash during a traffic stop. The use of DNA evidence in arresting a suspect accused of stealing $12,000 in jewelry during a residential burglary. An arrest in a romance scam when the post office alerted police to a package containing $23,000 in cash, mailed from a victim in Mississippi to a Wilton address. Police arrested the man who arrived to claim the package. Identification of a Pennsylvania resident who was involved in a spear-phishing account that stole $10,000 from a Wilton business. Emmy award winning television producer with experience of working in more than 30 countries across the globe, focusing on conflict and humanitarian crises and Lusmagh native, Sean Stephens, recently travelled to the epicentre of Italy's Covid-19 outbreak to capture the real life stories on the ground. Sean grew up in Lusmagh, attending St Cronan's NS and later St Brendan's Community School, Birr where his mum, Mary was a Business Studies and Accountancy teacher. He spent his formative years in the Angler's Rest pub which his father, Michael ran for many years. Having finished secondary school, Sean then headed to take up a degree course in University College Dublin (UCD), later gaining employment with Newstalk before eventually taking the plunge and moving to London. The now London based Bureau Chief for Vice News, Sean spearheads the company's international coverage and in this role, he recently travelled to Italy as part of a team to create the special report, entitled 'Vice News presents Covid-19; Italy's Tragedy', which aired on April 14 last. Travelling to Italy Sean said when the project was first mooted, he put up his hand and said it was something he wanted to do as it was an important story to tell and to tell it properly. Sean travelled to Italy with the team on April 2 after a lot of preparation was completed beforehand. We had to think what PPE, what clothing we needed. Obviously, we couldn't get PPE in Italy. Could we get it in the UK? But, they had shortages as well. How much would we need? What we needed to wear in certain filming scenarios, he explained. Having all the protection and planning in place, it was down to the Vice team to get a sense of what life was like for Italians in the midst of this catastrophe and they travelled to Lombardy, the epicentre in the north of the country. We felt it was important that we went there to tell the story and the final aired piece was broken down into a couple of pieces, he outlined including doing a ride along with the Green Cross (a similar organisation to the Red Cross in Ireland), who were tasked with calling to suspected Covid-19 cases and seeing the extreme precautions they had to use. They filmed the Green Cross bringing nurse home patients to the hospital, which Sean pointed out they felt was something important to do because unlike the statistics here in Ireland, Italy's death toll is only reflective of those, who died in a hospital setting and had a positive Covid-19 test result. Sean and his team then travelled to Bergamo hospital in the region, just outside Milan, which is a modern hospital facility, but was totally overwhelmed by the number of patients they had to take in, having to expand their ICU. There, Sean saw them having to put red tape down the middle of the floor, splitting hallways into clean and sterile areas. And, also hearing their experiences of what it was like spending ten to twelve hours a day on a shift stuck in an ICU all day. Not being able to take a lunch break. Not being able to go to the bathroom and wearing the same heavy PPE all day and how traumatic it was. The team then spoke to a patient, who had survived Covid-19, who had a trachea insertion and subsequently removed and still had vocal problems when they spoke to him. He was well and able to talk to us about how near the end he thought he was and how miraculously he managed to pull through. It was the oddity of it, and we didn't include it in the end but we went to visit his family, who weren't allowed to visit him. They got to talk to him on the phone. It was all lonely and very isolating. This was something we picked up and we asked a family in advance, who were burying their grandmother could we film her funeral. In Italy, you couldn't hold a funeral. You could hold a prayer service. You could have fewer than five people and everyone there had to be wearing masks and gloves. It was certainly one of the most haunting things that we did while we were there. It was just so odd, in a hugely Catholic country, seeing this very brief prayer service and then the family, upset and traumatised. They couldn't stand next to each other and they had to watch a man in a hazmat suit put their mother's coffin into the grave. It was very strange. The Vice team also spoke to an 87 year old man, who because Italy had such a high death toll and were completely overwhelmed they were storing coffins while awaiting cremation in warehouses. This man lived across the road from this and would watch as every couple of days they would bring the coffins away to be cemented. This man lives on his own. His wife had passed away a year ago but he would go and visit her graveyard but he couldn't now because of the lockdown. He had his birthday, his first since his wife passing, which he had to spend on his own. This very stoic man, reduced to tears, thinking about how lonely he has been over the last couple of weeks. Working in war torn Ukraine & Yemen to winning an EMMY I took the opportunity then to ask Sean about his previous experience, filming in war torn Ukraine and later in Yemen where he and a team produced awarding documentaries about the humanitarian crisis in the country. Two of these productions eventually saw Sean along with the production team win EMMYs for 'Yemen's Forgotten War' and 'Inside a deplorable migrant camp in Yemen'. This was pretty much a year long project with some colleagues including two long trips there to see what was happening there in terms of the Proxy war, the humanitarian crisis and also how this conflict was allowing various nefarious players to Al Qaeda, Islamic State to do what they did. Sean and his colleagues did four pieces of work on this and two of those pieces, one looking at a migrant detention camp, went on to win an EMMY for the team. Sean explained that economic migrants from the Horn of Africa would travel to Yemen and walk to the Saudi border to get work there. Having no idea that it would take them 30 days to walk there in blistering heat. But, also Yemen is pretty lawless and these people were being taken advantage of or taken into custody by pretty ramshackle policing authorities, he said. Sean and his team managed to get a migrant detention camp shut down because the man running it was basically locking about 700 people into one cage, given them at most one meal a day and beating them and women talked about rape and he was leading people to forced deportations. He would send people, in cahoots with pirates, would send these people to Djibouti which is illegal. In some cases, and get them circled back into the bandits, who are people smugglers. There was an incident we recorded of a boat of people, this man had forcibly deported from his camp. They were met by another boat. None of these people could swim and they were told to get into another boat. 30 people drowned in that incident and this was not an unique incident. Sean continued this was an extremely difficult story to tell but one worth telling. The second story, which they also won an EMMY for, looked at a city on the west coast, called Al-Hudaydah which is strategically very important and at one point it was a crescendo of the conflict in Yemen. The majority of the imports come through this port and if the control of this was to be taken away from the Houthis, it would have had an devastating effect on 20 million people living in the north. There was a lot of effort in the background to sustain a cease fire and agreement that this was something that had to be avoided at all cost. By this time, it was an issue in the war something like 23 million people out of 27 million people were already on the verge of famine. This desperately needed to be avoided. Looking to the future, Sean said he has been basically living out of a suitcase for the past seven years so it's back to the day job as the London Bureau Chief for Vice News where he spearheads a team of between 12 and 14 people, managing international coverage of stories such as Covid-19 across the globe including pieces from New Zealand and Russia to name but a few. We will have to see how the virus spreads and whether there will ever be a return to normal and what that will be like, we will have to see, he concluded. EDWARDSVILLE Saturday marks the first day of in-person shopping for the Land of Goshen Community Market. But the community market will look more different than normal. After getting approval from the city of Edwardsville last month, the market will open Saturday at 8 a.m. and run until noon. The market will open on St. Louis Street adjacent to the Madison County Courthouse. In an effort to maintain social distance, Goshen Market Board Treasurer Jessica DeSpain said a limited number of vendors will be present. Only those vendors that the Land of Goshen considers to be essential will be included. Typically, there are about 65 vendors but on Saturday, about 40 vendors are expected. While the number is lower than usual, it is large enough to not be able to support a drive-thru market. Because we are a large market and have a smaller space, we couldnt do it (drive-thru), she explained. The market will only include sales of food and hygiene items to limit the number of vendors and allow for at least ten feet of space between all stalls. Artisans, musicians, demonstrations and the childrens program will not be included this season. Both cash and cards will be accepted. Due to the temporary changes in light of COVID-19, the Land of Goshen expects a small dip in attendance. We normally see about 2,000 shoppers each weekend, Goshen Market Board Treasurer Jessica DeSpain said. Without the artists and live music, it will be less of a festival than it usually is. I dont think we will have those who like to come and meet and talk with vendors and friends for hours. I do believe those who come just for the vendors and their produce will still come. Goshen has also issued some guidelines for shoppers attending the market: Only one shopper per family, when possible Only touch products if you are buying them Wear face masks or some sort of face shield Maintain social distancing Capacity of 50 shoppers will be maintained For those who are either immune-compromised or do not want to risk their own health, the online market will remain live and up-to-date. The option of pre-ordering will also be available on Wednesday. Goshen will publish a list of vendors shoppers can pre-order from Wednesday to make their experience on Saturday as fast and contactless as possible. To shop online, go to: www.goshenmarket.org/shop/. To stay up to date on any announcements, follow their Facebook page: @goshenmarket. DeSpain explained that the measures were made with the help of the Illinois Farmers Market Association, state guidelines and input from board members. Overall, she said their main goal is to help local farmers. We do see the market as an essential business just like a grocery store is, DeSpain said. We just want to have our community support local farmers and businesses. With about 150 days remaining until the Nov. 3 presidential election, its paramount voters get focused. Seven realities awaiting the electorate have less to do with the candidates than one may think. Reality No. 1: the election is already over in 38 states and the District of Columbia. During the last five presidential elections, 72 percent of the 538 Electoral College votes were from states who voted the same way; 196 of the electoral votes from 15 states and D.C. were consistently Democrat and 191 of the votes came from 23 Republican-centered states. The election comes down to 12 states with a combined total of 151 electoral votes. Because 270 electoral votes are needed to win and assuming people in 38 states and D.C. vote like they have the past 20 years past actions are the best predictor of future behavior -- 74 of the 151 votes are needed for Joe Biden to be our next president and 79 votes are required for Trump to remain in office. From the most to the least number of electoral votes, the 12 key states include Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin, Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, New Mexico and New Hampshire. Donald Trump won seven of these 12 states in 2016. Reality No. 2: Within the 12 key presidential election states, Democrats must win the favor of urban counties, college graduates, people of color and Millennial (1981-1996) women voters; Republicans must harness rural cities, citizens who didnt attend college, white Silent Generation (1928-1945) male electorate and low-voter turnout. Both parties get excited about young voters. Reality No. 3: Peak youth voting turnout occurred in 1988 (George H. W. Bush vs. Michael Dukakis) at only 18.1 percent. As 30-year Republican presidential strategist Rick Wilson writes (Running Against the Devil, 2020), the youth vote is a moving target, a political unicorn running through the field of poppies. Wilson contends reliable voter participation kicks in at 40 and advises party strategists: Memorize this rule: Old people vote. Repeat it until it sinks in. I must digress. The sooner our republic can get 18-39-year-old people registered to vote and engaged in the political process in every local, state and national election, the better off our democracy will become. Period. Reality No. 4: Rather than focusing on a plethora of campaign promises and deceitful PAC ads, research reveals educated voters will support the presidential candidate whos trustworthy, honest, exhibits sound character, demonstrates civility, is morally outstanding, models integrity and shows empathy for others. Reality No. 5: With the notion of Russias intervention of the 2016 election still fresh in the mind of voters, they are more attuned and less likely to be influenced by social medias tsunami of fake news, bots, fearmongering, rampant disinformation and partisan TV, cable, radio and tabloid news reports. Reality No. 6: Due to COVID-19s social distancing dictum, voter suppression attempts and voting by mail will be tested by both parties and the court system. Expect a delayed official winner announcement. The last reality of the forthcoming election relates to party identity. Gerald Seib of the conservative Wall Street Journal notes Republicans have reversed course to become the party of tariffs, border walls and fearing diversity while Democrats support free trade, immigration and embrace inclusion. What a contrast! James P. Carse, professor emeritus of history at New York University, may best summarize what we can expect from the Nov. 3 election: To be prepared against surprise is to be trained. To be prepared for surprise is to be educated. Get ready America. The reality of the presidential election will be like no other weve witnessed or imagined would ever occur. Steve Corbin is an emeritus professor of marketing at the University of Northern Iowa. His opinions do not reflect those of the University of Northern Iowa. Reach him at Steven.B.Corbin@gmail.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Cara Delevingne, Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker were among several stars who joined the protest over the killing of George Floyd in Hollywood on Tuesday. The model, 27, carried a cardboard sign that read: 'Silence is consent' as she stood between Kelly, 30, and Travis, 44. Travis' sign read: 'No justice no peace' which he held up as the trio chanted and marched with thousands of other protesters. Showing support: Cara Delevingne, Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker were among several stars who joined the protest over the killing of George Floyd in Hollywood on Tuesday The trio were all dressed casually, with Kelly wearing a bandanna around his neck while Travis wore a face mask. It was the seventh consecutive day protests continued around the country with CNN reporting there was at least one protest in all 50 states. Cara took to her Instagram Stories and shared a clip of the protest along with a photo of her holding her homemade sign close to her face. Several other stars joined the protests in Hollywood including Ben Affleck, Emily Ratakjowski, Kristen Stewart and Darren Criss. Protest: The model, 27, carried a cardboard sign that read: 'Silence is consent' as she stood between Kelly, 30, and Travis, 44 Late Monday night, the Paper Towns actress shared a black square to her Instagram, in support of Black Out Tuesday, which calls for social media and businesses to go dark for any issues not relating to Black Lives Matter, racial injustice and protests. The highly organized protest - presented by the LA chapter of Black Lives Matter -aimed to pressure the city's mayor Eric Garcetti into significantly lowering the LAPD's exorbitant budget. According to reports, 'over 100 demonstrators' sat before a line of LAPD officers, in order to create a safe space for speakers and activists to voice their ideas and concerns. The death of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked days of demonstrations across the nation over police brutality against African-Americans. 'Silence is consent': Cara took to her Instagram Stories and shared a clip of the protest along with a photo of her holding her homemade sign close to her face On May 25, Floyd - an unarmed, African-American male - experienced a horrific death at the hands of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the horrifying video footage of Floyd's death, he is seen saying that he can not breathe as officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for over eight minutes. The Minneapolis policeman accused of killing Floyd, Chauvin, was taken into custody Friday and charged with third-degree murder, officials said. Theres no consensus among Connecticut colleges on the best way to hold classes in the fall amid the pandemic, but they all agree they need new protections from COVID-19 related lawsuits. The schools say that, because the situation is unprecedented, its hard to predict the liability a university may face should it allow students to return and there be an outbreak or, worse, deaths. So, Connecticuts public and private universities are lobbying both Congress and the Lamont administration for a shield from lawsuits from students, visitors, faculty and other staff who may contract the virus on campus. They are also concerned about class action suits over payment of tuition for classes that have been canceled or moved online. Colleges are facing enormous uncertainty, even when they have done everything within their power to keep students, employees, and visitors safe, said Jennifer Widness, spokeswoman for the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges. Temporary and targeted liability protections related to the COVID-19 pandemic - at the state or federal level - is needed for institutions of higher ed to re-open this fall. Fifteen Connecticut colleges, including Yale, Quinnipiac, and Sacred Heart universities, the University of Bridgeport and University of New Haven, belong to the conference. Those schools are supporting recommendations by the Higher Education Subcommittee of the governors ReOpen Connecticut panel that asks Gov. Ned Lamont to use his executive power to provide the schools with safe harbor or to support legislation in the state assembly that would do the same. It is inevitable that some students will contract COVID-19, despite the prudent precautions undertaken by their colleges and universities, the recommendations say. No institution can seriously consider opening its campus if it faces the threat of lawsuits by students who become infected. The Higher Education Subcommittee recommended that colleges and universities that take certain precautions receive immunity from claims based on an allegation that the individual contracted COVID-19 during the 2020-21 academic year. Some of subcommittee recommendations for school reopenings include testing of all students who are to live on campus seven to 14 days after they arrive at the school and repopulating the schools in stages. Other students should be tested too, several times during the semester, the panel said. The panel also said students with compromised immune systems or pre-existing health conditions should be able to attend all classes remotely and professors who are 65 or older or have other vulnerabilities to the disease should be able to teach remotely. And, of course, the subcommittee recommended plenty of social distancing in classes and labs, and even to end the practice of sharing a dorm room. It is also possible that conditions warrant reopening in August but the pandemic worsens in the fall to the extent that the Governor would order a new shutdown, the Higher Education Subcommittee warned. The report was prepared by Rick Levin, former president of Yale University, and Linda Lorimer, former vice president of global and strategic initiatives at Yale University with the help of consultants from several Connecticut colleges and Widness of the CCIC. Speculative lawsuits Connecticuts universities and colleges have also joined a national effort to lobby Congress for liability protections. The schools backed a letter sent last week by the American Council of Education to congressional leaders that asked the lawmakers to approve legislation that would safeguard higher education institutions and systems, affiliated nonprofits, and healthcare providers and facilities from excessive and speculative lawsuits arising out of the pandemic. As colleges and universities assess how quickly and completely campuses can resume full operations, they are facing enormous uncertainty about COVID-19-related standards of care and corresponding fears of huge transactional costs associated with defending against COVID-19 spread lawsuits, even when they have done everything within their power to keep students, employees, and visitors safe, the American Council of Education said. Twenty-three Connecticut schools are ACE members, including Yale, the University of Connecticut, Quinnipiac and the entire Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, have for weeks been working on a bill that would protect businesses, non-profits, colleges and others from lawsuits filed by people who get sick or die or are otherwise harmed after exposure to the coronavirus. But since most civil suits are filed in state courts, there are questions about the reach and constitutionality of a federal legal shield. Anthony Fauci, the nations top epidemiologist, warned during a congressional hearing last month that vaccines and therapies would probably not be ready for the nations 5,000 universities and colleges to welcome their 20 million students back to campuses this fall. He called such hope a bridge too far. Still, there are overwhelming educational and financial needs that have pressed schools to roll out reopening plans, ranging from all socially distanced in-person fall classes, to only online learning and a combination of both. Yale, for instance, said classes will begin on August 31, two days earlier than originally scheduled, and end on December 4. But, as in many colleges that plan in-person classes, most of the studies will be completed before Thanksgiving and some classes, as well as final exams, will be held online. Other colleges in the state have announced similar reopening programs, but the University of Connecticut has yet to say what its plan for the fall is. Mark Kantrowitz, a higher education expert and publisher of savingforcollege.com, predicted enrollment in the nations colleges and universities will drop by 10 percent to 20 percent in the fall, the drop due to uncertainty about the pandemic and closed borders that keep international students out. He said some students and their parents are upset at paying full tuition costs for the spring semester, because colleges closed and students were forced to attend online classes at home, missing out on what some call the full college experience. Who wants to pay tens of thousands of dollars to watch videos all day? Kantrowitz asked. A lot of learning in college comes from your peers. About 100 class action lawsuits have been filed against colleges over the tuition issue and more are expected to follow. John McLaughlin, senior managing director at Gallagher, an insurance and higher education consulting firm, said hes 100 percent behind the efforts of the Connecticuts colleges and universities to seek legal protections from the state and Congress. He said insurance liability rates for colleges and universities are increasing sharply, with premiums rising 30 percent to 60 percent, and that uncertainty is rampant. It reminds me of the ancient mariner, McLaughlin said, referring to a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The schools are sailing into uncharted seas. McLaughlin also said there may be expectations that all colleges, regardless of their resource, are able to follow strict reopening guidelines. They worry Are we going to be held to a benchmark we cant live up to? he said. spacex will launch another 60 of its Starlink internet satellites into space tonight, bringing the total number in orbit around the Earth to 482. The 60 satellites are set to launch from the firm's Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 8:55pm EDT on June 3 (1:55am BST June 4). SpaceX is adding to the total of 422 Starlink satellites already in orbit since the last launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida in April. At least 400 satellites are needed for SpaceX to start introducing minimal internet coverage, Musk has said, and at least 800 are necessary for moderate coverage. The firm aims to have more than 1,000 satellites in orbit by the end of the year and has also been approved by the FCC to launch over 12,000 in total. Collectively they will form a constellation of thousands of satellites, designed to provide low-cost broadband internet service from low-Earth orbit. Tonight's launch had been delayed to focus on Saturday's historic launch of two NASA astronauts aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. Along with the new VisorSat, Musk also shared that the firm may adjust how the satellites are laid out in orbit, which could also reduce the amount of light reflected back to Earth. 'SpaceX is scheduled to launch the eighth mission of the constellation of networked satellites known as Starlink,' Kennedy Space Center said in a blog post. 'The goal of Starlink is to create a network that will help provide internet services to those who are not yet connected, and to provide reliable and affordable internet across the globe.' Musk previously said some of the new satellites will feature special 'visors' that dim the device's brightness. This batch will be different from previous ones, as some of the satellites will feature a special 'visor' that dims the brightness of the technology Called VisorSat, the new addition is said to keep the antennae on the satellites in the shade and prevents sunlight from reflecting off them by forming a barrier over the devices, making them less visible from the ground. 'We have a radio-transparent foam that will deploy nearly upon the satellite being released, and it blocks the sun from reaching the antennas,' Musk said in April, a bit like a sun visor in a cars windshield. Musk said the brightness of the existing constellation is due to the angle of the solar panels as the satellites rise to orbit altitude. This results in more sunlight than usual being reflected, making the satellites look similar to stars. Musk is also adjusting the angle of the solar panels on the 422 satellites already in orbit. SpaceX was forced to delay its eighth launch of Starlink satellites on Sunday due to a tropical depression forming off the Southeast Coast and is now targeting Tuesday. Featured is a picture of the firm's launch at Kennedy Space Center in March SpaceX was forced to delay the launch of Starlink satellites last month due to a tropical depression forming off the Southeast Coast. Musk said his firm would also be waiting until after the company's first manned mission on Saturday from Cape Canaveral known as Crew Dragon Demo-2. 'Standing down from the Starlink mission, due to tropical storm Arthur, until after launch of Crew Demo-2,' SpaceX tweeted on May 18. Saturday's launch successfully transported NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station 19 hours later. Called VisorSat, the new addition is said to keep the antennae on the satellites in the shade and prevents sunlight from reflecting off them by forming an umbrella over the devices In the process it became be the first crewed launch from the US into orbit since NASA's space shuttle program ended in 2011. SpaceX is now turning back to the Starlink project with the hopes of providing high-speed internet to everyone on the globe no matter their location. However, scientists and stargazers have voiced frustrations that the devices are hindering their ability to see the night sky. The orbiting satellites can also interfere with the workings of ground-based radio telescopes that experts use to see more distant phenomena. SpaceX is developing the constellation of satellites with the hopes of providing high-speed internet to everyone on the globe no matter their location. However, scientists and stargazers have voiced frustrations that the devices are hindering their ability to see the night sky 'The night sky is a commons and what we have here is a tragedy of the commons,' Imperial College London astrophysicist Dave Clements previously told the BBC. "They present a foreground between what we're observing from the Earth and the rest of the universe. So they get in the way of everything,' he said. Travis Longcore, a professor at UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, has also said: 'Starlink is a crime against humanity; it robs us of the skies of our ancestors to every corner of the Earth.' However, the complete network of satellites could transform global internet connectivity when fully operational, especially for people in remote and impoverished areas. Elon Musk has previously referred to tonight's event as 'launch 9', which takes into account the very first Starlink launch of just two test satellites back in February 2018. SpaceX will stream tonight's launch live on its YouTube channel. While the new satellites won't be visible from the UK, Find Starlink has a list of times the whole constellation can be seen British soil, including tonight at 12:30am and 4:04am. A police officer outside Downing Street was filmed taking the knee alongside protesters marching in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. Thousands gathered in Hyde Park on Wednesday before marching on Parliament Square in response to the killing of George Floyd in the US. Traffic was blocked in certain areas as some climbed on phone boxes and sculptures with megaphones to whip up loud chants of "silence is violence" and "say his name, George Floyd". As people marched outside Downing Street, some were filmed asking a police officer to take the knee, something which is fast becoming a global sign of respect and solidarity with the protests. One protester can be heard saying to the Met police officer: "You and me. Take a knee with me bro." The police officer took the knee with a couple of protesters The officer then drops to kneel on the pavement along with the demonstrators and the crowd around begins to cheer. While protesters and police shared this moment of solidarity, later footage posted to social media showed chaos breaking out between police and demonstrators just yards away. It comes as campaign group Stand Up to Racism is calling on Britons to "take a knee" on their doorsteps for a nationwide socially distanced protest for 6pm on Wednesday. SUTR said the campaign was inspired by the kneeling protest staged by American football star Colin Kaepernick in 2016 that has become synonymous with the Black Lives Matter movement. George Floyd Hyde Park Protest - In pictures 1 /106 George Floyd Hyde Park Protest - In pictures People climb on the Winston Churchill statue during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn People march holding banners during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd AP Protesters kneel as they stop briefly in Parliament Square AP Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest in London Nigel Howard Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Nigel Howard Protesters are accompanied by police officers as they march during a demonstration AP Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn People march holding banners during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd AP Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn Protesters shout during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People climb on the Winston Churchill statue during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn Black Lives Matter protest march Jeremy Selwyn People march holding banners during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest march Jeremy Selwyn People wearing face masks march with banners in Park Lane during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Aerial of Black Lives Matter protest march to Parliament Square Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration AFP via Getty Images Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration AFP via Getty Images Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images Protesters march as they take part in a London demonstration AP People wearing face masks march with banners in Park Lane during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors wearing face masks as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, march during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images Protestors, some wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) including face masks as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, hold placards during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images John Boyega speaks during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Aerial view of protest at Hyde Park Sky News A man and a woman hold hands aloft in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter" protest REUTERS People hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters A woman reacts in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London Nigel Howard People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London PA REUTERS Protesters adjust a face mask ahead of a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn People hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis Reuters Aerial view of protest at Hyde Park Sky News Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images A person shouts into a megaphone in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA People observe social distancing as they participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London PA Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA Protesters hold up placards AP People hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Nigel Howard People gather ahead of the Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London, in memory of George Floyd PA Stewards direct people as they begin to gather ahead of the Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London PA Protesters wear face masks as they hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protesters wear face masks and observe social distancing during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd John Dunne People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA A protester wears a face mask displaying the words "I can't breathe" during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People wearing face masks hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Protesters gather AP Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn People wearing face masks and holding banners march in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters A protester wearing a face mask holds a sign saying 'I can't breathe' during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protesters take part in a demonstration at Hyde Park AP People wearing a face mask hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protesters hold up placards as people gather AP A woman wearing a face mask with a "Justice For Belly Mujinga" message is seen in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuter Protesters hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh The initiative follows a day of action against racism in the UK in response to the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis. The 46-year-old African American died last week after a police officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck. His death sparked outrage around the world with protests taking place in many US cities and around the world New Delhi, June 3 : Indian fugitive business tycoon and founder of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines Vijay Mallya can be extradited to India "anytime in the coming days" as all the legal process has been completed, top sources in the government said on Wednesday. As per sources in London, now that Mallya's legal options in the UK have exhausted, he may still attempt to pull strings in the office of UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, who gets to have the final say on his extradition to India. The development comes in the wake of Mallya losing his appeal in the UK top court on May 14 against his extradition to India. A top Enforcement Department source related to the development told IANS: "We will soon bring back Mallya to India anytime in the coming days." However, he remained tight-lipped on the exact date of the extradition. He said: "As he has lost his appeal in the UK Supreme Court there, we have completed all the legal process for his extradition." The teams of CBI and the ED are already working on the process of extradition to India. A CBI source related to the development said that after Mallya's extradition, they wil take his custody first as they were the first agency to file a case against him. A major roadblock in the extradition was cleared on May 14 when Mallya lost the case. Now the Narendra Modi government will have to bring him back in the next 28 days. Since May 14, it has already been more than 20 days since the UK court rejected his plea. The former parliamentarian, who ran India's largest spirits company, United Spirits, and founded the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines, faces charges of fraud and money laundering worth Rs 9,000 crore. He left India in March 2016 under the pretext of personal reasons. Mallya is accused of defrauding at least 17 Indian banks, drawing loans which he allegedly routed to gain full or partial stake in about 40 companies abroad. After losing an appeal in the London High Court on April 20 against an extradition order to India, he had filed an appeal in the UK Supreme Court last month. On May 14, after the court ruling, Mallya once again made an offer to the Indian government that he will repay 100 per cent of his loan dues provided the case against him was closed. Mallya, however, said that his repeated offers to repay his dues have been ignored by the Modi government. Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a statement had said that the UK High Court order to extradite Mallya was a "milestone" in the agency's quest for excellence and a reminder that economic offenders facing probes in large value frauds cannot consider themselves above the process merely because they have changed jurisdictions. A CBI spokesperson said in a statement: "The decision of the UK High Court to order extradition of Mallya is a milestone in CBI's quest for excellence and a reminder that economic offenders, facing probes in large value frauds, cannot consider themselves above the process merely because they have changed jurisdictions." The spokesperson said the judgement also vindicated the "painstaking investigation" by the CBI, especially since Mallya had raised various issues with regard to the admissibility of evidence, the fairness of the investigation itself and extraneous consideration with a view to "divert attention" from his own acts. The CBI official further said that the extradition of Mallya was sought so he could face trial for offences of cheating, criminal conspiracy and abuse of official position by public servants, wherein Mallya faced allegations of conspiring with public servants and dishonestly defrauding the IDBI Bank to the extent of Rs 900 crore. The CBI had filed a charge sheet against Mallya and others on January 24, 2017 which was followed by a request for his extradition on January 31 in the same year. Based on the request, Mallya was arrested by the UK authorities on April 20, 2017. (Anand Singh can be contacted at anand.s@ians.in) Civic group advocates urge action on flag-of-convenience Taiwanese boats by Lin Chia-nan June 03,2020 | Source: Taipei Times An alliance of civic groups in Taiwan yesterday called on the government to protect the human rights of foreign workers hired by Taiwanese fishing vessels flying a flag of convenience (FOC). It said such boats are often accused of illegal fishing or inhumane working conditions. FOC vessels are a neglected part of the nations COVID-19 prevention efforts, as the government does not have guidelines governing how to quarantine such vessels or the entry of foreign fishers on board, said the Foreign Fisher Human Rights Protection Alliance, which is made up of several civic groups advocating labor and human rights. Three Philippine fishers who worked on FOC vessels operated by Taiwanese the Da Wang () and Chin Chun No. 12 (12), both registered in Vanuatu have asked the alliance for help, it said. After the Da Wang returned to Kaohsiung in April, one fisher was confined by his Taiwanese broker at a building in the city from April 20 to May 4 and threatened not to inform officials, it said, adding that the fisher developed bronchitis before his confinement. As the Da Wang left Taiwan again on May 7, the fisher was asked to quit his job and the Serve the People Association took him to its shelter in Taoyuan, the alliance said. Overwork, physical violence and death of an Indonesian fisher had been reported from the Da Wang, the alliance said, citing a report published by Greenpeace Southeast Asia last year. The other two Philippine fishers on the Chin Chun No. 12 were confined at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport for 20 days when they tried to return to the Philippines after disembarking from the ship, said Lennon Wong (), director of the associations shelter. The National Immigration Agency considered them as having illegally entered Taiwan and planned to deport them by Friday, he said. After the association intervened and offered legal assistance, the agency allowed it to temporarily shelter the two fishers in Taoyuan, he said. Having no legal entry permits is not the fishers problem; it is the governments failure to attend to their plight, Wong said, calling on the agency to revoke their illegal entry records and allow them to return home. It is estimated that more than 140 foreign fishers who entered Taiwan on FOC vessels have been stranded in Kaohsiungs Cijin Port () this year, as they did not have legal entry permits, Wong added. FOC vessels are often found to take part in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, as well as forced labor or human trafficking, it said, calling on the government to abolish the FOC system to improve fisheries management. 1999-2020 The Taipei Times. All rights reserved. Theme(s): Others. An Indian-American, who opened the doors of his home in Washington, DC to over 70 people demonstrating against the custodial killing of George Flyod, has emerged as a hero after he rescued the strangers from the clutches of the police, according to US media reports. The death of 46-year-old African-American Floyd last week in Minneapolis has led to one of the biggest civic unrest in the history of America. Rahul Dubey, who lives in Washington DC, accommodated the large number of people in his house with some adjusting on the couch, some finding space in the rooms, while some were gratified to get rest even on the ledges of the bathtub. "There's about 75 people in my house. Some have got couch space. There's a family, a mother and daughter here, that I gave my son's room to so they get some peace and quiet. Yeah, even the ledges of the bathtub, and no one's bitching. They're happy, no, they're not happy. They're safe. They're cheering. "They're backing each other," Rahul Dubey, 44, told Esquire magazine in an interview on Tuesday. The day after the Monday's protests, Dubey appeared in major news media outlets and was hailed as a saviour as those who took shelter in his house started tweeting about it. "Rahul saved lives last night," one Black Lives Matter activist wrote on Twitter. "He ended this with an inspirational speech about not giving up and keeping up the peaceful fight. What a guy. Thank you Rahul." "I'm at a house in DC after being pepper sprayed and knocked down by the police. There are about 100 of us in a house surrounded by cops. All the neighbours on this street opened their doors and are tending to protesters. The cops corralled us on this street and sprayed us down," Allison Lane, one of the protesters, tweeted. In an interview to ABC News affiliate WJLA, Dubey said that it was about 8:30 pm that he was sitting outside and saw police set up a brigade on 15 St and Swann St that turned into a holding area. People started sitting on his porch and asked if they could charge their phone and use his bathroom, he told the news channel. The protesters left his home after the curfew ended 6 am Tuesday. "I don't think there was even a choice in what I did, to be honest. The crowd just came racing through like a tornado-.. We had to keep the door open and just kept grabbing people and pulling them in. It's the same that you would if it's a storm, and you would have let anyone into your home, I know that," he told NBC News. Another protester, identified as Meka, told BuzzFeed that he along with dozens of other protesters, ran into the home of Dubey on Swan Street and spent more than eight hours inside his house to avoid being arrested by Metropolitan Police Department officers. Dubey told BuzzFeed News that it wasn't a choice to open his door and provide refuge to the mostly young protesters. "If you had seen what was going on in front of my eyes, there was no choice. People were getting pepper-sprayed and beaten and slammed to the ground," he told the media outlet. "I hope that my 13-year-old son grows up to be just as amazing as they are," Dubey was quoted as saying by WJLA. Writing for Esquire, Dubey said that his father came to the US as a 19-year-old with just eight dollars in his pocket. "I looked around and saw kids from age 20 to 50 in the house scattered on all three floors and the backyard, and they were safe. They were active. They were asking questions. They were solving problems in little groups, and they are hunkered down here until 6 am. The police have tried to pull them out through trickery like five or six times," he wrote. "They send decoys to the door, telling them they can't leave out the front, but if they leave out the back alley, they'll be safe. I mean, bullshit stuff. They just hijacked the pizza delivery guy for an hour and wouldn't let us come through. I mean, they faked a 911 call and said 'yeah, someone called 911,' but no one did. There's a lot of emotions," he said. "I have a 13-year-old son, and luckily he's with friends and family up in Delaware; he's coming back tomorrow," he wrote. "He's not there, but at the same time, I wish he was because he could see these amazing souls that are in my house are safe and they had every right to be doing what they were doing, and the police didn't have a right to just beat them down on the street. For now, at least for the next four hours or so, we're going to be safe here. I've never been so excited to get a Ducinni's pizza in my life," Dubey said. Press Release June 3, 2020 Villanueva optimistic Bayanihan 2 will spark recovery of labor sector Assisting the labor sector remains a top priority for Senator Joel Villanueva as the Senate continues to deliberate the Bayanihan 2 bill in plenary on Wednesday as the Upper Chamber prepares for its sine die adjournment. Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development, expressed his determination to expand the assistance provided to workers whom he described as one of the hardest hit sectors in the COVID-19 pandemic. "The worst is not yet over for workers. Not everyone will have a chance to go back to their jobs because of retrenchments and the closing down of some businesses. The least our government could do is to provide emergency employment for our workers so they could continue earning for their basic needs," Villanueva said in a statement. "We must not fail our people in this critical time." "Fresh funding should allow the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to reach more workers better than they did when they implemented their programs in the past few months," he added. DOLE programs provided cash assistance to formal workers, cash-for-work assistance to informal sector workers, and cash grants to overseas Filipino workers displaced due to the pandemic. At least 1 million workers have benefited from DOLE's emergency employment programs, according to the 10th Bayanihan report submitted to Congress last Monday. The lawmaker is optimistic about getting sufficient allocations for the emergency employment programs. "We are optimistic that our colleagues will be able to provide for the needs of our people, especially our workers," Villanueva said. He also continued to advocate for the needs of the higher and technical education, another sector affected by COVID-19. "We are also looking to beef up the capacity of our state universities and colleges (SUCs) and state tech-voc training institutes (TVIs) in providing distance education through online classes and modules," said the lawmaker, who also chairs the chamber's higher education committee. "We already have online course for TESDA where our displaced workers can retool or upskill while looking for work. We have to expand the agency's capacity to handle students online so more people can be trained and retooled," he added. YEREVAN. It turns out that there were municipalities that organized events for children on June 1; sometimes the impression is that we love our children more than our parents. Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan mentioned this Wednesday during a live broadcast on his Facebook page, regarding the growing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the country. "Local self-government bodies leaders must use their resources to keep queues, obey the rules. As citizens, we should be ashamed of each other, say, 'What are you doing? Let's wake up.' And the search for the culprits is a pointless work because if the people are to blame, the government is also to blame, if the government is to blame, the people are also to blame because they brought the government to power. We are one body, it is impossible to decouple us, saying, 'This is the government, and this is the people.' Whether good or bad, this is us. I'm convinced that we're good. The climate of fear has been overcome [in the country], but we have begun to use our freedom against ourselves. I believe in you, I believe in the citizen of the Republic of Armenia, I believe that this message will reach its destination. I believe that we can solve this issue together," said the Prime Minister. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 20:58:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WUHAN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-four of China's central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) signed contracts for 72 projects worth 327.73 billion yuan (about 46.1 billion U.S. dollars) with central China's Hubei Province Wednesday to help it recover from the COVID-19 outbreak. Among them are 48 projects with an investment of more than 1 billion yuan and nine projects with an investment of more than 10 billion yuan. This is according to a video teleconference jointly held by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council and the Hubei provincial government. The projects will focus on fields such as new energy, ecological and environmental protection, intelligent manufacturing and infrastructure construction. At present, among the 97 central SOEs in China, 56 have signed strategic cooperation framework agreements with Hubei, and nearly 80 have invested projects in the province. Enditem Approves setting up empowered group for attracting investments into the country The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the historic Amendment to Essential Commodities Act on Wednesday. Addressing the media, Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, said: "Decisions related to agriculture were taken in today's Cabinet meeting. The Essential Commodities Act was amended keeping in view the well-being of farmers. The same will result in better remuneration to farmers for their crops." "Farmers have been freed from the constraints of the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC)", the minister added. The government approved removal of restrictions on the sale of farm goods. Farmers will now be free to sell produce outside APMC. They will be able to sell goods on electronic platforms and no taxes will be levied on the sale of produce by farmers outside APMC markets. Further, the cabinet also approved setting up of an empowered group of secretaries (EGoS) & project development cells (PDCs) in ministries as part of steps to enhance investments in India. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New global situation The current pandemic has created situations worldwide whereby rising protectionism is widening the gap between the rich and poorer countries, between regions within countries and also between local residents. Vietnam too has been affected in many ways. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to the GDP in the first quarter of the year to increase only by 3.82%. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that Vietnams annual GDP in 2020 would rise by barely 2.7%, affected greatly by the closure of tens of thousands of companies and loss of millions of jobs. Nevertheless, notwithstanding all negative factors, Vietnamese business companies as well as the national economy have shown great resilience, which has not fallen into a recession and is still maintaining a positive growth rate. The current fight against the Covid-19 pandemic is being successfully fought by Vietnam, with the countrys history of resilience in maintaining political security. Vietnam has kept a close watch on the safety of its people while maintaining economic security, safety for all its investors and has continued to improve the present economic environment for further investments. Vietnam now has more advantages in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). Investors across Asia, Europe and the USA are considering Vietnam a safer place for new investment projects and are willing to move their entire manufacturing factories from other countries into Vietnam. Companies relocating The unusual and difficult situation caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has prompted both Japan and the USA to encourage and provide financial support to companies that wish to relocate their facilities from China back to their homeland. This is a reason why we should not pin too much hope on big foreign companies moving into Vietnam. China is the second biggest economy in the world with a population of 1.4 bn people that offer a huge advantage, besides China has advanced technology and large-scale businesses. Even though Japan and the USA are using the present situation to exert pressure tactics on companies, only a few of these companies are considering relocating from China, and a larger number of these big companies are still trying to find ways to continue to stay there. Vietnam is attracting only a few of these companies. Recent information shows that several multinationals have reached an agreement with the Ministry of Planning and Investment in Vietnam as well as with some cities and provinces in the country for relocating their factories from China and other countries. These multinationals each have investment capital of tens of billions of US dollars. The US giant Apple Inc., for instance, has planned to move its production facilities from China to Vietnam to produce 30% of its wireless earphones for export. The Japanese company Panasonic Corporation wants to move all its air conditioning, refrigerator and washing machine production units from Thailand to Vietnam. A Taiwanese representative group has met with Vietnamese officials in the northern province of Bac Giang to arrange for its high-tech project with an investment capital of USD 4 bn. The Peoples Committee of Bac Giang Province has proposed to the Government to allow the construction of a 500ha Industrial Park to meet the needs of such future investors. However, it should be noted that Vietnam is not the only attractive market at the moment. Some countries have appeared as new competitors for this move. For example, India with an advantage of more than 1.3 bn people, also offers the worlds biggest number of graduate engineers every year and an advanced information technology network. Recently India has offered a large land area accompanied with significant incentives to house almost 1,000 big FDI companies. Similarly, Indonesia, with a population approximately three times that of Vietnam and GDP of around USD 1,000 bn, has started construction of a 400ha Industrial Park with several incentive offers for FDIs. Therefore, it is necessary to be cautious about foreign companies, but it is vital to see this as a great opportunity for Vietnam. The country now needs to adopt appropriate policies and measures so as not to miss any good opportunity coming its way. It is essential to remember that FDIs are drivers of substantial growth, and together with private and state-owned businesses will help in speeding economic recovery and development. Vietnam aims for an annual GDP growth rate of about 5%, and to gather momentum for a growth rate of over 7% in 2021. Offer favorable business environment On 22 May, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chaired a strategic meeting to discuss measures for attracting more new FDIs. In addition to the current incentives offered for digital, high-tech and modern service projects, Vietnam will also create more support programs. Vietnam already has clear land areas, fully operational Industrial Parks (IP), as well as Economic Zones (EZ) on immediate offer to FDIs. Nevertheless, it is essential to have more IPs in relevant provinces and offer fair and competitive rent fees. Several IPs and EZs in Vietnam have access roads and internet services, 3G and 4G telecommunications, electricity supply, water supply and drainage systems. The existing infrastructure is capable of satisfying investor needs. Beside this, Vietnam needs to meet the need of high-quality human resources with labor costs much lower than other competing countries. When companies move operating factories from other countries into Vietnam, the Vietnamese Government should introduce regulations that do not allow import of old and second hand machinery and equipment. Owners of companies must be informed and required to strictly comply with regulations on environmental protection, gas emissions, noise pollution, fire safety and prevention, and offer high standards of health and safety facilities. If a company or firm seriously violates any of the regulations or requirements, competent agencies may inspect and promptly take action to improve the situation. Since most FDI companies export 100% of their products, it is important to introduce appropriate amendments to regulations for export processing enterprises to create a more favorable business environment. Prof. Dr Nguyen Mai Chairman, Vietnam Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises (VAFIE) Don Kleine, the county attorney for Douglas County, Nebraska, held a news conference Wednesday at 2 p.m. regarding the shooting death of 22-year-old James Scurlock. "We've reviewed the available evidence and made our decision based on the evidence and the law," he said. "I made a decision and I would not change that decision based on anything we know today...However, I'm not afraid of having a decision that I've made reviewed by others." Kleine said he has met with members of the community that said he should designate a grand jury to investigate Scurlock's death. "I welcome and support the calling of a grand jury to review the evidence in this rare instance," Kleine said. He said he will petition for the grand jury and special prosecutor. "These times are unique in an effort and hope and restoring faith in the system," Kleine said. He said the jury actually convening could take a while due to current COVID-19 concerns. At the earliest this could take a few months. Kleine announced Monday that there would be no charges against Jake Gardner in the shooting death of Scurlock, a black man who was killed amid protests in Omaha Saturday night. Sister station KETV NewsWatch 7 has spoken to multiple city leaders about the possibility of a grand jury investigation. Scurlock II has called for the investigation, saying his son's death deserves another set of eyes and review. "What I ask them to do is invoke a grand jury," said the father. "This is a situation that happened with so much media around, and I'm not talking about press, I'm talking about the kids. Our kids have more media than the media has and everybody down here has a cell phone." A Virginia Walmart firearm display, as seen in August 2019. Business Insider Walmart has pulled firearms and ammunition from the sales floor of some stores, the company told Business Insider on Wednesday. "Those items are available for purchase, but are being stored in a secure room," a Walmart spokesperson said. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Walmart has removed firearms and ammunition from the sales floor of some stores amid widespread protests against the death of George Floyd. Customers can still purchase these items, even though they are no longer publicly displayed, the company told Business Insider. "As a responsible seller of hunting and sporting firearms, we have temporarily removed firearms and ammunition from the sales floor in some stores out of an abundance of caution," a Walmart spokesperson told Business Insider on Wednesday. "Those items are available for purchase, but are being stored in a secure room." Some of the many peaceful protests against Floyd's death over the past week have turned violent, with looters targeting restaurants and retail stores, including some Walmart locations. Walmart said it doesn't sell firearms in many of the major urban markets experiencing looting. Walmart last year barred shoppers from openly carrying guns in its stores and ended the sale of some types of ammunition in response to two deadly shootings at its stores. The company also ended the sale of handguns in Alaska the only state where Walmart still sold handguns and stopped selling ammunition for all handguns nationwide. Read the original article on Business Insider Routine teeth cleanings are back on the dental care menu in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has updated its guidelines for offering dental health care in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The updates lift restrictions on providing non-emergency and routine care, which means check-ups and teeth cleanings can start up once again with dentists across the state. However, there are restrictions. Dental offices must have the necessary amount of personal protective equipment for staff, including dental hygienists. Patients should also be screened for COVID-19 and social distancing should be maintained. Patients will also have to wash their hands frequently. Patients will wear masks when not being treated. Dental healthcare workers should also follow the Centers for Disease Controls list of protocols for offering care. Dental offices should also use tele-dentistry when possible to treat patients. Dental services had been initially restricted because of the nature of the care, which could increase exposure risk to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 simply because it requires dentists to be close to patients who have their mouths open. The spread of COVID-19 has been on the decline in recent weeks in Pennsylvania, however the state department of health encourages Pennsylvanians to stay vigilant and continue to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, cover coughs or sneezes with an elbow rather than a hand, wear a mask when out in public, clean high-touch surfaces frequently and stay home if they are feeling unwell. 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. Hurricane season officially started June 1, and with the added layer of COVID-19 complications, it's important to be well-prepared to evacuate if it becomes necessary. As always, pets are members of the family and should be included in all disaster planning. The Louisiana SPCA is urging pet owners to create a COVID-19-conscious evacuation plan. Before Hurricane Katrina, about 259,400 families owned pets in New Orleans. Because there was no formal evacuation plan for residents needing assistance or for those with pets, as many as 104,000 pets were left behind. A whopping 44% of those who chose not to evacuate did so because they refused to leave their pets behind. Natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods are out of our control. However, planning for a disaster is something we can all do. Just like other members of the household, emergency planning for pets requires supplies and advance preparation. Being prepared Make sure vaccinations are up to date and that you copies of their medical records on hand. All boarding facilities and veterinarian offices will require proof of immunization before accepting pets. With vet offices being booked several weeks out due to current COVID-19 restrictions, make an appointment today. Update ID tags. If your contact information or address have changed, be sure to get new pet ID tags. Microchip. This is a permanent form of identification that can be a pets round-trip ticket home in the event it gets lost. Need a microchip? Schedule an appointment at the Louisiana SPCAs Community Clinic or with the family vet. Pet-friendly lodging. The ideal place during the pandemic likely will be pet-friendly hotels. While staying with family or friends outside of the storm-threat area is normally ideal, COVID-19 social distancing may interfere. Finding a safe place to evacuate to can be challenging with COVID-19, but preparation is key. Evacuation checklist Food and water. Keep food in an airtight, waterproof container. Water for pets should be in addition to the water for the family. Don't forget to bring the pet's dishes. Medicine and medical records. Keep an extra supply of pet medicines in a waterproof container. Collar with ID tag. Pets should wear a collar with their rabies tag and identification at all times. Don't forget the leash, and a harness is also recommended as extra security so a pet cannot slip out of its collar. Documents. Place copies of the pet's microchip information, registration, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clear plastic bag or waterproof container. Crate or pet carrier. Carriers should be large enough for pets to stand up, completely turn around and lie down. Put your name, address, phone number and an alternate contact on the carrier. Sanitation. Include pet litter, newspapers, towels, plastic trash bags and cleansers in the evacuation bag so you can pick up after pets. For more information about planning for an evacuation with pets, visit www.la-spca.org/evacuation. BRENTWOOD, Tenn., June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Corizon Health announced today that it has named Latasha A. McMillan, MSN, MSHCA, as vice president of operations for the contract with the state of Maryland. McMillan has been with Corizon for more than 11 years, previously serving as regional vice president of operations for Corizons partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP). She was actively involved in the original bid process and assisted with the Maryland contract launch last year. McMillan brings over 16 years of correctional healthcare, operations, and compliance and quality control experience to the new role. She began her correctional healthcare career as a director of nursing at one of Corizons predecessor companies, Correctional Medical Services, where she had responsibility for adhering to National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) and the Department of Justices compliance standards at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington, Delaware serving over 2,000 offenders. She holds a masters degree in nursing leadership and a masters degree in healthcare administration, both from Wilmington University in New Castle, Delaware. In addition to being a registered nurse, McMillan is an advanced board certified nurse executive and a certified correctional health professional. While I will wholeheartedly miss my Philly family, I am excited about this next stage in my life and am looking forward to working with all the dedicated team members in the Maryland contract, says McMillan. McMillan will work directly with Senior Vice President Mike Murphy and Corizons partners at the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to ensure overall quality control, contract compliance, and excellence in all aspects of health-service operations. Corizon has served the Maryland DPSCS which operates a large state-wide network of twenty-two adult correctional campuses and one for juveniles, since January of 2019. We are delighted to welcome LaTasha to this new role and know she will be a great fit for our Maryland partners and team, said Murphy. Her deep health services administration knowledge, extensive multi-facility experience, and track record on implementing successful systems for compliance are huge assets to our leadership group. About Corizon Health Corizon Health is a leading provider of correctional healthcare services in the United States, providing quality healthcare services to states and municipalities across the country for more than forty years. Corizon offers comprehensive solutions for medical care, behavioral care, pharmaceutical and re-entry services. For more information, please visit www.corizonhealth.com. Company Also Implements its 2020 European Agricultural Initiatives and Novel food Application VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2020 / Stillcanna Inc. (OTC PINK:SCNNF) (CSE:STIL) (FRANKFURT:A2PEWA) ("STIL" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") to acquire Sativa Group PLC, one of the United Kingdom's (the "UK") first medical Cannabis Companies (the "Proposed Transaction"). Further to the announcements made on 21 April 2020 and 20 May 2020, the boards of directors of Stillcanna Inc. ("Stillcanna") and Sativa Group Plc ("Sativa") are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended share for share exchange offer to be made by Stillcanna for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Sativa (the "Offer"). The Stillcanna shares have been halted from trading on the CSE with effect from market open on 22 April 2020 pending completion of the Offer, when the combined group will resume trading under its current issuer name, Stillcanna Inc. In addition, Stillcanna intends to publish a filing statement later this month in respect of the acquisition, which will be available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), under Stillcanna's existing issuer profile. Completion of the Proposed Transaction will be subject to Stillcanna obtaining the approval of the CSE, as well as the approval of a majority of Stillcanna shareholders at the Stillcanna shareholder meeting to be held as soon as possible pursuant to the policies of the CSE. Within the next day required documentation will be on Stillcanna's website at www.stillcanna.com and on Sativa's website at www.sativagroup.co.uk. Sativa's and Stillcanna's beliefs and visions for the Cannabis industry are aligned, and both companies feel strongly that only a fully integrated seed to consumer business will have the pricing, products, and stability to meet the cannabis market demand in the medium term. The Offer is a share for share exchange offer at a ratio of approximately 0.33507 (the "Exchange Ratio") new Stillcanna shares in exchange for each share of Sativa. The Exchange Ratio attributes an implied value for the entire issued share capital of Sativa of approximately 10,409,022 (based on the closing price of CAD0.095 per Stillcanna Share on 21 April 2020). Following completion of the Proposed Transaction, it is intended that the Stillcanna Board will be made up of 6 directors. This will be comprised of Jonathan Wearing as Non-Executive Chairman (Sativa's existing Non-Executive Chairman), Henry Lees-Buckley as Chief Executive Officer (Sativa's existing Chief Executive Officer) and Joseph Colliver as Chief Financial Officer (Sativa's existing Chief Financial Officer), and Non-Executive Directors consisting of Angus Kerr, Mark Blower (each non-executive directors of Sativa) and Jason Dussault (Stillcanna's existing Chief Executive Officer). Geremy Thomas (Sativa's existing Non-Executive Deputy Chairman) has elected to step down from the Board of Sativa and will continue to provide advice on strategy and growth as a consultant to the combined group. Each of Shae de Jaray, Bill MacDonald and Warren Robinson will step down as directors of Stillcanna. However, it is anticipated that they shall continue to provide support to the Stillcanna Board going forward, as consultants. Anne Tew (Sativa's existing Company Secretary) will perform the role of Corporate Secretary of the combined group. Stillcanna will continue to trade, or otherwise be quoted on the CSE, OTC and FSE following completion of the Proposed Transaction and trading in Stillcanna shares is expected to resume following completion expected in August 2020. In addition, Stillcanna intends to list the Stillcanna Shares on the AQSE on or shortly after the closing of the Proposed Transaction in order to maintain access to the AQSE for shareholders of the combined group. Admission for trading on the AQSE is subject to Stillcanna satisfying the regulatory requirements of the AQSE. "Trust is the most important commodity a brand must procure and maintain to be successful," stated Jason Dussault CEO of Stillcanna, "this is especially crucial in a nascent sector such as CBD wellness. The merger of the Sativa Group Plc and Stillcanna Inc. will secure this commodity through the stewardship of this special cannabinoid from seed through to cultivation and extraction, and now testing, bottling and distribution." "We are very excited about the combination of the Sativa Group PLC and Stillcanna Inc. This creates a true European "seed to consumer" CBD wellness and medicinal cannabis group; cultivating and extracting the highest quality CBD, through to developing and producing the highest quality finished consumer products. This integrated approach supported by optimized production capabilities and laboratory testing allows us to position our brands for strong sales growth not only in the UK but across Europe", comments Henry Lees-Buckley, CEO of the Sativa Group PLC. Stillcanna is pleased to announce that it has begun its agricultural initiatives in Europe to secure a steady availability of hemp biomass for the Company's NEXUS extraction facility in Poland for 2020 and 2021. This year the Company has taken a multi-pronged approach to its farming initiatives including planting on certified organic land. The Company's certified organic initiative could yield up to 100,000 kilos of premium organic hemp. Having a certified organic product allows Stillcanna to access a wider range of specialty customers. Stillcanna along with its own agricultural efforts in Poland has agreements with multiple European based hemp farmers to assure the Company high CBD content EU compliant hemp biomass for 2020. All of the Company's own biomass will be farmed organically and follow Good Farming Practices. The Company anticipates processing a minimum of 18,000 kilos of biomass in its Polish facility every month but could double that amount should the market demand be there. The Company's strategy of using its own farming complimented with agricultural partnerships is designed to assure the Company access to highest CBD content biomass available in Europe, while reducing agricultural risks. The Company is also pleased to announce it has begun its Novel Food Application and has hired Global Regulatory Services of the UK, an award winning global consulting firm with a specialty in Novel Food applications. Stillcanna is ready to submit its active ingredients for both stability and toxicology. As required within certain EU markets Stillcanna intends to have its Novel Food Application validated prior to the March 2021 deadline and remain market compliant in 2021 and beyond. "We continue to refine our agricultural initiatives to garner the best high CBD content hemp for the lowest costs available in Europe. Whether it's our own Polish farming or our agreements and cooperation with other farmers our plan will ensure a steady supply of hemp for our extraction facilities in Europe. We look forward to post COVID-19 and starting up manufacturing at scale in both Poland and Romania," commented Stillcanna CEO Jason Dussault. About Sativa Group PLC The Sativa Group PLC joined the UK's NEX market in March 2018 as the UK's first medicinal cannabis investment vehicle. The business evolved to focus on the development of an operational business capitalizing on its first-mover advantage. This change transitioned the Company from an investment Company to an operating Company at the forefront of both the CBD wellness and medicinal cannabis sectors in the UK. About Stillcanna Inc. Stillcanna Inc. (CSE: STIL) www.stillcanna.com is a Canadian early-stage life sciences Company focused on the large scale manufacturing of CBD in Europe. The Company believes its proprietary intellectual property allows it to extract CBD at a lower cost. The Company has signed an initial extraction contract in Europe to be the exclusive extractor for Dragonfly Biosciences LLC, a United Kingdom-based supplier of CBD. The Company also recently completed the acquisition of Olimax NT SP. Z .O.O, a multi-generational hemp agricultural firm that is expected to increase the Company's market share in the European CBD industry. On Behalf of the Board Jason Dussault, CEO CONTACT: inquiries@stillcanna.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Stillcanna's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to information concerning the Definitive Agreement, the Proposed Transaction, the anticipated completion of the Proposed Transaction, the approval of the Proposed Transaction by the Canadian Securities Exchange and certain shareholder and regulatory requirements, the ability of the Company to meet the cannabis market demand in the medium term, the composition of the board following completion of the Proposed Transaction, the listing of the Company's common shares on the AQSE, the ability to secure a steady availability of hemp biomass for the Company's NEXUS facility, the Company's farming initiatives, whether the hemp biomass will be farmed organically, agricultural partnerships and the Company's readiness to submit its active ingredients for both stability and toxicology. Although Stillcanna believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. In particular, there is no guarantee that that the parties will successfully complete the Proposed Transaction on the terms contemplated herein or at all, that either will be satisfied with the results of their proposed due diligence, or that any required shareholder or regulatory approvals will be obtained. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this press release, and Stillcanna does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws SOURCE: Stillcanna Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/592594/Stillcanna-Signs-Definitive-Agreement-to-Acquire-Sativa-Group-PLC-of-the-United-Kingdom The Fredericksburg public school systems first African American superintendent is featured in the May/June issue of Exceptional People magazine. Marci Catlett, who was in the first class to integrate Maury School, was named superintendent of the citys schools last year. She is a graduate of the citys schools and began her career as a teacher at WalkerGrant Middle School. She moved into administration after 12 years in the classroom and was named deputy superintendent in 2012. Exceptional People magazine showcases extraordinary people of all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, reveal the motivating factors behind their success and recognize them for their significant impact and contributions to society, according to founder and publisher Monica Davis. Her profile of Catlett is headlined Leading at the Speed of Change. The phrase was taken from a comment the superintendent made when asked if she felt like shed come full circle in the school system. [June 03, 2020] BigID Introduces App Development Framework for Its Data Intelligence Platform BigID, the leader in data discovery and intelligence for privacy, protection and perspective, today introduced the first Application Development Framework for any data discovery platform on the market. The BigID App Development Framework empowers customers and partners to get more value from their data by building custom application functionality on top of BigID's market-leading data discovery platform. For the first time, customers and partners can add custom functionality to BigID to take action on discovered data for new use cases in data privacy, security and governance. "BigID's App Framework empowers customers and partners to easily build and add their own applications to the BigID Data Intelligence Platform," explained Eyal Sacharov, Chief Architect at BigID. "With a full fledged ecosystem, community-built apps can easily and intuitively leverage BigID's discovery-in-depth capabilities with built-in monitoring on open architecture to address problem spaces in privacy, security and data governance." Features: The Application Development Framework simplifies how organizations extend the BigID platform. Key features include: Development support for Java, Javascript, Node.js or Python API hooks for classification, cataloging, correlation, cluster analysis, scan management, reporting, workflow, alerting and more UI integrationfor Angular or React Secure deployment inside BigID's microservice implementation Access to developer portal with code samples, test apps and support Cost: The BigID App Development Framework is free to BigID partners and customers. Customers can add bespoke apps to their BigID implementation at no cost. Partners can also develop and add functionality for their customers at no cost. Trial: To schedule your demo and trial of BigID's App Development Framework, go to bigid.com/demo About BigID: Based in New York, BigID uses advanced machine learning and identity intelligence to help enterprises better protect their customer and employee data at petabyte scale. Using BigID, enterprises can better safeguard and assure the privacy of their most sensitive data, reducing breach risk and enabling compliance with emerging data protection regulations like the EU's General Data Protection Regulation and California Consumer Privacy Act. BigID has raised $146 million in funding since its founding in 2016 and has been recognized for its privacy innovation as the 2018 RSA (News - Alert) Conference Innovation Sandbox winner, a CB Insights 2018 Cyber Defender, Network Products Guide 2018 IT World Awards "Hot Company of the Year" winner, a 2019 InformationWeek Vendor to Watch, a 2019 Business Insider enterprise vendor "to bet your career on," and a 2019 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer. Learn more at http://bigid.com or visit us at http://bigid.com/demo to schedule a demo. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005166/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] WASHINGTON, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) announced today public disciplinary actions against the following individuals, effective immediately or on the date noted in each case. Public disciplinary actions taken by CFP Board, in order of increasing severity, include letters of admonition, suspensions and permanent revocations. This release contains information about recent disciplinary actions relating to 13 current or former CFP professionals. Of these actions, there were 4 letters of admonition, 4 suspensions, and 5 administrative revocations. The basis for each decision can be found in the Disciplinary Action Report below and on CFP Board's website. The public may check on an individual's disciplinary history and certification status with CFP Board at www.CFP.net/verify . That website also provides links to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's (FINRA) BrokerCheck and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Investment Adviser Public Disclosure databases, which are free tools that may be used to conduct research on the background and experience of CFP professionals who are subject to FINRA or SEC oversight, including with respect to employment history, regulatory actions, and investment-related licensing information, arbitrations, and complaints. CFP Board's enforcement process is a critical consumer protection. As part of their certification, a CFP professional agrees to abide by CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct (Code and Standards), or its predecessor, the Standards of Professional Conduct (Standards), which included the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Rules of Conduct and Financial Planning Practice Standards. CFP Board enforces its ethical standards by investigating incidents of alleged violations and, where there is probable cause to believe there are grounds for discipline, presenting a Complaint containing the alleged violations to CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) pursuant to CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (Disciplinary Rules). If the Commission determines there are grounds for discipline, then it may impose a sanction ranging from a private censure or letter of admonition to the suspension or revocation of the right to use the CFP marks. CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules set forth the process for investigating matters and imposing discipline where violations have been found. The Commission meets at least six times a year to provide a fair, unbiased review of any matter in which CFP Board has alleged that a CFP professional has violated the Standards. The Commission functions in accordance with the Disciplinary Rules and reviews all matters on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the details specific to an individual case. While CFP Board has attempted to capture the details relevant to each decision, the summary nature of these releases may omit certain details affecting the decision. Accordingly, the decisions and/or rationale described in the releases may not apply to other cases reviewed by the Commission or reflect the Commission's future interpretation or application of the Code and Standards, or the predecessor Standards. STATE NAME LOCATION DISCIPLINE North Carolina James E. Armstrong, Jr. Raleigh Suspension Washington Kevin L. Daniel, Jr., CFP Seattle Letter of Admonition California Joel D. Davidman Los Angeles Administrative Revocation California Jordan Davis, CFP San Francisco Letter of Admonition Louisiana C. Michael Dowden Baton Rouge Suspension Pennsylvania James Dresselaers Tannersville Administrative Revocation Florida Christopher Haysley Lake Mary Suspension Pennsylvania Stephen A. Kelbick, CFP Blue Bell Letter of Admonition New York Raymond A. Menna Mount Sinai Suspension Minnesota Michael Severance Loretto Administrative Revocation Alaska Michael W. Shamburger Anchorage Administrative Revocation Texas Joshua W. Strittmatter, CFP Fort Worth Letter of Admonition Alaska Rob E. Wedel Anchorage Administrative Revocation LETTERS OF ADMONITION CALIFORNIA Jordan Davis, CFP (San Francisco): In May 2020, the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) and Mr. Davis entered into a settlement agreement in which Mr. Davis agreed that CFP Board would issue a Letter of Admonition. In the settlement agreement, Mr. Davis consented to findings that he converted his firm employer's funds by obtaining reimbursement for a 2014 computer purchase to which he was not entitled pursuant to the firm's Computer Equipment Purchase Assistance Program, and that he was permitted to resign from his firm in May 2018 for this conduct. Mr. Davis also consented to a finding that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) found in a September 2019 Cautionary Action Letter that his conduct with respect to the computer reimbursement violated FINRA Rule 2010, which states that "every membershall observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade." Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Mr. Davis also consented to findings that his conduct violated Rules 4.3, 5.1, and 6.5 of the Rules of Conduct, providing grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Accordingly, the Commission issued to Mr. Davis a Public Letter of Admonition. PENNSYLVANIA Stephen A. Kelbick, CFP (Blue Bell): In March 2020, the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) and Mr. Kelbick entered into a settlement agreement in which Mr. Kelbick agreed that CFP Board would issue a Letter of Admonition. In the settlement agreement, Mr. Kelbick consented to findings that he exercised discretion over a client's account by effecting approximately 40 transactions in 2016 without prior written authorization, and that his firm settled a complaint by the client for $24,000 in December 2016 and he was terminated from his firm for his conduct in August 2017. Mr. Kelbick also consented to a finding that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) found in a 2019 Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC) that his conduct with respect to the transactions violated FINRA Rule 2510(b), which prohibits registered representatives from exercising discretion in a customer's account without prior written approval from the customer and without the firm's approval of the account as a discretionary account from the client. The AWC also found that Mr. Kelbick violated FINRA 2010, which requires registered representatives to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. As part of the AWC, Mr. Kelbick consented to a suspension for 15 days and a fine for $5,000. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Mr. Kelbick also consented to findings that his conduct violated Rules 4.3, 4.4, and 6.5 of the Rules of Conduct, providing grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(a) and 3(d) the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Accordingly, the Commission issued to Mr. Kelbick a Public Letter of Admonition. TEXAS Joshua W. Strittmatter, CFP (Fort Worth): In December 2019, the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) issued an order in which Mr. Strittmatter received a Letter of Admonition. The Commission issued its order after determining that, during the period between April 2, 2018 and November 22, 2018, Mr. Strittmatter represented his compensation method as "Fee Only" on CFP Board's "Find a CFP professional" search tool when he was receiving insurance commissions, making the description inaccurate and misleading. The Commission found that Mr. Strittmatter was licensed to serve as an insurance agent, was appointed with more than two dozen insurance carriers, was actively selling insurance products, and was collecting commissions comprising 10-20% of his income. The Commission determined that Mr. Strittmatter's conduct violated Rules 2.1 and 2.2(A) of the Rules of Conduct, providing grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(a) of the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Accordingly, the Commission issued a Letter of Admonition to Mr. Strittmatter. WASHINGTON Kevin L. Daniel, Jr., CFP (Seattle): In February 2020, the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) and Mr. Daniel entered into a settlement agreement in which Mr. Daniel agreed that CFP Board would issue a Letter of Admonition. In the settlement agreement, Mr. Daniel consented to findings that he was charged with felony harassment-threat to kill in 2018 for sending threatening text messages in 2017. In 2018, he entered a Felony Diversion Program pursuant to which he stipulated that the facts about the threats were true and sufficient to find him guilty of felony harassment-threat to kill and he agreed to pay fees in the amount of $850, complete 48 hours of community service, obtain a chemical dependency evaluation and complete any recommended treatment, complete an anger management class, and possess no guns for the term of the diversion except for hunting outside of the state. Mr. Daniel also consented to findings that, on May 9, 2019, the county probation services filed a letter with the court affirming that Mr. Daniel had completed his obligations and recommended dismissal of all charges; soon thereafter, the Court entered an Order of Dismissal. Mr. Daniel also consented to findings that he was terminated from his firm for failing to notify his firm and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority of the charges within 30 days. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Mr. Daniel also consented to findings that his conduct violated Rules 5.1 and 6.5 of the Rules of Conduct, providing grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(a) and 3(c) the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Accordingly, the Commission issued to Mr. Daniel a Public Letter of Admonition. SUSPENSIONS FLORIDA Christopher Haysley (Lake Mary): In December 2019, the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) issued an order in which Mr. Haysley received a one-year suspension of his right to use the CFP certification marks. The Commission issued its order after determining that, in August 2018, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation and Mr. Haysley entered into a Stipulation and Consent Agreement (Consent Agreement) in which Mr. Haysley consented to findings that he failed to comply with certain provisions of the Florida Administrative Code and Florida Statutes by (a) failing to maintain an accurate Form ADV; (b) failing to update the correct address for his firm on his Form U4 timely and failing to disclose that he is a licensed insurance agent; (c) failing to maintain written information about each advisory client that was the basis for making recommendations or providing investment advice to those clients; (d) recommending the purchase and sale of securities without reasonable grounds to believe the recommendations were suitable for the respective customers; and (e) failing to ensure that all contracts were dated, signed by all parties, and disclosed the appropriate advisory fee. As part of the Consent Order, Mr. Haysley agreed to cease and desist from violations of the Florida Statutes and the rules promulgated thereunder and pay an administrative fine of $12,000.00. The Commission determined that Mr. Haysley's conduct violated Rules 4.3, 4.5 and 5.1 of the Rules of Conduct and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(a) and 3(d) of the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Accordingly, the Commission issued to Mr. Haysley a suspension for one year. Mr. Haysley's suspension is effective from February 19, 2020 until February 19, 2021. LOUISIANA C. Michael Dowden (Baton Rouge): In March 2020, the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) and Mr. Dowden entered into a settlement agreement in which Mr. Dowden agreed that CFP Board would issue a 60-day suspension of his right to use the CFP certification marks. In the settlement agreement, Mr. Dowden consented to findings that he altered variable annuity exchange forms to supply dates for undated customer signatures using the date on which he had approved each transaction, causing his firm to create and maintain inaccurate books and records. Mr. Dowden also consented to a finding that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) found in a 2019 Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC) that his conduct violated FINRA Rule 4511, and its predecessor NASD Rule 3110, which require FINRA members to make and preserve accurate books and records, and FINRA Rule 2010, which requires registered representatives to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. As part of the AWC, Mr. Dowden consented to a suspension for two months and a fine of $10,000. Additionally, Mr. Dowden consented to findings that he failed to notify CFP Board in writing of his FINRA suspension within 30 calendar days after the date on which he was notified of the suspension. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Mr. Dowden also consented to findings that his conduct violated Rules 4.3, 4.5, 5.1, 6.1, and 6.4 of the Rules of Conduct, providing grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(a) and 3(d) the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Accordingly, the Commission issued to Mr. Dowden a suspension for 60 days. The suspension was effective from March 25, 2020 until May 25, 2020. NEW YORK Raymond A. Menna (Mount Sinai): In December 2019, the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) issued an order in which Mr. Menna received a 45-day suspension of his right to use the CFP certification marks. The Commission issued its order after determining that, between April 2016 and October 2017, Mr. Menna made monthly cash payments to a customer totaling $15,000 after the value of the customer's account declined to zero as a result of customer withdrawals and trading losses. Mr. Menna did not obtain prior written authorization from his firm or the customer to make the payments, nor had Mr. Menna or the firm contributed financially to the customer's account. The Commission also found that the same customer filed a Statement of Claim in 2017 to initiate a FINRA arbitration against Mr. Menna, which was settled by Mr. Menna and his firm for $260,000 (including a $35,000 personal contribution from Mr. Menna). The Commission further determined that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) and Mr. Menna entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC), which found that Mr. Menna shared in the customer's losses as a result of his conduct and violated FINRA Rule 2150(c)(1)(A) and FINRA Rule 2010. As part of the AWC, Mr. Menna consented to the imposition of a 45-calendar day suspension from association with any FINRA member-firm in any capacity and a fine in the amount of $5,000. The Commission further found that Mr. Menna was terminated his firm after being suspended by FINRA and he did not timely report his suspension to CFP Board. The Commission determined that Mr. Menna's conduct violated Rules 4.3, 4.4, 5.1 of the Rules of Conduct and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(a), 3(d), and 3(e) of the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Accordingly, the Commission issued to Mr. Menna a suspension for 45 days. Mr. Menna's suspension was effective from February 19, 2020 until April 3, 2020. NORTH CAROLINA James E. Armstrong, Jr. (Raleigh): In December 2019, the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) issued an order in which Mr. Armstrong received a three-month suspension of his right to use the CFP certification marks. The Commission issued its order after determining that Mr. Armstrong was a General Securities Representative and Principal and was delegated responsibility to review client transactions for suitability. The Commission found that Mr. Armstrong failed to reasonably supervise a subordinate by: (1) ignoring numerous red flags that indicated that the subordinate was implementing unsuitable investment recommendations in client accounts; (2) failing to investigate trade alerts concerning securities transactions that the subordinate executed in customer accounts; and (3) allowing the subordinate to increase customer's risk tolerances to match his trading activity. The Commission further determined that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) and Mr. Armstrong entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC) in November 2018, which found that Mr. Armstrong violated NASD Conduct Rule 3010(a) and FINRA Rules 3110(a) and 2010 with respect to the conduct. NASD Rule 3010(a) and FINRA Rule 3110(a) require FINRA members to establish and maintain a supervisory system that is reasonably designed to achieve compliance with applicable securities laws and regulations, and FINRA rules. There must be adequate follow-up and review when a firm's own procedures detect irregularities or unusual trading. A supervisor who is aware of red flags or irregularities cannot discharge his or her obligations by simply relying on the unverified representations of employees. FINRA Rule 2010 provides that "A member, in the conduct of its business, shall observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade." By signing the AWC, Mr. Armstrong consented to the imposition of a three-month suspension in all principal capacities and a $7,500 fine. The Commission determined that Mr. Armstrong's conduct violated Rules 4.3, 4.6, and 5.1 of the Rules of Conduct and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(a) and 3(d) of the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Accordingly, the Commission issued to Mr. Armstrong a suspension for three months. Mr. Armstrong's suspension was effective from February 19, 2020 until May 19, 2020. ADMINISTRATIVE REVOCATIONS ALASKA Michael W. Shamburger (Anchorage): In February 2020, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Shamburger's right to use the CFP certification marks. This discipline followed Mr. Shamburger's failure to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within the required timeframe. CFP Board's Complaint alleged that (1) Mr. Shamburger's firm, through him and his business partner, solicited firm clients to invest in a private placement, for which their compensation was not properly disclosed; (2) the firm, through Mr. Shamburger, made false and misleading statements in Form ADV Part 2A filings regarding the compensation it received for selling the private placement; and (3) the firm improperly received this compensation by acting as an unregistered broker-dealer. The Complaint further alleged that the firm, Mr. Shamburger, and the business partner entered into a 2019 SEC Cease and Desist Order regarding this conduct, consenting to cease and desist from any future violations of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and pay disgorgement of $253,784, and civil penalties of $85,000, $50,000 and $25,000, respectively. CFP Board's Complaint further alleged that Mr. Shamburger's conduct violated Rules 1.4, 2.1, 2.2A, 2.2B and 4.3 of the Rules of Conduct, providing grounds to discipline Respondent under Article 3(a) of the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (Disciplinary Rules). Mr. Shamburger declined to file an Answer to the Complaint to CFP Board within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of the Disciplinary Rules. In accordance with Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued an Administrative Order of Revocation. Mr. Shamburger's revocation was effective as of March 9, 2020. ALASKA Rob E. Wedel (Anchorage): In February 2020, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Wedel's right to use the CFP certification marks. Mr. Wedel had administratively relinquished his CFP certification in February 2019. This discipline followed Mr. Wedel's failure to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within the required timeframe. CFP Board's Complaint alleged that (1) Mr. Wedel's firm, through him and his business partner, solicited firm clients to invest in a private placement, for which their compensation was not properly disclosed and the firm improperly received this compensation by acting as an unregistered broker-dealer; (2) Mr. Wedel engaged in unauthorized use of the CFP marks; and (3) Mr. Wedel failed to cooperate with CFP Board's investigation. The Complaint further alleged that the firm, Mr. Wedel, and the business partner entered into a 2019 SEC Cease and Desist Order regarding this conduct, consenting to cease and desist from any future violations of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and pay disgorgement of $253,784 and civil penalties of $85,000, $25,000, and $50,000, respectively. CFP Board's Complaint further alleged that Mr. Wedel's conduct violated Rules 1.4, 2.1, 2.2B, 4.3, and 6.1 of the Rules of Conduct, providing grounds to discipline Respondent under Articles 3(a) and 3(f) of the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (Disciplinary Rules). Mr. Wedel declined to file an Answer to the Complaint to CFP Board within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of the Disciplinary Rules. In accordance with Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued an Administrative Order of Revocation. Mr. Wedel's revocation was effective as of March 9, 2020. CALIFORNIA Joel D. Davidman (Los Angeles): In January 2020, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Davidman's right to use the CFP certification marks. Mr. Davidman's CFP certification expired on December 31, 2019. This discipline followed Mr. Davidman's failure to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within the required timeframe. CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Davidman initiated approximately 2,200 trades in the accounts of 27 firm customers without prior written authorization from the customers or approval from Morgan Stanley, violating Rule 4.3 of the Rules of Conduct. The Complaint also alleged that Mr. Davidman entered into an AWC with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) on July 10, 2017 with respect to the conduct, resulting in FINRA imposing a 45-day suspension. Further, the Complaint alleged that, on February 15, 2018, the California Department of Insurance (Department) issued Mr. Davidman a 10-day suspension. The Complaint also alleged that Mr. Davidman failed to disclose to CFP Board the two suspensions he received from FINRA or the Department within the required 30-day time frame, and that he was terminated from his firm on June 3, 2019 regarding concerns about discretionary trades in his client's accounts, in violation of firm policy. CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Davidman's conduct violated Rules 4.3, 5.1, 6.4, and 6.5 of the Rules of Conduct, providing grounds for discipline under Articles 3(a) and 3(d) of the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (Disciplinary Rules). Mr. Davidman declined to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of the Disciplinary Rules. In accordance with Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued an Administrative Order of Revocation. Mr. Davidman's revocation was effective as of February 6, 2020. MINNESOTA Michael Severance (Loretto): In April 2020, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Severance's right to use the CFP certification marks. CFP Board previously announced that it imposed an automatic interim suspension of the CFP certification on Mr. Severance, which was effective as of December 31, 2019. This discipline followed Mr. Severance's failure to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within the required timeframe. CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Severance was terminated in December 2018 from his firm after the firm discovered that he had provided bill-paying services to a firm customer, for compensation, and that the firm customer had given a monetary gift to a family member of Mr. Severance in excess of $100, without notifying the Firm or obtaining the Firm's approval. The Complaint further alleged that, on June 20, 2019, Mr. Severance was fined $5,000 by the Minnesota Department of Commerce for breaching his fiduciary duty, demonstrating incompetence and/or financial irresponsibility in his dealings, and failing to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade in the services he provided to his 70-year old client, all in violation of Minnesota state law. Mr. Severance was also issued a six-month suspension, which was stayed. The Complaint also alleged that, on November 22, 2019, Mr. Severance entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC) with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), consenting to the imposition of a permanent bar from association with any FINRA member. The AWC found that Mr. Severance refused to produce documents and information requested by FINRA staff pursuant to FINRA Rule 8210 in violation of FINRA Rule 8210 and FINRA Rule 2010, which provides that "A member, in the conduct of its business, shall observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade." CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Severance's conduct violated Rule 4.3 of the Rules of Conduct and Article 13.2 of the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (Disciplinary Rules), providing grounds for discipline under Articles 3(a) and 3(d) of the Disciplinary Rules. Mr. Severance declined to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of the Disciplinary Rules. In accordance with Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued an Administrative Order of Revocation. Mr. Severance's revocation was effective as of April 7, 2020. PENNSYLVANIA James Dresselaers (Tannersville): In January 2020, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Dresselaers's right to use the CFP certification marks. Mr. Dresselaers had administratively relinquished his CFP certification in March 2020. This discipline followed Mr. Dresselaers's failure to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within the required timeframe. CFP Board's Complaint alleged that, between 2008 and 2010, Mr. Dresselaers made unsuitable recommendations on nontraditional electronically traded funds and metal and mining stocks to a client. The Commission further alleged that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) and Mr. Dresselaers entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC) in August 2017, which found that Mr. Dresselaers violated NASD Conduct Rules 2310 and 2001 and FINRA Rules 2111 and 2010, suspended him for 60 days, fined him $10,000, and ordered disgorgement of commissions earned in the amount of $18,708. NASD Rule 2310 and FINRA Rule 2111 require that, when recommending the purchase, sale, or exchange of any security, a FINRA-registered person must have reasonable grounds for believing that the recommendation is suitable for the customer upon the basis of the facts, if any, disclosed by the customer as to his other security holdings and as to his financial situation and needs. FINRA Rule 2111 requires that a firm or associated person have a reasonable basis to believe a recommended transaction or investment strategy involving a security or securities is suitable for the customer, and FINRA Rule 2010 provides that "A member, in the conduct of its business, shall observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade." The Complaint also alleged that, in February 2018, Mr. Dresselaers and the Commissioner of the Securities Division of Maryland consented to findings that Mr. Dresselaers made unsuitable recommendations in violation of Maryland law and Mr. Dresselaers was ordered to permanently cease and desist, suspended from serving as an agent and investment adviser representative. Mr. Dresselaers declined to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of the Disciplinary Rules. In accordance with Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued an Administrative Order of Revocation. Mr. Dresselaers's revocation was effective as of February 12, 2020. ABOUT CFP BOARD Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. is the professional body for personal financial planners in the U.S. CFP Board sets standards for financial planning and administers the prestigious CFP certification one of the most respected certifications in financial services so that the public has access to and benefits from competent and ethical financial planning. CFP Board, along with its Center for Financial Planning, is committed to increasing the public's awareness of CFP certification and access to a diverse, ethical and competent financial planning workforce. Widely recognized by firms and consumer groups as the standard for financial planning, CFP certification is held by more than 87,000 people in the United States. SOURCE Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Related Links http://www.cfp.net The president of the Minneapolis police union who called George Floyd a 'violent criminal' in a letter to members has said that he was involved in multiple police shootings and they didn't bother him. Lt Bob Kroll, president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, was speaking during an interview in April with Stim Radio, posted just a month before Floyd's death. Kroll claimed that he and over half of his board members were involved in police shootings but 'didn't have problems' with PTSD. In the interview, he also complained that police officers in the city were not being approved raises because there was so much money being spent on wrongful death suits, blaming the lawyers who didn't get cops off the hook. Scroll down for video Lt Bob Kroll, president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis who called George Floyd a 'violent criminal', has himself been involved in several police shootings. He is seen speaking here at a Trump rally in October 2019, where he praised him for his support of police There were calls for Kroll to resign as president of the union Tuesday after the letter he sent to members about Floyd's death. There's been a big influx of PTSD. But I've been involved in three shootings myself, and not one of them has bothered me. Maybe I'm different Lt Bob Kroll In the letter released Monday, Kroll described protesters demonstrating over Floyd's death as terrorists and criticized the city's politicians for not sanctioning greater use of force against them in a letter to union members. He also defended the four officers involved in Floyd's death, including Derek Chauvin who is facing charges of murder and manslaughter. All four officers have been fired. A video of the arrest on on May 25, in which Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for over eight minutes until he died, went viral and sparked protests and riots across the U.S which have now lasted for eight days and led to the National Guard being deployed in several places. Kroll's April interview, however, revealed the extent to which he and his colleagues were involved in police shootings and how he believes cops should not be blamed in settlements for wrongful death cases. 'There's been a big influx of PTSD,' Kroll said. 'But I've been involved in three shootings myself, and not one of them has bothered me. Maybe I'm different. 'Out of the 10 board members, over half of them have been involved in armed encounters, and several of us multiple. We don't seem to have problems,' he added. 'Certainly getting shot at and shooting people takes a different toll, but if you're in this job and you've seen too much blood and gore and dead people then you've signed up for the wrong job.' Later in the interview, Kroll tells host Maxwell Thomas Silverhammer his thoughts on pressure from the city's mayor and city council asking police to forgo raises, claiming that they are instead 'p*****g away' money on programs like a transgender coordinator. Kroll, pictured in uniform in 2018, now reportedly represents over 800 rank-and-file police offivers, and has led the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis for five years 'The first thing we said was OK, let's see the budget, let's see the city budget. And guys they're p*****g away, millions and millions of dollars to projects,' he said. 'Like, you know, they're giving $15,000 a year to the transgender coordinator of the city.' He added that police should be held blameless for the costly settlements in wrongful death cases and blamed the city attorneys who he feels did not defend them properly when they were sued over fatal shootings. 'They just paid a former Minnesota Viking $385,000 in an out-of-court settlement because he was tased when he wouldn't leave a bar,' Kroll said. 'The cops tased him.' 'You're giving away money left and right in lawsuits, and you want us to take a bath? So forget it,' Kroll continued. He spoke, in particular, about the case of Terrance Franklin whose family were awarded a $795,000 settlement for his wrongful death. Franklin was a burglary suspect, according to The Intercept, who was found by five police in a basement unarmed. George Floyd, pictured, was not behaving violently towards the police, nor was he armed or suspected of a violent crime when he was detained by Chauvin but in a letter to the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, Kroll branded him as a 'violent criminal' Police said he tried to take control of an officer's gun but his family claimed one of the officer's weapons went off accidentally, shooting two of the cops in the legs and that they responded by shooting Franklin. 'The Franklin one was near and dear to my heart because he shot two friends of mine, and a very good friend of mine was the one who shot and killed him in the confrontation,' Kroll said. The Minneapolis Star Tribune released the full copy of the letter written by Kroll, who appeared at a Trump rally in October last year, Monday, in which he blasts Floyd as a criminal. 'What is not being told is the violent criminal history of George Floyd. The media will not air this,' he wrote. 'I've worked with the four defense attorneys that are representing each of our four terminated individuals under criminal investigation, in addition with our labor attorneys to fight for their jobs. They were terminated without due process.' While Floyd had served time in prison for aggravated robbery, and it is unknown if Chauvin knew this as he detained him, video footage of the arrest shows that Floyd was not behaving violently towards the police, nor was he armed or suspected of a violent crime. Protests have broken out in a number of U.S. cities following the death of George Floyd, including in Minneapolis (pictured, June 1), the city where he died. The killing sparked angry protests and riots against police brutality but Lt Kroll has called the demonstrators terrorists A coroner has since confirmed that Floyd's death was homicide. Dr Allecia Wilson of the University of Michigan, one of the two forensic doctors who performed the independent autopsy, said the evidence pointed to homicide by 'mechanical asphyxia' meaning from some physical force that interfered with oxygen supply. In his letter, Kroll also blamed city officials for not giving police enough support to deal with the protests and riots that have broken out in Minneapolis following the death of Floyd. 'What has been very evident throughout this process is you have lacked support from the top,' he wrote, addressing union members. 'This terrorist movement that is currently occurring was a long time build up which dates back years. 'Starting with minimizing the size of our police force and diverting funds to community activists with an anti-police agenda. 'Our chief requested 400 more officers and was flatly denied any. This is what led to this record breaking riot.' He went on to claim that the police have not been given the necessary permissions to use certain equipment, writing 'the ability for our officers to use gas munitions and less lethal munitions to defend ourselves' has been 'held back'. On Tuesday, the Minnesota branch of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations called for Kroll's resignation and said that he was to blame for '[enabling] violence and brutality to grow within police ranks'. The Minnesota branch of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations called for Kroll's resignation Tuesday after he sent a letter to members of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, of which he is the president, calling George Floyd a 'violent criminal' and claiming that the protesters over his death are 'terrorists' Minneapolis' governor Tim Waltz claimed on Saturday that the city and its neighbor city St. Paul were 'under assault' by people from outside the cities, and suggested that up to 80 per cent of people looting and setting fire to some buildings were outsiders. 'The situation in Minneapolis is no longer in any way about the murder of George Floyd,' Waltz said. 'It is about attacking civil society, instilling fear and disrupting our great city.' He also blamed elements of 'domestic terrorism', which Kroll echoed in his letter. Arrest records have shown that Waltz's claim was false, and that 80 per cent of people arrested were from Minnesota, with half being from Minneapolis. Former Minneapolis police chief Janee Harteau was quick to condemn the letter. She tweeted a copy of the it, writing: 'A disgrace to the badge! This is the battle that myself and others have been fighting against. Bob Kroll turn in your badge!' Harteau - who resigned from the police department in 2017 following a police shooting of Australian woman Justine Damond by a rookie officer - suggested that Kroll's comments represented attitudes that had prevented her attempts to reform the police department. Pictured: Kroll's letter to members of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis. In his letter, he defended the four officers fired for the killing of George Floyd, and criticized city officials for their response to subsequent protests and riots Kroll has been a vocal supporter of President Trump in the past, appearing at a Trump rally in Minneapolis in October 2019 where he praised him as a 'wonderful president' for his support of the police. For a long time he has pushed back against police reforms in the city. In 2007 he called Keith Ellison - then congressmen and now Minnesota's attorney general - a terrorist because he pushed for reforms. Ellison is Muslim and black. 'The big buzzword they had was deescalation,' Kroll said of police reform efforts. 'You're supposed to, you know, even if you're lawful in using force, it could look bad and give a bad public perception.' 'Certainly cops, it's not in their nature. So you're training them to back away,' he added. 'And it's just not a natural that's where a lot of the stress does come from with the cops is not [having] the ability to grab somebody and say, no, step back or you're going to jail and if need be, by force.' In a lawsuit filed by the current Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo alleging racism in the police department, Kroll is accused of wearing a motorcycle jacket with a white-power patch and of a 'history of discriminatory attitudes and conduct', according to Mother Jones. Kroll has reportedly been the subject of at least 20 internal affairs investigations. For example, as a young officer in 1994 was suspended for five days for using excessive force. This decision was later reversed by the police chief. According to a Star Tribune report one of several lawsuits filed against Kroll accused him of 'beating, choking and kicking' a biracial 15-year-old boy while 'spewing racial slurs'. Pictured: A group of demonstrators gather at a makeshift memorial honoring George Floyd, at the spot where he was taken into custody, in Minneapolis, June 2 He now reportedly represents over 800 rank-and-file police officers, and has led the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis for five years. In his letter, he also criticized top city officials for not commending the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) for their work in combating the protests and riots. 'I've noted in press conferences from our mayor, our governor, and beyond, how they refuse to acknowledge the work of the MPD and continually shift blame to it. It is despicable behavior. How our command staff can tolerate it and live with themselves I do not know,' he wrote, before praising the city's police officers. 'No one with the exception of us is willing to recognize and acknowledge the extreme bravery you have displayed through this riot. You have my utmost respect.' However, the MPD have faced criticism for their response to the protests and have been accused of using excessive force. In one instance, MPD officers and members of the National Guard marched down a residential street in Minneapolis and shot paint canisters at people on their own front porch, while many people have been reportedly shot by rubber bullets. Last week, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was forced to declare a state of emergency, and in addition to a number of examples of police using what could be deemed as excessive force, there have also been instances of violence against officers. Open source Cabinet of Ministers plans to introduce electronic labor books in Ukraine. The filling of the state register will continue for five years. Minister of Social Policy Maryna Lazebna stated this during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, as 112 Ukraine reported. The government wants to keep records of the work activities of workers in electronic form. "Second - we determine the legal basis for the automatic appointment of an old-age pension through the personal electronic account of the person on the electronic portal of the electronic services of the Pension Fund of Ukraine," Maryna Lazebna said. Three months after the adoption of the law by MPs, new social services and conditions will be introduced so that the Pension Fund can automatically assign pensions. Thus, the state will inform Ukrainians about the possibility of receiving a pension and its amount. The state registry of compulsory state social insurance has information about 13 million employees. A transitional period will be introduced in Ukraine to fill in the register with the data contained in the labor books. This period will last five years. The register will be filled by employers and insured persons. The employer will be required to add information to the state register and to the paper labor book if requested by the employee. As we reported earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine plans to improve the program of social support for the population and create a targeted program of Guaranteed minimum income. Adesh Gupta in his maiden media briefing after being appointed as the Delhi BJP chief said on Wednesday that he will focus on expansion of the party and hinted at an overhaul of the organisation in coming days. He is likely to take charge as new president of BJP's Delhi unit on Thursday. Gupta, a former North Delhi mayor and first-time councilor from West Patel Nagar, surprised many in the party after he was declared by the BJP as a replacement for the incumbent Manoj Tiwari on Tuesday. "The morale of ordinary workers is natural to go up with my appointment. It encourages them to work hard believing they can also reach the top," said Gupta, who began his political career as a member of the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1986. Citing his priorities, he said he will work for the expansion of Delhi BJP among the sections of society it has not been able to make inroads, especially in the slum clusters. However, the current priority is to help out people amid the coronavirus pandemic and "expose" the Kejriwal government that has "failed" in ensuring proper medical facilities to COVID-19 patients, he claimed. "We will play the role of a constructive opposition to ensure the interests of people are not hurt due to failures of the government," he said. He said changes in the party organisation will be effected in coming days in consultation with senior leaders of the party. He hinted that he will prefer "active members" in his team and get rid of "non-performers" as and when an overhaul comes about. "Not everyone will be replaced but hardworking workers will definitely be given their due," he said. Gupta, who faces a daunting task of securing the confidence of top leaders in Delhi, who are way much senior to him, said he will employ the formula of communication and respect, to ensure their contribution for the growth and expansion of the party. IMF to decide on tranche for Ukraine by June 10 PM Shmyhal 16:05, 03.06.20 857 Shmyhal listed the benchmarks of the new SBA between Ukraine and the Fund. IRVINE, Calif., June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TRI Pointe Group, Inc. (the Company) (TPH) today announced that it has commenced a cash tender offer (the Offer) for any and all of its outstanding 4.875% Senior Notes due 2021 (the Notes). The Offer is being made pursuant to an offer to purchase dated June 3, 2020 (the Offer to Purchase) and the related notice of guaranteed delivery (the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and, together with the Offer to Purchase, the Offer Documents), which set forth the terms and conditions of the Offer. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this announcement have the meanings given to them in the Offer to Purchase. All documentation relating to the Offer, including the Offer to Purchase and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, together with any updates, are available from the Information Agent (as defined below) and Depositary (as defined below), as set forth below, and will also be available via the Offer Website: https://www.gbsc-usa.com/tripointegroup/. The following table sets forth certain terms of the Offer: Description of Notes CUSIP No. / ISIN Outstanding Principal Amount of Notes Tender Offer Consideration(1) 4.875% Senior Notes due 2021 87265HAE9 / US87265HAE99 $300,000,000 $1,025.00 (1) Per $1,000 principal amount of Notes that are validly tendered at or prior to the Expiration Time and that are accepted for purchase. Timetable for the Offer Commencement of the Offer June 3, 2020 Withdrawal Deadline 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on June 9, 2020, unless extended. Expiration Time 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on June 9, 2020, unless the Offer is extended or earlier terminated. Payment Date June 10, 2020 (the first business day following the Expiration Time). Guaranteed Delivery Date 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 11, 2020 (the second business day following the Expiration Time). Guaranteed Delivery Payment Date June 12, 2020 (the first business day following the Guaranteed Delivery Date). The tender offer consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes that the Company accepts for purchase pursuant to the Offer as set forth in the table above (the Tender Offer Consideration) is payable only in respect of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Expiration Time that the Company accepts for purchase. Only Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Expiration Time will be eligible to receive the Tender Offer Consideration. In addition, the Company will pay accrued and unpaid interest, if any, in respect of any Notes purchased in the Offer from the last interest payment date to, but not including, the Payment Date (as defined below). Story continues The principal purpose of the Offer is to acquire the outstanding Notes as part of a plan to refinance a portion of the Companys long-term debt due in 2021 with longer maturity financing. The Company has announced an offering of a new series of notes (the New Securities) to be issued by the Company pursuant to a registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). The Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, the successful completion, after the date hereof and prior to the Expiration Time, of the offering by the Company of the New Securities that results in gross proceeds to the Company sufficient to fund the purchase of the aggregate principal amount (but excluding any additional amount to fund the aggregate Tender Offer Consideration and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, in respect of all Notes tendered and accepted for purchase in the Offer and estimated fees and expenses relating to the Offer, which the Company expects to fund with cash on hand) of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Expiration Time. In no event will this announcement or the information contained in this announcement regarding the New Securities constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any New Securities. Holders will be permitted to withdraw tendered Notes at any time prior to the earlier of (i) the Expiration Time, and (ii) if the Offer is extended, the 10th business day after the commencement of the Offer, by following the procedures described in the Offer Documents. Notes subject to the Offer may also be validly withdrawn by following the procedures described in the Offer Documents if, for any reason, the Offer has not been consummated within 60 business days after commencement. Holders who validly tender their Notes pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described in the Offer Documents must deliver their Notes no later than 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the second business day following the Expiration Time. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer being satisfied or waived, and to the Companys right to extend, amend, terminate or withdraw the Offer, the Company will, after the Expiration Time (the Acceptance Date), accept for purchase all Notes validly tendered at any time at or prior to the Expiration Time and not validly withdrawn at any time at or prior to the Withdrawal Deadline. Notes that are tendered prior to or at the Expiration Time and delivered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures (as defined below) described in this Offer to Purchase must be provided no later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day following the Expiration Time (the Guaranteed Delivery Date). The Company will pay the Tender Offer Consideration for Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn and accepted for purchase at the Acceptance Date on a date promptly following the Acceptance Date (the Payment Date), and in respect of accepted Notes that are delivered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures described in the Offer to Purchase, on a date promptly following the Guaranteed Delivery Date (the Guaranteed Delivery Payment Date). Also, on the Payment Date or Guaranteed Delivery Payment Date, as applicable, the Company will pay accrued and unpaid interest, if any, from the last interest payment date to, but not including, the Payment Date, on Notes accepted for purchase at the Acceptance Date. For the avoidance of doubt, accrued interest will cease to accrue on the Payment Date for all Notes accepted in the Offer, including those tendered by the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures set forth in the Offer to Purchase and under no circumstances will additional interest on the Tender Offer Consideration be paid by the Company after the Payment Date by reason of any delay on the part of the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. The Companys obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Offer, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions, including the Financing Condition (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) and the General Conditions (as defined in the Offer to Purchase). The Company reserves the right, subject to applicable law, in its sole discretion, to waive any of the conditions of the Offer, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time. The Company reserves the right, subject to applicable law, in its sole discretion, to (1) extend, terminate or withdraw the Offer at any time or (2) otherwise amend the Offer in any respect, without extending the Withdrawal Deadline. The foregoing rights are in addition to the right to delay acceptance for purchase of Notes tendered pursuant to the Offer or the payment of Notes accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer in order to comply with any applicable law, subject to Rule 14e-1(c) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), which requires that the Company pay the consideration offered or return the deposited Notes promptly after the termination or withdrawal of the Offer. Global Bondholder Services Corporation has been appointed information agent (the Information Agent) and depositary (the Depositary) in connection with the Offer. Questions or requests for assistance in connection with the Offer or the delivery of tender instructions, or for additional copies of the Offer Documents, may be directed to the Information Agent and the Depositary at +1 (866)-470-4500 (U.S. toll free), +1 (212) 430-3774 (collect), or via e-mail at contact@gbsc-usa.com. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offer. Until the consummation or termination of the Offer, the Offer Documents can be accessed online at https://www.gbsc-usa.com/tripointegroup/. The Company has engaged Citigroup Global Markets Inc. as dealer manager (the Dealer Manager) in connection with the Offer. Any questions regarding the terms and conditions of the Offer should be directed to the Dealer Manager at +1 (800) 558-3745 (U.S. toll free) or +1 (212) 723-6106 (collect). DISCLAIMER: This announcement is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. The Offer is being made only pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and related Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, copies of which will be delivered to Holders of Notes. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THE OFFER TO PURCHASE AND THE RELATED NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION WHICH SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFER. NONE OF THE COMPANY, THE DEALER MANAGER, THE INFORMATION AGENT, THE DEPOSITARY, OR THE TRUSTEE UNDER THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THE NOTES, OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR AFFILIATES MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER OR NOT HOLDERS OF NOTES SHOULD TENDER THEIR NOTES. The Offer does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not permitted by law or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. In any jurisdiction where the securities, blue sky or other laws require tender offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and in which the dealer manager, or any affiliates thereof, are so licensed, the Offer will be deemed to have been made by any such dealer manager, or such affiliates, on behalf of the Company. Any offer or sale of new notes in any member state of the European Economic Area which has implemented Directive 2003/711/EC (the Prospectus Directive) must be addressed to qualified investors (as defined in the Prospectus Directive). The new notes are not intended to be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (MiFID II); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (the PRIIPs Regulation) for offering, selling or distributing the new notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the European Economic Area has been prepared and therefore offering, selling or distributing the new notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. About TRI Pointe Group, Inc. Headquartered in Irvine, California, TRI Pointe Group, Inc. (TPH) is a family of premium, regional homebuilders that designs, builds, and sells homes in major U.S. markets. As one of the top 10 largest public homebuilding companies based on revenue in the United States, TRI Pointe Group combines the resources, operational sophistication, and leadership of a national organization with the regional insights, community ties, and agility of local homebuilders. The TRI Pointe Group family includes Maracay in Arizona, Pardee Homes in California and Nevada, Quadrant Homes in Washington, Trendmaker Homes in Texas, TRI Pointe Homes in California, Colorado and the Carolinas, and Winchester Homes* in Maryland and Virginia. TRI Pointe Group was named 2019 Builder of the Year by Builder and Developer magazine, recognized in Fortune magazines 2017 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list, and garnered the 2015 Builder of the Year Award by Builder magazine. The company was also named one of the Best Places to Work in Orange County by the Orange County Business Journal in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. For more information, please visit www.TriPointeGroup.com. *Winchester is a registered trademark and is used with permission. Forward-Looking Statements Various statements contained in this announcement, including those that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the expected timing, size or other terms of the Offer or the offering of New Securities, our ability to complete the Offer and the offering of New Securities; statements regarding our strategy, projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future production, land and lot sales, the outcome of legal proceedings, the anticipated impact of natural disasters or contagious diseases on our operations, operational and financial results, including our estimates for growth, financial condition, sales prices, prospects, capital spending and the anticipated use of the proceeds of the offering of New Securities and the completion of the Offer. Forward-looking statements that are included in this announcement are generally accompanied by words such as anticipate, believe, could, estimate, expect, future, goal, intend, likely, may, might, plan, potential, predict, project, should, strategy, target, will, would, or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. The forward-looking statements in this announcement speak only as of the date of this announcement, and we disclaim any obligation to update these statements unless required by law, and we caution you not to rely on them unduly. These forward-looking statements are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. The following factors, among others, may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements: the effects of the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which are highly uncertain, cannot be predicted and will depend upon future developments, including the severity of COVID-19 and the duration of the outbreak, the duration of existing social distancing and shelter-in-place orders, further mitigation strategies taken by applicable government authorities, the availability of a vaccine, adequate testing and treatments and the prevalence of widespread immunity to COVID-19; the effect of general economic conditions, including employment rates, housing starts, interest rate levels, availability of financing for home mortgages and strength of the U.S. dollar; market demand for our products, which is related to the strength of the various U.S. business segments and U.S. and international economic conditions; the availability of desirable and reasonably priced land and our ability to control, purchase, hold and develop such parcels; access to adequate capital on acceptable terms; geographic concentration of our operations, particularly within California; levels of competition; the successful execution of our internal performance plans, including restructuring and cost reduction initiatives; raw material and labor prices and availability; oil and other energy prices; the effect of U.S. trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and duties on homebuilding products and retaliatory measures taken by other countries; the effect of weather, including the re-occurrence of drought conditions in California; the risk of loss from earthquakes, volcanoes, fires, floods, droughts, windstorms, hurricanes, pest infestations and other natural disasters, and the risk of delays, reduced consumer demand, and shortages and price increases in labor or materials associated with such natural disasters; the risk of loss from acts of war, terrorism or outbreaks of contagious diseases, such as COVID-19; transportation costs; federal and state tax policies; the effect of land use, environment and other governmental laws and regulations; legal proceedings or disputes and the adequacy of reserves; risks relating to any unforeseen changes to or effects on liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, indebtedness, financial condition, losses and future prospects; changes in accounting principles; risks related to unauthorized access to our computer systems, theft of our homebuyers confidential information or other forms of cyber-attack; and other factors discussed under the sections captioned Risk Factors included in our annual and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. New risk factors may emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risk factors on our business. Investor Relations Contact: Glenn J. Keeler, TRI Pointe Group Drew Mackintosh, Mackintosh Investor Relations InvestorRelations@TRIPointeGroup.com, 949-478-8696 Media Contact: Carol Ruiz, cruiz@newgroundco.com, 310-437-0045 Demonstrators jump on a damaged police vehicle in Los Angeles on May 30, 2020, during a protest following the death of George Floyd. (Ariana Drehsler/AFP via Getty Images) Antifa, Other Far-Left Groups Exploit Protests for Revolution Communist groupsincluding the extremist organization Antifaare hijacking what started out as peaceful protests over the death of an unarmed black man to usher in a revolution, according to officials, experts, videos, and anarchists own words. That charge comes amid an unprecedented and coordinated effort behind the riots, the likes of which have never been seen before and which span across multiple states and involve often violent street-level tactics. Officials from both sides say that outside groups have exploited the recent momentum to further their own agenda. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, noted that bad actors continue to infiltrate the rightful protests and that 80 percent of the rioters have come from outside the state. Federal officials including President Donald Trump have pointed to Antifa. Bernard B. Kerik, former police commissioner of the New York City Police Department, said Antifa 100 percent exploited these protests, noting that their various websites control and dictate where protests start. Its in 40 different states and 60 cities; it would be impossible for somebody outside of Antifa to fund this, he told The Epoch Times. Its a radical, leftist, socialist attempt at revolution. Operations including coordination, equipment, and travel costs would likely cost tens of millions of dollars, Kerik said. A friend of his, an FBI agent, told him she was at Newark airport on May 29 where she observed probably 25 of these Antifa kids walking in through the airport. Theyre coming from other cities, he said. That cost money. They didnt do this on their own. Somebodys paying for this. What Antifa is doing is theyre basically hijacking the black community as their army, Kerik said. They instigate, they antagonize, they get these young black men and women to go out there and do stupid things, and then they disappear off into the sunset. Photos later pulled offline appeared to show protesters with military-grade communications radios and earpieces, Kerik said, noting: They have to be talking to somebody at a central command center with a repeater. Where do those radios go to? Andy Ngo, a journalist who has covered Antifa extensively, said the group is organized in multiple units with scouts that monitor the perimeter of an area, providing live audio or text updates. Others carry out violent missions with weapons and firebombs. The extremist group is horizontally organized; it doesnt have a public leader, since its part of their ideology that there should be no authority, Ngo said. According to John Miller, the NYPDs deputy commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism, these outside radical groups have organized scouts, medics, and even supply routes of rocks, bottles, and accelerants for breakaway groups to commit vandalism and violence. These groups have planned for violence in advance, using encrypted communications, he said. Mike Griffin, a longtime political activist from Minneapolis, told The New York Times there were people he never witnessed before demonstrating, including well-dressed young white men in expensive boots carrying hammers and talking about torching buildings. I know protests, Ive been doing it for 20 years, he said. People not affiliated with the protests are creating havoc on the streets. Communism expert Trevor Loudon, meanwhile, told The Epoch Times that Antifa is only one part of the picture, noting that every significant communist or socialist party in the United States has been involved in these protests and riots from the beginning. According to Loudon, Communist Party USA, Liberation Road, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Democratic Socialists of America, Revolutionary Communist Party, Workers World Party, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation have been involved, among others. Hijacking Peace One protester who came upon a large pile of bricks while filming live called it a setup, as a man by his side quipped, Aint no damn construction around here. Police departments in several states in recent days have warned of materials being purposely planted in certain locations so as to fuel rioting. The Kansas City police department in Missouri stated on Twitter that it learned of & discovered stashes of bricks and rocks in some areas to be used during a riot, and asked people to report such cases to authorities to be removed. Days later, the Minneapolis Police department warned of incendiary materials and accelerants such as water bottles filled with gasoline found hidden in bushes and neighborhoods. Bricks and similar objects have appeared in Manhattan, Baltimore, North Carolina, and more. Protesters outside the White House were caught throwing bricks. There have also been false alarms, as the Frisco Police Department in Texas found that one pile was from a legitimate construction project. Some videos, meanwhile, show African Americans objecting to bricks being handed to their peers. Loudon, who is also a contributor to The Epoch Times, said the bricks and other examples were part of a terrorist military operation and that the whole thing had been completely organized and long preplanned. If the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis hadnt sparked these riots, the next one would have, he said. People need to understand that there are hundreds of foreign-trained agitators and organizers operating in this country, and tens of thousands more disciplined communists. Numerous social media posts and videos also depict African American protesters objecting to rioting perpetrated by groups of white men clad in full black outfitsthe black costume has long been associated with Antifa. In Oakland, a group of Caucasians dressed in full black gear and armed with hammers started destroying and breaking into a building as African Americans nearby voiced their opposition. One video appears to show a predominantly white crowd of people destroying a Minneapolis Police Department building, some also dressed in full black gear. Another video purportedly in Baltimore shows African American protesters begging white people, also clad in black, to stop rioting. Peaceful protesters in Washington, meanwhile, tackled an Antifa rioter who was hammering the pavement to get blocks of concrete to throw. Protesters then handed over the rioter to the police. At a May 30 press conference, Attorney General William Barr said the violence appears to be planned, organized, and driven by far-left extremist groups and anarchic groups using Antifa-like tactics. In a twitter thread, Ngo said the destruction of businesses isnt only opportunism but is tied to Antifa and Black Lives Matter (BLM) ideology to abolish capitalism & have regime change. To do that, they have to make economic recovery impossible. Militant antifa cells across the country mobilized to aid BLM rioters, Ngo said. Every part of the rioting has a purpose. Fires destroy economy. Riots can overwhelm police & even military. All of it leads to a destabilized state if maintained. Communism Core Gabriel Nadales, a former Antifa member, told Jan Jekielek, host of The Epoch Times American Thought Leaders series, that to really be a part of Antifa is to do two things: One is to share their violent ideology and be willing to fight for them at any turn, and the second is to actually do it. Its not just about having anti-conservative beliefs, he said. Communist groups have played a role in the recent protests. On May 27, the Democratic Socialists of Americas (DSA) Twin Cities chapter issued a call for supplies for comrades protesting at the 3rd precinct (at Lake and Minnehaha). An AutoZone store was set ablaze in the same area, amid widespread looting. Such groups also appear to have played a role in funding. On May 28, DSAs Twin Cities chapter asked on Twitter to Please also give to the TCDSA solidarity fund, because people will need help in the days and weeks ahead! DSA chapters in Seattle, Memphis, Los Angeles, and Metro Atlanta have called for donations amid the protests. The DSA also formed a national anti-fascist work group at the convention in 2019. Other communist groups, such as the Workers World Party, have backed the protests, while some groups, such as the Revolutionary Communist Party, called for an actual revolution. Liberation News, a newspaper of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, wrote in a staff statement on May 26 that its a critical period to sharpen our resolve to build organizations capable of waging militant class struggle. Ivan Pentchoukov contributed to this report. Amid intense battle for survival in Mexicos telecommunication market, America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. AMX recently hit the headlines when its arch-rival Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. TV decided to enter the space as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) under the brand name, Izzi. Reportedly, Televisa aims to tap into increasing demand for low-priced phone packages, especially in light of the adverse economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that the latest move by Televisa is likely to pose a serious threat to the Latin tech giant and dethrone Carlos Slims dominating position in Mexicos mobile communications market. Notably, Televisas Izzi has been the most significant producer of Spanish contents in the world. Markedly, the company is a triple play operator that offers best-in-class broadband, pay TV and telephone services to customers. Given the fact that Mexico has a relatively low level of broadband penetration, Izzis fiber-based broadband strategy and innovative on-demand content with attractive offers has been able to grab the attention of a large scale of audience, thereby boosting healthy competition in the telecommunications market. Leveraging economies of scale, the broadcaster giant will initially sell Internet packages to its existing customers at 250 pesos/month, which is nearly 80% cheaper than America Movils Internet plans. Reportedly, Televisa will rent space on Mexicos wholesale telco network Red Compartida to promote and distribute its MVNO offerings to customers. Operated by Altan Redes, the wholesale network has been established in collaboration with the Mexico government. Notably, the latest MVNO offering, which is expected to threaten America Movils market share will cater to nearly three million households in 17 Mexican cities. Impressively, Televisas telecom unit generated 70% of net sales in the first quarter of 2020. However, critics argue that it is very difficult to loosen Slims monopolistic approach due to his long-time presence in the Mexican telco space. To add to that, America Movils mobile arm, Telcel, which is an undisputed leader in the Mexican wireless market, holds nearly two-third of mobile connections in the country. Reportedly, the Mexican government had passed a constitutional reform in 2013 to erode America Movils dominant position but even tech giants like AT&T Inc. T and Telefonica, S.A. TEF have failed to significantly challenge the leader. It also offers enhanced communications solutions with higher data speed transmissions at lower prices. It is to be seen whether the broadcaster giant can actually turn the tables by encouraging real competition in the upcoming days. Notably, America Movil is Mexicos prime mobile network operator with an enormous portfolio of international subscribers across 25 countries. However, it follows an aggressive promotional strategy to increase its penetration in the smartphone market. With a steady increase in subscriber base, America Movil has strengthened its position in core markets. It is one of the leading providers of integrated telecommunications services in Latin America and the Caribbean. The company aims to grow in other parts of the world by continuing to expand subscriber base through the development of existing businesses and strategic acquisitions. Also, the company is focused on its cost-cutting program, particularly in Latin America, which is expected to reduce its total operating expenses. America Movil has long-term earnings growth expectation of 14.8%. The Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) stock has declined 4.2% compared with industrys decline of 17.2% in the past year. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Story continues 5 Stocks to Soar Past the Pandemic In addition to the companies you learned about above, we invite you to learn about 5 cutting-edge stocks that could skyrocket from the exponential increase in demand for stay at home technologies. This could be one of the biggest buying opportunities of the decade. See the 5 high-tech stocks now>> 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 ATT Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report Grupo Televisa S.A. (TV) : Free Stock Analysis Report America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. (AMX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Telefonica SA (TEF) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Express News Service CHENNAI: Chennai saw a record 1012 new coronavirus cases being added on Wednesday taking the total number here to 17,598. Eight more people died in the city taking the death count to 158. Among those who died were a 66-year-old and a 47-year-old, both men, who had no comorbidities and passed away at the RGGGH and Kilpauk Medical College respectively. Both the patients were late admissions and died within two days of arriving at the hospital. Meanwhile, a 41-year-old COVID-19 patient from Old Washermenpet too passed away on June 3 at a private hospital near Kattankulathur, according to his family members. However, his death has not been mentioned in the State's health bulletin yet. The deceased, who was a bank employee, did not have any comorbid condition, said his elder brother. "He died on June 3 and his body was buried in the evening in the Mint burial ground. We don't know why it has not been mentioned in the bulletin yet," said the brother. ALSO READ | 25 two-wheelers roped in to disinfect narrow Chennai streets, curb spread of COVID-19 This is not the first time such a lapse has occurred recently. Over the past few weeks, on several occasions, deaths were recorded in the bulletin only a few days after they actually happened. Royapuram and Tondiarpet both continued to see spikes. Active cases rose to 1435 in Royapuram, while the number of positive cases in Tondiarpet has reached 1242. Teynampet too is seeing a spurt in active cases at 908. Thirty-one patients from Royapuram have died, 26 from Thiru-vi-ka Nagar, 19 from Teynampet, 16 from Anna Nagar and 15 from Tondiarpet, as of June 2. The one silver lining is that the number of recovered patients in Chennai is higher at 8506 than the number of active cases, which currently stands at 7805. The mortality rate is 0.8 percent. On Wednesday, Corporation Commissioner G Prakash inspected KK Salai in Kodambakkam, a new hotspot in division 138, where 58 cases were recorded. Officials have not yet narrowed down on the reason for the sudden outbreak here. ALSO SEE: Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Moscow, Russia Wed, June 3, 2020 11:30 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbbe3b1 2 World Russia,Vladimir-Putin,critics,shaman,repression Free A Russian court on Tuesday committed to a mental asylum a Siberian shaman critical of Vladimir Putin, a move rights groups condemned as a repressive move to silence a dissenter. Alexander Gabyshev, a self-styled shaman from Yakutsk, northern Siberia, last year set out to walk from his home to the Kremlin to "banish" the Russian president. He dragged a cart with his belongings along highways, gathering a small following and meeting supporters in cities he passed. The journey from Yakutsk to Moscow is over 8,000 kilometers. Police stopped Gabyshev's first trek several months in and prevented a second one he began in December. Then after he announced his third attempt, he was detained in his home and placed in a mental asylum last month. A court in Yakutsk on Tuesday ruled to extend his forced committal there, with no end date indicated, according to a human rights group following the case. Alexei Pryanishnikov, coordinator for the Open Russia rights project, said case documents did not describe the shaman's health, merely saying he "overestimates himself" by wishing to "depose Putin". Supporters of Gabyshev had been detained on their way to give testimony Tuesday, the group added. Amnesty International called for his release in a statement, arguing that the decision to have him committed had been based on his political rather than medical grounds. Gabyshev "has been made an enemy of the state solely for voicing his dislike of Putin", said Amnesty. Committing political dissenters to psychiatric hospitals was a practice known as punitive psychiatry in the days of the Soviet Union. Up to the late 1980s, critics could be diagnosed with "sluggish schizophrenia" or forms of paranoia and locked up in institutions. Alexander Gabyshev has gained many fans in his native Yakutia, and local officials have expressed unease over his case. The popular mayor of Yakutsk, Sardana Avksentyeva called his detention "selective punishment." She wrote on social media that she was worried "anyone can be sent to forced treatment with the formula of 'overestimating oneself'". A Georgia company with a manufacturing facility in Lancaster County has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Lead-acid battery manufacturer, Exide Technologies, filed for bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on May 19. The company said that its liquidity has deteriorated further as a result of the unprecedented global health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is planning to sell its assets and is in discussion with potential buyers. Our Board of Directors determined that, given the continued, unsustainable impact on our cost structure resulting from legacy liabilities in North America, and in light of the global economic COVID-19 slowdown that has amplified these pressures, a sale of our North American operations through a court-supervised process provides the best opportunity to continue delivering high-quality energy storage solutions and service to our customers, said Tim Vargo, Chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Exide said in a press release last month. The company also filed a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. The company said in the notice that if it fails to find a buyer it will have to close its plant at 829 Paramount Ave. in East Lampeter Township and 169 people including 18 material handlers, 16 mechanics, 27 production operators, 51 universal operators and 12 technicians. The layoffs would begin July 21. If the Company does not enter into an agreement with a purchaser to sell the business, the Company currently expects that it will be forced to conduct reductions-in-force or plant closings, Exide said in the WARN notice. And even if the company does find a buyer there is no guarantee that the new company would retain Exides employees. The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered-business closing and covered-business mass layoff. The companys WARN notice was dated May 19. The Company has separately reached an agreement to sell its EMEA and Asia-Pacific business. This business is not included in the Chapter 11 proceedings and continues to operate as usual. --Business Buzz --Sign up for PennLives newsletters 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. You can follow Daniel Urie on twitter @DanielUrie2018 and you can like PennLives business page on Facebook at @PennLiveBusiness The words "I can't breathe" were spelled out with 433 candles lit by First Nations campaigners in Brisbane's Musgrave Park on Wednesday night, to show solidarity in the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police last week. On Wednesday night, 432 of the 433 candles at the quiet vigil symbolised the 432 Indigenous Australians who have lost their lives since the 1991 Aboriginal Deaths in Custody report was handed to the Australian government. 'I can't breathe' spelt out in candles at Musgrave Park. Credit:Darren England/AAP The 433rd candle was lit for George Floyd. Ruby Wharton, a Gamilaraay Kooma woman originally from Cunnamulla but now living in Brisbane, was one of a group of 40 to 50 people who slowly lit the candles as the sun set over Brisbane. Goa witnessed its biggest single day surge in coronavirus cases on Wednesday after 47 people -- most of them from within the containment zone at Mangor Hill in Vasco da Gama tested positive taking the states tally past the 100 mark. The fresh positive cases -- around 40 of whom were from within Mangor Hill that was declared a containment zone on Monday and where extensive testing has begun -- has sparked panic in the port town of Vasco with people resorting to panic buying after reports that the entire city would be subjected to a lockdown. Another two patients -- a mother daughter duo who entered the state from Hyderabad and two passengers who entered the state via a Vande Bharat flight from Dubai -- have also tested positive. Goas Covid-19 tally now stands at 126 while the number of active cases rising overnight from 22 to 57. The Health Department has collected a total of over 555 swabs across two days from within the containment zone and tests are ongoing, health authorities said. Covid-19 cases have snowballed since a couple tested positive on Monday. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the familys decision to wait it out hoping the fever would subside rather than get themselves tested was part of the mistake that led to the situation. But it is a misdeed of one family. No sooner they developed symptoms, they should have not gone to a private doctor and instead got themselves tested at our facilities. We feel they are still hiding the truth. Definitely someone from their family came from outside or has come in contact with someone from outside. It cannot be from here, Sawant said while denying the incidence of community transmission. The couple without a clear travel history tested positive for the novel coronavirus marking for the first time in Goa a case of local transmission in the state. The state administration quickly declared the area a containment zone while the local MLA has demanded that the entire port town which contains several vital installations like the port, the naval base, the airport, shipyard customs and coast guard offices to be sealed off. More cases are expected to emerge as testing of the 2,000 residents within the containment zone continues. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON People walk and jogs in the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris on May 31, 2020. (Bertrand Guay/AFP via Getty Images) French Virus Tracing App Goes Live Amid Privacy Debates PARISFrance is rolling out an official COVID-19 contact-tracing app aimed at containing fresh outbreaks as lockdown restrictions gradually ease, becoming the first major European country to deploy smartphone technology amid simmering debates over data privacy. The StopCovid app launched on June 2 just as the French government started allowing people to once again go to restaurants and cafes, parks and beaches and museums, and monuments. It was available on Apples App store and the Google Play store. Neighbors including the UK, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland are each developing apps, although theyre using different technical protocols, raising questions about compatibility across Europes borders. Authorities hope the app can help manage virus flare-ups as they reopen the economy in France, which has been living under some of Europes tightest restrictions since it became one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic, with nearly 29,000 deaths. Some Parisians were keen to adopt the technology to help bring life back to normal. Cafe waiter Paul Hubert said he was ready to download the app because he sees more benefits than risks. To me, it sounds like wearing a mask in a shop, said Hubert, 24. Its easy and it can help to protect others. The various European apps use low-energy Bluetooth signals to anonymously log the nearby presence of other users. Under the French system, data is uploaded to government-run centralized servers. Users who test positive will be able to notify others who have been in close contact for at least 15 minutes so they can self-isolate and seek treatment. France, like Britain, rejected a new mobile software interface for tracing apps jointly developed by U.S. tech giants Google and Apple, instead choosing to build its own. The Google-Apple system uses a decentralized system backed by privacy experts because it keeps data on phones, but British and French officials say it doesnt give them enough information to manage outbreaks. Civil liberties groups worry that tracing apps are a gateway to more government surveillance but Cedric O, Frances junior minister for the digital economy, dismissed those concerns. The problem with a centralized protocol is that you have to be confident and to trust your state but were in a democratic state, we have checks and balances, O told the AP. The government says the app doesnt track location and deletes user data after 14 days. Some French lawmakers have raised doubts over the apps effectiveness if few people install it and because of potential technical issues. O said the app detects about 80 percent of surrounding phones via Bluetooth. Parisian Sami Mounir said he wont download it because of the privacy concerns. We dont know what they could do with the data or whether it could be hacked, Mounir, 31, said. Plus, its health data, its too sensitive. Officials and experts say tracing apps arent a magic bullet against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus and which causes the disease COVID-19, but can aid time-consuming manual contact tracing efforts. The app is a tool, not a revolutionary one, but a useful tool, said professor Arnaud Fontanet, an epidemiologist at the Paris Pasteur Institute and a member of the scientific committee advising French President Emmanuel Macron. France and other countries have set up teams to interview people testing positive about their contacts. But the tracers will likely miss strangers, so the app may prove useful especially in circumstances where youre going to stand next to someone who is infected, without knowing, for quite a long period of time, like in public transports and restaurants, Fontanet said. Other countries around Europe have been scrambling to build apps, often using the Google-Apple system. The reliance on the tech giants for a more private system is an ironic turn of events after the European Union called them out repeatedly in recent years for not protecting data privacy sufficiently. In the U.S., only a few states were early to launch tracing apps, which have encountered technical problems on Apple and Android phones and havent been widely downloaded. Other states are building apps using the Google-Apple technology. Italys Immuni app, based on the Google-Apple system, was available to download starting June 1, and will undergo testing next week before being rolled out nationwide. Authorities say at least 60 percent of Italys 60 million population need to use it for it to be effective. Switzerland started a pilot test of its SwissCovid app last week, to last until mid-June, when the government is expected to introduce legislation covering the app. Germany hired software company SAP and wireless carrier Deutsche Telekom to build its decentralized Corona-Warn-App. Developers say the apps data will be stored locally on each device preventing access and control over data by authorities or anyone else. Britain launched a massive countrywide track and trace program on May 29, including 25,000 human contact tracers, but its tracing app, which is being tested, isnt ready and its unclear when it will be launched. The European apps are voluntary to encourage people to use them. If the app is mandatory, people will definitely not use it, said Ingmars Pukis, a vice president at Latvian wireless carrier LMT, which helped develop the countrys tracing app, released on May 29 and also based on the Google-Apple standard. EPFL, the Swiss research institute that helped develop SwissCovid, said that with other European countries building apps based on the same decentralized protocol, it should enable different systems to work with each other when users travel. But that leaves out the British and French systems. The French governments technology choice means the French app isnt compatible with foreign ones. O suggested that cross-border commuters and travelers will have to work around the problem by downloading their destination countrys app. By Sylvie Corbet & Kelvin Chan. The Epoch Times contributed to this report. Press Release June 3, 2020 GRACE POE's TRANSCRIPT ON CELL TOWERS during the period of amendments on "Bayanihan to Recover As One Act" bill Sen. Grace Poe: Now next, on cell towers, and I mention this because the President himself is serious about encouraging a hybrid sort of education modality; but in many places signal is really bad, so I think it's, when we say infrastructure, the first thing that comes to our mind is actually roads and bridges but it could also be other things, especially, when it comes to connectivity. So, on cell towers, on page 15, line 19, after the word infrastructure, insert the words 'particularly additional cell towers.' Section 3 (HH) shall now read as follows: 'undertaking measures in partnership with appropriate internet and communication service providers in the acceleration of the deployment of critical information and communications technology infrastructure, particularly adding cell towers, equipment software and wireless technologies, etc.' And the rationale behind this is that infrastructure can mean anything. We need to specify that additional cell towers are a priority because it is key to better internet access in the country. The Department of Information and Communications Technology already raised the lack of infrastructure citing that only about 20,000 towers have been built compared with Vietnam's 70,000. We thus need 50,000 additional cell sites. We need as many towers as we can which are compliant to safety and environmental standards. So, that's the rationale behind this. Just so we can give a final push to that very important initiative from the government if we are really serious about having better internet speed and clarity. That's all, Mr. President, thank you. A World War II veteran revered for his community involvement and decades as a doctor on the Fort Berthold Reservation has died. Dr. Herbert Wilson, of Bismarck, died Monday following a stroke. He was 99. He was a doctor on the Fort Berthold Reservation in western North Dakota for 43 years before retiring to Bismarck in 1995 with his wife, Lilian. They were married 75 years and had six children. Wilson was known for being active, even when he could no longer drive. Daughter Fran Mack isn't sure of how else to describe her father other than "busy." "It's hard to pin him down," she said. Herbert and Lilian met in 1944 at an American Red Cross Club party amid World War II, when he was assigned to the 506th Bombardment Squadron and she was a corporal of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, the female auxiliary of the Royal Air Force. He was involved in 31 bombing missions. Somehow, I was not afraid and somehow came through it, Wilson told the Tribune in 2016, quoting a motto: Freedom means happiness and courage means freedom. Do not trouble me unduly about the dangers of war. He and Lilian married in 1945 on the Isle of Wight in the English Channel. Wilson, a Bethel, Vt., native, graduated from Harvard and Tufts Medical School on the GI Bill and worked two years for the U.S. Public Health Service. His second year he transferred to the Indian Health Service at Elbowoods, where he spent a year before the rising reservoir of the Garrison Dam flooded the town. He established himself in New Town, where he doctored for 42 years. "He always just enjoyed other people, and he seemed to have a really good, intelligent insight on how to manage social problems," said Mack, describing her father as a humanitarian. Wilson was involved in several activities and organizations, from Kiwanis to multiple churches' Bible studies. He greeted visitors to the North Dakota Capitol and the Heritage Center, and helped advocacy groups for the disadvantaged, such as the homeless. Religion and patriotism were important elements in his life, Mack said. He also enjoyed writing, wrote his own memoir and belonged to a writing club. When he could no longer drive due to his age, Mack and her sisters realized in driving him around how involved their father was. "He just was so active and didn't want to stop these kinds of things," Mack said. Wilson was a revered figure among the people of the Fort Berthold Reservation, according to Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation Chairman Mark Fox. His dedication to healing and respect for others and native culture made him "one in a million," Fox said. "I sure wish we had about 10 more of him right now today, and all the miracles we could do," said Fox, who also respected Wilson for his military service and community involvements. Nurse Glad Meiers met Wilson in the 1960s and worked with him for at least 20 years in New Town and Stanley. Wilson didnt charge nurses who made an office visit to him. He wouldnt take money from us, she said. Wilson treated nursing home residents to movies on Thursday nights and to road trips if he thought they needed to get out. There was nobody like him, Meiers said. Former Governors' Mansion Site Supervisor Johnathan Campbell recalls his introduction to Wilson being about 15 years ago, when Wilson parked his car and sprinted across the street to St. George's Episcopal Memorial Church. "I found out a little bit later that he actually attended three churches, and to get there on time he had to run," Campbell said. Wilson was a board member of the Society for the Preservation of the Former Governors' Mansion, and helped organized the ice cream social and holiday open houses. "He was always wanting to give, always wanting to be involved and do whatever he could to help people," Campbell said. Wilson's wife and children held a small family service on the North Dakota Capitol grounds Tuesday morning. A funeral will be held after the coronavirus pandemic wanes. Reach Jack Dura at 701-250-8225 or jack.dura@bismarcktribune.com. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 17 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. Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Paris on Tuesday after around 20,000 people defied a ban to rally over the 2016 death of a black man in police custody, galvanised by US demonstrations against racism and deadly police violence. The protesters used slogans from the American protest movement to call for justice for Adama Traore, whose death four years ago has been a rallying cause against police brutality in France. The demonstration, which came after the release of two differing medical reports into the cause of Traore's death, had been prohibited by police citing a coronavirus ban on gatherings of more than 10 people. The protest started in the late afternoon outside the court in northern Paris, before projectiles were thrown and the police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, AFP journalists witnessed. Sporadic clashes broke out near the city's main ring road, with stones thrown at the police, who responded by firing rubber bullets. Some protesters burned bins, bicycles and scooters to set up flaming barricades on the streets. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner responded by saying that "violence has no place in a democracy". "Nothing justifies the behaviour that took place in Paris this evening, when protests on public streets are banned to protect everyone's health," he tweeted. Many of the protesters drew inspiration from the protest movement raging across the United States over the police killing last week of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, holding up slogans in English such as "Black Lives Matter" and "I can't breathe". Earlier in the day Traore's elder sister Assa spoke to the large crowd. "Today we are not just talking about the fight of the Traore family. It is the fight for everyone. When we fight for George Floyd, we fight for Adama Traore," she said. "What is happening in the United States is an echo of what is happening in France." Other protests were held across France, with 2,500 people attending a rally in the northern city of Lille, 1,800 in Marseille, and 1,200 in Lyon. - Medical reports - The Traore case has long been controversial in France. Following a dispute over an identity check, Traore, 24, was apprehended in a house where he hid after leading police on a 15-minute chase in 2016. One of the three arresting officers has told investigators that they pinned Traore down with their combined bodyweight. Traore lost consciousness in their vehicle and died at a nearby police station. He was still handcuffed when paramedics arrived. On Friday, French medical experts exonerated the three police officers, saying that Traore did not die of "positional suffocation", ruling out the officers pinning him to the ground as the cause of his death. Instead, the experts found Traore died of heart failure possibly brought on by underlying health conditions in a context of "intense stress" and physical exertion, as well as the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol -- the active ingredient of cannabis -- in his body. The findings, the third official report to clear the officers, dismissed a previous medical report commissioned by the young man's family that said he had died of asphyxiation. But on Tuesday a new probe commissioned by the Traore family said that his death was caused by the arrest technique used by the officers. The contradictory medical reports also echoes the case of George Floyd, whose preliminary autopsy said he died from pre-existing heart problems, while an autopsy arranged by his family found he died of asphyxiation from sustained pressure. Floyd's official autopsy then confirmed he died in a homicide involving "neck compression". - 'Not violent, nor racist' - Paris police chief Didier Lallement, who banned the protest, earlier on Tuesday wrote a letter to police officers defending their conduct. He said he sympathised with the "pain" officers must feel "faced with accusations of violence and racism, repeated endlessly by social networks and certain activist groups". The Paris police force "is not violent, nor racist: it acts within the framework of the right to liberty for all", he insisted in an email to the city's 27,500 law enforcers. Several French officers have also been investigated for brutality against members of the public at long-running "yellow vest" anti-government rallies, and more recent anti-pension reform strikes. Scores of protesters were maimed by rubber bullets or stun grenades, some losing an eye or a hand. burs-dl/kaf Following a protest against police violence, demonstrators set up a burning barricade in Paris Protesters suffer from police tear gas at the rally A protester holds a sign at the Paris rally with a slogan that originated in the US over police killings Protesters jump over the gates of the Martin Luther King park in northwestern Paris to escape tear gas The huge turnout outside the Paris court at a banned protest for Adama Traore, who died in police custody in 2016 A new probe commissioned by the Traore family said Tuesday that his death was caused by the arrest technique The compensation fund for Jeffrey Epstein's victims has been officially approved - with no limit on how much each victim can get. The late pedophile's victims will be able to put in their claim for a stake of his $634million estate on June 15 when the program is intended to be set up. But to do so the women will have to give up their right to sue Epstein's alleged co-conspirators. They will also have to provide proof of their allegation and anything to corroborate it to make their claim as strong as possible. The compensation fund for Jeffrey Epstein's victims has been officially approved and there is no limit for how much each of the pedophile's victims can get from his $634million estate Seventy women have indicated they want to take part in the compensation scheme and could get millions of dollars each. Victims include Virginia Roberts (center in blue) and anothers who appeared at his court hearing in August Also among the victims is Maria Farmer who alleges that Epstein sexually assaulted her in 1996 at his ranch in Ohio In another controversial provision, even the women who recruited for Epstein can make a claim so long as there is a 'credible basis they acted under duress'. Seventy women have indicated they want to take part in the compensation scheme and could get millions of dollars each. Among them is Maria Farmer who alleges that Epstein, who hanged himself in his cell last August while awaiting sex trafficking charges, sexually assaulted her in 1996 at his ranch in Ohio. She recently revealed she is battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma and other victims set up a Gofundme to raise money for her. The formal order was signed off by Carolyn P. Hermon-Percell, a magistrate judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. The administrator will be Jordy Feldman who will be assisted by Kenneth Feinberg and Camille Biros who have between them worked on compensation schemes for the victims of the September 11 attacks and abuse by the Catholic church priests. They will have have the option of consulting with Professor Marci Hamilton, a nationally recognized sexual abuse expert, to evaluate each woman's claims. Victims will have to give up their right to sue Epstein's alleged co-conspirators, including his madame Ghlislain Maxwell, in order to collect from the estate Prince Andrew is another alleged co-conspirator who has denied accusation that he had sex with then-teenager Virginia Roberts The court documents state that the program is independent of the estate and is voluntary so participants can withdraw at any time. Jeffrey Epstein hanged himself in his cell last August while awaiting sex trafficking charges There is 'no cap or limitation on the aggregate amount of funds available to compensate all eligible claimants or on the amount of compensation to be made to each individual claimant', the documents state. The women have a nine month window after the program commences on June 15th to stake their claim. But even if the claim was outside the statute of limitations they can take part. Women who recruited for the financier can participate 'where there is a credible basis to determine that the individual acted under duress as a result of her own sexual abuse by Epstein, provided that other eligibility criteria are met'. The victims will get more money if they are able to provide documents, corroboration or other evidence to back up their claims. Other factors include the length of the abuse, the frequency and the age of the victim at the time. The most difficult part of the process for the victims will be deciding whether to give up their right to sue Epstein's alleged co-conspirators. To get compensation they have to sign a release which will indemnify not just the estate but 'related entities and/or related individuals' from further civil litigation. That appears to include Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's alleged madam, who earlier in the day stayed her own lawsuit against his estate for failing to pay her legal bills. The women will be able to put in their claim for a stake in his fortune on June 15 when the program is set up (pictured are victims Chauntae Davies and Virginia Giuffre) Jennifer Araoz says Epstein's recruiters lured her when she was a teenager by approaching her outside her school. She could be eligible for compensations Sarah Ransome (right) a South African native who says she was abused by Epstein in her early 20s, adn Annie Farmer (left) could get million's from the late pediphile's estate However the release does not stop the women from talking with law enforcement agents, meaning they can assist with the ongoing FBI inquiry into Epstein's associates. Anyone who has not already filed a claim through their lawyers can do so via a website EpsteinVCP.com, the documents say. As well as being able to speak to law enforcement, victims will be able to speak publicly about their allegations if they choose to. The documents state that 'through the Program, the Estate wishes to acknowledge the wrongs endured by victims survivors and offer them an opportunity to voluntarily resolve their individual claims for such sexual abuse'. Any victim's allegation must be against Epstein, not his co-conspirators. Claimants can make representations via video conference with the administrator if they think it will help their case. With no sign of Maxwell or the other alleged co-conspirators being arrested, the scheme represents for now the best shot at restitution for Epstein's victims, some of whom have been seeking justice for decades. Daniel Neman Daniel Neman is a food writer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Daniel Neman 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today When is a pork chop not a pork chop? In March, travelers to the Kansas City airport back when there still were travelers to the Kansas City airport were greeted by an advertising sign reading Pork BBQ: It comes from a pig, not Silicon Valley. Doubtless, a lot of those travelers were confused. But a select few, including everyone who flew in to attend a meeting of the National Pork Producers Council, knew that it was an allusion to a controversy that is quietly raging. It is a question of nomenclature that is, the naming of things. Companies that make plant-based foods that taste like meat want to use familiar terms to describe their products. Impossible Pork, for instance, is made from plants, but it tastes like pork. Companies that produce pork are up in arms. They say only foods that are made from actual pigs should be described as pork. Anything else is an attempt to fool the consumer. There is a vegetarian product that is mimicking pork rinds, and they call it pork rinds on the label. I cant stress enough that these things just arent pork, said Dan Kovich of the National Pork Producers Council. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Thats just not what it is. But companies that use plants to create food that tastes like meat strongly disagree. Producers and consumers have free-speech rights to use language in the way everyone understands. When you call something a veggie burger, everybody knows what youre talking about. Its a consumer confusion issue that doesnt exist. Its kind of a manufactured controversy, said Nigel Barrella of the Good Foods Institute, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the innovation and research of new foods. Barrella said the meat producers are playing language police, trying to restrict the use of generalized terms such as patty, sausage or bacon. But the pork councils Kovich said their arguments are not that strict. If the name makes it clear that the product does not use any meat, his organization will not object, he said. The word imitation has a clear meaning. It is very clear that it is imitating another product, he said. The imitation nomenclature is relatively well-established. If thats where the entire industry lands as the acceptable point, I think we could accept that, he said. Barrella, of the Good Foods Institute, said the terms being used now are good enough and should not confuse anybody. All the consumer has to do is turn over the package and read the label, he said. But Kovich said the pork council would fight any plant-based food that used one word in particular. The word pork, which has always had a very specific meaning, is our line in the sand, he said. We have a long history in this country and a solid body of law that says no, you cant call a product whatever you want. I cant take a bottle of water and put a label on it that says coffee and sell it as coffee. I think the first amendment argument does not hold. The question has already landed in the courts. Missouri has the strictest law in the country regulating the labeling of plant-based foods. In Missouri, it is now a criminal offense to use a meat term in labeling a vegetable product; offenders could be fined or even sent to jail. The first court challenge to this law, filed by the makers of Tofurkey, the American Civil Liberties Union and others, was decided in favor of the state; that is, the law is still in effect. That ruling is now being appealed. Stay up to date on life and culture in St. Louis. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Secretary of Hanoi Partys Committee Vuong Dinh Hue made the commitment during a reception for the Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Tanee Sangrat on June 2. The Hanoi leader informed his guest that Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular has basically put the COVID-19 epidemic under control while maintaining a positive growth rate at 3.72% along with political security and social order and safety. He stressed that Hanoi is implementing concerted measures to restore the economy, including organising a major investment promotion conference on June 27. The official invited the Thai Ambassador and Thai businesses to attend the event, which demonstrates Hanois resolve in attracting investment. Appreciating the success of Vietnam and Hanoi in particular in containing the COVID-19, Ambassador Tanee Sangrat said this year is a right time for the two countries to discuss mechanisms to promote and facilitate bilateral trade and investment. He suggested holding a joint workshop to look into trade and investment issues. The ambassador invited Hanoi to attend several annual exchange programmes held by Thailand in the time ahead, adding that the two sides should coordinate to organise cultural exchange events in Hanoi on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic relations in 2021. The Hanoi leader affirmed his support of such joint events, and expressed his wish that flights between Vietnam and Thailand, and between Hanoi and Bangkok will be resumed early on the condition of ensuring safety for both sides. The Thai Ambassador said Thailand also shares this wish and is considering ways to realise it. The two sides agreed that the existing cooperation agreement between Hanoi and Bangkok has not matched their potential, and proposed that the two cities consider elevating their ties towards a twinning relationship. The Beaumont Public Health Department on Tuesday confirmed more positive cases of coronavirus in one day than it has in nearly three weeks. It also recorded a second death attributed to the virus in just three days. With positives earlier this week in Port Arthur, Groves, Port Neches and Nederland, Jefferson County now has confirmed 585 cases of the novel coronavirus. Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames has said repeatedly that she expected the number of confirmed cases to rise as publicly promoted opportunities to be tested for the virus were once again increased. But of the 64 cases confirmed in the past seven days, only 15 appear to have been done at a public testing site, likely meaning more people are seeking tests from private providers. But with little information required to be reported about how many people are being tested at private clinics, its nearly impossible to determine whether more people are being tested overall or more people are seeking testing at private providers. >> Related: Coroanvirus testing ramps back up in SE Texas These unknowns make it challenging to determine if the virus is spreading more as people continue to increase interactions outside the home. I dont even know what to think. I wish we could say were done, but as long as we keep getting at least double-digit testing, Ames said, her voice trailing off. More Information Helpful numbers (409) 550-2536: Hotline for residents of Jasper, Jefferson, Hardin, Newton, Orange and Tyler counties who want to be tested for coronavirus. 211, option 6: For general coronavirus inquiries. 512-883-2400 or txcovidtest.org: Appointments for testing through state of Texas on Friday and May 12 for Jasper County residents 409-983-8880: Appointments for testing in Port Arthur Wednesday, Tuesday and June 11. By the numbers Jefferson County confirmed COVID-19 cases: Beaumont 447 Port Arthur 64 Nederland 16 Groves 13 Port Neches 10 China 4 Cheek 2 Nome 2 Fannett 1 Source: Beaumont and Port Arthur public health departments See More Collapse I think weve been doing a better job of getting people tested. Theres a lot of opportunities to get tested that we didnt have before. But as we continue to open things back up, well just have to see what happens. Ames said she isnt told where an individual who tests positive was tested. But private clinics are required to report only confirmed cases to the health department, not the total number of tests conducted. The city can track the number of coronavirus tests pending results for individuals who were tested at one of the clinics where the city is partnering with a private provider, or at a site run by the citys health department or the state of Texas. After the six-county coalition formed to address coronavirus in Southeast Texas closed its two public testing sites, public health departments took over running their own clinics that are open for a few days a week and have had varying turnout. Since then, there are an increasing number of days when new cases are confirmed outside of those taken by the city. >> Related: Coronavirus complicates hurricane planning Overall, despite trending down at the end of last month, the seven-day average of confirmed coronavirus cases has started to creep back up. As of Tuesday, over the last week, the citys health department confirmed an average of 9.1 cases per day - thats three more each day than late last month. The citys lowest seven-day average was nearly 4.9 cases on May 5, while the highest average was on April 25, when the city had confirmed an average 12.1 cases every day in the preceding seven-day period. Hard conclusions from these numbers are still hard to draw because of how little experts know about the virus and how many other compounding factors cannot be included, based on privacy laws and a lack of requirements to report. Ames said the severity of the cases has continued to improve as local doctors have had increasing success treating COVID-19-positive patients with plasma from individuals who had the virus and recovered. Theres quite a few people who have come off of ventilators that doctors thought might not have, she said. As of Tuesday, 338 people within the citys jurisdiction remained isolated as a result of testing positive for the virus. >> Related: COVID toll on tourism comes into focus Ames encouraged people who have recovered from the virus to donate their plasma to help other people recover. She said it is less painful than giving blood or having a blood transfusion. The city of Beaumont is having three more testing days this week, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The city of Port Arthur will have its first public testing days - one this week and two next. Farther north, Jasper County has two more mobile testing sites planned. While Jasper County has confirmed only 35 cases, and just one since May 28, County Judge Mark Allen said the state offered to set up the testing dates to help meet statewide testing goals. We have managed to overcome the first COVID-19 infection surge and now want to focus on eliminating, or at least significantly diminishing, any further chances of future surge or community spread of the virus, he said. We basically hope to scrape the pan and identify any remaining positive cases and contact trace them to their points of origin. Appointments are required for all of the sites. Kaitlin Bain is the Government Reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise. Contact her at Kaitlin.Bain@BeaumontEnterprise.com or on Twitter by clicking here. Don't miss a thing: Sign up for our Daily Headlines newsletter. Some Reflections on the Killing of George Floyd, Racism, Sin and Christian Witness The death of George Floyd, killed by Minneapolis police responding to an alleged minor breach of the law, has revealed, once again, the deep racial fractures that divide America. Cities are under curfew and the police, equipped like an army, look like they are prepared for war with their fellow citizens. Sin tends to be trivialised and individualised in advanced Western culture. Its a naughty desire that you secretly deserve to have fulfilled; its the self-indulgence of having too much cream with your strawberries; or, getting more serious, its using privilege and power to shame opponents on Twitter. Christian theology has a lot to say about sin and its seriousness and thats why Christian theology also has a lot to say about racism and violence. What follows are some theological reflections on what has been happening over the last week. Im talking about America not because the US somehow has a corner on sin (we are all pretty good at being original sinners) or out of some crude anti-Americanism, but because of the events unfolding there raise theological questions for Christians everywhere. Ive travelled quite extensively in the US, have many American friends and keep up to date with American politics but I dont naively claim that I, an outsider from Ireland, can arrogantly pronounce judgments (or solutions) from a distance. Sin is a virus that God will eradicate If youve seen previous posts you will have noticed Im reading Douglas Campbells Pauline Dogmatics. Chapter 5 is Resurrection and Death, and in it he says some remarkably relevant things to what is unfolding in the States on both systemic racism and coronavirus. From Genesis 3 on, death is inextricably connected to sin. One way of looking at this is death as Gods solution to sin (102). In other words, sin is so toxic that God will not allow it to survive. It has a death-by date. Sin has no future, it will be destroyed for good and the new creation is virtually unimaginable to us because it is pretty well impossible to imagine a world without sin and death. God is a trinity of love and justice, the author of love and peace and joy. Sin hatred, violence, injustice, exploitation, selfishness, greed and so on is antithetical to Gods being and good purposes. The two co-exist in the present, but only on a temporary basis. This is the fundamental shape of Christian eschatological hope. In Galatians 5, this antithesis is pictured as the conflict between the flesh (see the present evil age 1:4) and the age of the Spirit. They are utterly opposed to one another. Those who belong to the realm of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. So Campbell says this God absolutely refuses to give life to a cosmos that is contaminated with sin. Its existence must end. Death is Gods judgment on things that have been contaminated by sin. It is the refusal to give life to those things that have turned from life to evil 103. Pauls Jewish understanding of sin took seriously its deadly effects. Sin contaminates and much temple ritual is about purity and cleansing offending pollution. It is not to be allowed to spread. It must be atoned for and repented from. We moderns who laugh at the outdated notion of sin should take pause. The Covid-19 crisis is a graphic picture of how sin works. Gods response to sin is like human response to a deadly virus (Campbell wrote this before Covid-19 talk about a prescient illustration). Drastic measures are needed to contain it and one day eradicate it from the world. And in just this sense, God is implacably committed to the containment of sin within this world and this age, and to its ultimate termination, in death. The crippling and deadly virus of sin cannot be allowed to spread. Indeed, we are fortunate that God is so resolute in this opposition to something that we tend to treat rather too lightly. (103) We are all under the power of sin and all of us face death One of the many myths of modern capitalism is that individuals can exist in a nice consumer bubble, having their dreams and wishes fulfilled with no cost to the planet and in complete detachment from the anonymous and distant people who made those designer jeans somewhere far away and who may, or may not, be working in a sweatshop. Likewise, some myths about sin insulate us from its reality in a comforting cocoon of private piety. (i) it does not exist (ii) if it does exist, it is little more than a euphemism for a poor personal choice that we will regret (iii) or perhaps if you are a Christian, sin is a wrong action or attitude for which we need confess to God and repent from. While (iii) is partially true, it fails to take seriously the power and systemic reach of sin. Every one of us is implicated in it. Every one of us is under its power. Every one of us faces death as a result. What is happening in America shows that sin is real, powerful, destructive and deadly. It is not a myth or a primitive outdated idea. People who experience systemic injustice on an everyday basis know this first-hand. And those who dont have this everyday experience (generally those with White privilege) tend to resist systemic analysis of sin they tend to limit sin to the individual sphere. In contrast to this, listen to what Campbell says about sin and I agree with him completely Sin extends all the way across and all the way down. We are saturated with it soaked in it. (104) Racism is one form of sin: it has a long history in America and has spread for generations, deeply contaminating American public life The diagnosis of sin as a virus reminds us that its highly infectious; it spreads death and once unleashed, it cant easily be reined-in again. Racism is inextricably connected to slavery; it is in other words a sin with a long history. Its one of the great sins of the modern era, perpetrated by White colonial powers to prop up their expanding global economies. You dont need to be an expert on the history of slavery and race relations in the US (and I make no claim to be) to know that this original great sin has shaped American history in all sorts of destructive ways and poisoned public life. (Again, this is not limited to America but takes a very particular form in the US). The calling of the church of Jesus Christ is to bear witness to death of sin in the present The only solution to the problem of sin for each one of us is to die and somehow come out the other side of death, free of the power of sin. This is precisely what the good news of the gospel announces has happened. In the death and resurrection of Jesus, God has atoned for sin and defeated death. In this sense, sin has been quarantined dealt with for good. But here is one of the New Testaments most surprising twists this quarantining of sin and death is not only in the future. The future has already arrived. Believers are already raised to new life through the Spirit; they are already new creations. This is technically called inaugurated eschatology and is everywhere in Paul and the other writers of the NT. If those in Christ share in his resurrection life now, then the mission of the church is to bear witness to this reality. By its life, words and deeds, the church is to embody an alternative politics to that of the world. A politics of peace; justice; love; joy; of a self-giving community, transcending all racial and ethnic distinctions; of sharing burdens and resources; of together being conformed to the image of her Lord. All while awaiting in hope the Day of the Lord, Gods final defeat of sin, death and all powers that oppose his good purposes, resurrection and the launch of his new creation. Particular challenges for the church in America If the above is the case and I think this is a fair description of what orthodox Christianity believes then this means at least three things for brothers and sisters in America, particularly predominantly White churches. Again I offer these as observations, simply as a Christian looking on with grief at the suffering, pain and injustice experienced by so many black men and women many of them brothers and sisters in Christ. They are not meant to imply that these sorts of things arent going on Im sure there are countless examples of where they are. The same sorts of questions could be asked of any church in its own national context of ethnic or racial division. [And some of this relates back to a book I wrote back in 2003 on how evangelicals in Northern Ireland responded politically and theologically within a violent conflict over national identity]. The primary calling for brothers and sisters in America is to embody a different story to the story of racial division, hatred, violence, suspicion and fear that is tearing the country apart. The church is to be a window into Gods new creation, not a mirror reflecting back the sins of the world. The first response then is not outward, locating fault in others, it is inward, involving difficult and searching self-critical reflection: - How in our own contexts, can we actively seek to be agents of love, hope, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation in a broken and divided world? - Where do we need to acknowledge our failures to act especially where our Whiteness has insulated us from the realities of the sin of racism? - Where have we mirrored the world? - Where have we failed to be communities where all are one in Christ, of equal worth and standing in Gods kingdom regardless of skin colour, qualifications, nationality, gender, social status and where you live? - How can we take steps to become such communities? - Where have we mirrored the fears of our culture and its frequent trust in force and violence as a means to solve issues of difference? - How can we build understanding and listen to the experiences of brother and sisters who are suffering daily because of the colour of their skin? Member of the European Parliament from Germany doctor Maximilian Krah published the inquiry on the website of the European Parliament Member of the European Parliament from Germany doctor Maximilian Krah on June 2 has registered an official written inquiry to High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell with request to state position on, as the documents say, a promising peace initiative put forward by Chairman of the Political Council of the Opposition Platform For Life Party Viktor Medvedchuk. The inquiry was published on the website of the European Parliament. German MEP asked the High Representative to answer the following questions: 1. What does the Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy think of this Ukrainian initiative? 2. Is High Representative/Vice-President Borrell willing to hold talks with the Ukrainian opposition on this initiative which would bring all parties involved in the War in Donbas together for talks facilitated by political figures from a number of EU Member States? Earlier, Maximilian Krah said that Medvedchuks initiative was the only hope for peace in Ukraine. Photo: IC Browsing recent reports and commentaries on China in Indian media, one wouldn't be surprised to find that they are riding on unwarranted Western criticism of China and exploiting every chance to find fault with China. One column in WION, published on May 19, calls on India to back Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA), in line with a number of countries led by the US, regardless of the internationally recognized "one China" principle. In the Swarajya magazine, an article published on Monday calls on India to take a swaying stance in the China-US feud over Hong Kong and not support "one China" one-sidedly. Obviously, the Indian media has been keeping a sharp lookout on China, believing every move by China in South Asia is a plot against India, and every one of China's actions on the world stage has implications for India's regional and international standing. As the world continues the arduous fight against the coronavirus, some Indian observers have gone so far as to blame China for the outbreak. The overemphasis on or even resentment toward China reflects the anxiety of Indians. India considers itself the No.1 power in South Asia and is reluctant to see other countries have more influence in the region. In addition, driven by an opportunistic mind-set, some Indians believe they can benefit from China's rivalry with the US-led West and strike a balance. The call of some Indian media outlets to back Taiwan's participation in WHA, hold China accountable for the coronavirus outbreak and take advantage of Hong Kong affairs are close follow-ups of Western policies against China, reflecting the lack of independent thinking of some Indian media. But will the West spare any real interests to India? That's a big question mark. While Western forces are willing to see animosity between China and India, the Indian media has played a considerable role in creating misunderstandings between the two Asian giants. India and China do share similarities and differences. It is imperative that they find ways to accommodate their differences. As the global power balance shifts toward Asia, a cooperative relationship between the two largest Asian economies can enhance their influence in the region and beyond, while conflicts between the two will only be exploited by the West to jeopardize their interests. Indian media should enhance their understanding of China and work on more balanced coverage on China and help build constructive relations. It is also hoped that they can shake off Western influence and think independently so that they can best maintain India's interests. HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (hereafter "Ping An" or the "Group", HKEx:2318; SSE:601318) presented the technology achievements that underpin its "Finance + Ecosystem" strategy at the sixth annual Goldman Sachs TechNet Conference Asia Pacific 2020 on 20 May. The virtual conference featured leading enterprises from around the world in internet, technology and mobile/telecom industries. Jessica Tan, Co-CEO of Ping An Group said, "The way Ping An became a technology company is different from others. There is one thing unique to us: business use cases. Given the depth and breadth of our offline and online businesses, we can train our technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), on really deep business scenarios. That is our unique advantage versus any other tech company." Ping An has made major strides in technology and innovation: it has incubated 11 technology businesses with annual revenues of more than USD11 billion, and established eight research institutes with over 35,000 developers and 2,600 scientists, leading to more than 21,000 technology patent applications. The Group was globally ranked first and second in published patent applications for fintech and healthtech respectively in 2019. Jessica commented, "Ping An's philosophy of incubating new business focuses on sectors that are important to consumers and GDP, such as financial services, health care, auto services, real estate services and smart city services. We have focused on these five ecosystems for the last 10 years." These ecosystems have established market-leading positions for Ping An in many areas: Financial services: OneConnect is a leading technology-as-a-service platform for financial institutions. OneConnect has more than 50 products in 13 end-to-end technology solutions across banking, insurance and investment, serving more than 3,700 financial institutions in China and 10 other countries. and 10 other countries. Health care: Ping An Good Doctor is the largest online health care services platform in China , with more than 315 million registered users, 729,000 daily consultations, and a professional network of more than 3,000 hospitals and 94,000 pharmacies. Ping An Smart Healthcare provides an AI technology platform for more than 14,000 hospitals and 300,000 doctors across 70 cities in China . Ping An HealthKonnect provides social health insurance management in more than 200 cities in China . is the largest online health care services platform in , with more than 315 million registered users, 729,000 daily consultations, and a professional network of more than 3,000 hospitals and 94,000 pharmacies. Ping An Smart Healthcare provides an AI technology platform for more than 14,000 hospitals and 300,000 doctors across 70 cities in . Ping An HealthKonnect provides social health insurance management in more than 200 cities in . Auto services: Autohome, the largest internet-based auto service platform in China , has more than 40 million daily active users, providing a full-range of auto services with more than 90 car dealers, 27,000 dealers, 30,000 second-hand dealers, and 70,000 repair shops. , has more than 40 million daily active users, providing a full-range of auto services with more than 90 car dealers, 27,000 dealers, 30,000 second-hand dealers, and 70,000 repair shops. Smart City: Ping An Smart City offers smart city services to more than 115 cities, 500,000 businesses and 50 million citizens. Notable services include Smart Healthcare which now offers the AskBob artificial intelligence-driven clinical decision support system to more than 300,000 doctors in 14,000 medical institutions. "Ping An takes its technology companies through four stages of development, which allows Ping An to be nimble in managing different companies at different stages without killing them prematurely," Jessica said. "Stage one is testing value propositions. Stage two, we look at traffic scale. Stage three is the ability to monetize that traffic, which is revenue. Finally, profitability comes at the last stage." Since the global outbreak of COVID-19 earlier this year, Ping An has taken on the challenge of meeting changing customer needs. Jessica noted, "The pandemic has forced Ping An to support digital services better than ever." Demand skyrocketed for Ping An's healthtech services. Between 22 January to 10 February 2020, there were 1.11 billion visits to Ping An Good Doctor's app. Between 22 January to 6 February as the outbreak peaked in China, the number of new registered users increased by 10 times compared with the period from 1 to 21 January, and the number of daily online medical consultations increased by nine times. In Indonesia, GrabHealth - launched in late 2019 by Ping An Good Doctor and ride-hailing company Grab - hired hundreds of doctors as COVID-19 caused demand for online consultations in the country to almost double. "Business and government needs have also been impacted by the pandemic," Jessica said. "The COVID-19 situation has forced business and government to accelerate a shift to online services. For example, financial institutions are now more willing to digitalize their process, and in the area of government regulation, social health insurance payments are now starting to be accepted online. Other traditional offline industries are likely to follow." - End - How a molecular alarm system in plants protects them from danger Every species in nature is equipped with a strategy to survive in response to danger. Plants, too, have innate systems that are triggered in response to threats, such as insects feeding on them. For example, some plants can recognize "herbivore danger signals" (HDS), which are specific chemicals in oral secretions of insects. This activates a cascade of events in the plant's physiological defense machinery, which leads to the plant developing "immunity" against the predator. However, despite considerable research, exactly how plants recognize these signals has remained a bit of a mystery. In a new study, a team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science, led by Prof Gen-ichiro Arimura, attempts to shed light on exactly how plant HDS systems work. ### Reference Title of original paper: Soy and Arabidopsis receptor-like kinases respond to polysaccharide signals from Spodoptera species and mediate herbivore resistance Journal: Communications Biology DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0959-4 About The Tokyo University of Science Tokyo University of Science (TUS) is a well-known and respected university, and the largest science-specialized private research university in Japan, with four campuses in central Tokyo and its suburbs and in Hokkaido. Established in 1881, the university has continually contributed to Japan's development in science through inculcating the love for science in researchers, technicians, and educators. With a mission of "Creating science and technology for the harmonious development of nature, human beings, and society", TUS has undertaken a wide range of research from basic to applied science. TUS has embraced a multidisciplinary approach to research and undertaken intensive study in some of today's most vital fields. TUS is a meritocracy where the best in science is recognized and nurtured. It is the only private university in Japan that has produced a Nobel Prize winner and the only private university in Asia to produce Nobel Prize winners within the natural sciences field. Website: https:/ / www. tus. ac. jp/ en/ mediarelations/ About Professor Gen-ichiro Arimura from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) Dr Gen-ichiro Arimura is a Professor in the Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Department of Biological Science and Technology at TUS, Japan. He completed his graduation at the Hiroshima University Graduate School, after which he worked in the field of plant biology for several years before moving to TUS in 2013. A senior and well-respected researcher, he has more than 110 publications to his credit. His key research interests include plant biotechnology, ecology, and biochemistry. This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. As far as the maintenance of law and order is concerned, there is no over-flogging the subject editorially. It is for this reason that we have decided to return to the subject following especially Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwuls warning that the military would not fold its arms as troublemakers disturb the countrys peace. It would be paradoxical if such political miscreants go on the rampage in a country whose soldiers have carved an enviable image for themselves and the countrys banner in the realm of international peacekeeping. The colours of the units of the Ghana Army are bedecked with shinning decorations they earned as far back as the days of the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF), in action from Burma in the 1940s to Kasavubu in 1960 in the Congo. Sure the people of Ghana can count on the supportive role of the military in internal security duties with the foremost managers, the Ghana Police Service, when that becomes necessary. It is good that the Defence Minister has fired the warning flare and with that the cowards would have been sufficiently served notice not to dare lest they regret signing a pact with the devils. The awesome powers of the state are ever ready to be deployed in the interest of the country. So much has gone into bringing Ghana this far that allowing a few people to throw a spanner into the works of state by killjoys at a time when the image of the country has reached the rooftop should be resisted by all. It is beyond our ken why out of desperation some of our compatriots would seek to reduce state institutions to nothingness because doing so would inure to their parochial cause. Ghana has moved forward and still doing so, far away from the days when a group of our compatriots could hold the country to ransom. Those who harbour such mischief are nation wreckers and do not mean it when they scream at the top of their voices. Why would you attempt destroying state institutions because electoral defeat stares you in the countenance? We hereby repeat our earlier call that the Police Administration and the military hierarchy hold a joint press conference with a two-pronged objective: to assure Ghanaians they would perform the mandate of keeping the country safe from human predators and to warn the criminals that they would be ferreted out and dealt with if they dare. They receive monies from foreign opposition elements in neighbouring countries and hold demonstrations in Ghana. Now that those wells are dried up, they have turned to the NDC for easy funds to foment trouble. They would fail, and Ghana and its democracy would triumph. 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 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom stands ready to open the door to almost 3 million Hong Kong citizens, as the citys leader arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for meetings on a planned national security law that has many worried about their future. Johnson said in a column published online by the South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong newspaper, that the security law would curtail freedoms in Hong Kong and conflict with Chinas obligations under its agreement with the United Kingdom when it took back the former British colony in 1997. Many people in Hong Kong fear their way of life which China pledged to uphold is under threat, he wrote. If China proceeds to justify their fears, then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away. China shocked many of Hong Kongs 7.5 million people when it announced earlier this month that it would enact a national security law for the city, which is guaranteed a high level of autonomy outside of foreign and defence affairs. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, a supporter of the move, arrived in Beijing on Wednesday morning for meetings with central government officials on the planned law. China could enact the law later this month or at the end of August, analysts have said. About 350,000 Hong Kong citizens hold British National Overseas passports, a legacy of the colonial era, and 2.5 million others are eligible to apply for them, Johnson said in his column. Long lines have formed at DHL courier offices in the city since the announcement as people rush to apply for or renew their BNO passports. Johnson, echoing earlier statements by Cabinet ministers, said that if China imposes a national security law, Britain would allow holders of the BNO passports to remain for 12 months on a renewable basis and would grant them the right to work, placing them on a possible path to UK citizenship. This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history, Johnson wrote, adding, I hope it will not come to this. BNO passport holders currently can stay in the UK for only up to six months. Separately on Wednesday, Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong called on leaders in Europe to oppose the national security law, saying it erodes the one country, two systems framework promised to the semi-autonomous Chinese territory. Wong said that after President Donald Trump threatened to impose sanctions on Hong Kong last week, the momentum should be kept to build a global alliance to stand with Hong Kong. British couples will have to quarantine for two weeks before they can hold their babies after arriving at a Ukrainian clinic where 97 newborns are marooned due to coronavirus lockdown. Four desperate British couples have flown to Kyiv and are now on a fortnight's quarantine before meeting their infants at the BioTexCom human reproduction centre. Last month shocking images showed 46 babies at the clinic's Venice Hotel waiting for their parents, many of them Westerners who have spent tens of thousands of pounds but are unable to travel. Lyudmila Denisova, Ukraine's parliamentary commissioner for human rights, revealed that there are a total of 97 surrogate babies in Kyiv at eight clinics. The number at the Venice Hotel now stands at 73, with 62 'still waiting for their parents.' A happy mother wears a protective masks as she meets her baby for the first time on May 13 (left) and parents meeting their baby (right) at the BioTexCom Center for Human Reproduction in Kyiv Now this clinic's Venice Hotel has a total of 73 children, of which 62 are 'still waiting for their parents', said Lyudmila Denisova, Ukraine's parliamentary commissioner for human rights. In 11 cases, parents have arrived, undergone two week's quarantine, and are now caring for their babies. Denisova is helping 91 overseas parents reach Ukraine despite the pandemic - and complete the necessary red tape to take their babies home. Nikolai Kuleba, the Ukraine president's commissioner for children's rights, is so shocked by the scandal of newborns left alone in the surrogacy clinics that he is calling for a ban on the practice which is illegal in many countries. 'We need to close this market for foreign couples,' said Kuleba. Denisova revealed that there are a total of 97 known newborn surrogate babies in Kyiv whose foreign parents are desperately seeking to reach their children in a total of eight clinics A shocking video shows almost 50 surrogate babies stranded in Ukraine due to the coronavirus lockdown A BioTexCom clinic representative named Svetlana said today: 'We have currently four British couples who have arrived to pick up their babies. Foreign parents at the clinic meeting their baby 'They are all isolated under observation for coronavirus in public institutions, as required under the law of Ukraine. 'In the first half of June these parents will see their kids but only after the end of observation. 'I cannot share with you the exact number of UK babies as this is private information. 'But all these parents are currently in Kyiv.' The British couples - who had planned to be in Ukraine at the time their children were born but were prevented from doing so by lockdown curbs - have declined to be named. They will need to obtain UK passports for their children from the British embassy before leaving Ukraine. Among parents to arrive and in quarantine before collecting their babies are 11 couples from Argentina. They are due to be collected by parents from the UK, USA, Italy, Spain, France, Israel, Germany, China, Mexico, Romania and other countries Newborns are crammed in a dormitory at the Venice Hotel in capital city Kyiv One couple took out a five year loan to pay for the surrogacy arrangement. An unnamed 29 year old woman said she was paid 12,750 to be a surrogate mother after living hand to mouth as a bank clerk in Kyiv. 'I was ready for this,' she told Fakti newspaper. 'I went into. It consciously, perfectly understanding what I was doing and why.' She used the money to open her own business. 'I prepared myself that this was not my son,' she said. 'I told myself that I was just helping someone else's child to be born. I know that psychologists work with some surrogate mothers. But I didn't need it. Midwives looking after the babies at the Venice Hotel, where 73 are now waiting to be collected by their parents 'Even when I was talking with the child, I told him: 'Wait a little longer, soon you will meet your mummy and daddy. 'I had the same emotions after childbirth. When I saw him, I immediately noticed how much he looked like his parents, not me, but them, especially the mother. 'I had no maternal love for this child. There is probably interest, curiosity, but nothing more.' Other Australian states are growing their exports to China at rates equivalent to or greater than Victoria despite not having signed up to the Communist nations $1.5 trillion Belt and Road global infrastructure program. Figures from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have cast doubt on the economic benefits of Victorias controversial Belt and Road agreement on the same day that Melbournes Uighur community urged Premier Daniel Andrews to walk away from the deal. Premier Daniel Andrews in question time on Tuesday. Credit:Jason South Mr Andrews continued to defend the controversial agreement with China on Wednesday as it again dominated the days politics at State Parliament, saying comparisons with other states should be approached with caution. The federal Coalition government and Victorian opposition both want the agreement scrapped, saying it is not in the national interest for a single Australian state to sign up to Belt and Road against the wishes of the national government. Reactor pressure vessel of Bohunice nuclear power plant removed Milestone in decommissioning programme will allow remote dismantling EBRD manages donor-funded international support fund The programme to decommission the Bohunice V1 nuclear power plant in the Slovak Republic has achieved a major milestone, with the successful removal of the first reactor pressure vessel that will now permit remote dismantling of the facility. The metal structure, with a weight of 196 tonnes and a height of 11 metres, was lifted safely from its concrete shield and relocated to the recently completed underwater cutting facility. A reactor pressure vessel is the heart of a nuclear reactor in which the nuclear process of boiling water and producing the steam required to drive the turbines for electricity takes place. Tomas Klein, Director of Decommissioning at the Project Management Unit, said: This marks a very important milestone in our safe and efficient decommissioning process. The upcoming dismantling activities of activated components like the reactor pressure vessel and reactor internals will eventually reduce the radioactivity of the site by almost 100 per cent by the end of 2022. As a next step, the reactors will be dismantled remotely and the materials processed for safe storage or disposal. Project manager Tibor Rapant commented: Transportation of the reactor pressure vessel to the fragmentation workplace represents the completion of a two-year-long process. The transport itself was carried out using the reactor hall main crane with a capacity of 250 tonnes and lasted approximately three hours. Waste from dismantling activities will be safely stored or disposed of at the national radioactive waste repository and the Bohunice Interim Storage Facility. The operation was performed successfully despite the current health and safety regulations in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Work in Bohunice continued in recent weeks during emergency measures, which have now been revoked. The decommissioning of units 1 and 2 of the Bohunice nuclear power plant is prepared and implemented by Jadrova a vyradovacia spolocnost, a.s. (JAVYS) and financed by the Bohunice International Decommissioning Support Fund, established in 2001. Contributors to the fund are the European Commission as well as Austria, Denmark, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development acts as fund manager. The fund finances and co-finances selected projects to support the decommissioning of units 1 and 2 of the plant in a safe, secure and cost-effective manner and to introduce new measures in the Slovak energy sector to help minimise the impact of the closure of units 1 and 2 by improving the efficiency of energy supply and consumption. To date, the fund has received more than 650 million and operations are well on track to complete the decommissioning on target by 2025. Steve White, EBRD Director of the Bohunice International Decommissioning Support Fund, said: The successful safe removal of the first pressure vessel represents not only the completion of a major milestone; it is also testament to the hard work and dedication of the Slovak site project team and the Westinghouse-led consortium. The EBRD is the only international financial institution engaged in nuclear safety and decommissioning programmes and has been active in the field since 1993. In addition to its work in the Slovak Republic, the Bank is also active in the decommissioning of former Soviet-type nuclear reactors in Bulgaria and Lithuania, the transformation of Chernobyl, the management of radioactive waste in north-western Russia and in work to overcome the legacy of Soviet-era uranium mining and processing in Central Asia. Boston Mayor Marty Walshs office is poised to pour another several million dollars into its relief fund for renters in the city as the coronavirus pandemic continues to cause economic uncertainty for many residents, officials announced Wednesday. The public health crisis has led to more than 101,000 COVID-19 infections and nearly 7,100 deaths in Massachusetts. The outbreak has also sparked major financial woes for businesses and employees, leading to hundreds of thousands of unemployment claims to be filed in the commonwealth. The City of Boston announced in early April that $3 million would go to aid residents who are at risk of losing their rental housing due to the pandemic. The money aims to help income-eligible tenants find stable living arrangements. Walshs administration will now put an additional $5 million into the citys Rental Relief Fund" and reopen the application process at noon on Friday. The deadline to complete the initial pre-screening application is June 19, according to a statement from the mayors office. During this challenging time, it is important that we leverage all resources available to ensure the health and safety of our residents, and to keep them stably housed during the COVID-19 public health crisis, Walsh said in his statement. We know that many Bostonians are struggling, and we know the need for assistance with housing payments remains, which is why we are proud to make available this additional funding." The mayors announcements comes on the heals of a statewide eviction and foreclosure moratorium that Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law in late April. The moratoriums will remain in effect until Aug. 18 or 45 days after the state of emergency ends. The act temporarily bans landlords from issuing a notice to quit, which starts the eviction process, and prohibits courts from issuing executions. Sheriffs or constables cannot force someone to move out, and property owners are not allowed to impose late fees for not paying rent as long as tenants provide documentation proving they were not able to pay rent due to financial impacts from the coronavirus. Bostons new infusion of funding was part of the citys preparations for the end of the moratoriums and aims to help keep hundreds of people in their homes during the public health crisis. The Boston Rental Relief Fund helps to relieve the fear and anxiety of losing your home in the midst of a pandemic and economic crisis, said Zoe Cronin, managing attorney of the Housing Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services. This fund is critical because it helps those most in need and those not able to access other programs. The citys relief program provides up to $4,000 to individual households for 12 months. To qualify for aid residents must live in Boston and have an income at or below 80% of the area median income, which is $90,650 for a family of four, according to Walshs office. Rental relief funds may be used for short-term rental assistance for up to three months. The money can be used to pay for more than a month of rent or to supplement partial payments of rent, the mayor noted. Preference is given to qualified applicants who were not eligible for unemployment benefits or, due to the nature of their jobs, could not receive full benefits, according to Walsh. Since the fund was announced two months ago, the city of Boston and its partner organizations - including Metro Housing|Boston, Neighborhood of Affordable Housing and Project Hope - have worked to process roughly 1,600 applications and administer funds to landlords. To date, over $680,000 in assistance has been disseminated to 210 households in 17 different neighborhoods to cover rent for April and May, the mayors office said. Following the creation of the fund in early April, the Walsh administration also received nearly 3,400 interest forms from residents who have sought information on the next round of funding, according to the mayor. To better serve residents with the new round of rental relief money, the city is extending the pre-screening period by two weeks to help applicants determine their eligibility. The pre-application screening forms will be available in seven languages, and any qualified applicants from the first round who did not receive funding will automatically be entered into the second round of the fund. A persons immigration status is not asked during the Rental Relief Fund application process and receiving funds does not impact other financial assistance that a person may be already receiving, the mayors office said. Additionally, assistance from the Rental Relief Fund does not affect immigration applications as a public charge ground of inadmissibility. Related Content: For the past four months, Americans have endured a constant barrage of news and fear porn about the Wuhan coronavirus. The country has been locked down as tightly as Anthony Weiners infamous laptop computer, now finally starting to slowly reopen. We have heard about ventilators and ICU beds, social distancing and masks, death counts and vaccines, all to the point of over-saturation. Fox News ran a nearly constant death count side bar and CNN blamed the virus, the resulting economic shutdown, and every other bit of trouble in the world on their least favorite president ever. Only those in a coma or living in a Siberian cave werent aware of the Chinese virus and the havoc it brought to not only America but also to the rest of the world. Digital media provided confirmation. But suddenly it all stopped. Coronavirus has been the most searched term on Google in 2020. At the time of this writing, on the last day of May, three-quarters of the top trending Google searches relate to the country-wide riots over the death of George Floyd. Virtually no searches of the Chinese coronavirus. Twitter provides another barometer. Of the top trending Twitter topics on the same day noted above, a third were tied to the riots, but nothing regarding the Wuhan flu. How could such a black swan event disappear from the news so quickly? This is another example of Rush Limbaughs drive-by media, quickly driving past a story that is no longer of use or relevance to the DNC media apparatus. Was the past four months of media hysteria and panic really about the virus? Or was it instead a means to a desired end? The viral pandemic must be behind us as big city mayors, who a few weeks ago threatened to arrest anyone going swimming or attending church now ignore massive crowds on their streets, few wearing masks. YouTube screen grab of unmasked non-socially distanced looters shopping at the Nike store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The anti-Trump triumvirate of the media, deep state, and Democrat party have been working nonstop to derail the Trump presidency. They illegally spied on candidate Trump, continued to spy on President Trump using distractions to hide their seditious activities. Starting with the Mueller investigation, transitioning into the Ukraine phone call and nonsensical impeachment, then the Wuhan virus, now the riots. Are these all unrelated events? Or are they like aspen trees in Colorado, One aspen tree is actually only a small part of a larger organism. A stand or group of aspen trees is considered a singular organism with the main life force underground in the extensive root system. The triumvirate described above is the underground root system with particular events as the actual trees. For example, lets pick a random bleak midwinter date of say, January 15. Three interesting things happened on that day. Was it a massive coincidence or a clue that todays events may not really be about the virus? From the New York Times, On Jan. 15, at the international airport south of Seattle, a 35-year-old man returned from a visit to his family in the Wuhan region. Days later he became, The first person in the United States to test positive for the coronavirus. That same day, President Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu signed the US-China Phase 1 trade deal. Also on January 15, the US House delivered articles of impeachment against the President to the Senate. The House passed impeachment in December, yet they waited until this day for their solemn walk across the Capitol. Impeachment failed and China was on the economic ropes. How convenient that a nasty virus of unclear origin, laboratory versus wet market, was delivered to the US on January 15. It then took a sledgehammer to the US economy, coincidently leaving China relatively unscathed. The triumvirate insisted that the economy close, perhaps indefinitely. Social distancing, masks, and stay-at-home orders flattened the curve. The US medical system, while stressed, was never overrun as was predicted. Trumps approval rating remained stable during the pandemic, despite the triumvirates efforts to destroy him. The Dow recovered more than half its lost value and the country is reopening. Jason Furman, a top economist in the Obama administration made this startling, and horrific to many, prediction in early April, We are about to see the best economic data weve seen in the history of this country. Other former Obama officials panicked, This is my big worry said a former Obama White House official who is still close to the former president. Asked about the level of concern among top party officials, he said, Its high high, high, high, high. Time for a new narrative, one the Democrats play like a fiddle, the race card. In another coincidence, George Floyd and the police officer Derek Chauvin, who pressed his knee on Floyds neck, worked together at the same Minneapolis nightclub. Did they know each other? Is there more to this story? Chauvin is white and Floyd is black, the correct combination for outrage, protests, and riots. A few years ago when Somali-American Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor shot a white woman named Justine Ruszczyk, there was a court trial but no civil unrest. Perhaps that was the wrong combination. How quickly everyone forgot about the virus. Cable and network news are focused exclusively on the riots. Almost no one is talking about COVID 19. No one at CNN is calling these protesters racist for defying social distancing rules and mask use as they merrily destroy their cities, looting already decimated businesses in their neighborhoods. Attending church or a gathering of more than ten people was only recently grounds for arrest. Not today as hundreds gather in close proximity in what the media describe as peaceful protests. No one seems to be concerned about a potential surge in Wuhan virus cases due to the rioters, negating Americas sacrifice in staying home for the past three months. Its almost as if this is part of a grand plan. What happened to social distancing rules in cities? YouTube screen grab Were these protests and riots spontaneous or preplanned and organized? Why were pallets of bricks delivered into the protest zones in Dallas, Chicago, Manhattan and other cities? Did they just fall out of the sky? Is the virus the latest unsuccessful attempt to destroy the Trump presidency? Are the riots an attempt to gin up support for the joke of a candidate Joe Biden? The Washington Post answers that with this headline, New data finds young black Americans arent as enthusiastic about Biden or opposed to Trump as their elders. What better than a race war to rile up the Democrat base. Instead these riots have unintentionally shown us that Trump rallies are safe and that the Chinese virus is no longer a serious threat. Mail in ballots are dead too since if people can leave their homes to loot and riot, they can leave their homes to vote. Notice how quickly concern about cities and states opening too quickly has been forgotten as thousands take to the streets, in contradiction to everything the smart set has been advocating. This is lost, or willfully ignored by the media, now focused back on Trumps latest tweet. As the enigmatic Q says, All assets deployed, win by any means necessary, everything is at stake. Was it really about the virus or destroying Trump? If the viral pandemic of a lifetime can be so quickly forgotten, replaced by opportunistic riots, civil unrest, and insurgency, one wonders if the virus was really the existential threat we were told it was. Was it ever really about the virus or about the election? Brian C Joondeph, MD, is a Denver based physician and freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in American Thinker, Daily Caller, Rasmussen Reports, and other publications. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and QuodVerum. Syrian Kurds have played a prominent role in the conflict, but they now have to convert this into actual gains and solid representation write Asharq Al-Awsat. Posters of prominent Kurdish leaders can be seen at a traditional Kurdish clothes store in Qamishli, in northeastern Syria. Posters of the late Mala Mustafa Barzani, his son former president Masoud Barzani and Abdullah Ocalan, founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party, can be seen alongside the banners of various Kurdish organizations from Iraq and Turkey. Ocalans posters are seen at the autonomous regions institutions that were established by the Syrian Democratic Union Party in early 2014. Barzani posters are seen at the offices and headquarters of the Kurdish national council. After nearly two months of talks in April and May, the two main Kurdish factions reached, through the sponsorship of US envoy to Syria William Roebuck, a form of political vision. More discussions will continue during future rounds of talks with the aim of reaching a united stance. The Kurds in Syria, however, appear pessimistic about the possibility of the Kurdish parties being able to lead them out of the dark tunnel that they have dragged them into. A local activist said that the affiliation of Kurdish parties in Syria to Kurdistan have played a role in the success of understandings, but they have negatively impacted the interests of Syrias Kurds. She explained that each foreign power has its own vision, ideology and alliances that are so far removed from the interests and aspirations of Syrias Kurds. If the Kurdish parties in Syria do not abandon their affiliation to Kurdistan, then the intra-Kurdish talks will fail, just like previous ones, she said. She attributed the successive failures to the weak political personality of Syrias Kurdish officials. They must open their eyes and realize the suffering of their people. They must realize that their main problem lies with Damascus, not Baghdad or Ankara, she stressed. The Kurdistan affiliation predicament is among the pain problems driving a wedge between Syrias various Kurdish parties. A resident of Dayrik on the border with Turkey and Iraq said that the affiliation of local Kurdish parties to Kurdistan leaderships in neighboring countries has been unwavering for decades. He doubted that the various parties would be able to reach a comprehensive and final agreement due to their conflicting foreign relations and alliances. Any agreement would be limited and fall short of the peoples expectations, he predicted. A pharmacist in the town of Amouda shared a different opinion. She said that the affiliation with Kurdistan has had a positive impact on the first round of talks. She stated that the people are more concerned with economic concerns and developments on the ground than the political talks. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. As the murder charge against former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was upgraded from third-degree murder to "unintentional" second-degree murder, there are reasonable questions about what allegations are appropriate in the death of George Floyd. Experts interviewed after the initial third-degree case was made public last week said Wednesday that the second-degree charge appears to be appropriate, with no need to prove any intent to kill Floyd. The upgraded charge comes with a maximum sentence of 40 years, compared to 25 years for third-degree murder. Image: Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin (Hennepin County Jail) Floyd, 46, died May 25 after Chauvin, responding to a report that someone had passed counterfeit money at a market, detained him by pushing his knee into his neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds. Since then, state and local prosecutors have faced increasing pressure to upgrade the case against Chauvin, who was fired the day after Floyd's death, while also holding the three other officers who stood by culpable. The three, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, who were also fired, were charged Wednesday with abetting murder in the second degree. Conviction would mean that they were equally legally responsible for Floyd's death and would face the statutory 40-year maximum sentence. Experts say third-degree murder was appropriate, but Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison argued Wednesday that the second-degree charge could easily apply in Chauvin's case. The upgraded case includes the allegation that Chauvin committed "assault in the third degree," which led to death. University of Minnesota law professor Susanna Blumenthal agreed. "Second-degree felony murder does not require proof of intent to kill," she said by email. "What the prosecutor would need to establish is that the officer caused death while committing or attempting to commit a felony offense, which has been charged in this case as assault in the third degree." Story continues Ellison said the top count against Chauvin, unintentional second-degree murder, means a suspect is believed to have caused death without intending to do so during the commission of a felony crime. "The felony would be, we contend, that George Floyd was assaulted, so that would be the underlying felony," Ellison said. Richard Frase, a criminal law professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, said that while the second-degree murder upgrade comes with a longer recommended sentence, it is easier to prove. "Second-degree felony murder is an even lower standard than third-degree murder," he said. It does not require proof of intent to kill but rather proof of intent to assault someone. That intent triggers a cascade that, if death results, means the assailant can be culpable of murder, Frase said. "The only intent you have to show is an intent to cause bodily harm," he said. "They don't have to show extreme recklessness as to death." He used a bar fight as an example. If someone takes an unprovoked swing at another person, that could be misdemeanor assault. If the victim falls and is injured, that could be felony assault. If the person ends up dying, that could be second-degree murder without the intent to commit murder. "Officer Chauvin, with his knee on Floyd's neck, that could be assault right there," Frase said. Previously filed charges, including third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, still stood against Chauvin on Wednesday. The third-degree filing alleges that 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." The second-degree manslaughter count includes the allegations that Chauvin displayed "culpable negligence," created "an unreasonable risk" and took "a chance of causing death or great bodily harm to George Floyd." If convicted on all charges, Chauvin would be sentenced only on the top count of unintentional second-degree murder. Full coverage of George Floyd's death and protests around the country Officers responding to a forgery-in-progress call confronted Floyd on the afternoon of May 25 as he sat in a parked Mercedes-Benz SUV on a Minneapolis street. Police claim that he resisted their orders and appeared to be in medical distress after he was handcuffed. Witness cellphone video recorded Chauvin atop Floyd as Floyd faced the ground. Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd's neck, even after a colleague suggested that he be rolled onto his side. "No, staying put where we got him," Chauvin said, according to the complaint. After the initial third-degree murder charge was filed, the attorney for Floyd's family, Benjamin Crump, called on prosecutors to charge Chauvin with first-degree murder, which requires evidence of intent to kill and some degree of premeditation. "We expected a first-degree murder charge," Crump and the family said in a statement last week. "We want a first-degree murder charge." Conafor reports 22 forest fires currently burning across Mexico Mexico City, Mexico The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Forestry Commission (Conafor) report 22 active forest fires in seven states around the country. Officials says that the 22 fires are affecting 643.7 hectares. Recently, 15 forest fires were liquidated, that is, they are completely out. For the current 22 fires, Conafor reports a total of 464 firefighters are working to battle those flames with the support of other agencies. Current fire map of Mexico The Comision Nacional Forestal (Conafor) says three forest fires are reported in two Protected Natural Areas. There are two in the CADNR 043 Natural Resources Protection Area in Nayarit State, municipalities of Mezquital and Pueblo Nuevo in Durango and in the Barranca de Cupatitzio National Park, Uruapan municipality in Michoacan. So far, the affected vegetation is mostly grass and scrub. Even so, to avoid greater risk, the call to not use fire in forest areas is reiterated, since the dry season is expected to be strong. The agency points out that a forest fire is one that occurs within forests, jungles, arid areas or mangroves. Fires in urban areas are attended by Civil Protection. A 53-year-old man who died in Bali late on Tuesday night may be the first Australian to perish of coronavirus in Indonesia. David William John Sparenburg may be the first Australian to die of coronavirus in Indonesia. A copy of the man's passport obtained by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age said his name was David William John Sparenburg, and that he died in a boarding house in Munggu, Mengwi Village, in Badung regency. David William John Sparenburg may be the first Australian to die of coronavirus in Indonesia. The victim had complained of shortness of breath on Tuesday evening before he died and police had attended the scene in full protective gear as a precaution against COVID-19, in line with new rules on the island. Mengwi Police Chief I Gede Eka Putra Astawa said the Australian was "complaining of difficulty breathing around 11pm local time [1am AEST on Wednesday] to a witness named Eka Surtika". Some local media have reported the Australian man may have had a history of heart disease. "There is no history of COVID-19 in the area. We hope to get the test results back in a day or two. We did find a health record from a local hospital, he went to get a check-up a few months back. It is unclear what kind of check-up he did back then." You can read the full report here. The 34- year-old photojournalist, who worked with AFP and contributed to other news organisations, was assaulted in his car and shot dead gunned down by unknown individuals after leaving his home. According to official sources, the killers escaped from the crime scene. Nabils journalistic work began in 2007 when he started working for Al-Ayyam newspaper and Utopian channel. After that, he started working with APF, which honoured him in 2015 after he made it to the final list following for the World Prize Rory Peck. "Through his work with AFP over the past five years, Nabil had helped to show a global audience the full horror of the conflict in Yemen. The quality of his work had been widely recognised," AFP's Global News Director, Phil Chetwynd. The YJS said in a statement: We strongly condemn this crime and call on the authorities in Aden to start investigating immediately and ensure perpetrators are found and face trial. The murder of Nabil is the latest attack against journalists in Yemen, where media workers are facing death penalties, are being kidnapped, tortured and arbitrarily arrested. The IFJ has repeatedly called on all sides of the war to stop targeting journalists and not to take them hostages in the conflict. On 16 April, the IFJ and the YJS sent a letter to the UN General Secretary urging him to support moves to protect the lives of journalists sentenced to death and demand the release of all journalists jailed in Yemen. The IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: We are deeply concerned about the situation in Yemen, where journalists are being systematically targeted and are suffering the hardest consequences of the conflict. We stand in solidarity with Nabils family, colleagues and friends and call for justice to be done. A fifth night of protests began in Lincoln with speeches and demonstrations outside the state Capitol before protesters took their message on the march. Not even the 96-degree heat could stop the momentum generated from Monday night's emotional rally that culminated with a Nebraska State Patrol trooper kneeling with the group. "The sun ain't gonna stop me from what I feel is right," said Dario Rossin, one of the protest organizers. Rossin said Monday night felt like a small symbol of what the group wants to see kneeling with cops. Several hundred people took part in another peaceful protest Tuesday. They wrapped around the Capitol and snaked through neighborhoods before heading to the County-City Building, where they met up with attendees of another rally. Tuesday's message encouraged people to vote for the change they wished to see and keep fighting the good fight. They did not face a curfew, as Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird chose not to enact one for Tuesday night. She said the purpose of curfews the previous two nights was not to arrest protesters, but instead to ensure public safety across the city. T he boss of a listed music investor today urged corporate titans to step up racial equality efforts in the wake of the George Floyd protests. Merck Mercuriadis, who runs Hipgnosis Songs Fund and manages Chic star Nile Rodgers, said: Its over 50 years since Sam Cooke sang A Change Is Gonna Come but it does not seem that that change is going to take place. People have the best intentions but are leaving it to others to do the hard work. We do have an influence as big business we have the ability to change peoples minds. Mercuriadis cited a letter he wrote to legal authorities in Georgia calling for justice after an unarmed black man, Ahmaud Arbery, was shot dead in February. He pointed out that Hipgnosis had spent $100 million in Georgia and many of the songwriters it represents reside there. We played a role in [his alleged killers] being arrested and charged If you can do that with large corporates of the size of say Universal, Sony and Warner you can bring change. Hipgnosis today posted a 17.7% surge in its annual net asset value, and shares gained 8% at 115p. The company buys up existing hits, typically between three and ten years old, and tries to squeeze extra revenues out of them with new commercial deals. Today it said it had spent 560 million buying up 42 songwriters catalogues over the last year, taking the total portfolio to 54 catalogues. It recently bought 70% of hit-maker Mark Ronsons catalogue. The firm said its portfolio has been independently valued at 757 million, representing an increase of 11.4% on the aggregate purchase price of 679 million. The analysis will dampen industry speculation that Hipgnosis was paying over the odds for catalogues. Mercuriadis, who has managed a string of acts including Iron Maiden, Elton John and Beyonce, said the IPO of Warner Music Group was extremely well priced and the attractions of the stock were similar to that of Hipgnosis with both benefitted from the streaming boom. Warner yesterday delayed the pricing of its forthcoming IPO amid an industry-wide shutdown in support of Black Lives Matter. Today it priced the float at $25 ta share, valuing it at around $11.7 billion. Mercuriadis said of its media tycoon owner: Len Blavatnik actually may have made the greatest deal ever in the purchase of WMG. Blavatnik, who is in line to make around $2 billion from the IPO bought the label for $3.3 billion in 2011. Separately, WMG and the Blavatnik Family Foundation today launched a $100 million fund to "support charitable causes related to the music industry, social justice and campaigns against violence and racism". Police have charged a second person with murder over the death of four-year-old Willow Dunn, arresting her stepmother on Wednesday morning. Shannon Leigh White, 43, was charged at Morningside police station, minutes from the Cannon Hill home where Willow was found dead on Monday, May 25. Four-year-old Willow Dunn was found dead in her Cannon Hill home last week. Credit:Facebook Ms White was not brought into Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon when her matter was mentioned, but she was remanded in custody, with the matter due to return to court on July 20. Willow's father, 43-year-old Mark James Dunn, was charged with murder last week and he was remanded in custody. His matter was also due to return to court on July 20. Los Angeles County Office of Education Supt. Debra Duardo, left, and Glendale Unified Supt. Vivian Ekchian, right, are given a tour of Cerritos Elementary in Glendale by Principal Perla Chavez-Fritz on May 26. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) The damage done by keeping children out of school might outweigh the risks of COVID-19 transmission, a regional organization of pediatricians said Tuesday, pushing back against educators who have cautioned against reopening campuses too soon. The Southern California chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which represents about 1,500 doctors, issued a statement pointing to research suggesting that the risks of COVID-19 transmission among children are lower than for adults, but that keeping children away from in-person instruction for longer will have negative consequences. "Prolonging a meaningful return to in-person education would result in hundreds of thousands of children in Los Angeles County being at risk for worsening academic, developmental and health outcomes," the statement said. "Children rely on schools for multiple needs, including but not limited to education, nutrition, physical activity, socialization, and mental health. Special populations of students receive services for disabilities and other conditions that are virtually impossible to deliver online." While they acknowledged the county is too big for a single reopening plan, the doctors also took issue with some of the L.A. County Office of Education guidance issued last week about safely returning to schools. While the 45-page framework left many decisions up to schools, it recommended measures including face masks for students and teachers, children eating lunch at their desks and greater use of outdoor areas for teaching. Our concern is that recently issued guidelines for schools re-opening in Los Angeles County are not realistic or even developmentally appropriate for children, Dr. Alice Kuo, president of the pediatrics chapter, said in the statement. For example, wearing masks throughout the day can hinder language and socio-emotional development, particularly for younger children. L.A. Unified Supt. Austin Beutner said in an address Wednesday morning that returning to school in any capacity will be risky without treatment or a vaccine for children, vulnerable family members and school employees who could be infected. Story continues "If someone were to become ill and the source of the virus was traced to a school, who is going to pay the health bills?" he asked. Beutner reiterated his call for city authorities to plan for testing and contact tracing of the virus if it hits schools, and criticized the state and local governments for not reimbursing LAUSD for feeding adults during the shutdown. "This is complicated work and we take it very seriously lives and futures are at stake. Returning to school facilities will need to balance three sometimes competing priorities the health and safety of all in the school community, the impact of the pandemic on jobs and families and the educational needs of students," Beutner said. The school district is considering options but has not made a decision on what campuses or instruction will look like in the nation's second-largest school district when the new school year begins on Aug. 18, Beutner said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As life slowly begins to return to a bit of normalcy, with all five boroughs expected to begin phase one of reopening on Monday, various details around what school may look like for the New York Citys 1.1 million public school students come fall remains up in the air -- including the 2020-2021 academic calendar, which is typically released in the spring. Public schools across New York City have been closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak -- when the citys public school system pivoted to a distance learning model. And there was only one week for the city Department of Education (DOE) to prepare for the tools and resources educators would need to successfully conduct remote learning -- something that had never been done on this scale before. What the schools have pulled off is nothing short of a miracle, Michael Mulgrew told the Advance/SILive.com last month. I mean, theres never been a plan or training or anything about this stuff..." Students have been participating in remote learning since March 23, and the 2019-2020 school year will end on June 26. VARIOUS OPTIONS ON THE TABLE While Mayor Bill de Blasio has said he is hopeful school will be able to reopen with in-person learning in September, the city has been preparing for other options, like a hybrid approach or staggered school hours. While summer school will be conducted remotely, students and families will have to wait for more information about what to expect for September and the rest of the 2020-2021 school year. The calendar for the next school year is typically released well before the end of the current academic year. The DOE calendar presently online includes dates through August for summer school. WHAT TO EXPECT? The school calendar usually gives time off for religious holidays, including: the Muslim holy day of Eid al-Ftr; the Jewish holy days, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur; week-long breaks for winter recess, mid-winter recess, and spring recess, which include Christmas, the Chinese Lunar New Year, Passover, Good Friday and Easter, respectively. The calendar also allows time off for Columbus Day, Election Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. The DOE did not respond to a request for information regarding the 2020-2021 school calendar. The agency announced last week that students will continue to participate in remote learning during two days in June that were originally scheduled as dates that students wouldnt be in attendance. According to the DOEs website, students will be expected to continue with their school work on both June 4 and June 9 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** 30 Photos of the pandemic in NYC: The gradual return to normalcy FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Stretching from every corner of New Jersey from Newark to Atlantic City and now Vineland, residents are gathering in their citys streets to protest police brutality including some their own towns have experienced after the death of George Floyd last week. In the latest rally, city officials, members of the clergy and local residents marched along the streets of Vineland in Cumberland County on Wednesday morning from the steps of City Hall, down Landis Avenue. Mayor Anthony Fanucci, members of City Council, and city first responders joined the crowd. We are here, we love you, we are working together, we are walking together and we are hearing together today. We pledge to move forward with true reform, open ears and dialogue, Fanucci said. The marches stem from those who are protesting against the death of Floyd, a Minneapolis man who died after an officer, Derek Chauvin, placed a knee on his neck, hampering Floyds ability to breath. Chauvin and three other officers from the Minneapolis Police Department were fired, and Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. More than 80 demonstrations have been held in New Jersey and all but a few have been peaceful. However there have also been looting and other acts of violence and vandalism that occurred in Atlantic City, Trenton and again in Asbury Park on Monday night that have kept police departments and some local businesses on edge, boarding up windows in anticipation of possible unrest. Moments after the mayor spoke Wednesday, another city official said All lives matter, which prompted the crowd to start chanting Black lives matter. Acting Police Chief Pedro Casiano Jr. got emotional as he denounced the officers actions in Floyds death as a disgrace, and he and other officers walked alongside protestors as they moved down Landis Avenue, chanting I cant breathe," George Floyds name and other slogans. At the end of the walk, members of the community spoke about how systemic racism has affected them and their neighbors, and told the crowds to stay involved and active after protests wind down. Young activists also spoke to the crowd, including Briheem Jordan Jr. part of a new group in South Jersey called Black Leaders Advancing Change in our Culture, or BLACC. Im Briheem. Im 17 and Im black and I live in America. Thats scary. Thats traumatic, he said. R. Todd Edwards, one of the organizers of the march and head of political action for the statewide NAACP, said he will be sitting down with city leaders to demand three things from the Vineland police: a citizen review board with subpoena power, full review of the polices use of force policies and instruction, and a ban on knee holds the type of force used to kill Floyd. On Tuesday, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said the state will soon launch a statewide database of police use of force and create a licensing system for police officers amid national protests over police violence. To the thousands of New Jerseyans who assembled peacefully this week, let me be clear: We hear you, we see you, we respect you," Grewal said at a Tuesday news briefing in Trenton. "We share your anger and we share your commitment to change. Protestors march peacefully down Landis Avenue in Vineland. Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae told the crowd she was encouraged by what she heard from Grewal said about police accountability. She also said everyone should call out national leaders who want the people to sit down and be quiet about injustice in our country." Several protesters held signs calling for justice for two black men who died in police incidents. Rashaun Washington was shot by police after an altercation where he said he had a bomb, and Phillip White died in police custody after police set a K9 on him. Officers were cleared in both cases, and Whites death was attributed to PCP intoxication. Just before the rally ended due to a drenching thunderstorm that scattered the crowd, Rutgers football star Isaih Pacheco told NJ Advance Media he came back to march in his hometown with his mother. He said hes studying criminal justice and is a fan of some Vineland officers. He believes it when they say theyll listen to community leaders about reforms. Its 2020 and were still getting judged by our color," he said of why he came to march. "Ive had it happen. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Photo: (Photo : unsplash/Fusion Medical Animation) Couples who have been in lockdown could be getting bored. They could be running out of things to do while doing social distancing. While having sex is a part of a healthy marriage, experts warn that it could transmit the coronavirus. A new study has shown that having sex could spread the virus. The researchers suggest that couples should follow preventive steps when making love. They said that partners should not kiss and shower before and after sex. They also advise couples to wear masks while having sex. Abstinence and masturbation is the safest The team from Harvard University ranked the scenarios based on your chances of catching the coronavirus. They found that abstinence and masturbation had the lowest risk among sexual activities. Sex with people within or from other households had the highest risk of getting infected. Admittedly, abstinence is not possible for most people. Researchers are warning people to take extra care when they have sex. The lead author of the study, Dr. Jack Turban, said that complete abstinence is not possible for some patients. Sex with someone from the same house He said that the safest thing is to have sex with someone from the same household. By following this, people could prevent the spread of the coronavirus. He also said that people who are unable to take this approach should seek risk reduction counseling. The method is proven effective in other areas of sexual health. Turban also said that counselors should inform patients how to reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections. He also noted that health professionals should teach their patients the importance of contraceptives. The use of contraceptives is especially vital during this time to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Read also: Why Experts Advise Not to Get Pregnant During the Coronavirus Pandemic After hearing from an expert, the researchers did the study that patients who have recovered from COVID-19 should avoid sex for one month. A senior medical expert at the Thai Disease Control Department, Veerawat Manosutthi, warned his patients against kissing. He also said that those who have recovered from the disease should avoid getting intimate for 30 days. Manosutthi told Khaosod English that people should use condoms when having sex if they believe that they are free from the coronavirus. He added that kissing should be avoided because the virus could spread through the mouth. Based on a recent study, there were some traces of the coronavirus found in the semen of men. Researchers from Shangqiu Municipal Hospital studied semen samples from 38 infected male patients in Henan province in China. On January 26, the team analyzed the samples and repeated them on February 16. They found that 16 percent of the men had traces of the coronavirus in their semen. They wrote that the presence of the virus in semen could be more common than what we currently know. They also wrote that one should not assume that viruses other than those sexually transmitted are absent in genital secretions. Volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung is considering returning to the Korean league. Kim's agent on Tuesday said she recently asked the Heungkuk Life Pink Spiders if she could return to the team this season. Kim joined the Pink Spiders in 2005 and was put on the "voluntary retired list" in 2009 when she left the team to play in foreign leagues. She played for JT Marvelous in Japan from 2009 to 2011, Fenerbahce in Turkey from 2011 to 2017, Shanghai Guohua Life in China from 2017 to 2018 and another Turkish club, Eczacbas VitrA, from 2018 to 2020. Kim is supposed to return to the Pink Spiders if she wants to play in the Korean league as she was under contract with the team when she left the country. British Transport Police (BTP) have closed the investigation into a spitting incident at Londons Victoria train station, where 47-year-old rail worker Belly Mujinga and a colleague were forced out of the ticket office onto the station concourse by a manager. On March 21, Belly had pleaded with her manager not to be sent out, as she was in an at-risk category and did not have personal protective equipment (PPE). Her appeal was ignored. Soon after she and her colleague were spat at by a man claiming to have COVID-19. Within days, Belly and her colleague had fallen ill with the virus. On April 5, Belly died in hospital in Barnet, leaving behind her distraught husband, Lusamba Gode Katalay, her 11-year-old daughter and family. A BTP press release dated May 29 stated that no further action would be taken in relation to an incident at London Victoria station in March following a full and thorough investigation. On 11 May, it was reported to BTP that a 47-year-old lady, Belly Mujinga, had been spat and coughed at while working in the ticket hall with two colleagues on 21 March. Belly Mujinga BTP continued, Detectives have conducted extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances of what happened on 21 March. This has involved reviewing CCTV footage of the incident and speaking to key witnesses. Following a review of all the information, senior detectives have concluded that there is no evidence to substantiate any criminal offences having taken place, and that the tragic death of Belly Mujinga was not a consequence of this incident. As a result, the matter will not be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service. No further action will be taken against a 57-year-old man from London who was interviewed in connection with this matter. The perfunctory nature of the decision, not even a prosecution for assault, caused widespread anger among transport workers and the public. A petition calling for the arrest and prosecution of the alleged assailant had reached over 400,000 when BTP were forced to issue a further press release on why there would be no action taken regarding Belly. BTP were forced to make a second statement supposedly revealing more details of why it was not pursuing the case. This claimed that based on key witness statements and having reviewed the CCTV footage, there is no evidence of anyone spitting in this incident. Belly Mujinga and her husband Lusamba Gode Katalay In addition, 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 investigationhe was tested as part of his occupation and the test results were shared with us during the investigation. If this account is true, then it begs the question as to what was the nature of the incident referred to? Was there a confrontation between Belly, her colleague and the 57-year-old man identified? Did the CCTV or witnesses rule out spitting, or was there not enough evidence to prove this one way or another? From a legal standpoint, whether the man concerned was actually infected with COVID-19 does not mean a criminal offense did not occur. Threatening to spit at someone, especially while claiming to be infected, is criminal. In April, William Cawley, 23, was jailed for 10 months after spitting at a London bus driver at Uxbridge, after being told to use the middle doorwith front door entry banned due to social distancing measures after the death of dozens of bus drivers. Cawley shouted he had COVID-19. Secondly, if Belly wasnt infected by being spat on, she was either infected at work or worked while being infected and, thanks to an absence of a face mask, could have passed the infection on to others. The petition calling for Justice for Belly now has well over 500,000 signatures and has the support of her family, who have said, At this time, we are not pursuing a prosecution but are still campaigning to secure protection and support for transport workers. The petition states By signing this petition you are helping to call on Govia Thameslink to provide an explanation as to why Belly was still working in direct contact with general public passenger flow whilst as her employer, they were likely aware of just how serious the risk of exposure to COVID-19 was to her, as an individual with a respiratory underlying health condition. We must also know why staff members are not being provided with adequate PPE whilst interacting with members of the public, as we may never unfortunately know if this could have saved Belly. Angie Doll, managing director of Southern Railway and Gatwick Express, reacted to the decision not to prosecute by saying: While we note the BTPs conclusions, this does not detract from the tragic loss of our colleague. She added, We are devastated that this pandemic has affected people across the transport industry, including two of our own colleagues who have sadly passed away due to coronavirus. Who is the second colleague Doll refers to? It is not common knowledge amongst rail workers nor the broader public. What were the circumstances of their death? Conservative government Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris shed the inevitable crocodile tears, stating that My thoughts are with rail workers and that This outcome does nothing to change the fact that all workers should be treated with compassion and respect. We will continue working to protect our front-line transport workers, who are playing a vital role in supporting passengers and keeping our country moving. As the BTP investigation was initiated, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps prioritised defence of the governments opposition to providing transport workers with protective gear, saying, This is not a question of PPE, its just disgusting... Amid Prime Minister Boris Johnsons murderous drive to return millions to work, Bellys colleagues at Victoria Station and the overwhelming majority throughout the rail network have still not been provided with basic PPE such as visors, which her family have insisted could have saved her life. The BTP decision confirms that the ruling elite and its state forces view rail workers as a replaceable commodity to be sacrificed in order to keep the country movingby which is meant maintaining the flow of profits to the banks and big corporations. The Transport Salaried Staff Association (TSSA) union, led by General Secretary Manuel Cortes, drew the opposite conclusion to the majority of rail workers who now fear dropping the case sets a dangerous precedent. Cortes wrote, We are pleased that the British Transport Police investigated this incident as it sends a very strong message that abuse and attacks directed at transport workers are always unacceptable. Cortes went on to declare, All transport workers on the front line should have access to masks, visors, hand sanitiser and other protective equipment. Even this week, Bellys GTR [Govia Thameslink Railway] colleagues at Victoria Station still did not have visors despite other companies providing them. This has to change now. Staff are scared and infection rates remain high. Left to the TSSA and the other rail unions responsible for the lack of such essential protections, this will not change. Only rail workers acting independently of the unions and fighting on their own behalf will challenge the criminal actions of the rail franchises and the government. To mark this special issue of Yemaya, a set of experts were asked to respond to a common set of questions on the opportunities and challenges before women in the sector. All agreed that the small-scale fisheries are marked by the devaluation of womens roles and contributions. In their view, this devaluation signifi This pandemic has also locked down coastal fishing communities and seriously impacted livelihoods. The case study from Maharashtra, India, in this issue of Yemaya, details the impact on women fishers. Earnings have dropped because of lack of fish, market access, traditional credit sources and clear government policy enabling relief. In India, the governments move to keep the fishing sector open during lockdown helped to vindicate the importance of the sector but the curfew-like conditions of the prevailing lockdown prevented women fishers from availing the benefits of the move. Clearly, the challenges before women fishers and fishworkers have multiplied. The 60th issue of Yemaya , being brought out after a gap of a year, coincides with a time of global crisis, when nations and communities across the world are battling the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic. It is a time for sombre thought and reflection. From the Editor The 60th issue of Yemaya , being brought out after a gap of a year, coincides with a time of global crisis, when nations and communities across the world are battling the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic. It is a time for sombre thought and reflection. This pandemic has also locked down coastal fishing communities and seriously impacted livelihoods. The case study from Maharashtra, India, in this issue of Yemaya, details the impact on women fishers. Earnings have dropped because of lack of fish, market access, traditional credit sources and clear government policy enabling relief. In India, the governments move to keep the fishing sector open during lockdown helped to vindicate the importance of the sector but the curfew-like conditions of the prevailing lockdown prevented women fishers from availing the benefits of the move. Clearly, the challenges before women fishers and fishworkers have multiplied. To mark this special issue of Yemaya, a set of experts were asked to respond to a common set of questions on the opportunities and challenges before women in the sector. All agreed that the small-scale fisheries are marked by the devaluation of womens roles and contributions. In their view, this devaluation significantly challenges the sustainability of the sector. Discourse on gender mainstreaming may have increased as a result of efforts of womens organisations, they felt, not so the implementation of policy. And all agreed on the importance of women fishers and organising fishworkers. This is particularly critical now with environmental disasters wreaking havoc on fisheries livelihoods, and a rightward shift in politics leading to the unchecked exploitation of natural resources, including the oceans and rivers. Women fishers across fishing communities are responding to the challenge. Associations like SEWA in India, AKTEA in Europe, CAOPA, which represents fisherwomens organisations in 24 African countries, and the National Articulation of Women in Fisheries in Brazil (ANP) have made significant steps forward in advancing the cause of women fishers and fishworkers. They have also advocated strongly for the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). However, as Meryl Williams from Australia argues, until the specialised agencies of the UN like FAOs Committee on Fisheries (COFI) firmly back the issues of artisanal women fishers and fishworkers, their lack of recognition will continue in global and national policy debates. As COVID 19 rages globally, we need to reflect anew on the sustainability of fisheries, and in particular, artisanal small-scale fisheries. Will the sector be able to sustain itself in the face of environmental degradation and pandemic outbreaks? Without concerted policy support what does the future hold? The article by Sarah Harper reveals that women contribute 11 per cent of the total small-scale fisheries catch globally. Thus, although their contribution to sustainability and food security for their communities is enormous, new threats and challenges are likely to add to the existing problems that women in fisheries face. Today, like never before, policy support and action are critical to protect the lives and livelihood of women in the sector. Finally, in these difficult times, we remember the late Lauretta Farina, a nurse from Italy who came in 1962 to India to live for 20 years among the fishing communities of Kerala. Her dictum for sustainable organisation was simplealways involve the people in decision making about interventions that affect their lives. These words ring as true today as they did half a century ago! Venezuelan President Says He Will Visit Iran To Sign Energy Agreements June 02, 2020 Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says he will visit Iran shortly to sign cooperation agreements in energy and other sectors after Iran sent five fuel tankers to the South American country. "I am obliged to go to personally thank the people," Maduro said on June 1 in an address broadcast on state television. He did not provide a date for his visit to the Islamic Republic. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Musavi said earlier that Tehran will continue to export fuel to Venezuela if the country requests more supplies. Both Iran and Venezuela are under U.S. sanctions and Washington has sought to deter such shipments. "Iran practices its free trade rights with Venezuela and we are ready to send more ships if Caracas demands more supplies from Iran," Musavi told a weekly news conference on June 1 that was broadcast live on state television. Venezuela, once South America's top oil producer, is suffering from a gasoline shortage amid a deep economic crisis. The United States has warned governments, seaports, shippers, and insurers that they could face measures if they aid the tankers. Four of the five tankers have entered Venezuelan waters so far. The Refinitiv Eikon analytical company said on May 31 that the first two tankers have started their return journey. Tensions have been on the rise between longtime foes Tehran and Washington since 2018, when President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers and reimposed crippling sanctions that have battered the Iranian economy. Based on reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/venezuela- president-says-he-will-visit-iran-soon-to- sign-energy-agreements/30647868.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 San Francisco, June 3 : Photo-messaging app Snapchat has decided not to promote US President Donald Trump's account on its Discover page of curated content, Axios reported on Wednesday. What makes the Snapchat decision significant is that Trump posted or tweeted controversial content on Twitter and Facebook and not Snapchat. "We are not currently promoting the President's content on Snapchat's Discover platform," a spokesperson for Snapchat's parent company Snap was quoted as saying. "We will not amplify voices who incite racial violence and injustice by giving them free promotion on Discover," the spokesperson added. The move is "a step beyond" that of Twitter which flagged Trump tweets on glorifying violence and promoting racism as protests against the death of African-American George Floyd grew momentum nationwide in the US. "Racial violence and injustice have no place in our society and we stand together with all who seek peace, love, equality, and justice in America," said the Snapchat spokesperson. In an earlier memo, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel said: "Our Discover content platform is a curated platform, where we decide what we promote. We have spoken time and again about working hard to make a positive impact, and we will walk the talk with the content we promote on Snapchat." Snapchat "may continue to allow divisive people to maintain an account on Snapchat, as long as the content that is published on Snapchat is consistent with our community guidelines, but we will not promote that account or content in any way". Snapchat has not blocked Trump's account but would no longer promote it. While Twitter last week put out a "public interest notice" on the tweet for violating the platform's policies about glorifying violence, Facebook refused to take action when the tweet was cross-posted to its platform. The outrage also grows within Facebook to take action on a controversial post by Trump. CEO Mark Zuckerberg, however, has defended his decision to retain the Trump post on its platform. Several Facebook employees took to Twitter, publicly announcing their solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter protests that have seized the nation. If you took part in the recent Tiger King craze, you might not want to miss The Truth Behind Joe Exotic: The Rick Kirkham Story on ID Investigation Discovery tonight, June 2, at 9 p.m. ET. You can also live stream the explosive behind-the-scenes special on fuboTV and Sling. In what he vows will be his last interview about Tiger King, TV producer Rick Kirkham reveals the shocking events he witnessed at the G.W. Zoo during his time with eccentric big cat breeder, Joe Exotic. Kirkham traces the nightmarish chain of events that started when he was hired to produce Exotics internet show and culminated in Kirkhams entire collection of footage being ravaged by an arson fire. After a second blaze in his home, Kirkham fled to Norway for safety. Get juicy new details on the saga and quirky cast of characters that captured the nations attention from a witness who saw it all. The Truth Behind Joe Exotic: The Rick Kirkham Story is part of ID Presents: Nine at 9, a series delving into some of true crimes most chilling cases. What channel is ID on? You can find which channel it is on by using the channel finders here: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV and Dish. Where can I watch it if I dont have cable? FuboTV ($54.99/month) offers you access to your favorite TV shows, live sports events and much more. Theres a 7-day free trial when you sign up. You can also watch The Truth Behind Joe Exotic: The Rick Kirkham Story on Sling ($20/month). James R. Copland is a senior fellow with and director of legal policy for the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. His book, The Unelected: How an Unaccountable Elite Is Governing America, will be published in September by Encounter Books. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the dynamics of the global economy, and the GCC is feeling its effects. As of early 2020, the regions GDP was projected to grow by 2.5% for the year, according to the IMF. By April, that had shrunk to a contraction of 2.8%. According to the latest article by Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network, by taking appropriate measures during the crisis and in its aftermath, governments can have a significant impact on how the economy recovers. Thus far, GCC governments have taken important steps to mitigate the crisis, said Paolo Pigorini, partner with Strategy& ME, part of the PwC network. They have correctly prioritised the provision of healthcare to their citizens. They have imposed varying degrees of lockdown to contain the pandemic and prevent the contagion from overwhelming the healthcare system. They have provided economic support, such as unemployment assistance to individuals and households, and financial aid to small businesses, he added. The next challenge for governments is to restart economies by gradually easing lockdown measures and allowing businesses to resume. Until a vaccine is found and produced in bulk, there will always be a risk of a dangerous resurgence of the virus, as has happened with previous pandemics. Governments need to lay the public health foundations, including testing and tracing procedures to identify a potential new surge of infections and swiftly contain it. Accompanying this, governments should ensure that the healthcare system is ready and available to cater for the new cases if and when they occur, added Sami Zaki, principal with Strategy&. Once they have laid these foundations, governments can begin to focus on five measures to promote economic stability and bring people back to work, while reducing COVID-19 risks. Assess and prioritise sectors. Governments should assess and prioritise sectors to determine the right sequence for them to resume operations. The assessment criteria should include the relative economic contribution to GDP and risk of virus transmission, based on the typical proximity of employees within the workplace. This should be followed by an assessment of sub-sectors to account for unique exposure levels and the geographical readiness of healthcare systems to manage any potential resurgence of the virus. Enact strict workforce protocols. Governments and employers should establish and enforce strict protocols for returning employees to ensure their safety. Protocols fall into different categories, ranging from medical readiness to engineering, hygiene, and travel. Further, GCC countries should focus on improving living conditions in sectors in which there is greater worker proximity and risk. This will be critical to prevent a repetition of what happened in Singapore where COVID-19 cases emerged in migrant laborers quarters after the government initially eased restrictions. Conduct extensive testing and tracing. To reduce the risk of a renewed outbreak, governments need to deploy comprehensive testing and tracing mechanisms. Testing must include both the rapid antibody procedure, which requires a blood draw, and traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab tests to maximise detection. Mobile phone-based digital tracing systems are now available to identify and alert infected individuals, as well as people they have been in contact with. Initiate a staged workforce return and protect at-risk individuals. Economic resumption plans need to take into account the age and health condition of workers to ensure the safety of those returning to the workplace and their families. These age and health factors have an important correlation with the hospitalisation and mortality rates from COVID-19 infections. Governments should therefore tailor return-to-work schedules to the unique needs of individuals, while also considering at-risk people in the proximity of those employees, both at home and work. Government, businesses, and citizens must also take measures to reduce transmission risks along the entire commuter journey. Engage openly and develop trust with the population. Ongoing engagement and communication measures are essential to build trust and inspire the population to behave responsibly. Governments should proactively communicate health-related measures and their underlying rationale to help the population cope with uncertainty. Governments can also nudge citizens to encourage them to maintain the healthy behaviours which they adopted during lockdown. Having protected their populations from mass infection, GCC governments must move from managing the crisis to managing the recovery. Their approach will have a significant impact on the outcome. By laying the necessary public-health foundations first and then adopting these five measures, GCC governments can restart their economies safely, concluded Karim Haggar, senior manager with Strategy&. -- TradeArabia News Service By Sewell Chan America is in peril. The days and hours ahead could define our nation, in the same way that the turmoil of 1968 did. On Monday, President Donald Trump took another page from the authoritarian playbook, threatening to deploy active-duty troops to quell the unrest that has roiled dozens of American cities. Even by the depraved standards he has set, this is a new low. It risks exacerbating the tragic violence and loss of life that have marred the legitimate and necessary protests that erupted a week ago following the death of a black man, George Floyd, in the custody of four Minneapolis police officers. It is shocking even to write these words, but Trump does not abide by the constitutional norms of our democracy, and we must stop pretending that he can or will. His style is that of the demagogue and the strongman and the only thing he understands is confrontation and spectacle, as was evinced on Monday night when law enforcement officers fired tear gas on peaceful demonstrators in Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C., so that Trump could walk from the White House to St. John's Church in what he no doubt believes to be a show of strength. This would be comparable to the conduct of a truculent teenager, were it not for the enormous might of the military Trump commands, and his total lack of the temperament, character and ability to carry out his oath to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution." Our president has become the greatest living threat to that document, and he risks provoking a crisis unlike any since our nation's basic law was enacted in 1787. America is an experiment. Our country is not a nation-state founded on an ethnic identity sorry, white supremacists but a democratic and constitutional republic based on a set of ideas, chief among them the rule of law, not of men. Yet the Constitution has often failed us. It took the Civil War, and the loss of 620,000 American lives, to begin to overcome our country's original sin: the denial of the humanity and equality of enslaved people of African descent. It took the turmoil and suffering of the Depression to bring about a modern welfare state, with protections against old-age poverty. It took the sacrifice and struggle of the civil rights movement to advance the unfinished work of Reconstruction. Trump's actions Monday night risk turning our democracy flawed as it is, ever a work in progress into a failed experiment. We must not give him the perverse satisfaction we know he craves. We must avoid the slide into authoritarianism, and the erosion of democratic institutions and values, that his actions threaten. We must turn out in protest peacefully, purposefully _ but we must also stop and condemn anyone who would exploit this fragile moment to sow mayhem and disorder. If we give in to violence, we know how this story ends: consolidation of state power, further moves toward autocracy and censorship and a slide into dictatorship. This is how democracies die. The causes of our democratic erosion are many: decades of rising inequality; stagnation of wages and loss of economic opportunity; growing mistrust of all institutions, since the era of Vietnam and Watergate; hyperpolarization, exacerbated by new technological platforms such as Facebook; race-based disparities in health, wealth, income and opportunity; reduced confidence in the integrity and validity of our elections; and, perhaps most tragic, a loss of faith among young people that nonviolent social change, via democratic processes, can bring about improvements to the human condition. It is not too late to pull back from the brink. Reviving our economy in the midst of a pandemic that has claimed more than 100,000 American lives, and resuscitating our democracy after decades of institutional and moral erosion, will be the work of years, if not generations. But it has to start somewhere. It has to start today. We sleep tonight fitful and restless, glued to our smartphone or TV screens, numbed by the staggering suffering that has brought America closest to the brink of chaos since 1968. The young people marching in the streets of America's cities from Minneapolis to Birmingham, Ala., from Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio were not alive then. Nor was I. But we can and indeed must absorb its lessons if we are to avoid calamity. If you are a young person reading this, please know that your anguished demands for justice have been heard. If you are a parent, guardian or relative of a young person, please keep them close to you. If you are tempted to rob, steal, vandalize or loot, please listen to George Floyd's brother, who moved us all with these simple words: "That's not going to bring my brother back." If you are next to someone who wants to rob, steal, vandalize or loot, stop them with all your might. By all means, flood the streets during the day, and engage in righteous struggle "good trouble," in the words of Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), who put his body on the line so that African-Americans could have the right to vote. But at night, please go home. Heed the curfews. Obey lawful orders. Don't give Trump the crackdown that he is itching to mete out. Your voice is too important right now to be silenced. And when this is all over, vote like your life is on the line because it is. As the editorial page editor, Sewell Chan oversees the editorial board and the Op-Ed and Sunday Opinion pages of the Los Angeles Times. This article was distributed by Tribune Content Agency. The views expressed in the above article are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times. Bogdan Vechirko, 35, was jailed on suspicion of assault Sunday, but released without charge on Tuesday The driver of a semi-trailer who drove toward protesters on a closed Minneapolis freeway has been released from jail pending possible charges. Bogdan Vechirko, 35, was behind the wheel of the empty fuel tanker when it narrowly missed a crowd gathered on I-35W to protest the death of George Floyd on Sunday afternoon. Vechirko was taken to Hennepin County jail on suspicion of assault, but was released Tuesday afternoon as officials continue to probe whether the act was deliberate. 'Investigators are in the process of gathering additional information and answers to aid in the charging decision,' a statement from the County Attorney's Office read. The city's Public Safety Commissioner said Monday that it appeared the action was unintentional, while Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Verchirko has become 'panicked' and frustrated after the highway closed amid the protest. On Tuesday, a relative told The Star Tribune: 'He didn't mean for it to happen. He didn't have any intent to harm or do anything bad to anybody.' No protesters were injured. Vechirko, 35, was behind the wheel of the empty fuel tanker when it narrowly missed a crowd gathered on I-35W to protest the death of George Floyd on Sunday afternoon Hundreds of protesters scattered as the truck sped directly at them while they marched across all 10 lanes of traffic Video from the incident shows the massive tanker speeding down the I-35W bridge as protesters quickly tried to clear its path. After rolling to a stop, Vechirko, was dragged from the cabin by angry demonstrators, beaten up and handed over to the police. He was seen with in his mugshots with scratches on his face. On Tuesday, Vechirko's wife released a video in Russian seeking financial help after protesters 'stole' her husband's 'wallet, phone and all the belongings in the truck's cabin.' Gov. Walz said Monday he was 'breathless' as he watched the scene unfold and he thought he was going to see 'dozens or hundreds' of people killed. But he said preliminary information suggests Vechirko somehow got ahead of traffic officials as they were closing the freeway down in sections. He noted the driver braked as he rolled past protesters. Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington also said traffic cameras show the driver was already on the freeway before it was closed. 'From what we can tell in our interviews, we have not had any information that makes this seem like this was an intentional act,' Harrington said. 'It wasn't that he went around barricades to get at the protest.' Dozens of protesters approached the semi-truck after it came to a stop in the roadway Protesters are seen handing a man believed to be the driver over to police before he was placed under arrest People climb atop a tanker on Interstate 35W on Sunday. The Minnesota State Patrol said they knew of no injuries from the incident. Harrington said Sunday that between 5,000 and 6,000 people were on the bridge at the time, and it initially appeared from traffic camera footage that the semitrailer was already on the freeway before barricades were set up at 5pm. Authorities identified Vechirko as the driver late Sunday night and released his mugshot. Vechirko lives in Otsego, Minnesota, and works as an independent contractor for Ken Advantage, a trucking company based in North Canton, Ohio. He was born in Russia, before relocating to the US as a child. Records cited by Insider reveal that in 2012, Vechirko was charged in Minnesota with misdemeanor domestic assault, disorderly conduct, and interfering with a 911 call. He served a 30-day sentence at a work house after being convicted of the disorderly conduct charge. The other two counts were dismissed. Vechirko's most recent run-in with the law occurred in January of this year, when he was convicted of failing to display the registration number on a snowmobile. Vechirko's wife released a video in Russian seeking financial help after protesters 'stole' her husband's 'wallet, phone and all the belongings in the truck's cabin' The interstate incident came on the sixth day of nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed when Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck during an arrest on May 25. Viral video showed Chauvin and three other officers pinning Floyd, who was handcuffed, to the ground as they arrested him for allegedly attempting to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. Floyd was heard pleading: 'I can't breathe' while Chauvin continued pressing his knee into the man's neck for eight minutes. The 46-year-old did not have a pulse when he was placed in an ambulance, and was pronounced dead at a hospital. The footage prompted fevered outrage as thousands demanded that Chauvin and the other officers be charged with murder. Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on Friday. Protest have persisted into a second week with activists railing against police brutality and racial injustice in rallies held right across the country. The graduating class of 2020 celebrated their achievements on Friday with a city-sponsored Celebration Drive, featuring student-decorated vehicles depicting the colleges they will be attending next semester while they drive around the Bellaire community. The line-up began in front of City Hall with the Bellaire fire and police department rolling out their vehicles to lead the procession. DTEK has said that the preliminary conclusions from the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) investigation about DTEK's monopoly (dominant) position in the "regional market for commercial electricity sales and balancing during both minimum and maximum load hours" in the Burshtyn TPP trade zone are unfounded and baseless. "DTEK operates in the electricity market exclusively in the legal field and within the legal framework established by the NEURC and approved by the AMCU," the company said in a statement. The group said that "the regional market for commercial electricity sales and balancing" does not exist in any normative or legislative act of Ukraine. "DTEK operates in the trade zone of the Burshtyn TPP Island of the Ukrainian electricity market in conditions of significant competition from other market participants, significant administrative price regulation by the NCER [the National Commission for Energy, Housing and Utilities Regulation], but within the norms and rules set by current legislation. The disposal of the entire volume of electricity is carried out by the company exclusively according to the Rules determined by the NCER and approved by the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine," DTEK said. No decisions of the NCER regarding the violation of the current Rules or licensing conditions by the companies were taken. DTEK said that in accordance with the practice of EU competition law, which is mandatory for Ukrainian authorities to apply in such investigations, first of all, the conditions of the market and regulatory environment should be thoroughly and fully investigated due to the existence of administrative restrictions that lead to distortions of competition. "DTEK is confident that the AMCU's investigation should be based on European principles and rules of transparency and legality. DTEK provided all possible assistance and contributed comprehensive and substantiated answers to the AMCU's inquiries received during the information gathering period. DTEK will defend its interests and reputation in the manner prescribed by the law," the group said. The leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Greens will meet today as efforts to form a government continue. Leo Varadkar has said it is likely to be next week before any programme for government can be agreed. The chances of reaching an agreement on a programme for government this week are all but gone despite the negotiating teams finalising the text of some policies last night. They have left the trickiest items for last however and today Leo Varadkar, Micheal Martin and Eamon Ryan will meet to discuss how much progress has been made. Varadkar told his TDs last night it is likely to be next week before a programme can be agreed, if it can be agreed. But some came away from that meeting feeling downbeat about the chances of a deal getting done at all. It has now boiled down to the most fundamental issues of party identity - with central disputes being over agriculture, climate change, housing provision and the pension age - topics where the parties have quite different views. They now have the difficulty of trying to reach a compromise that each party can sell to its members as a win. But time is getting tight. Criminal justice legislation needs to be renewed by the end of June, something that requires a new government. Given it will take two weeks for party memberships to vote on any deal, next week is emerging as a hard deadline for these talks. Treasury Targets Maritime Entities for Supporting Illegitimate Maduro Regime in the Venezuela Oil Trade U.S. Department of the Treasury June 2, 2020 Washington Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated four companies for operating in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy. Additionally, OFAC identified four vessels as blocked property. The United States reiterates that the exploitation of Venezuela's oil assets for the benefit of the illegitimate regime of President Nicolas Maduro is unacceptable, and those that facilitate such activity risk losing access to the U.S. financial system. "The illegitimate Maduro regime has enlisted the help of maritime companies and their vessels to continue the exploitation of Venezuela's natural resources for the regime's profit," said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. "The United States will continue to target those who support this corrupt regime and contribute to the suffering of the Venezuelan people." Today's action, pursuant to E.O. 13850, as amended, further targets Venezuela's oil sector, which continues to provide financial resources to the illegitimate regime of President Maduro: AFRANAV MARITIME LTD is based in the Marshall Islands and is the registered owner of the vessel ATHENS VOYAGER . ATHENS VOYAGER is a Panamanian flagged crude oil tanker (IMO: 9337391) that has continued to lift oil cargoes from Venezuelan ports as recently as mid-February 2020. is based in the Marshall Islands and is the registered owner of the vessel . SEACOMBER LTD is based in Greece and is the registered owner of the vessel CHIOS I. CHIOS I is a Maltese flagged crude oil tanker (IMO: 9792187) that has continued to lift oil cargoes from Venezuelan ports as recently as mid to late February 2020. is based in Greece and is the registered owner of the vessel CHIOS I. ADAMANT MARITIME LTD is based in the Marshall Islands and is the registered owner of the vessel SEAHERO. SEAHERO is a Bahamian flagged crude oil tanker (IMO: 9315642) that has continued to lift oil cargoes from Venezuelan ports as recently as late February 2020. SANIBEL SHIPTRADE LTD is based in the Marshall Islands and is the registered owner of the vessel VOYAGER I. VOYAGER I is a Marshall Islands flagged crude oil tanker (IMO 9233789) that has continued to lift oil cargoes from Venezuelan ports as recently as late April 2020. is based in the Marshall Islands and is the registered owner of the vessel VOYAGER I. As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of these entities that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by the designated entities are also blocked. OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or those within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked or designated persons. U.S. sanctions need not be permanent; sanctions are intended to bring about a positive change of behavior. The United States has made clear that the removal of sanctions is available for individuals and entities designated under E.O. 13850, as amended, who take concrete and meaningful actions to restore democratic order, refuse to take part in human rights abuses, speak out against abuses committed by the illegitimate Maduro regime, cease involvement in the oil, gold, financial, or defense and security sectors of the Venezuelan economy, or combat corruption in Venezuela. Identifying information on the entities designated and vessels identified today. #### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ALBANY In a sudden decision that both pleased and frustrated Capital Region restaurateurs, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that area eateries could resume table service for outdoor dining as soon as Thursday, nearly two weeks sooner than expected. "We are continuously evaluating activities that can be safely reopened, and today we are adding outdoor seating at restaurants to phase two," Cuomo said. As of Wednesday, the second phase of the state's economic reboot of nonessential businesses has started in seven of New York's economic zones, the Capital Region among them. The state's four-phase framework for its 10 economic zones has always had restaurants in the third phase, with a two-week pause between each phase. As a result, local restaurateurs had not expected to be allowed to begin table service, in dining rooms or on patios, until June 17 and had made plans according to that timeline for ordering, staffing and training in line with expected restrictions. The governor's announcement said outdoor tables must be 6 feet apart, all staff must wear masks, and customers must be masked until seated. Learning of the reopening with less than 24 hours' notice was not a problem for Danny Petrosino, chef-owner of Osteria Danny in Sarataoga Springs. "We are ready to go," Petrosino said Wednesday afternoon. He said he plans to have 32 seats at properly spaced tables on an expanded patio. Osteria Danny will serve 4 to 10 p.m. daily starting Thursday. Nancy Bambara, vice president of DZ Restaurants, which owns three dining spots in Saratoga Springs with available patio seating but had been offering takeout and delivery from only one, Forno Bistro, in recent weeks, said the company would need until at least next week to reopen all of them. She cited lack of food and drink in stock to begin service again at Chianti Ristorante and Boca Bistro. Of equal concern was insufficient time to get cooks and servers back on staff and trained, and for logistics including table placement, she said. Forno will be able to reopen sooner on its patio, Bambara said. Service is planned for 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday this weekend and then Thursday through Sunday next week. Reopening for the patios at Chianti and Boca remains undecided, she said. "(It's) disappointing that we received 24 hours' notice," Bambara said. Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association said in a statement that her organization "is grateful that the state has decided to allow outdoor dining." The statement continued, "(T)he restaurant industry in New York is on the brink of collapse, and this lifeline will undoubtedly be a huge help. Were also promising to hold up our end of the bargain. NYSRA, our members and all restaurants in the state will follow stringent sanitation practices and social distancing to make our patrons feel comfortable and keep our diners and employees safe. Two weeks ago the restaurant association called on the governor to allow outdoor dining during the second phase of reopening. Another lobbying organization, the Empire State Restaurant & Tavern Association, went further, advocating for dining rooms to be reopened as well but with inside capacity capped at 50 percent during phase two. Cuomo's office did not publicly respond to either group. Allowing restaurants to serve customers in outdoor areas will provide much needed revenue to our industry, Scott Wexler, executive director of the Empire State Restaurant & Tavern Association, said Wednesday in a statement. He said, (O)ur customers will be happy to enjoy a slice of normal for the first time in months, and our members are looking forward to welcoming them back." When the push for an earlier reopening than phase three was unveiled, area restaurateurs said they generally would like to be able to offer table and bar service again as soon as possible, to start offsetting revenue losses that have totaled $5.5 billion statewide since mid-March, according to NYRSA figures. But they said competing proposals from the two lobbying groups and a changing timeline from the state would be challenging in terms of hiring, training and ordering. Id rather have one set date that we know we can work toward, Matt Baumgartner, who owns three Capital Region locations of Wolffs Biergarten and the West Sand Lake bar and event venue June Farms, said May 22. If it keeps changing, that makes reopening more difficult. He could not be reached Wednesday for reopening plans. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Vic Christopher, owner of the five-business Clark House Hospitality in Troy, also said at the time, A delay or series of delays would be easier to navigate than start dates earlier than anticipated. He said Wednesday, "This last-minute sh-t is exactly what I didn't want." Clark House has multiple zones for sidewalk seating and an interior courtyard that connects three of its restaurants Donna's Italian, Little Pecks and Lucas Confectionery and can also be reached directly from an alley. Christopher could not immediately say on Wednesday when he would bring back outdoor table service. The three safety measures mentioned by Cuomo for outdoor table service masked staff, customers in masks until seated and tables 6 feet apart are significantly fewer than the two-dozen-item list for indoor dining put forth in early May by the Capital Region Control Room. The leaders group in charge of overseeing local reopenings published its restaurant guidelines as part of a 44-page publication called "Capital Region Forward," which devotes two pages to restaurants and food service. The restaurant recommendations are based on advice from the federal Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control. While the state ultimately has authority on health and safety regulations with regard to measures designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus, enforcement would happen on the local level, local officials said. Also still to be worked out are any possible changes to local zoning and permits, which tend to be strict about the location and number of outdoor dining tables. This has led to some confusion in the hospitality industry. McGeary's Pub in Albany has dining tables immediately in front of its downtown building, but McGeary's also abuts a larger pedestrian plaza, parts of which have held tables in the past. Owner Tess Collins said she was seeking reassurances on the local level before trying to fill the plaza with 6-feet-apart tables. "I won't open without strict guidelines of what I can do," said Collins, who has been serving takeout and delivery during the shutdown. "I need city guidance." The nation's biggest oil and gas companies could end up even bigger by the end of the coronavirus pandemic. Analysts expect a wave of bankruptcies, should the price of oil remain low. That could allow the largest petroleum industry players to scoop up more wells on the cheap - and leave them with more reserves after all the market tumult. "The rich are going to get richer," said John Kilduff, a partner with Again Capital, an oil-trading hedge fund. "The Exxons and Chevrons will pick up more assets." The drop in driving and flying during the viral outbreak has brought many already struggling oil companies to the brink of going belly up. Small and midsize companies working mainly in the Permian Basin and other shale patches have been hit the hardest by the drop in prices. Getting shale oil out of the ground is generally more costly than tapping for other petroleum. Even before the pandemic, the shale-oil sector saw lending dry up as banks and private investors lost confidence in those companies turning a profit. "They were already in trouble," Kilduff said. The oil giants, meanwhile, have wells around the world and the cash on hand to weather the turmoil. Already at least one giant, Chevron, says it is keeping an eye out for potential acquisitions. "Certainly there are stresses on the various players in the industry today that could result in commercial opportunities, and we are alert to that," chief executive Mike Wirth said at the company's annual shareholders meeting, held virtually due to the pandemic. "If we see something that makes good sense for our shareholders," he added, "we certainly will consider it." Several firms, including the Denver-based shale player Whiting Petroleum and the Houston-based ocean operator Diamond Offshore Drilling, have filed for bankruptcy. Others, such as hydraulic fracturing pioneer Chesapeake Energy in Oklahoma, are widely thought to be headed toward Chapter 11 protection, too. Between 150 and 200 oil companies are expected to go bankrupt next year if the price of West Texas Intermediate, a U.S. oil benchmark, persists at about $30 per barrel, according to the analytics firm Rystad Energy. Ebbs in the price of oil helped trigger waves of mergers and acquisitions during the mid-1980s and late 1990s as oil executives sought to reduce overhead costs. Exxon and Mobil combined in 1999 to form what is today the largest U.S. oil company, ExxonMobil. Two years later, Chevron bought Texaco to eventually become the country's second-largest petroleum producer. This year, the price of oil cratered from about $61 at the start of 2020 to about $37 this week as demand for energy dried up. It briefly plummeted below $0 during the worst of the outbreak. That precipitous drop, according to the management consulting firm McKinsey, will result in the onshore oil sector to "consolidate very significantly." But the wild swings in prices could spook some buyers and sellers of wells and other assets from making deals until markets settle. "Volatility is bad for commerce in almost every context, including this one," said Kevin Book, managing director at ClearView Energy Partners. In their first earnings reports since the start of the pandemic, three of the four biggest U.S. oil and gas producers posted multimillion- to multibillion-dollar losses. The $610 million hit that ExxonMobil took during the first three months of 2020 was the company's first quarterly loss in decades. ExxonMobil and Chevron said they will pull back on capital spending this year - down to $23 billion and $14 billion, respectively - in response to the changing market conditions. Even though the oil majors are in an austere mood, "when they see a good price, they're going to take it," Book said. The American Petroleum Institute, the most powerful oil lobbying group in Washington, says it is not asking the federal government for a bailout. It has fought against unsuccessful efforts by some Republican senators to tariff foreign crude and by Texas regulators to impose production quotas. Either move would have helped prop up smaller, ailing domestic producers. The Federal Reserve is preparing to offer a lending lifeline to businesses with up to either 15,000 employees or $5 billion in annual revenue - a program that may save some small to midsize oil companies. Even so, "companies have to be creditworthy" to get the Fed-backed money, said Book - and many shale players are heavily indebted. "I think it's fair to say that you'll see some of those players go by the wayside," Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette said in an online interview last month. "They may be purchased by larger players in the marketplace, they may just simply close up shop and go by the wayside." "That's the free market system," he added. "It's the way it works here in the United States." China withheld vital information about the outbreak and waited more than a week before publishing the genome of the coronavirus in January, according to an investigation by The Associated Press. China withheld vital information about the outbreak and waited more than a week before publishing the genome of the novel coronavirus in January. That is according to an investigation by The Associated Press news agency, which found that the World Health Organization officials heaped praise on Beijing to coax more information. Al Jazeeras Katrina Yu reports from Beijing, China. New Delhi, June 3 : Social activist from Bihar is demanding a super speciality hospital in Begusarai, the area associated with noted poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. Begusarai lacks health facility. Ajay Kumar who works as activist in public health said that during the pandemic the fact that Begusarai lacks good health care became prominent despite the Prime Minister focussing on health infrastructure. Begusarai has many PSUs who can afford establishing the super speciality hospitals. It has Indian Oil Corporation, NTPC and Hindustan Fertilizer. Ajay Kumar has written to all the PSUs regarding the establishment of the hospital and concerned Ministers have also been given request, including Dharmendra Pradhan, the Petroleum Minister and R.K. Singh, the Power Minister. The citizens of the area have also demanded the 500 bed hospital. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Venezuelan regime leader Nicolas Maduro gives a press conference at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, on March 12, 2020. (Matias Delacroix/AP Photo) U.S. State Department Shackles Target Maduros Venezuela Kleptocrats Commentary That Venezuelan socialist dictator Nicolas Maduro remains in power is a testament to his militarys guns, secret police repression, torture of his pro-democracy opposition and the malign charity of four buddy dictatorships, Russia, Iran, Cuba and China. As late as January 2020, the month during which a Maduro ally hired fancy lobbyists to gull Congress into easing sanctions, the prospects for sending him into Cuban exile looked better. Bipartisan applause greeted Maduros arch Venezuelan enemy, Juan Guaido, when Guaido attended the State of the Union address as a White House guest. Guaido was the president of Venezuelas National Assembly when it was still a democratically elected forum. Maduro stole the 2019 election. Braving Maduros guns, the assembly declared Guaido interim president. The United States helped form a 59-nation coalition to support him. The coalition called Maduros reelection illegitimate and demanded he resign: a bold, diplomatic endeavor to topple the tyrant, and a gamble worth trying, considering the regimes destruction. The U.N. estimates that since 2014, some 5.5 million Venezuelan citizens have left the countryroughly 17 percent of the population. Decades of socialist bungling and kleptocrat theft have wrecked what was once South Americas wealthiest nation. However, early 2019s illegitimacy strategy wagered Venezuelan soldiers would defect to Guaido en masse. In 2020, the military continues to support Maduro. Why? The ranks participate in the regimes theft racket, so obedience pays in cash and privileges. Maduros clique has maintained control over major economic assets, like oil production. Regime military loyalists control food distribution and deny food to his opponents. However, they are willing to sell starving citizens food and, presumably, toothpaste, for cashthe bribes paid in jewelry, euros or dollars. Add a fatal reason. Skilled Russian and Cuban security personnel protect Maduroand they can threaten senior officers who might jilt the jefe. In January 2020, 75 U.S. Army paratroopers deployed to neighboring Colombia to participate in an exercise with Colombian forces. In diplo-speak, it was a reminder of U.S. capabilities. But in February, following a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Maduro announced he was ready for war. He did not fear combat! Lavrov obviously had confirmed solid Russian support for his regime. Venezuelan oil reserves are collateral with future value that can buy powerful friends like Cuban bodyguards, even Russian and Chinese U.N. vetoes. According to U.S. government sources, Russian oil interests broker 60 percent of Venezuelas oil and help conceal export destinations. Oil exports pay the regime. Yet domestically, Venezuela faces gasoline shortages. In March, the State Department countered. U.S. prosecutors indicted Maduro on drug-trafficking charges. Washington offered a $15 million reward for Maduros arrest. Alas, on May 3 (perhaps May 2), a farcical incident occurred. Mercenary soldiers and Venezuelan military defectorsperhaps 60entered Venezuela. Some mercenaries were former Green Berets. It appears the planners had read Frederick Forsythes brilliant novel The Dogs of War. Their operation, however, was The Dunces of War. Two dozen were quickly arrested, eight killed. One American said seizing an airport and arresting Maduro were objectives. Maduro railed for a week. Guaido denied involvement. The attack does have the smell of a false flag operation. But here is the deep news. Since the farce, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has made it clear that Washington is escalating its diplomatic and economic war on Maduro. On May 13, Venezuela and Cuba reappeared on the U.S. anti-terrorism Not Fully Cooperating Country list. The United States accused the Maduro regime of harboring rogue Colombian guerrillas and terrorists. In diplo-speak, Venezuela is waging covert war on its neighbor. That will add stiffer sanctions. On May 20, Pompeo announced Venezuelans in need (refugee camps) would receive $138 million in humanitarian assistance. On May 29, he reaffirmed American commitment to Guaidos leadership. On June 2, once again, U.S. diplomats attacked the oil choke point by imposing sanctions on four companies involved in smuggling Venezuelan oil. The goal of these political and economic shackles: to reduce the reward for obeying Maduros noxious regime. Austin Bay is a colonel (ret.) in the U.S. Army Reserve, author, syndicated columnist, and a teacher in strategy and strategic theory at the University of Texas. His latest book is Cocktails from Hell: Five Wars Shaping the 21st Century. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. US tech giants like Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Netflix are being singled out, says the US Trade Representative office. Washington: US President Donald Trumps administration on Tuesday announced investigations into foreign digital services taxes it says are aimed squarely at American tech firms. Following a similar trade investigation against France last year, the US Trade Representative office now is looking into taxes in Britain and the European Union, as well as Indonesia, Turkey and India. President Trump is concerned that many of our trading partners are adopting tax schemes designed to unfairly target our companies, USTR Robert Lighthizer said in a statement. We are prepared to take all appropriate action to defend our businesses and workers against any such discrimination. Washington opposes the efforts to tax revenues from online sales and advertising, saying they single out US tech giants like Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Netflix. The US and France have agreed to negotiate till the end of the year over a digital services tax Paris approved in 2019, after USTR found them to be discriminating and threatened retaliatory duties of up to 100 percent on French imports such as champagne and camembert cheese. Trump has embroiled the US in numerous trade disputes since taking office in 2017, including a months-long trade war with China that cooled with the signing of a partial deal in January. FLSmidth wins kiln alignment order from Dangote Cement 03 June 2020 FLSmidth has entered into a frame agreement with the African conglomerate Dangote Industries to provide hot kiln alignment services to 16 Dangote kilns located in Africa. The six-year agreement will see FLSmidth providing hot kiln alignment services to Dangote kilns in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, the Republic of Congo, South Africa and Nigeria. Nigeria is the largest market covered in the agreement, with three locations comprised of 10 lines. The Hot Kiln Alignment Service agreement is based on an equal partnership highlighting cost transparency. The roll-out will begin in Nigeria and then gradually be expanded to the other markets. Published under Syracuse, N.Y. Another two people in Onondaga County have died due to the coronavirus in the last day. The new deaths include one caucasian woman in her 70s in a hospital and one nursing home resident. The county doesnt receive demographic information on nursing home deaths from the state. A total of 71 people are currently hospitalized due to the virus, down four from yesterday. Over 40 of those people are nursing home residents who have recovered, but cant yet return to their homes due to state policies. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said again today he expects state approval soon on a plan to discharge those people to new sites where they wont count in the local hospital numbers. The countys hospitals remain in good shape and have not been overwhelmed, McMahon said. Our infrastructure is in fantastic condition, he said. Thirteen people in the county are in intensive care units, down one. A total of 1,110 people have now recovered from the virus, up 24. The county now has 2,152 confirmed cases of the virus, including 23 new cases reported today. Of the new cases, four resulted from infected individuals spreading the virus to other people in their households and seven were related to senior living facilities. Twelve of the new cases were in individuals who caught the virus in the community at large. The rate of positive tests is now 5.8%, McMahon said. Thats down considerably from over 8% earlier in the pandemic. That number was expected to drop as testing increased. The numbers all remain good, McMahon said. So far, through restart, we are in a good position where were not going backward, were going forward, he said. Case breakdown by municipality (confirmed/recovered) Camillus: 66/40 Cicero: 70/41 Clay: 169/111 DeWitt: 80/57 Elbridge: 5/2 Fabius: 2/2 Geddes: 111/31 LaFayette: 8/4 Lysander: 37/29 Manlius: 77/56 Marcellus: 7/6 Onondaga: 135/38 Otisco: 5/5 Pompey: 26/23 Salina: 94/58 Skaneateles: 15/15 Spafford: 3/2 Syracuse: 1,208/578 Tully 4/2 Van Buren: 30/10 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 Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 - Administration of 800,000 individual life insurance contracts transitions to IBM's Open Insurance Platform - Outsourcing with subsequent renewal options designed to help Aegon to modernize policy administration and realize long-term customer service - Hosted on the IBM public cloud, this agreement will allow Aegon to manage the run-off of this closed block of business - IBM will manage Aegon's run-off life insurance until last policy in the portfolio expires in 2066. THE HAGUE, Netherlands and LEEUWARDEN, Netherlands, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE:IBM) announces that it has entered into an agreement with Aegon the Netherlands for the servicing and administration of its individual life policies. This is designed to further digitally enhance the service for around 800,000 customers. IBM Services will manage Aegon's run-off life insurance until the last life insurance policy in the portfolio expires in 2066. The life insurance policies will be migrated to IBM's Open Insurance Platform to digitize the insurance policy administration from customer contact to financial settlements in a state-of-the-art IT platform hosted on the IBM public cloud. Leveraging IBM's Open Insurance Platform, Aegon the Netherlands aims to modernize policy administration and maintain long-term customer service. Outsourcing the administration to IBM can help Aegon reduce their management costs per policy for the full remaining contract time. The IBM Open Insurance Platform will help secure continuity of the management of closed book life insurance policies against low fixed costs per insurance policy. The IBM Open Insurance Platform will be built based on the msg.Life Factory core insurance system, which is a part of msg.Insurance Suite. It's anticipated that the IBM Open Insurance Platform will be available for other Dutch insurance companies as well. The platform will offer the same features as the Aegon platform, including service-based pricing, IBM Cloud security and scalability, and connections to APIs from IBM and third-party participants. By running on IBM's public cloud the IBM Open Insurance Platform will help insurers keep address requirements for regulatory compliance, security and resiliency. Sibylla Bantema, director life insurance at Aegon the Netherlands: "We want cost-effective administration of our individual life insurance contracts and employability for our employees in Leeuwarden, who will transfer to IBM as part of this agreement." Patrick van den Bos, insurance leader at IBM Netherlands: "With Aegon as launching customer we are creating an attractive offer for life insurers who want continuity of the management of their life insurance policies against low costs per insurance policy. The IBM Open Insurance Platform offers insurers a way to help drive expenses down to new levels of flexibility and savings, while giving them the tools and capabilities to serve its customers." Contacts IBM Maurits Blok +31-625732105 Maurits.Blok@ibm.com Aegon Alexander Kuipers +31 6 11 33 36 19 akuipers@aegon.nl Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1175838/Aegon_insurance_IBM.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/95470/ibm_logo.jpg Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Boamah Otokunor has begged to differ from the claim of President Akufo-Addo easing some of the restrictions to boost the contry's economy. In summarising the Presidents 10th address to the nation on COVID-19 with regard to the easing of restrictions, Peter Boamah Otokunor insisted that they are not meant to boost the economy, but rather for the political interest of President Akufo-Addo to secure his second term in office. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, the NDC Deputy Chief Scribe explained that the borders would have been opened if President Akufo-Addo wants the economy to bounce back. "The purpose of easing some of the restrictions is not that he wants the economy to bounce back, otherwise the borders would have been opened. . . . " he asserted. He rather gave the assertion that President Akufo-Addo with his political interest decided to ease the restrictions in order to allow the Electoral Commission (EC) to compile a neew voters' register which is dear to the heart of the President. He reiterated that President Akufo-Addo has the intention to disenfranchise over 10 million Ghanaians so that the few ones he believes can make him win the 2020 general election for a second term can be allowed to vote. Source: Daniel Adu Darko/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 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Announces USD 500 Million to Yemen during the Opening Ceremony of Yemen High-Level Pledging Event 2020 Saudi Press Agency Tuesday 1441/10/10 - 2020/06/02 Riyadh, June 02, 2020, SPA -- Upon directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Yemen High-Level Pledging Event 2020 is virtually kicked off. This event is organized by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in partnership with the United Nations. The Kingdom's delegation to the conference is chaired by Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and included Dr. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and the Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief); Dr. Abdurrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral International Affairs; Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber, who is also Supervisor of the Saudi Program for Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, and a number of senior KSrelief officials. More than 126 entities will take part in the event, including 66 states, 15 UN agencies, 3 intergovernmental organizations and more than 39 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in addition to the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered today the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Keynote during Donors Conference for Yemen 2020 (Virtual / via Video Conference). Prince Faisal said that "it gives me great honor to convey to you the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and their affirmation of the Kingdom's commitment to humanitarian principles and its firm commitment to alleviate the human suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people, as well as their deep appreciation to the United Nations for their efforts in providing humanitarian work through its agencies operating around the world and in Yemen in particular. "The Kingdom has been keen to host this virtual conference despite the exceptional circumstances that the whole world is going through due to the outbreak of the Corona Virus pandemic (Covid19), and here I would like to express my appreciation to the participating delegations from the state governments, international organizations, and relevant non-governmental organizations, which reflects the importance of this conference to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and announce financial pledges to meet the humanitarian needs there, which were caused by coup d'etat staged by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia to overthrow the legitimized leadership in the country," Prince Faisal added. "We meet today and the Yemeni people are looking forward to a successful reach to an effective resolution to be implemented soon to help them face the humanitarian, military, security, economic and development challenges due to the inhuman practices being committed by Iranian-backed Houthi militias with their violations of blocking out humanitarian aids and looting relief convoys and impede its access to all Yemeni lands. This is in continuation of their obstruction of acceptance of the political solution based on the three references (the Gulf initiative, its executive mechanism, outcomes of comprehensive national dialogue, and Security Council Resolution 2216) and the relevant international resolutions and implementation of the 2018 Stockholm Agreement and thus the Houthi denial of all efforts and initiatives of ceasefire announced by the coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen, in addition to the invitation of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen to engage in direct negotiations between all Yemeni parties. Prince Faisal called upon the international community to exert pressure on the Houthis militias allow the UN officials access to the SAFER oil tanker - that has more than a million barrels - and which is at risk of exploding since they took control of the port of Hodeidah in 2015 to prevent an greatest catastrophe with dire global economic and marine navigation consequences. Also, destroying the Houthi-planted naval mines that prevent the arrival of ships carrying aid, act against Houthi-imposed obstacles facing the humanitarian aid and operate the Red Sea mills safely in Al Hodeidah. "I reiterate that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen to support all the efforts made by the United Nations to reach a sustainable political solution to the Yemeni crisis, and to lift the suffering of the Yemeni people to support the humanitarian, economic and development aspects in a way that reflects on its security and stability. It was noted that the Kingdom has provided humanitarian aid to Yemen since the beginning of the crisis in September 2014, totaling more than sixteen billion nine hundred and forty million US dollars including the King Salman Centre for Relief and Humanitarian Aid in Yemen and four hundred and fifty-three projects in twelve sectors including food, relief and humanitarian aid. As well as implementing one hundred and seventy-five projects by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen in seven development sectors at a cost of more than one hundred and fifty million dollars and five hundred and twenty thousand dollars, in addition to offering supports to the Yemeni people inside the Kingdom. As well as bilateral government assistance, and providing a deposit of three billion dollars to support the local currency and the economy in Yemen, in addition to providing sixty million US dollars' worth of energy derivatives per month to run electricity power plants, and The (Masam) Project that aims at clearing Yemeni lands of landmines and unexploded ordnance," he said. "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia positively believe in mobilizing global efforts to address the situation in Yemen and alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people and fulfil the country's aspirations for a better future. Therefore, we call on all countries, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations to fulfil their financial pledges to Yemen, which were announced last year in the amount of two billion four hundred and ten million US dollars to fund the aid operation, Including one hundred and eighty million US dollars to combat the outbreak of the Corona Virus in Yemen and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe there," the Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed. "Finally, I would like to reaffirm that the Kingdom will always be committed to reaching a comprehensive political settlement and will be in support of the efforts of the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen, Mr. Martin Griffiths, and his recent proposals for a permanent ceasefire, step up effort to build human and economic confidence, and the resumption of political consultations to reach a comprehensive political solution based on the three references, to confront human and economic challenges and in a way that achieves security and stability In Yemen. I also cannot fail to thank and appreciate the efforts made by the organizers of this conference," he concluded. Then, Dr. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and the Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), announced today that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pledged USD 500 million to support Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan 2020 and COVID-19 Response plan. The announcement came in a speech delivered by Dr. Al Rabeeah at Yemen High-Level Pledging Event 2020 held today virtually in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Al Rabeeah said, "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always embraced the principles of peace, harmony and cooperation between the peoples and countries of the world. The Kingdom has provided impartial support and assistance while carrying out its responsibilities to respond to humanitarian crises and limit their effects on people globally." "The Kingdom has become one of the world's leading humanitarian donors; according to United Nations data platforms, Saudi Arabia ranks among the top five donor countries for the provision of global humanitarian aid. For the past several decades, Saudi Arabia has been one of the top countries providing assistance to Yemen and its people," he added. Dr. Al Rabeeah said "We are meeting today amid the conditions the world is facing due to the Covid19 pandemic, and all the economic, health and political challenges that it has caused. Yemen is facing many difficult humanitarian and health challenges, and the Yemeni people are suffering from multiple crises caused by Iran-backed Houthi militias. These groups do not consider epidemics or the pandemic the world is facing today, do not care about the difficult humanitarian circumstances the Yemenis are facing, and have threatened and deprived them of their most basic human rights by looting and stealing humanitarian aid and using it for military purposes. These illegal actions have adversely affected the continued commitment of donor countries, and have also placed a greater responsibility on the United Nations, humanitarian and human rights organizations to limit these grave abuses." "In spite of all of these difficult challenges and obstacles, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has maintained its pioneering role and ongoing commitment to Yemen and its noble people. Because of its keenness to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, I am pleased to announce that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has pledged USD 500 million to support the Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan 2020 and the Covid19 Response plan in Yemen, USD 300 million of which shall be allocated to United Nations agencies and organizations in accordance with KSrelief's mechanisms. The remaining USD 200 million will be allocated to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) in accordance with its mechanisms and in coordination with national, international and local humanitarian organizations. We have also allocated an additional USD 30 million for the third phase of the MASAM Landmine Clearance Project, bringing the total amount spent for all three phases to USD 100 million," he said. He concluded by saying "I extend the highest expressions of thanks, appreciation and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, to HRH the Crown Prince and to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia and head of the delegation, and all the heads and representatives of donor and participating countries and international organizations that have supported and attended this important conference. Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres delivered a speech in which he expressed thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting this vital conference and its permanent assistance to Yemen, pointing out that Yemen faces difficult economic and humanitarian conditions at the institutional or personal levels, particularly in light of outbreak of the novel Coronavirus pandemic (Covid 19). Guterres pointed out that the humanitarian situation in Yemen needs humanitarian assistance in this crisis, pointing out that famine and malnutrition threaten the lives of children. He added the Covid19 pandemic represents a threat to the lives of more than 10 million people in Yemen. The UN Secretary-General affirmed that the health facilities in Yemen suffer from a lack and shortage of medical supplies and equipment, particularly ventilators and ambulances, disclosing that hospitals do not have reliable energy sources in addition to 50% of the population do not have access to clean water. Guterres warned that more than 30 international humanitarian programs in Yemen might be closed next year due to lack of funding, calling on donors to fund generously and urgently humanitarian programs in Yemen. For his part, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock, disclosed the situation in Yemen is catastrophic, adding that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across the country. "COVID-19 comes on top of the many problems already facing Yemen economic collapse, destroyed infrastructure, hunger, disease and displacement," he affirmed. "So we have come together here today to see what the world wants to do about that. The United Nations and our partners have put forward a clear, workable plan. We are currently delivering humanitarian assistance to more than 10 million people across the country every month," he added. Lowcock called on the Yemeni government to develop and work in order to avoid the risks, asserting that more than 41 aid programs in Yemen will close and end within this year if we do not provide appropriate funding. He thanked all entities taking part in helping Yemen. Then, Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting and hold preparations for hosting this conference, thanking the Kingdom for the USD-500-million support for Yemen. In his speech, he also thanked King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) for its pioneer role in Yemen during recent years. The Yemeni Prime Minister highlighted the difficult humanitarian situations in Yemen in light of war and coup cause by Iran-backed terrorist Houthi militias. For his part, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah affirmed that this conference highlights the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role and the international community's keenness of the Yemeni crisis, disclosing that his country supports of the UN Secretary General's efforts. He also appreciated efforts exerted by the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen to converge viewpoints and reach a final solution. Meanwhile, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Affairs Reem Al-Hashemi thanked the Kingdom for hosting this important conference, hailing the Kingdom's efforts in supporting legitimacy. She affirmed that the United Arab Emirates stands with all matters helping peace in Yemen. For his part, Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its enormous efforts to restore legitimacy in Yemen and help the Yemeni people. He announced that Bahrain supports all UN efforts to settle security and peace in Yemen. Then, the participants delivered speeches where they hailed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts in hosting this important conference in light of Covid-19 pandemic. --SPA 20:20 LOCAL TIME 17:20 GMT 0025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ma Semai, second from right, embroiders with other female embroiderers in Dongxiang, Northwest China's Gansu Province, on May 30, 2020. [Xinhua] The traditional craft of embroidery has helped many Chinese women have their own profession in Dongxiang Autonomous County, Linxia Hui minority Autonomous Prefecture, Northwest China's Gansu Province. Ma Xiumai, 36, together with over 80 other women, became embroiderers after establishing an embroidering workshop helping local people leave behind poverty. The workshop operates based on orders and nearly 200 women are also employed to work at home, allowing women of the Dongxiang minority group to have their own profession. Ma can not only earn some money to support her family but also showcase embroidery craftsmanship in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province. Obtaining more support from families, Ma would like to pass down the embroidery craftsmanship to other embroiderers and help more women rise from poverty. Ma Semai embroiders in Dongxiang, Northwest China's Gansu Province, on May 30, 2020. [Xinhua] Ma Semai embroiders at home in Dongxiang, Northwest China's Gansu Province, on May 30, 2020. [Xinhua] Ma Semai, second from right, shows one of her embroidery works in Dongxiang, Northwest China's Gansu Province, on May 30, 2020. [Xinhua] Ma Semai, second from right, communicates with other female embroiderers in Dongxiang, Northwest China's Gansu Province, on May 30, 2020. [Xinhua] (Source: Xinhua) Hyderabad: A total of 12 post-graduate (PG) doctors have tested from Osmania Medical College (OMC) have positive for Coronavirus including four gynaecologists. The results of 170 samples taken from other PG students are awaited. A canteen worker in the mess used by doctors at the Petlaburj Government Maternity Hospital was suffering from cold and fever. But he came to work despite the symptoms, and this spread the infection among the PG students, according to sources at OMC. The worker tested positive on May 29; The post-graduates started showing symptoms after that. He is now undergoing treatment at Gandhi Hospital. An aggrieved post-graduate student said, ICMR guidelines for testing healthcare workers are frequently not being followed. Asymptomatic direct or high-risk contacts of a confirmed case have to be tested on day five and 10. But that is not happening. The student said the isolation ward in Osmania General Hospital looks like a normal general ward as no guidelines are being followed. Suspected and positive patients are mingling with each other. Due to this, there is rise in cases and extreme exposure of healthcare workers, the student said. Telangana Junior Doctors Association has approached director of health and medical education Dr K. Ramesh Reddy and told him that regular screening of healthcare workers and that sufficient personal protection equipment and N 95 masks must be provided to all. They have also appealed for more testing of healthcare workers as this incident has shown how vulnerable they all are. TJUDA has also requested that pregnant healthcare workers must be exempted from Covid-19 duties. The post-graduates and junior doctors say there is a dire need to ramp up testing, and enforce strict containment measures to limit the exposure of healthcare workers. They have demanded a head-on approach to testing and tracing to control the situation. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Shu-Fang Shih and Olivia Killeen (The Jakarta Post) The Conversation Wed, June 3, 2020 13:08 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbc5de0 3 Parents pandemic,coronavirus,lockdown,screen-time,COVID-19,kids,The-Conversation Free The coronavirus pandemic is remaking the way children learn, and it could have an impact on their eyes. With schools shifting to online lessons at home, children are spending more time in front of computer screens, and many parents are relaxing screen-time rules for TV and video games to keep kids occupied while social distancing. In the midst of the crisis, many children are spending less time playing outdoors. This combination more screen time and less outdoor time may actually harm childrens vision and put them at higher risk of developing myopia, or nearsightedness. That can lead to serious eye problems in the future, including some potentially blinding diseases. As a health behavioral and policy professor and an ophthalmology resident interested in health promotion and eye care for children, were concerned about the impacts of decreased outdoor time and excess screen time on childrens eyes during the COVID-19 pandemic. What causes myopia? Scientists are still trying to understand how myopia, or nearsightedness, develops and progresses. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the eyes focusing power is too strong, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of on it, which creates a blurry image. While glasses or contact lenses can correct a childs vision, research shows that having severe myopia puts children at risk for a number of eye problems down the road, including retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Some factors in whether a child develops myopia, such as genetics, are beyond a parents control, but research shows that other risks can be reduced. Anurag Papolu/The Conversation , CC BY-SA A review of 25 years of research found that working up close like reading or using a tablet increased the odds of myopia. For example, a nationwide study in Taiwan found that after-school study programs with lots of closeup work were associated with an increased likelihood of nearsightedness among children ages 7 to 12. A study of Chinese schoolchildren found that increased time spent working with the eyes focused on something less than 20 centimeters away was associated with myopia. Researchers in Ireland found that greater than three hours of screen time per day increased the odds of myopia in schoolchildren, and investigators in Denmark found that the risk of myopia approximately doubled in Danish teenagers who used screen devices for more than six hours per day. Getting outdoors matters Some studies now suggest that spending time outdoors may be able to slow the onset and progression of nearsightedness. In Taiwan, first grade students at schools with programs designed to increase their outdoors time to 11 hours or more each week had less progression of myopia over one year compared to their peers. Similarly, in China, researchers found that adding 40 minutes of outdoor activity a day at school reduced the development of nearsightedness in six-year-old children over the next three years. It is not clear why outdoors time protects against myopia, or why closeup work could make it worse. One theory is that light intensity and time spent outdoors regulates the release of dopamine in the retina, which controls the growth of the eye. Other theories center on how viewing distances impact where the light is focused on the retina; shorter viewing distances indoors may promote abnormal growth of the eye. Although there is no consensus on how much time children need to spend outside or the importance of the light intensity they are exposed to, it is possible that more outdoor time can help to balance out more closeup work, as a study of children in Australia found. Childhood is an important time to think about myopia because myopic children tend to become more nearsighted over time. The age of myopia onset is the most significant predictor of severe myopia later in life. Globally, rates of myopia have been rising. The prevalence of myopia among children ages 6-19 years is estimated at around 40% in Europe and North America, and higher in Asia. By midcentury, researchers studying the trends have estimated that about half the worlds population could be myopic. Such high rates of myopia also come with an economic burden. The potential lost productivity resulting from myopia was nearly US$250 billion in 2015. Building an eye-healthy lifestyle at home Parents can help by carefully managing their childrens screen time to support educational use while limiting cartoons and video games. They can also encourage more outdoors activities while maintaining social distancing. Having clear rules, setting limits on screen time and parents communication style have been associated with less screen time among children. Parental modeling also influences how much time children spend watching TV. The World Health Organization recommends that children under 5 spend one hour or less per day on digital devices, and children under 1 spend no time on digital devices. The Childrens Eye Foundation recommends daily outdoor play, no screen time for those under age 2, a maximum of 1-2 hours per day for kids ages 2 to 5 and guided screen time with frequent breaks for kids over 5. Parents and teachers can also check out helpful tips for eye health from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Educators can find resources to prepare learning materials. Here are some recommendations: Take a 20-second break from closeup work every 20 minutes Set a timer to remind kids to take those breaks Keep digital media 18 to 24 inches away from the face As we plan the future of education in the age of COVID-19, schools and policymakers must consider childrens vision needs while designing new initiatives. Schools, teachers and parents can work together to incorporate eye health strategies and protect children as they learn online. --- Shu-Fang Shih, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan and Olivia Killeen, Resident Physician in Ophthalmology, University of Michigan 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. YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. Deputy minister of defense of Armenia Gabriel Balayan denies the reports according to which the Armenian government, formed after 2018, has been engaged in the illegal sale of weapons. Since 2018, when the current government was formed led by the prime minister, no such deal has taken place with any third country with Armenias participation, including also in the person of the Defense Ministry, the deputy minister told reporters in the Parliament. Recently former Ambassador of Armenia to Vatican Mikayel Minasyan announced that Armenia has been engaged into the illegal arms sale. Reporting by Norayr Shoghikyan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan THE State of Lake Winnipeg, 2nd edition, was released last month by provincial and federal governments without much fanfare. Youd be excused for not noticing its arrival, as we all confront the all-too-real threat of COVID-19. When we finally emerge from self-isolation, we will be entering a new normal. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion THE State of Lake Winnipeg, 2nd edition, was released last month by provincial and federal governments without much fanfare. Youd be excused for not noticing its arrival, as we all confront the all-too-real threat of COVID-19. When we finally emerge from self-isolation, we will be entering a new normal. Sadly, this latest report seems to suggest the new normal includes a Lake Winnipeg that is degraded and damaged. Lake Winnipeg Misti Sakahikan has long been cherished as a source of life for First Nations, a place of spiritual regeneration, and vital to the survival of generations of people. Over the last few decades, First Nation elders and fishers sounded the alarm on impacts to the lake, calling on the provincial and federal governments to act. Their concerns were met with apathy and wilful ignorance. Governments and landowners across the watershed continued to drain wetlands, dam rivers, release effluent and cut trees in the name of progress. The steady degradation of both land and lake has been a truly bipartisan effort, as each successive government prioritized looking good over doing good. Only when the effects became obvious to cottagers and beachgoers did governments finally begin to invest in understanding changes to the lake. A lake-monitoring program was launched in 1999, although by this time numerous significant environmental changes had already taken place. Subsequent research efforts were incomplete and inconsistent; constrained by inadequate budgets, studies tended to focus in the south basin near road access. Whitefish the second-most lucrative fishery in the lake, and essential to the fishers in the north basin still has no long-term index monitoring program. Zebra mussels spread unhindered into the watershed, as early warning and prevention efforts were cut and deprioritized by federal and provincial governments when they were most needed before the invasion. And now, here we are in receipt of a report on Lake Winnipeg produced by two senior levels of government, as part of a formal agreement to work collaboratively to improve the health of the lake. One could reasonably expect that report to provide a definitive assessment of Lake Winnipegs health, and to present workable solutions. Yet this report sidesteps critical questions. It minimizes the significance of the changes weve all experienced first-hand, and highlights moderate impacts over more serious human-caused issues. Repeatedly, we are told information is still lacking, or future analysis is needed to understand whats really happening. We are told the lakes problems are complex and cross many borders. We are told the changes are driven by forces beyond our control and beyond the control of our governments. We are, in effect, told to be patient, that reversing these trends will take time. We no longer have time to wait for governments that refuse to accept their responsibilities to the lake. Indigenous people are ready. We accept our responsibilities. 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. Generations of our ancestors survived on Lake Winnipeg by respecting the resources the lake provided, and by using the best available knowledge and tools to ensure our survival. Today, we continue that tradition, employing scientific methods and traditional practices to monitor changes and mitigate impacts to the lake. Our collective knowledge spans centuries, and fills gaps that evade the scientific community. Our decisions are made with the understanding that the next seven generations will inherit those choices. First Nations and Canadians can no longer accept the status quo when it comes to Lake Winnipeg. Scientific research must be conducted throughout the entire lake. Indigenous knowledge must inform decision-making. Nation-to-nation relationships must be realized, so that we can truly work together. This fall, when the federal and provincial governments renew their formal agreement to protect Lake Winnipeg, Indigenous rights-holders must be at the table. For the first time, Indigenous people must be signatories to the Canada-Manitoba Memorandum of Understanding Respecting Lake Winnipeg and the Lake Winnipeg Basin. As Indigenous people, we are committed to taking action, and we invite Canadians to join us to ensure Lake Winnipeg continues to be a source of life for all our grandchildrens children. Daniel Gladu-Kanu is the director of the Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Collective. He is Anishinaabe, Irish and Metis from the Treaty Three area. Looters targeting Apple Stores in the United States have found that their stolen iPhones may not function at all outside the store. People have posted images of the smartphones on twitter that have apparently been taken from US stores. A message on the phones screen reads: This device has been disabled and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted. One photo has the iPhone message read Please return to Apple Walnut Street, a store that is closed indefinitely according to its listing on Google Maps. Apple closed a multitude of its stores outside of China due to the coronavirus pandemic but is opening selected stores in the United States. Some of those stores have closed once more as cities are hit by protests and police violence. The photo has been confirmed as genuine. Protests, and rioting, have taken place across the United States following the death of George Floyd. Following the protests, Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted: Minneapolis is grieving for a reason. To paraphrase Dr. King, the negative peace which is the absence of tension is no substitute for the positive peace which is the presence of justice. Justice is how we heal. Cook sent a memo to employees addressing the situation. Cook condemned the killing and called for a better, more just world for everyone. We can have no society worth celebrating unless we can guarantee freedom from fear for every person who gives this country their love, labor and life, Cook also said. JERSEYVILLE The Jersey County Board has unanimously approved sending a resolution to Gov. J.B. Pritzker urging him to allow local governments to implement plans to determine the reopening of businesses in their jurisdiction. The board agreed to send the resolution to the governors desk and to local officials who represent Jersey County, including state senators Steve McClure and Rachelle Crowe and state representatives C.D. Davidsmeyer and Monica Bristow. Pritzkers stay-at-home order closed retail businesses and other businesses that were not deemed essential in mid-March. Most of the state entered Phase 3 of Pritzkers Restore Illinois plan on Friday. 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. The Jersey resolution says the rates of COVID-19 infections, illness and mortality have been lower in less populated rural counties, including Jersey County. The resolution also said the governors stay-at-home order has had a significant negative impact on the countys economy. In April, Jersey County had the highest unemployment rate in west-central Illinois at 15.5%. The governor of the state of Illinois executive orders, while exercising an abundance of caution with regard to controlling the spread of COVID-19, have had significant and potentially long-lasting negative impact on the economy of Jersey County, particularly in municipalities with a small-business-based economies that provides jobs and adds collateral commercial support to communities, the resolution reads. The Jersey County Board asked that Pritzker allow local governments to implement plans deciding the criteria for reopening in concert with local health departments and regional medical centers so the county can make a safe and expedited reopening. Jersey County Board Chairman Donald Little said the board wants Pritzker to recognize the number of cases in Jersey County and to consider that the county should not be grouped with other areas with a higher infection rate in what Little calls a one size fits all approach. We were simply asking the governor to take into account the Jersey County numbers, Little said. As of Tuesday afternoon, Jersey County had 24 positive COVID-19 cases with one death resulting from the virus. Little said he does not believe the resolution is confrontational and that it should not go against the science behind fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. T housands of people protesting after the death of George Floyd have descended on central London for a Black Lives Matter rally. People gathering outside the US Embassy at the protest chanted for justice and took the knee in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. It comes after violence in the capital on Saturday left 10 police officers injured and 14 people arrested, Met Police said. Meanwhile in Bristol, protesters topped a statue of a 17th-century slave trader during a demonstration earlier today. Follow all the latest updates HERE... Iran's supreme leader has assailed Washington in the wake of George Floyd's killing for its allegedly duplicitous policies when it comes to upholding human rights. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed that in America, they kill people in an open crime, and they do not offer an apology while claiming (to support) human rights. Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, added: Apparently, the African American man who was killed there was not a human being. Khamenei's remarks came in a speech on Wednesday marking the anniversary of the 1989 death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The televised speech came as the country cancelled an annual massive commemoration for Khomeini due to the coronavirus pandemic. Khamenei described Floyd's death, including how he repeatedly said I can't breathe. Khamenei added "this is nothing new. This is the American nature. This is what Americans have been doing to the whole world. In Iran, which in November put down nationwide demonstrations by killing hundreds, arresting thousands and disrupting internet access, state television has repeatedly aired images of the US unrest. Citywide San Francisco's curfew will be lifted tomorrow morning at 5 a.m., Mayor London Breed said Wednesday. Last Sunday, Breed enacted the curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., citing "vandalism and violence" at Saturday evening's protest of the police killing of George Floyd. However, Breed appears to have changed her tune after a debate about the curfew at last night's Board of Supervisors meeting, in which several supervisors argued that its indefinite status was, in the words of District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen, "an extraordinary taking away of our constitutional rights." "The protests we have seen in this city and across the country are for an important cause," Breed said in a statement today. "Our city will continue to facilitate any and all peaceful demonstrations." Ronen and at least three other Supervisors District 5's Dean Preston, District 10's Shamann Walton and District 6's Matt Haney, praised the lifted curfew on Twitter. "This is the right approach," Haney wrote. "We can support freedom of speech, peaceful protest, and protect our residents." While Santa Clara County already ended its curfew on Tuesday, other Bay Area counties have not yet moved to either lift or extend their curfews. Currently, San Mateo County's curfew expires tomorrow morning at 5 a.m., while Alameda County's order is set to last until Friday at 5 a.m. Supervisors debate the curfew at last night's digital board meeting. | Screenshot: sfgovtv.org The end of the curfew will likely be welcome news for many essential workers technically exempt from the curfew, but subject to questioning by police while traveling and for local restaurants, which were forced to suspend or cut back on takeout and delivery service in order to avoid violating the curfew. Not everyone at yesterday's Board of Supervisors meeting was in favor of lifting the curfew. Supervisors Sandra Lee Fewer, Rafael Mandelman, and Ahsha Safai all argued in support of it. We have a president who incites people, we have people who are out of their minds with guns, Fewer said. The reality of it is, this is an out-of-control situation." Story continues SFPD Chief Bill Scott also pushed to extend the curfew with daily re-evaluations, telling the Supervisors that "things can spin up at a moment's notice" and that the curfew "does allow us the ability to get in front of this." At the meeting, the Supervisors ultimately voted 6-5 to delay their decision on the curfew to a special board meeting tomorrow. Prior to Breed's decision today, the board would have had to vote unanimously to lift the curfew. Another protest will start today at 4 p.m. at Mission High School, marching to the Mission Police Department. "We know that the overwhelming majority of people out protesting are doing so peacefully, and we trust that will continue," Breed said in Wednesday's statement. Former US president George W Bush has called upon Americans to examine the nation's "tragic failures" and collectively push for equal justice, amid violent protests across the country over the custodial killing of an African-American man. George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American, was handcuffed and pinned to the ground in Minneapolis on May 25 by a white police officer who kneeled on his neck as he gasped for breath. His death has triggered violent protests across the US, leading to the death of at least five persons, arrest of over 4,000 people and damage to property worth billions of dollars. George Bush said he and his wife, Laura, were "disturbed by the injustice and fear that suffocate our country". The Bushes said in a statement on Tuesday that they did not feel like it was their time to speak out, but rather it was time for them to listen. George Bush and Laura Bush said they believe that peaceful marches are good for the country. "It remains a shocking failure that many African-Americans, especially young African-American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country," the statement read. "Laura and I are anguished by the brutal suffocation of George Floyd and disturbed by the injustice and fear that suffocate our country. Yet we have resisted the urge to speak out, because this is not the time for us to lecture. It is time for us to listen," George Bush said. "It is time for America to examine our tragic failures and as we do, we will also see some of our redeeming strengths. It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country. It is a strength when protesters, protected by responsible law enforcement, march for a better future," he said. This tragedy, in a long series of similar tragedies, raises a long overdue question of "how do we end systemic racism in our society?" George Bush asked. "The only way to see ourselves in a true light is to listen to the voices of so many who are hurting and grieving. Those who set out to silence those voices do not understand the meaning of America or how it becomes a better place," he said. America's greatest challenge has long been to unite people of very different backgrounds into a single nation of justice and opportunity. The doctrine and habits of racial superiority, which once nearly split the country, still threatens our Union, he said. The answers to American problems are found by living up to American ideals, to the fundamental truth that all human beings are created equal and endowed by God with certain rights, the former president said. "We have often underestimated how radical that quest really is, and how our cherished principles challenge systems of intended or assumed injustice. The heroes of America from Frederick Douglass, to Harriet Tubman, to Abraham Lincoln, to Martin Luther King, Jr. are heroes of unity," he said. "Their calling has never been for the fainthearted. They often revealed the nation's disturbing bigotry and exploitation stains on our character sometimes difficult for the American majority to examine. We can only see the reality of America's need by seeing it through the eyes of the threatened, oppressed, and disenfranchised," George Bush said. "That is exactly where we now stand. Many doubt the justice of our country, and with good reason. Black people see the repeated violation of their rights without an urgent and adequate response from American institutions. We know that lasting justice will only come by peaceful means. Looting is not liberation, and destruction is not progress," he said . Lasting peace in communities requires truly equal justice. The rule of law ultimately depends on the fairness and legitimacy of the legal system, and achieving justice for all is the duty of all, George Bush said. "This will require a consistent, courageous, and creative effort. We serve our neighbours best when we try to understand their experience. We love our neighbours as ourselves when we treat them as equals, in both protection and compassion," the statement read. There is a better way. The way of empathy and shared commitment, and bold action, and a peace rooted in justice, George Bush said. "I am confident that together, Americans will choose the better way," he said. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or an invitation to offer or buy or subscribe for, securities. An investment in the offered shares involves substantial risks and uncertainties. Prospective investors will need to base their investment decision on the prospectus and particularly, the risk factors, as will be described in the prospectus that the company expects to publish after the approval of the prospectus by the FSMA, and which can then be obtained at the offices of Hyloris and on www.hyloris.com . Prospective investors must be able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the offered shares and should be able to sustain a partial or total loss of their investment. ADVERTISEMENT Hyloris Pharmaceuticals Announces Intention to Launch an Initial Public Offering on Euronext Brussels Liege, Belgium - June 3, 2020: Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA ("Hyloris", the "Company"), an early-stage innovative specialty pharmaceutical company focused on adding value to the healthcare system by reformulating well-known pharmaceuticals, announces today its intention to raise new funds through an Initial Public Offering ("IPO") with admission of its shares to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels (the "Offering"). Company Highlights: Focused on developing proprietary reformulated products it believes offer significant advantages compared to currently available alternatives, with the aim to address underserved medical needs and add value to the overall healthcare system Idea generator enabling the continuous identification of new product opportunities Strong product development engine that reformulates and brings product candidates to the market in a capital efficient manner, with a clear focus on the FDA's 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for pharmaceuticals where safety and efficacy of the molecule have been established, providing Hyloris with the potential to: Reduce the clinical burden required to bring a product to the market Significantly shorten the development timelines and reduce costs and risks Diversified portfolio of two early stage commercial products and 12 product candidates in various stages of development, offering sales growth potential: The product portfolio has a particular focus on IV cardiovascular products, but also contains other reformulation products and established market products (high-barrier generics) Maxigesic IV and Sotalol IV are anticipated as primary drivers of short-term revenue growth until additional products are launched To date, Hyloris' operations have consisted primarily of the identification of product candidates to build its pipeline and the formulation, testing and development of its existing portfolio. Led by an experienced management team that has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the fields of drug identification and development. Hyloris' management team combines more than 100 years of experience in managing and growing pharma companies that develop drugs and bring them to the market Stijn Van Rompay, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Hyloris, commented: "Hyloris' goal is to bring reformulated drugs with added value to the healthcare system as quickly as possible and we are excited to announce our intention to float on Euronext Brussels to support us in achieving this. We believe that there are significant opportunities to address unmet needs, utilizing the established 505(b)(2) pathway, by developing proprietary products that can offer significant advantages compared to currently available alternatives. Our team has extensive expertise and experience in the pharmaceutical industry, and we believe we are distinctly placed to select and develop the right product candidates to deliver significant value to patients, physicians, payors and other stakeholders in the healthcare system." "The IPO is expected to provide us with the resources needed to finance the development of our existing portfolio of product candidates, as well as establish a commercial infrastructure in the United States for our IV Cardiovascular portfolio (excl. Sotalol IV, which is commercialized through a partner), where we will focus on addressing prescribers in a cost-efficient manner by concentrating on specialized care facilities such as hospitals. The IPO is also expected to support us in further expanding our portfolio in the years to come." Stefan Yee, Chairman of Hyloris, added: "Going public will be an important step forward in Hyloris' journey, as we seek to drive the development, commercialization and expansion of our strong pipeline. As a Belgian company, a listing on Euronext Brussels is a good strategic fit for Hyloris, providing us with an excellent financial ecosystem to broaden our shareholder base and lay solid foundations for future growth." Hyloris intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund: The development of the existing portfolio of product candidates The establishment of a commercial team in the U.S. for Hyloris' IV Cardiovascular Portfolio (excl. Sotalol IV, which is commercialized through a partner) The expansion of its product pipeline both internally and through business development opportunities General corporate purposes The Offering Subject to the approval of the prospectus by the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority) and KBC Securities NV/SA, www.bolero.be/nl/hyloris and www.kbcsecurities.com ). The Offering is expected to consist of: (i) an offer to the public (as defined in Article 2(d) of the Prospectus Regulation) in Belgium; (ii) a private placement in the European Economic Area (other than Belgium) exclusively to "qualified investors" within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation; (iii) a private placement in Switzerland exclusively to "qualified investors" within the meaning of the Collective Investment Schemes Act (CISA); and (iv) a private placement in the United States to persons who are reasonably believed to be "QIBs" (as defined in Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act), in reliance on Rule 144A. All aforementioned "qualified investors" and QIBs are collectively being referred to as Institutional Investors. The Offering outside the United States will be made in compliance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. KBC Securities and Kempen & Co are acting as Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners. -Ends- For more information, please contact: Hyloris Pharmaceuticals Stijn Van Rompay, CEO Patrick Jeanmart, CFO +32 (0)4 346 02 07 contact@hyloris.com Consilium Strategic Communications Amber Fennell, Chris Welsh, Lucy Featherstone, Taiana De Ruyck Soares +44 20 3709 5700 hyloris@consilium-comms.com Note to Editors About Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA Based in Liege, Belgium, Hyloris is an early-stage innovative specialty pharmaceutical company focused on adding value to the healthcare system by reformulating well-known pharmaceuticals. Hyloris develops proprietary products it believes offer significant advantages compared to currently available alternatives, with the aim to address the underserved medical needs of patients, hospitals, physicians, payors and other stakeholders in the healthcare system. Hyloris' portfolio spans three areas of focus: IV Cardiovascular, Other Reformulations and Established Market. IMPORTANT INFORMATION The material set forth herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer of securities for sale or a solicitation of any offer to buy securities in the United States, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Japan or South Africa or any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state in the United States, and may not be offered or sold within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws. No public offering of securities has been or will be made in the United States. Subject to certain exceptions, the securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Japan or South Africa, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Japan or South Africa. Copies of this material are not being, and should not be, distributed or sent, directly or indirectly, into the United States, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Japan or South Africa. This information does not contain a solicitation for money, securities or other consideration and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted. This announcement contains statements which are "forward-looking statements" or could be considered as such. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words 'believe', 'estimate', 'anticipate', 'expect', 'intend', 'may', 'will', 'plan', 'continue', 'ongoing', 'possible', 'predict', 'plans', 'target', 'seek', 'would' or 'should', and contain statements made by the company regarding the intended results of its strategy. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are warned that none of these forward-looking statements offers any guarantee of future performance. The company's actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements. The company makes no undertaking whatsoever to publish updates or adjustments to these forward-looking statements, unless required to do so by law. Any purchase of, subscription for or application for, shares in the Company to be issued in connection with the Offering should only be made on the basis of information contained in the Prospectus to be issued by the Company, and published on the Company's website) in due course in connection with the Offering and any supplements thereto, as the case may be. Potential investors must read the Prospectus before making an investment decision in order to fully understand the potential risks and rewards associated with the decision to invest in the securities. This document is not a Prospectus. The Prospectus will contain detailed information about the Company and its management, risks associated with investing in the Company, as well as financial statements and other financial data. The date of completion of listing on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels may be influenced by things such as market conditions. There is no guarantee that such listing will occur and a potential investor should not base your financial decisions on the Company's intentions in relation to such listing at this stage. Acquiring investments to which this announcement relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing the entire amount invested. Persons considering such investments should consult an authorized person specializing in advising on such investments. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the Offering. An investment in shares entails significant risks, as the value of the shares can decrease as well as increase. This announcement is only addressed to and directed at persons in member states of the European Economic Area ("EEA") other than Belgium who are "qualified investors" within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation. In addition, in the United Kingdom, this announcement is only addressed to and directed at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within the definition of "investment professionals" in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order"), (ii) high net worth entities, etc. falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, and (iii) any other person to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The intended offering, as the case may be, will only be available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe for, purchase, or otherwise acquire securities will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents. KBC Securities NV/SA and Van Lanschot Kempen Wealth Management N.V. (the "Joint Bookrunners") are acting for the Company and no one else in relation to the intended offering, and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections offered to their respective clients nor for providing advice in relation to the intended offering. Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan posted the following on his Facebook page today: On May 26, the European Court of Human Rights published the decision under the case of Gurgen Margaryan, or, in other words, the case of Makuchyan and Minasyan vs Azerbaijan and Hungary, and this case is of historical significance for the whole system of human rights protection. With this decision, the European Court recorded the fact that the brutal murder of Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan with ten strikes of an axe while he was sleeping and the attack on Hayk Mukuchyan by Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov is the result of Armenophobia. This decision affirms that the release and glorification of Ramil Safarov and the privileges granted to him for the brutality ensure impunity for similar crimes and ensure grounds for deepening of hatred. What is fundamental is the fact that, with this decision, the international court enshrined the fact that there is a systematic policy of discrimination against the Armenians in Azerbaijan on the ground of ethnic belonging. Siranush Sahakyan played an invaluable role in this case and succeeded in presenting the whole reality to the European Court through extremely complicated, yet very precise work. Levon Gevorgyan carried out major activities during examination of the case. During a news conference, Mrs. Sahakyan and Mr. Gevorgyan presented their tremendous work and the value of the Courts decision. It is necessary to attach importance to the role of Nazeli Vardanyan because protection of the interests of the victims would not be this effective without her major efforts in Hungary. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 23:44:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JOHANNESBURG, June 3 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is also the African Union (AU) chairperson, on Wednesday called on countries in the world to shun racism and intolerance. Ramaphosa made the remarks when taking part in a virtual conference of the 1st Extraordinary Inter-Sessional Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States. He said the pandemic is a global public health emergency and it needs a global response. "We therefore need to promote multilateralism as the most effective instrument to ensure that all countries, big and small, rich and poor, are accommodated and their voices heard," he said. Ramaphosa reaffirmed full support for the initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) together with many governments, non-profit organizations and industry leaders to speed up the development and production of vaccines and therapeutics, and to ensure that they are distributed speedily and equitably across the globe. The WHO has been instrumental in supporting national efforts to combat COVID-19, Ramaphosa said. "Global solidarity demands that we also stand as one against all forms of racism and intolerance" while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramaphosa added. He said the AU has strongly condemned the murder of George Floyd in the United States and shares the anger of millions in the U.S. and across the world. Outrage over the death of unarmed African American George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis has been growing across the United States, and now, beyond. Floyd, 46, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes until he stopped breathing. "As countries that have borne the brunt of racial discrimination over centuries, we need to work together to end the scourge of racial violence, wherever it occurs. By working together, we can build a peaceful, just, healthy and prosperous global community," said the AU chairperson. Enditem 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 Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on May 30, 2020. (David J. Phillip/AP Photo) Why SpaceX and Elon Musk Are the Right Stuff Commentary When was the last time you felt truly inspired? When you felt an excitement so palpable, you could feel it deep in your gut? For me, that day was the beautiful and hopeful Saturday afternoon of May 30 as I watched SpaceX carry U.S. astronauts into orbit for the first time in nearly a decade. I experienced that same palpable excitement in 1988, when I was a new biomedical engineering graduate sitting at my parents home eagerly awaiting an offer letter from GE Aerospace. To this day, I remember the nervousness of opening the envelope, something my father would laughingly tease me about over the next three decades. I was part of the 1988 return-to-flight team after the devastating 1986 Challenger accident. On a June morning as I drove through the Johnson Space Center (JSC) guard gate for the very first time, I felt a new beginningthe same new beginning the world just witnessedthat my life would be changed forever. I spent the next 25 years as a NASA contractor working in the Health and Human Performance program, responsible for NASAs human research and astronaut medical care. In a long career like mine, one experiences highslike seeing my first mission launch (STS-40) or seeing Neil Armstrong speakand lowslike the STS-107 accident. On that day, after a near-perfect science mission, I returned home after a long nights work and decided to take a quick shower before watching the Columbia landing. As I turned the water off, I heard the phone ringing and ringing. It was my sister to tell me the shuttle had just blown up close by over her home in the Dallas area. The U.S. Space Program has had failures, but so many more incredible accomplishments, and Im forever grateful for my long space career. I cherish it fondly and keep in touch with colleagues, but my enthusiasm for my job and the agency began waning in my last couple of years there. In 2011, I saw the wind basically go out of NASAs sails as the last shuttle mission STS-135 came to wheel stop. Without another launch capability, the United States would have to rely on Russia to ferry our crews into space. It simply wasnt the same. It finally dawned on me how bureaucratic the agency had become when I suddenly had several new NASA bosses after the shuttle program ended. How can an entire program end and no civil servants be let go? I felt I was reporting to everyone and accomplishing nothing. I no longer felt part of something bigger. I was disheartened that NASA was no longer a special place but just another bloated government agency. The wind went out of my sails, so I left soon thereafter. Friends asked how I felt about private space companies like SpaceX and were surprised to find out I was a huge fan. For me, NASA had become a stodgy agency that had stopped innovating. Privatized space flight was the only hope, and I had an inkling that if anyone could do it, Elon Musk could. Certainly, the money from his PayPal success helped, but he has qualities that are so much more important: curiosity, passion, and sheer determination (what we Texans call just plain grit.) In my last few years at NASA, sadly I met no one with these qualities. In some instances, innovation was even discouraged because it was outside the scope of the contract. I felt like I was basically being told to just keep my head down and get my job done. So I left, and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. Thank goodness Musk didnt just keep his head down. He founded SpaceX nearly 20 years ago, driven by his sincere personal belief that the only way to save humanity is by colonizing other planets. He was 30 years old. Armed with $165 million in cash and an elevator pitch, he literally began cold calling some of the brightest aerospace minds. Musk wanted to buy European rockets, but the Arianespace rockets were too expensive. The Europeans told Musk that Russia was looking to sell some repurposed rockets, but when Musk contacted them, the Russians kept increasing the price of each rocket, then taunted Musk: Oh, little boy, you dont have the money? They said their technology was not for sale to capitalist billionaires, and spat on Musks shoes as a sign of great disrespect. But he kept going. As all great innovators do, Musk learned from each experience. The Russian experience encouraged him to build his own rockets. Thank you, Russian space directors! He assembled an incredible team and devoured knowledge, learning everything he could on his insatiable quest to outer space. Believe me, there was a fairly sizable faction within NASA that wanted SpaceX to spectacularly fail. NASA didnt make it easy on Musk, but he passed test after test with flying colors. By the way, these tests were all the things that NASA itself could never achieve. Musk was (mostly) ever-gracious through the ordeal, even crediting NASA with saving his company in 2008. Cash poor and in jeopardy of failing, NASA awarded SpaceX a $1.6 billion NASA contract to fly supplies to the International Space Station. The rest is history. In 2014, Musk signed a five-year lease with NASA for use of the famous Kennedy Space Center launch pad 39A. I remember watching the press conference. NASA administrators certainly played to the cameras, but there were moments when they looked utterly defeated at the prospect of handing over the keys. Musk doesnt just succeed; he exceeds every expectation and does it with a cool factor that NASA never could. Who else names his recovery ships Just Read The Instructions and Of Course I Still Love You? Who else hires the Batman Hollywood costume designer to design the super sleek spacesuits Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were wearing on launch day? And who else builds a reusable rocket and lands it upright on a barge floating in the middle of the ocean? Elon Musk does. Not NASA. And not Russia. And not Boeing, which received double the amount of funding as Musk and has yet to get its competitor Starliner off the ground. NASA has a partnership with SpaceX, and they both certainly deserve credit for this historic launch, but JSC has more than 14,000 employees while SpaceX has 8,000. I have to ask myself: What do all those people in Houston do? Russian space expert Vadim Lukashevich said in a Russian television interview translated by ARS Technica that Musk has presented the Russian space program with a fork in the road. Russia has been getting $90 million for each U.S. astronaut launchedamounting to $400 million per yearwell over the cost of their entire launch program. That means Russia was running its program for free. Russia could do absolutely nothing and still earn money. Now theyre forced to do something, or their space program will end in the history books. As Steve Jobs often said, Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. Musk has led America back to glory. NASA and Russia are certainly followers. I say get out of the way and let SpaceX forge the path forward. Jacqueline Havelka is a rocket-scientist-turned-writer and the founder of Inform Scientific. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. TUCSON, Ariz., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In less than four years, the Reap What You Sew School for Women in Malawi, Africa has been quietly changing the culture of one of the poorest countries in the world. Over 80% of the school's graduates are now running successful businesses in their villages. The school's unique approach was featured in the acclaimed documentary film aptly titled "Reap What You Sew," which has garnered nine film festival awards. The school's founder speaker, author and radio personality Dr. Deb Waterbury has announced plans to expand this "hand-up" approach to benevolence to a brand-new educational facility called Project Malonda which will be adjacent to the renowned Kondanani Children's Village in Malawi. Dr. Waterbury says the first hurdle of finding land in a country whose government makes it difficult to purchase property became a pivotal moment. Students at Reap What You Sew School for Women Artist rendering Project Malonda "I was talking with Annie Chikhwaza who founded the Kondanani orphanage and who is referred to as the 'Mother of Malawi,'" says Waterbury. "Annie is a remarkable woman who has done so much to better the lives of the orphans in that country. I was sharing my dream to build a larger school that would teach women not only tailoring, but also cosmetology and the culinary arts. Annie looked at me and said, 'Debs, I have some land you can have.' I was flooredI almost fell out of my chair! Annie's generosity and kindness astounds me." The word "Malonda" means "trade" in the Malawi language of Chichewa, and Waterbury says this new trade school will broaden the model that has made the Reap What You Sew school successful. A year ago, the Likatho family in Malawi, Africa was starving. The parents were unable to find work and feed their children. Their daughter, Maureen, was an uneducated 22-year-old who enrolled in the Reap What You Sew School for Women. During the six-month program, Maureen learned the skills to become a tailor and entrepreneur. Through generous donors in the United States, Maureen and her fellow graduates were given free sewing machines and material along with business training. Today, Maureen's business is helping to feed herself, her parents, and her siblings. Waterbury says Project Malonda will replicate what the Reap What You Sew school continues to do for families like Maureen's, and while donations are necessary now in order to build Project Malonda, her hope is that it will begin to sustain itself in just a few years. "We want to give these women a hand-up, not a hand-out," says Waterbury. "Many of these women are left widowed by AIDS or are left by their husbands for a myriad of reasons. We have watched women open bank accounts for the first time in their lives and are now able to pay school fees for their children. We are literally changing the culture one woman, one business at a time." For more information visit https://projectmalonda.org/. About Dr. Deb Waterbury: Dr. Deb Waterbury is the founder of two trade schools for impoverished women in Malawi, Africa and has authored fourteen books, including her #1 Amazon bestseller, "We are Mother Abraham." She hosts two weekly shows, "Real Life with Deb Waterbury" and "Get Real with Deb Waterbury." She holds a Master's degree in Teaching and a Doctorate of Ministry. She currently resides in Tucson, Arizona, with her husband, Jeff, a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force National Guard. For more information, http://www.DebWaterbury.com. Media Contact: Gina Adams 615-776-1590 [email protected] SOURCE Project Malonda Related Links https://projectmalonda.org/ Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, who is a part-owner of the Chicago Cubs and younger brother of franchise chairman Tom Ricketts, was called a racist after being accused of referring to blacks as you people during a meeting in Omaha this week. An audio of the meeting revealed Ricketts used the reference you guys, not you people. A meeting between state, city and black leaders occurred Monday at the Omaha Police Headquarters in the aftermath of a white bar owner killing a black man on Saturday night during protests for George Floyds May 25 death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. No charges were filed. Pastor Jarrod Parker of North Omahas St. Mark Baptist Church was invited to the meeting, which was held Monday at Omaha Police Headquarters. He was so upset with Ricketts label for Blacks that he walked out and let off steam by posting a Facebook video. I sat in a room for about a half hour with the mayor Jean Stothert, Pete Ricketts and the police chief of Omaha, Neb., talking and sharing," Parker said in his selfie video. Other pastors showed up in the meeting, a few African American leaders. We met for an hour and a half on the killing of the young black man at the hands of a white man the other night in downtown Omaha. I put context to the issues surrounding systematic racism that produced it. Pete Ricketts said, The problem I have with you people ... Did you hear what I just said? Ladies and gentleman, I walked out of the police chiefs office. I walked out on Gov. Pete Ricketts and he called us you people. "He called black pastors and black leaders in Omaha you people. Thats why the city is going to go up in flames, Mrs. Mayor and Mr. Chief. Youre not listening, and you cant listen because at the top of the state is a racist governor. Buy coronavirus face coverings: MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA Ricketts, 55, has apologized for his you guys comment and was hoping to meet with Parker to do so again in person. Theres always room for reconciliation, Parker told the Omaha World-Herald. The Ricketts family purchased the Cubs in 2009. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. The June 24 parade on Moscow's Red Square is to mark the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has invited U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper to a military parade in Moscow later this month, the Defense Ministry says. The Russian ministry said Shoigu made the invitation during a telephone conversation on June 2, without saying whether Esper had accepted it, RFE/RL reported. Read alsoPutin postpones May 9 parade over coronavirus The June 24 parade on Moscow's Red Square is to mark the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Russia traditionally holds the parade on May 9, but the grand celebration was postponed over the coronavirus pandemic that is still triggering thousands of new infections each day. Relations between Washington and Moscow remain strained over a range of issues including the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine. During their phone conversation, Shoigu and Esper discussed arms control and cooperation to fight the coronavirus epidemic, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The ministry said the talks also touched upon measures to "de-conflict and stabilize the situation in Syria, as well as to ensure the security of military contingents in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State was on Wednesday night released from the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja. The former governor, now a serving senator, was reportedly set free from prison around 7:30pm. The Federal High Court in Lagos, had on Tuesday ordered the immediate release of Kalu from Kuje prison. The court also ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to immediately put machinery in motion for the retrial of the former governor. The court further ordered that his trial should start afresh along side the former Director of Finance in Abia State Government House, Ude Jones Udeogu in line with the judgement of the Supreme Court that declared Udeogus trial, conviction and sentence a nullity. Orji is serving a 12-year jail term at the Correctional Service Centre in Kuje, Abuja for looting N7.65 billion belonging to the Abia State Government. The former Governor now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria hired a 12-man team of lawyers, to file application for his release. The application pending before Justice Mohammed Liman was filed on May 12 asking the court to nullify his conviction sentence and release him. Justice Mohammed Idris who was elevated to Court of Appeal, on December 5, 2019, convicted Kalu and a former Director of Finance in the Abia State Government House, Ude Jones Udeogu of the offence of fraud. Udeogu was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. However, following Udeogus appeal, the Supreme Court on May 8, 2020 declared that the fiat issued to Justice Idris to conclude the case after he had been elevated to the Court of Appeal was a nullity. The apex court set aside Idris verdict as it relates to the appellant (Udeogu)s conviction. Consequently, the court ordered that Udeogu should be released and the retrial of his case. However, Kalu who was not part of this appeal contended that no legal basis existed for his continued incarceration following the Supreme Courts judgment which declared the whole trial a nullity and freed Udeogu. Related The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) welcomes the Canadian Government's position on expulsion of Russia from G7. UWC welcomes Canada's steadfast position on the expulsion of Russia from G7, the organization posted on Facebook. The day before, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau stated that Russia's constant violation of international norms did not create grounds for its return to the G7. "Russia was excluded from the G7 after it invaded Crimea a number of years ago, and its continued disrespect and flaunting of international rules and norms is why it remains outside of the G7 and will continue to remain out. At the same time, he underscored the importance of holding regular meetings of G7 leaders. "We have always worked with the United States to agree on the timing of important G7 summit. It is very important to continue to organize such meetings and coordinate international actions amidst the crisis," the Prime Minister of Canada said. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would postpone G7 summit until at least September and that he would like to invite Russia, Australia, India, and South Korea to participate at the highest level. According to Trump, a current format of the summit is very outdated. G7 consists of the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Japan. Russia was excluded from this group in 2014 after the start of the aggression against Ukraine. ol Editor's note: Kelly Henning is the director of public health at Bloomberg Philanthropies. She's also a former professor of infectious disease at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and served as director of the Division of Epidemiology at the New York City Health Department. Follow her on Twitter @DrKellyHenning. The views expressed in this commentary are her own. Read more opinion at CNN. (CNN) Protecting people from the dangers of tobacco products and holding tobacco companies accountable for their global actions is a critical component in the fight against Covid-19. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop severe complications with Covid-19, according to a review of studies by public health experts convened by the World Health Organization. And, a new study of 169 hospitals in Asia, Europe and North America found that smokers have nearly double the likelihood of in-hospital death than non-smokers. But just as important, tobacco use -- a pandemic in its own right -- is costly to individual smokers and to society. Smoking kills more than 8 million people a year, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. These deaths are preventable and come mostly from cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease and diabetesconditions that also contribute to high rates of Covid-19 mortality. The human price is exacerbated by the economic toll in health care costs and lost productivity costs that reaches $1.4 trillion annually worldwide. We'll be better able to fight this pandemic, and future ones, if we commit ourselves to improving the world's health. Helping smokers quit will reduce the amount of people with underlying conditions that could make them more susceptible to Covid-19 and other infections. At the same time, to adequately fund efforts to fight coronavirus and prepare for unknown health emergencies to come, we must lower health care costs for households and health care systems and shift our economy away from production and purchase of harmful products, such as tobacco. Maintaining a laser focus on tobacco control will work because, while there are still many more questions than answers when it comes to the coronavirus global outbreak, we know exactly how to defeat tobacco. For more than a dozen years, The Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use has helped countries invest in and implement evidence-based programs and interventions -- proven policies like creating smoke-free public places, banning tobacco advertising, increasing taxes on tobacco products, and requiring graphic pack warnings. A five-fold increase in the number of smoke-free countries shows there has been significant progress. Nearly 5 billion people -- 65% of the world's population -- are now covered by at least one comprehensive tobacco control measure. And more than 35 million lives have been saved. In the midst of a pandemic, it's never been more important for leaders in the United States and around the world to protect and improve the health of their citizens, and we can do that by scaling policies that work. For instance, research shows that increasing tobacco taxes is the most cost effective intervention at our disposal to reduce tobacco use. Tax increases can be implemented quickly, and we know they work. For every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes, demand is expected to decline by 4% to 5%, according to the World Health Organization -- and the resulting revenue can be substantial, which is especially helpful to governments during economic downturns like the one we face today. But as we work to reduce tobacco use, we have a formidable foe: Big Tobacco. The World Health Organization's 2020 World No Tobacco Day campaign highlights how companies have modernized their marketing playbook, continuing to target kids with traditional tobacco products and more novel delivery methods, like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Even with new tactics, the industry's goal has not changed: to attract young people as replacement customers for the millions killed by tobacco worldwide each year, as the WHO puts it. Allowing Big Tobacco to keep preying on kids is not only unacceptable -- it's dangerous in a world that faces a new public health threat and will certainly face other ones. As Adriana Blanco Marquizo, head of the Convention Secretariat for the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, declared, the tobacco industry "has an irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health" and a "well-documented history of deception and of capitalizing on humanitarian crises, natural disasters and other similar catastrophic events." Tobacco companies are responding to Covid-19 with their usual profit motive and callous disregard for human life. They've tried to capitalize on government orders to stay at home by using the same social media hashtags to market new tobacco products and make themselves look like part of the solution to the pandemic by donating funds and equipment. But the evidence is clear: Reducing tobacco use can help us defeat Covid-19 and create healthier populations more resilient to future pandemics. We know what to do; the only question is whether we have the will to do it. This story was first published on CNN.com, "The fight against Covid-19 should also be the fight against tobacco." Friends of the Festival, the nonprofit organization behind Chattanoogas premier music festival Riverbend, has made the decision to cancel this years event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Friends of the Festival is unveiling new plans to continue to deliver music to the citys riverfront in light of the new realities brought on by the pandemic. In what would have been its 39th year, Riverbend 2020 was originally scheduled for the last weekend in May but was postponed to the fall due to the coronavirus. Ultimately, the Friends of the Festival Board of Directors has decided that to produce a Riverbend Festival with an anticipated 40,000+ attendees would not be the responsible approach to take in this environment and has canceled this years event. Plans are now underway to bring Chattanooga together for a series of smaller, free music events throughout the summer culminating with a ticketed event in October. This summer series, Chattanooga Unite: Healing and Uniting on the River, will be a series of six free concerts, and is designed to be Chattanoogas first celebration of the resurgence of summer, our community, and our local economy after the height of the pandemic. Chattanooga Unite is scheduled to begin on July 11 and will continue for the following five Saturdays. This schedule is subject to change as the City of Chattanooga and other local officials will be making week-to-week determinations about the permitting of live music events and other large gatherings this summer. Chattanooga Unite is slated to include live music, a Heroes Recognition Program, local arts, food trucks, nonprofit participation, childrens programs and much more. Our top priority has always been the safety and health of our patrons, performers, volunteers and the community at large, said Mickey McCamish, Friends of the Festival executive director. As we plan for this summers events, we will move forward with guidance from local public health officials and the Tennessee Pledge, implementing protocols like social distancing, hand sanitizer stations, volunteers wearing masks and clean restrooms. Although we are disappointed that Riverbend cannot continue as we know it this year, we are excited to deliver the next chapter in the regions finest riverfront music legacy. More details will be made available as planning progresses. For more information on Riverbend and Chattanooga Unite, visit www.riverbendfestival.com or follow us on social media. For those who purchased Riverbend Festival 2020 admission, the refund process is underway. Credit card purchases made within the last 120 days will be automatically refunded and will be noted on credit card statements. Purchases made more than 120 days ago will be refunded by check and mailed to the address filed with the purchase. Please note that all refunds are expected to be processed by Aug. 31. For refund inquiries, email info@riverbendfestival.com. Reliance Industries Limited on Wednesday said it had completed the successful closure of its Rs 53,125 crore rights issue with an oversubscription of nearly 1.59 times. The Mukesh Ambani-owned company had opened the rights issue for subscription from May 20 with a simultaneous rights entitlement (RIL RE) platform, under which shareholders could freely trade their rights entitlement on a stock exchange for the first time ever, according to a report on Livemint website. The Rights Issue saw a huge investor interest, including from lakhs of small investors and thousands of institutional investors, both Indian and foreign, a company statement said. The public portion of the Rights issue was subscribed 1.22 times. As per the stock exchange data, the rights priced at Rs 1,257 per share received bids for 551.30 million shares on BSE and 120.29 million shares on NSE. The allotment of equity shares will take place on or about June 10, 2020. RIL Chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani called the success of the rights issue a new and proud landmark in the history of Indias capital market. Since the time of Dhirubhai Ambani, the Founder of Reliance Industries Limited, our shareholders have always been our biggest source of strength. Our decades old relationship based on trust has consistently spurred us to achieve more. We are delighted and humbled by their extraordinary show of confidence in the future of Reliance, he said. The success of RILs rights issue, seen in the context of the prolonged nationwide lockdown necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic, is also a vote of confidence, by both domestic investors, foreign investors and small retail shareholders, in the intrinsic strength of the Indian economy, he added. He expressed confidence that the Indian economy will bounce back to follow a high growth trajectory in the time to come in the world. (With inputs from PTI) For the latest updates, check out Fridays live blog here. Mayor Lori Lightfoot declined Thursday to comment on video from the Brickyard Mall where an officer knelt on a woman, saying its an ongoing investigation, but promised that the police oversight agency investigating is doing everything it can to identify the officers and then make an appropriate recommendation. Meanwhile, Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxxs office said that it was conducting its own review of the incident in collaboration with the FBI. Hours earlier, the attorney for the woman, Mia Wright, demanded a criminal investigation. Also on Thursday, Lightfoot said the city will not tolerate vigilantism after groups of mostly white men patrolled the streets of Bridgeport on Wednesday night in response to a nearby city protest. The situation in Bridgeport frightened and angered many residents and activists who expressed concerns about racism and violence. Additionally, state health officials are urging anyone who participated in mass gatherings following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis to be tested for COVID-19, and said tests are now available to everyone regardless of symptoms at 11 state-run sites. Here are the latest developments: 8:50 p.m. (updated): Kanye West appears to join march on South Side It appeared that Kanye West showed up shortly before 8 p.m. to join marchers as they prepared to head down South State Street. The South Side rapper, with his face mostly covered, emerged after a series of speeches from students and activists. He did not address the crowd and appeared to have left a half hour later as marchers continued north on State. The Tribune asked organizers for confirmation of Wests appearance, but they just pointed to the surrounding security. According to CNN, West has made a $2 million donation to support the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor As the sun set, marchers cheered: CPD, KKK, how many kids did you kill today? Morgan Greene 8:21 p.m.: Large crowds turn out at suburban events to decry racism in aftermath of George Floyds death More than 400 protesters marched through the streets of Grayslake on Thursday afternoon, decrying racism and police actions in the deaths of African Americans in several recent tragedies across the country. Chanting the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Laquan McDonald, the crowd stretched about a half-mile and shut down Illinois Route 83 and the entrance to the College of Lake County. The march was one of many similar events held throughout the suburbs this week that have drawn large crowds. Many of the protesters in Grayslake were students from local schools. The protesters, some of whom wore red shirts, carried signs reading, Black Lives Matter and chanted, No justice, no peace, no racist police. Im out here because Im tired of seeing people who look like me getting killed across the country, said Jeremy Glende, 21, of Gurnee. Protesters were trying to broaden the focus, he said, from just one incident to many. Read more here. Robert McCoppin 8:07 p.m.: Young people rally for counselors instead of cops A crowd of a few hundred people, skewing young, showed up Thursday evening under a clear sky outside the closed Zenos Colman Elementary School on the South Side to call for the removal of Chicago police from Chicago Public Schools. Protesters held signs with messages like Counselors Not Cops and No more CPD in CPS. Organizers walked around with hand sanitizer and water bottles. The crowd cheered Books not cops as students shared stories about the possibilities of what the cost of the police contract could instead fund. Michelle Yisrael, a nearby resident, said she came to the gathering because most of the men in her life, including her adult sons, have had problems with police. And also I am an educator, and I never thought it was OK for the Chicago Police Department to be in the high schools. Thats never been OK with me. I think its important for us to think about the fact that black people did not choose to be here, she said. We built this place. Its just time for things to change. I would like to see my grandchildren and my great grandchildren have a different experience. Yisrael said she will march as many days as my feet will carry me. Shelia Hamlin, 53, of Englewood, said she came to the event for her nieces and nephews. I just want to get out here and show my support for the young people and let them know it needs to stop, she said. Morgan Greene 7:42 p.m.: Hundreds gather near Lincoln Park High School echoing call to defund police Crowds of hundreds of young people and other Chicagoans gathered at Oz Park near Lincoln Park High School Thursday evening to rally and demand that the city defund the police. Many gathered on the peak of a nearby hill holding signs, clapping and chanting. Protesters rode in bikes and skateboards, performing tricks before the rally organizers started chanting into a megaphone. It was another in a series of protests and marches held around the Chicago area in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Several more were taking place around the region Thursday evening, including another student-led march on the South Side. On the North Side, as protesters clapped and cheered, more than 20 police officers stood at the parks perimeter. The group also called for justice for victims of police violence and demanded the release of all protesters from jails. There were also demands for a civilian police accountability council. According to the citys budget overview, almost $1.8 billion was budgeted for CPD in 2020. As hundreds headed west on Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street, Camille Garst, 23, of Edison Park, kept an eye out for fellow marchers. Garst said she has been involved in a march almost every day since Saturday. I know there a lot of people going out by themselves but Im encouraging people to stay together, she said. Im trying to take care of my friends. Garst added shed continue to march until change is made. This is what you gotta do, she said. Come out until they can commit to policy changes. Jessica Villagomez 7:25 p.m.: Police killing of George Floyd amplifies calls to remove school resource officers from CPS Outrage over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis is fueling a local push to get police officers out of Chicago Public Schools. Since Floyds death, the Minneapolis Board of Education has ended its contract with the local police department. Pressure is mounting for school districts nationwide to follow suit, a movement that was already underway in Chicago. Among the demands of protesters this week, including many CPS students, is for the district to nullify the $33 million contract it entered with the Chicago Police Department in August for school resources officers in CPS buildings. The only board member to vote against it was Elizabeth Todd-Breland, who cited research showing that having police in schools often contributes to the school-to prison pipeline, which disproportionately affects students of color. High school senior Diego Garcia, who lives in Brighton Park, cited the same concern when he spoke out against school resource officers. The city of Chicago should be investing that money ... in our communities. They should be investing that money in after-school programs and mental health resources," said Garcia, 18. We dont need more cops. At the end of the day we are just being set up for the school-to-prison pipeline. The police department is currently reviewing its policies for school resources officers, who are assigned to 77% of CPS-run high schools, according to the district. The contract already includes several reforms to the way police are trained and involved with schools, a shift from reactive enforcement to proactive intervention. Read more here. Hannah Leone 7:24 p.m.: Lake Zurich rally organized by students draws hundreds In Lake Zurichs Breezewald Park, a rally organized by high school and college students drew more than 300 people in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and to protest the death of George Floyd in police custody. Students from Lake Zurich High School said they wanted to stand in solidarity with black victims of oppression such as Floyd, who died after a police officer knelt on his neck during an arrest in Minneapolis last week. They emphasized they wanted a peaceful protest in contrast to the rioting and looting that occurred following protests elsewhere. Its just as important to educate white people they need to use their voices to stand against oppression of black people, said co-organizer Zach Richards, 17, who is just graduating from high school. The parents of 15-year-old Dana Fleming wouldnt let her attend a protest in Chicago, so she decided to organize her own event. She said its important for people with white privilege to stand up for people of color. Isabelle Jordan, 19, said her research showed there was a Ku Klux Klan rally in the area in 1921, suggesting a racist history to the predominantly white area. Along with students and families, some older residents also show their support. Octogenarians Beryl Ibbotson and Bill Ditman said they hoped the Minneapolis incident would bring about change. Ibbotson called Floyds death outrageous and disgusting." This has gone on for 400 years, said Ibbotson, who is originally from England but now lives in Hawthorne Woods. Im hoping this will be a wake-up call for everybody. Lake Zurich Mayor Tom Poynton said some residents were worried about the rally or questioned why it had to be there, but he reassured them it would be a peaceful. We need to do better, he told the crowd. We need to be committed to change. And Waukegan parks commissioner Marc Jones called on those attending to be not just non-racist, but anti-racist, actively working to end discrimination. The crowd stayed silent for about nine minutes in memory of the length of time a police officer knelt on George Floyd before he was pronounced dead. They then made a peaceful march through downtown Lake Zurich. As the protesters marched through town, their chants of black lives matter could be heard across the lake. Other demonstrations were scheduled Thursday for the Lake County communities of Waukegan, Zion and Buffalo Grove. Robert McCoppin 7:06 p.m.: Black and Latino Chicagoans unite to condemn anti-blackness. Dont let them divide us. Latino and black Chicagoans organized Wednesday on the Southwest Side to denounce reports of violence against black people in Latino neighborhoods after protests and looting followed George Floyds killing in Minneapolis. Many joined peace marches and engaged in other collective actions throughout the city in an attempt to begin the dismantling of the anti-black narrative and avoid more violence between the two communities. Racial tension intensified after social media posts showed alleged Latino gang members in Little Village and Cicero attacking black passersby in those neighborhoods. The social media reports fueled more fear and frustration in the black community, said Jai Simpson, who participated in a Little Village unity march organized by El Foro del Pueblo, a grassroots organization made up of volunteers to promote civic engagement. Although he had doubts at first, Simpson, who is black, joined about 200 people at Wednesdays march because he said he believes the wrongdoings come from a small group of Latinos who do not represent the community as a whole. Read more here. Laura Rodriguez Presa 6:32 p.m.: Cook County states attorneys office says it will review Brickyard Mall arrest The Cook County states attorneys office said Thursday it is reviewing allegations that Chicago police pulled a woman from a car by her hair and placed a knee on her neck. We are aware of the incident that occurred at Brickyard Mall and are currently conducting a thorough, independent review of the matter, including the conduct of the police officers involved, the office said. We take law enforcement accountability seriously and have reached out to the family involved through their attorney. The investigation into the officers conduct is being done in collaboration with the FBI, according to Cook County states attorneys office spokeswoman Aviva Bowen. The statement came hours after the attorney for the woman, Mia Wright, demanded a criminal investigation into the incident last Sunday. Read more here. Gregory Pratt and David Jackson 4:24 p.m.: Grocery stores that closed during the George Floyd fallout start to reopen. But food remains elusive in some neighborhoods. Many grocery stores that shut their doors this week during the fallout from George Floyds death in Minneapolis started to open again Thursday with limited hours, hoping the unrest that damaged dozens of neighborhood businesses had quieted. But some remain closed with no word on when they might resume operations, raising concerns about food access in communities that already had limited options. In South Shore, Local Market, which had been boarded up and closed since Sunday, opened with shortened hours Thursday after hearing from residents who said they needed the store to function because they didnt have food, co-owner Eva Jakubowski said. Parts of the neighborhood had been designated a food desert by the city before Local Market opened in December on a site that had been vacant since Dominicks closed six years before. Looters tried to break in Monday but the stores security guards, with reinforcement from police , fended them off before they caused serious damage, Jakubowski said. On Wednesday, close to 500 volunteers gathered to help clean up the store. The way the community has stepped up to support their store is something I have never seen before, Jakubowski said. So many people are depending on us because they really need us. Read more here. Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz 4:03 p.m.: Activists call for investigation into how Chicago police handled George Floyd protests Activist groups have asked the court-appointed monitor overseeing reforms to the Chicago Police Department to investigate and report on allegations that officers abused protesters who flooded the streets last weekend to decry police mistreatment of African Americans. The groups also want the monitor, former federal prosecutor Maggie Hickey, to require the city to discourage officers from arresting protesters. The letter to Hickey, who is overseeing a consent decree that mandates broad changes to the troubled police force, also complains of protesters being detained without contact with lawyers and asks her to establish a process for attorneys to communicate with arrested clients. In the letter sent Thursday, Sheila Bedi, a Northwestern University law professor who is among the attorneys for the groups, wrote: Clearly, the consent decree entirely failed to provide any meaningful protection to the people of Chicago against CPD violence during the recent protests. If the independent monitoring team fails to take decisive, urgent action at this moment, the consent decree will be a historic failure, the letter states. Read more here. Dan Hinkel 3:56 p.m.: Lightfoot says Brickyard incident is under investigation, rejects calls to defund police: It would be irresponsible Mayor Lori Lightfoot declined Thursday to comment on video from the Brickyard Mall where an officer kneeled on a woman, saying its an ongoing investigation, but promised that the police oversight agency investigating is doing everything it can to identify the officers, and then make an appropriate recommendation. I dont want to get ahead and Im not the head of (the Civilian Oversight Police Authority). Im the mayor and I want COPA to be doing its job, but doing it independently, she said. They have to call balls and strikes. I mean, of course I have my own personal opinion about it, but Im not going to share it, because I dont want to influence what COPAs work is, theyve got to, they have the jurisdiction and the mandate, and more importantly they have my full support to do their job, independently. Lightfoot said it isnt easy to identify officers in a grainy video but they are being investigated and once theyre identified theyll be reported to Chicago police Superintendent David Brown. Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx released a statement Thursday afternoon saying that her office was conducting its own review of the incident. The Cook County States Attorneys Office is committed to public safety and pursuing the fair administration of justice for everyone in our communities. We are aware of the incident that occurred at Brickyard Mall and are currently conducting a thorough, independent review of the matter, including the conduct of the police officers involved. We take law enforcement accountability seriously and have reached out to the family involved through their attorney," the statement said. The mayor, meanwhile, rejected calls from some progressive aldermen such as Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, to defund the police department. I dont think thats an appropriate action at this time. I think that the people in our neighborhoods want and have been begging for more police support, she said. In light of whats happened over the last couple days, it would be irresponsible for me to even entertain any idea that we would cut back on our public safety resources at this time. Lightfoot again reiterated her support for some civilian oversight of police but noted that there remain a final few issues her administration is stuck on with activists. Its my hope that well be able to break the logjam and move forward, she said. Gregory Pratt 3:44 p.m.: More than 400 protesters many of them students march through Grayslake More than 400 protesters marched through the streets of Grayslake Thursday afternoon, decrying racism and police actions in the deaths of African Americans in several recent tragedies nationwide. Chanting the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Laquan McDonald, the crowd stretched about a half mile and shut down Illinois Route 83 and the entrance to the College of Lake County. Many of the protesters were students from local schools. They many wore red shirts, carried signs reading, Black Lives Matter, and chanted, No justice, no peace, no racist police. Im out here because Im tired of seeing people who look like me getting killed across the country, said Jeremy Glende, 21, of Gurnee. Protesters were trying to broaden the focus, he said, from just one incident to many. Harper Fischer, a social studies teacher at Grayslake North High School, said she joined the crowd because, I feel I cant look my students in the face and tell them theyre safe in America. Robert McCoppin 3:04 p.m.: Family seeks criminal investigation after they say Chicago cops pulled woman from car by hair and placed knee on her neck The family of a woman who says Chicago police pulled her from a car by her hair and placed a knee on her neck demanded a criminal investigation into the officers Thursday. I didnt do anything, Mia Wright, 25, said at a news conference in the parking lot of Brickyard Mall, where she said the officers surrounded her car, broke the windows with clubs and pulled her to the ground on Sunday. I was trying to get out with my hands up. They continue to break the window, and before you know it I was being pulled out of the vehicle, pulled by my hair, Wright said, crying. The officer grabbed me. I had my hair tied in a bun. He grabbed me by the top of my bun and pulled me out of the vehicle. And that is when they threw me on the ground, and he proceeded to put his knee in my neck. Read more here. Chicago Tribune staff 2:50 p.m.: Mayor Lori Lightfoot denounces vigilantism in Chicago after white men patrol Bridgeport streets with bats Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city will not tolerate vigilantism after groups of mostly white men patrolled the streets of Bridgeport on Wednesday night in response to a nearby city protest. Multiple streets were blocked in the Bridgeport neighborhood Wednesday night as nearby protests dispersed. Near West 39th Street, water hurled from an open fire hydrant as small groups gathered on corners. Some of the men held bats. One wore a shirt that said All Lives Matter, one sipped a beer and another waved at an officer as he drove by. Additional groups of people, some armed with bats, lined West 31st Street. Asked about the situation in Bridgeport, a diversifying neighborhood that served as an Irish-American power base for the Daley political family, Lightfoot said, It is absolutely not appropriate for people to take up arms, bats, pipes, whatever in patrolling neighborhoods. Weve seen that end with tragic results across the country and were not about to allow that practice to happen here in Chicago. If theres an issue, call 911, Lightfoot said. I absolutely support neighbors being vigilant as to whats going on on the streets and in their blocks but taking up arms, that leads to chaos and were not supporting vigilantism in the city of Chicago under any circumstances. The situation in Bridgeport frightened and angered many residents and activists who expressed concerns about racism and violence. Gregory Pratt and Morgan Greene 2:47 p.m.: Illinois AG Kwame Raoul among attorneys general asking Congress for broader authority to investigate policing Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of state legal officers in urging Congress to give them broader authority to investigate unconstitutional policing, his office said Thursday. The letter to congressional leaders from Raoul and 17 other attorneys general asks for an expansion of the law enforcement misconduct section of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, enacted three years after Rodney King was beaten by Los Angeles police officers. Once again, our nation has been called to reckon with police brutality against black people in this country and the systemic failures that cause and allow this misconduct to perpetuate, the letter states. Many members of the public have no trust in the police, with tensions visible in the streets across this nation. Urgent action is necessary at all levels of government to remedy the injustice of police misconduct. Read more here. Jamie Munks 2:11 p.m.: Kanye West launches college fund for George Floyds daughter, reveals $2 million in additional donations Its been nearly 10 days since the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hand of a Minneapolis police officer, during which time massive protests against police violence have taken place across the country. But while tens of thousands have taken to the streets to express their anger at the systemic racism that has gripped the United States, the usually vocal Kanye West has been surprisingly quiet. Today the rapper revealed via a representative that he has donated $2 million so far to charities associated with Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd and has set up a college fund to cover tuition for Floyds 6-year-old daughter Gianna. In addition, the rapper has pledged to cover legal costs for the Arbery and Taylor families. And in his hometown of Chicago, hell also be aiding black-owned businesses with financial contributions. Read more here. Variety 1:47 p.m.: Judge sets bail at $750,000 each for 3 former Minneapolis police officers accused of aiding and abetting in death of George Floyd A judge set bail at $750,000 apiece Thursday for three fired Minneapolis police officers who have been charged with aiding and abetting in the killing of George Floyd. Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng were making their first appearances in Hennepin County District Court since their arrests Wednesday. The Minneapolis Police Department fired them last week, along with Derek Chauvin, who is charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyds May 25 death. Widely seen bystander video shows the white police officer pressing his knee into Floyds neck, ignoring the African American mans pleas that he cant breathe, until he stopped moving. Read more here. Associated Press 1:34 p.m.: Even with much of downtown reopened, some bridges still up Even as much of downtown has been reopened and transit service has resumed, several city bridges downtown and on the South Side remained closed Thursday afternoon, according to the city. Bridges at Michigan and Wabash avenues, as well as State, Van Buren, Jackson, Adams and Franklin streets and at 92nd Street remained closed, according to the city. Chicago Tribune staff 12:10 p.m.: Illinois expands COVID-19 testing to all and urges those who participated in protests to get tested Testing for the new coronavirus is now available in Illinois to anyone who wants it regardless of symptoms at nearly a dozen state-run testing sites, state public health officials said Thursday. The availability of on-demand testing was a key component of moving from phase three of Gov. J.B. Pritzkers reopening plan, which began May 29, to phase four, though officials later reframed it as a goal rather than a requirement. The expansion of free testing to anyone, without the need to display symptoms or have a referral or doctors order, comes as more businesses have opened and as thousands have taken to the streets in recent days to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. The state is encouraging anyone who has participated in mass gatherings to get tested. Read more here. Dan Petrella and Jamie Munks 9:06 a.m.: Pastors call on Joliet mayor to resign following viral video of protest skirmish, cite previous disciplinary action from his work as a cop years ago Three local pastors have called for Joliet Mayor Robert ODekirks resignation in the wake of a skirmish between the mayor, who is white, and an African American protester that was captured on a video that has gone viral as the Chicago area and nation reel from unrest over issues of racial injustice. The video, which surfaced Tuesday, depicts a chaotic scene where police are dispersing a crowd of demonstrators who had gathered along Jefferson Street in Joliet in protest over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. ODekirk, a former Joliet police officer, appears to grab a protester by the collar and forcibly walk him backward to a police vehicle. The two then fall to the ground when another man appears to jump on ODekirk from behind. ODekirk said he would not resign or apologize, and has maintained that he was acting in self-defense. Read more here. Angie Leventis Lourgos and Alicia Fabbre 8:08 a.m.: Witness who was in car says George Floyd didnt resist arrest: Im going to always remember seeing the fear in Floyds face A longtime friend of George Floyds who was in the passenger seat of Floyds car during his fatal encounter with a Minneapolis police officer said Wednesday night that Floyd tried to defuse the tensions with police and in no way resisted arrest. He was, from the beginning, trying in his humblest form to show he was not resisting in no form or way, said the friend, Maurice Lester Hall, 42, who was tracked down Monday in Houston, arrested on outstanding warrants and interviewed by Minnesota state investigators. I could hear him pleading, Please, officer, whats all this for? Hall said in an interview Wednesday night with The New York Times. Hall recounted the last moments with Floyd on Memorial Day, May 25, after they had spent part of the day together. Read more here. The New York Times 5:25 a.m.: Peeking out from behind plywood, nervous Chicago stores and restaurants weigh getting back into business When Chicago announced last week its intention to reopen the city Wednesday, its leaders did not anticipate servers emerging with cold drinks and hot plates of food from behind boarded-up windows. But that along with nervous shoppers finding narrow entry corridors through back doors and between shattered glass was the bittersweet mix of cautious optimism and painful reality that greeted the resumption of Chicagos retail and dining operations from 75th Street to the Southport Corridor, as modified for a coronavirus-scarred reality that had collided with the fallout from the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Read more here. Chris Jones, Adam Lukach, Grace Wong, Nick Kindelsperger, Kasondra Van Treeck, Lauren Zumbach and Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz 5:20 a.m.: Police investigating alleged racial insult and physical altercation outside River Forest grocery store River Forest police are investigating after a woman posted a video on social media claiming a man made a racial insult and then scuffled with her. The incident took place at about 10 a.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of a Jewel store at 7525 W. Lake St. in the western suburb, police said. In the video, the woman says the man called her a black b----, among other insults, while in line at a nearby coffee shop, and asks the man, Do you have anything to say for yourself now? Read more here. Steve Schering 5:15 a.m.: Why Chicago Police Department reform moves slowly despite cries for immediate change After days of street protests urgently calling for changes in the way police treat African Americans, Mayor Lori Lightfoot lamented in a televised speech this week that the process of reform has been too slow. Indeed, it took decades to even get to the starting line of reforming the historically troubled Chicago Police Department. The police union strongly pushed back, and politicians disagreed on the need for significant change. Overhauling the nations second-largest police force is a task of daunting scope. Now, a pandemic stands to slow reforms further. While Lightfoot promised a handful of prompt adjustments, what she listed largely involved educational and support programs for officers, rather than policy changes to guide the police conduct that has driven protests. She also made a vague call for training efforts that appear similar to some already contained in the federal court order governing department operations. Read more here. Dan Hinkel 5 a.m.: Family alleges brutal police restraint with knee on neck in Chicago arrest caught on video Tnika Tate said she was parking near a looted mall Sunday when Chicago police surrounded the vehicle, broke the windows and searched Tate and a group of four friends and relatives in the car with her. Tate, 39, said an officer restrained her cousin Mia Wright, 25, by placing a knee on Wrights neck while she was prone on the ground. Wright was charged with disorderly conduct and released Monday, according to police and the family. Facebook Inc has signed a global licensing deal with one of India's largest music labels, allowing users to choose from a large catalogue of Bollywood music for their Facebook and Instagram posts, the music company said on Wednesday. Shares of Saregama India Ltd shot up 20% on the deal. The music company, which did not disclose the financial details of the deal, said Facebook and Instagram users can now add music from Saregama's catalogue of more than 100,000 songs spanning 25 languages to their posts and "stories". The Kolkata-based company, which sold vinyls and cassettes under household name HMV for decades, is India's oldest music label and released the country's first ever studio-recorded song in 1902. Its catalogues include popular albums and singles from some of the country's most successful artists, including Bollywood singing legends Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. The deal will "allow people on our platforms, globally, to use their favorite retro Indian music to further enrich their content," said Facebook India's director and head of partnerships, Manish Chopra, in a statement. Saregama's deal with Facebook follows its licensing deal with Swedish music streaming service Spotify, announced earlier this month. Shares in Saregama surged to 334.65 rupees in Mumbai before hitting a so-called "upper limit" in morning trading. Also read: COVID-19 distress asset fund: Bengaluru-based real estate platform raises Rs 80 crore in 2 weeks 238 Shares Share Since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, Africans have been told to stay put and prepare for the worst. Even though Africa is at a less advanced stage, WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus indicates Africa, in particular, may suffer direct effects of the disease itself and indirect effects on the economy. Considering the fragile health care system in Africa, options to tackle the pandemic are not the same as developed nations, which can mitigate lockdowns with income replacement, provide testing and containment and build equipped isolation and treatment centers. With far fewer health care workers and poor hospital setups, Africa is left with lockdowns with or without income replacement and working aggressively towards surveillance, testing, and containment to curb the spread so as not to overwhelm our health care system. The competitive global demand for hospital equipment, personal protective equipment or PPE (aprons, gloves, face masks, face shields, google glasses, boots), testing kits, mechanical ventilators, and medications will further disrupt the economy because we dont have the basics, to begin with. Africa has suffered significant deaths in previous pandemics; in western Africa, Ebola took around 11,000, contained by health professionals heroic work, the nature of transmission, and the joined hands of the international community. But uncontained health issues like HIV/AIDS, TB and more, will, coupled with COVID-19, increase the risk of deaths. If the golden time for containing transmission is already past, as Ghebreyesus has stated, then I fear Africa will suffer the worst. A COVID-related economic plunge will impose greater difficulty in fighting the novel coronavirus. Most affected will be tourism, oil, agricultural exports, and air transport. Even though fewer cases in Africa can be attributed to international travelers and migrants compared to Asia, Europe, and North America, air transport holds the pillar of the economy in my home of Ethiopia. Our airlines have lost around $550 million after decreasing 90% of external flights, which will lead to high unemployment and worse living conditions for poor urban neighborhoods without regular access to water and food at the best of times. For rural people already living on the edge, this will lead to greater hunger and have a reverse impact on efforts to control disease transmission. Additionally, economic losses will decrease the capacity to acquire hospital equipment and PPE and to train health care workers. Beyond Africas already poor health care situation, an unstable political situation, hunger, and violence make fighting this pandemic even more difficult. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said immigrants and populations in war zones have double the risk of contracting the virus. Libya, South Sudan, and Nigeria top that list. Also on that list is Ethiopia, which cut off the internet to around 15 million people as a security measure, later lifted following domestic and international pressure. Also, at heightened risk are communities with high numbers of population with internal displacement. Such challenges impede health care workers from addressing health needs and providing basic necessities for these populations. The pandemics socioeconomic fallout will affect people throughout the world, but likely more seriously in Africa, which already had poor resources and exacerbating factors. Since this pandemic can be halted by slowing down transmission, preventing infection, and by mitigating effects, joining arms will strengthen us. No country could do it alone, said Antonio Guterres, and we should cooperate and address people at risk, including women who often shoulder a disproportionate burden of care work. My hospital, with already a struggling financial and laboratory setup, is preparing to become a COVID-19 treatment center and isolate suspect cases. Making changes to the physical structure or building new facilities would be prohibitively costly and take too long. So we must work with the present hospital setup, taking strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, eliminating non-emergency cases, decreasing in-patient visitors, and implementing WHO hospital preparedness checklists to our capacity. A COVID-19 task force, led by hospital officials representing every aspect of the profession needed to fight this pandemic, has been increasing preparedness: triaging and monitoring everyone entering the facility, swapping in-patient wards to make room for isolation and treatment, installing hand washing basins and other IPC measures. Early detection has not begun because we lack testing kits; the central lab must come and test suspected cases. Containment and mitigation will be a challenge once we start receiving COVID-19 patients. Unfortunately, advance preparation is extremely limited, beginning with providing PPE for health care personnel, because PPE is limited in the hospital and nationwide. Our hospital also suffers from poor ICU setup: only 4-6 functional mechanical ventilators and very few critical care professionals. Sadly, things considered simple elsewhere are a struggle here in Ethiopia; we already have difficulty providing isolated home service and transportation for health care workers. Many have been forced to stay in the hospital because they fear infecting the community and their loved ones; some have even been expelled from the homes they rented. The pandemic will undoubtedly undermine care for patients with diseases and conditions other than COVID-19, accounting for significant mortality and morbidity at the best of times. Confronted with a global health crisis, health care professionals in already stressed nations must bear a greater burden. Our leaders must listen to us as the inadequacies of our health care infrastructure become even more evident, as CNN noted: Africas leaders forced to confront health care systems they neglected for years. Above all, dedicated health care workers, upon who everyone else will rely should the worst come to pass here in Africa, must be supplied with what they need to provide care and protect themselves, paying attention to the psychological impact resulting from their service on the frontlines. Yohannes Mengistu is a physician in Ethiopia. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Simply breathing or talking may be the most common ways the coronavirus spreads, a study suggests. Chinese scientists found Covid-19 patients exhale millions of viral particles per hour, even if they have mild or no symptoms. They say it highlights the need for face masks, which Britons are only advised to wear when on public transport or in tightly-packed shops. But they are not mandatory in Britain, unlike in other European countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria, which have all averted major crises. Experts told MailOnline the evidence was now clear that mandatory mask wearing would 'by far have the biggest impact' in preventing the spread of coronavirus in the UK. Like most respiratory illnesses, the highly-infectious disease is spread in tiny droplets of moisture that carry viral particles. It was previously thought that the main source of transmission was via these droplets from coughs and sneezes. But the latest finding suggests the coronavirus can spread just as easily in aerosols in the breath and may explain why it has managed to rapidly race around the world. The researchers also found that toilets and floor surfaces were reservoirs for the virus but everyday items such as mobile phones were not. Breathing may be the most common transmission route for Covi-19, Chinese scientists say as they reiterate the importance of face masks (file) The study, not yet published in a scientific journal or scrutinised by other scientists, was led by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing. Thirty-five Covid-19 patients were recruited and nearly 300 viral samples were collected from their breath, on surfaces and in the air inside hospitals. The study found, on average, there was three times the amount of virus in patients' breath (16.7 per cent) compared to on surfaces (5.4 per cent). The viral load in patients' breath was also four times higher than in air samples (3.8 per cent) in their hospital rooms and corridors. Commenting on the findings, Ian Jones, a virologist at the University of Reading, said the study was 'very valid'. WHAT IS THE UK'S FACE MASK POLICY? The UK Government was one of the last in the world to start recommending face coverings. It said there was no evidence they worked and was concerned the masks would give people false confidence. Ministers U-turned in mid-May to say Britons should wear a face covering on public transport or in shops where social distancing is not always possible. It added that homemade cloth face-coverings can help reduce the risk, but surgical masks or respirators should continue to be reserved for healthcare workers. Ministers added that face coverings should not be used by children aged under two or those with respiratory conditions. People who may find it difficult to manage the masks correctly such as primary age children unassisted are also advised not to wear them. Officials said the guidance was being issued in response to there being 'more movement outside people's immediate household' as Britons start returning to work. Advertisement He told MailOnline: 'Aerosols are by far the biggest source of virus and blocking them, with a mask for example, will have by far the biggest impact.' Contaminated surfaces were thought to be one of the main ways Covid-19 spreads, after a wealth of studies showed the virus could survive on metal and plastic for days. England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty urged Britons in March to be wary when touching door handles or rails on buses and trains then touching their face. But the Chinese study found just one handrail had detectable levels of the virus that could cause infection. In the paper, the researchers - led by Professor Jianxin Ma, from the CDC in Beijing - said: 'These observations do not support the widely-held belief that direct transmission by contact with surfaces plays a major role in Covid-19 spread. Among the five categories of surfaces, toilets had the highest SARS-CoV-2 - the official name of the coronavirus strain - positive rate at 16.7 per cent. This was followed by hospital floors (12.5 per cent), patient touching surfaces such as bins, doors and handrails (4 per cent) and medical equipment (2.6 per cent). Surprisingly, only two out of 22 surface swabs from the mobile phones of Covid-19 patients had detectable levels of the infection - despite the gadgets being known to harbour germs. The researchers said the amount of the virus that patients exhale is influenced by the stage of their illness and possibly their age. They found the SARS-CoV-2 breath emission rate was the highest within three days of showing symptoms, with patients breathing out an average of 105 viral particles per minute. This finding was consistent with previous reports that showed viral load in throat swabs was highest at the time of symptom onset. The researchers also suggest that over-50s exhale more of the virus into the atmosphere than younger patients, but they admit their sample size was too small to be certain. Middle-aged and elderly people struggle to fight off the virus more than younger people. It means the virus is able to fester and duplicate in their body more easily, increasing the amount of infection in their respiratory system. Because they harbour more of the virus, it is thought that they also expel more of it when they breathe. Writing in the study, the scientists said: 'Large respiratory droplets and direct contact transmissions are presently cited as major transmission routes for the Covid-19. 'In contrast, we show that the surfaces of mobile phones and various handles frequently used by Covid-19 patients presented very low probabilities of SARS-CoV-2 presence. 'Evidences from our work show that exhaled breath emission may well be the most significant SARS-CoV-2 shedding mechanism, which could have contributed largely to the observed cluster infections and the ongoing pandemic. 'Accordingly, measures such as enhanced ventilation and the use of face masks are essential to minimise the risk of infection by airborne SARS-CoV-2.' It comes after a separate US study found talking in a confined space could spread coronavirus. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that droplets of spit that can contain infectious particles of coronavirus can linger in the air for eight to 14 minutes after someone speaks. Especially concerning, even a person with no symptoms of coronavirus can leave a trail of coronavirus in the air after talking. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 23:20:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ANKARA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- It is "unacceptable" that a police officer in the United States killed a person in that way, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday, referring to the death of an African American citizen. "It is unacceptable for police to kill any person in such a way, regardless of race or religion," said Cavusoglu in a televised interview, adding that racism has been an ongoing problem in the United States. George Floyd, 46, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes until he stopped breathing. "If there is a crime, you will take him into custody. Turning this into vandalism is also unacceptable," the minister said. Cavusoglu stressed that there is an increase of racism not only in the U.S. but all around the world, calling on "the international community to jointly fight against racism and Islamophobia." The minister also called for peaceful protests in the U.S. over the death of Floyd. "We hope this incident will end as soon as possible," he added. Enditem The city of Worcester is planning to waive fees for restaurants that are seeking to expand or add outdoor dining areas, allowed as a part of Phase 2 of Gov. Charlie Bakers reopening plan amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants have only been able to offer take-out and delivery for months as COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, spread across Massachusetts. But, Baker on Saturday is expected to announce a date for Phase 2, which will allow restaurants to reopen for dining on sidewalks and in parking lots or another suitable outdoor area. Indoor dining remains prohibited. Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. on Wednesday signed an executive order that creates an expedited process for restaurants to apply for a permit for outdoor dining. Restaurants may be looking to expand an existing outdoor seating area, or create a new one. We are excited to help the citys many diverse and outstanding restaurants welcome back their customers, even if in a limited capacity, and bring their employees back to work, Augustus said. Restaurants are a critical part of the citys cultural and economic engine. We hope this measure helps put them back on a path toward success. The city will continue to support these businesses in any way we can. The License Commission will start meeting three times a week to review applications. The city is also waiving the regular local $100 application fee in recognition of the financial hardship experienced by our restaurants, according to a statement. Additionally, the $156 fee for a permit to allow sidewalk dining is also being waived. Applications are available online. Anyone who wants to ask questions or is looking for more information is asked to email outdoordining@worcesterma.gov. Related Content: The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 380,000 with more than 6.4 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness. Here's a roundup of COVID-19 developments in RFE/RL's broadcast regions. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has signed a law making it mandatory for Azerbaijanis to wear face masks while in public places as of June 3. The president signed the bill on June 2, just hours after it was approved by lawmakers. Violators of the regulation will be fined 50 manats ($30), while officials violating the law will be obliged to pay 100 manats ($60). Companies and organizations who break the law will be fined 200 manats ($120). The fines will double for repeated violations. As of June 3, the number of officially registered coronavirus case sin the South Caucasus nation was reported as 5,935, including 71 deaths. Central Asia Dozens of restaurant owners and their employees have rallied in front of the city administration office in the Kazakh capital, Nur-Sultan, demanding that all coronavirus restrictions imposed on the hospitality sector be lifted. The protesters said on June 3 that, since all market places and shopping malls have been allowed to return to full capacity, large restaurants and cafeterias should be allowed to do the same. The city government has gradually lifted restrictions imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, but restaurants are still limited to having a maximum of 30 clients inside their premises at any one time. The protesters said this is preventing them from recovering from the two-and-a-half-month suspension of their operations during the outbreak. A similar protest was also held on June 3 in the northwestern city of Aqtobe. Kazakh health authorities said on June 3 that the total number of coronavirus cases in the country was 11,796, including 44 deaths. In neighboring Kyrgyzstan, Deputy Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov said on June 3 that domestic air flights and public transportation between regions will resume on June 5. "The organization of bus and taxi transportation must be safe. We have to be absolutely sure that all passengers comply with all sanitary regulations," Boronov said. According to the latest data provided by Kyrgyz health officials, the number of coronavirus cases in the country is 1,871, including 20 deaths. In Uzbekistan, the Health Ministry said on June 3 that the number of coronavirus cases in the country was 3,769, including 15 deaths. The ministry added that 846 COVID-19 patients are currently being treated in hospitals, 10 of whom are in serious condition and one in grave condition. In Tajikistan, the Health Ministry said on June 2 that in the past week there had been no coronavirus deaths in the country. According to the ministry, as of the evening of June 2, the number of coronavirus cases in the country was 4,100, including 47 deaths. The fifth nation in Central Asia, Turkmenistan, remains the only country in the region that has not officially admitted a single coronavirus case, though experts are skeptical of the claim given the lack of transparency and the absence of an independent media in the country. The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan announced on June 1 that Washington had allocated an additional $500,000 via the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to assist Ashgabat's coronavirus prevention efforts, "bringing the total U.S. Government resources made available to all partners in Turkmenistan to $1.42 million." "The additional funding will be provided to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan to improve risk communication and infection prevention and control efforts," the statement said. With reporting by RFE/RL's Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Tajik, and Turkmen services By Azernews By Aisha Jabbarova Azerbaijan and Turkey have agreed on visa exemptions for citizens who have valid international passports and wish to stay in these countries for a period of no more than 90 days. The agreement "on mutual exemption from visa between the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkey" was signed on February 25 in Baku. Turkish Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved the visa agreement with Azerbaijan today. The Azerbaijani parliament had approved the agreement on May 31. With the agreement, citizens of Turkey and Azerbaijan "holding a valid passport shall be exempted from visa requirements for 90 days in order to enter, transit, exit and stay temporarily in the territory" of each country. Earlier, citizens of Azerbaijan and Turkey could stay in these countries for 30 days without a visa. Cruise companies are slashing their fares by up to 70 per cent in a bid to draw customers back after the coronavirus pandemic. Carnival Cruises is offering as much as 38 per cent off trips from Sydney to Brisbane and the South Pacific. The cruise operator is selling fares for a nine-day round trip in May 2021 from Sydney to New Caledonia for $545 per person and an 'extra value' deal offering a 50 per cent reduction on deposits. Blue Lagoons Cruises has also offered 70 per cent off cruises until June 2022 on its three, four and seven day cruises with flexibility on dates once the international travel ban is lifted. Cruise companies are slashing their fares by up to 70 per cent to entice customers back once the ban on international travel has been lifted (stock image) It comes despite no word from the federal government on when the overseas travel ban - which includes international cruises - will be lifted. The Australian Border Force has also banned cruise liners from entering Australian waters until September 17. Operators are hoping though the trans-Tasman bubble, which would allow travel between Australia and New Zealand, could be open by September. Australian doctor Dr John Parker - who helped contain the outbreak of the disease on the ill-fated Ruby Princess after it docked in Sydney on March 19 - said cruise holidays would look very different once travel restrictions are relaxed. 'It won't be quite as crowded. You've got to have social distancing and the crew will have to have individual cabins,' he told The Daily Telegraph. Dr Parker said there were multiple hygiene protocols cruise ships could use to reduce the spread of the virus - including an app allowing crew members infected with COVID-19 to record changes in their daily temperature checks. Pictured: The doomed Ruby Princess on March 19 after docking at Sydney Harbour. Operators are hoping a trans-Tasman bubble could allow the cruise business to start again by September Pictured: Blue Lagoon Cruises' Mystique Princess. The cruise operator is offering fares discounts of up to 70 per cent 'You could see everyones temperature in real time, it would be a useful tool for the future,' he said. It follows an urgent warning being issued at the end of May after a passenger on the Ruby Princess was diagnosed with tuberculosis. NSW Health sent out an alert to all of the ship's passengers who were on board between March 8-19. You are surrounded. One of my shocks over the past year has been the rise of the People's Republic of China in an assertive way. Like most happy and content Americans, I don't necessarily look for evil behind each smell. Sometimes it's just a smell. But then you detect something behind the smell. This event or that commentary or that particular news story intrudes on your peace and you realize there's a deeper story to be told. As you migrate along this path you make new and different discoveries. Dig deeper and you find ugly stuff, often unbelievable. But then you dig still deeper, going back in time for your research sources, or going behind, then behind again, then behind yet again all of the prettier treatments of things, to find something far uglier, not widely promoted, and you end up thinking: Well that certainly explains things. Legal research is sometimes like this, particularly when faced with issues not commonly treated by cases heard by the courts. Legal research takes us to the first and obvious cases, usually too broad to be useful to finer, narrower points, so we dig deeper, and we end up finding our case - and sometimes it's a pretty obscure case from a learned judge, but well off the beaten path of New York or California case law. But legal truths and traditions exist elsewhere too, of course, and so we find our gold nugget of precedent. No one in their right legal mind would ever say, "well, if it's not a reported California or New York case, I'm just not going to read it." That would be foolish, of course. So we look and find it elsewhere. We use it in our briefing, and we (hopefully) win, with congrats from the court for providing the assistance of an obscure but helpful case. How do we not read our news like that? How do we not dig down? Shouldn't anyone be embarrassed by the limitations and information constructs imposed by "leading media"? If we find that our so-called "leading lights" lack substance, do we just stop and disregard deeper, different possibilities to get at the truth? There is no excuse for not doing so nowadays. During my university years as a student researcher, we had to go to actual books, and review bibliographies for our leads to secondary sources. Time-consuming, but yet we were better informed precisely because of this. We certainly knew not to exclusively depend on one source for anything. Even in law school the electronic age had not yet dawned. Research was still painstaking. But perhaps it was the notion of pulling your cases from larger physical volumes that reminded you the researcher that these were just snippets of information from a far larger universe of knowledge - representing all of the possibilities available to us. But now with electronic research, we don't have that instant awareness of the vastness of knowledge. We have the click, and presto: the information is on our screen. Rather than being surrounded by volumes of other works that take up rooms and rooms visible to us, we have just that snippet of information we called up and our computer screen. No vastness. No volumes. When researching anything we read on the web, it is useful to imagine ourselves back in those rooms full of books, and that this or that click on our computer is an almost microscopically small part of that vast expanse. Click again and you're taken to another information source, click, click, click and suddenly you're repeating what we once did. You're researching. You're no longer an unhealthy dependent on someone else's news gathering. You're gathering news yourself. You can in an instant go from 2020 to 1939 to 1945 to 1968 to 1789 to 1776 to 1595. There is absolutely no excuse for ignorance - yet ignorance seems to have descended on us like an anvil. It is stupefying. I prize connectedness over time. I apply that everywhere. I remind the kids in my life that "our family has been Catholic for centuries," and that they are part of a longer continuum that preceded them by 100, or 500, or 1000 years, and back even farther than that. I often share that we in our time are the beneficiaries of those learned people from other times, from recent to ancient. There is no such thing as new evil. It's been here before. And we suddenly learn the value of learning, of wisdom, of investigation, and awareness. When I hear someone I respect speaking as if they've just read that one volume in the vast human library, I almost instantly think "it's no use." Here is someone comfortable in ignorance while believing they've found ultimate truth. It is dismaying. All that education and learning, and here you are, still stuck on that single page, not clicking, not going for that other volume back in the stacks. Earlier this year, I had a chance interaction with a small group of elected officials at a conference in Southern California. I learned that moderate Democrats (including in San Francisco and Los Angeles) were being targeted by the far Left. In jurisdiction after jurisdiction, almost always in off-year elections (low turnout means unlikely winners and candidacies under the radar), good and moderate incumbent Democrats - DEMOCRATS! - were being beaten by far Left candidates. It happened in San Francisco. In Los Angeles, they're headed to a run-off - African-American incumbent Jackie Lacey, a moderate, against the far Left candidate George Gascon. Gascon resigned his elected DA position in San Francisco to run in LA, an unheard of relocation in the entire history of California. His replacement in San Francisco? A far Left candidate Chesa Boudin, son of the Weather Underground domestic terrorists, won in San Francisco, beating a moderate Democrat. How? George Soros. Thats how. The elected officials said Soros had funded both campaigns, and he was repeating it as a deliberate disruption across the country. Soros? Did I really want to sign-on to this train of thought? But then again, the relocation of an elected San Francisco DA to Los Angeles was so unheard of and so bizarre that it demanded careful research. So I researched. I entered the library and didn't stop at the first volume. I researched and researched some more, until I had the broad Soros panorama of influence and disruption and, what's worse, amorality, and yet so few had connected the dots - the dots being vividly present not in today's headlines, but in yesterday's more detailed studies and articles. What had been reported over time? How did those stories point to events of today? And that's how I learned about Soros - through The New Yorker, 60 Minutes, Forbes, The New York Times. He had been everywhere, and so were his "philanthropies," about 200 separate philanthropies with documented support from Soros. Here were the most disruptive and disrupting movements over the last 10 years, all with common funding. Who could be taken in by this? Why were the wise not commenting? What came next? The virus came next, almost immediately. And suddenly I was nearly mesmerized by the scandalous behavior of the People's Republic of China, imprisoning its own who spoke of this new virus, imprisoned, vanished. Deception, wittingly or unwittingly joined by the World Health Organization. (January 14: no danger of human to human transmission.) Meanwhile, China sat on evidence and silenced its domestic science, and the world went along, duped. To put a chilling twist on things, we had the spectacle of our domestic politicians crying "racist!" in response to a China travel ban. As the world came to limp along, the focus by our domestic media was not the chilling spectacle of a tyranical regime whose tyrrany allowed it to hide the truth from the world, but on the President of the United States. There was the media's villain? You might say in an unguarded moment, WTF? As a sample, I read of Hillary Clinton's criticism of the President. Mrs. Clinton and her foundation received funding for their advocacy on behalf of China before the World Health Organization on the subject of vaccines, 2014. Then I read of several more American politicians seeming to adopt in full China's talking points, which all took aim at the president. Wait. Wasn't this the same group who oversaw the migration of our manufacturing out of this country, wounding the working class? Isn't this the same group who themselves have become wealthy through the rape of our manufacturing sector and betrayal of our poor and working class? Exactly what kinds of alignments are on display here? Who is involved with whom? Whose wealth is traceable where? How much did the Clinton Foundation "earn" when it advocated for China just one year after Mrs. Clinton was President Obama's Secretary of State and one-year before she was to seek the Party's nomination for President? And the media? How did the idealistic intrepid reporter of yesteryear become so associated with talking points inimical to the American nation? Have I just been dropped into the middle of a horror thriller full of international intrigue but brought to us by our own - including our own elected officials? Take stock America, because you're surrounded. You have now learned the price of relying on snippets of information available online or through a CNN screen crawl. You have been duped. Who is behind our news? Have you checked? Have you done the research? Do you know who influences CNN, or Disney-ABC, or Bloomberg? We have our mavericks still. To the dismay of many, President Trump is a maverick. Elon Musk is a maverick, in fact a true maverick - Tesla is California's last remaining car manufacturer. (California Democratic Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, commenting on Mr. Musk's criticism of California's hostility to business: "F**k Elon Musk.") Unless we commit to the re-industrialization of America and the rejuvenation of the working class, heeding the words of the mavericks, we are in for a very rough time. The pay-off of this story is related to a new case I'm working on that symbolizes what I warn about here: the pernicious influence of the Peoples Republic of China and its many tendrils into our own media through investments mostly, but by threats too. The Federalist Society, a lawyers group dedicated to the United State Constitution, was astute enough to host on its website a summary of the many tendrils already sent from the Peoples Republic of China to the United States of America. There in the summary is the grim expose we may have feared. China has seeped into our media and exerts its authority already. I now dont wonder about the incendiary news coverage of many of the very same media outlets listed in the article, all with powerful ties to the Peoples Republic of China: The New York Times, The Washington Post, Warner Media (CNN), NBC Universal (MSNBC and NBC), Bloomberg, The Walt Disney Company (ABC, ESPN; and Shanghai Disney World is 57% owned by a Peoples Republic holding company). Remember the propaganda leaflets the Germans dropped on the Allied troops trapped at Dunkirk, June 4, 1940, urging surrender? The leaflets showed a map of France, with arrows pointing at Dunkirk. "You are surrounded," the leaflets warned. Fellow Americans, we are surrounded. Christopher J. Bakes is a trial attorney. Image credit: public domain Churches are not just buildings. They are places that have significance beyond their often glorious facades. They are sites of celebration, and of mourning. They are oases in the midst of war and struggle. They are symbols of strength and power when we think we are powerless. Churches have been central in the civil rights campaigns, exploding with music and praise, and wailing supplication. They are works of art in themselves, often touching the heavens with their spires like my beloved and beleaguered Notre Dame de Paris. Churches are the stages where great men and women have sacrificed for their beliefs, like St. Thomas a Becket at Canterbury Cathedral and St. Oscar Romero at the altar in San Salvador. And the vaulted ceilings and encrusted stained glass windows are not even necessary, because churches can be found in makeshift tents along the roads of Christians fleeing persecution in the Middle East. The one thing a church is not is a backdrop. It is never a stage for a purpose that has nothing to do with God and our attempts to hear and implement his will. And no one who stands in front of a church should be accused of using that building, be it historic and treasured or small and intimately loved, for that purpose. But of course, all the rules change when we are talking about President Trump, who has made a career of smashing the familiar paradigms. When Donald Trump stood in front of St. Johns Church this week and lifted a Bible in what some of the more transparently hostile media outlets called a photo op, he was accused of using that historic and vandalized church for political reasons. I suppose that was to be expected, because in this divided climate nothing that the president does escapes criticism from the left (either deserved or undeserved, they are all blending together these days). And there is some question as to how he got the crowds dispersed in order to be able to make that appearance, with many believing that peaceful protesters were attacked with tear gas and rubber bullets to clear Lafayette Park and make it safe for Trumps passage from the White House. This column isnt about that incident, because it is becoming something of a Rashomon with those who are certain the crowds were quiet and compliant until assaulted by military stormtroopers, and those on the other side who want proof that an entirely peaceful group of people were used as target practice by the president. Theres no space here to satisfy the militants on both side of this question, and I have no stomach for that anyway. I know what I believe happened, and telling you what I believe wont make a difference. It shouldnt. But there is an important take away from this incident that is being overshadowed by the tar gas and bullet controversy: No one has the right to criticize anyone, president or pauper, for standing in front of a church. No one, not even an exalted Bishop of the Episcopalian Church, has the right to exert landlord-tenant rights over the real estate in front of Gods home, wherever that might be. No minister or priest or Imam or Rabbi has the right to shame someone for being in the shadow of Gods mansion, because they dont like that persons politics. No one has the right to go around to sympathetic media and give angry interviews about how this president or that pauper has committed an obscenity. After Trump appeared for what CNN and many other news outlets are calling a photo op at a church where the night before some vandal had stopped for a fire bombing op, Bishop Marian Budde was all over the media with her righteous indignation, making statements like, I am the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and was not even given a courtesy call that they would be clearing the area with tear gas so they could use one of our churches as a prop. She also stated that, Everything he has said and done is to inflame violence. We need moral leadership, and hes done everything to divide us. Then there was Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, head of the Episcopal denomination, who accused the president of using a church building and the Holy Bible for partisan political purposes. It is clear that these ministers do not support Trump, and that is fine. It is also clear that some leaders of my own faith share their antipathy, including Archbishop Wilton Gregory of the D.C. diocese who objected to Trumps visit to the Shrine of St. John Paul II a day later with this: I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree. Hes entitled to his opinion, although I do not look to my church to tell me how to vote, even in those cases where I would likely vote in a way that reflects its principles. What I really object to is the blatant dishonesty of bishops Budde and Curry, Archbishop Gregory and their allies in the media and elsewhere, who presume to tell someone when they can and cannot stand in front of a building they do not own in the most elemental sense, simply because they dont like his politics. I am also surprised at the reaction to the vandals who very likely tried to destroy St. Johns. The rector of the church, Robert Fisher, made this observation after learning of the fire: Theres understandably attention on us, but I want to point the attention back to where it really should be which is the purpose of the protests Guess they didnt mind them standing in front of the church. Christine Flowers is an attorney and a resident of Delaware County. Her column usually appears on Sunday. Email her at cflowers1961@gmail.com. In a conference call, Trump told state governors they were weak, while his Secretary of Defence spoke of the need to dominate the battlespace. Overnight the Pentagon flew 1600 soldiers from the Armys 82nd Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division, and 1st Infantry Division to staging points in Washington DC while masked and uniformed national guardsmen took up positions on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This week US President Donald Trump threatened to use the Insurrection Act to federalise the national guard and deploy it to shut down the protests and widespread lawlessness that has broken out across at least 23 states since George Floyd was killed while under police arrest in Minneapolis. During the 1992 Los Angeles riots, a police sergeant approaching a house said cover me to an accompanying marine corporal and was surprised when the marine ordered his section to lay down sustained covering fire. As US history has shown, large-scale domestic military deployments are a blunt instrument: better at sandbagging flood levies than deftly managing lawful protesters and unlawful looters. In war, urban military operations are exceedingly difficult. At home, during times of peace, they can be appallingly tragic. In 1967 a national guardsman deployed to help Detroit police maintain law and order feared a sniper was active locally and fired a heavy-calibre machine gun through an apartment window, killing a four-year-old girl and seriously injuring her aunt. Loading Time and time again, Trump has resorted to the military to serve his policy and political ends. Hes drafted generals to serve as his senior political staff, diverted military funds to build the wall on the Mexican border, pardoned soldiers convicted of or accused of war crimes, sent cruise missiles into Syria, assassinated Iranian military leaders in the driveway of the Baghdad International Airport, and rallied in front of troops on military bases. On each occasion the military has largely delivered helping surround Trump with the potent symbols of national power, projecting American strength, and showing the President as a man of action. But now the President has over-reached and the military is unlikely to save him from this national crisis. For a start, the legality of widespread military deployments is contested. Some experts argue the President cannot impinge on state sovereignty by federalising the national guard against the wishes of state governors. Already the governors of Minnesota, New York and Illinois have rejected the idea that the White House could order military deployments in their cities. The Insurrection Act and other laws do give the President some authority to use the military to enforce federal laws, but only in cases where state authorities have been shown to be unable or unwilling to do so. Not since the civil rights fights of the 1960s has the US federal government deployed the military to enforce federal laws against the wishes of state governors. Some military leaders have outright rejected the need for the military. Admiral Mike Mullen, the former chief of the joint staff, writes this week: I am not convinced that the conditions on our streets, as bad as they are, have risen to the level that justifies a heavy reliance on military troops. We must endeavour to see American cities and towns as our homes and our neighbourhoods. They are not 'battle spaces' to be dominated, and must never become so. Police are assessing an allegation about Housing Secretary Robert Jenricks decision to sign off a 1billion development by a billionaire Tory donor. Mr Jenrick was criticised after he admitted unlawfully approving Richard Desmonds 1,500-home development in east London in January. Mr Jenrick gave it a last-minute reprieve after both the local council and the independent Planning Inspectorate decided it should be refused. They cited lack of affordable housing and a conflict with local conservation policy. Mr Jenrick said last week that 'clearly the way that the process was run gave rise to some concerns and so thats why weve chosen to quash the decision' The green light was given a day before Tower Hamlets Council approved a development levy that would have cost Mr Desmond between 30million and 50million. The money would have been spent locally. The land is owned by Northern and Shell, which is in turn owned by Mr Desmond, who gave 10,000 to the Conservative Party in 2017. The land is owned by Northern and Shell, which is in turn owned by billionaire Mr Desmond (above), who gave 10,000 to the Conservative Party in 2017 Scotland Yard yesterday confirmed that it was looking at a complaint about the planning decision, which has now been quashed. A spokesman said: The Metropolitan Police received an allegation on May 27. 'The details of this are currently being assessed by officers from the special inquiry team. In an interview last week, Mr Jenrick said the application was decided on its merits and done without any actual bias. He added: But clearly the way that the process was run gave rise to some concerns and so thats why weve chosen to quash the decision. Mr Jenricks department - the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government - said last week: While we reject the suggestion that there was any actual bias in the decision, we have agreed that the application will be redetermined. As the city of Chicago began the process of gradually reopening on Wednesday, many businesses remained closed or boarded up. Local restaurants can reopen with outside dining, retail shops can welcome customers, salons and barbershops can open up and other businesses such as hotels can start to operate. But all of the businesses will be subject to reduced capacities and tight rules designed to stop COVID-19 cases from spiking. And some may not reopen because of damage done during unrest in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. Meanwhile, officials on Wednesday announced 982 new known cases of COVID-19 and 97 additional fatalities, bringing the total number of known cases to 123,830 and the death toll to 5,621 statewide since the start of the pandemic. Heres whats happening Wednesday with COVID-19 in the Chicago area and Illinois: 8:07 p.m.: Stick-on medical device, worn on the neck, streams COVID-19 symptom data to docs A device originally designed by Northwestern University engineers to record progress in stroke patients has been repurposed to study the effects of COVID-19 as it runs its course through the human body, university officials said. The device, which looks like a thick, rubbery Band-Aid and attaches to the neck with adhesive, collects around-the-clock data on coughs, temperature and breathing, said John Rogers, the biomedical engineering professor leading the project in partnership with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, where patients have been participating in a trial that started two and a half weeks ago. So far, scientists have collected about 3,000 hours of data from roughly two dozen COVID-19 patients. The devices also can be used on health care providers to monitor their bodies for symptoms of COVID-19, providing a more exact early warning system for infection, Rogers said. Northwestern announced a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to further the research. Read more here. David Heinzmann 6:56 p.m.: Full tables on Randolph Street but many restaurants remain boarded up Although many of the restaurants on Randolph Streets Restaurant Row were boarded up, the ones that were open for outdoor dining had full tables of people eating and drinking wine under tents set up on the sidewalk. The stretch is one of six streets selected by the city to be allowed to close to make room for additional outdoor dining space, but clearly the area isnt ready. Restaurants like Jaipur and Forno Rosso were open, while such powerhouses as Girl & the Goat and Lena Brava were not yet hosting outdoor dining. Dozens of people were walking their dogs, running or waiting in line to pick up orders from restaurants and drink shops. Some were wearing masks, but most more were not. Nearby on Morgan Street, Bar Takitos sidewalk tables were full, with a line of would-be diners waiting. Grace Wong 6:22 p.m.: New giant patio space opens in West Loop and people are ready for it Two inflatable tube men one red, one blue danced chaotically in front of Recess Wednesday afternoon, signaling that the brand new patio had opened and was ready for customers. A sign out front confirmed it. Originally part of City Hall, the 14,000-square-feet patio in the West Loop is now part of Recess, a restaurant and bar. It was rebranded when Joe Manna, chief operating officer, realized the name was confusing to guests, who kept finding the government offices instead of the restaurant. Two hours after opening Wednesday, Recess already had more than 100 guests, with the majority of reservations yet to arrive. Reservations for this weekends brunch are already full. The bar will close Wednesday at 8 p.m. so people can get home before curfew. Diners have been pretty good about wearing their masks, and sometimes when they leave their table and forget, they return to put them on. So many people in this area have watched this place go up and have been waiting for the patio to be open, Manna said. So many people have been like, finally. This side is a little more fun, he said, noting the nods to politics in Chicago featured in their menu item names. Construction on the former parking lot completed recently, and the design is an homage to the neighborhood, with more than 30 stacked shipping containers on the perimeter to create a more exclusive feel while remaining functional for seating and the bar. Recess is serving a limited menu with plans to expand, but for now, theyre focusing on sandwiches, appetizers and salads, plus frozen cocktails and other libations. Guests who spend more than $10 on food can even receive a free haircut. Although theyve been building the multi-level space since the building opened last summer, they quickly finished final touches once they heard the governors order two weeks ago. He said employees are excited to get back to work and customers are excited to dine out again. The goal here is to inject some positivity right now, Manna said. Grace Wong 6:11 p.m.: Wrigleyville awakens with classic bars filling up The old standbys showed up in Wrigleyville for Wednesdays business reopening, while relative newcomers including all of the Hotel Zachary properties held out. Neighborhood go-tos like Murphys Bleachers and Deuces + Diamonds were well occupied, with more guests arriving as time moved further past 5 p.m. Clark Street almost resembled what it might look like on a normal weeknight, with plenty of walkers, joggers, bikers, dogs the works. At Deuces, which has a sizable patio adjacent to the bar, general manager Jasper Robinson said they opened for lunch and had enjoyed a decent crowd all day. The bar does have a limited menu for right now, since operators held off on placing a complete food order following the civil unrest in the area this past weekend. They just wanted to be sure the bar could open Wednesday before all orders were placed. Tucked on the other side of Wrigley, Murphys Bleachers was popping enough to even have a momentary wait. Social distancing was in effect, though, between the patio tables, in the back, as well as in the line out front. Michael Baruch and Madison Shelist live in the neighborhood and said they had been anticipating todays reopening. After seeing what was open, they settled on Murphys. Its the neighborhood spot, Baruch said simply. Adam Lukach 5:17 p.m.: Lightfoot urged to forego contact tracing contract Mayor Lori Lightfoot should not hire an outside agency to oversee contract tracing for COVID-19 cases and instead use the money earmarked for that effort to beef up a diminished Chicago Department of Public Health, progressive activists said Tuesday. They were reacting to Lightfoots announcement last week that the city would use $56 million in state and federal coronavirus relief funds to dramatically expand contact tracing, which epidemiologists say is key to preventing new case surges. Of that $56 million, $11 million would go to an outside agency that would oversee the massive effort. Rose Joshua, president of NAACP Southside, called on the mayor "to immediately stop all contracting out of contact tracing, testing and all public health services and instead use federal, state and local funds to rebuild the Chicago Department of Public Health. The public health department pointed out in a response that the agency that will be chosen to head up the work must distribute 85% of the overall funding to at least 30 neighborhood organizations. Those agencies will be primarily serving residents of communities of high economic hardship. And those community groups will be responsible for recruiting, hiring and supporting 600 contact tracers, supervisors and resource referral coordinators. This program will employ hundreds of people across under-served neighborhoods in our city and invest in the long-term public health infrastructure of Chicago, the response stated. They also noted that the bidding process gives preference to nonprofit organizations to head up the work, and all those bidding are required to show a record of combating racism and working for health equality. Dr. Howard Ehrman, a leader for the Peoples Response Network and an assistant city public health commissioner under the late Mayor Harold Washington, said the number of city public health workers has declined from more than 2,000 to less than 500 over the last three decades a diminishment he said was caused in large part by privatization of services, although there also has been a fall off in federal and state funding for public health. The shift of many services to outside agencies he contended was partly responsible for the complete mismanagement ... of this disease by state, county and city officials. He said all should have acted sooner to issue stay-at-home orders. Joining the group was first-term Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, whose 25th Ward includes Pilsen, one of the areas with the highest rates of COVID-19 infection. Im really concerned about how we are using or misusing our public dollars in the middle of a pandemic," Sigcho-Lopez said. "We ought to have a Chicago Department of Public Health Department that is fully staffed. It is unconscionable to have private institutions profiting from a pandemic," he added. "This is not something that we should allow. Also joining the group were current and former union officials that have an interest in seeing the ranks of public workers expand. They included Tony Johnston, president of the Cook County College Teachers Union, who said city community colleges should be training new contact tracers, and Matt Brandon, former secretary treasurer of International Service Employees Union Local 73 and current president of Communities Organized to Win. This attempt by the city of Chicago to privatize work that should be done out of the Chicago Department of Public Health is an insult to our communities, to those of us who have contracted this virus, and to those of us who are really concerned about making sure about making sure that we have the right tools to meet this challenge," Brandon said. Hal Dardick 5:13 p.m.: Saved by a large patio and large shade trees in Hyde Park Alexander Argirov has been through a lot since his restaurant Ascione Bistro opened last year at 1500 E. 55th St. in Hyde Park. The original plan was dine-in only, with an emphasis on their spacious patio, shaded by large trees. Now, that outdoor space is the key to bouncing back after the damage the pandemic wrought on his business. I feel really bad for other people in the business who dont have space for that, he said, adding that other restaurants on the block would have to resort to putting tables and chairs on the sidewalk, which requires various permits and licenses. During the pandemic, he had to adjust the Italian restaurants menu to ensure that the food would travel well. He added family meals and specials, and hired servers as delivery drivers. Now, hes splitting the business between dine-in on the patio and takeout or delivery, neither of which were part of the original plan. We cant survive if people arent dining in, he said. Weve adapted everything so we can grow in a different way, but we would like to go back to normal when of course, everything is ready. David Barlow, 31, who lives downtown, was dining with a friend at Ascione Bistro Wednesday afternoon. Im just happy theyre open, its about time, Barlow said. All these other business are going to fail if they dont start opening. We were at a different restaurant in Schaumburg a week ago and their seating capacity was like 100 tables and now theyre down to 14, and its kind of like a slaughter of business. I feel bad for them. Grace Wong 5:05 p.m.: Shopping centers hit by looting and vandalism look to reopen next week instead Sandy Sigal, president and CEO of NewMark Merrill Companies, said he thinks most stores in NewMark Merrills shopping centers that werent already open as essential businesses will delay reopening in the wake of the unrest in Chicago. No one wants to have a false reopening, he said. In the normal scheme, we would be promoting tenants through our own social media. It doesnt feel appropriate, and we cant in good conscience promote for people to go into areas with curfews, where things might change from minute to minute. Two of NewMark Merrills Chicago-area shopping centers had at most minor damage. At Stony Island Plaza, 14 of 20 stores were broken into and vandalized, from a Jewel-Osco that had just been remodeled last year to Foot Locker to H&R Block, he said. Winston Plaza in Melrose Park had a few broken windows. Neighborhood groups helped clean up Monday, and in the meantime, Sigal said stores in his shopping centers are boarding up windows and blocking entrances and exits to make it tougher for people intent on doing damage to quickly get in and out. This was not good for our momentum this week, Sigal said. Hopefully we can focus more on reopening next week. Lauren Zumbach 4:46 p.m.: Small Northwest Side shops return following pandemic shutdowns is slowed by recent unrest The lights are slowly blinking on in the small storefronts that stretch down Fullerton Avenue west of Kimball Avenue. But in this modest microcosm of The City that Works, lined with mom-and-pop restaurants and independent clothing shops, many storefronts remained shuttered Wednesday. Other shops planned to close long before sundown, with owners anxious about the safety of their staffs and the viability of their businesses. Armando Pantoja said his Festa Pizzeria restaurant, 3525 W. Fullerton Ave., was attacked Sunday evening by would-be looters who demanded free pizza and threw chairs around before they dispersed. A nearby pawnshop and a liquor store were targeted by burglars who broke windows Sunday, he and other neighborhood business owners said. And so he has been closing early, forgoing the busy evening hours. I lost more business with the protests than the virus, said Pantoja, who said he has owned Festa for almost 18 years. The small restaurant was open but dim Wednesday morning, with plywood covering the windows. Through the pandemic, we were okay, but this new thing - you cant be safe, he said. After a furlough of more than two months, haircutter Yolanda Hernandez said she was relieved to be back at her chair at Darlenes Unisex, 3442 W Fullerton. But Hernandez said she was closing the shop in the early afternoon Wednesday because of the violence that scarred nearby businesses Sunday evening. I feel afraid of what is going on, Hernandez said. I feel safe from the virus, but its scary seeing all these people running around and taking stuff from businesses that are working hard. Read more here. David Jackson 4:33 p.m.: Pizzerias open for business along North Michigan Avenue Outdoor dining along North Michigan Avenue is sparse any time, given the expensive real estate. The damage to multiple storefronts during looting this past weekend took a toll. But Labriola Chicago (535 N. Michigan Ave.), the pizza and sandwich restaurant just off the main drag, was open for outdoor dining Wednesday. On the walkway built out over Grand Avenue, Labriola has patio space for more than 60 people, more than half the restaurants capacity. In mid-afternoon, just two tables were taken. Still, Matthew Graham, chief operating officer, was grateful to be reopening for on-premise dining. The Mag Mile is not what anyone expected it to be right now. We hope it gets put back together, Graham said, referencing the unrest. Its an unfortunate time, hopefully this is the first step in things coming back. On the other side of Michigan Avenue, and tucked along a walkway behind the Trump Tower, Bongiornos Cucina and Italiana & Pizzeria had served eight tables outside by mid-afternoon. If it wasnt for this building, I dont think wed have these windows, Elizabeth Bongiorno, co-owner of Bongiornos, explained while looking back to Trump Tower. Without the added police presence near the building during the unrest, she thinks that the windows would have been broken. A lot of restaurants cant even open because they lost everything, so were pretty lucky were here. Two police officers could be seen inside the pizza place ordering takeout. Bongiorno brushed it off as status quo. They know a lot of us, we know a lot of them, she said, nodding to the officers. Before the coronavirus shutdown, the restaurant saw many sales go to business people who worked in office buildings in the area. Now, the restaurant is limited to residential customers. But Bongiorno said she had been fielding calls Wednesday afternoon about reservations for the evening. Kasondra Van Treek 3:58 p.m.: Chicago leaders cautiously optimistic as city reopens amid calming protests On Chicagos first day easing coronavirus restrictions on city businesses, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and police Superintendent David Brown expressed hope that the citys civil unrest was calming. But, they said, the city remains on guard against both the COVID-19 disease and looting. Were still only one day where we have some calming of the activities of looting and disorderly conduct. We are not letting our guard down, Brown said. Were cautiously optimistic but prepared for this to escalate in case it does. The citys keeping all of its resources in place, including the National Guard, and making strategic adjustments to help make sure residents in the neighborhoods feel safe, given the looting, Brown said. Still, after being rocked by widespread looting downtown and in city neighborhoods over the weekend, Chicago experienced on Tuesday its quietest night of protests since they started, Brown said. Officials also recorded the lowest number of arrests since the weekend, with 274, Brown said. The city also had the lowest number of looting calls and arrests, he said. There were 46 disorderly conduct arrests, he said, mostly for people throwing rocks or verbally assaulting city cops. Read more here. Gregory Pratt 3:50 p.m.: Lining up to eat on the South Side Around 2 p.m. Original Soul Vegetarian, a vegetarian restaurant on 75th Street on Chicagos South Side, had a line out its doors. Nearby, Lems Bar-B-Q, which is strictly carryout, had plenty of cars in its parking lot. Along 75th Street, appliance stores, restaurants and retail stores had signs in their windows in green, red and white lettering that read Black Owned Business and Dont Destroy Our Black Business. Others had metal grates installed in the front. The neighborhood around these South Side stalwarts were relatively quiet Wednesday afternoon. A man wearing a red ball cap waxed his car vigorously while a family unloaded groceries from their maroon van nearby. Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced last week that the city would open streets for outdoor dining in six pilot corridors, but further details on when those corridors would open were elusive Wednesday afternoon. In a statement, the Chicago Department of Transportation said it and Business Affairs and Consumer Protection are working with local organizations and businesses to execute this plan. Although 75th Street from Calumet Avenue to Indiana Avenue was designated as one of the pedestrian corridors, cars still zipped through this bustling stretch Wednesday. And Carmen Lemons, owner of Lems Bar-B-Q, said they plan to keep it that way. We cant afford to close down 75th street because the street is too busy, she said. Theyre going to have tables on the side and stuff but I cant have tables in front of my store simply because we have the line. We are participating but theres a certain limit. Grace Wong 3:33 p.m.: Shop owners balance reopening with safety concerns. COVID-19 is still here despite everything thats going on. Fleur owner Kelly Marie Thompson said she considered staying closed Wednesday to show support for people protesting systemic racism. But the shop in Logan Square, expecting to be open, had already taken flower orders for birthdays and graduations, and she didnt want to cancel on her customers. Were trying to figure out the best way to respect everybody in the middle of a pandemic, she said. Still, Thompson said she isnt ready to start letting customers back in the shop, until she has a better sense of whether customers are still paying attention to social distancing and wearing masks. She also worried protests could spark a surge in cases. We really want to make sure everyone is aware COVID-19 is still here despite everything thats going on, she said. Thompson is taking the cautious approach even as she remains very nervous about the stores finances. Fleur did little business online before the pandemic forced nonessential stores to close. Thompson lost most of her wedding business, which she expected to account for about half of sales this year, due to ongoing restrictions on large gatherings. She also decided to expand the store in January, doubling its rent. I told myself early on to stay positive, do everything I can and stay healthy, and Im still going with that, she said. Lauren Zumbach 3:27 p.m.: A Bronzeville clothing shop owner is unsure about reopening Hak Tong Kim had looked forward to welcoming back customers to his Bronzeville clothing shop as the city slowly reopened this week, but on Wednesday he was still reeling from the looting that cleaned out his store Sunday night. An immigrant from South Korea, Kim has had City Fashion for nine years and loved the store, but now he is questioning whether to reopen. Right now I dont feel like, said Kim, exhausted after barely sleeping since Sunday. Kim, who stood in front of his store with a wrench to try to protect it Sunday night until it got too dangerous, estimates he lost $350,000. He said he doesnt have insurance coverage because he was in the midst of researching more affordable policies. Its so stupid, he said angrily as he stood outside of his store, where inside volunteers were helping to clean up. His friends overseas who initially were sympathetic to the cause had changed their minds after seeing the vandalism. A saving grace has been a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by his children. He was shocked when he saw it had raised $40,000 in a day. Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz 3:23 p.m.: Ukrainian Village gears up while Wicker Park sleeps The uber-popular dining and drinking corridors of Division Street and Milwaukee Avenue in Ukrainian Village and Wicker Park had a mixed turnout. The stretch of Milwaukee Avenue between North Avenue and Division Street was virtually absent of sidewalk setups Wednesday afternoon. After people causing property damage hit the area hard Sunday night, part of the fallout from the killing of George Floyd, most of the businesses remained boarded up with no clear signage about reopenings. As of about 2:15 p.m., Chicago Police Department SUVs were blocking traffic between North and Ashland avenues until further notice, per the officer on the scene, which was all he could disclose. The scene was much different along Division, as restaurants including Macs Wood Grilled, Black Hole Bar, Janiks Cafe and more were already seating afternoon diners. At Black Hole Bar, Brendan ODonnell admitted to some trepidation before going out Wednesday. It was definitely a little strange," said ODonnell as he was having a beverage with a friend. It was almost like we werent sure what to do once we got here. Its been a strange two and a half months. Between Ashland and Western, restaurants as far west as the Fifty/50 Bar had patios open and ready for customers this afternoon. Adam Lukach 3:16 p.m.: Farther north on Milwaukee Avenue, more shoppers venture out. I just needed to get out of the house. On the northern section of Milwaukee Avenue Wednesday, there were fewer boarded-up windows and more restaurants, barbershops and stores open for business. Earth Rider Cycling owner Sharon Kaminecki decided to risk leaving her windows unboarded since there are few other retail stores on her block. Earth Rider remained open as an essential business during the COVID-19 shutdown and bike sales have been up during the pandemic, she said. The unrest resulting from the police killing of George Floyd didnt seem to be keeping people away. The store was busy enough Tuesday that one customer decided to come back Wednesday, when things were quieter. Still, Kaminecki hopes more businesses in the area open soon. Earth Rider opened last year, and sometimes people discover the shop while walking to a nearby restaurant or yoga studio, she said. People out shopping on Milwaukee Avenue Wednesday had some lingering concerns about the pandemic, but werent worried about the unrest. I just needed to get out of the house, said Stephanie Fenza, 56, of Logan Square, browsing at Family Thrift Store early Wednesday afternoon. Fenza said she misses going to restaurants, something she used to do five or six times a week, but shes still hesitant to dine out. Shopping, where she can keep her distance from others, seemed safer. Lisa Rubio, 33, of Logan Square, picking up food for her parakeet at Jules Pet Shop, was eager for stores and parks to reopen. I need summer clothes for my kids and my sons eighth grade graduation, she said. She keeps her distance from others when out in public but wasnt worried about the unrest as long as she can be home by the citys 9 p.m. curfew. Luis Perez, owner of Fundamental Body Piercing, had mixed feelings about reopening amid the fallout from Floyds death, but wasnt worried about his businesss security. If I didnt need the money, I would be out showing support, he said. But Perez, of Humboldt Park, said he couldnt afford to stay closed, especially when rules meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 mean he can only work with one client at a time, down from a maximum of seven. His first three days are fully booked, he said. People cant wait to take care of themselves and buy something that makes them feel good, he said. Lauren Zumbach 3:07 p.m.: Local chamber is working to help its members Out of the 1,500 businesses in the area covered by the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, more than 50 have boarded up because they had windows broken or were broken into during the unrest over the weekend, said the chambers executive director, Pamela Maass. The chamber is trying to help some businesses file police reports. Some had trouble submitting them because the online system was swamped with reports, she said. Others are seeking legal assistance because they feel their landlords didnt do enough to protect them by boarding up buildings, she said. But others are eagerly moving ahead with reopening and requesting permits for outdoor dining. The decision depends not only on whether the business suffered damage or is in a particularly hard-hit area, but also where employees live and whether they can safely get to and from work, she said. Its really case by case, she said. While the damage may keep some businesses closed longer than they hoped, Maass said she was confident the unrest wouldnt keep consumers away. The proof was in the activity Monday morning, she said. There were hundreds of people in the neighborhood helping clean up. Lauren Zumbach 2:51 p.m.: Cleanup begins in Bronzeville A sea of boarded up windows greeted volunteers who descended upon the Lake Meadows Shopping Center in Bronzeville Wednesday to help clean up after vandals broke windows and looted most of the stores in the complex. Neither the Walgreens nor the UPS Store nor the nail salon nor the womens clothing shop had been spared. Michelee Harrell, 42, who lives nearby, had been looking forward to possibly grabbing a drink at a bar or sitting on a restaurant patio, as Chicago eased restrictions on businesses sidelined for more than two months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, she was picking up litter and sweeping up debris, and even stores that had previously been open are closed indefinitely. I think were getting further and further away from normal, she said. But the mood was not dour as people from across the city arrived to see how they could help. Joy Williams, an artist and community organizer behind the cleanup, stood before a stack of water, paper towels and garbage bags and directed people to the areas in greatest need, suggesting some people head further south to Roseland. This gave everyone an opportunity to come together and take care of the community in a way that needed to happen, said Williams, 21, who lives in South Shore. The South Side needed to be cleaned up years ago. Though she was sad about the destruction of businesses, she said it had to take something so drastic for people to come together to make change. Williams was heartened to see volunteers from Lakeview and elsewhere on the North Side show up ready to work, as engaging them had been difficult previously. They are very humbly trying to help and they feel remorseful, she said. This is a moment of solidarity and Im really seeing that. Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz 2:41 p.m.: SpotHero lays off 42 employees, saying COVID-19 hurt the parking industry SpotHero laid off 42 employees Tuesday, citing a parking industry that has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. The layoffs represented 22% of the Chicago-based companys employee base. It now employs 147 full-time workers, said Elan Mosbacher, senior vice president of strategy and operations. SpotHero, which launched in 2011, is working to digitize the parking industry. Its platform helps customers find parking, and lets parking garage operators better track data and see trends. COVID-19 kept many Americans home for months. That hit mobility and transportation services hard, including parking, Mosbacher said. SpotHero hopes that trend will start to turn around soon. Read more here. Ally Marotti 2:30 p.m.: 982 new known COVID-19 cases, 97 additional fatalities Illinois officials on Wednesday announced 982 new known cases of COVID-19 and 97 additional fatalities, bringing the total number of known cases to 123,830 and the death toll to 5,621 statewide since the start of the pandemic. 1:58 p.m.: In Logan Square, one of Chicagos biggest dining regions, reopening moves slowly In northern parts of Logan Square at about lunchtime, preparations noticeably were being made at restaurants like the Harding Tavern, Longman and Eagle and Cafe con Leche. At the corner of Sawyer and Milwaukee avenues, Old Plank was making the most of its huge windows. While many nearby restaurants and businesses have boarded windows as a preventative security measure, Esam Hani, the owner of One of a Kind Hospitality which operates Old Plank, said the fact that his restaurants outer walls were more than 50% windows helped it open sooner. By city regulation, restaurants with dining space within 8 feet of such windows can open for outdoor dining. Hani also oversees other restaurants on that stretch of Milwaukee Avenue, and Old Plank has been the first one to reopen. This (property), we were a lot closer to being ready, so this one is first, Hani said. But its not as easy as flipping a switch. Were trying to get employees back right now, but a lot of them are making more money on unemployment right now than they did here. ... We also have to teach everyone coming back new safety operations. Payton Orr and JD Mathys were sitting at a high-top table perched next to one of the restaurants massive windows. Neither of them said they felt particularly worried about COVID in the context of dining out, and they wanted to support the restaurants as long as they are open. Im a little afraid were reopening too soon and everything will have to close again, but I also want these businesses to be able to be open as long as they can, Orr said. I think people should be more concerned about the tens of thousands of people walking through the neighborhood without masks every day, added Mathys. That was about it for Logan Square in the early afternoon. South of Logan Boulevard, no restaurants were open, or even preparing to do so. Adam Lukach 1:44 p.m.: Downtown Chicago restaurants mostly staying closed Most of downtown is fairly quiet, with many restaurants still closed. A few places, like Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse (1028 N. Rush St.) and Maple & Ash (8 W. Maple St.), said they were considering opening Thursday. Lettuce Entertain You, the citys largest restaurant group, held off on opening Wednesday and will release a list of planned opening dates Thursday. But David Flom, the managing partner at Chicago Cut Steakhouse (300 N. LaSalle Drive), says the restaurant has been extremely busy since opening this morning. We already have a 100 people here on the patio, says Flom. We also have a lot of reservations scheduled for tonight. He says theyve been preparing for days to make sure the restaurant met all the guidelines from the city and state, including spacing the tables 6 feet apart, putting up plexiglass where its needed and having set walking paths for customers. The entire staff is also wearing masks, adds Flom. Wishbone (161 N. Jefferson St.) was open at lunchtime with three people sitting on the shaded outdoor patio. General manager Saskia Rivera said they had been getting calls about reservations. When it comes to social distancing, Riveras goal is to take care of staff and customers in the restaurant while keeping an eye on customers waiting outside for a table. By mid-afternoon the restaurant had had just a total of seven dine-in customers. Nick Kindelsperger and Kasondra Van Treeck 1:34 p.m.: Charting structural inequities: How lowest-paid, least-secure jobs also tend to have highest risk for COVID-19 Before the death of George Floyd ignited a powder keg of tensions over social inequities in the U.S., COVID-19 had already laid them bare. Blacks and Latinos, as well as lower-income people, are not only more likely to die from the disease than whites, but also are disproportionately hurt by the economic fallout because of the kinds of jobs they tend to hold. In a new report, the Illinois Economic Policy Institute quantifies the significant structural inequities COVID-19 has revealed about Illinois economy. Workers who hold the essential jobs that have kept society running during the pandemic, as well as nonessential workers like hair stylists and restaurant workers who are most at risk of virus exposure because of the face-to-face nature of their work, grapple with greater job and financial insecurity than their higher-paid counterparts who are able to work from home, the report said. The report lists long-term policy recommendations to support workers at risk of being left behind in the economic recovery, including statewide paid sick leave and a state-run public health insurance option, in hopes they return to a normal that is better than the one they had before. Read more here. Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz and Jonathon Berlin 12:47 p.m.: North Side customers show up for breakfast at restaurant patios While some restaurants geared up to open for dinner service later in the day on Wednesday, many breakfast joints said they wouldnt open until later this week or next week, citing confusion around the rules and regulations that would allow them to seat diners outside. Lost Larson, a bakery in Andersonville, said it hopes to open its back patio for brunch, but will be reservation-only. They have yet to set an opening date, however. But other restaurants were open for breakfast and saw a strong turnout. Although they have a small patio of only three tables total, one of the owners of Savanna Restaurant, an American Ecuadorian breakfast and lunch restaurant in North Center, said hes happy to finally open Wednesday. By mid-morning, they had already seen two tables of longtime customers, who have continued their patronage during the shelter-in-place order. Its been really hard for all this time, said Luis Calderon, one of the owners. Im happy for everything and whats coming for now. Were so excited. Its going to be hard but were going to see what we can do. Cafe Selmarie, a bakery and restaurant in Lincoln Square, said theyre not in a rush to re-open. They plan to take it slow and see what happens, citing COVID-19 and the protests. By mid-morning, the patio at Tweet in Uptown was still full of regulars who had started arrving when the cafe opened at 9:30 a.m. While no one is sitting and doing their crosswords like they would have before, owner Michelle Fire said shes happy that everyone who has come by so far has worn masks and practiced responsible socialization. I think people are ready to come out, period, Fire said. I think they would sit in the rain today, to be truthful. She said the last few months have been extremely difficult for her and her business, and has felt financially and emotionally burdened. I felt like weeping all the time, she said. I still do, but this is a ray of hope, a ray of hope in the fact that everybody showed up in the last hour and a half and theyre being safe. No one is being silly. She said many restaurants probably feel wary about opening right away because of the protests surrounding the killing of George Floyd by a police office on top of the worldwide pandemic that still rages on. But she wanted to re-open Tweet, which she describes as a down-home neighborhood comfort place for this exact reason to provide a safe place for the community and to bring in income for her employees, some of whom have families to support. Im marching forward, she said. Thats all we can do, is march forward. Grace Wong 12:20 p.m.: For some Chicago businesses, the hits keep coming. Im just waiting for an earthquake. On Wednesday morning, Melissa Kmieciak, manager of Ragstock, unlocked the boarded-up door where someone had written empty in hopes of discouraging looters. The store had been vandalized, though she declined to say how extensive the damage was. Ragstock had been ready to reopen after being closed during the COVID-19 shutdown, but will now likely wait until the unrest has calmed. The wait was disappointing, but holding off for a few more days didnt feel that hard, she said. Weve already been closed so long, she said. Milwaukee Furniture, on the other hand, was open even though its window had been broken and remained boarded up. Security cameras caught one person trying to steal a computer and TV, but a police officer stopped the person, who left them behind, said owner Mustafa Quad. Quad has kept the store open for appointments and to fill online orders, and he said he felt comfortable coming back. Business has been down about 85% during the pandemic, Quad said. A couple weeks ago, the store basement was damaged by flooding. Then came damage over the weekend from widespread unrest over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Theres just so much chaos. ... Im just waiting for an earthquake, he said. Michael White, 26, was walking down Milwaukee Avenue with his father Wednesday morning after grabbing coffees at Wormhole. The street looked much cleaner than it had over the weekend, but few shops appeared open for business. White was still wary of going back to the gym because of the risk of exposure to COVID-19, but he had been looking forward to returning to restaurants this week. Now hes less certain, not because of the virus but the risk of getting caught up in the unrest. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but all it takes is a handful of people to start something, he said. Lauren Zumbach 12:08 p.m.: Museum layoff wave continues: Lincoln Park Zoo cuts 18 workers amid COVID-19 budget shortages Even as two outdoor-focused institutions tentatively re-open, the wave of COVID-19-related layoffs at Chicago museums continues. Lincoln Park Zoo said Wednesday it is cutting 18 workers, about 7 percent of its workforce. The move comes as the free north side zoological park anticipates a budget shortfall in the current fiscal year of $2.5 million to $5 million minimally, said Jillian Braun, director of public relations and communications. Braun said the cuts were painful to the zoo, which has long been Chicagos most popular attraction with about 3.5 million annual visitors. Like most major museums and nature parks, it closed in mid-March to help prevent the spread of coronavirus during the global pandemic. Read more here. Steve Johnson 11:41 a.m.: As Chicago enters next phase of reopening, many stores remain boarded up Many businesses along Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park remained boarded up Wednesday morning. At Reckless Records, which had a screen blocking the view inside its store, pieces of paper taped to the window spelled out Black lives matter every day. Reckless Records had hoped to open its Wicker Park and Lakeview stores Wednesday after being closed during the COVID-19 shutdown, but the unrest that hit Wicker Park Sunday put those plans on hold. Reckless Records wasnt damaged, but employees were still getting stores ready to operate safely amid lingering concerns about COVID-19. The stores need plastic sneeze guards, and nearby retailers like Home Depot and Lowes had closed after looting in the area. Other stores are sold out of sneeze guards or required a lengthy wait, said Melissa Grubbs, manager of the Wicker Park store. Reopening Reckless Records smaller Loop store will take more time. But the others will open as soon as possible, she said. We need to be open in order to survive, she said. A couple blocks away from Reckless Records Wicker Park location, salon Fringe also remained closed, with boards over its windows, even though owner Dawn Bublitz had already booked a full slate of clients in anticipation of opening Wednesday. She decided to wait, even though the salon made it through Sundays unrest undamaged. It just does not feel safe, she said. My staff doesnt feel comfortable, and I dont feel comfortable opening until the violence has stopped and the looting has stopped. Early Sunday evening, friends called and warned her she should board up the salon. She grabbed a few neighbors and within an hour removed everything they could, from products to computers. She isnt sure when shell be ready to reopen, but hasnt canceled appointments booked for this weekend yet. Im just telling everyone we dont know, she said. Last week, people couldnt wait to get their hair done after going months without a trip to the salon. Now, it just seems like hair is the least important thing in our lives right now, she said. Lauren Zumbach 8:58 a.m.: They let us down: How the CDC fell short in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic Long considered the worlds premier public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has fallen short in its response to the most urgent public health emergency in its 74-year history a pathogen that has penetrated much of the nation, killing more than 100,000 people. The agency made early missteps in testing and failed to provide timely counts of infections and deaths, hindered by aging technology across the U.S. health system. It hesitated in absorbing the lessons of other countries, and struggled to calibrate the need to move fast and its own imperative to be cautious. Its communications were sometimes confusing, sowing mistrust, even as it clashed with the White House and President Donald Trump. They let us down, said Dr. Stephane Otmezguine, an anesthesiologist who treated coronavirus patients in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The agency issued a statement saying it was providing the best, most current data and scientific understanding we have. But a New York Times review of thousands of emails, and interviews with more than 100 state and federal officials, public health experts, CDC employees and medical workers, documents how the COVID-19 pandemic shook longstanding confidence in the agency and its leader, Dr. Robert R. Redfield. These are some of the key findings. Read more here. The New York Times 7:20 a.m.: Unions, activists to call on Lightfoot to use city workers instead of private contractors for contact tracing A group of activists, elected officials and unions were expected Wednesday to call on Mayor Lori Lightfoot to hire city health workers to do COVID-19 contact tracing instead of using contractors/ The group, including the head of the NAACP South Side Chapter, the head of the Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600 and other community organizations and elected officials were scheduled to hold an online news conference Wednesday morning. Contact tracing by health officials works to determine who a person infected with a disease may have been in contact with, and allows health officials to isolate anyone who may have been infected, to try to slow the spread of a disease. The groups were expected to call on Lightfoot to hire health workers for contact tracing to replace the 1,500 public health nurses and workers lost since 1990, according to a news release. They also were expected to ask the city to work with community groups rather than private contractors and private hospitals. The groups say that the current plan for contact tracing wont have enough transparency, because it will be run by a private contractor. Chicago Tribune staff 6 a.m.: After losing husband and both parents within weeks to COVID-19, suburban woman struggles with the unfathomable When Mayra Velazquez dropped her husband, Saul, off at a hospital near their home in the northwest suburbs, she didnt realize it would be the last time she would be with the love of my life. But COVID-19 was not done with the Hanover Park family. In the days that followed, Velazquez would be forced to drop off both of her parents outside the hospital. Neither survived. In her first public comments after an unimaginable loss, Mayra Velazquez, 37, said she hopes it will serve as a cautionary tale for others to heed public safety guidelines, especially as Illinois has begun to slowly re-open. Read more here. Christy Gutowski 6 a.m.: As unrest jeopardizes some reopening plans, Chicago black chefs have mixed emotions but remain focused on pain behind protests After Mayor Lori Lightfoot cut off access to Chicagos downtown last weekend, protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and resulting civil unrest spilled into neighborhoods, including many predominantly black neighborhoods on the citys South Side. At Virtue in Hyde Park, chef/owner Erick Williams posted a sign in the restaurants window: PLEASE DONT, BLACK OWNED read the most visible text. Williams said the events of this past weekend totally affected Virtues plans to reopen outdoor dining with the rest of the city Wednesday, after Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the go-ahead Tuesday morning, but not because of any property damage. Williams is concerned about his team. Our staff is predominantly African American, and it would be irresponsible for me to have young men and women who are emotionally wired come into the building with the expectation of providing service, and risking their safety to get them here, because now its even more difficult to get to and from (work), he said. Having to make such a consideration underscores the same dangers of being black as the killings of Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other police brutality victims. As Chicago continued to clean up from the fallout of Floyds killing, black chefs and restaurant owners spoke about the need to manage not only their operations, but also the safety of their staffs and their communities. Read more here. Adam Lukach 6 a.m.: Moving during the COVID-19 pandemic? Heres how to prepare for virtual tours and what questions to ask. Finding a place to live is never easy. Finding a place to live in the midst of a global pandemic might seem almost impossible. Since the states stay-at-home order began, real estate agents have gotten creative by virtually showing properties to prospective buyers and renters, using recorded videos, 3D tours and live video chats to give people as clear a picture as possible without them stepping foot inside a home. By ANI BENGALURU: 180 migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh, who were stranded in Karnataka, will be airlifted in a chartered flight to Raipur on June 4 amid the COVID-19 induced nationwide lockdown. "The 180 migrant labourers from Chattisgarh who were stranded in Bengaluru and other towns of Karnataka will be flying back in a private chartered flight," said the state government in a statement. The Chattisgarh migrants will be reaching the Bengaluru airport at 8.30 pm tonight. Recently, the Jharkhand government also airlifted 180 stranded migrants from Andaman and Nicobar Island. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has resumed the domestic air travel by non-scheduled and private operators from May 25, which was halted for over two months in the wake of COVID-19 spread. It was supposed to be Basma's big year: a degree, language certification and maybe a master's abroad. But local protests and a global pandemic threw the Iraqi student's plans off-course. "I've been dreaming of graduation since my first day at university. I even bought a coral pink graduation dress -- and I never wear dresses," said Basma, who studies at Baghdad's Mustansariyah University. "Now I don't know when I can wear it." Nearly 150,000 Iraqis may not graduate as planned this spring, according to the higher education ministry's spokesman Haider Al-Abboudi, as their universities were shut down first by mass anti-government protests, then the spreading coronavirus. That will delay their hunt for jobs in a country where youth unemployment is already a staggering 36 percent and is likely to spike much higher as the country faces a financial crisis. Basma Haitham, 23, had meticulously planned her studies so she could secure a rare private sector job in Iraq. Once armed with a degree in English literature, she hoped to take two language certifications then pursue a master's in either business administration or interpretation. But then the protests erupted. The rallies demanding the overhaul of a political class seen as corrupt, inept and beholden to neighbouring Iran broke out in Baghdad and the country's Shiite-majority south on October 1 -- the first week of class. Leaving their classrooms behind, students took a leading role by organising strikes, erecting protest tents named after their academic departments and staging marches to buoy the movement when it dwindled. "Sometimes I'd go without my parents knowing," Basma said. - 'It's all Netflix' - With so few students attending class, most universities rescheduled first semester exams for late February or March and implemented online learning modules. But something else had been bubbling: the coronavirus. Just as students prepared to take the rescheduled exams, the government shut down all major gathering places -- including universities -- to forestall the spread of the virus. Some classes have continued online, but with no exams or final projects, long-awaited graduation ceremonies have been put off, as have international scholarships. According to the US embassy in Baghdad, between 200 and 250 students who were meant to study in the US this year will not be able to travel, due to coronavirus movement restrictions. "The whole atmosphere of graduation, of farewell -- we won't live any of it," said Raneen al-Khalili, 25, who studies telecommunication engineering at Al Mamoun University College in Baghdad. The higher education ministry will announce a schedule for final exams "soon," including logistical guidelines to keep students healthy, its spokesman Abboudi said. But for Mayyada Mohammad, 23, it is already too late. To graduate, the Baghdad University fine arts student must complete a final sculpting project in the university studio, closed for more than two months now. "The latest thing we heard was that we'd start projects next year, so we'd graduate a year late. But some of us can't afford that. We need to start working," she said. She joined the anti-government protests last year but admitted the weak turnout lately had discouraged her from returning to the streets. "This whole year slipped through our fingers. It's like it never happened," she told AFP from her home in Baghdad. "Now it's all Netflix, all the time." - 'I've lost all hope' - More than 60 percent of Iraq's population of 40 million is under 25 and it is estimated there will be another 10 million by 2030. Most senior students rely on the government's socialist-era programme of mass hiring, where recent graduates are allocated jobs in the country's bloated public sector. But the government has struggled to absorb the new waves of graduates in recent years, which has worried 22-year-old medical student Sajad Matar. "I was supposed to graduate this year but my heart is telling me it's not going to happen," he lamented. The class of 2019 from the private university he attends had yet to be appointed to government jobs, making it unlikely he would get selected before the end of 2021. That means he will stay at home with his parents in Nasiriyah, another protest hotspot, without the 700,000 Iraqi dinars (about $600) monthly salary he had expected. "On top of that, the university still wants us to pay the 1,750,000 Iraqi dinars ($1,500) of tuition for the spring semester," Matar added bitterly. "But there's no work in Nasiriyah for me. Of course I'm afraid for my future -- I've lost all hope." As anticipation continued to build for a planned partial reopening Friday, Mayor Jim Kenney on Wednesday cast some uncertainty about whether the city would delay its move to the yellow phase. "Im not going to say that officially, Kenney said in response to questions about Philadelphias plan to move to yellow on Friday. The numbers are trending in that direction, he said, but added that well have to see what happens today, tonight, tomorrow, Friday with regard to crowds. Protests continued for the fifth day in Philadelphia, drawing masses of people many of whom were not social distancing. Im a little concerned, though, what might happen with 3-, 4-, 5,000 people close together without a mask for days on end," the mayor said. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health reported Wednesday an additional 126 cases of COVID-19, for a total of 23,160, including 1,324 deaths. Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine said Wednesday that the Health Department is keeping a close eye on developments in the Philadelphia region but that the city and its surrounding counties are still on track to move to the yellow reopening phase Friday. Were comfortable with Southeast Pennsylvania, Levine said. Also Wednesday, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that he would allow the amended stay-at-home order to expire at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. The stay-at-home requirements were in effect only for counties still in the red phase. Pennsylvania reported an additional 511 cases, for a cumulative total of 73,405, including 5,742 deaths. New Jersey added 523 cases, for a total of 162,068, of whom 11,880 have died. As phased reopening continues and all 67 counties are either in the yellow or green phase by Friday, we will no longer have a stay-at-home order in effect, Wolf said. I remind Pennsylvanians that yellow means caution, and even in the green phase everyone needs to take precautions to keep themselves and their communities healthy. In Chester County, plans to move to a yellow phase reopening have not been deterred by a slight uptick in cases. Everyone has to accept we are going to see some increases before we trend back down, said Jeanne Casner, Chester County health director, who attributed the slight rise in cases to increased testing in the county and more people going out, but said she is not concerned. Casner said she understands that people are eager to resume some of their normal activities but urged residents of Chester and Delaware Counties to continue practicing safety measures in public, including social distancing and wearing masks. Yellow is not open. Yellow still has a good number of restrictions green, even, has restrictions, she said. As more parts of the state reopen, the Pennsylvania Health Department is ramping up its contact tracing program, in anticipation of a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. Levine said her department is working with the Temple University College of Public Health to train 200 students as contact tracers for southeast and northeast Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State College of Medicine students will assist with tracing efforts elsewhere in the state. Temple plans to launch a 10-hour, self-guided online training program in mid-June. The program will eventually be open to the general public and could train up to 1,000 people by the end of the summer, said Resa Jones, chair of Temples department of epidemiology and biostatistics, who spearheaded creation of the new program. The initial cohort of 200 students will participate in the tracing training as part of their degree coursework. Contact tracing will be a key strategy in limiting community spread of the virus as people begin to resume their normal activities. COVID-19 is not behind us, Levine said. People need to stay vigilant that COVID-19 is still here. That was apparent in Philadelphia, where the law enforcement community mourned the death of a Philadelphia firefighter. Eric Gore, 48, died Tuesday of COVID-19 at Temple University Hospital. Gore had served with the citys Fire Department for nearly 24 years. "He served with immense dedication, and we will forever honor him, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said. In New Jersey, where the virus has hit nursing homes especially hard, Gov. Phil Murphy announced findings of an independent report to improve care in such facilities. Among the recommendations were paid sick leave and increased wages for staff, along with increased tracking of quality measures and greater penalties for those that fall short. In research news, a large, randomized study of hydroxychloroquine the drug that President Donald Trump touted as a game changer suggests it cannot prevent infection with the coronavirus. Previous studies of the drug, which is used primarily to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, have suggested that it also does not help COVID-19 patients recover, but the evidence in either direction is murky. The World Health Organization suspended its trial of the drug amid concerns of side effects in May, then announced Wednesday it would resume, after physicians raised doubts about the data. The new study, written by University of Minnesota researchers in the New England Journal of Medicine, tracked 821 adults who were exposed to COVID-19 from someone in the same household or through their jobs. Half took the drug for five days and half took a placebo. After two weeks, 12% of those given hydroxychloroquine developed COVID-19, compared with 14% of those given the placebo a difference that was not statistically significant. Staff writers Laura McCrystal and Rob Tornoe contributed to this article. by Mathias Hariyad The Justice Peace and Integrity Creation (JPIC) service of the Franciscan Capuchin Order of Pontianak undertook a major humanitarian initiative together with local partners. Pontianak (AsiaNews) the Justice Peace and Integrity Creation (JPIC) service of the Franciscan Capuchin Order in Pontianak undertook a major humanitarian initiative together with local partners, like the West Borneo Vespa Lovers of western Borneo, an informal humanitarian group involved in interfaith work in Pontianak, the capital West Kalimantan province. "We do it for humanitarian reasons, said Brother Stefanus Paiman O.F.M.Cap. (pictured right with Brother Herman Mayong), a Capuchin who coordinates the programme. The project was implemented between 3 April until late May thanks to almost 1,2 billion rupiahs (US,000) raised in a few weeks. The group handed out at least 8,065 parcels of food and drink to people affected by COVID-19, Brother Stefanus Paiman O.F.M.CAP. told AsiaNews. This was done in Pontianak itself and in the more remote areas of this huge province of western Kalimantan, places like Ketapang regency, which is larger than some provinces in Java, as well as remote areas in several districts, like Singkawang, Kubu Raya, Kayong Utara, Mempawah, Sambas, Bengkayang, Sanggau, Kapuas Hulu and Landak. Meeting good people in remote areas For the Capuchin brother, reaching such remote areas in the middle of nowhere was the most memorable experience during this outreach campaign. With the helpful assistance and full support of numerous Franciscan volunteers and their local partners, we finally managed to reach some of the more remote areas in the upstream area of West Kalimantan, like Kapuas Hulu and Landjak, Brother Stefanus said. Sometimes we had to take breaks, sleeping in the middle of palm plantations. In fact, our group has gotten used to sleep at night in such a place. What really comforted them was the fact that on their way back to Pontianak, which coincided with the celebration of Eid-al-Fitri, Muslims in Penyeladi, Sanggau district, treated us cordially and amicably with lots of food and drink. Unfortunately, West Kalimantan is becoming a COVID-19 hotspot (with direct access to Sarawak, eastern Malaysia) and we want to help the government within our means and skills. People in these remote areas are the most affected, living in the middle of a huge palm plantation. "What they need are simple things like food," said the Capuchin. To get to these remote areas we had to travel on waterways by motorboats because during the rainy season, it is hard to drive along the main access road. When we have to use minivans or lorries, a special device is needed on the wheel so that our lorries dont turn over. The full support of the Order Father Provincial Herman Mayong O.F.M.Cap. told AsiaNews that the programme received the financial support of the Franciscan Capuchin Order in Pontianak. Through its Justice Peace and Integrity Creation (JPIC) service in Pontianak, the religious order received financial aid from local and foreign Capuchin networks, as well as local partners. When COVID-19 exploded in West Kalimantan province, I strongly pushed our province of the Capuchin Order in Pontianak to do something useful for the most unfortunate people, said the clergyman, an ethnic Dayak, speaking to AsiaNews. Together with Fr William Chang, deputy provincial of the Capuchin Order, the vicar general of the Archdiocese of Pontianak, and the head of our JPIC, we worked out the humanitarian programme, which Brother Stefanus Paiman carried out. "Our action was motivated mainly by Saint Francis, whose strong love for the poor inspired our Capuchin patrons who were very active in helping patients during the plague. "What made us very happy about this humanitarian initiative is the strong and positive response from the Catholic and non-Catholic communities in West Kalimantan province and our Capuchins in the Roman Curia. The ministry did not provide information on whether Mark Ester had accepted the invite Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu TASS Defense Minister of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu invited U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper to a military parade in Moscows Red Square that is expected to take place on June 24, Reuters reported. The parade is set to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. It was postponed from the actual anniversary on May 9 due to the coronavirus pandemic. As of now, the ministry did not provide information on whether Ester had accepted the invite or not. As we reported earlier, on May 9, a military parade on the occasion of Victory over Nazism in World War II was held in Belarus. The event was attended by more than 3 000 people, military equipment, and aviation. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said at the parade that "there will be people in this distraught world who will condemn it." Take your time to draw conclusions, and even more so condemn us - the heirs of the Victory, the Belarusians. We simply could not do otherwise, we had no other choice. And if we had, we would have done the same, he stated. Sweden's chief epidemiologist, who advocated a no-lockdown strategy to combat the coronavirus epidemic in the country, is conceding that more could have been done. "Yes, I think we could have done better in what we did in Sweden, clearly," Anders Tegnell, Sweden's state epidemiologist at its Public Health Agency, told Swedish radio Wednesday, Reuters reported. "If we were to run into the same disease, knowing exactly what we know about it today, I think we would end up doing something in between what Sweden did and what the rest of the world has done," he said. Unlike most of Europe, Sweden decided against implementing a full lockdown of public and economic life when the coronavirus began to spread in Europe in March, opting instead for largely voluntary measures. Schools remained open for those under 16, and bars and restaurants could serve customers as long as they were seated. The government advocated personal hygiene measures, social distancing and working from home if possible, and banned mass gatherings and visits to care homes. But although the capital Stockholm was quieter, life carried on much as before, residents said. The strategy has proved controversial, with Tegnell and his team accused of playing "Russian roulette" with people's lives in pursuit of "herd immunity" a strategy that tacitly allows a virus to spread in the hopes that the majority of people develop antibodies against it. The policy has proved costly, however, as the virus has hit Sweden harder than its neighbors, with care homes particularly badly affected. To date, 4,468 people have died from the virus in Sweden , a country with around 10 million inhabitants, and there have been 38,589 confirmed cases. The numbers were far higher than those in its neighbors Denmark, Norway and Finland, which each have a population of around 5 million and imposed far stricter lockdowns. Tegnell said that, in time, it might become clear which measures, taken elsewhere, could have been effective in Sweden. "Maybe we will find this out now that people have started removing measures, one at a time," he said. "And then maybe we will get some kind of information on what, in addition to what we did, we could do without adopting a total lockdown." Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven has said the government will launch an investigation into the handling of the pandemic. June 3 (Reuters) - New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday took a swipe at U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial walk two days ago when protesters were cleared before he walked to a church across the street from the White House where he held up a Bible but did not read from it. "The president held up the Bible the other day in Washington, D.C. Here in New York we actually read the Bible," Cuomo told a briefing before reading some passages from the book. (reporting by Nathan Layne in Wilton, Connecticut and Maria Caspani in New York Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) Defence secretary Ajay Kumar has tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and is under home quarantine, two people familiar with the development said on Wednesday on the condition of anonymity. Kumar got himself tested for Covid-19 after developing mild fever and was found to be infected, said one of the persons. He tested positive on Tuesday. His condition is stable and he will stay at home till he tests negative, said another person. A defence ministry spokesperson refused to comment on the matter. Necessary contact tracing is being carried out in the case of the defence secretary to identify people he may have recently come in contact with and who may now be in the high-risk category, officials said. Kumar is the first top government official to test positive for the disease. The chief of defence staff and the three service chiefs may not have had direct contact with Kumar during the last four days, the officials added. Defence minister Rajnath Singh did not attend office on Wednesday but it was not immediately known why. The minister is discharging his duties as usual, the officials said. The first-floor section of the South Block in which the defence secretary has his office is being sanitised. All protocols are being followed. Nothing is being taken lightly, the officials said. Several top officials have their offices on the first floor including the defence minister, the army chief, the navy chief and a string of bureaucrats. Also, more Covid-19 cases have surfaced in Shastri Bhawan as Delhi has witnessed a steady increase in infections. According to officials, a joint secretary in the law ministry and the driver of a joint secretary in the culture ministry have also tested positive for the highly contagious disease. Some days ago, a section officer in the coal ministry died due to Covid-19. Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is sworn in before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday. Read more WASHINGTON Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein told lawmakers Wednesday that he would not have approved an FBI surveillance application for a former Trump campaign aide during the Russia investigation had he known at the time about the problems that have since been revealed. Rosenstein's comments amounted to a striking concession that law enforcement officials made mistakes as they scrutinized ties between Russia and Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. But even as he acknowledged the legitimacy of anger from Trump and his allies, he defended his appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller to lead the probe and affirmed his support for the conclusion that Russia interfered but did not criminally conspire with associates of the Trump campaign. I do not consider the investigation to be corrupt, but I understand the presidents frustration given the outcome that there was no evidence of a conspiracy between the campaign and Russia, Rosenstein said. His appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee was for the first in a series of oversight hearings scrutinizing the FBIs Russia investigation and the law enforcement officials involved. With subpoena authority expected to be granted this week, the hearing served as the opening salvo of the GOP's election-year congressional investigation into what they say are damaging findings about the Russia probe from an inspector general review. The president's allies have taken fresh aim at the Russia investigation over the last year, pointing to newly declassified information to allege that Trump and his associates were unfairly pursued. They have also claimed vindication from the Justice Department's decision to dismiss the case against ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn and at times advanced unsupported theories against Obama administration officials. Were going to look backward so we can move forward," committee chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said in explaining the purpose for the hearings. If you dont like Trump, fine, but this is not about Trump or not liking Trump. This is about moving forward as a nation." Graham also questioned whether Mueller should have been appointed at all. Rosenstein said he believed there was a sufficient basis for the investigation when he appointed Mueller in May 2017, but when Graham asked if he would agree that by that August, there was no there there, Rosenstein said yes. Democrats lamented the hearing's politically charged and retrospective nature, saying Republicans were attempting to refocus attention away from more urgent problems, including unrest in cities set off by the death of George Floyd and the coronavirus pandemic. This hearing wastes this committees time in a blatant effort to support the presidents conspiracy theories and to help the presidents reelection, said Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii. The hearing delved into detail in two areas that Trump allies have recently seized on to challenge the conduct of law enforcement. Rosenstein was pressed repeatedly about his decision to sign off on the fourth and final application for a warrant to eavesdrop on Trump campaign adviser Carter Page on suspicion that he was a Russian agent. Page has denied wrongdoing and was never charged with a crime, and a Justice Department inspector general report identified significant errors and omissions in each of the applications submitted to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. The watchdog said the FBI relied in part for its applications on a dossier of information compiled by a former British spy whose research was funded by Democrats and the Hillary Clinton campaign. The FBI used the dossier even though agents were aware of the possibility that it could have been colored by Russian disinformation and omitted information that called into question allegations they were making in the application. Asked by Graham if he would have signed the warrant application knowing what he knows now, Rosenstein replied, No, I would not." The inspector general said senior Justice Department officials were given incomplete information by the FBI. Rosenstein confirmed that, saying he was unaware of the problems when he signed off on the final warrant application and that every application that I approved appeared to be justified based on the facts it alleged. Though Rosenstein was a Trump appointee, he has often been regarded with suspicion by many supporters of the president, and Trump himself, for his role in the Russia investigation. Rosenstein's fate was most dramatically in limbo in September 2018 after it was reported that he had floated the idea of wearing a wire inside the White House to record conversations with Trump. Rosenstein denied that on Wednesday. Rosenstein assumed oversight of the Russia investigation after then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions withdrew from the inquiry. He appointed Mueller and spent most of the next two years supervising his work. Mueller's report last year detailed significant contacts between Russia and the Trump campaign but did not allege a criminal conspiracy. It examined about a dozen episodes for potential obstruction of justice by Trump, but did not reach a conclusion as to whether he broke the law. Rosenstein was also pressed about his oversight of Flynn's guilty plea with the Mueller team. Flynn admitted lying to the FBI about his conversations with the Russian ambassador during the presidential transition period regarding U.S. sanctions. The Justice Department moved to dismiss the case last month, saying Flynn's contacts with the diplomat were entirely appropriate and that the FBI had insufficient basis to interview him, especially since agents had been prepared earlier in the month to close their investigation into Flynn after finding no evidence that he had broken the law. Rosenstein said he had no recollection that the FBI had planned to close the investigation into Flynn, but that that fact would have mattered to him. The Judiciary Committee on Thursday plans to vote on whether to authorize subpoenas for more than 50 current and former officials involved in investigating Russian election interference, including former FBI Director James Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report. Fifteen nongovernmental organizations in Tajikistan, along with several noted journalists, have urged officials to "thoroughly" investigate the recent beatings of a journalist working for independent Asia Plus news agency. In their open letter made public on June 3 and addressed to the presidential administration, the Prosecutor-General's Office, and the country's ombudsman, the group -- including well-known Tajik organizations defending civil rights, such as Apeiron, Nota Bene, The World of Law, and the Independent Human Rights Center -- called for the attackers of Abdulloh Ghurbati to be "adequately" punished. The authors of the statement also called on Tajik authorities to comply with national and international standards recognized by Tajikistan and to abandon the practice of harassing journalists and putting pressure on their professional activities. The humiliation of journalists because of their professional activities, as well as the failure to properly respond and investigate such attacks on journalists and media representatives, can lead to a significant deterioration with the freedom of expression in Tajikistan, as impunity contributes to an atmosphere of fear, self-censorship, and a decrease in the activities of journalists and media outlets in the country," the letter says. Ghurbati was attacked twice last month -- on May 11 in Dushanbe near his home and on May 29 in the southern Khatlon region when he was working on a report about the aftermath of a recent landslide that killed two men. The assailants in the first attack have not yet been found, while in the second case, police tried to accuse Ghurbati of provoking the attack by entering -- without permission -- tents used by some local residents as temporary shelters after their houses were destroyed by the landslide. Ghurbati rejected the claims, saying that he didn't even have a chance to enter any of the tents and that he was attacked far away from where they were located. In the end, police identified the attackers as three local residents, who were found guilty of petty hooliganism and fined 580 somonis ($56) each. Rights defending NGOs and journalists, meanwhile, stressed in their letter that the three attackers should have been charged with obstruction of the legitimate professional activities of a journalist, a more serious felony. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has condemned the attacks and urged Tajik authorities to thoroughly investigate them In April, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Tajikistan 161st out of 180 countries for press freedom. According to RSF, conditions for independent media working in Tajikistan have dramatically worsened in the last two years. Confederate monuments have been toppled in Southern states including Alabama, South Carolina, and Virginia during the historic George Floyd protests sweeping the country. On Tuesday morning the bronze statue of Confederate soldier 'Appomattox' was taken down in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia by its owners who feared it would be vandalized in demonstrations. The statue, erected in 1889 to honor Confederate soldiers, has been a point of controversy for years but remained standing despite repeated demands for removal, until this week. Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson tweeted photos of the statue removal saying: 'Alexandria, like all great cities, is constantly changing and evolving.' On Tuesday morning the bronze statue of Confederate soldier 'Appomattox' was taken down in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia by its owners the United Daughters of the Confederacy for fear that it would get vandalized as other Confederate monuments have amid protests The statue, erected in 1889 to honor Confederate soldiers, has been a point of controversy for years but remained standing after repeated demands for removal, until this week. A crane pictured picking up the historic statue Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson tweeted photos of the statue removal saying, 'Alexandria, like all great cities, is constantly changing and evolving' The bronze statue stood at its post in downtown Alexandria for nearly 130 years. The statue stands with his back to the nation's capital as he gazes towards where the bloody battlefields of the Civil War once stood A city spokesperson said the owner of the statue the United Daughters of the Confederacy notified the city Monday that they would remove the statue. Mayor Wilson said the group opted to remove the memorial because other segregation-era statues have been vandalized in protests sweeping the nation. It was removed following seven days of protests, both peaceful and violent, across the country to decry the police killing of black man George Floyd. The owners had previously planned to relocate the 131-year-old statue in July, in accordance with a new state law that allows localities to remove, relocate or contextualize Confederate monuments. On Monday night the 115-year-old Confederate Soldiers and Sailors monument in Birmingham, Alabama was removed from its pedestal after it became a focal point in protests against police brutality on Sunday night into early Monday. In Birmingham, Alabama the 115-year-old Confederate Soldiers and Sailors monument was removed from its pedestal on Monday night. The historic monument located in Birmingham's Linn park was removed Monday evening after it became a focal point of protests that led to unrest in the city on Sunday night into Monday Workers pictured taking apart the historic statue that served as constant reminder of the losing faction in the American Civil war The Confederate Soldiers and Sailors monument in Birmingham's Linn Park was heavily defaced by protesters decrying police brutality over the weekend Sarah Collins Rudolph smiles with her husband George Rudolph in front of the remains of the Confederate memorial. As of Tuesday morning all that remained of the statue was its vandalized base Robert Walker poses for a photograph on the remains of a Confederate memorial that was removed overnight in Birmingham, Alabama on Tuesday The statue was removed after the citys Mayor Randall Woodfin vowed to remove offensive statues in the city. It was dismantled on what would have been the 212th birthday of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy. The statue had been heavily defaced and covered in graffiti in protests in the city this past week. Now all that's left are the graffitied words 'Black Lives Matter.' Mayor Woodfin said city leaders will not disclose the location of the monument in order to protect it from further damage, as per WBRC. City leaders will decide with state leaders about where the monument will eventually go. Birmingham: An unidentified man walks past a toppled statue of Charles Linn, a city founder who was in the Confederate Navy, in Birmingham, Alabama on Monday following a night of unrest Before the fall: The standing Charles Linn statue in Linn Park in Birmingham, Alabama pictured in 2018 Protesters pictured surrounding the fallen and vandalized Charles Linn statue Birmingham where confederate monument was just taken down pic.twitter.com/nXXiNZ3rfr Daniel Uhlfelder (@DWUhlfelderLaw) June 1, 2020 Sarah Collins Rudolph, whose sister Addie Mae Collins died in the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church, had to see the sight for herself on Tuesday. She lowered a protective face mask to take in the absence of an edifice she long considered a symbol of oppression. 'I'm glad it's been removed because it has been so long, and we know that it's a hate monument,' Rudolph, 69, said Tuesday. 'It didn't represent the blacks. It just represented the hard times back there a long time ago.' In Montgomery, Alabama a statue of General Robert E Lee, the Commander of the Confederate Army in the Civil War, was toppled on Monday. The empty pedestal that once held the monument pictured Tuesday The standing statue of Robert E. Lee in front of Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama pictured above in photo from 2012 This image shared to Facebook shows people standing around the fallen monument in protests over the weekend Police pictured next to the fallen Robert E. Lee statue after it was toppled in front of the Lee High School, which has a majority black population, in Montgomery, Alabama Last week a crowd of protesters decrying police brutality toppled a statue of Confederate Navy captain Charles Linn in a park named after him in Birmingham, Alabama. The Linn monument, just like many other Confederate soldier monuments in the South, has been a point of contentious debate. Previous efforts to remove it were blocked by the Alabama attorney general in defense of the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act, a Republican-backed legislation aimed at making it harder to remove Confederate monuments. But the protests led locals to deal with the monument in their own way. One person shared video of the statues fall on Twitter saying: 'This is the only kind of destruction we need. Stop burning down the community and burn down the confederate relics.' In Montgomery, Alabama a statue of General Robert E Lee, the Commander of the Confederate Army in the Civil War, was toppled on Monday. Four people were charged with criminal mischief after they removed the statue amid nationwide protests. A Montgomery Public Schools spokesperson confirmed Tuesday the system has the piece and that it is in storage for safekeeping. In Nashville, Tenneessee a statue of controversial former lawmaker and newspaper publisher Edward Carmack, who was known for his racist views, was torn down on Saturday Protesters brought down the statue that stood outside the state Capitol after a peaceful demonstration turned violent on Sunday Protesters hold signs around the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia on Tuesday A group of protesters gather around the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia chanting 'Tear it down' Spray paint that reads 'Yall Not Tired Yet?' is seen on the base of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, the morning after protests over the death of George Floyd Spray paint that reads 'Do Black Vets Count?' is seen World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, Sunday. The memorial honors and remembers the one million black veterans who served In Nashville, Tenneessee a statue of controversial former lawmaker and newspaper publisher Edward Carmack, who was known for his racist views, was torn down on Saturday. Outside Tampa, Florida, a Sons of Confederate Veterans chapter lowered a huge Confederate battle flag that has long been flown in view of two interstate highways. Confederate monuments that havent been toppled have been heavily vandalized, such as the Robert E. Lee memorial and the Stonewall Jackson statue in Richmond, Virginia and the Confederate Defender statue in Charleston, South Carolina, which are now covered in graffiti and spray paint. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: The Hajj pilgrimage from Azerbaijan may not take place this year, the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO) told Trend. According to the report, there have been no notifications from Saudi Arabia about the Hajj pilgrimage, and if there is no response, then the Hajj pilgrimage will not be organized this year. "The Hajj pilgrimage takes place on the basis of a certain procedure (receipt of documents, organization of flights, etc.). All these are time-consuming issues. If a notification is received from Saudi Arabia within this month and the acceptance of documents is resumed, the Hajj may take place, but it will be late next month. The Eid al-Adha occurs once a year, and until then, the Hajj must take place, " report said. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Azerbaijan has applied certain restriction measures related to social distancing and other preventive measures to decrease the disk of the virus spread. Before the quarantine regime was introduced in Azerbaijan, more than 250 people applied for Hajj. After the introduction of the quarantine regime on March 24, no more applications are being accepted for Hajj, the report added. In general, the acceptance of documents for the Hajj began on January 27. The cost of the pilgrimage is $4,490. Last year, the amount was $4,285. This year's price increase is due to higher hotel services and the introduction of visa fees. Women in northeast Syria are now allowed to participate in social meetings pertaining to political and tribal matters. One female Syriac Christian official in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria that governs the area welcomed the new move, saying it counters centuries of women being sidelined in the region. In the Middle East, women are only at home and men have bigger roles, Elizabeth Gawryie, a deputy of the administrations Executive Council, told Al-Monitor. But women must have equality and rights. Last week, Syrian Kurdish leader Ilham Ahmed tweeted that women would be allowed to participate in the meetings known as al-madhafah. Ahmed is the president of the Executive Committee in the Syrian Democratic Council. The council is the political wing of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed group that controls the statelet in northeast Syria. The forces are led by Kurds, but include an array of Christian and Arab groups as well. The gatherings Ahmed spoke about are of local male leaders who discuss political matters. Parts of northeast Syria have prominent tribes who wield significant influence over the community. Their role is important in northeast Syria because the SDF often negotiates with the tribes, which are politically divided. Some women in northeast Syria feel empowered by the news. Gawryie said she is optimistic women will have a greater say in political matters now. Our goal is for women to be participants, especially in politics, she added. Women already have relative freedom in northeast Syria, according to Gawryie. She pointed to the role of women in Syriac military groups, for example. (The Syrian government only requires men to serve in the military and Syrian rebel groups consist solely of male fighters.) Northeast Syria has a degree of equality in general already, she said, also noting the availability of education in Kurdish, Arabic and Syriac a form of Aramaic spoken by Christians. We along with Kurds and Arabs have built an administration with general rights for society, Gawryie said. There are equal rights and duties. There are rights for Arabic, Kurdish and Syriac languages. Women Defend Rojava is a campaign that supports women in northeast Syria, which the Kurds refer to as Rojava. Stera Abdo, spokeswoman for the movement, agreed with Gawryie that women already have a say in politics in northeast Syria. Many institutions in northeast Syria have dual leaders allowing for a man and a woman to lead them. There is also a 40% gender quota for all institutions and organizations in the autonomous administration, she told Al-Monitor. Women were already discussing politics with tribes, making their formal participation in al-madhafah meetings a logical development, according to Abdo. We can imagine that the thinking of the tribes is slowly changing. The tribal leaders are already sitting around a table with female politicians and discussing, so it is just another step that women from the tribes get involved. There are some issues facing women in northeast Syria inside and out of SDF territory. Last year, Human Rights Watch reported that Islamic State-affiliated women cannot leave the SDF-controlled al-Hol camp except for emergencies. The SDF fears residents could rebel in the camp, and many are still loyal to IS. The SDF has repeatedly called on countries to take back their citizens there. Recently, there have been several kidnappings of women in Afrin, which Turkish-backed Syrian rebel groups took from the SDF in 2018. In a discussion with reporters last week, Ahmed also said that the Syrian Democratic Council is aware of the issue of abuse of women during the coronavirus lockdown in northeast Syria. In the context of the coronavirus, we are trying to engage in a research effort on the implications for women during the pandemic regarding violence against women, she noted. Rising violence against women during the virus-related lockdown is a problem throughout the Middle East and the world. The council is working to help people speak out on the topic, according to Ahmed. In Middle Eastern society in general, people are less likely to talk, she added. I can say people have opened up who wouldnt have previously." Indian pharmaceutical companies are yet to receive an approval to market remdesivir - the COVID-19 drug, the Business Standard has reported. It is the only drug so far that has shown significant effect on patients infected with novel coronavirus. This comes despite the Indian drug regulator the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CSDSCO) having granted conditional approval to Gilead Sciences to market the investigational drug. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report. The conditional marketing authorisation for remdesivir was granted under an accelerated review process, considering the emergency situation and unmet medical needs in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Moneycontrol reported earlier. Gilead Sciences' experimental drug Remdesivir has been found to aid in the recovery of COVID-19 patients. 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 In India, the US-based company has licensing agreements for Remdesivir with four pharmaceutical companies Cipla, Hetero Drugs, Jubilant Life Sciences and Mylan. The newspaper report further suggests that firms have not yet approached the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Regulator (NPPA) formally to discuss pricing of the drug, which will be used on hospitalised patients. Additionally, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which will decide the dosage, it is yet to come up with an advisory. It was also reported earlier that companies licensed to manufacture Remdesivir might have to sell it only to government institutions for now as the drug was still under trial. Gilead Sciences is reportedly developing easier-to-administer versions of Remdesivir for COVID-19 that could be used outside of hospitals, including ones that can be inhaled, after trials showed moderate effectiveness for the drug given by infusion. For critically-ill patients, Roche and Eli Lilly and Co are testing drugs in combination with remdesivir. London: British police said on Wednesday a German man has been identified as a suspect in the case of a three-year-old British girl who disappeared 13 years ago while on holiday in Portugal. The Metropolitan Police did not name the man, but said he was 43 and was in and around the Praia da Luz resort area on the Algarve coast at the time Madeleine McCann disappeared on May 3, 2007. Madeleine McCann disappeared when she was three years old on a family holiday in Portugal. Credit:REAL MADRID TV The long-running case of McCann, who vanished shortly before her fourth birthday, has intrigued Britain for years. Her parents say Madeleine went missing after they had left her and her twin siblings asleep in their holiday complex while they had dinner with friends at a nearby restaurant. An investigation by British police has identified more than 600 people as being potentially significant. Officers were tipped off about the German suspect following a 2017 appeal. After a crash of near epic proportions, there has been a significant rebound. But even with these better numbers, the economy is in trouble and credit managers should remain wary. After what can be considered the worst month in the history of NACMs Credit Managers Index (CMI), several factors rebounded in May. The current index showed many gains, especially in the favorable factors, but NACM Economist Chris Kuehl, Ph.D., says dont celebrate too early. The combined index jumped to 44.1 in May after freefalling to 40.6 in April. All four favorable factors improved, but they all remain in contraction territory (under 50). The new credit applications category was the big mover in May, vaulting from 31.1 to 43.3, and sales increased more than eight points to 28.6. The unfavorables inched forward in May due to improvements in accounts placed for collection, dollar amount beyond terms and dollar amount of customer deductions. Rejections of credit applications worsened but still sit above 50 in expansion territory. A key factor was bankruptcy filings, which slipped into contraction for the first time in several years, noted Kuehl. This is a sign that already weak companies are succumbing to the lockdown recession. In the manufacturing sector, amount of credit extended was the only favorable factor to sliproughly two points. New credit applications and dollar collections each jumped back into the 40s, but sales remained below 30. Four of the six unfavorables improved and stayed in expansion territory. Dollar amount beyond terms improved but is in the 30s. Bankruptcies fell into contraction territory, albeit at 49.3. The overall sector index improved to 44.1 from 42. The service sector fared slightly better than manufacturing, also hitting 44.1. Sales was the lone favorable to not join the 40s, while new credit applications skyrocketed from 26.5 in April to 43.5 in May. Dollar collections improved as well, a good sign as far as recovery is concerned. It would indicate that companies were both able to pay their creditors and were willing to do so. In the prior month, the desire to hoard cash was overwhelming the desire to stay current on their credit, Kuehl said. The theme of bankruptcies continued in the service sector, falling deeper into contraction at 45.3 from 49.3. Rejections in credit applications also fell but stayed in expansion territory. Accounts placed for collection and dollar amount of customer deductions improved, with the latter rejoining the expansion zone. After a crash of near epic proportions, there has been a significant rebound. But even with these better numbers, the economy is in trouble and credit managers should remain wary, Kuehl said. The willingness to take some risks will be present with manufacturers, but the service side will be treated with more caution and trepidation. The data this month would suggest that many are seeing a better future ahead, continued Kuehl. It may be possible to assert that April will be the bottom of this crisis and conditions should improve from this point. Over the last few months, the majority of the damage has been seen in the favorable factors as the lockdown recession took its toll. It was impossible for the majority of the business community to function at any level under these conditions, but now there appears to be a slow and halting movement to allow the recovery of the economy. For a complete breakdown of the manufacturing and service sector data and graphics, view the May 2020 report at http://web.nacm.org/CMI/PDF/CMIcurrent.pdf. CMI archives may also be viewed on NACMs website at http://www.nacm.org/cmi/cmi-archive. ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CREDIT MANAGEMENT NACM, headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, supports approximately 11,000 business credit and financial professionals worldwide with premier industry services, tools and information. NACM and its network of affiliated associations are the leading resource for credit and financial management information, education, products and services designed to improve the management of business credit and accounts receivable. NACMs collective voice has influenced federal legislative policy results concerning commercial business and trade credit to our nations policy makers for more than 100 years and continues to play an active part in legislative issues pertaining to business credit and corporate bankruptcy. NACM's annual Credit Congress & Exposition conference is the largest gathering of credit professionals in the world. Contact: Michael Miller Andrew Michaels 410-740-5560 Website: http://www.nacm.org Source: National Association of Credit Management Slate's Who Counts? series is made possible by the support of Slate Plus members and readers like you. Donald Trump has made unfounded accusations of widespread voter fraud a centerpiece of his presidency, as well as his reelection campaign. He claimed millions of people voted illegally in 2016, created an inept committee to investigate voter fraud, and now opposes mail-in voting, claiming its inherently fraudulent. Now it appears that the president himself committed voter fraud. On Wednesday, the Washington Post reported that when Trump registered to vote in Florida, he claimed the White House as his legal residence. On the same day he filled out his voter registration, however, Trump formally declared himself a bona fide resident of Palm Beach, the location of his Mar-a-Lago club. The president therefore tried to register to vote under an out-of-state address that is not, in fact, his legal residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Florida law, providing false information on a voter registration form is a third-degree felony, punishable by five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. As the Washington Post notes, the state has previously targeted individuals for registering under the wrong address. In 2018, Deltona City Manager Jane Shang faced charges for listing City Hall as her residence to avoid disclosure of her home address. She ultimately avoided prison through a deferred prosecution agreement that included a hefty fine and community service. In 1993, a restaurateur was charged with voter fraud and jailed for registering under the wrong address. Trump corrected his registration 31 days after the initial filing, and he seems to have made an honest mistake. That is no surprise: Most alleged instances of voter fraud arise out of errors committed by either voters or election officials. But Trumps Justice Department has little sympathy for such mistakes. In 2018, federal prosecutors charged 20 people in North Carolina with voting illegally in the 2016 election. Law enforcement arrested these individuals before dawn, then dragged them to jail cuffed and shackled. Advertisement Advertisement This sting was the result of a sweeping, invasive investigation in which the DOJ demanded millions of voter records from the state. But the 20 defendants were not a crew of sophisticated election thieves. They were confused immigrants who believed they could vote. Election officials had even mistakenly urged some of them to register. As punishment, they received small fines. A federal judge scolded prosecutors for obsessing over voter fraud instead of addressing election mismanagement. While the Justice Department fixated on this operation, it overlooked a sophisticated GOP election fraud scheme that led to far more serious charges, as well as a do-over election. An honest mistake also lies at the heart of the most notorious voter fraud prosecution of the past decade. In 2016, Crystal Mason believed she was allowed to vote: She had served prison time for a felony conviction for filing false tax returns but was out on supervised release. Mason didnt realize that, unlike many states, Texas does not restore felons voting rights until theyve completed a probationary period. She cast a provisional ballot that was never even counted. Attorney General Ken Paxtonwho frequently lobs false claims of voter fraudcharged her anyway. Mason was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a sane world, Mason would not be behind bars. North Carolinas 20 accidental lawbreakers would never have been hauled to jail. And Trump should not be charged now with a felony in Florida. But if the law were to be applied equally according the presidents own standards, prosecutors would throw the book at him. Trumps error should serve as a teachable moment that illustrates how easy it is to commit inadvertent voter fraud. Instead, its just another reminder that the voter fraud squad will do anythingincluding criminalizing innocent peopleto suppress votes. For more of Slates news coverage, listen to The Political Gabfest. Gambia, the smallest country in continental Africa, is calling for a "transparent, credible and objective" investigation into the death of one of its citizens who was fatally shot by police last week in Georgia. Momodou Lamin Sisay, 39, died in a county northeast of Atlanta in the early hours of May 29 - four days after the killing of George Floyd set off global outrage over the treatment of black people in the United States. Officers tried to pull over Sisay, the son of a retired Gambian diplomat, for a vehicle tag violation, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), which has launched a probe into his death. The agency said in a statement that Sisay attempted to flee, aimed a gun at officers and then died after exchanging fire with a SWAT team that had arrived to provide backup. GBI authorities refused a request to view body camera footage of the incident, citing the ongoing investigation. No officers were injured. On Tuesday, Gambia ordered its embassy in Washington to contact the State Department and urge a "transparent, credible and objective investigation in the matter," Gambian officials said in a statement. The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The news shocked people in the West African country, who plan to protest in front of the U.S. Embassy in the Gambian capital, Banjul, on Monday. "The whole case is just unbelievable," said Banka Manneh, a Gambian human rights activist in Atlanta. "How can an expired tag situation escalate into a killing?" Gambians are demanding to see video of the shooting, Manneh said - they no longer trust the word of U.S. police. "America," he said, "needs to admit there is an inherent racism problem in this country." Gambia, which has a population of about 2.4 million, has taken up expensive, time-consuming inquiries in the recent past. The country filed a lawsuit at the United Nations' top court last year accusing Myanmar of genocide against Rohingya Muslims, renewing international attention on the issue, and is investigating the human rights abuses of its former dictator Yahya Jammeh - a process that has partly unfolded on live stream. Sisay lived in Lithonia, a small city about 18 miles east of Atlanta. His father, Lare Sisay, worked for the U.N. Development Program. "He was a very pious and disciplined young man whose life was cut short brutally!" Lare Sisay posted to a public Facebook page Saturday alongside a photo of his son. Gambia's push for more information on the case comes as protests have erupted in all 50 states following the death of Floyd, a black man who was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Floyd, who was suspected of trying to spend a counterfeit $20 at a deli, died in police custody after officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes. (Chauvin faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.) Footage of the killing quickly went viral, and demonstrators flooded streets across the globe. The U.N. human rights chief called for "serious action" to stop U.S. police killings of unarmed black Americans. The head of the African Union Commission released a statement rejecting the "continuing discriminatory practices against Black citizens of the United States of America." The president of Ghana said he was "shocked and distraught" by Floyd's death. In Gambia, the U.S. Embassy also condemned the killing on Facebook. "So you won't even talk about the Gambian that was shot dead by your police few days ago?" one commenter wrote below the post. "Words mean nothing," another added. "Your actions are what we want to see not just empty statements." ALBANY A 26-year-old man accused of smashing a $2,000 door and looting the historic Kenmore Hotel building on North Pearl Street late Monday during the unrest that swept parts of the city on a night of protests had been released from police custody multiple times over the past month following a series of felony arrests. The multiple arrests of Lucas J. Kaplan over the past month likely would have prompted a judge to set bail prior to the start of 2020. But bail reform laws passed by the Legislature last year that went into effect in January now limit the circumstances in which judges can order that bail be set for offenders in most non-violent criminal cases. The case of Kaplan, who remained at large Wednesday, unfolded as hundreds of people who were arrested in New York City over the past week on rioting and looting charges also have been released from custody under the state's newly reformed bail statutes. The law does give judges discretion to consider other, less restrictive measures to help assure someone appears for a court proceeding, including requiring a defendant to restrict their travel or to wear an ankle-monitoring bracelet. In passing the state budget in April, lawmakers also made some changes to the laws, giving judges more discretion to set bail, including in burglary cases in which someone is armed with a weapon. Sheriff's investigators began looking for Kaplan after he walked out of Albany County jail last week. Kaplan was not incarcerated at the jail, but had been brought there for a virtual arraignment due to COVID-19 closing courthouses for felony charges of stealing phones and other items from an Albany deli recently. That alleged burglary took place after Kaplan was arraigned on May 15 on additional criminal charges and released on his own recognizance. But as he left the jail last Friday, sheriff's investigators said he allegedly broke into several unlocked cars in the parking lot and stole a badge, a credit card, cash and other items from jail employees' cars as he walked through the parking lot after being released from custody. He allegedly used the credit card later to make purchases in Schenectady. Sheriff's investigators said that jail security cameras helped them identify Kaplan. He also had left paperwork with his name on it in one of the cars he broke into, police said. He received that paperwork, including an order of protection, minutes earlier from sheriff's deputies while being released from custody. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Following his arrest in Albany late Monday night on new felony burglary and criminal mischief charges for the North Pearl Street incident, Kaplan was again released from custody, but a judge ordered him placed under the supervision of Albany County probation. He was ordered to wear an ankle-monitoring bracelet, although he told police he is homeless. Albany County sheriff's officials on Wednesday said that Kaplan never reported to the probation department and his whereabouts are unknown. Kaplan has been arrested more than six times since 2016, including at least four felony charges one violent, records show. On the charges he faces in Colonie, including grand larceny, Kaplan was released on his own recognizance. He was one of 15 people arrested in Albany over the past week on charges ranging from criminal mischief to rioting. There were two petitions in the Supreme Court on Wednesday regarding change in names one that of the country and the other of a high court. Dismissing the plea to replace India with Bharat in the Constitution, the apex court chose to send the petition to the Centre for consideration. In the second matter - to rename Bombay High Court as the High Court of Maharashtra it issued a notice to the central government seeking its response. In the two petitions, filed by separate individuals, there was one common thread: The names being sought to be changed - India and Bombay HC were relics of the British Raj, according to the petitioners. Namah, the petitioner in the first case, asserted that the name Bharat instilled national pride while the India is of Greek origin. Now the time is ripe to recognise the country by its original and authentic name Bharat, especially when our cities have been renamed to identify with the Indian ethos, the Delhi resident said in his plea. However, the three-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by CJI SA Bobde, which was hearing the matter through video-conferencing, wasnt convinced by it. Saying that Article 1 of Indian Constitution already states that India that is Bharat, the apex court dismissed the plea, instead choosing to send it as a representation for the concerned central ministries to consider. The second petition regarding name change was filed by VP Patil, a retired judicial officer from Maharashtra, asking for Bombay High Court to be renamed as the High Court of Maharashtra. Patil cited Clause 4(1) of Maharashtra (Adaptation of Laws-State and Concerned Subjects) Order, 1960 which substitutes High Court of Bombay with High Court of Maharashtra. According to the petition, the coinage of Bombay High Court dates back to British Raj when British Parliament passed the Indian High Courts Act in 1861 naming the three High Courts in India after the name of their respective States Madras, Calcutta and Bombay. Patil, who filed the plea through his advocate Shivaji M Jadhav, said the concerned authorities in other states should also be directed to change the names of their high courts as per the name of the states where they are located. The apex court asked the Centre, governments of Maharashtra and Goa and Registrar General of the Bombay High Court seeking their responses on the petition. (With inputs from PTI) Two women wearing a protective facemask walk across the Piazza del Duomo, in front of the Duomo, in central Milan, on Feb.24, 2020 (Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images) High Virus Death Toll in Northern Italy Highlights Ties With Beijing Commentary Italy, one of the heaviest hit countries outside China, has more than 233,836 confirmed cases of CCP virus infections and more than 33,601 deaths, as of June 3. As indicated in The Epoch Times editorial, Wherever Ties to the Chinese Communist Party Are Close, the CCP Virus Follows: The path of the CCP virus as it has spread around the world goes through the countries, cities, organizations, and even individuals that are closely related to the CCP. This article would like to stress the consequence of forming an alliance with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In March 2019, Italy became the only European country to join Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, also known as Belt and Road). Being the first Group of Seven (G-7) country to join the BRI, Italy hoped it would boost its sluggish economy by establishing a strategic partnership with China. Italy has 74 sister cities or twin towns formed with China, including places that were hit-hard by the CCP virus, such as Milan, Brescia, and Bergamo of the Lombardy region. A Chinese Couple Spreads the Virus On March 23, Chinas state-run media reported that Italys first two confirmed virus patients were an elderly Chinese couple. They both recovered after being hospitalized for 49 days. The wife, Hu Yamin, is a faculty member of Central China Normal University, which is located in Wuhan. According to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, the couple left Wuhan on Jan. 22a day before the city was locked downand arrived in Milan the next day. A few days later, the couple developed a fever and cough. On Jan. 30, their conditions deteriorated. Then the couple was hospitalized and tested positive for the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. The media report had caused widespread disturbance on Chinese social media. Netizens responded with the following comment: Spread the virus thousands of miles away, indeed. On March 26, Italian journalist Marco Respinti wrote an article titled, Dont Call It a Chinese Virus. Call it the CCP VIRUS. He criticized the Chinese regimes botched handling of the initial virus outbreak and its human rights abuses. CCP Blames Italy for the Pandemic While the Chinese regime was being criticized unanimously by world leaders for its delayed response and concealment of the severity of the outbreak, Chinas Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, issued a series of tweets on March 12 blaming the United States for the virus. However, Chinas ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, referred to the statement that the virus originated in the U.S. military laboratory as crazy rumors. When asked again about Zhaos claim on March 22, Cui said, That was my position then, and thats my position now. Italy quickly became the target of Chinas conspiracy theory. Chinas state-run mouthpiece China Global Television Network (CGTN) published an article on March 22 that claimed the origin of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) remains unknown but that Italy might be its birthplace. Statements made by Italian doctor Giuseppe Remuzzi were taken out of context in the article. In fact, concurrent with spokesperson Zhaos tweet, CGTNs report on March 12 also implied the virus came from Europe by distorting the statement of Massimo Galli, head of the university research group and of the infectious-diseases department at Milans Sacco hospital. Remuzzi refuted that Beijings attempts to twist his words to suggest the novel coronavirus originated in Italy is a textbook example of propaganda. Mattia Ferraresi, a writer for Italian newspaper Il Foglio said, Italy is an ideal outpost for Chinas wide-reaching propaganda effort to cover up its own responsibility for the global spread of the new coronavirus, all the while presenting itself as a compassionate power aiding Western countries in need. The Hard-hit Northern Region As of April 29, there were a total of 75,134 confirmed cases and more than 13,679 deaths from the CCP virus infection in Italys Lombardy region. Lombardy welcomed Chinese business in the past. Chinas Minister of Science and Technology, Wang Zhigang, visited Bergamo for the 9th Italy-China Science, Technology and Innovation Week in early December 2018. He also visited the Kilometro Rosso Science and Technology Park, located along the A4 motorway at the gates of Bergamthe area hosts research companies and industry leaders, such as Brembo, a company known for its braking systems. According to Chinese state media, 19 cooperation agreements in trade and research were signed between Italy and China during the opening day of the China-Italy Science, Technology, and Innovation Week. Wang said that Italy is a strategic partner, and we will keep working together on pilot projects in many sectors, from aerospace to intelligent manufacturing. Particular attention will be paid to sustainable energies. The mayor of Brescia, Emilio Del Bono, met with the president of the Chinese Association in Brescia in the city hall on Feb. 17. At the meeting, the mayor expressed his solidarity with the Chinese community: To our fellow citizens I say that there is no danger or risk of contracting the epidemic by visiting restaurants or shops run by Chinese people. However, as of April 29, there were more than 12,000 confirmed cases of CCP virus infections in Brescia, only second to the hardest-hit Milan. Piacenza is also one of the hardest-hit regions in northern Italy. On July 9, 2018, the mayor of Piacenza, Patrizia Barbieri, welcomed a Chinese delegation from Jiangbei District of Ningbo city. Piacenza and Jiangbei signed a sister agreement to promote economic and cultural ties. On March 4, Barbieri announced that she had tested positive for the CCP virus. Virus Infection Rate Plateaus In early April, the CCP virus infection rate in Italy started to plateau. Different opinions and voices were heard about the phenomenon. On March 26, Italy journalist Marco Respinti stated in an article on Rete Liberale, Italy was the first country to be hit hard by the pandemic, and its people have been paying a great toll in human lives. He claimed, Under international law, China and/or the CCP could and should be sued for the enormous damages they caused to the world. On April 21, the website for COVID19 Class Action was established. Its goal is to obtain compensation for people who suffered damage from the spread of the CCP virus. The chief financial officer and head of the Ferdinando Perone project explains, We estimate that there will be more than 500 thousand adhesions to the class action and therefore it is not impossible that the request can exceed 100 billion euros (approximately $108 billion). The most influential media in Italy, Corriere della Sera, commented on April 26: Too many ambiguities about China the M5S looks favorably on Beijing despite doubts about its responsibilities spreading around the world. Government allies will have to clarify their positions. The M5S, Five Star Movement, is a political party in Italy. On April 29, Paolo Grimoldi, deputy of the League and secretary of the Lombard League Salvini Premier, announced that Lombardy will ask China for 20 billion euros for damages caused by the CCP virus. Members of the political party Forza Italia asked the president of the northeastern region of Veneto to do the same. It is worth noting that since these Italian politicians issued the appeal, the number of infections and deaths across Italy had significantly dropped. Only when the Italian people jointly denounce and blame the Chinese Communist regime for the losses brought to Italy can they ensure a bright future for their country. Massimo Marcon contributed to this commentary. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Welcome back to Tech Chronicle. Pending reclassification, we think you can categorize this fine newsletter as an information service worth subscribing to. An infinite while ago, in the Before Times, Square had a disagreement with its hometown of San Francisco over taxation. Square thought of itself as a software company, while San Francisco viewed it as a financial services business, and under the citys hopelessly Byzantine gross receipts tax, that made a big difference in how much tax Square owed the city. Prop. C, a measure that increased business taxes to fund homelessness services, promised to magnify the difference. In September, Square sued the city. The two parties have reached a proposed settlement, Square revealed in an SEC filing this month. The deal is now headed to the Board of Supervisors, who must sign off, along with the mayor and the city controller. A board agenda shows that the agreement involves the city refunding Square $7 million in taxes. Square indicated that it had already paid $9.7 million above the amount it believed it owed. If the agreement falls apart and it does not prevail in the lawsuit, Square could owe as much as $66 million, it told investors. Smith Collection / Gado / Getty Images 2019 The board agenda describes the $7 million settlement as involving a partial resolution of the business-tax refund claims and the agreement that Square shall take certain filing positions with respect to its business taxes for specified recent periods and in the future. While I cant comment on the specifics of our proposed settlement with Square, this filing should provide San Francisco taxpayers assurances that I continue to fairly enforce tax rules for all businesses in San Francisco, San Francisco Treasurer Jose Cisneros said in a statement. A spokesman for Square did not respond to an emailed request for comment. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle 2019 The fact that Square is getting a refund suggests at least a partial victory for the company. The question I have is what filing positions Square will take in the future. Will it file as a financial services company and pay more tax, or as a software company, and pay less? This would be a key question for city supervisors to ask as they review the settlement. I also wonder whether the agreement may become moot. Mayor London Breed and Board President Norman Yee brought up the idea of a more sweeping overhaul of business taxes last year. In April, Breed suggested such a revamp might be off the table, given other priorities. But there is still a window of time to submit a ballot proposition: The deadline for Breed and the board, who could unify on a new tax proposal or submit competing ones, is June 16. A spokesman for Breed did not respond to a request for comment. A ballot measure might get rid of the citys payroll tax once and for all. The gross receipts tax introduced in 2012 was supposed to do just that, but it never quite raised enough money and so the payroll levy held on. And as I have pointed out, there are aspects of the gross receipts tax that make it a stealth payroll tax, particularly for financial services companies, which are disproportionately taxed on the basis of the concentration of their workers in San Francisco. City leaders might want to consider a new tax that provides more incentives to keep jobs here. Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle 2018 Tax reform in the city is increasingly urgent for two reasons. For one, there is the pandemic-induced recession, which makes getting businesses back on their feet a more pressing matter than maximizing their civic outlays. There is also the flight of workers from downtown office towers, first at the urging of their employers and then at the directive of city health officials. Telework is still prescribed for most, even as some businesses prepare to return a small number of employees to workplaces. And Square has declared itself an all-remote company. How will the current gross receipts and payroll taxes function when it is unclear where a workers location is? When thousands of employees piled onto BART and Muni and presented themselves at the office, taking advantage of city services along the way, the nexus of taxation was clear. The remote future of work has upended many assumptions, including those undergirding the citys system of taxation. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Owen Thomas, othomas@sfchronicle.com Quote of the week At the end of the day, the market has no conscience. CNBC host Jim Cramer, on the disconnect between the Wall Street stock rally and Main Street protests Coming up Its a quiet week, tech-wise, unless you count the social-media innovations of RuPauls Drag Race All-Stars, which sees its fifth season debut Friday. What Im reading Noah Kirsch on StubHub co-founder Eric Bakers cosmically mistimed deal to buy back the event-ticketing business. (Forbes) Roland Li and Carolyn Said on what it will take to bring workers back downtown. (San Francisco Chronicle) Barry Schnitt, a former top Facebook communications official, on his former employers woes. (Medium) Tech Chronicle is a weekly newsletter from Owen Thomas, The Chronicles business editor, and the rest of the tech team. Follow along on Twitter: @techchronicle and Instagram: @techchronicle For over half a century, Karnatakas Manipal University has stood as a premier institute for students in the applied sciences and in hospitality - with famous alumni ranging from Michelin Star chef Vikas Khanna to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Unfortunately, in the wake of the COVID-19 fallout, it seems like theres trouble in paradise - and several students along with their parents have taken a stance against the South Indian education giant. Tempers initially flared when students accused the university of violating University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines - which urged universities to delay exams due to the ongoing difficulties with COVID-19. Instead, the Manipal authorities chose to go ahead with online exams - with an alleged report from Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences asserting that faculty members were blocking the numbers of concerned students and parents instead of answering their questions. Other students were left with little more than a no comments message when sharing their reservations with the staff. MAHE According to an anonymous student, The exams they're conducting are via this software called Pexalite. One of my mutual friends is from this university called ICAS (International Center For Applied Sciences) and he has his exams starting tomorrow. The next day, several ICAS students were stunned to find out that the Pexalite software was allegedly awash with viruses - A lot of laptops actually got ruined and would only restart 12 hours later after the hardware was manually removed and the data on their laptops completely got erased. The software was laden with viruses that were collecting all sorts of data, said a student representative. The second time they sent the link was yesterday because they had a mock test. It did not ruin their laptops (sad that I have to mention this) but crashed immediately and the answers uploaded via webcam looked like 120p YouTube videos because they don't provide you with any other option. Pexalite is developed by a Singaporean edu-tech company named LittleMore Innovation Labs, who the university passed the blame onto when questioned by concerned students and parents - the company itself hasnt been able to help. On closer inspection, anonymous sources on Reddit have claimed that the software is barely three-months-old and completely untested. The problem continues to flare for faculty members as well - who have allegedly been forced, as of 1st June, to show up at Manipal University with just one days notice or apply for leave on credit and take salary cuts. The problem seems to be a recurring one when it comes to deemed private universities, which have violated government regulations in the past. On a similar note, Lovely Professional University has also been criticised for similar online exam shenanigans - just around a month-and-a-half after being issued a notice from the Punjab Higher Education Department for violating government orders regarding COVID-19 safety. Meanwhile, Indias premier institutes such as the notoriously prestigious and competitive IIT Kanpur have decided to give their students a breather during these tough times, opting to promote all students on the basis of average performance across the previous semester. Fifteen West Point cadets have tested positive for coronavirus as more than 1,100 return to campus ahead of Donald Trump's mid-June commencement speech, which the president vowed would be 'nice and tight' and not socially distanced. The cadets tested positive for the virus when the class of 1,106 were summoned back to the US Military Academy last week, the US Army confirmed. It said the 15 were diagnosed when all cadets were tested as soon as they arrived on campus and were immediately isolated so the virus did not spread to any other cadets. None of the cadets had symptoms for the virus, they added. The West Point graduation ceremony in 2019 (pictured). Fifteen West Point cadets have tested positive for coronavirus as more than 1,100 return to campus ahead of Donald Trump's mid-June commencement speech The US Military Academy has taken a number of measures to bring the cadets back safely for their graduation, since Trump announced it would be business as usual for the event despite the coronavirus pandemic continuing to rage on across America. 'The Army and West Point have done meticulous planning to ensure the health and safety of the returning cadets of the US Military Academy's class of 2020,' the US Army said in a statement. 'There is mandatory screening for all, and we've had a small number - about 1.5 percent - test positive. This was anticipated. None were symptomatic, and no cadet has contracted through person-to-person contact while under the Armys care. Those who test positive are isolated, and receive appropriate care and attention, while we continue an orderly reintegration of our cadets.' Back in April, Trump shocked everyone when he announced he would be speaking at the event as planned. According to the New York Times, the news even came as a surprise to West Point officials. The cadets for the military academy had all been sent home in early March as the coronavirus outbreak spread across the US and they had not returned to campus since. Officials had been looking at various options for the graduation including delaying the presidential commencement speech. But it seems Trump did not want to pass up the opportunity of speaking at the only service academy where he has not yet taken to the stage. Donald Trump speaking at the US Naval Academy graduation ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2018 (pictured). Trump announced in April he would be speaking at the West point ceremony in June as planned despite the pandemic Before any decision was reached by West Point officials, Trump announced in a press conference on April 17 that he would be going ahead with the event at the campus based in New York - which was the virus epicenter of the world at the time. His announcement came just one day before Vice President Mike Pence gave a commencement speech at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs. At this commencement, the underclassmen were sent home and cadets marched six feet apart and sat eight feet apart. But the president brushed off the possibility of a socially distanced ceremony at West Point saying he wanted the 'look' of it to be 'nice and tight'. Trump came under fire following his announcement, with Senator Tammy Duckworth branding it 'reckless' and an excuse for 'photo ops'. 'Trump's reckless decision to gather 1,000 Cadets at West Point for a speech puts our future military leaders at increased risk - all to stroke his own ego,' she said back in April. 'Our troops need stable, consistent leadership during volatile times like these, not a commander-in-chief who values his own photo ops and TV ratings over their health and safety.' Trump's announcement that the West Point event would go ahead came just one day before Vice President Mike Pence gave a speech at the Air Force Academy graduation in Colorado where cadets marched six feet apart and sat eight feet apart (pictured) The confirmed cases among the cadets - and Trump's vow to disregard social distancing at the event - have sparked fresh safety fears around going ahead with the ceremony while in the middle of a health crisis. Other academies have taken a more cautious approach given the risk of sparking fresh outbreaks of the virus among the nation's servicemen and women. The Naval Academy decided against bringing back its nearly 1,000 graduating midshipmen to its base in Annapolis, Maryland, for its commencement this year. According to information on the US Army website, West Point is taking several precautions ahead of its ceremony. Buses started transporting the US Military Academys Class of 2020 back to the campus last Tuesday where they got off and stood six feet apart and wore masks while waiting for a COVID-19 test and then their test results. The ceremony itself will be 'modified' although the details of the modifications are unclear. More than 106,000 people have died of coronavirus in the U.S. with more than 1.8 million infections. President Trump signed the $2.2 trillion CARES Act on March 27, 2020 The Paycheck Protection Programthe emergency small business loan program established by the CARES Acthas provided a much-needed safety net for businesses struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. However it hasnt been an entirely smooth ride for those involved. The first tranche of fundingroughly $349 billion in loansran out in just 13 days. A number of larger publicly traded companies also made use of the program, prompting public backlash and the Small Business Administration to ask for the money back. There have also been complaints from some businesses that the loans have been hard to get and come with too many strings, as well as complaints from banks who say that the SBA has been inconsistent with its guidance. Not to mention the technical issues that have arisen. Despite all that, the program has provided roughly $660 million to businesses since the first funds became available at the beginning of April. On May 28, the House of Representatives voted to give borrowers more time to use the loans, as well as lowering the percentage required to spend on payroll in order to be eligible for loan forgiveness. According to the Federal Reserve, data through April showed that the vast majority of PPP loans had been provided through smaller community banks, as opposed to the nations biggest banks. Jason Paltrowitz, executive vice president of corporate services at OTC Markets, said hes heard from a number of community banks that the program has been massively successful for them. With approximately 100 community banks on our OTCQX Market, we continue to see the vital role these banks play in serving their communities. This has been proven again during the current crisis, as these community and regional banks step to the forefront of securing lending to ensure the survival of local businesses. Story continues Benzinga asked executives from four community banks around the country why thats been the case, and how the Payroll Protection Program has worked for them. Many Loan Applicants Needed Handholding Exton, Pennsylvania-based First Resource Bank (OTCQX: FRSB) announced it had approved over $50 million in PPP loans as of May 5, slightly above what they had expected. President and CFO Lauren Ranalli said her bank has primarily worked with small businesses that required a little more handholding than larger banks can typically provide. She thinks thats a big reason why theyve provided as many loans as they have. A lot of our small businesses, they dont have a CFO. Theyve got a bookkeeper and theyve got the business owner, she said. When youre working with a smaller bank, youre working with a lender who is talking to you and is walking you through the documents, and its a lot more hand-holding and a lot more of a comfortable experience. We were able to explain the rules, help them understand what they were getting into. Tamara Gurney, CEO of Mission Valley Bank (OTCQX: MVLY), which had given out around $68 million in loans at the time of our conversation said giving clients individual attention was critical. This is when people are realizing electronics are fine. But when you need a human being to talk to, and this is when everybody needs one because theres sheer panic out there, having the ability to talk to somebody is huge. Big Banks Simply Could Not Service All Of Their Clients Joe Thomas, CEO of Freedom Bank of Virginia (OTCQX: FDVA), said that larger banks likely had a harder time giving out loans by nature of their size. It did seem like the larger institutions were jealous [of smaller banks] of how much time, effort, and resources they dedicated to the PPP program. We got 60-70% of loans approved in round one. We hear from some of the megabanks that they only got 5-10% of the loans approved. So it is a stark contrast, diseconomies of scale that enabled the community banks to go one application at a time and key it in. The bigger banks seemed to have had more of a challenge trying to get a process down, said Mission Valleys Gurney. Word on the street, and what clients of bigger banks are telling me, is larger banks went to their larger clients first. So they were looking for their larger clients who were probably their best clients and wanted to help them first. Bigger banks have never had a reputation for being communicating with small business clients. Thats just my experience. Leonard Szwajkowski, CEO of Chicago-based Royal Financial (OTCQX: RYFL), said his bank ended up getting a decent number of new clients from Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC), JP Morgan Chase (NYSE: JPM), and a mid-sized bank in Central Indiana as a result. I think we all know what occurred here, he said. The large banks used filters, and looked at it from the perspective of do they have an account? And do they have the corporate credit card? And do they have money on their line of credit? I dont think the program was designed that way. And I think a lot of the large banks ended up having egg on their face because of the filters that they ended up putting on there. Technology May Have Played A Big Role Thomas, from Freedom Bank of Virginia, said he suspects technological challenges initially played a role in making the program difficult for larger banks. His bank, which had given out roughly $263 million via over 500 loans at the time of our conversation, tried working with a fintech company, but changing rules from the SBA made that hard. In the first round it was very difficult for any of the large banks or fintech providers to batch submit files of PPP applications to get approvals, he said. Because the SBAs E-Tran system was not conducive to receiving batch loans through APIs, it made it very difficult for the larger players and the fintech guys to gain any traction and be able to submit those loans efficiently. [The big banks] have the technology to do far more loans, but I think it has to fit the cookie-cutter mold, said First Resources Ranalli. Anything that needed a little bit of attention, if it wasnt cookie-cutterthe big banks were using technology thats kind of black and white. Mix Reviews For The Small Business Administration The four executives we spoke to had mixed things to say about the SBAs handling of the PPP program. Gurney, from California-based Mission Valley Bank, said theres been frustration with the SBAs frequent changes to the program. For example, the SBA originally guided that contract employees were to be included in payroll counts, only to reverse that decision. Theres a lot of frustration because the SBA has not been very forthcoming with guidance. The guidance we had on the night of April 2 changed on the morning of the 5th, and its been doing that, where every 24-48 hours weve been getting some updates that change what we were telling folks from the beginning. We had applications going that in effect had to be unwound and redone. And its been like that kind of the whole time. I honestly have to tell you from my perspective, even though it was frustrating and time-consuming in certain circumstances trying to get through, I think it was a good experience, said Royal Financials Szwajkowski. Considering the heavy lifting that had to happen in a very short amount of time. There were long days for us, but I will tell you that all of our phone calls were returned from the SBA. They worked through the night, they worked on Sundays. One person spent three hours on the phone with us, they never let up. Freedom Bank of Virginias Thomas echoed that sentiment. The SBAs been maligned through this whole thing. But we had a tremendous amount of cooperation from the SBA when we had questions. Community Banks See This Moment As A Victory The fact that many community banks were able to give out as many loans as they did was seen as a major victory for the four executives we spoke to. Thats one of the beauties of being a smaller bank, is we can be more nimble, said Gurney. Ive spoken to my peers in banks around the area and we were all doing the same thing. We were in on nights and weekends, and it was an all hands on deck effort to get it done. Were really pumped about all the help weve been able to give to the community, said Ranalli. This is right in our wheelhouse. Everyones been talking for the last 20 years or so about how there will only be large banks in this country, said Szwajkowski. For me, what this says is there really is a purpose for the small ones. In this case, the large ones couldnt handle the volumes. In my estimation the community banks did a tremendous job. Image source: The White House See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. China is an ever-more important customer for Middle Eastern oil producers as they scramble to find buyers in the wake of the coronavirus. The regions petro-states shipped about one in every three of their crude exports last month to the Asian country. Thats the biggest proportion in at least 2-1/2 years, tanker tracking from six Persian Gulf nations show. Their push into China comes with its oil demand having all-but recovered from the pandemic. Consumption in swaths of Europe and the U.S. -- normally the other key importers -- is still down sharply. Chinas heightened clout will be an important subplot in the coming days, when many of the largest producers discuss whether to maintain their deepest-ever output curbs at an OPEC+ meeting. For now, expectations are that they will do so. REPURPOSED: Old U.S. refinery to pursue new green life after crude crash Increased Chinese purchases are helping push prices higher. Brent crude has doubled since late April to more than $40 a barrel. Omans main grade traded at that level this week for the first time in almost three months. The Chinese have been buying a lot of physical Oman crude, due to fact that it is highly blend-able, and Iraqs Basra Light, said Ahmed Mehdi, a research associate at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. In absolute terms, flows to China continued almost unperturbed in May even as total shipments slumped by about 4.5 million barrels a day. OFFLOADING: Tankers queuing off Chinese coast proof of rapid rebound Saudi Arabia, the worlds top exporter, sold almost a third of its crude exports to China in May. The regions next-biggest producer, Iraq, sent almost half its shipments to the country, a record. China, where the virus emerged, is regaining its thirst for energy even while the pandemic continues to throttle consumption elsewhere. With the International Energy Agency predicting global crude demand will fall by about a tenth this year, Saudi Arabia and Russia corraled other members of OPEC+ into the most drastic output cuts in history. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and partners are debating whether to extend the nearly 10 million barrels a day of cuts beyond June. They could meet as early as Thursday. The Saudis, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates all shipped more crude than ever to China in April, when they were pumping record or near-record amounts. A month later supplies to China were almost as large, despite the unprecedented reductions overall. FUEL FIX: Now more than ever, you need our energy news in your inbox Saudi Arabias lead over Iraq for Gulf sales to China slipped in May, according to tanker-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Iraq, the Saudis biggest Persian Gulf rival for exports to China and India, pumped more than it pledged under the OPEC+ deal, according to Bloomberg data. The Saudis largely made their promised reductions and said theyll cut even more than agreed in June. The export picture for June could show another decline in overall flows and theres no guarantee China will be immune. State oil producer Saudi Aramco has already indicated it will trim shipments to Asia as well as to the U.S. and Europe. Oil pricing for July, which Aramco may release this week, will indicate which markets the company is targeting for sales. Tanker-tracking data are subject to change as vessels can switch locations and loadings can be canceled. Revisions in Iraqs exports to China now show it gaining ground on Saudi Arabia in April, a different picture than the data showed a month ago. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. The Newark Avenue pedestrian plaza has been a lot quieter in recent months because of the restrictions on stores and restaurants due to the coronavirus pandemic. But all that changed Tuesday as over a thousand protesters joined in a second day of peaceful protesting in Jersey City. Community leader Pamela Johnson, the executive director of the Jersey City Anti-Violence Coalition, community leader Frank Gilmore and others led protesters from City Hall to the Newark Avenue pedestrian plaza and back, calling for police accountability and justice for George Floyd, who was killed by police in Minneapolis last week. The protest joined a string of demonstrations across the country as outrage has grown over Floyds killing and the subsequent handling of protests by police and officials. We cant talk about police brutality without talking about systematic racism, Gilmore said. We aint asking anyone to do us any favors. Police officers in riot gear lined up in front of Newark Avenue stores and restaurants while officers stood watch on rooftops surrounding city hall. Though the protest was mostly peaceful, some refused to let the march end until all officers took a knee. Nearly a dozen officers guarding city hall took a knee in solidarity as the marchers observed nearly 9 minutes of silence the amount of time the white Minneapolis officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeled on Floyds neck as he pleaded with the officers to let him breathe. But a couple hundred demonstrators lingered after the demonstration was over, some demanding all the police officers and the citys public safety director, James Shea, take a knee as well. But the officers and Shea did not respond to the few protesters. Officers remained in the area well after most of the protesters dispersed. New York City New York City extended an 8 p.m. curfew all week and banned much Manhattan car traffic overnight as officials struggled Tuesday to stanch destruction and growing complaints that the nations biggest city was reeling out of control night by night. After chaos erupted again overnight amid protests over George Floyds death despite an 11 p.m. curfew Mayor Bill de Blasio doubled down on a citywide curfew but rejected urging from President Donald Trump and an offer from Gov. Andrew Cuomo to bring in the National Guard. The police department announced it would allow no vehicle traffic south of 96th Street in Manhattan after curfew, though residents, essential workers, buses and truck deliveries were exempt. Were going to have a tough few days. Were going to beat it back, de Blasio, a Democrat, said in announcing that an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew would remain through Sunday. As he spoke at City Hall, midtown Manhattan was pocked with smashed storefronts, with Macy's flagship store among those hit. A police sergeant was hospitalized after being hit by a car in the Bronx, where people tread Tuesday between broken-into buildings and a burned-out car on the Grand Concourse, a commercial thoroughfare. This is our community, Nelson Bauza said as he inspected damage to his pawn shop. I have good relationships with people in this community, and to do this, it makes no sense. The violence threatened to overshadow the anger over the death of Floyd, a black man who died on May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on his neck even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. Protests resumed Tuesday in spots around the city as merchants boarded their businesses. While de Blasio insisted the city would put a stop to the violence and vandalism that have marred largely peaceful mass demonstrations surrounding Floyd's death, both the Republican president and the Democratic governor laid into the city's handling of the mayhem thus far. The NYPD and the mayor did not do their job last night, Cuomo said at a briefing in Albany. Look at the videos. It was a disgrace. He said the mayor was underestimating the problem and the nation's largest police force wasn't deployed in sufficient numbers, though the city had said it doubled the usual police presence. Cuomo's remarks infuriated the New York Police Department's highest-ranking uniformed member, Chief of Department Terence Monahan. Officers are giving their blood to keep this city safe, he told the New York Post, adding that he'd been hit by a bike and bloodied himself while arresting suspects Monday night. Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi later said the governor "has respect and confidence in the NYPD" and felt the mayor should put more officers on the streets. Unprompted, Cuomo brought up the possibility of using his power as governor to replace the mayor and deploy the National Guard over de Blasios objections, then immediately shot down the idea as legally impractical and unnecessary. On Twitter, Trump urged a 7 p.m. curfew and National Guard deployment in his native city. The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart. Act fast! he wrote. But de Blasio said the NYPD was best equipped to handle the lawbreaking, arguing that bringing in the National Guard risked fueling worse conflict in a city on edge. "We will regret it if we bring outside armed forces, he said. When you bring in people not trained for the circumstance but still with loaded weapons and put under horrible stress, really bad things happen. That struck Rep. Max Rose, a Staten Island Democrat and an Army National Guard member, as borderline offensive. "This isnt for the peaceful protests, its to assist the men and women of the NYPD with the curfew, and for him to conflate the two is totally dishonest, Rose said. The mayhem over the last four nights has clearly challenged the 36,000-officer police force, which has a reputation as a muscular, well-resourced agency that has driven down crime and faced down terror threats in the nation's biggest city. On Monday night and early Tuesday, police again struggled to keep up with, let alone get ahead of, roving groups of people bashing their way into shops, including Macys flagship Manhattan store. De Blasio said the city had expected problems farther downtown, as had happened the night before, and adjustments were made once officials realized that the hot spots had shifted. Vandals who struck in the Bronx kept saying, Were going to hit this store, were going to hit this store, and it didnt have any purpose to it, Felix Gonzalez recalled Tuesday as he helped sweep candy bar wrappers, water bottles and lottery tickets from a pharmacy floor. He was among dozens of volunteers helping to clean up part of the Grand Concourse. Nearly 700 people were arrested overnight, and several officers were injured. A sergeant was struck by a hit-and-run driver in the Bronx and was hospitalized in serious but stable condition, police said. Video also showed a group of people hitting a police officer with pieces of wreckage until he pulled his gun and they ran. The city did appear to have made progress Monday limiting violent clashes between police and large groups of demonstrators. Monahan clasped hands with protesters and took a knee Monday in Manhattan. Back in the Bronx on Tuesday, Gonzalez said he saw people arrive from various neighborhoods spontaneously show up to help. They just got up, got brooms, got garbage cans, garbage bags and started cleaning up, Gonzalez said. I had to come out. She took to social media to share her thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement over the weekend. And Selena Gomez showed her support as part of Blackout Tuesday, locking her official site and rather highlighting four organizations promoting the education of racial injustice. The 27-year-old penned that she hoped site goers would 'do some introspective thinking about how we can all come together,' during this time. Blackout Tuesday: Selena Gomez has shut down her website as part of Blackout Tuesday. Rather than the usual site, the 27-year-old had a message on the page with four links to organizations she supported 'Its my hope today you are taking the time to do some introspective thinking about how we can all come together and listen to one another with an open heart and mind,' she began. 'The country is long overdue for meaningful changes to our broken society. Black lives matter.' Selena went on to tag the Instagram handles of Black Lives Matter, When We All Vote, Color of Change, and NAACP. Paving the way: 'Its my hope today you are taking the time to do some introspective thinking about how we can all come together and listen to one another with an open heart and mind,' she began On board: And over on Selena's Rare Beauty Instagram pages, they partook in the social media movement of posting a black tile with a similar message And over on Selena's Rare Beauty Instagram pages, they partook in the social media movement of posting a black tile with a similar message. 'To our community, we are going dark tomorrow to take part in #BlackoutTuesday,' they began. 'It's our hope that we can all take time to do some introspective thinking about how we can all come together and listen to one another with an open heart and mind.' They continued: 'We're also thinking through how we can take action against systemic racism and make change.' 'The country is long overdue for meaningful changes to our broken society. Black lives matter. #theshowmustbepaused.' Devastated: Selena took to her social media account over the weekend to express her sadness over the lifelong injustices the black community face and the uproar following the death of George Floyd RIP George Floyd: Selena also shared her thoughts on her Instagram Story Doing her bit to educate: Monday evening saw Selena repost former President Obama's post and add some more resources for her followers Selena took to her social media account over the weekend to express her sadness over the lifelong injustices the black community face and the uproar following the death of George Floyd. 'I have spent the last 24 hours just trying to process this all,' she began. 'Nothing anyone says can take back what has happened. But we can and must all make sure to take action.' She continued: 'Too many black lives have been taken from us for far too long. They deserve better. They deserve to be heard. We all need to do better and not sit in silence as this injustice continues. #blacklivesmatter #justiceforgeorgefloyd #icantbreathe.' African capital market activity declines further in 2019 Overall, African equity capital market (ECM) activity in 2019 declined sharply both in volume and value from 2018, with 2019 posting the lowest proceeds raised in ten years. The general slowdown in equity markets was largely driven by a series of macroeconomic factors including an ECM deceleration in global markets, caution in the period leading up to key local elections, which took place in both Nigeria and South Africa in 2019, and more specifically in South Africa, growing political gridlock and economic stagnation. These are some of the key findings from PwCs 2019 African Capital Markets Watch publication issued today, which analyses equity and debt capital market transactions on an annual basis. This report lists all new primary market equity initial public offerings (IPOs) and further offers (FOs) by listed companies, in which capital was raised on Africas principal stock markets and market segments. The report also includes IPO and FO activity on international exchanges or non-African companies on African exchanges. Andrew Del Boccio, PwC Africa Capital Markets leader, notes: A state of uncertainty seems to have become the new normal, and we expect some degree of volatility and caution to continue to affect Africas capital markets activity in 2020. This sentiment is also reflected in PwCs annual 2019 Global CEO Survey, in which African CEOs noted their expectations for a slowdown in economic growth as well as their top concerns, which included political risk, over-regulation, and worries about finding top talent to fill the skills-gap. African equity markets 2019 ECM value was the lowest seen over the past decade, while the volume of deals was only lower in 2012. Overall ECM activity in 2019 declined in value and volume by 44% and 29% respectively, compared to 2018. The decline was mainly related to activity in South Africa, where ECM activity dropped by 69% in terms of value and 46% in terms of volume compared to 2018, and where Africas largest bourse saw no capital raised through IPOs in 2019. Between 2010 and 2019, there were 927 African ECM transactions, raising a total of $88 billion. The highest volume of transactions was recorded in 2015 and 2017, with 125 deals each, while 2012 recorded the lowest volume of transactions with 65 deals. African IPO market Over the past ten years, there have been 215 IPOs by African companies on both African and international exchanges, raising $16.9 bn. 2019 saw the lowest volume in IPO activity over the past ten years, recording a decline of 47% compared to 2018 activity. No capital was raised via IPOs on the JSE in 2019. However, South Africa still dominated during the decade under review, with seven of the top ten IPOs between 2010-2019, and accounted for the two largest IPOs by value--the $1.2 billion Steinhoff Africa IPO in 2017 and the $819 million Vivo Energy dual listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and London Stock Exchange (LSE) in 2018. Aside from the decreased levels of activity in 2019, there were some other notable events in specific markets. IPO activity resumed in Nigeria after four years, with Airtel Africa Plcs dual listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the LSE, raising $687 million. Mozambique also recorded its first IPO in six years with the listing of Hidroelectrica de Cahora Bassa on the Bolsa de Valores de Mocambique. Between 2010 and 2019, total IPO proceeds of $15.9 billion were raised on exchanges in Africa in 202 IPOs. Sub-Saharan African exchanges accounted for 133 IPOs (or 66%) and $12.3 billion (or 77%) of the value raised. The remainder was raised on the North African exchanges. Of the amount raised on the sub-Saharan African exchanges, the JSE accounted for 71% or $8.7 billion, while the NSE accounted for 13% or $1.5 billion. In terms of IPO volume, the JSE and the Botswana Stock Exchange recorded 64 IPOs and 10 IPOs, respectively, while the Ghana Stock Exchange, Bourse Regionale des Valeures Mobilieres (BRVM) and the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange each had 9 IPOs. The Egyptian Exchange accounted for the largest proportion of the IPO proceeds raised on North African exchanges, at 60% or $2.2 billion raised from 23 IPOs. African FO market In 2019, FO activity declined significantly in terms of transaction volume and value, by 25% and 44%, respectively, over the prior year. Low levels of activity in South Africa fueled the decline, with the volume of FOs on the JSE decreasing by 42% from 38 deals recorded in 2018 to 22 deals in 2019, and the value decreasing by 58% from $3.8 billion in 2018 to $1.6 billion in 2019. Over the past ten years, a total of 712 FO deals were recorded on African exchanges and by African companies on international exchanges with a total of $71.1 billion raised. 2019 saw the lowest FO proceeds raised on African exchanges in the past ten years with $3.5 billion from 59 FOs. Over the past decade, a significant proportion of FO activity took place in South Africa, with the JSE accounting for 58% and 79% of total FO volume and value, respectively. Egypt accounted for the next-largest amount of FO volume and value at 10% and 6%, respectively, followed by Nigeria with 4% of both FO volume and value. African inbound, outbound, domestic and cross-border activity, 2010-2019 African ECM activity in 2019, similar to prior years, was led by domestic deals, comprising 71% of both ECM volume and value. Outbound ECM saw a marginal increase in the value of transactions between 2018 and 2019, with 11 transactions raising $225.4 million in 2018 versus 11 transactions valued at $244.9 million in 2019. The JSE led inbound activity in 2019, with ECM funding raised largely by global companies with primary South African operations or historical market ties. African debt markets Egypt was the largest sovereign issuer of non-local currency debt in 2019, raising a total of $8.2 billion. South Africa was the second-largest sovereign issuer, raising $5.0 billion in September in its largest ever Eurobond issuance, as the country seeks liquidity to address budget deficits and broader systemic issues stifling economic growth. African issuers have raised $245.9 billion of non-local currency debt from 759 issues over the past ten years, with almost 50% of that value raised in the past three years. South African corporate issuers accounted for 52% of non-local currency corporate debt issued between 2010 and 2019, including energy utility, Eskom, which accounted for the largest cumulative non-local currency debt value raised by a single issuer over the past decade at $5.5 billion, largely intended to fund the companys capital expansion programmes, such as the construction of its coal-powered Medupi and Kusile power stations. The Outlook Consistent with prior years, we expect governments across the African continent to continue to implement strategies towards building robust capital markets. Some recent examples include Ethiopias plan to launch a local stock market during this year, and Angolas roadmap to privatise its state-owned companies by 2022. In addition, we can expect to see other announced privatisations in Nigeria, Malawi and Ghana. Alice Tomdio, PwC Africa Capital Markets Director, says: Despite the lacklustre activity in 2019, we saw significant progress in various capital markets initiatives during the year, including the drive for sustainable finance through the issuance of social, green and infrastructure bonds in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. Together with a move towards more local currency and blended financing, we expect this trend to continue, and to unlock new sources of capital for African issuers. Italy has opened up its borders to travellers from Schengen countries and the United Kingdom in the hope of salvaging the summer holiday season after nearly three months of Covid-19 lockdown. For the moment Rome, Milan and Naples airport are open to international flights and travellers. Those arriving are to undergo temperature checks but will not be subject to quarantine unless they arrive from outside the continent. However, neighbouring countries like Switzerland and Austria have refused to open their borders with Italy, claiming it is still unsafe to travel there and that anyone arriving from Italy would have to undergo health checks and other measures. This has raised concerns that European tourists who generally vacationed in Italy would choose to go elsewhere. Greece has also warned that Italians coming from four northern regions: Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Piedmont, would face quarantine. The coronavirus pandemic has hit Italy's tourism sector particularly hard. The industry represents 13 per cent of GDP. Hotels had to close and the majority are yet to reopen with most saying it will be impossible to recover the losses. Not all bars and restaurants have been able to resume business due to the many requirements still in place, including hygiene measures like social distancing. Many of the countries' important tourist attractions and sites have slowly been welcoming back visitors, to the joy of locals for the time being. 'Day of joy' This week the Vatican Museums reopened its majestic doors allowing a long line of Roman and Italian visitors in to see the magnificent Sistine Chapel, the newly restored Raphael rooms and its many other treasures, without the normal crowds of foreign tourists. Museum director Barbara Jatta came out to greet the first visitors and described the reopening as a day of joy. Everyone entering the museums has its temperature checked and must wear a protective mask but she said now that pre-booking is a requirement the response had been tremendous, with 1,600 people who had already signed up for a visit. Some 6.5 million people normally enter the Vatican Museums every year. Jatta said those numbers will certainly not be reached in 2020, but that everyone must know it is safe to come for a visit. Italians who stood in line waiting to get in during the first days all said they wanted to take advantage of the fact there were no tourists now. Back to life Another very popular tourist landmark in Rome, the Colosseum, opened on the same day. Similar measures are in place there but only around 300 people will be allowed in at the time for the moment. Archaeological sites such as Pompeii have re-opened as has the Tower of Pisa. The 3rd of June marked another important day for Italians, in that they were able to start travelling from one region to another. Relatives were reunited for the first time in three months, with people living in the north allowed to go to the southern regions and vice versa. Italians can also travel abroad for their holidays this summer but many are choosing to stay in the country, given the financial difficulties many are facing following the coronavirus pandemic, which in Italy has killed more than 33,500 people. Most headlines on Wednesday informed us that India registered a record jump in its coronavirus cases, crossing the 2 lakh-mark, and becoming the seventh worst-hit nation in the world. Most headlines on Wednesday informed us that India registered a record jump in its coronavirus cases, crossing the 2 lakh-mark, and becoming the seventh worst-hit nation in the world. 2,00000 cases. Seventh among worst-hit nations - these are indeed eyeball grabbing points. But what do these figures mean? Is India performing better or worse than other nations? Has the much feared 'peak' arrived? Are we any closer to flat-lining our curve than we were before lockdown 4.0? These are some of the answers missing from everyday reportage. India crosses 2-lakh mark, but has less than 1 lakh COVID-19 patients To begin with, the number 2 lakh represents the total persons tested positive for the virus since February, when coronavirus first started appearing in India. But that number is nowhere close to the situation today. Of these two lakh cases, 100,303 people have already recovered, which puts the number of active cases in India closer to one lakh as of 3 June 2020. This tells us the total number of cases that India is dealing with right now, but this still doesn't reflect, how fast or slow the spread of virus was for the country. Data suggests that in the initial days of lockdown, India did manage to decelerate the spread of infection. However, a more recent surge shows that the lockdown alone was not able to flat-line our curve as we continue to record a spike in cases and are presumably still headed towards our 'peak' of the coronavirus curve, unless future interventions prove otherwise. It took India 65 days to reach 1 lakh total cases from a 100, but the last one lakh cases were all reported within a span of 15 days. According to the health ministry figures, India has been reporting more than 8,000 infections a day for the last three days. This is what India's current graph of coronavirus infections looks like. Courtesy: Worldometer How does India fare globally? Now comes the second most commonly reported metric: Where does India rank among nations worst-hit from the coronavirus? We learnt on Wednesday that India is now the seventh worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic after the US, Brazil, Russia, the UK, Spain and Italy. But this statement alone fails to capture how well, or poorly India performed in arresting the outbreak when compared to nations worst-hit with the pandemic. A News18 analysis showed that India was the slowest among the top 7 nations to hit the 2 lakh mark. The US at the top of the chart took just five days to jump from one lakh to two lakh cases as they were almost hitting their peak then. Italy was past its peak during this phase and thus the growth was slower they took 29 days to go from one lakh to two lakh cases. Spain took 19 days, while UK took 20. The cases in Russia were booming as the country added its second lakh in just about 10 days. Brazil, which seems to be just about peaking now, took 11 days. India took 15 days to jump from a lakh to two lakh total cases, which is better than US (5 days), Russia (10) and Brazil (11) but worse than Italy (29), Spain (19) and UK (20). Among countries with the highest burden of cases, India, US, Brazil and Russia are the ones that have not yet flattened their curves, as cases keep growing at a steady pace. However, the one metric where India did do well as compared to the other six nations on the list is the recovery and mortality rates. Fewer people died due to COVID-19 in India and more people recovered in the same time span as compared to the US, UK, Brazil, Russia, Spain and Italy. Indias Mortality Rate (MR) of 2.81 is the second-lowest among the seven countries only after Russia (1.19 percent), but there are reports of serious under-reporting from Moscow, News18 reported. Just for perspective, the corresponding MR of Italy is 14.35 percent, for UK its 14.13 percent, for Spain its 9.46 percent, US has 5.75 percent and Brazil has 5.68 percent. India also has the lowest number of deaths per million population among the seven worst hit nations. It is the only country to have a single digit figure (4). Spain and UK reported the highest, 580 deaths per million population, while Italy was third at 555; US reported 347 deaths per million population, Brazil reported 147 while Russia reported 36 deaths per million population. Around 48.31 percent of the patients have recovered so far, a health ministry official told PTI. India has also done remarkably well in limiting the reach of the virus. The virus has been largely restricted within densely populated urban clusters and mega cities so far and has spared large swathes of rural areas and hinterland, which have poorer healthcare infrastructure. Even though migrant workers returning home from virus hotspots like Delhi and Mumbai are turning out to be silent carriers, rigorous checking and mandatory quarantine upon arrival means that the country is managing to circumscribe the contact points of a single carrier. This shows up in the data too. According to worldometer statistics, India has the lowest (151 cases per million population) among countries worst hit by the pandemic. Spain has the highest at 6,139 cases per million population. With inputs from PTI Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo seem to have all the answers about police killings and injustice around the nation. Their strident, authoritative comments about failed policing and keeping the peace in other cities and states leave quite an impression. Yet, in Houston, their continued silence about the murderous Harding Street no-knock raid by Houston police that killed my sister Rhogena Nicholas, her husband and their dog 16 months ago also speaks volumes. News conferences by Turner and Acevedo about officer-involved deaths and protests here and elsewhere prompt our family to again ask: When will the city finally tell the truth about or even address the killings of my sister and her husband? When will the city release any of the forensic and ballistics information, statements by Houston Police Department personnel that may or may not support the citys stories and evidence on the ground, the audit of narcotics units and disciplinary action, if any, taken against its managers? When will the city finally tell the truth about or even address the killings of my sister and her husband? When will the city release any of the forensic and ballistics information, statements by Houston Police Department personnel that may or may not support the citys stories and evidence on the ground, the audit of narcotics units and disciplinary action, if any, taken against its managers? Although the Harris County District Attorneys Office is reviewing cases that relied on the testimony of Gerald Goines, when will the police department carry out a full review of the entire unit and its managers with full accountability? How many other families were victimized by the decades-long corruption of HPD Narcotics Unit 15? Although the Harris County District Attorneys Office is reviewing cases that relied on the testimony of Gerald Goines, when will the police department carry out a full review of the entire unit and its managers with full accountability? How many other families were victimized by the decades-long corruption of HPD Narcotics Unit 15? How high did knowledge of the illicit activities of HPD officers Goines and Steven Bryant go in the police department? How high did knowledge of the illicit activities of HPD officers Goines and Steven Bryant go in the police department? Our independent investigation found evidence that an HPD shooter fired blindly through the homes walls and into the house, including the likely fatal shot at my sister on her own couch. Who killed my sister in the barrage of bullets fired from outside her home? Our independent investigation found evidence that an HPD shooter fired blindly through the homes walls and into the house, including the likely fatal shot at my sister on her own couch. Who killed my sister in the barrage of bullets fired from outside her home? What happened to the evidence our familys independent investigation of the killing developed? Why does the question of friendly fire and the likelihood that my sister was shot blindly while seated on her couch remain unanswered? What happened to the evidence our familys independent investigation of the killing developed? Why does the question of friendly fire and the likelihood that my sister was shot blindly while seated on her couch remain unanswered? Why is the Department of Justice no longer investigating HPD? For the City of Houston to continue to refuse to be accountable in the wrongful killing of my sister and to force our family to court over our rightful access of the investigation records only compounds our suffering and wastes our resources and taxpayer money. It also prevents the exoneration of Houstons thousands of honorable, hardworking police officers and most of their leaders. After high-profile line-of-duty deaths and injuries, Turner and Acevedo often mention the courage and heart of police officers. Our family asks that they show some courage and heart themselves and set the record straight on one of HPDs darkest chapters and properly apologize, once and for all. To be clear: Our family supports police and firefighter first responders. I proudly serve as a fire chief in Louisiana and we count many police officers among our friends. What we do not support is the citys hiding of the truth in the HPD Harding Street killings. The mayor and police chief should explain why our familys independent investigation has revealed more about what happened on Harding Street than city, state and federal authorities combined. Our investigation casts serious doubt on the citys increasingly incredible story of what happened in the raid. What do the mayor and police chief have to say about that? Rhogena and her husband did not deserve to be executed by rogue HPD officers in a raid predicated by false evidence and still-secret motivations. The murder indictment of Goines was a step in the right direction, but so many witnesses and so much evidence remain a mystery. Joe Gamaldi, the president of the Houston Police Officers Union, behaved most despicably after my sister was shot to death, calling her and her husband dirtbags in a raging, reckless performance before TV news cameras. Even now that one of his officers has been indicted for murder, I doubt he has the courage to apologize to Rhogenas and my 85-year-old mother, Jo Ann. But Turner and Acevedo still can help restore trust in HPD by doing so. Restoring trust requires exposing the full scope of the problems within HPD to the light of day, not by sticking to a story about two bad apples. As Turner and Acevedo plan for their next news conferences to comment on public safety in some faraway place or even in Houston, we ask them to take a moment and remember that our family is still awaiting their answers to our questions and their fully honest response to our injustice. Nicholas is the brother of Rhogena Nicholas, who was killed by HPD officers on Jan. 28, 2019. by Wang Zhicheng According to the Associated Press, Chinese authorities sat on information concerning the genome of the virus for weeks, allowing it to spread worldwide and become a pandemic. The World Health Organisation praised China in order to get it to release more information. Beijing (AsiaNews) The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Chinese government, most notably WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Chinese president Xi Jinping, have lied to the international community: According to the Associated Press (AP), backed by WHO recordings and emails, China did not share crucial information about the virus and its spread, whilst the WHO, aware of Chinas silence, failed to voice its concern and instead praised Beijing for its response to the pandemic Wuhan doctors Li Wenliang and Ai Fen had already exposed delays. Medical authorities in Taiwan has also reported delays in making public human-to-human transmission of the virus. AP noted first and foremost that Chinas health authorities had sat for weeks on the viruss genetic map or genome. Strict controls on information and competition within the Chinese public health system were largely to blame. AP also found that Chinese health officials only released the genome after a Chinese lab published it ahead of authorities on a virology website on 11 January. Even then, China stalled for at least two weeks more at a time when the virus was spreading around the world. According to a study by the University of Southampton, cited by Card Charles Bo in an angry statement against the Chinese Communist Party, "if China had acted responsibly one, two or three weeks earlier, the number of people infected with the virus would have been 66%, 86% and 95% lower respectively." At the WHO Assembly last month, Xi Jinping defended himself and his country by claiming that they had acted with openness, transparency and responsibility and provided information to WHO and relevant countries in a most timely fashion. APs revelations come at a time of a power struggle between the UN agency and US President Donald Trump who decided to cut funding for the agency (US0 million) accusing it of being too closely aligned with China. According to WHO officials, cited by AP, the UN agency tried to woo Beijing in order to get it to release all the data it had. This happened, but perhaps too late. CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mersana Therapeutics, Inc., (MRSN) a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing a pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting cancers in areas of high unmet medical need, today announced the closing of its underwritten registered public offering of 9,200,000 shares of its common stock at the public offering price of $19.00 per share, which includes the exercise in full of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares of common stock. The total gross proceeds to Mersana from the offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, are approximately $174.8 million. Cowen and SVB Leerink acted as joint bookrunning managers for the offering. Wedbush PacGrow acted as lead manager and Baird and H.C. Wainwright & Co. acted as co-managers for the offering. The shares of common stock described above were offered by Mersana pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-238140), as well as a related registration statement on Form S-3MEF filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. A preliminary prospectus supplement relating to and describing the terms of the offering was filed with the SEC on May 28, 2020. The final prospectus supplement relating to the offering was filed with the SEC on May 29, 2020 and copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained from: Cowen and Company, LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717 Attention: Prospectus Department, by telephone at (833) 297-2926, or by email at PostSaleManualRequests@broadridge.com ; or SVB Leerink LLC, Attention: Syndicate Department, One Federal Street, 37th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, by telephone at 800-808-7525, ext. 6132 or by email at syndicate@svbleerink.com . Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are also available on the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov. Story continues 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 shares of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Mersana Therapeutics Mersana Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company using its differentiated and proprietary ADC platforms to rapidly develop novel ADCs with optimal efficacy, safety and tolerability to meaningfully improve the lives of people fighting cancer. Mersanas lead product candidate, XMT-1536, is in the expansion portion of a Phase 1 proof-of-concept clinical study in patients with ovarian cancer and NSCLC adenocarcinoma. XMT-1592, Mersanas second ADC product candidate targeting NaPi2b-expressing tumors, was created using Mersanas customizable and homogeneous Dolasynthen platform and is in the dose escalation portion of a Phase 1 proof-of-concept clinical study. The Companys early stage programs include a B7-H4 targeting ADC, as well as a STING-agonist ADC developed using the Companys Immunosynthen platform. In addition, multiple partners are using Mersanas Dolaflexin platform to advance their ADC pipelines. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts and are based on managements beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements include information concerning the Companys business strategy and the design, progression and timing of its clinical trials. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by terms such as aims, anticipates, believes, contemplates, continues, could, estimates, expects, goal, intends, may, on track, plans, possible, potential, predicts, projects, seeks, should, target, will, would or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. Forward-looking statements represent managements beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. The Companys operations involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside its control, and any one of which, or combination of which, could materially affect its results of operations and whether the forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be correct. Factors that may materially affect the Companys results of operations and whether these forward-looking statements prove to be correct include, among other things, that preclinical testing may not be predictive of the results or success of ongoing or later preclinical or clinical trials, that the development and testing of the Companys product candidates and new platforms will take longer and/or cost more than planned, and that the identification of new product candidates will take longer than planned, as well as those listed in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2020, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2020 with the SEC and subsequent SEC filings. In addition, while we expect that the COVID-19 pandemic might adversely affect the Companys preclinical and clinical development efforts, business operations and financial results, the extent of the impact on the Companys operations and the value of and market for the Companys common stock will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence at this time, such as the ultimate duration of the pandemic, travel restrictions, quarantines, physical distancing and business closure requirements in the U.S. and in other countries, and the effectiveness of actions taken globally to contain and treat the disease. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Contact: UPDATED at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday with a videotaped response by Circuit Attorney Gardner. ST. LOUIS The 36 people arrested during two nights of protests in St. Louis have been released from jail, a police spokeswoman said Wednesday. Their release drew a rebuke from Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who criticized city prosecutors. Two people were released after being issued a summons, eight were released after prosecutors declined to immediately file charges and the remainder were released while police apply for charges, the spokeswoman, Michelle Woodling, said in an email. Schmitt, a Republican, took to Twitter on Wednesday to lash out at Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner, a Democrat, blaming her for the release. In a stunning development, our office has learned that every single one of the St. Louis looters and rioters arrested were released back onto the streets by local prosecutor Kim Gardner, he tweeted, along with a video showing a street scene with a burning vehicle and audible gunshots. Gardner responded to Schmitts claims in a video posted Wednesday to YouTube. To be clear, as of right now the police department brought to my office a group of eight individuals involving stealing for prosecution, Gardner said. We need police to bring admissible evidence to charge. My office cannot issue any case when there is not admissible evidence. Point blank. She said police investigators assured her that when they have the necessary evidence they will return to her office to have the cases prosecuted. Gardner then took aim at Schmitt. It is clear that he does not care about justice or safety or the needs of this community, she said. He just wants to lodge a politically motivated attack against me, even if it means misleading and lying to the public. Police arrested the 36 on suspicion of trespassing, burglary, causing property damage, stealing and assault. They range in age from 17 to 36 but the majority of them are teens and people in their 20s. Mayor Lyda Krewson said Wednesday that her office is working to persuade the Circuit Attorneys Office and circuit judges to keep those arrested behind bars. Its important to not send them right back out on the street and I know some of that has been happening, Krewson said. So that is not something that is in control of the mayors office, or frankly, the police department who work extremely hard to make these arrests and deserve for people to be held so theyre not right back out there doing the same thing. Joel Currier of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Around 100 parents in Ho Chi Minh City are preparing to sue a local school over online study fees. Parents gather at the Vietnam Australia International School to ask for a meeting with the school's leaders about online study fees The parents have sought for help from Duc Kien Minh Law Company to sue the Vietnam Australia International Education Corporation which is running the Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) for collecting unreasonable online study fees during the school closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the parents, the school deducted 30 percent of the study fees during the online studying period without parents' consent. The parents rejected the school's increasing to 10 classes a day for students at secondary and high school levels. They want the school to return the fee. Anh Dung who has two children studying at VAS said that during the school closure, VAS announced that they would take 30 percent of study fee in the third term for online classes. However, the school would extend the fourth term until July 15, which means the fees have risen by 140-160 percent. "The school decided everything on their own without discussions with parents," Dung said. "Many parents wanted a meeting with the school's leaders to negotiate a reasonable online study fee but the school did not reply." Many parents whose children study at pre-school level said that they had paid study fees for the whole school year but then were not returned the money during the school closure. Lawyer Pham Thi Bach Tuyet said that the requirements of the parents were quite reasonable. Earlier, the parents had gathered at the school several times to ask for a meeting with the school's leaders but were refused. They had sought for help from the local Department of Education and Training and were told that private schools would have to negotiate with parents on the fees. Several other international schools in Vietnam have also been complained for charging high online study fees during the closure time for virus prevention including The American School, the Australian International School, and the Vietnam Finland International School. Dtinews Parents angry as int'l schools collect tuition for last few months Students did not go to school for the last several months, but international schools have asked parents to pay tuition as usual. Jacob Boatright, South High Community Schools valedictorian, thought hed be giving his speech in front of his peers, teachers, friends and family in Worcester. Instead, he stood in front of a camera. One aspect which delineates South High from other institutions of secondary education is the acceptance of diversity. With students from over 70 countries, in the hallway it was easy to hear conversations in a multitude of languages between students of all backgrounds, Boatright said. It was a place where people could be open about who they were. And it was a place where diversity and difference were embraced. The valedictorian then talked about his own experience being autistic. My brain is fundamentally different from those of the majority of people, he said. At South High Community School, difference was supported. Boatright was a straight-A student since the 5th grade, took 12 Advanced Placement courses and had a 4.987 GPA. He was also the secretary of Tri-M, a music honor society, from 2018-2020, a National Honor Society member, Porter-Wachenheim Scholarship Recipient and competed on WGBHs High School Quiz Show for three seasons. He acknowledged in his speech that not everyone would want to take 12 AP courses, but his differences were accepted and he was able to thrive. In the world, it can be difficult to be different, but it is important to do so to advance society. Society does not advance by people conforming to the status quo, as the status quo is the enemy of progress, Boatright said. At South, I have been glad to be a part of a community that rejects the status quo and embraces diversity. In the fall he plans to attend Skidmore College in New York to major in mathematics. He knows the future might include people who dont respect these differences but thats not a reason to hide them. Demand respect for yourself and for others. Dont let them force you to hide it. You can do this. The class of 2020 has shown they are capable of being the change we want to see," he said. "This isnt just a class of students, although it is that. It is a class of Nobel Prize winners, of presidents, of artists, of creators. Want to submit your graduation speech? Fill out the Google form here. Related Content: SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement issued by the law firm Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, on behalf of the family of Marshall Miles in the case of Soto v. County of Sacramento, et al: On October 28, 2018, Marshall Miles stopped breathing, lost consciousness, and ultimately died from injuries sustained while being held face down on the concrete floor of Segregation Cell 3 at the Sacramento County main jail. His tragic and completely unnecessary death happened at the hands of Sacramento County Sheriff's Deputies, with the assistance of an officer from the California Highway Patrol. At the time Marshall stopped breathing, three Sheriff's Deputies were on top of him, pressing their knees into his shoulders and back, compressing his chest and preventing Marshall from being able to breathe. Marshall was helpless at the time, shackled at the wrists and ankles. Marshall was surrounded by more than 6 Sheriff's Deputies and supervisors, was unarmed and posed no legitimate risk to safety of anyone involved. Immediately before this fatal event, Sacramento Sheriff's Deputies assisted the arresting CHP officer by carrying Marshall into the jail using a restraint device commonly referred to as a hog-tie. This device is prohibited by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department. Throughout the more than 20-minute encounter, Marshall Miles repeatedly told the Deputies he couldn't breathe. Marshall begged the Deputies for air. The Deputies ignored his pleas. After Marshall lost consciousness, they watched Marshall lie lifeless on the jailhouse floor for close to a minute before finally deciding to render aid. By the time they did, it was simply too late. Marshall never regained consciousness. He was taken off life support three days later. Since the incident, involved Deputies testified that they had never been trained on the safe ways to position people when restrained. They claimed to know nothing at the time about the risks of positional asphyxia. Deputies also testified that the Department has not informed them of any corrective action or new protocols the Department wanted them to use in the future. All remain employed as Deputy Sheriffs to this very day. It is with deep sadness that we watch the same conduct continued against other black men throughout the nation. On Monday, we noticed the deposition of the elected sheriff of Sacramento County, Scott Jones for July 27, 2020. We intend to ask Sheriff Jones why his Deputies had not been trained on well-established law enforcement practices that prevent senseless deaths like the death of Marshall Miles and George Floyd. We intend to ask him why, more than 18 months later, he has done nothing about it. And we intend to ask him how, based on his inaction, he can assure the residents of Sacramento County that this won't happen again. Sheriff Jones is uniquely qualified to testify to these issues. We are optimistic that he will attend his deposition and not send his attorneys into court to block our deposition subpoena. Marshall's family and the Sacramento community deserves transparency and answers. As we await an answer from Sheriff Jones, we will continue to fight for justice on behalf of Marshall Miles and his family. SOURCE Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP In December, my five-year-old ginger, Rocco, came down with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)an infectious disease caused by a coronavirus. FIP is considered 100 per cent fatal. The only question at the vets office really, is when to schedule the euthanasia. Generally speaking, thats sooner rather than later. Its hard to diagnose FIP, but it usually involves a fever, lethargy, weight loss, a messy coat and either respiratory problems or a swollen belly. What makes it lethal to cats is the intense inflammatory response their immune system launches, which causes damage in the abdomen, kidneys or, less commonly, the brain. Thats the kind Rocco has. We know this because, in addition to refusing to eat or drink and losing a kilogram, he stumbled and lost his balance when trying to get up, walked with an exaggerated arch and started having trouble making jumps. Given all the strange tiger and housecat COVID-19 stories out there, you may be wondering if Roccos infection is one of those. It isnt. Although SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, and the feline coronavirus that causes FIP, both descend from the bat gene pool, they are different viruses. For one thing, the cat virus isnt novelits been around since at least the 1960s. None of this, I must add, is meant to draw any equivalence between my cats saga and the epidemic human suffering caused by COVID-19. Even before the World Health Organization was informed of the novel coronavirus on Dec. 31, 2019, I knew that, no matter how attached I was to Rocco, his problems didnt register as a serious concern in a world that, at the time, was dealing with, Australia being on fire, locusts invading Somalia and Ethiopia and, closer to home, a serious homelessness crisis in Toronto. While I was waiting for his diagnosis, I researched FIP, only to discover the world of black-market, anti-viral cat drugs and a totally heroic online community of people devoted to rescuing cats. It also led me to learning a lot about the power of people working together to help others with their own health problems, lessons we desperately need in the era of COVID-19. If you have a cat, theres a roughly 75 per cent chance it has already had this coronavirus and you just never noticed. Most cats are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms and get over it. A combination of genetic factors and environmental stress, however, means a small percentage of cats (roughly one to three per cent) cant mount an adaptive defence against it (a.k.a. antibodies) and, inflammation (part of the innate immune system) kicks into overdrive doing fatal damage. You dont have to be especially good at Google, though, to discover that some cats have survived FIP, despite the fact vets cant really offer any treatment options. The first FIP survivors were subjects in clinical trials at the University of California Davis school of veterinary medicine, which tested experimental drugs on FIP cats successfully. These studies are part of a lifetime of research on the feline coronavirus conducted by Dr. Niels Pedersen, distinguished professor emeritus at UC Davis, or, as the cat people call him, Dr. P. More than one drug was trialed, but the one most cat people are interested in is GS-441524, the active biological agent in remdesiviran experimental anti-viral that was developed by a California biotech firm called Gilead Sciences for Hepatitis C. If that name sounds familiar, its likely because remdesivir has recently been in the news after studies have demonstrated that moderately ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19 improved after five days on the drug. The jurys still out as to whether or not it will really help humans but, its active ingredient, GS-441524, a nucleoside that interferes with RNA replication in viruses, cured 25 of the 31 cats in the Davis study. Dr. P. had defeated one of the worlds most stubborn and nasty coronaviruses. There was just one problem. Namely, that Gilead Sciences, which has a patent on both remdesivir and GS-441524, didnt want the latter licensed for veterinary use, because its in the people drug business, not the animal side of things. We dont really know all the reasons, but some have speculated that cats with relatively rare diseases werent considered a lucrative enough market and, in addition, if anything bad happened to cats on GS, (as well refer to it from here on in), it might make getting remdesivir approved for humans more difficult. The relationship between the two drugs? Theyre related, but not identical. Imagine that remdesivir is the finished drug, with enhancements to make the GS work better on humans. GS is the raw goods. Frustrated by the fact that a treatment did exist, but there was no way to access it, I started searching for FIP-GS clinical trials in Canada. I found none but, instead, discovered that, far from being the first person to look for it, an underground market for GS was well-established. Dr. P. says the market popped up in China first, even before he published the results of his research in February, 2019. Why China? Firstly, because cats, especially pedigreed kittens (which are at a substantially higher risk for FIP infections), are trending there. The cat craze is driven by the young urban set, many of whom call themselves cat slaves, and spare no expense on treats, clothes, furniture, acupuncture and spa days, while documenting it on social media. Think there are too many cats on your Insta feed? You should check out WeChat. This may not be the most eccentric thing I have done in my life, but sending a substantial amount of money off into the ether in the hopes that someone would deliver life-saving cat drugs of questionable origin and quality to my door is right up there. At first, I resisted this seemingly desperate move. But theres something about knowing theres a potential cure that preys on you. Nobody knows how many people are currently treating their cats with GS, but its in the thousands. There are people on every social media platform educating and supporting each other in a massive citizen science project to save cats and defeat FIP. Inhabitants of the catosphere help people diagnose FIP, share templates for keeping track of blood test results, help people locate emergency doses and disseminate strategies for injecting cats with drugs at home. Oh right. Did I mention the treatment involves 12 weeks of daily subcutaneous injections that just about no licensed vet would be willing to do for you, given the shady provenance of the drugs? Worse, depending on the blood work and results, some people have to extend beyond the normal treatment window. Our final tally was 116 injections, given every single day from early January to late April at more or less exactly 4:30 p.m. in the afternoon. But Rocco was back to doing his acro-cat balance beam catwalk routine on the banister on Day Sixa day that, without the GS, would have probably been euthanasia day. That joy helps get you through the bad shots and injection soresa reaction to the medicine that creepily comes up through the skin and, on occasion, gets infected. That means buying cat sweaters, so they cant scratch or lick the sores, as well as hot towel soakings and administering antibiotics, all of which, on top of the stress of sourcing hard-to-get meds, makes the treatment close to a full-time job. I was, essentially, a cat slave. My devotion, however, is nothing compared to the army of self-trained volunteers who offer their time and expertise on the catosphere. Not only do they give advice and support at all times of daysomeone even messaged me on Christmas Day to ask how Rocco was doingthey actually manage to keep the black market honest(ish), just through constantly keeping track of all the kitties progress. In late January, a bad (diluted) batch of medicine was discovered (the brand I, in fact, used) a cluster of cats started declining. Thats the power of surveillance and frequent testing. Of course, Im not just talking about cats anymore. Vigilant surveillance such as testing and tracing havent been aggressively applied yet in Ontario to control COVID-19, even though epidemiologists have been shouting it from the rooftops since the beginning. When it comes to novel and rare diseases, information in key, and most physicians simply dont have all the answers, which is why online platforms such as Patients Like Me, are so successful. Informed people working online together to solve health problems can be surprisingly powerful. Its an online community that resembles what early techno-optimists hoped the internet would be, before things went south and Cambridge Analytica, 8chan and Breitbart took over. Did I mention that the catosphere is stacked with women? Probably just a coincidence. Although the moderators of the forum do try to keep conversations about kitty treatment, instead of speculation about the relationship between the two coronaviruses, it comes up. Nobody in the catosphere, for example, was surprised when COVID-19 turned out to be more than a respiratory illness and, instead, caused other problems, such as vascular, kidney and neurological damage or even the loss of appetite. Its not the same virus but, unfortunately, theyre both enigmatic shape-shifters. In early January, one of the cat people jokingly suggested people try GS for treating COVID-19. And, sure enough, in late January, it turned out that Gilead was dusting off its shelved anti-viral, remdesivir, and offering it up for clinical trials. I asked Dr. Pedersen if he was surprised to see GS make its appearance in the unfolding COVID-19 story. He told me he was surprised it wasnt considered earlier. Dr. P. didnt mean earlier in the COVID-19 timeline but, rather, in a more general sense. Human infectious disease researchers had long known that a zoonotic virus was a likely scenario in the next pandemic. So, since vets do a lot of work on coronaviruses, it might have been a good idea to pay a little attention to what was going on there. Its not even the only drug Pedersen used to battle FIP-a protease inhibitor yielded good results, as well. At the end of May, it was revealed that drug would also be trialed for COVID-19. As Heather MacDougall, a historian at the University of Waterloo who studies our responses to contagious diseases said to me: This is our third deadly coronavirus in 20 years, (referring to SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2). Its time to talk to the vets. Weve been dealing with the coronavirus diseases in swine, poultry, calves, dogs, cats and other domestic and exotic species for decades, noted Dr. Pedersen. Its like people are surprised when a bat virus suddenly gets into humans? We know this. Weve seen it happen in other animals. Despite the wealth of work done by vets on coronaviruses, Pedersen explained the veterinary schools contributions to this body of research had generally been overlooked. Theres a glimmer of hope that were starting to address this knowledge gap in Canada, at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan, which started as a veterinary lab in 1975. Its been trying, unsuccessfully, to get funding to develop a vaccine that would work on all coronaviruses for some time. Now that COVID-19 has become a problem for human animalswell, theyve got money. I asked Pedersen if the disconnect came from the idea that veterinary research is often regarded as the toy department of medical sciences, or if it was because we still view humans as fundamentally separate from (and superior to) animals in ways that dont bear out in real life. Both, he said. Plus money. Its still too early to know if Gileads remdesivir will work on humans like GS does on cats. My friends in evidence-based medicine say its low-quality evidence at this point. Its also possible medical researchers and vaccine makers wont be able to apply many of the lessons learned from animal coronaviruses to humans. But there are precedents to support Pedersens position that ignoring relevant veterinarian research is like doing work with blinders on. Fifty years ago, veterinary researchers had connected the papilloma virus to cancer in horses and other animals, and there were some successful vaccines. But in the 1980s and 1990s, the centre of gravity in basic cancer research shifted to the oncogene theorya gene that could cause cancer. Tumour virology fell out of favour, and vaccine research was shunted to the margins. The veterinarians were right all along, however, and we now have HPV vaccines. On a larger level, COVID-19, a zoonotic disease, should be a sharp reminder that any notion that were separate from the animals is illusory. Hows Rocco? Well, its only been four weeks since his last shot and FIP relapses have been known to happen anytime up to three months after treatment ends, so we wont have any answers for a while. For now though, hes great. Hes gained back all his weight and can run, jump and walk. These are important markers, Dr. P. said, in terms of predicting if a neuro cat will make it to the point theyre considered cured. And, if we dont make it that far, it will be a very sad final chapter for all of us, of course. But, as Dr. Pedersen said to me, We cannot save them all, but there is no shame in that if we gave it our best. Rocco Fluffernutter will be posting daily updates about his progress on Instagram @roccosismondo. Maseru (Kngdom of Lesotho) 03 June 2020 (SPS)- The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho reiterated in an official statement by its Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Relations, the Hon 'Matsepo Ramakoae, principled position on Western Sahara, denying previous unilateral misrepresentations of that position last year. In a filmed statement published yesterday by Lesotho Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its official page on Facebook, the Minister stressed that the Kingdom of Lesotho and Western Sahara maintain a cordial bilateral relations, and successive governments of Lesotho have maintained their support to Western Sahara, these relations have been maintained throughout the years and they continue to grow stronger. The statement recalled that a previous note sent by the Ministry on the 4th of October 2019 to the Kingdom of Morocco purportedly signaled change of position by Lesotho government on the issue of Western Sahara. This move was widely construed as withdrawal of the support to the Polisario Front by the Lesotho Government as well as turning a blind eye to the continued suffering of the Saharawi Arab people whose land has been under occupation by foreign power for decades now, the Minister added, confirming that the move correctly attracted a lot of uproar and criticism from the international community, including SADC and ordinary Basotho. Lesotho Foreign Policy, the statement adds, is premised upon strong principles, mainly sovereign equality of all states; Peaceful settlement of disputes, nonuse or threat of use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state and the right to self-determination. It is regrettable that Western Sahara remains the only colony on the Continent of Africa contrary to the principle of United Nations Charter, the Minister said, considering that the issue of Western Sahara is a question of decolonization which remains to be completed on the basis of the exercise by the Saharawi People of their inalienable rights to self-determination and independence. In this regards, the Government of Lesotho underscores the need for creating conditions that would allow the holding of a peaceful and fair referendum for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara and pronounces Lesotho's support for a peaceful negotiation aimed at holding the referendum. The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho further indicated that it will shortly dispatch a special envoy to Western Sahara, the SADC Chair, and AU Chair to dispel these misrepresentations and distortions regarding the Lesotho position on Western Sahara and to reiterate Lesotho's principled position on Western Sahara. With respect to the right to Self-Determination the Kingdom of Lesotho calls for the legitimate right to self-determination of those countries and nations that still do not enjoy self-determination in accordance with the United Nations' principles and resolutions. Furthermore, the foreign policy in Lesotho's case is adopted at the Cabinet level, and consequently modifications in thereto must be sanctioned by a Cabinet as a collective. On the basis of our foreign policy which has remained virtually the same since obtaining independence Lesotho has maintained her principled position to support the struggle for the people of Western Sahara, Ms 'Matsepo Ramakoae said. Indeed, She adds, Lesotho exists as a country today because of solidarity with others, and her independence and sovereignty shall to a large extend continue to depend on solidarity with other states. The statement also recalled that SADC organized a Solidarity Conference on Western Sahara early in 2019 in the Republic of South Africa, and the decision of that conference were endorsed by the SADC summit that was held in the Republic of Tanzania in August 2019. Lesotho participated in both summits at the highest level, the statement concludes, and thus the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho will continue to maintain her principled position on Western Sahara and reiterates her support to the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic as an independent African Country coexisting side by side with the Kingdom of Morocco in peace and security. (SPS) 090/500/60 (SPS) Panjab University has slipped 13 notches in the eighth edition of Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2020, yet again missing a spot in the top 100. Ranked 136 in 2019, this year PU has settled at the 149th position among 489 institutions from 30 countries and regions in Asia. In the rankings released on Wednesday, PU shares its position with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad. In 2018, the varsity was 114th in the list. As many as 56 Indian institutions qualified for the rankings, an increase of seven from 2019, with eight in the top 100. Indian Institute of Science, Bengalaru, ranked highest in the country at 36. At 47, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar also made it to the top 50. PU was placed higher than University of Delhi, which is at the 155th spot. It is also ahead of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi; Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi; Thapar University, Patiala; and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Delhi. The varsity has also improved on the overall score from 32.1 in 2019 to 34.2 in 2020 (see box). These international rankings compare technical institutes with traditional universities, which is not an apt comparison. Yet, we have a reason to cheer. This year we have made a substantial jump in research and citation scores, said Ashish Jain, director, inter quality assurance cell (IQAC), PU. Vice-chancellor Raj Kumar said, Ever since I joined the university in August 2019, it has been my endeavour to imbibe the culture of research and industry linkages among the faculty and students. Rajat Sandhir, professor at department of biochemistry, who is also a senator at PU, said, Other universities have much better student-to-teacher ratio, which affected our ranking. We need to urgently fill vacant faculty positions to do better in future. The number of students per faculty was 21.5 in 2019, which increased to 23.4 this year. Cambodian manufacturing associations and private sector companies have asked the European Union to delay the implementation of the partial suspension of trade privileges, slated to activate on August 12, to not exacerbate the existing coronavirus-induced economic slowdown. In a statement dated June 2, the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC), Cambodia Footwear Association, and European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham) asked for a reevaluation of the EUs decision to impose tariffs on export products and to postpone the implementation to 2021. If withdrawn in August, the groups said it would be a massive blow to Cambodian industry over and above the enormous negative impact from COVID-19. We believe that if the EU goes forward with the planned withdrawal of EBA, more jobs will be at risk at a time when COVID-19 is already heavily impacting the economy and employment in Cambodia, as in the rest of the world, said Blaise Kilian, executive director at EuroCham. Following a year-long investigation process, the European Commission in February decided to suspend trade privileges under the Everything But Arms preferential system, affecting 40 products in the garment, footwear, travel goods, and sugar sector. The suspension would affect 20 percent of exports to the EU, according to the European Commission. According to the list of export codes released by the Commission, products such as mens and boys t-shirts and trousers, certain kinds of mens underpants, briefs and pajamas, and womens tracksuits, pantyhose and tights would be tariffed at standard EU tariffs. But all sugarcane related products and travel goods, such as suitcases, leather gloves, and rucksacks would be fully tariffed starting August 12. Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, Cambodia has seen a massive drop in economic activity, severely affecting tourism and exports in the critical garment and footwear sectors. At least 250 factories have shut down or suspended their operations leaving around 130,000 employees without work. Yang Sophorn, president of the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions, said the sanction was linked to political developments and that senior leaders from the government and the EU should meet and find a resolution for the benefits of workers. If the leaders think it is very important, there should be a discussion to find solutions for the benefits of our citizens and their living conditions, she said. The European Union has said that the release of opposition leader Kem Sokha and the reinstatement of the CNRP were incumbent to preventing a trade privileges suspension. So far, Kem Sokha is still being tried for alleged treason, and Cambodia National Rescue Party members have only faced continued persecution, arrest and violence. Phay Siphan, a Council of Ministers spokesperson, said the government supports the request made by private sector groups, but that there will be no negotiations or concessions made, referring to the Kem Sokha trial and reinstatement of the CNRP. Our stance is still the same. If this benefits the workers, we welcome it, he said. But, we cant violate our constitutional, legislative, executive, and judicial principles. The European Commission said Wednesday night it was continuing to monitor the situation in Cambodia and was seeking meaningful engagement with Cambodian authorities. "In case Cambodia shows significant progress, notably on civil and political rights, the Commission may review its decision and reinstate tariff preferences under the EBA arrangement," said the EC's press officer for trade, Kinga Malinowska. The spokesperson did not respond to whether it was possible to delay the implementation of the EBA partial suspension, as requested by Cambodia's private sector. Ken Loo, secretary-general of the Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia, said the private sector was not going to make any appeals to the government to negotiate with the EU. I don't know whether the [EBA suspension] is related to politics or not. We as the private sectors requested the EU, but are not pressuring the Royal government to negotiate with the EU, he said. The Delegation of the European Union to Cambodia and Carmen Moreno, head of the delegation, did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. The European Commission in Brussels had not responded to queries sent by VOA Khmer, as of publication. Cambodia exported 45 percent of its products to the EU in 2018, accounting for around $5.8 billion. It was also the second-largest beneficiary of the EBA privileges, only second to Bangladesh. The World Bank last week estimated that the Cambodian economy could shrink between and 1.0 and 2.9 percent, the first for the country in nearly 30 years. Garment and footwear exports were flagged as one of the three economic drivers in Cambodia that had slowed down considerably. Note: This story had been updated to include a response from the European Commission in Brussels. LAPD Chief Michel Moore addresses protesters through a bullhorn over the weekend in the Fairfax district. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) As he commands the Los Angeles Police Department's response to mass protests over the killing of George Floyd, LAPD Chief Michel Moore is also facing a growing political storm over comments he made Monday night but quickly retracted about looters. The chief said looters across Southern California over the weekend were capitalizing on the death of Floyd. We didnt have protests last night we had criminal acts, Moore said during a news conference with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Monday night. We didnt have people mourning the death of this man, George Floyd we had people capitalizing. His death is on their hands as much as it is those officers. Moore apologized minutes later, saying he misspoke when I said his blood is on their hands and that he regretted that characterization. But I dont regret, nor will I apologize, to those who are out there today committing violence, destroying lives and livelihoods and creating this destruction, Moore said. His memory deserves reform. His memory deserves a better Los Angeles, a better United States and a better world. On Tuesday, protesters chants rang out outside the LAPDs glass headquarters: Fire Michel Moore! Fire Michel Moore! And: Hey, hey, ho, ho! Michel Moore has got to go! Garcetti on Tuesday night defended Moore, saying he was glad the chief had apologized. Im glad he quickly corrected it, and Im glad that he further apologized, as well, Garcetti said. I want to be very, very clear about that. If I believed for a moment that the chief believed that in his heart, he would no longer be our chief of police. I cant say that any stronger. Moore's comments were also the focus of much public comments during a Los Angeles Police Commission meeting Tuesday. Jocelyn Tucker said she appreciated the apology, but the chief's words were telling. If that was your knee-jerk reaction, youre not in the right job, she said. State Sen. Holly Mitchell also responded to his comments in a statement. Story continues I want you to know that we have every right to be outraged and that our voices deserve to be heard and not hijacked by outside agitators nor by a police chief who infers that our actions can be compared to the murders we have witnessed and experienced, she wrote in a statement. These type of distractions want to turn this discussion away from the main point which is ending structural racism. Moore was quick to condemn the killing of Floyd by Minneapolis police, and in the early days of the protests, gave demonstrators a wide berth. Moore told the Police Commission that when he saw the video of police kneeling on Floyd's neck, he and others at the LAPD were greatly disturbed by it and troubled by the images and we sought to communicate clearly those images we witnessed along with the rest of America, they were horrible. It was disgusting and without justification. Moore said the LAPD originally hoped to work with peaceful protesters. But while many demonstrators were not violent, looting began Saturday night and changed the dynamics. When violence escalates, including assaults on officers, arson, widespread looting in the Fairfax area Saturday, and we see officers sustain injuries, the loss of property, the department needs to resort to a stronger message, he said. We increased our deployment. We began blocking protesters, communicating with protests. We began to convey to them the need for peace. ... But we could not allow the safety of our officers or the public to be jeopardized. Moore said he is continuing to evaluate the department and strategies. As to allegations of officer misconduct, he said, I want to assure you we will investigate each complaint, and I promise to hold accountable anyone who violates our policy or commits other misconduct. Many speakers also said they had witnessed LAPD officers shooting rubber bullets at protesters and blamed the officers for escalating tensions. Im terrified of the LAPD. You have shown your true colors, David Spencer said. On Tuesday, Garcetti said he was going to limit the use of rubber bullets. I think that weve seen less of any of those tactics and I hope that we can see the most minimal if not zero of those tactics, he said. The mayor mentioned that an officer suffered a fractured skull during protests over the weekend and that officers needed to make peaceful protesting possible. Those tactics will sometimes be out there, but it is my direction to minimize those and if we can to not use those [tactics] at all especially if theres peaceful protesters. The orbit of June 2020s Strawberry Full Moon will be passing through the faint outer shadow of Earth, making whats known as a penumbral lunar eclipse visible to stargazers across the Eastern hemisphere. June 5 and 6 play host to the second of four penumbral lunar eclipses this year. Pending clear skies, astronomy enthusiasts across Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, and parts of southeastern South America will notice a perceptible partial darkening of the Moon; according to Time and Date, the eclipse is set to reach its maximum peak at 7:24 p.m. UTC on June 5. The full moon during the penumbral lunar eclipse is seen in Kathmandu on Jan. 11, 2020 (PRAKASH MATHEMA/AFP via Getty Images) From start to finish, the eclipse is expected to last 3 hours and 18 minutes. Lunar eclipses are visible to anybody residing on the night side of Earth at the time of the event, if the sky remains clear; but unfortunately for stargazers in North America, the June 5 penumbral eclipse will occur below the visible horizon. The Moons tilted orbit around Earth gives rise to the phenomenon of lunar eclipses. Twice a year, the Moon passes through Earths shadow, creating either a total, partial, or penumbral lunar eclipse. A penumbral lunar eclipse, while a fascinating spectacle, can be a little difficult to differentiate from a regular full moon. This type of lunar eclipse, says EarthSky, occurs when the Moon crosses the faint perimeter of Earths shadow onlythe penumbramaking the Moon appear slightly darker than usual. The effect is so subtle that it is nearly imperceptible. The full moon during the penumbral lunar eclipse is seen on the outskirts of Chandigarh on Jan. 11, 2020. ( VIJAY MATHUR/AFP via Getty Images) Earths penumbral shadow forms a diverging cone that expands into space in the anti-solar direction, NASA explains. From within this zone, Earth blocks part but not the entire disk of the Sun. Thus, some fraction of the Suns direct rays continues to reach the most deeply eclipsed parts of the Moon during a penumbral eclipse. Junes Strawberry Full Moon will rise just after sunset on June 5. The Old Farmers Almanac advises stargazers to look toward the southeast to catch the Moons gradual ascent above the horizon, where it will appear larger than usual and golden hued. The Strawberry Moon is expected to reach its peak illumination at 7:12 p.m. UTC, shortly before the peak of the penumbral eclipse. A man stands in front of his telescope as he attends with other people for the partial lunar eclipse over Vienna, on July 16, 2019. (GEORG HOCHMUTH/AFP via Getty Images) Junes full moon was historically heralded as a signal to gather ripening wild strawberries by the Algonquin tribes of eastern North America, who named this moon after the said fruit itself. In Europe, alternate names for the June full moon include the Honey Moon, the Mead Moon, and the Rose Moon. According to The Old Farmers Almanac, folklore that accompanies Junes Strawberry Full Moon includes the month of June being a lucky time to get married and the best time for crabbing, shrimping, and clamming. The Moon will be particularly low in the sky throughout the month of June, says Forbess science expert Jamie Carter, dominating the night sky and even becoming visible in the late afternoon and early evening. The third and the fourth penumbral lunar eclipses of 2020 will take place on July 4 to July 5, and on Nov. 29 to Nov. 30, respectively. The first penumbral lunar eclipses of the year occurred in January. Additionally, the month of June will feature the planet Mercury, an ordinarily hard-to-spot planet, becoming visible to stargazers with the aid of binoculars. The comparatively brighter Venus, on the other hand, will disappear from view after six months of good visibility, says Carter. Avid lovers of the night sky can also hope to see Corona Borealis, a stunning constellation comprising seven bright stars situated directly above the heads of anybody residing in the Northern hemisphere. Click here to read the full article. PARIS France will postpone its summer sales by three weeks in order to give independent retailers time to shift spring inventory at full price and restore their cash flow, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Tuesday. The sales will begin on July 15 and will last four weeks, the government official said on RTL radio. The discount period had originally been scheduled to run from June 24 to July 21. More from WWD I have granted the request of small storekeepers. I know that may raise issues for other big retailers, but I think its legitimate in this very particular period to support those that are the weakest, Le Maire explained. Independent retailers are not the only ones seeking to limit markdowns. Operating under the generic web site forumletter.org, a loose-knit group of luxury retailers and designers last month published a statement urging a slowdown in the pace of fashion. The signatories, which include Dries Van Noten, Lane Crawford and Altuzarra, propose that mens and womens fall collections should be merchandised in stores from August to January, with markdowns in January, with spring collections displayed from February to July, with markdowns in July. The Federation Nationale de lhabillement, which represents independent French retailers, welcomed Le Maires announcement. This gives retailers several weeks more to get rid of spring and summer stocks that they were unable to sell for more than two months. This welcome postponement of the sales will allow them to preserve their margins, it said in a statement. Le Maire said the government was trying to find buyers for ready-to-wear chains that have filed for bankruptcy as a result of the coronavirus crisis, including Camaieu, which employs close to 4,000 people, and La Halle, where 2,200 jobs are at risk. Story continues He warned more pain was inevitable, saying the government now expects the French economy to contract by 11 percent in 2020, versus an earlier forecast of an 8 percent drop. I have been very clear that the hardest part is still ahead of us, he told RTL. I am absolutely convinced we will bounce back in 2021. French clothing and textile sales fell 74.6 percent in April, when all but essential stores were closed under Frances strict lockdown rules, the Institut Francais de la Mode reported on Tuesday. Retailers revenues were down 28.2 percent in the first four months of 2020 versus the same period a year ago, it said. Cabinet of Avdullah Hoti, of the Democratic League of Kosovo, approved by a razor-thin majority. Kosovos parliament has endorsed Avdullah Hoti to lead as prime minister of a fragile coalition government set to inherit the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic and stalled normalisation talks with neighbouring Serbia. The new coalition was approved by a razor-thin majority on Wednesday, gaining the backing of 61 legislators in the 120-seat assembly. Hoti, 44, rose to power after his centre-right Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) party quit an alliance with left-wing politician Albin Kurti, of the Self-determination Movement, also known as the Vetevendosje! party, who lasted less than two months in power. The LDK went on to cobble together a new coalition despite criticism over its move to team up with politicians from Kosovos old guard after breaking ties with Kurti. The coalition includes the party led by former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, one of several ex-rebel leaders who have been dominating Kosovo politics for more than 10 years. Members from the Self-Determination Movement did not attend the vote, although some supporters protested outside of the parliament building. We are a nation that needs a government that serves (the people), Hoti, a former finance minister, told members of parliament before Wednesdays vote. Who is the new PM? Hoti, an economics professor, has for years followed in the footsteps of Isa Mustafa, the powerful leader of the LDK, one of Kosovos oldest parties. When Mustafa was mayor of the capital, Pristina, Hoti served as his adviser and then as his deputy. As Mustafa rose up the political ranks to take the premiership in 2014, Hoti followed, becoming his finance minister. Local media have sometimes referred to Hoti as Mustafas shadow. With a calm, low-pitched voice and academic demeanour, Hoti has been direct about his willingness to take on Kosovos most sensitive issues, such as talks with former war foe Serbia that have dragged on for years. He also pledged to tackle corruption, crime and soaring poverty in Kosovo, one of Europes least developed economies and its youngest democracy after declaring independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia and the pandemic Resuming the internationally-facilitated dialogue over ties with Serbia will remain a top challenge for the new government. Both countries aspire to join the European Union, and the talks were launched in 2011 to normalise relations as a condition for bloc membership. Little progress has been made since and the situation deteriorated in November 2018 when Kosovo introduced a 100 percent tax on imports of Serbian products, saying it would only cancel the tax after Serbia recognised Kosovos independence. More than 100 countries including the United States and the United Kingdom have recognised Kosovo, but Serbia and its allies Russia and China refuse to do so, leaving the country in a state of limbo. Hoti did not say on Wednesday whether he would reverse a controversial reciprocity standard introduced by Kurti that, as of Sunday, required Serbian authorities to apply the same documentation standards for their exported goods to Kosovo as they require for Kosovar goods entering Serbia. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has described the rules as insane, adding that his country was losing $1.12m a day, according to state broadcaster RTS. Hoti said the US and the EU should both be involved in the normalisation talks and help guarantee the implementation of any deal that comes out of them. We believe the dialogue with Serbia to achieve the overall agreement, based on the reciprocal recognition of the two countries, is of vital interest for Kosovo, Hoti said. Both EU leaders and the US embassy in Pristina welcomed the new government. The EU-facilitated dialogue is the only way to turn Kosovos European future into a reality for its citizens, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said in a statement. Hoti on Wednesday also said his government aimed to collect $1.4bn from the national budget and international resources to counter the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic on Kosovos economy. FERGUSON, Mo. - Ella Jones winced as she gazed at a boarded-up restaurant, one of several businesses in Ferguson damaged in protests over the death of George Floyd. As Jones prepares to take over as the Missouri towns first black mayor, she understands that Ferguson will always symbolize the uneasy relationship between black people and police. She just doesnt understand the destruction. I know people consider Ferguson as Ground Zero, Jones said Wednesday. However, every time injustice is done, they dont have to come here and tear up our city. Jones, 65, defeated City Council colleague Heather Robinette, who is white, 54% to 46% in Tuesdays mayoral election. Later this month, Jones will become the face of the St. Louis suburb that erupted into chaos nearly six years ago after a white police officer fatally shot Michael Brown, a black teenager. Brown, 18, was walking with a friend along Canfield Drive on Aug. 9, 2014, when an argument with Officer Darren Wilson turned physical. Wilson claimed Brown 6-foot-4 and nearly 300 pounds was moving menacingly toward him, prompting the shooting. Canfield Drive runs between apartment buildings and some people initially claimed Brown had his hands up in surrender, though that was never proven. Dozens of businesses were burned and burglarized over the next several nights as tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets. Wilson was eventually cleared of wrongdoing and resigned in November 2014. Months later, the U.S. Department of Justice released a report that found Ferguson police unfairly targeted blacks for stops and arrests, and that the municipal court used fines and fees as a revenue source, a burden carried largely by black people. A consent agreement requires significant reforms, a process that is expected to continue into at least 2022. Fergusons city government has already changed dramatically. In 2014, the mayor, five of the six members of the council and most other leaders in the majority-black city were white. The police force was led by a white chief and just three of the 53 officers were black. Today, about half of Fergusons officers are black, including the chief. Four of the City Council members are black. So is the incoming mayor. Jones was elected to the council in 2015 and ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2017, when incumbent James Knowles III was reelected to a three-year term. He was ineligible to run this year because of term limits. Knowles said hes proud of how he led Ferguson through the most tumultuous time imaginable. He said that while many expected Ferguson to die, it is in many ways stronger than ever. New lofts now sit across from the police station. Chic restaurants, bars and other trendy businesses have opened, including many operated by African Americans. Its really been great to see not only this new investment but bringing in the types of business we want to see to build a vibrant, diverse business district, Knowles said. But Jones sees much more work ahead, especially now that Ferguson is cleaning up after protests turned violent yet again. Floyds death after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes on May 25 sparked worldwide demonstrations. In Ferguson, several hundred people gathered Sunday night outside the police department. Late in the evening, protesters began lobbing fireworks, rocks and bottles at a line of officers. Police scattered the crowd with tear gas, and in the chaos of the evening, several businesses were damaged. By Wednesday afternoon, more than a dozen shops, restaurants and bars still had broken glass and boarded-up windows. Many that had just reopened after the coronavirus shutdown are now closed again. Im really heartbroken, Jones said. I thought we had gotten past 2014 and the people who did this tried to break our spirit because weve been working together as a community to move forward, and now we have this. She said her first priority will be to seek grants to help damaged businesses regroup. We are a strong city and were going to get through this, and were going to get through this working together, she said. Laverne Mitchom, a 69-year-old black resident of Ferguson, said Jones has a reputation for working with others to effect change. Ella is the leadership that we need right now not because shes black, Mitchom said. Being black is helpful because she has an understanding of the serious things that black people have gone through in this country. But shes a people person and she knows how to develop relationships. Shell work with people from the outside that will be very good for Ferguson. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marchio Irfan Gorbiano (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 08:33 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbac7db 1 National religious-gathering,COVID-19,infection,IPAC,PSBB,house-of-worship,restriction Free The governments plan to gradually reopen places of worship has drawn mixed responses from religious groups and health experts, many of whom insist that any possible easing of curbs anywhere should be contingent on low risk of transmission. For Muslim-majority Indonesia, where faith plays a large role in society, the pandemic has shuttered various mosques, temples and churches and prevented people from holding mass prayers. However, the debate has managed to open a can of worms that pits public health against the right to practice religious beliefs. Robikin Emhas, chairman of the countrys largest grassroots Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, said the current circumstances called for a thorough assessment of the options and should take various factors into account, including the rate of infection and the preparedness of the national healthcare system. He said that any state policy should consider the actual conditions in the field as they relate to the infection curve, as well as the ability to contact-trace, quarantine and treat COVID-19 patients. As an exit strategy for the current large-scale social restrictions, a new normal should be studied and prepared thoroughly so it may foster a productive livelihood for a society that is safe from COVID-19, said Robikin, a vice presidential advisor. Abdul Muti, secretary-general of the nations second-largest Muslim group, Muhammadiyah, voiced a similar opinion, saying that reopening places of worship should not be done with haste, calling instead for the government to focus on prevention. There should be a guarantee from experts and authorities that can be held accountable. Only if these terms are fulfilled can we think about reopening, and even then only with strict [health] protocols, Abdul told The Jakarta Post. Rev. Japarline Marbun, head of the Bethel Church of Indonesias (GBI) synod, also said it would be better to err on the side of caution, considering how difficult it is to put in place the necessary health protocols in some churches. It is difficult, for instance, to expect congregations not to jostle as they enter the church, and there are many churches closed off with [poor] air circulation, Japarlin said. And while some preach about the importance of relying on science to ensure public health, others still find it hard to heed state-sanctioned physical distancing measures. The nations top Muslim clerical body, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), which comprises many organizations including NU and Muhammadiyah, said that places of worship should be allowed to reopen their doors to worshipers in areas deemed safe from COVID-19 transmission. Under conditions where the spread of COVID-19 is under control, Muslims are obliged to carry out Friday prayers and allowed to get involved in mass prayer activities [...] so long as they stay mindful of not getting infected, said Asrorun Niam Sholeh, the MUIs fatwa commission secretary, in a statement. Last week, Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi signed a circular detailing the necessary protocols for reopening places of worship in areas deemed to have little risk of viral transmission. The guidelines stipulate that any religious or social activity at a place of worship must take account of the real circumstances in the immediate vicinity and not just the status designated for that given area, Fachrul said in a virtual press briefing on Saturday. Even if, for example, an area is considered a yellow zone, if COVID-19 transmission is found anywhere near a place of worship, that place cannot host any collective prayer. In order for a place of prayer to be reopened to the public, Fachrul said the local COVID-19 task force must recommend it in coordination with the relevant authorities. Recommendations can also be revoked if new infections are recorded or if there is a perceived lack of health protocol enforcement. Three months after Indonesia reported its first COVID-19 infection, the government has come under fire for not acting swiftly enough to curb the spread of the disease among the nations devout the millions of people who are accustomed to attending mass congregations and collective prayers. A recent report from the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) found that the lack of an early response to ban mass religious gatherings in the early days of COVID-19 transmission had contributed to the emergence of two infection clusters: the Gowa cluster linked with a tabligh (Muslim mass gathering) in South Sulawesi, and another from a religious seminar by GBI in Lembang, West Java. The lack of clear guidance on enforcement or sanctions could lead to unfortunate outcomes: new clusters of religious super-spreaders or vigilantism, as some groups decide to take law into their own hands, researchers said in the IPAC report. The city of Brebes in Central Java was designated a COVID-19 red zone early last month after 16 of its residents tested positive for the disease after returning from the Gowa tabligh event, while 127 people were infected from the Lembang event. University of Indonesia epidemiologist Pandu Riono said that restrictions on places of worship should be eased gradually and that the government should be prepared to conduct local testing and tracing should COVID-19 cases increase following the reopening of such locations. There are always going to be concerns about violations or if [proper health protocol] is not observed, Pandu told the Post. If people in a congregation from mosques or churches catch [the virus], the entire group should be tested and [places of worship] should be temporarily closed. Felony charges against four people accused of bringing down the Robert E. Lee statue at Lee High School on Monday night are not prosecutable at this time because of errors with the affidavits and warrants, Montgomery County District Attorney Daryl Bailey said that in a statement late Tuesday. Bailey said he was making no determination on whether the charges were appropriate and has told the Montgomery police and the Montgomery Public Schools Board that he would advise them on how to correct the errors if they want to pursue prosecution. Read the full statement at the end of this article. Capt. Saba Coleman, public information officer for Montgomery police, said the department is working with Bailey to work out any issues with the warrants. Coleman said Tuesday that four people, all from Montgomery, were charged with first-degree criminal mischief in the incident, a felony. The statue was toppled while a protest over the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota took place near the Alabama Capitol, a few miles from the school. The city of Birmingham began removal of a Confederate monument in Linn Park the same night. HSBC, the large U.K.-based bank, has signaled its support for Chinas controversial national security law aimed at expanding Beijings control over Hong Kong. Peter Wong, chief executive for the global banks Asia-Pacific region, signed a petition in favor of the law, and the bank shared photos of the moment in a social media post in China. HSBC respects and supports any laws that stabilize the social order in Hong Kong and revitalize economic prosperity and development in Hong Kong, the bank said in a statement accompanying the post. China approved the new national security laws last month. Pro-Democracy activists and other critics say the laws would effectively end the one country, two systems policy that has allowed Hong Kong its political freedoms and civil liberties despite still being technically governed by China. China claims that the laws, which have not yet been implemented, are necessary to crack down on separatism, subversion, terrorism, and foreign intervention in Hong Kong in the wake of the pro-democracy protests against Beijing. The measure would also allow Chinas state security agencies to operate in the territory, although details of the legislation have not yet been released. We respect and support laws and regulations that will enable Hong Kong to recover and rebuild the economy and, at the same time, maintain the principle of one country two systems, an HSBC spokeswoman in London told the Wall Street Journal about the banks support for the legislation. Wong also chairs the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and argued that the laws would be a boon for Hong Kongs economy. With the backing of the rapid-developing mainland market, Hong Kongs economy will definitely walk out of the clouds and get back to the development path, Wong told the Chinese state-controlled Xinhua News Agency. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Congress last month that the city of Hong Kong no longer maintains a high degree of autonomy from China, an appraisal that indicates the U.S. may end its special trading relationship with the financial hub. Story continues British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday that the United Kingdom is ready to offer refuge and a path to citizenship to nearly three million Hong Kong citizens should China follow through on implementing the national security laws. Johnson said the laws violate the terms of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the agreement the U.K. reached with China after Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. More from National Review There were plenty of happy faces and filled bellies as McDonald's reopened a number of drive-thrus in Co Down for the first time since lockdown began. Queues of cars lined up outside the fast food chain's branches in Bangor and Newtownards yesterday as hungry customers flocked to get their grub. Despite the limited menu due to the Covid-19 crisis, and the long wait in line, not one person complained as the Belfast Telegraph spoke to McDonald's fans in Bangor. Kirsty Wylie from the town said: "I'm getting Happy Meals, a Big Mac and a quarter pounder. We're really looking forward to it. It hasn't been a long wait for it to reopen for me, but for the kids it has. Read More "We've been queuing for about 10 minutes. It's going quite quickly and I thought it would have taken a lot longer." Staff were more than helpful as they spoke to queuing customers explaining the menu changes, the 25 spend limit and the use of the McDonald's app, which allows you to pick your meal even before you talk into the intercom. Expand Close The queue for McDonalds in Bangor yesterday / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The queue for McDonalds in Bangor yesterday Friends Kelsie Mercer and Zara Walker said they were getting as much food as 25 would allow and they couldn't wait for it. "We were actually going to the shop so we decided to go to McDonald's for lunch," Kelsie added. This reporter refused to be left out as I queued for 29 minutes and 46 seconds to get my (very big) mouth around a long-awaited Big Mac. Expand Close Belfast Telegraph reporter Ralph Hewitt gets his teeth into the story...and a Big Mac / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Belfast Telegraph reporter Ralph Hewitt gets his teeth into the story...and a Big Mac The friendly service on the intercom boomed out: "Welcome back to McDonald's." Music to my ears. After ordering two large Big Mac meals, a double cheeseburger with everything on it, and six Chicken McNuggets, I was greeted at the first window with a staff member wearing all of the appropriate personal protective equipment. Paying contactless isn't necessary, but the card machine was sprayed with disinfectant after every payment. I found everything I ordered placed neatly in the brown paper bag. It's safe to say I enjoyed my first Big Mac since before lockdown - as the pictures might tell you. Lisa Taylor and her young son Carter were queuing among the line of over 50 people, which snaked its way through the barriers in the car park. It was doubly good news for Carter as ice-cream is still on the menu. "My son is getting a cheeseburger meal and ice-cream," Lisa said. Expand Close Carers Laurel May and Beth Leckey wait in Newtownards / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Carers Laurel May and Beth Leckey wait in Newtownards "He's been waiting for it for ages but I'm not getting anything today. The queue is going down fast, which I'm pleased about." Philip Thompson and his family had their minds made up well before they placed their order. "We're all getting McChicken Sandwich meals," he said. "I've to get one extra as I've another daughter at home who wants one too. The queue's not bad." Natasha McWilliams was in and out in less than 20 minutes and had the passenger seat full of Happy Meals. "I've been sent out on the family run and thankfully the queue has moved really quickly," said Natasha. "I got Happy Meals for the kids and Happy Meals for me and my mum as well. It smells really good." Charles Russell had been looking forward to this day for three months and was delighted with how smoothly things went despite the lunchtime rush. "We got a couple of Happy Meals and some double cheeseburgers," he told us. "It was queued right around the car park, but it was no bother." Finally, Sigourney Patterson and Heidi Quinn were all smiles as they got their favourite - a plain double cheeseburger. "We just don't like the burger dressed," she explained. "It has been ages since we last had one." Twenty four more McDonald's opened on Wednesday across Northern Ireland. Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA said it was very encouraging given the firm's reliance on the local beef and dairy sectors. "Fast food outlets purchase large quantities of produce from our farmers and their temporary closure had a big impact on the agri-food sector," he said. "They have gone to great lengths to put in place social distancing measures that will protect their staff and their customers. "The importance of getting this market open and moving again cannot be underestimated and will be a relief for many of those who supply McDonalds with their high-quality, locally reared beef and dairy produce. "As we move into recovery after Covid-19, my priority has been and will continue to be, ensuring that we have a profitable and sustainable agriculture sector that is ready and able to meet the rising demands of the market once it opens fully again. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 14:08:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A prominent religious scholar, a Kabul university lecturer and a worshiper were killed and two people were wounded after a bomb blast hit a mosque in central Kabul Tuesday, in the latest bombing in a string of such attacks in the city. The incident occurred minutes after the evening praying ended and worshipers left the Wazir Akbar Khan mosque roughly at 7:25 p.m. in so-called Green Zone, a police officer told Xinhua at the site in Wazir Akbar Khan neighborhood where the cluster of embassies located. "Mohammad Ayaz Niazi, who had doctorate degree in Islamic studies, was walking from main mosque building toward an adjunct building inside the complex where he lives with his family but an improvised explosive device planted outside the ablution room detonated," the officer told Xinhua anonymously. One person who was taking ablution also killed and two persons accompanying Niazi were wounded. The force of the explosion also damaged the mosque and two adjuncts buildings and a bomb disposal team also found and defused another improvised bomb at the site of the blast after the incident, the source noted. Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani strongly condemned the attack on Niazi who served as the imam of the mosque for many years. "Targeting mosques, places of worship, hospitals, public facilities and sinless civilians is crime against humanity," Ghani said in a statement reaching Xinhua on Wednesday. "The president offered his profound sympathies to the family of Dr. Mohammad Ayaz Niazi and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. He instructed the relevant officials to use all available resources for providing treatment to the wounded," the statement added. Unofficial source said eight people were wounded in the attack and several wounded people were in critical condition. Over the past years, the capital city with a population of nearly 5 million has been hit by series of terror attacks by the Taliban insurgents and militants of the Islamic State (IS) opposing the government. On Saturday, one journalist and a driver were killed and six people wounded after militants of Islamic State targeted a local TV channel's bus by a roadside bomb near a traffic circle in Kabul. The latest terrorist attack by extremists against the scholars has also drawn wide condemnation by all walks of life. More than 500 civilians were killed and 760 others wounded due to fighting in Afghanistan in the first three months of 2020, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) announced on late April. UNAMA has attributed 55 percent of civilian casualties to the Taliban and other insurgent groups, 32 percent to security forces over the period while the rest 13 percent were caused by other reasons. Enditem Prefiguring the actions of Donald Trump in the United States, Egypts blood-stained dictator General Abdel Fatah el-Sisi has approved amendments to emergency law granting himself and the armed forces additional powers. The provisions provide the legal framework for a military dictatorship in the Arab worlds most populous country, with el-Sisi at its head. They will bannot just limitall political opposition to the domination of the corporate, financial and military elite over economic and political life. While presenting these measures as a means of combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, having seized power in a military coup in 2013 el-Sisi is preparing to suppress seething social discontent as the global recession, closures and curfews push the countrys fragile economy into meltdown and its impoverished people into destitution. Indifferent to the desperate conditions facing the countrys 102 million population, the government did nothing to prepare for the pandemic despite Egypt being identified in early February as one of the African countries most at risk. Travel bans and lockdown measures were only imposed after dozens of workers on a Nile cruise ship in the southern city of Luxor tested positive for the disease in mid-March. The International Food Policy Research Institute estimated that Egypt, due to the decline in Suez Canal revenues as a result of the fall in world trade, particularly oil and natural gas, remittances and tourism, could lose $2.3-$2.6 billion a month, hitting the poor hardest. Prior to the pandemic, one in three Egyptians were living on less than $1.40 a day and, according to the World Bank, some 60 percent of Egypts population is either poor or vulnerable. Under conditions where the state is the single main employer, accounting for six million jobs and providing patronage for politicians supporters, most people work in the informal sector as daily wage earners and street peddlers, testifying to the total inability of the national bourgeoisie to develop the economy after nominal independence from the colonial powers. These workers have a stark choice: work and risk infection or stop and risk starvation. While the government announced a $5.6 billion raft of measureschiefly cheap loansto support the employers, it provided little or nothing in the way of income support to the working class. The official number of cases of COVID-19 is approaching 25,000 and the number of deaths nearly 1,000. But these figures are widely believed to be a gross underestimate, because of the lack of testing, the lag in reporting deaths attributable to the virus outside hospitals and the governments desire to cover up the scale of the crisis and its role in the spread of the pandemic. Egypt expelled Guardian and New York Times reporters for questioning the data. Egypts healthcare system has proved incapable of responding effectively to the crisis. The Egyptian Medical Syndicate has said that 19 doctors had died from the disease and more than 350 others were ill. It accused the Ministry of Health of negligence for its handling of COVID-19 and said it was responsible for the doctors deaths for failing to provide personal protective equipment and quarantine beds for frontline staff. It warned the system could collapse. This warning came two days after a 32-year-old doctor, unable to get a bed at a quarantine hospital, died. His death prompted doctors at Cairos al-Munira hospital to publish a mass resignation letter on Facebook. Despite the rising death toll, two weeks ago the government moved to reopen the economy, restarting public transport, opening shops and businesses and allowing hotels and the hospitality sector catering to the domestic market to start operating, prompting fears of a renewed surge in cases. The flight and travel ban had closed the countrys tourism sector, which accounts for around 12 to 15 percent of GDP and brings in $1 billion of foreign currency a month and is a major employer. In April, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned in its World Economic Outlook that the Middle East and North African economies could shrink by 3.3 percent in 2020. The pandemic would compound the regions unemployment problem and worsen the already high public and external debt. Acutely aware of the social tensions, it added, A mishandling of the outbreak could elevate distrust in local governments, sowing seeds for further social unrest and adding to regional uncertainty. The IMF has already approved $2.8 billion in new emergency financing for Egypt even as it is considering another loan of up to $5 billion more. It follows a $12 billion IMF package negotiated in 2016 that entailed harsh austerity measures, including cutting subsidies on fuel and electricity that particularly impacted the poor. Last month, the cabinet approved a draft law cutting public sector salaries and pension payments. Heightened social tensions lie behind el-Sisis assumption of ever greater dictatorial powers, despite the fact that Egypt has been under a state of emergency for most of the past four decades except for brief intervals between 2012 and 2017. During his seven years in power, el-Sisi has thrown 60,000 political activists, critics, including secular and Muslim Brotherhood politicians, journalists, and human rights defenders, into Egypts notoriously overcrowded and squalid prisons, where they are often detained for years without trial. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), hundreds have died in custody due to medical negligence or the atrocious conditions. Egypt ranks as one of the foremost jailers of journalists and bloggers who dare to voice criticism of the regime. Sisi has arrested the relatives of at least 15 dissidents, journalists and cultural figures, who have used social media platforms to air their criticisms in exile. The security services have blocked more than 500 websites, bought up shares in TV networks and censored the scripts of popular TV series. Two Washington-based think tanks, the Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) and the Center for International Policy (CIP), said, Sisi's regime has engaged in a systematic pattern of gross human rights violations, from gunning down peaceful protesters in the streets to jailing tens of thousands of political opponents, including journalists, academics, and human rights defenders. It added, The Sisi government has severely restricted the ability of independent non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to operate, all but eliminated a free and independent press, and perpetuated tensions between Muslims and Christians. All this has proceeded with the tacit support of successive US administrations and the major European powers. Now the new law gives the intelligence and military forces wide ranging law-enforcement powers, including arrests, investigations into crimes, the detention of suspects and the seizure of property without judicial oversight. It gives el-Sisi as president the power to order the military to conduct preliminary investigations and prosecutions into offences deemed a violation of the emergency law. Other powers include closing schools and universities, shutting down public and private-sector bodies entirely or partially, postponing payment of bills and compelling Egyptian returnees from abroad to undergo quarantine on their arrival home. Crucially, they include restricting different forms of public and private gatherings, banning the export of certain goods and turning schools and youth centres into hospitals. Human Rights watch wrote that the amendments amounted to a cover for new repressive powers that could curb rights in the name of public order. It pointed out, Only five of the 18 proposed amendments are clearly tied to public health developments. Making them part of the emergency law means that the authorities can enforce the measures whenever a state of emergency is declared, regardless of whether there is a public health emergency. Ayman considers that failure to be a pivotal point in accelerating him towards success As an entrepreneur, one word that you are most likely to be terrified of, is failure. Failure is often viewed as an ending, however, what most people do not realise is, that it is entirely dependent on your mindset - whether you view failure as an ending or as an opportunity. Ayman Assi - founder and CEO of Amerald UK - explains why he considers failure to be inevitable in every entrepreneurs life and why it is necessary to fail. After immigrating to London from Lebanon, Ayman worked as a Kitchen Porter and contemplated many business ideas before settling for a dairy product service - which he began in partnership with his colleagues. He was passionate about entrepreneurship to such a degree that he decided to pursue it alone without any partners hence, he let them take over the current business while he explored other ventures. His first sole business was a restaurant, but it failed miserably. Ayman considers that failure to be a pivotal point in accelerating him towards success. He believes that he was able to conquer seemingly insurmountable summits later on due to the adaptation of the growth mindset. He recounts about his journey and states that his failure was essential because it taught him many lessons - lessons he would not have learned otherwise. Since Ayman revisited his failure as a lesson, he was able to learn from it and not repeat the same mistakes over and over. Since he had already failed, his fear of failure had also been conquered and he had mustered up greater impetus than before that kept pushing him forwards. His will to move forward despite the failure also bolstered his resilience and persistence. It was the persevering nature that he had developed which led to his next venture turning out to be a huge success - one that went beyond his wildest imaginations. As entrepreneurs, innovation is what one seeks. Innovation is a creative solution to an existing void that defies convention. It shouldnt come as a surprise that those creative models can sometimes be too ideal to be practical. However, Ayman reiterates that this should not stop anyone from pursuing their goal. Simply rectify your shortcomings and keep hustling forward. Disclaimer: No Asian Age journalist was involved in creating this content. The group also takes no responsibility for this content. Zimbabwean security forces on Tuesday cleared Harare's city centre and turned back thousands of commuters and motorists as authorities reinforced restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus following a spike in new cases. An AFP correspondent witnessed police and soldiers at checkpoints turning back bus-loads of people and motorists saying only essential services workers such as doctors and nurses could proceed into the capital city central business district. Using loudhailer, police drove around telling people to "leave town and go home". Shops were ordered closed. In a statement, police said besides essential services workers, "the rest of the public should stay home in order for the nation to curtail the increase in new Covid-19 cases currently being recorded". Coronavirus cases spiked from 34 at the start of May to 203 on Tuesday, with the majority of the cases being citizens returning from abroad. The country has recorded four deaths. President Emmerson Mnangagwa imposed a lock-down on March 30 banning large gatherings and ordering most businesses to close except food shops in a move aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. Last month he relaxed the restrictions, allowing large corporations to open but under strict safety conditions for workers and customers. Government spokesman Nick Mangwana said there was nothing unusual about the escalation of restrictions. "Govt has not pronounced a change in Lockdown Regulations," Mangwana tweeted, adding police "were only enforcing the pronounced and gazetted" regulations. Police said they have so far arrested more than 50,700 people countrywide for breaching the confinement regulations since the lockdown came into effect. "We were moving freely of late with some using exemption letters from their employers but today things were different," said Kuda Vheremu, a businessman who runs a computer repair and sales company. "The soldiers and police are in a different mood today. I don't know why they are like this today." Newmont Goldcorp has set up a US$20 million global fund to help its host communities, governments and employees around the world to combat the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). According to Mr. Bernard Wissels, the General Manager, Newmont Goldcorp Ahafo Mine, Ghana was among the countries across the globe qualified to access the funds to support her efforts in fighting the deadly virus disease. He said earlier this year Newmont supported Ghanas public health efforts with US$100,000 to minimise the spread of the COVID-19 in the country. Mr. Wissels disclosed this when on behalf of the Ahafo Mine presented personal protective equipment (PPEs) to protect health officials and workers of the Sunyani Regional Hospital from contracting the COVID-19 and to stem the spread of the virus. The PPE comprise 900 pieces of N95 respirators, 5,000 pieces of surgical face masks, 500 reusable face masks, three digital pulse oximeters, a thermometer gun, 120 rolls of tissue towels as well as a number of storage and veronica buckets. Mr. Wissels said the Ahafo Mine has contributed US$20,000 to the Asutifi North District Assemblys relief efforts towards the provision of PPEs, personal hygiene items, community sensitization on COVID-19 among others. In the coming weeks and months, we will be implementing additional interventions with the Ahafo Mines share of the fund to support our communities in preventing the spread and managing the impact of the disease, he said. As a company that exists to create value and improve lives through our operations, it is our hope these items will be put to good use and that our contribution will go a long way to facilitate the work of our frontline workers in fighting COVID-19 in our district and region, Mr. Wissels said. Dr. Kofi Amoh-Kodieh, the Deputy Director, Clinical at the Bono Regional Directorate of Health, who received the PPEs, thanked the mining company for the support and appealed to other corporate bodies to emulate the gesture. 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 Sade Roberts, 27, was supposed to go biking with a friend Sunday, but he had a different suggestion: Hand out pizza to protesters in Downtown Brooklyn. Roberts and her seven friends ordered 15 pies and set up a table by the Barclays Center. Soon other protesters began donating cases of water bottles, Band-Aids, masks and granola bars. The group called itself Peaceful Pizza. As they distributed snacks to the protesters, they joined in the chanting, No justice, no peace, and blasted Waiting On the World to Change by John Mayer through a speaker. Im a black woman, so I can relate to the injustices and discrimination people are facing, Roberts said. Roberts has spent the last two months social distancing, but she said the protests felt more important to her than staying home to prevent any possible exposure to the virus. I know the pandemic is still happening, but its not my focus. The brutality were seeing is scarier to me than Covid. Especially the brutality youre seeing in these protests, where people can be pepper sprayed or attacked just for being in the vicinity. The positive response Roberts saw to her pizza distribution gave her some hope. People wanted to give money and water and help out, she said. Thats the moment I was like, OK theres still good in the world. Positivity is contagious. Shoshana, St. Marys Park, Bronx Shoshana, 35, is a middle school teacher in the Bronx. She has spent the last few months fearing for the well-being of her students and community. Many of the students I work with have been arrested, she said. We cant even protect ourselves from the coronavirus because were being targeted. Im marching for our freedom and liberation to live in a world where were not being targeted and murdered. She spent five hours on Saturday marching through the Bronx to St. Marys Park. On 142nd Street, a police officer stepped in front of Shoshana and tried to grab her arm. Other protesters intervened, stepping in between them and urging the officer to leave her alone. With restrictions to check the coronavirus outbreak being lifted, a number of retailers have been reopening their stores globally. The latest to join the list is Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. SBH. The company announced that Sally Beauty Supply U.S. and Canada have reopened 84% stores by the end of May. Further, Beauty Systems Group had 82% of stores operational at the end of May. Also, the companys continental European stores are now operational. Apart from these, Sally Beauty expects its stores in Ireland and United Kingdom to reopen by Jun 15. Additionally, management is on track with reopening stores in Latin America as well. Apart from Sally Beauty, other retailers like Kohl's Corporation KSS, Five Below, Inc. FIVE and Macys, Inc. M have been on track with reopening stores as coronavirus-led restrictions are being relaxed in many regions. Nevertheless, retailers are taking adequate precautionary measures for the sake of their employees and customers safety. This includes proper face coverings for workers, maintaining social distancing norms along with enhanced sanitization among other moves. Impressively, Sally Beauty has been witnessing robust consumer as well as professional demand since its stores reopened. The company expects enterprise-wide sales to come in at $262 million for May in spite of a large number of its stores being shut during that time. Meanwhile, revenues for April came in at $95 million. Notably, Sally Beauty will bring back all its previously furloughed associates working in the field and headquarter across the United States and Canada, effective Jun 8. However, associates who work in all those stores that continue to remain closed will not be called back. Also, the company expects to bring back its Europe and Latin America store associates in fourth-quarter fiscal 2020. All said, with consumers avoiding crowded places and limiting their visits to brick-and-mortar stores as a precautionary measure, online retail is seeing a spurt in sales. Incidentally, Sally Beauty continues to witness significant growth in its online business across all regions even when majority of its stores have been reopening. In fact, management expects to hire more than 120 employees to support its online operations, digital product development, technology as well as analytics. We note that this trend was visible even when the company reported second-quarter fiscal 2020 results, with e-commerce sales increasing 28% year over year. The upside was attributed to increased consumer demand on digital platforms amid temporary store closures. However, the companys revenues declined year over year in the quarter affected by temporary store closures amid the coronavirus outbreak and lower store count compared with the year-ago quarters figures. Meanwhile, Sally Beauty has undertaken a number of measures to improve its financial position amid the coronavirus outbreak. The company has moderated its near-term rent payments and significantly reduced its marketing as well as back-office expenses. The company has also made certain adjustments to its capital investment plans. Apart from these, Sally Beauty has undrawn capacity on its asset-based line of credit amounting to $200 million amid the crisis. We note that, shares of this Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) company have lost 26% in the past six months compared with the industrys decline of 2.8%. Nevertheless, the stock has rallied 45.5% in the past month. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2020? Last year's 2019 Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolio returned gains as high as +102.7%. Now a brand-new portfolio has been handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Dont miss your chance to get in on these long-term buys. Access Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 today >> 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 Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (SBH) : Free Stock Analysis Report Macys, Inc. (M) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kohls Corporation (KSS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Five Below, Inc. (FIVE) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research But his long string of racially offensive comments forced even some of his most conservative allies to keep their distance. While King protested that his Times comments had been taken out of context, few prominent Republicans were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt due to his long record of controversy. Just months before, for instance, King met in Vienna with members of a far-right Austrian party with historical ties to the Nazi party while on a congressional junket financed by a Holocaust memorial group. Watching the demonstrations and riots occurring across our nation, I am bereft, and reminded once again of the biblical warning that the sins of the fathers will be visited upon their children. I dont believe that God punishes the innocent child for the sins of his or her father, but see that choices made by earlier generations greatly impact the present. And our nations great sin of slavery has haunted us for 400 years. It still eats away at the unity and decency of our nation. Millions of African Americans have suffered and died because of that great sin. And now the death of a man, George Floyd, at the hands of a white police officer kneeling on his neck while he was handcuffed and lying on the ground and the chaos that has caused are clear evidence that that great sin still rains down retribution. Not because God is punishing us, but because our own hateful choices and actions bring their own consequences. West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee said that the state education board WBCHSE will conduct the remaining Class 12 examinations on 2, 6 and 8 July WBCHSE exam 2020 | West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has rescheduled the Class 12 exams in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The papers will now be conducted from 2 July. According to a report by The Times of India, West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee said that the remaining Class 12 exams will be held on 2, 6 and 8 July. Earlier, the pending Class 12 board examinations were scheduled to commence from 29 June and conclude on 6 July. Most of the papers for the West Bengal secondary examinations 2020 were held from 13 to 21 March. Only those scheduled for 23, 25 and 27 March were postponed due to the nationwide COVID-19-induced lockdown. The lockdown to contain the spread of novel coronavirus first came into effect on 25 March. The papers which were deferred in March included Physics, Nutrition, Education, Accountancy, Chemistry, Economics, Journalism, Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, French, Statistics, Geography, Costing and Taxation, Home Management and Family Resource Management. As per the new schedule, the exams for Education, Physics, Nutrition, and Accountancy will be held on 2 July. The papers for Sanskrit, Chemistry, Economics, Journalism and Mass Communication, Persian, Arabic, and French will be conducted on 6 July. Class 12 Geography, Statistics, Costing and Taxation, Home Management and Family Resource Management exams will take place on 8 July. The WBCHSE has also issued guidelines for students and teachers that are to be followed at exam centres. Students will have to carry their own sanitizer in a transparent bottle. Social distancing norms have to be followed and all teaching and non-teaching staff are required to wear masks and gloves in the examination halls. All rooms at the exam centre will be sanitised a day before each examination. NEW DELHI A powerful cyclone slammed into Indias coast Wednesday afternoon, striking the commercial hub of Mumbai, lashing beach towns with heavy rain and strong winds, and pushing thousands of people into emergency shelters. Cyclone Nisarga made landfall with unusual force in the state of Maharashtra, home to Mumbai, a city of about 20 million. The region rarely experiences cyclones, and the last storm to threaten Mumbai with such intensity was more than 70 years ago. Uprooted trees crashed into parked cars, and local television news reports showed cargo ships struggling to navigate choppy waters. But as the cyclone moved inland, passing over Mumbai in the afternoon, the authorities said the city may have averted the worst. There have been no immediate reports of casualties. Efforts to blunt the cyclones destruction were threatened by the coronavirus outbreak. Mumbai, which sits on a narrow peninsula, is struggling to contain a rising number of infections, and more than 100 Covid-19 patients had been evacuated from a makeshift hospital to higher ground. The falling humidity levels in winter could lead to a spike in COVID-19 cases in Australia, experts have warned. Researchers at the University of Sydney found just a one per cent drop in humidity could boost the number of cases of the deadly virus by six per cent. The study's lead epidemiologist Michael Ward said data from almost 800 cases of COVID-19 in Australia - mostly in Sydney - showed lower humidity levels were linked to an increase in case notifications. Professor Ward said humidity in the New South Wales capital was lowest in August, meaning the final winter month could be the most dangerous for the virus' spread. Australians have been warned falling humidity levels could lead to a spike in coronavirus cases in winter Pictured: Masked people line up in the rain on Monday for retail vouchers distributed by the City of Melbourne to help international students impacted by COVID-19 He added there were clear biological reasons why humidity could affect the spread of the coronavirus. 'When the humidity is lower, the air is drier and it makes the aerosols smaller,' Professor Ward said. 'When you sneeze and cough those smaller infectious aerosols can stay suspended in the air for longer.' Bureau of Meteorology data shows there is approximately a 10 per cent drop in average humidity in Sydney between January and August. The research was conducted alongside the University of Sydney's partner institution Fudan University in Shanghai, China. Professor Ward said though the study was limited to cases contracted in the summer months, primarily in Greater Sydney, so further research is needed to determine how humidity impacts COVID-19. Two women wearing masks shield from the rain in Melbourne on May 9. The study's lead researcher said average humidity in Sydney was lowest in August Professor Michael Ward said when humidity is lower, the air is drier - meaning when people sneeze and cough infectious particles can travel further Pedestrians wearing coats and masks in Melbourne on May 9. Prior research has already established a link between transmission of COVID-19 and relative humidity levels Previous research has identified a link between climate and occurrence of SARS-CoV cases in Hong Kong and China, and MERS-CoV cases in Saudi Arabia. A recent study on the COVID-19 outbreak in China found an association between transmission and daily temperature and relative humidity, the team said in a statement. 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 'The pandemic in China, Europe and North America happened in winter so we were interested to see if the association between COVID-19 cases and climate was different in Australia in late summer and early autumn,' Professor Ward said. 'When it comes to climate, we found that lower humidity is the main driver here, rather than colder temperatures. It means we may see an increased risk in winter here, when we have a drop in humidity.' The study is published in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases and is the first peer-reviewed study of a relationship between climate and COVID-19 in the southern hemisphere. Experts have also warned of a possible resurgence of the deadly virus each year. 'The most likely time for it to recur is in winter,' Westmead Institute's Centre for Virus Research director Professor Tony Cunningham wrote. 'We don't know, but these are all things we have to be wary of.' However, the report also stresses that human behaviour is a dominant contributor to the transmission of coronavirus and social distancing has more impact in controlling the outbreak than a change in seasons. 'It's something to be concerned about but not something to be worried about. [It's] something to be managed,' Dr Finkel wrote. 'It appears that in Australia, public policy will play a more dominant role than the arrival of winter on the viability and virulence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.' CAAC | Jun. 03, 2020 To financial departments (bureaus) of all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government and municipalities separately listed in the State Plan, Financial Bureau of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, CAAC Regional Administrations and transport airlines: In order to proactively respond to the impact of COVID-19 epidemic on the civil aviation industry, maintain and increase international air cargo capacity, and safeguard the smooth operation of the global industrial chain and supply chain, China's central government will provide financial support to both Chinese and foreign air carriers during the epidemic prevention and control period. The details are as follows: I. Airlines eligible for financial support During the epidemic prevention and control period, China's central government will provide financial support to the modification of aircraft passenger cabins for carriage of cargo based on the design plan approved by the Department of Aircraft Airworthiness Certification CAAC (hereinafter referred to as "modification project"), and to the international cargo-only flights which have been operated since April 1, 2020 by Chinese and foreign airlines between points in China (excluding those in Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan Province) and foreign destinations using their traffic rights for passenger transport. II. Rules of financial support 1. Modification project Subsidies will be provided to cover part of the costs incurred by airlines in modifying passenger cabins for air cargo transportation during the epidemic prevention and control period. Subsidies, which will cover 80% of the modification cost, can be divided into two tiers based on aircraft type: a maximum subsidy of 800000 yuan for single-aisle aircraft; and 1.45 million yuan for twin-aisle aircraft. The specific amount of subsidy will be determined based on the actual modification cost approved by CAAC. 2. International cargo-only flights A.Financial incentives will be provided to the international cargo-only flights flown during the epidemic prevention and control period. The incentives will be divided into eight levels as follows, based on the flight distance in kilometers and the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW): B. The amount of financial incentives will be approved based on the number of international cargo-only flights actually flown by the airlines concerned during the epidemic prevention and control period and the rules of financial support stipulated in this Notice. III. Application and review process 1. Air China Limited, China Eastern Airlines Co., Ltd., China Southern Airlines Company Limited (hereinafter referred to as the three major airlines) and foreign airlines shall submit, on a monthly basis, subsidy application documents and relevant supporting materials to CAAC and the Ministry of Finance (MOF). Other airlines shall submit subsidy application documents and relevant supporting materials to CAAC Regional Administrations and provincial financial departments based on where the airlines are registered, for their review and approval before being submitted to CAAC and MOF. 2. CAAC will, based on relevant data, review the application documents and relevant materials of the airlines, and provide MOF with the review results. 3. MOF will allocate funds to the enterprises and local governments concerned based on CAAC's review results and the above rules of financial support. The funds for three major airlines will be directly allocated by MOF; the funds for other domestic airlines will be transferred from the central to the local governments and be disbursed by local financial departments. The funds for foreign airlines will be included in CAAC budget and transferred by CAAC to the airlines concerned. Payment of funds will be made following relevant provisions governing the centralized payment by the state treasury. 4. All airlines are responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the documents submitted, and no entities shall withhold or misappropriate the funds. If false statements or concealment of facts in relation to the applications are found during the review process, the airline concerned will be disqualified from the application process. Those entities and individuals who violate China's national laws, administrative regulations and relevant provisions will be dealt with in strict accordance with the Budget Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations on the Punishments and Disciplinary Actions for Fiscal Violations. IV. Other issues 1. Financial support for the flights connecting mainland China with Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR or Taiwan Province will be provided by referring to the rules above. 2.This policy will be in effect from April 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020. MOF CAAC May 25, 2020 New Delhi: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar The Union Cabinet on June 3 approved the setting up of an Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) and Project Development Cells (PDCs) in ministries or departments to attract investments in India. The move will help make India a more investor-friendly destination, said Union Minister Prakash Javadekar. The announcements made today were largely related to agriculture and enhancement of investments in India. Also Read | Cabinet approves amendment to Essential Commodities Act; changes to benefit farmers The decision to rename the Kolkata port to Syama Prasad Mookerjee port, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 11 earlier this year, was also approved. The Cabinet also announced the formation of a Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy under the Ministry of AYUSH. 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 Union Cabinet also met on June 1, the first meeting since the Narendra Modi-led government entered its second year of office. It had then cleared and announced a number of steps to ease the burden on farmers and the agricultural sector amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, along with other decisions pertaining to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). From his time behind bars, Michael Richards said he learned that if he has a complaint, he needs to write down his grievance and bring it to the people who have the power to make a change. So late Sunday night, as Richards, 38, made his way to the front of a large crowd and grabbed a megaphone outside the Justice Center in downtown Portland, he called for the police chief or other police brass to come out and address the masses. That was the beginning of Richards new public profile as one of the identifiable faces among the thousands of protesters outraged by the death of George Floyd, the 46-year-old black man from Minneapolis. Richards, a Portland native, said Tuesday that he didnt plan to join the demonstration condemning the brutality of a Minneapolis police officer who pinned Floyd to the ground with a knee to his neck for nearly nine minutes. He wanted only to witness the outpouring. But he suddenly found himself on the front line, facing riot-control officers who looked intimidating. There, he met two other young black men who were speaking out. Sgt. Chris Burley, a Portland police crowd liaison, was standing on the other side of the fence in front of the Justice Center and heard Richards call. Burley radioed a commander to find out if the chief was available. Soon, he arranged to meet Richards and the two other men at the south entrance of Central Precinct in the Justice Center. Inside the precinct commanders office, Chief Jami Resch greeted Richards, Andre Marks, 20, and Lyfe Tavarres, 25. None of us even know each other, Richards said. *** The last time Richards had been in the building, he was headed to jail on an attempted cocaine delivery charge, he said. His three years of probation was set to wrap up last month, according to court records. So, finding himself and the other men with the chief wasnt what he expected. None of us are protest leaders or activists, Richards said. Were just people that are concerned about our community that wanted to use our voices to help. The men urged the Police Bureau to look out for the peaceful protesters and said theyre tired of feeling marginalized because of the color of their skin. They said they werent among those vandalizing buildings, looting shops or throwing objects at officers during the large-scale protests. They agreed to do what they could to keep the marches and demonstrations peaceful. There should be a lot more safety and reassurance between the cops and the people who are out there, Marks said he told those gathered. Their session got cut short when Burley heard on the police radio that people outside were throwing fireworks at officers and covering the federal courthouse with graffiti and breaking a courthouse window. Resch agreed to continue the conversation another time. That happened Tuesday, when the three men and a fourth protester, Triston Crowl, 25, spoke not only with the police chief but also Portlands mayor, Multnomah Countys sheriff and district attorney and Oregons U.S. attorney. Crowl is a recent transplant to Portland from Dallas and connected with the others at the demonstrations. Accompanying the younger men were African American community leaders. The group met at Self Enhancement Inc. in North Portland, a center offering services to African American and other families, and talked to reporters afterward. Theres a lot of learning that has to be done on both sides, Marks said. Hes joined the protests most days, he said, and encountered the other men while marching in the streets. I did not think I was going to be in this position at all, Marks said. This is all new to me. Tony Hopson, president of Self Enhancement Inc., said he was encouraged that the mayor and law enforcement officials had taken time to listen to the men. These are the voices that the law enforcement needs to listen to at the front end before the problem happens, not after the fact when were in trouble, Hopson said. The men told the officials they want greater accountability, transparency and inclusion. Weve been having these conversations for a long time, Hopson said. A lot of times weve been making a few differences, but not enough. Inclusion of individuals like the ones who are standing with me, thats our great hope, Hopson said. *** Marks and Tavarres met each other at the Friday night protest and have kept in touch each succeeding day and night. Theyve worked to try to isolate agitators in the crowds who seem intent on causing trouble, they said. If you listen to George Floyds own brother, he says he does not condone any violence, Tavarres said. I have to take it from the person whose brother passed away. I have to respect that and honor that. Were honoring him by keeping the peace. Holding a large, peaceful rally like the one Monday night is the goal, the men said. They said they and others in the crowd worked to keep protesters in line. If there was one person trying to cause problems, we were kicking them out, Tavarres said. Everyone was willing to hold everyone else accountable. We were all on the same page. Dont use it as an excuse to loot, he added. This isnt the time. What were asking for is justice, equality and change. Richards said he and his new friends made no deals with police, just opened a needed dialogue at a difficult time. But some people on social media have questioned their motives and took the opportunity to highlight Tavarres criminal past. Tavarres was sentenced in 2013 to six years and three months for first-degree sex abuse, which he was accused of when he was 14. Tavarres said he served most of his time at MacLaren Youth Correctional Institution and later at Camp Tillamook Youth Correctional Facility. He said he shouldnt be defined by that case and wondered aloud if he should continue his activism. Burley, the crowd control liaison, said police didnt check if any of the men had a criminal record because they were protesting, not committing crimes. Burley and other community leaders said the pushback the men are facing symbolizes a common problem that African American men with criminal records often have. We have to get over the fact that people have pasts, attorney Juan C. Chavez, director of the Oregon Justice Resource Center, wrote in a Twitter message upon seeing the vitriol erupt on social media. If theres healing still to be done, then lets do it, Chavez wrote. But were not going to find it from excluding the formerly incarcerated from movements. Richards, Marks, Tavarres and Crowl said they felt the law enforcement leaders they met were genuine in wanting to listen to their experiences and learn about their concerns. Everyone just wants to live in a peaceful situation, Richards said. Thank you for these brothers who were on the frontline just trying to keep it peaceful. -- 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 Philadelphia police officers pose at the Rizzo statue outside the Municipal Services Building on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Read more A photo submitted by a reader shows a group of Philadelphia police officers posed with the statue of Frank Rizzo that has been a focal point of anger and frustration for protesters, including demonstrations this week over the death of George Floyd. Early Wednesday morning, the statue had been removed by city crews, with Mayor Jim Kenney calling it a deplorable monument to racism, bigotry, and police brutality for members of the black community, the LGBTQ community, and many others. But on the day before, images had shown eight officers standing around the statue of the former mayor and police commissioner. The person who submitted the images said they took them Tuesday, but asked not to be named out of fear of repercussions. READ MORE: Here's live coverage of what's happening June 3 In one photo, the officers appeared to be posing for a picture. A ninth officer appeared to be taking the photograph. In the other, the officers seem to be milling around the statue, which is blocked off by barricades. Philadelphia police did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the photograph Tuesday night. Protesters on Saturday attempted to pull down the statue, long seen as a symbol for racism and oppression by Rizzos critics. Protesters tried hammering the statue and yanking on it with ropes, but the former mayors likeness, bolted to the steps and above a subway concourse, didnt budge. Though the statue remained standing, it was defaced by fire and spray paint. Protesters were further enraged Sunday when the statue was among the first items of public property cleaned. READ MORE: After years of pent-up anger, Rizzo statue again a protest target This week was not the beginning of the statues controversy. In 2017, as monuments to Confederate leaders came down throughout the South, Philadelphians pushed for the statues removal. Kenney had pledged to remove the 2,000-pound, 10-foot-tall bronze. That wasnt expected to happen until 2021, during a planned renovation of Thomas Paine Plaza, but after this weekends protests, Kenney said the statue would come down within the next month. He made good on that pledge overnight. Rizzo, who was commissioner from 1968 to 1971, and mayor from 1972 to 1980, remains a controversial figure in the city almost 30 years after his death. He is remembered by some as an advocate for the citys blue-collar population. Many in Philadelphias African American population, though, remember a city official who used brutal force and oppression against the citys minorities. Harbourside, one of Taurangas most beloved restaurants, has finally re-opened its doors and is ready to help locals celebrate in style once again. Owners Peter and Anita Ward welcomed diners back on Thursday, May 28, and have used the lockdown period to redesign their new winter menu, carry out maintenance and give the restaurant a top-to-toe clean. We decided to hold off reopening in Level 2 until the supply chain got back on its feet and we could provide the full Harbourside dining experience were known for, Peter explains. Were very excited to be back. The couples son, Cameron, is head chef and his wife, Nicole, is maitre d. The family has worked with several other senior staff for many years and Peter is delighted to have been able to retain their full team thanks to the Governments wage subsidy. We are very lucky to have a loyal and supportive customer base, many of whom we consider good friends. Several people have been buying vouchers off us during lockdown really just to support us. And a lot of great people have been in touch to see how were going. That speaks to the history of this place its a special family restaurant for a lot of Tauranga families. Harbourside has been operating as a restaurant for nearly 40 years and was previously home to Taurangas Yacht and Power Boat Club in the 1930s. Even going back to the old days it was a popular venue. Ive had customers celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary at Harbourside who said they held their engagement party on the same site when it was the yacht club. Its got a real history in town which is fantastic. Peter attributes the restaurants success to its stunning location, outstanding service and commitment to serving top quality, locally-sourced products. Although we change our menu seasonally there are some favourites we dare not touch including our seafood chowder, Szechuan squid and Peking duck. Cameron is very skilled with his meat cuts; his venison dishes are always special. We now have a brand new winter menu and are 100 per cent ready to go. Were all looking forward to serving customers again. For more information, visit: www.harboursidetauranga.co.nz Hyderabad, June 3 : The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) on Wednesday announced a $14.1 million grant to a consortium comprising Bharat Biotech and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to advance the development of a Chikungunya vaccine. The CEPI, in collaboration with Ind-CEPI, announced a new partnering agreement with the consortium for vaccine manufacturing and clinical development of a two-dose live-inactivated vaccine (BBV87) against Chikungunya. This grant is supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 programme through an existing framework partnership agreement with CEPI, said a statement. The consortium will be further supported with a grant of up to $2 million from the Indian Government's Ind-CEPI initiative which will fund the set-up of GMP manufacturing facilities for the vaccine in India, and the subsequent manufacture of clinical trial materials. In addition to manufacturing, the partnering agreement will finance a multi-centre Phase 2/3 adaptive clinical trial to be conducted by IVI in Colombia, Panama and Thailand which will provide crucial data about the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate. The partnership will build on Bharat Biotech's experience of developing and supplying affordable vaccines, and WHO pre-qualification procedures, to ensure affordable access to the vaccine in countries where Chikungunya is endemic, in line with CEPI's core commitment to equitable access. The investment is part of CEPI's third call for proposals which was launched in January 2019. Since the launch of this call, over $80 million of CEPI core funding has been committed to three Chikungunya vaccine candidates and two Rift Valley Fever vaccine candidates. "Chikungunya continues to be a threat to public health in countries around the globe. It is a painful and debilitating disease for which there is no licensed vaccine or treatment. Through this partnership with Bharat Biotech and IVI, we will accelerate the clinical development of the Chikungunya vaccine candidate, with the aim of producing a vaccine and making it accessible to those most affected by the disease," said Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI. "The development of an effective Chikungunya vaccine will be a game changer in the global health sector. Under the Ind-CEPI mission, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India will support Bharat Biotech for this collaborative project, the first initiative of this mission, to expedite the development of Chikungunya vaccine," said Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Chairperson, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, said their company had always been at the forefront of innovation while developing vaccines for neglected diseases such as typhoid and re-emerging epidemics such as Zika, H1N1 and Japanese Encephalitis. "We are hopeful that with accelerated clinical development in endemic countries, the candidate CHIK vaccine will be successful," he added. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text On June 1, Fairfield University, like other major schools, released an official statement regarding the deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia. "I fundamentally believe that the way out of the hurt and confusion that we are witnessing at the moment is through a renewed and emboldened willingness to stand for what is reasonable, true, and just, along with an openness for love of the other, and compassion for the suffering of our neighbors," university President Mark R. Nemec wrote. The following day, the editor-in-chief and the opinions editor of the school's student-run newspaper, the Fairfield Mirror, said Nemec's statement came too late. In an editorial posted online, Catherine Santangelo and Maria DiGregorio wrote: "One university that has waited an unusually long amount of time to release a statement is our own institution: Fairfield University. I find this odd that Fairfield University did not immediately release a statement considering that they always seem to be talking about the importance of diversity and inclusion in our community. Their delayed response in this difficult time has particularly made minority students question the morality of the Fairfield University administration." The editorial cited a video posted on Instagram by student Luckario Alcide with the caption, "A raw message to Fairfield U Admins," as a possible motive for the university's statement. "It is quite upsetting that it took members of the Fairfield University community calling out the institution for not yet releasing a statement for them to finally do so," the editorial states. In the video, Alcide says, "It just pains me to continue to sit back and still wait for some reassurance from my university that I attend." In 23 hours, the video garnered more than 23,000 views on Instagram. Hearst Connecticut Media Group is awaiting a statement from the university in response to the Fairfield Mirror editorial. It's not the first time Fairfield University has been at the center of discussions on race-related issues. In 2016, a "ghetto" themed party at an off-campus residence made national headlines. ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 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, offers professional online marketing services to HVAC technicians and HVAC companies with areas available right now. HVAC companies looking to improve their overall online presence can get in touch with Findit today to set up a campaign at 404-443-3224. Findit's program for HVAC companies and technicians is specific to the locations and services that these companies and techs want to offer potential customers in certain areas. The campaigns that we run for HVAC companies are on a monthly, recurring basis and are designed to improve tangible search results in Google, Yahoo, Bing and Findit along with branding throughout social media. Clark St. Amant of Findit stated, "HVAC technicians typically are on-site daily for the jobs that they have taken and rarely have the time themselves to manage their own online presence. We specialize in online marketing for HVAC technicians and companies and can help manage and improve your overall presence through search and social on your behalf so you can continue to get new business from the web." Findit's marketing campaigns can help increase the number of organic search results in search engines unlike PPC marketing. Many HVAC companies or independent technicians utilize pay-per-click marketing as part of their overall strategy, however, creating organic, sustainable, and tangible search results over time can help increase your lead generations while reducing your per lead cost. At Findit, we have a team of highly skilled in house content writers and search engine optimization specialists that will be able to create crafted content for you both on your website 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. Search engines have a limited number of organic search results per page along with paid-for ad placement for companies. By creating fresh content daily that aligns with your products and services, you can begin to index highly in search, in many cases above your competitors. Peter Tosto of Findit stated, "Findit marketing campaigns have proven to be incredibly effective for general contractors and other service providers that offer specific products or services in specific locations. We have been working with several different contractors including: a pool builder, a flooring company, a residential renovation company and a roofing company here in the Southeast for the last 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 HVAC companies or technicians 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. Campaigns are matched to your online marketing objectives and budget. A majority of the content that is created that is part of your HVAC online marketing campaign is done on Findit. The content that is being created usually includes in a single post, text that describes the services that you offer so search engines know how to index your content, a video link, photos from your photo galleries, and a backlink to your website. By creating individually crafted pieces of 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 HVAC repairs, installation, tune-ups and other related HVAC services that you provide in the areas that you service. All of the content on Findit can be indexed by search engines and shared to social sites - helping improve your exposure online. Once we take on a HVAC company or technician that services a specific location, we do not take on another company or industry professional in that area that offers the same services. 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. We have areas throughout the United States and other countries available now, call 404-443-3224. 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/592580/Findit-Online-Marketing-Campaigns-for-HVAC-Technicians-and-HVAC-Companies-Help-Increase-Tangible-Search-Results-Online 'These are challenging times and we get energised by that.' 'I don't feel 'I am tired now and I should relax', because even if someone calls us at 12 o'clock I have to answer his call.' IMAGE: Mumbai's Additional Municipal Commissioner Suresh M Kakani, accompanied by policemen, surveys the situation in one of the many slums in the city. Photograph: Kind courtesy Suresh M Kakani Suresh M Kakani is the additional municipal commissioner of the western suburbs of Mumbai and has 16 years of experience and several awards for administration to his name. He and his daughter -- a doctor, who also works for the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation -- are both COVID-19 warriors, working diligently and determinedly to drive the virus out of the city. In an interview to Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/Rediff.com, Additional Municipal Commissioner Kakani meticulously explains: Exactly how the battle against COVID-19 is being fought at the ground level by city officials. Why the lockdown was what Mumbai needed and pushed away disaster, even if the still escalating caseload look frightening. Estimates on when cases will peak in Mumbai. The great success of the use of the pulse oximeter across the city. Education of the people is the highest priority. How providing safe transport for all of Mumbai's 20 per cent essential workers is a momentous task. IMAGE: Workers carry out construction work at India's first open ground quarantine and isolation facility having 1,008 beds at the Bandra Kurla complex, north west Mumbai. Photograph: PTI Photo On a recent Sunday, Suresh Kakani, 58, crisscrossed Mumbai from nine in the morning to late afternoon. His morning began at the Bandra Kurla Complex, north west Mumbai, where he visited a field hospital for two hours. It had come up courtesy the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The 1,000-bed COVID-19 centre had been built on an open ground, in about 20 days, and was ready to be given into the charge of Kakani and team. "That facility was being handed over to us and I was there to see what the things are, how the things are moving over there, whether it would be possible to take over that facility." It was subsequently transferred to the BMC last week and 125 patients were shifted there. From the BKC, Kakani drove six km to Sion, north central Mumbai, to visit the main BMC hospital of the ward -- the Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital or Sion Hospital as it is better known. Although this IAS officer and additional municipal commissioner supervises Mumbai's north west wards, in the western suburbs, from Bandra to Dahisar, Kakani has the extra responsibility of overseeing the BMC's health, solid waste and the fire brigade departments. And the 1,462-bed Sion hospital, which also serves the crucially-afflicted lower-income Dharavi, and is now largely occupied by the COVID-19 sick, is very much part of his beat. At Sion, he threw on PPE to tour the isolation wards and the ICU. "I could discuss with the all the deans, deputy deans and the HODs (heads of departments) how they are fighting the pandemic, how the ICUs and other facilities are functioning. Were there any gaps. I also interacted with some of the patients." IMAGE: COVID-19 patients at the KEM Hospital in Parel, central Mumbai. Photograph: Sunil Khandare/ANI Photo A recent newspaper report claimed that beds were being shared at the Sionk Hospital. Kakani admits that the Sion Hospital is overcrowded and over capacity, but the state of affairs has gotten marginally better since. If the authorities are able to move out the last of the non-COVID-19 patients, it will free some beds. So will transferring the milder COVID-stricken to the newer field hospitals. "Suppose a patient is walking in, it is necessary to stabilise him, so he should not lose his life. So whatever facilities are available, our directions to the medical fraternity is that they should accept the patient, stabilise him, and after stabilisation, he can be shifted to some other facility," he says. "It is easier to say no. It is difficult to say yes, accommodate him, stabilise him and then transfer him." Next, that Sunday, after donning a mask and a plastic face shield, he headed to a tightly-packed slum area of Mankhurd, north east Mumbai, that falls in the beleaguered Ward M East. The population around there is nearly 680,000 and, on an average, household sizes are 5.5 persons per handkerchief-size tenement room, in a neighbourhood where little natural light filters through. This area of darkness, that in non-COVID-19 times has been plagued by diarrhea, malnutrition and illiteracy, is today an area of even more concern. IMAGE: Iqbal Singh Chahal, Mumbai's municipal commissioner, visits Dharavi along with Assistant Municipal Commissioner Kiran Dighavkar. Photograph: Ashish Raje/ANI Photo There are several containment zones in M Ward, with 1,696 COVID-19 cases as of May 27. Although Mankhurd is not Kakani's area of supervision, he was accompanying the recently appointed Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal as he toured the locality. They were seeking a fresh understanding of issues residents were encountering and the problems the BMC could face administering the ward in the days ahead during these viral times. "Municipal Commissioner Sir and I visited the slum area," says Kakani. "We were there for more than two hours discussing with the people what their needs are. And what more needs to be done so the situation should be under control." Residents were informed about the main BMC helpline and the local one. Adds Kakani: "We have intimated to our colleagues that a person should be posted 24 by seven, with a police team." The additionally-appointed BMC coordinator, it was decided, had multiple responsibilities, like emphasising the key COVID-19 lessons (of social distancing, hygiene), assisting anyone having difficulty getting groceries or vegetables during the 9 to 11 am slot at the various containment exit/entry points. "Or someone may need a medical attention, those requirements should also be taken care of by the coordinator." Visits to these areas (where nearly 96 per cent of the containment zones are) -- even the most difficult, bleak slums -- is not a depressing or down moment, asserts Kakani, because it is "encouraging to see that strategies are working and therefore they are coming out of the situation." More medical intervention is required, he says, like the recently- introduced mobile vans. Post these visits, on the same Sunday, Kakani probably returned to his official residence in Dadar, central Mumbai, and participated in a few online meetings and took a slew of calls; his phone is rarely not busy, even late into the night, but he still manages to finally take a call or call back. He remembers of that day: "I was focusing on the day-to-day activities like test results -- compiling of it and communicating it to the higher authorities. Then contact tracing, communicating it to the field officers who are undertaking contact tracing, so the spread should be limited. Then (coordinating) the shifting of positive patients to the various facilities, all these things we are doing." IMAGE: BMC staff arrive at the Shastri Nagar slum after fresh positive cases were reported in the area. Photograph: Vijay Bate/ANI Photo With an unending list of matters to take care of, in the busiest, till now 92 days he has confronted in his life, Kakani has resorted to a weekly schedule, so he can allocate enough time to each area under his command. Every hospital needs his special attention. As do all the areas he is looking after. But Kakani -- a 2004 batch Maharashtra cadre IAS officer, from a farmer's family and educated at a zila parishad school in Kamargaon, Vidharba, near Amravati -- has come through epidemics before. He helped the city battle an alarming spread of both swine flu in 2009 and the mosquito-borne chikunguniya in 2012-2013. "Swine flu had a similar kind of scenario. Chikunguniya (which first arose in 1952 in Tanzania, hence its Tanzanian dialect name) was another pandemic kind of situation a few years back. Somehow we could control it," he recalls. In a practical, matter-of-fact, vein, he continues: "In the Indian Administrative Services, because I am an IAS officer, we have to deal with every disaster. Sometimes drought situations. Sometimes floods. Sometimes outbreaks of swine flu. Now COVID-19 is here." Kakani, who has done several rural (Nanded, Solapur) and city postings (Mira-Bhayandar, urban development, Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited), a year-long World Bank stint and earned a postgraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, 2006 to 2008, in Asian studies, covering social conflicts ADD, makes clear: "We are already mentally prepared for undertaking or dealing with a similar type of scenarios. Most of the officers and officer machinery really put in all efforts to control or mitigate it." The measures that are showing results, and have shown in the past with other widespread viral eruptions, in Mumbai's densest and worst-affected areas (Govandi, Shivaji Nagar, Worli Koliwada, Mankhurd, Dharavi, Antop Hill), where there is, in some cases also a system of a single tenement room, Kakani explains, being used by workers in a shift system, are: A. household visits by BMC staffers; B. pulse oximeter readings; C. sending people to fever clinics. And the pulse oximeter has a been the hero of the Mumbai COVID-19 war, says Kakani, because it has helped to swiftly sift and segregate the infirm and the vulnerable from the healthy. "It is a very interesting thing. Very cheap thing. But it can record your temperature, it can record your heart beat and it can record your oxygen saturation level."* Over 5,000 pulse oximeters have been purchased by the BMC and nearly every health worker, in the field, is equipped with this little wonder gadget. "We have also asked local medical practitioners (in or close to slums) to keep open their dispensaries or clinics, so that in case they come across any person who is symptomatic so they should be able to refer that person to our facility so that further treatment can be undergone." The top-most strategy, of course, that has been the greatest help in the bitter fight against COVID-19, in spite of the staggering economic costs and the murmurings from naysayers and Mumbaikars frustrated with the long period of indoor life, is the lockdown. Kakani confirms this, unravelling for us the logic of the authorities, who instituted it, after the first trickle of cases hit the more thickly-populated parts of the city: "It has been successful and because of the lockdown, we could control the number of cases (more testing has disclosed a larger number too, he says). In other parts of the world, where the lockdown is not being implemented, cases are rising at a much greater rate," he explains. "Though the cases are rising (here too) the rate of growth is very minimal and the death rate has gone down and the doubling rate also has gone up," he points out. "Even though the density of population (and with it the inability to implement social distancing) really came into our way, now in the most affected areas, like Worli and Dharavi, the doubling rate is close to 23 to 24 days." IMAGE: BMC medical staff take samples of policemen who have a cold and cough at the police officers quarters in Borivali, north west Mumbai. Photograph: Santosh Hirlekar/ANI Photo While Kakani has overall charge of the western suburbs, in order to have a "more focused approach" he was recently asked to narrow his outlook and zoom in on Jogeshwari, Kandivali and Vile Parle, and is getting assistance from other AMCs for some of the other wards for "closer monitoring." "I have been given areas where cases are more and there should be someone to supervise the work very closely, because in case there are gaps, they can be bridged." As the additional commissioner taking care of the health department, the BMC hospitals, medical college hospitals, peripheral hospitals and primary health care centres -- all primary, secondary and tertiary centres -- are supervised by him, with assistance from the central BMC medical team. But "different roles have been assigned to officers who the Maharashtra government deputed to the municipal corporation. There are two or three officers on deputation and they are looking after some of the other issues related to health, but that focus on the pandemic." Like testing, expansion of medical force, the control room and bed allotment etc. The only area, where Kakani has had to devote less time, surprisingly, was Dahisar, under Ward R North, which has some of the fewest cases in the city, in spite of a similar mixed slum and middle class make up. One of the best "monitored wards," Dahisar has fared well, from the beginning, the AMC says, for a combination of two reasons: 1. Its distance -- "farthest" -- from railway terminuses for long distance trains; 2. because of the fact that its population is "dominated by the local population" with not much out-of-state/out-of-country (Dubai, Middle East) connections of any sort. IMAGE: Suresh M Kakani, Mumbai's additional municipal commissioner. Photograph: Kind courtesy Suresh M Kakani IMAGE: Suresh M Kakani, Mumbai's additional municipal commissioner. While till last week much of the IAS officer's attention, in the slum areas of his wards, was on Ramzan and Eid, lest over-exuberant festival spirit should accidentally interfere with social distancing, now his focus has moved. Though the end of the lockdown is not yet in sight, preparations are constantly on for both a post-easement landscape and for the gradual opening of some facilities, that will take place from June 3 onwards. To that end, the highest priority is education in all parts of the city, of the rich, poor, educated, supposedly-educated, semi-educated and uneducated. This education is about tutoring Mumbaikars in the city's new way of life, as its pace mildly normalises in the days to come. Apart from three cornerstone mantras of social distancing, personal hygiene and reporting symptoms, it's about making them understand that the three are a regular, immoveable "part of life now." "So IEC activities (Information, Education, Communicate and Counselling) and through that educating the people to maintain the area hygiene and sanitation, so there should not be any outbreak, in case suppose someone tests positive in an area, or someone got infected. "And we are trying to build the resistance of the common citizens. So that even if the infection is there, there should not be any symptoms, there should not be any problems. And the shareability of the viral load should be at the minimum level." "This is a blessing in disguise, in the sense that an opportunity has been given to us to educate the people for behavioural change. If you travel across the city -- though garbage is there -- but the overall cleanliness index has gone up like anything and personal hygiene too (how to cough or sneeze and use a mask)," he says. "It is a gradual process. It won't happen in a day or two, or in a month or two. It will take some time. Over a period, people will understand the importance of personal hygiene or area hygiene. Definitely it will help us in the long run." Along with hygiene it is about setting up systems that comply with social distancing and educating the public on their use. Kakani says they are "already in place" but will need constant emphasis. Imaginative ways to constantly achieve crowd thinning in teeming, exploding Mumbai is one of Kakani's main jobs. Like how in markets, shops should open on alternate days or different time slots and ensuring that people don't "crowd" them. He is, he declares, quite bemused at the speed at which people have made an effort to comply: "They are maintaining social distance even while shopping. They are waiting under the sun for their turn for some vegetables or some groceries. That is a very good sign. And especially in a densely-populated area it is an encouraging thing for us to see, that people are getting educated." But normalising Mumbai means bringing back the public on buses and trains. It's very hard to imagine how. "That is more challenging. It won't open in toto. It would open gradually like initially the persons who are involved in essential services or necessary services those would be given preference to board the trains and others would be asked to wait for their turn (and do so at a later date) or they should not use this facility. All staggered methods of opening facilities will be undertaken." To add back enough trains and buses to carry just essential workers, many of whom have not able to reach their place of duty, because of the total lockdown, is a large load in itself. Doing a back-of-the-envelope calculation, Kakani estimates that "Twenty per cent of the population is engaged with the essential services like hospitals, solid waste management, firefighting, groceries, milk, vegetables, gas, diesel/petrol/fuel, public transport system, media... A rough calculation." Astonishingly, given that Mumbai's population is now estimated to be close to 22 million (according to worldpopulationreview.com), nearly 44,00,000, as per the lockdown parameters on who have indispensable jobs, are working in essential services sector. Managing their transport issues will be a massive task post June 3. Schools and colleges, which usually commence post monsoon, might seeing a different schedule, he says. At the moment Mumbai is struggling and muddling through its worst days, as cases pile up and every resource is stretched beyond capacity, even as it attempts to ease the economic strangulation, by rolling up the shutter on the city a crack or so. As of May 31, Kakani says, "We are inching towards the peak, that is what we can say. It is practically difficult for us to anticipate that, 'Yes, this is the peak' and henceforth after the peak, the rate would be slowing down, stabilising and becoming static. After opening up partially we have to closely observe the situation and then we can decide if we are on the right path or otherwise." Mumbai might be going through one of its worst historical period ever, perhaps since 26/11, the Partition riots, the 1944 SS Fort Stikine Bombay harbour explosion, the 1918 flu and the 1896 plague, but, Kakani says, there are still heartening signs. Like the support the local governance gets from Mumbaikars. "People are supporting it, though they are in the slums. They have realised what the situation is. That the ultimate sufferers would be them though the government is trying its level best and they are supporting our cause. So what's surprising is their understanding, which the have quickly picked up." Though the peak may not be in sight, Kakani is optimistic: "Very few cases are getting out of the containment zone. Verge of controlling everything, though the cases may go up but I think we will be able to control it." "Therefore, philosophically, if you ask me, yes, it is a challenging situation, but we should learn something from it and we should move ahead, to face new challenges. "It is a learning process for us. We feel that this kind of outbreak would definitely be there in future as well, (in spite of that fact) that we are so advanced scientifically. So all of us should be in readiness to face any type of scenario. That is what we learn from each and every disaster for that matter." There have been some severely discouraging, gloomy points in the campaign, Kakani recalls, like, in the initial, when a doctor tested positive but spread cases by continuing to work. "His relative was positive, and though he was from the medical fraternity, he operated on two or three patients. That was a really depressing moment because it was not expected from a medical practitioner. It was not expected from the learned class. In the process he also lost his life." How does he cope with the hours and the stress? "These are challenging times and we get energised (by that). I don't feel that 'I am tired now and I should relax', because even if someone calls us at 12 o'clock I have to answer his call." Kakani is not the only one, in his home, putting in sometimes 20 hours a day to defeat COVID-19. His daughter Gargi is a BMC doctor and he says proudly: "She is also serving COVID patients in (Central Mumbai's B Y L) Nair hospital." *At sea level a healthy person should have oxygen saturation or sats of 96 to 99 per cent and at least above 94 per cent. Less indicates comorbidity of some kind. Production: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com On June 3rd, 2020, the first part of the package including 2,000 copies of the Nosocomial Infection Control (NIC) Manual were handed over to CRH by JICA Vietnam Office. With technical inputs from JICA experts, CRHs Department of Infection Control has developed this "NIC Manual", hoping to improve the infection control activities of the Cho Ray Vietnam - Japan Friendship Hospital (CRH II) which is planned to be established in the coming time and 21 provincial hospitals in the Southern region, which are under CRHs guidance and support. Cover of the Nosocomial infection control manual JICA has been supporting CRH to strengthen patient safety management, multi-professional approach and infection control through the project for Improvement of Hospital Management Competency targeting at patient-oriented and high-quality medical services. The above-mentioned support also helps to improve the hospital management capabilities that the project is aiming for. In August 2019, in order to strengthen NIC capacity of CRH, the JICA project provided training on usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) to doctors and nurses of the hospital. Furthermore, just before the first confirmed patient of COVID-19 was admitted to CRH in January 2020, JICA experts had provided materials and conducted training sessions on NIC at CRH. Historically, Vietnam has been exposed to a variety of emerging infectious diseases, and therefore since 2006, JICA has been supporting National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) and the Ho Chi Minh Pasteur Institute (PIHCMC) with the installation and strengthening of biosafety level-three laboratories (BSL-3) that enable safe handling of these highly hazardous pathogens. Besides, JICA has also been supporting these institutes to strengthen their capacities of laboratory diagnosis for infectious pathogens. Based on those supports, NIHE and PIHCMC are actively testing COVID-19 these days. Under the ongoing Project for Capacity Development for Medical Laboratory Network on Biosafety and Examination of Highly Hazardous infectious Pathogens, JICA experts are working with NIHE and PIHCMC to strengthen the examination capabilities and collaboration network of provincial CDCs in Vietnam. The support to strengthen capacity of laboratory diagnosis for infectious pathogens is to further enhance these activities as well as COVID-19 testing capacity of Vietnam./. When Meghan Markle was in the UK to complete her final round of royal engagement, it was reported that her sister-in-law Kate Middleton "barely said two words to her." As of March 1, the Duchess of Sussex and her husband, Prince Harry, officially stepped back from their senior roles. "Meghan said on her last trip to England, Kate barely said two words to her, and it's absolutely preposterous for her to start playing the blame game." To finalize their move, a source close to the former "Suits" star was reportedly left "disappointed" by the Duchess of Cambridge for not reaching out to her. The source further claimed that had the roles been reversed, Meghan Markle reportedly said she would have gone out of her way to make Kate Middleton feel part of the family. "She would have embraced their sisterhood." Last week, British society magazine Tatler published a profile on Kate Middleton and headlined it, "Catherine the Great." Almost immediately, she, Prince William and the royal family took an issue with the article, saying it's full of "inaccuracies and false representations," going as far as to send legal letters to the publication to remove the story from the internet. In another Daily Mail report, what the royal family did has allegedly pissed off the Duchess of Sussex, pointing out the deluge of negative press was primarily what led to Meghan and Prince Harry quitting their royal life altogether. "Meghan said Kensington Palace never once came to her defense when the media were shredding her," the source continued, "Now Kate gets a bit of negative press, and the Palace comes out in less than 24 hours to rebuke the claims made against her." According to the 38-year-old mother of one, the Palace did nothing to interfere with her tabloid battle despite pleas from Prince Harry. "This is really a slap in the face for Harry because he repeatedly asked for an updated, revised media policy or at least a conversation about his concerns." The unnamed source further said, "All fell on deaf ears, and then Kate comes along, snaps her fingers, and gets an outpouring of support." The controversial Tatler article made Kensington Palace send legal notices to them to take the story down. It talked about how being a mother was difficult for Kate Middleton, and that she was said to be feeling overworked and tired as she took on more responsibility after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down. Tatler's source said that the mother of three is angry at the more massive workload and is feeling trapped and exhausted. Kensington Palace was quick to call out the quote saying, "There is no truth to their claim that the Duchess feels overwhelmed with work, nor that the Duke is obsessed with Carole Middleton." The Daily Mail's source said, however, that Meghan says it's just so telling how Kensington Palace was there to save Kate but did not do anything to save her. "She explained this was one of the main reasons why she and Harry said their goodbyes to royal life. the lack of support and complete disregard for the pain and anguish Meghan suffered while being crucified by the media." READ MORE: Prince Harry Biggest Wish After Megxit is to Claim THIS Royal Position Once Again The stepmother of a four-year-old girl allegedly left to die in her cot has been charged with murder. Willow Dunn's body was found malnourished and decomposing in her bed at her home in Brisbane last Monday, her face partially eaten by rats. Her father, Mark James Dunn, 43, was charged with murder after he allegedly found the toddler dead two days earlier and didn't call emergency services. Dunn's partner Shannon White, 43, was on Wednesday arrested and later charged with murder at Morningside police station. Willow Dunn's (pictured) body was found decomposing in her bed and police revealed she died of malnourishment and sustained neglect Dunn's partner Shannon White (centre) was on Wednesday arrested and later charged with murder White was led away from the station in handcuffs looking worse for wear and wearing thongs and shabby clothes White was led away from the station in handcuffs looking worse for wear and wearing thongs and shabby clothes. She will face Brisbane Magistrates Court later on Wednesday. Both White and Dunn are charged with murder under its 'reckless indifference of human life' definition. White allegedly told police last week that caring for Willow, who had Down syndrome, was not her responsibility as she was not her biological daughter. This was despite writing 'I would do anything for my kids' on her Facebook in 2014. White's daughter, Taliah, 19, would sometimes feed and bathe Willow after moving in to the house along with her mother. The teenager has not been arrested and has a sister of a similar age who still lives in Adelaide. But for the past year the toddler is believed to have been solely in the care of her father, who allegedly left her in squalor. Dunn 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. White (a few years ago) is Willow's stepmother and was best friends with Willow's biological mother Naomi Dunn for 20 years before moving in with Mr Dunn after she died Willow's body was found malnourished and decomposing in her bed at her home in Brisbane last Monday, her face partially eaten by rats, and her father Mark James Dunn (pictured) charged with murder White, second from left, was a bridesmaid at Ms Dunn's wedding in 2014 and was her friend for 19 years at the time Police confirmed a post-mortem revealed the toddler died of malnourishment and sustained neglect. Detective Inspector Chris Knight would not rule out charging more people and said police were investigating the entire family in Queensland, NSW, and South Australia. 'Despite today's second arrest in this homicide, detectives are continuing to progress this investigation,' he said. Willow's mother Naomi Dunn died on November 5, 2015, from complications following Willow's birth about a week earlier. Her death sent Dunn into a tailspin that left him depressed and struggling to cope. Daily Mail Australia understands Willow was sent to live with an aunt and uncle after her mother's death. Their father up to a year later took her and her brother, who is now seven, back to live with him despite a custody attempt by the relatives. Dunn allegedly told police after his arrest he couldn't handle his daughter's condition and was depressed about his wife's death. Willow, who had Down Syndrome, and her brother who is now seven (right) was sent to live with an aunt and uncle after her mother's death Naomi Dunn died on November 5, 2015, after giving birth to her daughter Willow, devastating her family A Facebook post from Ms White in 2014 claimed Ms Dunn was her best friend of 19 years (pictured) White, who was Ms Dunn's best friend and a bridesmaid at her wedding in 2014, later started dating Dunn and moved from Adelaide to live with him. 'I still have my bestie from 19 years ago Naomi Kipping (Ms Dunn). She's always been there for me no matter what,' Ms White posted on Facebook in 2014. Ms Dunn replied: 'Awwww love ya xx.' The two regularly commented on each other's Facebook posts and that of Ms Dunn's adult children from an earlier relationship. Ms Dunn once wrote Ms White was 'so dam (sic) hot' in a photo, to which she replied 'oh baby thanks xx miss u'. Ms Dunn's adult son mourned his half-sister on Facebook in the days after her death, and later shared a post condemning White. 'Rest in Peace Willow. It's so heartbreaking things have turned out this way, but you will forever be in our hearts. Fly high with mum,' her son wrote. Dunn's family have since accused him of pushing them away so he could pursue a relationship with his dead wife's bridesmaid. A teddy bear wearing a Parramatta Eels jersey is seen in the bedroom of the Cannon Hill home on Tuesday (pictured) just hours after little Willow was allegedly found in her cot A stroller was seen in the front yard on Tuesday (pictured) as police continued to investigate what happened to the toddler He allegedly banned his wife's other children from seeing Willow, blocking their phone numbers and social media accounts. 'He pushed away everyone when (Naomi) died so he could be with Shannon,' the relative told the The Australian. Inspector Knight said members of Willow's family moved to Queensland from South Australia in 2017 and police wanted to speak to anyone who knew of them and the family dynamic. 'We continue to obtain information from potential witnesses who are assisting us to build a clearer picture of the dynamics relating to Willow Dunn's family,' he said. 'Our investigative team are not yet satisfied that we've exhausted all inquiries and will continue to investigate and evaluate all information that we come by so that we can make better informed decisions in the future.' Detectives are investigating whether Willow spent the entirety of her four years on earth in squalor without adequate food or care. She was allegedly badly malnourished, and had bone-deep sores on her hips when she was found. Willow was not Down syndrome registered with the NDIS, leading detectives to allege she was not receiving the care she needed. Dunn allegedly told police he noticed Willow's deteriorating condition and should have sought help before her death. This latest dust-up is just one of several ongoing disputes between the two countries. Trump has blasted China for not upholding its end of a trade agreement signed in January, in which Chinese officials pledged to increase purchase of U.S. goods by $200 billion over the next two years. The president also has criticized China for its handling of the pandemic, and Chinese officials have similarly slammed the U.S. response. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 07:18:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A hotel employee cleans the hand sanitizer machine in Conrad Hotel in Cairo, Egypt, on June 2, 2020. Egyptian government has already started gradual reopening of services and offices that have been halted since mid-March, and allowed reopening of dozens of hotels for local tourists with 50-percent capacity. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) WASHINGTONOn Tuesday evening, after President Donald Trumps very public crackdown on demonstrators on Monday, more protesters than in previous days converged on the area around Lafayette Square, near the White House. Some spoke of being inspired to attend by their perception that Trump was taking an authoritarian and un-American approach to protests rather than addressing their legitimate concerns. The crowd appeared to be a cross-section of Washington society multicultural, including lots of senior citizens, and lots of children. At various locations, protesters were offered free water, medical supplies, granola bars and hand sanitizer. Most wore masks, although social distancing was entirely absent for dozens of metres around the fence surrounding Lafayette Square, where conditions were close to that of a mosh pit. As the 7 p.m. curfew arrived, the crowd knelt down as one, facing the tall black fence at the edge of the park, the lines of police behind it, and the White House in the distance. And then Nothing particularly significant happened. Or rather, the significant thing that happened was that the protest continued peacefully mostly without even the occasional fireworks or bottle throwing that had been common on previous nights and the federal forces and police did not do much, if anything to stop it as Tuesday night stretched into Wednesday morning. Late in the evening, a few dozen protesters walked down 16th Street to join those near the square, and beside them rode an almost equally large group of Metro Washington bicycle police, casually watching but not appearing to do anything to stop them or try to enforce the curfew. (Incidentally, a drive through the further-out northwest district of Washington late in the evening showed many residents disregarding the curfew for non-protest reasons, such as dog-walking and jogging). By Wednesday morning, there was news that the D.C. National Guard was investigating the use of its helicopters for crowd control on Monday night, and criticism of the presidents forceful approach from conservative Christian evangelist Pat Robertson and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen. A large protest took to the congressional Capitol building in the morning reportedly peaceful with demonstrators lying on the ground for more than eight minutes in memory of George Floyd. Near the White House, authorities had moved the perimeter around Lafayette Square further north, and stationed a line of riot police on the street to enforce it. This seemed a possibly provocative move. The installation of the tall fence between police and protesters on Tuesday had appeared to be a factor in defusing conflict between the two sides: demonstrators inclined to provoke conflict had less access to police to do so, while officers removed from the protest by a fence and dozens of metres were less likely to respond with pepper spray. John Noakes, a professor at Acadia University who has studied criminal justice and the policing of protests, was surprised to hear of the change in the perimeter from a physical barrier to a human one. Its much more volatile, Noakes said, noting that the focus of protests often becomes whatever kind of barrier is placed between protesters and the subject of their protest so if it is a fence, then protests will symbolically become focused on the fence. If the barrier is human, in the form of a line of heavily armed police, then they become the focus. And unlike fallible human beings, he noted, Fences dont make mistakes. Read more about: Navajo Nation Police Officer Carolyn Tallsalt looks out at dried sagebrush where her uncle George Billy was buried in April at the Tuba City Community Cemetery in Arizona. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) The Navajo Nation patrol car pulled up to the jail near the center of town and Officer Carolyn Tallsalt stepped out. She adjusted her surgical mask, pressing the edges so they sealed against her cheeks, then flung open the door to the back seat where there was a woman in handcuffs. A jail guard proceeded to pepper the woman, arrested for disturbing the peace, with questions. Have you been in contact with anyone known to have coronavirus? Have you contracted the virus yourself? Do you have a fever or body aches? No, no, no, the mask-less woman mumbled, before coughing twice into the open air. Tallsalt stepped back. The guard placed a temperature gun to the womans forehead 95.8, a few degrees lower than the average body temperature. Cleared to go inside, the woman walked to the side entrance, escorted by Tallsalt. Navajo Nation Officers Sheyenne Soriano, left, and Carolyn Tallsalt, right, stop two men for violating a weekend curfew in Tuba City, Ariz. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) That routine process, which Tallsalt has performed countless times in a nearly 20-year career, carries a stressful new weight during the COVID-19 outbreak. At the start of each shift, she thinks the same thing: I hope I am not exposed today. More than a dozen fellow Navajo Nation officers have contracted the virus along with thousands of residents of the sprawling reservation. My anxiety is out of control, Tallsalt, 53, said on a recent afternoon. You dont know who has it. Since mid-March, when the novel coronavirus began to spread like a brush fire on the dry, remote 27,000-square-mile reservation, daily patrols for the nearly 200 Navajo Nation officers have transformed into an exhausting mix of stress and overwhelming sadness. Here on the Navajo Nation spanning portions of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah nearly everyone knows at least one victim of the deadly virus. So far, about 5,400 people have tested positive and nearly 250 people have died from COVID-19 on a reservation with roughly 175,000 residents. The infection rate in desolate Kayenta, Ariz., about 75 miles northeast of Tuba City, was recently higher than some areas of hard-hit New York City. Story continues Dawn breaks over homes and sandstone formations near the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which is closed until further notice. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Many on the reservation, an area larger than West Virginia with only four inpatient hospitals, lack running water, electricity or consistent Internet access, making it difficult to get news updates about the virus or practice the hand-washing regimen recommended to ward off infection. Last month, the Navajo Nation received roughly $600 million from the $2-trillion stimulus bill passed by Congress; some of that money, officials here say, will go toward improving water infrastructure. A sign featuring Navajo turquoise jewelry has a message for motorists on Highway 98 on the Navajo Nation in Kaibito, Ariz. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) One possible reason for the high rate of cases, said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, is that nearly 15% of the total population has been tested for COVID-19. Still, he said, the numbers are concerning, and he worries that as communities near the reservation places like Flagstaff, Ariz., and Gallup, N.M. reopen restaurants and retail shops, the virus could spread even more rapidly. And that, Nez said, is why he intends to keep in place nightly curfews he implemented in early April on the entire reservation. "Its for their safety, he said, stressing that hes also asked residents to leave home during the day only for essential trips. We have to remain vigilant. In Tuba City, a town in the western stretch of the Navajo Nation surrounded by red-rock desert, the Regional Health Care Center has seen a surge in patients in recent months, at times operating at capacity. Many in this onetime hub of uranium mining have underlying health issues, including a high incidence of cancer. That puts them at a higher risk, regardless of their age, for getting seriously sick or dying from complications of the coronavirus. Stalls in Kaibito, Ariz., are empty as selling and trading are forbidden on the Navajo Nation. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Local officials say that's why enforcing the curfew is so crucial. For weeks there has been a curfew from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. and on weekends a complete lockdown from Friday until Monday. So far, Tallsalt said, a vast majority of people have respected the nightly curfew a mandate she hopes to see remain into the foreseeable future. "There is a fear here, she said, and rarely have I caught people breaking the law when it comes to curfew. Tallsalt, who grew up here and has been an officer since 2003, said none of the tragedies she has witnessed throughout her career homicides, car accidents, domestic violence prepared her for the devastation wrought by COVID-19. These days, while she drives her Chevy Tahoe through town on her 10-hour shifts, she worries about her relatives and neighbors. She thinks about the people shes known since she was a little girl about the women she watched sell jewelry to tourists passing through town. Navajo Nation Officer Carolyn Tallsalt checks identification after pulling over a woman for violating a curfew. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) She thinks about sickness and death and about the recent house calls shes made, where a person was rushed to the hospital and, a day later, was dead. Sometimes she panics for herself, wondering whether shell get sick and what would happen if she infected her two grandsons, who she is raising with her husband, Garrison, who has diabetes. "I dont want to bring it home, Tallsalt said. Thats my biggest fear. On a recent morning, Tallsalt stood in the parking lot of the Navajo Nation police department and peered through her sunglasses across a two-lane road at a cluster of low-slung homes. Collarless dogs howled at passing cars. Some napped under abandoned cars in frontyards as temperatures hovered in the mid-90s. She zeroed in on one home, in particular, where her 70-year-old uncle, George Billy, had lived until April, when he contracted the virus. "He passed fast, she said, looking straight ahead. No one expected it to be that fast. Carlita Bergen, center, holds a shovel as Officer Carolyn Tallsalt smooths dirt over COVID-19 victim Arnold Billy's grave while mortuary officiant Robert Dayzie, left, Arnold's brother Ronald Billy and Cenovia Dayzie, right, look on during his funeral. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) And while still processing her own grief, she spends some of her shifts comforting others. On a recent afternoon, she pulled into the Tuba City Community Cemetery. She stared out at dried sagebrush and glimpsed up at the snow-capped San Francisco Peaks in the distance. This is where her uncle was buried in April, she said, and where her childhood friend another COVID-19 victim would soon be laid to rest in one of the dozen or so recently dug graves lining the cemetery. While at the cemetery that afternoon, she spotted a memorial for Arnold Billy, who also died of complications of the virus. Arnold Billy, who isnt related to Tallsalts uncle, got sick in April and was airlifted to Flagstaff Medical Center, according to his daughter, Melissa Bergen. After two weeks on a ventilator, Bergen said, her stepfather died and a local funeral home transported his body back to Tuba City. These days, Bergen said, the only things that distract her from grief are bouts of concern about the pandemic. "Everyone knows someone with this virus, Bergen said. Everything is so scary. Among the things that have helped temper her own fears, Tallsalt said, are the coronavirus tests that she and her fellow officers have taken regularly. She has also spent a lot of time thinking about the herbal medicines her grandfather told her would protect all Navajo burning sage and brewing juniper leaves in hot water for tea. Each night she follows a strict herbal routine, she said, hoping it helps ward off the virus. Officer Carolyn Tallsalt patrols Tuba City. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Back inside her patrol car, Tallsalt zipped along Highway 160 through the high-desert terrain. She spotted a white Ford F-150 parked on the shoulder. A woman sat in the drivers seat, consoling her screaming toddler, and the right tail light of the truck hung near the ground, dangling by gray wires. As Tallsalt walked up to the passenger-side widow, keeping her distance, the woman asked for help with her tail light. Tallsalt grabbed Gorilla Tape from her front seat and quickly taped the light back on as semi-trucks roared past, sending flicks of her hair bun blowing. "Even when theres a pandemic, everyday life is still happening, she said. People need service and protection." Most nights before her husband picks her up from the station, Tallsalt grabs Clorox wipes from her back seat and disinfects her duty belt. She pulls out her handcuffs and baton, lathering them too, and then removes her shoes, which she leaves at the station. After taking the maskless woman inside the jail during her recent shift, Tallsalt, who had arrested her for public intoxication, began a time-consuming process that she now repeats several times per shift. "Ready to do this? she asked Officer Sheyenne Soriano, who had followed her to the jail in a separate patrol car. "We do it every time, Soriano said, sighing. Both women then pulled out bottles of Purell from their cars, pumping several squirts of sanitizing gel into their palms. Tallsalt then grabbed a can of Lysol, spraying down her backseat with disinfectant. She would soon be ready for her next call. Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence Rhodes Universitys Deputy Dean of Humanities (Research), Professor Enocent Msindo, and the Manager, Research and Development Projects, Noelle Obers, recently represented Rhodes University at a week-long series of meetings at the University of Bayreuth, Germany. The purpose of the meetings was for the University of Bayreuths Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence to convene for first time with the four African universities, selected out of a pool of 55 African university applicants, who have each been awarded an African Cluster Centre status within the Germany Research Foundation (the DFG) funded Cluster of Excellence initiative. The other three African universities are: University of Lagos in Nigeria; Joseph Ki Zerbo University at Ougadougou Burkina Faso; and Moi University in Kenya. Over the past four decades, the University of Bayreuth has grown to become one of the leading African Studies institutions on a global scale, with significant international partnerships. The Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence seeks to realign Bayreuth's African Studies focus in close cooperation with these African partner institutions. The purpose is to increase collaborations with established researchers on the African continent whose expertise is on various areas of African studies. The research conducted under the Africa Multiple initiative will highlight the continental and transcontinental entanglements of cultural, linguistic, social, religious, political, economic, and ecological processes in Africa, thus enabling a more precise understanding of these processes. As a result, Africa's relationships with Europe, Asia, and America may also appear in a new light. We want to approach this Cluster relationship from our vantage point, said Prof Msindo. Our goals are to facilitate collaboration at different levels from postdoctoral fellows, graduates, PhDs and even staff exchanges. We are coming into this collaboration as equal partners to share theoretical insights with the Global North from the Global South. We will engage researchers from a variety of disciplines such as art, history, and political science, which will help us rethink African Studies in the current age. According to Ms Obers, Rhodes University looks forward to developing the synergies between our university, the University of Bayreuth and the three other African Cluster Centres, and working on collaborative projects to reconfigure African Studies. The project, which will run over the next seven years, has received 37 million euros in funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG), which will be utilised by Bayreuth African Studies as well as the four Cluster Centres. A team of at least thirteen scholars, mainly from the Humanities and Sciences, are members of the Rhodes University Cluster Centre. Source: Communications Please help us to raise funds so that we can give all our students a chance to access online teaching and learning. Covid-19 has disrupted our students' education. Don't let the digital divide put their future at risk. Visit www.ru.ac.za/rucoronavirusgateway to donate This is part of an occasional series of Yahoo News articles and accompanying videos on how the issues America faced in the 1920s aka the roaring twenties have echoes in our own decade, a century later. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is holding up the passage of an anti-lynching bill with broad bipartisan support the latest delay in an effort to pass a federal law against lynching that goes back over a century. When the Emmett Till Antilynching Act passed the House 410-4 on Feb. 26, lawmakers expected it to pass in the Senate and head to President Trumps desk within days. A Senate version, the Justice for Victims of Lynching Act, had already passed by unanimous consent in December 2018 and again in February 2019, but the House version needed to pass separately. Ordinarily the Senate handles these matters by unanimous consent, but Pauls objection means the act named for Till, a black teenager who was kidnapped and lynched in Mississippi in 1955, requires a roll call vote, which uses up scarce floor time in the chamber. Paul told reporters on Capitol Hill on Wednesday that he wants changes to the bill to narrow the kinds of crimes it covers. For things to pass unanimously there has to be some give and take in order to try to make the language the best we can get it, Paul said. We think that lynching is an awful thing that should be roundly condemned and should be universally condemned. I dont think its a good idea to conflate someone who has an altercation where they had minor bruises, with lynching. We think thats a disservice to those who were lynched in our history, who continue to have, we continue to have these problems. And I think its a disservice to have a new 10-year penalty for people who have minor bruising. The bill as written would allow altercations resulting in a cut, abrasion, bruise, or any other injury no matter how temporary to be subject to a 10-year penalty, Paul later said in a statement from his office. My amendment would simply apply a serious bodily injury standard, which would ensure crimes resulting in substantial risk of death and extreme physical pain be prosecuted as a lynching. Story continues Protesters in Minneapolis on May 26 after the death of George Floyd in police custody. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Sen. Paul is working with the sponsors of the bill to make it stronger, a spokesperson for Paul also told Yahoo News. The Senates Justice for Victims of Lynching Act was introduced by Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. The Emmett Till Antilynching Act was introduced by Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., who worked closely with Harris and Bookers offices while crafting the bill. It would make lynching a federal crime by establishing it as a new criminal civil rights violation, and would amend federal civil rights law to include provisions on lynching. The bill says that whoever conspires with another person to violate section 245, 247, or 249 of this title or section 901 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3631) shall be punished in the same manner as a completed violation of such section, except that if the maximum term of imprisonment for such completed violation is less than 10 years, the person may be imprisoned for not more than 10 years. The language of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act is IDENTICAL to the bill that was unanimously approved by the Senate, Rush tweeted on Tuesday. The only conclusion I can draw from Rand Pauls sudden opposition is he has an issue with the House bill being named after Emmett Till. Pauls hold on the bill, which was first reported by National Journal, comes amid mass protests that are sweeping the U.S. in response to acts of violence against African-Americans, including the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Arberys father has called his sons death a modern-day lynching, and Rush believes Arberys death, in which three white men have been indicted, could be considered a lynching under his anti-lynching legislation. More than 3,000 protesters march in Washington, D.C., calling for an end to lynching, on June 24, 1922. (Getty Images) Lynching has a long, dark legacy in American history. According to the NAACP, there were 4,472 lynchings between 1882 and 1968, most of them involving black people killed at the hands of white mobs. In the post-Reconstruction South, lynching was commonly used to enforce white supremacy. The fight for federal anti-lynching legislation goes back over 100 years and involves hundreds of failed attempts. It was pushed vigorously by the NAACP and civil rights activists in the early 20th century, with Rep. Leonidas C. Dyer, R-Mo., finally introducing the Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill on April 18, 1918. If passed into law, it would have charged lynch mobs with capital murder, tried lynching cases in federal court and imposed jail time and fines on state and local law enforcement officials who failed to make reasonable efforts to prevent lynchings. After stalling in the House Judiciary Committee for several years, the bill finally passed the House of Representatives on Jan. 26, 1922, and from there it needed passage in the Senate before the president could sign it into law. But with ambivalent support from Senate Republicans and adamant opposition from Southern Democrats, the bill eventually died in the Senate. _____ Read more: Jacom Stephens / Getty Images TORRINGTON A 17-year-old girl from Torrington has been arrested in connection with an alleged double-murder in Windsor, according to police. The girl was charged with two counts of criminal liability for anothers acts murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree assault, Windsor police Capt. Andrew Power said in a release Wednesday. London: Quarantining people arriving in the UK is crucial to preventing a second coronavirus peak, Priti Patel said on Wednesday as she prepares to defend the controversial policy to MPs. The Home Secretary has warned the British public "we will all suffer if we get this wrong" and has argued tourism will be up and running faster if tough measures are taken to keep the virus in retreat. Priti Patel, the UK Home Secretary. Credit:Priti Patel Writing in The Daily Telegraph with Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, Patel referred to air corridors, which would see restriction-free travel between the UK and some countries, but does not mention a date. There has been growing Cabinet tension over quarantine, under which from Monday almost all people arriving in the UK must self-isolate for 14 days. The joint article by Patel and Mr Shapps, who first raised the possibility of travel corridors, is intended to show Government unity on the issue. The question of spiritual gifts is one that sparks excitement, debate, and questions. Being invited to use unique gifts in building Gods kingdom is an exciting prospect. Certain gifts seem easy to understand: teaching, encouragement, and hospitality are accessible. Others seem foreign, maybe even scary to some people because they seem supernatural. Speaking in tongues is such a gift. It causes controversy among believers, with different groups seeming to make different claims about the ability. What is the goal and the purpose of it? Can people still speak in tongues today? Speaking in tongues, or glossolalia, is Biblical but needs to be understood. What Is Speaking in Tongues? Depending on who is asked, and what that persons denomination is, the definition of speaking in tongues changes. There is debate as to the nature of the languages spoken. There are earthly languages, natural languages that people of nations and tribes speak. Some believe there are also heavenly languages, not from earth, directly from the Holy Spirit. There are generally three categories of thought on the gift of speaking in tongues. Glossolalists believe that speaking in tongues is a charismatic gift of the Holy Spirit that is either as an earthly language - previously learned or not - or an unknown, heavenly language. Some people, especially in apostolic and Pentecostal churches, believe in a personal prayer language. Typically, if someone receives a message in a church in tongues, there will be an interpreter. Some denominations hold it is primarily for spreading the Gospel, but others believe it can be used for prayer and for prophecy as well. Cessationists take a more dispensational view, meaning they believe that speaking in tongues was a gift for an allotted period of church history, and is no longer given. They believe the gift was only for the age of the Apostles in the early church where the Holy Spirit empowered select individuals to speak in an earthly language they did not know previously in order to spread the Gospel. Generally, cessationists do not believe in heavenly languages. They explain any contemporary claim of speaking in tongues as self-induced, a learned behavior, or fraud. Another theory is that the gift of speaking in tongues is real, and still exists, but it is to share the Gospel exclusively with a Jewish audience who speak another earthly language. In this scenario, the Holy Spirit would temporarily empower someone to speak in a language unknown to them in response to the presence of a group of Jews who speak that specific language. An interpreter would be empowered as well to be available for others present. "Speaking in Tongues" in the Bible There are multiple references to the gift of glossolalia in the Bible. Most scholars believe it is found exclusively in the New Testament, but that is not universally accepted. The first time the gift of tongues appeared historically was at the event known as Pentecost. Recorded in Acts 2, a group of believers was gathered together after the Ascension of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit fell upon them in the form of a flame, indwelling in them. After this event, they could speak in foreign languages to those gathered in Jerusalem for a holy day. Besides the account of this first time, other passages of the Bible illustrate when and how, as well as specific instances of, speaking in tongues. One comes from the Lord Jesus, and the others are accounts in the Book of Acts of the Spirit falling on groups of people and empowering them with that spiritual gift. Mark 16:15-18 And [Jesus] said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. Acts 10:44-46b While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Acts 19:4-7 And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus. On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. There were about twelve men in all. Photo credit: GettyImages/sedmak; Painting depicting Pentecost Sunday Paul Addresses the Church on Tongues There are also verses in the Bible that address speaking in tongues in a discussion about gifts in general, found in Pauls first letter to the church in Corinth. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another, the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to other gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to other various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. 1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 14 goes into great detail about the nature of speaking in tongues, as well as its relationship with the gift of prophecy. It contains a warning against the speaker using the gift for self-glorification, but to be humble. There is also encouragement about the goodness of these gifts, and that it is okay to ask the Lord for them, if it is His will. Here, Paul stresses the importance of the gift of interpretation, closely related to the gift of speaking in tongues. The interpreter is empowered by the Spirit of God to understand the foreign, or heavenly, language being spoken, and translates it for the crowd. Paul says of this position, The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up ... so with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air (1 Corinthians 14:5-6). If someone is blessed with the gift of tongues, then there needs to be someone to help the church understand it. There are a few verses that some argue allude to speaking in tongues. A handful of them is in the Old Testament. These are part of ongoing debate and consensus, that tends to align with what the denomination or minister believes about speaking in tongues as a whole. These verses include: Isaiah 28:11-12 For by people of strange lips and with a foreign tongue the Lord will speak to this people, to whom he has said, This is rest; give rest to the weary; and this is repose. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Why Did People in the Bible Speak in Tongues? One of the key aspects to understanding this gift is when it is given. Whether Jew or Gentile, the gift did not manifest until after the profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Messiah, and salvation. Spiritual gifts are associated with and attributed to the presence of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit of God, no one is speaking in tongues. Other important aspects include that Jews and Gentiles received the gift and that it was used both in church assemblies and outside of them. At Pentecost, this gift appeared for the first time, and the members of the church immediately went out and began to spread the Gospel to the international crowds gathered in Jerusalem. It was so strange to the people hearing this group of Galilean Jews speaking in their own languages, some people thought they were drunk at nine in the morning. Peter clarified, and stated, 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, explaining how this manifestation of the Holy Spirit fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. Also important, the close tie Peter makes with glossalalia and prophetic gifts align with Pauls connection between the two gifts in 1 Corinthians 14. The most important reason people spoke in tongues was to fulfill the Great Commission, to glorify God by spreading the Gospel, and to obey the leadings of the Holy Spirit. For Paul, the gift should bring others to Christ and build up the church. He wrote, Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up (1 Corinthians 14:22, 26). The individual speaking in tongues and the interpreter, as well as anyone speaking prophecy, should be glorifying God, and not themselves. Modern Importance of Speaking in Tongues In modern cultures, many look around and feel they do not see Christians speaking in tongues, and doubt its existence. Others insist that anyone with the Holy Spirit can and should be able to speak a heavenly prayer language. When assessing these claims, it is important to hold them up against the Bible, Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1a). Striving to ensure that a claim is in line with Scripture, especially with the words of Jesus Christ, is important. When examining if every believer must be able to speak in tongues, Paul does appear to address this notion. Going back to 1 Corinthians 12, Paul wrote: For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body ... If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body (1 Corinthians 12:14, 17-20). In other words, Paul asserts here that Gods Spirit gives different people different spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church. There may be some churches where the Spirit gifts all of them with tongues and interpretation, but not every believer around the world may have the same experience. Is The Gift of Tongues Less Visible Now? A factor in why the gift of speaking in earthly tongues may be less visible, especially in first-world countries, is because of the rise of national languages. In Jerusalem at Pentecost, thousands of people speaking many languages were gathered in one place. In many first-world countries, many speak the same language. After the stoning of Stephen, documented in Acts 7, many believers scattered abroad to nations where they may not speak the language. The Spirit supernaturally empowered the early church to spread the Gospel, though many of them may not have had the education of, or time to learn, another group of languages. Today, most countries have some sort of national language, or if a missionary travels to another country, that missionary will learn the most common language of that area. There are many resources for sharing the Gospel in another language. While there may still be a need for the gift of tongues, the context and need may be different enough from the days of the early church that it manifests less frequently, and perhaps differently. Finally, in a very secular and science-minded culture, miracles may not have the desired impact. Jesus addresses the relationship between faith and miracles several times. When asked by an official to heal his son, Jesus responded, Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe (John 4:48). Jesus emphasized the official had to have faith before the miracle - which Jesus did perform. He could not have faith on the condition that God performed one. Measure it to Scripture In Jesus hometown of Nazareth the Bible records, And he could do no mighty work there ... and he marveled because of their unbelief (Mark 6:5-6). Jesus performed miracles that matched the faith of the group or individual. Miracles like prophecy or speaking in tongues may be limited due to the unbelief of the secular society, and the reluctance of Christians to step out in faith to use such a gift. Ultimately, God uses His people when and how He wants if they are open to being used by Him. Just because someone can or cannot speak in tongues does not indicate salvation. This gift can genuinely come from the Holy Spirit, but some of it will depend on the denomination or church background of the individual. If it happens, measure it up to the standards of Scripture. Is there an interpreter? Does it glorify God? Does it spread the Gospel? If prophetic, does the prophecy align with the Bible? Prayer for Gods guidance, because His wisdom and Holy Spirit will reveal the truth. Sources Barnett, Donald Lee, and McGregor, Jeffrey. Speaking in Other Tongues A Scholarly Defense. Burien: Community Chapel Publications, 1986. Cartledge, Mark. Charismatic Glossolalia An Empirical-Theological Study. New York: Routledge, 2002. Cone, Steve. Theology from the Great Tradition. New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2018. Keener, Craig. Gift and Giver: The Holy Spirit for Today. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001. MacArthur, John. Strange Fire The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2013. Schreiner, Thomas. Spiritual Gifts What They Are and Why They Matter. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2018. Photo credit: Getty Images/RyanKing999 Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer and editor. She maintains a faith and lifestyle blog graceandgrowing.com, where she muses about the Lord, life, culture, and ministry. It begins with shortness of breath. And for approximately one third of patients, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS, ends in death. For those who survive, their lives are often turned upside-down. Michigan Medicine researchers have been investigating the downstream effects of ARDS for years. As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, their work has relevance for hundreds of thousands of new patients. "The way COVID-19 kills patients is by depriving them from oxygen," says Theodore (Jack) Iwashyna, M.D., professor of critical care medicine. "But only a third or fewer of COVID-19 patients who develop respiratory failure die. Most survive, and we need research that helps them not just survive but really heal." A team led by Iwashyna wanted to look more closely at how being hospitalized for ARDS affected people months after they were discharged. They interviewed dozens of patients from around the nation. "As we knew from past research, people had new disabilities ranging from general fatigue and weakness to where they couldn't remember things," says Katrina Hauschildt of the U-M department of sociology and first author on the study. "A lot of people had emotional difficulties coming to terms with just how sick they had been--a kind of PTSD from being in the ICU." "What I didn't expect," says Iwashyna, "was the lasting chaos into which surviving respiratory failure threw some of our patients and their families. Patients described problems coming not just from medical bills--although there were plenty of those--but also from losing their jobs and losing their insurance." Given the magnitude of recession hitting at the same time as patients are trying to recover from COVID-19, Iwashyna and Hauschildt are worried this could be devastating for many families. One 55-year old man described having to give up his small business because he could not work after getting out of the intensive care unit (ICU). "I had to sell my business. I'm on disability now...I owned a fire prevention company...We used to clean the kitchen exhaust systems in restaurants throughout the state. Degreased the restaurants, like their exhaust hoods in the kitchen and on the roof...Yeah, I sold everything." The team found that many respiratory failure patients experience what is known as financial toxicity, defined as the financial burdens and related distress of medical care. In turn, this financial toxicity led to additional negative effects on their physical and emotional recovery. With hospitalization for ARDS often resulting in weeks of high intensity care, patients end up with medical bills ranging from tens of thousands to, in some cases, millions of dollars, and the proportion covered by insurance varied substantially. One 49-year old male survivor of ARDS told the study team "I barely make it, or my bills are pending like electricity, things and other stuff." Said another 55-year old woman "I had to pay my rent, my food and medicines and all that so I was a little bit short ... They were kind of difficult to pay after the hospital ... Because I had to get more medicines and all that." The team reported several consequences of hospitalization including emotional distress related to insurance issues and unpaid bills, reduced physical well-being due to the inability to receive follow-up care due to cost, an increased reliance on family and friends to help cover expenses and other material hardships. Said one patient: "In the next couple of months, I may end up being homeless because of the financial aspect of it." While these cases may seem extreme, they were not rare. And many patients described having to make hard choices about whether they could afford rehabilitation--and stopping early when their coverage ran out, even though they were not yet recovered. A 51-year old man told the study team "[Physical therapy] was very short, a couple weeks maybe; then it was over, and I just laid around basically. My insurance did not cover any more, so they had to cut me." Another patient, a 61-year-old woman, described not having the equipment when she tried to go home: "I could pick one item that I wanted," of the hospital bed, wheelchair, and walker she needed, "because the insurance would only pay for one item." Hauschildt says the study outlines the need for doctors to be more aware of the financial toxicity faced by survivors of ARDS, including those recovering from COVID-19. "One of the biggest things any doctor involved in follow up care can do is anticipate that patients might have real financial burdens and know what resources are available so they can help," she adds. However, she notes, what's available is really up to policy makers. For example, the study found that patients who were already on public insurance before their illness reported less of an out-of-pocket financial impact. "Communities that put a safety net in place for ARDS and COVID-19 survivors will ultimately have better healing and recovery. People who heal are able to return to work and care for others and their communities; people who don't aren't." This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute as part of the Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL) Network. The patients who participated in these interviews gave their consent for their words to be quoted, and were all about nine months after having had moderate to severe ARDS. ### Paper cited: "Financial Toxicity After Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A National Qualitative Cohort Study", Critical Care Medicine. DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000004378 File image of Mumbai's Marine Drive As Cyclone Nisarga approaches the coast of Maharashtra, thousands have been evacuated while NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams have been deployed. The capital city of Mumbai, along with Palghar, Thane, and Raigad are on Red Alert. There is a warning of flash floods in Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Palghar, Thane, Mumbai and Nashik. Municipal authorities are on their guard, taking stock and readying shelters. Meanwhile, no flights will be allowed to land or take off at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport till 7pm today in view of the approaching storm. If Cyclone Nisarga does make a landfall in Mumbai, it will be the first every cyclone to do so in recorded history, The Times of India has reported. The financial capital has never been hit by a cyclone in the month of June in documented history. Cyclone Phyan in 2009 was the nearest a cyclone has gotten to Mumbai, but ultimately it never made landfall in the city. The story about the 1882 Bombay Cyclone, which purportedly killed 1 lakh people is shown to be an urban legend by scientist Adam Sobel. The reason for this is the location of Mumbai and the weather dynamics of the Arabian Sea. Even though the Arabian Sea sees one to two cyclonic formations every year far less than the Bay of Bengal they tend to go west towards Oman and the Gulf of Aden. Click here for LIVE updates on Cyclone Nisarga If not west, then they head north towards Gujarat, as with the 1998 cyclone that killed at least 10,000 people, or Cyclone Vayu which hit the Saurashtra coast last year in June. Sridhar Balasubramanian, a professor of mechanical engineering at IIT Bombay, told the newspaper that Easterlies (winds which move from east to west) nudge the cyclonic system away from the north-western coast. Besides, a pre-monsoon high pressure formation along the western coast, also acts as a barrier. So, even when a strong cyclone forms in the Arabian Sea, it is likely to weaken as it approaches land. Of land, storm systems have been forming near Kerala, but do not intensify due to friction provided by land. According to the report, the Nisarga Cyclone system also formed near Kerala due to high sea surface temperature, weak wind shears and monsoon westerlies, which provided moisture. Whether it will intensify further, and by what magnitude, remains to be seen. Read Also: Did climate change cause Cyclone Nisarga? Here is what experts say Generally, the dynamics near Mumbai are not conducive for cyclones to thrive, Balasubramanian told the newspaper. However, a 2015 study from Princeton shows rise in cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. In 2019, five of eight Indian Ocean cyclones were formed in the Arabian Sea the most since 1902. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that within one week, the state will increase its testing capacity from 10,000 to 15,000 tests a day. The state aims to achieve the capacity of 20,000 tests a day by the end of June, he added. Meanwhile, with 141 new Covid-19 positive cases were reported on Wednesday, taking the tally to 8,870, while the death toll stood at 230. Adityanath said, When the first case of Corona was reported in March, we did not have many resources. KGMU had a lab, and we started with 50 tests there. Today we have 30 labs, where 10,000 tests are being done daily. He added that there are 1,01,236 beds in Level 1, 2 and 3 hospitals under the three-tier hospital system. So far, 3.15 lakh tests have been conducted in the state. Uttar Pradesh is doing the best job in controlling the Corona infection across the country, he said. As per information, around 1,00,000 teams are screening workers who have returned from other states. They have conducted more than 4.85 crore medical screenings so far. Apart from this, monitoring committees are functional in cities and villages. Also, the government has ordered procurement of Trunet machines, as receiving reports from RT-PCR tests was a time consuming process, taking 12 hours. The Trunet machines deliver results in only one hour. They are being installed for emergency services at non-Covid hospitals. Meanwhile, addressing a press briefing in Lucknow on Wednesday, Principal Secretary Health, Amit Mohan Prasad said that the continuous decline in the infection among elderly people is the result of the constant appeals being made to the people. The percentage of infection in elderly has now reduced to 5.99 percent. On Tuesday, 9,322 samples were tested in the state and so far 3,08,398 tests have been conducted. We are constantly using pool sampling. On Tuesday, 798 pools of 5 samples each and 95 pools of 10 samples each were tested, said Prasad. The Arogya Setu app is being used to continuously generate alertness, he said. So far, 54,397 people had been contacted from the state headquarters of which, 64 have been fully treated and 137 are still under treated in various hospitals. As many as 2,083 people are quarantined. While doing surveillance, 14,268 areas including 3,989 hotspots and 10,279 non-hotspot areas have been monitored. Surveillance of 80,15,712 families has been done and more than 4.07 crore people have been screened. More than 12 lakh people have been tracked by ASHA workers, out of which symptoms have been found in 1,102 people and their samples are being tested, Prasad explained. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken to the United Nations the battle to stop the Buhari administration from spending N27bn to renovate the National Assembly complex. The Nigerian group in urgent appeal asked three UN special rapporteurs to use their mandates to urgently request the Nigerian government and the leadership of the National Assembly to reverse the outlay on National Assembly. It wanted the money spread on education and healthcare, which it said have suffered unlawful, disproportionate and discriminatory budget cuts. The special rapporteurs are: Ms. Koumbou Boly Barry, Special Rapporteur on the right to education; Mr. Dainius Puras, Special Rapporteur on the right to health; and Mr. Olivier De Schutter, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. In the revised 2020 budget approved Tuesday, the Federal Government reportedly gave the National Assembly N27bn for the renovation of its complex. The initial allocation before the review was N37billion. Government then slashed allocations for health and Universal Basic Education. The health budget was reduced from N44.4bn to N25.5bn and the UBE budget from N111.7bn to just N51.1bn. In the urgent appeal dated June 3, 2020, and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: Nigerian authorities are putting politicians allowances and comfort before citizens human rights. The budget cuts show failure to address the growing economic and social inequality in the country, and to genuinely address the consequences of COVID-19 on the poor and marginalized groups. Nigerias budget deficits are caused by excessive expenditures on politicians allowances and mismanagement. Nigerian authorities would only be able to commit to fiscal discipline if they prioritise cutting the allowances of lawmakers and the costs of governance in general, rather than cutting critical funding for healthcare and education. We believe that alternative policies and measures, such as reducing the costs of governance, including the excessive allowances for high-ranking public officials and the lawmakers, would have been a more appropriate solution to addressing budget deficits, as this would increase the available resources for healthcare and education, which in turn would contribute to reducing socio-economic inequality. The number of Nigerians living in extreme poverty has increased since May 2015. The reduction in healthcare and education budgets would exacerbate the prevailing inequalities, poverty, and create a vicious circle of reduction in spending, and increments in socio-economic inequalities. Without your urgent intervention, the Nigerian government and National Assembly would continue to spend the countrys maximum available resources to satisfy the opulent lifestyles of politicians rather than complying with Nigerias international human rights obligations to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights to healthcare and education the poor and marginalized groups. SERAP said the budget cuts areo inconsistent with Nigerias commitments to implement Sustainable Development Goals. Related They joined mounting criticism after peaceful demonstrators were tear-gassed in front of the White House on Monday so that the president could pose for a photograph with a Bible. Demonstrators have continued marching in U.S. cities, more than a week after George Floyd, a black man, died in Minneapolis police custody. At night, police and protesters have clashed despite curfews, a shift from the largely peaceful daytime rallies. Go deeper: The clash outside the White House on Monday may be remembered as one of the Trump presidencys defining moments. We trace how Mr. Trumps idea for a photo led to violence in the park. Details: Minnesota state officials said Tuesday they had begun a human rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department. In Atlanta, arrest warrants were issued for six officers after video footage showed them firing Tasers and dragging two college students out of a car on Saturday. U.S. presidential race: In his first formal speech since mid-March, former Vice President Joe Biden said Mr. Trump had turned this country into a battlefield and warned Americans we cannot let our rage consume us. Premises: The Setanta Centre on Dublins Nassau Street, where print shop Reads has an outlet The owner of printing business Reads has secured a High Court injunction preserving what it says is the main access route to its premises from Dublin's Nassau Street. In her judgement, Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty said that O'Flaherty's (Nassau St.) Limited, which trades as Reads was entitled to an order against Setanta Centre Unlimited Company - the owner of the Dublin office building. The injunction is to remain in place pending the outcome of the full hearing of the action. O'Flaherty's operates an outlet within a campus known as the Setanta Campus, which is just off Nassau Street via a concourse. The defendant, owned by the family of businessman Larry Goodman, is redeveloping the building over the next two years at a cost of 150m. O'Flaherty's, which has four more years left on its lease, claimed that as part of the redevelopment works the defendant had obstructed access to its premises from Nassau Street with scaffolding and hoarding. The obstruction is permanent, it is claimed, as it is intended to replace the temporary structures with the planned new building. O'Flaherty's, represented by Micheal O'Connell SC and John O'Regan Bl, claimed that this interference with its main access route from Nassau Street, breached its property rights. It also said that its business would be damaged as a large part of its trade comes from nearby Trinity College. As a result, it sought orders including an injunction requiring the defendant to remove the obstruction currently blocking access to the retail premises. The defendant opposed the application, denied that blocking the Nassau Street access breached O'Flaherty's rights, and claimed that the granting of an injunction would cause it a commercial loss. The defendant argued that it was entitled to build on its own premises, that the lease between the parties did not include an express right to access by the concourse, and that damages were an adequate remedy. In her judgement Ms Justice Gearty said that while the existence of an easement between the premises and Nassau Street was a matter to be decided at the full trial, she was satisfied that O'Flaherty's had raised a fair question to be tried. It was arguable that the defendant has diminished O'Flaherty's use of the premises by interfering with the access route to Nassau Street, she said. Ms Justice Gearty also held that the balance of convenience favoured the granting of the injunction. Kenney had said Monday that he never liked the statue and announced a plan to move it this month after it was defaced during the recent protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis after a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes. As states cautiously ease stay-at-home restrictions, American workers are preparing to return to their offices. And an army of janitors and cleaning professionals are preparing those offices for their return. But will those offices be safe? Most businesses are promising a "deep cleaning" before reopening their offices and businesses. Ogbonnaya Omenka, a public health expert and assistant professor at Butler University, says that, ideally, "deep cleaning" involves cleaning and disinfecting. It means specialized teams equipped with appropriate gear, including masks, PPE and even hazmat suits. And it can require virucides chemicals capable of killing a virus and fogging equipment. Deep cleaning should also involve protecting everyone the business's workers and the cleaners themselves from the virus, Omenka said. "If proper measures are taken, the cleaners should be protected from the infection while preventing its spread," he said. Coronavirus cleaning: How to clean, reuse or hack a face mask It's not just office spaces getting the deep-clean treatment. It happens after closing at many grocery stores. New York's subways are being disinfected overnight. Schools across the nation are planning deep cleans as students stagger schedules to return to instruction. Medical and dental offices are getting them done to protect their patients. Federal health officials have prepared a battery of guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19. The EPA has listed over 300 cleaning products that are safe for humans but effective disinfectants against SARS-CoV-2 virus. "Its virgin territory for everyone," says Brad Rush, owner of Jan-Pro of Atlanta, whose employees clean a wide variety of buildings, from offices to fitness centers, schools and stores. "We apply our expertise but adhere to the federal guidelines. The CDC, the EPA, they bring immediate credibility. People are so fearful, part of our job is to make them feel safe." Story continues The products that have been vetted have shown their effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 and other, harder-to-kill viruses, Omenka said. The products do not guarantee the disappearance of the coronavirus, he added, but they can "help to reduce the chances of its transmission, especially from surfaces that people frequently make contact with." Melissa Nolan, an infectious disease expert and professor at the University of South Carolina, says cleaning and disinfecting, combined with masks and regular hand-washing, should make offices safe. "Regular and frequent use of these disinfectants combined with other public health interventions can collectively reduce the risk of viral transmission," she told USA TODAY. Cleaning tips: How to clean your phone, tablet and other devices Commercial cleaning goes far beyond the Lysol wipes you use on your kitchen counter. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says surfaces should first be cleaned with soap and water, then disinfected. Cleaning with soap and water reduces the number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface. Disinfecting kills germs on the surface. The CDC also says special attention must be given to frequently touched objects such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks. The guidelines simply state that "more frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use." Surfaces and objects in public places, such as shopping carts and point-of-sale keypads, should be cleaned and disinfected before each use, the CDC says. Soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs and drapes should be cleaned using soap and water or with "cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces," the CDC says. Maryland Cleaning and Abatement Services employees John Davis and Wyatt Young preform a preventative fogging and damp wipe treatment at an office building on March 21, 2020 in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked more proactive measures at businesses to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Cleaning services are pivoting to meet the demand for disinfecting. Rush says almost 500 customers suspended routine cleaning service when the stay-at-home orders rolled out in the spring. Demand for disinfecting is roaring. "We've done probably 500 (disinfecting) jobs in the last eight weeks, exponentially more than usual," he said. "These are unprecedented times. Employers feel a responsibility to provide as safe and healthy environment as possible to their returning employees." Rush said workers wear protective gloves and goggles during all cleaning procedures and wear fullbody suits when cleaning spaces where a COVID-19 case has been confirmed. "They are doing yeoman's work and can hold their heads up high," Rush said. Many of those who lost their jobs when office buildings across the nation went empty are anxious to get back to work despite the risks. In Framingham, Massachusetts, Zeneyda Hernandez lost her job April 5. She hopes to get called back, possibly as soon as next week. She says she needs the money and she wants a role in the nation's economic comeback. I like going to work. I like to feel useful," Hernandez said. I (also) want the company to give us the tools we need to work, to protect ourselves." Contributing: Lorenzo Reyes America's stores, malls reopen: Masks, curbside pickup and closed fitting rooms This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus reopening: How employers can clean to keep offices safe An international team of researchers led by researchers from ITMO University announced the development of the world's most compact semiconductor laser that works in the visible range at room temperature. According to the authors of the research, the laser is a nanoparticle of only 310 nanometers in size (which is 3,000 times less than a millimeter) that can produce green coherent light at room temperature. The research article was published in ACS Nano. This year, the international community of optical physicists celebrates the anniversary of a milestone event: 60 years ago, in the middle of May, American physicist Theodor Maiman demonstrated the operation of the first optical quantum generator - a laser. Now, Sixty years later, an international team of scientists published a work where they demonstrated experimentally the world's most compact semiconductor laser that operates in the visible range at room temperature. This means that the coherent green light that it produces can be easily registered and even seen by a naked eye using a standard optical microscope. It's worth mentioning that the scientists succeeded in conquering the green part of the visible band which was considered problematic for nanolasers. "In the modern field of light-emitting semiconductors, there is the "green gap" problem," says Sergey Makarov, principal investigator of the article and Professor at the Faculty of Physics and Engineering of ITMO University. "The green gap means that the quantum efficiency of conventional semiconductor materials used for light-emitting diodes falls dramatically in the green part of the spectrum. This problem complicates the development of room temperature nanolasers made of conventional semiconductor materials." An interdisciplinary team of researchers from St. Petersburg has chosen halide perovskite as the material for their nanolasers. A traditional laser consists of two key elements - an active medium that allows for generation of coherent stimulated emission and an optical resonator that helps to confine electromagnetic energy inside for a long time. The perovskite can provide both of these properties: a nanoparticle of a certain shape can act as both the active medium and the efficient resonator. As a result, the scientists succeeded in fabricating a cubic-shaped particle of 310 nanometers in size, which can generate laser radiation at room temperature when photoexcited by a femtosecond laser pulse. "We used femtosecond laser pulses to pump the nanolasers," says Ekaterina Tiguntseva, a junior research fellow at ITMO University and one of the article's co-authors. "We irradiated isolated nanoparticles until we reached the threshold of laser generation at a specific pump intensity. After that, the nanoparticle starts working as a typical laser. We demonstrated that such a nanolaser can operate during at least a million cycles of excitation." The uniqueness of the developed nanolaser is not limited to its small size. The novel design of nanoparticles allows for efficient confinement of the stimulated emission energy to provide a high enough amplification of electromagnetic fields for laser generation. "The idea is that laser generation is a threshold process," explains Kirill Koshelev, a junior research fellow at ITMO University and one of the article's co-authors. "i.e. you excite the nanoparticle with a laser pulse, and at a specific "threshold" intensity of the external source, the particle starts to generate laser emission. If you are unable to confine the light inside well enough, there will be no laser emission. In the previous experiments with other materials and systems, but similar ideas, it was shown that you can use Mie resonances of the fourth order or fifth order, meaning resonances where the wavelength of light inside the material fits the resonator volume four or five times times at the frequency of laser generation. We've shown that our particle supports a Mie resonance of the third order, which has never been done before. In other words, we can produce a coherent stimulated emission at the conditions when the resonator size is equal to three wavelengths of light inside the material." Another important thing is that there is no need to apply external pressure or very low temperature for the nanoparticle to work as a laser. All the effects described in the research were produced at a regular atmospheric pressure and room temperature. This makes the technology attractive for specialists who focus on the creation of optical chips, sensors and other devices that use light to transfer and process information, including chips for optical computers. The benefit of lasers that work in the visible range is that with all other properties being equal, they are smaller than red and infrared sources with the same properties. Thing is, the volume of the small lasers generally has a cubic dependence on the emission's wavelength, and as the wavelength of green light is three times less than that of infrared light, the limit of miniaturization is a lot greater for green lasers. This is essential for the production of ultracompact components for future optical computer systems. ### Governor Andrew Cuomo has said that the looting that happened in the New York City amid protests over the custodial killing of George Floyd is a disgrace and inexcusable and accused the police department and its Mayor Bill de Blasio of not doing their jobs. The authorities in the upscale New York City on Monday imposed a week-long night curfew and ramped up police presence after violence and looting incidents were reported across the city. Videos and photos posted on social media showed that while demonstrators protested peacefully around most areas in the city, there were several instances of looting as well. People were seen breaking into high end stores around Manhattans Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue, home to almost all luxury and high-end brands from around the world, and running way with merchandise from the shops. Groups of people also looted pharmacies, electronic stores and other businesses across the city. The NYPD (New York Police Department) and the Mayor did not do their job last night. I believe that. What happened in New York City was inexcusable, New York State Governor Cuomo said at his daily briefing Tuesday, referring to widespread looting and violence across the city on Monday night. Use the police, protect property, and people. Look in the videos. It was a disgrace, he said, referring to several videos posted on social media that showed looters break into stores in Manhattan, including Macys flagship retail and stealing merchandise. Cuomo said that while protestors are outraged over the killing of Floyd, there is criminal activity, looting, extremist groups, who are using this moment for their own purposes and exploiting this movement and moment. Two very different things. New York City was looted. It was looted yesterday. In Manhattan, middle of Manhattan, also in communities of colour, in the Bronx and in Brooklyn, where weve spent years doing economic development in distressed communities and these looters destroyed businesses that were essential to the community and the very people were trying to help, the governor said. He said the looters are breaking store windows, going in and stealing and are demeaning Floyds murder by using the protests as an opportunity for criminal activity. They have no right to wrap themselves in the flag of righteous indignation of Floyds murder. And thats what theyre doing. Theyre opportunists who are seizing and exploiting the moment. Cuomo said with a 38,000 strong force, the NYPD is the largest police department in the US and those personnel should be brought in to protect the citys property. The police must stop the looting and the criminal activity. That is the essence of the police force. They are supported to protect the community, protect the property. They did not do that in New York City last night, he said. Expressing disappointment and outrage at the incidents in the New York City on Monday night, Cuomo said the looters and their vandalism hurt everyone. And the police in New York City were not effective at doing their job last night, period. They have to do a better job. But, separate the protestors from the looting. Mayor de Blasio had on Monday extended the citywide curfew from 8 pm to 500 am for the whole week. US President Donald Trump, a Republican, tweeted that the curfew in the New York City should begin at 7pm daily and that the National Guard should be brought in to control the protests and looting. NYC, CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD. The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart. Act fast! he tweeted. On the looting inside the Macys store, over 2.5 million square feet of retail space and one of the largest retail stores in the world, Trump said the largest single department store in the world and a point of pride in NYC, was devastated yesterday when hoodlums and thieves vandalized it, breaking almost all of its large panels of storefront glass. What a shame. Bring in National Guard! Cuomo said 13,000 National Guard are on standby and he has offered de Blasio and all other mayors of the cities in the state to deploy the special forces. The mayor has said that New York City does not need the National Guard and the police force will be sufficient to manage the situation. The mayor said he can handle it with the NYPD. My option is to displace the mayor of New York City and bring in the National Guard as the governor in a state of emergency and basically take over the mayors job, Cuomo said, adding that such an option does not make any sense since the city is already in a chaotic situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the protests. On Trumps call for deploying the National Guard in the New York City, Cuomo, a Democrat, said Trump doesnt want to distinguish between the looters and the protestors. See the president doesnt want to speak about the killing of Floyd, the President wants to talk about just looting because if hes talking about looting, he doesnt have to talk about the killing of Floyd, and he doesnt want to talk about reforming the justice system, he doesnt want to talk about that so he wants to say theyre all looters. Theyre not all looters. Thats his political spin on all of this. Mayor de Blasio also stressed that we do not need nor do we think its wise for the National Guard to be in New York City nor any armed forces A National Guard a member of the guard called up from any part of this state doesnt have that particular training, doesnt know our environment, but is carrying a loaded weapon. Vietnam is prioritising PPP-related projects for expressways Photo: Le Toan Under the latest draft Law on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Article 4, discussed by the National Assembly (NA) last week and scheduled for adoption on June 18, financiers can venture into the PPP from five groups both power plants and power grids (excluding hydropower plants) or power grids only; irrigation, clean water provision, wastewater and waste treatment; healthcare, education and training; transport; and IT infrastructure. Total investment required will be at least VND200 billion ($8.7 million) for the first four groups, and at least VND100 billion ($43,500) for the last group. These types of projects are indispensable sectors of the nation, related to infrastructure development, provision of substantial services, and ensuring social security, and they are suitable to Industry 4.0 development, said Vu Hong Thanh, Chairman of the NAs Economic Committee. In many other nations, PPP investment is also focused on a number of certain sectors as if expanded, they can lead to national risks. Under Decree No.63/2018/ND-CP dated May 2018 on PPP investment, the sectors eligible for PPP investment are much broader at least eight different types of venture, making it difficult for the state to provide sufficient resources for developing these types. We should focus PPP investment into key sectors, with interest in large-scale projects that can have a far-reaching impact on localities and sectors, said Thanh. We will also continue to review the sectors for such funding based on a principle that private investment must be prioritised. Notably, whether PPP investment will be implemented in both power plants and power grids or power grids only draw big attention. Some NA deputies like Thanh, NA Vice Chairman Phung Quoc Hien, and Nguyen Thanh Hien representing the central province of Nghe An said that they prefer the PPP investment into both power plants and power grids. It is because it is suitable to the policy of the Party and the state, and the national energy strategy, said Hien. In Nghe An, there are 19 power plants, of which 16 are funded by private financiers. The government reported that there are 18 build-operate-transfer (BOT) thermal power plants with total funding capital of $36.8 billion in Vietnam, in which four have become operational commercially, and the other 14 are conducting their investment procedures. According to Oliver Massmann, general director of law firm Duane Morris Vietnam LLC, the reduction of project groups for PPP investment as compared to Decree 63 is welcomed as This would help to concentrate the valuable resources and finance on efficient and necessary sectors. He recommended that Vietnam consider clarification on the scope and scale of power schemes eligible for PPP form. Moreover, for large-scale power initiatives, it is crucial to enable all sub-projects of a mega power project to be invested in together via the PPP form. Meanwhile, the draft Law on PPP also embraces a dispute resolution mechanism clearer than that in Decree 63. Specifically, under the draft laws Article 100, now disputes involving at least one foreign investor and/or disputes between investors/PPP project companies with international parties could be resolved by either local courts/arbitration and/or foreign or international arbitration. In terms of disputes between the state and investors/project company, the draft law has required local courts/arbitration but enabled other agreement between the parties in the project contracts and/or otherwise provided by international treaties of Vietnam. This is a significant improvement as Vietnam has signed several major international treaties such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), said Massmann. The EVFTA, scheduled for adoption by Vietnams legislature on June 8 and taking effect in July, has set up a permanent dispute resolution system under which conflicts over the respect of one of the investment protection provisions included in the FTA (such as protection against expropriation without compensation, non-discrimination, or fair and equitable treatment) can be submitted to a standing international and fully independent investment tribunal system. The systems members will be appointed in advance by the EU and by Vietnam, and will be subject to strict requirements of independence and integrity. Last December's election, the exit from the EU on January 31 and the colossal damage being done to the UK and continental economies by Covid-19 have done little to take the edge off the Brexit divide. The manner in which the discredited management of Nissan chooses to use its Sunderland plant as a political pawn is disconcerting. It inflicts terrible uncertainty on those whose livelihoods are dependent on the car maker, and places Brexit centre stage. The Bank of England's reiteration of the need for the banking system to be prepared for No Deal shows an additional concern Global motor manufacturing is in deep trouble as a result of overcapacity and the battle to conquer green technology. Throwing Nissan a bone, as Theresa May's government attempted, is not the UK's best way of combating the Japanese car maker's threat. Instead, the Government should ramp up R&D spend and support for green tech for cars, including fuel cells and e-drive systems pioneered by Melrose-GKN. Boris Johnson owes an electoral debt of gratitude to the North East. But motors are not the only area of tension with the EU. The Bank of England's reiteration of the need for the banking system to be prepared for No Deal shows an additional concern. In his previous role as chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, the Bank's Governor, Andrew Bailey, was deeply involved in making sure that the City was prepared and could survive No Deal. The coronavirus has required special measures. Rainy day capital has been committed to pandemic lending and new audit rules mean banks quantify risk exposures more speedily, as was seen with first-quarter provisions. It is impossible for any UK government to brush aside the need for more certainty on financial services financial sector exports to the continent are worth 26billion a year. Britain could get by with a simple 'equivalence' financial regime over the short-haul, which would require aping EU rule making. But a binding joint approach with Brussels would be the gold standard if certainty is the goal. Hopefully, it won't come down to a trade-off between fishing and finance. The other No Deal worry for the UK is the current desolate state of the global trade enforcer, the World Trade Organisation. Its director-general, Roberto Azevedo, resigned last month amid chaos over enforcement of trade rules, aggravated by American distrust. Even for enthusiastic Brexiteers, the prospect of reverting to the rules of a dysfunctional organisation makes No Deal look far more daunting. Defensive play One hesitates to draw attention to the lesser known jewels of UK's defence and aerospace for fears of stoking the interest of private equity or Chinese predators. Chemring Group shows that there is life for Britain's high-tech sectors in the age of pandemic. The shares shot up by more than a quarter after it reported a 46 per cent lift in revenues, a 24 per cent jump in profits and a 95 per cent-filled order book. Strength in sensors and countermeasures used on US defence equipment for the US Navy and on Husky military vehicles, which help detect improvised explosive devices, means Chemring is in the frontline in protecting the West. The biggest threat could be a cut in defence budgets as governments pay for Covid-19. All the more reason for the UK to ramp up support for the Tempest fighter project. Woodford detritus The suspension, never to come back, of Neil Woodford's Equity Income fund on June 3 last year is by no means the end of the story. The Financial Ombudsman Service is investigating 107 complaints against the fund, advisers and platforms such as Hargreaves Lansdown (HL), which favoured Woodford's empire. The outcome of a Financial Conduct Authority probe into the Woodford collapse also is awaited. RGL Management and class action legal specialists Wallace are launching a separate action against HL, alleging its house funds sold down Woodford holdings while promoting them on its Wealth 50 best buy list. For their clients, they are seeking compensation caused by the liquidation of the Woodford flagship fund and loss of alternative savings opportunities. Remarkably, a year later HL is still to unveil its much previewed plans for reforms of the best buy list and more rigorous investment decisions. To do so might look like an admission of culpability. Honed by more than 16 years of managerial experience with at least five of those years at the director level Jason Vieira, sales manager at PCMA, has leveraged his specialities in continuously assisting the clients that his prestige brand serves. Vieira specifically cited his ability to structure loans along with his commitment to discipline and consistency as his most valuable tools. I found my originator role to be similar to my experience as a financial advisor, Vieira said. As originators, we discuss short- and long-term financial goals; analyze financial statements from personal to business tax returns; review liquid assets that come in the form of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, etc.; and recommend suitable products based on desired financial needs. Subscriber content preview SEATTLE An apartment building at 6714 Greenwood Ave. N. sold for almost $2.4 million, according to King County records. The seller was Spiritridge Properties LLC, which acquired the property in 2018 for $1.9 million. . . . Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 01:54:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people on Wednesday gathered in central London's Hyde Park to show their solidarity with George Floyd, an unarmed black man suffocated to death by a white police officer in the mid-western U.S. state of Minnesota last week. Organized by the campaign group "Black Lives Matter", the protest started at around 1 p.m. (1200 GMT), with demonstrators chanting "no justice, no peace", "Black Lives Matter" and "silence is violence" before marching towards the Parliament Square. Star Wars actor John Boyega made an emotional speech to protesters, in which he said the crowds were "a physical representation of our support" for Floyd. "I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing and that isn't the case any more. That was never the case," he said. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers asked demonstrators to keep two-meter distance during the event and were seen handing out gloves. The London protest followed days of massive protests against racial discrimination and police abuse across the United States. The 46-year-old African American died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes until he stopped breathing. In a video footage, the victim was heard saying "I can't breathe" while three other police officers stood by. On Sunday, despite the ban of mass gatherings, thousands of people gathered in London and Manchester to protest over the death of Floyd. On Tuesday evening, civic buildings in cities including London, Liverpool and Cardiff were lit up purple in memory of Floyd. Enditem Holly Willoughby has opened up about mum guilt in an interview with Red magazine. (Getty Images) Holly Willoughby has opened up about being riddled with guilt over missing her two eldest childrens first days of school due to work commitments. In an interview with Red magazine, the This Morning presenter, 39, admitted that its challenging juggling her busy TV career with being a mother to three children. Holly is mum to children Harry, 11, Belle, nine, and Chester, five, who she shares with husband Dan Baldwin. "Becoming a mum was the only thing I knew I definitely wanted when I was growing up, but the image I had never involved me being a working mum. Thats the biggest challenge. Ive been riddled with guilt about getting that part wrong. You love them so much and you dont want to mess them up. Read more: Holly Willoughby wears summer-ready yellow Ghost dress - and it's still available to buy Holly Willoughby appears on the cover of July Red magazine. (Red magazine/Hearst) Holly said she hadn't been able to take her children to school thanks to her job on morning TV, saying: I didnt do the drop-off because I was working. I hate that I wasnt there because those memories you cant get back. She went on to say that shes realised the only way she can combat those feelings is to accept that sometimes I dont get it right and that's fine. Holly added that she's lucky shes able to greet her kids after school and be there on weekends. The presenter also discussed how shes feeling about turning 40 next year. Im really looking forward to it, she told the publication. My 30s have been all about the kids bringing them up, keeping all these balls afloat but now they're getting older, there's a bit more space where I can start focusing on things that are happening for me. I see my 40s as a chance to find myself again and figure out who I am. Read more: Holly Willoughby shares sweet picture for her lookalike mum's 72nd birthday While she may seem confident on screen, the This Morning star explained that wasnt always the case. Story continues Looking back on my career, I realise that Ive only got to this point by putting myself in uncomfortable positions, she said. I was always very shy and I never really had the confidence to speak up for myself when I was younger. Having started modelling in her teens, the presenter admitted she had to push herself to find her inner confidence. I felt so uncomfortable, but I didnt give up I pushed myself to keep going, to find that confidence. And I owe my TV career to that, she added. The mum-of-three also discussed how she developed her own sense of style, despite it not coming naturally to her. For a long time, I was pretty clueless, she told Red. Theres a picture of me on the red carpet when I first started in TV and Im wearing a brown belted cord skirt, a brown cord jacket, fishnet tights and a weird round toe shoe. What was I thinking? The TV presenter's style has proven popular during lockdown. (Getty Images) Read more: Holly Willoughby wows fans as she goes make-up free for video call But star admits shes learnt to love clothes as shes got older and recognised the importance of style staples. Once you have those a good pair of dark denim jeans (I like high-waisted), a classic shirt or a T-shirt to team them with, and a button-up dress that you can throw a leather jacket over or put a rollneck jumper under the hard work is done for you. Hollys timeless sartorial prowess has remained in tact during lockdown with UK shopping searches for her outfits actually doubling. LovetheSales.com has tracked each outfit Holly has worn on This Morning during lockdown and demand for her fashion has doubled since March. On average, Holly's lockdown looks increase fashion searches online by 65% for the week following each outfits TV appearance. Its no surprise that Holly's timeless and accessible style has made her the most influential fashion icon of lockdown, says stylist Jessie Stein. The brands she chooses to wear on TV every weekday benefit from the Holly Effect as she shares shots of her outfit in her daily dressing room on Instagram and are seen by her 7 million strong following, often leading to items selling out. Ghost, Whistles and Sandro Paris are a few of Holly's most worn brands and are perfect for the upcoming summer season. Read the full Holly Willoughby interview in the July issue of Red, on sale the 4th June. It is available in all supermarkets and online at MagsDirect. In this brave new world where we strive to conduct studies that meet the needs of patients, Mobile in Clinical Trials is an event not to be missed. The Conference Forum announced the launch of the first virtual program for the 7th annual Mobile in Clinical Trials conference to take place on September 21st, 2020. This annual conference challenges biopharma R&D on how to embrace, adapt and scale mobile and digital technologies to reduce the barriers for patients and physicians to participate in clinical research. This event comes at a critical time, says Mark Scherzer, conference producer. As COVID-19 has disrupted so many clinical trials, the need for remote digital solutions has never been more urgent. Mobile in Clinical Trials features industry-led examples of how clinical trials can be more flexible for patients and physicians and will be presented in a virtual format to accommodate clinical researchers, patient advocates and technologists. Co-chaired by Dan Karlin, MD, CEO of Healthmode and Michelle Shogren, Senior Director of Innovation at Bayer, this years conference features many dynamic sessions including: University of Rochester Medical Centers Ray Dorsey, MD, a neurologist who is an early adopter of mobile digital technologies will speak about why physicians value virtual trials. Boston Childrens Hospitals Caitlin Schumann, Strategy and Business Development Manager will present a case study on rapidly deploying a digital solution to meet the needs of patients. MyoKardias Priyanka Agarwal, MD, Director of Digital Health will discuss a cutting-edge trial in the cardiovascular space. Attendees will also learn about the COVID-19 early detection system study conducted by UC San Francisco using a remote device. Joseph Kim, Senior Advisor Digital Health at Eli Lilly will sit down with a key investigator of the study to discuss opportunities for disease tracking through wearables. Other companies presenting virtually include Pfizer, Bayer, Abbvie, Janssen, Biogen, Takeda,and Boehringer Ingelheims. The 2020 conference will feature multiple case studies with valuable insights from companies who have walked the talk, says Michelle Shogren. In this brave new world where we strive to conduct studies that meet the needs of patients, Mobile in Clinical Trials is an event not to be missed. About Mobile in Clinical Trials The Mobile in Clinical Trials conference is an annual event for clinical operation professionals working in R&D to get the best access to implementation strategies for applying mobile/digital tools to connect and empower patients and obtain better outcomes in drug development. About the Conference Forum The Conference Forum is a life science industry research firm that develops conferences primarily around getting therapeutics to patients faster. They examine and challenge the complex ecosystem of drug development and delivery, bringing ideas together from a variety of sources to help advance clinical research with common goals that are patient-focused. They are committed to creating the best content, exchange of ideas and solutions among peers, as well as providing high quality networking. Chinese companies have been assisting foreign countries by either donating or exporting medical supplies to them to help combat the global COVID-19 outbreak. Workers make masks in a medical supply company in Dean county, Jiangxi province. (Photo/Peoples Daily) China Railway Group Limited, a Chinese construction company, donated 320,000 medical masks to Hungarian State Railways, Hungarys national railway company, as well as relevant government departments and Hungarian partners. "I'd like to thank our Chinese friend for such a precious gift at the crucial moment," said Robert Homolya, president of Hungarian State Railways. "We have always adhered to the value of a community of shared future for all mankind and believe that as long as people around the world stick together, we will surely defeat the virus," said a representative of the donation team. According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, China has donated medical supplies to over 150 countries and international organizations, thanks to the efforts of companies, government departments, associations and public service organizations, among others. Many Chinese companies have also worked to expand production capacity in order to produce as many as medical supplies as possible amid the outbreak. Hubei Huaqiang High Tech Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of medicinal packing material in China, put into operation its first production line for medical masks on March 2. It has since managed to open up seven production lines despite the difficulties involved in purchasing equipment and raw material and bringing employees back to work. By April 30, the company had exported 1.3 million KN95 masks and 650,000 disposable masks to countries including Spain, Canada, Germany and Japan. From March 1 to May 16, China exported medical supplies worth 134.4 billion yuan, mainly to the U.S., Germany, Japan, France and Italy, according to the General Administration of Customs. China has completely opened up channels for other countries to purchase anti-pandemic materials, said Li Xingqian, director of the foreign trade department of the Ministry of Commerce, adding that China is trying its best to send supplies to countries and regions in need so that peopl New York, US (PANA) - The UN Secretary-General has expressed the hope that the COVID-19 crisis will lead to a rethinking of how the world supports refugees, migrants and internally displaced people Dubai Customs, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has launched an e-learning platform providing 50 specialized training courses in customs field to employees. The launch of the online platform GO LEARN took place on Microsoft Teams with the attendance of Mohammed Al Ghaffari, acting executive director, Human Resources, Finance and Administration Division at Dubai Customs and Dr Hatim Ali, regional director of the UNODC office. With this, Dubai Customs employees will have access to 50 training courses for three months in customs intelligence, risk management, drug control and organized crime, and terrorism control. Al Ghaffari said: Following our strategic plans of continuous learning and development, we managed to provide our employees with a number of training platforms which will help them hone their skills while working from home. This will be essential to boost productivity during this time as most employees work from home, and will help them be fully prepared for the post-covid era. TradeArabia News Service Steven Avery, whose criminal case was made famous by the Netflix docu-series Making a Murderer, has tested positive for COVID-19 while serving a life sentence in Wisconsin. Avery's former trial lawyer broke the news in a tweet on Wednesday, and it was later confirmed by his current attorney who has been working on his appeal. Jerome Buting, one of the attorneys who represented Avery during his 2006 murder trial, tweeted that his one-time client is confined to his cell. Making a Murder's Steven Avery (pictured in 2006) has tested positive for COVID-19 Avery's former trial lawyer Jerome Buting broke the news on Twitter Wednesday Avery's current attorney, Kathleen Zellner, confirmed his diagnosis today Avery is serving his life term at Waupun Correctional Institution, where as of last week 213 people had tested positive for COVID-19 But he added that according to Avery's fiancee, Sandy Greenman, the inmate 'only had short-lived symptoms & is in good spirits. [prayer emoji] for speedy recovery and quick justice. #FreeStevenAvery.' Avery, 57, was found guilty along with nephew, Brendan Dassey, 30, of raping and murdering photographer Teresa Halbach in 2005. Making a Murderer, which premiered on Netflix in 2015, followed by a second season that was released last October, suggested that local authorities in Wisconsin framed Avery for murder and coerced his then-16-year-old nephew into making a confession. Both men were sentenced to life in prison. Records indicate that Avery is serving his term at Waupun Correctional Institution, where as of last week 213 people had tested positive for COVID-19. Avery, 57 (left), was found guilty along with nephew, Brendan Dassey, 30 (right), of raping and murdering photographer Teresa Halbach in 2005 Halbach was a freelance photographer whose remains was found on the Avery family's property in Wisconsin in 2005 Kathleen Zellner, an attorney that specializes in wrongful conviction who took on Avery's case after his conviction, confirmed her client's diagnosis this afternoon on Twitter. 'It is true that Steven Avery has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus he will fully recover,' she wrote. 'The bigger threat to him is whether the COA [court of appeals] will cure the disease that caused him to be wrongfully convicted.' Avery has made multiple attempts to appeal his conviction, but in August of last year a judge rejected his request for a new trial. In October, Zellner filed a motion asking the Court of Appeals to take Avery case, reported Appleton Post-Crescent. A week ago, the State of Wisconsin filed a 130-page response saying the circuit court correctly denied Averys motion and asking the Court of Appeals to deny his request for a hearing. Avery and Dassey's case was the subject of the 2015 Netflix docu-series Making a Murderer. Part 2 of the show was released in October 2019 Avery had spent 18 years in prison for a different rape before DNA testing exonerated him. After his release, he filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit over his conviction, but he was arrested in 2005 and later convicted of Halbach's murder as that lawsuit was still pending. Avery maintains he is innocent. Last December, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers rejected his nephew Dassey's plea for a pardon after the US Supreme Court refused to hear his latest appeal. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state; has suspended medical doctors and entire staff of the Ngala General Hospital for abandoning it. According to him, the entire hospital staff has also abandoned patients to an International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGO) operating in Ngala council. Spokesman to Governor, Isa Gusau Wednesday in Maiduguri disclosed: Zulum has suspended all paid staff, including resident medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians of hospital in Ngala town. The suspension followed Zulums unscheduled visit to find out the state of healthcare delivery services to the people. After Zulums unscheduled visit last Monday; he had discovered that the entire staff, had despite receiving government salaries, abandoned the hospital to an INGO, said Gusau. He said that the INGO (fhi360) is currently attending to hundreds of patients, comprising most of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and host communities. Ngala, a border town with Cameroon, was severally attacked by Boko Haram with loss of many lives and property. The insurgency affected town; is a council headquarters within an international land route into Cameroon, Chad, Sudan and Central Africa. According to him, the Army however liberated Gambouru/Ngala from Boko Haram terrorists in 2015. With the liberation of border community, Ngala is currently populated of thousands of returnees. Many residents of Gambouru/Ngala are IDPs, who were forced to flee their villages and farmlands during decade long insurgency, he said; noting that most of the IDPs are indigenes of council border areas. While lamenting on hospital abandonment, he said: The Governor was disappointed to find out that despite high turnout of patients, not one of the many government paid staff, from doctors down to clerical staff, was at the hospital by 11am. Instead, Zulum was received on arrival Monday, by a field Coordinator of fhi360, the INGO managing the abandoned Ngala hospital. Unfortunately there is no single government staff here to attend to all these patients, and we promptly pay all of them salaries. These humanitarian workers from the INGO (fhi360) are supposed to complement the State Government staff and not to completely take over the hospital. I am directing Borno State Hospitals Management Board, if there is any staff on the payroll of this Hospital, to immediately suspend all the workers. I will be back to this hospital, hoping to see the opposite of what I saw today. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates New Delhi, June 3 : In a setback for the Andhra Pradesh's Jagan Mohan Reddy government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to entertain its plea challenging the initiation of contempt proceedings by the High Court for refusing to remove Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy Congress Party (YSRCP party) flag colours from the government and panchayat buildings. A bench of Justices L. Nageswara Rao, Krishan Murari and S. Ravindra Bhat refused to entertain the contentions of the counsel of the Andhra Pradesh government on the matter and rejected the appeal of the government. The top court noted that there is an order to repaint the government and panchayats buildings to their original colour, and this should follow within four weeks. The Andhra government argued that these colours were not connected with the ruling party's flag. However, the top court dismissed the contention. The AP government had moved the apex court challenging the High Court order on the party's colours on the government buildings. This petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's ruling on party colours for government buildings. The High Court had wondered what led the state government to issue orders to go ahead with painting the government buildings, despite earlier orders, where such activity was not permitted. The High Court sought to know why contempt proceedings should be initiated against government officials. The High Court had sought an explanation from the Panchayats Raj Secretary and Chief Secretary on this matter, and asked the registrar of the High Court to begin the process for initiating contempt case against the government by May 28, if it fails to take any decision. The conversation follows a controversy last week when President Trump had claimed that an unhappy PM Modi had spoken to him. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the tense situation on the Sino-Indian border in the wake of the military face-off with China in a warm and productive conversation with United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening. In another important move, the US President also expressed his desire to expand the G-7 grouping to include India and invited PM Modi to attend the next G-7 Summit to be held at Camp David in the US sometime in September or later this year. The invite was welcomed by PM Modi who praised President Trump for his creative and far-sighted approach. Other issues discussed during the phone call included the current civil unrest in the US following the death of an African-American man there as also the need for reforms in the World Health Organisation (WHO) amid the global coronavirus pandemic. The two leaders also exchanged views on other topical issues, such as ... the situation on the India-China border, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The discussion on the situation at the Sino-Indian border by PM Modi in a conversation with a top leader of a third country shows the seriousness with which it is being viewed both by close strategic friends India and the US. New Dehi said the exceptional warmth and candour of the conversation reflected the special nature of the Indo-US ties, as well as the friendship and mutual esteem between both leaders. PM Modi too tweeted, Had a warm and productive conversation with my friend President @realDonaldTrump. We discussed his plans for the US Presidency of G-7, the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other issues. The richness and depth of India-US consultations will remain an important pillar of the post-COVID global architecture. This follows a controversy last week when President Trump had claimed that an unhappy PM Modi had spoken to him about the same issue but as it turned out, no such conversation had taken place then. The MEA in its statement on Tuesday evening said that during the conversation, PM Modi also expressed concern regarding the ongoing civil disturbances in the US, and conveyed his best wishes for an early resolution of the situation. The US is currently experiencing severe unrest following the death of an African-American man there. The MEA also said President Trump while inviting PM Modi for the G-7 Summit had conveyed his desire to expand the ambit of the G-7 grouping beyond the existing membership, to include other important countries including India. New Delhi added, Prime Minister Modi commended President Trump for his creative and far-sighted approach, acknowledging the fact that such an expanded forum would be in keeping with the emerging realities of the post-COVID world. The Prime Minister said that India would be happy to work with the US and other countries to ensure the success of the proposed Summit. India is not a member of the G-7 grouping that comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, termed as seven of the "largest" advanced economies in the world. This time, apart from India, President Trump is also reportedly inviting leaders of Russia, South Korea and Australia to participate. New Delhi also said the two leaders also discussed the Coronavirus pandemic and the need for reforms in the World Health Organisation (WHO), just days after the US President announced termination of American funding to the WHO. Five men have been arrested over allegedly laundering 1.5m acquired through cybercrime, organised prostitution and theft. Garda believe money was laundered through bogus companies set up by the criminal organisation and through multiple bank accounts set up in false names and by money mules - people who allow their bank accounts to be used to launder money. Cyber-enabled frauds like 'smishing' - using text messages claiming to be a reputable organisation like a bank to defraud - and vishing' - calling potential victims over internet telephone services to defraud - were allegedly used to acquire the illegal money, along with organised prostitution and thefts, gardai say. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) led the investigation into the crime gang, assisted by Romanian speaking Gardai and Gardai seconded to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP). They carried out nine searches at homes and suspected bogus businesses in north and west Dublin yesterday morning, including at eight garages which were ostensibly being used to fix and sell cars but which gardai believe were actually being used to launder money. Five Romanian nationals, aged in their late 20s and early 30s, were arrested with the help of Romanian speaking officers. More than 30,000 in cash was seized along with documentation regarding fraud and bogus companies, more than 70 bank accounts in false names, false identifications and phones. One person had accounts registered in 18 different names, RTE reported. Bottles of champagne, expensive whiskey and vodka were also seized in the raids. Two of the suspects were arrested under anti-gang legislation which means that they can be held for questioning for up to seven days. Four men in their late 20s and early 30s were arrested for criminal activity, money laundering and obstruction. The GNECB made the fifth arrest - a Romanian national in his mid-30s - in North Dublin after a further search which uncovered approximately 30,000 in cash and more documentation regarding fraud. He has been detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. Gardai have also identified at least 14 people suspected of involvement in making fraudulent Covid-19 payment claims of up to 50,000 and have frozen another 40,000, it emerged. Gardai said evidence of widespread fraud around the 350 per week Covid-19 payment is now emerging during the course of unrelated investigations. Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed on Wednesday the latest developments in Libya in a telephone call with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, the Egyptian foreign ministry said. According to the foreign ministry, the two officials agreed on the importance of supporting UN efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Libyan crisis in a way that restores security and eliminates all forms of terrorism. Moscow received on Wednesday officials from Tripolis Government of National Accord (GNA) for talks. Shoukry and Lavrov also discussed the latest developments concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) where the Egyptian foreign minister made it clear that Egypt welcomed the resumption of the talks between it, Sudan and Ethiopia, while asserting Cairo's complete rejection of any "unilateral action" taken by Ethiopian on the project without a prior agreement. The two officials also discussed the latest developments concerning the peace process in the Middle East and the importance of supporting the two-state solution. Minister Shoukry warned against any unilateral Israeli action to annex the West bank, which he said would complicate the issue and affect regional stability and security. Search Keywords: Short link: Changes would mean 12-month visa-free access to British National Overseas passport-holders, path to citizenship. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that the United Kingdom will consider revisions in its immigration rules, giving more Hong Kong residents a path to residency and citizenship, amid Chinas plan to impose a new national security law in the city. If China imposes its national security law, the British government will change our immigration rules, Johnson wrote in an opinion piece published in the South China Morning Post on Wednesday. Johnsons column in the paper was published as Hong Kong continues to clamp down on dissent and pro-democracy activities, including the prohibition, for the first time, of the annual June 4 vigil honouring victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. A controversial bill that will criminalise disrespect of Chinas national anthem is also due for a second reading in the territorys legislature on Wednesday. Since Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule in 1997, Johnson said that the key has been the precious concept of one country, two systems, enshrined in citys Basic Law and the Joint Declaration signed by Britain and China. He said imposing the national security law would be in direct conflict with (Chinas) obligations under the Joint Declaration, a legally binding treaty registered with the United Nations. Johnson warned that what Beijing was proposing in Hong Kong would curtail its freedoms and dramatically erode its autonomy. In response, Johnson said that if necessary, the British government would take steps to welcome more Hong Kong residents to the UK. This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history, he wrote. Millions qualified to apply Among the changes he is proposing is the authorisation for Hong Kong residents carrying British National Overseas passports to have visa-free access to the UK for a renewable period of 12 months, instead of the current six-month limit. The proposal would also give those passport holders further immigration rights, including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship. An estimated 350,000 people living in the Special Administrative Region of China are eligible, with a further 2.5 million qualified to apply. Many people in Hong Kong fear their way of life which China pledged to uphold is under threat. If China proceeds to justify their fears, then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away; instead, we will honour our obligations and provide an alternative, Johnson said. Hong Kong has been rocked by sometimes-violent protests since June last year when the government tried to push through a now-dropped bill that would have allowed people to be sent to China for trial. After a series of mass marches, the rallies evolved into broader calls for democracy with some protests descending into violent clashes with police. Tom Tugendhat, a member of the British parliament and chairman of its Foreign Affairs Committee, meanwhile, joined his counterparts from Australia, Canada and New Zealand in calling on the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to send a special envoy for rule of law and human rights to Hong Kong. Today Ive joined fellow Foreign Affairs Committee chairs from AUS, NZ & UK- Sen David Fawcett, Simon OConnor MP & @TomTugendhat in calling on @UN SecGen @antonioguterres to send a Special Envoy for rule of law & human rights in #HongKong. We stand in solidarity w/ Hong Kongers. pic.twitter.com/wlflsFssLV Michael Levitt (@LevittMichael) June 2, 2020 The letter, which Tugendhat posted on social media, warned of the erosion of the rule of law in Hong Kong. They said that Chinas proposed national security law in Hong Kong was a breach of the deal between the UK and China on Hong Kong. Late last month, the National Peoples Congress, which acts as Chinas rubberstamp parliament, cleared the path for the national security law to be imposed on Hong Kong, prohibiting among others acts of sedition, secession, terrorism and foreign interference. It would also allow mainland security agencies to set up offices in Hong Kong for the first time. Hong Kong residents and pro-democracy groups worry that the proposals risk entangling people for simply expressing their views. Protesters gesture with five fingers, signifying the Five demands not one less in a shopping mall during a protest against Chinas national security legislation for the city on Monday [Vincent Yu/AP] The proposal was greenlighted by Beijing just a day after Hong Kongs Legislative Council (Legco) approved the second reading of legislation criminalising abuse of Chinas flag and national anthem. Pro-democracy members of Legco have accused pro-China legislators of ramming through the bill despite limited debate and have proposed a number of amendments for Wednesdays debate. On Tuesday, the UK had also warned that Hong Kong risks losing its status as one of the centres of trade, commerce and culture in the world with the imposition of the new national security law. The United States had earlier announced that it was stripping Hong Kong of its special status in response to the security bill because it no longer believed the territory had autonomy. LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- When civil partnerships were legalised in Switzerland in January 2007, gay couple Laurent Marmier and Yves Bugnon completed the paperwork that same month, making them among the first to take advantage of the new law. Thirteen years later, they hope a parliamentary vote on Wednesday will open the door for them to finally get married and enjoy full equality with heterosexual couples. We dont have the same rights, not quite. And this is what is bothering us, said Bugnon, a music teacher in the French-speaking city of Lausanne. Switzerland lags many countries in Western Europe on gay rights and is slowly catching up. In February, voters backed an anti-homophobia law giving lesbians, gays and bisexuals legal protection from discrimination. A survey commissioned by gay rights association Pink Cross showed more than 80% of Swiss support same-sex marriage. However, the countrys political institutions tend to be more conservative than the general public, Socialist lawmaker Mathias Reynard told Reuters. Swiss people are in favour but everything takes time. The same-sex marriage proposal is expected to pass the lower house but it will still have to clear the upper house. Then, in line with Switzerlands direct democracy process, it could be challenged via referendum if opponents gather the necessary 50,000 voter signatures within 100 days. The dominant Peoples Party (SVP) opposes the law but an official did not respond for requests to comment on whether it would seek a referendum on the issue. The fact that gay marriage is not yet legal here has more than just symbolic importance for couples. Marital status has a bearing on adoption and assisted reproduction rights, including sperm donations for lesbian couples. Marmier said he was hopeful the law would pass but added it was important that these other issues were also addressed in the new law. I think it is important it moves forward and that we dont wait 13 years to pass the next step, he said. Russia's hybrid military forces mounted nine attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action, the press centre of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) has reported. "As a result of the enemy shelling attacks, one member of the JFO has been injured," the JFO staff said in its update on Facebook on Wednesday morning. Russian-led forces opened fire from proscribed 152mm artillery systems, 82mm mortars, as well as grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, sniper rifles, and small arms. In addition, the enemy used unguided missiles. Ukrainian positions near the villages of Starohnativka, Pavlopil, Bohdanivka, Vodiane, Mayorske, Novozvanivka, and Khutir Vilny came under attacks. According to Ukrainian intelligence, one Russian mercenary was killed on June 2. "Since Wednesday midnight, Russian armed groups haven't violated the ceasefire. There have been no losses among Ukrainian defenders over the past day. The situation in the JFO area remains under control," the headquarters said. The following editorial was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: (TNS) The World Health Organization, under pressure from member countries, has agreed to an independent probe of how it handled its international response to the coronavirus, but such an investigation must be thorough and transparent if the organization hopes to repair its damaged reputation. Despite reports in late January of an increasingly deadly virus infecting thousands in China, and the subsequent spread to Europe, WHO officials did not declare a global pandemic until March 11. President Donald Trump has repeatedly blamed the organization for its delay in issuing warnings, and claims it sided with China in withholding information about the virus origin. The president said the organization did a a very sad job and that he was considering cutting annual U.S. funding for the WHO from $450 million a year to $40 million. Several Republican lawmakers have called for the resignation of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who has repeatedly defended the organizations actions in fighting the pandemic. A coalition of African, European and other countries have called for a comprehensive evaluation of the WHOs coordination of the global response, although officials said it would stop short of dealing with some of the more contentious issues such as the origins of the coronavirus. If the probe is to carry any weight in reestablishing confidence in the WHO, all issues must be addressed and on the table for evaluation. WHO officials must look at how the organization can be improved and streamlined to cut past the bureaucracy that critics say has bogged down its efforts in the past, notably in dealing with the Ebola outbreak several years ago. A first report by an oversight advisory board to the WHO has already raised questions about the organizations warning system for alerting the world to potential outbreaks. Clearly there are problems within the organization that must be examined and addressed going forward. Despite the ongoing criticism by the Trump administration of the WHO, it is an international organization that is needed. Poorer countries depend on the WHO for delivering medical help and supplies in times of crisis. And if the coronavirus pandemic has taught us nothing else, its that the world needs an international organization that can quickly identify outbreaks and help coordinate responses. The independent probe of WHOs response efforts must be done quickly and thoroughly to reassure member countries of the groups effectiveness. Anything short of that will only add to more questions about the organizations future. (Natural News) Since the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic first reared its head late 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly parroted Chinas talking points as the latter downplayed the outbreak. The WHO first echoed Beijings official statements that there was little or no risk of human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus. However, evidence later showed that the Chinese government knew about the severity of the outbreak but decided to hide it from the public. Since then, the coronavirus has spread to more than 200 countries and territories; a total of 6,376,822 people are infected and 380,205 have died, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Timeline of WHO covering Chinas tracks On January 5, Chinas National Health Commission claimed that there had been no reported cases of human-to-human transmission. But even before then, cases of human-to-human transmission had already been reported in leaked internal government documents, which were obtained by the South China Morning Post. Even when neighboring Taiwan cautioned the WHO about the contagious nature of COVID-19, the organization stuck to its guns, refusing to take action or even respond to the warnings. (Related: Chinese Communist subversion of the WHO undermined global pandemic response.) During the Lunar New Year celebrations in mid-January, China continued to allow millions of people to travel in and out of Wuhan. At the same time, the WHO did not recommend any restrictions on international travel. It was around this time that cases of COVID-19 started being reported outside of China, with one case reported in Thailand on January 13 and one in Japan on January 16. On January 20, Beijing finally admitted that human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus was occurring, though the WHO stated that additional investigation was still needed. By January 24, COVID-19 cases were being reported in nine countries outside of China, including the U.S. and several European states. At the same time, videos circulated in Chinese social media that showed Wuhans hospitals overflowing with patients while medical supplies were in short supply. Despite this, the WHO stated that it was too early to declare a public health emergency. The WHO also continued to refuse to recommend any restrictions on travel and trade. At the same time, a WHO statement commending Chinas actions was used by the latter to criticize countries, such as the U.S., that had evacuated their citizens out of China and shut down their borders to travel from the country. This would continue throughout February and March. Up until February 24, WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus insisted that the world was not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus. Five days later, the organization questioned countries that had put up travel restrictions and other measures saying that they would have to provide the WHO within 48 hours of implementation, the public health rationale and relevant scientific information for the measures implemented. By this time, the virus was already rapidly spreading throughout several European countries, and more countries had started closing their borders. It was only on March 11 that the WHO finally declared coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic. Even as they did so, the WHO continued to heap praise on China. Tedros praised the country for supposedly not having reported any new domestic cases of COVID-19 on March 20. However, internal documents have since shown that the virus has continued to spread within the country. China and the WHO under scrutiny from other countries Beijings lack of transparency and the WHOs continued support of the former even as it bungled its response has drawn flack from a number of countries. In a March 25 press briefing, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned that every member of the Group of Seven the seven largest economies in the world was aware of Chinas disinformation campaign. Every member of the G7 today saw that this disinformation campaign The Chinese Communist Party poses a substantial threat to our health and way of life, as the Wuhan virus outbreak clearly has demonstrated, the secretary stated. Meanwhile, the U.K. government has also been critical of Chinas handling of the virus. An unnamed senior government official told the Daily Mail that China faces a reckoning over its handling of the outbreak. Arguably the most vocal critic of China and the WHO during this pandemic has been President Donald Trump. In April, Trump directed his administration to halt funding to the WHO while it conducted a review of how it handled the pandemic. I am directing my administration to halt funding while a review is conducted to assess the World Health Organizations role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus, Trump said. Trump has since announced his intention to pull the U.S. out of the WHO. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Coronavirus.JHU.edu SCMP.com DailyMail.co.uk Senator Cory Booker delivered a passionate speech in the Senate about systemic racism in the US and the ongoing George Floyd protests. Mr Booker, a Democratic senator for New Jersey, gave a speech to the Senate, amid protests across the US, following the death of Mr Floyd, who died after being detained by Derek Chauvin, who at the time was a Minneapolis police officer. He gave the speech prior to the Senate voting on a resolution to condemn president Donald Trump for his response to protests outside the White House. The resolution was blocked by Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, who said it failed to deal with ending the protests and the issue of racial justice, according to USA Today. The senator, who ran to be the Democratic nominee in the 2020 presidential election, posted footage of the speech to his YouTube channel, and tweeted the 30 minute long clip to his Twitter followers. In the caption, Mr Booker said: Just spoke on the Senate floor about George Floyd, the epidemic of police violence and the urgent need for police reform and accountability. This is a moment in our countrys history that demands our collective action. 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 During the speech, Mr Booker said that being Black in the US is to know that a misunderstanding, that an implicit racial bias, that an interaction that should be everyday and routine can become a moment that your life is turned upside down, he said. your body becomes broken or you are killed, Mr Booker continued. The 51-year-old is one of only three Black senators, and in his speech he repeatedly asked the floor, do you see me? Mr Booker said: Its why so many Black Americans scream out: Do you see me? I do not have your equal justice under law. Do you see me? I do not have justice for all. Do you see me? I matter. I matter. Black lives matter. Black bodies matter. America, I love you, do you see me? Do you know my experiences? Do you know the failings of our ideals? the senator added. During the passionate speech, the senator said that African Americans are reminded every time a Black American is killed by police, that this could have been me. That this even would have been me in the same circumstances. Earlier in the day, at a press conference on Capitol Hill, Mr Booker criticised president Donald Trumps response to the protests. The president has taken a hard-line stance on demonstrations, and on Monday, he caused outrage by dispersing a group of demonstrators outside the White House, so that he could go to a nearby church for a photo opportunity. Before he left the executive mansion, police were ordered to disperse the group of protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets, creating a clear path for him to get to the church. Mr Booker condemned Mr Trumps actions, and added that he regrets not joining the protesters outside the White House. If Donald Trump wants to gas someone next time, start right here, the senator said. If he wants to shoot somebody with our federal officials, with rubber bullets, start right here. If he wants to trample them with horses while they peacefully assemble, come to this body. [June 03, 2020] The Pomp and Circumstance Will Continue: Texas Virtual Academy to Celebrate Class of 2020 with Online Commencement Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville (TVAH) will honor the Class of 2020 at two online commencement ceremonies on Saturday, June 6. TVAH is a program of the Hallsville Independent School District serving students statewide in grades 3-12 with a tuition-free education option. In lieu of their traditional in-person celebration, TVAH is inviting families and friends worldwide to join the celebrations online, with live and recorded speeches from school leadership, students, and esteemed guests. The class will be honored in two groups, sorted alphabetically, with two online celebrations taking place on Saturday. "The Class of 2020 has worked hard to reach this milestone and each of them should be proud of their academic and personal accomplishments," said TVAH Head of School Catherine Groven. "Although we can't gather to celebrate this moment together, the TVAH community wants every graduate to know how proud we are of them, and that we look forward to seeing what they will do next." This year, TVAH will graduate 603 students. Graduating seniors will receive their high school diplomas, and are making plans to continue their education, join military service, or enter the workforce. Collecively, the class reports having been accepted to colleges and universities across Texas and beyond, including Austin Community College, Collin College, Houston Community College, Lone Star College, Texas Tech University, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, and University of Texas at El Paso. TVAH students access a robust online curriculum in the core subjects and a host of electives, and attend live virtual classes taught by state-licensed teachers. TVAH also offers student clubs, field trips and social outings to foster a sense of school community, such as this week's graduation celebration. Details of the graduation ceremonies are as follows: WHAT: Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony (Graduates with last name A-L) WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 2020, 11:00 AM CT WHERE: https://tinyurl.com/TVAH2020GradA-L WHAT: Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony (Graduates with last name M-Z) WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 2020, 1:00 PM CT WHERE: https://tinyurl.com/TVAH2020GradM-Z About Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville (TVAH) is a program of the Hallsville Independent School District that serves students statewide in grades 3-12. TVAH is tuition-free for Texas residents and is made possible through a contractual relationship between Hallsville Independent School District and K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about TVAH, visit tvah.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005400/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] WASHINGTON - A week after the killing of George Floyd, the Air Force's top enlisted member took to Twitter to say that he too is a black man, "who happens to be Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force," and could die the same way. "I am George Floyd . . . I am Philando Castile, I am Michael Brown, I am Alton Sterling, I am Tamir Rice," wrote Kaleth Wright, naming other black Americans killed by police. "Just like most of the Black Airmen and so many others in our ranks . . . I am outraged at watching another Black man die on television before our very eyes." The response on Monday evening went viral, with veterans and service members alike commenting on its rawness and candor. But it also was cast into stark relief as most senior military officials remained silent on Floyd's death in police custody in Minneapolis after being handcuffed and the nationwide protests that have followed. At least twice in the past week, senior Trump administration officials in the Defense Department directed service chiefs to keep quiet on the issue, even though some expressed an interest in responding to a painful moment in the nation, said three defense officials with familiarity with the discussion. The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said Defense Secretary Mark Esper wanted to address the issue first. However, he did not do so until Tuesday night, more than a week later. "I, like you, am steadfast in my belief that Americans who are frustrated, angry, and seeking to be heard must be ensured that opportunity," Esper wrote in a memo to U.S. troops. "And like you, I am committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting life and liberty, so the violent actions of a few do not undermine the rights and freedoms of law-abiding citizens." Esper asked service members to "stay apolitical in these turbulent days" - a theme he has stressed since becoming defense secretary. A senior defense official said before Esper's memo was released that the Pentagon was considering how to address the issue. "I think there is a question about how and when, and at what level, the department should weigh into what has become a highly charged emotional and political issue," the senior official said. The directive to the service chiefs to remain quiet came as President Donald Trump increasingly reaches for the military as a tool of choice to quell unrest as its commander in chief and calls people involved in rioting "thugs." The Pentagon is also wrestling with questions about its own insensitivity, including a desire to keep numerous Army bases across southern states named after Confederate generals. On Tuesday night, the Trump administration again dispatched National Guard troops across Washington to complement police. The military forces participated in the operation after law enforcement authorities deployed pepper spray and other nonlethal weapons against protesters outside the White House, and National Guard helicopters hovered in numerous locations at rooftop level, in an apparent attempt to disperse crowds with sustained, gusty rotor wash. Wright's series of tweets was posted shortly before authorities began dispersing crowds in Washington on Monday and Trump announced he was expanding the military's role in the response. Wright first told the service's top officer, Gen. David L. Goldfein, what he wanted to do, and Goldfein supported it, one defense official said. The general also released a memo to commanders internally on Monday calling Floyd's death a "national tragedy" and stating that "every American should be outraged" by the police conduct demonstrated in the case. Goldfein wrote that while "we all wish it were not possible for racism to occur in America," commanders need to confront it, according to the memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post. "As the Air Force's leadership, we reflect on and acknowledge that what happens on America's streets is also resident in our Air Force," Goldfein wrote. "Sometimes it's explicit, sometimes it's subtle, but we are not immune to the spectrum of racial prejudice, systemic discrimination, and unconscious bias." The Navy's top enlisted sailor, Russell Smith, also addressed the unrest, writing in a message online that "the tragic headlines and subsequent turbulent events" affect "every citizen of our great Nation." "As Sailors, we cannot tolerate discrimination of any kind," Smith wrote. "We must actively speak out and work to fight it, as it works against the very tenets of 'team' that make us successful in combat." A handful of other generals also have addressed the unrest, including Lt. Gen. James Slife, the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command. "I'm bothered by the events in Minneapolis and what it means about our society," Slife wrote in a Facebook post on Friday. "And our Air Force is a reflection of our society, so, by extension, this is an Air Force issue. We'd be naive to think issues of institutional racism and unconscious bias don't affect us. We can't ignore it. We have to face it. And to face it, we have to talk about it." But the chiefs mostly had not. Asked why on Monday night, military officials either declined to comment or referred questions to the defense secretary's office. In a video released Tuesday night, Goldfein and Wright discuss the unrest, with Wright saying he worries whether he will be safe if he is pulled over by police and Goldfein sharing that he realized he "probably doesn't completely understand." "I've been really outraged for not just the last week," Wright said. "It drew up a lot of rage and a lot of anger from the past because I've just watched this over and over and over again." The posture stood in contrast to 2017, when each of the chiefs condemned violence and racism that was on display by white supremacists at a rally in Charlottesville while the Pentagon was run by former defense secretary Jim Mattis. The Pentagon has struggled to reflect America's diversity at its highest levels. While 43 percent of the military's 1.3 million active-duty members are people of color, only two of the about 40 four-star officers are black. Eric Flowers, a recently retired Army colonel, said that when the Pentagon doesn't express outrage over something like the manner in which Floyd died, there "kind of is an unspoken message" to potential service members of color that they are not recognized. "We miss an opportunity by not providing some type of solidarity through comments," said Flowers, who is black. "We miss an opportunity when we do not reassert that this is not the America that we are asking people to fight for and support." Dana Pittard, a retired two-star Army general, said he doesn't believe that the service chiefs will follow any unlawful orders in the response to the unrest. But he said he is not surprised to hear about political concerns among Defense Department appointees. "I hate to use the term ultra-loyalist, but they're appointees," said Pittard, who is black. "They're not going to stray very far from the president." Pittard said he wishes that Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had not participated in a photo opportunity Monday in which Trump visited St. John's Episcopal Church, which is near the White House, after police dispersed the crowd with rubber bullets and other weapons. Milley, dressed in his camouflage uniform, and Esper were among the officials who walked with the president to the house of worship, which has been partially burned during protests. "It was just a bad optic for the military to be there at all," Pittard said. Esper and Milley went with Trump to the church believing that they were going to see some of their troops, said a senior defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. They did so afterward. Kyle Bibby, a former Marine captain, said he has been disappointed by the silence of senior military officials after Floyd's death, especially in light of reports of white nationalism in the military. "Condemning racism and police brutality is not really a partisan issue, right?" said Bibby, who is black and now works on social-justice issues for Common Defense, a progressive veterans group. "The generals and admirals, they can't put their heads in the sand," he said. "They're leaders, and they're responsible for one of the most important institutions in this country." Barack Obama has delivered a message of hope to black Americans amid George Floyd protests against police brutality and told young people of colour "their lives matter", in his first on-camera comments since the demonstrations begun. Drawing a stark contrast to Donald Trumps messaging, he called for urgent police reform and said he believed only a tiny percentage of protesters had acted violently. I want you to know that you matter, I want you to know that your lives matter, that your dreams matter, Mr Obama said in remarks streamed on YouTube, which drew an online viewership of roughly half a million people. When I go home and I look at the faces of my daughters, Sasha and Malia, and I look at my nephews and nieces, I see limitless potential that deserves to flourish and thrive. Mr Obama expressed optimism that the mass gatherings of people on the streets of the largest cities in the US over the last week would help lead to systemic changes in local law enforcement that many Americans feel oppresses people of colour. "As tragic as these past few weeks have been, as difficult and scary and uncertain as they've been, they've also been an incredible opportunity for people to be awakened to some of these underlying trends, They offer an opportunity for us to all work together to tackle them, to take them on, to change America and make it live up to its highest ideals," the 44th president said. This comes after Donald Trump called for the National Guard and military to quash the riots that erupted after Floyd was killed after a police officers knelt on his neck and back for nine minutes, suffocating him. Derek Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder, and the other three officers have been charged as accomplices. Mr Obama also urged US mayors to take action at the local level to heal relations between police departments and black communities. "The reform has to take place in more than 19,000 American municipalities, more than 18,000 local enforcement jurisdictions. And so as activists and everyday citizens raise their voices, we need to be clear about where change is gonna happen and how we can bring about that change," Mr Obama said. Mayors and county commissioners are mostly responsible for appointing American police chiefs and negotiating agreements with police unions that set law enforcement policies. Mr Trump meanwhile has said he wants to send in troops even if mayors and governors objected, an action that could run afoul of guardrails against the executive branch sending active duty military units to uphold civil laws on US soil. The president has said governors need to "dominate" the streets with a strong law enforcement presence of police officers and National Guardsmen, and on Monday, he called governors "weak" for their responses to the demonstrations. While many people have compared the mass demonstrations against police brutality and America's long history of institutional racial injustice in recent days to the peace protests of the 1960s, Mr Obama highlighted what he said was one profound difference: the diversity of the demonstrators. There has been "a far more representative cross section of America out on the streets peacefully protesting" the murder of Mr Floyd and other people of colour by police, Mr Obama said. "That didn't exist back in the 1960s, that kind of broad coalition," he said. Violence among residents on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan over the weekend has left dozens hurt and prompted a bout of rapid, high-level diplomacy between the leaders of the two nations, Eurasianet writes in the article Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan border dustup prompts rapid-reaction diplomacy. The fighting on May 31, which broke out between villagers in the Kyrgyz settlement of Chechme and the Uzbek enclave of Sokh, appears to have arisen out of a dispute of access to water. Stone-throwing eventually escalated into something more serious as buildings were set alight. The Kyrgyz Health Ministry said 25 people on its side of the border were injured, with four needing hospitalization. The Uzbek border service gave a succinct summary of the incident on its Telegram channel, but provided scant details, other than to say that local officials from both sides had met in a bid to bring a peaceable end to the standoff. Kyrgyz officials said security forces from both countries had agreed to jointly patrol the area and do outreach work with local residents. Kyrgyz First Deputy Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov and Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov quickly travelled to the scene of the unrest to hold talks and pledge a joint investigation. The pair agreed those responsible should be prosecuted. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan share a long and jagged 1,370-kilometer border that has been a source of tension since independence. Matters have improved greatly, however, since 2017, when around 80 percent of the border was demarcated following a bilateral agreement. The breakthrough has been commonly attributed to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who came to power in 2016 amid pledges to develop a good neighbor policy. The swift manner in which Mirziyoyev reached out to his Kyrgyz counterpart over this incident attests to the increased level of mutual confidence since the days of the late Uzbek leader Islam Karimov. Mirziyoyevs press team said in a Twitter statement about their June 1 telephone conversation that extensive measures [are] to be taken to prevent [the] recurrence of such a situation. John MacGregor, the project coordinator in Uzbekistan for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, took to Twitter to praise this exchange. This is how to prevent conflict: engaging at the top national leadership level Uzbekistan demonstrates international best practices in conflict preventions, an excellent example for the OSCE region and around the world, MacGregor wrote. Although border disputes are rarer these days, unrest does still occur, especially when it comes to the sharing finite resources in a tightly packed part of the region. At least a pair of dustups occurred in January and May this year, respectively, about access to pastureland. Nobody was injured in those instances. Representative image For instance Empire Marketone of the most popular places to buy illegal goods on the dark web and a prominent dark web markethas 49 listings for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), the antimalarial drug used for COVID-19 has emerged as a heavily-promoted drug on dark web marketplaces, according to British Cybersecurity company Sophos. A vendor who posted the most ads for hydroxychloroquine on Empire, a total of 33, claims to have an unlimited supply of HCQ and offers to sell 9,000 pills for $1,194. HCQ is widely used across the world for treating COVID-19 patients and also as prophylactic in high-risk groups like healthcare and frontline workers to prevent infection. The drug is highly regulated by governments, to ensure hoarding and unauthorised use. They can not be sold without a valid prescription. Abbott's chloroquine brand Nivaquine P250 MG tablets were also listed by one dark web seller. "Most of the drugs on offer appeared to be legitimate products manufactured by genuine pharmaceutical companies, but some were clearly scams," said John Shier, Senior Security Advisor at Sophos. Sophos threat researchers have done deep dive on dark web and found that it isn't HCQ alone, other antiviral drugs such as Gilead's remdesivir and antivirals such as lopinavir and ritonavir were also listed for sale on dark web. 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 In addition to the drugs, the dark web sellers have also listed personal protection equipment (PPEs), antibody test kits and personal hygiene products in the black market. COVID-19 boost Shier says, while a year ago most listings were related to illicit drugs, now COVID-19 pandemic had given an additional boost to the online black market. "On 30 May 2019, there were 24,569 listings in Empire Markets Drugs & Chemicals category. A year later there are over 34,000. This amounts to a year-over-year increase of roughly 42 percent. Since markets make their money by taking a cut of every transaction, and for Empire this cut is 4 percent, thats some healthy revenue growth. With growth like that, the illicit drugs trade on the most popular dark web market doesnt seem to have suffered during the pandemic. What is new, however, is pandemic-themed sales," Sheir said researchers said. Empire Market also offers discount sales like the Black Friday sale. The dark web is an underbelly of the internet, that's unregulated. Its not easy to reach the dark web through a normal browser such as Google Chrome. It requires an anonymous private browser, that's difficult to be traced. All sorts of goods and services are sold and bought on the dark web. The payments are usually made through cryptocurrencies like bitcoins. Empire market transacts a little over $1 million a week. Sophos warns there are risks. There is no guarantee on the quality of goods. There could be malicious intent, like stealing money from gullible users, charging advance fees, phishing attacks and injecting malware into devices. Even on the dark web, some marketplaces have restricted the sale of COVID-19 related products, as they don't want to profit on a pandemic. "The impact of COVID-19 on Empire Market has been limited, in terms of the number of products being offered. However, it is one of the few prominent markets that has not banned the sale of pandemic-related goods outright and is apparently happy to profit from the coronavirus. As other markets are setting restrictions on the sale of many of the products featured above, for Empire Market, its business as usual," Shier added. A private hotel has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the AAP government's decision to convert it into an extended COVID-19 hospital. The petition, which is listed for hearing on Thursday before Justice Navin Chawla, has been filed by CHL Limited which owns the Hotel Surya (200 beds) in New Friends Colony. The plea has challenged the May 29 order of Delhi government's Health Department by which certain hotels, including Hotel Surya, have been ordered to be requisitioned by the district magistrate and be given to certain private hospitals for the purpose of converting them into extended COVID hospitals wherein medical services shall be provided by these private hospitals by admitting coronavirus positive patients as per their medical condition. Hotel Surya was directed to be requisitioned and handed over to the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital for converting it into an extended COVID hospital. According to the order, the government has also decided the rates payable by each patient on each night stay. The plea said the government has fixed the fees without consulting it, however, in all the previous orders, the private hospitals have been given a free hand. As an interim relief, the plea has sought a stay on the Delhi government's order and to restrain the district magistrate from requisitioning the petitioner's hotel. Seeking to set aside the government's order, the plea said the authorities ought to have discussed the future course of action with the stakeholders, as conversion of the hotel into a COVID hospital will affect its business and its customers will be reluctant to stay in such a property. "Being seriously aggrieved, dissatisfied and prejudiced by the arbitrary, illegal and high handedness act of the Government of NCT of Delhi, the petitioner is constrained to approach this court by filing the present petition," it said. SAN FRANCISCO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The global cell expansion market size is expected to reach USD 39.7 billion by 2027 registering a CAGR of 9.4%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Cell expansion techniques are increasingly employed for the development of cellular and gene therapies from a single cord blood collection. These techniques can also be used for the expansion of stored Stem Cells (SCs) for the development of cancer therapies. Therefore, significant developments in cord blood SCs expansion technologies are expected to boost market growth. Key suggestions from the report: Broad portfolio of automated expansion systems along with improvements in bioreactor design for large-scale bioproduction results in the lucrative growth opportunity for instruments The microbial cells segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate owing to the implementation of high-throughput cultivation approaches and techniques that avoid the formation of biofilms Biopharmaceuticals segment held the largest revenue share in 2019 due to growth in the demand for biosimilars, continuous R&D investments in biomanufacturing, and rise in the number of approvals for biologics Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the maximum CAGR from 2020 to 2027 due to presence of several consortiums that focus on the evolving fields in the biomedical industry For instance, in November 2019 , the Cell & Gene Therapy Asia 2019 held in Japan focused on the evolving field of SCs for their deployment in pharmaceutical discovery and cellular therapies Read 170 page research report with ToC on "Cell Expansion Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Instruments, Consumables), By Cell Type (Mammalian, Animal), By Application, By End Use, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027" at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cell-expansion-market Companies have made heavy investments for the expansion of tissue-engineered products and the development of biologics. For instance, in March 2019, Merck KGaA invested USD 168 million for the expansion of its biologics manufacturing facility in Switzerland. Such initiatives are expected to boost the demand for solutions required for biologic development, thereby leading to market growth. Bioreactors are fundamental tools in this market. Extensive research studies related to the applications of bioreactor engineering approaches have led to the incorporation of novel culture technologies. Moreover, the combined use of automated bioreactors with the microcarrier technology leads to an efficient expansion and enrichment of the cancer SCs. As a result, these approaches have gained immense traction in this market. Grand View Research has segmented the global cell expansion market on the basis of product, cell type, application, end use, and region: Cell Expansion Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Consumables Reagents, Media, & Serum Other Consumables Culture Flasks and Accessories Tissue Culture Flasks Bioreactor Accessories Other Culture Flasks and Accessories Instruments Automated Cell Expansion Systems Cell Counters Centrifuges Bioreactors Other Instruments Cell Expansion Cell Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Mammalian Human Stem Cells (SCs) Adult SCs Embryonic SCs Induced Pluripotent SCs Differentiated Cells Animal Microbial Others Cell Expansion Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Biopharmaceuticals Tissue Culture & Engineering Vaccine Production Drug Development Gene Therapy Cancer Research Stem Cell Research Others Cell Expansion End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) Biopharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies Research Institutes Cell Banks Others Cell Expansion Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany U.K. Asia Pacific China Japan Latin America Brazil Middle East & Africa & South Africa List of Key Companies of Cell Expansion Market Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. GE Healthcare Corning, Inc. STEMCELL Technologies, Inc. Merck KGaA Miltenyi Biotec Becton, Dickinson and Company Terumo Bct, Inc. Sartorius AG Takara Bio , Inc. , Inc. Trinova Biochem GmbH upcyte technologies GmbH Find more research reports on Biotechnology Industry, by Grand View Research: Clinical Oncology Next Generation Sequencing Market - Significant increase in the adoption of genome-focused pharmacology for cancer treatment is expected to provide growth avenues for the market. Significant increase in the adoption of genome-focused pharmacology for cancer treatment is expected to provide growth avenues for the market. Short-read Sequencing Market - Accelerated demand for personalized medicine and companion diagnostics is anticipated to fuel the growth. Accelerated demand for personalized medicine and companion diagnostics is anticipated to fuel the growth. Cell Sorting Market- Growing research in cell sorting technologies, technological advancements in cell sorters, and rising pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies are expected to drive growth. Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661327/Grand_View_Research_Logo.jpg (Natural News) The Wuhan Institute of Virology in China is under worldwide scrutiny after a highly infectious strain of coronavirus began rapidly infecting Wuhan citizens late in 2019, before rapidly infecting people throughout the world. Now a new Australian study finds that the precise RNA sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus contains man-made manipulations that could have only been created in a laboratory. The Wuhan Institute of Virology is home to questionable virus experiments that push the boundaries of scientific ethics. For years, Chinese researchers have been conducting gain-of-function research on bat coronaviruses to manipulate the properties of viruses and to enhance their virulence and infectivity. SARS-CoV-2 contains man-made manipulations to enhance its virulence in human cells Five Australian scientists concur that the SARS-CoV-2 virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic contains unique, lab-invented properties that allow it to readily infect humans. The research, currently in the peer-review process, used computer modeling to understand how the virus infects various animals, including humans. Lead researcher Nikolai Petroysky found evidence to suggest that the coronavirus had been manipulated by the lab in Wuhan because it contains an unusual protruding spike that allows it to readily infect human cells. When in contact with human cells, the manipulated coronavirus strain contains binding strength that far exceeds attachment capabilities observed in other animal cells. This, plus the fact that no corresponding virus has been found to exist in nature, leads to the possibility that COVID-19 is a human-created virus, said Mr. Petrovsky, a professor at the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. It is therefore entirely plausible that the virus was created in the biosecurity facility in Wuhan by selection on cells expressing human ACE2, a laboratory that was known to be cultivating exotic bat coronaviruses at the time, he announced. Cell surfaces contain angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 exploits this enzyme to gain easy access to the human cell. Once it gains easy entry, the virus can rapidly multiply in the cells. If the immune system of the individual does not properly respond, the viral load can become too much to bear, causing respiratory distress, low blood oxygen levels, systemic inflammation, and organ failure. Other equally-important innate immune defenses, such as the mannose binding lectins, could be compromised by external influences or genetic deficiencies, causing further complications to respiratory infection. Human lung cells are specifically equipped with ACE2 receptors that detect viruses quickly so the immune system can respond. The SARS-CoV-2 strain targets the ACE2 receptors of human lung cells, breaching the first line of defense with ease. The study analyzed the binding capability of the spike protein on various animals, including mice, hamsters, pangolins, civets, cats, dogs, snakes, horses, tigers and cows. Overall, the data indicates that SARS-CoV-2 is uniquely adapted to infect humans, raising important questions as to whether it arose in nature by a rare chance event or whether its origins might lie elsewhere, the report said. Why are experts, who have ties the Wuhan lab, so quick to dismiss that COVID-19 was laboratory invented? Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who approved 7.3 million in funding to the Wuhan lab since 2015, has continuously denied that SARS-CoV-2 could ever have be artificially or deliberately manipulated. If you look at the evolution of the virus in bats and whats out there now, [the scientific evidence] is very, very strongly leaning toward this could not have been artificially or deliberately manipulated, Fauci told National Geographic earlier this month. Everything about the stepwise evolution over time strongly indicates that [this virus] evolved in nature and then jumped species, he affirmed. But Dr. Fauci is not the end-all when it comes to investigating the origins of this highly infectious virus, which contains an abnormal spike protein and possesses unique gain-of-function properties. This new Australian study shines a light on the laboratory-made SARS-CoV-2 virus which has taken advantage of immune-compromised populations around the world. Sources include: Washingtimes.com Academic.oup.com NaturalNews.com Newsweek.com MOSCOW -- The screen depicts the Statue of Liberty backdropped by a cloud-specked sky, its outstretched arm and crowned head superimposed over the body of an American police officer whose knee presses firmly into the neck of a black man pinned to the ground and struggling to breathe. The unsubtle montage, aired on May 31 on the state-run Rossia-1 channel's flagship news show, Vesti Nedeli (News of the Week), presented Russian viewers with a jarring juxtaposition between an enduring symbol of U.S. democracy and what many see as an incident emblematic of its flaws: the death of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man, at the hands of police in the city of Minneapolis on May 25. "This is America, and such attitudes to blacks are an accepted practice," host Dmitry Kiselyov asserted during the Sunday night broadcast in a scathing monologue about racial inequality and police violence in the United States. "And this same America is constantly trying to teach the planet how to live?" For authoritarian governments around the world, footage of looting and police violence in dozens of U.S. cities is serving as fodder for renewed accusations that the United States does not practice at home what it preaches abroad. The Russian state is no exception. President Vladimir Putin's government has clamped down on protests at home, sometimes deploying violent methods that have earned it opprobrium from Washington and the West and demands that it respect human rights. Now, amid unrest and police violence in the United States, Russia is issuing demands for accountability that echo those Washington has repeatedly made to Moscow. "We are urging the U.S. authorities to take effective measures to improve the current state of affairs," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on May 29. "Resume good-faith efforts to honor international commitments and tailor national legislation to the UN basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement." Accusations of U.S. hypocrisy are nothing new for the Kremlin and the media outlets it controls -- they go far back into the Cold War. Kiselyov, who is widely seen as the Kremlin's chief TV propagandist, once told viewers that Russia was the only country "capable of turning the United States into radioactive ash." On Vesti Nedeli, incendiary anti-American rhetoric is par for the course. No Place For Politics? Yet, while pro-Kremlin pundits and state TV programs may be amplifying the anti-American diatribes that are a frequent staple, some analysts say Moscow is forced to walk a fine line between replaying clips of chaos on U.S. streets and appearing to cheer on the popular anger at the authorities -- from local police to the presidency -- that underpins it. "The Kremlin is very averse to anything that has to do with revolutions," said Maria Snegovaya, a fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington-based think tank. "That's because of the Kremlin's painful history with 'color revolutions' in Ukraine, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and the fear of fueling similar sentiments domestically that will undoubtedly threaten Putin's hold on power." For years, Moscow has positioned itself at the vanguard of an ideological offensive against the United States, accusing it of fomenting protests that have swept out entrenched governments ruling former republics in these so-called "color revolutions." In 2011, Putin accused U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of helping orchestrate a big wave of protests against election fraud and his return to the Kremlin for a third presidential term. In 2014, the Euromaidan protests that ousted Moscow-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych had been falsely portrayed by Moscow as a Washington-orchestrated coup detat aimed at reorienting Kyiv toward the West. So any suggestion that street protests, revolt, or revolution is a valid way to effect political change is taboo for those who control Russia's airwaves. "There is a broader and very consistent message that the street is not a place for politics, indeed that popular engagement in politics only leads to destabilization and, eventually, violence," said Sam Greene, the director of the Russia Institute at Kings College, London. "That's the spin they put on the Euromaidan. And that's the context in which they want current American events to be seen." Some Russian TV commentators quipped that a country accused of encouraging unrest abroad ultimately got a taste of its own medicine. "Perhaps America has simply begun finally to live in that same wild world they've been painstakingly constructing around themselves all those years," host Yevgeny Popov said on the popular 60 Minutes talk show. But much of the coverage has seemingly sought to send a signal, for viewers at home, about the inherent dangers of mass unrest. State TV reports have shown "no qualms about portraying protesters as violent," Anna Arutunyan, senior Russia analyst at the International Crisis Group, wrote in a tweet. Much of the coverage, she added, reflected "what Russian political commentators are preoccupied by: the fear of popular, violent, unrest." So beyond the triumphalism espoused by talking heads like Popov and Kiselyov, Russian news reports have often refrained from incendiary rhetoric and instead broadcast the same videos of conflagration and police violence on U.S. streets that have gone viral online in recent days. The calculation may be that the material is self-explanatory. "When it comes to what's going on in the U.S. right now, the message sends itself," Greene said. "The Kremlin's propagandists don't need to spin this, they don't need to dress it up." The problem the Kremlin may create for itself by fanning the flames and broadcasting graphic material from the U.S. protests, Greene argues, is that the protests and riots in fact demonstrate the street's legitimate place as a platform for people facing what they see as a corrupt, unjust political establishment to demand change. As a result, the Kremlin has far greater incentive to denounce the violence itself, without shedding light on the complex issues that lie behind it and the genuine public mobilization they have sparked. Doing otherwise, Greene suggested, would risk drawing uncomfortable parallels between the United States and Russia and potentially provide Russian viewers with an example to follow -- at a time when Putin's popularity is falling amid economic troubles and the impact of the coronavirus. "[Russia's] honest coverage of the movement in the U.S. will show how isolated Trump is, and how people of diverse backgrounds are, in fact, consolidating in demanding justice and reform," he said. "That may not be a message the Kremlin wants people to receive." A Pennsylvania woman found dead Monday evening in the basement of a Ewing home was killed by an air gun pellet. Her death was ruled a homicide Tuesday, authorities said. Ewing police were called to a home on Glen Stewart Drive at 6:30 p.m. and found Ashley Davis, 32, of Levittown, Pennsylvania with visible wounds on her body, according to a statement from the Mercer County Prosecutors Office. Davis was pronounced dead at the scene, in a room where police found two long BB guns and a short BB gun, the office said. Used bags of heroin with various stamps were also found during the search. Davis boyfriend, Aaron Adams, 38, who lives at the home, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm while homicide detectives investigated. He is currently at the Mercer County jail awaiting court hearings, the office said. On Tuesday, an autopsy revealed that Davis suffered a gunshot wound by a metal air gun pellet that struck internal organs and caused massive internal bleeding, the office said. Her death was subsequently ruled a homicide and additional charges were being reviewed Tuesday afternoon, a prosecutors office spokeswoman said. The homicide remained under investigation and anyone with information was asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at 609-989-6406 or mchtftips@mercercounty.org. 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. "Barney" is on his phone a lot. He keeps it glued to his side. I wondered what he was up to, so I checked our phone bill (not his phone) and discovered he has been texting a woman he knew from high school at least 350 times a month, sometimes more than 30 times a day for the past two years. Woman in Russian South fined $220 for coronavirus fake news Moskva city news agency, Sergey Kiselev 15:51 03/06/2020 MOSCOW, June 3 (RAPSI) A court in the Krasnodar Region has fined a woman 15,000 rubles (about $220) for publishing on a social network a fake about absence of coronavirus-infected patients in local hospitals, the press service of the Russian Prosecutor Generals Office has told RAPSI. Police have found a post on one of the social media platforms reading that medical employees have persuaded relatives of late patients to fix COVID-19 as the cause of death in the documents and that there are no patients tested positive for coronavirus in the hospitals. The woman guilty has been fined for misuse of freedom of mass information. Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has called for adequate protection of women against defilement and other forms of violence. At... Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has called for adequate protection of women against defilement and other forms of violence. Atiku made the call while reacting to the death of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 100-level Microbiology student of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, who was allegedly raped and murdered by some unknown persons last week. Vera was raped while reading inside a Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, worship centre in Benin city. The PDP chieftain who decried the increase in cases of rape in the country called for a review of rape laws. According to him, this will ensure that every perpetrator of the act are brought to book. He tweeted, I just spoke to the family of the late Uwa Omozuwa. I expressed my deepest condolences over her rape and murder. I feel their anguish. Sadly, rape is now a pandemic in our country. It is time we reviewed the laws on rape to ensure that there are no escape routes in the investigation, prosecution, conviction and adequate punishment for this heinous crime. Home health aide Shalonda Ellis was photographed before working a 6 p.m.-to-midnight shift for a client in Northeast Philadelphia on May 29. Read more It isnt unusual for Shalonda Ellis to wash her hands 20 times during a six-hour shift. Seven or eight people a day come and go from the Northeast Philadelphia home of the woman Ellis cares for, and a few arent particularly concerned about spreading the coronavirus. But Ellis knows enough to be terrified of bringing the virus home to her own family. Everything you touch, everything you do, youre trying your best to be mindful, said Ellis, 47. I bought that hand soap Tuesday and it can be gone by Friday. Ellis is among the estimated 75,000 home health aides in Pennsylvania, many of whom are working through the pandemic out of compassion, financial pressures, or both. Pre-pandemic, the job was labor-intensive and thin on rewards. Pay is generally poor in a field overwhelmingly staffed by women; paid time off and employer-provided health care are rare, said Ali Kronley, director of the United Health Care Workers of Pennsylvania. The coronavirus has exacerbated workers challenges. Theyre just exceptionally essential workers who are providing care at extreme risk to themselves and their families, she said. Ellis coworker at Philadelphias Liberty Resources Home Choices, Christal Spivey, 40, used to take the bus to work. SEPTAs pandemic-prompted switch to limited service, and her concern over picking up the virus from a fellow passenger, have her using much more expensive ride share services instead. Ive been avoiding the bus since COVID, Spivey said. I know eventually Ive got to get back on the bus. READ MORE: On the coronavirus front lines, Philly nurses also battle supply shortages and tension with employers She never knows where shell be assigned each day. To protect her 12-year-old daughter and twin 10-year-old boys, she hasnt seen them since mid-March. An older daughter is in Florida and her 16-year-old daughter is staying with her. Its hard, she said, because I like to hug my babies and give them kisses. Amid the too-frequent accounts of health-care employers that are short on supplies and support for their workers, Liberty Resources Home Choices is an outlier. It is one of the few home health care agencies that has created a working partnership between management and its 650 unionized home care workers. This has included bonuses, paid sick time, and consistent, honest communication about the health of both staff and the people they care for. Theres no other company or agency out there that looks out for their attendees like Liberty does, Spivey said. The company, a for-profit arm of the nonprofit Liberty Resources, scrambled to get protective gloves from places as unexpected as a NAPA auto-parts store. Now home health workers are delivered personal protective equipment (PPE) every Friday as needed. The nationwide mask shortage led Liberty Resources staff to make their own protections. Our own staff were sewing cloth masks for consumers and workers, said Fermina Maddox, the companys executive director. We have had the best of people coming together. Liberty Resources pays more than the average hourly rate for home health workers, about $11.25, Kronley said. Its attendants each received a $750 one-time bonus at the beginning of the pandemic, and are getting an extra $2 an hour, plus $50 weekly transportation supplement, since April 24. The work remains inherently risky. Four workers have tested positive for the virus. An additional six are showing symptoms. The toll among their clients is worse. Three have died and 18 have tested positive. That information is shared with employees, Maddox said. Staff are going to want to know How many people are going to be exposed? Am I going to be exposed? " she said. READ MORE: Help for the helpers: Health-care workers feel more stress and anxiety than ever as coronavirus restrictions lift Some Liberty Resources workers are caretakers for their own parents, and in a few cases both tested positive and quarantined together. One worker who cared for her mother was close to death, Maddox said, but is recovering and returned home Tuesday. The womans elderly mother, though, did not survive. Another Liberty Resources workers father died April 24 of the virus. Carl Ballou Jr., an 83-year-old retired city sanitation worker, suffered from COPD and cancer. His son, Antwan Robinson, cared for him for the last seven years. When they said he needed long-term care, my father didnt want no stranger in his house, he said. The best thing was for me to do it. Liberty Resources workers exposed to the virus take paid sick leave for 14 days and receive information on how to be tested. The company also does contact tracing. But it does not provide workers with health insurance; most get it through a family member or the Affordable Care Act exchanges, Maddox said. In recent days, protests, looting, and police activity have emerged as new hazards. Spivey was stuck at a clients home for an hour after her shift ended Sunday because of demonstrations in West Philadelphia. She wasnt able to find a ride-share service willing to pick her up in the neighborhood until midnight. But the most concerning part of the work remains contact with people who dont take the virus seriously. Ellis works from 6 p.m. to midnight, caring for a woman who is largely bed-bound because of a leg injury. Some of the womans children are helpful, but one son doesnt believe the virus is a threat and takes no precautions against it. So Ellis tries to minimize her interactions with the family, and stays out of their kitchen, keeping nuts and fruit in her purse for dinner. I figure the less I say, the less I gotta talk to you, the less I gotta worry about being in your space," she said. Ellis considered quitting when the pandemic began. She normally would be working 63-hour weeks with multiple clients, but has scaled back to a 24-hour week with a single client. It was not an easy decision to keep even those hours. Whos going to take care of them?" she said. Yeah, theyve got families, but guess what: The families aint taking care of them. If they was, I wouldnt be there. I want us to do better. Theres been a lot of injustices out there, Stoney said. Im here to stand by those peaceful protesters today, 100% Then 45 minutes before the 8 p.m. curfew he put in place on Sunday, he walked out. Please stay with us. Please, some people said. We need you to do better. The booing began once he told the crowd at the base of the Lee monument that he wouldnt stay past the curfew. The night before, half an hour before curfew, protesters at the same location were barraged with tear gas without warning by police in riot gear. As Stoney left, he assured demonstrators the tear gassing wouldnt happen again. A spokesman for the mayor said he had to leave because of the 8 p.m. curfew and that it took 30 minutes to leave the crowded area. State Sens. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, and Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, along with Richmond City Councilman Michael Jones, stayed to speak with residents after Stoney left. As curfew neared, people began singing Lean on Me by Bill Withers, swaying from side to side as the police presence dwindled. Mexico beer production restarted in Mexico City Mexico City, Mexico June 1 marked the day for essential businesses to restart operations. On the list of essential services were beer producers in Mexico City. Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum says that as of June 1, beer producers were able to start operating, at least in Mexico City according to the gradual plan for reactivation. On Monday, the beer industry restarted production since it was included as an essential business in Mexico City, however, many merchants still do not know when they will be able to restock their shelves. Like other essential services operating during the red light, they can only operate at 30 percent capacity. In Mexico City, there are approximately 35 craft beer production plants that generate around 850 direct jobs. The president of the National Association of Small Merchants, Cuauhtemoc Rivera, explained that after learning that the beer industry had been considered essential and could return to its activities, the supply of the product has started to regularize. With the regularization of beer the black market in product prices that have tripled is ended. He said previously, there was a shortage of beer where a can that normally costs from 10 to 12 peso was increased as high as 35 pesos, which is abuse. It is not yet a regular supply in all sales channels. Distribution is taking place first in shopping centers, but we hope that this week it will be in all points of sale, he said. Rivera acknowledged that the second phase of the contingency is beginning, since we are starting the new normal. In addition to the beer industry, the construction, mining and automotive sectors were also reactivated, all at a reduced capacity. Large Mexican beer producers such as Grupo Modelo and Heineken Mexico announced the temporary suspension of beer operations in early April due to the coronavirus epidemic. By Park Si-soo A professor at Kyung Hee University is under criminal investigation over allegations he raped an intoxicated graduate student. Police recently wrapped up their preliminary investigation and forwarded the case to the prosecution, suggesting the professor be indicted. According to police, the professor drank alcohol with two graduate school students in early November. On their way back home drunk, the professor saw one off, saying "I will take care of her (the alleged victim) to her home." Then he took her to a motel and raped her, police said. The professor denies the allegations. The case drew media attention recently after the alleged victim complained to the school over the professor teaching after the investigation began. A school official said a separate investigation is under way to figure out what happened and the school will decide on how to handle him based on its results. " " This painting depicts the first meeting of Anne Boelyn and King Henry VIII. Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images It was 1526. England's King Henry VIII was the midst of his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon, when he first caught sight of Anne Boleyn. At the time, Anne was maid-of-honor to Catherine and living in Henry's court. Love or something like it immediately ensued. Henry already had had several mistresses (including Anne's sister Mary) in his quest to have the son and heir that Catherine had been unable to give him. He was infatuated with Anne and wished to bed her too. But Anne didn't want to be a mere mistress she wanted to become queen. So, she turned down Henry's repeated requests, which made Henry all the more obsessed with her. But how was he to legally divorce Catherine? In the 16th century, England was part of the Roman Catholic Church, which forbade divorce. So Henry asked Pope Clement VII to annul his marriage. The reason? Catherine previously had been wed to Henry's brother, Arthur, who died shortly after the nuptials. According to a biblical passage in Leviticus, Henry said, he was prohibited from marrying his brother's wife. Thus, his marriage to Catherine was invalid. But the pope disagreed and refused to grant an annulment. With no legal way out of his marriage, Henry conspired with his chief minister, Thomas Cromwell, who advised him to proclaim himself head of his own church and grant himself an annulment. Although Anne refused Henry's advances for years while he worked to divorce Catherine, she began to worry that he was losing interest in her. So late in 1532, Anne slept with him and became pregnant. The couple hastily married in a secret ceremony in January 1533 after which the new archbishop of Canterbury annulled Henry's marriage to Catherine. The pope excommunicated Henry and British Parliament passed a law declaring that the power of the Catholic church was effectively transferred to the king of England. Anne was crowned queen in June 1533, a mere nine days after he divorced Catherine of Aragon. Advertisement After the Wedding Yet, despite all this maneuvering, and the couple's six-year-long courtship, things quickly unraveled once the two wed. Anne gave birth to one daughter, Elizabeth, then had at least two miscarriages. Henry blamed his wife for not giving him the all-important son. Anne was an experienced courtier who had served in the French court in her teens, where she learned French and studied art, fashion, literature and religious philosophy. Yet despite this background, she was not well-liked when she subsequently served in the English court of Henry VIII. People deemed her difficult and haughty. This dislike intensified when she married Henry, as Catherine of Aragon was a popular queen. Thus, once Henry's passion for her eventually waned, she had little support. Also, while Catherine was able to ignore Henry's adulterous relationships, Anne was not. In fact, she was furious with Henry's philandering and often questioned where he'd been, and with whom. To make matters worse, two of Anne's maids-of-honor, Jane Seymour and Madge Shelton, were mistresses of Henry VIII, as he began to look elsewhere for a son and heir. Just three years after they were married, Anne was arrested, and accused of adultery, incest and conspiracy by Thomas Cromwell, charges most historians believe are false. But the charges were upheld and Anne was found guilty and sentenced to death on May 19, 1536. That same day, Anne was beheaded by a French swordsman at the Tower Green in London, then buried in an unmarked grave. Her accused "lovers" were also beheaded. A few days later, Henry married Jane Seymour, the third of his eventual six wives. " " Anne was executed in 1536. Among her final words were, "The king has been good to me. He promoted me from a simple maid to a marchioness. Then he raised me to be a queen. Now he will raise me to be a martyr." Bettmann/Getty Images Advertisement The Legacy of Anne Boleyn Anne may have been snuffed out after just three years as queen, but her daughter, Elizabeth I, exacted sweet revenge with a lengthy reign. After Henry's death in 1547, his son with Jane Seymour, Prince Edward, took the throne. When Edward VI died in 1553 at age 16, the crown passed to Lady Jane Grey, a cousin. Nine days later, she was deposed and Queen Mary grabbed the crown. Mary was Henry's daughter with Catherine of Aragon and half-sister to Edward VI. Mary ruled for five tumultuous years until her death from possibly ovarian cancer in 1558. Boleyn's daughter became Queen Elizabeth I; she reigned for 44 mostly peaceful years and was the last House of Tudor monarch. For centuries, Anne was mainly seen as a schemer and adulteress. But newer historians want to revise that image. Just two months before her execution, Anne was involved in helping to pass the Poor Law, which advocated for local governments to find jobs for the unemployed. The law was originally attributed to Thomas Cromwell, but Boleyn's contribution was recognized by the British Parliament in 2019, reported Time. NOW THAT'S INTERESTING One longstanding rumor about Anne Boleyn is that she had 11 fingers. Most historians refute this idea, however. First, physical abnormalities were seen as evil in Tudor times, so it's unlikely Henry VIII would have married her if that were true. Second, an extra finger was first mentioned by Nicholas Sander a man who had never met Boleyn and who wanted to get rid of Boleyn's daughter, Elizabeth. One way to oust a queen in those days was to show that the royal's mother had a physical malady. Finally, in the late 19th century, a physician examined several bodies exhumed from a Tower of London burial site. None of them, including the body believed to be Boleyn's, showed any sign of an extra digit. Keep the lights on in the Italian Art studios. Support Gioia Luce 2020 Program with free shipping through June 2020. Italian Artists will create a gift for you, made in Italy. Gioia Company announces free shipping through June 2020 with Gioia Luce 2020 Program of support for the Artists of Italy. After the devastating spring, Italian Art studios are open, but without tourists there are no sales. The picture for the ceramic shops is very black. No tourists, no orders. Heavy crisis. The problem is no tourists, zero tourist, zero ceramic selling, said an Amalfi Artist. Gioia clients will become the tourist buyers through Gioia Luce 2020 and keep the beautiful arts alive for children and grandchildren to come.Clients can join Gioia Italian Art and Products and receive free shipping through June 2020. In every part of Italy where Italian Artist friends live and work, they share the same sentiment: It is very dark in Italy for arts. Gioia Italian Art and Products is here to help and they enjoy doing so. Joy for Those Who Give and Those Who Receive is the founding motto for Gioia Italian Art and Products. Customers can support Italian Artists and help them get back to work. In return they will receive a fine Italian hand made gift which has been made especially in a favorite region. This helps keep the lights on in Italian Art studios. Customers can support the Gioia Luce 2020 Program with Free Shipping through June 2020 and Italian Artists will create a gift made in Italy. Customers can be part of the Gioia Luce 2020 Program, a Joyful Light, and experience the joy receiving a gift direct from Italy to say Grazie. This contribution will get Italian Artists back to work, and a gift valued at the donation will be made from a region of choice. It will take about 30 days for the artist to create a beautiful artwork and Gioia Italian Art and Products will ship free of charge through June 2020. Italian Artists are working now and donations make a huge difference for Italian Artists, Italian Arts, and Gioia Italian Art and Products Company. Customers that are passionate about one of these regions of Italia can make sure their dollars go there. Customer will receive one handmade gift per donation from one of the Italian Artists and Gioia Italian Art and Products! Customers can join the Gioia Italian Art and Products program, Gioia Luce 2020, A Joyful Light, and support Italian Artists and enjoy Free Shipping in June 2020. Donations can be made at the following levels: $50, $75, $100, and more. The Italian Art regions available are Venice, Florence, Deruta, Rome, Sorrento, Amalfi, Puglia, and Sicily. Donations can be made through the following links: By Venmo: https://venmo.com/. Send to @Katherine-Winkelman By Paypal: http://www.paypal.com. Send to gioiacustomerservice@yahoo.com By Check: Gioia Company, 16395 Roseleaf Court, Los Gatos, CA 95032 A contact name, shipping address, email, contact phone number, and specific region of Italy are required for your gift made In Italy. Multiple donations can be made to receive a gift from more than one Italian region. Gioia Italian Art and Products is a 5-star Company built on integrity and traditional Old World Italian hospitality and culture. Let me first thank you for thinking to sustain us through these difficult time. It is very important for us to feel that we have friends on the other side of the ocean who care about us and our work. We have managed to reopen our business with all the necessary care and, as you can imagine, our economy right now is suffering. Sicily artist Gioia Italian Art and Products Company has inventory in stock and offers free shipping in the month of June 2020. Shoppers are welcome with mask and gloves in Los Gatos, by appointment. The program Gioia Luce 2020 will reach far across the US and Canada in hopes that the support given to Italian Artists now will insure business for the Italian Artists until the tourist season begins in Italy. Gioia Italian Art makes a perfect gift for weddings, birthdays, or any occasion. All inventory is Made in Italy or Made in USA. Contact Gioia Italian Art and Products Phone or text: 408-640-6628, Facebook Messenger, https://www.facebook.com/gioiaitalianartandproducts/, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gioiacompany/, Website: http://www.gioiacompany.com (discount with code "bella" at check out) Indian Oil jobs application for 626 apprentice openings begins; How to apply online 120 shanties gutted in fire at Delhi slum India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 03: A fire broke out in the slums of southeast Delhi's Tughlaqabad area in the early hours on Wednesday, officials said. According to the Delhi Fire Services, a call about the blaze at Valmiki Mohalla was received at 1.30 am and 22 fire engines were rushed to the spot. Delhi: Fire breaks out at shoe factory in Keshavpuram The fire was brought under control by 3.30 am. No one was injured in the blaze that gutted 120 huts. Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall near Mumbai, coastal Maharashtra on red alert | Oneindia News This is the second fire incident in a week's time in the area. Last week, a massive fire had gutted 250 shanties in Tughlaqabad village. The State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) summons the fifth President of Ukraine, MP Petro Poroshenko for June 10 to be questioned as a witness in the case of tapping information during international negotiations with the President of Ukraine and foreign officials, the press service of the SBI reported. "In accordance with Articles 133, 135-139, 224 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of Ukraine, Poroshenko P.O. is summoned at 11:00 on June 10, 2010 to the SBI as a witness in the criminal proceeding No. 6220000000000456, where the circumstances of the legality of tapping information during holding international negotiations with the participation of the President of Ukraine and officials of foreign states are being investigated," the SBI said on its Facebook page. Poroshenko must appear at the address: 15 Symona Petliury Street, room 508, Kyiv. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- A French court will decide today whether Felicien Kabuga, one of Africas most wanted men, should be handed over to a United Nations tribunal where the former businessman is charged with bankrolling the 1994 Rwandan genocide. His lawyers want him tried in France, where Kabuga was arrested last month, 26 years after he fled Rwanda. Many survivors of the genocide would like to see him in a dock in Kigali. At one level, the location of the trial may be moot. Kabuga, who denies the charges against him, is a frail 84 years old. Since the legal proceedings may take years, he will likely have died long before final sentencing. Families of the 800,000 victims of the genocide may feel that justice, delayed for the better part of three decades in this instance, has effectively been denied. But the trial of Kabuga will nonetheless be of vital interest, and some of its ramifications will extend far beyond Rwanda. With any luck, it will also inspire new lines of inquiry into the circumstances that allowed him to evade capture for so long. At the very least, it will shed light onto the planning, preparation and execution of the genocide which could help prevent a repeat of those horrors. Rwanda still bears the scars of mass atrocity; new reminders are served up every so often, in the shape of mass graves. Kabuga is thought to have played a key role in the run-up to the 100-day carnage. His radio station, RT Milles Collines, was the bullhorn through which messages of ethnic hatred were blasted across the country: The minority Tutsis were vilified as cockroaches deserving extermination. Kabuga is also believed to have provided Hutu militias with financial and logistical support, arming them, among other things, with machetes, their weapon of choice. In 1997, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, created by the UN, indicted Kabuga on seven charges relating to the genocide. Although the ICTR prosecuted dozens of others, none were as influential as Kabuga, who has been compared with Nazi war criminals. Story continues Kabugas trial also represents a rare occasion when an accused financier, an enabler, of widespread atrocities has been brought to court. At the time of the genocide, he was one of Rwandas richest men, with a fortune in tea and coffee. Typically, the money men behind crimes of this scale get away with it. If justice is served on Kabuga, it might give pause to others who bankroll killers. His wealth undoubtedly helped to keep Kabuga concealed, apparently in some comfort. But he also had assistance, very likely from powerful political figures. Many of them must now feel some foreboding as the fugitive prepares for his trial. In the quarter century he remained free, French authorities say Kabuga had 28 aliases. He is thought to have lived in Kenya, France and several other countries. He made at least one abortive attempt to enter Switzerland. The closest anyone came to claiming the U.S. State Departments $5 million bounty for his capture was in 2003, when a young Kenyan who tried to entrap Kabuga was himself killed. Thereafter, the trail seems to have gone cold until last year, when several Western law-enforcement agencies combined forces to track him down. French police found him living in an apartment in the Paris suburb of Asnieres-sur-Seine. Kabuga had managed to outlast the ICTR, which was dissolved in 2015. Thereafter, outstanding cases were taken over by another UN creation, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, a mopping-up operation for criminal tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. Rwandas government may well allow the UN mechanism to prosecute Kabuga. But it might reasonably demand an investigation into his years on the lam, starting in France and working backward. Six other Rwandans wanted by the tribunal remain at large. Conceivably, they are being sheltered by the same people who helped Kabuga. Even if his age saves him from appropriate punishment, it is not too late to serve justice on those who enabled the enabler. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Bobby Ghosh is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. He writes on foreign affairs, with a special focus on the Middle East and the wider Islamic world. 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. Rahul Gandhi's dialogue with industrialist Rajiv Bajaj on the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis will be aired on Thursday, the latest in the series of deliberations the former Congress chief is having with experts from various fields on the impact of the pandemic. In the teaser of the conversation released on various social media accounts of the party, Gandhi, citing experts, is seen talking about the fear of the coronavirus disease, which, if spreads once, is difficult to get rid of. In the teaser, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj, is seen talking about the effect of the lockdown on the economy. "The virus is waiting to hit you, so you have not solved that problem, but you have decimated the economy. You have flattened the wrong curve -- not the infection curve but the GDP curve. This is what we have ended with -- the worst of both worlds," Bajaj says. Tomorrow, Thursday, 4th June, 10 AM onwards, join my conversation with Mr Rajiv Bajaj on the Covid crisis, across all my social media platforms. pic.twitter.com/FEXIJALL4H Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 3, 2020 The first such dialogue was held on April 30 when Gandhi discussed the coronavirus pandemic and its economic implications with former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan. He then held a conversation with Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee who had said India should come out with a large enough stimulus package to revive demand. The former Congress chief last week spoke to globally renowned public health experts -- Professor Ashish Jha of Harvard Global Health Institute and Swedish epidemiologist Johan Giesecke. "Tomorrow, Thursday, 4th June, 10 AM onwards, join my conversation with Mr Rajiv Bajaj on the Covid crisis, across all my social media platforms," Gandhi said on Twitter. For Australians, the dream of owning a home is so entrenched that we practically begin daydreaming as soon as we can walk. From family trips to Bunnings to tackle a home reno, to Saturdays spent wandering through open homes with mum and dad, were introduced to the concept of owning a home and making it our sanctuary very early on. Owning a home isnt just a goal or an aspiration its a rite of passage. But its one that the next generation may not be as keen on. According to a new report from, up to 40% of Aussies will be renters in the future. This comes back to a range reasons, including the fact that first homebuyers are going to continue to have trouble getting into the market, despite cheaper property prices. In Australian home ownership: past reflections, future directions, a report prepared by researchers at Swinburne University of Technology, Professor Terry Burke has examined the growth of home ownership in Australia after World War II. The major findings? Home ownership levels are stable Despite all of the talk over the last decade that housing has become more unaffordable than ever, the report found that Australia's overall home ownership rate has remained steady. Back in 1976, more than four decades ago, around 68 per cent of the population were homeowners (keeping in mind, these percentages include people who are still paying off their own homes, By 2016, this had dipped to 67 per cent. In other words, roughly two-thirds of the population own their home. But more Aussies will rent in the future Professor Burke estimates that around half of all Australian households aged under the age if 60 years will rent their homes off private landlords in the next 20 years. The rate of home ownership is projected to decline to around 63 per cent for all households by 2040, with the biggest proportion of renters in the 25-55 age bracket where around 49 per cent of households are expected to own or be paying off their home by 2040. A massive 51 per cent of this age group is expected to be renting. What does this mean for you today? Now, at this point its important to note that all of these forecasts are just that: forecasts. The research has been conducted by a reputable institution using best-practice methodology, but that doesnt mean its always going to be accurate. The truth of the matter is: no one knows exactly whats going to happen to property prices or home ownership trends in the future. With all of the instability that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about, there is even less certainty when we look at the crystal ball of future property price projections. This is why I always recommend to investors and would-be property buyers that the ideal way forward is to tune out the noise of what could be, should be and may be happening, and focus on the long term property fundamentals and the facts at hand regarding your personal situation. Professor Burke cautions that renting well into your retirement is not an ideal goal. As more and more people retire or leave the workforce in older age without adequate income support, there's going to be enormous poverty, he warns. Certainly, being able to secure your own home or to rentvest and get on the property ladder is going to be a giant step forwards in terms of building your financial position. So what do you want for your future? Do you rent right now, or do you own your property? Do you want to become a homebuyer? What do you believe is possible for your financial future? If becoming an investor and building your financial security is your goal, then there is nothing standing in your way. I truly mean that. I have seen people turn around from even the most dire of financial circumstances and they have been able to transform their situation and create wealth through investing in real estate. Ive seen everyday Aussies bounce back from relationship breakdowns, job loss, career changes, illness, divorce you name it, Ive seen it. The reality is that if you have the right mindset, youre willing to really put the effort in and make some sacrifices using the old principle of delayed gratification, home ownership can be within reach for you. And more than that: financial wealth and prosperity may be within reach, too. ........................................................................................................ Leanne Jopson is National Director of Property Management at Metropole, and has 20 years experience in real estate. Leanne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to maximise returns and minimise stress for her clients. The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday said it would appeal against an order passed by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court which stayed the appointment process of 69,000 assistant teachers in the state, before a larger bench. Uttar Pradeshs basic education minister Satish Chand Dwivedi said the government, for now, had issued a directive for cancellation of counselling and document verification of selected candidates across the state. We have informed the basic shiksha adhikaris (BSAs) to stop counseling and document verification of candidates after Wednesdays high court order. The government will soon appeal before the larger bench, the minister said. The first government notification to fill the said vacant posts was issued on December 1, 2018. The posts were advertised on December 6, 2018 and the examination was held on January 6, 2019. The HT Guide to Coronavirus COVID-19 A day after the examination on January 7, 2019, the passing criteria was revised to 65% (97 out of 150 marks) for general candidates and 60% (90 out of 150 marks) for reserved category candidates which was challenged in the high court by para teachers. The court on March 29, 2019 gave a verdict in favour of the candidates and set the criteria of 40% and 45% respectively for reserved and general category candidates. Later, the state government filed an appeal in the high court against the March 29, 2019 order. The court on May 6, 2020 disposed of the case by upholding the state governments revised eligibility criteria. Following the verdict, the result was announced on May 12, in which, a total of 1.46 lakh candidates, amounting to 36.6 per cent of the total candidates appeared, were declared as qualified. Around 4.31 lakh candidates had registered for the recruitment exam including nearly 4.09 lakh candidates who actually took the test held on January 6, 2019, said a government official. Earlier today, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court stayed the recruitment process on a writ petition filed by Amita Tripathi and others while fixing July 12 as the next date of hearing and directing the petitioners to submit their objections to the state government within a week. Also Read: UP Assistant Teachers Recruitment: High court stays appointment of 69,000 basic teachers The petitioners had raised a question mark on the answer sheet used in the January examination for the recruitment of the assistant basic teachers. The court has directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to appoint a panel of experts to study the question paper, provisional answer key along with the objections received from the candidates within 4 weeks and submit a report to the state government to be produced before the court. The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Mitchell Kukulka. Wednesday, May 27 11:55 p.m. -- A deputy assisted a Michigan State Police trooper in Homer Township with a loud party. 11:40 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a Jerome Township location for a suspicious woman asking people about a lost dog. Deputies were unable to locate the woman. 11:03 p.m. -- A deputy was dipsatched to a Midland Township residence to check the well-being of a 15-year-old girl. The girl has been having a hard time with her parents recently and was staying at her grandmothers house. The girl was also having thoughts of self-harm. She was transported to the MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland ER by the deputy, and her 43-year-old father petitioned her to be evaluated by mental health. 9:32 p.m. -- A deputy, MidMichigan EMS and the Jerome Township Fire Department responded to a Jerome Township residence for a possible juvenile accidental overdose on pain medication. The patient was evaluated by EMS and released to their parents. 8:33 p.m. -- A 22-year-old man reported an 18-year-old boy was doing burnouts in front of his house. The 22-year-old requested extra patrol down his road. The 18-year-old was contacted and said he did not drive by the house. 8:02 p.m. -- A deputy assisted the Jerome Township Fire Department with traffic control while they mitigated a power line down that caused a brush fire. 5:03 p.m. -- Officers responded to a hit-and-run crash in the 7300 block of Eastman Avenue. 4:39 p.m. -- Officers responded to a fraud in the 1100 block of Holyrood Street. 3:31 p.m. -- A deputy assisted EMS and Homer Township Fire regarding a 43-year-old man who had overdosed on alcohol. The man was transported to the hospital for evaluation. The man did not make any indications to family about being suicidal, although he had in the past. The deputy spoke to the family about some possible ways to proceed regarding alcoholism and depression. 3:11 p.m. -- Animal Control received a complaint in reference to a loose dog being bitten by another dog that was on a leash. Both parties only wanted the incident documented. 2:11 p.m. -- Deputies responded to a vehicle crash in Jerome Township. 1:50 p.m. -- Deputies responded to Warren Township in reference to a possible domestic between a 44-year-old woman and her 24-year-old stepdaughter. The 24-year-old was subsequently arrested for domestic violence and malicious destruction of property. There were minor injuries from the fight and approximately $50 in damage to the victim's vehicle. 1:39 p.m. -- Deputies assisted the Michigan State Police at a Lee Township location in reference to a man having suicidal thoughts. Deputies stood by while the MSP conducted their investigation. 11:58 a.m. -- A 55-year-old Homer Township man reported someone attempting to file for unemployment in his name. The man will work with the unemployment office and his employer to correct the situation. 11:38 a.m. -- Animal Control received a call in reference to a bat found in a Jerome Township home. The bat was sent to be tested. 11:32 a.m. -- Deputies responded to a Lee Township location for car-deer traffic crash. 11:16 a.m. -- Officers responded to avehicle crash in the area of Nurmi Drive and Sturgeon Avenue. 9:08 a.m. -- Officer responded to a vehicle crash in the area of Waldo Road and east Business U.S.-10. 8:14 a.m. -- Animal Control received a complaint in reference to a dog bite that occurred in the City of Midland. An isolation notice was issued. 6:24 a.m. -- Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the area of Isabella Street and Rowe Court. 4:21 a.m. -- A deputy was requested by a hospice service out of Bay County to make contact with a Mills Township resident in reference to her sister passing away. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on June 3, 2020 2020/06/03 The Paper: British Foreign Secretary Raab said on June 2 to Parliament that the UK has respected the Sino-British Joint Declaration, but China's authoritarian national security law undermines "one country, two systems", and China's decision to impose the new law on Hong Kong lies in direct conflict with its international obligations. "If China is willing to interfere on political and autonomy grounds, it is also likely to pose a longer term threat to the economic prosperity and economic model that Hong Kong reflects and embodies." He also said that "there is a moment for China to step back from the brink". I wonder if you have any comment? Zhao Lijian: The NPC's decision to establish and improve a legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR is entirely China's internal affair that allows no foreign interference. We deplore and reject the UK side's unwarranted accusations and blatant interference in Hong Kong-related affairs and China's internal affairs. We have lodged stern representations with the UK. National security is the very foundation for the existence and development of all countries, and the core and fundamental element of national sovereignty. China and the UK negotiating and signing the Joint Declaration is all about China's resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong. The national security legislation for Hong Kong is part of the definition of China's exercise of sovereignty. The basic policies regarding Hong Kong declared by China in the Joint Declaration are China's statement of policies, not commitment to the UK or an international obligation as some claim. After Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the Chinese government administers the SAR in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration. As China resumed exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997, all rights and obligations of the British side under the Joint Declaration were completed. You cannot find a single word or article in the Joint Declaration that confers on the UK any Hong Kong-related responsibility after the handover. The UK has no sovereignty, no jurisdiction and no right to supervise Hong Kong. As such, on no ground can it cite the Joint Declaration to arbitrarily comment on Hong Kong affairs or interfere in China's domestic affairs. The national security legislation for Hong Kong is an essential step to safeguard national sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and the foundation of "one country, two systems". It is aimed to better implement "one country, two systems". Only when national security is ensured can "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's stability and prosperity be guaranteed. This legislation only targets a very narrow category of acts that seriously jeopardize national security and has no impact whatsoever on Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents or the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors in Hong Kong. It will ensure implementation of "one country, two systems" and maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. What threatens Hong Kong's stability and prosperity is precisely some external forces colluding with local anti-China rioters in conducting activities in the SAR that jeopardize China's national security. The UK's historical link with Hong Kong arises from the period of invasion, colonialism and unequal treaties. The UK flagrantly claims that the Hong Kong-related legislation is "authoritarian". Well, this is precisely the word to describe its colonial rule in Hong Kong. It is after the return of Hong Kong that the residents came to enjoy unprecedented rights and freedoms. To quote its own words, we urge the UK to "step back from the brink", reject the Cold-War mindset and the colonial mentality, recognize and respect the fact that Hong Kong has already returned to China as a special administrative region. It should abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's domestic affairs. Otherwise, there will be consequences. South China Morning Post: British Prime Minister Johnson wrote in an article that if China imposes the Hong Kong-related national security law, the British government will change immigration rules and allow any BNO passport holder from Hong Kong to come to the UK for a renewable period of time. I wonder what's China's comment? Zhao Lijian: I made clear China's position on this issue last week. You may refer to it online. RIA Novosti: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on June 2 that endorses Russia's nuclear deterrent policy which came into effect on the same day. The decree says that nuclear weapons are a means to deter and will only be used when absolutely necessary. What is your comment? Zhao Lijian: We have taken note of this. Rising unilateralism and hegemonism in international strategic security is having a severe impact on global strategic equilibrium and stability. China respects and understands Russia's efforts to safeguard national security interests. We stand ready to work with all sides to uphold international strategic stability and promote global peace and security. The Associated Press: AP recently obtained recordings of internal meetings at WHO which revealed complaints about China's lack of transparency back in January, claiming that China sat on releasing information like the genome of the virus and patient data. What is your comment? Zhao Lijian: I don't know where this so-called information came from, but I can tell you unequivocally that the report has no truth in it. Chief epidemiologist Wu Zunyou of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention already talked about pathogen identification at a press conference of the State Council inter-agency task force for COVID-19 response on May 19. You may check on that. I can also briefly talk about it here. On January 3, when we were yet to figure out the pathogen, we informed WHO and other countries of the disease, calling it pneumonia of unknown cause since the pathogen had not been identified yet. After successfully isolating the first novel coronavirus strain on January 7 and with verification from experts, China shared it with WHO and relevant countries on January 9. On January 12, after judicious checks by experts, China officially shared with WHO the genome sequence and uploaded it to the GISAID Database. Our actions against the virus are an open book with a clear timeline, solid data and plain facts. They will withstand the test of time and history. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has been acting with openness, transparency and a high sense of responsibility. We have been in close and good communication and cooperation with WHO and its office in China. We will continue to support WHO in leading the global fight against the virus with concrete actions and work with the larger international community to uphold global public health security. Reuters: Angola has asked for G20 debt relief and said it is in advanced stages of talks with some countries that are importing its oil on adjusting financial facilities. The country is in debt to China and China is one of the countries importing oil from Angola. Has the Chinese side been in discussions with Angola over the financing of these debts? Zhao Lijian: Thank you for your question. China will actively implement the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative to help African countries lessen their debt burdens. We hope that developed countries and major international financial institutions will lead by upping their assistance to Africa's efforts against COVID-19 and taking bigger steps in alleviating the debt burdens of African countries. As an important strategic partner of Angola, China takes Angola's needs seriously. Relevant departments and financial institutions are in touch with the Angolan side. Macau Monthly: German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has said that the EU has too many important topics to discuss with China as the nation plans to host in Leipzig the China-EU Summit in September. What is your comment? Zhao Lijian: This year truly carries great significance to China-EU relations. The two sides are busy preparing a series of high-level exchanges, as bilateral relations are facing promising prospects for development. China and Germany and other European countries will together seize opportunities to improve and upgrade China-EU relations, champion multilateralism, forge an open world economy, and elevate China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new height. Global Times: US Secretary of State Pompeo tweeted on June 2 that the US has sent a letter to the UN Secretary General to protest China's "unlawful South China Sea maritime claims". He wrote: "We reject these claims as unlawful and dangerous. Member States must unite to uphold international law and freedom of the seas." I wonder what's your comment? Zhao Lijian: China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea were established throughout a long course of history and have been upheld by successive Chinese governments. They are consistent with international law including the UN Charter and UNCLOS and cannot be altered by the unwarranted allegations of any country. The US is not a party to disputes in the South China Sea. Instead of abiding by its commitment of holding no position on relevant territorial sovereignty disputes, it frequently sought to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, resorted to military provocation, and attempted to drive a wedge between regional countries. None of this is conducive to peace and stability in the South China Sea. South China Morning Post: Indian media reported that Prime Minister Modi and President Trump exchanged views on the China-India border situation during a phone call on Tuesday. Does China have a response? Zhao Lijian: China's position on the boundary issue is consistent and clear. We have been earnestly implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strictly abiding by the relevant agreements signed by the two countries, and committed to safeguarding China's territorial sovereignty and security as well as peace and stability in the China-India border areas. At present, the overall situation in the China-India border areas is stable and controllable. On border-related issues, there have been sound mechanisms and channels of communication between China and India, and the two sides are capable of properly resolving relevant issues through dialogue and consultation. There is no need for any third party to intervene. Changes in the mortgage industry have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as we adapt to new technology, new regulations, and an increased need to help Canadians increase their cashflow. As business changes, brokers will need to be agile and adaptable so that they can continue to thrive. One of the biggest threats facing the average broker business right now is the steep decline in the home purchase business, and a slow recovery as we emerge out of the coronavirus pandemic. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is predicting that new housing construction will be slashed by at least half this year and prices and sales on existing homes are in for a deep decline. The national agency says sales likely wont recover until the middle of next year and will remain below pre-pandemic levels until 2022. While it feels natural to try and compete for more purchase business, Agostino Tuzi, national partnership director, mortgage broker channel at HomeEquity Bank says the space is crowded and dwindling. Diversity in products and new clients will be a great asset in moving beyond the pandemic. The Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has disclosed that the state miss the deceased Senator Munir Adekunle Muses gentleman approach to politics. Obasa made this disclosure while commenting on the personality of the late astute politician from the Lagos Central Senatorial District,noting that there were no indication of any ailment when the late Muse celebrated his 80th birthday recently. It is with a great sense of loss but submission to the will of Allah that I received the news of the demise of Senator Munir Adekunle Muse, a former distinguished Senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the good people of Lagos East Senatorial district. Baba Muse celebrated his 80th birthday just few days ago without giving us any sign of leaving us this soon. We will surely miss his gentleman approach to politics. On behalf myself, members, management and staff of Lagos State House of Assembly, I express my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, friends, political associates and Lagos APC in general. May the Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah firdaous and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Gorakhpur : , June 3 (IANS) Lallan, a painter in the NCR city Ghaziabad, waited near a railway station for three days for his turn to get on to a Shramik special. On the fourth day, he went to the bank, withdrew all his savings of Rs 1.9 lakh and headed straight to a second hand car seller. He bought a used car for Rs 1.5 lakh, and travelled back to his home in Gorakhpur along with his family, vowing never to return. A resident of Kaitholia village in PP Ganj in Gorakhpur, Lallan said, "After the lockdown, I stayed on hoping that things would soon return to normal. When the lockdown kept getting extended, I thought it would be safer for me and my family to return to our village. However, we made several attempts to get seats on buses or trains but failed." Lallan said that the buses, in any case, were overcrowded and he feared that his family may get infected with the coronavirus if they travelled without maintaining social distancing. "Finally, when I failed to get seats in the Shramik trains, I decided to buy a car and travel home. I know I have spent all my savings but at least my family is safe," he said. Lallan left Ghaziabad in his car with his family on May 29 and reached Gorakhpur on the following day after a 14-hour journey. Lallan, who is in home quarantine, is now hopeful of getting work in Gorakhpur. "If I can get work here, I will not return to Ghaziabad," he said. Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. ACHC collaborated with Covenant Health, which offers a diverse range of healthcare services in Tennessee. The tie-up intends to solve mental health issues, which remain quite unaddressed due to the dearth of resources in East Tennessee. The partnership involves building a new behavioral health hospital, whose construction is likely to start in late 2020. The hospital, with an initial capacity of 90 beds, will have the space to accommodate another 48 beds if further demand arises. Scheduled to begin operations in 2021, the hospital will aim at providing in-patient services to adults, seniors and adolescents plagued with severe mental health disorders. Apart from in-patient treatment, the hospital will also provide a range of out-patient services, which even includes intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs. So, the new hospital basically intends to provide a comprehensive and high-quality range of healthcare services for people residing in Knoxville and surrounding counties. Furthermore, we believe that this announcement comes at a time when the entire United States is plagued with financial woes induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when unemployment levels are remaining high, financial burdens are bound to take a toll on the mental health of the Americans. Addressing mental issues at the earliest has become immensely important amid this pandemic. Moreover, Acadia Healthcare has always been in a bid to partner with established healthcare systems. River Place Behavioral Health, Erlanger Behavioral Health and Southcoast Behavioral Health are some notable hospitals, which Acadia Healthcare has established by partnering with several healthcare providers. We believe such efforts are likely to boost the companys revenues in the days ahead and also strengthen its global foothold. However, shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) healthcare provider have lost 14.8% in a year compared with the industrys decline of 16.3%. Story continues Further, the healthcare system in the United States is already bearing the brunt of the coronavirus outbreak. Several restrictions imposed by the federal and state governments related to the suspension of certain operations have resulted in revenue declines for most hospital companies. Not only this, hospital companies have also witnessed an escalation in costs amid the pandemic. Nevertheless, with the easing of restrictions, such companies are witnessing a surge in admissions. Stocks to Consider Some better-ranked stocks in the medical space include The Ensign Group, Inc. ENSG, Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. ACOR and Abeona Therapeutics Inc. ABEO, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Ensign, Acorda Therapeutics and Abeona Therapeutics have a trailing four-quarter positive earnings surprise of 7.87%, 18.90% and 5.45%, on average, respectively. Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2020? Last year's 2019 Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolio returned gains as high as +102.7%. Now a brand-new portfolio has been handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Dont miss your chance to get in on these long-term buys. Access Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 today >> 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 Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (ACOR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (ACHC) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Ensign Group, Inc. (ENSG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Abeona Therapeutics Inc. (ABEO) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. One of the most moving pictures clicked on Eid, it summarises Indias true spirit! You see two police officers, one a Hindu and the other a Muslim, praying to their respective Gods on the auspicious occasion for the world to heal. On Eid, head constable Askar Khan was on duty in an idgah in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh to enforce the lockdown. When it was time for namaz, Khan prayed to Allah while his boss, SHO Ram Prasad Sharma, stood beside him and did his puja. As I saw Khan offering namaz, I felt a positive aura. I closed my eyes and did my puja, praying for the world to heal. I think someone took the picture in that moment, he says. Sharma says that Khan is like a brother to him, and they have been fighting against coronavirus together. We have fought the deadly virus together. Khan is an amazing person who can even recite Hanuman Chalisa and Gayatri Mantra. And he never misses his namaz and roza. On Eid, we prayed to God together and it was such a happy feeling, says Sharma. Askar Khan and RP Sharma Humbled by the praise, Khan, a native of Gwalra village near Aligarh, says Sharma is an inspiration for him and for the entire city. Sab ka marg darshan karte hain woh. Us din, jab main namaaz ada kar raha tha, sahib ke mann mein na jaane kya aaya ki woh bhi bhakti mein leen ho gaye (He is the guiding force for all. That day, when I was offering namaaz, dont know what he felt that he also immersed himself in bhakti), says Khan. Khans father used to offer namaaz five times a day, and thats how he picked up the habit. And Khan also learnt Gayatri Mantra in his childhood. There was an Arya Samaj Mahavidyala in my village. I used to attend the hawan there and recite Gayatri Mantra. I get a lot of peace in bhakti, whether it is namaaz or reciting mantras, says Khan. Khan later learnt Hanuman Chalisa from his friends in the police station. Those who have very shallow knowledge of religion poison minds. Khuda, Ram, Allahthey are all one. Antar sirf bhashaon ka hai. (just the languages differ), says Khan. The policeman says that Hindus and Muslims have always lived as one in his village, sharing joy and grief. Jab bhi Gwalra mein koi baraat aati thi, hum sab mil kar aadar satkaar karte ki gaun ki badnami na ho, Hindu Muslim ka fark beech mein kadapi nahin aaya (Whenever a baraat came to my village, we used to welcome it together to maintain the reputation of our village, there was no difference between Hindus and Muslims), he says. Khan praises SHO Ram Prasad Sharma for keeping people in Amroha united in a similar fashion. The atmosphere here is always of love, peace, unity. People celebrate all the festivals together, and the bond is so strong that no one can break it, he says. The picture of the two cops praying on Eid went viral as soon as someone put it up on social media. IPS Rahul Srivastava says the picture is a celebration our age-old tradition of religious harmony, the richest legacy of India that defines us as Indians. Once we don the khaki uniform, the boundaries of cast, creed, and religion cease to exist for us forever. Selfless service to human beings is our only religion. I love the way this picture captures the essence of togetherness that India is known for, he says. I saw this viral picture on social media. Pluralism will always be the bedrock of our nation. I salute both the cops, says Utsav Bains, lawyer, Supreme Court. People like Khan and Sharma define the India we love! This is the India thats worth dying for! 'It could rain about 200 mm in short span of time.' IMAGE: Dark clouds gather in the sky over Mumbai. Photograph: PTI Photo "Starting from the entire Konkan coast -- Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Alibaug -- going further north towards Mumbai, suburbs of Mumbai, be it Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Thane, Kalyan and going up to Dahanu and Palghar (will be affected by Nisarga," Air Vice Marshal G P Sharma, President, Meteorology and Climate Change, Skymet Weather Services, tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com. AVM Sharma, an alumnus of the College of Defence Management in Hyderabad, served in the Indian Air Force and retired as an air vice marshal. Where is cyclone Nisarga right now? It is still in the sea. It is almost about 170 to 180 kilometres southwest of Alibaug and another 220-odd kilometres from Mumbai, again directionally southwest only. Where is the landfall likely to happen? It appears it should be close to Alibaug, plus-minus about 20 kilometres from Alibaug. One must understand the landfall is not one moment; it will take some time. My assessment is anytime after one o'clock we can have the landfall. Which parts of the western coast will be affected the most? Starting from the entire Konkan coast -- Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Alibaug -- going further north towards Mumbai, suburbs of Mumbai, be it Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Thane, Kalyan and going up to Dahanu and Palghar. It could rain about 200 mm in short span of time. As it moves further away from the centre of the sea, the intensity will be little less, but it will still be there. It could then roll over into the Navsari area of Gujarat also. Which parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat will be severely affected? The Konkan region will be severely afffected as it moves fast. Then it will go over to central Maharashtra, mainly the northern parts of central Maharashtra like Nashik, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Dhule, Nandurbar. How intense will it be when Nisarga hits land? What appears right now is that Nisarga should be a cyclonic storm and all cyclonic storms have a tendency to weaken a little. To me it appears, based on the features I see, it should be a cyclonic storm and while crossing (from sea to land) also it will be a cyclonic storm. During storms, wind speeds are anywhere from 60 to 80 kilometres per hour, but I will put it little on the upper side between 90 to 100 kilometre per hour. The thing is where it will be striking (the entire Konkan coast), the terrain is very uneven; there are ghats, there are mountains; so it is not a levelled terrain. Levelled terrains are very different because the gustiness of winds become more. So wind speeds can vary up to 20-30-40 kilometre per hour and may also increase in intensity, while average wind speeds will be about 90 kilometres per hour. What are the precautions people living in these area must take apart from being evacuated? That is the only precaution: you need to be evacuated particularly from the structures which are weak, kutcha or thatched because these structures could be swept away by the winds along with heavy rains and this combination has maximum damage potential. Along with that there is the high tide (around 10 am), and if there is a strong surge, and if heavy rains start, the rain waters won't go into the sea. Fortunately, the (high) tide is around 10 o'clock only and by the time the storm strikes it will be receding, it will be going towards the low tide. So, it may not aggravate the problem but there is a high tide around that time only with waves of around five to six feet high. On top of that storm surge is going to be there. People should obviously stay inside only, because it is going to disrupt the communications connectivity, even rail and road traffic will be disrupted. People should not venture outside. Now (around 8 am) it's just about raining right light. If you venture out and try to come back in the evening, you will find it difficult; better to stay indoors, at least today. What are the chances that it could weaken by the time it has landfall? I told you that all the storms, not only this (Nisarga), with their proximity to land become weaker. It is intense when it is in deep sea, but when it approaches land, because of the intrusion of the land-air, it has a tendency to weaken a little. And here the thing is, it's a difficult terrain also (that could weaken cyclone Nisarga further). Even if it were to be a severe cyclonic storm, at the time of crossing it will become a cyclonic storm and the upper range of winds will be between 80 to 90 kilometres per hour. Gusts should be more, but normal should be this much (between 80 to 90 kilometres per hour). Is this cyclonic storm the onset of the monsoon? These cyclonic systems are the drivers of the monsoon. Cyclone Amphan brought monsoon to the south Andaman Sea; this system (cyclone Nisarga) brought monsoon to Kerala. If you give me a chance, I will say this is the monsoon. To me, it appears the monsoon. How else does the monsoon come? Is this cyclone related to climate change, global warming? It is climate change. Basically, what climate change means is warming; more the warming, more is the frequency and intensity of the storm. The heat potential is what feeds such storms. Even if the sea temperature is more by 0.5 per cent even or one degree then it makes a phenomenal difference. It will increase the frequency and intensity in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and that is what the climate change is doing and it will continue to do. A chart showing the UK's progress on crucial coronavirus testing was mysteriously absent from today Downing Street briefing as the programme comes under fire. The disappearance of the graph, which gives a day-by-day count of how many tests are being done, is the latest in a string of shambles in Britain's testing strategy. Department of Health officials this week came under fire for fudging the statistics they use to count how many tests are done, counting those which haven't yet been analysed by a lab. And it has now been 12 days since the Department revealed the number of people it has tested in a day or in total. Grilled earlier today on how long it was taking for people to get tested, Baroness Dido Harding, chief of the NHS's test and trace system, refused to confirm what proportion of tests are completed - from swab to result - within 24 hours. Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, chairing a Health and Social Care Committee meeting in which Baroness Harding appeared, asked a series of questions about how quickly testing and tracing was being done and the level of compliance from the public. But Baroness Harding refused to give numbers to the MPs and said none of the data had been 'validated'. Mr Hunt said he was 'disappointed' because he had given advance notice of the questions she would be asked. When Baroness Harding could not say the overall proportion of coronavirus swab tests that are completed within 24 hours, Mr Hunt cut in: 'You must know that; that just can't be right. 'You're telling me you don't actually know how many tests come back within 24 hours and you're in charge of NHS test and trace?' The controversy comes amid widespread reports that contact tracers are being left without enough work to do, with one reporting she has simply watched Netflix for most of the 38 hours she has worked so far. Baroness Harding admitted there was 'spare capacity' because around a quarter of people are filling out the forms themselves online, and not enough people are getting tested. She pointed to the fact that statistics suggest 8,000 people per day are catching the virus but fewer than 2,000 people are now testing positive each day. Baroness Dido Harding appeared in front of MPs on the Health and Social Care Select Committee today to answer questions about Britain's test and trace scheme This graph, from yesterday, shows a time series for the number of coronavirus swab tests being carried out by the Department of Health. But today's graph (next picture) was mysteriously missing the testing element Baroness Harding replied: 'I have not had the data validated.' She was cut off again by Mr Hunt who said: 'So you've got data but it's not been validated?' The test and trace chief said: 'I have not got the data validated by the authority who has expressed concern over previous testing data not having been validated.' The former health secretary and MP for South West Surrey asked Baroness Harding to write to the committee within a week confirming the figures. Earlier in the meeting Baroness Harding had refused to reveal what proportion of people who tested positive were contacted by tracers within 24 hours, what proportion of them were successfully contacted, what proportion were willing to share details about their close contacts, and what proportion of the contacts were willing to self-isolate when they were asked to do so. Baroness Harding said a 'weekly dashboard' compiling national and local data would be published publicly online, potentially as soon as next week. Mr Hunt said in the meeting: 'I have to say I am quite disappointed with that because we did give you notice of these questions' Mr Hunt said: 'I have to say I am actually quite disappointed with that because we did give you notice of these questions. 'I would really like to probe and get as much of a flavour as I can because I think, this is a House of Commons select committee, and I think we were told it was going to be a world-beating system when it was launched and I don't think it's unreasonable for us to ask quite simple questions like what proportion of new Covid cases have been contacted within 24 hours. 'Could you give us a flavour? And are you getting more than 80 per cent of them? Because we've been hearing that lots of contact tracers have been sitting idle.' CONTACT TRACER 'PAID TO WATCH NETFLIX' A contact tracer working in the NHS's test and trace system has watched nearly three series of a show on Netflix because they haven't been assigned any work in her first working week. The worker, known only under the fake name 'Becky', told the BBC she had worked 38 hours so far but not engaged with any members of the public. She told the Victoria Derbyshire programme: 'It's frustrating to know that I'm sat idle when there's people that need contacting... 'I'm yet to make a single phone call or be assigned a case. 'I've had no contact from anyone. I've had no contact from supervisors. I've literally been on the system, refreshed the system, and entertained myself during that watching Netflix. 'I've just watched it alongside going back to the system, refreshing it, occasionally having to log back in because it's timed out. I have yet to have contact with anybody regarding contact tracing.' Advertisement In her defence Baroness Harding said: 'I'm very happy to give you a flavour but I just think it's really important that we give you validated data. 'I don't think there's any citizen service of this scale that would launch and within six days share 24-hour turnaround data. We will get to it really quickly.' MPs concern about the lack of data comes amid widespread claims that contact tracers - of whom there are around 25,000 employed - don't have enough work to do. One tracer has watched nearly three series of a show on Netflix because they haven't been assigned any work in her first working week. The worker, known only under the fake name 'Becky', told the BBC she had worked 38 hours so far but not engaged with any members of the public. She told the Victoria Derbyshire programme: 'It's frustrating to know that I'm sat idle when there's people that need contacting... 'I'm yet to make a single phone call or be assigned a case. 'I've had no contact from anyone. I've had no contact from supervisors. I've literally been on the system, refreshed the system, and entertained myself during that watching Netflix. 'I've just watched it alongside going back to the system, refreshing it, occasionally having to log back in because it's timed out. I have yet to have contact with anybody regarding contact tracing.' And some of the employees can't do the work they are assigned because of dodgy operating systems, they say. People working in the system told MailOnline that they had not contacted anyone in the two weeks since they started work. And employees say they are having to repeat training they have already done because glitches in the system mean they cannot register that they have completed it already. Those keen to get started say they have been sat twiddling their thumbs and they have been stuck in queues of over 350 people waiting for technical help. Sent laughing emojis by bosses who can't help them, contact tracers say the system remains 'shambolic' and unfit for purpose as millions of pupils return to school today. People working in the coronavirus test and trace system say they have not been able to do their work because glitches in the operating system have prevented them from getting past the training stage One source working in the test and trace system said they were 'frustrated' to be unable to work and were just told they would be paid anyway Other lockdown rules have lifted this week, and people are now allowed to meet outdoors in groups of up to six people and outdoor businesses may reopen. But there are concerns the test and trace won't work if Britons refuse to give friends or relatives' details, and one call handler revealed two of the three potentially infected contacts she rang went straight to voicemail. One source, who has been employed by Sitel since May 13 was today still waiting to make their first call while earning 75-a-day for doing nothing. Experts say the success of the project is crucial to banishing the virus from our lives and a 25,000-strong army of 'test and trace' call-handlers have been recruited by companies like Sitel and Serco for the task. The source, who is based in the West Midlands, said: 'Each day we login and it's the same thing over and over again. We ask what we are going to be doing today only to be told to hold tight and chill out and, "you're still getting paid".' Who is Dido Harding? Baroness Harding of Winscombe was raised on a farm in Somerset, is former CEO of TalkTalk, an ex-jockey and married to Tory MP for Weston-super-Mare The former chief executive of TalkTalk, who was at the helm of the company when it was hit by an 80 million cyber attack in 2015, is leading the UK's test and trace scheme to tackle the coronavirus. Baroness Dido Harding of Winscombe, 53, was raised on a Somerset pig farm and is the granddaughter of Field Marshall Lord Harding, the commander of the Desert Rats who became the most senior soldier in the British army. A former jockey, she studied Policy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University, alongside David Cameron, and is the wife of John Penrose, the Conservative MP for Weston-super-Mare. Upon graduating, she held a slew of roles at Thomas Cook, Woolworths, Tesco and Sainsbury's. Baroness Harding was appointed CEO of TalkTalk in 2010, serving in the role for seven years, during which the company was the victim of a cyber attack that saw the personal and banking details of 157,000 customers accessed by hackers. She was subjected to repeated blackmail attempts after the hack, with demands for Bitcoins in exchange for stolen data, which included customers' names, email addresses, mobile numbers, home addresses and dates of birth. Former TalkTalk CEO Baroness Dido Harding will lead the UK's test and trace scheme to tackle the coronavirus, set to launch tomorrow Baroness Harding is a former jockey, though she quit racing after hitting 40 and promising her husband she'd stop In the aftermath, TalkTalk was fined a record 400,000 for security failings which allowed the data to be accessed 'with ease' in one of the biggest data breaches in history. TalkTalk is thought to have lost 60million from the fallout with an estimated 100,000 angry customers leaving, mainly to BT, while 2015 profits halved to 14million and shares lost nearly two-thirds of their value. Baroness Harding faced repeated calls to step down over the breach, but stayed on until 2017, when she resigned to focus on her 'public service activities'. Later that year, she was appointed chair of NHS Improvement, responsible for overseeing all NHS hospitals. A powerful figure, she refuses to believe her gender has ever held her back, nor will she endorse female quotas on company boards, which she sees as political meddling. She also thinks that workers have too much maternity leave, despite admitting being the boss has allowed her to successfully juggle her own career with spending time with the two daughters she has with her husband. She studied Policy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University, alongside David Cameron, and is married to John Penrose, Conservative MP for Weston-super-Mare She said in a 2015 interview: ' I have an enormously privileged position. 'I make a lot of money a matter of public record I have a huge amount of help, and Im more in control of the day and what I do than someone working shifts on the checkout, or running the produce department in a supermarket.' Baroness Harding has also packed in a career as a jockey, which saw her appear at Cheltenham, Ascot and even the towering Grand National jumps at Aintree. One particularly nasty crash over the sticks at Larkhill left her strapped to a spinal board - though she still managed to catch a flight to a conference in Thailand the next day. As TalkTalk CEO, she was presented with the Daily Mail wooden spoon award for 'Worst Customer Service' But, aged 24, she made a rash promise to her husband she would give it all up at 40. When the date came Penrose, who had not forgotten, made it clear breaching the bargain was a deal-breaker for the marriage. Harding obliged, though does still race without jumps. 'I miss the racing hugely,' she previously admitted. 'If you told me I could go off and do it tomorrow afternoon I would. For me thats always been my way of shutting everything off and relaxing.' Now, she is the leader of the government's coronavirus tracing programme. The NHS Test and Trace system for England will see anyone who develops symptoms told to self-isolate and get tested, with the close contacts of those who are found to be positive for the disease then told to quarantine for 14 days even if they test negative and are not sick. The system is being launched without its NHS contact tracing app centrepiece prompting concerns that without the new technology the Government could struggle to tackle the spread of the disease. Experts immediately said the complexity of the programme meant there could be 'several points of failure' while the Government's political opponents said ministers should never have largely ditched contact tracing in the first place. Mr Hancock said that adhering to self-isolation would be 'voluntary at first' but that he could 'quickly make it mandatory if that is what it takes'. He told the daily Downing Street press conference: 'If you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace instructing you to isolate, you must. It is your civic duty, so you avoid unknowingly spreading the virus and you help to break the chain of transmission.' The launch of the programme was announced by Boris Johnson during an appearance in front of the Liaison Committee this afternoon as he admitted the UK's testing capability was underpowered at the start of the outbreak because the 'brutal reality' was Britain did not 'learn the lessons' of previous pandemics. James Corden broke down in tears as he discussed racism on 'The Late, Late Show'. The 41-year-old presenter grew emotional and admitted he wished he could "put [his] arm around" his bandleader Reggie Watts after the musician reflected on his own experiences. Reggie said: "I was fortunate to grow up in a place where I was pretty protected by my parents when it came to forms of racism that happened in my neighbourhood. "My mom was a fierce fighter and would get out of the house and get in people's faces about, you know, people calling me the N-word or whatever growing up and being different and stuff. So I feel really grateful that my parents and my father fought so hard to make my life feel normal and to have me grow up feeling like I'm a human being rather than I'm a demographic." "And just going back in my history, my father growing up in the Midwest and being in Vietnam and not being able to get a job when he got out of the Army because he was black. "And the economy wasn't doing that well and he had to reenlist, got sent back to Vietnam. And then when my parents got married their marriage wasn't recognised in the US because of laws prohibiting interracial marriage." Growing tearful, Reggie said: "I have this history in the black community in the Midwest that I don't access a lot because there's a lot of pain and emotion there. "So it's hard and so much is happening. And I want to use my platform for good. I go in and out, you know Wiping away tears, James replied: "I'm so sorry that you're feeling this. I would give anything to be in a room with you and put my arm around. I would so much, I would give anything to be able to put my arm around you." The British presenter admitted he had been "struggling" to know what to say about the civil unrest in the US in the wake of the death of George Floyd - who passed away after a police officer knelt on his neck to restrain him - but offered support and called for change. He said: "Who needs my opinion? Surely, this is a time for me to listen, not talk. "And then I realise that that's part of the problem. People like me have to speak up. "To be clear, I'm not talking about late-night hosts, or people who are fortunate like I am to have to have a platform. I'm talking about white people. "White people cannot just say anymore, 'Yeah, I'm not racist.' And think that that's enough, because it's not. "It's not enough, because make no mistake, this is our problem to solve. How can the black community dismantle a problem that they didn't create?" Rod Rosenstein told Congress on Wednesday that he was not sure that he had read the entire FISA renewal application to surveil Carter Page. Rosenstein, the former deputy attorney general during the Obama administration, made the comments during testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee hearing touched in part on the FBIs application to surveil Page in 2016 while he was working as a Trump-campaign adviser. There are a lot of FISA applications that come through, some more significant than others, Rosenstein said in response to a question from Senator Mike Lee (R., Utah). This one was unusual in that I already knew about it because of the Russia investigationIm not sure I read every page, but I was familiar with what was in it. Rosenstein said that according to his recollection, the unredacted version of the application was actually fairly persuasive, and it had already been approved three times. This was just a reauthorization. In December 2019, the Justice Departments Inspector General wrote that the FBI had omitted crucial details in their application to monitor Page, and that agents had not disclosed the unreliable nature of the evidence contained in the Steele dossier. The dossier, compiled by former British agent Christopher Steele, alleged that Trump and other campaign officials may have been compromised by Russian operatives. It has since emerged that Steele may have included Russian disinformation in his report. At the Wednesday hearing, Rosenstein told senators that he would not have signed the application if he had known that the evidence behind it was faulty. Every application I approved appeared to be justified based on the facts it alleged, Rosenstein said. More from National Review Cara Santana's activism continues. The 35-year-old actress raised her arm in support of Black Lives Matter as she was involved in a demonstration in Los Angeles amid the nationwide unrest after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin killed a black man named George Floyd last week when he kneeled on the back of Floyd's neck while he was handcuffed, rendering him unable to breathe. The Real Bros of Simi Valley star donned a white tank top and denim shorts with white sneakers and wore her hair up on the sunny day in the City of Angeles. Focused: Cara Santana, 35, raised her arm in support of Black Lives Matter as she was involved in a demonstration in Los Angeles Tuesday amid the nationwide unrest after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin killed a black man named George Floyd last week The Salem star earlier this week took to Instagram to show how she was making efforts to clean up the debris in Los Angeles after days of demonstrations and looting. 'Today we walked the decimated community we call home and talked about our place in all of this, we looked at the destruction, we saw the pain, and we picked up the trash,' the Vida actress said. She added: 'Its glaringly obvious how polarized we are as a country and what I recognized more than anything today is it is not my job to judge and dismiss the symptoms of this pervasive illness in our society, but to do my part in treating the illness, to listen, to learn, and to be of service.' Santana and her former fiance Jesse Metcalfe, 40, have been quarantining in Los Angeles on the same grounds with Santana in the main home and Metcalfe in a guest house. Solidarity: Cara and three friends appeared at the event in a black SUV Keeping an eye out: The Vida actress recorded events with her camera phone In the May 25 incident involving Floyd, arresting officers said he matched the description of a forgery suspect, and subsequently resisted them when they took him into custody. In an accompanying clip, Chauvin was seen pinning his knee into the back of Floyd's neck as Floyd pleaded with him to relent. 'Please, please, please, I can't breathe ... please, man ... my stomach hurts, my neck hurts, everything hurts ... I can't breathe,' said Floyd, who later died in police custody in a nearby hospital. Chauvin faces charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in connection with the incident. Minnesota state and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Tuesday put in a human rights complaint against the Minneapolis Police Department. 'We know that deeply seated issues exist,' Gov. Tim Walz said. 'I know it because we saw the casual nature of the erasing of George Floyds life and humanity. We also saw the reaction of the community. Community minded: The Salem star earlier this week took to Instagram to show how she was making efforts to clean up the debris in Los Angeles after days of demonstrations and looting Familiar face? Santana appeared animated as she ran into a friend at the assembly in LA Solidarity: Cara has been outspoken on her social views on her Twitter account Flashback: Recent events have drawn parallels to the Los Angeles riots of 1992, which broke out after four police officers were acquitted in their trial over the beating of Rodney King 'They expected nothing to happen, because nothing happened so many times before.' In the wake of the jarring sequence of events, riots began in Minnesota and spread both nationwide and internationally, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets, even amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The events have drawn parallels to the Los Angeles riots of 1992, which broke out after four police officers were acquitted in their trial over the beating of Rodney King, which was caught on video camera. In the five days of rioting, more than 60 people died, 2,000-plus were hurt and damages to destroyed property topped $1 billion. Ex appeal: Santana and her former fiance Jesse Metcalfe, 40, have been quarantining in Los Angeles on the same grounds The look: Cara wore a pair of Daisy Dukes for her day of activism Laurence Fox has sparked a furious backlash after sharing a flippant reference to the Blackout Tuesday movement in the wake of George Floyd's death. Taking to Twitter on Tuesday night after millions across the world boycotted social media by filling their feed with black squares, the actor, 42, wrote: 'Instagram seems to be broken.' The movement was aimed to give people an opportunity to reflect on and learn about the Black Lives Matter movement and racial equality, sparked by Floyd's death at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis on May 25. Under fire: Laurence Fox has provoked further controversy after using his Twitter platform to comment on the Blackout Tuesday movement currently sweeping across social media Addressing his 183,000 followers, he wrote: Instagram seems to be broken. The comment sparked an inevitable wave of criticism, with many followers condemning Fox for being 'twisted, racist' and missing the point. Responding to the actor, one wrote: 'Obviously your thinking is. Making a joke about people showing solidarity for the appalling way black people have been & are still being treated for generations is pretty twisted.' While another added: 'And the most privilege blind award goes to L Fox. Your blind spot is immense!' Comment: , Fox appeared to make a flippant reference to the lack of movement online sparked by black man George Floyds death at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis Taking a stand: Millions across the world boycotted social media for 24-hours by filling their feeds with black squares A third commented: 'No Laurence. People are ending racism. Just as they ended the conflict in Sudan with a blue profile picture.' Hitting back at the actor, another outraged follower wrote: Im sorry, have I missed something here? Is the problem that black police officers are wantonly murdering whites people and I have somehow got the wrong end of the stick? Slamming Fox, another added: 'I believe you officially qualify as a racist now. You cant say Instagram is broken' Target: The comment sparked an inevitable wave of criticism, with many followers condemning Fox for missing the point Hitting out: Followers lashed out at the actor shortly after reading his post, with one accusing him of 'racism' Support: Others sided with the actor, with a faction describing those who opted to post black squares across social media as 'virtue signalling sheep' Others sided with the actor, with a faction describing those who opted to post black squares across social media as 'virtue signalling sheep.' Agreeing with Fox, one wrote: Virtual signaling people are out in force on insta . Aaaah sad.' While another promptly added: 'Theyre just having a sackcloth and ashes narcissist party over there today. It will be mostly back to normal tomorrow.' Previously: The actor son of celebrated screen star James Fox has been targeted for his outspoken political views following a controversial appearance on BBC show Question Time in January Fox (left) was involved in an extraordinary slanging match last night with Question Time audience member Rachel Boyle (right), a lecturer in race ethnicity Laurence Fox's QT highlights On a being actor on flying around the world: 'Yeah the carbon footprint is huge - but we make up for it by preaching to everyone else about how they should change their lives'. On Meghan and Harry quitting: 'I feel sorry for them, in a way, because it's difficult when you have a young baby and all that but surely Harry should have had a chat with Meghan at some point and said: 'By the way this is going to be misery and you don't have to marry me if you don't want to'. And then they hop out and I think, can we have the cottage back and your HRHs? I do sympathise with them but there is a little bit of having your cake and eating it, which I don't enjoy'. On racism and Asian sex gangs: 'We need to call out racism when it's seen and stand together to condemn it - but for fear of sounding racist there have been series of horrific things happening in Manchester and other towns all across the north of England and we should be careful and not call someone racist because they don't agree with you'. On the north: 'The people here are much nicer than anyone you'll meet in London, ever'. On the Labour leadership: 'Hmmm, who should replace magic grandpa. Keir Starmer? He just looks like he can take Boris on. That the vibe I get'. Shami Chakrabarti accused him of ignoring female candidates and he replied: 'Oh God it's not about women, jeepers creepers. Sorry, let me rewind. Any of the women. Is that better? Any woman. Because it's really important what your gender is or what your sexuality is rather than what your policies are'. Advertisement Dismissing the movement, a third commented: 'Its depressing, theyre all sheep. The majority have no idea why they have a black screen.' Another follower quipped: 'I think we all need to salute the bravery of white middle class liberals courageously foregoing posting pictures of their avocado toast and oat milk flat whites for a whole 24 hours.' The actor son of celebrated screen star James Fox has been targeted for his outspoken political views following a controversial appearance on BBC show Question Time in January. Struggle: Laurence couldn't cope with what he was hearing and looked like he was banging his head on a desk during his exchange with Boyle Fox accused black university lecturer Rachel Boyle of 'being racist' on Question Time after she called him 'a white privileged male' for denying Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex was hounded from Britain for being mixed-race. He shot back at her: ''Oh my God. I can't help what I am, I was born like this, it's an immutable characteristic: to call me a white privileged male is to be racist - you're being racist'. Their angry exchange began when Boyle said criticism of Meghan in the media had been motivated by 'racism', adding: 'She's a black woman and she has been torn to pieces.' Here we go: Fox posted a telling tweet after the show - a nod to the extraordinary scenes that would be broadcast later Nonplussed: He later brushed off the criticism and said he'd 'rather eat a lightbulb' than learn more about white privilege But Fox hit back, saying: 'it's not racism' and continued: We're the most tolerant, lovely country in Europe it's so easy to throw the charge of racism at everybody and it's really starting to get boring'. In the ensuing aftermath, which prompted condemnation and praise in equal measure, actor's union Equity were forced to backtrack from comments it posted online branding him a 'disgrace to our industry' and calling on members to 'unequivocally denounce him' for his remarks. Backtrack: In the ensuing aftermath, actors union Equity were forced to backtrack from comments it posted online branding him a 'disgrace to our industry' and calling on members to 'unequivocally denounce him' for his remarks Equity posted the statements online before later deleting them and claiming that they had been published by two rogue members of its Minority Ethnic Members committee. However, in a later twist, actor and Equity MEM committee member Jassa Ahluwalia claimed the statement had been approved before being shared on social media. The union's intervention triggered fury on social media, with actress and member Alice Evans saying: 'This is not fair. Equity you are speaking on behalf of thousands of actors who have not shared this opinion. This is beyond your mandate. 'I have not expressed views on either side but as a member of Equity I have certainly NOT denounced Laurence Fox and neither should my union be doing so on my behalf. Kind of shocked.' Stepping away: In February Fox said he would be taking an 'extended break from social media' as he condemned a 'cancel culture' that pushes 'people to the edge of their ability to remain emotionally ok' Weeks after his Question Time appearance, Fox revealed that he had become 'more and more depressed' following a ferocious left-wing Twitter backlash. He also said that he feared for his future and his 'ability to provide financially' for his children, despite stressing the need to 'stand up to bullies'. Fox, who has two children with actress Billie Piper, said he would take an 'extended break from social media' as he condemned a so-called 'cancel culture' that pushes 'people to the edge of their ability to remain emotionally ok'. He dismissed people's concerns that the troubles would 'blow over', claiming: 'When you are in it, it doesn't feel like it will.' The actor then declared that he would 'turn this noise off for a while', before making a final plea for people to 'respect that we are all different'. Rep. Steve King of Iowa, whose history of racist statements resulted in years of criticism and eventually discipline from Republican leadership, lost his primary Tuesday night. The winner of the five-way race was Randy Feenstra, a state senator who outraised King by several hundred thousand dollars and had won endorsements from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Right to Life Committee. Last year King was condemned or outright abandoned by a number of Republican allies who stood by him through his long history of racist rhetoric when he asked, speaking to the New York Times, White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? Previously, King had attempted to defend his association with international far-right groups by saying, If they were in America pushing the platform that they push, they would be Republicans. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the Republican leader in the House, stripped King of his committee assignments. Iowas two Republican senators, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, who had campaigned with King in the past, condemned his comments. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said she would stay out of the primary for Kings seat, after keeping the congressman on as a co-chair for her 2018 campaign. King had served as national co-chair of Sen. Ted Cruzs 2016 presidential campaign. Iowa state Sen. Randy Feenstra. (Charlie Neibergall/AP) I think he should find another line of work, Rep. Liz Cheney, the third-ranking Republican in the House, said at the time. His language questioning whether or not the notion of white supremacy is offensive is absolutely abhorrent, its racist, we do not support it or agree with it. Feenstras campaign did not focus on Kings history of racist rhetoric, except to claim that losing his committee assignments diminished his ability to work for his district, which covers the mostly rural northwest quadrant of the state. The states other three congressional seats are currently held by Democrats. The Fourth District needs a seat at the table an effective conservative voice, Feenstra said during a debate in May. Our district, our president, deserves an effective conservative leader in Congress. Story continues King said in May he would be restored to his committee assignments, although McCarthy said he would wait to let King formally make his case. Five members of the House GOP caucus donated to Feenstra: Reps. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Paul Mitchell of Michigan, Steve Stivers of Ohio, Dusty Johnson of South Dakota and Will Hurd of Texas. King defeated Democratic challenger J.D. Scholten by 3.7 percentage points in 2018, surviving controversy over his endorsement of a declared white supremacist in Torontos mayoral race and a meeting with an Austrian group associated with neo-Nazism. Some Iowa Republicans said that the narrow margin in his 2018 race the tightest victory of his nine-term career in an extremely Republican district showed him to be too vulnerable to be worth defending. Scholten is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination and will face Feenstra in Novembers general election. Cover thumbnail composite photos: Getty images; AP Under the directives received from the Embassy of Turkey in the UAE, VFS Global, the world's largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has reopened its Turkey Visa Application Centre in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, enforcing strict health and safety guidelines. The centres will accept visa applications for all available categories. Customers are requested to schedule an appointment prior to visiting the Visa Application Centre. Appointments can be scheduled online at https://www.vfsglobal.com/Turkey/uae/index.html In order to ensure a safe, productive work environment for employees, while still protecting communities to the maximum extent possible from the spread of the coronavirus, VFS Global has established standardised protective measures to be followed across the centre including specific social distancing and sanitation mandates. All customers are subjected to body temperature checks at the entrance of the centre to assess their health conditions. Any customer exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms, including high fever, cough and difficulty in breathing will not be permitted to enter the centre and requested to return once the health condition improves. Additionally, all customers and VFS Global employees are required to wear a face mask within the centre. For appointments or queries, customers may call the helpline or visit https://www.vfsglobal.com/Turkey/uae/index.html . - TradeArabia News Service New Delhi, June 3 : Indian fugitive business tycoon and founder of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines Vijay Mallya can be extradited to India in the coming days "anytime" as all the "legal process" has been completed, top sources in the government said on Wednesday. The development comes in the wake of Mallya losing his appeal in the UK top court on May 14 against his extradition to India. A top Enforcement Department source related to the development told IANS, "We will soon bring back Mallya to India anytime in the coming days." However, he remained tight-lipped on the date of the extradition. He said, "As he has lost his appeal in the UK Supreme Court there, we have completed all the legal process for his extradition." The teams of CBI and the ED are already working on the process of extradition to India. A CBI source related to the development said that after his extradition, we wil take his custody first as we were the first agency to file a case against him. A major roadblock in the extradition was cleared on May 14 when Mallya lost the case. Now the Narendra Modi government will have to bring him back in the next 28 days. Since May 14, it has already been more than 20 days since the UK court rejected his plea. The former parliamentarian, who ran India's largest spirits company, United Spirits, and founded the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines, faces charges of fraud and money laundering worth Rs 9,000 crore. He left India in March 2016 under the pretext of personal reasons. Mallya has defrauded at least 17 Indian banks, drawing loans which he allegedly routed to gain full or partial stake in about 40 companies abroad. Mallya after losing an appeal in the London High Court on April 20 against an extradition order to India, filed an appeal in the UK Supreme Court last month. On May 14, after the court ruling, he once again offered the central government that he will repay 100 per cent of his loan dues provided the case against him was closed. Mallya, however, said that his repeated offers to repay his dues have been ignored by the Modi government. Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a statement had said that the UK High Court order to extradite Mallya was a "milestone" in the agency's quest for excellence and a reminder that economic offenders facing probes in large value frauds cannot consider themselves above the process merely because they have changed jurisdictions. A CBI spokesperson said in a statement: "The decision of the UK High Court to order extradition of Mallya is a milestone in CBI's quest for excellence and a reminder that economic offenders, facing probes in large value frauds, cannot consider themselves above the process merely because they have changed jurisdictions." The spokesperson said the judgement also vindicated the "painstaking investigation" by the CBI, especially since Mallya had raised various issues with regard to the admissibility of evidence, the fairness of the investigation itself and extraneous consideration with a view to "divert attention" from his own acts. The CBI official further said that the extradition of Mallya was sought to face trial for offences of cheating, criminal conspiracy and abuse of official position by public servants, wherein Mallya faced allegations of conspiring with public servants and dishonestly defrauding the IDBI Bank to the extent of Rs 900 crore. The CBI had filed a chargesheet against Mallya and others on January 24, 2017 which was followed by a request for his extradition on January 31 in the same year. Based on the request, Mallya was arrested by the UK authorities on April 20, 2017. (Anand Singh can be contacted at anand.s@ians.in) Hong Kong: More students to return to school The Government today announced that Primary 4 to Secondary 2 students will resume classes on June 8 as scheduled. This follows the smooth resumption of Secondary 3 to Secondary 5 classes on May 27. The Education Bureau said that schools operated smoothly in the past week and they have rearranged their lesson timetables and staggered activity times to avoid crowd gatherings. Students have also quickly readjusted themselves to school life, it added. Given the occasional confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, the bureau reminded all parties to stay vigilant and be cautious. Schools should continue to implement anti-epidemic measures, including checking of body temperatures, maintaining appropriate social distance and wearing masks at all times. The bureau will liaise with the Centre for Health Protection and closely monitor the development of the epidemic as well as take into account the advice of health experts and continue to follow up on class resumption arrangements. Regarding class resumption arrangements for cross-boundary students, the bureau said it involves issues such as the immigration control between the Mainland and Hong Kong, the anti-epidemic and infection control policies as well as traffic arrangements. The bureau strives to resume classes for these students from Secondary 3 to Secondary 5 at around mid-June. On the arrangement for Primary 5 internal examinations for secondary school places allocation, affected schools may make special arrangements with regard to their circumstances. Schools can consider postponing the assessment period for Primary 5 students to September. If schools decide to postpone the Primary 5 internal exams to September, they should submit the scores by October 20. This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg has defended himself for not condemning remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump appearing to threaten violent retribution against demonstrators protesting the death of a black man at the hands of police, according to media reported on Tuesday. In a tweet which was also visible on his Facebook page, Trump slammed demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis as THUGS and appeared to promote a violent response by saying, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. That phrase was first used by a Miami police chief in 1967 to justify a violent crackdown on black neighbourhoods. Twitter placed a public interest notice on the post for violating the platforms rules about glorifying violence, a move not mirrored by Facebook. Online magazine The Verge reported that Zuckerberg held a long conference call with Facebook employees and addressed accusations that the social media platform allowed election misinformation and veiled promotions of violence from Trump. Zuckerberg told employees he should have offered them more transparency, The Verge reported citing a recording of the meeting. But he stood by what he termed a pretty thorough evaluation of Trumps posts, saying the choice to avoid labeling or removing them was difficult but correct. According to the recording, Zuckerberg described being upset by some of Trumps recent posts, including the one regarding looting. (But) I knew that I needed to separate out my personal opinion from what our policy is and the principles of the platform were running are. Several Facebook employees have resigned over the lack of action, the New York Times reported. One said publicly that the company would end up on the wrong side of history. (dpa/NAN) Technavio has been monitoring the global automotive aftermarket shock absorbers and it is poised to grow by USD 2.12 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 4% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005763/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Automotive Aftermarket Shock Absorbers Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Please Request Latest Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impact The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. ADD Industry (Zhejiang) Corp. Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., ITT Inc., Kobe Suspensions, LEACREE (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd., Showa Corp., Tenneco Inc., thyssenkrupp AG, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG are some of the major market participants. The sales of luxury and premium vehicles will offer immense growth opportunities. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The sales of luxury and premium vehicles has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Automotive Aftermarket Shock Absorbers 2020-2024: Segmentation Automotive Aftermarket Shock Absorbers is segmented as below: Type Passenger Vehicles Commercial Vehicles Geography APAC North America South America Europe MEA To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR40186 Automotive Aftermarket Shock Absorbers 2020-2024: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our automotive aftermarket shock absorbers report covers the following areas: Automotive Aftermarket Shock Absorbers size Automotive Aftermarket Shock Absorbers trends Automotive Aftermarket Shock Absorbers industry analysis This study identifies the shift of manufacturers to alternative lightweight materials as one of the prime reasons driving the automotive aftermarket shock absorbers growth during the next few years. Automotive Aftermarket Shock Absorbers 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the Automotive Aftermarket Shock Absorbers, including some of the vendors such as ADD Industry (Zhejiang) Corp. Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., ITT Inc., Kobe Suspensions, LEACREE (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd., Showa Corp., Tenneco Inc., thyssenkrupp AG, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the Automotive Aftermarket Shock Absorbers are designed to provide entry support, customer profile and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Automotive Aftermarket Shock Absorbers 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist automotive aftermarket shock absorbers growth during the next five years Estimation of the automotive aftermarket shock absorbers size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the automotive aftermarket shock absorbers Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of automotive aftermarket shock absorbers vendors Table Of Contents : PART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORT 2.1 Preface 2.2 Preface 2.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ PART 03: MARKET LANDSCAPE Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysis Value chain analysis PART 04: MARKET SIZING Market definition Market sizing 2019 Market Outlook Market size and forecast 2019-2024 PART 05: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition PART 06: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY VEHICLE TYPE Market segmentation by vehicle type Comparison by vehicle type Passenger vehicles Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Commercial vehicles Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by vehicle type PART 07: CUSTOMER LANDSCAPE PART 08: GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity PART 09: DECISION FRAMEWORK PART 10: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES Market drivers Market challenges PART 11: MARKET TRENDS Auto component manufacturers shift towards selective alliances Emergence of additive manufacturing Manufacturers' shift toward alternative lightweight materials PART 12: VENDOR LANDSCAPE Overview Landscape disruption Competitive scenario PART 13: VENDOR ANALYSIS Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors ADD Industry (Zhejiang) Corp. Ltd. Hitachi Ltd. ITT Inc. Kobe Suspensions LEACREE (Chengdu) Co. Ltd. NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. Showa Corp. Tenneco Inc. thyssenkrupp AG ZF Friedrichshafen AG PART 14: APPENDIX Research methodology List of abbreviations Definition of market positioning of vendors PART 15: EXPLORE TECHNAVIO About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005763/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ Hundreds of mourners joined an emotional memorial service in Minneapolis Thursday for George Floyd, the black man killed by police last week, as civil rights leader Al Sharpton vowed mass protests will continue until "we change the whole system of justice." Largely peaceful demonstrations took place later in cities from coast to coast. In New York, thousands marched over Brooklyn Bridge, while in Washington and Los Angeles curfews were lifted and crowds reduced. In Minneapolis, Floyd's attorney told mourners he would find justice for the 46-year-old, who died during a May 25 arrest when a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. "It was not the coronavirus pandemic that killed George Floyd," said Benjamin Crump, who is representing Floyd's family. "It was that other pandemic. The pandemic of racism and discrimination." The crowd stood in silence for eight minutes and 46 seconds -- the same length of time that officer Derek Chauvin spent with his knee on Floyd's neck, a scene captured on video. Floyd's death has reignited long-felt anger over police killings of African-Americans and unleashed a nationwide wave of civil unrest unlike any seen in the US since Martin Luther King Jr's 1968 assassination. With marches for racial justice stretching beyond the US and around the world, Sharpton said Floyd's death would not be in vain. "It's time for us to stand up in George's name and say get your knee off our necks," said the 65-year-old Baptist minister. "You changed the world, George," he said. "We're going to keep fighting, George." "We're going to keep going until we change the whole system of justice." Members of Floyd's family were among several hundred people attending the North Central University service. Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo dropped to a knee as the hearse bearing Floyd's remains arrived for the service. - 'Necessary and overdue' - A vigil for Floyd was also held in New York and was attended by thousands of people, including Floyd's brother, Terrence. "White Silence is Violence," a sign read. "Make America Not Embarrassing Again," read another. Arrests were reported in Manhattan after the 8:00 pm curfew passed. Upstate in Buffalo, two police officers were suspended without pay after a video showed them pushing over an elderly protester who fell and suffered a head injury. Reporting the suspension on Twitter, city mayor Byron Brown said he and the police commissioner were "deeply disturbed" by the video. An earlier police statement said the man, who appeared unconscious and bled heavily from one ear, "tripped and fell." "This incident is wholly unjustified and utterly disgraceful," New York governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted. "Police Officers must enforce - NOT ABUSE - the law." A Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, broke ranks with her party meanwhile and revealed she was "struggling" with whether to support President Donald Trump's re-election. Murkowski said her move was prompted by remarks from Trump's former defense secretary James Mattis, who a day earlier delivered a biting assessment of a president who "tries to divide us." "I thought General Mattis's words were true and honest and necessary and overdue," Murkowski told reporters. Her comments mark a major break with Trump within the Republican camp, which has largely held together through various crises including his impeachment and current threat to use military force against protests. - 'Frankly criminal' - While condemning Floyd's death, Trump has adopted a tough stance towards the protesters, saying they include many "bad people" and calling on governors to "dominate the streets." US civil rights groups filed a case Thursday suing Trump, after security forces fired pepper balls and smoke bombs to clear peaceful demonstrators outside the White House before the president walked to a church for a photo op earlier this week. Low-flying choppers were also used in an apparent show of force above protesters in Washington, DC on Monday night. Trump tweeted: "The problem is not the very talented, low-flying helicopter pilots wanting to save our city, the problem is the arsonists, looters, criminals, and anarchists, wanting to destroy it (and our Country)!" His re-election campaign accused Twitter of censorship after its post of video paying tribute to Floyd, narrated by a speech Trump gave on the killing, was removed following a copyright complaint. - 'All-inclusive' - Democratic Congressman John Lewis, who marched with Martin Luther King Jr to fight segregation, echoed Sharpton's hope that Floyd's death could pave the way for "greater change." The 80-year-old civil rights icon told "CBS This Morning" that the current protests felt "so much more massive and all-inclusive." He also condemned Trump's threat to use military force against demonstrators. Some of the protests were marred by rioting and looting in the early days, but they have been mostly peaceful since then. Three of the four Minneapolis police officers who arrested Floyd for allegedly passing a counterfeit bill made their first court appearance to face charges of aiding and abetting his murder. Bail was set at $1 million each. The fourth policeman, Chauvin, has been charged with second-degree murder and appeared before a judge last week. burs-amz/mtp/gle Donald Trump has toured a Catholic shrine in a second religious-themed appearance since the beginning of widespread unrest over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Critics said the US president was misusing religious symbols for partisan purposes, but the White House said Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump were observing a moment of remembrance, laying a wreath in a quiet visit to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington DC. The visit came a day after Mr Trump declared himself the president of law and order and then walked to St Johns Episcopal Church near the White House after Lafayette Park was forcibly cleared of protesters. Yesterday, Washington Archbishop Wilton D Gregory said he was baffled by Mr Trumps visit to the shrine and called it reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree. Meanwhile, gardai are investigating if the Black Lives Matter protest which saw thousands of people take to the streets of Dublin on Monday, breached Covid-19 regulations. With gardai now seeking advice from the DPP, those who planned the march, via social media could face prosecution. There was no advance consultation with gardai ahead of the protest, the size of which substantially exceeded the expectations of organisers, said a Garda spokesman. Those identified as organisers pro-actively engaged with gardai during the event. The organisers had made attempts to mark social distancing guidelines on OConnell St for their anticipated number of participants. Social distancing is a guideline, not a regulation. Holding events is currently prohibited during the lockdown under Covid-19 restrictions. An Garda Siochana is investigating this matter and the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions will be sought in respect of any further actions to be taken. Meanwhile, now is not the time to attend events that could be classed as mass gatherings, however well-intentioned, chief medical officer Tony Holohan warned. The public health advice is clear on mass gatherings, and they are not appropriate at the moment, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 01:34:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for solidarity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and a "people's vaccine" against the virus. "The COVID-19 pandemic is causing enormous human suffering and economic hardship around the world. We need a much stronger response of unity and solidarity, if we are to get through this pandemic together and build a safer, more stable future," Guterres told an extraordinary inter-sessional summit of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). Economic stimulus in response to the pandemic must prioritize putting cash in the hands of those most badly affected, and increasing social protection for the vulnerable, he told the virtual event. "Looming crises could contribute to the deepest global depression since the 1930s. I welcome the debt relief initiatives by the G20 (Group of 20). But they are not enough," said Guterres. Small island developing countries face particular challenges. Many are heavily indebted, on the front lines of the climate crisis, and rely heavily on tourism and remittances -- sectors that are among the hardest hit, he noted. African countries' rapid and effective response to COVID-19 holds lessons for other countries and regions. However, much still lies in the balance. Without urgent action, economic recession could push millions of people across the continent into extreme poverty and hunger, he warned. "This cannot be allowed to happen. We are pushing hard for international action to support African countries, strengthen health systems, maintain food supplies, protect jobs and keep households and businesses afloat." Global, unifying solutions are lagging behind. One such solution would be a vaccine against COVID-19, he said. "I repeat my call for this to be made available quickly, affordably and equally. It must be seen as a global public good, as the people's vaccine." Enditem As the Black Lives Matter protests continue to rock America after the on-film killing of an unarmed black man, George Flyod, it has led to an outpouring of support from all over the world. Celebrities, musicians, activists, politicians and even brands across the world are speaking up, in an collective acknowledgement of the injustice of police brutality. While police brutality isn't new in America, and between the period of 2013-2019, 99% officers who committed a crime (even accounting murder) have not been charged with a felony, the coming together of people as a collective is - brands and celebrities often choose to be silent and not as vocal about issues thinking about the backlash. In a show of solidarity, several celebrities and Instagram brands posted a black square as part of #BlackOutTuesday, to highlight the important of Black Lives Matter. While the social media movement is amplifying and giving black voices space, real protests are also continuing on the street, as almost all states in America have witnessed a coming together of people to protest police brutality. T housands of protesters have flocked to Hyde Park to take part in a London Black Lives Matter protest in response to the death of George Floyd. Activists, several wearing masks, waved placards and chanted "Black Lives Matter and no justice, no peace as the demonstration got under way. Other signs read: UK arent innocent. Crowds began to build in Hyde Park some three hours before the start of the protest. Since the rally at Speakers' Corner, thousands have taken to London's streets and marched on Parliament Square. Traffic was blocked in certain areas as some climbed on phone boxes and sculptures with megaphones to whip up loud chants of "silence is violence" and "say his name, George Floyd". As groups gathered just after noon, social distancing became problematic due to sheer numbers. Organisers whipped up crowds as they marched through central London to Parliament Square / PA Stewards continually pleaded for demonstrators to spread out as they marshalled people and told them to keep a two metre distance. Organisers were also issuing masks and gloves to protestors, while a first aid station was set up. A police helicopter buzzed above Hyde Park to monitor the protests. George Floyd Hyde Park Protest - In pictures 1 /106 George Floyd Hyde Park Protest - In pictures People climb on the Winston Churchill statue during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn People march holding banners during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd AP Protesters kneel as they stop briefly in Parliament Square AP Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest in London Nigel Howard Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Nigel Howard Protesters are accompanied by police officers as they march during a demonstration AP Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn People march holding banners during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd AP Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn Protesters shout during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People climb on the Winston Churchill statue during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn Black Lives Matter protest march Jeremy Selwyn People march holding banners during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest march Jeremy Selwyn People wearing face masks march with banners in Park Lane during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Aerial of Black Lives Matter protest march to Parliament Square Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration AFP via Getty Images Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration AFP via Getty Images Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images Protesters march as they take part in a London demonstration AP People wearing face masks march with banners in Park Lane during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors wearing face masks as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, march during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images Protestors, some wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) including face masks as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, hold placards during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images John Boyega speaks during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Aerial view of protest at Hyde Park Sky News A man and a woman hold hands aloft in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter" protest REUTERS People hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters A woman reacts in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London Nigel Howard People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London PA REUTERS Protesters adjust a face mask ahead of a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn People hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis Reuters Aerial view of protest at Hyde Park Sky News Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images A person shouts into a megaphone in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA People observe social distancing as they participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London PA Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA Protesters hold up placards AP People hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Nigel Howard People gather ahead of the Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London, in memory of George Floyd PA Stewards direct people as they begin to gather ahead of the Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London PA Protesters wear face masks as they hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protesters wear face masks and observe social distancing during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd John Dunne People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA A protester wears a face mask displaying the words "I can't breathe" during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People wearing face masks hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Protesters gather AP Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn People wearing face masks and holding banners march in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters A protester wearing a face mask holds a sign saying 'I can't breathe' during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protesters take part in a demonstration at Hyde Park AP People wearing a face mask hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protesters hold up placards as people gather AP A woman wearing a face mask with a "Justice For Belly Mujinga" message is seen in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuter Protesters hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Among those protesting was London-born Star Wars actor John Boyega, who described the day's action as "vital" as he spoke to the crowds using a megaphone. "Today is about innocent people who were halfway through their process," he said. "We dont know what George Floyd could have achieved, we dont know what Sandra Bland could have achieved, but today were going to make sure that wont be an alien thought to our young ones. Thousands of protesters have flocked to Hyde Park / Sky News The protest drew people from all over the world. Gabriella Sanchez, a Spanish national, said: This is an international issue. We are here to show that the word justice does mean something. Protesters holding placards / PA German Markus Fischer said: Injustice needs to be fought everywhere. Organiser Naomi Smith, 21, a hairdresser by trade, said it was "important that we do this in London to show solidarity". She told the Standard: "We will keep to the social distance rules and this is a peaceful demonstration. There are plans for speakers to address the crowds throughout the day. The protestors in Hyde Park initially stuck by social distancing / PA Another organiser said: We are trying our best and so far people are being great. The protest is part of a day of action against discrimination in response to the death of Mr Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis. In the US, Tuesday marked the eighth night of the protests , which have quickly spread across the US. John Boyega adressing the crowds / Getty Images Demonstrations have taken place in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Columbia, South Carolina and Houston. Some protests have included widely reported clashes between police and protesters, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets. Loading.... Protesters have also defied curfews and President Donald Trump has pressed governors to put down violence sparked by Mr Floyds death. Note: Back in early 2016, I noted that energy expenditures as a percentage of PCE had hit an all time low. Here is an update through the recently released April PCE report. Below is a graph of expenditures on energy goods and services as a percent of total personal consumption expenditures through April 2020. This is one of the measures that Professor Hamilton at Econbrowser looks at to evaluate any drag on GDP from energy prices. Click on graph for larger image. Data source: BEA. The huge spikes in energy prices during the oil crisis of 1973 and 1979 are obvious. As is the increase in energy prices during the 2001 through 2008 period. In April 2020, energy expenditures as a percentage of PCE was at a record low of 3.54% of PCE. This was below the previous low of 3.66% in February 2016. This new record happened even with a 13.6% annual rate decrease in overall PCE in April (energy expenditures declined more in April than overall PCE). Reverend Stephen Johnson Agyekum, Head Pastor of the Banner of Grace Family Chapel International, has advised pastors not to make monetary gains the focus with which they operate a church, but protecting the lives of congregants. He said: The Gospel is not about money. I am not interested in money, but in the lives of the people. Because if I have the money and my member is affected by the disease, am I doing the right thing? We are here to take care of the Lords people, because He has commissioned us to watch over his flock, not to allow them to go through unfortunate situations that could endanger their lives. Rev. Agyekum gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, after President Akufo-Addo, announced an ease on the restriction on social gathering, including church services, to enable churches to operate under specific guidelines amid the COVID-19 period. He said although the President had eased the restrictions, it was important that churches would not be in a haste to open and operate, until they had put strict and protective measures in places to safeguard their members from contracting and spreading the virus. Responding to beliefs by a section of the public that some religious leaders, especially prophets were lobbying that churches be opened so they could keep generating monies from members for their personal gains. Rev. Agyekum said: It is not about ministers and their families enjoying themselves, but it is about Salvation. The ultimate aim is winning souls for Christ. In the developed countries, we hear of men of God who have died due to the Coronavirus. If you are a prophet and you contract this disease and die, what will your money do for you? The Head Pastor encouraged churches to set up digital or social media platforms and other safe means to reach out to members, until the nation develops an upper hand on the disease. In communities where each one stays in his or her house, people are stigmatized when they show signs of COVID-19. How much more when people attend church and sit close to each other. Let someone say, I went to Banner of Grace Church and got infected with COVID-19, and see what will happen, 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 Pastor wins discrimination tribunal after being targeted at work for homosexuality beliefs Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Former disco music writer-turned-Christian pastor in England, who says he was shunned at work after making what a coworker believes was a homophobic comment, has won a discrimination claim in an employment tribunal. London Central Tribunal Centre Judge Andrew James ruled in favor of 62-year-old Rev. George Hargreaves and found that the pastor had been unfairly targeted by a former colleague for stating his religious beliefs on homosexuality, according to British media reports. Hargreaves currently works as a concierge for a homeless charity in South Kensington called Evolve Housing + Support. He wrote the hit 1980s song So Macho before being ordained in 1990 as a Pentecostal pastor. He also found the right-wing political party the Christian Party in 2004. According to The Daily Mail, Hargreaves filed a complaint after a former colleague, Elizabeth Akano, who is in her 20s, started ignoring him around January 2019 and even told him that she no longer respected him because of his views on homosexuality. The tribunal was told Akano and Hargreaves had a discussion at work one day in which Akano made a comment to the effect that people are born gay. Hargreaves replied something to the effect that pedophiles make the same argument, that they are born that way. He added that even if people are born with a condition, that does not put it beyond God's ability to change or heal it. He claimed that the coworker created a humiliating environment for him as she allegedly purposefully ignored him. In response, Akano also filed a complaint with the employer, accusing the pastor of homophobia. Neither of the complaints was upheld by the employer. However, Hargreaves appealed his complaint to the employment tribunal. Siding with Hargreaves, Judge James contended that the pastor suffered harassment and discrimination as a result of his religious beliefs because not only was he ignored by his coworker but also questioned by his area manager. As to whether her conduct was related to religious belief, we find that it was. It arose out of Ms. Akano's conversation with the claimant in the middle of January 2019, the ruling reads, according to The Telegraph. She was clearly upset by the claimant's comment which appeared to make a link between pedophiles and the gay community. The claimant is correct to say that it is not illegal to use those words together, in the sense that it is not a criminal offense, the ruling continues. Many people however, whatever their sexual orientation, who do not share the claimant's deeply held and genuine religious beliefs, would find the use of those words in that context to be offensive. According to the newspaper, the tribunal also found that Akano racially discriminated against Hargreaves, even though they are both black, by stating: You are one of those black men who like white women. According to The Telegraph, compensation for Hargreaves will be decided at a later remedy hearing. We are still considering the judgement but were pleased to see that the Tribunal found in our favor in relation to a large proportion of the specific allegations, but recognize that there were findings against us on a small number of discrete points, mostly relating to an ex-employee, a spokesperson for Evolve Housing + Support said in a statement to The Telegraph. We will be considering internally what lessons can be learned. Europeans have been taking to the streets in solidarity with those protesting the issue of violence by police against black people in the United States. Like the U.S., European nations have had cases of minorities dying at the hands of white police officers, but those have rarely resulted in mass demonstrations. That could be changing. About 5,000 demonstrators came together in Amsterdam this week, in solidarity with the demonstrations following the death of George Floyd. The crowd was diverse, and many people were holding signs with slogans such as Black Lives Matter and I Cant Breathe. Joukje Boder is a demonstrator who has taken part in anti-racism protests in Amsterdam before. Boder, who is white, says it is important for everyone to participate in these kinds of protests to combat racism in societies everywhere. The problem with European racism is that its more invisible and more institutionalized than in America where maybe its more explicit. In Europe its more subtle in small ways, so I think its harder to make people aware that its as big of a problem in Europe as it is in America, said Boder. More demonstrations are planned in the Netherlands and in many other European cities in coming days. A protest that was to happen in Paris Tuesday evening was banned but tens of thousands of people still took to the streets. The French protest was also in memory of Adama Traore, a young black Frenchman who died in police custody in 2016. The officers involved in Traores death were recently exonerated as initial medical reports had stated he died of heart failure a claim contested by two other medical investigations. Karen Taylor, chair of the Brussels-based European Network Against Racism, ENAR, says discussing the topic of racism in Europe is difficult, but she sees the U.S. protests as having a positive effect on her efforts. We see that people are trying to build the link between what is happening in the U.S. and to shed light on what is happening here in Europe. And I think that's exactly where white allies can join in the fight and of course, whenever they post something in solidarity with what is happening in the US to remind people about what has happened going on in Europe, and that it's not all about the U.S. context." she said. Incidents in the United States grab the headlines when it comes to issues of racial inequality and police violence against minorities, but it is clear Europe has its own problems. Protests erupted in Britain in 2011 after police shot Mark Duggan a 29-year-old, British-born man of African-Caribbean descent, but a police investigation ruled the killing by police was lawful, and a high court agreed with the rationale the officer acted in self-defense. Protesters in London this week held up signs with the names of many other black British people who died in police incidents. A Dutch monitoring group on racial profiling, Controle-Alt-Delete, says 41 people died when in contact with Dutch police since 2016, and that not one officer was called into court. The French collective Urgence Notre Police Assassine states that of the 103 people killed by police between 2005 and 2015, 95 percent were black or of Arab descent. Both ENAR and Amnesty International say many European countries lack independent oversight mechanisms to investigate allegations of police brutality. Amnestys Marco Perolini says Europe has serious human rights issues when it comes to racial discrimination and policing. One of them is racial profiling. So the fact that ethnic minorities are stopped and searched by the police more often than white people, this is a human rights issue at the regional level in Europe and in all European countries. A second one is the fact that there are still a lot of instances where police use force unlawfully. And then the third issues, that is particularly problematic, we have noticed a lack of accountability for allegations of excessive use of force and unlawful use of force by police, said Perolini. An upcoming report from Amnesty International looks at how police disproportionally targeted ethnic communities in 12 European countries during the coronavirus lockdown. S ir Keir Starmer today launched a scathing attack on Boris Johnsons handling of the coronavirus crisis, accusing the Government of winging it. The Labour leader made his strongest criticism yet of the Prime Ministers leadership during the pandemic in an interview with the Guardian. He called on Mr Johnson to "get a grip" and restore public confidence in his administration's response to the pandemic. Like many people across the country, there is a growing concern the government is now winging it," he said. At precisely the time when there should have been maximum trust in the government, confidence has collapsed. Today's intervention is a sharp escalation of rhetoric from the Labour leader, who has previously been restrained in launching direct attacks on the Government's coronavirus strategy. Sir Keir warned that trust in the Government had been "burned" by the Dominic Cummings saga / PA He stopped short of calling for the Prime Minister's aide Dominic Cummings to quit during the scandal over his trip to Durham, unlike other opposition leaders. In the interview with the Guardian, the MP for Holborn and St Pancras said the Cummings factor had burned the Government and led to a decline in public trust when it needed it the most. Sir Keir made the comments just hours before he goes head-to-head with Mr Johnson in the first Prime Ministers Questions since the Cummings story broke. He warned: "I am putting the prime minister on notice that he has got to get a grip and restore public confidence in the government's handling of the epidemic. If we see a sharp rise in the R rate, the infection rate, or a swathe of local lockdowns, responsibility for that falls squarely at the door of No 10." Some scientists have warned that Monday's easing of lockdown rules were premature. However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has claimed the country is winning the battle against coronavirus, making it possible to bring implement some cautious changes to the lockdown rules. Sir Keir added: My [worry] is that after a week or more of mismanagement, Im deeply concerned the government has made a difficult situation 10 times worse. Weve called for an exit strategy. What we appear to have got is an exit without a strategy. Sir Keir told Prime Minister Boris Johnson to get a grip. / AFP via Getty Images A Downing Street spokesman told the BBC its focus was on "helping the country recover safely from coronavirus and restoring the livelihoods of millions of people across the country". He added: "Now is the time to look to the future and not the past, as we continue to fight this virus while taking cautious steps to ease restrictions. The PM looks forward to hearing any concrete proposals Labour has to offer." Click here to read the full article. Jean genies have conjured up a method for quelling COVID-19 from textiles, apparel, workwear and footwear and, according to Jeanologia, its new sanitization technology for retailers is the only one of its kind in the market. Spain-based Jeanologia, a 25-year-old company that provides sustainable and detoxifying finishing technologies for textiles, coding, packaging and industrial applications, said its Sanibox, a sanitization chamber with a viral deactivation level of 98 percent, can sanitize materials swiftly and safely through its combined ozone technology and humidity control that disinfects, eliminates bacteria and deactivates the COVID-19 virus. More from WWD Sanibox is already available for purchase by retailers and can be used in both brick-and-mortar stores, as well as distribution centers for e-commerce businesses. But the story behind its technology began at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, when the Spanish government called upon Jeanologia to help sanitize protective facial masks for hospitals with its well-known proprietary ozone technology. To get started, Jeanologia contacted a government lab called the CSIC the Spanish National Research Council, which is the largest public research institution in Spain and the third largest in Europe to analyze how long COVID-19 lives in clothing, inclusive of metal finishes and plastics, such as buttons or zippers. After an arduous period of research, trials and accreditation processes, Jeanologia developed its sanitization technique quickly, as the company was already equipped with the technology and resources to hypothesize and experiment. Its rigorous testing found that the combination of dehumidification and advanced oxidation makes it possible to sanitize garments at the required safety level, enabling Sanibox to deactivate the virus on material surfaces and its solution was approved by the Spanish governments Ministry of Health. Story continues And at the same time it was developing its technology for the government, Jeanologia received data about China regarding its reopening of retail shops that showed consumers apparel return ratio in brick-and-mortar stores increased from 6 percent to 15 percent; and online, it increased from 30 percent to 50 percent. Enrique Silla, founder, Jeanologia, told WWD, We thought it was a great idea to also guarantee that all these garments that are physically returned to stores and distribution centers from online shopping could be sanitized again before the garments are released back into physical or online settings. We realized that the best service we can give to the textile community and provide to our industry is a technology that helps the consumer recover trust and come back to stores, and feel safe during their shopping experience, Silla said. So, Jeanologia converted its technology into Sanibox, and made it available as two separate modalities: a compact chamber for brick-and-mortar retailers that can fit inside a dressing room (its approximately three feet wide by five feet high and can hold up to 25 garments at a time), and as an automatic conveyer system for use in distribution centers that can handle higher quantities of apparel. Sanibox takes a mere eight minutes to desanitize materials and features a glass door, so users can see the action inside during the sanitization process. Saniboxs wide-ranging applications is what makes the technology so attractive. In addition to the aforementioned brick-and-mortar stores and distribution centers, the technology can also be used on apparel that was sent online to individuals, or [applied] to staff uniforms before use, the company said. Consumers will not buy again if they do not feel safe, Silla explained. We must unite all the parties involved in the industry to protect workers and consumers throughout the different stages of the production process by using sanitization. Sanibox has been certified by the CSIC and complies with AFNOR NFT 72-281, a French standard method that verifies the effectiveness of airborne surface disinfection systems and its utilized by the European Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR). Prior to Sanibox, retailers could only achieve Saniboxs level of sanitation via quarantine, which meant that garments would have to be isolated for a minimum of 72 hours or washed at 140 degrees each time they were in a public space. Weve launched a product that will contribute to accelerating the recovery and generating consumer confidence, sanitization and sustainability will be the keys to the recovery of our industry. From the first moment, we studied the needs of the consumer after the coronavirus and of the textile industry in the short-term, and we set out to create a new technology for their future needs putting people and the planet first. Its solution also sustainably protects the material itself, as the color, look and feel of the garment are maintained throughout the process, sans water or chemicals. Jeanologia said it has begun a proof of concept process with 47 retailers to test the product. We need to communicate, and create trust. The idea is to make shopping become an experience again. If shopping is not an experience, then the depression in consumption is going to be huge. At the end of the day, we thought, this [need for sanitization] wont last for one, two or three months. This will last for the next two or three years, or even longer. We think that sanitizing clothing after the fitting room will become like washing your hands, Sillas told WWD. For more Business news from WWD, see: Outdoor Brands Talk Coronavirus Impacts Brick-and-Mortar, Digital Retailers Adjust Strategies in Wake of Coronavirus Field Notes: How Fabric Is Helping Save the Planet Mr. Simon Osei-Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has called for everybody to attach utmost importance to the impending voters' registration exercise by the Electoral Commission (EC). I am urging all qualified persons in the region to exercise their constitutional rights, freedom and liberties, to go and register as the Commission prepares to compile a new voters' register, he said. Qualified Ghanaians who failed to get involved in the exercise, to be issued with new voters' identity (ID) cards, would have no one but themselves to blame. Citizens of 18 years and above, and of sound mind, qualify to get their names on the voters roll. They are required to show proof of citizenship by either a Ghanaian passport or Ghana card, or as proof of identification, have two guarantors who have already registered as voters so they can register. Mr. Osei-Mensah, addressing a press conference in Kumasi, underlined the need for a non-partisan approach to the exercise and warned any troublemakers to have a change of heart. The Regional Security Council (REGSEC) was going to provide adequate protection for all. The compilation of new voters' register, he said, was not anything new, saying, this was done in 1996, 2004 and 2012. The EC has carried out a two-day pilot voter registration exercise to test run the kits, it would be using to compile the new voters roll, to identify any hidden flaws and get these fixed ahead of time. Registration of voters is expected to start before the end of this month June. --GNA Not Rocket Science? Some In Kremlin Orbit Greet SpaceX Success With A Dose Of Derision By Michael Scollon June 02, 2020 When two NASA astronauts blasted off on May 30 under American -- albeit commercially produced -- power for the first time in nearly a decade, much of the world celebrated the achievement. But in Russia, the United States' traditional space rival, congratulations on the successful launch and delivery of crew members to the International Space Station (ISS) came, at least from several officials and pro-Kremlin pundits, with a dose of derision. "The hysteria raised after the successful launch of the Crew Dragon spacecraft is hard to understand," Vladimir Ustimenko, a spokesman for the Russian space agency Roskosmos, wrote on Twitter on May 31. "What has happened should have happened long ago. Now it's not only the Russians flying to the ISS, but also the Americans. Well that's wonderful!" Aleksei Pushkov, a Kremlin ally in the upper parliament house who is a frequent critic of the United States and the West, also suggested the voyage of veteran astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken was ho-hum, emphasizing on Telegram that "this is a flight to the International Space Station, not to Mars." He added that, in future, Russia should save seats on its spacecraft headed for the ISS for its own astronauts. Ustimenko and Pushkov were not the only ones who sounded unimpressed by the accomplishment of SpaceX, the rocket company owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk that took a giant leap into the space race after NASA mothballed its space shuttle fleet in 2011. But others suggested Russia should come to grips with the loss of its lucrative, nearly decade-long monopoly on manned flights. 'The Trampoline Is Working' Some pundits described the development as a wake-up call for Russia's space program, and Roskosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin was reminded of the days when, as a deputy prime minister targeted by U.S. sanctions over the Kremlin's hostile takeover of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014, he suggested that the punitive measures would hit them like a "boomerang." "After analyzing the sanctions against our space industry, I suggestthe USA bring their astronauts to the International Space Station using a trampoline," Rogozin wrote on Twitter in April 2014. Musk, who only days before Rogozin's tweet had suggested that the Russian might benefit financially from the purchase of rocket components by SpaceX's main competitor, got some payback after this week's successful launch. "The trampoline is working," Musk said at a postlaunch press conference alongside NASA director James Bridenstine, who mentioned Rogozin's statement of congratulations and said that NASA's Russian partners "believe in cooperation, and I think it will remain strong." It was laughed off as an "inside joke," but pro-Kremlin state TV talk show host Vladimir Solovyov took it as a challenge. "'The trampoline works,' Musk poked Rogozin," Solovyov wrote on his Telegram channel on March 31. "How will Roskosmos answer? The ball is in our court. No need to rush. Musk prepared his answer for several years." On his feed, Solovyov also shared a blistering post from the Telegram channel Nevrotik, an influencer who describes himself as a "simple peasant with understanding and common sense." Nevrotik said that media coverage of the SpaceX launch was full of words like "historic," "new era," and other laudations. So 1970? But what "we really have," according to Nevrotik, is that after a long and heavy drinking bout, space power No. 2 has returned. And this really should be welcomed: Otherwise we would miss you and be without our reliable competitor and ally." On June 1, popular blogger Maksim Kononenko, meanwhile, assured Russian readers that "we have much to be proud of besides manned space flights." Alluding to the recent news that Russia's Health Ministry had granted approval for a Russian-produced drug called Avifavir to help fight the coronavirus outbreak, Kononenko wrote that "it turns out that "we are among the handful of countries that produce working (this is important) antiviral drugs." While writing that while "flying into space is very cool, of course," Kononenko suggested that it was "fashionable 50 years ago." A cure for the coronavirus, however, is in demand "right now," he wrote. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/in-russia-some-in -kremlin-orbit-greet-spacex-success-with -a-dose-of-derision-/30647793.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. 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Projected. So I guess its about time for austerity to kick in? How lenders are preparing for a wave of loan modifications The American Banker Wells Fargo stops giving loans to most independent car dealerships Reuters Bank of America pledges US$1b to address racial, economic inequality Channel News Asis Trump administration shelves more oil and gas lease sales Reuters Russia Is Quickly Becoming The Most Dominant Force In Energy OilPrice.com Science without Validation in a World without Meaning American Affairs #COVID19 China? Indonesia nurses battling COVID-19 anxious over pay cuts, delayed bonuses Channel News Asia India Rare Cyclone Prompts Mumbai to Move Virus Patients to Safe Areas Bloomberg South Korea The voice of experience? Thread: The lesson from S Korea's protest movement is not that the protesters should not resort to violence, but understanding the conditions in which certain protests turn violent, and certain protests do not. T.K. of AAK! (@AskAKorean) June 2, 2020 Black Injustice Tipping Point New Cold War Trump Transition Democrats in Disarray Big Brother Is Watching You Watch Imperial Collapse Watch Police State Watch Health Care How The Rapid Shift To Telehealth Leaves Many Community Health Centers Behind During The COVID-19 Pandemic Health Affairs Class Warfare Austria unveils design to turn Hitlers house into a police station Guardian (Re Silc). A little too on-the-nose? Antidote du jour (via). More meese. Where are the squirrels? Bonus antidote: The Kochs woke up to a full grown moose in their pool. Ministry of natural resources is on their way. Its been about 2 hours. #ottnews @ctvottawa pic.twitter.com/1OXCFSgtNh Saron Fanel CTV (@saronfanel) May 29, 2020 Double-bonus antidote: See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. The government has notified the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical key starting materials (drug intermediates) and active pharmaceutical ingredients (bulk drugs) in India. The scheme, open for four months from June 2, will allow investors to propose establishment of greenfield facilities for any of the 53 key drug intermediates and bulk drugs that are hardly manufactured in India today. The list includes key ingredients that go into the manufacturing of commonly prescribed medicines like paracetamol, aspirin, metformin, atorvastatin etc. Bulk of the imports of these drug intermediates and bulk drugs are from China. The government strategy is expected to reduce dependence on China and be self reliant on the production of live saving and critical medicines throughout its production chain. For fermentation-based eligible products, the scheme provides 20 percent of the annual incremental sales of these products for the first four years. For the fifth and sixth year, the incentive will be 15 percent and 5 percent respectively. For products that are chemically synthesised, it will be 10 percent incentive on the incremental sales for the first five years. The government proposes to spend a total of Rs 6,940 crore as incentive during the tenure of the scheme. The notification on June 2 by the department of pharmaceuticals also specifies that the eligibility for the incentive scheme will depend on companies' threshold investment to set up the greenfield manufacturing unit. Functional guidelines for the operationalisation of the scheme is to be issued by the department soon. The complete list of products identified are as follows: 1. Amoxicillin 2. Azithromycin 3. Erythromycin Stearate/Estolate 4. Ceftriaxone 5. Cefoperazone 6. Cefixime 7. Cephalexin 8. Piperacillin Tazobactam 9. Sulbactam 10. Dexamethasone 11. Prednisolone 12. Metformin 13. Gabapentin 14. Rifampicin 15. Vitamin B1 16. Vitamin B6 17. Clindamycin Phosphate 18. Clindamycin HCL 19. Streptomycin 20. Neomycin 21. Gentamycin 22. Doxycycline 23. Potassium Clavulanate 24. Oxytetracycline 25. Tetracycline 26. Clarithromycin 27. Betamethasone 28. Ciprofloxacin 29. Losartan 30. Telmisartan 31. Artesunate 32. Norfloxacin 33. Ofloxacin 34. Metronidazole 35. Sulfadiazine 36. Levofloxacin 37. Meropenem 38. Paracetamol 39. Tinidazole 40. Ornidazole 41. Ritonavir 42. Doclofinac Sodium 43. Aspirin 44. Levetiracetam 45. Carbidopa 46. Levodopa 47. Carbamazepine 48. Oxcarbazepine 49. Valsartan 50. Olmesartan 51. Atorvastatin 52. Acyclovir 53. Lopinavir Also read: Make in India: DPIIT revises guidelines for procurement of chemicals, petrochemicals Keir Starmer launched a furious attack on Boris Johnson for 'winging it' over the lockdown easing today, saying he will personally be to blame if coronavirus deaths spike again. The Labour leader signalled a step change in his pressure on the PM, jibing that the way he decided to loosen restrictions showed there was 'an exit but not a strategy'. Sir Keir said Mr Johnson appeared to have brought forward the relaxation to take attention away from the bitter row over whether his chief aide Dominic Cummings broke lockdown rules with a 260-mile trip to Durham. Teeing up a potentially explosive confrontation at PMQs later, Sir Keir wrote in the Guardian that the premier must 'get a grip' and win back the trust of the public. The gloves came off after weeks of Sir Keir taking a low-key approach to criticism of the government, stressing that he wanted to work together to combat the pandemic. Mr Johnson has shaken up the heart of government amid claims he wants to take more 'direct control', after polls showed public confidence has slumped in the wake of the spat over Mr Cummings. He will chair a new 'coronavirus strategy' committee - CS - to streamline decision-making, and the wide-ranging daily Covid meeting in No10 is being ditched. Scientists have voiced alarm that loosening the draconian curbs might trigger a second wave of the deadly disease. From this week up to six people from different households are allowed to meet in public places or gardens, while schools and shops are starting to reopen, Ministers have insisted that the new contact tracing regime can help control flare ups, and warned that areas could face reimposition of tough measures. But there are reports that under half of those who were in contact with people who tested positive were contacted in the first days of the system. The UK statistics watchdog David Norgrove also delivered a devastating rebuke to Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday for his 'misleading' figures on testing. The UK coronavirus death toll could well reach 50,000 today, having passed 49,800 yesterday. Sir Keir Starmer (left) has told Boris Johnson to 'get a grip' of Britain's lockdown during the pandemic, as Labour shifted to a more aggressive stance Polls have suggested confidence in Mr Johnson has been slumping in the wake of the spat over Mr Cummings (pictured in Downing Street yesterday) Sources told the Telegraph said the changes to the Whitehall structure were recognition that Mr Johnson needed to take the reins. 'Boris has decided that Cummings is there, but he is going to take more direct control,' one MP said. In his interview, Sir Keir said Mr Johnson 'has got to get a grip' and expressed concerns that the Government is now 'winging it'. He said: 'I am putting the Prime Minister on notice that he has got to get a grip and restore public confidence in the Government's handling of the epidemic. 'If we see a sharp rise in the R rate, the infection rate, or a swathe of local lockdowns, responsibility for that falls squarely at the door of No 10. 'We all know the public have made huge sacrifices. This mismanagement of the last few weeks is the responsibility of the Government.' Sir Keir added: 'My (worry) is that after a week or more of mismanagement, I'm deeply concerned the Government has made a difficult situation 10 times worse. There is a growing concern the government is now winging it. 'At precisely the time when there should have been maximum trust in the Government, confidence has collapsed.' Meanwhile, new quarantine restrictions on travellers arriving in the UK will be set out by Home Secretary Priti Patel, including requiring the majority of visitors to Britain to self-isolate for 14 days. The rules being formally unveiled today include powers to refuse entry to foreign travellers who disobey UK authorities. The plans - which come into force on June 8 - will see people arriving in the UK told to isolate for 14 days to prevent coronavirus cases being introduced from overseas. A breach of self-isolation in England would be punishable with a 1,000 fixed penalty notice or potential prosecution and unlimited fine, while devolved administrations will set out their own enforcement action The Home Office said removal from the country would be considered 'as a last resort' for foreign nationals who refuse to comply with the order to stay at a single residence. The quarantine plan has been condemned by businesses in the travel sector and there have been calls from senior Tories for the plan to be scrapped in favour of the so-called air bridge solution. The Prime Minister's official spokesman confirmed yesterday that the Government is still looking at the prospect of air bridges between the UK and other countries, creating specific exemptions from the quarantine rules. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Ms Patel said: 'We will all suffer if we get this wrong and that is why it is crucial that we introduce these measures now. 'Let's not throw away our progress in tackling this deadly virus. We owe it to the thousands who have died.' The measures will be kept under review - with the first on June 29 - and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said there was hope that people could go on holiday later in the summer. He said: 'We are working with the transport industry to see how we can introduce agreements with other countries when safe to do so, so we can go abroad and tourists can come here.' Meanwhile a YouGov poll of 1,565 people found that 63 per cent were in favour of the quarantine plan for travellers arriving in the UK. Stocks are opening higher again on Wall Street, extending the markets gains into a fourth day. The S&P 500 rose 0.9 per cent in the first few minutes of trading Wednesday. Banks, industrial and energy companies led the way higher. Those sectors have been the most badly bruised this year and would also be among those that would stand to benefit the most from a recovering economy. The latest snapshot of the job market was less terrible than recent data have been. Payroll processor ADP said U.S. businesses shed 2.8 million jobs in May, far less than the 9.3 million expected. Bond yields rose. Global stock markets rose Wednesday, extending three days of gains, as more economies reopened from shutdowns they had imposed to stem the coronavirus pandemic. Asian indexes closed higher and European markets were up in midday trading, while Wall Street futures pointed to gains on the open in the U.S. The theme of reopening optimism has its stronghold on markets going into the mid-week, said Jingyi Pan, market strategist for IG in Singapore. So far, the markets momentum has not been derailed by the wave of protests across the U.S. that began last week in Minneapolis after a Black man, George Floyd died with a Minneapolis police officer choking off his air. United States President Donald Trump has threatened to send troops to quell the unrest. Investors appear to be focused instead on hopes that the worst of the pandemic downturn has passed, or will soon, as governments slowly lift the restrictions that left broad swaths of their economies at a standstill beginning in March. Frances CAC 40 was up 1.8 per cent to 4,947, while Germanys DAX gained 2.2 per cent to 12,288. Britains FTSE 100 rose 1.1 per cent to 6,290. The futures for the Dow industrials were up 0.7 per cent and those for the S&P 500 picked up 0.4 per cent. Economic data in Europe was mixed, with a small increase in unemployment due both to governments efforts to keep workers on payrolls as well as a drop out of the labour market by discouraged jobseekers. The rate edged up to just 7.3 per cent in April, the first full month when pandemic lockdowns hit the continent, from 7.1 per cent in March. The U.S. jobless rate was near 15 per cent that month and is expected to hit almost 20 per cent when the May figures are released on Friday. Payroll processor ADP is due to issue its May survey of hiring by private U.S. companies on Wednesday. The governments weekly tally of applications for unemployment aid, meanwhile, comes on Thursday. In Asian trading, Japans Nikkei 225 gained 1.3 per cent to 22,613.76. South Koreas Kospi surged 2.9 per cent to 2,147.00. Hong Kongs Hang Seng was up 1.4 per cent at 24,325.62, while the Shanghai Composite was little changed, inching up less than 0.1 per cent to 2,923.37. Australias S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.8 per cent to 5,941.60 despite news that the economy contracted at a 0.3 per cent rate in January-March and is forecast to weaken much more in the current quarter, falling into recession for the first time since 1991. Indias Sensex gained 1.7 per cent while shares climbed nearly three per cent in Singapore and almost two per cent in Jakarta. In other trading, benchmark U.S. crude shed 51 cents to $36.30 (U.S.) a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It rose $1.37 to $36.81 a barrel on Tuesday. Brent crude for August delivery lost 50 cents to $39.07 a barrel. The U.S. dollar inched down to 108.58 Japanese yen from 108.67 yen late Tuesday. The euro climbed to $1.1194 from $1.1171. The nations streets were calmer than they have been in days since the killing of George Floyd set off mostly peaceful but sometimes violent demonstrations over police brutality and injustice against African Americans. Earlier curfews and efforts by protesters to contain the lawlessness were credited with preventing more widespread damage to businesses in New York and other cities overnight. By Wednesday morning, arrests had grown to more than 9,000 nationwide since the vandalism, arson and shootings erupted around the U.S. in reaction to Floyds death May 25 in Minneapolis. At least 12 deaths have been reported, though the circumstances in many cases are still being sorted out. In Washington, where authorities ordered people off streets before sundown, thousands of demonstrators massed a block from the White House on Tuesday evening, following a crackdown a day earlier when officers drove peaceful protesters away from Lafayette Park to clear the way for President Donald Trump to do a photo op with a Bible at a church. A black chain-link fence was put up to block access to the park. Last night pushed me way over the edge, said Jessica DeMaio, 40, of Washington, who attended a Floyd protest for the first time. Being here is better than being at home feeling helpless. Pastors at the church prayed with demonstrators and handed out water bottles. The crowd remained in place after the citys 7 p.m. curfew passed, defying warnings that the response from law enforcement could be even more forceful. But the people were peaceful, even polite. At one point, the crowd booed when a protester climbed a light post and took down a street sign. A chant went up: Peaceful protest! Pope Francis called for national reconciliation and peace, saying he has witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in the U.S. My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life, he said. Trump has pushed the nations governors to take a hard line against the violence, tweeting on Tuesday that lowlifes and losers were taking over New Yorks streets. He again tweeted Wednesday: LAW & ORDER! Thousands of people remained out in New York City on Tuesday night, undeterred by an 8 p.m. curfew, though most streets were clear by early Wednesday. Battered storefronts from the earlier rounds of violence could be seen in midtown Manhattan. The New York Police Department credited the curfew, which was three hours earlier than the day before, with helping officers take control of the streets. The earlier curfew really helped our cops take out of the neighborhoods people that didnt belong there, Chief of Department Terence Monahan said on NBCs Today. Protesters also marched in Los Angeles; Miami; St. Paul, Minnesota; Columbia, South Carolina; and Houston, where the police chief talked to peaceful demonstrators, vowing reforms. God as my witness, change is coming, Art Acevedo said. And were going to do it the right way. More than 20,000 National Guard members have been called up in 29 states to deal with the violence. In Philadelphia, a statue of former Mayor Frank Rizzo was removed by the city early Wednesday after repeatedly being targeted by vandals. Rizzo presided over a police force widely accused of racism and brutality in the 1970s. Floyd died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against the handcuffed black mans neck as he cried that he couldnt breathe. The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been fired and charged with murder. The mother of Floyds 6-year-old daughter, Gianna, said she wants the world to know that her little girl lost a good father. I want everybody to know that this is what those officers took, Roxie Washington said during a Minneapolis news conference, her daughter at her side. I want justice for him because he was good. No matter what anybody thinks, he was good. Minnesota is investigating whether the Minneapolis Police Department has a pattern of discrimination against minorities. Some protesters framed the burgeoning movement as a necessity after a long list of killings by police. It feels like its just been an endless cascade of hashtags of black people dying, and it feels like nothings really being done by our political leaders to actually enact real change, said Christine Ohenzuwa, 19, who attended a peaceful protest at the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul. Theres always going to be a breaking point. I think right now, were seeing the breaking point around the country. --The Associated Press Nigerias military is understaffed and underfunded to tackle the various security challenges facing the country, the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, has said. Mr Magashi, who briefed journalists after Wednesdays Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, said he made a presentation at the meeting on the security challenges facing Nigeria. We spoke about our shortcomings. We talked about manpower shortage, inadequate funding for the Ministry of Defence. We talked about all the operations we have been conducting, the successes and failures of each of the operations right from Operation Lafia Dole to Operation Tawase. The shortcomings of each of the operations were discussed and God so kind contributions were made by members of the council and I think in no distant time there will be a change in the conduct of our affairs in the Ministry of Defence, the retired major-general said. Despite Mr Magashis claim of low funding for the military, the defence sector has for the past five years taken a large chunk of Nigerias budget, often larger than education and health. In the current 2020 budget, which is about to be amended, about N878 billion of the 10.59 trillion (about 8 per cent) was allocated to defence. However, several officials, including army chief Tukur Buratai, have repeatedly complained that money is often not released for items and projects approved in the budget. The Nigerian military is currently involved in multiple internal security operations across the country. The military is battling the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-east, armed bandits in the North-west and North-central, as well as militants and pirates in the South-south. Bashir Magashi Many observers have raised concerns that a lot of the task the military is involved in should be police work but for the inadequacies of the Nigeria Police Force. Despite drafting the military to solve most of these security challenges, however, the insecurity across the country appears to worsen and hundreds of people are killed or kidnapped weekly across Nigeria. In one of such recent attacks, PREMIUM TIMES reported how over 70 people were killed in Sokoto within when bandits attacked communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area last week. That attack, like others before it, has since been condemned by President Muhammadu Buhari. In neighbouring Katsina State, armed men suspected to be bandits killed a district head and a party chairman on Monday. We are leveraging our years of collective wisdom in partnership with our customers to deliver an RMS platform for the fire service industry that delivers a state-of-the-art user interface to meet the needs of todays fire industry. ESO, the leading data and software company serving emergency medical services (EMS), fire departments, hospitals, and state EMS/Trauma offices today announced ESO Fire RMS, the next generation fire Records Management System (RMS) that is modern, easy to use and integrates across ESOs broad product ecosystem. The new ESO Fire RMS platform is built on decades of fire service expertise and works for departments of all sizes to better capture data, report on data and create actionable insights with data including improving community health and safety, as well as addressing responder and provider well-being. We believe ESO Fire RMS is the upgrade to the future many fire departments across the country are looking for, said Allen Johnson, Chief Product Officer for ESO. We are leveraging our years of collective wisdom in partnership with our customers to deliver an RMS platform for the fire service industry that delivers a state-of-the-art user interface to meet the needs of todays fire industry. This allows responders and providers to quickly and easily capture data for NFIRS and NEMSIS reporting requirements. Additionally, our platform-based approach provides our customers a holistic view of their communities, their people, and their operations. Key Components of ESO Fire RMS Include: ESO Fire Incidents: Captures data on critical fire events and automatically submits NFIRS-compliant reports into state repositories. ESO Fire Properties & Inspections: Easily collects and manages data fire departments need to successfully develop preplans and conduct inspections. ESO Activities: Records critical information about community events and operational tasks to create a daily task list and station log, Community Risk Reduction (CRR) events and Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) all from within a single application. ESO Hydrants: Captures information about hydrants in an agencys jurisdiction as well as maintenance tasks and in-service status and automatically displays the most up-to-date hydrant information on preplans. ESO Permits: Collects information about permits that were requested and issued in an agencys jurisdiction; provides tools to print and email those permits to relevant parties. ESO Scheduling: Provides flexible employee scheduling and tracks personnel working in any unit, station, shift, or assignment; data easily integrates with ESO Fire Incidents and common payroll systems. ESO Asset Management: Delivers robust workflow tools, including granular notifications, assignments and asset tracking, to keep departments in tune with their equipment, gear and other key assets. ESO Checklists: Provides easy-to-use digital checklists to capture current condition of vehicles, equipment, places and people. ESO Personnel Management: Manages training, certifications, credentials, work history, demographics, immunizations, and injuries/exposures. ESO Analytics: Makes collected data accessible with one-click reporting for operational, clinical and core measures. Configurable reporting eliminates the need for database manipulation or additional programming. To learn more about ESO Fire RMS, visit: https://www.eso.com/fire-rms-demo/ About ESO ESO is dedicated to improving community health and safety through the power of data. Since its founding in 2004, the company continues to pioneer innovative, user-friendly software to meet the changing needs of todays EMS agencies, fire departments, hospitals and state EMS offices. ESO currently serves thousands of customers throughout North America with a broad software portfolio, including the industry-leading ESO Electronic Health Record (EHR), the next generation ePCR; ESO Health Data Exchange (HDE), the first-of-its-kind healthcare interoperability platform; ESO Fire RMS, the state-of-the-art fire Records Management Systems platform; patient registry software (including trauma registry); and ESO State Repository. ESO is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit http://www.eso.com. RTHK: Snapchat curbs Trump posts promoting racial violence Snapchat on Wednesday stopped promoting posts by President Trump, saying they incite "racial violence." "We are not currently promoting the president's content on Snapchat's Discover platform," Snapchat said in response to an AFP inquiry, referencing the youth-focused social network's section for recommended content. "We will not amplify voices who incite racial violence and injustice by giving them free promotion on Discover." The move came after Twitter took an unprecedented stand by hiding a Trump post it said promoted violence, thrusting rival Facebook into turmoil for refusing to sanction false or inflammatory posts by the US president. The decision was made over the weekend, during which Snapchat parent Snap chief executive Evan Spiegel sent a lengthy memo to employees condemning what he saw as a legacy of racial injustice and violence in the US. "Every minute we are silent in the face of evil and wrongdoing we are acting in support of evildoers," Spiegel wrote as companies responded to the outrage over the police killing of a black man in Minnesota. "I am heartbroken and enraged by the treatment of black people and people of color in America." Snapchat will not promote accounts in the US that are linked to people who incite racial violence on or off the messaging platform, according Spiegel. The Discover feature at Snapchat is a curated platform on which the company gets to decide what it recommends to users. Trump's account remains on the platform, it will just no longer be recommended viewing, according to Snapchat. "We may continue to allow divisive people to maintain an account on Snapchat, as long as the content that is published on Snapchat is consistent with our community guidelines, but we will not promote that account or content in any way," Spiegel said in the memo. "We will make it clear with our actions that there is no grey area when it comes to racism, violence, and injustice - and we will not promote it, nor those who support it, on our platform." Snapchat is particularly popular with young internet users, claiming that about half of the US "generation Z" population taping into news through its Discover feature. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Happy 80th wedding anniversary! (SWNS) Theres nothing that warms our hearts quite like a love story, and Nancy and Eric Kingstons is one of the best. The couple, who met in 1937 on a blind date, have just celebrated their 80-year wedding anniversary and shared their top tip for a long-lasting relationship: compromise. While meeting on a blind date might seem quite commonplace in todays society, it wasnt back then, so when Nancys brother arranged their mystery date on a village bridge, it was impossible to know theyd spend the next 80 years of their lives in love. They got married three years later on 1 June, 1940 the same day Nancys brothers were escaping from Dunkirk, a fact she thankfully only found out later. The Kingstons met on a blind date that Nancy's brother arranged. (SWNS) The couple got married in 1940. Here they are a year after they met in 1938. (SWNS) They celebrated their oak wedding anniversary at their home near Wedmore, Somerset, earlier this week. Read more: 104-year-old shares secret to long life Theyve got a rather large family, too, which consists of five children, 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren. The majority of their family couldnt be there to celebrate with them because of the coronavirus pandemic, but they said they had a lovely day nonetheless. As well as having drop-ins from local well-wishers, the pair also received a letter from the Queen to commemorate their day. It was absolutely beautiful. It was a lovely day. We met some old friends and made some new ones, Nancy, 99, said. Speaking about the success of their long marriage, the couple cited compromise as their top tip to those wanting to follow in their footsteps. The smitten couple even received a letter from the Queen. (SWNS) Read more: Over-70s react to the coronavirus pandemic It must have been a deep love to have lasted this long. It's been a bit of give and take. We don't do it like they do today we hung on. It's been a long time; a wonderful time. We've been very lucky. We're still going strong. Eric, 98, simply added: If I could, I'd do it all again. Speaking of their very first memories together, Eric said: I've got her brother to thank. He came out to the farm where I was working and said that someone wanted to meet me on a bridge in Westhay. Story continues He didn't say whom, and I didn't guess who it was. Anyway, I went along with him and met her we talked for the rest of the evening. We went from there on. Read more: Cause of loneliness differs depending on generation Not only did the war impact her brothers attendance to their wedding, it affected their big day, too. Nancy had to buy her dress by saving up rationing coupons, and the pair werent able to have a honeymoon because they had to rush straight back to work after the nuptials. Luckily, theyve had plenty of time to make up for it. The couple now live with their youngest son Stephen, 58, who helps to look after to them on a day-to-day basis. They are such excellent role models for the whole family, Stephen said. They taught us respect to others and gratefulness. The kind of people they are has always been a big influence on me and the decisions I've made in life. A bench is being made to commemorate their special milestone and will be placed in the village. Tourism strategies to support industry recovery and the use of technology and analytics to create resilience, took centre stage on the second afternoon of Arabian Travel Markets virtual event, ATM Virtual. The Bouncing back: tourism strategies for the future session, which took place on June 2, discussed the long-term tourism development strategies put in place by the regions governments to provide a catalyst to recovery when travel patterns return to relative normality. The panel, which was moderated by industry consultant Gemma Greenwood, included Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief of Investment, Strategy and Tourism Marketing, Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia and Keith Tan, CEO, Singapore Tourism Board. We are trying to do things at a bilateral level with countries that we feel we can move forward with. We have announced initiatives such as green lanes and introduced the idea of travel bubbles. For example, in our negotiations with China, we have agreed common standards to permit travel and we hope to replicate this with other countries, not dissimilar to the idea of free trade agreements, said Tan We all agree that we dont want to develop a patchwork of different standards and requirements. But this is not going to be easy, he added. Discussing the measure implemented by Saudi Arabia, Hamidaddin highlighted the importance of the industry and the need for government support to help the tourism industry recover. We look at the tourism sector from a strategic perspective in Saudi Arabia, but we also realise that this sector contributed 20 per cent of all jobs in the last five years, across the world, underscoring the importance that must be placed on the sector by governments, said Hamidaddin. Our job is to help the private sector survive and weather as much as we can during this pandemic. As such, Saudi Arabia launched a $61 billion stimulus package that went into multiple tracks, including waiving licensing and tourism fees as well as deferring VAT and government fees for all SMEs, helping those most in need, he added. During the session, Tan outlined the importance of being able to react quickly and develop partnerships between the public-private sectors to address the pandemic. "The government can't do everything. It is therefore important to have tight public-private partnerships. As early as February, we had announced the formation of the Tourism Recovery Action taskforce, comprising private sector individuals and key players from within the government. "This was designed to layout plans, not only for recovery, but crisis communications, how we engage with the sector, and how we translate the advisories and directives from the health ministry to the tourism sector. This has proven to be very effective, said Tan. Also addressing strategies for recovery was the Catapulting Resilience through Technology and Analytics session, moderated by Lee Hayhurst, Executive Editor of Travel Weekly. He was joined by a panel of international industry experts including Tony Smyth, Senior Vice President, iFree Group; Carlos Cendra, Chief Marketing Officer, Mabrian Technologies; Akemi Tsunagawa, Founder & CEO, Bespoke; Robin Ingle, CEO, Ingle International; and Gavin Harris, Commercial Director, Skyscanner. Each discussed the development of applications and services addressing the varied needs due to the impact of Covid-19, such as managing frontline medical volunteers, analysing where to find demand, tracking, tracing, and training. According to the global search engine, Skyscanner, there are some early signs of green shoots in terms of search traffic. According to the companys most recent weekly pulse survey, which monitors global sites, an overall improvement has been witnessed week-on-week. Harris outlined the confidence of travellers to fly, with 70 per cent of Skyscanners global passengers feeling safe enough to travel on an international flight in the next six months. However, when discussing flying within a three-month time period, confidence levels fell to 24 per cent. From a domestic perspective, the confidence to travel on flights within a six-month period increased to 89 per cent and, globally, Middle East and European passengers were the most confident overall when compared to other regions around the world. Other sessions taking place today (June 3), the third and final day of the debut ATM Virtual ), include an interview with Wizz Air CEO, Joszef Varadi; the International Travel Investment Conference summit and the responsible tourism session, The Implications of Covid-19 for Responsible Hospitality, followed by the Influencers session titled Make Your Connection: Influencers as a Key Part of the Marketing Mix COVID-19 The Road to Recovery. Concluding the event this afternoon is a webinar titled What are you doing to energise your operational performance?, which will discuss the power of data analytics in helping to maximise performance. ATM Virtual concludes today, June 3, however a series of independently moderated, roundtables are available on-demand and include The Future of Corporate Travel led by Breaking Travel News; The Changing Face of Luxury Family Travel hosted by Destinations of the World News; The New Normal: What the Future Looks Like for the Hotel and Tourism Industry and Middle East: The New Asian Source Market both by Trav Talk Middle East, as well as TTN Middle Easts Challenges Faced Today by the Travel Providers and Latest travel updates, projections and upcoming trends and focus on near-, mid- and long-term travel prospects. The Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia and the Italian Tourist Board are both Gold sponsors of ATM Virtual. - TradeArabia News Service The Korea Times published an article titled "S. Korean gets jail term for threatening to kill US envoy to Seoul" on Nov. 11, 2016. It said a South Korean man was sentenced to an 18-month prison term for posting letters on the White House website, threatening to kill the top U.S. envoy to Seoul and rape the second daughter of U.S. President Barack Obama. However, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court's not guilty verdict for him on March 12, 2020. He said he never accessed the White House website, nor did he post any threatening messages. He has welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court, which cleared his name. Porter said she was doing what she expected most winning candidates were doing the day after the election, going over the numbers and thinking about reaching out to people and how to raise the money to do so. A team of researchers based in Manchester, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the USA has published a new review on a field of computer device development known as spintronics, which could see graphene used as building block for next-generation electronics. Recent theoretical and experimental advances and phenomena in studies of electronic spin transport in graphene and related two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as a fascinating area of research and development. Spintronics is the combination of electronics and magnetism, at the nanoscale and could lead to next generation high-speed electronics. Spintronic devices are a viable alternative for nanoelectronics beyond Moore's law, offering higher energy efficiency and lower dissipation as compared to conventional electronics, which relies on charge currents. In principle we could have phones and tablets operating with spin-based transistors and memories. As published in APS Journal Review of Modern Physics, the review focuses on the new perspectives provided by heterostructures and their emergent phenomena, including proximity-enabled spin-orbit effects, coupling spin to light, electrical tunability and 2D magnetism. The average person already encounters spintronics in laptops and PCs, which are already using spintronics in the form of the magnetic sensors in the reading heads of hard disk drives. These sensors are also used in the automotive industry. Spintronics is a new approach to developing electronics where both memory devices (RAM) and logic devices (transistors) are implemented with the use of 'spin', which is the basic property of electrons that cause them to behave like tiny magnets, as well as the electronic charge. advertisement Dr Ivan Vera Marun, Lecturer in Condensed Matter Physics at The University of Manchester said: "The continuous progress in graphene spintronics, and more broadly in 2D heterostructures, has resulted in the efficient creation, transport, and detection of spin information using effects previously inaccessible to graphene alone. "As efforts on both the fundamental and technological aspects continue, we believe that ballistic spin transport will be realised in 2D heterostructures, even at room temperature. Such transport would enable practical use of the quantum mechanical properties of electron wave functions, bringing spins in 2D materials to the service of future quantum computation approaches." Controlled spin transport in graphene and other two-dimensional materials has become increasingly promising for applications in devices. Of particular interest are custom-tailored heterostructures, known as van der Waals heterostructures, that consist of stacks of two-dimensional materials in a precisely controlled order. This review gives an overview of this developing field of graphene spintronics and outlines the experimental and theoretical state of the art. Billions of spintronics devices such as sensors and memories are already being produced. Every hard disk drive has a magnetic sensor that uses a flow of spins, and magnetic random access memory (MRAM) chips are becoming increasingly popular. Over the last decade, exciting results have been made in the field of graphene spintronics, evolving to a next generation of studies extending to new two-dimensional (2D) compounds. advertisement Since its isolation in 2004, graphene has opened the door for other 2D materials. Researchers can then use these materials to create stacks of 2D materials called heterostructures. These can be combined with graphene to create new 'designer materials' to produce applications originally limited to science fiction. Professor Francisco Guinea who co-authored the paper said: "The field of spintronics, the properties and manipulation of spins in materials has brought to light a number of novel aspects in the behaviour of solids. The study of fundamental aspects of the motion of spin carrying electrons is one of the most active fields in the physics of condensed matter." The identification and characterisation of new quantum materials with non-trivial topological electronic and magnetic properties is being intensively studied worldwide, after the formulation, in 2004 of the concept of topological insulators. Spintronics lies at the core of this search. Because of their purity, strength, and simplicity, two dimensional materials are the best platform where to find these unique topological features which relate quantum physics, electronics, and magnetism." Overall, the field of spintronics in graphene and related 2D materials is currently moving towards the demonstration of practical graphene spintronic devices such as coupled nano-oscillators for applications in fields of space communication, high?speed radio links, vehicle radar and interchip communication applications. Advanced materials is one of The University of Manchester's research beacons -- examples of pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships that are tackling some of the biggest questions facing the planet. #ResearchBeacons Press Release June 3, 2020 Statement of Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon on the decision of the President to suspend the abrogation of the VFA "This sudden policy change is a welcome development. The unhampered implementation of the VFA will serve the interest of our country, particularly with regard to the preservation of our rights over parts of the West Philippine Sea. The abrupt abrogation of the VFA last February as initiated by the President - which was done amid the increasing aggressiveness and the bullying of China - is disadvantageous to us. What the country truly needs is a stable foreign policy that promotes our interest." "This turnaround does not affect the case that we filed before the Supreme Court. The petition we filed is for declaratory relief and mandamus where we asked the Supreme Court to uphold the power of the Senate over treaty termination. The fact that the VFA is reinstated will not render our case moot and academic. The case stands." More than 2,700 people have been arrested since protests and violence began in Los Angeles in response to the death of George Floyd. Chief Michel Moore told the city Police Commission on Tuesday that about 2,500 of those arrests were for failure to disperse or curfew violations. The remainder were for crimes including burglary, looting, assaults on police officers and other violence, chief told the panel, which functions as the Police Departments civilian oversight board. A huge new demonstration filled streets in the Hollywood area, with police and National Guard troops on scene. Earlier, police officers took a knee with clergy-led demonstrators near the downtown police headquarters where speakers urged everyone to heed the call of Floyds family for people to protest peacefully. Other major cities including San Francisco and San Diego also were calm. Los Angeles County, however, announced its 10 million residents would again be under curfew starting at 6 pm. Other jurisdictions around the state also renewed curfews. The full impact of curfews on the ability to police downtown Los Angeles and other areas of the city was evident by Sunday night, Moore said on Monday. Violence and thefts on Monday were not on the scale of the weekend, when blocks of stores were devastated, police cars torched and officers injured. In Sacramento, where two-thirds of downtown businesses were damaged over the weekend, 500 National Guard troops were deployed and the city imposed a Monday night curfew. Most demonstrations were peaceful and sympathy was expressed by law enforcement. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco took a knee at the invitation of demonstrators. We support and will protect those who wish to demonstrate peacefully, U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna in Los Angeles said while announcing the FBI will help identify people who commit serious crimes. San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit said Floyds death prompted him to revisit department policy and stop the use of a controversial neck restraint method. Floyd, who was black, was handcuffed and on the ground pleading for air as a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck for several minutes. Most of Mondays demonstrations ended when curfews took effect. But remaining crowds tossed fireworks and bottles in several cities, and authorities responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Police who had been overwhelmed during the weekend were reinforced by 4,500 National Guard troops. Dont be dumb, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti warned before the nights curfew went into effect. Even so, scattered attacks on stores threatened to overshadow the message of protesters. Televised images showed attacks on stores in Van Nuys and Hollywood. Police said some people carried hammers. At one point, a handful of protesters stopped would-be thieves from entering a Walgreens on Sunset Boulevard. Many of the trashed businesses had only recently reopened after closures due to the coronavirus. Volunteers turned out to help merchants clean up broken glass, board up storefronts and scrub away graffiti. Alex Rose clutched a garbage-picker as he joined others cleaning up downtown Sacramento. Theres a very clear distinction between protesters and the looters, said Rose, who protested during the day Sunday. I went home last night, and thats when the criminals came out. Some leaders blamed outsiders for the violence. Oaklands acting police chief said organized thieves travelled more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) from other cities. Fifteen, 20, 30 cars at a time, hitting as youve seen different shopping malls, different areas, Chief Susan Manheimer said. San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said some people came to this city with crowbars, bolt cutters, tools that were designed specifically to get into businesses, to take property and loot. Ukraine and Iran will hold talks on problematic issues related to the crash of a Ukrainian passenger jet near Tehran, and a Ukrainian official delegation is currently being formed. This issue was discussed at a meeting between Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhenii Yenin and Iran's Ambassador to Ukraine Manouchehr Moradi, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's press service reported. "A range of issues related to the downing of Boeing-737 flight PS752 of Ukraine International Airlines in Iran on January 8 were discussed at the meeting. [...] The deputy minister informed the interlocutor about the formation of an official delegation of Ukraine for the talks with Iran. In the near future, Ukraine will introduce its team of negotiators," the report reads. The need for the Iranian side to ensure a transparent and objective investigation aimed at establishing the causes of the plane crash, bringing the perpetrators to justice, paying compensation to the families of the victims and more was stressed at the meeting. "In this regard, Yevhenii Yenin emphasized the importance of full and unconditional cooperation between the Iranian side in the issue of reading flight recorders as soon as possible in accordance with international law," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said. Moradi, in turn, said that Iran was ready for the dialogue with Ukraine in the legal, technical and political spheres to resolve issues related to the consequences of the plane crash and added that Iran considered Ukraine to be a priority state in the context of the investigation and examination of the black box flight recorders from the downed plane. The ambassador also noted that reports in some Iranian media about the intentions of the Iranian government to transfer the flight recorders to France, given the "delay" of the negotiation process by Ukraine, were not true and did not reflect Tehran's official position. The participants in the meeting agreed to strengthen cooperation at the diplomatic level in order to speed up the resolution of existing issues. op Border restrictions remain in force in the sense that no foreign citizen can enter Hungary due to the coronavirus pandemic - unless they hold a residency permit, address card and registration certificate - but some restrictions have been lifted. AboutHungary.hu notes that exceptions include business trips for nationals of certain countries, namely Poland, Czech Republic, South Korea, Japan, Slovakia, Germany and Austria. Other exceptions noted are the entry of seasonal agricultural workers from neighboring countries; and foreign citizens to whom the Deputy Police Chief has issued a license. Hungarians who wish to return to Hungary from abroad must undergo a medical examination, and then compulsory home quarantine for 14 days - however they are exempt from home quarantine if they arrive back from a business trip from Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Austria, South Korea or Japan. The conditions for receiving family support will be eased for Hungarians moving back from abroad, an official of the human resources ministry said. Returnees will be expected to present proof of entitlement to Hungarian social security dating back 90 days instead of 180 days, state secretary in charge of family and youth affairs Katalin Novak told public news channel M1. In the past, Hungarians returning home from the UK had difficulty proving their British national insurance status, so a fairer procedure will be set up, she added. Conditions will also be eased for expectant mothers applying for government benefits and for families applying for a reduction in their mortgage payments. Momodou Lamin Sisay, son of retired Gambian diplomat, was shot after a car chase in the town of Snellville, Georgia. The government of The Gambia has demanded a transparent, credible and objective investigation into the shooting death of one of its citizens the son of a retired diplomat by police in the United States. Momodou Lamin Sisay was shot after a car chase in the town of Snellville, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). He was pronounced dead at the scene. The 39-year-old, who reportedly lived in the nearby town of Lithonia, was the son of Lare Sisay, a Gambian diplomat who also worked for the United Nations Development Programme. In a statement on Tuesday, Gambias foreign affairs ministry said it had asked the Gambian Embassy in Washington DC to engage the relevant US authorities including the State Department to seek a transparent, credible and objective investigation in the matter. Gambian media quoted Lare Sisay as saying he was withholding judgment on the incident pending results of an autopsy and findings from a private investigator, while referring to his son as somebody who abhors violence. The GBI statement on Friday said preliminary information indicated police officers pursued Sisay after he failed to stop when they tried to pull him over for a vehicle tag violation. 200530163850162 The statement said that when the car eventually stopped and officers approached it, Sisay pointed a handgun at the officers, who fired on the vehicle and retreated to find cover behind their vehicles. During an ensuing standoff with a SWAT team, the statement said, Sisay fired his weapon at the officers, one of whom returned fire. Friends have reportedly rejected that version of events and have called on witnesses to come forward. The incident came amid widespread demonstrations against police brutality and racial injustice after the death of another Black man in the country, George Floyd, at the hands of white police. In recent days, African leaders have denounced police violence targeting Black people in the US. On Friday, the head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, strongly condemned the murder of Floyd and said Friday the continental body rejected the continuing discriminatory practices against Black citizens of the US. The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has expressed satisfaction with the new directives announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as part of measures taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association said the directives so far were in line with the proposals presented to the government. Mr Kyei Baffuor, Public Relationship Officer of the GNAPS in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said We had already presented a proposal and the content of the proposal is exactly what the President has come out with the timing and the format. He said the Association was of the view that the current directive would allow educational activities to go on while at the same time help to fight the pandemic. He said the school authorities would be able to handle the few numbers of students to ensure they observe the safety protocols. Mr Baffuor said they were still dialoguing to know if the Private Schools would benefit from the government's nose mask distribution but was quick to add that they were not left out in the disinfection of schools. He said, however, the Association had communicated to parents to supply their wards with face masks and pocket-size sanitizers when returning to school. The schools will also install Veronica buckets to ensure regular handwashing. He said the Private Schools would do their best to ensure the measures were adequately adhered to. President Akufo-Addo on Sunday, in his address to the nation on updates to Ghanas enhanced response to the coronavirus pandemic, eased the ban on public gathering to among others, allow for the partial resumption of academic activities. The categories of students announced by the President to resume academic work include final year university students; final year senior high school (SHS), together with SHS 2 Gold Track students; and final-year junior high school (JHS 3). The President said all final year students of educational and training institutions, which are being managed by Ministries other than the Education Ministry, are to return to school on June 15 to complete their exit examinations. He said all other educational facilities, private and public, for non-final year students, would remain closed. 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 03.06.2020 LISTEN Our attention has been drawn to some media reports about claims made by one Alex Kweku Tetteh to the effect that we have for several years refused to pay a claim in respect of his vehicle. We wish to state categorically that Mr. Tettehs allegations are untrue. The facts of the issue and the chronology of events are as follows: In November, 2016, Alex Kweku Tetteh took out a one-year comprehensive motor insurance policy in respect of his Fiat Iveco vehicle. He named Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) as an additional insured and Loss Payee (that is, the entity to whom any insurance monies would paid in the event of a claim). The vehicle got burnt sometime in 2017 and Mr. Tetteh made a claim on the policy. We entered into settlement negotiations with him, based on the proven value of the vehicle per documentation submitted. He refused our offer and proceeded to Court seeking three reliefs. In its judgement given on 11th December, 2019, the Court refused all of Mr. Tettehs reliefs. Following delivery of the judgment, UMB as Loss Payee accepted our initial settlement offer of GHS151,859.01 and executed a Discharge Form, based on which we made payment on 20th December, 2019. With the said payment and the Discharge Form, our liability in respect of the policy was concluded and we therefore have no further liability towards Mr. Tetteh or the UMB. Enterprise Insurance continues to operate an open-door policy with the media. Accordingly, we encourage all press houses to verify facts with us before making any publication involving the company. We further assure our clients that we remain committed to serve them with excellence and professionalism. Signed Enterprise Insurance Company Limited Reporters and news photographers across the country have described being harrassed, arrested and having projectiles shot at them by police while covering demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd over the last week, as tensions rise and trust erodes. The US Press Freedom Tracker said that as of Tuesday afternoon, 211 press freedom violations have been reported since May 28. More than 33 journalists have reported being arrested, 143 assaulted and at least 35 reporters have had their equipment damaged while covering the protests. Nieman Lab reported that 120 of those assaults were made by police. Although in some incidents it is possible the journalists were hit or affected accidentally, in the majority of the cases we have recorded the journalists are clearly identifiable as press, and it is clear that they are being deliberately targeted, Nieman Lab reported. The US Press Freedom Tracker said that as of Tuesday afternoon, 211 press freedom violations have been reported since May 28 (pictured: A medic assists a member of the media after police started firing tear gas and rubber bullets near the 5th police precinct in Minneapolis) More than 33 journalists have been arrested, 143 assaulted and at least 35 reporters have had their equipment damaged while covering the protests (A journalist is seen bleeding after police started firing tear gas in Minneapolis) In New York City last night, NYPD officers surrounded, shoved and yelled expletives at two Associated Press journalists covering the protests. Portions of the incident were captured on video by journalist Robert Bumsted, who was working with photographer Maye-E Wong to document the protests in lower Manhattan. The video shows more than a half-dozen officers confronting the journalists as they filmed and took photographs of police ordering protesters to leave the area near Fulton and Broadway shortly after an 8pm curfew took effect. An officer, using an expletive, orders them to go home. Bumsted is heard on video explaining the press are considered essential workers and are allowed to be on the streets. An officer responds I don't give a s***. Another tells Bumsted get the f*** out of here you piece of s***. Bumsted and Wong said officers shoved them, separating from one another and pushing them toward Bumsted's car, which was parked nearby. At one point Bumsted said he was pinned against his car. He is heard on video telling the officer that Wong has his keys and he needs them to leave the area. Officers then allowed Wong to approach and the two got in the vehicle and left. Both journalists were wearing AP identification and repeatedly identified themselves as media. They didn't care, Wong said. They were just shoving me. In response to the footage of the incident, NYPD officials said they would review the matter as soon as possible. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio urged the NYPD Wednesday to investigate why members of the media were being detained and accosted while covering the protests. 'No journalist should be detained, ever,' de Blasio warned. In response, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea claimed that protesters in the city were falsely identifying themselves as reporters in attempts to escape punishment, confusing officer's efforts to control the crowds. 'We've had some people purporting to be press that are actually lying,' Shea said Wednesday. 'Maybe these things take too long to resolve. We're not perfect - we do the best we can in the situation and whether its essential workers or press. 'The reality is, in chaotic situations - these things take a few moments to sort out,' shea continued, adding that his department have 'full respect for the press'. In New York City last night, NYPD officers surrounded, shoved and yelled expletives at two Associated Press journalists covering the protests Portions of the incident were captured on video by video journalist Robert Bumsted (above), who was working with photographer Maye-E Wong to document the protests in lower Manhattan An NYPD officer stares down DailyMail.com journalist Jae Donnelly, moments before he was pushed to the ground by another officer Donnelley said the protests had been completely peaceful until the march crossed paths with police near 59th street Journalists have faced aggressive police and protesters during demonstrations across the U.S. over the killing of Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died after a white officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd's neck in Minneapolis. Many reporters, photographers and other members of the press said the treatment theyve experienced over the last week has reflected an erosion of trust in the news media that has seeped from the top down, beginning with the Trump administration and the presidents claims of fake news and journalists being the enemy of the people. This story, in particular, it seems journalists are really being targeted by the police, Barbara Davidson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, told the New York Times. Thats not something I have experienced before to this degree. Its common in autocratic countries for journalists to be arrested during protests and riots, but seldom seen in democracies particularly in the United States, where freedom of the press is guaranteed by the First Amendment. Last Friday, Minnesota State Patrol officers arrested a CNN journalist live on air. The same day, a TV reporter in Louisville, Kentucky, was shot at my police using pepper bullets. In the first incident, CNNs Omar Jiminez was put in handcuffs and led away from his team of producers at 5.11am CT on Friday 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. He asked: 'Do you mind telling me why I am under arrest sir? Why am I under arrest sir' then was led away. Two of his colleagues from the same team were also arrested. The trio were put in a police van and were driven to a precinct but were released around 90 minutes later after CNN President Jeff Zucker and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz intervened. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio urged the NYPD Wednesday to investigate why members of the media were being detained and accosted while covering the protests In the first instance, CNNs Omar Jiminez was put in handcuffs and led away from his team of producers at 5.11am CT on Friday after the team was moved down the street by police in riot gear 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 A peaceful good willed protest turned to arrests after they broke the 8pm curfew in New York City on Tuesday Minnesota State Police has since claimed on Twitter the crew were released once they 'confirmed' they were reporters - which they'd already declared live on air, minutes before Jimenez was put in handcuffs. Just hours later in Louisville, WAVE 3 News reporter Kaitlin Rust and photojournalist James Dobson were struck by pepper balls fired by an LMPD officer who appeared to be aiming at them as Rust covered the protests. Im getting shot! Im getting shot! Rust chillingly exclaimed on air. The news anchor from inside the studio asks Rust if shes ok, to which she replied: Rubber bullets, rubber bullets. Early Saturday, a Fox News reporter was pummelled and chased by protesters who had gathered outside the White House. 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 later recalled of the incident. During a live take he 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. British Photojournalist Adam Gray was arrested by the NYPD on Saturday night, despite displaying press credentials Journalists have faced aggressive police and protesters during demonstrations across the U.S. over the killing of Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died after a white officer pressed his knee on Floyd's neck (Pictured: Police arrest a group of people after curfew in New York, Tuesday) Police arrest a group of people after curfew in New York, Tuesday, June 2, 2020 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. Virrert didnt answer, but the man found a picture of the reporter 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. He compared the incident to being chased away from a demonstration in Egypt during the Arab Spring in 2011, by a group who were shouting, Fox News hates Muslims. Freelance journalist Linda Tirado, 37, was left blind in one of her eyes while photographing a protest in Minnesota the same day, having been struck with what she believed was a rubber bullet or a marking round. Tirado had been lining up her next shot, when she put her camera down for a moment and suddenly felt her face explode. Tirado told DailyMail.com: 'Protesters said police were tear-gassing. I put on my goggles and respirator. 'It was pretty chaotic - people were moving in every direction. Then I kind of felt my face explode.' Freelance journalist and mother-of-two, Linda Tirado, 37, was left blind in one of her eyes while photographing a protest in Minnesota the same day, having been struck with what she believed was a rubber bullet or a marking round U.S. police have attacked journalists more than 120 times since May 28, Nieman Lab reported The mother of two young girls, who had also photographed the protest in the city the night prior, added: 'I put up my hands and shouted "I'm press, I'm press."' With her eyes filled with blood, protesters 'acted as my eyes when I couldn't see past the blood and the swelling' and got her to hospital. 'I was in surgery 20 minutes after that,' she told DailyMail.com after returning from hospital on Saturday. 'I woke up this morning with an eye patch on.' Doctors have told her she is going to be left with scarring on her face and will be permanently blind in one eye - although she hopes in the future she may be able to gain the ability to see light and shadows through the damaged eye. Similarly, KPCC reporter Adolfo Guzman-Lopez was struck in the throat by a rubber bullet while he was interviewing a protester in Long Beach, California. Just as Rust and Tirado reported, Guzman-Lopez believes the officer deliberately aimed at him. I talked to him for about a minute and just as I was finishing talking to him right after I said: Thank you, I heard a pop and I felt something, you know, the bottom of my throat and I saw something bounced onto the ground, and then I ran, he later recalled. Nobody else in that intersection was doing anything like I was doing thereI was obviously interviewing someone. At a press conference on Monday, Long Beach's Mayor and Chief of Police addressed the incident and apologized to the reporter. I've personally also communicated with him, apologized to him as well, and we'll look forward to discussing that in the days ahead, Mayor Robert Garcia said. KPCC reporter Adolfo Guzman-Lopez was struck in the throat by a rubber bullet while he was interviewing a protester in Long Beach, California In Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan was also forced to apologize to journalists from the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News who were seemingly targeted by police. Duggans apology also came during a Monday press conference, saying: They had a lot of courage to be on the other side of the police-line with the protestors, and I apologize to you. Detroit News reporter Christine MacDonald told her station she had been filming an arrest on Sunday at Grand Circus Park when she was handcuffed by an officer. As dozens of other journalists have reported, she repeatedly identified herself as press, telling the officer she had credentials. Despite this, she was escorted to the officers squad car and detained briefly before being released. Meanwhile, Free Press reporter JC Reindl posted on Twitter that he was chased down by a Detroit police officer during a protest on Saturday. The officer pepper-sprayed him in the face, despite the Reindl holding up his press badge to show he was a reporter. Mayor Duggan called the editors of both outlets to discuss the incidents that inhibited the reporters ability to cover the protests. We need to work together to make sure that the media has clear identification, Duggan said, according to Detroit News. We do respect the heroism that you showed the last three days and I want all the reporters to know that we are going to make adjustments to use every opportunity to keep you safe, he added. In Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan was also forced to apologize to journalists from the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News who were seemingly targeted by police CNNs Josh Replogle and Alexander Marquardt had been covering the same protests near DCs Lafayette Park in the early hours of Wednesday morning when he and his crew were pepper sprayed by the National Guard An otherwise peaceful day ends with unrest, Marquardt tweeted. I really dont know how that helped anything' In the late night drama at Lafayette Park, our team (@Joshrepp on camera) was sprayed with pepper spray though we were away from protesters and clearly press (camera, microphone, etc). 3 hours later my arm was still burning. Others got it far worse. pic.twitter.com/r6PDkfIcs9 Alexander Marquardt (@MarquardtA) June 3, 2020 Yesterday, an Australian reporter for Sunrise was accosted by police in Washington DC. An officer was filmed using his shield to smash Amelia Brace's cameraman Tim Myers in the middle of her live cross to the studio before another officer hit her in the back with his baton. Brace said they were both hit by rubber bullets prior to the altercation, as police used batons and tear gas to push hundreds of protesters back away from the White House. Brace shouted, 'We're media!' as officers targeted her and Myers. 'Cameraman Tim Meyers and I are both okay. Pretty bruised, but okay,' Brace later told Channel 7. CNNs Josh Replogle and Alexander Marquardt had been covering the same protests near DCs Lafayette Park in the early hours of Wednesday morning when he and his crew were pepper sprayed by the National Guard. An otherwise peaceful day ends with unrest, Marquardt tweeted. I really dont know how that helped anything. Our team was sprayed with pepper spray though we were away from protesters and clearly press (camera, microphone, etc), he continued in a thread. 3 hours later my arm was still burning. Others got it far worse. Director Spike Lee in New York on May 29. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) Last Friday morning, director Spike Lee woke up at his home in New York City and surveyed the day's fresh horrors in a world that had come to seem at once both unrecognizable and all too recognizable. A deadly pandemic. Forty million Americans unemployed. And now, in the wake of the death of George Floyd days earlier at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis, a conflagration of protests rapidly spreading across the country. "I woke up this morning and I see my brother from CNN [correspondent Omar Jimenez] whos just doing a story and he got arrested," Lee told The Times by phone. "I'm reading on [President Trump's] Twitter, 'When the looting starts, the shooting starts.' Twitter flagged that so he put it back on not through his personal Twitter account but the White House. WTF! OMG! Jesus, Mary and Jo-Jo!" He let out a dark chuckle. "I mean, youve got to laugh to keep from crying." Three decades ago, Lee's seminal 1989 film "Do the Right Thing" climaxed with an unarmed black man, a gentle giant named Radio Raheem, being choked to death by a racist cop, sparking a riot. Now what had struck many at the time as a provocation seemed like a prophecy. "One of the biggest criticisms of 'Do the Right Thing' was that I did not provide the answer to racism at the end of the movie," Lee said. "And here we are in modern-day America, pandemic America, and cities are up in flames. ... Ive just been taken away with Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor I mean, its like open season." Throughout his career, in films like "Malcolm X," "Jungle Fever," "Chi-Raq" and his 2018 best picture nominee "BlacKkKlansman," Lee has probed the many ways in which America's original wound of racial injustice has continued to fester throughout its history. Now, in the midst of a staggering pile-up of current calamities, he is looking back at another turbulent time the Vietnam era in his latest feature "Da 5 Bloods" and once again examining how the past is never really past. Story continues A scene from Netflix's upcoming Spike Lee drama "Da 5 Bloods." (David Lee/Netflix) Available for streaming on Netflix on June 12, "Da 5 Bloods" centers on a group of aging African American vets who return to Vietnam to retrieve the body of their fallen squad leader (played by Chadwick Boseman) along with some treasure they buried in the jungle during the war. Cutting back and forth in time, the film explores the bond of brotherhood that brought the former warriors together and the lingering scars that threaten to pull them all apart (and have driven one of the veterans, played by Delroy Lindo, to support Donald Trump). Equal parts action thriller, buddy comedy, history lesson and cutting political commentary, it is hard to categorize as anything but a Spike Lee movie. "Its a Spike Lee joint you know it when you see it," Lee said. "Its a gumbo. Those are the films I like. Why does something have to be just one thing? I dont put those artistic handcuffs on myself." Like many people, Lee, who is 63, has been thinking a lot recently about the parallels between the political and social turmoil of the late 1960s and today. Though he was still in elementary school through much of that era, his memories of it remain vivid. "The Vietnam War was the first war that was televised into Americas homes, and I saw that growing up," he said. "I remember the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago where Mayor Daley released all his police and they were cracking heads and these young Americans were yelling, 'The whole world is watching! The whole world is watching!' I saw the anti-war movement, the Black Panther movement, the womens movement. I remember all that stuff." He laughed. "It was a great time to be young enough not to be drafted." Spike Lee in New York City on May 29. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) Back then, Lee and his brother Chris loved to watch black-and-white World War II movies like "Is Paris Burning?" and "The Train," movies that depicted soldiers, who were invariably white, valiantly fighting overseas for the cause of liberty and the American way. "My father would see us watching those films and hed say, 'I want you to know black people fought in those wars too,' " Lee said. "He was telling us to negate the false narrative we were seeing growing up, not knowing any better." "Da 5 Bloods" began its life as a script by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo called "The Last Tour" about white soldiers returning to Vietnam to hunt for buried treasure. When Oliver Stone, who had been attached to the project, dropped out, Lee who had made a film about African American Buffalo Soldiers in World War II, "Miracle at St. Anna," in 2008 came on board and refocused the script on the experience of black soldiers. Jumping off its "Treasure of the Sierra Madre"-style adventure plot, he saw an opportunity to tell a larger story about the way African Americans had been disproportionately drafted to fight in Vietnam while simultaneously having to fight for their own civil rights back home. "There really hadnt been a major film about the black Vietnam experience, one that really explored what black veterans had gone through," said "BlacKkKlansman" co-writer Kevin Willmott, whom Lee brought in to help retrofit the script. "The black soldiers story has been that he's fighting for rights that he doesnt have himself, with the notion that your participation and your patriotism will somehow earn you equality back home. What made Vietnam so different was that theres an actual black revolution going on back home and people are dying in that revolution while youre in the jungles fighting another struggle." Former Navy SEAL Harry Humphries, who served two tours in Vietnam, was brought on board the film as a military consultant. As a white veteran who had fought during the war alongside many African Americans, he felt a duty to help get their story right. "Theres a mutual respect among warriors," Humphries said. "Being a combat brother, if you will pink, green, black or white its the same blood and the same mud. When youre in the battlefield, there is no black and white. In society, unfortunately, that doesnt seem to ring the same." In "BlacKkKlansman," Lee drew a straight line from the story of a black police officer infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s to the racial divisions and resurgent white supremacy movement of the Trump era. Similarly, by making Lindo's character of Paul an embittered black Trump supporter in "Da 5 Bloods," Lee sought to tie the sins of the past to what he sees as the sins of the present. "We had to have some conflict within the group. After the war, everyone had gone their separate ways and had their own path. Kevin and I just thought it would be interesting if one of these cats supported Agent Orange, pun intended," Lee said, using his nickname of choice for Trump. "Delroy tried to talk me out of it, but he knew it was the best thing for his character and the best thing for his film." Indeed, Lindo says he had major reservations about playing an ardent, MAGA-hat-wearing Trump supporter. "This individual is anathema to everything I believe and believe in, so it was a stumbling block," said the actor, who had earlier worked with Lee on films like "Crooklyn" and "Malcolm X." "I had to come to a certain understanding for myself of how Paul came to vote for that person. This is a man who has been betrayed by his country, cast aside and ultimately left with a feeling of profound disenfranchisement. And those were the elements that caused him to believe what this person in the White House was saying in 2016. That was the logic for me." Asked if he had spoken to any black Trump supporters to try to better understand their mind-set, Lee laughed. "No, I mean, not anybody that was drinking that orange Kool-Aid." He paused. "At the same time, I think Joe Biden, that was a big mistake telling Charlamagne tha God that if you dont vote for me, 'you aint black.' I dont think anybody who isnt black can tell black people what you are and are not. But that was a small misstep, and I think many people have spoken to Uncle Joe." Bill Nunn as Radio Raheem in Spike Lee's 1989 film "Do the Right Thing." (Universal Pictures) As America grapples with profound political polarization, economic devastation and civil unrest, Lee who released a short film this week called "3 Brothers" connecting the deaths of Radio Raheem, Floyd and Eric Garner believes that the country has a rough road ahead. And, as has historically been the case, he fully expects that road will in many ways be roughest of all for people of color. It is in no way lost on him that, just as African Americans represented a disproportionate share of the fighting force in Vietnam, the impact of the coronavirus outbreak is being felt disproportionately by communities of color. "Let me tell you a story," Lee said. "I knew I was going to the Cannes Film Festival [in 2018] with 'BlacKkKlansman.' And I know anytime I go to Cannes, the worlds journalists falsely look at me as a spokesperson for every single African American. I knew they were going to ask me questions about Agent Orange and whats happening in America. So I came up with this novel idea of trying to pick a film title that I felt would be short and to the point and I picked the film 'The Year of Living Dangerously.' That was 2018. But Im going to extend that to 2020. This year has been horrific. This is going to go down as one of the worst years ever. And it's only May." Still, as grim as these times are, Lee is trying to maintain some optimism. He sees reason for hope in the racial diversity of the protesters on the streets across the country and in the fervor of their commitment to systemic change. And he looks forward to a wave of compelling art that he predicts will come out of the current turmoil, much as Marvin Gaye's classic 1971 album "What's Going On," which supplies the musical backbone to "Da 5 Bloods," spoke to the anguish of the Vietnam era. "Theres going to be great songs, great albums, great plays, films, documentaries, paintings, artwork, dances, books, photography. Its going to be a cottage industry. Its coming. It's coming." For now, he said with a sigh, One day at a time. Regulatory News: NAVYA (Paris:NAVYA) (FR0013018041- NAVYA), a leading company in autonomous driving systems, announces the strengthening of its management team with the appointment of Pierre Lahutte as Chief Strategy Development Officer. Aged 48, Pierre was until 2019 President of the IVECO brand in charge of Bus and Truck activities, representing a turnover of approximately 9 billion. Pierre has more than 20 years of experience in the agricultural vehicle, bus and truck industries acquired during his career at New Holland, CNH and IVECO. He began his career in 1997 at New Holland with an international career in the United States and Brazil. He then continued his career with senior sales positions in Spain, Africa, Japan and Benelux where he was in charge of CNH's agricultural activities. In 2007, he was appointed Global Head of New Holland's Tractor Business, leading the complete overhaul of the product offering, successfully repositioning the brand and winning numerous international awards, including the SIMA gold medal in Paris with the first hydrogen-powered tractor. In 2012, Pierre joins IVECO to take responsibility for the Bus activity. In 2014 he is promoted as President of the IVECO brand in charge of the Bus and Truck activities within CNH Industrial, the new company created by the merger of CNH and IVECO. Under his leadership IVECO returned to profitability, strongly developed its alternative powertrain offering and was the first ever manufacturer to display a zero diesel stand at the 2018 Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show. From 2014 to January 2019, Pierre was a member of the Board of Directors of ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association). Since May 2020, Pierre has been a member of the Board of Directors of FRIEM S.p.A. Pierre holds a Tank Officer degree from the French Armored Cavalry School in Saumur, a Master Grandes Ecoles in Marketing and Technology Management from NEOMA Rouen Business school and an MBA from the UMASS ISENBERG School of Management, Amherst, USA. He speaks 7 languages acquired during the course of his international career. Etienne Hermite, Chief Executive Officer of NAVYA, says: "I am very pleased to welcome Pierre Lahutte at NAVYA. Thanks to his experience and international profile, Pierre will enable NAVYA to take the next step in the industrialization of its autonomous driving solutions, through the partnerships we are building with car, bus, truck and speciality vehicle players. The next challenge for the sector is to scale up, which will only be possible with industrial, robust and efficient solutions. Pierre will contribute to NAVYA's acceleration." Pierre Lahutte said: "I am pleased to join NAVYA to bring my knowledge of the industrial players in passenger transport and speciality vehicles. The challenge is to incorporate the autonomous driving technologies developed by NAVYA on platforms and business models that I have been familiar with for 20 years. On a personal note, this is for me the first experience in start-ups, which I have wanted for a long time. My meetings with NAVYA's Board and management have convinced me of the opportunity." Charles Beigbeder, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, concludes: "This is the right time for NAVYA to welcome on board someone of Pierre Lahutte's stature. He will assist the management in this decisive stage where technology is close to fulfill the self-driving promise." About NAVYA NAVYA is a leading French name in the autonomous driving systems. With 280 employees in France (Paris and Lyon) and in the United States (Michigan), NAVYA aims at becoming the leading player for the supply of autonomous driving systems for passenger and goods transport. Since 2015, NAVYA has been the first to market and put into service autonomous mobility solutions. The AUTONOM SHUTTLE, main development axis, was launched in September 2015 and nearly 160 units have been sold as of 31 December 2019, notably in the United States, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Australia. The AUTONOM TRACT is dedicated to goods transport. Created in 2014 with the support of Robolution Capital, investment fund managed by 360 Capital Partners, his reference shareholder, NAVYA's shareholders also include the Gravitation fund and Paris Region Venture Fund (Region Ile-de-France) managed by Cap Decisif Management as well as Valeo and Keolis groups. NAVYA is listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris (ISIN code: FR0013018041- NAVYA). For more information visit: www.navya.tech/en View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005617/en/ Contacts: NAVYA Nicolas de Cremiers Head of Marketing communication@navya.tech +33 (1) 85 50 01 10 Benoit Jacheet CFO finance@navya.tech NewCap Investor relations Thomas Grojean navya@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 NewCap Media relations Nicolas Merigeau navya@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 94 98 A man wearing a face mask walks past a sign "Now Hiring" in front of a store amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in Arlington, Va., on May 14, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty Images) Unemployment Fraud Spikes Amid Surge In Claims Due to Pandemic Federal and state authorities are warning that unemployment benefit fraud is on the rise amid record-high jobless claims filed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a large-scale scam erupting in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, imposters are filing claims for unemployment benefits, using the names and personal information of people who have not filed claims, said Seena Gressin, an attorney at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in a statement on Wednesday. Spurred by the economic fallout from pandemic-driven lockdowns, a record 40.767 million Americans have filed jobless claims since March 21. The unprecedented volume of claims gives criminals more opportunities to act and deceive. State unemployment offices, including ones in Maine, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania, have all sounded the alarm in recent days or weeks, warning of a surge in jobless claim fraud. Unprecedented claim volumes are driving a dramatic increase in fraudulent unemployment claims across the countryNorth Dakota included, said the states job service, in a statement. North Dakota authorities said criminals committing the fraud look to many different sources to obtain victims personal information, including from buying social security numbers on the dark web. These sophisticated schemes are often hard to detect and ultimately can result in very large losses, they warned. The Maine Department of Labor said in a May 27 release it had teamed up with local law enforcement to investigate such fraud after receiving around 1,000 reports of potential unemployment imposter fraud. The agency said that, as of the date of publication of the release, it had identified and cancelled around 2,200 unemployment claims that it found to be fraudulent. While fraud is not new or unique, organized criminals across the nation are now targeting unemployment programs expanded during the pandemic in unprecedented ways, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor, Laura Fortman, said in the release. The FTC said people often find out about the fraudulent claims made in their name when the receive a notification from their state unemployment office or their workplace that they allegedly applied for benefits. When this happens, it means someone is almost certainly exploiting the victims confidential personal information, including Social Security number, Gressin said. Further, some people fall prey to whats known as a money mule scam, which may expose them to legal liability. This is a scenario in which the fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits arent sent to the perpetrators account, but to the victims. Criminals will then contact the victim to try and get them to transfer some or all of the money. Scammers may try to use you to move stolen money. If you help them, you could be what law enforcement calls a money mule, said Lisa Weintraub Schifferle, an FTC attorney, in an earlier statement. She warned that giving a scammer bank account information raises the risk that they may misuse it. You could even get into legal trouble for helping a scammer move stolen money, she warned. People who suddenly receive benefit money that they never applied for should report the incident to the state unemployment agency, the FCT said. BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- China plans to launch its first Mars probe between July and August this year, aiming to complete orbiting, landing and roving in one mission, an expert said in a recent interview with the state broadcaster CCTV. After the launch via China's largest carrier rocket Long March-5, the probe is expected to reach within the gravitational field of Mars next February and it will be captured into orbit around the planet, said Bao Weimin, an academic with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is also the director of the Committee of Science and Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. According to Bao, China's Mars probe consists of an orbiter as well as a lander and a rover. The lander and rover will make a soft landing on the surface. The Mars rover, which is expected to work on Mars for at least 90 Mars days (more than three months on Earth), will carry out patrol exploration and research on geomorphic landforms of Mars. A safe landing on Mars is the most difficult and risky part of the mission, and the lander carrying the rover will be slowed down through four steps, Bao noted. The first step, which will last for about 290 seconds, is akin to breaking, slowing down its speed from 4.8 km per second to 460 meters per second. Next, a parachute will be opened and it will take about 90 seconds to lower the speed from 460 meters per second to 95 meters per second. A reverse thrust engine will then be ignited, decelerating the speed to 3.6 meters per second in about 80 seconds. After the first three steps, the lander carrying the rover will be about 100 meters above the Mars surface. Hovering in the air, it can observe the surface, adjust its position and select a safe spot to land in an obstacle-avoiding mode. The whole landing process will take about seven to eight minutes, said Bao. Last November, China successfully mounted an experiment simulating the process of a probe hovering, avoiding obstacles and descending to land on Mars. In April China announced that its first Mars exploration mission was named Tianwen-1. The name comes from the long poem "Tianwen," meaning Questions to Heaven, written by Qu Yuan (about 340-278 BC), one of the greatest poets of ancient China. Whats New: Shenzhens securities regulator has accused a private investment fund manager controlled by investment banking giant China International Capital Corp. Ltd. (CICC) of breaking regulations by promising investors that their principals wouldnt see any losses and returns on its investment products wouldnt fall below certain floors. CICC-Qianhai Development Fund Management Co. Ltd. is required to properly respond and report to the China Securities Regulatory Commissions Shenzhen branch after rectifying the alleged wrongdoings, according to a warning letter (link in Chinese) released by the regulator on Monday. In a separate statement (link in Chinese) released Monday, the Shenzhen regulator said Wang Haipeng, general manager at CICC-Qianhai, should be held responsible for the alleged violations. Whats the background: China has stepped up regulations to bar financial institutions from guaranteeing principal payments or returns on investments for any asset management products, such as fund products, as they are considered to pose financial risks. Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use. To read the full Caixin article in Chinese, click here. Related: Extensions Possible for New Asset Management Rule Compliance: Regulator Contact reporter Tang Ziyi (ziyitang@caixin.com) and editor Marcus Ryder (marcusryder@caixin.com) I find it laughable that Rep Bryan Steil claims to be concerned that Wisconsin citizens might be taken advantage of by scam artists during our current health crisis. If he truly cares about keeping our money safe, he should spend his time addressing the corporate criminals and the corporate welfare packages being offered by our government. I think that is who steals the most of the American taxpayers' money. For example, approximately $1 billion from the Cares Act, intended for mom and pop type businesses went to publicly traded companies. It seems to me that this was intentional on the part of the GOP or at the very least sloppy legislation. Forty of those companies have refused to give the money back to the fund. That same legislation not only provided corporate tax cuts for 2020 but made several of these provisions retroactive. Those most likely to benefit from this tax break include owners of real estate firms; possibly including The Trump Organization. Other seats at the governments Cares Act trough have been taken up by the airline and banking industries. These two industries are famous for their creativity in the area of additional charges and fees. Considering how they treat the average American it makes me nauseous that my so-called representatives are once again handing them my hard-earned money for no reason. I would like Rep. Steil and all of our government representatives to follow the example of Iceland. When three of its biggest banks failed, they let them go under. And then they imposed additional controls to minimize future disasters. They did this and the sky didnt fall. Jennifer Teffer East Troy Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Canada has donated $500,000 to the United Nations Development Program in Egypt (UNDP Egypt) for the purchase of urgently needed COVID-19 diagnostic equipment, the Canadian embassy said on Tuesday. According to the embassys short statement on its social media accounts, the procurement is intended to fill key gaps identified by the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation and the Ministry of Health and Population. The UNDP has already launched with local NGOs the campaign Kemama (Facemask) to raise funds to provide facemasks for citizens in Upper Egypt. Search Keywords: Short link: By April 30, the coronavirus crisis had cost Ib-Salut an extra 45,865,935 euros. 27.4 million euros of the money was spent on medical supplies and equipment such as, gowns, glasses, masks, hydro-alcoholic solution, gloves, detection kits, protective screens and thermometers. Cargo planes were chartered to bring the materials to the Balearic Islands at a cost of 500,000 euros each for 5 round trips totalling 2.5 million euros. Another 3.6 million euros were spent on respirators, treatment carts, monitors and defibrillators, which were purchased to deal with the acute phase of the pandemic. 4.3 million euros were spent on technology and in the global calculation, budget excess amounted to 37.9 million euros by the end of April. Chapter II Consumption accounts, which incorporates the biggest expenditure that Management made in connection with the coronavirus health crisis amounts to 2.7 million euros. An estimated 688 extra Healthcare Professionals have joined the Islands' Public Health System during the crisis, increasing payroll by 3.5 million euros. Excessive hiring There were some disagreements over staff contracts at Son Llatzer Hospital where 20 extra workers were taken on to make sure there was sufficient coverage. The Nursing Management explained to the SATSE Union that the contracts were extended until August or September to guarantee availability during the Covid-19 pandemic which meant their contracts lasted longer than those who were employed before them. Management claims that those with contracts that ended on April 30 have been relocated to other services and will return if needed during the summer holidays. The unease amongst employees is caused by the decisions over who stays and who goes, because some of those who leave have been working in the ICU for many years and are in high positions in the job market, while others who stay are in lower positions," warns Isabel Horrach, Nursing Union Delegate. The U.S. side calls on Russia to cease its unlawful occupation of Crimea. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv says it is disturbed by media reports that a Ukrainian military was detained near the administrative border with Russia-occupied Crimea. "We are disturbed by recent media reports that a member of the Ukrainian military was detained by Russian forces on sovereign Ukrainian territory," the embassy said on Twitter on June 3. We are disturbed by recent media reports that a member of the Ukrainian military was detained by Russian forces on sovereign Ukrainian territory. Russia must cease its unlawful occupation of Crimea and halt its aggression in the Donbas. #CrimeaIsUkraine U.S. Embassy Kyiv (@USEmbassyKyiv) June 3, 2020 "Russia must cease its unlawful occupation of Crimea and halt its aggression in the Donbas. #CrimeaIsUkraine," the tweet said. Read alsoRussia's FSB confirms detention of Ukrainian serviceman close to Crimea border As UNIAN reported earlier, a member of Ukraine's Armed Forces was reportedly abducted near the administrative border with Russia-occupied Crimea on May 30. Evidence of a fight with unidentified persons was found not far from his observation post, the Ukrainian military police reported. It became known later that he was remanded in custody on the occupied peninsula. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) then confirmed the detention of the Ukrainian serviceman, having accused him of "illegal border crossing." More than one thousand protestors took to the streets in Flagstaff in Sunnyside and the historic downtown area to decry police violence against George Floyd and other people of color Tuesday. The protest hit a turning point when an unidentified person threw a brick or rock through the Flagstaff Police Departments Fourth Street substation window. Many of the protestors turned on the person as they ran away from the scene, yelling at them to stop the violence and to leave the area. A small group of the protestors instead used their bodies to block the station from further property damage until police arrived. The broken window came after hundreds of protestors had marched in the streets from the intersection at Route 66 and Fourth Street, conducting sit-ins and blocking intersections, walking down Fourth Street and taking a moment to speak in front of the substation. Before the window was broken, protestors tried to talk about solutions to end police violence, but loud arguments erupted over the question of whether to reform or abolish the police. The brick was thrown soon after. No protestors were arrested Tuesday, according to Charles Hernandez, spokesman of the Flagstaff Police Department, and there have been no arrests since demonstrations began on Friday. Countrywide protests have erupted over the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minnesota after he placed his knee on Floyds neck for almost nine minutes while he was in custody. The officer has since been arrested. In Arizona, earlier protests caused Gov. Doug Ducey to implement a curfew starting at 8 p.m. through June 8. Mayor Coral Evans said even though she has her disagreements with the governor, in a call with him, she did not accept any state police to help manage protestors. Despite the fact that protestors used their First Amendment right to protest until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, there was only one other case of property damage where "Black Lives Matter" was spray painted onto the Flagstaff City Hall lawn. Protestors in the area of downtown also marched on Birch Avenue, and held sit-ins on Birch and Route 66. Earlier in the day, Hernandez explained that the police will assess the protests in the coming days on a case-by-case basis. He said the department wants to straddle the line between protecting peoples life and property and protecting peoples right to protest. Were trying to prevent any of that unlawful behavior, Hernandez said. We are allocating resources to protect the rights of individuals exercising constitutional rights, but also implementing personnel to preserve the safety and order of the community. Jermaine Barkley, a Flagstaff resident for 8 years, was among the hundreds protesting in the downtown area and near Flagstaff City Hall. Barkley wrote the names and last words of people of color from around the country who he felt died unjustly. The words included I cant breathe, from George Floyd; Please dont let me die, from Kimani Gray; and "I wasn't reaching for it" from Philando Castile. These arent the words of somebody arguing, or someone combative, or someone fighting with the police or robbing a bank. These are the last words of some people who were scared, or who were confused, and who didnt understand why this was happening, Barkley said. It just points out the senselessness of whats going on. I think thats why so many people mobilized today. At Flagstaff City Hall, a person spray-painted Black Lives Matter in black spray paint on the grass. But nearly everyone protested peacefully without defacing property and marched from city hall to the Coconino County Superior Courthouse lawn and then to Heritage Square. A few men drinking a beer on the Hops on Birch patio began clapping for protestors at the courthouse. The men said they expected to see protestors around the city during their first time to a bar since COVID-19 began, but didnt expect to see them to show up at the courthouse. Maybe my life should be disrupted, Nelson Voldeng said. Khalil Brown, an NAU student who was one of hundreds on the courthouse lawns, felt he had a duty as a person of color to be among protestors. Its our duty to do this, Brown said. This is for our ancestors. This is for our future kids. This is for the people who cant be here now. Many protestors called for justice for those impacted by police violence. One hoped to make it easier to charge police officers who act with malice or negligence. Levalle Billie joined the protests because she felt that Native American people needed to be present in the fight for the rights of all minorities. At the same time, she said she sees the mistreatment of Native Americans as a large issue that needs more attention. Its not just [people who are black]. Its Hispanics. Its Arabs. Its anyone with a color thats not just white, Billie said. Im here to protest that." Love 53 Funny 12 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 48 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. Council Leader: We cant expect the public to pay for COVID-19 with an increase in charges and council tax This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jun 3rd, 2020 Wrexham Council has called on Welsh and UK Governments for prompt payment of funding and a longer term sympathetic view of local authorities finances. Welsh Government and UK Government has announced several funding pots for local authorities, who are often the end organisations who have been delivering the local level pandemic responses, however it appears not all cash has turned up as of yet. As well as being asked to do more to help respond to the pandemic, several revenue streams for councils have dried up such as revenue from leisure centres, car parks and fees such as reduced planning, with Wrexham Council saying that sum locally is around 1m a month. Council Leader Mark Pritchard said enough cash in the bank to deal with the pandemic but longer term recovery depends on funding from UK and Welsh Government. He said: I think the recovery all depends on how quickly the money can filter from Westminster and Cardiff to local authorities bank accounts. It is 1 million a month income loss. We are losing 1m a month on income. Obviously the Welsh Government have announced that theyve said theyre going to pay this money. Well, we need the money, we dont need tomorrow. We dont need it next week. We need it now. We cant wait. What theyve asked us to do is to send them finance sheets of what losses we have had, weve done that, as have all the other authorities across Wales done it, and now we wait for the money to come in. The recovery for me depends on the willingness and drive from both governments to allocate the funding so we can move on. We asked Wrexham Council what their cash situation is like right now with some authorities across the UK painting bleak pictures. We bluntly asked if there was enough cash in the bank, and if any loans or credit facilities were being explored just in case. Cllr Pritchard replied: We have always got reserves for obvious reasons, we keep reserves and were very prudent. If, and if the money doesnt come from the Welsh Government we will have to look at our financial balance and make some decisions. I cant say any more than that. Because tomorrow, there might be a transaction of money from the Welsh Government into our accounts. Thats how we are working on a day to day basis. The Council Chief Executive Ian Bancroft said: On a daily basis at a snap shot in time our cash flow is okay at the moment. Our real worry is as we come out of the emergency, that were going to have income loss, were going to have income that we havent collected. As well as actually losing income, theyll be income that is delayed or havent collected and therell be additional costs associated, clearly at a national level around things like the delivery of emergency hospitals, the delivery of test track and trace. We need to make sure that that money isnt taken away from public service budget, because were going to have additional pressures in relation to social care, the elderly, vulnerable. The real worry comes as we come out of this, that we have a deficit in terms of expenditure and income, and increased pressure, and also if were not careful reduction in funding, and that is the critical situation that we need to avoid and we all need to be articulating. We asked if there was any concerns that the council tax payers would be essentially called upon to plug pandemic budget gaps, or if it was a bigger financing issue to be solved in Cardiff and Westminster. Cllr Pritchard said: Funny enough we had this conversation yesterday and we discussed it at senior level. COVID-19 is a global issue, finance will have to come from Westminster, because we cant expect the general public across this country to pay for COVID-19 with an increase in charges, costs and council tax. You cant. Its unsustainable. Ill say this, and I said it yesterday and I raised a few eyebrows yesterday, but I keep on saying it. We need support from both governments for money to pump prime the economy in in North Wales and Wales and the United Kingdom. I think that financial crisis has just started. Mr Bancroft: Our line before COVID-19 coming into next years budget was that we want to be able to invest in services not cut in the future. So if this crisis results in changing that situation, to a position where were not able to invest, then we have to cut services further, then we have got severe issues in providing the basic services that are critical for our residents. Thats why it is a much bigger issue than an individual local authority issue. That will be consistent across local authorities throughout the UK. Cllr Pritchard added a grim stat to wrap up the comment, saying: Just to let you know we had a conversation at a meeting yesterday to discuss the finances and the Chief Finance Officer reminded us that the country is 2 trillion pounds in debt because of COVID-19. So thats what were all facing. French police fired tear gas early on Wednesday to disperse protesters marking the 2016 death of a black man in a police operation that some have likened to the death of George Floyd in the United States. Reuters reporters saw police use tear gas after some of the protesters started fires and set up barricades around the Avenue de Clichy in northern Paris, which was littered with rubbish and broken glass. Thousands of people assembled earlier for a demonstration in memory of Adama Traore, a 24-year-old black Frenchman who died in a 2016 police operation. The protesters were defying a police ban imposed because of the risk of disorder and the danger of spreading the novel coronavirus. The demonstration had drawn attention on social media of people supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and those backing U.S. protests in response to the May 25 killing in Minneapolis of Floyd, a 46-year-old African American who died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes. Traores family blamed excessive force during his arrest, when he was pinned down by three gendarmes. Successive pathology reports have reached conflicting conclusions over whether his death two hours later resulted from asphyxiation or other factors including pre-existing conditions. 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 By Liz Szabo | Kaiser Health News 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. In cities across the country, police departments have attempted to quell unrest spurred by the death of George Floyd by firing rubber bullets into crowds, even though five decades of evidence shows such weapons can disable, disfigure and even kill. In addition to rubber bullets -- which often have a metal core -- police have used tear gas, flash grenades, pepper spray gas and projectiles to control crowds of demonstrators demanding justice for 46-year-old George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck, while other officers restrained his body. Some peaceful demonstrations have turned violent, with people smashing windows, setting buildings afire and looting stores. The use by police of rubber bullets has provoked outrage, as graphic images have flashed on social media showing people who have lost an eye or suffered other injuries after being hit. I just got hit by a rubber bullet near the bottom of my throat. I had just interviewed a man with my phone at 3rd and Pine and a police officer aimed and shot me in the throat, I saw the bullet bounce onto the street @LAist @kpcc OK, that's one way to stop me, for a while pic.twitter.com/9C2u5KmscG -- Adolfo Guzman-Lopez (@AGuzmanLopez) June 1, 2020 study published in 2017 in the BMJ found that 3% of people hit by rubber bullets died of the injury. Fifteen percent of the 1,984 people studied were permanently injured by the rubber bullets, also known as "kinetic impact projectiles." Rubber bullets should be used only to control "an extremely dangerous crowd," said Brian Higgins, the former police chief of Bergen County, New Jersey. "Shooting them into open crowds is reckless and dangerous," said Dr. Douglas Lazzaro, a professor and expert in eye trauma at NYU Langone Health. 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 In the past week, a grandmother in La Mesa, California, was hospitalized in an intensive care unit after being hit between the eyes with a rubber bullet. Actor Kendrick Sampson said he was hit by rubber bullets seven times at a Los Angeles protest. In Washington, D.C., the National Guard allegedly fired rubber bullets Monday to disperse peaceful protesters near a historic church where President Donald Trump was subsequently photographed. In a statement, Attorney General William Barr defended the actions of local and federal law enforcement officers in Washington, saying they had "made significant progress in restoring order to the nation's capital." Barr did not mention the use of tear gas or rubber bullets. In case you are wondering, this is the size of a rubber bullet. I saw these all over the ground in LA. pic.twitter.com/hbHX33WBIO -- Tamara Dhia (@tamaradhia) June 1, 2020 Freelance photographer Linda Tirado said she was blinded by a rubber bullet at a protest in Minneapolis. In an email, Minneapolis Police Department spokesperson John Elder said, "We use 40 mm less-lethal foam marking rounds. We do not use rubber bullets." No one knows how often police use rubber bullets, or how many people are harmed every year, said Dr. Rohini Haar, a lecturer at the University of California-Berkeley School of Public Health and medical expert with Physicians for Human Rights. Many victims don't go to the hospital. Police are not required to document their use of rubber bullets, so there is no national data to show how often they're used, said Higgins, now an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. There are no nationally agreed-upon standards for their use. When aimed at the legs, rubber bullets can stop a dangerous person or crowd from getting closer to a police officer, Lazzaro said. But when fired at close range, rubber bullets can penetrate the skin, break bones, fracture the skull and explode the eyeball, he said. Rubber bullets can cause traumatic brain injuries and "serious abdominal injury, including injuries to the spleen and bowel along with major blood vessels," said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician in New York City and a spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians. Firing rubber bullets from a distance decreases both their force and their accuracy, increasing the risk of shooting people in the face or hitting bystanders, Lazzaro said. Physicians for Human Rights, a nonprofit advocacy group based in New York, has called for rubber bullets to be banned. The British military developed rubber bullets 50 years ago to control nationalist rioters in Northern Ireland, although the United Kingdom stopped using them decades ago. Rubber bullets are used by Israeli security forces against Palestinian demonstrators. French police were criticized for using rubber bullets last year after dozens of "yellow jacket" demonstrators were blinded and hundreds were injured. "Rubber bullets are used almost every day somewhere in the world," Haar said. "Using them against unarmed civilians is a huge violation of human rights." Many "less than lethal" police weapons can cause serious harm, according to Physicians for Human Rights. Acoustic weapons, such as sound cannons that make painfully loud noises, can damage hearing. Tear gas can make it difficult to see and breathe. Pepper spray, while painful and irritating, doesn't cause permanent damage, Lazzaro said. Pepper spray balls, which have been used to quell recent protests, can be deadly when used incorrectly. In 2004, a 21-year-old Boston woman was hit in the eye and killed by a pepper spray pellet fired by police to disperse crowds celebrating the city's World Series win. Disorientation devices that create loud noises and bright lights, known as concussion grenade or flash-bangs, can cause severe burns and blast injuries, including damage to the ear drum. Panicked crowds can cause crush injuries. Water cannons can cause internal injuries, falls and even frostbite during cold weather. Physical force, such as hitting someone to subdue them, causes about 1 in 3 people to be hospitalized, said Dr. Howie Mell, a spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians and former tactical physician, who worked with SWAT teams. Rubber bullets are less harmful than subduing people by "physical force or regular bullets, Mell said. "But we're firing a lot more of them this week than we usually do." This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dyaning Pangestika (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 07:04 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdba7a8a 1 National COVID-19,COVID-19-in-Indonesia,Manpower-Ministry Free The government has included all workers involved in COVID-19 management services in the occupational accident benefit (JKK) program. Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah issued a circular signed on May 28 and directed to all governors across the archipelago that stated that workers involved in combating the pandemic were beneficiaries of the JKK program. The circular explains that these workers include medical professionals treating COVID-19 patients, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, epidemiologists, laboratory staff and medical specialists. Non-medical workers at health facilities, such as janitors, cleaners, launderers and also volunteers, are also beneficiaries. The circular was based on Presidential Regulation No. 7/2019 on work-related disease (PAK). "Therefore, workers who suffer work-related illnesses, including COVID-19, are entitled to receive benefits through the JKK program in accordance with the prevailing regulations," Ida said in a statement on Monday. Furthermore, she urged governors to make sure workplaces with high COVID-19 risks implemented preventative measures. The minister also asked such companies to register their workers with the Workers Social Security Agency (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) to ensure they could access the JKK benefits. Employers that have yet to enroll their workers in the JKK program should compensate their workers with the same amount of benefits should they experience an occupational disease, as stipulated in the law, Ida added. Some residents of communities along Ghana's border to Burkina Faso in the Upper West Region have thus called for more stringent security measures in the area. Their call follows concerns over the influx of illegal migrants into the country amidst the pandemic. Yesterday, Tuesday, 13 Burkinabes were apprehended by immigration officials in the Upper West Region after they sneaked into the country through an unapproved route. The residents speaking to Citi News appealed to the government to beef up security in the area to avoid an imminent importation of the coronavirus. A resident said, Some people came from Burkina Faso to our communities through unapproved routes to come and buy maize and do their own business. Another resident also stated that, We want the government to bring up here security personnel to man the borders. Meanwhile, the Upper West Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Immigration Service, Ibn Yussif Seidu, has told Citi News that his outfit is on top of the matter as over 300 foreign nationals have so far been arrested and repatriated since the closure of the borders. As far as we are concerned, we have made as much as 46 interceptions arrests. The composition is we have made as many as 311 repatriations and these include 265 Burkinabes, 4 Malians, 9 Nigeriens, 9 Nigerians, 8 Ivorians, 10 Togolese, and 10 from Benin. The situation at our borders is something very common. In the dry season, for example, you will realize that the place of Ghana and Burkina borders is open so when it is dry season, it is a hard task for Ghana Immigration Service, he noted. ---citinewsroom CHICAGO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), one of the world's largest exchange holding companies, today reported May monthly trading volume. The data sheet "Cboe Global Markets Monthly Volume & RPC/Net Revenue Capture Report" contains an overview of May and year-to-date trading statistics and market share by business segment, volume in select index products, and RPC, which is reported on a one-month lag, across business lines. MONTHLY TRADING VOLUME Year-To-Date May May % April % May May % 2020 2019 Chg 2020 Chg 2020 2019 Chg OPTIONS (contracts, thousands) Year-To-Date Trading Days 20 22 21 103 104 Total Volume 191,428 178,540 7.2% 200,828 -4.7% 1,057,599 746,285 41.7% Total ADV 9,571 8,115 17.9% 9,563 0.1% 10,268 7,176 43.1% FUTURES (contracts, thousands) Year-To-Date Trading Days 20 22 21 103 104 Total Volume 2,675 7,514 -64.4% 2,343 14.2% 25,532 26,194 -2.5% Total ADV 134 342 -60.8% 112 19.9% 248 252 -1.6% U.S. EQUITIES (shares, millions) Year-To-Date Trading Days 20 22 21 103 104 Total Volume 37,944 25,199 50.6% 42,619 -11.0% 194,368 120,109 61.8% Total ADV 1,897 1,145 65.6% 2,029 -6.5% 1,887 1,155 63.4% EUROPEAN EQUITIES ( millions) Year-To-Date Trading Days 21 23 20 105 106 Total Notional Value 118,132 186,892 -36.8% 123,459 -4.3% 823,481 943,799 -12.7% Total ADNV 5,625 8,126 -30.8% 6,173 -8.9% 7,843 8,904 -11.9% GLOBAL FX ($ millions) Year-To-Date Trading Days 21 23 22 107 108 Total Notional Value $658,664 $760,188 -13.4% $643,629 2.3% $4,076,013 $3,752,471 8.6% Total ADNV $31,365 $33,052 -5.1% $29,256 7.2% $38,094 $34,745 9.6% ADV= average daily volume ADNV= average daily notional value May 2020 Volume Highlights Cboe C2 and BZX Options Exchanges posted gains in ADV over May 2019 : C2 up 30 percent and Cboe BZX up 44 percent. : C2 up 30 percent and Cboe BZX up 44 percent. Cboe EDGX Options Exchange set a new all-time monthly ADV record with more than 1.2 million contracts traded, up 98 percent over May 2019 . . Cboe EDGX Equities Exchange market share reached a 52-week high for the second month in a row, capturing 6.4 percent of the market. Cboe's new retail priority offering on Cboe EDGX Exchange hit a monthly ADV high of 87.7 million shares traded, up 83.5 percent over April 2020 . . Cboe iBoxx iShares $ High Yield Corporate Bond Index (IBHY) futures traded on Cboe Futures Exchange, LLC (CFE) saw record ADV of 1,240 contracts traded. About Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE) is one of the world's largest exchange holding companies, offering cutting-edge trading and investment solutions to investors around the world. The company is committed to defining markets to benefit its participants and drive the global marketplace forward through product innovation, leading edge technology and seamless trading solutions. The company offers trading across a diverse range of products in multiple asset classes and geographies, including options, futures, U.S. and European equities, exchange-traded products (ETPs), global foreign exchange (FX) and volatility products based on the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX Index), recognized as the world's premier gauge of U.S. equity market volatility. Cboe's subsidiaries include the largest options exchange and the third largest stock exchange operator in the U.S. In addition, the company operates one of the largest stock exchanges by value traded in Europe and is a leading market globally for ETP listings and trading. The company is headquartered in Chicago with a network of domestic and global offices across the Americas, Europe and Asia, including main hubs in New York, London, Kansas City and Amsterdam. For more information, visit www.cboe.com. 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Zhao continued, We hope the U.S. government can take substantial measures and fulfill its obligations to the international convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination, so as to safeguard and guarantee the legitimate rights of minority groups. China itself has seen an uptick of racism against Africans, especially in the city of Guangzhou which has a large population of African residents. After five Nigerian residents of the city tested positive for coronavirus in April, a McDonalds branch posted a sign banning black people and many Africans were evicted from their homes or hotels. The U.S. State Department sent out an advisory on April 13 warning African-Americans to avoid the city, noting that police had instructed bars and restaurants not to serve customers of African origin. African-Americans in Guangzhou have since been refused service at businesses and some have been forced into mandatory quarantines despite testing negative for coronavirus, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. China maintains extensive relations with African Union nations, where it has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure projects. Following the events in Guangzhou, a group of African ambassadors in China condemned the The president has offered only limited glimpses into the role Christianity has played in his upbringing and adult life. He was raised Presbyterian and has cited the Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, a pastor and the author of The Power of Positive Thinking, as one of his earliest influences. He has said he attends church in observance of major holidays like Christmas and Easter, and has often named the Bible as his favorite book (though when pressed, he has also named some of his own books). "by joining with the NYC Hospitality Alliance, our members and all restaurants will benefit from our combined efforts"- Bon Yagi Past News Releases RSS The New York Japanese Restaurant Association (NYJRA) has announced that it will fully support the NYC Hospitality Alliances campaign to obtain relief and assistance on behalf of restaurant operators and employees. The NYC Hospitality Alliance and its Executive Director Andrew Rigie have been at the forefront in the fight for our restaurants. Through the NYC Hospitality Alliances efforts, significant legislation has been passed by, among others, the NY City Council that aims to assist restaurant operators and their employees during this difficult time. Further, the NYC Hospitality Alliance is working to obtain relief from NY state and the Federal government that will assist in the fight for the survival of our industry and businesses. The NYJRA was recently incorporated and is currently seeking 501(c)(6) tax-exempt status. The goal of the NYJRA is to raise awareness of its member Japanese restaurants and foster an understanding of Japanese culture and tradition. It also endeavors to represent its individual and corporate members by seeking out relationships and strategies that will assist its members in their operations and continued success in New York City, particularly during this difficult COVID-19 era. The NYJRA President, Mr. Bon Yagi, and the NYJRA Board Members discussed the shared issues facing their respective members with Mr. Rigie and offered the NYJRAs full assistance and support during a virtual meeting. It was agreed that the solutions to the difficult issues facing this industry are found in innovation and the combined efforts of all restaurant groups and organizations, providing a unified front. More information can be obtained from the NYJRA website http://www.nyjapaneserestaurant.org and also refer all restaurants to the comprehensive information at the NY Hospitality Alliances website http://www.thenycalliance.org There are many changes that passengers will see, TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein says. The agency now allows passengers to carry up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in a carry-on bag. To reduce the risk of infection, they must hold on to their boarding passes instead of handing them to a TSA agent at the travel document podium. Wearing a mask is permitted during screening, but you may need to lower it to help verify your identity, or if it is a military-style gas mask that may conceal something. In changed protocol, locals may control containment zones in Bengal India pti-PTI Kolkata, June 03: As the number of COVID-19 cases is on the rise in West Bengal with the return of migrants and as economic activities are resuming, the state government is planning to change the protocol of declaring a containment zone, and involve local people in policing an area, an official said on Wednesday. The authorities will now identify a building with a COVID-19 patient and declare it a containment zone and the area around it a buffer zone, deviating from the earlier practice of marking such a building and a portion of the roads surrounding it as an affected area, he said. A containment zone is called an "affected area" in West Bengal and the roads around it are different "buffer zones". The number of affected areas across West Bengal was around 718 last week and it went up to 864 on Tuesday, according to the data on the state government's 'Egiye Bangla' website. A huge jump was also witnessed in the number of buffer zones. It was 350 three days back but jumped nearly to 850 during the same period, the website added. Cyclone Nisarga uproots trees, damages cars and buildings in Maharashtra| Oneindia News "The spike was noticed in almost all the districts, particularly in Birbhum, Cooch Behar, Nadia, Uttar Dinajpur and Malda, where most of the migrant labourers have returned. They are still coming and the number of COVID-19 cases will possibly rise," the senior Health Department official told PTI. Scientists identify unique trait in coronavirus in India As the administration is planning to slowly ease the lockdown norms, the requirement of streamlining the affected areas has surfaced, he said. "In a densely populated area like slums and their surrounding areas, the entire locality, and not just a building, may be declared a containment zone," the official said. The Health Department, following the suggestion of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is also considering to use local people in maintaining 'dos and don'ts' in the affected areas. "We have seen that in many areas in Kolkata and other districts, local people have put up barricades to prevent anyone from entering or exiting the containment zones. Since the outbreak started, police have been maintaining these zones and, in some cases, locals have. "Now, we are trying to find out whether local people can be given the entire responsibility of policing these areas," the official said. So far, over 5 lakh migrant labourers from other states have returned and the state government has made it mandatory for all those coming from 'hotspot' states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh to undergo tests. West Bengal has reported 6,168 confirmed coronavirus cases so far. The number of active cases is 3,423 while 263 patients have died. New Delhi, June 3 : The RBI has told the Supreme Court that if the six-month moratorium period on loan repayments is declared interest-free, then losses incurred will be Rs 2,01,000 crore, amounting to close to 1 per cent of the national GDP. The Reserve Bank of India has opposed waiving off the interest during the moratorium period, insisting that the aim and object of allowing a moratorium is to only defer the payment obligations and it cannot be construed to be a waiver of the payment obligations. "Since the moratorium period has been permitted for six months, the total interest income thus foregone will be about Rs 2,01,000 crore. This amount is close to 1 per cent of the national GDP. And this is only for the banking system, without counting the NBFCs and all India financial institutions. If the banks are required to forego the above amount, there would be huge consequences for the stability of the banking system," the central bank said in a counter-affidavit. Against the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic, the RBI issued a circular in March, which allowed banks to grant a moratorium to borrowers on the payment of installments for a 3-month period. On May 22, this period was extended till August 31. "Any economic relief has an opportunity cost, and if the argument of the petitioner is accepted, the same would amount to shifting the opportunity cost of the reliefs enjoyed by the borrowers by virtue of moratorium to the lending institutions and depositors of the country," said the RBI. The interest on advances forms an important source of income for banks and after meeting the cost of funds, the banks also need to sustain reasonable interest margins for viable operations, it argued. The response from RBI came after the apex court queried it on the aspect of interest incurred by the borrowers, if they opted for the benefit of moratorium on loan repayment. "The fact that the waiver of interest is having a far-reaching effect on the economy of the country cannot be ignored. It will be also relevant to mention here that it is a well settled proposition of law that the larger public interest of the economy takes precedence over the individual cases of hardship," the RBI said. Petitioner Gajendra Sharma, who is aggrieved by the charging of interest on his loan, moved the apex court arguing that the objective of the circular would be rendered futile if interest is levied, and cascading effect will show up in increased EMIs at a later stage. Therefore, the interest should not be charged during the moratorium period. To this, the RBI replied: "The argument of the petitioner, if accepted, would effectively shift the cost of opportunity availed by the Petitioner and borrowers upon the lending institutions and its respective depositors thereby jeopardizing the interest of all." Sharma has argued on the right of life, stating that due to imposition of the nationwide lockdown, the means of livelihood are under stress, and he has no means to earn livelihood as he cannot continue to work. But, the RBI said: "It is well settled that the fundamental right to life includes all the components of right to life; however, the subject matter before this court holds greater importance qua the economy of the country. It is emphatically denied that the circular issued by the answering Respondent (RBI) interfere in any manner with the employment or livelihood of any citizen of this country." The RBI said that the two-fold intention behind issuing the circular is to mitigate the burden of debt servicing brought about by disruptions on account of Covid-19 as well as to ensure the viability of the businesses. The West Bund Museum in Shanghai held a yoga course for four children aged from 4 to 6 on Monday. [chinadaily.com.cn] The West Bund Museum in Shanghai held a yoga course for four children aged from 4 to 6 on Monday. The course was aimed at creating strength and harmony in minds and bodies of these children, according to the museum. The West Bund Museum in Shanghai held a yoga course for four children aged from 4 to 6 on Monday. [chinadaily.com.cn] The activity was held in the museum's exhibition hall for Balancing Acts: Inhibiting Space and Time, which features dynamic and abstract art that discusses the relationship between art works and space. The children were surrounded by works including kinetic sculptures by American artist Alexander Calder and paintings by Ellsworth Kelly, an American artist known for her abstract works. The West Bund Museum in Shanghai held a yoga course for four children aged from 4 to 6 on Monday. [chinadaily.com.cn] Accompanied by tunes from the cello and violin, a yoga instructor took the kids through a session that combined a treasure hunt story with yoga poses. The children imagined moving through meadows, rivers and forests, overcoming challenges and eventually finding the treasure in the story. "I've designed some interesting, kid-friendly yoga poses, like imitating things children are familiar with in life with asanas," said Yao Jinyu, the yoga teacher, referring to the instances when the children had to imitate animals like turtles, tigers and lions. The West Bund Museum in Shanghai held a yoga course for four children aged from 4 to 6 on Monday. [chinadaily.com.cn] "Yoga is an efficient way to enhance strength, coordination and flexibility, while encouraging body awareness. The fun nature of this activity can encourage them to perform exercises in daily life," Yao said. When a tornado appeared in the story, musical instruments mimicked the sound of wind as the Hungarian March was played, its uplifting rhythms encouraging the kids to overcome the obstacles ahead. "The audio-visual experience presented in a child's language will stimulate brain development and help children find innate joy. Whether they do the standard poses or not is less important in the process," said Yao. (Source: chinadaily.com.cn) It's striking counsel for a sweeping issue: Some 700 U.S. women a year die from pregnancy-related complications. Many of those deaths are traceable to preventable health disparities -- inequities that widen for women with low incomes and those who live in rural areas, and yawn still further for racial minorities. The Academy's May 31 letter called for a "comprehensive critical examination of policies and procedures, empowering the development of diverse formal and informal leadership and developing a plan that increases accountability, demonstrates transparency and reorganizes power." "The AAFP recognizes that these unequal outcomes are the consequence of decades of structural and systemwide inequities designed to deliver unequal and disparate care for women of color based on institutionalized racism and the unconscious biases of health care providers toward women of color," the letter said. The Academy urged policies that would educate physicians about implicit bias and build strategies to address it by supporting culturally appropriate, patient-centered care and reduce health disparities; and educate physicians about inequities in maternal morbidity and mortality, and support strategies to integrate birth equity into the delivery of family-centered maternity care. The letter was sent to CMS Administrator Seema Verma, M.P.H., in response to a request for information. It was signed by Board Chair John Cullen, M.D., of Valdez, Alaska. "Specifically, the CMS Office of Minority Health is seeking information related to opportunities to improve health care access, quality and outcomes for women and infants in rural communities before, during and after pregnancy," the agency wrote in February. The AAFP's reply detailed numerous such opportunities at the regulatory and legislative levels, repeating and sometimes expounding on urgent recommendations that the Academy sent to the Senate Finance Committee in April. In both cases, the AAFP advanced positions staked out by its maternal health task force, which first convened last year. The task force's priorities include retaining obstetric care professionals, supporting maternity care education, reducing health care disparities, improving access to care, and addressing social determinants of health. The task force -- and the Academy as a whole -- also continue to advocate for increasing the supply of family physicians "More than one-half of rural hospitals with obstetrics units depend on family physicians to attend births, and family physicians continue to attend the majority of births in small hospitals," the May 31 letter said. It also pointed out that 28% of rural family physicians -- whose practices are now under severe threat from effects of the COVID-19 pandemic -- continue to provide obstetrical services, helping to backstop the public health costs of 5 million U.S. women who live in obstetric deserts. "Therefore, CMS should invest in primary care workforce strategies, along with policies that would improve health access and financial viability of providing maternity care for both family physicians and hospitals," the AAFP wrote. Among its recommendations, the letter urged CMS to We might be sitting in our houses enjoying all the privileges we have but migrants workers are on the move every day. They are struggling every day just to get back to their homes. Sonu Sood is being celebrated as he is doing all he can in order to help these needy ones to get back at secured places. Vikas Khanna also joined the actor and provided meals to these migrants who were headed for a long journey. We are celebrating the efforts of these celebs but we need to start acknowledging what the common man has been doing to. There are ordinary people with very ordinary lives who are no stars but are doing noble deeds for all the ones who need help, the ones who need shelters and the ones who actually need helping hands. Its time that we start appreciating these ordinary people for their own lockdown deeds. Take a look at these heroes who are not stars but are the ones who we should celebrate: 1. Mahita Nagraj How far would you go to help someone who needs your help? Are you ready to shell out your savings for people who you even dont know? She started Caremongers India, under which volunteers provide medicines and groceries to senior citizens, needy, and physically challenged people. She has a network of 24000 people who are volunteering with her to do the good deed. Google 2. Akshay Kothawale From different walks of life, people are coming forward to help the migrant workers and they dont have the funding of that of a star. A Pune-based auto-rickshaw driver has spent the money he saved for his wedding to feed migrant labourers and this gesture has made him a star in real sense. He had saved Rs 2 lakh for his wedding, which was earlier scheduled on May 25 but got postponed due to the lockdown. He along with some of his friends set up a kitchen with the money he had and is disturbing food to workers in Pune. Google 3. Niharika Dwivedi When someone really wants to help, age doesnt matter and shouldnt be a concern either. A 12-year-old Niharika did the unimaginable when she donated money from her piggy bank to arrange flight tickets for three Jharkhand migrant labourers. He has donated her entire saving which amounts to Rs 48,000. Noida: A 12-year-old girl, Niharika Dwivedi, gives away Rs 48,000 from her savings to send three migrant workers to Jharkhand via air. She says, "Society has given us so much & it is our responsibility to pay back to it in this crisis". (31.5.2020) pic.twitter.com/LOPbpI7IYF ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 31, 2020 4. 99-Year-Old Woman Makes Food Packets For Migrants Its all about pushing your boundaries and this woman is one such example. The video of a 99-year-old woman making food packets for migrants stuck in the city of Mumbai has been doing the rounds and has made her a local hero. My 99 year old phuppi prepares food packets for migrant workers in Bombay. pic.twitter.com/jYQtmJZx8k Zahid F. Ebrahim (@zfebrahim) May 29, 2020 5. Arun Kumar Singh Arun Kumar Singh, a cop, has started his community kitchen in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar area and he runs it with the help of other cops and government officials to provide food packets to the needy. Speaking to India Today TV, Inspector Arun Kumar Singh said, "I got injured in a road accident last year and since then I am on medical leave. The government is trying it's best to ensure that the needy are provided all the possible help but we as citizens must also contribute and provide food to the poor. A community kitchen in the Gomti Nagar area has been set up with the help of police officials like IG STF Amitabh Yash, SSP Saharanpur Dinesh Kumar P, an income tax officer and some local NGOs. We prepare food for 2,500 people and also give it to the authorities for distribution." India Today Its time to acknowledge the efforts done by the common people! Police brutality and racism in Brazil, a problem protesters say President Jair Bolsonaro is only making worse. Anti-racism demonstrations are being held in Brazil, where about half the population is Black or mixed race. The protesters blame President Jair Bolsonaro for the growing discrimination. Al Jazeeras Teresa Bo reports. The European Union will try to convince Boris Johnson to forge a compromise later this month in an attempt to stop the UK from breaking away from the bloc without a trade deal. With the negotiations deadlocked, and the latest talks set to end Friday without a breakthrough, the EU is pinning its hopes on a dramatic intervention by the British Prime Minister when he speaks to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel later this month, according to people familiar with the matter in Brussels. Johnson will be told where the EU could potentially make concessions -- as long as the UK takes a similarly conciliatory approach, the people said. That could allow the two sides to reach an accord in the second half, they said. But there is no guarantee that the Prime Minister will agree. On Tuesday, Johnsons spokesman, James Slack, dismissed suggestions of a compromise as wishful thinking by the EU. The UK government has threatened to walk away from the negotiations in June if they havent made adequate progress. If the two sides fail to reach an agreement by year-end, Britain will default to trading with the bloc on terms set by the World Trade Organization, leaving businesses and consumers grappling with the return of tariffs and quotas. Compromise Efforts The EU is demanding that, in return for any deal, the UK agrees to apply some of the blocs rules after Brexit to maintain a level competitive playing field. It also wants the European Court of Justice to continue to have jurisdiction in the UK and for European fishing vessels to maintain their access to British waters. So far, though, British officials have ruled out accepting those demands. Johnson has made it clear that he believes Britains vote to leave the bloc means that the country should be fully independent, one UK official said. Behind the rhetoric, though, diplomats say the two sides have started to map out where a deal could be done as they work out which positions are genuine red lines and which leave room for maneuver. European diplomats say the bloc could water down its demands on fishing and, to a more limited extent, on the level playing field. In return, they expect the UK to make a similar leap -- but so far, one hasnt been forthcoming. While the UK has offered to stick to current EU standards to prevent unfair competition by way of a so-called non-regression clause, the EU doesnt believe that promise goes far enough. Much of this weeks discussions will be focused on fisheries. The EUs public position is to demand the status quo, where European fishing boats have access to British waters under a quota system based on historic catch areas. The UK wants to replace that with annual negotiations that reflect more accurately where fish are found today. Manifestly Unbalanced At the end of the last round of talks, the UKs chief negotiator, David Frost, called the European approach manifestly unbalanced. His EU counterpart, Michel Barnier, acknowledged that both sides had taken maximalist starting positions that they could move away from. Even if the two sides inch closer toward agreement on fishing, though, they will still have to reconcile their divisions on the role of the EU courts. One UK official warned that Britain will never agree to align with EU laws or accept the continued jurisdiction of the European courts -- and accused the EU of ignoring the political realities of Brexit. I.P. Park, left, chief technology officer of LG Electronics, poses with Jeon Hong-beom, center, head of KT's AI/DX Convergence Business Group, and Lee Sang-min, head of LG Uplus' Future and Converged Division pose for a picture after agreeing to co-develop AI technology at KT's headquarters in Seoul, Wednesday. / Courtesy of KT By Baek Byung-yeul LG Electronics, KT and LG Uplus have teamed up to research artificial intelligence (AI) technology to co-develop core technologies in the sector and find new business opportunities, they said Wednesday. Executives of the three companies gathered at KT's headquarters in central Seoul and held a kick-off ceremony. The joint research team will share their experiences and technologies in the AI sector, seek ways to connect their AI services with each other and cooperate to resolve social issues utilizing the technology. "The three companies will be able to create synergy with their AI technologies. LG Uplus and KT have their superiorities in the sector based on fifth-generation (5G) and data technologies, and LG Electronics has developed its knowhow in services related to AI technology," the three companies said in a joint statement. With this agreement, LG Electronics and LG Uplus also joined the industry-academic collaboration alliance called AI One Team. The alliance includes KT, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Hanyang University and Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings. In conjunction with the AI One Team, the three companies will work on nurturing talented personnel in the AI sector as well. As a first move of the joint project, KT and LG Electronics will seek ways to connect the former's AI platform GiGA Genie to the latter's AI-based voice recognition platform LG ThinQ. Also, the three will carry out another plan to connect IoT services provided by KT and LG Uplus to LG Electronics' home appliances. They added the three companies will develop a forecasting model to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The two telecommunications companies KT and LG Uplus will use their mobile data to examine human mobility patterns and apply the data to LG Electronics' home appliances to increase accuracy of information. With AI adoption on the rise, LG Electronics has also been accelerating its effort to improve its capabilities in the technology field. It has been operating five AI research labs in locations including in Seoul, Silicon Valley of the U.S. and Toronto in Canada. I.P. Park, chief technology officer of LG Electronics, said the research project will become a driving force to upgrade competitiveness in the AI sector. "From the perspective of open innovation, corporations, schools and research institutes will cooperate in various ways to upgrade the country's competitiveness in the AI sector and create visible outcomes," he said in a statement. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Reuters) Stockholm Wed, June 3, 2020 10:33 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbba458 2 Lifestyle store,fashion,George-Floyd,#BlackLivesMatter,united-states,retailer Free H&M, the world's second-biggest fashion retailer, said on Tuesday it had temporarily closed 95 of its stores in the United States because of the violent protests following the death of George Floyd in police custody. "We have closed 95 stores temporarily due to the protests," an H&M spokesman told Reuters. The protests erupted across the United States after the death of Floyd, a 46-year-old African American on May 25. On Monday, demonstrators set fire to a strip mall in Los Angeles, looted stores in New York City and clashed with police in St Louis, Missouri. Read also: Music industry pledges anti-racist 'Black Out Tuesday' In a statement, H&M, which has around 600 stores in the United States, said: "The recent killings of more members of the black community in the US leave us devastated and heartbroken. Their lives, and the lives of all black people taken by violence, mattered." The statement, signed by CEO Helena Helmersson, said H&M was committed to taking tangible steps to challenge racism and support colleagues, customers and communities. H&M also said it would to donate $500,000 to US civil rights and law firm the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, civil rights advocacy group Color of Change, and the American Civil Liberties Union. Season two of Israeli drama False Flag will be available at SBS on Demand from tomorrow. All ten episodes available to stream. In Hebrew with English subtitles. An explosion during an inauguration ceremony for the first oil pipeline connecting Israel to Turkey is immediately labelled as a deadly terrorist attack by the media. Three citizens were all present at the inauguration but all three disappeared around the time of the blast, which killed several government officials. When their names are released as key suspects, those closest to them are suddenly thrown into the eye of a storm. The investigation and media attention turns their lives upside down and, as unexpected connections and surprising alliances begin to emerge, their initial surprise makes way for mistrust with no assurance that solving the mystery will put things back to the way they were. Packed with nail biting intrigue and explosive twists, False Flag immerses viewers in a rollercoaster ride of suspicion and deception, as each character is forced to question everything that was once so familiar. Caught in a web of secrets and lies, only one thing is known for certain nothing will ever be the same again. Thursday, 4 June on SBS On Demand. Tripoli (AFP) - Forces backing Libya's unity government said Wednesday they had reseized Tripoli international airport after heavy fighting with rival troops supporting strongman Khalifa Haftar. "Our forces have fully liberated Tripoli International Airport," said Mohamad Gnounou, spokesman for forces backing the Government of National Accord in a statement. The airport, in a strategic area on the capital's southern edges, has been closed since 2014 and had been seized by pro-Haftar forces last year. Forces loyal to the east Libyan strongman have been battling since April 2019 to seize Tripoli from the UN-recognised GNA, in fighting that has left hundreds dead and forced 200,000 to flee their homes. Pro-GNA forces "are chasing Haftar's militias, who are fleeing (southwards) towards Gasr Ben Gashir", Gnounou said. The operation to retake the country's largest civilian airport began Wednesday morning, with drones providing air cover, Gnounou added. For the past two weeks, pro-GNA forces have been carrying out large-scale ground and air attacks, surrounding the airport area before the final assault on Wednesday, he said. Pro-Haftar forces have not commented on the setback, but the loss of the airport follows a string of defeats for Haftar in recent weeks. GNA forces buoyed by Turkish drones and air defence systems have taken back a string of coastal towns and a key airbase Haftar had used to launch attacks. While the GNA is backed by Turkey, Haftar is supported by neighbouring Egypt and the United Arab Emirates as well as Russia. Libya has been mired in conflict since the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival administrations and scores of militias struggling for power. LINDON, Utah, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In a first for its industry, TheraLight, LLC is offering a lifetime warranty on the light emitting diodes in its LED light therapy beds . The Company, a medical device and emerging global leader in innovative photomedicine technology, has announced its new Lifetime Diode Warranty that builds upon its 5 Year System Warranty, effective on all new purchases immediately. The Company developed the program to reinforce its commitment to excellence in product design and quality and customer service. This development sets TheraLight and its products ahead and far surpasses all other LED Light Therapy manufacturers that typically offer 1 to 3-year warranties. "Our Company is excited to offer this new, industry-leading initiative and show that our products are truly an excellent value and investment in the market today. We make great products, so it makes sense to stand behind them", said Justin Vorwaller, COO at TheraLight. "No other major manufacturer offers this level of comprehensive coverage. A lifetime warranty is yet another way that we are standing behind the power of our trusted brands and putting our customers at the heart of all we do. It's also a way for us to save our customers valuable time and money and allow them to focus on managing their practice or business." The new TheraLight warranty will provide complete purchase protection covering the light emitting diodes (LED) which are the most expensive part of the TheraLight system, for the lifetime of the buyer. This is in addition to the original 5 year warranty on the rest of the system. This "Best in Class" warranty program provides customers with peace of mind, by ensuring that they will not be responsible for additional financial commitments, should they ever require service or maintenance. The lifetime warranty does not cover products damaged from wear and tear, alterations made by the owner, accidents or uses other than intended. Since the Company's inception in late 2018, it has been expanding rapidly over the past eighteen months with sales and installations in a majority of states in the USA and several international countries. TheraLight employs its expertise in photomedicine technology to fulfill the vision and mission of helping healthcare professionals make a difference in the lives of patients that are suffering from pain and injury. The company's light therapy units are designed with the most advanced technology and utilizes wavelengths and frequencies of visible red and near infrared (NIR) light to treat a variety of conditions on the body. Photobiomodulation or light therapy treatments are safe, non-invasive, and painless. To learn more about TheraLight, its products, or light therapy, please visit www.theralight.com , or call 877.782.7736. For media inquiries, please contact Brian Probst with TheraLight, LLC at 801.376.8469, 240077email4pr.com . About TheraLight, LLC: TheraLight, LLC is a medical device company and emerging global leader in innovative photomedicine technology. Representing management with over thirty years of experience, TheraLight delivers expertise in design, manufacturing, production, and regulatory compliance. We partner with healthcare professionals to bring the best and newest technology as well as provide advanced training and support to maximize clinical and financial outcomes. TheraLight was started and currently led by the founders of Aspen Laser (www.aspenlaser.com) For more information, please visit www.theralight.com SOURCE TheraLight LLC Related Links https://www.theralight.com A celebrated cowboy, known for long cross-continent treks, has been appointed the parade marshal for the Calgary Stampede. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled the parade, Filipe Masetti Leite is on a journey to take up his post in Calgary. Leite is known for long horseback rides. In 2012, he set off from the Calgary Stampede and rode to Brazil, the country where he was born. Right now, he's around Hinton, Alta., having travelled from Alaska to Grande Prairie, en route to Calgary. Leite said he was told about the honour after the last Stampede. "I'm terrible at secrets and I had to hold it in for a year and then the Stampede got cancelled," he told the Calgary Eyeopener Wednesday. "It's back now, and I'm so excited. It's the biggest honour of my life. I'm about to explode, I'm so excited." Leite's return to Calgary for the virtual Stampede completes that journey he began eight years ago. He's so far travelled 25,000 kilometres on horseback across North and South America. This last stretch, travelled entirely on remote roads, will be roughly 800 km. Creating a better world The online celebration, rather than the parade that attracts thousands of spectators, will be different and details have yet to be announced. But Leite said he thinks it'll still be special, even if watched from the couch. "It's going to be a memorable one," he said. "I'm doing this to celebrate what it means to be a cowboy and the Western heritage that we love so much." Leite is fairly cut off from the world, and he's spending that time thinking about the "tough moment" people are having with the pandemic, and the protests against police violence that's resulted in the deaths of unarmed black people. "Everything that's going on in the U.S., as we talk about racism, I want to say that my heart goes out to everyone," Leite said. "I feel like we're in a time of change right now, and change is tough, but we are creating a better world." Story continues He said he hopes his position as parade marshal, and his story of being a modern-day cowboy, can encourage others to pursue what may seem to be impossible dreams. WATCH | Filipe Masetti Leite rides a horse from Calgary to Brazil: Leite immigrated to Ontario from Brazil as a child with his family. He fell in love with the cowboy life after visiting the Calgary Stampede. He's documentated his journeys, including a fight with a bear, in his book, Long Ride Home: Guts, Guns and Grizzlies, 800 Day Through the Americas in a Saddle. In it, he also documents how he's gotten to know people from different backgrounds through his journey across the Americas. Now he's considering what's next, as he travels this final stretch through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. "Love always prevails, and I can't wait to ride into Calgary and celebrate the Calgary Stampede, even with no rodeo this year," he said. Police have dropped an investigation into whether Queensland MP Jason Costigan breached coronavirus travel bans saying there was "insufficient evidence to commence a prosecution". An investigation into Mr Costigan, a crossbencher and the state member for Whitsunday, was launched after he travelled to Cooktown last month to announce a candidate for his new political party. Queensland MP Jason Costigan has been cleared after a complaint he breached travel restrictions. Credit:AAP/Dan Peled Mr Costigan always denied any wrongdoing, saying his trip was based on advice from a senior Queensland police officer. "Following extensive inquiries, the Queensland Police Service has determined that there is insufficient evidence to commence a prosecution in relation to an offence under the Biosecurity Act 2015, a police statement read. It has often been said that no good deed goes unpunished. That has never been more true than it is with the provincial government's attempts to reward essential workers. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion It has often been said that no good deed goes unpunished. That has never been more true than it is with the provincial government's attempts to reward essential workers. On Tuesday, Premier Brian Pallister outlined the first details of the Manitoba Risk Recognition Program, a $120-million federal-provincial fund to acknowledge those who continued working through the pandemic in essential jobs. Ottawa offered $3 billion and asked the provinces to kick in an additional $1 billion. In exchange for cost-sharing, the provinces get to set the terms on eligiblility. Although he was not definitive on Tuesday, Pallister said that somewhere around 100,000 Manitoba low-income workers could receive payments of roughly $1,000 each. But those are just estimates. In fact, the only thing certain right now about the Manitoba Risk Recognition Program is that through no particular fault of either the federal or provincial government there will be as many people unhappy about the outcome as pleased. Eligibility in Manitoba is limited to people who made no more than $6,500 over a 10-week period (about $15 per hour) between March 20 and May 29. You are not eligible if you have received the federal CERB benefit. The list of eligible occupations captures hundreds of job descriptions across the public and private sector. But given the restrictions the premier has put in place, the actual number of eligible receipients will undoubtedly be much smaller. That is already provoking some groups of workers who are not going to be eligible. The Manitoba Nurses Union noted that with the program's income thresholds, all registered nurses, registered practical nurses, nurse practitioners and most of the licensed practical nurses will be excluded. That is particularly galling given that the MNU has been dealt an imposed wage freeze for the last three years. The nurses are not wrong to expect some financial reward for their hard work. And it's not clear whether they have been excluded from this program because for the last four years the MNU has been among the foremost critics of the Pallister government. Either way, Pallister has become a little less popular with a constituency that was already pretty soured on his performance to begin with. And therein lies the danger in a program like this. In trying to determine eligibility for the program, the Pallister government has entered the gerbil-wheel of public policy, where decision makers go round and round without ever reaching a clear sense of the fairest solution. On the one hand, nurses and other frontline essential workers police, firefighters and paramedics did assume most of the risk in this pandemic. And while a certain amount of risk is a normal part of their work, the pandemic represents a whole new level of threat. On the other hand, given their income levels, police, nurses and firefighter/paramedics need the top-up a lot less than lower-income workers. And despite not working on the literal front line of the pandemic, these new-age "essential workers" still faced a measure of risk that has never been inherent in their job descriptions. Pallister said a committee of unions and business lobby groups that advised him on the risk recognition fund looked to programs in other provinces for inspiration. What they will have found is that none of the other provinces who have moved forward with their own wage top-up programs have devised a perfect solution. Prince Edward Island learned very quickly that its original parameters were too restrictive and was forced to update its criteria to ensure that more people could qualify. British Columbia focused its program on 250,000 workers in the health-care, social services and corrections sectors regardless of income level. Meanwhile, New Brunswick limited the individual payments to about $500 but used a very broad list of eligible jobs including people who work in child care, home care and personal care homes, community residences, homeless shelters and food banks. Dan Lett | Not for Attribution A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world that is sent every Tuesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The only clear conclusion from looking at all these different approaches is that there are far more people who deserve a financial reward than there are financial resources. To ensure the greatest degree of fairness, one can only hope Pallister is willing to revisit eligibility criteria in the event that uptake is lower than expected. He has not done that with other economic support programs that have paid out only a fraction of the total amount budgeted. Although he is committed to spending the entire $120 million, he would not say if he would expand the eligibility criteria or merely change the amount paid out to each worker. Underlying the debate over the risk recognition program is the fact that some of Canada's lowest-income workers became some of the most important workers in the early days of the pandemic. And although a little bit of money now would be appreciated, it's not really what these people need. Minimum wage in this country is woefully inadequate and too many employers rely on business models predicated on paying the lowest possible wage. Despite acknowledging the problem, governments have yet to find the right levers improvements to the minimum wage or some form of guaranteed income program that will reward working people with a living income. There is a long list of needs facing political leaders right now and limited resources to meet them. We can only hope that they remember just how important grocery store clerks and janitors were during the pandemic, and do something meaningful and permanent to lift them out of poverty. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca National Weather Service As forecasters continue to watch Cristobal's development near southern Mexico on Wednesday, Houston is in for another day of heat, according to the National Weather Service. Cristobal is expected to make landfall into southern Mexico in the next 24 hours, NWS Houston/Galveston reports this morning. The storm is expected to weaken, then move north toward the central Gulf on Friday. In his interview today on Parapolitika 90.1 radio, on journalist Panagiotis Tzenoss Secret, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis stressed that we respond to all Turkish provocations. We have responded on all levels. We respond calmly and we do not back down in defending our sovereign rights. He also underscored that, following the demarche made to Turkey, the Greek side is initiating a series of briefings in the context of the UN Security Council and, subsequently, the European institutions. Regarding the European Commissions proposal and the money to be provided by the European recovery fund, Mr. Varvitsiotis commented that Europe took a huge step and that, with regard to Greece, in was extremely generous, in the sense that our country is among those benefiting the most from the Commissions proposal. He said that the Greek governments goal is to absorb and use the funding early on, in contrast with what has happened in the past. Referring to Professor Sotiris Tsiodrass appearance on the series of web discussions launched by the Greek Chairmanship of the Council of Europe, Mr. Varvitsiotis noted that the best choice was to bring Mr. Tsiodras on as our first guest, showing how Greece responded to this pandemic with respect for human rights. He also noted that the series of online events will continue tomorrow with a high-level videoconference with all of the CoE institutions the first such event to be held. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has sought the discontinuation of a publication alleging that the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) is funding the agency to the tune of N1 billion. The publication, an article published by the online news platform, Sahara Reporters, alleged that a directive was given by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, to the NCC management to release the sum of N1billion to NITDA for Digital Learning Scheme project. NITDA through its legal representatives, Arthur Nylander Barristers and Solicitors, described the publication as defamatory and an attempt to smear the image of the agency and that of Mr Pantami. The letter, signed by Leslie Nylander and Olumide Phillips, noted that NITDA never received any such amount from the NCC for the alleged project. The law firm, therefore, advised SaharaReporters to withdraw the publication and tender apologies for the damage caused the agency. We ask the members of the public to disregard the allegations in the publications and utilize the freedom of information, Act, laws of Nigeria, 2011, to unravel the truth on any transaction or records of our client that can be legally made public. Notice is hereby given to Sahara Reporters, its agents, its privies, assigns and any other person(s) acting on their behalf, all print and online media outlets in Nigeria and any other person (s) (domestic and foreign), to cease and desist forthwith from further publishing, circulating or otherwise propagating the contents of the malicious, otherwise, our clients shall be constrained to ventilate its grievances against such reportage, exploring all legal strategies at its disposal, in seeking a halt to any damaging coverage and/or publication, the letter read. In light of the foregoing, our client demands the withdrawal of the libelous publication and an unequivocal apology from either Sahara Reporters or any its agents, privies, assigns, and any other person(s) acting on their behalf, to be published in three (3) widely read national dailies and their online platform within Seven (7) days, failing which our client shall not hesitate to seek legal redress without further recourse to the perpetrators of the publication. Read the full letter below: NITDA SaharaReporters letter [June 03, 2020] British Steel Partners With MHR to Modernise Entire Payroll Within Five Weeks MHR's rapid implementation of steel-maker's new payroll system achieved in time for high-profile acquisition by Jingye Group NOTTINGHAM, England, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- British Steel, the leading steel manufacturer with facilities across the UK and Europe, has successfully implemented MHR's cutting-edge iTrent payroll solution within five weeks, replacing the previous legacy system and ensuring 3,500 employees were paid in line with the requirements of the company's acquisition by Jingye Group. The core elements of the MHR solution became fully operational in March, enabling all British Steel employees to be paid and the final signing of the landmark deal to proceed. "We were very impressed with the speed and professionalism of MHR, enabling us to hit a critical deadline," said Derek Scott, HR Director at British Steel. "This brought peace-of-mind to thousands of our employees and ensured a deal critical to the future of our company went ahead. Now we have a payroll system that is fit for the future." The initial implementation phase of the iTrent payroll system was achieved after British Steel signed a contract with MHR on February 20. The next phase of this partnership will see the ongoing deployment of MHR's iTrent HR solution, helping to transform communication and engagement in the newly-acquired company. Enhanced levels of security are now also being implemented, with further functionality set to be added to the platform as required. Anton Roe, Chief Executive Officer at MHR, said: "When speed was critical, we responded. We're proud to have implemented a streamlined payroll system that will meet all British Steel's future needs. Speed of deployment and rapid access to expertise are what we offer all our clients along with an unyielding commitment to high standards." MHR's comprehensive payroll solution ensures an orgaisation's payroll team is fully equipped to excel in today's digital world. The payroll solution makes life easier by: providing employees with access to their pay data anytime and anywhere through mobile devices delivering fuss-free management of workforce assessment and auto-enrolment creating flexible user-defined workflows that deal effortlessly with authorisations and notifications enabling hassle-free management of multiple-role employees on different pay scales and shift patterns running all payroll processes automatically overnight, freeing payroll professionals to focus on more value-generating activities Notes to Editors About British Steel British Steel has been making iron for 155 years and steel for 130. Now under the ownership of Jingye, one of China's leading steelmakers, it's embarking on a major modernisation programme that will significantly improve its manufacturing operations, energy efficiency and environmental performance. The company manufactures more than 1,450 different specifications of steel that is rolled into wire rod, sections, special profiles, rail, billet, bloom and slab. It employs 3,500 people, around 300 of whom are in the Netherlands. British Steel's headquarters are at its integrated steelworks in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, where it has 4 blast furnaces 2 of which are currently operational. Other facilities include: Teesside Beam Mill, Lackenby Special Profiles, Skinningrove FN Steel, Netherlands Rail logistics hub, Lecco, Italy Engineering business, Workington R&D centre, Sheffield Associated distribution facilities in Newport and Dublin and Service centres in Teesside, Darlington and Lisburn and International sales offices About MHR International Group MHR International Group is a global software and consultancy company specialising in HR, payroll, employee experience, analytics and artificial intelligence services. We are an independently owned company headquartered in the UK with offices in the United States and Australia. Established in 1984 we now employ more than 700 people globally and have been developing and implementing our solutions for over 35 years. We continue to invest in research and development to ensure we deliver the latest technology and services to our customers. Our product portfolios include iTrent, People First, Talksuite and MHR Analytics which we provide alongside a number of partners to deliver consultancy, business intelligence and analytics solutions. More than 1,000 companies from SMEs to large multi-national corporates work with us to help them maximise employee engagement, generate better insights from their data and improve efficiencies. Customers include TK Maxx, The Salvation Army, Caterpillar UK, Cath Kidston, Admiral, EPC Group, Skateistan and more. mhr.co.uk Contact: [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] At a time when the global coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc on public health and the U.S. economy, insurance companies are engaging in a public campaign declaring that COVID-19-related claims arent covered. Sommers Schwartz, P.C., today announced it has brought a lawsuit on behalf of a class of similarly situated Michigan businesses forced to shut down their operations because of the COVID-19 emergency. The plaintiffs allege Hanover Insurance Group and Citizens Insurance breached their policies by denying the plaintiffs business interruption insurance claims. The action, captioned Stanford Dental, PLLC v. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. and Citizens Insurance Company of America, Case 2:20-cv-11384, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. At a time when the global coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc on public health and the U.S. economy, insurance companies are engaging in a public campaign declaring that COVID-19-related claims arent covered, said Andrew Kochanowski, who represents the plaintiffs with fellow Sommers Schwartz attorneys Jason Thompson and Robert Sickels. Insurers appear to be loudly proclaiming to policyholders, If your business closed because of the virus, we cant help you. On March 24, 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order No. 2020-21, which required non-essential workers to stay at home and businesses not involved with maintaining critical infrastructure to close their operations. The plaintiffs were all subject to, and not excepted from, the emergency Order. The lawsuit alleges the plaintiffs each purchased a standard-form all-risk Businessowners Coverage Form property and casualty insurance policy from the defendants. The plaintiffs assert that the policy promised to cover direct physical property loss or damage, and that under a Civil Authority provision, the defendants were to pay lost net income, payroll costs, and other business expenses if the plaintiffs businesses were suspended for any non-excluded reason. When the Michigan statewide shutdown order forced them to suspend their operations, the plaintiffs say the defendants invoked a so-called virus exclusion to systematically deny all business interruption coverage claims associated with the pandemic. Hanover and Citizens conveniently but wrongly interpret the virus exclusion in their favor, added Mr. Kochanowski. COVID-19 was not the direct cause of our clients property damage, nor were any of their businesses suspended because their premises needed to be decontaminated. Instead, Governor Whitmer issued the emergency order to ensure COVID-19 did not contaminate their premises or infect their personnel. The shutdown caused the losses, not the coronavirus. The plaintiffs seek damages from the alleged breach and a declaratory judgment that the defendants policies provide coverage for loss of business income and expenses precipitated by the March 24, 2020, Executive Order. ______________________ Sommers Schwartz, P.C., based in Southfield, Michigan, represents plaintiffs in complex and class action litigation. Sommers Schwartz has extensive experience representing investors, homeowners, consumers, employees, and borrowers in class action litigation, and the firm has played lead roles in major cases for over 25 years resulting in recoveries of many millions of dollars for their clients and the classes they represent. For further information about Sommers Schwartz, please visit http://www.sommerspc.com. There was a deep rooted conspiracy behind the riots and murder of IB officer Ankit Sharma during northeast Delhi violence as he was specifically targeted by a mob led by suspended AAP councillor Tahir Hussain,the police told a Delhi court in its charge sheet on Wednesday. The Crime Branch of Delhi police filed the charge sheet before Metropolitan Magistrate Richa Parihar, who fixed the matter for consideration on June 16. After killing Sharma, the mob had thrown his body in a nearby drain and was fished out the next day, police said. A witness standing on a terrace had captured a video on his mobile phone, in which a group of persons are seen dumping the dead body in the drain. During post mortem, the doctors found 51 sharp and blunt injuries on Ankit's body, the charge sheet said. The charge sheet was filed under various sections of the IPC for the offences including murder (302), kidnapping (365), rioting (147 and 148), Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race etc. (153-A), criminal conspiracy (120-B) and destruction of evidence (201). Ten persons, including Tahir Hussain, were arrested in this case. Investigation has revealed that there was a deep rooted conspiracy behind the riot and murder of Ankit Sharma, who was a familiar face in the area. He was specifically targeted by a mob led by Tahir Hussain, a politician of Aam Aadmi Party and sitting councilor in EDMC, Delhi. It has been found that Tahir Hussain is the main person who had been instigating the mob, both on February 24 and 25, in the Chand Bagh area, the charge sheet said. It added that during the investigation, "the blood stained knife used to stab Ankit Sharma and the blood stained clothes of the killer (with Ankit's blood) were recovered. Another knife used in the crime was also recovered. Tahir Hussain's licensed pistol was seized in a separate case . Charge sheet against him, in another riot case of February 24 was filed on Tuesday by the Crime Branch. An accused Haseen alias Salman was instrumental in the murder of Ankit. He is the person who had assaulted him with knife. During his interrogation, he revealed that he had heard about the killing of a 4 years old Muslim Boy by a Hindu, he became angry and took a knife and along with his accomplices, Sameer, Kasim, Sabir and others came to Chand Bagh Pulia on February 25, the police said. The charge sheet said that Salman further disclosed that he had stabbed Ankit Sharma a number of times with knife which he was carrying. His accomplices also stabbed with knife and hit him with dandas (sticks) and after killing him, threw his dead body in the nala . During police custody remand, the weapon of offence, i.e., blood stained knife and the blood stained clothes of the accused worn at the time of incident were recovered at his instance from his house, it said. The recovered knife and the clothes of the accused have been sent to FSL, Rohini for comparison with the blood of the deceased and the report is still awaited, it said. Accused Tahir Hussain was leading the mob from his house and also from the Masjid near Chand Bagh Pulia on February 24 and 25 and gave it a communal colour. He provoked and instigated the Muslims against Hindus saying that Hindu people have killed a number of Muslims and has set fire in their shops at Sherpur Chowk and let no Hindu go scot free. On his provocation/ instigation, the Muslims turned violent and volatile on February 24 and 25 and started burning the shops and pelting stones and petrol bombs on Hindus people and also targeted their houses. "The uncontrolled mob turned into rioters and in the process of rioting turned caught hold of Ankit Sharma and dragged him to Chand Bagh Pauli and caused his death by inflicting injuries using sharp blunt objects and threw his dead body in a nulla (sewage drain)," it said. During the course of investigation, a person wearing red colour shirt is visible in the video footage along with 2 other persons and they are throwing the body of Ankit Sharma in the drain near Chand Bagh Pulia, it said. Though the faces of the persons throwing the body of Ankit Sharma in the nala are not clear and visible in the footage, which had been captured about 300 metres away from Chand Bagh Pulia by one Neeraj Kasana. It is important to mention here that one red colour shirt had been recovered from the accused Haseen at his instance which he had worn at the time of incident. Further, the accused Haseen had disclosed that he along with his associates and others had thrown the body of Ankit Sharma in the drain after killing him. All these circumstances shows that the accused Haseen alias Salman is the same person who is appearing in the footage with red colour shirt in the nala near Chand Bagh Pulia, Main Karawal Nagar Road, Delhi at the time of dumping the body of Ankit Sharma, the final report said. It further added that Tahir Hussain, in the intervening night of February 24-25, had removed his family and shifted them to his parental house at Mustafabad but he rather kept staying there so that he could keep an eye on the whole situation and stand with the Muslims against the Hindus on the next day. The call location of Tahir Hussain near Jama Masjid, Munga Nagar, Delhi on the spot where Ankit Sharma was brutally murdered by the rioters on February 25, at about 5 to 5.30 PM speaks of his evil intentions which ended with the murder of a Hindu boy besides other cases of arson and loot, police said. George Floyds death brought Wanda Johnson back to a dark place. She was scrolling through Facebook when she came across the footage, now seen around the world, of a white Minneapolis police officer digging his knee into Floyds neck on May 25 as the 46-year-old black man begged for his life and gasped for air for nearly nine minutes. When Floyd used one of his last breaths to call out for his mother, Johnson wept. It took her back to the Oakland train platform where her own son, 22-year-old Oscar Grant, was killed by police 11 years ago. Grant, who was lying face-down when he was fatally shot in the back, screamed that he had a 4-year-old daughter. It was one of the first incidents of deadly police force to be captured on video by bystanders, and it set off days of protest. Wanda Johnson (center), whose son Oscar Grant was fatally shot in 2009 by a police officer in Oakland, California, stands with others during a vigil in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 10, 2014. | Jim Watson/AFPGetty Images Its still so emotional for me, Johnson says of Floyds killing, which she watched three times. It reminded me of my son telling the officer he had a daughter, telling the officer that he just wanted to go homejust never to come home again. It opens up wounds in me, she adds. The most painful part is seeing it continue to happen. If her son were alive today, Johnson says he would be among the tens of thousands of protesters fanning out in dozens of cities across the nation, demanding justice for Floyd and countless other black men and women killed by law enforcement officers. He would say to continue to protest, Johnson says. Keep the light on George Floyd. Demonstrators protest in downtown Los Angeles on June 2, 2020 | Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles TimesGetty Images So would Eric Garner, according to his mother Gwen Carr. I think that he would give them a thumbs-up, Carr says, because this is what we need to do to get awareness in America. Garner, a 43-year-old father of six, died after Daniel Pantaleo, a white New York City police officer, held him in a chokehold during an attempted arrest in Staten Island, N.Y. on July 17, 2014. Before he died, Garner repeated the words that have become a rally crying for protestersI cant breathe11 times. Floyd uttered the same phrase repeatedly as he lay pinned to the ground. Story continues It was deja vu, Carr, 70, says of the similarities between the mens deaths. It seemed like they were murdering my son all over again, says Carr, who cant bring herself to watch the video of Floyd. Despite national outrage that erupted after Garners death, a grand jury and federal prosecutors declined to bring charges against Pantaleo. He was fired from the force in August 2019, more than five years after Garners death. In Minneapolis, Derek Chauvin, the police officer who kneeled on Floyd, was arrested and charged on May 29 with third-degree murder and manslaughter. On Wednesday, prosecutors announced that the murder charge has been elevated to second-degree, and that the three other officers who were on the scene have been charged with aiding and abetting a murder. All four officers have been fired. Two days after Floyds death, Carr contacted his family to give them her sympathies and some advice. I told them I knew exactly what they were going through and for them to keep up the fight, she tells TIME. Its going to be a long fight. Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, on July 7, 2015 in New York City. | Spencer PlattGetty Images Carr is trying to remain hopeful that Floyds family will see justice served in a way she did not. But few instances of civilian deaths at police hands, either accidental or intentional, have ended with cops facing trial. Law enforcement officers in the U.S. intentionally or accidentally killed more than 7,600 civilians between 2013 and 2019, according to Mapping Police Violence, one of the few groups that tracks deadly police encounters in the absence of a comprehensive national database. Among deaths reported by Mapping Police Violence, an officer was charged with a crime in 1.3% of the cases. But new research shows there are signs of progressthanks to activists, experts say. In 2019, police in 30 of the nations largest cities killed 30% fewer people than in 2013, according to Samuel Sinyangwe, a policy analyst who co-founded Mapping Police Violence, an on-line non-profit site, which compiles data from news articles, police reports, social media and other sources. Sinyangwe says thats likely due to pressures brought on by protesters, who helped lead many cities to change use-of-force policies to match recommendations from the Justice Department. He says police shootings fell last year in Philadelphia, San Francisco, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Dallas after reforms were implemented. While theres a feeling across the nation that nothing has changed when it comes to police brutality, Sinyangwe says theres hope if activists keep the movements momentum going and continue pressuring policymakers and leaders. Their work is saving lives. Their work is making a difference in not only bringing attention to this issue but leading to concrete changes, he says. Thats really important for people to know in this moment. Samaria Rice (left), the mother of Tamir Rice, and Leslie McSpadden (right), the mother of Michael Brown, listen to Al Sharpton, at a march in Washington, D.C., on December 13, 2014. | Evelyn Hockstein/Washington PostGetty Images Still, improvements have been slow. While police killings dropped in big cities, they increased in more suburban and rural areas, Sinyangwe says, and the number of people killed by police has remained relatively steady nationwide since 2013. There are also larger hurdles on the federal level. In the last few years, President Donald Trumps administration has rolled back several police reforms implemented by President Barack Obamas administration, making it harder to intervene with problematic police forces. During a recent news conference and in tweets, Trump called himself the president of law and order and threatened military action and violence if rioting and looting continued in cities. Meanwhile, parents like Samaria Rice, whose 12-year-old son Tamir was killed by Cleveland police in 2014, are numb as they wait for the day they dont have to turn on the TV and see another senseless death. Every time I see it, it destroys me, Rice says. On June 25, Tamir would have turned 18. Rice is making plans to celebrate the bittersweet milestone, as unrest roils the nation. The hardest thing for me is I cant see my son develop as a young man, Rice says. Its painful for me to see nothing has changed in this country. Nothing. Sanofi to launch "Action 2020", a worldwide employee stock purchase plan A plan taking place in almost 75 countries Subscription per five shares entitle the employee to one matching share1 PARIS - June 3, 2020 - Sanofi announces the launch of "Action 2020" on June 8, 2020, a worldwide stock purchase plan reserved for its employees, which should take place in almost 75 countries. Sanofi's strategy aims at providing long-term growth and value for its stakeholders while turning innovation into transformative medicines for patients. By doing such a capital increase, Sanofi intends to better associate its employees who are key contributors in this value creation, to the future development and results of the company. On February 5, 2020 the Board of Directors authorized an issuance of ordinary shares of Sanofi for the benefit of employees participating in the Group Savings Plan. The subscription price is 70.67. It is equal to 80 % of the average of the opening price of the Sanofi share on Euronext Paris over the 20 stock exchange trading sessions preceding June 2, 2020. Any subscription per five shares as part of such issuance shall entitle the employee to one matching share. Subscriptions equal to or higher than 20 shares shall give right to 4 matching shares as an employer contribution. Employees may choose to subscribe a maximum of 1,500 shares within the limit of a maximum subscription amount which does not exceed 25% of their gross annual remuneration. An eligibility condition of three months of seniority as at the closing date of the subscription period will be applied. The subscription period will run from June 8, 2020 (inclusive) until June 26, 2020 (inclusive). The issuance of new shares and the share delivery process should occur at the end of July 2020. The total number of Sanofi shares that may be issued under the plan is limited to 6,269,231 shares (corresponding to a share capital increase in terms of par value of up to 12,538,461, representing 0.5 % of the share capital). The newly issued shares, including the matching shares (the "Shares") will be subscribed (or delivered) either directly or through employee shareholding funds ("FCPE"), depending on the legal and/or tax regulations applicable in the various countries of residence of the beneficiaries of the capital increase. The Shares will be fully fungible with the existing ordinary shares of Sanofi and will be entitled to dividends distributed on benefits relating to the fiscal year starting as of January 1, 2020. The voting rights attached to the Shares subscribed will be directly exercised by the employees. The subscribers to the plan will be required to hold the Shares or the corresponding "FCPE" units during a period of approximately five years, i.e. until May 31, 2025, except upon the occurrence of an early exit event provided in Article R. 3324-22 of the French Labor Code and authorized in the country of the subscriber. The listing of the Shares on the Euronext Paris market (ISIN Code: FR0000120578) on the same listing line as the existing shares will be requested as soon as possible after the completion of the capital increase. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to purchase Sanofi shares. The offering of Sanofi shares reserved for employees will be conducted only in countries where such an offering has been registered or notified to the competent local authorities and/or following approval of a prospectus by the competent local authorities or in consideration of an exemption to prepare a prospectus or to make any registration or notification of the offering, when such a procedure is required. More generally, the offering will only be conducted in countries where all required filing procedures and/or notifications have been completed and the authorizations have been obtained, and procedures for consultation or information of staff representatives have been fulfilled. This press release is not intended for, and copies thereof should not be sent to, countries in which such a prospectus has been approved or such an exemption is not available or where all of the required filing procedures, notifications, consultation and/or information required have been completed or where the authorizations have been obtained. This applies in particular to Cameroon and Morocco, where the formalities are still pending with the authorities, but could also involve other countries. For any questions related to the following share capital increase, each beneficiary may consult the information booklet and all other documents made available and/or contact his/her human resources manager. This press release is made in reliance of the exemption from publishing a prospectus provided for in Article 1 4i) and 5h) of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 . It constitutes the document required to qualify for the exemption from the requirement to publish a prospectus as defined in the EU Prospectus Regulation About Sanofi Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions. With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe. Sanofi, Empowering Life Media Relations Contact Nicolas Kressmann Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 77 46 46 mr@sanofi.com (mailto:mr@sanofi.com) Investor Relations Contact Felix Lauscher Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 77 45 45 ir@sanofi.com (mailto:ir@sanofi.com) . We stand by the few who suffer from rare 1 Subscriptions equal to or higher than 20 shares shall give right to 4 matching shares as an employer contribution Attachment A viral photo showing the White House with its lights off, shared by numerous Democrats during demonstrations in Washington, D.C., is at least five years old and was edited to make it seem darker, the Associated Press reported on Monday. The image can be found in Getty Images stock photo collection. The original photo shows the lantern on the White House portico and several lights around the fountain in the lawn as lit, while in the doctored image these lights are blacked out. Failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was among those who shared the image, along with Representative Bill Pascrelli (D., N.J.) and former Obama strategist David Axelrod. The New York Times reported that the White House shut its external lights off during demonstrations early Monday morning, while Daily Beast editor Molly Jung-Fast also wrote that the lights were down. In fact, the lights at the White House are turned off at 11 p.m. every night. As someone who has done many late night live shots, the lights at the White House go off every night around 11 p.m. Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) June 1, 2020 The AP noted that other Twitter users claimed that the president had been moved to a bunker on Sunday night, and that the lights going off had signaled the move. This was not the case, although Trump was reportedly moved to the bunker on Friday night. Protesters and Rioters gathered outside the White House throughout the weekend, leading Washington, D.C., mayor Muriel Bowser on Monday to declare a two-day curfew beginning at 7 p.m. The president addressed the nation on Monday night with police dispersing demonstrators just outside the White House fence. Story continues I am mobilizing all available federal resources, civilian and military, to stop the rioting and looting, to end the destruction and arson, and to protect the rights of law-abiding Americans, including your Second Amendment rights, Trump said in his address. These are not acts of peaceful protest. These are acts of domestic terror. More from National Review TORONTO - A worker shortage could threaten the harvest of some crops across Ontario, groups that advocate for farmers said Wednesday, as Premier Doug Ford acknowledged his government has discussed creating incentives to address the issue. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the Canada Horticultural Council and the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers said the shortages exist on many farms across the province because of the pandemic. The groups are urging the federal and provincial governments to provide resources to farmers to attract local workers and provide greater access to harvest equipment and more personal protective equipment (PPE). They say COVID-19 has affected the flow of temporary foreign workers into the country despite the federal government deeming them essential several months ago. Weve become pretty well totally reliant on these workers to be the backbone of fruit and vegetable production in Canada, said Brian Gilroy, the president of the Canada Horticultural Council. A Statistics Canada report released Wednesday said that while the migrant workers represent less than three per cent of Canadas total workforce, they made up over a quarter of the countrys employees in crop production in 2017. In Ontario, temporary foreign workers represent over 40 per cent of agriculture employees, the report said. The report also notes that the flow of the migrant workers into the country continues to be affected by the pandemic, in part because of travel restrictions put in place by source countries. This may have a particularly strong effect on the agriculture sector, given that the timing of pandemic coincides with the period of highest demand for seasonal agricultural foreign workers who primarily come to Canada in the spring and early summer, the report said. Last month, the Quebec government appealed to workers who lost their jobs because of COVID-19 to seek out work on local farms to address a labour shortage there. Premier Francois Legault said the government would make the work more attractive by adding $100 a week to what farmers pay. On Wednesday, Ford said his government has contemplated creating a similar program, but offered no further details. Weve had this discussion and even before this pandemic we were short, just in Ontario, over 250,000 workers to fill positions right across this province, he said. Ive talked to many farmers about this. Ford said the province has provided over $2 million to farmers to help them buy personal protective equipment. Its critical for the safety of the food supply chain as well, he said. A spokeswoman for Ontarios Agriculture Ministry said the province has also partnered with the federal government to spend a million dollars to help farmers recruit and train workers and created a job portal for the agri-food sector that has been visited more than 250,000 times. Approximately 20,000 migrant workers come to Ontario each year from Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean to work on farms and in greenhouses. The shortages have been exacerbated by the pandemic as dozens of migrant workers have tested positive for the virus and had to self-isolate. Outbreaks have been reported on farms in Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex, Niagara Region and Elgin County. At least one migrant worker in the province has died of the virus and an outbreak in Norfolk County at Scotlynn Group has seen 184 workers test positive. The president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture said the owners of that farm spent hundreds of thousands of dollars isolating their workers in local hotels after they arrived in Canada,but workers later contracted the virus. Essentially, theyve shut down their asparagus harvesting, Keith Currie said. So they have now essentially almost lost that crop. Currie said he has appealed to Ontarios agriculture minister for help accessing personal protective equipment. Ive been asking, please make sure that we have adequate access to the proper equipment going forward so we minimize any kind of opportunity for an outbreak during harvest periods, he said. Gilroy, who owns an apple orchard near Owen Sound, Ont., said data from the horticultural councils members taken earlier this month suggests that just under 80 per cent of temporary foreign workers have been able to come to Ontario this year. That could spell trouble for berry and asparagus harvests this summer, he said. Farmers are very nervous about the investment thats required to grow a crop, and the thought of not having workers available to harvest it is very disconcerting, he said. He said finding local help isnt always easy because the work is difficult, and also requires some skill and training. You can imagine spending eight to 10 hours a day, picking small apples off a tree or harvesting cucumbers or harvesting almost anything its repetitive work, he said. The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, which represents 200 greenhouse growers, said its members havent been hit as hard as field producers, but labour gaps still exist. While there are many job-matching sites that have been created to pair farmers with potential employees, we have yet to see effective employee-directed incentives be established, spokeswoman Justine Taylor said in a statement. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2020. More Prairie parents than not are concerned about their children returning to school anytime soon, even with COVID-19 pandemic social-distancing measures in place, according to new polling data. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. More Prairie parents than not are concerned about their children returning to school anytime soon, even with COVID-19 pandemic social-distancing measures in place, according to new polling data. A recent survey of Canadians undertaken by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies in partnership with the Winnipeg Free Press found respondents were more comfortable with the prospect of sending students back in September than June, but overall, the majority expressed some concern with either scenario. Seventy-one per cent of parents reported feeling "somewhat" or "very" concerned about sending their children to school in June. When asked about a return in September, that figure dropped to 55 per cent. In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, which were grouped together, parents thoughts more or less mirrored the national trend, with concerned respondents accounting for 75 per cent and 55 per cent of the Prairies group, respectively. A total of 1,536 random Canadian adults were surveyed in Legers most recent weekly online COVID-19 survey, which asked respondents about everything from their fear of getting the virus to their thoughts on resuming school between May 29-31. The margin of error is approximately plus or minus 2.5 points, or 19 times out of 20. (On the request of the Free Press, the research firm added two school-related questions to its list; only parents, approximately 400 of respondents, answered those questions.) Andrew Enns, executive vice-president of Leger, noted an "interesting" contrast between the reopening phases in many western provinces and parent sentiments about classes resuming. "Ill be curious, in terms of how that manifests when September rolls along. Will they keep their kids at home?" said Enns, who is based in Winnipeg. Of the total respondents, only six per cent reported feeling "not at all concerned" about classes resuming this month meantime, that has already started in some Winnipeg schools. Manitoba approved the limited use of schools for one-on-one tutoring and small group sessions this month, to offer students closure to the 2019-20 school year. Some schools have already opened their doors for half-day in-person instruction for the rest of the school year; others are inviting students back only once in June for an hour-long session with a teacher. Alicia Easton, a Winnipeg mother of two young children, was preparing to send her daughter to kindergarten in autumn before the pandemic hit. Now, she plans to defer her five-year-olds introduction to school. "She is at that age where they will be wanting to touch and play and hug," Easton said, adding she lives in a household with three people who are high-risk because of pre-existing conditions. 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. Misty Ruckl, however, is eager for her Grade 2 son to get back into the classroom, after two months of tears, meltdowns and e-learning. Ruckl said she had hoped for a more robust return to the classroom at Ecole Bannatyne this spring, but she will wait fingers crossed for one in September instead. "People often refer to kids as germ factories, and I understand that, but at the beginning of September, if theres routines and schedules and safety measures that are gone over and over and over with kids, they will eventually come to see that as normal practice," she said. "And I think it will really lessen the risk." maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @macintoshmaggie DAEJEON, South Korea, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- PharmAbcine (KOSDAQ: 208340), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, announced today that the company entered into a license agreement with Wincal Biopharm ("Wincal"), a wholly owned US subsidiary of PharmAbcine, so that Wincal can expand the commercial value of PharmAbcine's existing and future assets through R&D efforts. Under this agreement, Wincal will use PharmAbcine's assets to develop new platforms that can enhance biological activities of traditional antibody therapeutic to target broader disease areas. "This agreement will finally allow us to unlock the full potential of our assets," said Dr. Jinsan Yoo, CEO of PharmAbcine. "We have long been aware of non-oncology potential of our assets but we could not do much about it due to limited resources. The biggest challenge was to hire R&D experts in Korea due mainly to a shortage arising from a bio venture boom in recent years. We believe that this arrangement will enable us to get access to the talent pool, resources, and collaborative opportunity in the US." Wincal's efforts will be spearheaded by Dr. Tae-Weon Lee, Chief Scientific Officer and a founding member of Wincal. Dr. Lee has over 20 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in overseeing drug discovery efforts and supporting scientific collaborative efforts with academics and pharmaceutical companies. Before joining Wincal, he was a director and a principal investigator leading the diabetes and heart failure drug discovery program at Amgen. "Our team with years of big pharma drug discovery experiences is devoted to bringing a new cure for vascular diseases. We are developing an innovative eye-drop technology to deliver therapeutic antibodies to treat ophthalmological diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic macula edema. In addition, we are building a new platform to treat pulmonary edema (acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome), as well as plaque-induced vascular aneurysm (thoracic aortic aneurysm and abdominal aortic aneurysm)," said Dr Lee. About PharmAbcine Inc. PharmAbcine is a clinical-stage biotech company focusing on the development of fully human antibody therapeutics to treat neovascular disorders, tumors, and other medically unmet diseases. It provides therapeutic antibodies for a wide spectrum of indications from oncology, immuno-oncology, ophthalmology, respiratory, to renal pathology. PharmAbcine's leading pipeline, olinvacimab, an anti-VEGFR2 neutralizing fully human IgG, is currently in a phase II study for bevacizumab-nonresponding rGBM (recurrent glioblastoma multiforme) patients in both US and Australia. In collaboration with MERCK, olinvacimab plus pembrolizumab Phase Ib trials for mTNBC and rGBM are on-going. PharmAbcine has its own HuPhage library and innovative selection system. PharmAbcine's advanced 3G expression system accommodates high levels of antibody production with high reproducibility. With its highly advanced technology platforms, it provides high-quality antibody generation services. The high standards have allowed PharmAbcine to expand co-development opportunities with not only existing but also potential partners. Additional information about PharmAbcine can be found on our website at http://www.pharmabcine.com. SOURCE PharmAbcine Related Links http://www.pharmabcine.com/ Oklahoma State linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga tested positive for the coronavirus, and he intimated that he caught the disease at a recent George Floyd protest. He tweeted Tuesday, 'After attending a protest in Tulsa AND being well protective of myself, I have tested positive for COVID-19. Please, if you are going to protest, take care of yourself and stay safe.' The COVID-19 test that came back positive was administered when Ogbongbemiga was one of 30 Cowboys players who arrived back in Stillwater on Monday, according to ESPN. Monday was the first day players they were allowed back on campus. Oklahoma State linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga tested positive for the coronavirus, and he intimated that he caught the disease at a recent George Floyd protest ESPN reported that Ogbongbemiga faces a quarantine period at isolated on-campus housing ahead of a Friday retest. Oklahoma State also reportedly will conduct contact tracing to find out those who have been around Ogbongbemiga People lie down on Interstate 44 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday, May 30, 2020, to protest the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25 On Tuesday, the university outlined its plan for testing all players and staffers as they come back to the school after its shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. ESPN reported that Ogbongbemiga faces a quarantine period at isolated on-campus housing ahead of a Friday retest. Oklahoma State also reportedly will conduct contact tracing to find out those who have been around Ogbongbemiga. The Cowboys plan to commence voluntary training on June 15, the first day they are allowed to do so under Big 12 Conference guidelines. Ogbongbemiga, a rising senior from Calgary, Alberta, was selected Oklahoma State's defensive MVP last season. He made second-team All-Big 12 after ranking sixth in the Big 12 with 100 tackles and fifth with 15.5 tackles for loss. Ogbongbemiga received first-team Academic All-Big 12 honors for the third season in a row. The Cowboys, coming off an 8-5 season that concluded with a 24-21 loss to Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl, are scheduled to open the 2020 season on September 3 against visiting Oregon State. There are those of you who believe that to quibble about how people are protesting is to distract from the cause -- the murder and brutality of minorities by the police -- itself. You would argue that these riots are not the illness, but merely a symptom of a deeper illness, and that to stop the riots you must first address that systemic racism. You might even grant that peaceful protest is preferable, but that condemning the looting without offering support for the cause rings about as hollow as a dude stopping by a construction site and yelling, "You're not using enough plywood!" before walking away. I could see how you'd feel that way, but also, *gasp* they looted the Macy's! Yes, it's true. The worst thing imaginable has happened. As The New York Times reported in their piece, "Looters Strike at Macy's and the Heart of Manhattan as City Reels," Macy's was looted, and the heart of Manhattan is reeling. They write: "The eruption of looting in the central business district of Manhattan - long an emblem of the New York's stature and prowess - struck yet another blow to a city reeling from the nation's worst coronavirus outbreak." Does it surprise you that the heart of Manhattan, according to the New York Times, is a heavily insured, billion-dollar corporate department store, and not a cultural touchstone like the Empire State Building or, I don't know, actual human beings? Well, it's true, and I'd explain to you why, but I'm too emotionally distraught about Macy's wellbeing right now. The piece goes on, "swarms of marauders poured into the streets, smashing shop windows and rushing through already broken-into buildings." Swarms of marauders? Good Lord and Taylor, I hope Neiman Marcus is still safe. Where else could I get up to 75% off a Prada handbag? Global investment firm The Carlyle Group and T&D Holdings announced have completed their acquisition of a 76.6% interest in Fortitude Group Holdings, whose group companies include Fortitude Re, from insurer American International Group. The transaction, which was first announced in November 2019, closed following receipt of required regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, according to the announcement. At closing, AIG received approximately $2.2 billion in sale proceeds, including the purchase price of $1.8 billion along with additional consideration paid in accordance with the terms of the purchase agreement. Fortitude Re is the reinsurer of approximately $30 billion of reserves from AIGs legacy Life and Retirement run-off lines and approximately $4 billion of reserves from AIGs legacy General Insurance run-off Llnes related to business written by multiple wholly-owned AIG subsidiaries. Ownership interest in Fortitude Re post-closing remains as outlined in the transaction announcement: Carlyle and a newly created Carlyle-managed fund hold 71.5 percent, which includes the 19.9 percent stake acquired by Carlyle in November 2018, T&D holds 25 percent and AIG holds 3.5 percent. Bermuda-based Fortitude Re is a multi-line reinsurance company with expertise in legacy life insurance, annuity and property/casualty insurance lines. The sale of Fortitude Re represents an important step for the company and we look forward to the future, said James Bracken, CEO of Fortitude Re. Brian Duperreault, AIG chief executive officer, said that closing this transaction is a significant milestone in AIGs strategy to efficiently managing its legacy liabilities while strengthening its balance sheet and upholding commitments to regulators and policyholders. Kewsong Lee, Carlyles co-chief executive officer, said Fortitude Re represents an important strategic investment that is focused on growing the platform to bring innovative solutions to the insurance industry. Hirohisa Uehara, T&Ds representative director and president, said T&D will focus on supporting Fortitude Re by contributing its expertise in life insurance business in Japan to create synergies with its domestic life insurance business and to diversify its business portfolio. T&D Holdings is a publicly listed insurance holdings company of T&D Insurance Group, which is comprised of three core life insurers, Taiyo Life Insurance Co., Daido Life Insurance Co., and T&D Financial Life Insurance Co. Its headquarters is located in Tokyo, Japan. As of March 31, 2020, total assets of T&D were JPY 16,520 billion. Daido Life has had a long-term business partnership with AIG in Japan since 1971. In June 2019, T&D established an investment subsidiary, T&D United Capital Co., Ltd. which is the entity that has acquired a 25 percent ownership interest in Fortitude Group Holdings directly, with an aim of accelerating the strategic initiatives of T&D. Topics Mergers AIG Justice Athar Minallah: "Do ... animals have legal rights? The answer to this question, without any hesitation, is in the affirmative." New York, NY, May 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) applauds a decision issued today by the Islamabad High Court in Pakistan that without any hesitation affirms the rights of nonhuman animals and specifically orders the release to sanctuary of an Asian elephant named Kaavan held in solitary confinement at the Marghazar Zoo. Chief Justice Athar Minallahs decision, which came about as a result of three petitions filed on behalf of diverse species, begins with a reflection on how the COVID-19 crisis has presented an opportunity for humans to introspect and relate to the pain and distress suffered by other living beings caused by the arrogance of humans. The NhRP sees this decision, which favorably references the NhRPs litigation, as a tremendous sign of progress in the global fight for nonhuman animal rights, which the NhRP initiated in the US in 2013. Justice Minallahs careful consideration of nonhuman animal rights alongside human rights and environmental protection is the only fitting judicial response to the existential crises faced by animals all over the world, the NhRPs Executive Director Kevin Schneider said. The bold step forward he has taken on behalf of oppressed nonhuman beings like Kaavan is laudable, as is the persistence of Kaavans advocates whove fought so tirelessly for him. We look forward to bringing this decision to the attention of the New York and Connecticut courts as we urge them to recognize our elephant clients Happy and Minnies right to liberty. In the decision, Judge Minallah refers to the NhRPs client Happy as an inmate at the Bronx Zoo and writes that zoos do not serve any purpose except to display their living inmates as exhibits to visitors. He also cites to Justice Alison Y. Tuitts February 2020 decision in Happys case in which she found that Happy is more than just a legal thing, or property. She is an intelligent, autonomous being who should be treated with respect and dignity, and who may be entitled to liberty. The Islamabad High Court is the second court outside the US to have cited to Tuitts decision in the four months since it was issued and the latest to cite to New York Court of Appeals Judge Eugene Faheys rejection of chimpanzees legal thinghood in the NhRPs chimpanzee rights cases. Story continues The NhRP is at work on an appeal of Justice Tuitts decision, which did not recognize Happy as a legal person with the right to liberty because Justice Tuitt felt bound by a prior decision in the NhRPs cases. The NhRP is also seeking appeal in the Connecticut Supreme Court, arguing that the courts there have thus far unjustly refused to engage with the issues raised by Minnies elephant rights case. For countless nonhuman animals, a lifetime of imprisonment, loneliness, and loss is all theyll ever know, NhRP President Steven M. Wise said. At a time when the interconnectedness of human and nonhuman well-being has never been more apparent, we are thrilled for Kaavan and grateful to Justice Minallah for standing up for the rights of nonhuman animalsnot only for the sake of the animals themselves, but also to uphold the values and principles of justice that protect us all. Free the Wild, which brought the legal action on Kaavans behalf, is urging his release to the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary. To read Justice Minallahs decision, visit this page. To read Justice Alison Y. Tuitts decision, visit this page. To read Judge Eugene Faheys opinion, visit this page. Attachment Lauren Choplin The Nonhuman Rights Project lchoplin@nonhumanrights.org Massimo Di Ricco Massimo Di Ricco is a professor specialising in the Arab World and its relation with the West and Latin America. He contributes to several publication... more s on the Middle East, global politics and the role of international media. Close to half of all Frankie & Benny's restaurants will not reopen after the lockdown is lifted which will mean up to 3,000 job losses. Between 100 and 120 restaurants will close, with those on retail parks expected to be most vulnerable, insiders said. Owner The Restaurant Group (TRG) last year announced it would close 150 outlets by 2025, but the pandemic has meant much of that plan has been condensed into six weeks. Staying shut: Between 100 and 120 Frankie & Benny's restaurants will close, with those on retail parks expected to be most vulnerable, insiders said The group has 240 Frankie & Benny's, 140 Wagamamas, and 150 pubs and concessions among its 600 outlets but the lockdown has starved it of cash and it is feared that the shuttered restaurants will not be profitable for many years as social distancing limits the number of diners allowed. Bosses are also facing a big bill for personal protection equipment and screens to keep customers and staff safe. The pandemic struck as chief executive Andy Hornby battled to turn around ailing fortunes. An email to staff, leaked yesterday, said: 'The crisis has significantly impacted our ability to trade profitably, so we've taken the tough decision to close these restaurants.' TRG, which entered the crisis laden with debt from its acquisition of Wagamamas, has already placed 60 of its Tex-Mex dining chain Chiquito restaurants into administration, putting around 1,500 jobs at risk. It also appointed restructuring firm RSM as administrators to one of its pub businesses, Food & Fuel, which it bought for 15m in 2018. All Frankie & Benny's and seven Garfunkel's sites have been struggling from lack of investment for years, and less custom in retail parks. The shutdown has put Britain's hospitality industry in crisis and industry groups have warned that hundreds of thousands of jobs could be lost this year. In total TRG has 22,000 staff on furlough. [June 03, 2020] Navidea Biopharmaceuticals Announces Acceptance of Abstract for Presentation at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Congress DUBLIN, Ohio, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE American: NAVB) (Navidea or the Company), a company focused on the development of precision immunodiagnostic agents and immunotherapeutics, is pleased to announce that the results from the Companys first interim analysis of its ongoing NAV3-31 phase 2b clinical study will be presented as a poster at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Congress 2020. The poster is titled, A Phase 2b Study of Intravenously Administered Tc 99m Tilmanocept to Determine Differential Uptake, Reproducibility Over Time and Image Stability in Healthy Subjects and in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) on Stable Treatment. The aim of this interim analysis of the phase 2b study was to evaluate reproducibility and stability of imaging and to assess quantitative Tc99m tilmanocept uptake cut points that can reliably enable discrimination between joints of healthy people and RA patients. Results were supportive of the hypothesis that Tc99m tilmanocept imaging can provide robust, quantifiable imaging in healthy control (HC) and RA subjects. No disease-related localization in the hands and wrists were observed in HC subjects. Localization in RA subjects was observed at levels consistent with macrophage densities observed in other studies evaluating RA synovial biopsies. Active RA images exhibit the same localization patterns on test-retest images taken on the same day as well as in subjects with images acquired on one day and again 8 days later. Results show low imaging readout variability with root mean squared differences that are approximately 10% or less of the observed localization of Tc99m tilmanocept, enabling reliable quantification of joints with RA-involved macrophage-mediated inflammation. Analysis of the HC and RA images was used to determine initial quantitative cut-points to differentiate between joints with and without the inflammation typically seen in RA. The EULAR Scientific Committee informed all participants that this years face-to-face annual congress slated to be held in Frankfurt, Germany, June 3-6, 2020 will now be conducted as a virtual congress experience. The eCongress will be available online under the abstract number THU0540 on the EULAR 2020 website. The poster abstract will also be published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases. Dr. Michael Rosol, Chief Medical Officer for Navidea, said, We are delighted by the recognition of the importance of our Phase 2b interim results by the EULAR congress committee and the opportunity to present our results at this international meeting. Dr. Rosol continued, This is the type of external validation of our work that reflects the great medical need for a robust, objective, noninvasive means of assessing inflammation in RA-involved joints. With these results, along with our more recent interim look results announced on May 21, it is our expectation that Tc99m tilmanocept can address this need and provide critical information for rheumatologists to put their patients on the correct therapeutic pathway earlier tha is currently possible. Jed Latkin, Navideas Chief Executive Officer, said, Its a great honor that our clinical trial results in RA have been regularly accepted for presentation at international meetings the last several years, and this acceptance by EULAR continues that record of success. Note that this news was under embargo by EULAR until 12:01 am CET June 3, 2020. RA is a chronic disease affecting over 1.3 million Americans and as much as 1% of the worldwide population.1 If the product is successfully developed, Navidea would expect to play a major role in the management of RA patients worldwide. Reference 1 https://www.rheumatoidarthritis.org/ra/facts-and-statistics/ About Navidea Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE American: NAVB) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of precision immunodiagnostic agents and immunotherapeutics. Navidea is developing multiple precision-targeted products based on its Manocept platform to enhance patient care by identifying the sites and pathways of disease and enable better diagnostic accuracy, clinical decision-making, and targeted treatment. Navideas Manocept platform is predicated on the ability to specifically target the CD206 mannose receptor expressed on activated macrophages. The Manocept platform serves as the molecular backbone of Tc99m tilmanocept, the first product developed and commercialized by Navidea based on the platform. Navideas strategy is to deliver superior growth and shareholder return by bringing to market novel products and advancing the Companys pipeline through global partnering and commercialization efforts. For more information, please visit www.navidea.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business. Forward-looking statements include our expectations regarding our current studies and potential results, FDA approval process, ability to provide rheumatologists and those suffering from RA with expected benefits, the accuracy and timing of our imaging as an indication of treatment effectiveness, the use of our imaging as part of treatment for RA patients, our ability to progress into a Phase 3 study, our ability to successfully develop products, and the role of Navidea in the management of RA worldwide. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, among other things: our history of operating losses and uncertainty of future profitability; the final outcome of any pending litigation; our ability to successfully complete research and further development of our drug candidates; the timing, cost and uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approvals of our drug candidates; our ability to successfully commercialize our drug candidates; dependence on royalties and grant revenue; our ability to implement our growth strategy; anticipated trends in our business; our limited product line and distribution channels; advances in technologies and development of new competitive products; our ability to comply with the NYSE American continued listing standards; our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; the impact of the current coronavirus pandemic; and other risk factors detailed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other SEC filings. You are urged to carefully review and consider the disclosures found in our SEC filings, which are available at http://www.sec.gov or at http://ir.navidea.com. Investors are urged to consider statements that include the words will, may, could, should, plan, continue, designed, goal, forecast, future, believe, intend, expect, anticipate, estimate, project, and similar expressions, as well as the negatives of those words or other comparable words, to be uncertain forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, any of which could turn out to be incorrect. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this report. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this report may not occur and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. Navidea is not responsible for the contents of third-party websites. Contact Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. Jed Latkin, CEO 614-973-7490 [email protected] PCG Advisory, Inc. Adam Holdsworth 646-862-4607 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Uzbek President To Visit Eastern Region Following Ethnic Clashes By RFE/RL's Uzbek Service June 02, 2020 RAVON, Uzbekistan -- Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev will visit the eastern region of Ferghana following ethnic clashes near the country's Sokh exclave within Kyrgyzstan's Batken region, Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov says. Aripov made the announcement during a meeting on June 1 with residents of the volatile exclave, which is officially a part of the country's Ferghana region. He said Mirziyoev will visit the region by the end of the week. Aripov visited the region to discuss the situation with Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov. Clashes between Kyrgyz villagers and residents of the exclave erupted on May 31 over a dispute about the ownership of a spring located in the area. Aripov told Sokh residents that Uzbekistan had proposed to open a recreation park around the disputed spring that could be equally used by Kyrgyz and Uzbek citizens. He also said that Uzbekistan will build new roads that would serve as a corridor connecting the exclave with the Ferghana region's Rishton district. Aripov also visited a local hospital, where he met with people injured in the clashes. The Sokh district administration said 187 local residents were injured in the clashes, 15 of whom had been transferred by helicopters to the Ferghana regional hospital, while others are being treated in the local Sokh hospital. Kyrgyzstan said earlier that 25 Kyrgyz citizens were injured in the clashes. The Sokh district officials said on June 1 that three houses on the Uzbek side were set on fire during the clashes. Aripov promised to rebuild or repair the damaged houses "as soon as possible." Mirziyoev and his Kyrgyz counterpart, Sooronbai Jeenbekov, discussed the situation and ways to prevent tensions in the area by phone on June 1, the Uzbek presidential website announced. Many border areas in Central Asia have not been delimited since the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991. The situation is particularly complicated near the numerous exclaves in the volatile Ferghana Valley, where the borders of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan meet. Sokh is an ethnic Tajik-populated Uzbek territory within Kyrgyzstan's Batken region, where clashes have been common for years. Tensions have been very high in the area close to a Tajik exclave called Vorukh in Kyrgyzstan's Batken region and nearby disputed segments of Kyrgyz-Tajik border in recent weeks as well. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbek-president- to-visit-eastern-region-following -ethnic-clashes/30648754.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 Torontos rental property owners are gradually losing hope as the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, according to a new market analysis by RE/MAX. A significant contributor to the gloom is the almost-overnight collapse of Airbnb, which suffered much-reduced bookings once the coronavirus took hold of the global economy. The online lodging service has lowered its internal valuation from $31 billion to $26 billion, Business Insider reported in early April. RE/MAX said that these developments have left Torontos landlords over-leveraged and susceptible to market volatility a far cry from the pre-outbreak vacancy level of less than 2% and a monthly rent rate of $2,213. Comments come after reports that Pentagon officials are increasingly uneasy about Trumps use of military personnel. United States Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Wednesday that he does not support invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty forces to quell civil unrest, and added that he regretted using the word battlespace to describe areas gripped by protest. Esper also said he was unaware that he would be part of President Donald Trumps politically-charged photo opportunity on Monday when law enforcement forcibly cleared a park outside the White House of peaceful protesters so the president could take a picture in front of a church while holding a Bible. Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, Esper said active-duty troops in a law enforcement role should be used in the US only in the most urgent and dire of situations, adding, We are not in one of those situations now. Use of the Insurrection Act has been discussed as Trump has talked about using the military to quell violent protests in US cities. Esper has authorised the movement of several active-duty Army units to military bases just outside the nations capital, but they have not been called to action. In his Pentagon remarks, Esper strongly criticised the actions of the Minneapolis police, in whose custody George Floyd died after an officer held his knee to Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes. Esper called the act murder and a horrible crime. Esper further distances himself from WH after Monday embarrassment, saying he does not support invoking Insurrection Act against protestors as Trump has threatened to do John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) June 3, 2020 Espers comments come after reports that Pentagon officials are increasingly uneasy about the more prominent role the US military is playing in the Trump administration, not only during the most recent unrest but also in earlier domestic missions such as border security and law enforcement. There is growing concern that this is not good for the role of the military going forward, an unnamed US Department of Defense official told the Politico news outlet. Now youve injected the military into a moment in a political way. It just doesnt seem right. Trump also came under fire in the pages of The Atlantic magazine from retired Admiral Mike Mullen, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the administration of former President Barack Obama and is widely respected within military circles. Mullen wrote that he has been hesitant to speak out on issues related to Trumps leadership until now, but we are at an inflection point, and the events of the past few weeks have made it impossible to remain silent. Whatever Trumps goal in conducting his visit, Mullen wrote of the presidents Lafayette Square photo opportunity on Monday, he laid bare his disdain for the rights of peaceful protest in this country, gave succor to the leaders of other countries who take comfort in our domestic strife, and risked further politicising the men and women of our armed forces. On Monday, 715 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division arrived in the Washington, DC area in case the situation worsened in the capital. They are stationed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and Fort Belvoir in Virginia. Two more 82nd Airborne battalions, totaling 1,300 soldiers, are on standby at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, according to documents reviewed by the Associated Press news agency, in an operation that has been named Operation Themis. Defense Department officials said on Wednesday that some of those troops are already headed back to their home bases. Trump on Wednesday defended his decision to deploy troops to the capital, saying the massive show of force is a model for states to follow as they attempt to quell the nationwide unrest. In an interview on Fox News Radio on Wednesday, Trump argued that the show of force was responsible for protests in Washington, DC and other cities turning more calm in recent days, and he repeated his criticism of governors who have not deployed their National Guard soldiers to the fullest. You have to have a dominant force, Trump said in the interview. We need law and order. The National Guard is ready! https://t.co/AifVRgWOlM Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2020 On Tuesday evening, the nations streets were calmer than they have been in days since Floyds killing set off mostly peaceful but sometimes violent demonstrations over police brutality and injustice against African-Americans. Earlier curfews and efforts by protesters to contain the lawlessness were credited with preventing more widespread damage to businesses in New York and other cities overnight on Tuesday. The platform will help talent acquisition teams improve adoption, efficiency and experience LONDON and NEW YORK, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Symphony Talent, a leader in transforming employer brand experiences through talent marketing software, and services, released today its reimagined talent marketing platform, SmashFlyX . It's the only platform in the industry that combines enterprise candidate relationship management (CRM), career site, talent mobility, and programmatic recruitment advertising solutions in an unmatched user interface. "We believe that talent acquisition greatness requires a combination of automating high-volume touchpoints and empowering teams for action and decision-confidence," said Roopesh Nair, CEO, Symphony Talent. "It's why we've focused on enhancing one platform that will drive adoption, strengthen pipelining and campaigning across every channel, and prove ROI." After Symphony Talent's acquisition of recruitment marketing platform SmashFly in November 2019, its product team focused on unifying SmashFly's robust CRM functionality and configurability with its award-winning career site, programmatic advertising, and analytics solutions. To support user adoption and push the standard of user experience, the product and creative teams worked together to design an entirely new interface. "I've always respected Symphony Talent's strong commitment to product research and development, and it shows in SmashFlyX," said Madline Laurano, founder of Aptitude Research Partners. "It's innovative and easy to use, with an exceptional user experience, all of which will help modern talent acquisition leaders better solve the challenges ahead." Driven by proprietary machine learning, SmashFlyX includes the following core modules: CRM, career site, programmatic advertising, referrals, and talent mobility. Recruiters and talent marketers can now create, automate, and measure every type of talent marketing campaign in one place: paid to owned, email to SMS, social media to banner and job ads, to both internal and external candidates. "SmashFlyX expands on our product strengths, but it's really a new vision for user experience that we haven't seen in the market," said Ajay Kutty, Chief Product Officer, Symphony Talent. "With customer input in mind, we designed a product that users will not only find innately helpful, but love to work in every day." The noteworthy capabilities and features include: The Dashboard: Every user's personal launchpad, the Dashboard is fully customizable by widget, diving into specific pipelines and jobs, top- and bottom-performing campaigns, and intuitive recommendations. Innate automation: SmashFlyX innately automates what already should be, like instant job alerts to relevant talent network profiles, self-optimizing advertising campaigns, and auto actions based on metrics. Pipeline intelligence: The AI recommendation engine within the CRM prioritizes top internal and external candidates, filters by pipeline or job match and brand engagement, then prompts and automates actions and workflows. 1:1 personalization: Using machine learning, the content management system personalizes jobs, events, images, and content as the visitor interacts with your site and continues to provide information. Chat assistant: The proprietary chat assistant, integrated fully with the CRM and career site, supports lead and resume capture and a fully-automated screen to offer processes for high-volume hiring. Video interviewing: Integrated with the CRM, teams can access and request virtual interviews and assessments from the CRM profile, plus auto-trigger virtual screenings of recommended candidates by job or pipeline. True-path analytics: One single data structure across every module, including CRM and programmatic advertising, provides visible, influence-based reporting from every single source talent and recruiters touch. More than 150 companies, including Ecolab, UCLA Health and Sky, are now utilizing SmashFlyX. The platform is ATS agnostic, integrating with more than a dozen of the most utilized mid-sized to enterprise applicant tracking systems. Take a look at the SmashFlyX talent marketing platform here . About Symphony Talent Symphony Talent is a global leader in transforming employer brand experiences through talent marketing software and services. Its talent marketing platform, SmashFlyX, unifies CRM, career site, talent mobility and programmatic advertising to help talent acquisition leaders automate tasks for efficiency and empower teams for interaction. Symphony Talent has won major awards in creative and employer brand services for EVP strategy, employer brand campaigns, career site design, and more. The company supports more than 600 customers across the globe, with headquarters in New York, London, Bangalore, and Belfast. Visit symphonytalent.com to learn more, and follow us on Twitter @SymphonyTalent_ and @SymphonyT_EU. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/951515/Symphony_Talent_Logo.jpg [June 03, 2020] Sixpoint Announces Promotion of Rich Siegel to Director, New Business Function for Alex Lorusso Sixpoint Partners ("Sixpoint"), a leading global investment bank serving the middle-market private equity industry, today announced the promotion of Rich Siegel to Director on the firm's Capital Solutions team. Alex Lorusso also joins the Capital Solutions team as Vice President; Alex had previously been a Vice President on the project management team of Sixpoint's private funds business. Both announcements are effective immediately. "Rich has been a consistent contributor to our Capital Solutions business, as well as to the firm as a whole. Rich has exceptional execution capabilities and always puts the client first in every interaction," said Eric Zoller, Founder & Partner of Sixpoint Partners. Alex Lorusso has also joined the Capital Solutions team to strengthen its execution capabilities. "Despite the current market dynamics, we are proud of the organic development and growth of talent at Sixpoint. Alex will continue to serve our clients across the platform and brings a great level of depth and knowledge across the private equity spectrum." "We remain obsessively focused on fostering a strong and diverse culture and body of leadership which oth Rich and Alex represent," added Shawn Schestag, Partner and Head of Capital Solutions at Sixpoint."We're extremely pleased to have both Rich and Alex on the team." Mr. Siegel has fifteen years of experience, focused primarily on the private equity industry. He is responsible for sourcing, diligence and executing transactions across the firm with a focus on the Capital Solutions business. "I'm excited to embark on the next chapter of my career at Sixpoint," said Mr. Siegel. "The Sixpoint Capital Solution platform is experiencing tremendous growth, and the firm's integrated model and 'advisory first' approach strongly resonates with clients seeking creative liquidity solutions." About Sixpoint Partners Sixpoint Partners is a leading global investment bank focused on delivering strategic advisory and fundraising solutions for the middle-market private equity industry. The firm's core areas of focus include (i) primary fund placement and strategic advisory, (ii) secondaries advisory and (iii) co-investment placement across a wide range of industries, strategies and geographies. Sixpoint Partners has a reputation for its direct, results-driven style and for delivering innovative solutions to complex problems in order to create long-term value for clients. Sixpoint is headquartered in New York with offices in Chicago, San Francisco, Austin and London. Investment banking and other advisory activities are provided by Sixpoint Partners LLC ("Sixpoint") a registered broker-dealer and a member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.sixpointpartners.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005484/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Credit: CC0 Public Domain America is facing an affordable housing crunchand it was getting worse even before the pandemic struck and eviscerated jobs and incomes. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies, nearly one in three households spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Almost half of all renters are in that category, including more than ten million households that spend more than 50 percent of income on housing costs. Nearly 75 percent of poor renter households, earning less than $15,000 annually, spend more than half of their income on housing costs. Increasing numbers of wealthy households that live in expensive housing pay more than 30 percent of income for housing, too. "The issue seems to be getting worse because, in many ways, it is getting worse," said Shomon Shamsuddin, an assistant professor in the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning. "Housing costs in the U.S. have been rising faster than incomes for many years." Tufts Now turned to Shamsuddin to understand this national crisis, to explore why it seems so difficult to fix, and why all of us should care about it. Tufts Now: Why is having enough affordable housing so important? Shomon Shamsuddin: Everyone needs shelter, so families that spend a lot of money on housing have less money left over to pay for other goods and services. For low-income families, this can mean reduced spending on essentials like food and health care. Families that face very high housing costs may fall behind on rent or mortgage payments, which can put them at risk of eviction, foreclosure, and homelessness. How is the pandemic affecting affordable housing? The COVID-19 outbreak and stay-at-home orders shine a spotlight on the fundamental importance of housing. Many people simply do not have housing on a regular basis where they can be safe. Increased medical expenses due to illness or care for sick family members, unemployment or reduced hours at work, and unanticipated expenses due to the COVID-19 outbreak will intensify the housing affordability problem for millions of households. Construction slowdowns and delays due to the pandemic will make affordable housing production goalswhich were already ambitious to begin witheven more difficult to achieve. To date, large cities and lower-income workers have been hit hard by COVID-19 and the economic shutdown. These are the same people and places experiencing some of the biggest affordable housing problems. Is the lack of affordable housing getting worse in some cities/regions more than others? Yes. Some places, including so-called superstar cities like San Francisco and Boston, are experiencing big increases in housing costs in what were already expensive housing markets. But housing affordability is a problem across the country. According to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, someone who works forty hours per week at the minimum wage and lives in a two-bedroom home at the fair market rent is cost burdenedmeaning that they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housingin every state in the nation. Why does it seem so difficult to create affordable housing? In places where people want to live, especially places with jobs, land is very expensivethen add labor and materials. For extremely low-income households, the total cost of building housing means that it will simply not be affordable without a subsidy. For this group, it is not just that the rent is too high, but it is also that incomes are too low. In many places, land-use regulations play an important role. For example, single-family zoning and minimum lot sizes make housing more expensive. Geographic constraints and the availability of buildable land are also factors. In addition, relatively few technological advances in housing construction to reduce costs have taken hold. It is not just difficult to create affordable housing, it is also difficult to preserve it. Many government subsidies for housing affordability are time limited. Once they expire, owners can convert the affordable housing units to market-rate. In places with strong housing markets and house price appreciation, there can be big financial incentives to leave housing subsidy programs. Why should people who are not impacted by this issue care? At some level, housing affordability affects everyone. For example, homelessness and health problems stemming from unaffordable housing are costly for the individuals experiencing them, for the cities and places that pay for services, and for society in terms of lost potential and productivity. People who do not experience housing problems may be impacted in other ways. If high housing costs encourage others to search for and live in cheaper housing that is farther away from jobs, this can lead to longer commutes, increased traffic and road congestion, and higher pollution levels. It is also worth noting that housing affordability is affecting people at higher incomes. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard, the number of cost-burdened renters earning between $30,000 and $75,000 has increased in recent years. Will adding more affordable housing cause large city populations to increase and negatively impact things like public transportation, traffic, and education systems? Building affordable housing may attract more residents, and those residents may contribute to increased traffic and add to the number of people that use public transportation and education systems. But a lot of other things could also have those effects, such as luring a company to relocate its headquarters to your city or even building more housingnot necessarily affordablein general. In any of those cases, more people are expected to generate additional tax revenue, which municipalities can use to offset increased use of services. A lot of affordable housing takes the form of multi-family buildings, so higher densities could help make public transit routes more efficient. Similarly, affordable housing is often built in dense areas near the city center, so there might be less overall impact on traffic compared to building housing farther away from city centers. The impact on education systems depends on a variety of factors, such as if some affordable housing is built for singles, like formerly homeless individuals and seniors, who might not have school-age children. What is being done now to address the issue of affordable housing across the country? Lots of people and places are working to address housing affordability. Minneapolis recently ended single-family zoning. Los Angeles is encouraging the construction of garage apartments, "granny flats," or other second housing units on single-family properties. Many cities are considering or have implemented inclusionary zoning programs that set a percentage of new housing development to be affordable units. Health-care and insurance companies have even invested in affordable housing development as a way to reduce health costs because they find that people in unstable housing situations are more likely to get sick, visit the emergency room, or miss taking necessary medications. Finally, some cities and states are discussing rent control laws, despite many challenges. Explore further Facebook devotes $1 bn to affordable housing in US J Sai Deepak By A patient reading of the Ayodhya judgment delivered by a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court last November may lead one to reasonably conclude that its discussion on the Places of Worship Act, 1991 (the PoW Act) was irrelevant to both the factual and legal matrices of the case. The appeals before the Supreme Court arose from the 2010 judgment of a three-Judge Bench of the Allahabad High Court delivered in a batch of title suits over the then-disputed land in Ayodhya. The PoW Act, on the other hand, is a statute designed to prohibit conversion of any place of worship and to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August, 1947. Pertinently, Section 5 of the said Act expressly exempts the legal proceedings in relation to Shri Ramjanmabhoomi from the application of the Act. This is recognised by the Supreme Court itself in Paragraph 80 of the Ayodhya judgment. In light of this, there was no need for the court to discuss the Act in the context of Shri Ramjanmabhoomi. And yet, the court deemed it fit to discuss the Act in over 10 pages, with the central thrust of its deliberation being the Constitutions commitment to secularism. The stated reason for this discussion is captured in Paragraph 84 of the judgment. In the said paragraph, the court reproduced what it believed were the observations of Justice D V Sharma, who was part of the majority opinion delivered in the case by the Allahabad High Court. Extracted below are the observations of Justice Sharma that ostensibly triggered the Supreme Courts discussion on the PoW Act:1(c). Section 9 is very wide. In absence of any ecclesiastical Courts any religious dispute is cognisable, except in very rare cases where the declaration sought may be what constitutes religious rite. Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 does not debar those cases where declaration is sought for a period prior to the Act came into force or for enforcement of right which was recognised before coming into force of the Act. To verify whether the above extracted portion was indeed part of Justice Sharmas observations, this author perused his opinions in the 2010 judgment, which are available on a dedicated public portal created by the Allahabad HC for its verdict in the case. The perusal revealed that the portion reproduced by the SC as Justice Sharmas observations are to be found in his 1,130-page judgment in O.O.S.No.4 of 1989 titled The Sunni Central Board of Waqfs U.P., Lucknow & others Vs. Gopal Singh Visharad & others. However, what was startling was that the said portion was not part of his observations. In fact, it was an extract from an earlier Supreme Court judgment that Justice Sharma had relied upon and reproduced as case law on the scope of civil suits under Section 9 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC). This is evident from Page 121 in Volume 4 of Justice Sharmas judgment, wherein he examined whether the fundamental rights of a community under Article 25 to protect and preserve the core of its faith may be enforced through civil suits under Section 9 of the CPC. He answered this question in the affirmative and held as follows:The fact that Ram Janambhumi is an integral part of Hindu Religion and the right to worship there is a fundamental right of the Hindu religion and can be enforced through a suit can be clearly made out through a number of decisions of the Honble Supreme Court. It is in the above context that Justice Sharma cited several judgments of the Supreme Court, one of which was Most Rev. P.M.A. Metropolitan & Others Vs. Moran Mar Marthoma & Another, delivered by the apex court in 1995. Justice Sharma specifically extracted Paragraphs 43 and 89(1)(c) of the said 1995 judgment, and it is the latter paragraph that the Constitution Bench in the Ayodhya verdict has erroneously construed as Paragraph 1(c) of Justice Sharmas observations. Importantly, not only was the Constitution Benchs attribution of the said portion to Justice Sharma factually erroneous, the context attributed to the said portion too was incorrect. This is because the thrust of Justice Sharmas reliance on the 1995 judgment was in relation to the use of civil suits for enforcement of fundamental rights under Article 25. It was evidently not a discussion on the PoW Act in relation to the Shri Ramjanmabhoomi case. This being so, can the Constitution Benchs discussion on the PoW Act in the Ayodhya judgment be treated as law of the land under Article 141 of the Constitution? Given the non-application of the PoW Act, and hence its irrelevance to the Shri Ramjanmabhoomi case, the observations of the Constitution Bench must necessarily be treated as not legally binding. This conclusion draws support from the dicta of the SC in Jagdish Lal v. State of Haryana (1997), Director of Settlements, A.P. & Ors vs M.R. Apparao & Anr (2002) and other judgments. In the said judgments, the Court held that only those of its adjudicatory observations in a given judgment, which related to issues that arose for its consideration in a given case, would have a legally binding character under Article 141. Applying the above principle to the Constitution Benchs discussion on the PoW Act in the Ayodhya verdict, since it was neither relevant for adjudication of the title dispute in the facts of the said case, nor would its absence have made a difference to the outcome in any manner, the discussion does not acquire a legally binding character under Article 141. J Sai Deepak Advocate practising before the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court (Email: jsaideepak@gmail.com) President Donald Trump continued to push for the U.S. military to quell unrest Tuesday - promoting "Overwhelming force" and "Domination" - as authorities across the country prepared for another night of protests over the killing of George Floyd and the use of excessive force by police against African Americans. The day before, Trump vowed that if mayors and governors refuse to take necessary action... TRUMP: "...then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them." Since then, many have criticized Trumps idea of inserting the military to put an end to unrest, including some previously reticent to speak up such as former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen, who voiced his concern in an op-ed for The Atlantic titled "I Cannot Remain Silent" in which he stresses that "Our fellow citizens are not the enemy" and worries that "our military will be co-opted for political purposes." Others have asked: Does Trump have the authority to send federal troops into a state? The answer is: yes. To deploy the armed forces, Trump would need to formally invoke a group of statutes known as the Insurrection Act, which permits U.S. troops to suppress a domestic insurrection that has hampered the normal enforcement of U.S. law. Past presidents have invoked the Insurrection Act - Thomas Jefferson being the first. Others have used it more than once, including Lyndon Johnson, who used it the most, invoking the law a total of four times - three of them following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The last president to invoke the Insurrection Act was George H.W Bush in 1992, when the acquittal of four Los Angeles police officers in the beating of Rodney King led to deadly riots. Though, historically, presidents and governors have usually agreed on the need for troops. But one national security law professor tells Reuters that agreement is not always necessary. But in 2005, former President George W. Bush decided not to invoke the Insurrection Act to send active-duty troops to Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in part because the state's then-governor opposed the move. Story continues A successful legal challenge to Trump's use of the law is unlikely, according to legal experts, as the courts have historically been very reluctant to second-guess a president's military declarations. That leaves the legislative branch. SENATOR SCHUMER: "The president of the United States ordered troops to attack peaceful American citizens. Senate Democrats on Tuesday failed to win passage of a resolution condemning Trump's use of force against peaceful demonstrators in Washington Monday night, after Republicans blocked the move. But Democratic Senator Tim Kaine or Virginia, Hillary Clinton's 2016 running mate, said the same day he would try to make it illegal for the president to use the military against protesters by introducing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which the Senate will be considering over the coming weeks. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will wait until the new season starts before discussing the renewal of a contract for six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. But Wolff said talks with Hamilton would not preclude a move for Sebastian Vettel, who is set to leave Ferrari at the end of the campaign. A Formula One season delayed by the coronavirus is due to start in Austria in July and Wolff told a conference call Wednesday he hoped to have an agreement in place "pretty soon" with Hamilton. The 35-year-old British driver is expected to agree a new contract, but Wolff said no talks had yet taken place. "We didn't see each other over lockdown, we were in different parts of the world but in regular contact," said Wolff. "We didn't work on any agreement between us but there is a lot of trust, we've been together for a long time and never in this time did we have to take the contract out and actually read what was written because it comes so naturally. "Once racing resumes we will spend some time together, take the contract out of the cupboard, look at the timings, the numbers, the rights, and hopefully have something pretty soon." As for the prospect of Vettel joining Mercedes, Wolff said: "We owe it to a four-time world champion not to come out and say straightaway 'no'. You need to think about it. "On the other side we have a fantastic line-up and I am very happy with both our pilots (Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas) and George (Russell, the Williams driver who is part of Mercedes' programme)." Meanwhile Wolff said he intended to stay with the Mercedes team as currently organised following reports linking him with a buyout involving Aston Martin -- a company in which he is a shareholder. "With regards to my future, I have bought a few shares in Aston Martin as a financial investment...(but) my executive functions are unchanged at Mercedes," he said. "I am team principal and a shareholder. It's clear when there are no other headlines that the Aston Martin thing caused some waves. I'm planning with Mercedes and have the best intentions to stay here and that is unchanged." BENZIE COUNTY -- After Gov. Gretchen Whitmer eased restrictions on restaurants and retail businesses in Northern Michigan before Memorial Day, business owners used the holiday traffic to test the waters. Crystal Crate and Cargo was open in Beulah. Owner Sally Berlin said the store was poised to reopen because it not only stays open year-round, but also because she had been ordering stock and keeping the building up during the stay at home order. "Things went pretty well," Berlin said. "We did about 65% of the business we did last year. The weekend wasn't as active as I hoped it would be." As for customers following instructions to avoid the potential spread of COVID-19, she said customers were "respectful." "There was a sign on the door requesting people wear a mask," she said. "We have hand sanitizer by the door and people used it. People stayed six feet apart without being asked. They were happy we were open." One of the items people came to purchase -- Vera Bradly face masks. "We sold out of the masks, and we took orders for more, but we don't know when they'll come in," Berlin said. "People were out buying mostly kitchenware and house wares. I think people are more aware of their homes now that they've spent so much time in them." Berlin said many of her customers were people who lived in the area at least part time. Frances Elbaz opened Anet & Ollies Five and Dime and Frannies Follies on Main Street in Frankfort. "It went pretty well, I'm just thankful we could open," Elbaz said. "I know we didn't make what we did last year, but I'm thankful for what I got." Elbaz said people who visited were friendly, and many were happy to be able to shop. "People said they wanted to shop locally to support the small businesses," she said. She also said while most people were respectful of social distancing and mask policies, others were respectfully not. "There were some that didn't have masks on, or they were wearing them wrong," Elbaz said. "Talking with some people, they said they thought it was safer up here." She did say she gave out some masks and bandannas to some who would accept them. To stay safe from COVID-19, she also installed a sneeze guard at the sales counter. "It's not easy, but people have been nice," Elbaz said. "I'm concerned about the virus but I also have to make money. If I get sick, I'll have to close the store. I'm happy to be open but I'm worried people might boycott me for being open. It's a Catch-22." The Cabbage Shed also opened for the holiday weekend, and Tony Roethler, general manager and co-owner, also said people were "respectful". "I think it went very well, people followed rules and guidelines," Roethler said. "There were never lines out the door. People were respectful of others' personal space. People stepped back to allow others to go by. The tables were spaced out enough so that people weren't close to each other." Roethler said the restaurant is operating at 40% capacity, and used two large dining rooms and an outdoor seating area. "The weather being beautiful really helped," he said. "From our standpoint, it was successful. We're going to continue following the guidelines and ease back into some sort of normalcy. We're going to continue to just stay open four days a week for at least another two to three weeks. If the capacity limit is lifted, we're not necessarily going back to the way things were. We'll add tables as we see fit as restrictions are open. We may not be back to what things were like last year." Roethler said the restaurant would continue curbside services, which was about 25% of the Cabbage Shed's business over the weekend. PHILIPSBURG:--- The union representing the staff of St. Maarten Telecommunication Group rejected the proposal sent to them by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kendall Dupersoy. The workers met with their union on Tuesday morning after which they dispatched a letter to TELEM management informing them that the workers have decided to reject the indecent proposal on cost-cutting measures. Emails sent to news organisations admonish reporting that tear gas was fired at protesters to clear Trumps way. Donald Trumps 2020 campaign for the United States presidency sent emails to news organisations, including Al Jazeera, demanding corrections to articles describing security forces use of tear gas on protesters to make room for the president so he could pose for photographs. Police dispersed hundreds of demonstrators on Monday using gas and rubber-coated bullets in Lafayette Park, outside the White House, so Trump could walk to a nearby church and take pictures with a Bible. As video and photos of the scene circulated on social media and caused outrage, the US Park Police sent a statement defending the action, saying officers used smoke canisters and pepper balls after protesters became more combative. It also said no tear gas was used in the incident. We now know through the US Park Police that neither they, nor any of their law enforcement partners, used tear gas to quell rising violence, Tim Murtaugh, the Trump 2020 campaigns communications director, said in a statement on Tuesday night. Every news organisation which reported the tear gas lie should immediately correct or retract its erroneous reporting. Protesters are gassed as police disperse crowds near the White House on Monday [Roberto Schmidt/AFP] Despite the claim that no tear gas was fired, photographs taken by news organisations show clouds surrounding demonstrators. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, riot control agents often referred to as tear gas are chemical compounds that temporarily make people unable to function by causing irritation to the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, and skin. Compounds from smoke canisters and pepper spray fall under this definition and have similar effects as tear gas, according to the CDC. The most common symptoms of exposure to these chemical agents are burning eyes, blurred vision, a running nose, burning and irritation in the mouth, and chest tightness. Excessive force Protesters throughout the US are demanding all four police officers be charged in the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died last week in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Those protesting police brutality have at times been met with excessive force by authorities. Journalists have also been targeted by police, while officers have been injured in the demonstrations. So far, only one policeman white officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes as he pleaded, I cant breathe has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Medical examiners have ruled Floyds death a homicide. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Germany will lift a blanket travel warning for European nations from June 15, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Wednesday, as the continent further eases restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus. The Dutch government announced it will ease warnings against non-essential foreign travel from the same date. And Belgium said its borders will reopen to travellers from the rest of the European Union, Britain and members of Europe's passport-free travel Schengen zone on June 15. Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said with summer holidays arriving, a dozen European countries would no longer advise against foreign travel. The Netherlands would urge travellers to "pay attention to safety risks", he told a press conference. He said he hoped Spain and France would accept foreign tourists from July 5. Germany introduced an unprecedented warning against all foreign travel in mid-March. But with new infections sharply down, the government is looking for ways to restart the economy. "We have decided today that the travel warning for the named circle of countries will not be continued but replaced by travel advice," Maas said, referring to EU nations, other Schengen countries and Britain. The advice could still include warnings against travel to certain countries, such as Norway and Spain, which still have their own entry restrictions in place. Germany will be watching contagion data very carefully, Maas added, saying that warnings could be reintroduced if new infections were to reach 50 per 100,000 people in a week in the country concerned. Germany reported 342 new cases of the coronavirus on Wednesdaydown from more than 6,000 a day at the height of new infections in March. Phased restart The EU set out plans in May for a phased restart of travel this summer, with border controls eventually lifted and measures to minimise the risks of infection, like wearing face masks on shared transport. Some countries have already started reopening their borders in a bid to revive the embattled tourism industry. Italy reopened to travellers from Europe on Wednesday, and Austria is lifting restrictions in mid-June with Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. German tour operator TUI said it would resume flights to holiday destinations, with the first service scheduled for Portugal on June 17, according to news site Business Insider (BI). However, Maas continued to urge caution. "I know that this decision raises great hope and expectations but I want to say again: travel warnings are not travel bans, and travel advice is not an invitation to travel," Maas said. He also warned Germany would not be repeating its costly effort to rescue stranded nationals from around the world in the first weeks of the pandemic. In Berlin, residents were divided over whether lifting the travel warning was a good idea. "If I fly somewhere, I will be afraid about coming back again because maybe it will get worse and they will close the borders again," said Berlin resident Regina. Germany still has a travel warning in place for Turkey, Ukraine and the Western Balkans. The government will review this after an expected European Commission decision next week on whether to extend entry restrictions for citizens of third countries, Maas said. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 AFP The world's largest movie theater chain said Wednesday it has "substantial doubt" it can remain in business after shuttering all of its locations during the coronavirus pandemic. In April, AMC Theaters said a new debt offering would allow the company to withstand these closures until a partial reopening ahead of Thanksgiving. However, in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission the company disclosed concerns about liquidity, its ability to generate revenue and the timeline of reopening its theaters. In that filing, AMC released preliminary earnings results. The theater chain expects to have lost $2.1 billion to $2.4 billion in the first quarter ended March 31. It will release its earnings on Tuesday. AMC also revealed that its revenue had fallen to $941.5 million, a nearly 22% drop from the $1.2 billion it garnered in the same quarter last year. The second quarter is expected to be even worse. "We are generating effectively no revenue," the company said in its filing. As of April 30, the company said that it had a cash balance of $718.3 million. Despite the announcement, AMC's stock was trading higher Wednesday, recently up nearly 5%, likely the result of the company restructuring its debt, Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter said. "Even though the rate is much higher (12% vs. an average of around 6%), it provides liquidity and buys them some time," he said. AMC had previously sought to conserve cash by furloughing its in-theater employees, halting its operations through June and suspending its dividend payments and share repurchases. The company also has been working with landlords to defer rent payments and has cut the salaries of its corporate level employees. However, as it seeks to reopen its theaters this summer, it has had to ramp up its cash spending. While AMC believes it has enough of a cash reserve to resume operations this summer, or perhaps a little later, its liquidity after that point remains in question. "We cannot assure you that our assumptions used to estimate our liquidity requirements will be correct because we have never previously experienced a complete cessation of our operations, and as a consequence, our ability to be predictive is uncertain," the company said. "If we do not recommence operations within our estimated timeline, we will require additional capital and may also require additional financing if, for example, our operations do not generate the expected revenues or a recurrence of COVID-19 were to cause another suspension of operations." "Due to these factors, substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time," it said. Burma Deputy Mayor of Myanmars Capital Appointed as Yangon Finance Minister U Ye Min Oo / Thiha Lwin / The Irrawaddy The Yangon regional government on Wednesday approved the appointment of U Ye Min Oo, currently the deputy mayor of Naypyitaw, vice chairman of the Naypyitaw Development Committee and chairman of the Naypyitaw Development Bank, as the new Yangon regional planning and finance minister following his nomination on Tuesday. The nomination was unanimously approved by the regional parliament. He will replace U Myint Thuang, who died of cancer on April 20. The ruling National League for Democracy needed to find a new regional minister as the regional parliament is scheduled to debate and vote on the supplementary budget for fiscal 2019-20, as well as the regional budget for FY2020-21, this week. Yangon regional parliament Speaker U Tin Maung Tun informed regional lawmakers about the nomination on Tuesday, asking anyone who planned to object to the choice to submit their names. If there is no objection, the parliament will approve the nomination in a few days. U Ye Min Oo, whose expertise is in banking, finance and economic development, is also the head of a task force under the governments COVID-19 Economic Recovery Committee, formed in March. He has been a member of the NLDs Central Economic Committee since July 2016. On Jan. 3, 2019, he was appointed chairman of the Naypyitaw Development Bank and six months later, on June 25 of that year, he was appointed deputy mayor of Naypyitaw. He is the former managing director of Htoo Groups Asia Green Development (AGD) Bank, owned by tycoon U Tay Za. U Tay Za was sanctioned by the US Treasury Department from 2007 to 2016 for helping to prop up the former junta. U Kyaw Zeya, a regional lawmaker from Dagons Constituency 2, told The Irrawaddy that U Ye Min Oo is qualified for the job, given his background working with the AGD Bank and knowledge of development projects. However, the MP said, as the ruling partys term is coming to an end soon, the government should consider alternative candidates who are more familiar with regional budget issues. He said there are a couple of lawmakers in the Yangon parliament who are more knowledgeable about Yangon Regions finances and planning issues than the Naypyitaw deputy mayor. It is not that he is not a good personbut he is new to this environment, added the lawmaker. Editors Note: This story updates an earlier version published on May 2 to include the parliaments approval of the appointment. You may also like these stories: NLD Warns Yangon Chief Minister Over Breach of COVID-19 Rules NLD Vows to Veto USDP and Militarys Bid to Impeach Speaker Myanmar Parliament Rejects Move to Oust House Speaker MasterChef is usually full of high-pressure thrills and spills at the kitchen bench. But on Wednesday night's episode, it was the unexpected inclusion of the smelly durian fruit which had contestants rattled. In the show's first lottery-style mystery box challenge, the stinky fruit landed in contestant Poh Ling Yeow's pantry. 'It's like eating ice cream on the toilet': MasterChef fans have gone crazy over the bizarre inclusion of the exotic durian fruit in the mystery box challenge on Wednesday's episode 'A durian is a South-East Asian fruit that is actually banned from public transport and hotels because of its very, very odorous nature,' Poh said, explaining the fruit. She continued: 'It smells a little bit like garbage, I just have a question to ask. Do you (Jock) and Andy like durian?' The popular chef opted to not use Durian, instead choosing to make her lemon meringue cake for the judges. 'I am a bit worried that I'm not pushing myself to use a durian. I kind of feel like it's my... it's from my culture,' Poh said. Smelly! 'A durian is a South-East Asian fruit that is actually banned from public transport and hotels because of its very, very odorous nature,' Poh said, explaining the fruit Poh explained she felt 'stressed' as she loves to be 'controversial', but opted to choose a 'comfort' food due to the coronavirus pandemic. 'I think right now comfort is not such a bad thing,' she said. Later, Poh explained to judge Melissa Leong that she chose not to use durian as she was concerned that judges Jock and Andy would not understand it. Judge! Later, Poh explained to judge Melissa Leong that she chose not to use durian as she was concerned that judges Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen would understand it 'I just don't feel like it's the right time to... take a risk right now,' she said. 'Um... and I just think... without being racist, I just don't know if Jock and Andy will get it,' she added. Durian has been compared to sewage, stale vomit and skunk spray. Interestingly, it is not allowed on the Singapore mass transit system. A number of fans were also less-than-impressed by the inclusion of the exotic fruit, questioning its value in the competition. Hmmm! Fans had a mixed response to the inclusion of the South East Asian fruit Comfort food: Popular chef Poh (pictured) opted to not use Durian, instead, choosing to make her lemon meringue cake for the judges 'Despite growing up in Malaysia I'm still trying to not dry retch at the sight (let alone) smell of durian,' one fan wrote. Another added: 'Durian hurts my nose, and my mouth. I've tasted it several times, I've tried to like it, but it's like eating an ice cream in a toilet.' Yet another wrote: 'Wondering who the hell was the first person who smelled a durian and went 'yum, garbage stench...I simply must eat it!' The tweet finished: 'Actually I am going to call him Keith, a Keith would like durian. You're gross Keith!!!' MasterChef: Back To Win continues Thursday at 7.30pm on Channel Ten The North American Passive House Network (NAPHN) conference, #PH2020, (http://www.naphnconference.com) running every Wednesday, 1 - 4 PM EST, June 24 - July 29, will feature specific efforts at examining the relationship between Passive House design, indoor air-quality and specifically the transmission of viruses like COVID-19. This focus marks a return to the roots of Passive House. While dramatic energy reductions were the climate imperative and headline, less appreciated has been that better indoor hygiene was also a key founding goal of the Passive House standard and that the criteria for ventilation and airtightness were concerned about improved health outcomes as well as energy efficiency. Todays wake-up call, driven by our global pandemic, is an important notice to building owners, developers, and professionals of the inherent tools Passive House provides to support healthy outcomes. In a session titled "It's About the Outside Air: Why Passive House Ventilation is the Invisible Hand of High Performance", scheduled for Wednesday, June 24 at 3 PM EST, in a general presentation on the scientific criteria, equipment certification and systems design - the presenters will review critical issues like ventilation recirculation and cross-contamination, that if not addressed properly, as is the case in typical construction, can be contributors to virus transmission, and how Passive House specifications deliver lower-risk solutions. Then on Wednesday, July 15 at 3 PM EST, a session titled "Why does Covid-19 Hate Passive House? Strategies to Mitigate the Spread of Viruses", will take a serious look, in a panel discussion, at virus transmission, Covid-19 specifically, the science, the mechanics, and the implementation of controlling the built environment to minimize the risks to our health. It will debunk the myths and give attendees actionable information to help make buildings a true pandemic refuge. Building design cannot outperform fundamental preventative measures like social distancing to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, said NAPHN President, and session panelist, Bronwyn Barry. But founding Passive House principles and strategies do contribute to healthy outcomes. And we look forward to a lively discussion among panelists and attendees digging into the subject. # # # About NAPHN: The North American Passive House Network (NAPHN) is an independent national non-profit educational organization, based in New York, and affiliated with the International Passive House Association (iPHA) and the Passive House Institute (PHI), located in Darmstadt, Germany. NAPHN has chapters based in New Jersey (http://www.njpassivehouse.com), Washington DC (http://www.naphnetwork.org), the Rocky Mountain Region (http://www.phrockymountains.com), Minnesota (http://www.passivehouseminnesota.org) and Western Pennsylvania (http://www.passivehousewpa.com). NAPHN supports the widespread adoption of the international Passive House design and construction standards, building science principles and protocols, as a critical response to our climate crisis - providing unparalleled effectiveness in mitigating climate disruptions and adapting to rapidly changing environmental conditions. NAPHN is focused on the inflection point between policy and implementation. We partner with leading stakeholders across all building sectors, including governments, professional associations, manufacturers, owners, builders, labor organizations, and educational institutions to make the transformation complete. http://www.naphnetwork.org About Passive House: Passive House is an international building standard and methodology, applicable to buildings of all kinds from office buildings to hospitals, new-build and renovations, that results in a dramatic drop in operational energy use, and more comfortable and healthy occupants - meant to aggressively mitigate our climate crisis while providing resilient adaptation. The Passive House Standard was developed by the Passive House Institute (PHI), an independent scientific research organization, located in Darmstadt, Germany, and includes specific requirements for energy use and comfort of occupants. The Passive House Standard is being successfully applied to thousands of buildings and millions of square feet around the world, from Boston to Beijing. The Passive House methodology starts with reducing cooling, dehumidification and heating loads by focusing, not on gadgets and active technology, but instead on fully integrated durable passive building components, such as proper continuous thermal-bridge-free insulation, continuous airtightness, high-performance windows and doors, and ventilation that includes a high-efficiency heat/energy recovery core, carefully calculated, and all integrated with the entire architectural process of design and construction. http://www.passivehouse.com, http://www.passipedia.org SpendEdge, a leading provider of procurement market intelligence solutions, has announced the completion of their latest article on how can long-term assurance of supply consulting for direct materials help companies better manage spend and the impact of COVID-19. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005658/en/ The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is significantly impacting the existing supply bases across the globe. Businesses must find new sources of supply, qualify suppliers based on targeted requirements, and monitor suppliers based on custom score carding to ensure their sustainability in the manufacturing sector. They must identify suppliers of direct materials that are diverse and reliably compliant with increasingly complex environmental and related regulatory requirements to keep the supply chains moving. They must also leverage long-term assurance of supply consulting for sourcing of direct materials to eliminate capital equipment, free up cash, and improve the balance sheets. At SpendEdge, we closely monitor supply market conditions for improved supply chain strategies and obtain in-depth sourcing and procurement insights. Our experts are providing long-term assurance of supply consulting for direct materials to help businesses reduce the impact of COVID-19. Challenges Faced by Companies in Direct Materials Sourcing Unprecedented risks Companies in the manufacturing sector are facing unprecedented risks due to the outbreak of COVID-19. They should consider OEMs that don't manufacture their supply for products. Reducing complexity in requirements and gaining granular insights into supplier qualification and selection process can help companies better manage the risks. Qualifying suppliers by region, commodity and plant will help companies mitigate the risk of cross-contamination across materials and ensure safety. Want to obtain actionable insights to assess unprecedented risks associated with direct materials sourcing to manage the impact of COVID-19? Request a free proposal to gain insights into our customized solutions. Avoid contract leakage In the time of lockdowns and recession, companies are advised to create contracts quickly while meeting compliance requirements. Contracts designed must be easily accessible for purchase order execution purposes. Integrating sourcing and contracting systems with ERP systems can help companies improve the direct materials sourcing process and avoid contract leakages while reducing excess material costs at the same time. To enhance contract management and obtain direct materials sourcing insights,get in touch with our experts now! Increasing complexity Multilevel manufacturing bills of materials (BOMs) like the assemblies-and components of those assemblies make the direct materials sourcing difficult for commodity managers. However, such materials are imperative to build high-tech devices. Qualifying the right suppliers for such complex BOMs then becomes a task for companies. Companies must ensure buffer stock as "insurance" to keep the production going during a crisis. To minimize the impact of COVID-19 and improve the direct materials sourcing process, reach out to our analysts now! You may also like: Is Second Sourcing a Viable Option to Improve Supply Chain Risk Management and Manage the Impact of COVID-19 in the US? SpendEdge Conducts Supply Market Analysis to Understand the Impact of COVID-19 on Government Policies and Implications at a Country-level Impact Analysis for the IT Industry: SpendEdge Offers Enterprise-level Business Continuity Roadmap Consulting Services to help Companies Minimize the Impact of COVID-19 About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. Want to gain detailed insights? https://www.spendedge.com/get-more-info View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005658/en/ Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 630 984 7340 UK: +44 148 459 9299 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us Experts are divided over when workers will (or should) get back into the office after COVID-19. Google, for example, is planning to reopen some office starting in early July for a small number of employees on a rotating basis. A report from the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard University recommends holding out until August. But both Google and Harvard agree that the return should be staggered in order to protect workers. The Harvard report recommends starting by letting 20% of at-home workers back into the office at a timebeginning with a few days per week and then expanding to five days. Not only will working in shifts like this reduce office density, but it will also prevent overcrowding on sidewalks and mass transit for urban businesses. It also comes with challenges, including the fact that some employees will feel less connected to the rest of the company. Here are six tips for keeping workers safer, happier and more productive as organizations transition into a split-office setup. The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) capital flows over the recent five months of 2020 only decreases compared to the same period last year but rises against the same period of the previous years. The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) capital flows over the recent five months of 2020 only decreases compared to the same period last year but rises against the same period of the previous years. The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected foreign investment inflows that witnessed a year-on-year decrease of 17% to US$13.88 billion in the first five months this year, according to the Foreign Investment Agency, under the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Of the figure, the newly-registered capital and additional capital hit US$7.44 billion and US$3.45 billion, respectively while the capital contribution and share purchase of foreign investors stood at US$3 billion. The Jan-May FDI figure, however, was still higher than that of the same period from 2016-2018, with US$10.1 billion in 2016, US$12.1 billion in 2017 and US$9.9 billion in 2018. The FDI decline in the reviewed period is attributed to the shrinkage in capital contribution and share purchase of foreign investors (US$3 billion in 2020 and US$7.65 billion in 2019). Meanwhile, the newly-registered and additional volume of US$7.44 billion and US$3.45 billion, respectively, are still higher than the figures recorded last year (US$6.46 billion and US$2.63 billion). Remarkably, Bac Lieu LNG-fired thermal power plant capitalized at US$4 billion is the biggest FDI project in the Mekong Delta region in the first five months. Viet Nam-spotlight in welcoming transition of global supply chain With Apple moving parts of its popular AirPods wireless earphones production chain into Viet Nam for the first time this quarter and many U.S. firms actively seeking for opportunities in Viet Nam are among positive signals indicating that the nation has emerged as a spotlight in welcoming the transition of investment in the next period. Viet Nams priorities are stable costs, exchange rates and institutions, according to the SSI Securities Corporation, adding that foreign projects set up in industrial parks in the country were up 32% year-on-year in the first four months of the year to US$9.8 billion. Many large U.S., Japanese and European companies are gearing up to shift production to Viet Nam among other ASEAN peers like Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. The nation also offers support to businesses, with many incentives for large FDI projects, and has joined a network of free trade agreements in which Indonesia is not a signatory. Recently, the Vietnamese dong has been very stable compared to the Indonesian rupiah. FDI among five pillars for economic recovery At the meeting between the Government and businesses on May 9, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc clarified five key measures to recover the economy including attracting investment from domestic economic sectors, boosting up exports, enhancing public investment, promoting domestic consumption and attracting FDI. During the a meeting on May 22, PM Phuc stressed the need to deliberate on concrete measures to optimize the investment flows shifted to Viet Nam, especially from major multinational groups and high-tech firms. The Government leader ordered a plan to address bottlenecks against investors, with focus laid on such matters like land clearance and human resources. The Government has made it clear on several occasions that it gives priority to luring high-tech and high added-value projects and urged authorities to take concrete actions to facilitate operations of all economic sectors, particularly the private one. Prof. Nguyen Mai, President of the Viet Nam Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises (VAFIE), said that the global investment shift and the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement offer Viet Nam big opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing consequences, however, it is expected to bring golden opportunity for the nation to make breakthrough in FDI attraction, he added. VGP Thuy Dung Vietnam needs to proactively seek high-quality FDI: economist Vietnam must not sit still and wait for FDI to come. If it does, the best will be skimmed off by other countries, according to Nguyen Dinh Cung, a respected economist. ANN ARBOR, MI Ann Arbors plan to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2030 involves going out to the market and purchasing 100% renewable energy on behalf of all residents, businesses and other entities in the city. Thats known as community choice aggregation, a type of program permitted in other states, and city officials are hoping to convince state lawmakers to allow it in Michigan. As City Council voted this week to adopt the citys A2Zero plan, a representative from DTE Energy, the Detroit-based energy provider for the region, raised concerns about that aspect of the plan, suggesting there are other alternatives. DTE marketing director Henry Decker, an Ann Arbor resident, commended the city for its commitment to significantly reduce carbon emissions, saying DTE is on a similar journey. We have committed to reducing our carbon emissions to net zero across our electric utility services by 2050 and have already reduced our electric emissions by 25% from 2005 levels, Decker told council. DTE has reviewed Ann Arbors plan and there are opportunities for the city and DTE to partner, Decker said. For instance, he said, DTE could develop a customized renewable electricity solution that promotes renewables in Michigan directly attributable to Ann Arbor, including community renewable projects such as solar and wind. They also could explore opportunities to leverage a voluntary green natural gas program to allow customers to reduce up to 100% of their emissions from natural gas, Decker said, and expand Ann Arbors participation in DTEs electric vehicle adoption program to support electrification of vehicles, including public transit, school buses and delivery vehicles. Decker also suggested exploring renewable natural gas as an economic and clean approach for heavy-duty vehicles such as garbage trucks and tractor trailers, and partnering to increase awareness and engagement in DTE energy-efficiency programs so residents can learn more about reducing energy use. While there are many areas to collaborate on with the city, we do have some concerns with two actions out of the 44 in the plan that we want to address, Decker said. The first, he said, is community choice aggregation, which could allow the city to buy energy from alternative providers. This action would require the state to deregulate electric markets, something that affects all Michigan residents, and is something we do not support, Decker said. We believe the city can achieve 100% renewables through other programs. State law a hurdle for Ann Arbors 100% renewable energy plan The second concern, Decker said, relates to the citys call for shifting away from natural gas with building code changes. Efforts to restrict natural gas usage must take into account the full cost of conversion to other energy sources for residents and businesses, along with an evaluation of the secondary effects to infrastructure, Decker said. DTE already has programs in place that can help the city toward its goals with customer affordability in mind, he said. We look forward to opportunities to collaborate, but we also urge you to avoid approaches that could unnecessarily increase costs, he told council. Missy Stults, the citys sustainability manager, has advocated for community choice aggregation, saying once its allowed under state law, any community will be able to do it. To achieve our goals of community-wide carbon-neutrality, we need to find solutions that scale, she said in response to the concerns raised by DTE this week. Aggregation is one such solution. That said, we are certainly open to other solutions that allow us to get to scale in a cost-effective way. Community choice aggregation, if allowed by the state, would be an opt-out program, so local residents and businesses could choose not to participate in the bulk purchase of renewable energy, Stults has explained to council. But based on whats happened with such programs in other states, she said previously, youre getting electricity at a rate that is generally the same, if not slightly cheaper, than what we already pay from our investor-owned utility. As an alternative approach, the city could encourage residents to buy into MIGreenPower, a DTE program that allows customers to offset up to 100% of their energy with wind and solar for a few extra cents per month per kilowatt hour. As of recently, more than 10,000 households in the region were participating in the MIGreenPower program at varying levels and Pittsfield Township, Ann Arbors neighbor, was promoting it to its residents. Stults said the city still has concerns about MIGreenPower and voluntary green pricing, so its not encouraging people to buy into the program. Because these programs require residents and businesses to opt-in, it would be challenging to create a significant impact, a city A2Zero fact sheet states. Current voluntary green power purchase programs charge a premium for electricity, which is not financially feasible to some households nor in line with the cost of electricity for renewable energy, it continues. Community choice aggregation uses an opt-out system to combine our collective purchasing power to secure renewable energy at the same or lower rate than we currently pay for electricity, while achieving a significant reduction to our electricity emissions. As for concerns it may cost more money for residents and businesses to shift away from natural gas and have all-electric appliances, the city says gas prices are volatile and expected to rise in the future, while prices of renewables are dropping. A longterm transition away from gas will save money for consumers who no longer want to invest in costly gas infrastructure, the city maintains. By pairing electrification with energy-efficiency programs, customers will experience less impact to their monthly bills, as savings from increased energy efficiency can make up for the increased electric load from appliances, the city states. Additionally, technologies such as heat pumps provide efficient heating AND cooling, and the operating cost of heat pumps tend to be lower than traditional AC units. Though operating costs of gas heating are currently lower than heating with electricity, city officials say that doesnt count the social cost of carbon emissions, methane leakage that occurs in gas production and distribution and air-quality impacts. In a news release, city officials said the A2Zero plan outlines how the entire Ann Arbor community can achieve a just transition to carbon-neutrality, with a core tenant being social equity, ensuring the concerns of the most vulnerable and traditionally disenfranchised are centered. A2Zero will help ensure Ann Arbor remains a world-class city and a leader in climate action and environmental stewardship, Stults said in a statement. Its expected to cost more than $1 billion to implement, though not all of that is expected to be paid by the city. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS: Ann Arbor unanimously adopts ambitious roadmap to carbon-neutrality How will Ann Arbor pay for $1B carbon-neutrality plan? In 6-5 vote, Ann Arbor puts off water rate increases until 2021 due to pandemic Downtown Ann Arbor bars, restaurants get councils OK to expand patios into streets Michigan Theater recommends 15 films with strong black voices for Black Out Tuesday Yemen Hangs on as International Aid Dries up By Lisa Schlein June 02, 2020 The United Nations warns Yemen is hanging by a thread as more than five years of war have sapped the country of its energy and destroyed its economy and the well-being of its people. The U.N. and Saudi Arabia are hosting a virtual pledging conference to raise $2.4 billion to assist millions of Yemenis. U.N. officials describe the situation in Yemen as catastrophic. They say the country sits atop a pile of seemingly insurmountable problems. Years of conflict have killed hundreds of thousands of people, displaced millions and destroyed Yemen's economy and infrastructure. The U.N. says four out of five people, or 24 million, need lifesaving aid. Ten million are on the verge of famine, and disease is widespread. Added to this mix is COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says Yemen's first case of COVID-19, which was reported on April 10, is spreading rapidly throughout the country. "The pandemic poses a terrifying threat to some of the most vulnerable people in the world, weakened by years of conflict, and with a health system that is already on the brink of collapse. Since then, reported cases are in the hundreds and are highly likely to be undercounted, since testing rates are some of the lowest in the world. There is every reason to believe that community transmission is already under way across the country," Guterres said. Guterres says tackling COVID-19 on top of the existing humanitarian emergency requires urgent action and money. Mark Lowcock, the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, noted many humanitarian operations in Yemen have run out of money and will soon grind to a halt. He warned more than 30 of 41 major U.N.-supported programs in Yemen will close in the next few weeks without additional funds. "That means many more people will die. COVID-19 rapid response teams are funded only until the end of June. Next month, we could start winding down treatment for severely malnourished children. Support for cholera facilities will also start to reduce," Lowcock said. Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir is calling for a political solution to relieve the suffering of the Yemeni people. He said the Saudi kingdom is Yemen's biggest donor, having contributed more than $16 billion over the past years for humanitarian, developmental and reconstruction aid. Critics of Saudi Arabia view the generosity with a cynical eye, considering the country's direct involvement in Yemen's devastating war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mangaluru MLA and former health minister U T Khader said that the government's new protocol issued for inter-state travellers during the Unlock Phase 1 will lead to disaster. It was an illogical decision to make RT-PCR test mandatory only for symptomatic travellers and reduce the institutional quarantine period to seven days. All inter-state travellers coming from high-risk states should undergo Covid-19 test mandatorily. The Congress Task Force will urge the government to amend the issued guidelines, Khader told reporters at Circuit house. Follow live updates on coronavirus here It is a serious lapse by the government in controlling the spread of Covid-19 in Karnataka. There are instances of a person testing positive after completing seven days of institutional quarantine in Mangaluru. He said all the inter-state and international travellers entering Karnataka should mandatorily undergo 14 days quarantine and be tested for Covid-19. The number of Covid-19 tests should be increased during the unlock period as people move freely in public places without restrictions. There are possibilities of the disease spreading at the community-level. Initially, inter-state travellers were made to undergo 28 days of quarantine and later it was reduced to 14 days. Now, by relaxing the rules, the government is placing the lives of people in danger. He urged the government to clarify what makes them avoid conducting tests for those who come from outside the state. The government should set up more RT-PCR laboratories and upgrade the existing facilities, said Khader. DUBLIN, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Breast Cancer Screening Market, Global Forecast by Screening Test, Population, Countries, Company Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report provides a complete analysis of the key growth drivers, challenges, global market, screened population, and their projections for the upcoming years till 2026. According to the report, the Global Breast Cancer Screening Market is anticipated to reach US$ 51.8 billion by the end of the year 2026, with double-digit CAGR during the forecast period. Globally, breast cancer is considered one of the most common cancers in women around the world. Breast cancer is also a leading cause of death from cancer in the world's least developed nations. Every year 1.7 million new cases are diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately 60% of deaths due to breast cancer occur around the world. Obesity, lack of physical activity, overexposure to radiation, and consuming alcohol are among the risk factors for breast cancer growth. COVID-19 impact on Breast Cancer Screening Market Worldwide The COVID-19 outbreak could have an impact on all drug companies manufacturing, supply chain, and clinical trial operations. In the year 2020, the global breast cancer screening population, as well as the market, will decline. The primary reason for this decline is a coronavirus. Other challenges of breast cancer screening are high medication costs, therapy-related adverse effects, and lengthy product approval times are responsible for curbing market growth. Growth Factors for Global Breast Cancer Screening Market The key growth factors of the breast cancer market are the increasing number of females suffering from breast cancer, growing older women population is the primary factor for the growth of the market. In addition to this adoption of an unhealthy lifestyle, the rise of the female geriatric population, exposure to harmful radiation, and increased policy measures have contributed to market growth. Also, the incidence of breast cancer is rising in the lower-income countries due to an increase in life expectancy, adaption to increasing urbanization and western lifestyles. World over, more than half of the breast cancer cases now have been reported from low and middle-income countries (LMICs) as these countries do not have proper breast screening programs; hence, the majority of cases are diagnosed in late stages. Growing breast cancer incidences & mortality in the low and middle-income countries, these countries need to develop an effective breast cancer screening program strategy that will address the earlier deduction of incidence of breast cancer for women. Some of the major breast cancer screening technologies which help to find breast cancer after diagnosis are as follows. Breast cancer screening technologies are MRI, Ultrasound, and mammography screening. Mammography screening aims at minimizing the death rate from breast cancer by identifying unsuspected breast cancers early. The breast cancer mammography screening market is flourishing, driven by advances in technologies and delivery models, product innovations, increasing use of digital mammography equipment, and growing public awareness. Globally, awareness about breast cancer is increasing, with more women coming forward for their yearly mammograms after the age of 40 years. Besides, around the world, governments have introduced screening programs for early detection that entails a routine check-up. Several countries are already offering breast cancer screening programs for women, and the number is establishing these programs are steadily increasing. In Germany, for example, the Mammo Screening program exists since 2002. In the United States, most states are introducing laws requiring health insurance companies to reimburse all or part of the cost of screening mammograms. Furthermore, the NHS Breast Screening Program in the United Kingdom provides free breast screening every three years for all women aged. Also, continuous efforts are taken by various government agencies and NGOs, the worldwide market for breast cancer screening. Screening Tests - Mammography is the Most Common Test for Breast Cancer Screening Mammography is a sophisticated medical imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray device to view human breasts indoors. Mammography plays a vital role in the early detection and treatment of women with breast diseases. Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or breast ultrasound, in addition to mammography, also helps detect breast cancer in women. Countries - Total 23 Countries Market & Population for Breast Cancer Screening, Mammography Screening, MRI Screening & Ultrasound Screening has been studied in the report The study includes a comprehensive Breast cancer overview of Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, India, Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia Breast Cancer, Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound Screening Population and Market. All the companies have been studied from two points: Recent Developments Sales Analysis Company Analysis AstraZeneca Novartis Sanofi Pfizer Bayer AG For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/d6b0or Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] 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 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Unpaid bills are the reason two fire departments did not respond to calls about a house fire at Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation on May 30. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Unpaid bills are the reason two fire departments did not respond to calls about a house fire at Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation on May 30. Audrey Bone called 911 when the camper next to her house caught fire. RCMP then called the Shoal Lake and Strathclair fire departments. One fire chief oversees the two departments since those communities amalgamated under the Rural Municipality of Yellowhead. The call came to both fire departments, and both said they would not respond. Elder Audrey Bone watched a blaze consume her home and everthing in it at Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation the afternoon of May 30. (Submitted) Additionally, the bands own aged pumper arrived late and, according to Bone, it broke down after firefighters drained all the water out. Bones home burned to the ground. Calling it a sensitive issue, Yellowhead Mayor Merv Starzyk said fire Chief Rick Eastcott was acting under the direction of council. "It was council that decided by resolution not to respond to any calls, basically because of lack of compensation from the First Nation community, and arrears," Starzyk said, adding its when the two communities amalgamated in 2015 that Keeseekoowenin arrears came to light. Starzyk serves on the board of directors of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM). "This is something that not only our municipality but other municipalities have brought to the attention of the AMM board, and the AMM has brought it to the attention of the minister for Indigenous affairs. She is aware of the problem, and her department is looking to see if theres a way to resolve it," Starzyk said. A spokesperson from that department told The Brandon Sun there isnt really a provincial mechanism to deal with the issue. The issue was raised with Minister Eileen Clarke before municipal affairs split from Indigenous and Northern Relations. "They would need a service agreement," said Clarkes press secretary Caitlin MacGregor. Indigenous Services Canada did not reply to questions before deadline, but pointed to its website. The department provides funding for fire protection every year as part of the First Nations core capital funding, which includes firefighting, operating and maintaining fire halls, purchasing equipment such as fire trucks, training and educating firefighters, according to the website. On reserves, fire protection is managed by the First Nation band council. The department also notes band councils can use the funds to run their own fire departments or to contract fire protection services from nearby communities. However, First Nations may choose to use fire protection funding on other priorities. "Weve put out the invite many times lets sit and talk and discuss many things," Starzyk said. "We could share a lot of stuff. But they just kind of want to work at arms length, so " The Shoal Lake fire department responded to a fire call at Keeseekoowenin last year, but when they got there the reception wasnt the best, Starzyk said. "The local department they have there at Keesee were on the scene with their fire truck and turned around and said to the Shoal Lake crew, What are you guys doing here? Weve got things under control, we dont need you. It was actually a bit of a kick in the teeth." As far as the arrears go, Starzyk said Yellowhead has been trying to resolve the issue. "Were prepared to try and work something out. We mentioned years back we could work out some kind of payment plan, develop some kind of strategy for coverage," he said. "But I know other neighbouring municipalities have adopted the attitude that if its the RCMP phoning then theres a problem." Starzyk said if the First Nation calls, it must foot the bill, but if the RCMP calls, the First Nation isnt on the hook for the bill. Jason Potter, the reeve for Harrison Park, which has three fire departments Onanole, Sandy Lake and Newdale said they dont have anything official on the books regarding responding to Keeseekoowenin. The Sandy Lake fire department, which is just a 10-minute drive away, did not get a call, and neither did the other two fire departments. "But I would like to think Harrison Park would always help out our neighbours," Potter said. "Normally we dont respond out there. We dont have a fire service agreement with them. Im not saying we wouldnt, just that we dont. Theyve never asked for that." Potter said if Keeseekoowenin did need assistance, Harrison Park would definitely help out. "We do have other agreements and conversations with them," he said. Keeseekoowenins Chief Norman Bone did not respond by deadline. mletourneau@brandonsun.com Michele LeTourneau covers Indigenous matters for The Brandon Sun under the Local Journalism Initiative, a federally funded program that supports the creation of original civic journalism. The Ohio Senates leaders, to their credit, have emphatically denounced an appalling threat directed by telephone at the Ohio Houses Democratic leader, Rep. Emilia Sykes of Akron, and her father, state Sen. Vernon Sykes, also an Akron Democrat. In contrast, the reaction of House Speaker Larry Householder, a Republican from Perry County in southeast Ohio, verged on the tepid. An anonymous caller told Rep. Sykes she must resign from the House or her father, Sen. Sykes, would be killed, according to an Akron Police Department report, cleveland.coms Laura Hancock reported. The caller ID accompanying the threat displayed Sen. Sykes telephone number, presumably because Rep. Sykes might not answer a call from an unknown number. As Ohioans plagued with telemarketing calls know all too well, its easy, at least for the proficient, to transmit fake caller IDs. Vernon Sykes Senate colleagues swiftly reacted. We condemn any threats of physical harm, or any other harm, against these public servants or any other Ohioans, said Senate President Larry Obhof, a Medina Republican, and Minority Leader Kenny Yuko, a Richmond Heights Democrat. It is never acceptable to intimidate or threaten a public official, and it is a felony to do so. We have asked law enforcement to fully investigate and prosecute the offenders to the fullest extent of the law. Similarly, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine spoke out against the threat. It is wrong. It is reprehensible, and it is unconscionable to threaten someone with violence for doing the job they were elected to do. DeWine said. Simply put: hatred has no place in Ohio, and violence will not be tolerated. Householder was elected speaker in 2019 by 26 House Republicans and 26 House Democrats, including Emilia Sykes. (The House is composed of 61 Republicans and 38 Democrats.) Rep. Sykes texted him after she received the threat, Householder told reporters. I texted her back and expressed my concerns about it, he said, and tried to provide some guidance. Householder, who was speaker previously, from 2001 through 2004, told the editorial board that he and his family have periodically been threatened. Thats all part of being in public life, Householder had earlier told reporters, speaking generally of threats aimed at public officials. He also cautioned that publicizing threats can encourage attention-seeking wrongdoers. Anytime something like that happens, dont publicize it, Householder said. It appears, however, that news of the threat did not originate from the victims but from Statehouse news releases. Householder told the editorial board that he responded as he does whenever a House member receives threats: He notified the Houses sergeant at arms, who in turn coordinated with the State Highway Patrol; the legislators hometown police (in this instance, Akrons); and with Columbus police. As Obhof and Yuko said, whoever threatened Rep. Sykes and Sen. Sykes must be apprehended, prosecuted and punished. And Householder should be at least as emphatic as the Senates leaders in denouncing threats directed at Rep. Sykes, and Sen. Sykes or any other elected official. It is true that public life has grown more contentious over the last few years, in Washington as well as in Columbus. That is why the solidarity expressed by Obhof, Yuko and DeWine was refreshing and exemplary. Threats of violence directed at public officials are, in effect, also threats directed at public institutions. These public officials speak for us, and act for us. That is why any threat of harm against a public official amounts to a threat directed at each and every one of us, whether Republican, Democratic, other or none. And they must be emphatically denounced as such by all key leaders, and prosecuted, as Obhof and Yuko said, to the fullest extent of the law. About our editorials: Editorials express the view of the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer -- the senior leadership and editorial-writing staff. As is traditional, editorials are unsigned and intended to be seen as the voice of the news organization. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this editorial to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion and director of the editorial board, at esullivan@cleveland.com. The military has identified the woman and man killed during a 'domestic violence' shooting incident at the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. The US Air Force said Airman 1st Class Natasha Raye Aposhian, 21, was killed in the shooting Monday morning just before 4.30am in an air base dormitory. Authorities said Airman 1st Class Julian Carlos Torres, 20, died at a hospital of his injuries shortly after the shooting. Aposhian was a native of Arizona who was assigned to the air base in April and worked as an aircraft parts store apprentice. Her parents, Brian Murray and Megan Aposhian, told Stars and Stripes that their daughter died in domestic violence incident. The US Air Force said Airman 1st Class Natasha Raye Aposhian (left and right), 21, was killed in the shooting Monday morning in an air base dormitory Authorities said Airman 1st Class Julian Carlos Torres, 20, died at a hospital of his injuries shortly after the shooting 'Were torn apart by the loss of our daughter to a senseless act of domestic violence,' they wrote. 'Natasha had recently joined the Air Force and was just starting to embark on a career serving her country. 'Its a tragedy she wont get to fulfill her hopes and dreams. We ask that you pray for her, our family and the countless victims of these crimes.' Aposhian's parents did not give the nature of the relationship between their daughter and Torres. Torres, a Texas native, was assigned to the base in December and worked as an installation entry controller and an internal security response team member. 'This is heartbreaking,' Col Cameron Pringle, the 319th Reconnaissance Wing commander, said in a statement. 'I cannot begin to express the sorrow and pain I feel on behalf of these units and the families affected by this tragedy.' A base spokeswoman earlier told The Associated Press that no suspects were being sought in the shooting. Aposhian (pictured) was a native of Arizona who was assigned to the air base in April and worked as an aircraft parts store apprentice. Her parents, Brian Murray and Megan Aposhian, said their daughter died in domestic violence incident No other details of the shooting were released Wednesday. The base has not confirmed the report of domestic violence. It was the first duty station for both airmen, and neither had been deployed. The investigation is expected to continue for weeks. Immediately after the shooting, 21 airmen were moved out of the dormitory. Medical teams are providing disaster mental health services to help people who are affected, the base said. The base specializes in unmanned aircraft operations and is located about 15 miles west of Grand Forks. The base is home to about 1,600 military members and 900 civilian employees. Police are hunting for two poachers who may be as young as 11 after an angler was allegedly pelted with rocks on a country estate in Kent and died from a heart attack. Charles Hilder, 66, was found collapsed in a car park at Lullingstone Castle near Eynsford last Thursday - and police now want to talk to two boys who were involved. The pair are said to have thrown stones at father-of-five Mr Hilder after he asked them to leave the private lake where they were believed to be poaching fish. Father-of-five Charles Hilder, 66, was found collapsed in a car park at Lullingstone Castle near Eynsford last Thursday - and police now want to talk to two boys who were involved Mr Hilder (right), who was named by fellow anglers, is understood to leave behind his wife Lynne and five grown-up daughters. He is pictured on his daughter Claire's wedding day On a return to his car, the two youths and the angler were involved in another verbal argument - and Mr Hilder, from Romford, Essex, then collapsed and later died. Police said they are continuing to investigate the 'wider circumstances' of Mr Hilder's death and renewed an appeal for the boys, aged from 11 to 18, to come forward. Officers and paramedics were despatched to the 15th century estate - where King Henry VIII once hunted - last Thursday after receiving reports of a disturbance. They tried to revive the angler with CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives have been attempting to establish whether the victim was actually struck by one of the rocks. Lullingstone Castle near Eynsford in Kent is pictured last Friday as police probe the death The father-of-five died in the grounds of Lullingstone Castle in Eynsford, pictured last Friday Mr Hilder leaves behind wife Lynne, 62, and five daughters. Local residents said there had been a rise in anti-social behaviour in recent weeks by gangs of youths. Canisters containing nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, were found in a box close to the estate amid fears youngsters had been flouting lockdown rules. Mr Hilder was a member of Kingfisher Angling & Preservation Society which had a permit to fish on the lake. Hours before his death, he was helping stock it with trout. The society's chairman Mick Lee said that the exact circumstances over his death are unclear, but members believe that he died 'after a confrontation with poachers'. Located on the River Darent, Lullingstone has been the seat of the Hart Dyke family since 1361 and the historic manor house in the grounds dates back to 1497. Police forensic officers in waterproof clothing gather evidence in the lake in Kent last Friday Police forensic officers gather evidence near the boats by the lake on the grounds last Friday Hidden within the grounds are a bathhouse and icehouse that Queen Anne used in the 18th century. The estate also has a vineyard, Tudor gatehouse and chapel. Its heir is Tom Hart Dyke, 44, a horticulturist who was kidnapped by guerrilla fighters in Colombia while hunting for rare orchids in 2000 and held for nine months. He is the cousin of British actress and comedian Miranda Hart, from Call the Midwife. The castle normally opens for three days per week during spring to autumn. It is currently closed due to the pandemic, however anglers were allowed to return after Boris Johnson lifted restrictions on some sports. (Bloomberg) -- As American cities convulse with protests, U.S. adversaries are taking advantage of the situation on social media to advance their agendas and rebuke U.S. government officials, according to a report released Wednesday. In one instance, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter along with an annotated version of a U.S. State Department release that criticized Tehrans suppression of protests. Zarif tweaked the document to apply those same criticisms to Washingtons handling of the protests on U.S. soil. Irans Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, tweeted a photo of a U.S. protester facing four police officers and included a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. -- deflecting American words back at the White House, according the report published by Graphika Inc., which uses artificial intelligence to analyze data from social networks. President Hassan Rouhani, whos been on the receiving end of Donald Trumps tweets in the past, also issued terse criticism at a cabinet meeting in Tehran, calling the U.S. president shameful for wielding the Bible and threatening to deploy troops against protesters. Earlier this week, Iran finally issued a death toll for Novembers anti-government demonstrations. Chinese officials and state media have used social media to push the idea of a U.S. double standard, the report said. In one example highlighted by Graphika, Chinas deputy foreign minister retweeted comparisons of protests in the U.S. and Hong Kong, including one by the editor of a state media outlet: I want to ask Speaker Pelosi and Secretary Pompeo: Should Beijing support protests in the US, like you glorified rioters in Hong Kong? Along with Russia, China and Iran are using the U.S. protests to further their existing narratives, Graphika concluded. Iran seized the moment to pillory U.S. criticism of Irans human-rights record and denounce U.S. sanctions, while Chinas main goal is to use the protests to undermine U.S. support for Hong Kong demonstrators, according to the report. Story continues Disinformation and propaganda have spread online as protests rage across the U.S. after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of the police. Graphika hasnt found any large-scale, covert interference campaigns like the one Russia waged in the U.S. to stoke division during the 2016 presidential election. However, Russian media has covered the U.S. protests as part of its practice of highlighting genuine grievances and protests in the West, the report said. In their social media propaganda, China and Iran have incorporated the phrase I cant breathe, which Floyd uttered while a police officer knelt on his neck and which has been adopted as a rallying cry by protesters, according to Graphika. China used the phrase to troll a spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department and to criticize U.S. moves to withdraw from the World Health Organization. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, said in a statement to the U.S., Stop violence against your people and let them breathe, according to the report. Pro-Iranian accounts tweeted support for the protesters and criticisms of the U.S. with the hashtag #IranWithGeorge. Twitter followers of Iranian state outlets used hashtags that were trending in the U.S., including #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd, Graphika found. Russia, China and Iran also amplified each others narratives. Russian state voices echoed the Chinese argument of hypocrisy vis-a-vis Hong Kong. Russian outlets also echoed Iranian narratives, and Chinese officials amplified Russian claims, Graphika wrote in its report. (Updates with reaction from Iranian president in fourth paragraph. An earlier version of this story was corrected to fix the spelling of Irans foreign minister.) 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. Eight members of a DeKalb County church have tested positive for coronavirus. Pastor Benjamin Young of Ider Church of God said in a Facebook post that the church members are quarantined at home. As of right now we have eight church members that tested positive for the virus, Young wrote. These are precious Christian believers of God. When they thought they possibly had the virus, all took immediate action to separate themselves to keep it from spreading, as well as those who were exposed. Young did not provide information on when the exposure could have occurred. Ider Church of God re-started in-person worship in mid-May after Gov. Kay Ivey lifted the restrictions on gathering sizes. The church has special services for those ages 65 and older and has suspended Sunday school and kids church. Services continue to be offered via Facebook as well. DeKalb County has 257 coronavirus cases, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Update: Story updated June 4 at 10 p.m. to correct the name of the churchs pastor. GANGES, B.C.The Vancouver Island integrated major crime unit is investigating the deaths of a man and a woman found at a home on Salt Spring Island. RCMP say they were called to the property Monday and they found the body of a 48-year-old man and a woman with serious injuries. The 41-year-old woman later died. No other people were injured and police say they are not looking for suspects and no charges are anticipated. Police also say the public isnt in any danger. The BC Coroners Service is also conducting an investigation to determine how, where, when and by what means the two people died. Read more about: MUSKEGON, MI - After coronavirus-related delays, Muskegons third marijuana dispensary is expected to open this summer. Redbud Roots, a Buchanan-based cannabis producer and distributor, expects its second retail location, at 237 W. Laketon Ave. in Muskegons marijuana overlay district, will open to the public on Saturday, June 27. The dispensary will cater to both medicinal and recreational users - and its design has been influenced by both Muskegons history and its recent brush with the COVID-19 outbreak, Alex Leonowicz, one of the companys four co-founders, told MLive in a recent interview. Curbside (pickup) is here to stay, he said. Redbud Roots was founded in 2017 by Christopher Fanta, a real estate investor; David Murray, a hedge fund manager; Jim Finley, an entrepreneur; and Leonowicz, a corporate attorney specializing in cannabis law. They were licensed by the state in December 2018, according to Leonowicz. The company began as a cultivator and processor of cannabis, and currently produces 27 different cannabis-derived products in-house, including concentrates, edibles, waxes, tinctures and topical creams. Those products will make up half the stock at the 2,500-square-foot Muskegon store, which is still under construction, Leonowicz said. Last week, the companys sign was installed outside its gleaming wood, metal and glass storefront. Just as the businesss first shop, in Acme, reflects northern Michigans vast woods, the Muskegon design is meant to reflect the citys grittier, more industrial feel, Leonowicz said. Muskegon was a fit for the company because it was an early adopter of the cannabis industry, and its also a great town, said Leonowicz. Some of the companys 92 employees are Muskegon natives, he added. The 14 people hired to work at the new store - security, managers, and sales associates known colloquially as budtenders - are all local, according to Leonowicz. Muskegon approved medical marijuana businesses in April 2018, and recreational marijuana last October. Such businesses are zoned for an overlay district, comprising two areas in the citys former industrial center, near Seaway Drive. One square portion is bordered by Seaway, Young Avenue, Park Street and West Hackley Avenue. The second oddly-shaped portion of the district, which Redbud Roots is part of, is roughly bordered by Laketon Avenue, Park Street, Keating Avenue, Holbrook Avenue and a line just east of Peck Street. Redbud Roots banked on Muskegons many summer festivals to draw clients to its counters, Leonowicz said. That expectation is suspended for this year, of course, as nearly every summer event the city is known for - from the Burning Foot Beer Festival, to the Rebel Road motorcycle rally - has been canceled due to COVID-19. Even the Muskegon stores opening was delayed because of the virus, from an expected early May opening to the hopeful late June launch. Were blessed to be in the spot where we are. Were doing OK, said Leonowicz. Well continue to adjust and pivot, as were allowed to. But anybody in the cannabis industry should be grateful to be in this space. The coronavirus outbreak has impacted the very design of the store and its environs. From the time that construction was shut down, with an executive order against non-essential work on March 23, the company began rethinking its approach to laying out its store, Leonowicz said. Before this, we never thought about curbside (pickup), said Leonowicz. Now, the company is reorienting its parking lot to make more space for pickup orders, in a way thats also mindful of traffic flow on Laketon Avenue, he said. The Redbud Roots dispensary will join two others - Park Place Provisionary, at 1922 Park Street, and Bella Sol Wellness, at 1839 Peck Street - in Muskegons cannabis corridor. Its opening may be greeted with less fanfare as peoples comfort in crowds may have diminished during the global pandemic, Leonowicz said, but something resembling a launch party may instead be scheduled for later in the summer. The company is also opening locations in Benton Harbor and Kalamazoo. It currently operates a medical marijuana provisioning center in Williamsburg. Medical marijuana became legalized in Michigan in 2008. Ten years later, in November of 2018, Michigan became the 10th state in America and the first in the Midwest to legalize recreational marijuana, too. Park Place opened as Muskegons first recreational shop in January. Read more on MLive: Recreational marijuana sales arrive for enthusiastic customers in Muskegon Muskegons first pot shop offers recovery grants to businesses hit hard by coronavirus Lake Express Muskegon-to-Milwaukee ferry ready to resume Lake Michigan service There have been no new COVID-19 cases in the Verkhovna Rada for the time being. Deputy Head of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction Yevhenia Kravchuk has said three Members of Parliament (MPs) in Ukraine are on sick leave over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Read alsoHealth minister lists Ukraine's leading regions by COVID-19 cases in past day "There are three MPs who are on sick leave over the coronavirus, two of them are from our faction. Their names were reported by the media: Valeriy Bozhyk and Yuriy Aristov from our faction, and [Oleh] Meidych from the Batkivshchyna [parliamentary faction]," she told a Ukrainian TV channel on June 3, when asked for an update on coronavirus cases in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament. According to Kravchuk, there have been no new COVID-19 cases in parliament for the time being. "Now everyone is monitoring symptoms. If required, relevant tests are done," she added. As UNIAN reported earlier, as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 3, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine was 24,823; of them, 483 cases were registered in the past 24 hours. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have always been the royal couple who are very critical of their privacy. Their eagerness to live a private and independent life led them to step down from their royal duties to avoid the continuous public and media scrutiny. Being members of the royal family, they will always have this celebrity status, and a sudden move from the United Kingdom to Los Angeles would not fix the issue. It could even get worse as they relocated near Hollywood, where paparazzi flock just about everywhere. In the latest Prince Harry and Meghan Markle news, the couple reportedly informed the Los Angeles Police Department of some drone sightings around their Beverly Hills home. They believed it is being operated by photographers to get a shot of them. A source told The Daily Beast that the ex-royal couple now fears for their security after experiencing at least five drone-related incidents. "They see these drones coming in at them, and they guess that they are being operated by photographers, but they can't just assume that," the source said. The source added that Harry and Meghan specifically caught the drones flying when they were playing outdoors with their 1-year-old son Archie. The most recent incident was during Memorial Day when the couple was playing with Archie by the pool. The insider explained that the Sussexes are merely asking for safety and security at the comforts of their home and not demanding special treatment. Princess Diana Intervention While Harry and Meghan are battling with privacy issues as they live their post-royal life, a law professor urged the couple to take advantage of the legacy that Harry's mother left when she passed away. Speaking to Newsweek, University of Miami Law School professor Michael Froomkin suggested utilizing a privacy law, which was introduced after Princess Diana's tragic death in 1997. Froomkin said that the 35-year-old Duke and 38-year-old former actress could invoke a Californian civil law that was made in the wake of Princess Diana's car accident caused by a chasing paparazzi. "If the drones are repeat actors, they might be a nuisance or caught by some local stalking law. If they are one-offs, or infrequent, and don't trespass onto private land, they likely enjoy First Amendment protection," Froomkin explained. "I do believe a trespass remedy is or ought to be available, but the law on this is rather sparse. The step here would be to get the court to see the drone intrusion over the airspace of the private property as a trespass." The professor pointed out that they could use 1708.8 of the civil code, which imposes increased penalties for someone trespassing a property to capture photos and videos while someone is on their personal or family setting. Meanwhile, Mark Stephens from the U.K. law firm Howard Kennedy said that photographers who repeatedly chase the royal couple could face a civil or criminal case. "If they do it more than once, then you are in a situation of harassment. It does raise constitutional free speech issues in America, which are not a factor in Britain," Stephens explained. HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (hereafter "Ping An" or the "Group", HKEx:2318; SSE:601318) presented the technology achievements that underpin its "Finance + Ecosystem" strategy at the sixth annual Goldman Sachs TechNet Conference Asia Pacific 2020 on 20 May. The virtual conference featured leading enterprises from around the world in internet, technology and mobile/telecom industries. Jessica Tan, Co-CEO of Ping An Group said, "The way Ping An became a technology company is different from others. There is one thing unique to us: business use cases. Given the depth and breadth of our offline and online businesses, we can train our technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), on really deep business scenarios. That is our unique advantage versus any other tech company." Ping An has made major strides in technology and innovation: it has incubated 11 technology businesses with annual revenues of more than USD11 billion, and established eight research institutes with over 35,000 developers and 2,600 scientists, leading to more than 21,000 technology patent applications. The Group was globally ranked first and second in published patent applications for fintech and healthtech respectively in 2019. Jessica commented, "Ping An's philosophy of incubating new business focuses on sectors that are important to consumers and GDP, such as financial services, health care, auto services, real estate services and smart city services. We have focused on these five ecosystems for the last 10 years." These ecosystems have established market-leading positions for Ping An in many areas: Financial services: OneConnect is a leading technology-as-a-service platform for financial institutions. OneConnect has more than 50 products in 13 end-to-end technology solutions across banking, insurance and investment, serving more than 3,700 financial institutions in China and 10 other countries. and 10 other countries. Health care: Ping An Good Doctor is the largest online health care services platform in China , with more than 315 million registered users, 729,000 daily consultations, and a professional network of more than 3,000 hospitals and 94,000 pharmacies. Ping An Smart Healthcare provides an AI technology platform for more than 14,000 hospitals and 300,000 doctors across 70 cities in China . Ping An HealthKonnect provides social health insurance management in more than 200 cities in China . is the largest online health care services platform in , with more than 315 million registered users, 729,000 daily consultations, and a professional network of more than 3,000 hospitals and 94,000 pharmacies. Ping An Smart Healthcare provides an AI technology platform for more than 14,000 hospitals and 300,000 doctors across 70 cities in . Ping An HealthKonnect provides social health insurance management in more than 200 cities in . Auto services: Autohome, the largest internet-based auto service platform in China , has more than 40 million daily active users, providing a full-range of auto services with more than 90 car dealers, 27,000 dealers, 30,000 second-hand dealers, and 70,000 repair shops. , has more than 40 million daily active users, providing a full-range of auto services with more than 90 car dealers, 27,000 dealers, 30,000 second-hand dealers, and 70,000 repair shops. Smart City: Ping An Smart City offers smart city services to more than 115 cities, 500,000 businesses and 50 million citizens. Notable services include Smart Healthcare which now offers the AskBob artificial intelligence-driven clinical decision support system to more than 300,000 doctors in 14,000 medical institutions. "Ping An takes its technology companies through four stages of development, which allows Ping An to be nimble in managing different companies at different stages without killing them prematurely," Jessica said. "Stage one is testing value propositions. Stage two, we look at traffic scale. Stage three is the ability to monetize that traffic, which is revenue. Finally, profitability comes at the last stage." Since the global outbreak of COVID-19 earlier this year, Ping An has taken on the challenge of meeting changing customer needs. Jessica noted, "The pandemic has forced Ping An to support digital services better than ever." Demand skyrocketed for Ping An's healthtech services. Between 22 January to 10 February 2020, there were 1.11 billion visits to Ping An Good Doctor's app. Between 22 January to 6 February as the outbreak peaked in China, the number of new registered users increased by 10 times compared with the period from 1 to 21 January, and the number of daily online medical consultations increased by nine times. In Indonesia, GrabHealth launched in late 2019 by Ping An Good Doctor and ride-hailing company Grab hired hundreds of doctors as COVID-19 caused demand for online consultations in the country to almost double. "Business and government needs have also been impacted by the pandemic," Jessica said. "The COVID-19 situation has forced business and government to accelerate a shift to online services. For example, financial institutions are now more willing to digitalize their process, and in the area of government regulation, social health insurance payments are now starting to be accepted online. Other traditional offline industries are likely to follow." - End - About Ping An Group Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. ("Ping An") is a world-leading technology-powered retail financial services group. With over 204 million retail customers and 534 million Internet users, Ping An is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. Ping An has two over-arching strategies, "pan financial assets" and "pan health care", which focus on the provision of financial and healthcare services through our integrated financial services platform and our five ecosystems of financial services, health care, auto services, real estate services and smart city services. Our "finance + technology" and "finance + ecosystem" strategies aim to provide customers and internet users with innovative and simple products and services using technology. As China's first joint stock insurance company, Ping An Group is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate reporting and corporate governance. The Company is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. In 2020, Ping An ranked 7th in the Forbes Global 2000 list. In 2019, Ping An ranked 29th on the Fortune Global 500 list. Ping An also ranked 40th in the 2019 WPP Millward Brown BrandZTM Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands list. For more information, please visit www.pingan.cn. SOURCE Ping An Insurance Group Ltd. Related Links http://www.pingan.cn RESTON, Va., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology company, will attend the Stifel 2020 Virtual Cross Sector Insight Conference webcast. James C. Reagan, Leidos Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will participate in a question and answer "fireside chat" on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 10:40 a.m. ET. A live audio webcast of the event will be available on the Leidos Investor Relations website at http://ir.leidos.com, where related materials will be posted prior to the presentation. A replay of the webcast will be available following the presentation at the same link listed above for 30 days afterward. About Leidos Leidos is a Fortune 500 information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 37,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com. CONTACTS: SOURCE Leidos Related Links http://www.leidos.com Two thieves who stole a woman's car at knifepoint during a drug-fuelled rampage and asked for her address to return the vehicle have been jailed. Owen Kenneth Matthew Carpenter, 20, and Tory Casey Nute, 18, approached a 23-year-old woman in CastleTown Shopping Centre car park in Townsville, Queensland about 6.30pm on March 18. The woman was loading her shopping bags into the car when the pair approached her and asked to use her phone to call for a taxi. When the woman refused, Carpenter stepped towards her and lifted his shirt to reveal a kitchen knife tucked into his pants. Owen Kenneth Matthew Carpenter, 20, threatened a woman with a knife and stole her car He told the victim to 'give me the keys', crown prosecutor Amanda Payne told the court, Courier Mail reported. The helpless woman handed over the keys to Carpenter who then handed them to Nute and told her to drive. Before leaving the car park, he asked the woman for her address so they could return her vehicle later that night. The woman took to social media to tell her followers that her car was stolen and to help keep an eye out for it. About 9pm that night, a man responded to the post saying he spotted Nute holding a knife outside the window of the passenger side of the car. The man followed the duo to the IGA supermarket in Kirwan and called the police, who arrested the pair, the court heard. Carpenter and Tory Casey Nute, 18, approached a 23-year-old woman in CastleTown Shopping Centre car park (pictured) in Queensland about 6.30pm on March 18 Carpenter pleaded guilty to nine charges including one count armed robbery in company, one count going armed so as to cause fear and one count unlawful use of a motor vehicle, Courier Mail reported. Nute pleaded guilty to six charges including one count robbery armed in company and one count unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Carpenter's defence barrister Harvey Walters told the court that his client suffered from anxiety and depression. He issued the court with an apology letter from Carpenter who blamed his actions on his 'heavy drug addiction'. Nute's defence barrister Dane Marley, told the court that her client was four months pregnant at the time of the theft and did not have an extensive criminal history. Carpenter was sentenced to three-and-a-half years jail while Nute was sentenced to two-and-a-half years jail. Candlelight Vigil At Courthouse Park View Photo Sonora, CA Much of the talk in Tuolumne County this week has been about a protest in downtown Sonora planned for today. Protests following the killing of George Floyd have taken place across the state and nation over recent days, and some have been very peaceful, while others have resulted in violence. We reported earlier that many law enforcement officials will be on scene today, and Tuolumne County Sheriff Bill Pooley and Sonora Police Chief Turu Vanderwiel both indicate that they believe it will be a peaceful event. Click here to view a statement from Sheriff Pooley and here for a statement from Chief VanderWiel. This morning, Tuolumne County Supervisor Anaiah Kirk has authored a new myMotherLode.com blog calling for the community to unite during this time. You can find it by clicking here. Yesterday we reported that a Summerville High graduate, Morgan Wilkie, is a main organizer of the 1pm protest. She says the group plans to stand in solidarity against systemic racism. She explains the details of what will take place, here. Last night there were many people gathered near the Willow Springs Clubhouse to discuss the protest. Clarke Broadcasting has learned it was a meeting put on by the State of Jefferson, and law enforcement officials were invited to come and speak to the group. On Monday, there was a peaceful candlelight vigil at Courthouse Park in Sonora remembering the victims of racially charged brutality. Click here to view the story. Californias 58 superintendents of schools have put out a joint statement about the killing of George Floyd, which you can find here. Well pass along more information today as it becomes available. A Pennsylvania appeals court has backed a jurys nearly $300,000 damage award to a sushi chef who was assaulted by his former bosses, who then made false accusations that led to his wrongful arrest and prosecution. It was quite a nasty food fight, as outlined in the Superior Court panels opinion by Judge Alice Beck Dubow. According to Dubow, the battle began brewing when chef Kaifeng Chen accused his employers, a married couple also named Chen, of violating the terms of his employment when they fired him from one of their Lackawanna County restaurants. Chef Chen claimed an argument erupted when he didnt receive the severance money he believed he was owed. When he threatened to report the owners to the authorities, things really turned sour. Mrs. Chen assaulted (chef Chen), throwing two pots and a ladle of hot oil at him. (Chef Chen) called the police, Dubow wrote. Mr. Chen arrived at the restaurant, and he too assaulted (chef Chen), hitting him and knocking him to the ground. When the cops arrived, the Chens falsely accused chef Chen of assaulting them. The police arrested the chef at gunpoint. Two years later, a county jury acquitted him of the bogus criminal charges, the state judge noted. Chef Chen sued his former bosses for malicious prosecution the following year. After a civil trial another county jury awarded him $92,000 in compensatory damages, plus $200,000 in punitive damages. Chef Chens former employers appealed to Dubows court, seeking a new trial or a complete voiding of the verdict in favor of their former chef. That simply isnt on the menu, Dubow concluded. The jury was entitled to conclude that (the Chens) fabricated allegations and procured criminal proceedings against (chef Chen) without probable cause, she wrote. As there was ample evidence to support the jurys verdict, it does not shock ones sense of justice. Dubow also rejected the Chens claims that the damages the jury awarded are excessive. She cited the cost chef Chen had to bear to defend himself from the false charges, the disruption to his career and the fact that he spent a week in jail before he could raise bail. In addition, (chef Chen) testified that it took years to get [his] personal dignity back, the judge noted. She said it is clear the jury didnt credit the Chens self-serving and supposedly false testimony that the chef had slapped Mrs. Chen, threatened the couple with knives and vowed to kill them. Nor did Dubow accept the couples claims of misconduct by the county judge, a juror and a Chinese interpreter during the civil trial. Instead, she found the Chens received a fair, if not perfect, trial and suffered no prejudice. OAKLAND COUNTY, MI Oakland County Health Officials are rescinding an emergency health order closing outdoor playgrounds. While indoor playgrounds in the county will remain closed, outdoor playgrounds will be able to reopen Friday, with social distancing. The county said it is providing a day of preparation and recommends that playground operators utilize signage and other methods to remind visitors of coronavirus protocols, which include practicing social distancing, wearing a face covering, covering for coughs and sneezes and frequent hand washing. The county recommends the following actions when visiting park, beach or recreational facilities: Stay at least six feet from others at all times. This can make some open areas, trails, and paths safer to use. Do not enter a crowded area. Minimize gathering with others outside of your household. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Keep hand sanitizer with you for times when soap and water are not available. Don't miss important updates from health and government officials on the impact of the coronavirus in Michigan. Sign up for Patch's daily newsletters and email alerts. Outdoor areas generally require normal routine cleaning and do not require disinfection, the county said. Spraying disinfectant on outdoor playgrounds is not an efficient use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of the coronavirus to the public, the county said. Residents should maintain existing cleaning and hygiene practices for outdoor areas. The county said that, if practical, high touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as grab bars and railings, should be cleaned routinely. Cleaning and disinfection of wooden surfaces or ground covers is not recommended. This article originally appeared on the Troy Patch Local authorities on Wednesday named the three Pacific Gas and Electric Co. contractors who died in a Fairfield-area helicopter crash one day earlier as federal officials continued to investigate the incident. The Solano County coroners office identified the victims as helicopter pilot Roscoe Gray, 38, of Sonora (Tuolumne County); Travis Shull, 29, of Chico (Butte County); and 41-year-old Jimmy Wasdin, whose place of residence was unknown. All three died Tuesday afternoon after their helicopter made contact with a 115,000-volt PG&E power line and burst into flames near Lyon Road and Soda Springs Road off Interstate 80 between Fairfield and Vacaville. Its not clear what caused the crash, which is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. PG&E regularly hires contractors to inspect and maintain its electrical equipment, including high-voltage transmission lines that are supported by tall steel towers. A PG&E spokeswoman previously said the company would provide full support as needed to the investigation of the helicopter crash. The aircraft belonged to PJ Helicopters Inc., of Red Bluff (Tehama County). Sara Henderson, an administrative and travel logistics staffer for the helicopter company, said Wednesday that the business didnt have any confirmed details to share about the crash but was working with the transportation board and the Federal Aviation Administration. Crash victims Shull and Wasdin were linemen employed by Wilson Construction Co., of Canby, Ore., said Jeffrey Johnson, the companys executive vice president and general counsel. He said in an email that Shull and Wasdin were two valued employees whose deaths were tragic and has deeply affected all of us at Wilson Construction. Officials at Wilson Construction did not comment further. 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. Tuesdays crash started a small fire that was extinguished by first responders. At the request of state fire officials, PG&E turned off power to about 38,000 homes and businesses for a few hours. San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Steve Rubenstein contributed to this story. J.D. Morris is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thejdmorris The satellite communications installation enables high-speed cabin Wi-Fi, via Inmarsats Jet ConneX service, for a better passenger connectivity experience. Additionally, it provides pilots with a better internet connection to support flight planning and management. MNG Jet is committed to delivering a high-quality and reliable service to its customers, said Can Sasmaz, general manager, MNG Jet. We understand that in-flight connectivity is of paramount importance to both passengers and operators. We selected Honeywells JetWave to provide our customers with an exceptional connectivity one that offers passengers consistent, high-speed wireless connectivity, virtually anywhere in the world. Honeywells JetWave hardware enables a connection to the fastest broadband available in business aviation. Honeywell is renowned for its superior connectivity solutions, such as our JetWave hardware, said Serdar Cetingul, leader for Turkey and Central Eastern Europe, Honeywell Aerospace. Following this successful installation, we look forward to seeing more business jet operators in Turkey reaping the rewards of high-speed, reliable in-flight connectivity. We have a long history working with MNG Jet as one of our channel partners, and its ability to provide similar future installations of JetWave in Turkey will reduce the need for aircraft operators to travel long distances to upgrade their aircraft. An investigation is underway following an officer-involved shooting that occurred shortly before 9:30 p.m. Monday night, June 1, 2020, near the intersection of Vermont Avenue and 22nd Street, just south of the 10 Freeway. (OnScene.TV) Los Angeles police shot a person, not fatally, in the Adams-Normandie neighborhood on Monday night, a department spokesman said. The shooting occurred shortly before 9:30 p.m., near the intersection of Vermont Avenue and 22nd Street, just south of the 10 Freeway, LAPD Officer Mike Lopez said. The victim was taken to a hospital and was listed in stable condition as of 10 p.m., Lopez said. Officers took three people into custody at the scene. Lopez could not immediately say for what suspected offenses they had been detained. He cautioned that these facts are preliminary and said a public information officer was en route to the scene. The shooting occurred against a fraught backdrop: For the past week, demonstrators have rallied throughout Los Angeles to protest the death of George Floyd, a black man who was pinned to the ground by a white Minneapolis policeman, and they have at times clashed with the LAPD. Looters have ransacked businesses in several city districts, prompting both the city and the county to impose a curfew. By 9 p.m. Monday, LAPD officers were rounding up and arresting people in Hollywood who had flouted the order. At the Pavilions supermarket on Melrose and Vine, whose front doors were smashed, dozens of LAPD officers were on the scene to detain suspected looters. At least half a dozen people were arrested, but only one on suspicion of looting, according to police on the scene. The rest were held for suspected curfew violations. All of them were hauled away in a Metro bus that had been converted into a transport vehicle. Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Riska Rahman and Adrian Wail Akhlas (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 4, 2020 15:14 596 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbe0b37 1 Business economic-recovery,State-owned-Enterprises-Ministry,Garuda-Indonesia,investment-guarantee,Krakatau-Steel,Sri-Mulyani-Indrawati,national-economic-recovery-program,PEN-pemulihan-ekonomi-nasional Free Several ailing state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are still in the dark over how to raise funds to finance their operations and pay debts despite trillions of rupiah worth of government guarantees. State-owned flag carrier Garuda Indonesia president director Irfan Setiaputra said the company was in talks with the Finance Ministry on how it would raise the funds needed to keep its business afloat. The use of the funds is also still being discussed, but its supposed to be used as our working capital, he told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday. Similarly, state-owned steelmaker PT Krakatau Steel said in a statement that the mechanism of the government investment stipulated in Government Regulation (PP) No. 23/2020 on the national economic recovery was still being discussed by the authorities. Read also: Government issues regulation on economic recovery program, focuses on SOEs, MSMEs We hope to get the best mechanism to support the national economic recovery, president director Silmy Karim said in the statement. Following the issuance of the regulation, the government plans to channel more than Rp 150 trillion (US$10.57 billion) into SOEs through several means, such as state capital injections (PMN), accelerated compensation payment and government investment guarantees. The investment guarantee will be channeled especially to five companies, namely Garuda, train operator PT Kerata Api Indonesia (KAI), housing firm PT Perumnas, Krakatau Steel and agriculture holding PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN), as some of them had been struggling to handle the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their businesses. Garuda will receive the biggest amount at Rp 8.5 trillion, while the other four SOEs will receive guarantees of amounts ranging from Rp 650 billion to Rp 4 trillion. On Wednesday, however, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati stopped short of specifying the guarantees for Garuda and Krakatau Steel when she announced the new figure of the country's COVID-19 stimulus budget, which has reached Rp 677.2 trillion from the initial Rp 641.17 trillion. Read also: BI, government to share debt burden to finance business rescue program There are two SOEs, which Pak [SOE Minister] Erick Thohir will elaborate on, namely Garuda and Krakatau Steel, which will be given investment guarantees. The SOE minister will decide on the best scheme to support the two companies, she said during a teleconference after a limited Cabinet meeting. Erick, however, was not among the high-ranking officials making statements in the briefing. Arya Sinulingga, an aide to Erick, said on Tuesday that the government would not inject money directly into the five SOEs but rather only provide guarantees for their loans. This investment will not come from the state budget. The government merely provides a guarantee for Garuda and the other SOEs and they will seek external funding themselves [using the guarantee], he said during an online press briefing. He said the raised funds could be in the form of bank loans or other means of fundraising, and that the companies would be responsible to pay the loans themselves. Garuda Indonesia is asking for a three-year extension on $500 million worth of global sukuk due on June 3 and going to ask for approval from bondholders for the extension during their meeting on June 10. Krakatau Steel, meanwhile, has been struggling to pay its debts even long before the outbreak hit the economy. Earlier this year, the company received the green light from its creditors, mainly local banks like state-owned Bank Mandiri and Bank Negara Indonesia, to restructure its loans totaling $2 billion in a bid to avoid bankruptcy. Read also: Krakatau Steel books first profit in eight years Finance Ministry State Assets Director General Isa Rachmatarwata said on May 20 that the investment would be channeled through the ministrys special missions vehicle (SMV), as every SOE had different problems. Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) researcher Abra Talattov said on Wednesday that the SOEs receiving the government investment should work to raise their own funds, whether through bond issuance or bank loans. Some of these SOEs have been having debt problems before the COVID-19 pandemic, so investors are likely to be more careful in investing in them due to their high-risk nature, he told The Jakarta Post over the phone. A tidal wave of anti-immigrant measures is under preparation in Russia, as the Kremlin and its nominal political opponents in other parties attempt to divert mass discontent over the governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic and skyrocketing poverty by promoting xenophobia and Russian chauvinism. There are currently 11 million foreign workers in Russia, of which nearly half are from the former Soviet republics in Central Asia. Official unemployment in the country has doubled since March and now stands at nearly 1.7 million. It is expected to reach 5 to 6 million by the end of the year. According to a recent poll by the Levada Center, 28 percent of the Russian population said they would join street protests over collapsing incomes and living standards. Under these conditions, the federal news agency RIA Novosti reported last Friday that the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) is considering the creation of a vast database that contains foreign workers biometric information, health histories, details of their legal and social status, and criminal records. These laborers would be required to put the app Migrant onto their smartphones, which would track their movements and activities and link to the database. The entire system would assign each individual a migrant social trust rating, which would automatically decrease if the person refused to download the software. In order to facilitate the rollout of Migrant, the government is considering a mass amnesty for undocumented workers. The aim is to induce undocumented immigrants to register with the state. The government would simultaneously unveil a labor exchange for migrants, where workers would receive job placements in a narrow range of specific, low-wage industries. Women could be sent to work in old-age homes or places that serve invalids, and the rest to workplaces in city infrastructure, utilities, or transportation, a government source told RIA Novosti. Incentives will be given to employers to participate, and laborers might receive a grocery bag of food, some basic necessities, or a cash payment. In short, the aim is to create a government-run caste system in the Russian labor force, with migrants funneled into the worst-paid jobs and subject to constant surveillance. RIA Novosti s source told the press outlet that the coronavirus pandemic has created a force-majeure situation, the implication being that the government now has the right to dispense with whatever minimal legal limits are in place in order to address the possible aggravation of the migration situation. The Stalinist Communist Party of Russia (KPRF) is playing a central role in the campaign against immigrants. The KPRF was founded in 1993 by a section of the apparatus of the former Stalinist bureaucracy, which had destroyed the conquests of the Russian revolution of 1917 and dissolved the USSR in 1991. It now trades in Russian nationalism, right-wing chauvinism, and phony semi-opposition to Putin. The party is pushing to enact permanent federal limits on migration, targeting primarily workers that come from Central Asia. The KPRF is also calling for raising wages for migrants, for the purpose of increasing the cost of employing them, such that native-born Russians are more competitive in the labor market. In essence, they wish to make Russian citizensfor whom the legal minimum wage is about 1200 rubles ($196) a month--the preferred low-wage labor force. Anti-immigrant policies are also taking hold at the local level. Saint Petersburg, the countrys second largest city, just passed a measure that requires native-born Russians to be hired over migrant workers in construction, warehousing, the service sector and other industries. A businessman from the region was just fined 200,000 rubles ($2900) for hiring a foreign laborer. Currently a petition put out by a representative of the far-right National Democratic Party, Protecting the labor market and security for Russian citizens, is circulating online. Blackguarding migrants as criminals, religious radicals and terrorists, it calls for mass deportation of unemployed migrants to Central Asia. The newspaper Nezavism aya Gazeta notes, political scientists, professors of sociological sciences, regional deputies and political activists of different orientations are seen among the signatories. The intensified anti-immigrant policies come as Russias migrant workers face an economic and social catastrophe. Millions, laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are stranded in the country and unable to return home because of the closure of borders and suspension of rail and air links. The International Organization for Migration, a branch of the UN, estimates that 60 percent of Russias foreign laborers cannot pay their rent and 40 percent cannot buy food. The Migration Development Fund, a Russian charity organization, received 30,000 appeals for help in just one week in May. Living in squalid, overcrowded apartments, this population has faced the spread of the coronavirus. The sick are forced into strictly monitored, at-home quarantine, where they may infect their roommates. Every time another person in a household gets ill, local authorities restart the quarantine clock for everyone in the home, such that thousands are locked in their apartments for weeks on end. ABC News carried the story of one migrant worker in Moscow, who explained that there were only a few kilos of flour and some oil left to feed the 10 people with whom she lived. They have been stuck inside for more than 20 days. Although President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary suspension of paperwork and payments required of migrants to maintain their legal work status due to the coronavirus, workers report that employers continue to demand money from them for their so-called labor patenta work license renewed by the employee each month. In Saint Petersburg and Moscow, the patents cost 4,000 ($58) and 5350 rubles ($78), respectively. Local governments are simply ignoring other aspects of the presidential decree, with courts continuing to detain migrant workers on the basis of the claim that federal statutes on migration are still in force and supersede directives issued from the Kremlin. The crisis in Russia is spilling into migrants home countries, whose economies are highly dependent on the remittances sent by workers back to their families. According to the World Bank, transfers from citizens working abroad constitute 31.3 percent of Tajikistans and 32.9 percent of Kyrgyzstans gross domestic product. When the borders reopen and millions are able to return home, the Central Asian states to which they return will see a mass influx of young and impoverished returnees. The political attack on migrants coming from all quarters of the Russian political establishment overwhelmingly targets those from Central Asia. It is sustained by a subservient media, which never fails to carry a news story about a crime allegedly committed by a migrant and almost always features photographs of individuals who appear to be Central Asian. The campaign against people from this region is particularly grotesque and tragic because the workers from these areas were, like those in what today is the Russian Federation, all once citizens of the Soviet Union. Based on the program of internationalism, the Russian revolution sought to unite the disparate peoples of the former Russian empire on the basis of the principle of equality. This effort was brutally betrayed by Stalinism, culminating ultimately in the restoration of capitalism in a dismembered former Soviet Union, where workers of all ethnicities are exploited. The department requires officers to intervene and report any misconduct they witness being committed by other members of the force. But that is not always done, according to a report that the D.C. Office of Police Complaints issued in August. In the report, the office recommended that the police department ensure that all officers are aware that they have a duty to intervene in wrongdoing and that the department expand training to help them handle the pressures that might otherwise prevent them from doing so. Enables expanded patient access of rare disease medicine to treat myotonia symptoms in non-dystrophic myotonic disorders in three key territories Pharma major Lupin Limited has announced that it has entered into distribution agreement with three companies for its orphan drug NaMuscla (mexiletine). Exeltis Healthcare S.L, Cresco Pharma B.V and Macure Pharma ApS will commercialize NaMuscla for the symptomatic treatment of myotonia in adults with non-dystrophic myotonic (NDM) disorders in certain EU territories. NaMuscula is the first and only licensed product for this indication. NDM disorders are a group of rare, inherited neuromuscular disorders which cause the inability to relax muscles following voluntary contraction. NaMuscla reduces myotonia symptoms in adult patients, resulting in a significant improvement in patient quality-of-life and other functional and clinical outcomes. NaMuscla, which has been designated orphan drug status, received EU marketing authorization in December 2018. Under the agreements announced, Exeltis Healthcare S.L will commercialize NaMuscla in Spain and Portugal, Cresco Pharma B.V will commercialize NaMuscla in the Netherlands and Macure Pharma ApS in the Nordic countries. Lupin will continue commercialization of NaMuscla in Germany and UK and will launch the product in Austria and France later this year. Thierry Volle, President EMEA, Lupin said, These distribution agreements represent an important milestone for Lupin as we roll out commercialization of NaMuscla across Europe. Collaborating with partners that are highly effective in their focus territories ensures patients will receive the drug in as effective manner as possible. Lupin is committed to addressing the unmet needs of patients with NDM through the establishment of country-specific solutions and to ensuring patient access across Europe in alignment with national health authorities, healthcare providers and patient advocacy groups. Today, more than 7,500 people in Europe living with NDM have limited access to a licensed treatment for myotonia that can reduce the daily burden of this disabling, lifelong symptom. Limited access leads to inconsistent medication supply, administrative challenges and associated financial burdens, which, along with low awareness and limited clinical experience among healthcare professionals due to rare nature of disease, may result in significant harm to patients. Lupin recently obtained approvals to begin a paediatric trial as part of the paediatric investigation plan for NaMuscla and a post authorization [safety] study to address long-term safety and treatment efficaciousness on patient reported outcomes. Both trials will begin later this year. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) Hundreds of residents crowded a school ground in Mandaluyong City after losing their homes to a fire at Barangay Addition Hills Monday night. Many are now staying in an evacuation center, with very little to no chance to observe social distancing, amid the threat of the coronavirus disease. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante in an online forum on Wednesday said situations like this could really (be) a nightmare as the coronavirus could easily spread through respiratory droplets in crowded places. To avoid clustering of cases, Solante said local government officials should still be able to follow the basic infection prevention control measures. Among these is an all-day screening of everyone at the evacuation center for any red-flag symptoms of COVID-19 infection such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache, and diarrhea. The most important part is monitoring those with symptoms. Once they are able to determine symptomatic, they have to be isolated and separated for that period, Solante told reporters in a press briefing held by the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines. Evacuees must also wear surgical masks all the time. Local officials should be able to provide an area where people can regularly wash their hands. The evacuation area must be kept clean at all times too to provide protection, including for other diseases like dengue. The infectious disease expert also said rapid antibody testing could be an option in screening evacuees, especially before sending them home. Solante, however, reminded local officials that antibody tests must only be used to screen symptomatic patients. A rapid test detects the presence of antibodies that a persons body may not be able to produce during the early stages of infection. The utility and sensitivity of this test is also in question if you dont have symptoms. Thats why we always advise them to, if you do this test, always do the symptom based screening, Solante said. Those who will test positive for IgM or immunoglobulin M may be subjected to an RT-PCR test to determine if the person is infected with SARS-CoV2. He said antibody is most helpful when RT-PCR test is not easily accessible. An RT-PCR test is considered as the gold standard for coronavirus testing because it can detect the actual presence of the virus, even when the patient is asymptomatic or not showing any symptoms. People have started an online petition on Change.org demanding justice for the pregnant elephant who became the victim of human cruelty on Tuesday. The elephant had wandered into the village Kerala's Silent Valley Forest and was offered a pineapple stuffed with crackers by a local. When she chomped on it, the crackers burst in her mouth and eventually proved to be fatal after it grievously damaged her jaw. An online petition has now been started to ensure that those who committed the heinous crime are brought to book. "Perhaps a more important question to ask is why we hear so much about voiceless deaths, and not enough about prosecutions? Due to loopholes in the judicial system how many will actually end up being sentenced?" the petition, which has been started by Kamal Ganatra, reads. Ganatra hopes to get as many signatures as possible so that the Ministry of Law and Justice takes cognisance of it. "The law in India does not assign long prison sentences to wildlife crime. Conviction of wildlife killing must receive a rigorous sentencing with hefty fines," Ganatra writes. The tragic incident came to light when Mohan Krishnan, a forest officer, posted an emotional note on his Facebook page narrating the death of the elephant in the waters of the Velliyar River. The elephant's demise triggered outrage on social media with several condemning those responsible for the attack. Pineapple feed to a pregnant elephant with firecrackers on it.!! She dead still, with her baby together.... These ppl should be arrested for no reason, should be sentenced to death.#elephant pic.twitter.com/wl3gwyXyJs Sarvanan (@sarvanan3691) June 2, 2020 As news of a pregnant #elephant killed in #kerala by being fed a pineapple stuffed with a firecracker makes the rounds, this is all I have to say. pic.twitter.com/yBJuqVgiyl Green Humour (@thetoonguy) June 3, 2020 There's a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone.#Elephant pic.twitter.com/1J2epz2YDG Aman banka (@AmanBanka00) June 2, 2020 This is not the first time that something like this has happened. A few weeks ago, two men in West Bengal were seen torturing an infant Gangetic dolphin on video. As per reports, cops were tracking the two men but no action had been taken. Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, is meeting or exceeding the highest fleet-maintenance standards in preparation of its return to scheduled service, the airline said. In line with long-established quality-assurance measures and aircraft manufacturers recommended procedures, a comprehensive programme is in place to ensure that aircraft are properly maintained during the storage period. Rigorous programmes are in place to ensure that all aircraft systems were properly prepared for storage and are correctly maintained until they return to service. As maintenance workers address these needs, thorough, detailed plans are in place to ensure their personal safety. The aircraft storage process includes covering aircraft engines to protect them from dust and sand, along with disconnecting batteries. Seats are covered, internal doors are opened and other steps are taken to ensure cabin hygiene. In the course of storage, batteries are reconnected and recharged, and wheels are rotated to ensure tyres are not damaged by sitting in one place for extended periods of time. Throughout the process, daily and weekly checks are performed, in addition to routine maintenance. Engines are regularly started and tests are performed on flight controls, engine reversers and other systems, said the airline. Across the recent weeks and months, all pending maintenance or repair needs and cabin-interior overhauls have been addressed and will be addressed as needed. All these processes are carried out by staff wearing personal protective equipment as they maintain appropriate distancing and have ample access to hand sanitizer. Staff also have their temperatures taken before their shifts begin and their temperatures are recorded so they can be monitored over time, it said. When aircraft are returned to service, the scope of requirements is such that that it takes anywhere from 10 to 48 hours to return each plane to flight-ready status, depending on its type. Oman Airs technical experts are in constant contact with aircraft manufacturers and health and safety experts to ensure that the airline maintains the best possible commitment to effective care and maintenance of its fleet, said the airline. TradeArabia News Service The House Veterans Affairs Committee's ranking Republican has thrown his support behind an effort to make the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission statement more inclusive by shedding its masculine pronouns and reference to widows. Rep. Phil Roe of Tennessee, former chairman of the committee, said Wednesday he wants to "associate himself" with the push to change the motto from "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" to "To care for those who have borne the battle, and for their families and survivors." Read Next: The Army Will Have Female Grunts, Tankers in All Brigade Combat Teams The original words were drawn from President Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address in 1865. "We certainly don't want to change what Abraham Lincoln said, but it's time in the 21st century to change it to 'those who have borne the battle," which would include all our veterans whomever they may be," Roe said during a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs health subcommittee. Roe's comments came in response to Rep. Julia Brownley, D-California, who raised the issue after a VA official closed his congressional testimony using the current motto. Brownley said Lincoln's words were a "very poignant statement in 1865" and have served as a "vivid reminder of the VA's mission in many, many years." But, she added, it excludes female veterans. "We know our women service members are very visible when they are in the military but, once they leave and become one of our nation's veterans, they become invisible. That needs to change," said Brownley, chairwoman of the Women Veterans Task Force. For the past two Congresses, Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-New York, has introduced bills to change the motto, but they have never made it out of committee. The VA has frequently used the newer version during official ceremonies and in correspondence, and VA Secretary Robert Wilkie invoked it during a hearing Wednesday before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. "Today, we are rededicated to Lincoln's vision -- taking care of all who have borne the battle and their families," he said. The renewed calls for change follow a week of unrest nationwide over the killing of a handcuffed suspect, George Floyd, by Minneapolis police officers, and demands for racial equality. This week, Wilkie also announced that the department would remove the headstones of three German prisoners of war from two VA cemeteries. The headstones carry symbols of the German Army and Nazi Party. Wilkie initially opposed the move, saying that they were a reminder of the horrors that Nazi Germany waged, and ordered a review of options for preserving the grave markers. On Monday, however, he reversed course, saying the headstones are "understandably upsetting to our veterans," and will be replaced. "Americans must always remember the horror of the Nazi regime and why so many Americans sacrificed so much to free the world from its reign of terror," Wilkie said. VA officials have maintained that the employment of Lincoln's quote as the department mission statement assumes that the use of "him" assumes "gender neutrality in historical usage and context." An annual survey of members of the group Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America released in early March showed that most respondents favored the change or had no opinion on it. Of the 4,600 members polled, 43% "strongly" or "somewhat" supported the change, while 32 percent "strongly" or "somewhat" opposed it. Another 25 percent were neutral on the issue. But in a nod to the protests that are in their seventh day nationwide, Roe, an Army veteran, said it's time for change. "The comments are very appropriate for today," he said, referring to Brownley's statement. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at patricia.kime@monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. Related: Some Women Veterans Want VA to Change Its Culture, Starting With Its Motto Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc (Photo: VNA) During a meeting on June 2 in Washington DC, Boehler announced that as a development finance agency of the US Government, the DFC is implementing a series of plans to support investment projects in developing countries, especially those in the spheres of energy, infrastructure and digital economy. At the regional level, the DFC is interested in supporting development projects in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, as well as those specialising in producing strategic products in the USs supply chain, he stated. Boehler also hoped that reached agreements will be implemented effectively during working meetings between the DFC and Vietnamese agencies, including the Ministry of Planning and Investment. The DFC official emphasised the effective coordination between Vietnam and the US in producing and supplying medical supplies and protective equipment to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. For his part, Ambassador Ngoc shared Vietnams experience in controlling the disease, as well as its priorities in economic recovery and promoting regional and global cooperation as the ASEAN Chair 2020. He highly valued the DFCs role and expressed his hope that the two sides would soon deploy specific cooperation projects in the region. Emphasising that 2020 marks 25 years of normalisation of Vietnam-US relations, the diplomat called on the DFC to continue to participate in and contribute to relevant activities in the coming time, including joining ASEAN-US and Vietnam-US conferences on investment cooperation in the region. On the occasion, Ngoc handed over made-in-Vietnam face masks as gifts to DFC staff. MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI Health officials have issued a warning to Muskegon County citizens after a rabid bat was discovered inside a home. Rabies can be deadly, and is transmitted through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Because bats are the most common carrier of rabies, Public Health Muskegon County is advising residents who find a bat inside their home to try to contain it for testing. However, a bat should never be touched or picked up and those who have been in direct contact with a bat should be considered having potentially been exposed to rabies, according to the health department. That includes people who were sleeping -- as well as unsupervised children or impaired adults -- in a room where a bat is discovered, Health officials also remind pet owners of the importance of keeping rabies vaccinations updated. Sick bats display such behaviors as being active during the day, being unable to fly, and being found inside a home. The rabid bat was discovered inside a home in Whitehall, Jamie Hekker, community engagement coordinator for Public Health Muskegon County, told MLive. This bat was tested because the homeowner found it indoors and was concerned it may have come in contact with a household member, Hekker said. They knew to contact Public Health for more information and our staff recommended it for testing. To confine a bat, the federal Centers for Disease Control recommends using a small cardboard box or large can and a piece of cardboard with holes punched in it. While wearing leather gloves, approach the bat slowly, put the container over it and slide the cardboard underneath to confine the bat. The cardboard should then be taped to the container. Those who have contained a bat found in their home should call the health department at 231-724-1204 to determine if it should be tested for rabies. Also on MLive: Third marijuana dispensary rises in Muskegon cannabis corridor Man faces nearly a decade in prison for sexual assaults on teen Getty Drive In set to open with coronavirus precautions Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 13:18:27|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 pain for the U.S. exit from the WHO, a decision "both immoral and likely illegal," will be inflicted on "the COVID-19 battlefields and in every poor community that relies on U.N. agencies for emergency food, child immunizations, essential medicines, and guidance," according to a Pulitzer Prize winning science writer. BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Washington's decision to sever ties with the World Health Organization (WHO), widely seen as irresponsible and immoral, has once again riled the world for the Trump administration's indulgence in scapegoating others, particularly China and the WHO, for its own malfeasance to handle the double crisis of the raging COVID-19 pandemic and rampant racial unrest across the country. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly blamed China for loss of life and economic recession in the United States, as well as accused the WHO of being "China-centric." However, it's widely acknowledged that there is no evidence for the alleged wrongdoing of China and the WHO. Public health experts and officials worldwide generally stand opposed to the U.S. president, debunking his moves "as a way to deflect attention" for his administration's botched attempts to deal with domestic predicaments and calling for global collaboration. A healthcare worker wheels a patient out of an ambulance in front of BronxCare Hospital Center in the Bronx borough of New York, the United States, April 11, 2020. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) Epidemiologists have revealed that 90 percent of American lives might have spared amid the pandemic had Washington imposed restrictions including lockdown measures and social distancing two weeks earlier on March 2. The pain for the U.S. exit from the WHO, a decision "both immoral and likely illegal," will be inflicted on "the COVID-19 battlefields and in every poor community that relies on U.N. agencies for emergency food, child immunizations, essential medicines, and guidance," Laurie Garrett, a Pulitzer Prize winning science writer, said in an article published by Foreign Policy. Garrett also opined that Washington's move to abandon the WHO "encapsulates the most questionable aspects of the president's leadership style: his penchant to blame others for his mistakes, his refusal to share the global stage politely with other actors, his indulgence of blind self-interest, and his utter contempt of science." Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2020 shows an exterior view of the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. (Xinhua/Liu Qu) The Infectious Diseases Society of America "stands strongly against President Trump's decision," said Dr. Thomas M. File, its president, on Twitter. "We will not succeed against this pandemic, or any future outbreak, unless we stand together, share information and coordinate actions." Calling Trump's decision "shameful and irresponsible," Ami Bera, Democrat of California in the U.S. House of Representatives, tweeted that leaving the WHO "will make the United States and the world less safe." The U.S. severance of ties with the WHO is "not a good sign," said Shekhar Mande, director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in India. Medical workers transport a patient from an ambulance to George Washington University Hospital in Washington D.C., the United States, May 13, 2020. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua) "WHO is a valuable body which has played an important role. It has been involved in smallpox elimination, polio virus elimination and it has worked very well with countries," he said, according to Indian daily newspaper Mint. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also voiced his opposition against Washington's move, criticizing it as "the wrong signal at the wrong time," according to German news media Funke. "We cannot tear down the dike in the middle of a storm," Maas was quoted by Reuters as saying. A London school is to allow its year 12 students to start sixth form again because of the turmoil the coronavirus has caused. Fulham Boys School announced the step today, which will see some boys staying at school until they are nearly 20. Headmaster Alun Ebenezer said he made the decision because unprecedented times require unprecedented action. He is worried that if nothing is done to help Year 12 students, who are due to take A-levels next year, the gap between the haves and have-nots will get even worse. He said some families have more resources and knowhow to make up for lost school time, while others will be left behind. He said: I appreciate this is radical. There are obstacles to overcome, but none that are insurmountable. From June 15 secondary schools will be able to provide face-to-face support for students in year 10 and 12. Around half of year 12 students at Fulham Boys are expected to take up the offer, while some will carry on with one subject into year 13 and start from scratch with the other two. A mother whose son killed himself after he was wrongly billed $28,000 by Centrelink as part of the calamitous robodebt scheme has described the government's move to refund unlawful debts as a 'bittersweet'. Rhys Cauzzo, 28, took his own life on Australia Day in 2017 after receiving two separate debts as a result of the welfare agency's controversial automated collection scheme - one for $10,000 and another for $18,000. The part-time florist's mother Jennifer Miller and his girlfriend tried to help him answer the letters and make phone calls, and visit a Centrelink office to resolve the issues. But the Melbourne man, who suffered from depression and anxiety before he fell victim to the scheme, succumbed to financial pressures after he was hounded for months by debt collectors. Following Government Services Minister Stuart Robert's admission on Friday that the disastrous scheme was unlawful - two years after her son's death - Ms Miller told 9 News she glad to see officials take responsibility. Rhys Cauzzo is pictured with his mother Jennifer Miller before his death on Australia Day 2017 'It was bittersweet. I did feel some vindication that they are doing this, finally,' she told the network. But missing from Mr Robert's speech was an apology to the 370,000 victims of the scheme who were given debts raised by inaccurate averaging systems determined by comparing welfare payments and tax office data. Ms Miller said the omission of an apology wasn't surprising, but that it was a necessary step in acknowledging the 2,030 people who died after receiving a robo-debt notice. 'They need to apologise. Not just for the likes of myself - and obviously many more families in that situation - but for people that have had to put their life on hold to try and scrape back thousands of dollars,' she said. 'It wasn't right and they knew that in the beginning.' While Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the government 'has great regrets about any pain or injury that has been caused', he is also yet to deliver an apology. Mr Cauzzo received two separate debts as a result of the welfare agency's controversial automated collection scheme - one for $10,000 and another for $18,000 Before his suicide, Mr Cauzzo drew pictures in his notebook of a stick man holding a gun to his head and dollar bills coming out of his body like blood. His older brother Josh said the government failed his sibling and called Centrelink's claim that he had been overpaid by $300 a week 'absurd'. The 36-year-old mechanic, who lives in Sydney, said he didn't see much of his brother in the last year of his life because of his anxiety about travel. He also said that his brother didn't open up too much about his problems. 'I don't think he wanted to fully tell me, he was embarrassed,' Josh told the publication. He added that the 'aggressive' debt collectors had given his brother just six days to pay the bill, threatened to garnish his wages and seize his assets - and 'pushed him over the edge.' More than $720 million raised through the program will be refunded from July, including payment and recovery fees and any interest earned 'My little brother didn't brother didn't set out to defraud the system, he needed welfare to survive,' he added. It comes as the government faces a class action lawsuit by Gordon Legal which is arguing for compensation to be paid to the victims. Attorney-General Christian Porter said the government cannot apologise due to 'ongoing litigation' as a result of the class action. More than $720 million raised through the program will be refunded from July, including payment and recovery fees and any interest earned. Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. With complete disregard for the dangers of a new wave of infection, governments are lifting COVID-19 safety restrictions at breakneck speed in Australia, as they are around the world, despite the still worsening global pandemic. Internationally, the pandemic is spreading and the toll is rising rapidly. So far, some 213 countries and territories have reported more than 6.3 million confirmed coronavirus cases and nearly 380,000 deaths. Shocking scenes of overrun hospitals have spread from the US, UK, Italy and Spain to Brazil, Russia, India, Peru, Chile and Mexico. This is not simply a natural disaster. COVID-19 has triggered an historic failure of the capitalist profit system. Every aspect of the response of governmentstheir cuts to public healthcare and medical research, lack of pandemic preparation and indifference to the lives of working peopleflows from the subordination of human needs to corporate profits and the accumulation of personal wealth. In Australia, at the behest of big business, workers are being pushed back into unsafe workplaces, including schools, like their fellow workers internationally, even as fresh outbreaks keep appearing across the country, from schools and abattoirs to McDonalds outlets and aged care facilities. Via decrees agreed by the so-called national cabinet, Liberal-National and Labor governments alike are gambling with the lives of the population. They are announcing accelerated reopening measures almost daily. In their haste, they are sweeping aside previous timetables, long before the impact of the earlier lifting of restrictions has been revealed. Government leaders like Prime Minister Scott Morrison openly declare that new infections are unavoidable. The complicit corporate media declares that living with COVID is the new normal, dismissing the danger of explosive spreads of the highly infectious and deadly disease. This is a dangerous leap in the dark. Studies conducted internationally have concluded that up to half of COVID-19 infections result from pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic transmissionsthat is, from people who have no idea they are carrying the coronavirus. Yet no general testing had been done in Australia, nor is any proposed. That is because, based solely on the financial impact on business of retaining restrictions, Morrison and his fellow government leaders have flatly ruled out seeking to eradicate the coronavirusthe only sure way to halt the deaths and disease until the development of a vaccine. This official response is in line with the death calculus advocated in the financial newspapers in Australia, as well as around the globe. As far as the ruling capitalist class is concerned, working class deaths and ill-health are a price to be paid, if need be, in order to restore private profits and boost the share markets. The cost of saving lives is too high, according to this calculus, even as billions of dollars are spent on one corporate bailout package after another. For all the endless government and media propaganda that Australia has beaten the pandemic, deep medical and public concerns remain. There is a bipartisan government rush to lift the restrictions that may have saved people, so far, from the terrible losses being suffered across Europe, the US, the Indian sub-continent and Latin America. Australian governments had the distinct advantage of being forewarned by the calamities in China and Italy, as well as the World Health Organisations declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30. By early March, infections were growing exponentially in Australia. Nevertheless, the national cabinet resisted taking serious lockdown measures, such as the closures of pubs and clubs, until the third week of March, and even then tried to keep schools open, defying the concerns of teachers and parents. Most factories, warehouses and mining and construction sites were kept operating, despite workers protests. A peer-reviewed data analytics study from the University of Sydney, published on May 18, found a further one-week delay in government action could have led to a five-fold increase in the total number of people infected. That would mean more than 35,000 cases today, not the current total of almost 7,200. Yet, these are the very measures now being reversed at a blinding pace. Already, largely as a result of such disregard for working class lives, 103 people have died in Australia. Many of those resulted directly from profit-driven government responses, including the docking in Sydney of the infection-riddled Ruby Princess cruise ship on March 19 and the disembarkation of passengers without screening or quarantining. How quickly outbreaks can erupt has been seen in the more than 100 infections belatedly reported at Cedar Meats in Melbourne and the quarantining of an entire grade two class and a teacher at the Holy Eucharist Primary School in St Albans, Melbourne, linked to a cluster at nearby Keilor Downs College. Moreover, the coronavirus knows no national boundaries. Australia is an island, but it cannot be walled off from global trade and movements of people. The recent arrival in Fremantle of 20 infected crew members on a sheep export ship, like the earlier docking of the Ruby Princess, shows that the growth of infections in other parts of the world is bound to hit the Australian population as well. Other countries earlier hailed as pandemic success stories, such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore, have been compelled by second wave outbreaks to reinstate shutdown measures. Yet Australias governments have declared that once restrictions are lifted, they are unlikely to be reimposed. Everywhere the drive is now the same, regardless of the level of deaths and infections, from Donald Trump and Boris Johnson to Morrison: workers must go back on the job physically for the sake of the economy. This economy is that of the financial and corporate elite, whose wealth has soared further on the stock markets, while workers face job destruction, unsafe conditions and stepped-up exploitation. The pandemic has intensified social inequality and the concentration of wealth in the hands of the super-rich. Alongside unemployment and under-employment totalling 20 percent of the workforce, the combined fortunes controlled by the richest 20 people are sky-rocketing. The Australian Financial Review reported last Friday that the Top 20 had enjoyed a cumulative increase in wealth over the past year from $143 billion to $189 billion, a 32 percent jump. Great Depression levels of job destruction are causing widespread destitution and social stress. Those worst affected are the young and the most poorly-paid workers. According to a Grattan Institute report, about 40 percent of low-paid workersthose on less than $150 a weekwere likely to be thrown out of work, more than twice the rate for people on over $3,000 per week. This financial pressure is being used to coerce workers back into schools, offices and other workplaces. Those who refuse to do so will soon be cut off meagre JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments. The ruling class demands that workers must be fully back at work in order to extract the surplus value needed to pay for the corporate bailouts, totalling some $270 billion, and the mountain of public debt, estimated at $1 trillion, used to prop up Australian capitalism. The role of Labor and the unions None of this would be possible except for the role of the Labor Party and the trade unions. From the outset of the pandemic, they formed and supported a de facto coalition regime. An unprecedented national cabinet of Labor and Liberal-National federal, state and territory leaders is ruling the country, behind closed doors, with the full backing of the unions. Australia is a striking case of an unstable and widely discredited governmentthat of Morrisonbeing propped up, out of fear of social unrest. Not only are workers being pushed into potentially deadly facilities, they are confronted by further cuts to jobs, wages and conditions as the governments and employers, working hand-in-glove with the unions, exploit the pandemic to restructure their operations and workplace relations. Led by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), behind the backs of workers, the unions have imposed national agreements with employers to slash the pay and conditions of millions of workers in fast food outlets, cafes and restaurants, hospitality industries and clerical work. As ACTU secretary Sally McManus pledged, the unions have given employers everything you want. Now the unions have joined hands with Morrisons Liberal-National government and big business in a tripartite process of industrial relations reform. This is a drive to go even further in attacking working class conditions, intensifying the assault the unions mounted in the Accords with the Hawke and Keating Labor governments in the 1980s and 1990s. Wage freezes and penalty rate cuts are being demanded already. Together with Morrison, the unions are appealing to workers to lay down their weapons. They fear the underlying opposition of workers, including the construction workers kept on unsafe sites, and the teachers and parents whose children are being railroaded back into classrooms and onto public transport without any physical distancing protections. As in the US, the corporate media and political establishment is also seeking to divert the rising unrest, and deflect from its own culpability, by trying to falsely blame China for the pandemic, even though the Chinese authorities alerted the world in January. In doing so, the Morrison government, again with Labors backing, has placed the Australian population on the front lines of the Trump administrations incendiary economic and military offensive against China, a perceived threat to US global hegemony. Thus, workers in Australia not only face a domestic war by the ruling class against their social and working conditions, endangering their lives; they are being dragged into a potential nuclear war. The necessity for rank-and-file committees The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) opposes the dangerous back-to-work campaign. In the face of the dictates of the financial oligarchs and their political and industrial servants, the working class must assert its own interests, for the protection of lives and livelihoods. Against the thoroughly pro-corporate trade unions, genuine working-class organisations must be built to prevent infection, sickness and death, and organise to combat the corporate-union offensive on jobs and conditions. Workers need to form rank-and-file action committees in every school, factory, office, university and workplace independent of the unions. These committees, democratically controlled by workers themselvestogether with students and parents where appropriateshould formulate, oversee and enforce safety and workplace standards. Where conditions are violated, there must be a stoppage of work. The tasks of these committees would include: 1. Organising an industrial and political fightback against the government-corporate-union offensive on jobs, wages and conditions. All pay cuts, elimination of penalty rates, job losses and cuts to working conditions must be opposed. 2. Demanding secure employment for all workers, ending casualisation and the gig economy to which so many workers, especially youth, visa holders and students, have been subjected. 3. Controlling working hours, workloads and production speeds to ensure safe conditions. This must allow for sufficient rest, health care monitoring and regular deep cleaning. 4. Guaranteeing physical distancing, the highest-quality personal protective equipment and other essential safety measures. This includes regular testing for all workers and adequate training in the necessary equipment and procedures. 5. Reporting full and timely information about all infections, to prevent management and government cover-ups, and ensure rapid shutdowns and thorough cleaning before restarts. 6. Demanding sick leave and guaranteed income for all infected and affected workers. Any worker who tests positive or comes into contact with an infected worker must be isolated and provided immediate medical treatment. If anyones family members report symptoms, the worker should be tested and isolated until cleared by a medical professionalwith no loss of pay. 7. Ensuring protection from victimisation for workers calling attention to unsafe working conditions or refusing to work. Any worker who has been fired for speaking out against unsafe conditions must be rehired with full back pay. To answer the cry there is no money for these measures, the bailout packages handed to corporations, banks and big business should be returned and used to finance them, for the protection of the population. This fight means organising the resistance of workers internationally. In every country, there are growing numbers of strikes and job actions by health, meat, transit, auto and other workers demanding safe conditions. The fight against the pandemic necessarily involves a struggle of workers against the ruling class and its dictatorship over economic and political life. It is, therefore, a fight against capitalism and for socialism, the restructuring of society on the basis of social need, not private profit. The pandemic is a world problem and can be fought only through the international collaboration and unification of workers and all those committed to defending human life. This means rejecting all efforts to divide workers along racial, ethnic and national linesin particular, the war-mongering anti-China campaign. Increasingly, over coming months, the attacks of the ruling class will produce enormous social opposition and resistance. But to provide the necessary alternative political perspective and leadership, a socialist party must be built in the working classthat is the Socialist Equality Party. The SEP is the Australian section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, which publishes the World Socialist Web Site. We will provide all the assistance we can to workers who want to establish rank-and-file committees. We urge all our readers to study our program and make the decision to join the SEP. The union cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday cleared the setting up of an empowered group of secretaries headed by cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba to make India a more investor-friendly destination. In the midst of Covid-19 pandemic, India is presented with an opportunity to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) especially from large companies diversifying their investments into new geographies to mitigate risks and to ramp up production across product lines with an eye on serving big markets in the US, EU, China and elsewhere. The empowered group is tasked to take advantage of these opportunities to make India one of the largest players in the global value chain, the government said. We know the world situation. Industries are looking to diversify in different world locations. So, to ensure investments are enhanced in India, an empowered group of secretaries has been formed. And simultaneously Project Development Cells (PDCs) will be set up in every ministry, information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said at a press briefing after the meeting. Also Read: Not random, aimed at self-reliant India: PM Modi on policy announcements It will also result in handholding of new industries and provide a fillip to domestic industry, he added. This new mechanism will reinforce Indias vision of becoming a US$ 5 trillion economy by 2024-25, said an official statement, which noted that strategic implementation of an integrated approach will eventually bring about synergies between ministries/departments and among the Central and State governments in investment and related incentive policies. Apart from Gauba, CEO Niti Aayog Amitabh Kant would be a member as would be the secretaries of the departments of commerce, revenue and economic affairs. Secretary of the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) would be the member convenor, while the secretary of any concerned department would be co-opted, an official statement said. Apart from facilitating the top investors, the empowered group will evaluate investments using parameters including project creation and actual investments. Further, government departments would be given targets for completion of various stages of new projects by the empowered group. The cabinet also approved the renaming of the Kolkata Port as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. Mookerjee, an eminent jurist, academician, thinker and leader of his time, is also a prominent BJP icon. Also Read:Structural reforms in 8 key sectors to boost economy, says FM Sitharaman Another major decision taken by the cabinet on Wednesday was to re-establish Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) as a subordinate office under the ministry of AYUSH by merging into it Pharmacopoeia Laboratory for Indian Medicine (PLIM) and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory (HPL)-- the two central laboratories at Ghaziabad established in 1975. Presently, Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) is an autonomous body under the aegis of ministry of AYUSH. The merger is aimed at optimizing the use of infrastructural facilities, technical manpower and financial resources of the three organizations. Italy reopened its borders to European travellers on Wednesday as the continent slowly emerged from quarantines to restart battered economies even as the coronavirus pandemic carved its deadly path through Latin America. European nations among the hardest hit by the outbreak have mostly flattened out infection curves and turned to the task of balancing economic recovery against the risk of a second wave of cases. The United States, with the highest death toll, and Latin America have emerged as new centres for infections of COVID-19 that has killed more than 380,000 people worldwide since it first emerged in China late last year. Across the globe, nations are cautiously reopening schools, businesses and returning to life after months of quarantine. Italy -- the first country badly hammered in Europe -- is leading the way to restart, hoping tourism will revive its recession-hit economy three months after the nation shut down. "We are cautiously optimistic. Let's hope the Italians begin travelling and take advantage of seeing an uncrowded Rome," said hotel receptionist Alessandra Conti. Tourism accounts for 13 percent of Italy's GDP and officials are keen to reassure visitors they will be safe. But with health experts warning over reopening too quickly, some fear foreign visitors may be reluctant to travel. "I don't think we'll see any foreign tourists really until the end of August or even September. Who's going to come? No one from South America, China or the US," said Mimmo Burgio, a cafe owner near Rome's Colosseum. - Rethinking Sweden lockdown - International flights were only expected to resume in three main cities: Milan, Rome and Naples, and some of Italy's neighbours are not yet ready to lift travel restrictions there. Austria said on Wednesday it would scrap virus controls on all land borders, except for Italy, still viewed by some of neighbours as a virus hotspot. Germany will also lift its blanket travel warning for European nations from June 15, replacing it with warnings for individual countries. "This decision raises great hope and expectations but I want to say again: travel warnings are not travel bans, and travel advice is not an invitation to travel," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas cautioned Wednesday. London City Airport announced it would reopen at the end of June, with domestic services first and international flights expected to follow in early July. Britain -- with the second highest death rate in the world after the US at nearly 40,000 fatalities -- is still advising against non-essential travel. In Sweden, which mostly remained open while Europe went into lockdown, a top epidemiologist acknowledged its softer approach to curbing the virus needed improvement. "If we were to encounter the same disease with everything we know about it today, I think we would end up doing something in between what Sweden and the rest of the world has done," Anders Tegnell said. Sweden has reported more than 38,000 cases and nearly 4,500 deaths, far greater than neighbouring countries. - 'Gas to fire' - Countries around the world are eager to get economies going again after punishing lockdowns halted growth. Australia has become the latest country to warn of the, saying it would head for its first recession in nearly three decades after the economy shrank in the January-March quarter. And the World Bank warned this week the world faces "staggeringly large" losses because of the pandemic, with recovery efforts expected to be hampered by a shortage of resources. While Europe emerges from the darkest days of its outbreak, the virus tightened its grip on Latin America, especially in Brazil, where populist President Jair Bolsonaro opposes lockdown measures. Brazil has now surpassed 30,000 deaths -- the fourth deadliest outbreak in the world after the US, Britain and Italy. The figures came even as some Brazilian states began to emerge from weeks of quarantine measures despite warnings from the WHO and epidemiologists it is too soon. "In the current situation, relaxing the measures is adding gasoline to the fire," Rafael Galliez, an infectious diseases expert, told AFP. Still, surfers and swimmers streamed back to the beach in Rio de Janeiro as the city eased lockdown measures. "I think that here, in the water, there is no risk," said Cesar Calmon as he delighted in the waves off Ipanema beach. burs-pmh/jv European nations are eager to get the badly-hit tourism sector back on track Graphic on the estimated reproduction number for COVID-19 in selected countries, according to collected and analysed data by Imperial College London. Italy's borders reopened but experts warned of a second wave risk Some countries are only just ramping up more testing Some countries like Colombia here are keeping some neighbourhoods under strict lockdown to control the virus A line of vicious thunderstorms barreled through southeast Pennsylvania between mid-morning and midday Wednesday, unleashing destructive wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph and knocking out power to more than half a million customers. Philadelphia caught the brunt of the storms where wind damage was widespread in its western suburbs. The National Weather Service warned of an "extremely dangerous situation" as the squall line approached the city and moved into New Jersey. It is likely the squall line met the criteria of a derecho, a fast-moving line of violent storms that produces widespread damage along its path. The complex of fierce storms was the first of several possible rounds of storms for parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The National Weather Service predicted additional storms Wednesday afternoon and evening which could bring damaging winds, hail, and even an isolated tornado. An active weather pattern will bring continued chances of strong to severe thunderstorms for many areas until at least Saturday. The same volatile weather pattern also triggered damaging thunderstorms from southeast Minnesota through Wisconsin and Michigan Tuesday night. Morning storms over the Great Lakes intensified as they encountered warm, humid air over the East Coast, and unleashed an 83 mph wind gust at the Reading Regional Airport in Pennsylvania. Pottstown, Penn. saw winds gust to 76 mph, while gusts exceeding 75 mph were reported in Malvern, Penn. Doppler radar indicated winds of 77 mph just 100 to 200 feet above the ground over downtown Philadelphia, a number of high rise buildings or skyscrapers likely seeing wind gusts up to 80 mph. Philadelphia International Airport recorded a wind gust to 61 mph, while northeast Philadelphia Airport clocked a gust to 67 mph. Likely vegetation debris was noted on radar as the storms plowed through Philadelphia, probably associated with leaves and branches caught along the breeze's leading edge. The storms were moving east at upward of 75 mph, their breakneck forward pace transforming a calm, tranquil summer day into a vicious windstorm in minutes. The storm complex progressed about 110 miles in 90 minutes. Just after 2 p.m. Wednesday, the website poweroutage.us reported over 360,000 customers without power in Pennsylvania, mostly in the southeast part of the state, and nearly 180,000 outages in New Jersey. Philadelphia's west and northwest suburbs were especially hard hit with the greatest concentration of outages in Montgomery and Berks counties. The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center logged scores of damage reports in these counties, mainly from downed trees and power lines. Some trees and power lines collapsed on homes and buildings. A second area of widespread outages and damage reports focused east of Philadelphia in southern New Jersey in Burlington and Ocean counties where trees and powerlines were down in numerous locations. The Weather Service reported wind gusts to nearly 90 mph in Beach Haven, N.J. As they charged from northwest to southeast, the storms were teeming with lightning, visible from weather satellites in space. Those storms exited the coast shortly after the lunch hour. In the wake of the first round of storms, the atmosphere was already reloading to the west. By mid to late afternoon Wednesday, a spattering of intense thunderstorms - and perhaps a couple rotating "supercells" which could spawn tornadoes - are possible from just north of Baltimore through central Pennsylvania to New York City. The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center designated a level 3 out of 5 "enhance risk" of severe weather in their Wednesday outlook. That zone encapsulates cities like Philadelphia, Trenton, and Camden, N.J. That's where the greatest chance of encountering severe weather exits. Surrounding the enhanced risk is a level 2 out of 5 "slight risk." That's where severe storms may still occur, but confidence is slightly lower in their areal coverage. The slight risk covers an enormous area from Baltimore to extreme southwest Connecticut and New York City and extends along a serpentine path all the way to Rapid City, South Dakota. The slight risk stretches through Columbus, Ohio, Indianapolis, and Kansas City as well. A stagnant west to east cold front - part of a "ring of fire" weather pattern dominating the eastern Lower 48 - will serve as the focus for a lengthy corridor of windy severe thunderstorms. Washington, D.C., is under a marginal risk out of severe weather - the lowest severe weather risk tier. There is a chance that a few storms could survive far enough south to bring an isolated strong wind gust to the nation's capital after dark Wednesday. With plentiful heat and humidity to fuel storms, thunderstorms will likely tower high enough to tap into energy from the jet stream. That will foster strong to damaging winds in any storms that develop. As an additional round of storms fires during the afternoon, a few pockets of nickel-sized hail are possible. There's also a nonzero risk of a tornado, primarily over central Pennsylvania. Fortunately, the swift motion of any storms that develop will minimize the risk of flooding, as rainfall will be progressive and unlikely to linger. Those who have lived in the Mid-Atlantic long enough likely have heard the term "derecho" before, often in reference to the infamous windstorm that rocked the nation's capital on the night of June 29, 2012. Widespread 60 to 80 mph gusts accompanied a band of thunderstorms that tracked 800 miles from Indiana to the East Coast, knocking out power to the Washington D.C. area for up to two weeks. Hot temperatures that lasted into the night and ample moisture allowed thunderstorms to swell into an arcing line with beastly wind gusts. So were Wednesday's storms in Philadelphia a derecho? Most likely, yes. The American Meteorological Society notes that in order for a storm to be a derecho, "damage must be incurred either continuously or intermittently over a swath of at least (400 miles)." Other sources stipulate damage must occur along a 250 mile span. The National Weather Service solely states that a derecho is "a widespread and usually fast-moving windstorm associated with (thunderstorms)." Looking just at those definitions, it would appear that Wednesday's storms could marginally be considered a derecho. Damage first occurred in western Pennsylvania, and with scattered to increasingly more numerous reports of damage as storms neared the coast, that's a 300 mile path of damage. The significant winds continued even after moving out to sea, at least according to Doppler radar aberrations. By the time the storms arrived at the coast, an 89 mph wind gust was clocked southwest of Beach Haven, N.J. Radar suggests a few pockets of 90 to 95 mph wind gusts likely occurred Structurally, the storms fit the bill of a derecho. While instability, or the propensity for air to rise, was less impressive than during the 2012 Mid-Atlantic derecho, wind dynamics in the atmosphere compensated. The American Meteorological Society notes that "(derechos) have sustained bow echoes with book-end vortices and/or rear-inflow jets." A bow echo forms when storms curve in the shape of a backwards "c," owing to descending air surging ahead and causing the line of storms to arc. That was plainly observed in the Philadelphia area. A bookend vortex occurs in a bow echo when this effect is dramatic enough that the northern and southern ends of the squall line curve back around and sort of wrap into the storm. The rear inflow jet, or a current of air racing into the storms from behind and accelerating the strong winds, amplifies that mechanism. Both were seen, especially along the northern end of the storms, as they continued east through New Jersey. "The storm complex had a very impressive radar presentation; it's the type of structure, with a bow echo and channel of high wind entering the rear portion, that structurally defines a derecho," wrote Jeff Halverson, Capital Weather Gang's severe weather expert. In fact, the only limiting factor that some might argue would preclude this from having been a derecho would be its length of track. It simply didn't meet the AMS's 400 mile criterion. But many other publications cite a 250 mile value, which would qualify what happened Wednesday as a bonafide derecho. Paradox Interactive will sign a collective bargaining agreement with Swedish labor unions Unionen and SACO to allow its employees to influence their pay, benefits, and responsibilities. It's notable to see a company the size of Paradox embrace unionization, and the Stellaris and Europa Universalis developer said the move reflects its desire to ensure its workers "feel valued and empowered" as it continues to expand. The agreement will apply to all Paradox staffers working in Sweden, where the company is headquartered, including those at Paradox Interactive, Paradox Development Studio, Paradox Arctic, and Paradox Malmo. It is expected to be finalized within the quarter, and will help enshrine a number of standards to ensure that employee benefits, paths to career growth, and salary exceptions are working for all staff members. "Much like Paradox itself, the unions here have been growing massively in the past few years, gradually becoming more and more organized," said Magne Skjran, games programmer at Paradox Development Studio and union representative for Unionen. "This is a clear sign that our efforts have resulted in meaningful change. Were very glad that the company agrees with us on the benefits of a collective agreement and that were signing this together. "With this agreement in place, we will be further empowered to advocate for our members here at Paradox, and contribute to making it the best place to work in the industry. We hope it will inspire people to organize in video game companies the world over." Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday ordered the immediate release of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu from prison after he granted the application for freedom. Kalu is currently serving a 12-year jail term at the Correctional Service Centre in Kuje, Abuja, for allegedly looting N7.2 billion belonging to Abia state. The co-accused of the senator who was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment was acquitted by the Supreme Court, on ground that the fiat granted to the trial judge, now justice of the Court of Appeal, Mohammed Idris, to conclude the case, was unconstitutional. The federal governments counsel, led by Rotimi Jacob, didnt oppose the application moved by Lateef Fagbemi. Jacob told the court that though the apex courts application was targeted, it actually also affected kalu and his company, Slok Investments, and so they are ready to commence a fresh trial for all the three accused straight away, and not prolong any further. Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The soldiers of India and China have retreated from one of the four standoff sites right before the important meeting scheduled between both the country. The team from both sides will include around 7 officers. Sources confirmed that The PLA soldiers have moved back around 2 kilometres from one of the standoff points in Galwan Valley and India has retreated about 800 meters from the point". The two armies are locked in standoff position since the intervening night of 5-6 May when the Chinese soldiers attacked Indian soldiers near between Finger Four and Finger Five. Subsequently, the PLA entered the Grey Zones (the intervening area between the claim lines of the two sides) at three more pints apart from the Finger Four. The Chinese came to their claim lines at Patrolling Point 14, Patrolling Point 15 and Gogra Post in the Galwan Valley. READ| Northern Commander in Ladakh, reviews LAC situation amid standoff with China The disengagement at one of these points is seen as a good sign before the senior-level military officers meet on June 6. The two sides will meet in the Border Personnel Meeting hut at Moldo which is against the Indian side of Chushul. It is a rare meeting when the Lieutenant General rank officers from the two sides will be meeting to resolve a border issue. As per protocol, Highest Level Military Commander meeting is that of Major General level which also happens only in extraordinary cases like the one which happened on Tuesday in which the two sides enunciated their points to be placed before the senior military officers during the upcoming meeting. The meeting has been requested by the Chinese side and it will have the Indian Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh and one Staff officer from the Western Theatre Command of China, said an officer and adding that "the Division Commanders from both sides, Major General Rank, Local Brigade Commander from Indian side along with one of the Battalion Commanders from the area, One Interpreter and one-two more Indian officers". The Chinese side will also have a similar number of officers. The disengagement of troops will be the main agenda with a focus on the Finger Four Area which is the main point where status quo has been breached by Chinese PLA, said the officer. As per the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement signed between the two sides in 2013, no side can change the status quo, cannot construct anything in the grey zone and cannot stay in these places overnight. Indian 3 Division handles the borders from Karakoram Pass to Chushul and against it is Chinese 6TH Mechanised Infantry Division Headquartered at Hotan, Tibet and 4th motorized Division is nearby. On Monday, the president of the United States suggested he would use federal troops to end unrest across the country. The unrest started over a week ago after the killing of George Floyd, a black man. He died a short time after he was detained by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota. People in Minneapolis and other U.S. cities have been protesting Floyds death. Some of the protests were peaceful, but others were not. Demonstrators attacked businesses, set fire to buildings, and burned cars. Speaking from the White House, President Donald Trump proposed using military troops to stop the violence. He said, 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. Several state governors quickly rejected Trumps proposal. The governor of Oregon, Kate Brown, said, You dont defuse violence by putting soldiers on the streets. In Illinois, Governor J.B. Pritzker said he does not believe the federal government can send troops into his state. And New Yorks governor, Andrew Cuomo, added, I say thank you but no thank you. All three governors are members of the Democratic Party. Trump belongs to the Republican Party. To deploy military troops, the president would need to invoke legislation known as the Insurrection Act. What is the Insurrection Act? Under the U.S. Constitution, governors generally have the power to maintain order within state borders. The constitution bars the armed forces from law enforcement within the country. The Insurrection Act of 1807, however, gives the president power to send troops to the states in all cases of insurrection, or obstruction to the laws. The law has since been amended several times. In a 2006 report, the U.S. Congressional Research Service said the president is required to have approval from a states governor or legislature to send in federal troops. But the report also noted that the President may issue an executive order to send in troops. Presidents have invoked the Insurrection Act several times in U.S. history. In 1957, President Dwight Eisenhower approved an executive order to put the Arkansas National Guard under the U.S. military. As part of the order, he sent 1,000 Army troops to Little Rock, Arkansas. The move, over the objection of the states governor, was to protect black students at an all-white high school. The Congressional Research Service said the use of the Insurrection Act has become exceedingly rare since the end of civil rights protests in the 1960s. The act was last used in 1992. That was the year when racial protests in Los Angeles turned violent. The unrest started when a court found four police officers all of them white -- not guilty in the beating of a black man, Rodney King. Thaddeus Hoffmeister is a law professor at the University of Dayton. He told the Reuters news agency that when the Insurrection Act was invoked in the past, presidents and governors have usually agreed on the need for troops. In 2005, then President George W. Bush decided not to use the act to send troops to Louisiana after flooding resulting from Hurricane Katrina. The states then-governor opposed the move. Hoffmeister said he did not think invoking the Insurrection Act was needed now because governors can take action through their criminal justice systems. I'm John Russell. Hai Do wrote this story for Learning English with information from the Congressional Research Service and Reuters. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story resident - n. someone who live in a particular place defuse - v. to make something less tense or serious invoke - v. to make use of a law maintain - v. to continue doing something issue - v. to announce something in an official way Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump spurred fresh outrage Monday after police used tear gas to clear protesters from outside the White House so he could pose for photographs at a nearby church damaged during civil unrest. The move earned him a sharp rebuke from the city mayor, the Episcopal bishop, and leading Democrats including former vice president Joe Biden, who decried the use of force merely "for a photo." Trump's visit to the historic St John's Church, across the street from the White House came after he delivered an address denouncing vandalism that has followed anti-racism protests that have gripped the country for a week. As he spoke, law enforcement -- including military police -- could be seen firing tear gas to clear peaceful protesters in Lafayette Park, outside the White House, so the president could walk over to the church. Known as "the Church of the Presidents," St. John's was sprayed with graffiti and partially damaged by fire during unrest on Sunday. "We have a great country," Trump declared just outside the Episcopal church, where he held up a Bible. He did not answer questions from reporters before leaving again. The backlash was swift. Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate in the November election, slammed Trump for "using the American military against the American people," after the president vowed to order an army crackdown on the sweeping civil unrest. "He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets. For a photo," Biden tweeted late Monday. "For our children, for the very soul of our country, we must defeat him." Biden also announced he would speak Tuesday in Philadelphia "on the civil unrest facing communities across America." Washington's mayor Muriel Bowser called the move "shameful". "I imposed a curfew at 7pm," she tweeted. "A full 25 minutes before the curfew & w/o provocation, federal police used munitions on peaceful protestors in front of the White House, an act that will make the job of @DCPoliceDept officers more difficult." Story continues New York governor Andrew Cuomo also expressed outrage over the incident. "What the president did today was he called out the American military against American citizens," Cuomo tweeted. "He used the military to push out a peaceful protest so he could have a photo op at a church. It's all just a reality TV show for this president." The visit enraged Washington's Episcopal bishop, Marian Budde. The president did not seek permission for the visit, she told CNN, condemning his use of a Bible, failure to pray, failure to acknowledge the agony of Americans and decision to use tear gas on protesters to make the visit. "I am outraged... we distance ourselves from the incendiary language of this president," she said. "I just can't believe what my eyes have seen tonight... I had no idea," she added. The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine has expressed concern over reports that Russians have detained a Ukrainian serviceman on sovereign Ukrainian territory. The embassy said this in a post on its Facebook page. "We are disturbed by recent media reports that a member of the Ukrainian military was detained by Russian forces on sovereign Ukrainian territory. Russia must cease its unlawful occupation of Crimea and halt its aggression in the Donbas. Crimea is Ukraine," the post reads. The Military Law Enforcement Service of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported earlier that on May 30, at about 05:00, a Ukrainian serviceman of the 95th Air Assault Brigade, Yevhen Dobrynsky, disappeared at the administrative border of Russian-annexed Crimea with Kherson region near Chonhar. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) documented the illegal detention of a junior sergeant of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine by representatives of the Russian Federal Security Service at the administrative border with the occupied Crimea. The SBU said that Russian special services had tortured the Ukrainian border guard. On June 2, Russia's FSB said that Ukrainian serviceman Yevhen Dobrynsky had "tried to" cross the administrative border between Crimea and Kherson region and that criminal proceedings had been opened against him in this regard. op The Republican National Committee is scrambling for a new convention host city after President Trump said Tuesday that North Carolinas coronavirus restrictions will make Charlotte unworkable for the crowds he's counting on. Driving the news: The organization still hopes to conduct the convention's "official business" in Charlotte, an RNC spokesperson said. But the part that most Americans think about the convention the spectacle of the speakers and the president accepting the Republican nomination itself will be held in a different state with more relaxed COVID-19 laws. Behind the scenes: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, told the RNC it wouldn't be able to hold a full-scale convention, for which it had contracted. So that gave the RNC the ability to potentially change the rules to have a smaller presence in Charlotte while still fulfilling its contractual obligations to host the convention, per a source familiar with discussions. Jacksonville is one of four leading contenders, per a source familiar with the matter. The others are Nashville, Orlando or somewhere in Georgia. This list could still change and evolve. Politico's Alex Isenstadt was the first to report on these locations. What they're saying: "Due to the directive from the governor that our convention cannot go on as planned and as required by our rules, the celebration of the presidents acceptance of the Republican nomination will be held in another city," an RNC spokesperson said in a statement. "Should the governor allow more than 10 people in a room, we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte. The backdrop: Trump previously threatened to move the August convention from Charlotte if Cooper refused to allow the convention operate at full capacity. But on Tuesday, Cooper told convention organizers that Republicans should plan for a "scaled-down convention with fewer people, social distancing and face coverings" given the impact of the pandemic. Go deeper: Trump says RNC is looking outside of North Carolina for convention site Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details. President Trump has designated Antifa as a terrorist organization and is accusing protesters arrested as members of that organization. Trumps lawless Attorney General Barr could have Biden and his campaign staff arrested as Antifa funders. At least 13 Biden campaign staff members posted on Twitter on Friday and Saturday that they made donations to the Minnesota Freedom Fund. A group that has been paying the bail people jailed for protesting the killing of a George Floyd. Floyd was a 46-year-old Black man who died after an officer kneeled on his neck during an arrest by Derek Chauvin, a white police officer who has been charged with 2nd Degree Murder. Three other white Minneapolis police officers who either stood by and watched or participated in restraining Floyd while Chauvin committed his murder have been charged with accessory to murder. Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates stated to Reuters that former Vice President Biden opposes the institution of cash bail for petty nonviolent crimes as a form of modern day debtors prison. The statement failed to make clear whether the donations were coordinated within the campaign or if the former vice president also contributed to the Minnesota Freedom Fund. Andrew Bates instead pointed to Bidens comments that protesters have the right to be angry but that more violence wont solve justice problems. President Donald Trumps reelection campaign commented on the donations by the Biden campaign staff on Saturday said it was disturbing that Bidens team would financially support the mayhem that is hurting innocent people and destroying what good people spent their lives building. The Trump campaign fails to recognize that the vast majority of protesters have been peaceful, and in many instances, police and law enforcement now supported by National Guard troops have broken the law on camera by attacking peaceful protesters and escalated the violence. Trump is trying to adopt the 1968 campaign of Richard Nixon, who framed himself as a law and order presidential candidate. Called ALL of the protesters thugs, and as late as this morning has urged law enforcement to get tough with the protesters, and if they dont, the federal government will step in by using the military and making arrests. We saw what that means on Monday night when military police alongside white house security forces attacked peaceful protestors with tear gas, pepper spray, concussion grenades, rubber bullets, and even Calvary. Trump has expressed sympathy over the case of George Floyd, who died on Monday, May 25, 2020, after three police officers pinned him. One of whom was caught on camera kneeling on his neck for over 8 minutes. However, Trump has since turned to use violence against protestors that authoritarians have used to suppress peaceful protests. Minnesota could be critical in determining the winner of the November 3 Presidential Election. Still, the Presidents decision to order Attorney General Barr to attack peaceful protestors across the street from the White House on late Monday afternoon has backfired spectacularly. In polls taken during the last three days, President Trumps approval rating for his handling of the protests has sunk to 33%. Nationally, Trumps support has cratered where he could lose critical states like Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, Iowa, North, and South Carolina. In some of these states, his polling has nose-dived to the point that he is underwater by double digits. In Ohio, President Trump is now in a dead heat with former Vice President Biden. Trump struggled to attract African American voters in 2016 and ended up with only 8% of the African Americans vote according to a Reuters/Ipsos Election Day poll. A nationwide decline in black voter turnout in 2016 was widely seen as contributing to Trumps victory. Trumps handling of the murder of George Floyd has been so disastrous several political analysts are now suggesting that Trump will not only see his support among black voters sink to less than 4%. Hes likely to have so enraged the voters in this demographic to turn out in record numbers. Colleen May, who identified herself as a campaign organizer for Biden in South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Florida, said in a Twitter post that included an image of her receipt from donating $50 to the Minnesota Freedom Fund. It is up to everyone to fight injustice. Trump is desperate to win reelection because he knows he faces indictment as the unindicted co-conspirator in his former lawyers Michael Cohens case. As well as a possible prosecution on a myriad of tax and money laundering crimes he may have committed in New York, Illinois, and other states. Without a presidential pardon, he could also be prosecuted by President Bidens attorney general. Trump may be so desperate to win reelection and pride himself on being an authoritarian. It might lead to him and his attorney general to declare martial law and arresting former Vice President Biden and his campaign staff. I wouldnt put it by him to attempt to make charges of aiding and abetting a terrorist organization by contributing to its members bail. It would be an absurdity because, of course, there is no Antifa organization; its a movement of anti-fascist people. Thats what Antifa stands for anti-fascist. Arresting Biden and his campaign staff would, of course, bring out 10, 15 even 30 million Americans in protest with another 50 million screaming bloody hell. And, as farfetched as it sounds, Donald J. Trump knows with a 33% approval rating in his handling of the George Floyd crisis, approval of his handling of the coronavirus down to 39%, all contributing to his reelection looking less and less likely. Trump could decide instead of declaring martial law; he might be better off boarding Air force One with his family, cronies - and taking asylum in Russia for the remainder of his life. Joe Biden speaks out in sharp contrast to Trump | WNT ALBANY Alice Green, the longtime head of the Center for Law and Justice, says many wise things, including this from a conversation we had on Wednesday: "Looting is seen as something that black people do, but looting happens in different settings and in different ways," said Green, who for decades has been fighting the policing abuses now being decried by protesters across the country. "Looting takes place when there's an opportunity to do it, and it doesn't just happen on the street." She's right, of course. Some billionaires have looted the American economy. Some politicians have looted the truth and our treasuries. And, in recent days, some thieves have looted stores in cities all around the country, including in Albany. We should condemn all forms of looting, whether it happens on Wall Street, at the Capitol or along Central Avenue. And while the looting done by the powerful is far more damaging and destructive over the long haul, it doesn't justify the small-time looting we've seen since the killing of George Floyd. Nothing does. I say all this because I've been surprised by how many people are suggesting that the looting and violence of recent days isn't such a big deal. Some are condoning the crimes as a valid expression of rage or the price of progress. Some shrug it off as mere property damage, as if the immigrant businesses hurt on Central are made only of wood and stone, and not of dreams. Of course, many of those people don't live in the neighborhoods where looting has occurred, so they're speaking from a position of relative privilege. It's one thing to watch the looting from the safety of suburbia. It's quite another thing when it's your drugstore or market that's been damaged or the business you've worked your whole life to build. "These folks have to get up in the morning and find that there's nowhere to go," said Greg McGee, president of the Albany police department's patrol union. "They may lose the place where they go to get milk." McGee was among the officers on Albany's streets Saturday and Monday nights, when violence afflicted the city. When we talked Wednesday, he made three main points about what's been happening in Albany, from his perspective. First, he fully sympathizes with those who are protesting the death of Floyd, the unarmed black man who lost his life to an officer's knee as other cops restrained him. "If you're a cop who defends what those guys did, then turn your badge in," McGee told me. "You're not a cop." Of course, the protesters are upset about more than Floyd. They're angry, and rightly so, about systemic racism within policing, of which Floyd is just the latest victim. Here's McGee's second point: He believes people protesting Floyd's death on Saturday and or Monday had little to do with the violence that happened afterward. Saturday's large and peaceful afternoon protest, in particular, was entirely distinct from what followed, he said. The gap between the protest and the violence is partly why Albany police were caught off-guard by the chaos, which McGee described as unlike anything he's seen in 14 years on the force. "I don't think that anybody would have thought that people in Albany would be throwing Molotov cocktails," he said, describing the "wave after wave" of violence that officers were forced to confront. McGee's third point: Many of the people causing the most problems did not appear to be from the neighborhoods where the violence occurred, and their behavior did not arise organically from protest. They seemed to arrive girded for trouble, he said. Some were white young men with black backpacks, McGee said, who used methods that suggested a fair amount of planning. "They were very prepared logistically," McGee said, describing what he called "antifa-like tactics." Antifa? That's the group of loosely affiliated activists, supposedly "anti-fascists," who have been blamed for trouble in other cities. It's hard to know whether antifa actually had a role in the Albany violence, but I'm skeptical it was a significant one. As I said in Tuesday's column, surveillance video I've seen of looting at a Central Avenue store suggested a crowd of opportunists, white and black, rather than a group that cared about Floyd's plight or political causes of the left or right. That said, McGee is not the only observer to have pinned some of the violence on outside influences seemingly a step or two removed from the protests. "We definitely had people who were outside agitators," said Steve Smith, spokesperson for the police department. "And some were definitely very organized." No matter who's responsible, looting shouldn't be used to taint or discredit what protesters in Albany or elsewhere have been saying. In my mind, the protesters and looters are distinct groups that aren't interchangeable. The protesters are promoting progress. Looters are not. cchurchill@timesunion.com 518-454-5442 @chris_churchill United Kingdom MALVERN, Pa. June 2, 2020 John McNeill China United States Philadelphia Pennsylvania AMERSHAM,and/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Phlexglobal, a leading innovative technology and services provider for the life sciences industry, today announces its substantial contribution to COVID-19 clinical trial activities. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Phlexglobal has provided extensive support for multiple pharmaceutical companies developing effective treatments for those who have been impacted by the virus and vaccines to prevent its spread. These services are vital to developing life-saving treatments for the most important health crisis facing the world today.As pharmaceutical companies race to develop these vaccines and treatments, they must still follow regulatory guidelines to ensure patient safety and trial legitimacy. To help meet these needs, Phlexglobal is providing specialized technology and services to fast track COVID-19 trials without compromising quality. To date, fifteen different companies have turned to Phlexglobal for clinical or regulatory support for COVID-19 studies or submissions."Phlexglobal has made it the highest corporate priority to support COVID-19 research while maintaining clinical and regulatory business continuity for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries," said, Chief Executive Officer of Phlexglobal. "Phlexglobal has processed thousands of clinical trial documents in support of COVID-19 studies and has supported Investigational New Drug (IND) applications for multiple potential treatments during the crisis."The disruption of regular clinical trial workflows and the updates from regulatory agencies are creating major challenges for pharmaceutical companies. The FDA alone has issued over 80 guidance updates related to COVID-19, and the EMA almost 40. With so much at stake, companies are turning to Phlexglobal to ensure their trials run uninterrupted and that their submissions meet all regulations.In the early stages of the pandemic, Phlexglobal began support for a top-20 Biotech Company engaged in a global COVID-19 clinical trial. The Company sought expert support for their TMF to ensure documents were filed in a timely manner with the highest possible accuracy to ensure both speed and quality of the trial. Phlexglobal streamlined processes to ensure documents would be processed as quickly as possible without impacting quality, processing hundreds of documents in the first week. By using electronic signature workflows and taking ownership of metadata requirements, Phlexglobal reduced indexing and quality check timelines to less than 24 hours, increasing the availability of the documents by more than 60%.One of the world's leading pharma companies with a Trial Master File processing facility inexperienced a government-mandated closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As documents continued to be produced worldwide, the Company faced a serious backlog risk with hundreds of documents remaining unprocessed every day the office was closed. Phlexglobal mobilized a team of in house specialists and utilized technology to support the Company's document processing needs. Phlexglobal processed nearly 10,000 documents in record time, preventing a major backlog that would have slowed trial operations and delayed submission at trial close.Phlexglobal has been able to provide seamless support by taking extensive measures to maintain business continuity in support of drug development while ensuring the safety of its employees. The company's global offices have shifted to a hybrid operational model whereby employees are working remotely. Phlexglobal'soffice, located 30 miles outside, has been granted "Essential Business" status by the commonwealth ofwhich allows the company to open its office as needed for high-volume paper scanning projects. This model also facilitates the company's ability to provide trial continuity services to pharmaceutical company's facing facility closures.Phlexglobal's speed in adapting to pandemic conditions, combined with its innovative technologies and deep clinical and regulatory expertise, make it a crucial partner in COVID-19 drug development as well as ongoing clinical trials. Companies engaged in drug development should contact Phlexglobal at phlexglobal.com/contact for immediate regulatory and clinical support.SOURCE Phlexglobal Mr Peter Boamah Otukunor, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC said the we will kill each other comment made by the National Chairman of the Peoples National Convention (PNC), Mr Bernard Mornah was a conditional statement. He told Accra100.5FMs Richard Appah Sarpong in an interview on Wednesday, 3 June 2020 that Mr Mornah was reacting to comments made by a Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) would attack and beat people up at the voter registration centres of the Electoral Commission. Nana Obiri Boahen said they will beat people and Bernard Mornah said if its so, then we will also beat and Kill people, so, his comments were conditional, Otukunor said. Mr Mornah was granted bail by the CID on Tuesday, 2 June 2020 after honouring their invitation. He told the media after he was granted bail that he still stands by his words. We shall not allow our freedoms in any form to be trampled by any person. President Nana Akufo-Addo cannot stifle the freedoms that we are granted by the Constitution. Those freedoms include the freedom to speak and we will speak. We will dare them and we will speak the truth because, at all point in time, we must correct the ills in our society which if we dont correct, has the potential of eroding the peace and stability of our nation, he said. ---classfmonline live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More A monthly payslip of Rs 7.5 lakh can buy a lot of luxuries. Hirendra Barua, a Senior Captain at a low-cost airline in the country, had all that. A BMW car, flat in a posh colony in Mumbai and business class tickets for family on international holidays. But in May, Barua got a shock when the airline said it was restructuring his salary. Now he would get a gross monthly salary of Rs 1.25 lakh, which could increase as much as his earlier pay, but it depended on the flying hours. "Though the airline had resumed services after May 25, when domestic flights re-started across the country, I have flown only one day till now. I don't see myself flying more than 30 to 40 hours a month," says Barua ruefully. The lower flying time, as compared to 70 hours earlier, would mean that the senior pilot's pay could come down to as low as Rs 2.6 lakh a month. That, says Barua, would be barely enough to meet the EMI payments on the loans he has taken. Though he has savings that will be enough to meet monthly expenses till the end of the year, the aviator wonders if the aviation sector will bounce back by then. Across airlines, senior pilots like Barua, have seen a dramatic cut in their pay scales. While those in IndiGo, the largest airline in the country, may see a trim of about 40 percent, their counterparts in GoAir have had to suffer a heavier cut of 65 percent. Not that others have been spared. Pilots who had moved companies recently, are facing a tough time. And many of these are from Jet Airways, which had suspended operations in April 2019. Many of these pilots, who were undergoing training, have seen their job terms getting tweaked, resulting in lower pays and allowances. For instance, at IndiGo, these pilots will see a cut of 50 percent in their salaries and a drastic reduction in flying hours. "I know of Jet Airways pilots who had joined airlines in the Philippines, South Korea and Turkey. All of them have either been terminated from their jobs, or sent on leave without pay," says a senior pilot who himself was earlier flying for the Naresh Goyal-founded carrier. "Worse is that the pilots are stuck in these countries because of travel restrictions, and can't even get back home," he added. While these were the experienced aviators who are undergoing training, there are also new recruits who had joined fresh from flying schools. For these young pilots the disruption caused by COVID-19 is especially bad because most of them would have taken loans to pay for the high fees at flying schools. The fee, industry executives point out, range from Rs 35 to Rs 50 lakh. "While they need jobs make up for that, many even have to pay further to land a job at an airline," says a senior executive from the industry. "The new recruits have to pay Rs 35 lakh to land a job at an airline. The airlines charge this to cover training costs," says a pilot, who didn't want to be named. This was not so till the 2008 meltdown. "Before 2008, the company would pay for all the costs, and in return the recruits would sign a bound of three to five years. Not anymore," adds another senior pilot. Remaining jobless, for a long time, is a prospect that many pilots in the industry have to contend with. "I am not an expert but it may take a few years for aviation to get back to current strength. Isn't it?" asks a worried pilot. It's not that pilots in the industry haven't faced uncertain times before. Through the years, every time an airline went bust, hundreds of pilots would be in the market looking for jobs. Jet Airways, which continues to search for a new buyer, had 1,600 pilots on its rolls. But pilots remained a prized possession for airlines, many of whom have been fast expanding their fleet in the last few years. IndiGo was adding one aircraft a week. Each aircraft, depending on its type and the operations of the airline, needs anywhere between three to 10 pilots. COVID-19 though has not just grounded most of these aircraft, but has also disrupted the plans of all airlines. Though the carriers have resumed operations from May 25 - after being off air for two months, all of them are on a truncated schedule. IndiGo, which has the largest fleet, has said that it's operating at 20 percent of its summer schedule. It plans to ramp this up to 30 percent, and then up to 60 percent in the coming quarters. But there is no clear timeline. This means a large proportion of the 650 commercial aircraft that India has will remain on the ground for the foreseeable future. Aviation advisory firm CAPA India has said about 250 planes will be surplus. This eventually means, a lot of pilots will also remain surplus. It's market forces at play, Shakti Lumba, an aviation veteran and former Executive Director, Airline Operations (Alliance Air), and Vice President, Ops (IndiGo), told Moneycontrol in an earlier interaction, on salary cuts. "Market forces decide everything. Earlier, when demand exceeded supply, it resulted in unreasonably sky high salaries for pilots. Now the same market forces are effecting aviation adversely, including supply of pilots outstripping demand, resulting in salaries reducing to more reasonable levels," he said. "Besides pilots, all employment in aviation sector related to market supply and demand will see downward trend in salaries," Lumba added. CAPA India has said that 30 percent of aviation jobs in the country will become redundant. A pay cut is an unkind act and can evoke a varied amount of emotion, from sadness to anger. A pay cut of over 65 percent, not surprisingly, can result in dissent and revolt. Industry has been abuzz with instances of pilots not reporting to duty as a sign of protest. "It's as much about the steep pay cuts, as it is to also work in risky environment," says a senior pilot. Reports say at least five pilots in Air India have tested positive for COVID-19. Emotions are frayed. More so, for pilots in some airlines, says a senior industry executive. "Pilots in some airlines are kept well informed about their salary and operational info. So the stress and anxiety levels are manageable. But in some other airlines, the story is different. Management hasnt handled this well. There is no clear information on salaries, past dues, full resumption of operations and the changing salary structure," he adds. Not surprisingly for such a situation, even getting a salary becomes a topic of social media chatter. Unfortunately, none knows how long this uncertainty will last. A pilot in GoAir, says a report in The Times of India, shot off an angry letter to the management after salaries were revised. "This betrayal will be remembered...trust, transparency no longer exists," said the letter. The European Union has banned all seven airlines registered in Armenia from carrying out regular flights to EU member states, saying that they do not meet international safety standards. The EUs executive body, the European Commission, announced on Tuesday that it decided to blacklist them after assessing the countrys safety oversight capabilities. In a statement, it said the decision followed hearings of representatives of the Armenian government and six Armenian carriers. The decision to include the Armenian carriers on the EU Air Safety List has been made based on the unanimous opinion delivered by the Air Safety Committee, the statement quoted EU Commissioner for Transport Adina Valean as saying. The Commission, with the assistance of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, stands ready to cooperate and invest in Armenia to improve its aviation safety. The Armenian governments Civil Aviation Committee downplayed the ban, arguing that only one local airline, Aircompany Armenia, flies to Europe and the French city of Lyon in particular. Its not that Armenian airlines had occupied the European [aviation] market and their passengers will acutely feel [the impact of the ban,] a senior committee official, Stepan Payaslian, told RFE/RLs Armenian service on Wednesday. Aircompany Armenia refused to comment on the EU sanction. We will officially address this topic later on, after the end of the [coronavirus-related] state of emergency in the country, said its deputy executive director, Gevorg Khachatrian. The company was allowed to carry out a Yerevan-Lyon charter flight on Tuesday in order to evacuate Armenian citizens stranded in Europe because of the coronavirus pandemic. The EUs Aviation Safety Agency is understood to have recommended the ban last November because of what it views as the Armenian Civil Aviation Committees failure to ensure adequate oversight and licensing of the domestic airlines. The move sparked bitter recriminations between the Armenian government and its political opponents. The latter seized upon it to accuse the government of incompetence and mismanagement. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian dismissed the accusations and put the blame on the countrys former leadership, saying that it had for years failed to properly regulate the aviation sector. Still, Pashinian sacked in January one of his advisers who dealt with the sector. Pashinian and the head of the Civil Aviation Committee, Tatevik Revazian, discussed the European Commissions decision during a video conference held on Wednesday. According to a government statement, Revazian assured him that her agency is taking serious measures to address the EU concerns about flight safety. She also said that the EU will not lift the ban before November 2022. With a Taliban takeover, what is the JeM demanding in Afghanistan What does the meeting between Taliban and Jaish-e-Mohammad mean for India Top Jaish-e-Mohammad bomb maker, Fauji Bhai shot dead by security forces India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 03: A top bomb maker of the Jaish-e-Mohammad was among the three terrorists killed in an encounter today at Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. A top bomb maker for the JeM, the slain terrorist has been identified as Fauji Bhai. Police sources tell OneIndia that he was linked to the recent car bomb, which had been intercepted in the Valley last week. The security forces launched a cordon and search operation following inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. Police officials said that the search operation turned into an encounter as the terrorists opened fire at the security personnel. 3 Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists gunned down in Valley It may be recalled that last week, the car from which the Jammu and Kashmir police recovered explosives and thwarted a Pulwama type attack belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen operative Hidayatullah Malik. He is a resident of Sharatpora in Shopian and had joined the outfit in 2019. Malik is an active member of the outfit, police sources tell OneIndia. We are still ascertaining, who these terrorists were trying to target, the source also said. Based on the analysis the police say that the car was laden with 40 kilograms of explosives. The explosives were placed in a drum on the rear seat of the car. Security forces recovered an IED from a Santro car. The same has been diffused by the bomb disposal squad of the army and police at Avindgund, Rajpora in south Kashmir. After searching the vehicle, a joint team of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF and Pulwama police recovered the IED. The action was taken based on concrete intelligence that was provided 4 days back. The IGP of Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that a major incident of a vehicle borne IED blast has been averted by the timely input and action by the Pulwama polices CRPF and Army. The vehicle bore the number JK08, B1426. This is reportedly the number of a scooter, sources also said. Had the car managed to get away, it was would have been a catastrophe. So many lives would have been lost. It is thanks to pin-pointed intelligence that we were able to intercept the vehicle. An Intelligence Bureau official explained that they had picked up chatter earlier this week. It was clear that the JeM was planning something very big in the Valley. The intelligence was found to be Grade A in nature and hence the operation was so precise, the officer further explained. While there were clear inputs about a major terror attack there was no specific information on which route the driver would take. The police, Army and the CRPF formed separate teams, spread out and covered all possible routes. When the car was first spotted, the security forces opened fire. The driver/terrorist stopped the car and fled from the spot. Grade A intel, seamless coordination: How Forces thwarted JeMs attempt of another Pulwama strike Kashmir's police officer Rayees Mohammad Bhat said, 'this is such great work. Imagine if this had led to loss of lives, he said on Twitter. The Kashmir police said in a tweet that a major incident of a vehicle borne IED blast is averted by the timely inputs and action by the Pulwama Police, CRPF and Army. Mamata urges Centre for one-time financial assistance for migrant labourers | Oneindia News It may be recalled that last week, the police was attacked by terrorists in Pulwama. Two jawans were injured in the attack. The terrorists had opened fire when the security personnel were patrolling the area. New Delhi, Jun 3 (UNI) Expressing strong concern over vandalism, defacement and destruction of Buddhist archaeological sites in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir, India on Wednesday said that its a matter of grave concern that the Buddhist symbols are being destroyed, the religious, cultural rights and freedoms are being trampled with impunity in the Indian territories under illegal occupation of Pakistan. We have conveyed our strong concern at reports of vandalism, defacement and destruction of invaluable Indian Buddhist heritage located in so called Gilgit-Baltistan area of the Indian territory under illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a statement. Egregious activities of this nature which display contempt for the ancient civilizational and cultural heritage are highly condemnable, he added. We have sought immediate access for our experts to the area in order to restore and preserve this invaluable archaeological heritage, the spokesperson said. India also asked Pakistan to vacate all the areas illegally occupied by them. We have once again called upon Pakistan to immediately vacate all illegally occupied territories and end gross violation of political, economic and cultural rights of people living there, he said. Fundamentalists and miscreants backed by Pakistan Army had vandalised the archaeologically precious and ancient Buddhist rock carvings by painting slogans on treasure in the Gilgit Baltistan area that is illegally occupied by Pakistan. The outrageous action has come on the lines of destruction of the carved statue of Buddha by the Taliban in Bamyan valley of Afghanistan in 2001. Slogans and Pakistani flags have been painted fresh on the 800 AD Buddhist rock carvings. UNI ASH SHK1923 A Mexican senator was caught getting topless on a government Zoom conference unaware that her camera was on. 66-year-old senator Martha Lucia Micher started getting changed during a May 29 meeting with members of the National Regeneration Movement political party, the Bank of Mexico, and journalists. Screenshots from the meeting originally meant to discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic were leaked by an unknown attendee. Sen. Micher apologised for the incident after it did the rounds on social media and she was mercilessly trolled by creeps and perverts. The senator took a strong stance against the bullying and came out swinging, saying she is proud of her body and refuses to be objectified. She said: I am Malu Micher, and I am not ashamed to have shown part of my intimacy by accident, because it is exactly the notion that a woman is just her body that has allowed and fomented the objectification of women against which I have always fought. I am a woman of 66 years of age who has breastfed four children, three of whom are today professional and responsible men, and I feel proud of my body for having nourished them. I am a woman who has fought for the left for almost 40 years and who has occupied various public roles in my fervent commitment for the defence of human rights, I am a woman who is not ashamed of her body, I love it and I take care of it. Many of her colleagues and fellow politicians have come out to show solidarity with the senator. Fellow senator Ricardo Monreal Avila wrote: In view of the attacks against her, a product of a mishap during a virtual meeting, we endorse our fellowship. Morals and integrity will always be stronger than infamy and assaults. Another senator, Maria Elena Morena posted: The rubbish stinks in the senate and on social media. Our political and party differences should have limits. Fellow party member Martha Tagle wrote: I will investigate and sanction those responsible for taking and leaking these photos. The violence to which you were subjected cannot go unpunished. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates [June 03, 2020] ForgeRock Consumer Identity Breach Report: U.S. Breaches Cost Over $1.8 Trillion; More Than 7.8 Billion Records Exposed Over Last Two Years SAN FRANCISCO, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ForgeRock , the leading provider in digital identity, today announced findings from its ForgeRock Consumer Identity Breach Report, including that cybercriminals exposed more than 5 billion records in 2019, costing over $1.2 trillion to U.S. organizations. Coupled with the 2.8 billion records that were exposed in 2018 costing more than $654 billion, breaches over the last two years have cost U.S. organizations over $1.8 trillion. Key takeaways from the report include: Breaches have increased dramatically, both in actual numbers and costs No industry is safe: Healthcare was the most targeted industry in 2019, accounting for 382 breaches and costing over $2.45 billion. Technology firms had the highest number of records compromised from breaches with over 1.37 billion exposed Unauthorized access was the most common attack vector used in 2019, responsible for 40% of breaches, followed by ransomware and malware at 15% and phishing at 14% Identity and Access Management technologies hold the key for protecting businesses and consumers When it comes to data breaches, were seeing the biggest cybersecurity problem continues to be an identity problem, said Eve Maler, CTO, ForgeRock. The Consumer Identity Breach Reports findings demonstrate that enterprises need to increase their identity and access management maturity. The secret is democratizing data control so organizations can allow known users to hop onto authentication express lanes for a great experience, entrusting them with convenient consent options, and make bad actors jump through extra hoops to help prevent fraud. Consistent with the 2018 Consumer Breach Report , personally identifiable information (PII) remained the most targeted data by attackers and was exposed in 98% of 2019 breaches, up from 97% in 2018. Unauthorized access was the most common attack vector used in 2019, responsible for 40% ofbreaches, followed by ransomware and malware at 15% and phishing at 14%. By targeting PII and leveraging unauthorized access, cybercriminals highlight how weaknesses in enterprises identity and access management (IAM) practices increasingly allow for greater volumes and more sensitive types of data to be pilfered. In fact, social security numbers (SSNs) were the most targeted type of data compromised as they were exposed in 384 breaches in 2019. Key findings: Following healthcare, the banking/insurance/financial industry was the second most targeted in 2019, accounting for 12% of all breaches. This is followed by education (7%), government (5%) and retail (5%). Social security numbers and date of birth details were the most targeted data - accounting for 37% of breached information, yet this is down from 54% in 2018. Name and addresses (18%) and personal health information (17%) were the second and third most breached data types, respectively. Medical records are the most sought-after type of PII in Q1 2020, accounting for 25% of all exposed data. Click here to download the 2020 ForgeRock Consumer Identity Breach Report and learn more about using IAM to protect consumer data. Methodology ForgeRock evaluated U.S. electronic data breaches affecting consumers that were reported between January 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. Only breaches with a known number of consumers or records were incorporated in the report. The breaches were further categorized by industry, type of data breached and type of attack. About ForgeRock ForgeRock, the leader in digital identity, delivers modern and comprehensive Identity and Access Management solutions for consumers, employees and things to simply and safely access the connected world. Using ForgeRock, more than a thousand global customer organizations orchestrate, manage, and secure the complete lifecycle of identities from dynamic access controls, governance, APIs, and storing authoritative data consumable in any cloud or hybrid environment. The company is privately held, and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with offices around the world. For more information and free downloads, visit www.forgerock.com or follow ForgeRock on social media: Facebook ForgeRock |Twitter @ForgeRock | LinkedIn ForgeRock | Press Contact: Kathleen See 10Fold for ForgeRock [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Just like the rest of us, Queen Elizabeth II also enjoys some personal hobbies and interests that she does during her free time. But due to the coronavirus lockdown restriction during the past few months, some of these hobbies were put on hold. But as the United Kingdom relaxes its lockdown restrictions, the 94-year-old monarch was able to enjoy one of her favorite hobbies and even received a special coronation anniversary gift along with it. After almost three months on lockdown, on Monday, the U.K. already allowed conducting horseracing competition. One of the horses in action during the opening game was Her Majesty's 3-year-old horse named "First Receiver." On Tuesday afternoon, First Receiver joined the horseracing comeback at Kempton course in Surrey, southwest of London, and won after coming in first. The Queen was surely delighted as the victory also serves as a gift for her coronation anniversary. Queen Elizabeth II just marked the 67th anniversary of her coronation, which happened on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey in London. Queen Elizabeth's Love For Horse Even at the age of 94, Her Majesty still enjoys riding during her free time. Since she is in isolation at Windsor Castle with her 98-year-old husband Prince Philip, the Queen has been spending time with her horses frequently. "She loves to be out walking her dogs and still riding her horses regularly," a source told People. On Sunday, she was spotted spending some morning ride with her 14-year-old horse, Fern. Queen Elizabeth IIwas all smiles and seemed to enjoy the much-needed time with her horse. "The way of life in the country gives back so much, especially if you love animals as she does," the source added. Special Month Of June Aside from her coronation anniversary, June is quite a special month for Queen Elizabeth II. During this time of the year, she usually attends the Royal Ascot race with the rest of the royal family and close friends. The said event often takes place for a week in mid-June. This year, the Queen's favorite horseracing event may no longer be a public event, but it may likely take place behind closed doors due to coronavirus threats. "For public health and safety reasons, we have reached the difficult but unavoidable conclusion that Royal Ascot 2020 will not be able to take place as an event open to the public," a statement in the official Ascot website read. Meanwhile, on June 10, Prince Philip will be celebrating his 99th birthday. The Duke of Edinburgh officially retired from royal duties in August 2017 at the age of 96. Since then, he has been enoying most of his retirement time in the Queen's Sandringham Estate at Wood Farm and Windsor Castle. Throughout his royal career starting in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II's husband has completed 22,219 solo engagement. Prince Philip was last seen in a public event in May 2019 when he attended the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston at St. George Chapel in Windsor. - Michael Gregor, a scientist and a physician in his new book how to survive a pandemic, said the bird flu could kill one in two people ending modern civilisation in the process - The scientist laid the blame on chickens stating it was never a matter of if, but when the hurricane of all epidemics would strike and it would be 100 times more catastrophic - He cited the 1918 Spanish flu which killed over 50 million people and the H5N1 outbreak in Hong Kong in 1997 Even before the coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 377,000 people worldwide ends, scientists have warned of another flu that could wipe out half of the human population. Michael Gregor, a scientist and a physician in his new book how to survive a pandemic, said the bird flu could kill one in two people ending modern civilisation in the process. READ ALSO: Tuko dry spell: Size 8 complains DJ Mo too busy to satisfy her bedroom needs The scientists advised the human race to stop eating chicken and ducks. Photo: Roysfarm. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Uasin Gishu Senator Margaret Kamar sworn in as Senate deputy speaker The scientist laid the blame on chickens stating it was never a matter of if, but when the hurricane of all epidemics would strike and it would be 100 times more catastrophic. In the hurricane scale of epidemics, COVID-19, with a death rate of around half of one percent, rates a measly category two, possibly a three...the big one, the typhoon to end all typhoons, will be 100 times worse when it comes, a category five producing a fatality rate of one in two...civilisation as we know it would cease," said Gregor. The novel coronavirus which is yet to end has already infected over 6.3 million people and killed over 377,000 others. Photo: CDC. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Duale amshukuru Rais kwa kutomtimua katika nafasi ya kiongozi wa wengi bungeni He cited the 1918 Spanish flu which killed over 50 million people and the H5N1 outbreak in Hong Kong in 1997. The worry is that the virus never stands still but is always mutating. This is the monster lurking in the undergrowth, the one that makes epidemiologists shudder," he said. The Hong Kong outbreak led to the death of six people out of 18 who contracted the disease but more than 1.3 million chicken were killed to contain it. But what can be done to prevent bird flu with over 24 billion chickens feeding the world? "We have to change the entire system away from large scale farms where chickens are fed antibiotics and are crammed together and pass diseases from one to another easily to smaller, free-range farms and eventually not eating chickens or ducks at all," The pandemic cycle could theoretically be broken for good. Bird flu could be grounded. But until then, as long as there is poultry, there will be pandemics. In the end, it may be us or them," he wrote. 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. Why I beat my own mother- Lucy Nyawira | Tuko Talks | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke - Imwatok was booked at Central Police Station after he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm - He will be arraigned Thursday, June 4, to answer to the charges - The minority leader is likely to face charges of possing a major and high risk to the public Nairobi county Assembly Minority Whip Peter Imwatok has been arrested for alleged possession of a firearm illegally. Imwatok was apprehended by sleuths from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 3, 2020. READ ALSO: Migori: Man accuses police of driving off with his car leaving him stranded Imwatok (speaking) was arrested for illegal possession of a gun. Photo: TUKO.co.ke. Source: Original READ ALSO: Uhuru, Raila captured on camera driving in Nairobi CBD at night Sources at Central Police Station Nairobi indicated he was arrested and booked at the station for interrogation before being transferred to Industrial Area. "The MCA, according to reports we have, has been handling illegal firearm which he has not registered with the government, so he will be arraigned on Thursday, "the senior officer said. READ ALSO: HIV activist Phenny Awiti narrates moment she discovered she was positive: "I felt like billboards were screaming at me" He will be arraigned and answer to charges of posing a danger to the public. Photo: Daily Nation. Source: UGC He is likely to face charges of posing a major and high risk to the public. Possessing a gun without due licencing is a crime in Kenya but it is not clear whether he had obtained a license for his firearm. He will be arraigned in court Thursday, June 4, to answer to the charges. MCAs including Beatrice Elachi recently claimed their lives were in danger. Photo: Beatrice Elachi. Source: UGC The arrest came barely two days after a section of Nairobi Members of County Assembly (MCAs) including speaker Beatrice Elachi claimed their lives were in danger. The ward reps and the Speaker said cartels in some powerful government offices wanted them dead because they were perceived as a threat to their "illegal dealings". In a joint press statement on Saturday, May 30, read by Imwatok, the leaders claimed the people who wanted to assassinate them were at the heart of power including the head of presidential delivery unit Nzioka Waita. City Hall buildings. The MCAs said senior government officials wanted them dead. Photo: Daily Nation. Source: UGC "These people include; former solicitor general Njee Muturi, Nzioka Waita the Chief of Staff at State House, Ken Ogeto the solicitor general, Peter Kariuki and G.K Kariuki," read the statement in part. TUKO.co.ke understands that the MCA is not new to gun drama as on September 12, 2019, he was again arraigned after his loaded firearm was found in a public toilet. In the case that was reported at Industrial Area Police Station, the pistol was found by a member of the public in the toilets at the Galitos Oil Libya Petro Station at the junction of Enterprise Road and Lusaka Road in Nairobi. Police officers who were on patrol in the area rushed to the crime scene and revealed that the Ceska Pistol was loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. 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 son has breasts and he is ashamed of himself - Lilian Alango | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke Deliveries have been impacted by protests. Alex Gallardo/Reuters Protests across the US are causing delays and disruptions in deliveries of packages and food. Amazon said it has "adjusted routes or scaled back typical delivery operations to ensure the safety of our teams." FedEx said some vehicles and facilities have been vandalized and the company is continuing to operate only in areas deemed safe. Uber said it suspended rides and UberEats operations in certain cities over the weekend at the request of local officials. Postmates and DoorDash said they are abiding by curfews across the country. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Widespread protests are impacting food and package deliveries across the US. Delivery companies are re-routing drivers around protests, cutting off deliveries after local curfews, and scaling back operations in response to the protests. The changes are expected to cause package delays where protests are ongoing and curfews are imposed. "We are monitoring the situation closely and in a handful of cities we've adjusted routes or scaled back typical delivery operations to ensure the safety of our teams," said Amazon spokesperson Lena Runak. A message sent to Miami-based Amazon Flex drivers, who deliver Amazon packages in their own vehicles, said drivers should "stop immediately and return home" if they are delivering packages after the city's 10 p.m. curfew. The message also said Amazon closed some facilities and said drivers would be re-routed "to ensure that routes you take for deliveries are safe." A FedEx spokesperson said some vehicles and facilities, including some FedEx Office stores, have been vandalized. "We are reaching out directly to customers whose shipments are affected, and working with local law enforcement in those areas as we assess the damage," the spokesperson told Business Insider. "FedEx continues to operate in areas where we are able to do so safely. We are taking the proper precautions to help ensure team members stay safe, and have contingency plans in place to lessen any possible impact on service." Story continues In St. Louis, Missouri, a man was hit and killed by a FedEx truck that was caught in the midst of protests, NBC News reported. The incident reveals the potential danger of continuing to operations during widespread demonstrations. UPS has also taken extra measures in certain locations around the US. "We are saddened to see that violence has impacted numerous cities and communities. UPS service continues, with the exception of some The UPS Store locations that will remain closed as we work with authorities. We cannot comment further while ongoing investigations are underway," the company told Business Insider in a statement. Curfews and protests curb high-demand food deliveries Demand has surged amid the pandemic for food delivery services such as UberEats and GrubHub. But some delivery services are now limiting operations as officials in cities across the US implement curfews some as early as 5 p.m. to try and inhibit evening protests. Uber said it suspended rides and UberEats operations in certain cities over the weekend at the request of local officials. "Our teams on the ground are working closely with each individual city to best support them based on their needs and the local situation," an Uber spokesperson said. "Some cities have requested that we suspend operations completely while others want to ensure Uber is available for essential services. We're also using the Uber app to educate riders and drivers about city curfews and remind them Uber should be used for emergency purposes only during this time." Postmates, which delivers food, groceries, alcohol, and more, said it is abiding by curfew orders. "While we respect the right to organize and make voices heard, trust and safety of our fleet, our merchants, and our customers are of paramount priority," a spokesperson said. "We're adhering to curfew orders around the country and are working directly with Mayoral administrations to balance our essential services designations with the curfew orders as each municipality has a distinct approach." A spokesperson for DoorDash, another food delivery company, said, "DoorDash is abiding by curfews across the country, and pausing operations as updates are made available." Some curfew measures have made exceptions for people to operate local businesses or obtain food, but didn't specifically address food delivery services, which spurred some confusion about whether deliveries could continue. Even in areas where delivery services appeared to be operating, some customers reported finding few restaurants in operation. Read the original article on Business Insider WATERLOO Online learning isnt scaring off a few graduates of Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate from attending university in the fall. They are still planning to go to school in September, even if coronavirus has completely transformed their expectations for first year. It will definitely be different and its not the same as in person, said Charlie Reist, 18, who graduated from KCI. But the Waterloo teen, who will be taking courses at both local universities in a combined math and business degree, said he wouldnt miss it. Im a bit nervous but overall excited, he said. The COVID-19 pandemic has universities and colleges scrambling to move their courses online so students will still want to attend school this fall, rather than choose a gap year and postpone their first year in higher education until 2021. Najella Attiqi will be enrolled in the business administration program at Wilfrid Laurier University in September. The 17-year-old KCI graduate says most of her friends are going to Laurier or the University of Waterloo. They are not delaying their education. We will have to adapt differently, she said. We have to go through this positively. Justine Hodson, a competitive pole vaulter, got accepted into the University of British Columbia but is deferring her offer of admission until 2021. That was always her plan, even before COVID-19 struck. The KCI teen wanted to spend more time honing her pole vaulting skills at a club in Bolton and travel in Europe for three months. But those plans are on hold, she said. She cant practise now, and travelling abroad feels like a distant dream. When emergency orders were instated by the provincial government and schools were closed and most people told to work from home, Hodson thought school would resume a couple weeks after March break. I was in denial for the first month, she said. As the pandemic enters its third month, Hodson says it now feels real. She feels sorry for her peers who are going off to school from their home laptop. I feel awful for all my friends going to school in the fall, she said. The worst part is (not) meeting new people. Its the first time you get to come into your own and find out who you are, she said. It feels like it is being stolen. But Hodson said she feels guilty complaining about missing out on first-year experiences when people continue to die of coronavirus. We cant blink and everything will be back to normal, she said. Monday was the deadline for students to confirm their acceptance of admission. At UW, 8,816 students accepted their admission offer. Laurier isnt releasing its numbers until Thursday. We are encouraged by the numbers we are seeing but we really dont know what it means for our fall enrolment, said UW associate registrar Andre Jardin. The challenge this year is that the behaviours and commitments are nearly impossible to predict because of COVID-19. Both schools say their preliminary numbers could be lower by September if students opt out of attending university remotely and postpone their education. We have a wild variable with the pandemic. Im confident they are going to come, said Jennifer Casey, assistant vice-president, enrolment services and registrar at Laurier. We know what we would like but we cant predict results. At Laurier, most students who apply to the school do attend. Last year, first-year admission was almost 5,000 students. The schools deferral rate is low at about two per cent, Casey said. At UW, about 200 students deferred their education last year. In 2019, first-year accepted offers of admission amounted to 7,454. A pandemic can change plans, Casey admits. Because of COVID-19, the school is now allowing students to defer their studies until January. UW has also added the January deferred date. We are trying to provide as many options as possible, she said. The final deadline to defer fall studies is Aug. 1. Casey said the university wants to see its students enrol and not postpone their studies. We are trying to create an authentic experience. That is very important to us at Laurier, she said. Since the pandemic began, Laurier has held about 40 webinars with faculty and students to keep everyone informed. In one seminar, 1,000 students were on the call. We have spent an enormous amount of time connecting with students particularly focused on outreach, she said. As a mother of three, one of whom is about to go to university, Casey said she can empathize with the emotions students and parents are feeling about their university studies during a pandemic. The delivery is different but we are trying to do everything we can to maintain the experience, she said. Casey said in addition to academics, a student support hub Laurier 101 will offer online workshops on time management, learning strategies, mock lectures and mental health supports. UW is also offering a virtual student portal, including campus wellness and student clubs online. Other remote activities at Laurier include online welcome parties, online karaoke and bingo games. The socialization piece is a huge part of Laurier, she said. We are taking a holistic approach. Read more about: Police in Los Angeles arrested local people who were protecting another business from looters: Fox 11 Police arrested black business owners and good Samaritans who were defending a neighbouring store from alleged looters, despite a reporters pleas. The arrest was broadcast live on Fox 11 as reporter Christina Gonzalez described the situation unfolding on the street outside a Van Nuys, Los Angeles, liquor store on Monday. Monet, a local black woman, had been challenging the alleged looters before she flagged down police. But when the officers arrived at the scene, one turned his gun towards the business owners and Monet. Ms Gonzales, who was watching from the sidelines, shouted: No, no, theyre fine. Oh no. The live camera turned to watch more police officers chase down the alleged looters, before Monet and other black community members were then arrested and hand-cuffed as Ms Gonzales tried to explain that they had been protecting the store. It began when armed businesses owners and community members confronted alleged looters who had assembled outside a gold store on the same street. Theyre having a stand-off here, arguing about why they arent being allowed to break in to the place, Ms Gonzalez said as the confrontation between the group and the armed businesses owners began. Monet told the looters: Were not doing that. Were not tearing up anything over here. I was handcuffed, thrown up against a wall with my husband and brother-in-law, and Im like, What the hell? Monet later told Fox 11. The news people are here and telling you its not her, shes trying to stop the situation. Monet, who was later released along with other community members, added that she did not want to see destruction amid the protests against George Floyds death. She told Fox 11: I understand the protest. I understand what this is about. I get it. I understand that Im fighting for the same protest, but we dont want people from other cities to come and tear [apart] where we live because we have to rebuild this. We did this once before. I understand the anger. Read more Minnesota governor mobilises National Guard Mayor Jim Kenney ordered the Frank Rizzo statue removed after protesters tried to pull it down on Saturday. Read more For nearly three years, Mayor Jim Kenney had used a talk-fast, move-slow approach to removing the divisive Frank Rizzo statue. The statue long presented a political minefield for Kenney, who ran for mayor with a coalition that included support from white voters in his native South Philadelphia who adore Rizzo, from members of the African American political powerhouse Northwest Coalition, and from progressives who saw the statue as a monument to racism. But not until widespread unrest over the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer engulfed Philadelphia, and then in Wednesdays early morning darkness, did a crane hoist the waving, 10-foot, 2,000-pound bronze Rizzo off its pedestal outside the Municipal Services Building on Kenneys orders. READ MORE: Heres live coverage of whats happening June 3 The removal came after years of delays that led activists to question whether Kenney, who in his early political career espoused tough-on-crime positions that would have sat well with Rizzo, was truly invested in removing the statue. As recently as Sunday, after demonstrators defaced and tried to pull down the statue during the unrest over Floyds death, Kenney said the removal couldnt happen right away because doing so would disrupt the public services offices in the basement of the Municipal Services Building below. Previously, his administration said the removal had to be delayed to allow the Art Commission to weigh in and to find a new, less visible home for the statue. Councilmember Helen Gym, who called on Kenney to remove the statue in 2017, said the mayors decision this week in light of the protests shows the power of collective action. It turned out that it wasnt actually necessary to have an Art Commission review, to debate about where it has to go, to debate about how much it was going to cost to do the removal," Gym said in an interview. It takes a powerful force to change institutions and to make something become a priority, and thats some of what we saw in the past few weeks. Not everyone will be happy In August 2016, after Black Lives Matter protesters hung a Ku Klux Klan hood on the statues head and a petition started calling for the statues removal, Kenney said he would consider moving it. Dialogue wont be started and finished over a few days and a few hundred signatures, Kenney said at the time. A year later, Gym called for the statue to be removed after white supremacists clashed with counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Va., over the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. READ MORE: From 2017: Who was Frank Rizzo? Nearly 30 years after his death, Philadelphians still dont agree. Kenney responded by saying Gyms request was a starting point for a discussion. The citys nine-member Art Commission had to receive a request to relocate public art, he noted, and then hold a hearing on the matter. The City Charter says those commissioners, appointed by the mayor, have authority over how city art is removed, relocated or altered in any way. At that point, Kenney predicted dissent about any outcome, saying, Not everyone will be happy, but everyone will be heard. By then, former Gov. Ed Rendell, who was mayor when the statue was installed on New Years Day 1999 after a Mummers Parade, said he had come to see it as a mistake. Kenneys administration solicited opinions about the statues fate, using a website to collect 3,601 responses in three weeks. They amounted to a mix of Rizzo defenders and detractors, some saying he was a strong mayor who deserved a statue and others painting him as a racist whose effigy should be dumped into the Delaware River. On a Friday in November 2017, the administration suddenly announced that the statue would be removed as part of a planned renovation of Paine Plaza. But it had not filed a formal request to the Art Commission, and no timeline was spelled out. Frank Rizzo Jr., a former City Council member, said his family received no notice from the city. Kenneys administration blamed that on internal miscommunication. After that, a year passed, and nothing happened publicly until the one-year anniversary of the Charlottesville protests and Gyms demand, when The Inquirer asked the mayor about the Rizzo statues removal. Of all the issues on my scale of important things to do, this is not even in the top 100, Kenney replied on Aug. 7, 2018. Kenney also said the statue would stand in place until at least 2020 or 2021, waiting for the Paine Plaza renovation to get started. The mayor attributed that to finances, saying it would cost the city an extra $200,000 to remove and store the statue ahead of the renovation. The decision to delay the removal pushed any action past Kenneys 2019 campaign for a second term. He said politics did not factor in the plans. READ MORE: Frank Rizzo statue removed from outside the Municipal Services Building in the middle of the night The Kenney administration issued a directive in November 2018 listing the reasons for removing public art, including if upon receiving significant and continuing protests against a public work of art, the mayor determines that it is in the best interest of the city. The policy also set a 90-day period of public input, as well as input from the artist and the donor of the artwork. The citys Art Commission then has the final say. But on Tuesday, Kenney simply bypassed the 2018 directive and ordered the statue taken down because of the unprecedented emergency circumstances. Kenneys evolution In 1991, a 32-year-old Jim Kenney was elected to City Council for the first time, and a 70-year-old Frank Rizzo died while running for mayor for the fourth time. Although Kenney may have been in no rush to remove what to many Philadelphians was a painful symbol of the harsh, racist tactics of Rizzo, who was police commissioner before becoming mayor, Kenney has said his thinking about law and order had evolved over the years. In a 1997 interview with The Inquirer, Kenney accused his colleagues of having a liberal agenda, asserted he was one of the only members of Council focused on making the city safer, and complained about limitations on the use of force by police officers. We now have discussions, ironically, about no longer allowing police officers to use pepper gas, he said. I mean, come on. You cant use flashlights, you cant use the clubs on the head, you cant shoot anybody. Whats next? Are we gonna hand them feather dusters? READ MORE: The moments that made Frank Rizzo Philly-famous Kenney also dismissed concerns that police crackdowns would threaten residents civil liberties: "Civil liberties? Were not protecting the rights of people who are working and paying their taxes and raising their children properly. They cant go out of their houses after sundown. How crazy is that?'' Kenney has since changed his tune, and in 2015 apologized for what he said was an incorrect philosophy as he ran for his first term as mayor. The paradigms of policing have certainly changed over 20 years ... and I regret making that comment. It doesnt represent me, he said. It doesnt represent my thinking or my work. As for Kenneys abrupt switch on how quickly to take down the statue, Councilmember Cindy Bass said the protesters deserve the credit. People have been saying for years now, Bring it down, and so to have it accelerated so quickly, its no coincidence," Bass said. He was really just responding to the call of the moment. But going forward, Bass said, Philadelphia needs to go beyond symbolic acts to address the reasons the statue caused so much pain for the African American community, as well as the reasons so many have risen up in protest. The statue being moved is a good thing, but what about the more immediate needs? Bass asked. That was a psychological need, but what about the life-sustaining needs that the community has, like a roof over their head and food in their mouths? There were no confirmed or suspected cases of Covid-19 in Portlaoise hospital by close of business on June 2, according to the latest official figures from the HSE. The Covid-19 Daily Operations Update Acute Hospitals is published daily by the HSE's performance management and improvement unit. The figures show that by 8 pm Tuesday there were no confirmed or suspected cases in the ICU or wards at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. However, the hospital remains busy. There were no empty critical care beds and just 12 unused beds in wards. Portlaoise is part of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which includes hospitals in Tullamore and Naas as well as Tallaght and St James's in Dublin. The report said there were 27 confirmed cases in Tallaght, four in St James's, four in Tullamore and three in Naas. A total of 165 patients confirmed as having Covid-19 were being treated in 29 Irish hospitals on June 2. Of these 36 were in ICU with 23 on ventilators. There were 19 suspected cases in critical care units with six ventilated. There were 768 empty general beds with 117 vacant care beds out of 384 open and staff critical care beds across the 29 hospital sites. MORE DETAILS HERE A new poll shows the race for the White House is far closer in Texas than past presidential contests and most Texans approve of the job Gov. Greg Abbott has been doing. President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are in a virtual dead heat according to the Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday. While 44 percent of the 1,166 self-identified registered voters picked Trump, 43 percent picked Biden. Seven percent said they did not know or did not answer while 6 percent said theyd vote for someone else or would not vote. "Too tight to tell in Texas, Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy said. Those results fall in line with four other polls released since the start of April that all showed Trump and Biden within 6 percentage points of one another in Texas. TRUMP V. BIDEN: Why 2020 presidential race in Texas will likely be closest in decades No Democrat has won Texas in a presidential race since Jimmy Carter in 1976. However, Democrats point to 2016 when Hillary Clinton came within 9 percentage points of Trump the closest a Democrat has come to winning Texas in two decades. And they point to 2018, when Democrat Beto ORourke came within 3 percentage points of beating U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and voter registrations surged as evidence the state is becoming a battleground. The new poll also showed that the coronavirus pandemic has not impacted the job approval ratings in Texas for Trump or Abbott, also a Republican who is in his second 4-year term. The poll showed 45 percent of Texans approved of the job Trump has been doing unchanged from a September Quinnipiac Poll. Meanwhile, 56 percent said they approved of how Abbott is handling his job, also unchanged from September. The poll quizzed Texans on their feelings on the response to the coronavirus. The results showed 49 percent say Abbott is going at about the right pace in lifting restrictions, while 38 percent said he is moving too quickly. Another 12 percent said he is not going fast enough. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Trump vs. Biden A new Quinnipiac University Poll showed the race between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden is a virtual dead heat in Texas. The poll was of 1,166 self-identifed Texas voters and was done from May 28 to June 1. It has a 2.9 percent margin of error. QUESTION: If the election for president were being held today, and the candidates were Joe Biden the Democrat and Donald Trump the Republican, for whom would you vote? RESULTS: Trump: 44 Biden: 43 Someone else: 3 Wouldn't vote: 3 Don't know/NA: 7 See More Collapse As for the concern of catching the virus, 20 percent of people said they were very worried about becoming seriously ill. Another 31 percent said they were somewhat worried. Another 24 percent said they were not that worried, while 23 percent said they were not worried at all. As for face coverings, 76 percent of people said they wear them in public, while 23 percent said they dont. The poll also showed 58 percent of people believe Texas should require people to wear masks in public, compared to 40 percent who said no. Those numbers varied greatly based on demographics. While 44 percent of white respondents said face coverings should be required, 84 percent of black respondents and 71 percent of Hispanic respondents said they should. The poll was conducted between May 28 and June 1 and has a margin of error of 2.9 percentage points. Coronavirus VS Tourism 112 Agency Coronavirus has divided a lot of processes into "before" and "after." This also affected the field of air travel, where before the pandemic you could buy tickets for the next flight in two clicks, and after that, you only have to cross your fingers in the hope of an early resumption of flights. Now the world is still uncertain, but it is starting to quit quarantine. Some countries even declared their readiness to open their air borders for tourists in the near future. Ukraines plans In accordance with the quarantine exit plan, Ukrainians will be able to use the airlines from June 15. However, as the Minister of Health Maxym Stepanov noted, after returning home you will have to be in self-isolation for 14 days. Summer vacation: on the balcony or abroad? Countries in which economies are highly dependent on foreign tourists are looking for ways to save the summer season. Let's start with Spain. Initially, the local press reported that this summer the country's resorts will be closed to tourists. Nevertheless, the Minister of Transport Jose Luis Abalos said that Spain seeks to open borders for tourists around the end of June after the country will be lifted quarantine restrictions in connection with coronavirus. "As soon as we, the Spaniards, can travel to other provinces, foreigners will be able to come to Spain. I hope that from the end of June we will begin tourist activities ..." said Jose Luis Abalos. As of now, Spain has already lifted the ban on direct flights from Italy. From June 3, Italy opens its borders to the European Union, the Schengen area, including Switzerland and Monaco tourists. For them, a two-week self-isolation after entering the country will not be mandatory. External European borders will remain closed until at least June 15th. The European Commission will decide to cancel or extend the lockdown in the middle of this month. It is known that Italy is developing a program to stimulate domestic tourism, which, among other things, will include partial compensation for vacation costs. According to the Minister of Health, domestic tourism will be allowed from June 3. Greece, which originally planned the start of the tourist season for July, will open its borders to foreign visitors from 29 countries from June 15. And Ukraine was not included in this list either. In particular, the entry will be allowed for residents of Albania, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, New Zealand, Northern Macedonia, Norway, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Switzerland, and Finland. Greek Reporter, referring to the words of the Minister of Tourism of Greece Haris Theoharis, writes that in the second wave (from July 1) this list is planned to be expanded by a number of countries, and in two weeks, that is, from July 15, another group of states will be added. Cyprus airports plan to resume operations from June 9, according to Xinhua. From this day, seaports will also open, which will be allowed to receive cruise ships. Catering establishments will be opened for tourists: customers will be allowed to sit both indoors and outdoors. But Ukrainians will be able to fly away on vacation to Turkey from July 1 of this year. The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country Mevlut Cavusoglu in a telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba noted that Turkey will create all the necessary conditions for a safe holiday for Ukrainian citizens in the summer. We add that from June 1 in Turkey domestic air traffic was restored: citizens will be able to travel from Istanbul to Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Trabzon. Georgia stated that it was ready to open its borders for regular international flights as early as July 1, and noted the need to resume flights with Ukraine as soon as possible. Ukrainian airlines have already appealed to the Georgian side with a statement of readiness to resume flights. Both sides are now actively working on this issue. Prince Harry will be familiar with the requirements of his new '7,000-a-day' personal security team thanks to his royal upbringing and military training, a celebrity bodyguard explained. Harry, 35, and Meghan Markle, 38, who are living at Hollywood tycoon Tyler Perry's mansion in Los Angeles with their son Archie, have enlisted the services of a firm also used by a slew of A-listers, including Jeff Bezos and Tom Hanks. The team watching the royals in LA is believed to have been handpicked by Gavin de Becker, 65 a former security chief for President Ronald Reagan. de Becker's team are thought to have already been employed to protect Perry's eight-bedroom mansion. Speaking to The Times today, fellow celebrity security expert Will Geddes, whose London-based International Corporate Protection guards musicians, businessmen and royals around the world, explained he foresees de Becker's officers having few issues with Harry - but that Meghan will have to be aware of boundaries. Harry, 35, and Meghan Markle, 38, who are living at Hollywood tycoon Tyler Perry's mansion in Los Angeles with their son Archie, have enlisted the services of a firm also used by a slew of A-listers, including Jeff Bezos and Tom Hanks. Pictured, the couple in London in March He said: 'I've never protected Harry, but I've bumped into him. He's very charming and nice, and as former military he would understand and accept certain protocols and there would be mutual respect. 'What you don't want is Meghan whom I've never met asking her boys to pick up her rice milk from the Whole Foods down the road. So long as boundaries are stuck to, there should be no problems.' de Becker's firm GDBA claims to protect thousands of clients and has boasted of working with the CIA and FBI. Michael J Fox once described the company as the 'secret service for famous people'. An unnamed Hollywood insider told the newspaper: 'De Becker is a publicity fiend and hes the bodyguard du jour. Hell already be doing security for all Harry and Meghans celebrity buddies, wholl have said, "Oh, Gavins the best".' But such care doesn't come cheap. It is thought Harry and Meghan will be paying de Becker 7,000-a-day for security, or the equivalent of 2.5 million a year. It is unclear who is paying for the security bill, though friends of the Sussexes claimed last week that the couple would be paying for protecting out of their own pocket. A security expert said Meghan will have to be aware of boundaries set by the security team. Pictured, Meghan was ushered out of a Fijian market by her then police protection officer (left) and local security (right) after the engagement became a 'security risk' The friends also claimed that the couple are being protected by a private security team already in place at Tyler Perry's mansion in Los Angeles. De Becker is thought to be close friends with Oprah Winfrey, the chat show host who is also a confidante of Meghan. Harry and Meghan's security has been a subject of much debate, after an insider told the Daily Mail last week that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could only afford to start paying off their 2.4million bill for Frogmore Cottage once Prince Charles had agreed to foot their astronomical security costs in the US. However, a friend of the couple later claimed that the Sussexes will pay for any security measures out of their own pocket in the future. According to the anonymous source, the couple are not 'asking for any special treatment' with regard to their security situation, and 'have not received any'. Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRINAGAR: Three militants of Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit including an IED expert were killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. A police official said a joint contingent of police, CRPF and army laid siege around Kangan village of Pulwama district early this morning after receiving information about presence of JeM militants there. While security forces were conducting house to house searches in the village, they came under heavy fire from militants hiding there. The fire was returned by troops, triggering an encounter. Defence spokesman in Srinagar Colonel Rajesh Kalia said after siege was laid around the village, announcements were made for militants to surrender. However, they turned down the offer and fired on troops and in the ensuing gunfight, three JeM militants were killed, he said. The spokesman said one among the three militants killed in the gunfight was an IED expert. However, he did not identify the slain militants. Jason Armond/Getty Images via engadget The music industry will stage a blackout day today in support of protests around the alleged murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Organized by music executives Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang, the aim is to pause or shutter normal business activities for 24 hours. It is a day to take a beat for an honest, reflective and productive conversation about what actions we need to collectively take to support the Black community, according to a website tagged #TheShowMustBePaused. Technology companies are participating in different ways. Spotify said it will place a black logo and headline image on its flagship playlists and podcasts, while adding eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence to participating playlists and podcasts the length of time officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd's neck. This would normally be the time of year during which Dalhousies chancellor would be presiding over Convocation ceremonies: shaking hands, tapping heads, giving hugs and posing for thousands of photos. Graduation celebrations look a little different this year: the Class of 2020 is celebrating virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with well-wishes coming in from across North America and around the world. And among those sending their best are Dals outgoing and incoming chancellors: the Honourable A. Anne McLellan and the Honourable Scott Brison. Brison was set to be formally installed as chancellor this spring, and while he shares graduates disappointment in not being able to gather in person, hes glad to see grads are taking the time to mark the milestone in their own way. Chancellor Brison. I think ceremony and celebration are important, says Brison, who served as Member of Parliament for the Nova Scotia riding of Kings-Hants for over 20 years and held multiple cabinet positions including Minister of Public Works and President of the Treasury Board. For my family, it was a big deal. Brison was part of the first generation of his family to have the opportunity to go to university so, too, was McLellan. They both grew up in rural Nova Scotia: Brison in Cheverie in West Hants, McLellan just 40 minutes up the road in Noel Shore. And their paths towards becoming two of the most significant politicians in Canada both went through Dalhousie. During Dalhousies 200th anniversary, people often asked me, What does Dal mean to you? says McLellan. And I tell everyone who asks: Dal made the rest of my life possible. Its that simple. A Dal education has that power, if youre open to it. From friends and colleagues to chancellors Brison and McLellan have been friends for years, having served together in Paul Martins federal cabinet in the 2000s when McLellan was deputy prime minister. Im just thrilled that the next chancellor of Dalhousie is Scott Brison, says McLellan. Not just because were both from Hants County, and former colleagues, but because he is such an enthusiastic, thoughtful supporter of what Dalhousie can do for an individual student, but also in community of ideas and excitement that can change not only our region but our world. The feelings more than mutual. In fact, Brison says even though theyre dear friends, its even a bit intimidating taking over from McLellan after her five years as chancellor. Anne is a remarkably accomplished person, he says. Shes somebody who, even when I was in opposition, we had that connection based on our roots. Were friends, weve served together, and as chancellor emeritus I know shell stay deeply involved in Dal and help me learn the ropes. Chancellor Anne McLellan, greeting a grad and a family member on-stage at a past Convocation ceremony. From what everyone has told me, Annes contribution [as chancellor] has been quite extraordinary. I hope to come close to that, and work hard in doing so. The importance of ceremony and contribution While the chancellors role is mostly ceremonial, they do serve on the Board of Governors and play an ambassadorial role for the university in general. In McLellans case, one of her proudest contributions during her time as chancellor has been the creation of the Chancellors Chair in Aboriginal Law and Policy. Located in the Schulich School of Law where McLellan earned one of her two Dal degrees the chair is currently held by Professor Naiomi Metallic. Reconciliation is a major challenge and opportunity for this country and for postsecondary institutions in particular, says McLellan I thought it was important for the law school to have such a chair, and Naiomi is a truly outstanding legal academic who is making such a difference in this country. Chancellor McLellan with Naiomi Metallic (second from right) as well as President Emeritus Richard Florizone (left) and Dean of Law Camille Cameron (right) at the launch of the Chancellor's Chair. When asked about the memories shell take from her time as chancellor, McLellan reflects on the five-plus years of Convocation ceremonies she oversaw: all the graduates, their families, their stories and how much that little moment meant for each of them. Its only maybe 20 or 30 seconds on that stage, but it was important to both me and Richard Florizone, who was president at the time, that every graduate felt the significance of that moment. Theyve put so much work into getting there. You have to respect what theyve achieved and take on-board the sheer joy of those moments. Dalhousie has committed to ensuring grads from the Class of 2020 are able to take part in a future Convocation ceremony when in-person events are able to resume, and Brison is eager to be there with them and other future graduates in the years ahead. Its exciting to be part of that moment for students. Im really looking forward to being up there on stage with our graduates soon. An entryway to the world Though they studied at Dal at different times, and in different programs Brison in Commerce, McLellan in Arts and, subsequently, Law they share the belief that Dalhousie helped them to connect with the broader world beyond their own home communities. Dal is a place where you have truly world-leading research happening in oceans, in agriculture, in batteries, in vaccines, says Brison. But its also a place where people from small communities in Atlantic Canada can earn a higher education. People who grow up in places like Cheverie or Kennetcook or Noel Shore or Gormanville can, at a place like Dalhousie, get the skills they need to change the world. Brison speaking in 2018 at the opening of the Emera IDEA Building, when he was a MP and President of the Treasury Board. Thats not an easy needle to thread being both world-class and being there for people here in our region but Dalhousie threads it quite exceptionally. McLellan says part of Dals success is being large enough to attract such significant capacity and talent, while still being small enough to have meaningful, collaborative relationships that bring about big changes and big discoveries. I think thats why Dal is attractive to a lot of young people and their families from across Canada and around the world, she elaborates. Its this place that has a high degree of intimacy but is also large enough that it can bring together people of exceptional talent who then, in turn, attract the attention of major industries or institutional partners globally. Brison agrees, with a particular eye towards the need to work together to address global challenges ranging from climate change to rising xenophobia and populism. The problems of the world are not going to be solved by lawyers. Theyre not going to be solved by business people. Theyre not going to be solved by government people. And theyre not going to be solved by researchers. Theyre going to be solved by all of them, working together. And Dal represents a living lab to educate a generation of people who are not only exceptional in their own silos, but really good at cross-collaboration across those silos. Thats where I think Dal can make a big difference. And in doing so, Dalhousie provides opportunities to people from across the Atlantic region something near and dear to Brisons heart, and McLellans as well. Whatever Dalhousie accomplishes globally, tackling these big issues, it is always a place for people like Anne and me to bloom, and to equip ourselves with what we need before going out into the world, says Brison. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 09:50:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese health authority said Wednesday that no new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases were reported on the Chinese mainland on Tuesday. One imported case was reported in Guangdong Province on the mainland, the National Health Commission said in its daily report Wednesday. No deaths related to the disease were reported, according to the commission. One new suspected case, which was imported from overseas, was reported in Shanghai Tuesday. On Tuesday, one people was discharged from hospital after recovery, while the number of severe cases declined by one to two. Statistics after a latest review and revision showed that as of Tuesday, the overall confirmed cases on the mainland had reached 83,021, including 73 patients who were still being treated, and 78,314 people who had been discharged after recovery. Altogether 4,634 people had died of the disease, the commission said. By Tuesday, the mainland had reported a total of 1,762 imported cases. Of the cases, 1,699 had been discharged from hospitals after recovery, and 63 remained hospitalized, no in severe conditions. No deaths from the imported cases had been reported. The commission said three people were suspected of being infected with the virus, all were imported from overseas. According to the commission, 4,609 close contacts were still under medical observation after 370 people were discharged from medical observation Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, four new asymptomatic cases were reported on the mainland. No cases were re-categorized as confirmed cases, and 18 asymptomatic cases were discharged from medical observation. The commission said 357 asymptomatic cases, including 40 from overseas, were still under medical observation. By Tuesday, 1,093 confirmed cases including four deaths had been reported in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), 45 confirmed cases in the Macao SAR, and 443 in Taiwan including seven deaths. A total of 1,038 patients in Hong Kong, 45 in Macao, and 427 in Taiwan had been discharged from hospitals after recovery. Enditem Fuel Your Pipeline. Close More Deals. Our full-service marketing programs deliver sales-ready leads. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! Learn more Microsoft and Intel researchers have found a way to combine artificial intelligence and image analysis to create a highly effective means to combat malicious software infections. The researchers call their approach STAMINA static malware-as-image network analysis and say its proven to be highly effective in detecting malware with a low rate of false positives. What STAMINA does is take binary files and turn them into images that artificial intelligence software can analyze using deep learning. STAMINA is a fascinating approach to classifying malware, said Mark Nunnikhoven, vice president of cloud research at Trend Micro, a cybersecurity solutions provider headquartered in Tokyo. This approach is like graphing a large table of data, he told TechNewsWorld. It can be easier to spot patterns in the graph than combing through the raw data. By using common image analysis machine learning approaches, the teams were able to group malware samples into families and differentiate between desired software and malware, Nunnikhoven said. This isnt the only machine learning method, but it is a new and interesting approach filled with potential, he added. The biggest shortcoming of the method is tied to malware size, Nunnikhoven noted. Because the technique converts the malware to an image, it can get resource-intensive quickly. If youve ever tried to open a really large photo on an older computer, you have firsthand experience with the challenges. 99 Percent Accuracy As malware variants continue to grow, traditional signature-matching techniques cannot keep up, Intel researchers Li Chen and Ravi Sahita and Microsoft researchers Jugal Parikh and Marc Marino explained in a white paper. We looked to applying deep-learning techniques to avoid costly feature engineering and used machine learning techniques to learn and build classification systems that can effectively identify malware program binaries, they wrote. We explored a novel image-based technique on x86 program binaries, they continued, which resulted in 99.07% accuracy with 2.58% false positive rate. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Classical malware-detection approaches involve extracting binary signatures or fingerprints of the malware. However, the exponential growth of signatures makes signature-matching inefficient, the researchers explained. Malware also can be identified by analyzing the code of files. Thats usually done with static or dynamic analysis, or both. Static analysis can disassemble code, but its performance can suffer from code obfuscation. Dynamic analysis, while able to unpack the code, can be time-consuming, they pointed out. While static analysis is typically associated with traditional detection methods, it remains to be an important building block for AI-driven detection of malware, Microsofts Parikh and Marino wrote in a separate post on STAMINA. It is especially useful for pre-execution detection engines: static analysis disassembles code without having to run applications or monitor runtime behavior, they noted. Finding ways to perform static analysis at scale and with high effectiveness benefits overall malware detection methodologies, Parikh and Marino noted. To this end, the research borrowed knowledge from computer vision domain to build an enhanced static malware detection framework that leverages deep transfer learning to train directly on portable executable (PE) binaries represented as images, they explained. Better Scaling, Faster Processing Traditional malware analysis techniques have been decreasing in efficacy for a long time, observed Chris Rothe, chief product officer ofRed Canary, a cloud-based security services provider located in Denver. Static and dynamic analysis are effective but can be difficult to scale, he told TechNewsWorld. One of the benefits of this approach is that it makes it possible to leverage technology from other domains that has the ability to operate at large scale. This is necessary because of the explosion of binary samples that have been created by attackers mutating malware to avoid detection, Rothe continued. So if this technique works, it could bring back binary analysis as a viable method of threat detection. The Microsoft-Intel approach also reduces the size of input into the analysis system, which can translate into faster processing. A D V E R T I S E M E N T If youre turning a binary file into pixels, theres a certain amount of input downsizing that goes with that, said Malek Ben Salem, Americas security R&D lead for Accenture, a professional services company based in Dublin. With STAMINA, they go even further. They turn binaries into pixels and then they reduce the size of the image, she told TechNewsWorld. The fact that you can reduce that input size and feed it to a deep-learning network means you can process a lot more information, Ben Salem said. You can look at many more instances of malware, which will speed things up a lot. Easy on the Human Eye Although the researchers see their method being used in a completely automated environment, the images would be valuable to human security types, too. In cases where a machine isnt sure if a file is benign or not and human inspection is needed, a human would find it easier to relate to an image than to hexcode, Ben Salem noted. Adding deep learning to the detection process also provides advantages over existing techniques. With a deep learning model, you can deal with complex data, Ben Salem said. That means minor variations in malware could be more easily detected way better than the classical machine learning approaches weve been using so far. The researchers acknowledged limits on their methods. Our study indicates the pros and cons between sample-based and meta data-based methods, they wrote in their white paper. The major advantages are that we can go in-depth into the samples and extract textural information, so all the characteristics of the malware files are captured during training, the researchers explained. However, for bigger size applications, STAMINA becomes less effective due to software not being able to convert billions of pixels into JPEG images and then resizing, they continued. In cases like this, meta-data-based methods show advantages over sample-based models. In the future, the team wants to evaluate hybrid models using intermediate representations of the binaries and information extracted from binaries with deep learning approaches. Those datasets are expected to be bigger but may provide higher accuracy. The researchers plan to continue exploring platform acceleration optimizations for their deep learning models so they can deploy such detection techniques with minimal power and performance impact to the end-user. In the aftermath of the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, thousands of people across the country have taken to the streets to protest police brutality. Video of Floyds final moments as a police officer used his knee to pin his neck and his three colleagues looked on prompted a strong reaction from around this country. While perhaps more white evangelicals have spoken out against the police officers actions than after previous acts of police brutality made national news, some of the ways that they are framing their statements about law enforcement suggests they actually arent getting it, says Aaron L. Griffith, assistant professor of history at Sattler College in Boston. I worry that many white evangelicals are talking about the problem of police brutality in terms of the exceptions, in terms of the bad apples. And then proposing things like more training or pushing more into the colorblind frame or even mobilizing language like racial reconciliation, to say that black Americans have an opportunity to forgive and befriend the officers in their midst, said Griffith, who is also the author of the forthcoming Gods Law and Order: The Politics of Punishment in Evangelical America. That is very concerning to me because we've seen this before. We've seen this in moves toward community policing, which envisions the police as more closely connected, and perhaps even friendly, to the neighborhoods they serve, he said. But community policing projects are really much more about just changing perceptions of law enforcement, not the practices of how they operate. And really, making police more directly connected to communities, embedding them more ... 1 Susanna Reid has apologised on air for the fruity language used by a guest on Good Morning Britain. The TV presenter was referring to an interview conducted with celebrity hairstylist Adee Phelan, who during an impassioned speech used swear words including bullshit and shit. Reid told ITV viewers that she and co-host Piers Morgan had been interviewing Phelan, who she said is doing his absolute best to give a boost to those on the NHS front line and during that conversation, he was so passionate that he did use some swear words a number of times which may have caused offence. 'It's not right and it's not fair.' Celebrity hairdresser Adee Phelan passionately expresses his thoughts about the Prime Minister's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Keep up to date with GMB weekdays from 6am on ITV and The ITV Hub https://t.co/yyUUJmzswF pic.twitter.com/jgTswwRR7o Good Morning Britain (@GMB) June 3, 2020 So I just wanted to take this moment to say Im sorry if that caused offence to people, it was quite fruity language. It was obviously reflective of how strongly he feels about the situation, but there we go. Phelan has been making gift boxes filled with hair and beauty products for NHS workers on the front line. Following the interview, Morgan said earlier in the programme: Normally we would issue a grovelling apology for slightly unfortunate language. I actually understand your anger, I understand your passion, and I am prepared to take a hit from Ofcom. He added that he was not going to apologise for it. 'She looked at me with sheer fear and I knew what was about to go down.' Celebrity hairdresser Adee Phelan explains why he has been making gift boxes of hair and beauty products for NHS workers on the frontline.@piersmorgan | @susannareid100 | #GMB pic.twitter.com/dxxNXbhFda Good Morning Britain (@GMB) June 3, 2020 In a passionate speech, Phelan said that Westminster needed to get their shit in order before adding: Sorry to swear. Video of the Day He continued: We live in an amazing country, with amazing people, doing amazing things. We need to keep doing it and shows like this need to keep showing stories like this, not reality stars complaining about theyre bored. Bullshit. Morgan was cleared at the end of April by the media watchdog following combative interviews with Government ministers amid the coronavirus outbreak. He had attracted more than 3,000 complaints from two interviews with care minister Helen Whately during April. Almost 600 viewers also complained about another interview with Health Secretary Matt Hancock on April 16. An Ofcom spokesman said: Piers Morgan is well-known for his combative interviewing style and viewers would expect him to challenge senior politicians and hold them to account. His guests were given adequate opportunity to put their points across and counter the presenters criticisms. In Ofcoms view, in line with freedom of expression, it is clearly in the public interest that broadcasters are able to hold those making political decisions to account, particularly during a major national crisis, such as the coronavirus pandemic. amphotora/iStockBy MIKE LEVINE and JOSH MARGOLIN, ABC News (WASHINGTON) -- Federal authorities are increasingly worried that violent opportunists are infiltrating otherwise peaceful protests across the country and could be emboldened to attack law enforcement as they see police officers targeted elsewhere, according to new warnings from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. In fact, the FBIs field office in Boston received credible intelligence that rioters are looking for officers home addresses via public [records]," the FBI office said in an internal report issued Tuesday. Protests throughout the nation are calling for major police reforms and seeking justice for George Floyd, the unarmed black man who died while being arrested early last week by a Minneapolis police officer, who has since been charged with murder. Violence has erupted during many of the protests over the past week, with nearly 10,000 people arrested in recent days. DHS on Tuesday distributed a private intelligence note to the nations local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, warning that some violent opportunists have become more emboldened following a series of attacks against law enforcement during the last 24 hours nationwide. This could lead to an increase in potentially lethal engagements with law enforcement officials as violent opportunists increasingly infiltrate ongoing protest activity, declared the DHS report, noting that several incidents in recent days involved violent opportunists not only targeting police but shooting into crowds of protestors. In the document, DHS reported that on Tuesday, at least one violent opportunist drove into a crowd of protesters in Asheville, North Carolina, firing several shots into the crowd before speeding away. There were no reported injuries and we lack information suggesting that this was a preplanned or coordinated incident, DHS added. In Davenport, Iowa, after a protester there was shot and killed Monday, a law enforcement vehicle on patrol was shot 13 times, injuring an officer in the vehicle, DHS said, citing media reports. In Las Vegas on Monday, a police officer was killed as officers tried to arrest several people who were allegedly "throwing bottles and rocks at officers. A witness told local news media that as one officer was struggling with a protestor, another person walked up and shot the officer in the back of the head, DHS wrote in its intelligence note. Also in Las Vegas on Monday, police encountered a man who was carrying multiple firearms and appeared to be wearing body armor -- when the subject reached for a firearm, an officer fatally shot him, according to DHS. Law enforcement reports issued in recent days depict police officers being targeted with bricks, fireworks, Molotov cocktails and gunfire in cities such as New York, St. Louis, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. On Tuesday, a retired St. Louis police captain who became a small-town police chief was found fatally shot outside a pawn shop that was looted. And in the midst of protests in Oakland, California, on Friday, a gunman opened fire on two officers from the Federal Protective Service, who were reportedly protecting a courthouse. One of the officers was killed; the other was critically wounded. The perpetrators committed these senseless acts of violence while hiding behind those expressing their First Amendment right to lawfully protest, the assistant director for infrastructure protection at DHS, Brian Harrell, said Monday during an online summit hosted by the Security Industry Association. As Americans, we should all support peaceful demonstrations and exercising our constitutional rights. However, violence, destruction, and bloodshed in the streets is never the answer, he added. In their reports, neither DHS nor the FBI field office offered details about the violent opportunists they are tracking. President Donald Trump and Attorney General Bill Barr, however, have publicly pointed to the radical left-wing antifa group as driving much of the violence over the past week. Earlier DHS documents, meanwhile, have warned that certain right-wing radicals are seeking to incite violence with postings online. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Representative image Cyclonic storm Nisarga, set to make landfall at Alibaug in Raigad district in the afternoon, hovered over the Arabian Sea around 165 km south-southwest of the coastal town and 215 km south-southwest of Mumbai at dawn, a senior IMD official said on Wednesday. India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai's deputy director general of meteorology K S Hosalikar said the cyclone will cross close to south of Alibaug as severe cyclonic storm 100-110 kmph gusting at 120 kmph. Live track the progress of the cyclone Cyclonic Storm NISARGA over Arabian Sea at 0530 hrs of today 03 Jun, abt 165 km ssw of Alibagh, 215 km ssw of Mumbai. To cross close to south of Alibagh (Raigad District, Maharashtra) during the afternoon of today the 03rd June as a SCS, 100-110, gust 120 kmph, afternoon, he tweeted. In another tweet, he said Mumbai city received moderate rainfall of 20 mm to 40 mm, while there was light rainfall in other parts of the megapolis during the past 12 hours. He reiterated heavy rainfall warnings for Mumbai and neighbouring districts like Thane, Raigad and Palghar. Also Read: Cyclone Nisarga | BMC wants car owners to keep a hammer with them - heres why Today on 3 Jun heavy rainfall warnings for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar are already issued in view of cyclone. High winds, very rough sea," he said on the micro- blogging site. In an earlier tweet, the official said that at 2:30 am on Wednesday, the cyclonic storm hovered over Arabian Sea about 280 km west-northwest of Panjim (Goa), 250 km south- southwest of Mumbai and 200 km south-southwest of Alibaug. He said it is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during next few hours. "Wind reported at 0630 hours IST of 03.06.2020 Goa-33 kmph, Ratnagiri-33 mkmph, Colaba-33 kmph, Santacruz-09, Dahanu-07 kmph," the IMD tweeted. Bracing for the impact of what is being billed as the most severe cyclone to hit Mumbai, the Central Railway (CR) rescheduled special trains and many airlines also cancelled their Mumbai operations. The CR has rescheduled, diverted and regulated some trains on Wednesday, an official said. These include five special trains departing from Mumbai. Three special trains will be either divetred or regulated enroute, he added. With the cyclone set to make landfall on Wednesday, Maharashtra and Gujarat activated their disaster response mechanism, deploying NDRF teams and evacuating people from areas likely to be hit. As a precautionary measure, the NDRF has evacuated around 1500 people staying in a shelter at Thal near Alibaug, an official said. The teams also evacuated people from Uttan and Mira Bhayandar, he added. The teams conducted a recce of Palghar and Raigad coast early on Wednesday, the official said. Maharashtra and Gujarat, already battling a raging pandemic, which has put their health infrastructure under severe strain, have opened new fronts to tackle the fallout of the cyclone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to their chief ministers on Tuesdsy and assured them all possible help from the Centre. Ten teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in parts of Maharashtra for rescue operations in view of the cyclonic storm, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said. An alert has been issued for Mumbai city and suburbs, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. Town planning authority MMRDA said nearly 150 patients at its COVID facility in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai were shifted as a precaution ahead of the cyclone. The Navy has has kept five flood teams and three diving teams on stand-by in Mumbai, the official said. These teams, trained and equipped for rescue operations, are stationed at various naval areas across Mumbai and can provide early response over a larger area, he said. "We have evacuated more than 3,500 people from koliwadas (fishermen colonies) and temporary houses to safer structures like schools, community halls and government buildings," superintendent of police Raigad, Anil Paraskar said. Mumbai hasn't "experienced a serious cyclone landfall since 1891", according to Adam Sobel, professor of atmospheric science at Columbia University. Mumbai experienced severe floods in 2005, and more recently in 2017 and 2019, but none of them were due to cyclones. Investors trapped in the Woodford Equity Income fund could see some money sooner than they thought as the sale of its biotech portfolio is reportedly on the brink of closing. Acacia Research Corporation is set to buy a portion of the remaining holdings in the fund, which was suspended one year ago today, for just over $300million, according to Sky News. The US-based company, which invests in intellectual property and patented technologies, is part-owned by well-known activist fund Starboard Value. Woodford's biotech portfolio includes Oxford Nanopore and Rutherford Cancer Centres The deal, which has not yet been confirmed, would see the transfer of shares in a number of up-and-coming British biotech names such as Theravance Biopharma, Oxford Nanopore and Rutherford Cancer Centres. Talks between Acacia and Link Financial, which has been managing the sale of assets under Woodford Investment Management, reportedly took place in April. Last year Acacia struck a deal with Starboard to provide it with with up to $400m for 'strategic investments and acquisitions'. Other companies have explored making an offer for the fund's remaining assets over the past year, such as Abu Dhabi-based sovereign wealth fund Mubadala and specialist life sciences investment bank WG Partners. Commenting on the reports, Adrian Lowcock, head of personal investing at Willis Owen, said: 'If true, this news of a US specialist buying stakes in Woodford's biotech holdings could be the miracle investors have been waiting for. 'Trapped savers who put billions into Woodford's flagship fund have seen their money locked up for a year now, so hopefully this news - on the anniversary of the fund's suspension - comes to fruition and enables them to get some more of their money back. 'Of course there will be questions about what value should be put on those companies, but at this stage, something would be better than nothing for investors, many of whom were concerned costs were eroding the remaining value of the fund.' Fallen from grace Neil Woodford was forced to suspend his Equity Income fund on 3 June 2019, just five years after it was launched, after a deluge of withdrawal requests and an extended period of poor performance. While investors have seen two payments worth 2.3billion made back to them, there is still some 558million to be returned. Fallen star manager Neil Woodford in better times before his fund hit the skids The remaining holdings are in unquoted companies, which are known for delivering high returns but are extremely high-risk and their illiquid nature is arguably what led to the manager's downfall. For these reasons they are usually also difficult to offload. Lowcock added: 'What was always going to be more problematic was selling unlisted private equity investments, which were the reason Woodford got investors into this mess in the first place.' Wednesday, June 3, 2020 BELLEVUE, WA The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms today reacted to Democrat Joe Bidens challenge that President Donald Trump should open the U.S. Constitution to find the First Amendment by suggesting the former vice president is the one who needs a refresher on constitutional rights. If Joe Biden would open the Constitution, said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, he would find the Second Amendment. Its obvious President Trump has already read the Second Amendment, and that Biden and his Democrats wish it didnt exist. Biden has boasted on the campaign trail he would come after citizens firearms. He promised to put extremist anti-gunner Beto ORourke in charge of his administrations gun control policies. He wants to ban whole classes of firearms and turn a fundament right into a government-regulated privilege, Gottlieb explained. Donald Trump takes an opportunity during nearly every public appearance to declare his loyalty, not just his support, to the Second Amendment, Gottlieb stated. And what has Joe Biden done? He been traveling the country bragging about how he wrote the Brady gun control law, and how he would take on the so-called gun lobby and push for radical restrictions on law-abiding gun owners. It is clear to us that Donald Trump knows the First Amendment protects the right of people to peaceably assemble, he continued. But unlike Biden, the president understands that the First Amendment does not protect looting, vandalism, arson and felony assault disguised as legitimate protest. President Trump hasnt been contributing to a bail fund project to get these criminals out of jail, as have members of Bidens campaign staff, while Biden, himself, would like to see these people released without bail. Just whose side is Joe Biden on, Gottlieb wondered. He would release rioters from jail while allowing Beto ORourke to put gun owners behind bars for simply exercising their Second Amendment rights rather than turn in their firearms. Its clear the president knows the difference between Rights and wrongs while Biden, as with everything else he does, seems confused. LANSING, MI -- While a large number of businesses in Michigan received good news Monday when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the entire state would soon move to phase 4 of her MI Safe Start plan, salons and barbershops were not among those celebrating. Although bars and restaurants will soon be allowed to accept guests inside and retailers can open Thursday without scheduling appointments, salons and barbershops remain closed. We are extremely frustrated by Governor Whitmers decision to open most of Michigans economy while keeping salons and barber shops closed," said Mike Sarafa, of the Alline Group and Kevin Lent of BAMF X2, on behalf of Safe Salons for Michigan in a press release. They noted the group had put forward a plan to reopen safely, but were kept closed. "Not only is this gutting the salon industry, but we are also losing business to neighboring states every day. We firmly believe we are safer open than closed. We urge Governor Whitmer to review our plan and allow licensed salons and barber shops to open immediately. While Sarafa is frustrated salons and barbers cant open their doors, he was insulted by a suggestion Whitmer made during her press conference Monday. When asked about her feelings on some Michigan residents leaving the state to get haircuts in Indiana and Ohio, Whitmer said there are health concerns associated with haircuts. If youre one of those people thats going to Ohio I hope and pray that you are doing your part not to bring COVID-19 home. If you havent resorted to that, Google how to do a haircut, or throw your hair in a ponytail or curl it and get through the next couple of weeks so we can resume some of these things, Whitmer said. The insinuation that the fix for people concerned about their appearance can simply be learned through Google was problematic, Sarafa said during an appearance before lawmakers at the Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic Tuesday in Lansing. During his remarks, Sarafa asked the governor for an apology. I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the entire industry and the over 100,000 licensed cosmetologists and barbers in the state of Michigan, to ask the governor to apologize for this remark. She is speaking about the jobs of tens of thousands of Michigan voters that are either furloughed or unemployed," Sarafa said. "It is insulting and degrading and a slap in the face to an industry already reeling from forced closures and shutdowns, and it is tone-deaf in the height of arrogance. Sen. Kim LaSata, R-Bainbridge Twp., offered her support for the industry as she is a licensed cosmetologist who worked in the industry while attending college. LaSata said styling hair is not as simple as watching a video. I tried to get to explain to my daughter the other day how to cut my hair, and theres, theres no way, LaSata said. And thats the reason I know you fight hard for your license to be licensed so that when I would go to have someone do my hair, I know that theyre licensed that theyre going to protect me. Sarafa was joined in the committee meeting by Rachel and Scott Harned, who own and operate a pair of cosmetology businesses in Holland, including a training school. The pair described how diligently stylists must work early on in their careers to learn the proper cleaning techniques and how to ensure the safety of customers and themselves because the business involves such close contact with people. They actually spend 130 hours devoted to sanitation, equipment safety, personal hygiene, we teach them not only hygiene in the salon but their own personal hygiene, Scott Harned said. Rep. Tyrone Carter, D-Detroit, apologized to the members of the industry saying that he has family members who are stylists and he values the importance of their jobs. Know that we are advocating for you to reopen because a haircut is a lot more things than just a haircut and I get it, so I appreciate your testimony today, Carter said. The group went on to say the plan on how to safely reopen was presented to the state, but theyve been informed that Whitmer has not seen the plan yet. A similar plan was presented in Ohio last month and led to the industry being allowed to resume services. Whitmer said she hopes to move the state into phase 5 of her plan by the Independence Day holiday, but nothing has been confirmed. In that stage, its assumed salons and barbershops would be able to reopen. I tell people if youre like me, you need a haircut desperately, a couple more weeks of this and we may be back in a place where were able to do that safely. Its still going to require strict protocols, its still going to require every one of us keeping our guard up and doing the right thing, Whitmer said at her press conference Monday. But we may be taking that step and Id like to do it before Independence Day weekend. But weve got to follow the data. Last month, barbers and stylists from across the state protested on the lawn of the Capitol by giving away free haircuts to people in attendance. Several people were issued citations during the protest. Owosso barber Karl Manke gained national fame by refusing to remain closed and reopening his shop in defiance of Whitmers orders. However, a court recently ruled that he must remain closed. PREVENTION TIPS In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces. Read all of MLives coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. READ MORE Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus Tuesday, June 2: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Whitmer hopes to reopen gyms, salons and more by 4th of July weekend Michigan coronavirus stay-at-home order lifted: Heres what opens when President Buhari hosting the AfDB President on a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja, stated: In 2015, when you were to be elected for the first term, I wrote to all African leaders, recommending you for the position. I didnt say because you were a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Minister, and I belonged to the All Progressives Congress (APC), so I wouldnt withhold my support. President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday reassured Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), that Nigeria will support him in the contest for a second term for the leadership of the AfDB. Ill remain consistent with you because no one has faulted the step I took on behalf of Nigeria. President Buhari further promised that Nigeria will mobilize other African leaders and stakeholders in AfDB for the re-election of Adesina for a second term because of the record of his achievements during his first term. The African Union was said to have endorsed the Adesina, AfDB President, as sole candidate for the continent; however, some other stakeholders were said to be fighting that Adesina should be re-investigated over allegations, which the board of the bank had already exonerated him. But the combatant stakeholders want Adesina disqualified from seeking second term. Dr. Adesina acquainted the Nigerian President that the 16 allegations raised against him were trumped up, and without facts, evidence, and documents, as required by the rules and regulations of the bank. He noted that after the Ethics Committee of the bank cleared him of all the allegations, a fresh investigation was called for on the same allegations. Adesina declared: My defense ran into 250 pages, and not a single line was faulted or questioned. The law says that report of the Ethics Committee should be transmitted to the Chairman of Governors of the bank. It was done, and the governors upheld the recommendations. That was the end of the matter, according to the rules. It was only if I was culpable that a fresh investigation could be launched. I was exonerated, and any other investigation would amount to bending the rules of the bank, to arrive at a predetermined conclusion. Adesina thanked President Buhari for his consistent support, saying: You helped me to get elected in the first place, and you have supported me robustly all along, and the African Union unanimously endorsed my re-election. Adesina, thereafter, commiserated with President Buhari on the death of the former Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, commended him on the appointment of the new Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, who he described as a man of integrity, and of global standing. Local and state police in the Lehigh Valley say theyre aware of concerns about rocks or bricks being thrown from highway overpasses, but that theres no indication its been occurring. "It's all been rumors that's over social media," Pennsylvania State Trooper Nathan Branosky told lehighvalleylive.com early Tuesday evening. "We haven't gotten any reports about that and our troopers haven't come across any truth to the rumor mill that things are being thrown off of overpasses." Salisbury Township police posted on Facebook: Weve received reports and multiple messages regarding rocks being thrown from Interstate 78 onto traffic below in the area of South Cedar Crest Blvd. and Lehigh Street. Several police agencies are investigating this. If anyone observes this activity call 911 immediately. Allentown police investigated a similar claim, which is believed to stem from a Facebook post that's gotten reposted, police Assistant Chief Stephen Vangelo said. "We got a tip on the same thing," he said. "We saw nothing. Nobody made any reports." Law enforcement officers in cities across the United States were preparing for possibly another night of scattered violence after dark as protests continue against police brutality, The Associated Press reports. The outbreak of marches, rallies and clashes were sparked by the homicide May 25 of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of police in Minneapolis. The Lehigh Valley hosted peaceful, well-attended protests as part of the Black Lives Matter movement in Bethlehem on Saturday, Allentown on Saturday night and Sunday in Easton. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. NORRISTOWN Saying they are deeply outraged by remarks made by Republican Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph C. Gale about protests and violence in Philadelphia, Norristown Municipal Council members issued a sharp rebuke and asked that Gale resign. The entire membership of the Norristown Municipal Council believes that it is not in the best interest of Montgomery County, Pa., for you to continue to serve as commissioner. We urge you to tender your resignation, effective immediately, Derrick Perry, borough council president, wrote in a letter addressed to Gale on Tuesday evening. All seven municipal council members are Democrats. Contacted Wednesday morning, Gale responded he will not be bullied. I was elected in four county-wide elections without the endorsement or support of either the Republican establishment or Democrat establishment. I will not be bullied and pushed around for speaking the truth and exercising my First Amendment rights, Gale said. In a June 1 statement entitled Riots & Looting In Philadelphia, written on county letterhead, Gale, the lone Republican on the three-member commissioners board, responding to Philadelphia protests in the wake of the death of a handcuffed African-American man, George Floyd, while in the custody of Minneapolis Police, wrote, What we saw this weekend in Philadelphia was not a protest it was a riot. In fact, nearly every major city across the nation was ravaged by looting, violence and arson. The perpetrators of this urban domestic terror are radical left-wing hate groups like Black Lives Matter, Gale wrote. This organization, in particular, screams racism not to expose bigotry and injustice, but to justify the lawless destruction of our cities and surrounding communities. Their objective is to unleash chaos and mayhem without consequence by falsely claiming they, in fact, are the victims, Gales continued. In addition, too many Democrat mayors are sympathizers of these far-left radical enemy combatants. As a result, their misguided empathy has enabled a level of unfettered criminality never witnessed before in American history, Gale added, including Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney in that category. In the letter seeking Gales resignation, Perry, on behalf of the Norristown council, responded that statements such as Gales invoke violence and demonstrate racially charged opinions detrimental to the constituents you claim to serve. Council members reminded Gale that the county is home to more than 74,000 black residents. Norristown, the seat of Montgomery County and where you come to work each day, is beautiful in our diversity. In case you never cared to look, Norristown is made up of 13,000 black residents, and their lives matter, Perry wrote. Perry maintained Gales remark that Black Lives Matters is a radical left-wing hate group perpetuating urban domestic violence, is at the very least erroneous and at the most, harmful to the safety and security of your constituents. Your further declaration that protests have enabled a level of unfettered criminality never witnessed before in American history casually dismisses 246 years of slavery in the United States and generations of continued systematic racism and oppression, Perry responded to Gale. You decry the misguided empathy of Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, and yet we wonder how it seems that you dont have any empathy, compassion, or even the ability to hear your constituents. In this, we believe you have failed us as our county commissioner, Perry added. Perry said elected leaders take oaths to faithfully and impartially uphold the duties of office without discrimination. You have broken this oath with your words and actions, Perry addressed Gale in the letter from council. Gales fellow county commissioners, Dr. Valerie Arkoosh and Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., the Democratic majority on the board, also rejected Gales characterizations of the current turmoil in an official statement and in others posted on social media. Arkoosh and Lawrence denounced Gales remarks and stressed that Gales statement did not reflect the sentiments or opinions of the majority of the commissioners or of county government. Our democracy celebrates the rights of citizens to express themselves in demonstrations and to do so without fear, Arkoosh and Lawrence wrote in a statement, also on county letterhead. Those with a desire for change took to the streets to send a strong message for an end to institutionalized racism in our criminal justice system, our economy, our health care system and our schools. The message of those peaceful protesters is clear: systemic equity is a goal we must strive for in all sectors of society and the goal we must strive for here in Montgomery County, Arkoosh and Lawrence continued. To our entire black community: We see you. We hear you. We stand with those who are calling out the systemic racism and violence toward people of color in our country. A petition calling for Gales resignation also was circulating on Change.org and by Wednesday morning had attracted more than 63,750 signatures. The Chancellor has warned that the UK faces a severe recession, with 'more hardship to come' - Andrew Parsons/AFP Rishi Sunak is considering national insurance holidays for companies as part of an economic recovery stimulus package in July, The Telegraph has learned. The Chancellor's focus is on measures to stem the expected spike in unemployment and boost economic growth. Tax rises which have been under discussion in the Treasury, including raising income tax and VAT, are likely to be delayed until after growth recovers, sources close to the discussions said on Monday. "This will not be a consolidation Budget tax rises won't happen until the recovery is in train", one source said. "If you raise taxes while the economy is struggling at one per cent, you could choke off economic growth." Discussions over what an economic stimulus package could look like have been ongoing between the Treasury, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Number 10 for weeks. The focus will be on stemming unemployment, including youth unemployment, sources close to the talks said. Options include tax incentives or direct subsidies for employers who hire new staff, job guarantees for young people and a big focus on skills retraining. Another possibility under consideration is giving employers who hire new staff a national insurance holiday, similar to a policy introduced by the coalition Government in 2010. Under those measures, new business set up outside London, the south-east and the east of England were eligible for a NICs holiday worth up to 5,000 for each of the first 10 employees they hired. A source familiar with the talks said: "In times of crisis, you go into the cupboard and you pull out all the old ideas." Pledges to boost infrastructure made in the Conservative manifesto are also likely to be brought forward, including updating the UK's broadband. The source said: "It's in the pipeline, it's in the manifesto so it's broadly budgeted for and something you can bring forward. Infrastructure projects are a big job creator that makes them quite appealing." Story continues The source added: "The bigger question is, what is the long-term future of the country? If you're doing a big retraining or infrastructure push, you need to think do you want to be a green economy? What skills do you want the country to have in the future?" The recovery measures are likely to be announced in a statement by Mr Sunak in July, as opposed to a full Budget. In May, he warned that the UK faces a "severe recession" on an unprecedented scale with "more hardship to come". Other economic stimulus options being considered by the Treasury include benefit increases, raising the minimum wage or guaranteeing the living wage for care workers. "The big priority is what action is needed to get people back to work," economic thinktank the Resolution Foundation said. The thinktank will publish a new report on Wednesday about the impact of Coronavirus on low-paid workers. Measures will be finalised once the Government has a clearer picture of unemployment levels and other impacts from the recession. The Treasury will be closely watching the impact of gradually reopening the economy over the next few weeks, in particular when more retailers begin to open their doors. The Treasury said the format of any update from the Chancellor is still under discussion. Asked last week whether he was planning an emergency Budget, Mr Sunak said: "I can't and won't talk about future Budgets today. But in terms of the format or timing of something like that rather than the content, what I had said previously is that I was planning to have an autumn Budget to get us back onto a cycle of autumn Budgets." Asked whether he was considering "significant increases in the tax burden" to fund the gap created by the crisis, Boris Johnson said his Government will "meet all our manifesto commitments", adding: "We won't be blown off course." The Conservative manifesto promised not to raise the rates of income tax, national insurance or VAT. A source close to the Treasury discussions said: "The general mood music is that this isn't like the financial crisis. Nobody's got an appetite for dealing with debt through austerity. "It may be more like post-Second World War, where you live with a high level of debt for a very long time." Yes, we are gradually coming out from under the weight of this pandemic but, with many necessary restrictions still in place, more and more art communities are finding innovative ways to offer the beauty and excitement of art that nourishes the spirit in healthy and safe ways. Heres a sampling of whats happening in Trenton: Homefronts ArtSpace was forced to put its much heralded annual ArtJam exhibition on hold, but moved it online. Go to artjamnj.org/artjam-online-2020-gallery and you will find works by highly accomplished professionals and emerging artists. Just click on thumbnails and you will be taken to each ones collection. Want painterly realism? Scroll down to plein aire painter Stefan Pastuhovs tranquil Maine scenes. Want abstraction? Have a look at Robert Hansens paintings inspired by abstract expressionists, as well as his travels through America, India, Iceland and Mexico. And if you want to see works that are simply joyful, click on Catherine Martzloff, Jennifer Matias or Creassya Young. These are just a few of the more than 30 participating artists. And more are added every week. The big news at Artworks Trenton is Art All Night 2020 will be an all-virtual event, taking place 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, through 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. Recognizing it was prudent for Artworks to make other plans, executive director Lauren Otis said, the more we explored the idea of a virtual event, the more we realized how exciting the possibilities were. Art All Night director Joseph Kuzemka agreed. Just about everything artists and attendees know and love about Art All Night -- the huge variety of art on display, live music, live demonstrations, our film festival, childrens activities, master classes and talks-- we will be able to present all of them online for everyone to participate in and enjoy safely, said Kuzemka. The Artworks team also is planning to continue virtual exhibits and education and is exploring ways to reintroduce in-person programming safely and appropriately as things begin to open. BSG Gallery, funded by the Trenton Downtown Association, contributes to Trentons flourishing arts and cultural district. Its mission is to cultivate creativity and community by offering exhibits, education and networking opportunities for artists and curators. It has also become a favorite of the Trenton arts community. Currently the gallery is presenting Here We Are, an online art exhibition that explores race, gender and identity with exciting, thoughtful and tantalizing works in collage, portraiture and mixed media. Read about each of the five women artists, then click on Start Guided Tour and stop at any work you like to enjoy a closeup view and read about the piece. The voices of the artists Layo Bright, Beverly McCutcheon, Komikka Patton, Josie Love Roebuck and Theda Sandiford each speak their message so clearly in their works. Youll find those messages to be sometimes disturbing, sometimes beautiful, and always so captivating youll feel as if youre engaged in a conversation with the artist. Trenton City Museum, the Ellarslie Not Quite Open: The Art of Sheltering In Place virtual exhibit is taking the place of the annual Ellarslie Open. After entering the exhibition, expand the images to full screen, sit back and enjoy the 140-plus paintings and drawings of all genres, sculpture, ceramics, photography, fiber arts, found objects and even a sound piece. Thematically, some pieces address directly the uncertain mood brought forth by the pandemic while others provide a calming respite, said TMS board member and marketing chair Sarah Unger. Some artists noted when submitting their pieces that this period of quarantine has provided not only more time and focus for creating, but also a sense of urgency. When visiting the website you will also find a newly created exhibit in memory of this areas celebrated watercolorist, recently deceased Robert Sakson. In addition to 10 weekly Maker Project videos on projects ranging from a simple origami-inspired book mark to a beaded coding project, the New Jersey State Museums website is offering weekly videos on birds as a complement to the Fine Feathered Friends exhibition. Included are videos that discuss John James Audubon and the birds he painted in New Jersey; Trenton ceramist Edward Marshall Boehm and how he created his ceramic bird sculptures; how the Goldfinch became New Jerseys state bird; and three others. Also, the museum is in the process of installing on its website the Nikon Small World exhibition, which explores the wonders of photomicrography and is said to be a perfect example of STEAM education --science and technology coming together with art. Marketing coordinator Susan Greitz said the exhibit is expected to be on the website sometime the first week of June. Doors may be closed and venues shuttered but the Trenton arts community is alive and well. The challenge of keeping us all engaged has opened new paths to creativity and presentation. Keep checking these websites. New and exciting things are being planned. WHAT: Five Trenton art venues WHERE: Online WHEN: Now CONTACT: Information with each venue covered above Email Janet Purcell at janpurcell2@gmail.com Historically significant documents related to the second World War, including the document that forced the surrender of Nazi Germany, will go under the hammer at a live auction next week. The letter, estimated to sell for a million USD, is the official authorization for Germanys top general, Field Marshal Alfred Jodl, to negotiate an unconditional surrender with the Allied powers. It is signed by Karl Donitz, president of Germany following Hitlers suicide. Jodl presented this letter when he came to negotiate Germanys final surrender at Allied headquarters. His authorization to sign the surrender, the sister to this document, was called one of the foremost documents of the 20th century by the Archivist of the United States, and it rests today in that repository. The live auction titled No Surrender to Coronavirus by United States-based auctioneers Alexander Historical Auctions, known internationally for their military sales, will sell some of the most important surrender documents of World War II on June 9. Some of them as never seen before, the auction house said. According to the auction house, included in the 60-piece monumental sale is the British order to surrender the last troops in Hong Kong, along with the Japanese surrender of Hong Kong back to the British four years later; the German peace negotiators last-ditch telegram insisting there must be a signature or chaos; a German generals order that saved 1,500,000 soldiers lives; an Eisenhower-signed telegram announcing the German surrender; inspiring Winston Churchill signed quotations; and the signed British and American surrender of Java. In Adolf Hitlers last signed military message, sent to a top general who begged him to flee Berlin, the doomed dictator writes: I shall remain in Berlin so as to take part in honourable fashion in the decisive battle for Germany and to set a good example to all those remaining. I believe that in this way I shall be rendering Germany the best service... Six days later, Hitler committed suicide with a pistol shot to his head. This last letter from his bunker will be sold as well. The entire proceeds of its sale will be donated to the World Health Organization, Doctors Without Borders, Direct Relief, and N.H.S. Charities Together in recognition of Captain Tom Moores contribution to the British N.H.S., according to the auctioneers. Additional items to be sold include agreements between Germany and the Allies to airdrop food to the starving Dutch in the closing days of the war; the first military telegram of the war, sent by a German commando who attacked Poland in error a week before the war actually commenced; a pass through the lines for German peace emissaries, signed by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery; President Harry Trumans proclamation declaring the a day of prayer upon the end of the war in Europe, a signed quotation from Winston Churchill This was their finest hour...; and a signed photograph from the Japanese surrender on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. 75 years ago this month, the world finally conquered Hitler, an evil against whom we pledged no surrender. Today, history repeats itself with the worldwide fight against the insidious Covid-19 virus, and again we must be determined never to slacken or surrender, auctioneer Bill Panagopulos said about the theme of the sale. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Three Indian engineers kidnapped in Afghanistan in 2018 were freed last year by the Taliban in exchange for 11 members of the militant group, including a commander sanctioned by the United States, according to a UN report. The report, from the UN Security Councils analytical support and sanctions monitoring team, said that in October 2019, 11 Taliban were released from Bagram Airfield detention facility in exchange for three Indian engineers who had been kidnapped in Afghanistan. The Taliban members who were released included former shadow governors Sheikh Abdul Rahimand Mawlawi Rashid Baluch, the report said. Rahim is believed to have been appointed by the Haqqani Network, which is perceived as close to the Pakistani security establishment. Baluch was sanctioned in 2015 by the US treasury department, which emphasised his role in the Taliban and Al-Qaida nexus, the report added. It is believed the three Indians were part of a group of seven engineers kidnapped from Afghanistans northern Baghlan province in May 2018. One of the men was freed in March last year and the fate of the others remains unknown. The engineers were working on power projects run by the Afghan government when they were kidnapped. At the time of the release of the three engineers last year, the Indian government had declined to provide details about how they were freed. The UN report, issued late last month, had focused on the close links between the Afghan Taliban and al-Qaeda and the presence of a large number of foreign fighters in Afghanistan, including some 6,500 Pakistani terrorists. The Pakistani fighters include members of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. HALIFAX - There will be a joint federal-provincial inquiry or review into the mass killing in April that claimed 22 lives in rural Nova Scotia, but the exact form of that investigation is still taking shape, the province's justice minister says. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A worker with the medical examiner's office removes the body of Gabriel Wortman from a gas bar in Enfield, N.S. on Sunday, April 19, 2020. Nova Scotia's justice minister says there will be a joint federal-provincial inquiry or review into the mass killing in April that claimed 22 lives, but the exact form of that investigation is still taking shape. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan HALIFAX - There will be a joint federal-provincial inquiry or review into the mass killing in April that claimed 22 lives in rural Nova Scotia, but the exact form of that investigation is still taking shape, the province's justice minister says. Mark Furey said the probe must have certain features, including judicial leadership, the power to compel witnesses to testify and the ability to make binding recommendations. "We are trying to find a mechanism that will hold agencies accountable," Furey said in an interview. "I just want to make sure we are picking the right one." Furey said he and his staff are negotiating with Ottawa to determine the best option, which could include a traditional federal-provincial public inquiry led by an independent commissioner. Since the April 18-19 shooting rampage in northern and central Nova Scotia, the federal and provincial governments have faced increasing pressure to call an inquiry into one of the worst mass killings in Canadian history. Those calling for an inquiry include opposition politicians and more than 30 Dalhousie University law professors. Last month, the professors said Nova Scotia should establish an independent provincial inquiry, but Premier Stephen McNeil has said he wants Ottawa to lead the process. One of those law professors, Richard Devlin, said a provincial inquiry would be preferable to a federal or joint federal-provincial inquiry. "If it just becomes constituted primarily as a federal inquiry, in which the government of Nova Scotia only plays a secondary role, it will be unduly narrow relating only to the federal agencies potentially involved," Devlin said in an interview Wednesday. "I think that the danger is that we will not get the comprehensive inquiry that this tragedy calls for." Some victims' relatives have also been calling for an inquiry. On Monday, the daughter of Heather O'Brien a nurse who was killed by the gunman on April 19 urged the federal and Nova Scotia governments to work together. In an open letter, Darcy Dobson said "the back and forth about who's responsible for an inquiry is unreal." Furey said he had read Dobson's letter. "I want to assure Ms. Dobson and other family members that we continue in regular discussions with the federal government," he said. "But we absolutely have to have the right mechanism and we need terms of reference that are broad in scope and can address of those questions that families and communities have." The minister, who is also a former Mountie, said the investigation could include an independent review similar to the one the RCMP conducted after three Mounties were killed and two others wounded by a gunman in Moncton, N.B., in June 2014. That internal investigation, led by a retired RCMP assistant commissioner, focused on the force's response, training, equipment and procedures. There were no public hearings, but the reviewer's final report was released to the public with recommendations. Devlin said an RCMP review would be too limited in scope since it would focus only on the police force. "That is not a replacement for a public inquiry. There's no confidence in the public that that would be independent. There's no confidence in the public that will be impartial. There's no confidence in the public that that would be transparent." Devlin said there are important, broader issues to examine, including the role of intimate partner violence. The Mounties have confirmed the killer attacked his common law partner before he started killing people he knew and others at random on the night of April 18. Other witnesses have come forward to say they knew about the shooter's history of domestic abuse. "I think there's increasing consensus that the challenge here is much larger than (the RCMP)," Devlin said. "We should not be thinking about narrowing our focus.... That would be a disservice to the people of Nova Scotia." As well, Devlin said the minister should refrain from using vague terminology. 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. "I would really like to hear the minister use the language of a public inquiry and not some vague terms, such as an 'instrument' or a 'mechanism' that has no real sort of precedent history," the professor said. Furey said he would like the investigation to take a restorative approach, which is what the province did in 2015 when it looked into allegations of long-term abuse at a former orphanage in the Halifax area. The Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children Restorative Inquiry was not a provincial inquiry in the traditional sense, though it was established under the authority of the province's Public Inquiries Act. Its collaborative approach featured "sharing circles" with former residents, black youth and community organizations. Instead of providing a list or recommendations, the inquiry's final report offered a "road map" for breaking down what it described as the government's fragmented approach to helping people in need. "I believe there is an opportunity for some kind of restorative lens that ... facilitates participation and gets the families and communities the engagement they need and the answers they need," Furey said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2020. Documents and video evidence provide a detailed and at times contradictory account of the day Floyd was killed. The killing of George Floyd on May 25 has triggered unprecedented protests in the United States, with curfews being imposed in cities across the country and President Donald Trump briefly evacuated to a bunker during a night of violent demonstrations. One former police officer involved in the killing, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. Three other officers at the scene Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. All four of the officers had already been fired. Heres what happened on the day Floyd died, according to publicly available documents and news reports: 911 call A transcript (PDF) of the emergency call between someone working at a shop where Floyd allegedly attempted to pay for goods with a counterfeit $20 bill details the events leading up to the police call, from the shopkeepers perspective. The person at the shop, whose name is redacted, claimed they asked Floyd to return cigarettes that he purchased with the allegedly fake $20 bill. Floyd refused and was awfully drunk. However, the caller said Floyd didnt appear to be leaving the premises and remained in his car. Alright, Ive got help on the way. If that vehicle or that person leaves before we get there, just give us a call back, otherwise well have squads out there shortly, okay? the 911 dispatcher said. Police arrive According to the criminal complaint (PDF) against Chauvin, police arrived at the scene at 8:08pm local time. It said officer Thomas Lane was speaking to Floyd, who was in the drivers seat of his car. Lane pulled his gun on Floyd until he put his hands on the steering wheel. Lane then pulled Floyd out of the car. The complaint said Floyd actively resisted being handcuffed, but then became compliant. Mahmoud Abumayyaleh, the owner of the shop where Floyd used the allegedly counterfeit bill, told CNN he reviewed his own surveillance footage and saw no resistance from Floyd when officers attempted to take him into custody. At 8:14pm, as Floyd was being led to the police car, he fell to the ground, and told the officers he was claustrophobic'. Floyd was allegedly noncompliant with getting into the car, according to the complaint. He struggled with the officers by intentionally falling down, it said. After apparently getting him into the vehicle, at 8:19pm Chauvin pulled Floyd out of the passenger side of the squad car. Floyd went to the ground face down and still handcuffed. Chauvin placed placed his knee in the area of Mr Floyds head and neck, the complaint said. Officer Kueng held Floyds back and Lane held his legs. 8:27pm Floyd repeatedly told officers he couldnt breathe multiple times, saying please and Mama, both the complaint and harrowing video of his death show. Chauvins knee remained on Floyds neck, and the other officers did not change positions. They told Floyd he was talking fine in response to his claims that he could not breathe. Lane asked Chauvin: Should we roll him on his side? Chauvin responded: No, staying put where we got him. Lane said he was worried about excited delirium or whatever. Excited delirium is a condition characterised by agitation, aggression, acute distress and sudden death, often in the pre-hospital care setting, according to research from 2011. The designation has been around since the 1800s, but has gained recent notoriety for its use in explaining deaths involving police officers, the study said. While more research was needed at the time, it is important to note that a lack of recognition of the condition in the context of law enforcement activities does not negate the significance of the behavioral and physical signs, it said. Chauvin said in response to the expressed concern about excited delirium, Thats why we have him on his stomach. At 8:24pm, Floyd stopped moving. A minute later, the video appears to show Mr Floyd ceasing to breathe or speak. A police officer checked his pulse and said, I couldnt find one at 8:25pm. The officers remained in their positions. At 8:27pm, Chauvin took his knee off Floyds neck. The defendant had his knee on Mr Floyds neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in total, the complaint said. 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. Autopsy report Two autopsy reports released on Monday one from county officials and another from independent experts both listed Floyds death as a homicide. However, they differ in the cause. The independent report found Floyd died from asphyxiation from sustained pressure, resulting from Chauvins knee and body weight being placed on Floyds neck, with other officers kneeling on his back. The Hennepin County medical examiners office lists Floyds cause of death as Cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression. Cardiopulmonary arrest means Floyds heart failed. There was no mention of asphyxiation. The county report also lists the presence of fentanyl, an opioid similar to morphine, in his system and recent methamphetamine use. However, the report does not say how much of either drug Floyd ingested. The cause of death was listed as Homicide. The report stated the manner of death is a statutory function of the medical examiner, as part of death certification for purpose of vital statistics and public health. The reports determination on Floyds death is not a legal determination of culpability or intent, and should not be used to usurp the judicial process, it added. Lawyers for Floyds family told CNN: Whether or not he was intoxicated or had medications in his system is irrelevant to the cause of death, which is homicide, which is death by the hand of another. Whats happened since The US has erupted in protests over Floyds death. More than 350 cities have seen demonstrations and National Guard troops, a component of the US Army, have been deployed in at least 23 states to handle the sometimes violent demonstrations. Looting has also been common. Media members, demonstrators, and medics have faced excessive force from police. Some police officers have marched alongside demonstrators in certain cities, avoiding conflict. Trump and members of his government have called for harsh crackdowns on the protests, and threatened to designate Antifa, a loose conglomeration of anti-fascist activists, as a terrorist organisation. Trump has also threatened to deploy the military to deal with the unrest, prompting criticism and accusations. Two specially modified Boeing-777 aircraft, capable of countering missile threats, will join Prime Minister Narendra Modis Air India One fleet by September-end, two people familiar with the development said on Wednesday. The first head-of-state Boeing-777 aircraft will arrive in India from the United States by August-end followed by the second one a month later, they said on condition of anonymity. The planes will come equipped with self-protection suites (SPS) consisting of aircraft infrared countermeasures, advanced integrated defensive electronic warfare suite and counter-measures dispensing system to protect them from inbound missiles. The aircraft will match the US Presidents Air Force One in security measures, the officials said. Air India had sent a pair of new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to a Boeing facility in Dallas to be refurbished for VVIP travel, including installation of missile defence systems worth $190 million. Aircraft records from open source websites showed both jets were less than 3 years old and have been sparingly used. The new long-haul aircraft will be used exclusively by PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. The threat to VVIPs is always there. Whatever measures a nation needs to take to protect its top leadership should be taken, said Air Marshal KK Nohwar (retd), director general, Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS). The three dignitaries fly Air Indias Boeing-747 planes that the state-run airline deploys on commercial flights. These are temporarily reconfigured for the dignitaries when they need to travel, with the call sign changing to Air India One. The Boeing-747 planes that are chartered from Air India for use by the three dignitaries are two decades old. The new planes have been configured to give PM Modi some generous office space, meeting rooms, a wide array of communication systems and a section for handling medical emergencies. The aircraft can fly between the US and India without having to stop for refuelling. The protection systems on the planes can jam enemy radar frequencies and divert heat-seeking missiles by disturbing their guidance systems. The US administration announced its decision to give India access to the SPS for the special VVIP aircraft in February 2019, stressing that the sale would improve Indias capability to deter regional threats. It said the SPS would facilitate a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON India is among over 50 countries and organisations confirmed to participate in the UK-led virtual Global Vaccine Summit to be hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday. Organisers of the summit said Prime Minister Narendra Modi or a high-level Indian representative is expected to participate live or with a pre-recorded message along with at least 35 heads of state or government at the event, which aims to raise at least $7.4 billion for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in additional resources to protect future generations with vaccines and reduce disease inequality. "The response we have had from India is very positive. India's participation in Gavi and in supporting the (coronavirus) vaccine cannot in any way be underestimated and we continue to work together," said Lord Tariq Ahmad, UK Minister for South Asia and the Commonwealth. "It is an established fact that 50 per cent of the world's vaccine production is currently in India, which makes it an important partner in that area," said the Pakistani-origin UK minister, who has a dual role as minister in the Foreign Office and Department for International Development (DfID). In 2014, from being a recipient country of Gavi, India became a donor country and has contributed around USD 12 million to date. "It is a notable achievement for India that it has become a supporter and that demonstrates the steps India has taken in recent years. When we look at the scale of production which India has of vaccines, it will be an important partner in ensuring a large number of vaccines are readily available in an equitable fashion," Ahmad said. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is a United Nations backed organisation which coordinates vaccinations across the world. The virtual summit this week comes against the backdrop of the University of Oxford's fast-track trials for a potential vaccine to protect against coronavirus. However, it has a wider remit as the UK hopes it would help raise the funds required for Gavi to vaccinate over 300 million children against infectious diseases in the world's poorest countries over the next five years. In April, the UK had set up a Vaccines Taskforce to support the discovery of a coronavirus vaccine and prepare industry supply chains to manufacture it at scale once it is developed. "We have been working through our Vaccines Taskforce on strengthening our relations, both at a government-to-government level but also through the private sector and we will be looking to further strengthen that in the coming weeks and months," said Ahmad, in reference to India-UK collaboration in the field. CLEVELAND, Ohio Patricia Crawford-Shelby talked to her daughter from a distance during a visit on Mothers Day. No hugs, no kisses. "I'm very leery about being around other people," said Crawford-Shelby, 73. "I worry that I might pass it on." For two weeks, she struggled to move as she fought the symptoms of the coronavirus. She battled a high fever and lost 15 pounds. As an African American woman, Crawford-Shelby was hardly alone. As COVID-19 slams through Ohio, it has impacted black residents far greater than their white counterparts, records show. The illness continues to sweep through inner-city neighborhoods amid social unrest that, many say, stems from the same underlying cause deep-seated racism that has hit African Americans socially, economically and emotionally. Beneath the long-simmering anger that led to burning police cars, civil unrest and a military-style lockdown is something both subtle and insidious: the vast disparity in health care for black residents, authorities said. Cleveland officials and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine have echoed that point in recent weeks as a community struggles to deal with a pandemic and mounting tensions. Many black residents and activists say they are upset and saddened by the virus' spread. But what serves as new news for some is old news in many black communities here and across the nation. "There is an old saying in the black community, 'When white America gets the flu, black America gets pneumonia,'" said the Rev. Aaron Phillips, the pastor of Sure House Baptist Church on Miles Avenue, near East 116th Street. "There is a high level of anxiety, and there is fear. That's because so many black people are getting sick. But our faith is far greater than our fear." In Cleveland, one of the most segregated cities in America, the numbers are haunting: At least 70% of the total cases in the city in which race is known involve African Americans. Black residents make up slightly more than 45% of the city's population. In Ohio, African Americans make up 13% of the population, but they comprise nearly 30% of the total cases. Death rates from the virus are a bit more in line with population figures: Nearly one in five people who have died in Ohio were African American, according to state records. Death rates for those in the city were not available. Cleveland mirrors a national trend. A study in the Journal of Health Affairs found black residents in California had nearly three times the odds of being hospitalized than white residents. The Rev. Aaron Phillips, the pastor of Sure House Baptist Church in Cleveland. [David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com] Magnifying racial disparities Researchers cited several reasons for the spread of the virus among African Americans in Cleveland and other major cities, including pre-existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, more densely populated communities, the increased need for public transportation and fewer quality grocery stores for residents to find fresh foods. "There are no Whole Foods in our neighborhoods," Phillips said, referring to the upscale grocery chain located in some of Cleveland's more tony suburbs. Ronnie Dunn is the interim chief diversity and inclusion officer at Cleveland State University and an associate professor of urban studies. He also is on DeWine's Minority Health Strike Force, a panel that has pushed recommendations for the state's most susceptible communities, including the expanded use of testing and targeted messaging. He said the state and local communities need to do more. "What COVID-19 has done is magnify the racial and ethnic health disparities that have gone on for generations," Dunn said. Dunn said issues such as inadequate health care are part of a much larger problem. He called them "socioeconomic conditions that stem from structural and institutional racism." Last month, DeWine agreed, telling reporters, "Clearly, there are disparities. Clearly, there are inequities" affecting the African American community. "Most of what drives disparity is a lack of access, a lack of access to education, a lack of access to health care," DeWine said. "The history of racism certainly does have something to do with it. "We have to do everything in our power to see that every Ohioan has the most opportunity. Wherever we find barriers, we need to knock them down." Mayor Frank Jackson agreed with researchers, city leaders and residents, who said the pandemic exposed issues of great divide in Cleveland. "Those who are suffering are suffering because of institutionalized disparities and inequities," Jackson said. "When you add institutionalized racism to that, the African American community will always suffer disproportionately more." He said the greatest test that communities face will come at the end of the pandemic, when they must overcome challenges to eliminate the disparities that hinder so many residents. "Are we going to hold ourselves accountable so that when these things happen again that the same people do not continue to suffer the same inequalities?" Jackson said. Dr. Amy Acton, the director of the Ohio Department of Health, last week addressed the same issue, saying, Weve got to do better. It is unacceptable that your zip code, on average, can predict how long you live, Acton said. There are things we cant control, but there are things that are in our control. Even in the times when were on our knees and reeling, there is a pearl of hope that we can do more. And it is going to take every ounce of our courage in the times to come to do more. A public health crisis Blaine Griffin, the chairman of Cleveland City Council's Health and Human Services Committee, agreed. He has pushed hearings on racism as a public-health crisis, a point that has been discussed in the Ohio statehouse, as well. "One of the worst things that we can do is come out of this pandemic in the same situation," Griffin said. "This is a call to action." Jackson and Griffin said the city has pushed to target residents, stressing the need to educate them about the virus and social distancing. It has produced messages for mass phone calls, passed literature door-to-door and made public-service announcements for radio. Some African Americans say the messages have helped, but many remain filled with fear. Others refuse to be bothered by it, and it has made many angry. "It is a huge concern," said Mariah Crenshaw, a community activist on Cleveland's East Side. "African American people are adversely affected, but some people aren't concerned about it at all. Kids are kept home from school, but they walk around without masks, without being protected." Crawford-Shelby is an example of the way the virus has hit the community. On March 10, she visited a nursing home in East Cleveland to hear a friend sing to residents. She later learned that her friend had become ill with the virus. She soon felt the symptoms: She struggled to move and suffered from body aches, fevers and a loss of her appetite. "I couldn't get up; I couldn't move," Crawford-Shelby said. "I wonder why people don't have masks on. Do they not believe this is a serious illness?" She has recovered, but it has taken a while for her strength to return. She also fears being near others. Phillips, the pastor at Sure House Baptist Church, is the executive director of the Cleveland Clergy Coalition. He said the group has urged residents to stay home and maintain social distancing. His congregation includes older members, and he has streamed the churchs Sunday services online. The message he brings is a simple one. We have our faith, he said. This has made us tougher, stronger. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Riza Roidila Mufti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 14:24 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbcd698 1 Business infrastructure,pandemic,strategic-projects,Jokowi,Airlangga-Hartarto,Basuki-Hadimuljono,COVID-19,coronavirus Free The government has vowed to continue the development of national strategic projects during the COVID-19 health crisis with the addition of 89 new projects of an estimated Rp 1.422 quadrillion in investment value. Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto said on May 29 that the new projects were an addition to the existing 223 national strategic projects., and were expected to employ around 4 million workers every year from 2020 to 2024. During the projects' development over the next five years, [the projects] are hoped to involve a total of 19 million [workers], Airlangga told a virtual press briefing on Friday, following a Cabinet meeting. Airlangga said that the 89 new projects comprised 15 road and bridge projects, 13 dams and irrigation systems, 13 border infrastructure projects and 12 energy projects. The remaining projects comprised six railway projects, six clean water projects, five airports, five seaports, five industrial zones, three technology projects, three smelters, one seawall, one waste management project and one land procurement project in Central Kalimantan. Read also: At least 50 major infrastructure projects to be completed this year President Joko Jokowi Widodo said at the briefing that although Indonesia was facing the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of national strategic projects must go on while adhering to the relevant health protocols. The government's statement on the planned projects comes on the heels of its plans to ease the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in COVID-19 "red zones" across the country and to introduce the new normal protocols for daily activities, despite the increase in confirmed cases. Official estimates show that the economy is likely to contract 0.4 percent in the worst-case scenario for the year. The President also ordered the acceleration of programs that could drive the "peoples economy", such as the land certification, the transmigration land legalization and the social forestry programs. Jokowi also instructed to solve the problems in the field as soon as possible, because I still hear that land clearing is still a major problem in developing the national strategic projects. Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said at Friday's briefing that the five "super priority" tourist destinations was among the strategic projects that had been earmarked for continued development. The "super priority" tourist destinations are Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, Borobudur in Central Java, Likupang in North Sulawesi, Lake Toba in North Sumatra and Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara. Basuki added that several toll road projects would break ground this year, including the 14-kilometer section 4 of the Banda Aceh-Sigli toll road, the 33 km sections I and V of the Balikpapan-Samarinda toll road, and the 131 km Pekanbaru-Dumai toll road. Indonesia currently has 223 national strategic projects worth around Rp 4.2 quadrillion on its priority list, which has seen several revisions since 2016. The country completed 92 infrastructure projects in 2016-2019, against the 144 projects that the Committee for Acceleration of Priority Infrastructure Delivery (KPPIP) has targeted for completion by 2020. Philippines govt rolls out five-year sardines management plan by Madelaine B. Miraflor June 03,2020 | Source: Manila Bulletin The Philippine government has formalized its plan to regulate the fishing of sardines in the country with the rollout of the countrys first ever National Sardine Management Plan. This was months since Oceana, the largest international non-government organization focused on marine conservation, has called on the Philippine government to establish management mechanisms on the fishing of sardines, which has already become a staple relief food amid COVID-19 pandemic. Maybe because of its size, sardines is one of the most undervalued fishes in the Philippines in terms of protection and management mechanisms. It is one of the least pricey seafood sources of protein for most Filipinos, Oceana said in an earlier statement. On Wednesday, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said that Agriculture Secretary William Dar already signed the National Sardine Management Plan, which will allow for sustainable use and management of this particular fisheries resource. The plan, according to the agency, was based on the recommendation of the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, the countrys highest advisory body on fisheries policies. The National Sardine Management Plan, a product of multi-sector collaboration and initiatives, was created to respond and offer measures to the challenges of the sardine industry over the next five years. Sardines, which are among the most commercially important fish species and one of the most staple protein sources for Filipinos, have since been plagued by many challenges for many years. Decreasing catch rates, increasing juvenile catch, decreasing productivity, post-harvest losses, illegal fishing, and poverty among sardine fisherfolk are just a few of the challenges that hound the industry. The Sardine Management Plan operates with three goals as its main component, including the improved science-based indicators for the sustainability of fish stocks, which includes reduction of sardine juveniles in the landed catch by 10 percent in five years among its many objectives. The other component would be the improved distribution of benefits among sardine fisherfolk communities by reducing post-harvest losses through the establishment of post-harvest facilities and reducing poverty incidence and increasing income of sardine fisherfolk through provision of alternative and diversified livelihood programs and social enterprise among many measures. Lastly, the plan aims for strengthened science-based management for sustainable sardine fisheries by setting Harvest Control Rules, developing a data platform among institutions for production data harmonization and reconciliation, and strengthening the implementation of fisheries laws, among other things. Earlier adopted area-specific sardine conservation measures such as closed fishing seasons in several of the countrys major fishing grounds are incorporated in the National Sardine Management Plan too, while other measures included in this plan will also apply to Fisheries Management Areas. The plan will cover both municipal and commercial waters. We are optimistic that our vision of a sustainably and equitably-shared sardine fishery that contributes greatly to food security and increased income for our sardine fishers will soon be realized through this plan, BFAR National Director Eduardo Gongona said. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that from 2012 to 2017, the sardine industry has yielded an average of 355,000 metric tons (MT) worth 10.45 billion. 2016 mb.com.ph | Philippine News. All rights reserved Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High near 50F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 27F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. The decision on the fate of two lions that viciously mauled a female zookeeper has been deferred as she fights for life in hospital. Jennifer Brown, 35, was cleaning the cage when the lions, Ariel and Juda, attacked her head and neck at Shoalhaven Zoo, in North Nowra, New South Wales, on Friday. An investigation has been launched by police and SafeWork NSW to determine the circumstances that lead to the attack. The decision on the fate of two lions, brothers Ariel and Juda (pictured), that viciously mauled a female zookeeper has been deferred as she fights for life in hospital Jennifer Brown, 35, was cleaning the cage when the lions, Ariel and Juda, attacked her head and neck at Shoalhaven Zoo, in North Nowra, New South Wales, on Friday Investigators are looking at why Ms Brown was alone in the lion cage before she was mauled. The zoo announced it is now deferring the decision on what will happen to the two lions until her condition in hospital improves. Owner Nick Schilko told ABC the zoo is planning on releasing a statement in the coming days as he is still trying to 'piece a whole lot of things together'. 'I want to wait on Jen's recovery,' he said. Detective Inspector Scott Nelson on Tuesday said there has been no decision in consultation with the zoo to have the lions put down. Two colleagues ran into the enclosure to secure the lions and save an unconscious Ms Brown on Friday morning. Emergency services were called to the zoo at 10.30am on Friday with four ambulance crews and a rescue helicopter rushing to treat her. Ms Brown (pictured, working with lions) is a dedicated big cat expert at Shoalhaven Zoo Jennifer Brown (pictured), 35, was cleaning the cage when the lions, Ariel and Juda, attacked her head and neck at Shoalhaven Zoo, in North Nowra, New South Wales, on Friday Paramedics worked on Ms Brown for more than two hours before she was airlifted to St George Private Hospital where she remains in a critical but stable condition. She had been working at the park since 2013 and had previously said she had a special place in her heart for 'big cats'. The investigation will look at protocols for cleaning cages and procedures in place for dealing with dangerous animals. It will also examine whether two staff members should have been present when Ms Brown was cleaning the enclosure. 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. 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 on Friday Paramedics described the rescue operation as 'the worst they'd experienced' The Shoalhaven Zoo, which has been closed since late March due to coronavirus restrictions, 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. '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. Outside my Washington, D.C., window, low-flying copters with squads of men in their doors roared over the rooftops. A parade of masked marchers advanced on the empty street below, chanting in response to the call of a lone megaphone. A string section of sirens howled up from a few blocks away; another came from deep downtown, their cries scrambling together between the high-rises. And up and down my street, the windows filled with the silhouettes of my neighbors, backlit by their living rooms. It looked like a vast grid of screens, each of us stuck at home in the same virtual space, craning our necks to the sky. Our sudden visibility felt like a language. Our fear felt social. Sound has a way of binding those within its reach together. Months ago, this might have meant a concert in a hall. But lately, it's the ugly new music of the everyday - the dull roar of circling helicopters, the peal of sirens, the echo of explosions. And, come morning, the eerie quiet of quarantine, the dominance of birdsong. Alan Pierson, director and conductor of the New York-based new-music mainstay Alarm Will Sound, recalls clearly the strange silence that fell over his home in Brooklyn and the rest of the city with something that approaches nostalgia. "These are loud, busy, bustling streets, and it was really amazing in those early days of the pandemic how it just stopped," he says in a phone interview. "There was quiet in a way that I've never experienced here. I'm sure they were present before, but suddenly the air was filled with birdsongs in a way it never was before." In the midst of a terrifying and wrenching event, Pierson says, he felt something "special and magical" about the new proportions of the city's sound. "But already," he says, "it's gone." That overwhelming quiet, the confines of quarantine and the creative restlessness, which afflicted every one of Alarm Will Sound's 15 members, inspired Pierson to dream up a series of digital performances, the first of which is an at-home adaptation of composer John Luther Adams's "Ten Thousand Birds," a piece inspired by "particular birdsongs, captured in minute detail," that AWS premiered in 2014. Like many of Adams's works, "Ten Thousand Birds" dissolves the usual strictures of orchestral playing, scattering the players across a given space, usually outdoors. Viewers are able to wander in and around the players, who use their instruments to approximate the songs of various birds and their instincts to guide them through the rhythms of a day. "In this music, time is not measured," Adams wrote in 2014. "Each page in the score will be its own self-contained world that occupies its own physical space and its own time." In this way, audience members become passive participants in the piece, conducting the music simply by moving through it and listening from wherever they are. The musicians play off of each other as well as the audience. Pierson has written that one of the great joys of performing the piece, which his group has done severaltimes, is that he has "absolutely nothing to do." "We're far apart," he says. "There's no pulse that we're all feeling together. But that space, that distance, opens up a different kind of connection that's really deep and beautiful. It's all these players listening to each other and having dialogue with each other across space in a really spontaneous way. That is like what birds do in the wild." But this new realization of "Ten Thousand Birds," now viewable on YouTube along with a behind-the-scenes mini-documentary, couldn't be more different. Rather than the freely distributed sound and spatially activated dynamics that typically characterize performances of "Ten Thousand Birds," Pierson's apartment-bound interpretation fixes the path of the listener through a manic, hall-pacing choreography. His roving handheld camera rushes from room to room, encountering screens (27 of them) scattered throughout his apartment, each running an individual band member's recorded performance of their assigned birdsong. Pierson kept intact Adams's intention to have the piece enact the cycle of a single day, but it's compressed from its usual (but variable) duration of about 70 minutes into a lean six minutes - and shot in a single take. A menagerie of devices peek out of cabinets and swing from the ceiling, smartphones balance on doorjambs, tablets languish in the sink and the dish rack, a laptop sits on the dining table hosting a small conference (or flock?) of players, and an old iPod perches on the fire escape. It's a technical feat (made possible over the course of some 300 hours with behind-the-scenes help from Pierson's boyfriend, Paul Melnikow), and, truth be told, it has the feel of an elaborate internet stunt. With so many Zoom-based performances and online experiments in music, this new take on "Ten Thousand Birds" could have easily felt like yet another hammy link to click on. But after a few minutes, and then after a few watches, it's loopy, slightly goofy approach gains a strange power. Like any bird brought inside, there's a sense that it's trapped. You can feel Pierson's longing to push past the walls of his apartment. Stripped of its freedom in time and space and fixed to a predetermined path rather than organically developing, you'd think the piece might lose its power or betray its identity. That was certainly Adams's concern when Pierson ran the idea by him. "Well, that's a silly thing," Adams says he recalls thinking. "What would you want to do that for?" Adams, 67, who won the Pulitzer Prize for music in 2014 for his work "Become Ocean," has devoted much of his musical practice over the past few years to the creation of outdoor works, which scatter the elements of the orchestra and dissolve the conventions of concert music, allowing him to explore what he calls "a new sense of polyphony, polyphony as a community of voices." A version of "Ten Thousand Birds" that would shrink it, fix it in time and space, rely on staged performances and take place in "the ultimate no-place" of the internet seemed like a betrayal of everything that makes the work what it is. Then Adams watched it. "I knew it was kind of a whimsical idea," the composer says by phone from the Chihuahuan Desert near the Mexican border (where he moved after 40 years in Alaska). "But I wasn't prepared for the way that it touched me. I found it really beautiful." Adams's musical life began with birds. When he was 21 and working as a farmhand in Georgia, he'd spend each dawn and dusk walking through the woods, listening to thrushes and forming ideas that would shape his musical sensibilities for decades to come. "There was this music, deeper in the woods," he says. "This silvery, fluty, bell-like sonority that seemed to be everywhere and nowhere at once." Birds, through both the sound of their song and their ubiquity in the trees, became "a reminder of our place within the larger, older, never-ending music of the Earth." Pierson's approach to "Ten Thousand Birds" may fly in the face of Adams's original vision, but it also trains listeners' focus on its concern with community, connection and the power of music to transcend language. "Everything gets lost in translation," Adams says, "but something else gets discovered and gained. Which is just a delightful surprise." Oboist and longtime Alarm Will Sound member Christa Robinson - who has performed the parts of blue jays, woodpeckers and, for this performance, an owl - sees Pierson's transformation of the piece not just as a way to connect with her bandmates, but also as a model for how the rest of us can move forward in a world that feels, and sounds, so different. "Just as we're noticing the subtle sounds in our environment, I think we'll start to notice the sounds of our collective happiness, too," she says by phone from Brooklyn. "It'll be a struggle, for sure. But I think that when we get there, there will be joy attached as well. That's what I'm holding on to anyway." Dr. Anthony Fauci expressed optimism on Tuesday that the United States could have a couple of hundred million doses of a coronavirus vaccine by early 2021. That supports a stated goal from the Trump administration to have 300 million doses available by the end of the year. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in an interview with the Journal of the American Medical Association that production of the vaccine would be done as it remains in its testing phase. He said that should allow for a quick pivot when vaccines, which are being developed by multiple biotech companies, do prove effective against the virus. Fauci expressed optimism that a vaccine will be found, but stopped short of a guarantee. "If the body is capable of making an immune response to clear the virus of natural infection, that's a pretty good proof of concept to say that you're going to make an immune response in response to a vaccine," Fauci said. The Trump administration partnered with AstraZeneca and committed up to $1.2 billion for up to 300 million doses of the vaccine. The successful development of a vaccine is still being viewed as a big hurdle to clear as the United States looks to return to normalcy following months of shutdown, business closures, job losses and virus-related deaths. Japan should lift export controls as soon as possible South Korea has decided to resume its complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over Japan's export curbs against some Korean firms, saying the two countries have failed to make progress in bilateral talks to resolve their trade dispute. "Japan has not shown a willingness to settle the dispute, and no progress has been made. We have reached the conclusion that we cannot proceed with normal negotiations (with Japan)," Na Seung-sik, head of the office of international trade and investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, said Tuesday. The decision came six months after Seoul suspended the dispute-settlement process at the world trade body in November after the two countries agreed to begin consultations on the export controls imposed on shipments to South Korean companies of three key materials critical for their manufacture of semiconductors and display panels. This means that Seoul will end its stalled talks with Tokyo and revive its case with the WTO. In mid-May, the government gave Tokyo until the end of May to respond to its call for the withdrawal of the export controls, stating that it had taken measures to address Japan's concerns about its export management system. Japan, however, had not delivered a clear answer by Sunday. It's hard to understand why Tokyo is sticking to its position even after South Korea tried its best to meet Japan's demands. Although the Japanese government has never acknowledged it, the export curbs must be seen as a retaliatory measure against a ruling by the Supreme Court here in 2018 that ordered Japanese companies to pay compensation to Korean victims for their forced labor during wartime. The export controls must be lifted as soon as possible, given that the neighboring countries cannot build a future-oriented relationship without them being removed. Once the WTO dispute complaint process is resumed, our government should strive to win the case by proving the unfairness and unlawfulness of Japan's trade actions. It's also imperative to reduce our dependence on Japanese components and materials by fostering related local industries. Night Curfew in Maharashtra: Check guidelines, rules; what is allowed, what is not allowed Mistakes of 2021 being repeated; unnecessary medication, tests should be avoided: Doctors tells Centre Will schools in Maharashtra reopen next week amid rising Omicron cases? Proposal sent to CM Schools in Mumbai to reopen with rest of Maharashtra on Monday India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa New Delhi, June 03: Three people died and as many were injured in cyclone-related incidents as cyclone 'Nisarga' made landfall near Mumbai, uprooting trees in nearby districts on Wednesday. The cyclone slammed the Maharashtra coast with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph, making landfall at 12.30pm at Alibaug near Mumbai. The process was completed by 2.30pm, said a senior official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Authorities in Indore and Ujjain divisions in the western part of Madhya Pradesh have been asked to be prepared to deal with the impact of Cyclone 'Nisarga', which is likely to hit the state on Thursday, an IMD official said. The cyclonic storm is likely to enter Khandwa, Khargone and Burhanpur districts in the state between 7 am and 11 am on Thursday, the official said. Catch live updates on Cyclone Nisarga here Newest First Oldest First The cyclonic storm is likely to enter Khandwa, Khargone and Burhanpur districts in the state between 7 am and 11 am on Thursday, the official said. Authorities in Indore and Ujjain divisions in the western part of Madhya Pradesh have been asked to be prepared to deal with the impact of Cyclone 'Nisarga', which is likely to hit the state on Thursday, an IMD official said. The power utility said it was working on a war footing to restore power supply in these areas by Thursday. "Due to the cyclone, electric poles at various locations were uprooted and power supply was interrupted. The state utility cut the power supply to many substations in these districts as precautionary measure, the MSEDCL said. Power supply to more than 25 lakh consumers of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDC) in four districts of Raigad, Palghar, Thane and Pune has been interrupted due to the cyclone Nisarga, which made a landfall in Alibaug on Maharashtra's coast. "Thanking all who protected Maharashtra along with Mumbai in the face of the Nisarga cyclone which had hovered over Maharashtra at a time when the state is already grappling with COVID-19. "But we all warded it (the cyclone crisis) off. The people and administration fought hard and mitigated the intensity of the crisis," the chief minister said. He said and orders have been issued to carry out spot inspections to assess the damages caused by the cyclone. "The unity exhibited by the people will help bring Maharashtra out of all crises," the CM said in a statement. Thackeray said losses have been reported from coastal Konkan and some other regions. After hitting the Maharashtra coast near Alibaug with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph in afternoon, the cyclone weakened into intensity in the evening and moved towards north-east Maharashtra, sparing Mumbai and other areas. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said the resilience showed by people and officials helped in "mitigating the intensity" of the cyclone 'Nisarga' which had hovered over the state amidst the COVID-19 crisis. As many as 20 teams of the NDRF have been deployed in Maharashtra. Of these, 7 are in Mumbai, 7 in Raigad, 2 in Palghar, 1 in Thane, 2 in Ratnagiri and 1 in Sindhudurg. Two people died and three others were injured in two cyclone-related incidents in Pune district on Wednesday, said officials. Severe Cyclonic Storm NISARGA weakens into a Cyclonic Storm over coastal Maharashtra. Light to moderate rainfall at most places, heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places very likely in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh during next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department Extremely heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places in Raigad, Dhule, Nandurbar, Nashik districts & heavy to very heavy rainfall in Thane, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Ahmednagar, Pune, Kolhapur, Satara districts in Maharashtra during the next two & half hours: IMD Restoration of power supply has been started in Ratnagiri & Shrivardhan. Power supply in Murud, Mandgaon, Goregaon, Alibag, Mhasala, Guhagar, Dapoli taluquas where power supply was switched off from EHV stations will be restored as soon as wind & rain slow down: Maharashtra Govt Flight operations have resumed at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Arrivals and departures were suspended at 2:30 pm due strong crosswinds induced by Cyclone Nisarga, says spokesperson. The department has responded to 60 calls related to tree uprooting and 9 calls related to waterlogging till evening today: Fire brigade dept, Pune Municipal Corporation Due to the impact of the gusting winds, many trees and electric poles fell down in Shrivardhan as well as in Alibaug. No untoward incident has been reported in southern coast of Gujarat so far due to the severe cyclonic storm Nisarga, which has made landfall in neighbouring Maharashtra, a senior official said. We expect that Cyclone Nisarga will weaken into a deep depression within the next three hours and further weaken into a depression in the next 6 hours. Currently, it lays centered over Pune in Maharashtra: Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of India Meteorological Department No other casualties have been reported from the state so far, District Collector, Raigad, Nidhi Choudhary said. A 58-year-old man died after an electric pole fell on him at Umte village in Alibag, as Cyclone Nisarga made landfall in Maharashtras Raigad district on Wednesday afternoon. Chandigarh: Barber shops & salons reopen in the Union Territory following permission from the administration. Pradeep, owner of a barber shop, says, "At our shop, the services can be availed after bookings only. Every instrument is sanitized after each haircut & shave". Severe cyclonic storm Nisarga has crossed Raigad Dist. Now we are experiencing post-landfall effect with a wind speed of 90-100kmph in Mumbai and Thane & moderate to heavy to very heavy rainfall: Shubhangi Bhute, Scientist, IMD, Mumbai The Mumbai unit of the Congress has set up a "control room" to assist people in view of the threat posed by the severe cyclonic storm 'Nisarga' that made landfall in Raigad on Wednesday. A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at work in Alibaug, Raigad district. The rear part of wall cloud region is still over the sea and the landfall process will be completed by next one hour, says IMD. In a statement, Pawar noted that the cyclone has caused severe damage to public and private properties and asked NCP workers to help those affected by the phenomenon. NCP chief Sharad Pawar urged his party workers to help people at the time of the natural disaster. After a wait of 72 hours, Cyclone Nisarga made a thumping landfall at Shriwardhan-Dive Agar in Raigad district, hitting coastal Maharashtra with full fury, officials said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Tuesday said that the deep depression in the Arabian Sea intensified into a cyclonic Storm, named Nisarga, around noon today. It is likely to intensify further into a Severe Cyclonic Storm (wind speed 90 100 km/hr gusting to 110 km/hr) by the time it makes landfall. "To cross N Mah & adjoining S Guj coast betn Harihareshwar & Daman, close to Alibag (Raigad) a/n 03rd Jun as a SCS with a max sustained wind 100-110 gusting to 120 kmph, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai's deputy director general of meteorology K S Hosalikar tweeted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation in the wake of Cyclone Nisarga, which is moving towards the country's western coast and is expected to make landfall near Mumbai on Wednesday. PM Modi has said, "Took stock of the situation in the wake of cyclone conditions in parts of India's western coast. Praying for everyone's well-being. I urge people to take all possible precautions and safety measures." The last cyclone to hit Mumbai was cyclonic storm 'Phyan' on November 11, 2009. The number of cyclones and severe cyclones in the Arabian Sea has risen by nearly 32 per cent in the last five years, according to the IMD data. An official has said that NDRF will be evacuating people from coastal areas of about 13 villages and is prepared to carry out the operation while following social distancing norms. High tides were seen at Tithal beach in Valsad district after the cyclone diverted towards Maharashtra on Tuesday afternoon. Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired the second meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to review the preparedness of states and Central ministries/agencies to deal with the cyclonic storm Nisarga. Five teams of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) have been airlifted from Bhatinda to be deployed in Gujarat in view of cyclone Nisarga. Mumbai Police issues prohibitory orders, restricting movement along the beach, coasts, promenade due to the cyclone. PM @narendramodi has spoken to CM of Maharashtra Shri Uddhav Thackeray, CM of Gujarat Shri @vijayrupanibjp and Administrator of Daman Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli Shri @prafulkpatel regarding the cyclone situation. He assured all possible support and assistance from the Centre. PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 2, 2020 PM Narendra Modi speaks to the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Gujarat over the cyclone situation, assures all possible central help: PMO Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will address the state at 8 pm today. An order under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure was being issued, the police said. "With this order Mumbai police has prohibited any presence or movement of one or more persons in public places along the beaches, promenades, parks and other such places near the coastline where people may gather," it said. Those violating the order can face action under IPC section 188 (defying an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant), it added. Mumbai receives rainfall as Nisarga approaches western coast of India. Cyclone is likely to make landfall near Alibaug tomorrow. Cyclone Nisarga at our doorstep, says Uddhav Thackeray. The Army and the Navy have been kept on standby. NDRF teams have been deployed. Home Minister Amit Shah held a review meeting with us. He has assured us that the Centre is with us," he says. "Prime Minister Modi called us too and has assured full support of the Centre," says Thackeray. Thackeray has said that power supply in some places in the state may have to be cut in case there is heavy rain and if it leads to flooding. Indian aviation regulator DGCA issued a circular to airlines and pilots on Tuesday, reiterating its guidelines on adverse weather operations as Cyclone Nisarga approaches the coastal areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat. #CycloneNisarga | During A #Cyclone Warning :: Remember - DON'T PANIC!#Gujarat #Maharashtra #Alibaug #Surat #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/jnX0N86952 NDMA India (@ndmaindia) June 2, 2020 The NDMA has an important reminder for the people: "Don't panic." #CycloneNisarga | During A #Cyclone Warning :: Keep your documents at higher places!#Gujarat #Maharashtra #Alibaug #Surat #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/dxw7Cr9n8V NDMA India (@ndmaindia) June 2, 2020 The NDMA warning Due to the severe cyclonic storm that currently moving towards the countrys western coasts, IndiGo has cancelled 17 flights to and from Mumbai for June 3. IndiGo will only operate three flights from Mumbai on June 3: -6E 495 Mumbai- Chandigarh -6E 6179 Mumbai - Ranchi -6E 5373 Mumbai - Patna We need to evacuate around 21,000 people who live along the coastline. We've made arrangements for hand washing, sanitisers, masks & social distancing will be maintained at the evacuation shelters: Kailash Shinde, Palghar Dist Collector, Maharashtra Cyclonic storm Nisarga over the eastcentral Arabian Sea has moved north-northeastwards with a speed of 13 kmph in the past 6 hours, and lay centred at 1730 hours IST of today over eastcentral Arabian Sea near latitude 16.3N and longitude 71.3E, about 280 km west-northwest of Panjim (Goa), 350 km south-southwest of Mumbai (Maharashtra), 300 km south-southwest of Alibagh (Maharashtra) and 560 km south-southwest of Surat (Gujarat). It is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hours. It is very likely to move north-northeastwards and cross north Maharashtra and adjoining south Gujarat coast between Harihareshwar and Daman, close to Alibagh (Raigad District, Maharashtra) during the afternoon of June 3 as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph. The BMC issues a reminder to the people, asking them to carry a hammer if they are going to drive to work. Press Release June 3, 2020 TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF PH'S WITHDRAWAL FROM THE VFA, A WELCOME DEVELOPMENT - GORDON With the year 2020 being a tumultuous one throughout the world, exacerbated by the medical and health issues as well as financial and economic concerns confronting all countries due to the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Richard J. Gordon said the decision to suspend temporarily the withdrawal of the Philippines from the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) is a welcome development. "The year already started out tempestuously - with intensified differences having sprung up in erstwhile relatively smooth international and bilateral relationships, terrorism remaining a serious problem. And now with this pandemic that we are facing, it is not a time for breaking up relations but a time for cooperation, especially longstanding friendships. We have to continue to develop our ties with the United States. We have had a long history, bumpy as it is," he said. Gordon said the decision is also indicative of President Rodrigo R. Duterte's open-mindedness and willingness in reviewing decisions that impact the country's national interest, adding that the temporary suspension will enable the executive and legislative branches of the government to arrive at a common position on the concurrence and withdrawal procedure for treaties and international agreements. Upon Duterte's instruction, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) sent a diplomatic note dated June 1 to the U.S. Embassy in Manila, informing them of the suspension of the abrogation of the VFA with the United States "in light of political and other developments in the region." The senator pointed out that with the situation in China and the Asia Pacific region likely to get more volatile, it would be to the country's best interest to continue to develop its ties with the US, which is building another military base in Mageshima, part of Japan's Osumi Islands. "In addition to their existing bases in Japan, they are going to put a base in place where there is an old airstrip and they're going to be running planes out of there. So they're near the West Philippine Sea. We have to be prepared for any eventuality because of the fragile situation in that area. That is why I have been calling for strengthening our own military capabilities," he stressed. The tension between the US and China is forecasted to escalate further given their competing interests across the globe in areas such as trade, technology and ideology. In his latest attack on Beijing, US President Donald Trump accused the Chinese government of intellectual property theft, covering up its mishandling of the Covid-19 outbreak and abandoning its commitments to the World Trade Organisation. The tension is further fuelled by China's growing military prowess, combined with a dogged assertiveness over its territorial claims in the disputed waters, where the U.S. has guaranteed freedom of navigation for decades, patrolling the seas with a view to maintaining the principle that no sovereign state shall suffer interference from another. A beloved Australian-made peanut butter has been pulled from the shelves in Woolworths across the country, prompting outrage from shoppers. Farmers Co Peanut Butter, which is described as 'as Aussie as you can get', is made in New South Wales - employing local people and pumping money into the economy. Angry shoppers voiced their fury on social media, as the supermarket insisted the 'difficult decision' had been made after a period of slow sales. It stopped being sold in Coles last year. 'Disturbing news Woolworth dropping this peanut butter product,' one shopper said. 'Very disappointed to hear Woolworths will no longer be stocking Farmers Co peanut butter,' another said. Farmers Co peanut butter (pictured) was made with 100 per cent Australian ingredients, but is no longer being sold at Woolworths or Coles One furious customer (pictured) said that companies should be supported Australian brands during the pandemic 'Australians will be looking for Australian owned and made products now more than ever. Do the right thing, help out a mate and put them back on your shelves.' The supermarket is still selling Bega's Simply Nuts, a peanut butter made with 100 per cent Australian-grown ingredients. Sanitarium peanut butter is also being sold, but it is made with less than 10 per cent Australian ingredients, at $4 a jar. The supermarket's own peanut butter, made under its Macro branding, is made from all imported ingredients, with no Aussie-grown peanuts. But Pic's peanut butter, at $7.50 a jar, is made with 100 per cent Australian ingredients. Woolworths (pictured) said it had made the difficult decision to stop selling the spread after a period of poor sales Even Bega's other peanut butters, while being made in Australia, don't use all Aussie ingredients. 'I realise profits form an important part of all commercial businesses,' another customer wrote. 'But shouldnt it be weighed up against supporting Australian businesses and our embattled Aussie farmers as much as we can. 'Our current circumstances would have an increased interest by us Australians for a home grown product over other similar stocked items from China and Argentina.' Another customer expressed their horror at the product being dropped from Woolworths shelves (pictured) One customer said Farmers Co was a 'great tasting' peanut butter, and supermarkets shouldn't stock products from China A spokesman for Woolworths said: 'We made the difficult decision to remove Farmers Co. peanut butter from our stores in our most recent range review process after a sustained period of underperforming sales. 'While we have supported Farmers Co. over the last 18 months, its unfortunately not resonating with enough customers to continue stocking it. 'As an alternative, we continue to stock Begas Simply Nuts - which is made using 100% Australian grown peanuts - in the majority of our stores.' Farmers Co was made by Dick Smith Co, which closed last year, but continued to be produced under its own brand name. Peanut farmers in Queensland already suffered a difficult season, with low rainfall making it difficult to plant in November. Lesotho's former first lady, Maesaiah Thabane, returned to custody on Wednesday after a court revoked bail that she had been controversially given over the murder of her husband's estranged wife. The 43-year-old was charged with murder in February after police quizzed her on the brutal killing of former Prime Minister Thomas Thabane's wife two days before his inauguration. She spent one night in jail before a High Court freed her on a 1,000 maloti ($57) bail. But on Friday the country's Court of Appeal cancelled that bail. Police failed to re-arrest her immediately because she was out of country accompanying her octogenarian husband, who was seeking medical attention in neighbouring South Africa. On Wednesday she arrived at the magistrate court in Maseru under the escort of armed police officers. Magistrate Thamae Thamae told her she would be taken to the female correctional facility in fulfilment of the appeals court judgement. "The decision of the High Court to grant you bail has been set aside by the Court of Appeal," said the magistrate. "You will remain in the correctional facility. You will report back on 16 June 2020 to find out the progress of your case." Police officers immediately whisked her away. She came to court sporting a black-and-olive-green coloured tracksuit, a knee-length winter coat, sneakers and headscarf. She had donned an anti-coronavirus mask to cover her face, but her slumped posture suggested unhappiness for someone known for self-confidence. Maesaiah Thabane is suspected of orchestrating the shooting of Lipolelo Thabane, who was gunned down outside her home in the capital Maseru. Police have also charged her for the attempted murder of Lipolelo Thabane's friend Thato Sibolla, who was wounded at the scene. Lipolelo and Thomas Thabane, now 81, had been embroiled in bitter divorce proceedings when the 58-year-old was killed. The former premier agreed to step down in January after police linked his mobile number to communication records from the crime scene. He resigned officially this month, bowing to pressure from his rivals who accused him of hampering investigations into Lipolelo's death. Thabane has denied any involvement in the murder. His wife initially went into hiding after police first called her in to testify in January. She has not yet been asked to respond to the charges Lesotho's former first lady, Maesaiah Thabane, seen in court on Wednesday Thomas Thabane, left, with Maesaiah Thabane and Zambian President Edgar Lungu at Thabane's inauguration on June 16, 2017. The ceremony took place two days after Thabane's estranged wife was murdered. Hrithik Roshan has opened up about why the character Jaadoo in his 2003 film Koi... Mil Gaya had an extra thumb. The actor came across a fans query about Jaadoos appearance on Twitter and praised him for his keen observation. Jadoo was an alien who is stranded on the earth in the film. A fan asked Hrithik on Twitter, Watching #KoiMilGaya on TV and a weird observation. Was it an on purpose decision to give an extra thumb to #Jadoo just like #RohitMehra (#HrithikRoshan), which was the major reason for the connect between the two characters? Yes. It was to help Rohit feel familiarity. But we had to keep it subtle as the thumb didnt look as great as I wanted :) you have a good eye my friend . Stay safe . https://t.co/IFjZk9yDry Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) June 2, 2020 Answering the question, the actor tweeted Tuesday night, Yes. It was to help Rohit feel familiarity. But we had to keep it subtle as the thumb didnt look as great as I wanted :) you have a good eye my friend . Stay safe . Hrithik played the role of a school-going boy Rohit Mehra, who has a mental disability, in Koi... Mil Gaya. The character lived with his mother (Rekha) in Kasauli and discovered an alien in his backyard, whom he named Jaadoo. The film revolves around his struggle to send the alien home, who gives him a gift of superpowers in return. Preity Zinta played the female lead in the film and also won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues. Director Rakesh Roshan expanded the film into a full-fledged superhero franchise. Rohit Mehras son grows up to become the superhero Krrish with each instalment documenting his different battles against various enemies. Koi Mil Gaya was followed by Krrish in 2006 and Krrish 3 in 2013. Priyanka Chopra plays Krrishs love interest and then wife in both the films. Kangana Ranaut also featured in a negative role in Krrish 3. Also read: Nawazuddin Siddiquis niece accuses his brother of sexual harassment, reveals his response he is your uncle, cant do this: report Hrithik and father Rakesh are currently working on Krrish 4. The filmmaker had told Bollywood Hungama last year, When I am 100% sure about the script, I will make the announcement as a director. The day I decide to make it, it will take me one more year to start the film. Being a big film in terms of vision and VFX, the preproduction will take a lot of time. Mine is the only franchise which is going from story to story. Its not just the names I am using to make into another film. While Hollywood can afford budgets, we can score on emotions. Three breathtaking emotional action scenes will score over 10 mindless action sequences. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rural Development Administration (RDA) Administrator Kim Kyeong-kyu speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at RDA headquarters in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, June 1. Courtesy of RDA Korea eyes leadership in global effort to raise food security By Nam Hyun-woo JEONJU, North Jeolla Province The COVID-19 outbreak has triggered an alarm on food security in many countries, as labor migration and logistics suffer difficulties that hurt the global food supply chain. With the pandemic adding more uncertainties to the global food industry, which was already threatened by rapid climate change, countries are heightening their efforts to enhance their food security and self-sufficiency, with some nations having climates and environments unfavorable for agriculture attempting to overcome their challenges. The Rural Development Administration of Korea (RDA) believes mounting uncertainties are demanding the world to come up with advanced agricultural technologies, and the state-run R&D agency will continue working to make Korea an agricultural powerhouse. "With growing uncertainties weighing down the world, it is important to secure (agricultural) technologies that can cope with various kind of challenges," RDA Administrator Kim Kyeong-kyu said during an interview with The Korea Times at RDA headquarters in Jeonju. His remark came amid the fallout of COVID-19 affecting domestic and global food supply chain. In the U.S., large slaughterhouses and meat processing plants have fallen ill to the virus, while large farms in Korea are also suffering difficulties in finding migrated workers as cross-border travels face setbacks. "To address these setbacks stemming from uncertainties, you have to automate farms and establish systems that can replace manpower," Kim said. "The pandemic became another reason for why agriculture should embrace artificial intelligence and smart systems." The rapid climate change across the world is also a factor amplifying uncertainties surrounding the agricultural industry. According to the RDA, Korea had a bad crop for apples and pears this year due to unexpected cold weather. The average temperature last year was relatively high, while the following spring was adversely cold, hampering apple and pear trees from bearing fruit. Additional damage was dealt to apple and pear farms here, as fires spread across some rural areas of the country. "Everyone can handle climate change if the climate changes in a certain pattern," Kim said. "In recent years, however, climate change has been unpredictable. This raises the necessity for the agricultural industry to develop technologies for overcoming these challenges." A growing number of countries are becoming more serious about their food security amid growing uncertainties surrounding the global agricultural industry. According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the number of undernourished people worldwide has been rising from 785.4 million in 2015 to 821.6 million in 2018. In 2018, 26.4 percent of the global population, or about 2 billion people, had experienced moderate or severe levels of food insecurity. The RDA has been carrying out a series of projects around the world to tackle those uncertainties. One of the projects is growing rice in a desert in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On May 10, the RDA and a local institute harvested 1,400 kilograms of rice, after they planted RDA-developed Asemi rice on a 1,890-square-meter plot in the desert area of Sharjah last November. The UAE's per capita rice consumption stands at 95 kilograms per year, but the country relies 100 percent on imported rice, due to its environment and climate unfavorable for growing rice. Asemi rice was developed in 2013 by the RDA in an effort to make an export rice variant that could grow well in non-tropical countries. Kim said the project is far from economically feasible due to high water prices in the country. Instead, the project was more about the UAE's future plans for food security. According to the RDA, the project used 175 tons of water per hectare on a daily basis, worth 230,000 won ($188). If this prolongs for three months, the cost stands at 20 million won, while the price of rice harvested per hectare remains at 5.64 million won. "The project was aimed at complementing the food security of the UAE," Kim said. "We also thought there would be a reason why UAE policymakers carried out the project despite the low economic feasibility." Kim said it is too early to calculate the economic impact of the UAE rice project, but it will create additional value by exporting Korea's rice-processing machines as well as fertilizer. Along with the rice project, the RDA is also making efforts to overcome climate-based challenges. Currently, the RDA is testing a digitally controlled cooling house which can grow crops and flowers in seasons when they usually don't grow. In the first stage of its test, the RDA planted strawberries in July, which is early summer in Korea, and harvested them in November, which is autumn here, and confirmed that they were sweeter and more colorful even though they passed through a scorching summer. Normally strawberries are planted here in fall or early winter and harvested in late spring or early summer. Currently, the RDA is also planning to grow peppers and tomatoes in their off-season and is seeking to expand the range to include peaches, apricots and other fruits and vegetables. "The Netherlands has set up an international agricultural standard with its glasshouse technology thanks to its fast response to climate change," Kim said. "Our hope is to catch up to the Netherlands' leadership in greenhouse with cheaper cooling and heating costs." In doing so, Kim said the RDA plans to establish a global center for greenhouse horticulture in Korea where RDA researchers and other leading agricultural experts can carry out R&D projects. The RDA also has been leading a rice-growing partnership with 19 African countries, titled Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI), to help the countries to improve their food security. Based on Korea's Tongil rice, the KAFACI has registered five types of rice for Senegal, Mali and Malawi, and is planning to register eight more in Uganda, Kenya and Ghana. Showing a noticeable expansion is Isriz rice developed for Senegal. In 2018, Senegal planted Isriz rice in a 500-hectare area and plans to expand it to 20,000 hectares in 2021. These projects are being expedited under Kim's leadership of stressing necessity ahead of possibility and feasibility. "Our R&D projects' success rate once reached 95 percent, because we only did projects that seemed possible and had almost zero chance of failure. An R&D organization's priority should be the necessity of certain technology, not the possibility or economic feasibility of that," Kim said. "The RDA will continue making attempts for challenging projects. Through cooperation with other nations and international agricultural organizations, we will save no efforts for Korea to lead in global agricultural technology." [June 03, 2020] Slate Office REIT Appoints Steve Hodgson to CEO Slate Office REIT (TSX: SOT.UN) (the "REIT"), an owner and operator of North American office real estate, announced today that Steve Hodgson, its current Chief Operating Officer, has been named as Chief Executive Officer effective June 3, 2020. Scott Antoniak, the REIT's current CEO, will stay within Slate Asset Management ("Slate") and will focus on origination of private market opportunities. Given his role within the larger Slate organization, Antoniak will remain available to the REIT's management team throughout the transition to ensure operational continuity. Hodgson has worked closely with Antoniak since 2014. As COO, he maintains responsibility for asset management and business development of the REIT, including oversight of operations, leasing and capital investment programs and executing on financing, acquisition and disposition activity. He joined Slate Asset Management as a Vice President of Asset Management in 2014 and previously worked at Oxford Properties Group, a Canadian owner, developer and manager of commercial real estate. "Steve's deep knowledge of our investment portfolio and rich experience across the North American commercial real estate industry will continue to benefit Slate Office REIT as we pursue our strategy and growth initiatives," said John O'Bryan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. "We are sincerely grateful to Scott for his leadership and look forward to seeing him thrive in his new position." "Steve is a valuable member of the Slate Asset Management team who is well-equipped to lead the next chapter of Slate Office REIT," said Blair Welch, Founding Partner of Slate Asset Management. "We are fortunate that Scott is staying within Slate to grow the private markets business and that he leaves his current role with a first-rate portfolio and a strong balance sheet intact that position the REIT to withstand market volatility and embrace economic recovery." "I am excited to embrace a new challenge within private markets and to remain a part of the broader Slate Asset Management family," said Antoniak. "Slate Office REIT is in excellent hands under Steve." "I thank the Board for the confidence they have placed in me as we remain commtted to delivering significant value for our unitholders," said Hodgson. "Scott's guidance over the last six years has been tremendously helpful and our team is fully-prepared to continue executing Slate Office REIT's strategy in accordance with initiatives previously laid out on our First Quarter 2020 Financial Results conference call." About Slate Office REIT (TSX: SOT.UN) Slate Office REIT is an open-ended real estate investment trust. The REIT's portfolio comprises 36 strategic and well positioned real estate assets located primarily across Canada's major population centres and includes two downtown assets in Chicago, Illinois. 61% of the REIT's portfolio is comprised of government or credit rated tenants. The REIT is focused on maximizing value through internal organic rental and occupancy growth and strategic acquisitions. Visit slateofficereit.com to learn more. About Slate Asset Management Slate Asset Management is a leading real estate focused alternative investment platform with approximately $6.5 billion in assets under management. Slate is a value-oriented manager and a significant sponsor of all of its private and publicly traded investment vehicles, which are tailored to the unique goals and objectives of its investors. The firm's careful and selective investment approach creates long-term value with an emphasis on capital preservation and outsized returns. Slate is supported by exceptional people, flexible capital and a demonstrated ability to originate and execute on a wide range of compelling investment opportunities. Visit slateam.com to learn more. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information herein constitutes "forward-looking information" as defined under Canadian securities laws which reflect management's expectations regarding objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities of the REIT. The words "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "scheduled", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "projects", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements to the effect that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "could", "would", "might", "occur", "be achieved", or "continue" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the REIT cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the filings of the REIT with securities regulators. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005217/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] DENVER, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Merlin Law Group attorney Rene Sigman is part of a new project spearheaded by IAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, to develop Initial Discovery Protocols for COVID-19 Insurance Claims. The goal is to establish concise pattern discovery protocols for the abundance of COVID-19 business interruption claims to assist both businesses and insurers in finding a resolution. This 11-person cohort is made up of various expert plaintiff and defense attorneys from around the country as well as judges who hear these types of cases in their courts. You can read more about the exclusive panel here. "I'm very excited to be part of a group chosen to brainstorm much needed protocols and guidelines for COVID-19 business interruption losses across the country," said Sigman. "These protocols will help narrow down issues and hopefully facilitate discussions for prompt resolution of those claims. Insurers and policyholders will both benefit from this process since the group is made up of representatives on the policyholder side, carrier side, and the judiciary." As more businesses begin to look toward their insurance policies for assistive business interruption recovery, questions loom over how policy interpretation will determine the extent of coverage. Claims are already being filed nationwide by policyholders and many are expected to go to litigation. The abundance of claims will clog up the judicial system as policyholders seek recovery from their insurers. The discovery process is often one of the most expensive and time-consuming components of litigation. IAALS hopes to expedite the process by creating a pretrial framework for parties and their counsel to: Exchange important information and documents early in the case; Frame the issues to be resolved; Value the claims for possible early resolution; and Plan for more efficient and targeted subsequent formal discovery, if needed. This isn't the first time IAALS has worked to improve the discovery process for specific types of cases. Their previous work includes employment cases, fair labor standards act cases, and disaster cases. With disaster cases, IAALS created discovery benchmarks to help insurers and policyholders resolve claim disputes faster after hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires. Merlin Law Group is also providing free business interruption claim reviews for claimants seeking relief from losses incurred from the pandemic. Affected policyholders can have their policies checked and learn more information here. SOURCE Merlin Law Group, P.A. Related Links www.merlinlawgroup.com HOUSTON, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- MRC Global Inc. (NYSE: MRC) will release its second quarter 2020 results on July 28, 2020 after the market closes. In conjunction with the release, the Company will host a conference call, which will be webcast, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern / 9:00 a.m. Central. What: MRC Global Second Quarter 2020 Earnings Conference Call When: Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern / 9:00 a.m. Central How: Via phone -- Dial 412-902-0003 and ask for the MRC Global call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time, or webcast -- at http://www.mrcglobal.com A replay will be available through August 12, 2020 by dialing 201-612-7415 using pass code 13704697#. An archive of the webcast will be available shortly after the call at www.mrcglobal.com for 90 days. About MRC Global Inc. MRC Global is the largest distributor of pipe, valves and fittings (PVF) and other infrastructure products and services to the energy industry, based on sales. Through approximately 250 service locations worldwide, approximately 3,150 employees and with nearly 100 years of history, MRC Global provides innovative supply chain solutions and technical product expertise to customers globally across diversified end-markets including the upstream production, midstream pipeline, gas utility and downstream and industrial. MRC Global manages a complex network of over 200,000 SKUs and 10,000 suppliers simplifying the supply chain for its over 13,000 customers. With a focus on technical products, value-added services, a global network of valve and engineering centers and an unmatched quality assurance program, MRC Global is the trusted PVF expert. Find out more at www.mrcglobal.com. Contact: Monica Broughton Investor Relations MRC Global Inc. [email protected] 832-308-2847 SOURCE MRC Global Inc. Related Links http://www.mrcglobal.com Victorias high-flying former aviation minister Gordon Rich-Phillips repeatedly took to the skies during the pandemic lockdown, travelling more than 3000 kilometres while the rest of the state was ordered to stay home. Mr Rich-Phillips, a keen pilot and proud owner of a Beechcraft F33A light plane, has defended his conduct, saying all of his flights were either taken for work or consistent with health department advice on the use of "hobby planes". Liberal MP Gordon Rich-Phillips, who has flown through the COVID-19 lockdown, pictured here in a flight simulator in 2012. Credit:John Woudstra "As the shadow minister for aviation it's my job to visit regional airports and all trips have been consistent with the COVID directions," he said. The Department of Health and Human Services last night said the hobby plane guidelines were intended to cover remote-control or toy planes, not private or commercial aircraft. [June 03, 2020] Onlive Server Launched Hong Kong VPS Server Hosting with One-Click Installation GHAZIABAD, India, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- If you use a cheap Hong Kong VPS hosting for your business purpose, you don't need to share the resources with others. This will surely improve the reliability, speed and security. In addition, you will get the full root control over your website so that you can change the root password and Administrative Passwords. which includes custom (Cloud Control Panel) software options and hardware configuration. Watch VPS Video : https://youtu.be/0ejJI7M0Bak Let's go deeper and gather each and every information about the VPS. Why Hong Kong VPS Hosting? If you are planning to run a server from your own computer, this can reduce computer power, as well as, it can deduce the speed also. Therefore, if you wish to maintain the speed without deducing computer power, a cheap VPS can be your ultimate choice. 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You can use SSD VPS Hosting to host the websites, game servers and anything that needs a place for several computers. How VPS Servers can help you to increase your Business Activities? Let's dig up and see how a cheap Windows VPS can significantly improve your business goals. Security If you are running a website, you share the responsibility of protecting the customers' private information. Hence, you cannot share secrets with others. Therefore, you need to take extra precautions so that use Linux VPS hosting for better security concerns. Media Contact: Skype - onliveinfotech Call - +91 9718114224 Email - [email protected] [email protected].com +91 999 05 07737 Photos: https://www.prlog.org/12824684 Press release distributed by PRLog View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/onlive-server-launched-hong-kong-vps-server-hosting-with-one-click-installation-301069887.html SOURCE Onlive Server [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] This is the heartwarming moment a woman shows her concern for an elderly neighbour after he crashes into a light pole outside her home. The footage, which was captured in Plymouth, Minnesota, U.S, shows the woman rise to her feet and walk over to her neighbour after he reverses his car into the metal pole outside her property. The apologetic driver then emerges from his car and walks over to the damaged pole as the woman asks: 'Are you ok?' The neighbour swiftly reverses into the woman's home in Plymouth, Minnesota, U.S, on May 28 The driver passes the woman's house before reversing and making a quick turn in the road During the clip, which was captured on May 28, the neighbour is seen driving past the house and swiftly reversing his car into the pole. The pole crashes to the ground and glass shatters onto the street as the concerned woman looks up and investigates. The driver gets out of his car and jokes: 'I did a good job on that.' However the concerned woman walks over to the passenger and replies: 'Are you ok?' The driver reassures the woman he is fine before throwing humour at the situation once more and replying: 'I'm ok. I was just coming to say ''hi'' to you.' The two neighbours then make a hugging gesture towards each other as the woman asks him: 'How are you?' The metal pole comes crashing to the ground and glass shatters on the street as the car hits it Hilarity meets home shopping in House Hunters: Comedians on Couches. Episode 1 of this four-night special event gets underway tonight, June 2, at 10 and 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV. You can also live stream it on fuboTV . Join comedians Dan Levy, John Mulaney, Whitney Cummings and J.B. Smoove for color commentary on classic episodes of one of HGTVs most loved, long-running and lampooned shows. In keeping with social distancing etiquette, all episodes were taped via videoconference, with the comics calling out everything from questionable real estate savvy to quirky paint-color choices. What channel is HGTV on? You can find which channel it is on by using the channel finders here: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV and Dish. Where can I watch it if I dont have cable? FuboTV ($54.99/month) offers you access to your favorite TV shows, live sports events and much more. Theres a 7-day free trial when you sign up. Base Genomics, an Oxford, England, UK-based epigenetics company, closed a seed funding round of $11m USD (9m GBP). The round was led by Oxford Sciences Innovation with participation from investors with industry expertise in genomics and oncology. The company intends to use the funds to progress development of its TAPS technology, initially focusing on developing a blood test for early-stage cancer and minimal residual disease. Led by founder and CEO Oliver Waterhouse and CTO Vincent Smith, Base Genomics is an epigenetics company based on TAPS (TET-assisted pyridine borane sequencing), a new invention to sequence DNA methylation developed at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Branch at the University of Oxford. TAPS is a novel chemical reaction that converts methylated cytosine to thymine under mild conditions. Unlike bisulfite sequencing, TAPS does not degrade DNA, meaning that more DNA is available for sequencing. It also retains sequence complexity, cutting sequencing costs and enabling simultaneous epigenetic and genetic analysis. FinSMEs 03/06/2020 One night after harness racing returns to Canada in Prince Edward Island, Ontario's top circuit will spring into action as Woodbine Mohawk Park hosts its first cards of racing since Mid-March on Friday and Saturday. Woodbine Mohawk Park will host a pair of 10-race cards this weekend, with Fridays entry box drawing 200 horses and Saturdays drawing 134. However, due to social distancing measures implemented in accordance with the return to racing, the number of horses that can compete on a program is limited at the moment. Fridays card drew 98 horses, offering $206,000 in purses while Saturdays drew 93 starters, offering $244,000 in purses. A $32,000 Filly and Mares Preferred Pace headlines the Friday card, with a field of seven going to the gate. Entries in the Friday feature include last years sophomore Ontario Sires Stakes stars Boadicea and Sunny Dee as well as 2018 Fan Hanover winner Shower Play. Last year Boadicea and Sunny Dee faced one another on five occasions in Ontario Sires Stakes competition. Thrice the pair contested in provincial action at Woodbine Mohawk Park, with Boadicea emerging victorious, including in the $225,000 Super Final. O'Brien Award winner Sunny Dee upended her foe once, winning a single $158,000 dash Ontario Sires Stakes division at Flamboro Downs in late September. The two renew their rivalry with Boadicea starting from post 2 with Doug McNair listed to drive and Sunny Dee from post 7 with Trevor Henry in the bike. Shower Play will also make her first start since finishing ninth in the $250,000 Milton Stakes last fall. The now five-year-old daughter of Shadow Play also caught eyes last year with a third-place effortbehind Shartin Ns 1:46.4 mile in the $183,500 Lady Liberty at the Meadowlands, when she kicked to the finish with a :25.4 final quarter to finish just over four lengths off the winner. She enters off a 1:53.3 qualifying mile last Friday (May 29) and will start from post 5 with Scott Young listed to drive. Several other Mohawk mainstays wills compete on the Friday card. The evenings seventh race a $26,000 conditioned pace features Kendall Seelster, the now five-year-old Shadow Play mare known for setting the previous stakes record in 2018 when winning a division of Ontario Sires Stakes in 1:49.4 (Boadicea last year lowered the record to 1:49). The Rod Boyd trainee sits under $8,000 away from passing the million-dollar plateau. Shipping to Mohawk early in the year, Reclamation will compete against Kendall Seelster from post 6 in the field of 10. The five-year-old mare by A Rocknroll Dance attracted attention back in 2019 for her winning streak against mid-level competition down in Pennsylvania and New Jersey after starting her career racing in Ireland. Louis-Philippe Roy is scheduled to drive the Richard Moreau trainee. The following race a $24,000 conditioned pace features London favourite Sporty Tori, who in 2019 ran an eight-win streak into the City Of London Series but finished second in the final as the odds-on favourite. The four-year-old Sportswriter mare since then had tested the waters racing at Mohawk, winning a $16,000 conditioned pace back on Feb. 14 to then win in the next class up two weeks later. She enters the toughest class shes faced to date, which includes Fraser shipper Rockin Mystery, Jeff Williamson trainee Catch An Ace and Windsun Glory, who competed against Hoosiers top pacers before shifting tack to compete against Preferred mares at Mohawk last summer. A field of seven also aligns Saturday for the featured $36,000 Preferred Pace. Easy Lover Hanover, a perennial fixture in Mohawks top class, will start from post 1 for trainer Ben Wallace and regular driver Doug McNair as the now seven-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere tries for his first win at the top of the conditions sheet this year. From post 4 starts Century Farroh, who makes his four-year-old debut following an O'Brien Award-winning sophomore campaign that racked nearly $750,000 in earnings. The son of Mach Three collected 12 victories from 16 starts last year, many of which came in divisions of the Ontario Sires Stakes while he also scored wins in the $75,000 North America Cup Consolation and $170,000 Jennas Beach Boy at Hoosier Park. Sylvain Filion is slated to again drive the Dr. Ian Moore trainee. Shipping from the Alberta-California circuit towards the end of February, Icy Blue Scooter will visit the Preferred ranks for the first time. The seven-year-old Blue Burner gelding amassed over $200,000 in earnings after years grinding against the top stock in the west. The former Nate Sobey trainee collected his biggest victory to date in early December last year when he wired his rivals in the $50,000 Jim Vinnell Memorial at Fraser Downs. Now in the Shawn Steacy barn, Icy Blue Scooter will make his third start over the Mohawk oval and is slated to have James MacDonald drive. Aside from the Preferred Pace, many of Mohawks other top pacers will compete earlier on the card in a $30,000 conditioned pace. Physicallyinclined, an eight-year-old son of Mach Three who won the North America Cup Consolation back in 2015 and has since raced among the Preferred ranks and banked just over $800,000, will start from post 2 alongside Isitfridayyet, who rose from the conditioned claiming ranks in 2018 to become a competitor on the top half of the class ladder for trainer Rob Fellows. Matticulous Gb, shipping from England last summer to climb the class ladder in Pennsylvania and New Jersey before moving to Mohawk in February, also competes and will start from post 4. A field of 11 caps the weekend of racing with a conditioned event going for a heightened purse of $30,000. The Jackpot Hi-5 race features Nirvana Seelster, who competes regularly at Mohawks top class and also passed $1,000,000 in earnings back in September 2018, as well as Pointomygranson, another consistent competitor in Mohawks Preferred ranks who nears $500,000 in earnings. Racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park gets underway on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m. (EDT). To view Friday's harness racing entries, click on the following link: Friday Entries - Woodbine Mohawk Park. To access free, printable program pages of Mohawks Friday races, courtesy of TrackIT, click here. To view Saturday's harness racing entries, click on the following link: Saturday Entries - Woodbine Mohawk Park. To access free, printable program pages of Mohawks Saturday races, courtesy of TrackIT, click here. The province refuses to reveal if any area long-term care homes are among the 19 facilities on the high-risk red list that Premier Doug Ford says his government is throwing everything at to fix. Neither the Ministry of Long-Term Care nor the ministers office answered The Spectators questions about whether any Hamilton, Burlington or Haldimand and Norfolk homes were on the list. Having a parent move into long-term care is a scary time for everyone and having your loved one alone in care during a pandemic is gut-wrenching, said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. People deserve to know exactly whats happening in those homes. The NDP has been calling on Ford for nearly a week to make the secret list public, saying its vital information for families. Imagine not knowing if your moms home is on that red list? said Horwath, Hamilton Centre MPP. The communications and transparency problems in long-term care began long before COVID-19, but the pandemic has turned problems into crises for so many families. Hamilton public health also wouldnt say which local homes are listed as red for high risk, yellow for watch or green for managing well. Hamiltons medical officer of health, Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, suggested she doesnt have the most up-to-date list. What we do is contribute to that assessment, said Richardson. The final rating, we dont have until after all that data goes in, so Ontario Health is really the best person to get the most up-to-date data from. Ford said eight of the 19 homes have now been taken over by the province. Those homes have been made public and none are in the Hamilton area. The hot spots, were all over right now, he said Were throwing everything we can at these homes and were going to fix the problem we inherited. But he wouldnt make public the other 11 hot spots. This is very fluid, he said. They can be red one day and start moving to yellow and green as they fix their issues within a few days and vice versa. They can go from green to yellow to red, so its constantly moving back and forth. The calls for transparency come on the same day the Ontario Patient Ombudsman announced an investigation into the experiences of residents and caregivers in long-term care homes that have had COVID-19 outbreaks. We feel this investigation will help long-term care homes prepare for future outbreaks of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, said executive director Craig Thompson. His office has received 150 complaints provincewide since putting out a public appeal April 26. Six of the complaints are in an area including Hamilton, Burlington, St. Catharines, Grimsby, Niagara Falls and Brampton. In addition, 23 anonymous complaints could be from anywhere in Ontario. Our office would like to thank every resident, caregiver and staff person of a long-term care home for having the courage to come forward with their complaints, said Thompson. We are committed to resolving these complaints and amplifying the voices of residents and caregivers as we learn from their experiences. The investigation will ask two key questions: How did each homes actions or inaction in response to outbreak affect the care of residents? What are the common system factors? It will cover staffing, visitation restrictions, infection prevention and control procedures and communication. The Patient Ombudsman is still accepting complaints at www.patientombudsman.ca or 1-888-321-0339. Its the second investigation launched in two days after Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dube announced on Monday that he will investigate oversight of long-term care homes during the pandemic by the provinces Ministry of Long-Term Care and Ministry of Health. Dube will focus on whether the provinces oversight during the coronavirus crisis has been adequate to ensure the safety of residents and staff. The Canadian Armed Forces report painted a stunning portrait of the situation in long-term care during this crisis; our investigation will look at the systemic issues that led to it, and will make constructive recommendations for corrective action, said Dube. The Special Ombudsman Response Team will look at complaint handling, inspections, emergency planning, steps taken to support long-term care homes during COVID-19, collection of data, rates of infection and deaths in long-term care and communication. The pandemic has strained public services immensely, but also demonstrated how vital they are, Dube said. Never has it been more important to ensure that these systems are working as they should. Richardson has called on the province to include retirement homes in its promised independent commission on long-term care. Hamiltons two worst outbreaks were at Rosslyn Retirement Residence on King Street East and Cardinal Retirement Residence on Herkimer Street. Their outbreaks account for half of the 38 deaths and 136 hospitalizations in Hamilton. Hamilton had 697 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday, while Burlington had 137. With 27 persons testing positive for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, the case count in Madhya Pradeshs Indore district rose to 3,597 on Wednesday, a health official said. Indore is one of the worst-affected districts in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic. At least 27 persons from the district had tested positive for the deadly infection in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 3,597 in the region, the official said. Moreover, three persons have reportedly died of the infection at different hospitals in the district, which has reported 141 deaths so far, he said. According to the data, a 72-year-old Covid-19 patient, who had died at a private hospital in the city on May 14, was among the latest casualties, the official said. A total of 2,132 patients have recovered from Covid-19 in the district so far, he added. The Indore district administration has drawn flak for delaying the reports of deaths in the region. The Congress and NGOs have alleged that the health department was sharing data about deaths at its convenience, raising doubts about the authenticity of the information. (Newser) The word "mind-bending" features in the Wall Street Journal's obituary on Irene Triplett and her place in history, with good reason. The 90-year-old died Sunday in a Wilkesboro, NC, nursing home, bringing an end to the final pension that had been paid out in connection with the Civil War. Triplett collected $73.13 a month from the Department of Veterans Affairs as "a helpless adult child of a veteran," a reference to her mental disabilities and her father, Pvt. Mose Triplett. He initially fought for the Confederacy, ending up in the 26th North Carolina Infantry Regiment in early 1863. An illness en route to Gettysburg left him in a Virginia hospital; of the 800 men from his unit who went on to Gettysburg, all but 66 were killed, wounded, or captured. story continues below Mose Triplett left the hospital as a deserter, traveled south to Tennessee, and switched to the Union side as part of the 3rd North Carolina Mounted Infantry. The Journal reports the regiment was known for its "campaign of sabotage against Confederate targets in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina." In 1924, at the age of 83, he married Elida Hall, who was in her late 20s. Irene was born six years later, and US News & World Report adds that of Hall's four other children with Triplett, only son Everette survived infancy. Mose Triplett died in 1938, his wife in 1967, and Everette in 1996. In 2014 the Journal ran a feature on Triplett and her family, noting at that time she was the last child of a Civil War vet collecting VA benefits, and that the same could then be said of 16 widows and children of veterans of the 1898 Spanish-American War. (For more, check out the 2014 article.) When it became obvious that the Titanic was not going to survive its tragic collision with the iceberg in the North Atlantic, those in positions of authority started to do the human triage necessary in emergencies. Who would be saved, who would perish, and who would be empowered with those i Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 12:03:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HANOI, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam earned nearly 18 billion U.S. dollars from exporting phones and components in the first five months of this year, posting a year-on-year decline of 8.8 percent, accounting for 18.1 percent of Vietnam's total export revenue, according to the country's General Statistics Office on Wednesday. In May alone, Vietnam fetched 2.6 billion U.S. dollars from selling the products overseas, plunging 30 percent on-year. Between January and May, Vietnam spent roughly 4.9 billion U.S. dollars importing phones and their components, seeing a year-on-year increase of 0.2 percent. In 2019, the country reaped more than 51.8 billion U.S. dollars from exporting phones and components, posting a year-on-year increase of 5.3 percent, said the office. Enditem The fashion industry is in a state of emergency. This has been made clear not only by the mounting bankruptcies of big-name retailers, but also by the closure of beloved small businesses. These are brands that wont bounce back. Before the Modist, Noor Tagouri would spend as much as an hour a day browsing fashion e-commerce platforms, she said, just looking for something to wear. A journalist and activist (and fashion enthusiast) in New York, Ms. Tagouri had grown accustomed to watching runway shows and mentally calculating whether she could make any of the looks work, often coming up short. Then, at Istanbul Fashion Week in 2016, Ms. Tagouri met Ghizlan Guenez, an entrepreneur working on an idea for a website that sold modest clothing from luxury brands. Ms. Tagouri was captivated, and when Ms. Guenez introduced the Modist in 2017, she became a loyal customer. New York An 8 p.m. curfew didnt stop thousands of defiant demonstrators from marching through the streets of New York City throughout the night Tuesday, though some of the rampant destruction seen over the past few nights was quelled. The citywide curfew, which is in place through Sunday, was instated to prevent the widespread damage and destruction that has filled the citys streets over the last two nights after largely peaceful dayside protests. Mayor Bill de Blasio doubled down on the citywide curfew, but rejected urging from President Donald Trump and an offer from Gov. Andrew Cuomo to bring in the National Guard. Everyone, time to go home so we can keep people safe, he said on WINS-AM radio shortly after the curfew took effect. But demonstrators continued winding through the streets, as part of ongoing nationwide protests following the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died last week after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on Floyds neck even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. Im surprised, said Risha Munoz, on Manhattans Upper West Side, where at points they were greeted with cheers and horns by onlookers in building windows. I didnt think they were gonna let us go on, but we just kept on moving and were not stopping. Something has to break, and its not going to be us, said Evan Kutcher, one of hundreds of demonstrators who stood outside the Barclays Center chanting Floyds name Tuesday evening. Police began making arrests around 9 p.m. and shut down parts of the West Side Highway in lower Manhattan, blocking it off to huge crowds of protesters. The police department announced it would not allow vehicle traffic south of 96th Street in Manhattan after curfew, though residents, essential workers, buses and truck deliveries were exempt. Were going to have a tough few days. Were going to beat it back, de Blasio, a Democrat, said. Jane Rossi said she witnessed officers rip a man out of his car and arrest him in Chelsea around 10:45 p.m. The car was behind a group of several hundred protesters that had roamed Manhattan peacefully since leaving Trump Tower at 8 p.m. Tensions had risen moments earlier when some in the group began trying to damage a bike rental station and banged on the windows of a JCPennys. The vast majority of the crowd moved to stop the them. Officers surrounded the car and arrested the driver moments later. They were just driving behind the protesters making sure that we were safe, Rossi said. They were part of the protest. NYPD officers forced two Associated Press journalists to stop covering the protests Tuesday night, surrounding them, shoving them and cursing at them while yelling at them to go home. This, despite an order allowing media to remain on city streets. Portions of the incident were captured on camera by videojournalist Robert Bumsted, who was working with photographer Maye-E Wong to document the protests in Manhattan. The video shows more than a half dozen officers confronting the journalists as they filmed and photographed police ordering protesters to go home shortly after the curfew took effect. Just after midnight Wednesday, most of the citys streets were cleared aside from police patrolling, especially in hot-spot areas for demonstrations in Brooklyn and Manhattan. There was a heavy police presence in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights, where authorities say police fatally shot a man after responding to reports of shots fired. NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan said the officer-involved shooting was not connected to the protests. [June 03, 2020] DataGen launches new BPCIA tools to map changes in episode participation ALBANY, N.Y., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- DataGen, a leading healthcare data analytics and policy firm, has launched two free online tools to give provider organizations insight into national and regional episode participation trends in the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced program. The interactive tools map shifting BPCIA episode participation from model years 1 and 2 to model year 3 by clinical episode category and by geography. DataGen designed the tools to give provider organizations a clearer picture of where their current participation in BPCIA stands related to national and regional trends. Using the first tool, users can select a clinical episode category and compare data from model years 1 and 2 with model year 3. The second tool enables users to enter their city or ZIP code to view data from their Core-based Statistical Area. These regional data show changes in total participants and number of selected clinical episode categories from model years 1 and 2 to model year 3, as well as changes in the top three clinical episode categories. DataGen released an interactive BPCIA map last year that gave provder organizations visibility into average expenditures at the local and national levels, helping them better assess whether they can be successful under BPCIA. "We are seeing more participation in BPCIA model year 3 overall," said Alyssa Dahl, DataGen's director of informatics. "With the second enrollment period offered last year, providers who felt unprepared at the onset of model year 1 were likely able to take some more time to get executive buy-in and make the operational improvements needed internally for a model year 3 entry." "Many of our clients are approaching BPCIA as a good way to 'get their feet wet' in bundled payment programs and start transforming care in anticipation of future mandatory models," said Mike Ilnicki, DataGen's president. "We hope our interactive online tools will help current and future program participants see more of the big picture around how BPCIA participation has evolved and where they would fit into episode participation trends." The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced BPCIA as a voluntary episode-based bundled payment model in January 2018; it is set to run until the end of 2023. Broadly, the program is an opportunity for providers to ease into value-based care through practice transformation and visibility into data they would not otherwise have access to. Participating providers can choose from 35 clinical episodes during the application period (31 inpatient and four outpatient). Payments are based on individual practice performance compared to risk-adjusted target prices during a 90-day episode of care that continues after discharge or the outpatient procedure. The first cohort of BPCIA participants started the program Oct. 1, 2018. The second cohort applied for the program in 2019 and began participation on Jan. 1, 2020. About DataGen For more than 20 years, DataGen has been an essential partner to healthcare organizations across the country, illustrating the financial implications of payment policy changes and promoting a pragmatic view of how changes will affect revenue and profitability. DataGen provides data analytic support to hospitals, health systems, state hospital associations and other healthcare groups across the nation as they strive to improve quality, outcomes and financial performance. Drawing on specialized health policy and payment expertise, as well as in-depth understanding of the power of analytics to drive change, DataGen simplifies the complexities of healthcare payment change. Media Contact Vanessa Ulrich (410) 534-1161 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/datagen-launches-new-bpcia-tools-to-map-changes-in-episode-participation-301069596.html SOURCE DataGen [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] KYIV -- The 26-year-old woman was brought to a police station in the central Ukrainian town of Kaharlyk, where officers told her she would be questioned as a witness to an alleged theft. But according to the State Bureau of Investigation, two policemen covered her face with a gas mask and handcuffed her, fired a gun over her head and then raped her several times on the night of May 23. A week later and just 90 kilometers north, in a residential suburb of Kyiv, some 100 gunmen from two rival criminal gangs engaged in a shoot-out in broad daylight. The melee, a video of which went viral, left several people wounded and spawned comparisons to the anarchic, hyper-violent video game Grand Theft Auto on social media. The incidents highlight what critics of Ukraine's formidable interior minister, Arsen Avakov, say is his failure to reform the police and bring law and order to the country. They also add to a growing list of high-profile cases in recent years in which Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have been accused of involvement, negligence, or botching the investigation on Avakov's watch. Now those critics say it's time for Avakov to go -- or, as some have put it during past protests against him, to "Avak-off" -- a play on the minister's surname and the F-word in English. These are not the first calls for Avakov's dismissal during his six-year tenure but they are the latest -- and they seem to be louder and coming from more circles than before. Those expressing their desire for his ouster include members of civil society, especially human rights groups and anti-corruption activists, and lawmakers, some of them from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's ruling party. They argue that Avakov has abused his power for too long and failed to reform a law enforcement system that prioritizes politics over protecting the public. "Let's face it, he's been the interior minister for the past six years and six years is a long term, an amount of time that allows a person to make changes," Inna Sovsun, a lawmaker from the Holos (Voice) party who is pushing for Avakov's removal, told RFE/RL. "If there was a chance he was going to do something, he would have done it already." "That is our argument [for his dismissal]: It's not because of this rape case or the shooting. It's because those two cases are examples of the biggest problems facing law enforcement in Ukraine, which he's not dealing with," Sovsun said. Her party had gathered 55 signatures from lawmakers across parties in support of Avakov's dismissal by June 2. But at least 150 signatures are needed to force an extraordinary session of the 450-seat parliament to discuss his removal. In a statement sent to reporters on June 3, the Kyiv-based Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC), echoed Sovsun's sentiment, calling the alleged police rape and shoot-out "evidence of the desperate need for real police reform and the resistance of Interior Minister Arsen Avakov to bringing changes." The 'Tsar' Appointed to lead the Interior Ministry in the aftermath of the 2014 Euromaidan uprising, when massive protests toppled Moscow-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych and his government, which was seen as riddled with corruption, Avakov has survived several changes of government and two presidencies. In that time, his power has grown so much that he is known to be the second-most-influential person in the country behind the president. As interior minister, he controls most of Ukraine's law enforcement bodies, from the National Police force on down to local police departments, as well as the National Guard. The border guards, coast guard, Emergency Situations Ministry, and Migration Service also fall under the control of his ministry. "The police and Interior Ministry under control of Avakov is kind of a country within a country, with its own rules and with its own tsar, whose name is Arsen Borisovich the Absolute," Daria Kalenyuk, executive director of AntAC, told RFE/RL, referring to Avakov by his patronymic and a tongue-in-cheek nickname that officials within the ministry are said to use when talking about him. Avakov's reach also extends to parliament, where he "totally controls" the Committee on Law Enforcement and can get most members to "vote as he says," Oleksandra Ustinova, a Voice lawmaker who serves on the committee, told RFE/RL. "Avakov is trying to get as much power as possible." In what government watchdogs and activists fear may be another attempt to broaden his powers, the Interior Ministry recently created a new branch known as the Department of the Protection of the Interests of Society and the State. In a statement sent to RFE/RL, Avakov's office said the branch was not an attempt to broaden his powers but "a structural unit of the police headquarters within the criminal police, which carries out operational and investigative activities to identify, prevent, and stop offenses against public safety and order, human and civil rights and freedoms." About the public calls for Avakov's resignation, his office said he will respond to the issue when he delivers a report to parliament on June 5. 'No Police Reform' Critics say Avakov's expansive powers have hampered efforts to implement crucial reforms of the law enforcement system. Khatia Dekanoidze, a former Georgian minister who served as chief of Ukraine's National Police from November 2015 to November 2016, told RFE/RL that reforms she moved to put in place had since been upended. As part of those reforms, Dekanoidze imposed a vetting process for the police that saw more than 5,600 corrupt and unprofessional officers, or about 6 percent of the police force, fired. Today, that process no longer exists and many of those officers have been rehired after courts ruled against their firing, she said. "There is no police reform at all," Dekanoidze said. "The [National] Police is a swamp, frankly speaking." Critics charge that the reform failure has allowed organized criminal activity to flourish, perpetrators of serious crimes that have shaken the country to go unpunished, and law enforcement to operate with impunity. Sovsun cited reporting from civil rights groups that found some 60,000 cases of police brutality and torture within police departments occur in Ukraine each year. "This is a terrible, terrible number and it shows that the system isn't functioning to protect the people of Ukraine." Controversial Cases Before the alleged rape and shoot-out in late May, there were the high-profile cases of activists Kateryna Handzyuk, who was doused with acid and later died from complications, and Iryna Nozdrovska, a lawyer who was allegedly murdered by a neighbor whose son had run his car over her sister -- neither of which have been fully solved, and both of which are shadowed by allegations of police misconduct or negligence. Then there was the fatal shooting of a 5-year-old boy by two allegedly drunken police officers, both of whom were released on a lowered bail last month. There were calls for Avakov's resignation after that case in June 2019 and Zelenskiy said, "I am sure that there will be political responsibility and criminal liability." But neither followed. Avakov has also faced allegations of corruption, particularly in a case involving his son and the alleged embezzlement of state budget funds allocated for the purchase of 6,000 backpacks by the Interior Ministry for forces fighting Russia-backed separatists in the country's east. He has denied wrongdoing. 'A Smart Politician' Through it all, Avakov has outlasted calls for his removal and cemented his power. Critics say it is because he has made himself indispensable to each president he has served under. Dekanoidze said the argument often made by Avakov and his supporters goes something like this: the minister is the only one who knows how to maintain order and without him in place chaos would reign. "Avakov has always said, 'If I'm not the minister, the system will fall,'" she said. His detractors do not buy that argument. "I don't believe this," Kalenyuk said. "Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia for six years, has many other very capable managers, officers with high integrity, who can impose proper management over the Interior Ministry and police in Ukraine." She said Avakov had managed to stay in power for so long and despite so many government personnel changes not because he is viewed as the only man capable of maintaining public order but because he is "a very smart politician." "He always plays two or three or four sides" at a time, she said. As an example, she cited what she said was Avakov's ability to manipulate lawmakers in Zelenskiy's ruling party to vote against the president when it serves the minister's own interest. She also said Avakov had worked hard to win over Ukraine's international partners. For instance, the Interior Ministry's purchase of dozens of helicopters from France bought him much praise, she said. Another example, according to Kalenyuk, was that Avakov warned then-U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch that there were people close to President Donald Trump and his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who were trying to smear her reputation and get her removed from her post, while also providing security for those people, Igor Fruman and Lev Parnas, she said. That information came to light in Yovanovitch's deposition in November and later in documents released by the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives during the process of Trump's impeachment. A seeming combination of broad power, political savvy, and a knack for shaking off attempts to displace him could make this latest push for his dismissal an uphill battle, Sovsun said. But it is one that she and other detractors said was worth fighting. Activists were planning a protest against Avakov on June 5, when he is set to address parliament, while continuing to gather signatures to officially debate his removal. Kalenyuk does not expect Avakov to go down without a fight. "When he loses his post, he loses his power," she said. One thing we know that we cant repair or replace is life, so my concern is that people arent harmed, both on my team, in my family and in my community. Thats a really huge concern right now, said Erick Williams, the chef and owner at Virtue in Hyde Park. (Floyds killing) is not the first incident where someone has used the law to protect them as they murdered someone. Continue reading. New Delhi, June 3 : The Delhi Police in its fresh charge sheet filed in the murder of IB staffer Ankit Sharma during the Delhi riots has claimed that former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain was "leading the mob from his house and also from the Masjid near Chand Bagh Pulia giving it a communal colour" and that his location near "the spot where Ankit Sharma was brutally murdered on February 25 speaks of his evil intentions which ended with the murder." "Accused Tahir Hussain was leading the mob from his house and also from the Masjid near Chand Bagh Pulia on 24 & 25.02.2020 and gave it a communal colour. He instigated the Muslims against Hindus," the charge sheet said, adding on his provocation, the uncontrolled mob turned into rioters and in the process, caught hold of Ankit Sharma and caused his death. "The location of Tahir Hussain near Jama Masjid, Munga Nagar, Delhi on the spot where Ankit Sharma was brutally murdered by the rioters/accused persons on 25.02.2020 at about 5-5.30 p.m. speaks of his evil intentions which ended with the murder of a Hindu boy besides other cases of arson and loot," it added. The charge sheet was filed before the Karkardooma court's Metropolitian Magistrate Richa Parihar who will take cognizance of the chargesheet on June 16. Sharma, a young Intelligence Bureau employee, was found murdered on Feb 25 evening outside AAP leader Tahir Hussain's house in North East Delhi's Khajuri Khas area. "The post-mortem report of Ankit Sharma reveals 51 injuries caused by sharp and blunt objects," the document running into 50 operative pages read. The chargesheet naming 10 persons as accused, including Hussain, states that one Haseen alias Mullaji was "instrumental in the murder of Ankit" and that "he is the person who had assaulted Ankit Sharma with knife." During the interrogation, Haseen revealed on Feb 25, the day when Ankit died, came to Chand Bagh Pulia with his accomplices -- Sameer, Nazim, Kasim, and Sabir -- came to the Chand Bagh with a knife after he got angry upon hearing about the killing of a 4-year-old Muslim Boy. "He further disclosed that he had stabbed Ankit Sharma a number of times with a knife which he was carrying. His accomplices also stabbed Ankit with knife and hit him with sticks and after killing him and threw his body in the drain," the document said. The police also recovered the weapon of offence, a blood-stained knife and the blood-stained clothes which he had worn at the time of incident. While probing the case, a person wearing red colour shirt is visible in a video footage along with 2 others throwing Ankit's body into the drain. The police said that one red colour shirt had been recovered from the accused Haseen at his instance which he had worn at the time of incident. One witness also identified Haseen after seeing his photograph and that he was involved in the IB staffer's killing. "In some phone calls which were intercepted by Special Cell, the accused Haseen @ Salman allegedly spoke about the murder of a person and disposing of his dead body in the 'nala' besides other details," the police told the court through its voluminous document. The police have stated that there is "sufficient evidence available" against Tahir, Hassan and others named in the charge sheet. "They (accused persons) not only mobilized the mob into a group of rioters by way of provoking their religious feelings, but also provided them logistics support -- lathis, 'dandas', stones, acid, knives, swords, firearms, pistols etc. for committing riots in the area and to eliminate the members of other community," the Delhi Police said. "It has been established beyond doubt that accused persons hatched a well- designed conspiracy and that they were already prepared and in mood to commit the riots to cause maximum damage to the other community. Accused Tahir Hussain, who was holding the post of Municipal Councillor, gathered the mob on the basis of religious sentiments, facilitated them with his rooftop of his building and provided other logistics support to cause maximum damage to the other community," it added. "The 51 injuries on the body of Ankit Sharma caused by sharp weapon as well as blunt object clearly indicate how the rioters brutally killed him in furtherance of a well-hatched conspiracy," the police said. On May 13, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a surprise trip to Israel. The official State Department summary highlighted bilateral cooperation on the novel coronavirus pandemic and regional security issues - and Pompeo reportedly signaled caution on Israeli annexation of the West Bank. But local press picked up another U.S. concern: Israel's deepening relations with China. In a Jerusalem Post interview last month, U.S. Ambassador David Friedman warned that China uses investment projects to "infiltrate" countries. Two weeks after Pompeo's visit, Israel announced it would be rejecting a Chinese bid on a major desalinization project. A U.S. official in May explained that it's not just Israel: "We're having similar conversations with all of our allies and partners." A year ago, Pompeo warned that growing Chinese investment in Israel could adversely affect security cooperation with the United States. U.S. pressure to reject China could now force several Middle Eastern countries into difficult alignment choices, as great power rivalry once again threatens to turn the region into a theater of competition. Here's what you need to know about how U.S. allies are likely to react to the escalating tensions between the United States and China. - China's Middle East strategy involves working with everyone. In 2016, China signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and Iran in the same week. China also has extensive relations with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, and claims support for Palestinian territories and Israel. Could Washington force Middle Eastern countries to side against Beijing? It's not likely. First, despite China's heavy dependence on Middle Eastern energy, no single Middle East country has serious leverage over Beijing. China is the biggest trading partner for several Middle Eastern countries, and the largest external source of direct foreign investment. Nor is cooperation against China likely. The continuing tension between Qatar and the Saudi-UAE bloc precludes coordinated Gulf Cooperation Council decisions. The lack of any meaningful multilateral forum in the Middle East means that unlike in Europe or Southeast Asia, there are several highly asymmetrical bilateral relationships between Middle East countries of various levels of development and capacity on the one hand and a $14 trillion economy the other. Of course, the complex security dynamics in the Middle East have largely been shaped by U.S. policy. Beijing does not have to accept Washington's strategic logic; it can pursue its own interests while working to avoid disrupting a delicate balance. Trump and his predecessor Barack Obama both have accused China of free-riding in the Middle East, relying on U.S. protection of strategic oil supplies and supply lanes. In fact, the prospect of China not free-riding is more troublesome for U.S. interests. If China stepped up to play more of an active role in the region, Beijing would undoubtedly want to have a greater say in setting the rules. There is a gap in expectations: The U.S. wants China to bandwagon, to support U.S. stewardship of the Middle East. China's ambitions in the region don't fit into this straitjacket. Instead, China has adopted a strategic hedging approach, building up an economic and political presence while avoiding a larger security role. For the time being this is largely about capacity - China does not yet have the ability to project power that far from home. But it is also about politics. Beijing knows that an independent security position would antagonize the United States and also run counter to the preferences of Middle East leaders who want to continue trade and investment from China and retain U.S. security commitments. The status quo works for now. - What about Israel? As with other Middle Eastern countries, China has been building a strong economic foundation for its relations with Israel, complementing steadily growing trade with increased investment, to the point where it is expected to overtake the United States as Israel's largest investor. Beijing has emphasized cooperation in the high-tech sector, and U.S. officials estimate Chinese companies have substantial stakes in Israeli companies working on joint defense projects with U.S. contractors. Infrastructure is another area where U.S. officials are watching closely. In 2015, Shanghai International Port Group won a 25-year contract to manage Haifa Port. The United States views Chinese investment or management of critical infrastructure as a threat - especially infrastructure used by the Navy. Given the depth of U.S.-Israeli ties it is not surprising that Washington has concerns about the port deal. - China investments reflect strategic decisions. Chinese leaders have to balance the importance of relations with Israel against the cost of antagonizing the United States. Beijing's calculations with Israel have a regional dimension, though. If the State Department leans on allies and partners, then several Chinese projects across the Middle East could be threatened. China also has comprehensive strategic partnerships with Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE and all have signed on for major Chinese infrastructure projects. My research on China's Belt and Road projects in the Middle East highlights how industrial parks and ports investments sketch the contours of China's future Middle East presence, based upon several massive investments in those three countries as well as Oman and Djibouti. The extent of these investments suggests China will not abandon its interests in the Middle East because of increased U.S. pressure. Furthermore, it's not clear that Middle East countries would want China to stop. China has stepped up coronavirus aid diplomacy to its Middle East partners while the United States has been caught up in partisan bickering and blaming China for the pandemic. And just last week Dubai and Huawei announced an initiative to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, building on inroads Huawei has made across the region, even under duress from Washington. Middle Eastern countries are interested in what China has to offer, and China has seemed satisfied with the status quo. If the United States is going to ask its Middle Eastern partners to choose between it and China, the result will likely be a return of great power competition in the Middle East. - - - Fulton is an assistant professor of political science at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi and a senior nonresident fellow at The Atlantic Council. For other analysis and commentary from The Monkey Cage, an independent blog anchored by political scientists from universities around the country, see www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage (Photo : Andreas Gebert on Reuters ) Trump-Zuckerberg Wins! Despite 'Virtual Walkout,' Facebook Still Chose to Defend POTUS; One Employee Resigns (Photo : Jon Nazca on Reuters ) Trump-Zuckerberg Wins! Despite 'Virtual Walkout,' Facebook Still Chose to Defend POTUS; One Employee Resigns Despite warnings from Facebook employees of resignation from their posts, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg still defended United States President Donald Trump. This was after a thousand employees joined a virtual 'walkout' to stop the CEO from allowing Trump's posts that reportedly promote violence towards protesters. Unfortunately, the noise barrage did not do anything to change the CEO's plans. #DeleteFacebookNow trends on Twitter; Here's why On Tuesday, June 2, Zuckerberg finally spoke with his employees in a virtual meeting to tackle the issue of their possible walkout from the company and demand for the deletion of POTUS's posts. Many of his employees cited dismay with the CEO after still allowing Trump to post racist and violent remarks on the platform. However, Zuckerberg still returned to his main argument saying that the President did not violate any of the social media platform's policies. Trump's post saying "when the looting starts, the shooting starts," was also not citing violence, according to the CEO. Thus, did not break any rules. NBC News reported that Facebook CEO thought this would be "a tough decision" to make, according to three employees who were on the call that chose to remain unidentified. However, Zuckerberg defended the policies saying "the right action ... is to leave this up." The meeting lasted for 90 minutes, and the Facebook spokesperson said that Zuckerberg was delighted with what their employees had said to them to defend the issue of deletion. However, employees were still disappointed. "Sentiment among my peers is that he is wildly out of touch and ruining the perception of Facebook," one employee said in a private message. "This is more anger and frustration than I've seen before." Facebook's 'virtual walkout' turns to resignation On Monday, June 1, Tech Times reported that a 'virtual walkout' will be happening outside and insides of Facebook offices. A thousand employees were expected to stop working until the issues with Trump's social media posts were resolved. One Facebook engineer named Timothy Aveni already decided to leave his post as protest against Zuckerberg. "For years, President Trump has enjoyed an exception to Facebook's Community Standards; over and over the posts abhorrent, targeted messages that would get any other Facebook user suspended from the platform. He's permitted to break the rules since his political speech is 'newsworthy,'" he wrote. "Mark always told us that he would draw the line at speech that calls for violence. He showed us on Friday that this was a lie. Facebook will keep moving the goalposts every time Trump escalates, finding excuse after excuse not to act on increasingly dangerous rhetoric," he added. Why is this an issue? Trump's social media posts have always been controversial and a point of discussion for many-- especially when George Floyd's protests started to happen. Earlier, Twitter marked the posts of POTUS with warnings for false information. Facebook, however, has chosen ro not act on the issue. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Kosovo named a new government Wednesday after months of political turmoil in the former Serbian province, casting out left-wing leader Albin Kurti and raising tensions with his supporters. The new government was cobbled together by Kurti's former coalition partner, the centre-right LDK, which quit the alliance in March, plunging Kosovo into a leadership crisis in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. The LDK's Avdullah Hoti, a 44-year-old former finance minister, was endorsed as prime minister to lead a new ruling coalition with 61 votes from the 120-member parliament. "I feel responsible to the deputies, to the citizens and to the constitution for the tasks that await us," he told the assembly. He stressed he would focus on advancing talks with Serbia, a relationship still fraught with tension since the 1990s war that led Kosovo to declare its independence. But the vote has outraged supporters of Kurti's nationalist-leftist Vetevendosje party, who have been carrying out "rehearsal" demonstrations in recent weeks and warned that full-blown "protests are becoming unavoidable." They have been demanding new elections to form a new government, accusing rivals of "stealing" their vote for Vetevendosje in October polls. "What they are doing is against the will of the people. That doesn't lead to good. That's why we need to protest," said Rina Gusalci, 30-year-old civil society activist who was among a small crowd of protesters gathered outside parliament. According to April polling by UNDP, Kurti enjoyed high levels of public support with 65.4 percent expressing satisfaction with his work compared to 20.7 percent for his predecessor Ramush Haradinaj in November. - 'Deepen instability' - Vetevendosje's first-place finish in the October election was hailed as a historic moment for Kosovo, pushing out the former rebel fighters who have dominated the political scene since its independence from Serbia in 2008. But with only a narrow margin of victory, Kurti was forced to ally with LDK to form a ruling coalition. The honeymoon didn't last long with LDK launching a no-confidence motion in March, in part because of heavy US pressure on Kurti to relax his policies towards Belgrade. Kurti has accused Washington, and his top rival President Hashim Thaci, of working in tandem to remove him from power in order to push through a deal with Serbia -- which both deny. Serbia still rejects Kosovo's independence and both are under Western pressure to strike an accord and resolve disputes that linger 20 years after their war. The EU congratulated Kosovo's new government, an alliance between the LDK, two former opposition groups and parties representing ethnic minorities. The bloc called for a "swift resumption" of EU-led negotiations between Pristina and Belgrade. Yet Arben Hajrullahu, a political science lecturer at the University of Pristina, said he expected domestic tensions to rise in a divided society. "All indicators show that instability and the political crisis, as well as the economic one, will only deepen," he told AFP. Avdullah Hoti speaks to the media in Pristina after emerging from parliament as the new prime minister of Kosovo A man holds a Kosovo flag in a show of support for ousted leftist prime minister left-wing leader Albin Kurti The Centrum performance hall, part of the Cypress Creek Christian Community Center, suffered serious loss during Hurricane Harvey when the facility took on two and a half feet of water. After recently getting a bid from a contractor and FEMA funds to make repairs, the Centrum is scheduled to be renovated and reopened by Christmas 2020. Cypress Creek Christian Community Center Executive Director Norma Lowrey invites the community to the Centrum Christmas car parade and mini festival from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, free of charge, as they get ready to kick off the project for the reopening of the facility and celebrate Christmas in the summer. Harvey-flooded section of Mercer prepares for reopening: Storey Lake at Mercer Botanic Gardens scheduled to reopen mid-summer We got all of our ducks in a row so to speak that we can begin the rebuilding and revitalization of the building, Lowrey said. We hope to be back in the Centrum for Christmas and so therefore thats the reason for our festival. The car parade will be led by Harris County Precinct 4 Constables and families are encouraged to adorn their car in a Christmas theme. The car parade ends with a drive-by mini festival on the Centrum premises. The social distancing event will start at Lowes on Hwy. 249 at Cypresswood Drive and head east to Kuykendahl, then turn around on Cypresswood and come back to the church for the festival. The festival is open to the community for folks who just want to come by and see whats happening, Lowrey said. Its something to do instead of staying home at watching television in this crazy time that were living in. The mini festival will feature caroling, a live manager scene, Christmas photo opportunities with snow, a chance to see Santa in his sleigh, and the evening concludes with a presentation at 7 p.m. via a Facebook Live broadcast of the building that people can watch from home. People can sign up for the car parade until the Monday before the event by emailing nalowrey@cypresscreek.cc or visiting the Centrum revitalization website at www.centrumrevitalization.org. The website also offers information about the venues history. A cornerstone of the northwest Houston community The Cypress Creek Christian Community Center opened its first building, the Forum, in 1978, followed in later years by classrooms, a chapel and the Centrum performance hall. The community center, located in the Cypress Creek Cultural District, serves as a meeting place that accommodates over 100 community nonprofits throughout the year and is owned and operated by the Cypress Creek Christian Church. On HoustonChronicle.com: You can become part of the Broadcast from Home musical project The Centrum had offered northwest Houston patrons a venue for performing arts shows and events since 1997. The performance hall hosted such local arts groups as the Cypress Creek Foundation for the Arts and Community Enrichment, as well as events like high school concerts, graduations and ceremonies prior to Harvey in 2017. Lowrey said its been a pretty devastating blow to the community because the venue was so popular. The Centrum has been kind of a cornerstone of the northwest Houston community so that folks didnt have to drive all the way downtown to see live performances, Lowrey said. Its sort of like the Jones Hall of northwest Houston. You can imagine what our community felt like after Harvey and its now been almost three years. Moving forward Lowrey said the car parade and mini festival event is also an introduction to how the community can help in the rebuilding process. She added that its been a time-consuming process to attain the grants from FEMA. The total cost of the Centrums revitalization is a projected $2.7 million, according to the projects website. The website states that Cypress Creek Christian Church got a $1 million obligation from FEMA last month, more than two years after filing for assistance. That hurdle is over with, Lowrey said about FEMA negotiations. And so, were moving forward. The church allocated an additional $1 million for the revitalization and the projects total cost accounts for $200,000 in overages, according to the website. That means they need half a million to cover costs to open by Christmas 2020. Sponsorship opportunities are available on the website if people want to donate to support the revitalization effort. Lowrey said there are different contribution levels including sponsoring the purchase of a theater chair, furnishing the lobby or catering kitchen. At the $100,000 level, a donor can claim stage naming rights; and at the $250,000 level, lobby naming rights. New and improved Nothing has been done to the Centrum as far as construction at this point, Lowrey said, as the FEMA grant was recently approved, and the contractor, Trilogy, just completed its bid. Lowrey said theyll be going to the congregation in the next few weeks for their approval to begin construction. According to the website, the Centrum can reopen by the end of the year as long as the pending contract is executed by the middle of July. One of the main things being added is an ADA-compliant restroom and elevator, as well as a catering kitchen and a green room to one of the areas for performers to relax and spend time before they go on stage. Theyll be adding a second dressing room for the performers on the first floor, replacing all AC units inside and out, reupholstering and buying new theater seats for first floor and balcony, plus putting in new carpeting. The venue will receive improvements to the sound and lighting system, and will be able to update the second floor that has restrooms and offices as well. Lowrey said theyll also install the same flood gate system with sealing walls and watertight doors that are used at places like the Rosenburg Library and Bayshore Medical Center. Were doing a lot to prevent water getting back into the building so that we wont have to go through this again, Lowrey said. Cypress Creek Christian Church senior minister Bruce Frogge said the church appreciates the communitys support of the Centrums return. It was the place for large gatherings around community conversations and inner-faith events and learning opportunities, Frogge said. Just the thought of being able to get back in there. It was this space that was used by so many different organizations and community partners. Theres something about the magnificence of that space that I think kind of honors people at those important moments in their lives. Lowrey hopes that community partners like local school districts will return to hold concerts and events once the Centrum is completed. Were trying to get all our users back that have been missing it, Lowrey said. Thats our goal, is to have everybody back home. Were really excited about it, excited to get this building back open for our community. alvaro.montano@chron.com New Delhi, June 4 : The World Health Organisation on Wednesday said that anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) will return to the solidarity trial for the potential treatment of coronavirus disease. At a press conference in the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "On the basis of the available mortality data, the members of the committee recommended that there are no reasons to modify the trial protocol. "The Executive Group received this recommendation and endorsed continuation of all arms of the solidarity trial, including hydroxychloroquine." The world health body had temporarily suspended the usage of HCQ from the solidarity trial for coronavirus treatment on May 25 soon after a study published in one of the most reliable medical journals which had suggested that the drug could cause more fatalities among Covid-19 patients. However, the WHO chief said that the decision was taken as a precaution while the safety data was reviewed. Ghebreyesus also said that the Data Safety and Monitoring Committee will continue to closely monitor the safety of all therapeutics being tested in the solidarity trial. "So far, more than 3,500 patients have been recruited in 35 countries. WHO is committed to accelerating the development of effective therapeutics, vaccines and diagnostics as part of our commitment to serving the world with science, solutions and solidarity," he said. Soon after HCQ was suspended from the trial, the Indian government had said that the antimalarial drug has been known for its benefits for a very long time and its usage will be continued on the frontline workers including police and healthcare professionals as prophylaxis. The government had also said that studies were being conducted and the drug would be included in the clinical trial also for the treatment of coronavirus disease. US President Donald Trump also had strongly advocated the use of HCQ and called it a "game-changer". He went to the extent of saying that he had taken the medicine. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The desert locust is considered the most "destructive" migratory plague in the world. A single swarm can contain up to 80 thousand specimens. FAO: "increased" risk on the border between India and Pakistan. A disaster coupled with the coronavirus emergency and seasonal cyclones. A joint strategic plan is being studied between the three countries. Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Tehran, Delhi and Islamabad are developing a joint strategic plan to deal with the invasion of grasshoppers that threatens to frustrate crops and endanger the livelihoods of an entire region already facing the COVID-19 pandemic. The desert locust, in fact, is considered the most "destructive" migratory plague in the world and a single swarm, covering one square kilometer, can contain up to 80 million specimens. In recent days, the FAO (the UN agency for food and agriculture) has spoken of an "increased risk" on the border between India and Pakistan. In these hours, India, also affected by the devastating passage of Cyclone Amphan on the east coast, is awaiting a response from the Pakistani government for a joint action against the threat. Iran has already given its consent to the plan, which includes, among others, the supply of an airborne pesticide, the Malathion, to be poured on the locust populations that have invaded the south-eastern provinces of Sistan-Baluchestan and South Khorasan. The plan is the result of some detailed reports that have emerged in the last period, according to which "swarms of destructive parasites" are heading towards India, after having developed and grown in the Iranian and Pakistani provinces of Baluchistan. Sources from the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture confirm the request for help sent to the army for the second consecutive year, for a contribution in the fight against the invasion in the south of the country that threatens to destroy crops worth at least seven billion dollars. Locust swarms also threaten livestock, endanger rural communities and can have a negative impact on the tourism industry already on its knees due to the new coronavirus. Ministry spokesman Mohammad Reza Mir points out that over so far, desert grasshoppers have attacked over 200,000 hectares of orchards and farmland in seven of the 31 provinces of the Islamic Republic. He thanks the army "for the great help", especially in logistics and in the supply of special means. The phenomenon is not new in East Africa and West Asia, but this year it has assumed even greater proportions than the already alarming ones of 2019. On the African continent there has been the worst invasion of the last 70 years, which has hit 23 nations . According to data from the World Bank, which has already allocated 500 million in aid, the total damages could amount to up to 8.5 billion dollars for 2020. Among the Indian states affected by the invasion of locusts are Rajasthan in the north-west, Punjab in the north, Gujarat in the west and Madhya Pradesh in the center. The alarm also affects the territory of the capital. In Pakistan, locusts have already devoured substantial quantities of crops in over 60 provincial districts, including Baluchistan in the southwest. The country is stepping up efforts to tackle the phenomenon through pest control systems, including aircraft. In neighboring India, people have also resorted to more "artisanal" methods such as banging tools to make noise and playing loud music to scare parasites. [June 03, 2020] Canada's first post-secondary people analytics program addresses urgent skills gap during global pandemic TORONTO, June 3, 2020 /CNW/ - The York University School of Continuing Studies has launched Canada's first university continuing education Certificate in People Analytics, with classes beginning completely online this September. The School is offering this program during a critical time for organizations and their human resources departments, as the COVID-19 pandemic has created many workforce and business challenges. "The COVID-19 crisis has thrust people analytics into the spotlight. Whether it be to ensure the safety and well-being of people or maintain organizational health and productivity, people analytics professionals are being called upon to build fact bases, predict risk and tell stories that can have a true social impact. The need to make sound data-driven decisions regarding employees has never been greater," says Arjun Asokakumar, Director of Data Science, People Analytics at RBC and Program Advisory Council Member for The Certificate in People Analytics. By analyzing workforce data, HR professionals can identify solutions to keep employees safe and maintain business continuity during this crisis. At the onset of the pandemic, people analytics practices helped determine which employees were at a higher risk for COVID-19 and needed to work from home and which critical roles were required to stay on site. As businesses prepare to reopen, employee data can gauge employee productivity while working remotely. This data can help determine strategies for integrating employees back into the workplace as organizations will look long-term at optimizing the balance between working on-site and from home. Canada is currently facing a skills gap of approximately 150,000 data-literate managers and analysts, which has only been exacerbated by this crisis.i The Certificate in People Analytics aims to fill this skills gap by training human resource professionals to leverage workforce data into solutions that connect to a business's arget outcomes. "Although the COVID-19 crisis has led to unprecedented job losses across Canada, emerging professions such as people analytics are experiencing a demand for skilled workers to help organizations navigate the difficulties created by the pandemic," says Tracey Taylor-O'Reilly, Assistant Vice-President, Continuing Studies. "The York University School of Continuing Studies' accelerated Certificate in People Analytics provides a way for human resource professionals to upskill in a short amount of time, develop a work portfolio and seize opportunities during and after the crisis." The Certificate in People Analytics is created in partnership with industry leaders and subject matter experts to ensure the skill set students learn aligns with employer needs and expectations. Students enrolled in the program will be introduced to fundamental concepts of data analytics, become comfortable visualizing data insights and apply those data-driven insights to address HR-related problems. In addition to theory-based knowledge, students will engage in a practice-oriented final capstone where they will apply the skills they learned towards a real-world HR issue. The 6-month, online, part-time program is offered in an accelerated format, allowing students to graduate faster with the skills they need to leverage data in solving the many common issues addressed by HR units. The Certificate in People Analytics is one of four new programs the School is launching in Fall 2020 to fill skills gaps in in-demand fields. Enrolment is now open for the September 2020 session of the Certificate in People Analytics. About the York University School of Continuing Studies York University's School of Continuing Studies is the fastest growing continuing education provider in the country. With a commitment to lifelong learning and access to education, the School offers professional certificate programs and English language preparation. The School is composed of a dynamic Continuing Professional Education (CPE) unit that develops innovative certificate programs that prepare professionals to thrive in the rapidly changing world of work. It is also home to the York University English Language Institute (YUELI) -- the largest university English language institute in Canada. ________________________________ i Canada's Big Data Consortium, 2015, "Closing Canada's Big Data Talent Gap" viewed at https://www.ryerson.ca/content/dam/provost/PDFs/Big_Data_Talent_Gap.pdf SOURCE York University School of Continuing Studies [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 3 1 of 3 Twitter: The Alamo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Twitter: The Alamo Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The Alamo is installing a temporary fence along Alamo Plaza in response to the recent protest in the downtown area, according to a tweet from the historical site's Twitter account. More protests are planned for today. The 4-foot chain link fence will be mounted on top of water-filled plastic barriers, the Wednesday tweet said. It will be installed on the sidewalk on the western edge of the plaza from the intersection of Alamo and Crockett streets to the intersection of Alamo and Houston streets. Medical Journal Acknowledges Serious Concerns With Controversial Hydroxychloroquine Study Update: The study was retracted on June 4, 2020. Original story below. Editors of a medical journal acknowledged serious scientific questions have been brought up regarding a controversial study they published thats attracted widespread criticism from a variety of professionals. Important scientific questions have been raised about data reported in the paper, The Lancet editors wrote in a statement (pdf) about a recent observational study analyzing the effects of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine against COVID-19. An independent audit of the data in the study is ongoing, commissioned by the authors of the paper. While results are expected shortly, the editors said they were issuing a statement to alert readers to the fact that serious scientific questions have been brought to our attention. The original study, though, does not contain an editors note or any other notice to readers. A small correction issued last week is also placed separately. Readers have to scroll down to a linked articles section and click a link labeled Department of Error to read the correction. The Lancet didnt immediately respond to inquiries on the matter. The authors of the study claimed to obtain medical records of nearly 100,000 patients from hundreds of hospitals in six continents in putting forth the conclusion that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine were linked with an increased mortality risk. The conclusion prompted French and World Health Organization officials to suspend trials testing the drugs against COVID-19. But more than 100 scientists analyzed the findings and found major issues, including inadequate adjustment for variables, a lack of ethics review, and numbers that dont appear to add up regarding patients in Australia and Africa. Furthermore, the researchers are refusing to release the code or underlying data they used. A pharmacy tech pours out hydroxychloroquine pills at Rock Canyon Pharmacy in Provo, Utah, in a file photograph. (George Frey/AFP via Getty Images) Surgisphere The Chicago-based Surgisphere Corporation allegedly provided all of the data. The company said in a statement that it provides researchers access to a database of over 240 million patient encounters from over 1,200 healthcare groups in 45 countries. Data privacy prevents the release of the figures that outside scientists want to analyze, Surgisphere said. Sapan Desai of Surgisphere is listed as an author, along with Mandeep Mehra of Harvard Medical School, Frank Ruschitzka of University Heart Center at the University Hospital Zurich, and Amit Patel of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah. Funding came from Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Another study involving Surgisphere also drew an expression of concern from a medical journal. Eric Rubin, the editor of the New England Journal of Medicine, said a study of heart drug safety could contain data thats not reliable, alerting readers that substantive concerns have been raised about the quality of the information in the database Surgisphere is drawing from. Representatives for Harvard and the University Hospital Zurich directed The Epoch Times to a statement by Mehra. The researcher said that he and other coauthors have initiated independent reviews of the data used in both papers after learning of the concerns that have been raised about the reliability of the database. Upon completion, the results will be sent to the editors of the journals and the coauthors. The data available through Surgisphere were leveraged to provide observational guidance to inform the care of hospitalized COVID-19 patients amidst this global pandemic. I have routinely underscored the importance and value of randomized, clinical trials and articulated that such trials will be necessary before any conclusions can be reached. Until findings from such studies are available, given the urgency of the situation, using the available dataset was an intermediary step. I eagerly await word from the independent audits, the results of which will inform any further action, Mehra added in the emailed statement. A request for comment sent to Patel wasnt returned. Colorized scanning electron micrograph of an apoptotic cell (red) heavily infected with CCP virus particles (yellow), isolated from a patient sample. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland, published on April 2, 2020. (NIAID) Hydroxychloroquine Hydroxychloroquine has attracted widespread attention after showing promise against COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, but transformed into a political issue after endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump. The drug was first approved decades ago to combat malaria and several other ailments. It has known side effects, prompting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to caution last month against using it widely. Some researchers conducting observational studies say it showed no benefit when used in COVID-19 patients and could cause a higher death rate. But researchers in India recently found hydroxychloroquine was effective when taken as a prophylactic and other studies suggested its effective at certain dosing levels and with other drugs, including azithromycin and zinc. While the latest study quickly prompted some groups to suspend trials, others pushed back against the findings when they were first published last month. Researchers conducting a major trial across multiple countries analyzing drugs, including hydroxychloroquine, against COVID-19, said the chair of an independent data monitoring committee conducted an urgent review of the data. The chair then spoke with researchers before issuing a letter stating the committee saw no cogent reason to suspend recruitment for safety reasons and recommended the trial continue recruitment without interruption. Martin Landray, one of the researchers heading the trial, said in a social media statement that there are so many questions about the study, Surgisphere, and the authors. But even if the paper were perfect, the conclusion remains, We need evidence from properly conducted *randomised* controlled trials. Retrospective comparisons are no way to guide important treatment decisions, the professor of medicine and epidemiology at the Nuffield Department of Population Health added. COVID-19 is too serious for important treatment decisions to be based on speculation, opinion, or retrospective observation. Ongoing randomized controlled trials are essential whether hydroxychloroquine is safe, effective, or neither. Robert Califf, former commissioner of the FDA, said on Twitter that he agrees with the FDA that hydroxychloroquine should be used primarily in clinical trials and hospitals. But, he said, hes disturbed by the number of highly health literate people (including some regulators) who look at observational studies and pronounce that the evidence is already in. GARDAI have arrested three men and seized over 20,000 worth of suspected drugs in Limerick city. While carrying out a patrol on Condell Road at around 3am on Tuesday, gardai from Mayorstone Park saw a car driving erratically. The three occupants of the car, all aged in their 30s, were arrested and brought to Henry Street garda station for the purpose of a search. Once back in the station, a search of the driver was carried out and 800 of suspected cocaine was found. No drugs were found on the other two occupants of the car and they were released without charge. The driver of the car was later released and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. As part of a follow-up operation, gardai from the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit executed a search warrant at a house on Cathedral Place in Limerick city shortly before 12 midday. During the course of the search gardai seized 14,500 of cocaine, 2,400 of amphetamine and 2,400 of xanax tablets. The Limerick Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit attended and photographed the scene and all of the seized items. The suspected drugs will now be sent for analysis. Two people were reported dead Wednesday as coronavirus-hit Mumbai appeared to escape the worst of Cyclone Nisarga, the first severe storm to threaten India's financial capital in more than 70 years. The cyclone ripped roofs off buildings in nearby coastal towns, but Mumbai remained largely unscathed. The city and its surrounds are usually sheltered from cyclones -- the last deadly storm to hit the city was in 1948 -- but authorities evacuated at least 100,000 people, including coronavirus patients, from flood-prone areas in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Both of the reported deaths occurred in Maharashtra: one man died after an electric pole fell on him and a woman was killed after a wall collapsed, local media said. The storm made landfall near the coastal town of Alibag, around 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Mumbai, on Wednesday afternoon, meteorologists said. It then crossed Maharashtra's coast, with its path veering to the east of Mumbai and gradually weakened by Wednesday evening, they added. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall -- with winds of 100-110 kilometres per hour (60-68 miles per hour) and gusts of up to 120 kph. Mumbai experienced downpours throughout the afternoon, with strong winds toppling trees in some cases. City authorities said there were no reports of injuries or deaths, though the rains caused compound walls to collapse in some neighbourhoods. The beach town of Alibag fared worse, with the cyclone tearing roofs off homes and overturning mobile food stalls. A 45-year-old professor who evacuated from his house near the sea told AFP he could see corrugated roofing flying through the air as Nisarga's powerful winds struck. "The intensity is very strong and nothing like weather events we've seen before," said Milind Dhodre, who lives in Alibag with his wife and son. The coastal town is a favoured haunt of Bollywood stars and industrialists, who own holiday homes there. The port city of Pen also suffered damage, with one video showing a ripped off metal roof smashing into nearby buildings. - Virus and storm fears - In Mumbai, police announced fresh restrictions on the city of 18 million people -- which was just beginning to emerge from a months-long lockdown -- banning gatherings of four people or more until Thursday afternoon. India's worst-hit city, Mumbai is home to a fifth of the country's more than 200,000 coronavirus cases. The storm evacuees included nearly 150 coronavirus patients from a recently built field hospital in Mumbai, underscoring the difficulties facing the city ahead of the monsoon season as it struggles to contain the pandemic. "Refrain from venturing out to coast-beaches, promenade, parks and other similar places along the coastline," the police tweeted early Wednesday. "Do not leave your house for your own safety and well-being," Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray tweeted late Tuesday, warning of possible disruptions to the power supply due to heavy rainfall. Warnings of storm surges up to two metres high (6.5 feet) remained in effect on Wednesday, with slum-dwellers in low-lying areas of Mumbai instructed to move to higher ground. Even as the city's residents breathed a sigh of relief, forecasters warned the storm could still carry a sting in its tail until it eased. "Next 4 hours crucial for #Mumbai, the tail of the cyclone may lash and can cause severe damage," tweeted Jatin Singh, head weatherman at Skymet Weather, a private forecaster. The storm triggered disruption to travel as well, with planes grounded during the afternoon and inter-state railway services delayed or diverted to ensure that trains would not travel through the city until the cyclone had passed. Nisarga comes on the heels of Cyclone Amphan, which killed more than 100 people as it ravaged eastern India and Bangladesh last month, flattening villages, destroying farms and leaving millions without electricity. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall -- with winds of 100-110 kilometres per hour (60-68 miles per hour) and gusts of up to 120 kph Map showing the forecast track of Cyclone Nisarga approaching India Two men struggle with their umbrellas along Marine Drive in Mumbai as Cyclone Nisarga veered in Key backers of Haftar release joint statement calling for parties to fully commit to the political process. Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have said they welcome an announcement that warring factions in Libya have agreed to resume ceasefire negotiations. In recent years, Egypt and the UAE have been the most prominent backers of eastern-based renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar, who has been waging an offensive to take control of the capital, Tripoli, since April 2019. Haftars military campaign against forces aligned with the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli upended previous UN-led efforts for a political settlement in Libya. In recent weeks, Turkish support has allowed the GNA to retake several towns in the northwest and a strategic airbase near the Tunisian border. The joint statement by the Egyptian and Emirati foreign ministries called for parties to fully commit to the political process under the auspices of the UN and the Berlin conference. The Berlin conference in January resulted in efforts to reach a ceasefire but that initiative stalled before this weeks announcement that parties were ready to resume talks. Earlier on Wednesday, Russias RIA news agency said several senior Libyan officials, including deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maetig, arrived in Moscow ahead of talks. Russia has emerged as a key actor in the Libyan conflict. According to a leaked UN report, Russian private military contractor Wagner Group deployed about 1,200 mercenaries to Libya to strengthen Haftars forces. They have been identified by their equipment, typically reserved for Russias armed forces. UN monitors identified more than two dozen flights between Russia and eastern Libya from August 2018 to August 2019 by civilian aircraft strongly linked to or owned by Wagner Group a Russian paramilitary organisation seen as close to President Vladimir Putin or related companies. Across the Wagner Group, personnel are predominantly Russian, but also include citizens of Belarus, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine, the UN report said. The sacred oath taken by physicians during graduation from medical school to "First do no harm," the first words of the Hippocratic Oath, provides a strong impetus for a commentary just published in The American Journal of Medicine. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Schmidt College of Medicine and collaborators from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health are urging all health care providers to always prioritize compassion with reliable evidence on efficacy and safety. They recommend a moratorium on the prescription of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, with or without azithromycin, to treat or prevent COVID-19, with the exceptions of obtaining the necessary evidence in randomized trials as well as compassionate use. Despite the fact, or perhaps due in part to the fact that there are no therapeutic or preventive measures for the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, which accounts for less than 5 percent of the world's population and about 30 percent of the cases and deaths, the widespread prescriptions of these drugs are nine times greater than in the last several years. This widespread use is leading to nationwide shortages in patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, for whom hydroxychloroquine has been an approved indication for decades. These patients are unable to refill their prescriptions. On March 28, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19. By April 24, however, the FDA issued a drug safety communication warning regarding hydroxychloroquine and heart rhythm disturbances that can lead to sudden cardiac death. "If these drugs need to be prescribed for patients with COVID-19, baseline evaluations and serial monitoring are an absolute necessity," said Richard D. Shih, M.D., first author, a professor of emergency medicine and division director and founding program director for the emergency medicine residency program in FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine. Further, the authors point out that the reassuring safety profile of hydroxychloroquine may be more apparent than real. The data on safety derive from decades of prescriptions by health care providers, primarily for their patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, both of which are of greater prevalence in younger and middle age women, whose risks of fatal heart outcomes due to hydroxychloroquine are reassuringly very low. In contrast, the risks of hydroxychloroquine for patients with COVID-19 are significantly higher because fatal cardiovascular complications due to these drugs are so much higher in older patients and those with existing heart disease or its risk factors, both of whom are predominantly men. In basic research, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are structurally related and have similar mechanisms to inhibit the virus that causes COVID-19. Despite their structural similarities, in vitro, hydroxychloroquine appears to be more effective. In addition, when used for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, hydroxychloroquine has fewer side effects, less drug interactions and is less toxic in overdose. The authors note that the currently available evidence is restricted to eight published studies, five on hydroxychloroquine alone; two on hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin; and one on both in combination or alone. Of these only three are randomized trials that enrolled 225, 62, and 30 patients - all too small to provide reliable evidence. All three tested hydroxychloroquine alone versus standard of care in China. One showed no significant difference in viral clearance at 28 days, the second, no difference in viral clearance at seven days, and the third, some improvements in fever, cough and chest computed tomography findings. "With respect to hypothesis testing, only large-scale randomized trials of sufficient size, dose and duration can reliably detect the most plausible small-to-moderate effects, which can have enormous clinical and public health impacts," said Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., Dr.PH, senior author, the first Sir Richard Doll professor and senior academic advisor in FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine. Co-authors include Heather M. Johnson, M.D., FACC, a preventive cardiologist/cardiologist at the Lynn Women's Health and Wellness Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital/Baptist Health South Florida, and Dennis G. Maki, M.D., professor emeritus in the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, where Johnson also is an adjunct associate professor. Hennekens and Maki have been collaborators since 1969, when they served as lieutenant commanders in the U.S. Public Health Service as epidemic intelligence service officers with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hennekens, Maki and Johnson also collaborated on a recently published commentary in The American Journal of Medicine concerning the already alarming racial inequalities in mortality from COVID-19, which are only likely to increase further unless effective drug therapies or vaccines are distributed equitably. ### About the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine: FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine is one of approximately 154 accredited medical schools in the U.S. The college was launched in 2010, when the Florida Board of Governors made a landmark decision authorizing FAU to award the M.D. degree. After receiving approval from the Florida legislature and the governor, it became the 134th allopathic medical school in North America. With more than 70 full and part-time faculty and more than 1,300 affiliate faculty, the college matriculates 64 medical students each year and has been nationally recognized for its innovative curriculum. To further FAU's commitment to increase much needed medical residency positions in Palm Beach County and to ensure that the region will continue to have an adequate and well-trained physician workforce, the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Consortium for Graduate Medical Education (GME) was formed in fall 2011 with five leading hospitals in Palm Beach County. The Consortium currently has five Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited residencies including internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and neurology. About Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University, with an annual economic impact of $6.3 billion, serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at sites throughout its six-county service region in southeast Florida. FAU's world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University is placing special focus on the rapid development of critical areas that form the basis of its strategic plan: Healthy aging, biotech, coastal and marine issues, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, informatics, lifespan and the environment. These areas provide opportunities for faculty and students to build upon FAU's existing strengths in research and scholarship. For more information, visit fau.edu. Nearly 4 lakh for India-UK flight: DGCA asks airlines to submit details about fares DGCA guidelines for flyers comes into effect today: Gown mandatory for middle seat passenger India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 03: The DGCA has said that all airlines should provide passengers with safety kits. The DGCA guidelines, which come into effect from today says that all passengers will be provided three-layered surgical mask, face shield and sanitisers. Further, the DGCA also said that the middle seat should ideally be kept vacant or the person sitting in the seat should be given a wrap-around gown. While hearing a petition on whether to keep middle seats in flights vacant or not, the Supreme Court had on May 25 said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is free to alter its norms in the interest of public health and safety of passengers "rather than of commercial considerations". DGCA to airlines: Keep middle seats vacant to extent possible Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall near Mumbai, coastal Maharashtra on red alert | Oneindia News The DGCA, citing this Supreme Court observation, in its order on Monday said, "The airlines shall allot the seats in such a manner that the middle seat/seat between two passengers is kept vacant if the passenger load and seat capacity permits the same." "However, members of the same family may be allowed to sit together," it added. India resumed its domestic passenger flights from May 25 after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown. Since the passenger loads in flights have been around 50 per cent since May 25, airlines are unlikely to face many problems in complying with the DGCA order. For example, 44,593 passengers travelled in 501 domestic flights in India on Sunday, translating into an average of around 90 passengers in each plane. Since an average narrow body plane in India has 180 seats in 3*3 configuration, it means it has 60 middle seats and as many window and aisle seats, indicating that up to 120 passengers can be seated while keeping middle seats vacant. The DGCA order said airlines must provide a safety kit to each passenger. It shall include a three-layered surgical mask, a face shield and adequate amount of sanitiser in either a sachet or a bottle. Karnataka govt allows exemptions for ministers, airlines crew from quarantine norms "The embarkation or disembarkation shall be sequential and passengers shall be advised by airlines to follow the instructions and not to rush to the entry or exit gate. The airline shall ensure orderly entry or exit of the passengers," the DGCA stated. Indian carriers operated a total of 3,370 flights till May 31 -- 428 on May 25, 445 on May 26, 460 on May 27, 494 on May 28, 513 on May 29 and 529 on May 30. International commercial passenger flights continue to remain suspended in the country. The novel coronavirus has infected more than 1.9 lakh people and killed around 5,300 people in India till now. Cask Liquid Marketing adds El Dorado Rum to its portfolio Cask Liquid Marketing has expanded its portfolio by adding El Dorado rum. The marketing and distribution agency, which works with a range of premium spirits and drinks brands, will be now handle on and off-trade sales as well as marketing for the brand. Established in 1992, El Dorado is created on the banks of the Demerara River in Guyana. El Dorado rums are aged in once-used Bourbon Oak Casks. Stu Ekins, co-founder and director of Cask said: At Cask we are constantly looking for outstanding brands to add to our portfolio, which is why El Dorado is such a natural fit. El Dorado rums are the absolute jewels in the Caribbean rum crown. They produce some of the best spirits in the world using a unique combination of stills dating back centuries. So many rums have Demerara Distillers to thank, for either providing the liquid for their brand, or the molasses used to make their rum. To say we are excited about this opportunity is an understatement. It is rums time right now, and El Dorado is ready. Komal Samaroo, Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited, said: I would like to thank Kirsty Loveday and her team at Love Drinks for the work they have done with the brand over the last 8 years. We are delighted to announce this new partnership with Cask Liquid Marketing who have a proven track record of building craft brands such as ours. The UK is a critical market for us and I am confident that once this difficult period is over this partnership will see accelerated growth for El Dorado in this market. Cask is a drinks agency founded in 2011, by Stuart Etkins and Richard Herbert. Cask works with a range of brands in the industry, such as Gin Mare, Crystal Head, Silent Pool Gin, Ocho and Chartreuse. Related articles: California hospital revenue plummeted by more than a third in the first four months of the pandemic as costs to care for coronavirus patients rose, a shocking financial blow that threatens to raise health care prices, according to a recent report. The report, published Wednesday by the California Health Care Foundation, said hospital revenue fell by a cumulative $13 billion from March to June a 37% reduction from pre-coronavirus levels as state and local shelter-in-place orders nearly eliminated surgeries and halved emergency room visits. Even with some patients now returning to hospitals as restrictions ease, dire financial losses persist. Its a huge shock, said Glenn Melnick, a professor of health care finance and public policy at the University of Southern California who co-authored the report. Basically, the bottom dropped out overnight. Melnick said hes especially concerned about losses for public hospitals serving low-income and uninsured communities: The bigger worry is can they survive the immediate impact, stay in business, so that when the dust settles ... are they still there? The report, based on state data and interviews with officials at around 10 unnamed acute care hospitals, projected that beyond immediate financial losses, the states economic recession could reshape health care as jobless Californians lose employer-sponsored coverage and shift to either Medi-Cal or stay uninsured, which means less reimbursement for hospitals. Providers losing revenue could turn to insurance companies for higher payments, which might raise premiums, Melnick said. California hospitals financial crisis began under the shelter-in-place orders when they cleared hospitals to make way for coronavirus patients. Profitable surgeries plummeted 90% in March, the report said. Emergency room visits dropped in half. At the same time, providers forked out millions to prepare for COVID-19 patients by increasing bed capacity, staffing units, and buying ventilators and personal protective equipment. As California flattened the curve, only 5% of statewide bed capacity was filled, meaning hospitals werent getting paid, the report said. In the Bay Area, giant hospital systems Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health reported losses of more than $1 billion in the first quarter of this year. MarinHealth, which runs Marin General Hospital, had projected $34 million in revenue for April and saw $17 million instead, CEO Lee Domanico said. Some hospitals cut staffing: At Marin General, 130 of 1,500 employees filed for unemployment. Surgeries are now restarting and hospitals are encouraging patients to return, which will bring back revenue, but long-term economic impacts remain. Researchers estimated that nearly 3 million jobless Californians will lose employer-sponsored health care, causing a drop in commercial insurance coverage from 55% pre-pandemic to 47% post-pandemic, the report said. Medi-Cal patients could increase 15% and the uninsured 28%, the report predicted. Medi-Cal reimburses only a fraction of the amount that commercial insurance plans do, so coverage changes mean less money for hospitals. The change could reduce California hospital revenue by $2 billion compared to pre-coronavirus levels over the next 12 months, the report predicted. More than 12.3 million Californians used Medi-Cal in April, the most recent data available. Department of Health Care Services spokesman Adam Weintraub said that it's too soon to see whether there's a marked increase because of the pandemic. Susan Maerki, an independent health consultant who co-authored the report, said the spike might not be immediate since some unemployed workers may only be furloughed while retaining health care benefits. Melnick expects the shift wont start until later this year. Melnick said the projected shift to more Medi-Cal or uninsured patients could push hospitals to ask insurance companies for higher payments. Maureen Tresnak, director of health care strategy with consulting firm Terry Group, made the same prediction. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes That puts pressure on premiums for commercial coverage, which increases costs to employers and makes it difficult for them to offer coverage, she said. Theres pressure all around. Sutter Health and Stanford Health Care are not renegotiating health insurance contracts or asking for cost increases, spokeswomen said. A UCSF spokeswoman said the hospital system is negotiating one contract with another upcoming on the regular schedule and did not expect to increase charges significantly more than usual. Domanico said MarinHealth will be looking at new sources of revenue, hopefully talking with the payer community, insurance community about our needs to fund some of these losses ... and tighten our belt where we can to manage expenses based on volumes. MarinHealth said it was already in negotiations with several of its health plans, unrelated to the pandemic. By the numbers $13 billion Revenue loss for California's hospitals from March to June 2020 50%+ Drop in California hospital outpatient visits from mid-March to mid-May 28% Projected increase in uninsured Californians over the next year Source: California Health Care Foundation See More Collapse Hospitals say they need more stimulus funds as the pandemic continues. California so far received $3.5 billion in the initial federal disbursement. The California Hospital Association is also lobbying the state government to add $3 billion for hospital relief in the revised state budget this month. We need significantly more stimulus money to make up the losses the whole industry needs it, its serious, Domanico said. So far, we havent seen enough. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench Bello Barakat, an 18-year-old girl, has been brutally gang-raped, murdered by unknown men in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, according to latest reports. According to the report, the father of the deceased found her corpse around their home, and upon examination, it was found that she had been and murdered. This comes barely two weeks after Ms Uwaila Omozuwa, a 100 level Microbiology student of the University of Benin, was raped and murdered inside a hall in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ikpoba Hill, Benin City on May 13. The unfortunate incident leading to the death of Barakat was said to have occurred on Tuesday in Akinyele area of Ibadan, Oyo state. Advertisement Read Also: Death Of Vera Uwaila: IGP Directs Force-CID To Take Over Investigations The deceased was a year one student of Federal College of Animal Health and Production in Ibadan. She has been reportedly been buried according to Islamic rites. Meanwhile, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest, zone D has demanded justice for the deceased who was assaulted and murdered. Bola Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for justice over the death of Vera Omozuwa, a 100-level microbiology student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo state. Last week, Uwa, a student of microbiology, died after she was attacked and raped while studying in a church in Benin. At about the same time, Tina Ezekwe, a 16-year-old girl, was hit by a stray bullet after a police officer fired shots in a bid to apprehend a bus driver at the Iyana-Oworo area of Lagos. The students death comes weeks after Jennifer, an 18-year-old girl, was allegedly gang-raped by five boys reported to be her friends in Kaduna state. The deaths of Nigerian females have triggered protests on social media as Nigerians called for justice over the killings. In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Tinubu also condemned the killings, saying such violence is inexcusable. He said the incidents are parts of the pain, hurt and stigma of gender-based violence and abuse suffered by Nigerian women and young girls. Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos, said enough is enough, adding that justice should be served to all victims of gender-based violence. For far too long women and young girls in our nation have suffered the pain, hurt and stigma of gender-based violence and abuse. Too many have been hurt, intimidated and bullied. Too many have died. Such violence is inexcusable. There is nothing that can defend this wrongdoing, the tweet read. All of us are born of woman and nurtured of woman. Vera Uwaila Omozuwa is the most recent name on a list, far too long, of women who have lost their lives at the hands of these vile criminals. Today, I rise in solidarity with women in Nigeria to say #enoughisenough #JusticeforUwa #JusticeforJennifer #JusticeforTina #JUSTICE for all victims of gender based violence. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson giving a statement in Downing Street in central London on April 27, 2020 after returning to work following more than three weeks off after being hospitalized with the Covid-19 illness. Britain will not walk away from the people of Hong Kong if China imposes a national security law that would conflict with its international obligations under a 1984 accord, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday. The United Kingdom has urged China to step back from the brink over the national security legislation for Hong Kong that it says risks destroying one of the jewels of Asia's economy while ruining the reputation of China. "Hong Kong succeeds because its people are free," Johnson wrote in the Times of London newspaper. "If China proceeds, this would be in direct conflict with its obligations under the joint declaration, a legally binding treaty registered with the United Nations. "Many people in Hong Kong fear that their way of life - which China pledged to uphold - is under threat," Johnson said. China's parliament approved last week a decision to create laws for Hong Kong to curb sedition, secession, terrorism and foreign interference. Mainland security and intelligence agents may, for the first time, be stationed in the city. "If China proceeds to justify their fears, then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away; instead we will honour our obligations and provide an alternative," Johnson said. Hong Kong 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. Bengaluru, June 4 : All shops, offices, malls, commercial establishments and others in Karnataka must not allow Covid-stamped people to enter their premises before the completion of the prescribed quarantine time, said a top official on Wednesday. "They should not allow those with quarantine stamp to enter before the end of their quarantine period or till they get current Covid negative test report," ordered Chief Secretary T.M. Vijay Bhaskar. Bhaskar has also issued the order to all religious places, hotels and others to first check for quarantine stamp on all their customers or visitors before they enter the premises. "All shops, commercial establishments, offices, factories, malls, religious places, hotels and etc.. are required to check for quarantine stamp on all their customers or visitors before they enter the premises," he said. In the event of a violation, Bhaskar said the police should be informed at 100. He issued the same order to the general public and resident welfare associations asking them to be vigilant. "General public and resident welfare associations are advised to report any violation of the quarantine in their neighbourhood to the police at telephone number 100," said the chief secretary. The orders came under the head aRole of general public, resident welfare associations and commercial establishments'. General public, commercial establishments and resident welfare associations have been empowered to report quarantine violations at a time when many activities are set to reopen from June 8 as part of Unlock - 1, after more than two months of lockdown. On the Frontline Against China, the US Coast Guard Is Taking on Missions the US Navy Can't Do Competition with China has drawn more Pentagon resources to the Pacific, but the most visible U.S. military presence there... Manoj Viswanathan By Express News Service KOCHI: AS students across the state return to their studies with the dawn of another academic year, nine-year-olds Renjith and Sumesh, students at Pinavoorkudy tribal pre-matric hostel, are busy helping their parents with their daily chores.Our elders here in the colony said the schools have opened and they are teaching through TV. There is no electricity in our colony and the solar lamp hardly provides light for two hours. My father said the pre-matric hostel will open soon and we can go to the hostel to continue our studies, said Sumesh, son of Suku, a tribal watcher at Kunchipara colony in Kuttampuzha panchayat. Of the 14 tribal colonies in Kuttampuzha, five are located deep inside the forest, with no proper road connectivity or electricity. There are 814 tribal students in this area, of which as many as 495 have no access to TV or smartphones to attend classes. A meeting convened by the tribal welfare department and the panchayat on Tuesday decided to provide laptops and projectors to these colonies so that classes could commence next week. We will identify graduates in tribal areas and provide them the training to operate the laptop and projector. We will hand over the recordings of the classes in a pen drive to them on a weekly basis, which will be played at the community halls or a house with adequate facilities every day. The graduate youngsters will clear the doubts of the students, said tribal development officer G Anil Kumar. There are eight settlements in the five tribal colonies with no power supply. Three settlements are at the Variyam colony, while there are two at Kunchippara. The others are at Uriampetty, Thera and Thalavachapara. The department has decided to provide laptops and projectors to these settlements, where educated youngsters will lead the classes. There is a proposal to provide generators to some of these colonies. The classes will begin next week, said tribal promoter Bineesh Narayanan. When the coronavirus pandemic broke, raising fears of a massive slump to follow, the big worry for climate action was that the struggle for economic recovery might halt global efforts to develop green renewable energy and move to a carbon-neutral future by mid-century. Sharp drops in fossil fuel prices as the crisis hit made them suddenly competitive again with ever-falling renewables prices. Demand for energy fell, too, as factories and businesses stopped work. All this made it likelier that hard-pressed governments would stop investing in newer, cleaner energy technologies, and just stick with the polluting fuels of the past as they tried to get their economies working again. In the words of the EBRDs Harry Boyd-Carpenter, When this first happened, my worry was that governments would say put renewables in the freezer and worry about climate change only in five years time. Yet by the time the European Commission unveiled the worlds biggest green stimulus last week putting fighting climate change at the heart of the EUs recovery from the pandemic with both a 750 billion package and more green funds from the EUs 2021-27 budget, worth around 1 trillion some of those fears had already been allayed. Despite disruption, the worlds major institutions are making it clear they are sticking with the green agenda. On the ground, the same determination is making itself felt in individual countries, both from governments and renewables firms. The lockdown period has seen a slew of new renewable energy deals in several of the 38 economies where the EBRD works, with support from the EBRD, a development bank with years of pioneering expertise in climate finance. In Poland, strong support from the government has allowed landmark deals in both solar and wind power to be struck since Europe went into lockdown this spring. In April, a PLN 40 million (9 million) EBRD loan to Estonian energy company Enefit Green allowed it to buy a portfolio of up to 19.2 MW of newly completed small solar projects in Poland, expanding a sector that will become a key contributor to decarbonisation in a country still almost 80 per cent dependent on polluting coal. All EU member countries are committed to source at least 32 per cent of their final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030. The solar power plants are expected to reduce air pollution by cutting annual CO 2 emissions by approximately 15,000 tonnes. And in May, EBRD loans totalling PLN 280 million (63 million) along with parallel project finance from BNP Paribas were made to advance Polands green energy transition by supporting a portfolio of almost 200 MW of renewable energy ultimately owned by French renewables firm Qair and French infrastructure fund RGreen Invest. The portfolio includes the construction of 93 MW of new capacity the three wind farms Udanin (50 MW), Parzeczew (9 MW) and Wrzesnia (9 MW) and 25 MW of solar photovoltaic as well as the operation of wind farms Linowo (58 MW) and Rzepin (48 MW). In Uzbekistan, a wind tender announced in April for a 100-MW plant drew interest from 70 companies by mid-May, showing that the pandemic is not preventing well structured tenders from attracting fierce interest in the market. This project will be part of the Uzbek governments plan to generate approximately 21 per cent of all its energy needs from renewable energy sources by 2031, and to promote private sector investment in the renewable energy sector. And, in Albania, a successful tender whose result was announced last week sees Voltalia, a French renewable energy firm, coming in to develop and run a 140-megawatt solar plant at Karavasta, selling half the energy it produces back to the state at the highly competitive price of 24.89 euros a MW/hour. This is under half the 55 ceiling set by the government and the cheapest electricity price in the region a very positive outcome for the Albanian government, and a big reward for its courage in pressing on with the EBRD-backed tender despite the pandemic. As Mr Boyd-Carpenter commented: Weve been saying for years that renewables are cheap, and this proves it. The electricity price is well below the cost of coal. This also plays to the EBRD belief in the power of markets. If you run a well structured tender, the private sector can deliver public goods in fantastically competitive and imaginative ways. I think what is really holding up is fundamental competitiveness. Yes, electricity demand has fallen - but less than demand for any other energy source. The power source which has dropped out almost completely is coal, because it is uncompetitive. What were seeing now is that the most resilient part of the energy mix is electricity, and the most resilient form of electricity is renewables. The successful recent deals, he added, are a testament to the vision of the states brokering them with the private sector. Albania insisted on going ahead with the tender. I thought they were unwise and should delay. But the Albanian government had the courage to continue and were rewarded by the lowest price of power in the Balkans. Poland too has insisted on renewables tenders. The result was that we closed the financing with Qair.Theyre committed to gradual decarbonisation. The right way is to encourage renewables. They have good renewables potential and very strong local industry, and thats their clear strategy. Polands success in closing two major renewables deals came partly from the governments willingness to build into the deal conditions easing the economic uncertainty that comes with the pandemic, added Mr Boyd-Carpenter: The Polish government passed a regulation allowing you to apply for an extension to the deadlines if you were affected by Covid-19. That was helpful in itself, but also in sending the message that the government wants to support renewables. What you need to believe is that, fundamentally, there is government support. It is very reassuring to know that is there. It is still too early to know for sure how the global shutdowns of this spring will affect the development of renewable energy, Mr Boyd-Carpenter said. There are challenges to the sector. It would be naive to think you can have a massive economic recession and there would be no impact. But, he added, Im reassured that essential competitiveness is being demonstrated, and that governments in most cases are very firmly standing behind their commitments. PHOENIX, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix and Tarrant County College District (TCCD) have announced an agreement today that will allow graduates of TCCD to seamlessly transfer their credits to the University and pursue a bachelor's degree. The 3+1 program will allow students to save on the cost of their education by spending three years completing general course requirements at TCCD, with a final year at the University to secure a BS in management or an RN to BSN degree.1 Additional degree programs are planned between the schools including a 3+1 for allied health students to secure a BS in health management. "Our goal is to address the growing shortage of skilled workers in Texas, especially in critical fields such as nursing, management, and healthcare," said University of Phoenix Provost John Woods. "The agreement with TCCD means students will be able to save time and money earning their degree and join the workforce sooner. Eligible students need to complete just 11 classes to finish their bachelor's degree and can graduate in as little as 14 months." "Tarrant County College's partnership with University of Phoenix will provide students a smooth transition from an associate to a bachelor's degree in management or nursing, two high demand fields looking for skilled talent," said TCC Executive Vice President and Provost Elva LeBlanc. "Both institutions have similar missions and a shared focus on student success, which will undergird our ongoing work related to closing the skills gap in critical industries and increasing regional competitiveness." The agreement applies to all Tarrant County College District campus locations in Fort Worth and to online study or at a University of Phoenix campus location. Students can transfer up to 87 credits towards a bachelor's degree and will only need to complete 33 credits to graduate. The University offers undergraduate students one course at a time for five weeks with new courses starting monthly. Additionally, University of Phoenix will waive all fees and tuition for the first course and provides a special Associate Degree Transfer tuition rate for all remaining courses which is a savings of $144.00 per course. For more information or to apply visit: https://www.phoenix.edu/admissions/community-college-transfer-pathway-program.html About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses and interactive learning help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. We serve a diverse student population, offering degree programs at select locations across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit phoenix.edu 1 An RN to BSN is a degree program for RN-licensed nurses wishing to pursue their bachelor's degree in nursing. It does not prepare for initial nurse licensure. SOURCE University of Phoenix Related Links http://phoenix.edu Heading to the pub for a drink after-work has become more far more complicated as venues enforce post-lockdown rules. At the Occidental Hotel in Sydney's CBD punters of all ages are now stopped at the door and must give their name and phone number to a bouncer before they can step inside. On the bar, between the beer taps and pint glasses, are large bottles of hand sanitiser. Standing at the bar with a drink in your hand is now banned. Customers must be seated at a distance from one another. These are all part of the new rules venues must all comply with to operate amid the coronavirus pandemic. A tradie tells a bouncer his name and phone number at The Occidental Hotel in Sydney's CBD on Wednesday Patrons are no longer allowed to stand up and drink, they must be seated (pictured: Women wait at a bar in Sydney to order a drink) At Hotel CBD, in central Sydney, there's a sign on one of the doors: 'Please use other entrance and sign in with our friendly host'. In NSW - the worst hit state - pubs are now allowed to open their doors for up to 50 guests instead of 10, meaning it is now financially viable for more establishments to open. Most punters have been understanding of the rules, Delfina Moscoso, general manager of The Occidental Hotel in Sydney, told Daily Mail Australia. 'It might be more time-consuming but most customers get it and are just happy to be out having a drink,' she said. 'I think we are all working together for the same purpose - we want everyone to be healthy.' Due to space, they can't have more than 17 customers in the small bar area or they would be breaking social distancing rules. A woman with an Ipad stands outside Wynyard Hotel in central Sydney, punters must now given their contact details before entering All bars have bottles of hand-sanitiser on offer (Pictured: A bottle of hand sanitiser at In Sydney, it's not just those who look under 25 who will be stopped at the door. All customers will now have to provide a name and number for contact tracing Ms Moscoso said they'd removed all the seats except for 17 stools to ensure there was no overcrowding. 'You can only have people seated so if someone isn't sitting they have to leave.' For Barbara Roberts, Thursday was the first time she had been out to the pub since they were forced into lockdown on March 23 to slow the spread of the deadly illness. She said she was surprised by how simple the process was and liked that everyone seemed to be complying with the rules. 'I'm just happy to be out at the bar and socialising.' The conditions of entry are clearly stated outside the Wynyard Hotel in central Sydney Beach Road Hotel in Bondi saw a steady flow of patrons on Monday night, with up to 50 allowed inside at any one time Outside a group of tradesmen were wearing their bright orange hi-vis jackets as they sat on stools, leaning with their backs against the wall enjoying a pint in the sunshine. A member of staff took down their details on a large notepad as they sipped on their drinks. 'We were here on Monday, so we knew what to expect,' tradesman Peter Gregory said. He said they had come prepared for the 'grand opening' and had all downloaded the Government COVIDSafe app to ensure they could enjoy a drink after a hard days work. 'Anything to keep the economy going.' A spokeswoman for Merivale, which runs the Wynyard Hotel, said they were operating in compliance with government restrictive measures under the Public Health Order. Dozens of patrons were seen dining at popular Mexican restaurant Fonda in Bondi on Monday evening The Woolpack Hotel in Redfern was one such venue where staff were excited to welcome back locals keen for a craft beer 'In the interests of providing our valued guests with places to eat, drink and socialise, Merivale has made all appropriate amendments to its venue operations to comply with the COVID Public Health Order, whilst striving to ensure that we maintain the highest quality and standards. 'Our guests have been incredibly understanding during this time; we are grateful, as always, for their support and patience as we implement these new measures and safely open our doors once again.' NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it was vital that both businesses and patrons follow health and safety guidelines. 'We need to accept life will be different until we have an effective treatment or a vaccine,' he said. A group of tradesman having a beer after their meal at the Young and Jacksons Pub on Monday evening in Melbourne The Royal Oak in affluent Double Bay was at capacity, but customers weren't seen queuing up outside 'Everyone should maintain physical distancing and practise good hygiene, and if even the mildest symptoms present, such as a sore throat or runny nose, get yourself tested.' The government agreed to lift the customer limits from 10 to 50 after negotiating with the Australian Hotels Association and ClubsNSW. Clubs and RSLs that have multiple restaurants, cafes or bars on site will be able to seat 50 patrons in each venue. The move will hopefully save thousands of jobs. Hotel licensee Ryan Gardam said his staff had put in long hours to prepare the venue for the reopening. 'It's been hectic here and pretty much a scramble since day one of closing but we were happy to be able to invite more of our community back,' Mr Gardam said on Monday. The Royal Oak in the affluent suburb of Double Bay was at capacity on Monday night Punters flooded gaming floors from 10am on Monday, excited for their first slap in New South Wales in about two months. Pictured: A man using a gaming machine at The Woolpack Hotel, Redfern, Sydney Despite many ups and downs, Mr Gardam said he was determined to keep his doors open through the whole pandemic in some form as a hope for his staff and the local community. 'We're just taking it one day at a time, really half a day at a time actually. I'm not assuming anything at the moment.' Hotel local Leigh Neville was delighted to see the Woolpack lively once more as he sipped his favourite hazy IPA. The self-confessed beer snob said he had missed the daily ventures to the pub with his Brussels Griffon dogs Lexie and Henry. 'We'd walk to the nearby park every day and then we'd come in for a couple of beers, the dogs missed the staff,' he told AAP. 'I hope everyone's sensible and they can stay open.' YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Finance informs that a total of 1 billion 96 million and 592 thousand drams has been donated to the Armenian government for its anti-coronavirus efforts, ARMENPRESS reports the government said. The treasury account (900005001947) was opened on March 17th for citizens and organizations willing to make donations. The government said a total of 4380 payments were made since. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan With the widespread incidence of COVID-19 in the country and its impact on healthcare delivery, the practise of telemedicine is being advocated as one of the quickest and effective means of accessing primary healthcare by the majority of Nigerians. This position was canvassed by Adil Shaikh, the chief technology officer of MeCure, at a recently held Webinar on Managing Health care Business During and Post COVID-19 Era put together by Polaris Bank. Mr Shaikh believes that telemedicine offers a game-changing solution to the countrys already overstretched medical services delivery if properly explored and harnessed by stakeholders, including financial institutions. With respect to expanding coverage, improved and timely access to primary health care services, it was explained that Telemedicine provides patients with the opportunity to access online consultation, prescription and delivery of prescribed drugs from certified pharmacies across Nigeria. Mr Shaikh noted however that telemedicine comes with challenges especially for providers of medical services who wish to explore the initiative, ranging from technology infrastructure, user education & general awareness and connectivity issues on the part of the consumer. He further identified three major areas financial institutions could assist to bridge the gaps. Financial institutions could leverage reach as a result of their large customer base to generate awareness; innovate on digital payments and partner with health institutions. Polaris Bank said the objective of the webinar among other things was to deepen the conversation on healthcare business in Nigeria and explore the huge potentials in the health sector. READ ALSO: The virtual engagement attracted participation from all over the world with about 5,000 participants across virtual platforms and social media handles comprising, individuals and business owners from different sectors of the economy but majorly from the healthcare value chain. Polaris Bank describes itself as a future-determining Bank committed to the delivery of industry-defining products, and services, across all the sectors of the Nigerian economy. When we hear the name Truly Nolen, the first thing that pops into ones head is the iconic bright yellow mouse car with the big ears that move in the wind. Since the companys founding in 1938, there have been over a dozen versions of this well known, moving billboard. Truly Nolen is truly (sorry, couldnt help it) a company on the move. And its not just their vehicles. Headquartered in Tucson, the company directly employs over 1,000 people. In the pest control industry, Truly Nolen has the largest geographic footprint of any company worldwide. Consider: 80 company locations in the United States 40 franchises in the U.S. 260 subcontractors in the U.S. serving their commercial clients 240 international locations in 66 countries The Truly Nolen organization is a job-generating, independent business-generating machine. Besides the 1,000- plus employees at its corporate locations, the company fostered the birth of 540 independent businesses worldwide. Small businesses are the driver of every economy around the world, and Truly Nolen helps fuel that engine. This is a family business. President Scarlett Nolen is the third generation of the family in the pest control industry. Her father Truly David Nolen founded Truly Nolen, and her grandfather Truly Wheatfield Nolen also had his own company in Florida. When I spoke with Matt Wild, chief financial officer, my first question was: What makes this business and your tremendous growth work so well? His answer came pretty quickly. Its our core values; they underlie everything we do. BREAKING NEWS (13th June 2020): The live export industrys independent regulator" has today made the outrageous decision to grant an exemption condemning tens of thousands of sheep to be shipped from an Australian winter straight into the blistering heat of a Northern summer. TAKE ACTION NOW 56,000 sheep will NOT be sailing into the furnace of the Northern summer after live exporter denied exemption to export during dangerous and banned Northern summer period. In the days leading up to June 1st when strict new laws prohibiting dangerous summer live export shipments came into effect WA media revealed that there had been a COVID-19 outbreak on board the Al-Kuwait live export ship that had just returned to Fremantle after offloading in the Middle East. As the Federal and State governments battled it out over who was to blame for the ship being allowed to dock and local port workers boarding the vessel attention quickly turned to the fate of 56,000 sheep awaiting export in a WA feedlot. These sheep were due to be loaded onto the ship to be exported for slaughter in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates but the delays meant that it was likely this would not be possible before the Northern summer ban kicked in. Before anyone could breathe a sigh of relief that tens of thousands of sheep could be spared from the horrors of live export it was then revealed that the export industry regulator could grant an exemption that would allow sheep to be shipped straight into the blistering Middle East summer. So, we sprang into action. Animals Australia threw everything possible at this to ensure the regulator had all of the facts needed to make the right decision. Perhaps most critical was the analysis we provided this week from an expert climatologist that warned if the ship set sail, it would be sending animals directly into the danger zone for heat stress. Thousands of caring Australians have spoken up in recent days, writing to their MPs to demand that laws be upheld and no exemptions granted. And last night we received official word from the Department of Agriculture that 56,000 sheep will NOT be sailing into the furnace of the Middle East summer. "Following consideration of all relevant matters under the legislation, including animal welfare and trade implications, the department has taken the decision not to grant an exemption to the exporter." - Statement from the Department of Agriculture We are enormously relieved that no exemption will be granted. It is so very important that laws instigated to protect vulnerable animals are upheld and we are grateful that the regulator has put the interests of animals ahead of the interests of live exporters. Sadly, there will be no happy ending for these sheep who will now go to local slaughterhouses in WA. However, they have been spared the extended and extreme suffering of weeks at sea where the risk of cooking alive from heat stress is very real. And they now will not face painful fully conscious slaughter. The live export industry has also been sent a very strong message: they are no longer above the law. They can no longer expect to call the shots. The fight to end live export continues. But now, in this moment, we can breathe a sigh of relief that 56,000 sheep destined to endure the horror of live export will not step foot on one of these floating ovens. The summer ban stands. The Northern summer live export ban Since June 1st, a three-month live export ban has come into effect the result of the public exposure of the routine and extreme suffering of sheep exported from Australia at this time of year. Few people would forget the horrific images of Australian sheep covered head to toe in melted excrement and struggling to breathe; literally cooking alive from the inside out in the bowels of a live export ship. Such unavoidable suffering from heat stroke documented in years of official voyage reports formed the basis of the Australian Governments decision to prohibit sheep being exported to the Middle East from June to mid-September. 2020 was the first year these new laws would come into effect. In fact, when announcing them, the Department said: The changes will see improved animal welfare with a focus on conditions to manage the risk of heat stress during the northern hemisphere summer." Despite the disappointment of knowing that exemptions to this law are possible, we are heartened that the ban has been upheld and can breathe a sigh of relief in knowing that for the next three months at least no Australian animals will endure the extreme suffering of live export. The European Commission has banned Armenian air carriers from flying to countries of the European Union. Armenpress talked about this decision and the future actions with Chair of the Civil Aviation Committee of Armenia Tatevik Revazian, who is currently on maternity leave. The decision concerns Aircompany Armenia and Atlantis European Airways, and it may create a serious obstacle. Although these airline companies carry out quite a few regular flights, they also organize chartered flights. The people wont feel a very big difference, but its clear that this may cause big problems for the airline companies, she stated. Revazian also provided details about the May 12 session with the European General Aviatino Safety Team. According to her, the important thing is that Armenia has to solve its problems in the aviation sector. Touching upon the question if there is an opportunity to apply to the European Commission with the offer to reconsider the decision after fixing the shortcomings, Revazian said there is definitely an opportunity and that the Civil Aviation Committee will gear all efforts towards that. Revazian added that she had asked the representatives of the European Commission when Armenia can apply again and was told that Armenia can apply during the session in 2022, if the country continues to work proactively. The death has occurred of Jenny Buckley (nee McLavin) Cedarwood Park, Newbridge, Kildare / Kildare Town, Kildare Buckley (nee McLavin), Jenny, Cedarwood Park, Newbridge & late of Rowanville, Kildare Twn., Co. Kildare, June 2nd 2020, peacefully at Naas Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, deeply regretted by her loving daughters Caroline & Bettina, sons Liam (Bill), Kenneth, Kieran & Fintan, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters Mary & Angela, brothers-in-law, extended family and friends. Rest In Peace In accordance with government directives and in the interest of public health, a private family funeral will take place. Those who would like to attend the funeral but cannot due to the current restrictions on gatherings, are invited to leave a message below. The funeral cortege will be passing Rowanville Park on the way to Jenny's funeral mass which is at the Carmelite Friary Church, Kildare Town on Friday at 11am. The death has occurred of Aisling Earley Clane, Kildare Earley, Aisling, Clane, Co. Kildare, May 23rd 2020, tragically, in Koh Lanta, Thailand. Deeply regretted by her loving parents Frank & Helena, sisters Niamh, Caitriona & Eibhlin, brother Tomas, brothers-in-law Danny & Dave, treasured godson Lucas, aunts, uncles, cousins and alarge circle of friends. Rest In Peace In accordance with government directives and in the interest of public health, a private family funeral will take place. Those who would like to attend the funeral but cannot due to the current restrictions on gatherings, are invited to leave a message below. Aisling's funeral mass can be viewed on www.claneparish.com on Saturday morning at 11.30am. The death has occurred of Joseph HAMMOND (Snr.) Castlesize Green, Sallins, Kildare / Dalkey, Dublin In the tender care of the staff of Naas General Hospital. Sadly missed by his loving wife Maureen, sons Derek, Tony, Joe and Ciaran, daughters-in-law Annette, Sharon and Luz, grandchildren Stephen, Danielle, Graham, Jeffrey, Laura and Sceolan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. In accordance with government directives and in the interest of public health a private family funeral will take place. Those who would like to attend the funeral but cannot due to the current restrictions on gatherings are invited to leave a message on the condolence page below. The death has occurred of Brian Neville Leixlip, Kildare / Pallaskenry, Limerick Neville, Brian. (Leixlip, Co. Kildare and formerly of Ballysteen, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick) May 31st, 2020 peacefully in the loving care of the staff at Connolly Hospital. Brian, beloved husband of Irene and dear father of Eoin, Cormac, Brid and the late Rory. Sadly missed by his loving family, brothers Derek, Peter and Pat and his sister Dor (Dorothy), his daughter-in-law Sandra, his grandchildren Aoife, Ciaran and Conor, his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and former collegues at Unidare. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam Due to Government advice and restrictions regarding public gatherings and to protect our most vulnerable family members and our friends, a private family funeral will take place. The funeral cortege will leave Oaklawn Close, routing through Oaklawn, passing St. Marys GAA Club Green Lane, en route to the Church of Our Ladys Nativity, Leixlip. We look forward to meeting everyone at a Celebration of Brians Life at a later date.Those who would have liked to attend Brians funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, can leave your personal messages for the family below Condolences or on https://www.cunninghamsfunerals.com/death-notices Brians Funeral Mass may be view by following the link below on Thursday, the 4th of June, at 11am. http://oln.ie/site/live-webcam/ Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to Pieta house at https://www.pieta.ie/support-our-work/donate/ The death has occurred of Colm Trunk Navan Road, Dublin / Celbridge, Kildare Colm Trunk (Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7 Rhino Industrial and late of Celbridge) passed away suddenly on 31st May 2020; beloved son of Richard and Carmel. He will be sadly missed by his children Eoin and Aoife and their mother, his sister Carol, brother Richard and also by Elaine and by all their families, extended family and friends. A private family funeral will take place, due to government advice regarding public gatherings. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral but cannot do so may offer their condolences in the condolence section below. A memorial Mass to celebrate Colms life will be held at a later date. The death has occurred of John Kidd Beechpark Nursing Home, Kildare Town, Kildare / Templeogue, Dublin Formerly of No 9 Anne Delvin Ave, Templeogue Dublin. Predeceased recently by his wife Catherine and by many brothers and sisters. Much loved father of Sunniva and Francis. Deeply regretted by his loving family, son-in-law Barry, daughter-in-law Eugenia, brother Brendan and sister Eileen, brother in law Ray, sister in law Alice, grandchildren Brody, Maya, Gaby and Victoria, extended family, relatives and friends. May He Rest In Peace A Mass to celebrate John's life will be held at a later date. In accordance with current government guidelines, a private family funeral will be held. Those who would like to have attended and cannot, please feel free to leave a message in the condolence book at the bottom of this page or to send on condolences in the traditional manner. The family would like to express their gratitude to the management and staff of Beechpark nursing home for the kindness, support and care of Mum and Dad over the years. The death has occurred of Patrick (Paddy) Lee St. Dominics Park, Newbridge, Kildare Peacefully at Naas Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Sadly missed by his loving wife Nora, daughter Florrie (Peggy), sons Johnny, Paddy, Eddie, Noel, Joe, Seamus and Michael, daughters-in-law and partners, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, cousins, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May Paddy rest in peace. In line with HSE and government advice, the Funeral Mass at 11 o'clock on Wednesday (3rd June), in St. Conleths parish Church, Newbridge will be private with private burial afterwards in St. Conleth's Cemetery, Newbridge. Livestream of Patrick's Funeral Mass can be viewed at https://www.newbridgeparish.ie/webcam/. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, please leave a personal message for the family on the condolence page below. The family thank you for your cooperation, understanding and support during this sensitive time. The death has occurred of Sean SULLIVAN (O'SULLIVAN) Celbridge, Kildare / Tullamore, Offaly Peacefully at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. Sean will be sadly missed by his loving wife Mary and son Brian, brother Joe (Tullamore), sisters in law Nuala O'Sullivan, Phyllis Colton (Killeigh), Bridie Barry (Australia), brother in law Michael Barry (Lucan), his nieces, nephew, grandniece, grandnephews, relatives and friends. May Sean Rest In Peace Due to official restrictions and in the interest of public health, a family Funeral will take place for Sean. The family thank you for your understanding and support at this time. A Memorial Mass for Sean will be celebrated at a later date. If you wish to leave a message of sympathy, please do so in the condolence section below. As Iran's Exports Drop, Pressure Rises On Its Currency Reserves Radio Farda June 02, 2020 The Islamic Republic customs data for the first two months of the new Iranian calendar year (beginning March 20, 2020) shows that the country's non-oil exports fell 49 percent to $ 4.3 billion. In the same period last year, the figure was more than $ 8.4 billion. Meanwhile, the data also show that the country's imports have declined from $6.76 billion in the first two months of the last Iranian calendar year (March 21 to May 21) to about $ 5 billion this year. But even declining imports have not helped the trade balance. While, the non-oil trade balance in the first two months of last year was about $ 1.65 billion in favor of Iran, this year it is half a billion dollars in the negative. This means Iran has to spend precious foreign currency to meet its minimum import needs. However, the data provided by Iran's customs are only limited to Iran's non-oil exports. Since the United States imposed full oil sanctions Tehran does not release oil export data. In the meantime, internationally obtained data show that Iran's oil exports have dropped from 1.5 million barrels per day in the first two months of last year to less than 200,000 in the same period this year, half of which went to China and the other half to Syria. None of these importers are really paying cash to Iran. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast shows that Iran's total exports will reach $ 46 billion this year, which is half of what it was in 2018. Last year, that figure was $ 57 billion. Iran's imports are expected to surpass its exports this year, reaching $ 64.6 billion. Nonetheless, less than a month ago, the Governor of Central Bank of Iran (CBI), Abdolnasser Hemmati, had maintained that the country's export of non-oil products had begun to grow as the coronavirus outbreak is easing. Abdolnaser Hemmati noted on Tuesday, May 19, that participants at a meeting of the Government's Economic Coordination Headquarters made "good decisions about plans to boost non-oil exports" and supply foreign currency for imports in the current Iranian year. A day later, speaking at a cabinet session, President Hassan Rouhani also claimed that the reopening of borders and trade with countries was underway, and would lead to an increase in the country's non-oil exports. The caretaker of the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade (MIMT), Hossein Modares Khiabani, has also insisted that his ministry was planning to increase the value of Iran's non-oil exports to its neighbors by $50 billion. Feeling the economic strain under sanctions and the coronavirus impact, Iranian officials try to inspire hope in the people who are ever more pessimistic about the country's prospects. Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/as-iran-s- exports-drop-pressure-rises-on-its- currency-reserves/30647136.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 The latest: The idea of keeping schools closed in the fall because of safety concerns for children might be "a bit of a reach," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. In a phone interview with CNN Wednesday, Fauci noted that children tend to have milder symptoms or even no symptoms when they are infected with COVID-19. What's not yet clear is whether children get infected as frequently as adults, and whether they often pass the infection on to others. Ultimately, he said, the decision to reopen schools needs to be predicated on the level of infection in each community. In the past academic school year, 48 states recommended schools close through the rest of the year as coronavirus began its rapid spread. Some, including schools in Montana and Idaho, opened their doors again for a few weeks before the academic school year finished with the thought of gaining experience in reopening that could be used in the fall. "I hesitate to make any broad statements about whether it is or is not quote 'safe' for kids to come back to school," Fauci told CNN. "When you talk about children going back to school and their safety, it really depends on the level of viral activity, and the particular area that you're talking about. What happens all too often, understandably, but sometimes misleadingly, is that we talk about the country as a whole in a unidimensional way." Fauci seemed to think that keeping schools closed in general was not necessary. "Children can get infected, so, yes, so you've got to be careful," Fauci said. "You got to be careful for them and you got to be careful that they may not spread it. Now, to make an extrapolation that you shouldn't open schools, I think is a bit of a reach." Fauci said it's not premature to start the conversation about reopening schools now. "I think we need to discuss the pros and the cons of bringing kids back to school in September," he said. Stressing the importance of not generalizing, Fauci laid out the spectrum of scenarios for what a return to school in the fall could look like. "In some situations there will be no problem for children to go back to school," he said. "In others, you may need to do some modifications. You know, modifications could be breaking up the class so you don't have a crowded classroom, maybe half in the morning, half in the afternoon, having children doing alternate schedules. There's a whole bunch of things that one can do." Talking about classroom layouts specifically, Fauci underscored the need to "be creative" and create plans based on the degree of infection in the community. He suggested that one option is to space out children at every other desk, or every third desk in order to maintain proper social distancing. US Senate passes Paycheck Protection Program reform bill by unanimous consent The Senate on Wednesday evening passed by voice vote a House-passed Paycheck Protection Program reform bill in the chamber, clearing it for President Donald Trumps signature. Earlier in the afternoon, GOP Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin objected to a prior effort to pass the bill via unanimous consent, blocking approval. But Johnson agreed to let the bill pass after getting a letter entered into the record clarifying the authorization period. The bill, which passed the House last week, gives business owners more flexibility and time to use loan money and still get it forgiven as part of the Paycheck Protection Program, set up to help struggling small businesses with emergency loans during the pandemic. The legislation titled the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was introduced by Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas and Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota. It is intended to make loans more accessible under the program by making its terms of use more flexible The legislation would give small businesses more time to use emergency loans under the program by extending the eight-week period in which they must use the money to qualify for loan forgiveness to 24 weeks. The bill would also give small businesses more flexibility by changing the so-called 75/25 rule, which requires recipients of funds under the program to use three-quarters of the money for payroll costs and to limit other costs to no more than 25% in order to be eligible for loan forgiveness. The new ratio would be at least 60% on payroll and no more than 40% on other costs. Trump administration has picked 5 companies most likely to produce coronavirus vaccine The Trump administration has selected five companies as the most likely to produce a Covid-19 vaccine, a White House Coronavirus task force source tells CNN. The same source added that the decision came from "Operation Warp Speed," which seeks to quickly ramp up production, organize distribution and determine who gets the first doses of a potential vaccine. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, has previously suggested January as a potential date for a vaccine, but vaccines typically take years to produce. The New York Times first reported that the administration had selected five companies most likely to produce a vaccine. WUHAN TESTS NEARLY 10 MILLION PEOPLE The Chinese city of Wuhan, where the coronavirus was first detected late last year, has tested nearly 10 million people in an unprecedented 19-day campaign to check an entire city. It identified just 300 positive cases, all of whom had no symptoms. The city found no infections among 1,174 close contacts of the people who tested positive, suggesting they were not spreading it easily to others. That is a potentially encouraging development because of widespread concern that infected people without symptoms could be silent spreaders of the disease. More for you Scientist behind Sweden's covid-19 strategy suggests it allowed too many deaths "It not only makes the people of Wuhan feel at ease, it also increases people's confidence in all of China," Feng Zijian, vice director of China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told state broadcaster CCTV. There is no definitive answer yet on the level of risk posed by asymptomatic cases, with anecdotal evidence and studies to date producing conflicting answers. Wuhan was by far the hardest hit city in China, accounting for more than 80% of the country's deaths, according to government figures. A city official announced Tuesday that the city completed 9.9 million tests from May 14 to June 1. If those tested previously are included, virtually everyone above the age of 5 in the city of 11 million people has been tested, said Li Lanjuan, a member of a National Health Commission expert team. "The city of Wuhan is safe," she said at a news conference with city officials. The campaign was launched after a small cluster of cases was found in a residential compound, sparking concern about a possible second wave of infections as Wuhan emerged from a 2 1/2 month lockdown. The industrial city on the Yangtze River in central China spent 900 million yuan (about $125 million) on the tests, the official Xinhua News Agency said, citing a Wuhan official. The rapid testing of so many people was made possible in part through batch testing, in which samples from up to five people are mixed together, Xinhua reported. If the result is positive, then the people are individually tested. National resources were also mobilized to help, said Wang Weihua, deputy director of the Wuhan Health Commission, according to Xinhua. Together, these efforts raised Wuhan's daily testing capacity from 300,000 to more than one million, she was quoted as saying. NASA, Fitbit get FDA approval for ventilators to help virus patients NASA and Fitbit received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday for their ventilators designed to help COVID-19 patients. NASAs design, dubbed the VITAL (Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally), is a temporary piece of equipment that uses an internal compressor and is meant to last three to four months. Because the VITAL runs on parts that are not typically in the medical device supply chain it shouldnt have any impact on need for supplies for current ventilators. The FDA also added the Fitbit Flow to its list of authorized ventilators. The device, which has quietly been in the works for some time, is a continuous respiratory support system that also includes an FDA-approved manual resuscitator as part of the machine. The company calls it a a high-quality, easy-to-use, and low-cost automatic resuscitator that is designed for emergency ventilation. COVID-19 has challenged all of us to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity, and use everything at our disposal to more rapidly develop products that support patients and the healthcare systems caring for them, said Fitbit CEO James Park. We saw an opportunity to rally our expertise in advanced sensor development, manufacturing, and our global supply chain to address the critical and ongoing need for emergency ventilators and help make a difference in the fight against this global virus. CNN contributed to this report. Setting an opening date for hotels won't work unless it is co-ordinated with the opening of bars and restaurants, a leading hotelier in Londonderry has said. Brendan Duddy, who owns a number of hotels in Derry city, said the tourism industry needs to be provided with guidance on what will be on offer to visitors and on how to keep staff safe. This week, the Executive announced hotels, guesthouses and campsites could re-open from July 20 here, the same day as counterparts in the Republic. Unlike the Irish Republic where restaurant owners have been told they can re-open at the end of this month and bars at the start of August, no such date has been given for Northern Ireland. Mr Duddy said this and the fact that across the UK and Ireland there could be five different sets of dates is making planning almost impossible. He said: "It is great that we have a date for re-opening hotels but everything else is too vague for it to work. If someone calls to book a stay and asks if the bars, restaurants or museums will be open, I have to say I don't know, I don't know, I don't know. "No one is going to come anywhere in Northern Ireland for a weekend break or a holiday to sit in a hotel bedroom. "Dates need to be given even if two weeks after those dates we have to shut down again, but not having something to work towards is making it impossible especially when you consider Scotland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland are all setting different dates." Mr Duddy said it is inevitable changes will have to be introduced in every hotel to keep guests and staff safe but that this would be easier if there was help available. He added: "As things stand right now, I could not open and keep my staff safe and the knock-on effect of that is if the staff don't feel safe, the customers won't feel safe and if the customers don't feel safe, they won't come here. "I have asked Invest NI if there is help available for people in our industry so they can configure their premises to accommodate social distancing to keep staff and customers alike safe but I have been unable to get an answer. "Invest NI spent millions of pounds bringing investment into the Northern Ireland hotel sector over the past five or 10 years but at this particular time there are no plans to help anybody in the sector with the physical changes that will be needed in order to re-open. "Without immediate guidance and assistance I feel it could be five or 10 years before many people in this sector will recover and, sadly, for many others they just won't recover at all." An Invest NI spokeswoman said: "Invest NI can provide advice and support to assist businesses with their post-Covid recovery through its wide range of existing support mechanisms. "Any new initiatives that may be introduced will be done so in line with the Department for the Economy economic recovery plan and announced at the appropriate time." Click here to read the full article. For those who remain unconvinced, utilitarian-inspired dressing is a trend that has formed the bedrock of mens fashion for several seasons, with everyone from cult Japanese streetwear brands to the powerhouses of Italian luxury getting in on the act. From utility jackets, vests and cargo pants, notions of practicality and protection have resonated as designers have paired quilted nylon, tactile hardware and a plethora of pockets with structured silhouettes as well as lighter and more resilient fabrics to give the utility trend a fresh urban feel. Here, examples from Emporio Armani, 1017 Alyx 9SM and Sacai. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. [June 03, 2020] Metareal to Disrupt Industry with Metareal Stage - The Fastest, Most Affordable, Truly 3D Virtual Tour Solution for Real-Estate, Hospitality & Architecture - at Inman Connect Now MONTREAL, June 3, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Metareal, inc. announces Metareal Stage v.1.0, a game-changing solution to create and publish web- and VR-ready 3D virtual tours. The culmination of 5 years intensive research, development and testing, Metareal Stage empowers Real-Estate Media, Architecture, and Hospitality businesses to deliver high-quality 3D virtual tour experiences faster and more affordably than ever before. Gareth Morgan, Co-Founder and CEO, will debut Metareal Stage v.1.0 at the Inman Connect Now digital event, on June 4th, 2020. Virtual tours are of proven value, but are all too often just galleries of 360 panoramas with no feeling of space. 3D virtual tours are desirable due to their superior user experience, but typically require dedicated scanning hardware or lock-in contracts with expensive, unfriendly processing platforms. Unlike other offerings, Metareal Stage works with any camera, and every single tour includes true, stereoscopic 3D visuals, 3D models, scale-accurate floorplans, and the ability for users to add real-time annotations. Creating a true 3D tour traditionally takes hours, and sometimes days, to scan, upload and process onerous amounts of data. Metareal Stage makes 3D virtual tour production easy and cost-effective, like traditional 2D virtual tours. Supporting any 360-panorama-capable camera, including DSLRs and smartphones, Metareal Stage is the fastest and most affordable true 3D solution in the market, creating an exciting shift that disrupts the traditional choice of either high quality but expensive 3D r affordable but low quality 2D virtual tour solutions. 3D virtual tours drive engagement and improve closing prices - consumers report 20% more engagement versus 2D content, and virtual experiences can double conversions to sales versus traditional content on websites. Also, falling prices and the rapid proliferation of virtual reality headsets now allows for easy consumption of VR content as part of the sales cycle. This all makes 3D virtual tours even more valuable. "In this era of mandatory social distancing, it is essential to be able to accurately communicate the scale and topology of a listing or destination online. We're excited to be able to offer a truly competitive alternative," says Morgan. Metareal Stage v.1.0 is available now. In addition to a free subscription tier ideal for individual photographers exploring virtual tours, paid subscriptions start at an affordable CAD$9.95 per month for a fully white-labeled, MLS-friendly 3D virtual tour solution, rising to a competitive CAD$39 for a Premium subscription with more storage, full player skinning, and advanced programmability via the SDK. Enterprise subscription pricing for larger teams with high-volume throughput is available on request. For additional information, or to try out Metareal Stage for free, head to www.metareal.com . About Metareal A proud member of the Espace-inc startup community in Estrie, Quebec, Metareal Inc. was founded in 2015 by Alexandre Jean Claude and Gareth Morgan to develop technology and services to meet the growing demand for commerce-ready 3D content on the open web and in VR. Alex and Gareth are both veterans of technology software development, having played leadership roles in various technology companies including Autodesk, Avid, Microsoft, Haivision, Softimage, and Xtranormal. With over 280M websites in the world, and, at most, a few million professional 3D artists, the traditional CG industry will not be able to meet the growing demand for 3D content as both brands and consumers increasingly seek more immersive 3D and VR web experiences. Metareal solves these problems with platforms and services that empower media creatives to express themselves with beautiful, interactive virtual experiences. Press Kit: https://bit.ly/metareal-press View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/metareal-to-disrupt-industry-with-metareal-stage----the-fastest-most-affordable-truly-3d-virtual-tour-solution-for-real-estate-hospitality--architecture---at-inman-connect-now-301070354.html SOURCE Metareal [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] LANSING, MI As protests against police brutality continue across the state and nation in the wake of George Floyds killing in Minneapolis police custody last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced plans for police reform to promote racial equity in Michigan. In a news release issued Wednesday afternoon, June 3, Whitmer announced her support for a series of policy plans, calling on Michigan law enforcement agencies to enhance their training and policies to help create a police culture where all Michiganders are treated with dignity and respect under the law. Whitmer voiced her support for measures that require law enforcement officers to complete training on implicit bias and de-escalation techniques, and applauded the Senate for taking up Senate Bill 945, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, which addresses many of these issues, the release states. The governor also urged police agencies to require their officers to intervene when they observe an excessive use of force by another officer. The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor were a result of hundreds of years of inequity and institutional racism against Black Americans, Whitmer said in a statement. Here in Michigan, we are taking action and working together to address the inequities Black Michiganders face every day. Thats why Im calling on Michigan police departments to strengthen their training and policies to save lives and keep people safe. I am also ready to partner with the Michigan Legislature and law enforcement officials to pass police reform bills into law. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II added in a statement, We recognize the shortcomings of the systems in place todaysystems that have left Black, Latino, and other communities of color feeling underserved, even threatened by law enforcement. People across Michigan have been calling for changes to police practices, and these actions are clear steps in the direction of needed reform. We are not done, and we strongly encourage cities and counties to adopt and enact local measures that build trust, accountability, and a comprehensive, non-discriminatory experience of safety for everyone in our state. Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police, said "the role and responsibility of police officers in our society is a great one; one in which our authority is derived from the trust and support of the people we serve." Our members take an oath to protect and serve all people, and in this time, we cannot stand on the outside looking in, Gaspers statement continued. We must listen and take action, reviewing our policies and practices to work together to pave a path forward where everyone has a voice and all are treated equally as human beings. Below are the actions the governor is taking, as outlined in the release: Requesting that the Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) provide guidance to law enforcement agencies on continuing education that will help officers keep up with the ever-changing landscape of new laws and issues facing the community, including diversity and implicit bias training. Encouraging police departments to participate in efforts that are underway on comprehensive reporting on the use of force by police departments. Urging law enforcement agencies to implement duty-to-intervene policies. The governor applauded Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren and Lansing Police Chief Daryl Green for their efforts in ensuring their officers intervene when an officer observes another officer doing something inappropriate or illegal. Calling on the Legislature to act on SB 945, under which incoming law enforcement officers would be required by law to go through training on implicit bias, de-escalation techniques, and mental health screenings. Officials say MSP has already taken action to reform policies that will ensure its members treat all Michiganders with dignity and respect. According to the release, MSP has already: Created an Equity and Inclusion Officer position within the department. Set a goal to increase the racial minority trooper applicant pool to 25% and the female trooper applicant pool to 20%, in an effort to diversify the department. Established community service trooper positions to institute a community policing concept statewide. Posted all non-confidential department policies online to increase transparency. Implemented recurring implicit bias training for all enforcement members and assisted in the development and pilot of a nationwide implicit bias training for civilian personnel. Generated a public-facing transparency web portal for Freedom of Information Act requests. Revised the departments pursuit policy to limit the circumstances in which MSP members can engage in a vehicle pursuit. Whitmer says she has been committed to enacting criminal justice reforms since the day she took office. In April 2019, she signed an executive order to create the Michigan Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, chaired by Gilchrist, which has reviewed the states jail and court data to expand alternatives to jail, safely reduce jail admissions and length of stay, and improve the effectiveness of the front end of Michigans justice system. The task force has produced a report and made recommendations that are awaiting action by the legislature. And in January 2019, Whitmer signed Executive Order 2019-9, which requires each director of a state department and head of an autonomous agency to designate an Equity and Inclusion Officer to help strengthen non-discrimination protections for state employees. More support from law enforcement and community leaders In addition to MSP director Gasper, several other law enforcement officers, elected officials and community leaders voiced support for Whitmers plans Wednesday. I strongly support requiring the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards re-examining, recruiting, hiring, training and retention requirements for Michigans police officers, Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon said in a statement. This examination is not only long overdue but it is absolutely imperative. Police officers must have policies and training systems in place that encourage and mandate they take immediate action to intervene when observing any form of police brutality, Lansing Police Chief Daryl Green said in a statement. We look forward to partnering with Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist to reform the systemic racial inequities in this country, Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Chair and Sen. Marshall Bullock, D-Detroit, said in a statement. This is a time for rational thought and actions, exemplified by those using their voices and feet to march for justice and we look forward to working with leaders in the legislature to address these critical issues. Silence is no longer an option Out of the fractured sadness, despair, and widespread anger at the tragic murder of George Floyd has arisen a powerful, united voice, Detroit Caucus Chair and Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, D-Detroit, said in a statement. We know that we can do anything when we do it together, so lets keep talking and moving the arc to bend toward justice because the world is listening. I am grieved by the murder of George Floyd and countless other Black men and women at the hands of police, Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington said in a statement. The outrage and hurt felt by members of our community is real. The City of Grand Rapids is committed to continuing to implement actionable steps to create change that leads to increased accountability, justice, and safety for all Grand Rapidians. RELATED: 'Enough is enough: Hundreds march in Saginaw to demand justice for George Floyd Michigan sheriffs condemn ex-Minneapolis cop in George Floyds killing Kalamazoo protesters urge police to join them, are tear-gassed after curfew Young woman incited riot on her own Facebook Live video, police say Saginaw-area police to have online conversation with community in wake of George Floyd protests Curfews set in three Michigan cities as police brutality protests continue University of New Mexico (UNM) Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Dr. Tobias Fischer and Syracuse University research fellow (now University of Auckland Lecturer), Dr. James Muirhead led an international team of interdisciplinary researchers to investigate the role of carbon in the break-up of continents. This work, much of which has been funded by grants from the National Science Foundation, is a culmination of research efforts that started with former students from UNM and other US, French, Tanzanian and Kenyan universities. The collaboration, which also included scientists from New Mexico Tech, the University of Oregon, University of Dar Es Salaam, Seoul National University, University of Tokyo, University of Alberta, Macquarie University, Goethe University and Universite de Montpellier II, led to new insights into the storage and dynamic transfer of carbon below thick and very old continental crust currently published in the journal Nature titled, Displacement of cratonic mantle and lithospheric channeling concentrates deep carbon during continental rifting. It was first recognized by former UNM student, now assistant professor at Seoul National University, Dr. Hyunwoo Lee, that the East African Rift and continental rifts in general are significant sources of carbon degassed from the Earth's mantle to the atmosphere. While later work by other groups showed that CO 2 emissions from the East African Rift are variable along its 3,000 km extent, the question remained "where does all this carbon come from and how is it so efficiently released?" Subsequent work by Fischer and collaborator Professor Stephen Foley from Macquarie University, Australia, proposed a model in which the degassing CO 2 is ultimately sourced from carbon that has accumulated over billions of years at the base of the thick old cratonic lithosphere located in the center and edge of the East African Rift. "The model suggests that this accumulated carbon originates from subducting oceanic plates and deep mantle plumes," said Fischer. "These processes could deliver sufficient carbon to the bottom of very thick and billion year old continental lithosphere to explain the high CO 2 fluxes observed in the actively deforming part of the rift." However, the model proposed by Fischer and Foley could not explain how this deep CO 2 managed to leak out from the actively extending part of the rift, which is exactly where the current work connects the dots. Muirhead and Fischer together with Master's student Amani Laizer from University of Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania and geophysics Ph.D. student Sarah Jaye Oliva from Tulane University returned to Tanzania in 2018 and collected data and samples in locations where active rifting, i.e. where the plates move apart, intersect the old thick craton that lies above a mantle plume. Gas samples were collected from hot springs in this region that have never been sampled before. The analyses of these samples within the context of already existing data from the earlier work showed a striking difference in chemical composition of the gases that are released from the active rift and the craton. Craton gases are entirely crustal with no sign of any mantle gases, including CO 2 . Nitrogen and crustal helium dominate these craton gases. Rift gases on the other hand are stuffed with mantle CO 2 and have a strong mantle helium isotope signature. Measured mantle CO 2 fluxes are close to zero on the craton but surge in the adjacent actively extending rift. "Right at the boundary between the craton and the deforming rift sits the world's only currently erupting carbonatite volcano, Oldoinyo Lengai," said Fischer. "This volcano erupts lavas that are so liquid they move like motor oil. The reason for this is that they are devoid of the silica that makes up most igneous rocks but contain about 30 percent carbon, a staggeringly high amount that gives the rock its name carbonatite. Looking back in geologic time, it turns out that there are many carbonatite volcanoes right at the edge of the Tanzania craton, but they are just not currently active." This distribution of carbonatites led the team to propose a mechanism that causes the lateral migration of the deep cratonic lithosphere where all that stored solid carbon is located, into the mantle at the edges of the craton. Geophysical data acquired and analyzed by Tulane University and Universite de Montpellier II image a steep step in plate thickness at the craton edge. The geophysicists led by Professor Cindy Ebinger, Drs. Sarah Oliva and Professor Christel Tiberi proposed that this step enhances formation of melt and explains the concentration of magma that carries the excess CO 2 , as well as the spatial distribution of sometimes damaging earthquakes that open cracks for the CO 2 to rise to the surface. This would explain the striking difference in CO 2 release and source as documented by the surface measurements. This conceptual model also fits into quantitative physical models developed by Dr. Jolante van Wjik, professor at New Mexico Tech and Dr. Claire Currie, professor at University of Alberta, which shows that unusually thick and low density mantle rocks beneath a craton will be swept laterally by mantle flow, moving toward the thinner plate beneath the continental rift. This material transfer may enhance melt production. Therefore, the research team concluded, lateral migration of deep cratonic lithosphere soaked with ancient accumulated carbon is ultimately responsible for carbonatite volcanism and the on-going continental break-up in this region of East Africa. ### 02.06.2020 LISTEN Tremont, Bronx (The Christian Journal) - Protests in the Bronx Monday night over the death of George Floyd descended into chaos as small factions of demonstrators looted several stores in the Borough. The night began with peaceful demonstrations that originated from Fordham. The demonstration of violence continued in the Bronx overnight, despite the 11pm curfew. Debris and glass from broken glass storefront windows littered Grand concourse in the Bronx Tuesday morning as looters ransacked small businesses and stole from Pharmacies like Good Life and CSS Pharmacies owned by Ghanaian entrepreneurs Mr. Samuel Obeng and Mrs. Cynthia Osei and many locally-owned shops. Besides the looting, protesters and cops clashed with a sergeant struck at the intersection of Walton Avenue and East 170th Street in Tremont as the officer was responding to reports of break-ins nearby. Other break-ins were reported in multiple locations around the borough. Police with helmets were seen marching down Burnside Avenue after reports of people throwing objects at officers as others set fires in the street and looted stores. It was too upsetting to really watch what was happening, I think it is going too far. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said the looting and violence perpetrated in the name of George Floyd and all those before him "goes against the spirit of these rallies." "What happened on Fordham Road last night was not a protest," Diaz told PIX11s Dan Mannarino. "What happened last night was unacceptable, its unlawful." We want people to protest. We need people to hear their voices and let out that anger but we cannot do it at the expense of our communities and our neighborhoods, Diaz said. After the National Guard was called in to assist with testing the entire population at Berks Heim Nursing and Rehabilitation, results have shown more asymptomatic cases in the home than previously diagnosed cases. Between Thursday and Saturday, 484 staff were tested, and all residents were tested, except 10 who refused testing and 31 residents who had previously been diagnosed, according to a statement from Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach. 266 test results from residents were received, showing 34 residents were asymptomatic but positive, according to the statement. Of the staff members tested, 403 results have been received. 10 staff members tested positive, according to the statement. 30 staff members were not tested due vacation or other leave of absence time. Retesting for a second round is under review, and may occur next Monday for staff who did not previously test positive, according to the statement. Along with the testing numbers, the county shared a favorable review the home recieved from representatives of the Hospital & Healthcare Association of Pennsylvania, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Guard. The facility was evaluated on May 21. Their comments to Heim management indicated that the Berks Heim is doing a very good job, the county said. A formal report is expected and will be released. Read more on PennLive: Ukraine is grateful to the German side for their support in the framework of the Normandy format to resolve the situation in Donbas, as well as for supporting reforms in the country, said head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak following the visit of the Ukrainian delegation to Berlin on June 2. According to the press service of the President's Office, representatives of Ukraine and Germany discussed bilateral cooperation and exchanged experiences on countering the coronavirus pandemic at the meetings. Particular attention was paid to joint efforts to achieve peace in eastern Ukraine. The parties discussed the status of implementation of the agreements reached at the Normandy Four summit in Paris in December 2019. At a meeting with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Yermak told about the details of the negotiations within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk, informed about updating the composition and raising the status of the Ukrainian delegation in the TCG. "Ukraine finds itself in sharp disagreement with the slowness of moving forward in the Minsk format. Therefore, we are doing everything possible to make negotiations more efficient. We have not only proposed holding meetings in the format of video conferences in the 24/7 mode, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has substantially expanded the Ukrainian delegation as part of Minsk group and raised the status of its members," said the head of the President's Office in Berlin. The parties agreed that since the December Summit of the Normandy Four, tangible progress has been made in the mutual release of detainees. "We noted progress in the release of prisoners. However, the move towards the next mutual release, unfortunately, has been slowed down. And not only because of the coronavirus epidemic, but the specific non-fulfillment by the other side of the agreement of the Normandy summit in Paris on the admission of representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross to places of detention of hostages in the temporarily occupied territories," said Yermak. During talks with German Minister of Defense Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Yermak noted that in order to accelerate progress towards peace, it is necessary, in particular, to take measures to implement a full and comprehensive ceasefire, which has not been implemented yet. "We conveyed our concern to our partners that perhaps the most important condition for moving towards peace has not been fulfilled - shelling has not stopped yet! More than 1,500 shelling attacks have been recorded by illegal armed groups since December 19 of last year to May 29 of the current year. Over this period of time, 33 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and 235 were injured. The mercenaries continue to use weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements," Yermak said. He noted that Russia and the illegal armed groups controlled by it should provide the OSCE SMM observers with safe and reliable access to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. "It is also important that the parties implement the updated mine clearance plan and continue the process of the disengagement of forces and means during verification by the OSCE SMM. These agreements of the Normandy summit should also be implemented," the statement reads. In addition, they noted the need to open new checkpoints through the disengagement line, taking into account, first of all, humanitarian criteria. The meeting participants discussed opportunities for deepening cooperation between Ukraine and NATO, as well as issues of bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Germany. In particular, issues of financial support of Ukraine and investments were discussed with advisor to the Federal Chancellor for Economic Affairs Lars-Hendrik Roller. "We are grateful to Germany and personally to Chancellor Angela Merkel and all our interlocutors for their firm and consistent position in supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. They once again demonstrated that Germany is a good and reliable friend of Ukraine, and we feel great support," Yermak summed up. The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine also extended greetings to the Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel from President Zelensky. President Donald Trump's recent tirade against mail voting was a defiant attempt at elevating his argument of voter fraud -- without evidence -- but it comes as the largest single day of voting since the onset of the coronavirus crisis is set to take place next week. Even as Trump seeks to turn the issue into a pitched battle, election officials in a number of states, including those run by Republicans, are expanding access to the voting alternative as part of their broader preparations amid the pandemic for the June 2 election. The president, who has often railed against mail voting by alleging it is ripe for fraud, stepped up his assault last week by targeting efforts in two battleground states -- Michigan and Nevada -- aimed at making it easier to obtain an absentee or mail-in ballot. He threatened to cut off federal funding to those states over what he claimed were "illegal" tactics. Election officials in both states refuted Trump's attacks, with a spokesperson for Michigan's Democratic secretary of state calling Trump's tweet "false," and Nevada's Republican secretary of state saying the shift to a mail-in election was done "legally." But the president continued his attack over Memorial Day weekend, tweeting, "The United States cannot have all Mail In Ballots. It will be the greatest Rigged Election in history" and insinuated that advocates of mail-in voting are using the pandemic "for this Scam." Election experts told ABC News that there has been no widespread fraud in mail voting and that the practice does not decisively give one party's camp an edge over the other. PHOTO: President Donald Trump arrives with White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany to speak with reporters about the coronavirus in the James Brady Briefing Room of the White House, May 22, 2020, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP) Efforts to encourage vote-by-mail are coming from Republicans, too Trump's latest broadside on vote-by-mail comes against the backdrop of seven states, plus the District of Columbia, abruptly changing their blueprint for running elections to adjust to social distancing and other state and federal guidelines ahead of presidential primaries on June 2. Story continues But in those states, despite the president's rhetoric on mail voting, a host of Republican state parties, in Pennsylvania, Indiana and New Mexico are encouraging voters to cast ballots by mail or absentee. "For several weeks now -- really well, the last month -- we've been in regular cadence of letting all of our folks know about the ability to vote by absentee in a no-fault manner," Indiana Republican Party Chair Kyle Hupfer said. "We haven't been too worried about that." In Pennsylvania, voters can even request an absentee ballot right on the state GOP's site, with detailed instructions on how to maneuver the voting alternative. Even some GOP candidates across the seven states are urging voters to use the prominent voting alternative. In the same video that Mark Ronchetti, a Republican running for Senate in New Mexico, underscores the stakes of his election as a "chance to elect a conservative who will stand with President Trump," he also encourages voters to cast their ballots by mail or in-person, providing supporters with a link to request an absentee ballot on his website. Matt Rosendale, a GOP candidate for Montana's at-large House seat, also shared a video outlining how to receive a mail ballot to "send a proven Trump conservative to Washington." And GOP congressman, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District, pushed for voters to request a mail ballot before his state's deadline. Election prepping during a pandemic Despite Trump's attempts to cast doubt on the integrity of the primary tool for voting during the crisis, election officials are now gearing up for one dayof contests -- second only to Super Tuesday -- that look far different from only a few months ago. In interviews with election officials across the country, most are moving quickly to prepare their staff and voters for the changes that the coronavirus placed on voting administration. Some states, like Rhode Island and Montana, have instituted changes to their voting system in recent years which have widely expanded vote-by-mail procedures. Others, like Pennsylvania and Indiana, are working around the clock to prepare voters and elections officials for the massive influx of absentee ballot requests. Before the pandemic, of the seven states and the nation's capital voting on June 2, six allowed for no-excuse absentee voting. In late March, Indiana's elections board ordered the expansion of access to absentee mail-in voting to all voters in the Hoosier state -- without requiring an excuse. Across geographies and party lines, secretaries of states, local election boards and candidates themselves have given a strong endorsement of the absentee voting process, encouraging voters to request their ballots through applications in states which require them. In New Mexico, one of the states which hit early benchmarks for re-opening, officials have partnered with the state workforce department to match those who filed for unemployment with local election boards who are short-staffed ahead of the primary. As the country bolsters its vote-by-mail programs, advocates raised concerns about Native American voters, many of whom live in rural areas of New Mexico and may not have access to resources needed to vote-by-mail. MORE: Experts worry push for 2020 mail voting could leave Native American voters behind Some rural post offices -- which are often the closest to Native American reservations -- are only open during limited hours. The shortened operating hours put more constraints on when and how communities are able to send and receive mail, but state officials say ample in-person voting will be available. "We're basically having a regular election, like we normally would. It's just that we are encouraging everyone to use an absentee ballot and vote from home," Alex Curtas, a spokesperson for the New Mexico secretary of state, told ABC News. PHOTO: People check in to vote at a polling location, April 7, 2020, in Sun Prairie, Wisc. (Andy Manis/Getty Images, FILE) Curtas said the vilification of absentee voting is disappointing: New Mexico, like most states, has safeguards in place to prevent tampering with an election. "There are these safeguards and bulwarks against people trying to tamper with an election," he said. "Some people try to make a bigger deal out of it than it is." Pennsylvania, Indiana readying for potential long lines and backlogs Last year, lawmakers in Pennsylvania, which reported nearly 900 new coronavirus cases on Friday, implemented a vast expansion of absentee and vote-by-mail procedures, already inciting apprehension -- especially when coupled with the state's status as a 2020 battleground. MORE: Biden's veep search enters new phase as selection committee steps up activity Suzanne Almeida, the interim executive director for Common Cause Pennsylvania, a voting rights organization, told ABC that for officials in Pennsylvania, "this was never going to be an easy election." "Pennsylvania in 2020 was always going to be crazy. It's a swing state in the presidential election year. And then on top of that, in 2019 we passed historic voting reform that gave us vote-by-mail for the first time, and changed the voter registration deadline closer to election day," Almeida said. Advocates are worried that larger cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which have seen significant reductions in polling places, may present issues like long lines and wait times. In Philadelphia, there will be 77% fewer polling places for the June 2 primary, with only 190 in-person polling places this election, a dramatic decrease from the 831 in last November's municipal election, local election officials confirmed to ABC News. In Indiana, which is already entering phase 3 of re-opening, officials have seen delays due to the volume of absentee ballot requests, according to Russell Hollis, the deputy director of the Marion County clerk's office, home to Indianapolis. "There are some delays, particularly with the volume of requests that we've had. It's very difficult to tell whether the post office is a factor," Hollis said. Hollis said the vast increase in ballot requests is what has put the most strain on officials. In 2016, the county mailed less than 6,000 absentee ballots. With days remaining until the final deadline, county officials had already mailed over 71,000 ballots to voters. Upper Midwest red states embrace vote-by-mail Elections officials in Montana, a state which has managed to fend off the spread of the virus with under 500 reported cases, echoed that assurance with their absentee process, saying a hiccup with a ballot is rare and often quickly resolved. "If (a ballot) gets rejected, we contact the voter and let them know, and they can come in and resolve it," Eric Semerad, the Gallatin County election administrator, said. "It's very, very rare that that happens at all. It's usually forgetfulness, or household errors, things like that." In South Dakota, which saw the highest number of COVID-19 cases per capita for the region in mid-April but currently has one of the lowest fatality rates in the country, election officials are confident the Tuesday primaries will run smoothly. "One gift we were given is Wisconsin," South Dakota Secretary of State Steve Barnett, a Republican, told ABC News of the Badger's state April 7 spring election, which took place at the height of the state's lockdown. "They weren't able to model after anybody else -- we were all on the sidelines kind of watching them. But we've had enough time to prepare for this now." "I think we're going to be in good shape," he added. The state already had a robust vote-by-mail system, but under Barnett's leadership, election officials sent application forms to every registered voter in the state -- the same move Michigan's secretary of state announced last week that triggered Trump's attack. Barnett said that they were just using "the tool already in our toolbox" to encourage voters to use the absentee option, a state-wide push done for the first time to his knowledge. "There's no blueprint, obviously, nobody's ever seen anything like this before," he said of conducting an election during a pandemic. MORE: Coronavirus government response updates: Fauci testifies consequences of reopening too soon could be 'really serious' For in-person voting on election day, there have been some election worker shortages leading to the state reducing the number of polling sites. But Barnett doesn't anticipate "a lot of pressure on the polls," since there has been an influx of absentee ballots already returned, which is already nearly half of 2016's total election turnout. Poll workers will have hand sanitizer, Clorox wipers, gloves, masks and one-time use pens at polling sites. PHOTO: People in the Southeast neighborhoods of Washington stand in the street without respecting social distances, amid the coronavirus pandemic, May 19, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) In and around the nation's capital, election officials lean on mail ballots In Washington, D.C., which has seen one of the starkest racial divides when it comes to the impact of the coronavirus, all of the nearly 150 precincts were closed due to the pandemic. City officials urged residents to cast their ballots by mail, but for those who were unable to do so, 20 in-person vote centers will be available to every voter, no matter what address they are registered at. Rachel Coll, the spokesperson for the city's Board of Elections, touted that its vote-by-mail system has been in place for 10 years and said they are strongly encouraging residents to use the no-excuse option for the primary. The city, though, has trounced 2016's special ballot requests in the primary, which amounted to less than 8,000. In 2020, with days to go until hitting the deadline, the city has received more than 70,000 requests for a mail-in ballot. Washington also extended the deadline to receive a ballot to June 12, although they must be postmarked by June 2, to allow for more time for ballots to be received. In Maryland, however, election officials are facing challenges with vote-by-mail, after opting to use a third-party vendor to handle printing and mailing ballots, according to a spokesperson for the state board of elections. The board has expressed disappointment with the speed of the vendor, the spokesperson said, after it was reported by the Baltimore Sun that ballots in Baltimore County were marked as sent when they had yet to be. The state used a special election in late April as a test run for their primary, which was ordered to be an all-mail election due to the pandemic. Election officials, who ran into issues during the special election when ballots sent to voters had conflicting instructions, are hoping for a smoother run this time around. What to know about the 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 U.S. and worldwide: Coronavirus map 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. Election officials gear up for single biggest day of voting during coronavirus, as Trump rails against vote by mail originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Google Pixel 4a's launch has reportedly been delayed to July. Google Pixel 4a has been delayed to July according to some reports. The smartphone which we already know much about has leaked yet again. This time its through a Covid-19 contact tracing app. The Pixel 4a was spotted on Frances StopCovid app device listing. Here, the Pixel 4a wasnt explicitly mentioned but the codename Sunfish appeared. If youve been keeping a track of Pixel 4a leaks and rumours you would know the smartphone has been codenamed Sunfish. This is another confirmation for the new Pixel phone. But the launch has been delayed twice now. Google was expected to launch the Pixel 4a in May but it was reportedly delayed to June. It was later reported that the Pixel 4a will now make its debut in July. Based on multiple leaks and rumours, Pixel 4a is expected to feature a 5.8-inch display. The smartphone will be powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon 730 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM and two storage options of 64GB and 128GB. It will most likely sport a single 12.2-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel selfie camera. The smartphone is also said to come with only 4G support. Colour options for the Pixel 4a include Just Black and Barely Blue. Reports also strongly suggest that Google will not launch the Pixel 4a XL this time. This would be a first since Googles Pixel phones always come in pairs. Jessica Gomes looked chic in a '70s-inspired ensemble when she stepped out to pick up some groceries in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The 35-year-old Australian model appeared calm on the outing in West Hollywood, despite race riots overtaking parts of the city. Dressed in a pair of camel-coloured corduroy pants, which she paired with a floral pink button-up shirt, Jessica walked down a leafy street. Turning back time: Jessica Gomes looked chic in a '70s-inspired ensemble when she stepped out to pick up some groceries in Los Angeles on Tuesday Her long dark brown hair was worn loose and parted in the middle, and she accessorised with a pair of oversize light brown vintage-looking sunglasses. A black Bottega Veneta padded cassette bag was worn slung across her body, with the designer handbag retailing for $3,850. Jessica carried her mobile phone in her hand, and wore a hair scrunchie around one of her wrists. Relaxed: The 35-year-old Australian model appeared calm on the outing, despite race riots overtaking parts of the city Her outing comes after the beleaguered city was forced to implement a curfew after race riots spiralled out of control. According to a report by the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday, LA officials had imposed a countywide curfew for the third consecutive day. Locals were being asked to stay in their homes from 6pm Tuesday until 6am Wednesday, with exceptions for some. Under lockdown: Her outing comes after the beleaguered city was forced to implement a curfew after race riots spiralled out of control Protestors have been taking to the streets across the nation following the death of African American man George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis last week. Jessica has been a vocal advocate for the protests on Instagram in recent days, sharing a symbolic black square for '#blackouttuesday' and posting 'Black Lives Matter'. On Sunday, she shared a quote from African American writer James Baldwin: 'It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.' The BBC's long-awaited voice assistant 'Beeb' will soon enter into public testing for the first time and it will be voiced by a 'warm and friendly' male northern accent. Beeb will be male to avoid any associations with females being 'subservient', which BBC chiefs say is a concern many have with other smart assistants, such as Alexa. The BBC bosses opted to put a northern twang on the voice in a move away from the antiquated necessity of southern RP (received pronunciation) on the airwaves. Scroll down for video The BBC's long-awaited voice assistant 'Beeb' will soon enter into public testing for the first time. Its developers have also revealed it will be voiced by a 'warm and friendly' male northern accent In its first iteration, which the BBC admits will likely have flaws and hopes the testing can identify, users can ask Beeb to get live and on-demand radio, music mixes, podcasts, as well as news and local weather updates. Users will also be able to get jokes from The Mash Report and quirky facts by QI, developers hope. The technology is being made available as early test software on PC first, in partnership with Microsoft. BBC bosses insist it is committed to continuing work with Amazon on its Alexa voice assistant and says it has no plans to later launch a physical device for Beeb. 'We're really conscious of the sort of the problematic associations that exists between female voices and assistants, in that they're sort of deemed to be being used in that sort of subservient way so we really wanted to make ... a point and to put a male voice in there at the start,' Andy Webb, BBC's head of product for voice and AI, told the PA news agency. 'Secondly, it's not from down south, it's from up north. We wanted to make a break from that traditional southern RP (Received Pronunciation) that is traditional with all broadcasters. 'What we really find is, when it's warm and friendly and kind of welcoming and it's easy on the ears ... it actually becomes quite pleasant to listen to, so we worked hard on representing the diversity of our audience much more by making it from outside of that London southern RP.' The technology is being made available as early test software on PC first, in partnership with Microsoft. BBC bosses insist it is committed to continuing work with Amazon on its Alexa voice assistant and says it has no plans to later launch a physical device for Beeb (file photo) 'Beeb' will be able to recognise regional accents Hope is at hand for millions of frustrated smart assistant users across the UK as the BBC announces plans for 'Beeb', an AI that will recognise all British regional accents. Videos of Glaswegians, Liverpudlians, Mancunians and others have spread online in recent years, showing their struggles with products like Amazon's Alexa. Many have been forced to adopt a 'received pronunciation' way of speaking to be understood. Ironically, this formal accent was once seen as a bastion of style within the BBC's own cadre of presenters. It is hoped that Beeb will let viewers find their favourite programmes and access other online services offered by the broadcaster. Advertisement Last year, there was widespread outrage as it merged tech companies were recording private conversations detected by the smart assistants. The firms claimed the recordings were used to improve their voice assistants, but after this was exposed to the public all companies altered their working methods. The BBC says its assistant will not record conversations and use them to improve its functionality, which many deemed a clear breach of privacy. Mr Webb said when there are cases where it is useful to be able to do that, companies should seek explicit permission from users. Beeb has learnt from the fallout of 2019, in which Google and Amazon bore the brunt, and will make it easy for users to obtain all information the device has recorded. An anonymous transcript of what is said will be available to users, in compliance with GDPR. However, Amazon was accused of making the process of obtaining this too convoluted, To combat this, the BBC has put the option in the settings menu. Mr Webb says: ''All you have to do is go into the settings menu there's one big button that says give me a copy of my information and that can be presented to you. 'Apart from that, we don't really have a lot of use for it, so any of the information that we do use for training we scrub, we anonymise, we remove all of your personal identifiers from it and we actually remove quite a lot of the utterance.' The BBC has stressed that this is a first step for Beeb, meaning not everything will be working perfectly from day one. Those interested in testing it out will need to be a UK-based member of Microsoft's Windows Insider Programme with the Windows 10 May 2020 Update installed, and can then download the 'Beeb BETA' app from the Microsoft Store. German Chancellor Angela Merkels government has taken a further step to reactivate European travel as the spread of the coronavirus dwindles. Merkels cabinet approved plans Wednesday that pave the way for a broad travel warning to be replaced from June 15 with recommendations for individual nations in the 27-member European Union, countries in the passport-free Schengen area and the UK. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas will talk with EU counterparts in the next two weeks about how travel within Europe can be gradually re-established, he said in Berlin Tuesday. Germanys shift away from an across-the-board travel warning, put in place in March as the pandemic was sweeping across Europe, will hinge on coordination with EU member states and on whether the spread of the disease is kept in check. Maas, who said he didnt yet have vacation plans of his own, has indicated that opening up travel in Europe will be gradual and that holidays this year would not be the same as in the past. Germany has gradually moved to lift border restrictions with neighboring countries such as France and Austria. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Opinion Article 3 June 2020 "We won't be opening car doors for guests anytime soon" says Clement Gaffney, Group Hotels Operations Manager of Pat Doherty's Harcourt Developments, Hotel Division with properties in Ireland, The U.K. and Caribbean. It is an evocative image that none of us would have considered a few short months ago. It is the new norm. In 2008, Irish hotels were plunged into a deep global recession and the last 10 years have been a long slow recovery into a buoyant economy. In March this year, that ended with shocking speed. Deja vu seemed unfair. Advertisements Irish hospitality and hotels have to change. That will be operational, procedural but most of all, it will be cultural and often counter intuitive. Behind closed doors, that has already begun. Hoteliers are good managers. They are used to dynamic environments, the unexpected and reacting fast. With that DNA comes an acceptance and a desire to 'get on with it' rather than lamenting a recent economic climate, close to ideal. Whilst there are inevitable economic consequences of the pandemic, this is a very different challenge to the banking collapse of 2007-08. The focus is not just on survival and rebuilding, this time, it's on health, hygiene, risk assessment and keeping people safe. That creates emotional challenges as well as practical ones - fear, safety, insecurity, job losses, loans, rapid learning and a new landscape. But, in 'getting on with it' there are many instances of innovation, practical solutions and a vision of what the future will be. This is about rapid change and navigating without a compass. It's about a different kind of opportunity and what it will mean for an industry that is so important to our island nation. Right now, our future feels strange because of its unpredictability. In some ways, if the future didn't feel uncertain then perhaps something is wrong. Sometimes, the only way to understand what change means is to jump in, embrace it, move with it and let the current take you. Sometimes, resisting that can, of itself, prove fatal. According to Failte Ireland, there are 823 hotels in Ireland as well as almost 1,100 Guest Houses and B&B's. This article spoke with 11 hotel leaders from east to west, north to south, group to independent, big to small, city to country, luxury to local. The questions were about the future, what changes have been forced on them, what guests will now see and what opportunities exist. Uncertainty is the thorn in the side of every business and thankfully, The Taoiseach's May Day statement has, at least, given an aspirational road map with hotels due to salvage a little of the summer business starting this July. On the other hand, as Ciara Treacy, Proprietor of The Ross Hotel in Killarney points out "We might open but people are not yet ready to go stay in hotels yet so there isn't really a magic opening date". Health Minister, Simon Harris's recent remarks on travel and foreign holidays "are not looking good", though depressing for many, they offer a silver lining for hard pressed hotels with expected growth in staycations for the remainder of the year. When you digest the shock of sudden change and with so much to do, it takes time before you can process the priorities but Guy Thompson, General Manager, Castleknock Hotel sums it up "Hospitality is going to change completely. We are Irish, we like to meet, shake hands and hug. From now on, our focus has to be to give people confidence in our professionalism and that the hotel they are going to spend the night in is safe". Ironic for an industry so good at preparing immaculate bedrooms. Often, when we walk into a hotel bedroom we marvel at the cleanliness and compare it to our own home. Hygiene is the new focus and this raises a multitude of challenges, tasks and learning. As Ger Alley, General Manager, The Heritage Hotel in Co. Laois explains "It will be a very health and hygiene focused world and this will be paramount in how we operate and how we sell". It's only when you stop to think about this subject that you realise how far it reaches. Those little bedside pens and pads will have to go. Spare wardrobe hangers will be removed. How shampoo and soaps are dispensed will change and as Fla Larkin, Owner, Haddington House, DunLaoghaire points out "It will be like going back to the old days when every bedroom will have a hook outside where we can hang express breakfasts and anything that needs to be delivered to the room". Similarly, the housekeeper's trolley is already consigned to the past. Linen, towels and amenities will be delivered in prepacked bundles. Bedrooms, although already cleaned to exacting standards, will be forced to go beyond cleaning and be sanitised. In the USA large hotel groups are signing partnerships with well-known disinfectant brands. "People will need to feel safe in our bedrooms. That will be their first thought" says Guy Thompson. This doesn't come without challenges. There will be an immediate need for retraining, and more health focused induction and there will be considerable investment needed in internal infrastructure, equipment and staff development. As Clem Gaffney notes "We will be hiring people to tell guests what not to do and that's completely alien to the nature of Irish hospitality". What was normal is gone. As Gaffney continued "It will be like going back to a bygone era. We will have a Concierge to manage the elevator" Andrew O'Neill, Chief Executive of Choice Hotel Group agrees and points out "We will be telling staff what they can no longer do". Even the simple things like staff coming to work will change. On entry and exit they will need new sanitisation protocols, new health checks and even staff dining, changing rooms and breaks will require new procedures. Hoteliers are already restructuring layouts, signage and clearly the welcoming front reception desks will be very different with distancing, screens, contactless payments and a greater use of technology. The customer journey will not be the same and that includes the interaction with guests. Buffets are likely to be a thing of the past. Hotel Bars will be reconfigured and the entire check out process will have far less engagement. The friendly welcome of a Concierge in uniform is likely to be replaced with a high vis jacket introducing guests to the new codes. There will be new positions requiring new people, knowledge and tact. As O'Neill points out "Who will feel comfortable in the immediate future coming to breakfast? That means many guests will opt for in room dining and that adds 16% more to food and beverage costs. In room dining will become the norm". At the core of every good hotel experience is the interaction with people. Ask anyone if they enjoyed their stay in a hotel and inevitably the answer has nothing to do with describing the rooms, structure or luxury. Typically, they will say "They are such nice people". Naturally, as gregarious people, interaction makes memories, good or bad. The hospitality business is built on our people and this is a fundamental cornerstone for The Dalata Hotel Group, Ireland's largest collection of hotels. Stephen McNally, Deputy Chief Executive, is passionate about people. It is at the heart of their Maldron and Clayton brands and they walk the talk with their industry standard professional development programmes. "Our priority was to immediately engage with our people. One of the first things we did was develop an App so we could be accessible, communicate, give a reliable source of information and listen. This has been a success and is evolving to include training, learning, new skills and we even have virtual tea breaks where we talk about everything other than work". In every conversation, people are a part of every answer. It's really what hospitality is all about. Guests and staff, staff and guests. As McNally says "We are absolutely focused on looking after our guests. If they want to rebook, we let them. If they want their money refunded, we make it easy for them". This is an interesting point. Already, many people have experienced the barriers to getting refunds, especially from holiday hotels abroad. Brands will inflict a lot of damage on their market if they maintain that strategy in the months ahead. The speed with which this pandemic rolled over our heads was staggering. Wuhan was some remote city that had nothing to do with Ireland. So we thought. In amongst the visionary and practical answers looking into the future, there are stories we might never have known. Stephen McNally recalled one such story "When the airlines suddenly stopped flying, we had a lot of people staying in our airport hotel. We stayed open. If we didn't, these people would have had nowhere to stay. We weren't going to let that happen". Not long ago I likened the hotel business to a theatre "Every night when the lights go down the show is over another day is done. The next day, no matter what has gone before it, the show will have a new audience, often a first time audience, and today's show must, at the very least, be better than the day before. The actors who will deliver the show are your people. If you do not invest in them in many ways you will have an average show. After all, what is the point of a beautiful comfortable cosy theatre with great sets, great seats and great lighting if the guys on stage have no idea what they are doing?" Whilst many businesses talk freely about the importance of their people, no business is more visible than hospitality when it comes to seeing people perform. As Guy Thompson said "This is where the test of leadership comes to the fore" Charlie Sheil, General Manager at Dublin's five star Marker Hotel agrees "How we communicate with our colleagues has moved to a whole new level. It has never been more important to give hope. The challenge is to create clear, honest and realistic communications. This is not a time for false promises and none of us will take work for granted again". Hoteliers are true people's people. It's the core of what they do, almost their 'product'. Naturally, everyone is experiencing uncertainty but as Wayne Neilon, General Manager of The Connacht Hospitality Group said "What keeps me awake at night, on a human level, is thinking about the impact on such loyal colleagues. None of us know the future and it takes time to build up a great team". Perhaps the universal outlook is best summed up by Dalata's McNally: "Keeping your key leaders employed is the engine room of our business. We need to be accessible, we need to communicate and be ready to open fast". Hotel people are great managers. Daily life is forever about managing people and motivating them to react quickly to changing situations. Innovation and problem solving is daily bread. Colin Duggan is the General Manager of Carlow's Woodford Dolmen hotel. His first thought when this happened was "What do we have that we can't now use?" It was a smart analysis and the answers followed freely "Right now, we can't sell bedrooms but many people need to work from home but don't have the space. They will become short term 'home offices'. We looked at our two banqueting halls and asked if they could be useful to schools. We have a very big local Sunday lunch business and now we are taking that to them". Wayne Neilon agrees "Our kitchens will have a one way system and deliveries will be managed in a new way. We will engage differently with our guests. Rather than overload them with signs, we will talk with them and, unlike the recession, this time, the industry will work better together rather than competing. In the meantime, we should all get fit because we are all going to have to work a lot harder". Rethinking check in, check out, bedroom management, delivery of food, beverage and hotel services is a challenge but its grist to the mill for hotel people. Ciara Treacy summed up these operational challenges "The new procedural norms will just happen because they will have to. Getting through this is not an issue because it will be the same for everyone. This virus has made us re set in every way and that's no harm". Zoom, working from home, and virtual celebrations have quickly become the new norm. Social media platforms have never been busier and inevitably, as lockdown creates cabin fever, uncontrolled outbursts are shattering reputations. In lockdown, engagement is through a keyboard. A clear consequence of the pandemic is that investing in people has to change and marketing too. When this storm arrived, hoteliers really understood the skill, loyalty and expertise of their team. They may have taken too much for granted but smart hoteliers have always put their own people first. It does come back to that cliche "I won't remember what you said but I will remember how you made me feel". In a new order, that will apply to employees and guests. Ivan King, General Manager of Luttrellstown Castle in County Dublin is looking to the future, he takes the operational challenges as a fundamental and already prescribed in the new order of things. The greater challenge he says is "We will have to continue to deliver exceptional service and do that even better than we have done it before". It's a refreshing view and a constant 'can do' thread of everyone I spoke to. Nobody contemplated failure and our toughened Irish skin, battered by recessions, ash clouds and more, has given us a resilient outlook. "The core principles of hospitality won't change. Giving our customers authentic Irish service will be the guiding light as to how we interact, deliver and serve. Although operational procedures will change, Irish hospitality can't. Adapting to change does not mean you can't deliver exceptional service. You can". Hotel people are hardworking, loyal and often industry 'lifers '. Like every industry, some go with the flow, some don't. Taking a line from Ivor Kenny's book, 'Can You Manage?' "People don't resist change, they resist loss". There is, and will be, some mourning of 'the old way' and 'the good old days' but younger generations will embrace this new norm and see opportunity. Technology, better engagement, climate change, understanding the value of community and social responsibility as well as being proactive in all things sustainable, will be added into the mix and the future for Irish hotels. Air travel will eventually recover from this knockout punch and they too will innovate and find solutions. Until then, with imminent opening dates, cabin fever, and time on our hands the 'staycation' market will boom and, as Andrew O'Neill says "Irish people will rediscover the very high standards of Irish hotels and this will help us to a future as a reinvented world class safe island destination". Some professions are vocational, some chosen but the hotel business is not a choice. You are drawn to it unintentionally and it's an industry full of stories. They are a cheerful lot who work hard, see opportunity, adore their country and are eternal optimists. They see the good in their community, cope with the bad days and bounce back fast. Even in the darkest days there is humour and their glass is always half full. As Ciara Treacy told me about the natural beauty of Kerry throughout our chat it sparked an idea for her "When we are busy, we forget what's around us and what we would do on a beautiful sunny day if we had the time off. You know what I mean Conor, like barbequing sausages on the beach in Castlegregory". No doubt they'll be Irish sausages cooked to perfection and served with humour, elegance and tales of a virus that came and went. Dhaka: An elderly Rohingya refugee has become the first person to die from coronavirus in the world's largest refugee settlement in Bangladesh, where there are fears the disease could spread fast due to overcrowding. The 71-year-old man died on May 31 while undergoing treatment at an isolation centre at the camps where over a million Rohingya live, said Bimal Chakma, a senior official of the government's Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission. "Today we got the confirmation that he tested positive for COVID-19," he said by telephone. A health aid worker wears a hazmat suit at the Kutupalong Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Credit:AP At least 29 Rohingya have tested positive for the virus so far since the first case was detected on May 14. 02.06.2020 LISTEN Experts on Africa, an initiative by Whats in it for Africa, launches its call for applications today. In search of specialists with sector expertise across the fields of Health, Trade, History, Literature, and more to be part of a one-stop-shop database to profile African expertise. The database will launch in early 2021. Experts on Africa is launching Phase I of building this database and launching a call for applications seeking specialists on Africa in various sectors to make an application to the database at www.expertsonafrica.com from 1 June until the end of 2020. Experts will need to have at least five years experience in their sector which should relate to a specific African country, region or the continent as a whole and recent media exposure, in order to apply. The Experts on Africa database will provide access to a specialist community for networking and collaboration purposes while providing support for developing their media relations and public speaking skills. The database also offers international institutions, think tanks, media houses, and conference organisers access to a wealth of African expertise to leverage for their next big project, story or event. Our mission is to bring African expertise closer to the centre of international conversations that are shaping global policy. We believe that for too long African insights, expertise and perspectives have been on the margins of international decision-making and discourse, and it is time to take practical steps to correct this. Says Uzoamaka Madu, Founder at Experts on Africa. Experts on Africa will follow-up with individual successful applicants throughout 2020 to gather more detailed information about their experience to build the database for the launch in early 2021. About Experts on Africa Our mission is to bring experts on Africa closer to international conversations that are shaping global policy. We seek to provide a comprehensive, searchable online database of experts on Africa who are active in a range of different sectors from Health, Trade, History, to Literature, and more, and have expertise in a specific African country, region or continent as a whole. Our platform aims to increase seasoned specialists' accessibility and visibility to international institutions, think tanks and media, while providing support for media relations, public speaking, and assist them in joining and consolidating their presence in communities of experts. BALTIMORE, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center for International Health, Education and Biosecurity (Ciheb) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Institute of Human Virology was awarded $4 million from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response activities in Botswana, Nigeria, Malawi, and Mozambique. "Low-resource regions in Africa are vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19, and Ciheb is engaged and well-positioned to build upon our partnerships with ministries of health in each country to further the understanding of the pandemic, while strengthening their capacity to monitor and control the spread of the disease," said Man E. Charurat, PhD, MHS, professor of medicine, Ciheb global director and director, Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine. In Nigeria, the award of $2.1 million will support a population-based epidemiological study to estimate COVID-19 prevalence in communities, household transmission, the proportion of subclinical infections, and risk factors for infection, using methods similar to the WHO Unity Studies to ensure comparability across countries. The study will be led by principal investigator, Kristen Stafford, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of epidemiology and public health and Ciheb Associate Director, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine. Data generated from this study will characterize the spectrum of disease resulting from COVID-19 and provide critical information on the clinical course and outcomes of COVID-19. This information will be vital to inform local response efforts, including the development of strategies to target potential prevention and control interventions to high risk groups, develop clinical treatment guidelines to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, and strengthen the health system to respond to the pandemic. In addition, technical assistance will be provided to enhance and strengthen disease surveillance and improve laboratory diagnostics. In Botswana, under the leadership of country director Ndwapi, Ndwapi, MD, the award of $810,000 will support the development of an influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) surveillance systems for the Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness to capture community circulation and transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This will include establishing sentinel surveillance sites to more rapidly detect SARS-CoV-2. Other measures that will be supported include the development of a web-based surveillance data entry platform to enable real-time situational awareness, the implementation of a standardized approach to data collection and reporting for comparability across sites in Botswana and facilitating timely sharing of surveillance data between human and animal sectors to inform evidence-based planning. The funding will also support measures to facilitate social distancing and decongestion at healthcare facilities by constructing temporary consultation areas and the procurement of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. In Malawi, the award of $795,000 will enhance the Malawi Ministry of Health's laboratory capacity in five primary areas: training, quality control, supplies, services, and waste management. This initiative is led by Alash'le Abimiku, PhD, professor of medicine, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine and the executive director of the International Research Center of Excellence at the Institute of Human Virology-Nigeria. Interventions will include bench-level technical assistance and training at 10 molecular labs located across the nation to ensure technicians are skilled in implementing diagnostics for COVID-19, using both the Daan Gene Assay and the CDC COVID-19 protocol. Laboratory quality assurance will also be improved with a focus on specimen collection management and tracking, data collection and management, proficiency testing, and external quality assurance. In Mozambique, the award of $380,000 will ensure maintenance for ABI 7500 and ABI 7900 PCR instruments installed at the National Institute of Health in Maputo Province. These instruments are used for COVID-19 diagnosis and regular maintenance is necessary to ensure accurate diagnoses. The award, also led by Alash'le Abimiku, PhD, will also provide GeneXpert operations training, support the installation of the COVID-19 software and instrument hardware, and ensure DISA-Lab operational connectivity on GeneXpert instruments at 11 locations across the nation. The award will also fund the procurement of SARS- CoV-2 diagnostic test-kits. Additionally, Ciheb is leading cross-cutting COVID-19 response efforts in each of the eight countries in which it works. Ciheb teams are developing clinical guidelines, improving patient triage, developing and implementing clinic safety protocols, and procuring needed personal protective equipment. "The global threat of this pandemic requires that we work cooperatively with other nations on developing and implementing targeted response actions," said Dean E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, who is also Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, UM Baltimore, and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor, University of Maryland School of Medicine. "The School of Medicine, through Ciheb and the Institute of Human Virology, is proud to contribute its expertise to the ongoing work on the African continent supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." About Ciheb Ciheb is a leading international education, development and research center within the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Ciheb was founded in 2016 by the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Ciheb's mission is to conduct research, provide training, and implement evidence-based interventions at the patient, community, and population levels for sustainable positive impact. Ciheb's global teams work to expand health service capacity and quality of service in developing nations confronting epidemic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and also develop strategies for early detection and rapid response to biological threats as part of the U.S. Global Health Security Agenda. For more information, see Ciheb.org . About the Institute of Human Virology Formed in 1996 as a partnership between the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, the University System of Maryland and the University of Maryland Medical System, IHV is an institute of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is home to some of the most globally-recognized and world-renowned experts in all of virology. The IHV combines the disciplines of basic research, epidemiology and clinical research in a concerted effort to speed the discovery of diagnostics and therapeutics for a wide variety of chronic and deadly viral and immune disorders - most notably, HIV the virus that causes AIDS. For more information, see www.ihv.org . Provided by Newswise, online resource for knowledge-based news at www.newswise.com SOURCE University of Maryland Medical Center Weve been cooped up for months. Now, we are contending with summer sans festivals, fairs, sleepaway camps, sporting events and concerts. Pent-up and ready to pop, many of us are in desperate need of a vacation. Alas, planning a vacation during a pandemic is like marching through a sandy beach in 6-inch stilettos. Aside from health concerns, there are travel restrictions, crowds, closures, mandatory quarantines, mask requirements and confined capsules otherwise known as airplanes to contend with, which may be why many Americans are opting for the open road aboard a rolling abode. As more states open up, eager Americans looking to travel safely and recreate responsibly are renting RVs - recreational vehicles - in droves. RVShare, a peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing platform for campers and RVs, is claiming a whopping 650 percent increase in rental traffic since early April. Initially, Andy Heck, president of Alpin Haus, one of that nations largest RV dealerships, saw a dip in rentals as customers canceled plans to attend music festivals, races and group gatherings. Reservations have since been on the upswing, big time. The last two weeks have been our busiest ever for calls and internet leads for RV rentals, says Heck. Exploration via RV opens an affordable road to adventure with all the creature comforts a cozy mattress, flushable toilet and air conditioning in a compact, roving home. Retailers and private owners across the country have been leasing motor homes, travel trailers and other towable models to the RV-curious for a few years. The RV rental business is a $350 million industry and is continuing to grow, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Renting has traditionally appealed to try before they buy customers contemplating a purchase and camping buffs who want to enjoy the experience without investing tens of thousands and those who refuse to snooze upon a rocky surface with a paper-thin sheet of nylon blocking the bugs, chill and chirping birds. Now as everyone looks for summer vacation options that do not involve flying, hotels, etc., RV rental interest exploded, Heck says. We pretty much booked up all of July already. RV rental agencies and information: Alpin Haus: The Northeast's largest, family-owned outdoor recreation retailers not only rents RVs for a night, week or month but they also enhance the convenience to their customers by providing set-up and delivery. (518) 842-7900. Cruise America: There are 121 Cruise America agencies across the country renting various-sized motorhomes. Prices fluctuate based on season, location and availability. (800) 671-8042. Outdoorsy: Another a peer-to-peer marketplace, the site connect RVs owners with other campers like them who want the experience RVing without ownership. RV Share: Book and save on RV rentals from private owners and RV dealerships throughout the Capital Region and beyond. Payments are secure and every rental comes with 24-hour travel concierge and roadside assistance. S&S Mobile RV: The Fort Edward-based, family owned company services and repairs RVs, and rents several pull-behind trailers. Delivery to local campgrounds is free. (518) 858-2430. RV Rental Connection: The peer-to-peer rental website matches prospective renters with private RV owners across the nation. See More Collapse Camping in an RV is a safe, self-contained way for families to travel and vacation, says Heck. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Campsites are naturally spaced apart, you get to make your own bed and use your own bathroom daily, he adds. And, in general, you spend your time outdoors. At Alpin Haus, customers can opt for drivable or towable trailers that can be reserved for a night, week or month. All come clean and sanitized, sleep at least six and range in price from $145 to $365 a night or $800 to $2,500 a week. An RV rental at Alpin Haus includes insurance, a full tank of propane for appliances, cleaning, dumping of tank and a demonstration of how to use the RV before you rent it. Mileage is sometimes extra. With the exception of Class A motorhomes, a special license is not required for a home on wheels. Those planning to tow must ready their rig with a seven-pin electrical connection and a Class 3 hitch. Alpin Haus offers controllers and hitch packages to rent. If youre leery about zipping along the highway with a 32-foot box behind your ride, Alpin Haus will for an extra fee provide setup and delivery directly to the campground. If you are contemplating renting an RV, you can rent straight from an owner via a peer-to-peer platform like Outdoorsy or the aforementioned RVShare marketplace. Both sites match RV owners with renters. There are tens of thousands of vehicles available locally and across the nation ranging from swanky luxury motorhomes to affordable travel trailers (even hip vintage models). Pet-friendly and deliverable RVs are also an option. Corporate America's response to the protests over racial injustice and the killing of George Floyd has been about what you would expect: lots of black squares on Instagram, statements by CEOs decrying racism, some silence. Nike posted a video with a twist on its slogan: "For once, don't do it," the company urged, the "it" being choosing complacency or not "being part of the change." Standing out in this vanilla-bland crowd is ice cream company Ben & Jerry's, which posted a lengthy and pointed message on its website blaming Floyd's murder on "inhumane police brutality that is perpetuated by a culture of white supremacy." The company called for white America to "acknowledge its privilege" and for the need for action to "dismantle white supremacy." The frozen-dessert company's missive also distinguished itself with its specificity: the message expressed support for concrete policy steps, including the passage of Democratic-sponsored legislation creating a commission to study the effects of slavery and discrimination and to consider reparation proposals; and the establishment of a task force supported by Floyd's family's to draft "bipartisan legislation aimed at ending racial violence and increasing police accountability." It also suggested the Department of Justice "reinvigorate" its civil rights division and for the restoration of consent decrees rolled back by the administration of President Donald Trump curbing police abuses. The company also took aim at Trump and his response to the protests. "Instead of calling for the use of aggressive tactics on protesters, the President must take the first step by disavowing white supremacists and nationalist groups that overtly support him, and by not using his Twitter feed to promote and normalize their ideas and agendas," the statement read. Support for protest movements and progressive causes is in the Vermont-based company's DNA. The company supported the Black Lives Matter movement in 2016, decrying in a message "the systemic racism built into the fabric of our institutions at every level." Founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield were arrested at a Democracy Awakening protest at the Capitol in 2016 and served ice cream to Occupy D.C. protesters in 2011. And their opposition to Trump is long-standing. As they wrote in a 2017 open letter then President-elect Trump: "We stand with women, people of color, Muslims, migrants, refugees, the LGBTQ community, the poor, and others whose lives may be further compromised by the policies and rhetoric you espoused during your campaign." They have created whimsically named ice-cream flavors to support various causes, including "Save Our Swirled," in 2015 in support of the climate talks in Paris, "I Dough, I Dough" that same year for same-sex marriage, and "Yes Pecan," a riff on the campaign slogan of former president Barack Obama, in 2009. The company's political and social agenda wasn't muted when multinational giant Unilever acquired it in 2010. CEO Jostein Solheim explained how it has maintained its crunchy ethos and left-leaning mission in a 2016 interview, in which he said Unilever appoints just two of the 11 seats on the company's board. And as Ben & Jerry's most recent call to action this week has gotten attention, so have some companies' far more tepid reactions to the current climate. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., on Wednesday tweeted her dismay. "I see a lot of corporations releasing bland statements w a hashtag," she wrote. "No. This moment calls for transformation. Your statement should include your org's INTERNAL commitments to change, particularly if you've been called on it before. Give people change." Bellaire High School senior Dominic Daniel on Friday evening perched in the bed of a pickup truck along with half a dozen friends, and reflected over the past four years with a rueful chuckle about what he and his peers have endured . Everyone went through Harvey. It was a Houston thing, said Daniel. It was hard to watch everyone elses houses go. I wasnt too concerned about what happened to my house. His house took on two and a half feet of water, prompting his family to move into a nearby rental, where they still live. It was just an experience, continued Daniel, who this fall plans to matriculate at Blinn College, and hopes to transfer eventually to Texas A&M. Just like corona--exact same thing. Everyone kind of pushing together, trying to get through it together. Its not a good situation but its good to see people are trying to stick it out. A light ruffling breeze hinted at the possibility of rain as dozens of students and parents gathered in front of Bellaire City Hall to celebrate the class of 2020 with a drive through the small city, encircled by Houston. American flags lined the streets, and an old-timey police car had been brought out for the occasion, along with HEBs Buddy mascot, who wore a face mask and rode in a convertible at the end of the procession. If you didnt know any better, you wouldnt guess that the country was in the midst of a pandemic that had already claimed 100,000 lives, as well as facing a related economic crisis that sent unemployment claims skyrocketing. There was also no sign of the civil unrest that was wracking cities across the country, including Houston, in the aftermath of the brutal police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn. The parents who were present were mindful of all these realities . We have got to focus on what we do right, said Deborah Rylance, who serves on the Bellaire Culture and Arts Board and had coordinated the drive. Her daughter Raegan, a senior at the Tenney School, is among the young men and women whove missed out on all the traditional rites of passage as a result of the coronavirus, which in March spurred Houston Independent School District officials to shut down the districts schools . Nothings more important than the accomplishments of these graduates, Rylance continued. Theyre the basis of our little community. We want them to remember that the place that they come from is proud of them. The shutdown was initially scheduled to last for a few weeks but was extended as the virus spread. And although Gov. Greg Abbott has given the green light for in-person graduation ceremonies to resume this summer, with appropriate social distancing measures in place, HISD officials decided to err on the side of caution. Deciding that all high school graduations for our 11,000 seniors will take place virtually has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever confronted as the district leader, said HISD Interim Superintendent Granita Latham last month, in a statement announcing the decision. HISD will also partner with the city of Houston for a citywide virtual celebration of graduates this Friday. Still, for many parents, its been hard to watch their teens miss out on the milestones that traditionally mark the end of the high school experience--especially since the class of 2020 has been disrupted more than once. The graduating seniors were sophomores, for the most part, when Harvey made landfall in south Texas, resulting in a weeks-long disruption to that years school schedule, as well as leaving many students at least temporarily displaced. Plus, these young men and women have come of age as Donald Trump was elected president, and presided over an invective-filled administration. The seniors themselves, however, are looking on the bright side. A number of them said that theyve been told they can move into their college dorm rooms this fall, even if they werent able to visit campuses this spring before making college decisions. And Gene Gopan, also a senior at Bellaire, was able to squeeze in one milestone: in February, he was crowned Mr Bellaire, after playing piano in the pageants talent competition. I was very surprised, said Gopon, who was wearing his sash. My girlfriend couldnt stop laughing. I do feel that our experience is a lot different, because nothing like this has really happened since, like, 1920, said Kenneth Alexander, a Bellaire senior who aspires to become a landscape architect and plans to begin his college studies at Prairie View A&M. In choir theres whats called senior solos, and Im a senior so I was going to have a solo, but I dont get to, he lamented . Alexander was planning to sing My Way, popularized by Frank Sinatra, and he did so on video, at least, which his mother posted on Facebook. The comments, he said, were nice. It was different, he concluded, reflecting on all of his high school experiences. But it taught us strength and resilience, I guess, in the face of adversity. He, along with Gopon and several other friends, is planning to gather at the lot where Daniels house used to be to celebrate their virtual graduation. erica.grieder@chron.com BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - German stocks were sharply higher on Wednesday as positive service sector data from China offset concerns about rising Sino-U.S. tensions and widespread civil unrest in the United States over the death of a black man in police custody. A Bloomberg report suggests that Germany could launch a fresh package of stimulus of as much as 100 billion euros ($112 billion) to defend against the coronavirus. The European Central Bank is expected to expand the capabilities of its 750 billion Pandemic Emergency Purchase Program when it meets on Thursday. The benchmark DAX jumped 227 points, or 1.88 percent, to 12,247 after climbing as much as 3.8 percent in the previous session. Automakers BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen were up 3-4 percent. Lender Commerzbank jumped 4 percent and Deutsche Bank advanced 2.7 percent. Airline Deutsche Lufthansa surged nearly 4 percent on restructuring news. Tour operator TUI AG jumped 5.7 percent after it agreed a compensation package and a new delivery deal with Boeing for its 737 MAX aircraft. In economic releases, German unemployment increased more than expected in May amid coronavirus pandemic, data from the Federal Labor Agency showed. The number of people out of work increased by 238,000 from the previous month to 2.875 million in May, while the jobless rate rose to 6.3 percent in May from 5.8 percent a month ago. The euro zone services purchasing managers index rose to 30.5 in May from 12 in April, above the flash reading of 28.7 and a three-month high. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. By late March, Harris County Purchasing Agent DeWight Dopslauf was desperate. The novel coronavirus pandemic had reached the Houston area weeks earlier, and the county already had exhausted 75 percent of its supply of personal protective equipment needed for law enforcement officers, health workers and other front-line employees. The health department faced the prospect of closing desperately needed testing centers, which at times had only several hours worth of PPE on hand. Dopslauf could not find new face masks. Some of the countrys largest suppliers, such as 3M and Honeywell, were back-ordered for months. A shipment of 125,000 low-quality masks from the state health department, which resembled paper napkins bound with string, were of little use. The first week and a half I panicked. I was calling everybody and their dog trying to find some, Dopslauf said. We placed a whole lot of orders, but nothing was coming in. Some third-party brokers offered to supply PPE but demanded payment upfront; Dopslauf thought this would put the county at risk of getting scammed. Many of the unsolicited offers in his inbox daily seemed too good to be true. He would have to get creative. How he ultimately succeeded through a sheriffs deputy who knew a lapel pin maker who went to first grade with a millionaire Louisiana baby product manufacturer who purchased 250,000 masks from associates in China illustrates the extraordinary lengths local governments have gone to secure PPE amid the pandemic. Unable to source from domestic suppliers, Houston and Harris County have turned to a hodgepodge of new vendors, including a health care consultant, glow stick maker, party goods company and other firms with contacts in China. The local governments estimate they source 90 percent of their PPE from there. In some cases, companies become impromptu PPE brokers to stay afloat, as the pandemic has devastated the Texas economy. Others have no experience procuring medical supplies and simply see PPE including masks, gloves, surgical gowns and face shields as a suddenly lucrative commodity. They describe a daily chaos of fluctuating prices and an unprecedented logistics nightmare as the world descends on China to purchase all the PPE it can supply. Sometimes deals fall through or shipments are delayed at customs checkpoints here and abroad, leading purchasing agents to place many smaller orders with dozens of vendors. Were all hedging our purchases and splitting orders, said Jerry Adams, chief procurement officer for the city of Houston. What I have committed to the mayor is, I will not get caught flat-footed again. A break Harris Countys break came through David Cuevas, president of the Harris County Deputies Association. Cuevas worried the sheriffs office soon would run out of PPE. In mid-March, the Harris County Jail had 2,400 masks, a sheriffs spokesman said enough for less than half of the facilitys total population. An outbreak there eventually would infect 1,000 inmates and staff. Cuevas asked Tom Guyton, whose Spring company makes lapel pins and challenge coins for police officers, if he had any contacts who could supply some. Guyton did Eddie Hakim, a childhood friend from Monroe, La., and the CEO of Nuby, a baby product manufacturer with 5,500 employees in China. I thought, I hope they dont get ripped off like other people are, and I knew that my friend of 65 years was honest and above board, Guyton said. I called and said, Hey Eddie, can you help us with this? Hakim, who perhaps is best known outside Louisiana for lending his mansion for exterior shots on the television show Duck Dynasty, already was importing PPE for American retailers such as Amazon. He agreed to help, and Guyton put him in touch with Harris County. Even with decades of business experience in China, Hakim faced challenges, including volatile product and shipping costs. We placed orders, and then the next day the goods went up, Hakim said. We approved the goods, and the next day they went up by sometimes 30 percent. It was everybody jumping in and trying to buy everything they could buy. Harris County ordered 2 million KN95 masks, though he was able to deliver only 250,000 because space on cargo flights is so limited. In some cases, Chinese airports are so crowded with flights that authorities sent planes back to North America empty. The shipments Hakim arranged arrived in the fourth week of April, Dopslauf said. American buyers often are at the mercy of capricious Chinese customs agents, who since the pandemic began often have prevented PPE from leaving the country, said Steve Dickinson, a Seattle-based expert in U.S.-China trade. He said the high foreign demand for PPE early in the pandemic allowed Chinese suppliers to require 100 percent upfront payment without committing to a specific delivery date. The Chinese manufacturers had hundreds of buyers, so they were able to say, Look, if you are able to buy from us, were going to impose on you completely unique business conditions, Dickinson said. If you dont want to take those terms, then you go to the back of the line. The governments of Houston and Harris County have shifted the risks to the local vendors they use to secure masks, face shields and surgical gowns. Businesses shift Some of these companies have become makeshift PPE suppliers as a way to replace lost business elsewhere. A historic oil bust and coronavirus restrictions on commerce and travel have plunged the Texas economy into a deep recession. Cole & Ashcroft, a Houston-based party supplies manufacturer, saw its business nosedive when people stopped holding gatherings to isolate in their homes. The firm did have contacts in China and offered to import PPE for Harris County. Crucially, the company had expertise on how to navigate Chinas byzantine customs regulations. A lot of the packaging had to be tailored to what the Chinese government would allow to be released, said Paul Wagner, the companys president. If you had mismarkings on anything, they would hold it up or deny it to leave the country. Cole & Ashcroft secured 15,000 face shields and 250,000 N95 masks for Harris County. Seeing an opportunity, Wagner said his company plans to import machinery from China to manufacture PPE in Houston. He hopes to roll the first products off the line within six months. Ionized LLC in Sugar Land saw an 80 percent drop in sales because of the pandemic, manager Sharez Prasla said. The glow stick maker effectively has become a temporary medical supplier, securing PPE from Chinese contacts for local governments, as well as those in Louisiana, South Carolina, California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Florida. The transition has allowed the company to avoid laying off employees. Its a big shift, obviously, Prasla said. But we have to adapt and just learn about the whole PPE industry and see how we can help. Dana Herrera saw her work dry up as a business consultant for doctors, as Harris Countys stay-at-home order barred elective procedures. She made up the lost income by becoming a PPE broker. She charges about a 25 percent premium on medical masks imported from China, in line with the profit margin other suppliers disclosed. Houston and Harris County pay only on delivery to protect against fraud, meaning Herrera sometimes has to put up close to $100,000 on goods that may be delayed or never arrive. Once a vendor proves they are reliable, however, she said purchasing agents are likely to place more orders. Private companies also are hunting for supplies. Once youre able to source something, like masks, you get calls for gloves, hand sanitizer, Herrera said. Every industry needs PPE. In another instance, county records show purchase orders for 560,000 masks from Egreenfees Inc., a Houston firm originally formed to help golfers book tee times. Spiking prices While local governments have secured the supplies they need, the demand for the goods, use of third-party brokers and strain on supply chains has caused prices to surge. Before the pandemic, Dopslauf said, Harris County paid around 5 cents each for three-ply medical masks. In March and April, the county shelled out as much as $1.75 per unit. The cost of N95 masks increased as much as nine-fold, to $7 each. Harris County expects the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse up to 75 percent of those costs. The outbreak in the Houston area has been far milder than in other major cities, such as New York and Los Angeles. A $17 million field hospital commissioned by Harris County was never needed, though the county is prepared to set up another. Supply chains have improved significantly improved since March, said Lori Upton, vice president of the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council. The nonprofit coordinates shipments of supplies, including PPE, from the state health department to medical facilities in 25 counties surrounding Houston. Hospitals and local governments are preparing, however, for a possible surge in cases as Texas reopens businesses and public spaces, as well as a potentially more severe wave of the virus in the fall. Health experts believe the coronavirus could pose a significant global threat for several years, until a vaccine can be developed and distributed. Mac McClendon, deputy incident commander for Harris County Public Health, said department employees are burning through more protective gear as they ramp up testing and conduct on-site investigations at nursing homes, where the virus has been particularly deadly. A spike in cases could again place the county in a precarious situation. If theres a surge where patients start showing up at hospitals and doctors offices, more PPE is going to start being consumed, McClendon said. Am I comfortable now? A little. But Im also cautious. zach.despart@chron.com The literacy rate in India is 70 percent, and out of these 90 percent are literate only in local languages. These vernacular language speakers do not just live in tier-II and tier-III cities, but also in the metropolitan cities. The untapped market is both urban and rural. Most websites are either in English, or at most Hindi, and right now, a web presence is necessary for every business or organisation. To reach the 536 million Indian language users, it is necessary for websites to be in local languages as well, but localisation is an expensive and time consuming process. To help publishers reach into this untapped USD 500 million market, Bengaluru based Reverie has come up with a new product, a platform called Anuvadak. At the launch, Arvind Pani, CEO and co-founder of Reverie said, As we emphasize on Vocal About Local, it is imperative that businesses are empowered with the right tools to reach out to Bharat. Anuvadak is one such endeavor to tap into the potential 536 million Indian-language internet users. As Reverie strives to build an internet for India, Anuvadak will go a long way in building an inclusive internet. The whole process of publishing, updating and maintaining a website in multiple Indic languages has been streamlined and simplified to a single dashboard. Additionally, the SEO tools are built in, and the platform is modular so it can support third party technologies and APIs for websites, as well as Reveries own products. Anuvadak uses Reverie APIs but also offers choices to use other tools as prefered by users, Pani said. From within the platform, businesses can opt for using Reveries machine translation services. For those entities that want to use the superior quality localisation that results from human translators, Reveries platform provides that as well. Users can opt for either machine translation and human translation, all of which is hosted on a single server as a multilingual website. It is flexible enough to fit the requirements of the publisher. A screenshot of the dashboard As and when new content is added, it is reflected in the localised versions after translation. To ensure consistency of style and design across the versions, Reverie offers its specialised fonts which preserve the look and feel of the website across Indic languages. These fonts are made for screens, and are legible across different sizes. For editing content, Reverie also offers its Swalekh keyboard, which simplified cursor movement and text entry natively in Indic languages. The additional advantage offered by Anuvadak is that there is SEO optimisation built in to the platform, which means that all the content is SEOd in the local languages. From the dashboard, publishers can dive into any part of the website, and instantly make changes or tweaks in any of the Indian languages. Anuvadak is being offered as a subscription service, with pricing details to be announced soon. Media stories this week claimed media psychologist Dr. Bob Montgomery, who has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing children in the 1960s, was a Big Brother psychologist. But while he was an occasional guest during the shows first season, sources including original executive producer, host and publicity confirmed to TV Tonight that he was never attached to the show. Dr. Montgomery was a contributing psychologist across TV and Radio, invited as one of many talking heads during Big Brothers first season in 2001. But Carmel Hill was the shows resident psychologist and consulted with producers on housemate selection and well-being. Montgomery pleaded guilty to abusing 12-year-old boys while he was a scoutmaster in Sydney in the 1960s. He will be sentenced later this month. China Eastern Airbus A350 900 take off Airbus The Trump Administration plans to ban Chinese passenger airlines from flying to the US, according to a new report from Reuters. The move is the latest in an ongoing tit-for-tat as tensions rise between the two countries. Delta and United are both seeking to resume China flights, after suspending them due to low demand at the height of the pandemic. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The Trump administration plans to ban Chinese airlines from operating passenger flights to the US starting in mid-June, according to a new report from Reuters. The move, which is set to be announced on Wednesday, comes after the US Department of Transportation accused China of effectively preventing US carriers from resuming flights to the country. The accusation came amid escalating tensions between the two countries. Delta and United have both sought to resume limited flying to China in June, although the country remains largely closed to foreigners, and has stringent quarantine requirements for those entering. Both airlines have submitted applications to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). American Airlines has suspended its service to China through at least October. The CAAC, however, ordered airlines to use their flight schedules from the week of March 16 as a benchmark to determine how many flights they can operate to the country going forward, according to CNN. US carriers began reducing flights to the Chinese mainland in February, and suspended routes altogether by March as demand plummeted in the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak. That means that the US airlines have a bench mark of zero flights. The CAAC restriction stems from concerns that a resumption of international travel will bring imported cases of COVID-19 to China, following efforts to stamp out new cases in the country. On May 22, the US began requiring Chinese airlines to file flight applications with the Department of Transportation in retaliation for the restriction against US airlines, according to CNN. Once applications were submitted, the US said it would assess whether the flights "may be contrary to applicable law or adversely affect the public interest." Beijing denounced the restrictions. Chinese airlines remained service to the US throughout the pandemic, despite little demand for travel between the countries. Read the original article on Business Insider A lifeguard wearing a protective facemask checks the distance between sun beds at Fregene beach near Rome. (Photo: AFP/Tiziana Fabi) Gondolas are ready to punt along Venice's canals, lovers will be able to act out Romeo and Juliet on Verona's famed balcony, and gladiator fans can pose for selfies at Rome's Colosseum. But there were fears many foreign tourists would be put off coming to a country still shaking off a vicious pandemic. "Come to Calabria. There's only one risk: That you'll get fat," the southern region's governor Jole Santelli said on Sunday as the race began to lure big spenders - or any spenders - back to Italy's sandy shores. Italy was the first European country to be hit hard by the coronavirus and has officially reported more than 33,000 deaths. It imposed an economically crippling lockdown in early March and has since seen its contagion numbers drop off dramatically. With the country facing its deepest recession since World War II, it needs foreigners to return, and quickly. But it is still reporting dozens of new cases a day, particularly in the northern Lombardy region, and experts warn the government may be being hasty in permitting travel between regions and abroad. "LIKE A LEPER" International flights were only expected to resume in three main cities: Milan, Rome and Naples. And there were concerns that those who usually come in by car, train or ferry from neighbouring countries would go elsewhere on their holidays. Switzerland has warned its citizens that if they go to Italy they will be subject to "health measures" on their return. The country will open its borders with Germany, France and Austria on Jun 15, but not with Italy. Austria is lifting restrictions in mid-June with Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary - but again, not Italy, described last week by Vienna's health minister as "still a hotspot". Other countries, such as Belgium and Britain, are still advising against, or forbidding, all non-essential travel abroad. In response to perceived anti-Italian sentiment, Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio has warned countries not to treat Italy "like a leper". He said Saturday he would be travelling to Germany, Slovenia and Greece to persuade them Italy is safe for foreign tourists. Arrivals in Italy from Europe will not be required to self-isolate unless they have recently travelled from another continent. TOO EXPENSIVE Italy's lockdown has had a particularly devastating effect on the tourism sector, which amounts to around 13 per cent of gross domestic product. Historic sites were shut, restaurants closed, and hotels were used to care for coronavirus sick. Restaurants, cafes and beach establishments have slowly reopened over the past two weeks - although the government has said it reserves the right to impose localised lockdowns if it sees contagion numbers rise. But only 40 of Rome's 1,200 hotels have reopened, the Corriere della Sera newspaper said Monday, and just a dozen in Milan. It costs too much to open them if they will just stand empty. "My hoteliers all want to reopen, but as long as the borders remain closed, it's not possible," Marco Michielli, deputy head of hoteliers' association Federalberghi, said Saturday. Italy's national tourism agency (ENIT) said around 40 per cent of Italians traditionally travel abroad for their holidays, but could be forced this year to vacation at home, helping local businesses. That may be little comfort to those running the country's costly historic sites, because most of the tens of thousands of visitors that usually flock daily to the Tower of Pisa, Pantheon or Pompeii come from abroad. New Delhi: Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, on Wednesday (June 3) expressed shock over the tragic death of a pregnant elephant in Kerala's Malappuram district. Ratan Tata took to social media to express his grief and tweeted, "I am grieved and shocked to know that a group of people caused the death of an innocent, passive, pregnant elephant by feeding the elephant with a pineapple filled with firecrackers." "Such criminal acts against innocent animals are no different than acts of meditated murder against other humans. Justice needs to prevail," Tata added. Earlier in the day, BJP MP and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi also flayed the CPM-led Kerala government over the shocking incident. ANI quoted her as saying "It's murder, Malappuram is famous for such incidents, it's India's most violent district, for instance, they throw poison on roads so that 300-400 birds and dogs die at one time." She also questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for not taking any action as he represents one of the Lok Sabha seats from Kerala. An FIR has reportedly been lodged against unidentified people under relevant sections of the Wild Life Protection Act, according to forest range officer from Mannarkkad. The details of the incident were shared by Forest officer Mohan Krishnan on his Facebook page. Forest officials reportedly tried to rescue the innocent animal but failed in their attempt. The cracker explosion in the pregnant elephant's mouth is understood to have injured her tongue and mouth. She was unable to eat anything because of her injuries and later died. President Donald Trump attempted to register to vote in Florida last year, despite claiming that his legal residence was in Washington, DC, according to reports. Florida requires people who vote in their elections to legally reside in the state, but Mr Trump initially listed his legal residence as the White House when he attempted to register to vote last year. According to his registration form, that was obtained by the Washington Post, in September 2019, Mr Trump initially put the White House down as his legal residence, but wrote that he was a bona fide resident of Palm Beach, Florida. A month later, Mr Trump resubmitted his form, and this time put his Mar-a-Lago resort, located in Palm Beach, down as his legal residence, according to the paper. Mr Trump was registered to vote in the state after his second submission, and the president voted by mail in the Republican primary held in Florida, in March 2020. Mr Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, changed their legal residence from Washington DC to Florida last year. Sources close to the president told the New York Times that the decision was made for tax reasons, but Mr Trump has not made the reason public. The maximum penalty for submitting false information when registering to vote in Florida, is a $5,000 (3,974) fine and five years in prison. A city manager who put the wrong residence on his form was recently fined the maximum amount, but avoided jail time. Mr Trump has spoken publicly against people being able to vote by mail in this years presidential election, citing falsely that it will cause a large increase in voting fraud. Officials from both the Democratic and Republican parties have called for voting by mail to be extended for the November election, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Last month, the president tweeted: The United States cannot have all Mail In Ballots. It will be the greatest Rigged Election in history. He then added, falsely and without citing any evidence, that people grab them from mailboxes, print thousands of forgeries and force people to sign. Also, forge names. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment. An Australian journalist has been ambushed by protesters who gathered in London in support of George Floyd. Ben Avery, a Europe correspondent for Channel Nine, had crossed live to the Today show from London when he was approached by several rioters, including one who stole his microphone. There is a heavy police presence in British capital as demonstrations gain momentum throughout the city. The protests follow more than a week of out-of-control riots throughout the United States following the death of 46-year-old George Floyd while in the custody of four Minneapolis police officers. Police holding back protesters in Parliament Square in London on June 3 following nine days of riots in the US White cop Derek Chauvin was filmed with his knee pressed against Mr Floyd's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, even after he lost consciousness. He has been charged with second degree murder, while the three other officers have been charged with aiding and abetting murder. Several Australian journalists covering protests in Floyd's honour have been caught up in the rising tensions since his death. Footage shows the moment Mr Avery was ushered through a tunnel to 'escape danger', only to be set upon by protesters. Mr Avery later told the Today show he was alright following the incident. 'We'd been trying to walk away from the danger here, but it's been following us,' he said. Ben Avery, a UK correspondent for Channel Nine, had crossed live to the Today show when he was approached by several rioters, including one who snatched his microphone The crew were approached from behind by a man who snatched the microphone from Mr Avery's hand and ran from the scene Black Lives Matter messages were painted on walls throughout London Footage of the moments leading up to the attack show groups of protesters approaching Avery and his cameraman as they back away into a nearby tunnel. While their attention was on the group in front of them, they were approached from behind by another man who snatched the microphone from Mr Avery's hand and ran from the scene. The journalist and cameraman then ran from the area, ending the live broadcast. Later in the segment, the news desk confirmed they had been in touch with Mr Avery and he was safe. 'Police have got to that area now to control the crowd,' host Karl Stefanovic said. Footage of the moments leading up to the attack show groups of protesters approaching Avery and his cameraman as they back away into a tunnel There is currently a heavy police presence in the streets of London as demonstrations gain momentum throughout the city. Mr Avery took this photo prior to the incident Ben Avery is a Europe correspondent with Nine News, and has been with the network since 2010 'Certainly those tensions have started to lift in the last half hour... It's got a little bit dangerous for people.' The incident comes just hours after fellow European correspondent Sophie Walsh was assaulted by a man saying: 'Allahu Akbar' during a cross to the Adelaide studio. The 34-year-old was visibly shaken as she told her colleagues she was attacked by a man during the riots. 'Sorry, I just... I just had someone come up and try and... yeah. A man just came up and grabbed me. It's okay... A man just came up and grabbed me though,' she said. Her cameraman, Jason Conduit, chased the man down while 'armed with a light stand'. Pictured: A man kicks out a store front window during a protest on Thursday in St. Paul, Minnesota Washington DC: Protesters holding banners march from Capitol Hill toward the White House during a rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd on Saturday On Thursday morning, Ms Walsh told Today she thought she could have died. 'Definitely pretty rattled still,' she said. 'I don't think anyone knows the sound of their true scream until they're in a situation like that where they feel like it's a life or death scenario. 'He had a hand in his pocket. I thought: does he have a knife and will he start stabbing us?' Ms Walsh said she feared he was wearing a suicide vest and couldn't shake the realisation that it was the third anniversary of the terror attacks on London Bridge. The man was eventually arrested without further incident. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused the United States of duplicity in the wake of the death of an unarmed African-American in police custody in Minnesota. In a speech in Tehran on June 3 to mark the anniversary of the 1989 death of the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei claimed in the televised address that "they kill people in an obvious crime and they do not offer an apology while claiming [to support] human rights." Iranian officials have in recent days expressed support for protesters that have taken to the streets of dozens of U.S. cities to denounce racial injustice. Iran is often criticized by rights groups over serious human rights abuses, including the November killing of protesters during antiestablishment demonstrations sparked by a sharp rise in fuel prices. An Iranian lawmaker said earlier this week that 230 people were killed in the crackdown, though rights group Amnesty International has said at least 300 died. Iran routinely uses force to crush anti-government protests in the country. "Apparently, the African-American man who was killed there was not a human being," Khamenei added in the speech, which took place as part of a major annual commemoration for Khomeini that was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Khamenei described George Floyd's death on May 25, including his "I can't breathe" cries, and said that the incident was nothing new. "This is the American nature. This is what Americans have been doing to the whole world," said Khamenei, who has the last word in the Islamic republic. With reporting by IRNA and AP The Cambodian Ministry of Labor on Tuesday said it was postponing the biannual indemnity payments to workers in the garment and footwear sector, in order to provide some relief to employers and factory owners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers and unionists were quick to reject this move and said they were already facing a loss of salary on account of a large number of factories suspending production and that they needed these indemnity payments to try and sustain their households. The Labor Ministry statement released on Tuesday announced that all seniority indemnity payments would be pushed back to 2021 to help business owners, who have complained that international brands have reduced their orders or were not accepting completed orders. Labor Ministry spokesperson Heng Sour did not answer questions about the new move, asking VOA Khmer to refer to the contents of the statement. It is not clear if the indemnity payments for 2020 will be paid alongside the payments for 2021. Starting 2019, Cambodia amended its labor regulations to introduce a biannual seniority payment based on the experience and number of years worked. This then did away with severance payments, also called dismissal indemnity, which was applicable only if an employee was unilaterally terminated. Ken Loo, secretary-general of the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia, said he did not know if employers had made the request, but that it followed Prime Minister Hun Sens announcement to delay indemnity payments. We have also received an announcement. We are not sure yet, he said. We will also ask the ministry for clarification. If you have question, ask the ministry. A large number of factories have suspended their operation in Cambodia, affecting the critical garment and footwear sectors, which employ at least 750,000 workers. Ken Loo said 259 factories had suspended their operations due the pandemic-induced economic slowdown. The government had announced that it would pay garment workers $70 a month if they had been suspended from work, $30 of which would come from the factories. On May 26, Heng Sour told the Phnom Penh Post that around 33,000 workers would receive these governments part of the payment through Wing. A Labor Ministry statement from Monday said that 25,588 workers from the tourism and garment sectors would get payments as well, the second such tranche of payments. Douk Sovann, a unionist for the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Union at Yi Da Manufacturer in Kandal, said workers did not have enough money to cover expenses, and indemnity payments would help alleviate some of these concerns. She said workers get between $60 to $200 through these payments. When workers were suspended they were out of work, they couldn't afford to buy food like when they had jobs, she said. Oeun Sareth, a worker at Apple Apparel (Cambodia) factory, was worried because the factory had announced they would temporarily suspend operations starting July. She said the $200 she got every six months would be helpful if she faced financial shortfalls in the next few months. The ministry should not announce like this, she said. They should pity workers who are unemployed. When we see the announcement at the factory, we were immediately discouraged. Khun Tharo, a program coordinator at labor rights group Central, said the Ministry of Labor's announcement could benefit some employers, but would further hurt the workers, who without government support would result in a social instability and poverty. "There can be serious crisis such as social instability, social insecurity, the poverty count would rise, he said. And as poverty goes up, people have to think about their livelihoods and what they need to eat food. And then the protests or strikes may occur. Germanys Chancellor, Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that her administration will invest 130 billion euros into a stimulus package to kick-start the German economy. Outlining the proposed measures in a detailed 15-page document, Merkel said that families will receive 300 Euros for every child, and value-added tax will be temporarily slashed. Families will receive 300 euros for each child, while those who purchase electric cars will see a government rebate doubled to 6,000 euros. The size of the package will reach 130 billion euros for 2020 to 2021, 120 billion of which will be borne by the federal government, said Merkel. The fresh stimulus nicely tops up a 1.1 trillion euro rescue package issued recently in March, comprising loan guarantees, subsidies and a beefed-up shorter-hours programme to avoid job cuts. [June 03, 2020] AIG to Virtually Participate in the Morgan Stanley U.S. Financials Conference and Autonomous Future of Insurance Conference American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) today announced its virtual participation in the following upcoming financial conferences: Sabra Purtill, Senior Vice President, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Head of Investor and Rating Agency Relations, will participate in a fireside chat at the Morgan Stanley U.S. Financials Conference on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 1:45 p.m. ET. Christopher Schaper, CEO of AIG Re, will participate in a fireside chat at the Autonomous Future of Insurance Conference on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Links to both audio webcasts will be available in the Investors section of AIG's website, https://www.aig.com. American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a leading global insurance organization. AIG member companies provide a wide range of property casualty insurance, life insurance, retirement solutions, and other financial services to customers in more than 80 countries and jurisdictions. These diverse offerings include products and services that help businesses and individuals protect their assets, manage risks and provide for retirement security. AIG common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Additional informaton about AIG can be found at www.aig.com | YouTube (News - Alert): www.youtube.com/aig | Twitter (News - Alert): @AIGinsurance www.twitter.com/AIGinsurance | LinkedIn (News - Alert): www.linkedin.com/company/aig. These references with additional information about AIG have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. AIG is the marketing name for the worldwide property-casualty, life and retirement, and general insurance operations of American International Group, Inc. For additional information, please visit our website at www.aig.com. All products and services are written or provided by subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. Products or services may not be available in all countries and jurisdictions, and coverage is subject to underwriting requirements and actual policy language. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by independent third parties. Certain property-casualty coverages may be provided by a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds, and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005565/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Many students study with little thought about what comes after their study session. But what you do after studying could have an effect on how well you learn and remember new information. Today on Education Tips, we will explore two no-cost ways that can help you improve your learning: wakeful rest and sleep. Wakeful rest When many students finish studying, they often go straight to another activity. Perhaps they look at their phone or computer. They might even play a video game or watch television. But research suggests that resting after you study may help you remember what you studied. The basic idea is this: by reducing your activity after the study session, your brain gets a chance to rest. Resting is difficult when you have too much stimulation from electronic devices, games, lights and so on. While this might sound unusual to you, many studies have explored the benefits of resting after learning what is called wakeful rest. A study published in the Journal PLOS One examined how well older people who were in good health could remember certain words. In two different experiments, researchers found that older adults who rested for 10 minutes after learning new words had better memory of those words. A period of wakeful rest immediately after new learning boosts free recall of verbal material, the researchers wrote. The results were strong even after seven days, they added. A 2019 study found that both young and older adults were able to better remember, or recollect, information from prose passages after doing wakeful rest. The findings appeared in Neuroscience Letters. This study involved 45 younger people and 40 elderly adults. Wakeful resting led to higher overall recollection in both age groups, the researchers noted. If you want to give wakeful rest a try, here are a few simple things to do. Rest quietly for five to ten minutes. Do not look at your phone, read stories or play games. Just limit the amount of stimulation you get. It is really that easy! Sleep In addition to wakeful rest, sleep is also important for learning. The Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School notes that sleep helps people to learn in two ways. A report on the schools website explains that a sleep-deprived person cannot focus attention optimally and therefore cannot learn efficiently. It also says, sleep itself has a role in the consolidation of memory, which is essential for learning new information. Robert Stickgold is a doctor and sleep expert at Harvard Medical School. Speaking with the U.S. National Institutes of Health, or NIH, he noted that new memories can be hard to keep. When we first form memories, theyre in a very raw and fragile form, he said. Sleep is important for forming memories. Stickgold told the NIH you get very little benefit from cutting corners. The National Sleep Foundation suggests that adults between the ages of 18 and 64 get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per day. Teenagers may need slightly more, and people over the age of 65 may need a little less. Closing thoughts Now you have two suggestions for how to learn new information. Try to get some wakeful rest after a study session. Then try to get a good nights sleep. Thats it a simple, no-cost way to help you remember what you learn. You can include the ideas we discussed today with ideas we explored in other Education Tips stories. On those programs, we discussed what you can do before and during a study session to improve your learning. Im John Russell. John Russell wrote this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story session n. a period of time that is used to do a particular activity stimulation n. the action of fueling interest or activity in the body benefit n. a good effect or profit gained from something boost v. to increase or improve prose n. written or spoken language in its most simple form focus v. to cause (something, such as attention) to be directed at something specific + on optimally adv. formal: best or most effective consolidation n. the act of making something stronger or more secure fragile adj. not strong We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. Private equity investments in new start-ups or in growth businesses can produce high returns. The private equity funds in the top 25 percent for performance earned at least 16.2 percent over the 10 years that ended in September 2018, according to PitchBook. But that comes with myriad risks. As the term private equity suggests, investments can be opaque. Companies in such portfolios dont have to disclose as much information as publicly traded businesses. Investors also cant cash out as easily as they can with public investments. Money is often locked up for eight to 10 years at a time. And while private equity can score big by investing in the next Facebook, it can also lose money when a company doesnt get off the ground. According to the same PitchBook data, the bottom 10 percent of funds had negative returns over 10 years. In November, Andrea Seidt, the Ohio securities commissioner, told the federal Securities and Exchange Commission that a review of 100 enforcement actions over the prior two years a partial snapshot showed that more than 1,000 investors had lost in excess of $100 million in private offerings gone wrong. The private marketplace has become increasingly important as start-ups stay private longer. Also, there are half as many public companies as there were two decades ago, leaving fewer places for everyday investors to store their money. The Labor Department outlined the new guidance in coordination with the S.E.C. Jay Clayton, the commissions chairman, said in the statement that the clarification will provide our long-term Main Street investors with a choice of professionally managed funds that more closely match the diversified public and private market asset allocation strategies. The S.E.C. has supported giving smaller investors access to private equity through special investment vehicles that might work like mutual funds. Right now, only accredited investors those with at least $1 million in assets not including their home, or $200,000 in annual income can participate in private equity deals. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of a grain processing plant in Aghjabadi district, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani presidential press-service. Minister of Agriculture Inam Karimov informed the president about the plant. Actor Abhay Deol has slammed Indian celebrities whove voiced support for the Black Lives Matter movement, but allegedly ignored highlighting similar injustices in India. In a message posted on Instagram, the actor wrote, Migrant lives matter, poor lives matter, minority lives matter. Abhay shared a picture of these words, handwritten on a piece of paper. He captioned his post, Maybe its time for these now? Now that woke Indian celebrities and the middle class stand in solidarity with fighting systemic racism in America, perhaps theyd see how it manifests in their own backyard? America has exported violence to the world, they have made it a more dangerous place, it was but inevitable that it would come back karmically. Im not saying they deserve it, Im saying look at the picture in its totality. In recent days, Indian celebrities such as Karan Johar, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor Khan and others have posted on social media about the mass protests that erupted in the United States following the killing of a black man at the hands of a white policeman. Several observers, including actor Kangana Ranaut and politician Omar Abdullah, have pointed out that the same celebrities who are posting about American problems rarely highlight similar issues happening in India. Abhay continued, Im saying support them by calling out the systemic problems in your own country, because they turn out to be one and the same thing. Im saying follow their lead but not their actions. Create your own actions, your own movement, relevant to your own country. That is what the #blacklivesmatter movement is all about! In the larger picture, there is no us and them. There is not a country thats real. But a planet in peril. #migrantlivesmatter #minoritylivesmatter #poorlivesmatter #blacklivesmatter. The actors post has been liked close to 40000 times. So so true! Thank you for saying this. We need more influencers speaking up. Its saddening that the privileged of this country are so vocal for George Floyd (not that they shouldnt) but turn a blind eye to the migrants labourers, the Dalits and others facing discrimination in their own neighbourhood, one person wrote in the comments section. Thank you for not fearing to stand against all odds and voicing what is right. May people learn from you and kindness prevails, wrote another. Also read: Kangana Ranaut blasts Bollywood celebs for tweeting about Black Lives Matter, blames colonial slavery genes On Tuesday, Kangana had said in an interview, It is a shame they [Bollywood celebrities] continue to live in a bubble and never fail to jump on the bandwagon, which can give them two minutes of fame, but white people must drive the bandwagon. Perhaps, it is because of their pre-independence colonial slavery genes. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ST. LOUIS, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the ongoing financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Ameren Missouri will provide $3.5 million in additional energy assistance funds to customers across the state. The funding is on top of the $1 million of support announced in March and offers a fresh start for families in need. The COVID-19 Clean Slate program, which starts today, will include $3 million to help thousands of Ameren Missouri's most vulnerable customers pay off their past-due utility bills. Multiple community partners and agencies will participate in administering the program, which is designed to help income-eligible customers clear the remaining balance on their account after paying 25% of the current balance. For example, customers in a four-person household making up to $45,850 a year, or $3,821 per month, are eligible to apply. Details regarding an additional $500,000 for energy assistance will be announced later this year. In addition, Ameren Missouri is partnering with Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org to help at-risk families and seniors stay cool and safe. Today Ameren Missouri donated 1,000 energy efficient air conditioners, 1,000 four-packs of LED light bulbs and $500,000 to Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org to support the most vulnerable customers in St. Louis and eastern Missouri. The air conditioners are ENERGY STAR-certified units, and on average, cost less than a dollar a day to operate. "There are a lot of Missouri families struggling right now and having to make some tough financial decisions in light of this pandemicwe get that and we want to help," said Marty Lyons, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. "Our COVID-19 Clean Slate program is similar to one we had following the economic crisis in 2009, which helped thousands of Missourians pay off their energy bills. With so many customers in need today, we felt it was important to bring back the program, which is why we worked closely with the Missouri Office of the Public Council to make this happen." Lyons added: "The summer heat in our region can be extremely dangerous for people without access to air conditioning, particularly for seniors and those with medical conditions. Our partnership with Cooldownstlouis.org, Cooldownmissouri.org and community action agencies from across our service territory helps ensure our customers can stay safe and healthy as temperatures begin to rise." This year's air conditioner donation marks the 15th anniversary of Ameren Missouri's partnership with Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org, resulting in thousands of window air conditioning units delivered to qualified seniors and physically disabled customers across the region. "We know the economic impact of the coronavirus is far-reaching and worrisome for so many families," said Tara Oglesby, vice president of customer experience for Ameren Missouri. "In some cases, this has led to high customer bill balances, which is why we created the $3 million COVID-19 Clean Slate program to stabilize the situation and help these customers in need get a fresh start by helping with their utility bill balances." Funding through the COVID-19 Clean Slate program will be available starting today (June 3) and is expected to benefit approximately 9,000 households. Ameren Missouri has extended its suspension of service disconnections and late fees until at least July 1. Customers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to see if they are eligible and before their outstanding balance becomes overwhelming. Information about the COVID-19 Clean Slate program can be found at AmerenMissouri.com/CleanSlate, or by calling Ameren Missouri at 800-552-7583. Also starting this week (June 1), assistance dollars are available to eligible customers through the Missouri Family Support Division's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Ameren Missouri encourages customers to apply for funding assistance through LIHEAP. LIHEAP's Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) helps pay up to $300 toward fuel bills when a household's energy is shut off or at risk of disconnection. Customers who need help with their energy bills can apply for energy assistance through: COVID-19 Clean Slate Program Apply online by visiting AmerenMissouri.com/CleanSlate, or by calling Ameren Missouri at 800-552-7583. Apply online by visiting AmerenMissouri.com/CleanSlate, or by calling Ameren Missouri at 800-552-7583. LIHEAP Contact your local Community Action agency or call 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) to request an application. Contact your local Community Action agency or call 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) to request an application. Cooldownmissouri.org Funds are available for the elderly and physically disabled, and low-to-moderate income families. Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 132,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri. About Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org Cooldownstlouis.org is a bi-state non-profit dedicated to providing education and resources to help the most vulnerable citizens, especially seniors, low-income families, and the physically disabled. The organization works with more than 34 agencies to make sure utility bills are paid and the community's most vulnerable citizens have access to energy-efficient air conditioners they need to stay safe. Editor's note: soundbites and video B-roll are available here. SOURCE Ameren Missouri Related Links https://www.ameren.com/missouri In Texas, I had a tooth extraction on May 15 and developed an infection. I called my dentist, who prescribed a round of antibiotics. I was supposed to get the stitches out, but because of my fever, I was asked to get a COVID-19 test. I called my doctor, who told me they had no tests. I asked where I could get one, and they didnt know. I asked Siri for COVID-19 testing near me, and found an emergency room. I called them and they said they are testing. However, they dont take Medicare, but I could self-pay for $275. They said a hospital takes Medicare. when I called them they transferred me to their COVID-19 hotline which just kept looping with useless information. My primary called back and said they located a test and I could do a drive up test in two days. Mayor Jim Kenney and Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said yesterday that the police use of tear gas against people protesting was a last resort, while also criticizing how officers dealt with simmering vigilantism in Fishtown. Meanwhile, thousands continued to peacefully protest police brutality and the killing of George Floyd. Former Vice President Joe Biden was also in Philadelphia yesterday, giving a speech on the day when Pennsylvanians had the opportunity to vote for him and others in the primary election. Josh Rosenblat (@joshrosenblat, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) Breaking News: The Frank Rizzo statue was removed from Thomas Paine Plaza overnight. Follow here for more details. The past week of protests has brought up a conversation community leaders say Philadelphia has deferred for too long. The underlying message is about the generations of government-sanctioned racism, violence, divestment, and oppression that must end, and that this week of protests and riots must lead to substantive change. And its a conversation that wasnt made easier by some of what happened earlier this week. Elected officials and others are questioning why police rained tear gas on people in a demonstration on I-676 and the videos that surfaced of an officer ripping face masks off kneeling protesters to douse their faces with pepper spray. Some Fishtown residents said they were assaulted and threatened by men with baseball bats as Philly police stood by, and people damaged, set fire to, and robbed stores in the city and suburbs. All of that has happened with the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, which has led Kenney to propose layoffs and budget slashes to initiatives focused on youth violence prevention, workforce development, and arts and culture. But in that same budget, the Philadelphia Police Department is slated to get $14 million more than what the mayor originally proposed. The budget, activists say, symbolizes Kenneys priorities. On the day where Pennsylvanians had the chance to cast their ballots for the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, ex-Vice President Joe Biden spoke in Philly about the converging crises of police brutality, protests, riots, and the coronavirus. He criticized President Donald Trump and promised to put racial equality at the forefront of his presidency. But those who wished to vote for Biden and others experienced an unprecedented primary election day in Pennsylvania, where the coronavirus pandemic led to record numbers of mail-in ballots. In part because of that, we wont have the full results right away. But heres a rundown of primary-related news from the region, including four polling locations in Northwest Philly that got the wrong voting machines. What you need to know today Photo gallery: Yesterdays protests in Philadelphia The tone in Philadelphia was decidedly different from previous days, as protests and actions continued across the city. Heres what it looked like. Thats interesting Opinions Officers told us we would all be issued citations but would be free by the end of the night. I was shaky, but I knew that as a white woman, I would probably be fine, and I knew that for many others around the country, that wasnt always the case. reporter Kristen A. Graham writes about her experience of being arrested while covering protests and the police in Philadelphia yesterday. This week, President Trump declared war on America, columnist Will Bunch writes. How should policing change? Share your thoughts with The Inquirer. What were reading Longreads explores the history behind one of the most unique ways to score a goal in the NHL: lacrosse-style. ProPublica investigated a Treasury Department official who is playing a major role in the coronavirus bailout. His familys investment firm has been a major beneficiary. Your Daily Dose of | The Hair Healer Colleen Dixon is a hair stylist and astrologer who spent more than a decade helping people be happier with their appearance. Her next step: helping people become happier in general. Her conversations with her clients in Narberth inspired her to launch The Hair Healer podcast this year. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cypress Development Corp. (TSX-V:CYP) (OTCQB:CYDVF) (Frankfurt:C1Z1), 2020, the full Prefeasibility Study (PFS) of the Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada, U.S.A. was filed on SEDAR and is available on the Company's web site. The PFS was prepared by Continental Metallurgical Services (CMS) and Global Resource Engineering (GRE) and has an Effective Date of May 19, 2020. Todd Fayram (CMS), Terre Lane (GRE), and Daniel Kalmbach are the authors. Highlights from the PFS and news release are as follows: Average production rate of 15,000 tonnes per day to produce 27,400 tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) annually over a +40-year mine life. Capital cost estimate of US$493 million, pre-production, and operating cost estimate averaging US$3,329* per tonne LCE. (* see Note) After-tax net present value at an 8% discount rate (NPV-8%) of US$1.052 billion and an after-tax internal rate of return (IRR) of 25.8% based on a price of $9,500/tonne for lithium carbonate. Production based on Probable Mineral Reserve of 222 million tonnes averaging 1,141 ppm Li (1.353 Mt LCE). Mineral Reserves and production plan derived from Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 593 million tonnes averaging 1,073 ppm Li (3.387 Mt LCE). Next Steps: Throughout 2019 and 2020, the Company focused on completing the PFS. During this time, the Company engaged with interested parties in discussing ways to move the project forward. With the next step a pilot plant program, as recommended in the PFS, Cypress intends to invite proposals that can add value to the project and the Company through financial, technical, operating or marketing capabilities. "We are extremely pleased with the effort of Cypress' staff and consultants to bring the project to this level of interest and look forward to securing a partner to achieve the next step in development," noted Cypress CEO Bill Willoughby. "We thank the authors of the PFS, Mr. Fayram, Ms. Lane and Mr. Kalmbach, and are grateful for the assistance of Dr. Brereton and Mr. Mielke from NORAM Engineering and Constructors Ltd. (NORAM), and input from our technical advisor, Dr. Corby Anderson." In preparation for the pilot plant program, the following work is underway, core logging and analyses on several drill holes, supplemental metallurgical tests, and environmental studies. In the past week, another large sample was leached and filtered at Continental Metallurgical Services (CMS) in Butte, Montana and the filtrate shipped to NORAM in Vancouver, BC for further work to test the NORAM-CMS flowsheet under varying conditions. Testing thus far has yielded concentrated lithium solution suitable for producing high purity lithium hydroxide. The recommendations in the PFS are to study the process with a pilot plant and simulate all key functions of a full-scale operation. Planning for the collection of material for the pilot plant program is underway. The time frame and cost for the pilot plant program are estimated in the PFS at six months and US$ 6.75 million. Cypress CEO Bill Willoughby notes "Our team consistently met the challenges presented to us throughout the PFS. Every step was a learning process and we are confident that appreciation for this work and our asset base in Clayton Valley will carry the project forward through the next phase." Note: The May 19, 2020 New Release contained two typographic errors where the production cost was listed as $3,392/tonne. The correct value is $3,329/tonne. Qualified Persons: Todd Fayram, MMSA-QP, of Continental Metallurgical Services, LLC., Terre Lane, MMSA-QP, of Global Resource Engineering, and Daniel Kalmbach, CPG, are the qualified persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and have approved the technical information in this release. About Cypress Development Corp.: Cypress Development Corp. is a publicly traded exploration company focused on developing the Company's 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project, located immediately east of Albemarle's Silver Peak mine, North America's only lithium brine operation. Exploration and development by Cypress has discovered an extensive deposit of lithium-bearing claystone adjacent to the brine field. The size of the resource makes the Project a premier target with the potential to impact the future supply of lithium for the fast-growing global lithium-ion battery market. Cypress Development Corp. has approx. 90.1 million shares issued and outstanding. To find out more about Cypress Development Corp.), visit our website at www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com. CYPRESS DEVELOPMENT CORP. "Dr. Bill Willoughby" WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE Chief Executive Officer For further information contact myself or: Don Myers Cypress Development Corp. Director, Corporate Communications Telephone: 604-639-3851 Toll Free: 800-567-8181 Facsimile: 604-687-3119 Email: info@cypressdevelopmentcorp.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.comfor further information. A new energy supplier is set to hit the Northern Ireland market - creating 15 new jobs. Bright has been set up by brothers Ciaran and Stephen Devine in partnership with forecourt retailer Maxol. The pair are also behind plans for a 300m gas power station at Belfast Harbour. The new firm uses a software platform to offer what it says is just one simple tariff and provide customers with affordable green electricity at a fair and transparent price. Bright has created 15 new jobs at its Belfast HQ where it will manage its island-wide operations and plans to double its workforce in the coming months. The firm says following it will be launched in the Republic of Ireland at the end of June and will be rolled out across Northern Ireland in late summer. The electricity supply market in Northern Ireland is overly complicated and it doesnt need to be Ciaran Devine says. Brights beauty is in its simplicity. We are offering one simple variable rate tariff to everyone thats it. So, when prices fall, savings can be passed on to Brights customers, the way it should be. Were also looking forward to bringing brights tech-driven, transparent approach to the gas supply market later this year. That will allow our customers to easily manage their gas and electricity using our app. So, theyll no longer need to deal with different suppliers and dozens of confusing tariffs. Weve seen recently how technology can be used to make peoples lives easier and thats what we want bright to do. Were not just another supplier, were here to fundamentally change how this market works by putting the power in consumers hands. Brian Donaldson, chief executive of The Maxol Group said: This is a significant move for Maxol as we look to diversify our business by making a move into the renewable energy sector. Such a move was an intrinsic part of our growth and diversification strategy, but it was crucial that we partnered with the right people with the experience, technical know-how, entrepreneurial spirit and vision to make it happen. Actors and Bollywood beloved senior couple, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary on Wednesday. To join the celebrations we are bringing you the 10 times he shared pictures and posts dedicated to his wife on his Instagram account. Sharing the story behind them tying the knot on that day, Amitabh wrote on Instagram, 47 years .. today .. June 3, 1973 .. !! Had decided if Zanjeer would succeed, we would along with a few friends go to London for the first time .. My Father asked who you going with ? When i told him who , he said you must marry her before you go .. else you dont go .. So .. I obeyed .. !! The first couple of Bollywood starred together in iconic movies like Silsila, Abhiman, Chupke Chupke, Mili and more. They tied the knot in 1973 and the story behind their wedding is quite interesting. Amitabh and Jaya were wanted to celebrate the success of their film Zanjeer with a trip to London with their friends but his father Harivanshrai Bachchan flat out refused. Check out their pics: Seeking or rather informing parents that we were a group of friends going to England .. who all are going came the query from Babuji .. names disclosed .. Jaya is also going with you .. you both are alone .. yes .. if you have to go marry and go, he once wrote on his blog. So Amitabh and Jaya decided to tie the knot the very next day and catch their flight to London at night. I dress up in formal marriage Indian .. get into my car and want to drive to Malabar Hill where her friends lived and where the ceremony was to be done .. my driver Nagesh, pushes me out and insist he would drive me to the wedding .. the substitute for the tradition horse... off I went .. wedding over in a few hours .. done .. Mr and Mrs proclaimed .. over !!, he wrote. Also see | Happy birthday R Madhavan: 10 photos that will rekindle your childhood crush on him. See here A few years ago, he made another blog post about his marriage. You see a picture, you work together, you spend time, you decide, you marry .. you have children, you have grandchildren, and you realise that there are not many that are blessed so .. so you thank the Almighty, the times of the day and the unknown force that brings all this together, he had written in 2014. This year, however, Amitabh and Jaya will not be able to celebrate their anniversary together. Jaya is still in Delhi where she spent all two months of lockdown while the rest of her family is in Mumbai. Hopefully, the actor will treat us to a sweet throwback picture or another fun story about his wedding. Follow @htshowbiz for more Students show their foreheads for temperature checks before entering classrooms at Jeonnam High School in Gwangju, Wednesday. Schools reopened to about 1.78 million additional students nationwide on the day under the government's third phase of reopenings. / Yonhap By Jun Ji-hye Korea is aiming to develop treatments for COVID-19 by the end of the year and vaccines by next year, Health and Welfare Minister Park Neung-hoo said Wednesday, vowing to offer full support to promising pharmaceutical companies. "We will fully support promising companies and gather all the abilities of universities, research institutions, hospitals and the government with an aim of developing treatments this year and vaccines next year," Park said during a meeting of a government committee for COVID-19 treatment and vaccine development. He said the government plans to offer more than 100 billion won ($82 million) in emergency aid through a supplementary budget to achieve the goal. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), 49 new infections were detected Tuesday, bringing the country's total to 11,590. There was one more death, pushing the toll to 273. Of the 49 cases, 48 emerged in Seoul and nearby areas including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province. Most were traced to gatherings at churches. The KCDC noted that the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has decided to allow special imports of remdesivir, developed by the U.S. biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences. The antiviral drug has appeared to be promoting recovery in moderately ill COVID-19 patients, according to the drugmaker. The decision on special imports came following a request from the KCDC. Korea is yet to complete clinical tests on the new drug. The special import of medicine needs approval by the drug safety minister, though their clinical tests are yet to be completed here. In a bid to enhance the independence and professionalism of the KCDC, the government is moving to restructure the health ministry and the organization, according to the Ministry of Interior and Safety. The plan calls for elevating the status of the KCDC to make it an independent institution that has autonomy in managing budget and personnel matters, among others. Meanwhile, schools reopened to about 1.78 million additional students nationwide on Wednesday, under the government's third phase of reopenings. However, about 510 schools postponed the move and returned to online classes amid lingering concerns over further infection clusters, Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae said, noting that authorities remain on high alert. The fourth and final phase of school reopenings is scheduled for Monday. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Police at the entrance of the downtown Clevelands Justice Center during Saturdays George Floyd protests gave no audible warning before they began blasting flash grenades, canisters of tear gas, pepper balls and wooden bullets into a crowd of demonstrators, multiple legal observers and witnesses told cleveland.com. The crowd caused minor damage to the Justice Center and chucked fruit, vegetables and plastic water bottles toward police, the witnesses said. It was only after officers seemingly without warning began dousing people with pepper spray and shooting crowd control devices into the group that the damage became widespread and spread to the rest of the city, the legal observers and witnesses said. At least two legal observers who were wearing identifying bright green hats or armbands got pepper-sprayed in the melee. Wooden bullets struck others across the street, and a tear gas canister hit another in the eye. Several people in the middle and back of the massive crowd that had no idea police had deemed the gathering illegal were also struck as they stood peacefully still. Many people in the crowd cited the police departments response during those minutes outside the Justice Center as a dangerous escalation that intensified the crowds reaction. Three legal observers and four witnesses, as well as several videos reviewed by cleveland.com, said they heard no order to disperse and were surprised to see the city claim in a Monday night news release that a supervisor using a portable sound system gave multiple orders to disperse before police resorted to the non-lethal crowd control munitions. Video recorded by cleveland.com shows an incident commander reading what appears to be a dispersal order into a bullhorn as she approached the crowd with officers in riot gear in tow. The commander was around a corner and behind the crowd that was chanting loudly in the opposite direction, the video showed. The commanders order could barely be heard over the crowd and the constant honking of car horns in the video, which was recorded by an editor standing less than 50 feet away who was separate from the crowd. Cleveland police spokesman Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia, on Tuesday, insisted that the department has body camera video of the commander giving three warnings for the crowd to disperse, beginning at 3:37 p.m. on Saturday. Cleveland.com asked for the video on Monday, and Ciaccia as of 8 a.m. Wendesday had yet to provide it to cleveland.com. There were no dispersal orders that we heard, said Sarah Gelsomino, a lawyer at the Friedman and Gilbert law firm who was one of about a dozen legal observers present on behalf of the National Lawyers Guild. Not a one. Dana Beveridge, another legal observer present on behalf of the National Lawyers Guild, said she saw a Cleveland police supervisor in a white uniform shirt holding what looked like a bullhorn. I was in the front line at this time and never saw her raise the bullhorn, nor heard her make any announcements with it, Beveridge said. I heard no other audio announcements before hearing the explosion of a flash-bang grenade which sent many of the crowd running down the steps. Another legal observer, as well as two witnesses who spoke to cleveland.com on the condition they not be named, also confirmed that they saw the supervisor carrying the bullhorn, but never saw or heard her use it. I never for one second heard any voice amplification from any police officer of any rank whatsoever throughout the entire day, the lawyer who wished to remain anonymous said. One of the witnesses, a government worker who wished not to be named to protect his position, and an acquaintance, did not hear the supervisor give any orders. If she said anything, you couldnt hear it, the man said. Then they just started shooting that stuff at us and throwing those smoke bombs. Julian Khan, a community organizer in Clevelands Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood, also said he heard no orders to disperse given outside the Justice Center. The first flash bang of the Cleveland #BLM protest earlier today pic.twitter.com/Q0VeTZVTiS Niccolo (@_makaweli) May 30, 2020 Cleveland police policy says that the scene commander at a mass gathering must give verbal communications to a crowd that are loud enough for a police officer in or behind the crowd to verify having heard them. The commander should also assume a vantage point that is visible to the entire crowd, the policy says. Videos taken and posted to social media show that a few hundred people crowded the buildings doors and windows and started hanging signs and chanting. Eventually, the Cleveland police bike unit showed up and formed a line in front of the doors. A few demonstrators got between the crowd and the police officers as the crowd chanted slogans, including I cant breathe. Some people began spray-painting anti-police graffiti on the building as the chanting continued. A few threw items like plastic water bottles and fruit toward the line of officers. Videos show the bike officers spraying demonstrators with pepper spray. The city of Cleveland says that demonstrators then began to throw items including rocks at the officers and destroying property. The incident commander, whom the city has yet to identify, showed up along with a van full of Cleveland police in riot gear. The commander used an Amplivox portable sound system to give multiple orders to disperse, according to the citys release. When dispersal orders were ignored, and assaults on officers continued, officers deployed munitions including pepper spray, the release said. Protestors continued with criminal acts of violence including aggravated rioting and vandalism, which were countered by police with the use of less-lethal means including smoke. But the legal observers and witnesses who spoke to cleveland.com disputed the police departments accoun that officers were being pelted with rocks before using force on the crowd. The worst thing that was thrown at that Justice Center [at that time] was plastic water bottles, Gelsomino said. The government worker said, I didnt see no damn rocks. Khan also said he saw no rocks or projectiles being launched at police before they began firing tear gas and flash grenades. The lawyer who asked to remain unnamed said he saw some people throw broccoli and grapes in addition to water bottles. If there was damage, I dont know that it was more a crack in a window or two, or people spray painting stuff, he said. There was no obvious property damage before they started that stuff. Videos posted to social media from inside the crowd show people who were standing still, many holding their hands in the air or holding up signs, as canisters whizzed through the air, struck them and then exploded at their feet. Some demonstrators picked up canisters of tear gas and threw it back toward the police officers who fired them off. The officers then moved the crowd away from the Justice Center entrance and into Fort Huntington Park across Lakeside Avenue from the Justice Center, where they continued firing canisters and wooden bullets into the crowd, the videos show. Beveridge said she got struck with a pellet while she was standing in the park. Chanting Hands up, dont shoot as police throw more tear gas into the crowd of protestors. #clevelandprotest #riots2020 pic.twitter.com/d3mELGMXu1 no justice no peace (@rachelscotton) May 30, 2020 Gelsomino said one man, whose identity she does not know, was struck in the eye by one of the devices police deployed and she witnessed his eyeball dangling from his socket. She ran to a group of police officers, identified herself as a legal observer and begged them to send a medic to care for the man. They just stared at me and didnt move, Gelsomino said. Several minutes went by before Gelsomino said a supervisor in a white shirt told her that Cleveland EMS had already been called. Demonstrators carried the man to Ontario Street, where paramedics arrived and took him to a hospital, she said. Cleveland police officers reported minor injuries from the clash, the city said. Theres no doubt in my mind that the police instigated what happened in front of the Justice Center, the government worker said. They were not even trying to calm the crowd in any way. They were instigating that crowd. here is a video of police forces shooting, tear gassing, and throwing explosives at the protesters FOR NO REASON pic.twitter.com/SS57Sc8d0B Morgan Ringfield (@MorganRingfield) May 31, 2020 but these are the people that are supposed to protect us? this man clearly has his hands up but he is still shot at while having an explosive thrown at his body. why? all because he was standing up for the rights of African Americans. #BLACK_LIVES_MATTER #clevelandprotest pic.twitter.com/Q1JH9bgaCj Morgan Ringfield (@MorganRingfield) May 31, 2020 Read more stories Clevelands George Floyd protests went from an afternoon of peace to volatile in minutes: See the timeline None of 99 arrested during downtown Cleveland riots were from outside Ohio, countering Cleveland police chiefs statements Large police presence surrounds Clevelands First District station ahead of protest of George Floyd killing, law enforcement brutality Cleveland police chiefs approach to George Floyd protest a sharp contrast to de-escalation efforts during Tamir Rice, RNC demonstrations The coronavirus pandemic will shake West Australians' love affair with property to its core, industry groups predict, with the new home market expected to be particularly impacted as unemployment rises, migration falls, and the construction industry moves towards a cliff. Perth's Jordan Nix and his husband Steve purchased a block of land before the crisis with the intention to build by the end of the year, but when the pandemic hit they, like thousands of prospective home builders across the state, faced a tough decision. Home builders are set for a rough year. Credit:Erin Jonasson Thankfully both our jobs have been secured so our income hasn't been impacted and we made the decision to continue with the plans, Mr Nix said. It didn't make sense to stop and be stuck paying a mortgage on an empty block and rent at the same time. PLA Tibet military command holds nighttime high-altitude drills Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Source:Global Times Published: 2020/6/2 21:13:41 The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Tibet Military Command recently sent troops to a high-altitude region at an elevation of 4,700 meters at night for infiltration exercises behind enemy lines and tested their combat capability under a harsh environment. At 1:00 am at an undisclosed date, a PLA scout unit began to mobilize toward its target in the Tanggula Mountains. During the march, vehicles turned off their lights and used night vision devices to avoid hostile drone reconnaissance, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Monday. After encountering defensive obstacles built by the enemy, the scouts sent drones and dropped explosives to clear them. They engaged in combat when approaching the target, for which they sent a sniper unit to crack enemy spotlights and a fire strike team to destroy enemy light armored vehicles with anti-tank rockets. After neutralizing the defenses, the scout unit successfully launched the final assault on the enemy headquarters, in which commanders used a vehicle-mounted infrared reconnaissance system and guided the troops to lock in on targets and deliver fire strikes. More than 2,000 munitions, including mortar shells, rifle grenades and rockets were fired during the mock battle, Ma Qian, commander of the scout battalion involved in the drills, told CCTV. The exercises not only tested the results of the troops' training with newly commissioned equipment, but also placed them in an extremely complicated situation, Ma said. A retired PLA officer who was deployed in high altitude regions of Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region told the Global Times under condition of anonymity on Tuesday that nights in plateaus are very cold and the lack of oxygen at high elevations can cause problems for troops and hardware. Infiltrating behind enemy lines and launching an attack at a hostile command center at night can effectively win a small-scale conflict with only one battle, the veteran said, noting that the surprise factor would play a significant role. China and India share borders at the high altitude area, and incidents have recently occurred between the two countries' troops, and both sides reportedly reinforced deployments. China's Foreign Ministry on Monday stressed that the situation on the China-India border is stable and controllable, and diplomatic and military channels of communication between the two sides are unimpeded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address [June 03, 2020] Edge AI and Vision Alliance Announces 2020 Vision Product of the Year Award Winners SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Edge AI and Vision Alliance today announced the 2020 winners of the Vision Product of the Year Awards. The Awards recognize the innovation and excellence of the industry's leading technology companies that are enabling practical visual AI and computer vision. "We are seeing tremendous growth in the use of computer vision and visual AI to solve real-world problems in many industries. This growth is fueled by rapid innovation in building-block technologies, such as sensors and software tools," said Jeff Bier, Founder of the Edge AI and Vision Alliance. "Based on the assessment of our judges, the Vision Product of the Year Awards recognize products that are exemplary in terms of innovation and potential industry impact." The Vision Product of the Year Awards are open to all Edge AI and Vision Alliance Member companies. Entries are judged by an independent, expert panel and based on innovation, impact on customers and the market, and competitive differentiation. The winners and their reactions to their awards include: Best AI Processors: NVIDIA, Jetson Nano "We would like to thank the Edge AI and Vision Alliance for the 2020 Vision Product of the Year Award recognizing the NVIDIA Jetson Nano as the best AI processor," said Barrie Mullins, Director of Technical Product Marketing. "With cloud-native capabilities, Jetson customers, makers and educators can deploy low-latency multi-modal AI at the edge, future-proofing their deep learning applications to leverage complex, ever-changing models and datasets." Best Cameras or Sensors - iniVation, Dynamic Vision Platform "It's a great honor for us to win the 2020 Vision Product of he Year award in the category of Cameras and Sensors. At iniVation, our neuromorphic vision technology is enabling a whole new class of intelligent autonomous systems with improved speed and power efficiency compared to what is available on current devices," said Dr. Kynan Eng, Co-founder and CEO of iniVation. "Together with our customers and our sensor manufacturer, Samsung, we are looking forward to bringing the power of our neuromorphic sensing and process technology to real-world applications." Best AI Software or Algorithms - Morpho, Semantic Filtering "We are excited to have had Morpho products win Vision Product of the Year honors for three years in a row. Morpho's Semantic Filtering uses deep neural networks to understand the content of images and then applies different classical image processing techniques to different portions of images. Morpho has developed this technology in collaboration with Qualcomm, the leader in smartphone technologies. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Qualcomm to develop advanced technologies and products which lead the edge AI industry," said Masaki Hilaga, President and Chief Executive Officer of Morpho. Best Developer Tool: Intel Corporation, DevCloud for the Edge "We thank Edge AI and Vision Alliance for selecting Intel DevCloud for the Edge as the Vision Product of the Year in the Developer Tool category. This award validates the value of making it easy for developers to build vision-based solutions for the Edge and benchmark the results on multiple hardware options to evaluate model accuracy, performance, power, latency, and cost. It has been thrilling to see developers using it to create diverse AI solutions for the Edge," said Bill Pearson, Vice President & General Manager, Internet of Things Group - IoT Developer Enabling. Best Automotive Solutions: Horizon Robotics, Journey 2 "We are very excited that Horizon's Journey 2 AI processor won the Vision Product of the Year Award as the best automotive solution. This is the second year in a row we've won this award, which makes it even more special to us. Horizon robotics was founded in 2015 and is a pioneer and global leader in edge AI computing with a focus on ADAS, autonomous driving and artificial intelligence. Journey 2 is a new generation of edge AI processor that is a more efficient, cost-effective and high-performance solution for the smart mobility market," said Harvey Lyu, Head of Business Development at Horizon Robotics. About the Edge AI and Vision Alliance The Edge AI and Vision Alliance is a worldwide industry partnership bringing together technology providers and end-product companies who are creating and enabling innovative and practical applications for computer vision and edge AI. Membership is open to any company that supplies or uses technology for edge AI and vision systems and applications. For more information on the Alliance, visit https://www.edge-ai-vision.com/ . MEDIA CONTACT: Brianna Crowl Mob: +1 (760) 687-5110 Email: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/edge-ai-and-vision-alliance-announces-2020-vision-product-of-the-year-award-winners-301069933.html SOURCE Edge AI and Vision Alliance [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Indigenous model Samantha Harris has broken her silence about racism in Australia as George Floyd's death in police custody sparks protests around the world. The 29-year-old shared a photo of the Aboriginal flag to Instagram on Tuesday and said 'racism is alive in our own backyards'. 'It's disgusting what happened to George Floyd. He's not the first and sadly won't be the last hence why everyone is rioting in the U.S. Enough is enough. But it's also shed a light on what happens there on a daily basis,' she wrote. 'It's disgusting and has to change!' Model Samantha Harris said 'racism is alive in our own backyards' and called police murderers on Tuesday 'It's showing racism is alive and well not only in America but right here in our own backyard which I've shared stories about police brutality and deaths in custody in the past,' she continued. Samantha went on to say racism is 'disgusting and has to change' and added 'nothing seems to happen to these murderers also known as police'. 'If it was an everyday citizen that did that to someone they'd be in jail for murder obviously not all police officers act in this manner of brutality and assaulting civilians but as for the ones that do and when it goes bad and someone's loses their life there needs to be consequences,' she said. Racism: The 29-year-old shared a photo of the Aboriginal Flag to Instagram and said 'racism is alive in our own backyards' 'They need to be accountable for their actions. Assault is assault and murder is murder and it all starts with education on a number of levels.' Her post comes after protests and riots erupted across the U.S. after George Floyd, an unarmed black man, died in Minneapolis last Monday when a white cop pressed his knee against his neck for eight minutes. Mr Floyd had been accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a deli. 'They need to be accountable for their actions': Samantha said 'nothing seems to happen to these murderers also known as police' One of the officers involved, Derek Michael Chauvin, was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter days after footage of the incident went viral. Over the past week, protesters in the US have taken to the streets demanding reform after what many consider another senseless death and example of police brutality. On Saturday, Los Angeles descended into violence as cops in riot gear clashed with protesters who sprayed graffiti and torched police cruisers while officers shot rubber bullets into crowds and beat demonstrators with batons. Carrie Lam. AP-Yonhap About the size of a briefcase, the CubeSat was built to test new technologies but exceeded expectations by spotting a planet outside our solar system. Long before it was deployed into low-Earth orbit from the International Space Station in Nov. 2017, the tiny ASTERIA spacecraft had a big goal: to prove that a satellite roughly the size of a briefcase could perform some of the complex tasks much larger space observatories use to study exoplanets, or planets outside our solar system. A new paper soon to be published in the Astronomical Journal describes how ASTERIA (short for Arcsecond Space Telescope Enabling Research in Astrophysics) didn't just demonstrate it could perform those tasks but went above and beyond, detecting the known exoplanet 55 Cancri e. Scorching hot and about twice the size of Earth, 55 Cancri e orbits extremely close to its Sun-like parent star. Scientists already knew the planet's location; looking for it was a way to test ASTERIA's capabilities. The tiny spacecraft wasn't initially designed to perform science; rather, as a technology demonstration, the mission's goal was to develop new capabilities for future missions. The team's technological leap was to build a small spacecraft that could conduct fine pointing control -- essentially the ability to stay very steadily focused on an object for long periods. Based at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the mission team engineered new instruments and hardware, pushing past existing technological barriers to create their payload. Then they had to test their prototype in space. Though its prime mission was only 90 days, ASTERIA received three mission extensions before the team lost contact with it last December. The CubeSat used fine pointing control to detect 55 Cancri e via the transit method, in which scientists look for dips in the brightness of a star caused by a passing planet. When making exoplanet detections this way, a spacecraft's own movements or vibrations can produce jiggles in the data that could be misinterpreted as changes in the star's brightness. The spacecraft needs to stay steady and keep the star centered in its field of view. This allows scientists to accurately measure the star's brightness and identify the tiny changes that indicate the planet has passed in front of it, blocking some of its light. ASTERIA follows in the footsteps of a small satellite flown by the Canadian Space Agency called MOST (Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars), which in 2011 performed the first transit detection of 55 Cancri e. MOST was about six times the volume of ASTERIA -- still incredibly small for an astrophysics satellite. Equipped with a 5.9-inch (15-centimeter) telescope, MOST was also capable of collecting six times as much light as ASTERIA, which carried 2.4-inch (6-centimeter) telescope. Because 55 Cancri e blocks out only 0.04% of its host star's light, it was an especially challenging target for ASTERIA. "Detecting this exoplanet is exciting, because it shows how these new technologies come together in a real application," said Vanessa Bailey, the principal investigator for ASTERIA's exoplanet science team at JPL. "The fact that ASTERIA lasted more than 20 months beyond its prime mission, giving us valuable extra time to do science, highlights the great engineering that was done at JPL and MIT." Big Feat The mission made what's known as a marginal detection, meaning the data from the transit would not, on its own, have convinced scientists that the planet existed. (Faint signals that look similar to a planet transit can be caused by other phenomena, so scientists have a high standard for declaring a planet detection.) But by comparing the CubeSat's data with previous observations of the planet, the team confirmed that they were indeed seeing 55 Cancri e. As a tech demo, ASTERIA also didn't undergo the typical prelaunch preparations for a science mission, which meant the team had to do additional work to ensure the accuracy of their detection. "We went after a hard target with a small telescope that was not even optimized to make science detections -- and we got it, even if just barely," said Mary Knapp, the ASTERIA project scientist at MIT's Haystack Observatory and lead author of the study. "I think this paper validates the concept that motivated the ASTERIA mission: that small spacecraft can contribute something to astrophysics and astronomy." While it would be impossible to pack all the capabilities of a larger exoplanet-hunting spacecraft like NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) into a CubeSat, the ASTERIA team envisions these petite packages playing a supporting role for them. Small satellites, with fewer demands on their time, could be used to monitor a star for long periods in hopes of detecting an undiscovered planet. Or, after a large observatory discovers a planet transiting its star, a small satellite could watch for subsequent transits, freeing up the larger telescope to do work smaller satellites can't. Astrophysicist Sara Seager, principal investigator for ASTERIA at MIT, was recently awarded a NASA Astrophysics Science SmallSat Studies grant to develop a mission concept for a follow-on to ASTERIA. The proposal describes a constellation of six satellites about twice as big as ASTERIA that would search for exoplanets similar in size to Earth around nearby Sun-like stars. Thinking Small To build the smallest planet-hunting satellite in history, the ASTERIA wasn't simply shrinking hardware used on larger spacecraft. In many cases, they had to take a more innovative approach. For example, the MOST satellite used a camera with a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector, which is common for space satellites; ASTERIA, on the other hand, was equipped with a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) detector -- a well-established technology typically used for making precision measurements of brightness in infrared light, not visible light. ASTERIA's CMOS-based, visible-light camera provided multiple advantages over a CCD. One big one: It helped keep ASTERIA small because it operated at room temperature, eliminating the need for the large cooling system that a cold-operating CCD would require. "This mission has mostly been about learning," said Akshata Krishnamurthy, co-investigator and science data analysis co-lead for ASTERIA at JPL. "We've discovered so many things that future small satellites will be able to do better because we demonstrated the technology and capabilities first. I think we've opened doors." ASTERIA was developed under JPL's Phaeton program, which provided early-career hires, under the guidance of experienced mentors, with the challenges of a flight project. ASTERIA is a collaboration with MIT in Cambridge; MIT's Sara Seager is principal investigator on the project. Brice Demory of the University of Bern also contributed to the new study. The project's extended missions were partially funded by the Heising-Simons Foundation. JPL is a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. By Michael Erman NEW YORK (Reuters) - British medical journal the Lancet on Tuesday said it had concerns about data behind an influential article that found hydroxychloroquine increased the risk of death in COVID-19 patients, a conclusion that undercut scientific interest in the medicine championed by U.S. President Donald Trump. By Michael Erman NEW YORK (Reuters) - British medical journal the Lancet on Tuesday said it had concerns about data behind an influential article that found hydroxychloroquine increased the risk of death in COVID-19 patients, a conclusion that undercut scientific interest in the medicine championed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Hydroxychloroquine - which has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties - inhibited the coronavirus in laboratory experiments but has not been proven effective in humans, particularly in placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials considered the gold standard for data. The debate has become highly politicized, and many scientists have voiced concern. Nearly 150 doctors signed an open letter to the Lancet last week calling the article's conclusions into question and asking to make public the peer review comments that preceded publication. "This is not some sideshow or minor issue," said Dr. Walid Gellad, a professor at University of Pittsburgh's medical school, who was not a signatory of the letter but has been critical of the study. "We're in an unprecedented pandemic. We've organized these enormous clinical trials to figure out if something works. And this study stopped or paused a couple of those trials, and changed the narrative around a drug that no one knows if it works or not," he said. The observational study published in the Lancet on May 22 looked at 96,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, some treated with the decades-old malaria drug that Trump said he took and has urged others to use. Several clinical trials were put on hold after the study was published. The study, using data provided by healthcare data analytics firm Surgisphere, was not a traditional clinical trial that would have compared hydroxychloroquine to a placebo or other medicine. The Lancet's editors said in a note that serious scientific questions about the study were brought to their attention and an independent audit of the data has already been commissioned. Surgisphere said in a statement that the audit "will bring further transparency to our work (and) further highlight the quality of our work." Earlier on Tuesday, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) said it was concerned about the quality of the data behind a different study it published in May that also used data from Surgisphere and had the same lead author. Dr. Mandeep Mehra, the lead author and a professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, defended the use of the Surgisphere dataset as an intermediary step until clinical data is available. "I eagerly await word from the independent audits, the results of which will inform any further action," Mehra said in a statement after the Lancet note. The World Health Organization (WHO) suspended hydroxychloroquine's use in a large trial on COVID-19 patients after the Lancet study. Following the WHO trial suspension, the governments of France, Italy and Belgium halted the use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 patients. Among the critics of the study to sign the letter last week were several academics from the University of Oxford and Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) in Bangkok, which had been conducting the global "COPCOV" trial of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment of COVID-19. The trial was paused last week, after the Lancet article. In March, Trump, with little scientific evidence, said hydroxychloroquine used in combination with the antibiotic azithromycin had "a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine." He later said he took the drugs preventively after two people who worked at the White House were diagnosed with COVID-19. Trump and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro discussed a joint research effort on using hydroxychloroquine as both a prophylaxis and treatment for the coronavirus, the White House said on Tuesday. (Reporting by Michael Erman; additional reporting by Alistair Smout, Editing by Bill Berkrot, Peter Henderson and Tom Brown) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The Executive has been urged to consider introducing a strict travel limit after more scenes of crowding at beauty spots here. Police estimated that 1,000 people gathered at Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bay as temperatures soared on Monday. It followed similar scenes at beaches over the weekend. One MLA suggested a travel restriction should be imposed if the problem continues. It came as Health Minister Robin Swann warned the battle against Covid-19 is "finely balanced". Images showed crowds of mainly young people gathered at Helen's Bay and Crawfordsburn on Monday and not observing the two-metre social distancing guideline. At the weekend parts of the north coast were packed, too, with reports that some people resorted to defecating in public as toilet facilities are currently closed. Last Friday at Ballyholme beach in Bangor a police officer was injured while trying to disperse a large crowd of young people. In a separate incident in north Belfast on Monday a 15-year-old girl required hospital treatment for a cut to her chest after being subjected to what the PSNI described as a vicious assault by a male gang after young people gathered at the Invest NI site near Springfield Road. A 16-year-old boy was also injured. Northern Ireland's chief scientific adviser Ian Young said he fears the events of recent days could push the R-rate, the virus's reproductive number, above 1. Keeping it below 1 - it is currently between 0.8 and 1 - is crucial to avoid exponential growth in cases. Expand Close Andrew Muir MLA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Andrew Muir MLA Alliance MLA Andrew Muir said that Stormont should consider toughening the restrictions, which currently permit travel to beauty spots. "If this situation continues we're going to have to look at the regulations because we can't allow a repeat of that," he told the Belfast Telegraph. "I know people have asked can police or Translink not turn people away, but the way the regulations are drafted there is unlimited travel, and also these locations are open. "So whether we have to, unfortunately, close some of these beauty spots and beaches, which is disadvantaging the majority of people who are law-abiding, we have to do if there's a repeat of what happened." Mr Swann, speaking at Tuesday's Covid-19 briefing, admitted that while the public's adherence to the lockdown was "fraying" he was not calling for police to be given additional powers to enforce the coronavirus regulations. "I don't think we're in a place yet where we need further legislation to actually bring in further penalties on those young people who are gathering," he said. "What I'm asking them to do is act responsibly, to think about their actions and the effect their actions have on their loved ones should Covid be found in their group of friends and the onward transmission that would have. In regards to empowering police to enforce a two-metre distance, I think that would put an enormous pressure on an already under-pressure police force at this minute in time." At present the two-metre social distancing measure is a guideline, not a rule. Mr Swann referred to images in the media in recent days showing long queues and crowds of young people at parks and beaches. He said that while he did not want to "lecture" young people, he urged them to show restraint. "It does appear that for some people the compliance with restrictions and social distancing measures is starting to fray," he added. "Our battle against Covid-19 is finely balanced. Yes, we have made important progress against it, we have flattened the curve and saved many lives. "As a result of that immense effort we have started the process of cautiously and gradually edging out of lockdown. "But we are still at a very early and tentative stage of that process. It wouldn't take that much to tip the reproductive spread of the virus over the all important '1' figure." He reminded the public that this is not an "extended public holiday", adding: "People are staying or working from home for good medical and scientific reasons." Expand Close Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon His comments were echoed by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and Justice Minister Naomi Long. They urged people to act responsibly to help defeat the virus. "It is really worrying to learn of gatherings of young people on our rail services in recent days. The public health message is clear: social distancing must be practised by all individuals and each of us have a personal responsibility," said Ms Mallon. Mrs Long said: "While there is no law against travelling to beauty spots to exercise and enjoy our magnificent scenery, I would urge anyone who does so to act responsibly when they get there." Expand Close Chief social worker Sean Holland / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Chief social worker Sean Holland Chief social worker Sean Holland said that while he backed Mr Swann's message to young people, some teenagers had found themselves in "difficult circumstances" during the lockdown. "It is also worth remembering that some of those young people seen out and about in the parks have been in lockdown in situations that are far from ideal... some of those young people may have found themselves contained in homes in situations which are neglectful or abusive," he said. Na Seung-sik, deputy minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's Office of Trade and Investment, speaks during a briefing at the government complex in Sejong, South Korea, Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Reigniting a bitter row between key U.S. allies, South Korea on Tuesday said it will reopen a complaint filed with the World Trade Organization over Japans tightened controls on technology exports to its companies, blaming Tokyo for an alleged lack of commitment in resolving mutual grievances. (Kang Jong-min/Newsis via AP) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) Reigniting a bitter row between key U.S. allies, South Korea on Tuesday said it will reopen a complaint filed with the World Trade Organization over Japans tightened controls on technology exports to its companies, blaming Tokyo for an alleged lack of commitment in resolving mutual grievances. South Korea had halted its WTO action in November when it decided to keep a military intelligence-sharing agreement with Japan it previously threatened to end over conflicts stemming from wartime history and trade, after months of pressure by the Trump administration. Japan in return agreed to resume talks on settling a bilateral trade dispute, which was triggered by its move in July in to strengthen export controls on key chemicals South Korean companies used to make computer chips and displays. But Na Seung-sik, an official from South Koreas trade ministry, said there has been no progress since then because of what he described as Japans lack of willingness to settle the dispute. He said South Korea will request a WTO panel ruling over the issue and that the process will likely take more than a year. When imposing tighter controls over the three chemicals, Japan had cited unspecified security concerns over South Koreas export controls on sensitive materials that could be used for military purposes. But Na said there has been no known security problem related to the chemicals or products that involved them in the past 11 months. Our government in the past six months sincerely engaged in dialogue and provided thorough and sufficient explanations so that the Japanese side could understand South Koreas export controls are functioning normally and effectively, Na said in a briefing. Our thinking is that the process of bilateral consultations is over, and the next step would be for us to request the WTO to set up a dispute settlement panel. Japans Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed regret over South Korea's move and said there was no change to Tokyos position that Seoul should improve its export controls. Story continues It was regrettable that the South Korean side unilaterally made the announcement even though we have maintained dialogues, he told reporters. South Korea says Japans trade measures threaten its export-dependent economy, where many manufacturers rely on materials and parts imported from Japan. It claims Tokyo is retaliating over South Korean court rulings that called for Japanese companies to offer reparations to aging South Korean plaintiffs over World War II forced labor. Japan, which ruled the Korean Peninsula for nearly four decades before the end of the war, insists that all compensation matters were settled when the two countries normalized relations under a 1965 treaty and that the South Korean court rulings go against international law. The countries also downgraded each others trade status before letting the row to spill over to the military pact, which symbolizes the countries three-way security cooperation with the United States in the face of a North Korean nuclear threat and Chinas growing assertiveness. South Korea initiated the WTO complaint last September over Tokyos July export controls, which required Japanese companies to receive case-by-case inspections and approval on the shipments of the chemicals to South Korea. South Korean officials said the process could disrupt South Korean companies manufacturing activities because it could take up to 90 days, compared to the previous fast-track process that took a week or two. __ AP writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed to the story from Tokyo. The meeting of the world's self-styled elite in the Swiss town of Davos will go ahead next January despite the pandemic. Prince Charles, a long-time supporter of organiser the World Economic Forum (WEF), yesterday unveiled the lofty theme of the summit 'The Great Reset'. However, Standard Life Aberdeen, which usually spends around 3million on sending executives to Davos each year, and hosts a cafe renowned among delegates for its malt whisky has ruled out attending. Prince Charles, a long-time supporter of organiser the World Economic Forum, yesterday unveiled the lofty theme of the 2021 Davos summit 'The Great Reset' Chief executive, Keith Skeoch, told the Mail in April that it was 'divisive' at a time when the world was being ravaged by the coronavirus, and that the money could be better-spent. Founder Klaus Schwab said 'a great reset' was needed, and insisted the meeting could 'build a new social contract that honours the dignity of every human being'. He added: 'The global health crisis has laid bare the unsustainability of our old system in terms of social cohesion, the lack of equal opportunities and inclusiveness. Nor can we turn our backs on the evils of racism and discrimination.' Davos has gained a reputation for missing some of the most important issues of the day. The 2021 Davos summit will be held both in-person and online, and will focus on reducing humans' impact on the planet and how to move past the pandemic This year's summit at the end of January, when coronavirus was beginning to spread, saw very little time dedicated to discussing the possible ramifications. Teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg was the star guest. In February, as the world began to pay more attention to virus, JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon joked it may have spread the virus. He said: 'The only good news from that is that it might just have killed the elite.' The 2021 summit will be held both in-person and online, and will focus on reducing humans' impact on the planet and how to move past the pandemic. 133 Shares Share The COVID-19 pandemic has turned medical education upside-down. From exclusively virtual pre-clerkship courses, to delayed clerkships, to canceled graduation proceedings, there has been massive disruption. Now, after weeks of speculation, weve learned how the pandemic will be disrupting the 2020-2021 residency application cycle. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is now recommending that all residency interviews be conducted virtually. While this a wise recommendation, out of concern for public safety, I fear it will exacerbate long-standing problems in the residency application process and will have dire consequences for many applicants. Jordan Hughes is an emergency medicine resident. He shares his story and discusses his KevinMD article, To the AAMC: Recommend an interview limit or else this years residency match may be a disaster. Hosted by Kevin Pho, MD, The Podcast by KevinMD shares the stories of the many who intersect with our health care system but are rarely heard from. Social and political responses to the fears of the Corona-19 virus pandemic are news headlines, but do they deserve headlines? Of course, they are news, but they are not really new news. We have been repeatedly warned about the destructive power of fear. Making themselves virtually unassailable, at least initially, politicians embraced the pandemic and associated public health fears it has engendered, and assumed near dictatorial powers in the name of protecting the public health. Unmasked and unhindered, some politicians actions have validated the descriptive term of the ruling class. The 1972 cult film by the same name gave one view of the dysfunctional life-style of a fictional British nobleman whose aspirations were quite noble and infused with a sense of god-like powers, not unlike some of our governors and mayors. A less fanciful, but more philosophically grounded observation of the 1930s was made by H.L. Menken: The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary. No question that the Corona virus is real, not imaginary, but Menken astutely recognizes the basic urge in politicians to use fear to control the populous. During President Roosevelts first inaugural address, on March 4th,1933, he said that The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. The more recent 2010 book by A. Codevilla bears the name The Ruling Class, and describes the outsized influence on American society by a clique of intellectuals scattered throughout the upper echelons of business, the media, political parties, and educational institutions. Constitutional rights are denigrated, as is the traditional role of religion in American daily life. These folks know that they know better than you do. Combining a stretch of environmental-saving enthusiasm and fuzzy thinking, activists have wasted no effort in trying to link the imagined effects of climate change to its imagined impact on the Corona virus pandemic. Economic hardships and social deprivations imposed by the ruling class are said to be good for the globe, and that the necessary price to save it is a cultural and scientific retrenchment. One author whose fictional narrative seems prescient in this current setting is Michael Crichton. His 2004 State of Fear is a fictional thriller whose environmental and philosophical underpinnings are well documented by him, and whose validity has largely stood the test of time. Al Gores perpetual predictions of global environmental disasters secondary to man-made carbon dioxide and fossil fuel use have not materialized in the intervening decade. In a Socratic method exposition, Crichton develops the concept of fear as a tool to control the public. As one of his characters explains: I am leading to the notion of social control. To the requirement of every sovereign state to exert control over the behavior of its citizens, to keep them orderly and reasonably docile. To keep them paying taxes and, of course, we know that social control is best managed through fear. He continues: in reality, in the last fifteen years we have been under the control of an entirely new complex, far more powerful and far more pervasive. I call it the politico-legal-media complex. The PLM. And it is dedicated to promoting fear in the population, under the guise of promoting safety. He identifies the role of experts and universities in the enshrinement of fear as a political tool: Because they had a new role to play. They became the creators of new fears for the PLM. Universities today are factories of fear. They invent all the new terrors and new social anxietiesthey produce a steady stream of new anxieties, dangers, and social terrors to be used by politicians, lawyers, and reporters. Fears of climate change fit that narrative, in spite of the continued failure of computer modeling of global climate to accurately predict future changes. With the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, pandemonium erupted worldwide as fear of the unknown initially governed both social and scientific responses. Leaders abhor the prospect of telling a frightened public that they do not know how to respond to a new pathogen. Informed response would require a learning curve time-span to fully understand the clinical impact on the public, but no one wants to be the unfortunate guinea pig awaiting natures random death sentence. Experts in epidemiology and infectious diseases were tapped for advice, and they turned to computer models for answers. Years of failed computer-based climate predictions would be no reason to doubt the ability of virus modeling to predict its worldwide impact. By mid-March, the computer had spoken and British scientist Neil Ferguson reported that many millions would die. Flatten the curve entered the lexicon of the media, though few noted that the area under the flattened curve likely contained the same area as the initial peaked curve. No small matter because if the areas are the same then the number of deaths represented would remain the same; they would just take place over a longer time interval. Subsequently, the computer derived predictions of millions of deaths proved to be grossly exaggerated. Virologists and epidemiologists inhabit a different mental world than that of economists, sociologists, and physicians, and their recommended remedies might well kill the virus at some point, but the patient might also have been killed by the cure. This latter scenario has painfully played out over the past few months as the collateral damage to a highly integrated, interdependent, and complex modern society from the epidemiological cure of isolation, implemented by the ruling class, has become evident. Stay-at-home and avoid social contact is a simplistic fallback to stop an epidemic in the 21st century. It may have been the only answer in the form of walled cities in the middle ages; it may work if you isolate that first infected person and prevent him/her from transmitting the pathogen. However, in the present pandemic, the pathogen was well out of the bottle long before it was recognized to be a new pathological entity. This virus has shape changer variants in its clinical manifestations, and makes accurate and timely tracking difficult. The pandemic may or may not be beginning to burn itself out, only time will tell. However, there is no difficulty seeing the global destruction of human lives secondary to near economic collapse. What also has been revealed is the latent enthusiasm with which the political/ruling class has claimed the moral high ground in issuing edicts in the name of the public good. Stay-at-home orders range from weeks to months with no solid scientific justification for a particular time span, but with political/legal imperative. Wearing of masks by the general public has become a schizophrenic policy issue. Numerous studies claim that they are not protective against the Corona virus, especially the homemade cloth varieties. At 120 nm diameter, these virus particles are not filtered out by surgical or fabric face masks. Wearing of such masks may aggravate other existing medical conditions. Official agencies differ in their recommendations. The WHO says no to wearing them by the general public; our CDC says yes. Wearing a mask becomes a measure of virtue signaling, albeit much cheaper than driving a pious. Some governors are true believers and issue orders to wear a mask, any sort of mask, else risk criminal charges and fines. Without hesitation, such politicians disregard basic constitutional rights based on personal whim and selective use of diverse scientific data. Fear is a valuable, basic human emotion which functions as a self-preservation instinct. However, the current Coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated that members of the ruling class are adroitly curtailing our constitutional basic rights in the name of saving us from ourselves. Charles Battig is a retired physician graduate engineer, policy advisor Heartland Institute, member of the CO2 coalition. His website is http://www.climateis.com In the predawn hours Wednesday, the city unceremoniously removed the controversial statue of former Mayor and Police Commissioner Frank Rizzo, who was known for his aggressive tactics policing the black and gay communities of Philadelphia. Some TV news stations were on the scene to capture the massive artwork being rigged with straps and then wobbled back and forth before being yanked from its base in front of the Municipal Services Building across the street from City Hall. The statue is a deplorable monument to racism, bigotry, and police brutality for members of the Black community, the LGBTQ community, and many others. The treatment of these communities under Mr. Rizzos leadership was among the worst periods in Philadelphias history, Mayor Jim Kenney said in a written statement. The battle for equal rights and justice is still being fought decades later, and our city is still working to erase that legacy. We now need to work for true equity for all Philadelphia residents, and toward healing our communities. The removal of this statue today is but a small step in that process. The city said that the statue was being placed in secure storage by the Department of Public Property, until a plan is developed to donate, relocate, or otherwise dispose of it. There is no timeline, but if and when a plan is developed, it will be presented to the Philadelphia Art Commission for approval. Kenney said that the previous plan to align the statues move with the 2021 renovation of Thomas Paine Plaza was a mistake and that we prioritized efficiency over full recognition of what this statue represented to Black Philadelphians and members of other marginalized communities." Rizzo had a reputation, which he embraced, as a law and order mayor. He was commissioner for the Philadelphia Police Department from 1968 to 1971, when he resigned to run for mayor. He won that election, and served from January 1972 to January 1980. READ MORE: Here's live coverage of what's happening June 3 The statue of Rizzo, by sculptor Zenos Frudakis, was unveiled in 1999. Shortly before 5 a.m., Pennsylvania National Guard troops stood quietly behind metal barricades as TV cameras were lined up on the other side. The only others around were people experiencing homelessness, still sleeping next to the plaza where Rizzo once waved to his beloved city. READ MORE: The moments that made Frank Rizzo Philly-famous Kyle Wright, 52, was coming home to the city from a night shift at the Amazon facility in King of Prussia. He recalled growing up as a black child in the city how he was scared of the police when Rizzo was in charge. I remember as a kid when Rizzo was mayor, the city was pretty divided, Wright said. Wright said he didnt really care about the statue one way or the other, but thought it was smart to take it away. And he wondered what might replace it and who deserved to be honored. Kenney has for the last three years pledged to move the Rizzo statue to another location. Since 2017, calls to move the statue have intensified, kicked off by a national reckoning over monuments to Confederate figures. The timeline to move the Rizzo statue was accelerated in the last few days as protests over the death of George Floyd, a Minneapolis man killed by a police officer, have swept the city and nation. During Saturdays protests, the statue was graffitied and protesters attempted to set it on fire. The statue was cleaned in the early morning on Sunday, prompting criticism that such a controversial symbol was given priority over the other destruction around Center City. On Monday, Kenney said at a news conference that he planned to move the statue later in the month, and that he never liked it. READ MORE: Days ago, Kenney said the Rizzo statue would be moved soon I cant wait to see it go away, he said. On Wednesday morning, Cara Bongiorno, of Philadelphia, brought flowers from her garden to be placed where the statue had stood. A Pennsylvania national guardsman accepted the flowers and put them in the statues former perch. I brought the flowers from my garden to replace anger and hate with beauty, she said. FILE PHOTO: Logo of Nomura Securities is pictured at the company's Otemachi Head Office in Tokyo By Takashi Umekawa and Takaya Yamaguchi TOKYO (Reuters) - Nomura Holdings Inc <8604.T> is considering having fewer staff work at its Tokyo headquarters permanently now that the coronavirus pandemic has spurred a huge shift to remote working, its chief executive said. Around 80% of staff at Nomura's headquarters in the financial district of Otemachi have been working from home due to the outbreak. "Do we need such a lot of staff in Otemachi? Do we need that much workspace here? I would like to discuss those issues," Kentaro Okuda told Reuters in an interview, adding that the company would conduct a review of the matter. Japan's biggest investment bank and brokerage occupies most floors of the 22-storey Otemachi building, but it declined to specify how many people it employs there or what size of reduction in staff working at the offices it was looking at. Firms across the world are looking at changing their work-from-office cultures with tech firms leading the way. Facebook Inc said last month it will permanently embrace remote work even after coronavirus lockdowns ease and Twitter Inc has also said some employees can work from home indefinitely. Reduced rent could help Nomura which has struggled to expand successfully overseas and been hit by competition from online stock-trading rivals. It has announced three major rounds of cost cuts since 2011, including one last year when it said it was seeking to reduce costs by 140 billion yen ($1.3 billion) by March 2022. Okuda also said he is looking at scaling back Nomura's retail branches in the wake of the pandemic without providing details. Nomura has 128 retail branches in Japan. The interview was conducted last week and embargoed for release on Wednesday. ($1 = 107.5600 yen) (Reporting by Takashi Umekawa and Takaya Yamaguchi; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) Heres a hard truth about policy conversations on India: we rarely hear about Indias northeast. In fact, in doing more than 50 episodes of this podcast, not even one has been dedicated to the northeastern region of the country. The Northeast is a region of immense geostrategic importance. It is home to nearly 50 million Indian citizens. It is also home to South Asias longest running armed conflict, where over 50,000 people have died. And, yet, it is often written off as a footnote, an outlier or part of the periphery. To enlighten us--and to educate us--about this often overlooked corner of India, social activist and indigenous leader Binalakshmi Nepram joins Milan Vaishnav (Director of the South Asia programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace) on the show this week. Bina is the Founder of the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network and also serves as Convenor of the Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace. Bina and Milan discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the Northeast, how the region fits into Indias popular imagination, the intense discrimination the regions citizens endure, and the decades-long conflict that has upended the lives of tens of millions of ordinary Indians. Plus, Bina tells Milan about what inspired her to establish two of the Northeasts leading human rights groups. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of the newly renovated 110/35/6 kV 'Tartar' power substation, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani presidential press-service. Chairman of Azerishig Open Joint Stock Company Vugar Ahmadov informed the president about the power substation. President Aliyev launched the substation. Approximately one hundred people gathered outside the Thosel on High Street this evening to remember African American George Floyd who died on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota after a white police officer pressed his knee to Floyd's neck. Derek Chauvin was fired from the police force and charged with third degree murder for Floyd's death. Protests have been taking place across the world despite the coronavirus pandemic and distancing and gathering restrictions. Social distancing measures were complied with at this evening's event and a number of gardai were in attendance. Organiser Sean O hArgain asked those present to remain two metres apart from each other during the protest which lasted less than 20 minutes and thanked the gardai for their co-operation. Mr O hArgain spoke of the 'need to stand together in the name of justice' and how we have obligation to stand up for people who are being discriminated and that racism has to be stop. A member of the local African community also spoke of her experiences of racism in Kilkenny and said she had been spat at on the street and told to 'go back to Africa' since arriving in the Marble City in 2010. Those who gathered chanted 'Black Lives Matter' before observing a minute's silence in memory of George Floyd and all those who have suffered because of racism. Youre single. Youre looking. And, like, were back in the early aughts Youve Got Mail!-style, youre digitally connecting with a stranger. After a handful of exchanges, they suggest meeting up in real life for a socially distant date. Its the moment youve been waiting for. You want nothing more. Yet, youre conflicted. Is it safe to meet up with a stranger or a friend with benefits during a pandemic? Just because someone seems genuine and honest, doesnt mean they are, and short of asking someone to quarantine for two weeks before seeing them (and trusting that they have) how can you play it safe? When can you start dating again, when can you kiss someone youve been connecting with online and when can you start hooking up with a new romantic interest? Jessica Wood, a research specialist with The Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN,) tells the Star that there isnt a straight-forward answer to the above questions. Current guidelines state that physical distancing should be in effect with people outside of our household. There are currently no concrete timelines or guidelines for when people will be cleared for dating or engaging in sex with non-household sex partners, said Wood. With time, as we get a better understanding of our own individual risks for COVID-19 in our daily lives, whether we potentially have immunity, what the risk levels are for our partner(s), then people may start to have (or continue to have) conversations with non-household partners about what is an acceptable risk for them, Wood said. Things are changing rapidly as we acquire new information and conversations about risk will look different in various parts of Canada, Ontario, and the GTA. The GTA has far more active cases than the rest of Ontario. Partners will have to decide together whether they are willing to wait and connect virtually, whether they are willing to take the risk of getting or passing COIVD-19, and what kind of strategies they implement together if they do take that risk, Wood said. Wood says each person will have to consider what that risk might mean for themselves, their partner(s), their community, and the broader communities that they are a part of. Someone who lives alone and whose partner lives alone, but separate from them, and works from home is in a different situation than someone who lives with several roommates or lives with an aging parent or is a front-line health-care worker, Wood said. Wood says its possible that guidelines may change regionally as the number of COVID-19 cases vary. This will impact the conversations that partners have about their level of risk. For example, depending on their situation and where they live (e.g., in an area with few or no cases), people may start considering whether they want to bubble with a sex partner (pairing up with a sex partner who is also isolating), Wood said. She says the risks of going on a date, kissing or engaging in sex with a partner you dont live with, depends on a lot of things, such as how much contact a person has with other people in their daily life, whether they are practicing physical distancing at work and overall in their lives, whether they are experiencing symptoms, whether there are a lot of active cases in their community/geographical area. COVID-19 is highly contagious and is transmitted through respiratory droplets. You get it or pass it through close, personal contact, which is what most types of dating and sex involve, Wood said. She says in terms of COVID-19 risk, the best options for dates (with new partners or someone outside of your household) include virtual/video dates. Going out with someone for a physically distant walk (particularly if youre both wearing masks) is lower risk than being inside an enclosed space together for an extended period of time and/or where there may be close, prolonged physical contact, Wood said. Wood says the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) outlines some suggestions for people who may not follow the physical distancing guidelines, which suggest things like self-screening and limited travel. She says communication between partners is key. Whether that is related to determining your risk of getting or passing COVID-19 , what kind of boundaries you want to establish , or communicating your sexual and relational preferences and safer sex strategies, said Wood. It is key that partners develop good communication skills in order to enhance their sexual health and develop trust in one another. We need to reframe social distancing as social engagement from a physical distance. Risk seems to be directly tied to the activity, duration of exposure, and environment, Dr. Parambir Keila, emergency physician with Quinte Health Care, said. He says mental health also plays a role. Unfortunately, Ive seen a spike in the number of patients presenting to the ER with panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorders, not to mention a spike in heavy drinking, Keila said. Social engagement is healthy, when done right. If your idea of a date is a walk outdoors or picnic with distance, then he says youre keeping it low risk, but says its important to find out if your idea of quarantine is the same as their idea of quarantine. For example, construction sites have reopened, but workers have better not perfect PPE. Working in a cramped location for hours on end is essentially like sharing that space with every other person a co-worker has come into contact with over the past few weeks. As we have all seen by now, that can blow up quickly, Keila said. Young people are less likely to die from COVID-19 but can still get seriously ill and pass it on to others. We cant resume our old social behaviours. Instead, we have to be more cautious around all interactions, Keila said. Any time you hang out with someone new, theres a risk associated with it. Go slow, use your best judgement, space things out, and I would recommend self-isolating for two weeks after a close-contact interaction with someone new. He says its fine for people to have physically distanced get togethers, so long as everyone is careful. I had a picnic today with one other friend separated by eight feet, or so. It was really nice to reconnect with him in a way zoom could never deliver, Keila said. LONDON The line of lawmakers waiting to vote stretched around an ancient hall, out through a cobbled courtyard and along an underground passage before snaking around an atrium to the cafeteria all told, it was over half a mile in length. On Tuesday, the joke was that Britains Parliament was a bit like Disneyland, but without the fun. At the insistence of their government, lawmakers returned from a short vacation to find themselves obeying pre-pandemic rules that, in line with traditions that reach back centuries, require voting in person. With the added burden of social distancing rules, however, lawmakers standing in what was being called the conga line Parliament waited, with varying degrees of impatience, to play their part in the democratic process. For some, this was a welcome, if inconvenient, return to the time-honored ways of a Parliament that survived a devastating fire in the 19th century and the bombs of the Luftwaffe in World War II. This bighorn sheep roams as part of the Absaroka herd near Cody, Wyo. University of Wyoming researchers led a study to evaluate the long-term impact of translocation actions on Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in Wyoming. The research was published in a paper that appeared in the May 29 online issue of the Journal of Wildlife Management. Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department Translocation is an important management tool used for nearly 100 years to increase bighorn sheep population numbers in Wyoming and to restore herds to suitable habitat throughout their historical range. Yet, translocation also can alter the underlying genetic diversity of managed wildlife species in both beneficial and detrimental ways. To evaluate the long-term impact of bighorn sheep translocations, a University of Wyoming professor and postdoctoral researcher co-led a study from 2015-19. The research group characterized statewide genetic structure and diversity by using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA data in 353 indigenous and translocated Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep populations in Wyoming. "The results of this study provide a comprehensive view of the level of genetic diversity in bighorn sheep in Wyoming. This is really important because bighorn sheep populations in Wyoming and throughout the West were driven down to such low numbers between the gold rush era and the 1960s," says Holly Ernest, a UW professor of wildlife genomics and disease ecology, and the Wyoming Excellence Chair in Disease Ecology in the Department of Veterinary Sciences and the Program in Ecology. "This loss of population numbers historically was due, in large part, to part overharvest, exposure to livestock diseases and loss of their habitat. In Wyoming, they perhaps existed in the hundreds of thousands pre-mid-1800s, but were driven down to as low as 2,000 total in Wyoming by the 1960s. Large losses of individuals often mean large loss of genetic diversity, which is a major foundation of healthy populations." Ernest was the senior and corresponding author of a paper, titled "Bighorn Sheep Genetic Structure in Wyoming Reflects Geography and Management," that was published in the May 29 online edition of the Journal of Wildlife Management. The journal publishes manuscripts containing information from original research that contributes to basic wildlife science. Suitable topics include investigations into the biology and ecology of wildlife and their habitats that have direct or indirect implications for wildlife management and conservation. Sierra Love Stowell, a research genomicist and a UW postdoctoral researcher at the time (2016-18) of this work, was the paper's lead author. Roderick Gagne, a research scientist at Colorado State University and a UW postdoctoral researcher from 2015-17, and Doug McWhirter, a Wyoming Game and Fish Department wildlife biologist, were co-authors of the paper. Additionally, other wildlife biologists and officials from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department contributed to the paper. Bighorn sheep are a key component of Wyoming's biodiversity and a species that provides important viewing and hunting opportunities. Translocation is a tool used in wildlife management that involves the intentional, human-mediated movement of individual animals, populations or species from one area with release in another. Beyond the demographic effects of adding more individual bighorn sheep, translocated animals bring more genetic material that can increase genetic diversity and improve fitness in recipient populations. Translocation of bighorn sheep in Wyoming began in 1922 and still occurs today. The study found there was high gene flowgenetic interchange due to movement of animals with resulting successful breedingamong herds that had translocation sources in common, and herds that received translocated individuals from other herds. "We identified at least five genetic clusters of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the major mountain ranges of Wyoming," Ernest says. "These genetic clusters generally align with current management units." The herd units identified were in the Absaroka, Devil's Canyon, Jackson, Kouba Canyon and Whiskey Mountain areas. This Wyoming bighorn sheep is part of the Jackson herd, one of five distinct herds identified in Wyoming during a study that appeared in the Journal of Wildlife Management. Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department For example, there is high gene flow among Devil's Canyon, Laramie Peak and Ferris-Seminoe herds. Devil's Canyon, including the surrounding habitat in the Bighorn Mountains, received the most translocations of any herd in Wyoming, including translocation of bighorn sheep from Whiskey Mountain near Dubois; Morgan Creek, Idaho; Missouri Breaks, Mont.; and the Lower Deschutes River, Ore. Laramie Peak also received translocations from Whiskey Mountain and Montana. The Ferris-Seminoe herd was founded by translocation and continues to receive individuals from Devil's Canyon. Ernest says the most interesting finding of the study is that bighorn sheep have maintained a distinctive population genetic structure in Wyoming, even with historical population losses and translocations. "We found this intriguing and important, because we might have expected that the very large reductions in population sizes and extensive translocation events might have caused disintegration of population genetic structure, and an appearance of Wyoming bighorn sheep to be panmictic or 'all interbreeding,'" Ernest says. "But, they are not. They have distinctive populations." The study used a panel of 38 variable microsatellite loci and 512 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA sequence to identify the genetic structure throughout the state and in translocation source herds; quantify the extent of genetic diversity within each genetic cluster; and estimate the degree of gene flow among herds. In the early 1800s, the estimated number of bighorn sheep in Wyoming was between 150,000 and 200,000. Overharvest, habitat loss and livestock-transmitted disease outbreaks led to severe population declines. By the 1960s, bighorn sheep numbers had dwindled to about 2,000 before rebounding to roughly 7,000 in 1990. Today's estimates are between 6,000 and 7,000 animals, with variable demographic rates between herds. Population rebound following the steep decline is attributed to management efforts, which include limiting harvest, preventing disease outbreaks and translocating individual sheep for reintroduction and demographic control. The study's results provide a statewide assessment of genetic diversity and structure that will enhance management by understanding the outcomes of translocation, identifying the source of unknown individuals and parameterizing disease ecology models, Ernest says. "The source herd identification of wandering bighorn sheep is important when determining if management actions, such as herd reductions, can be applied to reduce the likelihood of animals leaving the herd for extended forays," Love Stowell says. "Effective population sizes are low in most Wyoming herds, suggesting that managers should weigh the importance of maintaining gene flow for increasing genetic diversity and effective population size against the risks of disease transmission, outbreeding depression, phenology mismatch and other factors. Finally, this research provides a baseline for genetic monitoring in the face of future disease outbreaks or extreme weather events." Outbreeding depression is described as interbreeding between two distinct populations that can lead to reduction in service and reproduction, Love Stowell says. Phenology mismatch is the timing of life events, such as lambing of bighorn sheep and their environment. Explore further Translocation of bighorn sheep in Arizona has positive genetic outcomes More information: Sierra M. Love Stowell et al, Bighorn Sheep Genetic Structure in Wyoming Reflects Geography and Management, The Journal of Wildlife Management (2020). Journal information: Journal of Wildlife Management Sierra M. Love Stowell et al, Bighorn Sheep Genetic Structure in Wyoming Reflects Geography and Management,(2020). DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21882 Doug Ford is warning nursing-home bosses who profit from people that hell hold them accountable. Is Mike Harris listening? Is anyone else? A former Ontario premier who now chairs Chartwell Retirement Residences, Harris wasnt mentioned by name at Fords news conference. When the current premier attacked profit-seeking owners who want to be greedy and make money, he made no reference to his Progressive Conservative predecessor or Chartwell. But Fords rhetoric raised the ante. We'll be holding people accountable because it's not about money it's about taking care of people, taking care of the workers, he told reporters last week. Whether or not Harris is among those nursing home operators deemed greedy, to borrow Fords phrasing, he certainly knows how to make money, as the premier likes to say. Since leaving the premiers office nearly two decades ago, his association with Chartwell a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) has paid off handsomely (though total values have tumbled since the pandemic as they have across the stock market). Harris had more than $7 million in Chartwell holdings at the end of 2019 (its last fiscal year) including $4.29 million in deferred trust units (akin to shares) that reflect his accumulated compensation over the years (deferred until retirement) according to chartered accountant Charles Smedmor, who specializes in forensic and investigative accounting and analyzed the numbers at my request. According to Chartwells information circular co-signed by Harris on March 30, the value of his holdings had declined to $4.47 million (with $2.76 million in deferred trust units) by that date. As chair and trustee (akin to director), his compensation for 2019 amounted to $229,500 (deferred until retirement), according to Chartwells vice-president of marketing and communications, Sharon Ranalli, who also confirmed his cumulative holdings. She noted that retirement residences, not long-term care, make up the majority of its portfolio referring to the companys assets. But 23 of Chartwells nursing homes are in Ontario, and they have been hit hard over the past three months. Ranalli told me 125 residents have died due to COVID-19, and 97 of them were in long-term-care (nursing homes). The former premier declined to comment on his cumulative compensation, or the situation at Chartwells properties under COVID-19, but Ranalli issued a statement on behalf of Harris and the company: Each one of these deaths is one too many and our sympathies and thoughts are with the families of those directly impacted by this virus. For our current premier, who inherited a nursing-home sector thrown into upheaval by his predecessor in the mid-1990s, the question is who does what next in long-term care? I would expect as a shareholder to start holding the CEO and the chair accountable that's what happens in the real world, Ford said of for-profit operators last week. Something happens to your product, well, they have to be held accountable because guess what? We're going to hold them accountable. His comments came in the wake of a devastating report by the Canadian Armed Forces detailing a house of horrors in our worst nursing homes, after the province requested emergency help from soldiers. In fairness, the army did not go into a Chartwell home and Ford wasnt referring to Harris when he talked about holding the CEO or chair accountable. But will he consult or confront Harris or any other private operator about the situation in our nursing homes? When I asked Ford last month if hed spoken to Harris, the premier said hed taken a call from him but, I didnt even know he was the chair of Chartwell. Either way, Harris and Chartwell may not be the worst offenders indeed, they have their defenders, some of whom wrote me to say their homes are in good shape, while others say the opposite. What makes Harris such a talking point, however, is that he embodies the checkered history of the nursing-home sector. Private operators predated Harriss government. But, sitting in the premiers office in the mid-1990s, he diluted the staff ratios and regulations he inherited from Bob Rae's NDP government, and now he is profiting from it all at Chartwell, where he sits as board chair. Harris is not the only person with a personal stake in nursing homes. Revera Inc., another industry giant plagued by pandemic troubles, is owned by a Crown corporation on behalf of the pension plans of federal public servants, soldiers and Mounties. It turns out, then, that the beneficiaries of Reveras profits are ordinary pensioners who may end up in its profit-making homes (and paying a price for it). More often than we realize, the owners are us whether a former premier, pensioners or taxpayers (in the case of government-owned homes). Thats why, in the final analysis, we don't need to nationalize them, just revolutionize them. We shouldnt be paying off the people who profited from nursing homes by buying them out effectively bailing them out mid-pandemic. Rather than spending billions of dollars compensating the existing operators such as Chartwell and Revera, we should regulate them in a way that requires them to invest the required funds. If they cant measure up, then take away their licences; and if they have to sell out, then take over their homes at the right price, not top dollar. Thats not confiscation, thats regulation backed by inspection. No matter who owns the shares, we all own the problem of nursing homes, because we have a personal stake in them. CEOs and board chairs arent the only ones who are accountable. Ultimately its the current premier who is answerable and the onus is on all of us to keep asking questions. Islamabad, June 3 : A new femme fatale has captured the imagination of Pakistani hoi polloi's consciousness. American Cynthia D. Ritchie, claiming to be an adventurist, self-proclaimed filmmaker, journo and blogger, is front and centre of the new controversy. Training with Pakistani female commandos in a black gear and shades (watch YouTube video), Ritchie, an American now living and reporting out of Pakistan, is reportedly close to the ruling establishment. Reminiscent of David Coleman Headley, an American adopted by Pakistan's ISI, Ritchie is now caught in a violent political maelstrom. Pakistani-American Headley, 59, is currently in an undisclosed US prison after pleading guilty in Chicago to a dozen terrorism counts and cooperating with authorities in the US and India. He is serving a 35-year sentence. He admitted to numerous reconnaissance missions from Chicago to Mumbai for the purpose of surveying terrorist targets for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. In the past, Headley broke down the role of Pakistan's ISI secret intelligence organisation and said the government agency was in cahoots with Lashkar-e-Taiba, a bloodthirsty Pakistani terror outfit which global most wanted Hafiz Saeed is said to have founded. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has taken an antagonistic view of her utterances. The PPP filed an FIR against Ritchie for her alleged hateful comments against the late Benazir Bhutto. PPP Peshawar district President Zulfiqar Afghani registered a case against the blogger from the US at the Gulbhar police station. It is obvious that the ruling establishment and the ISI in cahoots are using her as a stalking horse against the principal opposition party PPP. Advocate Mehr Sultana, who is the Provincial Secretary Information of the PPP's women wing, has stepped into the cage match, asking the government to expel Ritchie for "hateful and slanderous comments" against former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. In a statement on Tuesday, the PPP leader said that her review article against former PPP Chairperson and first female Muslim Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was causing provocation and deep resentment among the leaders, workers and supporters of the party. She said the conspiracies of Ritchie against PPP and pictures with Pakistani military representatives sent a negative message among the masses of the country. Sultana said that Ritchie, who had introduced herself as a tourist, journalist and belly dancer, was interfering in the internal affairs by making such demeaning comments about Benazir Bhutto. "Shaheed Benazir Bhutto is the name of an ideology as she had followed Bhutto footprints and rendered matchless sacrifice for the sake of people and democracy," Sultana added. All hell broke loose last week when PPP filed a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) cybercrime wing against Ritchie for "hateful comments and slander" against former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, reported Dawn. Ritchie, in her tweet, had made some remarks which were "very derogatory and slanderous" about Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari's marital life, according to the PPP lawyer. Ritchie made the comment on a tweet discussing the recent violent confrontation between model Uzma Khan and a woman named Amna Usman, who accused the model of having a relationship with her husband of 13 years and used this allegation to justify her violent treatment of the model. To buttress her point about the Bhuttos, Ritchie posted the front page of the book "Indecent Correspondence: Secret sex life of Benazir Bhutto". The book written by Roshan Mirza deals with the sexual adventures of some high-profile Pakistani women. "These women engage/hire go-go boys for their sexual escapades... And strange enough that these women are not from a sexually-liberal country, but from a political dynasty of Pakistan," Mirza wrote. In some places, voters had to pass a heavy police presence - at times seeing officers in riot gear - to arrive at polling places. Voters in at least one predominantly black ward had to vote in a municipal building that houses the police department. In one Allegheny County precinct the judge of elections requested that constables - fully suited in riot gear and armed - watch over voters queued up to vote. Another polling location saw agitators shouting down voters in line; one man called voters radical leftists. Legions of voters were asked for their identification. Many were turned away. Others waited in long lines for hours at polling places only to be told by police to clear out because of curfews. In some areas, voters couldnt get to the consolidated polling center, while others couldnt find their polling places because of poor signage. Those were just some of the troubling reports that election watchdog groups logged in the Pennsylvania primary Tuesday. Voters across Pennsylvania went to the polls amid a pandemic and widespread social unrest, and an election cycle that had undergone substantial changes in recent months. Trump, Biden win Pa. primary contests amid unrest, pandemic On Wednesday a coalition of groups led by the Pennsylvania Election Protection Coalition outlined what advocates are calling serious structural problems with the states election system. Organizers stressed that the issues must be addressed before the November general election, which will likely be held even as the coronavirus pandemic continues to be a public health crisis. Thais Carrero, state director of CASA, noted that while initiatives such as mail-in ballots and the consolidation of polling locations had been implemented to ensure voting access amid the historic circumstances, the initiatives had not worked for all Pennsylvanians. What we saw yesterday is once again the communities of color continue to be left behind all these initiatives, she said. Advocates outlined a myriad of concerns regarding the initiatives that were rolled out amid the coronavirus pandemic, including no-excuse mail-in ballots for all voters, extended deadlines and consolidated polling places. Ivan Garcia, the political director of Make the Road PA, said polling places in communities of color saw longer lines than other areas. He said the mail-in ballot initiative had to be expanded and offered automatically to all voters to mitigate such voting issues. Garcia said precincts composed of majority minority voters saw far less participation in mail-in ballots. Advocates said additional federal and state funding is needed to expand the initiative - even cover costs - in order to ensure greater participation among voters of color. Universal distribution of mail-in ballots would greatly increase participation among voters of color, he said. We are talking thousands of additional voters who would have requested ballots if they had been sent to every voter, Garcia said. In Berks County we would have seen an additional 16,000 voters requesting ballots. More than 1,000 calls were logged to the toll-free Election Protection Hotline (1-866-OUR-VOTE) concerning problems or confusion related to voting and polling places. Legions of voters reported having never received the mail-in ballot. And poll watchers from the advocacy groups assigned to monitor local scenes reported substantial confusion amid voters as to where they were to vote as well as apprehension in having to negotiate a police presence near polling locations. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar reported that Tuesdays primary had played out smoothly despite the unprecedented challenges. [Yesterday], we marked two major milestones in Pennsylvanias electoral history, Boockvar said. For the first time, Pennsylvania voters could vote by mail-in ballot without having to provide an excuse, and they did so in impressive numbers. And all 67 counties have now deployed new, more secure and accessible voting systems with voter-verifiable paper ballots. I am extremely thankful for and proud of Pennsylvanias dedicated election officials, poll workers and, of course, voters. Approximately 1.8 million Pennsylvania voters applied for and were approved to vote by mail-in and absentee ballot. That figure is 17 times higher than the number of voters who applied for an absentee ballot for the 2016 presidential primary. Indeed, the majority of polling places reported smooth voting on Tuesday - with nearly 2 million voters opting to vote by mail resulting in light turnout across some counties. But voting advocates said many of the problems were reported in communities of color. Suzanne Almeida, the interim executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania, said over half of the voters they heard from reported being concerned about finding their polling places. Many voters, she said, were concerned with the lack of personal protective equipment on the part of poll workers. There were concerns from voters that there was not appropriate social distancing, Almeida said. We were hearing of poll workers who were reluctant to wear masks. There are so many stories from yesterday that we heard in the command center. One of the most compelling concerns from voters - and eye witnesses - centered around voting amid protesters, agitators, as well as police. Erin Kramer, executive director of One Pennsylvania, said in some cases voters had to endure levels of violence unprecedented in an election. I cannot imagine that black Pennsylvanians were able to access the ballot freely and fairly, she said. What we saw in this election was that if you had the resources and if you had laser focus to what it took to vote, you voted, but if you were a regular person, especially black or blown person in Pennsylvania voting was hard. Kramer said looking ahead to November, polling places need to be well marked and advertised. She stressed that voting centers could not be located in police stations nor municipal buildings that housed or were adjacent to police stations. Furthermore, they need to be located along public transit lines, and not at the top of a hill, so that older and handicap voters have access. She outlined several polling places that were beset by chaos, particularly one just outside Pittsburgh in the Penn Hills area, which saw more than 100 voters still waiting in line at 8 p.m. Kramer said many voters waited in their cars and were concerned as to whether that disqualified them from being in line. Voters in at least three Philadelphia polling locations were asked to leave because of the curfew. Others in the Fishtown area reported being intimidated by the social unrest, she said. Ray Murphy, the state coordinator for Keystone Votes, said the states election process lacked the nimbleness to accommodate the new initiatives amid the social and public health upheavals. Advocates called on the Legislature to shore-up the weaknesses in the states recently adjusted election structure, including extending deadlines and rolling-out universal mail-in ballot applications. They called for additional funding of county elections boards by federal and state authorities. More from PennLive Election 2020: Live updates from Pennsylvanias primary races Voter confusion abounds in places around Pennsylvania due to consolidated polling places Voter turnout on par with typical Harrisburg primary amid COVID-19 and new equipment COVID-19 keeps some voters, volunteers away from central Pa. polls, but some are still casting ballots Short waits, no lines reported as polls near closing time in Pa. primary Man refuses to vote after some Dauphin County poll workers wouldnt wear masks Poll workers say its their duty as citizens, even during coronavirus pandemic It was still a few hours before New York City would fall under a historic curfew on Monday night, but Mayor Bill de Blasio could already see that it was not working. Demonstrators had been amassing for several days to protest the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The 11 p.m. cutoff on Monday effectively pushed peaceful protesters off the streets, but it seemed to do little to deter those who looted large parts of Midtown Manhattan and a slice of the Bronx. If anything, the curfew seemed to cause them to start earlier. As a result, the mayor decided to move the start time of the curfew to 8 p.m., announcing his decision in an interview on NY1. By Tuesday morning, Mr. de Blasio said he would extend that 8 p.m. curfew, New York Citys first since World War II, through Sunday night. The decision to institute the curfew was laden with political and strategic considerations, and once again opened a window into the fraught relationship between the mayor and his fellow Democrat, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. The home minister said Gandhi is roaming around with his scheme of putting Rs 7,500 in every back account since before the general election last year. Union home minister Amit Shah described Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a man with a crooked vision as he branded his suggestions of transferring cash directly into the accounts of the poor and migrant workers as a scheme already rejected by the people of the country. Speaking to CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview, Shah said some people have a crooked vision. They cant see anything straight after being asked about Gandhis demands that the government transfer Rs 7,500 directly into the accounts of the migrant workers for the next six months. The former Congress chief had consulted renowned economists former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan and Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee and has demanded the cash transfer for families of migrant workers hit by the lockdowns. The home minister said Gandhi is roaming around with his scheme of putting Rs 7,500 in every back account since before the general election last year. Even before the election, he had floated this scheme with the name Nyay. But the people of the country rejected this. Maybe he doesnt know it has been rejected and that it has been a year. Despite that, his cassette is stuck there, he told Network18s Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi. He listed the steps the government has taken to help the poor during the coronavirus cases, including the transfer of Rs 53,000 crore to 41 crore poor through the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, Rs 20,000 crore transfer for 20 crore Jan Dhan account holders and Rs 2,814 crore for 3 crore senior citizens, widows and disabled people, among other steps. He added that the Centre has also given 8.2 crore farmers Rs 16,394 crore and Rs 4,000 crore aid to construction workers. In addition to this, we have given 7.5 crore free cylinders and if the cost is added then it comes to Rs 1,600 per family, he said. The government, he further said, is distributing 98 lakh metric tonne of wheat and rice as well as 4.75 lakh metric tonne of pulses. What is all this if not cash support, he answered with a question when asked if more cash transfers will be considered in the future. Once again calling Gandhi as one with "crooked vision", Shah said, The people of this country know these people with crooked vision very well and doesnt take them seriously and doesnt fall for their claims. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) The Department of Justice has settled the debate: ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III is a Filipino citizen. Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar told members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday that Lopez who once served as chairman and chief executive officer of his family's network is Filipino by birth, being born to Filipino parents. Aglipay-Villar explained that Lopez holds dual citizenship. The 1935 Philippine Constitution meant that having Filipino parents automatically made him Filipino, while being born in Boston, Massachusetts also made him an American citizen by virtue of foreign law. She added that his status in the Philippines is not affected by his decision to use an American passport to travel abroad, with Lopez only seeking for a corresponding local travel document in 2001. "Siya po ay merong magulang both father and mother na Filipino citizen. Kaya po sa kanyang pagkapanganak, siya ay Filipino citizen... Ang paggamit ng kanyang US passport ay hindi po dahilan para mawala ang kanyang Filipino citizenship, at ang hindi naman niya pagkakaroon ng Philippine passport ay hindi rin isang dahilan na hindi siya maging Pilipino," Aglipay-Villar said in response to Sagip Party-List Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, who had been questioning Lopez's citizenship. "Pagdating sa citizenship, hindi po issue na may pasaporte ng ibang bansa," she added. [Translation: He has parents both father and mother who are Filipino citizens that's why from birth, he is a Filipino citizen... Using a US passport does not remove his Filipino citizenship, and not having a Philippine passport is also not a reason for him not be a Filipino. When it comes to citizenship, it is not an issue if a person has a passport issued by another country.] RELATED: ABS-CBN: Gabby Lopez a Filipino citizen, holds PH passport Lopez: I did not swear allegiance to the US Lopez also noted that he neither swore allegiance to the United States, nor renounced his Filipino citizenship. "I only went to college and (took) my Masters in America. When you go to college in America, it does not ask you to make an oath of allegiance," Lopez told lawmakers. He said he had not considered his dual citizenship as an issue in terms of his actions while running the broadcast giant. "It was never something that I felt was an issue in terms of any of my actions," Lopez said. "If it came down to conflict of interest, I will give up my US citizenship in a minute." Members of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises and the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability staged a joint inquiry to tackle supposed violations of ABS-CBN's franchise terms, which has expired May 4. Solons pondered on Lopez's citizenship for three hours to see if it was in conflict with a Constitutional provision that requires all mass media companies in the country to be owned by a Filipino. Repeated questions from panel members like Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla, Anakalusugan Rep. Michael Defensor, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Manila Rep. Edward Maceda all sought to establish Lopez's identity. RELATED: Can one with a duel citizenship run a PH mass media company? Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, meanwhile, said existing facts establish that Lopez is a natural-born Filipino. "No amount of interpellations would change this overriding and unalterable fact," he told fellow lawmakers. The network's fate remains in limbo as its TV and radio broadcasts have been off the air for nearly a month now, following a surprise cease and desist order from the National Telecommunications Commission issued a day after its franchise lapsed. Numerous bills pending in Congress seek to grant ABS-CBN another 25-year lease, but measures remain pending before the House days away from a two-month legislative break. READ: House panel cites overwhelming support for ABS-CBN franchise renewal ABS-CBN corporate lawyer Mario Bautista refuted allegations that the company executive was naturalized by way of the two-page letter, referring to issues raised regarding Lopez's petition granted by the Department of Justice in 2001 to recognize his Filipino citizenship. "Maliwanag ito na ang letter request for recognition ni Mr. Gabby Lopez ay hindi niya na-acquire ang kanyang Filipino citizenship through that [It is clear from Mr. Gabby Lopez's letter request for recognition that he did not acquire Filipino citizenship through that]. It was merely a recognition of his existing Filipino citizenship," he said during the hearing. Aglipay-Villar also added that the certificate is merely "confirmatory" given the fact that Lopez is a Filipino citizen since birth. The House panel will resume deliberations on ABS-CBN's franchise on Monday, June 8. CNN Philippines' Glee Jalea contributed to this report. (L-R) Former Minneapolis police officers, Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng are booked into Hennepin County jail for the death of George Floyd. Minnesota Department of Corrections and Hennepin County Sheriff's Office/Handout via AP Photo and Reuters All four Minneapolis police officers who had a role in the killing of George Floyd on Memorial Day have now been arrested and face criminal charges. Derek Chauvin, the arresting officer, was charged on Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Wednesday added a second-degree murder charge against Chauvin. The three other officers Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. "We are gratified that this important action was brought before George Floyd's body was laid to rest," said Ben Crump, the Floyd family's attorney. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. All four Minneapolis police officers involved in the killing of George Floyd on May 25 now face criminal charges three of them for the first time. Derek Chauvin, the arresting officer, pressed his knee to Floyd's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds and told him to "relax" as the 46-year-old black man repeated, "Please, I can't breathe." Chauvin was arrested on Friday on third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. On Wednesday, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison charged Chauvin with second-degree murder as well. The Star Tribune first reported the charges. The three other officers Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane had so far only lost their jobs. They were also charged on Wednesday with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. They were booked into the Hennepin County jail later in the evening. Bail has been set at $1 million for Chauvin, the WCCO-TV reporter Jason DeRusha said, citing court records. Aiding and abetting charges could result in the same penalty as second-degree murder Story continues On Thursday, while hundreds mourned Floyd at a memorial service in Minneapolis, Judge Paul Scoggin set bail at $750,000 for Thao, Keung, and Lane, the Associated Press reported. Pointing out that Lane had only been an officer for four days, his attorney, Earl Gray, argued for lower bail. Keung too was a rookie and it was his fourth day on the job, according to the AP. Lane held Floyd's feet to prevent him from kicking and even administered CPR once Floyd had been loaded into the ambulance, Gray said, adding, "What was my client supposed to do but follow what his training officer said? Is that aiding and abetting a crime?" If convicted, Chauvin could spend up to 40 years in prison for murder and 10 years for manslaughter. The AP reported that in the eyes of Minnesota law, aiding and abetting second-degree murder is equivalent to a second-degree murder charge. So, Thao, Lane, and Kueng could be handed the same prison sentences as Chauvin, if they are found guilty. At a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, Ellison promised to hold "everyone accountable for the behavior that we can prove in a court," adding, "If I don't charge it, it means that we did not have the facts to do that." The United States has historically "underprosecuted these matters" and not held "public guardians accountable for their behavior in situations where we should have," eroding the public's trust, Ellison said. "But we can't control the past," he added. "All we can do is take the case that we have in front of us right now and do our good-faith best and bring justice to the situation and we will." 'A significant step forward on the road to justice' Ben Crump, one of the attorneys representing Floyd's family, called it a "bittersweet moment." "We are deeply gratified that Attorney General Keith Ellison took decisive action in this case, arresting and charging all the officers involved in George Floyd's death and upgrading the charge against Derek Chauvin to felony second-degree murder," he said in a statement posted on Facebook. Crump said he was grateful that Ellison took this step before Floyd's memorial services, the first of which is in Minneapolis on Thursday. George Floyd. Courtesy of Philonise Floyd "This is a significant step forward on the road to justice, and we are gratified that this important action was brought before George Floyd's body was laid to rest," he said. "That is a source of peace for George's family in this painful time." Crump said Ellison had been in touch with the Floyd family and told them about Wednesday's decision. The attorney general gave them his word that the investigation would continue and that his office would "upgrade the charges to first-degree murder if the evidence supports it," Crump added. Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota called the decision an "important step for justice." Klobuchar is among the running-mate contenders for Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota echoed the sentiment, calling it "overdue but necessary justice." News of Floyd's death reverberated around the world Floyd was arrested outside Cup Foods on May 25 after police officers arrived to investigate reports of someone using a counterfeit bill. Surveillance footage obtained by NBC News showed that he was sitting in a parked car with a man and a woman. Officers approached the car and led them out of it. Floyd was put in handcuffs and taken across the street to a police cruiser, out of the frame of the security camera. Videos from different vantage points have shown Floyd being forcibly removed from the vehicle and struggling with three officers in the back seat of a squad car. The most damning video was filmed by a witness and shows three officers pinning Floyd to the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back. Chauvin kept his knee pressed on Floyd's neck even as Floyd struggled to breathe, called out for his mother, and stopped moving altogether. Floyd was pronounced dead at a hospital that evening. Demonstrators march in Tampa on Sunday. Associated Press Mahmoud Abumayyaleh, an owner of Cup Foods, told CNN on Wednesday that employees would no longer call 911 if they suspect a customer is using counterfeit bills. Calling the police "should never equate into a death sentence," Abumayyaleh said. Floyd's death has sparked protests in multiple cities in the United States and across the globe. Thousands of people have stood in solidarity with Floyd's family, demanding justice and an end to racism and police brutality. The protests have in many cases turned violent, with looting, arson, vandalism, and police clashing with protesters; people have been shot, and some have died. Demonstrators have joined Crump and the Floyd family in seeking charges against all the officers involved in Floyd's killing. "I can't breathe" has become a rallying cry. "We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support by Americans in cities across the country, and we urge them to raise their voices for change in peaceful ways," Crump said on Wednesday. "Our message to them is: Find constructive and positive ways to keep the focus and pressure on. Don't let up on your demand for change." 'He needed a breath. So we are demanding justice.' Before the Star Tribune published its report on Wednesday, Crump told the Associated Press that Floyd "died because he was starving for air." "He needed a breath. So we are demanding justice," Crump added. "We expect all of the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, tomorrow." The attorney said that the three other officers squandered the opportunity to save Floyd's life as he pleaded for help. Crump said that Lane twice asked whether they should roll Floyd on his side but that Chauvin preferred to leave him on his stomach, even though his face was pressed onto the street. "To us, that is intent," Crump said. "We are expecting these officers to be charged as accomplices." Protesters gather on Monday at a memorial for Floyd where he died outside Cup Foods on East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. AP Photo/John Minchillo The Floyd family hired a medical examiner to conduct an independent autopsy, which found this week that Floyd was killed by asphyxia due to compression of the neck and back. "The evidence is consistent with mechanical asphyxia as the cause of death and homicide as the manner of death," Dr. Allecia Wilson, the director of autopsy and forensic services at the University of Michigan, said on Monday. Antonio Romanucci, another attorney for the Floyd family, said that two "physical mechanisms" led to Floyd's death: The weight of Chauvin's knee on his neck as well as the knees of two other officers digging into his back stopped not only "blood flow into his brain, but also airflow into his lungs." Crump said the officers weren't afraid of consequences. Chauvin had remained on the force despite being involved in violent incidents and police shootings, and he had been the subject of 10 complaints filed to the city's Civilian Review Authority and the Office of Police Conduct Review. On Tuesday, Minnesota launched a civil-rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department's practices, policies, and procedures going back 10 years, the AP reported. Rebecca Lucero, Minnesota's human-rights commissioner, said the goal was to root out systemic racism and discrimination, to provide the city short-term ways to create change on the way to long-term solutions, and to negotiate a consent decree that can be enforced through injunctions and fines. "These officers knew they could act with impunity, given the Minneapolis Police Department's widespread and prolonged pattern and practice of violating people's constitutional rights," Crump said. "Therefore, we also demand permanent transparent police accountability at all levels and at all times." The Minneapolis Police Department did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. This article has been updated. Read the original article on Insider Pro-democracy protesters gather during a "Lunch With You" rally at a shopping mall in the Central district of Hong Kong on June 1, 2020. (Issac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images) US Companies in Hong Kong Concerned About Impact of Beijings Security Law: Survey Many U.S. companies in Hong Kong expressed concern about Beijings decision to implement a national security law in the former British colony, according to a business survey released on June 3. Beijing adopted the law after a ceremonial vote by its rubber-stamp legislature on May 28. The law has drawn international criticism for threatening Hong Kongs autonomy and freedoms, which were guaranteed when the territory transferred sovereignty from Britain to China in 1997. The law would outlaw activities that the Chinese regime considers related to secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign interference. The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Hong Kong polled 180, or 15 percent of its members from June 1 and June 2. The majority of those polled were U.S. companies, with a third being Hong Kong companies and firms from other countries. Well over half of our respondents said they were very concerned or moderately concerned by the national security law while nearly half of the respondents saying they feel pessimistic about the citys medium to long term outlook, stated AmCham President Tara Joseph, according to the survey. 53.33 percent said they were very concerned and 30 percent said they were moderately concerned about the national security law. The organization also recorded its members specific concerns. One unnamed member stated: It may curtail basic civil liberties and undermine due process and rule of law, leading to greater public strife and mistrust in the current government. Another said: It will damage the overall business environment of HK that is used to being free with fair legal, financial and juridical systems. Asked whether their business operations in the city would be harmed by the security law, 60 percent said they believed they would be. One member wrote: This move will likely cause capital outflows and reduction in foreign investment into HK, which will also cause more job losses for the people of HK. When asked about their top concerns about the law, 64.44 percent said they were worried about the ambiguity in the scope and enforcement of the law, while 56.67 percent said they were worried about the impact on the citys independent judicial system. The Chinese regime is expected to draft specifics of the law in the coming months. 70.56 percent said they had no plans to move their assets or business operations out of the city. The remaining percentage said relocation was being considered, with Tokyo, Taipei, Sydney, Bangkok, London, and the United States among their choices. 48.33 percent said they were pessimistic about the medium to long term future, while 36.67 stated they were pessimistic over the short term but confident over the medium and long run. The survey also asked about President Donald Trumps decision to revoke Hong Kongs special trading status under U.S. law. 73.89 percent said they will wait and see about the decision, while 18.33 percent said they would reduce investments in the city. One member said that after Trumps announcement, the company was considering taking steps to set up a new legal entity in a sovereign country in the region. Another member wrote that it was planning to open a sister company in Singapore. Meanwhile, the U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote in an opinion article published in the South China Morning Post, that he would change U.K. immigration rules if the security law was implemented in Hong Kong. Johnson wrote that about 350,000 people in Hong Kong hold British National Overseas passports and another 2.5 million Hongkongers would be eligible to apply for them. Hongkongers born before the territory reverted to Chinese rule in 1997 have such passports. If China imposes its national security law, the British government will change our immigration rules and allow any holder of these passports from Hong Kong to come to the UKand be given further immigration rights, including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship, Johnson wrote. 1/ #Hongkongers welcome @BorisJohnsons visa offer to 3 million #HongKong citizens, at the time when #Beijing government completely ignores the will of #HKers and unilaterally imposes the draconian #nationalsecuritylaw over the city. Joshua Wong (@joshuawongcf) June 3, 2020 Johnson warned that the national security law would curtail its [Hong Kongs] freedoms and dramatically erode its autonomy. U.K. foreign secretary Dominic Raab made similar comments about the immigration plans before the House of Commons on June 2. Episcopal bishops denounce Trump standing in front of historic DC church, clearing out protesters Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The head of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington has denounced President Donald Trumps decision to pose in front of the historic St. Johns Church, located near the White House, that recently suffered fire damage during protests against the killing of George Floyd. On Monday, U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops cleared the pathway from the White House to the church, reportedly using tear gas and pushing peaceful protesters aside, before Trump walked to the church holding a Bible and giving some brief comments. Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde responded on Facebook, expressing outrage over the presidents decision to use the church as a backdrop. The President just used a Bible and one of the churches of my diocese as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for, stated Budde, the Facebook post getting as of Tuesday morning more than 13,000 likes and 52,000 shares. To do so, he sanctioned the use of tear gas by police officers in riot gear to clear the church yard. I am outraged. Budde went on to say that she did not support the Presidents incendiary response to a wounded, grieving nation. In faithfulness to our Savior who lived a life of non-violence and sacrificial love, we align ourselves with those seeking justice for the death of George Floyd and countless others through the sacred act of peaceful protest, she continued. Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry also denounced Trump's move. "[H]e used a church building and the Holy Bible for partisan political purposes. This was done in a time of deep hurt and pain in our country, and his action did nothing to help us or to heal us," Curry said. "The bible teaches us that 'God is love.' Jesus of Nazareth taught, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' The prophet Micah taught that the Lord requires us to 'do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.' The bible the President held up and the church that he stood in front of represent the values of love, of justice, of compassion, and of a way to heal our hurts. "We need our President, and all who hold office, to be moral leaders who help us to be a people and nation living these values. For the sake of George Floyd, for all who have wrongly suffered, and for the sake of us all, we need leaders to help us to be 'one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.'" Several journalists, including NBC News Reporter Garrett Haake, reported that protesters were peaceful in their demonstrations. But WTOP reporter Neal Augenstein said the Park Police told him the officers were "pelted with water bottles." So they used smoke canisters, not tear gas, to disburse the crowd. "Another factor was that protesters had climbed on top of the structure at the north end of Lafayette Square that had been burned the day before," Augenstein wrote on Twitter. Other security officials have yet to confirm if they used tear gas but witnesses reported that tear gas had been thrown at them. The Rev. Gini Gerbasi, rector at St. John's Episcopal Church in Georgetown, said she was at Lafayette Square with other clergy, passing out water and snacks when police began "pushing protestors off of H Street." "They started using tear gas and folks were running at us for eyewashes or water or wet paper towels," she described on Facebook. "Suddenly, around 6:30, there was more tear gas, more concussion grenades, and I think I saw someone hit by a rubber bullet - he was grasping his stomach and there was a mark on his shirt. The police in their riot gear were literally walking onto the St. John's, Lafayette Square patio with these metal shields, pushing people off the patio and driving them back. "WE WERE DRIVEN OFF OF THE PATIO AT ST. JOHN'S - a place of peace and respite and medical care throughout the day - SO THAT MAN COULD HAVE A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH!!! PEOPLE WERE HURT SO THAT HE COULD POSE IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH WITH A BIBLE!" Others, including evangelical Trump administration adviser Johnnie Moore, were more sympathetic toward the presidents actions. I will never forget seeing [Trump] slowly & in-total-command walk from the [White House] across Lafayette Square to St. John's Church defying those who aim to derail our national healing by spreading fear, hate & anarchy. After just saying, I will keep you safe, tweeted Moore. Evangelist Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, also commended Trump for his walking to the church. Trump made a statement by walking through Lafayette Park to St. Johns Episcopal Church that had been vandalized and partially burned Sunday night, stated Graham in a Facebook post, which as of Tuesday morning has gotten over 130,000 likes and 40,000 loves. He surprised those following him by holding up a Bible in front of the church. Thank you President Trump. God and His Word are the only hope for our nation. For its part, the White House posted a 29-second video to Twitter highlighting the walk Trump took to the church and his holding up of a Bible while outside the sanctuary. The video included soaring music and also showed Trump walking by a line of police in riot gear. As of Tuesday morning, it has gotten more than 38,000 likes and 22,000 retweets. On Sunday evening, St. Johns Church was the victim of vandalism during protests, with a fire set in the basement nursery and graffiti sprayed on its walls. We are fortunate that the damage to the buildings is limited, said church rector the Rev. Robert Fisher in a letter to parishioners on Sunday. Thankfully, there is no damage inside either of the buildings. This morning we secured, as best we could, our most valuable items. Later Monday evening, Trump said in a speech that violent mobs and rioters have been engaging in "acts of domestic terror" and that he will be "taking immediate presidential action to stop the violence and restore security and safety in America" by "immobilizing all federal resources, civilian and military to stop the rioting and looting, to end the destruction and arson, and to protect the rights of law-abiding Americans, including your second amendment rights." "I swore an oath to uphold the laws of our nation, and that is exactly what I will do. All Americans are rightly sickened and revolted by the brutal death of George Floyd," Trump said. "My administration is fully committed that for George and his family, justice will be served. He will not have died in vain. But we cannot allow the righteous prize and peaceful protesters to be drowned out by an angry mob. The biggest victims of the rioting are peace loving citizens in our poorest communities, and as they are President, I will fight to keep them safe. I will fight to protect you. I am your President of law and order and an ally of all peaceful protesters." Russian air strikes have hit Syria's last major rebel bastion for the first time since a March ceasefire came into force, a war monitor said on Wednesday. The Russian strikes on Tuesday evening and at dawn on Wednesday hit an area of the northwest where the boundaries of Hama, Idlib and Latakia provinces meet, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance (HTS), led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, and its hardline allies enjoy a significant presence in the area, the Britain-based monitoring group added. Home to some three million people, the Idlib region of the northwest is controlled by HTS and affiliated rebel groups. A Russian-backed government offensive between December and March displaced nearly a million people in the region. Some 840,000 of the nearly one million remain displaced, while some 120,000 have returned to their home communities since the ceasefire went into force, according to the United Nations. The truce, which coincided with the coronavirus crisis, had put a stop to the relentless air strikes by government forces and their Russian allies that killed at least 500 civilians in four months. The Observatory said the latest strikes were intended to push jihadists away from the key M4 highway in northern Syria, where Turkish and Russian forces often conduct joint patrols as part of the truce agreement. They were also intended to push HTS and its allies further away from the Sahl al-Ghab area in the north of Hama province, where government and Russian forces are present, it added. The air strikes triggered a fresh wave of displacement from Sahl al-Ghab and the Jabal al-Zawiya district of neighbouring Idlib, the Observatory added. Nearly half of the three million people living in the Idlib region have been displaced from other parts of Syria recaptured by the government. After holding barely a fifth of the country five years ago, Russian intervention has helped the government reclaim control of more than 70 percent of Syria. In the northwest, HTS and its allies control around half of Idlib province and slivers of territory in the neighbouring provinces of Hama, Latakia and Aleppo. The war in Syria has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced nearly half of the country's pre-war population since it started in 2011. The month of May saw the lowest civilian death toll since the start of the conflict nine years ago with 71 civilians reported killed, the Observatory said on Tuesday. Since a ceasefire went into effect around Syria's last major rebel stronghold in March, Russia has been conducting joint patrols along the strategic M4 highway that cuts through the region and analysts say it is keen to keep jihadist forces away Brexit headlines will gradually increase into the UK-EU summit later this month and the 1st July deadline for requesting an extension to the transition period. While the UK government has been steadfast in its stance that it will not ask for an extension, there will be immense pressure to do so. Uncertainty and headline risk will create a challenging environment for GBP traders. Markets are again higher on Tuesday with European stock markets following on from a strong session in Asia. Risk-on sentiment in currencies has pushed the US dollar down further and allowed AUDUSD to reach 0.685, nearly 25% higher than the March lows. Oil is also breaking higher and WTI is trading above $35 per barrel for the first time since the April crash. Accompanying the bullish price action is a seemingly constant flow of negative headlines. Economic data continues to be dire, the US is in chaos with looting and protests in many cities, and President Trump not only withdrew US support from the WHO, but also revoked special trade privileges for Hong Kong. China seems intent on retaliating and headlines came out on Monday that they will cut some imports of US goods such as soybeans, endangering the phase I trade deal. This caused a brief spike down in stocks but was quickly recovered as bad news continues to be shrugged off. Meanwhile in the UK, the Brexit process is still making minor headlines as trade talks resume. However, these are likely to increase as the July 1st extension deadline approaches and EURGBP volatility should pick up again. Brexit Back in the Headlines UK-EU trade talks get underway again after a short break and little progress has been made or is expected. Indeed, a news story on Monday suggested The EU is beginning to believe the UK actually wants the Brexit trade deal talks to fail. As the Business Insider reported, The hardline [UK] stance, in which few concessions are being offered to the EU, has led some in Brussels to wonder whether the UK government even wants to sign a new trade deal before 2021."The chasm is both broad and deep," an EU source close to negotiations told Business Insider."Increasing numbers here" in Brussels "wonder if the British government wants a deal at all." This will be a worry to Sterling bulls as a hard Brexit is likely to damage trade and weigh heavily on the Pound. Many traders and analysts still hope that the UK government will ask for an extension of the transition period and could be positioned long for this event, but as the deadline of 1st July approaches these traders will get increasingly anxious and this could lead to a rush to sell. ING explain, The fading prospects of an extension to the post-Brexit transition period, and the risk of supply chain disruption at the start of 2021 (either without a trade deal or with a soft, narrowed deal), are to weigh on sterling in coming days and weeks. While the UK government has been very clear that it will not ask for an extension, it is not clear if this is just posturing as negotiations continue. The lack of a trade deal when the transition period ends at the end of this year could spell chaos for the UK supply chains. Coming so soon after the coronavirus crisis makes the situation even more serious. The logistics industry has warned the UK government that British hauliers cannot prepare for January while dealing with the effects of the coronavirus. Other business groups are waiting for the outcome of this month's crunch meeting before deciding whether to also go public, report Business Insider. Mounting pressure from all sides means there is still hope for an about-turn on policy from the UK government, but this does seem a risky bet. So much uncertainty means the weeks and months ahead should see a rise in two-way volatility for GBP pairs. Boots Ireland has launched a Safe Space initiative, in partnership with Safe Ireland, for women experiencing domestic violence. The women can go into their local Boots store and access a Safe Space in a pharmacy consultation room. There, they can contact one of the 39 frontline specialist domestic abuse services across the country and access free, confidential support and advice. As self-isolation and social distancing become the new norm, Safe Ireland is concerned about the long-term impact of the reconfiguration of homes and family life. Its co-CEO Mary McDermott said: Those in abusive relationships and family homes are now in increasingly restricted conditions; they need to know that their community will support them and that there are specialist services available regionally and locally. According to An Garda Siochana, domestic violence reports have increased by up to 30% in some areas. Safe Ireland frontline services provide a range of supports to approximately 12,500 women and 3,000 children across Ireland. In addition, there are on average 50,000 calls to helplines each year. However, since the beginning of lockdown, some services in parts of the country have seen up to a 60% increase in calls, making access to support even more critical. Ms McDermott said: We are aware that women contained with their abusers through the Covid-19 crisis will not have the space or freedom to call for the support they need from their homes. "The Boots Safe Spaces provide a much-needed and welcome community-based location for people to reach out safely for vital professional advice and support. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 07:54 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbab102 1 National UN,FAO,report,forest-conversion,deforestation,REDD Free Shrinking forest cover over the last 30 years presents a clear and present danger to biodiversity, a recent review of the state of the worlds forests has found, even though the rate of deforestation has slowed in the past five years. The State of the Worlds Forests (SOFO) 2020, published jointly by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN Environment Program (UNEP), also called for global cooperation to turn the tide of deforestation. According to the report, it is estimated that around 420 million hectares of forest have been lost since 1990 through land-use conversion, although the rate has decreased recently. From 2010 to 2015, the world lost 12 million ha of forest per year to deforestation, while between 2015 and 2020 the annual rate of deforestation was at 10 million ha per year. Between 2000 to 2010, this figure stood at 15 million ha, and between 1990 and 2000, some 16 million ha of forest was lost to deforestation every year. Though up to 93 percent of the worlds forests can naturally regenerate, they were not able to keep up with the rate of deforestation, with annual agricultural expansion rising from 8 million ha between 1990 and 2000 to 10 million ha (2000-2010), 7 million ha (2010-2015) and 5 million ha (2015-2020) per year. This is clearly not a sustainable track we are on. Forests regulate global weather and provide livelihoods to millions of people we just cannot afford to continue down this road, UNEP executive director Inger Andersen said at the recent virtual launch of the report. Agricultural expansion was found to be the main driver of deforestation, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, as large-scale commercial agriculture linked to cattle ranching and soybean and palm oil plantations accounted for 40 percent of tropical deforestation between 2000 and 2010, followed by local subsistence agriculture (33 percent), urban expansion (10 percent), infrastructure (10 percent) and mining (7 percent). Even though it is declining, FAO director general Qu Dongyu said the rate of deforestation was still alarming. "Deforestation and forest degradation continue to take place at alarming rates, which contributes significantly to the ongoing loss of biodiversity", Qu said during the launch on May 22. Although forests only cover 31 percent of global land area equivalent to 4.06 billion ha they are home to most of the earths land biodiversity. They provide habitats for 80 percent of amphibian species, 75 percent of birds and 68 percent of mammals. Around 60 percent of vascular plants are also found in tropical forests. Some 45 percent of forests are tropical, followed by boreal forests (27 percent), temperate forests (16 percent) and subtropical forests (11 percent). More than half of the worlds forests are found in Brazil, Canada, China, Russia and the United States. Indonesia, in the meantime, accounts for around 2 percent of total global forest cover, roughly equivalent to 92 million hectares. The Indonesian government has also claimed that the rate of deforestation has slowed, although official data shows a more complex reality. According to the Environment and Forestry Ministry, Indonesia lost 493,300 ha of forest in 2017 to 2018, but followed it up with 53,900 ha of replanted forests, trimming the net loss to 439,400 ha. In the 2018 to 2019 period, Indonesia lost 465,500 ha of forest cover and replanted just 3,100 ha, bringing the net forest cover loss to 462,400 ha. Global deforestation has decreased by almost 40 percent, and Indonesia has made an important contribution to that decrease. Indonesias annual rate of deforestation reached more than 3.5 million ha between 1996 and 2000, but now that has been reduced by 0.44 million ha and will continue to decline in the future, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said during the SOFO virtual launch event. Siti said the reduction in the rate of deforestation was the result of several measures implemented by the government, including peatland restoration activities, a moratorium on new palm oil plantations and reviews of existing plantations and the timber legality verification system (SVLK) for timber exports. The government is also set to receive a US$56 million grant from Norway in June this year, as the first payment for Indonesias successful reduction in deforestation and carbon emissions under the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) cooperation scheme. Editor's note: Article revised to correct survey findings. Indonesias cobalt potential highlighted as demand for alternative sources intensifies BOLT Metals observes increased investment into Indonesias battery metals supply chain VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bolt Metals Corp. (CSE: BOLT) (FRANKFURT: NXFE) (OTCQB: PCRCF) (the Company or Bolt Metals), an Indonesia-based company focused on developing battery mineral projects in the AsiaPacific region, noted the Financial Times reported that Huayou Cobalt (Huayou), Chinas top cobalt producer halts buying from Congo miners. Its widely reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo (the DRC) represents 60% of global cobalt production. Shanghai-listed Huayou supplies cobalt to battery makers LG Chem of South Korea and CATL of China, as well as Chinese carmaker BYD and Germanys Volkswagen. Bowing to international pressure to shutter its conflict-sourced cobalt, Huayou is the latest conglomerate to exit the DRC, joining Apple, Google and several auto manufacturers. Huayou is looking to raise $870m in an effort to expand nickel and cobalt sulphate production in Indonesia. Huayous plant in Indonesias Morowali Industrial Park is expected to produce at least 60,000 tonnes of nickel content per year within 2 years. Ranjeet Sundher, CEO of Bolt Metals, comments, Cobalt remains an important ingredient in battery chemistries, and international markets are increasingly demanding conflict-free sources for the metal. Bolt Metals believes Indonesia represents a unique opportunity to exploit cobalt as a byproduct of the countries abundant nickel resources. Our flagship Cyclops nickel-cobalt asset has demonstrated strong results from 2018-19 drilling and benchmark analysis, providing an essential foundation for the eventual development of a pilot plant. Recent positive developments within Indonesias mining sector have generated significant interest in Bolt Metals and its Cyclops project from downstream battery metal suppliers within Indonesia as well as China, the largest battery metals market in the world. Bolt Metals has signed preliminary offtake agreements with Beijing Easpring, Chinas top battery metals supplier (please refer to the Companys press release issued July 11, 2018) and Junan Jinxin (please refer to the Companys press release issued March 5, 2020), primarily engaged in the acquisition, production, processing and marketing of tungsten and cobalt1. Both agreements provide a strategic investment option. Bolt Metals is working toward signing definitive agreements with both companies, while preparing for the commencement of construction of a pilot plant in Canada. Processing results from the pilot plant will be used to establish design criteria for the subsequent demonstration plant in Indonesia, which will produce nickel and cobalt products suitable to meet market specifications. As well as demonstrating Bolt Metals ability to produce a product within market specifications, the demonstration plant will be used to establish design criteria for a commercial full-scale plant. 1 The Company has not made a decision to proceed to production and would not do so without first establishing mineral reserves. About Bolt Metals BOLT Metals is a Canadianbased exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of production grade nickel and cobalt deposits, key raw material inputs for the growing lithiumion battery industry. Visit https://boltmetals.com/ to find out more. Bolt Metals Corp. Ranjeet Sundher President and CEO (604) 922-8272 rsundher@boltmetals.com Steve Vanry CFO & Director (604) 922-8272 steve@vanrycap.com Sean Bromley Director & Investor Contact (778) 985-8934 sean@theparmargroup.com Reader Advisory This news release may contain statements which constitute forward-looking information, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words may, would, could, will, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, expect and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Companys future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Water and Power Consultancy Services Limited (WAPCOS), Government of India undertaking, has called for applications in a prescribed format from qualified and experienced Indian nationals for filling Ten (10) vacancies to the post of Structure Engineer (02), Architect (01), Electrical Engineer (01), Estimate Engineer (01) and Site Engineer (05) through direct selection on contractual basis to be posted in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The application process towards the same started on June 1, 2020 and closes on June 16, 2020. CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Engineers, Architect and Site Engineers Organisation Water and Power Consultancy Services Limited (WAPCOS) Educational Qualification B.E/B.Tech/Diploma in Civil and Electrical Engineering discipline; M.E/M.Tech in Structural engineering; M. Arch/B. Arch Experience Two to five years in a relevant domain Skills Required Desirable Job Location Gandhinagar, Gujarat Salary Scale In the range of Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 40,000 per month as per the post Industry Consultancy Application Start Date June 1, 2020 Application End Date June 16, 2020 Age Criteria And Fees Candidates interested in applying for Engineering posts through WAPCOS Recruitment 2020 must meet the age criteria as per the WAPCOS norms, with relaxation (upper age limit) for SC/ST/OBC/PWBMD as per the Govt. of India guidelines. For details regarding application processing fee, refer to the official advertisement given at the end of the article. KVIC Recruitment 2020 For 34 Director And Deputy Director Posts, Apply Offline Before June 30 Educational Criteria And Eligibility Desirous candidates applying for Engineering posts through WAPCOS Recruitment 2020 must possess a B.E/B.Tech/Diploma in Civil and Electrical Engineering discipline; M.E/M.Tech in Structural engineering; M. Arch/B. Arch from a recognised University/Institute with two to three years of experience in the concerned area. Selection And Pay Scale The selection of candidates to Engineering posts through WAPCOS Recruitment 2020 will be done through Shortlisting, Interview/Skill Test and Document Verification. Candidates selected to Engineering posts through WAPCOS Recruitment 2020 will be paid emolument ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 40,000 per month as per the post. NTPC Recruitment 2020 For Mine Surveyors And Executives Post, Apply Online Before June 22 How To Apply Candidates applying for Engineering posts through WAPCOS Recruitment 2020 must send in their CV in a prescribed format only at wapgandhinagar@gmail.com on or before June 16, 2020. Read the detailed advertisement about WAPCOS Recruitment 2020 for Engineers, Architect and Site Engineers post here Ebenezer Osei Bonsu, the 26-year-old father who severely flogged his three-year-old child for damaging his phone and wetting his bed, has pleaded guilty to assault and causing harm. Bonsu had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges when he first appeared before the Kumasi Circuit Court on May 14, this year. He, however, changed his plea to guilty at yesterdays hearing. It was said that Bonsu used a cane and a cable to whip the child, causing injuries to his head and back. Images of the severe injuries suffered by the child caused an uproar on social media, with people wondering why a father could inflict such harm on his own child. Conviction Following Bonsus plea of guilty, the court, presided over by Ms Patricia Amponsah, convicted him on his own plea. The court, however, deferred sentencing to June 9, 2020. Under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), causing harm is a second-degree felony which carries a prison term not exceeding 10 years, while assault is a misdemeanour which carries a prison term not exceeding three years. Facts The facts of the case, as presented by the prosecutor, Inspector Regina Oparebea Amoako, were that the accused and the complainant, Barbara Obeng, were former students of the Komfo Anokye Senior High School who were in a relationship for a while that produced a son, the victim. She said Bonsu, who is currently doing his national service in Accra, often went to Kumasi during weekends. He said on April 9, this year, Bonsu went for the child to spend his birthday with him at his place. However, she said, after the birthday, Bonsu refused to return the boy to Barbara, as he usually did. Barbara, in turn, reported to the police, who went to pick the child and realised that he had cuts and swellings on his body. 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 Several lawyers bodies have started pressuring the chief justices of high courts (HCs) and the Supreme Court (SC) to revert to normal physical court hearings citing an acute financial crunch and other difficulties being faced by lawyers due to the restricted functioning of courts because of the nationwide lockdown that was imposed by the central government from March 25 to contain the spread of the raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak. The Bar Council of India (BCI), the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) and the Gujarat High Court Advocates Association (GHCAA) have urged chief justices of HCs and the SC to resume physical hearings. Courts have been hearing only urgent matters through the video-conferencing facility, which have led to a growing pendency of cases in an overburdened higher judiciary. Lockdown restrictions have hit the legal profession hard and many lawyers are struggling to make both ends meet. Senior advocate Yatin Oza highlighted an incident from Gujarat to bolster his argument about the financial struggles being faced by lawyers due to the prevailing lockdown restrictions. Oza, who quit as the president of the Gujarat High Court Advocates Association (GHCAA) on Tuesday following differences within the managing committee of the association, ciated in his resignation letter that when he recently placed an order for food from Swiggy, an online food ordering and delivering platform, the delivery person turned out to be a lawyer, who used to practice in the Gujarat HC. Over 700 junior lawyers have expressed their financial woes to me, Oza said. The GHCAA had conducted a referendum to arrive at a consensus on whether they should petition the chief justice for resuming physical hearings. In the referendum, over 64 percent of the respondents had voted in favour of the resumption of physical hearings. The GHCCAs vice-president and joint secretary were at odds with the members of the managing committee and requested the chief justice to persist with the ongoing video-conferencing facility. This led to Ozas resignation on Tuesday even though he withdrew it later in the day after the Bar members pressured him to stay on. Oza told HT that he is in favour of the resumption of physical court hearings. If judges want to continue with the virtual court, they should sit five days in a week with all the judges attending as per the roster. The judges should adhere to the normal court timings. There cannot be five judges, whore hearing only four categories of cases, Oza said. There has been a drastic reduction in the cases heard by courts, including the SC, since the video-conferencing facility was introduced in end-March because of the nationwide lockdown restrictions. For instance, the apex court heard only 835 cases between March 23 and May 1. While on a normal working day, the SC hears around 800 cases. The HCs, too, are grappling with a growing pendency of cases. The pendency of cases is running into lakhs. People are waiting for justice for at least a decade. The Gujarat HC hears only five types of cases through the video-conferencing facility. Many advocates are waiting for weeks to get their cases listed, Oza said. The BCI had also appealed to courts to revert to physical court hearings citing the difficulties being faced by a majority of lawyers, who do not have access to technology. On May 26, the BCI chairperson wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde and alleged that only a handful of privileged advocates have been able to utilise the benefit of hearings conducted via the video-conference facility. On Tuesday, the SCAORA wrote a similar letter to the CJI. Shivaji M Jadhav, president, SCAORA, wrote in the letter that around 95% of the lawyers are not comfortable with virtual court hearings since they are a major deterrent to argue cases effectively before a bench. The SCAORA, which is the body of lawyers eligible to file cases in the SC, urged the CJI to commence physical court hearings from July. Jadhav exuded confidence about the SC acceding to their plea. Its uncertain at this point in time when the pandemic will end and weve no option but to live with the viral outbreak. The SC should resume physical hearings from July because many lawyers are suffering. I know that its a risky proposition but the apex court still has one month to ensure that adequate arrangements are made and precautions are taken before it reopens, Jadhav told HT. Advocate Mukund P Unny, a young lawyer practicing in Delhi courts, had a counter-point to resume physical court hearings. Its true that the livelihood of many lawyers has been affected. However, the resumption of physical hearings may aggravate the problem. For instance, a judge at a Rohini court, tested Covid-19 positive on Wednesday. Courts can become hotspots. Perhaps, the video-conferencing facility can be ramped up and all the cases can be heard and not just urgent matters, said Unny. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In the thick of the coronavirus lockdown in Cyprus, authorities gave a group of asylum seekers a stark choice: move to an overcrowded camp or go home. The Mediterranean island deemed it a necessary step to save money -- the tiny country of just one million people now has Europe's highest per capita rate of asylum applications. For the migrants, it was tough, said one Nigerian, who now lives in a cluster of UN tents and prefabricated huts surrounded by razor wire, a facility built for 200 people that now houses some 800. He was one of the dozens of asylum seekers who had initially been housed at hotel apartments in the coastal resort of Ayia Napa, which was otherwise deserted because of the pandemic. One day, he says, they were told: "Either you get on the bus or you sign a paper saying that you want to go back to your country." "It was so fast, nobody had time to decide," he said. "Everything was in a rush, we didn't have time to read the paper." The Nigerian man, who asked not to be named, is now among the hundreds living in the Pournara camp in Kokkinotrimithia near the capital Nicosia, where a May heatwave saw temperatures soar to 43 degrees centigrade (109 Fahrenheit). The move angered rights groups such as the Cyprus Refugee Council, which said migrants face "very difficult conditions" in the "closed, overcrowded and tented camp... without clear information as to when they will be allowed to leave". But Cyprus says it can no longer afford the 19-million-euro ($21-million) annual bill to house migrants in hotels and is asking for European Union help as the influx shows no sign of abating. - Divided island - Interior Minister Nikos Nouris told AFP that for many migrants, the alternative to camps is unsafe city accommodation run by unscrupulous landlords. Nouris wants to accelerate asylum procedures and repatriations, insisting that "we have a huge volume of migrants, and 75 percent are not refugees". The EU says that in spring 2019, Cyprus was receiving three times as many asylum applications per month, adjusted for population, as Greece. The influx is in part due to the troubled history of Cyprus, the easternmost member of the EU which lies just 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the Turkish coast, and has been divided since a military conflict in 1974. The Republic of Cyprus controls the south while a breakaway Turkish-backed entity controls the northern third and is recognised only by Ankara. In recent years, northern Cyprus has become a gateway for growing numbers of migrants who arrive by boat. Many, like the Nigerian man, then slip across the 184-kilometre UN-controlled buffer zone, even as it officially remains closed under coronavirus restrictions. - Tough message - Since the migrant "Balkans route" from Turkey to central Europe was blocked in 2015, asylum applications in Cyprus have soared -- from 2,253 that year to 13,648 in 2019, the interior ministry says. While many hail from countries rocked by conflict and ethnic strife -- particularly Syria and Cameroon -- the ministry says that Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi applicants far outnumbered those fleeing war zones so far this year. Nouris insisted that "yes, we are very willing to host refugees. But we can no longer host in this country, in these numbers, all the economic migrants". Since the Nigerian man was transferred to the camp on orders from Nouris's office, he has been unable to leave. Despite eased coronavirus restrictions, migrants remain detained there under a health ministry order citing a scabies outbreak in the camp. Doros Polycarpou of migrants' rights group KISA said moving people to camps with no chance to appeal was "a serious violation" of existing rules. "This is the way of giving the message: don't come to Cyprus any more." Another Nigerian asylum seeker, who also asked to remain anonymous, said that faced with the choice in early May, he had opted for repatriation. "I was in the camp before, when I first arrived in Cyprus," he said. "I don't want to go back. Ever. It's a horrible place." - 'Very difficult time' - Nouris said improvements were under way and that once the scabies outbreak was dealt with, migrants would be allowed to come and go from Pournara, as with Kofinou, another migrant camp. He also said Cyprus had reported zero COVID-19 cases among migrants. Nouris, appointed in December, is pushing to accelerate asylum procedures, hiring new staff and proposing legislation to slash the wait for a final decision. He is also launching a multilingual SMS campaign to inform migrants that Cyprus, which is outside Europe's open-borders Schengen area, is not a gateway to the EU. Crucially, he called for more EU support, citing the challenges of integrating large numbers of refugees into a small population. He warned that the challenge for Cyprus could escalate again in the coming months. "If Turkey... continues sending people to the occupied parts of Cyprus" who then cross the buffer zone, he said, "we're going to have a very, very difficult time." The Pournara camp was built as a reception centre for new arrivals in Cyprus, but has been expanded and now hosts around four times its original capacity A November 2019 file picture shows Syrian refugees inside the Pournara camp, some 20 kilometres outside the Cypriot capital Nicosia NGOs have voiced anger over the policy of holding migrants in rough conditions at the Pournara camp Rekha Lakshmanan, Peter Hotez and Kirstin Matthews, moderator. Despite headlines suggesting a COVID-19 vaccine might be coming soon, experts at Rice University's Baker Institute of Public Policy warn that a viable vaccine is likely at least a year away. Insights into the development process were offered during a May 28 webinar featuring Rekha Lakshmanan, contributing expert at the institute's Center for Health and Biosciences and director of public policy at The Immunization Partnership (TIP) in Houston, and Peter Hotez, fellow in disease and poverty at the Baker Institute and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. "We're not going to have a vaccine by the end of the year or in weeks or months," said Hotez, whose lab is trying to develop a low-cost vaccine. "And unfortunately a lot of the imagery and language around these processes have created a lot of confusion." Hotez said when a biotech company, for instance, says it will have a vaccine in weeks, what it really means is the vaccine can be manufactured or produced that quickly at small scale. Vaccine candidates go through rigorous and layered testing, and Hotez and Lakshmanan said most of them failabout 90%. By testing multiple candidates, scientists have a better shot at finding one that is safe and effective. They estimate it will take at least a year, maybe longer, to collect enough data showing a potential vaccine's efficacy. "Vaccines go through a very time-intensive and rigorous scientific process before a vaccine even becomes available to the public," Lakshmanan said. "And from a time context it can take anywhere from 10 to 15 years, sometimes even more, to study and research a vaccine candidate and then make it available to the general population. Even though we have vaccines that go through this trialing process, there's no guarantee or assurances that were actually going to get a viable vaccine candidate out of all these trials." Lakshmanan said few vaccine candidates make it past the preclinical phase, during which studies are conducted using human tissue or cell cultures or animals to assess the safety of a vaccine candidate. If a potential vaccine passes that initial test, it must then go through three additional phases. The first includes giving the vaccine to a small group of volunteers, about 20 to 100 healthy adults, to ascertain safety, immunity response and potential dosage. Phase two increases the group size and includes additional populations, such as older adults, and new queries about side effects and individual responses to the vaccine. Phase three is a similar test conducted on a much larger number of volunteers, sometimes into the thousands, which may uncover side effects that previously had not been evident. If a vaccine candidate clears those hurdles, it may then go to the Food and Drug Administration for review. According to Lakshmanan, most COVID-19 vaccine candidates are currently in phase one. At this rate, Hotez said, a viable vaccine likely won't be available until next fall"and even that would be a world record." "There's a lot of confusion about what's really going to happen in what we're hearing from the pharma companies and even statements coming from the White House coronavirus task force," Hotez said. "Here's what's happening: There's going to be at least seven or eight or as many as 15 or 20 candidates that go into clinical trials. And hopefully ours, our vaccine that we've developed at National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's (Hospital), will be one of them." A successful COVID-19 vaccine will function by "inducing an immune reponse to the spike protein of the virusthe spike protein is what binds to the host receptor," Hotez said. "All antibodies work by introducing antibodies to the virus to neutralize the virus, to prevent it from binding to the host tissues." The spike protein can be genetically engineered by putting its gene in an "expression vector" such as yeast and letting it ferment"just like you make a beer," Hotez said. Instead of alcohol, the yeast will release a "recombinant protein." Hotez and his team are using this type of protein in their vaccine candidate. They used a similar process for a SARS vaccine and are hopeful the process could be effective against COVID-19; both diseases are caused by coronaviruses. "We can know that our recombinant protein vaccines, and some of the inactivated vaccines, give really high titers of neutralizing antibodies," Hotez said. "The other ones haven't." Other competitors are using DNA or messenger RNA vaccine technology to help get candidates to trial quickly, but Hotez said these types of vaccines are not the best for inducing a certain type of neutralizing antibody required to combat the coronavirus. The neutralizing antibody binds to the spike protein of the virus and blocks it from invading the host's cells. "Developing a COVID-19 vaccine may not be all that complicated," Hotez said. "It's a straightforward problem in it's (an) old-school biology problem. You need to induce lots of neutralizing antibodies, and we know how to do this." Hotez said there are ways to accelerate the process of getting a safe and effective vaccine to the publicincluding manufacturing candidates at a large scale from the beginning of trials so they will be available to the general population if they're successfuland that doing so for COVID-19 could provide a framework for addressing future disease outbreaks. "If all of this works and the stars align and we do have a vaccine at the other end in say a year and a half from now, that may change the way we think about doing vaccine development going forward," he said. "Because we will have other pandemics and other epidemic threats." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak People sit on a bench in an unusually uncrowded l Piazza del Duomo, in Florence, Italy (Andrew Medichini/AP) Romes Leonardo da Vinci airport sprang back to life as Italy opened regional and international borders in the final phase of easing its long Covid-19 lockdown, but it was still an open question how other nations would accept Italian visitors. Families and loved ones separated by the global pandemic could finally reunite but normality was a long way off. Italy is the first European country to fully open its international borders, dropping the 14-day quarantine requirement for visitors. But most European nations see Italys move, which aims to boost its collapsed yet critical tourism industry, as premature. Expand Close A horse-driven carriage waits for customers in an unusually uncrowded historical Piazza della Signoria square, in Florence (Andrew Medichini/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A horse-driven carriage waits for customers in an unusually uncrowded historical Piazza della Signoria square, in Florence (Andrew Medichini/AP) Many of them are moving to open only on June 15 and some even much later than that. Who gets to go where in Europe this summer is shaping up to be determined by where you live, what passport you carry and how hard hit your region has been during the pandemic. At Romes international airport, Andrea Monti embraced his girlfriend, Katherina Scherf, in an emotional reunion as she arrived from Dusseldorf, Germany. We havent seen each other since before the pandemic, Mr Monti said. Still, the airport remained lightly used even though Italys national holiday on Tuesday normally kicks off the summer domestic tourism season. Expand Close A passenger has her temperature taken to check for symptoms of Covid-19 before boarding a train at Milans Central Station (Claudio Furlan/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A passenger has her temperature taken to check for symptoms of Covid-19 before boarding a train at Milans Central Station (Claudio Furlan/AP) It was scheduled to handle several thousand passengers on Wednesday, compared to 110,00 passengers on the same day last year. Italy also resumed high-speed train service between regions for the first time since the lockdown in early March, checking departing passengers temperatures as they accessed the tracks. Europe-wide, rules on cross-border travel were a patchwork of regulations if not a complete mishmash. Germany said it plans to lift a travel warning for European countries from June 15 but it may still advise against travel in some cases, for example to Britain if quarantine rules there remain. Germany issued a warning against all nonessential foreign travel in March. Expand Close The Ponte Vecchio Old Bridge is seen through a window of the Uffizzi Gallery museum, in Florence (Andrew Medichini/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Ponte Vecchio Old Bridge is seen through a window of the Uffizzi Gallery museum, in Florence (Andrew Medichini/AP) The aim is to change that for Germanys 26 European Union partners, other countries outside the EU that are part of Europes passport-free Schengen travel area, and Britain. Austria said it is ending border checks with all its neighbours except for Italy, due to lingering concerns about coronavirus infections there, particularly hard-hit Lombardy. Italys neighbour, France, also is looking at opening its borders on June 15 although French citizens who cross over in the meantime are no longer subject to quarantines upon their return. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 02:31:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KHARTOUM, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Rebel groups in Sudan's Darfur region have attacked a camp of the Sudanese army in western Jebel Marra area, the army said in a statement Tuesday. "Groups belonging to the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) and Al Sahwa Revolutionary Council have attacked our forces in western Jebel Marra area," the statement noted. "The attack is a clear violation of the declared cease-fire and an attempt to drag Darfur back to the state of war and security chaos," it added. The Sudanese army said it maintains the right of defending its sites and protecting the citizens against terrorist and criminal acts by such groups. The army also has the right to respond to any aggression and take necessary measures to eliminate threats and prevent recurrence of these terrorist acts, the statement noted. On Oct. 16 last year, the Sudanese army declared a comprehensive cease-fire in Darfur region. Armed groups have been fighting the government since 2003. Since last October, South Sudan's capital Juba has been hosting peace talks between the Sudan government and armed groups from Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions. Enditem Senator Andrew Bragg wants to force industry superannuation funds to disclose how much money they give to trade unions, claiming more than $30 million a year will be paid from retirement profits into union coffers by 2030. The Liberal senator slammed the relationship between unions and super funds in his book Bad Egg: How to Fix Super, referring to Australian Electoral Commission data showing industry funds paid $10.45 million to unions in 2017, up from $3.22 million in 2006. Senator Andrew Bragg wants super funds to disclose all payments to party-related groups in their annual reports. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Using the previous annual growth rate of 9 per cent, he estimated $31.4 million could be paid to unions by super funds in 2030, noting the AEC data only captures payments made to unions affiliated with the Australian Labor Party. Labor's financial services spokesman Stephen Jones said claims made in Mr Bragg's book were already dismissed as "spurious" by the Financial Services Royal Commission. Zoom is facing backlash from digital security and privacy experts after saying it will only give its paid users end-to-end encryption. The confirmation that only paying Zoom users will be able to take advantage of its upcoming encryption measures comes from the company's CEO, Eric Yuan. As reported by Bloomberg, Yuan addressed its plans for premium-only encryption during an earnings call for the company this week. Zoom won't roll out encryption to its free users according to a recent earnings call. Pictured, Zoom CEO Eric Yuan, seen here at the firm's IPO in New York last April 'Free users for sure we dont want to give [e2e encryption] because we also want to work together with FBI, with local law enforcement in case some people use Zoom for a bad purpose,' Yuan said during the call. As noted by privacy experts following the call, Yuan's statement seems to suggest that users who either choose not to pay Zoom or don't have the option are at greater risk of using Zoom for illicit purposes. You heard that right, activists, journalists, organizers, and cash-strapped non-profits of the world: Zoom *could* offer you best-practice security, but it won't, because you might be a child pornographer. Better luck next time. Gennie Gebhart (@jenuhhveev) May 28, 2020 In a tweet, the Associate Director of Research at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Gennie Gebhart, criticized the policy for its reflection on non-paying Zoom users. 'You heard that right, activists, journalists, organizers, and cash-strapped non-profits of the world: Zoom *could* offer you best-practice security, but it won't, because you might be a child pornographer. Better luck next time,' wrote Gebhart. Likewise, Privacy expert Pat Walshe tweeted that the policy devalues Zoom's free users. 'This is a bizarre policy to say the least. Zoom. Perhaps it should have said Yall free users are just potential criminals. Yall dont deserve e2e protection,' he wrote. Zoom has come under fire for myriad security lapses throughout the last several months including issues with video calls being interrupted with child porn (stock) The decision not to roll out end-to-end encryption for all users comes at a time when full-on encryption is under attack by the US government under President Donald Trump. Legislation introduced to the US senate this year could undercut true encryption, giving law enforcement a back door to data that was traditionally off limits. The bill has the support of conservative lawmakers and of US Attorney General, William Barr. That effort to outlaw end-to-end encryption may also explain the backlash Zoom is receiving from privacy experts for failing to protect all of its users' data. Ontarios health agency has apologized after 485 positive COVID-19 tests, most of which came from Etobicoke General Hospitals drive-thru assessment centre, were not reported to local public health units. Ontario Health is very sorry that this has occurred. The impact of the error may not be fully understood for some time, the agency said in a statement Tuesday. When public health agencies complete their case management and contact tracing there will be a greater understanding of the impact. Ontario Health spokesperson Gillian Wansbrough confirmed in an email to toronto.com that the regions most affected were Toronto and Peel, and the bulk of the cases were from the Drive-Thru Assessment Centre at Etobicoke General Hospital. Ontario Health said it takes full responsibility for this oversight and is citing a breakdown in communication as the reason why this has happened. All laboratories doing COVID-19 testing are required to notify the public health unit of positive results, so they can start contact tracing; however, in some cases labs doing testing for other hospitals/assessment centres have asked those sites to advise the public health unit of positive results so they can begin contact tracing. Ontario Health said all COVID-19 testing labs across the province are now clear on who contacts the patients and who contacts the public health agencies, to ensure timely case investigation and contact tracing going forward. The agency also said its focus now is ensuring that people with positive tests were contacted and that public health agencies know who they must involve in case management and contact tracing. Further, Ontario Health said so far calls to impacted patients have confirmed the majority knew they had a positive test. Most had viewed their results online or had been contacted by the physician who suggested they be tested. However, many of these patients still require case management by public health, which is being rectified by the public health units, Ontario Health said. The William Osler Health Systems drive-thru testing centre, which opened on March 30, is located down the street from Etobicoke General Hospital at a Humber College overflow parking lot on the northwest corner of Highway 27 and Queens Plate Drive. This centre is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week and can accommodate 96 vehicles a day. Since March 11, Osler has operated the Peel Memorial COVID-19 Assessment centre at its Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness at 20 Lynch St. in Brampton. This testing centre was one of the first to open in Ontario. It remains open seven days a week. Joanna Lavoie is a reporter with toronto.com. Reach her via email: jlavoie@toronto.com The latest generation of tetracyclines -- a class of powerful, first-line antibiotics -- was designed to thwart the two most common ways bacteria resist such drugs. But a new study from researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that genes representing yet another method of resistance are widespread in bacteria that live in the soil and on people. Some of these genes confer the power to destroy all tetracyclines, including the latest generation of these antibiotics. However, the researchers have created a chemical compound that shields tetracyclines from destruction. When the chemical compound was given in combination with tetracyclines as part of the new study, the antibiotics' lethal effects were restored. The findings, available online in Communications Biology, indicate an emerging threat to one of the most widely used classes of antibiotics -- but also a promising way to protect against that threat. "We first found tetracycline-destroying genes five years ago in harmless environmental bacteria, and we said at the time that there was a risk the genes could get into bacteria that cause disease, leading to infections that would be very difficult to treat," said co-senior author Gautam Dantas, PhD, a professor of pathology and immunology and of molecular microbiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "Once we started looking for these genes in clinical samples, we found them immediately. The fact that we were able to find them so rapidly tells me that these genes are more widespread than we thought. It's no longer a theoretical risk that this will be a problem in the clinic. It's already a problem." In 2015, Dantas, also a professor of biomedical engineering, and Timothy Wencewicz, PhD, an associate professor of chemistry in Arts & Sciences at Washington University, discovered 10 different genes that each gave bacteria the ability to dice up the toxic part of the tetracycline molecule, thereby inactivating the drug. These genes code for proteins the researchers dubbed tetracycline destructases. But they didn't know how widespread such genes were. To find out, Dantas and first author Andrew Gasparrini, PhD -- then a graduate student in Dantas' lab -- screened 53 soil, 176 human stool, two animal feces, and 13 latrine samples for genes similar to the 10 they'd already found. The survey yielded 69 additional possible tetracycline-destructase genes. advertisement Then they cloned some of the genes into E. coli bacteria that had no resistance to tetracyclines and tested whether the genetically modified bacteria survived exposure to the drugs. E. coli that had received supposed destructase genes from soil bacteria inactivated some of the tetracyclines. E. coli that had received genes from bacteria associated with people destroyed all 11 tetracyclines. "The scary thing is that one of the tetracycline destructases we found in human-associated bacteria -- Tet(X7) -- may have evolved from an ancestral destructase in soil bacteria, but it has a broader range and enhanced efficiency," said Wencewicz, who is a co-senior author on the new study. "Usually there's a trade-off between how broad an enzyme is and how efficient it is. But Tet(X7) manages to be broad and efficient, and that's a potentially deadly combination." In the first screen, the researchers had found tetracycline-destructase genes only in bacteria not known to cause disease in people. To find out whether disease-causing species also carried such genes, the scientists scanned the genetic sequences of clinical samples Dantas had collected over the years. They found Tet(X7) in a bacterium that had caused a lung infection and sent a man to intensive care in Pakistan in 2016. Tetracyclines have been around since the 1940s. They are one of the most widely used classes of antibiotics, used for diseases ranging from pneumonia, to skin or urinary tract infections, to stomach ulcers, as well as in agriculture and aquaculture. In recent decades, mounting antibiotic resistance has driven pharmaceutical companies to spend hundreds of millions of dollars developing a new generation of tetracyclines that is impervious to the two most common resistance strategies: expelling drugs from the bacterial cell before they can do harm, and fortifying vulnerable parts of the bacterial cell. The emergence of a third method of antibiotic resistance in disease-causing bacteria could be disastrous for public health. To better understand how Tet(X7) works, co-senior author Niraj Tolia, PhD, a senior investigator at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the NIH, and co-author Hirdesh Kumar, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in Tolia's lab, solved the structure of the protein. "I established that Tet(X7) is very similar to known structures but way more active, and we don't really know why because the part that interacts with the tetracycline rings is the same," Kumar said. "I'm now taking a molecular dynamics approach so we can see the protein in action. If we can understand why it is so efficient, we can design even better inhibitors." Wencewicz and colleagues previously designed a chemical compound that preserves the potency of tetracyclines by preventing destructases from chewing up the antibiotics. In the most recent study, co-author Jana L. Markley, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in Wencewicz's lab, evaluated that inhibitor against the bacterium from the patient in Pakistan and its powerful Tet(X7) destructase. Adding the compound made the bacteria two to four times more sensitive to all three of the latest generation of tetracyclines. "Our team has a motto extending the wise words of Benjamin Franklin: 'In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes and antibiotic resistance,'" Wencewicz said. "Antibiotic resistance is going to happen. We need to get ahead of it and design inhibitors now to protect our antibiotics, because if we wait until it becomes a crisis, it's too late." Almost two years after the groundbreaking, construction of the new Cheston Elementary School in Easton was ahead of schedule. Then came the coronavirus pandemic. Construction was put on hold as it was for construction jobs across the state to curb the spread of the disease. The school board approved provisions in May to keep construction workers safe at the site at 723 Coal St. on the citys South Side. So will the school open on time this fall? The Easton Area School districts chief operating officer is optimistic. I dont have an exact status but we feel that we will still be able to open in September at the new school, said Chief Operating Officer Michael Simonetta in an interview Thursday, May 28. Theres nothing that indicates that it wont be ready. Most exterior work is complete at the $26.4 million school. Simonetta said last week workers were polishing the floors. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said Wednesday, June 3, that schools in the yellow and green phase of his coronavirus mitigation plan will be allowed to open as of July 1 as long as they meet COVID-related guidelines. The Lehigh valley is expected to move to the yellow phase Friday, June 5. The Easton Area School Board hired providers from St. Lukes University Health Network to monitor workers on the construction site for coronavirus symptoms. The district will pay $70 an hour per provider for the work between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. weekdays. Construction workers must have a body temperature of 100.4 degrees to be cleared to work. They cant have flu-like symptoms and cant have come in contact with anyone who has COVID-19. Once the new school is complete, the old Cheston Elementary School next door will be demolished. Work continues June 2, 2020, on Cheston Elementary School in Easton. The original school is to the right of the new school. The original school will be demolished when the new school is complete.Rudy Miller | For lehighvalleylive.com Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email him. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. Antifa has become a conservative catch-all under President Donald Trump. Any left-leaning protest that grows unruly is antifa. A mob of people protesting the president could be antifa. Over the past few years, Trump, his base and the authorities have blamed antifa for everything from protesting the presidents inauguration to, most notably, the recent looting and vandalism that have occurred amid peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man killed by a police officer while repeatedly saying, I cant breathe. Trump allies in Congress are tweeting a desire to hunt antifa. Right-wing commentators are citing tweets from fake antifa groups as proof of mass fomenting violence. Yet antifa doesnt appear to have any organizing structure and is connected only by an amorphous political ideology. Theres not much more than anecdotal evidence and blurry Twitter assertions that organized antifa groups showed up at the recent protests, executing any sort of well-trained tactics. Still, the term is a potent one for conservatives. Its the violent distillation of everything they fear could come to pass in an all-out culture war. And its a quick way to brand part of the opposition. In a way, antifa is the political correctness that all kinds of conservatives dislike, in a really radical form, said Scott Walter, the president of the Capital Research Center, a conservative-libertarian think tank that maintains a database of research on left-wing organizations. And the most common place to find political correctness and antifa is on college campuses, where the essential thing is that you want to silence your opponents completely, and you want to have mob rule. That's what, I think, almost all conservatives see. The term antifa, short for anti-facist, has strayed far from its origins in pre-World War II Germany, where it referred to a paramilitary group that used violence in its fight against the Nazi party. Story continues Starting around the time Trump announced his bid for the presidency in 2015, antifa morphed into a phrase that was used to broadly paint liberal protest organizers as driven to destroy civilized society through extreme measures. Even groups like Black Lives Matter have been tarred with the brush in the past, with conservative writers and cultural critics like L. Brent Bozell associating BLM tactics with those of antifa. Attorney General William Barr has described violent protesters as using antifa-like tactics rather than the more generic term, anarchist. Antifa just became a term used by anyone and their grandma to describe somebody who was opposed to the open fascism that was being paraded around in all kinds of media, said Alexander Reid Ross, an instructor at Portland State University and the author of Against the Fascist Creep. I think with the popularization of the alt-right, there was sort of a counterpopularization of antifa, to the point where it simply describes people who are anti-fascist or people who are against racism and are willing to protest against it. In recent years, the Trump administration has sought to brand antifa as a terrorist organization, building it up in speeches and in appeals to voters. And with Floyds death, Trump and conservatives have used that rhetoric to try and draw a line between what they describe as peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters and any violent instigators, instead of quibbling with whether the police officers acted appropriately a stance that is difficult to take given the video showing the Minneapolis police officer using his knee to pin George Floyd by the neck for several minutes. Dangerous MOBS of far-left groups are running through our streets and causing absolute mayhem, read a fundraising email the Trump campaign sent out Tuesday. They are DESTROYING our cities and rioting its absolute madness. Trump on Sunday declared that he would formally designate antifa a terrorist group. Its a threat he made previously in the summer of 2019, when a Portland antifa group repeatedly clashed with far-right groups like the Proud Boys over several weeks of demonstrations. Nothing came of those threats, though, and few legal experts think the latest declaration will actually pan out. Antifa, they note, is a decentralized movement rather than a national organized group. It has no leadership, hierarchy or centralized recruiting, propaganda or fundraising mechanisms characteristics that would give the government the ability to prosecute these groups as if they were the Islamic State. In addition, current law prevents the government from declaring domestic groups to be terrorist organizations. It's like calling Deadheads or Red Sox Nation an organization, said Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino. Yet theres a reason Trump, his allies and his base choose to promote the antifa threat, according to researchers into extremism: Doing so amplifies an amorphous danger and allows Republicans to claim the mantle of law and order. I do think there's a kernel of truth in what the president is trying to do, Levin continued. My issue is that I think he's taking that kernel of truth and exploiting it, potentially for some political purpose that is decoupled from actually addressing extremism. It might also cloud narratives about the protests, serving to destabilize the public understanding of what's actually happening, Ross added, noting that there have also been confusing reports about the presence of fringe conservative groups at the protests. The Nation on Tuesday also reported that an internal FBI memo indicated no intelligence that antifa was involved in protests on Sunday. I think that [confusion] can really marginalize the whole motivation behind the protests. But the messaging lands among conservatives, who have fears of their own. I think that the president is trying to say that if you're a terrorist, you lack moral authority, said Walter. You're not somebody who has to be listened to, or taken with any moral seriousness. You are outside the bounds of civilization. And certainly most conservatives I don't think would object to that. While Walter said he personally empathized with the broad message against police brutality against African Americans, he observed that conservatives were equally concerned, if not more, about antifa using violence to promote those causes. He pointed to college students protesting divisive conservative speakers, as an example, noting the time protesters descended upon a Milo Yiannopoulos talk at the University of California, Berkeley in 2017 and claimed that his speech was violence. Conservatives object to that in principle, because speech isn't violence, he said. But they also are very worried because the left likes to swap that little equation and flip it the other way. 'Our violence is the speech. So if we burn up police headquarters and police cars and loot stores, well, that's really just speech, that's just people objecting to some political or public policy.'" But regardless of what conservatives think about antifa, Ross said, Trump appears willing to exploit it. It's this kind of thing that he does, periodically; using the term as a sort of boogeyman that can accumulate all those things that he hates, and take on these super powers that require the full force of law enforcement to neutralize, he said. And so, in this case, I think that pretty much the cardinal reason for trotting it out is to create a scapegoat. As Americans engage in difficult conversations about race, violence, privilege and more, one place they may receive training is the workplace. Why it matters: Firms often ask or invite employees to attend programs that help them communicate about diversity and inclusion. With many people working from home, the skills they've picked up can also be applied in a family setting. The big picture: "Unconscious bias trainings have been happening over the past couple decades, but ramping up in the last decade," says Rashawn Ray of the Brookings Institute and the University of Maryland, who leads diversity and inclusion training for companies, police departments and the military. Cherie Brown, founder and CEO of the National Coalition Building Institute, which offers diversity training, said she was on a recent Zoom call with a client organization when one employee, who identified herself as white, shared that she was pulling together eight of her family members to read and discuss a book about racism. Yes, but: Ray cautions that many companies will host these programs, but fail to take meaningful next steps. "Without a follow-up, they don't have a plan to really integrate racial equity going forward." And Brown says there's an important distinction between the diversity and inclusion work embraced in the corporate sphere and "hard conversations about race and dominance and privilege. That conversation is not yet in the corporate arena." What they're saying: There is a silver lining to the present situation, according to Ray and an opportunity to be seized. "We are capturing a moment where people are paying attention." Katina Sawyer, cofounder of workplace training company WorkrBeeing and a professor of management at George Washington University tells Axios that she's seen an uptick in interest in wellness-related initiatives since COVID-19. She sees diversity, inclusion and wellness as intrinsically linked, and brings D&I topics into the wellness programs she leads. The bottom line: "I've noticed people are deeply reflective, much more so being at home than being at work," says Ray. Programme Specialist (Communications), Geneva, Switzerland Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme Country: Switzerland City: Geneva, Switzerland Office: UNDP Geneva Grade: P-3 Closing date: Thursday, 11 June 2020 Job ID: 30891 Practice Area - Job Family: HIV and Health Vacancy End Date: (Midnight New York, USA) 11/06/2020 Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland Education & Work Experience: I-Masters Level Degree - 5 year(s) experience Languages: English Grade: P3 Vacancy Type: TA International Posting Type: External Bureau: Development Policy Contract Duration: 364 days Background United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDPs policy work carried out at HQ, Regional Hubs and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDPs Strategic Plan. BPPSs staff provides technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government and civil society dialogues, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. BPPS works closely with UNDPs Crisis Bureau (CB) to support emergency and crisis response. BPPS ensures that issues of risk are fully integrated into UNDPs development programmes. BPPS assists UNDP and partners to achieve higher quality development results through an integrated approach that links results-based management and performance monitoring with more effective and new ways of working. BPPS supports UNDP and partners to be more innovative, knowledge and data driven including in its programme support efforts. The 2030 Agenda for SDGs and the pledge to leave no one behind reflect the interconnectedness of health and sustainable development, including widening economic and social inequalities, the climate crisis, rapid urbanization, the continuing burden of HIV and other infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis), the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and the emergence of health threats. The scope and scale of delivering health and well-being for all demands innovative partnerships and financing. As affirmed in the Political Declaration of the 2019 High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) and others are critical partners for delivering on the health-related goals of the 2030 Agenda. Stronger Collaboration, Better Health: Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-being for All outlines how a dozen multilateral health, development and humanitarian agencies, including UNDP, the Global Fund, Gavi and others will collaborate to be more efficient and effective in supporting countries to deliver UHC and achieve the health-related SDG targets. UNDPs partnership with the Global Fund, in line with UNDPs HIV, Health and Development Strategy 2016-2021: Connecting the Dots, makes a vital contribution to UNDPs Strategic Plan 2018-2021, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the SDGs and the pledge to leave no one behind. As a long-standing partner of the Global Fund, UNDPs value proposition lies in providing an integrated package of development solutions to strengthen institutions to deliver health services. Through its contributions as interim Principal Recipient (PR) and provider of technical assistance to Global Fund grants in 53 countries since 2003, UNDPs provision of integrated policy, implementation and capacity development support to countries has yielded significant health and development results in challenging operating environments. Proactive risk management and investing in sustainability are the cornerstones of UNDPs portfolio management approach in supporting to countries with significant national capacity constraints to manage large-scale health programmes. By providing technical assistance to national counterparts during all phases of implementation, strengthening legislation, policies and regulatory frameworks, and building capacities across key functional areas, including financial management, health information systems, procurement and supply chain management, UNDP is able to deliver results whilst sustainably transitioning to national entities. UNDPs track record as PR over the last 17 years and capacity to deliver in challenging operating environments has been critical for strengthening its positioning as a health implementation support partner. Based on demand from Country Offices, and building on the relationships, expertise, systems, partnerships, including across the UN family, and comparative advantage established through the Global Fund partnership, the GPN/BPPS/Global Fund Partnership/Health Implementation Support Team (GF/HIST, Global Fund Partnership Team) is providing support to Country Offices through three overarching modalities: 1) the Global Fund portfolio, 2) health procurement and supply chain management support, and 3) other health implementation support beyond the Global Fund, including Gavi-funded activities and Solar for Health. The GF/HIST provides its support through a country team approach to strengthen and integrate the different functional capacities (e.g., programmatic, procurement/SCM strengthening, finance, capacity development), leveraging technical assistance and policy support from the HHD Group and other GPN teams. Under the overall guidance of the Manager, the Programme Specialist (Communications) will be working as part of the team responsible for strategic partnership with the Global Fund and other health and development partners. S/he will contribute to the country team approach and will collaborate closely with the Headquarters, Regional and Country Offices colleagues to ensure communications strategies, media relations and organizational outreach efforts are aligned with corporate communications policies and initiatives. The Programme Specialist (Communications) also collaborates with HHD Group and GPN colleagues to support outreach campaigns, resource mobilization and donor relations initiatives. S/he will support the activities and special events organized for Global Fund Partnership Team. Duties and Responsibilities Lead the development and implementation of communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans, with a specific focus on media with the following key responsibilities: Develop an annual communications work plan and budget; Conduct communication needs assessments for Country Offices, including projects, programmes and corporate change initiatives; Design, develop, and implement communication and outreach/advocacy strategies, including media strategies; ensure gender perspective; Integrate communication, advocacy and outreach strategies into proposals for project/programmes and other initiatives; Monitor and analyze print and social media and prepare reports; Launch corporate and local/regional campaigns and special events; and Provide advice and guidance to and coordinate with Country Offices, Regional Services Centres. Lead the development and dissemination of advocacy materials in the country/region with the following key responsibilities: Develop and produce communication and advocacy instruments and materials, including briefing materials, press releases, and articles and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels; Identify and launch information opportunities, activities, approaches and platforms and partners; Provide advice on advocacy materials and coordinate launching flagship initiatives and publications in the region; Lead the engagement and supervision of video producers and other communication specialists to produce audio/ visual material on UNDPs work; and Develop brochures, factsheets, stories from the field to inform media and general public at the regional level. Manage media relations for the CO with the following key responsibilities: Lead relationship building with press in country; maintain and update database of relevant press; Respond timely and clearly to media inquiries and to a variety of inquiries and information requests; prepare related correspondence; identify topics, background information, news-related development and coverage of interest; Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, and briefing sessions with press; Facilitate interviews with senior managers; connect media with UNDPs subject experts; and Finalize talking points. Build and maintain partnerships and maintain relations with donors with the following key responsibilities: Tags capacity development collective action comparative advantage development policy donor relations financial management gender perspective health information health programmes health services immigration law infectious diseases information systems international cooperation malaria media relations needs assessment non communicable diseases press releases procurement programme management resource mobilization results based management risk management sdgs senior manager solar supply chain supply chain management sustainable development sustainable development goals universal health coverage Identify and develop new communication partnerships and alliances to enhance visibility; manage and nurture existing partnerships; Liaise with advocacy partners and undertake outreach to civil society organizations, governments, and other groups to ensure that newsworthy information reaches the public and donors; Guide and collaborate closely with communication colleagues in other offices to ensure consistency with corporate policies, messaging and initiatives; and Submit packages for programme initiatives for donor review. Facilitate knowledge building and sharing: Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned from Country Offices and Regional Service Centres directly linked to programme country goals and activities and ensure exchange of information; Provide training and workshops on communication and advocacy as appropriate; Oversee and maintain websites, social networks, including developing design and content; Coordinate Country Office web-presence in the line with corporate web policy; and Oversee and manage social media accounts in line with corporate social media policy. Any other activity assigned by the Manager, GF/HIST (Geneva). Competencies Core Innovation Ability to make new and useful ideas work Leadership Ability to persuade others to follow People Management Ability to improve performance and satisfaction Communication Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform Delivery Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement Technical/Functional Primary HIV, Health and Development Understanding and practical experience of issues related to HIV, Health and Development social determinants of health and the ability to apply them to strategic and/or practical situations Media Relations Ability to form and maintain meaningful working relationships with various members of the media Partnerships Ability to engage with other agencies, donors and other development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships Social Media Ability to represent and promote the UNDP brand in virtual communities and networks Multimedia writing/editing Originating and/or editing written content for media and the general public to be disseminated through press or other online outlets Coordination Ability to manage complex relationships through pathways of knowledge exchange, capacity development, funding relationships and strategic engagement Project and Programme Management Ability to plan, organize and control resources, procedures and protocols and to achieve specific goals Secondary Representation Ability to productively share UNDP knowledge and activities (at UN and other venues) Capacity Development Ability to strengthen and maintain the capabilities of individuals, societies, organizations and governments to set and achieve development objectives over time. Required Skills and Experience Education: Masters degree in communication / development studies/ or related programme. Experience: At least 5 years of relevant professional experience with development of communication products in the field of development, international cooperation. Previous experience with international organizations such as UN agencies, NGOs, Multilateral Banks. Knowledge of the UN system. Work experience with UNDP an asset Demonstrated capacity to collect and analyze data and translate jargon into language that can be understood by external audience. Proficient knowledge of MS Office applications such as Word and Excel, and graphic development (Word Art, In Design, Illustrator) an asset. Language Requirements: Proficiency in English both written and oral. Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset. Other: Willingness to travel frequently including visits to Country Offices. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of web-based management system. Disclaimer Important information for US Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications. Applicant information about UNDP rosters Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements. Workforce diversity UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Scam warning The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. People around the world have spent their idle weeks in lockdown baking sourdough bread, learning to knit, or just zoning out with television and video games. But for 35-year-old Aldar, who requested his last name not be used or his face shown in this article, that was not enough. About a year and a half ago, Aldar moved from his native Buryatia region to Moscow and found work as a loan officer in a bank. When the coronavirus lockdown was imposed in the Russian capital in late March, he was among the bank staff sent to do minimal work at home until further notice. But after only about 10 days, the bodybuilding enthusiast had had enough. Realizing that he couldn't sit around indefinitely, Aldar resolved to find something useful to do. "I figured I'd go work as a volunteer," he told RFE/RL. "There are a lot of lonely old people or families with many children or whatever who could use some help.... But then totally by accident, another idea popped up." Around that time, in mid-April, a friend shared an article on social media describing how Swedish Crown Princess Sofia had taken a three-day emergency training program to become a medical assistant and had begun working at a Stockholm hospital that treats COVID-19 patients. "I wrote [under the post] that I thought it was an inspiring act," Aldar recalled. "And another friend wrote back, 'Would you go and work as a nurse?' And I answered, 'Yes.'" Others argued at the time that the princess was only looking to promote herself with a flashy public gesture which Aldar said was why he did not want his last name to be published. "Why do I need [such accusations]?" he said. The next day, Aldar began calling around Moscow hospitals and asking if they needed volunteers. "I told them that I had only basic medical knowledge, but that I'd like to help," he said. "I asked if they needed cleaners, and they said they did." Cleaning, Lifting Spirits For the last six weeks, Aldar has worked full-time without any days off at the hospital (which he also requested remain unnamed), donning personal protective gear that he refers to as his "spacesuit" and slathering himself with disinfectant that he laughingly calls his "eau de cologne." "We wipe our masks and glasses with anti-fogging fluid, but over the course of six hours of work, they fog up anyway," Aldar explained. "The glasses and mask press on your face so hard that after you take them off, it still hurts for a long time." At first the process of putting on or taking off all his gear took him about half an hour, he said. Now he is down to less than 15 minutes. He works without breaks or food. "There is no time for a smoke or a snack," he said. "And we aren't allowed to, anyway. In order to eat, we'd have to leave the infection zone, take off our equipment, take a shower, and only then sit down to eat. So they feed us only after our shift is over." When he started, Aldar confessed, he expected the work to be exciting, full of energy and adrenaline. "I guess I had seen too much television," he said. In reality, he cleans up after patients who are unable to use the toilet, mops floors, and generally disinfects the wards. But he says the contact with patients makes the whole experience worthwhile. He tries to speak with everyone, to encourage them, and to help them feel less isolated from the outside world. Such interaction, he believes, helps them recover faster. Illness And Loss "Everyone wants to talk," he said. "It is a ward where people can't leave for the entire time of their hospital stay. They have a toilet, a shower, a refrigerator, and a tea kettle. For many of them, this is a serious experience that they will never forget. They ask me what is going on in the world.... They need distraction, to speak to someone, to joke around." On top of illness, many of Aldar's patients are also coping with the loss of their jobs and poverty. "Sometimes I walk into the ward and some debt collector or a bank is calling a patient. They insist on some payment or that the patient come to the bank," he said. "But a lot of them have no jobs, no money, no way to make any payments. They lie there, sick, and on top of that they have no idea what will become of them or their families. It is really hard to witness these personal tragedies." 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. Although Aldar came to the hospital as a volunteer, he was informed he would receive a basic salary of 11,000 ($160) rubles per month and a bonus for overtime and to compensate for the dangerous conditions. He said he had not received any money yet. "Money wasn't the point," he said. "The bank continues to pay me for the small amount of work I do for them from home. That issue hasn't been a problem for me." Unlike many Russian hospitals, Aldar's has experienced no shortages of protective gear, medicines, or ventilators, he said. At first, Aldar didn't tell his relatives in Buryatia what he was doing so they wouldn't worry. But they soon found out through mutual friends on social media. "Their first reaction was fear for me," Aldar recalled. "But now they are proud of me. They haven't tried to talk me out of it. They understand what I'm doing. Why should I sit around doing nothing when I can actually help someone? I don't consider myself a hero, but I am helping people who are worse off than I am -- that is true. That makes me feel good. There is a huge misfortune sweeping the world now and it demands that everyone do their part." "Sometimes I imagine that I am the hero in some film," he laughed. "I put on my spacesuit and go off to save the world." As of June 3, Russia had officially reported more than 430,000 cases of coronavirus infection and 5,215 fatalities, although some analysts suspect the country's official figures are significantly understated. Written by Robert Coalson based on reporting by Viktoria Polyanskaya of the Siberia Desk of RFE/RL's Russian Service No one should have to choose between safety and effectively communicating. Our team has been working closely with the community to develop a face mask that meets the needs of as many people as possible. We are continuously re-thinking additional designs to ensure there are masks for everyone." ADCO Hearing Products is manufacturing and selling face masks that address the issues that those who are hard of hearing experience wearing common masks, such as being unable to read lips and facial expressions, as well as uncomfortable ear straps. As businesses, government agencies, schools, non-urgent healthcare providers and such re-open across the country, employees will need to protect themselves by wearing masks and following safety guidelines from the CDC. However, there is a population that is negatively impacted by everyone wearing masks the deaf and hard of hearing community. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, these customers, citizens, students, patients, etc. are entitled to services that accommodate their disability. The widespread use of face masks makes it difficult for people who rely on reading lips and facial expressions to communicate effectively. ADCO has a long-standing history of assisting businesses and organization across the country with maintaining ADA and HR compliance. The addition of these new face masks is an extension of that mission. ADCO owner, Abby Armijo, learned of the need for special types of masks and jumped at the opportunity to help. On May 12, Colorado Governor Jared Polis gave a Facebook shout out to ADCO, praising the masks designed for the hard of hearing community. No one should have to choose between safety and effectively communicating. Our team has been working closely with the community to develop a face mask that meets the needs of as many people as possible. We are continuously re-thinking additional designs to ensure there are masks for everyone, explains Armijo. ADCOs unique communicator masks give a clear view of the wearers mouth without compromising anyones safety. Its important that we make it easy for people who rely on lip reading to be included and protected. With the window masks, we can, Armijo says. For those who rely on cochlear implants or hearing aids, the ear loops make wearing a face mask uncomfortable, so we tackled that by designing a headband option. When worn in conjunction with cochlear implants or hearing aids, the headband is a much more comfortable alternative to traditional ear loops. The masks ear loops attach to the headband rather than being worn behind the ears. These headbands were designed specifically for those who use hearing aids and cochlear implants, but can be worn comfortably by anyone. Headbands have been popular with medical professionals, people who wear masks all day and eyeglass wearers, says Armijo. ADCOs production line initially ramped up in the homes of employees and volunteers. Armijo explains, We developed an assembly line team. One person was cutting, then another did the initial sew, then the finishing work, all the way down to the packaging. Even my seven-year-old son was helping seal and put instructions in the bags. Due to high demand, ADCO is now using a large-scale production facility to mass produce thousands of: Hearing Aid-Friendly Masks Cochlear Implant-Friendly Masks Communicator (Window) Masks Schools, government entities and any organization that is working toward reopening can maintain CDC safety guidelines and ADA compliance by providing their employees with communicator (Window) masks. These masks let the citizens, students and patients they serve read lips, allowing for clearer communication. ADCO has partnered with local manufacturers to expand production rapidly. Orders are being produced and shipped as quickly as possible. To inquire or order, call 800-726-0851 or email masks@adcohearing.com. New face mask designs will be updated and available for purchase on ADCOs website. About ADCO Hearing Products, Inc. ADCO Hearing Products is proud to be a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOB) and GSA contractor. ADCO has been serving the hearing community for more than 65 years. They provide a broad catalog of supplies to the hearing loss community and to the healthcare professionals that serve them. To learn more, visit http://www.adcohearing.com. GUILDERLAND Andrew Pevzner until the weekend was hoping he and is brother Phillip could finally reopen their sneaker store, Laced Up, in Crossgates Mall. Thats because they knew the Capital Region was set to enter phase two of the COVID-19 reopening on Wednesday, which allows retailers to open their doors on a limited basis. But at the end of last week, the Cuomo Administration ruled out opening the indoor areas of shopping malls, dealing yet another setback to the many of the businesses there. Pevzner wasnt alone in his disappointment. Crossgates owner, the Syracuse-based Pyramid Corp., on Wednesday issued a statement urging the state to let them reopen. We hope the State will re-consider its surprising decision over the coming days and urge it to allow enclosed shopping centers to open alongside other retailers in Phase Two. Thousands of jobs, businesses, livelihoods and regional economies are depending on it. We are ready to open with the health and well-being of our guests, retailers and their employees a top priority, read the statement, which pointed out that their large indoor space should facilitate social distancing. Under the latest phase two guidelines, common areas of more than 100,000 square feet in malls must stay closed for now. While some stores have external entrances, others do not. Additionally, some mall restaurants and a handful of large retailers like Best Buy have maintained appointment-based and curbside service during the closure. Still, the number of indoor stores remaining closed was unwelcome news to not only businesspeople but town officials, who are losing sales tax dollars with each day the shut-down continues. When in-store retail was included in Phase 2, I assumed that it would include stores in enclosed malls. I was very surprised when the State's last-minute guidance omitted malls. The impacted stores are almost all small businesses that are locally owned and operated, and employing hundreds, said Guilderland Supervisor Peter Barber. Based on weeks of allowed shopping at Walmart and Target, I'm at a loss to understand why small businesses are different, just because they're in an enclosed mall. It is my understanding that the mall and stores had in place strict physical separation, wearing of face masks, and other health related measures, he added. Pevzner echoed Barbers thoughts about the prevalence of small, locally-owned stores in Crossgates. Theres a misconception that a mall is comprised of big box retailers, he said. Like some other mall stores, Lace Up is a specialty shop that carries new and pre-owned collectible high-end sneakers such as special edition Adidas or Nikes. The children of immigrants from Belarus, Pevzner and his brother Phillip opened the store in 2015 and have since started other ones in Brooklyn, Queens and Paramus, N.J. Pevzner said he realizes it may be a while before the downstate stores can open, but he was hoping that Crossgates would be up by now. The malls owners have been understanding, he said, by extending their lease rather than demanding April and May rent payments right away. He said hes heard from some other small tenants who are very worried, including two who will likely not be able to reopen due to the finances. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. State officials havent yet given an indication on when the mall interiors may be open in phase 2 areas including the Capital Region. The recent unrest surrounding the Minneapolis death of George Floyd, a black man who was apparently choked by a white police officer, may have thrown another complication into opening timetables. That doesnt appear to be a factor in Crossgates. But Colonie Center mall in Colonie early Sunday experienced a break-in from what appeared to be an extension of looting and damage done in Albany that erupted during street protests. Colonie Center is immensely grateful for the swift action of the Colonie Police Department in response to the break-in early Sunday morning. We continue to work in conjunction with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community, employees, and our center, Colonie Center spokeswoman Marissa McCarren said. She added that Colonie Center will be ready for interior reopening when the state gives the word and they will have hand sanitizer stations, stepped-up cleaning and other precautions when the time comes. The food court will stay closed when the indoor mall reopens. In addition to the Capital Region, Central NY, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, the North Country, Southern Tier and Western New York also are in phase two. More for you Bicycle sales boom in New York's Capital Region as COVID-19 curbs gym routines rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU Even though it sits 2,000 miles from the mainland in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii hasn't escaped the economic impacts of COVID-19. Right now, it stands as one of the hardest-hit areas in the country. Tourism is the 50th states largest industry, and the pandemic has put the brakes on vacationers, thrill-seekers, and conventiongoers. Those who do venture to the Aloha State face a mandatory 14-day quarantine, which makes most vacations impossible. And with the economy reeling, the real estate market is struggling to navigate choppy waters. COVID-19 certainly, swiftly, and negatively did impact our housing market, as we expected, says Tricia Nekota, president of the Honolulu Board of Realtors. We saw a decrease in new listings and more escrow cancellations along with more properties being delisted or temporarily taken off the market. No tourists, no economy With no tourists flocking to the sun-soaked island chain, many Hawaiians are out of work. The impacts of high unemployment have cascaded down through the entire economy. Hotels, restaurants, and shops closed during stay-at-home orders are just beginning to reopen with many restrictions. According to the state's Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, or DBEDT, tourism makes up 36.8% of the economy, with 119,429 people working directly in the industry. However, those numbers dont include a large segment of workers whose jobs aren't directly linked to tourism, but depend on a steady flow of folks making their way to the islands. Preliminary April numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show only two states with higher unemployment rates than Hawaii. National rate: 14.7% Hawaii: 22.3% Michigan: 22.7% Nevada: 28.2% Hawaii street R9 Studios For context: Before the pandemic, unemployment in Hawaii was below 3%. As for tourism, the numbers are stark and the impacts are huge. In 2019, DBEDT reports found about 25,000 domestic passengers traveling through Hawaiian airports each day. That same trend continued in the early months of 2020. After travel restrictions went into place in late March, the number of visitors dropped to just a few hundred a day. International passenger counts (not including flights from Canada) were at about 8,000 daily in 2019 and the first months of 2020. Now they are close to zero. Compared with other world events that have shaken the islands, the pandemic is without parallel. While DBEDT shows past shocks significantly slowing Hawaii tourism, there's nothing that can compare with the near 100% decrease in its prime economic driver. Here are the numbers from three previous events, including the number of monthly tourist arrivals and the time it took for the Hawaiian economy to recover to pre-event levels: Gulf War in 1990-91: 25% decrease,11 months to recover 9/11 attacks: 27% decrease, 29 months to recover 2008 financial crisis: 19% decrease, 41 months to recover Home buyers pulling back Losing a job or suffering through a furlough will certainly change home buyers' plans. The agents we spoke with in Hawaii say homes are falling out of escrow. People dont have any more money, especially those in the service industry. You qualify [for a mortgage] according to your employment, says Jack Legal, president of Hawaii Realtors. Diamond Head realtor.com A recent buyer had to extend escrow for a month because of a furlough, says Legal. He was hoping by the end of the month he was going to regain his job back, and Im hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that when this pandemic is over, his job will still be there. When the pandemic first hit, Nekota saw many more escrow cancellations than she is seeing now, which may be a sign things are stabilizing. The buyers that are in the market right now are the ones who will stay in this market, says Nekota. New listings are down dramatically The number of new listings has decreased throughout the state, especially in Honolulu, the states most populous city. According to Nekota, the number of new single-family home listings in Honolulu from March 22 to April 25 was down 42% compared with the same time in 2019. The lack of listings is roughly the same for condos and townhomes. Home sellers choosing to temporarily remove their listings skyrocketed during the same time period. Nekota says she saw a 71% increase in the number of delistings for single-family homes and 53% for condos. In addition to being a large financial decision, buying or selling a house is also an emotional decision. The island economy weighs heavily on those who would normally be wading into the housing market during the spring and summer months Its all about perception and what [consumers] see or hear. It weighs on their emotional decision as to whether or not they're going to remain in a market where our economy seems very turbulent, Nekota explains. Hawaii skyline realtor.com She adds many islanders who were considering selling are in a holding pattern, and those "who were deciding to list before COVID-19 decided to hold off. This means there isn't much out there for buyers to even consider. Buyers squeezed on supply Both Nekota and Legal say one thing has remained constant in this crazy time: a limited supply of available real estate usually means high demand. Yes, even in a pandemic. It's held true in this island market where available homes have always been in short supply. Inventory is really, really low. It makes it even more challenging for buyers to purchase homes, Nekota says. For buyers who havent lost a job and still have financial ability to buy a home, options are limited. Legal says he was working with one property that needed a lot of repairs, which received 17 offers. Another property had six offers. Honolulu home realtor.com Even though there's less buyers out there, theres just not enough property for buyers to be putting in offers on, Nekota explains. So, oddly enough, we're still seeing multiple offers being put on homes because there's not a lot out there to choose from. The lack of inventory has pushed the median home price up. Legal says that even though homes sales in April dropped more than 20% compared with the same period last year, the median price for a single family home rose 5% year over year. Nekota says it's a good time to be a seller in Hawaii, and she thinks the few buyers unaffected by the state's downturn are hungry to leap into the market. There are buyers that are still out there looking for that right home, she says. If their job is stable ... theyre creditworthy, [then] they can make this purchase and take advantage of the record-low mortgage rates. And for sellers, because inventory is so low, you're still going to have attraction to your property." The post With Tourism Halted, Hawaii's Housing Market Takes a Big Hit. Can It Bounce Back? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari backed the head of the African Development Bank (AfDB) for re-election at a meeting Tuesday despite a US call for him to face a fresh ethics probe. Bank president Akinwumi Adesina, a former Nigerian minister for agriculture, is battling to secure a second term at the helm of the multilateral lender in the face of opposition from Washington. The US is pushing for an outside investigation into whistleblower complaints including personal enrichment and favouritism after Adesina was exonerated by an internal inquiry. The Nigerian presidency said Buhari told Adesina at their meeting in Abuja that the country "will stand solidly behind" him in his bid to remain at the helm of the bank. "The President pledged that Nigeria would work with all other leaders and stakeholders in AfDB to ensure that Dr Adesina was elected for a second term built on the record of his achievements," a statement said. Adesina is the first Nigerian to be in charge of the 56-year-old AfDB, one of the world's five largest multilateral development banks. He is the only candidate in an election which was set for late May but which has been postponed until August because of the coronavirus pandemic. Nigeria, whose stake makes it the bank's biggest shareholder, has made little secret of its support for Adesina. The bank chief repeated to Buhari his insistence the allegations against him were trumped up and that the US call for a new probe was against the bank's rule. The 60-year-old is known for his bow ties and flamboyant manner, but also for a managerial style that critics say is authoritarian. In October 2019, the AfDB raised $115 billion (105 billion euros) in fresh capital, an operation deemed a personal success for Adesina. It is the only African institution which has a triple A rating by credit rating agencies. The bank has 80 state shareholders, 54 of which are African, while others are from the Americas, Asia and Europe. Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) on Monday reported a 78.7 per cent decline in total sales at 12,583 units in May. The company had reported sales of 59,102 units in May 2019. Domestic sales during the last month were down 83.8 per cent to 6,883 units as against 42,502 units in May 2019. The company said it exported 5,700 units during the last month as compared to 16,600 units in May last year. "The company has made a humble beginning towards normalcy by registering cumulative sales of 12,583 for the month of May," HMIL Director (Sales, Marketing & Service) Tarun Garg said in a statement. This performance was possible on account of strong customer interest and demand for products like Creta, Verna and Venue, he added. Also Watch: BRIDGEPORT A drop in prison cases of COVID-19 means Jeri Kollock wont be released from behind bars for fear of catching the virus. Kollock, who is accused of kidnapping, beating and raping a New Britain woman in 2018, filed a motion to be released contending he is in danger of contracting COVID-19 in prison. Neither Kollock nor his lawyer were in court Wednesday to argue the motion but filed paperwork instead. But Supervisory Assistant States Attorney C. Robert Satti Jr. told Superior Court Judge Joan Alexander that he had recently checked with the state Department of Corrections and learned that there were zero inmates transferred to a special unit because of a new case of the virus. Satti continued that of the 870 inmates who had initially tested positive for COVID-19, 686 had been cleared to return to their respective prisons. The information was supported by the corrections department website. There was a curve and it has now been flattened, the prosecutor told the judge. Judge Alexander denied the motion for release. Kollock, 37, is charged with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree kidnapping with a firearm, aggravated first-degree sexual assault and threatening. He is being held in lieu of $750,000 bond. Police said the victim and her daughter had been driving to a friends home in Bridgeport on Aug. 11, 2018, when Kollock allegedly forced his way into their car at gunpoint. Kollock agreed to release the daughter at the womans pleading and then ordered the woman to drive and park on Bruce Avenue, the police report stated. Once there, police said Kollock grabbed the victim by the hair and began beating her in the face as she sobbed for him to stop. At one point Kollock put the gun to the womans head telling the woman, Take the ass whooping or get shot, police said. They said the woman remained silent as Kollock hit her a few more times. Police said Kollock then sexually assaulted the woman with the gun and ordered her to drive him to a local hotel so that she could show him that she respected him. Once in a hotel room police said Kollock repeatedly raped and sodomized the woman. Police said Kollock later ordered the woman to drive him to a bar on Stratford Avenue. They said the woman took off as soon as Kollock was out of the car. She then drove to the hospital. Police said they could not immediately question the victim because she wasnt able to talk, her face so swollen from the beating. MIAMI, Fla., June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ehave, Inc., (OTC Pink: EHVVF) (the Company), a provider of digital therapeutics delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions to patients, announced on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 it had signed a letter of intent to acquire 51% of MDLink Limited ("MDLink") a Telemedicine Platform licensed for all CARICOM Countries which include Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Rhe Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. With struggling economies and with Caribbean Countries in a rush to start up their economies which tourism making up 15-20 % of their GDP a tool as Mdlinks Coronovirus Screener could prove to be a useful tool for Cruise ships, Resorts and Airlines. Standard testing techniques still require sophisticated lab equipment and can take hours or days for results, leading these large entities to look at technologies that could rapidly assist. MDLink intends to supply FDA approved COVID-19 rapid test kits to tourists. Users of the COVID-19 A.I. Screening tool will also have access to the rapid test home kits if they are screened into a high vulnerability index category by the MDLink Chatbot. MDLink is proud to announce it will be rolling out an artificial intelligence novel coronavirus screening online platform in collaboration with the IDB Lab, for members of the public. Our Covid-19 screening tool will follow CDC guidelines. Its a screening tool that checks symptoms and directs the user to the right medical facility or to stay home, MDLink Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Che' Bowen, said. It will be free to the public and will assist you, if you think you are having coronavirus symptoms and you are not sure. Simply log on to the MDLink platform and speak with a chatbot, an artificial intelligence bot, which will advise you, free of charge, what you should do next. Ehave CEO, Ben Kaplan, said, This tool to screen for Covid-19 provides additional validation for our acquisition of the Company. We plan to utilize MDLinks telemedicine platform to implement MDLink Mental Help and to take advantage of the growing medical tourism and psychedelic retreats in Jamaica. Additional information on MDLink can be found on the Companys website at https://themdlink.com . About Ehave, Inc. Ehave, Inc. is a provider of digital therapeutics delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions to patients. Our primary focus is on improving the standard care in therapeutics to prevent or treat brain disorders or diseases through the use of digital therapeutics, psychedelics, independently or together, with medications, devices, and other therapies to optimize patient care and health outcomes meeting privacy and HIPAA & GDPR Compliant. Our main product is the Ehave Dashboard which is a mental health informatics platform that allows clinicians to make objective and intelligent decisions through data insight using Blockchain technology. The Ehave dashboard offers Offline Encrypted Digital Records Empowering Healthcare providers and patients and it's a powerful machine learning and artificial intelligence platform using artificial intelligence to extract deep insights from audio, video and text to improve research with a growing set of advanced tools and applications developed by Ehave and its leading partners. This empowers patients, healthcare providers, and payers to address a wide range of conditions through high quality, safe, and effective data-driven involvement with intelligent and accessible tools. About MDLink Founded in 2017 with the mission to improve access to healthcare, MDLink is an innovative medical service that allows patients to connect with the best doctors in the region. MDLink is committed to the belief that access to healthcare is essential to all patients. As a result of this belief, MDLink provides instant access to affordable healthcare at any given place or time by utilizing its proprietary telemedicine platform. A team of skilled professionals provides services in General Practice, Urgent Care, Dermatology and Psychiatry. With more than 10,000+ registered patients, MDLink is the first telemedicine provider to launch a COVID-19 A.I. chatbot in the region. MDLink is a member of the Psychiatric Association of Jamaica. Additional information on MDLink can be found on the Companys website at https://themdlink.com . Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be preceded by the words intends, may, will, plans, expects, anticipates, projects, predicts, estimates, aims, believes, hopes, potential or similar words. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: (i) the initiation, timing, progress and results of the Companys research, manufacturing and other development efforts; (ii) the Companys ability to advance its products to successfully complete development and commercialization; (iii) the manufacturing, development, commercialization, and market acceptance of the Companys products; (iv) the lack of sufficient funding to finance the product development and business operations; (v) competitive companies and technologies within the Companys industry and introduction of competing products; (vi) the Companys ability to establish and maintain corporate collaborations; (vii) loss of key management personnel; (viii) the scope of protection the Company is able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering its products and its ability to operate its business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; (ix) potential failure to comply with applicable health information privacy and security laws and other state and federal privacy and security laws; and (x) the difficulty of predicting actions of the USA FDA and its regulations. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement unless required by law. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in Ehave, Inc.s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 24, 2015, as amended, which is available on the SEC's website, http://www.sec.gov. Media and Investors Relations, please contact: Gabe Rodriguez Phone: (623) 261-9046 Email: erelationsgroup@gmail.com Living in a bustling metropolis may increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer compared to living in the countryside, a study suggests. Researchers found high levels of exposure to artificial outdoor light at night time could increase the risk of the disease by 10 per cent in post-menopausal women. Although the study does not provide an explanation for the link, previous research has found that artificial light can interfere with the production of the hormone melatonin, which inhibits the growth of certain cancer cells. Breast cancer affects more than two million women globally ever year and claims the lives of 11,500 women in the UK alone every 12 months. Researchers found high levels of exposure to artificial light at night could increase risk of the breast cancer by 10 per cent in post-menopausal women (stock) A 16-year study compared rates of breast cancer in almost 200,000 women with satellite images of outdoor light pollution around where they lived. Scientists at the National Cancer Institute in the US only assessed women that had already been through the menopause, as very little research previously looked into this demographic. Dr Rena Jones, who was involved in the research, said: 'The small number of studies to investigate this question have often relied on subjective exposure data and yielded inconsistent results. 'We utilised an objective exposure measure - estimated outdoor light at night from satellite data. 'It will be important for future studies to accurately measure light at night exposure for individuals using a combination of objective measures, carefully designed questionnaires, and personal measurement devices.' The study, published today in the International Journal of Cancer, does not provide an explanation behind the link as it was only an observational assessment. However, previous research has found the issue may be the artificial light interfering with the production of a chemical called melatonin. Melatonin is also heavily involved in controlling how the body recovers during sleep and it helps regulate the body's anticipation of darkness. Lab test have also found that the presence of melatonin can prevent tumours from growing. It is possible that artificial light interrupts the body's natural circadian rhythm and therefore reduces the amount of melatonin the body produces, scientists say. The researchers from the NIH add that various other factors can influence a person's risk of developing breast cancer. 'Our findings also suggested that the relationship between LAN and breast cancer risk may differ by individual characteristics, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, sleep duration and BMI, and neighbourhood environment,' they write. Living in a bustling metropolis may increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer compared to living in the countryside, a study of almost 200,000 women and satellite data suggests (stock photo) Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease in the UK Prostate cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease in the UK. A total of 57,192 men in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales were told they had it in 2018 a substantial rise from 48,690 the previous year and up from around 24,000 in 1998. It means diagnosis of prostate cancer has more than doubled in the past 20 years and it has now overtaken breast cancer as the most common form. Experts attribute the increase to rising numbers of men getting tested as well as the growing and ageing population. Advertisement Air pollution is also a known risk factor for cancer. Research from South Korea published in March of this year in Scientific Reports, for example, found 'ambient air pollutant concentrations were positively and significantly associated with the breast cancer incidence rate'. This included carbon monoxide (eight per cent increased risk), nitrogen dioxide (14 per cent), sulphur dioxide (four per cent), and particulate matter 10 micrometes in size, called PM10, (13 per cent). A 2018 study led by researchers from the University of Exeter and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found the new generation of LED streetlamps are worse for causing cancer than the older, yellow lights. The research found high exposure to LED lights can double the risk of prostate cancer compared to non-LED lights. LEDs also made it 1.5 times more likely that a person would develop breast cancer, the study found. The latest study focused on outdoor light levels, but a 2018 paper published in the British Journal of cancer found indoor light does not have an impact on cancer risk. Institute of Cancer Research scientists assessed how much artificial light a person used in their bedroom. A questionnaire gathered data on more than 100,00 Britons. It found no association between levels of indoor light at night and breast cancer risk. These findings were echoed in a 2019 study, also published in the British Journal of Cancer, which assessed cancer risk in 102,869 women between 2003 and 2014. Of these women, 2,059 developed breast cancer. However, the researchers found working at night under artificial light does not increase the risk of the disease. 'There was a significant trend with average hours of night work per week, but no significantly raised risks for hours worked per night, nights worked per week, average hours worked per week, cumulative years of employment, cumulative hours, time since cessation, type of occupation, age starting night shift work, or age starting in relation to first pregnancy,' they write in the study. The Transportation Department said it would suspend passenger flights of four Chinese airlines, including Air China, to and from the United States starting June 16. Read more WASHINGTON The Trump administration moved Wednesday to block Chinese airlines from flying to the U.S. in an escalation of trade and diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The Transportation Department said it would suspend passenger flights of four Chinese airlines to and from the United States starting June 16. The decision was in response to China's failure to let United Airlines and Delta Air Lines resume flights to China this month. The airlines suspended those flights earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic that started in China's Wuhan province. The Transportation Department said that China was violating a 1980 agreement between the two countries covering flights by each other's airlines. The department said it would continue talking with Chinese officials to settle the dispute. In the meantime, we will allow Chinese carriers to operate the same number of scheduled passenger flights as the Chinese government allows ours," the Transportation Department said in a statement. The department said President Donald Trump could put the order into effect before June 16. The administration had hinted at Wednesdays move last month, when it protested to Chinese authorities that Beijing was preventing U.S. airlines from competing fairly against Chinese carriers. The four airlines affected by the order are Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. Before the pandemic, there were about 325 passenger flights a week between the United States and China, including ones operated by United, Delta and American Airlines. While U.S. carriers stopped their flights, Chinese airlines continued to fly scaled-down schedules between the two countries 20 flights a week in mid-February and 34 a week by mid-March. To curb the spread of coronavirus, China limited foreign airlines to one flight per week based on schedules that they operated in mid-March. Since U.S. airlines had already stopped flying to China by then, that effectively has shut them out, the Transportation Department said. The department said it objected, but that Chinas aviation agency said last week it was not violating the air-travel treaty because the same one-flight limit applies to Chinese airlines. United and Delta announced last month that they hoped to resume flights to China in June, as air travel has begun to recover recently. United wants to fly from San Francisco to Shanghai and Beijing and from Newark, New Jersey, to Shanghai. Delta seeks to resume flights via Seoul to Shanghai from Seattle and Detroit. We support and appreciate the U.S. governments actions to enforce our rights and ensure fairness," Delta spokeswoman Lisa Hanna said. United Airlines spokesman Frank Benenati said, We look forward to resuming passenger service between the United States and China when the regulatory environment allows us to do so." Messages to a spokesperson in China's embassy in Washington were not immediately returned, and efforts to reach the person by phone were unsuccessful. Eswar Prasad, a professor of trade policy at Cornell University, said the back and forth will increase political tensions between the U.S. and China, which already seem to have passed a point of no return. But Jeff Moon, a former State Department official and now a trade consultant, said the airline dispute was less complicated than other conflicts between the two countries. This case can be resolved if cooler heads prevail ... and there is a genuine desire to restore air links, he said. As the administration moved against the airlines, it also stepped up its criticism of China on the 31st anniversary of the deadly crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted out a photograph of him meeting Tuesday with several survivors of the crackdown. Shortly after that, the State Department released a statement saying Pompeo was honored to meet the four dissidents, whom it called brave participants in the heroic protests for democracy that were brutally put down by the Chinese Communist Party on June 4, 1989. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian responded, taking aim at the U.S. over civil unrest over police killings of blacks. The protests once again reflect the racial discrimination in the U.S., the serious problems of police violent enforcement and the urgency of solving these problems, Zhao said. A Yemeni photojournalist was shot dead near his home in Aden on Tuesday. Nabil Hasan al-Quaety, 34, was attacked by gunmen as he rode in his car in Yemens de facto capital, Agence France-Presse reported. Quaety was an AFP contributor. Yemens government condemned the attack and called for an investigation into the incident. A security source told AFP that the assailants got away. We condemn this crime against Quaety, whose work was to cover events and facts in pictures, Najib Ghallab, undersecretary at Yemen's Information Ministry, told AFP. It seems that his work has caused outrage among some extremist parties, Ghallab said. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Quaety is the 16th journalist killed in Yemen since the start of the countrys civil war, now in its fifth year. Quaety and his wife have three children, with another on the way. Phil Chetwynd, AFPs global news director, praised Quaetys work, saying that threats and intimidation did not deter the journalist. Through his work with AFP over the past five years, Nabil had helped to show a global audience the full horror of the conflict in Yemen. The quality of his work had been widely recognized, Chetwynd said. Quaetys work attracted international recognition, earning him a spot among finalists in the United Kingdoms Rory Peck Award in 2016. Judges called his work rare and outstanding. All sides in the war have suppressed press freedoms. In April, the countrys Houthi rebels sentenced four journalists to death for spying, while releasing six others held on charges of spreading false news. The country ranks near the very bottom of Reporters Without Borders press freedom index. PCUSA lost 50K members, 120 congregations in 2019; celebrates apparent slowing of decline Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Presbyterian Church (USA) recently reported that it lost around 50,000 members and over 100 congregations in 2019, which was hailed as a slowing of their years-long decline. The largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States released a report last Thursday regarding the current membership and church numbers. From 2018 to 2019, PC(USA) went from approximately 1,352,000 active members to approximately 1,302,000 members, or a drop of around 50,000. The number of congregations belonging to PC(USA) also declined, going from 9,161 in 2018 to 9,041 in 2019. This is around 400 fewer congregations than the denomination had in 2016. The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, stated clerk of the PC(USA) General Assembly, said that report was good news since membership did not drop below the 1.3 million mark. We must celebrate while knowing that there remains work to be done, stated Nelson, claiming that this was the first time in three decades that they were not reporting membership losses. We are witnessing congregational transformation and renewal through innovative leadership, discipleship training, spiritual renewal, and contextual ministry implementation. Nelson went on to state that he believed a key feature of eventual growth for the denomination will be dependent on evangelizing immigrant communities. Church planting in immigrant communities is leading the way towards our current and future church growth, he continued. We are not dying. We are Reforming. Jeff Walton of the Institute on Religion & Democracy was critical of Nelsons optimism, noting that the losses over the past year are consistent with reports from recent years. Apparently in Nelsons assessment the vanishing of more than 50,000 church members does not count as decline because of rounding, wrote Walton. The rate of decline continues to be greater than the most recently reported membership numbers in the Episcopal Church, which reported a loss of 36,214 persons in 2018 (the Episcopal Church customarily releases statistics in the autumn of the following year). As with other mainline Protestant denominations, PC(USA) has experienced severe decline over the past several years, having had about 1.2 million more members in 2000 than at present. In 2011, membership slipped below the 2 million mark and in 2014, the number of congregations affiliated with the denomination went below the 10,000 mark. One factor has been the liberal theological direction of the PC(USA), as seen with its increased acceptance of homosexuality, which prompted large numbers of congregations to seek dismissal. Many of these departing congregations formed a new conservative denomination called ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians in 2012. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at a press briefing Wednesday that he does not currently support invoking the Insurrection Act, an 1807 law that permits the president to use active-duty troops on U.S. soil, in order to quell protests against racial injustice. Why it matters: President Trump threatened this week to deploy military forces if state and local governments aren't able to squash violent protests. Axios reported on Tuesday that Trump is backing off the idea for now, but that he hasn't ruled it out. What he's saying: "The option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort and only in the most urgent and dire of situations," Esper said. "We are not in one of those situations now." Behind the scenes: Multiple sources close to the president tell Axios' Jonathan Swan that they were perplexed by comments Esper made to NBC News Tuesday night and wondered what Esper was trying to achieve. The combination of that interview plus Wednesday's press conference in which he undercut the president has the secretary of defense in precarious standing with the White House. After attending a meeting at the White House following his press conference, Esper reversed a decision to send home about 200 active-duty troops who had been called to assist with the protests in Washington, according to the AP. The latest: Asked whether Trump retains confidence in Esper, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Wednesday: "As of right now, Secretary Esper is still Secretary Esper, and should the president lose faith, we will all learn about that in the future." The big picture: Esper attempted to clean up a number of comments he made earlier this week, including about the need to "dominate the battlespace" in a call with governors: "In retrospect, I would use different wording so as not to distract or allow some to suggest we were militarizing the issue," he told reporters. Contradicting comments he initially made to NBC News Tuesday, Esper also said that he did, in fact, know that Trump was leading him to St. John's Church on Monday after police forcibly cleared protesters from outside the White House. A Pentagon spokesperson later clarified to NBC that Esper was aware the church was one of the locations the group would be visiting to view damage from the protests. I did know we were going to the church," Esper said. "I did not know a photo op was happening. ... I do everything I can to try to stay apolitical and to try and stay out of situations that may appear political." Esper also said that an investigation has been launched into the use of a medevac helicopter to hover low over protesters in Washington as a "show of force," and he called the killing of George Floyd by police a "horrible crime." Of note: Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, issued a memo to top military commanders on Wednesday vowing to "stay true to that oath and the American people." "Every member of the U.S. military swears an oath to support and defend the Constitution and the values embedded within it," Milley stated in the memo, tweeted by the joint chiefs of staff. "This document is founded on the essential principles that all men and women are born free and equal and should be treated with respect and dignity. It also gives Americans the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly." Editor's note: This article has been updated with Milley's comments. This article was published in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Sign up for their newsletter, or follow The Marshall Project on Facebook or Twitter. Darnell Johnson long believed that he would die alone in a prison cell. In 1998, a Michigan court sentenced him to life behind bars without the possibility of parole for killing a woman and shooting two others during a botched armed robbery when he was 17, court records show. Johnson had been in prison for more than a decade when the U.S. Supreme Court issued two rulings, one in 2012 and another in 2016, that said juvenile lifers like him must have their sentences reviewed, taking into account that they were not yet adults when they committed their crimes. In many states, hundreds saw their prison terms shortened or were released. But Johnson and nearly 1,000 others incarcerated since their youth across the United States are still waiting for a court hearing and now they face a growing fear that they will lose their lives to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, before getting their chance at freedom. Johnson, 40, who is black, has asthma and hypertension, risk factors for serious complications from the coronavirus. He is incarcerated at the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility in Adrian, Michigan, one of the nations worst prison hot spots with more than 725 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Monday. Image: The Gus Harrison Correctional Facility in Adrian, Mich. (Google Maps) All hope of being released is fading away every minute, every hour, every day, Johnson said via a prison email app. To have made it to the finish line only to possibly die from this virus is that much more frightening. The United States is the only country in the world that sends children to prison with no chance of getting out, according to The Sentencing Project, a prison research organization. Roughly 80 percent of juvenile lifers are people of color. As the pandemic devastates prisons and jails, some governors, parole boards and prosecutors are releasing some prisoners who were serving short sentences for low-level crimes. The rationale is that they are less likely to re-offend, according to public statements by officials. Story continues Juvenile lifers have rarely been mentioned in this conversation. That omission is misguided, prisoner advocates say. These are human beings who brain science shows have aged out of crime, said Renee Slajda, spokeswoman for the Louisiana Center for Childrens Rights, a legal advocacy organization. If you had to pick between people who just got to jail or ones who have decades of good behavior under their belt, which is a safer bet to release? asked Ashley Nellis, a senior analyst focusing on lifers at The Sentencing Project. Johnson, for instance, has received just one misconduct ticket during his entire incarceration: in 2001, according to court records. He also scored a low risk rating for violence or re-offending on a corrections department-administered risk assessment, the document shows. Johnsons good behavior in prison had given him hope that the 2016 Supreme Court decision, Montgomery v. Louisiana, would apply to him. The court ruled that because young peoples brains are still developing, along with their awareness of the consequences of their actions, those who had been sent to adult prison for life for crimes committed as children should get an opportunity to be resentenced a chance to prove they have been redeemed. When Johnson heard about the decision, he and friends who also were incarcerated as teens were slapping each other on the back, saying, We made it! he said. Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak Yet his dream of freedom has been deferred nearly five years because of court delays and because his prosecutor, who has the ability to grant him a shorter sentence, has been unwilling to do so. At a hearing in December, Johnson will have the chance to challenge the prosecuting attorneys decision, citing the Supreme Court ruling, says his attorney, Sofia Nelson of Michigans State Appellate Defender Office. Johnson is one of about 200 of Michigans more than 350 juvenile lifers who have yet to receive a new sentence, according to court and prison records. That is the most of any state. Michigan is also third only to Ohio and Texas with more than 3,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases among incarcerated people, according to The Marshall Projects tracker. Johnson said he has watched his prison friends catch the virus and worries he could be next. In an email, Robert Holmes, who is incarcerated alongside Johnson and also committed his crime as a teen, described the agonizing ups and downs of their predicament. To come this far, to become this obsessed with hope again, completely childlike in its intensity, to work so hard to change and now COVID-19 threatens to make sure no one may ever see those changes, he said. In interviews with nearly a dozen juvenile lifers across the country, they said that despite becoming adults in the merciless environment of prison, they still yearned to grow and learn. But having lived decades in such a physically and psychologically unhealthy place, research shows, they are also particularly susceptible to stress, diabetes and high blood pressure, and thus COVID-19. Related: Just a small fraction of prisoners have been sent home because of the coronavirus pandemic. Many others lack legal help and connections to make their case. In Pennsylvania, where far more juvenile lifers have gotten out of prison under the Supreme Court rulings than in Michigan, a recent study found that only 1.14 percent of those released have since been convicted of any new crime. To be sure, if you are sentenced to life, you were likely convicted of taking a life or being involved in such a grievous crime. Johnson shot three people at a laundromat in Union, Michigan, killing one of them, Diane VanStrum, 68, during a robbery attempt with a teenage friend that shook the local area to its core, according to Johnsons prosecutor, Victor A. Fitz. In a series of emails, Johnson expressed remorse and sorrow for VanStrums family as well as the other victims and a witness to the shooting who was a child at the time. Will such words take away the pain from them, their family and friends that I caused, the ripple effect experienced by all? he wrote. NO!! Absolutely not!! Fitz, the Cass County, Michigan, prosecutor, said in an interview that Johnson and his friend were involved in gang activity and had planned a string of robberies. He also said the victims have expressed to him that while they may not hate Johnson, they live in fear of him getting out. One person Johnson shot has lifelong brain damage, causing cognitive difficulties, Fitz said. The other was so emotionally scarred that she has become a recluse. All life is valuable including Mr. Johnsons, thats what Ive always believed in my heart, but as far as who should get the priority here, its the victims and the public, he said. Yet, the Supreme Court has ruled that crimes committed by children are most often born of childhood trauma and teens impulse to take risks in front of their peers. When Johnson was a toddler in South Bend, Indiana, he watched his father wave a gun at his mother and beat her, often leaving her with broken jaws, missing teeth and black eyes, according to family members and his attorneys description of a childhood history report to be filed in court. At age 11, he saw his older brother get shot and nearly killed in their front yard. The family often had no running water or electricity, and as a teen Johnson drove his mom to work at a laundromat, among other jobs on a tandem bike, according to his lawyer. (Fitz said he was not aware of this history.) Johnson then turned to petty crime to make money, eventually commiting the fatal robbery. When he first went to prison, he says, he awoke every morning thinking he could hear the sound of his mothers voice before realizing he was in his cell. Nearly two decades later, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote in the Montgomery v. Louisiana decision that once-juvenile prisoners like Johnson must be given the opportunity to show their crime did not reflect irreparable corruption. If it did not, he wrote, their hope for some years of life outside prison walls must be restored. Johnson and his friends hopefulness had always been abstract; suddenly, after the Supreme Court decisions, they were making plans about where they would live as free adults and what jobs they would get. But he also felt like a child that had done something wrong and went hiding from my mother part of me wanted to just stay in prison rather than face those that I hurt, Johnson said. Still, he now had an outside chance to see his mother, who has had multiple strokes and requires round-the-clock care, according to Johnsons brother. Following the Supreme Court cases, the Michigan Legislature passed a law requiring that prosecutors take less than six months to seek to re-sentence juvenile lifers to between 25 and 60 years in prison, with parole eligibility starting earlier. If they wanted to seek a life sentence again, they would have to prove in court that the person was completely beyond redemption. But many prosecuting attorneys in Michigan, with a few exceptions, decided to take that lengthier approach, according to court records and reporting by the Detroit Free Press. The state soon became a national outlier in defying the high courts doctrine that such a prison sentence, for a child, should be exceedingly rare. There are still four Michigan prisoners incarcerated for life for crimes they committed as 14-year-olds. Thirty-three other lifers went in at age 15. Many began their sentences in the 1970s, according to a corrections department database. And now hundreds of people around them are testing positive for the coronavirus. These are people who walked into adult prison as children and they are saying that what they are facing right now is more scary than that, said Jacqueline Williams, an advocate for incarcerated people for the American Friends Service Committees Michigan Criminal Justice Program. I am hearing their voices breaking. Ive never heard that before. Related: I was panicking worrying about him," one mother said after her 17-year-old son tested positive for COVID-19. For Michigans juvenile lifers, the recent death of William Garrison looms particularly large, they said in interviews. After serving 44 years behind bars for a crime he committed as a teen, Garrison died last month of COVID-19 just 24 days before his scheduled release date. Yusef Qualls, a juvenile lifer imprisoned a quarter-century ago as a 16-year-old for being the driver, not the shooter, in a homicide case says he was good friends with Garrison. They talked regularly about all the things that, having been locked up as children, they had never done: drive a car (legally), go to a nice restaurant on their own, pay insurance bills. Yeah, we even looked forward to doing that, Qualls said by phone. He last saw his friend in the chow hall. Garrison had no appetite, and was dead within days. Qualls says he has never seen himself dying in prison, despite his life sentence. Im still holding onto hope even though hope is dangerous, he said. Every day is a day I could learn I get my hearing. Every day is also a day that I could die. A spokeswoman for the Wayne County prosecutor in Detroit, where Qualls case is pending, said that every effort has been made to ensure that he and other juvenile lifers receive a new sentence as required by the Supreme Court. We even completed one resentencing hearing remotely during this pandemic, she said. Michigans juvenile lifers arent the only ones waiting. In Louisiana, roughly 80 such prisoners have not yet had resentencing hearings, due partly to prosecutors adamancy and ongoing court fights but also to funding shortages for attorneys to take these cases, legal advocacy groups say. The states public defender system is funded largely by traffic tickets, which have dried up amid the lockdown, and now lawyers say they must tell their juvenile lifer clients that they can no longer defend them. The clients are almost comforting us, saying that as juvenile lifers they just expect to gain hope and then lose it, Slajda of the Louisiana Center for Childrens Rights said. One was set to go to court in March for the first time in 30 years but the hearing was canceled due to the pandemic. He said, If I have to die here, I get it. I just want my chance, Slajda said. Download the NBC News app for full coverage and alerts about the coronavirus outbreak Johnson says that because of his crime he sometimes feels unworthy of hope, as though the coronavirus could inflict the punishment he deserves: to die in prison. But that cant be right, he says he reminds himself. He is a grown-up now. He no longer believes it takes violence to solve problems. He instead believes in taking responsibility for his actions, admitting when he is wrong and going about correcting that wrong. Most of all, he said, he wants to live a quiet life and be at peace with others. Before his crime, Johnson says, he did not comprehend any of this. I am not that same dumb teenager, nor do I desire to hurt or cause harm to anyone else, he said. I do not have anything to give except these few words. There is nothing else that I possess. Pakorn Polachai / EyeEm Don't feel comfortable getting on a plane given Covid-19? If you're thinking of canceling an upcoming flight you paid for, you might have resigned yourself to losing your money or perhaps, best-case scenario, getting an airline credit for some or all of the fare. That's because air carriers in the U.S. are required by law to refund airfares when they cancel flights and can't offer a reasonable alternative itinerary but don't have to hand you back your money if you cancel your reservation yourself. If your flight's still taking off and you're not on it, you're out of luck. Given the current public-health crisis and surge in joblessness, however, a group of U.S. senators want that to change that. Last month, they introduced the Cash Refunds for Coronavirus Cancellations Act of 2020. More from Personal Finance: Here are the top 10 cities for summer staycations What travel and tourism will look like after Covid-19 The world's best-value attractions, and worst tourist traps The proposed law, backed by five Democrats Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Kamala Harris of California would require both major carriers and third-party ticket sellers to offer full refunds, in cash, for any tickets canceled during the pandemic, whether it was the airline canceling the flight or an individual passenger deciding not to travel. "Americans need cash in their pockets to pay for food, housing, and prescriptions, not temporary credits toward future travel," said Sen. Markey, in a press release announcing the legislation. The senator said anything less would be "unconscionable," in light of the taxpayer-funded federal aid major carriers are getting during the pandemic. Sen. Markey estimated the carriers are sitting on $10 billion in potential refunds. "Airlines already have a moral responsibility to give cash refunds for all canceled tickets during the coronavirus pandemic," he said. The $2 trillion CARES Act signed into law by President Donald Trump in March provided for $25 billion in federal grants to passenger airlines and made an additional $25 billion in loans available, as well. The Treasury Department began sending payments to carriers in late April. Advocates hail bill Consumer advocates hailed the senators' proposal, which is still in committee. "People who bought flight tickets and don't get their refund may be in a situation where they suffer financially," said Christian Nielsen, chief legal officer at AirHelp. The Berlin-based firm, founded in 2013, has helped 16 million air travelers in 35 countries file compensation claims against global carriers under international regulations. "This bill would try to solve that problem," he added. "I applaud it, and it's a step in the direction of trying to improve consumer confidence." In May, Consumer Reports, non-profit federation U.S. PIRG and Denver resident and airline customer Jen Stansfield delivered to major airlines a petition signed by nearly 250,000 demanding cash refunds for canceled trips. But given industry pushback and lobbying, and the truly dire financial straits U.S. air carriers find themselves in, travelers who've clipped their own wings shouldn't hold out too much hope for passage. "Based on my experience with how U.S. air passenger rights tend to [fare] in the Senate, it has very little chance of becoming law," said AirHelp's Nielsen. Robert Mann, a former airline executive who runs aviation consulting firm R.W. Mann & Co., thinks federal regulators won't be too keen on any change, either. "My sense is that the Department of Transportation is fairly allied with airlines, as opposed to consumers, which is to say they rarely except in truly unique circumstances react in favor of customers," he said. U.S. airlines remain committed to making accommodations that are responsive to travelers' needs during this unprecedented time. Katherine Estep spokesperson for Airlines for America In fact, the National Consumer League, which has welcomed the proposed refund legislation, objected in a May 28 statement to proposed rules from the DOT that it said "require the agency to overcome burdensome hurdles before any new enforcement actions or consumer protection rule makings are initiated." To be sure, keeping as many air carriers aloft as possible is also in consumers' own long-term interest. "The more choices the consumer has, the better it will be for them," Nielsen observed. "In a perfect world, that would lead to lower prices and better service." While the law is proposed as a consumer-protection measure, "it will end up making carriers less liquid and drive them closer to a solvency event," according to Mann. "I've been involved in the industry for more than 40 years and have never seen anything like this in the sense of draw on cash." An airline is a "negative-working-capital business" that finances operations on proceeds from future sales, Mann explained. If carriers are forced to refund in cash those future sales, even fares understood to be nonrefundable when purchased, "there is effectively no limit on the amount of cash draw on an airline's balance sheet," he said. Two bad choices Nick Calio, CEO of airline industry group Airlines for America, which represents 12 major U.S. passenger and cargo carriers, told a May 6 Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on the Covid-19 impact that "there are basically two bad choices." "It's been said that we should ignore or change the current law and regulations so that any canceled any passenger cancels is entitled to a refund," he testified. "I'll just lay it out there for you right now: Revenue, negative revenue, exceeds bookings." Kay Fochtmann / EyeEm Forcing cash refunds in all instances would lead to airline bankruptcies "very quickly," Calio said. According to Airlines for America, as of May 19, U.S. airlines were "collectively burning" as much as $7.5 billion per month, with net passenger bookings down 92% and booked revenue down 100% year over year. Unlimited passenger refunds would also mean much of the federal aid in grants and loans to airlines might ironically "end up going right back to consumers in the form of refunds," Mann said. Airlines normally don't like to make refunds of any kind, mandatory or not. In March and April, the Transportation Department received more than 25,000 complaints from consumers who said they had been denied refunds by carriers, according to The Washington Post. Resistance to payouts Even in overseas markets like the European Union that have stronger air passenger protections in place, airlines are resisting pandemic-related refunds, said Nielsen at AirHelp. "What we're seeing here in Europe is that airlines aren't paying because they're struggling financially and it just doesn't make any sense for them to pay," he said. "They would rather face a lot of negative media, political pressure and all kinds of other pressure than pay out." Airlines for America spokesperson Katherine Estep told CNBC that member carriers "have worked since the early stages of this pandemic to respond to customers and update travel policies to offer increased flexibility." "We follow and comply with federal law and regulations on this matter," she said. "U.S. airlines remain committed to making accommodations that are responsive to travelers' needs during this unprecedented time." What's in the bill Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 23:21:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JUBA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed in South Sudan's capital Juba during renewed violence that erupted Wednesday morning, the presidential spokesperson said. The presidential spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny said four men and one woman died in the shooting incident, which broke out in the Sherikat neighborhood. The latest violence was sparked by wrangles over a disputed piece of land. "The killing of five people is a very serious criminal act and the perpetrators must be punished. Our sympathy to the families of the victims," Ateny said in a statement issued in Juba Ateny said the South Sudanese leader was saddened by the loss of lives, adding that perpetrators would be punished. "The president condemns this in the strongest terms possible and has directed authorities to investigate the incident and press charges against the perpetrators," Ateny said. Relative calm has since returned to Juba after tribal and government authorities intervened to stop hundreds of rioting youth who earlier blocked roads with barricades and burning tires. Ateny said one suspect, believed to be a distant relative of President Kiir, was arrested during the clashes. Enditem Researchers from The University of Tokyo revealed a key structural feature of glass-forming liquids that may help solve a decades-long physics debate Credit: Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo Glass is such a common material that you probably don't think about it much. It may surprise you to learn that researchers today still don't understand how glass forms. Figuring this out is important for glass industries and many other surprising applications of glasses. A central puzzle in glass physics is why a glass-forming liquid becomes so viscous before forming a glass. Whether this unusually slow motion in a liquid is mainly attributable to changes in spatial structure remains unknown. A physical model that reproduces how glass forms would help resolve this debate. In a study published in Physical Review Letters, researchers from the University of Tokyo have revealed a structural origin of slow glassy dynamics. Their research was aimed at understanding how a liquid becomes more viscous on cooling and can form a glass. The researchers found the correlation between the structure and motion of particles within simulated glass-forming liquids on the level of individual particles and larger-scale particle assemblies. "We used the concept of mutual information to understand the interrelationship between local particle arrangement and dynamics in glass-forming liquids," explains lead author of the study Hua Tong, who is now an assistant professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. "Our results suggest that spatial structure controls the unique cooperative particle motion seen in glass-forming liquids." The researchers based their simulations on a structural order parameter that quantifies how closely the particles can pack together. The simulations focused on particle motions attributable to the original state of the particles, i.e., on the spatial structure. With the concept of mutual information, the simulations showed that particles structurally organize into assemblies that move more slowly than the rest of the particles, as seen in a real glass. "We found no clear relationship between particle-level potential energy and relaxation time," says Hajime Tanaka, senior author. "This suggests that slow glassy dynamics is fundamentally controlled by structural order formed by interparticle interactions, including both the repulsive and attractive parts." This liquid-to-glass research has many applications, including window glass, optical fibers and improved smart touch screens. Ultrahigh viscosity of a glass-forming material is very useful to deform it to arbitrary shape. By understanding what controls the viscosity of glass-forming liquids, the shape processability may be much improved. Explore further A new view for glasses More information: Hua Tong et al. Role of Attractive Interactions in Structure Ordering and Dynamics of Glass-Forming Liquids, Physical Review Letters (2020). Journal information: Physical Review Letters Hua Tong et al. Role of Attractive Interactions in Structure Ordering and Dynamics of Glass-Forming Liquids,(2020). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.124.225501 EDWARDSVILLE The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced Tuesday over 3,300 high schoolers as recipients of the National Merit Scholarship, including two Edwardsville High School (EHS) students. EHS seniors Natalie Loveridge and Elizabeth Renee Viox have been awarded the National Merit Scholarship and will receive up to $2,000 each year for up to four years of their higher education career. Loveridge will attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville to study medicine. Viox will attend Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla to study architectural engineering. BEIJING, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheetah Mobile Inc. (NYSE: CMCM) ("Cheetah Mobile" or the "Company"), a leading mobile internet company with global market coverage, today announced that it plans to release its first quarter 2020 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. The earnings release will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.cmcm.com. Cheetah Mobile's management will hold a conference call on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 8:00 A.M. Eastern Time or 8:00 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers: International: +1-412-902-4272 United States Toll Free: +1-888-346-8982 Mainland China Toll Free: 4001-201-203 Hong Kong Toll Free: 800-905-945 Conference ID: Cheetah Mobile The replay will be accessible through June 17, 2020 by dialing the following numbers: International: +1-412-317-0088 United States Toll Free: +1-877-344-7529 Access Code: 10144811 A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.cmcm.com. About Cheetah Mobile Inc. Cheetah Mobile is a leading mobile Internet company with global market coverage. It has attracted hundreds of millions of monthly active users through its mobile utility products such as Clean Master and Cheetah Keyboard, casual games such as Piano Tiles 2 and Bricks n Balls. The Company provides its advertising customers, which include direct advertisers and mobile advertising networks through which advertisers place their advertisements, with direct access to highly targeted mobile users and global promotional channels. The Company also provides value-added services to its mobile application users through the sale of in-app virtual items on selected mobile products and games. Cheetah Mobile is committed to leveraging its cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies to power its products and make the world smarter. It has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since May 2014. Investor Relations Contact Cheetah Mobile Inc. Helen Jing Zhu Tel: +86 10 6292 7779 ext. 1600 Email: [email protected] ICR, Inc. Xinran Rao Tel: +1 (646) 417-5395 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Cheetah Mobile Inc Related Links https://www.cmcm.com/ A protester holds up British National passports in a shopping mall during a protest against China's national security legislation - AP Photo/Vincent Yu China today accused Britain of a "colonial mentality" after Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to let up to three million Hong Kongers into the UK if Beijing proceeds with a controversial national security law. The UK has recklessly commented on Hong Kong and made groundless accusations to interfere in Hong Kong affairs, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. China expresses its strong dissatisfaction and opposition, and has lodged stern representations with the UK. The comments came after Mr Johnson wrote an article for The Times and South China Morning Post saying that Britain could not "shrug our shoulders and walk away" if the Chinese Communist Party imposes a law that would crush dissent in the former colony. Under the proposed visa reform, every one of the three million Hong Kongers eligible for British National Overseas status (BNO) would be granted the right to relocate to the UK for a renewable period of 12 months. "This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history," Mr Johnson said. Hong Kong residents have welcomed Mr Johnson's pledge to extend immigration rights for those with BNO status - a holdover from the colonial era that affords consular assistance and a travel document, but not the right of abode in the UK. But some, including outspoken media tycoon Jimmy Lai - a pro-democracy supporter - have highlighted that as BNO status is only accorded to those born before the colony was returned to Chinese rule in 1997, the UK should focus more on younger people who are looking to flee the city. They're our hope and should be given the priority, over old people like me who are near the end of their lives, Mr Lai wrote on Twitter. Meanwhile the heads of the foreign affairs committees in the British, New Zealand, Australian and Canadian parliaments have urged the United Nations chief to appoint a special envoy to safeguard human rights in Hong Kong. Story continues The joint open letter to Antonio Guterres, signed for the UK by Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat, asks the Secretary General to work with national prime ministers to push the UN Security Council to approve a mandate for an envoy. It also appeals to the United Nations to protect the joint declaration signed between the UK and China to underpin the handover of Hong Kong to Beijing in 1997, ensuring the citys freedoms and way of life until 2047. We have a collective responsibility. The Joint Declaration is an international treaty lodged with the UN, and we are countries who share the Common Law and desire to uphold the integrity of the justice system, the letter stated. The call from Mr Tugendhat, with his Canadian, New Zealand and Australian counterparts, echoes similar demands last week by Chris Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong. It follows a decision by Beijings rubberstamp parliament to approve a national security law which will tighten its control of Hong Kong by criminalising separatism, subversion, terrorism, foreign interference and acts that threaten national security. Western nations and legal experts warn this will end Hong Kongs special autonomy, and effectively railroad the one country, two systems principle behind the legally binding joint declaration. Hong Kong activists fear the sweeping law, which has yet to be fleshed out, will be used to put a stop to pro-democracy protests that have rocked the Asian financial hub since last June. Their angst is reflected in the letter. Our concerns are heightened at this time in light of the Chinese Communist Partys record of abuses when faced with dissent from its rule, such as the Tiananmen Square massacre which occurred 31 years ago this week, it says. We believe it is imperative that the international community move rapidly to ensure there is a mechanism for observing and transparent reporting on the impact of the new law on what are currently legal freedoms in Hong Kong. Although the legislation would effectively bypass Hong Kongs parliament, the Legislative Council, Carrie Lam - the citys embattled chief executive - told state media ahead of a visit to Beijing today to discuss the national security law: "I felt at ease after the decision was made. But she added: As chief executive, I have to confess it is almost impossible to have the national security legislation enacted by the local legislative council in the near future. Despite a pro-Beijing majority in the citys parliament, contentious legislation has been difficult to push through. Last year, an extradition bill that could have seen suspects from Hong Kong face trial in mainland Chinas murky courts sparked mass protests for months. In 2003, national security legislation was scrapped after major demonstrations. However, the most recent decision is expected to provoke more protests in Hong Kong this week and has also created unease in the United States, which on Wednesday revised its travel advisory, warning citizens are at risk of being netted in the broader political tussle with Beijing, "US citizens travelling or residing in Hong Kong may be subject to increased levels of surveillance, as well as arbitrary enforcement of laws for purposes other than maintaining law and order," the updated notice stated. Americans may also be targeted by Beijing's broader propaganda campaign, "falsely accusing the United States of fomenting unrest in Hong Kong", especially as the new national security law's "intent is to target acts of secession or subversion of state power, the organisation or carrying out of terrorist activities, and activities interfering with Hong Kongs internal affairs by foreign or external forces". Amid rising tensions, the US government is also reportedly looking to sell the consular staff quarters it owns in Hong Kong. All this comes after the US said last week that it would revoke special status for Hong Kong, which has long afforded preferential treatment that helped the city become a global financial hub. Only the cops need guns simply could not live forever alongside, The cops are racist and will kill you. And so, at long last, the two circles of the Venn Diagram have filed for an amicable divorce. In the end, the differences proved irreconcilable. At least, they proved irreconcilable without descending into farce. I have been told more times that I can count that if you want to own an AR-15, you should join the army or the police. Oh, really. Why? So that I can be pulled back when the rioting starts, lest I inflame those wielding bricks and Molotov cocktails? So that I can be called a fascist, acting in the service of a dictator? So that I can be part of the problem? In light of the new fashions, these old injunctions look rather silly, dont they? You dont need 15 rounds; youre not a cop! Also, the police are corrupt from top to bottom, and should probably be abolished. Pick one, perhaps? In The New Republic, Matt Ford argues that the police were a mistake per se. They have, Ford writes, become the standing armies that the Founders feared. As it happens, unreconstructed small-r republican that I am, I have more sympathy for this idea than many might expect. But Im sure as hell not going to entertain it at the same time as I subordinate my unalienable right to bear arms to the personal prejudices of the bureaucracy and commentariat. Dont call the cops! Also, wait three months for a gun permit! Again: Pick one. In any case, the idea that the existence of police officers in some way negates the right to bear arms has always been a ridiculous one. Police are an auxiliary force that we hire to do a particular job there to supplement, not to replace, my rights and responsibilities. Every time we debate gun control in the United States, I am informed that the Sheriff of Whatever County is opposed to liberalization. To which I always think, So what? My right to keep and bear arms is merely the practical expression of my underlying right to self-defense. That, as a polity, we have decided to hire certain people to take the first shot at keeping the peace is fine. But it has no bearing on my liberties. Story continues And how could it, given that I do not live in a police station? The old saw that when seconds count, the police are minutes away is trotted out as often as it is because it is unquestionably true. Whether the average police department is virtuous or evil is irrelevant here. What matters is that no government has the right and in America, mercifully, no government has the legal power to farm out, and then to abolish, my elementary rights. It would not fly if the government hired people to speak for me and then shut down my speech; if would not fly if the government hired people to worship for me and then restricted my right to exercise my religion; and it will not fly for the government to hire a security agency and then to remove, or limit, my access to weaponry. This is a personal question, not an aggregate question: I have one life, and I am entitled to defend it in any way I see fit against those who would do me harm. If there is a single principle that has animated this realm since the time of the Emperor Justinian, it is that. Happily, defending their lives and their property as they see fit is exactly what those who have been abandoned by the authorities are doing in droves. Like father, like son, we have seen the return of the Rooftop Koreans supplemented, this time, by Rooftop African-Americans, Rooftop Hispanics, Rooftop Pakistanis, and the rest. The NAACP is helping to organize armed patrols of minority-owned business. Gun sales are up by a staggering 80 percent over this time last year. During the coronavirus lockdown, there was a public debate over whether gun stores should be deemed essential. During this outbreak of rioting, such an inquiry seems quaint. Now, as ever, there is no greater prophylactic against a criminal on the rampage than a loaded firearm in the hands of a free man. Underlying most of the arguments that are leveled by the gun-control movement is the assumption that the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is historically contingent: upon a time, upon a people, upon a place. They are wrong. The Second Amendment is as relevant today as it was during the totalitarian 20th century; as it was when Ida B. Wells was observing that the only case where [a] proposed lynching did not occur, was where the men armed themselves; as it was in the revolutionary era; as it was when all roads led to Rome. There will be no age in which it becomes unnecessary, nor any transmutation of the human character that renders it moot. This is History. Right now. And Samuel Colt aint abandoning anyone. More from National Review Luxembourg 03 June 2020 - Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Brs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) announced today the award of a major(1) contract by SSE Renewables for the engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of the foundations and inter array cables for the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm project, 27km offshore Scotland. The Seagreen development will be a 1,075MW offshore wind farm, comprising 114 wind turbines located off the east coast of Scotland. Seaway 7, the Renewables business unit of Subsea 7, will manage the EPCI of the 114 wind turbine generator foundations and approximately 300km of associated inter array cables. The agreement will immediately secure 30 jobs within Seaway 7s Aberdeen office where the EPCI contract will be managed, with this number expected to reach around 50 jobs at the peak of activity. John Hill, Seagreen Project Director, said: Seaway 7 brings a wealth of offshore wind knowledge and expertise and we are pleased to welcome them and their Aberdeen team to Seagreen. Steph McNeill, Executive Vice President Renewables at Seaway 7, said: We are looking forward to continuing our successful collaborative relationship with SSE Renewables as we help construct Seagreen. We have been active in the UK Renewables sector for over a decade and are very pleased to continue to support the ongoing energy transition in the UK. The Seagreen project will be managed from our Seaway 7 office in Aberdeen, bringing our offshore wind expertise to the largest offshore wind project in Scotland. (1) Subsea 7 defines a major contract as being over USD 750 million. ******************************************************************************* Subsea 7s Renewables business unit is an experienced partner for the delivery of offshore wind farm projects and specialist heavy lifting and cable installation services, operating under the Seaway 7 brand. Subsea 7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industrys partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs. Story continues Subsea 7 is listed on the Oslo Bors (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62. ******************************************************************************* Contact for investment community enquiries: Katherine Tonks Investor Relations Director Tel +44 (0)20 8210 5568 katherine.tonks@subsea7.com www.subsea7.com Contact for media enquiries: Tracey Miller Group Communication Manager www.subsea7.com Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements made in this announcement may include forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of words like anticipate, believe, could, estimate, expect, forecast, intend, may, might, plan, predict, project, scheduled, seek, should, will, and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements reflect our current views and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The principal risks and uncertainties which could impact the Group and the factors which could affect the actual results are described but not limited to those in the Risk Management section in the Groups Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements 2017. These factors, and others which are discussed in our public announcements, are among those that may cause actual and future results and trends to differ materially from our forward-looking statements: actions by regulatory authorities or other third parties; our ability to recover costs on significant projects; the general economic conditions and competition in the markets and businesses in which we operate; our relationship with significant clients; the outcome of legal and administrative proceedings or governmental enquiries; uncertainties inherent in operating internationally; the timely delivery of vessels on order; the impact of laws and regulations; and operating hazards, including spills and environmental damage. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on our future results. Given these factors, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Attachment Just Mercy, a film based on the life of civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson, is available to stream for free this month. In a statement, Warner Bros. said it believes in the power of story and wants citizens to view the film as part of the ongoing national dialogue surrounding race relations and the systemic racism that plagues our society." The movie makers decision comes as protests continue in cities across the country after an unarmed African-American man, George Floyd, died in police custody in Minnesota last week after being restrained by the knee of white officer Derek Chauvin, who has since been charged with manslaughter and third-degree murder. It is believed that police were planning to question Floyd in relation to a forgery incident. Stevenson, 60, is the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Alabama. He has won multiple equal rights arguments in front of the Supreme Court, and the Initiative has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults, according to its website. You cant understand these present-day issues without understanding the persistent refusal to view black people as equals, Stevenson recently told The New Yorker. "It has changed, but that history of violence, where we used terror and intimidation and lynching and then Jim Crow laws and then the police, created this presumption of dangerousness and guilt. It doesnt matter how hard you try, how educated you are, where you go in this countryif you are black, or you are brown, you are going to have to navigate that presumption, and that makes encounters with the police just rife with the potential for these specific outcomes which we have seen. In a statement, Warner Bros. said: "We believe in the power of story. "Our film Just Mercy, based on the life work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, is one resource we can humbly offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society. "For the month of June, Just Mercy will be available to rent for free across digital platforms in the U.S. "To actively be part of the change our country is so desperately seeking, we encourage you to learn more about our past and the countless injustices that have led us to where we are today. "Thank you to the artists, storytellers and advocates who helped make this film happen. Watch with your family, friends and allies. For further information on Bryan Stevenson and his work at the Equal Justice Initiative please visit eji.org. Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon Prime, Redbox, and YouTube are just a few of the streaming providers offering the movie for free. Click here for a full listing. More coverage: Jammu, June 3 : Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday arrested the former chairman of J&K State Co-operative Bank, Mohammad Shafi Dar in a multi-crore fund fraud. The ACB had yesterday issued a hue and cry notice against Dar after declaring him a proclaimed offender. The ACB has booked Dar for committing a financial fraud to the tune of Rs 223 crore in which a fake co-operative construction company had benefited. The fake construction company, called River Jhelum Building Society, had taken a loan of Rs 223 crores from the co-operative bank for constructing a satellite township on the outskirts of Srinagar city. Overlooking all formalities, the bank gave the loan to the owner of the company Hilal Ahmad Mir without even obtaining the balance sheet, income tax return or the PAN card of the beneficiary. An early morning fire damaged a building at Stagville, a state historic site that includes remnants of one of the largest plantations in North Carolina. The Durham County Sheriffs Office said fire rescue personnel were called to the site just before 6:45 a.m. Monday. WRAL-TV reports that the cause of the fire was not immediately clear. The site is part of the former Bennehan-Cameron family plantation. It offers educational programs about the lives and work of the approximately 900 enslaved people who worked the land there, according to the official website. According to the sites Facebook page, Stagville reopened to the public Friday for tours of the grounds and outdoor spaces. The buildings including original slave quarters, a massive barn and a Bennehan family house remain closed to the public. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Training Development North Carolina A curfew has been implemented in Providence and several other Rhode Island communities following a riot that left more than a dozen stores in the Providence Place Mall and others in downtown damaged early Tuesday morning. "Were preparing for what we imagine will continue to be a number of protests and a number of actions, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza told reporters Tuesday. "Those were folks who gathered late, late, late at night and their intention from the very beginning was to make trouble. The curfew in Providence will be in effect between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. until at least Tuesday, June 9. It bans all on the street except first responders, essential workers, people seeking medical attention and those experiencing homelessness. In Pawtucket and Central Falls, curfew goes into effect at 8:30 p.m. while in Cranston and Warwick, it begins at 8 p.m. nightly. Police announced expanded patrols of shopping complexes in Cranston and Warwick as well following the damage at the Providence Place Mall. Officers in Rhode Island have the support of the National Guard after Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo announced its activation Tuesday. In the early hours of Tuesday morning an estimated 200 to 300 people gathered at the Providence Place Mall in a protest against the killing of George Floyd that quickly escalated into chaos. The group was overwhelmingly young people and 65 were arrested. While officials - including the governor - have claimed the participants were largely coming from out of state, the vast majority of those arrested were Rhode Islanders. Of the 65 people arrested, 35 are Providence residents, 25 are from elsewhere in Rhode Island and five are Massachusetts residents. Police were aware of the planned gathering but quickly became overwhelmed by the number of people gathered when they wanted to gain entry into the mall, Elorza told reporters. The participants hurled hammers, bricks and other objects at the mall entrance and, once inside, broke into over a dozen stores in the mall, stealing objects from stores, officials said. There were about 60 Rhode Island state troopers and an additional 60 Providence police officers were deployed Tuesday night. Several officers were hit with bricks, Rhode Island State Police Col. James Manni said. Up to 10 officers were injured. Protests have held been held in dozens of cities nationwide 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. 40 Protests break out in Minneapolis following death of George Floyd Related Content Americans shattered monthly sales records for firearms as the coronavirus raged across the U.S. In March, the FBI logged around 3.7 million background checks, eclipsing the previous record set in December 2015. With at least 2.5 million checks conducted for new firearm sales, the figures represent a monthly increase of about 85 percent over March 2019. And now, with protests ravaging cities across the country over the police killing of George Floyd, the month of May set another record with nearly 3.1 million background checks. These sales contribute to a record 15 million checks recorded since January 1, 2020. Anti-gun advocates and left-leaning lawmakers are also taking the opportunity to introduce a series of new gun control legislations with some draconian measures. Perhaps the most drastic measure to be introduced, H.R. 5717 is a federal bill sponsored by Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA.), which would impose a 30% ammo tax and 50% firearm sales tax. With gun sales soaring and various states having battled in recent weeks to shutter gun stores, more Americans have turned to the online market, building their new firearms from scratch kits. Often called 80% firearms by enthusiasts, these kits allow the owner to perform some basic machining on the firearm components, making them functional for assembly. Now fifteen Senate Democrats, led by Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) have introduced legislation attempting to ban the kits. The legislation, also backed by Michaerl Bloomberg's Everytown For Gun Safety, a left-leaning gun control group, would require all guns sold in the United States to be serialized after January 1, 2022, to be traceable by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The bill would effectively bar many Americans and small firearm businesses from selling firearm components without background checks, even though those components are not functional nor do they meet the ATFs definition of a firearm. Sen. Blumenthal and his Democrat cohorts did not stop there. In a letter sent to federal agencies and now made public, Sens. Blumenthal, Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.) asked the ATF and FBI to halt pending gun sales while the National Instant Criminal Background System (NICS) suffers from an overload in light of increased gun sales. Current regulations require the agencies to allow pending gun sales to proceed at dealers after three days if NICS cannot process the background check in the allotted time. More worryingly, federal legislation H.R. 1112, sponsored by Democrat Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, would do away with this requirement. The bill would effectively give the ATF and FBI the power to indefinitely prevent gun sales to individuals without due process. Elsewhere, Michael Bloomberg and Everytown For Gun Safety continue to pour money into lobbying for gun control in Arizona. State Senator Rebecca Rio (D) recently cosponsored S.B. 1625, a state-level assault weapon ban. While the nation grapples with a pandemic and violent protests, Senate Democrats have made it clear they intend to pursue gun control as a hot-button topic during a polarizing election year. Sen. Murphy, who like Blumenthal has pushed for more gun control, spoke of the chances for any Senate action on their cosponsored bill this year. But Murphy said that doesnt mean Democrats shouldnt push the issue. I can see the writing on the wall as to what were doing between now and November, things related to Covid-19 and nominations, Murphy said. But its important to keep the pressure on. The death occurred of the Sliabh Luachra fiddle player and music teacher, Paddy Jones, of Knightsmountain, Knocknagoshel and late of Kilcusnan, Castleisland. Paddy passed away peacefully, on Saturday 2020 surrounded by his loving family at the Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee. He is survived by his partner, Rose, his children: Deirdre, Reuben, Sarah and their mother Teresa, his grandchildren: Kane, Ethan, Abigail, Jake, Luke and Amber, his cherished great-grandson Kayden, brothers: Mike, Tom, J.J., Denny and Dan, sisters: Mary and Sheila, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends. Paddy was predeceased by his parents John and Catherine and his infant daughters. A Guard of Honour As is the new norm these day, a private family funeral was held for Paddy on Tuesday morning, June 2nd at 9.30am. His funeral left Tangney's Funeral Home in Castleisland, via Church Street and Main Street for the benefit of musicians who wished to play a tune in tribute and farewell and anyone who would wanted to stand in a guard of honour. The hearse then proceeded to Cork for a private cremation. A Gulf of Genuine Sadness As the passing of Paddy Jones (73) was well flagged since the end of March - even by himself - there was no shock when his hour of destiny arrived at 11am on Saturday morning. The absence of shock left a gulf for the sadness that followed the news - which spread like lightening throughout the traditional music fraternity around the world. Paddy's wide-spread influence in that ever expanding world was underlined for us here in 2015 when classically trained violinist now traditional fiddle player, Anton Zila travelled from his home in Moscow to Castleisland for the Patrick O'Keeffe Traditional Music Festival and specifically to meet Paddy Jones. Anton also dedicated and played a tune and sent wishes to Paddy only last month during the world wide virtual gathering for World Fiddle Day Scartaglin. Paddy was presented with the Dedication to the Music of Sliabh Luachra Award during the Castleisland based Patrick O'Keeffe festival in 2016 and his deeds of dedication were scored through by services rendered to the music for most of his life. As well as a highly respected player, Paddy was a teacher of the music he loved and that's where his lasting legacy lies. In doing so he probably paid the finest tribute possible to the Glountane master himself, Patrick O'Keeffe as he also travelled the world extensively with touring groups in both easterly and westerly directions. Though he often cited his discovery of the 1969 released long-playing record 'The Star Above the Garter' as his moment of awakening to a true appreciation of the music of his own area, he always paid tribute to his teacher, Patrick O'Keeffe - whom he described as a 'grand old gentleman.' I don't think there is anything in this wide world that Paddy didn't deeply understand - anything he put his mind to - that is. He built his own range and heating system from scratch and scraps in his home in Knightsmountain - for example. He approached anything else he did with that same level of appreciation and knowledge of its place in his world. His innate sense of curiosity drove his quest for knowledge and perfection and he loved and understood the music he played and the instrument he played it on with a depth that can only be described as forensic. 'Look at that,' he'd say with a shake of his head and a genuine sense of wonder on learning something new. He spent an hour or so with me in a darkroom one evening years ago and he knew all about its workings but had never seen it in action. To see the images coming up in the tray of developer was a source of great fascination to him. The next time I met him he gave me a break-down on the chemical contents of the process and that I could be using vinegar as a development arresting agent instead of the more pungent, branded one I had. And that was long before Google or anything like it. On Christmas night 2005 RTE producer / presenter Peter Browne broadcast an interview he did with Paddy at the O'Keeffe festival in Castleisland on the previous October. In the course of a highly entertaining interview Paddy told Peter Browne that grappling with the complexities of music was 'like tying your shoe laces and shaving - at the same time. There is a lot of footage of Paddy from various events in recent years. Eoin Stan O'Sullivan from Newmarket did a fine series of chats with him only last year. On the opening night of the 2019 festival in Castleisland, local videographer, Elaine Prendiville shot the interview by Peter Browne of ' Patrick's Pupils' which included Paddy, Maida Sugrue and Martin O'Connor. That footage is now destined for the Irish Traditional Music Archive in Dublin as will Eoin Stan's - I presume. Sincere condolences to all his family members, mentioned above and to his friends everywhere - the majority of whom weren't be able to or weren't allowed to attend his funeral services because of Covid-19 imposed restrictions. But there will be another day and more nights - as the man himself suggested - whenever we get back to some semblance of safety and normality of living again. There will be a bit of planning involved in a proper tribute to one who gave so much to the world in which our music lives and thrives. All hands will need to be on deck and, as the late Mike Kenny would say: All sails aloft. I've a feeling it will be worth waiting for. May God be good to him. Leading hosiery brand Dollar recently underwent a brand revamp and unveiled it fresh vision of Wear the Change during the lockdown period. According to Dollar Industries, this re-branding exercise is aimed at creating a youth friendly image, along with an improved brand architecture and user friendly interface. The reinvigorated brand identity will assist in creating a synchronised brand portfolio and create a brand recall value amongst its end consumers and stakeholders. Founded back in 1972, Dollar Industries is now gearing to keep up with the changing market trends and the need to innovate. Therefore, the re-branding would ensure the brand responds to the market need for youthfulness and vigour. Today, Dollar claims to have a 15 per cent share of the hosiery market. The brand is present in 29 states across India, besides claiming to be the highest selling Indian brand in the UAE and the Middle East. Dollar also claims to have a growth rate of 11.8 per cent on a year-on-year basis. Adgully spoke to Vinod Kumar Gupta, Managing Director, Dollar Industries, to know more about the rebrand strategy as well also understand about how the Governments focus on local brands and products will help the industry, besides his insights on Indias economic revival. What was the need for undergoing this brand revamp during the lockdown period? Dollars rebranding exercise was planned almost a year ago. We wanted to revise our brand architecture and also present a new identity to our consumers. Since we are focusing on Wear the Change as our vision, what better time could it have been to adopt changes than in this unforeseen times? We opted for a digital launch keeping in mind the Governments social distancing and lockdown norms. We felt it was the right time to bring about the change and present our new identity to our consumers and stakeholders. How do you think this rebranding is going to benefit the brand, especially in the current situation? With this new brand identity and architecture, we aim to reach out to our existing consumers and stakeholders and also spread our horizons to a new audience. We have revamped our website and simplified our product categories to enhance consumer experience. Moreover, the reason behind the rebranding is also that Dollar Industries identifies the changing market trends and wants to keep up and innovate with the changing times. Hence, the new logo will make sure that the brand responds to the markets requirements and needs for youthfulness and vigour. What will be your communication strategy with this revamp? Hosiery is considered as an essential item and the industry is expected to recover faster than others. We are positive that once the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, we shall witness growth in sales. Currently, we are focusing only on educating/ informing our consumers about the new brand architecture and identity. We are also trying to reach out to the youth and we want them to accept Dollar as their very own brand. With changing times and our brand identity, I must say that we have been associated with Akshay Kumar for the last 10 years. Akshay is identified as the Bigg Boss of Dollar, so I can say that he is the best name to acclaim Dollar nationwide. What positioning and perception are you envisaging for Brand Dollar with this revamp? Currently, we are focusing only on educating/ informing our consumers about the new brand architecture and identity. We are also trying to reach out to the youth and we want them to accept Dollar as their very own brand. How are you looking at converting PM Modis Vocal for Local call into a successful business strategy? We are already a local company with our roots in every part of the country. However, with the PMs vision and push for Local for Vocal, we are expecting a boost and grabbing more eyeballs for our business. Are you revisiting your media mix with the COVID-19 disruption? How are you looking at leveraging digital, print and TV in the new normal? With the prevailing conditions, a vast number of people/ consumers have shifted their focus to online purchasing. However, in India we still have huge consumer bases that still prefer experiencing the Look and Feel of the product and then buy it. So, both the factors will co-exist. What is your outlook for the innerwear industry in the next 2 years? The innerwear industry will always thrive, and with the growing aspirations and purchasing power, consumers are opting for branded products, even in smaller cities and towns. People connect with what their favourite celebrities are wearing and that will only help brands like us to grow. There will be no dearth of business and the sector with flourish in the next 2 years. What advantages do you think local/ indigenous brands will have over global brands in the post-COVID-19 world? In the coming times, consumers will want to primarily focus on savings for medical emergencies and products like insurance. Therefore, the purchasing pattern will be need based. They will look for brands that are budget-friendly and value for money rather than investing in a high-end purchase. Additionally, the PMs push for Vocal for Local will assist in grabbing eyeballs and creating a support system for homegrown brands. How are you gearing up to resume manufacturing as lockdown restrictions are being eased? Transport is still a major issue and we do not enforce our workers to travel during these tough times. We have in-house provisions for our workers, where the organisation has made lodging and boarding arrangements. The workers are provided with hygienic places to stay and basic essentials such as food have also been provided. This has enabled our manufacturing units to continue operations. Do you think that Tier 2, 3 and 4 markets will fuel Indias recovery in the next few months? How is Dollar strategising for these markets? There has been a tremendous growth in Tier 2, 3 and 4 markets, including villages. In the last few years, e-commerce platforms have gained extreme traction and have enabled people even in remote areas to purchase products/ goods online. With the current prevailing pandemic, people are sceptical about going to brick and mortar stores or crowded market places as they are extremely concerned about their health and safety. This will also be a contributing factor to the growth of digital purchases from the comfort of their houses, which will lead to immense growth. We have always been a local company, and with our massive presence across all e-commerce platforms, we ensure that there is no demand-supply gap in our supple chain. We ensure our communication with our partners is concrete and our products are reaching the last mile. We have opened up new channel partners like semi-wholesalers to make the process smooth. We recognise the potential and purchasing power of the lower segment of the pyramid, while many brands only look at the top the pyramid. The shift in focus will create more brand awareness and we expect a lot volume in terms of sales from the bottom of the pyramid. 03.06.2020 LISTEN The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is asking the Akufo-Addo government to give former President John Dramani Mahama his due for the Tema Motorway Interchange project. The opposition party says the project was the brainchild of the former President who secured full funding for the commencement of the project before this current administration took over. The project which officially started in 2018 was completed and opened to traffic last month. With official commissioning of the interchange is scheduled for Friday, June 5, the Minority NDC says the President must do the honorable thing and acknowledge his predecessor former John Dramani Mahama for his sterling performance in the Roads sector. This may as well be the last opportunity for President Nana Akufo Addo within his four-year mandate, to acknowledge and commend the sterling performance in the Roads sector by his predecessor, President John Mahama. This is perhaps one of the few he may have to do with few months to the next general elections to yield to the call for sincerity in politics, as daunting as it may have been since he assumed office on January 7, 2017, a Minority Press Release has said today. Read the Minoritys Press Release below: PRESS RELEASE 3th June, 2020 [Parliament House, Accra] MINORITY STATEMENT ON THE TEMA MOTORWAY INTERCHANGE PROJECT This may as well be the last opportunity for President Nana Akufo Addo within his four year mandate, to acknowledge and commend the sterling performance in the Roads sector by his predecessor, President John Mahama. This is perhaps one of the few he may have to do with few months to the next general elections to yield to the call for sincerity in politics, as daunting as it may have been since he assumed office on January 7, 2017. On 5th June, 2020, I understand, there is a planned grand funfair to officially commission the newly constructed Tema Motorway Interchange. But by the time you read this piece, you will appreciate why I need to set the records straight about the product of former John Mahamas Foresight and Vision. In the area of infrastructure, its an open secret that the NDC is the Party of Infrastructure and President Mahama is the Captain of the Infrastructure Team. President Akufo Addo cannot match the achievements of his predecessor, Many more appreciate the critical interventions President Mahama made in providing relevant social Infrastructural projects across all sectors. These investments augment Ghanas socio-economic development. The Meridian Port Services (MPS) Tema Port Expansion project, Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport, the Kumasi and Tamale Airport Expansion projects, the newly built Ho Airport which has been left unused, the Volivo, Pokuase and Obetsebi Lamptey Interchanges, just to mention a few. It is evidently clear, that many of these projects provide opportunities for sustainable job creation, revenue to the State and improved standard of living. Sadly, President Akufo Addo has consistently taken credit for strategic projects initiated by his predecessors and like the proverbial ostrich, turn round to accuse his benefactor of incompetence, and simply plunging Ghana into an abyss. I cite the Pokuase, Obetsebi Lamptey Interchanges, Kotoka Terminal 3, and Phase II of the Kumasi Airport expansion project as examples. It is the same shameful posture the President is seeking to exhibit with plans to take credit for the Tema Interchange Project. For the avoidance of doubt, the following are facts on chronology of events in relation to the Tema Motorway Interchange. John Mahama was implementing a Master Plan to ease congestion in our cities. In line with this, he initiated a plan to tie the MPS Port expansion Project with the Reconstruction of the Accra-Tema Motorway with interchanges. Meridian Port Service (MPS) proposed to carry out the Motorway reconstruction as part of the Port Expansion. However, preparation for the Motorway component delayed. As a result, MPS decided to focus on its core mandate and went ahead with the port expansion project which is now completed and is in use. MPS however carried out some upgrading works at the Tema Motorway Roundabout as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility. This was completed prior to the implementation of the current Tema Motorway Interchange. Still focused on resolving the traffic constriction at the Tema end of the Motorway, President Mahama decided to seek donor support from the Japanese government. The concept involved a three-tier Interchange at the Tema end of the Motorway. The Japanese generously agreed to support Ghana and initiated the process of Building the Interchange. For the avoidance of doubts, we must all be reminded of the sequence of events leading to the realization of this important project, these include but not limited to: On 01/09/2016 -Preparatory Survey Report (Draft Report) was submitted On November 2016-Design Outline Mission Team from JICA visits Ghana to validate the proposals and confirm support for the project. On 03/04/2017 - Preparatory Final Report submitted by CTI Engineering On 31/03/2017 - Grant Aid Agreement Signed. This signing is only Consequential since the project has already been approved. On 19/05/2017 - consultancy Agreement signed with CTI Engineering. It must be on record that, in some cases, it takes up to 6 years for projects under JICA to become fully operational unless it is a phase of an ongoing project. President Akufo-Addo must do the right thing for once. He must set the records straight by admitting he inherited this project fully funded and commend President John Mahama for initiating this project. All processes carried out from 2017 were all consequential. Starting Phase II of the Tema Motorway interchange before the end of this year will deliver the next phase of the project. President Akufo Addo must be reminded that, Article 35(7) of Ghanas 1992 Constitution states....as far as practicable, a government shall continue and execute projects and programmes commenced by the previous Government... The intention of this particular clause is NOT to wish away the contributions of previous governments in relation to particular projects, in this case the Tema Motorway Interchange. President Akufo-Addo MUST NOT pretend. He must and its a duty to give credit to President John Mahama. Hon Kwame Agbodza. Ranking Member, Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament (Bloomberg) -- A group of Amazon.com Inc. warehouse employees sued the online retail giant, claiming its working conditions put not only them at risk of contracting the coronavirus but also their family members, including one who died. Barbara Chandler, one of three workers who filed a lawsuit Wednesday in New York, claims she contracted the virus in March at Amazons Staten Island distribution center, where employees were explicitly or implicitly encouraged to continue attending work and prevented from adequately washing their hands or sanitizing their workstations. Within a month, Chandlers cousin, whom she lived with, died after experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, the lawsuit says. The suggestion that working conditions at the facility contributed to a specific third-party death distinguishes Wednesdays lawsuit from other coronavirus-related complaints filed against Amazon in recent months. But the plaintiffs, who accuse Amazon of violating public nuisance and employee safety laws by providing workers misinformation and setting oppressive and dangerous hourly quotas and discipline policies, are not seeking damages for illness or death. The lawsuit, which was jointly filed with advocacy groups including Towards Justice, Public Justice and Make the Road New York, is instead mainly asking for an injunction requiring the company to adhere to public health guidance. Amazon said Wednesday it was reviewing the complaint. We are saddened by the tragic impact COVID-19 has had on communities across the globe, including on some Amazon team members and their family and friends, spokeswoman Lisa Levandowski said in an emailed statement. From early March to May 1, we offered our employees unlimited time away from work, and since May 1 we have offered leave for those most vulnerable or who need to care for children or family members. Amazon emerged as an indispensable service for many customers shopping online during shelter-in-place orders. The company scrambled to meet surging demand by hiring 175,000 workers while simultaneously announcing new procedures to protect its workforce. Story continues According to Amazon, over 150 processes have been updated to protect employees, and the company is spending over $800 million in the first half of 2020 on coronavirus safety measures. Workers diagnosed with the virus are also being offered additional paid time off, the company has said. But Wednesdays lawsuit claims Amazon has only sought to create a facade of compliance and continued with unsafe practices. Workers continue to work at dizzying speeds, even if doing so prevents them from socially distancing, washing their hands, and sanitizing their work spaces, according to the lawsuit. The plaintiffs also say Amazon punishes employees who complain about workplace safety and tells workers to avoid informing others if they become infected. Amazon has told employees its contact tracing consists only of reviewing its surveillance footage, rather than interviewing infected workers about their interactions, the lawsuit says. Amazons failures have already caused injury and death to workers and family members of workers, the lawsuit says, noting that a worker at the Staten Island warehouse has been confirmed to have died from Covid-19. The Staten Island warehouse has been a focus of health and safety complaints since March, when employees mounted the first of a series of walkouts. Amazon terminated the leader of that protest, claiming he violated a company quarantine order. The companys action spurred denunciations and calls for investigation by officials including Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Attorney General Letitia James. (Adds statement from Amazon) 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. George Floyd told the four Minneapolis police officers, "I'm about to die." "You are talking fine," an officer responded. In the final 20 minutes of Floyds life, one officer pulled a gun on him as he pleaded with officers not to put him in the back seat because he was claustrophobic, according to charging documents filed Wednesday by state prosecutors. Following reports that a man had used a counterfeit $20 bill, the officers had pulled Floyd out of his car. Later, another officer expressed concern, asking whether they should roll Floyd on his side. Officer Derek Chauvin, who was recorded on video kneeling on Floyd's neck as he begged for air before he died, replied, "No, staying put where we got him." Now, the three other Minneapolis police officers at the scene of Floyd's death will face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder, the Minnesota attorney general announced Wednesday. State Atty. Gen. Keith Ellison also elevated charges against Chauvin to second-degree murder. Ellison said during a news conference Wednesday that he does not believe "one successful prosecution can rectify" the pain felt by the community. "He should be here," Ellison said of Floyd. "But he's not." All four officers were fired shortly after Floyd's death. Arrest warrants were issued for the three other officers, Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane. Aiding and abetting second-degree murder is a felony under Minnesota state law. Chauvin, who is being held at a state prison, was initially charged last week with third-degree murder and manslaughter before Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz asked Ellison to take over the prosecution. Charges filed by the state and released Wednesday provide more detail into the incident and Floyd's final moments. Lane and Kueng arrived at the scene first, following the counterfeit bill reports. Lane walked to the driver's side of Floyd's car, where Floyd sat, and Kueng remained on the passenger's side. A woman was in the passenger seat and another man sat in the back seat, the state's charges say. Story continues Lane pulled out his gun and pointed it at Floyd through an open window and told Floyd to show his hands. Floyd put them on the steering wheel. Lane pulled Floyd out of his car and handcuffed him. Following instructions from Lane, Floyd sat down. Floyd then calmly said, "Thank you man." Kueng arrested Floyd on suspicion of passing counterfeit currency and tried to walk him into the police car. Floyd stiffened and fell to the ground, making clear he was not resisting but saying he didn't want to get in the back seat because of his claustrophobia. Chauvin and Thao soon arrived, and all four officers made "several attempts to get Floyd in the back seat of their squad car by pushing him." Chauvin pulled Floyd out of the squad car and Floyd went to the ground face-down, still handcuffed. Kueng held Floyd's back while Lane held his hands. Chauvin's knee pinned Floyd's neck to the ground. Floyd told them he could not breathe. At one point, Lane told Chauvin, "I am worried about excited delirium or whatever." But Lane made no move to reduce the force being used against Floyd, the complaint noted. Nearly five minutes later, Kueng checked Floyd's right hand for a pulse. "I couldn't find one," Kueng said. After eight minutes and 46 seconds, Chauvin removed his knee from Floyd's neck. During the last two minutes and 56 seconds, Floyd was unresponsive. The Hennepin County medical examiner's autopsy concluded that Floyd died of "cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression. The autopsy ruled his death a homicide and noted that the presence of fentanyl contributed to Floyd's death. On Wednesday, the county released a fuller autopsy report noting that Floyd had also tested positive for COVID-19 but was most likely asymptomatic at the time of his death. A separate autopsy commissioned by Floyd's family found he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression. All four officers face potentially decades in prison: The second-degree murder charge carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and charges of aiding and abetting carry the same maximum penalties as the underlying crime. Ellison was frank about the case's chances of success. "Winning a conviction will be hard," he said. "In fact, County Atty. [Michael] Freeman is the only prosecutor in the state of Minnesota that has successfully convicted a police officer for murder." Just before the charges were announced, Floyd's son, Quincy Mason Floyd, visited the site where his father died, kneeling among the flowers and posters. As Floyd's family began arriving in the city for his memorial Thursday, they called for action against the other officers to be taken before the event. "We want justice," said Floyd's son, 27, who lives in Texas, standing before a large painted angel now marking the spot. "No man or woman should be without their fathers." The family's attorney, Benjamin Crump, standing next to Quincy, said they expected the officers to be "charged as accomplices for the killing." The Minneapolis police chief said that they were "complicit" and that audio and video from body cameras showed "they are also accomplices by their failure to act, when they knew he didn't have a pulse," according to Crump. "We expected all of the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, tomorrow," he said. "Because we cannot have two justice systems in America: one for black America, and one for white America." On Tuesday, Walz announced that the states Department of Human Rights will investigate the Minneapolis Police Department and had filed a civil rights charge related to the death of George Floyd. The Police Department that same day released personnel records for Chauvin. The former officer, who had worked with the department since October 2001, had been disciplined for only one incident during his tenure, despite being the subject of at least 17 internal affairs investigations. In that August 2017 incident in Longfellow, a neighborhood just south of downtown Minneapolis, Chauvin was accused of pulling a woman out of her car after stopping her for going 10 mph over the speed limit. The woman filed the complaint the next day. According to internal records, Thao has been investigated at least six times by the department. None of those investigations resulted in discipline, records show. One case is pending. The Minneapolis Police Department declined to confirm or comment on the additional charges against the fired officers. Before being asked to lead the prosecution, Ellison, a former U.S. congressman for Minnesota, said of Floyds death: George Floyd mattered. "Whenever someone dies at the hand of law enforcement or state power," he continued in the statement, "we owe it to everyone affected to investigate thoroughly." On Wednesday, now charged with that investigation, Elliot said reform efforts should start immediately. "We don't need to wait for the resolution of this case to start that work," he said. "We need citizens to begin rewriting the rules for a just society now. We need new policy and legislation and ways of thinking at the state and federal levels." Earlier at the memorial marking the spot where Floyd died, Suzie Hewitt, who grew up in the Twin Cities, kneeled as she and others in the crowd put their arms around her mother, who sobbed on the curb. "All of those complaints against the officer," Hewitt said, referring to Chauvin, "those were us, for years and years, and nothing got done." "All of this frustration, sadness, anger this is what black trauma looks like," said Hewitt, whose family is Eritrean. "I love Minnesota it is my home but now people are coming together to address this issue; it is no longer just 'theirs.'" In the midst of a global pandemic and national protests over the death of George Floyd, eight states and the District of Columbia held primary elections on Tuesday. Why it matters: Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, needs to win 425 of the 479 delegates up for grabs in order to officially clinch the nomination. There are a number of key down-ballot races throughout the country as well, including a primary in Iowa that could determine the fate of Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa). The big picture: Perhaps above all else, however, the primary will serve as a test of how the ongoing threat of the coronavirus will affect turnout, and whether mass mail-in voting will be viable for use in November. It also comes with the backdrop of continuing civil unrest in cities across America. Primaries took place in D.C., Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Dakota. As of 10:30 pm ET, Biden had been declared the winner of Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Mexico, South Dakota and Montana. Key races: Iowa's 4th district: Rep. Steve King, who was stripped of his committee assignments in 2019 due to his history of racist remarks, was defeated by state Sen. Randy Feenstra. Rep. Steve King, who was stripped of his committee assignments in 2019 due to his history of racist remarks, was defeated by state Sen. Randy Feenstra. Iowa U.S. Senate: Theresa Greenfield, the candidate backed by Senate Democrats campaign arm, beat out four other Democrats for the chance to challenge Sen. Joni Ernst, one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the Senate. Theresa Greenfield, the candidate backed by Senate Democrats campaign arm, beat out four other Democrats for the chance to challenge Sen. Joni Ernst, one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the Senate. Montana governor: Rep. Greg Gianforte, who won a special election in 2017 after being charged with assaulting a reporter, clinched the Republican nomination in the race to succeed Gov. Steve Bullock (D). Bullock won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and will face incumbent Sen. Steve Daines. Rep. Greg Gianforte, who won a special election in 2017 after being charged with assaulting a reporter, clinched the Republican nomination in the race to succeed Gov. Steve Bullock (D). Bullock won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and will face incumbent Sen. Steve Daines. Ferguson mayor: The Missouri city where the 2014 death of Michael Brown helped catalyze the Black Lives Matter movement elected its first black mayor, Ella Jones. The Missouri city where the 2014 death of Michael Brown helped catalyze the Black Lives Matter movement elected its first black mayor, Ella Jones. Maryland's 7th district: Rep. Kweisi Mfume, who won a special election to fill the seat of the late Rep. Elijah Cummings, defeated more than a dozen candidates including Cummings' wife Maya Rockeymoore Cummings and looks set to win a full term in November. Rep. Kweisi Mfume, who won a special election to fill the seat of the late Rep. Elijah Cummings, defeated more than a dozen candidates including Cummings' wife Maya Rockeymoore Cummings and looks set to win a full term in November. New Mexico's 3rd district: Teresa Leger Fernandez won easily in a Democratic primary that gained national attention due to the candidacy of Valerie Plame, a former CIA operative whose identity was famously leaked during the Bush administration. The mechanics: Some polling sites in Washington, D.C.'s voting experienced confusion and mixed messages from police officers as the city balanced a 7 p.m. curfew with polls closing at 8 p.m. Some voters were reportedly still standing in line as of midnight, with lines extending several blocks while election officials limited the number of residents who could vote at once. Pennsylvania's secretary of state said that despite some challenges, the election overall went smoothly and that approximately 1.8 million Pennsylvania voters were approved to vote by mail-in and absentee ballot 17 times greater than the number in 2016. secretary of state said that despite some challenges, the election overall went smoothly and that approximately 1.8 million Pennsylvania voters were approved to vote by mail-in and absentee ballot 17 times greater than the number in 2016. Rhode Island saw some confusion with polls closing at 8 p.m. and varying curfews striking at both 8 and 9 p.m. in cities throughout the state, Go Local Prov reports. saw some confusion with polls closing at 8 p.m. and varying curfews striking at both 8 and 9 p.m. in cities throughout the state, Go Local Prov reports. Indiana dealt with unusually long wait times and delays, per the Indy Star. Many voters say they requested absentee ballots but didn't receive them in time or at all. dealt with unusually long wait times and delays, per the Indy Star. Many voters say they requested absentee ballots but didn't receive them in time or at all. New Mexico , by contrast, saw few lines as voters took advantage of mail-in ballots, per Las Cruces Sun News. , by contrast, saw few lines as voters took advantage of mail-in ballots, per Las Cruces Sun News. Iowa, like other states, drastically extended its mail-in voting access this election, resulting in 474,427 mail-in requests, per We Are Iowa. like other states, drastically extended its mail-in voting access this election, resulting in 474,427 mail-in requests, per We Are Iowa. Montana's all-mail-in election had already broken primary turnout records by Monday evening, with 341,400 ballots being submitted, per KTVH. The previous record, which was set in 2016 and included in-person voting, was 293,548. all-mail-in election had already broken primary turnout records by Monday evening, with 341,400 ballots being submitted, per KTVH. The previous record, which was set in 2016 and included in-person voting, was 293,548. Maryland voters were motivated to turn out Tuesday following tense protests over racial inequality, the Baltimore Sun reports. voters were motivated to turn out Tuesday following tense protests over racial inequality, the Baltimore Sun reports. In South Dakota, nearly five times as many voters used absentee ballots compared to 2016, the Argus Leader reports. This story is developing. Please check back for updates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has acknowledged that the Air Forces efforts to limit the coronavirus in its basic military training were a success. Just five cases were recorded as more than 10,000 recruits entered Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in a seven week period, according to a study compiled by researchers assigned to Lacklands 59th Medical Wing and published this week in the CDCs Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The study credited a decision in March to quarantine new recruits upon their arrival at Lackland, the use of social distancing and cloth masks, repeated screening and rapid tracing and isolation when anyone turned up positive . Its a great way to highlight the blend of great healthcare delivery and public health measures in support of a key Air Force mission, basic military training, Maj. Gen. John DeGoes, commander of the wing, said of the report. On ExpressNews.com: Tracking coronavirus recruits, Air Force slowed outbreak at San Antonio training hub Other services havent been as successful. The Marine Corps said April 29 that 48 trainees from one unit at its San Diego, Calif., recruit depot tested positive for the coronavirus, the Los Angeles Times reported. Virus cases stopped basic training there. The Army said in April it would resume shipping recruits after a two-week pause that allowed its four boot camps to install COVID-19 mitigation measures. Army Times reported that 210 recruits at Fort Benning, Ga., and Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., had turned up positive for coronavirus. It was a much different story at Lackland, which until early April had been the Air Forces sole home of basic training since 1968. The study examined the first seven weeks of what it called non-pharmaceutical interventions at Lackland. Out of 10,579 trainees, it said, the incidence of COVID-19 was limited to five cases, or 47 per 100,000 people. That was far lower than the overall rate of 220 per 100,000 in the United States. Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-News Three of the victims were contacts of the first patient. For all five, the medical wing supervised their monitored reentry into training after resolution of symptoms, the report said. The report went on to note that about 40,000 fledgling airmen are trained each year at Lackland, with about 800 of them arriving on the base every week a number that has been cut by about a third to allow social distancing of bunks and separation of groups of trainees. The recruits now sleep nine feet apart Three in every four recruits are men in their late teens and early 20s. Theyre screened for a variety of medical problems and are typically in good health. The report noted that Lackland had grappled with respiratory illness outbreaks in the past, including adenovirus in 2007, which claimed the life of a young recruit. To counter that virus, the Air Force performed regular cleaning of shared equipment, checked trainees for illness and had them sleep in head-to-toe bunk arrangements. DeGoes, a physician who directs the largest military public health system in the United States, said it was important to do what he called good, old-fashioned public health isolating, contact tracing, and removing the recruits from the healthy population that hadnt been exposed. If we hadnt done the quarantine right, if we hadnt had public health go and see, who did No. 1 come in contact with, we could be having an outbreak with literally dozens, up to 100 even, he told the San Antonio Express-News in April. Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-News Other things were done. The Air Force opened a second basic training site in Biloxi. Miss., in early April as a proof-of-concept test. The first class of 60 recruits has graduated at Keesler AFB and begun technical instruction there. Basic training at the site eliminated the need for recruits to risk exposure by traveling from Lackland to the base. Other classes at Keesler will run at least through Sept. 30, the end of the federal fiscal year. On ExpressNews.com: Air Force to keep Mississippi base as alternate location to its San Antonio basic training COVID-19 has changed basic training in other ways. Once-public graduation exercises are held indoors, the recruits becoming airmen in ceremonies streamed over the internet. The Air Education and Training Command likely will train fewer recruits as its implements more protective measures, but that may not be a problem as more choose to stay in uniform. . Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-News While Lackland had the usual number of trainees entering boot camp through March, the next month the command stopped taking recruits from areas of the United States with higher community transmission of coronavirus. That cut the number of arrivals by about 40 percent. Of the 10,579 trainees in basic training during the study period, 39 percent started instruction from March 1-April 18. Only 3 percent of the trainees met criteria for testing and deeper investigation over that time. Of those, a quarter 86 in all were testing during the quarantine and five tested positive. That was 1 percent of all trainees. All were men. Testing also revealed that a relative handful of recruits were sick with other maladies that ranged from colds to influenza B. The disciplined and highly structured environment and the population structure (young, healthy adults) likely contributed to the success of the implemented interventions, the report concluded. These findings demonstrate the success of widespread implementation of (non-pharmaceutical interventions) focused on social distancing, quarantine, and source control in preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Sig Christenson covers the military and its impact in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Sig, become a subscriber. sigc@express-news.net | Twitter: @saddamscribe Snap has stopped promoting the Snapchat account of President Donald Trump after determining that his public comments off the site could incite violence, in another hardened stance by a social media company against the president. Snap, which makes the Snapchat app that is popular among young users, said Trump's account would remain intact but will not be promoted on its Discover home page for news and stories. Trump's account was previously regularly featured on Discover, along with the accounts of other high-profile users like Kim Kardashian, actor Kevin Hart and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Snap's move is part of a toughening position by social media companies against Trump's posts, which are often aggressive and contain threats and inaccuracies. Over the past week, Twitter has labelled several of the president's tweets for misinformation on voting and glorifying violence. In contrast, Facebook has not touched Trump's posts, arguing that they are newsworthy and should remain up in the name of free speech. Trump has a following of about 1.5 million people on Snapchat, according to Bloomberg. Credit:Bloomberg Snap said it decided to stop highlighting Trump's account based on tweets he posted on Saturday in which he threatened to send "vicious dogs" and "ominous weapons" into the protests that have erupted across the nation after the death of George Floyd, an African-American man who was killed in police custody in Minneapolis. The comments did not appear in Trump's Snapchat account. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke with Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi on the COVID-19 pandemic and assured him of India's continued support, including medical assistance, to combat the health crisis. "Had an excellent talk with H.E. Filipe Nyusi, President of Mozambique on COVID-19 situation. I assured him of India's continued support to Mozambique, including medical assistance to combat COVID-19," the prime minister tweeted. For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here Modi said he thanked the Mozambique leader for taking care of the safety and security of the Indian community there. Press Release 3 June 2020 Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is ready to usher in a return of the face-to-face, hospitality meeting with its upcoming North American Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC). Raising the event's relevance are three innovative strategists who will deliver thought-provoking keynotes responsive to today's recovering hospitality climate. These big picture sessions will explore how to raise your company's digital profile Erik Qualman; emerging technologies important for adapting to the new hotel environment John Picard; and what customer service will look like post-pandemic Justin Taillon, MBA, Ph.D. Advertisements HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE, FIH says, "Right now gathering to share knowledge, generate ideas and make connections is essential to our industry's recovery, which demands innovative thinking. This includes inspiration from the core concepts presented by the keynotes to the micro detail delivered in the smaller education sessions. Our goal for keeping HITEC on the calendar this year is to provide a venue for shaking up the status quo and help attendees effectively understand what changes they need to make to return to success." The HITEC Opening Keynote on October 26 will be presented by Erik Qualman, aka Equalman, a number one best-selling author and motivational speaker who has performed in over 50 countries and reached 25 million people this decade. His Socialnomics work has been on 60 Minutes and the Wall Street Journal and used by major organizations such as the National Guard and NASA. What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube helped Qualman be listed by Forbes and Fortune as a Top 100 Digital Influencer. Erik's business books are used in over 200 universities and he has received an honorary doctorate for his groundbreaking work. Following the next day, on October 27, is John Picard a visionary and design innovator who understood the "internet of things" long before connectivity became the driver that it is today. Celebrated for his keen understanding of the innovative principles of natural systems designs, John connects visionary thinking with emerging technologies to drive successful projects for corporations, commercial buildings, college campuses and even entire towns. Amongst his many noteworthy design projects are the City Center Hotel Las Vegas; the elegant Grand Wailea in Maui, Hawaii (the first greening of a world-renowned resort); and a 20-million-square-foot mixed-use development called Atlantic Station in Atlanta. Recently, John has been working closely with airports and hotels to adapt these spaces into safe areas which limit the spread of viruses. Closing HITEC San Antonio on October 29 is Justin Taillon, MBA, Ph.D., professor and department head at Highline College in Seattle, Washington. Justin's area of focus is hospitality and tourism management and prior to joining academia, he worked in multiple roles for Marriott, Starwood and Hilton. He continues to work with industry partners such as Starbucks and Seatac Airport while managing research projects. Justin is currently a director on the HFTP Global Board Chair of the HITEC North America Advisory Council and has been a frequent speaker at HFTP educational events. HITEC San Antonio will continue to offer the same opportunities it annually presents, with measures in place to help make it a safe space meeting. In addition to the keynotes, attendees can expect a four-day education program planned and presented by industry experts on topics to covering the unique issues the industry is currently facing. HITEC San Antonio will also feature an exhibit hall hosting an expected 300 companies. The companies display a range of products and services to support the hospitality technology industry. Registration and hotel reservations are now available. For more information about HITEC and HFTP's other international activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at [email protected] or visit www.hftp.org and www.hftp.org/hitec. Peggy Boudin, 76, of Ivyland, Pa., a Republican supporting Andy Meehan, hands Angela Delia, 40, of Warwick, Pa., a paper comparing Meehan and Brian Fitzpatrick, at St. Cyril of Jerusalem, on June 2, 2020. Read more Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick easily prevailed in Tuesdays Republican primary, the Associated Press projected Wednesday, fending off an opponent who cast him as a liberal traitor to the GOP while representing a moderate district where Democrats hold a majority in voter registration. The question now: Will the national Democratic Party and its allies mount a serious campaign to seize the 1st Congressional District seat, which covers Bucks County and part of Montgomery County, in the Nov. 3 general election? Democrat Christina Finello, an Ivyland Borough Council member, won her two-candidate primary. But she begins the general election campaign trailing Fitzpatrick in resources and name recognition. Fitzpatrick, who laid low on primary election day, issued a statement Wednesday, saying it is imperative that we come together as one community to save our nation from the divisive politics that is tearing our country apart. Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee, the campaign arm for House Republicans, praised him as a bipartisan problem solver, while knocking Finello for her abysmal fundraising and minimal chance at victory. READ MORE: A slice of America Bucks County district should be a battleground. But Democrats need a perfect storm to win. In the Lehigh Valley-based 7th District, Lisa Scheller, CEO of a manufacturing company, defeated former Lehigh County Commissioner Dean Browning in the Republican primary, the Associated Press projected. Scheller, who was backed by House GOP leadership, will run against first-term Democratic Rep. Susan Wild in the general election. The terrain in Bucks County has been tricky for Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent seeking a third term who wrote in Mike Pences name for president in 2016. He told The Inquirer last month he will wait until the general election to decide if he will vote for President Donald Trump. Fitzpatrick was leading 57% to 43% with 99% of votes counted Wednesday. His equivocation on Trump pushed Fred Berkobin of Doylestown to support his GOP rival, investment-firm owner Andrew Meehan. I know hes more conservative than Fitzpatrick and thats good enough for me, Berkobin said after voting Tuesday. Meehan, a rabble-rousing Trump fan, attacked Fitzpatrick as insufficiently loyal to the party and the president. But Meehan drew no support from Trump. And he inspired ire from the Bucks County Republican Party. Still, his criticism rang true to some Republican voters. Im a nurse. I think Trump is doing a phenomenal job," said Debbie Colby of Yardley, who voted for Meehan but didnt know much about his campaign before Tuesday. I knew I would not vote for Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick always held the upper hand in campaign resources, reporting $1.7 million in the bank in mid-May. He has a history of disagreeing with Trump. But voters didnt hear much of that from him as the primary approached. Fitzpatrick used Facebook advertising to link himself closely to legislation signed into law by Trump and to tout support from conservative Republican leaders in Congress. He greeted Air Force One during Trumps recent visit to the state, and spent $23,334 on Fox News campaign commercials that synced with Trumps messaging on China when it comes to the economy and the coronavirus pandemic. He also echoed Trumps rhetoric on Twitter about the civil unrest gripping the country, calling for the loosely-defined Antifa to be designated a terrorist group. Meehan reported his campaign was $16,000 in debt at the end of March and did not file updated reports since then, according to the Federal Elections Commission. Meehan spent $2,256 on radio commercials, according to the ad-tracking firm Advertising Analytics. Jon DeAndrea, of Richland, supported Fitzpatrick despite misgivings about his record and his refusal to debate Meehan. He saw Meehans campaign singularly focused on Trump. And that didnt work for him. Im not that much of a Trump supporter, he said. I like Trump the policies, not necessarily Trump, the man. Democrats struck out trying to recruit better-known candidates for the race. Two candidates, Judi Reiss and Debbie Wachspress, dropped out earlier this year. Finello, who served as deputy director of the county housing and human services department, won the endorsements of the Democratic Parties in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. She dominated in fund-raising for her primary, showing $82,497 in the bank as of mid-May. She defeated Skylar Hurwitz, a tech consultant from New Hope, who raised about $18,500. Finello, in declaring victory, vowed that the middle-and-working class people of our country will be my priority. Susan and Curt Sabate, of Yardley, voted for Finello. Like many voters in the district, they see themselves as moderates but feel pulled to the left by the rising rancor of national politics. The divisiveness has made us more aligned with the Democratic Party, said Curt Sabate. Were typically centrists. But you just cant be that way. Finello, in her campaign fund-raising pitches, lamented that the blue wave that swept the country in 2018 congressional districts had no impact on the 1st District. Fitzpatrick defeated Democrat Scott Wallace that year. And while she casts the district as a top opportunity to flip a seat, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and other political groups are still largely sitting on the sidelines. The DCCC, in a statement Wednesday, declared Fitzpatrick a fake moderate who will find himself automatically tied to Trump and Republican policies. EMILYs List, a political organization that helps elect Democratic women, issued a long list of candidates to support Tuesday. Finellos name was not on it. -Staff writer Andrew Seidman contributed to this article 3D image of the site of Aguada Fenix based on lidar. Credit: Takeshi Inomata From the ground, it's impossible to tell that the plateau underfoot is something extraordinary. But from the sky, with laser eyes, and beneath the surface, with radiocarbon dating, it's clear that it is the largest and oldest Mayan monument ever discovered. Located in Tabasco, Mexico, near the northwestern border of Guatemala, the newly discovered site of Aguada Fenix lurked beneath the surface, hidden by its size and low profile until 2017. The monument measures nearly 4,600 feet long, ranges from 30 to 50 feet high and includes nine wide causeways. The monument was discovered by an international team led by University of Arizona professors in the School of Anthropology Takeshi Inomata and Daniela Triadan, with support from the university's Agnese Nelms Haury program and under the authorization of the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico. They used lidaror light detection and rangingtechnology, which uses laser-emitting equipment from an airplane. Laser beams penetrate the tree canopy, and their reflections off the ground's surface reveal the three-dimensional forms of archaeological features. The team then excavated the site and radiocarbon-dated 69 samples of charcoal to determine that it was constructed sometime between 1,000 to 800 B.C. Until now, the Maya site of Ceibal, built in 950 B.C., was the oldest confirmed ceremonial center. This oldest monumental building at Aguada Fenix turned out to be the largest known in the entire Maya history, far exceeding pyramids and palaces of later periods. The team's findings are published today in the journal Nature. "Using low-resolution lidar collected by the Mexican government, we noticed this huge platform. Then we did high-resolution lidar and confirmed the presence of a big building," Inomata said. "This area is developedit's not the jungle; people live therebut this site was not known because it is so flat and huge. It just looks like a natural landscape. But with lidar, it pops up as a very well-planned shape." The discovery marks a time of major change in Mesoamerica and has several implications, Inomata said. First, archaeologists traditionally thought Maya civilization developed gradually. Until now, it was thought that small Maya villages began to appear between 1000 and 350 B.C., what's known as the Middle Preclassic period, along with the use of pottery and some maize cultivation. Second, the site looks similar to the older Olmec civilization center of San Lorenzo to the west in the Mexican state of Veracruz, but the lack of stone sculptures related to rulers and elites, such as colossal heads and thrones, suggests less social inequality than San Lorenzo and highlights the importance of communal work in the earliest days of the Maya. "There has always been debate over whether Olmec civilization led to the development of the Maya civilization or if the Maya developed independently," Inomata said. "So, our study focuses on a key area between the two." The period in which Aguada Fenix was constructed marked a gap in powerafter the decline of San Lorenzo and before the rise of another Olmec center, La Venta. During this time, there was an exchange of new ideas, such as construction and architectural styles, among various regions of southern Mesoamerica. The extensive plateau and the large causeways suggest the monument was built for use by many people, Inomata said. "During later periods, there were powerful rulers and administrative systems in which the people were ordered to do the work. But this site is much earlier, and we don't see the evidence of the presence of powerful elites. We think that it's more the result of communal work," he said. Aerial view of Aguada Fenix. Causeways and reservoirs in front and the Main Plateau in the back. Credit: Takeshi Inomata The fact that monumental buildings existed earlier than thought and when Maya society had less social inequality makes archaeologists rethink the construction process. "It's not just hierarchical social organization with the elite that makes monuments like this possible," Inomata said. "This kind of understanding gives us important implications about human capability, and the potential of human groups. You may not necessarily need a well-organized government to carry out these kinds of huge projects. People can work together to achieve amazing results." Inomata and his team will continue to work at Aguada Fenix and do a broader lidar analysis of the area. They want to gather information about surrounding sites to understand how they interacted with the Olmec and the Maya. They also wants to focus on the residential areas around Aguada Fenix. "We have substantial information about ceremonial construction," Inomata said, "but we want to see how people lived during this period and what kind of changes in lifestyle were happening around this time." Explore further Laser technology takes Maya archeologists where they've never gone before More information: Monumental architecture at Aguada Fenix and the rise of Maya civilization, Nature (2020). www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2343-4 Journal information: Nature Monumental architecture at Aguada Fenix and the rise of Maya civilization,(2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2343-4 Presence: National Guard members in front of the Dolby Theatre along Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, during a rally against the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Photo: Mike Blake/Reuters Donald Trump said troops should take to the streets of New York City to quell unrest, as authorities across the country prepared for another night of protests. Dozens of cities are under curfews. The head of the US National Guard said yesterday that 18,000 Guard members were assisting local law enforcement in 29 states. Politicians and law enforcement officials seemed taken aback by the extent of mayhem overnight in some major cities where police were shot at and pelted with rocks and projectiles as they faced hostile crowds. Demonstrators smashed windows and looted stores in New York, including luxury retailers on Fifth Avenue, and set fire to a Los Angeles strip mall. Four officers were shot in St Louis and one in Las Vegas was critically wounded. Mr Trump has threatened to use the military to battle violence that has erupted nightly, often after a day of peaceful protests. He has derided local authorities, including state governors, for their response to the disturbances. "NYC, CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD. The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart. Act fast!" he tweeted yesterday. He is deploying thousands of armed soldiers and law enforcement in the US capital and vowed to do the same wherever authorities fail to regain control. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo voiced outrage at the chaos in America's largest city, saying its mayor and police force "did not do their job last night". He believed Mayor Bill de Blasio underestimated the scope of the problem. The governor said he had offered the state's mayors support from state police or 13,000 National Guards who are on standby, adding that with a 38,000-strong police force, New York City should be able to address its unrest on its own. He added Mr Trump sought to blur the line between protesters representing a cross-section of Americans with a legitimate cause and looters. Authorities blame the looting and vandalism on a relatively small number of people. Mr de Blasio poured cold water on the idea of deploying the National Guard in his city. Demonstrators have taken to the streets over the death of George Floyd, the 46-year-old African American who died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25. Derek Chauvin, the 44-year-old Minneapolis police officer who planted his knee on Floyd's neck, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers involved have not been charged. Some of those who have gathered at the site of Mr Floyd's killing have invoked the non-violent message of the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, assassinated in 1968, as the only way forward. "He would be truly appalled by the violence because he gave his life for this stuff," said Al Clark (62), a black man who drove to the Minneapolis memorial with one of King's speeches blaring from his truck. "But I can understand the frustration and anger." In Atlanta, six officers will face charges for an incident in which two college students were removed from their car and tasered. Two of the six officers have been sacked. Officers were injured in clashes elsewhere, including one who was in critical condition after being hit by a car in the Bronx, police said. Shreveport, La., Mayor Adrian Perkins had a hunch. He had used data compiled for emergency responders in late March to create a computerized map showing cases of the novel coronavirus by address. A cluster of red pins curved around downtown and extended into black neighborhoods toward the city's western edge. At the time, policymakers and public health experts studying the still mysterious disease had been focusing on risk factors such as international travel, age and chronic health conditions including diabetes and heart disease - not race. Most states - including Louisiana - weren't even publicly tracking race-related data about the virus's impact. But Perkins's map was showing him that ignoring race could be a catastrophic mistake. "People in these areas need to know their neighborhoods are being affected disproportionately," he said. It was a rare, early action aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus among African Americans, who bore the brunt of the disease across the country as attention and resources flowed elsewhere. Interviews with nearly 60 public health experts, lawmakers and community leaders show that many of the first coronavirus testing sites went up in areas that happened to be whiter and more affluent, despite the requests of black leaders. Local governments - sometimes ignoring the pleas of community activists - targeted few of their education campaigns about prevention and social distancing specifically to African Americans, even as conspiracy theories spread that black people were immune to the disease. Poor reporting of data, which initially masked the fact that the disease was disproportionately affecting black communities, remains spotty even as states move to reopen their economies. Today, Americans living in counties with above-average black populations are three times as likely to die of the coronavirus as those in above-average white counties, according to an analysis of census and other data by The Washington Post. Frustration over the lives lost during the pandemic, as well as the economic devastation it has caused, in black communities is helping to fuel unrest around the nation as protesters demonstrate against police brutality. "People have been asking and asking for our leaders to pay attention to their struggles," said Roland Walker, a pediatrician and health commissioner in Gary, Ind. "You can only tell people, 'It's a process' and, 'It's going to take time,' so many times before people start thinking there needs to be a drastic change." State and federal officials say the lack of available testing and the unprecedented nature of the virus complicated their anti-coronavirus efforts. Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan's lieutenant governor, acknowledged a blind spot early on: "I cannot say we specifically had race in mind." By the time his state set up a task force aimed at expanding testing in black communities in late April, the Detroit native had personally known 16 people - most of them African American - who had died of covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. He said leaders like him should have predicted its deadly path. "There are wounds of structural racism, there are wounds of persistent poverty and . . . there are a lot of flavors of salt that can be poured on that wound," said Gilchrist, who now leads a coronavirus racial task force that helped expand testing in black communities. "It looks like the coronavirus is one of those flavors of salt." Officials in Gary struggled for weeks to persuade the state health department to set up a testing site there. The city finally got a state mobile testing site April 13, days after Indiana health officials revealed African Americans accounted for 20 percent of coronavirus-related deaths even though they were 10 percent of the population. But after two weeks of testing, the state's mobile site left for another city. The lack of consistent testing has left the city unable to determine the scope of the coronavirus's deadly reach, according to Walker. While pools and summer camps are opening across the state, Gary has barely relaxed social distancing guidelines because the rate of infection remains too high. "Everyone around us is doing victory laps," Walker said. "I just can't." The coronavirus crisis in black America follows a familiar pattern, from the AIDS epidemic to maternal mortality to breast cancer to even natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, where community concerns were overlooked until gross disparities were revealed. In Shreveport, Perkins tried to break the trend. He had shared his computerized map, with its telling clusters of red pins, with black clergy on April 1, enlisting their help in sounding an alarm on what he deemed hot spots. He appeared on hip-hop radio stations, naming hard-hit neighborhoods and urging young people to stop gathering in parking lots. He posted a one-minute video of himself on Facebook, saying he would be staying home from church to protect his family and community. Yet in the midst of a global pandemic, other local leaders appeared nervous about Perkins publicizing his findings. It resurrected a familiar conversation in this country, in times of crisis or not, about whether drawing attention to race would do more harm than good. Those concerns initially helped delay the release of data about the virus's racial impact. In Nashville, Tenn., the chair of the local coronavirus task force said at a news conference that he saw "no specific reason" to release data about testing. In Jackson County, Mo., the county executive warned he was concerned that the release of such information would lead to African Americans "feeling inferior" and being rejected for services. In Shreveport, Perkins said some local leaders, including a public health official, tried to discourage him from naming the hot spots because they feared black communities would be blamed for the disease. Perkins, a Democrat elected mayor in 2018 at age 33 after serving as the first African American class president at the U.S. Military Academy and student body president at Harvard Law School, tried to assure the public that this was about bringing resources to the most affected communities, not pointing fingers. He had grown up in Cedar Grove, one of Shreveport's poorest neighborhoods, which would soon join the ranks of the most infected. "This isn't a blame game at all," Perkins assured them. "We aren't trying to stigmatize neighborhoods whatsoever." On April 6, Gov. John Bel Edwards, D, announced that 70 percent of Louisianans who had died of covid-19 were African American, despite making up just a third of the state population. At the end of April, nearly a month after Perkins first named the hot spots, a repurposed mammography van rolled into the Martin Luther King neighborhood. It was the state's first mobile rapid testing site in medically underserved African American communities. Of the 201 people in Perkins's parish who had died of the coronavirus by early June, 71 percent were black - a ratio that had not changed in the two months since the virus first struck Shreveport. A Post analysis of coronavirus infections by census tract shows that as of June 1, the three most heavily African American neighborhoods in Shreveport - including two Perkins first identified as hot spots - had at least twice the rate of confirmed infections as its three whitest neighborhoods. Advocates and public health researchers in Louisiana have said the lesson from cities such as Shreveport is to release race-related data more immediately and in more detail so local leaders have less guesswork about where to place resources. They argue more data on testing and hospitalization is needed to prevent black communities from becoming collateral damage in efforts to restart the state economy. Earl "Nupsius" Benjamin-Robinson, who leads the Louisiana Department of Health's equity office, said the state was working as fast as it could to make sure the releases of data are accurate. The pandemic was just moving faster than the process. "We don't want to create unnecessary alarm and additional stigma," Benjamin-Robinson said. "We want to make sure that what we're seeing is what we're seeing." Before the first coronavirus death in St. Louis, activist Jamala Rogers warned public officials about what they would likely see. She figured the coronavirus, like so many other diseases, would be able to exploit preexisting social and economic conditions. Federal data shows African Americans are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions. Four out of every five African Americans work jobs in which they cannot stay at home, and come home to multigenerational households - factors that also contribute to the high infection and death rates now being seen Latino and Native American communities. To make matters worse, there is no full-service hospital on the north side of St. Louis, which Rogers figured meant special, early efforts would need to be made to get testing and information to the community. But that didn't happen. Predominantly black north St. Louis got its first testing site April 2, three weeks after the first sites went up in the suburbs. An information campaign targeting black residents did not start until a week after that. When the coronavirus hit St. Louis, the first 12 to die were black. Now, about 65 percent of the 1,959 confirmed cases of the coronavirus are among black patients, even though the city is about 47 percent black, city statistics show. Of the 122 people who have died of the virus, 81 were black. Will Ross, the chairman of the St. Louis health advisory board, said the disparity showed the importance of early interventions and listening to local leaders. "When we first heard of this virus, we should have said, 'We know what community is going to be affected. Let's go in and get these resources to the community, let's identify cases earlier, let's use what we know to stem the tide,'" Ross said. "That would have resulted in fewer deaths, unequivocally." Fredrick Echols, the city's health director, said local governments were facing structural challenges - particularly because of a lack of mobilization at the federal level. The city could not find tests on its own, leaving that work up to the hospital system. "The delay was circumstantial," Echols said. "We couldn't access testing kits in a timely manner . . . We couldn't set up a testing site with only 15 testing kits." The national shortage of medical supplies gave hospitals serving wealthier populations a competitive advantage in securing ventilators and stockpiling protective equipment, said Angela Brown, CEO of the St. Louis Regional Health Commission. Today, St. Louis has a public website rich with information that tracks cases and deaths in the city by race, gender and even Zip code. But Rogers believes lives were lost because of a predictable snag in bureaucracy, in which the needs of minority communities are not prioritized. "They weren't quick about getting a proactive plan in place and that's why we have the tragedies that we have," Rogers said. "We're still doing triage. And now we're opening up so we can see another upsurge." In Gary, Walker, the health commissioner, was trying not to get overwhelmed by his city's pain. He knew Gary, which last year took out a $40 million loan to pay its bills, did not have enough money to handle the coronavirus on its own. Gary's population is now half of what is was a half-century ago, before jobs at the steel mill were exported overseas and residents fled, leaving abandoned houses and boarded up factories in their wake. But the help came intermittently. He sent emails to GM and Ford asking for additional ventilators and face shields for health-care workers. He successfully begged a Chicago multimillionaire to donate money so the city could hand out 50,000 surgical masks. As early as March 11, Walker's department had been asking for the state to provide testing kits, according to staff emails and notes obtained through a public records request. But the state said such purchases were against protocol. At that point, Walker felt the city was doing all that it could with the resources it had. It restricted gatherings of more than 100 people in early March, and Mayor Jerome Prince, D, discussed the importance of social distancing on local television and radio. Walker felt confident enough to bring his parents, retired guidance counselors living in Mississippi, to Indiana to ride out the pandemic. But 12 days after coming to the city their son was supposed to protect, Tommy Walker started to have seizures. Juanita Walker had trouble moving her right side. He took them to the hospital, where they were able to get coronavirus tests because they were living with a medical worker. Both parents tested positive. So did Walker, although he showed no symptoms. "I'm a mess," Walker said. "I've been blaming myself." To see his parents suffering - unable to move or breathe on their own - added clarity to Walker's purpose to find more testing for those without his advantage. He began searching the private market but could finagle only 50 tests for the health department. Then, in early April, Walker saw what he thought was a good sign. Indiana's health department changed its protocol; it was going to start dispatching mobile testing sites. Despite Walker's requests, it did not send a testing site to Gary. Instead, help went to Merrillville, a town at the southern end of the same county, in an area with a median income twice as high as Gary's and a larger proportion of white residents. The question peppered through the city: Why did the wealthier, whiter area get the test first? The mayor insisted his staff avoid bringing up the topic of race with state officials. "I'm not trying to get into a pissing match with the governor," Prince told The Post. "We have more communication with them than we've ever had, so I'm not going to go into theories that the state government was intentionally leaving all the black people behind. That certainly may be the case, but to say so would create chaos." In a statement, state officials declined to explain their reasoning for sending the county's first testing site to the wealthier, whiter area but said decisions were "often made initially based on the desire to quickly open testing sites, then constantly adjust and move sites based on new information and additional needs." As the state revealed racial disparities in infection rates, officials changed the criteria to prioritize getting testing to areas with "vulnerable populations." The governor's office convened a racial disparities task force. And when the mobile testing site appeared in Gary in mid-April, Walker felt confident all the attention had worked. From there, Walker was hoping he could persuade the state to start taking random samples for covid-related antibodies in his city. His mother's health, though, was getting worse. While being treated for the coronavirus, she developed pneumonia and had to be placed on a ventilator. She remains in the hospital. Walker often set out a keyboard near her hospital bed to play her favorite hymns. One recent Sunday, when Walker couldn't find an adapter to plug in his keyboard, he drove to a Walmart at the southern end of the county. Walking to the store, he saw a strange, enviable site: a group of health-care workers under a tent with medical equipment. It turned out the state had sent staff to do the first phase of the random sampling for antibodies he had been dreaming about. The program extended all across Indiana. Gary, again, had missed out. State officials declined to say why they did not put one in Gary, but said the program would be implemented in phases. "This is what happens to us," Walker said. "It happens too much. I know we can't get everything, but . . ." Days after Walker's visit to Walmart, he sat in his office. The testing for active infections had revealed close to 400 in Gary, 100 more than the predominantly white county next door, which was twice its size. He called the local coroner. The deaths continued to mount. A former city employee. A local clown. A couple who had been together for 62 years. In other parts of the country, malls were opening, bars were filling up and boardwalks were catering to tourists as summer begins. But here, in this struggling black city so acquainted with abandonment, how to continue handling the pandemic was still a great unknown. For Hungary's nationalist leader Viktor Orban it marks the country's darkest day: "June 4, 1920," a date carved into a triangular column marking the spot where the Hungarian, Romanian, and Serbian borders meet. It was on that day, soon after World War I, that a treaty was signed in the Trianon palace in Versailles, France, defining Hungary's new shrunken frontiers after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian empire. "Flags here will be at half-mast on June 4," said Robert Molnar, mayor of Kubekhaza, a village beside the tri-border, ahead of the centenary Thursday. "The Trianon borders split up villages and families," Molnar told AFP, pointing at church towers across the fields -- each in a different country. Hungary, as part of the defeated Austro-Hungarian empire, was forced to sign away two-thirds of its territory, and half of its multi-ethnic population. At a stroke, more than three million ethnic Hungarians -- or Magyars -- a third of the total, as well as key economic resources and several historic cities became part of neighbouring states. - 'Betrayed by the West' - "The great powers led by France unjustly punished Hungary, no matter the cost," Csaba Pal Szabo, director of a state-financed Trianon Museum, told AFP at the museum's archive in the city of Szeged near the Serbian border. "We were betrayed by the West." Szabo objects to what he says were unfairly drawn borders "not reflecting ethnic populations on the ground". Among the historical maps and memorabilia on display are 1920s propaganda material proclaiming "No! No! Never!" -- and calling for territorial revision. Hungary's interwar leader Miklos Horthy later allied with Nazi Germany, partly in a bid to reclaim lost lands. But another treaty in 1947 confirmed the borders set out at Trianon. During the subsequent four decades of communist rule, any mention of Trianon was taboo in case it riled fellow socialist states. This was despite widespread discrimination endured by Magyar minorities -- especially under Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. - 'National Cohesion' - EU membership for Hungary and most of its neighbours has since 2004 brought more cross-border freedom of movement. Even so, moving on from Trianon has proved difficult. On coming to power in 2010, Orban adopted an assertive "national policy" aimed at uniting Hungarians after what he calls the "dismemberment". Orban, 57, swiftly declared June 4 a "Day of National Cohesion", and has since sent lavish financial aid to schools, cultural and religious groups in the diaspora. He also granted dual citizenship and voting rights to more than a million non-residents -- many of whom have voted for his Fidesz party in Hungarian elections. A "National Cohesion" monument will be unveiled soon in Budapest bearing the Hungarian-language names of villages, towns and cities in pre-WWI Greater Hungary. After historians spotted that many of the localities listed on it were never populated by ethnic Hungarians, a government official denied the edifice expressed a desire to turn the clock back. Orban's fondness for Greater Hungary nostalgia encourages an idealised picture of relations between Hungarians and other ethnic groups before WW1, according to analysts, and appeals to ultra-nationalistic voters in particular. In recent speeches, he has made what appear to be more conciliatory calls for regional cooperation to "build Central Europe". But Orban's critics worry that his policies have frayed relations with Hungary's neighbours -- and could harm the prospects of the diaspora communities. In Romania, Hungarian aid to Transylvania is seen as meddling. Orban is accused by nationalists there of fomenting demands for autonomy in the mostly ethnic-Hungarian Szeklerland region. Many new dual citizens in non-EU members Serbia and Ukraine meanwhile have used their Hungarian passports to emigrate to Hungary or richer western Europe rather than stay home. - Moving on - The diaspora population in Hungary's neighbours has dwindled to under two million, mainly due to emigration and assimilation over the past century. But many Hungarians still have relatives or roots there, ensuring that Trianon remains an emotive issue. Budapest's liberal mayor has called for a minute of silence across the city Thursday, a sign that the trauma cuts across party lines. "It's unclear how Hungary can ever get over it," historian Gabor Egry told AFP. "Official commemorations emphasise only the suffering, not the nuances or diversity of the minority experiences in the different countries, or how things have changed." Balazs Erlauer, a 34-year-old Magyar from Serbia's multi-ethnic Vojvodina region who moved to Hungary when his family fled the 1990s Yugoslav wars, said he "would happily forget about discussing Trianon" if he was allowed to do so. What bothered him, he told AFP, was not "lines on a map as much as nationalistic aggression". Mexico City: Residents of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula remember riding trains to visit relatives or sell their produce decades ago, so when President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador made a nostalgic pitch to build a "Mayan train" through the region's jungles the mainly indigenous residents were initially receptive to the idea. Two years later, as the President inaugurates a leg of the project's construction, that initial enthusiasm has dissipated for a project that would run through five southern states carrying tourists from the resorts of Cancun and Playa del Carmen to the Mayan ruins at Palenque. Many communities in the train's path feel deceived by scarce and incomplete information, while activists fear the social and environmental impacts. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, left, at the launch of the Mayan train project. Credit:AP But Obrador remains laser focused on completing one of his signature projects despite the legal challenges and even a pandemic that has killed more than 10,000 Mexicans. If anything, the pandemic has made the project more urgent in his mind. Obrador says it will create 80,000 jobs at a time that nearly a million have been lost to the lockdown caused by the new coronavirus. The train would run about 1500 kilometres from Caribbean beaches to the peninsula's interior while stimulating economic development around its 15 stations. The government says it will cost about $US6.8 billion ($9.8 billion), but others say it will be much more. ARLINGTON, Va. and WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CoreMedia, developer of the content management and experience orchestration platform, CoreMedia Content Cloud, today announced a strategic partnership with Zobrist Software Group Inc. (ZOBRIST), a leading e-Commerce systems integrator and software provider. CoreMedia Content Cloud enables businesses to deliver highly personalized customer experiences to any digital channel. More advanced than a typical CMS and more flexible than a closed DXP, it is an agile, best-of-breed content management solution. The Zobrist Software Group plans to deploy its digital commerce experience earned over the past two decades to help CoreMedia Content Cloud customers elevate the user experience of their websites to reduce time to market, improve brand visibility, increase online conversion and boost revenue. "We are very excited to be partnering with CoreMedia, with our experience of delivering award winning implementations and CoreMedia's best in-class CMS it is a perfect fit," said Teresa Zobrist, CEO and President of Zobrist Software Group, Inc. She continues: "This Partnership will expand our service offerings into cloud-based CMS for Salesforce Commerce Cloud and HCL Commerce." Leading the Zobrist customer success team is Brian Fortier, who has years of experience working with, using and implementing the CoreMedia CMS before starting his new role at Zobrist Software Group. "It's great to be working with CoreMedia again. As the Product Owner for a large footwear brand, I got to see how quickly CoreMedia Content Cloud can be implemented and immediately improve conversion with their drag and drop user interface. We were able to switch the homepage multiple times a day to support marketing campaigns," said Brian Fortier, Client Success Manager of Zobrist Software Group. He continues: "With lessons learned and user expertise, the Zobrist team will be able to implement the CoreMedia as fast as one month." Zobrist has won numerous awards from IBM, including IBM's "Foundational Leadership Award" for the launch of lee.com and wrangler.com and the IBM WebSphere Commerce Leadership "Best B2C Deployment" Award for thenorthface.com. "We are incredibly please to be working with such an experienced and respected services team," said Ben Mooney, CoreMedia's Head of Business and Partner Strategy. "Together, CoreMedia and Zobrist provide one of the most powerful and flexible approaches to creating and managing omnichannel customer experiences, enabling brands to launch these projects much faster than ever before." About CoreMedia Based in Hamburg, Germany with offices worldwide, CoreMedia is the strategic content management and experience orchestration engine behind today's most iconic online brands. Leading global B2C companies (Deckers, Luxottica, PVH Corp, Finnair, T-Mobile) and B2B firms (Continental, Claas, Emerson, DMG-Mori) create world-class digital experiences powered by CoreMedia. A company of visionaries, trusted advisors, and passionate experts, CoreMedia takes brands to the next level of digital experiences. We're about dialogue, so let's talk. For more information or to set up a demo, visit www.coremedia.com or follow us on Twitter @contentcloud. About Zobrist Software Group Inc.: Founded in 2001, the Zobrist Software Group, Inc. is a Certified WBENC Woman-Owned Business and an experienced eCommerce integrator and software provider for large enterprise B2B and B2C commerce solutions including IBM WebSphere Commerce and Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Working with recognizable clients such as Vans, The North Face, Mazda, and 3M, they've built conversion-oriented e-commerce storefronts using popular platforms, including HCL Commerce (formerly IBM Websphere Commerce), Adobe Magento, Salesforce Commerce, and many more. Visit www.zobristinc.com for more information. Contact: Doug Heise Phone: +1.415.371.0400 Email: [email protected] SOURCE CoreMedia Corporation Related Links http://www.coremedia.com MOSCOW, May 30 (Reuters) - Libyan currency worth over $1 billion which was printed in Moscow and seized by Malta is not counterfeit, Russia's foreign ministry said on Saturday in response to U.S. claims. The U.S. State Department said on Friday that it "commends" the seizure of $1.1 billion of "counterfeit Libyan currency" by Malta. The banknotes were printed by Goznak, the Russian state-owned company, and ordered by an "illegitimate parallel entity", the department said, in an apparent reference to Libya's eastern commander Khalifa Haftar. "The Central Bank of Libya headquartered in Tripoli is Libya's only legitimate central bank. The influx of counterfeit, Russian-printed Libyan currency in recent years has exacerbated Libya's economic challenges," the State Department statement said. "This incident once again highlights the need for Russia to cease its malign and destabilizing actions in Libya," it added. Russia's foreign ministry on Saturday said Libya has two central banks, one in the capital Tripoli and another in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, as the country is de-facto governed by two centres of power. "So, that's not the dinars which are counterfeit, but America's statements," the ministry said. It added that Goznak had sent the Libyan banknotes to the central bank's address in Tobruk under the terms of a contract signed in 2015. In a separate statement, the Russian company said the cargo was seized by customs officials in Malta when it was on its way to Libya in September 2019 in "breach of all norms of the international law". A parallel central bank in eastern Libya stepped up deliveries of new banknotes from Russia last year, before and after Haftar launched a military offensive to capture Tripoli, according to Russian customs data. The data obtained by Reuters showed nearly 4.5 billion Libyan dinars (more than $3 billion) was dispatched in four shipments between February and June 2019. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Mike Harrison) Anuraag Singh By Express News Service BHOPAL: Concerned over the COVID-19 death rate in Madhya Pradesh, the state government has asked Deans of Medical Colleges to ensure daily death audit in the districts of their region to find out reasons behind every COVID-19 death. According to Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, the Commissioner of MP Health Services, All Deans of Medical Colleges have been tasked with detailed daily death audit of every COVID-19 death happening in the districts of their region to find out the reasons. Importantly, at a COVID-19 situation review meeting recently, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan had asked the officials to focus on analysis of each death happening due to COVID-19 in the state for bringing down the COVID-19 mortality rate in MP. As per the health bulletin on Tuesday evening, the state had reported 364 deaths against 8,420 total positive cases, which meant the state has around 4.32 percent COVID-19 mortality rate compared to the national rate of 2.8 per cent. As per the available national data, Madhya Pradesh was only second to Gujarat when it came to COVID-19 mortality rate. Against MPs 4.32 mortality rate, Gujarats COVID mortality rate stood at 6.18 percent. Even Delhi (523 deaths) and Maharashtra (2362), which reported many more deaths than MP, have a better mortality rate of 2.51 percent and 3.37 percent respectively due to a lesser number of deaths in proportion to the large number of positive cases. As per Dr Jyoti Bindal, the Dean of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College in Indore, the death audit work is underway at two levels. Firstly, for each district coming in the Indore region, two MGM faculties each have been tasked with coordinating with the chief medical and health officer (CMHO) of each district to get a detailed audit of each COVID-19 death. Secondly, a six-member committee has been constituted to conduct the death audit of each COVID-19 death happening in Indore. Indore, MPs COVID-19 hotspot, has so far reported 138 deaths against 3570 positive cases, which means 3.86 percent mortality rate, but smaller districts of Indore region, including Khargone (7.05 pc mortality rate), Khandwa (5.17 pc) and Burhanpur (5.26 pc) have reported higher mortality rates. We had been earlier conducting the death audit independently, which suggested that co-morbidity conditions like Diabetes, Hypertension, and even Obesity were major contributors to COVID-19 deaths, which were happening more in patients aged above 50 years, said Dr. Bindal. According to Dr. Sanjay Dikshit, the Dean of Ratlam Medical College, death audit isnt anything new, but now the system is being streamlined as the death audit reports have to arrive at all cost within 24 hours of the death. Weve deputed two faculties for each of the five districts under our jurisdiction. These faculties are tasked with analyzing each death in detail, particularly whether all standard treatment protocols were followed in case of the patient who died or not. The detailed death audit will enable us to delve in detail about the host of factors that could be involved in the deaths. Black Lives Matter protests honoring George Floyd, who died on May 25 in police custody, continued Tuesday night across the state. Many of the protests were peaceful or didnt require police intervention. Albany - Residents held up signs, chanted and marched during a two-hour Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Albany. No justice, no peace, prosecute the police, people chanted as they marched to Ellsworth street. The protest ended at about 6:30 p.m. at Albany City Hall. A later post to the Albany Oregon Police Department Facebook page read, And that is how a peaceful demonstration is done! Thank you for keeping it respectful and civil. Albany City Councilor Alex Johnson II is out meeting with protestors and offering encouragement. All of these kids... Posted by Albany Democrat-Herald on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Brookings - About 100 people marched in a two-hour peaceful protest in Brookings, Oregon. During the demonstration, participants took a knee for about 8 minutes and 46 seconds and carried signs with messages honoring George Floyd. Grants Pass - Around 500 people gathered outside the Josephine County Courthouse in Grants Pass, Oregon for a demonstration condemning the killing of George Floyd. About 50 Republicans, some of them who carried pistols, were stationed at the Josephine County Republican headquarters. A crowd of about 50 protestors was still gathered downtown at about 5:30 p.m. However, the Grants Pass Department of public safety said that the event was peaceful with a few verbal altercations between protestors and counter-protestors that didnt require police intervention. Some people carried open-carry weapons Monday night in Grants Pass because of rumors regarding Antifa members possible appearances, according to a Facebook post made by Mike Zacchino. Some people carried open-carry weapons Monday night in Grants Pass, Oregon because of rumors regarding Antifa members possible appearances, according to a Facebook post made by Mike Zacchino. Twitter reported that a white supremacist group had been posing as Antifa on the platform, tweeting calls for violence that alarmed residents in cities around the country. Eugene - More than 1,000 protestors were gathered in downtown Eugene, Oregon by about 6 p.m., an hour after the protest started. According to a tweet from KEZI reporter Connor McCarthy, the peaceful protest was at the Federal Courthouse in Eugene by 7 p.m. Protesters are back at the Federal Courthouse. Still over one thousand people here @KEZI9 pic.twitter.com/tqPaZP41o8 Connor McCarthy (@conr_mccarthy) June 3, 2020 Bend - About 1,000 people gathered for a peaceful protest at about noon in downtown Bend, Oregon. This was the second protest downtown in four days. According to an article by ktvz.com, at one point during the demonstration Trump supporters drove by and some protestors removed the flags from the back of their trucks. Bend police Lt. Juli McConkey said the protest was peaceful despite a few moments like these. Tualatin - Hundreds of people attended a Black Lives Matter march at 3 p.m. in Tualatin, Oregon. The peaceful protest, which was organized by resident Markayla Ballard, started and ended at Tualatin Lake at the Commons. Here are a few more photos from today's Justice for George Floyd/BLM Protest/March, organized by local Tualatin resident... Posted by Tualatin Life on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Portland - Different demonstrations began at 6 p.m. around the city. In one of these demonstrations, hundreds of protestors lay facedown on the Burnside Bridge, held their hand behind their backs and chanted, I cant breathe." At the same time, a group of medical professionals dressed in white coats or scrubs kneeled with their fists raised in the air at Pioneer Courthouse Square. They also held up signs with messages such as, WHITE COATS FOR BLACK LIVES and BLACK LIVES MATTER" and listened to different speakers. In addition, thousands of people gathered outside of Revolution Hall and chanted messages such as, George Floyd. Say his name, and Hands up. Dont shoot. This is a 100% peaceful protest. We are not about violence. We are not here to break anything," a speaker said at the event. At about 8 p.m., all of the groups converged in Pioneer Courthouse Square. McMinnville - Hundreds of people gathered to protest police brutality this afternoon in McMinnville, Oregon. During the protest, which was organized by Cecilia Flores, people held up signs and knelt for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time a Minneapolis policeman knelt on George Floyds neck. A community discussion and vigil occurred at the Ed Gormley Civic Plaza on Monday night. Forest Grove - About 300 people gathered for a Black Lives Matter protest at a big flag pole Tuesday afternoon in Forest Grove, Oregon. Many of the people stood on the side of the road and held up signs with messages such as, WE ARE A NATION UNITED NOT DIVIDED! and HONK FOR GEORGE! Black Lives Matter. Dear Forest Grove Community, I have not lived here for long, but never have I ever been so proud to live in a... Posted by Anna Hafez Sinhorini on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - Madison Smalstig l msmalstig@oregonian.com l @madi_smals l Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories Mary Pat Gleason has passed away at the age of 70. The Mom regular and A Cinderella Story actress died of cancer on June 2, Variety reported Wednesday. The native Minnesotan 'was a fighter to the end,' her reps told the industry publication. Mary Pat Gleason has passed away at the age of 70. She's seen here in 2013 The veteran actress' first credited role was as 'Second Actress' in the 1980 TV movie Paul's Case. Her first major role was in the TV series Guiding Light, as Jane Hogan. She also received a Daytime Emmy in 1986 in her capacity as a member of the writing team on the same series. Memorable: The Mom regular and A Cinderella Story actress died of cancer on June 2, Variety reported Wednesday. Seen here in the 2004 movie A Princess Story More recently, Gleason played AA member Mary opposite star Allison Janney on the CBS sitcom Mom. She is also credited on four episodes of Will & Grace. Her other credits include Full House, 2 Broke Girls and the 2003 George Clooney-Catherine Zeta-Jones film Intolerable Cruelty. South Africa: Youth Month full of opportunities While the launch of Youth Month this year took place virtually due to lockdown restrictions, South African youth will still get to participate in a range of activities throughout June. Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, along with the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, on Monday launched Youth Month under the theme, Youth Power: Growing South Africa together in the Period of COVID-19. The theme is a rallying call for youth to play their part in curbing the spread of Coronavirus. As we try and transition to a better world, you, as young people, will be the leaders of that world, and therefore, this is probably the most important month of June that will be commemorated in our democratic history, said National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) CEO, Waseem Carrim, at the virtual launch. Over the month of June, the following activities will take place: The Department of Social Development is leading Child Protection Week from 31 May 7 June under the theme, Let us all protect children during COVID-19 and beyond. The NYDA is currently running a Youth Month competition from 25 May to 30 June. The weekly prizes to be won include data, routers and tablets, etc. On Monday 1 June, the NYDA also launched the Trailblazers Campaign, calling for young people, who have achieved in their line of work against all odds. This year, the campaign will also focus on young people at the forefront of COVID-19. The campaign runs until 8 June 2020. The NYDA is leading the Biz Alive Campaign, which calls for young entrepreneurs to submit information about their businesses to be marketed on the platforms of the agency. The campaign kicked-off on 2 June. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is leading the Youth in Creative Industries webinar series to showcase and profile young people within design, performing arts and visual arts. The creative webinar series runs from 2 - 30 June 2020. On 3 June 2020, the NYDA will profile beneficiaries of the 1000 Businesses in a 100 days project. On 14 June, the NYDA will also host the National Youth Service Day to showcase programmes and works that have been undertaken by 13 National Youth Service Programmes of several departments. The NYDA will on Monday, 15 June host a nationwide webinar on the Youth Micro Enterprise Relief Fund to outline the progress and to showcase the beneficiaries of the fund. The South African State Theatre will stage a drama called, The Fall from 15 June 5 July 2020. This frank collaborative work is based on #RhodesMustFall, #FeesMustFall and subsequent student movements demonstrations in 2015 and 2016. The Fall will add its voice to the national and worldwide debate and youth-led revolutions against injustices, inequality in education, cultural representation and many other contemporary conflicts. The Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Government will host the provincial youth day on 15 June 2020 as a buildup event to the National Youth Day. This will be a virtual commemoration followed by the cultural programme. The virtual Commemoration for the National Youth Day on 16 June 2020 @10h00 will take the form of a dialogue with young people, led by the President of the Republic of South Africa, HE Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will host an online art exhibition showcasing the suffering and traumatic experiences of the youth during the South African War. The exhibition takes place from 17 June 30 June 2020. The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will host a webinar on menstrual health management to look at how young women are affected by the pandemic. Supply lines for sanitary products distributed via schools was disrupted as a result of the lockdown. This webinar will look into how government is responding to this, as well as other challenges facing young women when it comes to managing their menstrual cycle with dignity. (Date: TBC) The entire country is encouraged to participate in Youth Month by recognising the present and future role of the youth in shaping the social and economic landscape of the country. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. As India currently stumbles through an economy in free-fall while simultaneously fending off the Coronavirus threat, several Twitter users are of the opinion that the country has other priorities as well- namely, changing the name of India to Bharat. Twitter is trending with #ByeByeIndiaOnlyBharat Meanwhile yogi : bs kar pagle rulayega kya. pic.twitter.com/fwIagOXFrh Krishna (@Krishna56051111) June 2, 2020 The trend flared up yesterday as the Indian Supreme Court prepared for a plea hearing- one that refers to Bharat as Indias original and authentic name, and seeks a renaming similar to how the names of Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata have changed over the years to respect local sentiments. Naturally, several Indians disagreed with this: Every time I underestimate the stupidity of people in large numbers I'm so tired of this shit ? Can we look at real problems such as let's say our economy, unemployment, A DUCKING PANDEMIC !!! I love my country I really do it doesn't matter what it's name #ByeByeIndiaOnlyBharat _abhi_sucks_at_life_ (@AbhigyanGhosh00) June 2, 2020 Some even called out the Apex Court for spending time on the plea in the first place. Either way, India, like many ancient regions, has gone by several names throughout history - depending on the cultures and civilisations prominent at the time. Here are five of the most interesting ones: 1. Hodu Reuters Found in the Book of Esther section of the Jewish Tanakh and Christian Old Testament, this biblical reference was mentioned when describing the kingdoms of the Persian king Xerxes - the King ruling 127 provinces from Hodu (India) to Ethiopia. Like many of Indias older names, this can be traced back to the Sanskrit root Sindhu (great river), which refers to the river Indus. 2. Meluha Reuters This time, attributed to the ancient river civilisations of Mesopotamia, the name was first recorded in Sumerian texts dating from 4500 BCE to 1900 BCE. The term itself is a combination of mel-akam (highland country) and ellu (sesame) - the latter refers to the regular exports of sesame oil received by the Sumerians from the people, we now refer to as the Indus Valley Civilization. 3. Wu Yin/Five Indies Reuters Named in roughly 650 AD by a Chinese monk, scholar and traveller Xuanzang, his knowledge of Indias regions came from his famous seventeen-year journey that took him to the famed monastery-university of Nalanda, southeast of Patna. In his journals, he describes India as so; 90,000 li in size; on three sides it is bounded by a great sea; on the north, it is backed by snowy mountains. It is wide at the north and narrow at the south; its figure is that of a half-moon. 4. Indika Reuters Chronicled under this name during the time of the Mauryan Empire, Greek historian and diplomat Megasthenes gave the subcontinent-spanning kingdom the name 'Indika' - which was also the title of his book on the subject of the region. Now lost to history, the book described Indika as four-sided in plan, the side which looks to the Orient and that to the South, the Great Sea compasseth; that towards the Arctic is divided by the mountain chain of Hemodus from Scythia, inhabited by that tribe of Scythians who are called Sakai; and on the fourth side, turned towards the West, the Indus marks the boundary, the biggest or nearly so of all rivers after the Nile. 5. Jambudvipa Reuters While early Sanskrit texts referred to India as Aryavarta, some of the later era scripts chose the name Jambudvipa before Bharat came into usage. The name itself means Land of The Jamun Trees, and not only featured in the ancient texts known as the Puranas, but was also widely used across Southeast Asia to refer to the subcontinent. Several of these texts, often written by priests or monks, told myths of India being covered with fertile Jamun trees, with massive berries the size of a man. Neat stuff. Unfortunately, for those who want to impose a singular name on India, there are far too many cultural contexts to keep in mind - after all, the land itself has been settled by humans for 65,000 years. Johannesburg, South Africa (PANA) Human Rights Watch has called on the Malawi authorities to ensure a free and fair, as well as safe, vote during upcoming presidential rerun elections amid the COVID-19 pandemic Afghan Interior Ministry: Suicide Bomber Blew Himself Up in a Kabul Mosque, Killing Imam Sputnik News 15:11 GMT 02.06.2020(updated 17:38 GMT 02.06.2020) The tense situation in Afghanistan has been worsened by terrorist attacks across the country, with at least ten incidents that left dozens of people killed and injured taking place in April and May. A loud explosion has taken place near the main mosque in the Wazir Akbar Khan area of Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan Interior Ministry said in a statement that a suicide bomber blew himself up inside an ablution room at the Wazir Akbar Khan mosque at around 7:25 p.m. According to the outlet TOLOnews, citing a source, three people were injured in the attack, including Mohammad Ayaz Niazi, the mosque's imam. The Interior Ministry later confirmed the death of Imam Ayaz Niazi. Tariq Aryan, the Interior Ministry's spokesman, has confirmed the number of victims, adding that the wounded have already been taken to hospital. The first photos from the site of the blast have appeared online. Earlier in the day, seven civilians were killed and six others injured in a roadside bomb explosion in the Khan Abad district of Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province, a local district chief stated. According to the Khan Abad district chief, Hayatullah Ameri, the incident took place on Monday evening in a Taliban*-controlled area. He added that the victims were residents of the north-eastern Badakhshan province. A local source said that a car carrying harvest workers detonated in the district's Jangal Bashi area. Violent attacks and bomb blasts are continuing in Afghanistan despite the signing of a peace deal between the Taliban and the US. The agreement was intended to pave the way for the withdrawal of US and NATO troops from the country within 14 months and the beginning of intra-Afghan talks between the militant group and the government. These talks were initially scheduled to commence on 10 March, but were delayed due to Afghanistan's electoral crisis and mutual disagreements over the release of prisoners. The Afghan government has accused the Taliban of releasing civilians as part of the exchange instead of the military personnel who were named on lists submitted to the militant group. *Taliban is a terrorist organisation banned in Russia Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Global demand, measured in cargo tonne kilometers (CTKs), fell by 27.7% in April compared to the previous year (-29.5% for international markets). Global capacity, measured in available cargo tonne kilometers (ACTKs), shrank by 42% in April compared to the previous year (-40.9% for international markets). Belly capacity for international air cargo shrank by 75% in April compared to the previous year. This was partially offset by a 15% increase in capacity through expanded use of freighter aircraft. The cargo load factor (CLF) rose 11.5 percentage points in April, the largest increase since tracking began. The magnitude of the rise suggests that there is significant demand for air cargo which cannot be met owing to the cessation of most passenger flights. Middle Eastern carriers reported a decline of 36.2% year-on-year in April, significantly worse than 14.1% fall in March. Despite a number of carriers in the region maintaining some cargo capacity, traffic on all key routes was low. International capacity decreased 42.4%. There is a severe capacity crunch in air cargo. Demand fell by 27.7% compared to April 2019. But capacity was down 42% because of the sharp cuts in passenger operations which also carry cargo. The result is damaging global supply chains with longer shipping times and higher costs. Airlines are deploying as much capacity as possible, including special charter operations and the temporary use of passenger cabins for cargo. Governments need to continue to ensure that vital supply lines remain open and efficient. While many have responded with speed and clarity to facilitate the movement of cargo, government red-tapeparticularly in Africa and Latin Americais preventing the industry from flexibly deploying aircraft to meet the demands of the pandemic and the global economy, said Alexandre de Juniac, IATAs Director General and CEO. Delays in getting operational permits issued, blockages at the border and inadequate ground infrastructure to/from and within airport environments continue to hamper air cargo in countries in Africa and Latin America. Air cargo needs to move efficiently throughout the entire supply chain to be effective. IATA urges governments to: Accelerate approvals for cargo operations Expedite customs clearance for urgently needed medical supplies Ensure there is adequate staff on the ground and land-based infrastructure to move cargo efficiently African airlines were less affected by disruptions from COVID-19 than other regions in April. They saw year-on-year international CTKs fall by 20.9%. The small Africa-Asia market was the most resilient route in April, down only 1.0%. International capacity decreased 36.6%. Asia-Pacific airlines saw demand for international air cargo fall by 28.1% in April 2020, compared to the same period a year earlier. However, the large Asia-North America market recorded less of a decline (7.3%) due to the rise in movement of personal protective equipment (PPE). International capacity decreased 42.5%. North American carriers reported a fall in international demand of 20.1% year-on-year in April. This was the smallest contraction of all regions. While still a significant drop, it remains less than the decline seen at the height of the Global Financial Crisis in April 2009 (-32.3%). International capacity decreased 27.7%. European carriers reported a 33.8% annual drop in international cargo volumes in April, much sharper than the outcome for March (-18.5%). However, the large Europe-Asia market recorded less of a decline due to the rise in movement of PPE. International capacity decreased 46.9%. Latin American carriers posted the sharpest falla 38.9% year-on-year decline in international demand. International capacity decreased 55.5%. The COVID-19 crisis is particularly challenging for airlines based in Latin America owing to strict containment measures and a lack of support from Governments to keep cargo moving. Owner Steve Jamison sitting in Blue Sole Shoes Sunday morning. Blue Sole sustained damage but Jamison was able to fend off most of the looters. "I didn't know what was going to happen," Jamison said. He then emptied the shelves himself and boarded up the shop. Read more Blue Sole Shoes owner Steve Jamison stood in his specialty store Saturday night trying desperately to protect his store, his baby, from looters. He watched thieves run past the Chestnut Street boutique hauling armfuls of designer clothes from neighboring businesses in bags labeled Joan Shepp and Boyds. When the marauders attempted to bum-rush Blue Sole, Jamison leaned into his faith and calmly asked them not to. Please dont, Jamison pleaded. This is a black-owned business, he said. It was as if they heard me. They respected that. They walked away. I dont know what would have happened if I wasnt there. Blue Sole did sustain damage to its door, and some merchandise several pairs of shoes and socks were stolen. But Jamison fared better than many other African American business owners here and elsewhere. It was just Friday when many Center City retailers delighted in Mayor Jim Kenneys announcement that the city was loosening its coronavirus restrictions, and that specialty boutiques, clothing stores, and department stores could reopen. We would have to wear masks, and curbside pickup would still dominate. But at least business owners could begin to try to recoup the thousands of dollars lost due to the coronavirus closings. READ MORE: Here's live coverage of what's happening Tuesday That optimism changed Saturday when a peaceful protest of the slaying of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin gave way to violence and looting. Chauvin, who was fired from the police department Tuesday, was charged with third-degree murder on Friday. Nearly all of the storefronts on Walnut and Chestnut west of Broad were trashed. Display cases were smashed. Buildings were burned. Mannequins were left naked in the streets with their limbs torn off. READ MORE: Center City retailers endure an epic night of looting on top of coronavirus closures Similar peaceful protests erupted into violence all weekend in dozens of American cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis. On Sunday, looters spread out to King of Prussia, Kensington, and West Philly. The National Guard is here. What does all of this mean for Jamisons business and Philadelphia retail now? I dont know, Jamison said. It will probably take years for businesses to come back to a healthy level. But I do know this, we are going to have to do better. Black peoples lives will have to matter. Jamison, a 54-year-old husband and father, is one of a handful of black people who own businesses in Rittenhouse Square. He used his North Philly grit and good, old-fashioned optimism to secure this business in the citys most posh zip code. That wasnt an easy feat for a black man. But hes feeling weary now. Hes owned his business for 13 years, been black his whole life. He doesnt condone the violence, yet he intimately understands the rage. After all, he, too, has had to stand as still as a statue when hes been pulled over by police. God forbid he makes a sudden move, and his daughter could lose her father. Even [Saturday] night when I was in my own store, I had my information ready, my IDs, everything, Jamison said. So when the police came in, they knew I was supposed to be there. And, like many of us, he sees with his own eyes how regularly African American lives are threatened and brutally ended by people in authority with no repercussions: the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, whose only crime was running through a white neighborhood in Georgia; the death of Breonna Taylor, shot by cops who broke into the wrong apartment. Last Monday, Amy Cooper invoked her white privilege and called the cops on bird-watcher Christian Cooper because he was an "African American man who dared to ask her to leash her dog in Central Park. She falsely accused him of threatening her life. But Floyds death was the one that made Jamison cry. Im just so exhausted, Jamison said. I wasnt crying for myself. I was crying because of George Floyd. Why did they have to kill him? I understand that anger and frustration. I genuinely understand. READ MORE: Philly protesters block highways, National Guard arrives in Philly There are many times in American history when black people, fed up with injustice to our bodies and souls, have rioted: The death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. When the police officers who beat Rodney King were found innocent. Each time the protesters were chastised for destroying their own neighborhoods, but what about the systemic racism that put them there? We cleaned up the shopping districts, put new glass in the store windows. And although the racism was still there, festering, life went on as usual. This time is different, Jamison said. Violence is not the only thing threatening black lives. Inequality in the health-care system has been exposed as people of color continue to disproportionately die from COVID-19. And we can see systematic racism winning every day. Just look at the Frank Rizzo statue at the Municipal Services Building. "We feel pain in that statue every time we look at it, Jamison said. We arent asking for permission anymore, Jamison said. "We are telling you we cant breathe. And if you dont let us breathe, well, maybe you wont either. When his store reopens, Jamison will continue to welcome all. He will make sure to hire black men as a part of his sales force. And, he says, he plans to remove the shoes from his store window and dedicate the space to Floyd, because, as a black man as a human being he has to use his store as a platform to say something. He encourages his neighboring retailers to do the same. Its no longer good enough not to be racist, Jamison said. What we need for you is to act against it. Speak against it. Fight against it. Push back against it. When you are complacent, you are complicit. Or this will just happen again. In the last 10 years Israeli security forces have killed more than 3,400 Palestinians but only five have been convicted. The killing of an autistic Palestinian man by two Israeli police officers last week has prompted rare statements of condolence from both Israeli and international officials, but Palestinians have little faith an inquiry will result in any accountability. Iyad Hallaq, 32, was walking to his special needs school in the Old City of Jerusalem, when he was called on by the Israeli officers to stop. In their official statement, the officers said they suspected Hallaq was carrying a weapon and began chasing him when he panicked and began to run. As Hallaq hid behind a dumpster, just a few metres away from his school, he was shot dead. The Israeli polices internal investigations department is probing the incident. According to Israeli daily Haaretz, a source within the investigation said one of the officers a new recruit armed with an M16 assault rifle is suspected of continuing to shoot at Hallaq despite being told by his commander to stop. The same officer said he suspected Hallaq was a terrorist because he was wearing gloves, Haaretz added. Hallaq was diagnosed with low-functioning autism as a child and had trouble communicating with people. According to his father, Khairy Hallaq, his son had the mental capacity of an eight-year-old and no concept of the dangerous reality of life under occupation around him. Hallaq was given special documentation by his school, which he had attended for the past six years, that explained his disability so he could prove his condition to Israeli forces, as he was unable to do so himself. His family members told Israeli media he wasnt capable of harming anyone. On Sunday, Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz issued a rare apology. We are very sorry for this incident, Gantz said in a government meeting. I am sure the issue will be investigated quickly, and conclusions will be drawn. The same day, the UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Nickolay Mladenov, also condemned the killing, calling it a tragedy that should and could have been avoided. The authorities should swiftly investigate and make sure such incidents are not allowed to happen, Mladenov said. My heartfelt condolences to the family of #EyadHallaq, an unarmed #Palestinian, shot and killed yesterday in #Jerusalem. A tragedy that should and could have been avoided! The authorities should swiftly investigate and make sure such incidents are not allowed to happen. Nickolay E. MLADENOV (@nmladenov) May 31, 2020 But Mansour Abu Wardieh, Hallaqs cousin, said the family is not optimistic about the police inquiry into the shooting. The news of Israeli authorities ordering an investigation into Iyads murder means nothing to us, he told Al Jazeera, speaking from the occupied East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Wadi al-Joz. We know theyll twist the facts and we wont be surprised if they concluded that the officers fired at him out of self-defence. Israeli investigations into the killing of Palestinian civilians are rarely credible, he added. According to Israeli rights group BTselem, over the last decade April 2011 until May 2020 Israeli security forces have killed 3,408 Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories and within Israel. Of these cases, only five Israeli security personnel which includes both military and police were convicted. We dont have the number of investigations opened into police killings, BTselem media spokesperson Amit Gilutz told Al Jazeera. But as far as military goes, over this same period investigations into the killings of about 200 Palestinians were opened. Cold-blooded murder Hallaqs funeral on Sunday was attended by thousands of Palestinians, and protests were held in several Palestinian towns within Israel. His killing came at a time when demonstrations worldwide are held after the killing of George Floyd, an African American man who died last week after a police officer pressed his knee into his neck for nearly nine minutes in the US state of Minnesota. Palestinians have been quick to draw comparisons between the deaths of Hallaq and Floyd, and posters with Black Lives Matter have been spotted at the protests. The irony of Israelis holding a solidarity protest with Floyd in Tel Aviv on Tuesday was not lost on some. [The demonstation] blatantly reflects the dissonance that exists within the Zionist community, Amany Khalifa, a local mobilisation coordinator at Grassroots Jerusalem said. Its amazing how a racial colonial society does not have the capacity to hold itself accountable for policies carried out [against Palestinians and Ethiopian Jews], and at the same time can come out in solidarity with Black Africans against racism and white supremacy. The tone-deaf approach was emphasised in a tweet by the US ambassador to Israel, David Friedman. We are all saddened by the death of Iyad Al Halak this weekend and extend our deepest condolences to his family and to those who mourn this tragic loss, he posted on Twitter on Tuesday. We welcome Israeli officials expression of sorrow and commitment to a swift investigation into the incident. William Youmans, an assistant professor at the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, called Friedmans statement cynical PR on Israels behalf. His language avoids assigning blame or even referring to the murder in direct terms, he told Al Jazeera. He refers to cold-blooded murder as death and a tragic loss, as if Iyad was killed in a natural disaster. Friedman, Youmans added, attempted to legitimise Israels self-investigations, which he described as notoriously toothless when it comes to prosecuting soldiers who murder Palestinians. These sort of mealy-mouthed apologetics have sadly become the standard line for US policymakers giving total impunity to Israel and its military occupation forces. Khalifa agreed. These statements do not change the fait accompli of facilitating Palestinian killing in Jerusalem and Palestine in general, she said. Israelis killing Palestinians is a general policy that has existed since the beginning of the occupation, Khalifa explained, where every Palestinian is treated as suspicious. Iyad was killed for being Palestinian only, said Khalifa. It is possible that these statements [by Gantz and Friedman] indicate a calming of public opinion in the case of Iyad, precisely because of his mental health condition, and the clarity of the policy of targeting the Palestinian body. A Welland woman is considering legal action against a construction company that has been working in her neighbourhood for about two years, alleging it caused about $25,000 in damage to her home. Kelly Kelly lives on Elgin Street near the south end of Niagara Street. She claims a water and sewer main project with a price tag of more than $5 million has caused structural damage to her 90-year-old house, which she and her husband moved into about six years ago. In a recent interview, she said it is her belief that vibration caused by equipment rolling up and down the street has created structural issues. When they bought the house, an inspector said there were no structural problems with the home. The home inspection shows there was no damage, that the floor was fine, she said. After the project started, she reached out to the city-hired contractor, Niagara Falls-based Provincial Construction, which sent an insurance adjuster to have a look. The adjusters report said the vibration had no bearing on the structural soundness of her residence, she said. Kelly said she brought in her own insurance adjuster who said otherwise, claiming the damage was definitely due to the construction. Given the age of her home, she feels if a problem were to arise with its structural condition its something that would have already been dealt with. The main floor is starting to buckle in spots, she said. If it was going to buckle, I think it would have by then, she said at her home while pointing to the slightly inconsistent floor. We watched it gradually happen, she added. Another area of concern for Kelly came after she contacted the City of Welland, when she learned the municipality has a clause in its agreements with construction companies that they are indemnified from any damages caused by work not responsible for issues such as the one she has raised. They have no responsibility for the quality of work, she said. Sherri Marie-Millar, the citys manager of engineering, infrastructure and development services, said contracts include a provision for a pre-construction inspection at homes adjacent to the project. These inspections are completed by independent consultants and help homeowners substantiate claims in the unlikely event that their property is damaged as a consequence of the construction activities. Similarly, the inspections protect contractors from frivolous claims, she added. She confirmed construction companies would be on the hook for any wrongdoing, not the city. Claims received shall be dealt with immediately by the contractor, said the clause provided by Millar. If it is determined that the contractor is not liable for the damage and the claim is denied, residents are still able to take legal action against the contractor, she said. Kelly has retained a lawyer. Thats what Ill be doing, at my expense, she said, worried she may not be able cover the legal costs. Can I really afford to go head-to-head with these people? she asked, adding she could be satisfied with a split bill shared with the construction company. Kelly is also bothered by the grade of some stretch of sidewalk in her neighbourhood during the project, claiming she has seen an elderly couple on the street struggling to get in and out of their house. Millar said late last week the city has advised Provincial Construction to backfill new sidewalk as soon as possible to close the gaps along the edges of the sidewalk. Kelly said she did not receive a pre-construction survey that is distributed in neighbourhoods before major projects. That never happened, she said, claiming that other nearby homeowners have told her they also did not find one in their mailboxes before work started. Project manager Kevin Tissera said Kellys first contact with him was in November and that he hasnt spoken with her since December. He said he was aware of her contacting the company last week. He said the pre-construction survey should have been delivered to her mailbox three times over a two-week span before work began. The purpose of the survey is to document the state of your house so if there are concerns as the project continues, there is a baseline to compare it to, he said. Asked about Kelly saying she was not in receipt of one, he said hes not sure if thats true. Tissera said this is the first time in his career he has ever heard of a resident alleging structural damage to a home as a result of equipment operating nearby. He said a very good response from most of the homeowners there has been received since the project started, but the company still understands residents frustration. Its kind of difficult when projects like this come in. Were tearing up the roads and the sidewalks, said Tissera, acknowledging the city requested late Friday that sidewalks in the area get backfilled. On Monday morning, he said this had not yet been done but that the sidewalks would be completed in the next couple of weeks. Tissera said its hard to keep everything perfect and that he encourages residents in the area with issues to come forward. Asked about Kelly possibly taking the matter to small claims court, he said her not having the pre-construction survey completed may not help her case. Its her prerogative if she wants to pursue that, but at the end of the day, its on her to prove that we caused damages, which is very difficult to do if there is no baseline, he said. Addressing the human elements of IUU fishing: online forum June 03,2020 | Source: FiskerForum Amid the ongoing challenge of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing worldwide, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has highlighted the need for collective action to tackle the human elements of IUU fishing, including safeguarding observer safety and livelihoods, ensuring safe and decent labour conditions for crew, and unveiling the persons of interest behind IUU fishing. FFA Director General, Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen made the call when speaking online to the recent Chatham House International Forum on IUU Fishing attended by global policymakers, researchers, industry representatives and civil society groups from across the world. Her keynote speech concentrated on the human elements of illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing, with a focus on observers, crew and Persons of Interest. According to Dr Tupou-Roosen, FFA is increasingly recognising the need to focus on people, not just technology, in its efforts to combat IUU fishing. In terms of monitoring fishing activities, the FFA observers are the Agencys frontline workers on fishing vessels, she said. The importance of observers cannot be overstated as these are our eyes and ears at sea who collect critical data for science and compliance, such as monitoring catches and ensuring fishermen are following the rules. This is a vital role in protecting our oceans and preserving fish stocks, she said. However, she added that this can be a dangerous and lonely role as they can face hostilities from those that they are monitoring, sometimes leading to incidents or loss of life. She stated that the safety of FFA observers is a key priority and steps have been taken by FFA members, including establishing conditions of fishing access to include minimum safety standards for observers and the FFA push at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission for the adoption of an observer safety measure. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the immediate impact has been on our observers. For their health and safety during this global pandemic, FFA Members have had to temporarily suspend the use of observers to monitor activities on vessels as well as transshipment of fish between vessels, Dr Tupou-Roosen stated. She also highlighted that while these temporary measures are in place, the Agency still has an integrated suite of tools in its Monitoring, Control and Surveillance framework, including vessel logsheets, vessel monitoring system and transshipment reports to collect much-needed data. The current situation also provides an impetus to prioritise work on tools such as Electronic Monitoring and Electronic Reporting. These technologies will support the observers role. However, the repatriation of FFA observers due to the coronavirus risk has severely impacted their livelihoods, she said, commenting that the FFA will be exploring ways in which the role of observers can be broadened to ensure they are not heavily dependent on fishing trips for income and that their valuable data analysis skills can be applied readily on land. FiskerForum 2004 - 2019 Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods. At 8.02PM on Tuesday in New York City, two minutes after the citywide curfew went into effect, several men in red berets and varsity jackets lined the streets. Known as the Guardian Angels, a volunteer crime-prevention squad who began patrolling the subway during the lawless 1970s, they now focus their efforts on stopping looters in their tracks as the city descends deeper into chaos during the George Floyd protests. New York is under emergency curfew for the first time since 1943. A fortnight ago, it wasnt farfetched to imagine tumbleweed rolling through deserted midtown Manhattan as people took stay-at-home orders as gospel. Now the question is how quickly thousands of protesters can make it safely back home on foot after dark without igniting further tension with the New York Police Department (NYPD). Twenty minutes before curfew, a crowd in Times Square witnessed more than 100 uniformed doctors and medical staff drop to their knees. After months of being the reason that people of every race and creed clapped out their windows, essential workers once again united the heartbroken and frustrated as they chanted Floyds name. Expand Close People take part in a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, at Trump International Hotel in New York, U.S., June 2, 2020. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People take part in a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, at Trump International Hotel in New York, U.S., June 2, 2020. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz In the space of a week, everything has changed. But underneath it all, the unrest is because systemic racism hasnt changed in centuries. Ambulance sirens have been replaced with the unsettling sound of helicopters flying overhead. For the eighth consecutive day and night, protests against decades of police brutality towards black Americans have seen the city wake from its self-imposed slumber in a furious rage. Homemade signs flash You cant spell racist without NYPD, No justice, no peace, and White silence = white violence. Those holding them climb up on truck roofs and traffic lights, desperate to be seen and heard. Life as normal was already on pause, but now a new sense of frenetic collective urgency is palpable. People rush down every street on bikes, seemingly not sure exactly where theyre racing to; just pedalling to join large marching groups. New York City has not even entered phase one of the reopening plan, but the only visual cue that the pandemic is still plaguing us are the bandanas snaked around peoples mouths. Every so often, a protester will stop to dole out hand sanitiser or disposable rubber gloves. In Williamsburg, a nightly silent vigil takes place. It began as a small crowd paying their respects for eight minutes and 46 seconds; the length of time officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyds neck in a Minneapolis street while he cried out, I cant breathe. At the West Villages iconic Stonewall Inn, where the uprising that spawned the gay rights movement began in 1969, thousands gathered to remember slain trans women of colour and community activists. In Gramercy, hundreds of people kneeling in the street demanded a line of officers join them they refused while the protest organiser used her megaphone to urge the impassioned crowd to remain peaceful. Elsewhere, in areas like Harlem, pastors lead mass prayer gatherings. In Brooklyns Bedford-Stuyvesant neighbourhood, the birthplace of cultural icons like Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z and Mos Def, some folks take another route: hosting DJ-led dance parties on the street to encourage more love. While good intentions underpin some protests, the city is far from at peace. Further adding to the dystopian appearance of the ravaged metropolis, shards of glass line the pavements of SoHo and Fifth Avenue. Luxury stores have been looted, as have small independent businesses which were already suffering. Videos of violent altercations and stand-offs circulate social media, further fuelling the animosity between people and police. Mere blocks away from the dance parties, cop cars are being burnt out and precincts overrun. For every infuriating clip of an officer shoving someone to the ground, using tear gas or rubber bullets, theres an accusation of a civilian throwing a Molotov cocktail. Aaron Cunningham, a native of Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, told the Irish Independent that while he doesnt condone any violence, he understands that its a build-up of 400 years. I see why people are angry. This isnt something that has happened in a week. Peaceful protests will get you to a point. When people dont listen, thats when you get the anger. Now people are fed up, he said. The 30-year-old, who has lived in the US for three years, travelled from Hoboken, New Jersey, with three Irish friends to join the Washington Square Park and Times Square protests on Monday. Expand Close A demonstrator wears a protective face mask reading "Black lives matter" as people rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., June 2, 2020. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A demonstrator wears a protective face mask reading "Black lives matter" as people rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., June 2, 2020. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon Cunninghams father, Joey, was on the phone from home urging him to err on the side of caution. As the first black man to play GAA in Croke Park during the 1980s with Armagh, he is no stranger to racism himself. My parents are worried all the time, but they know who I am and that I couldnt sit back, Cunningham said. I wanted to make sure I was placing myself in the right situation and that protest was the day Pride started in the city. It felt like it would be a wee bit more organised and planned without violence. It's a civic duty to stand up, and it felt very powerful. Like his dad, Cunningham, a former full-forward for Crossmaglen Rangers, experienced racist abuse while playing sport growing up. After years of tirelessly advocating for anti-racism causes, he is hopeful and optimistic for the future, as this feels different. Ive had tough conversations with my friends and Im asking them to do more. I dont want to protest for the sake of protesting, but I feel that its here, this is the time, this is the one, he said. Its not confined to one city or particular area, its affecting everyone across the world. People need to take a proactive role: dont be passive and stay vocal. Dont do the bare minimum, ask what more you can do. People are people, its terrible to even have to say this in 2020. On May 3, 2007, Madeleine, who was about to turn 4, disappeared while staying at a holiday resort with her family and a group of their friends in Praia da Luz, a seaside town in the Algarve region of Portugal. Her parents said they left her asleep with her siblings, twins who were 2 at the time, while they ate in a nearby restaurant. The girls disappearance dominated European headlines for years and sparked an international manhunt. Millions of dollars were offered in rewards to help find her abductor or abductors; her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, both Roman Catholics, appealed to Pope Benedict XVI for help. Celebrities, including the soccer star David Beckham, made appeals for her to be found. The author J.K. Rowling later helped Ms. McCann write a book about her daughters disappearance. The Portuguese police were accused of bungling an initial investigation that failed to produce concrete leads and instead added to the controversy by including Madeleines parents as suspects. For years, the couple kept their daughters name in headlines in the hope of finding her alive. Their high-profile campaign crisscrossed Europe and fueled dozens of reports of sightings and false alarms from Spain to Belgium to Morocco. By Ayya Lmahamad The total volume of BPs capital expenditure on Azerbaijans oil and gas projects between 1995 and 2019 amounted to $75 billion, BP said in its Sustainable report of BP in Azerbaijan in 2019 published recently. The invested projects include Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) oil fields, Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline, Shah Deniz and South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP) gas projects. According to the report, BPs operating and capital expenditures on ACG field were $567 million and $1.746 million accordingly. Some 500.9 million tons of oil were produced from the ACG block of fields during the whole period from the beginning of development to the end of 2019. As of the end of 2019, 125 producing, 46 water and 7 gas injection wells were in operation in ACG block. Furthermore, 116.8 billion cubic meters of gas and 28.2 million tons of condensate were produced from Shah Deniz field during the operation period. Out of which 16.8 billion cubic meters of gas and 3.6 million tons of condensate were produced in 2019. Shah Deniz operating and capital expenditures in 2019 amounted to $544 million and $1.1 billion accordingly, the majority of which was associated with the Shah Deniz 2 project. Moreover, in 2019, the Sangachal terminal exported 235 million barrels of oil through Baku- Tbilisi- Ceyhan pipeline and 28 million barrels of oil through Western Route Export pipeline. In addition, over 45 million cubic meters of Shah Deniz gas were exported from terminal daily during 2019. Additionally, since the beginning of operation in 2006 until the end of 2019, BTC carried a total of more than 3.35 billion barrels of crude oil loaded on 4.381 tankers and sent to world markets. South Caucasus Pipelines daily average throughput was 29 million cubic meters of gas per day during 2019. The contract for the development of Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli fields was signed on September 20, 1994 and entered into force on December 12 of the same year. On September 14, 2017 in Baku was signed a new contract for the development of ACG block, designed until 2050. The shareholders of the project are BP (operator, 30.37 percent), SOCAR (25 percent), MOL (9.57 percent),INPEX (9.31 percent),Equinor (9.57 percent), ExxonMobil (6.79 percent), TPAO (5.73 percent), ITOCHU Oil (3.65 percent), ONGC Videsh (2.31 percent). The contract on development of Shah Deniz field was signed in Baku on June 4, 1996 and ratified by Parliament on October 17 of the same year. Shareholders of Shah Deniz project are: BP (operator, 28.8 percent), TPAO (19 percent), SOCAR (16.7 percent), Petronas (15.5 percent), LUKOIL (10 percent) and NICO (10 percent). --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz During a conference of international donors June 2, the US government announced no new funding for Yemens humanitarian response plan, despite warnings from the United Nations that further aid cuts will worsen what is already considered the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. The virtual pledging conference, hosted by the United Nations and Saudi Arabia, raised $1.35 billion among more than two dozen participating countries. The emergency aid is well below the $2.4 billion goal, and the $3.2 billion received in last years pledge drive. The United States greatly appreciates the other donors who stepped forward with support and funding for this important cause," US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker said during the conference. While were not announcing new funding today, we are working to provide additional funding in the coming weeks. Schenker stressed the US government's existing contributions, noting it has provided more than $2.8 billion in humanitarian aid to Yemen since October 2014. At the June 2 conference, other donors included Canada, which committed $40 million, and the United Kingdom, which pledged $201 million. Saudi Arabia, which is leading the military coalition that is fighting the Houthi rebels, announced a contribution of $500 million. Aisha Jumaan, president of the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation, called the six-figure Saudi donation a public relations stunt. The Saudis are paying for whitewashing their crimes, Jumaan told Al-Monitor. Airstrikes by the Western-backed, Saudi-led coalition have killed thousands in Yemens five-year-war, according to monitors. Why it matters: The pledging conference comes as funding shortages have forced UN aid agencies to scale back life-saving programming. The World Food Program (WFP), which feeds millions of food insecure Yemenis each month, is now making half as many deliveries in the Houthi-held north. The World Health Organization, which plays a major role in a country where infectious diseases like cholera and diphtheria run rampant, has stopped paying many health-care workers across the country. And this month, the UN refugee agency has said it will stop cash payments that tens of thousands of Yemenis rely on to buy clothes and medicine. In May, the US government announced $225 million in funding for the WFP's work in southern Yemen, but didnt specify how funding would be allocated in the north where US officials have accused the Houthis of diverting aid. Whats next: International aid organizations say the funding pledged Tuesday is far from whats needed to continue helping the roughly 24 million Yemenis 80% of the population who rely on some form of humanitarian aid to survive. "Millions of Yemeni people are staring down the double barrel of starvation and a global pandemic. The money pledged today needs to be disbursed immediately and donors who failed to put their hands in their pockets must step up," Jan Egeland, secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, said in a statement. Even with the new funding, the agencies say there will not be an immediate restoration of services. In the case of the UNs food agency, a WFP official told Al-Monitor last month that there is a four-month lag to source and transport food to Yemen. Read more: Elizabeth Hagedorn reports on how existing aid cuts threaten Yemens dangerously overstretched health-care system, and Jared Szuba takes a look at the latest developments in southern Yemen. David Brophy's new choir and a classic Ireland v Holland game feature among today's top tips. David Brophy's Unsung Heroes RTE One, 9.35pm After his success with the High Hopes Choir and other projects, conductor David Brophy is back with a new two-part series about his efforts to create a choir from some of the 355,000 family carers in Ireland. Gangs of London Sky Atlantic, 9pm In episode seven, we finally discover the truth about the murder of Irish gang boss Finn. Not surprisingly, that doesn't end the violence, with two full-on massacres among tonight's action. There are also a few Irish scenes as Finn's wife Marian heads home to pick up some reinforcements. Kevin Paints RTE2, 9.20pm Kevin McGahern links up with another Irish celebrity, Pat Shortt, to paint his portrait as they have a nice chat. RTE Sport Classics RTE2, 9.30pm If the Republic of Ireland hoped to get to get to the playoffs for the World Cup in Korea/Japan in 2002, they would have to overcome the mighty Netherlands at Lansdowne Road in September 2001. The Dutch had some incredible stars in their squad, including an attacking force featuring Overmars, Kluivert, and Van Nistelrooy . Surely it couldn't be done? Enter Roy Keane, Jason McAteer, and an incredible game that saw the Irish triumph, despite having Gary Kelly sent off early in the second half. New Delhi, June 3 : The CBI has examined three IPS officers, including a retired Commissioner, in connection with BJP worker Yogesh Gowda murder case in Bengaluru, official sources said. Gowda, a Zila Panchayat member, was murdered on June 15, 2016 in a gym in Saptapur in Karnataka's Dharwad. The agency took over the probe on the recommendation of the Karnataka government on September 24, 2019. Pandu Rangrane (then retired Commissioner Hubli, Dharwad), Jinendra Khanagavi (then DCP Dharwad and Presently SP Security Division Bengaluru), and Mallikarjun Baladandi (then DCP Crime and Traffic Dharwad and presently Additional SP Haveri) were examined earlier this week at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Bengaluru. "These policemen were the supervisory officers in Dharwad during the investigation of Yogesh Gowda murder case by the local police in 2016," said a source, privy to the investigation. The Police had registered a case against six accused, who are all residents of Dharwad. After taking over the investigation on September 24 last year, the CBI arrested eight persons, of whom seven are in judicial custody and one is out on bail. In May, the CBI also filed a chargesheet against the eight people. The investigation agency said the accused had allegedly come to Dharwad on two occasions in June 2016 and with the support of the other accused allegedly planned the crime. Earlier, the Karnataka Police had filed a chargesheet in the murder case on September 9, 2016. According to the CBI, Gowda ran a gym in Dharwad and was a friend of Basavaraj Shivappa Muttagi, the prime accused, for the last 10 years, both with different political inclinations. Gowda came to know about a land purchase deal by Muttagi. As per the CBI, Gowda had threatened Muttagi that he should not purchase the land as it was under his custody and if he still proceeded, he would kill him. Gowda was, however, killed in his gym by accomplices of Muttagi, who first sprinkled chilli powder on his face before hacking him to death. Johnson steps down as SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson is stepping down as SUNY Chancellor to become president of The Ohio State University on Sept. 1. Johnson will continue her duties as SUNY Chancellor to help prepare campuses for the fall semester until an interim leadership structure is appointed by the SUNY Board of Trustees. Dr. Johnson has led SUNY with a deep commitment to providing access and opportunity, while ensuring a premier high-quality education for all our students and propelling our university system to new national heights and recognition, SUNY Board of Trustees Chairman Merryl H. Tisch said in announcing Johnsons departure today. We join all New Yorkers in thanking Dr. Johnson for her service and her tireless commitment to issues of equity and excellence, and we wish her the very best on her new opportunity as president of Ohio State University. Leading SUNY has been an honor, and throughout my term I have been energized by the students, our esteemed faculty, and the brilliant leaders I have come to know and value, Johnson said. New York State has been welcoming to me and my wife Veronica Meinhard, and I am thankful to have the opportunity to build on SUNYs strength as a diverse and inclusive higher education system. Johnson became SUNYs 13th chancellor of SUNY on April 24, 2017. Before her term officially began on Sept. 5, 2017, she coordinated SUNYs response to help the people of Puerto Rico after the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomos ongoing efforts to rescue and rebuild the island. Johnson personally volunteered on the island in 2018 along with SUNY and CUNY students. During her tenure as chancellor, two-year community college graduation rates increased 22 percent, and the number of students requiring remediation was reduced by half. She launched PRODiG (Promoting Recruitment, Opportunity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Growth), an initiative designed to increase faculty diversity across SUNY campuses by hiring 1,000 underrepresented minorities and women in STEM by 2030. Under Johnsons leadership, SUNY also has: Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Education Minister, has urged stakeholders to submit their contributions to Parliament to enrich the Public University Bill 2020, which the government is seeking to pass. He said for the first time in this country, academic freedom was going to be enshrined in the law. This is is the first time in the history of this country that the Public Universities Act or a University Act has included sections on academic freedom, never in the history of this country, he stated. The Minister further commended the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) for even improving on what the Government had envisaged in their submission on the Bill. Dr Opoku Prempeh appealed on Tuesday in Accra during the meet the press series organised by the Ministry of Information to give an update on the planned re-opening of schools for final year students based on a Presidential directive on the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the Government still welcomes contributions from stakeholders to make the Bill a better one; adding that Parliament had requested for memorandums for the Bill and that people should submit their contributions to make the Bill a better one. We will like to say, those who want to speak about the Bill should start from the genesis of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission Policy Paper and they will see why Government has gone the way it wants to go. The Public Universities Bill is seeking, among other things, to regulate the activities of public universities under one law. It is seeking to change the structure of the governing councils of the public universities, with the majority of the members being appointed by the President. 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 Timothy ODonnell, 31, was charged with arson in U.S. District Court on Tuesday. ODonnell was allegedly wearing a Joker mask when he approached a police SUV parked in the 200 block of North State Street on Saturday and placed a lit object into the cars gas tank, causing it to burst into flames. Police stand near a vandalized statue of controversial former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo in Philadelphia, during protests over the death of George Floyd. Workers early Wednesday removed the statue. The bronze statue of Philadelphias former mayor and police commissioner Frank Rizzo was removed from outside City Hall early Wednesday after protesters attempted to destroy the sculpture they deemed a symbol of racism. Following the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd turned violent, sculptor Zenos Frudakis wrote a letter to Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney suggesting the piece be removed, he told USA TODAY. Frudakis was commissioned to create the 10-foot statue in 1988. Kenney signed an executive order Tuesday ordering that the statue be taken down from Thomas Paine Plaza before 5 a.m. the following day. The statue represented bigotry, hatred and oppression for too many people, for too long, Kenney said in a tweet. WATCH: VIDEO of Former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo bronze sculpture lifted off then driven away in truck overnight. It looks as if hes waving goodbye @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/hTxH7dqato Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) June 3, 2020 Rizzo, who died in 1991, once told people to vote white and led aggressive policing against people of color and gay people in the 1960s and '70s. He received complaints of racial discrimination during his time as police commissioner from 1968 to 1971 and was mayor from 1972 to 1980, the Associated Press reported. It's "protecting whiteness in Philadelphia, Bishop Dwayne Royster, interim executive director of interfaith group POWER, told The Philadelphia Inquirer. We are using the police force to protect a white icon when there are not police protecting black and brown families in this moment." After numerous accounts of vandalism, complaints and requests from citizens for the statue's removal from citizens, Kenney had vowed to move it in 2021. Story continues More: Tracking protests across the USA in the wake of George Floyd's death For more than a week following the death of Floyd, a black man who was pinned by his neck by a white officer for almost nine minutes as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe, people across the country have been protesting racial injustice and police brutality. In Philadelphia, protesters attempted to burn, hammer and tip the sculpture in an effort to deface and destroy it. I'm a human first and an artist second, Frudakis, who was a student in Philadelphia during Rizzos mayorship, told USA TODAY. It became a distraction from what should be positive change and rebuilding of community in the wake of the tragic killing of George Floyd. Sculptor Zenos Frudakis was commissioned in 1988 to create a bronze sculpture of Frank Rizzo in Philadelphia. Frudakis is seen working on the statue with clay. Frudakis, who sculpted multiple statues of Martin Luther King Jr. and is best known by his FREEDOM sculpture in Philadelphia, suggested creating a new statue when the city originally proposed the Rizzo statue be moved. He suggested that the city commission a sculpture of King or Leon Sullivan, a civil rights activist who settled in Philadelphia in 1950. Back then I thought, if a statue is just removed, it would be a lost opportunity at education and conversation, Frudakis said. Just taking it out, everyone goes on thinking the way they thought before, on both sides. But I think that subtlety of that solution is lost now. This is a different time. When protesters on Tuesday began burning and tipping the Rizzo sculpture, which is situated above a thin pad separating it from a subway concourse, Frudakis was alarmed it could fall and hurt people. He said it weighs 3,000 pounds. Its gone now. It won't hurt anyone, Frudakis said. I want to see positive change in the country. I don't want my sculpture reflecting a horrendous attitude, a non-American attitude. The statue represented bigotry, hatred, and oppression for too many people, for too long. It is finally gone. pic.twitter.com/30f2Skpqog Jim #StayHomePHL Kenney (@PhillyMayor) June 3, 2020 Kenney, meanwhile, expressed that the removal of the statue is "a small step" in the battle for justice. "The statue is a deplorable monument to racism, bigotry, and police brutality for members of the Black community, the LGBTQ community, and many others," Kenney said in the executive order to remove the statue. "The treatment of these communities under Mr. Rizzos leadership was among the worst periods in Philadelphias history. "The battle for equal rights and justice is still being fought decades later, and our city is still working to erase that legacy. We now need to work for true equity for all Philadelphia residents, and toward healing our communities." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Frank Rizzo statue in Philadelphia city hall after Floyd protests India's third Covid wave likely to peak on Jan 23, daily cases to stay below 4 lakh: IIT Kanpur scientist India logs over 3.17 lakh new Covid cases in last 24 hours; daily positivity rate up at 16.41 per cent India condemns vandalism of Buddhist paintings in Gilgit-Baltistan, demands access for experts India pti-PTI New Delhi, June 03: India on Wednesday conveyed its strong concern to Pakistan over reports of vandalism, defacement and destruction of Buddhist heritage in Gilgit-Baltistan. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said "egregious activities" of this nature displaying contempt for the ancient civilisational and cultural heritage are "highly condemnable". "We have conveyed our strong concern at reports of vandalism, defacement and destruction of invaluable Indian Buddhist heritage located in so called Gilgit-Baltistan area of the Indian territory under illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan," he said. India expels two Pakistan High Commission officials on charges of espionage Srivastava, replying to a media query on the issue, said India has sought immediate access for its experts to visit the area in order to restore and preserve the invaluable archaeological heritage. Cyclone Nisarga uproots trees, damages cars and buildings in Maharashtra| Oneindia News "It is a matter of grave concern that the Buddhist symbols are being destroyed and the religious and cultural rights and freedoms are being trampled with impunity in the Indian territories under illegal occupation of Pakistan," the MEA spokesperson said. He said Pakistan must vacate the illegally occupied territory which belonged to India. "We have once again called upon Pakistan to immediately vacate all illegally occupied territories and end gross violation of political, economic and cultural rights of people living there," he said. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin on Wednesday told NBCs Today Show he has received death threats after he had the Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Monument removed from the citys Linn Park. Crews on Monday night began removing the monument after Woodfin promised protesters trying to take it down that he would have it removed in 24 hours. On Sunday night, protesters tried to remove the monument, using chunks of rock and tools to chip away at it. Protestors also tried to take it down with a pickup truck. Today co-host Al Roker interviewed Woodfin Wednesday morning. After asking why Woodfin chose to take down the monument, Roker asks Woodfin to elaborate on some rumors he had received death threats. VIDEO: See Rokers interview with Woodfin Unfortunately in the state of Alabama, theres a lot of people who like to participate in revisionist history. They, believe its American to support the Civil War, and relate to these Confederate monuments. But theyre mad because we took the statue down and yes, there have been several threats. But our security team is not only taking it serious as it relates to me and my protection but City Hall as well as the citizens of Birmingham protection as well, Woodfin said. He continued, referencing the history of how the land that is now Birmingham was not part of the Civil War. Its important to note that the city of Birmingham was not even a city during the Civil War, and we dont have time to worry about something thats not working for our city and relegates black people to property and slavery again. So, its important that we take this down and move forward. And weve accomplished that yesterday, Woodfin said. Roker also asked Woodfin about the new lawsuit Alabama Attorney Steve Marshall has filed against the city for taking down the monument. He asked about the $25,000 fine the lawsuit charges. Its probably better for our city to pay this civil fine than it is to have more civil unrest in our city," Woodfin said. The remainder of the monument was removed overnight Tuesday. Images of the park taken Wednesday morning show only a pile of rubble left where the monument stood. The rubble is surrounded by metal barricades. Woodfin wont say where the monument was taken. He said the location where the monument was taken will remain a secret to prevent further vandalism and protect public safety. The company that removed the monument will also not be disclosed for the same reasons, the mayor said. A local solicitor has expressed fears for the safety of solicitors at Naas Courthouse, following the Covid-19 outbreak. Conal Boyce, a longstanding criminal lawyer in the County Kildare area, urged that perspex screening structures be erected in the courtroom where the Naas District Court sittings are normally held. He said masks at the very least or screens should be provided, adding were entitled to this protection. He added: I know there are some concerns about witnesses being heard from behind the screens, but at the very least you cant be spat at. He predicted that the courts system would have to live with the consequences of the virus for many months. Mr Boyce said that some solicitors who feel vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus may have to retire. We will have to live with this for many months, added Mr Boyce. Martin Folsom and his mother have been in and out of homelessness since he was a child and throughout his four years in high school due to some unfortunate family circumstances. But in spite of his situation, he has become the top student in his class at Philip Randolph Career Academy in Jacksonville, Fla. Although he spent part of his youth living in shelters with his mother, he had the determination to serve as class president, in addition to keeping his studies a priority, according to FOX 32 News. His drive for the future kept him going, and his mom was there every step of the way to make sure his big dreams never faded. She has been the person that whenever I did end up getting upset or whenever I needed somebody to laugh with or talk to she was always there, she was always encouraging me, Folsom told FOX. Folsom plans to attend Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, in the fall. As far as I know Im the first person in my family to actually get a college degree, he said. Its been a rocky road, a lot of hardships," Folsom said. He also thanked everyone who helped him and his mother survive, expressing how much he owes to them. After college, he hopes to work for the FBI. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 By Akbar Mammadov The European Union has banned all airlines certified in Armenia from flying to the union over safety concerns, the European Commissions website reported on June 2. After assessing Armenias safety oversight capabilities, the European Commission has decided that the countrys air carriers do not meet international safety standards, therefore, added Armenian airlines to its list of unsafe carriers, according to the information posted in the organization's website. Thus, as a result of the update EU Air Safety List, six Armenian air carriers and Armenian Civil Aviation Committee (CAC) have been banned from flying to the bloc. The list includes Aircompany Armenia, Armenia Airways, Armenian Helicopters, Atlantis Armenian Airlines, Atlantis European Airways, Mars Avia and Skyball. The EU stands ready to cooperate and invest in Armenia to improve its aviation safety, European Transport Commissioner Adina Valean said in an emailed statement on Tuesday in Brussels. According to the EU Commissioner for Transport Adina Valean, the EU Air Safety List should be used as an instrument that helps airlines and countries listed reassess and improve their flying standards. The decision to include the Armenian carriers on the EU Air Safety List has been made based on the unanimous opinion delivered by the Air Safety Committee. The Commission, with the assistance of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, stands ready to cooperate and invest in Armenia to improve its aviation safety, Valean added. It should be noted that owing to the newly updated list, a total of 96 airlines have banned from flying to the EU. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz BAKERSFIELD, Calif., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Medical Board of California's decision to allow Dr. Arthur Park to continue practicing, despite a 20-year track record of negligence causing catastrophic injuries and death in the Bakersfield community, will unconscionably place even more patients at risk, said Consumer Watchdog today. The Medical Board signed a settlement deal with Dr. Park last week which has granted him five years of probation and the ability to continue to practice with restrictions. The settlement involved the death of a 23-year-old woman. This 23-year-old mother successfully delivered her child and yet bled to death while under the care of Dr Park. Without consent or any medical reason, Dr. Park forcibly removed her placenta with forceps, by hand, and again with forceps until he tore the placenta from her womb as she screamed in agonizing pain. According to the Coroner's report, he traumatically perforated her uterus and cervix causing her to hemorrhage. Dr. Park continuously ignored prompting from nurses to help his patient, not offering her medical care as her vitals plummeted and she bled to death. Dr. Park was previously on probation for three years for his negligence in the deaths of two Bakersfield babies. "The losses of the young mothers and babies are deeply felt by the families and the community," stated Michele Monserratt-Ramos, Consumer Watchdog's Patient Advocate. "The mothers and the families of the victims want to know how many of their daughters and babies have to die before the Medical Board will revoke his license." In a May 22nd letter, Consumer Watchdog called on the state's physician licensing board to protect consumers by rejecting the proposed settlement. "The failure to recommend revocation of Dr. Park's license is made worse by the fact that the Board has another ongoing investigation of the deaths of 23-year-old Demi Dominguez and her baby in Dr. Park's care," wrote Consumer Watchdog. "Ms. Dominguez exhibited clear signs of preeclampsia which were ignored. She was released from the hospital and died at home following a seizure. Her baby Malakhi died 18 hours later. No 23-year old woman should die of treatable preeclampsia today." Read Consumer Watchdog's letter here: https://consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/2020-05/Ltr-Medical%20Board-Dr.%20Arthur%20Park%20Stipulation%20Settle%205%2021%202020-FIN.pdf "I always question why the Medical Board did not take action on Dr. Park's license earlier," stated Tracy Dominguez, mother of Demi Dominguez. "Had the Medical Board acted to protect patients, Demi and Malakhi would be alive today. The Board had the opportunity to save another family from my heartache, but they chose to continue to put our daughters at risk." Dr. Park's probation does include multiple restrictions on his practice that the Bakersfield public should be aware of, said Consumer Watchdog. However, the settlement and these practice restrictions will not go into effect until June 26, 2020. The restrictions include: Dr. Park is banned from hospital-based practice at a health facility. Dr. Park is prohibited from engaging in the practice of obstetrics with some exceptions. Dr. Park may not provide prenatal care to any high-risk patient, shall not render prenatal care to patients at their initial prenatal appointment, and not after the 36th week of pregnancy. Every patient whom Dr. Park renders pre-natal care shall have a designated obstetrician who will be responsible for the patient's care during labor and delivery, and the designated obstetrician shall review and sign off on all prenatal care by Dr. Park. Dr. Park is prohibited for Surgical Practice as an Operating Surgeon. Dr. Park is prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of medicine. Dr. Park must notify his current and new patients of these restrictions in writing, and maintain a log of all patients that received notification. The Medical Board of California's settlement with Dr. Park can be found by clicking here: https://www2.mbc.ca.gov/PDL/document.aspx?path=%5cDIDOCS%5c20200528%5cDMRAAAHL3%5c&did=AAAHL200528191527020.DID&licenseType=A&licenseNumber=44597%20#page=1 "The lives of these young women and babies were valuable," said Michele Monserratt-Ramos. "When will the Medical Board value human life as more important than the rehabilitation of a physician?" SOURCE Consumer Watchdog Related Links http://www.consumerwatchdog.org Coillte has been urged to scrap plans for clear felling in a woodland oasis near Cork city and declare its woodland near the city as recreational zones - just like it did in the capital. The call came today from Independent city councillor, Kieran McCarthy on the back of concerns from residents about an application for a licence to widen a forestry road within Old Court Woods near Douglas and Rochestown. Coillte has applied to the Department of Agriculture under the Forestry Act for a forest road licence, to create a wider 360m long road within the heart of the woods known locally as Garryduff woods. IT's understood it is to facilitate tree-felling. However, concerned locals have compared the proposed works as like using a machete to shave your face. The mixed woodland area has historical links to notable Cork families including the Ronaynes, Goolds and OSheas, with notable features including walls and some old ruins associated with the adjoining estate and a number of small streams that flow to Cork Harbour. It includes significant sections of old broadleaved woodland as well as stands of conifer at the southern end, with many wonderful mature specimen horse chestnuts and sycamore along the verges of the forest tracks. Locals say the amount of timber that can be harvested from the woods is low compared to the impact the works will have on the area, and that some trees were never replanted after a felling operation some years ago leaving a large gap on a ridge, exposing remaining trees to the elements, with several knocked during recent storms. There are also concerns about the destruction of the red squirrels habitat. Mr McCarthy said apart from its historic and environmental value, the wood stood out as a public local amenity during the lockdown, describing it as "an oasis in the heart of suburban living". I do realise it's a working forest, but with more houses being constructed in upper Rochestown, I am calling on Coillte to consider the plans they rolled out in Dublin be also applied to Cork City, said Mr McCarthy, who also urged people to make their submissions by June 11. Coillte said 75% of the forest is managed for biodiversity with the remaining area of 1970s planted Sitka Spruce managed to retain a consistent level of tree cover. "In 2012 this area was thinned out to allow the canopy to develop and for younger trees to grow up. Unfortunately, the storms over the last number of years have significantly damaged a number of trees in this area and the planned operation is to remove these as they may pose a health and safety concern," a spokesperson said. "The felling works and road works would result in a temporary closure of the property to walkers for health and safety purposes." The trees to be felled are commercial conifer trees which will support a vibrant forest industry, it said. The agency said it acknowledges the value of the amenity, and when this site is replanted, the new roadway will facilitate walkers in the woods. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 20:09:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), China's biggest commercial lender, provided 443.8 billion yuan (about 62.44 billion U.S. dollars) in inclusive finance loans to small businesses in the first five months this year. The lender has raised the credit line for small businesses to 10 million yuan, and extended or renewed loans to about 30,000 small businesses, said Chen Siqing, chairman of the ICBC, at an online symposium with small businesses on Tuesday. Among the bank's 7 million corporate customers, over 80 percent are small businesses, Chen said. The ICBC will further boost inclusive finance loans, while lowering the financing cost for small businesses, he said. Enditem The Twilight Motel of Wildwood came under fire last month for refusing to refund money to groups of high school students who booked blocks of rooms for prom weekends that were ultimately canceled because of the coronavirus crisis. The cost of the rooms was $150 per person. Kathleen Mangini, Twilights owner, previously said she was trying to give the students new dates, but not all students were interested in rescheduling. Instead, they wanted their money back. Mangini didnt want to give refunds to the 68 students from Lacey Township High School who had reservations for the weekend of June 5 at the time, it was unknown on what date the motel could reopen and the nearly 100 students from Toms River North High School who had booked the weekend of May 29, families said. Instead, she offered for the students to come later in the summer after shutdown rules would be relaxed. The state Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is now involved, saying its been working to facilitate dialogue between affected consumers and business owners eager to work with them to reach an amicable resolution. That includes Twilight. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage The agency said it received 21 refund-related complaints against the motel. One of the complaints was withdrawn after the motel addressed the consumers complaint, the state said, and the remaining 20 complaints are open and under review. As a general matter, DCA will close individual complaints against businesses when the consumer and the business are able to resolve the issue on their own or with assistance from the Division, it said. Twilight owner Mangini declined to comment, but Robert Lawrence, the father of one of the students from Lacey, said Consumer Affairs notified him on June 1 that Mangini had agreed to the refunds. The specifics on when and how we are to get a refund are not finalized, Lawrence said. The motel owner indicated to at least one person that it might not be until September. There does not appear to be any sense of urgency on the part of the motel owner to refund anyone, he said. Lawrence said after NJ Advance Media wrote about the refund dispute, Mangini continued to offer students new dates instead of refunds. He said Lacey Township was offered June 29 a midweek date that Lawrence said hes seen advertised for as little as $109 per room, far cheaper than what the students paid for their original weekend date. The owner didnt offer a price difference for what Lawrence called an inferior date. He also claimed that the owner tried to deal only with kids through texts and phone calls, because most of them would not know any better. Some students did take the June 29, but then on May 22, Lawrence said, Mangini switched some kids back to the original date of June 5. By his count, 52 accepted the original date, 15 are still expecting refunds and 14 gave up because they didnt know what to do or what rights they had. Kids will not be able to congregate in groups larger than 25 people outside and the pool is not open at the motel, he said, noting that was not what the kids originally signed up for. Wildwood motels can now operate at 60 percent capacity, and on June 22 they can rent out at 100 percent. Well let you know when the families start getting refunds from Twilight. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at bamboozled@njadvancemedia.com. Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has refused to directly address the announcements and actions of US President Donald Trump with regard to violence following the killing of African-American George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis. Trudeau paused for as long as 21 seconds when asked for his reaction, and avoided naming Trump in his response and instead focused upon race relations in Canada. Following the lengthy silence during his daily media briefing on the Covid-19 pandemic, Trudeau said that everyone was watching with horror and consternation at what is going on in the United States. He went on to add that this was a time to pull people together and to listen and learn, when injustices continue despite progress over years and decades. Trudeau was asked again about Trump, but he would not name the American President in his response. He also said there was the need to look at Canadian institutions and ensure that those barriers that may be invisible to many of us but are far too present for black Canadians and racialized Canadians, are addressed. This matter came up again as Trudeau addressed the House of Commons, the lower chamber of Canadas Parliament. Im not here today to describe a reality I do not know or speak to a pain I have not felt. I want you to know that our government is listening, he said. Late last year, as the October Federal elections were imminent, several photographs and videos of Trudeau emerged showing him in brown and black face. He apologised for those acts during his younger days, and again riffed on those failures, as he said, Im not perfect. He added that was not a free pass not to do the right thing. Trudeau said, Im not here today to describe a reality I do not know or speak to a pain I have not felt. I want you to know that our government is listening. However, he acknowledged the presence of systematic discrimination against minorities in Canada and need to address that challenge that not everyone saw. Canada has also witnessed protests in cities like Toronto and Montreal after the eruption in the United States. Prominent members of Connecticuts black community reacted Wednesday to the elevation of charges against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and the arrests of three other former officers in the death of George Floyd. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is upgrading the charge against Chauvin to second-degree murder, and charging Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. Scot X. Esdaile, president of the Connecticut NAACP, called Ellisons decision the right thing to do. Its a shame that we have to go through all this just for them to do the right thing, which they should have done from the start, Esdaile said. Police are supposed to protect and serve, but when something like this happens, we have to jump through all these hoops and twists and turns, with riots, burning of buildings and we have to turn the whole country upside down just to get justice. While Esdaile said the decision to prosecute Chauvin for second-degree murder, as well as charging the three other police officers who were present when Floyd died, was a step in the right direction, he warned that this is by no means a victory yet. Thats why we have to stay vigilant and continue to keep the pressure to make sure that justice is truly served, he said. The charges come days after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz asked Ellison to take over the prosecution, which until Sunday had been led by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office. The Rev. Boise Kimber, pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven and a longtime civil rights activist, said he thanks the governor of Minnesota for appointing that states attorney general to lead this investigation. It ceases to amaze me again that the district attorney could only come up with third-degree murder and manslaughter and did not move to arrest the other three officers expeditiously, but they are arrested today, Kimber said. I think that we should ask the governor of our state to give police brutality cases to our attorney general. Dorie Dumas, president of the Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP, said the arrests are what has been advocated for by so many, and it is an important move in the right direction. But we do not want just the arrests; we want to see convictions, Dumas said. We are going to keep watching for them to do the right thing, Dumas said. Dumas said she hopes to see real, systemic changes. She said in the wake of Floyds death, she has seen many young people confused, angry and upset. I think people are at a point where they cant take it anymore and they have to see some real change, she said. Everyone should be treated with dignity. Nobody deserves the injustice we have seen. Greg Johnson, who heads the Naugatuck Valley NAACP, said all of the officers should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Racism and hate should not be welcome in any community, Johnson said. Looking at the video. ... Im not an attorney, but my gut feeling is the state and federal government should prosecute to the full extent of the law. He said a federal grand jury should be impaneled to bring charges of violating constitutional rights. Not only should there be federal and state charges, but a civil suit must be filed, Johnson said. Theres always been questions in the minority community that police are not held accountable for their actions, he said. Johnson has been a leader in calling for an end to racism in the Naugatuck Valley communities. He questioned Ansonia police in 2018 when the Central Connecticut State University Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy listed the department among eight in the state as having a disparate percentage of motor vehicle stops involving minorities. He sought an investigation into the Derby Police Department following a 2018 complaint that officers singled out a group of minority teenagers who lingered after the annual Fourth of July fireworks display. Last year, he urged Sheltons school system to institute racial bias protocols and schedule diversity workshops after a series of racially insensitive incidents involving students. One involved an Intermediate School student spitting on a black person during a school trip to the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. This led to all of the Shelton students being asked to leave. Staff writer Michael Mayko contributed to this story. See Full Image Gallery >> BMW isn't the only carmaker pushing its design language in a more expressive direction. Hyundai introduced the fifth-generation Santa Fe with a head-turning look, available hybrid power, and plenty of technology inside. Hyundai's bread-and-butter SUV has come a very long way since the original model made its debut in 2000. While some of its predecessors leaned towards the anonymous end of the design scale, the new Santa Fe stands out in a growing segment with a wide grille underlined by a strip of bright trim and headlights split by T-shaped daytime running lights that look a little bit like Volvo's Thor's Hammer lights rotated by about 90 degrees. Its side profile and overall proportions are very similar to the outgoing model's. Out back, the T-shaped motif appears again and a thin light bar accentuates the Santa Fe's width. Hyundai noted it made the wheel arches a little bit wider to convey a sense of power and filled them with 20-inch alloy wheels. Some will love the look, and others will inevitably hate it. What's certain is that it won't fly under the radar, and that's what stylists aimed for. Hyundai retained the outgoing Santa Fe's basic interior layout but made it more comfortable and more spacious. It said every component is finished in premium soft-touch material, and it pointed out the high center console makes the front passengers feel like they're sitting in an armchair. We'll rate its living room quotient when we get the chance to sit behind the wheel. In the meantime, we don't need to leave our own armchair to see interior designers carved out additional storage by replacing the gear selector with four buttons on the center console. The driver faces a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, though we don't know if it's standard across the range or limited to upmarket trims. There's also a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system propped up on the dashboard. Its cargo capacity hasn't been published yet; for context, the Santa Fe currently found in showrooms offers 35.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 71.3 cubes with the rear seats folded. Story continues Hyundai isn't ready to talk about technical specifications for the American market, but it confirmed the European lineup will include hybrid (pictured) and plug-in hybrid options as well as gasoline- and diesel-burning burning-cylinder engines. The Santa Fe is built on the same N3 platform as the latest Sonata, and the architecture was developed with electrification in mind from the get-go. With that said, we're not expecting a fully electric model. Front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission will come standard, and all-wheel drive will be offered at an extra cost. Models with four driven wheels will receive Terrain Mode technology that lets the driver use a center console-mounted knob to select one of several driving profiles including sand, snow and mud, eco, sport, comfort, and smart. The last two analyze the driving style and automatically select the most suitable profile. The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe will arrive in American showrooms before the end of 2020 as a 2021 model. American market-specific information (including pricing) will be released in the coming weeks. Related Video: Click here to See Video >> [June 03, 2020] Minnesota Virtual Academy to Celebrate Class of 2020 with Online Ceremony on June 7 Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA) will celebrate the 140 members of the Class of 2020 during a virtual commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 7. MNVA is an online public school program of Houston Public Schools available to students in grades K-12 across the state. In lieu of its annual in-person celebration, MNVA is inviting friends and family to join the festivities online, with live and recorded speeches from school leadership, students, and Minnesota Senator Jeremy Miller. This year, members of the MNVA Class of 2020 report plans to enter the workforce or join military service, and many have been accepted to trade schools, colleges and universities across Minnesota and beyond, including George Mason University, Gustavus Adolphus College, Penn Foster College, University of Minnesota, Westminster College, and Winona State University. "We are thrilled to be celebrating the Class of 2020, even if it doesn't look like our tyical pomp and circumstance," said MNVA Head of School and Houston Public Schools Superintendent Krin Abraham. "The students and their families should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished to reach this day, and we can't wait to see what these education pioneers achieve next." MNVA students access a robust online curriculum in the core subjects and a host of electives that prepare them for college and careers. Live online classes are taught by state-licensed teachers, who work closely with families and students to ensure academic success, encourage students to discover their passions, and empower them to reach their potential. Details of this week's graduation ceremony are as follows: WHAT: Minnesota Virtual Academy 2020 Graduation Ceremony WHEN: Sunday, June 7, 2020, 2:00 PM CT WHERE: Online -- Register to view the graduation here: https://tinyurl.com/MNVA2020Grad About Minnesota Virtual Academy Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA) is a tuition-free online public school program of Houston Public Schools that serves students in grades K through 12. A Minnesota Department of Education-approved provider of online education, MNVA gives parents and families the choice to access the curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of proprietary K-12 curriculum and online education programs. For more information about MNVA, visit mnva.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005402/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Oil rose on Wednesday to a near three-month high amid optimism that major producers will extend production cuts as the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Brent crude was up 22 cents, or 0.6%, at $39.79, by 0003 GMT, the highest since March 6, having gained 3.3% on Tuesday. US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) gained 33 cents, or 0.9%, at $37.14, also the highest since March 6. The contract ended the previous session up 3.9%. Both benchmarks have risen sharply in recent weeks from the lows of April, buoyed by a continuing recovery in China, the epicentre of the ... Hill also explained she heard from a local religious leader, Rev. P. Wonder Harris, senior pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in East Moline about how he was concerned for the safety of African-American men, that if they wore a mask, it could be misinterpreted, and lead to additional problems. There are two situations at the same time, Hill said. While it is important to continue the social distancing and the washing of hands and everything we have been telling you for three months, the only way we have to control this virus, its also very important that people get their very important feelings out. So while they are out protesting, I do hope that they follow our advice the best that they can to keep themselves safe. Ed Rivers, director of the Scott County Health Department, was also concerned with how the protesting unfolded amid the pandemic. YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. IDBank urges its customers to visit the Bank only in case of extreme necessity, the Bank issued a respective statement. Dear customers, taking into consideration the pandemic situation, we strongly encourage and ask you to make use of IDBank's complete remote toolset. There is no need to visit the Bank in case of making payments or any other transaction. In order to make use of the services provided by IDBanking.am online platform, Idram application, you just need to download Idram application or make use of IDBanking.am online platform. Please wear masks and gloves, keep social distance in case of extreme need to visit the Bank. IDBank, in its turn, implements all necessary measures to maintain the health of customers and employees, all areas are regularly disinfected and ventilated, employees are provided with all security measures. Be healthy! the statement says. THE BANK IS CONTROLLED BY CBA Anthony Cohn, 37, swam after a detached boat Tuesday at Bass Lake. He was standing on a sandbar when the boats anchor got detached and it floated away. He swam after it, going into deeper waters. He went underwater and did not resurface, authorities said. Talks between India and China's military representatives on Tuesday to resolve the ongoing face-off in eastern Ladakh between the two countries remained inconclusive, government sources said. A Division Commander-level meeting was held between Major General rank officers of the two sides on Tuesday afternoon to resolve the issue but in the end it remained "inconclusive", sources said. Before talks began, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Y.K. Joshi also reached Ladakh to review the ground situation. Now, since no major success was achieved during the meeting, another round of talks between Indian and Chinese military leaders will be held on June 6. Indian Army Chief General M.M. Naravane is confident enough that the stand-off would be resolved at military level talks, sources said. Earlier, Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army held several meetings to resolve the face off , however no breakthrough has taken place. In the meantime, China has sent a large number of troops to the Line of Actual Control as reinforcements. Seeing this, Indian Army has also deployed forces accordingly. There four places where there is an eyeball-to-eyeball situation since May 5 at Line of Actual Control. Both sides have deployed over 1,000 troops eyeball-to-eyeball at all four places. Further reinforcements have also been made. Indian Army is keeping close watch in the Pangong Tso (lake) sector of eastern Ladakh and the Galwan Valley region where the Chinese have enhanced deployment. Other than Pangong Tso that is extremely sensitive the other places that are volatile in wake of the recent escalation are Trig Heights, Demchok and Chumar in Ladakh which forms western sector of the India-China frontier. 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. India and China have expressed that the matter would be resolved trough bilateral talks and both the countries are working upon it. However, sources said, that the current standoff in Ladakh is not the usual patrolling face-off but part of the new combative strategy that was rolled out by China after Doklam. In 2017, there was a 73-day stand-off between India and China at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction at Doklam. China's road construction in Bhutanese territory was seen as an attempt to change the status quo by India and finally the road work had to be stopped by the Chinese. A Roman Catholic Church in Singapore. (PHOTO: Martin Abbugao/AFP via Getty Images) SINGAPORE Catholic churches can be reopened for private prayers during Phase 1 of the COVID-19 post-circuit breaker period, after being allowed to engage volunteers to assist in putting up the necessary safe management practices. This is a reversal of the original decision by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore not to reopen the churches in Phase 1, as it was not allowed to engage volunteers to set up measures in compliance with safe management guidelines. In a statement put up on its website on Tuesday (2 June), the Archdiocese said that the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) has agreed to allow the churches to engage their pool of volunteers to assist in the provision of essential services. This is a critical factor in our review of the earlier decision, as our churches are heavily dependent on volunteers to run their many activities and MCCYs earlier guidelines of 25 May did not permit the use of volunteers in queue management, it said in the statement. As such, our churches lean staff strength did not make it possible for us to put in place the necessary safe management practices to enable the churches to reopen for private worship. With the engagement of volunteers, churches that are able to put in place the necessary protocols for safe management will open for private worship as and when they are ready. The Catholic faithful are encouraged to check with the respective parishes on their readiness to open, and the operating hours for private worship. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Related story: COVID-19: Catholic churches will not reopen for private prayers in Phase 1 New Delhi, June 4 : China has made slight retreat at Galwan Valley, one of the flashpoint leading to standoff with India, in Ladakh region on Wednesday, sources said. In a bid to resolve the issue, the China's People's Liberation Army moved back two kilometres and Indian Army has moved back by one kilometre. However, at another flashpoint Pangong Tso (lake), troops from both sides are stationed and are camping over there. This would be the main focus of the meeting on June 6 between top military officers of India and China. The general officer commanding of Leh-based 14 Corps, Lt. Gen. Harinder Singh, is set to represent India at the talks. Sources said that the Chinese are camping permanently at Finger 4 that has been under Indian control. "This needs to be resolved on urgent note," said a top Indian Army officer. Further, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General YK Joshi has reached Ladakh to review the ground situation and he is going to remain till Thursday. In addition to it on Tuesday, India and China military representatives carried out talks to resolve the ongoing face off in Eastern Ladakh. Division Commander Level Meeting was held between the Major General rank officers of the two sides on Tuesday afternoon to resolve the issue but in the end it remained "inconclusive". Another round of talks between Indian and ChineseAmilitary leaders will be held on June 6. Indian Army Chief MM Naravane is confident enough that the stand-off would be resolved at military level talks, sources said. Indian Army and China's PLA held several meetings to resolve the face off. However, no breakthrough has taken place. In the meantime, China has sent a large number of troops to the Line of Actual Control as reinforcement. Seeing so, Indian Army has also deployed forces accordingly. There four places where there is an eye ball to eye ball situation since May 5 at Line of Actual Control. Both sides have deployed over 1,000 troops in eyeball to eyeball situation at all four places. Indian Army is keeping close watch in the Pangong Tso (lake) sector of Eastern Ladakh and the Galwan Valley region where theAChineseAhave enhanced deployment. Other than Pangong Tso that is extremely sensitive the other places that are volatile in wake of the recent escalation are Trig Heights, Demchok and Chumar in Ladakh which forms western sector of the India-China frontier. The trigger for the face-off wasAChina'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. India and China have expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved trough bilateral talks and both the countries are working upon it. However, sources said, that the current standoff in Ladakh is not the usual patrolling faceoff but part of the new combative strategy that was rolled out by China after Doklam. In 2017, there was a 73-day stand-off between Indian and China. The standoff was at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction Doklam. China's road construction in Bhutanese territory was seen as an attempt to change the status quo by India and finally the road work had to be stopped. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Moscow police urge 9-year supervision over young woman attempted to join terrorists still-frame image 14:19 03/06/2020 MOSCOW, June 3 (RAPSI) Police filed a lawsuit seeking to order administrative supervision over Varvara Karaulova, ex-student of the Moscow State University who had been convicted of an attempt to join terrorists in Syria, until April 27, 2029, her attorney Sergey Badamshin told RAPSI on Wednesday. The Kuntsevsky District Court of Moscow will hear the suit on June 4. In April 2019, Karaulova was released from prison on parole. The second-year student of the Moscow State Universitys Faculty of Philosophy decided to join ISIS, a terrorist organization prohibited in Russia, and secretly started off for Istanbul on May 27, 2015. Karaulova, who later changed her name to Alexandra Ivanova, was arrested on June 4, 2015, near Turkey's border with Syria along with 13 other Russian citizens when attempting to cross into the territory occupied by Islamic State terrorists. In October 2015, she was put in jail. She pleaded not guilty. In October 2016, Karaulova was expelled from the university. In December 2016, the Moscow District Military Court found that Karaulova decided to participate in the Islamic State terrorist groups activities. The court noted that she shared organization's ideology. Karaulova was given a 4.5-year prison term. The Russian Supreme Court has upheld the sentence. The severity of the allegations coupled with Bolsonaros aggressive posturing is ratcheting up political tensions as the investigation draws near its conclusion. The presidents supporters are massing in the streets each week to call on him to lead a military takeover. Bolsonaro last weekend flew over them in a military helicopter, then mounted a police horse and rode out to greet them. Afterward, one of the members of the supreme court reportedly fretted that Bolsonaro wants to take Brazil where Hitler took Germany. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 4) - The six-month delay in the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) was well received by the American government, said the Philippine envoy to the United States. Right now, we all know that here in Washington D.C. it was very well received, said Ambassador Jose Romualdez in an interview with CNN Philippines. He said the surprising decision of the Philippine government has, in fact, stirred interest among some businesses in the U.S. One thing for sure, that the effect of that, of course, is extremely good and very high especially with U.S. businesses," he said. "There have been reports that many U.S. businesses are pulling out of China for many reasons, Romualdez continued. Right now, they are looking at the Philippines once again. In fact, I received several calls from some businessmen in Washington D.C. inquiring how do we see it, how do we proceed. Senate Committee on Economic Affairs chairperson Imee Marcos recently said the decision of the U.S. government to relocate a number of American factories from China to Indonesia confirms a growing economic trend favoring Southeast Asian countries as alternative sites for manufacturing. She said this trend is something that the Philippines should not blink an eye on. Despite the positive feedback and possible outcomes on the suspension of the termination, Romualdez said that President Rodrigo Duterte will have the final call on the fate of the agreement. I think the diplomatic note is very clear, we are suspending the termination," he said. "The suspension is very well in the hands of the President. The decision to continue with or terminate is the President's decision. We have to leave it like that." The VFA is an agreement between Manila and Washington signed in February 1998 which provides protocol on the treatment of American military personnel in the country. READ: EXPLAINER: The Visiting Forces Agreement Romualdez said the delay in the termination of the controversial pact, which was supposed to end on August 9, will give the Duterte administration more time to study the direction of its relationship with the U.S. in the wake of volatile global conditions. The six-month extension is basically just to give us a time to see where we want to go with the VFA, said Romualdez. He added, The President made it clear that he has never had any intention of abrogating the bigger treaty we had with the United States, which is the MDT [Mutual Defense Treaty] signed in 1951.The VFA is basically like the mechanism to be able to continue that relationship. FAIRFIELD Bringing together people of all ages, race and genders, Fairfield became the most recent town to see protesters gather and demonstrate over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee onto Floyds neck for more than 8 minutes. Hundreds of people marched through the streets Tuesday for nearly 3 miles on a route from the Sherman Green to Old Town Hall. They chanted Black Lives Matter, Hands up, dont shoot and No justice, no peace. The protest came just over a week after the death of Floyd at the hands of police sparked demonstrations against police brutality in cities throughout the country. Some events have turned violent, with police and protesters clashing. When the lines of protesters in Fairfield made it to Old Town Hall, they each took a knee and had a moment of silence for the deaths of black people at the hands of police. The first person to speak was Alejandro Cruz, a Hartford resident, as the crowd formed a large circle on the green. Cruz said the movement was about love, and his mother had raised him to love all people. (Black Americans) are tired of getting beat down, and for what? Cruz said. We are just trying to get our voices heard. Cruz said he wanted to come to the demonstration because it was important to take action instead of simply writing some stuff on Facebook. Over the next hour, many people came into the center of the circle to speak. They called for equality and justice, not just in the criminal justice system but in the other ways they said the country had left the black community behind, such as education. Emma Powell, a Fairfield resident, said she organized the protest because she was frustrated with all the people who say they are against police brutality on social media but never take action in real life. They are against whats happening, she said. They are against police brutality, but they dont take a lot of action. Especially here, because a lot of people are white and from the upper middle class, myself included, and I just got tired of it. Powell said she was tired of people with privilege being comfortable with the status quo and not using their influence for the greater good. She said she was happy with the amount of people who showed up. This has honestly exceeded any and all of my expectations, Powell said. I was so blown away. At one point, we were at (Old Town Hall) and the circle opened up and people of all ages, race and genders got in and were talking about their experiences. It was so touching. Rudy Gonzales, a Bridgeport resident, said he went to the protest to show people that they can unite to advocate for black lives. Theres a lot going on in our country. Thats why were here today, Gonzales said. To bring everybody together. To show that we can stand united. My life matters. Black lives matter. Nadra Al-Hamwy said she was tired of seeing black people being killed by police on TV. She said protests are how they can voice their opinion, but she is not sure if it will be enough. People have been peacefully protesting for years, she said. Weve seen it with (Martin Luther King Jr.). Weve seen it with countless other people like (Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO.). The fact that it keeps happening time and time again indicates that change is not being done. Monroe native Maggie Desruisseaux said it is important to show people that minorities can come together with white people, especially in a predominately white town like Fairfield, to talk about an important movement. (Connecticut) may not be having this problem as bad as it is in other places, Desruisseaux said, but I feel like its still important to show support all around the world. Ablie Sarri, a Frenchman studying in the U.S., said he does not want his mom to have to call him from France to tell him to stop going on bike rides because she fears for his life. I dont want to have to live in fear when I leave my house, Sarri said. One day, when I have kids, I dont want them to be fighting for the same cause Im fighting for. This has been going on for too long. Sarri said he was almost devoid of hope, adding that he felt like he would be back protesting in 10 years. Im, quote, fed up, to be honest, he said. I dont know how much I can do, but I know that Im doing more than doing nothing. Australian supermarket chains are slowly becoming more chic, with special sections filled with luxury treats. Both Coles and Woolworths have upped their game, opening boutique stores in affluent suburbs around the country. The old Kings Theatre in Rose Bay, an affluent suburb in Sydney's east, has been transformed into a destination supermarket where shoppers can pamper their pooches at the pick-and-mix dog treat bar. There's also a fresh pasta bar, a Japanese mochi ice cream counter and a macaron bar. Shoppers have also recently discovered Double Bay's Woolworths has a secret room inside dedicated to cheese. The specialty room is hidden inside the supermarket chain's Double Bay store, in Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs The Coles in Hawthorn, Melbourne, has been designed with nearby students in mind, and features a macaron station (pictured, left) and a candy bar (right) A customer revealed the hidden gem in a TikTok video, which has caused widespread envy from other shoppers. 'This Double Bay Woolworths is the fanciest in Australia,' Ryan Paturzo says in the video has he enters the store. At first, the store looks like any other supermarket, but then Mr Paturzo enters through a glass door into a room lined with cheese. 'They have a a walk-in cheese room,' Mr Paturzo says in the footage. 'Parmesan, brie, goats...' 'You name it, it's in here. Pick up your favourite wheel today. My fav's gouda.' The video has amassed more than 328,000 views, with many users sharing how impressed they were by the luxury store. 'Every Woolworths should be like this,' one person wrote. At first, the store looks like any other supermarket, but then Mr Paturzo enters through a glass door into a room lined with cheese At first, the store looks like any other supermarket, but then Mr Paturzo enters through a glass door into a room lined with cheese Coles in Double Bay, Sydney has organic fruit and vegetables which are sourced from Green Camel Organic Produce, who use high-tech organic glasshouses and special water-efficient systems 'I wish my local Woolies was like this,' wrote another. The store includes an in-store cafe with barista-made organic coffee and even an on-site florist. The shopping trolleys are made from recycled milk bottles and the eco-baskets are made from recycled soft plastics. The exclusive shop has an entire section dedicated to hemp food and a large range of gluten free products. Envy-inducing supermarkets are beginning to pop up in affluent suburbs across Australia. Coles, in Melbourne's Hawthorn, was dubbed 'Australia's most boujee' supermarket when it opened in May. In Rose Bay, Coles has opened a boutique store, which looks like a 1920s movie theatre from the outside with its art-deco design style Pet owners can pampered their pets with the fancy snack station on offer inside the store (Pictured: A woman with her dog) The boutique store offers freshly pressed juice, a macaron bar and even ice cream for dogs. Specially designed with millennials in mind, it has a fresh pasta bar, a Japanese mochi ice cream counter, a cinema-style candy bar and self-serve barista-quality coffee. Pets are especially pampered at the new shop, thanks to a doggy ice cream bar and a dedicated pet treats section. The thoroughly modern supermarket uses boxes instead of plastic bags, and offers an eco-friendly product section and a zero edible food waste policy. Head of Coles Local Michael Fahd said: 'The smaller Coles Local format is incredibly popular with our customers as we put a lot of effort in to tailor the store to the needs of the local area. 'Our new Hawthorn store stocks more than 80 speciality products from local growers, bakers, producers and cafes.' The impressive Coles even has an 'entertaining' section so customers can get what they need to host a lavish dinner party when restrictions lift (pictured) Coles designed the store after it conducted wide research into the Rose Bay community, finding they are more than twice as likely to choose premium, high quality products than the average Australian shopper New figures will throw new light on the huge costs in supporting the economy and on the long-term pain as more households lose their jobs amid the Covid-19 economic crisis. Exchequer figures published later today will likely show that a ballooning deficit of over 3bn in May as the 2bn-a-month cost in the pandemic unemployment and wage-support schemes are added to the continuing healthcare costs in fighting the pandemic. A year ago, the budget deficit in the month was a negligible 62m, as Vat and income taxes poured into the exchequer. May is one of the key months for the exchequer to collect Vat but revenues from this tax source will be a fraction of the 2.3bn collected in May 2019, even as income tax revenues hold up surprisingly well. That's because public sector workers and the highest-paid workers who proportionally contribute more to the income tax revenues have kept their jobs in the Covid-19 economic slump. Nonetheless, Mays tax revenues revenue will likely bring major piece of good news for the beleaguered exchequer in that buoyant corporation tax revenues from multinationals are likely to go a long way in offsetting the slide in Vat and other major tax sources. The exchequer figures are likely to show that corporation tax revenues have been boosted by the revenues of the global pharmaceutical and tech giants who have major bases in Ireland and whose global sales have surged during the pandemic. Also later today, the CSO publishes the unemployment figures for May, which are likely to show that more than 10,000 people have joined the official claimant count last month. In April, there were 214,700 people on the live register, up from almost 205,210 in March and 182,000 at the start of the emergency, in March. The Government will be hoping that today's figures will mark some sort of high watermark in the crisis, in the number of people needing supports. Figures show that a total of close to 1.3 million people -- equivalent to two-thirds of the private sector employment in the Republic -- are in receipt of some sort of public payment during the pandemic. Yesterday, the latest figures from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection showed there were 543,200 people receiving the 350 a week pandemic unemployment payment, down by 36,200 in the past week. However, the number of people availing of the wage-support scheme rose by 25,300 to over 508,100, according to the official figures. Although suggesting that the number in receipt of Government payments may have peaked, there remains the huge danger that many people will fall into long term unemployment. The official figures show that the largest groups on the pandemic unemployment payments are the 122,200 people who worked in accommodation and food service and the 80,900 who work in wholesale and retail. Unlike construction workers who are returning slowly, accommodation and retail workers are not going back to work any time soon and are in danger of falling into long-term unemployment, as happened during the financial crisis. Conall Mac Coille, chief economist at broker Davy, said the live register figures could mark the peak in the number claiming government payments. Washington: Minnesota Attorney-General Keith Ellison has upgraded the murder charge against the former police officer who pressed his knee against George Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes, and charged the three other officers at the scene with aiding and abetting murder. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin will now face trial for second-degree murder, in addition to the third-degree murder and manslaughter charges announced last week. The decision to upgrade the charges came as demonstrations throughout the US stayed mostly peaceful, with no reported instances of looting. While protesters remained on the street beyond curfew in Washington DC, Atlanta, Seatlle and New York, clashes were over quickly. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper called Floyd's death "a horrible crime" and declared he opposes using military troops to contain current street protests, tamping down threats from President Donald Trump, who had warned states he was willing to send soldiers to "dominate" their streets. Premier Li Keqiang visits a community in Yantai, Shandong province, on Monday to talk to merchants and vendors operating booths and small shops about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business, whether they are receiving policy backing and are paying their staffs on time. WWW.GOV.CN Premier calls on banks to ease financing burdens to help merchants survive, thrive Premier Li Keqiang has called for heightened measures to reduce the financing costs of smaller businesses with steps to raise their lines of credit and allow them to use intellectual property rights as collateral to obtain loans. Speaking during an inspection trip to Shandong province on Monday and Tuesday, Li urged financial institutions to allow startups to use intellectual property rights as collateral for loans and to consider greenlighting lenders to take account of the quality of smaller companies' employees during the financing process. Li visited Blue Intelligence Valley, a center for high-tech startups in Yantai, where he asked business executives about their operations and whether government relief policies have been fully implemented. Li called upon banks to streamline the financing burdens of struggling businesses even at the cost of their own profits, saying that enabling businesses to ensure success for the future will also benefit the growth of banks. In this year's Government Work Report, Li announced steps to extend policies allowing smaller businesses to postpone principal and interest payments on loans until the end of March next year and to increase inclusive finance lending from large commercial banks to small businesses by 40 percent. Noting that the country will see a historic high number of new college graduates this year, Li expressed his hope that businesses will make more jobs available, especially to college graduates. The premier visited an old residential community in Yantai's Zhifu district, where he heard reports on the renovation of aging communities. Such renovation will not only improve living conditions, but also spur consumer spending on home remodeling and household appliances, he said. He highlighted the need to encourage the participation of private capital to help speed up the pace of renovation. Li asked owners of small shops and independent vendors about how their operations have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many said that their incomes have declined by about 30 to 40 percent. Li assured the business owners that the government will give them more support, as independent vendor and small shop businesses are important sources of job creation. Their business models are as much sources of vitality for the country as are high-end industries, and only by ensuring that the market, businesses and the self-employed survive and thrive can the country become more developed, he said. Xiaomi is not planning to release a Snapdragon 865 variant of the Mi MIX Alpha handset. This information comes from Xiao Zang, the Deputy General Manager of Marketing at Xiaomi. The Xiaomi Mi MIX Alpha will not have a Snapdragon 865 follow-up, it seems He shared the information via his official Weibo account. He shared that information to stop rumors from spreading around, as several sources reported that a Snapdragon 865 variant is coming. Truth be said, those sources were not exactly trustworthy, which is why we didnt mention anything until now. Advertisement The Xiaomi Mi MIX Alpha, as many of you probably already know, is the companys concept phone. That device was announced last year, and it features a display all around its body, basically save for a vertical strip on the back. The phone looks stunning, and it managed to attract a lot of attention when it was announced. Xiaomi did not make that many copies, even though it announced that it will mass-produce it. Well, that never happened. Xiaomi tends to release a concept phone now and then, and this one is probably the most futuristic the company came up with. The Xiaomi Mi MIX was once a concept phone, as some of you may remember. Advertisement The Xiaomi Mi MIX Alpha is incredibly expensive. The phones announced price tag is CNY19,999 ($2,815) in China, which makes it out of reach for the vast majority of people. Still, the device is not available for purchase, so that price tag doesnt mean much. The phone got announced with Snapdragon 855+, plenty of RAM, Android 10 & more The phone was announced with the Snapdragon 855+ 64-bit octa-core processor. That may not be the latest and greatest from Qualcomm, but its still quite a powerful processor. The device also arrived with a ton of RAM, and storage, along with that crazy 360 display. The phone also ships with Android 10, and Xiaomis MIUI skin on top of it. A 108-megapixel main camera is included on the back, with several other sensors. Advertisement That 360 display is an OLED display, though unfortunately, its not a high refresh rate one. An in-display fingerprint scanner is also included in this package, along with a large battery. The phone includes a 4,050mAh battery, which does support fast charging. The device does not support wireless charging, but it supports 40W fast wired charging. Considering that the first-gen model did not make it to mass production so long after its release, the second-gen model is probably not coming at all. This confirmation from Mr. Zang kind of confirms it. He referred to a Snapdragon 865 variant of the original Mi MIX Alpha, or so it seems, but its also possible that he meant the follow-up. All in all, wed say that the Mi MIX Alpha 2 will not become a reality, at least not in 2020. A student protester on hunger strike at Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in June 1989. (Courtesy of Liu Jian/ The Epoch Times) US Calls for Full Account of Tiananmen Square Massacre Victims on Eve of 31st Anniversary The United States renewed calls for a public account of those killed in the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre on the eve of the 31st anniversary of the Chinese regimes crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. We mourn the victims of June 4, 1989, and we stand with the people of China who continue to aspire to a government that protects human rights, fundamental freedoms, and basic human dignity, U.S. state department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement on June 3. Late night on June 3, 1989, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) deployed the military to suppress peaceful students protesting for greater freedoms at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Soldiers then rolled in with tanks, running over protesters and firing live-rounds at unarmed students. Thousands are estimated to have been killed. To this day, the CCP has not disclosed the number nor names of those who died in the bloody crackdown. Information about the incident is heavily censored in mainland China. We reiterate our call for a full, public accounting of those killed or missing, Ortagus said. This years anniversary of the massacre comes as the CCP draws growing international condemnation over its recent move to impose a national security law for Hong Kong, which critics fear will crush freedoms in the former British colony. Activists in Hong Kong have planned a rally on Thursday to mark the anniversary, despite police having canceled an annual vigil due to virus concerns. The city had hosted the vigil every year since 1990, with more than 100,000 attending in recent years. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rebuked the cancelation on Twitter, saying: If there is any doubt about Beijings intent, it is to deny Hong Kongers a voice and a choice, making them the same as mainlanders. Last Friday, President Donald Trump announced that the administration would begin revoking Hong Kongs special privileges granted by the United States because it was no longer sufficiently autonomous from the mainland after Beijings recent action. When the city was transferred from British to Chinese rule in 1997, the regime had pledged to provide Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy under the framework, one country, two systems. Separately on Tuesday, Pompeo met with four survivors of the Tiananmen Square massacre: Wang Dan, Su Xiaokang, Liane Lee, and Henry Li. Bipartisan lawmakers also reiterated the administrations call for justice in commemorating the event. We stand with the surviving family members of the victims, including the courageous Tiananmen Mothers, who are still seeking truth and justice at great personal risk, Rep. James P. McGovern (D-Mass.) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), chair and co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said in a June 3 statement. The Tiananmen Mothers is a group of victims family members who have for decades sought justice, accountability, and compensation for their loved ones. Members of the group have themselves been harassed and suppressed by the Chinese regime. Thirty-one years after the bloodshed, efforts by the people of China to exercise their fundamental freedoms too often continue to be met with brutal repression, the lawmakers said. They concluded with words from the Tiananmen Mothers: The hard facts of the massacre are etched into history. No one can erase it; no power, however mighty, can alter it; and no words or tongues, however clever, can deny it. After the death of an elephant in Uttarakhands Rajaji national park, the administration has decided to form two different teams for rescuing elephants and leopards with the aim of quick response. The elephant had died after being rescued. Amit Verma, the field director for Rajaji Tiger Reserve, informed that the decision was taken during a coordination meeting between Haridwar forest division, Dehradun forest division and Rajaji Tiger Reserve management on Monday. Haridwar is a division which shares borders with both eastern and western sides of Rajaji Tiger Reserve and there is a lot of elephant movement in that area, leading to conflict at times. It gets difficult for us to control the elephant movement as different areas have different jurisdictions. So, we decided to have a joint team with officials from both the forest department and the Rajaji administration for controlling conflict. This way we will have administration authority from both the areas and a quick decision can be taken, said Verma. The director added that a similar team has been formed for leopards, but it is a more localised issue. Conflict due to leopard is a more localised issue and they dont travel that much unlike elephants who travel across divisions. Conflict due to leopard happens at certain spots and both the forest department and Rajaji administration is equally equipped to tackle with that but still, a team has been formed, added Verma. Each team will have around seven to 12 members that will work in coordination with each other. On May 27, an injured elephant who was rescued after a 14-hour-long operation, succumbed to its injuries. Forest and Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR) officials said that the rescue operation which commenced on May 26 morning went on till late at night. The injured elephant was spotted near Chilla Canal in RTR, in the midst of a canal, after it came therefrom Chilla-Rishikesh road, where it had created panic among the passersby. Veterinarian and tranquilising specialist Dr Aditi Sharma along with other park and wild life specialist carried out the tranquilising operation successfully. But owing to the elephant being injured and remaining in river water for several hours led to drastic deterioration of its health. Six passengers onboard a Hyundai Grace commercial vehicle are feared dead in an accident that occurred at Gomoa Osamkrom on the Agona Swedru-Winneba main road Tuesday afternoon. The accident involved a Hyundai Grace with registration number GT 4110-13 which was loaded with many passengers and was heading towards Winneba. The other accident vehicle is a DAF tanker truck with registration number GT 7728-16 which was heading towards a gas filling station at Agona Swedru to offload gas. According to information gathered by Graphic Online, another vehicle did an overtaking but had to slow down abruptly in front of the tanker truck. In an attempt to avoid running into the vehicle which had slowed down abruptly ahead of it, the tanker driver applied his brakes whilst descending a slippery slope towards the Osamkrom township. In the process, the tanker skidded off the road and hit the Hyundai which veered off the road into a nearby bush. Officials of the Swedru Municipal Fire Service and the personnel from the Swedru Divisional unit of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service rushed to the scene to maintain law and order. Six passengers onboard both vehicles including the drivers and their mates who were severely injured were rescued and taken to the Swedru Government Hospital for emergency medical attention. However, some passengers who are yet to be identified were trapped in the Hyundai vehicle. For more than six hours, attempts were still underway by the security personnel to rescue them. Some eyewitnesses said they saw about six people trapped in the Hyundai vehicle which was under the tanker. Confirmation Confirming the incident to Graphic Online, the station Officer at the Swedru Divisional MTTD, Chief Inspector Sampson Boamah said that the rescue team would only be able to retrieve the dead bodies if the LPG gas is discharged from the tanker. He noted that the situation at the scene of the accident was being attended to with a lot of caution since any little mistake could lead to an explosion which may have devastating effects on the adjoining communities. He noted that a recovery truck is in the process of trying to remove the container so that the bodies of the passengers trapped to death could be deposited at the morgue for autopsy. He noted that members of the Osamkrom community who are very close to the accident have been sensitized to avoid flammable items close to the scene that could lead to the explosion of the tanker. Meanwhile, the Swedru-Winneba main road has been blocked to traffic as commuters and drivers would have to use alternative routes to get to their respective destinations. Source: Graphic Online 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 a paper published two years ago, Racial Attitudes and Political Correctness in the 2016 Presidential Election, Matt Grossmann, a political scientist at Michigan State, wrote about the centrality of racially freighted issues in Trumps victory. Far more often than his explicit racial statements, Trump incorporated rhetoric combining conservative sentiments with symbols that invoke racial attitudes. He mentioned illegal and criminal more than prior campaigns and exceeded Richard Nixon levels of law and order rhetoric, which had been effective in the past at marrying racial attitudes with broader ideas about liberalism. Hillary Clinton, in turn, intensified division on these issues, Grossmann wrote: Meanwhile, seeing an advantage over Sanders with black voters in the Democratic primary, Clinton toured the country with the mothers of the movement who had lost children to police violence. Opinions of police use of force were related to Trump and Clinton support early in the campaign and law enforcement became an important Trump constituency, boosting Republicans. Significantly, the 2015-16 period was marked by rising racial tensions similar, in many respects, to what is taking place across the country now. As Grossmann wrote, Trump took advantage of a moment of rising racial conflict. As he began to campaign in 2015, there had been a large upsurge in attention to the Black Lives Matter movement, protests of police violence, and campus protests of discrimination. The Baltimore Freddie Gray protests and riots before his announcement, and the Ferguson anniversary protests after it, stimulated widespread media attention and public interest. A San Francisco shooting death that summer was used to (erroneously) blame illegal immigrants for rising crime in some cities. The result was a sharp divide: Trump voters thus perceived rising crime alongside demands to limit police actions that hurt minorities, rising terrorism alongside norms against singling out Muslims, and declining opportunities for men alongside expectations to avoid mistreating women. Clinton voters, from their vantage point, Grossmann wrote: saw rising diversity and increasing openness to people of all types being threatened by a backward-looking and shame-worthy candidate. Both perceptions were responses to the central messages of the candidates and the context of the campaign. There is, however, another set of forces at work that is likely to mute any rightward shift and to push voters to the left instead. Opinion Debate Will the Democrats face a midterm wipeout? Mark Penn and Andrew Stein write that "only a broader course correction to the center will give Democrats a fighting chance in 2022" and beyond. write that "only a broader course correction to the center will give Democrats a fighting chance in 2022" and beyond. Matthew Continetti writes that time and again, the biggest obstacle to a red wave hasnt been the Democratic Party. Its been the Republican Party. writes that time and again, the biggest obstacle to a red wave hasnt been the Democratic Party. Its been the Republican Party. Ezra Klein speaks to David Shor, who discusses his fear that Democrats face electoral catastrophe unless they shift their messaging. speaks to David Shor, who discusses his fear that Democrats face electoral catastrophe unless they shift their messaging. Michelle Cottle examines two primary contests that will shake the parties well beyond the states in play. While fear of disorder and crime tend to play into the hands of the Republican Party, at least traditionally, the opposite is true of health care and economic crises, which play to Democratic strengths as the party more sympathetic to the concerns of those who are suffering. In his 2019 article Compassionate Democrats and Tough Republicans: How Ideology Shapes Partisan Stereotypes, Scott Clifford, a political scientist at the University of Houston, explains: Democratic politicians are perceived as more compassionate and empathetic, while Republican politicians are seen as stronger leaders and as having greater personal morality. In the context of three simultaneous crises the pandemic, the economy and nationwide protests over police brutality toward African-Americans Trumps attempts to assert his role as the hard-nosed embodiment of law-and-order have been undermined by the publics harsh assessment of his leadership role during the pandemic. The June 1 Morning Consult poll found, for example, that 41 percent of voters approved of Trumps handling of the pandemic compared with 53 percent who disapproved, his worst ratings since the firm began asking the question in late February. Trumps approval ratings on handling the economy are better averaging 50.8 favorable, 44.3 percent unfavorable across six surveys in May, according to RealClearPolitics but those numbers are substantially worse than they were in polls conducted earlier this year. In addition, white voters the segment of the electorate most likely to become more Republican in reaction to heightened racial tension are far fewer than they were 52 years ago. The census estimated that in 1968, 89.7 percent of all voters were white, so that even a small percentage shift could have major consequences. In 2020, the Pew Research Center estimates that the white share of the electorate has shrunk by 23 points to 66.7 percent. There are additional indications that violent protest may produce stronger support for some liberal initiatives. A New Jersey doctor is trying to stop the spread of coronavirus, not from a clinic, but from the back of a van. COVID-19 is disproportionately killing African Americans. To make matters worse, testing for the virus is scarce in poor, largely minority communities hit hardest by the virus. But one doctor in New Jersey is working to address that issue. Dr Alexander Salerno is offering mobile testing for COVID-19 infections from the back of his van. Al Jazeeras Gabriel Elizondo report from the US state of New Jersey. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 03:26:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday urged the European Union to stand against U.S. "illegal" sanctions against the Islamic republic, Press TV reported. The United States has threatened the lives of 83 million Iranians by imposing "cruel sanctions and preventing the transfer of medicine and essentials to Iran" at the time of novel coronavirus pandemic, Rouhani said in a phone conversation with his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto on Tuesday. Washington has violated international regulations by increasing sanctions against Iran, he said. "Under the ongoing circumstances, the European Union, particularly Finland, should carry out its duty by condemning the illegal measures of the United States," Rouhani was quoted as saying. Since its unilateral exit from the Iranian nuclear deal in 2018, Washington has been mounting pressure on Tehran through a series of sanctions. Iran has maintained a tough stance and scaled back its nuclear commitments in response. Enditem Protestors and police at City Hall, in Philadelphia, June 01, 2020. Monday is the third day of protests about the police involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Read more Mayor Jim Kenneys revised coronavirus-era budget proposal slashes initiatives focused on youth violence prevention, workforce development, and arts and culture. It lays off hundreds of workers who run programs at recreation centers and libraries. But the Philadelphia Police Department is slated to get $14 million more than what the mayor proposed in his initial budget. That increase is now the target of local criminal justice reform advocates, who have called for City Council to reject any proposal that adds funding to the Police Department. The demand comes as thousands of Americans take to the streets to protest the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer amid the long history of police brutality against black people. The budget, activists say, is a symbol of where the mayors priorities lie. The proposed $14 million increase, especially at the expense of other services, is not only going to impact poor communities ability to lift themselves out of the economic downturn, but its also going to criminalize us. Black neighborhoods, especially," said Devren Washington, an organizer at the Philadelphia chapter of Black Lives Matter. Because we know that the city will basically try to arrest its way out of its major problems." Community groups and advocates are making similar demands in cities across the country, such as Los Angeles, where the police department is the only department not slated for cuts, and Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed. Its the latest in a series of police accountability campaigns over the years most recently, Philly activists had set their sights on influencing the police union contract but nationwide protests are shining a new light on similar efforts. The current budget campaign calls attention to what criminal justice reform advocates have said for years: Local governments spend enormous resources on policing at the expense of other services. As a country, we are continuously increasing the amount of spending that we do on policing and criminalization, and that naturally comes with trade-offs, Kumar Rao, director of the Justice Transformation Program at the Center for Popular Democracy, told The Intercept. READ MORE: Peaceful protests against police brutality fill the streets in the Philly region; N.J. will overhaul its police use-of-force guidelines, AG says About one-quarter of the citys proposed $4.9 billion budget is allocated to criminal justice. Police ($760 million) and prisons ($217 million) make up 20% of the proposed general fund budget. In Minneapolis, police and prisons made up 37% of the 2019 budget, according to Local Progress, a network of local elected officials pushing progressive policy. In New York, police and prisons made up 10% of the 2019 budget. The economic devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic is another intensifying factor, said Chenjerai Kumanyika, a Rutgers University professor who studies social justice. At a time when the city is cutting public services but increasing the police budget, he said, a claim like defund the police suddenly becomes legible to people. Its defund the police in light of COVID austerity, Kumanyika said. Suddenly, people can hear it. City Council must approve Kenneys budget before it becomes final, and activists have planned to virtually flood a budget hearing on June 9. Freshman Councilmember Kendra Brooks, part of a group of black elected officials who proposed a series of police reform plans Tuesday, said she did not approve of the budget. If the city is serious about beginning to repair the harm caused by generations of police brutality and systemic racism, then they should start by rethinking the amount of resources we pour into the police budget and allocating those resources to stabilizing working-class and poor communities of color," she said in a statement. Still, it will be difficult to pass a budget without an increase to the Police Department. Thats because in the early days of the pandemic, the city and the police union, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, agreed to a one-year contract extension that includes 2.5% pay increase. That raise is the majority of the $14 million addition to the department. Now that the contract has been extended, both sides need to agree to reopening negotiations if there are to be any changes. Thats not likely to happen. The FOP did not respond to requests for comment. The city negotiated one-year extensions with all the municipal unions, saying it was important for workers to focus on the pandemic, not employment contract negotiations. But the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, pastor at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, who was leading the charge for citizens to have a say in the police contract, slammed the extension as absolutely irresponsible" and lacking transparency. It reinforces, quite frankly, many of the reasons that persons like myself are angry and upset at the special treatment that law enforcement gets, he said. All the municipal unions got 2% raises as part of their extension, except for the FOP and the AFSCME District Council 33 local representing correctional officers, which got 2.5% raises. Mayoral spokesperson Mike Dunn said the increase to the Police Department includes funding to reduce gun violence and advance reform within the department with such measures as anti-racism training and equipping more officers with body cameras. It also includes a roughly $5 million reduction in overtime, according to city budget records. Critics argue that cutting police budgets will lead to more crime. There is, however, little evidence to suggest that drops in violent crime are linked to more officers, according to a 2019 investigation by USA Today, the Marshall Project, and the Memphis Commercial Appeal. There could be other consequences, however. In Memphis, Tenn., after the citys police department cut its budget during the 2008 recession, the department spent millions in overtime, criminal justice reporter Simone Weichselbaum told Marketplace. Research shows thats a recipe for disaster, she said, because it leads to cops being angry and overworked. And thats just a powder keg waiting to explode," said Weichselbaum, one of the authors of the 2019 USA Today investigation. Advocates point to the fact that crime is a systemic problem one thats caused when communities are starved of resources," Washington said, such as mental-health services, education, and arts and culture, many of which the city intends to cut or reduce. As Philadelphia Chief Defender Keir Bradford-Grey put it: Were going to have to balance that understanding that we all have a role to play: If you fund one side of the system, nothings going to change. The city employs 7,526 full-time Police Department workers, 6,575 whom are officers, the city said. The median salary for a full-time officer was $76,187. Editors note: This story was updated on June 3, 2020, at 11 a.m. to reflect the number of full-time officers in the Philadelphia Police Department. UPDATE: A fifth home received minor damage from the heat of the North Street fire, bringing the total number of homes damaged by fire overnight in the city to six, Kalamazoo Public Safety reported Tuesday morning. The occupant reported to have made it out safely of one of the homes has been identified as an 84-year-old woman who has been displaced after 40-plus years in her home. KALAMAZOO, MI Five homes, four of which were vacant, burned overnight in two separate fires in Kalamazoo. Both fires are being deemed suspicious at this time by the fire marshals office, Kalamazoo Public Safety Lt. Matt Schemenauer confirmed with MLive on June 3. An investigation by the fire marshals office is underway. Both fires occurred hours after an overnight citywide curfew went into effect at 7 p.m. Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Karianne Thomas announced the curfew at a Tuesday morning press conference in response to vandalism and looting that occurred the night before which resulted in tear-gassing of vandals and protesters. Numerous protests against police brutality occurred throughout the area Monday in response to the killing of 46-year-old black man George Floyd by a now former Minneapolis police officer. Another peaceful protest occurred Tuesday night. Protesters were tear-gassed shortly after the curfew went into effect after refusing to disperse. No connection is being made by law enforcement between the protests and the fires at this time. Firefighters with Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to the first of the two overnight blazes at around 11:20 p.m. June 2 near the intersection of West North Street and Staples Avenue. Four homes were heavily damaged in the that fire, Schemenauer said. When officers arrived on scene, three structures on West North Street were actively burning. One of them was completely engulfed in flames, a news release from the department stated. Within minutes of firefighters arriving on scene, the fire had spread to a fourth structure in the 700 block of Staples Avenue, the release states. One resident was evacuated safely from one of the homes and no injuries were reported, authorities on scene told an MLive reporter. A call on a second fire, in the 900 block of Stockbridge Avenue, came in at around 1:08 a.m., Schemenauer said. The residence, which was vacant and unoccupied, was engulfed in flames when public safety officers arrived, he said. All the adjacent residences were protected, Schemenauer said. Firefighters from the Kalamazoo Township Fire Department, Oshtemo Township Fire Department, Portage Department of Public Safety, Cooper Township Fire Department and Texas Township Fire Department assisted on the two fires. Also on MLive: Multiple houses on fire along Kalamazoo street Kalamazoo protesters urge police to join them, are tear-gassed after curfew My heart was wrenched with pain, assistant chief says of ordering tear gas on protesters Kalamazoo city leaders met with protesters, who demanded answers about public safetys use of force Outside agitators forced officers to deploy tear gas, pepper spray in Kalamazoo, police say Volunteers help business owners clean up after night of protests, vandalism in Kalamazoo Allies, Take Notes: Jane Fondas History of Activism From Civil Rights to Today Jane Fonda really has been and forever will be that b*tch. The 82-year-old Academy Award winning actress, perhaps best known for her stand-out rolls in films like Barefoot in the Park, 9 to 5 and Book Club, has never been one to keep quiet about injustice. Just last year, Fonda was arrested on numerous occasions in Washington D.C. for her Firedrill Fridays, where she and many of her celebrity friends would stand in protest of big oil and climate change. Her activist work did not start and end there, however. Fonda has been an ally for numerous causes, there to listen to and amplify Black and PoC activists' voices and speak out against various injustices plaguing the United States for years. Of course, Fonda is still here to stand in solidarity today, most recently appearing on CNN to speak about white privilege and the Black Lives Matter movement. Before jumping into her Sunday appearance on CNN, however, its important to look back at her decades of activist work and, perhaps, use her actions as an example into how white and non-Black PoC can best support the protests taking place in the United States and around the world today. Civil Rights ADVERTISEMENT Jane Fonda used to lend her home to Black Panthers hiding from the FBI. She even adopted one of their daughters when the parents got arrested. She has ALWAYS been down. In a world full of Karens, be a Jane Fonda!!! ????? pic.twitter.com/UERQtxMVHo Gabrielle Williams (@gabbyjaye) June 1, 2020 In the late 1960s, Fonda stood in solidarity with the Civil Rights movement, and, most notably, adamantly supported the Black Panthers. Fonda would often hold fundraisers in her home to gather funds and resources for the Black Panthers cause which aimed, among other things, to put an end to police brutality. Her adopted daughter, social justice activist Mary Luana Williams biological parents were active members of the Black Panther Party. Also a friend and supporter of feminist and civil rights activist Angela Davis, Fonda visited Davis while she was in prison in 1971 to discuss coming together to put a stop to racial oppression in the United States and around the world. Occupy Alcatraz and Retaking Fort Lawton Around the same time Fonda was standing in solidarity with the Civil Rights Movement, she also joined the efforts of various Native American rights causes. In 1970, a move to reclaim the recently decommissioned military installation in Fort Lawton, Washington was led by activist Bernie Whitebear and a number of Indigenous Americans from Seattle to establish an urban Indian cultural center in its place. Fonda showed up at the events in solidarity. Between 1969 and 1971, Fonda would frequently visit and stand with the protestors at Occupy Alcatraz, a Native American led movement held to force the United States government to abide by the treaties that they had previously broken with Indigenous people. The Vietnam War Fonda is of course best known for her work in the anti-Vietnam War movement efforts. In the early 1970s, Fonda travelled around the United States and Canada on a speaking tour denouncing the Vietnam War. In 72, she toured North Vietnam, continuing to speak out about the United States insidious motives behind participating in the war. By radio broadcast, she frequently urged members of the U.S. Military to deeply reconsider their actions in the following order, noting how their participation in the war would result in the death of innocent people, famine, and overall destruction. The actress earned the title of Hanoi Jane" as well as quite a bit of backlash from the United States and the Nixon Administration. She led protests throughout the United States, visited prisoners of war, and actively spoke out against President Nixons role in the travesty. The Campaign for Economic Democracy and LGBTQ+ Rights In the late '70s, Fonda made workout videos and books that sold millions. No, Fonda did not keep the money, but instead it all went into an organization she founded alongside her activist husband, Tom Hayden, called the Campaign for Economic Democracy. The CED promoted liberal candidated running for office as well as invested in protective environmental policies. "What am I here for if not to be used by good people for good things?" Fonda said in an interview in an interview in 1979 around the same time the C.E.D was kicking off. She was speaking on the LGBTQ+ movement. A vocal ally for queer liberation since as early as the 1970s, Fonda continues to support the movement today. In 2016, Fonda spoke out about the anti-LGBTQ+ law in North Carolina that would require trans folks to use the bathroom that does not align with their gender identity. 2nd and 3rd Wave Feminism Fonda is often noted for using her film work as a form of activism. In 1980, she appeared in the 2nd wave feminism classic 9 to 5 with Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Peggy Pope. The comedy features Fonda and her co-stars getting revenge on their sexist boss. The actress noted that she participated in the film ro bring light to working women everywhere. We dealt with all the issues sexual harassment, unequal pay, the importance of flex hours, the importance of childcare, she stated. Despite this, Fonda had previously described that it took her a long time to understand and become involved with the feminist movement. Later, however, she jouned the V-Day movement, a movement inspired by the Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler to stop violence against women and girls. Fonda later founded The Jane Fonda Center for Adolecent Reproductive Health at Emory University in 2001 Standing Rock On the week of Thanksgiving in 2016, Fonda showed up in Standing Rock, North Dakota to support Indigenous Americans in their efforts to protect ancestral land and their water supply from Sunoco Logistics and the Dakota Access Pipeline. "The people on the front lines are very brave," Fonda said in an essay on the topic in the Times. They stand, carrying their banners, chanting, and praying with arms reaching toward the sky. They are unarmed as they face the Morton County Police.The aggressor side, with militarized police defending their interests, is represented by those who insist on unfettered extraction of non-renewable fossil fuels no matter the consequences. Greed versus a habitable planet. Climate Change via GIPHY Fonda has been arrested fives times in the name of Climate Justice. Late last year, Fonda held Fire Drill Fridays for weeks in front of the United States Capitol, encouraging numerous other celebrities to attend as well and use their platforms and privilege to help make a change. "We would like them to get used to being in the streets, to being at a protest on a regular basis. And eventually, if not right away, engaging in civil disobedience," she said. Fonda protested in order to also bring attention to the Green New Deal and legislation that could be set in place to protect the environment. Black Lives Matter "Because we're white, we have had privilege. Even the poorest of us have had privilege. We need to recognize that, and we have to understand what it is that keeps racism in place: the policies, redlining, banking policies, mortgage policies." @JaneFonda pic.twitter.com/HcQmihaF3v Fire Drill Fridays (@FireDrillFriday) June 1, 2020 Most recently, Fonda appeared live on CNN with Don Lemon to speak on white privilege and the Black Lives Matter protests taking place today. Because were white, we have had privilege, Fonda stated in the interview. Even the poorest of us have had privilege. And we need to recognize that, and we have to understand what it is that keeps racism in place the policies, redlining, banking policies, mortgage policies. All of the things that are really making it very, very difficult for black people to lift themselves up. The policies have to be changed, and then white people have to understand the history that has led to this and we have to try to change within ourselves. Dressed in all black and with a black beret, some suggest that even now she was paying tribute to the Black Panther Party. Speaking on the protests on the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and police brutality as a whole, Fonda was sure to also make note that white allies must be responsible for educating themselves on systemic racism, racial injustice, and how to best show up for the Black Lives Matter movement. I realized I didnt understand enough about the history of racism, she said, about slavery and reconstruction, Jim Crow and the New Jim Crow, so for the last three years Ive very intentionally begun studying. Love Jane Fonda DECADES of activism pic.twitter.com/ySS1134scp DanielNewma 404-737-1636 (@DanielNewman) June 1, 2020 Image via BAFTA on YouTube MORE FROM BUST Remember: Queer Black Womxn Paved The Way For LGBTQ+ Rights 8 Minneapolis Funds And Organizations That Could Use Your Donation Right Now Jane Fonda Arrested For Protesting Climate Change Aliza is a Creative Writing BFA student and former BUST Magazine intern! When she's not writing, reading or scrolling through TikTok for hours on end, you can find her consuming copious amounts of iced coffee or doing something witchy. Follow her on Twitter @alizapelto. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands was all smiles as she joined her husband for a night at the theatre this evening. Mother-of-three Maxima, 49, and King Willem-Alexander, 53, appeared in high spirits as they arrived for the first performance at the National Theater in The Hague since it's re-opening after 11-weeks of lockdown. The couple, who have three daughters Catharina-Amalia, 16, Alexia, 14, and Ariane, 112, saw two special performances from a series of shows that can be visited by thirty people at a time. Queen Maxima cut a stylish figure in a loose black gown embroidered with colorful stitching paired with a matching robe and scarf. King Willem-Alaxander, 53, and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, 49, attended the first theatre performance following the coronavirus lockdown in the Hague this evening The mother-of-three was all smiles as she donned a loose black gown embroidered with colorful stitching paired with a matching robe and scarf The royals saw two special performances from a series of shows that can be visited by thirty people at a time, and could be seen sitting in a socially-distant audience The royal wore her hair loose around her shoulders and teamed her look with casual jewelry and a bright red manicure. Her husband followed suit in a smart blazer and shirt, donning a pale blue tie and black brogues. On Monday, The Netherlands re-opened certain cultural institutions following a downward trend in their COVID-19 figures death figures for over a month. Restaurants, cafes, theaters, concert halls, museums and cinemas returned with strict 1.5-meter social distancing measures observed after two and a half months' in coronavirus lockdown. The Dutch royals appeared in high spirits as they arrived on the red carpet at the event, and shared a laugh with one of the organisers Willem-Alexander cut a handsome figure in a blue suit as he joined Maxima on the red carpet at the theatre in The Hague The royal couple were pictured washing their hands to prevent the spread of Covid-19 before going in for the performance this evening Reservations are required for all activities and two people who are not from the same household can sit together at one table in restaurants and cafes. A maximum of 30 people are allowed in restaurants, cafes, theaters, concert halls and cinemas, as long as the 1.5-meter social distancing rules can be kept. The royal couple watched plays 'Declaration of Love' by actress Romana Vrede and 'U are my mother', a text by the late actor Joop Admiraal performed by Rick Paul van Mulligen. Maxima wore her hair loose around her shoulders and teamed her look with casual jewelry and a bright red manicure The royal couple watched plays 'Declaration of Love' by actress Romana Vrede and 'U are my mother'a text by the late actor Joop Admiraal performed by Rick Paul van Mulligen. The shows were followed by a discussion between the royal couple and the actors and directors During the talk, Willem-Alexander expressed his support for the culture sector, highlighting the negative impact the coronavirus crisis has had on the industry The shows were followed by a discussion with the actors and directors and the couple were snapped looking deep in thought as they discussed the plays. During the talk, Willem-Alexander expressed his support for the culture sector, highlighting the negative impact the coronavirus crisis has had on the industry. The visit comes nearly a week after the royal joined a meeting to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the Dutch tourism industry. 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. No aircraft will land or take off at the Mumbai airport between 2.30 pm and 7 pm on Wednesday due to Cyclone Nisarga, the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) said. Twenty flights were scheduled to operate from the Mumbai through the day including 12 departures and 8 arrivals. In consultation with AAI, considering the strong crosswinds, it has been decided that no arrivals and departures will take place between 14:30-19:00 hrs, the MIAL spokesperson said.. On Tuesday, IndiGo announced that it was cancelling 17 flights from the city and that only three would take off for Chandigarh, Ranchi and Patna. Rain and high sped wind continued to lash Mumbai as Cyclone Nisarga made landfall close to Alibaug, about 90 km to the citys south around noon. The cyclone with a wind speed of 120 to 140 kmph, .also forced authorities to close the Bandra-Worli sea link. The Maharashtra government has evacuated around 60,000 people from the states coastal region of Konkan, and brought 7,003 fishing boats back to the shore with the help of disaster management authorities. Maharashtra energy minister Nitin Raut has warned that the cyclone is likely to cause severe damage to power lines and poles. Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Companys officers, employees, contractors, and systems are prepared. Lets all be vigilant and overcome this crisis, he said. Relatives of the 58 people who were massacred by the Ampatuan clan 10 years earlier protest shortly after a court at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, Philippines, found members guilty of murder, Dec. 19, 2019. Two people, including a key prosecution witness in the trial following the November 2009 massacre of 58 people in Maguindanao province, were wounded and their driver killed in a roadside ambush by gunmen in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, officials said. Mohamad Sangki, a primary witness in the killings of a 58 people many of them journalists and an escort from the states Witness Protection Program were attacked while on their way to an airport in Tantangan town in South Cotabato province, local police chief Col. Jemuel Siason said. Sangki and his bodyguard, Rey Fritch Pontanoza, sustained bruises as their vehicle, slammed into two cottages on the side of the highway. Their driver, Richard Escovilla, died after being rushed to the hospital. The target is the witness. Our investigation continues, Siason told a local radio station. Pontanoza managed to shoot back and hit one of the attackers, who escaped. Pursuit operations were under way, said Nena Santos, a prosecution lawyer. We are saddened by the news of the ambush of Mojamad Sangki who stood as a witness in the Maguindanao massacre case, Santos told BenarNews. Also, we mourn the death of a very good man who was shot in the head by the assassins. Whoever did this dastardly act, both the masterminds and the assassins should be brought to the bar of justice. They are evil, Santos said as she called on the Justice Department to investigate a series of attacks against witnesses. Santos is the prosecution lawyer who represented Esmael Mangudadatu, now a congressman. On Nov. 23, 2009, Mangudadatus wife was among 58 people, who were massacred by members of the Ampatuan political clan in the southern province of Maguindanao. Thirty-two of the victims were local reporters and media workers, some of whom knew the Ampatuans. Mangudadatu had challenged the Ampatuan patriarch for the post of governor of the province. Clan members, backed by their supporters, stopped the convoy and gunned down the rivals before using a backhoe to try to hide the remains in shallow pits. More than 100 were charged as a result of the killings, including the clan patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr., who died in prison before the trial concluded. The case dragged on for a decade, until December when a regional trial court in Manila convicted dozens of the accused, mostly clan members. More than 50 others, including dozens of police officers loyal to the Ampatuans, were acquitted and ordered free. Santos, who herself received death threats, said the lives of those who testified are in danger and attacks had been expected. These threats and ambushes are all related to this massacre case, Santos said. Political violence is nothing new in many remote parts of the Philippines, where warlords are known to maintain private armies and fight each other for dominance. Mayors wife killed Elsewhere on Wednesday, the wife of a mayor in the southern province of Lanao was killed in an ambush, police said. Rohaifa Guro, 26, the wife of Somerado Guro, 60, the mayor of Lumbaca Unayan, was killed following the ambush, according to local media. Mayor Guro and their driver Ibrahim Gani, 58, were injured in the attack. Local police commander Lt. Wilfredo Uba Jr. said the attackers fled after the shooting while Gani managed to drive their black pickup truck to a hospital. Froilan Gallardo and Richel V. Umel contributed to this report from Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. How well do you think the Spanish government has been managing the crisis? How well do you think the Balearic government has been managing the crisis? How well do you think the opposition both to the Spanish government and the Balearic government has been managing the crisis? The Palma-based Gadeso Foundation researchers have conducted their first survey of public opinion about coronavirus, and the answers to the above questions will provide modest satisfaction for both governments and little satisfaction for the oppositions. Forty-one per cent reckoned that the Spanish government has been managing things well or very well. Twenty per cent thought that this management was worrying. Twenty-four per cent said poor or very poor. Fifteen per cent were didn't knows. Not exactly an overwhelming vote of confidence, but then compare these percentages with the evaluation of the opposition. Nineteen per cent well or very well. Twenty-nine per cent worrying. Thirty-nine per cent poor or very poor, with thirteen per cent didn't knows. For the Balearics, forty-five per cent believed that the regional government has been managing the crisis well or very well. Twelve per cent felt the management was worrying. Eighteen per cent said poor or very poor, while 25% didn't know. The opposition did fare rather better than at national level: 24% well or very well; 20% worrying; 30% poor or very poor; 26% didn't know. The didn't knows are in a way rather revealing. One could interpret the fact that a quarter of respondents sat on the fence was due to the regional government having been overshadowed by Madrid. The crisis, what with the state of alarm having centralised command and therefore taken away much of the region's powers on a temporary basis, has meant that Congress and the Spanish government provide the attention and the theatre to a far greater extent than they normally would. The Balearic government's management, the clearest evidence of it anyway, has been with the health service response. It hasn't done too badly, but nor has it held centre stage. The rather better figures for the opposition may also reflect this lesser attention, while they could also be an indication of their having behaved themselves. There have been the jibes and the criticisms, but these have been as nothing when compared with the national situation. The notably higher negative evaluations of the opposition give a combined factor of 24% more than the government. While the Balearic population is well removed from the national seat of power, it - as with the populations of other regions - will have been observing proceedings in Madrid with acute interest and quite likely with some alarm. While certainly not giving the government a free pass, has the behaviour of the opposition been a principal cause - the principal cause - of its much lower ratings? The Gadeso survey would seem to have been conducted before last week's shenanigans, but they will only have served to reinforce the fact that the main opposition parties - the PP and Vox - are not in the least bit interested in pursuing any course of national consensus and do indeed give the impression (more than just an impression in some instances) of being hellbent on trying to bring down the government. Challenging policies and actions is one thing, but some of the behaviour has been an absolute disgrace. There have been reasons for being worried about the government's management, but for me the greatest worry has surrounded an issue that is tangential to this management - the dismissal by the interior minister of a senior Guardia Civil officer and a lame excuse of it having apparently been the time for a change. Highlight worries by all means, but last week's episode involving the PP's spokesperson Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo and Pablo Iglesias of Podemos left even members of the PP aghast. For example, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the PP president of Galicia, has said "enough of this type of show that we are seeing in Congress". It's certainly not as if Iglesias is beyond reproach. He was smirking during the separate exchange with Ivan Espinosa de los Monteros of Vox, which led the chairman of the reconstruction commission, Patxi Lopez, to eventually apologise and observe that the citizens expect better. But at the heart of all this is the new normal of Spain's politics - the breakdown in the one-time conventional system and the rise in populism of both left and right, with Podemos the lightning rod where the PP and Vox are concerned. Allied to this is the intent, abetted by elements of the media, to try and unearth some smoking gun of proof of government mismanagement, a particular obsession being the women's day marches. And is this obsession, especially with Vox, not really an expression of its clash with the feminism of Podemos? The management of the crisis, for some, is incidental. The crisis is bringing the institution of Congress into disrepute, and it should stop. But unfortunately, it won't. Rome is known as being a sanctuary city for stray cats, but the true extent of Romes love for animals has been evident in Romes legislation since 2005. Roman Animal Rights Laws While Italy has national laws for animal rights and enforces European legal standards of animal welfare, each region in the country is responsible for writing its own legislation for pets. In 2005, Rome made history by enacting the strictest animal rights laws in the country. In a 59-point decree, the municipal government of Rome committed to protecting the rights and safety of all pets, from dogs to goldfish. Under the decree, dog owners are required to walk their dogs at least once a day, and are prohibited from using choke and shock collars. Dog and cat owners are not allowed to declaw or clip their pets tail for cosmetic reasons. Pet stores cannot use pets in window displays. Goldfish must be kept in aquariums - round bowls are banned, as scientists found that they do not hold enough water to give a fish the oxygen it needs. Also read: While there was initially hesitation regarding how the new laws would be enforced, supporters saw it as an ethical stance for Rome and a monumental step in the right direction for pet awareness advocates. At the time, animal rights activist Cristina Bedini told the LA Times: We needed to send a strong message: Pets are not objects We are saying that owning a pet is a joy, but it is also a duty. Responsible ownership is the only way to fight cruelty. Since 2005, Roman pet-awareness has steadily grown. Roman commitment to ending animal cruelty In 2010, there were several incidents of carriage horse mistreatment. Horse-drawn, or, botticelle, carriages are a common tourist attraction in Rome. They are often used by tourists who want to see the city and indulge in an interesting cultural experience. After several harrowing incidents of horses being injured or killed while working, the city of Rome passed a law to prevent horse exhaustion and mistreatment. The law limited horse workshifts to 8 hours per day, banned up-hill climbs, and required carriage drivers to carry licenses for the purpose of tracking and mistreatment tracking. In 2019, after continued complaints by Roman citizens and animal activists about horse treatment and more incidents of animal exhaustion and mistreatment, the Municipal Transportation Committee restricted botticelle to city parks. The law was considered a huge win by animal rights and pet-awareness activists. Legal Rights for Pets In 2017, a woman in Rome made international headlines for receiving paid-leave from her job to take care of her sick dog. Her paycheck only came through after a lengthy legal battle. She won when her lawyer cited an animal neglect law that fined negligent owners up to 10,000 euro for abandoning pets. It was a monumental win for animal rights activists, as it legally positioned Roman animals as family members. According to the BBC, Gianluca Felicetti, the president of LAV, one of Italys most influential animal rights organizations, said of the case: Now, those in the same situation will be able to cite this important precedent. Rome: A hotspot for animal rights organizations LAV is based in Rome. As an animal rights organization, it has spearheaded countless animal rights laws, including laws against animal abuse and animal testing. Though it has 66 chapters all over the country, its headquarters are in Rome. ph: Yuri Turkov / Shutterstock.com The Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has suspended the entire staff of the General Hospital in Ngala town for abandoning the facility to an international non-governmental organisation. The governor made this known via his verified Twitter handle @GovBorno on Wednesday. Mr Zulum said those affected include resident doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians. In July last year, Mr Zulum suspended a medical director and four resident doctors, who were not at their duty posts on the night he paid surprise visits to some public hospitals in Maiduguri. Same year, he ordered the suspension of 200 primary school teachers for not showing up in classes in Bama town. YET ANOTHER SUSPENSION Mr Zulum had on Monday paid an unscheduled visit to the hospital and discovered that the workers had, despite receiving government salaries, abandoned the hospital to an international non-governmental organisation, fhi360, which was managing hundreds of patients, majority of whom are IDPs and residents. According to the government handle, Ngala town is the headquarters of Ngala local government area in the central part of Borno. The border town is along an international land route to Cameroon, Chad, Sudan and Central Africa. Liberated from Boko Harams control in 2015, Ngala currently has thousands of returnees, many of whom are internally displaced persons (IDPs), forced to flee their villages and farmlands in the wake of attacks by Boko Haram. The governor, who is known to pay surprise visits to schools and hospitals, showed up at the General Hospital in Ngala to find out the condition of healthcare delivery to citizens. He was received by a field coordinator of fhi360, the iNGO left in control of the hospital. READ ALSO: This is a General Hospital belonging to Borno State Government, unfortunately there is no single state Government staff here to attend to all these patients, and we promptly pay all of them salaries. These humanitarian workers from the iNGO (fhi360) are supposed to complement the state government staff but not to completely take over the hospital. I am directing the Borno State Hospitals Management Board, if there is any staff on the payroll of this Hospital, to immediately suspend all the workers on government payroll. I will be back to this hospital, hoping to see the opposite of what I saw today, Mr Zulum said. Relatives of people killed in Beijing when Chinese leaders deployed People's Liberation Army (PLA) tanks and machine guns to end several weeks of student-led protests on Tiananmen Square in 1989 have once more called for justice. More than three decades after the massacre on the night of -4, the Tiananmen Mothers' victims group has called on the administration of President Xi Jinping to make public ruling Chinese Communist Party records from that time, and explain the chain of events that led to the deaths of their loved ones. The group, in an annual open letter to China's leaders, takes aim at the official silence surrounding the events of and the immediate aftermath, when hundreds, possibly thousands, died or were injured in the crackdown. The letter, which carried 124 signatures, repeated the Tiananmen Mothers' key demands of truth-telling, compensation and accountability from the ruling Chinese Communist Party over the incident. Tiananmen Mothers founding member Zhang Xianling, whose 19-year-old son died in the military assault on Beijing, said the group has suffered through 31 years of government indifference to their loss. "They owe us an explanation," Zhang said. "Which individuals, which government agencies [were responsible], and what were the circumstances, and on what did they base the decision to commit such acts of murderous violence?" "What laws did our children break, that they needed to be beaten to death and gunned down?" The open letter also demanded to know which Chinese law permitted the government to kill students and other civilians for engaging in peaceful protest. "Under China's constitution, Chinese citizens should enjoy freedom of speech, assembly and protest," the open letter said. "The party should stay true to its original intentions and properly implement the law." Tiananmen Mothers founding member Zhang Xianling, whose 19-year-old son died in the military assault on Beijing on June 4, 1989, in 2018 photo. Zhang Xianling 'Is the constitution worthless?' Zhang said Xi Jinping has frequently called on the ruling party not to forget its original intentions, and to strengthen the rule of law. "So is the constitution worthless, not worth the paper it's written on, in this country that supposedly has rule of law?" Zhang said. She called on the international community to mark the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre on . In Hong Kong, which has held annual candlelight vigils for the dead of , 1989 since 1990, police have banned any gathering in Victoria Park this year, citing restrictions linked to the coronavirus pandemic. But the ban also comes as Beijing prepares to impose draconian sedition and subversion legislation on the city, bypassing the legislative process set out in its mini-constitution, the Basic Law. Vigil organizer Richard Choi said one of the main aims of the vigils over the years had been to show support for and offer some comfort to the Tiananmen Mothers. "But our actions have been frustrated and suppressed," Choi said. "We don't know whether this suppression, this setback, is only temporary, or whether this will intensify in future." "I think the Hong Kong police and government are just using the pandemic as an excuse, and that their political goal is to suppress the vigil and other protest movements in Hong Kong," he said. Livestreamed vigil in Hong Kong But the vigil organizers have called instead on private citizens to light candles for the dead of Tiananmen Square wherever they happen to be on . "We hope that the candles will be seen in every corner of Hong Kong," Choi said, adding that a handful of vigil organizers and veteran rights activists will livestream a memorial event from the park, while staying within government restrictions of no more than eight people gathering in public. "We will also have livestreamed events; there will be period of silence, and there will be declarations, videos of the Tiananmen Mothers, and singing," Choi said. Zhang said she believed that the public would mourn the dead and condemn the government's violence in their own way. In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus issued a statement applauding the aspirations of protesters, consoling the bereaved, and calling for a full, public accounting of those killed or missing. The American people stand with the families still grieving their lost loved ones, including the courageous Tiananmen Mothers who have never stopped seeking accountability for their childrens deaths, despite great personal hardship and risk, the statement said. Reported by Han Jie for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Kitty Hawk is shutting down its Flyer program, the aviation startup's inaugural moonshot to develop an ultralight electric flying car designed for anyone to use. The company, backed by Google co-founder Larry Page and led by Sebastian Thrun, said it's now focused on scaling up Heaviside, a sleeker, more capable (once secret) electric aircraft that is quiet, fast and can fly and land anywhere autonomously. Kitty Hawk is laying off most of Flyer's 70-person team, TechCrunch learned. A few employees will be brought over to work on Heaviside, according to the company. Those who are laid off will receive at least 20 weeks of pay, plus tenure, depending on how long they were with the company. Former workers will also receive their annual bonus and have their health insurance covered through the end of the year. The company said it will set up placement services to help people find employment. In December, the company spun out its Cora project a two-person, autonomous taxi that Kitty Hawk unveiled in 2018 into a joint venture with Boeing. The joint venture, newly named Wisk, signed an agreement in February with the New Zealand government to set up and run an air taxi trial in the region of Canterbury, with the goal of flying passengers once its Cora aircraft is certified to do so by the countrys aviation authority. That leaves Heaviside as Kitty Hawk's one and only mission unless the company is working on another secret project, which is possible, considering its history. Heaviside is led by physicist and electrical engineer Damon Vander Lind. "Going forward, we are doubling down on Heaviside as our primary platform," Alex Roetter, president of Flyer and Thrun wrote in the blog post published Wednesday. "But we would never have gotten here without launching and learning from Flyer, and the amazing team of people who built and operated it." For Kitty Hawk, "doubling down" will mean hiring more people and a singular focus on this aircraft. Kitty Hawk is in discussion with the FAA and other parties to move Heaviside from a prototype to an aircraft that can be broadly used. Story continues The moonshot Kitty Hawk launched its Flyer program in 2015. The single-seater, all-electric, vertical take-off and landing vehicle is powered by 10 independent lift fans and operates between three to 10 feet off the water. The company's aim was to make it light and easy to use a goal it says it achieved. Kitty Hawk built and flew 111 Flyer aircraft and conducted more than 25,000 successful crewed and uncrewed flights with its fleet, according to the company. Kitty Hawk's mission for the aircraft is what captured the attention and imagination of industry watchers and the media. It wasn't going to be another lightweight aircraft meant for pilots. The entire aim was to make it accessible for anyone. "We proved to ourselves that people could safely operate Flyer -- and become a pilot -- with less than two hours of training," Roetter and Thrun wrote. "In a single day, we trained 50 new novice Flyer pilots, none of whom were licensed." kitty hawk flyer The business model proved to be the bigger challenge. The Flyer flies low and slow over water, narrowing Flyer's customer base and use cases. Kitty Hawk explored recreational and commuter applications, but failed to find a path to a profitable business. "No matter how hard we looked, we could not find a path to a viable business," Thrun told TechCrunch in an email exchange. In the past five years, the so-called flying car industry more accurately described as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has evolved. The aircraft are more powerful and longer-range now. And Kitty Hawk has adjusted. Heaviside, which was under development for two years before it was revealed at TechCrunch Disrupt in fall 2019, is fast, quiet and can be flown anywhere. The aircraft has a range of 100 miles and can reach speeds of up to 180 mph. It can also fly over cities. Kitty Hawk Heaviside eVTOL Heaviside has proven it can fly. The company has been testing Heaviside a low-slung, orange and black aircraft with eight rotors and a 20-foot wingspan for more than two years in a secret location in California. The focus now is building more reliable systems with software and hardware, as well as implementing more manufacturing and quality control systems. A three-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao, on Wednesday issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh and Bihar governments and also asked the district magistrates (DMs) of Rohtas and Sambhal in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, respectively, to submit their reports regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) that had alleged 187 people were forced into bonded labourers in three brick kilns operating under their jurisdictions. The apex court ordered the DMs to file their reports on Monday, when the case would be heard next. Earlier on May 25, a plea was filed before the SC by a social worker Zahid Hussain, who had alleged that 187 people all of them belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community -- were forced into bonded labour in three brick kilns in Bihar and UP and were made to work under inhuman conditions, including lack of food and non-payment of their statutory minimum wage. The local administrations allegedly didnt take any action against the deplorable condition of the bonded labourers, despite an order issued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on May 11, the plea stated. The bonded labourers were left vulnerable. They were tortured by the brick kiln owners for complaining against their inhuman working conditions. The owners also threatened to throw them out of their jobs and refused to pay the statutory minimum wage, the plea added. Advocate Srishti Agnihotri filed the plea on behalf of Hussain. Two of the brick kilns are located at Bharkol and Dhaudarh villages in Bihars Rohtas district, and another one is situated in western UPs Sambhal district. Senior counsel Anitha Shenoy appeared for the petitioner, Hussain, and prayed for the release and rehabilitation of the 187 victims and also sought specific guidelines from the SC to repatriate them to their native places amid the raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. He cited the viral outbreak has accentuated the bonded labourers woes. From restrictions of their movements to lack of food supplies and healthcare, non-payment of wages and restricted access to law enforcement authorities, the bonded labourers are trapped in abusive conditions amid the pandemic. Besides, they have been pushed into working as bonded labourers to tide over their economic crisis, the plea said. The petition said 41 bonded labourers, including 14 children, are trapped in the Bharkol brick-kiln, while in Dhaudarh there are 84 victims, including 27 children. Similarly, the Sambhal brick-kiln has 62 victims. Hussain contended that the bonded labourers have been held hostage at the brick kilns, denied their minimum statutory wage, physically and verbally abused, and even the women and children are made to work for over 12 hours at a stretch. One of the labourers (at the Dhaudarh brick kiln) was assaulted on his head that left him bleeding profusely after he had asked for the payment of his wage. Three victims, who are four, five and nine months pregnant, respectively, have been denied any medical assistance, the petitioner alleged. The plea stated the Sambhal district administration conducted a cursory inquiry of 17 families of the bonded labourers at the behest of the NHRC order. But, the district authorities ordered the labourers to stay put at the brick kiln and left them at the mercy of the owner, the plea alleged. The petitioner blamed the Sambhal district administration of gross dereliction of their duties. He made similar complaints against the Rohtas district authorities for their alleged failure to bring the guilty to book and set free the bonded labourers. Hussain cited the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and the standard operating procedures (SOP) on rescue, release by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) that stipulate a 24-hour deadline for the rescue of bonded labourers after a complaint is lodged. However, he alleged that the norms have been overlooked and the authorities concerned are yet to take any action. [June 03, 2020] Immersive Wisdom awarded $950MM ceiling IDIQ contract to deliver its Real-Time JADC2 3D Geospatial Collaboration Software for the US Air Force Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) BOCA RATON, Fla., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Immersive Wisdom, Inc., provider of a game-changing real-time geospatial collaboration platform for Joint-All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and Mission Planning today announced that it had been awarded a $950,000,000 ceiling IDIQ contract with the United States Air Force. Under the contract, Immersive Wisdom will offer its software in support of the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) program. Immersive Wisdom's implementation partner, Entegra Systems of Hanover, MD, will support under this effort. The awarded $950,000,000 ceiling indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract is for the maturation, demonstration and proliferation of capability across platforms and domains, leveraging open systems design, modern software and algorithm development in order to enable Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2). This contract is part of a multiple award multi-level security effort to provide development and operation of systems as a unified force across all domains (air, land, sea, space, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum) in an open architecture family of systems that enables capabilities via multiple integrated platforms. In 2019, Immersive Wisdom announced that it had been awarded a major Air Force contract by AFWERX. Established in 2017 by the Secretary of the Air Force and reporting to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, AFWERX is a catalyst for agile Air Force engageent across industry, academia and non-traditional contributors to create transformative opportunities and foster an Air Force culture of innovation. This Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) IDIQ award to Immersive Wisdom is a natural progression of that effort. Regardless of their geographic location, Immersive Wisdom enables multiple users to work together in shared, synchronized virtual workspaces containing live 3D maps, layered with real-time information from any available source. Users can simultaneously visualize, plan, analyze, and act upon sensor inputs, cyber/network data, IoT feeds, enterprise applications, telemetry, tagged assets, 3D terrain/building models, LiDAR, imagery, and UAV footage/streaming video. Immersive Wisdom provides an omniscient, collaborative, real-time 3D view of complex environments. Allowing multiple users to be physically anywhere, while still being in sync via the same virtual space containing shared maps, video feeds, and real-time information, is critical for future mission success. "Immersive Wisdom is extremely honored to serve the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) with our real-time geospatial collaboration software platform for Joint-All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and Mission Planning," said Mike Appelbaum, CEO of Immersive Wisdom. "We are extremely grateful to In-Q-Tel and our existing Air Force/DoD customers for helping our company grow to this inflection point." About Immersive Wisdom Immersive Wisdom Inc., based in Boca Raton, Florida, is the creator of the Immersive Wisdom platform, a leading software product for real-time 3D geospatial collaboration across Virtual Reality, desktops, Mixed, and Augmented Reality. Immersive Wisdom's software is available for diverse industries, including Government, Energy (incl. Oil & Gas), Transportation/Logistics, and Telecommunications. Additional information on Immersive Wisdom's other successes, including our work with the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, can be found under the News section at www.immersivewisdom.com . Immersive Wisdom is an In-Q-Tel portfolio company. The Immersive Wisdom trademark is the exclusive property of Immersive Wisdom, Inc. and is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other Immersive Wisdom trademarks, service marks, and logos may be common law marks or are registered or pending registration. All other trademarks mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only and are trademarks of (and may be registered trademarks of) their respective companies. 2020 Immersive Wisdom, Inc. MEDIA CONTACTS: Brian Behling VP, Government Immersive Wisdom Inc. 202.355.4425 [email protected] http://www.immersivewisdom.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/immersive-wisdom-awarded-950mm-ceiling-idiq-contract-to-deliver-its-real-time-jadc2-3d-geospatial-collaboration-software-for-the-us-air-force-advanced-battle-management-system-abms-301070226.html SOURCE Immersive Wisdom Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] One wonders whether Nepal government has thought about the long term implications of its decision or is it a knee jerk thoughtless action on the part of the Nepal government? by N.S.Venkataraman The news that Government of Nepal has unilaterally altered the border map with India has shocked many people, particularly in India, who wonder why Nepal government has done this. Flags in Beijing There may be a strong case for Nepal to alter the map and equally strong case for India for not altering the map. The right and wise approach for Nepal would have been to discuss the issue with Government of India and work out an amicable solution. On the other hand, unilaterally altering the map that affect another country looks like a war cry. One wonders whether Nepal government has thought about the long term implications of its decision or is it a knee jerk thoughtless action on the part of the Nepal government? In such circumstances, one cannot but wonder as to why Nepal has done this, as there must be many intelligent persons in Nepal Government, who should have known the consequences. Even a child would think that China, which is now increasingly adopting clever and self centred strategies to expand its territories, must have encouraged Nepal government to indulge in such steps to force bad relationship between Nepal and India and to achieve Chinas desire to settle scores with India due to several reasons. It is generally said that the present leadership of Government of Nepal have communist orientation. Even if it is so, this would not justify Nepal government acting at the behest of China , since the present Chinese government is not adopting any principles of communism and most of its actions are capitalist oriented and it is communist government in China only in name. As a matter of fact, by its economic and industrial policies, the Chinese government is undermining the principles of communism. Nepal has many cultural and traditional relationship with India and its way of life and it has nothing to gain by causing friction with India. Some may go to the extent of saying that the decision of the Nepal government to unilaterally change the map and create friction with India is an extremely unwise step and some may even call it as an insane act. It is now well recognized all over the world that China has territorial expansionist ambitions and countries like Nepal and Pakistan can become easy prey to China. Pakistan already appears to have become an extended territory of China for all practical purposes and there is no way that Pakistan can move out of the grip of China in the foreseeable future . Why Nepal government is not conscious about this situation faced by Pakistan? One cannot be blamed if he would fear that Nepal too may get into debt trap with China and may face extremely difficult conditions due to this in future. Government of Nepal has signed agreements worth $ 2.4 billion with China for several infrastructure and energy projects. The projects include the proposal to build railway line through Himalayas. The railway line will link the Tibetan border town of Kerung with Kathmandu and Government of Nepal expects that it will promote huge earnings through tourism in Nepal. It is estimated that 72.25 Km. railway line from Chinese border to Kathmandu would cost $ 2.25 billion. Obviously, the railway line would be designed and built by China based companies and Government of Nepal would not even be able to negotiate the contract price and terms with the Chinese companies for executing the project. Business and industries in China would hugely get benefited in the process, at Nepals cost. While the Chinese government would liberally provide credit and loan to government to Nepal for executing the project, the question is whether Government of Nepal would be able to pay back the debt in the foreseeable future. Several countries like Laos, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan are facing huge debt trap with China and it is surprising that Government of Nepal has not learnt a lesson or two from experience of these debt ridden countries, that have developed industrial infrastructure dealings with China. By altering the map with India in an unilateral way, Nepal appears to be getting closer to China at the cost of relationship with India , which can prove counter productive for Nepal in the short and long term. UK in 5G talks with suppliers from Japan, South Korea: source FILE PHOTO: 3D-printed objects representing 5G are put on a motherboard in this picture illustration LONDON (Reuters) - British officials have discussed supplies of 5G networking equipment with companies in South Korea and Japan as part of a bid to develop alternatives to China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The source said the talks with Japan's NEC Corp and South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, which were first reported by Bloomberg, are part of a government plan announced last year to diversify Britain's range of 5G suppliers. A government spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment after normal working hours in London. NEC and Samsung were not immediately available outside normal business hours. Britain designated Huawei a "high-risk vendor" in January, capping its 5G involvement at 35% and excluding it from the data-heavy core of the network. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has come under renewed pressure from the United States and lawmakers in his own party, who say Huawei's equipment could be used by Beijing for spying. Huawei has repeatedly denied the allegations. Ties between the United Kingdom and China have also grown tense since Britain's decision on Huawei over Beijing's handling of the situation in Hong Kong and the COVID-19 pandemic. London is now looking at the possibility of phasing Huawei out of its 5G network completely by 2023, officials say, and pushing forward with plans to develop a range of alternative suppliers. Security officials are also looking at the impact of new U.S. sanctions which limit the Chinese company's ability to produce the microchips needed for its equipment. U.S. Senator Tom Cotton told UK lawmakers on Tuesday that China was using Huawei "to drive a hi-tech wedge" between Britain and the United States. (Reporting by Jack Stubbs; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) Richard Grenell, ambassador of the United States of America. (Sven Hoppe/Picture alliance via Getty) Richard Grenell, the US ambassador to Germany, is set to leave his post in Berlin after just over two years, according to the German Press Agency (DPA). DPA reported that Grenells deputy Robin Quinville would take over the post in Berlin on a temporary basis, according to embassy spokesman Joseph Giordono-Scholz. Quinville has been deputy chief of mission at the embassy since July 2018. Grenell, 53, stirred up quite some tension and made few friends in the political establishment in Berlin during his two years in the job. He aggressively pushed president Donald Trumps foreign policy agenda in ways that were often viewed as meddling outside his diplomatic remit as an ambassador. Around the beginning of his posting in Berlin in 2018, he gave an interview to far-right website Breitbart, saying that he wanted to empower anti-establishment conservatives, and wanted to work with German politicians who are concerned about migration. While he later toned down his comments on that, his words provoked irritation in Berlin, with a German foreign office spokesperson telling AFP that they wanted a word with him to clarify what he meant. A staunch Trump ally, Grenell also warned German companies to stop trading with Iran, after Trump said he would pull the US out of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. The US envoy was also openly critical of Germanys defence contributions to NATO, which Trump has slammed on numerous occasions. In 2019, Grenell waded into the controversial issue of Germanys new Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline with Russia, sending a letter to German companies involved in the project in January saying that they risk US sanctions. He also threatened that the US could restrict intelligence sharing between Washington and Berlin if the German government allowed Chinese telecoms company Huawei to participate in the countrys 5G network buildout. In February, Trump made Grenell acting director of national intelligence, a post that will now be filled on a permanent basis by John Ratcliffe. Story continues It is not currently clear what Grenells next role will be; Politico said last week that he may be set to join Trumps 2020 campaign. When news that the US envoy was vacating his post first started circulating in late May, Grenell tweeted that his departure did not mean American pressure is off. Former bureaucrat turned Jammu and Kashmir politician Shah Faesal is likely to be released after spending close to 10 months in detention since August 14, following the Union Territorys decision to revoke the Public Safety Act (PSA) slapped on him and two other senior politicians from the Peoples Democractic Party (PDP)- Sartaj Madani and Peer Mansoorleaving former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti among the few prominent leaders from the region who continue to be in detention after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories in August last. NC general secretary Ali Mohammad Sager and former J&K ministers, Nayeem Akthar and Hilal Akbar Lone also continue to be in detention. Former J&K chief ministers and National Conference leaders Omar Abdullah and his father Farooq Abdullah were released from detention earlier this year. Shah Faesal was detained under the stringent for his anti-government social media posts and an alliance with former J&K legislator, engineer Shiekh Abdul Rashid, who was arrested in a terror funding case and is currently lodged in Tihar jail, according to a government dossier on the matter. Faesal had allied with Rashid for J&K assembly polls in June last year. The HT Guide to Coronavirus COVID-19 Faesal was given a copy of the dossier carrying 27 pages of his social media posts, made in the last few years on February 15 this year by the authorities. Shah Faesal had a good following on social media and used it even to mobilise funds for his party-- the J&K Political Movement (JKPM). Shah Faesal was first detained at the Delhi airport on August 14, 2019, after he reached the Capital from Srinagar and was sent back to Kashmir. In Srinagar, he was detained at the Centaur Hotel and later at the MLA hostel. (Bloomberg) -- Facebook Inc. and PayPal Holdings Inc. are investing in Gojek, a big boost for the Indonesian startups digital payments business that propels the U.S. companies into a fast-growing Asian internet arena. Its the second international investment Facebook has made in the past six weeks with a goal of getting more local businesses online, after the social media giant paid $5.7 billion for about 10% of Indias Reliance Jio. It plans to build a commerce and payments business around WhatsApp, on top of letting businesses use the messaging service to interact with customers. The deal announced Wednesday marks Facebooks first investment in an Indonesian company and is a major boost for the countrys largest startup, a ride-hailing giant thats morphed into a provider of services like payments and meal delivery. Gojek is now backed by some of the worlds largest internet companies from Alphabet Inc.s Google to Chinas Tencent Holdings Ltd., helping it compete against Singapores Grab Holdings Inc. WhatsApp in particular can be instrumental in creating a more digital Indonesia by bringing more people into one of the fastest growing digital economies in the world, WhatsApp Chief Operating Officer Matt Idema said in a blog post. The company didnt specify how much it is investing and a spokesperson declined to share details. Indonesia is one of the worlds most promising internet markets, fueled by rapidly expanding smartphone adoption and economic growth. Its the largest country in Southeast Asia, anchoring a regional internet economy estimated at more than $100 billion in 2019 and tripling by 2025. Facebook and PayPal join Google and other U.S. corporations in staking out a relatively undeveloped Asian digital payments arena outside of China. Read more: How Facebooks Reliance Deal Upends a $1 Trillion Digital Arena Facebook and PayPal joined Gojeks current funding round, which closed at $1.2 billion around March at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Story continues Gojek and Grab aim to become Southeast Asian consumers default, all-purpose app, similar to Tencents WeChat. Gojek has drawn hundreds of thousands of merchants to its platform, providing them with access to more than 170 million users across the region. The Indonesian startup, whose backers also include Singaporean state investor Temasek Holdings Pte, has said it will deploy fresh capital to keep expanding despite global economic turbulence. It recently acquired a mobile point-of-sale startup called Moka for about $130 million, people familiar with the deal have said. Gojek, which debuted an app for hailing motorbike taxis in Jakarta in 2015, now also offers a score of other on-demand services such as house cleaning and medicine delivery, and was last valued at $10 billion according to CB Insights. We see our role as a convener of global tech expertise, facilitating collaboration that will ultimately lead to a better future for everyone in our region, Gojek Co-Chief Executive Officer Andre Soelistyo said in a statement. (Updates with PayPals investment from the first 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. In a remarkable shift, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said Wednesday that he opposes using active-duty troops to put down the protests in American citiesin other words, he opposes President Donald Trumps threat to do just that. His statement is significant for two reasons. First, Esper would be the one to carry out such orders under the Insurrection Act of 1807, which Trump has threatened to invoke. Second, since becoming defense secretary almost a year ago, Esper, like many of his fellow Cabinet members, has kowtowed to Trump like a lap dog. Wednesdays remarks might signal a bigger change, set off perhaps by his embarrassment at being used by Trump, for blatantly political purposes, at the photo-op in front of St. Johns Church on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Esper is not the only one whos beginning to rebel at Trumps misuse of the military. Senior military officers are turning against him as well. So far, this is a tentative, uncoordinated tiltofficers are trained, from the time theyre cadets, to stay out of politics and to obey lawful orders from civilian authoritybut there is growing concern about Trumps use of the military for his own partisan purposes and, with it, a growing recognition of the need to speak out. The first public outburst came on Tuesday, from retired Adm. Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who wrote in the Atlantic, I have to date been reticent to speak out on issues surrounding President Trumps leadership, but we are at an inflection point, and the events of the past few weeks have made it impossible to remain silent. Advertisement Advertisement He was referring to Trumps visit to St. Johns Churchafter police and National Guard cleared the way by firing tear gas at peaceful protesters in nearby Lafayette Parkand to his call-up of active-duty troops for more attacks. With these acts, Mullen wrote, Trump laid bare his disdain for the rights of peaceful protest in this country, gave succor to the leaders of other countries who take comfort in our domestic strife, and risked further politicizing the men and women of our armed forces. Advertisement Mullen wrote that he was confident that the men and women in uniform will obey lawful orders. But, he added, I am less confident in the orders they will be given by this commander in chief. He also criticized Esper, without mentioning his name, who had spoken a few days earlier of the need to dominate the battle space in the fight against protesters. American cities, Mullen replied, are not battle spaces to be dominated, and must never become so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The admirals words followed similar commentary, mainly on Twitter, from retired Gen. Martin Dempsey, another former JCS chairman; retired Gen. Michael Hayden, former director of the CIA and NSA; and retired Gen. Tony Thomas, former head of Special Operations Command. Active-duty officers are also beginning to speak out. In a memo to his fellow service leaders, obtained by Air Force Times, Gen. David Goldfein, the Air Force chief of staff, denounced the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police. He noted that the Air Force is not immune to the spectrum of racial prejudice, and urged them, as leaders and as airmen, to confront it head on. The memo wasnt an explicit critique of Trumps approach to the demonstrations, but it was a clear stab at dissociation from the presidents approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goldfein wrote his memo after Kaleth Wright, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, the top enlisted leader of the service, who is black, posted a statementafter receiving Goldfeins blessing to do soidentifying himself with Floyd and other victims of police brutality. Noting that the Air Force is wrestling with its own demons on racism, urging his fellow airmen to do what you think is right for the country, for your community for every Black man in this country who could end up like George Floyd. Clearer still was a memo by Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, superintendent of the Air Force Academy, not only calling for introspection, reflection and discussion about racial injustice, but also stating, outright, Violence against our fellow Americans has no place in our work toward positive change and we have sworn an oath to defend the right to peaceful protest. Advertisement A professor at the academy, who gave me a copy of the memo, wrote in an email, Silveria and the rest of military leaders are pissed because we are one of the most well integrated institutions and also the only non politicized institution, and are we going to throw our militaryblack, Hispanic, white, etc., soldiersin full battle to beat up American citizens?? Advertisement Advertisement Espera former West Point cadet, Army infantry officer, and aerospace executivemay have been chastened not just by these statements but also by a letter from James Miller, a former undersecretary of defense, who on Tuesday resigned in protest as a leader of the Defense Science Board since 2014. In his resignation letter, which Miller sent to the Washington Post for publication, he wrote that, by accompanying Trump to St. Johns Church after nearby peaceful protesters were dispersed by tear gas, Esper had violated his oath of office to support and defend the Constitution. Miller continued, Anyone who takes the oath of office must decide where he or she will draw the line. I must now ask: If last nights blatant violations [at the church] do not cross the line for you, what will? I hope this letter of resignation will encourage you to again contemplate the obligations you understood as well as your obligations to the men and women in our military and other Americans whose lives may be at stake. Advertisement Maybe Millers letter prompted Esper to do just that. At his press briefing on Wednesday, Esper also backpedaled on his use of the phrase battle space, saying, Its part of our military lexicon that I grew up with. Its not a phrase focused on people. In retrospect, I would have used different wording. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, in an interview with NBC News, Esper tried to dissociate himself from the St. Johns incident as well, saying that, after a meeting in the White House, he followed Trump and others toward Lafayette Park, adjacent to the church, thinking that he would be inspecting the National Guard troops who had been deployed there. I didnt know where I was going, he said, a comment that provoked mirth and ridicule on social mediawhich may also have prompted Esper to explain himself and cut ties with administration policy more firmly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffwho also posed at the St. Johns photo-op, and who strutted around Washington on Monday night, in full battle dress, as if he were a wartime commander inspecting his troops before they charged into combathas not yet said anything about his behavior or the presidents policies.* Several officers have raised their eyebrows at Milleys antics, especially since, as JCS chairman, he plays no formal role in military operations. Hayden tweeted that he was particularly appalled by Milleys battle attire. The wait is now on for other officers to speak outand, perhaps, for active-duty officers, who are limited in what they can publicly say, to resign. In February 2017, retired Adm. William McRaven, former head of Joint Special Operations Command, the officer who planned the raid on Osama bin Laden, denounced Trump as the greatest threat to democracy hed ever seen. This was in the context of Trumps denunciation of the press as an enemy of the people. Other officers nodded quietly behind the scenes, but few joined him publicly. Trumps presidency, after all, was barely a month old. Advertisement In December 2018, James Mattis, a retired four-star general, wrote a blistering letter to Trump, resigning in protest as his secretary of defense, mainly over the presidents dissing of allies. Several months later, Mattis wrote a memoir that barely mentioned Trump. While promoting the book, he told interviewers that he was constrained to speak out against a sitting president, but he also told Jeffrey Goldberg of the Atlantic that his period of silence was not eternalits not going to be forever. A question, then, for Mattis and many other quietly critical men and women in (or just recently out of) uniform, paraphrasing Jim Millers letter to Mark Esper: If Trumps recent behavior doesnt cross the line for you, what will? For more of Slates news coverage, subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts or listen below. Benchmarks Sensex and Nifty closed on higher on Wednesday backed by strong global cues amid heavy buying in banking and realty stocks. Extending rise for the sixth straight session, Sensex closed 284 points higher at 34,109 and Nifty climbed 82 points to 10,061. Sectorally, except IT and metal, all other indices closed in the green with PSU banking ending 5% higher, followed by 3.13% gains in realty and 2% gain in Nifty Bank. Earlier today, equity market indices opened higher, backed by positive global cues. Sensex gained 510 points to 34,336 and Nifty rose 170 points to 10,150. SGX Nifty traded 90 points higher at 10,867 level, indicating a positive trend in domestic grounds today. Although by the afternoon session, Sensex and Nifty erased early gains on profit-booking and ended 0.84% and 0.83% higher, respectively. Ajit Mishra, VP - Research, Religare Broking said," The buoyancy of the global markets triggered gap up opening and it traded range-bound thereafter. However, profit-taking in the last hour trimmed the gains." "Markets are currently riding on the global buoyancy but profit-taking in the last hour and scheduled weekly expiry indicate the possibility of a pause on Thursday i.e. June 4. The benchmark may take a breather and see some consolidation before the further surge," he added. Globally, indices turned green as investors turned optimistic over prospects of more government stimulus and eased lockdowns across the world. Asian markets were trading near three-month highs, backed by increased optimism over re-opening of economies and hopes of economic stimulus. US markets closed higher despite civil unrest across cities and tensions with China as investors started focusing more on economic recovery. European markets gained on Wednesday on recovery hopes shrugging off civil unrest in the US. Further signs of a pickup in China's services activity offset concerns about Sino-US trade tensions. While FTSE gained over 1%, both CAC and DAX rose 1.5% each. Investors are awaiting Q4 earnings today. Companies set to announce their earnings are Aurobindo Pharma, DCM Shriram, BPCL, Cholamandalam Investment, MAS Financial Services, Duncan Engineering, DISA and Shriram Asset Management among others. Oil prices continued to move higher, with Brent crude futures rising to 43 cents, on hopes of rising demand as lockdown restrictions are eased and ahead of the crucial OPEC+ meeting on an output cut. On the currency front, Rupee ended higher at 75.36 per US dollar against the last closing value of 75.55 per dollar on Tuesday. With Nifty crossing the 10,000 mark for the first time since March 11, Geojit Financial said in its note, "Having tested 9995.45 yesterday, the move towards 10400 is pending and should be in play today. The risk to downsides start from 9923." India, on Wednesday, recorded single-day spike of 8,909 new coronavirus cases and 217 deaths, taking nationwide infections to cross 200,000. The nation now stands at 7th position among the world's most infected countries, with the growth rate of new infections showing no signs of fall. Share Market Update: Sensex ends 284 points higher, Nifty at 10,061; Bajaj Finance, Kotak Bank top gainers Coronavirus update: India reports over 8,000 single-day cases for 4 consecutive days Coronavirus pandemic: Crude oil reaches $40 for first time since March InterGlobe Aviation share price rises over 12% despite Rs 871 crore loss in Q4 A man is set to appeal his manslaughter conviction over the death of a Holby City actors daughter. Rapper Ceon Broughton was handed an eight-and-a-half year sentence last year over the death of Louella Fletcher-Michie, who had a fatal reaction to the hallucinogenic drug 2CP at Bestival music festival in 2017. Three appeal judges are scheduled to consider the case at a virtual Court of Appeal hearing on Wednesday. Fletcher-Michie, the daughter of actor John Michie, was found dead in the early hours of 11 September the day on which she should have celebrated her 25th birthday in a wooded area on the edge of the festival site. Her boyfriend, Broughton, was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence following a trial at Winchester Crown Court in March 2019. In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Show all 6 1 /6 In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Ceon Broughton leaves Poole Magistrates' Court on 23 March, 2018. PA Archive/PA Images In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Family picture of Louella Fletcher-Michie, the daughter of Holby City actor John Michie, who was found dead after taking a party drug at Bestival on 11 September, 2017. Zoe Barling In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Louella Fletcher-Michie and Ceon Broughton were said to have been in an on-off relationship for a number of years. Instagram In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Ceon Broughton in the music video for his track 'Duracell'. CEONRPG In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death John Michie attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound, in London, 21 October, 2013. Getty Images/Gareth Cattermole In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Ceon Broughton, 29, arrives at Winchester Crown Court on 4 February, 2019, where he is charged in connection with the death of Holby City actor John Michie's daughter Louella Fletcher-Michie. PA Broughton, who was 30 at the time of the trial, was also found guilty of supplying Fletcher-Michie with 2CP at the festival, which takes place at Lulworth Castle in Dorset. Prosecutor William Mousley said the rapper known as CeonRPG had failed to take reasonable steps to seek medical help for Fletcher-Michie. He said Broughton did not get help because he had been handed a suspended jail term a month earlier and feared the consequences. Stephen Kamlish from the defence team said an expert witness had acknowledged Fletcher-Michie might not have survived even with medical help. He said Broughton, from Enfield in north London, had felt unable to leave his girlfriend alone in the woods while she was suffering a bad trip and he had not realised she was at risk of death, and had sought help through text and sending a GPS position. The defence lawyer read a statement to the court from Broughton during the sentencing hearing which read: Sorry I didnt do more to save Louella, sorry for the suffering I caused to everyone who loved Louella, I want to make things right. Trial judge Mr Justice Goose had told Broughton: You were only concerned for yourself. You didnt want to be arrested, you were more in fear of that than in getting help. Broughton had previously admitted supplying drugs to Fletcher-Michie at the Glastonbury festival in June 2017 and was in breach of a suspended prison sentence for possessing a lock knife and a Stanley knife blade. Additional reporting by Press Association Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) The Philippine government is looking into the possibility of buying attack helicopters from Turkey, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Wednesday. Speaking to CNN Philippines, Lorenzana confirmed officials are in the middle of talks with the transcontinental country, but stressed that a contract to acquire such equipment has yet to be signed. "We are looking at the Turkish attack helicopters with our money," Lorenzana said in an interview with The Source. "It is under negotiation, and we have not yet signed any contract with them because were looking at their equipment further, to ensure that what they have is what we need." The US State Department in April announced that it gave the go-signal for the possible sale of attack helicopters to the Philippines. Wire reports and defense blogs quoted the Defense Security Cooperation Agency as saying that the US is offering to sell to the Philippines six of either of these attack helicopters: Bell's AH-1Z Viper (estimated cost at 22.8 billion) or Boeing's AH-64E Apache Guardian (estimated cost at 76 billion). READ: DND seeks ways to cut spending without compromising national security Lorenzana, however, said the government may not be able to afford the helicopters from the US, especially with funds being channeled into the country's COVID-19 response. He noted they only currently have a 13 billion budget to work with. "Its very expensive to buy those in terms of maintaining and stocking spare parts... If we can buy six attack helicopters from other sources with the money we have, that would be more attractive than buying the American attack helicopters," he said. American cities aflame after the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police should come as no surprise. Those small businesses and lives of everyday Americans that werent already crushed by the Democrat governors prolonged Covid-19 lockdowns were debilitated by the Dem mayors across the nation enabling and ennobling rioters, roving thugs, and bomb-throwers. Democrats own the consequences of their devastating policies, starting with Lyndon Johnsons Great Society welfare state. Barack Obamas race hustling criminal coddling set the more recent tone where state and local law-enforcement officers were routinely attacked, accused of serial hate-inspired killings of suspects; where civilized norms were declared the illicit fruit of white privilege; where the epidemic of black-on-black homicides was either ignored or blamed on unresolved racial grievances. Where Marxist mayors demonizing and disarming their own police, nullified enforcement of criminal codes by issuing stand-down orders; embraced militant advocacy of open borders, enacted sanctuary city statutes to harbor illegal aliens; refused to prosecute and/or deport illegal aliens with long violent records including rape, kidnapping, sex trafficking, and murder. Willis L. Krumholz has it correct in a City Journal piece Standing Down: For what its worth, every public official responsible for the mayhem is a Democratthe governor, the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and even Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, who finally had Chauvin arrested on Friday. And it was current Democrat Senator Amy Klobuchar, the former county attorney, who failed to prosecute Chauvin for misdeeds in the past. Democrats collectively run a state that has one of the widest racial disparities in the country in terms of education and income. As Roger Kimball notes here: In a magnificent monologue on his television show, Tucker Carlson peeled back the headlines to expose the festering reality that has brought us to this pass. The ideologues will tell you, he noted, that the problem is race relations, or capitalism, or police brutality, or global warming. But only on the surface. The real cause is deeper than that and its far darker. What youre watching is the ancient battle between those who have a stake in society, and would like to preserve it, and those who dont, and seek to destroy it. Thats exactly right. Writing in the dark days of 1939, Evelyn Waugh noted that barbarism is never finally defeated; given propitious circumstances, men and women who seem quite orderly will commit every conceivable atrocity. Many if not most of the violent hooligans defacing our cities today are young beneficiaries of the richest and most generous society the world has ever seen. At school, they were taught to despise their country as racist, sexist, colonialist, and exploitative, attitudes that were reinforced in college and from the megaphones of the media, Hollywood, and our elite universities. How thin is the line between civilization and violent anarchy! It was the Dems who created multi-generational wards of the state, yet never delivered a better life to any of its captives, filling a reservoir of resentment, and pent-up fury. Instead of safe neighborhoods, good schools, and a climate for businesses to thrive and add jobs, the Dems ushered in wretched schools where union spoils are a higher good than childrens futures, where small business entrepreneurs have to compete with drug dealers on street corners, and no one is shielded from gunfire. Where vermin infested apartments are better than living on the streets, barely. Where police officers and firefighters don a bulletproof vest before responding to a call. Where corrupt mayors and city councils loot their constituents meager take-home remains, to pay for second homes and obscene wardrobes. And now the good citizens who endured such prolonged humility and depravation, especially small business owners who just wanted a chance -- a punchers chance against all odds -- have seen their sweat equity, a tiny bit of tangible reward, up in flames as Dem mayors and governors talk of the sanctity of protest voices even as some use violence as their medium, while watching their cities burn to the ground. Yes, the Dems are directly responsible, and the rest of us would be complicit in denial, or in soft-pedaling the obvious. Rudy Giuliani nailed it on Hannity: "Progressive Democrats are incapable of keeping their people safe," he said, "because they have criminal-friendly policies that are pathetic, that are dangerous, and now we are seeing the results not only there [in Minneapolis], but watch the cities that start burning. "They are all going to be run by so-called progressives, idiot Democrats who let criminals out of jail, who set bail for murderers and encourage exactly this kind of thing." As John Wohstetter points out from The American Spectator When you reward bad behavior, expect more of it Wohlstetter chronicles the inept and incoherent responses to riots in the late 1960s to the 1990s from which we have learned nothing. Detroit 1967-- five days of violence, with more than 40 fatalities and more than one thousand injured. It was the worst rioting in America since the 1863 New York City draft riots, not to be exceeded in scale until the 1992 Rodney King riots (LA 1992) Detroit and Newark (also 1967four days of violence 26 deaths, over 700 injured) never recovered from the destruction of 1967. Washington, D.C. never fully recovered from the riots after the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King And in 1991 NYC Mayor David Dinkins took a let off steam approach, as black rioters marched through the streets of Crown Heights shouting Heil Hitler! as they assaulted Jews, after a rabbis car accidentally struck two children, killing one. A rabbinical student a student guest from Australia, a more civilized place than was New York City in 1991 was stabbed to death. The false narratives endorsed and disseminated by Democrat politicians and the press about the Baltimore police and Freddie Gray, George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin, the Ferguson police and Michael Brown endure against truth tellers consigned to the shadows. Dems stood aside while dozens of their neighborhoods were firebombed, businesses destroyed, cities ravaged --- activated by Democrat mayors and their states attorneys, county and city DAs whose selective readings of criminal statutes emboldened and offered safe harbor to unrepentant violent criminals and revolutionary anarchists -- all supported by Obamas radical communist community organizer sympathies, who vilified Tea Party patriots while beatifying Occupy Wall Street deconstructionists. The Democrats have successfully disintegrated decency and civility, re-shaping society. Lawlessness, anarchy, random violence, and destruction of private property frames their new normal. Imposing nihilist tyranny of the majority as a substitute for a constitutional process in resolving competing political visions, punishing victims while cheering criminals, are all standard- issue Dem behaviors, unconditionally underwritten by the MSM and purveyors of social media. And so, we have the likes of David Gergen, establishmentarian, onetime advisor to four presidents, now a political analyst for CNN, lamenting that AG Barrs plea for returning to law and order was a dog whistle, harkening to the civil rights days in the South, having no place in the present discourse. Clueless Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued this pee-on-the-ashes nonsense while his city was ablaze: The City encourages everyone to exercise caution to stay safe while participating in demonstrations, including wearing masks and physical distancing as much as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19, All of Americas most important cities from NYC to LA, to Chicago, to Seattle, to Boston, to Chicago, to Minneapolis, to St Louis, to Houston to San Francisco, to Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia are run now, and for the most part have been for last half-century, by Democrats, are to some degree in ruin, ungovernable. Covid-19 is a sideshow compared to the takeover of American urban life by the malignant Democrats, as they champion the house arrest of everyday innocent and healthy Americans, while reopening America to the erstwhile underworld, now mainstream practitioners of despoiling all that is good. Photo credit: YouTube screen grab Occidental Petroleum is evacuating some of its Gulf of Mexico oil facilities ahead of the anticipated storm Cristobal, Occidental said on Wednesday. The evacuated workers so far will be limited to non-essential workers, and interruptions are not expected, Reuters said, according to Oxy. Occidental is the fourth largest producer in the deep waters of Gulf of Mexico with 10 facilities there, according to the companys website. Other oil companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico, including BP, Chevron, Exxon, Hess, Murphy, and Shell, are monitoring the situation but have not decided to remove staff from deepwater platforms. Cristobal will likely reach landfall around the Gulf of Mexico coast, probably around Louisiana, but not before picking up steam in the waters of the Gulf. Gusts of 65 mph are expected. The Gulf of Mexico accounts for some 17 percent of U.S. oil production. In 2018, hurricane Michael shut in production of more than 700,000 bpd for a few days. In 2017, total oil industryproduction and refininghit US$200 billion, the highest storm bill in history. This year there will be fewer evacuations than in years past, even if most operators evacuate staff. The rig count in the Gulf has fallen from over 22 in March, to 20 in April, and then to just 12 in the last week of May. It is the lowest rig count there in a decade. Some analysts are predicting that after shutting in oil production in the Gulfwhether due to coronavirus outbreaks on platforms or due to slack demand and low prices, it may take years for it all to come back online. Any additional shutdowns caused by the tropical storm will likely exacerbate the issue. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: pabpinor wrote: texas101 wrote: Looks like the Darden application is officially out. There are two categories of early action this year; binding and non binding. What are your thoughts on this new development for Darden? I tried to understand how the binding & non-binding options would impact the process but I did not get a clear picture of it, will share here if I find it. Regards, Pablo I tried to understand how the binding & non-binding options would impact the process but I did not get a clear picture of it, will share here if I find it.Regards,Pablo Applying early action is a way to signal particular interest in a certain school, and is often associated with slightly higher acceptance rates. If you get your ducks in a row early, it makes sense to apply early action (especially if there is a non-binding option available).The transition to non-binding early action is likely a response to two realities:(1) Some students are limited financially and cant apply with a binding process given they will need to factor in financial aid in their decision calculus. Schools know that many students cant realistically commit to a school until they get an idea of the overall financial aid packages of all of their admitted options, so the non-binding early action acknowledges this.(2) At the same time as they concede that a non-binding early action option should be available, schools like Darden know that some students *are* able to financially commit themselves to Darden if they are admitted. And Darden wants to make a binding option for these students because it helps their yield numbers (and thus their ranking).Given this, I wouldnt be surprised if the acceptance rates for the binding early action is higher than the nonbinding early action, but that non-binding early action is higher than regular rounds. The reason has to do with yield, an important metric that is used to rank universities by US News and World Report, The Economist, Financial Times, etc. Yield is the % of admitted students who matriculate. HBS yield is the highest of any business school (~91%). Thats not a coincidence. For schools like Darden, which are consistently ranked very highly but still sometimes dont make top 7 or top 10 lists, yield is an important metric to try to optimize. One of the easiest ways to get yield numbers up is to admit a portion of the class in *binding* early action rounds since the school can be reasonably assured that these students will attend. Ambitious and organized students who apply early to the non-binding round are also signaling special interest in the school which indicates that they will be more likely to matriculate if admitted (versus, say, an applicant who applies R2 at the same time as he/she is applying to 5+ other schools).Hope this is helpful. Best of luck to you on your Darden application. Ex-President Jerry John Rawlings is expected to celebrate June 4th virtually this year due to coronavirus. The Communications Directorate of his office made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday, June 3, signed by Kobina Andoh Amoakwa. According to the statement, all is set for the virtual celebration. It is unclear whether former President John Mahama who has conspicuously absented himself from such celebrations over the years would partake in the virtual celebration. The statement says All is set for the virtual celebration of the 41st anniversary of the June 4 uprising on Thursday. Former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings and leader of the uprising will deliver the keynote address for the event which will be under the theme, Strengthening the Spirit of Patriotism, Resilience and Integrity in Difficult Times, it says. Due to existing social distancing and ban on public gathering protocols instituted by the government as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the event will not be open to the public, it announced. According to the anniversary planning committee, other speakers at the E-durbar will include NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia as well as Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor, Ambassador Dan Abodakpi, Maame Efua Sekyi-Addo and Sussie Efua Adoboe all leading members of the NDC. Selected members of the media have been invited to cover the E-Durbar. All non-invited media and the general public should kindly log in to the former President's social media platforms for a live broadcast of the event. The social media handles are as follows: Facebook @JerryJohnRawlings Twitter @JerryJohnRawlings Youtube @JerryJohn. As part of the celebrations, donations will be made to the Muslim community in commemoration of the Eid ul Fitr and select medical facilities will receive PPEs to support the fight against the corona virus. Ahead of the durbar which will be broadcast from Flt Lt Rawlings office, there will be a wreath-laying and lighting of perpetual flame at Nungua last stop where the famous June 4 tree is located, it noted. The organizing committee wishes to inform sympathisers and members of the public to observe the event on the designated social media platforms as the event will not be open to the public due to the Covid pandemic, it said. On June 4, 1979, members of the military, drawn mostly from the junior ranks and inspired by mass social and public discontent, took over the governance of the country after it had sunk into a state of social, economic and political decay. The following three months led to a 'housecleaning' exercise after which elections were held and the mantle of political leadership handed over to the government of the People's National Party, ushering in the Third Republic. ---Daily Guide Facebook Inc.s employees have been staging walkouts (virtually, of course its Silicon Valley and a pandemic is afoot). Theyve also posted to an internal chat board, complaining that Zuckerberg, the social media powerhouses founder, is allowing it to be used to foment violence, hatred and disinformation by letting President Donald Trumps incendiary Facebook posts remain in place. A civil rights group met with Zuckerberg and his chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, on Monday to discuss their concerns about Trump using Facebook to divide the country amid protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, an African American, while in police custody in Minneapolis. One of those who joined the meeting, Color of Change President Rashad Robinson, was troubled by Zuckerbergs decision to keep the Trump posts. The problem with my ongoing conversations with Mark is that I feel like I spent a lot of time, and my colleagues spent a lot of time, explaining to him why these things are a problem, and I think he just very much lacks the ability to understand it, Robinson told a Bloomberg News reporter. Robinson and two other civil rights leaders who participated in the Zuckerberg call also released a statement elaborating on that thought: He did not demonstrate understanding of historic or modern-day voter suppression. Mark is setting a very dangerous precedent for other voices who would say similar harmful things on Facebook. Zuckerberg held a video conference on Tuesday with employees to discuss the Trump backlash and stood firm. He said letting the Trump posts remain was a tough decision but was the right action. Casey Newton, a reporter for The Verge, obtained an audio recording of a meeting Zuckerberg held last Friday with employees that offers a deeper look into his thinking about the Trump posts. This is not how I think we want our leaders to show up during this time. This is a moment that calls for unity and calmness and empathy for people who are struggling, Zuckerberg said. There is a real question coming out of this, which is whether we want to evolve our policy around the discussion of state use of force. Over the coming days, as the National Guard is now deployed, probably the largest one that I would worry about would be excessive use of police or military force. I think theres a good argument that there should be more bounds around the discussion around that. Like many of his compatriots in Silicon Valley living in the time of Trump, a pandemic, economic chaos, income inequality and social upheaval, Zuckerberg has reached a tipping point. The visionaries who built fortunes around products and services that weaved the world more tightly and imperfectly together with just the flicks of digital switches have been content, by and large, to pretend their machines are friction-free, self-perpetuating and self-regulating. Facebook, perhaps more than any other digital invention, never had a chance of perpetuating that myth. As many as 2.2 billion of the planets 7.8 billion people use Facebook. It is a giant advertising and communications machine, a vast social trampoline and an enormous chessboard for political and business operatives. Nice things happen on it and bad things happen on it. Yes, Zuckerberg built it, but its influence and scope have certainly outgrown his ability to steer it effectively without being well advised and open-minded. In addition to concerns about the Trump posts, Facebook employees have complained that Zuckerberg operates in a bubble and needs greater diversity among his senior advisers. But as he moved to reassert his authority within the company in recent months, the 35-year-old mogul has packed his board of directors with more pliant members. An internal study Facebooks senior executives commissioned in response to criticism about whether the platform had been weaponized by Russians and Trumps team during the 2016 election and Zuckerbergs own concerns that the site was awash in sensationalism and polarization was shelved. Among other things, the study found that Facebook exacerbated tribalism and division among its users. A senior Facebook executive dismissed efforts to address that problem as paternalistic, according to reporting from the Wall Street Journal. Facebook has said it doesnt plan to vet political advertising for its veracity ahead of the 2020 election. Last week, as Twitter wrangled with Trump over tweets the company decided to label with a warning and then fact-check, Zuckerberg let it be known that he didnt think any social media platform should be an arbiter of truth. This is consistent with statements he has made in the past about the need for Facebook to take a hands-off approach to content on its site and that the burden should be on users about what to believe. This isnt consistent with how Zuckerberg has acted, however. For example, and to his credit, he spotted the danger of Covid-19 early and Facebook announced in January that it would remove disinformation about the coronavirus from the site. He later set up an information center about the pandemic on Facebook dedicated to conveying high-quality and accurate data to the sites users. There are other examples of Facebook proactively removing information or interactions it deemed dangerous or abusive from the site as well. More recently, we have Zuckerbergs musings about how Facebook might respond if theres an excessive use of police or military force in the U.S. There is plenty of room for Zuckerberg to make a principled free-speech defense around Trump or anyone else who posts inflammatory material to Facebook. He went in that direction in one of his own Facebook posts on Friday. 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, he wrote. This is reasonable and classic advocacy for free speech. And it bears the classic disclaimer: You can say anything you want in America, but youre not allowed to yell Fire! in a crowded theater. People might get hurt and in that instance, their safety outweighs your free speech. That same argument can be made about a political leader threatening violence when people of color, burdened with centuries of racism and discrimination seeded with contemporary despair, take to the street to protest peacefully. But the Trump-Zuckerberg debate also involves dynamics other than the battles taking place on city streets right now. Zuckerberg is a shrewd businessman, and policing his site effectively and proactively would be more burdensome and expensive were he to do it. Running Facebook like a news platform, which it is, rather than as just another technology platform, which Zuckerberg would like to continue pretending it is, would force him into regulatory regimes and responsibilities for which he probably has little appetite. And if his company doesnt merely foster tribalism and polarization, but actually thrives because of those forces as the internal Facebook study concluded why would he rush to overhaul anything? Yet here Zuckerberg is. Reality has intervened and thrown roadblocks in front of Facebooks spectacular success. He can continue trying to navigate around them with a schizophrenic approach to free speech deployed as a matter of convenience. Or he can help Facebook become a more mature and responsible enterprise by leading it differently. Now read: Google sued for alleged secret collection of user data Demonstrators take part in a protest in Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, the United States, June 1, 2020. (Photo by Chris Dilts/Xinhua) The infection risk is even higher when demonstrators have been arrested. "Jails are crowded indoor spaces. The aggregation of protesters in jails will increase the risk for onward transmission of the virus," said Zhang Zuofeng, a professor of epidemiology. WASHINGTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- As tens of thousands of demonstrators continue to take to the streets across the United States to protest the killing of George Floyd, an African American who died in police custody last week, health experts warned that mass gatherings may speed up COVID-19 transmission. "Mass gatherings occurred in many locations across the country, resulting in close contacts and lack of social distancing. Though many demonstrators wear masks, the chances of COVID-19 infections increase tremendously," Zhang Zuofeng, professor of epidemiology and associate dean for research with the school of public health at University of California, Los Angeles, told Xinhua on Tuesday. An SUV of New York police department is burned during a protest over the death of George Floyd in the Brooklyn borough of New York, the United States, on May 30, 2020. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) Many of the weekend's protests culminated in police officers shooting tear gas and using pepper spray and protesters setting fire to cars and buildings. Smoke, tear gas and pepper spray cause coughing, and coughing aerosolizes the virus, increasing the risk that it will spread, said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least a third of COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic. The infection risk is even higher when demonstrators have been arrested, Zhang told Xinhua. "Jails are crowded indoor spaces. The aggregation of protesters in jails will increase the risk for onward transmission of the virus," Zhang said. More than 5,600 people have been arrested over days of nationwide protests, according to The Associated Press. On Monday, mayors and governors across the country urged demonstrators to stay home, and if they do go out, to wear a face mask and maintain social distancing. Although government officials have warned demonstrators about the health risks posed by protesting during a pandemic, only a few have offered actionable guidance about the role COVID-19 testing can play in preventing the virus from spreading, said a report by ABC News. Demonstrators take part in a sit-down protest in Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, the United States, June 1, 2020. (Photo by Javage Logan/Xinhua) Since most people who are infected with the coronavirus develop symptoms within 14 days of being infected and can spread the disease days before they feel sick, the window to get tested and avoid infecting others is small. "The impact of the ongoing protests on COVID-19 case counts may be revealed in about two weeks. Some testing sites have been closed due to demonstrations, which also affects timely diagnosis of COVID-19 cases," Zhang said. Protests over the death of Floyd entered the eighth day across the United States on Tuesday, with incidents of arson, vandalism and looting occurring in various places. Cities and states, including California, the District of Columbia, New York City and Cleveland, have extended curfews. Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu on Wednesday repeated a call to build the capacity of Members of Parliament and complained about the high attrition rate from the House which attributed to monetization of the nations politics. He said: Parliaments and parliamentarians must be capacitated, adding that building the capacity of Parliamentarians is not a four-year effort. In a statement at a round table discussion at the Parliament House, Osu-Accra, attended by the Chairpersons and Ranking Members of various committees of the House, the Leader observed that building the capacity of a legislator requires much longer time. And if such members are seen to be generally incompetent, parliament is significantly weakened, but as a general rule, the longer one stays in Parliament, the better Parliamentarian the one becomes. The MP becomes very knowledgeable, experienced and a prolific debater and law-maker, he said. The Majority Leader, an advocate for sharing committee chairmanship among the parties in Parliament, however, admitted that there is extreme partisanship of some MPs especially some in leadership. These, he said, are otherwise normally intelligent people, and that makes one a bit nervous about what kind of polarization and rabble rousing such a move could possibly engender in Ghanas parliament. He announced that the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has started a dialogue session with the political parties, the NCCE, the academia, civil society organisations and the media, he identified as all sharing in the principle that the high attrition rate in parliament is turning out to be a curse. He used the forum, which was on the theme: Parliament and the Sustenance of Ghanas Democracy 2020 and Beyond, to acknowledge that for the first time in the history of the 4th Parliament, at the behest of Mr Speaker, the first Meeting of the 4th session was suspended instead of rising sine die as is usual. That, he said, was due to the presence of the COVID 19, but during the suspension, Members of Parliament heeded the clarion call and supported the Executive and sat for four times. Our sacrifice has not gone unnoticed by the nation, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said, and conveyed the gratitude of President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to the Leadership and the House as a whole. The Majority Leader reiterated some of the functions of Parliament as representation, deliberation, information transmission, legislation, and financial control. Others are oversight, problem resolution, ratification of agreements, loans, treaties, and protocols, but the legitimacy of Parliament is measured by roles that they perform and how effective they are. The Majority Leader, however, complained that increasingly the house is being served with statements that are not well-researched. Some Members submit Statements which are saturated with half-truths and plain untruths. Parliament and Parliamentarians must always speak to credible, authentic information, not as we are seeing these days, statements drawing from opinions expressed in the social media. That is unhelpful and not academic, the Leader said. He suggested to Committees of Parliament to operate independently from party discipline, and that the non-partisan nature of Committee work could be reinforced by spreading chairmanship among the various parties represented in parliament rather than allowing government party members to dominate. Minority Leader and MP for Tamale South Haruna Iddrisu said the Parliament of Ghana has not lived to the desired expectation and had failed Ghanaians woefully in holding the Executive responsible since 1993, citing in recent times, expenditure related to COVID 19. He cited a number of instances of Parliament failure in holding the Executive accountable the finance administration of the State. Mr Iddrisu said: Government in the last three months has had to spend US 1 billion Rapid Credit Facility from the IMF; Government is currently borrowing $219 million from the Sinking Fund or Contingency Fund. If you read the tenure of Article 177 (1) and (2), Parliament has only lived the first part of the constitutional provision- Finance Committee scrutinizes and give approval. Article 177 (2) requires that when the Minister of Finance takes the money, he must come to Parliament as soon as practicable or possible with a supplementary estimate. Parliament has slept over that. Since the Minister of Finance came for the US$ 219 million he has failed to come back to Parliament to account and to provide for what you may call an accountable imprest. Only yesterday, the Minister of Finance was in Parliament to borrow, and to borrow some GHC 10 billion; no scrutiny, no itemized expenditure dedicated to the 10 billion. All we are told is Budget Support. A nebulous wholesale word of Budget Support!, Mr Iddrisu said. He added: So the 10 billion, how is Parliament holding the Ministry of Finance accountable for the 10 billion? Suffice it even to add that the Minister of Finance is engaged in illegality and the justification is that we are not in normal times. We are not in normal times does not mean lawlessness. Dr Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, said the planned programmes of the Ministry had to be suspended in response to the directives issued by the President and concentrate on critical administrative deliverables. He said the nation face an existential threat with the onset of coronavirus and reechoed that the Ministry of Finance anticipates that the virus would certainly result in significant shortfalls in petroleum receipts, shortfalls in import duties, increased in other tax revenue and increase in health related expenditures. Other effects are tight financing conditions and Coronavirus Alleviation Package. Dr Evans Aggrey-Darkoh announced that the Ministry is pursuing three strategic objectives such as supporting the deepening of democratic governance, improving the participation of civil society, including media, traditional authorities, religious bodies in national development, and promote the fight against corruption and economic crimes. The engagement with the Core Leadership, the first in 2020, is interrogating how the Parliament of Ghana, through its core and auxiliary functions is sustaining Ghanas democracy the election year, 2020 and beyond. The round-table would examine the responsibility of leadership of Parliament in sustaining Ghanas democracy especially in an election year and beyond, interrogate the execution of the core and auxiliary functions of Parliament in sustaining Ghanas democracy and foster effective collaboration between the Core leadership of Parliament and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs for the sustenance of democratic political system. 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 JAMES DURBIN Midland County Hospital District provides more than $40 million per year in support of a wide variety of community healthcare services, beyond the operation of Midland Memorial Hospital. These services are essential to the communitys health, and for many years have been fully funded by federal Medicaid supplemental payments. These payments are projected to decline by $23 million in fiscal year 2021, with annual cuts reaching $38.4 million by fiscal year 2024. To replace the lost federal funding, MCHD has called for an election on July 14 to levy a tax on the sale of taxable items within the district, at a rate not to exceed one quarter percent (0.25 percent) of the sales price of the taxable item sold anywhere in Midland County. At least 50 new coronavirus cases and one death have been reported at five Egyptian state-run press institutions, including five cases in Egypts biggest press initiation Al-Ahram, the country's National Press Authority (NPA) announced late on Tuesday. In an official statement, the NPA said that five positive cases have been discovered at Al-Ahram, three of whom have been admitted to isolation and state hospitals and two have been ordered to remain in home-isolation to receive the necessary treatment. The regulatory body also reported one death and 11 positive cases at Akhbar Al-Youm press institution, three of whom have fully recovered and been discharged while the remaining are still isolated. Another 38 employees who had come in contact with the 11 newly-discovered cases are in home-isolation under the supervision of the institution's medical department, the NPA added. The authority pointed out that 10 COVID-19 patients have also been detected at Dar Al-Tahrir institution, while 17 other suspected coronavirus cases have been traced and ordered to remain in home-isolation. Up to 12 of Dar Al-Tahrirs workers have been furloughed with pay for three weeks as a result of coming in contact with the newly-discovered cases, the statement added. Rose Al-Yusuf press institution has also reported 12 infections, one of whom retested negative recently while the others are in isolation. Another two confirmed infections have been discovered and five other suspected cases have been traced in Dar Almaarief press institution, according to the NPA statement. The statement added that 10 positive cases have also been reported at Dar Al-Hilal institution two of whom have recovered and been discharged. Earlier this week, Egypt's press syndicate said that three Egyptian journalists had died of the super-spreader virus and eight others had been infected. A total of 27,536 coronavirus cases have been registered in Egypt, including 1,052 fatalities and 6,827 recoveries. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Mayor Bill de Blasio driving through Manhattan as the 8 p.m. curfew took place citywide criticized Gov. Andrew Cuomos terse language earlier in the day, which slammed his and NYPD officials handling of the city during Monday nights civil unrest," according to an interview with 1010WINS. "The police must stop the looting and criminal activity; they did not do that in New York City last night and I am disappointed and outraged at what happened last night, Cuomo said on Tuesday, making it the focus of his daily press conference. However, after those comments were made, Richard Azzopardi, the senior advisor to the governor, said: The governor has always said he has respect and confidence in the NYPD and he knows they can handle this situation because he has seen them do it in the past. Its not the men and women of the NYPD - he questions the management and deployment of the NYPD and believes the mayor should put more NYPD officers on the streets to do their job, Azzopardi said. "There are 36,000 police officers - why isnt at least half the force on the streets protecting public safety with looting going on across the city? De Blasio, however, did not buy the equivocation. Lets not mince words and play games, he said during the 1010WINS interview. He said the NYPD; he has to own it. Any elected official that blames the NYPD thats disgraceful, he said. He owes an apology to 36,000 hard-working men and women. The mayor went on to praise the work of Police Commissioner Dermot Shea, who de Blasio said has done an extraordinary job in the NYPD for decades in his work handling the recent demonstrations and subsequent looting. De Blasios interview Tuesday night came only hours after Shea said the department would not allow violence and disorder ... after the sun has set." While admitting a curfew is an imperfect instrument, de Blasio said the streets he was observing were increasingly clearing as we speak. Talking directly to New Yorkers still on the streets of the city, he was direct: All New Yorkers, we gave you a lot of notice. Its time to go home now ... Everyone, its time to go home now. Despite the 11 p.m. curfew Monday, looters broke into stores across Midtown and the Bronx Monday evening. About 2,000 protesters, including around 700 people on Monday, have been arrested in New York City, according to News 4 New York. In Brooklyn, where police had clashed with protesters over the weekend, protests reportedly were peaceful on Monday evening. Police and local officials quashed false rumors of looting on Staten Island, and the boroughs protests have been peaceful, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported. The protests were sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis last Monday after a white police officer kneeled on Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes. The ex-Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, has since been arrested and charged. Meanwhile, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and members of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday rallied behind city, state and federal laws that would more strictly enforce police tactics when effecting an arrest, and more clearly outline penalties for NYPD officers found to be in misconduct of department protocol. Welcome to the News Release Wire Selection Control Panel. Instant News Wire Press Release June 3, 2020 Senators Disappointed Over Failure to Provide Compensation to Healthcare Workers Who Died or are Severely Ill While Fighting COVID-19 Several senators called out the Department of Health (DOH) for failing to compensate the health workers who have died while helping Filipinos who have been afflicted with the COVID-19 virus. During the plenary debates on Senate Bill 1564 or the proposed Bayanihan To Recover as One Act, it was revealed that there have been no claims for compensation for health workers under Republic Act 11469 because the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for this provision has not been crafted. Senate Committee on Finance Chairman Sonny Angara aired his frustration over the report of the DOH on the availment of the said compensation, which he said was "criminal" considering that there appears to be neglect on the part of the agency to issue the IRR, which resulted in the delay in the release of these benefits to the COVID-19 frontliners. "I'm very disappointed to hear the response from the DOH. The Senate labored, burned the midnight oil to pass Bayanihan One. It's quite upsetting to find out that so many months have gone without the DOH crafting the IRR here. So many health workers have suffered, whether they have died or have been severely afflicted with the COVID virus. Again, it's very upsetting," Angara said. "It's really criminal, this neglect to pass this (IRR); to delay these types of benefits. We keep praising them as our heroes but it's mere lip service if we don't give them anything material," he added. Under Section 4(f) of RA 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, public and private health workers who die while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic will be provided with compensation amounting to P1 million each. Public and private health workers who contract severe COVID-19 infection while in the line of duty will be compensated with P100,000 each. The issue was raised by Senator Richard Gordon, who introduced the provision of the law as a way to recognize the sacrifices made by the health frontliners in the country's fight against COVID-19. According to Gordon, 32 health workers have died in the line of duty and there are two who are currently severely ill from COVID-19. "That is a serious neglect. Sometimes, may kasabihan na nauuna ang salita sa gawa. We should call the attention of whoever it is that will provide this because 32 have died. About two are severely sick that should be given some support. Those who are severely ill must be supported," Gordon said. Senator Francis Pangilinan said this development is "truly disappointing and truly indicative of the lack of compassion of whoever the DOH is supposed to address this with the IRR." "This is unacceptable and unforgivable. They have already died, they have already suffered, and we continue to allow them to suffer more because of this failure and this inaction on the part of the Department of Health. This is completely and totally unacceptable," Pangilinan said. Senator Panfilo Lacson said the government owes the families of the 32 health workers' families P32 million and the absence of an IRR "should not be an excuse not to comply with the law." Angara said that he will do what he can in his capacity as the Finance Committee chairman to nudge the DOH in the right direction. He also suggested that all the members of the Senate sign a letter addressed to the DOH to underscore the urgency of the matter. The resumption of a court case in Pakistan this week has reinforced a key question about why Islamabad wants to remove a top judge who is widely reputed to be one of the most competent and honest in the country. On June 3, a full bench of the Pakistani Supreme Court continued to hear a case by a fellow judge. Justice Qazi Faez Isa, one of the most senior Supreme Court justices, had lodged a case against the governments legal complaint last year that was aimed at his potential removal from office over allegations of undeclared assets. In an apparent blow to the governments claims, Justice Umar Ata Bandial, the head of the 10-member bench hearing the case, noted there were no allegations of corruption or dishonesty against Isa, according to reports in the Pakistani press. Bandial also questioned the governments motives in demanding Isa prove the money trail of properties reportedly held abroad by his relatives. Judges are placed on a high pedestal in our society; hence they should be clean from any criticism, said Farogh Naseem, the governments lawyer. Naseem, a reputed turncoat politician, resigned as Pakistans law minister on June 1 to represent the federal government in the case. Justice Maqbool Baqar, another judge on the bench, said there were concerns that Isa was facing the proceedings because some in the country were not happy with his rulings. You should first argue on the subject of mala fide and tell us about the basis on which the reference had been filed against the petitioner judge, he asked Naseem, according to Pakistani daily The News. The reference, or case, to which Baqar alluded was the original government complaint in May 2019 that requested the Supreme Judicial Council, the top accountability forum for senior judges, try Isa for undeclared foreign assets. The case followed a landmark ruling by Isa months earlier in February 2019 that disparaged the powerful military for its role in a sit-in protest by an Islamist group against the civilian government in 2017. In the ruling Isa asked the Pakistani government, intelligence agencies, and the militarys public relations office to work within their mandate. The constitution emphatically prohibits members of the armed forces from engaging in any kind of political activity, which includes supporting a political party, faction, or individual, the ruling observed. The government of Pakistan through the Defense Ministry and respective chiefs of the army, the navy, and the air force are directed to initiate action against the personnel under their command who are found to have violated their oath. Isa wrote the verdict after hearing a suo moto case about a sit-in protest in Islamabad in November 2017. The Pakistani Army had played a prominent public role in eventually ending the sit-in protest by the Islamist group Tehreek-e Labaik Pakistan (TLP), which had paralyzed the capital, Islamabad, for weeks. The perception that ISI may be involved in or interferes with matters with which an intelligence agency should not be concerned with, including politics, therefore was not put to rest, Isa wrote in the verdict while referring to the countrys secret service the Inter-Services Intelligence with its acronym. In April 2019, Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf (PTI), the countrys ruling party, the Defense Ministry, and several other government departments and individuals filed lawsuits to petition the court to review Isas ruling. The Defense Ministry asked the top court to review the verdict because it contained "adverse observations and negative declaratory remarks" about the military, which it said could affect the morale of troops. The PTI argued that the Supreme Court overturned the ruling because Isa was biased. But Isa appeared to take on the governments criticism and efforts to remove him head on. Selective leaks amount to character assassination, jeopardizing my right to due process and fair trial, Isa wrote in a May 2019 letter to Pakistani President Arif Alvi. [It] undermines the institution of the judiciary. The case evoked a strong reaction from Pakistani lawyers. They protested the move as Additional Attorney General Zahid Ebrahim, one of the most senior government lawyer, resigned days after the case was officially lodged in late May. Unless resisted, it will cause irreparable damage to the institution [of the judiciary], which is the protector of our fundamental rights and the bedrock of our fledgling democracy, Ebrahim wrote in his resignation letter. In what was seen as a major blow to the governments case against Isa, Attorney-General Anwar Mansoor Khan resigned on February 20. He stepped down after the countrys main lawyers association called for his resignation after the Supreme Court ordered him to apologize or prove his controversial remarks about members of the bench hearing Isas case. Three months later, the case is back in the headlines in Pakistan. Many now see it as a litmus test of whether the countrys judiciary can retain a modicum of independence or if it completely capitulates to the military and the current civilian administration it supports. Washington: China has yielded to pressure from the US and agreed to allow more foreign carriers to fly into the mainland, shortly after Washington barred Chinese passenger carriers from flying to the United States. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in a statement that qualifying foreign carriers currently barred from operating flights to mainland China will be allowed once-per-week flights into a city of their choosing starting on June 8. The CAAC also said all airlines will be allowed to increase the number of international flights involving China to two per week if no incoming passengers on their flights test positive for COVID-19 for three consecutive weeks. President Donald Trump's administration had earlier barred Chinese passenger carriers from flying to the United States starting on June 16 in a bid to pressure Beijing to let US air carriers resume flights. The move penalised China after Beijing failed to comply with an existing agreement on flights between the two countries. US-China relations have soured in recent months amid tensions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and Beijing's move to impose new national security legislation for Hong Kong. Craft cocktails are always evolving, but one aspect doesn't change: the need for elegant, large format ice cubes. The new Perlick Ice Vault Large Format Ice Management System provides storage for large format ice and mixers, and is designed by a man who knows his craft cocktails: Bar Magic founder and Perlick partner Tobin Ellis. As a bartender with more than two decades of experience, Ellis partnered with Perlick's experienced engineering and design team, who know what bartenders need in order to maximize speed and profitability. In addition, Perlick always strives to produce the safest products in the industry. The Perlick Ice Vault is the only product on the market that is NSF certified for the storage and preparation of craft ice, so bartenders are assured the large format ice they are serving their customers is the freshest ice possible. Increased Efficiency and Higher Profits The perfect partner to Perlick's Tobin Ellis Signature Cocktail Station, the Perlick Ice Vault is designed to maximize speed for bartenders and bar owners, so they can be more profitable every shift. The Ice Vault creates a bartending space that is ergonomic and efficient, so bartenders can work more quickly, meaning more tips for the bartender and more profits for the bar owner. The vault's rear freezer compartment stores up to 48 large format cubes within easy reach of the bartender, meaning no more running to the back freezer for specialty ice. All compartments are also designed to store juices, vermouths, champagne, and spirits at optimal temperature, making it easy to create the perfect specialty cocktail without ever leaving the cocktail station, increasing both speed and flexibility. One-Of-A-Kind Front Compartment The VariChill adjustable temperature damper allows bartenders to adjust the temperature in the front compartment for storage of juices, spirits, vermouths, or any other bottled ingredient. In addition, the included tempering pan allows ice to be pulled forward to reach optimal bloom temperature, preventing the ice from cracking in specialty drinks. With large format ice cubes costing bar owners $1-2 per cube, this system is the only one available today to make using them profitable, guaranteeing they stay intact and perfect for every customer. The Ice Vault features flexible and unique temperature-controlled storage options. The rear freezer compartment holds up to 48 large format ice cubes, and the included divider can separate the rear vault into two sections for separating different shapes of craft ice cubes. "Perlick's bar and restaurant customers have come to expect innovative products that help bartenders provide the best customer experience possible. With the surge in the craft cocktail industry, we feel this product is coming at just the right time to ensure that the heart of the cocktail, the ice, is protected so customers can drink the best craft cocktail possible," explained Jim Koelbl, Perlick Vice President of Commercial Sales. Sleek Aesthetic, Perfect Temps Like all Perlick products, the Ice Vault is not only durable, it's also a beautiful piece of bar equipment, featuring stainless steel construction and water-tight seams. The rear freezer compartment is adjustable between -20F to +10F to maintain clear ice for up to 3 days. The front vault operates at 30 to 55F, and the temperature can be adjusted using the VariChill Damper. "Our customers rely on consistent temperatures and durability, so they can focus on the task at hand: running a bar and keeping customers happy. We try to make that as easy as possible for them," Koelbl adds. There are a couple available options for the Ice Vault. One is a freestanding unit with a 4' or 6' backsplash. The Ice Vault can be incorporated into any Modbar line up, or can be selected as part of the PTE68-C pre-configured station. Energy Efficient, Eco-Friendly Design Not only is the Ice Vault a new concept that will change the bar industry, Perlick is staying true to its promise to produce products that are Eco-Friendly. The Ice Vault features R290 high efficiency, zero-ozone depleting refrigerant, so bar owners can feel good about the using this product. Easier, Faster Serviceability Perlick dedicates considerable time to ensuring our products provide the highest level of customer satisfaction. If service is required, your dealer can provide you with a list of qualified service agents. Perlick's Ice Vault is available for immediate order. To find a Perlick Sales Representative in your area, visit https://www.perlick.com/commercial/resources/order-information/find-a-rep/. ABOUT PERLICK CORPORATION Family owned since 1917, Perlick Corporation is a national manufacturing leader in customizable food and beverage storage and serving solutions. Perlick's commercial line includes custom bar and beverage and refrigeration equipment, innovative underbar items, industry-leading beverage dispensing equipment and time-tested brewery fittings. The company's award-winning, luxury residential product line features indoor and outdoor undercounter refrigerators, column refrigerators, wine reserves, freezers, freezer and refrigerator drawers, ice makers, and beer dispensers. A Milwaukee-based manufacturer, Perlick is dedicated to providing precision-engineered, quality, customizable food and beverage storage and serving solutions. To learn more, visit www.perlick.com or call 800-558-5592. SOURCE Perlick Corporation Related Links http://www.perlick.com [June 03, 2020] Symphony Talent Releases Reimagined Talent Marketing Platform, SmashFlyX The platform will help talent acquisition teams improve adoption, efficiency and experience LONDON and NEW YORK, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Symphony Talent, a leader in transforming employer brand experiences through talent marketing software, and services, released today its reimagined talent marketing platform, SmashFlyX . It's the only platform in the industry that combines enterprise candidate relationship management (CRM), career site, talent mobility, and programmatic recruitment advertising solutions in an unmatched user interface. "We believe that talent acquisition greatness requires a combination of automating high-volume touchpoints and empowering teams for action and decision-confidence," said Roopesh Nair, CEO, Symphony Talent. "It's why we've focused on enhancing one platform that will drive adoption, strengthen pipelining and campaigning across every channel, and prove ROI." After Symphony Talent's acquisition of recruitment marketing platform SmashFly in November 2019, its product team focused on unifying SmashFly's robust CRM functionality and configurability with its award-winning career site, programmatic advertising, and analytics solutions. To support user adoption and push the standard of user experience, the product and creative teams worked together to design an entirely new interface. "I've always respected Symphony Talent's strong commtment to product research and development, and it shows in SmashFlyX," said Madline Laurano, founder of Aptitude Research Partners. "It's innovative and easy to use, with an exceptional user experience, all of which will help modern talent acquisition leaders better solve the challenges ahead." Driven by proprietary machine learning, SmashFlyX includes the following core modules: CRM, career site, programmatic advertising, referrals, and talent mobility. Recruiters and talent marketers can now create, automate, and measure every type of talent marketing campaign in one place: paid to owned, email to SMS, social media to banner and job ads, to both internal and external candidates. "SmashFlyX expands on our product strengths, but it's really a new vision for user experience that we haven't seen in the market," said Ajay Kutty, Chief Product Officer, Symphony Talent. "With customer input in mind, we designed a product that users will not only find innately helpful, but love to work in every day." The noteworthy capabilities and features include: The Dashboard: Every user's personal launchpad, the Dashboard is fully customizable by widget, diving into specific pipelines and jobs, top- and bottom-performing campaigns, and intuitive recommendations. Innate automation: SmashFlyX innately automates what already should be, like instant job alerts to relevant talent network profiles, self-optimizing advertising campaigns, and auto actions based on metrics. Pipeline intelligence: The AI recommendation engine within the CRM prioritizes top internal and external candidates, filters by pipeline or job match and brand engagement, then prompts and automates actions and workflows. 1:1 personalization: Using machine learning, the content management system personalizes jobs, events, images, and content as the visitor interacts with your site and continues to provide information. Chat assistant: The proprietary chat assistant, integrated fully with the CRM and career site, supports lead and resume capture and a fully-automated screen to offer processes for high-volume hiring. Video interviewing: Integrated with the CRM, teams can access and request virtual interviews and assessments from the CRM profile, plus auto-trigger virtual screenings of recommended candidates by job or pipeline. True-path analytics: One single data structure across every module, including CRM and programmatic advertising, provides visible, influence-based reporting from every single source talent and recruiters touch. More than 150 companies, including Ecolab, UCLA Health and Sky, are now utilizing SmashFlyX. The platform is ATS agnostic, integrating with more than a dozen of the most utilized mid-sized to enterprise applicant tracking systems. Take a look at the SmashFlyX talent marketing platform here . About Symphony Talent Symphony Talent is a global leader in transforming employer brand experiences through talent marketing software and services. Its talent marketing platform, SmashFlyX, unifies CRM, career site, talent mobility and programmatic advertising to help talent acquisition leaders automate tasks for efficiency and empower teams for interaction. Symphony Talent has won major awards in creative and employer brand services for EVP strategy, employer brand campaigns, career site design, and more. The company supports more than 600 customers across the globe, with headquarters in New York, London, Bangalore, and Belfast. Visit symphonytalent.com to learn more, and follow us on Twitter @SymphonyTalent_ and @SymphonyT_EU. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/951515/Symphony_Talent_Logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed an e-chargesheet against former finance minister P. Chidambaram, his son Karti Chidambaram, and others in the INX Media money laundering case in a Delhi Court. The password-protected prosecution complaint (chargesheet) was filed through an e-facility before the court of Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar in Delhi on Monday. Refusing to take cognizance of the matter, the judge ordered the agency to file a hard copy of the chargesheet once the normal court functioning begins. Also Read: What is INX Media case; a look at the genesis of P Chidambaram and son Karti's misfortunes Besides, the father-son duo, the complaint also names Karti's chartered accountant S.S. Bhaskararaman and others. This is the first chargesheet filed by the ED in the case naming Chidambaram and his son under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Chidambaram was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 21 last year in connection with the INX Media case. Also Read: INX Media case: Delhi Court sends P Chidambaram to Tihar jail for 14 days Six days later, on October 22, the apex court granted bail to the senior Congress leader in the case lodged by the CBI. In the ED case, he was granted bail on December 4 last year. The CBI registered its case on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to the INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007, during Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister. Subsequently, the ED had lodged a money-laundering case in connection with the matter. STORY LINK Pound South African Rand (GBP/ZAR) Exchange Rate Falls as Traders Flock to Riskier Assets Pound Sterling South African Rand (GBP/ZAR) Exchange Rate Slides as Investors Bet on Strong Economic Recovery Most notably from the latest survey results, business sentiment regarding the 12-month outlook for activity turned negative for the first time in the series. As such, firms are increasingly concerned that the extended lockdown period may hurt business activity for some time. Sterling Slides as Brexit Continues to be Major Headache for GBP GBP has enjoyed some temporary out-performance on reports of more flexibility in the UK Brexit position, but we doubt GBP can hold onto gains. Mays survey data painted a deeply concerning picture of a lockdown slowdown across the service sector as employment dropped at the second fastest rate on record, pipelines of new work were woefully empty and business confidence continued to suffer. As restrictions are eased, there is still extreme uncertainty about how the pandemic will pan out. Continued anxiety about the coronavirus means consumer spending may not be the wind beneath the sails of any immediate return to pre-virus economic activity. Pound South African Rand Outlook: Risk Appetite and Brexit Negotiations in Focus Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound Sterling South African Rand (GBP/ZAR) exchange rate slumped by around -0.6% on Wednesday. This left the pairing trading at around R21.4569.The South African Rand was able to make gains today as investors continued to bet on a strong economic recovery.While investors continued to eye US-China relations and protests in the United States, risk appetite rose.Riskier assets such as the Rand were offered further support as data revealed Chinas services sector returned to growth last month. This was the first month since January the sector posted growth.Meanwhile, disappointing data from South Africa showed private sector activity slumped once again in May.This left the PMI at a record low as new sales plummeted during the nationwide lockdown. South Africas PMI fell from 35.1 in April to 32.5 in May, the lowest level since the survey began in 2011.According to Markits economist, David Owen:The Pound edged lower against the risk-sensitive Rand despite rising to a one-month high against the safe-haven US Dollar (USD).Sterling was offered some support after signs the UK may be willing to compromise during the latest round of UK-EU trade talks.The country is expected to make compromises on key sticking points including fisheries and trade rules as the fourth round of talks begins.However, ING analysts warned the recent Pound rally could be short-lived as Brexit continues to be a major headache for the Pound.ING analysts also noted:However, disappointing PMI data saw Sterling edge lower against ZAR as the economy remained in a severe downturn in May.While the pace of the downturn eased, Markits data showed the countrys PMI composite remained firmly in contraction.The PMI composite edged up from Aprils all-time low of 13.8 to 30 in May.According to Group Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, Duncan Brock:Looking ahead, the Pound (GBP) could suffer further losses against the South African Rand (ZAR) as trade talks between the UK and EU continue.If reports reveal London and Brussels are not closer to reaching an agreement, and sticking points remain, Sterling will slide.Meanwhile, risk appetite could continue to grow despite ongoing US-China tensions and protests in the United States.If traders continue to flock to riskier currencies such as the Rand, the Pound South African Rand (GBP/ZAR) exchange rate will fall. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Rand Forecasts Tropical Storm Cristobal formed in the southern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, threatening to bring deadly flooding in parts of southern Mexico and Central America. Cristobal is the earliest third named storm of an Atlantic hurricane season on record; in 2016, Tropical Storm Colin formed in the Gulf on June 5. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Cristobal was centered about 125 miles east-northeast of the oil city of Coatzacoalcos and was heading to the southwest at 3 mph. It had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. Forecasters said it is likely to wander just off Mexico's Gulf coast during the week before veering northward across the Gulf as a strong tropical storm with winds of as much as 65 mph. It is too early to say when and where it might strike the United States, but the projected path would send it toward the U.S. Gulf Coast over the weekend. Dennis Feltgen, a spokesman for the National Hurricane Center, urged Gulf Coast residents to keep an eye on Cristobal, noting "there is no such thing as 'just a tropical storm'." A tropical storm warning was in effect across the southern arc of the Gulf from Campeche to the port of Veracruz, though the biggest effect was likely to be rainfall accumulations of 10 to 20 inches, and even more in isolated areas. That poses a special risk to the Pacific coastal areas of southern Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador, which were already drenched. Cristobal formed from the remnants of the Eastern Pacific's Tropical Storm Amanda, which killed at least 17 people as it moved across El Salvador and Guatemala over the weekend. Because Amanda broke up after crossing over Guatemala and El Salvador into the Gulf, where Cristobal formed, it is not technically a "cross-over" storm that moved from the Pacific to the Atlantic, though that has occurred in the past. But Amanda and Cristobal will soak some of the same areas, Feltgen noted. "Unfortunately, the rain is falling in the same general area," said Feltgen. "There are areas that will probably be measuring the rain in feet, not inches. ... That is catastrophic." WATERLOO Police used tear gas and flash-bang grenades to break up a protest early Wednesday morning in downtown Waterloo. Late Wednesday night, a crowd of a few hundred again took to the streets of downtown, but protests remained peaceful as of midnight. The protest late Tuesday and early Wednesday marked the second-straight night Waterloo police intervened to end demonstrations protesting the Memorial Day death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis. As with previous nights, demonstrators gathered in Lincoln Park before marching through the streets of downtown Waterloo. Five people were detained. For much of the trek, squad cars got ahead of the crowd to offer a de facto police escort as protesters sometimes waded into traffic and turned the wrong way down one-way streets and bridges. The group stopped outside the Black Hawk County Sheriffs Office, where they were met by deputies outside. After several minutes of chanting, demonstrators moved on, eventually heading south on the northbound First Street bridge and then up a grass embankment and onto U.S. Highway 218. Officers said a member of the group threw a rock from the elevated position that struck the top of a marked and occupied squad car that was heading to block traffic for the safety of the crowd. Police moved to shut down highway traffic, ordered the crowd to disperse and launched tear gas as the group went down the opposite embankment. Police said they broke up the crowd because they were unable to assure the safety of those blocking the highway from oncoming traffic. A brief standoff ensued in nearby Washington Park with more tear gas and a flash-bang grenade. Go home, police shouted over bull horns. This is our home, a protester answered. Some demonstrators retreated back into the neighborhood or left the area. Officers arrested five Waterloo residents --- Amos Wise, 20, charged with rioting, and interference with official acts; Jordan Begley, 21, rioting, and failure to disperse; Theresa Schmidt, 21, rioting, interference and failure to disperse; Dena Soteros, 25, rioting and failure to disperse; Paul Michael Weidler, 18, rioting, failure to disperse, assault on officers and harassment of a public official. Police allege Weidler was seen throwing a rock at officers. On Tuesday and Wednesday nights, several businesses in the Crossroads area closed early and barricaded their front doors. Some convenience stores in Waterloo usually open around the clock also closed for the night. Downtown, several business owners stood outside and kept watch over their properties during the demonstrations on both nights. Late Wednesday night, protesters, some with signs, chanted No justice, no peace, Black lives matter and George Floyd, the name of the man killed by police in Minneapolis recently, as they marched through closed stretches of highways and streets around downtown Waterloo. Local deputies and police some wearing riot gear and carrying plastic shields watched as the crowd walked across a stretch of northbound U.S. Highway 218 blocked off by law enforcement. At one point, Sheriff Tony Thompson knelt with marchers in the parking lot at City Hall. Love 4 Funny 13 Wow 4 Sad 9 Angry 48 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. By Bob Schapiro and Miriam Ascarelli The streets of many New Jersey cities, like those in the rest of the country, are convulsing because people feel theyve been denied a voice or simply were not being heard. That is why Monday nights arrest of Asbury Park Press reporter Gustavo Martinez Contreras, while covering police brutality protests, is especially disturbing for the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists (NJ-SPJ). It looks like Contreras was targeted as a journalist, according to his editor, Paul DAmbrosio, who spoke with NJ-SPJ. Gustavo was wearing his credentials and he had been among the cops who arrested him for several minutes. DAmbrosio, who is also the executive editor of APP.com, points out that an officer can be heard saying, F--k em, hes the problem on Contreras Twitter video in the seconds before Contreras was grabbed by police. 'F--- him! He's the problem!': My arrest at the George Floyd protest in Asbury Park. https://t.co/MZF9sEaUg9 via @AsburyParkPress Gustavo Martinez (@newsguz) June 3, 2020 NJ-SPJ condemns the arrest. We are gratified that the charge -- failing to obey an order to disperse -- is being dismissed and that the NJ Attorney General is declaring that We willmake sure it doesnt happen again. Because in America, we do not lock up reporters for doing their job. American democracy rests in the faith that the majority of people will do the right thing, most of the time if they have complete and accurate information. Its an active partnership. Much of the unrest today stems from one community feeling that others are ignoring the cold facts of their lives. Your newspaper may seem full of bad news at times, but nobody minds when the news is immediately relevant to their lives, as when the COVID-19 crisis began. Professional journalists, however, must be the eyes of the people, even when no one likes what they are seeing. We all want to know what happens to our children when we send them to school, but were not always interested in what happens between people and police in the dark -- in someone elses neighborhood. Fulfilling that mission is not easy. Its not all about what happens on the street. Very often it means following a story for months as it unfolds. Verification is essential. That is why professional journalists seek out multiple witnesses to an event, we attribute information so that our audience can know who our sources are, and we double and triple check our information. These days, covering a protest is an especially dangerous assignment, as is evident in this single fact: The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker is investigating over 100 violations against journalists at protests this week. With all due respect, these things will continue to go wrong until the value of journalists and their reporting is understood by all. It only takes one individual police officer to silence the press at any given place, in any given moment. As we have seen with what happened to George Floyd, events on a single street corner carry immense importance. Frankly, there are not that many journalists out on the streets in the first place, covering stories like this, which makes it essential to stand-up for each reporter, every time. We're now investigating over **100** press freedom violations at the many #GeorgeFloyd protests around the country from the last few days. These include reporters arrested, pepper sprayed, tear gassed, hit with rubber bullets, and assaulted. Many of the attacks have been targeted U.S. Press Freedom Tracker (@uspresstracker) June 1, 2020 When reporters are silenced, or even detained, the public is denied an accurate picture, which creates space for rumors and resentment to grow. Just prior to his arrest, Contreras Twitter video reveals police officers aggressively wrestling two young women to the ground and handcuffing them. Seconds later, they were telling Contreras, Sh--s over, go home! and then Get your f---ing hands behind your back. Editor DAmbrosio observes that it only took a few seconds for things to go bad, even after the Asbury Park police had earlier cooperated with the Asbury Park Press to have reporters covering the protests past curfew. Ironically, prior to his arrest, Gustavo Martinez Contreras had filmed an exceptional moment when police and protestors took a knee together, in recognition that the death of George Floyd is revealing truths that all must confront with honesty and empathy. The New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists (NJ-SPJ) notes that protestors and police in many cities, most notably Newark and Camden, are working to allow mass protests to continue in a peaceful manner. Most of the protests in Asbury Park have also been peaceful and, earlier today, there was a peaceful protest in Toms River. We know this, and so do you, because journalists in those cities are doing their jobs, despite the hazards they face. Through the George Floyd protests and the continuing COVID-19 crisis, the people of New Jersey are demonstrating their ability to process complex information, both the good and the bad. For this to continue, NJ-SPJ urges you to do one more thing: Support your local journalist. Miriam Ascarelli is president of the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists. Bob Schapiro is president-elect of the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Priyanka Chopra is concerned as her beloved home city Mumbai braces for Cyclone Nisarga -- the first such storm to threaten the coastal city in over a century. She took to Twitter to share a list of dos and donts issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and revealed that her mother Madhu Chopra and younger brother Siddharth Chopra are in the city. #CycloneNisarga is making its way to Mumbai, my beloved home city of more than 20 million people, including my mom and brother. Mumbai hasnt experienced a serious cyclone landfall since 1891, and at a time when the world is so desperate, this could be especially devastating, she wrote in one tweet. This year feels relentless. Please everyone find cover, take precautions and follow the guidelines outlined. Please stay safe everyone, she added. #CycloneNisarga is making its way to Mumbai, my beloved home city of more than 20 million people, including my mom and brother. Mumbai hasn't experienced a serious cyclone landfall since 1891, and at a time when the world is so desperate, this could be especially devastating. pic.twitter.com/zgne0vVpnR PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) June 2, 2020 This year feels relentless. Please everyone find cover, take precautions and follow the guidelines outlined. Please stay safe everyone. pic.twitter.com/S2xZ5h0g8z PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) June 2, 2020 Authorities are already in the process of evacuating thousands of people from the low-lying areas in and around Mumbai. Trains to and from the city have been rescheduled or diverted and flight operations have been impacted as well. Cyclone Nisarga comes just days after Cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc in West Bengal and Odisha. Also read | Amitabh Bachchan-Jaya anniversary, 10 times he showed off their love on Instagram: Father said you must marry her Priyanka is currently living with husband Nick Jonas at their Los Angeles home. The couple has been giving back in a big way during the coronavirus pandemic, contributing to a number of relief funds and humanitarian aid organisations, including the Prime Ministers Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-Cares) fund, Unicef, Give India and Goonj, among others. Nick and Priyanka have also been a part of fundraising efforts for coronavirus relief. The two featured in the livestreamed benefit concerts i for India and One World: Together At Home. Priyanka recently made an appearance in the music video of Nicks new single, Until We Meet Again, which was dedicated to the frontline workers. Follow @htshowbiz for more Protests on May 31 near the White House in Washington, DC. Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post via Getty Images A fake antifa Twitter account that called for violence was actually run by a white nationalist group, according to a Twitter spokesperson. The account, "@ANTIFA_US," pretended to align with the Black Lives Matter movement and ongoing nationwide protests, and called for protesters to "move into residential areas... the white hoods.... and we take what's ours." Twitter banned the account Monday for breaking its rules against platform manipulation, spam, and inciting violence. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. A Twitter account that claimed to represent a national antifa organization and that urged protesters to loot "white" neighborhoods was actually run by white nationalist group Identity Evropa, according to a Twitter spokesperson. The account, which posted under the handle "@ANTIFA_US," falsely aligned itself with ongoing Black Lives Matter protests nationwide. One tweet that called for protesters to "move into residential areas" and "take what's ours" was retweeted hundreds of times as of Sunday night. indentity evropa twitter antifa Twitter The account was removed Monday for breaking Twitter's rules against platform manipulation, spam, and inciting violence, NBC News first reported. A Twitter spokesperson told Business Insider that this isn't the first time that users linked to Identity Evropa have created fake or inflammatory accounts to spread "hateful content." The @ANTIFA_US account was created by the same person who created those previously-identified Identity Evropa accounts, the spokesperson said. The antifa movement is a loosely affiliated group of anti-fascism activists, but does not have a national organization, defined structure, or leader. President Donald Trump designated antifa as a terrorist organization Sunday and has blamed it for organizing the property destruction seen at some protests nationwide, but there's little evidence of any such coordinated effort. Meanwhile, some white nationalists have advocated for the acceleration of conflict between protesters and police in order to spur race riots. Twitter said it was continuing to monitor platform manipulation and posts inciting violence as nationwide protests continue. Read the original article on Business Insider Once the path was cleared for Caesars brave shamble, Trump made his way across the street to the boarded-up church, where he, with visible confusion and discomfort, groped a Bible. [imitating Trump] Ive only seen one of these when I was sworn in. Lets see if I can remember I hold The Bible, then you raise your right hand. Is that it? Am I extra sworn in? Am I president double-stuffed? STEPHEN COLBERT You can tell hes a man of faith from the way he holds The Bible like hes selling it on QVC. SETH MEYERS Its The Bible, not an auction paddle. Looks like a camp counselor going through lost and found at the end of the summer. [as Trump] Is this anybodys book? No pictures in it, so its certainly not mine. SETH MEYERS [as Trump] I dont have a Bible. My Bible, as always, is Hustler magazine. This thing is the most boring magazine Ive ever seen. It doesnt even have a centerfold, which is too bad because I heard Bathsheba had a pretty sweet can. STEPHEN COLBERT Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2020) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSXV: REVO), (FSE: IJA2) (the "Company"), a multi-asset, multidivisional publicly traded Canadian Company deploying advanced technologies across numerous sectors. CEO of the Company, Steve Marshall, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly. Jolly began the interview by noting that the Company was recently granted a PSD2 license, and asked about their next steps. "This is a prestigious license, it is highly valuable," said Marshall. "The PSD2 license is basically the opening of the door for the open banking sphere," he continued. "Without this license, we were restricted and it impeded the signing of some of the larger institutions," said Marshall. Jolly then asked about the Company's growth strategy, as well as their upcoming projects over the next two to three quarters. Marshall elaborated on the Company's RevoluPAY application, which is available for both Android and iPhone devices. "It allows payments and receipts of payments," said Marshall, adding that the app also offers cash out options, as well as a proprietary Visa card which is linked to the account. "Now with the PSD2 license, we are in a position to process unlimited volumes of currencies." Marshall then expanded on the Company's verticals, including RevoluCHARGE. This technology allows users to participate in a pay-as-you-go mobile phone service with top-up recharges. "Most of the world is still on a pay-as-you-go system," explained Marshall. Other verticals include RevoluUTILITY and RevoluFIN, which combine with additional verticals to cover a wide range of sectors. "We've also launched RevoluREALTY, which is related to the real estate industry," said Marshall, adding that this vertical was designed to address unnecessary fees associated with real estate transactions. The conversation then turned to the Company's RevoluEGAME sector, which focuses on the purchase of gaming credits. "We've partnered with one of the world's largest entities," said Marshall, adding that the Company is now offering thousands of games and play credits under this technology. "All of our verticals absolutely require the use of RevoluPAY to transact with each of the verticals, so it's a closed-loop system," explained Marshall. He then shared that the Company has also developed a vertical in the travel industry, RevoluVIP, which serves as a 120 country travel system. "The beauty of RevoluVIP is that it is a membership platform," shared Marshall, adding that users will pay a membership fee in exchange for discounted travel costs. "We see big prospects in that division." Marshall shared that the Company is also working on the development of additional verticals, including RevoluMED and RevoluESPORTS. To close the interview, Marshall elaborated on the potential of the Company's presence in the Fintech space. "We see that as a massive step forward, not only for the company but for the shareholders above all," said Marshall. "We expect it to turn into very large amounts of revenue moving forward," he closed, noting the value of the Company's relationship in the banking industry. To hear Steve Marshall's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7597898-revolugroup-discusses-its-multidivisional-growth-strategy-with-the-stock-day-podcast Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/ About RevoluGROUP Canada Inc.: RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. is a multi-asset, multidivisional publicly traded Canadian Company deploying advanced technologies in the; Online Travel, Vacation Resort, Mobile Apps, Money Remittance, Mobile Phone Top-Ups, EGaming, Healthcare Payments, Esports, Invoice factoring, Blockchain Systems, and Fintech app sectors. Click here to read more. For further information on RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSXV: REVO), visit the Company's website at www.RevoluGROUP.com. The Company has approximately 165,042,105 shares issued and outstanding. RevoluGROUP Canada, Inc. "Steve Marshall" ______________________ STEVE MARSHALL CEO For further information contact: Don Mosher RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. Telephone: (604) 685-6465 Toll Free: 800-567-8181 Facsimile: 604-687-3119 Email: info@revolugroup.com NEITHER THE 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. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information. About The "Stock Day" Podcast Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America. Stock Day recently launched its Video Interview Studio located in Phoenix, Arizona. SOURCE: Stock Day Media (602) 821-1102 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57169 Bahrain's Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has issued directives to study the environmental situation in the industrial area of Maameer and check the levels of air quality in the surrounding areas. He issued the directive as he chaired the regular weekly Cabinet session yesterday, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, said a Bahrain News Agency report. HRH Premier tasked the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning and the Ministry of Oil to coordinate with the Ministerial Committee for Development and Infrastructure Projects in verifying the compliance and adherence to the standards and requirements imposed by the government to reduce pollution in factories and industrial facilities, and ensuring that they are within the limits of global safe levels. They were also requested to submit the necessary suggestions and recommendations to reduce the effects of any industrial pollution that may put the safety and health of the citizens and residents at risk. The Premier also gave directives to expedite the completion of the Ma'ameer Canal expansion project to ensure improved water flow in Tubli Bay, given its positive implications for the region, the report said. Brent futures have broken above $40 for the first time since early March. Volatility continues to trend downwards, with the biweekly rolling average moving towards mean levels. Physical oil has also recovered, with the Dated BFOE physical benchmark nearing parity with ICE Brent futures, from a discount of $10 in April. The Dubai inter-month structure has also reverted to backwardation for the front months, after a period of super-contango. This means Arab Gulf OSPs will likely see a spike reflecting improving market structure, which would translate to a ~ $2-$4 per barrel increase. A month or so ago, traders were concerned about low prices and producers were forced to watch as wells became unprofitable and were forced offline. The key question now is what a reasonable price ceiling should be, with OPEC+ holding most of the leverage and oil markets set to move into undersupply at the beginning of the third quarter. Should OPEC+ continue to hold back supply, or should it take a breather to recover cash flows? The disputed range of $40-50 is a ten dollar differential that can make all the difference for many shale or high-cost producers. U.S. production, which has been in freefall since March, seems to be flattening out. As I argued in a recent article for Oilprice.com, loosening the leash on production too quickly would be a costly mistake. Instead, it is time to force permanent shale closures or obtain concessions from U.S. state regulators. While Texas and other states have declined to participate in any oil controls, the right political leverage could yet bring them to the table. We find ourselves in a very similar situation to the one that launched the oil price war months ago, with Russia and Saudi Arabia unsure about extending the most recent historic cut of ~10mbp. Saudi Arabia is currently proposing a three month extension to September, while Russia appears to be offering a one month extension to July. The OPEC+ meeting scheduled for tomorrow could very will shake up oil markets once again. As before, Russia, with good reason, is afraid of seeing the prices go up above $50+, which could certainly happen if the extension is granted. This would be a shot in the arm for struggling shale producers, and a shot in the chest for OPEC+. While crude is enjoying a bullish run, it is putting even more pressure on already poor refining margins, with diesel cracks slumping to decade-low levels in the Atlantic Basin. The chart below is a very basic approximation of global refining margins using a 2:1:1 proxy crack with the most liquid ICE traded products (2 x Brent ICE gasoil ICE RBOB). While actual margins vary with location and refinery configuration, this chart indicates the lowest refining incentives in years. Even with some recovery from March lows, the current proxy margin is half of the 3-year average. But there is hope. If crude prices continue to rise, pressure on margins will rise, leading to lower refining intake. Furthermore, many refining maintenance programs have been delayed to summer. The combination may help tighten refined product balances and improve refining margins. On the flip side, this also means less crude demand, but that may not be such a bad thing to stem rapidly rising prices. By Amad Shaikh More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: From Harper's BAZAAR Warning: Spoilers for Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story ahead. Season 1 of Dirty John focused on the gripping dating nightmare that belongs to successful interior designer Debra Newell and the pathological liar who nearly destroyed her life, John Meehan. Season 2 of the anthology series, however, is taking a decidely different route to true-crime mayhem. This time, Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story is dedicated to an infamous true story of marriage, deception, and double murder. It belongs to Betty and Dan Broderick: She's a socialite, he's a successful San Diego lawyer, and the two share four children. Things begin to veer off into madness, however, once Dan sparks up an affair with his legal secretary, Linda Kolkena, and Betty can't handle it. Pieced together from news reports and trial history, Season 2 of Dirty John charts all the unbelievable events leading up to Betty's pulling the trigger, her subsequent arrest, and beyond. And though the show most certainly takes artistic liberties, there is no doubt truth to this mind-bending tale. Here, a chronological timeline of the actual events that inspired Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story. October 1965 Betty meets Dan for the first time. Elisabeth Anne Bisceglia was just 17 years old when she met her future husband for the first time. As reported by the San Diego Reader, "Shed been invited to a football weekend at the University of Notre Dame. Dan was just beginning his senior year there and was looking forward to starting medical school at Cornell Universitys Manhattan campus." The publication claimed that, according to Betty, "Dan told his friends that Betty was the woman he would marry." However, Dan disputed this claim to the San Diego Reader. Fall of 1966 Dan moves to New York and starts dating Betty. The couple didn't start a relationship immediately after their first meeting. However, a year later, Dan moved to New York and took Betty out. Of reconnecting with Dan, Betty recalled to the San Diego Reader, "The instant I saw him, it was like a lightning bolt, that sudden and that intense." Story continues Photo credit: USA Network April 12, 1969 Betty and Dan tie the knot. After dating for just over two and a half years, Dan and Betty got married at the Immaculate Conception Church on April 12, 1969. Dan proved stubborn at the wedding and refused to wear a formal suit, much to Betty's mother's dismay. Aside from clothing, Betty revealed that her parents approved of Dan, as she told the San Diego Reader, "After all, I was marrying a doctor. What else does any mother want? He was 99 percent already a doctor, and he was from a Catholic family, and he wasnt from a divorced family." However, it would seem that trouble quickly started brewing, as Betty told San Diego Reader, "My life just went to the dogs so fast!" January 1970 The Brodericks welcome their first child. After getting married, Betty got pregnant very quickly. The San Diego Reader reported, "A few weeks after returning from their honeymoon, Betty was shocked to discover she was pregnant." The baby, a daughter named Kimberly, was born a month prematurely, per the Los Angeles Times. Life wasn't easy for the Brodericks, with Dan still training to be a doctor. Betty revealed during an interview with the San Diego Reader, "We literally had nothing, not a single diaper or shirt, and nowhere to put her down. We put her in a dresser drawer, and my mother had Saks Fifth Avenue deliver a few clothing essentials." With Dan still at school, Betty was reportedly forced to earn money by babysitting for another couple, along with caring for her own newborn, to support the family. July 1971 Betty gives birth to a second daughter, and Dan goes to Harvard. Dan applied to Harvard to study law after realizing that he didn't want to practice medicine. He planned to specialize in the medical malpractice field. Of the couple's move to Somerville, Massachusetts, the Los Angeles Times reported that "Betty felt isolated. Pregnant for a second time, economically strapped and envious of Dans involvement in the world, she again wanted out, she says, but she hung on." Daughter Lee arrived in July 1971. Per the San Diego Reader, Betty also "became pregnant with a third child, who subsequently died at birth, all while Dan was studying at Harvard." 1973 Dan graduates and the family moves to San Diego. Betty felt the tables turn during the four years she'd been married to Dan. According to the Los Angeles Times, she detailed in an unpublished, 90-page description of her marriage, "I went from being accomplished, well-connected and free to being isolated from family and friends ... and trapped with two children for whom I was 100% responsible." Meanwhile, Dan found his footing within the legal community pretty quickly, joining San Diego law firm Gray, Cary, Ames & Frye. Photo credit: USA Network 1976 Dan and Betty welcome a son. Daniel IV, the couple's third child and first son, was born in 1976. That same year, the Brodericks purchased their very first home, but according to Betty, they were far from solvent. The San Diego Reader reported that the mother of three "continued to work nights as a cashier and hostess at the Black Angus restaurant in Kearny Mesa." 1979 The Brodericks have a fourth child. The youngest son of Dan and Betty, Rhett, was born in 1979. 1979-1983 Cracks start to form in the couple's marriage. Per the Los Angeles Times, money was no longer an issue for the Brodericks during this period of time. Dan and Betty were joining country clubs and private resorts reserved for the elite. Their children apparently attended private schools, vacations were plentiful, and the family owned a selection of prestige cars. However, the couple's marriage was reportedly far from perfect. In 1990, Betty's daughter, Kim, told the Los Angeles Times, "Mom would get mad at Dad all the time. Once Mom picked up the stereo and threw it at him. And she locked him out constantly. Hed come around to my window and whisper, 'Kim, let me in.'" According to the publication, Dan's brother, Larry, corroborated the account and revealed, "[Dan] didn't pay much attention to her. The more it happened, the more he would tune out." Kim also alleged to the newspaper that Betty "was always telling me they were getting a divorce. She'd say, 'Who are you going to live with?' I was dying for Dad to divorce her. I'd say to Dad, 'Just take me the day you leave.'" Spring 1983 Dan hires an assistant. It appears that Dan and Betty's marriage took a turn for the worse in 1983 when Dan hired a new legal assistant, Linda Kolkena. Betty alleged to the San Diego Reader that while at a cocktail party, she overheard her husband remark, "Wow, isn't she beautiful?" She believed that Dan was talking about a receptionist in his building, and her fears were confirmed when her husband hired Kolkena as his new assistant. Betty candidly told the Los Angeles Times, "Nineteen eighty-three was like an ax through my life." November 1983 Betty gets suspicious on Dan's 39th birthday. Despite having her suspicions that her husband was having an affair with his assistant, Dan had refuted the accusations over and over again. Betty wanted to believe him. She decided to surprise Dan on his 39th birthday by arriving at the office unannounced. However, per the San Diego Reader, Betty was "told by the receptionist that Dan and Linda had left about 11:00 a.m. and hadnt yet returned." Betty waited in her husband's office and told the publication, "They never came back. And thats when I saw the refrigerator and my wedding crystal and all this imported wine. And the stereo. And his picture on her desk. Only it was a picture that was taken of him before we were married." Convinced that Dan was having an affair, Betty returned home, set fire to her husband's clothing in their backyard, and told him to move out. However, Dan wouldn't leave, and the Brodericks muddled along with family life for a little longer. February 1985 Dan finally moves out. The Brodericks had moved into a rental property after structural damage was discovered on their house in late 1984. Per the Los Angeles Times, "Three months after his 40th birthday, Dan moved out, returning to the damaged Coral Reef house." Even though Betty was sure he'd been having an affair with Linda, Dan continued to deny the allegations and said he needed space. Betty told the San Diego Reader, "He literally walked out three months after his 40th birthday partywith a red Corvette and a 21-year-old. Are we the American joke or not? If you weren't my husband, I'd think you were real funny. He's got a scarf around his neck, and he wanted those Ray-Ban sunglasses from Risky Business." Dan revealed to the San Diego Reader that after he'd moved out, Betty would leave all four children at his place without warning and say, "Here. They're yours. You want to be apart from me. Well, see what it's like raising a family by yourself." This abandonment would later negatively impact Betty's custody battle. June 1985 Betty allegedly becomes violent. According to the San Diego Reader, Dan revealed before his death that when they were separated, Betty "would come into the house whenever she wanted to, but in June 1985, she started on the rampages. Throwing stuff through the windows and breaking mirrors and spray-painting the walls. I mean, unbelievable things windows broken, and chandeliers cracked, and a stereo smashed." As for what he did about his wife's behavior, Dan told the publication that he contacted the police, but as he was residing in their formerly shared property, there was nothing law enforcement could do. September 23, 1985 Dan files for divorce. Prior to Dan filing, he allegedly "wanted [Betty] to be paying [her] own bills," per the San Diego Reader, and agreed a monthly allowance of $9,000 with his ex. Betty revealed that she was surprised when Dan filed for divorce, despite the fact that the couple had been living apart for more than six months. She told the San Diego Reader, "I give everyone the benefit of the doubt until they come up and shoot me between the eyes. So I was real surprised and upset, and I needed a lawyer fast." The Los Angeles Times reported that Betty's concerning behavior continued, and she would return to the property she once shared with Dan. The publication noted, per Dan's own reports, "She took a cream pie from the kitchen and smeared it all over the master bedroom. Four days later, he said, she threw bottles of wine through two windows and smashed a sliding-glass door." As a result, Dan took out a restraining order against Betty and "filed criminal contempt charges." February 1986 Dan sells their former home, and all bets are off. As Dan was such a well-connected lawyer, Betty allegedly found it difficult to find adequate legal representation for the divorce. And everything came to a head in February 1986 when Dan convinced a judge to allow him to sell the couple's former property without Betty's consent. Upon finding out that Dan had sold their marital home without her permission, Betty drove her car into the front door of Dan's new house. Per the Los Angeles Times, "In court documents, Dan declared that when he opened the car door to pull Betty out, she reached for a large butcher knife under the seat. He restrained her, and she spent three days in the San Diego County Mental Health Hospital in Hillcrest." July 16, 1986 The divorce is finalized, and Dan receives sole custody. Betty did not have legal representation when her divorce was finalized and, per the Los Angeles Times, she alleged, "There was no custody hearing and that Dan and the judge cut a deal behind her back." Dan received sole custody of the four Broderick children. Following the divorce, Betty's behavior only worsened, especially when Dan went public with his relationship with Kolkena. Per the Los Angeles Times, "She chose obscene nicknames for Dan and Linda and used them in frequent messages on his answering machine. So Dan began to withhold $100 for every obscene word she used, $250 for each time she set foot on his property, $500 for every entry into his house." According to the publication, Betty also left "dozens of profane and often sexually explicit messages" on the couple's answering machine. Dan wrote Betty a letter regarding her actions, which said (per the Los Angeles Times), "I know your first impulse upon reading this letter will be a violent one. You have told the kids that if I withhold any money this month you will kill me and see that not a brick is left standing in my house." Meanwhile, in an interview with the San Diego Reader, Betty said, I am madder than hell, and I want to kill him for being lied to and cheated. But that has nothing to do with being crazy." It was also reported that Betty was sent a photo of her ex with his new beau in the mail, along with a note which said, "Eat your heart out, bitch!" And as the Los Angeles Times reported, "Linda refused to return Bettys wedding china, even after purchasing new dishes of her ownan action Kim confirms," which further seemed to aggravate matters. April 22, 1989 Dan and Linda marry. With his divorce from Betty finalized, Dan proposed to Linda in June 1988. The couple got married in their front yard on April 22, 1989. The Los Angeles Times reported, "Dan hired undercover security guards, but he refused to wear a bullet-proof vest, as Linda requested." He reportedly believed that, as he was paying all her expenses, Betty wouldn't murder him. November 5, 1989 Betty murders Dan and Linda in their home. Per the Los Angeles Times, "In November, 1989, four days before Bettys 42nd birthday," Dan had threatened "to file criminal contempt charges" over his ex-wife's offensive answerphone messages. According to the publication, it might have been this act that set Betty on the path to murder. Early on November 5, 1989, Betty reportedly drove to Dan and Linda's home near San Diego and let herself in with her daughter's key. Betty used her .38-caliber, five-shot revolver to shoot Linda and Dan as they slept. According to the Los Angeles Times, "One bullet hit a bedside table. Another pounded into the wall. But three bullets struck the sleeping couple. One pierced Lindas neck and lodged in her brain. Another hit her in the chest. A third perforated Dans back, fracturing a rib and tearing through his right lung." Per CNN, "Broderick had bought the gun a month before her husband remarried." Linda apparently died instantly. Dan reached for the phone, which Betty pulled out of its wall socket and ran off with. She later surrendered herself to the police. November 20, 1990 The first trial is declared a mistrial. After pleading not guilty to two counts of murder, Betty's first trial ends in mistrial. Per the Los Angeles Times, "Jurors say they were split by the defense's strategy of emphasizing Daniel Broderick's alleged mistreatment of his ex-wife and children." December 11, 1991 Betty is found guilty. At her second trial, Betty is found guilty on two counts of second-degree murder and is sentenced to 32 years to life in prison. You Might Also Like SkyFoundry (https://www.skyfoundry.com), a leading developer of analytics software for use with IoT device and equipment data, announced today their SkySpark Everywhere has received the 2020 Connected World IoT Innovations Award. This award recognizes the innovation and growing adoption of SkySpark Everywhere deployed in embedded hardware devices to address IoT applications that require compute-at-the-edge, as well as the cloud. In an era of the COVID-19 pandemic, innovation is needed to help industries operate in a way that is both safe and productive, while also helping keep our world connected during a time of social isolation. These innovations help industries like healthcare, utilities, construction, and more, continue to push forward. We are excited and honored to see SkySpark Everywhere recognized for its ability to address one of the most significant challenges in the IoT - the fact that the IoT requires a distributed computing approach and applications cannot be fully addressed only through cloud-based solutions, said John Petze, Principal and Co-Founder of SkyFoundry. It's simply not possible, cost-effective or desirable to require every piece of data from every device be sent to a cloud platform before value can be derived from the data. Many applications require advanced analytics functions to be processed at the edge where equipment systems are operating in real time. The Connected World IoT Innovations Awards recognize out-of-the-box thinking for products, solutions, and platforms that are transformative through the use of the IoT. Each year, technology companies submit nominations and the editorial advisory board of judges evaluate the most transformative innovations to hit the market, looking at what makes the technology unique, what type of solution the product is, how the company worked with others on the innovation, and more. The judges also consult with outside industry experts and do follow up with the candidates throughout the research process. We need innovation now more than ever, says Peggy Smedley, Editorial Director, Connected World and President, Specialty Publishing Media. The 2020 Connected World IoT Innovations identify the best tech for todays market and help to move the needle forward. SkySpark Everywhere was been designed from the ground up to be embedded in small, low-cost IoT devices, as well as operating at the server, PC and cloud level. The unique distributed architecture capability of SkySpark Everywhere provides customers with a true edge-to-cloud data architecture. SkySpark Everywhere provides the full feature-set at all levels of the architecture, including data collection, storage analytics and control. SkySpark Everywhere has seen growing adoption in embedded applications announced by companies including Belimo, Intellastar, Anka Labs, Lynxspring and others. An in-depth article on the winners is now available at http://connectedworld.com. More information about SkyFoundry and SkySpark Everywhere is available at https://www.skyfoundry.com. About Connected World magazine Connected Worlds mission it to be informative for the aspired, driven, influential, in the IoT. It connects people, products, and processes. Its all about the IoT and digital transformation. http://connectedworld.com About SkyFoundry SkyFoundry provides software solutions to create value from the data produced by the Internet of Things. SkySpark Analytics software is an open, extensible platform enabling data from a wide range of sources to be automatically collected, visualized, and analyzed, to identify opportunities for operational improvements and cost reduction and execute automated system optimization. For more information about SkyFoundry, please visit https://www.skyfoundry.com. Contact: John Petze Principal & Co-Founder SkyFoundry john@skyfoundry.com - According to Wakavinye, she was met by a myriad of culture shock in her hubby's home - The mother of one revealed that her father-in-law being a clergyman did not approve of women wearing trousers in his home - Although she would wear them, she always walked around with a dera in her bag and once she approached the gate, she would put it on to cover the trousers Comedian Timothy Kimani alias Njugush and his wife Celestine Ndinda (Wakavinye) are arguably the most entertaining couple online. Wakavinye has for the first time opened up on her life with Njugush and the kind of culture shock she found in her hubby's family. READ ALSO: Tuko dry spell: Size 8 complains DJ Mo too busy to satisfy her bedroom needs READ ALSO: 9 gorgeous photos of Alex Mwakideu's elder sister Rozinah turning heads with her musical voice Speaking in one of the YouTube episodes dubbed Cele's reflection, the mother of one disclosed that Njugush's father being a clergyman never approved of women wearing trousers in his home. "Trousers are a no. Kim's parents do not like trousers. So, I used to wear trousers and carry a dera and when near the house, I would wear the dera, she revealed. READ ALSO: COVID- 19: Rais Museveni aahirisha kufunguliwa kwa shule nchini Uganda The funny woman said she had to lead by example considering that she is the only girl in the family. According to Wakavinye, her hubby's parents have recently come to accept trousers but she usually does not wear tight ones. "At least they have come to accept trousers. But I do not wear those tight ones, but when I wear a trouser, I wear something big on top, something like a big dress top, said the mother of one. READ ALSO: Aden Duale spared in Jubilee's unforgiving purge Recently, Wakavinye and Njugush's son was captured on camera as he perfectly imitated the Health CS, Mutahi Kagwe. Tugi who recently turned two years could be heard repeating the famous warning words by Kagwe. The boy perfectly repeated the words "if you continue to behave normally" and netizens could not hold their laughter. As young as he is, he has perfectly grasped the CS's heavy Nyeri accent. 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. Why I beat my own mother- Lucy Nyawira | Tuko Talks | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The state of Minnesota filed a human rights complaint Tuesday against the Minneapolis Police Department in the death of George Floyd who died after an officer pressed his knee into Floyds neck for minutes, even after he stopped moving. Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced the filing at a news conference Tuesday afternoon. Widely seen bystander video showing Floyds death has sparked sometimes violent protests around the world. The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been fired and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers involved were fired but have not been charged. We know that deeply seated issues exist," the governor said. "I know it because we saw the casual nature of the erasing of George Floyds life and humanity. We also saw the reaction of the community. They expected nothing to happen, because nothing happened so many times before. Walz said the investigation into the police department's policies, procedures and practices over the past 10 years will determine if the force has engaged in systemic discrimination toward people of color, and work out how to stop it. State Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero will lead the investigation. Lucero's department will seek an agreement from Minneapolis city leaders and the police department to immediately implement interim measures, followed by long-term measures to address systemic discrimination. The FBI is also investigating whether police willfully deprived Floyd of his civil rights. Spokesmen for the police department and the mayors office didnt immediately respond to messages seeking comment. The Minneapolis City Council planned to issue a statement on the investigation later Tuesday. The department enforces the states human rights act, particularly as it applies to discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations and public services. Mediation is one of its first-choice tools, but the cases it files can lead to fuller investigations and sometimes end up in litigation. The Minneapolis Police Department has faced decades of allegations brutality and other discrimination against African Americans and other minorities, even within the department itself. Critics say its culture resists change, despite the elevation of Medaria Arradondo as its first black police chief in 2017. Arradondo himself was among five black officers who sued the police department in 2007 over alleged discrimination in promotions, pay, and discipline. They said in their lawsuit that the department had a history of tolerating racism and discrimination. The city eventually settled the lawsuit for $740,000. Earlier Tuesday, an attorney for Floyd's family again decried the official autopsy that found his death was caused by cardiac arrest as police restrained him and compressed his neck. The medical examiner also listed fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use, but not as the cause of death. A separate autopsy commissioned for Floyds family concluded that that he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression. The cause of death was that he was starving for air. It was lack of oxygen. And so everything else is a red herring to try to throw us off, family attorney Ben Crump said Tuesday. He said the Hennepin County medical examiner went to great lengths to try to convince the public that what was shown on bystander video didnt cause Floyd to die. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison told ABCs Good Morning America that prosecutors are working as fast as they can to determine whether more charges will be filed. BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- China opposes the political oppression and economic sanctions imposed by the United States on Cuba under the pretext of anti-terrorism, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Tuesday. Zhao made the remarks at a press briefing in response to a question concerning Cuba being included on May 13 in a U.S. State Department list of countries that are allegedly not cooperating fully with U.S. efforts against terrorism, which was rejected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba. "Terrorism is mankind's common enemy. China maintains that the international community should work together to fight terrorism," Zhao said. "That said, we oppose the U.S. side using counter-terrorism as a pretext to impose political oppression and economic sanctions on Cuba," he said, adding that the United States and Cuba, as close neighbors, should treat each other with amity and continue developing normal state-to-state relations based on equality and mutual respect. "This serves the interests of the two countries, and will help promote peace and stability of Latin America," Zhao said. By AFP GENEVA: The World Health Organization announced Wednesday that clinical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine will resume as it searches for potential coronavirus treatments. On May 25, the WHO announced it had temporarily suspended the trials to conduct a safety review, which has now concluded there is "no reason" to change the way the trials are conducted. The UN health agency's decision came after a study published in The Lancet medical journal suggesting the drug could increase the risk of death among COVID-19 patients. The executive group of the so-called Solidarity Trial -- in which hundreds of hospitals across the world have enrolled patients to test several possible treatments for the novel coronavirus -- took the decision as a precaution. Hydroxychloroquine is normally used to treat arthritis but public figures including US President Donald Trump have backed the drug for COVID-19 prevention and treatment, prompting governments to bulk-buy. "Last week, the executive group of the Solidarity Trial decided to implement a temporary pause of the hydroxychloroquine arm of the trial, because of concerns raised about the safety of the drug," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual news briefing. ALSO READ | Scientist defends Sweden's hotly debated coronavirus strategy "This decision was taken as a precaution while the safety data were reviewed. "The data safety and monitoring committee of the Solidarity Trial has been reviewing the data. "On the basis of the available mortality data, the members of the committee recommended that there are no reasons to modify the trial protocol. "The executive group received this recommendation and endorsed continuation of all arms of the Solidarity Trial, including hydroxychloroquine. "The executive group will communicate with the principal investigators in the trial about resuming the hydroxychloroquine arm of the trial. "The data safety and monitoring committee will continue to closely monitor the safety of all therapeutics being tested in the Solidarity Trial." More than 3,500 patients have been recruited across 35 countries to take part in the trials. Trump signs order allocating $50M for international religious freedom programs Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday instructing the U.S. State Department to prioritize international religious freedom in its implementation of foreign policy and budget $50 million per year toward the advancement of religious freedom. The new order on advancing international religious freedom contains a number of instructions for the State Department and federal agency heads when it comes to promoting religious freedom abroad. Religious freedom, Americas first freedom, is a moral and national security imperative, the executive order reads. Religious freedom for all people worldwide is a foreign policy priority of the United States, and the United States will respect and vigorously promote this freedom. Among other things, the order gives Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 180 days to consult with the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development to develop a plan to prioritize international religious freedom in the planning and implementation of U.S. foreign policy and in the foreign assistance programs of the Department of State and USAID. The order also states that Pompeo will direct chiefs of missions in countries that are included on the State Departments list of countries of particular concern for international religious freedom violations and the religious freedom special watch list, to develop comprehensive action plans to inform and support the efforts of the U.S. government to encourage the host governments to make progress in eliminating violations of religious freedom. The order calls for the State Department to work with the Department of the Treasury to develop recommendations to prioritize the appropriate use of economic tools to advance religious freedom in countries of particular concern or on the special watch list. Such economic tools can include increasing religious freedom programming, realigning foreign assistance to better reflect country circumstances, or restricting the issuance of visas. The tools can also include sanctions under the Global Magnitzky Act, which allows the U.S. to target perpetrators of human rights abuses through the seizure of U.S. assets or travel bans. As religious freedom advocates have long called for State Department officers to take religious freedom concerns more seriously, the president is ordering that all State Department foreign affairs civil service employees go through training every three years on international religious freedom, as described in the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the heads of all agencies that assign personnel to positions overseas shall submit plans to the President, through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, detailing how their agencies will incorporate the type of training, the orders read. Under Section 3, Trumps order stipulates that the State Department and USAID need to budget at least $50 million per fiscal year for programs that advance international religious freedom, to the extent feasible and permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations. According to the order, such programs should include those that anticipate, prevent, and respond to attacks against individuals and groups on the basis of their religion, as well as programs that help ensure that such groups can persevere as distinct communities. The programs should ensure equal rights and legal protections for individuals and groups regardless of belief, improve the safety and security of houses of worship and public spaces for all faiths and preserve the cultural heritages of religious communities. Executive departments and agencies that fund foreign assistance programs shall ensure that faith-based and religious entities, including eligible entities in foreign countries, are not discriminated against on the basis of religious identity or religious belief when competing for federal funding, to the extent permitted by law, the order explains. Trumps signing of the order follows the presidents visit to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., earlier in the day. Pope John Paul II was a vigorous defender of religious freedom. On Monday evening, Trump visited and took photos outside the historic St. Johns Church, which was burned by rioters earlier. Johnnie Moore, an evangelical communications executive who has served as an informal adviser to the administration and as a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, called the order historic and partly meant to confront a resurgent communism typified by Chinas Communist Party. Sean Nelson, lead counsel for the international religious freedom advocacy group ADF International, called the order huge. A lot of great things in the #InternationalReligiousFreedom exec order, Nelson tweeted. Greater flexibility for using econ tools, like sanctions & realignment of foreign assistance $50 million for #IRF programming Chiefs of Missions have to develop #IRF plans for their countries, greater training. USCIRF Vice Chair Gayle Manchin, the wife of Democrat West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, said in a statement that the bipartisan commission has long called on the U.S. government to develop an "overall strategy for promoting religious freedom abroad" and "country-specific action plans." "[W]e welcome the fact that this Executive Order requires the State Department and USAID to do exactly that, Manchin said. We also appreciate the express reference to U.S. officials working for the release of religious prisoners of conscience, which is a high priority for USCIRF. The coronavirus-triggered closure of the world is doing different things to different people. Many citizens are rushing back to their distant homes in great difficulties. And those who are lucky enough to be already locked up in their houses are struggling to cope with this unprecedented suspension of life by using all the creativity at their disposal. Among this set of people, some are creating a new version of themselves by learning to wash the bartans with a minimum quantity of water in the kitchen sink, or keeping a daily pandemic journal, or even rustling out perfectly round rotisyou must have seen all these wonders on your friends TikTok and Facebook updates of course. Saumya Pande too hewed out a new version of herself in this difficult period. I got myself naturally curled hair in the lockdown, she gushes. Ms Pande, 46, is chatting on WhatsApp video from the isolation of her apartment in Noida, that she is currently sharing with her ailing father and his full-time caretaker. Her two sons live in Gurugram. An associate professor heading the department of fashion in a design institute in south Delhi, she gamely shows her crowning glory through the phone screen that connects her to this reporter. Her long wild curly hair are falling down like a cascading sea of ringlets. This new spectacle of hers is actually as much about the lockdown as about her mother, the late author Pratima Pande. Maa was my biggest inspiration.... she was also very beautiful, with long straight hair (see the black & white pic), and was often compared to (actor) Waheeda Rehman. But her mother never let Ms Pande grow her hair long while she was a child, partly because she wanted her little Cookie to first grow up herself so that she could look after her hair on her own. In fact, she hated curls, laughs Ms Pande, exclaiming that Maa got my head tonsured seven times before I turned five! Looking into the phone screen, she cheerfully says that I got my natural curls in the lockdown simply by refusing to comb the hair! In the BC (Before Corona) era, when people were still obliged to be physically present in the office, Ms Pande rarely found time in her hectic schedule to immerse herself deeply in everyday grooming. Having a shower was a rushed affair, for instance. But as she found herself stranded at home with the imposition of lockdown in late March, she slowed her life. She also started to spend more time in the shower and developed routines like oiling my body, bathing more leisurely. It gave her the opportunity to recall memories of her mother loudly singing Gayatri Mantra while in the shower and the prayers wouldnt even stop as Maa would emerge out, all dressed up, from the bathroom, and amble towards the pooja (prayer) corner in our home. One day, more than a month ago, Ms Pande came out of her bath and discovered ringlets in her hair. The hair looked undone... they had curled up on their own... I was sort of liking it. Ms Pande soon realised that if I dont dry and comb my hair after the wash, they start curling up naturally. She also Googled to discover other trickslike scrunchingto make her hair go curly in a natural way. Ms Pandes mother passed away in 2011, aged 67. Something had snapped in her after my brother, a squadron leader in the Indian Air Force, died in a MiG-21 fighter crash. One wonders how Ms Pandes friends react on seeing her curly avatar on Zoom meets. The lady laughs, saying, I think they are finding it a bit exotic! Very different from my Bihari lineage of straight no-fuss hair... this is more mebohemian and carefree. Call your state's agency on aging. One good way to find caregiving assistance is to call your state office on aging, says Pamela Wilson, a caregiving expert and advocate. You can find the contact information online at the Community Resource Finder. Seek information from your state or local medical society. If you don't have a doctor for assistance in seeking a caregiver referral, check with your state or local medical society, suggests Michael Trahos, a specialist in geriatric medicine in Alexandria, Virginia. You can find the contact information by searching online for the name of your state with the words medical society." Contact a community senior center. Senior communities can often assist with the meal delivery portion of caregiving, says John Schall, CEO of the Caregiver Action Network, a nonprofit organization that specializes in informing needy adults on caregiving options. To find your local senior center, go to eldercare.acl.gov and enter your zip code. Check with caregiver assistance organizations. Socialization is a critical part of home care. AARP Community Connections can put you in contact with a group that can help with socialization outreach, Goyer says. Find a geriatric care manager. Geriatric care managers can be extremely helpful in assisting with home care placement, says Nancy Kriseman, a geriatric consultant and author of The Mindful Caregiver: Finding Ease in the Caregiving Journey. Check with the Aging Life Care Association at aginglifecare.org. Reach out to your church or synagogue. An essential source for caregiver help especially during COVID-19 is your house of worship, Kriseman says. Many have volunteers who deliver meals and groceries and visit members who are homebound. They also can make recommendations on possible caregiver services. Locate a caregiver group through your hospital. That's what Valenze did. The hospital linked her up with Visiting Nurse Associations of America, and she says she was very fortunate that her insurance provider covered the care. Caregivers came twice a day to assist her, and she says they were phenomenal. Rely on friends and neighbors. Even for those stricken with COVID-19, this could be the most critical help of all. Your village of friends and neighbors can cook, shop for groceries and run errands for you while keeping appropriate social distancing. Six years ago, after Valenze had emergency colon surgery that required three months at home to recover, she says she essentially appointed a chief of staff among her friends who was in charge of assigning duties, from picking up the mail to food shopping to bringing in the morning paper. Never be afraid to ask your friends, she says. You'll be surprised at how much they want to help." Learn More About Family Caregiving San Francisco Mayor London Breed said Wednesday she plans to lift the curfew that has shuttered San Francisco every night since Sunday. Barring further violent unrest, Wednesday will be the last night that San Franciscans must clear the streets starting at 8 p.m. The curfew was put in place to discourage the kind of looting, vandalism and violence that convulsed the city Saturday night during protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The nightly curfew was in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. While Breed and public safety officials said the curfew was essential to clamp down on violence and looting, many felt it restricted constitutional rights of peaceful assembly and free speech at a time when both were vitally necessary to confront the enduring problem of police violence. Demonstrations that began in Minneapolis more than a week ago have inspired protests and marches across the globe to call attention to police brutality against black people and to demand change. Across the country, demonstrators have complained of apparently indiscriminate and violent efforts by police to suppress protests. San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said his officers have recovered a loaded handgun, along with explosives, crowbars, bolt cutters and Molotov cocktails some had been thrown at officers on Saturday. People in a van were passing out bricks to throw at officers Saturday night. Since then, however, demonstrations have been overwhelmingly peaceful a central reason behind Breeds decision to lift the curfew. Breed tweeted Wednesday that the city would continue to facilitate any and all peaceful demonstrations. I am mayor of the city and county of San Francisco, but I am a black woman first. I know what it is like to experience injustice, and as someone who grew up here I am well aware that in San Francisco we have our own legacy of racism to reckon with and rectify, she said. I am committed to continue doing this work, I know Chief Scott and the members of the San Francisco Police Department are committed to continue doing this work, and I hope to see that in the coming weeks, months, and years, that the people of San Francisco continue to advocate for real change across our country. 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. A major march is scheduled to take place from Mission High School to the Mission District Police Station starting at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Scott has repeatedly credited the curfew and the addition of 208 police officers and sheriffs deputies from across the state as integral to his departments ability to keep the peace in San Francisco. Now Playing: On June 2, 2020, residents of San Franciscos Outer Sunset marched in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and against the recent death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. Video: Manjula Varghese / The Chronicle Breeds decision follows a lengthy but ultimately futile discussion about the curfew during Tuesdays Board of Supervisors meeting. After several supervisors expressed deep discomfort at the broad tool the curfew gives police to clear the streets and concerns about curbing constitutional rights, the board voted 6-5 to revisit the issue at a special meeting Thursday, though there will be no clear reason to hold that meeting after the curfew lifts. Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa The constituency secretary for Ejura Sekyedumase Gibson Okai Attakorah is saddened on how the Education Minister is handling educational issues in this period of COVID-19 pandemic. He lamented that he wished if he had an educationist as the Minister of Education rather than a dentist. On Tuesday, the 2nd of June 2020, the Minister of Education through a press briefing, gave out the guidelines for the reopening of educational facilities in the country. Listening to the Minister, Mr. Okai thinks the Minister has less knowledge of the fundamentals of the happenings in the education sector. He has no much concern for the various institutions but that of the senior high schools. The minister through his speech said all final year students, both day and boarders with form two Gold students, are to report to school from 22nd June 2020. The Minister added that social distance would be observed during this period. Mr. Okai has these to interrogate: "Mr. Minister, have you forgotten that the facilities in the various institutions are not the same?" he quizzed. In some of the schools out the main cities have facilities that could accommodate only a few boarders. "Did the Minister take into consideration the number of form three borders, form two day students, and all form two Gold students that a certain school facility can accommodate? he questioned again. Furthermore, he wants to know when these form three day students will adjust to their new environment as boarders. Did the Minister think of the consequences? Mr. Okai claims that The Minister's unguided action could pose problems for the house staff who will be in control of the house affairs. "Why is Ghana rushing to write WASSCE in this period of the COVID-19 pandemics?" "Why are we writing WASSCE ahead of our sister countries like Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone? Ghana now has a total of 8,070 cases so why the rush? Is the government afraid of a failed policy that will expose him after WASSCE results have been released? The Constituency Secretary is demanding answers for the above questions from the minister. He continued that this reminds him of why the government spent taxpayers money to purchase past questions for students. He expresses pity for teachers in this country and questioned how a teacher who has no professional knowledge in the handling of COVID 19 will be able to handle students in this seriously pandemic era. The house staff, he said, are those most in danger during this material moment, checking on students and students reporting various incidents to them. Day students joining the boarding house, according to him, will even worsen their plight. He is confounded that even trained professionals in the health sector are dying of COVID-19, how much more a teacher who has no knowledge of the management of this pandemic. He also wanted to know if there is any special package for teachers as Frontline staffers and the Provision of sufficient Veronica buckets, sanitizers, and nose masks, which are not even enough for health workers, to ensure the safety of teachers and their students. The New York Times Google violated federal wiretap laws when it continued to collect information about what users were doing on the internet without their permission even though they were browsing in so-called private browsing mode, according to a potential class-action lawsuit filed against the internet giant on Tuesday. The lawsuit, filed in US District Court for the Northern District of California, said Google tracked and collected consumer browsing history even if users took steps to maintain their privacy. The suit said Google also violated a California law that requires consent of all parties to read or learn the contents of private communication. The complaint focuses largely on what the company does to collect and track online activity when users surf the web in private browsing mode. Even when a user opts for private browsing, Google uses other tracking tools it provides to website publishers and advertisers to keep tabs on what websites the user visits, according to the lawsuit. Google tracks and collects consumer browsing history and other web activity data no matter what safeguards consumers undertake to protect their data privacy, said the complaint, which was filed by Mark C Mao, a partner at the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner. Google has faced other lawsuits over its data collection, but this one tries to use the Federal Wiretap Act. The statute provides users with the right to sue if their private communications are intercepted. The lawsuit claims that Google intercepts the contents of communication between users and websites by collecting browsing history, specific website addresses, and search queries. We strongly dispute these claims, and we will defend ourselves vigorously against them, a Google spokesman, Jose Castaneda, said. Incognito mode in Chrome gives you the choice to browse the internet without your activity being saved to your browser or device. As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity during your session. The lawsuit said users had a reasonable expectation that their communications would not be intercepted or collected when they were in private browsing mode. It also said Googles practices intentionally deceive consumers into believing that they maintain control of the information shared with the company and encouraging them to surf the web in private browsing if they want to maintain their privacy. However, Google fails to mention that other tracking tools used by the company may continue to track users by collecting information such as Internet Protocol addresses as well as browser and device information, according to the complaint. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of three people with Google accounts: Chasom Brown and Maria Nguyen, both of Los Angeles, and William Byatt, a Florida resident. It seeks compensatory damages. Daisuke Wakabayashi c.2020 The New York Times Company As demonstrators across the country take to the streets to protest racism and police brutality, the writers and executive producers of the CBS police drama S.W.A.T. have vowed to take a harder look at the way their show portrays policing in the United States on screen. The S.W.A.T. writers room account first tweeted a statement on Monday, expressing support for peaceful protesters and calling on police to deescalate conflicts, not exacerbate them. We are watching recent events in horror and sadness along with everyone else, and we will continue to mine the truth about these issues in the writing of our upcoming season as we all work towards a fairer, better system, the account wrote. In the meantime, we encourage protestors to express their frustrations peacefully and implore law enforcement to deescalate conflicts, not exacerbate them, as people work through their understandable anger and grief. Also Read: Watch ViacomCBS' Powerful 8-Minute, 46-Second Blackout Video Tribute to George Floyd Here Shortly after, Thomas retweeted the statement, adding Frustrated, angry, but determined to do better. Onscreen and off. Currently in its third season on CBS, S.W.A.T. stars Criminal Minds alum Shemar Moore as Daniel Hondo Harrelson Jr., a S.W.A.T. team leader and Los Angeles native who functions as a bridge between the community and the LAPD. Frustrated, angry, but determined to do better. Onscreen and off. https://t.co/TAMRh7R1pb Aaron Rahsaan Thomas (@ARThomasTV) June 2, 2020 Los Angeles, like other cities across the country and around the world, has seen thousands of its residents take to the streets over the last week to protest police brutality following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis. After days of clashes between protesters and LAPD, Mayor Eric Garcetti implemented a citywide curfew over the weekend and the deployed of the National Guard. Read original story SWAT Co-Creator Vows to Do Better Onscreen and Off to Address Race and Policing Issues At TheWrap Teska Frisby stood alongside her husband and three children in a crowd of over 1,000 protestors gathered in Trenton last weekend. The Black mother stood out from the group with her bright orange Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America T-shirt shining in the sunset. On Saturday, Frisby and her family spent the early part of the afternoon decorating their Cadwalader Heights neighborhood in Trenton orange with ribbons and signs to being an awareness about gun violence before heading to the city to join protests against police brutality following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Frisby was one of many mothers from the Mercer County chapter of Moms Demand Action to join the protest, each standing with their own families. Frisby held a sign as high as she could. On one side it read Wear orange. The other side read, We can end gun violence. We werent standing together, but we stood as moms. We were there as individuals to stand with the protestors, Frisby said. I felt that it was important to wear my Moms Demand Action shirt to let everyone know that is something that we are also standing for in solidarity. Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America hold Wear Orange Day Event 5-30-2020. Teska Frisby ties an orange ribbon around a tree in her neighbourhood of Cadwalader Heights.Phil McAuliffe For The Times Of Trenton Being involved with Moms Demand Action for nearly five years has helped an admitted introvert find her voice and become a leader in Trenton. She also received some help from her husband Sam Frisby, who is a Mercer County Freeholder, and her mother-in-law Jeannine LaRue, who has spent almost 40 years serving the public on policy, governmental, and political issues in the public and private sectors. At times it is intimidating to speak out, but I dont have the luxury of being quiet anymore, Frisby said. I am a mother. I am a wife. I am a person in the community. I am an aunt. I have nieces and nephews in law enforcement so Im looking at things from both sides. Frisby also brought a levelheaded approach to the protests. She knows that change doesnt happen overnight. Rather, it is something that takes time. Her work with Moms Demand Action has seen her head to state, capitol and senate buildings - at times with hundreds of other members. Sometimes they speak to lawmakers and other times they are silent, but every time they are seen. Whenever the group congregates a law may not be changed, but Frisby believes that each gathering is a step in the right direction. Shannon Watts (founder of Moms Demand Action) says, Even when we lose we win, Frisby said. We might not win all the laws that we want to get passed, but even when we lose or dont get what we want, a dial has been turned and we have peoples attention. One-by-one we will keep churning until we get the dial in an upright position to get what we need for the survival of our society. Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America hold Wear Orange Day Event 5-30-2020. Phil McAuliffe For The Times Of Trenton That same mindset paired with her experience made Frisby a valuable member of the Trenton protests last weekend. We are trying to promote that it has to be more peaceful because your voices are louder when youre softer, she said. When youre loud, people cant hear anything but your anger. Your words and thinking arent as clear. But when you have an agenda and stick to your mission, it does help. For the most part, the agenda was followed in Trenton throughout the protests, but late Sunday night riots began with stores vandalized and destroyed, bricks thrown at police officers and vehicles set aflame. Frisby and her family - including her disabled son - had left before the riots began. Just one wrong person can mess up the good that everyone else is doing. We had a beautifully peaceful rally Saturday. We had a peaceful rally Sunday. The crowd was great, she said. Then, there was just a handful of people that were trying to send the wrong message. They were coming out with their own agenda. They werent there for a peaceful rally. Frisby will be back in action this weekend to provide peaceful awareness for gun safety. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the famous Trenton Makes bridge above the Delaware River will light up orange to honor Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America. Im delighted about this, she said. Last year, we all assembled on a spot by the water to take photos. This year, we will have to do it one-by-one because of social distancing, but Im sure there will be many of us down there to see the bridge lit up in orange. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. Richard Greco covers Mercer County news for NJ.com and may be reached at rgreco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Richard_V_Greco. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The French and Algerian presidents have pledged to "relaunch" relations after a week-long diplomatic rift that led to the recall of the Algerian ambassador to Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone Tuesday with his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune, discussing the coronavirus crisis and conflicts in Libya and the Sahel, said the Elysee Palace. They spoke "in a spirit of friendship" and "mutual respect for the others' sovereignty" and "affirmed their willingness to work together for the stability and security of the region," it said. "They also agreed to work towards a peaceful relationship and an ambitious relaunch of bilateral cooperation in all areas." Algeria said both sides agreed to "give a positive boost" to relations "on a sustainable foundation capable of guaranteeing mutual common interest and full respect for the distinctiveness and sovereignty of each of the two countries". The phone talk appeared to put an end to a diplomatic crisis triggered by the broadcast on French television of documentaries on the "Hirak" anti-government protest movement in Algeria. Algiers had recalled its ambassador in Paris, Salah Lebdioui, for consultations, denouncing one of the films for "attacks on the Algerian people and its institutions", including the army. Earlier in the year, Tebboune had called for "mutual respect" in Franco-Algerian relations, saying his country "will not accept any interference or tutelage" from abroad. The leaders agreed to coordinate on working to restore security and stability in the region in regards to Libya and the Sahel region, the Algerian statement added. Algeria's neighbour Libya has been mired in conflict since the 2011 ouster of dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival administrations and multiple militias currently struggling for power. France and five Sahel nations -- including three of Algeria's immediate neighbours -- pledged earlier this year to bolster efforts against jihadists waging an increasingly deadly insurgency. Let me start by saying this: What youve been witnessing over the past week since news of the killings of more black people fanned the embers of a discussion we have continually failed to have in an open, mainstream, multiracial forum, is but a sliver of the range of conversations, theories and actions that have taken place within a number of black communities around the globe for centuries. Put in painfully clear terms: Black people have as viral videos of generational trauma have freshly revealed to some been talking about this all our lives. Youre listening now as some of you did during protests in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2017 because of pressure. Pressure that has risen under ceaseless resistance against centuries of pointed attempts to silence and break us; and now, increasingly, pressure on white and non-black people to perform allyship on social media. For some, it has helped. But once the guilt dies down and the rage inevitably reduces to a simmer, I know for a fact that for a lot of people, the urgency of combating anti-blackness will have disappeared entirely. So with that in mind, lets discuss Blackout Tuesday. Like last years #BlueForSudan effort, or 2012s #StopKony, theres a lot of justified scepticism around social media campaigns for justice and equality. Yesterday, similar questions arose about Blackout Tuesday, which first sprung from a music industry initiative to to disconnect from work and reconnect with our community, originally pushed under the #THESHOWMUSTBEPAUSED hashtag. By the time I heard about this symbolic vow of reflection, it had already taken on a new meaning. What first seemed likely a relatively sensible decision for parts of the music industry and radio to spearhead such an effort, had quickly descended into confusion and fear, with vital means of communication on Instagram for protesters quickly being replaced by the deluge of posts under the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag. Whos really behind this campaign? The feds? Questions were asked, while footage of undercover police and white supremacists attempting to discredit the movement continued to circulate. Was this simply a covert mission to shut us all up? We know the answer to those questions is no. But that hasnt stopped the latter from happening anyway, instead of pushing the national conversation further than it in my lifetime, at least has ever been allowed to go in mainstream terms, we were once again confronted with white noise. And I have never felt so defeated. Though theres a small part of me that was comforted by the sea of darkness on my feed especially from those who would ordinarily shy away from engaging with issues such as these a larger part felt drained. Why? Because still, even in the face of impressive displays of solidarity, we have largely missed the point. Creating lasting change is going to take a lot more than posting a black square, or simply saying black lives matter. As attractive as catch-all slogans are to the Tories or indeed most politicians when the phrase comes out of the mouth of Matt Hancock, or anyone else bends over backwards to serve a prime minister who has called black people piccaninnies with watermelon smiles, it means absolutely nothing. Black lives didnt matter enough for the government to take the Windrush Lessons Learned Review seriously. They havent mattered enough to create the same outrage that Dominic Cummings trip to Durham caused. They didnt even matter enough for the electorate to refuse to reward said government with its current mandate. Boris Johnson says George Floyd's death was 'appalling' Fighting institutionalised anti-blackness and racism of all forms is bigger than telling other people that you think racial discrimination is awful. It is bigger asking the one black employee in your company whether or not because youve finally taken notice of that thing they keep banging on about, or have been too afraid to bring up for fear of punishment theyre ok. They arent, I promise you. When the very systems the world runs on seep racism from every crevice, wiping the exterior clean wont stem the flow; tearing down the structures that encase and preserve it will. That means using your position to actively and consistently fight the beast you claim to abhor. Not through appearance-driven, token diversity hires, even when many work environments retain the exclusivity that pushes marginalised people to the edge, or out of organisations entirely; not by attempting to perform your outrage for the sole purpose easing your guilt; and especially not by forgetting that the of despair youre seeing now, is routinely felt by black people every day. Blackout Tuesday isnt necessarily the problem, I respect whatever comfort it has brought to black people who need it right now. I do. Its the compulsion to revert to passiveness that makes me nervous. There have been more than 1,700 deaths in police custody or after contact with the police in England and Wales, since 1990. In 2017, it was revealed in a government report on deaths and serious incidents in police custody that of eight prosecutions of police officers in connection with a death in custody in the last 15 years, all have ended with acquittals [...] In fact, there has never been a successful prosecution for manslaughter in such cases, despite unlawful killing verdicts in coroners inquests. Think about what such clear flaws in the system mean for those who are disproportionately targeted by police. Think about what that means for the likes of the family members who have never received justice for the slaying of their loved ones. A year after police were cleared of any misconduct over the death of Sean Rigg in Brixton Police station, in circumstances that have parallels to George Floyd, Marcia Rigg, his sister, has spoken out yet again. Try for a second to understand the exhaustion of repeating those calls for justice because there is no other choice but to keep going. Speaking to Elle, she said: I hope governments are watching, that Boris Johnson, the Home Office and police are watching. I want them to be thinking: Marcia Rigg. Ive been quiet for about a year, but Im so angry and I have the ability and people are looking to me to turn up the heat in the UK. Thats the mode Im in. I have, as have so many other people of colour, watched with burning rage as people who have done little or nothing to use their positions to change things, mindlessly retweeted messages of solidarity. Enough. If you know that clicking a button is the most you have done; if you know your decisions or lack thereof have directly contributed to the suffering of black people and non-black people of colour, then focus. You must focus without falling into the trap of performative allyship on making sure that you do everything you can to tackle these issues at the root. Portlanders turned out again Tuesday to protest police brutality in light of the death of George Floyd, a black man killed May 25 after a white police officer pressed his knee to Floyds neck for more than eight minutes. Demonstrations have continued for six consecutive nights in Portland. Thousands of people from two separate events flooded into Pioneer Courthouse Square Tuesday evening. Minutes after they came together, they chanted, Peaceful protest. The Portland protests have ranged every night in scale and tenor, from a mournful gathering of thousands who lay in silence on the Burnside Bridge, to clashes with police met with tear gas and stun grenades. Acts of vandalism broke out after a march Friday and continued at times over the weekend. Calls for peace took hold Monday. The calm carried over to Tuesday. Speakers called for peace soon after two standalone demonstrations got underway at 6 p.m., and they remained peaceful hours later after the groups had joined in the courthouse square. Some marchers did eventually make their way to a fence blocking off a large section of downtown from protesters. Police warned people to stop shaking the fence or face force against them. As standoffs escalated at different points near the fence, police used stun grenades and tear gas to try to split up the crowds. The tense scene repeated on and off until midnight, when demonstrators started to spread throughout downtown. Before people marched to the barricade, police had remained almost entirely out of sight. Police leaders prepared Tuesday for the continued protests by meeting with some organizers and African American community leaders. Officers also shut down the Hawthorne Bridge to traffic going into downtown. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler acknowledged at a Tuesday morning press conference that the protests had become more peaceful. He opted not to extend the city-wide curfew for a fourth night. He called the change toward peace a significant shift. What we are witnessing is a truly extraordinary moment in history, he said. People coming together, united, to support our black community in ways that we have never seen before. Protests took place throughout Portland Tuesday evening, including at Pioneer Courthouse Square, where hundreds of people had assembled by 6 p.m. A group of people who work in the medical field, many wearing white coats or scrubs, led the crowd by kneeling and raising their right fists in the air. Some demonstrators carried signs that said, White Coats for Black Lives." Kelley Butler, a medical student who attends University of California-Irvine Medical Center, said the group knelt for nine minutes roughly the same amount of time that Floyd was restrained with the officers knee to his neck as a representation of the pain that black people experience every day. This should be the beginning, or the start, of continued conversations, actions and thought," Butler said. A second, larger gathering began in Southeast Portland at a city-owned green space on Stark Street near 12th Avenue. It is the same place where a demonstration began and ended Monday. An event flyer on social media advertised the gathering as a peaceful protest led by black organizers. An estimated 2,000 people, and Caesar the No Drama Llama, had arrived by 6 p.m. The crowd shouted George Floyds name in unison and planned to march after a speech. By 6:30, the crowd had grown by thousands. A speaker told the group the demonstrators were gathered to show police and the world that they are above violence. This protest is not about violence," the person said. "This is a 100 percent peaceful protest. The crowd gathered on Stark Street soon made its way west toward Pioneer Courthouse Square. Portland police tweeted around 6:40 p.m. that they appreciated demonstrators staying peaceful. Its a beautiful evening, and we are pleased all those who came out are able to express their First Amendment rights, the police bureau said. By 7:15 p.m., marchers had made their way from Stark Street to the Burnside Bridge. As they walked, they let TriMet buses through. When the group made it to the bridge, they paused and lay down with their hands behind their backs, symbolizing the restraint of Floyd that led to his death. Meanwhile, a crowd of hundreds remained near Pioneer Courthouse Square. Several people addressed those gathered and asked protesters to remain peaceful. Myke Tavarres, a former NFL and Lakeridge High School football player, said protests that escalate to violence distract from the loss of life that people had gathered to protest. Portland has been doing an amazing job to stay peaceful in this protest," Tavarres said. "A lot of times when we riot, we march the violence thats left over, thats what they talk about. Just before 8 p.m., the marchers converged with the Pioneer Courthouse Square crowd. The combined group numbered several thousand people. As the massive protest entered its third hour, police appeared to be tracking it, tweeting out marchers locations periodically and alerting drivers to use caution in those areas. But reporters at the scene said they had not seen a single uniformed officer the entire evening. Thousands of people remained in Pioneer Courthouse Square for at least an hour. The group often chanted, Black lives matter. Around 9 p.m., a group of protesters started to march toward a fence that blocked people from a large section of the downtown core, including City Hall, the downtown jail and police headquarters, and the county and federal courthouses. As protesters and police squared off, police warned people to stop shaking the fence or they may use may use force against them. As standoffs escalated at different points along the fence, police used stun grenades and tear gas to try to split up the crowds. Some people responded by throwing objects and fireworks toward police along the fence. Portland police tweeted that the crowd was not associated with the huge group that had been at Pioneer Square for hours. The police bureau declared the gatherings near the fence an unlawful assembly. Police said on Twitter that some people had thrown bottles, fireworks, mortars and bats at officers. At 9:30 p.m. hundreds of people remained near the fenced-off areas as police wearing riot gear continued to arrive. The crowd was significantly smaller than the group in Pioneer Square. The climate remained tense around 10 p.m. Hundreds of people gathered at Southwest Third Avenue and Taylor Street shouted in unison, Portland cops kill. One block west, police again set off stun grenades and tear gas. The Portland police sound truck told the crowd that it was an unlawful assembly and threatened to use force if protesters did not leave the area. The crowd split, then reassembled into several smaller groups that began moving throughout downtown. As the chaotic scene played out, a crowd of thousands began to leave Pioneer Courthouse Square, where a peaceful protest had continued, to march back east over the Burnside Bridge. Chief Jami Resch posted a video message at 10:20 p.m., saying that most of the protests had been peaceful and that police were hearing protesters messages. She addressed what had happened when protesters pressed toward the police barricade. She said a group of several hundred broke off from the main demonstration and approached the perimeter of the justice center, trying to break the fencing around the building and throwing items at police. Resch said police warned protesters that they would use force if they didnt stop. Police then sprayed tear gas and threw flash-bangs at the crowd of protesters. Shortly before 10:30 p.m., police tweeted that anyone who remained in the downtown core should leave immediately due to the criminal activity and unlawful assembly." Yet a crowd of hundreds of people continued to grow in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Around 11 p.m., several hundred people then began to march from there toward the fence along Southwest Fourth Avenue and Salmon Street. A separate and larger group returned to the site of the days earlier protest in Southeast Portland. They chanted, Black lives matter, and raised their fists in unison before a speaker urged them to call elected officials and demand change. The group made plans to meet again Wednesday at the same place. Tonight yall can sleep, but best believe we will be back tomorrow, the speaker said. The protest kept going, though, downtown. Around 11:30 p.m., officers set off tear gas and stun grenades toward the crowd gathered on Fourth Avenue after the police bureau tweeted that people were throwing things at them from a nearby parking garage. This is very dangerous for all, the bureau tweeted. Police said that they may start using rubber bullets if the crowd did not break up. People left the area in different directions, and small groups of people continued to face off with police. The pattern of confrontations repeated what happened Monday, when a small faction broke off from the large protest and confronted police. Police said a small group of people confronted them in downtown Portland overnight Monday, and they ultimately detained 16 people overnight Monday. They have not yet said how many people they arrested Tuesday. Portland said they had made multiple arrests by midnight. Police also have not said they will leave up the barricade around parts of downtown Portland or block the Hawthorne Bridge to westbound traffic. Mike Pullen, a Multnomah County spokesperson, said police have the authority to close any road or bridge in Portland. Pullen said they did so because there had been traffic jams on the bridge in the past few days, making it difficult for police to cross the bridge to the west side. Traffic from the bridge comes out near police headquarters and the county jail, which had been targeted by vandalism in previous days. Pullen said police occasionally close bridges for crowd control purposes, but its unusual for one to be closed indefinitely. Police have said the bridge will open when security conditions improve and the cordoned area of downtown reopens. Brooke Herbert, Sean Meagher, Celina Tebor, Alex Hardgrave, Jayati Ramakrishnan, K. Rambo, Kale Williams and Maxine Bernstein of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report, which will be updated throughout the night. -- Jamie Hale jhale@oregonian.com -- Jim Ryan jryan@oregonian.com Class, Race, and Inequality in America Space, Place and Difference "Global Whiteness" Race & Memory at UNC What would be the modes of action, transport, thinking, arguing, and all the other kinds of things that we have at our disposal, to make sure they [the commission's recommendations] get enacted? Because it wouldn't make sense for us to be here doing this if we didn't think those things were going to be able to take shape. Cracks in the reparations mindset are beginning to show themselves. Whites are noticing that black leaders still use historical grievances to justify special dispensations for blacks who were born decades after the end of Jim Crow-and many whites understandably resent this. Asian students are noticing that applying to elite colleges is an uphill battle for them, and are understandably fighting for basic fairness in admissions standards. The majority of blacks themselves are noticing that bias is not the main issue they face anymore, even as blacks who dare express this view are called race traitors. To say that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has experienced racial tensions in the last few years would be an understatement. The most visible source of conflict has been the fate of the infamous-and illegally toppled -Confederate statue, Silent Sam. But even after the statue's demise, activists at Chapel Hill insist that their work to root out racism from the university has just begun.Activists do not believe UNC's relationship with racism is only in the past. It is just as present today, only now it is largely "invisible" and "systemic" in the university's curriculum, policies, and in the attitudes of students, faculty, and staff. The need for an all-encompassing struggle with this invisible racism, in their view, calls for an all-encompassing re-ordering of UNC.And the university's new chancellor, Kevin Guskiewicz, has made it part of his mission to validate activists' evident contempt for the university by obliging their demands.Within the first few weeks of becoming chancellor, Guskiewicz had already drafted initiatives that would further activists' grievances against the university. However, as much as Guskiewicz may have convinced himself that such efforts will contribute to the university's goal of education and theit is much more likely to engender deeper resentment among those whom he aims to appease.The first effort, implemented last fall, is the "Reckoning: Race, Memory and Reimagining the Public University Initiative," which consisted of a series of courses students could take to explore the history of race at UNC. Some course titles include:The second effort, launched in January, is a 15-person "commission" entitled " History, Race, and a Way Forward ." The commission, co-chaired by history professor James Leloudis and communications department chair Patricia Parker, will focus on three general areas: 1) archives, history, research and curation; 2) curriculum development and teaching; and 3) engagement, ethics and reckoning.The commission will last for several years, with no defined end-date. But once it does reach an end, the commission will release a report with recommendations on how UNC-Chapel Hill can be a place of "inclusive excellence."During the commission's first meeting on February 7, Guskiewicz opened the meeting by stating:Guskiewicz continued:He said that he believes the commission's work willFailing to point to any concrete examples of the racism that is "out there" on campus, Guskiewicz then left the commission members to their work.So far, commission members have met several times. For the most part, the discussions have been filled with pious-but vapid-rhetoric about the importance of the "conversation" they were embarking upon and the "questions" they were raising. But in between the hollow platitudes was an abundance of thinly veiled grievances and deeply embedded bitterness.It did not take long for the members' festering resentment to rear its head. During the first curriculum subcommittee meeting, UNC-Chapel Hill education professor Sherick Hughes stated:Hughes argued that the current curriculum at UNC-Chapel Hill has an "underlying" motive that is aimed to disadvantage black people-a quiet and unseen racism.Hughes said-although it is unclear how the existence of something can both be "clear" and "hidden." He said curriculum is part of the social structure that puts boundaries around "ways of knowing."Hughes predicted that the commission would be battling to implement any curriculum changes proposed by the commission because he believes there will be individuals who only want one narrative to be told-that of "white people."But before he finished his sentence Hughes stated:-an utterly absurd and melodramatic claim. Larry Chavis , assistant professor of strategy and entrepreneurship, echoed Hughes' disdain of white people:To Chavis, there is no single "objective reality," but rather everyone has their own narrative based on their own identity.As an example, Chavis pointed to the new UNC Program for Public Discourse and stated,He said he apologized if he "was mischaracterizing" the program, but that is how he interprets their mission. He pointed out how the program's leaders talka tactic with which he disagrees.During the same discussion about curriculum, co-chair Leloudis emphasized the importance of thinkingHe talked about the importance of putting front and center aLeloudis also talked about how students across a range of identities feel invisible and hidden, and that students can feel marginalized even if they are unable to identify any actual sources of marginalization.Leloudis said.At the initial meeting, several members made clear that the time they dedicate to this "important work" comes with a price tag. Hughes argued that members of the commission should be able to ask for compensation since they are already doing "invisible work."Hughes said. He felt it necessary to clarify that his request for compensation was Danita Mason-Hogans , a project coordinator at Duke University's Center for Documentary Studies, said that she was not interested in payment, as Guskiewicz had already given her what she asked for.she said.A handful of participants expressed skepticism about whether the commission would get any "real" work done, or whether the project was a mere symbolic checking of meaningless boxes. Mason-Hogans expressed concern about wasting her time on "something that was not serious." Joseph Jordan, director of UNC's Stone Center for Black Culture and History , asked:As Jordan continued, he expressed distrust of Guskiewicz and his leadership.He predicted that there would be "a set of forces" that will oppose their recommendations.Co-chair Parker assured the members thatUNC does have an abhorrent history of racism and slavery. No honest person denies or diminishes that reality. And honest scholarly research, archival work, and memorialization of that history is merited. One must ask, however, why past-and ongoing-efforts to document and study that history are not enough. Why give 15 activist scholars free rein to re-imagine UNC-Chapel Hill as they see fit? Coleman Hughes , a black writer and fellow at the Manhattan Institute, expressed frustration at how progressives encourage black people to view themselves as perpetual victims:He continued:As Guskiewicz should have learned from past incidents on campus, the commission members will never be appeased, no matter how much he tries to accommodate their demands, because many of them have built a career and carved a professional niche out of nursing the "stale" grievances that Hughes describes.Guskiewicz has put himself in an impossible situation.As members of the commission made clear, there is no room for disagreement about the merits of the commission's work and the policies they will eventually propose. In their view, either a racist element of the university community will oppose their recommendations, or Guskiewicz's administration will dutifully embrace them.Nevertheless, Guskiewicz must sincerely ask himself several questions. Does he understand that this commission wants to enact concrete policy changes that are based on the assumption that UNC-Chapel Hill is systemically racist? Does he agree that Carolina- its admissions policies, student life, faculty, students, programming, and curriculum-are tainted with invisible racism? Does he agree that certain members of the board of governors want black people to be "grateful and silent?"It's time for Guskiewicz to take a firm stand and put an end to the airing of "stale" grievances before UNC is dismantled, renamed, and "purified" beyond recognition. Fiona Phillips has revealed she was left bedbound for three weeks after contracting coronavirus. The presenter, 59, spoke to Lorraine Kelly on Wednesday in her first television interview since recovering from COVID-19, admitting she first began to notice the illness when she suffered 'really bad gut pains.' Fiona was one of the first celebrities to reveal she was suffering coronavirus back in March, describing it at the time as an 'unwelcome bed partner.' On the mend: Fiona Phillips, 59 has revealed she was left bedbound for three weeks after contracting coronavirus in her first TV interview since recovering from COVID-19 Asked how she's doing several months after contracting the virus, Fiona told Lorraine: 'Well I was in bed for three weeks, and it all started off with really bad gut pains, I just thought I had something wrong with my alimentary system. So, yes, but I'm OK.' Fiona added that she was forced to delete all her social media profiles after she began to receive vile messages about her battle with the deadly virus. The star added: 'They wasted their time because as soon as they started flooding in, I started switching it off, I'm not a big social media user, it didn't affect me, I don't know these people. I feel sorry for them.' Challenging: The presenter said she first began to notice the illness when she suffered 'really bad gut pains,' which developed into the more well-known symptoms (pictured in 2017) Fiona was a guest on Lorraine's show to launch an urgent appeal by the Alzheimer's Society, as they are one of many charities hit by the coronavirus. The former GMTV veteran admitted it's a cause close to her heart, as both her mum Amy and dad Phillip died from Alzheimer's and dementia. She explained: 'Most people in care homes have been hit really really hard. It's really tragic. They desperately need more funds in the wake of this pandemic, if you think about it in care homes the deaths were horrific because there was no PPE, the staff in there have no protection. On the mend: She said: 'Well I was in bed for three weeks, and it all started off with really bad gut pains, I just thought I had something wrong with my alimentary system. So, yes, but I'm OK' 'Dementia is a terrible terrible illness and both of my parents had it very early on in their lives and it devastated my whole family, and I still don't think I've got over it. 'I've never really had much contact with the police, apart from when I was shoplifting when I was 11.' The star added that due to concerns about leaving her parents when they were ill she developed agoraphobia, adding at one point she even received a call from the fire service informing her that her parents had accidentally set the house on fire. She candidly said: 'When I was coping with it all and doing breakfast TV I literally had agoraphobia, I went into a panic and thought how do I say no? I don't want to make things up and I can't go out.' Cruel: Fiona added that she was forced to delete all her social media profiles after she began to receive vile messages about her battle with the deadly virus Fiona has been holed up in lockdown with her husband Martin Frizell and their two sons, one of which has been waiting to begin his army training, which had been delayed due to the virus. She added: 'One of them is huge, one of them is about to go into the army Lorraine, but he's got a sense of duty about him, but this coronavirus has postponed that, his basic training keeps getting put back. It's time he went Lorraine! 'Especially when I open a fridge after a big shop and there's nothing left in there.' Scary: Fiona first revealed her battled with COVID-19 in March, and was one of the first celebrities to speak out on her suffering symptoms of the deadly disease In April, Fiona detailed her horrific experience battling coronavirus in a column for The Mirror, describing it as feeling as though 'she'd been clobbered in her sleep.' In her candid column, Fiona said the virus had been 'exhausting' and gave her a plethora of 'nasty side-effects' that left her drained and weak. She explained: 'All I can say is I felt as though I'd been clobbered in my sleep. However hard I tried to get myself out of bed and on with the day ahead, something was holding me back.' 'I'd had horrible gut pain for a few days. My whole digestive tract was making a pain of itself, demanding attention and really dragging me down. 'And that annoying, dry cough persisted and, even worse, was aggravating my already fiery throat. Maybe I should get some more sleep, I thought, then I'll be fine.' Important: The GMTV veteran was a guest on Lorraine's show to launch an urgent appeal by the Alzheimer's Society, as they are one of many charities hit by the coronavirus Fiona revealed she slept for days at a time and completely lost her appetite because of the virus, though her husband Martin Frizell made sure she drank enough liquids during that time. Admitting she felt 'scared' during the course of her time battling the virus, Fiona said she tried to remain positive until, three weeks later, she recovered. In March, Fiona became one of the first media personalities to reveal she was suffering from coronavirus. She wrote in a column for The Mirror that the 'unwelcome bed partner' has brought with it 'a whole-body-sized cloak of sweat' and 'scratchy gut pain'. The star revealed: 'Having come bearing gifts such as a fiery sore throat, high temperature/fever, shortness of breath, annoying dry cough, aches, pains, lethargy and a whole-body-sized cloak of sweat nice I'll be doing my best to make sure [COVID-19] doesn't stay too long either.' Scary: In April, Fiona detailed her horrific experience battling coronavirus, describing it as feeling as though 'she'd been clobbered in her sleep Fiona recounted: 'The first sign of the nasty bug's generosity was about a week ago, in the form of a horrible, sort of scratchy gut pain that made me feel full, from my throat, right down through my whole digestive system. 'It kept me awake all night it was as if a witch had shoved her twiggy broom up into my alimentary canal and on into my throat, left it there and had then intermittently twisted it.' Fiona also used the opportunity to take a swipe at 'those selfish, greedy, ''I'm alright Jack'', toilet roll snatchers' - as the outbreak has seen panic-buying sweep the nation - and the world. Supportive: The star has been holed up in lockdown with her husband Martin Frizell and their sons (pictured together in 2016) She first revealed she had coronavirus on March 20 after suffering a 'sore throat, dry cough and headache'. The former GMTV host took to Twitter to share the news as she described the illness as 'not very pleasant'. Sharing the news on Twitter in March, Fiona wrote: 'I am in bed with #coronvirusuk It's not a very pleasant bedfellow, but nothing more than sore throat, dry cough, headache & tiredness. As long as it stays that way....DON'T panic!' Fiona, who is married to This Morning editor Martin, was quick to reassure fans that she wasn't in too much distress despite her diagnosis - something that clearly changed as the weekend went on. Fiona is best know for presenting GMTV and has regularly guest hosted Lorraine. In 2005, she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing where she was paired with Brendan Cole. They were eliminated in week four. BRUSSELS, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 2, 2020, the International Taste Institute (ITI, formerly ITQI) officially announced the awards for the evaluation of global food and beverages, one of the most prestigious awards in the industry. In the evaluation for 2020, food and beverages from over 800 producers worldwide were tasted and evaluated, of which only 325 were granted the world-renowned three-star Superior Taste Award. Only 14 winners were spirits and liquor companies. Among them was Shede Spirits, which won two three-star awards with its ultra-high-end best selling products -- Tianzihu and Wisdom Shede. At the same time, 8 other spirits products from Shede Spirits were granted two-star or one-star Superior Taste Awards. This is the "grand slam" in the sector of Chinese spirits tasting, as well as a new ITI record, as this was the first time that a Chinese spirits brand won the three-star Superior Taste Award. "Nature is the best distiller and time is the best bartender." Inspired by this idea, Shede's spirits boast an exceptional aged flavor and have become the symbol of high-end Chinese spirits. Chinese spirits enjoy a long history yet are rarely seen in the West. The official recognition Shede Spirits, a Chinese brand, received will surely bring more Chinese spirits to the world stage. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1176230/Shede_Spirits.jpg Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that virtually all businesses in Texas can now operate at 50 percent of their maximum occupancy, another major step as he eases restrictions enacted to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The people of Texas continue to prove that we can safely and responsibly open our state for business while containing COVID-19 and keeping our state safe, the Republican governor said, while encouraging the continued use of face masks and other safety practices in public. The announcement came as the state sees record numbers of new daily cases of COVID-19. On Wednesday, the seven-day average for new daily cases hit 1,466, up from 1,280 in mid-May, a Houston Chronicle data analysis shows. David J. Phillip, STF / Associated Press IN-DEPTH: Rising cases, inadequate tracing put Texas at risk during reopening Abbott said nearly half of all new cases are isolated at jails and prisons, meatpacking plants and nursing homes, environments where he says outbreaks can be contained as the reopening progresses. The state has moved to increase testing at many of those locations, though testing as a whole remains stagnant, well below the governor's goal of 30,000 tests per day. The state has averaged about 23,000 tests per day for the past three weeks. Hospitalizations, another key measure, were down on Wednesday but have been rising steadily in the past week. They were still well below statewide capacity. The state reported 23 COVID-19 deaths per day over the past week, down from nearly 40 in mid-May. Abbott has said he would watch deaths and hospitalizations closely as he reopens the Texas economy. Still, public health officials have said the state is at best plateauing, with new cases neither falling nor surging. And they have worried that the Memorial Day holiday and protests over police brutality, which have drawn tens of thousands to the street in major Texas cities, may also hasten the spread of the disease. Eric Gay, STF / Associated Press NOT LIVING IN THE SAME REALITY: Why COVID data settles zero arguments Major cities including Houston, San Antonio and Austin have all extended stay-at-home orders and mandated masks in public, though the restrictions arent enforceable because emergency orders from Abbott supersede them. The governor did not mention the positivity rate the rate of people testing positive for COVID-19 as he has in recent briefings, often highlighting its decline. The seven-day average of the rate rose in the past week, up Wednesday to nearly 7 percent, its highest point since early May. Rep. Chris Turner, the chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, said the trends show a troubling lack of progress. Unfortunately, COVID-19 numbers are moving in the wrong direction right now and we need to tap the brakes, not step on the gas, he said in a statement. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Dr. Peter Hotez, an infectious disease expert at Baylor College, warned last month that the state is moving too quickly. I understand the importance of opening up the economy, he told the Chronicle. The worry I have is that we havent put in place a public health system the testing, the contact tracing thats commensurate to sustain the economy. Alex Scott / Bloomberg The state had planned to bring on 4,000 contact tracers, who track down those exposed to COVID-19, by the end of May. Health officials did not immediately provide updated numbers Wednesday; they last said in mid-May that more than 2,000 tracers were in place. In a TV interview Wednesday, Abbot acknowledged the recent spikes but attributed them to targeted testing at meatpacking plants and prisons. We need to understand that COVID-19 has not suddenly left the state of Texas or the United States, he said. We need to continue these self-distancing practices as we wait the arrival of medications that will treat people who test positive for COVID-19. Abbott said a full statewide reopening could happen over the summer if the trends he tracks remain low. The governor has been responding to hot spots with surge response teams that include public health officials and members of the National Guard. The Division of Emergency Management said teams have been active in more than 100 counties. A new poll released Wednesday by Quinnipiac University found that just under half of Texans agree with his phased reopenings so far, with 38 percent saying he has moved too quickly and 12 percent saying he hasnt moved fast enough. That same poll of 1,100 Texans who identify as registered voters found that Abbotts approval rating stands at 56 percent, unchanged since September. jeremy.blackman@chron.com jeremy.wallace@chron.com San Francisco, June 3 : Amid ongoing protests in the US over the death of African-American George Floyd, Amazon on Wednesday said it will donate a total of $10 million to organisations that are working to bring about social justice and improve the lives of Black and African Americans. Recipients -- selected with the help of Amazon's Black Employee Network (BEN) -- include groups focused on combating systemic racism through the legal system as well as those dedicated to expanding educational and economic opportunity for Black communities. Donations to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), National Urban League, and UNCF, among others, seek to support education and justice for Black communities across the U.S., Amazon said in a blog post. "Amazon's leadership and BEN have worked hand-in-hand to identify organizations in the Black community that make a difference and will contribute to them in a meaningful way. In addition to the organizations listed, we will work with our chapters to identify local groups to support," said Angelina Howard, President of BEN. "We will continue these conversations about how Amazon can support employees and the entire Black community beyond these tragic recent events." The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied the claim that it has endorsed the second term bid of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu. Mr Akeredolu, who is believed to have a patchy relationship with partys national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and party leader Bola Tinubu, was among the APC governors that had a meeting with members of the NWC at the partys national secretariat in Abuja on Monday. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the focus of the meeting was to make a case for Mr Akeredolu and the governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, ahead of the partys governorship election in the states. The NWC last week adopted a direct method of primaries, a decision some political analysts believed may not end in favour of the two governors seeking re-election tickets amidst the internal wrangle in the state chapters of the APC. Both governors are believed to prefer indirect primaries that would involve voting by delegates which would include the governors appointees like commissioners and advisers. They have, however, said they will win the primaries no matter the method used. In a statement Tuesday night, the NWC said a recent statement credited to an Ondo State political group called Unity Mandate Agenda alleging both the national chairman and NWC members of endorsing Mr Akeredolu as their recognised governorship aspirant in the July 20 primary in the state, is false. This is indeed a grievous falsehood intended to create disaffection among our members. We hereby refute this spurious statement and wish to state unequivocally that neither the National Chairman nor any member of the Partys National Working Committee (NWC) has the power to endorse any aspirant. The APC is not in the business of endorsing aspirants. As a progressive party, our ultimate guiding principle is strict adherence to the tenets of participatory democracy. Our members in Ondo State and elsewhere should ignore this unfounded report. As we move close to governorship primaries in both Edo and Ondo States, it should be expected that mischief makers would do their worst to impugn on the process. As always, they would fail in this current campaign, APC spokesperson, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said. Like the Edo chapter of the party, the Ondo APC is also split into factions. One faction is loyal to Mr Akeredolu while the other is opposed to his re-election. The APC primary in Ondo holds on July 20 while the governorship election holds on October 10. WASHINGTON - In Tuesday's vast throng of peaceful demonstrators near the White House - a bigger crowd than in four previous days and nights of anti-racism protests - leadership was organic. The loudest angry voices at any given moment commanded parts of the crowd. At the edge of Lafayette Square on H Street NW, a little past 2 p.m., it was Phil Coursey's turn to take charge, just briefly. "Hands up!" he cried, arms in the air. "Don't shoot!" shouted the chorus around him, maybe a hundred folks out of thousands jamming the block, Coursey's own sudden followers reaching skyward as he exhorted them. "Hands up!" he kept bellowing. "Don't shoot!" Then Coursey, 37, stepped away from the eight-foot fence of black metal grating that had been put up in the wee hours to keep the pressing multitudes from entering Lafayette Square park. His voice raspy, he stood in sight of the White House, in the din of irate chanting, and worried for the safety of his son. "He's 10," the father said in a pleading tone. "This is about trauma and the fact that when I left to come here, my wife was afraid I'd not come back; that when I was my son's age, we were talking about Rodney King; that my son will get to be my age, I hope, and is he going to be talking about someone else?" Gripping a placard and an American flag, he said: "I'm angry, I'm sad, I'm sick, I'm scared for my children, and the whole idea that when they're grown up, this might not be over." Eight days after 49-year-old George Floyd, begging, "I can't breathe," died face down on a Minneapolis street with a police officer's right knee on his neck - sparking huge protests and outbursts of mayhem in the United States and abroad - Coursey's anguish and frustration was Tuesday's mood on H Street, where the masses seethed and screamed, fists lifted in rage, but never erupted in violence. They wanted to be heard, not scorned as lawbreakers. They wanted their pain, the pain of police brutality, of being a suspect on account of skin, to be felt by those who haven't known it. They wanted desperately to be understood. "I've got a friend of about 20 years right now, and I'm not sure whether that friendship continues," Coursey was saying, referring to a white friend. "He's of the opinion that all this is about looting and smashing windows. . . . He didn't speak up and get angry until people started losing their property and businesses." Awhile later, at H Street and Vermont Avenue, a line of riot police, shoulder-to-shoulder, blocked Vermont as Felbert Evans, 52, strode before them, pausing to taunt. "Oh, you want to do it so bad! . . . Just like that man kneeling on his neck! . . . You saw the joy in his eye! . . . You saw the life leaving that man's body! . . . As soon as they give the word, you're going to be happy to beat the sh- - out of us! . . . Get that stress out! . . . I know it's been a long day! . . . Been a long day for all of us!" He ran out of invectives momentarily and wandered to the curb. "Where the looting has occurred, I do not condone that," Evans said while he rested, soaked in sweat. "But they don't have anybody to give them direction, y'know what I'm saying? Me, I can't stand on the sidelines, either, so this here is what I'm doing. I mean, I'm a black man in America. Every day I walk out, there's a target on my back. But I can't sit home and think, well, I'll let the young people handle it. No, sir." He wore a T-shirt that read, "I AM A MAN." He said: "I have to let my voice be heard. I have to stand here in these people's faces and tell them what they're doing." And he glanced at burly officer whose nametag said Cooper. "Right? Right?" Evans yelled at him. "You don't want to look at me, do you?" From behind his riot shield and the drawn-down shield of his helmet, Cooper stared past him into the distance. "Course you don't!" Signs everywhere, called out silently: "Black Lives Matter." "Black Trans Lives Matter." "Black Mental Health Matters." "My Black Life Matters." In the early evening, Veronica Diaz, 20, who had been leading chants from atop a traffic-light pole at H and 16th streets, climbed down, and the man who took her place began yanking one of the street signs, trying to rip it away. The crowd booed, flaring in anger. "Get him off there!" After he descended, a tussle ensued, for Tuesday was not about vandalism. Rather, it was about this: "Peaceful protest!" the people around him wailed. A familiar refrain went up - "I can't breathe!" - and scores of demonstrators dropped to the pavement, hands clasped behind them in the arrest position, as dozens of riot officers stood 20 yards away, on the opposite side of the hastily erected fence. "I can't breathe! I can't breathe!" Then Shavonne Bowman, 41, and the eldest of her five sons, DeQuan Bowman, 21, stood and left the crowd arm-in-arm. DeQuan told his mother last week that he wanted join Friday's protest, but she urged him not to, owing to the coronavirus pandemic and her fear of havoc in the streets. "I understood where she was coming from," he said, "so I shut it down right there." But Shavonne reconsidered. "Actually, a friend of mine checked me," she said. "They let me know: How can I take away my son's right to speak and stand for what he believes in? . . . Once my friend brought that up, I did my own self-check, because I wanted to be out here." She said: "I'm tired of turning on the TV crying. I'm tired of looking at this situation happening. I'm tired of standing by doing nothing. Why can't I go out and spread the word? Why can't I empower my children to do the same? . . . I said, 'As long as we do a peaceful protest - I mean, peaceful! - then we can go out there together.' " Tuesday, for the first time, they did. Signs all over: "Abolish Police Unions." "Defund the Police." "Demilitarize the Police." "End Police Terror." A young man toting a messenger bag drifted through the crowd, offering, "Poetry, poetry," and handing out sheets of paper from the bag, poems by Naomi Shihab Nye. One begins, "Before you know what kindness really is/you must lose things/feel the future dissolve in a moment/like salt in a weakened broth." Another: "A man leaves the world/and the streets he lived on/grow a little shorter." The sky, sunless at first, the color of a bruise, brightened in the afternoon, and baking heat arrived. The throng kept growing. The city's 7 p.m. curfew came and went. Most people stayed, rattling the black fence occasionally, some hurling plastic water bottles over it toward the police, as thousands stood motionless, chanting. They hurled demands, too. "Say his name!" a teenager screamed at the officers behind the fence, meaning George Floyd. "What if it was your kid?! . . . That could have been your son! . . . Get a real job!" Jaliyah Brunson, 20, and her friend Yanaii Wilson, delivered the last of their taunts and turned from the fence line. "For us, it's not about, oh, let's go burn stuff down," Brunson said, and Wilson nodded. "Speaking your mind is what matters. Your heart is what matters. . . . I'm not going to say it's bad for people to burn stuff down. Some people, that's the only way they can work this out, all that anger. But I'm saying, 'Use your voice first!' " Wilson said: "We built this country. We're the reason the White House is here. We built all these buildings. So me, personally, if people want to burn stuff down, specifically million-dollar mansions, so be it. That's your expression. White people don't understand, there's a lot of anger, and it's going to come out." Just not from her or Brunson, or, it seemed, for virtually anyone in the great sea of humanity on H Street. "The reason why I'm here is the cops," Wilson said. "I literally have grown up watching people die. Every month, a new hashtag. And it destroys me to know I have young brothers, black friends, and I'm loving on a black man, and I fear for their lives every day. I'm out here because white people, they need to feel all that." Again a chant rose. "Three more! Three more!" This was Glenn Foster, his moment come, in charge suddenly with a bullhorn, the refrain echoing around him. "Three more! Three more!" Meaning the three Minneapolis officers who stood watching as former officer Derek Chauvin, fired from force and charged with second-degree murder, pressed a knee against Floyd's neck. Protesters wanted the other officers to be arrested as well. The three were charged Wednesday with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. "Three more!" Foster shouted until he voice went hoarse. His T-shirt read, "Strong to the finish." He had a pair of goggles propped on his head, in case. "I'm here because black people are being continuously degraded and dehumanized," he said after his transitory followers had moved on to someone else's chant. "I'm here to speak. I'm here to counter all your worrying about looting and whatnot." He said: "I did. I spoke right there. Thank you." Memorial Day came like nothing was wrong. The sun was beaming in such a way that day that when I finished reporting, I felt an urge that Id had umpteen times before: Get up out of the heat and get some water ice. I made way to my favorite spot Uptown Tranzillis. When I arrived at its intersection in Germantown, I saw the staggered, socially distanced line of folks waiting. I needed at least a quart, then two, then three. If I wasnt concerned about freezer space, I might have gone for the gallon. But as I dug into my mango, kiwi strawberry, watermelon, blueberry, and margarita wudder ice at home, I knew Id be back. This is a food that Im willing to leave my house for, and get in person. Part of it could be impulse a lot of it is probably my inner jawn speaking but when I sit with a bowl of water ice, I feel like its a calm Sunday when Id ask my grandfather about Tranzillis after church. It makes me want to pull up to a cookout and find mango Ritas conveniently not too far from a fifth of E&J Peach. The memories of summer before the pandemic changed us all flood back. Having a reaction like this, where food conjures a certain nostalgia, is common. Our memories are connected, explains Shira Gabriel, a psychology professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo. And multiple memories from a single experience can be cataloged in our brains as one thing. This is why, she said, retracing ones steps can help recover whats lost, why the smell of a perfume can remind you of a person, and why comfort foods can shift ones mood and remind us of people we love. Were all living through a super uncertain and scary and very different time when we are isolated and limited from the connections that we really like and need, Gabriel said. And so those foods can give us not only just the enjoyment of eating something delicious, but they can also activate for us those thoughts and memories and emotions that are essential for our well-being. She continued, The emotional attachment to foods we used to eat have become especially important, right? Because we don't have those emotional bonds right now. Sentiments over water ice can layer it can be summer in a cup, it can be a sign of who we are. These days, Gabriel explained, eating water ice is an act of hope. Philadelphia has never cared whether outsiders match our devotion to the foods we know are worth it. Why we call it water ice, and not Italian ice like Americans elsewhere, is something of a mystery. Even so, Philadelphians may disassociate outsider varieties, arguing that they differ in texture from the smoothly spun treats we devour here. (Its OK for us to be Goldilocks about this.) READ MORE: 8 Philly-area shops to satisfy your water ice craving If you start water ice history with the cold slice of heaven produced in this town, then that would take us back to the Italian American vendors who, well over a century ago, introduced it and established a tradition that continues through a number of water ice institutions to this day. If you look further, the provenance goes back millennia: There are legends that trace fruity frozen treats to figures like first century Roman Emperor Nero and Marco Polo, while one lineage names Persian sharbat as the predecessor to European sherbet, sorbet, or sorbetto. Not all water ice can travel for long. Some versions can hold up, but many melt faster than ice cream. You can refreeze what dissolves all you want, just like you can reheat a french fry with the understanding that the texture wont live up to how it was first served. Many water ice shops dont deliver. In most cases, there are really three options: You can start eating it immediately, you can make a dash to your freezer, or you can taste that joy is fleeting. That could be why residents are still supporting some neighborhood water ice shops in person. But some water ice makers pointed to the power of comfort food for why customers were still coming up to their windows. Business-wise, things have been pretty decent. Theyve been pretty good. Thats a result of how you make people feel, said Siddiq Moore, who owns Siddiqs Real Fruit Water Ice in Cobbs Creek and Chester. When customers come to his stores, Moore explained, he wants people to get the boardwalk experience they might be craving. With the funnel cake you can stimulate the whole pleasure principle, he said of his menu that includes soft serve ice cream, soft pretzels, and panini. You can stimulate the feel good in people. READ MORE: Recipe: You can make water ice at home with just sugar, water and fruit you have on hand Almost always I eat my water ice outside now. Its easier to imagine someone could be grilling that way. Having some water ice in good weather, for me, is a meditative practice. One time, I closed my eyes and got the vibe of a summer holiday when twilight settles and the aunties play songs like Always and Forever and Dont Let It Go To Your Head. I dont always feel transported. Even then, I get a minutes-long respite where I can feel less numb. It offers a moment of quiet, a break from sitting with the many ways the world is falling apart. The expectation to know how I feel slipped away recently, just like confidence in knowing what day or time it is. Still, somehow I know that a food like that is precious. I plan to keep supporting water ice shops because I dont want to see them go. John Abu Jinapor, Member of Parliament (MP) for Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency 03.06.2020 LISTEN The Member of Parliament (MP) for Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency, Mr. John Abu Jinapor has hit back at the Deputy Energy Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam over his allegations against former President John Dramani Mahama. Dr. Adam in a recent interview on the Joy PM Express Show claimed that President Mahama during his administration failed to plan for the Energy sector. According to Mr. Abu Jinapor who served as a Deputy Minister of Energy during the Mahama administration, those comments are unmistakable signs of desperation and hopelessness emanating from a clueless government that only succeeded in ascending to power through deceit and political jugglery. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP stresses that the statement from Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam portrays that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has nothing to show for the past 3 years. Abu Jinapor believes NPP is resorting to falsehood and propaganda ahead of the 2020 General Elections. To prove that the NDC made strides when they were in power, the Yapei-Kusawgu MP noted that the Mahama government put in a place prudent policies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable and efficient management of the countrys oil and gas resources. Whilst in office, the Mahama led NDC government worked diligently to bring into production three oil and gas fields Jubilee, TEN, and OCPT (Sankofa). We are on record to have procured three FPSO for the three field - FPSO Kwame Nkrumah, Professor John Mills, and John Agyekum Kuffuor. These interventions has culminated in over GHS12 billion accruing to the Akuffo-Addo led Government since 2017 to date, Abi Jinapor added. Read full statement below: RESPONSE TO MOHAMMED AMIN ADAM My attention has been drawn to an interview granted by a Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam on the Joy PM express show, in which he chose to make baseless, concocted and outrageous allegations against the person of H.E. Former President John Dramani Mahama. Dr. Adam proceeded further to make the wild claim that that President Mamaha failed to plan for the Energy sector. His comments could only be an unmistakable sign of desperation and hopelessness emanating from a clueless government that only succeeded in ascending to power through deceit and political jugglery. The statement from the Deputy Minister only portrays a Government that has nothing to show over the past 3 years hence resorting to falsehood and propaganda. If the Deputy Minister cares to know, the NDCs record in the oil and gas sector has been impressive and remarkable. The specific claims: Achievements in the Oil and Gas Sector The NDC Government whilst in office put in a place prudent policies, legislation and regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable and efficient management of our oil and gas resources. This provided transparency in the sector and boosted investor confidence. The implementation of the local content policy and regulations soared Ghanaian entrepreneurs participation in major procurements for oil and gas installations, including direct contributions to the fabrication of components of FPSOs. Whilst in office, the Mahama led NDC government worked diligently to bring into production three oil and gas fields Jubilee, TEN and OCPT (Sankofa). We are on record to have procured three FPSO for the three field - FPSO Kwame Nkrumah, Professor John Mills and John Agyekum Kuffuor. These interventions has culminated in over GHS12 billion accruing to the Akuffo-Addo led Government since 2017 to date. To ensure an integrated approach in the Gas value, the NDC government established the Ghana National Gas Company and delivered an impressive gas infrastructure that has ensured sustained supply of gas from our gas fields to Aboadze resulting in an annual savings of about $300 Million to the state. Reverse Gas Flow On the claim by the Deputy Minister that no effort was made to ensure the reverse flow of Gas from the West to the East is not only false but a complete deception. The NDC Government did not only commence the process of ensuring the reverse flow but also concluded arrangements to relocate the 450MW Karpowership in Tema as an off taker for the OCTP Gas. On the contrary, rather than consolidating the gains made, the Akufo-Addo Government chose to engage in frivolous so-called investigations which eventually delayed the completion of the reverse flow project. The NPP Government should rather explain to Ghanaians the decision to turn around and extend the Karpowership agreement by Ten more years after criticising the deal. Sitting of the Ghana Gas Processing Plant Equally false is the claim by Dr. Amin that almost all the Thermal plants are located in Tema hence it was improper to site the Gas plant in the West. For the record,Takoradi alone has over 1000MW of thermal power coupled with the fact that N-Gas was already supplying the Tema enclave. Developments in the Upstream Sector The bold and decisive policies pursued by the NDC that liberalized the petroleum sector witnessed monumental improvements in the sector. Following the oil and gas discoveries, it became necessary to restructure the industry to reflect the vision for the energy sector and to bring it abreast with international norms and best practice. Hence, the reason for the establishment of: the Petroleum Commission, the Ghana National Gas Company, the passage of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, the new Petroleum (E&P) Act, the Local Content Act, the Gas Master Plan and other laudable policies to attract investment and ensure sustainable exploitation of our petroleum resources. The phenomenal interest generated in exploratory is reflected in the 13 Petroleum Agreements signed during the NDC tenure of office. Economic Benefit to the State If Dr. Amin Adam cares to know the benefit accruing to the State is not measured in the number of wells drilled but rather from the direct and indirect economic benefits accruing to the Nation through increased Stake and local content participation. The wise decision by President Manama to settle our maritime dispute through the International court though led to a delay in drilling activities is highly commendable. Indeed, President Mahama is a visionary leader who deserves commendation for his foresight and determination to put Ghana first. Unfortunately, the current NPP administration has rolled back the clock on the progress made. No significant development in the petroleum upstream has been recorded in the last three years since the NPP came to office. The NPPs mismanagement of the sector has resulted in the obvious waned investor interest in Ghanas oil sector evidenced by the disastrous maiden bidding rounds for blocks under the NPP. Corruption has taken a centre stage in the sector with a few people (Cabal) appropriating our oil resources for selfish and personal gain. A typical case is the dubious renegotiated Arker and AGM agreements which were rail-roaded through Parliament. It will be recalled that soon after assuming office, the Akuffo Addo led government decided against all technical and commercial advice to open the AGM agreement (earlier ratified in 2014 under President Mahama) for renegotiation under bizarre and opaque circumstance. In the renegotiated agreement, GNPCs additional participating interest was reduced from 15% to 3%. As if that was not enough, Explorco"s commercial interest of 24% was dropped to Zero and 5% ended with a Private Company with very questionable background. This is the same with the Arker Energy agreement where the Minister granted very ridiculous concessions to the company against the interest of Ghana, and going further to approve clauses that compelled him to follow up on seeking approvals for the company. The question is why would a Minister of the Republic agree to be the "Goroboy" of a foreign Company? Clearly, the Akufo-Addo government and the NPP have lost focus, hence their continuous resort to total mendacity and sheer political chicanery, but let me assure that we shall remain vigilant and ensure the deception by appointees of this Government are held to check. John Abdulai Jinapor Mp - Yapei-Kusawgu Technavio has been monitoring the global fitness app market and it is poised to grow by USD 1.68 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 12% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005754/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Fitness App Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Please Request Latest Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impact The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. adidas AG, ASICS Digital Inc., Azumio Inc., BetterME., FitNow Inc., Google LLC, Nike Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Under Armour Inc., and YAZIO GmbH are some of the major market participants. The increasing demand for wearable devices will offer immense growth opportunities. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The increasing demand for wearable devices has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Fitness App Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Fitness App Market is segmented as below: Product Female Male Application Lifestyle Monitoring Health Monitoring Others Geographic Landscape APAC North America Europe South America MEA To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR40200 Fitness App Market 2020-2024: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our fitness app market report covers the following areas: Fitness App Market size Fitness App Market trends Fitness App Market industry analysis This study identifies the increasing number of M&A as one of the prime reasons driving the fitness app market growth during the next few years. Fitness App Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the Fitness App Market, including some of the vendors such as adidas AG, ASICS Digital Inc., Azumio Inc., BetterME., FitNow Inc., Google LLC, Nike Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Under Armour Inc., and YAZIO GmbH. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the Fitness App Market are designed to provide entry support, customer profile and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Fitness App Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist fitness app market growth during the next five years Estimation of the fitness app market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the fitness app market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of fitness app market vendors Table Of Contents : PART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORT 2.1 Preface 2.2 Preface 2.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ PART 03: MARKET LANDSCAPE Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysis Value Chain Analysis PART 04: MARKET SIZING Market definition Market outlook Market sizing 2019 Market size and forecast 2019-2024 PART 05: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition PART 06: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY APPLICATION Market segmentation by application Comparison by application Lifestyle monitoring Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Health monitoring Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Others Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by application PART 07: CUSTOMER LANDSCAPE PART 08: GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity PART 09: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY GENDER Market segmentation by gender Comparison by gender Female Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Male Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by gender PART 10: DECISION FRAMEWORK PART 11: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES Market drivers Market challenges PART 12: MARKET TRENDS Increasing number of M&A Rising investments Proliferation of fitness apps PART 13: VENDOR LANDSCAPE Overview Landscape disruption Competitive scenario PART 14: VENDOR ANALYSIS Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors adidas AG ASICS Digital Inc. Azumio Inc. BetterME. FitNow Inc. Google LLC Nike Inc. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Under Armour Inc. YAZIO GmbH PART 15: APPENDIX Research methodology List of abbreviations Definition of market positioning of vendors PART 16: EXPLORE TECHNAVIO About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005754/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ VENTIMIGLIA, Italy - Italy officially ended its long coronavirus lockdown Wednesday, opening regional and international borders in a bid to boost summer tourism, but found itself alone as European neighbours viewed the move as premature and remained wary of visitors from Italy. Italys long-awaited internal and external opening after nearly three months allowed residents to finally reunite with friends and family members, and brought a flood of French shoppers across the border for less expensive groceries and cigarettes. But normalcy was a long way off. Giuseppina Niglio drove 8 1/2 hours from Salerno, south of Naples, to the border with Switzerland to see her children, Roberta di Giacomo, 24, and Alessandro di Giacomo, 21. The siblings study at the musical conservatory in Lugano, Switzerland. They crossed into Italy on foot with their luggage, her cello and his violin. I can say that the drive we did from 4 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. just flew by,? Niglio said. We had a lot of adrenaline. We couldnt wait to see them and hug them again. Italy is the first European country to fully open its international borders, dropping the 14-day quarantine requirement for visitors from most of Europe. Many European nations are waiting until June 15 to open their borders, and some much later than that. Who gets to go where in Europe this summer is shaping up to be determined by where you live, what passport you carry and even how hard hit your region has been during the pandemic. Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte criticized as discriminatory moves by Austria and Greece to limit the arrivals of Italians in their countries, due to concerns over the level of contagion in some regions, notably Lombardy. The health emergency is now behind us, Conte said during a news conference, adding that he was working to reverse restrictions on Italian travellers. Indeed, Europe-wide, rules on cross-border travel were a patchwork of regulations. Even within Italy, regions with fewer residents infected with the virus viewed with some trepidation the arrival of tourists form the countrys harder-hit north. A move by Sardinia to require some form of testing for people coming from other parts of Italy was rejected by the Rome government as unconstitutional. A requirement for visitors to register before their arrival took the place of the proposed measure. Germany said Wednesday that it plans to lift a travel warning for European countries from June 15 but it may still advise against travel in some cases, for example to Britain if quarantine rules there remain. Austria said it is ending border checks with all its neighbours except for Italy, due to lingering concerns about coronavirus infections there, particularly hard-hit Lombardy. Greece last week announced that visitors from 29 countries would be subject to random coronavirus testing and no quarantine. After protests from Italy, Spain and other countries not included, Greece clarified that its criteria applied to individual airports, not entire countries. For example, passengers on flights from Rome will subject to the looser entry rules, but those from northern Italy will still need to undergo more stringent screening. Italys neighbour, France, also is looking at opening its borders on June 15 although French citizens who cross over in the meantime are no longer subject to quarantines upon their return. Their absence had been sorely felt in the border down of Ventimiglia, where stall owners in the local market say they are responsible for 90% of sales. When the market works, restaurants work, bars work, shops work, said stall owner Eleonora Sanvito. But on the first day of open borders, Italians who cross into France for work every day who number around 7,000 found waits of two to three hours as French authorities apparently increased checks due to Italys relaxing of internal controls, Martino Santacroce, chief of Ventimiglias Border Police branch, told The Associated Press. In a sign of continued caution regarding outsiders, the Czech Republic and Slovakia a single nation before the fall of communism planned to open their common border as of Thursday while keeping checks in place for visitors from other places. The British government was confirming plans Wednesday to impose a 14-day quarantine for people arriving in the country starting next week, despite pleas from the travel industry to drop the idea and criticism from others that the move comes way too late to tamp down the countrys coronavirus outbreak. Britain has seen nearly 39,500 deaths linked to the virus, the highest death toll in Europe and second-highest in the world after the United States. Europe overall has recorded 175,000 deaths during the pandemic. Britain is also talking to other countries about setting up air bridges that would allow certain countries or regions to be exempted from quarantine rules. In a similar vein, Spains Balearic Islands are reaching out to German states to find ones with epidemiological conditions that match those of the best-situated islands. Italy is the odd country out on such deals. It was the first country in the West to be struck by the virus and for more than a month had the worlds highest death toll. Many other countries still consider Italy unsafe to visit and require their citizens who have been there to self-quarantine upon return, effectively discourages foreign tourism. Italys national hotelier association, Federalberghi, projects that nightly stays by foreign guests in 2020 will plunge by nearly 82%. Particularly crippled have been high-end hotels that rely on foreigners to fill their rooms. In Rome, the 4-star Grand Hotel Gianicolo is only now receiving reservations from some French, German and Dutch guests for late summer. Despite the bleak outlook, the staff motto is Keep going, dont give up, said sales manager Antonino Sacca. ____ Barry reported from Soave, Italy and Moulson from Berlin. Journalists from throughout Europe contributed. A n Australian police officer is under investigation after he was filmed tripping and pinning down an indigenous teenager during an arrest. Footage shared widely on social media shows the New South Wales (NSW) cop pressing the 16-year-old's arms behind his back then kicking his legs out from under him. The incident took place on Monday, a week after the death of unarmed African-American man George Floyd, which has since sparked heated protests around the world. Australian police confirmed the police constable is under internal investigation, but rejected comparisons with the US in terms of police brutality. "We have probably the best relationship between the community and the police of any jurisdiction around the world," Police Minister David Elliott told reporters on Tuesday. He said the officers response "was not unprovoked." NSW police said the officer was in the inner-suburb of Surry Hills for an unrelated reason when he struck up a conversation with the teenager and his four companions. The video clip shows the teen saying he'll break the officer's jaw, before the cop squares up to him and pulls his arms behind his back before kicking him to the ground, face-first. "The important message here is that Sydney is not Minnesota," Mr Elliott said, referring to Mr Floyds death in the city of Minneapolis while in police custody. "What happened in the United States is not what happens here." 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 minister rejected claims that Australian police "have similar problems that exist in the United States." But NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the teen's arrest raised questions about race relations in Australia. "I thought what most Australians thought and that is we still have a long way to go in our country," Berejiklian said of the video. "I think what's happened in the US is a good wake-up call for all of us and I think all of our hearts are breaking as to what's happening in the United States and we certainly have to ensure that we do what we can in our own country to protect all of our citizens," she added. Protesters gather in Sydney brandishing placards reading George Floyd's final words: "I can't breathe." / AP Indigenous people make up two per cent of the Australian adult population but 27 per cent of the prison population. A total of 432 indigenous Australians have died in police detention and prison since 1991, according to ongoing analysis by The Guardian. The countrys indigenous people also have higher-than-average rates of infant mortality and poor health, as well as shorter life expectancy and lower levels of education and employment than their compatriots. The police officer in involved in the Sydney arrest has seen his duties restricted while his use of force is investigated. A police officer walks ahead of protestors during a Black Lives Matter rally in Sydney / Getty Images The 16-year-old, who cannot be identified, was not charged and was taken to a hospital for a medical examination. He suffered grazes to his face and a chipped tooth. His father, mother and sister held a news conference flanked by lawyers in which the family called for the officer to be charged and the incident to be investigated independent of police. The family took a knee during their public statement in respect for Mr Floyd. The boys father said that what happened to his son echoed experiences he had had when he was young. But, he said, people didn't have smartphones and social media to draw attention to it back then. The sister said the video was chilling, and that young people should be entitled to a childhood without being treated like criminals. Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the officer had no record of misbehaviour during more than three years' service. If the complaint against him of excessive force was upheld, "you would have to say he's had a bad day," Mr Fuller told Sydney Radio 2GB. "I think most of the community wouldn't want to see someone who made a mistake sacked after making such a commitment to the community," he added. The incident was highlighted when around 3,000 demonstrators marched through downtown Sydney on Tuesday night in a peaceful protest against Mr Floyd's death and demanding fundamental change in race relations. San Antonians are coming together to help small businesses affected by the rioting and looting that took place in downtown last weekend. Many volunteer clean up crews gathered Sunday morning to help owners board up windows and clean debris. The support is now building online. Friends of small businesses like 4th Bar & Lounge have launched GoFundMe pages. In a Facebook Live video from Saturday, the owner of the bar, Daniel Rivera stood in front of a busted storefront window and said the bar has not had the chance to open because of the coronavirus pandemic and now the vandalism. Another GoFundMe was started to support the small businesses that don't have insurance to recover. A few hundred dollars have been raised by each as of Tuesday. The page for the bar was organized by Rivera's friend Arthur Ruiz, who said the owners were preparing for their grand opening when the coronavirus pandemic took hold and shuttered bars and restaurants as a public safety response. "And just when they were about to reopen, this happened," the organizer shared with donors. "So please consider donating. Anything helps." City councilman Roberto Trevino, whose district includes downtown San Antonio, addressed the destruction of businesses in the area in a statement released on Tuesday. In the statement, he differentiated the looting from the peaceful protests hosted earlier in the day on Saturday. "But that is not the point, nor should it be the focus of the discussion," he said in the statement. "Broken windows can be repaired or goods can be replaced. Black lives cannot." Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye BEIJING, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- LLVISON, a pioneer and leader in AR enterprise service, has released a pair of AI-powered dual-spectrum AR thermometer glasses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upgraded GLXSS SE-IR smart glasses provide an improved first perspective interaction experience, featured with fast and accurate temperature check, which helps enterprises in organizing work resumption. In order to solve the absent on-site field practice and management due to the travel restriction recently, LLVision also launched the latest version of ARISE Industrial Remote Collaboration Platform. The platform provides an all-in-one solution, which allows users to accomplish trouble shooting and completion test, as well as to track business performance, with advance remote collaboration features such as remote video artificial intelligence recognition and data analysis. "The COVID-19 pandemic has heavily impacted business. To help companies tackle these challenges, we have upgraded our Industrial Remote Collaboration Platform to allow for un-intrusive use to the benefit of the public and staff," said Roy Lou, Product Director of LLVISION. Product Upgrade: GLXSS SE_IR Applying advanced technologies such as an AI algorithm and dual spectrum imaging, the upgraded GLXSS SE_IR not only enables automatic forehead temperature targeting but also improved processing times, accuracy and data dimensions. At present, the solution is used in more than 30 sites and 50 airports, customs checkpoints, schools and industrial parks across China. LLVISON's service has also been introduced to the UAE, India, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Pakistan, Chile, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. 1. 0.3C accuracy is guaranteed through the dual-spectrum fitting algorithm which targets the forehead, combined with error correction and black body calibration technology. 2. AR glasses allow a safe operating distance as the glasses can measure the temperature of multiple moving targets up to 3 meters away and detect faces at up to 8 meters. 3. Equipped with 1T Flops/W computing power and edge computing chip, the glasses can support continuous real-time multi-people detection of up to 200 people per minute. 4. Each temperature result can be bound to facial recognition results, time, location, on-site image and other information, and will be recorded and reported to the management platform. Remote Collaboration Platform LLVISION has also upgraded its Industrial Remote Collaboration Platform to provide a comprehensive AR+AI field service solution to reduce operational costs and improve management efficiency for companies and industrial parks. 1. IP67 compliant, the GLXSS SE AR smart glasses are as light as 33.4g and are tested with MIL-STD. The product is compatible with helmets, goggles and other personal protective equipment. 2. The first perspective function provides an immersive experience with video sharing and multi-party audio and video meetings. 3. Real-time AR mark is applied to videos for automatic tracking when moving. Also, support marks on screen shoot. 4. Support two-way images, text, mainstream files delivery. The pictures and texts will be displayed on the glasses screen automatically. 5. The Arise Industrial Platform can be applied to on-site service scenarios such as operation process management, park asset management and AI cognition. About LLVISION LLVISION, as a specialist in AR + AI enterprise services, provides related hardware products and software support. Its solution is now widely used in industries such as security, industrial and healthcare. The company has served more than 5000 companies worldwide, saving customers travel expenses over 100 million US dollars. In 2020, being one of the first AR smart glasses partner with SAP, LLVISION and SAP have co-launched the AR FSM to bring a new generation of AR field management service solution. https://www.llvision.com/en/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1176238/3_0.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1176239/SAP.jpg Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that nearly all businesses in the state including bars can open at 50 percent capacity. The new executive order, effective immediately, allows restaurants to expand their maximum table size from six to 10 people. Amusement parks in counties with more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases, like Bexar County, can open on June 19. READ MORE: The latest news and features about coronavirus in San Antonio Outdoor events, such as July 4 celebrations, are allowed under the order. County judges or mayors may decide if an event should be modified. The announcement marked the beginning of "Phase 3" of the governor's plan to reopen the state's economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. New positive cases in Texas are "largely the result of isolated hot spots in nursing homes, jails, and meat packing plants," Abbott said. He believes officials can contain those hot spots while Texans get "back to work and their daily activities." The governor reminded Texans leaving their homes to wear face coverings, avoid groups greater than 10, and avoid nursing homes. People over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. As of Tuesday, Texas had reported 68,271 coronavirus cases and 1,734 deaths. Here's what can open in the next phase: Now - All businesses currently operating at 25 percent capacity can expand their occupancy to 50 percent with certain exceptions. - Bars and similar establishments may increase their capacity to 50 percent as long as patrons are seated. - Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with less than 1,000 confirmed positive cases may open at 50 percent capacity. - Restaurants may expand their maximum table size from 6 to 10 persons. Wed., June 10 - Fine arts performance halls can open indoors at 50 percent capacity. There is no occupancy limit on halls operating outdoors. Fri., June 12 - Restaurants may expand their occupancy levels to 75 percent. - Counties with 10 or less active COVID-19 cases may expand their occupancy limits to 75 percent. Fri., June 19 - Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with more than 1,000 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 may open at 50 percent capacity. Mark Dunphy is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for MySA.com | mark.dunphy@express-news.net | @m_b_dunphy MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: By Express News Service JHARSUGUDA: Unable to cope with the loss of a loved one, five persons of a family allegedly tried to commit suicide by consuming phenyl in Lahandabud within BTM police limits here on Monday night. They were rushed to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in a critical condition and one of them was shifted to VIMSAR, Burla after her condition worsened. Sources said one Deepak Biswal (22) sustained grievous injuries in a bike accident in 2018 and went into coma. His family members spent around Rs 30 lakh on his treatment. Deepak was later brought home when his condition improved a little. On Monday, Deepaks became serious all of a sudden following which he was rushed to a private nursing home by his friends. However, he succumbed. On hearing about Deepaks death, his family members could not bear the loss. Late in the night, Deepaks mother Puspabati, brother Srikant and sisters Lili, Pinki and Bandita consumed phenyl in a bid to commit suicide. Neighbours came to know about the incident and informed police who rushed to the spot and admitted Deepaks family members to the hospital. Lili was later shifted to VIMSAR. Following the death of Deepaks father Golak Bihari Biswal, a retired employee of MCL and resident of Aska in Ganjam district, in 2016, the family was residing in a rented house in Lahandabud.Deepaks sister Bandita, who is undergoing treatment, said her family was unable to bear the grief of her brothers death. After our father died in 2016, the entire family was in distress. Deepaks death came as a shock for us and we decided to end our lives, she said.Jharsuguda IIC Sabitri Bal said police along with a scientific team visited the familys house. A case has been registered and investigation is on. Deepaks body has been handed over to his friends and relatives after autopsy. If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call AASRA's 24x7 Helpline: +91-9820466726 for assistance. Taliban Berates UN Report as 'Bigoted Remarks' By Ayaz Gul June 02, 2020 The Taliban rejected Tuesday an annual United Nations report that questioned the Islamist insurgency's intent to live up to the terms of a landmark agreement with the United States to help find a political resolution to the nearly 19-year-old war in Afghanistan. A harshly worded Taliban statement berated the U.N. findings as "baseless, intelligence-based and bigoted remarks" against the group. The U.N. Sanctions Monitoring Team in its report, released Monday, accused the Taliban of not breaking ties with al-Qaida as part of counterterrorism assurances in the agreement. The U.N. assessment, based on interviews with intelligence and security agencies of member states, as well as independent research groups, also cast doubts on the Taliban's pledges it would engage in intra-Afghan negotiations to reach a permanent cease-fire in the conflict-torn country. "All in all this [U.N.] report is constructed with the aim of harming and derailing the US-IEA agreement to keep the fire of war raging in our homeland," the Taliban asserted in its statement, using the acronym for its ousted government in Kabul. The group insisted it was committed to implementing its end of the peace deal and "will not allow anyone to use the soil of Afghanistan against anyone else or maintain training camps or use our soil to fundraise against others." The Taliban described the agreement with the U.S. as an "important tool" for ending the war and establishing "enduring peace and security" in Afghanistan. It also dismissed U.N. suggestions of rifts in the Taliban ranks, saying they "are united, are free of all discord and factionalism." The U.S.-Taliban agreement requires American and coalition forces to withdraw from Afghanistan by mid-2021 in return for assurances the Taliban would not permit terrorists to use its held areas for international attacks. The American troop drawdown already has begun. The Taliban also has pledged to open talks with representatives of the Afghan society to negotiate a sustainable cease-fire and power-sharing arrangement in post-war Afghanistan. US envoy upbeat Despite the bleak outlook from United Nations members, a top U.S. official remained optimistic the deal with the Taliban will hold and that negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government can succeed. "We're in a good place," Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, told reporters Monday, adding the U.S. continues to watch developments on the ground. "We have a monitoring group that monitors in detail what's happening with regard to their commitment, the Taliban's commitments, on terrorism," he added. "We believe that there is progress, but we will continue to monitor those activities very closely." Khalilzad noted that a prisoner swap between the Taliban and the Afghan government was moving forward and its completion would set the stage for intra-Afghan talks. "The road ahead will have challenges and difficulties. But we're optimistic that finally we are moving forward to the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations." UN report The U.N. report, however, stated the Taliban remained confident it could take power in Afghanistan by force in the event of foreign troop withdrawal. It noted that international support for Afghan security forces, specifically "close air support" from the U.S.-led coalition, has been essential to keeping Taliban forces at bay. "The risk exists that they [the Taliban] will continue to find reasons to delay intra-Afghan negotiations as international forces supporting the government of Afghanistan continue to leave." The U.N. report suggested that member states continue to be wary of the Taliban relationship with al-Qaida, saying that if anything, the relationship between the terror group and the insurgent group is growing stronger. "One member state reported that the regularity of meetings between al-Qaida seniors and the Taliban 'made any notion of a break between the two mere fiction,'" the report said. "The Taliban regularly consulted with al-Qaida during negotiations with the United States and offered guarantees that it would honor their historical ties," the report added. VOA National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As the state of Texas slowly reopens, my quarantine routine hasnt changed much. I havent set foot in a grocery store since March and dont plan to anytime soon. And while Id like nothing more than to knock one back at my favorite bar, Ive decided its simply not worth the risk. Im still erring on the side of caution until the coronavirus is more under control in Houston. But when my gym announced it was reopening, I cocked an eyebrow longingly. See, Im a swimmer. When gyms shut down in March, it certainly made exercising more difficult for everyone, and yet, runners could still run, lifters could still lift, yogis could still do yoga. I couldnt exactly swim in my living room. OUTDOOR EXERCISE: Gyms are reopening, but it's OK to stay away for a while longer It was like a flashback to my freshly post-college days. Back then, I thought: Now that Im a real adult, I guess I have to exercise? I tried many workouts over a couple years. I pretended to love running for a whole year, but really, I despised it. Everything hurts. Everything about it is hard. The chaotic on-the-spot energy of the treadmill and elliptical stresses me out (and hurts). I dont have the patience for anything on a mat; it bores me (also, it hurts). And while I know that exercising, by definition, takes effort, I am simply too lazy to push through the pain. I hated it all, and as a result, nothing stuck. Finally, I gave swimming a go in 2014. I instantly knew I had found my workout calling. Fun fact: Nothing hurts in water. No shin splints, no muscle aches, no shoes rubbing, no breasts bouncing. Youd have to really try hard to injure yourself while swimming. Wading through water is seemingly effortless. Its a good workout, it just never feels that way to me, or at least not what I thought exercise was meant to make me feel (that is: pain). When I tell people Im a swimmer, they seem impressed, like Im some master athlete. Little do they know I actually swim because of my utter lack of physical prowess. (I seldom correct them.) I genuinely thought I had cheated the system: no pain, yes gain. Fast-forward to 2020, entering a pandemic, and Im once again confronted with poolless exercise. I went online and accidentally ordered just one dumbbell (as it turns out theyre not sold in pairs) and a mat. I scrolled through endless YouTube videos to find exercises I might enjoy. Id find myself motivated by my new routine for a few days, then Id drop off for a whole week. In a moment of desperation, I even tried running a lap around the (very small) track at elementary school grounds near my home. I did one round and walked home. Gov. Greg Abbott announced Texas swimming pools could operate at 25 percent capacity starting May 18. When I got the email from LA Fitness that they were reopening Texas clubs June 1, including the pool, I felt a pang of guilt along with my excitement. I had been so careful about going out, side-eyeing stories of people streaming back into restaurants. I had to wrestle with the fact that, when it suited me, I was willing to throw caution to the wind, too. It seemed to me like the swimming pool would be safer than, say, a piece of exercise equipment that multiple people have sweated on. Was this just wishful thinking on my part? Chlorination from the water can kill viruses, Dr. Janak Patel, M.D., an infectious diseases specialist and the director of Infection Control and Healthcare Epidemiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, told me. We dont think COVID-19 is an exception. This is precisely why chlorine is added to public swimming pools in the first place: to kill germs. Studies have shown its effective in combating various viruses and bacteria that may be floating around; public health agencies are extrapolating this to the novel coronavirus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines state: There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs or water playgrounds. Additionally, proper operation of these aquatic venues and disinfection of the water (with chlorine or bromine) should inactivate the virus. However, Patel warns that chlorines disinfectant properties only work in a wet state; when chlorine dries, it rapidly becomes ineffective. Swimmers should still practice rigorous hygiene, such as washing their hands and taking a shower before and after a swim. Chlorination aside, Patel thinks theres minimal risk of transmission in bodies of water, as the evidence shows COVID-19 infects through a respiratory route. It would take a substantial amount of water contamination to cause a risk. Theres a dilutional effect, he said. The bigger risk is the other social interactions that happen around the pool. The YMCA of Greater Houston took this into consideration when reopening June 1. All indoor facilities will remain closed; only the swimming pools and outdoor group exercise will operate. Christopher Bradford, the association director of aquatics, said that while theyve noted the CDCs assertion that viruses cant live in chlorinated water, theyre still taking thorough precautions. We are still enforcing social-distancing guidelines in the swimming pool, he said. When youre working out, youre breathing heavily, and as you take strokes, you have to take your head out of the water, breathe, exhale, inhale. To make sure no swimmers come within breathing distance of each other, the YMCA has activated an online reservation system to control capacity. Members can book a 45-minute slot ahead of time. Only one person is allowed in a lane at one time, and theres a maximum of four to eight people total in the pool, depending on its size. There are separate entry and exit points in and out of the pool. Theres also a transition period of 15 minutes between each reservation slot so no one is leaving at the same time. Before the next person comes in, the lifeguard disinfects the deck and anything a swimmer may have touched. People are encouraged to shower before and after a swim at home; they cannot do so at the YMCA, as the showers are closed. STAY IN YOUR SQUARE: Houston gyms reopen with new rules The experience was somewhat different at LA Fitness Greenway, where I swam Monday. The showers and locker rooms are closed and patrons must bring their own towel. But no reservations are needed for the pool. There was no lifeguard on duty that morning. The middle lane is closed (there are three lanes) and maximum occupancy is currently at six people. I swam for 30 minutes completely alone the entire time. I was definitely much more aware of my gestures, my limbs and, er, my orifices. I thought about what Bradford said about breathing every time I came up for air, unintentionally inhaling like a hippopotamus. I also thought about it as I saw the air bubbles stream from my nostrils and mouth in the water. I realized how much I sputtered when a little bit of water inevitably got into my mouth. Lets just hope the chlorine does in fact work. Swimming again was absolute bliss after months of one-armed dumbbell exercises and half-hearted Pilates routines. I felt strong and calm, my thoughts in order for the first time in a while, and just the right kind of fatigued the kind that energizes you for the day, but doesnt hurt. emma.balter@chron.com Quote by Ratan Tata on impact of coronavirus on Indian Economy is fake Who is Shantanu Naidu, Tata's 27-year-old assistant, who started startup-talk to help entrepreneurs 'Grieved and shocked': Ratan Tata shares moving post on pregnant elephant killed in Kerala India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, June 04: Business tycoon and philanthropist Ratan Tata condemned the brutal incident in which a pregnant elephant was killed after it was fed a pineapple filled with crackers and demanded justice for the animal. Taking to Twitter, he wrote: "I am grieved and shocked to know that a group of people caused the death of an innocent, passive pregnant elephant by feeding the elephant with a pineapple filled with fire." Cyclone Nisarga uproots trees, damages cars and buildings in Maharashtra| Oneindia News "Such criminal acts against innocent animals are no different than acts of meditated murder against other humans," said the veteran industrialist who is known as a keen animal lover. He ended the note by asking for justice for the elephant. "Justice needs to prevail," he further wrote. The post has garnered over 28,600 likes and more than 9,300 retweets. Many have shared comments expressing the same views as Tata. Sketches to angry posts: How Twitter mourned elephant that ate cracker-stuffed pineapple in Kerala The Kerala government on Wednesday said a wildlife crime investigation team will probe the brutal killing, while the Centre took a serious note of the incident and sought a report from the state. Egypt will gradually move back to normal during the second half of June, according to Cabinet Spokesperson Nader Saad. All activities, services and businesses will be allowed to operate again, though not in one go, he said in a TV interview on 30 May. The coronavirus crisis management group, which meets every Wednesday, is due to consider the resumption of domestic flights in the second half of June or first week of July. It is also expected to decide on the reopening of cafes, cinemas, restaurants and sporting clubs. In the face of calls from the business community the government has shortened the curfew, and according to Saad, banks have also asked to return to a full eight-hour work day. Public notary offices are also set to resume a full service in the second half of June. On Sunday the end of the curfew was moved from 6am to 5am. Saad also said he was optimistic that Egypt would soon be open to foreign tourists. He noted that most European countries are set to resume flights in the second half of June. We have to prepare. A number of global carriers have expressed willingness to resume flights to Egypt in July, and as a result we are considering a gradual resumption of international flights beginning towards the end of this month and in the first half of July. Germany said this week that it plans to resume charter flights to Hurghada and seven other Red Sea tourist resorts in Egypt in July. Saad warned, however, that the opening of public beaches remains difficult. Beaches owned by hotels can adopt social distancing measures which will be impossible to maintain on public beaches in densely populated cities like Alexandria. Saad revealed the government is also considering a request from the Ministry of Religious Endowments to open mosques for congregational prayers as long as social distancing measures are observed, and worshippers bring their own prayer mats. The crisis management group will meet Wednesday and we may see limited Friday prayers resuming the following week, said Saad. If that happens, there will also be limited church services. The Coptic Orthodox Church said this week it is looking into the possibility of resuming services by the end of June. A Ministry of Religious Endowments source announced on Sunday that millions of face masks were being sourced to handout to worshippers when they enter mosques, and that the mosques will be sanitised before prayers. That Saudi Arabia opted to open mosques for prayers this week, and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem resumed prayers, has prompted many to lobby that Egypt should follow suit. MP Osama Al-Abd, head of parliaments Religious Affairs Committee, told Al-Ahram Weekly that the government has recently come under pressure, from Azharite clerics and imams, to ease restrictions on mosques. House of Representatives Secretary-General Mahmoud Fawzi announced on Sunday that parliament will reconvene on 7 June despite eight MPs testing positive for Covid-19 in one week. Saad also said the recent surge in coronavirus infections will not stop the holding of the Thanaweya Amma [secondary school] exams, scheduled to begin on 21 June. The government is determined the exams are held on time, and has allocated LE500 million to ensure they take place in a safe and virus-free environment, said Saad. Unlike Saad, Minister of Information Osama Heikal sounded a more cautious note on reopening measures. In a TV interview on 30 May Heikal said nobody can say with certainty what will happen in the next few weeks. What I can say is the crisis management group will review the situation and make a decision that takes into account the number of infections, hospital conditions and economic developments, said Heikal. Egypt has seen a surge in the number of coronavirus infections in recent days. The number of cases reported has more than quadrupled in the last month, jumping from 4,000 on 24 April to 18,000 on 24 May. On 1 June almost 1,400 new cases were reported. Egypt now tops Arab and African countries in terms of coronavirus deaths. While the numbers have been fluctuating between 10 and 20 deaths a day, they are expected to hit more than 50 per day soon, said head of parliaments Health Affairs Committee Mohamed Al-Amari. The death toll should ring alarm bells among policymakers, and those pushing for a speedy reopening, said Al-Amari, though he did note the spike in infections and deaths might be due to people socialising during the holy month of Ramadan. Al-Amari believes the spike in infections in the past month is a result of peoples failure to wear face masks and observe social distancing. The public seems more aware of the importance of these restrictions, so hopefully the peak period will end very soon, he said. In some other countries the number of coronavirus infections increased by up to 150,000 in a single month, so by those standards we are not doing all that badly, says Heikal. The most important thing is that the numbers do not continue to rise in Egypt. So far, our hospitals have been able to cope. Minister of Higher Education Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar sounded a pessimistic note during a videoconference on Monday, warning that coronavirus infections could skyrocket to a million cases if citizens continued to ignore protective measures and restrictions. The more citizens abide by the precautionary measures, the faster we get out of this crisis, said Abdel-Ghaffar. In a country with 105 million people all kinds of scenarios are possible. Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli told governors on Monday that though infection numbers are expected to increase in the next two weeks the government intends to reopen businesses and move the country back to normal. We have to learn to live with this virus, he said. Saad said lockdown measures had proved ineffective in stemming the tide of the coronavirus in many countries, and that the world is now moving to reopening, though with precautions in place. The government, he said, has concluded the economic costs of prolonged restrictions outweigh the health costs of increased infections. Saad argued that though the number of infections had increased, the numbers who recover from the virus are also growing and the majority of coronavirus cases show mild symptoms that do not need hospital treatment. Mohamed Awad Taggeddin, a former health minister and now the presidential health adviser, said in a press conference on 31 May that Egypt, with 35,000 hospital beds, 5,400 health units in villages and 65 mobile medical caravans, is equipped to contain any surge in infections. Sherif Wadie, the minister of healths adviser for emergency and urgent care cases, said only four per cent of coronavirus patients in Egypt die, and the majority of fatalities were either elderly or patients with serious underlying health conditions. Only eight per cent of coronavirus patients need intensive care and only five per cent receive artificial ventilation, while more than 85 per cent present mild symptoms, said Wadie. Wadie, however, said if infections reach 3,000 or more by the end of June, then new measures may have to be adopted. In a press conference on Sunday, Minister of Health Hala Zayed said: Egypt has gone from having 18 hospitals treating and screening for coronavirus to 376 hospitals with a capacity of 35,000 beds. We have another 57 laboratories that will be open by the end of the week to provide PCR analyses, in addition to 17 labs that operate under the Ministry of Higher Education. She called on citizens to download the Health Egypt app to follow the latest updates on the virus, and noted it has already been downloaded 600,000 times. On Monday, Prime Minister Madbouli said the government had moved to impose price caps on coronavirus treatment at private hospitals after a plethora of complaints about overcharging. *A version of this article appears in print in the 4 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Official White House Photo by Tia DufourBy KENDALL KARSON, ABC News (WASHINGTON) -- Republicans are suddenly adjusting their plans for the national convention with less than three months until the event, saying they are moving President Trump's acceptance speech out of Charlotte, N.C., amid a standoff with the state's Democratic governor over restrictions to safely host a large-scale event in the midst of the coronavirus. Trump tweeted late Tuesday that due to the escalating feud with Gov. Roy Cooper, "We are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention." A Republican National Committee official further clarified Trump's abrupt announcement, saying that the "celebration of the presidents acceptance of the Republican nomination" will be in another city. But the official added, "should the governor allow more than 10 people in a room, we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte." The city and the RNC are locked in a contract that was signed more than two years ago, requiring the convention to be held in Charlotte. The event is scheduled for Aug. 24-27. Trump laid blame for the sudden change of plans squarely on Cooper, but the governor has maintained that he is prioritizing public health over politics. "Its unfortunate they never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe. Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority," Cooper responded in his own tweet. Party officials are eyeing Nashville, Tennessee, as a potential alternative to host the marquee event in August, with a trip planned for later this week, either on Thursday or Friday, a Republican familiar with the discussions told to ABC News. Politico first reported the trip. Other cities under consideration are Las Vegas, Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida, as well as venues in Georgia. Vice President Mike Pence also previously floated Florida, Georgia and Texas as potential alternative hosts and West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice reached out to the White House and the RNC with an invitation to hold the event in his state, according to a local ABC affiliate. All three Republican governors from the states mentioned by Pence welcomed the opportunity to host the convention. But one Republican governor is taking a different approach. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, when asked about the opportunity, was far more hesitant, saying in a Fox News interview on Wednesday, "I don't know where we will be several months from now. But this would not be something that we think that we would volunteer to do." Trump's tweet comes amid stalled discussions with North Carolina leaders, and after RNC officials gave Cooper a deadline of June 3 to approve the party's outline for a safe, yet "full scale" convention. Part of the RNC's plans for Trump's nominating celebration involved 19,000 delegates, alternate delegates, staff, volunteers, elected officials and guests inside the Spectrum Center, and "full hotels and restaurants and bars at capacity." Earlier on Tuesday, Cooper rebuffed the request, telling the RNC in a letter, "The people of North Carolina do not know what the status of COVID-19 will be in August, so planning for a scaled-down convention with fewer people, social distancing and face coverings is a necessity." "We are happy to continue talking with you about the a scaled-down convention would look like and we still await your proposed plan for that," he continued. In the past week, national party leaders and North Carolina officials took turns outlining their visions for what the convention could look like in a flurry of letters. The back-and-forth was triggered by the president, who hamstrung convention planning after threatening early last week to pull the convention from Charlotte if "full attendance" won't be allowed. Discussions between aides to Cooper and the RNC broke down after a Friday conversation between Cooper, Trump, RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, and Marcia Lee Kelly, the president and CEO of the convention, in which Republicans wanted a guarantee of a "full arena." Cooper, who is contending with rising coronavirus cases in his state, said on Tuesday that would be "very unlikely." "Neither public health officials nor I will risk the health and safety of North Carolinians by providing the guarantee you seek," he wrote. After Cooper's latest exchange, top Republicans assured that their preference was to keep the quadrennial event in Charlotte, at least only part of it. "We hope to still conduct the business of our convention in Charlotte, but we have an obligation to our delegates and nominee to begin visiting the the multiple cities and states who have reached out in recent days about hosting an historic event to show that America is open for business," McDaniel said. With eyes now on Nashville, Tennessee's Republican governor opened the door for the party to take the unprecedented step of moving locations in such a short period of time. "I can tell them that Nashville is the best place in America to have a convention. And we certainly would be interested in welcoming that to our city," Gov. Bill Lee said. The mayor of Nashville's office weighed in, too, but said they will not actively lobby to bring the event to the city. "We're not surprised that any national convention would look at us," Chris Song, a spokesperson for the mayor said. "We have no plans to use our limited public funds to recruit this convention at this time." But even with Trump stepping up his initial threat to an explicit declaration that he's looking elsewhere, auxiliary plans are still only in their early stages. "We are aware of the interest from Gov. Lee's Office. We have not had any official contact with the RNC at this time," Butch Spyridon, the president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., said in a statement to ABC News. Lee also told reporters earlier on Tuesday, "There's been very little conversation." The Republicans' approach to the convention -- drawing a hard line that a bustling, in-person event is a must -- differs from their Democratic counterparts, who are more open to changing the event's format to adjust to the ongoing health crisis that is expected to persist through August. Democrats, after rescheduling their initial gathering from July to the week of Aug. 17, are still remaining officially coy about how they plan to proceed. But the party is considering contingency options for the event, and last month, national Democrats paved the way for remote voting, by allowing delegates to partake even if they don't attend the event in-person -- potentially shifting the convention closer to a virtual format. Planning for both nominating events, which bookend the primary season, is a significant undertaking that takes years to organize and typically attracts thousands of the party's rank-and-file and supporters. But since the onset of the public health crisis, organizers for both conventions have been faced with unparalleled circumstances and forced to recalibrate their best-laid plans on the fly. Republicans, meanwhile, have consistently kept a public posture that their convention is "full steam ahead" and that a virtual convention is not on the table, since having an in-person event is inscribed in their party rules. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. The Leh-based 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh is scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart to resolve the matter A roadsign displaying distances to Leh (top R), the capital of the union territory of Ladakh, is seen along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway in Sonmarg some 89 Kms of Srinagar. AFP photo New Delhi: There appears to be some breakthrough in the stand-off between India and China at Ladakh before the crucial high level military talks on Saturday, with reports suggesting that both armies have retreated from one of the flash point in the Galwan Valley. According to TV reports, in one of the flash points in Galwan Valley the Chinese army has retreated by 2 kilometers and Indian army by one kilometer. At Galwan valley there are three flash points between Indian and Chinese armies. The high level military talks between Indian and Chinese officers expected on Saturday will mainly discuss stand-off between the two armies at Pangong Tso lake. According to sources, the stand-off at the Galwan Valley may not be on the agenda as India believes that in this area Chinese have come at a place which was never disputed. However, there was no official confirmation on the agenda of the meeting. Defence minister Rajnath Singh had said on Tuesday that a meeting of high level army officials from both sides is scheduled on 6th June to try to resolve the issue. The Leh-based 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh is scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart to resolve the matter. The meeting will take place at Chushul-Moldo. In the northern bank of Pangong lake, India claims that its area is from Finger area 1 to Finger 8 and Chinese claim their area to be from Finger 8 till Finger 2. The stand-off between the two sides usually happens when patrol parties come face to face between finger area 4 and 8 which is claimed by both sides. This time, sources said that Chinese have brought a large number of troops to lay its claim in the area and prevent patrolling by Indian troops. Fist fight and stone pelting had occurred between Indian and Chinese soldiers on Pangong Tso lake on the intervening night of May 5th and May 6th. There have been more than 10 rounds of talks held already between the two sides at different level from Commanding Officers, Brigade to Major General level to try to resolve the issue. There have been even talks between the two side at the Galwan area at one of the patrolling points- PP14. Meanwhile, Amid the ongoing standoff with India, the Chinese military in Tibet has held night-time high-altitude infiltration exercises behind enemy lines, the Chinese state-owned media reported. It is suspected that some troops from this exercise were diverted by the Peoples Liberation Army towards the Line of Actual Control at Ladakh. A report in Beijings Global Times said the PLA Tibet Military Command had recently sent troops to a high-altitude region at an elevation of 4,700 meters at night for infiltration exercises behind enemy lines and tested their combat capability under a harsh environment. Vietnam's most critically ill Covid-19 patient whod been comatose for months smiled as doctors talked to him on Tuesday. The Covid-19 treatment sub-committee under the Health Ministry said his smile carried a lot of meaning, showing increased consciousness and awareness. The digestive system of "patient 91," a 43-year-old British man working for national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, has improved. The distension in his stomach has reduced, his kidney functions have recovered and he has been able to move his hands and legs, said doctors said Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. The patient has also developed a stronger cough reflex. His pulmonary ventilation has increased and is more stable than previous days. However, he is still dependent on life support and remains on the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine. The blood flowing through his ECMO currently stays at 3.7 liters per minute, and doctors are working to gradually reduce the systems oxygen flow to 1.5 liters per minute. Previously, while the pilot was still in a severely critical condition, the oxygen flow could go up to 5.7 liters per minute. On Monday, doctors at Cho Ray began a regimen of physical therapy twice a day. Tran Thanh Linh, deputy head of the emergency department at the hospital, said an X-ray image of his lungs a week ago had revealed tissue or fluid blocking blood vessels in both lungs, but one taken on Tuesday showed that more than half of the left lung has completely recovered from the situation. "His muscle weakness has also reduced. This is the right time to reduce his dependence on the ECMO," the doctor said. Earlier, the patient had suffered from cytokine storm syndrome, which happened when his immune system overreacted to the novel coronavirus attacking the body, releasing too many cytokines and damaging his organs. He is still infected with Burkholderia cenocepacia, a type of opportunistic bacteria, which doctors said is difficult to treat. He is still on blood thinners. Doctors are also feeding him either directly or intravenously. They will focus now on curing his lung infections and making him less reliant on the ECMO machine. They are also looking for suitable donors for a lung transplant, as decided earlier by the Health Ministry. The patient was confirmed to have contracted the novel coronavirus on March 18. His condition worsened and he slipped into a coma for over two months. He has been on ECMO for 57 days. He was declared free of the novel coronavirus on May 20 after seven negative tests in a row, and transferred from the HCMC Tropical for Hospital Disease to Cho Ray Hospital for further treatment. Vietnam has recorded 328 Covid-19 cases so far, of which 298 have recovered, leaving 30 active patients. A GoFundMe page was set up for George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was killed by ex-Officer Derek Chauvin. Support for his family came pouring in and the page garnered $10 million of donations in less than a week. Donations and support The page named "Official George Floyd Memorial Fund" reached $10,113,200 in funds as of June 2 and 390,100 people have donated. This page is now one of the most successful GoFunMe campaigns of all time based on the amount of money that was raised. The initial target amount for the GoFundMe is $1.5 million, but it has surprised the amount tenfold as the link to the page has been shared on social media for more than 200,000 times. Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, was the one who set up the page six days ago and he wrote an emotional letter stating how his life has been shattered after witnessing the murder of his brother through the viral video. The money garnered by the family will be used to cover for the funeral and burial expenses, for grief and mental counseling of the family and lodging and travel to court proceedings as ex-Officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. The rest of the money will go to the care and education of Floyd's two children. Philonise wrote that his life was shattered as he learned of the tragic passing of his brother. He said his family watched in horror as the video began to spread fast around the world through social media and what they saw on the video left them shell shocked as a white Minneapolis police officer knelt directly on George Floyd's neck, not giving him the chance to breathe. Also Read: George Floyd Video: Three Footages Put Together Shows Final Moments Before His Death Philonise added that as Chauvin knelt on his brother's neck, the other three officers in the scene just watched, not taking any action to save George's life. He also thanked everyone who has supported their family, he said that he is grateful for all those who reached out. Another GoFundMe page named "GEORGE FLOYD (BIGFLOYD)" was set up by Floyd's sister Bridgett and it has now drawn $300,000 in donations. According to DailyMail, the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund raised around $24 million for the victims of sexual assault and harassment at work, thus making it the biggest campaign of 2018. George Floyd's page is ranked second as the most popular pages. The murder of George Floyd George Floyd was killed on May 25, when ex-Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes until he stopped breathing and died. Floyd was arrested for allegedly paying with a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store. Bystanders and witnesses were able to film the horrifying way the Floyd died and it was immediately shared on social media. Floyd's death sparked outrage in the country as African Americans, other people of color and white allies demand justice for his murder. It also opened the topic of racism and police brutality in America, resulting in protests and riots. The protests have now reached global status as the United Kingdom, Amsterdam, France, Spain, Brazil, Australia, and Germany showed their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Chauvin has been arrested and has been charged, but the other three officers who were in the scene are still free. The public has been calling for Chauvin's charge to be raised to first-degree murder and for the other three officers to be charged as well. Related Article: Trump's Church Visit and Bible Photoshoot Shocks Religious Leaders, Disperse Demonstrators @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. LaToya Ratlieff, 34, fractured her eye socket when she was hit with a rubber bullet while peacefully protesting in Florida on Sunday A peaceful protester in Florida suffered a cracked skull after police shot her in the head with a foam rubber bullet as she was running away from tear gas. LaToya Ratlieff, 34, was already coughing and choking on the tear gas and attempting to get to safety when she was hit following a protest on Sunday, according to the Miami Herald. She said that cops watching let her lie on the ground injured after attacking her despite being peaceful. 'I wouldve continue to lay on the ground while the cops watched me bleeding. I was walking away. I was peaceful and I was still attacked,' she said in an Instagram post. Video footage of the incident from around 7pm Sunday in Fort Lauderdale shows Ratlieff kneeling several yards in front of a line of cops with other demonstrators protesting police brutality in the wake of George Floyd's death. The moment she was shot was not caught as the group moved from the tear gas but the aftermath shows other protesters pulling her to safety as blood runs down her face. The protesters, who she did not know, rushed Ratlieff in their car to Broward General Medical Center while the emergency-trained police officers decked out in riot gear looked on. LaToya Ratlieff, 34, is seen in the orange tank top to the right holding a sign and walking away from the cops and tear gas moments before she was shot in the head with a foam rubber bullet Ratlieff says she was brought to her knees by the hit that opened a bloody gash over her right eye. Medical records show that it fractured her eye socket leaving her face swollen. Moments before the tear gas was fired, she said that she was encouraging the protesters gathered to remain peaceful and kneel with her. She posted to her Instagram account that she had been heading back to her car to go home when she noticed a group begin to get rowdy. Ratlieff, the great-niece of a renowned civil rights activist, added that the protest that day had been peaceful up until a cop identified as Steven Pohorence shoved a female protester who was kneeling. The angered demonstrators initially began throwing bottles but the situation had calmed down afterward, according to Miami Herald reporters who were present. Pohorence has since been suspended for shoving the woman, an act that was also caught on a protester's video. Despite the situation settling, however, the officers continued launching tear gas canisters from behind a wall of shields and the protesters scurried. Ratlieff said she had been trying to get out of the way when the bullet was fired. Ratlieff is seen lying on the ground as another protester rushes to help her get away Other protesters captured the moment she was walking away and then hit with the rubber bullet. Demonstrators rushed to help her and drove her to receive medical attention 'We were all running and trying to get out of the way. So, it was purposeful in the fact that the officer could have stopped,' Ratlieff said. 'Whichever officer that did this, you could have stopped. You had no reason to continue to do that.' The police officer involved has not yet been identified. 'It wasn't until I saw all the blood on the ground that it hit me,' she added. 'I've been shot.' LaToya Ratlieff was hit with a rubber bullet as she attempted to run from tear gas at a protest in Florida Sunday, an incident that she says has made her nervous about her next interaction with a police officer. She is the grand-niece of a renowned civil rights activis The police department states that a warning should be given before a rubber bullet is fired but Ratlieff said that she did not hear one and there is not one heard in the video of the incident. 'It hurts. I don't have a lot of words to describe it. I don't really understand why this happens,' Ratlieff said. 'We're here peacefully asking you not do this, not to be violent, and you meet us with violence?' She admits that she will be returning to protest next weekend when the swelling goes down but that she is now nervous about her next interaction with an officer. 'At a routine traffic stop, I have to make sure this moment is way in the back of my mind,' Ratlieff said. 'I can't react in any way. I can't show any discomfort, because I'm not sure how that officer might react.' Im okay. My eye will heal. I was able to come home. But, George Floyd and many others did not,' she wrote to Instagram. Miami Herald reporters later returned to the scene and found a cartridge labeled '40 mm Foam Baton' which they believe is the one used on Ratlieff. Foam baton are lethal munition when aimed at the head meaning that Ratlieff's shooting may have violated Fort Lauderdale Police Department' policy on proper use of so-called 'less lethal munitions'. The projectile would have crashed into her head at more than twice the speed of a Major League fastball. According to the department's website, offices should aim the rubber bullets at the head 'only if deadly force becomes necessary'. Video of the incident shows cops in riot gear lined up outside the parking garage. They fire tear gas at the protesters even though those in front of them are peaceful and on the ground Protesters gather at Fort Lauderdale Police Department during a rally in response to the recent death of George Floyd in Fort Lauderdale. Latoya Ratlieff had attempted to deescalate an incident between protesters and police after the protest but was hit with a rubber bullet Protest leader address the crowds as they gather at Fort Lauderdale Police Department on Sunday. Ratlieff suffered a cracked skull after returned from this protest 'For safety reasons the deploying officer utilizing a less-lethal weapon should not aim at the head, throat, face, or groin area of a suspect. ... The potential for causing death or serious physical injury by such projectiles is a reality,' it states. The Fort Lauderdale police department state that no officer had been relieved of duty because of the incidental and they had no 'specific information'. 'A civil disturbance is a rapidly evolving situation, where people are moving fluidly,' the statement said. 'In these circumstances, despite our best efforts, a person or persons may be unintentionally struck with a less-lethal projectile. Our policy permits the use of less-lethal munitions such as foam batons. Our intent is to disperse a crowd, not to cause injury.' Scott Ross, who was photographing the protests, told the Miami Herald: 'The tear gas is working. People are running away. Why are they shooting people in the back? It appeared punitive.' The line of cops in riots gear had been staging outside of a parking garage despite some of the protesters having parked in there. The cops are said to have continued to clash with groups of protesters in the area after Ratlieff was brought to hospital. At 8.30pm an alert was issued that a 9pm curfew would be implemented and those who defied it would be arrested. The Miami Herald states that more than 50 officers lined the park where the protesters had gathered peacefully earlier that day and a sound cannon was used to drive people away, but no arrests were made. The demonstration had been organized by Black Lives Matter to protest the death of George Floyd and other black people killed by the police. Officer Steven Pohorence is seen above shouting at protesters before pushing the woman. The demonstrators are said to have begun throwing bottles afterward which led to Ratlieff's injury as she tried to encourage the protesters to remain peaceful and took a knee It is estimated that 1,500 attended and they were told by organizers not to engage with police officers. They marched from Huizenga Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale to the police headquarters. Volunteers, who were picked by organizers, before the protest stayed between demonstrators and the police lining the route. There were no incidents with the police and the group returned to the park by 6.15pm where they were told by organizers to disperse. Protesters say, however, that a group of young people joined the march as it headed back to the park and reacted to the riot squad in the garage. 'Why was the riot squad in the garage in the first place?' said Narnike Grant, a march volunteer. 'With these young kids, they're hasty, they don't think, they see the riot gear and they think, "Oh you're ready for me, I'm ready for you." ... Especially with kids like that who've been cooped up because of the pandemic.' 'The police ignited the situation,' Grant added. 'When you start presenting yourselves as 'this is war,' you're only going to get what you put out there. And you're supposed to be setting the example.' It is unclear how it escalated but police said an officer sent a distress signal that her car was surrounded which caused Pohorence to push into the crowd, which in turn would lead to Ratlieff's injury. The mayor Fort Lauderdale has claimed that nobody should have stayed around after the protest. 'There would be no reason why I would stay there if I saw tear gas and rocks being thrown,' he said. Protests continue across the country after the death of George Floyd in police custody on Memorial Day. All four of the officers involved in Floyd's death have now been charged and face 40 years behind bars. Derek Chauvin, shown in a video kneeling on Floyd's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds while arresting him, was arrested and charged with murder last Friday. Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng and Tou Thao, the three now dismissed officers who were also there, were charged with aiding and abetting second degree murder on Wednesday. SAT tests might not be available this fall to all students who want to take the college admissions exam as the coronavirus crisis has limited the availability of testing sites and efforts to develop an at-home exam have run into roadblocks, the College Board announced Tuesday. The testing organization is calling on universities and colleges to take these circumstances into account and extend deadlines for test score submissions. The testing company is asking college admissions officers to equally evaluate students who were unable to take the test with those who can and to consider that many students will not be able to take the exam more than once, which often yields higher scores. The next SAT test is scheduled for August, but those seats already are rapidly filling up. Testing officials said they will offer an exam administration every month after that, including January 2021 if there is demand for it. We know demand is very high and the registration process for students and families under this kind of pressure is extremely stressful, College Board CEO David Coleman said in a statement. There are more important things than tests right now. In making these difficult decisions, we focused on reducing the anxiety that students and families are experiencing this year. We therefore are asking our member colleges to be flexible toward students who cant submit scores, who submit them later, or who did not have a chance to test more than once. The College Board said it would not offer an at-home SAT this year because taking it would require three hours of uninterrupted, video-quality internet for each student, which cant be guaranteed for all. But the testing organization said it would continue to develop remote proctoring capabilities to make an at-home SAT possible in the future. High school counselors have expressed concern that their students will not be able to take the test this fall because of overwhelming demand the College Board canceled the March, May and June tests and reduced capacity at testing sites due to social distancing. Testing officials said they are working with local high schools, colleges and other sites to increase capacity in areas where August and September registrations already are filling up. SAT registration opened May 28 for students who were most in need of a testing opportunity. Registration opens to all students this week. Additionally, state and large school districts plan to offer the SAT to students, for free, in the fall to replace canceled administrations in the spring. Teresa Watanabe 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. Vietnam records no new community Covid-19 infections for 48 days A health worker tends to Patient 91 at the Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City. The patient, the most severe case so far, has shown much improvement Vietnam has no new COVID-19 cases to report on June 3 morning, and this is also the 48th straight day since April 16 morning without locally-infected cases in the country, the national steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control said. Up to 188 of the 328 confirmed infections so far were imported and quarantined upon their arrival. Meanwhile, 298 or almost 91 percent of all patients have recovered from the coronavirus disease. The 30 remainders are undergoing treatment in hospitals nationwide and basically in stable condition. Among them, five have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, once and five others at least twice. There are 8,169 people in quarantine at present, including 103 in hospitals, 7,104 in other quarantine facilities, and 962 at home. Regarding the most severe case Patient 91, a British man treated at the Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, his health has shown much improvement, the treatment sub-committee said, noting that he has gained full consciousness and been able to respond to all instructions by health workers./. Hanoi enforces quarantine requirements for all arrivals The Hanoi People's Committee has issued Official Letter on the discontinuation of quarantine for people certified by the competent authority as having undergone medical isolation. The Hanoi city government has required all people on entry to Vietnam to undergo quarantine for at least 14 days and health supervision for an additional 14 days to ensure no infection in the community, Kinhtedothi.vn reported. On May 28, the Hanoi People's Committee issued Official Letter on the discontinuation of quarantine for people certified by the competent authority as having undergone medical isolation. As per the Official Letter, the People's Committees of districts and towns are in charge of asking enterprises that employ foreigners take preventive measures against Covid-19 . The compulsory measures are still in place, including wearing of face masks in public places, outdoors and on public transports, regularly hand wash with soap or antiseptic solution. On April 8, Hanoi requested strict quarantine on foreigners. Accordingly, foreigners entering Vietnam are subject to mandatory medical declaration, safety screening measures and have to undergo quarantine. Foreigners showing signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath will immediately be taken to medical facilities for isolation and treatment. This is in line with the Vietnamese government's requirement that all Vietnamese nationals and foreigners entering Vietnam undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine from March 18. The country has earlier suspended visa issuance to foreign nationals. Foreigners who are experts, business executives, high-tech experts bearing papers certifying they are negative for Covid-19 issued by competent authorities of the country of origin and approved by Vietnam will be allowed entry and must be strictly isolated. These cases may undergo concentrated quarantine at indicated hotels in Hanoi city if they are willing to pay for all expenses. Foreigners in possession of diplomatic or official passports, if they are in good health, show no signs of illness and their health condition is guaranteed by their diplomatic missions may be quarantined at the missions or at their residences for 14 days after entering Vietnam. Foreigners who are under quarantine at concentrated centers, home, or residences and have tested negative will be isolated for another 14 days in accordance with regulations. As of late June 2, Vietnam has reported 328 people positive with the coronavirus, of them 298 have recovered and been discharged from hospital. HCM City: Nine hospitals to treat patients in quarantine Medical workers tend to a COVID-19 patient The HCM City Department of Health has assigned nine local hospitals to take care of patients in need of healthcare during their period of quarantine, in order to ensure regulations regarding COVID-19 prevention and control are met. The nine are Nhan Dan 115 Hospital, Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital, Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, Nhi Dong I Hospital, Nhi Dong II Hospital, Tu Du Hospital, Hung Vuong Hospital, FV Hospital, and Vinmec Central Park General Hospital. They are to receive people with serious illness and in need of healthcare services after entering HCM City via Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The hospitals will also take care of patients with newly-emerged acute symptoms or who are in need of checks for chronic diseases. The nine hospitals will review and reinforce their facilities and quarantine area and establish COVID-19 treatment procedures in accordance with Ministry of Health directions. During their quarantine period at hospitals, if any patient tests positive for COVID-19 then the hospital must immediately report to the Centre for Disease Control, the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, or any hospital assigned to treat COVID-19 patients. The citys Department of Health also anticipates that more foreign and Vietnamese patients seeking medical treatment overseas will want to return to Vietnam and access medical treatment at hospitals in the city. Its health sector has asked local healthcare establishments to thoroughly evaluate patients immigration history before admitting them, in order to ensure regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control are met. Those who havent finished a 14-day quarantine period will be sent to temporary quarantine areas within the hospitals./. Hanoi shares COVID-19 response experience with world cities Chairman of the Hanoi Peoples Committee Nguyen Duc Chung shared COVID-19 prevention and control experience with mayors of other cities in the world during an online mayoral meeting within the framework of the Cities Against COVID-19 (CAC) Global Summit on June 2. Speaking at the meeting, which attracted the presence of mayors of 42 cities around the world, Chung appreciated the initiative to hold the global summit of Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, as this is one of the effective measures to deal with the pandemic and serves as a premise for the cities to cooperate in addressing economic impact caused by the pandemic. He told participants that Hanoi, with a population of over 10 million, has so far reported 114 coronavirus infections, of whom 113 have been given the all-clear. The city has gone through 48 days without any community transmission, he stated, adding that there have been 328 cases and no fatality confirmed in Vietnam so far. The Hanoi leader attributed the positive results to the sound leadership of leaders at all levels. Specifically, right after the epidemic broke out, Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong issued an appeal to the entire nation to take drastic prevention measures, and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc issued many directives on disease prevention and control based on the spirit of fighting epidemic like fighting an enemy, and prioritising peoples health over economic benefits. Sharing the capital citys experience, Chung said that Hanoi quickly traced people with possible contact with COVID-19 patients. All people with direct contacts have been quarantined at designated facilities, while those with indirect contacts have been quarantined at their houses under the close monitoring of grassroots health clinics. At peak times, over 50,000 people were quarantined at concentrated facilities, and an entire commune with more than 12,000 people were isolated. In addition to rapid response and contact tracing, Hanoi has provided information about the epidemic publicly and transparently via different means of communication, and developed the Hanoi Smartcity app to monitor quarantined people, he added. In his remarks, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon expressed his hope to build an inter-city cooperation network to share and facilitate the implementation of measures in response to newly-emerging infectious diseases. Participating cities adopted the Seoul Statement on solidarity and cooperation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic./. Coronavirus still a challenge in some Southeast Asian countries The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 is still spreading in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, as they reported many more cases on June 2. Indonesias Ministry of Health confirmed an additional 609 infections and 22 deaths from COVID-19 on the day, raising the total to 27,549 and 1,663, respectively. Some 7,935 patients in the country have fully recovered to date. In the Philippines, the number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities reached 18,997 and 966, respectively, with the country confirming 359 new infections and six deaths on June 2. Health authorities in Malaysia, meanwhile, reported 20 new cases, for 7,877 in total. The number of fatalities remains at 115, however, as the country did not record any deaths on the day./. Five more patients recover from COVID-19, total at 298 Five more COVID-19 patients were given the all-clear on June 2, bringing Vietnams total recoveries to 298, according to the treatment subcommittee under the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. The five recoveries - one at the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases and four at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi - are now in a stable condition, with no fever, cough, or breathing difficulties. They will be under further quarantine and medical monitoring for 14 days. A 50-year-old female patient at the HCM City hospital, known as Patient 278, was admitted on May 7. Her test results came back negative for the novel coronavirus on May 23, 26, and 29. Meanwhile, Patients 294, 299, 307 and 311, all admitted to the Hanoi-based hospital in May, have tested negative for the virus at least twice. As of the afternoon of June 2, 298 of the 328 COVID-19 patients in Vietnam had recovered. The remainder are being treated at medical facilities. Singapore to build new dorms for guest workers Singapore plans to build more 11 dormitories for 60,000 migrant workers by the end of this year. National Development Minister Lawrence Wong on June 1 said the country will continue upgrading and building new dormitories over the next few years to house up to 100,000 workers. Currently, Singapore is home to 323,000 foreign workers staying in 43 dormitories. As of March 2020, Singapore counted 720,800 migrant workers, including 287,800 working in the field of construction and the remainders are active in navigation, processing and services./. Enterprises present medical supplies to Vietnamese in RoK amid COVID-19 Copper Mountain Energy and Hwaseung Vina LLC have presented medical equipment to Vietnamese citizens in the Republic of Korea (RoK) to cope with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Including 25,000 face masks, the equipment was handed over to the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs at a ceremony in Hanoi on June 2. Nguyen Hoanh Nam, Deputy Head of the Committee, lauded the good deed in the context of the pandemic, saying that contributions to the fight reflect the social responsibility of enterprises. Support from domestic agencies, collectives, and individuals for overseas Vietnamese also demonstrates national unity and contributes to affirming that the Vietnamese community in other countries forms an integral part of the Vietnamese nation, he stressed. According to the Committee, Vietnamese collectives and individuals abroad have sent more than 34 billion VND (nearly 1.5 million USD) as well as medical equipment to the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the Vietnam Red Cross Society, and a number of hospitals that are providing treatment to COVID-19 patients. The Vietnamese community in the RoK also contributed more than 160 million VND in support of the pandemic fight./. DFC highly appreciative of medical supply co-operation with Vietnam Adam Boehle, CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), has expressed his appreciation for the effective co-ordination between Vietnam and the United States to produce and distribute medical supplies and protective equipment as a means of fighting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc presents made-in-Vietnam face masks as gift to Adam Boehle, CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) (Photo: VNA) During a meeting held in Washington DC on June 2 with the Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc, Boehler stated that the DFC always places great importance on co-operative efforts and sees Vietnam as a preferred partner in future US-based projects. As a development finance agency for the US Government, the DFC is currently initiating a range of measures to support investment projects in developing countries globally, especially those in energy, infrastructure, and the digital economy. At a regional level, the DFC pays close attention to supporting development projects that are underway in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, as well as those which specialise in producing strategic products that are suitable for the supply chain of the US, the DFC chief explained to the Vietnamese diplomat. He added his hopes that agreements can be reached in an effective manner during working meetings held between the DFC and various Vietnamese agencies, including the Ministry of Planning and Investment. In response, Ambassador Ngoc shared the nations experience in containing the COVID-19, as well as its priorities in efforts to initiate an economic recovery, whilst simultaneously promoting regional and global co-operation in its role as the ASEAN Chair 2020. The Vietnamese diplomat also applauded the DFCs role and voiced his hope that both sides will soon move to implement specific co-operation projects regionally. With this year marking 25 years since the normalisation of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Ambassador Ngoc called on the DFC to continue to make contributions to relevant activities in the near future, including joining both the ASEAN-US and Vietnam-US conferences regarding investment co-operation within the region. To mark the occasion, the Vietnamese diplomat presented made-in-Vietnam face masks as gifts to DFC staff. In return, Boehler and representatives from DFC expressed their sincere thanks for efforts made by the Vietnamese Embassy and related businesses to share their experience, while noting their appreciation for the quality of the face masks produced by the country. Vietnam seeks Japans US$500-million loan to address Covid-19 impacts Japan has been a major donor of official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam, estimated at US$24 billion, or 26.4% of total borrowings of the Vietnamese government. Vietnam is looking for a loan in a range of US$300 500 million from the Japanese government to address impacts of Covid-19, according to Vietnamese Minister of Finance Dinh Tien Dung. As the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is cooperating with the World Bank to finalize a policy framework for such a type of loan, Vietnams Ministry of Finance and other government agencies would study the feasibility of the policy, Dung said at a meeting with Japans newly-appointed Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio on June 1. According to Dung, Vietnam Japan relations are at its peak since the establishment of diplomatic relation in September 1973. Japan has become a comprehensive strategic partner of Vietnam in all spheres, particularly in economic, trade and investment activities, Dung said. As of 2019, Japan remained Vietnams second largest investor with a combined commitments of US$59.3 billion. Over the past few years, Japan has also been at the top in terms of trade revenue among 200 countries and territories having trade relation with Vietnam. Moreover, Japan has been a major donor of official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, estimated at US$24 billion, or 26.4% of total borrowings of the Vietnamese government. Funds from Japan have been used for multiple purposes such as transportation, energy, healthcare and education, contributing significantly to Vietnams economic development and raising peoples living standard, Dung said. Ambassador Takio said one of his key tasks is to enhance bilateral economic cooperation, and expressed hope to build close ties with the Ministry of Finance. Takio spoke highly of Vietnams achievements in economic development, including fast economic growth, low inflation, declining fiscal deficit and lower public debt ratio. Takio added as the world is seeing growing needs to diversify the global value chain and Vietnam has huge potential to take this opportunity for further growth. The Japanese ambassador expected Vietnam to improve its credit rating and infrastructure system, the two major factors supporting the countrys development. Chinese health workers and police watch over the last remaining civet cats confiscated from a wildlife market in Guangzhou, southern China's Guangdong province on Jan. 6, 2004. (-/AFP via Getty Images) Chinas Official Narrative on Wuhan Wet Market Contradicted by Leaked Document The suggestion by the Chinese regime that the CCP virus originated from the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, which sold seafood, wild animals, and fresh produce, is contradicted by an internal investigative report dated Jan. 22 that was reviewed recently by The Epoch Times. While some of the citys first cases were connected to the market, the earliest documented patient wasnt. Scientists still havent determined the viruss origin; U.S. officials, citing intelligence, said the virus was likely naturally occurring, but may have leaked from a virology research lab in Wuhan. As the world sought to uncover the source of the virus outbreak, Chinese authorities refused offers of assistance from the United States and other countries in research, while keeping mum about their investigations. In January, Gao Fu, director of Chinas Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), claimed twice that the virus came from wild animals sold at the Huanan market. At a Jan. 22 press conference, Gao explained that the virus likely first infected people through contact with wild animals and the environment that the wild animals were in. Then, the virus began mutating and became capable of human-to-human transmission. The original source of the virus is wild animals that were sold at the [Huanan] seafood market, Gao said firmly. Then, in March, amid intense international scrutiny over Chinas mishandling of the crisis, Chinese officials began pushing the unfounded conspiracy theory that the U.S. military introduced the virus to Wuhan. However, The Epoch Times recently obtained a copy of the CDCs investigative report of the Huanan market, which indicated that authorities took 585 environment samples from different areas of the market and found that 33 of them tested positive for the virus. The positive samples came from shops located throughout the market, as well as surfaces, walls, and tools used in connection with the animals. Animals and the environment of farms that supplied livestock to the market were also evaluated, with all 139 samples testing negative. While the report didnt provide conclusive evidence as to whether the virus originated from animals sold at the market, it revealed that authorities werent forthcoming about its research and were too quick to declare the viruss provenance, said Dr. Sean Lin, former lab director at the viral disease branch of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, first emerged from Wuhan in late 2019, and has since spread to more than 200 countries and territories. Leaked Document The investigative report was drafted by the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention at Chinas CDC and reported to the National Health Commission on Jan. 22. Authorities conducted three tests: rRT-PCR (real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) nucleic acid test, which has been widely used to test for the CCP virus in China; the NGS (next-generation sequencing) test; and the SMRT (single molecule real-time) test. The latter two are nucleic acid tests for samples taken from the environment. The China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the results of its investigation into the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China, dated Jan. 22, 2020. (Provided to The Epoch Times by insider) The Huanan Market, which is located close to the Hankou railway station, a major transportation hub, had more than 1,000 shops before it was closed by authorities on Jan. 1. The market sold pork, seafood, spices, and other food items. The 33 positive samples came from floor surfaces, doors, weight balances, trolleys, walls, trash bins, refrigerators, shoes, and gloves at 31 vendor shops. About half of the shops that had positive samples were those selling seafood and freshwater fish. Twelve of the shops were connected with others, or were on opposite sides of a corridor where customers would be walking and shopping; the other 21 shops were located in disparate areas of the market. We highly suspect that the virus outbreak was related to the wild animals trading because there are several shops selling wild animals in the area where the 12 connected shops were located, the report concluded. The China CDCs report on the layout of shops at the Huanan market in Wuhan, China, dated Jan. 22, 2020. (Provided to The Epoch Times by insider) But interestingly, the report indicates that 139 environment and animal samples from farmswhich supplied bamboo rats, porcupines, turkeys, rabbits, and other animals to the marketall came back negative. Chinese state-run media previously reported in January that the market also sold marmots, snakes, frogs, hedgehogs, peacocks, pheasants, civet cats, and meles meles (a type of badger). Bamboo rats have become a popular meat food in China in recent years. Authorities took samples from 24 bamboo rats sold at the Qiyimen Fresh Market, another market in Wuhan where wild animals are sold, located near the Wuchang railway station. Those also came back negative. China CDC previously announced on Jan. 26 that it picked up animal samples from the Huanan market between Jan. 1 to Jan. 12 for an investigation, but never announced the test results. The CDC didnt mention the animal testing in its internal investigation report. Questions From Specialist Lin noted that one of the Huanan market environment samplesan epilator used to remove hair or feathers from animalstested positive. He said that likely indicates the virus left on the machine came from an animal. He pointed out that previous studies have discovered that dogs and cats were diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, in the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong. Lin urged Chinese authorities to release the animal testing results so the public can understand the real picture of the virus outbreak. Regarding the environment samples, Lin said authorities should have investigated which shops or areas were visited by the first COVID-19 patients diagnosed in January. That would have provided a better clue as to which areas of the market were infected with the virus. It should tell people which sample from which shop tested positive, and who visited that shop was diagnosed with COVID-19 combining the patients tracking information and the environment testing report, Lin said. He noted that with the reports inconclusive findings, the China CDC director shouldnt have been so quick to determine in January that the virus came from wild animals, calling such actions malfeasance and concealing the truth. He urged authorities to release all related research documents to the public. Recently, Gao also backtracked from his initial claim. During a political meeting on May 25, he told the media that, when we look at the whole process now, the virus should have existed before infections related to the seafood market were reported. He claimed that he changed his view because virus research is still new and he was still studying it. Former Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Keum Tae-sup stands in a party meeting at the National Assembly in this February photo. The party recently gave a disciplinary action against him for not following the party's decision to vote for a judiciary reform bill last year. /Yonhap By Do Je-hae During his days as a lawmaker in the recently finished 20th National Assembly, Keum Tae-sup was not a very popular member for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), as he was a deliverer of hard truths. He locked horns with the party leadership over multiple contentious issues. He opposed a bill proposed by the party to expedite President Moon Jae-in's judiciary reform and made negative remarks regarding former Justice Minister Cho Kuk over his corruption allegations. Probably based on these conflicts, Keum failed to secure candidacy for the April 15 general election. And it seems denying him candidacy was not enough, as the DPK has penalized the former lawmaker for abstaining from a vote on the judiciary reform bill during a National Assembly plenary session late last year. The bill was about establishing a law enforcement agency, separate from the prosecution and the police, to investigate corruption involving ranking government officials one of the core issues in Moon's passionate drive to reform the judiciary. The DPK said, Monday, it held an ethics committee meeting on May 25 and reached the decision to punish Keum with a warning. This was reported to the party's undisclosed Supreme Council in a meeting on June 1. It is rare for a party to punish a lawmaker regarding a vote at a parliamentary plenary session. The decision is drawing criticism even from members of the DPK, who cite a clause on the National Assembly Act that stipulates a lawmaker, as a representative of the people, shall vote according to his or her own conscience without being bound to the opinion of the party to which the lawmaker belongs. "I have never seen a case where a lawmaker is penalized for voting according to his own principles during a parliamentary plenary session," DPK lawmaker Rep. Cho Eung-cheon said. Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong said it was "true that the Democratic Party of Korea lacked democracy." "Penalizing Keum is like penalizing the conscience and the people," Won wrote on his Facebook, Tuesday. "Not allowing a different opinion means not allowing democracy. If the DPK wants people to call it the Democratic Party, it should retract the punishment." Keum also protested the disciplinary action, which he called unconstitutional, and demanded the party reconsider the decision for punishment. "It is certain the establishment of the agency was not thoroughly discussed within the party," he said in his Facebook. "I could not unconditionally follow the party's decision that was reached without sufficient discussions. "The party's leadership has kept silent about the situations that the people are most interested in, such as Cho Kuk and Yoon Mee-hyang. This is not normal," he said. But DPK chairman Lee Hae-chan stood by the decision to punish Keum. "We cannot just let it go when a party member goes against a compulsory party line. It's not like we're depriving him of party membership," Lee said during a press conference, Tuesday. "We are running the party based on democratic principles. We accept minor opinions when necessary." Much has been written about the plight that the nations hospitals and healthcare systems are enduring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Norwalk Hospital has been no exception. Serving a population of more than 250,000 people, Norwalk Hospital has been on the frontline of fighting COVID-19 for communities across lower Fairfield County the Connecticut hot zone for the pandemic and near the national epicenter of the outbreak in New York City. Im forever impressed by the remarkable courage and resilience our staff continues to exhibit throughout the pandemic, while remaining dedicated to providing high-quality patient care. As we emerge from this pandemic, the not-so-good news: According to some reports, Connecticut hospitals are looking at a loss of at least $1.5 billion this fiscal year, driven by the costs required to tirelessly fight against the virus. This included temporarily eliminating elective procedures and surgeries which account for a majority of a healthcare facilitys revenue to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19. But the good news is that Nuvance Health hospitals have started to resume elective procedures and surgeries as the region continues to observe a decrease in the rate of new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. The even better news is the ongoing generous support we receive from the communities we serve, especially during this challenging time. One of those benevolent donors is the Harold W. McGraw Jr. Family Foundation, which recently pledged $1 million in matching funds to Norwalk Hospital to support our coronavirus care efforts and ongoing emergency preparedness. The McGraw Foundation is providing a dollar-for-dollar match for all donations made through the end of September 2020, up to the gift amount of $1 million. The McGraw family has a long history of supporting Norwalk Hospital, including The Anne P. and Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center for Outpatient Services, and the McGraw Center for Advanced Learning. Such a transformative matching gift provides everyone with a unique opportunity to maximize the impact of their financial donations, support public health, and show appreciation for the lifesaving care that our team members provide every day. All of the contributions we receive stand as proof of our communitys commitment to a robust healthcare system that can and will remain prepared for current and future crisis situations. These kinds of philanthropic efforts fund equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline staff; COVID-19 testing; and the investment in the safety of our clinical environments all critical to the progress we have made in managing the pandemic and treating seriously ill patients. Funds are also being used to support ongoing emergency preparedness efforts, such as research, education, and enhanced testing, and will play a crucial role as we return to the important work that was postponed or rescheduled because of the coronavirus. The ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic are still very much in evidence. Although Connecticut is apparently past its peak, and all 50 states have begun to reopen their economies, we must remain vigilant as we continue to make encouraging progress especially as some experts warn that we could see a second wave of the virus this fall. Its for all of these reasons that Norwalk Hospital is inviting local organizations and individuals to support healthcare services in their community and maximize their giving through the dollar-for-dollar match funded by the McGraw Foundation. For more information about how philanthropy can make a difference or to make a gift, please contact the Norwalk Hospital Foundation team at 203-852-2216 or visit nuvancehealth.org/coronavirus/givenow. Peter R. Cordeau is the president of Norwalk Hospital. Flash New York City will be under a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning till Sunday to curb criminal acts emerging from protests over the death of black man George Floyd, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Tuesday. Monday's curfew, the first in the city since 1943, started at 11 p.m. and did not stop looters from breaking into stores in Manhattan as soon as night fell. Over 200 people had been arrested before the curfew took effect on Monday night, and the whole night saw more than 700 arrests made, most of whom were youths, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The NYPD said that one officer was seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver in the borough of the Bronx Monday night, while another was hit by a car when trying to stop a burglary in Manhattan. "We saw vicious attacks on police officers. That is wholly unacceptable," said de Blasio at his daily briefing. "Anyone who attacks a police officer attacks us all." Starting on Tuesday, no traffic would be allowed in a large part of Manhattan as soon as the curfew begins, with exceptions made for residents, essential workers, buses, and truck deliveries, according to the NYPD. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said he was "disappointed and outraged" by what happened Monday night, saying the criminal activity hurt everyone. He criticized the city's preparedness for Monday night's chaos, saying the mayor underestimated the scope and the duration of the problem. Though the NYPD doubled its police presence to 8,000 officers on Monday, the governor said there should be more. The governor has said he has the National Guard on standby, but de Blasio has rejected the idea of having them deployed in New York City, saying it is not wise. "When outside armed forces go into communities, no good comes of it. We have seen this for decades," said the mayor. Protests continued on Tuesday in the city, with thousands of people, mostly students of various ethnic groups, walking and chanting slogans such as "No justice, no peace" in a largely peaceful manner by the afternoon in Lower Manhattan. Several streets were closed for demonstrations, and helicopters kept hovering above the moving crowds. Scores of police officers were dispatched to some key locations such as the plaza outside the NYPD headquarters in Lower Manhattan, Union Square and Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Most of the shops in downtown Manhattan have had plywood installed over their windows and entrances, and workers were boarding up more shops on Tuesday afternoon, bracing for another potentially violent night. So far, the city has arrested nearly 2,000 people since the protest erupted Thursday. More than 50 police officers have been injured, according to the NYPD. Three police officers could be thrown behind bars for life after a man died under their watch in a New Zealand jail cell. A 55-year-old man died at the Hawera Police station in the Taranaki region.on June 1 2019, after being found unresponsive during a routine cell check by officers. Authorities have since charged three police officers with manslaughter over the man's death - which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Three police officers could be thrown behind bars for life after a man died under their watch in a New Zealand jail cell (stock image) The name of the deceased and the three police officers have been suppressed by New Zealand authorities. A police statement at the time said the man was arrested for assault at a home after police received a call to attend a family harm incident on May 31. According to the statement, the intoxicated man was found unresponsive hours later and did not respond to CPR from police or paramedics. The victim's daughter posted an emotional tribute to her late father in a post on Facebook on Wednesday. 'A year already since you were unjustifiably taken way to soon dad, I wish so badly that I could tell you your now a poppa shes perfect and I'll tell her all about you I promise,' she wrote. A 55-year-old man died at the Hawera Police station (pictured) in the Taranaki region.on June 1 2019, after being found unresponsive during a routine cell check by officers New Zealand police allege the officers were 'grossly negligent in their duty of care' while filing manslaughter charges at the New Plymouth District Court on Wednesday. The officers have been stood down,and have been remanded to appear at the New Plymouth High Court on June 26. According to court documents the officers were charged over a dereliction of duty, reported Stuff. Police Minister Stuart Nash said the charges were laid after a lengthy investigation. 'Any incident involving a loss of life in Police custody is taken very seriously,' Minister Nash said. 'This has been a challenging case to work on and today's court appearance is the result of detailed work behind the scenes.' 'This will be a difficult time for the victim's family and the wider police organisation. I extend my sympathies to the man's family.'' Plug and Play Japan has selected 16 insurtech startups for its Summer/Fall 2020 Batch VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today PAI Health , a heart health software company, announced that it has been selected into the Plug and Play Japans Insurtech Batch 5 Accelerator running June through September 2020. The program is designed to help startups grow and succeed through introductions to mentors, potential business partners and investors. PAI Health is known for its innovation in biometric sensing and algorithm development with data insights rooted in the proven science of cardiorespiratory fitness, one of the leading predictors of health and longevity. The companys digital services, that are both device and platform agnostic, enable insurers to engage, assess, monitor and guide policyholders toward better health. We are honoured to be selected into Plug and Plays accelerator program in Japan, said Sally Powell, General Manager of PAI Health. Our previous experience with Plug and Play in Silicon Valley was tremendously beneficial, and we are excited about the Japanese market which has been very receptive to PAI Healths propositions. Plug and Play Japan selects the most innovation-promising startups through a rigorous process where short-listed companies are invited to pitch to corporate partners. These partners then vote on which startups they believe should join the program. Throughout the three-month program, startups connect to Plug and Plays global ecosystem, collaborating with corporate partners and attending deal flow sessions, networking events, business development matchmaking and mentor sessions. About PAI Health PAI Health allows organizations to assess, monitor and guide their people to better health to reduce risk and costs, while providing individuals with motivational guidance on recommended physical activity levels for better health. Our mission is to optimize anyone's path to better health by making the science-backed Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) metric available world-wide through partnerships with insurers, employee wellness programs, technology platforms, health care providers and other industry partners. For more information, visit www.paihealth.com . Story continues PAI Health Media Contact pr@paihealth.com About Plug and Play Plug and Play is an innovation platform that connects the most innovative startups with the largest corporations in the world. Plug and Play is a world-class global venture capital/accelerator that partners with leading companies to support startups with innovative technologies and ideas. It carries out over 60 acceleration programs annually, providing more than 400+ companies with solutions to drive innovations. In addition, we have accelerated 2,000+ startups since inception in 2006. Plug and Play supported more than 500 startups in its US Headquarters and 1,450 startups around the world. Currently, Plug and Play is active in 16 countries with more than 30 bases. Plug and Play established its Japanese branch in July 2017, with its Tokyo-office. Curious just how far your dollar goes in San Antonio? We've rounded up the latest places for rent via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to hunting down affordable apartments in San Antonio if you've got up to $2,600/month earmarked for your rent. Take a look at the listings, 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. 7610 Foss Alley Listed at $2,530/month, this 2,455-square-foot three-bedroom, two-bathroom abode is located at 7610 Foss Alley. The residence has a walk-in closet and a fireplace. When it comes to building amenities, expect a gym and a swimming pool. Pet owners, take heed: The property is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental. According to Walk Score, the surrounding area isn't very walkable and isn't particularly bikeable. (See the complete listing here.) 16735 La Cantera Parkway Next, there's this three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence situated at 16735 La Cantera Parkway. It's listed for $2,546/month for its 1, square feet. You can expect hardwood flooring, high ceilings and a walk-in closet in the residence. Pet owners, take heed: This property is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. Walk Score indicates that the area around this address is car-dependent, is somewhat bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options. (See the complete listing here.) 103 Elmview Place Here's a 1,343-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom abode at 103 Elmview Place that's going for $2,580/month. Expect to find hardwood flooring in the residence. When it comes to building amenities, expect outdoor space. Pet owners, take heed: The rental is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. There's no leasing fee required for this rental. According to Walk Score, the area around this address is somewhat walkable and is bikeable. (See the full listing here.) 348 Redwood St. Finally, check out this 1,457-square-foot three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence that's located at 348 Redwood St. It's listed for $2,595/month. The building has additional storage space and outdoor space. In the residence, you'll find hardwood flooring. Pet owners, take heed: This rental is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. According to Walk Score's assessment, the surrounding area is somewhat walkable and has some bike infrastructure. (Check out the complete listing here.) Working with a tight budget? Here are the cheapest rentals recently listed in San Antonio. 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, if youre in the real estate business learn how to do local real estate advertising in your ZIP codes. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Minn. megachurch pastors offer biblical response to George Floyds death Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The lead pastor of the Minnesota-based Crossroads Church called racism the elephant in the living room in America right now. There is a racial divide and it breaks Jesus heart, Pastor Phil Print said, adding that Jesus died so that theres no more of that. It should also break our hearts as followers of Jesus, the megachurch pastor said. What happened to George Floyd happens far too frequently in our country. And its unacceptable. And we have to do better. Theres an unlevel playing field today when it comes to people of color. Discrimination, racial stereotyping, racial bias is alive. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died last Monday after his neck was pinned down by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Though Floyd repeatedly stated that he couldn't breathe, the officer, identified as Derek Chauvin, did not remove his knee until several minutes after Floyd stopped moving. Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Pastors across the nation have spoken out against Floyds death. Southern Baptist leaders released a statement Saturday, grieving the misuse of force and inequitable distributions of justice, according to Baptist Press. Stressing that all human beings are sacred beings that God values and loves, the Southern Baptists said Christians cannot remain silent when our brothers and sisters, friends and/or people we seek to win for Christ are mistreated, abused or killed unnecessarily. Crossroads Church had prerecorded its Sunday online service, including the sermon, before Floyds death. Feeling prompted by Gods Spirit to speak out, the Minnesota churchs pastors decided to record a special video message on Saturday to help congregants respond to Floyds death and its aftermath. Pastor Print acknowledged that as leaders and pastors who are white, he and his colleagues did not have the right to speak. We have no idea what its like to be an African American pastor, leader, or person. The lead pastor then said, We are so, so sorry We grieve with you, and we do not look away. He shared 1 Corinthians 12:26, If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. We need to stop being ignorant. We need to stop being defensive. We need to stop being passive. What happened with Floyd was evil, he emphasized. Whats clearly evil is when we hate other people. Whats clearly evil is when theres a senseless abuse. Whats clearly evil is violence and murder and racism. Print cited Romans 12:9, which reads, Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. He also denounced violence and rioting in response to Floyds death, saying it is not the only way for the community to be heard and noting that the Bible asks us to never pay back evil for evil. Protests that erupted in Minneapolis and St. Paul spread to several other cities, including Memphis, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Detroit, New York City, and Washington, D.C., by the weekend. While many demonstrators remained peaceful, others resorted to violence, including looting businesses and burning cars and buildings. Crossroads Executive Pastor of Campuses Erik Anderson shared that his daughter is of color. The last few days have been hard, he said, struggling to hold back tears. Shes having to process things in a whole new way as a teenager. He said as his family was watching events unfolding on the news, his daughter turned to her mother and asked, Is this what its going to be like for me? Would that happen to me? Would that be my reality? Ive never felt more ill-equipped as a dad to answer that question, he admitted. He realized that he needed to do more work to seek to understand her. Addressing all Christians, Anderson said, We need to seek to understand more and more of our brothers and sisters of color and the realties they go through so that we can be part of the solution. Its not our context. Its not where we come from. But we got to get our hearts right. We got to get informed. We got to put people around us to help us be part of the solution when it comes to this tension and this issue. Agreeing, Print stated, We need to understand and listen better to see the world through the lens of someone of color. We have to work for peace and justice, Print said, adding that the key word here is work. Jesus said blessed are the peacemakers, he continued. Its the hard, hard work of peacemaking. Anderson offered Christians a prayer of lament as many are unsure of what to pray for. Heavenly Father, my soul is heavy from what Ive witnessed in our community, so give me the strength to pray. I lift my eyes to you for you are my mighty rock, fortress, and refuge. Help me, God. Please help us. We mourn the tragic loss of George Floyd. Your beloved child was senselessly taken. We grieve with his family, friends, his community, and all who loved him. Help us who are angry and sad not to let his death be in vain. God, we do not pray for vengeance, but we do thirst for justice, healing, and peace. We hope for healing between our neighbors and the officers called to protect and serve. We long for the day when families will not have to say goodbye to their children too soon. My hope is in you. Father, come quickly to help us. Lord, come quickly to save us. Hear our cry. Amen. Will we ever again feel safe in a crowded elevator, or a popular lounge, or a busy gym of a condo tower? How will highrises deal with the onslaught of package and food deliveries prompted by the pandemic? Urban planners and designers are considering the post-COVID-19 world and the changes that will be needed for safer, healthier and more flexible living in urban and suburban centres. I see this as period of innovation and opportunity creation, said Toronto-based Mansoor Kazerouni, global director, buildings for the IBI Group. The challenge for us as urbanists and designers is how to create safe, resilient environments that responds to the new normal and yet be able to facilitate social interaction that, as human beings, we thrive on. Kazerouni and planner, landscape architect and urban designer Trevor McIntyre, global director, placemaking and international, for IBI Group, shared their thoughts on what we can expect. Condos and apartments in highrises will remain small but the changes coming will see more adaptable features and greater storage. McIntyre said the use of social spaces such as workout areas, lounges both indoors and outside, conference rooms and shared work spaces that are integral to condo living will be re-thought. Nobody uses those spaces every day and we have the tools to book these spaces in advance, he said. There is no reason that they cant be designed as shared spaces. Those spaces are vast in a 300-unit building, agreed Kazerouni. If the technology was there and spaces properly designed with hard cleanable surfaces, you could have 20 people in a gym at a time, with half an hour in between for a cleaning regimen. Weve got to learn from this (COVID). Many of us will still work from home part-time while going to the office on staggered days and hours to lessen peak burdens on transit and highways. I think the den will take on new meaning, so it can be converted into a home office when social distancing is required, said Kazerouni. And a lot of apartments in the city are shared by renters, and many have two bedrooms and a shared bath. I dont think well be sharing any more and there will be as many bathrooms as bedrooms. New nano technologies and self-cleaning surfaces used in health care will migrate to the residential realm. As well, technology will allow you to use your cellphone to call the elevator, or link your cell phone-activated home alarm to the elevator, so when you leave your unit, it acts as the de facto elevator call button, said Kazerouni. For those able to avoid elevators, stairways in buildings will be re-thought. You should be able to have one staircase going up and one down. People are walking and running and have become more active during the shutdown, said McIntyre. If you create a well-lit corner stairway, it could become part of peoples exercise regimen, said McIntyre, whose firm developed a design with glass-enclosed stairways at end each of the hallway in The Roy, a Halifax luxury condo. Buildings will have to accommodate increased parcel and food delivery, said McIntyre, who notes that instead of five to 10 per cent ratio of parcel lockers to the number of condo units, it may become one-to-one to reduce the number of hands touching a locker. Attention will also turn to the surrounding neighbourhoods that highrise residents depend upon for amenities and outside space. Wider sidewalks and pedestrian-focused programs will likely expand, such as the ActiveTO initiative that closes Toronto roads to vehicle traffic on weekends and turns them over to cyclists, skateboarders, runners and walkers while allowing social distancing. McIntyre and Kazerouni both see a greater focus on mixed-use communities with essential supplies and services such as small-scale grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, schools, parks and pharmacies within a 10-minute walk of all homes in a residential zone. Urban agriculture maybe a consideration while urban planners must accommodate drone deliveries and delivery lanes for programmed autonomous delivery vehicles. McIntyre said communities could be designed like ski resort villages are, except around transit rather than ski hills. You park the car, leave it and walk to stores, restaurants, and create the lifestyle people want. David Amborski, a professor at Ryerson Universitys School of Urban and Regional Planning, and a professional urban planner, said the effect of COVID-19 on high-density living is yet to be determined. But, he notes, recent polls have indicated just three to five per cent of highrise dwellers will consider relocating. Living patterns are determined by places of employment and some people might find remote work, he said, with the option of working part-time in offices. - A female black-American has made history in Ferguson, Missouri, United States - The woman identified as Ella Jones has become the first African-American and first woman to be elected mayor in Ferguson - The 65-year-old woman was elected mayor on Tuesday, June 2 Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in Ella Jones has made history by becoming the first African-American and first woman to be elected mayor in Ferguson, Missouri. She was elected mayor on Tuesday, June 2, nearly six years after the city erupted in protests after a white police officer shot and killed Michael Brown, a black teenager, New York Times reports. READ ALSO: "Anguished" George W. Bush speaks out on George Floyd protests Ella Jones. Photo credit: New York Times Source: UGC YEN.com.gh gathers that after her victory, the 65-year-old woman promised to work hard because more would be required of her. She said: Ive got work to do because when youre an African-American woman, they require more of you than they require of my counterpart." READ ALSO: Ghanaian traditional man uses 2 brooms to detect person who stole item in video In other news, a GoFundMe that was opened to raise money for George Floyd's funeral and to support his family has made $10,113,200 (N3,923,921,600) in funds from 390,100 donors as of Tuesday afternoon, June 2. It is reportedly one of the most successful GoFundMe campaigns of all time in terms of money raised. The black 46-year-old man was killed by a white policeman who knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. The target of the GoFundMe was $1.5 million (N582,000,000) but it was surpassed by donations that kept coming in. Meanwhile, Ms Akilah Moore, a security officer and Parent at Howard University Middle School of Math & Science in the United States has narrated her powerful grass-to-grace story. The full inspirational story of the officer who turns out to be a single mother of three was sighted by YEN.com.gh on the official Facebook handle of Unsung Heroes. According to the hardworking mother, she dropped out of high school when she got pregnant with her first child and had to make ends meet for the child since the father had left. Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Yenkasa: Would You Queue For the Voters' Register? | #Yencomgh Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh The European caustic soda market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 3% during the forecast period. The major factors driving the market studied are rising demand for alumina in the transport sector and increasing demand for paper and paperboards. New York, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Europe Caustic Soda Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2020 2025)" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05903712/?utm_source=GNW On the flip side, unfavorable conditions arising due to the COVID-19 outbreak, energy-intensive production process, and environmental concerns are hindering the growth of the market. - The organic chemicals segment is expected to dominate the European caustic soda market over the forecast period. - Germany represents the largest market over the forecast period owing to the increasing consumption from segments such as organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, pulp & paper. Key Market Trends Organic Chemicals Segment to Dominate the Market - The organic chemicals segment represents the largest application segment of caustic soda in Europe. This application is also the third-fastest growing segment for the market studied in the region.? - Caustic soda mainly acts as a reagent or basic solution to manufacture organic chemicals. Organic chemicals use caustic soda for manufacturing different major organic chemicals, such as methanol, sulfites, phosphites, hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose ether, methylcellulose, propylene oxide, polycarbonate, ethylene amines, epoxy resins, acetic acid, and epichlorohydrin. Moreover, it is also used for neutralization and gas scrubbing by many organic chemical manufacturers.? - Epoxypropane (propylene oxide), another important organic chemical, also uses caustic soda for manufacturing. It is used to make polyurethanes.? - 3A Composites launched its new brands for polycarbonate and polyester range by Polycasa. The extruded polycarbonate POLYCASA PC is now called IMPEX and the extruded multiwall polycarbonate sheet POLYCASA SPC is now called IMPEX MULTIWALL. ? - Covestro started expanding its production lines in Germany for high-quality polycarbonate films, which are likely to be online by the end of 2020. The company equipped these production lines with the latest technology, and they are designed specially to produce multi-layer flat films.? - Germany, Belgium, and Spain are the major countries producing organic chemicals, with the increasing demand for caustic soda in the production of polycarbonate, methanol, polyurethane, epoxy resin, acetic acid, etc. The demand for caustic soda in manufacturing organic chemicals is expected to be moderate during the forecast period. ? - Owing to the above mentioned factors, the demand for caustic soda from organic chemical segment is expected to rapidly increase over the forcast period. Germany to Dominate the Market - Germany is forecasted to account for the largest share of the European caustic soda market over the forecast period. - In terms of the total installed production capacity for the manufacturing of caustic soda, Germany ranked first in Europe, with the total estimated production capacity of approximately 5,752-kilo metric tons and a share of about 38.75%. Some of the largest players in Germany are Dow, BASF SE, Covestro, INOVYN, Vinnolit, etc. Apart from domestic production, the country primarily imports its caustic soda from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Poland.? - The German chemical industry represents the chemical manufacturing industry across Europe, generating an estimated contribution of about 28% of the total revenue of the chemical industry in Europe. The German chemical industry invested a total of about USD 4.6 billion on the R&D, making it the fourth-largest R&D spending nation across the world, after China, the United States, and Japan. ? - The German chemical industry, which took a major upturn in 2017, continued to show positive growth till Q4 2018. The downward trend in the German chemical industry began in Q4 2018 and continued to the first two quarters of 2019. With the BASF SE company announcing its decision to transform the organization, Covestro experiencing decline in sales, and Bayer AG struggling with the Monsanto acquisition, the German chemicals sector has been witnessing a huge downfall. ? - In H1 2019, the production of the German chemicals industry witnessed a slump of 6.5%, while the pharmaceutical production also declined by 2.5%. As a result, the total revenue generated declined by 4% Y-o-Y over H1 2018 and reached a total of EUR 95.9 billion (USD 105.7 billion).? - In H1 2019, the production of fine and specialty chemicals witnessed a decline of 4%, the production of cosmetics and soaps witnessed a decline of 4.5%, and the production of polymers and detergents and personal care products has also witnessed a huge decline. The outlook for the rest of 2019 is also weak with the expected decrease in production. This trend has hugely affected the demand for caustic soda. - Hence, owing to the above mentioned factors, the demand for caustic soda in Germany is expected to further grow over the forecast period. Competitive Landscape The European caustic soda market is partially consolidated. The major companies of the market studied include Dow, INOVYN, KEM ONE, Nouryon, BorsodChem, among others. Reasons to Purchase this report: - The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format - 3 months of analyst support Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05903712/?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 A Paris appeals court on Wednesday approved the transfer of Rwandan genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga, arrested in France after decades on the run, to a United Nations body to be tried in Tanzania. Accused of financing the 1994 genocide of some 800,000 people, Kabuga had asked for a trial in France and he can still appeal the decision to hand him over to the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT). Described as Africas most wanted man, Kabuga was arrested on May 16 at his home outside Paris, where he had been living under a false name. His lawyers argued before the Paris court that the 84-year-old should be allowed to stay in France because of his advanced age, poor health, and an alleged lack of impartiality displayed by international courts. A judge in The Hague ruled last month, however, that Kabuga should be tried in Arusha, Tanzania, under the UNs Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT). The MICT, which took over the duties of the UNs International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda when it formally closed in 2015, is based in The Hague but has a branch in Arusha. Kabuga, once one of Rwandas richest men, was indicted by the tribunal in 1997 on seven counts, including genocide. He is accused of forming the notorious Interahamwe militia that carried out massacres, and the Radio-Television Libre des Mille Collines, whose broadcasts incited people to murder. Hundreds of thousands of Tutsis but also moderate Hutus were slaughtered over 100 days of ethnic violence committed by Hutu extremists in 1994. Bloated qualifying sessions are continuing to take place across North America in advance of the continent's full return to pari-mutuel harness racing. The large majority of horses are easing their way back into racing form, and understandably so. That's why the performance of a particular speedster stood out so much on Tuesday morning (June 2). Gaitway Farm in New Jersey continues to play host to large qualifying sessions. The farm's one-mile oval hosted 14 qualifiers on Tuesday, and the one result that jumped off the page came from the Ontario-bred Backstreet Shadow, who has been razor sharp all year for trainer Ron Burke. The five-year-old son of Shadow Play had received a break at the end of 2019 after an impressive campaign. The 'Burke Brigade' brought the gelding back to the races in late January and unleashed him on Dover Downs' preferred ranks. The result was a four-race win streak, and the last victory in the string was a gate-to-wire performance from Post 8 that was clocked in 1:48.1. The only thing that could stop him was COVID-19, and it did. Now that racing is gearing back up, Backstreet Shadow can return to what he was doing: scorching ovals and leaving his foes in his tracks. Backstreet Shadow started from Post 3 in Gaitway's eleventh qualifier on Tuesday. Over a track rated 'fast,' Backstreet Shadow went right to the top and cut the quarter (:28) and half (:57.1). Tim Tetrick let his charge pace a bit more during the back half of the mile, and it appears as though that is all Backstreet Shadow wanted to do. Backstreet Shadow threw a :26.3 third quarter at his rivals and zipped down to the three-quarters pole in 1:23.4. After that, the career winner of 21 races charged home with a :26.4 final quarter. Backstreet Shadow's win time was 1:50.3 and his margin of victory was 20 and one quarter lengths. Backstreet Shadow is owned by the Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Lawrence Karr, and Jandt Silva Purnel & Libb. Backstreet Shadow, pictured in victory at Dover Downs. Backstreet Shadow, pictured in victory at Dover Downs. Earlier in the card, a Burke-trained 'Glamour Boy' with his eyes focused on Woodbine Mohawk Park's Pepsi North America Cup tuned up with a tidy qualifying win for driver Joe Bongiorno. Callingallbeaches, an unraced son of Somebeachsomewhere, took to the track for Race 2 and started from the outside Post 4 in what was a compact field. Bongiorno slid Callingallbeaches into third and sat patiently through the opening quarter (:30) and half (:59.1). The duo was first-up in the third quarter and were challenging the leader by the 1:27.2 third call. Callingallbeaches was up for a fight in the final panel and closed in :28.3 to post a half-length victory in 1:56.1. Callingallbeaches, who was purchased for $135,000 at a yearling auction in 2018, is owned by Michael Guerriero, P B G Stables Inc., the Holland Racing Stable, and Blue Chip Bloodstock Inc. Callingallbeaches has been assessed as a 100-1 shot in Trot Magazine's 2020 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book. To view the spring book odds, click here. The Burke stable sent out five winners during Gaitway's Tuesday session, while Tim Tetrick steered five winners. Panaji: RSS rebels in Goa, who recently floated a parallel outfit under the leadership of sacked state chief Subhash Velingkar, will hold a convention on September 11 to work out the future course of action to step up their campaign over the medium of instruction (MOI) issue. Velingkar, who launched the RSS Goa Prant on being relieved of his responsibilities by the Sangh after he crossed sword with the BJP over the MOI issue, today said they will chalk out programmes in the meet to strengthen the stir to press for regional launguages like Konkani and Marathi to be made the MOI in schools and stopping of the state support to English medium institutions. The meet would also reach out to women to join the mother tongue campaign under the banner of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM). As the convener of BBSM, Velingkar had taken on the Goas BJP government over its support for English-medium schools and was ousted from his post as Goa unit chief of RSS on August 31. Besides various other agenda, we will also deliberate on involving more women in this cause towards the country, Velingkar said. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is in Goa to celebrate Ganesh festival, was expected to break the stalemate between the BBSM and BJP, but nothing has happened so far. BBSM has not received any communication from Parrikar. There is no question of supporting the BJP as they have not fulfilled our main demand of withdrawing grants to English medium schools, Velingkar said. He rubbished reports that attempts were being made to restore ties between BBSM and the BJP. There are no (such) attempts (being made), he said. Velingkar was relieved as Goa RSS chief on August 31 after BBSM hinted at its intent to float a political party to counter BJP in the 2017 Goa Assembly polls. His supporters had detached themselves from the Konkan prant of RSS, and had formed Goa prant, which the RSS senior leadership had refused to recognise. Velingkar has locked horns with the BJP government headed by Laxmikant Parsekar over the MOI issue, with members of his outfit even showing black flags to party chief Amit Shah during a recent visit to the state. He had recently said the Sangh unit in the coastal state will function independently, at least till the Assembly polls. However, RSS had been quick to debunk him, saying none of its units can dissociate from the outfit and new office-bearers for Goa will be announced soon. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A retired St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department captain was shot and killed early Tuesday morning while protecting a friend's pawn shop from looters, according to authorities and the victim's wife. The retired captain, David Dorn, was responding to an alarm at Lee Pawn and Jewelry Store around 2:30 a.m. when he was shot and killed, police said. No arrests have been made, and police Chief John Hayden, Jr. said officers are "actively working on identifying suspects." Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest. David Dorn in 2008 when he was a St. Louis police officer. (Scott Bandle / St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP) "David Dorn was a fine captain," Hayden said at a news conference on Tuesday. "Many of us younger officers looked up to him. ... It's a very sad time for our agency." Former St. Louis County Police Chief Tim Fitch called Dorn a "true public servant." "Protecting & serving all the way to the end," Fitch tweeted. "None of us who knew you are surprised you went out fighting at Lee's Pawn this morning. God speed my friend." The fatal shooting happened amid protests and unrest over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis custody. Dorn retired from the police force after 38 years, according to Hayden. He died on the sidewalk in front of the pawn shop, and his death was apparently streamed on Facebook Live, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. In the video, a man tells Dorn to stay with him. Dorn's wife, police Sgt. Ann Marie Dorn, told the outlet that he was a friend of the pawn shop's owner and would go and check out the business whenever the burglar alarm sounded. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson condemned the killing of Dorn and other instances of looting and violence during the Floyd protests. "What Minneapolis police officers did to George Floyd isnt acceptable and they MUST be held accountable. What criminals have done in St. Louis and across Missouri the past few nights isnt acceptable. They MUST be held accountable," he said in a tweet. President Donald Trump tweeted about the death, writing: "Our highest respect to the family of David Dorn, a Great Police Captain from St. Louis, who was viciously shot and killed by despicable looters last night. We honor our police officers, perhaps more than ever before. Thank you!" Four active-duty St. Louis officers were shot during protests in the city early Tuesday, all of them suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the deciding factors in the Philippine government's decision to suspend the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Wednesday. "I think the reason I was told is because of this current pandemic plus we need the cooperation from other countries. We need to cooperate with other countries to fight the pandemic," Lorenzana told CNN Philippines' The Source. "I think the President thought that its untimely to end the VFA at this moment, at this time," he added, citing a brief conversation he had with President Rodrigo Duterte a month ago. The Foreign Affairs Department on Tuesday announced it has suspended the pending termination of the two-decade military pact with the United States, saying the move was done "in light of the political and other developments in the region." The suspension, effective on June 1, shall continue for six months and could extend for another half a year, according to the diplomatic note shared by DFA Secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr. on social media. The Defense chief said his agency supports the decision of the President, noting how the continued military activities and ties with the US can help in the Philippines' own fight against the global health crisis. With the recent development, Lorenzana said he sees "more assistance" coming from the US, particularly in relation to the country's COVID-19 response. "In the six months, this is only my guess, the assistance of the US will increase, to fight the pandemic. They already gave us some help, assistance recently, especially in the providing equipment in our quarantine facilities," Lorenzana said. The United States government has provided over $15 million worth of health and humanitarian assistance to aid the Philippines' response against COVID-19, the US Embassy said. In May, members of the US military delivered 10-million worth of personal protective equipment and medical supplies to hospitals in several provinces around the country. The VFA is the first of two agreements between Washington and Manila about the treatment of their troops when they are in the US or the Philippines. Inked in 1998, the deal includes provisions on visa and passport policies for US troops, and rights of the US government to retain jurisdiction over military personnel, among others. In February, the Philippines sent its formal notice to the US that it was terminating the military pact. The VFA was supposed to be scrapped on August 9 or 180 days from the US' receipt of the notice. EXPLAINER: The Visiting Forces Agreement Lorenzana, for his part, said he is not "privy" to the note verbale, and what the scenario would be for both countries after the six-month timeline of the suspension order. Former Senator Kit Tatad, one of the sponsors of the VFA resolution in the 11th Congress, however said one can interpret the move as the country formally withdrawing its previous notice for the VFA termination. "That notice was served on Feb 11, 2020 and was supposed to take effect six months later. The withdrawal restores the VFA to its original status as an implementing agreement of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty," Tatad said in a message to CNN Philippines. Ties to continue With the suspension, Lorenzana said the Philippine Armed Forces will then continue on with the usual activities it has with the American counterparts, including the Balikatan exercises. The United States government also welcomed the Philippines' decision to suspend the agreement's abrogation, saying in a statement released by its embassy that it looks forward "to continued close security and defense cooperation with the Philippines." DFA said the Philippines is also looking forward to forging a "strong military partnership with the United States." 'Welcome development' Lawmakers likewise welcomed the development, saying the implementation of the VFA will "serve the interest" of the country given the global health situation as well as ongoing tensions in territorial waters. "The abrupt abrogation of the VFA last February as initiated by the President - which was done amid the increasing aggressiveness and the bullying of China - is disadvantageous to us. What the country truly needs is a stable foreign policy that promotes our interest," Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said in a statement. The sentiment was echoed by Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, who said that the country needs the military pact "especially now that Chinese intrusions into our territory particularly in the West Philippine Sea have become commonplace." Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa also welcomed the government's move, saying foreign policies can be "flexible" depending on the events happening around the globe. Duterte first threatened to junk the VFA in response to the US' cancellation of Dela Rosa's visa to America. The senator, known to have close ties with the chief executive, earlier acknowledged that the revocation of his visa may have something to do with alleged extrajudicial killings under his watch as chief of the Philippine National Police from 2016 to 2018. Senator Sonny Angara, on the other hand, said the decision was a "safer, more cautious" one to make given the current health situation and developments around the world. A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now killed more than 383,000 people worldwide. Over 6.39 million people across the globe have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new respiratory virus, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. The actual numbers are believed to be much higher due to testing shortages, many unreported cases and suspicions that some governments are hiding the scope of their nations' outbreaks. Since the first cases were detected in China in December, the United States has become the worst-affected country, with more than 1.8 million diagnosed cases and at least 107,099 deaths. Today's biggest developments: US should have 100 million vaccine doses by end of year, Fauci says UN reports 1st coronavirus death of Rohingya refugee Data shows black people in London more likely to be fined or arrested over lockdown breaches Over 600 nurses worldwide have died from COVID-19, group says 100,000-plus COVID-19 cases reported for each of the past five days: WHO Anti-malaria drug touted by President Trump did not prevent COVID-19 infections, study finds Here's how the news is developing today. All times Eastern. Please refresh this page for updates 8:23 p.m.: Extension passes for PPP loans The Senate worked out its differences quickly -- and unanimously -- as it passed the House's Paycheck Protection Program bill, giving desperate borrowers more time to spend the funds and more flexibility in how those funds are spent. Instead of having to spend 75% of the loan in eight weeks, small business owners will have 24 weeks with 60% spent on worker pay. The bill now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature. This was crucial, particularly for those small business owners who got in on the first loans in early April. Their deadline to apply to their lender for forgiveness was coming up at week's end. 6:50 p.m.: 400,000 Americans may die from coronavirus by next spring, expert warns Story continues Up to 400,000 Americans may be dead from COVID-19 by next spring, before a potential vaccine is ready for mass distribution, a leading public health expert warned Wednesday. "All of the best models suggest that another 100,000 will die over the next three to four months if we continue to have 1,000 deaths a day," Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, said during a forum on the government's coronavirus response. "It is entirely possible that by next spring, by the time we might get a vaccine, 300,000 to 400,000 Americans will have died from this disease." MORE: Vaccine paradox: Will 'flattening the curve' stymie the chances of developing a coronavirus vaccine quickly? Jha said the deaths are "wholly preventable." But it will take "smart policy and accountability from the federal government." "As the nation opens up, and as we face turmoil with people in the streets, the bottom line is that we are not performing enough tests to keep people safe," Jha said, adding that some estimates suggest that 80% of COVID-19 cases are being missed. The U.S. death toll currently stands at 107,000. 5:50 p.m.: Maryland can reopen nail salons, retail, offices Friday Maryland will enter the next stage of its phased reopening on Friday at 5 p.m., allowing for more nonessential businesses and offices to reopen, Gov. Larry Hogan announced Wednesday. The businesses included are manufacturing, construction, retail, offices and car dealerships. Nail salons, massage therapists, tanning salons and tattoo parlors can also reopen at 50% capacity. Safety guidelines include wearing masks, conducting health screenings and teleworking if possible. PHOTO: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announces he will lift an order that closed non-essential businesses this week during a news conference on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Annapolis, Md. The order will be lifted Friday at 5 p.m. (Brian Witte/AP) Previously, barbershops, hair salons, outdoor dining, outdoor youth sports and day camps, outdoor pools and drive-in movie theaters were able to reopen. Other outdoor amusements and gyms remain closed. Maryland's total COVID-19 hospitalizations are at the lowest point in 50 days, Hogan said. There are 54,982 confirmed cases, up 807 from the day before, and 2,519 deaths, according to the state health department. 4:40 p.m.: Anti-malaria drug touted by President Trump did not prevent COVID-19 infections, study finds The first carefully controlled trial of hydroxychloroquine -- the anti-malaria drug President Donald Trump took as a prophylactic against COVID-19 -- did not show any benefit in preventing the virus, a new study found. Researchers at the University of Minnesota and McGill University, along with other universities, studied 821 patients in the U.S. and Canada who had been exposed to COVID-19. After the participants took HCQ or a placebo within four days of exposure, researchers noted if they developed COVID-19 themselves. Due to diagnostic testing shortages in the U.S., patients were observed for self-reported symptoms, rather than confirmed tests, the study noted. MORE: White House releases results of Trump's annual physical, says 'president remains healthy' In analyzing the prevention of COVID-19 using HCQ, the researchers found no benefit in the drug, the study found. It's important to note that this study only tested HCQ alone and not a combination of HCQ with zinc and vitamin D, which the president promoted and took himself. In a memo on Trump's latest physical results, the president's physician, Dr. Sean Conley, said Wednesday that the president had experienced no side effects from taking HCQ. His heart was tested with an EKG, since a possible side effect of HCQ usage is an irregular heartbeat. The memo noted the president took a two-week course of the drug, along with zinc and vitamin D, in May following the diagnosis of COVID-19 in two West Wing staffers. 2:50 p.m.: 100,000-plus COVID-19 cases reported for each of the past five days: WHO There have been more than 100,000 COVID-19 cases reported for each of the past five days, the World Health Organization said Wednesday. The Americas continue to account for the most cases, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a daily COVID-19 press briefing in Geneva. Central and South America are experiencing "accelerating" COVID-19 epidemics, the WHO said, particularly in Haiti. There is also intense community transmission in Brazil, Peru and Nicaragua. Brazil has the second-highest number of confirmed cases in the world, with more than 555,000, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. PHOTO: Health workers hold candles during a vigil to honor Manuel de Jesus Merino, a 41-year-old nurse who died of COVID-19 at IMSS Hospital Regional #1 in Tijuana in Mexico's Baja California on June 2, 2020. (Guillermo Arias/AFP via Getty Images) Meanwhile, the number of cases in Europe continues to decline, the WHO reported. "Yesterday saw the fewest cases reported in Europe since the 22nd of March," Tedros said. 12:30 p.m.: New York state sees lowest daily hospitalizations The number of new COVID-19 hospitalizations in New York state is at its lowest level yet, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday, while reminding residents to "stay smart." New hospitalizations tallied 135 -- down from a mid-April peak of 3,181. There were 49 new deaths -- 37 in hospitals, 12 in nursing homes. But the governor warned that the virus is still a threat, especially as thousands protest the death of George Floyd in the streets. "If you're going to protest, protest intelligently," Cuomo said. "Remember the COVID virus is still out there." 10:30 a.m.: Over 600 nurses worldwide have died from COVID-19, group says More than 230,000 health workers around the world have contracted the novel coronavirus since the start of the global pandemic, while over 600 nurses have died from it, according to a new analysis by the International Council of Nurses. The figures show that an average of 7% of all COVID-19 cases worldwide are among health care workers. The International Council of Nurses, which represents more than 130 national nursing associations with 20 million members worldwide, said the analysis is based on data from its associations, official figures and media reports from a limited number of countries," since "there is no systemic and standardized record" of the global number of nurses and health care workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 or succumbed to the disease. PHOTO: Police officers are seen policing an anti-lockdown demonstration in Hyde Park in London, United Kingdom, on May 16, 2020, following an easing of restrictions in England amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images) The group is calling on governments to record the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths among health care staff as well as take whatever measures are needed to protect them. 'Without this data we do not know the true cost of COVID-19, and that will make us less able to tackle other pandemics in the future," ICN CEO Howard Catton said in a statement Wednesday. 8:49 a.m.: Data shows black people in London more likely to be fined or arrested over lockdown breaches Black people in London were more likely than their white counterparts to be fined or arrested for breaching coronavirus lockdown rules, according to police statistics released Wednesday. While enforcing the new restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, London's Metropolitan Police Service issued 973 fines between March 27 and May 14. The figures show that white people, who make up 59% of the U.K. capital's population, received 444 fines, or 45.6%. Black people, who make up 12% of the population, received 253 fines, or 26%. Asian people, who make up 18% of the population, received 220 fines, or 22.6%, according to the report. PHOTO: A man is led away by police officers at an anti-lockdown demonstration in Hyde Park in London, United Kingdom, on May 16, 2020, following an easing of restrictions in England amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images) During the same time period, police only arrested 36 people for breaking coronavirus restrictions where no other criminality was a factor. However, police made 711 additional arrests where other criminality was the primary reason and, as a result of that criminality, the individuals were also in breach of the lockdown rules. The figures show that white people accounted for 38% of those arrests while black people accounted for 31%. In total, more white people were fined or arrested than other individual ethnic groups. However, when compared with the composition of the resident population, higher proportions of black and minority ethnic groups were issued fines or arrested across London as a whole. "The reasons for this are likely to be complex and reflect a range of factors," the Metropolitan Police Service said in a statement Wednesday, alongside the release of the report. "This includes interactions between the areas subject to significant proactive policing activity targeting crime hot-spots and both the variation in the age-profile and geographical distribution of ethnic groups in London." PHOTO: Demonstrators pause to kneel as they march in protest over the death of George Floyd, June 2, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (Alex Brandon/AP) The police force, which is Britain's largest, noted its officers "have reported that in most interactions once they have explained that an individual or group were in breach they have followed police advice without the need for the use of our enforcement powers." "Our aim has been to protect London, and not to unnecessarily criminalize where we can avoid it," Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Simmons said in a statement Wednesday. "We have seen, overall, good compliance when we have intervened, meaning in most cases the need for issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice or arrest has been unnecessary. I hope Londoners will be reassured as a result of the low volume of COVID-19 related enforcement that we have been using the new powers only when we have absolutely needed to." 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. 7:22 a.m.: Oklahoma State linebacker tests positive after attending protest Oklahoma State University linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga said he has tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a protest in Tulsa. "After attending a protest in Tulsa AND being well protective of myself, I have tested positive for COVID-19," Ogbongbemiga, who will be a senior this fall, wrote on Twitter Tuesday night. "Please, if you are going to protest, take care of yourself and stay safe." After attending a protest in Tulsa AND being well protective of myself, I have tested positive for COVID-19. Please, if you are going to protest, take care of yourself and stay safe. Amen Ogbongbemiga (@closedprayer) June 3, 2020 Mass protests have taken place in every U.S. state following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died on May 25 in Minneapolis shortly after a white police officer was filmed kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes as three other officers stood by. The Minneapolis Police Department has since fired all four officers, and the one seen pinning Floyd down, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. However, protesters are calling for the three other officers to be charged and are decrying the overall treatment of black Americans by police. PHOTO: A man walks along a bridge in central Moscow, Russia, on June 2, 2020. (Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images) The number of people who have taken to the streets in the days since Floyd's death has been in the hundreds of thousands. Although many protesters have worn face masks and some have distributed hand sanitizer, they have been gathering in close proximity, forgoing social distancing guidelines that help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. In an interview published Monday on Politico, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams warned of new clusters of cases of the highly contagious disease as a result of the nationwide protests. "Based on the way the disease spreads," Adams said, "there is every reason to expect that we will see new clusters and potentially new outbreaks moving forward." 6:16 a.m.: Russia reports under 9,000 new cases Russia's coronavirus headquarters said Wednesday it had registered 8,536 new cases of COVID-19 and 178 deaths in the past 24 hours. The country's tally now stands at 432,277 diagnosed cases with 5,215 deaths. Moscow, the capital, is the hardest-hit city in the country, accounting for about half of all infections. PHOTO: People shop for vegetables at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhia in Cox's Bazar District, Bangladesh, on June 2, 2020. (Shafiqur Rahman/AP) The latest daily caseload is down from a peak of 11,656 new infections reported on May 11, during which Russia registered over 10,000 new cases per day over a 12-day period. Since then, the daily number of new infections has hovered around 9,000. Russia has third-highest number of cases in the world, behind Brazil and the United States, according to a count kept by Johns Hopkins University. 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 U.S. and worldwide: Coronavirus map 5:23 a.m.: UN reports 1st coronavirus death of Rohingya refugee A Rohingya refugee who contracted the novel coronavirus in the world's largest refugee camp has died, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. It's the first known coronavirus-related death of a Rohingya refugee. UNHCR and the humanitarian community are deeply saddened to learn of the first death of a Rohingya refugee who tested positive for COVID-19 in the refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. We send our condolences to the family and the wider Rohingya community. UNHCR in Bangladesh (@UNHCR_BGD) June 2, 2020 The UNHCR said the refugee, who was not named, tested positive for COVID-19 in one of the densely-packed camps near Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The sprawling camps and surrounding makeshift settlements are home to nearly 1 million Rohingya refugees who fled ethnic violence and persecution in neighboring Myanmar, where they are a stateless Muslim minority group. PHOTO: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is pictured on May 26, 2020, at Wall Street in New York City. (Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images) Abu Toha M.R. Bhuiyan, chief health coordinator of Bangladesh's Office of the Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, told the Associated Press that the victim was a 71-year-old refugee who died on Sunday in an isolation center set up by the government and aid agencies where he had been admitted with COVID-19 symptoms a week earlier. Samples collected from him tested positive for the virus on Monday. The first known COVID-19 cases in the camps were confirmed last month. One was a Rohingya refugee and the other was a Bangladeshi citizen. Bangladesh currently has more than 52,000 diagnosed cases of the disease with at least 746 deaths, according to a count kept by Johns Hopkins University. 3:45 a.m.: US should have 100 million vaccine doses by end of year, Fauci says The United States should have 100 million doses of one potential vaccine for COVID-19 by the end of the year, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top medical expert on the coronavirus pandemic. "We're going to start manufacturing doses of the vaccines way before we even know that the vaccine works, so that by the end of the year the prediction of the statistical analysis and the projection of cases indicate that we may know whether its effective, efficacious or not by maybe November, December, which means that by that time we hopefully would have close to a 100 million doses," Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a key member of the White House coronavirus task force, said Tuesday during a live video interview with the Journal of the American Medical Association. "And by the beginning of 2021, we hope to have a couple of hundred million doses," he added. "So it isn't as if we're going to make the vaccine show its effective and then have to wait a year to rev up to millions and millions of doses. That's going to be done as we're testing the vaccine." MORE: As nation tries to exhale, coronavirus still carrying infection, death into nursing homes, data show A number of clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine candidates are well underway around the world. The third and final phase of trials testing an experimental vaccine developed by Massachusetts-based biotech firm Moderna will begin in July. A few other vaccine candidates, including one developed by U.K.-based pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, are also showing promise, according to Fauci. ABC News' Courtney Condron, Ben Gittleson, Alina Lobzina, Jordyn Phelps, Ben Siegel, Michelle Stoddart and Christine Theodorou contributed to this report. Over 100,000 new coronavirus cases for 5 days straight, WHO says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com "These survey results show that, despite the benefits of VDI and DaaS, those who have deployed those technologies continue to be challenged with the overall cost, management complexity, and security issues of those technologies. - Mark Bowker, Senior Analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) Cameyo, the Virtual Application Delivery platform provider, today announced the results of a new survey and a report from IT analyst firm Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG), sponsored by Cameyo and other technology vendors, which reveals that, even though 4 out of 10 organizations are using virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or Desktop as a Service (DaaS) products to enable remote work, the top challenges those organizations experience with those products were cost, complexity, and security. The complete report can be downloaded for free here. With the dramatic increase in organizations that have enacted mandatory remote work policies, the demand for remote access to critical applications has skyrocketed, said Mark Bowker, Senior Analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG). Organizations need solutions that can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively while also ensuring security. These survey results show that, despite the benefits of VDI and DaaS, those who have deployed those technologies continue to be challenged with the overall cost, management complexity, and security issues of those technologies. High Demand Before COVID-19, But Not a Long-Term Solution The ESG survey shows that demand for remote work solutions like VDI and DaaS was already high prior to COVID-19. And with conservative estimates stating that 25-30% of workers will never go back to an office setting (and aggressive estimates saying 82% may continue to work remotely), nearly every organization is in search of the right long-term digital workspace solution for remote work. But the report indicates that further adoption of VDI and DaaS for remote work could be hindered if the challenges that existing customers face arent addressed. The ESG survey reveals that organizations currently using VDI and DaaS list cost, complexity, and security as their primary challenges and concerns, making it clear that - in the current pandemic landscape where organizations need to deploy solutions quickly, securely, and cost-effectively - neither VDI or DaaS fits the bill. A New Category of Remote Work Solutions Emerges VDI is pre-cloud technology, and DaaS was the evolution of that legacy technology into a cloud environment. The next evolution of these technologies forms a new category, Virtual Application Delivery, which consists of platforms that were purpose-built for the cloud to enable remote work by delivering digital workspaces for productivity. Virtual Application Delivery platforms like Cameyo are a critical component of these digital workspaces, enable organizations to provide their people with access to all of their business-critical applications from any device, from the browser, without VPNs. This enables organizations to empower all of their employees to be just as productive from home as they would be in the office, all without the high cost, complexity, and security concerns of VDI and DaaS. The benefits of Virtual Application Delivery over VDI and DaaS include: Deploys in Hours, Not Weeks or Months - Especially in todays environment where IT departments need to support remote workers immediately, solutions that can be quickly and reliably deployed are critical. VDI and DaaS deployments often take months to deploy, whereas Virtual Application Delivery platforms can have organizations up and running within hours - like this large energy company that was able to provide their employees with access to their critical applications in just 3 hours. Significantly Reduced Costs - When compared with VDI products like Citrix, Virtual Application Delivery platforms can save organizations up to 75% in upfront infrastructure costs and ongoing licensing fees. In addition, the ESG report reveals several hidden costs of VDI and DaaS that increase the total lifetime cost. For example, the ESG research also revealed that 90% of VDI and DaaS implementations require more than 10 full-time employees (FTEs) to support it on an ongoing basis. Virtual Application Delivery, on the other hand, can be deployed and managed by just one person, with almost no technical skills required. Improved Security Posture - For many organizations, VDI and DaaS entail an entirely new subset of IT infrastructure that has to be licensed, administered and maintained - which is not only expensive and resource-intensive - but it increases your attack surface. Virtual Application Delivery platforms like Cameyo enable you to deliver any Windows or internal web apps to any device, from the browser without the security concerns of patching and managing legacy infrastructure. In addition, Cameyos NoVPN capabilities enable organizations to give remote workers secure access to Windows desktop and Intranet web apps from behind the corporate firewall without the cost and user-experience compromise of VPNs so that people can access business-critical applications from anywhere in the world just as productively as if they were in the office. The complexity, cost, and security concerns around legacy VDI and DaaS products make them untenable for many organizations who are preparing long-term solutions for remote work, said Andrew Miller, Co-Founder and CEO of Cameyo. When it comes to protecting your people while also enabling them to be productive from any device, anywhere - VDI and DaaS are not up to the task, and this survey reveals that the cost, complexity, and security concerns arent worth the risk. Cameyo pioneered the category of built-for-the-cloud Virtual Application Delivery platforms, and enables organizations of any size to provide all of their people - regardless of location - with secure access to their business-critical applications on any device, from the browser. About the Research Methodology and Demographics This research was based on a survey of 354 IT decision makers in the U.S. and Canada, with the survey executed between February 25, 2020 and March 8, 2020 by IT analyst firm Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG). These IT decision makers are from organizations with 250 or more employees, with 33% of respondents at midmarket companies (between 250 and 999 employees) and 67% of respondents at enterprise companies (1,000 or more employees). The complete report can be downloaded for free here. About Cameyo Cameyo is a cloud-native virtual application delivery platform that enables the secure delivery of Windows and internal web applications to any device from the browser without the need for VPNs. By enabling organizations to provide their people with access to the business-critical apps they need to stay productive from anywhere, Cameyo helps make Remote Work, work. Cameyo enables organizations to provide their people with seamless access to their Windows and internal web apps on any device, from any HTML5 browser, to optimize productivity. Hundreds of enterprises and organizations utilize Cameyos virtual application delivery platform to deliver Windows applications to hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. To learn more, visit cameyo.com. Media Contact: Robb Henshaw CMO at Cameyo robb@cameyo.com Silver prices have gained a meager 1.2%, so far this year, due to the coronavirus-induced crisis. Silver, like gold, is considered a safe-haven asset in times of uncertainty. While gold has clocked a 13.8% year-to-date return, riding on the U.S-Iran tensions, the coronavirus pandemic, strained U.S.-China relations, and the ongoing civil unrest in the Unites States, silver has grossly underperformed the bullion. This is mainly because industrial applications account for roughly 60% of the global silver consumption and the slowdown in industrial activity amid the pandemic has dealt a massive blow to the white metal. U.S Manufacturing Activity Inches Up in May A Silver Lining Per the Federal Reserve, industrial production declined 11.2% in April in the United States marking the sharpest drop in the indexs 101-year history as several factories had to slowdown or suspend operations due to the coronavirus pandemic. Manufacturing output for the month fell 13.7%, the steepest decline on record. Further, the Institute for Supply Managements Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) came in at 41.5% for April hitting the lowest level since April 2009. On a positive note, the PMI in May inched up to come in at 43.1%, as businesses are resuming operations in most states. Although the reading remains below 50 (which denotes contraction), the sequential improvement offers a ray of hope. Considering that the manufacturing sector accounts for 11% of the U.S. economy, a pick up in the sector raises hope that the economy is beginning to heal. Meanwhile Chinas industrial production showed a 3.9% year-over-year improvement in April compared with the 1.1% decline suffered in March. This was the first growth in industrial output since December 2019, when the coronavirus hit the country. Silver plays a vital role in the production of solar cells that produce electricity. China is the largest photovoltaic (PV) silver market globally. China is also the world's largest auto market. With more than 36 million ounces of silver utilized annually in motor vehicles, a pick-up in manufacturing activity will translate to silver demand. Miners Resuming Operations Mexico, which is the worlds largest silver producer, churns out nearly 23% of world production of the white metal. About 80% of Mexicos mining sector has now restarted, as the country continues to ease restrictions on miners. Peru, which comes second, is also allowing miners to resume production. The Silver Institute anticipates global silver mine production to decline 4.6% in 2020 mainly on the disruption of operations and mine closures amid the pandemic in the beginning of the year. Overall demand is expected to decline 3%, as strong investment demand, which is expected to grow 16% on macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, will likely be offset by the weak industrial demand witnessed so far. The Institute expects silver prices to attain the $19 level by the end of this year. However, the full-year average price is projected at $15.70, indicating a 3% year-over-year drop. The concerns over the riots in the United States, rising animosity between the United States and China over Hong Kong, as well as the coronavirus showing no signs of abetting any time soon, it will continue to fuel the safe-haven demand for gold and silver. Global efforts to restart and revive economies following the coronavirus pandemic-induced lockdowns are anticipated to boost silver demand, leading to a rebound in silver prices. Demand from the electrical and electronics sector should account for the bulk of gains. Silver utilization in the automotive industry is likely to register impressive growth aided by vehicles rising sophistication and electrification. Silver use in 5G-infrastructure and upcoming intelligent electronics is also likely to fuel demand. The ongoing revolution in green technologies, aided by the exponential growth of new energy vehicles and investment in solar photovoltaic energy, will act as a major catalyst. Industry Performance & Rank In tandem with lower prices, the Mining - Silver industry declined 10.2% year to date, while the S&P 500 depreciated 4.4%. The industry falls under the broader Basic Material sector, which slid 10.2%. Story continues The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #132, which places it at the bottom 48% of more than 250 Zacks industries. The group's Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates gloomy prospects for the near term. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperforms the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. Investors keen on the industry may consider Pan American Silver Corp. PAAS and Alexco Resource Corp AXU, which currently carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Vancouver, Canada-based Pan American Silver Corp has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 2.4%. The company has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 32.2%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2020 earnings for Alexco Resource, which is also based in Vancouver, indicates a year-over-year surge of 166.7%. The estimate has also moved up from an expectation of a loss of 5 cents to earnings of 4 cents per share, over the past 60 days. Investors might consider keeping an eye on stocks like Endeavour Silver Corporation EXK and Hecla Mining Company HL. Both these companies carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), at present, and have positive earnings estimates for 2020. Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2020? Last year's 2019 Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolio returned gains as high as +102.7%. Now a brand-new portfolio has been handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Dont miss your chance to get in on these long-term buys. Access Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 today >> 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 Hecla Mining Company (HL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Alexco Resource Corp (AXU) : Free Stock Analysis Report Endeavour Silver Corporation (EXK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Pan American Silver Corp. (PAAS) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Portable social security number on the cards for migrant workers India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 03: The Parliament's Labour Committee which meets on June 5, will discuss a portable social security number for migrant workers and other employees in the unorganised sector. The committee will also urge the government to provide a larger social security net that would help those who are in the unorganised sector tide over the terrible crisis that they are in currently. The unique social security number would be linked to the Aadhaar unique identification number. Mann Ki Baat: Modi acknowledges suffering of poor, migrants and labourers Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall near Mumbai, coastal Maharashtra on red alert | Oneindia News This would help automatically identify the workers in the unorganised sector and help the government roll out doles or welfare schemes for them in a more organised way. At least 50 amendments to the Occupational Safety Health and Working Conditions Code of 2019 are likely to be proposed by the House panel. The code would register every worker in the unorganised sector, who is of at least 16 years of age. The bill would also aim to ensure that every eligible person under the sub-section shall be registered by such registering authority by assigning a distinguishable number to his or her application by linking the application to the Aadhar number. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment They did this for no reason. Its not going to bring George back here. George is in a better place than we are. Last night, Im going to be honest, I wished I was where George was. ... These people are tearing up our livelihood. This is how Stephanie Wilford, a disabled African American woman who lives in south Minneapolis, responded to the recent destruction in her community. She obviously had nothing to do with the tragic death of George Floyd, but she has become a victim of those who are perpetrating violence in response to it. A woman threw a Molotov cocktail into an NYPD car with four police officers inside Saturday. The bottle shattered two of the vehicles windows, but the gas inside did not ignite because toilet paper was used instead of a rag. At least 60 Secret Service officers and special agents sustained multiple injuries in three days of violent clashes near the White House. The Lincoln Memorial and National Mall World War II Memorial are among the sites defaced with graffiti. Four police officers were shot early this morning in St. Louis and were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The ongoing violence has forced store closings around the country. In response, President Trump said late yesterday that he is taking immediate action to mobilize all available federal resources to stop looting and riots across the country. The people are left with NO CHOICE David French recently quoted New York Times author Michelle Goldberg, who noted that 2020 started off like 1974 (an impeachment crisis), quickly became 1918 (a pandemic), turned into 1929 (an economic crash), and is now 1968 (massive urban unrest). We could add 1992 and the images of Los Angeles burning after four police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King. According to U.S. historian John Baick, Whats fundamentally common for all of these things in our history is a lack of agreement of what reality isa lack of agreement about facts, about causes. When we cant agree on basic truth, we reach our greatest periods of divide. Heres the reality upon which many are not agreeing today: violence is the wrong response to violence. Rapper Cardi B tweeted: They looting in Minnesota and as much as I dont like this type of violence it is what it is. Too much peaceful marches, too much trending hashtags and NO SOLUTIONS! The people are left with NO CHOICE. Slate columnist Steven W. Thrasher claimed: Property destruction for social change is as American as the Boston Tea Party and the Stonewall Riots. (I plan to discuss the Boston Tea Party analogy in tomorrows Daily Article.) By contrast, Atlantas African American mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, denounced vandalism in her city: 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 added: If you want change in America, go and register to vote. That is the change we need in this country. Which view more accurately reflects reality? Does violence effect positive change? Dr. King: Let me say as Ive always said, and I will always continue to say, that riots are socially destructive and self-defeating. Im still convinced that nonviolence is the most potent weapon available to oppressed people in their struggle for freedom and justice. I feel that violence will only create more social problems than [it] will solve. Omar Wasow is a professor of politics at Princeton who studies protest movements and their effects on politics and elections. In a recent New Yorker interview, he cited a lot of evidence that nonviolent tactics can be effective in garnering support and sympathy for a cause. However, when a protest movement turns violent, this ends up undermining the interests of the advocates by shifting public sympathy from their cause to their victims. Were already seeing this shift. Americans were overwhelmingly united in collective outrage over George Floyds death. Many welcomed peaceful demonstrations calling for change. But the narrative is now less about such a movement and more about lawless violence that dishonors his name. In the words of George Floyds brother, If his own family and blood are trying to deal with it and be positive with it, and go another route to seek justice, then why are you out here tearing up your community? Courteney Ross, George Floyds girlfriend of three years, said, Waking up this morning to see Minneapolis on fire would be something that would devastate Floyd. She wants everyone who took to the streets to know that I understand their frustration. . . . I want people to protest in a peaceful way. Two mutually dependent life principles This week, were exploring Jesus teachings in the context of this crisis. What did our Lord teach about responding to violence? Consider two principles, each of which depends on the other. One: Refuse to return violence for violence. When Peter attacked the servant of the high priest in defending Jesus, our Lord told him, Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword (Matthew 26:52). He wanted us to break the cycle of vengeance, not perpetuate it. Two: Seek justice. Jesus described a woman who continued to seek justice against my adversary from the court (Luke 18:3). The Bible affirms our responsibility for self-defense (cf. Exodus 22:23; Proverbs 25:26; Psalm 144:1). When the proper authority prosecutes crime, it carries out Gods wrath on the wrongdoer (Romans 13:4). Just as it is illogical to blame all police officers for the actions of some, it is illogical to blame peaceful protesters for the violence of some. But it is also illogical to honor the memory of one victim by victimizing others. Conversely, it is logical to treat others as we wish to be treated. Just as people tend to return violence for violence and hate for hate, they tend to return grace for grace and love for love. Whats more, this ethic is the command of our Lord (Matthew 7:12) for all people, at all times, in all places. Including you and me today. This piece was originally published at the Denison Forum Make sure to create space for your child to feel however they need to feel about what youre discussing they may be angry, sad or scared. When were not validated in how we feel, it makes it difficult for us to be active participants in our lives, Dr. Harris-Smith said. Dr. Collins suggested that parents can let their children know, The important adults in her life are working really hard to make sure these injustices dont continue to happen in our city, country and world. Respect your childrens feelings if talking about it is too upsetting, but make sure to leave the door open for future conversations, she continued. In addition to keeping an open dialogue about racism, a way to raise children who are anti-racist is by making sure your home library has books with black people at the center of their stories. Christine Taylor-Butler, the prolific childrens author and writer of The Lost Tribes Series, said that she got into childrens literature because she wanted to see more stories of black joy. I want stories about kids in a pumpkin patch, and kids in an art museum, she said. Not only do we want our kids to read, but we want white kids to see were not the people youre afraid of. I see students clamoring for books that speak to heart, not oppression based on civil rights, Taylor-Butler added. And she is also a fan of books that tell stories of black triumph and invention, like Whoosh! Lonnie Johnsons Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions, by Chris Barton and illustrated by Don Tate, which is about the black engineer behind the Super Soaker water gun. With that in mind, I asked several authors and Times editors to offer suggestions of books to read to children. Some are explicitly about racism, but others are stories with nonwhite protagonists. They are broken down roughly by age range; see our full list here. Email us with a list of your favorites and we will run an article with your suggestions. Ultimately, words and books should not be the end of your childs education about race and racism. The best advice I can give parents is to be models for the attitudes, behavior and values that they wish to see in their children, said Nia Heard-Garris, M.D., an attending physician at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago. It is not enough to talk about racism, you must strive to be anti-racist and fight against racist policies and practices," Dr. Heard-Garris said. If you have the privilege, make space, speak up or amplify issues of inequity and injustice. Children see everything. Click here to read the full list of books. P.S. Click here to read all NYT Parenting coverage on coronavirus. Follow us on Instagram @NYTParenting. Join us on Facebook. Find us on Twitter for the latest updates. Read last weeks newsletter, about when couples diverge on coronavirus risks. LA JOLLA, Calif., June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Palomar Holdings, Inc. (PLMR) (Palomar or Company) today announced that Mac Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, and Chris Uchida, Chief Financial Officer, are scheduled to present at the William Blair Annual Growth Stock Conference held virtually on June 10, 2020 at 4 p.m. (Central Time). Interested investors and other parties can access a live webcast of the presentation by visiting the Investors section of Palomars website at http://ir.palomarspecialty.com/ . An online replay will be available on the same website following the presentation. About Palomar Holdings, Inc. Palomar Holdings, Inc. is the ultimate parent and insurance holding company of its operating subsidiaries, Palomar Specialty Insurance Company and Palomar Specialty Reinsurance Company Bermuda Ltd. Palomar is an innovative insurer that focuses on the provision of specialty property insurance for residential and commercial clients. Palomars underwriting and analytical acumen allow it to concentrate on certain markets that it believes are underserved by other insurance companies, such as the markets for earthquake, wind and flood insurance. Based in La Jolla, California, the company is an admitted carrier in 29 states. Palomar Specialty Insurance Company has an A.M. Best financial strength rating of A- (Excellent). To learn more about us, visit www.palomarspecialty.com. Investor Relations 1-619-771-1743 investors@palomarspecialty.com Source: Palomar Holdings, Inc Shares in Luks (vietnam Holdings) (HKG:366) are currently trading at 1.22 but a key question for investors is how the economic uncertainty caused by Coronavirus will affect the price. One way of making that assessment is to examine where its strengths lie... Luks (vietnam Holdings) is a player in the Construction Materials sector and its share price has moved by -19.9% over the past three months. In volatile markets, many investors are keen to buy what they think are cheap stocks - but it's essential to recognise the difference between a genuine bargain and a value trap. Often, the quality of the stock makes all the difference. The good news is that Luks (vietnam Holdings) scores well against some important financial and technical measures. In particular, it has strong exposure to two influential drivers of investment returns: high quality and a relatively cheap valuation. To understand why that matters, here's a closer look: GET MORE DATA-DRIVEN INSIGHTS INTO HKG:366 Buying quality at a fair price Good quality stocks are loved by the market because they're more likely to be solid, dependable businesses. Profitability is important, but so is the firm's financial strength. A track record of improving finances is essential. One of the stand out quality metrics for Luks (vietnam Holdings) is that it passes 7 of the 9 financial tests in the Piotroski F-Score. The F-Score is a world-class accounting-based checklist for finding stocks with an improving financial health trend. A good F-Score suggests that the company has strong signs of quality. While quality is important, no-one wants to overpay for a stock, so an appealing valuation is vital too. With a weaker economy, earnings forecasts are unclear right across the market. But there are some valuation measures that can help, and one of them is the Earnings Yield. Earnings Yield compares a company's profit with its market valuation (worked out by dividing its operating profit by its enterprise value). It gives you a total value of the stock (including its cash and debt), which makes it easier to compare different stocks. As a percentage, the higher the Earnings Yield, the better value the share. Story continues A rule of thumb for a reasonable Earnings Yield might be 5%, and the Earnings Yield for Luks (vietnam Holdings) is currently 71.4%. In summary, good quality and relatively cheap valuations are pointers to those stocks that are some of the most appealing to contrarian value investors. It's among these shares that genuine mis-pricing can be found. Once the market recognises that these quality firms are on sale, those prices often rebound. Find the strongest shares in the stock market Finding good quality stocks at attractive prices is a strategy used by some of the world's most successful investors. If you want to find more shares that meet these rules, you can see a comprehensive list on Stockopedia's StockRanks page. Poroshenko is to be questioned at 11:00 Kyiv time on June 10. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has again summoned former Ukrainian President and leader of the European Solidarity parliamentary faction Petro Poroshenko for questioning in the case of wiretapping international phone talks. Read alsoFollowing leak of "Derkach tapes", Kolomoisky asks chief prosecutor to probe former president, ex-central bank chief Poroshenko is to be questioned at 11:00 Kyiv time on June 10, according to the SBI's press service. As UNIAN reported earlier, the SBI on May 27 summoned Poroshenko for questioning in two cases scheduled for May 29, namely into the circumstances of the transfer of 43 famous paintings across the customs border of Ukraine in circumvention of customs control. The second case is probing into the possible illegal use of special technical equipment to obtain information that could cause substantial harm to state interests. The latter case concerns Poroshenko's phone talks with the then U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. Samsung is close to launching a limited-edition collaboration with Korean Pop band BTS featuring the Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy Buds+ in Mirror Purple. Tipster Max Weinbach shared images of both products which suggest they are coming as early as next month on July 9. This is the BTS phone, if you hadn't seen it yet. pic.twitter.com/IKSWETUp7g Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) June 3, 2020 A separate teaser post from Samsung suggests the limited edition S20+ will be on pre-order between June 19 and July 5. Pricing and availability remain shrouded in mystery but according to rumors, both products will see daylight in Europe (France was specifically mentioned). Its also safe to assume they will be available in South Korea as well. Longford novelist and playwright Belinda McKeon is celebrating this week following the news that she is to receive a 20,000 bursary as part of the Markievicz Awards. Belinda was announced as one of the five 2020 recipients of the Markievicz Awards by Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD. It is the second year of this bursary scheme for artists and writers, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the appointment of the first female cabinet minister, Constance de Markievicz, in 1919. Belinda received her bursary for theatre, while the four other recipients were Amanda Coogan (visual arts), Cal Folger Day (music), Julie Merriman (visual arts) and Joanna Walsh (literature). Belindas most recent play, Nora, was staged by The Corn Exchange as part of Dublin Theatre Festival 2017. Her novels, Solace (2011) and Tender (2015) were both Irish bestsellers. She lives in New York and teaches at Rutgers University. With the Markievicz Award, she will work on a site-specific play about the friendship between Constance Markievicz and Jennie Wyse Power, proprietor of a Dublin food store called Irish Farm Produce. Minister Madigan remarked, The awards take on a particular significance this year in the midst of a time of great challenge for the Arts Community and Irish society. The Covid-19 public health emergency is likely to prove a defining moment in the history of this nation, and women are to the fore in meeting the many challenges posed as clinicians, cleaners, nurses, and healthcare managers, and those working in our food stores and other vital services that support our people day in day out. The bursaries are intended to improve the representation over time of the roles, experiences and ambition of women through new work in a wide variety of art forms in tandem with this enhanced representation of women, the awards also connect to the theme of representation by women in public and political life. Minister Madigan pointed out, Only 129 women have been elected to the Dail since de Markievicz achieved that milestone in 1918 and just 19 of us have been appointed to cabinet over the last 100 years. At the most recent general election there was a woman candidate in all 41 constituencies for the first time ever, but there is great disappointment that women did not significantly increase their representation in the Dail in February. She added, However, I take heart from the fact that 29 of the 36 women now in the Dail have been elected since 2016, myself included - we 36 represent a very strong foundation for building increased female representation in future elections to ultimately realise a truly representative national parliament." Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters PARISThe crowd that gathered in front of the citys main courthouse demanded justice for a black man whod died at the hands of the police. They chanted, We Cant Breathe and brandished signs and scrawled graffiti slogans from the Black Lives Matter movement. The police used tear gas to disperse the largely peaceful protesters, and then small groups of troublemakers broke off to smash windows, bust up ATMs, and burn trash bins. Politicians and commentators took to the airwaves the next morning to trade accusations about who was at fault for the violence. It was a scene straight out of the United States right now, except that it happened in Paris, and the 20,000 people who gathered here Tuesday were commemorating not only George Floyd, but Frances own victim of police violence: Adama Traore, a 24-year-old construction worker, died in a police station after being arrested in 2016. My little brothers last words were I cant breathe, his sister Assa Traore told the crowd through a megaphone. They could have taken him to a hospital. They could have tried to save him. They didnt. They killed my little brother. Crowds have gathered in London, Berlin and Amsterdam these past days to protest Floyds death at the hands, or to be more precise, the knee, of a Minneapolis policeman on May 25. But while Tuesday nights turnout in Paris certainly was amplified by events across the Atlantic, it was also a stark reminder that France has its own issues of racism and police violence. What America Can Learn From Europes Black Blocs Watching events unfold in the U.S. brings a certain sense of deja vu to anyone in France. The same dormant grievances. The same spark setting off nationwide protests. The same largely peaceful gatherings of people that turn violent. The same disagreement over whether agitators or police are to blame for the degeneration. The same vandals who take advantage to destroy property and go home with the latest flat screen TV. Story continues It happened in 2018, when protests by the so-called Gilets Jaunes, or Yellow Vests, brought much of France to a standstill and led to historic monuments being trashed in central Paris amid accusations of police violence. It happened in 2005 when French ghettos burned for three weeks after two boys died trying to escape a police ID check. To a lesser degree, its happened with labor protests in the years in between, including last years against raising the retirement age. Police violence and racism have been the subject of many French films, including Les Miserables, last years candidate for best foreign film at the Oscars. The French government has been quick to try to dispel any thought that Frances situation is anything like that of the United States. Sibeth Ndiaye, the governments spokesperson, said Tuesday that events in France and America arent comparable and insisted theres no institutionalized state violence in France. Many French would disagree. Indeed, resentment of the police may well be much more widespread, and among more varied parts of the population, than in the United States. France doesnt break out statistics by race, and the police dont publish detailed statistics about their activities, making comparisons with the U.S. difficult. The lack of transparency is one reason journalist David Dufresne became known nationwide during the Gilets Jaunes protests for using his @davduf Twitter account to publish accusations of police violence. The numerous testimonies he received led to a book. The percentage of French who expressed confidence in the police dropped 8 points to 66 percent in this years annual poll by an institute linked to the Sciences Po university in Paris. Thats way below the level in Britain and Germany. Chloe Morin, a researcher with the Jean-Jaures Foundation, said one result of the Gilets Jaunes protests is that dislike of the police, which used to be largely limited to visible minorities, is now shared by wide swaths of white France. In the U.S., the bad relations are specific to certain places and certain populations, she told The Daily Beast. In France, between the Gilets Jaunes, the ghettos, and now last years pension protests, you have three groups who feel humiliated by the police. The Gilets Jaunes were largely white and rural. They initially blocked roundabouts across France to protest new taxes on gasoline, in their view imposed by an ecologically obsessed government that didnt understand that outside of Paris people actually have to drive. The protests spread across the country and turned violent when they were joined by groups unhappy with everything from purchasing power to President Emmanuel Macrons haughty style. Self-declared antifa and anarchist elements also joined in. The momentum of the movement only trailed off when Macron rolled back the gas tax and threw lots of money at various other grievances, and the pandemic lockdown seemed to put an definitive end to it. (The public health emergency was the reason police gave on Tuesday for breaking up the demonstration.) There was also an anti-immigrant element to some Gilets Jaunes, which explains why much of black and Arab France sat out the protests. Frances so-called banlieues, immigrant-heavy suburbs and exurbs, have been largely calm since the 2005 riots, which led to then President Jacques Chirac declaring a state of emergency for the first time since the Algerian War. The cynical explanations about why the banlieues havent exploded again, even though the job situation and relations with the police have not improved, is that the drug dealers and Islamist ideologues who often hold sway dont want any trouble. Frances extensive social net has certainly helped as well. It hasnt been for lack of incidents. Traore died in a police station after being tackled when he fled a police identity check. The police had come to arrest his brother, but Adama ran because he apparently didnt have his papers on him. Four years later, conflicting medical reports still havent settled whether he died from the way he was treated by police or because of an underlying heart condition. These images of Floyd horrified us, but what we denounce with such vehemence in the U.S. happens here in France, even worse, Adamas sister Assa said on BFMTV Tuesday. In the U.S., the police were fired, here they received medals. 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. Protests are continuing across the country following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, and in an effort to continue the dialogue around issues like police brutality and racism, NBC News NOW and NBCBLK are presenting Can You Hear Us Now?, a virtual discussion. Airing now, the special is hosted by MSNBC correspondent and host of the NBC News podcast, Into America, Trymaine Lee. With the help of guests such as Wisconsin Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes and actor Don Cheadle, Lee is moderating discussions on race, what being black in America means today, the experiences that shape and fuel the pain and anguish playing out in protests across the country and how America can help heal the divide. Additional Can You Hear Us Now? guests include the co-Founder of Campaign Zero, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, and New York Times journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones. George Floyd's Brother Terrence Speaks Out You can watch the virtual discussion here with E! in the above livestream, or by tuning in to NBC News NOW, NBCNews.com, NBC LX (NBC/Telemundo owned stations' new network) on broadcast, cable and OTT, Peacock and on NBC News' Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels on Tuesday, June 2 at 8 p.m. ET. For LX's TV and cable listings, click here. Be sure to also follow along with the hashtag #CanYouHearUsNow. "E! stands in solidarity with the black community against systemic racism and oppression experienced every day in America," the network said in a statement on May 31. "We owe it to our black staff, talent, production partners and viewers to demand change and accountability. To be silent is to be complicit. #BlackLivesMatter." (E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.) The creation of a free economic zone at the Baikonur spaceport could make a significant contribution to the economy of Kazakhstan and Russia, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said. "Our cooperation in the space sector and joint development of the city of Baikonur is a clear example of multifaceted cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia. The intergovernmental commission is considering such issues as vital activities and the effective development of the spaceport. Priority is given to the creation of civil spacecraft used in communications, television, and scientific research," Tokayev said in an interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper. The president noted that Kazakhstan and Russia cooperate on Gagarins Start project. "Investors from Kazakhstan, Russia and the United Arab Emirates plan to invest funds in modernizing this historic launchpad, from which the first human spaceflight was carried out. The goal of a joint project Baiterek is to create a rocket and space complex for launching environmentally friendly rockets instead of the Proton rocket that uses toxic fuel. "I want to highlight the initiative of Kazakhstan on creating the Baikonur free economic zone, which could make a significant contribution to developing the economies of two countries," Tokayev said in an interview published on Wednesday. In October, the Baikonur spaceport will host the celebrations of its 65th anniversary. "I believe that our countries should mark this significant data at a decent level because Baikonur is the achievement of the entire mankind and its historic role in global cosmonautics is unquestionable," TASS cited him as saying. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 19:45:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DUBLIN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Europe's largest budget airline Ryanair said on Wednesday that its passenger numbers in May went down by 99.5 percent to a meager 70,000 compared with 14.1 million passengers it carried in the same month of last year. In May, Ryanair operated only 701 flights, including a number of flights conducted for rescue and medical purposes, according to a statement issued by the airline. Ryanair expects minimal traffic in June, the statement noted. Ryanair's business went normal until March when more and more European countries imposed flight bans and restrictions to curb the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak in the region. In February, Ryanair handled 10.5 million passengers, up 9 percent over a year ago. By March, however, the figure was almost halved to 5.7 million, In April, the airline's passenger numbers further shrank to a meager 40,000, a 99.6 percent drop when compared with a year ago. Ryanair has decided to resume 40 percent of its flights starting from July 1. The airline predicts that its passenger numbers for the current fiscal year which will end on March 31, 2021 will be less than 100 million, 35 percent short of its originally planned target of 155 million. Due to its shrinking business, Ryanair has announced to lay off 3,000 employees and cut its employees' pay by 20 percent. Earlier last month the company announced that it had laid off over 250 people working at its bases in Ireland, Britain, Spain and Poland. Headquartered in Ireland, Ryanair boasts a workforce of around 19,000 people. The airline mainly operates flight services in Europe and parts of North Africa. Enditem KITCHENER Three males are facing charges after a string of robberies at cellphone stores in Waterloo Region and the Greater Toronto Area. One of the robberies happened in Kitchener on May 12 at the Freedom Mobile store on Highland Road West and Westmount Road. Three males walked into the store with a knife and demanded merchandise before fleeing in a waiting vehicle. No one was physically injured. As part of a larger investigation involving Peel Regional Police, Hamilton police and police in Waterloo Region, three male suspects were identified as being responsible for the robberies. On May 13, Peel police arrested three males after a robbery in York Region one of the males is a 15-year-old from Cambridge. Two suspects from Brampton, 17 and 18, were also arrested. The three are in custody in York Region and will be brought to Waterloo Region to answer to the following charges: robbery, disguise with intent and weapons dangerous. Read more about: The mega Rs 53,125 crore rights issue of billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) was subscribed 1.59 times on the final day of the offer, cumulating to an overall commitment of over Rs 84,000 crore. The RIL right issue - the largest such offering by a non-financial company in the world in the past 10 years - received overwhelming response from investors, including from lakhs of small investors and thousands of institutional investors, both Indian and foreign. The public portion of the rights issue was subscribed 1.22 times. RIL has offered existing shareholders equity shares in the ratio of 1:15, that is, one new share for 15 held at a discounted price of Rs 1,257. Subscribers have to pay 25 per cent on application and the rest in one or more tranches. The total amount payable per rights equity share on application was Rs 314.25 - face value of Rs 2.50 and a premium of Rs 311.75. The oil-to-telecom conglomerate said that the allotment of equity shares will happen on or about June 10, 2020. The rights shares are expected to be listed on the BSE and NSE on or around June 12 2020 under separate ISIN (International Securities Identification Number). Commenting on the success of the rights issue, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, said, "I express my sincere thanks to our dear and esteemed shareholders for participating in this Rights Issue and making it a new and proud landmark in the history of India's capital market." Also Read: RIL to use 75% of Rs 53,000 crore rights issue to repay debt "The success of RIL's rights issue, seen in the context of the prolonged nationwide lockdown necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is also a vote of confidence, by both domestic investors, foreign investors and small retail shareholders, in the intrinsic strength of the Indian economy. I have no doubt that the Indian economy will bounce back to follow a high-growth trajectory in the time to come, and make India a leading Digital Nation in the World," Ambani added. The company had launched a highly innovative campaign to create awareness about the rights issue, using broad-based and multiple means of communication. Reliance Industries Rights Entitlement (RE) was actively traded reflecting broad-based interest in the rights issue, it said. RIL RE share price is calculated from the difference between the last closing price of Reliance Industries at Rs 1,542.45 per share and the company's rights issue price of Rs 1,257. RIL shares closed Wednesday's trade at Rs 1,542.45, up 0.41 per cent against its previous close on the Bombay Stock Exchange, while the benchmark Sensex ended 0.84 per cent higher at 34,109. Also Read: Reliance Industries' Rs 53,125 crore rights issue: Which investment banker is doing what? This is the first instance of RE's being traded in demat form on the stock exchanges since SEBI introduced this platform and it was a resounding success. A unique feature of RIL's rights issue was that, despite its record-setting magnitude, it was completed entirely on a digital platform, defying the formidable constraints imposed by the COVID-induced lockdown. RIL intends to use three-fourth of proceeds from the rights issue for repaying some of its borrowings, as per the offer document filed with exchanges. Of Rs 53,036.13 crore from the rights issue, Rs 39,755.08 crore would go towards repayment/ prepayment of all or a portion of certain borrowings availed by company. The remaining Rs 13,281.05 crore would be used for general corporate purposes. Apart from the rights issue, RIL has raised a total of 78,562 crore by selling minority stakes in its digital arm to Facebook as well as private equity firms such as General Atlantic, Vista Equity, Silver Lake, and KKR. The country's most valued firm is likely to achieve its target of becoming a zero net debt company by March 2021 by repaying all its liabilities. RIL's net debt stood at Rs 1.53 lakh crore as of 31 December. (TNS) Sonoma County, Calif., education officials are drawing up plans to reopen school campuses in some fashion this August, even as many educators remain skeptical that classes will resume as normal while districts struggle with safety and budget challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Steve Herrington will convene a meeting of education leaders and county health officer Dr. Sundari Mase on Wednesday to help finalize guidelines officials can use to craft reopening plans for the countys 40 school districts.Options are likely to include a continuation of distance learning, alternating schedules on campus, independent study and a traditional school day. All include daily temperature checks, facial coverings and 6 feet of social distance. Each district has to create their model based on their own reality and resources, Herrington said.Sonoma County schools have been shuttered since mid-March, moving 70,000 K-12 students and their teachers into distance-learning programs that relied heavily on both in-home technology and parent participation while eliminating traditional grading protocols for most schools and students.Acknowledging both the shortcomings in online lessons as well as equity issues for families with less access to technology and daytime child care, education officials are working to reopen schools while following evolving health and safety guidelines from state and county officials.Herrington expects to present an updated roadmap to the countys 40 superintendents on Friday following the meeting with Mase. Five district superintendents from Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Cloverdale, Guerneville and Twin Hills will participate in Wednesdays meeting.This is my fourth version of this in the last three weeks, Herrington said. What we work out today can be changed tomorrow by the state.Santa Rosa City Schools Superintendent Diann Kitamura expressed doubt that Sonoma Countys largest school district with 16,000 students and 1,600 employees would reopen any campuses in August, given the cuts in state funding and list of expensive health and safety requirements that must be met to resume in-person classes.With everything that I know at this point in time, it is questionable to me whether or not students would be back on the 13th (of August), Kitamura said. I have to maintain a safe environment for kids and staff, period. In order to do that there are a lot of things that have to happen between now and August 13th.On Wednesday the Santa Rosa School Board is hosting a special meeting with the Santa Rosa Teachers Association, California School Employees Association and elected officials to highlight the financial challenges of dealing with the coronavirus.The biggest question superintendents have is we need to implement all these mitigations in order to open, but how do we implement them when we are being cut? Kitamura said.State schools chief Tony Thurmond has estimated that districts will need to increase spending by as much as 30 percent to create a safe schedule and environment for students and staff. At the same time, Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed slashing K-12 and community college funding by $13.5 billion in the face of the states $54 billion deficit. The May budget revise includes using about $5.5 billion in federal coronavirus assistance funds to address the massive cuts. But the rest of the shortfall could require deep cuts at a time when school districts will be asked to offer school in a format that will very likely cause a spike in spending.That is where the uncertainty is coming from, said Guerneville schools Superintendent Dana Pedersen, a member of the committee meeting with Herrington and Mase Wednesday. We can come up with all kinds of scenarios and models but my understanding to date is that there has been no commitment for funding.The issue is expected to further highlight inequities in both health care and the school system.In the latest figures released by county public health officials, 95 percent of youth under 18 who have tested positive for coronavirus are Latino even though Latinos make up only 32 percent of that age group countywide. Demographic differences in the spread of the virus could require some schools, even those within the same district, to craft reopening plans customized for their student population and needs, Kitamura said.It could look different, she said. People may not want to hear that, but that is the reality.For Pedersen, the closure of schools has put acute pressure on families in her district.Seventy-five percent (of students) are already living in some form of poverty, she said. Our parents need to get back to work. Thats an entire challenge unto itself.Part of the issue is that schools are not simply 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. classrooms as in eras past. For many schools and districts, schools are a place for child care before and after school, breakfast and lunch programs and community resource centers.The county plan being discussed with Mase on Wednesday is meant to be a set of rules and health guidelines from which district leaders can craft more individualized plans going forward, Herrington said. What may work for smaller, rural districts might not work for the larger districts like Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Windsor and Cotati-Rohnert Park.Santa Rosa City Schools has a 200-person committee with staff, teachers, parents and students working in groups to craft a roadmap to reopen. The goal is to have a plan to present to the board of trustees on July 8.Will Lyon, president of the SRTA, said the potential for cross-contamination on campuses will be high even if districts move to half days, block schedules, or even cohort student groups.When you are actually in a school setting, its the exact opposite of social distancing, he said. What number of students can you put in a classroom and maintain social distancing? Because they are children, that number might be zero.People think just give the kids masks and wipe everything down when they leave. Its 10 times more complicated than that, Lyon said.For Cloverdale Superintendent Jeremy Decker, grappling with an ever-changing list of unknowns is difficult both on district staff and students and their families.I know that parents have to be frustrated. Im frustrated, he said. Parents need to know What days are my kids going to school and what are the hours?Add to that deep budget cuts and added expenses and kids school experience will look different come August.We are completely shortchanging kids with a 10 percent reduction, he saidThis is a heavy lift for school districts, Decker said. We are resourceful. We always figure out a way, but its going to tough on kids. Mai Son has the largest longan farming area in Son La Province with more than 2,500 ha generating an estimated yield of 14,650 tonnes. Thanks to technology transfer and safe farming processes, the district has 95 ha of longan granted with certificates of Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP). In particular, 56 ha in seven local longan growing regions in Mai Son have been granted certificates for export. This year, the total production of longan meeting export standards is estimated at 5,200 tonnes. This year, it is expected that Mai Son will export about 2,600 tonnes of its longan to the US, China, Cambodia, and Japan, as well as new markets including the UAE, the Republic of Korea, France, Poland and Malaysia. Local authorities have instructed farmers to apply technical advances, while strictly carrying out the production process following VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards to meet food safety and hygienic requirements. Son La functional agencies have also strengthened supervision and management of codes offered to its export planting areas, while also promoting trade promotion, advertising and product consumption activities to ensure the export targets. Q. I would like to begin converting my 401(k) into a Roth IRA. Do I have to have earned income to do so? I retired in 2014. Trying to reduce future taxation A. Its a good time for many to convert their retirement funds to a Roth IRA. But converting a traditional 401(k) to a Roth IRA is a two-step process. First, you roll over the funds to a traditional IRA; then, you convert that IRA into a Roth IRA, said Laurie Wolfe, a certified financial planner and certified public accountant with Lassus Wherley, a subsidiary of Peapack-Gladstone Bank, in New Providence. She recommends you consult with your financial advisor who is aware of your total financial picture before making this decision. Thats because the decision has several ramifications, and you dont want to do the conversion in error. Wolfe said Roth IRAs have the benefit of growing on a tax-deferred basis and withdrawals are tax-free, if all criteria are met. You do not have to earn income to convert to a Roth IRA, but there are a number of things to consider when converting, especially if you are already retired, she said. When you convert retirement money that is in a 401(K) to a Roth IRA, you will pay income tax on those funds at ordinary income tax rates, Wolfe said. If any of your contributions were made on an after-tax basis, however, those contributions will not be subject to tax, she said. Other than in that instance, there is a cost to conversion. The question arises then about the length of time in which this cost can be recouped and begin to grow beyond that cost, she said. In other words, you need to consider whether your time horizon will allow for your funds to grow enough to cover the cost of conversion. The time horizon is determined by your life expectancy, she said. Once converted and the tax is paid, your money will grow tax-free. Wolfe said because you are already retired, you should consider whether you need your IRA money to live on. In this case, it may not be smart to convert to a Roth. If you need that money to live on, you must also consider that distributions from a Roth can only be made tax-free after you have had the Roth for five years and you must be over the age of 59 1/2. Other things to consider are whether the conversion will put you in a higher tax bracket and whether the added income in that year will affect your Medicare premiums, she said. There are income-based surcharges on Medicare premiums. One way to manage these two consequences is to spread the cost of conversion over a few years. If you do decide to proceed with a conversion, the money to pay the taxes should not come out of your retirement savings, Wolfe said. If you have to use funds from a traditional non-Roth IRA in order to pay the taxes, this distribution will be taxable and will cost you more in taxes. Email your questions to Ask@NJMoneyHelp.com. Karin Price Mueller writes the Bamboozled column for NJ Advance Media and is the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com. Follow NJMoneyHelp on Twitter @NJMoneyHelp. Find NJMoneyHelp on Facebook. Sign up for NJMoneyHelp.coms weekly e-newsletter. The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and RRSP are both fantastic tools for investors. While RRSP offers a significantly higher contribution limit, TFSA offers tax-free growth. If the bulk of your investment growth is taking place inside a TFSA, you can enjoy a cozy and well-funded retirement without worrying about being pushed into a higher tax bracket. That said, the low contribution limit of the TFSA seems very limiting to many people, who dont believe its enough to help you grow a fortune in your TFSA and they are right. Its not enough to grow your wealth to significant proportions if you have invested it in the wrong place. But in the right stocks, $6,000 can be enough to make you a fortune. First right stock The first right stock for your $6,000 capital is Franco Nevada Corp (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV). This Toronto- based company is a metal royalty and streaming company that focuses primarily on gold. It has a well-diversified asset portfolio in terms of geography, commodity, and stage of the project. Currently, the company has a stake in 375 assets (296 mining, 76 energy). Its strategy of not owning and managing the mines itself, rather just focusing on royalties and streams is working amazingly well. The company returned 224% to its investors in the past five years. Its market value growth has been very consistent over the past decade, bringing the 10-year CAGR to 22%. Its also a Dividend Aristocrat and has increased its payouts for 12 consecutive years. If it keeps growing its market value at about 22% a year, $6,000 can grow over $320,000 in 20 years. A bit more if you choose the DRIP. The company, thanks to its dependency on gold, is resilient against recession. It also doesnt have any long-term debt or major liabilities. Second right stock Financial stocks took a hard hit in the pandemic, but a lot of them are making a swift recovery, including goeasy (TSX:GSY). The company is one of the big players in the small personal loan business a growing market in the country. Story continues It offers secured and unsecured personal loans and has furnished about $1.17 billion in gross consumer loans. The company has grown to over 2,000 employees and over 400 physical locations. At its worst point during the crash, the company was trading at a price of about 70% down from its start of the year value. But it has recovered quite swiftly, and is now just 23% down. At this pace, it might return to its pre-crash value in about three months. The company is also a Dividend Aristocrat with an amazing growth rate and a 10-year CAGR equivalent to 23%. $6000 at this pace, can grow up to $376,000 in 20 years. While $6,000 might not seem like a huge sum, it can do wonders for your wealth in the right stock. Even if you split the $6,000 between the two stocks, your average return in 20 years (at the mean rate of 22.5%), will be about $347,000. Foolish takeaway TFSA can be a powerful tool if used the right way. Now that you know what the potential of $6,000 (which is just one years contribution limit) in the right stock is, imagine what you can do if you fill up your TFSA every year. You can maximize it by buying in the dip and timing the market. It wont always work, but even a few perfectly timed investments can do wonders for your portfolio. The post $6,000 Invested in These 2 Stocks Could Make You a TFSA Fortune appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada. More reading Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fools purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool Canadas free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Motley Fool Canada 2020 A Belfast man and former member of the church that US President Donald Trump staged his Bible photo op stunt has said it came as a complete surprise to some in the congregation. People from Northern Ireland living in US cities rocked by clashes in the wake of George Floyd's killing have told of their shock as violence flares on the streets of a divided America. Michael McDowell (68), originally from south Belfast, lives just outside Washington DC in Chestertown, Maryland, with his wife Susan. He has been in America for over 40 years. The McDowells were members of St John's Episcopal Church, where Donald Trump posed with a Bible after demonstrators were cleared from his path. The stunt has been slammed by religious leaders. Expand Close Donald Trump in his bible stunt on Monday (Patrick Semansky/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Donald Trump in his bible stunt on Monday (Patrick Semansky/AP) Mr McDowell said: "We were members of that church for 30 years. My wife and I got married there and we held a memorial for our son Conor, a marine officer who was killed during training, at our church. "It is a very important church because it is across from the White House and it's progressive. It's called the 'Church of the Presidents' because every President has gone there. "I have been talking to friends at the church and know that the clergy, the rector and others attached to the church, were operating a stand with cold water bottles and helping with some of the Black Lives Matter medical aid people, and when Trump decided to do his photo op stunt they were taken completely by surprise - indeed, some of them were caught up in the tear gas." He added: "In our small college town we had a demonstration on Sunday. We feel angry about the death of George Floyd. Expand Close Michael McDowell lives in Maryland / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michael McDowell lives in Maryland West Belfast man Sean McCarthy (32), who works for Irish Born Hospitality, lives in downtown Minneapolis, which is at the heart of the disturbances. His home is minutes from where Mr Floyd died on May 25. "I've been there since day one. The rioting is everywhere. It started up on Lake, it came downtown and now is in uptown. That is the problem that the cops are having, they can't contain it," he said. "It's not a normal protest, normal destruction. It's everywhere." Mr McCarthy said the protests are right outside his door. Expand Close Demonstrators hold up their hands during a rally in Sacramento, California (Rich Pedroncelli/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Demonstrators hold up their hands during a rally in Sacramento, California (Rich Pedroncelli/AP) "George Floyd was killed just minutes from where I live. I went there the next day and was able to leave flowers, and I have been out on the protests since," he said. "Minneapolis has a lot of diversity. There are a huge amount of Ecuadorians, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans especially in the area where George Floyd died. It is a lower-income area of town." Expand Close Maria Friel and daughter Rionach live in New York / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Maria Friel and daughter Rionach live in New York Londonderry woman Maria Friel (46) lives in the Bronx in New York with her daughter Rionach (9). She works in Rory Dolan's Irish Bar and Restaurant in Yonkers and says looters struck in her neighbourhood. She described the atmosphere as "very scary", adding: "It reminds me of the Troubles at home - the rioting, the petrol bombs, throwing bricks at the police. I grew up in Creggan and on a Saturday night I would see rioting in the town centre. There was always something that would start. "But I don't know what is going to happen here in America. To have it all on your own doorstep is really scary." Ms Friel said there is a fear in the community revolving around racial tensions and the street disturbances. She added: "We were very unsettled last night watching the television, and then to wake up to this this morning, it's not good. God knows what we will wake up to tomorrow." Expand Close Malcolm McDowell Woods is in Milwaukee / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Malcolm McDowell Woods is in Milwaukee Editor and writer Malcolm McDowell Woods (61), also originally from Derry, lives in Milwaukee with his partner Nicola. "It's really wild here. I remember going home to visit family in Derry in the 1980s and hearing the helicopter constantly in the sky. It's the same here now," he said. "There was outrage over the George Floyd incident and there has been outrage since about the heavy-handed approach of law enforcement. We're seeing overreactions by the police, which are escalating the situation, rather than calming it. "The other thing to note is the targeting of the Press by police. This is unconscionable and a blatant disregard for the First Amendment (of the US Constitution) and is terribly worrying. "There is fear and anger on the ground." Seventeen In-State WWAMI Students Receive Medical Degrees The Wyoming WWAMI E16 graduating class, along with family and friends, joined members of the University of Wyomings medical education administration to celebrate this years graduation ceremony, presented entirely online. (UW Photo) Seventeen medical students from the E16 class of the Wyoming WWAMI Medical Education Program took part in a major milestone on their journey to becoming physicians with a virtual graduation ceremony recently. Members of this years WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho) graduating class of medical students did not let the COVID-19 pandemic stop them from celebrating their graduation from the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM) with their classmates. Wyoming WWAMI is Wyomings medical school, based at the University of Wyoming. The ceremony took place May 23, when medical degrees were conferred via Zoom. Graduates sang songs, used bath towels and other regalia for the hooding ceremony, and celebrated with friends and family. Wyomings newest medical doctors, listed by hometown, name and medical specialty, are: Casper -- Shaye Brummet, general surgery; Christopher Ellbogen, anesthesia; Alexandra Gobble, vascular surgery; and Laurel Green, pediatrics/genetics. Cheyenne -- Brittney Goeken, pediatrics; and Megan Olson, family medicine. Cody -- Glen Clinton, emergency medicine; and Caleb Rivera, pediatrics/genetics. Evanston -- Kevin Muller, anesthesia. Green River -- JayCee Mikesell, obstetrics/gynecology; and Janelle Strampe-Fried, internal medicine/pediatrics. Lander -- Aaron Spurlock, internal medicine. Laramie -- Teal Jenkins, anesthesia. Lovell -- Dan Nicholls, anesthesia. Powell -- Brittany Christensen, internal medicine. Riverton -- Peter Wilcox, internal medicine. Wilson -- Amanda Kinley, family medicine. After welcoming Wyoming WWAMI administration, faculty and guests, graduating class member and event organizer Megan Olson, from Cheyenne, opened the virtual graduation by introducing the first presenter, Marivern Easton, the WWAMI assistant director. Today is a celebration, Easton said. We celebrate who our graduates are as people and what you have accomplished. Graduating class member and event organizer Megan Olson, from Cheyenne, celebrates with her classmates while at home during the Wyoming WWAMI 2020 graduation ceremony. (UW Photo) Easton served as WWAMI acting director during the E16 classs time on the UW campus. I would like to say how lucky we are, all of us in the state of Wyoming, to know that these talented men and women, in the not-too-distant future, are going to come back and serve the people of Wyoming, Easton added. Easton also praised those who had supported the graduates throughout their time in the WWAMI Medical Education Program, including mentors, family members and friends. Laramies Dr. Yvette Haeberle, WWAMI clinical curriculum director, along with husband, Dr. John Haeberle, a physician mentor with the WWAMI program, introduced each graduate, allowing time for Zoom hooding by a friend or family member. Those included using traditional regalia, as well as makeshift items, including bath towels, a tribal headband, a spouses scarf, blankets, jackets and even a Harry Potter-themed Gryffindor scarf. Following their graduation from the UWSOM, the students will begin their residencies at university teaching hospitals throughout the country. Hard to believe 26 years ago, we were at the place you are right now, said Yvette Haeberle, recalling her and her husbands graduation from medical school. Now, you transition to the next part of your training, that which promises to be the most rewarding and fun. The Hippocratic Oath, which is part of the traditional medical school graduation, was broken into individual parts, so that each graduate recited his or her assigned portion. Easton then announced the top Wyoming WWAMI graduates: Teal Jenkins, of Laramie, and Caleb Rivera, from Cody. Both received a $1,000 Centennial Scholarship from the Wyoming Medical Society. Human Rights Watch on Wednesday accused Libyan military strongman Khalifa Haftar's forces of laying Russian landmines in residential southern suburbs of the capital. "An armed group and affiliates fighting for control of the Libyan capital Tripoli appear to have used antipersonnel landmines and booby traps there in late May 2020," the New York-based rights group said. "Fighters affiliated with the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) commanded by Khalifa Haftar, including foreign forces, appear to have laid mines as they withdrew from southern districts of the city." The report came days after the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said it was "extremely concerned about reports that residents of the Ain Zara and Salahuddin areas of Tripoli have been killed or wounded by Improvised Explosive Devices placed in/near their homes". HRW said the antipersonnel mines discovered in Tripoli in May were "of Soviet and Russian origin". Pro-Haftar forces have been battling since April last year to seize Tripoli from the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), in fighting that has left hundreds dead and forced 200,000 to flee their homes. Haftar's fighters in May pulled back from areas of southern Tripoli that they had held for months, following key defeats on other fronts. On Wednesday, residents of Mashrou al-Hadba, a suburb heavily damaged in fighting, were able to return after an absence of more than a year, accompanied by security experts to keep them out of mined areas, health ministry spokesman Amine el-Hashemi wrote on Twitter. Haftar's rapid advance on Tripoli last year stalled to a bloody stalemate on the edges of the capital. In recent weeks, GNA forces armed with Turkish drones and air defence systems have taken back a string of coastal towns and a key airbase. Haftar is supported by neighbouring Egypt and the United Arab Emirates as well as Russia. (TNS) The Jobs Development Authority of Grand Forks approved a round of funding for public and private projects, one of which could lead to creating a downtown Tech Hub in the city.The JDA, at its June 1 meeting, approved a funding request that would allow it to apply for a federal grant to begin work on a proposed $1.2 million Tech Hub. The grant, administered by The U.S Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration, would supply $600,000 in funds to complete the three-year project, should the city and local entities raise the same amount.The city will provide $300,000 over three years to the program. That money is split between the Growth Fund, which will contribute $65,000 annually, with the remainder coming from the city itself, by diverting money from its intern and training budget. UND has committed $100,000, and the remaining $200,000 needs to come from local businesses. According to a Growth Fund staff report, $180,000 of that amount has already been secured by six companies as of May 28.I think the community is really excited about and hungry to support this type of activity, and the growth of technology companies in our region, Keith Lund, president and CEO of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation, told JDA members in the online meeting.A location has not yet been determined.In other JDA news, the committee approved three loans totaling nearly $900,000 for businesses in the region, with the largest loan of $500,000 going to start-up drone software company Airtonomy. This loan, as well as one for $375,000 given to another start-up -- online brand connecting platform Tailorie, Inc. -- have unique properties built into them, enabling JDA to convert them to equity through Simple Agreement For Equity plans.The SAFE plans, should the JDA exercise them, could see a financial return much larger than that of low-interest loans. City Attorney Howard Swanson had previously expressed reservations about using such a mechanism. In a May 13 memorandum to City Administrator Todd Feland, Swanson listed several caveats, including that SAFE agreements are not governed by state law, writing: SAFEs are not safe or secure.Swanson told the JDA the situation had evolved from when he was first consulted about the SAFE plans, when the initial proposal was for an equity agreement and not a gap loan proposal. That led to his writing the memorandum to Feland.It's up for the JDA to determine whether that's an appropriate vehicle for potential equity investment, Swanson said.The JDA also approved a more conventional $22,000 loan for Associated Potato Growers in Grand Forks, to help the company buy down interest on a commercial equipment loan. Associated Potato Growers intends to purchase a new packaging machine to help its operations become more updated and efficient. Police in Wisconsin have publicly apologized to an African American man they wrongly arrested at gunpoint after falsely suspecting him of burglarizing a house he had actually just moved into. The Monona Police Department received a call from a woman on the 5100 block of Arrowhead Drive at 10:50am on Tuesday, reporting that shed seen a black man inside her neighbors home and didnt believe he should be there. The woman told dispatchers that the previous person who lived next door had recently passed away, and the home had been vacant ever since. Though the woman specifically identified the believed burglar as a black male to dispatchers, Monona Police Chief Walter J. Ostrenga claims that information wasn't passed on to attending officers. The Monona Police Department received a call from a woman on the 5100 block of Arrowhead Drive (above) at 10:50am on Tuesday, reporting that shed seen a black man inside her neighbors home and didnt believe he should be there. According to Monona police, when officers arrived at the home, they found the front door unsecured and they knocked and announced their presence. Officers reported hearing someone talking inside, but nobody came to greet them. Allegedly believing a burglary to be in progress, the officers then entered the premises with their guns drawn. Inside, officers found a 23-year-old black male and placed him in handcuffs while they investigated the property. When questioned what he was doing inside the house, the man, who has not been named, told police he was renting the property from the son of the deceased owner. Police contacted the homeowners son by phone. He confirmed and he confirmed to them that a friend of the handcuffed man, and said he knew the 23-year-old man who was handcuffed. Though the woman specifically identified the believed burglar as a black male to dispatchers, Monona Police Chief Walter J. Ostrenga (above) claims that information wasn't passed on to attending officers Given the circumstances, the handcuffs were removed from the subject, Chief Ostrenga said in a written statement. Officers apologized for the misunderstanding and they cleared from the call. Shortly after the incident, the renter and the man who had been handcuffed in the home went to the police department and filed a formal complaint, police said. One of the officers involved met with them and again apologized. The Monona Police Department is committed to creating an environment of trust and empathy in all our interactions between the public and our peace officers, Ostrenga said. This complaint will be thoroughly investigated. The operation of Shramik Special trains from Delhi has ended, railway officials said on Wednesday The reason for this, officials said, was that there was no further demand from the Delhi government. They added that the trains will run again in case there is any fresh request, news agency PTI reported. There is no demand for Shramik Special trains from the Delhi government as of now. There are no migrant trains scheduled from railway stations in Delhi. However a train from Gurgaon to Odishas Balasore is scheduled today, a railway official was quoted as saying by PTI. The last trains to operate from Delhi were on May 31. They were : Anand Vihar- Purnia, Anand Vihar- Bhagalpur and Hazrat Nizamuddin-Mahoba Express. Indian Railways began running Shramik Special trains from May 1 to ferry back home migrant labourers stranded in various parts of the country due to the nationwide lockdown in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. From the five railway stations in Delhi, 242 of these special trains were run in the last one month. Of these, 111 took migrants to Bihar and 101 terminated in Uttar Pradesh. Over all, around 5.7 million stranded migrants across India have returned to their states in 4,155 such special trains thus far. However, there has been a decline in the demand to run these trains by the states in recent weeks. On Sunday, the Railways operated only 69 Shramik trains while on Tuesday only 102 Shramik trains operated till 10 am, railway officials said. The demand for trains has reduced and only a very few trains are running as mostly all stranded migrants have been sent. The operation may soon be over,a rail ministry official told HT said on condition of anonymity. Protesters gather at Fort Lauderdale Police Department during a rally in response to the recent death of George Floyd: (AFP) A Florida police officer has been suspended, after footage emerged of him pushing over a black protester, who was kneeling at a demonstration, following the death of George Floyd. Officer Steven Pohorence was suspended by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department on Tuesday, after footage emerged of him pushing the protester over on Monday, when police clashed with some demonstrators. The protest was mainly peaceful, but the demonstration escalated when around 1,000 protesters dispersed, and small groups broke off and sprayed graffiti onto walls and broke store windows, according to ABC News. Police chief Rick Maglione told reporters that Mr Pohorence pushed the protester to the ground, after he and other officers rescued a colleague who was surrounded. Asked if Mr Pohorences action caused the protest to escalate, Mr Maglione said: I dont think (Pohorences) action created what occurred. However, the police chief did admit that his action could have added to what was going on. Mr Maglione added that one of Mr Pohorences colleagues, officer Krystle Smith, pushed him away from the woman, after he knocked her to the ground. White police officer throws a girl who is already on her hands and knees BUT a BLACK QUEEN officer steps in to check him #share #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/nKmvF6Oiqu WillieL. (@_popaboywillie) June 1, 2020 The police chief praised the officer and said: She did what you are supposed to do: When you see either adrenaline or emotion or some kind of interaction going south...that is our job to do, is intervene. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis told reporters that Mr Poherences action was offensive, and added that he feels a suspension is the right course of action. Story continues The protest was a part of demonstrations taking place across the US, following the death of George Floyd, who died after being detained by Derek Chauvin, who at the time was a Minneapolis police officer. The protests, in opposition of police brutality against African Americans, started in Minneapolis, but quickly spread to Chicago and New York, among many other cities across the US over the weekend. Police have clashed with protesters all over the US, and some officers have been filmed using excessive force, while some civilians have engaged in looting. The Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, a Republican, said that the National Guard will be deployed in the state in order to keep protests under control. The governor said: Florida has zero tolerance for violence, rioting and looting. George Floyds murder was appalling, and the Minnesota perpetrators need to be brought to justice, but this cannot be used as a pretext for violence in our Florida communities. Read more Minnesota governor mobilises National Guard The spring started out rosy for the Indian arm of ClearScore, a company that offers online credit scores and loans. Within weeks, the coronavirus pandemic had taken hold, drastically changing the picture for the online lending industry in Asia. "In the second week of March, we were talking about what a great quarter it would be and a month later I had to let go of the team," said Hrushikesh Mehta, country manager for India at ClearScore. The UK-based company shuttered its India business on April 13, as 10 out of 14 lending partners withdrew their products within three days of the launch of a nationwide lockdown. Alternative lending companies and platforms across Asia are scrambling to raise funds and stave off bankruptcy as they face a wave of bad loans. 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 Sixteen lenders and investors in markets across Asia Pacific said companies were laying off staff and cutting costs to survive. Online lending had been one of the hottest sectors in recent years, as new players bet that a digital approach meant they could lend profitably to entities that banks found too costly or bothersome. Asian online lenders raised more than $4 billion in 2017 and 2018, with Indian and Indonesian companies most prominent, according to data provider Tracxn. In India there are nearly 500 online lending start-ups, and roughly 160 in Indonesia, many backed by Chinese money. Some are peer-to-peer platforms (P2P), which match borrowers with individual lenders who hope to earn a higher return on savings; others use their own funds or partner with other institutions. Many combine all three approaches. But as economies across Asia went into lockdown to limit the spread of the new coronavirus, many borrowers defaulted. "I think it is only about 20 to 30% of (Indian online lenders) that are well capitalised, and the rest are going to struggle. 70% are staring at an existential crisis," one online lending chief executive said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. "Since the lockdown started, demand is down by 90% and lending now is down by 95%" Dima Djani, CEO of sharia-compliant Indonesian business P2P lender ALAMI, described the situation as "natural selection". "This is a test. Those come out unscathed will be the champions in a more saturated P2P landscape going forward," he said. ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE The IMF expects Asia to record zero growth for the first time in 60 years, as lockdowns bring service sectors to a halt, exports plunge, and companies and individuals stop spending. Small and medium-sized enterprises and workers in the informal economy have been particularly hard hit. Asia-focused banks including, HSBC and DBS have taken greater provisions against bad loans, but alternative online lenders are worse off than their traditional competitors. Indonesian online lenders had an NPL ratio of 4.22% in March, according to data from financial regulator OJK, up from 3.65% in December, compared to 2.77% for traditional banks. "Most fintech companies provide smaller-sized loans for middle-low borrowers to fill the gap that banks could not reach. This cohort is unfortunately one of the most impacted by the pandemic," said Markus Rahardja, of BRI Ventures, the corporate venture arm of state-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia. It is also harder for some lenders to get repaid. "Because everything from the paperwork to lending happens online, consumers find it easier to default," said Ashvin Parekh, a Mumbai-based independent financial consultant. Online lenders that fall outside the traditional bank regulations have fewer requirements in many markets about how much capital they must have on hand. That makes them more vulnerable to a wave of defaults, said Etelka Bogardi, a Hong Kong-based financial services regulatory partner at law firm Norton Rose Fullbright. SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST Lenders must decide whether to lend more - there is demand from businesses and individuals desperate for cash - or hunker down. "If you have lots of money and you have reporting requirements, you might choose the approach of issuing more loans," said Jianggan Li of from Singapore-based venture outfit Momentum Works. "But that's dangerous, the minute the loans are issued, people can't pay back on time." Abheek Anand, head of Southeast Asian investments at Sequoia Capital, told a DealStreet Asia event he had warned portfolio companies to be careful and avoid temptation. More cash is necessary for either strategy. But venture capital funds invested just $388 million (309.2 million pounds) in online lenders in Asia in the year to May, a sharper decline than overall fintech investment. "The last thing I want to be getting into at the moment is online lending," said one China-based VC investor. "It's just one turn of the glass and you go from being the good guy supporting microfinance, to backing loan sharks." If theres been a disconnect between sharemarkets and the broader economic environment over the past 10 weeks, then that dissonance between the real world and investors has now become extreme. The US market has gained almost 38 per cent since its March 23 low and is now only 9 per cent below its record levels in February, before real awareness of the coronavirus outbreak hit. The Australian market is "only" up a bit over 28 per cent over that period. That surge on Wall Street has come despite a litany of developments that, individually, might have been expected to rattle investors and send them to the sidelines. Out on the street, there civil unrest on a scale not seen in America since the 1960s. But the stockmarket seems unfazed. Credit:AP The big one, of course, remains the coronavirus, and its devastating impact on the global economy. Germany is partially lifting its travel ban from June 15, but only for European Union Member States and Britain, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland as long as there are no entry bans or large-scale lockdowns in those countries, according Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas. He said all of the above countries meet the necessary criteria except Norway which has an entry ban in place and Spain. The Spanish parliament is currently in talks to decide whether to extend its entry ban which has been set for July 21 or lift on June 22. He hablado con @HeikoMaas Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores de hemos acordado que en cuanto permita el ingreso de turistas en su territorio, #Alemania levantara la recomendacion de no viajar a Espana #reciprocidad @MAECgob @AuswaertigesAmt @EmbEspAlemania Arancha Gonzalez (@AranchaGlezLaya) June 3, 2020 The Spanish Foreign Minister, Arancha Gonzalez Laya has tweeted that as soon as Spain lifts its restrictions on foreign travellers, Berlin will allow German travellers to go to Spain. Minister Maas said the current travel warning will be replaced with guidelines for Germans travelling overseas. Travel advice is not an invitation to travel and we want to make it clear that the travel guidelines may also strongly discourage travel, for instance, Germans are urged not to travel to Britain unless its essential while the 14-day quarantine is in place, he said. Minister Maas made it clear that new warnings would be issued if a country records more than 50 new infections per 100,000 people within 7 days. The lifting of the travel warning will be dependent on how the situation on the ground develops, he said. Matthias von Randow, Chief Executive of the German Air Transport Association, or BDL, said the Government's decision to lift the blanket, worldwide travel warning was sensible and proportionate. This is a good sign for the many people in Europe who want to go on holiday over the summer or visit friends and relatives abroad, he said, adding Its also good news for 26 million men and women employed in the European Travel and Tourism Industry. Etching the road to a hydrogen economy using plasma jets The ever-worsening global environmental crisis, coupled with the depletion of fossil fuels, has motivated scientists to look for clean energy sources. Hydrogen (H 2 ) can serve as an eco-friendly fuel, and hydrogen generation has become a hot research topic. While no one has yet found an energy-efficient and affordable way to produce hydrogen on a large scale, progress in this field is steady and various techniques have been proposed. One such technique involves using light and catalysts (materials that speed up reactions) to split water (H 2 O) into hydrogen and oxygen. The catalysts have crystalline structures and the ability to separate charges at the interfaces between some of their sides. When light hits the crystal at certain angles, the energy from the light is absorbed into the crystal, causing certain electrons to become free from their original orbits around atoms in the material. As an electron leaves its original place in the crystal, a positively charged vacancy, known as a hole, is created in the structure. Generally, these "excited" states do not last long, and free electrons and holes eventually recombine. This is the case with bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4 ) crystal catalysts as well. BiVO 4 has been recently explored for water-splitting reactions, given its promise as a material in which charge-separation can occur upon excitation with visible light. The quick recombination of pairs of charged entities ("carriers") is a disadvantage because carriers must separately partake in reactions that break up water. In a recent study published in Chemical Engineering Journal, scientists from the Photocatalysis International Research Center at Tokyo University of Science, Japan, together with scientists from Northeast Normal University in China, developed a novel method to improve the charge-separation characteristics of decahedral (ten-sided) BiVO 4 crystal catalysts. Prof Terashima, lead scientist in the study, explains, "Recent studies have shown that carriers can be generated and separated at the interfaces between the different faces of certain crystals. In the case of BiVO 4 , however, the forces that separate carriers are too weak for electron-hole pairs that are generated slightly away from the interfaces. Therefore, carrier separation in BiVO 4 decahedrons called for further improvements, which motivated us to carry out this study." In the technique they propose, BiVO 4 nanocrystals are exposed to what is called "solution plasma discharge", a highly charged jet of energetic matter that is produced by applying high voltages between two terminals submerged in water. The plasma discharge removes some vanadium (V) atoms from the surface of specific faces of the crystals, leaving vanadium vacancies. These vacancies act as "electron traps" that facilitate the increased separation of carriers. Because these vacancies are in greater number on the eight side faces of the decahedron, electrons are trapped on these faces while holes accumulate on the top and bottom faces. This increased charge separation results in better catalytic performance of the BiVO 4 nanocrystals, thereby improving its water splitting performance. This study represents a novel use of solution plasma discharge to enhance the properties of crystals. Prof Akira Fujishima, co-author of the paper, says, "Our work has inspired us to reconsider other crystals that are apparently ineffective for water splitting. It provides a promising strategy using solution plasma to 'activate' them." The use of solution-plasma discharge has many advantages over using conventional gaseous plasma that make it far more attractive from both technical and economic standpoints. Prof Xintong Zhang from Northeast Normal University, China, remarks, "Unlike gaseous plasma, which has to be generated in closed chambers, solution plasma can be generated in an open reactor at room temperature and in a normal air atmosphere. In addition, by working with crystal powders in a solution, it becomes more convenient to change the parameters of the process, and it is also easier to scale up." This study hopefully takes us one step closer to an efficient way of producing hydrogen so that we can finally do without fossil fuels and other energy sources that are harmful to our planet. Further commenting on the promise of this study, Prof Terashima says, "If efficient hydrogen energy can be produced using sunlight and water, two of the most abundant resources on earth, a dream clean society could be realized." ### Reference Title of original paper: Solution plasma boosts facet-dependent photoactivity of decahedral BiVO 4 Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.125381 About the Tokyo University of Science Tokyo University of Science (TUS) is a well-known and respected university, and the largest science-specialized private research university in Japan, with four campuses in central Tokyo and its suburbs and in Hokkaido. Established in 1881, the university has continually contributed to Japan's development in science through inculcating the love for science in researchers, technicians, and educators. With a mission of "Creating science and technology for the harmonious development of nature, human beings, and society", TUS has undertaken a wide range of research from basic to applied science. TUS has embraced a multidisciplinary approach to research and undertaken intensive study in some of today's most vital fields. TUS is a meritocracy where the best in science is recognized and nurtured. It is the only private university in Japan that has produced a Nobel Prize winner and the only private university in Asia to produce Nobel Prize winners within the natural sciences field. Website: https:/ / www. tus. ac. jp/ en/ mediarelations/ About Professor Chiaki Terashima from the Tokyo University of Science Chiaki Terashima obtained an undergrad degree in Science and Engineering in 1994 from the Tokyo University of Science, and a PhD from the Division of Engineering of the University of Tokyo in 2003. He has been with Tokyo University of Science since 2013, where he conducts research on plasma chemistry and diamond materials. He is a member of the Photocatalyst International Research Center and also of the Research Center for Space Colony, both at the Tokyo University of Science. Funding information This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (91833303, 51072032, 51102001 and 51872044), the Jilin Province Science and Technology Development Project (20180101175JC and 20190103100JH), the 111 Project (No. B13013), the Jilin Provincial Education Department Project (JJKH20201162KJ), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, and the Sakura Science Program granted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The cast and crew of Darshan starrer upcoming film, Raja Veera Madakari Nayaka are gearing up to resume the shooting in August. The news was confirmed by the films producer Rockline Venkatesh in an interview with Cinema Express. Venkatesh said, First and foremost, I will be setting up a disinfection tunnel, and everyone will have to enter and exit through this. We are also be going with the norms of wearing masks, using sanitisers, and maintaining social distancing. Along with this, we will also follow the guidelines given by the health department. We need to have a certain number of crew members, who are required to do certain jobs, and I cant prevent it. However, unlike before, we will make sure the place is not crowded. We will reduce the number of people entering the sets. The team will have a detailed discussion on the number of junior artistes or fighters required, and only those will be given entry on the days they have their respective scenes. He went on to add, Instead of the earlier plan of shooting in parts of Rajasthan and then in Bengaluru and Chitradurga, among other places, we have now decided to shoot first in Karnataka and later head to other states. A few actors including the heroine will be finalised later, because as per plan, they will not be required in the schedule we are planning to resume in August. Besides Darshan, the Sandalwood biggie will also star senior actor Sumalatha in a pivotal role. It is inspired by a historical novel by BL Venu and is based on the life of the last ruler of Chitradurga, Madakari Nayaka. The music for the film will be composed by Hamsalekha and will also boast of Ashok Kashyaps cinematography. ALSO READ: No Release Date Fixed For Darshan Starrer Roberrt As Of Yet, Reveals Director Tharun Sudhir Thousands of mostly peaceful demonstrators defied an 8pm curfew to march through New York City on Tuesday, per AP. Details: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) criticized the New York Police Department via Twitter over reports that police were kettling in hundreds of protesters on Manhattan Bridge. A tweet previously embedded here has been deleted or was tweeted from an account that has been suspended or deleted. Protesters were marching from Brooklyn to Manhattan when police stopped them about 8pm, per PIX 11. Ocasio-Cortez initially tweeted that she was headed to the "dangerous" situation. But after getting confirmation that the Brooklyn side of the bridge was opening up, she urged everyone to stay safe and "get some sleep." The big picture: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio told a briefing earlier Tuesday he was extending the 8pm5am curfew to Sunday after another night of looting that marred largely peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd and other black people in police custody. It's the city's first curfew since 1943, which was imposed after unrest in Harlem when a white police officer shot a black soldier, per Rolling Stone. But many New Yorkers were defying the curfew to protest over Tuesday night. Demonstrations remained largely peaceful, with only a few reports of looting, according to CBS New York. Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout. Boris Johnson tonight warned people across the UK that bad weather is not an excuse for moving outdoor gatherings inside as he urged the nation to stick to the coronavirus lockdown rules. Much of the country has been hit by rain after a sustained period of sunny weather but Mr Johnson said a ban on meeting people indoors remains in place. Currently groups of up to six people from different households can meet up outside as long as they socially distance. Mr Johnson urged people not to now move indoors because of the wet weather as he said the risk of infection is 'significantly higher' inside and that flouting the rules could 'undermine and reverse' progress made in the fight against the disease. The Prime Minister also urged Black Lives Matter protestors to adhere to social distancing rules after thousands of people joined together in central London this afternoon in a show of anger against the death of George Floyd in the US. Mr Johnson said people have the right to protest but added: 'I would urge people to protest peacefully, and in accordance with the rules on social distancing. 'Everybody's lives matter, black lives matter, but we must fight this virus, as well.' Meanwhile, Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, said that 'things are getting better' but the number of deaths is 'not coming down as fast as we would like it to'. He also insisted the UK must enter next winter 'with the lowest numbers we can possibly get' in terms of new cases in order to avoid a second wave of infections. It came as the UK today announced 359 more coronavirus deaths, taking the official number of victims closer to the 40,000 mark - despite other figures showing the real number of fatalities has already tipped 50,000. Boris Johnson today urged people to stick to rules on group gatherings and to resist the temptation to move inside because of wet weather Mr Johnson urged people not to now move indoors because of the wet weather as he said the risk of infection is 'significantly higher' inside. Pictured: A couple brave the rain in West Bay in Dorset today The UK is facing wet weather over the next few days after a sustained period of high temperatures The latest Downing Street data showed that the UK death toll now stands at 39,728, an increase on yesterday of 359 Berlin 'R' number spikes to 1.95 amid fears of a second wave The Covid-19 R rate has risen to 1.95 in Berlin prompting authorities to switch one of their 'corona traffic light' warning systems to red. The number of active cases in the German capital rose to more than 300 on Tuesday, with another 35 cases recorded as compared with 23 new cases the day before. Berlin's Health Senator Dilek Kalayci warned there had been a 'turnaround' in the city, just days after he expressed his 'horror' after thousands went out to enjoy the weekend's sunny weather. On Sunday, a protest in support of the city's club scene turned into a huge techno party with up to 3,000 people attending in the Kreuzberg district. Kalayci said that the R number was more likely to fluctuate while the total number of infections was low, but warned that 'the number of new infections is increasing, so that you can recognise a change of trend.' The R rate in Germany as a whole is at 0.89 and would be classed as a green light (anything under 1.1). Berlin's R rate is one of three traffic lights which must turn red before lockdown changes are implemented in the city. The other two being for new infections and for the proportion of intensive care patients with coronavirus. Advertisement Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, Mr Johnson urged people to stick with the rules on group gatherings despite bad weather. He said: As I never tire of telling you, let us not forget the basics. Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds. Wash your hands. Do not gather in groups of more than six outside. Always observe social distancing, keeping two metres apart from anyone outside your household. I want to stress one final point which may be relevant today as the weather threatens I think to take a turn for the worse. Some of you may be tempted to move the gatherings you have been enjoying outdoors, indoors out of the rain. I really urge you, dont do that. We relaxed the rules on meeting outside for a very specific reason because the evidence shows that the risks of transmission are much lower outdoors. The risks of passing on the virus are significantly higher indoors which is why gatherings inside other peoples homes are still prohibited. Breaking these rules now could undermine and reverse all the progress that we have made together. I have no doubt that that wont happen. I think the British public will continue to show the same resolve in fighting the virus as they have throughout this outbreak. Sir Patrick said the data on the outbreak slowing remains heading 'in the right direction'. But he said the graph showing the number of deaths has a 'long tail', adding: 'It is not coming down as fast as we would like it to come down. 'It is likely to carry on for a bit longer and it is worth reflecting that the people most affected by this have been the elderly but also those from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic groups as highlighted in the Public Health England report and those with other risk factors including other diseases, diabetes and so on. We need to keep vigilant. The numbers are in the right direction. Things are getting better, they are coming down.' Sir Patrick said everyone must continue to adhere to Government guidance. 'We have to stick with the rules of distancing, we all have to do it,' he said. 'When we all do it then we have a chance of getting this down further which is what we need to do especially over the summer before we then reach another period in the winter. Entering the winter with the lowest numbers we can possibly get would be the best thing to do. The Department of Health today announced that the UK's official coronavirus death toll has now reached 39,728 people, an increase of 359 from yesterday. Health bosses revealed 328 people died after testing positive for Covid-19 in England in all settings including care homes, followed by 17 in Wales, 12 in Scotland and two in Northern Ireland. It means the official number of victims is now just shy of 40,000 but other data that includes Brits who are suspected to have died from coronavirus shows the true toll could be almost 10,000 higher. The daily figure is down almost 13 per cent on the 412 deaths recorded last Wednesday, which was slightly higher than usual because of a recording delay over the Bank Holiday weekend. The number of excess deaths in England and Wales spiked dramatically during the peak of the coronavirus outbreak. Professor Carl Heneghan, an Oxford University epidemiologist, predicted that the number of people dying would fall to average levels again by July Separate data published yesterday showed that Birmingham has recorded the most deaths of diagnosed coronavirus patients, with 1,082 victims Boris Johnson warns it is 'inevitable' there will be widespread job losses because of lockdown Boris Johnson warned workers that it was 'inevitable' there would be widespread job losses because of the coronavirus lockdown today. The Prime Minister said that few countries around the world has done as much to put 'our arms around workers' as he led the daily Downing Street press conference. And he pledged to follow the furlough and business loan schemes that have ploughed hundreds of billions of pounds into keeping firms afloat and preventing people being laid off. He insisted that he would lead an 'activist and interventionist' Government that would seek to invest the UK back to health. Figures last month revealed that the number of people claiming employment benefits has soared by a record 856,500 to 2.1million in the first full month of the coronavirus lockdown - despite the furlough scheme keeping millions formally in work. Asked about the bouncebackability of the economy tonight, Mr Johnson said: 'I am afraid tragically there will be many many job losses and that is just inevitable because of the effect of this virus on the economy and because of the shutdown that has taken place. 'All I can say it that in dealing with that, that fallout from coronavirus, we will be as activist and interventionist as we have been throughout the lockdown. Advertisement Health chiefs yesterday announced 324 deaths - a 68 per cent drop in the space of a fortnight. And a top Oxford University expert predicted Britain is on track to have zero Covid-19 deaths by July. It came as a shocking analysis of figures today revealed the coronavirus pandemic has driven up rates of excess deaths in some parts of London to double what they are in a usual year - with the borough of Brent being the worst hit area of England and Wales. Other official figures released today showed more than 170,000 tests were carried out yesterday, and 1,871 people tested positive for the disease, as the outbreak continues to fizzle out. Each nation's health agency report their own figures. These numbers do not always match with the Department of Health count because of a difference in how they are recorded. NHS England today recorded 179 more deaths in hospitals, while Wales posted 17 in all settings, followed by 11 in Scotland and eight in Northern Ireland. NHS England revealed four of the 179 new victims who died had no underlying health conditions. The youngest of the fatalities included a 12 year old who wasn't named. Figures published on Wednesday by the National Records of Scotland showed that 3,911 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in Scotland up to May 31. ONS data yesterday showed that 44,401 deaths involving Covid-19 had occurred in England and Wales up to May 22. And the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, published last week, showed 716 deaths involving Covid-19 had occurred in Northern Ireland up to May 22. Together these figures mean so far 49,028 deaths have been registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, including suspected cases. Further deaths can be added to this total, concerning those deaths that have been reported as taking place since the period covered by the latest registration data. Between May 23 and June 1, a further 931 hospital patients who had tested positive for Covid-19 died in England, according to the latest figures from NHS England. And a further 78 people in hospital and care homes who had tested positive for Covid-19 died in Wales during this same period, according to Public Health Wales. In Northern Ireland, 22 people who had tested positive for Covid-19 died between May 23 and June 2, according to the Northern Ireland Department of Health. These add up to a further 1,031 deaths since May 23, and with the total figure of 49,028 registered deaths, means the overall death toll for the UK is now just over 50,000, at 50,059. At least 15,000 Black Lives Matter protesters gather in London today as a show of force against the death of George Floyd Police officers outside Downing Street take a knee in front of thousands of Black Lives Matters protesters People wearing face masks hold banners at Hyde Park in London during a Black Lives Matter protest this afternoon Details of deaths that took place in Scotland since the cut-off point for the latest registration data - in other words, deaths on either June 1 or June 2 - are not available. A separate batch of data analysed by The Telegraph shows that 17 out of the 20 worst affected places across the two countries are all boroughs of the capital. As well as Brent, other parts of London that witnessed their death tolls approximately double were Harrow (99.7 per cent increase), Newham (95.4 per cent) and Enfield (90.3 per cent). The highest increase in deaths outside of London was seen in Hertsmere in Hertfordshire, where fatalities rose by 86.2 per cent from 236 to 439. And while not all of these people have been direct victims of the coronavirus, many have died because of indirect impacts of the outbreak, such as reduced NHS services. The data includes people who died of any cause between January 1 and May 22 in each of the local authorities in England and Wales. More than a dozen areas across the two countries actually appeared to be unaffected by the outbreak and saw the numbers of people dying fall to lower-than average levels. In North East Lincolnshire the death rate dropped by 8.8 per cent, while it fell by 8.2 per cent in Conwy, Wales, and by five per cent on Anglesey, off the Welsh coast. Excess deaths are considered to be an accurate measure of the number of people killed by the pandemic because they include a broader spectrum of victims. As well as including people who may have died with Covid-19 without ever being tested, the data also shows how many more people died because their medical treatment was postponed, for example, or who didn't or couldn't get to hospital when they were seriously ill. CANBERRA, Australia - Australian police on Wednesday rejected comparisons to the U.S. after an indigenous teenager was injured while being arrested in Sydney, though a government leader said it raised questions about race relations and the teens family called for the officer involved to be charged. A New South Wales state police constable is under internal investigation after he pinned the 16-year-olds arms behind his back then kicked his legs out from under him on Monday. A video had circulated on social media of the teen falling face-first to the ground. Police have said the officer was in the inner-suburb of Surry Hills for an unrelated reason when he struck up a conversation with the teenager and his four companions. The video showed the teen threatened to break the police officers jaw, and the officers response was to arrest him. We have probably the best relationship between the community and the police of any jurisdiction around the world, Police Minister David Elliott told reporters. He said the police response was not unprovoked. The important message here is that Sydney is not Minnesota, Elliott said, referring to the death of George Floyd. What happened in the United States is not what happens here. He said he rejects claims that Australian police have similar problems that exist in the United States. But New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the teens arrest raised questions about race relations in Australia. I thought what most Australians thought and that is we still have a long way to go in our country, Berejiklian said of the video. I think whats happened in the U.S. is a good wake-up call for all of us and I think all of our hearts are breaking as to whats happening in the United States and we certainly have to ensure that we do what we can in our own country to protect all of our citizens, she added. Indigenous Australians are 2% of the Australian adult population but 27% of the prison population. A total of 432 indigenous Australians have died in police detention and prison since 1991, according to a running analysis by The Guardian newspaper. Australias indigenous people also have higher-than-average rates of infant mortality and poor health, as well as shorter life expectancy and lower levels of education and employment than other Australians. The police officer in involved in the Sydney arrest has been restricted on what duties he can perform while his use of force is investigated. The teen, who cannot be identified, was not charged and was taken to a hospital for a medical examination. He suffered grazes to his face and a chipped tooth. The teens father, mother and sister held a news conference flanked by lawyers in which the family called for the officer to be charged and the incident to be investigated independent of police. The family cannot be identified under state law to conceal the teens identity. The family took a knee during the news conference in respect for Floyd The teens father said what happened to his son echoed experiences he had when he was young, but back then people didnt have smartphones and social media to draw attention to it. The sister said the video was chilling and that children should be entitled to a childhood without being treated like criminals. She said the officers actions were out of line. Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the officer had no record of misbehaviour during more than three years service. If the complaint against him of excessive force was upheld, you would have to say hes had a bad day, Fuller said. I think most of the community wouldnt want to see someone who made a mistake sacked after making such a commitment to the community, Fuller added. David Shoebridge, a state lawmaker for the minor Greens party and a lawyer who attended the family news conference, disagreed. This isnt an incident that was caused by an officer having a bad day, he said. Its systemic. The incident was highlighted when around 3,000 demonstrators marched through downtown Sydney on Tuesday night in a peaceful protest against Floyds death and demanding fundamental change in race relations. June 03, 2020 Channel Focused Vendor to Showcase Cloud-Managed SD-WAN for Small and Mid-Enterprise Customers Shelton, CT June 3, 2020 TMC (News - Alert) today announced Adaptiv Networks has signed on a Platinum sponsor for ITEXPO and SD-WAN Expo #TECHSUPERSHOW, being held February 9 - 12, 2021 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida. Through its in-depth education, showcase of innovative solutions, robust exhibit floor and unique audience, ITEXPO (News - Alert) has become the leading event for IT professionals, C-levels and business owners, developers, and the channel to gather and learn about digital transformation. Resellers, enterprises, service providers, media, manufacturers and developers come to ITEXPO to make their purchasing decisions and select new partners. The massive market disruption this year has accelerated the business case for digital transformation, and the demand for agile networking solutions like SD-WAN, explains Bernard Breton, CEO of Adaptiv Networks (News - Alert). We are proud to sponsor ITEXPO, this experience brings together so many technology vendors and service providers who are leading the way for digital transformation. Were happy to welcome Adaptiv Networks back to ITEXPO 2021 show as a Platinum Sponsor, said Rich Tehrani (News - Alert), TMCs CEO and ITEXPO Conference Chairman. Their SD-WAN solutions offer businesses of all sizes a direct path to success in their digital transformation. Adaptiv Networks is the creator of powerful, software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WANs) for the most challenging locations requiring high availability for business-critical application traffic. Businesses rely on Adaptiv Networks' software-defined network to provide secure, lower-cost, higher-performance and more reliable cloud networks for their voice, data, and video communications needs. For more information or to register for ITEXPO, contact [email protected]. For media inquiries, contact Michelle Connolly. Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages for ITEXPO or SD-WAN Expo should contact TMC's Joe Fabiano at 203-852-6800 x132 or Maureen Gambino at 203-852-6800 x109. For the latest ITEXPO and SD-WAN Expo news, updates and information follow the event on Twitter (News - Alert) at @ITEXPO, @SDWANExpo. About TMC Through education, industry news, live events and social influence, global buyers rely on TMC's content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. As a result, leading technology vendors turn to TMC for unparalleled branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities. Our in-person and online events deliver unmatched visibility and sales prospects for all participants. Through our custom lead generation programs, we provide clients with an ongoing stream of leads that turn into sales opportunities and build databases. Additionally, we bolster brand reputations with the millions of impressions from display advertising on our news sites and newsletters. Making TMC a 360-degree marketing solution, we offer comprehensive event and road show management services and custom content creation with expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, @tmcnet. Media and Analyst Contact: Michelle Connolly Marketing Manager TMC 203-852-6800 x 170 [email protected] Edited by Maurice Nagle Last oil tanker in Iranian flotilla reaches Venezuela IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, June 2, IRNA -- The oil tanker 'Clavel,' the last of a five-tanker Iranian flotilla, has made it to Venezuela's shores to deliver much-needed gasoline. The final delivery comes just three days after the previous cargo arrived. The fifth oil tanker entered Venezuela's's waters on Sunday, carrying the last shipment of the more than 1.5 million barrels of fuel sent to Venezuela by Iran. Both nations are facing tough US sanctions, with Washington willing to stop the Iranian lifeline that was meant to alleviate fuel shortages in the Latin American country. Earlier this week, Venezuela's military escorted four other ships--the 'Fortune,' the 'Forest,' the 'Faxon' and the 'Petunia'--through its exclusive economic zone to their destination. The 'Faxon' was the fourth to arrive at Puerto la Cruz on the country's eastern coast on Friday. Despite Venezuela having vast oil reserves, its refining capacity has been limited, and its energy crisis has only worsened amid sweeping US sanctions. The restrictions dealt a painful blow to the republic's oil sector, which accounts for most of its budget revenues. 8072**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DETROIT, MI -- Detroit police made arrests Tuesday in the fifth day of turmoil and protests in the city, according to the Detroit Free Press. The arrests were made when protesters marching down Gratiot Avenue met a line of police. The protesters, marching against police brutality, were out past the citys 8 p.m. curfew. Police boxed in the protesters and made arrests about 8:50 p.m., according to the Free Press. Pepper spray was used but not tear gas. It wasnt immediately clear how many people were arrested. Related: Kalamazoo protesters urge police to join them, are tear-gassed after curfew In Kalamazoo, protesters also were met with tear gas in a Tuesday evening incident. They also defied a curfew set after damage to several businesses on the Kalamazoo Mall the night earlier. The tear gas and subsequent crowd dispersal happened after police spent a lengthy period trying to convince protesters to leave the street. More from MLive Protesters cause chaos overnight in downtown Kalamazoo Outside agitators forced officers to deploy tear gas, pepper spray in Kalamazoo, police say A number of Confederate symbols across the southern part of the United States have been vandalised amid nationwide protests against the police killing of George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. City officials and defenders of Confederate monuments have also decided remove some statutes, which civil rights activists say are reminders of institutional racism, segregation and slavery. Other monuments have been torn down by protesters. The city of Birmingham, Alabama, removed a 115-year-old Confederate monument near the site where four Black girls were killed in a racist church bombing in 1963. The graffiti-covered, pocked base of the massive Confederate monument was all that remained on Tuesday after crews dismantled the towering obelisk and trucked it away in pieces overnight. Other symbols came down elsewhere, leaving an empty pedestal in Virginia and a bare flagpole in Florida. Im glad its been removed because it has been so long, and we know that its a hate monument, said Sarah Collins Rudolph, 69. It just represented the hard times back there a long time ago, she said. The things that we were fighting for in the 60s arent solved yet, said Rudolph, who testified against Ku Klux Klansmen convicted in the bombing that claimed the life her sister. We shouldnt be treated the way they treat us. In Alexandria, Virginia, the United Daughters of the Confederacy removed the statue of a soldier gazing south from the Old Town since 1889. Outside Tampa, Florida, a Sons of Confederate Veterans chapter lowered a huge Confederate battle flag that has long flown in view of two interstate highways. Several confederate symbols have been removed across the South following the 2015 murder of nine Black people at a church in South Carolina by Dylann Roof, a white supremacist. Many of those symbols have found new homes on private property. The activities focus on the theme of A festival for Families, including folk games, a handwriting contest, childrens painting, and a reading space for both children and visitors. There are also performances of traditional musical instruments and folklore music, reproductions of the traditional rituals of ethnic groups, gong performances, and a xoang folk dance. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about the craft of weaving and the tourism potential and indigenous culture of the Jarai people in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. On June 28, the Raglai ethnic people in Ninh Thuan province will restage their traditional ritual to show filial piety. This ritual is not only observed within families but also among the entire community. Photos on the cultural activities of the Raglai people, indigenous specialties, and tourist products of the provinces Bac Ai district will also be displayed at the occasion. The Speaker of Parliament Prof Mike Oquaye has rejected a motion from Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga challenging the Electoral Commission's move to make the Ghana Card and Passports the only valid identification for registering to vote. According to the Notice of Motion filed by Mr. Ayariga , he wanted Parliament to reject the Public Election (Registration of Voters) (Amendments) Regulations 2020 (C.I. 126) pursuant to Article 11 (7) (c) of the Constitution. But in a memo to Mr. Ayariga, the Speaker of Parliament asked him to rather appear before the Subsidiary Legislation Committee to voice his concerns. The Bawku MP subsequently appeared before the committee earlier on Wednesday. The EC has presented the Public Election (Amendment) regulation, 2020 (C.I. 126) to Parliament to amend C.I 91 in order to change the current identification requirements which were passed in 2016. The C.I. will mature in the coming days. Aside from the Ghana Card or passport being acceptable documents for registering onto the voters' register, persons who have already been captured on the new voters' register can guarantee for others to register. This would mean the old voter register would not be valid identification. This has led to concerns from observers and political stakeholders who claim that a significant number of Ghanaians will be disenfranchised because the National Identification Authority is yet to complete its registration exercise This has led to Mr. Ayarigas fellow Minority MPs and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) accusing the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) of conniving with the EC and the NIA to rig the 2020 elections. Disruption from the novel coronavirus compelled the NIA to halt its exercise in the Eastern Region. But the Authority is expected to resume the process this month. The voter registration exercise is also expected to begin later in June. ---citinewsroom Haiti - Politic : Exceptional measures to reduce staff in the public administration As part of circular #1 of March 25, relating to the execution of the decree of May 19 declaring a state of health emergency throughout the national territory for a period of one month https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30827-haiti-covid-19-the-state-of-health-emergency-extended-by-2-months.html and to the decree of May 20, 2020 setting the General Protection Rules for Population in case of Pandemic/Epidemic https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30843-haiti-flash-presidential-decree-setting-the-general-rules-for-protecting-the-population-from-covid-19.html renewing the state of health emergency for a period of two months, Prime Minister Jouthe informs of the adoption on June 1 of the following exceptional measure s: The heads of public institutions immediately take the necessary measures to accommodate in the office, on a rotation basis, a limited staff, not exceeding 20% of the workforce, essential for the operation of essential services. The heads of public institutions immediately take the necessary measures to welcome to the office, on a rotation basis, a limited staff, not exceeding 20% of the workforce, essential for the operation of essential services. All services which do not affect the regular functioning of an institution are kept closed. The following staff are exempt from reporting to the office: - pregnant women ; - public officials over the age of 60; - public officials suffering from pathology, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and all public officials with a medical history that may worsen their state of health in the event of Covid-19 infection; - public officials presenting symptoms which can be assimilated to Covid-19, until the establishment of a negative test. - pregnant women ; - public officials over the age of 60; - public officials suffering from pathology, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and all public officials with a medical history that may worsen their state of health in the event of Covid-19 infection; - public officials presenting symptoms which can be assimilated to Covid-19, until the establishment of a negative test. Remote working is encouraged as much as possible, by telephone or any other means of communication. The Ministry of the Interior disinfects all offices and public spaces. These measures are valid for a period of one month and can be reinforced, canceled or extended, if necessary, after assessment of the situation. The Ministers, the Secretaries of State, the Directors General and all other officials of the Public Administration will work to the application of these measures, each as far as they are concerned. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30930-haiti-flash-more-than-2-500-cases-increase-in-8-departments.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30928-haiti-covid-19-daily-report-june-2-2020.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30843-haiti-flash-presidential-decree-setting-the-general-rules-for-protecting-the-population-from-covid-19.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30827-haiti-covid-19-the-state-of-health-emergency-extended-by-2-months.html HL/ HaitiLibre Mayor Levar Stoney of Richmond said on Wednesday that he would propose an ordinance to remove all four Confederate monuments that the city controls along Monument Avenue. Mr. Stoney said he would introduce the bill on July 1, when a new state law goes into effect giving local governments the authority to remove the monuments on their own. Richmond is no longer the capital of the Confederacy it is filled with diversity and love for all and we need to demonstrate that, Mr. Stoney said in a statement. Michael Jones, a City Council member who has been a leading voice for removal of the Confederate monuments, is also sponsoring the proposed ordinance. This is not my victory, he wrote on Twitter. To our great grandparents, who lived in their shadow and to young protesters who echoed the call - this is all yours. At least two cities have removed contentious statues from public spaces this week amid the protests that have followed the death of Mr. Floyd, a black man who worked as a bouncer. Prosecutors have charged Derek Chauvin, a white police officer who has since been fired, with murder and said three other officers aided in the killing. Photo credit: mantaphoto - Getty Images From Popular Mechanics A new study in PNAS highlights the mass extinction we are currently undergoing and how losing species would devastate entire ecosystems and upend human life as well. The researchers emphasize the need for immediate action that includes designating any species with populations less than 5,000 as critically endangered. The Holocene extinction is the sixth mass extinction event in Earth's 4.5-billion-year history. We are currently in the midst of Earth's sixth mass extinction event and it's accelerating. Known as the Holocene extinction, this event has been occurring for the last 10,000 years, beginning at the end of the last ice age. But an increasing human population and a warming planet have only made this mass extinction even more dire. According to Science Alert, a huge majority of vertebrate extinctions seen in the 20th century are set to happen again. For example, in the 20th century, it's estimated that we lost at least 543 land vertebrate species to extinction. The study authors believe that we're set to lose about the same amount of species within the next 20 years or so. A new problem we have to contend with is the fact that the extinctions that have previously taken hundreds of years to come to fruition will now take mere decades. This means losing hundreds of species in a very short amount of time, which will disrupt ecosystems, food chains, and even the way humans live. Consider the humble bee. We need them to continue pollinating the crops that we eatincluding apples, blueberries, cranberries, melons, and broccoli. California also depends on honey and bumble bees to support its $11 billion almond market. Bees are such effective and valuable pollinators that farmers pay apiarists to bring colonies to their fields to pollinate fruits, vegetables, and nuts. While they honey bee is currently not listed as endangered, the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) is per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In fact, bumble bees almost exclusively support the majority of tomato pollination and in some cases, are even better at pollination than honey bees. This is due to their ability to remove pollen that's firmly attached to a host plant via a process known as buzz pollination or sonication. Story continues Gerardo Ceballos, an ecologist and researcher with the National Autonomous University of Mexico and lead author of a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), says that how we handle the current extinction crisis in the next two decades will define the fate of millions of species. In their study, Ceballos and two co-authors say that the Holocene may be the most serious environmental threat to the persistence of civilization, because it is irreversible. They explain that a rapidly increasing human population in conjunction with consumption rates are two of the leading extinction causes. Species are links in ecosystems, and, as they fall out, the species they interact with are likely to go also. In the regions where disappearing species are concentrated, regional biodiversity collapses are likely occurring, the authors add. In a 2015 paper published in Science Advances, Ceballos and Paul Ehrlich, a Stanford biologist and contributor to the recent PNAS study, along with other authors wrote: Although biologists cannot say precisely how many species there are, or exactly how many have gone extinct in any time interval, we can confidently conclude that modern extinction rates are exceptionally high, that they are increasing, and that they suggest a mass extinction under waythe sixth of its kind in Earths 4.5 billion years of history. The researchers add that if we continue to contribute to this elevated extinction pace, it would take as little as three human lifetimes to feel the repercussions of those losses. According to Ceballos and team, around 94% of the populations of 77 mammal and bird species on the brink [of extinction] have been lost in the last century. Assuming all species on the brink have similar trends, more than 237,000 populations of those species have vanished since 1900. One of the solutions the researchers offer up is to designate species with populations below 5,000 as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. They add that conservation of endangered species should be elevated to a national and global emergency for governments and institutions, akin to the emphasis placed on climate change. The researchers also call for a global agreement that would address the extinction crisis and work to end both legal and illegal animal trade. Extinction breeds extinctions, say the researchers, adding that the time for action is now. Future generations deserve better from us. You Might Also Like 03.06.2020 LISTEN On April 21, 2020, and for a couple of days thereafter, my article, Re-introducing the Lugano Report, appeared in the media and on discussion platforms. The content of the piece is what the title indicates: a repeat introduction to readers, particularly from the Nigerian Left, of a book I had previously introduced under a different rubric. The earlier introduction of the quasi-fictional book, The Lugano Report: on preserving capitalism in the 21st century, written by Susan George, was published about a decade ago. In re-introducing the book I proposed that Nigerian Leftists ought to search out and read or re-read this book either now or as soon as this grave global danger to humanity and human existence the CoronaVirus is over. Why the re-reading? Because the task before the global Left and the Nigerian Left is to become more conscious of how doubly endangered humanity as a whole and its segments including Nigeria have become under global capitalism. Humanitys double tragedy is that the global social forces responsible for this tragedy are also the selfish and corrupt forces in power and directing the solution! My article ended on a note of optimism and exhortation to the Left: Humanity will survive this pandemic as it survived others before it. But the Left and all anti-capitalist forces should determine that global capitalism, together with its regional and national segments, will not be allowed to reconstitute its pre-pandemic political hegemony when all this is over. Thus, I started my article with focus on the Nigerian Left, but ended it on the global plane. Readers should, please, note this. On May 22, 2020, a month after my article appeared, a piece titled To Madunagu on the Lugano Report came out in The Guardian. It was written by the papers Associate Editor, Omokioja Julius Eto. On reading and re-re-reading Etos article, I could see that he was not directly responding to my article, at least not in his piece published in The Guardian. Rather, as I felt, he was provoked or inspired by my article to share his strongly held views on a broad, historically-determined range of issues of mutual interest to him and to me. These issues include: global exploitation, oppression, discrimination, social injustice, racism and imperialism. In his article, Eto copiously quoted Biko Agozino, a professor of Sociology who, like Eto, is a member of the respected Africa-USA Dialogue Series platform. However, whereas in his article, Eto approached the subject of our mutual interest from the Pan-Africanist perspective (where Pan-Africanism may be briefly introduced as a movement, founded around 1900, to secure equal rights, self-government, independence and unity for African peoples), I have been doing so from the Marxist perspective. And on account of my perspective, I have, from time to time, posed the question sharply as capitalism versus socialism. And to remove all ambiguities or doubts, by socialism I mean anti-capitalist socialism. I also believe, as Samir Amin affirmed long ago, that Marxism is essentially the social science of socialist revolution. And finally, along this line of thought, I believe that Marxism, as defined here, will become largely superfluous, if not obsolete as soon as socialism is realized on a global level. (Please, note that in its original sense, the term socialism, understood in the Marxian sense, can be used interchangeably with communism. Eto implicitly did this in his piece, and I love it). The preceding paragraph is my first clarification. The second clarification is this: I have been engaging the Nigerian Left from the Marxist perspective on the triple question of popular democracy, workers power and socialism in Nigeria and globally. In particular, I have been urging the Nigerian Left to raise the level of its organization to reflect its current responsibility to the working and exploited masses of Nigeria. As I said earlier, my Pan-Africanist compatriot, Julius Eto, did not, in his article, To Madunagu on the Lugano Report directly address the issues I raised and the propositions I presented in my earlier article, Re-introducing the Lugano Report. I have even been tempted to believe that both he and Biko Agozino were not patient enough in reading my article. But since a number of statements in Etos article are of public interest and also of immediate relevance to our common interests, I shall briefly respond to them in broad terms. And my response will be summarized in two points of further clarification: one theoretical and ideological, the other practical and political. My first point is this: Although it is possible to de-couple a political ideology into its constituent elements called ideological elements a reverse process is a hard nut to crack in the sense of not being capable of yielding a complete or coherent or even intelligible statement, talk less of restoring the original ideology. This is because an ideology is not the arithmetical sum of its constituent elements just as a wall is not the sum of the blocks used in building it. There are critical (though, in places, intangible) links and connecting glues that are lost when an ideology is being decoupled. It is the building blocks plus these links and connecting glues rather than the blocs alone that give an ideology its logic, shape, strength and uniqueness. When two different ideologies, such as Marxism and Pan-Africanism, are broken down, we may find that some or several ideological elements are common to both ideologies. That is what makes political collaboration or alliance potentially possible. However, what is crucial is the place and role of a particular ideological element in the ideology into which it is fitted. For instance, anti-racism appears as an ideological element in both Marxism and Pan-Africanism but they play different roles and carry different imports and implications in these different ideologies. My second concluding point is this: In the central part of his article, Eto said: As noted in my contribution on this issue (the issue of the Lugano Report EM) to the USA Africa Dialogue Series, individual African nations alone, in their present small sizes, cannot survive even if they all become communist/socialist because they will still be susceptible to manipulation by the dominant political powers (Russia, USA, China, EU etc). I also stressed that all communist/Marxist theories become practically limited when applied to Africa if the continent remains fragmented. All black intellectuals and some enlightened politicians know this truth, though it is bitter to some of the selfish ones and agents of capitalist and communist imperialism. My response here is a promise to my compatriot, Julius Eto. And the promise is that I shall discuss, in not too distant future, the concerns he raises here under the long-standing revolutionary Marxist thesis on the challenges of building socialism in a single country or even in a combination of countries as long as capitalism dominates globally. I shall also show that the anti-racism and revolutionary internationalism to which I subscribe, as a Marxist, subsume some of the concerns of Pan-Africanism. Finally, I shall show that though Marxism, as a living, fighting ideology of liberation is strong and resilient, it is not, and cannot claim to be, and does not need to claim to be pure, infallible or monolithic. Finally, the opening sentences of Biko Agozinos statement which Eto quoted in his (Etos) support read: What you (that is, Eto) identified is the weakness of national Left groups in Africa. Comrade Madunagu is directing his challenge to the Nigerian Left but relatively left out the Pan African Left. Meanwhile, the Lugano Report was pitched at the global level and not at the micro-national level because capitalism is a global mode of production. I give two short responses here. One: Agozino and Eto may need to re-read my Lugano article or go back to the first three paragraphs of the present article to realize they had not been patient in reading me. Two: The Marxist goal is global socialist revolution, but I have to engage the struggle here or anywhere history places me provided, always, that my perspective is global. Madunagu, mathematician and journalist, writes from Calabar, Cross River State. NEW DELHI: Amid the present border standoff with India, the latest satellite imagery has revealed that China is fast strengthening its naval base in Pakistans Gwadar Port. The satellite imagery shows new structures are being built at the Gwadar Port by China, which is engaged in further developing the area to deploy its naval assets there. According to the Indian security experts, China is engaged in modernizing the Gwadar Port and developing its surrounding areas very fast to use it as a potential naval base for its Navy. Development of Gwadar Port, which is part of USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, is of strategic and military importance for Beijing which wants to use the Corridor for transportation of goods, reducing the need for China to depend on the longer sea route via the Malacca Straits. But China also plans to use the Gwadar Port, which is located close to Pakistan's border with Iran, as a potential base for its rapidly growing People's Liberation Army and Navy. It is beyond doubt that China is increasing its presence into the Indian Ocean through the Gwadar Port. This has led to concerns that China can use Gwadar Port as a naval base and a platform to curb India's growing maritime strength when needed. However, there is also a lot of opposition to the construction work being carried out by China on the CPEC Corridor in Pakistan itself. In view of this, China is building a high-security compound around Gwadar Port to protect its people during any protest and possible attack. Hundreds of Chinese engineers are currently engaged in construction work around Gwadar and Karachi Ports, according to the reports. It may be noted that the Baluchi people in these areas are fighting for freedom from Pakistan and its armed forces is crushing the movement of these people. In 2018, the Chinese Consulate in Karachi was allegedly attacked by the Balochistan Liberation Army and a five-star hotel in Gwadar in 2019. This proves that there is growing resentment against the Chinese companies here. The Government of Pakistan has deployed its army for the protection of the CPEC Corridor and the engineers and staff of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC Ltd), which is engaged in developing Gwadar. This exposes the more interesting and ultimately wonderful difference between the United States of America and the Peoples Republic of China. Both countries are flawed. Both have official names that dont quite reflect reality. America isnt all that united, and China is in no way a peoples republic. But the rhetoric of Americas domestic critics is often theoretical and exaggerated for effect, while in China the rhetoric of domestic critics is coded, muffled or completely censored because it has to be. Every day, people call Trump an authoritarian, in part because he sounds like one but also because he isnt one. If he were an actual authoritarian, people wouldnt say it for fear of being thrown in jail. In China, fewer people call Xi an authoritarian precisely because he is one. In America, people rightly condemn the legacy of Jim Crow, slavery and apartheid. In China, they have all three, right now. Forced labor is alive and well in China. Ethnic minorities in China are denied access to schools, barred from traveling freely and are routinely discriminated against in the name of Han supremacy. Uighurs, Mongols and Tibetans are victims of cultural erasure and even genocide. The Dialogue hosted an online discussion on Make in India for the World The revival of the Indian economy and the role of MSMEs on 3rd June, 2020. As the country is going through an economic crisis, it is important to turn to a strong pillar i.e., Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to show us a path of recovery from the current pandemic induced downfall. It is for the first time in a long while that the exports from India have declined, however sellers who are engaged in exports through e-commerce experienced a positive surge. The webinar while showcasing the opportunities on e-commerce to the sellers also dwelled on how it could play a crucial role in increasing their businesses and ultimately help revive the economy. It is important to facilitate exports through different avenues and through e-commerce which would prove to be beneficial in this aspect. The session moderated by Kazim Rizvi, Founding Director, The Dialogue was presided over by Honble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Dr. Amar Patnaik, as the Chief Guest at the Webinar. It also had eminent thought leaders like Mr. Gopal Jain, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Nirupama Soundarajan, Economist Senior Fellow and Head of Research, Pahle India Foundation, Dr. Avik Sarkar, Professor, Indian School of Business, Dhvanil Sheth, Founder & CEO, Skillmatics and Pratik Jain, Managing Director, Madan Mohan Textiles. Dr. Amar Patnaik, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha noted that in terms of exports, India plays a key role in the IT and AI markets with its vast intellectual capability. MSMEs could play a crucial role in gaining prominence in the current geo-political scenario, where there is a major push to shift production from China. He noted that if India is successful in creating an ecosystem, it will drive investments and provide a fertile ground to enhance our exports. He spoke on the need to ensure last mile delivery of policies that encourage exports, and noted that there is a need to enhance liquidity to MSMES on the production side along with improved marketing side support to enhance growth. Indian MSMEs have a vast potential to cater to the demands of the world. However, there is a need to promote Indian made products. I believe that e-commerce could play a crucial role in the promotion as well as enhancing its capacity to export Indian products that can cater to the rest of the world. said Kazim Rizvi Dhvanil Sheth, Founder and CEO, Skillmatics noted that Exports through e-commerce help us to get instant feedback on our products while removing various intermediaries that exist during the normal export and thereby reducing our cost as well. Ecommerce platforms have supported us to widen our reach and deliver our products to the consumers sitting abroad. We have to believe in the Indian entrepreneurial spirit. If all systems work seamlessly it provides us with a tremendous opportunity to move the global appetite away from China. Nirupama Soundarajan, Economist Senior Fellow and Head of Research, Pahle India Foundation noted that it is important to link FDI to exports rather than emphasising on the need to source locally. If FDI is linked to exports, local sourcing will automatically receive a boost. Further, it is important to look at e-commerce and retailers as engines of growth. The instant feedback mechanism and the fact that it removes informational barriers makes exports through e-commerce much more feasible for the MSMEs. The discussion provided insights on the role of MSMEs in the revival of the economy and how export through e-commerce could play a key role here. The panel discussed aspects of technological enablement of MSME in order to increase their manufacturing capacity as well as enhancing the customer base. There is a need to support the right regulatory culture to enhance exports through ecommerce from our country. We have to make significant changes in our approach to become an attractive export destination and e-commerce could play a very crucial role in that. Further, it is important that technology has a legal framework to support it in order to maximise the outputs and reduce the barriers. said Gopal Jain, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India Labour reforms and certifications are really important for the development of workers. Skill development is very crucial for building the base and it will help us in the long run said Avik Sarkar, Professor ISB There is inadequate representation of MSME in the decision making process. MSMEs could significantly contribute to these discussions and inform the government about the issues faced by us said Pratik Jain, Managing Director, Madan Mohan Textiles. He added, We have ourselves seen the benefits of adopting the ecommerce route for exports. The speakers agreed that e-commerce could play a critical role in enhancing the reach of the products made in India by the MSMEs. This would help in consumption of more products and increase in the demand thereby enhancing the manufacturing capacity of the MSMEs. In order to revive the economy, it is important to widen the reach of Indian products manufactured by the MSMEs. The friction between New York City mayors and governors in far-off Albany is centuries old, but rarely have the stakes been so high. In recent weeks, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio have been trying and often failing to suppress their mutual animosity with the covid-19 pandemic claiming almost 22,000 lives in the city, an economically devastating lockdown and now an explosion of rage in the streets. On Tuesday, Cuomo criticized the city's handling of widespread looting and violence following protests against police brutality. "The NYPD and the mayor did not do their job," Monday night, Cuomo said of de Blasio and the 36,000-officer police department for which he's responsible. "What happened in New York City was inexcusable." Cuomo said he has the power to take over the city and bring in the National Guard, but "I don't think we're at that point." Displacing the mayor "would be such a chaotic situation in the midst of an already chaotic situation," he added. "I don't think that makes any sense." The clash over protests of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody was a jarring reversal. Just Friday, de Blasio made a rare appearance at Cuomo's daily virus briefing via video call, for the announcement of the June 8 reopening of New York City. Cuomo even complimented the mayor's appearance, and they were friendly, praising each other for hard work. The two, once tight allies, have been feuding and struggling over power ever since de Blasio became mayor in 2014. The fights have sometimes distracted them from the challenges of governing. New York governors and mayors have a long history of policy disagreements, particularly in a system that gives the state's chief executive more power over the city's authority to impose taxes and enact laws. This fact vexed former Mayors Edward Koch, Rudolph Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg without regard to political party or ideology. In the current environment, disagreements between Cuomo and de Blasio can have fateful impact. "They have had this bad history together about who's in charge, and it's mixed with each leader's ambitions in national politics, all predicated on the need to show they've performed well," said Robert Shapiro, a Columbia University political scientist. "The mayor is in a better position to know what's going on in the city. But Cuomo has an advantage because it's easier to sound like you've taken the high ground, and criticize while you're less responsible." The latest spat over the mayor's handling of looting and arson Sunday and Monday night may not have had a tangible impact on the challenge of maintaining law and order, according to spokespersons for the mayor and governor. That's because each opposes President Donald Trump's threat to send military battalions into cities experiencing unrest. And they agree the NYPD has enough resources and expertise to handle the problem without military intervention. "They have protected the city before in these situations," Cuomo said Tuesday. "I believe in the inherent capacity of the NYPD, if managed and if deployed." Cuomo's criticism of the police department response wasn't well-received by City Hall. The governor's comments are "offensive to the men and women of the NYPD who are out there every night trying to keep New Yorkers safe," said Freddi Goldstein, the mayor's press secretary. "It would be nice if our officers knew they had the respect of their governor." The two men's personality clash may have cost lives in March, when they bickered over whether to close the schools and shut down the city. They disagreed for days over how and when to act. The city closed the schools, but only after Cuomo issued a March 15 order. Two days later, de Blasio raised the possibility of a "shelter-in-place" order. Cuomo reacted negatively, saying it was his decision. On March 20, the governor announced his own shutdown. Epidemiologists say delays of just a few days may allow a highly contagious virus to spread exponentially. As the city moves toward reopening, the subways have become another source of contention. As governor, Cuomo is ultimately responsible for the operations of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. That hasn't stopped him from accusing the mayor of underfunding the system, to which the city contributes billions in tax revenue and subway and bus fares. "We're still not getting the answers we need from the MTA," de Blasio said last week, as city and state officials worked toward how to prevent the system from becoming a vector of viral infection. "We have no idea what the mayor is talking about," countered Sarah Feinberg, interim president of New York City Transit, which operates the subways and buses. It was an echo of 2015, when Cuomo shut the subway system down during a snow storm -- after giving the mayor just 15 minutes notice. Spokeswomen for the two top New York officials each deny that the relationship has interfered with governing. "By and large the mayor and governor have aligned on fighting the virus," Goldstein said. "They agreed on the curfew, they agree on the need to let NYPD keep order. The rhetoric has not had an impact on the solutions to the challenges." Dani Lever, Cuomo's press secretary, said the relationship hasn't interfered with their actions to fight the virus or to keep law and order. "This isn't about personalities," she said, "it's about public safety." Asset sale procedure against Tatfondbank ex-chair Musin extended TASS, Yegor Aleyev 10:55 03/06/2020 MOSCOW, June 3 (RAPSI) The Tatarstan Commercial Court has extended an asset sale procedure against ex-chairman of Tatfondbank Robert Musin for six months, according to court records. Earlier, Musin lodged an appeal against a finance manager over failure to take steps to stop seizure of assets belonging to the former banker and his wife. The appeal is set for July 10. In March, the court suspended the 141.3 billion-ruble (about $2.3 billion) debt proceedings initiated by Tatfondbank against Musin. The claim was suspended until a judicial act on the application of the Deposit Insurance Agency (DIA) seeking to recover 141.39 billion rubles from Musin and other ex-bank manager is taken In late February, the bank filed a petition to put a 141.3 billion-ruble debt of Musin on his list of creditors demands. In February, the same court ordered the seizure of assets held by Musin and ten other former managers of the bank totaling 96.7 billion rubles (about $1.5 billion). The court ruling also prohibited the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography (FSSRCC) to register transfers of ownership of several premises and land plots belonging to defendants. Petition filed by Russias State Corporation Deposit Insurance Agency (DIA) to introduce interim relief was satisfied in part: the agency demanded to seize in total assets worth 141.39 billion rubles (about $2.3 billion). In substantiation of the claim, DIA cited the facts evidencing that the persons in control over the bank committed actions aimed to defraud it of its assets, in particular, to form simulated debts, replace valuable assets with unrealizable ones; purchased non-marketable securities; transferred liquid assets in trust of an affiliated organization and made other dubious deals. Besides, the persons in control of the bank failed to undertake measures aimed to prevent Tatfondbank bankruptcy, the DIA statement reads. As a result, the financial standing of the bank has been seriously undermined, what was the reason, the claimant believes, of the situation where it could not meet the demands of its creditors. Earlier, the Tatarstan Commercial Court has extended the procedure of sale of property of Musin for six months. On July 18, 2018, the court granted a motion of Tatfondbank and declared Musin bankrupt. Before that, the court initiated a procedure of restructuring Musins debt. The DIA sought 16.7 million rubles ($255,000) from the banker. Notably, Musin is charged with embezzlement. According to investigators, in August 2016, employees of the bank provided false data to the Central Bank of Russia to obtain a credit and subsequently embezzle the funds. Later, the money was transferred to the accounts of affiliated companies. Investigators believe that overall damage in criminal cases against Musin reaches 50 billion rubles (about $765.6 million). Thirteen cases over abuse of office opened against Musin are allegedly connected with embezzlement of 18 billion rubles ($275.6 million) belonging to Tatfondbank. Criminal prosecution In July 2019, the Investigative Committee reported that Musin would stand trial on charges of abuse of office. According to investigators, in December 2016, Musin siphoned liquid collateral security amounting to more than 20 billion rubles ($315 million) prior to the appointment of temporary administration in the troubled bank. Thus, he caused damage in the form of credit outstandings worth over 7 billion rubles to Tatfondbank, the statement reads. Over 19 billion rubles have not been returned, investigators claim. There are 517 volumes in the case against Musin. Moreover, investigators believe that the defendant was involved in other crimes. The total damage caused by Musins actions is estimated at more than 53 billion rubles (nearly $835 million), according to the Investigative Committee. A court has seized his assets worth more than 4.2 billion rubles. Wall Street has staged a strong comeback since late March, leaving the rest of the world behind. This is primarily thanks to a booming technology sector as well as an unprecedented stimulus from the central bank and the government. The central bank has plenty of ammunition to rescue the economy from a deep slowdown, indicating a potential recovery in the second half of the year. The Fed would expand existing lending programs or start new ones if required. Additionally, hopes surrounding a potential coronavirus vaccine and reopening of the economy instilled confidence. All the 50 states have lifted restrictions put in place to combat the coronavirus outbreak. The latest bouts of data indicate that economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic was less severe than anticipated. U.S. manufacturing activity rose for the first time since January while jobless claims fell for the first time during the pandemic in the week ended May 23. Readings on durable goods also beat forecasts. Stronger-than-expected consumer confidence and homebuilder confidence have led to some optimism. Signs of a rebound in the economy more than offset the recent escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions. Notably, the S&P 500 has risen about 36% from its March low, cutting its losses for the year to 5.8%. The index also capped its best two-month gain since 2009. Given the bullishness and a strong momentum, we have screened for five stocks that are most loved by the brokerage firms with the help of the Zacks Stock Screener. The parameters include a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), VGM Score of A, 100% of buy ratings, estimated double-digit earnings growth for this year and a top-ranked Zacks industry. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. B2Gold Corp BTG This Vancouver-based company is a gold producer with three operational mines (one each in Mali, Namibia, Philippines). It has an estimated earnings growth rate of 221.4% for this year and belongs to the top-ranked industry (placed at the top 6% of 250+ industries). The stock has a market cap of $5.7 billion. Scorpio Tankers Inc. STNG This Scorpio-based company is a provider of marine transportation of petroleum products worldwide. The stock has seen solid earnings estimate revision of $3.32 for this year over the past month and has estimated earnings growth of 760.6%. It has a market cap of $1 billion and belongs to a top industry (top 33%). Exp World Holdings Inc. EXPI This Washington-based company provides cloud-based real estate brokerage services primarily in the United States and Canada. It has seen solid earnings estimate revision of 10 cents for this year over the past month and has an estimated earnings growth rate of 173.3%. It has a market cap of $697.9 million and belongs to a top industry (top 47%). Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings AAWW This New York-based company provides outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. The stock has seen solid earnings estimate revision of $1.80 for this year over the past month and has estimated earnings growth of 61.3%. It has a market cap of $1.1 billion and belongs to a top industry (top 17%). SunOpta Inc. STKL This Canada-based company is an operator of high-growth ethical businesses, focusing on integrated business models in the natural and organic food, supplements and health and beauty markets. It has a market cap of $413.3 million and an estimated earnings growth rate of 59.5% for this year. The company belongs to a top-ranked industry (top 16%). Zacks Single Best Pick to Double From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each picked their favorite to gain +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Zacks Director of Research, Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. This young companys gigantic growth was hidden by low-volume trading, then cut short by the coronavirus. But its digital products stand out in a region where the internet economy has tripled since 2015 and looks to triple again by 2025. Its stock price is already starting to resume its upward arc. The skys the limit! And the earlier you get in, the greater your potential gain. Click Here, See It Free >> 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 SunOpta, Inc. (STKL) : Free Stock Analysis Report B2Gold Corp (BTG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (AAWW) : Free Stock Analysis Report Scorpio Tankers Inc. (STNG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Exp World Holdings, Inc. (EXPI) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Dear Mayor (Tommy) Battle and Chief (Mark) McMurray, I am writing to object to the inexcusable way protesters were treated Monday evening at the courthouse square. I am an older white female pediatrician. I attended the protest yesterday to add my support to BlackLivesMatter, but also because I noticed that on Saturday, no medical personnel were stationed near the event. I was concerned someone might have heat stroke or be stressed and have a heart attack, so I brought ice to the organizers and had some medical supplies including aspirin and my CPR mask. I packed some eye wash and bandages in case some of those fringe patriot groups got in there and rioted. I thought that wasnt very likely, but I wanted to be prepared. I decided to stay until it was obviously over, again because there was no EMS presence. First of all, the posture of the police standing there was very confrontational. The body language was over the top. And one policeman was up there smacking gum, with his mouth open! Very disrespectful! I am sure I sound my age, but things like that are important. People were there protesting a murder and systemic racism. To stand up there smacking gumwow. I sat with a small group of other medical peoplemainly nursesat the periphery, on a sidewalk bench near the steps of the courthouse. All of the sudden, we saw police standing in a row blocking off both streets around us, so nobody could get to their vehicles in the parking garages. People told us there was tear gas and we saw the rubber bullet guns. The sirens started going off, but we didnt know what that meant. One of the police started saying something through a bullhorn but we could not understand a single word he said! Protesters were saying what? what are they telling us to do? where do we go? The street is blocked! The medical group was alarmed, because the only way out that we could see was the very steep steps to Big Springs park. I said surely that is not what they wantthats so dangerous if there is a rush! People will fall! Because we didnt see any other way out and couldnt understand the police with the bullhorn, we went to a table on the platform midway down, so we could be ready to pull any people who fell to safety. We were afraid someone could get trampled on. Next thing we know, people are screaming and running down those stairs, saying they had been tear gassed and pepper sprayed. I was glad after all that I had brought eye wash. After that, it was a process of being chased by police across the park, not knowing where they wanted people to go. The medical group got as far away as we could and tried to help people with eye wash. It was terrifying. We were being surrounded and nobody knew where to go. We couldnt hear any sort of instructions. We encountered a frightened family who had gone to the park to see the waterfall at night and said they got gas in their eyes. No one from law enforcement even bothered to check to see if there were non-protester people just visiting the park before you chased protesters down there. Then we started getting fired at by rubber bullets. We just ranwe didnt even know where it was safe to go. Sheer panic. I have never been so scared in my entire life. From my perspective, no riot happened among the protesters, so the police basically decided to have their own riot against them! No clear instructions were issued, and people were chased down the stairs while being blinded. I read this morning it was smoke, not tear gasbut still, blinding people you are chasing down stairs is a terrible idea! I do not even think the protesters would have coalesced around the steps, if there had not been such an antagonistic looking line of police gathered up there. Why was that necessary to begin with? Couldnt you have stayed just inside the courthouse doors? From what the ACLU says about protester rights, there was no legal reason to disperse the crowd anyway. But if you do disperse a crowd, as a community medical professional, I must insist that you: 1) Provide very clear instructions that we can _hear_. That bullhorn is completely useless. 2) Give enough time to make sure everyone has understood the instructions. 3) Plan a safe escape route for protesters and let us know where that will be. That means _not_ down the steps. And for heavens sake, dont smoke or gas or pepper spray people who are trying to leave. I also urge city leadersplease, please arrange for medical personnel to be on standby and clearly mark their location. Do not attack any protesters seeking medical care and do not attack medical personnel. At concerts and other events, there are always EMS present. I do not have disaster trainingI was just trying to be a good citizen. But now I feel like I must attend these protests, since I am willing to give medical assistance and you have made _no_ arrangements. I am making a red cross sign on a stick for Wednesdayhad I known the police were going to use chemical weapons on people, I would have done that before. I do not want to be in a situation as terrifying as last night again, but I feel I have a duty to provide medical aid when the city is not covering that. What I observed yesterday was absolutely sickening. it broke my heart. It makes me understand a little better what my black friends are up against. Please do everything in your power to avoid a recurrence of this awful behavior. Sincerely, Pippa Abston, MD, Huntsville On June 3, 2020, this report was posted online as an MMWR Early Release. NSSP found that emergency department (ED) visits declined 42% during the early COVID-19 pandemic, from a mean of 2.1 million per week (March 31April 27, 2019) to 1.2 million (March 29April 25, 2020), with the steepest decreases in persons aged 14 years, females, and the Northeast. The proportion of infectious diseaserelated visits was four times higher during the early pandemic period. On March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As the number of persons hospitalized with COVID-19 increased, early reports from Austria (1), Hong Kong (2), Italy (3), and California (4) suggested sharp drops in the numbers of persons seeking emergency medical care for other reasons. To quantify the effect of COVID-19 on U.S. emergency department (ED) visits, CDC compared the volume of ED visits during four weeks early in the pandemic March 29April 25, 2020 (weeks 14 to 17; the early pandemic period) to that during March 31April 27, 2019 (the comparison period). During the early pandemic period, the total number of U.S. ED visits was 42% lower than during the same period a year earlier, with the largest declines in visits in persons aged 14 years, females, and the Northeast region. Health messages that reinforce the importance of immediately seeking care for symptoms of serious conditions, such as myocardial infarction, are needed. To minimize SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, transmission risk and address public concerns about visiting the ED during the pandemic, CDC recommends continued use of virtual visits and triage help lines and adherence to CDC infection control guidance. To assess trends in ED visits during the pandemic, CDC analyzed data from the National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP), a collaborative network developed and maintained by CDC, state and local health departments, and academic and private sector health partners to collect electronic health data in real time. The national data in NSSP includes ED visits from a subset of hospitals in 47 states (all but Hawaii, South Dakota, and Wyoming), capturing approximately 73% of ED visits in the United States able to be analyzed at the national level. During the most recent week, 3,552 EDs reported data. Total ED visit volume, as well as patient age, sex, region, and reason for visit were analyzed. Weekly number of ED visits were examined during January 1, 2019May 30, 2020. In addition, ED visits during two 4-week periods were compared using mean differences and ratios. The change in mean visits per week during the early pandemic period and the comparison period was calculated as the mean difference in total visits in a diagnostic category between the two periods, divided by 4 weeks ([visits in diagnostic category {early pandemic period} visits in diagnostic category {comparison period}]/4). The visit prevalence ratio (PR) was calculated for each diagnostic category as the proportion of ED visits during the early pandemic period divided by the proportion of visits during the comparison period ([visits in category {early pandemic period}/all visits {early pandemic period}]/[visits in category {comparison period}/all visits {comparison period}]). All analyses were conducted using R software (version 3.6.0; R Foundation). Reason for visit was analyzed using a subset of records that had at least one specific, billable International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code. In addition to Hawaii, South Dakota, and Wyoming, four states (Florida, Louisiana, New York outside New York City, and Oklahoma), two California counties reporting to the NSSP (Santa Cruz and Solano), and the District of Columbia were also excluded from the diagnostic code analysis because they did not report diagnostic codes during both periods or had differences in completeness of codes between 2019 and 2020. Among eligible visits for the diagnostic code analysis, 20.3% without a valid ICD-10-CM code were excluded. ED visits were categorized using the Clinical Classifications Software Refined tool (version 2020.2; Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project), which combines ICD-10-CM codes into clinically meaningful groups (5). A visit with multiple ICD-10-CM codes could be included in multiple categories; for example, a visit by a patient with diabetes and hypertension would be included in the category for diabetes and the category for hypertension. Because COVID-19 is not yet classified in this tool, a custom category, defined as any visit with the ICD-10-CM code for confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis (U07.1), was created (6). The analysis was limited to the top 200 diagnostic categories during each period. The lowest number of visits reported to NSSP occurred during April 1218, 2020 (week 16). Although visits have increased since the nadir, the most recent complete week (May 2430, week 22) remained 26% below the corresponding week in 2019 (Figure 1). The number of ED visits decreased 42%, from a mean of 2,099,734 per week during March 31April 27, 2019, to a mean of 1,220,211 per week during the early pandemic period of March 29April 25, 2020. Visits declined for every age group (Figure 2), with the largest proportional declines in visits by children aged 10 years (72%) and 1114 years (71%). Declines in ED visits varied by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services region,* with the largest declines in the Northeast (Region 1, 49%) and in the region that includes New Jersey and New York (Region 2, 48%) (Figure 2). Visits declined 37% among males and 45% among females across all NSSP EDs between the comparison and early pandemic periods. Among all ages, an increase of >100 mean visits per week from the comparison period to the early pandemic period occurred in eight of the top 200 diagnostic categories (Table). These included 1) exposure, encounters, screening, or contact with infectious disease (mean increase 18,834 visits per week); 2) COVID-19 (17,774); 3) other general signs and symptoms (4,532); 4) pneumonia not caused by tuberculosis (3,911); 5) other specified and unspecified lower respiratory disease (1,506); 6) respiratory failure, insufficiency, or arrest (776); 7) cardiac arrest and ventricular fibrillation (472); and 8) socioeconomic or psychosocial factors (354). The largest declines were in visits for abdominal pain and other digestive or abdomen signs and symptoms (66,456), musculoskeletal pain excluding low back pain (52,150), essential hypertension (45,184), nausea and vomiting (38,536), other specified upper respiratory infections (36,189), sprains and strains (33,709), and superficial injuries (30,918). Visits for nonspecific chest pain were also among the top 20 diagnostic categories for which visits decreased (24,258). Although not in the top 20 declining diagnoses, visits for acute myocardial infarction also declined (1,156). During the early pandemic period, the proportion of ED visits for exposure, encounters, screening, or contact with infectious disease compared with total visits was nearly four times as large as during the comparison period (Table) (prevalence ratio [PR] = 3.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.763.83). The other diagnostic categories with the highest proportions of visits during the early pandemic compared with the comparison period were other specified and unspecified lower respiratory disease, which did not include influenza, pneumonia, asthma, or bronchitis (PR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.962.02), cardiac arrest and ventricular fibrillation (PR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.932.03), and pneumonia not caused by tuberculosis (PR = 1.91; 95% CI = 1.901.93). Diagnostic categories that were recorded less commonly during the early pandemic period included influenza (PR = 0.16; 95% CI = 0.150.16), no immunization or underimmunization (PR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.270.30), otitis media (PR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.340.36), and neoplasm-related encounters (PR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.390.42). In the 2019 comparison period, 12% of all ED visits were in children aged 10 years old, compared with 6% during the early pandemic period. Among children aged 10 years, the largest declines were in visits for influenza (97% decrease), otitis media (85%), other specified upper respiratory conditions (84%), nausea and vomiting (84%), asthma (84%), viral infection (79%), respiratory signs and symptoms (78%), abdominal pain and other digestive or abdomen symptoms (78%), and fever (72%). Mean weekly visits with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses and screening for infectious disease during the early pandemic period were lower among children than among adults. Among all ages, the diagnostic categories with the largest changes (abdominal pain and other digestive or abdomen signs and symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and essential hypertension) were the same in males and females, but declines in those categories were larger in females than males. Females also had large declines in visits for urinary tract infections (19,833 mean weekly visits). The family of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, the woman who fell to her death in the presence of Toronto police officers last month, cancelled an interview with Ontarios police watchdog hours before it was set to occur Wednesday, citing concerns unnamed police sources are leaking information to the media. The cancellation spurred by Toronto Sun reports that include previously unreported details about Korchinski-Paquets death cited to unnamed sources prompted the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to ask Toronto police to take immediate steps to prevent further releases of information about what occurred inside the apartment. The public and affected persons will have less confidence in the results of an SIU investigation where pronouncements are made by police services or officers ahead of the completion of a full SIU investigation, read a statement from SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon Wednesday, referencing the familys concern. Lawyer Knia Singh was scheduled to accompany Korchinski-Paquets relatives to an SIU interview Wednesday to discuss the 29-year-olds May 27 death after falling from her 24th-floor balcony while police were inside her familys apartment unit. Singh told the Star the family decided to put the interview with the SIU on hold because of two recent articles published in the Toronto Sun that include previously unreported information cited to anonymous sources, including the claim that Korchinski-Paquet died attempting to vault to a neighbouring balcony. We already have issues with trust, Singh said, adding the family deserves an explanation. Singh said he believes the leak is an attempt to create a public narrative, saying police officers must be the source as no one else would be a position to know. In the SIU statement, Hudon said the watchdog respects the familys decision and looks forward to receiving their accounts at the earliest opportunity. According to counsel, leaks of this nature detract from the publics confidence, and the familys confidence, in the integrity of the SIU investigation, Hudon said. Citing 1999 legislation, the SIU said police services and their members are prohibited from providing information about an incident thats under investigation by the SIU. It does so precisely in order to preserve the independence and the credibility of the SIUs work, the statement said. If information is leaked during the course of an investigation, it can also contribute to delay in the investigative process, as seems to have occurred here with the cancellation of the family interviews, Hudon said. In an email, Toronto police spokesperson Meaghan Gray said the service does not comment on the validity of information from unnamed sources. We can say that the unauthorized release of information is taken seriously by the TPS and the matter is being investigated by Professional Standards, she said. The SIU has urged patience and asked for members of the public to avoid rushing to any conclusions as it continues its probe Korchinski-Paquets final moment. Toronto police chief Mark Saunders, Mayor John Tory, the Toronto Police Services Board and the Toronto Police Association have all asked the public to await the outcome of the SIUs investigation before coming to any conclusions. Due process to determine what transpired is of utmost importance, said a statement released last week that was signed by Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack and the unions board of directors. Saunders has said he legally cannot provide information about his officers conduct while the SIU investigation is ongoing, though on Friday he said theres a whole lot I want to say, saying that an information vacuum can be filled with misinformation and a lot of it is lies. Singh has said Korchinski-Paquets mother called police on Wednesday night 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 Saunders, police were summoned to the scene by three calls to 911 about an assault in progress, at least two of which mentioned knives. The incident was treated as a priority one call, meaning officers were dispatched within seconds and on scene within four minutes, Saunders said. The SIU has said only that officers were inside an apartment unit on the 24th floor when they observed a woman on the balcony and a short time later, the woman fell from the balcony to the ground below. Six Toronto police officers are involved in the incident. Five have been designated witness officers while one is a subject officer, meaning his actions are at the centre of the civilian watchdogs investigation. All of the officers have been interviewed by the SIU. Investigators have also examined the scene, searched for witnesses and video footage, and spoken to several civilians who were able to shed some light on what transpired, SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon said. The death of Korchinski-Paquet, an Afro-Indigenous woman, has attracted significant public interest amid the wide-scale unrest over police use of force against Black people sparked by the killing of George Floyd, who died last week while gasping for breath during an arrest by Minneapolis police. In an internal video message sent to his officers this week, Saunders said Floyds death at the hands of police has brought into clear view the anger that systemic anti-Black racism, discrimination and violence, often by police, has triggered. Make no mistake. These sentiments and these lived experiences are experienced by our citizens in Toronto and by our own colleagues here at the Toronto Police Service. This is not an American phenomenon. It is real. It is powerful. And we need to address it. With Star files Wendy Gillis is a Toronto-based reporter covering crime and policing for the Star. Reach her by email at wgillis@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @wendygillis Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arriana McLymore and Echo Wang (Reuters) New York, United States Wed, June 3, 2020 18:04 596 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbe1698 2 Lifestyle TikTok,Tik-Tok,activism,teenagers,activist,police-brutality,Racism,united-states Free Just a few months ago, 17-year-old Taylor Cassidy was spending hours flailing her arms in an attempt to pick up the latest dance move the "Renegade". That all changed as Cassidy watched videos by Black Lives Matter (BLM) and eventually began creating video skits on TikTok to illustrate the racial injustice she and her friends face on a daily basis. "Because the BLM movement has been present in society for such a long time, my generation has been able to use TikTok to spread awareness through the lens of a young person's mindset," Cassidy, who is black, told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday. Cassidy, who has amassed 1.6 million followers on TikTok since joining last November, is among the millions of users who are helping to turn the go-to destination for short-form viral music videos and pranks into a first stop for youth activism as protests against police brutality spread across America. "The movement will be shaped to not only spread awareness about the injustice in society, but it will go further, teaching about the importance of voice and calls to action to stop the brutality," Cassidy said. The hashtag #blacklivesmatter has shot up TikTok's trending list with 3 billion views as of Tuesday morning. TikTok superstars like Charli D'Amelio, whose 60 million followers is nearly twice the number of HBO's US subscribers, hit pause on showing off dance moves to discuss George Floyd, a black man in Minnesota whose death as a white police officer knelt on his neck has sparked a national debate on race and power. "I will continue to spread these messages and be an ally," said D'Amelio, who is white, in a post which garnered more than 47.7 million views and 12 million likes over the weekend. TikTok's emergence as a platform for political discourse for teens follow a tradition of media platforms evolving beyond their founders' initial designs such as Twitter's role in the Arab Spring protests in 2011 and the MTV cable TV network's role galvanizing young voters in the early 1990s. "Arab Spring was able to mobilize on Twitter. Now were seeing something similar on TikTok, said Kadisha Phillips, a social media strategist, who pointed to how rapidly content spread on TikTok. "Even though it became a place for viral dances, TikTok also became a storytelling platform," said Phillips. "TikTok has taken on an interesting space because it's letting people tell stories in a very quick way." The expansion of TikTok's role from place for cute dance routines to platform for civil disobedience comes at a complicated moment at the company which has been accused by the black community for marginalizing African American creators. On Monday evening, TikTok, published a blog entry written by Vanessa Pappas, TikTok US general manager, and Kudzi Chikumbu, director of creator community, that apologized to the African American community and vowed to make changes. It also said it will donate $3 million to unspecified non-profit organizations that help the black community. TikTok came under fire last week for a glitch that made hashtags such as #BlackLivesMatter and #GeorgeFloyd appear as if they received zero views. "We understand that many assumed this bug to be an intentional act to suppress the experiences and invalidate the emotions felt by the Black community," the company said in a blog post on Monday. "We know we have work to do to regain and repair that trust." TikTok's big moment also comes as its high-profile new hire, Walt Disney Co's Kevin Mayer took over as CEO of the Chinese-owned company on Monday. The new leadership comes at tensions flare between the United States and China over trade, technology and the COVID-19 pandemic. Because TikTok is owned by China-based ByteDance Technology Co and widely popular among American teens, US regulators have questioned the safety of the personal data it handles and if its Chinese ownership poses a national security risk. The company has also faced accusations of suppressing political content, including a Guardian report last September that the company instructed moderators to censor videos pertaining to topics sensitive to the Chinese government such as the Tiananmen Square protest, based on leaked internal documents. "TikTok does not remove content based on sensitivities related to China," the company said in a blog post on October 24, 2019, responding to reports. "We have never been asked by the Chinese government to remove any content and we would not do so if asked. Period." Read also: Its TikTok time! Platform offers new escapes, coronavirus information "Don't stay silent" Lex Scott, the founder the Utah chapter of Black Lives Matter, said that she has been using TikTok to organize since March when she joined TikTok and prefers it over Facebook Inc as content spreads much more quickly on TikTok. "The younger crowd does not want to be on Facebook and they are not on Facebook. They are on SnapChat and TikTok," Scott said. Scott, who boasts nearly 90,000 followers on TikTok compared to her hundreds of followers on Facebook, said that she is now using TikTok to inform audiences about police brutality and to get at least 150,000 signatures on a petition for a police reform bill. The petition on Change.org has been signed at least 148,000 times because of Scott's following on TikTok. Other TikTokkers have posted first aid tips for protests, filmed demonstrations and acted out skits to highlight their experiences with inequality. Activists have enjoyed getting a boost from the superstars of TikTok who have brought attention to protests and directed followers to calls to action. On Monday, TikTok star Loren Gray said that she would stop posting her typical content out of respect for the protests and urged her 44 million followers to donate and sign petitions. Gray also pushed for other TikTok influencers to donate to the cause. "To my peers, please don't stay silent right now," Gray said in her post. "Y'all have so much influence over this generation and it is important for you to use your voice aside from using a hashtag and calling yourself an ally." By Monday, TikTok appeared to embrace its new role as a forum for political expression. "TikTok is an outlet for users to express themselves. This expression is often joyful, but our community is going through a time of particularly deep anguish and even outrage, and much of the content on the app this week clearly reflects those experiences," said TikTok's Pappas in a statement. "Now more than ever, we stand with the Black community." The former owner of an apartment who allegedly threatened to set his dog on any representative of the new owners who tried to gain entry must immediately vacate the property, the High Court has ruled. Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty said DavyPlatform ICAV, an asset management umbrella fund established to provide social housing to local authorities, was entitled to an injunction against Gerard O'Sullivan, who is former owner of the apartment located at Rosebank Place, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. The judge also made orders against Ms Fiona O'Brien, who is a niece of Mr O'Sullivan. It was claimed she had been residing at the apartment on foot of a lease granted to her by Geard O'Sullivan. The fund the judge said owns the apartment, and Gerard O'Sullivan and Fiona O'Brien "must vacate it immediately". It was "beyond the power of the court" to permit the respondents to continue to remain in the property, the judge added. The injunction is to remain in place pending any full hearing of the dispute. The fund, represented by Michael O'Sullivan Bl, said it is the legal registered owner of the apartment, and the respondents had no right to be on the property and were trespassers. In April the fund discovered that the respondents had entered the property and had changed the locks. Counsel said it purchased the property from a fund Promontoria Oyster DAC for 173,000 in October 2018. It wants to refurbish the property so it can be used by South Dublin Co Council for its housing needs. Arising out of their failure to vacate the property the fund sought orders requiring the defendants to vacate the property, and cease trespassing or interfering with the apartment. Representing himself Gerard O'Sullivan, with an address at Kennelsfort Road Upper in Dublin, claims he is the owner of the two-bedroomed property, and denied being a trespasser. He also claimed the property, which he and his wife had acquired in 2006 had been allegedly fraudulently transferred out of their names. He accepted the fund could not have known about this alleged fraud. Ms O'Brien did not appear in court, nor was she legally represented at any stage of the proceedings. In her ruling the judge said that Gerard O'Sullivan and his niece have no quarrel with the fund. If Mr O'Sullivan had any issue in regards to the apartment it was with the entity that purported to sell the property to Davy Platform ICAV. However the judge added that no evidence supporting Gerard O'Sullivan's claim of a fraud was put before the court. The judge said that Gerard O'Sullivan had instead of taking proceedings against the party he claims had defrauded him, had instead gained access to the property without the owner's consent or knowledge. He had also "threatened to set his German Shepherd dog on anyone who seeks to gain entry to the apartment on the applicant's behalf," the judge said, adding that the respondents have no defence to the action. The orders sought by the fund she said were necessary not only for it, but to reassure any renter or home-owner that they will "not be disturbed or uprooted by a disaffected former owner who either in ignorance of their rights, or deliberately for gain, seeks to bully their way back into the building." The judge also ordered that the respondents pay the fund's legal costs. The judge said the law on property rights was so clear that it was not credible that the respondents did not know they had no right to be on the property. DENVER, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RMAX), parent company of RE/MAX, one of the world's leading franchisors of real estate brokerage services, and Motto Franchising, ("Motto Mortgage"), an innovative mortgage brokerage franchisor, today announced the election of Laura G. Kelly to its Board of Directors. "Laura is a successful financial services and data executive who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the RE/MAX Holdings Board of Directors," said Dave Liniger, Co-Founder and Chairman of RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. "She's led digital transformations and business strategies across financial technology services, data solutions and real estate valuation. Laura is a tremendous addition to the Board." Kelly also serves as a board member for both Jack Henry & Associates and USAA Savings Bank. She is currently President, Managing Director for The Columbia Institute at CoreLogic, Inc., which provides education to appraisers and other valuation professionals. Kelly joined CoreLogic in 2016 as Managing Director of its Residential Valuation Solutions Group. Prior to CoreLogic, Kelly was the Chief Global Product and Data Solutions Officer for The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, where she transitioned the business away from its trade credit roots to become a data company delivering insights and analytics to its customers. "Building new, innovative products that revamp and elevate the customer experience has been a constant throughout my career and is a real passion of mine," said Kelly. "Serving on the RE/MAX Holdings Board of Directors gives me another opportunity to help reframe the real estate customer experience on a global level." Kelly's earlier roles included Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Americas at American Express and Executive Vice President, Global Prepaid Product Solutions at MasterCard Worldwide. In addition, Kelly served as an active duty and later reserve officer in the United States Air Force. She holds a bachelor's degree from Samford University and a Master in Business Administration from Auburn University as well as a Certified Public Accountant license and a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation. About RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RMAX) is one of the world's leading franchisors in the real estate industry, franchising real estate brokerages globally under the RE/MAX brand, and mortgage brokerages within the U.S. under the Motto Mortgage brand. RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by David and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. Now with more than 130,000 agents across over 110 countries and territories, nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by total residential transaction sides. Dedicated to innovation and change in the real estate industry, RE/MAX launched Motto Franchising, LLC, a ground-breaking mortgage brokerage franchisor, in 2016. Motto Mortgage has grown to over 100 offices across more than 30 states. SOURCE RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. HOTELS are hopeful that the return of conferences, workshops and funerals, among other social gatherings, will mark their journey to revival after an earlier ban on such gatherings bruised their businesses and led to multiple staff layoffs. The President of the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA), Dr Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jr, told the GRAPHIC BUSINESS on June 1 that such gatherings were a major contributor to hotels revenues, accounting for a minimum of one-third of their annual turnover. Therefore, Dr Ackah-Nyamike Jr said the easing of the restrictions on social gatherings could open up a major revenue stream necessary for the survival of the hotels and also lead to a recall of some staff who were initially facing redundancy over the little to no activity in their employer facilities. Speaking to the Graphic Business on the impact of the phased removal of the imposition of restrictions on hotels, the President of the GHA said the association was pleasantly surprised by the decision to allow conferences and other gatherings to take place but with a maximum of 100 people per event. Significant gesture Beyond it coming as a surprise to the association, he said the gesture was quite significant to the industrys fortunes. He explained that the return of conferences and workshops would benefit about 25 per cent of hotels in the country, which comprises upend hotels that had facilities for gatherings. He said the expansion in the number of people who could gather for funeral services would also benefit hotels in the regions. A lot of hotels in the regions survive on funerals and so the return of funeral gatherings is quite significant to their fortunes, he said. Dr Ackah-Nyamike Jr, however, said the impact of the easing of the restrictions on the hotel business could take time to reflect on the fortunes of the industry as the benefits from conferences, workshops and other gatherings were incapable of muting the losses they had suffered. Remember that accommodation is still the major revenue generator and hotels are currently saddled with overheads and other debts. So, they will need time to put the pieces together first. It will also depend on the demand from patrons, he said but noted that whatever the case, half a loaf is better than none. Test case While welcoming the move, the President of the GTA, which boasts a membership of about 1,200 hotels, said the easing of the restrictions also represented a test case for hotels. Now, it is for us to work in a way that will show that we can manage the situation, he said, noting that hotels and their management would now have another opportunity to prove themselves as good corporate citizens in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We have to ensure that we stick to a maximum of 100 people per event, ensure strict hand washing protocols and use the thermometer guns. If we do these things and ensure that no hotel becomes ground for the spread of the virus, I am sure that we may get more relaxations, Dr Ackah-Nyamike Jr, who manages the Venaco Lodge at North Kaneshie in Accra, said. Losses The hotel business is the nexus to the countrys burgeoning tourism industry, with data from the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) showing that about 4,000 of them currently operate nationwide. As place of convergence for people, the hotel business and the hospitality sector in general has been identified as one aspect of the economy that will suffer brutally from the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Ackah-Nyamike Jr said conservative estimates showed that the disease had more than halved the sectors revenues and led to a minimum of 48,000 permanent staff being sent home. The losses and the layoffs, he said were occasioned by the cancellation of conferences, workshops and other gatherings, the closure of the borders and the general limitations that the pandemic imposed on life and social activities. Devastating impact Mr Herbert Acquaye, who manages the Cleaver House in Accra and other hospitality facilities, said in a separate interview that COVID-19s impact on his business had been devastating. He said the three facilities under his care had been shut down since mid-March and about 90 staff sent home. Mr Acquaye, who is a former President of the GHA, said while the easing of restrictions was positive, the impact would not be immediate as hotels would need time to adapt to the new normal in working. We will start to see the impact in two to three months time, he said, explaining that hotels would also have to prepare to replace and retrain their staff on the COVID-19 protocols at an extra cost. 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 WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said it was "common sense" to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to rejoin the Group of Seven, saying it would be much easier to solve various issues if Moscow was represented at the gathering. "Many of the things that we talk about are about Putin," Trump told Fox News Radio in an interview, adding: "Have him in the room ... get things done." Trump over the weekend had raised the prospect of expanding the G7, whose members are the world's most advanced economies, to once again include Russia, which had been expelled in 2014 following Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region. The two leaders also spoke by phone on Monday, and discussed the possibility of holding an expanded G7 summit later this year. The Kremlin has said that it would seek more information about Trump's invitation. Trump has also invited Australia, South Korea and India. Other G7 nations, including Canada, have objected to Russia's return while some, such as Japan, have not yet weighed in. Germany on Wednesday said now was not the time to change the meeting's format. Trump has postponed the gathering of the G7, which also includes Britain, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union, until September or later amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Reporting by Tim Ahmann and Susan Heavey; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Paul Simao) Yves here. Hubert lays out why the airlines need a deep restructuring, including a much greater focus on operational efficiency, to have any prospect of being self-supporting. Yet he deems the industry to be dead set against these changes and the US both unwilling to and incapable of imposing them. So well have the worst of all possible worlds: permanent corporate welfare queens that get to keep private sector executive pay and perks. By Hubert Horan, who has 40 years of experience in the management and regulation of transportation companies (primarily airlines). Horan currently has no financial links with any airlines or other industry participants Coronavirus has created the greatest challenge the airline industry has ever faced. For the large legacy carriers serving intercontinental markets, the threat is comparable to the meteor that caused massive climate change and drove dinosaurs into extinction. While the industry was clearly viable prior to coronavirus, it faced a number of serious competitive and financial issues that will impede efforts to deal with the impact of the coronavirus meteor. The industry requires major, painful restructuring. Baring staggering increases in taxpayer subsidies (beyond the $60 billion already pledged in the US), it is unclear how most (perhaps any) of these carriers survive under current ownership in anything like their current form. None of the changes needed to ensure the long-term efficiency and competitiveness of the airline industry are even being discussed at this point, and the processes needed to manage the needed restructuring do not currently exist. The Financial Devastation Directly Caused by Coronavirus Airline economics depend critically on extremely high capacity utilization. Small changes have huge profit leverage. US airlines filled 85% of their seats in 2019 (up from 58% when the industry was deregulated and 70% 20 years ago). Once an airline has committed to the costs of operating a given schedule, almost all of the lost revenue from a shortfall of passengers directly reduces the bottom line. Coronavirus-driven traffic losses have been vastly larger than anyone could have ever imagined. Traffic through TSA checkpoints in US airports was down 96% versus the year before in mid April and 88% in mid-May. While the industry had faced demand shocks in the past (9/11 in the US, various wars, the original SARS outbreak in Asia), none were global in scope, and none were seen as driving permanent declines in demand. Never before has flying on an airplane required accepting serious medical risk. In a recent poll only 23% of US travelers thought flying on an airplane was safe. [FN1] While no one knows what will happen, this analysis assumes that there is no widely available vaccine and no reliable way to prove individual immunity during 2020. Perhaps infection rates decline gradually and economic activity gradually increases. Perhaps there are new outbreaks and efforts to reopen the economy are put on hold. Perhaps economic activity declines seriously as companies realize that recent losses are unsustainable, and major new waves of layoffs and bankruptcies occur. But the idea of a rapid, V-shaped recovery to the January status quo seems wildly improbable. The revenue losses have been even worse than the drop in passenger counts. Airline profits depend heavily on business travelers paying higher fares. But the gradual increase in domestic traffic appears to be almost exclusively leisure demand, such as pent up desire to visit family members. Corporate travel remains close to zero, [FN2] and the massive short-term substitution of videoconferencing may reduce business travel for years to come. The profitability of the large US legacy carriers (Delta, United, American) also depends heavily on intercontinental traffic, which has fallen even further than domestic traffic. Cross-border travel bans have been key to slowing the spread of the virus, and the point where the mass market is no longer concerned with the health risks is somewhere in the distant future. Profitability requires very tightly aligning an airlines cost structure with its revenue base. Airlines lock-in to most of their costs (e.g. fleet, airport facilities, IT infrastructure, corporate debt) on lower-cost long-term arrangements because historically they have had very high certainty about future demand. Contracts with labor and suppliers are similarly inflexible, with major penalties if they are suddenly terminated. In the short-term (3-9 months) airlines might be able to readily shed 10-20% of their costs. Over two years, cost reductions of 30-40% might be possible, depending on the timing of contracts. But revenue can vanish overnight, while cost efficiency plummets and cost per passenger skyrockets. The much smaller demand shocks of the past (the post-dotcom and 2008 financial collapses, fuel prices suddenly exceeding $100/bbl) were highly traumatic, leading to years of major losses. The cost per passenger impact of the coronavirus meteor striking Earth magnitude shock is far worse, and (unlike previous crises) there is major risk that it may be many years before demand fully recovers. In their first quarter investor conference calls Delta, United and American all said that by the end of the second quarter they hoped to reduce their daily cash drain to roughly $50 from the $70-100 million a day they had been hemmoraging at the outset of the crisis. Southwest, a purely shorthaul, narrowbody operator with smaller hubs and less overhead and debt, predicted a cash drain of $30-35 million day by the end of June. Whether this is explained by a staggering level of cognitive dissonance, or by Wall Streets expectation that Washington will do whatever it takes to protect these equity values, it suggests that capital markets will be a major obstacle to the major restructuring the industry desperately needs. Thus the big 4 US carriers (DL, UA, AA, WN) are hoping that their daily cash flow can improve to negative $180 million per day, which would annualize to negative $66 billion. Those estimates appear to include $32 billion in payroll protection bailout money provided by Congress under the CARES act.[FN3] In 2019, those four carriers generated positive cash flow of $23 billion from operating activities. The day-to-day dynamics of cash flows in a crisis is obviously more complicated than can be discussed here. Carriers have been less than totally transparent as to how cash flow and other key metrics are being calculated during the crisis. But as a crude first approximation, the direct impact of coronavirus was to reduce the annual cash generated from the operations of the big 4 by $121 billion, an impact reduced to $89 billion by the one-time receipt of the first tranche of federal bailout money. A financial impact that can be reasonably characterized along meteor strikes Earth and drives dinosaurs extinct lines, and that will require radically greater restructuring than the industry had ever contemplated before. Detailed financial information about major carriers outside the US is less readily available. However, several airlines have already filed for bankruptcy protection (LATAM, Avianca, Virgin, Thai, South African) and many are negotiating with governments for major bailouts and even nationalization (Alitalia). This industry financial crisis extends across the entire airline ecosystem. Airports, distribution providers (Expedia, Booking.com, Sabre, etc) and service contractors have all had revenues largely disappear, without having comparable access to multi-billion dollar taxpayer subsidies. Those contractors employ staff paid much less than airline employees. Since most have no access to payroll protection subsidies. they have implemented major layoffs. Current obligations to aircraft/engine manufacturers and lessors remain in place but are not sustainable. What Would an Ideal Plan To Save the Commercial Airlines Include? By facilitating commerce and tourism, an efficient airline industry creates huge benefits for the economy as a whole. If one is primarily concerned with overall economic welfare, and the publics interest in maximizing those benefits, the required major restructuring of the airline industry should focus on three objectives: Providing the greatest level of service and employment possible at each stage of demand recovery that can be justified by actual revenue (and subsidies) Maximizing the competitiveness and productivity of the restructured industry that eventually emerges and Ensuring that the (very significant) pain of the restructuring process is fairly distributed. If the industry revenue base in the second half of 2020 is only 25-50% of what was expected before cononavirus, and 2021 revenue is likely to still be well below previous levels, then a huge chunk of total industry costs need to be permanently eliminated, and half (or more) of planned costs need to be deferred, cut or subsidized by taxpayers this year. Operations and costs maintained because of unrealistic expectations that the pre-virus status quo can be magically restored will simply serve as a deadweight that will make the efficiency improvements that longer-term recovery requires much more difficult to achieve. Those efficiency improvements will also require that the restructuring address problems that predate coronavirus, including the systematic reduction in industry competitiveness over the last 15 years. Domestically, this led to mergers of 6 Legacy carriers into just 3, and allowed Southwest to acquire Airtran, its most important competitor. [FN4] Because the demand collapse will drive huge increases in cost per passenger, industry recovery will require major new offsetting efficiency/productivity gains. Robust competition is needed to maximize the pressure to find the new innovations and service improvements to drive those gains. An industry based on open collusion and protected by huge entry barriers will not produce those improvements. The virus creates major risks that competition in many markets could quickly become horribly distorted, or vanish altogether. Approval of the domestic mergers and intercontinental alliances had been justified by the false claim that the current existence of three competitors is all that is required to indefinitely provide consumers will the full benefits of competition. The coronavirus crisis provides a painful demonstration why that was never true. The three collusive intercontinental alliances need to be broken up immediately, as they cannot serve as the basis for competitive international markets in the future. [FN5] They had been justified by the false claim that the current existence of three competitors is all that was required to y provide consumers will the full benefits of competition. In fact, the collusive alliances never provided sustainably balanced 3-way competition. Instead each enjoyed major pockets of domination (as with the AA/BA alliance in the UK, and the UA/LH alliance in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and Scandinavia) where the other alliances played a very secondary role. With the collapse of international traffic, the alliance carriers will shrink (or abandon) secondary positions, and focus on increasing market power in the markets they dominate. Several key alliance members are especially vulnerable at the moment, and those problems could rapidly destabilize the entire alliance structure. Within the US, the industry consolidation process distorted competition by giving Delta an artificial advantage among the legacy carriers, and American an artificial disadvantage. This is because in both the creation of the collusive intercontinental alliances and the domestic US mergers that followed, Delta went first, United went second, and American went last. This gave Delta years where it had a huge scale and network advantage, which it used to create a profit/cash flow advantage that was still strong in 2019. American, with weaker cash flow and greater debt, is widely considered the airline most at risk of bankruptcy while Delta is widely considered to be the least at risk. But if the crisis is not dealt with on an industry-wide basis, but on isolated company-by-company basis, this would likely destroy any semblance of competitive balance between the three big legacy carriers, and could eventually collapse the legacy sector into a Delta-United duopoly. Outside the US, many markets that were never large enough to support two reasonably sized airlines may collapse into an effective monopoly. Qantas has been aggressively fighting subsidy requests from Virgin Australia in the hope that it could emerge from the crisis with a permanent stranglehold on Australian aviation. Consumers in numerous other countries (Canada, Korea, Russia, much of South America) face similar competitive risks. The airline bailout requests that led to the CARES Act clearly indicate that when the crisis began both the industry and Congress expected a fairly rapid V-shaped demand recovery that would protect the current owners of the major carriers. [FN6] The current revenue (and medical) reality demands an immediate move to bankruptcy protection for most carriers and an industry-wide restructuring program. The industrys 2019 status quo cannot survive. Bankruptcy is needed to protect assets that will be critical to the (much smaller) reorganized industry from short-term creditor claims, and to ensure that current owners and insiders cannot divert scarce cash into their own pockets. It will also help maximize the future viability of the reorganized operations, which will be critical to maximizing creditor recovery. Given the critical importance of robust competition, and the major risks of competitive reductions and distortions, restructuring needs to be addressed on an industry-wide basis. One model for an industry-wide restructuring program is the U.S. Railway Association, a temporary Federal agency that successfully reorganized the bankrupt freight railroads in the Eastern US in the late 1970s. [FN7] At the time the Penn Central was the biggest bankruptcy in world history. Congress created USRA because it recognized that the railroad industrys deep-rooted problems far exceeded what the Bankruptcy Courts could possibly handle. However organized, a bankruptcy restructuring of this magnitude and complexity cannot possibly succeed if it is dominated by one set of stakeholders determined to avoid costs and pain by pushing them onto the other stakeholders. Passengers will clearly pay higher fares in a downsized world, but cannot be gouged by airlines exploiting market power after competition has been eliminated. Huge numbers of staff will lose their jobs through no fault of their own, but should not face draconian wage cuts designed to save airlines the bother of better managing operational efficiency and customer service. The recovery of the overall economy depends on maximizing airline service, but capacity must be tailored to actual revenue demand, and not to arbitrary political or bureaucratic preferences. An Economically Sensible Industry Restructuring Program Appears Impossible in Todays Political Environment While it is easy to lay out the basic requirements and objective a successful airline industry restructuring program would require, it is even easier to point out the many political obstacles that will likely prevent the needed restructuring from happening. All efforts by airlines and Washington to deal with the crisis appear to have been entirely focused on protecting the owners and the future equity value of the incumbent companies, which totally precludes any consideration of the major downsizing and industry-wide restructuring that is actually needed. This is consistent with Washingtons overall emphasis on helping the owners of politically organized large corporations while providing only token support for suppliers, small business and workers. Airline employees did not receive payroll protection support because of the critical work they were doing but to ensure that the airline did not file for the bankruptcy that would wipe out equity. Even if one argues that programs designed to protect the 2019 status quo for a couple months until a powerful V-shaped demand recovery occurred was a plausible position in March, it is now a delusional fantasy. Subsidies for the status quo will waste billions that could be used to allow the future industry to reorganize with more capacity and jobs. But the only people at the table discussing the future of the industry are executives totally dedicated to protecting their shareholders and Washington officials who see the interests of capital accumulators as superior to all other economic interests. An eventual industry recovery will require dealing with both major problems that existed prior to March and the virus-driven revenue collapse. Washingtons current programs appear heavily focused on bailing out company owners for failed pre-coronavirus investments, since those industries are the ones most aggressively lobbying for taxpayer money. Many other industries (retail, oil and gas, commercial real estate, tech bubble unicorns) made far more irresponsible investments than the airlines, but the airlines still need to deal with the tens of billions wasted on stock repurchases that could only be justified by the assumption that profits would rise indefinitely and the industry would never again face a recessionary-type downturn. Between 2014 and 2019, the big 4 airlines used $42.4 billion of the cash they had generated to repurchase stock. The combination of stock buybacks and increased leverage (between 2016 and 2019 debt increased from $47 to $75 billion) was designed to inflate short term stock prices. This was done at the direction of these four boards, who had incentivized the four CEOs with $431 million in stock based compensation. Stock buybacks exceeded the free cash flow these airlines were generating, and increased even as key financial metrics began declining. [FN8] Because of the artificial problems created by the industry consolidation process mentioned earlier, American has had to do more to boost its stock price (and thus now has the weakest balance sheet) but all four carriers have pursued buybacks and debt aggressively. By replacing this cash, the taxpayer bailout money allows the owners of these companies to avoid taking any responsibility for the extractive self-dealing that left them vulnerable to downturns far less serious than coronavirus. It is not clear whether the current owners and senior executives would be capable of reorganizing these companies into the smaller but more competitive and efficient industry that the larger economy needs. Some of this myopia is understandable. Doug Parker job is to do everything possible to avoid the bankruptcy that would wipe out Americans shareholders, and it is Ed Bastians job to exploit every possible way to increase Deltas competitive power on behalf of his shareholders. But this narrow shareholder focus will not serve the publics interest in eventually achieving a sustainably efficient and competitive industry. More importantly, these people have focused almost exclusively on petitioning governments to eliminate competition, using increased artificial market power to raise prices and extract more favorable terms from unions and suppliers, and then enriching themselves. They are likely to fight tooth and nail to preserve the collusive alliances that drove consolidation and major increases in market power. It is also not clear whether any Federal Government entity has the administrative competence or industry expertise to manage a major restructuring program, and it is even less likely that anyone in Washington would ensure that such efforts focused on maximizing long-run industry efficiency and competitiveness and overall economic welfare. The industry expertise and greater public interest perspective that allowed the USRA to successfully reorganize the railroad industry vanished long ago. Similarly, while the US bankruptcy courts may have been able to reasonably address these issues 30 years ago, their dismal performance handling the airline bankruptcies after 2004 (when over two-thirds of US airline capacity was under Chapter 11 protection) demonstrates that they would probably make todays problems worse. By contrast, the numerous 20th century cases forced the bankrupt airlines to replace management, make painful capacity cuts, and restructure fleets and networks, changes needed to maximize future viability and creditor payments. As with Federal agencies such as DOT nominally responsible for industry oversight and protecting broader interests, the biggest airlines have successfully captured the bankruptcy process. Instead of protecting creditors and broader economic welfare it now focuses on serving the interests of incumbent managers and capital accumulators. In the United case, CEO Glen Tilton maintained exclusive control of the reorganization process for four years until he finally produced a minimally acceptable plan. Even though that plan left the company competitive crippled for several more years, the court allowed Tilton to pocket $30 million. In each recent case, the courts dumped pension obligations onto taxpayers and rubber stamped draconian labor cuts without the legally required evidence that the company could not have reorganized without cuts that extreme. The recent American case was the only time creditors were allowed to challenge managements reorganization plan, but the Court delayed Americans emergence from bankruptcy by 18 months until creditors agreed to pay the American CEO who had written the rejected plan $10 million. [FN9] The ability to deal with major industry crises always depended on government agencies tasked with representing broader public interests and judicial processes tasked with upholding evidentiary standards. But they also depended on the ability of capital markets to allocate resources based on objective information about corporate efficiency. The economys ability to deal with the airline industry crisis has not only been compromised by the capture of oversight and bankruptcy processes but by the conversion of capital markets into a political utility disconnected from the real economy. The staggering cognitive dissonance between airline equity values and the actual evidence about airline economics suggests a level of market failure that may make the desperately needed industry recovery impossible. Commercial aviation is critical to the economy, and no one wants major parts of the industry to collapse as a result of coronavirus or other problems. To save as much of the industry as possible in the near and medium terms will require a difficult, painful restructuring process focused on maximizing future efficiency and competitiveness. But if saving the industry is redefined as saving investors from the consequence of incurring excessive debt while extracting massive value in order to enrich themselves then the effort cannot succeed. If efforts to save the industry are arbitrarily limited to those that can be financed by private investors seeking quick, outsized returns based on artificial market power derived from even more drastic reductions in competition, then the value of airlines to the rest of the economy will be dramatically reduced, and the risk of a major industry collapse increases. Since commercial aviation is critical to the economy, and traditional restructuring approaches may be totally inadequate, the best interim solution may be to convert the industry to a regulated public utility for several years. Under normal conditions, the industry is obviously able to function on a lightly regulated basis, but it may take 2-5 years for normal conditions to return. At the moment there is no evidence that capital markets and current political and judicial systems could drive a the restructuring that the American economy needs. But the obstacles to that approach appear totally insurmountable at the moment, and there is no evidence that approaches reliant on capital markets and current political and judicial systems could possibly drive the restructuring that the American economy needs. ___________ [FN1] 74% said flying on an airplane was unsafe. Quinnipiac University Poll released 20 May 2020 https://poll.qu.edu/national/release-detail?ReleaseID=3661 [FN2] Comments from the 13th Annual Wolfe Research Global Transportation and Industrials Conference quoted in Holly Hegeman, Plane Business, 28 May 2020, p.7 [FN3] It does not appear that these cash drain estimates include any of the separate $29 billion in loans available until September under the CARES act. Those loans will require collateral and giving the government stock warrants, although the value of most airline assets has collapsed, and the terms of the stock warrants have not yet been defined. [FN4] The three collusive alliances are led by Lufthansa and United, by Delta and Air France-KLM and by American and British Airways(IAG). For a detailed explanation of how these alliance carriers and the US Department of Transportation succeeded in converting highly competitive intercontinental markets into an oligopoly/cartel see my four part series on airline industry consolidation at ProMarket including The Airline Industrys Post-2004 Consolidation Reversed 30 Years of Successful Pro-Consumer Policies https://promarket.org/category/reading-list/aviation/ [FN5] Current alliance partners could retain codesharing links and frequent flyer reciprocity; the serious competitive issues arise when arms-length marketing links are converted to full economic joint ventures with full revenue and profit sharing. For a more detailed discussion of alliance competitive issues see Double Marginalization and the Counter-Revolution Against Liberal Airline Competition, Transportation Law Journal, v.37 n.1, Fall 2010. [FN6]. The CARES Act required that every carrier maintain service to every airport it had previously served, and banned any effort to temporarily ration capacity to where it was most needed and could be most economically operated. This might have made some sense had traffic initially declined 40% and quickly began recovering to pre-virus levels, but created significant waste given the actual, ongoing 85-95% traffic loss. This not only reflects Washingtons reluctance to recognize the actual magnitude of the demand collapse, but their disinterest in considering industry-wide solutions. [FN7] The author worked for USRA. The two best books about the magnitude of the Eastern railroad crisis and how it was addressed are Loving, Rush, The Men Who Loved Trains, The Men Who Battled Greed to Save an Ailing Industry, Indiana University Press 2006, and chapters 6-9 of Gallamore, Robert and Meyer, John, American Railroads, Decline and Renaissance in the Twentieth Century, Harvard University Press, 2014. [FN8] The details of the airline stock buyback and the executive compensation tied to them are laid out at Hunt, Ben, Do The Right Thing, Epsilon Theory, March 19, 2020. Free Cash Flow is less than the numbers quoted earlier for cash generated by operating activities as it includes the debt incurred to boost stock prices and to help pay for the buybacks. Again, many companies are guilty of more extreme extractive self-dealing than these 4 airlines (Boeing for example) but any restructuring effort that ignores these issues will likely fail. [FN9] The author worked on five US airline bankruptcy cases. See How Alliances Carriers Established a Permanent Cartel https://promarket.org/2020/05/05/how-alliances-carriers-established-a-permanent-cartel/ Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has expressed confidence that the aviation industry and the country's airports will adhere to Covid-19 regulations and directives, as the sector reopens. Level 3 regulations The Minister made the declaration on Wednesday at the OR Tambo International Airport, where he was inspecting the airports adherence to lockdown regulations and directions."These regulations and directives are there for the protection of all people and we expect absolute compliance," said Mbalula.He said government understood the need for a balanced gradual reopening of the economy and safety and good health."I am confident that our airports will play a central role in reigniting the economy, reconnecting our economic hubs, while strictly operating under these conditions."During the visit, the Minister observed that ORTIA had vending machines for personal protective equipment (PPE) and witnessed social distancing within the facility.During the visit, airport leadership demonstrated how cabins were being disinfected and prepared as restriction flight operations resume."I am satisfied that the airport has started out well and we expect this to continue. Now that we have started with opening up aviation, we must look ahead with determination in order for the transport sector to perform its vital economic role."Over and above the approval of the ORTIA procedures, he said, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has approved the procedures for Cape Town International and is currently reviewing the procedures for King Shaka International."In terms of the readiness of the airlines, I would like to state that the airlines, including charters, have also submitted their procedures, which are being reviewed by the SACAA," he said.At the weekend, the Minister outlined regulations at which airlines would resume operations under lockdown level 3.At this level, only passengers are allowed inside the terminal buildings. Temperature screening will become a norm at terminal building entrances before any passenger is allowed entry. Passengers without facemasks will not be given access to terminal buildings, Mbalula said.The Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) is expected to ensure the 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 onboard 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 to be reserved for isolation of suspected cases, should they be detected on board.Loading capacity for all airport buses must be limited to 70%. The 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. Press Release June 3, 2020 De Lima seeks probe into possible abuse of subpoena powers by NBI Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has filed a Senate resolution seeking to probe the possible misuse and abuse of subpoena powers by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after they summoned private citizens over their social media posts related to the COVID-19 global pandemic. De Lima filed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 419 directing the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry into exercise of the subpoena power granted to the NBI under Republic Act No. 10867, or the "National Bureau Of Investigation Reorganization And Modernization Act" , which got some quarters worrying that it may have used as an instrument of supressing free expression and stifling dissent. "It is necessary to determine whether the Constitution and statutes are violated in the issuance of NBI of subpoenas against social media posts which merely express an opinion on matters relating to their and the rest of the society's rights," she said. It can be noted that Section 4 (b) of RA No. 10867 grants the NBI the power to "[i]ssue subpoena for the appearance of any person for investigation or production of documents, through its officers from the ranks of Regional Director to Director." Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the NBI to go after peddlers of fake news involving COVID-19 in February while NBI Director Eric Distor ordered different units of the NBI to investigate "all possible sources of fake news being spread in various social media platforms" one month after. As of April, the Department of Justice (DOJ), through the NBI, has reportedly summoned more than a dozen people already over their social media posts critical to the government's response amid the pandemic, including a Filipino citizen who called out the government's spending in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19. De Lima lamented that that neither the NBI nor the DOJ has provided a definition to the term "fake news" nor publicly laid the parameters in determining the grounds on which a social media public post can be considered as "fake news". "[The NBI and DOJ also failed to explain] how the aforementioned social media post fall within the NBI's reported goal of issuing subpoenas to prevent the propagation of 'those reports that sow chaos and will lead to unrest and anarchy in the country,'" she added. In filing the measure, De Lima likewise reminded the government that the country is fighting against a deadly virus and not against private citizens who simply exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to free speech in order to exact accountability and promote good governance. "Public scrutiny is necessary in exposing the response made by the government and its officials to the impact of the crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and in engendering a free exchange of ideas between society and government agencies to help solve the crisis," she said. "The use of the Bayanihan Act, Cybercrime Prevention Act, and other similar laws to suppress dissent and persecute political opposition is not only unconstitutional, but a grave abuse of authority by the NBI and is ultimately detrimental to our democracy," she added. Two officers were shot in the leg, one was shot in the arm and another in the foot, according to Hayden. Its an extraordinarily difficult time for officers for their physical safety and the conditions under which theyre being forced to work, said Bill Johnson, executive director and general counsel for the National Association of Police Organizations. The attacks are quite literally becoming murderous. New Delhi, June 3 : Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson and MLA Raghav Chadha on Wednesday slammed Ram Manohar Lohia hospital for giving out erroneous Covid-19 reports, alleging negligence on the part of the hospital which operates under the central government. He said, "RML hospital has been violating the protocols and guidelines on testing. It is playing with the lives of patients. At least 45 per cent tests conducted in the hospital have been found to be erroneous. Thirty positive cases tested by the RML were found to be negative when they were re-tested by the Delhi government hospitals." Chadha appealed to the Delhi residents to avoid going to the RML hospital for treatment. "We request the Centre to take action against the RML management. This is very unfortunate that such a reputed hospital is playing with the lives of people," he said. The AAP MLA further said that there is a continuous glitch in the functioning of the RML hospital. Sometimes the hospital is giving 45 per cent wrong reports in the investigation of samples, sometimes it keeps pending the investigation report for a long time, he said. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Intelligence agencies have warned of terror attacks in the national capital on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) following which CRPF has asked all units in Delhi as well as in the Northern Sector to remain on high alert and step up security of all installations. According to intelligence agencies, terrorists and anti-social elements might be planning terror attacks in Delhi. Unit heads have been asked to keep round-the-clock security of their camps and send details to the headquarters, sources said. "As CRPF troops are deployed at all places, including static guards/vital installation/camp security duties, therefore all troops be briefed about the security drill, conduct/behaviour, role/importance of the static guard, response in a contingency scenario by keeping necessary coordination with all stakeholders etc," said an internal communication. The CRPF has also issued directions for immediate placement of "extra guard at all vulnerable points". Two Pakistani lawmakers died from the novel coronavirus here on Wednesday, a day after a provincial minister succumbed to COVID-19 in the southern Sindh province. Mian Jamshed Kakakhel, 65, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, died here while undergoing treatment after having tested positive for the coronavirus 10 days ago. "Mian Jamshed was on ventilator for the last three days and passed away this morning," an official said. "His son Mian Omar has recovered from coronavirus while other family members have tested negative for it," he added. Kakakhel was elected from the constituency of PK-63 Nowshera in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018. Pakistan Muslim League-(Nawaz) MPA from from Gujranwala Shaukat Manzoor Cheema also died after being on ventilator since Eid, Geo News reported. Cheema, a member of the Punjab Assembly, had been admitted to the Pakistan Kidney And Liver Institute (PKLI) after contracting the virus. He also suffered from heart ailments, the report quoted hospital officials as saying. PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the demise of Cheema. He said Cheema was an asset to the party whose services can never be forgotten. On Tuesday, Sindh Minister for Human Settlement Ghulam Murtaza Baloch died in Karachi due to the coronavirus. Several Pakistani lawmakers contracted the deadly virus and some of them have also died. Last week, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Munir Khan Orakzai died, days after recovering from the coronavirus. Irfanullah Khan Orakzai, the deceased lawmaker's nephew, said his uncle had tested positive for the coronavirus in April but made a full recovery and last tested negative on May 8. Eight members of the Khber Pakhunkhwa Assembly have been infected with the coronavirus. National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser was also infected but recovered. Pakistan reported a record 4,132 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, taking the total number of infections in the country to 80,463, the health ministry said. The jump in the number of cases comes two day after Prime Minister Imran Khan said that people should learn to live with COVID-19 until a vaccine is developed. Khan addressed the media on Monday after chairing the meeting of National Coordination Committee, the highest body to tackle the pandemic. "Coronavirus will not go away until the vaccine is discovered. We need to learn to live with it and we can live with it if we follow precautions," he said. He said the one million volunteers of the government's coronavirus force will raise awareness of the need to follow guidelines. HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / June 2, 2020 / National Energy Services Reunited Corp. ("NESR" or the "Company") (NESR)(NESRW), a national, industry-leading provider of integrated energy services in the Middle East and North Africa ("MENA") and Asia Pacific, announced a final agreement pursuant to which NESR will acquire Sahara Petroleum Services Company S.A.E. ("SAPESCO"), the largest indigenous oilfield services company in Egypt with operations across the MENA region. The transaction, effective June 1, 2020, will result in NESR becoming a significant player in the Egyptian oil and gas industry, where it does not presently operate. This transaction will also add Industrial and Chemical Services, which service the midstream and downstream sectors, to its portfolio. Furthermore, SAPESCO's existing upstream services contracts in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Libya and Kuwait will be accretive to NESR's contract portfolio. Under the terms of the agreement, NESR will acquire all issued and outstanding shares of SAPESCO in a cash and stock transaction comprised of $11 million paid at closing and an additional $10 million paid in five equal installments by year-end, for a total cash consideration of $21 million, and the issuance of 2,237,000 NESR shares based on a $10.00 per share conversion rate. The agreement also includes a final earnout of up to $3 million in cash and provision of additional shares at year-end based on collection of certain receivables. No additional shares will be issued as final earnout if the NESR share price is equal to or exceeds $9 per share. Following closing of the transaction, NESR will settle $11 million of SAPESCO's long-term debt and will assume the remaining $10 million of long-term debt and approximately $8 million of short-term debt from an existing local credit facility. The total cash payment will be funded from NESR's balance sheet and NESR's existing revolving credit facility. Final regulatory approval for the share transfer is expected to be completed before June 30, 2020; however, NESR has assumed control of SAPESCO effective June 1, 2020. Story continues Mr. Akmal Kortam, owner and founder of SAPESCO, commented, "I am very pleased to see the finalization and closure of our agreement, and we look forward to joining NESR, especially in the current macro environment where a larger platform and scale will become doubly critical to maximize the potential of the market." Mr. Kortam added, "We have been an industry leader and the first to enter the oilfield services market in the region, and I am glad to be combining with NESR to continue growing SAPESCO and its business lines across the region and beyond." "We are very happy to come to a successful closure of this transaction, and we see our combined forces as a strength in Egypt and beyond," said Sherif Foda, Chairman and CEO of NESR. "This transaction provides NESR with an additional business line to access significant downstream opportunities in the region, as well as a platform to build upon in the future in this evolving space. Also, I am glad to report that this transaction, not including the substantial potential integration synergies, is financially accretive on day one and we are already working on multiple contract awards across the region." About National Energy Services Reunited Corp. Founded in 2017, NESR is one of the largest national oilfield services providers in the MENA and Asia Pacific regions. With over 4,500 employees, representing more than 60 nationalities in over 15 countries, the Company helps its customers unlock the full potential of their reservoirs by providing Production Services such as Cementing, Coiled Tubing, Filtration, Completions, Stimulation, Pumping and Nitrogen Services. The Company also helps its customers to access their reservoirs in a smarter, more efficient manner by providing Drilling and Evaluation Services such as Drilling Downhole Tools, Directional Drilling, Fishing Tools, Testing Services, Wireline, Slickline, Fluids and Rig Services. About Sahara Petroleum Services Company S.A.E. With over forty-five years of experience, SAPESCO is an indigenous Egyptian multi-discipline oil field solutions provider with operations across Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE and is considered the first national oilfield services company in the region. SAPESCO provides a myriad of cutting-edge solutions across the upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas industry through its Well Services, Measurement Services, Industrial Services, Civil Services, Drilling Services and Exploration Services divisions that cater to the growing demands of the industry in the region. Advisors Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and Matouk Bassiouny served as legal advisors and PricewaterhouseCoopers served as financial advisors to NESR. AMR & Partners Law Firm served as legal advisors to SAPESCO. Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Any and all statements contained in this communication that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Terms such as "may," "might," "would," "should," "could," "project," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "strategy," "anticipate," "attempt," "develop," "plan," "help," "believe," "continue," "intend," "expect," "future," and terms of similar import (including the negative of any of these terms) may identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements may contain one or more of these identifying terms. Forward-looking statements in this communication may include, without limitation, statements regarding the benefits resulting from the Company's recent business combination transaction, the plans and objectives of management for future operations, projections of income or loss, earnings or loss per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items, the Company's future financial performance, expansion plans and opportunities, and the assumptions underlying or relating to any such statement. The forward-looking statements are not meant to predict or guarantee actual results, performance, events or circumstances and may not be realized because they are based upon the Company's current projections, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other influences, many of which the Company has no control over. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the accuracy of the forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation: the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Company's recent business combination transaction, which may be affected by, among other things, the price of oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, competition, the Company's ability to integrate the businesses acquired and the ability of the combined business to grow and manage growth profitably; integration costs related to the Company's recent business combination; estimates of the Company's future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and the Company's need for financing; the risk of legal complaints and proceedings and government investigations; the Company's financial performance; success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, the Company's officers, key employees or directors; current and future government regulations; developments relating to the Company's competitors; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic and market conditions, political disturbances, war, terrorist acts, international currency fluctuations, business and/or competitive factors; risks stemming from COVID-19; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because of the risks and uncertainties related to them and to the risk factors. The Company disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this communication to reflect any new information or future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law. You should read this communication in conjunction with other documents which the Company may file or furnish from time to time with the SEC. For inquiries regarding NESR, please contact: Christopher Boone or Dhiraj Dudeja National Energy Services Reunited Corp. 832-925-3777 investors@nesr.com SOURCE: National Energy Services Reunited Corp. via EQS Newswire View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/592503/National-Energy-Services-Reunited-Corp-Finalizes-Agreement-to-Close-Acquisition-of-SAPESCO Former Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher is suing the Navy, claiming they leaked 500 pages of confidential documents from the Navy's criminal investigation against him, in an attempt to influence his murder trial. Gallagher was acquitted of indiscriminately firing at civilians and murdering an ISIS prisoner in Iraq in 2017. He was only convicted for posing for a photo with the teen's body. The civil lawsuit filed in San Diego, California on Friday named new Navy Secretary Kenneth J. Braithwaite and New York Times journalist David Phillips, the latter who published 28 stories claiming Gallagher's attorneys presented false information. Gallagher claims the Navy gave Phillips 'witness interview summaries and seized text messages' from the criminal investigation and 'a complete list of other SEALs that Chief Gallagher had deployed with on prior occasions' so that the journalist could get in touch. Former Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher is suing the Navy, claiming officials leaked documents to a journalist to try to influence his trial New York Times journalist David Phillips (right) is the second defendant and Gallagher claims he fabricated stories. He is pictured getting a Pulitzer Prize in 2014. Phillips wrote 28 articles about Gallagher and is currently writing a book about him The civil lawsuit filed in San Diego, California on Friday named new Navy Secretary Kenneth J. Braithwaite, who was sworn into the role Friday, the same day as the lawsuit The lawsuit claims the Navy violated the Privacy Act and unlawfully disclosed a 'mother lode' of Chief Gallagher's private information to Philipps who is a Pulitzer Prize-wining journalist. Gallagher's attorney Tim Parlatore, a former naval surface warfare office, claims Phillips 'worked in earnest' to frame him in a 'false negative light'. He claims the help came from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Navy's prosecution team, and Naval Special Warfare Command. The filing states that 'corrupt Navy officials' hoped 'negative publicity would help to pressure Chief Gallagher into taking a plea, as well as to influence any potential jury pool'. 'Navy officials presented David Philipps with a golden egg,' the lawsuit alleges. 'They would illegally provide him with certain protected documents, in clear violation of the Privacy Act and court orders, so that Philipps could write a damning portrayal of Chief Gallagher, with reckless disregard for the truth.' Gallagher claims that Phillips' stories fabricated that he regularly opened fire in civilian areas, saying he fired around 'neighborhoods with rockets and machine-gun fire'. It also claims the journalist made up witnesses and a story that he tried to run over a Navy police officer in 2014. As a result of posing for a picture with the dead teen, Gallagher was de-ranked in July 2019. However Donald Trump restored him to Chief Petty Officer in 2019. Gallagher is now retired. The lawsuit claims the journalist made up witnesses and a story that he tried to run over a Navy police officer in 2014. It claims the Navy violated his privacy by supplying 500 pages from their criminal investigation into his alleged acts. Gallagher says he received death threats, suffered 'significant mental and emotional anguish', and had higher court fees Gallagher says as a result he received death threats and has suffered 'significant mental and emotional anguish'. He claims it resulted in him having to pay for therapy and claims the stories also resulted in additional court costs. The lawsuit asks for unspecified damages. The New York Times defended the reporting in a statement to the Military Times. 'Mr. Gallagher's complaint is long on conspiracy theory and very short on facts about what actually happened in Iraq,' Danielle Rhoades Ha, the Times' vice president of communications said. 'Dave Philipps did what any good journalist should: he accurately reported on a criminal trial, including testimony that implicated Mr. Gallagher in the death of a man. Nowhere in a 40-page complaint does Mr. Gallagher deny his role in the killing.' The Navy declined to comment citing pending litigation reasons. The photo: Gallagher was charged in 2018 with war crimes after he posed for a now-infamous photo with the corpse of an Iraqi prisoner during a deployment to Iraq Navy Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher celebrates with his wife Andrea at Naval Base San Diego July 2, after being acquitted of the premeditated murder of an ISIS prisoner. He was also cleared of firing into civilian areas As a result of posing for a picture with the dead teen, Gallagher was de-ranked in July 2019 (pictured). However Donald Trump restored his rank in November 2019 Gallagher's attorney said they specifically left the New York Times out of the lawsuit because of they believe 'Phillips was lying to his editors in order to be able to put out stories with minimum fact-check'. The attorney responded to NBC 7 about the publication's comment: 'Given that comment, I have to wonder. Whether that's true, I have to wonder whether the New York Times, at least other individuals at the New York Times were trying to help him put out something false or if he was that good at lying.' Gallagher said he was suing because he wants to be an example to other military members. 'We are fighting back,' Gallagher told NBC 7 Investigates in a June 1 interview from his home in Florida. 'If I had just backed down and let him keep doing this, I would be doing a disservice to former combat veterans and to future sailors and servicemembers.' The lawsuit was filed on the same day Braithwaite was sworn in as Secretary. His attorney told the Military Times that it is 'pure coincidence'. Phillips is currently writing a book about Gallagher. 'Dave Phillips from the New York Times became quite obsessed with my story,' Gallagher said. 'He was writing articles and putting out a lot of false information. And then even after the trial, he continues to do so. He was stalking my wife's social media all while he continued to write articles [to] get misinformation out there.' Before the trial began, Gallagher sued the Navy for using tracking software to spy on his emails and alleged they leaked information to a Navy Times journalist. It led to prosecutor Cmdr. Chris Czaplak being taken off the trial and a judge ordering for Gallagher to be released from custody. Findings stated Gallagher's Fourth and Sixth Amendments were violated, which led to his maximum possible sentence to be reduced from life without parole to life with parole. Gallagher's attorney firmly believes he's win the new lawsuit. 'It's not really a question of whether we're going to win,' Parlatore told NBC. 'It's just a question of how much information we're going to find. There is no question that [confidential] documents were leaked. So I'm not really concerned about that. 'We are going to be able to find out the individuals who did it and the only way that the Navy can avoid having those individuals identified is by coming forward with a pretty large settlement offer from the beginning. Now we're on offense. Now we're coming after the Navy and the individuals who broke the law in order to try and put an innocent man in jail for the rest of his life.' New Jerseys largest teachers union is putting pressure on the Democratic-controlled Assembly to vote on a plan to overhaul educators health insurance plans that has stalled in the lower house. The proposal, the result of an improbable deal between rival leaders of the Senate and the powerful New Jersey Education Association, passed the state Senate nearly three months ago but has not been taken up by the Assembly. The NJEA has now launched TV and online commercials and ads promoting the health care overhaul, while encouraging its members to contact lawmakers. Were making the case, member by member, that this is the right thing to do, said NJEA spokesman Steve Baker. Were pushing to get this done as quickly as possible in order to get this in place for the coming school year and for districts and our members to realize that savings, Baker said. We need to get it passed as soon as possible so we can get the new plan implemented. Union President Marie Blistan said in an op-ed last week that amid this crushing economic crisis Gov. Phil Murphys administration is cutting proposed school aid by $335 million the bill has the potential to save school districts a combined $600 million a year through lower benefit costs. For a state in economic crisis, this a rare opportunity to cut costs without hurting working families, she wrote. Asked whether he supports the bill and intended to put it to a vote, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, offered that We continue to consider it and we look forward to resolving it soon. Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, and the NJEA worked quietly for months before striking a deal in March to cut $1 billion in health care costs for government employers and teachers. Previously, the NJEA had partnered with the speaker on a health care bill the Senate president declared dead on arrival. The latest proposal reduces costs for taxpayers and cuts premiums for teachers, key goals of the Senate leader and New Jersey teachers, respectively. Under the bill (S2273), the School Employees Health Benefits Program would eliminate all but the two health care plans most popular with teachers NJ Direct 10 and NJ Direct 15 and introduce two new, lower-cost plans, with the goal of phasing out Direct 10 and Direct 15. Teachers have for years clamored for lower premiums than what theyre required to pay under state law, which are anywhere from 3 percent to 35 percent of the total plan cost. The Senate Majority Office says they stand to save thousands of dollars a year in premiums each if they choose one of the two new plans, one of which the deals authors hoped would be available this summer. That plan, New Jersey Educators Health Plan, is still considered Platinum by Affordable Care Act standards but shifts some out-of-network costs to teachers to encourage them to stay in-network and lowers reimbursements to out-of-network providers. It also includes mandatory generic prescription drugs and requires teachers to pick up the tab if they want name brand instead. Districts that independently contract for health benefits would be required to offer comparable plans. Sweeney and the NJEA estimated school districts could save $640 million a year, with another $404 million in savings for teachers and $30 million for the state, though actual savings will depend on how many teachers opt for one of the new plans. With support from Sweeney and the teachers union, it seemed to represent the clearest path yet to rein in health care costs. But after moving swiftly through the Senate proposed and passed in the span of two weeks it has made no progress in the Assembly. Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick, R-Union, said he hasnt heard much in the way of opposition toward the bill, which has support in his caucus. I think the bill makes sense. I think it gives options to the employees which would lower their costs and also lower the costs to the state. So it looks like a win-win situation to me, to the best of my knowledge, he said Tuesday. Sweeney said hes hopeful Coughlin will post the bill once hes satisfied with his review" of the measure. The sooner the better, he added. School districts right now across the state are calling and asking when its going to get signed into law, he said. Theyre not going to get additional funding this year, and for districts that are losing funding this is a big way to help districts save money. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. All 10,000 persons evacuated from low-lying areas in Mumbai, including areas along Mumbai coast from Colaba in South to Gorai in the western suburbs, and taken to safe shelter will be screened for temperature and oxygen levels, to detect symptoms of Covid-19, before being permitted to go home, the citys municipal commissioner said Wednesday. Section 144 was imposed in Mumbai at midnight on the intervening night of June 2 and 3, which will be effective till June 4 noon. No untoward incident was reported from the citys beaches till Wednesday 4.30 pm, even as strong winds lashed Mumbai due to severe cyclonic Cyclone Nisarga made its landfall near Alibag at on Wednesday. Municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said the next few hours are crucial for Mumbai, and that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is continuously monitoring the situation. We are monitoring the rainfall and [possible] flooding, said Chahal who also visited Worli seaface and Versova beach to supervise the evacuation of people staying in slums and fishing village close to sea shore being carried out. Lifeguards and fire personnel of the Mumbai Fire Brigade have been on standby to conduct rescue and other disaster management operations in the citys six beaches since Tuesday night. Chief fire officer P Rahangdale said, I inspected the situation at all beaches at around 2 pm, accompanying Mayor Kishori Pednekar. Apart from a few incidents of tree collapses that did not cause any damage to human life, no other untoward incident was reported. Also read: Cyclone Nisarga snaps trees, electricity poles in Maharashtras Raigad Rahangdale and Pednekar also visited Girgaon, Shivaji Park, Versova, and Juhu beaches on Wednesday afternoon. The lockdown due to Covid-19 really proved beneficial. At other times, despite the municipal corporations advisory some people are seen wandering on beaches. But that was not the case on Wednesday due to lockdown already in place, Rahangdale said. The fire brigade is now taking stock of how many tree collapses were reported along the coast of Mumbai. As of now, the city has experienced little rainfall and barely any flooding. In the last 24 hours, Mumbai has received around 68mm of rainfall, according to the state Indian Meteorological Department of which 45 mm rainfall was recorded at Colaba and 23 mm at Santacruz. S outh Africa is a bucket list destination for any traveller - the Kruger National Park is home to the Big Five, the iconic Table Mountain is a must-see and its beaches are unparalleled in beauty. But it could be a while until it welcomes tourists back. At a briefing on May 27, it was reported that South Africas Department of Tourism predict that domestic tourism wont resume until December this year, while international tourism wont resume until February 2021. Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, said in an additional announcement on May 30: Based on the COVID-19 epidemic expected trajectory, the first phase of the recovery for the sector will be driven by domestic tourism, followed by regional tourism and international tourism next year. She continued: The past two months of lockdown have been difficult for the tourism sector. We continued to see many businesses in the sector fighting for survival and our projections showed that almost 600,000 jobs were at risk if the sector doesnt come into operation by September 2020. This reality led to both the government and private sector working together... to get the sector back into operation. As we open up the sector, we are therefore confident that measures have been put in place to protect our employees, suppliers, tourists and all those who are involved with the sector. South Africa went into lockdown in March to reduce the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. On Monday, it moved to Level 3 of its lockdown plan which has allowed many to return to work, including a full reopening of the retail sector. However, there will still be a fair few restrictions in place - exercise can only be done between the hours of 6am and 6pm, and South Africans will be required to wear masks at all times while outdoors. Under Level 3, domestic tourists will be able to visit private and public game farms on a self-drive basis but leisure travel remains prohibited. The news could be a blow for those hoping to visit the nation this year but visiting in 2021 looks promising. Many European countries are beginning to open their borders , albeit some with stricter regulations than others, and the UK is also in talks with Portugal about forming an air bridge - so no need to scrap your 2020 holiday plans just yet. Syrias stock market announced today that it would stop trading shares of Syriatel, the countrys largest telecommunications company, which is owned by Bashar al-Assads embattled cousin Rami Makhlouf. Syrias Commission of Financial Markets said the suspension would last indefinitely and was designed to protect shareholders, The Associated Press reported. The move is the regimes latest step in consolidating power over Makhlouf, who is believed to have at one point controlled as much as 60% of Syrias economy, but has apparently fallen out of favor with Assad. Makhlouf went public against the crackdown last month, posting videos to Facebook in which he appealed directly to the president. Syrias telecommunications regulatory body gave Syriatel four days notice May 1 to accept a repayment plan for some 230 billion Syrian pounds (about $450 million). The government then froze Makhloufs assets and imposed a travel ban on him. With some 11 million subscribers, Syriatel is considered one of the prime assets of the regime, according to AP. Makhlouf also has large stakes in real estate, oil trade and construction. The moves come as Syrias government is under increasing financial strain from decades of corruption, nine years of civil war and unrelenting US and international sanctions. The US State Department has taken a lead role in discouraging international economic cooperation with the Assad regime, hoping that Russia and Iran, which militarily propped up Assad during the war, will inherit a broken and dysfunctional ally. The regime has a significant interest in normalizing international relations and attracting foreign investment. Syria is estimated to need between $250 billion and $400 billion for post-war reconstruction, some four to seven times the countrys prewar gross domestic product in 2010. A convicted sex offender claims his human rights were breached because prosecutors were 'in cahoots' with vigilante paedophile hunting groups, the Supreme Court heard today. Mark Sutherland was jailed for two years in October 2018 after he sent explicit pictures and made arrangements to meet a 13-year-old boy on the dating app Grindr. But the person he was talking to was Paul Devine, a member of the group 'Groom Resisters Scotland.' The 37-year-old was cornered by the group at a bus station after arranging to meet what he thought was a teenager, and later convicted under the Sexual Offences Act. But he is now fighting to overturn his conviction and has taken his case to the UK's highest court which will decide whether evidence gathered by the vigilante group breached his right to privacy. His lawyers say Sutherland had a right to an expectation of privacy when using Grindr despite the fact he went on to engage in criminal activity. Mark Sutherland was jailed for two years in October 2018 after he sent explicit pictures and made arrangements to meet a 13-year-old boy on the dating app Grindr After a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Sutherland was unanimously convicted of charges under the Sexual Offences Act between 18 and 31 January, 2018. This included going to meet who he believed to be a 13-year-old with the intention of engaging in 'unlawful sexual activity'. His legal team appealed the conviction at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh but it was rejected by a panel of three judges. But Sutherland was granted leave to appeal his case to the Supreme Court in London. At a hearing today his lawyer Gordon Jackson QC claimed the activities of paedophile hunters were 'encouraged' by the police and Crown Office in Scotland. He said: 'The use of evidence obtained by the decoy amounts to an interference with the appellant's right to privacy. 'There are lots of hunter organisations operating in Scotland and evidence from them has led to a number of investigations and prosecutions. 'This is a very large scale method of obtaining evidence for prosecution. The idea that the Crown is not in cahoots with it is something I disagree with. 'There is a degree of disquiet about these organisations which do not fit nicely around the way we do things.' Mr Jackson told the court there had been 164 cases prosecuted in Scotland in the last three years involving paedophile hunter groups with a further 110 cases pending. He added: 'There is tacit encouragement of these groups because the Crown prosecute almost all the cases they bring to them. 'They cannot allow it without proper authorisation because of the type of crime that is being committed. 'If the interference is being done disingenuously by systematic use of these groups in order to avoid doing it according to the law then the evidence should not be useable.' Alison Di Rollo QC, the Scottish solicitor general appearing for the Crown, said Sutherland had no right to privacy when communicating with what he thought was a 13-year-old boy. She said: 'There is no right to a private life when it comes to criminalised sexual activity between adults and children. That would be an absurd proposition.' Miss Di Rollo also denied there was a system in place which encouraged paedophile hunter groups to gather evidence on behalf of police and prosecutors. She added: 'That's not the way we do things. The police and prosecutor cannot ignore evidence because it comes from a paedophile hunter group.' The appeal, which was heard before five Supreme Court judges, was conducted by video conference due to the Covid-19 outbreak. They will deliver their judgement at a later date. AUSTIN Texas could be a nail-biter on Election Night if findings of the Quinnipiac University poll of the state's registered voters released Wednesday carry over to the fall. Republican President Donald Trump, who carried Texas by a comfortable 9 percentage points in 2016, leads presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden by a razor-thin 44-43 percent margin in the poll of 1,166 self-identified registered voters who were contacted from May 28 -through June 1. "Too tight to tell in Texas," said Quinnipiac polling analyst Tim Malloy. "As the country confronts chaos and COVID-19, perhaps one of the most important states of all is a toss-up." Quinnipiac's numbers appear to vindicate the message the Texas Democratic Party has sought to push since the start of the 2020 election cycle, which is that the nation's most reliably red state in every national election since 1980 is ripe for the flipping. Former Vice President Joe Biden, left, and President Donald Trump Changing demographics, an increasingly moderate voting base in the suburbs and the unpopularity of Trump, especially among female voters, all appear to cut against the Republicans with the November election five months away. Texas is the biggest battleground state in the country," said state Democratic Party spokesman Abhi Rahman. "Texas Democrats are fired up and ready to win." The Trump campaign did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The poll was in field while many of the nation's largest cities, including those in Texas, were the site of large scale protests over the death of George Floyd, who was held down by a Minneapolis police officer's with a knee on his neck for more than eight minutes. Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, said the poll suggests Trump's handling of the recent crises has split Texas voters instead of uniting them. "If the election is a referendum on these events, Republicans up and down the ballot should be worried," Rottinghaus said. Story continues Other findings in the poll, which has a margin of error of 2.9%, shows good news and bad news for the Texas Republicans, who control all statewide elective offices and both houses of the Legislature. Republican statewide officeholders Gov. Greg Abbott, who is not up for election this year, has a 56-32 percent job approval rating. That's 9 points higher than Trump's in Texas. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, also not on the November ballot, has an approval rating of 45-42 percent. Texas' senior senator, John Cornyn, is on the ballot. His approval rating appears shaky 37-36 percent as he seeks his fourth six-year term. Rottinghaus said Cornyn has plenty of time to consolidate Republican support, which will likely occur after the July 14 runoff between Democratic Senate hopefuls Royce West and MJ Hegar. But, he added, the president's job performance is not helping Cornyn. "Trump is dragging Cornyn down among key constituencies both need to win Texas independents, women, and college educated voters," Rottinghaus said. "These groups might have swung to Republicans in previous years but Trump changed that dynamic." Vote by mail Almost six in 10 respondents said Texans should be allowed to vote by mail during the COVID-19 pandemic. And there was a partisan gap. Democrats 91-9 percent and independents 61-39 support vote-by-mail. Among Republican, 68 said it would be a bad idea. But by November, about 60 percent of respondents said they'd be comfortable going to the polls in person. Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Coronavirus concerns Just over half, 51%, said they are concerned about contracting COVID-19, the illness caused by coronavirus. And 35% said they know someone who has the illness. On questions about the wearing of masks or face coverings, 65% said they support a requirement that masks be worn inside businesses; 58% said they should be required for all public activities. Also, 76% of respondents said they wear a mask when in public. Nearly 70% of respondents said another outbreak requiring renewed shutdowns of businesses and schools is at least "somewhat" likely. John C. Moritz covers Texas government and politics for the USA Today Network in Austin. Contact him at jmoritz@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @JohnnieMo. This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Joe Biden within 1 point of Trump in Texas, Quinnipiac poll shows STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In an effort to combat a beetle endangering a species of tree found throughout New York City, the city Parks Department is releasing parasitoid (or stingless) wasps in Willowbrook Park. Ash trees, a common native tree species in this area, are being eaten by insects known as emerald ash borers. The insect was first identified in New York City in October 2017. And for the first time ever, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation is releasing the wasps as a form of biocontrol -- which is the reduction of pests through the use of natural enemies -- against the invasive insects. The wasps only attack the emerald ash borers, the agency said. The use of parasitoid wasps is approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). According to the USDA, the biocontrol agents are very tiny wasps -- the largest one is the size of a typical mosquito. Despite their appearance, the wasps cant sting, so they are referred to as stingless. According to the Parks Department, New York State has already introduced these wasps in other areas to control the spread of emerald ash borers -- but this is the first time the wasps are being released in New York City. The agency conducted the first wasp release on May 20 at Willowbrook Park. The second and final wasp release will be on Wednesday at the same park. Willowbrook Park was identified as a promising site for the pilot program because of its dense population of ash trees and confirmation of an infestation of emerald ash borers, according to the Parks Department. While the wasp releases are part of the agencys larger EAB Management Program in New York City, the two wasp releases on Staten Island are a separately funded program. The parasitoid wasp release was made possible by a $75,000 grant from the New York State DECs Urban Community Forestry Program. The Parks Department will monitor the areas and will be able to make a determination of the effectiveness of the stingless wasps in approximately three years. If the wasps are established and the biological control method is working, the department said it expects to find none or few emerald ash borer larvae present under the bark of trees. As part of the state DEC grant, the Parks Department will also host six stewardship events in Willowbrook Park to remove invasive species and install woodpecker houses, as locally native woodpeckers are known to eat emerald ash borers and can help cull the infestation. The Parks Department has been inspecting every ash tree on city property during a two-year plan that began in April 2018 to help manage the infestation and preserve ash trees. That includes treating healthy ash trees and removing ash trees that wouldnt benefit from treatment. The agency is also replacing lost ash trees with other species that will thrive in an urban environment and collecting seeds from specimen ash trees to preserve them for the future. The average cost for removing and replacing an ash tree is $4,100 per tree. The cost of pre-treating a healthy tree is approximately $125 per tree, according to the Parks Department. There are more than 4,000 ash trees along streets and in parks on Staten Island. As of October, more than 1,500 trees were treated and three were removed. The total number of ash trees on city property throughout the five boroughs is about 121,000 -- about 4% of the Big Apples urban forest, according to the Parks Department. The second year of treating the trees was slated to begin this spring. THREAT OF EMERALD ASH BORER Steve Boos, an arborist who owns Holly Expert Tree Care Service, based in Tottenville, warned the Advance/SILive.com in October that the insect would kill all of the ash trees. Emerald ash borers are able to fly up to 50 miles per year. They are often transported via infected logs that are picked up by people and moved to different populated areas to use as firewood. Two emerald ash borers shown on a section of an infested ash tree. The serpentine patterns on the bark are created by the emerald ash borer larvae as they feed under the bark. (The penny is for scale.) (Michael Mancuso | For NJ.com)TT TT Michael Mancuso Boos said the insect begins to cause damage as a larva when it feeds on a trees inner bark, which keeps the tree from being able to transport water and nutrients from its soil. "The beetle would chew around as a larva causing damage, pupate through metamorphosis, and then they emerge as adults, chewing their way out of the tree by making a small hole. They then fly around, mate, lay their eggs in the tree, causing the egg to hatch -- and the cycle starts again, Boos explained in October. A tree could be infested with the insects for four to five years before there are signs of damage. One of the big symptoms is a woodpecker hole, as the bird species feeds on emerald ash borer larvae. Other signs of infestation include a thin canopy, sprouts on the tree trunks, and small, D-shaped exit holes in the bark. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2020) - Ely Gold Royalties Inc. (TSXV: ELY) (OTCQX: ELYGF) (FSE: I4U) ("Ely Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will be conducting a Town Hall Webinar on Monday, June 8, at 11:00 am EST. Trey Wasser, President and CEO, will update shareholders on recent Ely Gold transactions, including the recently completed financing, the importance of its focus on Nevada and the Company's growth strategy to become a premier gold royalty company. The Webinar will be interactive and will be hosted by Follow the Money Investment Group. All stakeholders and interested investors are welcome to tune in and participate with questions. The playback will then be available on the Company's website. To participate in the Town Hall Webinar please register here: https://www.bigmarker.com/ftmig1/Ely-Gold-Royalties-Town-Hall About Ely Gold Royalties Inc. Ely Gold Royalties Inc. is a Nevada focused gold royalty company. Its current portfolio includes royalties on the Jerritt Canyon, Goldstrike and Marigold, three of Nevada's largest gold mines, as well as the Fenelon mine in Quebec, operated by Wallbridge Mining. The Company continues to actively seek opportunities to purchase producing or near-term producing royalties. Ely Gold also generates development royalties through property sales on projects that are located at or near producing mines. Management believes that due to the Company's ability to locate and purchase third-party royalties, its strategy of organically creating royalties and its gold focus, Ely Gold offers shareholders a favourable leverage to gold prices and low-cost access to long-term gold royalties in safe mining jurisdictions. About Follow the Money Investment Group Follow the Money Investor Group is an investor focused digital marketing company that provides the content and information needed for investors to navigate the ever-changing capital markets. Our global community uses our platform to discuss and collaborate daily on all facets of their current and potential investments. Our goal is to help retail investors make the right financial decisions that fit their individual needs. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Signed "Trey Wasser" Trey Wasser, President & CEO For further information, please contact: Trey Wasser, President & CEO trey@elygoldinc.com 972-803-3087 Joanne Jobin, Investor Relations Officer jjobin@elygoldinc.com 647 964 0292 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57152 After thugs, Trump refers to protestors as lowlifes and losers Demonstrators stand in front of Los Angeles City Hall during a protest over the death of George Floyd. (AP) Washington: Undeterred by curfews, protesters streamed back into the USs streets yesterday, hours after president Donald Trump pressed governors to put down the violence set off by George Floyds death and demanded that New York call up the National Guard to stop the lowlifes and losers. As more demonstrations began taking shape around the country, and cities including Washington prepared for the possibility of more violence, the president amplified his hard-line calls of a day earlier, in which he threatened to send in the military to restore order if governors didnt do it. NYC, CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD, he tweeted. The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart. Act fast! One day after a crackdown on peaceful protesters near the White House, thousands of demonstrators massed a block away from the presidential mansion, facing law enforcement personnel standing behind a black chain-link fence. The fence was put up overnight to block access to Lafayette Park, just across the street from the White House. Last night pushed me way over the edge, said Jessica DeMaio, 40, of Washington, who attended a Floyd protest Tuesday for the first time. Being here is better than being at home feeling helpless. The crowd remained in place after the citys 7 p.m. curfew passed, defying warnings that the response from law enforcement could be even more forceful. But the protest lacked the tension of the previous nights demonstrations. The crowd Tuesday was peaceful, polite even. At one point, the crowd booed when a protester climbed a light post and took down a street sign. A chant went up: Peaceful protest! On Monday, law enforcement officers on foot and horseback aggressively drove protesters away from Lafayette Park, clearing the way for president Donald Trump to do a photo op at nearby St. Johns Church. On Tuesday, pastors at the church prayed with demonstrators and handed out water bottles. Protests ranged across the U.S., including in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, St. Paul, Minnesota, Columbia, South Carolina, and Orlando, Florida, where more than 1,000 people gathered in the afternoon to decry the killings of black people. This has to change, said 39-year-old Aisxia Batiste, an out-of-work massage therapist in Orlando. Something has to give. Were done. This is the beginning of the end of something. It has to be. In New York, midtown Manhattan was pocked with battered storefronts after Mondays protests. Macys flagship store was among those hit when crowds of people smashed windows and looted stores as they swept through the area. A police sergeant was hospitalized after being hit by a car in the Bronx, where people walked Tuesday between ransacked buildings and a burned-out car on the Grand Concourse, a commercial thoroughfare. Police made nearly 700 arrests and Mayor Bill de Blasio extended an 8 p.m. curfew all week. Were going to have a tough few days, he warned, but added: Were going to beat it back. He pleaded with community leaders to step forward and create peace. Thousands of protesters marched Tuesday night in a string of demonstrations across Manhattan and Brooklyn after merchants boarded up their businesses, fearing a repeat of the night before. Many people remained on the streets after the curfew hour. Police eventually ordered them to move along and began taking some into custody. More than 20,000 National Guard members have been called up in 29 states to deal with the violence. New York is not among them, and de Blasio has said he does not want the Guard. On Tuesday, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo called what happened in the city a disgrace. The NYPD and the mayor did not do their job last night, Cuomo said at a briefing in Albany. He said the mayor underestimated the problem, and the nations largest police force was not deployed in sufficient numbers, though the city had said it doubled the usual police presence. Tuesday marked the eighth straight night of the protests, which began in Minneapolis, where Floyd died, and quickly spread across the country. The mother of George Floyds 6-year-old daughter, Gianna, said she wanted the world to know that her little girl lost a good father. I want everybody to know that this is what those officers took, Roxie Washington said during a Minneapolis news conference with her young daughter at her side. I want justice for him because he was good. No matter what anybody thinks, he was good. On Monday, scattered violence flared in multiple protests, including an officer who was shot and gravely wounded outside a Las Vegas hotel and casino, and four officers shot in St. Louis. They were expected to recover. About a dozen other deaths have been reported around the country over the past week. And nearly 8,000 people nationwide have been arrested, according to a count by The Associated Press. Some protesters framed the burgeoning movement as a necessity after a string of killings by police. It feels like its just been an endless cascade of hashtags of black people dying, and it feels like nothings really being done by our political leaders to actually enact real change, said Christine Ohenzuwa, 19, who attended a peaceful protest at the Minnesota state Capitol in St. Paul. Theres always going to be a breaking point. I think right now, were seeing the breaking point around the country. I live in this state. Its really painful to see whats going on, but its also really important to understand that its connected to a system of racial violence, she said. Meanwhile, governors and mayors, Republicans and Democrats alike, rejected Trumps threat to send in the military, with some saying troops would be unnecessary and others questioning whether the government has such authority and warning that such a step would be dangerous. Denver is not Little Rock in 1957, and Donald Trump is not President Eisenhower. This is a time for healing, for bringing people together, and the best way to protect civil rights is to move away from escalating violence, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, both Democrats, said in a statement, referring to Eisenhowers use of troops to enforce school desegregation in the South. A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the president is not rushing to send in the military and that his goal was to pressure governors to deploy more National Guard members. Such use of the military would mark a stunning federal intervention rarely seen in modern American history. Amid the protests, nine states and the District of Columbia held presidential primaries that moved Joe Biden closer to formally clinching the Democratic presidential nomination. Voters waited in long lines hours after polls closed, brushing up against curfews in Washington and Philadelphia, two cities rocked by protests. Also Tuesday, Minnesota opened an investigation into whether the Minneapolis Police Department has a pattern of discrimination against minorities. Floyd died May 25 after a white Minneapolis officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee on the handcuffed black mans neck for several minutes. Chauvin has been charged with murder. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said prosecutors are working as fast as they can to determine if the three other officers at the scene should be charged too. All four have been fired. LONDON Prime Minister Boris Johnson raised the stakes in a brewing confrontation with China on Wednesday, promising to allow nearly three million people from Hong Kong to live and work in Britain if Beijing moves forward with a new national security law on the former British colony. Mr. Johnsons offer, made in a column in The Times of London, opens the door to a significant influx of people fleeing Hong Kong, should the situation in the territory deteriorate further. But it leaves unanswered thorny questions about how difficult it would be for these arrivals to obtain British citizenship. Describing it as one of the biggest changes in visa regulations in British history, Mr. Johnson said the roughly 350,000 Hong Kong residents who hold a British overseas passport, as well as some 2.5 million who are eligible to apply for one, would be granted 12-month renewable visas that would allow them to work in Britain and put them on a path to citizenship. Many people in Hong Kong fear that their way of life which China pledged to uphold is under threat, Mr. Johnson wrote. If China proceeds to justify their fears, then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away; instead we will honor our obligations and provide an alternative. In a bid to expand foothold in Chinas electric car market, Volkswagen VWAGY has agreed to make an investment of 2.1 billion euros (or $2.33 billion) in two China-based electric vehicle (EV) players. The German auto giant which currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) is injecting 1 billion in a China-based auto maker and 1.1 billion in an EV battery producer.The deals reflect global auto biggies including General Motors GM, Toyota and Tesla TSLA increasing efforts to make inroads in the China auto market. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. More on Volkswagens EV Deals Volkswagen is raising its stake in a China-based EV joint venture with JAC Motors from 50% to 75% through the acquisition of 50% of Jianghuai Automobile Group, the parent company of JAC. Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is scheduled to close this year. The JV is set to launch five more electric models by 2025. The venture intends to reboot an existing JAC plant and launch its first electric model based on the MEB platform, which will enable efficient production of various EV models. Notably, Volkswagen aims to sell 1.5 million NEVs including electric cars and plug-in hybrid per year in China by 2025. Further, Volkswagen will pump 1.1 billion euros to acquire 26.5% of Guoxuan High-tech Co. Ltd. and become the biggest shareholder of the EV battery maker. The firm will supply batteries to Volkswagens EV models in China. Importantly, China has set a target of 25% of 2025 annual vehicle sales to be made up of NEVs. As we know, China had scrapped limits on foreign ownership EV makers in 2018 to promote industry development and since then, various global auto bigwigs are spending heavily to expand electric sales in the country. General Motors, Nissan and BMW, among other automakers, have JVs with Chinese partners to manufacture lower-cost electric models. Tesla, in fact, is the first foreign automaker to set up a wholly-owned venture in China. Notably, Teslas Shanghai Gigafactory delivered first EVs to customers in January. Story continues Volkswagen Finalizes $2.6B Argo AI Deal The German automaker beefed up autonomous vehicle (AV) drive by closing $2.6-billion investment in Argo AI. The $2.6-billion deal includes $1 billion in cash and Argo taking over Volkswagens European self-driving unit, valued at $1.6 billion. Ford F, Volkswagen and Argo AIs collaborative investment deal first announced in 2019 expanded the Pittsburgh-based AV start-ups foothold in Europe.While Volkswagen has made a total of $2.6 billion investment in Argo AI, Ford has already committed $4 billion through 2023. In one of the biggest collaborations in the auto industry for the development of self-driving cars, Volkswagen and Ford will each hold equal, minority stakes in Argo AI. The remaining equity belongs to the Argo founders and employees. Given technical challenges and massive investment costs for developing AVs, the deal makes strategic sense for all the three firms. By sharing the technology, Ford and Volkswagen can spread the development costs across both their fleets. In addition to shared development costs, the deal establishes Argo as the first AV company to have commercial partners across both North America and Europe.With ample financial and engineering resources, Argo AIs efforts to make automated driving a reality are likely to come to fruition. Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2020? Last year's 2019 Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolio returned gains as high as +102.7%. Now a brand-new portfolio has been handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Dont miss your chance to get in on these long-term buys. Access Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 today >> 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 Ford Motor Company (F) : Free Stock Analysis Report General Motors Company (GM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Volkswagen AG (VWAGY) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Ex-BBNaija housemate, Cee-C has reacted after her colleague, Tacha referred to her as This Person at the BBNaija Pepper Dem Reunion show on Monday. One of the highlights of Day 2 of the Reunion Show was when Ebuka Obi-Uchendu brought up the topic of comparison between Tacha, T-Boss and Cee-C. Tacha was accused of trying to be like her predecessors due to her controversial nature while in the House. Ebuka asked the serial entrepreneur if she liked the comparison. Advertisement Responding to question, Tacha said; What comparison? When I came out of the house, this is the first time Im hearing it though, that Im being compared to. I love T-Boss yeah. But its my first time of hearing theres comparison between Tacha and T-Boss and Tacha and this person Read Also: Tacha Shares Risque Video With Her Boyfriend; Takes It Down Immediately Watch the video Amnesty International issued a statement on Sunday morning calling for an end to militarized policing in several U.S. cities and the use of "excessive force" against demonstrators protesting police brutality. Why it matters: The human rights group said police across the country were "failing their obligations under international law to respect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest, exacerbating a tense situation and endangering the lives of protesters." "Equipping officers in a manner more appropriate for a battlefield may put them in the mindset that confrontation and conflict are inevitable." Amnesty International statement The big picture: The National Guard mobilized and curfews were imposed in several states after clashes between police and demonstrators protesting the May 25 death of George Floyd and other black people who've died in police custody. Some officers responded to protests with restraint. Others used batons, tear gas, rubber bullets and other devices to disperse protesters and, in some cases, journalists. Zoom in: Authorities fired tear gas again Saturday during clashes with protesters in Minneapolis, where demonstrations entered a fifth day. In New York City, video showed police officers driving their cars into a group of protesters. Mayor New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said, "If those protesters had just gotten out of the way ... we would not be talking about this situation." video showed police officers driving their cars into a group of protesters. Mayor New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said, "If those protesters had just gotten out of the way ... we would not be talking about this situation." In Florida, there were reports of police using tear gas and pepper spray amid violence in cities including Miami and Tampa Bay. there were reports of police using tear gas and pepper spray amid violence in cities including Miami and Tampa Bay. Las Vegas police deployed tear gas after protesters vandalized patrol cars, looted a store and set off fireworks, NBC News notes. police deployed tear gas after protesters vandalized patrol cars, looted a store and set off fireworks, NBC News notes. In Columbus, police used tear gas to disperse crowds. The local mayor said officers showed "great restraint" after protesters taunted them and threw objects, per ABC News. police used tear gas to disperse crowds. The local mayor said officers showed "great restraint" after protesters taunted them and threw objects, per ABC News. In Seattle, tear gas was also deployed. The police said in a statement protesters had thrown bottles at officers. tear gas was also deployed. The police said in a statement protesters had thrown bottles at officers. In Denver, police used tear gas to successfully force protesters back just after the 8pm curfew imposed in response to the unrest came into effect, The Denver Channel reports. Of note: Georgetown Law professor Paul Butler, author of "Chokehold: Policing Black Men," noted the reactions of some police this week were different to the response to demonstrations against coronavirus restrictions in Michigan last month. "Unarmed people, many of whom are people of color, protest police brutality and are met with police brutality flash grenades, tear gas, and rubber bullets," he told Vox. "But when armed, mainly white protesters storm the Michigan state capitol, the police just let them be." What they're saying: President Trump praised police for their conduct and slammed protesters, some of whom he described in a tweet as "THUGS." "What we are now seeing on the streets of our cities has nothing to do with justice," Trump said Saturday. NYPD Chief Terence Monahan tweeted, "We'll always welcome protestors who want to peacefully express their views. When violent individuals throw bottles, rocks, and cause serious injuries to our officers we will make arrests." Fraternal Order of Police national president Patrick Yoes said in a statement last Thursday in response to Floyd's death, "We know what happens in communities when police officers lose the respect and trust of the public they protect." "Especially after a tragedy like we saw in Minneapolis, we need to do two things," he continued. "Take a hard look at our own actions and conduct, correct them where necessary, and to regain that trust by continuing to hold ourselves to the highest possible standard in a transparent way." Editor's note: This article has been updated with Amnesty International's comments. Bank of America (BoA) takes a bearish outlook on the Pound Sterling for the year ahead. It expects that the Pound will be more vulnerable this year and will not be able to escape from a lower, longer-term range; Despite another strong... BoA Analysis: Pound to Euro Rate Forecast to Weaken over 6% in 2022 The cost of buying a house across Australia could fall by up to $50,000 as states consider slashing stamp duty to help the housing market recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Stamp duty is paid to the state government upon the purchase of a property but economists argue it discourages home ownership and prevents older people from downsizing, which frees up bigger homes for families. Amid a huge decline in the housing market during the pandemic, the Victorian government has signalled it could drop the much-hated tax to stimulate property buying. The federal government may also overhaul the property taxation system to combat the COVID-19 slowdown by creating a long-term 'opt-in' land tax. Pictured: Aerial view of Brighton in Melbourne's south-east. The cost of buying a home in Victoria could drop by $50,000 under plans to gradually phase out stamp tax Buyers who fork out for a $1million home pay a stamp duty of $40,000 in New South Wales and $55,000 in Victoria. Under the proposed new framework homeowners would pay stamp tax up front and could then choose to pay land tax of a few thousand dollars a year on the value of a home's unimproved land, The Australian Financial Review reported. Unimproved land refers to how much a plot of land is deemed to be worth not including the cost of the home itself. The phasing out of stamp duty is already happening in the Australian Capital Territory, with the state government instead enforcing a slowly increasing land tax. It comes after the COVID-19 pandemic crippled the housing construction industry and cost an estimated 70,000 tradesmen their jobs. The Victorian government is expecting property sales and house prices to fall about nine percent this year which is likely to bring a similar percentage fall in stamp duty, the state's treasury said. A report by outgoing National Australia Bank chairman Ken Henry when he was the former treasury secretary found stamp taxes were among the worst for stimulating economic growth. Property buyers pay a stamp duty of $40,000 in New South Wales, but that could change under proposed plans to replace the much-hated tax with an annual homeowners levy (suburban Sydney pictured) Even before the coronavirus derailed the property sector a report by the Productivity Commission in 2019 urged Scott Morrison to ditch the 'inefficient' tax in favour of an annual homeowners' tax. 'Shifting from stamp duties to a broad-based property tax could leave New South Wales up to $5 billion a year better off, while also improving housing affordability,' the report said. 'Stamp duties are among the most inefficient and inequitable taxes available to the states and territories. Since the coronavirus crisis began Victoria's property market has plummeted by nine percent, leaving a massive hole in their annual $6billion cash cow The Victorian Government is believed to be considering scrapping stamp duty in favour of annual land tax payments (stock image) 'In contrast, property taxes which are levied on the value of property holdings are the most efficient taxes available to the states and territories.' Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged that he would be in favour of major tax reform and is keen for the states and national cabinets to discuss the matter. 'When it comes to national reform opportunities, you can always count Victoria in for that discussion,' he told reporters last week. 'Every significant drive or wave of national reform in our country's history, Victoria has played a leading role in it and that won't be changing.' For Marylin(CQ) Yell, it was the strawberries. For Martin Gomez, it was the mangos. For Farrin(CQ) Turner, it was the opportunity. The first-ever Fields of Dover Neighborhood Produce Market, a two-hour extravaganza of fresh fruits and vegetables, was held Friday for residents of the subdivision outside of Converse. Turner, vice president of the Fields of Dover Homeowners Association, said social media interaction while at home during the COVID-19 pandemic brought the San Antonio-based River City Produce to light. I have shopped with them previously before they came here. I went to another (market) they had about two weeks ago in another neighborhood, Turner said. I posted it and asked, If we could get River City out here (to Fields of Dover), who would be interested? and we had a huge response. Phone calls were made, contacts were established and a date was set. River City Produce would roll into Fields of Dover on May 29 with about a ton of different fresh fruits and vegetables. The mobile markets are a new facet of delivery for River City Produce, an independently owned fresh fruit and vegetable distributor. It came from an idea we had last year, in helping some low-income and food-desert areas, said Chris Uribe, River City Produce marketing manager, who was on hand at Fridays market. We shelved it for a little bit. Then the pandemic happened and we thought it was a perfect time. The firm was approached several weeks ago about doing a neighborhood farmers market, and the idea took hold. We were approached by one person before, and it just grew from there, Uribe said. Weve only been doing this for about a month. Now, were doing two to three markets a day, Tuesday through Saturday. Fresh fruit and vegetables of all types, including watermelon, peaches and zucchini, were laid out across six folding tables under canopy tents, awaiting customers who began lining up a half-hour before the market opened. The fruits and vegetables come from River City Produces numerous vendors from across the country and around the world. We are a wholesaler, so we get (produce) from everyone, Uribe said. I know we usually have Chilean grapes, which come up out of Mexico. We have peaches that came in from North Carolina; the strawberries are from California. So were all over the place. And fruits and vegetables are essential to anybodys meal, he added. Customer Marylin Yell would agree. She traveled from Schertz to attend the market once she saw a notice in the newspaper. Im pretty health-conscious, so I try to eat fresh whenever possible. Thats why I am always on the lookout for fresh like this, Yell said. I try to go to farmers markets where I can find them. I prefer a farmers market than going to the store, she said, adding, This seems to be very nice, very fresh and, I get to go out. Uribe said Yells final statement was another major selling point to the neighbor market concept. In talking, you have people afraid to get out of their homes and their neighborhoods. They dont want to go to the big store, where there are hundreds of people, Uribe said. Were glad to come out and help neighborhoods and let them know who we are. Weve been around for 30-plus years. Besides organizing the market, Turner did some shopping of her own. I got bananas, pineapples, radishes, zucchinis, grapes, strawberries, peaches, apples Im just missing the peanut butter at this point, she laughed. Martin Gomez drove over from Windcrest to get his supply of fresh fruit. I have visited other farmers markets, and I have always had a good experience with them, Gomez said. We eat a lot of vegetables and we always try to support our communities around us. Having worked as a manager in a number of restaurants over the past 26 years, he said he knows the value and benefits of selecting and eating fresh fruits and vegetables. I know about fresh fruit, how good it is for you, he said. I came to check it out and I walked out of here with a full bag. What would be the first thing he would dive into when he got home? Ahhh, mangos! Definitely the mangos! he said. Absolutely! jflinn@express-news.net WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday said legislation targeting Chinese officials over treatment of the country's Uighur Muslim minority sent a "clear message" of support from Washington, seeking to prod the Trump administration to push Beijing on human rights. "Over the years, there has been a real commitment to shine a bright light on human rights in China and to say to those who are affected by that, 'you are not alone,'" House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a signing ceremony for the legislation. The Democratic-led House and Republican-controlled Senate passed legislation nearly unanimously calling for sanctions against those responsible for repression in China's Xinjiang province, after U.N. estimates that over 1 million Muslims have been detained. The bill singles out the region's Communist Party secretary, Chen Quanguo, a member of China's ruling Politburo, as responsible for "gross human rights violations" against Muslims. "This is a genocide. More than a million people are in concentration camps. Millions more are harassed every day," said Republican Representative Chris Smith, a lead supporter of the legislation. China denies mistreatment. Sending the bill to the White House starts a 10-day clock, minus Sundays, for Trump to sign the bill into law or veto it. Otherwise, it becomes law without his signature. Trump has not disclosed his plans. White House aides did not respond to requests for comment. Relations between Washington and Beijing have become increasingly tense as Trump has blamed China for worsening the coronavirus pandemic. His administration also recently moved toward ending special treatment for Hong Kong. The bill also calls on U.S. companies operating in Xinjiang to ensure their products do not include parts using forced labor. The House vote on the bill was the first use of proxy voting because of the pandemic. Republicans have sued to prevent it, complicating questions about the legislation's fate. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; editing by Jonathan Oatis) Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia, Lieutenant General Artak Davtyan today paid a working visit to the Defense Army of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), as reported the press service of the Defense Army. Alongside the Azerbaijani military-political leaderships recent belligerent statements and statements aimed at undermining regional stability, the armed forces of the two Armenian republics continue to implement all the processes that are envisaged by the cooperation plan and are targeted at further improvement of the mechanisms to restrain the adversary. In this context, to learn about the implemented and ongoing activities, today Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia, Lieutenant-General Artak Davtyan paid a working visit to the Defense Army. With the accompaniment of Commander of the Defense Army of the Ministry of Defense of Artsakh, Major General Jalal Harutyunyan, Artak Davtyan followed the course of implementation of engineering-fortification works being carried out in the southern direction. During the working visit, the high-ranking commanders of the two Armenian states also adjusted the priority directions for further deepening of cooperation, the press release of the Defense Army reads. Here we are again, folks, at another article detailing why Microsoft isn't buying another billion-dollar company. In this coverage we'll be detailing why Microsoft isn't buying SEGA, and why the Xbox Series X isn't going to be rebranded with SEGA's name in Japan. VIEW GALLERY - 5 IMAGES Rumor has it Microsoft is buying SEGA. Another rumor says Microsoft will release the Xbox Series X as the "SEGA Series X" in Japan. Neither of these things are true. To really understand why the rumors aren't true we have to take a look at how both Microsoft and SEGA operate their businesses, and then briefly go over why the Xbox brand is so much more than just hardware. First, let's start off with the obvious one: Microsoft isn't going to buy SEGA simply because it'd cost too much. There's no reason for Microsoft to buy, and more importantly, there's absolutely no reason for SEGA to sell. This is the same argument we made with the preposterous "Microsoft is buying CD Projekt RED" rumors, and the more recent "Sony is buying Metal Gear Solid" rumors. Right now SEGA is doing very well for itself. The Japanese company made $3.37 billion in FY2019, and its total-year profits are up over 400% to $126 million. Game sales are up, its pachinko machines are raking in more revenues, and its resort business is still making revenues. It's segments are doing well and SEGA has a multi-year plan of games and content set for 2020 and beyond. This is a base argument why SEGA won't sell, but a closer inspection shows SEGA has $4.2 billion worth of net assets right now. Companies only sell when they're hurting for cash and need to liquidate their assets. SEGA is far from hurting right now. Now let's talk about why Microsoft won't buy. Microsoft isn't in the market for big acquisitions. Aside from Minecraft's purchase for $2.5 billion, Microsoft doesn't make big purchases for its Xbox brand. The more recent Microsoft Studios acquisitions are smaller-scale indies that lean more towards AA titles rather than huge AAA blockbuster IPs like the Yakuza series. There's a big reason for this. Microsoft is a service-first company through-and-through. It cares more about services and ecosystem than it does about hardware and huge system-selling AAA titles. That's why the Xbox Series X won't have exclusives at launch, because it'd fly in the face of Microsoft's huge cross-platform Xbox ecosystem, which unifies consoles, Windows 10 PCs, and soon mobile phones together in one framework. Also remember Microsoft doesn't care all that much about Xbox. Xbox is an extension, an outlier, a kind of guaranteed money-making segment that's focused more on services and storefront sales and less on hardware and blockbuster first-party games. That's why a lot of first-party Xbox games have live services, microtransactions, or some sort of engagement hook, because it naturally synergizes with the service-based focus. Could Microsoft afford to buy SEGA, assuming SEGA wanted to sell its IPs, assets, and name? Most certainly. But they never would. The reality is Xbox is just a small portion of Microsoft's titanic empire--Xbox makes roughly 10% of the company's quarterly earnings. Microsoft will not make this kind of investment into another games company unless its massively accretive, which SEGA wouldn't really be. Also SEGA has a lot of Japanese-based segments and domestic business arms. SEGA has a thriving pachinko/pachislot business with regularly makes up significant portions of its gaming revenues, and it also has hotels and resorts. Microsoft buying into that kind of thing would be messy logistically and on paper. Okay, now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's talk about why Microsoft won't slap SEGA's name on their new console. The idea behind the rumor is Japan doesn't like the Xbox One, and that's true. They avoid the Xbox ecosystem and the console hasn't gained traction overseas. So rumor has it Microsoft will team up with SEGA and rebrand the Xbox Series X as the "SEGA Series X". But as we said before, Microsoft doesn't care that much about hardware. Hardware is just the beginning, an entry point, to a small section of consumers. So instead of banking harder on hardware, Microsoft's just widened their net in an attempt to catch more fish. Microsoft now has services that can reach Japanese gamers without them having to buy a console. There's Game Pass, which is accessible on PC, and soon Project xCloud, a cloud-streaming service that will wirelessly beam games to smartphones. xCloud is Microsoft's best bet for the Japanese market, not the Xbox Series X. Basically there's no reason to rebrand the console because Microsoft has alternatives to console hardware to reach Japanese gamers. Microsoft wants to cover all bases here, and even if it fails to capture the Japanese market, that's okay--the real money is in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. And of course Microsoft would have to pay SEGA to use their name. That's not going to happen either. Xbox runs on a tight budget, and Microsoft is shelling out tens of millions on advertising and lots more on console manufacturing. The Xbox brand will be seen in Japan when the Xbox Series X release in Holiday 2020. So in summary, here's the reasons why the rumors are off the mark: "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. A Flasher man accused last year of defrauding creditors is facing similar accusations in a new felony case. Corey Fleck is accused of selling to another man a $37,000 farm implement knowing there was a lien on it. Authorities on Thursday issued an arrest warrant for Fleck on charges of theft of property by deception and defrauding secured creditors. Fleck allegedly sold the John Deere swather and header in April, falsely telling the buyer "that the equipment was free of liens," Morton County Deputy Sheriff Dion Bitz said in an affidavit. Fleck then allegedly deposited the man's check a week later. Fleck is due in court Thursday on seven fraud and theft charges filed last November, and he could enter pleas, court documents show. Fleck allegedly defrauded creditors by depositing into his personal bank account checks worth nearly $50,000 that were payable to lien holders. The checks had forged signatures, authorities said. Attorney Kent Morrow, who is representing Fleck in that case, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Fleck plans to enter pleas on Thursday. No defense attorney is listed in court documents for the new charges. Fleck last year also faced animal neglect and abuse charges after a sheriff's deputy found dozens of dead cattle on land in the Flasher area. Fleck eventually pleaded guilty to seven counts and was sentenced in November to spend a year on unsupervised probation. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 2 Sad 1 Angry 14 A top commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad, Abdul Rehman alias Fouji Bhia, was among three terrorists eliminated in encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Wednesday (June 3). Rehman, who was an Afghanistan war participant, was an IED expert and was also the mastermind of the recent failed car bomb attempt in Pulwama. Inspector General of Police Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar, termed Rehman's killing as a big success for the security forces in Kashmir. Talking to media, IGP Kumar said, The slain commander has been identified as Abdul Rehman alias Fouji Bhai or Fouji Baba, who had participated in Afghan war and was active since 2017 in Kashmir. He was the IED expert and was the mastermind of May 28 Car bomb plan which was averted on time by the police, army and CRPF, IG said. He added that the slain terrorist belonged to Multan, Pakistan. IGP Kumar added that the identity of two other killed terrorists is being ascertained and it seems that both were locals. We have called some people to identify them and if they turn out to be locals, their parents will be allowed to participate in the burial at Baramulla district of north Kashmir, he said. When Asked whether security forces have eliminated all IED experts of Jaish, the IGP said that there are two more Jaish terrorists who have been identified as Waleed Bhai and Lamboo Bhai, both are foreigners and have an expertise in making IEDs. We have also identified Jaish chief Abdullah Rashid Gazi, who operates in Khrew area of Pulwama district and is hiding in the forests. He will be neutralized once he comes down and we can even catch him from where he is hiding. He further added that it was for the first time that top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Ansar Gazwatul Hind were killed by security forces so frequently. The number of terrorists killed this year is 75 and the majority of them were commanders. We have also arrested more 135 Over Ground Workers and categorised then A, B, and C categories. Public Safety Act will be slapped on A category OGWs, B and C category OGWs will go through counselling and their parents will be called and then they will be released," noted IGP Kumar. San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin dropped charges against Kajon Busby, the black teenager seen being detained by San Francisco officers in a widely circulated video thats drawn comparisons to the George Floyd case. Busby, 19, was charged with misdemeanor crimes of criminal threats and resisting arrest, stemming from a Jan. 25 incident in which Busby was taken to the ground and handcuffed by several officers. But a bystander video posted on social media last week provides a troubling vantage point not seen in body camera footage. For several seconds, a female officer appears to be pressing her knee to Busbys neck while hes on his stomach, in a manner similar to the one used by the former Minneapolis officer accused of killing Floyd on Memorial Day, and ignited protests and outrage throughout the country. While the charges were filed when Boudin was in office, the top prosecutor said he was not personally involved in the charging decision. After he heard of the case this weekend, Boudin said he took a closer look at the police files, viewed the video and asked his team to reach out to the main victims. After reviewing all that, I decided the case should be dismissed in full, Boudin said in a Tuesday interview. I went into court Monday morning and did that myself. The case prompted Boudin to implement a new policy that requires prosecutors to review all police body camera and independent video footage prior to filing charges for resisting arrest. In the case of Busby, Boudin said, bystander video footage emerged months after the fact and told a different story. These circumstances, he said, require us to dismiss in the interest of justice. Busbys attorney, Deputy Public Defender Alejandra Ramirez, said the dismissal was the right thing to do. Now Playing: East Bay columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. talks about the rage and unrest that's followed the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, and his experience covering the protests as a black journalist. Video: San Francisco Chronicle This case was really just a misunderstanding between neighbors over a family dog; there was nothing criminal in nature, Ramirez said. Ramirez described her client as a responsible, sensitive and goofy teenager, and said she sees her younger brothers in him. The first time the two spoke, Ramirez said, Busby didnt mention the manner in which he was arrested. I came to find out he simply did not think it mattered, Ramirez said. This infuriated me because a 19-year-old African American kid, raised in Hunters Point in San Francisco, should not have to believe that excessive force used by police officers is normal. Tony Montoya, president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association and a frequent Boudin critic, said the cases dismissal was yet another example of Boudins criminals-first agenda that will continue to put San Franciscans at risk. 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. Whats news is not when former Public Defender Chesa Boudin drops charges against an accused suspect, thats a daily occurrence, Montoya said in a statement. The news would be when he actually prosecutes dangerous individuals. The incident has also prompted San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju to call out San Francisco polices use-of-force policies. Raju said policymakers should explicitly forbid officers from applying pressure on a persons neck or head while theyre on the ground, and violations of this rule should result in termination. San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott ordered an administrative review of the incident and invited the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability to independently investigate the arrest, according to a police statement. Officials said the departments training division is also reviewing prone handcuffing techniques to determine whether policy changes are warranted. Now Playing: From peaceful protest to mass arrests: Police in Oakland fires tear gas at protesters condemning the killing of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer during the fourth night of demonstrations in the Bay Area. Video: Matthias Gafni, Mallory Moench, Erika Carlos Police additionally released body camera footage of the arrest, and a separate clip that synced different body camera angles with the bystander video. The videos show police restraining a young man and taking him into custody after they said he made criminal threats against his neighbor and resisted a peace officer. The Police Departments use-of-force policy lists the knee as one of many personal body weapons that may be used to gain control of a subject. It also specifically prohibits the use of choke holds and carotid restraints neck restraints that apply pressure to a subjects windpipe or carotid arteries, respectively. The policy does not specifically address the move in question, in which an officer applies pressure to the back of a prone subjects neck, potentially pressing the windpipe to the ground. Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy High-end brands such as Versace, Saint Laurent and Gucci have posted messages pledging solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement after a number of luxury boutiques suffered looting in recent days in top locations such as Californias Rodeo Drive and New Yorks SoHo. Gucci reposted a poem by writer Cleo Wade on Twitter and Instagram about how to end racism and bigotry, while Prada SpA uploaded a statement that it was outraged and saddened by the injustices facing the black community. French cosmetics giant LOreal SA posted Speaking out is worth it on its social media accounts. Swedish apparel chain Hennes & Mauritz AB kept it simple with Lets change. The luxury-goods industry now faces a public-relations challenge in the U.S. just as it suffers store shutdowns and weakened global demand caused by the pandemic. By voicing solidarity with the black community, brands are trying to gain credibility, despite the risk of appearing crass following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Several of them are still trying to live down racial controversies they sparked in the past. Also read: Celebrities, organisations and people show solidarity with Black Lives Matter movement. Heres how to do it right It is imperative for these brands to be sensitive to cultural differences and respect each and every one, Luca Solca, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, wrote in an email. Failure to do so, even involuntarily and by accident, exposes brands to severe consequences. H&M has shuttered 95 of about 600 stores in the U.S. due to the unrest. That brings the global tally of shop closures to more than 1,300. The Covid-19 outbreak has already led to almost a third of H&Ms network shutting down. The company also said its donating half a million dollars to organizations such as Color of Change and the American Civil Liberties Union. Last year, Kering SAs Gucci withdrew and apologized for a sweater resembling blackface images, and in 2018, Prada removed figurines from window displays after they were called out for a resemblance to racist caricatures. Some were quick to describe the industrys latest social media postings as hypocritical, including U.K. model Munroe Bergdorf. She was dropped by LOreal in 2017 after making comments against racism and white supremacy in the wake of the protest in Charlottesville, Virginia. Bergdorf said brands are taking advantage of a public-relations opportunity. Where was my support when I spoke out? she tweeted in an expletive-laden response to LOreal. LOreal couldnt immediately be reached for comment. H&M had to close some stores in South Africa in 2018 amid protests against an ad that showed a black child modeling a hoodie with the text coolest monkey in the jungle. We also acknowledge our past mistakes and they have made us acutely aware of how much we still need to learn, H&M Chief Executive Officer Helena Helmersson said in a statement released Monday in response to the latest unrest. As a company, we are growing, but we can and must do better. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. ) Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter On Tuesday, Rumer Willis attempted to enter Ellie and Sass in Venice Beach, which is temporarily closed since 'nail salons and spa services are not permitted to open in Los Angeles.' Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's 31-year-old daughter protected herself with a black mask, which LA Mayor Eric Garcetti made mandatory for all outdoor activity on May 13. Garcetti extended the stay-at home order indefinitely due to the 57K confirmed COVID-19 cases in LA County, which has led to 2,448 deaths as of Wednesday - according to Johns Hopkins University. Oops! On Tuesday, Rumer Willis attempted to enter Ellie and Sass in Venice Beach, which is temporarily closed since 'nail salons and spa services are not permitted to open in LA' Covered: Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's 31-year-old daughter protected herself with a black mask, which LA Mayor Eric Garcetti made mandatory for all outdoor activity on May 13 That same day, Rumer retweeted a video of police peacefully blocking anti-lockdown protesters in contrast to the protests over the May 25 murder of Minneapolis man George Floyd by police. 'No tear gas or rubber bullets in sight,' the Kentucky-born socialite - who boasts 1M Instagram/Twitter followers - wrote. 'If you still can't see the the difference between this and what is going on right now I don't know if you ever will.' 'No tear gas or rubber bullets in sight!' That same day, Rumer retweeted a video of police peacefully blocking anti-lockdown protesters in contrast to the protests over the May 25 murder of Minneapolis man George Floyd by police Armchair activist: Willis' social media took a sharp turn last Saturday from self-centered body-positivity posts (R) to entirely Black Lives Matter posts (L, most of which are reposts from other accounts) Willis' social media took a sharp turn last Saturday from self-centered body-positivity posts to entirely Black Lives Matter posts (most of which are reposts from other accounts). 'Black Lives Matter,' the 9-1-1 guest star posted on Monday. 'Say it again and remember why we have to say it, say it not just now when it is present in all our minds, say it again when this has all quieted down and another news story is in the media. Idaho: The 9-1-1 guest star recently returned to Los Angeles after a blended family reunion with both of her divorced parents at the Sun Valley home she grew up in (pictured May 11) '#bbsdriveby': Photographer Brian Bowen Smith drove 16 hours to take a 30-second snap of the Willis clan standing beside their picturesque pond on May 11 'Hold yourself and others accountable for your words, your actions, your unconscious behavior, and make effort to change it. We cannot continue to allow this to happen.' Rumer recently returned to Los Angeles after a blended family reunion with both of her divorced parents at the Sun Valley, Idaho home she grew up in. Photographer Brian Bowen Smith drove 16 hours to take a 30-second snap of the Willis clan standing beside their picturesque pond on May 11. A white Florida Keys man who police say was driving his Mercedes while three times over the legal limit after drinking alcohol invoked the name of George Floyd in an effort to avoid being arrested, according to a Monroe County sheriffs report. Floyd died of asphyxiation last week while in custody of a Minnesota police officer, which sparked nationwide protests. Joseph Cass Miller, 23, from Plantation Key, also made jest about not being able to breathe as Monroe County sheriffs deputies tried to cuff him early Monday morning in Tavernier, according to the report. Miller, who was released from jail that afternoon on a $5,000, could not be reached for comment. The number provided on the arrest affidavit belonged to someone else. He faces a felony resisting arrest charge and two counts of driving under the influence. When he finally agreed to submit to a blood alcohol breath test, his level was more than 0.26 per 210 liters of breath, Deputy Joel Torres said in his report. The legal limit is .08. Joseph Miller Torres pulled Miller over around 2:35 a.m. Monday after seeing his Mercedes-Benz C300 swerve while heading south on U.S. 1 at mile marker 91, the deputy said. The car almost hit the curb several times and came close to hitting another car traveling in the same direction, according to the report. Torres turned on his roof lights and siren, but Miller was slow to respond, he said. He finally pulled over in the parking lot of Mariners Hospital. He told Torres he did not drink anything that day. Torres asked him to go through a field sobriety exercise and Miller refused, according to Torres, saying, No sir. I know my amendments. According to the report, Miller also said, I have the best lawyer in South Florida. And, You dont want to do this. He then locked the car and rolled up his window, Torres said. Another man was in the passenger seat and unlocked the car for Torres. Torres ordered Miller out of the car, but he refused to move, grabbing his steering wheel, and then grabbing Torres when he tried unbuckling the seat belt, according to the report. Story continues Torres, with the help of another deputy, was able to get him out of the car. They struggled for about a minute to cuff Miller. Thats when he mentioned Floyd and said he couldnt breathe, the report said. To be sure, no part of my body was anywhere near his neck when he uttered those words, Torres said in the report. After being placed in the back seat of Torres patrol car, Miller was able to slip his cuffed hands from his back to the front of his body. He then began kicking the back windshield of the car, said Torres, who added he heard the glass cracking from the impact. Torres stun-gunned Miller three times, which finally worked to subdue him, according to the report. Millers friend, who was not arrested, said Miller drank Crown Royal whiskey and some beers before the incident. Obviously, hes been drinking, the man told Torres, according to the report. Jersey Citys west side is going to see some big changes soon. Jersey City officials announced Tuesday new details on the sprawling Bayfront development site that will transform 100 acres of former brownfield on the Hackensack River into a mini city. Under the plan, three affordable housing developers Pennrose, Omni America and BRP Development Group will pay $26 million to construct 1,092 residential units on the property. Some 35% of the units will be affordable housing, a percentage that officials and activists hailed after years of uncertainty surrounding the number. We thought that a city like Jersey City needed to be bold and aggressive and speak to affordable housing in a way thats just more than words, actually with our actions reinforcing those words," said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. City officials labeled the development phase one of the project, which calls for a total of 8,000 units to be built on the site. In this phase, Pennrose, Omni, and BRP will build on four parcels, with Pennrose and Omni sharing two and BRP developing on the other two. The Pennrose/Omni site will include 540 units, 189 of which will be priced for residents making 60% of average median income (AMI). BRP will build 552 units tailor to different income levels. The development will include 28 units each for residents making 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 80% of AMI, as well as 53 units for residents making 120%. According to the citys website, Jersey Citys average median income was $70,600 as of fiscal year 2019. Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley hailed the agreement, pushing back on reports that the development would ultimately become a cheaper place for New York City residents to move to. I think that its very fitting, especially in the climate that were in today in this country and with all that is going on and with all of this talk about discrimination, that we take every step that we can to make sure that in the most diverse city, that diversity is staying here, she said. A rendering of the Bayfront development. The development will mark a key step in the transformation of the Bayfront site, one that mirrors Jersey Citys metamorphosis from industrial hub to up-and-coming urban center. For years, a Mutual Chemical Company plant on the land churned out chromium, dumping the runoff into wetlands along the Hackensack. Years later, Mutual Chemical and the contaminated land was acquired by technology giant Honeywell. Seeking to force the Morris Township company to clean up the contaminated land, a coalition of activists, the Interfaith Community Organization, now Jersey City Together, filed a lawsuit. In 2003, a federal district judge ordered Honeywell to clean up 34 acres of the future Bayfront site. Later, Jersey City filed suit against Honeywell, ending in a 2008 settlement under which the city and the company agreed to clean up the remainder of the land, after which both would develop the site together. Plans were drafted to construct a mixed-income residential development. In 2018, the city spent $100 million to buy out Honeywells share of the land in preparation of development, with a commitment to spend another $70 million on infrastructure. Earlier this year, the development got a boost when officials announced an extension of the Hudson-Bergen light rail to the area. At a press conference Tuesday, officials called the 35% affordable unit rate a victory. Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey said the development would provide housing opportunities to residents who could be otherwise priced out of Jersey City. Its very difficult for people who are just starting out, who are maybe just graduating from college, Prinz-Arey said. They cant necessarily stay in Jersey City in an affordable way. For our seniors who maybe want to divest and downsize, they cant necessarily stay in Jersey City in an affordable way. And this project gives us an opportunity to provide that for all of our residents. Construction on the site is slated to break ground on the site in the fall. A completion date has not yet been determined. Chinese foreign ministry asserts that China's position on the border issue with India is "consistent and clear" Beijing: China on Wednesday emphasised that there was no need for the intervention of a "third party" to resolve its current standoff with India as the two neighbours have full-fledged border-related mechanisms and communication channels to sort out their differences through dialogue. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here that China's position on the border issue with India was "consistent and clear" and both the countries have "earnestly" implemented the important consensus reached between their leaders. Zhao was replying to a question about the phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump during which the two leaders also discussed the border standoff between India and China. "Now the situation there (at India-China border) is overall stable and controllable. China and India have full-fledged border-related mechanisms and communication channel. We have the capability to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation," Zhao said. "There is no need for the intervention of a third party," he emphasised, in what is China's first official reaction to the discussion on the border tensions between Modi and Trump. President Trump last week said he was "ready, willing and able to mediate" between the two countries. "We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute," Trump said in a tweet. Both India and China have rejected Trump's offer of mediation. "China's position on the border issue is consistent and clear," Zhao said and reiterated that the two neighbours have "earnestly implemented the important consensus" reached between their leaders. 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. Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first informal summit in April 2018 in the Chinese city of Wuhan, months after the Doklam standoff. In the summit, the two leaders decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications so that they can build trust and understanding. Modi and Xi held their second informal summit in Mamallapuram near Chennai in October last year with a focus on further broadening bilateral ties. "We have strictly abided by the relevant treaty between China and India and committed to upholding national territorial and sovereignty and security as well as upholding peace and stability in the border region," Zhao said. His remarks came in the backdrop of the continuing standoff between the militaries of India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in a bitter standoff in several areas along the Line of Actual Control in mountainous eastern Ladakh for close to four weeks. Both the countries are holding talks at military and diplomatic levels to resolve the dispute. On May 5, the Indian and the Chinese army personnel clashed with iron rods, sticks, and even resorted to stone-pelting in the Pangong Tso lake area in which soldiers on both sides sustained injuries. In a separate incident, nearly 150 Indian and Chinese military personnel were engaged in a face-off near Naku La Pass in the Sikkim sector on May 9. Albany There have been protests, marches and rallies. Streets have been shut down, and police chiefs have been confronted. The words "black lives matter" have echoed. But the movement to end systemic racism and police brutality is nowhere near its end, activists say. "This is a moment for organizing, not for organizers," said Amy Jones, a local activist. "We're always looking for a leader, and it's not one person this is a movement." A protest organized by Citizen Action on Saturday brought at least 1,000 people to Townsend Park for a 2.23-mile walk in memory of Ahmaud Arbery, who was killed by two white men while jogging in Georgia; Breonna Taylor, who was killed in her Kentucky apartment by police officers; and George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer restrained him with a knee on his neck for more than eight minutes. Shawn Young, a community organizer with Citizen Action and one of the organizers of Saturday's protest, said they were expecting perhaps 100 people when they initially scheduled it following Arbery's death. Then Floyd died. "The idea was that we wanted to connect the racial injustice, police brutality murders in the Capital District to what we're seeing across state lines, connecting stories like Ellazar Williams, Edson Thevenin and Andrew Kearse," Young said, invoking the names of young black men who were either killed or severely injured by local police. "But after the Floyd murder, it accelerated that event and rocketed people's focus on racial injustice." Advocates have a diversity of opinion on the more violent scenes that broke out Saturday night in Albany's South End and at the tail end of Monday's protest in Arbor Hill. "I cannot equate a lynching with the destruction of property," said Barbara Smith, a renowned scholar on issues of race and gender. "It's excruciatingly painful to think about the loss of people's livelihoods and businesses, but it just is not in the same category as someone having their life choked out of them on video with three other officers standing around watching." On Sunday, groups in Schenectady had a protest. Monday, community members organized the protest in Albany's Arbor Hill neighborhood, shutting down part of Henry Johnson Boulevard. And another protest is planned for Sunday in Troy by Justice for Dahmeek, a grassroots organization that advocates against police brutality. (The group is named for Dahmeek McDonald, who was wounded by Troy police in a high-profile 2017 incident.) While the protests are a space for the community to "voice their grievances, their solace, their pain," Young said, activists believe there is more to this movement: leading conversations within institutions, families and friend circles to challenge racism, and pushing policies that would help dismantle systemic racism. "State-sanctioned violence is beyond simply a cop's bullet, officer brutality, a cop's knee on a person's neck," Young said. "It's how are you going to invest, where are the opportunities, how do you bring equity? Not investing in communities is a part of the problem. We need to leverage this moment, leverage this time, make sure that those lives count for something." Resources for the black community have been brought up at multiple rallies and protests. "If enough of us could connect we'd be fine enough of us where we can pool resources together and fund things that back our causes," said Emerys Young, who organized Monday's protest. "I feel like we can do that locally before anything: Empower people in your community and give them positions." The day after Saturday's Albany protest, the Capital Region National Association for the Advancement of Colored People organized a rally in the South End. Carolyn McLaughlin, an Albany County legislator, described the time as a "ripe opportunity to get involved." "What you saw here today is the positive side of people here looking for solutions, but everybody came because they felt like a knee had been on their neck," she said. "The group of us that have been talking, we're looking for economic justice. We're looking for environmental justice. We're looking for educational justice." Activists believe the time is ripe to fight for those justices, as well. The state Legislature is planning to act on a series of criminal justice reform measures, including overhauling 50-a, a 44-year-old statute that blocks public access to police disciplinary records. Smith brought up the "erosion of community policing" as another law enforcement practice to reevaluate during this time. But she also said that systemic racism has deep roots in American institutions, and will be difficult to uproot. "The project of eradicating racism in policing, police brutality, the prison-industrial complex, mass incarceration the only way those things change is to make them front-and-center priorities for every one of your decisions and actions," she said. "First of all, you've got to acknowledge the problem, and then you have to go from there." For some community members, the movement also needs to take place in personal spaces, through conversations with close ones and self-education. Not simply posting on social media, which many said is not enough, ("If you're just here for a picture to post online, then seriously, take your ass home," Young said at Saturday's protest), but rather educating oneself about racism. The push for change needs to involve hard self-reflection by those who aren't black, said Aaron Moore, who teaches acting and playwriting. "Without any fault of their own, white people are grown to be racist, no matter how much of an ally you are, through the subliminal messaging and means of social construct. That I don't blame you for because you have no control over it," Moore said. "What I do blame you for is now knowing and being conscious of the world and your surroundings, and not doing anything. That is your fault." Being an ally of the movement against racial injustice is about "being in the trenches," Moore said. "When you go to your Thanksgiving dinner, engagement parties, meet up with those college friends, when you go to Uncle So-and-So's house and see your grandparents, and the conversation starts to transition to black topics in a negative light, what are you saying, how are you carrying our voice with you?" Moore said. "How are you going to help a year from now? That's more important for me to see. How are you going to take our voices into the future?" New Delhi: The tragic death of a pregnant elephant in Kerala has shaken the entire nation. The incident is of Mallapuran district where the innocent elephant had entered into a village in search of food, but the villagers fed her a pineapple stuffed with crackers. The 15-year-old elephant suffered serious injuries on its tongue and mouth as the crackers exploded and it later died. The incident also moved Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, who sought a report in this connection. "Environment Ministry has taken a serious note of the death of an elephant in Kerala. Has sought complete report on the incident. Stern action will be taken against the culprit(s)," Prakash Javadekar said in New Delhi on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, BJP MP and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi also flayed the Kerala government over the shocking incident. She told ANI, "It's murder, Malappuram is famous for such incidents, it's India's most violent district, for instance, they throw poison on roads so that 300-400 birds and dogs die at one time." The former union minister also questioned the silence of Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi for not taking any action in this tragic episode. She also demanding the removal of the state's forest secretary and the resignation of Kerala's forest minister, and added, "It's a murder. Malappuram is famous for such incidents. It's India's most violent district." Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, also expressed shock over the incident and took to social media to express his grief. The veteran industrialist tweeted, "I am grieved and shocked to know that a group of people caused the death of an innocent, passive, pregnant elephant by feeding the elephant with a pineapple filled with firecrackers." "Such criminal acts against innocent animals are no different than acts of meditated murder against other humans. Justice needs to prevail," Tata added. An FIR has reportedly been filed against unidentified people under relevant sections of the Wild Life Protection Act, said forest range officer from Mannarkkad. The details of the incident were earlier shared by Forest officer Mohan Krishnan on his Facebook page. The Forest officer, who was moved by the pain of the innocent animal, wrote in Malayalam about the incident on Facebook. He also shared pictures of the elephant in the searing pain. The forest officials reportedly tried to rescue the innocent animal but failed in their attempt. The cracker explosion in the elephant's mouth is understood to have injured her tongue and mouth. She was unable to eat anything because of her injuries and later died. Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has assured of strict action against the culprits responsible for the elephant's killing. Senior BJP leader Kailash Vijaywargiya on Tuesday alleged that the erstwhile Congress government in Madhya Pradesh was responsible for the spread of coronavirus in Indore, which has emerged as one of the worst-affected districts in the country. The BJP general secretary said the previous Kamal Nath government failed to implement the advisory issued by the Centre to medically examine air travellers at international airports in the state. "The advisory also directed that air passengers who demonstrated coronavirus-like symptoms be quarantined. But, the previous state government did not act upon it, causing a bit of disturbance in Indore, which is under control now," he told reporters here. He was responding to a query on state health department's additional chief secretary Mohammed Suleiman's statement that the coronavirus infection had made inroads into Indore as early as February this year before spreading to other locations. Vijaywargiya also expressed confidence that the ruling BJP would win bypolls to all the 24 assembly seats. The schedule for the byelections is yet to be announced. To a question, Vijaywargiya said that Congress' bid to rope in poll strategist Prashant Kishor for the by-polls would fail to yield results. Indore district has so far reported 3,570 COVID-19 cases and 138 deaths. Donald Trump fired back at Joe Biden after the former vice president sharply criticised his use of a Washington, DC, church as part of his announcement that he was deploying US military assets to combat protesters in the capital city. "Sleepy Joe has been in politics for 40 years, and did nothing. Now he pretends to have the answers. He doesn't even know the questions," the president tweeted about six hours after Mr Biden gave one of the first major speeches of the 2020 general election. That came in response to the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee saying in a speech Tuesday morning in Philadelphia that the president needs to care "for all of us, not just those who voted for [him]." "The president held up the Bible at St. John's church. I wish he'd open it once in awhile instead of brandishing it," Mr Biden said. "If he did, he'd see that we're all called to love each other like we love ourselves. It's hard work but it's the work of America." But the president later tweeted that "weakness will never beat anarchists, looters or thugs, and Joe has been politically weak all of his life," adding the phrase that he has used to describe himself, his presidency and his preferred mindset to end the sometimes-violent protests in response to a black man's death under the knee of a white police officer in Minneapolis: "LAW & ORDER!" More follows 2 Men Charged with Throwing Molotov Cocktails at Minnesota Courthouse Two men were charged with arson and possession of Molotov cocktails after they allegedly threw them at a Dakota County government building south of Minneapolis on May 29. The U.S. Attorneys Office issued a federal criminal complaint (pdf) against Garrett Patrick Ziegler, 24, and Fornandous Cortez Henderson, 32, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Tuesday. The pair have a formal detention hearing scheduled for Thursday and will remain in custody until then, a judge ordered. In the early hours of Friday morning, the Apple Valley Police Department responded to a fire alarm at the Dakota County Western Service Center (DCWSC), which houses state and local agencies and organizations, including Dakota County court facilities, as well as a U.S. passport center, according to the criminal complaint. Upon arrival, officers found broken windows, smoke, and flame in an area of the building where the judges chambers and clerks offices are located, court documents state. Items recovered at the scene included those consistent with those used in Molotov cocktails, including broken glass jars and liquor bottles, pushpins, and intact glass jars containing ignitable liquid, according to the complaint. Officers also discovered a set of car keys in the grass near the building, which belonged to a Ford Fiestalater identified as Zieglersparked in a neighboring businesss parking lot. After police executed a search warrant on the vehicle, they recovered items including liquor bottles, a store receipt dated May 28, 2020, for three bandannas, partially full and empty boxes of push pins, [and] an empty cardboard box for 12 Ball brand mason jars. Officers also recovered an empty Kingsford brand lighter fluid bottle, isopropyl alcohol bottles, a plastic jar containing a clear unidentified liquid and T-pins, and a store receipt dated May 27, 2020 for nail polish remover in the vehicle. Ziegler and Henderson were later found near the DCWSC by officers, who took them into custody. The criminal complaint alleges that the pair used Molotov cocktails to start multiple fires inside of the Dakota County Western Service Center (DCWSC). According to court documents, the pair claimed they took part in protests earlier in the day over the death of 46-year-old George Floyd. Henderson claimed that they used the Metro Transit to travel back to Apple Valley at which time they were confronted by police officers. However police officials said that Hendersons account of his whereabouts is not credible, because Metro Transit ceased operations at 4 p.m. on May 28. Photo from Getty Images SINGAPORE A woman who was caught providing sexual services to a customer in a condominium during the COVID-19 circuit breaker period was fined $7,000 on Wednesday (3 June). Cheng Fengzhao, a 37-year-old Chinese national, pleaded guilty to one count of letting a 51-year-old Singaporean man into her residence without reasonable excuse to provide him massage and masturbation services for $100. Another count of letting in the same customer a regular client on an earlier occasion (19 April) for the same purpose was taken into consideration for sentencing. While Cheng was a work permit holder, she never reported to work with her supposed employer. Instead, she paid a monthly fee to unknown individuals to help advertise her sex services on various websites. She would also pay a room rental of $100 per day to an unknown man every 10 days. Police raid on condo compound on 5 May On 5 May, at about 3pm, a group of police officers conducted a raid at the condominium for vice-related offences. They observed Chengs customer walking into the condominium compound, and entering her unit. Some 52 minutes later, when the door of the unit was opened to allow the customer to leave the unit, the police officers identified themselves. They searched the unit and found another sex worker. Another male customer who had arranged to meet this particular worker rang the units intercom as the police were around, and was let into the condominium compound and unit by the officers. Cheng admitted to allowing her customer to enter her unit for sexual services charged at $100. She also confessed that the man was a regular customer, and to knowing that she was not permitted to allow individuals in during the circuit breaker period. Not the first case Cheng was not the first to be heard in court with for providing massage and sexual services during the period of enhanced safe distancing measures. A Singaporean, Jin Yin, was charged on 29 April for keeping her salon In-Style Beauty Salon at 34 Upper Cross Street open and allowing a 67-year-old man to enter for massage and sexual services on 10 April. Story continues During the circuit breaker period, which began on 7 April, businesses providing non-essential services such as massages were ordered to close. Jin, 55, allegedly charged the customer $150 for the services. Her case has been fixed for a plead guilty mention on 10 June. For contravening the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, Cheng could have been jailed up to six months and/or fined up to $10,000 on a first offence. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Other Singapore stories: Man found guilty of raping daughter at knifepoint twice Massage outlet owner who allegedly provided sexual services charged for running business during circuit breaker period Dormitory director and suspected vice offender among 8 charged for COVID-19-related offences Authorities to reach out to 50,000 households in rental flats over pandemic-related needs A 41-year-old Peterborough man has been arrested following a man was attacked at the citys temporary emergency shelter for the homeless at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre on Brealey Drive. At about 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday an employee was working at the shelter when he was assaulted by another man. Police were called and an arrest was made. Trevor Lydell Smith, 41, of no fixed address, was charged with assault. Smith was released from custody and is to appear in court Aug. 6. At least five babies in an Adelaide hospital have been struck down by a rare bacterial infection. SA Health said two babies in the neonatal unit at the Flinders Medical Centre are symptomatic with Serratia marcescens, with one in a serious but stable condition. Another three have been found to be carrying the bug but are showing no symptoms. At least five babies in an Adelaide hospital have been struck down by a rare bacterial infection (stock image) All 40 babies within the unit have been tested along with those recently discharged. The infection, which is treated with antibiotics, can cause urinary and respiratory issues, and lead to pneumonia. Southern Adelaide Local Health Director Dr Diana Lawrence said: 'Serratia is an organism commonly found in the gut and environment, which can cause infection invulnerable and unwell patients. 'Once we became aware of the second baby displaying symptoms, we immediately launched a thorough investigation into the origins of the infection by testing the environment where the bacteria can grow, and for precaution, tested all 40 babies within the unit and all recent discharges.' Read more: AIG makes $1.8 billion sale The acquisition closed following receipt of required regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. AIG received about $2.2 billion in sale proceeds, including the purchase price of $1.8 billion, upon closure of the deal. Following the move, Carlyle and the fund it manages and created with T&D hold 71.5% ownership interest in Fortitude Re. T&D holds 25%, and AIG maintains 3.5%. Closing this transaction marks the completion of a significant milestone in AIGs strategy to efficiently manage our legacy liabilities while strengthening our balance sheet and upholding our commitments to regulators and policyholders, said AIG CEO Brian Duperreault. Duperreault added that Fortitude Re will remain an important partner for AIG. Despite increasing uncertainty due to the COVID-19 outbreak around the globe, the successful completion of this transaction is significantly meaningful for T&D and a strategically important step towards continued growth of Fortitude Re and our future business collaboration, stated T&D representative director and president Hirohisa Uehara. Uehara noted that T&D will focus on supporting Fortitude Re by providing the reinsurance unit with expertise in life insurance business in Japan, creating synergies with T&Ds domestic life insurance business while diversifying the companys portfolio. The ARC family of RF connectors offers consistent electrical performance in harsh environments. Heilind Electronics, a premier international distributor of electronic components, has expanded its line of harsh environment interconnects with Amphenol Ruggedized Connectors (ARC). Featuring a 50 ohm impedance and DC to 6 GHz frequency, the new connectors are designed and manufactured by Amphenol RF, a leader in coaxial solutions. The ARC family of connectors offers a reliable threaded interface for outdoor installation, as well single-body construction for consistent electrical performance. This lends to superior durability in extreme conditions like vibration, shock and corrosion. The connectors are also IP67-rated, which renders them dust-tight and completely submersible in water. Customers can choose from TNC, N-Type and SMA configurations in straight, right-angle, standard and reverse polarity versions. Because of their robust design and versatility, Amphenol RFs ARC line is ideal for a variety of applications in transportation, mining and construction, smart energy, industrial control and the military. Visit Heilinds website for more information on Amphenol Ruggedized Connectors (ARC). About Heilind Electronics Heilind Electronics, Inc. (http://www.heilind.com) is one of the world's leading distributors of connectors, relays, sensors, switches, thermal management and circuit protection products, terminal blocks, wire and cable, wiring accessories and insulation and identification products. Founded in 1974, Heilind has locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong and China. Follow Heilind on Facebook at facebook.com/Heilind and on Twitter at twitter.com/Heilind. About Amphenol RF Amphenol RF is the worlds largest manufacturer of coaxial connectors for use in radio frequency, microwave and data transmission system applications. The companys RF and microwave solutions are used in many industries, including automotive, broadband, broadcast, industrial, instrumentation, medical, military and wireless. The teen who killed his foster mother and two sisters nearly three years ago in rural Douglas County was convicted of murder and sentenced to 60 years in prison Tuesday -- a sentence the prosecutor called largely symbolic because the young man will be eligible for parole in about 12 years. Kevin Adams was 16 and a junior at Roseburg High School when he used his foster fathers .22 caliber Ruger handgun to kill Donya Adams, 55, Amory Adams, 26, and Payshience Tia Adams, 10. His was the latest high-profile case involving a violent juvenile offender to reach sentencing since the passage last year of Oregons landmark juvenile justice law. The law aimed to keep juveniles accused of serious crimes out of adult court and in the juvenile system, where the sentences are shorter and the focus is on rehabilitation. In two recent cases out of Yamhill and Lane counties, judges ruled that the teens accused of murder be kept in Juvenile Court. In those cases, the youths will be released from state custody when they turn 25. In his plea deal with Douglas County prosecutors, Adams, now 18, agreed to be prosecuted as an adult. In a Douglas County courtroom packed with the victims family and friends, Adams was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors said Adams will likely start his sentence in the custody of the Oregon Youth Authority, then will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections when he turns 25. Under Oregons new juvenile justice law, he will be eligible for parole in about 12 years. Donya Adams family was outraged by the sentence. I dont know that he can be rehabilitated," said Adams sister Gaylen Olson, 59, of Auburn, Washington. "The anger and the resentment at the world in general is so strong. The family has started an effort to repeal Oregons new juvenile justice law. In handing down the sentence, Douglas County Circuit Judge William Marshall said he was left with what the legislation has done and what you have done. He added: I dont have a lot of choice about the sentence in this matter no matter what my feelings are and what the end result is. In court, Senior Deputy District Attorney Steve Hoddle walked through the circumstances leading to the killings: One day earlier, Adams got into a locked closet off the living room where his uncle and foster father, Robert Adams, stored his firearms. The key to the closet was kept on a hook by the kitchen door. He took the gun to Roseburg High that day and showed it to several classmates, the prosecutor said. But none of them reported it to school administrators or police, he said. (In an interview after the hearing, Hoddle said he didnt know how many people saw the gun that day.) That evening, while Robert Adams was away from the house at a meeting of Boy Scout leaders, Adams shot Donya Adams and his sisters, stopping once to reload. Amory Adams was his foster sister, the daughter of Robert and Donya Adams, and Payshience Tia Adams was his biological sister. He shot Donya Adams eight times -- five times in her back and once in her shoulder, arm and head. He then chased Amory Adams upstairs and shot her seven times five times in her back, once in her arm, once in the head. Kevin then found Payshience attempting to hide from him in her parents bathroom, Hoddle said. When he found her, Paychience held up one hand and said, Please dont. Kevin then shot her three times in her head, he said. The teen went outside, waited for Robert Adams and told him to call 911. When authorities arrived, Kevin Adams confessed, Hoddle said. When the prosecutor was done, the judge addressed Adams relatives and friends, many of whom were crying. Marshall paused the proceeding. I see that there are family members that are having an emotional time, he said, allowing a brief period of silence to settle over the room. Just take a moment. Donya Adams, second from left, is shown with her husband and children. From left, Kevin, Donya, Kathleen, Vienna with Payshience on her lap, Robert and Amory. Robert and Donya Adams had raised Kevin and his sisters, Kathleen and Payshience, as their own. They are the biological children of Robert Adams brother. Kevin was 5 and Kathleen was six when they were removed from their parents custody and placed with their aunt and uncle. When Payshience was born, she, too, was placed with the couple, who had two older children of their own, Vienna and Amory. In court, Hoddle said the children were in permanent foster care with the Adams family. Donya Adams sister Gaylen Olson said her sister and brother-in-law were devoted to their own children and to their nephew and his sisters. She said the childrens biological parents had longstanding problems with substance abuse and that the boy had been neglected in every way imaginable. We did not realize how extensive the abuse had been until we were a couple years in, she said. She said her sister was overwhelmed by the boys needs. He targeted Donya Adams and Amory for harassment. She said he did vile things, including destroying their clothing. He was obsessed with knives. He wiped feces on the walls. Donya Adams saw her life spiraling out of control, her sister said. Several times Dondi told me, They are going to wake up one morning and find us all slaughtered in our bed, Olson said, using her sisters nickname. She was fearful living in her own home and the foster care system wouldnt even call her back, let alone help, her sister said. This is one of Gaylen Olson's favorite photographs of her sister, Donya Adams. Olson said her sister lived with pain from a chronic illness but was able to ride an electric bike with ease. She said the two had a great time on the beach that day in Bandon. It was a lovely day, she said. Last year, the state of Oregon agreed to pay $1.7 million to settle claims that the Department of Human Services was partly at fault for the killings. The state agreed to pay each womans estate and Donya Adams husband. Olson said she told her sister to have the boy moved from the home, but Donya Adams resisted. She said if she and her husband didnt love Kevin, who will? Olson described her sister as a woman of deep Christian faith who came from a large and close-knit extended family that enjoyed regular family reunions. Adams worked as a legal secretary in Roseburg until she became a mother in her mid 20s, then quit to take care of her kids full-time. She loved her hometown and lived on the outskirts in a home she and her husband built on 10 acres that her parents owned. Robert Adams spoke in court of his profound grief. I look back at the last two and a half years with great sorrow -- what could have been and with emptiness at what can never be, he said. He described Payshience as a dynamic, intense little girl who could have been a mother, a teacher or a doctor. We shall never know, he said. Tia would have been 13-years-old in 10 days. Instead she lies dead in a grave at your hands. Of his daughter, Amory, he said she was so full of love for the elderly and animals. She would be 29 today, he said. His wife -- our Dondi, he called her -- would have likely been preparing music for church services and praying for Kevin. What was the future for this talented, caring, faithful woman who gave of herself for others? he asked. What would she be doing today? Kevin Adams sat beside his lawyer, Kathie Berger, who comforted him throughout the hearing by placing her hand on his shoulder. Adams looked down as members of Donya Adams extended family stood to speak of their anguish. He reached for tissues. When the judge asked if he had anything to say, he stood. I just want to say Im sorry, he said. He referred to Donya Adams as mom and said he cries himself to sleep. He said he thinks of the three of them on their birthdays and holidays. If there was a way to go back and stop this from ever happening, I would, he said. I know I completely deserve my punishment and worse and I take it willingly. -- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Jammu: In another ceasefire violation in less than a week, Pakistani Army pounded on Tuesday Indian positions with 120 mm mortar bombs and firing along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani soldiers initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, light, medium and heavy mortars upto 120 mm caliber at midnight on Indian Army posts along the Line of Control in Poonch sector since midnight, Defence spokesman said here. The spokesman said the Pakistan army also shelled Army posts with 120 mm mortar bombs, small arm and automatic weapon fire in the Poonch sector. Our troops are responding appropriately and no casualties or damage to our troops was reported till the report last came in. The firing was still on when the last reports came from the area, he added.The exchange of firing was going on intermittently in Shahpur Kandi forward area along LoC in Poonch, police said. Todays ceasefire violation is the second violation in less than a week. On September 2, Pakistan troops had resorted to ceasefire violation by firing on forward army posts along the LoC in Akhnoor sector in Jammu district. Last year, 16 civilians were killed and 71 injured in 405 incidents of cross-border firing by Pakistan. While 253 incidents of ceasefire violations had taken place along the International Border (IB), 152 incidents were reported along the LoC, he said. Around 8,000 people were temporarily affected due to the ceasefire violations and had to be shifted to safer locations. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. [June 03, 2020] BellSoft and VMware to Work Together on OpenJDK Evolution BellSoft, a leading OpenJDK contributor, announced work with VMware, a leading innovator in enterprise software. BellSoft will provide their main product, Liberica JDK and full-service support for VMware Tanzu. BellSoft, being a leading OpenJDK contributor, and VMware will join forces and work closely with the OpenJDK community to bring Java run-time to the next level of usability and performance, maintaining its exceptional reliability. Liberica is an OpenJDK binary distribution verified by TCK for Java SE Standard Compliance. "We want to bring industry-first innovations with our partners to provide customers with fast and professional support, high level of trust and flawless security capabilities. We are really happy to become a partner of such a comprehensive ecosystem and we believe these plans have earned us recognition from today's leading specialist," says Alexander Belokrylov, CEO of BellSoft. The beneficial partnership Together these two leading companies and their teams will work on improving the Java platform and developing the user community. VMware customers ill benefit from using Liberica JDK, supported in a transparent and Open Source (News - Alert) way to run, build, and manage their most critical applications with additional assurance in run-time quality and security. Liberica JDK support team will service VMware's customer requests and resolve any-even the most complicated-Java runtime problems including unforeseen security and complex performance issues. VMware will receive a reliable partner with whom they can promptly discuss the most profound issues and non-trivial cases. About BellSoft BellSoft releases and supports Liberica JDK, an OpenJDK binary distribution verified by TCK for Java SE Standard Compliance. BellSoft engineers have been contributing to the OpenJDK project since its inception. Being one of the top-5 OpenJDK contributors, BellSoft drives a community-powered approach to deliver reliable and compact containers with Liberica JDK targets microservice solutions on. Using popular as well as in-house performance optimization techniques and tools allows BellSoft to work on performance tuning for industry leaders. Website: https://bell-sw.com About VMware VMware software powers the world's complex digital infrastructure. The company's cloud, networking and security, and digital workspace offerings provide a dynamic and efficient digital foundation to customers globally, aided by an extensive ecosystem of partners. Headquartered in Palo Alto (News - Alert), California, VMware is committed to being a force for good, from its breakthrough innovations to its global impact. For more information, please visit https://www.vmware.com/company.html. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005487/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] On a recent episode of Hi-Phi Nation, Barry Lam investigated the black box of solitary confinement policy. In the Massachusetts Department of Correction system, solitary is known as the Department Disciplinary Unit, or DDU. Its a prison within a prison where each person is isolated in a cell no larger than a parking spot. In this excerpt, Lam talks to Erick Williams, who spent eight years in solitary because of one incident in a chow hall; Lisa Newman-Polk, who represents clients in solitary; and state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, who co-chairs the Massachusetts Legislative Criminal Justice Reform Caucus. This transcript has been condensed and edited for clarity. Advertisement Barry Lam: When youre faced with charges of wrongdoing on the outside, in principle theres due process, defense counsel, prosecutorial burdens of proof, judicial review. On the inside, it begins with a ticket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erick Williams: When you catch a ticket, the CO [correction officer] just writes up whatever he wants to write up, and its your word against his. They hear the evidence, you could call witnesses, but theres a box that says referred to the DA, to the district attorney. So what you say in defense or trying to plead your case at this hearing in jail can ultimately be used against you in a criminal court. So its better not to say anything. If you say, I hit him because he hit me, or whatever, youre admitting to it. Theyll then take you to court, and you can get more time in court. Advertisement Advertisement The CO just writes up whatever he wants to write up, and its your word against his. Erick Williams Lam: So court is riskier than saying nothing? Williams: Because you know whats gonna happen is Im gonna be here, theyre gonna send me to the DDU, but Im not gonna get more time in a criminal court. Lam: I see. So anybody who goes in this hearing is thinking about the extension of their criminal sentence versus the time spent in DDU? Williams: Right. Once you have a DDU ticket, its kind of a given that youre going. The same special hearing officer would be having lunch with the officers that wrote the ticket. Advertisement Lam: So youre pleading your case before a CO? Hes not a judge? Williams: No, hes not a judge. [The special hearing officer] is just the correction officer whose job is to hear the DDU hearing. Even for a minor infraction, if the CO decides to refer it to DDU, then you know youre going to DDU. The most they can give you for a single incident is 10 years, but while youre there, they can give you another 10 years if you pick up another incident, so you have 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lisa Newman-Polk: The bottom line is I really cant do anything. Lam: Lisa Newman-Polk is an attorney and social worker who has clients who have been in DDU or may be placed there. She knows firsthand just how powerless anyone is on the outside to challenge the Department of Correction on their disciplinary procedures. Newman-Polk: I can write letters, and thats meaningful to my client, but nobody has to listen to anything I have to say. Lam: Maybe some of the punishments are justified. Maybe some arent. The point is that neither as a lawyer nor as a social worker is there anything Lisa can do to investigate or defend her clients from any of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newman-Polk: If someones been sentenced to the DDU for five years, there is zero I can do to stop that from happening. And if theres mistreatment, yes, I can certainly write letters about it, but in Massachusetts the courts basically said once somebody is inside its an administrative issue, and if they feel that somebody needs to be placed in solitary confinement, then that is up to them. If its he said, she said and the Department of Correction is making the accusation, its really not a fair process. Massachusetts state Sen. Jamie Eldridge Lam [to state Sen. Jamie Eldridge]: Who has the most power right now in stopping the practice of long-term solitary confinement in Massachusetts? Jamie Eldridge: The Department of Correction does. Lam: Because the Department of Correction has complete discretion over the use of solitary confinement, they can end it right away. There doesnt need to be a law passed or a governors instruction. But its not happening. Any progress is incremental. Advertisement Eldridge: Last session, when the Legislature took up criminal justice reform, we did include legislation that would require a 90-day review for every person put in solitary confinement, as well as access to canteen, education, and also getting out of that cell at least three hours a day. And so those things became law. Advertisement Advertisement Lam: Whos doing the 90-day review? Eldridge: Well, thats part of the problem: The 90-day review is done by the Department of Correction. But I just recently visited MCICedar Junction, formerly Walpole and MCI-Concord, and met with prisoners whove been placed in solitary confinement, and many of them said that the review was really just a piece of paper stamped rejected or approved, there was no hearing, or many of the prisoners who had been in solitary a number of months had not even had a review. Advertisement Lam: Ideally, who would be doing the review? What would you want to happen during that review period? Eldridge: What were asking for now is that a prisoner is provided counsel, a lawyer provided for those reviews; that those reviews happen in person; and that the prisoner has the right to call witnesses. Because often, if its he said, she said and the Department of Correction is making the accusation, its really not a fair process for the prisoner to make his or her case about why he or she should be sent back to the general population. Lam: I heard that you tried to spend the night at DDU or one of these institutions. Is that true? Can you tell me about that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eldridge: Yeah. So around December 2016, [state] Sen. Will Brownsberger and I asked to be placed in a solitary cell at the DDU. We were denied by the DOC saying it was not safe for uswhich is slightly ironic. If legislators or anyone is not safe in the solitary unit, I think it speaks to the basic failures of solitary and the need for more programming and a more supportive approach for people that may be acting out in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Lam: Did you buy what they said about it not being safe for you, or do you think something else is going on? Eldridge: Not really. I assumed it was just that they didnt want legislators having such a direct interaction with prisoners. As much as I am by law able to go into any prisonand I recently did have one-on-one confidential meetings with prisonersI cant emphasize enough the power dynamic between Department of Correction staff and prisoners, everything from access to canteen, to the kind of food they get, to also more serious concerns about how theyre treated in their cells. To listen to the full episode, click the player below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. McCabe Kept Comey Memos Secret From Rosenstein Until They Were Leaked Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe kept his boss in the dark for a week in May 2017 about the existence of highly consequential memoranda drafted by the then-recently fired FBI director, James Comey, until after the documents had been leaked to the media, according to Rod Rosenstein, who was the deputy attorney general at the time. Rosenstein, who appointed special counsel Robert Mueller to take over the FBIs investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election, told lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 3 that McCabe was not fully candid with him about the existence of the memos, the leak of which served as the catalyst for the appointment of the special counsel. He certainly was not forthcoming. In particular, senator, with regard to Mr. Comeys memoranda of his interviews with the president and with regard to the FBIs suspicions about the president. Mr. McCabe did not reveal those to me for at least a week after he became acting director, despite the fact we had repeated conversations focusing on this investigation and for whatever reasons Mr. McCabe was not forthcoming with me about that, Rosenstein said. McCabewho was fired from the FBI for lying under oath about a self-serving leakissued a response that didnt contradict Rosensteins claim about the memos, saying that he personally briefed Rosenstein about the memos mere days after Mr. Rosenstein wrote the memo firing Jim Comey. The mere days McCabe referred to transpired during one of the most consequential weeks in the Trump presidencythe period between the firing of Comey and the appointment of the special counsel. After his firing, which had been formally recommended by Rosenstein, Comey leaked a series of memos he wrote about his interactions with President Donald Trump. The resulting news coverage resulted in the appointment of the special counsel. He did not reveal the Comey memos to me for a week. And that is true. And he revealed them to me only a couple of hours before they showed up in The New York Times, said Rosenstein. Rosenstein also appeared to suggest that McCabe didnt inform him about the internal deliberations at the FBI about opening an investigation into Trump. McCabe opened the investigation on May 16, 2017, one day before Rosenstein appointed the special counsel. A day later, upon the appointment of the special counsel, Rosenstein formally removed McCabe from any involvement in the investigation of the Trump campaign. He did not reveal to me that he was having internal deliberations with his team about whether to target very high-profile people for investigation. And his position was that he did not have to do that until he signed off on it. And that may be true under the rules as they were written at the time, but my view was, senator, thats the kind of thing that I needed to know, Rosenstein said. McCabe informed Rosenstein about opening the investigation into Trump on May 16, the same day that he revealed the existence of the Comey memos, according to a memo (pdf) written by McCabe. McCabe has alleged, and Rosenstein has denied, that at the same meeting Rosenstein offered to wear a wire to record Trump. An unnamed official who also attended the meeting described Rosensteins comments as sarcastic. Rosenstein oversaw the Mueller investigation after then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation. Mueller wrapped up the investigation after 22 months, having found no evidence of collusion between anyone on the Trump campaign and Russia. Rosenstein became the first witness to testify as part of the Senate Judiciary Committees investigation into Crossfire Hurricane, the FBIs codename for the probe of the Trump campaign. On June 4, the committee is scheduled to authorize the chairman to issue 53 subpoenas as part of the probe. Crossfire Hurricane was clouded by bias, according to the Department of Justice inspector general (IG). An opposition research dossier funded by the Clinton campaign and likely tainted by disinformation from Russian intelligence served as the central impetus for the FBIs decision to apply for a surveillance warrant to spy on a Trump campaign associate. The IG has since determined that the applications for that warrant included more than a dozen significant errors or omissions. Thousands of people in Paris defied police orders to protest against racial injustice and police violence at an event marking the death of a black Frenchman who died in police custody in 2016. French police fired tear gas early on Wednesday to disperse protesters marking the death of Adama Traore, a 24-year-old whose death has been likened to the death of George Floyd in the US. The demonstrations had drawn attention on social media of people supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and those backing US protests in response to the 25 May killing in Minneapolis of Floyd, a 46-year-old back American, who died after a white policeman pinned his neck under his knee for nearly nine minutes. The protests came after two differing medical reports regarding Traores death were released. Traore died in police custody after he was pinned to the ground by three arresting officers. A medical report released on Friday exonerated the three officers, with experts claiming that he died as a result of underlying health conditions. A probe commissioned by Traores family, however, claims that his death was caused by the arrest technique. Today we are not just talking about the fight of the Traore family, his older sister Assa Traore told the crowd on Tuesday. It is the fight for everyone. When we fight for George Floyd, we fight for Adam Traore. What is happening in the United States is an echo of what is happening in France. The protesters were defying a police ban imposed because of the risk of disorder and the danger of spreading coronavirus. Large-scale gatherings have been banned in France since mid-March as part of the containment measures. Some protesters started fires and set up barricades around the Avenue de Clichy in northern Paris, damaging electric scooters and bicycles. People attend a banned demonstration planned in memory of Adama Traore (Reuters) Violence has no place in democracy, Christophe Castaner, the interior minister, tweeted. Nothing justifies the behaviour that took place in Paris this evening, when protests on public streets are banned to protect everyones health. Additional reporting by agencies The issues of money laundering and terrorist financing still remain on the list of concerns of the international community. After the catastrophic events of 9/11, the international community has been unrelenting in its efforts to fight money laundering and terrorist financing across the globe. Unfortunately, there are still many countries who do not appreciate the austerity of the issues relating to money laundering, terrorist financing and more recently the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as well as the severity of their potential consequences. An analytical study of countries I did a couple of years ago churned out findings that pointed to the fact that most countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, when it came to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policy, put in minimum efforts just enough to keep them off the AML blacklist. This has resulted in Ghana being listed on two different money laundering blacklists; the first in 2012 by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the second in 2019 by the European Union (EU). Why blacklist? The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklist (sometimes referred to as the OECD blacklist) is a list of countries that the intra-governmental organisation considers non-cooperative in the global effort to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Blacklisting is not just a punitive measure meted out by FATF. By issuing the list, the international task force expects that listed countries will, with a sense of urgency, improve their regulatory frameworks by establishing standards and norms which will strengthen their AML/CFT regimes. The list below shows the criteria which is used by FATF (2007) to declare a country as a non-cooperative country or territory: A. Loopholes in financial regulations B. Obstacles raised by other regulatory requirements C. Obstacles to international co-operation D. Inadequate resources for preventing and detecting money laundering activities The EU criteria for blacklisting, though not so different from the one used by FATF, also includes penalising countries that have strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT Frameworks in the following areas: A. Criminalisation of money laundering and terrorist financing B. Customer due diligence and record keeping requirements C. Reporting of suspicious transactions D. The availability and exchange of information on beneficial ownership of legal persons and legal arrangements E. The powers and procedures of competent authorities F. Their practice in international cooperation G. The existence of dissuasive, proportionate and effective sanctions. According to FATF, one of the main reasons for which a country is blacklisted is if that country fails to freeze the funds or other assets of designated persons and entities found culpable of money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) quickly and effectively. Issues of freezing of funds of launderers are very important to both the FATF and the EU in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing since they serve as a major deterrent to people. Targeted Financial Sanctions are enshrined in recommendation 6 of the 40 FATF recommendations. In this short write-up, I will discuss a number of macroeconomic repercussions of the EU blacklisting and their resultant or ripple effects on the Ghanaian economy. Effects of blacklist First, this EU blacklisting has the potential to cause a decline in FDI inflows to Ghana. Evidence from a study conducted by Nugraha (2013) on five emerging economies in Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Philippines) suggests that uncertainty due to lack of political will to enforce AML laws in one country could serve as a major deterrent for both local and foreign investors. These findings were similar to a previous study by Jain (2001) who argued that countries that were perceived to be corrupt experienced adverse impacts on investment levels and entrepreneurial incentives. Therefore, the efforts in building the regime of anti-corruption and anti-money laundering would lead to minimisation of the countrys risk in terms of investment. These views were also supported by Habib and Zurawicki (2002), as well as Bartlett (2002). More so, Nugraha (2013) showed that the countries that strengthened their AML frameworks were able to increase their FDI inflows significantly during the period of the sudy (2000-2013). A classic example of how an AML blacklisting can potentially lead to macroeconomic problems is the case of Guyana. In November 2011, Guyana was officially blacklisted by FATF as a high-risk jurisdiction for money laundering because of the countrys failure to crack down on money laundering and Parliaments inability to pass legislations strengthening AML/CFT laws. This resulted in the country being blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). As a result of the backlisting, the countrys FDIs took a hit, which led to a contraction in their GDP growth rate. This very important study was conducted by a research fellow in the University of Hyderabad in India and published in the popular journal, the Munich Personal RePEc Archive (MPRA). First, the author gleaned from historical data that FDI in Guyana was on the rise prior to the countrys backlisting in 2011, after which FDI inflows began to decline in the periods after blacklisting. The author then sought to investigate if this decline in FDI could lead to a resultant contraction in Guyanas GDP. To investigate this, Rambarran (2015) used a regression analysis to find the correlation between FDI and GDP in Guyana from the year 2000 to 2013. The results, as detailed in the graph below, confirm that indeed FDI and GDP levels are positively correlated. Meaning that lower FDI inflows as a result of the AML blacklisting caused contractions in Guyanas GDP over the period of the study. Impacts on grants One of the potential consequences of Ghanas blacklisting is its impact on grants and donations received by Ghana. In the 2020 budget, the minister of Finance iterated that total grants for the period 2019 accounted for 0.3 per cent of GDP (Ministry of Finance, 2019). These grants are mostly received from other countries and international organisations such as the World Bank, IMF and United Nations. A report by the Centre For Global Development (CGD) published in 2015, details how the World Bank cut off funding to some NGOs in Somalia as a result of terrorist financing activities in that region (Levi & CGD Working Group, 2015). Therefore, the blacklisting of Ghana by the EU could put Ghana in a similar state where international organisations would be forced to cut supply of funds to Ghana in the form of donations in order to induce executive will towards implementation of anti-money laundering policies. Though the repercussions highlighted earlier represent the direst among the consequences of Ghanas blacklisting, I cannot conclude this piece without highlighting the potential impact on the banking sector. In a subsequent write-up, I will put together a more detailed impact of this blacklisting on the Ghanaian banking sector. However, I must assert that the sector will also be immensely impacted if the events surrounding Guyanas case is anything to go by. I, therefore, predict nothing otherwise but a replay of how the blacklisting by FATF in 2012 caused many foreign banks to cease doing business with Ghanaian banks (see Ghana News Agency, 2012; CDG Group Report, 2015). It is very common knowledge that most foreign banks like to protect the sanctity of their operations, hence become opposed to conducting business with banks from blacklisted countries. This will have resultant effects on not only banks but businesses that rely on local banks as guarantors or liaisons in their international business transactions. Other consequences suffered by Guyana as a result of further actions imposed by FATF resulted in increased costs and delays in processing international financial and trade transactions. It is important to note that these findings were based on data and not on mere individual sentiments, therefore they provide an insight into Ghanas situation and what could be plausible should we trivialise this EU blacklisting and allow it to linger on longer than it should. In October 2012, FATF issued a statement announcing Ghanas removal from its blacklist just about eight months after we were blacklisted. One of the key reasons they cited for the de-listing was the fact that Ghana was successful in enacting legislations to criminalise money laundering and terrorist financing. Their statement read, Pursuant to Ghanas progress in largely addressing its action plan agreed upon with the FATF, Ghana is now identified in the FATFs separate but related public document, Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: Ongoing Process. In conclusion, the EUs blacklisting of Ghana is very unfortunate and potentially catastrophic given its timing. Evidence from extant literature details some of the disadvantages of AML blacklistings. More so, the story of Guyana in the aftermath of the countrys blacklisting must lay a sense of urgency on Ghana. The four aspects of the Ghanaian economy that it has been earmarked to adversely impact are very key revenue-generating aspects of the economy. Therefore, if not well managed, its consequences on the Ghanaian economy will not only be damaging but far-reaching. However, there is still enough hope to turn this adverse situation around and rescue the country from the dire repercussions of this blacklisting. We as a nation have a strong aversion towards ill-reputation, which propelled us in the past to turn such situations around for good. If we could do it in the past, we can do it in now! The writer is a Financial Crimes Expert PhD Candidate, UGBS. [email protected] 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 Oil prices are finally on the mend, having rocketed more than 88% in May. On Tuesday, the commodity logged its highest settlement since early March. Oil futures fell to an all-time low in April and even went negative for a while, as the coronavirus pandemic destroyed demand amid ramped up production. Crudes phenomenal run was fueled by the OPEC+ production cuts, rising demand, a pullback in U.S. shale output and continuation of the Phase 1 trade deal with China. With prices at their highest level in three months, traders and investors are wondering whether the rally can be sustained. Let's look at some factors that could lead to a near-term sell-off in oil. The first is the tensions between the United States and China. Investors are growing increasingly wary about the impact of renewed flare-ups between the United States and China over the latters plan to impose new security legislation on Hong Kong. The deteriorating relations between the worlds two largest energy consumers cast a pall over the nascent oil recovery. For the record, China is the world's largest crude importer and is second-biggest oil consumer behind the United States. While it was confirmed that President Trump would continue with the Phase 1 trade agreement with Beijing, a protracted dispute between the worlds two top economic superpowers could spook the oil market again. The second reason is uncertainty surrounding Russias stance in extending the OPEC+ production cuts. There has been conflicting information about whether Moscow will go ahead with the groups oil supply management policy. Member countries of the OPEC+ group, looking to shore up prices, have started to withhold output by almost 10 million barrels per day the largest in history from May 1. Per the plan, the initial reduction would last for two months. Beginning July, the production cap would be relaxed to 8 million barrels per day through the remainder of this year. OPEC cartels biggest producer and exporter Saudi Arabia, who pledged an additional 1 million barrels per day in cuts over and above its agreed-upon quota, is not in favor of easing curbs until the end of 2020. However, Riyadh is yet to get confirmation from Russia on extending the record cuts beyond July. Last time, a feud between the two caused the historic collapse in crude prices. The third is the potential increase in shale output. Recent U.S. government data has been supportive in terms of U.S. producers scaling back operations. Weekly figures show output has dropped to 11.4 million barrels per day, since reaching 13.1 million in the second week of March. In particular, volumes from United States number one basin Permian - is set to fall by 87,000 bbl/d month over month to 4.3 MMbbl/d in June the second month of decline, as the likes of Diamondback Energy FANG, Cimarex Energy XEC, Concho Resources CXO, Pioneer Natural Resources PXD and others invest a lot less money into the unconventional play in 2020. However, crudes rise from the bottom could encourage the shale patch to ramp up or resume drilling activities. In fact, the sharp gains in the price have already prompted EOG Resources EOG and Parsley Energy PE carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) - to plan for potential revival of production. This will offset the output curbs elsewhere and weigh on the outlook for prices. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. And finally, the specter of unsupportive U.S. government data. Last week, the federal governments EIA report revealed that domestic supplies of crude posted a surprise climb. For the week ending May 22, oil inventories rose by 7.9 million barrels, versus expectations for a 1.2 million barrels decrease. A big jump in imports from Saudi Arabia accounted for the surprise stockpile increase with the world's biggest oil consumer. This put total domestic stocks at 534.4 million barrels 12.2% above the year-ago figure and 13% over the five-year average. Another crude build would indicate that the historic supply cut pact is not enough for the market to rebalance, pushing prices back. Conclusion Oil prices have staged a remarkable comeback after falling into a deep abyss in April. But there is more than one instance over the past few years that the commoditys run up have been short lived due to one or the other reason mentioned above. Therefore, investors must exercise caution while buying oil company shares amid crude's latest rally. 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Zacks Investment Research The University of Ghana says it will continue with its planned online teaching and learning for the second semester of the 2019/2020 academic year. School authorities say, its intended online end of semester examinations scheduled for between June and July will also be conducted as earlier communicated. The University's ongoing Online Teaching and Learning Programme for the second semester of the 2019/2020 academic year will progress as planned. Therefore, examinations for all students, including final year students, scheduled to commence from June 8, 2020, to July 3, 2020, will proceed as originally planned, management of the University announced in a statement. However, the university says provisions are being made to receive registered final year students who still want the university facilities and resources to prepare for the examinations. Arrangements are being made to receive registered final year students who may wish to relocate to the campuses of the University to make use of on-campus resources from June 15, 2020, till July 3, 2020, which is the end of the examination period. Makeup classes have been arranged for students who as a result of network and other challenges were unable to participate in the online teaching and learning that was held before the easing of the restrictions. All final year students who were unable to participate in the Online Teaching and Learning Programme, are expected back on campus from June 15, 2020. Make-up lessons will be from June 22, 2020, to July 10, 2020. Final examinations will be from July 18 to August 1, 2020 portions of the statement added. Meanwhile, the University will in the coming days outline its safety protocols for students who wish to come back to school. Final year varsity students to go back to school University students in their final year are expected to resume school on Monday, June 15, 2020. The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his 10th televised address, announced the reopening of schools for final year students only to prepare and enable them to take their exit examinations. University lectures will take place with half the class sizes. But, foreign tertiary students who are outside the country and are identified will be allowed to return granted their country will allow them to exit. ---citinewsroom The Police in Kumbungu in the Northern Region have arrested a 25-year man for alleged indecent assault of a two-year-old girl. According to the family of the victim, the minor together with her colleagues were playing at the Sunniya Primary School in Kumbungu where the suspect; a driver's mate, lured her into one of the classrooms with Ghc2 and allegedly assaulted her sexually. The suspect has since been transferred to Tamale for further investigations. Confirming the incident to Citi News, the Kumbungu District Police Station's Officer, Justice Azumah told Citi News that the suspect has been detained to assist in investigations. We received a case on the 1st of June, 2020. About 1:30 pm, one Abukari Jemila accompanied by the brother Abdul Rahaman, arrested and brought to the station one Danaah Sulemana; a driver's mate age about 25 years and reported that the suspect was caught in Sunniya Primary School in Kumbungu with the victim, a two-year-old girl. They claimed that the suspect and the victim were both naked and the suspect was inserting his figure into the minor's vagina where he was arrested and brought to the station. That is the report we have received so far, Station officer, Justice Azumah told Citi News. The case has been referred to the Lamashegu Divisional Police headquarters for further investigations after the police visited the crime scene to ascertain the facts. The father of the suspect, Yaw Acheampong Yahaya told Citi News that, an eyewitness uncovered the act and hurriedly informed his wife who was at home, leading to the arrest of the suspect. I was somewhere and my wife called me on the phone and told me they were at the police station with the girl. When I got there, she explained that one boy came to inform her that the suspect had taken the girl inside one of the classrooms in the school just behind our house and undressed her and put her on the floor and was trying to insert his finger into the girl's private part and gave her 2 cedis after that. So my wife called another boy called Kahad in the neighbourhood and when they rushed to the scene, the suspect was there. They initially wanted to beat him but they realized that a police station was just nearby and they took him there, Mr. Yaw Acheapong, the victim's father narrated to Citi News. Yaw Acheampong appealed to the police to ensure his daughter gets the needed justice. Medical Examination The Police are yet to receive the medical examination report from the doctors as at Tuesday, June 2, 2020, after the family initially feign interest in pursuing the case. The victim's grandmother had called into the police station and claimed the victim was doing well after the act the next morning and demanded the police release the suspect. We are all the same in this community and this issue shouldn't cause any problem, Hajia Bushira told the police. The family was allegedly reluctant in getting the medical form endorsed at the hospital, citing money and other reasons. But the Savanna Signatures, a gender advocacy group operating in Northern and parts of Volta Region took interest in the case after hearing of it. Officials of the group visited the police at Kumbungu at the time and pursued the medical procedure for the family. Sources at the Kumbungu police station say sexual offences among young girls tops all other cases in the Kumbungu District but obstructions by family and religious leaders hinder the justice process. ---citinewsroom At least 12 persons including two children were rescued on Wednesday as a level one fire broke out on 11th floor of a 20-storey building in Mumbais Cuffe Parade. During the operation to douse the fire, one fireman was reported to be injured during and was rushed to the nearest hospital, Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) said. The fire was reported at 7.20 at Jal Kiran building on G D Somani Road in Cuffe Parade and was extinguished by 7.50 pm. No injuries were reported due to the incident. According to MFB, all residents had evacuated the building and fire was confined in one flat on 11th floor of the building which was extinguished after the power supply was disconnected. P Rahangdale, Chief Fire Officer said, Due to smoke logged condition in the building and heat some of the building, residents were stranded on upper floors. From 13th and 14th floor, total 10 persons and 2 children were rescued safely. While fire fighting operation and during process of ventilation one fireman had sustained minor injury to his right hand thumb and he was moved to nearest hospital, Rahangdale added. Meanwhile, the cause of the fire is not known yet. Fox News senior political analyst Brit Hume complained about presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Bidens speech on racial injustice, grousing on Tuesday that the former vice president was just peddling black grievance politics. Speaking at Philadelphias City Hall on Tuesday amid the fiery protests that have raged for days in the wake of George Floyds death, Biden called on Congress to pass legislation to ban chokeholds and create a standard use-of-force model for police across the nation. Following Fox News host Tucker Carlsons program-opening monologue in which he warned viewers that violent young men with guns will soon be coming to their neighborhoods, Hume was asked how the political landscape would look in the aftermath of the protests. After grumbling that the Democratic Party has moved ever further to the left, the Fox News veteran went on to say that Democrats are now out where the buses dont run and siding with the protesters even if theyre violent and looting. Turning to Biden, he said the ex-veeps speech was a perfect example of this extreme political shift before openly carping that Biden was focused too much on race. He had about two sentences in that speech of some length in which he expressed disapproval of the violence, Hume said, adding: All of the rest of it was the same grievanceblack grievance politics we have been hearing for decades now. Humewho refused to call President Donald Trumps infamous go back tweets racist claimed Bidens speech made it appear that no civil rights legislation had ever been passed and insisted the United States had done more than any other nation on racial progress. Has any country on Earth tried harder to right the racial wrongs that this country has? Hume asserted. If it has, I would like to know which it is because I dont know that is the case. We have fought a civil warunbelievable bloodshed and lives given to slavery, people have shed blood since then. We have tried very hard as a nation. Story continues 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. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The frozen bakery market is projected to grow at an very healthy CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period (2019-2029). A significant increase in consumer demand for convenience foods, resulting from hectic lifestyles is a predominant factor driving the sales of frozen bakery products. Emerging players are targeting millennial consumers, who prefer the low-cost frozen bakery items to increase their market share. The rising demand from hotel and catering industries will continue to boost growth of frozen bakery market, reveals Future Market Insights (FMI). The recent surge in catering and tourism has been a key driver to growth across Europe, trends which are not likely to change in the coming years, says the FMI analyst. Request report sample with 250+ pages to gain in-depth market insights @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-11162 Frozen Bakery Market Key Takeaways Frozen bread will remain a leading product in the market, driven by the demand for convenience foods during the forecast period. Online channels of sales will gain significant CAGR through the forecast period, owing to high penetration of smartphones and the internet. Hypermarkets and supermarkets will account for majority market share, in terms of distribution channels. Europe will hold a leading position in the global market share, while Asia Pacific will display high growth. Frozen Bakery Market Key Driving Factors The prevalence of hectic lifestyles and the resultant consumer preference for convenience foods is a major growth driver. Rising demand from small- and large-scale coffee shops and food chains remains a key influencer. The expansion of the hotel and catering industries in recent years supports overall market growth. Easy year-round availability of frozen bakery goods is also a driver for global market growth. The global Frozen Bakery Products market is segmented in detail to cover every aspect of the market and present complete market intelligence to readers. By Type Bread Cakes & Pastries Pizza Others By Distribution channel Supermarkets Hypermarkets Convenience Store Online By Region North America Latin America Europe East Asia South Asia Frozen Bakery Market Key Constraints Volatility in the prices of raw materials will remain a challenge for market players. Higher preference among consumers for freshly baked products will also remain a major restraint for market players. Ask an Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-the-analyst/rep-gb-11162 Competition Landscape Key players in the frozen bakery market are Arytza AG, Dawn Food Products Inc., Grupo Bimbo, General Mills, Cargill, Lantmannen, Conagra brands, Coles Quality Food Inc., Bridgford Foods Corporation, and Europastry. Majority of these players are investing in expanding their product portfolios and optimizing their sourcing processes. Moreover, mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations with small-scale, local players is a major strategy being adopted by market leaders. More About the Report The FMIs market research report of 300 pages offers comprehensive insights on frozen bakery market. The market is analyzed on the basis of product type (frozen cake and muffins, frozen pastry, frozen bread and biscuits, and frozen pizza crust), distribution channels (hypermarkets and supermarkets, catering and industrial, and online retailing), end user (artisanal bakers, hotels and restaurants, bakery chains, and food processing industries) across seven key regions (North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and MEA). Explore Extensive Coverage of FMIs Food & Beverages Landscape Coconut Milk Market: Find detailed insights on the global coconut milk market with exhaustive segment-wide analysis, market statistics, key influencing factors, prominent players and critical developmental strategies adopted by them for a 10-year forecast period. Plant Based Ice Creams Market: FMIs report on the global plant-based ice creams market offers a in-depth commentary on the market poised for prolific growth during 2017-2027. The study covers comprehensive evaluation of key impacting forces, revenue sources, and market leaders in addition to with essential market strategies. Cacao Beans Market: Get a deep-dive analysis on the cacao beans market with essential insights on growth levers, opportunities, restraints, regulatory policies, regional market forecast and key forte of market leaders. WASHINGTON After military troops were moved from New York to the nation's Capitol area this week, Democrats have accused President Donald Trump of trying to quell peaceful protests, while the president's administration has countered that New York Democrats were to blame for an insufficient law enforcement response that allowed rioting and looting. Trump has emphasized a tough-talking law and order message as the protests have unfolded for more than a week in dozens of cities around the country, including Washington, D.C., in response to the May 25 death of George Floyd while he was in the custody of Minneapolis police. Peaceful protesters have raised their voices against the injustices of racism and discriminatory policing, but many of the protests have been hijacked by violent participants. Looting also has been widespread. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who this week called the New York Police Department's inability to stop looting in that city "disgraceful," on Wednesday said the president would be wrong to invoke the Insurrection Act or deploy active military personnel "for political purposes" to help police stop riots and looting. "Now, you have his secretary of defense (Mark Esper) saying they shouldnt be used," Cuomo said. "How can the secretary of defense say that and then do it, well, thats another question." Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday, Esper said: "The option to use active duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort, and only in the most urgent and dire of situations. We are not in one of those situations now." But on Tuesday, a battalion of military police stationed at Fort Drum in New York arrived at military bases in the Washington, D.C., area, a U.S. Department of Defense official said. In addition to the 91st Military Police Battalion, troops from Fort Bragg in North Carolina were also directed to head to the D.C. area. A total of 1,600 active-duty troops were recently moved, said Jonathan Rath Hoffman, assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs. "The Department of Defense moved multiple active duty Army units into the National Capitol Region as a prudent planning measure in response to ongoing support to civil authorities operations," Hoffman said. None of the Army troops have been used to augment law enforcement efforts to deal with the protests. The Department of Defense originally planned to allow some of the troops to start to withdraw on Wednesday, after calm demonstrations prevailed in Washington for two nights, but then Esper reversed his decision, the Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press in an interview. It appears the troops will remain for a time to help with any problems, if needed. "Combat units should not be used to quell the First Amendment rights of Americans," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said Wednesday. "Rather than listen or acknowledge the legitimate pain of protesters and the black community, President Trump has sought to divide us further, eagerly inflaming tensions and sowing anger, fear, and threatening to use violence against peaceful protesters. Its deeply troubling and shameful that the president would take valuable military time and resources from New York in an attempt to defend his political interests. Gillibrand and other senators wrote to Esper Wednesday to express "grave concern" that the administration might use the Insurrection Act to allow the president to deploy military personnel domestically. Tedra Cobb, a Democrat running for a House seat in the 21st District, where Fort Drum is located, said of the military police battalion's deployment: "I don't think they or any members of our military should be policing the streets of American cities." U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, did not comment on the movement of military personnel stationed in her district. She said Tuesday, "I support our National Guards service to our country by maintaining safety and security in our communities during protests. President Trumps call for law and order in our nation during this turbulent time is an important message that America needed to hear." Earlier this week, Trump called on governors and mayors to handle unruly protests with a strong law enforcement presence as the looters and rioters have continued to destroy businesses and landmarks. If governors throughout the country do not deploy the National Guard or police in sufficient numbers to dominate the streets, Trump said the U.S. military would step in to quickly solve the problem for them. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany called Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's response to the protests "weak-kneed." She said the response directed by Trump in Washington, D.C., on Monday and Tuesday was better. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. New York acted in a way that was inappropriate. They didnt deploy the National Guard. They set an 11 p.m. curfew," McEnany said. "There was looting all across New York City." Cuomo had agreed with that perspective, this week saying the NYPD had failed to do its job and communities in New York City that had taken years to build up were torn apart by "opportunists" who took advantage of the police being focused on protesters. Cuomo also said this week he was ready to deploy 13,000 New York National Guard troops to cities to help police, including New York City. Cuomo drew a distinction between U.S. military troops and National Guard troops. "National Guard are different than active military personnel, for political purposes," Cuomo said, adding that National Guard troops have been used to help battle COVID-19 and in the past for storm emergencies. "If they were deployed for New York City, thats not a political purpose, thats to help the police function in New York City. ... I said yesterday that there was a terrible night of looting, I was prepared to send the National Guard if the city needed them." But the looting in New York City and upstate New York cities subsided on Tuesday, when public officials reported that ongoing protests remained largely peaceful. That had not been the case in days prior, when widespread looting and property destruction were rampant, and police officers across the nation were run over by vehicles and shot, including a St. Louis police officer who died after being shot. A day after criticizing the New York Police Department for its failure to stop the looting, Cuomo on Wednesday said they had done a better job Tuesday night and clarified that his earlier criticism was directed at the management, not the rank-and-file officers. "I believe its the best police department in the country and we know the police officers can handle these situations because they have," Cuomo said. In Washington, the D.C. National Guard and other federal authorities, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency and other officers, joined local police in responding to protests in downtown Washington and near the White House in recent days. CBP officers and agents stationed at the northern border ports of entry and airports have also joined local authorities in New York in addressing demonstrations, Mike Niezgoda, public affairs officer for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said. The Drug Enforcement Agency was empowered by the U.S. Department of Justice Sunday to make arrests for non-drug related federal crimes and "conduct covert surveillance" as the agency assists with the federal response to the protests, Buzzfeed News reported. DEA spokespeople declined to say whether the agency would also be conducting this work in other states. BJP MP and former Union minister Maneka Gandhi on Wednesday asked why Rahul Gandhi has not taken any action following the death of a pregnant elephant in Keralas Malappuram after it ate a pineapple stuffed with crackers which exploded and fatally injured her. Malappuram is an adjoining district of Wayanad which Rahul Gandhi represents in the Lok Sabha Maneka Gandhi who is also an animal rights advocate called for the removal of Keralas Forest Secretary. The Forest Secretary should be removed, the minister (for wildlife protection), if he has any sense, should resign. Rahul Gandhi is from that area, why has he not taken action?, she told ANI. The inhuman act has sparked an outrage as the elephant died a painful death. The incident is believed to have occurred on May 27. According to forest officials the elephant might have swallowed the fruit filled with crackers which was meant as a snare to catch wild boars. Her jaw was broken as the blast inflicted serious injuries. It is an inhuman act. Our investigation is on and we will question people who are living in fringe areas of forests. Strict charges will be imposed on offenders, said Chief Wildlife Warden Surendra Kumar. The incident came to light after a forest officer who witnessed jumbos painful death wrote a touching post. She was in the river for long. When we saw her trunk and a portion of her head was dipped in the water. She later took a jal samdhi in standing position. Watching her struggle was a most painful incident in my career, wrote Mohan Krishnan, who was deputed to bring back the elephant to the river bank. The post-mortem later revealed that the cause of death was asphyxia as a result of water entering its lungs. Many wildlife activists and others took to social media to vent their anger. Actors Shraddha Kapoor and Randeep Hooda are among those who took to Twitter to speak against the cruel act. People also drew innumerable sketches and drawings to express their indignation and sorrow. An animal protection group, Humane Society International/India, on Wednesday offered a reward of Rs 50,000 for any information leading to the arrest of people involved in a gruesome incident in Malappuram. Crop loss caused by wild animals is no justification for people taking up law into their hands to maim or kill animals in question. Incidents like this stress upon the need to improve the government systems of ex-gratia payment and crop insurance schemes that will safeguard the interest of communities while not compromising on the welfare of animals, said Sumanth Bindumadhav, campaign manager for wildlife at HSI India while announcing a reward for those who give information about the incident (With inputs from Ramesh Babu in Thiruvananthapuram) New Delhi: With the aim of making the best of the Indians skilled workers returning to the country amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of India has launched a new initiative called SWADES (Skilled Workers Arrival Database for Employment Support) to conduct a skill mapping exercise of the returning citizens under the Vande Bharat Mission. This is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of External Affairs which aims to create a database of qualified citizens based on their skillsets and experience to tap into and fulfil the demand of Indian and foreign companies. The collected information will be shared with the companies for suitable placement opportunities in the country. The returning citizens are required to fill up an online SWADES Skills Card. The card will facilitate a strategic framework to provide the returning citizens with suitable employment opportunities through discussions with key stakeholders including State Governments, Industry Associations and Employers. MSDEs implementation arm National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is supporting the implementation of the project. The online form available on www.nsdcindia.org/swades has been created to gather required details of the returning citizens. The form contains details related to the work sector, job title, employment, years of experience. A toll-free call centre facility has also been set up to support the citizens for any queries related to filling the form. Commenting on the collaboration, Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said, These are testing times and it is crucial that the entire country comes together and supports the Centre in its efforts to address the challenges posed by the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also said, We are pleased to partner with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of External Affairs to conduct this skill mapping of overseas returning citizens under the Vande Bharat Mission. Inspired by Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modis vision of security and growth for all, the data collected through SWADES Skill Card will help the citizens with job prospects and bridge the demand-supply gap. The spread of COVID-19 across the globe has had a significant economic impact with thousands of workers losing their jobs and hundreds of companies shutting down globally. Many of Indian citizens returning to the country through the Vande Bharat Mission of the Government of India may be facing uncertainty regarding their future employment opportunities. Lakhs of citizens have registered at the various Indian missions requesting to return to the country and so far, more than 57,000 people have already returned to the country. Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Civil Aviation Minister, said, When we started Vande Bharat Mission, we observed that a lot of our overseas workers returning to India due to job losses, possess international skill sets and experience which can be of great value for domestic and international markets. We reached out to MSDE to create an online portal for gathering database of these workers. To ensure dissemination of information on SWADES Skill Card, In-flight announcements are being made by Air India and Air Indian Express that are operating flights under the Vande Bharat Mission. He added, Airport Authority of India and other private airports have also put up banners/standees and digital signages to ensure that all our migrants returning from abroad can be informed about this initiative. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs commented, In view of the global emergency caused by the unprecedented spread of the Novel Coronavirus, we are committed to provide every possible support to our citizens stranded abroad and the challenges they are facing due to job losses. We shall actively promote the SWADES Skill Card initiative through our Embassies/ High Commissions/Consulates across different countries. The initiative will help in the deployment of returning Indian workforce matching their skill sets. The SWADES Skill Form (online) was made live on May 30, 2020, and has garnered around 7,000 registrations till June 3 2020 ( 2 pm). Amongst the data gathered so far, the top countries from where the citizens are returning are UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. As per the skill mapping, these citizens had been primarily employed in sectors such as oil & gas, construction, tourism & hospitality, automotive and aviation. The data also suggests that the States which have shown highest returning labour are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana. Three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists were killed by security forces after an encounter in Kangan area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday (June 3). According to Jammu and Kashmir police, huge amount of arms and ammunition were recovered from the killed terrorists. Search operation is still underway in the area. The operation to eliminate the terrorists was launched on Tuesday (June 2) night after a joint team of Police, Army's 55 RR and 183 BN of CRPF launched a cordon-and-search-operation in the area. Security forces have retrieved the bodies of three dead terrorists and are ascertaining their identities. It is learnt that as soon as the security forces reached the spot, the terrorists opened fire on them, forcing the security forces to retaliate thus triggering off an encounter. Internet services have been snapped in Pulwama as a precautionary measure. It is to be noted that security forces have killed five JeM terrorists in the last 24 hours. (Photo : Benjamin Dada on Unsplash) Google Releases Security Patches to Fix Severe Android Flaws That Allow Hackers to Remotely Execute Malicious Code (Photo : Nathana Rebouscas on Unsplash) Google Releases Security Patches to Fix Severe Android Flaws That Allow Hackers to Remotely Execute Malicious Code Google recently fixed severe security flaws in the Android system that allow code execution with high system rights. According to Ars Technica's latest report, new security patches were released by Google for dozens of vulnerabilities in its Android mobile operating system. Two of the major security flaws allow hackers and other cyber attackers to execute malicious code with extremely high system rights remotely. Some cases reported that the severity of the bugs could possibly increase since the malware could run with highly elevated privileges. Also Read: [HACKER] 'Anonymous' Didn't Hack Minneapolis Police; Leaked Logins and Passwords Were Repackaged From Old Breaches A specially crafted transmission can be enabled by the bugs found in the Android System component, allowing for the arbitrary code execution within the context of a privileged process. Although most of the devices that are susceptible to the vulnerabilities are manufactured by Qualcomm, Google still released security patches for at least 34 security flaws. Google releases security patches to fix severe Android flaws that allow hackers to remotely execute malicious code According to Ars Technica, the security patches should be checked by Android users to see if the fixes are already available on their devices. There are different methods to follow by the Android users to check the security patches. However, one common method involves either checking the notification screen or clicking "Settings" and then choosing the option "Security," and going to "Security update" for the last step. However, the report confirmed that the security patches are not available on many devices. Google's June security bulletin ranked the two vulnerabilities as critical flaws of its system; indexed as CVE-2020-8597 and CVE-2020-0117. The Android Security Bulletin for June contains details of security vulnerabilities affecting Android devices. According to the bulletin, all issues are notified to Android partners at least a month before the publication. It was confirmed that the source code patches for the Android issues were released to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). "These vulnerabilities could be exploited through multiple methods such as email, web browsing, and MMS when processing media files," as was written in an advisory from the Department of Homeland Security-funded Multi-State-Information Sharing and Analysis Center. "Depending on the privileges associated with the application, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights," the advisory added. The report stated that the Android media framework, Android kernel, and Android framework were affected by the vulnerabilities with a severity rating of "high." The components of Qualcomm's devices contained other vulnerabilities that have critical flaws. Also Read: [HACKER] 10,000 Stolen Confidential Data Auctioned by Ransomware Gang to Owner For Safe Return 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Do the #NeverTrumps ever stop? The embittered camp of former President George Bush, a man who never defended himself against the left's demonization of him while he was president, has formed a super-PAC to support Joe Biden. Former officials from the George W. Bush administration have formed a super PAC to support former Vice President Joe Bidens White House campaign. The super PAC, dubbed 43 Alumni For Biden, referring to the 43rd president, was formed Monday, according to a Tuesday filing with the Federal Election Commission. Karen Kirksey, a former Treasury Department official from the Bush administration, is listed as the groups treasurer and custodian of records. Look for some strange new respect now for this group coming from the left, including the mainstream media, the nuttiest of Democrats in Congress, Hollywood, and the cultural establishment, after more than a decade of yelling garble like "Chimpy McBush is the new Bushitler." To most conservatives, this is disgusting. After all, it's a sellout. Are these people saying they prefer a corrupt-to-the-bone, high-tax, far left, expanding-to-hell woke government, one that will load courts with leftists and rig elections to resemble California's one-party blue-state ballot-harvesting model to eternity so no Republican can ever be elected again, is somehow preferable to the Trump administration, warts and all? That's what they're saying. The Bush people always did have a soft spot for Biden, who like them, played the lucrative old swamp games. And like the appeasing boobs that they are, they are convinced the great leftist crocodile out there, once given unlimited power, is bound to eat them last. Bottom line, their formation of this PAC, whatever it is, however much money it has, is going to turn them into a pet on display for the Democrats' coming one-party state should, god forbid, Joe Biden get elected, much the same way the East Germans, and other communist hellholes used to display placeholder 'opposition' parties for public relations purposes abroad, in order to justify those 99% vote tallies. These unnamed Bushites, whoever they are, are that desperate for respectability from the left. They'll be happy to be propaganda shields for a coming Biden administration to give them that veneer of bi-partisan unity as the Democrats then turn the country into Venezuela. And the New York Times, the Washington Post, Alyssa Milano, Cher, Mia Farrow, President Obama, Ben Rhodes, and a whole lot of nutty professors out there writing op-ed columns, are going to praise what a wonderful guy Bush was after all. Mission Accomplished, as Bushitler used to say. It's immature as heck, a sign that these people not only have no principles, they've got all the emotional depth of tantruming toddlers. #NeverTrump columnists, such as George Will, have just pledged their support for Biden, too. Will declared that he hopes Republicans lose to Democrats in 2020. It almost sounds like some kind of coordination, no? It's kind of significant that these people aren't coming out in public just yet, and maybe they never will. Maybe they are few in number. Maybe they are really low-level opportunists who would become figures of fun if their lowly ranks of coffee boy and coat checker and the like were disclosed apart from the grand title of the PAC. Another thing is the matter of who is paying for this little idiocy. Is it someone who pays a lot, a Soros of some kind? Soros would love to see some placeholder in place so the Democrats can dismantle the country. The big bucks would be an attractive thing for any dyed-in-the-wool swamp thing to sell their soul for, that being a notable swamp game. Biden played it. So did the Bushes. No wonder it seems like such a good idea to Bush camp types The only losers in this sellout are the American voters, the conservatives who supported Team Bush for years despite their misgivings on some issues. This is the thanks they get. As for these Bush tools, soon as the respectability and praise start coming from the swamp, and it will, they'll start coming out of the woodwork. Image credit: Mark Gstohl, via Flickr Kimberly Malpass, a foster mother in Auburn, has been indicted in the 2015 death of a 2-year-old girl, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr announced Wednesday. Malpass was also indicted in connection with injury of a second child in her custody. A Worcester County grand jury handed up indictments on Tuesday, charging the 39-year-old with two counts of reckless endangerment of a child and one count of misleading a police investigation. She will be arraigned at a future date in Worcester Superior Court, the district attorneys office said. Avalena M. Conway-Coxon and a second toddler, who was 22 months old at the time, were found unresponsive in Malpasss home on Aug. 15, 2015, the district attorneys office said. Both children were taken to UMass Memorial Hospital, University Campus, where Conway-Coxon was pronounced dead. The second child was initially listed in critical condition and was in a coma for several weeks, the district attorney said. She suffered life-long injuries. The toddlers both showed symptoms of heat stroke, Earlys office said. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was not able to determine the cause of death for Conway-Coxon. The birth mother of Conway-Coxon died of an apparent overdose in September 2015. Anthony Mallet, the boyfriend of Malpass, told investigators in 2015, that he was taking care Conway-Coxon on Aug. 14, the night before the two girls were found unresponsive. Malpass, he told authorities, was out drinking. A report issued in the case by the state Department of Children and Families shows Malpass frequently denied that her now 33-year-old boyfriend, who has long criminal record, was inside the home. The indictments, Earlys office said, are the result of a lengthy investigation by the State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorneys Office and Auburn Police. LONDON, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife Investment Management today announced the availability of a suite of funds within Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The funds now available, as of 15 May 2020, cover a range of asset classes including equity, fixed income, liquid alternatives and emerging markets. The funds registered will provide investors with access to UCITS vehicles across some of Manulife Investment Management's most popular global strategies. The majority of the funds are available in both USD and Euro. More details can be found in the chart below. "In keeping with our global growth strategy, the entry into the Nordics expands our European presence and enables us to better serve Manulife Investment Management's investment offerings to investors," said Paul Lorentz, President & CEO, Manulife Investment Management. "Manulife Investment Management understands the challenges investors are facing today and their need for a diverse range of investments to help mitigate risk and meet liabilities," said Morten Simonsen, managing director and head of distribution for Northern Europe at Manulife Investment Management (Europe) Ltd. "We are excited to offer these funds across the Nordics." "In light of the current economic environment, we foresee demand for specialised active management solutions, and these strategies may give Nordic investors the ability to further differentiate with products best suited to the needs of their portfolios," added Todd Cassler, Head of Institutional Distribution, U.S. & Europe, Manulife Investment Management. Fund Name Share Classes Availability* Manulife Global Emerging Markets Equity Fund Class W USD Acc, Class W EUR Acc Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife U.S. All Cap Core Equity Fund Class W USD Acc, Class W EUR Acc Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund Class I USD Acc, Class I EUR Acc Hgd Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife Strategic Fixed Income Fund Class W USD Acc, Class W EUR Acc Hgd Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife Emerging Markets Debt Fund Class W USD Acc, Class W EUR Acc Hgd Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife Asian Bond Absolute Return Fund Class W USD Acc, Class W EUR Acc Hgd Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife Strategic Income Opportunities Fund Class I USD Acc, Class I EUR Acc Hgd Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden Manulife Macro Currency Fund Class E2p EUR Acc Finland * Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. About Manulife Investment Management Manulife Investment Management is the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than 150 years of financial stewardship to partner with clients across our institutional, retail, and retirement businesses globally. Our specialist approach to money management includes the highly differentiated strategies of our fixed-income, specialized equity, multi-asset solutions, and private markets teamsalong with access to specialized, unaffiliated asset managers from around the world through our multimanager model. Our personalized, data-driven approach to retirement is focused on delivering financial wellness in retirement plans of all sizes to help plan participants and members retire with dignity. Headquartered in Toronto, we operate as Manulife Investment Management throughout the world, with the exception of the United States, where the retail and retirement businesses operate as John Hancock Investment Management and John Hancock, respectively; and in Asia and Canada, where the retirement business operates as Manulife. Manulife Investment Management had CAD$832 billion (US$586 billion) in assets under management and administration.* Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit our website at manulifeim.com . * MFC financials in CAD. Global Wealth and Asset Management AUMA as of March 31, 2020, was $832 billion and includes $195 billion of assets managed on behalf of other segments and $139 billion of assets under administration. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1176200/Manulife_Investment_Management_Manulife_Investment_Management_Re.jpg Media Contact: Elizabeth Bartlett, +1 857-210-2286, Elizabeth_Bartlett@Manulife.com Related Links www.manulifeinvestmentmgt.com SOURCE Manulife Investment Management By Mata Press Service The Canadian government has announced significant flexibility for international students, including preserving their ability to work after graduation beginning this fall. The changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) now allow online courses to be counted to a PGWP application, that permits international students to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. This major announcement will encourage more international students to pursue their studies in Canada this fall, rather than deferring their post-secondary education, reported CICnews. The reason for this is that international students who wish to eventually apply for Canadian immigration will want to capitalize on the opportunity to complete a portion of their studies in their countries of origin, while still being able to access the same benefits had they been required to physically study in Canada. International education represents a significant economic benefit to Canada, with international students contributing $21.6 billion to Canadas GDP and supporting nearly 170,000 jobs in 2018. International students are also often excellent candidates to apply to remain in Canada permanently, with nearly 54,000 former students becoming permanent residents in Canada in 2018. Immigration Canada said the COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on international students. In response to the health and travel restrictions that are in place, many designated learning institutions (DLIs) are offering their courses online. Post-secondary institutions and prospective students alike are considering their approach to the fall semester. Both have sought guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada regarding eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) for students starting at an eligible DLI this fall. Under normal circumstances, criteria for the PGWPP limit an international students ability to pursue a program via distance learning, from inside or outside Canada, and time spent studying outside Canada is deducted from the length of the work permit for which they are eligible. PGWPP eligibility will not be affected by international students whose fall 2020 courses will be online due to COVID-19. This is in line with guidance provided to students already studying in Canada or whose program had a spring or summer start date. Students in this situation may begin their classes while outside Canada and complete up to 50% of their program via distance learning if they cannot travel to Canada sooner. In addition, they will not have time deducted from the length of a future post-graduation work permit for studies completed outside of Canada, up to December 31, 2020. Contrastingly, the Trump administration wants to restrict the ability of international students to work after graduation by suspending policies around the Optional Practical Training (OPT). Optional Practical Training allows international students to work in the U.S. for 12 months, usually after graduation, and 24 additional months in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. American Universities view OPT as a way for students to enhance their education in the United States by applying what they have learned in classes. It also provides a more realistic chance to gain one of the scarce H-1B visas by giving students more than one opportunity to secure a spot in the annual H-1B lottery of 85,000 petitions. Students will stop seeing the United States as a destination for education, said Ravi Shankar, assistant vice provost and director of the international services office at the University of Rochester. He expects foreign student enrollment would decline if OPT opportunities are curtailed. The move to restrict the ability of international students to work after graduation has alarmed U.S. universities and employers, reported Forbes. In a letter to the president and cabinet officials, 324 U.S. employers and trade, industry, and higher education associations and groups wrote, As the number of U.S. postsecondary STEM degrees attained by F-1 nonimmigrants has steadily grown, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, to include the STEM OPT extension, has correspondingly become a significant pipeline for the U.S. STEM workforce. The businesses and organizations urged the Trump administration not to impose new restrictions on international students. The Forbes report stated immigration rules make a difference, particularly ones that could prevent international students from making their careers in the United States. If Canada keeps the doors of its universities open for international students while the Trump administration shuts Americas doors, then many of the worlds most talented young people will learn to sing O Canada rather than O say can you see. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, Canadas international student population grew by 13 percent in 2019 compared to the previous year, marking yet another year of double-digit growth. Overall, 404,000 international students saw their study permits take effect in 2019. Canadas international student population has grown six-fold over the past 20 years. In the last decade alone, it has tripled. Canadas growth is being fueled by the rise in the global middle-class population, with more students looking to pursue educational, and in some cases, immigration opportunities overseas. Some 56 percent of Canadas international students come from India and China. International students have also benefited from Canadas Student Direct Stream, which fast-tracks study permit applications for nationals of India, as well as China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Senegal, and Morocco. According to UNESCO, there are now over five million international students globally, compared with around two million in 2000. with agencies (Bloomberg Opinion) -- I am a big fan of Hong Kong. The city presents a unique contrast between historical richness and vivacious modernity, with its classic trams roaming the streets and noisy, bustling restaurants. It is a romantic fusion of the East and the West. To our regret, such romance is evaporating. In recent months, we have seen terrible scenes there. Mobs attacked the police with iron rods, and stockpiled bricks and Molotov cocktails. They detained passengers at the airport and even set an innocent old man on fire. Government buildings were stormed and vandalized. Shops were closed and streets were wrecked by arson attacks. Taking advantage of the absence of a national security law in Hong Kong, protesters have time and again instigated violence and clamored for Hong Kongs independence, crossing a red line for the central government. At the same time, external forces have increasingly interfered in Hong Kong affairs without scruple. Because of this, Hong Kong is in disarray. Chinas national security is at risk. That is why the central government has chosen to act. According to Article 23 of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is authorized to enact laws on its own to safeguard national security. But such laws have been delayed for 23 years, since Hong Kongs return to China, because the opposition has tried in every way possible to strangle them. This situation has compelled the National Peoples Congress to adopt the legislation instead. The 13th NPC has decided to establish and improve a legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, and its Standing Committee will do the formulation work. This decision enjoys extensive support from Chinese people, including in Hong Kong, many of whom believe it should have been done long before. If the chaos and instability we have seen in Hong Kong did not spur us to take action, we would not be living up to the expectations of the people. Story continues Some people doubt if it is legitimate for China to take this action. In all countries, unitary and federal alike, only the central government has the legislative authority to decide issues concerning national security. Similarly, Chinas central government has the primary and ultimate responsibility for upholding national security, and the NPC is the highest-level legislature in China. Others worry that the legislation will affect the policy of One Country, Two Systems under which Hong Kong is guaranteed a high degree of autonomy. In fact, it will only ensure the principles sound and sustained implementation. The NPCs decision makes clear that the principles of One Country, Two Systems, Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy will be fully and faithfully honored. National security is the basis of One Country, Two Systems, whose strengths can only be maximized in a secure and stable society. Hong Kongs underlying economic and social problems cannot be resolved by disrupting social order, and there can be no development and long-term prosperity if national security is undermined. Many Americans who live and work in Hong Kong may wonder what the legislation will mean for them. The answer is that it will provide a safer and more secure environment. The legislation is only targeted at actions that jeopardize Chinas national security, such as splitting the country, subverting the government, committing terrorist activities and externally meddling in Hong Kong affairs. People who have nothing to do with these should have no worries. In fact, the legislation will protect law-abiding citizens, ensure Hong Kongs high degree of autonomy and contribute to a sound legal and business environment there. A stable and prosperous Hong Kong will bring more opportunities to its residents and investors. Just like a tree cannot live without roots, the national security legislation in Hong Kong will lay the groundwork for the practice of One Country, Two Systems and Hong Kongs long-term stability and development. With it, Hong Kong will remain the vibrant, romantic city we all love. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Cui Tiankai is the Chinese ambassador to the United States. 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. In the most logistically unusual election in recent memory, less than 20 percent of Cumberland County voters were on track to come to the polls in person on Tuesday but over 30,000 voters submitted ballots by mail, a record number that wont begin to be tallied until Wednesday. As of 5 p.m. on Election Day, the county had received back 31,383 of the 37,314 vote-by-mail ballots it had sent out, according to county spokeswoman Samantha Krepps. Voters could continue to drop off their ballots at the county elections office until 8 p.m. and many did, meaning the final tally will be higher once the last few ballots are sorted Wednesday. Given the volume of mail-in ballots, the county wont start counting those votes until the day after the election. With 86 of 118 precincts reporting as of press time, only 20,826 voters had come to the polls in person. But with the mail-in ballots included, voter turnout on Tuesday was likely around 35 percent, on par with primaries in which both parties Presidential candidates had already been decided. Although Democrats are outnumbered by Republicans in Cumberland County, 60 percent of mail-in ballots sent out were Democratic. But Republicans in-person turnout was much stronger, with three times as many registered GOP voters showing up to the polls as Democrats. Driven by recent changes to state law, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, the surge in mail-in voting could change the electoral landscape for good, as voters become accustomed to the convenience, even if it means delayed results. For many voters, however, the mail-in process was only one-way. A steady stream of people arrived at the countys elections office on Ritner Highway Tuesday evening to personally hand in their ballots during the final hours. Im a last-minute person, said Connie Thompson of Boiling Springs. I applied for a ballot on the very last day, right before the cutoff. Thompson got her ballot in enough time that she could have mailed it back, she said but true to form, as with a multitude of other voters, she waited until Election Day to drop it off in person. Like many voters, Thompson, a cancer survivor, decided to vote by mail to obviate the risk of going to the polls during a pandemic. I wasnt sure how crowded the polling place would be. I figured this was an easy way to not be as close to people, Thompson said. Priscilla Herd of Mechanicsburg also dropped her ballot off at the elections bureau on Tuesday evening, and said she had requested it some time in advance given that she wasnt sure any in-person voting would happen due to the pandemic. Herd also reported was seemed to be a common hiccup she didnt know she would have to use a provisional ballot if she attempted to vote at her polling place after requesting a mail-in. I didnt read the directions and I didnt realize that if I didnt use it, I would only be able to vote provisional, Herd said. Luckily I still had [the mail-in ballot] so I just filled that out and brought it here. Pennsylvanias Act 77 of 2019, a bipartisan election reform package, included a new no-excuse mail-in ballot option on top of the existing absentee ballot process, which requires a reason for absence. The legislations passage, incidentally, came only about four months before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 primary was also the first election in which Cumberland County used its new voting machines, the ExpressVote XL by Election Systems and Software (ES&S), a change that was mandated by Gov. Tom Wolfs 2018 order for the Pennsylvania Department of State to only certify voting machines which provided a paper back-up ballot. That switch was part of the states settlement with former Green Party Presidential candidate Jill Stein over the certification of the 2016 election results. A suit by Stein alleging that the ES&S machine violated the terms of the settlement could have put a wrench in the process, but was waylaid in March by a federal judge. The county had not received any reports of issues with the ExpressVote XL as of press time Tuesday night, Krepps said. Its been running pretty smoothly, Krepps said. I did not hear of any problems with the new machines. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Three men suspected of damaging Wyoming police cars in the weekend riot are among five additional suspects facing felony charges. The men ages 23, 26 and 38 - are all charged with rioting, a 10-year felony, and malicious destruction of fire or police property, a four-year felony. The oldest man is also charged with attempted third-degree arson, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said Wednesday, June 3. The charges against the three, awaiting arraignment in Grand Rapids District Court, are related to the destruction of five Wyoming patrol cars. Two Grand Rapids police cars were also destroyed. Meanwhile, a 23-year-old woman is charged with rioting, breaking and entering a building, also a 10-year felony, and a misdemeanor charge of malicious destruction of a building. Her charges relate to damage at Sundance Grill and Bar at 151 Ottawa Ave. NW. Owner Jeff Lobdell said that rioters broke restaurant windows, ransacked the kitchen and dining room and smashed a cash register. The business had just opened May 27 for takeout but had to close because of the damage. Hell have to cover repair costs which will not meet his $5,000 insurance deductible. A 15-year-old is charged with one count of riot. His case will be handled in the juvenile system. Two others have already been charged in the riot. Alexandria Lyons, 22, of Grand Rapids, is charged with inciting a riot, punishable by up to 10 years in prison upon conviction, and malicious destruction of property, a five-year felony. She did a Facebook Live video while taking part in the riot, police said in court records. Adrian Keech Baker, 18, of Gobles, was charged with rioting, larceny in a building and malicious destruction of property. Police witnessed Baker twice strike the front-glass window at Biggby Coffee, causing it to shatter, police said in court records. Read more: Young woman incited riot on her own Facebook Live video, police say Businesses grapple with reopening following Grand Rapids riot Grand Rapids protesters scatter after police, backed by Michigan National Guard, move in Five Sierra Leone nationals who lured their compatriots into the country and defrauded them of their monies, have been granted a GHC50,000.00 bail with three sureties each, by the Nkawie Circuit Court. Mariama Sessary, 27, Mohammed Seidu, 29, Joseph Azumah, 27, Abass Iddrisu, 26 and James Bi Kamara, 26, all network marketers, are said to have succeeded in collecting an amount of 20,800 United States dollars from four Sierra Leoneans under the pretext of securing jobs in a mining company in Ghana for them. They could however, not honour the promise when the complainants travelled from Sierra Leonne to Ghana for the jobs. They pleaded not guilty and were ordered by the court to deposit their passports with the courts registry till their next appearance on June 17, this year. Police Inspector Joseph Nyame, told the court presided by Mr Johnson Abbey that, the complainants, Osman Kamarah, Isatu Santigu, Isatu Barrie and Kadiatu Kamarah were citizens and residents of Sierra Leone, while the suspects resided at Abuakwa-Manhyia in the Atwima-Nwabiagya South Municipality. He said within February and March this year, Mariatu Sessary, the first accused, called the complainants to come for a mining job in Ghana and they obeyed. They were sent to the office of the other four suspects and they were made to pay $750 each. Inspector Nyame said after several days when the complainants heard nothing from the suspects, they reported the matter to the Abuakwa police who arrested and charged the suspects with the offence after 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 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 23:09:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday urged Britain to stop meddling in affairs of Hong Kong which is a special administrative region of China. Britain should recognize and respect the fact that Hong Kong has returned to China, and should not use the Sino-British Joint Declaration as an excuse to make irresponsible remarks, spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a press briefing. Zhao made the comments in response to British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab's remarks that the "authoritarian" national security legislation in Hong Kong was in breach of the "one country, two systems" and "this is a moment for China to step back from the brink" and respect Hong Kong's autonomy and its own international obligations. Britain's historical link with Hong Kong arises from the period of invasion, colonialism and unequal treaties. Authoritarian is "precisely the word to describe its colonial rule in Hong Kong," Zhao said, adding that it is after the return of Hong Kong that the residents came to enjoy unprecedented rights and freedoms. "To quote its own words, we urge the UK to 'step back', reject the Cold-War mindset and the colonial mentality, recognize and respect the fact that Hong Kong has already returned to China as a special administrative region," he said. The National People's Congress's decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security is part of China's internal affairs that allows no external interference, Zhao said. National security is the very foundation for the existence and development of all countries, and the core and fundamental element of national sovereignty, he added. The Sino-British Joint Declaration is all about China's resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong. The basic policies regarding Hong Kong declared by China in the Joint Declaration are China's statement of policies, not commitment to Britain or an international obligation as some claim, he said. As China resumed exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997, the Chinese government administers the SAR in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Meanwhile, all rights and obligations of the British side under the Joint Declaration were completed. "You cannot find a single word or article in the Joint Declaration that confers on the UK any Hong Kong-related responsibility after the handover," Zhao said. "The UK has no sovereignty, no jurisdiction and no right to supervise Hong Kong. As such, on no ground can it cite the Joint Declaration to arbitrarily comment on Hong Kong affairs or interfere in China's domestic affairs," he said. The national security legislation for Hong Kong is an essential step to safeguard national sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and the foundation of "one country, two systems." Only when national security is ensured can "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's stability and prosperity be guaranteed. Zhao said this legislation only targets a very narrow category of acts that seriously jeopardize national security and has no impact whatsoever on Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents or the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors in Hong Kong. "What threatens Hong Kong's stability and prosperity is precisely some external forces colluding with local anti-China rioters in conducting activities in the SAR that jeopardize China's national security," he said. He said China deplores and opposes the unwarranted comments and accusations by the British side, and has lodged stern representations with Britain. "It should abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's domestic affairs," Zhao said. "Otherwise, there will be consequences." Enditem Jay-Z and his activist group Team ROC took out a full-page ad 'in dedication to George Floyd' that appeared in major newspapers across the nation on Tuesday. Team Roc also published the ad on their official Instagram page, which featured a poignant excerpt from a speech Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave in Selma, Alabama in 1965. The ad also showcased the 50-year-old rapper's virtual signature and the signatures of various attorneys, fellow activists, and victims of police brutality who partnered with Roc Nation to make the ad possible. Dedication: Jay-Z and his activist group Team ROC took out a full-page ad 'in dedication to George Floyd' that appeared in major newspapers across the nation on Tuesday The ad ran in the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Philadelphia Enquirer, and others on Tuesday, and, according to CNN, more ads are set to debut on Wednesday. Some of the signatures present belonged to the parents of Botham Jean, DJ Henry and Antwon Rose II, who were all unarmed, African-American men that died at the hands of police. Other specific signatures belonged to author Van Jones, Charlamagne tha God, attorney Angela Rye, an attorney for the Floyd family, as well as The Innocence Project and Until Freedom. 'A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true,' read one fitting portion of King's speech. Personal: The ad also showcased the 50-year-old rapper's virtual signature and the signatures of various attorneys, fellow activists, and victims of police brutality who partnered with Roc Nation to make the ad possible; Jay-Z pictured in 2018 'So we're going to stand up amid horses. We're going to stand up right here, amid the billy-clubs. We're going to stand up right here amid police dogs, if they have them. We're going to stand up amid tear gas!' On Monday, Jay-Z shared a personal statement regarding a conversation he had with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz that pertained to the George Floyd case. 'After our very earnest conversation, thank you to Governor Walz for doing what's right and calling in Attorney General Keith Ellison to take over the George Floyd case,' he began. Jay-Z noted that the conversation between him and Walz was a 'human' one. Doing his part: On Monday, Jay-Z shared a personal statement regarding a conversation he had with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz George Floyd: George Floyd - an unarmed, African-American male - experienced a horrific death at the hands of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota last week; Floyd pictured on Rihanna's Instagram on Friday 'Now I, along with an entire country in pain, call upon AG Ellison to do the right thing and prosecute all those responsible for the murder of George Floyd to the fullest extent of the law.' He wrote that this is 'just a first step' and that he is 'more determined to fight for justice than any fight my would-be oppressors have.' George Floyd - an unarmed, African-American male - experienced a horrific death at the hands of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota last week. In the horrifying video footage of Floyd's death, he is seen saying that he can not breathe as officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck. Enough is enough: The death of 46-year-old Floyd has sparked days of sometimes violent demonstrations in Minneapolis and other US cities over police brutality against African-Americans; Protesters pictured in Minneapolis on May 28 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. The Minneapolis policeman accused of killing Floyd, Chauvin, was taken into custody Friday and charged with third-degree murder, officials said. The death of 46-year-old Floyd has sparked days of sometimes violent demonstrations in Minneapolis and other US cities over police brutality against African-Americans. Halima Aden has teamed up with a fashion startup to produce face masks for frontline health workers who wear hijabs. The 22-year-old model has created seven different mask and hijab sets that women can wear comfortably while staying safe. The masks have been created for short-term use as opposed to 24/7 wear to provide hijab-wearing healthcare workers with something more comfortable to wear given that standard-issue masks dont account for headscarves and facial coverings. Aden is one of several high-profile fashion names to create a series of masks for the project, labelled Banding Together. Hairstylist Chris McMillan and make-up artist Daniel Martin are among those who have also contributed stylish alternative face masks that come with matching headbands. Recommended How to wear a face mask safely Adens Hijab sets cost $45 (35) and can be purchased online here. Having worked in a hospital, even several months into my modelling career, it was important for me to support this project, Aden said in a statement, referring to her own experiences of previously working as a hospital cleaner. As many hijab-wearing women are working at health care facilities, I wanted to make sure they have a comfortable option for wearing a mask while keeping their hair covered, she continued. It can also get hot running around at the pace health care employees are right now, so a breathable fabric was a must. And I really wanted the pieces to give a feeling of tranquillity and calm, so I went with soft shades that bring a feeling of peace. The sets come in pastel shades of blue, lilac and yellow. Additionally, there are sets in grey and green. Aden went on to explain how the coronavirus outbreak has disrupted her life. Like everyone, my livelihood has been turned upside down, she said. I just keep reminding myself [of] something that my mom always says: Hard times dont last, but strong people do. Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. Foreign businessmen, engineers and healthcare professionals can get visas to enter India The Home Ministry has allowed foreign businessmen, engineers and healthcare professionals to enter the country on the condition that they get their visas re-validated and fly into the country in chartered flights, a government statement on Wednesday said. Read more Landmark decisions taken to benefit farmers, transform agriculture sector: Javadekar Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday said that three historic decisions have been taken in the field of agriculture during the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day. Read more Power lines disrupted, houses and roads damaged in Raigad, Mumbai and Thane as Cyclone Nisarga makes landfall Cyclone Nisarga has begun to move from Mumbai and Thane districts towards north Maharashtra after making a landfall in Alibagh in Raigad district with a wind speed ranging between 100-110 kmph on Wednesday afternoon . Read more Plea in SC alleges 187 persons in bonded labour in brick kilns of UP, Bihar A three-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao, on Wednesday issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh and Bihar governments and also asked the district magistrates (DMs) of Rohtas and Sambhal in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, respectively, to submit their reports regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) that had alleged 187 people were forced into bonded labour. Read more Celebrities, organisations and people show solidarity with Black Lives Matter movement Black Lives Matter activists reminded people to not use Black Lives Matter hashtags and expressed concern that mistagging Blackout Tuesday posts with hashtags for Black Lives Matter or BLM was stopping the flow of important information related to the movement. Read more We have a great tuning together: Kuldeep Yadav reveals Virat Kohlis best quality Kuldeep has become one of Kohlis most trusted player, and he is rarely left out for any series. Speaking in an interview to news agency IANS, Kuldeep revealed how Kohli as captain motivated him and helped his game. Read more Windows 10 May 2020 update is full of features and bugs: Check details here Microsoft rolled out one of the biggest updates to Windows 10 last week. The update dubbed as the Windows 10 May 2020 update brings host of features to Windows 10 powered personal computers. Read more Raptor drops rabbit mid-air, then swoops in to catch it. Watch An old video has made its way onto Twitter once again and people are stunned by the visuals caught in it. It shows a raptor flying off with a rabbit when it suddenly drops the prey. Whats interesting is how it swoops back in to catch the rabbit mid-air and makes off with it. Read more Covid-19| 30 patients in Siliguri felicitated by hospital staff after recovery | Watch At least 30 Covid-19 patients recovered and were discharged from a hospital in Siliguri, West Bengal. The patients were felicitated by the hospital staff. The hospital staff also applauded for the recovery of patients. There are over 6,100 cases in West Bengal.Watch Newburyport, MA & Ecully, FRANCE, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Approximately 2,800 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are currently marketed, 70% of which being synthetic chemical molecules. Their complexity tends to increase: among the treatments approved annually by the FDA, there is a regular increase in average molecular weight and the number of chemical functionalities. Today, new drugs frequently contain several heterocycles, including classical elements of the periodic table such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. Those original structures are sought after to selectively address certain biological receptors, or to influence the drugs bioavailability. Successful synthesis of these complex molecules requires a high level of chemical expertise. More than 35% of FDA approved drugs need at least one nitration step in their manufacturing process, and about 20% a fluorination step, to mention only these two reaction families. Such chemistry handles synthetic agents that are often highly reactive, sometimes corrosive or toxic, such as nitric acid, sodium nitrite, azides or hydrofluoric acid. Reactions themselves are often characterized by their exothermicity, and sometimes the energetic or unstable nature of the intermediates. Over the last 20 years, the industrialization of such reactions has become rare in Europe due to the difficulty of maintaining their implementation in an acceptable environmental and safety conditions with regards to local regulations. In fact, a large part of the production of APIs has been exported to Asia: a crisis such as the Covid-19 is a clear indication of the fragility of the drug supply chain in western countries. Notably, several drugs under clinical trials for Covid-19 treatment require exothermic chemistry steps. However, a great deal of work has been done to make industrial processes safer. Largely inspired by the large-scale processes used in petrochemicals or commodity chemistry, flow chemistry is now part of the CDMO landscape and considered as an essential technological asset for controlling sensitive chemical reactions. Continuous operation makes it possible to minimize reaction volumes: the quantity of unstable reaction mixture in the continuous reactor at a given time is greatly reduced compared to a conventional batch process, thereby reducing safety risks. The surface/volume ratio is also much more favorable, allowing a better control of the reaction temperature and exothermicity, and a safer operation. Flow chemistry is also characterized by a gain in chemical efficiency: continuous plug flow or stirred-tank cascades of reactors allow a tighter residence time distribution than batch, and in many cases a better selectivity. All these elements contribute to minimizing secondary reactions and the formation of impurities: the quality of the products is correspondingly improved and the environmental footprint of such processes is reduced drastically. Frederic Schab, Seqens Innovation Director, explains: The key to mastering flow chemistry processes is to combine expertise in chemistry and process engineering. The complementarity of these two disciplines is essential to efficiently industrialize, on a continuous mode, a process developed in the laboratory. Seqens benefits from a long experience in flow: chemical and process engineers have been designing, optimizing, and operating continuous processes for decades, whether on large scale building blocks or active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), such as GMP-grade salicylic acid. The feasibility of flow chemistry is systematically evaluated for all customers and internal projects of Seqens, in order to quickly identify the products that could benefit from such a technology. The experimental part is carried out in the R&D Center, SeqensLab, in Porcheville, France, which is equipped with continuous bench reactors and analytical tools for appropriate data acquisition. In order to complete its toolbox, SeqensLab will be equipped at the end of 2020 with a new GMP pilot plant, capable of hosting nitration, diazotation or halogenation type reactions, and producing representative pre-commercial batches up to the ton scale. This flexible tool will enable to increase process robustness and accelerate scale-up and industrialization steps. Pierre Luzeau, Seqens CEO, notes: Seqens leverages its range of scientific skills to deploy flow chemistry and benefit from its advantages in terms of safety, reagents consumption, and efficiency, which now make it possible to envisage a massive repatriation of a certain type of difficult reactions, intermediates and APIs, to Europe. This reindustrialization will ultimately secure the supply chain for many medicines in Europe, provided that this effort is supported by an appropriate investment policy. About SEQENS Seqens is a world leader in pharmaceutical synthesis and specialty ingredients. With 24 production sites and 3 R&D centers in Europe, North America and Asia, SEQENS develops tailor-made solutions and ingredients for the most demanding industries such as healthcare, electronics, cosmetics, food and home care. Driven by a culture of excellence and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, our 3,200 employees are committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service and quality while acting ethically in accordance with our Corporate Social Responsibility program. press@seqens.com / www.seqens.com / Linkedin : SEQENS / Twitter : seqens_group Attachment Former reality star Vanessa Sierra has promised fans free access to her OnlyFans page if they donate to charities supporting Indigenous rights in Australia. On Wednesday, the 25-year-old, who appeared on Love Island last year, shared a widely circulated video of an Aboriginal teenager being arrested by a police officer in Sydney this week. The shocking footage showed the teen having his legs kicked out from underneath him, before being detained on the ground after threatening a police officer in Surry Hills. Scroll down for video Incentive: Vanessa Sierra has promised fans free access to her OnlyFans page if they donate to charities supporting Indigenous rights in Australia 'DISGUSTED to say the least. He was not resisting arrest yet got his face slammed on the ground. The noise he made in pain gave me shivers,' Vanessa captioned the Instagram video. 'Over 400 Aboriginals have died in police custody without justice and we need to tackle this unfair system now.' According to data from Amnesty International, more than 420 Indigenous Australians have died in police custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991. Speaking out: In a post on Instagram on Wednesday, the 25-year-old former Love Island star shared a widely circulated video of an Aboriginal teenager being arrested by a police officer in Sydney on Monday 'For anyone wanting to help in AUSTRALIA these are the charities we would love for you to support,' Vanessa continued, listing the National Justice Project, Northern Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) and Sisters Inside. Her post came as race riots continue to grip the U.S., with protestors flocking to the streets in the beleaguered nation following the death of African American man George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis last week. Vanessa promised that anyone who donated a minimum of US$10 or AUD$15 would be given free access to her OnlyFans page 'as a thank you'. Paying it back: Vanessa promised that anyone who donated a minimum of US$10 or AUD$15 would be given free access to her OnlyFans page 'as a thank you' OnlyFans is an amateur pornography site gaining popularity with former reality TV stars and their fans. The incentive seems to have worked, with Vanessa later thanking her fans on Instagram Stories on Wednesday. 'I've woken up to HUNDREDS of emails with donation receipts many of them exceeding $50. I'll probably need to hire someone to go through these. We are legit speechless,' she wrote, adding, 'Let's make the world a better place.' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed the situation in Libya today with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Ortagus said that they discussed steps to reduce violence and advance a negotiated political solution to end the conflict in Libya. Why it matters: The UN-backed Libyan Government of National Accord and forces led by strongman Khalifa Hifters self-styled Libya National Army agreed to resume cease-fire negotiations today. Hifter launched an ongoing offensive against Tripoli, the seat of the Government of National Accord, more than a year ago. While France formally backs the UN negotiations, it has reportedly provided clandestine support to Hifter. The United Arab Emirates and Russia are also backing Hifters forces, while Turkey is supporting the Government of National Accord. Whats next: The Government of National Accord has made significant advances against Hifters militias in recent months, prompting him to reevaluate his strategy after pulling troops from the front lines near Tripoli. Know more: The United States is considering dispatching troops to Tunisia to help contain the fallout from the Libya conflict, Pentagon Correspondent Jared Szuba reports. [June 03, 2020] Avectas and UC Davis Collaborate on Cell Engineering Technology Collaboration will advance Avectas' cell engineering technology leveraging UC Davis' world-class cell membrane characterisation expertise DUBLIN, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Avectas today announced that it has entered into a collaborative agreement with The Simon Laboratory at UC Davis, California, USA (UCD) to engage in the characterisation of cells engineered with Avectas' proprietary, non-viral SOLUPORE cell engineering platform. Under the collaboration, The Simon Laboratory at UCD will characterise cells engineered using SOLUPORE, leveraging UCD's unique cell membrane characterisation expertise and assays. The collaboration will involve the transfer of Avectas' technology to The Simon Laboratory where the expert group will engineer immune cells and study the delivery of cargoes such as DNA, mRNA, proteins and gene editing tools to cells, while retaining high levels of cell viability and functionality, for autologous and allogeneic cell therapies. The outputs of this exciting collaboration will inform the development of next generation Cell and Gene therapies. This collaboration builds on Avectas' recent developments including a partnership with Onk Therapeutics, Series C funding, the issuance of a key U.S. Patent (USPN 10,612,042) and new collaborations with Vycellix of Florida, USA, the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) in Toronto, Canada and entering the new NK Cell Centre of Excellence at Karolinska Institute, Sweden, as a partner. Michael Maguire, PhD, CEO of Avectas, commented: "We are excited to collaborate with The Simon Laboratory and its world-class team to characterise our engineeed cells in an entirely new way." He continued: "This new partnership will help us to engineer cells in more complex ways while preserving the quality and fitness of the cells." Professor Scott Simon commented: "This is a great opportunity for my laboratory to team up with Avectas' cutting edge technology to modify immune cells for therapeutic uses. A major focus of our group is to understand how chemical and mechanical forces acting on immune cells enable them to localize at sites of inflammation. The partnership with Avectas will help us evaluate how these same forces play a role to delivering mRNA and proteins to immune cells and thereby extend their therapeutic applications." The collaboration also builds on the strong track record of The Simon Laboratory in publishing their work in academic research journals including a recent manuscript accepted in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology entitled, "Tensile force transmitted through LFA-1 bonds mechanoregulate neutrophil inflammatory response." This upcoming publication exemplifies the approach of The Simon Laboratory to understanding the innate immune response during inflammation. Using cell engineering approaches including gene knockout and mutational studies, The Simon Laboratory examines how a subset of immune cells (e.g., neutrophils) sense the magnitude of fluid drag force due to blood flow to regulate their adhesive anchoring at vascular sites of inflammation. Professor Scott Simon further commented: "This paper highlights our expertise in delving into the basic cellular and mechanical mechanisms that modify the function of immune cells. We envision using Avectas technology to expand the application of these basic science studies that facilitate immune cell trafficking for therapeutic applications." About Avectas: Avectas is a cell engineering technology business developing a unique delivery platform to enable the ex vivo manufacture of gene-modified cell therapy products, which will retain high in vivo functionality. Our vision is to position the non-viral SOLUPORE cell engineering technology to be integrated into manufacturing processes for multiple autologous and allogeneic therapies and commercialized through development and license agreements. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.avectas.com. About the Simon Laboratory: The Simon Laboratory has a wide range of technologies to investigate the function of immune cells as therapeutic agents. The lab develops lab-on-a-chip microfluidic based systems that provide real-time imaging of mechanical forces and the interaction of immune cell membranes with their targets at a molecular level. These studies often integrate gene editing of primary neutrophils and monocytes, as well as cell lines. Investigation using these established technologies in parallel with the Avectas SOLUPORE technology is the most direct route available to optimize the application of mechanical and chemical forces for maximizing the therapeutic potential of immune cells. For more information, please visit https://bme.ucdavis.edu/people/scott-simon. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-02 23:18:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Airport workers offload a consignment of medical supplies from an Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, April 27, 2020. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) Ethiopia received on Tuesday the donation of 520,000 masks and other medical supplies from five Chinese business companies and Dongguan municipal government. ADDIS ABABA, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia received on Tuesday the donation of 520,000 masks and other medical supplies from five Chinese business companies and Dongguan municipal government. The COVID-19 medical supplies donation to Ethiopia's Addis Ababa city administration which also includes a large number of disinfectants, forehead thermometers and respirators is expected to play a critical role in helping Ethiopia's capital city overcome the challenge posed by COVID-19. The COVID-19 medical supplies were donated by Dongguan municipal government, Huajian international Light Industry City, Transsion Manufacturing Private Limited Company (PLC), Huawei Technologies Ethiopia PLC and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). Ethiopia has 1,172 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Monday with most of the cases concentrated in Addis Ababa, a city of four million plus population. At the COVID-19 medical supplies donation ceremony, Tan Jian, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, said China is working to support Ethiopia's anti-COVID-19 measures with all resources at its disposal. Staff members offload the medical supplies from China at the airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 22, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Shoubao) "Ethiopia is facing the challenging task of containing the spread of the virus... Since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed on March 13, the Chinese government both at the central and local levels have been assisting Ethiopia by providing medical supplies and sharing lessons learned in an effort to boost Ethiopia's capacity to handle the outbreak," said Tan. Tan further emphasized China's anti-COVID-19 partnership with Ethiopia is not restricted to medical supplies donation, rather part of a comprehensive strategy that works both ways. "I wish to emphasize that the support between our two countries is mutual, not one way or one country at a receiving end. We support each other, we will stand by the great country of Ethiopia, stand by the great city of Addis Ababa in the fight against COVID-19," said Tan. Takele Uma, mayor of Addis Ababa, said the COVID-19 medical supplies donations will be of vital assistance to his city's fight against the pandemic. "We want to give thanks to the assistance given by the Chinese people, Chinese institutions and Chinese government and we hope they continue extending their assistance in our ongoing struggle against the virus," said the mayor. "We Ethiopians are always able to overcome our difficulties and we will overcome this current difficulty; we will see new horizon eventually. I call on all of us to work towards this path together," said Uma. When the Arab Spring kicked off in 2010, commentators hailed social media as the great leveller, a radical new technology that could amplify voices, aid organising and connect people. Demonstrators gather in Washington on Tuesday to protest after the death of George Floyd. It was the largest crowd to protest in the capital since his death. Credit:AP The debate is still raging over how instrumental Twitter and Facebook really were in that era. But anyone watching social media over the past week would see it is still a major tool for organisers and supporters of protests. As protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis spread around the world, videos and images of police brutality, looting and rioting were uploaded instantaneously. After a decade of misinformation scandals and allegations of radicalising and endangering users, some see the latest civil unrest as offering social media firms a return to the role they were praised for during the Arab Spring. But in 2020, the online platforms are more complicated than a decade ago. The services have become ideological battlegrounds, with state actors, political groups, conspiracy theorists and campaigners all pushing their own agendas. ANN ARBOR, MI -- Electric scooter company Spin Inc. this week renewed its partnership with Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan, creating a sanitation plan in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The company in 2019 launched a partnership with the city after Ann Arbor ditched Bird scooters. City council on Monday, June 1 approved the new contract for another year of e-scooters rentals along city streets. Spin is allowed to deploy up to 300 scooters in Ann Arbor, according to the contract. Ford-owned Spin rolls out 200 electric scooters in Ann Arbor Scooters are $1 to unlock using the Spin app and 15 cents per minute to ride. The company began boosting disinfecting procedures as the outbreak began, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the company says. Each scooters handlebars and mast are sprayed and wiped before being repaired or charged, according to Spins COVID-19 response plan. Regarding delivery vehicles, crews are required to disinfect surfaces, such as the steering wheel, gearshift, door panel, blinker switch, center console and air conditioner knobs, after each shift. Towels must also be thrown away or thoroughly washed. Riders are also encouraged to wear a mask, wash or sanitize hands before and after each ride or use gloves, Spin says. The company is offering free hand sanitizer to riders via an online form. Scooters are required to be parked upright and out of the public right-of-way. They may be parked on sidewalks, as long as they do not hinder pedestrian traffic, ADA ramp access points, fire hydrants, call boxes or emergency facilities or utility poles. Cloud technology is key to helping organizations cope with COVID disruption, and we are seeing more and more demand for the Snowflake Cloud Data Platform among our customer base. erwin, Inc., the data governance company, today announced a partnership with Snowflake, the cloud data platform, to help enterprises accelerate cloud migration, as well as ensure proper data governance for those projects. The partnership involves a new native integration with erwin Data Modeler (erwin DM) to automate the design, analysis and deployment of Snowflake, as well as an erwin Data Connector for automatically extracting Snowflake metadata for ingestion into the erwin Data Intelligence Suite (erwin DI). Organizations around the world are grappling with how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and understand what their businesses will look like after we emerge, said Stewart Bond, Research Director, Data Integration and Intelligence Software for IDC. As a result, businesses are expediting their digital transformation and cloud migration efforts to improve agility. As these businesses migrate from legacy systems, data governance and data intelligence are critical to helping them understand where their data is, where its been, how it transitioned along the way, and if there are any associated sensitivities or risks. This partnership between erwin and Snowflake will help speed business agility but in a way that ensures compliance and governance along the way. Snowflake customers want to quickly and safely move the data from their legacy systems to our cloud data platform while ensuring the quality and overall governance of that data, said Kent Graziano, Chief Technical Evangelist at Snowflake. erwin enables faster and easier cloud migrations into Snowflake, by providing complete data lineage with documentation through automated, repeatable processes. The new partnership with erwin will help our joint customers reduce their time-to-value through increased data visibility, quality and control, and reducing risks and maintenance costs. As a long-term customer and power user of erwin DM and a huge advocate of Snowflake, having built several data warehouses on that platform, Im excited about the companies strategic partnership, explained Bernie Pruss, Chief Data Solutions Architect at Two Rivers Consulting. I was really impressed by the demo of the erwin-Snowflake integrations Ive seen and am confident about the value organizations will realize by taking advantage of both solutions powerful features. The native erwin DM integration lets customers automate the creation of Snowflake-specific data models; forward-engineer or generate code for Snowflake database schema; reverse-engineer existing Snowflake schema into erwin models; and compare, analyze and synchronize Snowflake models with the databases they represent. The erwin Data Connector for Snowflake automatically scans and ingests metadata from Snowflake platforms into erwin DI, enabling data mapping to and from Snowflake databases to generate data movement code, lineage and impact analysis. And because erwin DM and erwin DI are integrated, theres a complete picture of physical, semantic and business metadata in every Snowflake instance, and the creation and association of terms within the business glossary can be accelerated. Were excited to partner with Snowflake to help our joint enterprise customers discover meaningful insights from their data, which is now more critical than ever, said Adam Famularo, CEO of erwin. Cloud technology is key to helping organizations cope with COVID disruption, and we are seeing more and more demand for the Snowflake Cloud Data Platform among our customer base. This partnership and these key integrations will accelerate Snowflake cloud transformations by providing customers with the necessary data modeling, code generation, data mapping, lineage, documentation and impact analysis thats foundational to a sustainable data governance program. Learn More Click here for a free 30-day trial of erwin DM with native support for Snowflake. About erwin, Inc. As the data governance company, erwin provides enterprise modeling and data intelligence software to help customers discover, understand, govern and socialize their data to mitigate risks and realize results. The erwin EDGE platform facilitates IT and business collaboration in driving actionable insights, agile innovation, risk management and business transformation. We help government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare companies and other enterprises around the world unlock their potential by maximizing the security, quality and value of their data assets. A Nigerian writer, Innocent Ilo, has been named the regional winner for Africa of the 2020 Commonwealth Short Story Prize for his story, When a Woman Renounces Motherhood. Founded in 2012, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize is awarded annually for the best piece of unpublished short fiction. It is open to Commonwealth citizens aged 18 and older in five regions: Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, Caribbean and the Pacific. The prize is awarded to the five regional winners with each receiving 2,500 (approximately N1.2 million) and a publication with Granta, The global winner gets an additional 5,000 (approximately N2.4 million). 23-year-old Mr Ilo is the youngest writer to be awarded the Africa region prize since its establishment in 2012. He joins an illustrious line of Nigerian literary figures like Jekwu Anyaegbun who won with the entry, Morrison Okoli in 2012; Lesley Armah who won with Light in 2016; Akwaeke Emezi who won with Who is like God in 2017 and Efua Traore, with True Happiness in 2018. Mr Ilos award-winning story is about the bond between a woman and her mother in the face of a sexist tradition. The chair of the judging panel, Ghanaian writer Nii Parkes, praised the story for its particularly striking confidence switching between languages and Mr Ilos unapologetic use of interspersed, un-italicized Igbo and pidgin. The regional prize judge, Mohale Mashigo, said When a Woman Renounces Motherhood is one of those stories that tell you something shocking and yet leave you with empathy for the characters in a story. The writing is so specific and intimate which makes you want to go back and read it again and again. The five judges representing the regions of the Commonwealth are Mohale Mashigo for Africa, William Phuan for Asia, Heather ONeill for Canada and Europe, Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw for Caribbean and Nic Low for Pacific. Elated In his reaction to the win, Mr Ilo said he was too emotional and all he could do was to share the good news with his mother. I still cant wrap my head around it. You know you always dream of this moment, how youll scream from the rooftops and rent your clothes. Then it comes by sudden and the only thing you can do is call your mother and cry over the phone about how proud your father would have been if he was alive. This means so much to me. I feel grateful, honored, proud and humbled at the same time. This is one of those moments that make me look back at all the late nights and piles of rejection emails and say, Maybe, just maybe, this writing thing is worth it, he said. READ ALSO: Asides from the 2,500 cash prize, each winner will have a publication in Granta, a renowned literary journal. The 23-year-old writer has been a finalist for the Gerald Kraak Award and Short Story Day Africa Prize; his works have been featured in Fireside MagazineOverland, Strange Horizons, Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores and Cast of Wonders. He has also won the Africa YMCA and Oxford Festival of the Arts short story contests. The other regional winners are: The Great Indian Tee and Snakes by Kritika Pandey (Asia Region), Wherever Mister Jensen Went by Reyah Martin (Canada and Europe Region), Mafootoo by Brian S. Heap (Caribbean Region) and The Art of Waving by Andrea E. Macleod (Pacific Region). The overall winner will be announced during a special online award ceremony at 1 p.m BST on June 30. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 21:04:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RAMALLAH, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Palestinians on Wednesday held a protest in the West Bank city of Nablus, rejecting the Israeli plan to annex Palestinian lands. The protesters called for "consolidation of the people's resilience in their lands and escalation of popular resistance," while raising Palestinian flags and slogans against the annexation of Palestinian lands. "The escalation of popular resistance by all means on all fronts is the proper response to Israel's plans," said Jihad Ramadan, Fatah party's secretary in Nablus, urging Hamas to end the internal division. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday night chaired a meeting for the crisis committee in charge of following up on Israel's possible annexation plans and U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan for the Middle East, better known as the Deal of the Century. Following the meeting, Mahmoud al-Aloul, vice chairperson of the Fatah, told reporters that the leadership's decision to disengage from all agreements and understandings with Israel and the United States "is final and will not be retracted as long as Israel is pressing ahead with the implementation of the Deal of the Century." Observers said the possible declaration by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of applying Israeli law on West Bank settlements and annexing large areas of the occupied territory in July would lead to violence and unrest. The Israeli public radio reported that heads of Israeli security and army bodies will hold a meeting to discuss anticipated scenarios after Netanyahu's declaration of annexation. Enditem Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri revealed that since May 6, over 57,000 stranded citizens have returned to India under the government's 'Vande Bharat Mission'. Taking to Twitter, Puri mentioned that on Tuesday around 2,865 Indians returned to the country from other countries including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lagos, Dammam, Muscat, Moscow, Bishkek, and Jeddah. More than 57,000 citizens have returned to India on flights being operated under Mission Vande Bharat since 6th May 2020. Today 2865 Indians return on flights from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Lagos, Bishkek, Muscat, Moscow & Jeddah. @MoCA_GoI @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/BVMushTA4i Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) June 2, 2020 Read: MEA lists Vande Bharat mission, COVID medical supplies to 154 countries among key achievements 'Vande Bharat' Mission In a major relief for Indians stranded abroad, the Centre had announced that their travel will be arranged via aircraft and naval ships in a phased manner. The first phase of the mission was set for 7 days starting from May 7 to rescue stranded Indians from over 11 countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Maldives, Singapore, and the US. In the second phase of the mission, the Indian government had said to bring back stranded Indians from around 31 countries from May 16 to 22. However, the government extended the date for the second phase till June 13. More countries have been added in the second phase including Finland, South Korea, Belgium, New Zealand, Netherlands, Kenya, Mauritius, Spain, Myanmar, Maldives, Egypt, and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the Embassy has already begun planning for the third phase of the 'Vande Bharat Mission' which will commence from June 15 in the US. Read: Vande Bharat Mission: India targets to bring back 100,000 passengers by end of phase II Centre commences domestic flights After announcing the commencement of domestic air flights, the aviation minister said that there will be a new fare structure to keep flight travel affordable. According to him, the fare structure sets a minimum and maximum level for three months - for e.g. Delhi-Mumbai flight fare will be set Rs 3,500 and the maximum level at Rs 10,000. Flight routes had been divided into 7 sections-flying times of fewer than 40 minutes, from 40 to 60 minutes, 60-90 minutes, 90-120 minutes, 120-150 minutes, 150-180 minutes, and from 180 to 210 minutes. Along with it, he announced that the domestic flight operations shall be restricted to 1/3rd capacity of the approved summer schedule 2020. Read: Following Unlock 1.0; Hardeep Singh Puri hints at gradual reopening of Aviation Sector Read: Vande Bharat Mission: Air India to bring back 169 stranded students from Dhaka today More potential buyers have emerged in recent days for the bankrupt San Antonio retailers Gabriels Liquor and Dons & Bens Liquors. Offers have come from Omega Capital Group LLC of San Antonio and Blake-Wilder Companies LLC of St. Petersburg, Fla., competing reorganization plans show. Those follow a proposed deal from Nooner Holdings Ltd., a San Antonio-based commercial property owner. We have three qualified purchasers who are very interested in acquiring Gabriels, said San Antonio attorney Randall Pulman, who represents the bankrupt companies. We expect Gabriels will continue on in business after reorganization. The business is going to survive. Other potential acquirers still could surface, Pulman added. He is with the law firm Pulman, Cappuccio & Pullen. The chains are owned by the politically connected Gabriel family. At least two generations of the family have run the business for more than 70 years. Gabriels, Dons & Bens and related companies filed for bankruptcy in September, blaming competition from big-box wine and spirits retailers. A committee of unsecured creditors, though, contends the bankruptcy filings were the result of mismanagement. Equity holders took excessive salaries, advance distributions and more than $2 million in loans while the companies were bleeding cash, the committee alleged. The committee is prone to exaggeration, Pulman replied. Jerry Lara /Staff file photo As part of its reorganization plan, Gabriels had lined up Nooner Holdings to serve as the initial bidder for 32 stores and other assets at an auction. Nooner offered $7 million, but issues arose and the plan never went forward. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio partnership bidding for Gabriels, Dons & Bens With creditors arguing that the debtors had not shown good faith toward reorganizing, Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ronald B. King in April allowed for other parties to submit their own reorganization plans for the debtors. This is the best thing for the unsecured creditors because it encourages competition, said San Antonio attorney Ronald Smeberg, who represents the creditors committee. Our hope, at the end of the day, is that whoever has the best plan that will pay the most to the (bankruptcy) estate, wins. He is with the firm Muller Smeberg. The creditors committee now is sponsoring a reorganization plan involving Nooner, which is offering $6.9 million. After expenses are paid, Smeberg said he expects up to $1 million would be available to pay unsecured creditors. The Nooner offer essentially is to buy the stores, while the offers from Omega Capital and Blake-Wilder are to acquire shares in the companies that operate the locations, Pulman said. Omegas offer is included in an amended reorganization plan submitted by the debtors. Its agreed to pay slightly more than $8.1 million a $6.1 million payment at closing and the assumption of $2 million in liabilities for newly issued equity. Omega is headed by two prominent local business people, Pulman said, declining to name them. Omega couldnt be located for comment. Blake-Wilders offer is part of a reorganization plan submitted by Inez Cindy Gabriel, president of Gabriel Investment Group Inc. (GIG), one of the debtors. Blake-Wilder has agreed to pay nearly $8.3 million for newly issued equity. Thats comprised of a $6.1 million payment at closing and the assumption of almost $2.2 million in liabilities. File photo Blake-Wilder officials didnt respond to an email. An attorney for Inez Cindy Gabriel couldnt immediately be reached for comment. Each of the three reorganization plans also address GIGs status as a publicly traded entity. Texas Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox State law bars a public corporation from operating liquor stores. A public corporation is defined as any company that trades on a public stock exchange or has more than 35 owners. GIG, which has more than 35 owners, is grandfathered to operate liquor stores, however. It wants the bankruptcy court to rule that the company can transfer those grandfathered rights to a public company. GIG filed a lawsuit over the issue against the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which disagrees with GIGs take. The case is pending in bankruptcy court. The public company exemption could be worth a substantial amount of money (excess of $10,000,000) or very little, the creditors committee said in a court filing last month. Under the committees plan, the first $5 million from any sale of GIG would go to Nooner to give it protection in the event a large public company like Walmart is permitted to operate liquor stores. Other funds would then go for the benefit of creditors. Pulman, the attorney for the debtor companies, said under its plan the shares in GIG would be sold with the exemption in place. Google Earth Inez Cindy Gabriels plan also calls for the sale of GIG shares following the completion of the lawsuit with TABC. Shes expected to have some involvement with GIG following the reorganization if either her or Omegas plan is approved. A hearing on the plans is scheduled for later this month. Its possible creditors could vote in favor of one or all of the plans. If more than one plan is approved, it will be up to the judge to decide which one is best. Patrick Danner is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering banking and civil courts. To read more from Patrick, become a subscriber. pdanner@express-news.net | Twitter: @AlamoPD 1. Three officers involved in George Floyds death were charged with abetting their fellow officer Derek Chauvin, whose charge was raised to second-degree murder. Mr. Chauvin kept his knee on Mr. Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes, according to the prosecutors in Minneapolis. The other officers did not stop Mr. Chauvin, and two of them helped hold Mr. Floyd to the ground for at least a part of the time, according to a video reconstruction of the arrest. Heres the latest. The Minneapolis Police Department used force against black people at a rate at least seven times that of white people during the past five years, according to an analysis of city data. The Pentagon has yet to publicly address the national conversation of race taking place after the death of unarmed man George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer, but the newest military service is speaking out. The top uniformed leaders of U.S. Space Force condemned Floyd's death and called for introspection to root out biases in a Tuesday letter to service personnel. The letter came a day after Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright described his own experience as a black man and called for improvements to military justice and diversity in a raw social media post. Read Next: Top Pentagon Leaders Summoned to Testify on Military's Response to Protests In Tuesday's letter, Chief of Space Operations Gen. John Raymond and Chief Master Sergeant of Space Force Roger Towberman said the months-old service provided an opportunity to build in more inclusive practices and values from the start. "Many in our Service feel this pain on a daily basis and we are all hurting as we have experienced the sickening events that have played out in our cities around the country," they wrote in reference to Floyd's May 25 death. " ... Racism is an enemy. It is an enemy of everything we know that is fair, right and just." They called on Space Force personnel to "look deeper" and probe blind spots and biases they might not fully be aware of. "We have an opportunity to get this right from the beginning and we are committed to doing so," Raymond and Towberman wrote. "We must build diversity and inclusion into our 'cultural DNA' -- make it one of the bedrock strengths of our service. Diversity is a strength, but only if we maximize our perspectives and experiences." It's not the first time the leaders of Space Force have described building in new, more inclusive practices as a priority for the service. In March, Maj. Gen. Clinton Crosier, Space Force's director of planning, told the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services that the service was working to develop career paths with flexibility and family leave policies that would make it easier to recruit and retain women and an overall more diverse population. "We have not yet developed or built what are the core values of the Space Force," he said at the time. "I tell you what, diversity and inclusion has got to be part of it from the foundational level." The U.S. is now entering a second week of protests in cities across the nation in protest of police violence and racism. More than 18,000 Guard members have been mobilized to support local law enforcement for demonstrations that turn violent, and hundreds of active-duty troops have deployed from Fort Bragg, North Carolina to the Washington, D.C. area on the orders of President Donald Trump and remain in alert status to assist if called upon. On Tuesday night, the Air Force released a video showing Wright, the top enlisted airman, in conversation with service Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein, discussing Wright's experiences and the need for change. The Pentagon, however, has stayed largely silent on the racial conversation rocking the country, though Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs Chairman Army Gen. Mark Milley appeared with Trump on Monday in a highly criticized photo op. The men walked through Lafayette Square, which had been forcibly cleared of protesters ahead of a 7 p.m. curfew, and stopped at St. John's Episcopal Church, where Trump posed with a Bible. On Tuesday night, the Washington Post reported that military service chiefs had received multiple admonitions from administration officials not to comment publicly on events ahead of planned comments by Esper, who has yet to address the force. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Related: Space Force May Become Most Female-Friendly Military Service President Donald Trump walks into the Rose Garden at the White House May 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump on Wednesday denied multiple news reports that he took refuge for his personal safety in an underground White House bunker Friday night during intense protests outside the building over George Floyd's death, claiming he only visited the bunker during the day for "a short inspection." "It was a false report. I wasn't down [in the bunker]," on Friday evening, Trump said on Fox News Radio host Brian Kilmeade's show. "I went down during the day and I was there for a tiny, little short period of time and it was much more for an inspection, there was no problem during the day," the president said. Kilmeade, referring to the Secret Service, asked Trump: "They didn't say to you, 'You have to go downstairs, my responsibility is your welfare?'" The president replied, "Nope, they didn't tell me that at all." The New York Times first reported that Secret Service agents rushed Trump to the bunker, also known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, on Friday night as protests outside the White House grew hotter. A senior administration official told NBC News on Sunday that Trump was in the bunker for a "very short period" out of an abundance of caution. Trump returned to his residence in the White House within an hour, the official said. Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed a proposal to declare a state of emergency on a federal scale, days after a diesel fuel leak seeped into local rivers, threatening an ecological disaster in the fragile Arctic environment. Authorities in the Siberian city of Norilsk already declared a state of emergency after at least 20,000 tons of diesel fuel spilled from a thermal power plant on May 29 near the industrial city of Norilsk, located above the Arctic Circle. At a meeting with Putin on June 3, Emergencies Minister Yevgeny Zinichev called for the spill to be declared a federal emergency a move that would allow the use of Russias federal capabilities to tackle the situation. "I agree with your proposal to declare an emergency," the Russian president responded to Zinichev. He also instructed the minister "to be quick organizing the work related to prevention of further negative effects on the environment." During the televised videoconference, Putin lambasted the head of the company that runs the thermal power facility, NTEK, after officials said it failed to report the incident. "Why did government agencies only find out about this two days after the fact? Are we going to learn about emergency situations from social media? Is there something wrong with you?" Putin asked NTEK chief Sergei Lipin. Russian mining conglomerate Norilsk Nickel, which owns NTEK, said the company had reported what happened in a "timely and proper" way. It also said the leak was caused when pillars supporting a storage tank sank due to permafrost soil thawing. Russia's Investigative Committee announced it had launched three criminal investigations over environmental violations and detained an employee of the plant. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has released satellite photos showing crimson red waters in the Daldykan and Ambarnaya rivers near Norilsk. The environmental group warned that the poisoned water could reach Lake Pyasino, north of the city, but said on June 2 that oil booms installed by the Federal Marine Rescue Service appeared to be helping. However, the containment doesnt mean that toxic elements won't enter the lake, said Aleksey Knizhnikov of WWF-Russia. Unfortunately the most poisonous elements of diesel fuel are aromatic compounds like benzol, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylene, which mix with the water and it is impossible to collect them using oil booms, he said. 'Ecological Catastrophe' Russia's Rosrybolovstvo state fishing agency described the fuel leak as an ecological catastrophe. "It can already be said now that it will take decades for the restoration of the ecological balance of the affected Norilo-Pyasinsky water system," said Dmitry Klokov, a spokesman for the agency. Norilsk, an isolated city of 180,000 people built around Norilsk Nickel, the world's leading nickel and palladium producer, is located in the Krasnoyarsk region. The city is constructed on permafrost and its infrastructure is threatened by melting ice caused by climate change. Norilsk Nickel has historically been a major polluter. In 2018, it accounted for more than half of the emissions of sulfur dioxide emissions, a toxic gas tracked by NASA across Russia, the Barents Observer has reported. The company is owned by Vladimir Potanin, who is Russia's richest man with a net worth of nearly $20 billion, according to Forbes. With reporting by AFP, Reuters, Interfax, TASS, and RIA Novosti CHICAGO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- After nearly ten years, food insecurity levels for most communities across the country had reached their lowest levels in 2018, according to a study released by Feeding America. Map the Meal Gap, released today by Feeding America, is the only study that provides local-level estimates of food insecurity across the United States. Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, has released the report for ten consecutive years to offer insights on how food insecurity and food costs vary at the local level. In conjunction with the Map the Meal Gap study, which uses the most recent data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Census Bureau, Feeding America has released an interactive map based on its recently released study, The Impact of the Coronavirus on Local Food Insecurity, which used the Map the Meal Gap model to predict changes to food insecurity rates for the overall population and children in response to projected changes to poverty and unemployment in the wake of the coronavirus (COVD-19) pandemic. That analysis shows that progress made to food insecurity in the U.S. this past decade will likely be wiped out and food insecurity rates will climb higher than the peak of the Great Recession of 50 million people, potentially going from more than 37 million people facing hunger in 2018 up to more than 54 million in 2020. "Map the Meal Gap shows once again that not one single county in this country is free from hunger," said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, chief executive officer of Feeding America. "In the decade before the pandemic, we made progress in finally returning to pre-Great Recession levels of food insecurity, though that number was still regrettably high. That fragile progress has given way under the weight of this crisis. The Feeding America network of food banks knows all too well the precarious nature of household budgets. We also know that the work that we do has great potential to help and we cannot make meaningful progress alone. Our vision is an America where no one is hungry. Join us in making that mission a reality for the tens of millions of people out there who need us now more than ever." Per Map the Meal Gap 2020, all 3,142 counties and county equivalents as well as 436 congressional districts in all 50 states are home to people who struggle with hunger. The percentage of the population estimated to be food insecure in 2018 ranges from a low of 3.6% of the population in Burke County, North Dakota up to 30.4% in Jefferson County, Mississippi. Child food insecurity rates range from 2.4% in Falls Church City, Virginia to 43.7% in East Carroll Parish, Louisiana. According to the COVID-19 impact analysis, the food insecurity rates for all counties across the country will likely see increases. For example, Jefferson County, Mississippi, the county with the highest overall food insecurity rate is projected to increase from 30.4% to 34.2% this year. Burke County, North Dakota, which had the lowest overall food insecurity rate in 2018, is projected to see a food insecurity rate (9.2%) more than 2.5 times its most recent rate (3.6%). In East Carroll Parish, Louisiana, more than half the child population is projected to be food insecure, with the rate going from 43.7% to 52.5% because of the pandemic. While food insecurity affects every community, people of color and African Americans, in particular, are disproportionately impacted as a result of structural disparities. In 2018, food insecurity among African American households was more than twice that of white, non-Hispanic households according to the USDA. Structural and institutional racism have positioned communities of color as particularly vulnerable to the economic fallout and health consequences of this pandemic. Systemic barriers to jobs less likely to be affected by the pandemic, lower than average wages, and greater employment instability all contribute to African American workers being more at risk of experiencing food insecurity. Both pre-pandemic and in 2020, counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are overrepresented by counties with a majority African American population. For example, in Jefferson County, Mississippi, which has the highest food insecurity rate in 2018 and highest projected rate in 2020, 86% of the population is African American. These Feeding America studies underscore the extent of need that remains in communities across the United States. Food insecurity is a measure defined by the USDA as lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. Other key findings of Map the Meal Gap 2020 include: One-third of people who are food insecure may not qualify for federal food assistance. Virtually every county (97%) is home to people who are food insecure and likely ineligible for such assistance, and there are 115 counties in which a majority of people estimated to be food insecure is unlikely to qualify. Counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are disproportionately rural. Rural counties those outside of major metropolitan areas make up 63% of all U.S counties, but 87% of counties with food insecurity rates in the top 10%. An estimated 84% of counties with the highest rates of food insecurity those that rank in the top 10% of all 3,142 counties are in the South. Since the South contains 45% of all U.S. counties, this region is home to a disproportionately high number of counties with the highest rates of food insecurity. "Hunger in America must become unacceptable for all of us," Babineaux-Fontenot continued. "There were 37 million people facing hunger before the pandemic, but most people had no idea. If there is any 'silver lining' to the dark cloud of this pandemic, it is that the American public is far better informed about the food crisis that has accompanied the health one. We know it will take an entire network of support, including food banks, partner agencies like food pantries, federal nutrition programs, the food industry, and the public to make the progress that is so desperately needed." Map the Meal Gap 2020 uses data from USDA, the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics and food price data and analysis provided by Nielsen, a global measurement and data analytics company. The study is supported by Conagra Brands Foundation and Nielsen. "Conagra Brands Foundation is proud to partner with Feeding America and food banks across the country to help provide food to children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens. Helping to increase awareness of this critical issue, which affects every community in America, has never been more important," said Robert J. Rizzo, Senior Director, Community Investment, Conagra Brands and Conagra Brands Foundation. In addition to food-insecurity estimates, Map the Meal Gap reports on food price variation across counties. Using data from the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (CPS), the study finds that, on average, food-secure individuals report spending $3.09 per person, per meal as of 2018. This is essentially the same as the national average of $3.02 ($3.09 in 2018 dollars) as reported in Map the Meal Gap last year. After adjusting the national average meal cost of $3.09 based on local sales taxes and Nielsen data on relative food prices, Map the Meal Gap 2020 finds that county meal costs range from 69% of the national average in places like Llano County, Texas ($2.14) to more than double the average cost in places like New York County, New York ($6.19). "Nielsen is proud to continue our decade long data and analytics partnership to Map the Meal Gap. Eliminating hunger is especially urgent with so many vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic," said David Rawlinson, CEO, Nielsen Global Connect. Dr. Craig Gundersen, Professor of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois, Executive Director of the National Soybean Research Laboratory and a member of Feeding America's Technical Advisory Group is the lead researcher of Map the Meal Gap 2020 and the food insecurity projection analysis. Map the Meal Gap 2020 provides the following data online through an interactive map: The estimated percentage of the population and number of individuals who are food insecure in every U.S. state, county and congressional district, as well as the service area of each Feeding America food bank. The percentage of the food-insecure population who likely qualifies for SNAP and other federal nutrition programs. The percentage of the food-insecure population who likely does not qualify for federal nutrition programs and thus must rely even more on charitable food assistance. These percentages reflect individuals in households with earnings that are higher than the state gross income limits for federal nutrition programs. The average meal cost in every state and county. The food budget shortfall in every state and county. The Map the Meal Gap 2020 map allows policymakers, state agencies, corporate partners, food banks and advocates to develop integrated strategies to fight hunger on a community level. Separately, a new interactive map shows the 2020 food insecurity projections compared to the most recent Map the Meal Gap data. To account for local unemployment variation, this new analysis adjusts the national annual unemployment projection due to COVID-19 using projected changes in the unemployment rate by industry and occupation from Goldman Sachs Investment Research and actual percentages of workers by industry from the American Community Survey. Along with the interactive map and visualizations, Feeding America has also published a series of report briefs, including a summary of key findings as well as analyses on child food insecurity, food price variation and health, disability and food insecurity. Federal nutrition assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), serve as the first line of defense against hunger. However, not everyone who is food insecure qualifies for these federal programs. As of 2018, one in three (32%) food-insecure individuals who reported income lived in households unlikely to qualify for most federal food assistance. These findings underscore the importance of protecting and strengthening the existing safety net of public food assistance while also investing in the charitable programs that help to fill the gap for people who are not eligible. To join Feeding America's Campaign to End Hunger, visit feedingamerica.org/act. Join the conversation about Map the Meal Gap 2020 on Twitter using #MealGap. About Feeding America Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Contact Zuani Villarreal, Feeding America (312) 641-6532 SOURCE Feeding America Related Links http://www.feedingamerica.org SALT LAKE CITY, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- England Logistics, one of the nation's top freight brokerage firms, has been awarded Best of State 2020 in the Business Services Freight/Logistics division. Winning Utah companies are chosen based on their success in endeavors, usage of innovative approaches or methods and contribution to a better quality of life in Utah. Award recipients will be recognized at the Best of State Gala held on July 15, 2020 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. The Best of State Program annually recognizes outstanding companies in ten divisions. Each application is reviewed by an esteemed panel consisting of volunteer judges selected from throughout Utah. Each member of the Best of State judging panel is considered an industry leader or expert in the division they are selected to judge. "Our team members at England Logistics are consistently focused on improving themselves personally and professionally every day, and it shows in our culture," stated Jason Beardall, president of England Logistics. "Our continued growth as a company is a testament to our hardworking employees, and we are honored to again receive recognition by the Best of State Program." A complete list of the winners can be viewed at https://www.bestofstate.org/winner2020_business.html . About England Logistics England Logistics, one of the nation's top freight brokerage firms, offers a vast portfolio of non-asset based transportation solutions including full truckload services, intermodal, dry and chilled LTL, parcel, and complete supply chain management. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, the company also has offices in Atlanta, GA; Detroit, MI; Greeley, CO; Ogden, UT; and Portland, OR. To learn more visit www.englandlogistics.com. Media Contact Wendy Barclay 801-656-4718 [email protected] SOURCE England Logistics Related Links http://www.englandlogistics.com Bengaluru, June 3 : Karnataka opposition leader Siddaramaiah created a flutter on Wednesday saying many disgruntled BJP leaders had met him. "Many disgruntled BJP lawmakers have met me and, of course, expressed their displeasure," tweeted Siddaramaiah. Congress leader Siddaramaiah's statements assume significance as recently several reports emerged highlighting some north Karnataka legislators meeting over dinner to put pressure on Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa to expand the cabinet and offer them ministerial roles. North Karnataka leaders such as Umesh V. Katti, Chitradurga MLA G. H. Thippareddy and Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and others met over dinner. However, the Chief Minister said he was too busy to even look at the dissidence because he is occupied with development work of the state and fighting Covid. Siddaramaiah, the former chief minister, alleged that Yediyurappa's son Vijayendra is functioning as a non-constitutional chief minister. "This is true in the BJP. That dissent will continue. We are not responsible if the government collapses," he pointed out. The Congress leader said Karnataka has stooped to the level of not being in a position to even pay salaries to its employees. "The state was the first in economic discipline during our government. Now the government has no money to pay salaries to government employees. Not only the state but the entire country is financially bankrupt," he said. Patna: With life slowly limping back to what used to be considered normal as the state government eases Coronavirus lockdown rules, a number of trains resumed normal service from Patna Junction, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, and other railway stations in Bihar carrying limited number of passengers while still maintaining some degree of social-distancing. Altogether seven passenger trains departed or passed through Patna Junction on Monday and one train from Rajendra Nagar Terminal. While four of them left for Delhi, one each left for Howrah, Ranchi, and Mumbai. According to the railway officials, nearly 5,000 passengers took trains to various destinations from Patna Junction while statewide, over 12,000 passengers, taking advantage of the partial reopening of the railway stations, left for different stations in Bihar and out of state. All passengers were subjected to usual COVID-19 screening before being allowed to take their seats. Before entering the train, passengers' luggage were sanitized in automatic sanitization machine. The first train to depart Patna Junction was Patna-Howrah Jan Shatabdi Express from Platform Number 10 followed by Patna-Ranchi Jan Shatabdi Express at 6:00 am. The last train to leave the station was Patna-Mumbai departing at 11:55 pm. Meanwhile, the large waiting room built at the site of the old ticket room also opened on Monday for the convenience of the passengers along with six stalls offering various services. (TNS) On a drizzly spring day in mid-May, potential grand jurors lined up 6 feet apart outside the Multnomah County Courthouse.Raincoats and umbrellas dripping, they filed one by one into the courthouse and through a metal detector, all the while maintaining appropriate social distance from court employees. Most visitors wore masks, which the court encouraged and made available for free but did not require. Nearly all court employees wore face coverings.Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, a Democrat, had issued a stay-at-home order to slow the spread of COVID-19 nearly two months before, and it applied to all but the most urgent of judicial proceedings. But Multnomah County, home to Portland, like many places requires grand juries to hear all felony criminal cases.That meant the countys docket of pending cases was bursting at the seams, said Circuit Judge Cheryl Albrecht, the countys chief criminal judge, in an interview.Oregon requires that defendants in custody go to trial within 60 days, with an extension to no more than 180 days from their detention. So criminal judges in Multnomah County needed not only to begin holding jury trials, but to convene at least one new grand jury to begin weighing criminal charges in pending felony investigations.Crime doesnt stop in a pandemic, Albrecht said.Neither does the business of the courts. Over the next several weeks and months, courts around the country must figure out how to resume operations in a way that keeps employees and visitors safe, yet also safeguards the constitutional guarantee to a jury trial.Even the U.S. Supreme Court has had to adjust to the pandemic, with justices hearing oral arguments over the telephone and, for the first time, streaming the proceedings to the public live.But jury trials are especially fraught, because they require assembling a pool of potentially hundreds of people at a time in enclosed spaces, where it can be difficult to follow the social distancing and crowd control guidelines issued by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The courts are trying to be very, very cautious and thoughtful about how they do it, in a way that is responsible to their communities, responsible to the jurors, responsible to everybody else in the courthouse, said Paula Hannaford-Agor, director of the Center for Juries Studies at the National Center for State Courts in Virginia.Some courts see in the pandemic an opportunity to test virtual technology that could stay in place after the crisis. But that raises questions about fairness and jurors who lack Internet access.Because of its speedy trial requirements, Oregons early experiments with jury trials are something of an outlier, Hannaford-Agor said. So far, only a handful of states have begun holding in-person jury trials, even in places that have otherwise been faster than Oregon about reopening businesses, parks and other public places. Some, including courts in Minnesota and Arizona, are scheduled to resume jury trials in June.Many courts, however, dont plan to resume full operations for some time. In Massachusetts, for example, the court system is hiring an epidemiologist to guide its reopening, and jury trials wont resume until officials can figure out how to do so safely, said Pamela Wood, the states jury commissioner, during an online meeting of court officials organized by the National Center for State Courts.Criminal defendants and their lawyers dont have much of a choice about showing up, and technically neither do potential jurors. Nonetheless, many courts are carving out generous exceptions to jury summons requirements. Judges know that many potential jurors are apprehensive about sitting in a confined space with strangers, especially after theyve been told for two months that staying home saves lives.Its daunting to be in that position of saying, Hey, citizens, the governor may be telling you to stay home, but here I am telling you that you have to be here, said Albrecht, the criminal judge in Oregon. So its, its a conflicting message from governmental authorities. Its a big ask.In Miami-Dade County in Florida, the court polled 600 jurors who had served on a previous jury about when theyd feel safe serving again. The results were overwhelming, according to the National Center for State Courts: Most jurors said they wouldnt be comfortable returning to a courtroom until the fall at the earliest. Many said they would have qualms about responding to a jury summons even in July.The best course, court officials say, is to proceed very carefully and to consider other venues to hold trials. Low-slung courthouses that dont require the use of elevators are ideal, as are large assembly rooms that are otherwise going unused, such as at schools.Massachusetts is even considering using empty former retail establishments, like big box stores, that have ample walk-up parking so jurors dont have to rely on public transit or pay for expensive parking at a time of economic uncertainty.In Multnomah County, since many other court operations have slowed, officials use empty courtrooms as waiting rooms for potential grand jurors. For their first grand jury of the pandemic, clerks summoned 801 potential jurors; 141 showed up. Normally they would get 200 people. Clerks excused 70 people immediately because they ran out of room to keep them 6 feet apart in various courtrooms.Jurors sat, separated, in the area generally reserved for the public. Both jury trials in Multnomah County held during the pandemic were streamed to an additional courtroom where the public, media and family could watch.In one trial, Albrecht said, the defendant asked jurors to remove their masks when lawyers were asking them questions during jury selection, known as voir dire. The defendant wanted to see the jurors full facial expressions.Meanwhile, some courts are using the pandemic as an opportunity for cautious experimentation, especially with virtual proceedings. In Missouri, a previously empaneled grand jury agreed to continue its work via videoconference. It required some flexibility, said Jackson County Circuit Judge David Byrn.Obviously the grand jury proceedings are private and confidential, Byrn said, and so we just emphasize to them that even though they were meeting in a virtual fashion, it was as if they were together in a grand jury room.Arizonas Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, is using its existing online juror registration system to ask potential jurors whether they might be able to serve via videoconference, said Maricopa Superior Court Judge Pamela Gates.Our juror questionnaire asks the jurors, Can you serve as a juror from home? she said. Do you have a quiet and private space? Do you have reliable broadband access? Are you able to have a videoconference capability to participate in either jury selection or virtual trials? The answers to those questions will determine how they proceed.In Oregon, some witnesses have appeared in front of the Multnomah County grand jury via videoconferencing. Many status hearings that once required parties in a criminal or civil case to show up in the courtroom are being held over the phone, Albrecht said, a change she and many other judges around the country hope will remain long after the coronavirus is gone.So far, the most innovative use of technology has emerged in Texas, where a judge in Collin County conducted a civil jury trial via Zoom in May. The public could watch it live on YouTube. Court officials in Texas think the trial, which centered on an insurance dispute, was one of the first virtual jury trials during the U.S. pandemic.One thing they realized was that they need a technology bailiff to troubleshoot connectivity issues and other administrative tasks, said District Judge Emily Miskel, who assisted but did not oversee the trial.Collin County, which is north of Dallas, used the trial as an experiment to see how it might conduct criminal trials or more complex cases online. Officials were surprised and pleased by the feedback, Miskel said.Jurors who had served on previous juries told the court after the trial that they could better see and hear witnesses and see evidence via a Zoom screen, rather than having to crane their necks. And lawyers reported that jurors were much more relaxed about their answers during jury selection.As useful as technology may be, it also can be a barrier to participation, Miskel said. Questions of access to technology can make it more difficult for criminal defendants to face a jury of their peers, a concern long before the pandemic.We want to make sure we get a fair cross section of the community for the voir dire process, Miskel said. If theyre rural, if theyre older, if they dont have access to Wi-Fi, we dont want to exclude those people.In Oregon, Albrecht has revised the standard orientation speech she gives potential grand jurors. Instead of addressing the pool all at once in the jury assembly room, she popped in and out of several courtrooms the day of jury selection, repeating her message to each socially distanced group one at a time. Albrecht told potential jurors that she had extra heartfelt appreciation for their service at a time of social distancing.Rights dont stop during a pandemic, she said. All the rights we have, during a pandemic they keep on keeping on. Indian media is under Western influence in its coverage of the India-China border disputes, according to a Global Times article. Global Times is published by the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) People's Daily newspaper, and is widely considered the party's mouthpiece. Also read: India-Nepal Ties | A border dispute is the new normal "Browsing recent reports and commentaries on China in Indian media, one wouldn't be surprised to find that they are riding on unwarranted Western criticism of China and exploiting every chance to find fault with China," said the article, which was published on June 2. Also read: China's army has amassed high-altitude weapons, Chinese daily warns amid standoff with India Military tensions between India and China have escalated in the past month due to disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LOAC). US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US lawmaker Eliot Engel have criticized China over its movement of troops towards Indian territory. The article cited a column published on news website WION, which suggested that India should back Taiwan's entry into the World Health Assembly (WHA), despite the One-China principle. The Global Times article also claimed that an article published in Swarajya magazine, which called for India to take a "swaying stance" on the US-China disagreement over Hong Kong. "Indian media should enhance their understanding of China and work on more balanced coverage on China and help build constructive relations. It is also hoped that they can shake off Western influence and think independently so that they can best maintain India's interests," the Global Times article said. Five states - Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Karnataka - are ahead of the pack in terms of a return to normalcy in economic activity, according to a report by Elara Capital. The report uses proxy indicators such as power consumption, traffic movement, mandi (wholesale market) arrivals and Google mobility data, to track the progress with respect to revival in economic activity across India, Garima Kapoor, economist at Elara Capital, said in the report. She added that the best stimulus the Indian economy can have is a resumption of normal economic activity. Overall electricity consumption data highlights a decline in the contraction in electricity consumption, from 28 percent during March-end to 8.5 percent as on May 27. "Uptick in electricity demand has been led by Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, primarily reflecting demand from agriculture operations," the report noted. Track this blog for latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak 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 "Other states that recorded meaningful recovery in electricity consumption are Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand andTamil Nadu. These also are states that have shown good progress in mobility trends," it added. Meanwhile, key metros like Delhi and Bengaluru are witnessing marked improvement in vehicular movement, which signals an improvement in mobility. Delhi, despite having a very high COVID-19 case burden, has shown good improvement in mobility trends as restrictions have been eased across the national capital. However, Mumbai continues to lag in this respect. The improvement is calculated based on mobility in states since April 1. Again, the report uses an analysis of Google search trends to see any shift in consumer behaviour in the pre and post-lockdown scenario. What was seen is that searches associated with panic amid the announcement of the lockdown--pharmacy and grocery stores, liquid soaps, eLearning, online doctor consulting, school books-- have gone down. On the other hand, search trends for items such as earphones, hair trimmers, hair oil, laptops, dishwasher, mobiles, jewellery, mops, toys, and microwaves, have remained consistent throughout the lockdown. Follow our full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak Optional caption goes here. Optional caption goes here. Optional caption goes here. Optional caption goes here. The Defense Department supply chain has become an attractive target to adversaries looking to compromise U.S. military capabilities, critical infrastructure, national security intelligence and intellectual property. By attacking suppliers -- even those many tiers deep in the supply chain -- adversaries can install intentionally harmful or counterfeit hardware or software into a government system, disrupt production or distribution of critical products or steal valuable intellectual property. The National Counterintelligence and Security Center warned in its 2018 report, Foreign Economic Espionage in Cyberspace, of "pervasive threats posed by foreign intelligence services and other threat actors" against U.S. research, development and manufacturing sectors. China, Russia and Iran, the report says, stand out as three of the most capable and active cyber actors tied to economic espionage and the potential theft of U.S. trade secrets and proprietary information, and it adds that "software supply chain infiltration already threatens the critical infrastructure sector and is poised to threaten other sectors." Consequently, policy makers have installed numerous policy directives and guidelines to make cybersecurity a key component of supply chain risk management (SCRM) for government agencies. The biggest recent development has been the Defense Department's effort to develop a standardized, accredited risk assessment regime, called the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Per the first version of the CMMC, which was released on Jan. 31, 2020, vendors at all tiers of the DOD supply chain will be audited and certified by independent third-party organizations as adhering to various cybersecurity standards and best practices. Moreover, it will certify suppliers across five maturity levels, each certifying that a given vendor meets a certain mix of cybersecurity controls and processes that, when implemented, will reduce risk against a specific set of cyber threats. It was not long ago that the Defense Department relied on prime contractors to ensure their own supply chains were secure from cybersecurity threats. But that approach has not been effective, and as cyberattacks against U.S. military supply chains have grown more sophisticated, frequent and successful, that strategy is now being replaced by one more stringent and rigorous: the CMMC. This initiative is sorely needed. It can harden suppliers' compliance around expected cybersecurity standards, practices and protocols to help avoid supply chain attacks that can potentially cause significant harm to national security. All suppliers at every level of the supply chain will be affected and must assess their own cybersecurity risk as well as those of their own sub-tier vendors. Many details about the CMMC remain to be seen, but a key question to be answered is whether ownership of suppliers will be considered a factor for future CMMC assessments at some level. There is a strong argument that it should be a factor, at least for higher-level CMMC assessments. Here's why: A big problem is that many vendors lack transparency into their own supply chains. So how can vendors as well as their government customers be assured that their sub-tier suppliers do not pose threats or vulnerabilities? How can they know whether a supplier four or five tiers down has an owner with direct or indirect business connections to known adversaries? One way to help do that is to make sure vendors at all tiers have been thoroughly vetted for potential ownership conflicts of interest. This is a growing concern today because many companies in the defense industrial base -- especially smaller companies -- are increasingly stressed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic fallout. DOD is concerned that, just like other businesses impacted by COVID-19, suppliers, particularly the smaller ones, are exploring options for staying in business -- options that may include lifelines in the form of loans or investments from interests that are known or unknown affiliates of U.S. adversaries. This is a concern already being voiced within the Pentagon. Ellen Lord, the Defense Department's top acquisition official, said in a recent press conference that hundreds of defense suppliers have had to close to due the financial stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic and that she is very concerned about U.S. adversaries targeting financially struggling suppliers for mergers and acquisitions. "We've talked a lot with other nations, particularly in Europe, and we've seen a lot of shell companies coming in where the beneficial owner ends up being one of our adversaries. I'm particularly concerned about that," Lord said. The CMMC initiative is critical because it makes cybersecurity a far more prominent factor when assessing supply chain risk. But that, by itself, is not sufficient at a time when there is so little visibility into who actually owns the sub-tier suppliers of our defense industrial base. Given the financial stresses bearing down on many of those companies, supplier ownership should be tracked and assessed as a factor in today's supply chain risk assessments. Surigao Chapter City Police have posted malicious content on their official Facebook account accusing the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) of having links with terrorist organisations. The International Federation of Journalists has supported NUJP in condemning the false accusation and urge the authorities to stop all the attempts to silence the media. Surigao Chapter City Police on May 31 posted a photo captioned: "Ugnayan ng NUJP sa CPP NPA, Bistado!!!" "Layunin ng teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF na pasukin at manipulahin ang mga Media platforms para sa kanilang mga propaganda laban sa Gobyerno. Sa mga propesyonal na mamahayag, mag-ingat sa NUJP /CPP-NPA-NDF!" (Links between NUJP and CPP-NPA exposed! The aim of the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF is to infiltrate media platforms for their propaganda against the government. To professional journalists, beware of NUJP/CPP-NPA-NDF!). CPP is the Communist Party of the Philippines, while the New People's Army (NPA) is the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). The NDF is the National Democratic Front (NDF). The photos were originally published on MindaNews in 2013 during an all-women media safety training held in Cagayan de Oro City on March 16-17 that year. The practice of labelling individuals and organisations as Communist sympathisers or red-tagging is increasingly used to curtail dissent and free expression the Philippines. Previously, a social media account under the name Aram dela Cruz on May 13 shared the same photograph to accuse Rowena Weng Carranza-Paraan, a former NUJP national chair and head of the citizen journalism arm of the ABS-CBN broadcasting network as having connections with communist parties. ABS-CBN, the Philippines largest broadcaster known for being critical of the Duterte administration, was forced off air on May 5 after being ordered by the media regulator to stop operations. NUJP said: NUJP condemns the malicious post of Surigao City Pulis on their official Facebook. This propaganda puts the lives of the journalists at risk and is a desperate attack to silence the media. The IFJ said:IFJ regrets that the red-tagging strategy is still being used by the government officials to intimidate and silence the media. IFJ urges the authorities to stop the threats against journalists and ensure journalists safety. Contributed photoColumbia County Board of Elections staff opening the nearly 2,000 absentee ballot applications that arrived in the mail June 2. Each application requires verification and processing, and then an absentee ballot and return mail envelope is sent to all eligible voters. Faith leaders in 50 cities observe day of 'mourning and lament' for victims of COVID-19 Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Interfaith clergy as well as civic leaders in at least 50 cities nationwide declared Monday the National Day of Mourning and Lament for the over 100,000 people who have died in the United States from coronavirus. They also took the time to grieve the deaths of the recent victims of racial injustice. Today, prayers of mourning and lament are taking place around the country in over 50 cities, which have organized their own events and prayer services, said Sojourners Executive Director Adam Taylor during an hour-long virtual interfaith prayer service. We used the word lament very intentionally. It is a religious word that signifies we must go deeper than simply remembrance. We must also search for lessons and even hard truths in the midst of our incredible loss. We mourn both individually and collectively because our hearts are broken. Our nations soul is in anguish. Throughout the weekend, faith leaders of three Abrahamic religions took time from their services on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as many houses of worship returned to in-person services for the first time since the pandemic to mourn and lament the deaths of people who have died because of COVID-19. On Monday, the interfaith service, organized by the progressive evangelical social justice organization Sojourners, was held featuring the organizations co-founder, Jim Wallis, Mohamed Elsanousi of the Islamic Society of North America and Rabbi David Saperstein, who served for over 30 years with the Union for Reform Judaism's Religious Action Center, among others. In the U.S., over 1.7 million people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 so far while over 104,000 people have died after contracting coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University & Medicine. We may not know the names of every COVID victim. But each of them have loved ones who are still grieving. We cant read every one of their names today, but we know that God knows their names by heart, Taylor explained. They were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandparents, neighbors, fellow members of our congregations and faith communities, and co-workers. They were all beloved. We honor and celebrate the lives they lived today. Many coronavirus victims died alone without visitors by their side and were not given the proper memorial services because restrictions on large gatherings and social distancing guidelines have limited the time and space for families to grieve. If ever there were a time that our nation needs to come together in unity for healing across ideological lines, across political lines, across religious lines, across racial lines, and across gender lines, it is at this moment, said Saperstein, a former U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom under President Barack Obama. As some states and localities are beginning to ease restrictions on worship services, the call for a day of national mourning was endorsed by dozens of faith groups and leaders. Endorsers include leaders from the World Evangelical Alliance, National Association of Evangelicals, National Latino Evangelical Coalition, National Council of Churches, United Church of Christ, The Episcopal Church, Islamic Society of North America as well as a number of Jewish congregations. I am grateful to our almighty God who brought us together in this national moment of lament. The Lord of humanity, we ask you to forgive us, Elsanousi said during the event. We mourn the death of more than 100,000 of our fellow Americans. We mourn the death of hundreds of thousands of our fellow human beings all over the globe. Lord, give comfort to those who lost their dear ones. Give them the patience to overcome their grief. Lord, we pray to you for those who are suffering and those who have died. Along with dozens of other Christian leaders, the call was also endorsed by Claude Alexander of the Park Church in North Carolina, progressive Christian activist Shane Claiborne and leaders at evangelical and Catholic higher education institutions, including Fuller Theological Seminary President Mark Labberton. I was very excited that there was such a deep response from Christian leaders across our families and boundaries but also Jewish and Muslim as well, Wallis told The Christian Post in an interview. The call that we all put together, it is not a statement. It is a sharing of a call. The call for mourning and lamenting was also backed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, a bipartisan association representing mayors from over 1,400 U.S. cities. Wallis told CP that the conference reached out to Sojourners about joining the call, not the other way around. He worked with Sen. Chris Coons, D-Delaware, to try to get something formally backed by U.S. Congress. Although there was bipartisan support, Wallis said there wasnt enough time to get a resolution passed. Although Mondays day of mourning was organized before the viral video of George Floyd suffocating while being crushed by the knee of a white cop in Minneapolis surfaced, the faith leaders took time during the interfaith service Monday to lament the racism that still exists in American society today. Help us to understand and help us to learn that the knee is not just a knee. It is a system, a culture, Walis said during a prayer. It is a virus, the virus of white supremacy, with its knee on the neck of the nation. We lament so many of our brothers and sisters as black parents who see their sons and daughters in that video, their faces, their necks, the knee on their children. Help us as white brothers and sisters who havent seen, lament that knee on the neck of this nation. Elsanousi, who serves as the executive director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, said in his prayer that COVID-19 is not the only pandemic that America must fight. The pandemic of discrimination is strengthening us and bringing our hearts together in solidarity to collectively fight the pandemic of racism and strive toward a walk of justice, he said. Lord of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad and all of the prophets and messengers, we turn to You in difficult and challenging times. We belong to You and we depend on You and we need You. The United States is stepping up pressure on other countries over negotiations for a digital services tax, opening new probes into nations planning higher duties on tech giants. The U.S. trade representative announced Tuesday it is investigating Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom for implementing or planning to put forward new taxes on digital giants. The subject has sparked division between the U.S. and France before, and it could ultimately mean higher tariffs for these countries. "A warning shot from USTR to signal seriousness and urgency, and to put more pressure on the OECD process to go quickly and in the US direction," David Livingston, a senior U.S.-based analyst at Eurasia Group, told CNBC Tuesday. France was the first major economy to legislate a digital services tax, but after threats from the United States that it would charge more from French exports, Paris decided to postpone collecting payments until 2021. In the meantime, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has been working on a plan that would bring together the U.S., France and other countries over how to tax digital firms. The OECD is due to present a plan by the end of this year. France has said that if international talks fail, tech firms will still have to pay the tax. Chances of an OECD agreement Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the White House, won seven state primaries on Tuesday that together took him into touching distance of the 1,991 delegates he needs to pocket the nomination; he now has 1,922. With the last serious rival, Senator Bernie Sanders, out of the race for weeks now, the former vice-president has had the field all to himself. More than 400 delegates were up for grabs in the seven states that held their primaries on Tuesday, in the twin shadow of the country-wide protests against racism triggered by the killing of George Floy, an African American man, in police custody and the Covid-q9 epidemic that has killed more than 106,000 people in the United States. Biden won all the seven states Maryland, Indiana, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Dakota and the District of Colombia. New Jersey and Connecticut were also scheduled to hold their primaries on Tuesday but have postposed to a later date in July. Georgia and West Virginia are next, on June 7. In all, 4,750 delates included 3,979 pledged delegates and 771 superdelegates (past and former presidents, other elected officials) will pick the Democratic nominee at the party convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin starting August 17. Bidens nomination is assured and despite early talk of a contested convention when Sanders had looked strong. The South Carolina primaries of February 29 changed the course of the race completely, setting Biden on the path to the nomination. Just the formal nomination now stands in the way of Biden, who is the presumptive Democratic nominee, in a direct fight President Donald Trump in the November 3 elections. The former vice-president has been beating Trump in polls, and by wide margin. He is ahead of the president by 8 points in the RealClearPolitics average of all polls (49.3-41.3), Trump has been been faring poorly in polls. After a brief uptick in favorability number in early days of the Covid-19 epidemic, its his unfavorable numbers that have since been climbing as deaths and infections surged and his administration stumbled from one shortage to another, marked by his own pronouncements, such as the suggestion to use of household disinfectants to combat the coronavirus. After been confined indoors at home in Delaware by the virus for weeks, Biden traveled to Philadelphia for a highly anticipated address the nation in which he delivered a stinging rebuke of the presidents handling of the civil unrest, and offered, his supporters argued, the kind of leadership and vision that is currently missing. You are here: Business China's international air cargo transport capacity has been sustained thanks to the effective green channel measures taken in the sector during the pandemic period, according to the civil aviation authorities. The civil aviation industry of China has seen a sharp increase in scheduled cargo flights, said the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). China now maintains scheduled air cargo flights with around 102 overseas destinations in 49 countries. In April, Chinese and foreign airlines carried out 1,574 scheduled air cargo flights per week, representing a 55.2-percent increase compared with the weekly volume before the COVID-19 pandemic. And in the first two weeks of May, the weekly volume was up to 2,365 flights, a 133.2-percent increase. The rapid growth in China's international air cargo sector has contributed to transporting vital supplies and ensuring global supply chains. The CAAC introduced a series of green channel measures to facilitate international air transport in the pandemic period. These comprehensive measures include a simplified flight approval process, more flexible time limits and around-the-clock online acceptance of flight applications, according to the CAAC. The world has changed beyond all recognition. In a few short months, everything that we took for granted - visiting loved ones, nipping to the shops for a few essentials, even going to school - have all been replaced by a regime of social distancing and strict hand hygiene. With the new way of life has come a whole new vocabulary, words that were once alien to most have now become common, everyday phrases. Coronavirus, epidemiologist and shielding - they're all words that are now part of the wider public consciousness. One of the phrases being used increasingly as we move beyond the first deadly surge of Covid-19 is the reproduction number, known more simply as the R value. At its most basic, the R number is a way of rating a disease's ability to spread. Essentially, it is the average number of people that one infected person will pass the virus on to. For example, if a virus has an R value of three, it means that every sick person will pass the disease on to three other people if no containment measures are introduced. It follows, therefore, that the lower the R number, the smaller the number of people who are being infected. Now we are a few months into the pandemic, fatigue is setting in - the economy is crumbling, children are falling behind in their education, non-Covid patients are coming to harm, so attentions are turning to trying to regain some kind of normal. But the virus hasn't changed - it is still as virulent, there is no vaccine and no cure, so it is essential that any relaxation of social distancing measures does not result in an increase in the number of cases of Covid-19. To this end, the R number is being relied upon by scientists and policy makers as a key indicator on how Covid-19 is spreading throughout the community. Given its significance, it is little wonder that the R rate is being referred to so frequently by our politicians as they explain what lockdown measures are being lifted and when. But how much does the general public really know about the R number? The Northern Ireland Assembly Research and Information Service has urged caution against an over reliance on the R rate as we move beyond the first surge of Covid-19. "While R provides a useful indication of the potential of the disease, helps to inform policy in the fight against the disease and gives some indication of what progress has been made in that fight, it is necessary to be aware of its limitations and weaknesses," the document warns. "The information going into the equations used to estimate R is far from perfect." The reasons for this are plenty, it argues. First and foremost, we don't know how many people are infected, while we also have no idea how many people are immune to the virus. "Without reliable information on the number of people who have been infected, it is not possible to estimate the number in the population who may have acquired immunity and therefore the number who may still be susceptible," explains the document. Of course, the number of diagnostic tests is being ramped up which will give a clearer picture of the infection rate. This in itself will pose additional problems because, as more tests are carried out, more people will be diagnosed. However, it is impossible to say how much of any change over time is due to the rate of the spread of the virus. The briefing document also refers to the uncertainty over the incubation period for the virus, with estimates ranging anywhere between two and 14 days. The duration of infectiousness also differs greatly, while the impact of the disease varies from person to person. Some people escape without any symptoms at all and they may be less infectious, but they are impossible to identify without testing. The time lag in the reporting and registering of deaths and a change in death rates are also factors in muddying the waters when it comes to the R number, according to the briefing document. Interestingly, the paper refers to the fact that death rates can change as more vulnerable people die, leaving the disease with less vulnerable people to kill, while at the same time they can also change due to hospitals getting better at treating the disease. It also points out the holes in data currently being recorded around hospital admissions. While they provide a useful indication of trends in the spread of the disease, they do not include people being treated in care homes and those who may be seriously ill or dying at home. The time lag between infection and the availability of data to input into models to determine the R value means they are historical. The briefing document continues: "Given the uncertainty that arises from all of this, R and many of the other numbers associated with Covid-19 must be interpreted with considerable caution. "The many assumptions and estimates built into the models, the quality of the data and the time lag in the data could potentially lead to wrong decisions being taken at the wrong time, if too much reliance is placed on a single number." Of course, as the briefing paper notes, the scientists working out the R rate are sure to be more than aware of all the issues relating to their calculations. The public less more so and it warns of the dangers of our politicians relying too heavily upon the R number as a catch all explanation for their decisions, without explaining the caveats. At the end of the day, moving beyond the lockdown is a fine balancing act - lift measures too soon and lives will be lost, but it is equally as dangerous to keep the status quo in place indefinitely. New Delhi, June 4 : Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, a 1985-batch IAS officer, who had been at the forefront in battling the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, has reportedly tested Coronavirus-positive, sources said on Wednesday. The portion of South Block on the Raisina Hill complex in Delhi has been sealed and is in process of sanitisation. After the reports of Kumar reportedly tested positive came in the corridors of South Block, many top Ministry of Defence officers did not attend their office. It was also reported that Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also did not attend the office. The ministry is carrying out an extensive contact tracing, and disinfection of offices in South Block is underway. It has been found that around 30 people came in close contact with the defence secretary over the last couple of days and they have been told to go into home quarantine. Till June 1 , the officer was consistently active on social media and was telling masses about the government initiatives to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Solis, who works at El Patron, said he was at the corner of Cermak Road and 50th Avenue with his crowbar, standing with other armed men around 6 p.m., when one of the two fatal shootings took place. Orange cones had been put up, blocking eastbound traffic on Cermak Road, when he and others spotted a blue Nissan passing slowly northbound on 50th Avenue. A Southwest Airlines flight attendant has shared how a passenger she had an emotional conversation with about racial tensions turned out to be the CEO of rival American Airlines. Jacquerae Hill, 38, headed to work in Dallas, Texas Friday with a 'heavy heart' following the killing of African American man George Floyd last Monday. But Hill who is black left feeling more hopeful that positive changes could be made after noticing Doug Parker who is white reading White Fragility: Why It's So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism. Hill told Facebook followers that after making the mistake of looking at social media posts before she started her shift, she thought it would be too difficult to appear cheery for passengers. Southwest flight attendant Jacquerae Hill, 38, was pleasantly surprised to find a passenger whom she had an emotional conversation about race, turned out to be the CEO of American Airlines Doug Parker They got talking after Hill noticed he was reading White Fragility: Why It's So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism. Parker is pictured holding the book, right Hill shared in a Facebook post that she had headed to work Friday with a 'heavy heart' following the killing of George Floyd last Monday and the public discussion of racial inequality But then she noticed Parker holding a book that had been on her own reading list. 'I was so happy to see that book in his grasp that I knew after I finished my duties I was going to make a point to ask him about it. I go sit next to him as he was sitting in a row all by himself (That was God),' Hill explained. 'I said Hey How are you? I see your are reading that book .. So how is it? He replies oh I'm half way through it's really good. It really points out how important these conversations on race are.' Hill wrote in the Facebook post that as soon as she began to respond 'the tears just start falling'. 'I have been so sad every day and I just want to understand and be understood so we can begin to fix it,' she said in the social media post. 'I'm pretty sure I startled him by seemingly dumping all my emotions on him but his reply was 'I'm so sorry. And it's our fault that this is like this'.' Hill said they continued to talk and the discussion 'was everything I needed'. 'I was happy (even tho I was crying), Hill explained. Hill had no idea who Parker was until their chat wrapped up. After opening up to him about her prayer in the car on the way to work and how she felt god had answered it by creating the opportunity for her to have this conversation, Parker revealed his identity. 'As our conversation came to an end he asks me my name,' Hill continued. 'And then he said well I'm Doug Parker the CEO of American Airlines. 'I told him my mother works for him in DC and then I reached over and gave him a BIG HUG ! I HAD TO!! (yes we were both masked) I thanked him for being open and allowing this conversation to happen because I just needed to hear it and I walked off.' In the note Parker explains that a black friend of his recommended the reading He signed off by thanking her for the talk, sharing his email address and passing on a greeting to her mother ABC reported Parker was on the Southwest flight because an AA flight to Panama was sold out. Hill was then surprised that as Parker left the flight he give her a handwritten note. She thanked him and then asked for a picture together. In the image that has been widely shared online, he is seen clutching the book written by Robin DiAngelo. In the letter Parker said: 'Thank you so much for coming back to speak with me. It was a gift from God and an inspiration to me. I am saddened that we as a society have progressed so slowly on an issue that has such a clear right versus wrong. Much of the problem is we don't talk about it enough.' Parker later told AA executives in an email that he felt 'wholly inadequate'. 'The best I could do was tell her that the book talks about how white people are horrible at talking about racism, and that what we need are real conversations,' Parker wrote. 'She agreed. I told her I was trying to learn and through tears and a mask, she said, 'So am I.'' Doug Parker (left) was on the flight because there were no seats to Panama on AA. Hill is pictured, right 'There are so many different ways to affect change in the world. I stand with anyone who wants to make a difference no matter if it is how I would do it or not. Hill told her followers. She added: 'LETS TALK !! Doug Parker said that the premise of the book is that we need to have these conversations so here I am. My heart is open and my ears are open as well.' Hill added to ABC News: 'We are not so different in what we want out of life. All we both wanted in that moment was peace and to be understood.' Hill's mother later reached out to her boss and thanked him for raising her daughter's spirits. Parker responded: 'Your daughter's visit was a gift to me.' 'Reading a book is one thing,' he wrote. 'Spending time with a kind, strong, young black woman who is hurting and trying to learn from others is another thing altogether.' He also joked: 'How did we let her go to Southwest?' Hill's mother Patti Anderson thanked her boss for the conversation he had with her daughter A coalition of progressive leaders want the City Council to wait before voting on a $191 million stimulus package aimed at providing economic relief for San Antonio residents hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Council members are expected to vote on the package Thursday, which would plug millions of city dollars as well as a slice of the $270 million San Antonio received in federal coronavirus stimulus dollars into measures intended to stem economic fallout from the virus. That money would pay for workforce development, housing assistance, aid to small businesses and making sure the citys poorest households have access the internet. On ExpressNews.com: Training for 10,000 unemployed, child care for 5,000 kids part of San Antonios $191 million plan to deal with fallout from coronavirus pandemic But a number of activists including the heads of Texas Organizing Project, MOVE Texas and the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center say residents havent had the opportunity to weigh in on the proposal and that the city hasnt provided enough details to the public. The plan has been in the works for several weeks. A refusal to delay the vote will erode the publics confidence in their local government, activists wrote in a letter sent to Mayor Ron Nirenberg and City Council members Tuesday. Any vote especially on a matter of this magnitude that does not include public input is illegitimate and will deliver a blow to our fragile democracy. So far, residents havent been given virtual means to address City Council during their meetings during the pandemic, the groups noted. Instead, they must attend meetings in person and risk exposure to the virus. Starting Wednesday, the city will allow residents to call in, email or leave a voicemail during the public comment period held after the councils regular B session briefings. Facets of the proposal have been presented at three meetings since the beginning of May, two of which including opportunities for public comment, city spokesman Jeff Coyle said. The agendas for each meeting were also posted days in advance and a detailed plan has been posted on the citys website, he said. Residents also had scant opportunities to weigh in as a series of five working groups appointed by Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff met privately to figure out how to tackle food shortages, business losses and unemployment among other problems stemming from the virus, activists said. People could submit comments through a website set up by the working groups leader, local philanthropist and developer Gordon Hartman. But the meetings werent open to the public or live-streamed. On ExpressNews.com: Coronavirus working groups final ideas: Reduce digital divide, increase small business help, legal aid for renters District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez dismissed the letter, noting that the package includes many proposals brought to the council by those same groups. He also noted that $79.2 million of the package comes out of the federal CARES Act, which comes with tight restrictions from the Treasury Department on how the city can spend the money To suggest that we arent listening to them means that they havent looked at the list or that they are crying foul for the sake of manufacturing conflict, Pelaez said. Joshua Fechter is a staff writer covering San Antonio government and politics. To read more from Joshua, become a subscriber. jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports Article L. 238-8-II of the French commercial Code and article 223-16 of the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) general regulation Regulatory News: Corporate name of the issuer: Veolia Environnement (Paris:VIE) 21, rue La Boetie 75008 PARIS FRANCE (ISIN code: FR0000124141-VIE) Information closing date Total number of shares forming the share capital Total number of voting rights May 31, 2020 567,266,539 Total number of theoretical voting rights (1): 602,489,702 Total number of voting rights that may be exercised (2): 589,554,237 Inclusion in the Veolia Environnement Articles of Association of a clause requiring a reporting obligation of the declaration of crossing a shareholding threshold, complementary to the one relating to the thresholds provided by the French law and the regulations in force (article 8). (1) Number of theoretical voting rights after taking into account the number of shares with double voting rights as of May 31, 2020 (35,223,163 shares) and the number of treasury shares held as of May 31, 2020 (12,935,465 shares). (2) Number of voting rights that may be exercised number of theoretical voting rights (or total number of voting rights attached to shares) shares without voting rights (number of treasury shares held as of May 31, 2020). Veolia Environnement Siege social/head office: 21, rue La Boetie 75008 PARIS France Adresse postale/Correspondence address: 30, rue Madeleine Vionnet 93300 AUBERVILLIERS France tel.: +33 (0)1 85 57 70 00 Fax: +33 (0)1 71 75 10 45 www.veolia.com A Public Limited Company (Societe Anonyme) with a share capital of 2,836,332,695 euros 403 210 032 RCS PARIS View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005756/en/ Contacts: Veolia Environnement A confederate monument that towered over a predominantly- black Alabama city is now completely gone after 115 years. Construction crews worked throughout the night on Monday to disassemble the 52-foot obelisk located in Birminghams Linn Park. By Tuesday morning, the cornerstone of the Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Monument was removed, punctuating the citys long legal fight to remove a monument dedicated to confederate veterans. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has not released where the monument was taken. During his morning walk, Rev. Lorenzo C. Hines wanted to see the footprint a monument that stood against everything his family stood for. Born in the late 60s in Birmingham, Hines is a product of the Civil Rights Movement. His mother and aunt marched with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. So Hines wanted to walk around the rubble of symbols that he said represented oppression. To have this be removed actually removes a blight in this society that we call America. This statue was a reminder for African Americans here in Birmingham and in this country that there is no such thing as the American dream. Theres only American nightmare, Hines said. So this here is a reminder that theres an opportunity for us to overcome the negativity that is surrounded by the initial sin of this country, which is slavery, which is injustice, which is inequality. The statues removal started after a loud call from protesters on Sunday night to take down the monument after George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer. As protesters tried to tear down the monument themselves, Woodfin promised its swift removal. The Birmingham obelisk was one of two monuments that were taken down during Jefferson Davis Day, which is a state holiday commemorating the confederate president. A statue of Robert E. Lee that was in front of a predominantly-black Montgomery high school was brought down by four protesters. T he anti-racism protests in Westminster have seen skirmishes breaking out between demonstrators and police. Thousands gathered in Hyde Park at 1pm on Wednesday before marching towards Parliament to protest against discrimination in the UK. But after a peaceful start to the day bottles and objects were thrown at officers and physical altercations broke out as tensions rose later in the afternoon. The Met Police said that two people were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and violent disorder by the entrance to Downing Street, where some of the chaos first erupted. The demonstrations were organised in response to the death of African-American man George Floyd in Minneapolis. Protests, some violent, have spread across the US after a white police officer was filmed kneeling on the neck of Mr Floyd for minutes. The 46-year-old later died in police custody. In London, witnesses said that one officer had been punched while another said a protester had fallen over the police barricades by Downing Street / AFP via Getty Images In London, some officers were seen taking a knee earlier in the day, however as protesters knelt at 6pm none of the officers joined them. Witnesses said that an officer had been punched when a protester fell over the police barricades by Downing Street, sparking mayhem. But freelance journalist Mattha Busby, who filmed the choas and said it was unclear exactly what started things. Police appeared to attempt to take a man from the crowd and pandemonium ensued, he tweeted. A number of videos shared on social media showed a number of violent skirmishes shaking Westminster throughout the evening and as of 9:30pm police were still facing down protesters. Footage captured various objects, including signs, bottles and a traffic cone, being thrown at police. One protester was wrestled to the ground and restrained by officera A cameraman was later attacked during the protests and police escorted the man to the side of the road with blood over his clothes and camera after he sustained a head injury. Moments before, protesters began to run and chant while a glass bottle was thrown towards a camera (REUTERS) / Reuters During the evening, a group of protesters climbed up onto the window sills on the outside of the Treasury building, where they chanted and held placards. A short while later, a crowd descended on police who were wearing helmets and holding batons outside of the Cabinet Office, which has been daubed with BLM in black paint Police scuffle with protesters in Westminster / AFP via Getty Images Officers then formed a line outside Downing Street, as protesters, some on bikes, chanted, before more police vans arrived. At one point, protesters outside Downing Street blocked off a number of vehicles on Parliament Street, including a DHL truck which was forced to turn around outside the gates of No 10. Crowds chanted move your truck at the driver and sat on the floor blocking its way, before cheering as the vehicle began to reverse. Protesters also pushed a line of police into Parliament Square / PA But after turning around, the truck was blocked by another group of protesters using red and white tape to section off the road near Westminster Station. Protesters booed a group of officers as they moved away from the crowd. Another crowd followed a group of officers to outside the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where protesters shouted answer for your crimes and no justice, no peace. Officers formed two lines and rested their batons on their shoulders, shouting get back to protesters as they separated the crowds. Many climbed onto the window ledges of a neighbouring building as others talked with a line of police outside the gates to the stree Several hundred protesters were also at Trafalgar Square. By 9pm, more than 10 Metropolitan Police territorial support group vans have gathered at Parliament Square in Westminster, where the majority of the protesters remained at 9pm. A group of protesters knelt in front of the vans, chanting let us live and holding up their placards. The Evening Standard have contacted the Met Police for comment. By Express News Service Poet-activist Varavara Rao, accused in the Elgar Parishad case, was discharged from Sir JJ Hospital late Monday evening and sent back to Taloja jail in Navi Mumbai. The 81-year-old was shifted to hospital after he complained of giddiness and fell in his cell a few days ago. Dr Sanjay Surase, Superintendent, JJ Hospital, said, "We also conducted his COVID-19 test and the result came out negative. So there was no point keeping him in hospital." Another doctor said Rao "was reading books and doing other activities without any major health issue. In prison, he might have missed his regular medicine that might have caused the giddiness and other health issues." Humble said there may be another shoe yet to drop. He cited several high-profile cases where patrons were swarming in and around reopened bars and restaurants over the Memorial Day weekend, virtually none of whom were wearing masks. There also was a crush of people lined up for tubing on the Salt River, also without facial coverings. That was about two weeks ago, Humble said. This week is the week Id expect to see numbers popping up because of the behaviors that happened over Memorial Day. He acknowledged he is looking at the issue strictly from a public-health perspective. But Humble, who served under both Democrat and Republican governors, acknowledged theres a political component in the decisions that have to be made. This is a decision for elected officials, especially the governor, he said. Whats their tolerance level for having an increased number of cases, recognizing that that has a real-life impact in the community and peoples lives, balanced against his concern about GDP and employment, etc. Patrick Ptak, the governors spokesman, said his boss is having no second thoughts on the decisions he made to ease business and travel restrictions. Some 483 cases were registered in the past 24 hours. The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 24,800 as of Wednesday morning, June 3. As of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 3, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine was 24,823; of them, 483 cases were registered in the past 24 hours, the National Security and Defense Council said on its COVID-19 monitoring website on June 3. Read alsoHealth minister names Ukraine's regions with largest number of COVID-19 cases in past day Eight coronavirus patients died in Ukraine in the past day, bringing the overall death toll to 735. However, 10,440 patients have already recovered; 362 recoveries were reported in the past 24 hours alone. The situation per region was the following: Vinnytsia region reported 1,050 confirmed cases, including 657 recoveries; Volyn region had 959 cases, including 278 recoveries; Dnipropetrovsk region confirmed 950 cases, including 267 recoveries; Donetsk region had 166 confirmed cases, including 97 recoveries. Zhytomyr region confirmed 780 cases, of them, there were 472 recoveries; Zakarpattia region had 1,236 confirmed cases (434 recoveries); Zaporizhia had 463 and 258, respectively; Ivano-Frankivsk region had 1,465 and 862, respectively. The city of Kyiv reported there were 3,133 confirmed cases, including 756 recoveries, while Kyiv region reported 1,652 confirmed cases, including 418 recoveries. Kirovohrad region confirmed 523 cases, including 403 recoveries; Luhansk region had 49 and 40, respectively; Lviv region had 1,830 and 457, respectively; Mykolaiv region had 295 and 182, respectively; Odesa region had 913 and 231, respectively; Poltava region had 272 and 253, respectively. Rivne region reported 1,873 confirmed cases, including 993 recoveries; Sumy region confirmed 174 cases, including 147 recoveries; Ternopil region had 1,200 and 948, respectively; Kharkiv region had 1,131 and 467, respectively; Kherson region had 179 and 161, respectively; Khmelnytsky region had 469 and 259, respectively; Cherkasy region had 416 and 320, respectively. Chernivtsi region confirmed 3,442 cases, including 1,017 recoveries, and Chernihiv region reported 203 confirmed cases, including 63 recoveries. As UNIAN reported earlier, the largest number of confirmed daily cases as of June 2 was registered in Rivne region (53), as well as Zhytomyr and Lviv regions (34 each), according to Ukraine's Health Ministry. It is no novelty. It is what the US governments have been doing to the world, said Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in his first public reaction to the killing May 25 of African-American George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer. While Derek Chauvin, the white officer, was initially the only one charged in the case, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that the three other officers involved in the incident would also face charges. According to Khamenei, the scene of a cop kneeling on a black mans neck and letting him choke to death is the nature of the American government. They have done the same to such countries as Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. Khamenei touched upon Floyds last words, I cant breathe, which have characterized the recent anti-racism protests across the United States. It is a slogan that speaks for the hearts of all nations oppressed by the United States, Khamenei declared in his televised speech, likening the ongoing turbulent situation triggered by the cold-blooded killing to the sludge at the bottom of a pool that is now visible on the surface. Last November, Khamenei faced nationwide protests in his own country over contentious fuel price hikes that brought thousands of Iranians to the streets. Back then, Khamenei called some of those protesters thugs, linking them to foreign enemies. It took Iranian authorities nearly seven months to come out and admit the deaths of at least 200 protesters in the crackdown. Khameneis speech today marked the anniversary of the death of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ruhollah Khomeini. The Iranian leader had in the past three decades addressed the typically crowded, state-organized ceremony in Khomeinis mausoleum outside Tehran. This years event, however, was canceled for the first time due to fears of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 8,000 Iranians so far. The Iranian government continues to remain under fire for its handling of the outbreak, facing multiple allegations from the cover-up of statistics to the hoarding of much-needed protective gear. Yet Khamenei chose not to address the response at home and instead highlighted the situation in the United States, blaming government mismanagement and corruption for the alarming coronavirus mortality and infection rates in the enemy country. Among those infected in the United States was Iranian scientist Sirous Asgari, who contracted the virus while in custody of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. Hours before Khameneis address, a mask-wearing Asgari, who has now recovered from the disease, was greeted by his family upon landing in the capital city of Tehran. The case of the Iranian scientist came under particular spotlight as he made a plea to be hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19, complaining about the dirty place where he was being kept. Asgari endured a three-year-long ordeal in US detention, and his return home was made possible nearly seven months after his acquittal on charges related to scientific data theft brought against him by US prosecutors. Both Iranian and American officials have dismissed speculation that the release was secured as part of a possible prisoner swap deal. The Islamic Republic has in the past two years persistently made overtures to US authorities for prisoner swaps. The last of such deals was clinched in December when the release of Princeton graduate Xiyue Wang put an end to the US incarceration of Iranian scientist Masoud Soleimani. The swap was mediated by the Swiss government, which protects American interests in Iran. Eighteen other Iranians are still serving time in US detention centers, mostly for circumventing sanctions. Four Americans held in Iran, on the other hand, have been facing what the Islamic Republic calls security charges. Navy veteran Michael White is one of those US nationals one of among thousands of convicts to which Iran recently granted medical furloughs amid worries about coronavirus transmissions inside its prisons. Nevertheless, White has yet to return home and stays in the care of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran. A man who was prosecuted after he followed an ambulance for a period on the M7 near Naas was fined at Naas District Court on May 27. An allegation of dangerous driving on the route between junction 9 and junction 10 on April 1 2019 was reduced to careless driving against Ghandaga Shafayee, whose address was given as 32 The Orchard, Kilkenny. Sgt Jim Kelly said an off duty garda reported that a car followed an ambulance after pulling out behind the vehicle. He said it appeared the car driver allowed the ambulance to pass and then pulled out. The garda believed the incident was dangerous because of the speed and there was a 60kph limit in place at the time although the driving did not continue for a long time. When the defendant was contacted by the gardai he could not recall the incident very clearly. Defending solicitor Cairbre Finan said no accident occurred and he asked Judge Desmond Zaidan not to disqualify the defendant. Mr Finan said the defendant pulled out in the space left by the ambulance. Ive seen people do this and it has to be marked as a serious matter, Mr Finan added. He said the defendant is aged 30 and had been in direct provision in Ireland since 2005. He said he needs to be able to drive so that he can care for a seven-year-old child. Sgt Kelly said there would be no objection to reducing the allegation to careless driving. A fine of 500 was imposed by Judge Zaidan for careless driving. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday barred Chinese passenger carriers from flying to the United States starting on June 16 as it pressures Beijing to let US air carriers resume flights amid simmering tensions between the world's two largest economies. The move, announced by the US Department of Transportation, penalizes China for failing to comply with an existing agreement on flights between the two countries. US-Chinese relations have soured in recent m onths amid tensions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and Beijing's move to impose new national security legislation for Hong Kong. The order applies to Air China, China Eastern Airlines Corp, China Southern Airlines Co and Hainan Airlines Holding Co, as well as smaller Sichuan Airlines Co and Xiamen Airlines Co. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have asked to resume flights to China this month, even as Chinese carriers have continued US flights during the pandemic. Delta said in a statement on Wednesday that "we support and appreciate the US government's actions to enforce our rights and ensure fairness." United did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China "remains unable" to say when it will revise its rules "to allow US carriers to reinstate scheduled passenger flights," a formal order signed by the Transportation Department's top aviation official Joel Szabat said. "We will allow Chinese carriers to operate the same number of scheduled passenger flights as the Chinese government allows ours," the department said in a separate statement. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Trump administration on May 22 accused China's government of making it impossible for US airlines to resume service to China and ordered four Chinese carriers to file flight schedules with the US government. Charter Flights The Chinese carriers are flying no more than one scheduled round-trip flight a week to the United States but also have flown a significant number of additional charter flights, often to help Chinese students return home. Hainan had planned to fly between New York's JFK airport and Chongqing starting in July, while other carriers have flights to Los Angeles and New York. China Eastern wants to resume additional flights later this year to Chicago and San Francisco. The Trump administration is also cracking down on Chinese passenger airline charter flights and will warn carriers not to expect approvals. The Transportation Department order said the administration believes Chinese carriers are using charter flights to circumvent China's limit of one flight per carrier per week to the United States and "further increasing their advantage over US carriers in providing US-China passenger services." On Jan. 31, the US government barred from entry most non-US citizens who had been in China within the previous 14 days due to the coronavirus crisis but did not impose any restrictions on Chinese flights. Major US carriers voluntarily decided to halt all passenger flights to China in February. Delta and United are flying cargo flights to China. Delta had requested approval for a daily flight to Shanghai Pudong airport from Detroit and Seattle, while United had asked to fly daily to Shanghai Pudong from San Francisco and Newark airport in New Jersey and between San Francisco and Beijing. China's air authority in late March said Chinese airlines could maintain just one weekly passenger flight on one route to any given country and that carriers could fly no more than the number of flights they were flying on March 12, according to the US order. But because US passenger airlines had stopped all flights by March 12, China "effectively precludes US carriers from reinstating scheduled passenger flights to China," the Transportation Department said. Search Keywords: Short link: Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Charlotte Plantive, Paul Handley, Laura Bonilla, Leila Macor (Agence France-Presse) Minneapolis/Washington/New York/Miami, United States Wed, June 3, 2020 13:30 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbc818d 2 World George-Floyd,anti-racism,anti-racism-protests,Racism,US,racial-issues,racial-discrimination,racial-tension,racial-violence Free A week of protests over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis has rocked the United States. Tens of thousands of people, from all ethnic and demographic groups, have taken to streets in cities across the United States to demand an end to police brutality. Below, some of them explain in their own words why they are demonstrating, their experiences of the protests so far, and what they hope America's biggest civil unrest in years will achieve. A student on the front lines Kayla Junaye Johnson is a 21-year-old criminal justice student at Grambling State University in Louisiana. She felt "sick to my stomach" after watching the video that captured police officer Derek Chauvin with his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes and joined protests in Minneapolis. "We saw live murder, there's no way around it. It's awful, and every officer should be charged to the highest degree," she said. "The first protest I made it to the front line on my knees, shouting 'Hands up don't shoot.' I jumped and dodged from at least a few flashbangs from my head. It was very scary at times. "The one time I didn't see a flashbang coming, it struck me in the arm. I ended up getting a second degree burn from the Minneapolis police department. "Personally around police officers, I do not feel comfortable. I hate to say it but they have so much power in the world right now that it's scary anything can happen. "I'd never expected things to go like the way they did this week but I'm not surprised. Being black in America, this is what it does. This is how it affects us. It's sad but this is it." The mother educating her kids Michelle Evans, a forty-something who works in marketing, took her two boys aged four and seven to the scene of Floyd's death, hugging them amid a sea of flowers. Fearing that the protests, which turned violent, were "too dangerous," she expressed her solidarity and anger at the site which has become a memorial to Floyd's life. "My boys, just by who they are, need to know that they have privilege, and that they need to be a part of the solution as they, as they get older," she told AFP. Crying, she denounced the "structural" racism of America. "It's how our country was founded, and it needs to be destroyed and built back up in a way that brings, equity, and inclusion for everyone." A musician who won't be silenced Tyqaun White, a 20-year-old musical theory major at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, has been protesting in New York. "It's gotten to a point where black people are just asking not to be killed. It's just got to stop," he said. "We are angry. People are here dying and in poverty every day. And you want to kill us and just tell us to be quiet? No! We have to go out. "We are treated like animals, this is how black people have been treated for years and years. "I understand why people would break the curfew and protest however they want to protest. "We need to protest forever until this system is completely reversed and changed and built upon equality and freedom. I'm gonna keep fighting as long as I have to." Privileged suburbanites Jeff Austin, a 62-year-old cultural anthropologist and his 17-year-old high school daughter Lily Henry-Austin protested in the wealthy Washington DC suburb of Bethesda. Large demonstrations are rare in the predominately white area, one of the richest in the country and home to power-brokers such as cabinet secretaries, White House staff, lawyers and lobbyists. "It feels like enough is enough and we really need to work on changing our policing, we need to change our society's attitude towards race," said Jeff. "We've had centuries to get it right. We haven't come close yet, but we'll keep trying." "The more people that are involved in trying to counter the current racist attitudes of the nation, the better. There's a role for everyone to play," he added. "As a white woman I have a huge amount of privilege," said Lily. "It hurts me so much to see people who are human not treated as humans. I just couldn't sit at home and do nothing. I'm going to be out here until it changes. I'm not going away." The Latino ex-Marine Hipolito Arriaga, a 36-year-old of Puerto Rican origin born and raised in the Bronx, New York, served as a US Marine in Iraq and spoke to AFP on a march in Miami. "Having served in the military, I thought we were sent overseas to protect the freedom of the people here, meanwhile the police here are treating us like we're in a war zone. "You are trained to see the people, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, as if they were animals, as if they were savages. "The same way, now here in this country they call us thugs. The president now wants to label us as terrorists for accessing our right to speak, our fundamental human right. "They forget that the country was founded in revolution." Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: The West Bengal government on Thursday announced further relaxations in the night curfew restrictions. The restricted timings from 7 pm to 7 am have been extended to 9 pm to 5 am, reports said. Auto refresh feeds Necessary contact tracing is being carried out to identify people the defence secretary may have recently come in contact with. Kumar is the first top bureaucrat to test positive for the infectious disease. "He tested positive but continues to work and look into files from home quarantine," said another official said. Defence secretary Ajay Kumar has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and is under home quarantine, two officials familiar with the development confirmed on Wednesday on the condition of anonymity. Kumar got himself tested for the virus after developing mild fever and was found to be infected, said one of the officials. It found 11.8% of subjects given hydroxychloroquine developed symptoms compatible with COVID-19, compared with 14.3%who got a placebo. That difference was not statistically significant, meaning the drug was no better than placebo. In the first major study comparing hydroxychloroquine to a placebo to gauge its effect against the new coronavirus, University of Minnesota researchers tested 821 people who had recently been exposed to the virus or lived in a high-risk household. Hydroxychloroquine - the malaria drug promoted by US President Donald Trump as a treatment for COVID-19 was ineffective in preventing infection in people exposed to the coronavirus, according to a widely anticipated clinical trial released on Wednesday. India registered a total of 2,07,615 confirmed coronavirus cases with the toll rising to 5,815. An increase of 8,909 COVID19 cases was seen between Tuesday and Wednesday. Of the total 2,376 COVID-19 cases in Punjab, there are 300 active cases as of Wednesday, said chief minister Amarinder Singh. As many as 34 people tested positive for COVID-19 while, 12 patients made recovery from the disease yesterday, said the chief minister. A day after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that borders of Delhi will be sealed for another week, the National Capital registered a spike in COVID-19 cases. The total number of cases in Delhi is now at 23,646. In the teaser of the conversation released on various social media accounts of the party, the Managing Director of Bajaj Auto can be seen talking about the effect of the lockdown on the economy. Rahul Gandhi's dialogue with industrialist Rajiv Bajaj on the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis will be aired on Thursday, the latest in the series of interactions the former Congress chief is having with experts from various fields on the impact of the pandemic. As of Thursday, Mizoram has registered a total 17 coronavirus cases in the state, including 16 active cases, said the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Mizoram. "It is pertinent to mention that most of these students are dependent on their family's income for their educational expenses and therefore it is an additional burden for them to pay the rents for these months of lockdown. It is respectfully submitted that a vast majority of the population of our country is employed in the informal sector; several of their incomes are unstable during this time," the plea said. The plea filed by Students' Federation of India (SFI) said that during the lockdown, many students were compelled to return to their homes due to pandemic. SFI said the students are now getting calls from their landlords to pay the rents. A plea seeking intervention in a case relating to suo motu cognisance of problems faced by migrant labourers stranded in different parts of the country after the COVID-19 lockdown has been filed in the Supreme Court. COVID-19 patients having symptoms suggestive of either ENT or respiratory symptoms, should be seen in separate screening clinic and not in ENT OPD, the health ministry issued the guideline. While, 6,075 lives were claimed by the viral infection so far. In the past 24 hours, India registered 9,304 fresh coronavirus cases and 260 deaths. The total number of COVID-19 cases across the nation was now at 2,16,919 including 1,06,737 active cases, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday. Of the total 2,16,919 COVID-19 cases across the nation as many as 1,04,107 patients were cured of the viral disease, said the health ministry on Thursday. This took India's COVID-19 recovery rate to 47.99 percent. Of the total 42,42,718 COVID-19 samples tested so far, 1,39,485 samples have been tested in the past 24 hours, according to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Two more people who recently arrived in Meghalaya from other states have tested positive for COVID-19, taking the state's overall count to 33, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said. India has been in a draconian lockdown since coronavirus outbreak, said industrialist Rajiv Bajaj on Thursday during interaction with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on economic impact during pandemic. India has received the worst of both worlds. The porous lockdown in India has been unable to prevent people from COVID-19 but at the same time has left the economy decimated, said Rajiv Bajaj while speaking to Congress' Rahul Gandhi on the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis. "Living with the coronavirus is the new narrative of the government, but people will take a lot of time for people to accept it. We looked at coronavirus the way we did because this affected the rich and powerful. But many thousands die of diarrhea every year, no one says anything about it," said Rajiv Bajaj on Thursday on COVID-19 outbreak. India has been unable to reduce the COVID-19 growth rate while, the quasi hard lockdown has flattened the wrong curve. The GDP curve has been flattened, said Rajiv Bajaj while speaking to Congress' Rahul Gandhi on the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis. With 22 more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Nagaland, the state registered an overall count of 80 cases so far. State health minister S Pangnyu Phom informed on Thursday that all 22 had recently returned from Chennai. Of the total, there are 1053 active cases in the state. After 90 more individuals tested COVID-19 positive in Odisha, a total of 2,478 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in the state on Thursday, according to Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Odisha. "Weekend shutdown has been imposed by Government on all Saturdays and Sundays during the month of June, 2020 in the Districts of Ganjam, Puri, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore and Balangir with relaxation for only emergency and public services," an official release by Information & Public Relations Department, Odisha said. All schools, colleges, educational institutions, training institutions/coaching centres shall remain shut till 31 July in the view of the coronavirus outbreak. The Odisha government has imposed 'weekend shutdown' in the month of June in the districts of Ganjam, Puri, Nayagarh, Khorda, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore and Balangir with relaxation only for emergency and public services. Besides, the death toll also went up to 145 as four more people, including a 75-year-old man, succumbed to the viral infection in different hospitals here in the last two days, the official said. Till Wednesday, 3,597 cases were reported in Indore, which is one of the worst affected by the deadly disease in the country. As many as 36 new cases came to light in the last 24 hours, raising the district's tally to 3,633. The number of COVID-19 cases in Indore rose to 3,633 after 36 more people tested positive for the disease in the Madhya Pradesh district in last 24 hours, a health department official said on Thursday. Rajasthan reports 68 new COVID-19 positive cases till 10:30 AM on Thursday, taking the total number of cases 9,720. The number of active cases stand at 2692, according to the sate health department. The company also does not see any "specific challenge in terms of its capital or financial resources" or any "significant deviation in profitability", Nestle India said in a regulatory filing. FMCG major Nestle India on Thursday said the impact of coronavirus pandemic on its business operations has not been "materially adverse" so far and the company will continue to evaluate the consequences of the health crisis and subsequent lockdown as the situation evolves. The central bank had in an affidavit said lenders will lose around Rs 2 lakh crore if interest is waived during the loan moratorium, which has been extended till 31 August. "RBI trying to sensationalize the issue by leaking to the media," the Supreme Court said, as quoted by CNBC-TV18. The economic aspect is not higher than health of the people, the Supreme Court told the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the interest waiver case. The Supreme Court directs Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana to evolve a common policy for the movement of commuters, reports ANI. After three more COVID-19 patients succumbed to the viral disease the toll in the state climbed to 71. Andhra Pradesh registered a total of 3,377 COVID-19 cases on Thursday after 98 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, said the state's COVID-19 nodal officer. The labs will not be allowed to test samples anymore, with effect from Thursday. Health officials in Delhi launch an inquiry against eight labs for collecting COVID-19 samples against the Indian Council of Medical Researchs (ICMR) protocol, ANI reported. This is the states biggest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh. While, the toll stands at two. With 86 more individuals testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Chhattisgarh, the state's total number of confirmed cases climbed to 680 on Thursday, reported PTI. "Colleges will reopen in August with first-year commencing from September. Universities will take rest of the decisions," the eductaion minister said. Haryana Education Minister Kanwar Pal said schools in the state will reopen in a phased manner in July with 50 percent strength. He further said that the government will organise demo classes to prepare for the reopening. ICMR wrote to the WHO citing differences in dosage standards between Indian and international trials. CSIR DG Shekhar Mande said WHO's decision to stall the trails of malarial drug Hydroxychloroquine was taken in haste and the global body should have analysed the data before making the decision. The Centre told the apex court that the payment of wages to workers during this lockdown period is a matter between employers and employees. It further said that it would not interfere. In contrast, the Centre had earlier directed payment of full wages during the lockdown. The Supreme Court, while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notification on payment of wages, observed that some negotiations have to happen between employers and workers to iron out what has to be done for the salary for these 54 days. The Centre, in the affidavit said, the notification on 29 March was not a permanent measure, and it has already been withdrawn. "It is further emphasised and reiterated that the said directions (29 March order) were issued by Union of India as a temporary measure to mitigate the financial hardship of the employees and workers specially contractual and casual during the lockdown period", said the Centre. The Centre on Thursday informed the Supreme Court that its 29 March notification on full payment of wages to workers by their employers during the lockdown was not unconstitutional, instead it was a measure taken to prevent perpetration of financial crisis within the lower strata of the society, labourers and salaried employees. The order was passed by the Bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, SK Kaul and MR Shah. The apex court also reserved its order on the validity of the MHA notification for 12 June, reported Bar and Bench . The Supreme Court on Thursday directed that no coercive action can be taken against employers for violation of Ministry of Home Affairs' 29 March order compelling payment of wages to employees amid the COVID-19 lockdown. The Supreme Court on Thursday directed a Mumbai-based lawyer to deposit Rs 25 lakh with the apex court registry, which he has offered for the travel of migrant workers from Mumbai to their native places in Uttar Pradesh. A migrant worker who returned to Uttar Pradesh from Gujarat died of the novel coronavirus at a health facility in the states Banda district, reported PTI. Haryana's COVID-19 nodal officer, Dr Dhruva Chaudhary and and his daughter, who is also a doctor, test positive for the novel coronavirus in Rohtak district, reported PTI. Uttarakhand reported 60 new COVID-19 positive cases, taking the total number of cases to 1,145, said the Directorate of Medical Health and Family Welfare, Uttarakhand. Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday accused the Centre-run Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) hospital of delaying coronavirus test reports. "70 percent of people are dying within 24 hours of reaching the hospital as their test reports come in 5-7 days. This is absolutely wrong, reports should come within 24 hours," said Jain. Maharashtra minister and Congress leader Ashok Chavan was discharged from hospital after recovering from the coronavirus infection, PTI reported. He had tested positive for the infection last month. However, media reports claimed that the number of foreign nationals who have been blacklisted for their involvement in Tablighi Jamaat activities could be much higher at around 2,200. The MHA blacklisted around 1,000 foreign Tablighi Jamaat members on Thursday and banned their entry into India for 10 years, news agency PTI quoted officials as saying. 40 new COVID-19 cases reported in Goa today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 166 including 109 active cases and 57 recovered: State Health Department "Preferably separate entry and exits for guests, staff and goods/supplies shall be organized. Maintaining physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet, when queuing up for entry and inside the hotel as far as feasible. Details of the guest (travel history, medical condition etc.) along with ID and self-declaration form must be provided by the guest at the reception," the Union health ministry said. Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday claimed the number of COVID-19 cases in West Bengal is rising due to poor facilities at quarantine centres; says situation is so bad that if a normal person is quarantined at a centre, he or she is bound to get infected 127 new COVID-19 cases reported in the state, taking the total number of cases in the state to 3147: Telangana Health Department "The MLA from Patel Nagar constituency has self-quarantined himself. According to sources, Anand underwent COVID-19 test yesterday and tested positive for virus today," India Today reported. The Delhi government said that 1,359 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, total number of cases is now 25,004. The toll stands at 650. There are 14,456 active cases. 94 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Bihar on Thursday, taking the total to 4,420. "Three deaths were also recorded, taking the overall death toll in the state to 28," News18 reported. Delhi government on Thursday issued list of private hospitals having bed strength of 50 beds or more, which were allotted land at concessional rates by land owning agencies and are under obligation to provide 10 percent IPD and 25 percent OPD free of charge to EWS category,to reserve beds for EWS patients with coronavirus. Punjab government has written to the Centre for trains to bring back workers who left due to coronavirus crisis as increasing number of industrial units are resuming operations, the state industries minister Sunder Sham Arora said. "The Rail Bhavan reported two more coronavirus cases, taking the tally of those infected at the railway headquarters to 11," News18 reported. Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: The West Bengal government on Thursday announced further relaxations in the night curfew restrictions. The restricted timings from 7 pm to 7 am have been extended to 9 pm to 5 am, reports said. The MHA blacklisted around 1,000 foreign Tablighi Jamaat members on Thursday and banned their entry into India for 10 years, news agency PTI quoted officials as saying. However, media reports claimed that the number of foreign nationals who have been blacklisted for their involvement in Tablighi Jamaat activities could be much higher at around 2,200. Maharashtra minister and Congress leader Ashok Chavan was discharged from hospital after recovering from the coronavirus infection, PTI reported. He had tested positive for the infection last month. Over 2,500 Maharashtra Police personnel have tested positive for the novel coronavirus so far while 30 have died of the viral infection, PTI reported on Thursday. The Supreme Court on Thursday directed a Mumbai-based lawyer to deposit Rs 25 lakh with the apex court registry, which he has offered for the travel of migrant workers from Mumbai to their native places in Uttar Pradesh. A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MR Shah directed that lawyer Sagheer Ahmed Khan deposit the amount. The Supreme Court on Thursday directed that no coercive action can be taken against employers for violation of Ministry of Home Affairs' 29 March order compelling payment of wages to employees amid the COVID-19 lockdown. The apex court also reserved its order on the validity of the MHA notification for 12 June, reported Bar and Bench. The order was passed by the Bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, SK Kaul and MR Shah. The Centre on Thursday informed the Supreme Court that its 29 March notification on full payment of wages to workers by their employers during the lockdown was not unconstitutional, instead it was a measure taken to prevent perpetration of financial crisis within the lower strata of the society, labourers and salaried employees. The Centre, in the affidavit said, the notification on 29 March was not a permanent measure, and it has already been withdrawn. "It is further emphasised and reiterated that the said directions (29 March order) were issued by Union of India as a temporary measure to mitigate the financial hardship of the employees and workers specially contractual and casual during the lockdown period", said the Centre. Haryana Education Minister Kanwar Pal said schools in the state will reopen in a phased manner in July with 50 percent strength. He further said that the government will organise demo classes to prepare for the reopening. "Colleges will reopen in August with first-year commencing from September. Universities will take rest of the decisions," the eductaion minister said. The Supreme Court directs Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana to evolve a common policy for the movement of commuters, reports ANI. The Odisha government has imposed 'weekend shutdown' in the month of June in the districts of Ganjam, Puri, Nayagarh, Khorda, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore and Balangir with relaxation only for emergency and public services. All schools, colleges, educational institutions, training institutions/coaching centres shall remain shut till 31 July in the view of the coronavirus outbreak. "Weekend shutdown has been imposed by Government on all Saturdays and Sundays during the month of June, 2020 in the Districts of Ganjam, Puri, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore and Balangir with relaxation for only emergency and public services," an official release by Information & Public Relations Department, Odisha said. In the past 24 hours, India registered 9,304 fresh coronavirus cases and 260 deaths. The total number of COVID-19 cases across the nation was now at 2,16,919 including 1,06,737 active cases, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday. While, 6,075 lives were claimed by the viral infection so far. India has been unable to reduce the COVID-19 growth rate while, the quasi hard lockdown has flattened the wrong curve. The GDP curve has been flattened, said Rajiv Bajaj while speaking to Congress' Rahul Gandhi on the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis. India has received the worst of both worlds. The porous lockdown in India has been unable to prevent people from COVID-19 but at the same time has left the economy decimated, said Rajiv Bajaj while speaking to Congress' Rahul Gandhi on the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis. In the past 24 hours, India registered 9,304 fresh coronavirus cases and 260 deaths. The total number of COVID-19 cases across the nation was now at 2,16,919 including 1,06,737 active cases, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday. While, 6,075 lives were claimed by the viral infection so far. A plea seeking intervention in a case relating to suo motu cognisance of problems faced by migrant labourers stranded in different parts of the country after the COVID-19 lockdown has been filed in the Supreme Court. The plea filed by Students' Federation of India (SFI) said that during the lockdown, many students were compelled to return to their homes due to pandemic. SFI said the students are now getting calls from their landlords to pay the rents. "It is pertinent to mention that most of these students are dependent on their family's income for their educational expenses and therefore it is an additional burden for them to pay the rents for these months of lockdown. It is respectfully submitted that a vast majority of the population of our country is employed in the informal sector; several of their incomes are unstable during this time," the plea said. Rahul Gandhi's dialogue with industrialist Rajiv Bajaj on the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis will be aired on Thursday, the latest in the series of interactions the former Congress chief is having with experts from various fields on the impact of the pandemic. In the teaser of the conversation released on various social media accounts of the party, the Managing Director of Bajaj Auto can be seen talking about the effect of the lockdown on the economy. Defence secretary Ajay Kumar has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and is under home quarantine, two officials familiar with the development confirmed on Wednesday on the condition of anonymity. Kumar got himself tested for the virus after developing mild fever and was found to be infected, said one of the officials. "He tested positive but continues to work and look into files from home quarantine," said another official said. India registered a record jump of 8,909 novel coronavirus cases, pushing the total number of such infections to 2,07,615 on Wednesday, while the toll rose to 5,815 with 217 more deaths, according to the Union health ministry. States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Delhi, which have a high case load, continued to report more infections, while new cases also emerged in several eastern and north-eastern states including Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Sikkim. The health ministry said it has boosted the COVID-19 testing capacity to around 1.4 lakh per day. 8,909 new cases, 217 deaths reported in 24 hours In its morning update, the health ministry said that the country had reported 8,909 new patients and 217 fatalities in the 24 hours since 8 am on Tuesday. With this the total number of cases in the country climbed to 2,07,615 and the toll rose to 5,815. As many as 1,00,302 people have recovered, while one has migrated and the number of active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is now 1,01,497, said the ministry.Around 48.31 percent of the patients have recovered so far, a ministry official said. As many as 7,123 cases ae being reassigned to states, it said. Of the 217 more deaths since Tuesday morning, 103 were in Maharashtra, 33 in Delhi, 29 in Gujarat, 13 in Tamil Nadu and 10 in West Bengal, Six more people died from the pathogen in Madhya Pradesh, followed by five each in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, and four in Telangana, There were two deaths each in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, and one each in Kerala, Chandigarh, Ladakh, Punjab and Uttarakhand. Of the total 5,815 fatalities, Maharashtra accounts for 2,465 deaths followed by 1,092 in Gujarat and 556 in Delhi. In Madhya Pradesh, 364 people have died so far, followed by 335 in West Bengal, 222 in Uttar Pradesh and 203 in Rajasthan. Tamil Nadu has registered 197 deaths so far, while there have been 92 fatalities in Telangana and 64 in Andhra Pradesh. Fifty-two people have succumbed to the infection in Karnataka, followed by 46 in Punjab, 33 in Jammu and Kashmir, and 24 in Bihar. Haryana has registered 23 fatalities, while the toll in Kerala is 11. There have been seven deaths each in Odisha and Uttarakhand. Five COVID-19 fatalities each have been reported from Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Jharkhand, while four have died in Assam. A person each has died due to the pandemic in Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh and Ladakh, according to the data. More than 70 percent of the deaths are due to comorbidities,said the ministry. The health ministry also said that the number of COVID-19 tests across the country has crossed the 40 lakh-mark, while the daily testing capacity has been ramped up to 1.4 lakh through 480 government and 208 private laboratories. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu report most new cases Many states reported an increase in both infections and deaths arising from it through the day and a PTI tally based on figures releases by state and UT governments put the aggregate number of cases in India till 9.30 pm at 2,09,163. According to the news agency, 5, 996 have been reported in the country so far while a total of 1,03,460 persons have recovered from the disease. India is the seventh worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic after the US, Brazil, Russia, the UK, Spain and Italy. The infection which first emerged in China in December last year has now affected 62,87,771 people across the world and has claimed 3,79,941 lives, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 tracker. Of the total number of cases reported in India till date, nearly 1 lakh new cases having emerged in a span of 15 days. The first COVID-19 case in India was detected on 30 January. COVID-19 fatalities in worst-affected Maharashtra spiked by 122 on Wednesday, the highest in a single day, including 49 from worst-hit Mumbai, taking the death toll to 2,587, the state health department said. The number of cases shot up by 2,560 to 74,860, it said. "Of the 122 deaths, 60 fatalities were reported from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including 49 from Mumbai alone," the statement said. Mumbai now accounts for 43,492 COVID-19 cases of the total 74,860 cases in the state with 1,417 deaths. A total of 996 patients were discharged from hospitals in the day, taking the tally of the recovered cases to 32,329 so far, a statement said. The spread of the virus also continued in Tamil Nadu, with the state reporting more than a thousand cases , including an all-time single-day high in the capital city, for the fourth straight day on Wednesday, taking the total infection count to 25,872. The state also reported 11 more COVID-19 deaths, taking the toll to 208. Of the 1,286 new positive cases, which is also a new single-day high for the state, as many as 15 were returnees from abroad and 27 from other states, while Chennai accounted for 1,012 of the fresh infections, its highest in a day so far, a health department bulletin said. In Goa, as many as 40 people from a COVID-19 containment zone in Goa tested positive for the disease on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said while attributing the "local transmission" to one family. The family members consulted a private medical practitioner after developing COVID-19 symptoms, instead of going to a testing centre, he said. Kerala reported its highest single-day spike of 86 cases, taking its tally to 1,494. Those having tested positive included a doctor and four health workers. More than 1.6 lakh people are under observation in the state. Among the new cases, 53 people had come from abroad and 19 from other states, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters after a COVID-19 evaluation meeting. In the north, Himachal Pradesh's remote Kinnaur district reported its first two cases after a couple tested positive after returning from Delhi. Barring Lahaul-Spiti, now 11 of the 12 districts in the state have COVID-19 cases. Uttarakhand also saw 23 more people testing positive, taking its tally to 1,066. According to the state government bulletin, the people who tested positive had travelled to Delhi, Aligarh, Mumbai and Hyderabad. As the number of infections among those returning from other states has continued to rise, the state government has extended the quarantine period to 21 days for those returning from the country's 75 worst-hit cities. According to an order issued by Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, people returning from the 75 highly infected cities will be quarantined at an institutional facility for a week. Thereafter, they will be home quarantined for 14 days. In Nagaland, nine more people tested positive and all of them had returned to the state last month in a migrant special train. In Sikkim, a man who returned from Delhi recently tested positive, becoming the second case of COVID-19 in the hill state. Megalaya and Mizoram also saw new cases among those having returned from other states. Assam recorded 111 new cases, while Odisha reported 143 more cases. Karnataka recorded 367 new cases and 168 new cases emerged in Madhya Pradesh. Gujarat's tally of confirmed cases rose by 485 to reach 18,117, while its death toll increased by 30 to 1,122. AIIMS Nurses' Union continues protest for third day In the National Capital, a five-member committee has been constituted by the Delhi government to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and look into overall preparedness of hospitals to battle COVID-19. In the meantime, a protest by the AIIMS Nurses' Union over their working conditions entered the third day. The premier medical institution in the National Capital has seen at least 329 staff members having tested positive for COVID-19 so far, of which 47 are nursing staff. In a letter to AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria, the nurses body has put forward a number of demands including implementation of a uniform four-hour shift with personal protective equipment in COVID-19 areas of the hospital, a uniform rotation policy between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas, and establishment of proper donning and doffing area. With inputs from PTI The Central Railway has rescheduled, diverted and regulated some trains from Mumbai due to cyclonic storm Nisarga, which is expected to make a landfall in Maharashtra's Alibaug today afternoon. Five special trains departing from Mumbai have been rescheduled, diverted and regulated and three special trains are either likely to be diverted or regulated enroute, according to a Central Railway Public Relations release accessed by the PTI. According to this release, the following trains have been rescheduled: 02542 LTT- Gorakhpur special will depart at 8 pm instead of 11: 10 am 06345 LTT- Thiruvananthapuram special at 6 pm instead of 11: 40 am 01061 LTT- Darbhanga special will depart from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) at 8 pm instead of 3: 05 pm. 01094 Varanasi-CSMT special is scheduled to arrive at 02;15 pm. This train will be regulated enroute and is behind schedule. 01071 LTT-Varanasi special train will leave at 9 pm on June 3 instead of 12: 15pm. 03201 Patna-LTT special is slated to arrive at 11:30 am on June 3. The train has been regulated enroute and is behind schedule. 01019 CMST- Bhubhaneswar Special will depart from the CSMT at 8 pm instead of 12: 15pm. 06436 Thriuvananthapuram-LTT special slated to arrive at 4:40 pm will be diverted via Pune and will arrive at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) behind schedule. Currently, the cyclonic storm's position is 155 km south-southwest of Alibaug and 200 km south-southwest of Mumbai. Nisarga will cause heavy to very heavy rainfall and will impact the areas of north Maharashtra and adjoining South Gujarat coast between Harihareshwar and Daman with wind speed reaching between 100-110 kmph all the way upto 120 kmph. (Edited with agency inputs) Also read: Cyclone Nisarga LIVE Updates: Severe cyclone 200km from Mumbai; to hit Alibaug at 1pm-3pm Also read: Cyclone Nisagra Update: What's current position of severe cyclone Nisagra? Check out the details The U.S. defense department said Tuesday it has accepted South Korea's proposal to fund the labor costs for all Koreans working for the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) amid their stalled defense cost-sharing talks. Around 4,000 employees were placed on unpaid leave starting April 1 amid the protracted stalemate in negotiations to work out a new Special Measures Agreement (SMA) that stipulates how much Seoul would pay for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong USFK. "The Department of Defense has accepted the Republic of Korea's (ROK) proposal to fund the labor costs for all U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Korean National (KN) employees through the end of 2020," the U.S. Department of Defense said in a release. "USFK expects all KN employees to return to work no later than mid-June," it added. The defense cost-sharing negotiations have been deadlocked after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Seoul's offer as insufficient. Officials said Washington has asked Seoul to pay $1.3 billion per year, a nearly 50 percent increase from last year, while Seoul says its best offer stands at a 13 percent increase. (Yonhap) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Alleged mob-boss killer Anthony Comello has been deemed mentally unfit for trial. Prosecutors and the defense confirmed the recent findings during a remote conference on Wednesday in state Supreme Court, St. George. In general, a determination of mental incompetence means the defendant cant aid in his defense and doesnt understand the charges against him. Justice William E. Garnett ordered Comello, 25, transferred to a state Office of Mental Health facility for further evaluation, said Mario Romano, Comellos new lawyer. A court update is scheduled for July 13. A trial date has not been set. Romano declined further comment. In past cases, sources have said it is not unusual for defendants initially deemed unfit to be able to participate in the case after further evaluation. Prosecutors allege Comello, 25, fatally shot Gambino crime family boss Francesco (Franky Boy) Cali, 53, outside Calis Hilltop Terrace home on March 13, 2019. The Eltingville resident is charged with murder and criminal weapon possession. Authorities have not publicly commented on a possible motive. In court papers, Robert Gottlieb, Comellos former lawyer, contends the defendant was deluded by conspiracy theories and was defending himself when he shot the victim. Comello drove to Calis house to affect a citizens arrest on the mob boss, maintains the defenses court filings. Comello believed Cali held a significant status in a worldwide criminal cabal bent on the destruction of American values and the American way of life, a defense motion contends. That alleged criminal conspiracy group is commonly referred to as the Deep State. According to the motion, Comello planned to handcuff Cali and deliver him to the military. The two men began arguing, and Comello shot Cali in self-defense when the victim made a furtive action with his hand, allege the defendants court filings. In a videotaped interview with a detective after his arrest, Comello gave conflicting and sometimes bizarre accounts of the shooting during the course of the three-and-a-half-hour interrogation. In fact, at the end of the February court conference, he launched into a strange, rambling 20-second monologue in which he said his phone had contained information on human sex trafficking and drug smuggling. Then, in quick succession, Comello referenced Australia, Russia and Ukraine, as well as Operation Mockingbird, without further details. The latter is an alleged large-scale CIA program dating to the 1950s which attempted to manipulate the news media for propaganda purposes. They could be interesting to potential investors, President suggests. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a number of projects soon to be presented, poised to help attract tourists to different Ukrainian regions. While on a working trip to Khmelnytsky region, Zelensky noted the importance of developing Ukrainian tourism, the President's Office reports. A number of regional projects set to be presented could be interesting for investors, Zelensky suggests. "On Tourism. Tomorrow we will be visiting Kamianets-Podilskyi, along with representatives of tour operators and air carriers. This is one of the old and really attractive towns. We will meet there and discuss the said topics. This is one of the main issues," the president said. Read alsoUkraine International Airlines resuming flights between Kyiv and Odesa as quarantine eases "There are several programs we're currently developing. These are 'magnets' the so-called magnets of attraction for particular regions of our country," Zelensky said. As UNIAN reported earlier, today, June 3, President Zelensky arrived on a two-day working trip in Khmelnytsky region. Twelve more properties linked to former police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri have now been identified and the State wants these added to the list of frozen properties pending the outcome of investigations into charges that he diverted over US$32 million of public funds into family companies. Chihuri is accused of diverting police funds and buying a large swathe of property, which the State now wants frozen pending the final outcome of possible criminal cases and civil suits. Recently, Prosecutor-General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi filed an application at the High Court seeking the freeze of 11 immovable properties and an assortment of vehicles and farm equipment. While the application was pending at court, investigators unearthed 12 more houses and stands worth millions of dollars, which they believe could have been financed from diverted police funds. Chihuri is under investigation for criminal abuse of office, money laundering, theft and fraud. Mr Hodzi accuses Chihuri of establishing a syndicated criminal mafia meant to siphon public funds for his personal benefit and that of his cronies. This would have entailed externalisation of money and money laundering abroad, he said. Mr Hodzi contends that Chihuri established the companies in connivance with his relatives for the alleged purposes of siphoning funds from the Zimbabwe Republic Polices revolving fund held under CBZ Account number 0212050619002. Chihuri, his wife Isobel Halima Khan Chihuri, daughter Samantha Hamadziripi Chihuri, and son Ethan Takudzwa Augustine Chihuri were listed as the respondents in the application along with relatives Aitken and Netsai Khan and six companies: Croxile Investments, Adamah Enterprises, Mastermedia (Pvt) Ltd, Mastaw Investments, Rash Marketing and Rewstand Enterprises. The 12 newly-identified properties the State wants added to the frozen list are: 10 Stafford Road, Mt Pleasant, Harare 1 Bure Close, Stathaven, Harare. 8 St Aubins Close, Chisipite, Harare. 29 Carsberg Avenue, Alexandra Park, Harare. Lot 3 of Plot 4 of Juliasdale in the name of Ethan Augustine Chihuri and Samantha Chihuri. Lot 28 Chisipite Township of Chisipite in the name of Samantha Chihuri. 828 Mt Pleasant Township of Mt Pleasant, in the name of Nicole Tawonga Chihuri. 14453 Bulawayo Township of Stand 15038 Bulawayo Township in the name of Augustine Chihuri. 571 Zengeza Township in the name of Augustine Chihuri. Lot 7A of the Ranche in the name of Abigail Makono nee Billie (a co-director of Rewstand Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd cited with both her and the company already cited as respondents. 18848 Harare Township of Salisbury Township in the name of Abigail Makono nee Billie. 5346 Mufakose Township in the name of Beaular Billie. (a co-director of Rewstand Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd and already listed as a respondent). The list of newly-discovered immovable properties has since been added on the already identified properties through an amended draft order. Initially the State had identified the following 11 immovable properties: Seven residential stands at Police Heights on Gletwin Farm in north-east Harare; 9 hectares at Fishponds in Lomagundi district (Deed of Transfer 3177/90); Stand 231 in Athlone in Greendale (Deed 1214/85) measuring 4 639 square metres; and 431 Quinnington in Borrowdale (5284/14) measuring 5 500 square metres. During his 25 years at the helm of the police, Chihuri and his family acquired a lot of property and other assets. Isobel Chihuri, according to the State, is the managing director for Mastaw Investments, which received US$3 823 285 from ZRP General Headquarters after giving an allegedly fake business address. Rewstand Enterprises received US$10 401 500 from ZRP despite using an allegedly fake address. Investigations by the police found a different company operating from that address, said Mr Hodzi. Nodpack Investments (Pvt) Ltd of Bure Close in Strathaven, Harare, whose directorship includes Clever Nziramasanga and had Isobel Halim Chihuri as general manager, allegedly received US$5 766 252,31 from the police. But, said Mr Hodzi, this address was a residential property for a Mrs Marange who does not know Nodpack, raising strong suspicion that the address was fake. Croxile Investments (Pvt) Ltd of 8 St Aubins Walk in Chisipite received US$1 892 040 from the police, with Vanessa Madalisto Banda listed as director and Isobel Chihuri as general manager. But the property owner is a Mr Matongo who does not know about Croxile. ZRP also released US$10 575 732 to Adamah Enterprises Pvt Ltd of 29 Carsberg Avenue in Alexandra Park in Harare. Isobel Chihuri is also general manager of this company with Nelia Mafunga listed as director. But investigations found this address belonged to another company called Brightcoast Construction owned by Clever Nziramasanga. Mastermedia (Pvt) Ltd, according to the State, is owned by Isobel Khan Chihuri and it received US$1 073 038.08 from the ZRP Revolving Fund from January 5, 2016 to February 9, 2017. Rash Marketing, which is owned by a CBZ employee called Shingirai Maponga and his spouse Sharon Maponga nee Tiyani, received US$764 370 from November 14, 2016 to December 12, 2016. The companies won orders for the supply of goods and services without going to tender. Besides the company dealings, the State is keen for Chihuri to explain his property holdings. Four vehicles are also listed under assets that need explanation. Two combine harvesters, six tractors, two planters, three motorbikes and a boom spray were found at Chihuris farms at Shamva and Darwendale. Herald NORWOOD A man has been arrested after the windows of two businesses in Norwood were damaged on Tuesday morning. Peterborough County OPP were called after a business on County Road 45 reported that windows had been smashed. Officers arrived and found a second business also had damaged windows, police said. An arrest was made in the area. William Bradshaw, 38, of Asphodel-Norwood Township was charged with two counts of mischief. He is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on Aug. 11. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Less than 24 hours after President Trump said he was prepared to send troops into cities across America, senior officials in the Pentagon began to try to distance themselves from those words and from the idea itself, underscoring that not one governor had requested additional military assistance from Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Trump has for days pushed state leaders to take a tougher stance against antifa protesters, saying on a call with governors Monday that if they did not mass arrest protesters they would end up looking like a bunch of jerks. Then, Monday evening, the president took it a step further. Police surrounding Lafayette Park in D.C. cleared protesters with tear gas as the president walked through to St. Johns Episcopal Church to pose for a photo op, with the Bible. He declared himself the president of law and order and said he would take all the necessary steps to suppress the unrest sweeping the country. I have strongly recommended to every governor to deploy the national guard in sufficient numbers. If a city or a 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, he added. Protesters Tear-Gassed for Trump Law and Order Photo Op Esper, along with other cabinet secretaries, stood next to the president during the remarks in the park after participating in an hour-long call with governors in which he said they needed to dominate the battlespace to quell the protests. But three senior Pentagon officials who spoke with The Daily Beast said they viewed the secretarys comments on the call as a way to publicly show support for the president. They did not expect the department to actually implement a plan that would reflect the presidents rhetoric and force additional troops upon the states. (More than 20,000 national guard troops already have been deployed to assist local law enforcement during protests.) Story continues These Pentagon officials added that it was the White House, not the Defense Department, that was pushing for active military might in the streets. A senior DOD official said it was the White House that requested military helicopters fly low over protesters in D.C. and that it was part of a broader request from the Trump team that the national guard ramp up its presence in the city. The Associated Press was the first to report about the military flyover being connected to a request from President Trump. Additionally, the president has pressed aides and Pentagon officials for graphic details on the kind of armored vehicles, military units, aircraft, and even tanks that they could potentially send to maintain order in U.S. areas rocked by protests and rioting, according to two people familiar with recent discussions. One of the sources, a senior administration official, insisted that the president wasnt ordering tanks to roll down the streets, but was inquiring about the kind of hardware that could be used in military shows of force, and at one point Trump threw out the word tanks. I think that is just one of the military words he knows, this official said. The Pentagon did not comment on the record for this story. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. The discomfort from inside the Pentagon shows the extent to which Trumps own Defense Department is trying to actively avoid direct involvement in the administrations plans to force local authorities to accept active military personnel for increased protest control. It also raises questions about how Trump plans to carry out his promises of coercing states to accept military assistance when officials inside the Pentagon are rebuking the idea, claiming it circumvents the normal process for governors formally requesting assistance. (Normally, one senior Department of Defense official said, a governor files a formal request with the Pentagon asking for active-duty troops to assist. The Defense Secretary evaluates the request and either chooses to accept it, modify it, or reject it.) That would not be something the [Defense] Secretary would be in a position to do, one senior official said, referring to Trumps desire for the Pentagon to pressure states to accept active military troops for help in controlling their streets. This would go against the norms of how we normally handle requests for assistance during civil unrest, another senior official said. However, if Trump invokes the Insurrection Act, he could unilaterally make the decision to send troops to states. The act empowers the president, in cases of unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States, to direct the military to suppress the rebellion. The idea of the president using the Insurrection Act was first proposed publicly by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), who seemed to introduce it on a whim on social media. Members of his team on Monday said he had not discussed it with the administration. Another defense official said the Defense Secretarys team was unaware that the president would be announcing new measures to try to convince local and state officials to accept military deployments. There was no communication within the department that this was something we were going to be working on, the second defense official said. But less than eight hours later, Trump took to the podium in Lafayette Park, seemingly promising to invoke it if he felt it was necessary. As of Tuesday afternoon, Trump had not invoked the Insurrection Act. And no states had formally requested assistance from the Defense Department. But the threat of Trump enacting the Insurrection Act has some state officials on edge. Two officials with knowledge of the situation told The Daily Beast that at least three governors of states experiencing large-scale protests contacted the Trump administration requesting that it not push them to accept active military personnel, claiming it would only inflame tensions on the ground. In some instances, states have seen clashes between protesters and police slow. In Tennessee, for example, police put down their riot shields at the request of protesters as the group moved slowly toward them. On Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he had pushed back on the presidents request that he take the step to deploy the national guard, saying there was no need for more forces on the ground when the New York City Police Department had enough officers to control the situation. And New York Attorney General Letitia James said the state was prepared to go to court to stop the administration from sending military forces to the state. In rare occurrences in this country has civil unrest resulted in the deployment of active duty military personnel. It has caused huge challenges because those individuals arent trained and equipped to deal with quelling civil disorder. And it can cause operational confusion, said John Cohen, the former deputy under secretary for intelligence and analysis at the Department of Homeland Security. The military also operates under very different rules of engagement than police. Their job is basically to identify an enemy, engage that enemy and potentially kill that enemy. Thats not necessarily that philosophy you want individuals operating under when they are in the situation were in today. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) on Tuesday said he would offer an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would bar the federal government from using the military against peaceful protests. The President is trying to turn the American military against American citizens who are peacefully protesting on domestic soil, which they have every right to do. Im not going to stand for it, Kaine said. I never thought we would have to use the NDAA to make clear that the U.S. military shouldnt be used as an agent of force against American citizens who are lawfully assembling. I thought that would seem obvious to everyone. Even without an amendment, the Pentagon on Tuesday insisted that it does not want active-duty troops out on American streets. Trump has described Army Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as in charge of the administrations response to the protests, but a senior Pentagon official said Tuesday that Milley merely remains an adviser to the president. The official downplayed Espers jarring description of American cities as a battlespaceone that earned Esper a rebuke from a former Joint Special Operations Command chiefas reflecting no more than his tendency to use military terminology. Pentagon officials also suggested that Milley and Esper were not aware that park police and law enforcement had made a decision to clear the square of protesters, as one put it to reporters. Esper later reiterated that in an interview with NBC News late Tuesday: I didnt know where I was going, he said. He said he believed they were going to see some damage caused by the protests and talk to the troops. In their telling of what happened at Lafayette Park, both men arrived at the White House on Monday afternoon after a meeting of a response task force hosted by the FBI that included Attorney General William Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray. Trump made the decision to inspect the National Guardsmen deployed to the park, a senior Pentagon official said, and once they began to walk off the White House grounds, [Milley and Esper] continued with him. Both Milley and Esper have been slammed for taking part in the photo op. Milley was accused of acting as a prop. And a former defense official accused Esper of violating his oath to defend the Constitution by going along with Trumps photo-op. James N. Miller, the U.S. undersecretary of Defense for policy from 2012 to 2014, announced in an op-ed Tuesday that he was resigning from the Pentagons science board and urged the defense secretary to consider closely his actions in the Trump administration. All of us would like to stay in a National Guard capacity, a senior defense official said. But Pentagon officials cautioned that active-duty forcesa mix of military police and engineering units from Forts Bragg and Drumare on shortened alert status outside the Washington, D.C. area, though not in any states. Late on Tuesday, the Pentagon said those forces include an infantry battalion designated Task Force 504, bringing the troop total to 1,600. Chief spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman said the placement of Task Force 504 was a prudent planning measure, as the task force is not participating in defense support to civil authority operations. More than 1,200 Guardsmen, mostly from D.C., are currently deployed in the district. Pentagon officials anticipated another 1,500 arriving on Tuesday, with more to come. Additional states contributing Guardsmen to the D.C. protest response include New Jersey, Utah, South Carolina, Indiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Pentagon officials called the National Guard support to the police-led protest crackdown an uncomfortable mission. 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. Nigerias coronavirus caseload crept near the 11,000 mark on Tuesday, with 241 new cases declared. Nigeria now has 10,819 confirmed cases of the virus. There was no major surprise in the new figures released by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control. Lagos remains the epicentre of the virus in the country, with 142 new cases, taking state total to 5,277. The new caseload is higher than all the cases announced for 12 other states and the Abuja FCT. The high burden of cases in Lagos certainly informed the decision to delay the opening of mosques and churches, as approved by President Buhari. The death toll also increased from 299 to 314, while the patients discharged hit 3,239. Here is the state breakdown: Lagos-142 Oyo-15 FCT-13 Kano-12 Edo-11 Delta-10 Kaduna -9 Rivers-9 Borno-8 Jigawa-4 Gombe-3 Plateau-3 Osun-1 Bauchi-1 10819 cases of #COVID19Nigeria Discharged: 3239 Deaths: 314 Related Israel's culture institutions will receive 200 million new shekels (about 58 million U.S. dollars) in government aid to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, the ministries of finance and culture said Tuesday. Meeting with representatives from the Israeli cultural institutions, Israel's Minister of Finance Israel Katz and Minister of Culture Hili Tropper agreed on the aid package to maintain the continuity of cultural activities and support local production amid the coronavirus pandemic. The package includes, in addition to budget support for cultural institutions, encouraging streamlining and consolidation of the institutions, as well as incentivizing local authorities to increase their participation in the institutions' budget. Support will also be given to ensure the completion of existing film productions in line with the health ministry's guidelines, while the scope of the funding for artists in distress will be doubled. In addition, it was decided to issue a call for proposals to encourage productions in collaboration with local authorities. Also on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations on the assessment of the education system. The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that Netanyahu requested additional data and asked how it would be possible to strengthen the protection of the pupils against COVID-19 infection. The discussion is scheduled to continue on Wednesday, and Netanyahu will make decisions regarding the education system based on the data presented. Protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody spread around the United States on Friday, as his case renewed anger over others involving African Americans, police and race relations. They 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 CNNs headquarters. Protesters also struck officers with bottles and broke into a restaurant in downtown Atlanta. The demonstration started peacefully but quickly changed tone Friday evening. Protesters used barricades to break police vehicle windshields and jumped from car to car. In unusual move, US embassies in Africa speak up on Floyd Floyd, a handcuffed black man, died after a police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. 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 U.S. will ever get it right. WTF? When the looting starts the shooting starts? tweeted political cartoonist Patrick Gathara in Kenya. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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. 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 There has been at least one recent instance in Florida in which a public official faced legal consequences for registering to vote at an address that was not her legal residence. Last year, the city manager of Deltona, Fl., entered into an agreement with the local states attorneys office to pay more than $5,000 in fees and reimbursements for the states investigation to avoid being prosecuted on criminal charges in a voter-registration case. She had registered to vote using the address of Deltonas City Hall, rather than her home address, and had cast ballots in elections using that registration. Shocking video shows a police officer punching a suspect on the ground while another officer tells him 'stop f****** moving or I'm going to hurt you'. The incident, which took place in Ilford, London, saw a total of three officers trying to restrain the suspect. At one point another officer appears to stamp on him. The footage appeared on social media posted by a local woman, who was apparently an eyewitness, on 18 April. The Met police told MailOnline it was aware of the images and said, 'it is important not to pre-judge what has happened.' 'Police officers work in difficult conditions, and on occasion, have to use force to achieve their lawful objectives. 'The footage on social media may capture only a small part or only one view of the incident, the MPS will always endeavour to establish the full circumstances.' A series of clips show the struggle between the officers and the individual as filmed from a distance. As the first video begins, two officers are seen restraining the suspect who is partially obscured by a fence. A female officer holds one arm while another policeman helps, suddenly the male police officer draws back his arm and lands a forceful punch onto the suspect. A loud groan is heard as the blow connects and the police officer shouts: Shocking video shows a police officer punching a suspect on the ground in Ilford, London 'Get your arm down.' At this point a third officer approaches and appears to stamp on the suspect before using his foot to hold him in place. A second video shows the third police officer shouting at the man saying: 'Stop f****** moving or I'm going to hurt you.' The suspect then replies: 'Okay okay I'm sorry man.' The female officer appears to struggle to get him to keep still and so the third officer responds by forcefully stamping on him again. The incident, which took place in Ilford, London, saw three officers trying to restrain the suspect, with one officer appearing to stamp on him More police arrive on the scene and as the final clip ends, the man can be heard shouting: 'Get off my head.' The videos were uploaded to Twitter by user @MiaFBabyx who shared them captioned: 'Are the Police allowed to do this? I'm shocked by what I've witnessed. 'Suspect may be resisting arrest but this is too much! 'Stop f****** moving or I'm going to hurt you' Wrong on so many levels.' 'I heard a very loud thud which Im assuming they run him over and then jumped on him he can be heard wheezing deeply. Then I began filming,' @MiaFBabyx told MailOnline. She then tagged several law enforcement accounts asking them to look into the incident. The Met Contact Centre responded to the video asking her to message them with further detail. The Met Police told MailOnline it has requested more information but haven't to date received information that would allow it to obtain more details about the incident or police action. The videos were uploaded to Twitter by user @MiaFBabyx who shared them captioned: 'Are the Police allowed to do this? I'm shocked by what I've witnessed. The Met Contact Centre responded to the video asking her to message them with further detail The video also shocked social media users @CoffeeAfrique wrote: 'Vile!' @andreix04 said: '3 officers kicking down one man, is he the hulk?' @Ghanian-Queen added: 'You better find, fire and persecute those officers.' And @Twiceursize replied: 'What the f***?' It's not the first time the Metropolitan Police have been accused of heavy handedness. Last week, officers in Lewisham, south-east London were criticised for handcuffing a black man who was complying with a stop and search. Since the video was shared on social media, the Metropolitan Police have been accused of racial profiling. Reacting to the incident in Lewisham, the Met Police issued a statement: 'Officers on a proactive operation to tackle crime in Lewisham on May 21, detained a number of individuals in the area of Gilbert Road, SE8. 'Acting on intelligence received regarding drugs activity in the area, a male was detained for the purpose of a search under s23 Misuse of Drugs Act at approximately 4.57pm. 'Nothing was found and the man was not arrested. 'The man was provided with details of the officer who conducted the search, and informed of his entitlement to gain a copy of the search record and how to progress this in line with standard protocol.' Handheld UV light devices that can kill Covid-19 may soon be as commonplace as mobile phones, researchers claim. For years experts have known UV rays can destroy genetic material inside viruses, hampering their ability to survive on surfaces. Scientists fighting to end the pandemic have yet to uncover any proof that UV light can kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that cases Covid-19. But studies have repeatedly shown that it can be used against other coronaviruses, such as the closely related strain behind SARS. UV light is already used to disinfect public transport, planes and hospitals, including in the NHS, to control the spread of germs. Surfaces need to be exposed to extremely high doses to ensure viruses are destroyed - but the current devices used are bulky and expensive. Scientists are now one step closer to making portable gadgets capable of warding off the coronavirus, which has infected at least 6million people worldwide. A team at Penn State University made a 'breakthrough' in the hunt for materials that can successfully emit UV radiation in a compact device. However, UV light of this intensity would be dangerous to human skin and eyes, so the feasibility of selling such devices commercially is not currently clear. Handheld UV light devices that can kill Covid-19 may soon be as common as mobile phones, scientists claim. Pictured, a UV light sterilization tool (stock) Pictured: A bus is being disinfected by ultraviolet light on March 4, 2020 in Shanghai, China The main way viruses can be wiped off surfaces is through chemicals in disinfectant products and UV light - specifically UVC, scientists say. UVC rays do not reach the earth because they are blocked by the ozone atmosphere, while UVA and UVB are those which tan our skin. Because UVC rays do not reach Earth, scientists use artificial forms of UVC light to sterilise food, air and water. A form called germicidal UV light is used to sterilise hospitals, airplanes, offices, and factories - and demand has soared during the pandemic. In China, whole buses are being lit up by blue light over night, while robots with UV lamps on top have been 'cleaning' rooms in hospitals. There is no evidence to say the new coronavirus can be killed by UV light, and it is only being used based on evidence suggesting it may work. But one study at Columbia University showed it could kill more than 95 per cent of pathogens like the coronavirus. UVC wavelengths are short and have a spectrum between 100 nanometres to 280 nanometres. According to scientists at Penn State University, UV radiation in the range of 200 to 300 nanometers is optimum for destroying the virus. In comparison, UV rays that reach our skin from the sun have much longer wavelengths between 280 and 400 nanometres. Therefore they are weaker at penetrating and killing the virus. CAN UV LIGHT CAN KILL THE VIRUS? It has long been known that UV light has a sterilizing effect because the radiation damages the genetic material of viruses and their ability to replicate. Most viruses - such as SARS-CoV-2 - are covered with a thin membrane that is easily broken apart by UV rays. Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine at University of East Anglia said: 'That UV light inactivates SARS-CoV-2 is not surprising. UV inactivates most viruses very efficiently. Indeed UV disinfection is widely used for disinfection of drinking water. 'Given the nature of coronaviruses we would expect them to be especially sensitive to disinfection by either hypochlorite (bleach) or UV light.' Dr Penny Ward, chair of the Education and Standards Committee of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine at King's College London said: 'UV irradiation and high heat are known to kill virus particles on surfaces and coronavirus particles are no exception to this general rule.' UV radiation is present in sunlight, and scientists say there is a lower risk of catching the coronavirus outdoors than indoors for this reason. Keith Neal, an emeritus professor in the epidemiology of infectious diseases, University of Nottingham, explained that sunlight damages DNA and RNA in the virus, which would kill it. 'How quickly in affects COVID-19 I have not seen any work, but viruses left on surfaces outside will dry out and be damaged by UV light in sunlight,' he told MailOnline. The World Health Organization warns that you can catch COVID-19, 'no matter how sunny or hot the weather is'. A Columbia University study published in Scientific Reports two years ago showed UV light can kill more than 95 per cent of pathogens like the coronavirus. Sunlight contains UVB and UVA rays, which are those that give us a tan, but UVC rays do not reach the earth because they are blocked by the ozone atmosphere. UVC rays are shorter are more energetic wavelengths of light. They are particularly good at destroying genetic material by disrupting nucleic acids and DNA, leaving the pathogen unable to perform vital cellular functions. Scientists use artificial forms of UVC light, called germicidal UV light, to sterilise hospitals, airplanes, offices, and factories - and demand has soared during the pandemic. There hasn't been any evidence of its sterilising effects on SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus that causes Covid-19. But at least studies have shown that it can be used against the closely related SARS coronavirus. Other studies have shown various doses work against coronaviruses murine (MHV), berne (coronaviridae) and canine (CCV). Conventional germicidal UV light kills microbes but also penetrates the skin, raising the risk of various forms of skin cancer as well as cataracts. Advertisement The devices that are capable of emitting extremely high doses of UVC light usually contain a mercury-containing gas discharge lamp. It's bulky and expensive, however. In recent years, smaller UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been developed which can emit light between 255 to 280 nanometres. The energy conversion of an LED is known to be lower than a mercury lamp, which means it isn't as strong, and the cost isn't much better. An LED is a semiconductor device that emits light when particles that carry an electric current are combined with a semiconductor material. It's the same way a smartphone or nail lamp in a salon emits light. Honing UVC light at the same intensity as a mercury lamp into a small, portable device with an LED is difficult to achieve. The materials used inside the electrode would need to be transparent to UV light, scientists say. Associate professor Roman Engel-Herbert, materials science, physics and chemistry at Penn State, said: 'You have to ensure a sufficient UV light dose to kill all the viruses. 'This means you need a high-performance UV LED emitting a high intensity of UV light, which is currently limited by the transparent electrode material being used.' Joseph Roth, doctoral candidate in Materials Science and Engineering at Penn State, added: 'There is currently no good solution for a UV-transparent electrode. 'Right now, the current material solution commonly employed for visible light application is used despite it being too absorbing in the UV range. 'There is simply no good material choice for a UV-transparent conductor material that has been identified.' The Penn State team, in collaboration with experts from the University of Minnesota, looked at a newly discovered material called strontium niobate. After obtaining some samples of strontium niobate from Japan, the research team tested the material as a UV transparent conductor and found it had 'excellent performance'. Mr Roth said this 'breakthrough discovery' potentially offers a solution to deactivate Covid-19 particles. The next step is to integrate the material into LEDs at a low cost so they can be scaled up for sale. Mr Roth and Professor Engel-Herbert, who published their findings today in the journal Physics Communications, believe measures like this are necessary during the crisis. It is not clear how UVC light could safely be used by people in the public considering it is extremely dangerous to both the skin and eyes. Although UV rays - including those in sunlight - may work to swipe surfaces of the virus, they pose serious risks, scientists have warned. Machines that emit UV light are not operated by people close by - you would have to stand outside a room being scanned by a UV-robot. A furious backlash followed US President Donald Trump floating the idea of exposing Covid-19 patients to 'ultraviolet or just very powerful light'. Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine, University of East Anglia, said in response: 'There is no way currently that UV could be used to irradiate inside the body that would do any good. UV is also toxic to human cells. 'Shining UV on peoples skin can cause burns and skin cancer, into people's eyes it can cause conjunctivitis cataracts and blindness. 'Even if we could shine it into peoples lungs it would also likely do immense harm and increase the risk of cancer.' Dan Arnold, who works for UV Light Technology, a company that provides disinfecting equipment to hospitals, told BBC Future: 'It can take hours to get sunburn from UVB, but with UVC it takes seconds. 'If your eyes are exposed you know that gritty feeling you get if you look at the sun? Its like that times 10, just after a few seconds.' By the time the virus has taken hold inside your body, no amount of UV light on the skin would make a difference anyway. Scientists also cast doubt on the use of UV rays for reducing virus transmission considering the main way it spreads is from a person coughing or sneezing onto somebody else. Photo: The Canadian Press Protesters marched on Wednesday in peaceful pleas to end police brutality, after a calmer night in cities across America void of the violence of recent days, as demonstrators heightened calls for justice in the killing of George Floyd. Curfews and efforts by protesters to contain earlier flare-ups of lawlessness were credited with preventing more widespread damage to businesses in New York and other cities overnight. Last night we took a step forward in moving out of this difficult period weve had the last few days and moving to a better time, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said. New York police said they arrested about 280 people on protest-related charges Tuesday night, compared with 700 a day earlier. Nationwide, the number arrested rose to more than 9,000 since vandalism, arson and shootings erupted around the U.S. in reaction to Floyd's death May 25 in Minneapolis. At least 12 deaths have been reported, though the circumstances in many cases are still being sorted out. The officer who pressed a knee to Floyd's neck as he pleaded for air has been fired and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers who were at the scene have been fired but not charged. Floyd's family, in a visit Wednesday to a makeshift shrine at the Minneapolis street corner where he died, called for the other officers to be arrested, a plea echoed by their attorney, Ben Crump. We are demanding justice, Crump said. Some tense incidents continued Tuesday night, but were far less prevalent than in preceding days. Police and National Guard troops used tear gas, flash-bang grenades, nonlethal rounds and other means of dispersing crowds near a police precinct in Seattle, near Centennial Park in Atlanta and at demonstrations in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida. In Washington, where authorities ordered people off streets before sundown, thousands of demonstrators massed a block from the White House , following a crackdown a day earlier when officers drove peaceful protesters away from Lafayette Park to clear the way for President Donald Trump to do a photo op with a Bible at a church. A black chain-link fence was put up to block access to the park. Last night pushed me way over the edge, said Jessica DeMaio, 40, of Washington, who attended a Floyd protest for the first time. Being here is better than being at home feeling helpless. Pastors at the church prayed with demonstrators and handed out water bottles. The crowd remained in place after the citys 7 p.m. curfew passed, defying warnings that the response from law enforcement could be even more forceful. But the people were peaceful, even polite. At one point, the crowd booed when a protester climbed a light post and took down a street sign. A chant went up: Peaceful protest! Pope Francis called for national reconciliation and peace, saying he has witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in the U.S. "My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life, he said. Trump has pushed the nation's governors to take a hard line against the violence, tweeting on Tuesday that lowlifes and losers were taking over New York's streets. He again tweeted Wednesday: LAW & ORDER! Thousands of people remained out in New York City on Tuesday night, undeterred by an 8 p.m. curfew, though most streets were clear by early Wednesday. Battered storefronts from the earlier rounds of violence could be seen in midtown Manhattan. The New York Police Department credited the curfew, which was three hours earlier than the day before, with helping officers take control of the streets. The earlier curfew really helped our cops take out of the neighbourhoods people that didnt belong there, Chief of Department Terence Monahan said on NBCs Today. Protesters also marched in Los Angeles; Miami; St. Paul, Minnesota; Columbia, South Carolina; and Houston, where the police chief talked to peaceful demonstrators, vowing reforms. God as my witness, change is coming, Art Acevedo said. And were going to do it the right way. A city resident on Wednesday wrote to Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh and DGP Dinkar Gupta to complain against an astrology radio talk show by Ludhiana deputy commissioner of police (headquarters) Akhil Chaudhary with astrologer Ajay Shahi. The complaint came after the Ludhiana police uploaded a post on their official Facebook page about a talk show, Know yourself through astrology during corona, on a private radio channel. The post claimed it was an initiative of the Ludhiana police and Astro Intelligence. After the initiative drew criticism in the comments, the post was taken down. Dr Amandeep Singh Bains of Dugri, who sent the complaint via e-mail, said believing in astrology was a personal matter. Hence, police supporting and promoting it is unacceptable. Corona warriors have been working on the frontline for months, and this step of police taking the help of astrologers is inappropriate, he added. On his part, DCP Chaudhary said he was invited for the talk show to answer callers questions regarding the Covid-19 lockdown. He said he was aware that an astrologer was also speaking on the show, but he talked only about the virus and lockdown. The possibility of holding of the fourth Ukrainian-German business forum with participation of Angela Merkel was discussed Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Advisor of German Chancellor on Economy Lars-Hendrik Roller discussed Ukraine-Germany bilateral economic cooperation during the meeting in Berlin, as the office reported. The parties, particularly, discussed the financial support of Ukraine, prospects of investment cooperation, and holding of the fourth Ukrainian-German business forum, which is planned for the first half of 2021. The possibility of participation of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in it was also discussed. Yermak thanked the German side for cooperation in the allocation of another IMF tranche to Ukraine. Besides, Yermak held a meeting with Foreign Policy Adviser to German Chancellor Jan Hecker. Head of the President's Office of Ukraine stated that the Ukrainian side counts on Germany's support for Ukraine's European integration aspirations during the forthcoming German presidency in the Council of the European Union starting from July 1. As we reported, Andriy Yermak discussed the security policy and humanitarian situation in the east of Ukraine with the Federal Minister of Defence Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. Authorities in Odishas Kendapara district on Wednesday announced doubling the period of mandatory institutional quarantine from seven to 14 days following a spike in Covid-19 cases. Kendapara recorded nine new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, taking the tally of Covid-19 to 161 while Rayagada district which was so far untouched by the virus that brought all 30 districts of the state under the grip of the pandemic. Migrant returnees in rural areas of the state are normally placed under seven-day institutional quarantine and another week of home isolation, while in urban areas, a 14-day home quarantine is mandatory. The institutional quarantine period was increased as the administration received complaints of violation of home quarantine by people who returned from other states, Kendrapara district collector Samarth Verma said. Click here for full Covid-19 coverage. On Monday, Kendrapara had witnessed the highest single-day spike with 50 positive cases. The increase in institutional quarantine period came on a day when 143 more cases were reported across Odisha taking the total Covid-19 tally to 2,388. The 143 new positive cases include 132 from quarantine centres while 11 are local cases. Meanwhile, police in Jagatsinghpur district nabbed 52 fishermen who had returned from Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh but refused to undergo institutional quarantine. The fishermen had allegedly misbehaved with ASHA workers when they were asked to undergo health screening. The fishermen had gone to their homes in Sandhakuda slum of Paradip port shortly after coming back from Visakhapatnam following which they were forcibly taken to the quarantine centre. The local administration will seal the slum if the returnees try to violate the quarantine norms, said Paradip Municipality Executive officer Dililp Kumar Mohanty. In a related development, the Institute of Life Sciences said it has started the genetic study of Covid-19 with samples of 45 patients. A total of 200 samples will be examined and the report will be submitted in two weeks, said ILS director Ajay Parida. Some were predicting that summer will kill the virus, but it didnt happen. These are just predictions that are being made based on the early trends of the virus, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON WASHINGTON - As many as 2,000 demonstrators descended on Washington on Tuesday, the largest and most boisterous crowd to gather in the nation's capital during five straight days of protests over George Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody. Banging on fences erected near the White House and marching through the city to the U.S. Capitol, the largely peaceful protesters included high schoolers and stay-at-home moms, young parents and toddlers, elderly couples and large families. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., spoke with protesters, joined by her husband, Bruce Mann, and her golden retriever, Bailey. Tensions flared at multiple flash points at in the day, where protesters facing an even larger contingent of federal law enforcement authorities than Monday. Some turbulent gatherings Tuesday were hit with pepper spray and other shows of force as armored vehicles blocked city streets. By the time 7 p.m. hit, the scene was largely calm as the crowd of protesters took a knee in the middle of the streets and authorities made no early moves to enforce curfew. Many protesters said they came out because of what happened Monday, when hundreds of peaceful demonstrators were forcefully cleared from Lafayette Square - one of the country's most symbolic places of protest - by federal forces at the behest of Attorney General William Barr. Many were struck with pepper balls, others pushed and hit. "You disgrace the constitution," someone screamed at federal forces Tuesday evening. "Show us that you're with us," a group of protesters yelled, asking them to take a knee. The officers stood up straight and did not comply. "Shame, shame shame," they yelled at the officers. At the outset of Tuesday's protests, hundreds of demonstrators found a newly erected fence around Lafayette Square, where protesters were removed Monday evening shortly before President Donald Trump walked through the area on his way to St. John's Episcopal Church, holding up a bible for television cameras. Outside the fence, protesters knelt with fists and signs raised and chanted at a small cluster of federal police in the middle of the park. The officers, in short blue shirts and bulletproof vests, were a departure from the riot-ready officers that protesters have encountered at previous days' protest. "Don't do what you did last night," a protester yelled through the tall black fence. The closed park and the anger around it was just of many sign's tightening by federal forces. Armored vehicles blocked city streets around the White House as scores of federal law enforcement officers patrolled on foot. Meanwhile, city police patrolled neighborhoods that had seen five straight nights of vandalism, fires, and looting - all of which prompted the president to order a crackdown. The protests in the District of Columbia were one of dozens that continued to sweep through the nation. One of the largest peaceful protests on Tuesday was in Houston, the hometown of Floyd - whose death in Minneapolis police custody launched waves of marches. Journalists on the scene estimated there were 25,000 marchers, including Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a Democrat, some of Floyd's childhood friends, and a group of black cowboys on horseback. In other cities local officials spent Tuesday dealing with violent incidents from previous evenings. In Atlanta, prosecutors charged six police officers, after they used tasers on two unarmed black college students driving downtown. In Richmond, Virginia, the mayor apologized for a Monday incident, when police had tear-gassed peaceful protesters. And in Philadelphia, the mayor criticized police officers for posing for photos with a group of white vigilantes carrying baseball bats and shovels. Nationwide, more than 60 million people were under curfews as a result of the protests, in 200 cities and 27 states. The measures are intended to separate peaceful protesters from looters and vandals by requiring the peaceful protesters to have their say in daylight and go home. At least 17,000 National Guard troops have been activated to deal with the protests. And still, the protests kept growing. In Milwaukee, thousands marched six miles in early summer heat. People knelt on the cobblestone streets of Nantucket, marched in Morgantown, West Virginia, and crowded around police headquarters in El Paso. In Washington, Defense Secretary Mark Esper asked state National Guards to send in some of their troops as well, to supplement the presence of local and federal police and the District National Guard. Maryland sent 116 National Guardsmen to the District on Tuesday, according to a spokesman for Gov. Larry Hogan. District Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, said she had not requested any help from outside the city. At about 4:40 p.m., a line of several dozen officers on camouflage and shields that read "military police" assembled about 20 feet away from the tall, metal fence on the East side of Lafayette Square. Some officers wore N95 masks underneath their face shields and carried batons. The crowd of hundreds booed and hissed, before breaking out into chants against the president that were heard across the block. Chase Ingram and Naomi Spates arrived just as the armed officers formed a line, and Ingram lifted Spates by the waist so she could see over the rows of people. It was the first time the pair had attended the protest. "We couldn't just sit home and do nothing," Spates said. "After we saw what happened - police shooting and arresting and all that - I didn't want to be the person who just sat at home," Ingram said. Other protesters had similar motivations. "The reason I came out today is because that happened yesterday," said Brian Norwood, a 49-year-old white man who lives in Southwest Washington. "I am here to be shot with rubber bullets and tear gas." Local authorities had spent Tuesday bracing for another wave of protests - not just in Washington, where Barr promised an even stronger show of federal force - but in the Virginia and Maryland suburbs outside the Beltway. That didn't deter Merianne and Louis de Merode. They had a lot to fear on Friday afternoon as they stood amid a crowd of at least 1,000 north of Lafayette Square. Merianne, 64, and Louis, 71, had been in near total isolation since the novel coronavirus began spreading several months ago. The Georgetown couple have compromised immune systems and worried - with ample reason - that the virus could be a death sentence for one or both of them. They hadn't planned to join the teeming crowds in downtown Washington over the last several days. But a few things changed. They watched the chatter on their neighborhood listserv - affluent Georgetowners decrying the looting that had spread to their neighborhood while saying little about the death of Floyd. And then they saw demonstrators cleared with force before President Trump's photo op yesterday. "We were not coming down here for four days, because we were frightened it was going to be too compromising for our health," Louis said. "Then things started piling up in our brains and our hearts, and we both decided that we couldn't not do it." Before nightfall, the situation was tensing up. Around 4 p.m., protesters were pepper sprayed near the White House. As Gary Murray, 15, stood in front of the White House looking at a line of armed police guards, he grew angrier and angrier. He had just recovered from getting his wisdom teeth out and had been reading the headlines about the violent protests and this was his first day he could go out. It took him just a few minutes of being at the protest to get pepper sprayed. He was with his teacher from Dunbar High School in the District. "This really hurts my heart," he said. "As a teenager, as the future of this country, this hurts my heart." Also near the White House, police pulled a woman from her car, sparking a few moments of chaos. Elizabeth Tsehai had been cheering and chanting as she drove her BMW alongside protesters on H Street. The stay-at-home mother, who is originally from Ethiopia, said she decided to come out after seeing the violent clashes last night on the news. She said a secret service agent warned her to stop driving, and she replied, "Arrest me, I can't breathe." Then two white male officers dragged her out of her car, which was still running, and pinned her onto the ground. Protesters swarmed around them as the officers pulled Tsehai behind the black chain link fence, demanding to know why she was being taken away. "She said 'I'm not resisting,' " said protester Haley Sanders, who watched the interaction and was one of dozens of protesters who gathered around Tsehai's car to protect it, and her belongings, after she was taken away. Tsehai was pulled behind a fence, which protesters started banging against before police deployed spray sending them fleeing. As tension built, people of all ages were drawn to protest. Pressed up against the black chain-link fence that materialized around Lafayette Square overnight, three high school boys chanted along with the crowd, "Hey, hey, ho, ho! These racist cops have got to go!" Parents were moved to bring their children - including one couple who brought a baby. Arwa Shobaki and Nidal Betare brought their 6-year-old daughter. They were watching CNN footage of peaceful protesters getting struck with pepper balls outside the White House on Monday when they decided to bring her. "Trump is obviously trying to scare people," said mom Arwa Shobaki, 42. "We wanted to show her he put up a fence where people used to walk free." Three hours before curfew - the second night of curfew beginning at 7 p.m. - hundreds of protesters split off from Lafayette Square and marched up 14th Street NW past armored military vehicles and soldiers in fatigues that lined the road. City bus drivers cheered and honked as protesters walked by. Drivers leaned out of car windows with raised fists. One woman shouted, "Thank you!" The demonstration had brought traffic to a standstill at one point. A Metro worker in a yellow reflective clapped as the group walked on, past boarded up restaurants and shuttered shops, chanting "Black lives matter" and "No justice, no peace!" "That's right," she yelled. "This is DC, baby!" - - - The Washington Post's Rebecca Tan, John Woodrow Cox, Peter Jamison, Hannah Natanson and Kyle Swenson contributed to this report. President Trumps former Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who resigned last year, spoke out against his ex-boss for the first time Wednesday, saying he is angry and appalled at the White Houses response to the protests over the death of George Floyd. When I joined the military, some 50 years ago, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution, Mattis said in a statement emailed to reporters. Never did I dream that troops taking that same oath would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the Constitutional rights of their fellow citizens much less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander-in-chief, with military leadership standing alongside. He continued: Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people does not even pretend to try. Instead he tries to divide us. We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership. Former Defense Secretary James Mattis with President Trump in 2018. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) The statement by Mattis, who when he was appointed was lauded by Trump for his toughness and as one of my generals, was remarkable in part because, until now, he has studiously avoided any direct criticism of his former commander in chief. But Mattis in his statement made it clear that the presidents attempted crackdown on protesters was his breaking point. Mattis began with a ringing defense of the right of the demonstrators to protest, saying they were people of conscience who were fulfilling the values of the country. The words Equal Justice Under Law are carved in the pediment of the United States Supreme Court, Mattis wrote. This is precisely what protesters are rightly demanding. It is a wholesome and unifying demand one that all of us should be able to get behind. We must not be distracted by a small number of lawbreakers. The protests are defined by tens of thousands of people of conscience who are insisting that we live up to our values our values as people and our values as a nation. Story continues He then decried the idea of using military force to police disturbances in American cities. We must reject any thinking of our cities as a battlespace that our uniformed military is called upon to dominate, Mattis wrote, a reference to the call by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper for governors to dominate the battle space in the face of demonstrations. At home, we should use our military only when requested to do so, on very rare occasions, by state governors. Militarizing our response, as we witnessed in Washington, D.C., sets up a conflict a false conflict between the military and civilian society. It erodes the moral ground that ensures a trusted bond between men and women in uniform and the society they are sworn to protect, and of which they themselves are a part. Keeping public order rests with civilian state and local leaders who best understand their communities and are answerable to them. Not long after, Trump replied with a tweet saying that he never liked Mattis in the first place: Probably the only thing Barack Obama & I have in common is that we both had the honor of firing Jim Mattis, the worlds most overrated General. I asked for his letter of resignation, & felt great about it. His nickname was Chaos, which I didnt like, & changed to Mad Dog... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2020 ...His primary strength was not military, but rather personal public relations. I gave him a new life, things to do, and battles to win, but he seldom brought home the bacon. I didnt like his leadership style or much else about him, and many others agree. Glad he is gone! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2020 Mattiss Statement: _____ Read more: [June 03, 2020] Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company Secures Deal with Ecolab to Provide its Franchisees with Cleaning and Sanitizing Products for Esports Gaming Centers Boca Raton, Florida, June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company ( OTCQB:WINR ) (Simplicity Esports), an owner and manager of multiple esports teams, host of online tournaments and franchisor of esports gaming centers, announced today that it has secured a relationship with Ecolab Inc. to provide its more than 30 franchisees and over 40 locations a steady supply of cleaning and sanitizing products, that are needed to keep their esports gaming centers and customers safe. The products include hand sanitizer and dispensers, hand soap, disinfectant spray, masks, and touch-free thermometers. Jed Kaplan, CEO of Simplicity Esports, stated, As our esports gaming centers continue to reopen across the country, we wanted to have a proven solution for maintaining proper cleanliness and hygiene for the safety of our staff and customers. Our franchisees are focused on maintaining clean and safe environments in their gaming centers, while also observing social distance guidelines. We want our database of over 400,000 customers to know that we tke COVID-19 and their safety seriously. When they come to one of our centers to enjoy a day of gaming or purchase gaming merchandise, they will know the location has been cleaned with high grade products from Ecolab, a leader in the space. About Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company: Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company (WINR) is an established brand within the esports industry, competing and streaming in popular games across different genres, including Apex Legends, PUBG Mobile, Overwatch, League of Legends, and various EA Sports titles. Additionally, Simplicity Esports operates as a franchisor of Esports Gaming Centers that provide the public an opportunity to experience and enjoy gaming and esports in a social setting, regardless of skill or experience. Apex Legends, PUBG Mobile, Overwatch, League of Legends, Fortnite and EA Sports are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond Simplicity Esports control, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of Simplicity Esports Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on August 29, 2019 and our subsequent SEC filings, as amended or updated from time to time. Copies of Simplicity Esports filings with the SEC are available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov . Simplicity Esports undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. Simplicity Esports Contact: Roman Franklin President [email protected] 561-819-8586 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 02:25:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A staff member measures a customer's temperature at a salon in Chicago, the United States, June 3, 2020. Chicago reopened its economic activity on Wednesday amid the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests triggered by the death of a black man from police brutality. (Photo by Joel Lerner/Xinhua) CHICAGO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Chicago reopened its economic activity on Wednesday amid the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests triggered by the death of a black man from police brutality. The reopening has a dual meaning: the U.S. third largest city has lifted the "stay-at-home" order which has practiced for more than two months; and has removed the lockdown of downtown Chicago as a result of the looting and unrest in response to the death of George Floyd. In the downtown area, many retailers are cleaning shattered windows and dealing with empty shelves. The bridges over Chicago River, which were lifted up to block looting and vandalism during the unrest, are to be lowered. The blockades at ramps of expressways to downtown Chicago are removed. Reduced bus and train services from and to downtown due to unrest come back to normal. Metra resumes a modified schedule on most lines. But the curfew remains in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., as the protests may continue and the COVID-19 threat still looms, local media reported. With reopening, local restaurants can handle outdoor dining; retail shops can receive customers; personal services businesses such as salons and barbershops can open up; and other businesses such as hotels can start to operate. But all the businesses are subject to reduced capacities and tight rules designed to stop COVID-19 from spreading. Chicago would set up a 10-million-U.S.-dollar fund to help businesses looted in recent days, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot promised at a news conference on Tuesday. As to how much Chicago can reopen, the conditions vary by neighborhoods. The fact is the reopening will be gradual, local media said. On the city's North Side area which was less affected by destruction and looting, there appeared more eagerness to reopen. For some areas which were hit hard by looting, they is a lot of work to do before businesses turn normal again. To prevent COVID-19 from spreading, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued the "stay-at-home" order which initially went into effect on March 21, and renewed it on April 23. Chicago, located in the northeastern part of Illinois, observed the order simultaneously. To make it worse, the protests in Chicago, following George Floyd's death on May 25 after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was captured on video pinning Floyd down by his neck for about eight minutes, turned violent on Saturday, triggering Lightfoot to lock down the downtown area on Sunday. If youre on the hunt for a good deal on a car, its never a bad idea to consider shopping from other countries. While it may seem stressful at first, there are plenty of car dealers in Ghana and other areas of the world where you can find great deals on different makes and models. While not for everyone, there are certainly some major advantages to shopping outside your country when youre looking for a good deal on a used vehicle. Here are three of the top reasons to shop for cars from Ghana rather than the city you live in. Variety If youve ever been dismayed by the limited number of used vehicles in your vicinity, youre not alone. Even worse are the situations where someone seems to be selling a car at a reasonable price, only to be discovered to be a fraud when you perform a background check using their address on a website like www.golookup.com and find out that they have a criminal record. Shopping outside of your geographic location from countries like Ghana is a great way to avoid this heartbreak and frustration. When youve got a global market to choose from, its much easier to find the vehicle you want, whether its a specific make and model of the Toyota Corolla with a particular feature or youre on the hunt for the collectible convertible you always dreamed of owning as a teenager. The internet will offer you much more variety than any in-person dealership, so save yourself the time and heartache and start by looking at whats in stock in other countries. Price - Advertisement - For anyone wanting to save money on a vehicle, it may make more sense to pay import and export taxes on a vehicle from outside your current country than to make a purchase in the city you live in. This is because once you start shopping outside your geographic location, you have the ability to find much better deals. Websites such as Auto Auction Mall offer great deals on a wide range of cars and even let you bid on vehicles to save more money. That being said, if you have to have the car immediately, most auto auction websites also feature a buy it now price so that you can secure the car of your dreams without having to worry about being outbid. Regardless of which path you choose to pursue, you can find what you need online and save money doing so. Simplicity Although it may seem more complicated on its face, shipping a car to your current location overseas is actually a relatively straightforward process. It all starts with finding the car you want online, and websites like Auto Auction Mall make that an incredibly simple task. In addition to offering you the ability to compare cars at different price points, Auto Auction Mall also helps you with the import and export process, so that you can get your car from Ghana to your current location safely and securely. Shopping online is a much easier way to look for a vehicle than visiting a dealership in person and having to compete with a trained salesman. On websites like Auto Auction Mall, youre able to see what cars are available from a specific country and see what the overall cost of the car is if youre interested in buying it immediately, as well as what a monthly payment towards a loan would be. Youll also get important information about its mileage and title status. Of course, on an automotive auction website, youll also be able to bid on the car in the hopes of getting an even better deal. All of this makes shopping for used cars from Ghana a compelling option for many budget-conscious shoppers. Like this: Like Loading... Several southern US states reported sharp increases in COVID-19 infections, with Alabama, South Carolina and Virginia all recording new cases rise 35% or more in the week ended May 31, compared with the prior week, according to a Reuters analysis. South Carolina health officials said they expected more increases in the future due to a lack of social distancing and mask-wearing at protests triggered by the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minnesota. "If people don't follow current recommendations for social distancing and avoiding crowds of any kind, we can anticipate seeing increased numbers," the South Carolina health department said. South Carolina officials said the recent rise in its new cases, which have been going up for three weeks, were in part due to the completion of testing in the state's 194 nursing homes. Alabama's health department attributed the state's steady increase in cases since early May to community transmission, clusters of outbreaks, and more testing. Virginia officials were not immediately available for comment. Nationally, new COVID-19 cases fell for a fifth straight week, down 4.7% last week compared with a 0.8% drop the prior week, according to the Reuters analysis of data from The COVID Tracking Project, a volunteer-run effort to track the outbreak. As all 50 states have partially reopened, cases are rising in 17 states compared with 20 in the prior week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended states wait for their daily number of new COVID-19 cases to fall for 14 days before easing social distancing restrictions. Thirteen states have met the criteria for the week ended May 31, compared with 14 states and the District of Columbia the prior week, the analysis showed. Pennsylvania and New York lead with seven straight weeks of declines, and new cases are also falling in New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Reuters Here are some of the days top stories. Live updates: George Floyd protests across America Law enforcement in Saint Paul, Minnesota arrested 66 protesters Monday night during a peaceful protest outside the State Capitol, police said. Demonstrators marched from the governors mansion to the Capitol to protest the death of George Floyd. Those who refused to leave after the 10 p.m. Pentagon officials express concern as Trump threatens to use military to dominate protestors Defense officials tell CNN there was deep and growing discomfort among some in the Pentagon even before President Donald Trump announced Monday that he is ready to deploy the military to enforce order inside the United States. Trump threatens military force if violence in states isnt stopped Declaring himself your president of law and order, President Donald Trump vowed Monday to return order to American streets using the military if widespread violence isnt quelled, even as peaceful protesters just outside the White House gates were dispersed with tear gas, flash grenades and rubber bullets. White supremacists pose as Antifa online, call for violence A Twitter account that tweeted a call to violence and claimed to be representing the position of Antifa was in fact created by a known white supremacist group, Twitter said Monday. The company removed the account. Five dead in newest Ebola outbreak in Congo, UNICEF says Five people, including a 15-year-old girl, have died of Ebola in a fresh outbreak of the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations Childrens Fund said Monday. Nine cases total have been reported, UNICEF said. India hit with worst locust invasion in almost 30 years As India continues its battle with the coronavirus pandemic a new kind of invasion is threatening to destroy vital crops and vegetation the worst locust swarm the country has seen in almost 30 years. Dr. Anthony Fauci hasnt spoken with Trump in two weeks Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the most prominent members of the White House coronavirus task force, said on Monday that he has not spoken to or met with President Donald Trump in two weeks. George Floyds last words fly across the skies of US cities Written by Oscar Holland, CNN Contributors Ananda Pellerin, CNN The final words of George Floyd, the African American man who died after being restrained by a Minneapolis police officer, have become powerful slogans for protesters in the US. NASA-SpaceX launches will boost science research on the space station Saturdays historic SpaceX launch is just the beginning of launching NASA astronauts from American soil for varying stays on the space station which means more scientific experiments in space that can help us out on Earth. To cap off his amazing week, Elon Musk just made $770 million Not only has the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX achieved his boyhood dream of launching two American astronauts into space for the first time, but he also just got 1.68 million stock options that provide him with a $770 million payday. Nigerian reggae musician Majek Fashek dies at 57 Nigerian reggae musician Majek Fashek has died at the age of 57. The performer, popular for hits such as Send Down the Rain and So Long for Too Long, died in his sleep in New York, his manager Omenka Uzoma told the BBC. Trump vows to send in troops to end unrest US President Donald Trump has threatened to send in the military to quell growing civil unrest over the death of a black man in police custody. He said if cities and states failed to control the protests and defend their residents he would deploy the army and quickly solve the problem for them. Official post-mortem declares Floyd death homicide Official post-mortem examination declares George Floyd death homicide Odion Ighalo: Manchester United extend strikers loan to January Forward Odion Ighalo has extended his loan deal at Manchester United until January 2021. Ighalo, 30, joined United in January from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, initially until 31 May. There is no option for the Premier League club to buy the Nigeria international. Africa Live: Zimbabwe summons US envoy over Trump advisers remarks BBC News Rwanda has reversed its planned easing of coronavirus restrictions on Monday after recording the first death from the virus and a rise in new cases. Travel between provinces, including movement in and out of the capital, Kigali, was scheduled to resume on 1 June after more than two months. Can Zoom turn popularity into profit? When it comes to its growth rate, video conference company Zoom has lived up to its name. Use of the firms software jumped 20-fold in the first three months of the year, as the coronavirus pandemic forced millions to work, learn and socialise remotely. White House protesters were tear gassed because Trump wanted to create photo op Protesters peacefully exercising their First Amendment right outside the White House were tear gassed on Monday. Why? So that Donald Trump a former reality TV star could have a made-for-TV moment of violence as he spoke to the nation. Oh, and so he could walk across the street and hold a bible in front of a church. Do-nothing Zuckerberg privately expressed disgust over Trumps comments Mark Zuckerberg wants to have it both ways. The Facebook CEO has gone out of his way to publicly, and privately appease Donald Trump as the president spews violent rhetoric about peaceful protesters. And yet, as The Verge reported Monday, he also wants his employees to know that, personally, hes not about that at all. Sony made the right call and postponed the PlayStation 5 reveal Youll have to wait a bit longer for a first glimpse of the PlayStation 5. And you know what? Thats totally fine. Sony moved to postpone the planned June 4 reveal event on Monday, just a few days ahead of what wouldve likely been a blockbuster slate of hardware and game reveals. Who is the thug?: Anderson Cooper blasts Trumps outrageous and dangerous photo op stunt CNNs Anderson Cooper called out President Donald Trump at length on Monday night, after the president finally made public comments on the protests against police brutality raging across the country. Social media is the new bodycam Childish Gambino warned us in 2018. This is America, right? Its been a brutal week for anyone who doesnt live with their eyes closed. The proof is right there on Twitter and other social platforms. It used to be that we relied on police bodycams to hold officers accountable for their actions. Nearly half of commercial retail rents were not paid in May, as companies as big as Starbucks say the financial devastation from the shutdown has left them unable to pay their full property bills on time. Some companies warn they will not be able to pay rent for months. The problem for the broader U.S. economy is that when businesses like Ross Stores and T.J. Maxx stop paying rent, it sets off an alarming chain reaction. Landlords are now at risk of bankruptcy, too. Commercial real estate prices are falling. Jobs at property management companies and landscapers face cuts. Banks and private investors are unwilling to lend to most commercial real estate projects anymore, and cash-strapped city and local governments are realizing the property taxes they usually rely on from business properties are unlikely to be paid this summer and fall. The situation is especially dire for owners of hotels and malls. Such retailers as Bed Bath & Beyond, Famous Footwear, H&M, and the Gap, movie theaters AMC and Regal and gyms like 24 Hour Fitness stopped paying rent entirely in May, according to Datex Property Solutions. Overall, Datex found that 58.% of retail rents were paid in May. Office and warehouse tenants are still paying rent for now, but there remain concerns about whether tenants will renew leases as working from home gains in popularity. "Social distancing means financial Armageddon for commercial real estate and municipalities in coming months," warned R. Christopher Whalen, head of Whalen Global Advisors, on his blog for investors. He predicted defaults could be worse than the peak losses of the early 1990s commercial real estate bust "by a wide margin." The crisis is particularly threatening for tens of thousands of small businesses, some of whom operate on such small margins that they say they won't survive the pandemic recession if they have to pay rent right now. Many small companies are asking landlords for a break, but commercial properties often have a complex chain of owners. Getting them all to agree quickly is proving difficult. Will Eastman has a lot of nightmares lately that he's going to be the owner who closes down the iconic U Street Music Hall forever. Eastman said he has tried everything to save the independent music venue and club in Washington, D.C., but it's hard to generate revenue when U Street Music Hall has been shut since March 13 and doesn't expect to host live shows until the fall, at the earliest. "Right now my biggest challenge is with rent. We have had a back-and-forth with our landlord that is kind of mind-boggling," said Eastman, who hasn't paid April, May or June rent. "We have no shows scheduled for summer." Eastman is in talks with his landlord, but finding a solution has been difficult. Real estate experts say at least U Street Music Hall knew who to pick up the phone and call because his landlord and the property's mortgage holder are nearby in the D.C. area. For many other businesses, the ownership of their property is far more complex. "It's not just the landlord and the tenant that have to talk. Many properties are owned by a number of investors," said David Ling, a real estate professor at University of Florida. "A lot of this is going to have to be sorted out via lawsuits and the courts." Fewer than 40% of commercial property loans are owned by banks, according to the Mortgage Brokers Association. The rest are in the hands of various life insurers, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and investors in commercial mortgage-backed securities, which is known as CMBS. Dozens and sometimes hundreds of commercial mortgages are packaged together into CMBS, which are typically purchased by a bunch of investors. This complex structure is supposed to spread out the risks and rewards, but it adds multiple layers of ownership to properties. The commercial real estate market ballooned in the past decade to $20 trillion, as investors hunted for high, yet seemingly safe, returns. "This really is a tale of who is your lender?" said Andrew Little, a partner at real estate investment bank John B. Levy & Co. in Virginia. "If you have a bank lender or an insurance company lender, you can probably get through this and hopefully get to a point where things start bouncing back. If your lender is a Wall Street CMBS lender, you are in trouble." Typically, when businesses stop paying their rents and the building is ultimately owned by the investors of CMBS, the tenants have to call a management company known as the special servicer. Already, $32 billion in CMBS loans have gone to special servicers, according to Moody's, and almost all have been hotel and retail properties. These servicing firms have little incentive to give tenants a break, Little says, because they make money by tacking on extra fees and penalties. What this all means is that hotel and retail properties are under severe strain to pay the rent and could collapse in a wave of defaults and foreclosures, warn real estate experts. Already, big investment firms are preparing to scoop up cheap properties. Blackstone and Oaktree have raised massive funds to plunge into the distressed commercial market, much as they did with residential homes after the Great Recession. Lawmakers are trying to figure out how to prevent businesses - as well as their landlords - from going out of business, but government leaders are struggling to figure out how to help. Some landlords are asking local governments to delay property tax collections, but many municipalities are already financially strained as tax proceeds plunge and costs skyrocket during the pandemic. Small-business advocates are pushing Congress to change the rules on Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness qualifications, so more than 25% of the money can be used for rent and other overhead costs. A House bill that passed last week would allow up to 40% of the money to go toward rent, but the Senate has not agreed to the changes yet. Washington passed emergency legislation in May requiring commercial retail landlords to agree to rent payment plans. California is debating an even more aggressive proposal to force landlords with tenants that have been severely affected by coronavirus closures to renegotiate leases. Landlords say this upends the very basis of contract law. "It's not appropriate policy to have blanket rent forgiveness. It could really create some chaos," said John Worth, executive vice president for research at the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. Lawmakers behind these initiatives say the goal here is to avoid a massive loss of small businesses. "Businesses and individuals are hurting because of this crisis and it is no one's fault. We're trying to make sure people can survive," said D.C. Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3), who sponsored the emergency legislation. "In the end, the rents will be paid." Perhaps the most effective intervention so far has come from the Federal Reserve, which has purchased about $9 billion of CMBS and told banks they won't be penalized for making reasonable concessions on loans. The Fed's actions have helped unfreeze the commercial real estate market for investors, although it has done little to help small businesses unable to pay rent. For U Street Music Hall in Washington, paying the rent looms large. The venue has sold more than a thousand T-shirts to fans to make money during the pandemic. An online donation campaign to help U Street workers has raised over $20,000, and Eastman managed to get $120,000 from the federal government's Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses. But to have this loan forgiven, he has to use $90,000 of the funds to pay his workers. The remaining funds can be used to pay rent and other expenses, but there's barely enough leftover to cover the $21,000 rent each month. Eastman has not paid April or May rent and doesn't expect to pay June, either. He recently asked his landlord for a payment plan. U Street Music Hall's landlord is Hanny Chan, owner of JRC Standard Properties, a small commercial real estate company in Washington. Despite the pandemic, Chan still has to pay the mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities and trash collection for the property where U Street Music Hall is located. His bills have not stopped, either. Chan spoke with his lender, Industrial Bank, about relief on the mortgage, but Chan found the terms were too onerous, according to his lawyer. JRC, as the landlord of music hall, "has not received any mortgage relief from its lender. After the public health emergency was declared and U Street Music Hall was shuttered, it withheld rent for April and May without any request for any rent relief," said Ian Thomas, a lawyer at Offit Kurman who represents JRC. He said JRC has asked U Street Music Hall for more detailed financial information, including about its PPP loan, but the documents were not provided. Industrial Bank prides itself on serving the D.C. community, said chief executive B. Doyle Mitchell Jr. He said the bank has provided "probably 30%" of its commercial real estate clients with some sort of workout plan. "We have come to the aid of our customers and some non-customers quickly during this pandemic time," Mitchell Jr. said. "Some borrowers looked at the [forbearance] program and decided they did not need it. All of our borrowers know it's available." Chan and Eastman are headed to court to work it out. Their situation is further complicated by the fact Eastman and Chan have been in a legal dispute for the past year over management fees and the lease extension. For now, U Street Music Hall's full rent is still due. "We are not asking for free rent. We are not asking for a handout. We are just asking for a reasonable payment plan because our entire industry has been eviscerated by this crisis," Eastman said. "Our 2020 plans are to survive." Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 06:19:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Mahmoud Darwesh TRIPOLI, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Armed conflicts in western Libya between the UN-backed government and the eastern-based army has been escalating with the possibility of spreading to eastern and southern Libya, overshadowing the chance for political dialogue. Over the past two months, the UN-backed government's forces have been making significant military progress, taking more territory from the eastern-based army. Khaled Al-Tarhouni, a Libyan political analyst, said that the Turkish strategic support, especially the drones, made the UN-backed government stronger than before. Therefore, the UN-backed government sees that a political solution will be meaningless, as long as it has the ability to forcibly restore many areas in western Libya. "The Government of National Accord rejected a truce proposed by forces of Khalifa Haftar, commander of eastern-based army, more than a month ago, and rejected international demands to stop the fighting for humanitarian reasons. This explains the way it moves forward in the military option that is now prevailing," Al-Tarhouni told Xinhua. The UN-backed government's forces have been launching heavy attacks since April against the eastern-based army in western Libya and making progress on ground, most notably taking over a major military base in southwestern Libya. Omran Al-Najah, a Libyan military analyst, said that the opportunity for a political solution to the armed conflict in the country is shrinking, due to intensification of the military operations on the ground on a daily basis. "The United Nations welcomed the position of the two parties to accept resumption of the military dialogue, which is a good thing and was supposed to create some optimism. However, what happened is the opposite. The (eastern-based army's) spokesman, Ahmed Al-Mismari, said dialogue was useless and that military talks called for by the United Nations were likely to fail." "This reflects the mistrust between the two parties to the conflict. Both are convinced that the military solution is the only way to end the crisis in Libya, although this option is not logical, given the current results and the intensifying battles," Al-Najah told Xinhua. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Monday welcomed the acceptance by the two parties to the conflict of the resumption of talks on the cease-fire and associated security arrangements based on the draft agreement submitted by UNSMIL to the parties during the Joint Military Commission talks on Feb. 23, 2020. "The Mission looks forward to start the new round of the JMC negotiations via video conference, in light of current circumstances, and hopes that the same professional, serious and responsible spirit that characterized the first and second rounds in Geneva will prevail in these talks," UNSMIL said in a statement. The UN-backed government issued no comments regarding the UNSMIL's announcement of the resumption of talks on the cease-fire. However, eastern-based army spokesman Ahmed Al-Mismari said the military talks were likely to fail, pointing out that the UN-backed government has rejected all calls for a political solution. Libyan university lecturer Miloud Al-Haj believes that the recent progress of the UN-backed government's forces does not mean that eastern-based army has been defeated and the war is on the way to an end. Rather, it is the beginning of more escalation fueled by the international parties. "Each party is trying to enhance their capabilities on the ground and to exploit the flaccid state of the party, with the aim of assuming a strong position in negotiations, which currently seems difficult but not impossible if the international parties agreed to impose a true solution to the Libyan crisis," Al-Haj said. The eastern-based army has been leading a military campaign since April 2019 in and around the capital Tripoli, attempting to overthrow the rival UN-backed government and takeover the city. Enditem Wednesday morning saw another march through the streets of downtown Fredericksburg. This time, those marching sang "Amazing Grace" and recited the Lord's Prayer. Andie Cork and Brittany Henry, pastor and worship leader at Mount Peniel Church of God in Christ in Fredericksburg, organized the prayer walk, which brought together members of their congregation and others from the local faith community. The walk began and ended at City Dock and was proceeded and followed by prayer and singing. "We are that army to break the chains of injustice," Henry called as she strummed a guitar and led the group in the song "Way Maker." Henry's husband, Jonathan, led the worshippers in "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which was adopted by the NAACP as its official song in 1919 and became known as the black national anthem for its unifying and inspiring role during the civil rights movement. Charles Love, a worship leader at Calvary Chapel church of Fredericksburg, told those gathered that the word that called him there that morning was "humility." South Korea's new virus cases spiked again Wednesday as cluster infections tied to religious gatherings in the greater Seoul area continued to swell, putting further strain on the country's virus fight. Yonhap South Korea's new virus cases spiked again Wednesday as cluster infections tied to religious gatherings in the greater Seoul area continued to swell, putting further strain on the country's virus fight. The country added 49 more cases of the new coronavirus, including 46 local infections, raising the total caseload to 11,590, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). The densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, home to half of the country's 50 million population, had all but four of the new cases, fueling concerns that a new wave of COVID-19 infections may occur. The daily number of new infections had been slowing, albeit with some ups and downs, since hitting a nearly two-month high of 75 last week. It stayed below 40 for the past four days. Any numbers above the 50 threshold mean South Korea has to seriously consider going back to strict social distancing, again shuttering schools and public facilities nationwide. Church-linked transmission in Seoul and surrounding areas have been a new source of concern for health authorities. After the country eased social distancing guidelines in early May, the country has reported more than 100 cases from churches. Nearly most of them were from the Seoul metropolitan area. On Tuesday, the number of cases tied to 23 small churches in Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, first detected Sunday, reached 45, up 22 from a day ago, according to the KCDC. Since May 6, South Korea has been rolling out what it calls an "everyday life quarantine" campaign, which aimed at normalizing most of the daily activities under basic quarantine measures. The eased social distancing scheme has been in peril, however, as cluster infections among clubgoers in central Seoul emerged early last month. More recently, mass infections connected to a logistics center have been a difficult task for health authorities. Alarmed by the spiking new infections tied to clubs and the distribution center just west of Seoul, South Korea rushed to enhance quarantine measures in the greater Seoul area. The country's health authorities warned that citizens will be forced to go back to the strict social distancing scheme nationwide should it fail to get the virus spread under control by June 14. As of Tuesday, a total of 270 infections have been linked to clubgoers and 117 cases to the warehouse run by e-commerce giant Coupang. Sporadic cluster infections are also putting health authorities to the test as more students are set to return to schools. Students have been gradually returning to classrooms in phases since late last month, although some schools, most of them from the greater Seoul area, were forced to delay the schedule due to local infections. On Wednesday, first-year high school students, second-year middle school students and other selected elementary school students returned to their classrooms. When the third phase is completed, 4.59 million, about 77 percent of all South Korean school kids, will be attending in-person classes. Schools, however, will continue taking precautionary measures, including staggered lunches, shifting student attendance, reduced class time, and a mix of online and offline classes. The country added three imported cases and reported one additional death, raising the total death toll to 273. The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,467, up 21 from the previous day. (Yonhap) A day after her Glee co-star Samantha Ware called out Lea Michele for making her time on the show a "living hell" and subsequently losing an endorsement deal for the same, the actor on Wednesday issued an apology for her behaviour. Ware accused Michele of making "traumatic microaggressions" towards her on the sixth season of the hit series, which even made her reconsider her decision to join Hollywood. After these allegations surfaced, meal-kit company HelloFresh dropped Michele as its brand ambassador. In her apology shared on Instagram, the actor said while she does not remember making the specific remarks that Ware says she made, that is "not really the point". "Whether it was my privileged position and perspective that caused me to be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate at times or whether it was just my immaturity and me just being unnecessarily difficult, I apologize for my behavior and for any pain which I have caused," Michele said. The 33-year-old, who is currently expecting her first child with husband, entrepreneur Zandy Reich, said will keep working to be a better person so that she can be a "real role model for my child". "I listened to these criticisms and I am learning and while I am very sorry, I will be better in the future from this experience," she added. Ware's remarks were in response to Michele's Twitter post supporting the Black Lives Matter movement amid the protests over the death of George Floyd, an African-American man who died in police custody in Minneapolis. Following which HelloFresh issued a statement on Twitter on Tuesday saying the company doesn't accept any kind of racism, they have ended the contract with Michele, "effective immediately". A source close to Michele told People magazine that "the partnership was nearing its conclusion regardless". On one side of the screen was the challenger, accusing her opponent of being "MIA" and ignoring the needs of her congressional district. On the other side was the incumbent, talking about her bipartisan work in Congress and her alliance with Joe Biden. It was a very new experience for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. "I'm very happy to have the support of my colleagues in the New York delegation," the 30-year-old member of Congress said in her first televised debate last month. "I'm very happy to work very, very well, and collaborate a lot, with our fellow members." Ocasio-Cortez's shocking 2018 win over a member of House Democratic leadership turned her into one of the party's most recognizable faces. Insurgent candidates around the country - right and left - compared themselves to "AOC." But the congresswoman is now fending off an expensive primary challenge June 23, with opponents hoping to blunt the popularity of "democratic socialism" by limiting her to one term. She is campaigning for reelection less as a fire-starter than as an attentive member of Congress. After co-hosting a rally for Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in Queens, she made only a few trips to support his presidential bid in swing states, wary of criticism for leaving the district and of letting her reelection campaign falter. "It's about balancing all of those things," Ocasio-Cortez told The Washington Post in March, before traveling to Michigan to rally with Sanders. "You're spinning so many plates in the air, and sometimes you just have to kind of go between them and make decisions." Three of the four congresswomen who make up the "squad," a term both liberals and Republicans have embraced, have primary challenges. Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib faces a rematch with Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones, whom she defeated narrowly in 2018, while Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar is facing attorney Antone Melton-Meaux, who has chastised the incumbent for getting "distracted fighting with Donald Trump on Twitter or even with their own party." But they have raised less money than Ocasio-Cortez's challengers, and her primary comes first. Ocasio-Cortez faces three Democrats in the primary, including a well-funded challenge from former CNBC host Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, who accuses the freshman congresswoman of being distracted by celebrity and national politics. That might be a difficult sell. A poll conducted last month for the campaign by Celinda Lake, who also worked with Ocasio-Cortez in 2018, found the congresswoman's favorable rating at 79%, and with 73% support in the primary. Lake said Ocasio-Cortez is stronger in the district than when she polled then-Rep. Joseph Crowley in 2018. (Ocasio-Cortez declined an interview request.) "People were more interested in change, and there was a constituency that felt neglected. And that just isn't there now," Lake said. In an interview, as in the first debate, Caruso-Cabrera portrayed the congresswoman as fame-obsessed and divisive, focusing on her vote against the Cares Act and her opposition to an Amazon headquarters in New York City. "She says it's because she cares about people, but that's an insult to every other Democrat in the House of Representatives," Caruso-Cabrera said. "They didn't care about people when they voted the way they did? I am about jobs. I've always been about jobs, affordable and accessible, health care and unity within the Democratic Party." But Ocasio-Cortez, who is a co-chair of Biden's climate change task force and has said she will vote for him after campaigning for a chief competitor, has defended her ability to work within a party she sees as broad. "When people say 'divisiveness' and all of this stuff: Listen, not all Democrats are the same," Ocasio-Cortez said in the debate. "Some Democrats believe in not protecting immigrant rights. Other Democrats believe that we should subsidize big pharma and health-care corporations. I'll be very honest about that. But we come together, too." Ocasio-Cortez's key team from 2018 has largely moved on to other efforts to move the Democratic Party to the left. The new campaign has emphasized Ocasio-Cortez's work for the district over her work to change the party. Wary of how her opponents wanted to portray her as a celebrity, or an absentee congresswoman, the campaign tested those arguments and found few voters believing them. With the pandemic preventing the sort of mass grass roots canvassing that helped her win two years ago, Ocasio-Cortez focused on community relief. "Ocasio-Cortez 2020 has created a grass roots machine, mobilizing over 2,600 unique volunteers during the covid-19 crisis to make over 250,000 community check-in calls, over 70,000 texts, distribute over 32,800 masks and deliver over 3,000 meals," said the campaign's current press secretary, Ivet Contreras. As of March 31, when the candidates last filed with the Federal Election Commission, Caruso-Cabrera had raised $1.1 million, more than triple what Ocasio-Cortez raised before her 2018 win. The incumbent had raised nearly $8 million, and already spent close to $5 million of it. Caruso-Cabrera brought resources and some name recognition into the primary and used the first all-candidate debate last month to unload on the incumbent, in terms Ocasio-Cortez once applied to Crowley. The former CNBC host repeatedly called Ocasio-Cortez "MIA" and emphasized that she had been in D.C., not the district, when she fell ill and missed some votes. And the challenger rarely mentioned that incident without referring to a "luxury apartment over a Whole Foods." In May, she scored a high-profile win by challenging the signatures Ocasio-Cortez submitted for the Working Families Party's ballot line. That did not stop the third-party group from supporting Ocasio-Cortez in the Democratic primary, but it produced embarrassing headlines about a grass roots congresswoman fumbling campaign basics. Like Ocasio-Cortez, Caruso-Cabrera has devoted resources to covid-19 relief, arguing that she has been more active in the district, with no national distractions. "Her district is the hardest hit in the country, and yet she didn't come home," Caruso-Cabrera said, focusing on the brief period when Ocasio-Cortez stayed in the D.C. apartment. "Day 1, I started delivering food and hand sanitizer. She was on the sidelines. I was on the front lines." Yet the race has not shaken out like the 2018 primary, when Ocasio-Cortez successfully portrayed Crowley as unfocused on the district. Stories about tension between her and other members of Congress have disappeared; Rep. Grace Meng, who represents much of Queens and won with Crowley's backing, has praised Ocasio-Cortez for being "on most if not all of the calls" related to the pandemic response. Caruso-Cabrera did not have roots in Queens or the Bronx, and was on record criticizing Democrats from the right; in a 2010 book, she called to "get rid of Social Security and Medicare altogether." While the local and national Chamber of Commerce have helped her campaign, Ocasio-Cortez has used that to portray the challenger as an interloper. "We just think she's the whole package," said Scott Reed, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's political director. "We've done a number of events with her on Zoom for our members, for our donors, for our corporate givers, and she just charms the birds right out of the tree." Ocasio-Cortez has continued playing in other primaries, though she has picked them more carefully than 2018, when she flew to Hawaii for a challenger who won just 6% of the vote. Of the seven candidates endorsed by Courage to Change, the PAC she launched in February, only two faced Democratic incumbents. Both of them - Illinois's Marie Newman and Texas's Jessica Cisneros - were also backed by Emily's List, which focuses on electing women but rarely clashes with the party establishment. Inside New York, where challengers frequently cite the congressman's 2018 race as a model, there is less left-wing nervousness about Ocasio-Cortez's chances than about how to win more seats. Ocasio-Cortez has pointedly not endorsed strategic challenges in other New York City races. In the 16th district, which neighbors Ocasio-Cortez's 14th district, she has not intervened in Jamaal Bowman's challenge to Rep. Eliot L. Engel, who has faced the same "absentee" criticism Crowley once did. In the 15th district, she has endorsed Samelys Lopez, a friend and ally she met while volunteering for Sanders. But some on the left fear Lopez, who had struggled to raise money, will split progressive votes and create a path for Ruben Diaz Sr., a conservative Democrat who calls himself "the oppose of AOC." A poll conducted recently by Data for Progress found Diaz Sr. leading the field with 22%, followed by left-wing city councilman Ritchie Torres at 20%. Lopez, despite the high-profile support, came in at 2%. "Too often people get excited about someone because of their social media clout without recognizing that they have very little chance of winning," said Sean McElwee, the New York-based founder of Data for Progress. "[Progressives] didn't take Diaz Sr. seriously enough." In recent days, Ocasio-Cortez has been absorbed by the protests that followed the killing of George Floyd. On Tuesday night, she called in to a radio show hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton, not as the main guest, but as one of several members of Congress updating New Yorkers on what was happening, and what they could do. "The solutions here have got to be systemic," she said. "This needs to be a wholesale restructuring of justice in America." Later that night, she tweeted that she was heading to a protest that police had halted on the Manhattan Bridge. It did what not many statements by freshman members of Congress can: It made national news. The World Health Organization said that cases in Europe continue to decline during a briefing Wednesday. Yesterday saw the fewest cases reported in Europe since the 22nd of March, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Though Tedros added, WHO is especially worried about Central and South America where many countries are witnessing accelerating epidemics. More than 100,000 cases of Covid-19 have been reported to WHO for each of the past five days. The Americas continues to account for the most cases, Tedros said. For several weeks, the number of cases reported each day in the Americas has been more than the rest of the world put together, Tedros said. He added WHO is also seeing an increase of cases in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and Africa. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Europe saw fewest coronavirus cases reported yesterday since March 22, WHO says" New Delhi: The death of a pregnant elephant in Kerala after she was fed a fruit stuffed with crackers has shaken the nation. Social media is shocked to see the inhuman treatment meted out to the animal and posts condemning the act have been shared in plenty. The elephant died after a local allegedly fed her a pineapple stuffed with crackers in Kerala`s Malappuram. The incident took place on May 27 while the elephant was standing in water and forest officials said that she died standing in river Velliyar after suffering an injury in her lower jaw. Celebrities have taken to Twitter and Instagram to express shock over the incident and are demanding stricter laws against animal cruelty. Actress Anushka Sharma, who has often voiced her opinion against animal cruelty, shared a new report on the elephants death and wrote, "This is why we need harsher LAWS against animal cruelty." Shraddha Kapoor said she is shattered to hear about it and reiterated that the culprits should be punished in the strictest way. How? How can something like this happen? Do people not have hearts? My heart has shattered and broken... The perpetrators need to be punished in the STRICTEST way, she tweeted. Rajkummar Rao too quoted Shraddha and said its horrific. Tagging PETA and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayans office on Twitter, he added that necessary action should be taken against the people involved in the incident. An act most inhumane to willfully feed a pineapple full of firecrackers to a friendly wild pregnant elephant is just unacceptable. Strict action should be taken against the culprits, Randeep Hooda urged. Athiya Shetty termed it as barbaric and said, HOW can anyone have the heart to do this? Absolutely disgusting, I hope action is taken. Among the others to condemn the incident are actors like Mouni Roy, Sonali Bendre, John Abraham, and TV stars such as Dipika Kakar, Sayantani Ghosh, Rohit Roy, Ravi Dubey among others. A senior forest officer on Tuesday told news agency PTI, "Her jaw was broken and she was unable to eat after she chewed the pineapple and it exploded in her mouth. It is certain that she was offered the pineapple filled with crackers to eliminate her." The post-mortem revealed that the pachyderm was pregnant. The tragic death of the elephant came to light after Mohan Krishnan, a forest officer, posted an emotional note on his Facebook page, narrating the death of the elephant in the waters of the Velliyar River. The Executive Director for the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), Mensah Thompson says this is the worst time for the Police to suppress the freedoms of the people. His comment follows a confrontation between the police and supporter who accompanied Bernard Mornah, the National Chairman of the Peoples National Convention (PNC) to the Police Headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, June 2 upon invitation for questioning over his comments against the Electoral Commission. Mr. Bernard Mornah made some comments in resistance to the Electoral Commission's compilation of a new voters register. Ernest Thompson and other individuals who trooped to the Police Headquarters were met with three FPU Vehicles, Policemen armed to the tooth, and snipers sitting on FBU vans. Bemoaning the act in a write-up, the ASEPA boss who was nearly assaulted by a Police Officer says the Police aggression and intimidation was an eyesore, and it certainly looks like they are not drawing any lessons from what is happening currently in America. Its been days and the Police has not been able to control, the rioting that has broken loose since the "black lives matter" campaigns and this is happening nowhere than a civilized Country like America. If this can happen in the USA, does the Police know what can happen in Ghana if tempers break loose?, he said. He further stressed, All I am saying is, now is the worst of times for the Ghana Police to use intimidation and fear-mongering tactics to suppress the freedoms of the people and what happened at the CID Headquarters yesterday was very condemnable. Read the full write-up below: Mensah Thompson of ASEPA writes: THIS IS THE WORST TIME TO SUPPRESS THE FREEDOMS OF THE PEOPLE-ASEPA TO GHANA POLICE Yesterday we thronged to the Police Headquarters to support Comrade Bernard Mornah, the National Chairman of the PNC who had been invited for far less a comment than we have heard on airwaves recently on the New Voters Register. We arrived at the Police Headquarters only to be met with three FPU Vehicles, Policemen who are armed to the tooth and snipers sitting on FBU vans pointing guns at us. And all these was for a Civilian who had been invited, came unarmed with a few supporters also unarmed. And guess what, I was nearly assaulted by a Police Officer yesterday just for showing up at to support a Comrade who had been invited. The Police aggression and intimidation that met us was an eyesore, and it certainly looks like the Ghana Police is not drawing any lessons from what is happening currently in America. As we speak, the lives of all Policemen and Women in America are in serious danger because of the unprofessional conduct of a few white Policemen. Its been days and the Police has not been able to control, the rioting that has broken loose since the "black lives matter" campaigns and this is happening nowhere than a civilised Country like America. If this can happen in the USA, does the Police know what can happen in Ghana if tempers break loose? Now more than ever modern Policing has been called into critical question because of recent events, I do not want to believe that the Ghana Police want a deteriorated State before they begin to draw relevant lessons from what is happening elsewhere (atleast to attract Public Confidence in them to make their jobs easier.) Because if the little trust left between the Police and the People now breaks off at this critical moment, we would have a real calamity on our hands. All I am saying is, now is the worst of times for the Ghana Police to use intimidation and fear-mongering tactics to suppress the freedoms of the people and what happened at the CID Headquarters yesterday was very condemnable. Mensah Thompson Executive Director, ASEPA 0542120628 RIO RANCHO, N.M. - New Mexico has moved closer to possibly sending a historic delegation of all women of colour to the U.S. House. According to unofficial results from Tuesdays primary, Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez, a Latina, won a seven-way race to capture her partys nomination for the Democratic-leaning seat in northern New Mexico. This is a win for our communities & families across our district, Leger Fernandez tweeted late Tuesday. Our campaign has been about bringing people together & lifting up the diversity that makes us New Mexicans. She joins incumbents Rep. Deb Haaland a Laguna Pueblo member and one of the nations first Native American congresswomen and U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, on the all women of colour Democratic U.S. House slate. Former state lawmaker Yvette Herrell, a member of the Cherokee Nation, won a heated Republican primary race to challenge Torres Small November in a swing district representing southern New Mexico. And retired police officer Michelle Garcia Holmes, who is Hispanic, won the GOP nomination to challenge Haaland for the Democratic-leaning seat representing Albuquerque. The Republican primary in northern New Mexico with two women in the three-way race remained too close to call early Wednesday, but an Hispanic woman was leading. New Hampshire in 2013 became the first state to have an all-female Congressional delegation (Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Kelly Ayotte, and Reps. Ann McLane Kuster and Carol Shea-Porter), according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. Hawaii had a two-member all women of colour U.S. House delegation with GOP U.S. Rep. Patricia Saiki and Democratic U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink in 1990. The state again elected two women of colour ito the House in 2010 with Democratic U.S. Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Mazie Hirono, both Japanese Americans. Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, who is of Samoan ancestry, later replaced Hirono. Delewares lone member of the House is Democratic Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, a black woman. But New Mexico could wind up with the largest U.S. House delegation of women or women of colour in history. The states population of about 2 million is 49% Hispanic and 9% Native American. According to the Center for American Women and Politics, 490 women have filed as candidates for House seats nationwide in 2020, a record high. The numbers could grow because filing deadlines have yet to pass in around a dozen or so states. Democrats in Kansas have women running in all four U.S. House seats and for U.S. Senate. The states primary is August 4. ___ Associated Press journalist Russell Contreras is a member of the APs race and ethnicity team. Follow Contreras on Twitter at http://twitter.com/russcontreras Islamabad: In a fresh escalation in the continuing Indo-Pak war of words, army chief General Raheel Sharif has spoken about "raining" of bullets on people in the Kashmir Valley and made veiled references to India by talking of "covert and overt intrigues of enemies". Describing Kashmir as Pakistan's "lifeline", he said the true solution to the Kashmir issue lies not in "raining bullets" upon people in the Valley but in "heeding" to their voices and respecting their aspirations. "Kashmir issue can only be resolved by implementing the UN Resolutions," he said during a ceremony marking 'Defence Day' in Rawalpindi yesterday. Kashmir is Pakistan's "lifeline" and "we shall continue our diplomatic and moral support to the freedom movement at all levels," Raheel said. Backing the demand for self-determination in Kashmir, he said the "oppressed people" of the Valley are once again suffering "worst form of state terrorism" and "repression" for demanding their due rights. In a veiled reference to India, he said Pakistan was aware of conspiracies by "enemies". "We are fully aware of all covert and overt intrigues and intentions of our enemies. Be the challenge military or diplomatic, be the danger on the borders or within the cities, we know our friends and foes all too well. We know well how to abide by bonds of friendship and how to avenge upon our enemies," Raheel said. Pakistani armed forces are fully capable of defending Pakistan in conventional and non-conventional warfare, and from any internal or external threat, he said. "Pakistan's defence had been strong in the past but now it is impregnable," Raheel said, adding that Pakistan wants good relations with all the neighbouring countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect. He said the key to regional peace is balance of power. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is the symbol of mutual respect for countries, which will ensure progress not only in Pakistan but also in the entire region, Raheel said. He said the security and timely completion of CPEC is the national duty, and no power will be allowed to disrupt it. The army chief said Pakistan has been sincerely playing its role for peace in Afghanistan as peaceful Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan. Effective border management with Afghanistan is a priority of Pakistan, which will help achieving the goal of durable peace, he said. "Some opportunistic elements are trying to create an environment of distrust, but they will not succeed," he said. Referring to terrorism in Pakistan, Raheel said the right of state has been established across the country as a result of over 19,000 military operations against terrorists. Federal Ministers, parliamentarians, the services chiefs, ambassadors, and other prominent personalities attended Defence Day ceremony which is observed in Pakistan to mark the 1965 war with India. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. [CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST NEWS ON CRISTOBAL] Tropical Storm Cristobal came ashore in Mexico on Wednesday, bringing more torrential rain and 60 mph winds. The National Hurricane Center said Cristobal, the third named storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, made landfall around 8:35 a.m. CDT near Atasta, just to the west of Ciudad del Carmen in southern Mexico. But thats not the end of the story. The hurricane center expects Cristobal to move back into the Bay of Campeche by Friday and head toward the United States. The long-range forecast shows Cristobal approaching the Louisiana coast on Sunday, but areas from Texas to Alabama are in the so-called cone of uncertainty, and not out of the woods. Cristobal is forecast to begin moving northward across the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, and there is a risk of storm surge, rainfall, and wind impacts this weekend along portions of the U.S. Gulf Coast from Texas to the Florida Panhandle, the hurricane center said Wednesday. While it is too soon to determine the exact location, timing, and magnitude of these impacts, interests in these areas should monitor the progress of Cristobal and ensure they have their hurricane plan in place. As of 10 p.m. Wednesday, Tropical Storm Cristobal was located about 20 miles south of Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico, and was stationary. Cristobal was weakening after being over land most of the day, and its winds dropped to 45 mph. Cristobal is forecast to weaken slowly and could become a tropical depression by Thursday evening. The storm could restrengthen some once Cristobal moves back into the Gulf on Friday. A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the Gulf coast of Mexico from Campeche to Coatzacoalcos. The hurricane center said that even though Cristobal has made landfall, tropical storm conditions will continue along and near the coast of Mexico through Thursday. Twenty or more inches of rain will be possible across parts of Mexico over the next few days, raising the risk of flash flooding and mudslides. The hurricane center said damaging and deadly flooding has already occurred in parts of Mexico and Central America. The hurricane center is forecasting Cristobal to cross the Gulf on Friday and Saturday and approach the U.S. Gulf Coast on Sunday, possibly coming ashore early Monday. Right now it appears that central Louisiana could be the landfall point, according to the hurricane centers long-range forecast track. Forecasters said models are in very good agreement on that scenario with the only differences being on the timing. The forecast track may only shows the center of the storm, and its effects can be felt in a much wider area. How strong Cristobal is when it gets here is another big question. It all depends on the storms time over land in Mexico. If it moves only a little bit inland and stays closer to the Gulf waters, then it would weaken at a slower rate than if it moves farther inland. Some models show it moving a lot farther inland before turning back into the Gulf, which would greatly weaken the storm. The National Weather Service in Mobile continued to watch Cristobals progress and said the storm will kick up waves and rip currents along the Alabama coast this weekend. Beach erosion and coastal flooding will also be possible in some areas. Forecasters also said heavy rain will be possible, especially by this weekend. Any other potential impacts will depend on Cristobals track. Stanley, a prancing intellectual hobbit, is nasty to Fred and creepily nice to Rose, but his bullying and groping are a sideshow. The dominant force in the household and the movie is Shirley. As she works feverishly on her next novel, Hangsaman, she casts an almost literal spell on Rose, bedeviling her waking hours with tantrums and haunting her dreams. Im a witch, Shirley proclaims, and it doesnt seem like metaphor or hyperbole. She guesses the secret of Roses pregnancy by looking at her face. Rose, trembling between fear and lust, becomes Shirleys nursemaid and her muse, her secret sharer and her prey. Shirley imagines Rose and Rose imagines herself as the Bennington student whose disappearance figures in Hangsaman. Decker and the cinematographer, Sturla Brandth Grovlen, blur the boundaries of realism, interweaving domestic drama and campus sex comedy with scenes of fantasy, so that by the end we are not sure whose hallucination, or what kind of experience, we are witnessing. At times the academic power games Shirley and Stanley play with Rose and Fred evoke Edward Albees Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf. At other moments the volatile connection between Rose and Shirley recalls the fraught creative mentorship in Madelines Madeline, Deckers 2018 film about a teenager in thrall to the charismatic leader of a theater company. Like that movie, this one posits a link between creativity and mental disorder. Shirley is a demonic genius, and also the modern incarnation of a Victorian madwoman. Her brilliance is hard to separate from her instability, and her eccentricity is treated as something pathological. One notable liberty that Shirley takes with the biographical record is to make Jackson and Hyman childless. In real life, they raised four children, and some of Jacksons most popular and lucrative writing consisted of articles and stories about parenthood and everyday domesticity published in womens magazines. In removing this thread, and making the unliterary, uneducated Rose (who dropped out of college to marry Fred) an emblem of fertility, the filmmakers impose a stark separation of roles on Jackson that she herself defied. New Delhi: The Finance Ministry on Wednesday said that public sector banks (PSBs) have disbursed Rs 3,892.78 crore in the first two days of the month under the Rs 3-lakh crore Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) for the MSME sector hit hard by the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Meanwhile, PSBs have sanctioned loans worth Rs 10,361.75 crore under the 100 per cent ECLGS starting June 1. The scheme is the biggest fiscal component of the Rs 20-lakh crore Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan package announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month. "Public sector banks have already sanctioned loans worth Rs 10,361.75 crore under the 100 per cent Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme. Out of this, Rs 3,892.78 crore has already been disbursed," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a tweet. Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of the economy. Under #AatmaNirbharBharat Abhiyan Govt is committed to their growth. Reach out @DFSforMSMEs for all queries regarding ECLGS/other measures and their swift resolution, a tweet from the Department of Financial Services said. On May 21, the cabinet had approved additional funding of up to Rs 3 lakh crore at a concessional rate of 9.25 per cent through ECLGS for the MSME sector. Under the scheme, 100 per cent guarantee coverage will be provided by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) for additional funding of up to Rs 3 lakh crore to eligible MSMEs and interested Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) borrowers, in the form of a guaranteed emergency credit line (GECL) facility. For this purpose, a corpus of Rs 41,600 crore was provided by the government spread over the current and the next three financial years. The scheme would be applicable to all loans sanctioned under GECL facility during the period from the date of announcement of the scheme to October 31 or till an amount of Rs 3 lakh crore is sanctioned under GECL, whichever is earlier. The main objective of the scheme is to provide an incentive to member lending institutions to increase access to, and enable availability of additional funding facility to MSME borrowers, in view of the economic distress caused by the COVID-19 crisis, by providing them 100 per cent guarantee for any losses suffered by them due to non-repayment of the GECL funding by borrowers. All MSME borrower accounts with an outstanding credit of up to Rs 25 crore as on February 29, which were less than or equal to 60 days past due as on that date, i.e., regular, SMA-0 and SMA-1 accounts, and with an annual turnover of up to Rs 100 crore, would be eligible for GECL funding under the scheme. Gojek motorcycle taxi on Jalan MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta. (PHOTO: Getty Creative) By Kurt Wagner and Yoolim Lee (Bloomberg) -- Facebook Inc. and PayPal Holdings Inc. are investing in Gojek, a big boost for the Indonesian startups digital payments business that propels the U.S. companies into a fast-growing Asian internet arena. Its the second international investment Facebook has made in the past six weeks with a goal of getting more local businesses online, after the social media giant paid US$5.7 billion for about 10% of Indias Reliance Jio. It plans to build a commerce and payments business around WhatsApp, on top of letting businesses use the messaging service to interact with customers. The deal announced Wednesday marks Facebooks first investment in an Indonesian company and is a major boost for the countrys largest startup, a ride-hailing giant thats morphed into a provider of services like payments and meal delivery. Gojek is now backed by some of the worlds largest internet companies from Alphabet Inc.s Google to Chinas Tencent Holdings Ltd., helping it compete against Singapores Grab Holdings Inc. WhatsApp in particular can be instrumental in creating a more digital Indonesia by bringing more people into one of the fastest growing digital economies in the world, WhatsApp Chief Operating Officer Matt Idema said in a blog post. The company didnt specify how much it is investing and a spokesperson declined to share details. Indonesia is one of the worlds most promising internet markets, fueled by rapidly expanding smartphone adoption and economic growth. Its the largest country in Southeast Asia, anchoring a regional internet economy estimated at more than US$100 billion in 2019 and tripling by 2025. Facebook and PayPal join Google and other U.S. corporations in staking out a relatively undeveloped Asian digital payments arena outside of China. Facebook and PayPal joined Gojeks current funding round, which closed at US$1.2 billion around March at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Story continues Gojek and Grab aim to become Southeast Asian consumers default, all-purpose app, similar to Tencents WeChat. Gojek has drawn hundreds of thousands of merchants to its platform, providing them with access to more than 170 million users across the region. The Indonesian startup, whose backers also include Singaporean state investor Temasek Holdings Pte, has said it will deploy fresh capital to keep expanding despite global economic turbulence. It recently acquired a mobile point-of-sale startup called Moka for about US$130 million, people familiar with the deal have said. Gojek, which debuted an app for hailing motorbike taxis in Jakarta in 2015, now also offers a score of other on-demand services such as house cleaning and medicine delivery, and was last valued at US$10 billion according to CB Insights. We see our role as a convener of global tech expertise, facilitating collaboration that will ultimately lead to a better future for everyone in our region, Gojek Co-Chief Executive Officer Andre Soelistyo said in a statement. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 02:08:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JERUSALEM, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli Ministry of Health reported 92 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the total to 17,377. According to the ministry, the number of death cases rose from 290 to 291, while the number of patients in serious condition decreased to 27 (the lowest since March 22), out of 108 patients currently hospitalized. The number of recoveries increased to 14,983, with 43 new recoveries, while the number of active cases increased to 2,103. Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a consultation about the education system with Education Minister Yoav Galant and National Security Council Director Meir Ben-Shabbat. According to PM office's statement, it was decided to close any school where coronavirus cases would be found. Netanyahu also instructed the education minister to continue working for protection and remoteness solutions, as well as dealing with schools in which coronavirus cases were already detected. Enditem [June 02, 2020] Dorsey & Whitney Ends Misdemeanor Prosecutions Program The law firm of Dorsey & Whitney announced today it is ending its decades-long Minneapolis City Attorney's program, under which Dorsey attorneys provided legal services assisting in the prosecution of misdemeanor cases in the City of Minneapolis. The move is one of several actions being taken by Dorsey in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police. "Dorsey & Whitney shares the sadness and the outrage expressed throughout Minnesota and the world over George Floyd's killing, as well as over the long history of such injustice," said Managing Partner Bill Stoeri. "Healing can only occur by addressing the systemic racism that plagues us. Dorsey is immediately placing an even greater emphasis on pro bono work that helps rebuild communities, and will no longer support misdemeanor prosecutions in Minneapolis. We must be part of the solution, and that means concrete action to assist the community and a re-examining of our own programs and practices." Studies demonstrate that prosecution of misdemeanors disproportionately impact the Black community, which was an important factor in Dorsey's decision to end its involvement in Minneapolis prosecutions. Dorsey's Diversity & Inclusionand Pro Bono Chairs are leading a collaboration within the Firm aimed at providing legal services to communities most affected by destruction that has occurred in the civil unrest gripping the country. Besides legal support, Dorsey will continue its long tradition of non-legal volunteerism to aid its communities, in the Twin (News - Alert) Cities and in the many other cities that Dorsey serves. "We also need to look inward," added Stoeri. "We have long focused on diversity and inclusion efforts and we believe we have made progress. We also know it has not been enough. Law firms, including ours, need to reevaluate their approach and not rest on the status quo." Dorsey has provided services to the Minneapolis City Attorney's office, assisting in the prosecution of misdemeanors, for more than 40 years. "We thank the City Attorney's office for allowing our involvement for these many years," said Stoeri. "As we take stock of how Dorsey can best fulfill its obligations to the community, to clients, and to members of our Firm, it is simply time to devote more resources to assisting those who are the victims of injustice." About Dorsey & Whitney LLP Clients have relied on Dorsey since 1912 as a valued business partner. With locations across the United States and in Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, Dorsey provides an integrated, proactive approach to its clients' legal and business needs. Dorsey represents a number of the world's most successful companies from a wide range of industries, including leaders in banking & financial institutions, development & infrastructure, energy & natural resources, food, beverage & agribusiness, healthcare and technology, as well as major non-profit and government entities. www.dorsey.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005981/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Thursday marks 12 months since Australian Federal Police raided the home of a News Corporation journalist, Annika Smethurst. One day later, the AFP also raided the Sydney offices of the ABC. Only last week, Smethurst learned she will not be charged for writing the news story that prompted the raid. Two ABC journalists are still waiting to learn their fate. News Corporation journalist Annika Smethurst's home was raided. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Those June 2019 raids grabbed global attention about the state of press freedom in Australia, not least because dawn raids of journalists are the type of thing you would expect from a despotic police state, not a country that prides itself on being a liberal democracy. Now, in the US this week, we see news media, including Australian television crews, targeted by law enforcement in assaults that can only be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate and silence. Is this surprising in a country with a leader who has labelled the free press as the enemy of the people? US Press Freedom Tracker is investigating more than 200 violations during the past few days, most in the form of police assaults. A statue of Pilgrim's Pride founder Bo Pilgrim is displayed outside the distribution center near Pittsburg, Texas, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008. Four current and former chicken industry executives, including Pilgrim's Pride CEO Jayson Penn, have been indicted for price fixing. Shares of Pilgrim's Pride plunged as much as 13% in afternoon trading. The stock, which has a market value of $4.46 billion, has fallen 44% so far in 2020. Shares of Tyson Foods, which was not named in the indictment, also fell on the news. The other executives allegedly involved in the scheme include former Pilgrim's Pride vice president Roger Austin, Claxton Poultry Farms President Mikell Fries and Scott Brady, a former Pilgrim's Pride executive who joined Claxton in 2012. Pilgrim's Pride supplies chicken for Costco and Yum Brands' KFC, while Claxton is a supplier for Chick-fil-A. A grand jury in the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado indicted all four with one count of conspiring to fix prices for broiler chickens from at least 2012 through 2017. The indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, says that the Pilgrim's Pride and Claxton executives communicated to each other non-public information about negotiations with fast-food chains and grocery stores and put forth similar bids. The Department of Justice said in a statement that the criminal investigation into price fixing is still ongoing, and the four men are the first to be charged. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $1 million fine, but the fine can be higher if the amount lost by victims or gained by the defendants was more than $1 million. Pilgrim's Pride did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC. Claxton declined to comment. Joe Biden wants Congress to end chokeholds and military transfers to police. Nancy Pelosi is talking about historic opportunities to reform police policies. Chuck Grassley says its time to address police use of force. But the smart bet is on Congress accomplishing little in response to nationwide protests decrying the killing of George Floyd and other black Americans at the hands of U.S. police. The House and Senate cant even agree right now on a relatively modest reform to a small-business loan program, let alone how to plunge into a debate over race and cops. If were waiting for the Republican majority, nothing will happen, said Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). You look at our inability to deal with gun safety, it can discourage the belief that we ever respond to anything thats timely." He added that House Democrats should still move forward on their proposals regardless of opposition in the GOP-led Senate. Complicating efforts is that the two chambers are just beginning negotiations on a fifth package of economic relief for the coronavirus pandemic and a presidential election is around the corner. Democrats are also divided on how far-reaching to go in addressing Floyds death and the ensuing unrest coursing through the country. And Republicans, long resistant to curbing police powers, wont move on anything that President Donald Trump doesnt support. Senate Republicans didn't even discuss the matter at a party lunch on Tuesday. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to commit to a police reform bill by July 4, but McConnell is sticking to an agenda of confirming nominees, passing a public lands bill and including liability reform in any coronavirus aid measure. Schumer offered a resolution on Tuesday afternoon condemning Trumps clearance of protesters and asserting the right to peacefully protest, but it was blocked by McConnell, who offered his own spurned resolution. Story continues McConnell deputies cast Schumer as chasing headlines. I thought he wanted to do COVID-19 [legislation]. Sen. Schumer cant make up his mind what he wants. Whatever the news of the day is, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., reads from the Bible, as she reacts to President Donald Trump during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 2, 2020. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Pelosi and leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus are organizing a public event to honor Floyd as soon as this week. The CBC is also developing a set of overarching principles meant to guide the chambers legislative response. But floor action is likely still weeks away. The Democratic minority has less leverage in the Senate, but the caucus hopes to attach language barring the transfer of military equipment to police departments and devise what Schumer calls a bold package of reforms. And after years of Congress refusal to address police brutality, some senior Democrats are already warning this time better be different. Im not going to any hearing on police misconduct. Thats a waste of time, said Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), a senior member of the CBC. A nebulous hearing is a congressional encounter between Democrats and Republicans, where minutes are kept and hours are lost. I just dont have the patience for that. Congress has often failed to answer the calls of a nation demanding action to confront the racial inequities that still plague America. After years of delay, lawmakers pushed through a narrow criminal justice reform law in December 2018 that eased mandatory minimum sentences for some drug offenses. But other than that, Congress has done little to address the unrest that has swept the country in recent years as outraged citizens take to the streets to protest the latest police killing of a person of color. A bill to make lynching a federal crime has stalled for years, though the House and Senate could conceivably reconcile their differences on the bipartisan bill before the end of the year. And legislation to curb police brutality went nowhere after the 2014 fatal shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown by a white officer in Ferguson, Mo. Thats why people are so frustrated. Weve been here before, said Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). House Democrats, led by the CBC, are trying to quickly mobilize behind a robust legislative package that tackles racial profiling and excessive use of force, among other issues. But the caucus ideological and generational divisions over how to respond are already puncturing Democrats unifying front. The House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on police brutality next week. But a committee vote on legislation as well as floor action isnt expected until later this month at the earliest. And thats assuming Democrats can coalesce around a legislative response. Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) will convene a separate hearing later this month but was unsure if legislation would come of it: I dont have anything in mind right now. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) is encouraging Attorney General William Barr to review the practices of local police departments, but like many Republicans, said he was unsure what role there was for Congress to play. Theres a federal role to play here, but I dont think its necessarily a congressional role, he said. I dont know that Id want to do that from the top-down. Id like to see what happens from the trenches up, added Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.). And within the CBC there is a split over how forcefully to respond and how much lawmakers are willing to battle the powerful Fraternal Order of Police on legislation to address police brutality and legal immunity given to law enforcement officials. Moderate Democrats may not find that legislation worth tackling without a commitment that the Senate will take it up and produce a law. There is strong support among House Democrats for a bill from Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) that would outlaw the use of chokeholds by police, classifying the action as excessive force. Jeffries first introduced the bill in 2014, after the death of Eric Garner, who died as he gasped for breath, repeatedly saying, I cant breath, while a police officer refused to release his chokehold. But other bills are more controversial and sure to spark a fight with the police union, including legislation to eliminate qualified immunity, which essentially prevents people from suing police officers who commit illegal or unconstitutional acts against them. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), the chair of the CBC, is imploring Democrats to act despite fierce opposition from the police union, casting the current crisis as a moral issue affecting everyone, not just people of color. Some of the bills might be scary because of the police unions, Bass told her colleagues on a private call Monday afternoon. And on a private call between Bass and the moderate New Democrat Coalition on Tuesday afternoon, several Democrats stressed the idea of not looking like they're "picking sides" between law enforcement and people of color as they craft a response, according to sources on the call. Independent Rep. Justin Amash, a former Republican, introduced legislation this week to end qualified immunity. But its unclear how much support hell receive from either Democrats or Republicans. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) declined to say whether he personally supported the effort on Tuesday, telling reporters he would defer to the CBC on which set of bills the House ultimately puts forward. Rather than go into each one of the individual bills, I want to wait for the CBC and the Judiciary Committee, Hoyer said. I will make an exception on the Jeffries language on using some kind of chokehold or device to shut off a persons ability to breathe. ... I do support that bill. All that internal wrangling among the House Democratic majority might well land with an utter thud in the Senate. McConnell has been leery for years of taking up issues that divide his caucus, and criminal justice reform and police reform issues dont neatly fall along partisan lines like other issues. McConnell on Tuesday said there may be a role for Congress to play. But he made no commitment. This is a vexing issue, he said. If we could have figured out exactly what to do, I think wed have done it years ago. Sarah Ferris and Andrew Desiderio contributed to this report. Many just left. But for groups that are trying to get people to sign up to vote by mail in November, this primary election was the perfect opportunity, one that doesnt come around often. For some of the people who showed up even if they didnt vote an ad from three civil rights groups would soon be sliding onto their smartphones. The ad campaign, created by the organizations Make the Road Action, One PA and Casa, asked simple questions about the in-person voting experience, and linked users to more information on how to vote by mail in November. The groups were able to reach voters through a digital advertising tactic known as geofencing that allows advertisers to pinpoint a specific location, set a radius around it and serve ads on social media and other platforms to anyone who crosses into the location. People will go to vote, theyll get frustrated and see how frustrating it is to vote in person, and then well send them digital ads where they can now request their ballot to vote by mail for the general election in November, said Ivan Garcia, the political director for Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania. We want to do it while voting is still fresh in their mind. Tactics like these may be helping Democrats and left-leaning groups open an advantage in mail-in voting registrations, while some Republicans fear that President Trumps false attacks on mail balloting may be dissuading voters in their own party from signing up. Most Small Businesses Are Now Open But Many Fear Second-Wave Shutdowns: Poll A new poll shows that most small businesses in the United States are open in some capacity, though nearly two-thirds are worried about potential closures due to a second wave of COVID-19. Nearly eight in ten small businesses (79 percent) are either fully (41 percent) or partially (38 percent) open, according to a Small Business Coronavirus Impact Poll taken between May 2127 and jointly released on June 3 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and MetLife (pdf). Small businesses in the South were significantly more likely to report being fully open than in other regions, with 51 percent in the South compared to 31-39 percent in other regions. Businesses across the country are beginning to reopen but see a long road ahead, said Tom Sullivan, vice president of small business policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in a statement. Overall, while more businesses than in previous months said it would take longer for the business climate to return to normal, fewer businesses said they were very concerned about the impact of the pandemic and more said they have seen an improvement in cash flow and future earnings. While we know small businesses are still facing real challenges, it is encouraging that some optimism has been seen, including improved comfort with cash flow and expectations for future revenue, said Jessica Moser, senior vice president, Small and Specialty Business at MetLife. As more small businesses begin to re-open, we hope this trend continues. Still, 66 percent of small businesses polled said they are concerned about having to close again, or remain closed, in the event of a second wave of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Anxiety about second-wave closures was more pronounced in the West (77 percent) and Northeast (74 percent) than in the Midwest (62 percent) and South (55 percent). According to the poll, 82 percent of small businesses indicated they were concerned about the impact of the pandemic, which is roughly in line with previous months. In a sign of growing optimism, however, the number of respondents who said they were very concerned about the impact of the outbreak on their business dropped by 10 percentage points compared to a month ago and by 15 percentage points from two months ago, and stood at 43 percent in the recent poll. Yet more businesses than in previous months said they believe the pandemic-related disruption will persist before making a rebound, with 55 percent saying they expect it will take six months to a year before the business climate returns to normal in the United States. This is up from previous polls, where 50 percent last month and 46 percent two months ago saying they believed the economic overhang would linger for six months to a year. Sullivan called for more relief for Americas small businesses. There is still a need for Congress to pass targeted, temporary, and timely assistance for small businesses, he said. As more businesses reopen, more than six in ten (62 percent) said they are concerned about the risks the virus poses to their employees and customers. Small business owners are cautiously optimistic about opening their doors again. But they remain concerned on what the post-COVID world looks like and how they can successfully reopen, while ensuring the safety for their employees and customers, said Suzanne Clark, president, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Business owners across America need clear guidance at the federal, state, and local level on how to reopen their businesses safely and sustainably. The biggest worries over the next several months, as expressed by respondents to the survey, were: financial hardships due to prolonged closures (71 percent), low business demand (67 percent), and closures related to a second wave (66 percent). Negative sentiments towards both the overall national economy and local economies are softening, the poll showed, and most businesses that cut staff expect to rehire them. These attitudes were reinforced by payroll data released on Wednesday, which showed signs of stabilization in the domestic labor market after the ADP National Employment Report said private employers laid off another 2.76 million workers, lesser than an expected 9 million job losses. The COVID-19 recession is over, barring a second wave of infections or policy error, Mark Zandi, Moodys Analytics chief economist told reporters. But recovery will be a slog until there is a vaccine. The ADP report was released ahead of the governments more comprehensive employment report for May scheduled for release on Friday. CARLSBAD, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2020 / OPTEC International, Inc., (OTC PINK:OPTI) today announced the company is projecting revenues in excess of $4M for the period ending September 30th, 2020 (Q1 Company Fiscal period) for the California territory. The company's recent launch of the new line of Far UVC LED Disinfecting lighting products for distribution in California has generated a major interest for the medical and commercial sectors for personal use protection products (PPE) along with commercial across the board applications. The projections are calculated on the demand already received by the company since the product launch last month. Current production capacity is 5,000 units per week of the "i Wand" personal disinfection and sterilization scanner which may have to be expanded as the demand continues to grow. The company plans to launch the commercial LED-UVC products this month which has also generated a significant interest in the medical and commercial sectors along with distributor opportunity inquiries. The current personal use protection products (PPE) for immediate distribution include a series of UVC LED high quality brushed aluminum wands for sterilization and disinfection of bacteria and a wide range of viruses in a matter of seconds on cellphones, keyboards, Gas Pumps, ATM's, Casino slot machines, Vehicle steering wheels, Infant Toys, Face Masks and a multitude of other applications including silverware scanning in restaurants now they re-opening for dine-in service without the use of toxic chemicals such as bleach and Ozone. The UVC LED rays can scan an entire area of room in a single treatment whereas current wiping and spray solutions only penetrate the actual targeted areas. The company will have the opportunity to expand the agreement to additional states and regions as the demand intensifies. The company is currently in discussion with several retail chains for the sale of the new PPE products. OPTEC is launching a new website in the coming weeks specifically dedicated to the UVC LED Light disinfecting, Sanitization and precautionary related safety products that will be distributed by the company. www.optecuvc.com Proven Scientific tests and data shows : https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=far+uvc+led&docid=607996639603853368&mid=975F5567D6FA02E4F028975F5567D6FA02E4F028&view=detail&FORM=VIRE Facts About Far UVC LED https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-crisis-far-uvc-light-microbe-blasting-uv-technology-could-kill-covid-19-public-places/ http://www.columbia.edu/~djb3/Far%20UVC.html https://www.genengnews.com/topics/translational-medicine/uv-light-that-is-safe-for-humans-but-bad-for-bacteria-and-viruses/ http://www.iuva.org/IUVA-Fact-Sheet-on-UV-Disinfection-for-COVID-19 https://www.germfalcon.com/ Safe Harbor Statement: Safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as Opti, OPTEC or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. OPTEC International Inc. OPTEC International, Inc. 2721 Loker Avenue West Carlsbad, California 92010 (760) 444-5566 www.optecintl.com Email: info@optecintl.com SOURCE: OPTEC International, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/592494/OPTEC-International-Projects-Q1-Revenues-in-Excess-of-4M-For-Companys-LED-UVC-Personal-Protection-Products Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has published the contributions of each country to the IPOB Defence Fu... Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has published the contributions of each country to the IPOB Defence Fund. He criticized Igbo people in the United States of America for contributing as low as $2,300 to the fund, saying they are wicked, gossipy and stingy. Kanu stated this on Facebook on Tuesday, revealing that the total amount contributed by Biafrans all over the world is $143,000 (One Hundred & Forty-Three Thousand Dollars). The IPOB leader lamented that the sum was not up to the amount he spent to feed the vulnerable a few weeks ago, He wrote, As the saying goes, he who goes to equity must go with clean hands. In keeping with my numerous public declarations that we in IPOB are whiter than white and whiter than snow, this morning I have decided to publish what each country contributed to the famous DEFENCE FUND for the world to see. All Biafrans in the USA only managed to contribute less than $2,300 (Two thousand Three Hundred Dollars). It means the total amount contributed by all Biafrans in the USA is less than the price of a one-way flight ticket from Enugu to Tokyo. Kanu claimed that it was those he described as traitors, expelled from IPOB in the USA that are now working for Nigerias Department for State Security Services, DSS, and peddling the myth about DEFENCE FUND embezzlement as a way of getting back at him and for sacking them from the movement. He said it was funny that none of the expelled alleged criminals now feeding the Pig in the Creek with false information ever contributed a dime to the DEFENCE FUND. All those foaming around the mouth about a DEFENCE FUND never contributed a penny to it, Kanu said. Not minding the sheer wickedness, apathy, gossipy and stingy nature of an Igbo man, we have continued to defend Biafraland with very limited resources against a Fulani Jihadi budget of over $22 Billion (Twenty-Two Billion Dollars) not including Nigerian Army and Police. These poverty-stricken criminals and agents of the caliphate think because they are gluttonous traitors that I too will be like them but they are very much mistaken. He said such persons should not forget that he is a child of God and is under the most sacred and inviolable oath to restore Biafra and, therefore, cannot be corrupted, bribed, or compromised. According to him, the amount is less than his groups single month expenditure for running the IPOB office worldwide. House Democrats are launching an all-out offensive against Attorney General William Barr for his continued defiance of Congress and improper politicization of the Department of Justice, the Judiciary Committee announced in a release on Tuesday. The panels announcement comes as the Trump administration confirmed the attorney general personally ordered law enforcement to expand the perimeter around the White House either late Sunday or early Monday, ahead of Donald Trumps walk to a photo op at nearby St Johns Episcopal Church. Administration officials have insisted that Mr Barrs order to expand the perimeter had no connection to Mr Trumps photo op, where he strolled from the White House across Lafayette Square to the church and held up a bible in his right hand as photojournalists snapped pictures and TV crews shot video. Shortly before Mr Trump emerged from the White House for his walk to the church on Tuesday, horse-mounted law enforcement personnel used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades to disperse a crowd that had been peacefully protesting there for hours. Mr Barr has also continued to deploy more law enforcement personnel across the country to root out violent agitators at protests against police brutality in the wake of the death of George Floyd, who died last week as a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck and back for several minutes even as Mr Floyd was saying he couldnt breathe. House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, whose committee drafted and ratified impeachment articles against Mr Trump last year, is proposing legislation to slash the budget of Mr Barrs personal office at the DOJ by $50m, he announced on Tuesday. Mr Nadler is also scheduling multiple hearings in the coming weeks with DOJ whistle-blowers and former department officials, the panel announced. These individuals are prepared to describe specific incidents of misconduct, as well as the unprecedented politicization of the Department of Justice under President Trump and Attorney General Barr, the committee wrote in its press release. Mr Nadler and other Democrats on the Judiciary panel will also wade into the DOJs high-profile criminal case against former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, which Mr Barr attempted to drop last month. Mr Nadler will file an amicus brief in the case arguing against Mr Flynns acquittal on charges that he lied to the FBI about his contacts with former Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. The Flynn case is one of many cases in which Attorney General Barr has improperly interfered for the benefit of President Trump and his political allies, the Judiciary panel release stated. A spokesperson for the Justice Department could not immediately be reached for comment for this story. Mr Barr, whom Democrats see as emblematic of a Trump cabinet full of sycophants unduly insulating the president from the consequences of illegal actions, has had a frosty relationship with the Democratic-controlled House since he was confirmed to the office in February 2019. The attorney general has defied multiple subpoenas from House Democrats, citing executive privilege. The stonewalling has erected obstacles to several House committees investigations into the president and his inner circle, the House impeachment investigation. George Floyd protesters met with violence from police across US Last year, Mr Barr tasked US Attorney John Durham with reviewing the origins of the FBIs 2016 counterintelligence probe into possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. Mr Trump and many congressional Republicans have argued that Obama-era intelligence officials and even the former president himself illegally targeted Mr Trump with investigations throughout 2016 and into 2017. Claims of political malfeasance by Obama administration officials which Mr Trump has dubbed Obamagate and made central to his 2020 re-election bid have not been independently substantiated. Mr Barr on Monday declined an invitation from the committee to testify on 9 June, citing a 29 May guidance memo from White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows barring cabinet-level officials from appearing before Congress for the time being. The attorney general had previously agreed to appear for questioning by the committee on 31 March before that hearing was cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, he wrote to Mr Nadler. Mr Nadler made clear on Tuesday that his publicity campaign to counter Mr Barrs tenure at the DOJ was a last-resort way to try to hold the attorney general accountable for politically corrupting US law enforcement and showing contempt for Congress. I am not going to spend months litigating a subpoena with an Attorney General who has already spent years resisting the courts and legitimate congressional oversight but neither will we stand by and allow Mr. Barr to continue to corrupt the Department, Mr Nadler said in a statement on Tuesday. We do not take these actions lightly or with any sense of joy. We have both a duty and a moral obligation to protect the rule of law in our country, and we intend to do just that, he said. As protests in the nations capital over Mr Floyds death continued on Tuesday, Mr Barr announced he will be sending "even greater law enforcement resources" to root out violent pockets and stem the vandalism and looting that has gripped parts of the city. At least 12 agencies under Mr Barrs jurisdiction the FBI, the US Park Police, and others have deployed to Washington in recent days amid the protests. "The most basic function of government is to provide security for people to live their lives and exercise their rights, and we will meet that responsibility here in the nations capital," Mr Barr said in a statement on Tuesday. Oslo, June 2: In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of people facing acute hunger could double. Supported by the United Nations, the Norwegian government and African institutions, Yara is taking action and committing $25 million to provide food for more than one million people in Southern and Eastern Africa. Yara is launching Action Africa: Thriving Farms, Thriving Future - an initiative with the goal to mobilize support for 250,000 smallholder farmers in seven African countries to secure food production and improved food security. The initiative includes advocacy and partnerships, farmer connectivity and digital solutions, and operational support including 40,000 metric tons of high quality fertilizers with zinc for improved nutrition. Yaras fertilizer contribution, combined with agronomic support, is expected to triple maize production and feed more than one million people across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique for one year. Vulnerable communities may face the most devastating food crisis in decades. If we dont act now, millions of people will be pushed into deep poverty and hunger. This is especially worrying in Africa where lives and livelihoods are at risk. As a critical part of the food value chain, we have a responsibility to support vulnerable farming communities and help avert a hunger crisis, says Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara International. The COVID-19 health crisis threatens to become a global humanitarian catastrophe that could deal a fatal blow to communities already on the edge of survival, says David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP). This initiative provides a good model for how the private sector and individual companies can step up, in partnership with African institutions, Governments and organizations like WFP, to help sustain production and food supply chains and safeguard the people most at risk during this pandemic. Sustainable Development Goal 17 calls for partnerships to reach the Sustainable Development Goals. In the current COVID-19 crisis, partnerships such as the one Yara is initiating, are both commendable and important. The economic effects of the pandemic could dramatically increase hunger and poverty, particularly in Africa. Through this initiative, Yara and its partners can help secure critical food production for those most vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic, says Norways Prime Minister, Erna Solberg. I am deeply concerned about the risk of a hunger pandemic caused by the corona virus with a further 265 million people facing crisis levels of hunger or worse. It is critical that we come together as one united global community to defeat this disease, and protect the most vulnerable, says Dag Inge Ulstein, Minister of International Development, Norway, who highly welcomes the initiative and commitment by Yara as public-private collaboration will be vital in addressing a possible food crisis. Action Africa: Thriving Farms, Thriving Future will seek to: Story continues Keep food available and affordable for the most vulnerable. Keep SMEs going as they are the backbone of food systems in Africa. Get inputs to smallholders. Keep food markets open and safe. Keeping knowledge flowing to farmers and digitize for traceability whenever possible. Action Africa: Thriving Farms, Thriving Future will include support for the African Green Revolution Forum (Africa Food Forum), Generation Africa and the Farm to Market Alliance. The initiative will work in coordination with WFP, AGRA, AFAP and other regional and local organizations to strengthen operational support, manage on-the-ground operations and to provide digital enablement and personalized agronomic advise. Yara hopes that the initiative can be a catalyst for other private sector players to join in a coordinated effort to deliver better farm productivity, meet local food demand, improve farmer incomes and improve population health through better nutrition. For more information: Kristin Nordal, VP Corporate Communications Phone: + 47 900 15 550 E-mail: kristin.nordal@yara.com Josiane Kremer, Director External Communications Phone: +47 48180451 E-mail: josiane.kremer@yara.com Thor Giver, Investor Relations Mobile: (+47) 480 75 356 E-mail: thor.giaver@yara.com About Yara Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. Supporting our vision of a world without hunger, we pursue a strategy of sustainable value growth, promoting climate-friendly and high-yielding crop nutrition solutions for the worlds farming community and food industry. Yaras ambition is to be the Crop Nutrition Company for the Future. We are committed to creating value for our customers, shareholders and society at large, as we work to develop a more sustainable food value chain. To achieve our ambition, we have taken the lead in developing digital farming tools for precision farming, and work closely with partners throughout the food value chain to improve the efficiency and sustainability of agriculture and food production. Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has established a unique position as the industrys only global crop nutrition company. With our integrated business model and a worldwide presence of around 16,000 employees and operations in over 60 countries, we offer a proven track record of responsible and reliable returns. In 2019, Yara reported revenues of USD 12.9 billion. www.yara.com This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act I want to thank the voters and residents of Ward 2 for their support over the last 29 years and the opportunity to serve, Evans in an interview Wednesday morning. And now its a new chapter in my life, and I dont know what that is, but Ill be heading in a different direction. NC Healthcare Foundation Announces COVID-19 "Fill the Gap" Grants Nearly $2 million in grants will be distributed to 19 organizations statewide through the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation's COVID-19 Fill the Gap Response Fund. The grants, totaling $1.6 million, will assist people and places disproportionately impacted by the novel coronavirus, including people of color, frontline essential workers, and rural communities. "The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health and economic challenges already present in rural communities and vulnerable populations around the state. They are often hit harder and take longer to recover," said Julia Wacker, senior vice president of the foundation. Migrant farm workers living in North Carolina who may lack information about ways to protect themselves from COVID-19 is an example of a rural population impacted by COVID-19, Wacker said. Because they can't afford to miss work, they may not report feeling ill or keep medical appointments, potentially putting their families and coworkers at risk. "They may also struggle to afford to buy food for their families and can't get to food banks before they close on weekdays because they rely on limited public transportation in rural areas," Wacker said. "They might also be ineligible for federal COVID-19 financial relief, which is why the Fill the Gap Response Fund is needed to support the organizations helping them." The Foundation distributed a request for proposals (RFP) in May to healthcare, human service, safety net, and grassroots organizations for projects addressing health disparities created or worsened by the pandemic. Following a review process, 19 grant awards were approved with an average size of $87,635. Lead funders of the initiative include the David A. Tepper Foundation, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, State Employees' Credit Union Foundation, and The Duke Endowment. An opportunity to apply for a second wave of funds will be announced later this month. Grant recipients include: Eastern North Carolina Atkinson - Black River Health Services and Manos Unidas - The COVID-19 Farmworker Resilience Project aims to expand capacity to serve migrant farmworkers during the pandemic. Grant funds will be used to disseminate culturally sensitive educational information, critical first aid and hygienic supplies so farmworkers can take steps to protect their health and understand how to self-monitor any symptoms and protect themselves, their families, and communities. - The COVID-19 Farmworker Resilience Project aims to expand capacity to serve migrant farmworkers during the pandemic. Grant funds will be used to disseminate culturally sensitive educational information, critical first aid and hygienic supplies so farmworkers can take steps to protect their health and understand how to self-monitor any symptoms and protect themselves, their families, and communities. Edenton - Boys & Girls Club of the Albemarle - Funds will be used to expand a program called Youth Connect, in which a licensed clinical social worker provides counseling and clinical case management services to young people to address stress and isolation related to COVID-19. - Funds will be used to expand a program called Youth Connect, in which a licensed clinical social worker provides counseling and clinical case management services to young people to address stress and isolation related to COVID-19. Elizabeth City - Elizabeth City State University - Through and Beyond COVID-19 (T-ABC) is a community outreach program designed to reduce disparate impacts of COVID-19 on African-Americans through health promotion efforts in 21 rural counties. African-Americans and individuals in rural communities are more affected by COVID-19 morbidity and mortality than other groups. Central North Carolina - Greater Charlotte and Statesville Belmont - House of Mercy - This project supports essential frontline workers and underserved populations, including people living with HIV who are uninsured, lack access to healthcare, and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. - This project supports essential frontline workers and underserved populations, including people living with HIV who are uninsured, lack access to healthcare, and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Charlotte - Camino Community Development Corp. - Camino is a bilingual, multicultural center serving uninsured Latino families through a health clinic, mental health clinic, food pantry, and other services. During COVID-19, many patients either cancelled or did not attend appointments due to lossof income. Funds will support staff and provide scholarships to help patients pay for their clinic visits. - Camino is a bilingual, multicultural center serving uninsured Latino families through a health clinic, mental health clinic, food pantry, and other services. During COVID-19, many patients either cancelled or did not attend appointments due to lossof income. Funds will support staff and provide scholarships to help patients pay for their clinic visits. Salisbury - Lutheran Services Carolinas - The Feeding LSC Heroes Project will provide food and household basics to frontline workers caring for older adults living in LSC's senior care communities. These workers are under stress as they juggle caring for vulnerable seniors at work, homeschooling children, contending with financial strain, and feeling anxious about contracting or spreading the virus. This project will help eliminate some of the financial burdens they face. - The Feeding LSC Heroes Project will provide food and household basics to frontline workers caring for older adults living in LSC's senior care communities. These workers are under stress as they juggle caring for vulnerable seniors at work, homeschooling children, contending with financial strain, and feeling anxious about contracting or spreading the virus. This project will help eliminate some of the financial burdens they face. Statesville - Iredell Memorial Hospital- Iredell Physician Network - Grant funds will support video visits and remote monitoring of patients in rural areas who have one or more comorbidity and who are at increased risk of complications if they contract COVID-19. Benson - NC Farmworkers Project - An existing medical mobile unit will be outfitted as a mobile hotspot for farmworker housing sites. This will ensure better access to telehealth appointments, since many farmworkers lack internet access or good cell phone service. - An existing medical mobile unit will be outfitted as a mobile hotspot for farmworker housing sites. This will ensure better access to telehealth appointments, since many farmworkers lack internet access or good cell phone service. Benson - Benson Health Farmworker Outreach - Funding will help the outreach program transition from a clinic-based healthcare model to a mobile model of providing primary care and COVID-19 testing to seasonal farmworkers. - Funding will help the outreach program transition from a clinic-based healthcare model to a mobile model of providing primary care and COVID-19 testing to seasonal farmworkers. Carrboro - Refugee Community Partnership - RCP will assist non-English speaking refugee and immigrant communities in Orange (News - Alert), Durham, Chatham, and Alamance Counties with COVID-19 related health and safety information and provide individuals with help accessing services. - RCP will assist non-English speaking refugee and immigrant communities in Orange (News - Alert), Durham, Chatham, and Alamance Counties with COVID-19 related health and safety information and provide individuals with help accessing services. Fayetteville - Cape Fear Valley Health System - Funds will be used for a program to help essential frontline workers in five counties with behavioral health services. The program will also provide behavioral health services to patients using telehealth. The project will also assist underserved patients being discharged from hospitals with medication, medical equipment, and transportation. - Funds will be used for a program to help essential frontline workers in five counties with behavioral health services. The program will also provide behavioral health services to patients using telehealth. The project will also assist underserved patients being discharged from hospitals with medication, medical equipment, and transportation. Lumberton - Southeastern Health - Robeson County had the highest increase in positive COVID-19 patients in the state in April. Local communities have traditionally faced healthcare challenges that include limited income, lack of transportation, and low literacy levels. A mobile care model will use audiovisual technology to connect patients to specialty care and patient education. - Robeson County had the highest increase in positive COVID-19 patients in the state in April. Local communities have traditionally faced healthcare challenges that include limited income, lack of transportation, and low literacy levels. A mobile care model will use audiovisual technology to connect patients to specialty care and patient education. Oxford - Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina - The club will provide hot, healthy dinners to youth ages 5 to 18 at club locations in Oxford, Henderson, and Roanoke Rapids during weekdays at no cost to the families served. - The club will provide hot, healthy dinners to youth ages 5 to 18 at club locations in Oxford, Henderson, and Roanoke Rapids during weekdays at no cost to the families served. Siler City - Hispanic Liaison of Chatham County - Funds will help allow for opening a satellite office in Lee County and expand advocacy, community education, and outreach efforts to protect the rights of poultry processing workers and ensure the community has access to emergency assistance. Funds will also offset some expenses related to the Chatham Solidarity Fund, which distributes money to families who do not qualify for stimulus checks due to their immigration status. Western North Carolina Asheville - Pisgah Legal Services - Pisgah Legal Services will provide free civil legal services and advocacy to low-income people in Western North Carolina affected by COVID-19, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. Through medical-legal partnerships and referrals from NC Cares 360, the organization will help resolve barriers to health for at least 100 patients (250 people in the household) who identify as being impacted by COVID-19 between June 2020 and May 2021. These patients will be low-income people from under-served rural communities or from communities of color. - Pisgah Legal Services will provide free civil legal services and advocacy to low-income people in Western North Carolina affected by COVID-19, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. Through medical-legal partnerships and referrals from NC Cares 360, the organization will help resolve barriers to health for at least 100 patients (250 people in the household) who identify as being impacted by COVID-19 between June 2020 and May 2021. These patients will be low-income people from under-served rural communities or from communities of color. Brevard - Neighbors in Ministry/Rise & Shine - Rise & Shine After-School and Sharing House have created a neighborhood pop-up market of fresh fruits and vegetables for the historic Rosenwald Community in Brevard, a mostly African-American, economically disadvantaged area in Transylvania County. Funds will feed 75 to 125 multi-generational families weekly for up to six months. - Rise & Shine After-School and Sharing House have created a neighborhood pop-up market of fresh fruits and vegetables for the historic Rosenwald Community in Brevard, a mostly African-American, economically disadvantaged area in Transylvania County. Funds will feed 75 to 125 multi-generational families weekly for up to six months. Hayesville - Clay County NC Emergency Medical Services - Funding will allow the county to educate, equip, and enhance the paramedic response team, allowing for greater access to health care for vulnerable, underserved and uninsured populations, while reducing long-term EMS call volume and undue burden on local Emergency Departments. This project will add a layer of protection for those experiencing trauma, interpersonal violence, or behavioral health needs. - Funding will allow the county to educate, equip, and enhance the paramedic response team, allowing for greater access to health care for vulnerable, underserved and uninsured populations, while reducing long-term EMS call volume and undue burden on local Emergency Departments. This project will add a layer of protection for those experiencing trauma, interpersonal violence, or behavioral health needs. Hayesville - Hinton Rural Life Center - Using existing trusting relationships, volunteers will equip vulnerable neighbors with resources to help their physical and mental well-being. - Using existing trusting relationships, volunteers will equip vulnerable neighbors with resources to help their physical and mental well-being. Hendersonville - Heartwood Refuge - Funding will support existing agencies that serve migrant workers with providing basic needs such as beds, linen, food, medicine, and urgent health care (transportation, costs and medicine). The grant will also help enable children of undocumented seasonal workers, who do not enroll their elementary-aged children in public school due to fear of deportation, to be home-schooled with qualified academic support. About NCHF Established in 1961, the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation is the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the North Carolina Healthcare Association. Its mission is to foster and accelerate the collective impact of hospitals, health systems and community partners to improve the health of North Carolinians. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005564/en/ COLUMBIA The earliest recipients are nearing the end of the federal aid meant as a lifeline during widespread business closures caused by the novel coronavirus. And small businesses are left waiting to see if demand for their products returns before the money runs out. While South Carolina has been more aggressive than others in restarting its formerly booming economy, positive cases of the virus continue and fear lingers. Im not candy-coating it. Every day I come to work, I really thank God if a customer walks in," said Stacy Levinson, owner of the iconic Columbia clothier Brittons. Levinson applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan five times. Finally, she was approved for the eight weeks worth of funding. That was a tremendous relief, she said, knowing shed be able to keep her 11 employees on the payroll despite the store being closed to customers. But its also coming to an end. Run by the federal Small Business Administration, the PPP was praised for its efforts to combat the virus-induced economic crisis, though its execution left much to be desired. It was riddled with technical glitches and money granted to companies beyond the small businesses it was intended for, from private schools to publicly traded corporations. While also staring down 13.3 percent national unemployment, Congress voted late Wednesday to relax loan forgiveness standards that many say made the program unworkable as the virus lingers on. Levinson said that before the crisis, her business had enjoyed robust sales for the first three months of the year. April is usually one of Brittons best, with tuxedo rentals for weddings and proms. Under the stores state-ordered closure and event cancellations, that didnt happen. The doors are open again, as Gov. Henry McMaster relaxed measures meant to curb the virus spread. But sales volume has yet to return. Meanwhile, the Palmetto State's unemployment rate hovered around 12 percent in April. Nationally, consumer spending fell by a record 13.6 percent in April, according to U.S. Commerce Department data. As states like South Carolina push for reopening, some economists have said we may have seen the bottom of the downturn, the Wall Street Journal reported, but a return to pre-COVID sales levels will likely be slow or non-existent. Small retailers that had to shut down really had a tough go, especially ones that revolve around consumer goods that are not necessarily staples, said Thomas Rhodes, chairman of the S.C. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council. "They're holding their breath, anxiously waiting." For example, reports show Americans spent half as much on clothes and shoes as they did in April 2019. Were not just going to snap out of this thing, state chamber President Ted Pitts said. A chamber survey last month showed 46.77 percent of respondents stated a lack of demand was their biggest challenge amid the virus' outbreak. And there was a sharp rise in savings in April as people chose to bank money in preparation for economic hardship. According to the U.S. Commerce Department, the national personal-saving rate jumped to 33 percent in April from 8.2 percent in February. Its going to be very scary when new clothes for fall come in, based on the current traffic in the store, Levinson said, adding weekend customer numbers have been encouraging, but on weekdays theyre practically nonexistent. Levinson has been able to adjust down some of her orders and delay others to give herself more time. But sales have yet to reach even 50 percent of what they were this time last year, the mark she needs to hit to avoid further cost-cutting measures. Theyre doing everything they can to make shoppers feel safe, from wearing masks to steaming clothes in between customers trying them on. Among other industry sectors hurting are small suppliers to larger manufacturers, according to University of South Carolina economist Joey Von Nessen, particularly those serving one primary client. The larger companies have resources to weather a downturn but those that make parts for them are left floundering without the demand. The struggles of those businesses are then trickling into the ones that serve them, from law firms to insurance agencies. Any business associated with the airline industry is vulnerable, Von Nessen says, something Sandra Sims knows all too well. Sims and her husband, Herbert, own Carolina Concessions, operating five restaurants at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, from Riverbank Bar and Grill to the Sunrise Cafe. The airport had been on its way to a record year of passenger counts, numbers that were slashed when the virus took hold. What I usually make in a day I havent made in a month, Sims said. Sims was forced to lay off all but a core group of employees until she was approved for PPP in mid-April. Shes back up to 15 of her 32 employees, but business has not picked up. Besides cleaning, its been hard to find things for them to do. Im in the airport. I cant control the flow of traffic coming in, she said, and shes worried she wont be able to achieve the amount of rehiring necessary to qualify for loan forgiveness. Congress relaxed some requirements late Wednesday, that will allow Sims to spend more of the money on operations rather than personnel she doesnt have enough work for. The program, intended to keep people off the unemployment rolls, called for 75 percent of loan amounts to go to payroll. Taking on additional expenses when sales volume is not there has business owners stressed, said Dom Mjartan, president of Optus Bank in Columbia, which processed more than 600 of the 58,851 loans issued in the state. He said extending usage deadlines of the $5.6 billion lent in the South Carolina is more realistic. So is allowing more of loans to be spent on expenses other than payroll, as rehiring employees only to have businesses lay them off again undermines long-term viability. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 21:29:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Vice Premier Han Zheng on Wednesday met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam and other principal officials to hear the HKSAR government's opinions on the national security legislation for the HKSAR. Han, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is head of the central leading group on Hong Kong and Macao work. The central authorities firmly, comprehensively and faithfully implement the "one country, two systems" policy, and resolutely safeguard national security, Han said. The fundamental purpose of establishing and improving at the national level the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security is to uphold national sovereignty, security and development interests, safeguard Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability and ensure the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems," Han said. The legislation by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in its next steps is to punish the criminal acts and activities that gravely endanger national security by a very small number of people and will not affect the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed and exercised by Hong Kong residents, he said. During the legislation process, the central authorities will hear opinions from people from all walks of life in Hong Kong in multiple ways, he said. State Councilor Zhao Kezhi and Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Xia Baolong, who are both deputy heads of the central leading group on Hong Kong and Macao work, attended the meeting. Enditem China warned Britain on Wednesday that interfering in Hong Kong will backfire, after the former colonial power vowed to give sanctuary to locals who may flee the city if a controversial security law is passed. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said in a column that he would offer millions of Hong Kongers visas and a possible route to UK citizenship if China persists with the law. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, We advise the UK to step back from the brink, abandon their Cold War mentality and colonial mindset, and recognise and respect the fact that Hong Kong has returned to China. Zhao said London must immediately stop interfering in Hong Kongs affairs and Chinas internal affairs, or this will definitely backfire. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Wednesday accused foreign critics of displaying blatant double standards over moves by Beijing to strengthen control over the city. Following talks with officials in Beijing, Lam said China has the same right as the US and UK to enact legislation protecting its national security and that foreign criticism and threats of sanctions could not be justified. She said China was compelled to take the step at the national level because of the opposition in Hong Kong legislature. On Wednesday, a spokesperson from the EU said Hong Kong people must be free to mark the Tiananmen Square crackdown anniversary, which police had banned. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday directed the state administration to maintain operational readiness and ensure immediate rescue works as cyclone Nisarga moves from Mumbai and Thane to North Maharashtra. IMAGE: NDRF teams clear a road of a fallen tree near Alibaug. Photograph: @satyaprad1/NDRF Thackeray is in constant touch with collectors of districts on the western coast of the state for updates about the impact of Nisarga, the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) said. Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts have been affected by the severe cyclonic storm, which made landfall in Raigad district with a speed of 100 to 110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph on Wednesday afternoon. "The CM has given directions for maintaining a state of operational readiness and to ensure immediate rescue works as the cyclone moves from Mumbai and Thane to North Maharashtra. #CycloneNisargaUpdate, the CMO tweeted. Thackeray is also in constant touch with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal and ward officers and issuing instructions to ensure that the cyclone causes minimum damage, the CMO said. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is also reviewing the situation in Thane, Raigad, Palghar, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg by speaking to their respective district collectors. Pawar urged people to remain alert until the intensity of the storm fades, a statement from his office said. Cyclone Nisarga made landfall near Alibaug in Raigad district on the Maharashtra coast on Wednesday, the India meteorological department said. The right side of the wall cloud passes through coastal region of Maharashtra, mainly Raigad district. It will gradually enter Mumbai and Thane districts, the IMD said in a statement. Evangelical church network distributes 750K meals to feed hungry during COVID-19 Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A United States-based evangelical association has helped churches in over 10 countries in the former Soviet Union provide over 750,000 meals to hungry families as the coronavirus pandemic has caused economic struggles and hunger. The Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association, which serves over 6,350 churches across countries in Eastern Europe and Asia, has worked with its partners to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to feed families as the region continues to see spikes in the number of coronavirus cases. Russia recently surpassed over 400,000 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 and ranks third in the world in a number of cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University & Medicine. Over 5,000 have died in Russia after contracting the virus and the country is still on lockdown. The churches recognize that while this pandemic is a very difficult situation where many people are suffering, it probably represents the greatest opportunity for the proclamation of the Gospel since the [Berlin] Wall came down, SGA President Michael Johnson told The Christian Post. The churches and the church workers are highly motivated to do what they can to minister to the people in those communities, both in word and deed. These people are already doing the work, Johnson added. What we are trying to do is connect people here with the churches over there and help them to purchase resources locally so they can distribute food, medicine, and other items. SGA, which was founded in 1934 to covertly distribute Bibles to Christians in the communist Soviet Union, today serves churches in the former Soviet Union aligned with the Union of Evangelical Christian and Baptist Churches. SGA established its Christ Over COVID campaign earlier this spring and issued a worldwide call to prayer. In the background, the SGA has worked with its partner ministries in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world to secure financial resources to help evangelical churches in those countries serve those in distress. Johnson said that because SGA has a giant network of churches, it can get aid to the point of need in just about all parts of those countries, even in the remotest regions in northern Siberia. We have an infrastructure that we have established in those countries that provide all the accountability as well as the supply chain facilities, he said. "So we are able to get the resources out to people pretty quickly. Those church workers have such compassion in their countries and they meet these people at their point of need. And many of these people are at the end of their ropes. In some cases, Johnson said church workers and volunteers are serving people who are at the point of suicide and others who havent eaten in days. They are really meeting those needs. Many of those people are open to the word of God, Johnson said. In order to identify the regions that need the most help at this time, SGA has coordinated with the national leaders of the Union of Evangelical Christian and Baptist Churches. As time goes on, that network of churches that are distributing these resources continues to grow, Johnson said. We send the money over and the food and everything is purchased over there locally and distributed to the people who are in need. The churches are aware of the people in need already. In many cases, they will go to the local municipality to get a list of people who are in need and take that list and go visit those people. According to SGA Communications Director Joel Griffith, the needs depend on the region. He said in Ukraine, where there has been an armed conflict since 2014, a lot of people are trapped and cant afford to leave even though their apartments and houses have been shelled out. This food support is vital to them as pastors go and visit those areas, Griffith said. In Central Asia, Griffith said poverty is horrendous and some of governments havent really been as responsive to the pandemic as others. A lot of attention gets focused on large cities, but when you get out to the outlying villages, the impact is severe and they dont have the medical infrastructure that they do in some of the larger cities, Griffith added. So the impacts are much more severe there. According to Johnson, SGA is also helping its local partners to feed orphans during the lockdowns. We have access into hundreds of state-run orphanages but in many cases, the childrens homes, because of a lack of funding as a result of the collapsing economy, have had to shut down facilities, Johnson detailed. Many of these kids are social orphans. This means at least one parent is alive but they have been taken away from the homes because of alcoholism and abuse. Now, they are being brought back to their homes. It is a very difficult situation. These workers are following these kids around and visiting them at the home to make sure everything is OK, and delivering food to them and their families. Although some state governments in the United States are in the early phases of their reopening plans, Johnson expects the impact of the pandemic will last much longer in the countries SGA serves. Yesterday, there was a big spike in cases in Russia. I think those counties are about three or four weeks behind us in terms of the onset of the pandemic, he said. They are in a more difficult situation than we are because they lack the medical infrastructure. And the Russian economy, which impacts a lot of those countries in that region and is based on the cost of fuel, is collapsing. It has reverberated all throughout that region. Johnson stressed that there is still a lot of fear. But as a result of the aid, he said, many are coming to Christ. Yevgeny Bakhmutsky, pastor of the Russian Bible Church in Moscow, said in a statement shared by SGA that there is an amazing hunger for truth and openness to the Gospel among people as church pastors are working day and night to visit, preach, consult and provide aid to people in need. Our church has created a fund to help in Moscow, Bakhmutsky wrote. Even non-Christians (including some nominal Muslims) are donating some money to it. We are working as volunteers every day. Can you imagine we have a dozen online Bible study Zoom groups for unbelievers now! We could not have dreamed this would be possible before! Many people are preparing for the worst. There is less joy to be found, but churches have become truly joyful places in our society, the pastor said. Our church will soon baptize 15 people who came to faith in Christ during this pandemic. Its all happening because of your faithful assistance and help. Scientists detect crab nebula using innovative gamma-ray telescope Scientists have detected gamma rays from the Crab Nebula, the most famous of supernova remnants, using a next-generation telescope that opens the door for astrophysicists to study some of the most energetic and unusual objects in the universe. The prototype Schwarzschild-Couder Telescope (SCT)--developed by scientists at the Columbia University in collaboration with researchers from other institutions--is part of an international effort, known as the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), which aims to construct the world's largest and most powerful gamma-ray observatory, with more than 100 similar telescopes in the northern and southern hemispheres. "That we were able to successfully detect the Crab Nebula demonstrates the viability of the novel Schwarzschild-Couder design," said Brian Humensky, associate professor of physics at Columbia, who worked with a team to design and build the telescope. "It's been a long journey, so it's enormously satisfying to see the telescope performing, and we're excited to see what we can do with it." The Crab Nebula, so named because of its tentacle-like structure that resembles a crustacean, is the remnant of a massive star that self-destructed almost a millennium ago in an enormous supernova explosion. The estimated distance to what's left of this star from Earth is about 6,500 light-years. Over time the light from the supernova faded away, leaving behind the remains of a powerful, rapidly spinning neutron star, or pulsar, that can still be seen within a cloud of gas, dust and highly energetic subatomic particles, which emit radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum. The most energetic of those particles radiate gamma rays. While scientists have been using the SCT technology to observe the Crab Nebula since January 2020, the project has been underway for nearly a decade. At its heart is a high-speed, high-resolution camera and a dual-mirror system--more intricate than the one-mirror design traditionally used in gamma-ray telescopes--that work together to enhance the quality of light for greater imaging detail over larger field of view across the sky. "The camera triggers upon bursts of light that occur when a gamma ray collides with an air molecule, and records these signals at a rate of a billion frames per second," said Humensky, who collaborated with colleagues at Barnard College to build major components of SCT's mirror alignment system and develop its control software. "This allows us to reconstruct the gamma rays with extraordinary precision." Humensky's involvement with the prototype SCT, unveiled last year at Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory in Arizona, began in 2012, when the National Science Foundation funded the project. The Columbia team, including Barnard College postdoctoral research associate Qi Feng, and Ari Brill and Deivid Ribeiro, Columbia doctoral students in physics, helped achieve the initial optical focus. Ribeiro has worked on the telescope since fall 2015, starting through Columbia's Bridge to the PhD program. "I've made seven trips to Arizona, beginning with a three-month stay to integrate the secondary mirror panels with the telescope structure," he said. "It's rewarding to be part of this team and to have collected some of the data that led to this first detection." The sighting of the Crab Nebula, announced at the 236th meeting of the American Astronomical Society June 1, lays the groundwork for the use of the SCT in the future Cherenkov Telescope Array observatory. Slated for completion in 2026, the observatory, with its configuration of 120 telescopes of varying sizes split between Chile and Spain's Canary Islands, will detect sources of gamma rays 100 times faster than current instruments. "The success of the prototype SCT creates an opportunity for the Cherenkov Telescope Array to address and hopefully answer some of the biggest questions in astronomy: What is dark matter? How are the most energetic cosmic rays created?" Humensky said. "It's exciting to look forward to." ### This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. North Dakota counties began processing primary ballots on Wednesday, less than a week before results are expected in an election held entirely by mail due to the coronavirus pandemic. In Burleigh County, 38 election workers have been trained and are starting to process and count ballots, interim county Auditor/Treasurer Allan Vietmeier said. Results will be saved and locked and be made known no sooner than 7 p.m. Tuesday, the time election day polling sites would close in a traditional election. "As far as the process of opening, sorting and tabulating the ballots, the process is the same as it's always been for absentee," Vietmeier said. The county is using about twice as many workers than would usually process absentee ballots due to the unknown volume of mail-in ballots and for social distancing on various floors of the City/County Building. The state mailed absentee ballot applications to everyone in the state's central voter file, about 600,000 people. Residents who applied for and received ballots have until 4 p.m. Tuesday to return them to county drop boxes. Mailed ballots must be postmarked June 8 or earlier. Vietmeier expects "a large return" of ballots between now and Tuesday. "We've tried our best to get the word out to tell people to ... get your ballot requests in, get the ballots to you and get them returned to us as soon as possible, but there's always people that wait until the very last minute," he said. Voters will decide city and school races and also will select candidates for county, legislative, judicial, state office and congressional races to go on to November's general election. County auditors have sent out about 192,000 mail-in ballots, more than 102,000 of which had been returned by Wednesday afternoon. Burleigh County had sent out 27,519 ballots, 13,947 of which had been returned. Burleigh had 14,407 primary ballots cast in 2018, a 19% turnout. Morton County had sent out 8,276 ballots, 4,275 of which had been returned. Morton had 3,350 primary ballots cast in 2018, a 14% turnout. Morton County Auditor Dawn Rhone said 24 election workers -- more than the usual 10 to process absentee ballots -- have already processed the ballots returned thus far. Were on top of it, she said. About just as many ballots are still unreturned. Rhone urges voters to return their ballot on time. Drop boxes are available throughout the county, as far as Hebron. North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger said the number of 2020 primary ballots sent out exceeds the number of 2012 primary ballots cast. That election had a 33% turnout. He called the 2020 ballot total so far "encouraging." North Dakota's 2018 primary had 115,226 ballots cast, or a 20% turnout. The 2016 primary had 139,957 ballots cast, or a 24.5% turnout. The state's 2018 general election generated 330,598 ballots cast, or a 57% turnout. North Dakota's high-profile U.S. Senate race and a measure that aimed to legalize marijuana likely drew voters. General elections usually have a greater turnout than primaries. North Dakota's 2020 primary will put to use new election equipment for the first time, including 425 ballot scanners distributed to counties last summer. Reach Jack Dura at 701-250-8225 or jack.dura@bismarcktribune.com. Love 1 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. MIDDLETOWN Despite nearly three months of closure due to the pandemic, local library staff have been at work behind the scenes turning the physical facility into an online resource, filling multiple needs in the community. When the Russell Library, like City Hall and most other Middletown public facilities were closed March 13 in accordance with Gov. Ned Lamonts executive order pertaining to the COVID-19 outbreak, everyone initially thought it would be just two weeks, according to library Director Ramona Burkey. But, as cases and deaths across Connecticut due to COVID-19 increased, Mayor Ben Florsheim had most employees work from home to ensure their and the communitys health and safety. Burkey said she never expected to be pivoting to an all-digital work-from-home model overnight. Things were moving so quickly in March when we made that decision to close, in conjunction with other libraries across the state and nation. The transition was by no means an easy one, she said. We are people-people, and it was traumatic for the staff, patrons and Board of Directors, Burkey said. We are here to serve the community. The way we could do that at the beginning of the pandemic was to stay closed. The governor is allowing libraries to begin to reopen starting June 20, but Burkey said it will take longer for her staff to ensure everyones safety. Just after closing, administrators shifted many thousands of dollars intended for physical material purchases to online and digital projects, which include downloadable e-books, movies, databases, audio books, and magazines for all ages. They knew books and other media werent going to be physically used during the impeding weeks, Burkey said, so they moved as much as they could online for 24-hour-a-day access. She has noticed in particular that programs which teach people various foreign languages have been heavily used. Mary Dattilo, assistant director for public services, years ago created the librarys website from scratch by herself, Burkey said. Its basically an online branch and clearinghouse for information. Patrons are now able to get or renew library cards through the site and immediately access materials, something they could not do before. Helpful information and links to services are plentiful, such as child care, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines in English and Spanish, best practices for working at home, and other topics. Libraries are here to strengthen our community, Burkey said. Staff also helped the Middletown Senior Center check in on the citys elderly population through phone calls and even grocery deliveries as part of the Keep Connected program. Volunteers eventually reached 1,000 people. Eamon Wisnecki, president of the Board of Directors, said serving patrons through virtual means is an integral part of the librarys mission. During the pandemic, members of the board have been very interested in continuing to offer as many of our stellar services as the library typically offers to the community while still being mindful of the safety and welfare of the overall community and wonderful staff, he said. We are looking forward to responsibly restoring services to help the community return to normalcy, and continuing to enrich and improve the lives of Middletown residents, Wisnecki added. Librarians are like bartenders. People open up to us. They tell us everything, Burkey said. A new curbside service begins Monday, during which people can reserve items and pick them up weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the 123 Broad St. facility. Burkey knows many will choose to stay away from the facility during the pandemic for some time in an abundance of caution. The amount of time the virus potentially can survive on a plastic book cover is being debated, she added. Because of that, staff will be quarantining all returns for 72 hours before checking them back in and offering them to other patrons. Its all about sharing at the library hopefully, sharing everything but the virus, she said. When the building does open, it will look much different than before. Previously, 30 computers were available at stations on the upper floor. Those will be reduced to six spaced far apart to observe social distancing requirements. They used to be sitting there, cheek to jowl, next to one another. Thats something we wont do, the director said. Rather than being able to reserve hour-long sessions, people will be allowed half-hour blocks so staff can clean the area after each one leaves. Burkey also expects delivery of some Chromebooks and hot spots soon, courtesy of the Connecticut State Library, which secured funds through the CARES Act. That way, those hesitant to spend time in the facility can use them in the comfort of their homes. In light of recent protests and riots across the nation in response to the death of George Floyd and other African Americans, Burkey is in discussions with staff about the importance of representing everyone in the community. Floyd died May 25 at the hands of a now former police officer in Minneapolis. Staff made the commitment to do the hard work and look at our profession, which lacks diversity, and primarily consists of white female professionals, she said. The actions range from examining the job recruitment process to the makeup of the board. For information, visit russelllibrary.org and Russell Library on Facebook. To reserve materials for curbside pickup, call 860-347-2528. The Ghana Chamber of Mines has called for the establishment of an incentive scheme to help reduce the high cost of exploration and to also attract the required investments into the high-risk business of mineral exploration. Addressing the annual general meeting of the Chamber, Mr Eric Asubonteng, President of the Chamber, said the relevance of exploration in ensuring a pipeline of future viable mining projects cannot be over-emphasized. Mr Asubonteng, therefore, called on government to exempt exploration companies from payment of Value Added Tax on big ticket cost items such as drilling and laboratory services. This exemption has proven to be a major incentive for attracting exploration into mining countries globally, he said. He said exploration was critical in guaranteeing sustainable production of mineral and discovery of new mineral resources to supplement production from existing mines or replace output of mines whose economic ore body gets exhausted. However, exploration investment in Ghana has declined signicantly in recent years. This is alarming for a country to which mining is critical for forex and scal revenue generation as well as other value enhancing services, Mr Asubonteng said. The expenditure on global mineral exploration, as measured by company exploration budget, dropped by 11.5 per cent to US$ 4.293 billion in 2019 from US$ 4.852 billion in 2018. The decline in budgeted exploration expenditure was caused by a general reduction in spending across all the mining jurisdictions except Australia and South East Asia-Pacic regions. In Africa, the projected exploration spending for 2019 stood at US$ 615.9 million and Ghana's neighbour, Burkina Faso, was the biggest beneciary. Burkina Faso was earmarked to receive US$ 132 million in 2019 while Ghana came second with a budget of US$ 98.6 million. The disparity runs its own sad commentary for the Ghanaian mining industry. As Africa's leading producer of gold, Ghana must continue to create the requisite policy and legal prescriptions and platforms to engender mining exploration. Mr Asubonteng said in taking advantage of the opportunities that mining presents, Ghana must be seen to be creating the enabling environment for both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors while looking beyond the risks associated with exploration. Touching on the challenges facing the mining industry, Mr Asubonteng said the poor railway system had remained the biggest challenge for the bulk mineral producers. He said without a railway system which is a more cost competitive mode of transporting the bulk materials to the ports for shipping, companies would be forced to use the more expensive road haulage alternative from their respective mines. It is estimated that the cost of road haulage is 50 per cent more expensive than the alternative of using the railway lines; which would consequently result in high cost of operation and adversely impact the revenue that the State would receive by way of corporate tax. We need to take advantage of the innovative measures in global transportation to construct fully functional railway systems to further open opportunities in the value chain of mining, he said. The chamber also called on government institutions to consider the removal of some of the elements in the price build-up of diesel supplied to the mines, saying challenges with the ex-renery price, as well as taxes, levies, and margins on diesel have a lasting impact on the productivity of the mining industry if not checked. Additionally, the Chamber urged government to review its intention to standardize mineral revenue retention regimes. The Chamber's analysis shows that retaining the existing general practice where mining companies have binding retention agreements based on their forex requirements will inure to the benet of the industry and the country as well. On the issue of operational permitting, the Chamber said although there was a slight improvement in the issuance of environmental permits, the unpredictable lead times for issuing permits by the EPA adversely affect project planning and execution. It also impacts negatively on the sourcing of investment capital for projects because it creates uncertainty regarding cash ows and other project metrics. One other key challenge that the Chamber had to grapple with was the governments decision to withdraw military ofcers from the concessions of mining companies on 31st January 2019. Mr Asubonteng said the measure ushered in serious security challenges for the operating mines across the country, adding that the pull-out of the troops from the mines was disconcerting and resulted in a situation where the mines were not fully assured of safeguarding such critical installations. 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 Kabul: An hours-long militant attack on a Kabul charity ended on Tuesday after all three assailants were gunned down by Afghan forces, the interior ministry said. Forty-two people including 10 foreigners were rescued, ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Twitter, confirming at least one fatality in the attack. Earlier on Monday night, three massive explosions had shaken the central Kabul. Twin bombing followed by another a little lates by Taliban killed at least 24 people and left 91 others wounded. Also read: Third blast after twin Taliban suicide blasts in Kabul kill 24, wound 91 The blasts victims also included high-level officials, including an army general, as the Taliban ramp up their nationwide offensive against the US-backed government. A suicide bomber struck the area just minutes after the first explosion, in an assault apparently aimed at inflicting mass casualties as officials left the ministry after work. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday night in New York City was much better than previous nights and commended the NYPD for doing its job. Cuomo had previously slammed the NYPD and Mayor Bill de Blasio for their lack of handling the civil unrest on Monday night, even after an 11 p.m. curfew had been imposed. The curfew was then extended to start at 8 p.m., beginning Tuesday night through Sunday, June 7. We got results, Cuomo said. Lets remember what we did last night and keep doing that. The people of New York City should feel much safer. The governor said his issue was never with the police officers of the NYPD, whom he said are the best in the country, but rather with the management and deployment of the force. He said he spoke with NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea on Tuesday. The NYPD had the resources and capacity to do its job, he said, adding there is still no need for the states National Guard to be deployed. The police must distinguish between the protestors, who he said have continued to remain mostly peaceful, and the looters who are looking to take the death of George Floyd and exploit it for their own criminal and selfish reasons. Throughout his press conferences, Cuomo has referred to Floyds death as a murder. Floyd, a black man, died in police custody in Minneapolis last Monday after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Cuomo said COVID-19 is still a real threat even though the looting and protesting replaced the coronavirus news on front pages across the state and the nation. New York had its best day on Tuesday with the lowest number of total hospitalizations and the lowest number of COVID-19 related deaths since the pandemic began 95 days ago. Protest intelligently and remember that COVID is still there, Cuomo said. Lets keep the spirit we developed over the past 95 days. Weve overcome the greatest challenge weve faced in my lifetime and so far weve beaten it. We need to stay smart to make sure we beat it. FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER. Investing in foreign stocks may not be as precarious as walking a tightrope, but lately, it hasnt been a cakewalk, either. For more than a decade, international shares have trailed U.S. stocks. Then came the pandemic sell-off. From peak to trough, the MSCI EAFE and the MSCI Emerging Markets indexes nose-dived 34% each, level with the drop in Standard & Poors 500-stock index. Most markets have rallied since then, but U.S. stocks still lead the way, thanks in part to a slew of aggressive monetary and fiscal policies. Good news about the coronavirus battle has buoyed stocks, too. (Returns are through May 15, unless otherwise noted.) A bias toward U.S. stocks over foreign shares makes sense near term. We have more confidence and visibility around the trajectory of the recovery here in the U.S., says Katie Nixon, chief investment officer of Northern Trusts wealth management group. But that doesnt mean you should bail on foreign stocks for the long haul. International shares are 43% of the worlds market, and they deserve a place in your portfolio. Stay diversified. Foreign markets wont always lag. They have led U.S. stocks for extended stretches before, including between 2003 and 2007. There are clear cycles where international stocks do better, says Sebastien Page, head of global multi-asset allocation at T. Rowe Price, and it will happen again. Other factors bode well for foreign stocks, too. Shares are cheap relative to historical valuations, for starters. According to Northern Trust data through April, foreign stocks currently trade at roughly 14 times expected earnings for the year ahead, a 20% discount to their long-term average multiple. U.S. shares, by contrast, trade at a 20% premium to their historical average. Nixon expects a 10% gain in foreign stocks compared with an 8% climb in U.S. shares over the next 12 months. The same forces that are driving U.S. stocks upward todayaggressive monetary and fiscal policy, improvement on the health care front and a resumption of economic growthwill also fuel recoveries in the rest of the world, she says. Add a dose of foreign stocks to your portfolio with Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (symbol VXUS, price $44, expense ratio 0.08%). The fund holds shares in emerging and developed countries. Over the past five years, the ETF has beaten the MSCI ACWI ex USA index, albeit with a 1.1% annualized loss per year. The mutual fund share class, Vanguard Total International Stock Market Index (VTIAX, 0.11%), requires $3,000 to open an account. Fidelity International Growth (FIGFX, 0.99%) is one of our favorite actively managed foreign-stock funds. Manager Jed Weiss looks for foreign companies that have been able to raise or hold prices steady for their goods or services even during tough times. Over the past 12 months, the fund has returned 3.1%, which beats the EAFE by more than 15 percentage points. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeg of Libya's internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) arrived in Moscow for talks on Wednesday, the RIA news agency reported. The eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) of Khalifa Haftar has been waging an offensive since April 2019 to seize the capital Tripoli, the seat of the GNA. Libya's warring parties have agreed to restart ceasefire talks, the United Nations mission to the country said late on Monday. (Reporting by Maria Kiselyova; writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Toby Chopra) WESTPORT While Coleytown Middle School is still on schedule to reopen in October, the Board of Education continued planning for the next school year in an ever-changing atmosphere. Things are changing constantly in terms of guidance and so forth, said John Bayers, human resources director and co-chair of the School Reopening Steering Committee, at a meeting Monday. Thats one of the things were working on with our group is being nimble, if you will, with the guidance changing as we move along. Anthony Buono, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, said the health and safety sub-work group will be important in guiding the committees work. Our plan is really to have some solid recommendations from the committee by the end of this month, Buono, who also co-chairs the steering committee, said. The committee has been comprised of a range of school officials and community members to prepare for the challenges in the fall including planning for a number of possible scenarios. Buono said work is being done to shore up the distance learning program in case its needed again in the fall. He said a survey has been sent to the school community to get feedback on how it can be refined. The other part, which I think is probably the most likely case for September, is that we have some kind of hybrid model, Buono said. Which would be partially in school, allow us to do social distancing, but also there would be some face-to-face components for some of the grades and some of the levels. BOE member Lee Goldstein said guiding principals and a framework would be important to clearly outline the communitys priorities. I think even before theres a definitive plan in place, we need to have really robust and honest conversations about everybodys expectations and concerns about how things are going to look, Goldstein said. Board members also questioned how to work with families who may prefer to keep their children at home. We are definitely going to plan for those students that may not be able to come for the reasons that they have some health complication or somebody in their family potentially does, which can comprise them, Buono said. We would definitely be planning for that because I believe were obligated to. However, he said, offering two different programs based on family choice could have significant financial ramifications and an impact on staffing. I think we can talk about that and we should start to talk about that if the board feels like its something we want to seriously consider and look at, Buono said. I think its important for us to know ahead of time because it would require some additional work on the committees part. The Board of Education will give its feedback to the School Reopening Steering Committee at its next meeting on Monday. dj.simmons@hearstmediact.com An outback music festival scheduled to go ahead after the lockdown has sold out in five minutes. Organisers for the Birdsville Big Red Bash released the first round of refund tickets for its 2021 festival at 9am on Tuesday and by 9.05am the event had sold out. The festival will be the first in Australia after the COVID lockdown. The Birdsville Big Red Bash (pictured) will be the first music festival to run in Australia after the lockdown after selling out its 2021 event in just five minutes After the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 Big Red Bash ticket holders were given the option to hold onto their tickets for 2021, only 10 per cent sought a refund Big Red Bash Founder and Organiser Greg Donovan said the demand was so strong they spent the rest of the day answering messages from those who missed out. 'We're relieved and grateful, and hope that this is a sign of things to come for other event organisers,' he said. 'It's certainly a great litmus test on the appetite for travel within Australia, and fantastic to see so many people jumping on-board so quickly to support outback travel.' After the event's continued success and growth 1000 extra tickets had been allocated for the 2020 event, to 10,000, and it sold out in record time. With those numbers now locked in for 2021 it will be the biggest incarnation of the festival to date. The 2021 event will go down in Australian history as the first sell-out music festival to run since the coronavirus lockdown (young girl and family pictured at Big Red Bash) The Birdsville Big Red Bash is the most remote music festival in the world, located on the edge of the Simpson Desert against a backdrop of rolling red sand dunes. The 2021 all-ages event is now scheduled to run from July 6 to July 8 in front of a 40-metre-tall sand dune which gives the festival its name, 'Big Red'. A string of Australian acts are locked in to appear at the 2020 festival including Paul Kelly, Tim Finn, John Williamson, Kate Ceberano, Ian Moss and Shannon Noll. When Covid-19 forced the cancellation of the sold-out 2020 event ticket holders were given the option to hold onto their tickets for 2021, or take up a refund offer. Only 10 per cent of ticket holders opted for a cash refund. The Big Red Bash is a proudly family-friendly event, offering dog-friendly camping and concert areas, with children aged 11-and-under able to attend for free. TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has promised to reform social welfare, lower childcare costs, a new care scheme for the elderly, and more home working if Fine Gael returns to government. In a lengthy email to Fine Gael members on Wednesday night Mr Varadkar outlined his party's priorities for the programme for government that is currently being negotiated with Fianna Fail and the Greens. He also promised to prioritise rebuilding Fine Gael if it enters government for a third successive term, saying it is one of his "big regrets" that he had been unable to focus on his role as party leader in recent years because of the time taken up by being Taoiseach. It is one of my big regrets that I havent had more time to focus on being party leader and modernising and rejuvenating the party, Mr Varadkar wrote. So much time was taken up being Taoiseach, keeping the Government together, dealing with Brexit and preparing for an election that always seemed to be only a few months away. That's going to change and I'll make sure of it. The future of the party will be prioritised. Read More Mr Varadkar said that if the party returns to government for a third time it will have to mind Fine Gael much better and that if the organisation is rebuilt locally and nationally then it can win the next general election and be the largest party in 2025. Mr Varadkar said that Fine Gael will not re-enter government at any cost and that any programme for government agreed with Fianna Fail and the Greens must be true to the partys values and consistent with its policies. He outlined a series of priorities for Fine Gael in the government talks, including an ambitious economic recovery plan and the protection of farmers incomes. Farmers are the custodians of the land and we see them as a vital part of the solution to climate change," he wrote. He said Fine Gael wants to continue work of the Land Development Agency to deliver affordable housing and added: We believe in a new social contract that makes the next big moves towards universal healthcare and a reformed social insurance system the provides a stronger safety net when you need it in return for the contributions you made when you could. Mr Varadkar also warned that the next government will have to deal with the deficit as excessive debt will become a burden on our society and constrain the ambitions of future generations. He said that Fine Gael wants to protect incomes so that more people are not forced to pay the highest rate of income tax in the coming years. He also said that Fine Gael wants a "New Care Deal for Ireland" that will reduce the cost of childcare, put a home care scheme for older people on a statutory footing, improve parental leave and promote home working. In his email to Fine Gael members, Mr Varadkar also claimed that none of the major Covid-19 welfare supports introduced by the Government in recent months would have been possible without his partys management of the economy over the last decade. "We were right to govern as we did, even though it was not always popular, and we acted wisely in refusing the demands of our opponents to spend more and borrow more when the economy was booming. Had we listened to them, we'd have been much more exposed to the economic impact of this crisis." He expressed concern at calls to accelerate the reopening roadmap. Our plan to re-open the country can be accelerated if it (sic) safe to do so. But, I want to be confident that it is safe before making that move, he added. Its the first day of school in Mount Olive Township, and masked students wait in line for their initial test: a mandatory temperature screening. Those who pass are allowed to enter the building and follow designated one-way hallways to their classrooms, possibly a gymnasium or an auditorium to maintain strict social distancing requirements. Lunch will be served in the classroom today, just like every day for the foreseeable future. Every teacher wears a mask. Cleaning crews are omnipresent. And an isolation zone awaits just in case the coronavirus creeps in after first period. For now, this September day is theoretical, one of four scenarios in the districts wide-ranging proposal for reopening its buildings next school year. Yet barring a vaccine for COVID-19, many of these measures are likely to become a reality for the districts 4,600 students, Superintendent Robert Zywicki said. Its going to be different than last September, said Zywicki who shared a draft of his districts reopening plans with NJ Advance Media. Theres going to be a lot of precautions. There will still be social distancing in place, contingency plans ready to go for contact tracing. And well be ready to go into health-related closure in case we need to, so our virtual plan needs to be even better." As New Jersey school districts await state guidance on how to reopen this fall, Mount Olives plan is one of the most detailed proposals to emerge from a local district to date. Its four distinct scenarios ranging from all students returning with limited social distancing rules to all buildings remaining closed and again using remote learning illustrate both the lasting impact the coronavirus pandemic could have on schools and the widespread uncertainty officials face in trying to proceed. We wanted to make sure when we conclude this school year that our families know that we are well prepared for September, Zywicki said. We really cant wait until July or August to start planning for that." Mount Olives plan, which Zywicki will present Monday to the school board, draws heavily from steps taken by schools that already reopened in other counties. In the absence of state guidance Gov. Phil Murphy says that should come by mid-June school officials also relied on CDC guidelines and recommendations from education departments in other states, including Maryland and Illinois. Five committees of district teachers, administrators, school board members, school nurses, counselors and other staff analyzed best practices in physical health, finance and other key areas. They found no easy answers for how to reopen. There are some real logistical challenges," Zywicki said. We have to try to get PPE for everyone. We have to try to get (equipment for) temperature checks. We have to devise some new schedules for contingency of split schedules or alternating days. The most optimistic scenario, dependent on a vaccine or a reliable and accessible antibody test, would allow all students to return with enhanced cleaning, the potential use of masks and other measures designed to limit crowding. But the most likely scenarios appear to be a return of all students with strict safety precautions or a split schedule that limits the number of students in the building at one time. If all students return en masse, the district would require temperature checks, masks, lunches in the classroom and other social distancing requirements. It would limit the number of students allowed on each bus, reduce the number of visitors to campus and allow classes to be held outdoors in good weather. However, the added safety measures would drive up expenses, including the cost of masks and extra cleaning supplies, which would likely total more than $100,000, Zywicki said. Even still, theres no guarantee families will feel safe sending their children to school, the plan acknowledges. A split schedule would mean either morning and evening shifts or half the students coming to school one day and the other half coming the next. But those schedules wouldnt eliminate the need for masks, temperature checks or other safety measures. And they would create child care problems for families and collective bargaining complications with unions. The districts final scenario is to remain solely online with an enhanced virtual program for students, who have had three months to get comfortable with online learning. However, the reopening of schools and the return of parents to the workplace is considered vital to the states economic recovery. My bias is gonna be: Weve got to find a way to get back into the buildings, Murphy said last week. The state Department of Education is working with health officials to finalize its guidance for reopening schools, said Mike Yaple, spokesman for the education department. The goal is "to be thorough, robust, and to fully reflect the needs of school districts, he said. The guidance isnt finished yet, but its nearing completion, Yaple said. Weve spent an extraordinary amount of time listening to the feedback, concerns and challenges of stakeholders across the board. Once that guidance comes, Mount Olive officials are hoping to have a final reopening plan in place by Aug. 1. Beyond direction, they also hope the state can provide districts with help for the financial burden of socially distant schooling. Money and direction from the state is paramount, said Anthony Giordano, Mount Olives school board president. I do think the state is doing the best they can with the information they have. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. B ritains dry spell is set to come to an abrupt end with rain and thunder forecast for parts of the country following the driest May on record. Temperatures are expected to drop to as low as 10C after days of hot weather around the UK. Sunseekers basked in highs of 28C over the weekend, but a period of cooler weather is coming in with some places seeing heavy rain and possibly thundery showers. The start of summer will feel more like spring with temperatures set to "take a tumble", according to Met Office forecaster Matthew Box. Showers are expected in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales on Wednesday, with temperatures unlikely to climb any higher than 20C in most places. In many parts, including the South West and Midlands, the maximum temperature could be as low as 11C or 12C, and further north the mercury could struggle to get above 10C. Mr Box said there will be a "range of temperatures", adding that some places could experience a 10-degree drop. "We're saying goodbye to the prolific temperatures of mid-20s almost nationwide, and now we're seeing something returning much more to normal, or even actually quite cold for the time of year to be honest, depending on where you are in the UK," he said. The warm end to May confirmed a significant milestone for the UK with the nation recording its sunniest spring since records began in 1929. The Met Office recorded more than 573 hours of sunshine between March 1 and May 27, beating the previous record of 555.3 hours which was set in 1948. The highest temperature of the year so far was 28.3C recorded in the Highlands of Scotland on May 29. The proposed fiscal year 2020-2021 budget for Collegedale is very conservative and viewed as appropriate for the uncertain times that are now being experienced, City Manager Ted Rogers said Monday night. In his summary of the budget, he cites tornado damage to some city-owned properties on top of economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said in this environment, it is almost impossible to forecast anticipated revenue, but he said the city is fortunate to be in excellent fiscal condition to make it through. This new budget plans for what is expected to be tough times ahead with lowered revenues. The property tax rate has been set at $1.65 per every $100 of property value. All general government capital projects have been eliminated, there are no new vehicle purchases planned, no new taxes, no raises for employees or expansions of programs. A goal is for the city to try and avoid furloughs and layoffs during the upcoming year, the city managers plan states. Mayor Katie Lamb said that Collegedale should not plan on receiving anything from the state this year. An amendment was made to the 2019-2020 budget to account for expenses and revenues that were not anticipated when the budget was created. At the request of Planning and Economic Development Director Kelly Martin and City Attorney Sam Elliott, the commissioners extended a moratorium on outdoor commercial signs that includes applications, permitting, construction, installations and conversions of existing signs. A new law prohibits evaluating signs based on content. Place, time, and manner can be considered. The moratorium will continue until there is a way that commercial signs can be regulated. Mr. Martin said he is aiming for having this ready for the commissioners in June or July. The best and lowest bids were accepted for making repairs to tornado-damaged municipal structures. The commission approved spending $53,925 for repairs to The Commons and the lowest bid to repair the boardwalk for $61,050. The city will be reimbursed for these repairs by insurance. Utility acquisitions were approved for four easements that are needed for construction of the citys force main. The approved prices for the four properties total $8,200. The Forth of July freedom celebration has been postponed out of an abundance of caution due to the coronavirus threat. One fear was that since the other surrounding cities have cancelled their fireworks shows for the Fourth of July, people could all end up coming to Collegedales celebration said the mayor. She said that she joins the city manager in a recommendation to close it and the commissioners agreed. The show has been postponed until 2021. Councilman Phil Garver then made the suggestion for the city to have a late fall festival if things change. Debris left by the storms on Easter night are still being picked up by the public works department. Public Works Director Eric Sines said that storm brush is being picked up first. Construction debris, which the city generally does not collect, will be picked up because it is the result of storm damage. It will be collected on bulk pick-up days, beginning Wednesday. At the next commission meeting a discussion will be held for determining to what extent the city will care for a retired police dog. Once they are retired, they are given to and live with their handler. The city builds a kennel for the dog and provides food and veterinary care. Vice Mayor Tim Johnson would like to put limits on this benefit. City Manager Rogers suggested the possibility of capping the amount that the city pays. The next commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 15. OTTAWA - The prospect of tens of millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses rolling out as early as this fall is being tempered by warnings to ensure they shared fairly across the globe, especially in the poorest countries. The caution comes as Britain is set to host an international pledging conference Thursday that aims to raise almost $10 billion for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, the leading agency for distributing other vaccines to less-developed countries. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will join leaders from 50 countries and major organizations, including the philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates. Canada has already announced its five-year, $600-million pledge to GAVI, which has immunized 760 million children and prevented 13 million deaths in the worlds poorest countries since 2000. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be leading the event, but Trudeaus appearance comes as Canada vies for a seat on the UN Security Council. It also comes after his address Wednesday to a summit of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, where he said Canada is committed to helping developing countries, hardest hit by the pandemic. That will include ensuring any new vaccine is distributed to poor countries, and avoiding past practice, notably the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, that saw the wealthiest buyers get it first a message that Johnson, Gates and others are expected to emphasize on Thursday. Its also to send a clear message to the market that there will be a market for this in the developing world, and there will be an organization that can distribute this vaccine, International Development Minister Karina Gould said in an interview Wednesday. Whats different about this pandemic is were talking about the whole world getting vaccinated. Its on a scale that we havent imagined before because when we think of previous vaccine campaigns, its usually targeted. The British envoy to Canada said 30 million doses of a vaccine could become available in her country as early as September because of the swift pace towards clinical trials by researchers at Oxford University in a joint government-funded venture with AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company. High Commissioner Susan le Jeune dAllegeershecque said in an interview that Britain wants to ensure that its not the person with the biggest cheque in their hand that gets the first bite of this particular cherry. Le Jeune dAllegeershecque said all governments need to meet their domestic vaccine needs. But at the same time, those of us who are members of the G7 and the G20 definitely have the wider global need in our minds at the same time. Were not doing one at the expense of the other. On Tuesday, CNN reported that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, predicted the United States would have 100 million doses of a viable vaccine by years end. Dr. Theresa Tam, Canadas chief public health officer, said there are more than 100 vaccine candidates in development across the world. Clinical trials are very important because you need to establish safety, the dosing and the effectiveness of the vaccine. So it is a bit of a rigorous process, at the same time as we want to accelerate the development, she said. Definitely, were part of the global effort. But were also, of course, looking at beyond the research and the clinical trials to look at the actual capacity for vaccine development and manufacturing, all the way to getting equipment ready for the time should we have a vaccine. Dr. Gary Kobinger, a Laval University infectious disease expert who lead a team that developed the Ebola vaccine, said the 100-plus vaccine candidates need to be narrowed down to a few best options. Its a race against the virus; its not a race against one another, he said in an interview. No matter what country you look at, the international resources are limited, clinical sites are limited. Trudeau is positioning Canada as a leader in the push for a global recovery plan just as the country is competing for one of two coveted, non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council later this month against Norway and Ireland. The UN confirmed Wednesday that the secret ballot of 193 ambassadors would begin as scheduled on June 17, but without a full meeting of the General Assembly because of physical distancing requirements to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Leading UN agencies, including the World Health Organization, and the leaders of African countries are also taking part in Thursdays vaccine summit. In the past month, Trudeau has played leading roles in similar summits with the European Union and the UN as Canada campaigns for the security council on a platform of trying to help rebuild the post-pandemic world. People dont understand theres no economic recovery if the pandemic continues to rage in the developing world or other countries, Stuart Hickox, the Canadian director of the One Campaign advocacy group, said in an interview. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2020. with files from Cassandra Szklarski and Joan Bryden The former Riverview student has always maintained he acted in self-defence Palfreeman stabbed Mr Monov during a street melee in Bulgaria in 2007 The former Bulgarian Socialist Party MP said his early release was illegal Jock Palfreeman served nearly 12 years in jail in Bulgaria for Mr Monov's murder Andrei Monov's father Hristo wants his son's killer to go back to jail for a night The father of a Bulgarian man killed by Jock Palfreeman (pictured) says he wants to see the Australian go back to prison for 'one more night' The father of a Bulgarian man killed by Jock Palfreeman says he wants to see the Australian go back to prison for 'one more night'. Hristo Monov condemned the early release of Mr Palfreeman, who served nearly 12 years in jail in Bulgaria for the murder of his son Andrei, at a press conference in Sofia on Wednesday. 'I just want (Palfreeman) to go back to prison for one more night - they'll be so happy to see him,' Mr Monov told reporters. The former Bulgarian Socialist Party MP said the early release of Mr Palfreeman was illegal and that the three-judge panel who made the decision in September were corrupt. 'It's on those judges' conscience that they released him,' Mr Monov said. 'He will kill again, I know that. It's on them when he does it.' The former politician called Mr Palfreeman a sociopath and attacked the 33-year-old as well as the Bulgaria Helsinki Committee, which has assisted him, for supporting the country's LGBT community. 'Jock and (the BHC) threaten the Bulgarian way of life and our belief system,' Mr Monov said. In response, Mr Palfreeman on Wednesday told AAP he 'opposed hate speech towards either Bulgarians, Roma or LGBT families'. Jock's father Simon Palfreeman flatly rejected the Bulgarian man's claims about his son. Palfreeman, a former Riverview student, stabbed Mr Monov during a street melee in Bulgaria in 2007 when he was 21 The Newcastle-based pathologist said Jock was, during his original investigation, professionally assessed by two psychologists and a psychiatrist, who found him to have a 'high sense of social justice'. He also said Mr Monov's stated desire for Jock to return to prison was an implied threat. 'That does fill me with disquiet,' Dr Palfreeman told AAP on Wednesday. 'I feel very sad for Mr and Mrs Monov - they've endured the loss of a son and ... I don't for a moment shy away from the fact that is a very tragic event. 'But as long as he continues this vendetta against Jock, I don't think he'll ever heal up that wound.' Jock Palfreeman last week edged closer to freedom when an application to have his early release hearing case reopened was rejected by the country's highest court. But the Sydney man said he remains unable to leave the country as his movement is restricted by the Bulgarian government over issues relating to an expired travel ban. Australia's foreign affairs department has welcomed the Supreme Court of Cassation's ruling but would not comment further on Palfreeman's situation. He is receiving consular assistance. The former Riverview student earlier this week applied in Sofia for a review of video evidence omitted from his first murder trial. Palfreeman said the new evidence would be more than enough to secure a retrial and that the application was unrelated to the administrative barriers currently preventing him leaving Bulgaria. Palfreeman was released in October after serving nearly 12 years behind bars in the Balkan nation's capital 'The request was just a long time coming,' he said. Bulgaria Helsinki Committee president Dr Krassimir Kanev, who wrote a letter in support of Mr Palfreeman's early release, said the Australian could claim 'hundreds of thousands' of euros in compensation for wrongful imprisonment if he is acquitted. But he doubts the Sofia City Prosecutor will accept Mr Palfreeman's request. 'Renewal is an extraordinary procedure, an attack on a final judgment, which was subject to two appeals,' Dr Kanev told AAP. Palfreeman was released in October after serving nearly 12 years behind bars in the Balkan nation's capital. He was found guilty of murder and attempted murder for stabbing two Bulgarian youths during a street melee in 2007. He has always maintained he acted in self-defence. Chinese military's participation in international humanitarian assistance PLA Daily Source: China Military Online Editor: Yang Tao 2020-06-02 20:45:51 By Mei Shixiong "After the COVID-19 outbreak, the Chinese military has taken an active part in international disaster relief and humanitarian aid, demonstrating the responsibilities of the military of a major country," said Lieutenant General He Lei, a deputy to the 13th National People's Congress and chief expert at the PLA Academy of Military Sciences, during an interview on June 1. On May 28, Gen. Joseph Aoun, commander-in-chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces, expressed gratitude to China after the PLA donated a batch of anti-epidemic supplies to the Lebanese military. Previously the Central Military Commission (CMC) of China already organized our military medical experts to share via video conferences epidemic control experience with their counterparts in Russia, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine, and other countries, and dispatched military anti-virus experts to countries, including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Pakistan. The CMC has also provided anti-epidemic materials and aid to the militaries of relevant countries either by air force planes or in other ways, making contributions to the global fight against the pandemic. According to Lt. Gen. He Lei, effectively coping with non-traditional security threats and carrying out military operations other than war (MOOTWs) like international humanitarian aid has become an important new function of the militaries of all countries in peacetime. It has been more common in recent years for other countries to dispatch troops to participate in humanitarian aid to a country struck by major disasters. Such aid is not only urgently needed by the disaster-hit country, but also becomes a defining feature of international aid programs. "The aid from foreign militaries can make up for the shortage of relief and rescue resources in the host country, make the relief work efficient to the largest extent, and enhance the solidarity and cooperation between the countries and militaries concerned," said He Lei. In recent years, the Chinese military has actively participated in international disaster relief and humanitarian aid. It has dispatched professional relief forces to provide aid and disaster mitigation in the afflicted countries, provided relief materials, and medical assistance, and intensified international exchanges in that area, fully demonstrating the responsibilities of the military of a major country. The PLA has organized or engaged in a host of disaster relief actions since 2012, including the search and rescue of Malaysia Airlines' missing plane MH370, helping the Philippines during Typhoon Haiyan, fighting Ebola in West Africa, reaching for Mal Dives during the South Asian country's Drinking Water Crisis and earthquake relief in Nepal, and aiding Laos during its flood and dam break. These assistance programs have been widely applauded by the host countries and the international community. As China's first institutionalized ocean-going hospital ship, the Peace Ark hospital ship of the PLA Navy has, since commissioned, performed "Harmonious Missions" overseas nine times, sailing more than 240,000 sea miles and serving about 230,000 people in 43 countries and regions. The ship has been a strong booster to the nation's overall political and diplomatic situation by winning high affirmations worldwide. Going forward, Lt. Gen. He pointed out that the PLA will continue to earnestly fulfill its due duties and missions within the UN framework and take an active part in international disaster relief and humanitarian aid, endeavoring to make its contributions to safeguarding regional and world peace and building the community with a shared future for mankind. While the military's engagement in international humanitarian aid has become a universally acknowledged practice, its legal status isn't well-defined, and the corresponding laws and regulations are not well developed, which has impeded the implementation of such aid programs. In recent years, China has formulated more than 70 laws and regulations in this regard, including the Law of the People's Republic of China on Protecting Against and Mitigating Earthquake Disasters, Ordinances of Natural Disaster Relief, and the Regulation on the Army's Participation for Disaster Rescue. They entrust the military with the duties and tasks to help handle various emergencies and lay down the rules and legal basis for it to cope with natural disasters, public health events, significant accidents, and social security events. To bring into better play the military's important role in international humanitarian aid, Lt. Gen. He suggested that UN and other international organizations, along with certain countries, should work out a series of legal regulations or documents to affirm such actions taken by military troops. When these humanitarian actions are incorporated into the legal framework and regulation and given legal force, the militaries of countries around the world will have complete and authoritative legal support and code to conduct them. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address With Global Cybersecurity Threats on the Rise, Investment in Security Training is Essential to Drive Cultural Change and Business Success MELBOURNE, Australia, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mimecast Limited (MIME), a leading email and data security company, today released a study titled Dont Just Educate: Create Cybersafe Behaviour. The survey shows that while customer data breaches and reputational damage around the world is encouraging businesses to re-examine their security practices, employee cyber behaviour still needs to change. The survey, conducted by Forrester Consulting, found that while 59% of security and IT managers think they are ticking the security compliance box, their employees report a huge disconnect. More than half of the 240 employees surveyed in APAC (53%) disagree with that statement, and 51% believe their managers do not stress the importance of good security practices. The survey was conducted across Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Singapore between January and February 2020 and involved 120 senior IT and business decision makers responsible for cybersafety at companies with more than 100 employees. Respondents represented 20 industry sectors including government, healthcare, legal, marketing, energy, telecommunications, transport and logistics. The survey included a wide range of questions around Security Awareness and Training (SA&T) Programs in APAC, including security measure and implementation, employee behaviour changes, security culture and overall effectiveness in delivering effective training programs. Results of the employer survey were measured against feedback from 240 knowledge workers within these companies, who regularly use email and digital channels in the workplace. Across the region the study also found that attending SA&T activities does not necessarily translate to a change in behaviour for employees, with a third of SA&T attendees still admitting to flouting security policies -- increasing to more than 50% for respondents in New Zealand. Story continues While security leaders in APAC believe theyve made security a social norm by leading and encouraging others, this survey underscores that employees are not retaining, understanding or implementing key areas of cyber security training and the existing outdated modes of training are simply not bringing about behavioural change, said Nick Lennon, Country Manager for Mimecast Australia and New Zealand. In the current COVID-19 business conditions, with many employees working remotely indefinitely, the last thing businesses need is a security breach. Additional findings from the Forrester Consulting study include: Traditional SA&T is long and unengaging, uses outdated content types, and does not rely on behavioural science to achieve its objectives of behaviour and culture change. As a result, employees behaviours are not changing, which further contributes to a disconnect between employers perceptions and how their employees really feel about security. APAC firms must advance SA&T programs by exploring alternative content types, providing different methods of delivery based on employee preferences, and extending training outside the workplace. Almost half of business leadership teams (45%) still have the incorrect perception that security impedes their workforce productivity, as noted in the study by Line Larrivaud, Forrester Consulting Project Director for this survey. At the same time, she notes that, Attending SA&T activities does not necessarily translate into a change in behaviour for employees with 31% of training attendees in APAC still admitting to going around security policies. In New Zealand, more than half (52%) admitted to this. At a time when global cybersecurity threats, customer data breaches and the potential for reputational damage has never been greater, its of vital importance that business leaders and employees understand and value the importance of cyber security best practice within their organisation. They simply cannot ignore the consequences or circumvent the protocols, commented Lennon. About Mimecast Mimecast is a cybersecurity provider that helps thousands of organisations worldwide make email safer, restore trust and strengthen cyber resilience. Mimecasts expanded cloud suite enables organisations to implement a comprehensive cyber resilience strategy. From email and web security, archive and data protection, to awareness training, uptime assurance and more, Mimecast helps organisations stand strong in the face of cyber-attacks, human error and technical failure. www.mimecast.com Mimecast Social Media Resources LinkedIn: Mimecast Facebook: Mimecast Twitter: @Mimecast Blog: Cyber Resilience Insights Press Contacts Laura Rapson press@mimecast.com +27723790481 An Indian Army truck crosses Chang la pass near Pangong Lake in Ladakh region. Indian and Chinese soldiers are in a bitter standoff in the Ladakh region, with the two countries amassing soldiers and machinery near the tense frontier. AP photo New Delhi: There appears to be some breakthrough in the stand-off between India and China at Ladakh before the crucial high level military talks on Saturday, with reports suggesting that both armies have retreated from one of the flash point in the Galwan Valley. According to TV reports, in one of the flash points in Galwan Valley the Chinese army has retreated by 2 kilometers and Indian army by one kilometer. At Galwan valley there are three flash points between Indian and Chinese armies. The high level military talks between Indian and Chinese officers expected on Saturday will mainly discuss stand-off between the two armies at Pangong Tso lake. According to sources, the stand-off at the Galwan Valley may not be on the agenda as India believes that in this area Chinese have come at a place which was never disputed. However, there was no official confirmation on the agenda of the meeting. Defence minister Rajnath Singh had said on Tuesday that a meeting of high level army officials from both sides is scheduled on 6th June to try to resolve the issue. The Leh-based 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh is scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart to resolve the matter. The meeting will take place at Chushul-Moldo. In the northern bank of Pangong lake, India claims that its area is from Finger area 1 to Finger 8 and Chinese claim their area to be from Finger 8 till Finger 2. The stand-off between the two sides usually happens when patrol parties come face to face between finger area 4 and 8 which is claimed by both sides. This time, sources said that Chinese have brought a large number of troops to lay its claim in the area and prevent patrolling by Indian troops. Fist fight and stone pelting had occurred between Indian and Chinese soldiers on Pangong Tso lake on the intervening night of May 5th and May 6th. There have been more than 10 rounds of talks held already between the two sides at different level from Commanding Officers, Brigade to Major General level to try to resolve the issue. There have been even talks between the two side at the Galwan area at one of the patrolling points- PP14. Meanwhile, Amid the ongoing standoff with India, the Chinese military in Tibet has held night-time high-altitude infiltration exercises behind enemy lines, the Chinese state-owned media reported. It is suspected that some troops from this exercise were diverted by the Peoples Liberation Army towards the Line of Actual Control at Ladakh. A report in Beijings Global Times said the PLA Tibet Military Command had recently sent troops to a high-altitude region at an elevation of 4,700 meters at night for infiltration exercises behind enemy lines and tested their combat capability under a harsh environment. Warnings issued as the system becomes the earliest third named storm on record in the history of Atlantic hurricanes. It may only be June 3, but Tropical Storm Cristobal has already become the third named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. The storm developed in the Bay of Campeche and threatens further life-threatening, dangerous floods across parts of Central America and Mexico before heading towards the Gulf Coast of the United States by the end of the weekend. Cristobal formed as a result of a large system called a Central American Gyre and the remnants of Tropical storm Amanda, which originally formed in the Eastern Pacific before moving northeastwards and crossing Central America. At 06:00 GMT on Wednesday, a US Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft located the centre of the storm about 70km (45 miles) from Ciudad del Carmen in southeastern Mexico. Cristobal will continue to slowly rotate around the Bay of Campeche, crossing the southern coast late on Wednesday before wandering back into the open waters on Thursday night and Friday. Surface observations have measured winds of about 95km/hour (60 mph) with much higher gusts. The tropical-storm-force winds extend outwards up to 110km (70 miles) from the centre. Cristobal is expected to produce total accumulations of up to 250 to 500mm (10 to 20 inches) of rain. Additional rainfall still lingers across the Pacific coast over Chiapas, Guatemala and El Salvador. Life-threatening floods and mudslides are possible across all of these areas before the storm heads towards the southern US. Heavy rain and high surf are expected along the Gulf Coast early in the weekend. Areas from Texas to Florida have been advised to monitor the progress of Cristobal. Lady Ok-Nam shared with Tae Eul that she came from the other world where war brought her to Corea. The person responsible for her existence in the kingdom is King Gon's grandfather. Tae Eul mentioned to lady Ok-Nam about how the war created two borders: the South and North emerge. Minister Koo rushed to see King Gon after hearing the announcement through social media. King Gon admitted that his love for Tae Eul is true, which Koo should respect. Koo disappointedly advised King Gon that she is not happy and is against it. The lightning strikes and the burning scar appear on Koo's lower neck. King Gon saw it and confirmed that Koo's crossed the parallel worlds. Trying to hide it from King Gon, she bids farewell and leaves his office. In the hallway, Koo met Tae Eul and stopped as they exchanged words. Tae Eul confronted Koo of her presence in the Republic of Korea. Koo denied in front of Tae Eul about meeting her in the other world. A sudden lightning rumbles, and the burning scar shows in Koo's lower front neck. Tae Eul to her shock, looking at the scar from Koo. Tae Eul rushed to King Gon's office and told him about Koo's burning scar. King Gon advised her to keep it to herself, and he needs to go out to check the dead bodies having the same burning scar. Eun Sup caught another assailant working under Lee Rim. He is bound to kill Eun Sup but they found him first. King Gon arrived and thanked Eun Sup for his help. The lightning strikes and King Gon was in pain with a burning scar. He realized that Eun Sup, like Tae Eul, whose counterpart is alive, does not have a burning scar in his body. Lady Ok-Nam informed King Gon about the traitor they arrested from one of the royal staff. King Gon met her and realized that she is Shin Jae's biological mother. She followed Lee Rim's instructions to protect his son. The Republic of Korea Luna visited Tae Eul's residence in Seoul. Jung Do ushered her to go inside and have her breakfast before she goes to work. Luna went inside Tae Eul's room and checked all her things. Song Jung Hye went to see her former employer, Shin Jae's mother. They went out to have lunch together. From a distance, Jo Young watches them and follows Song Jung Hye. The Kingdom of Corea King Gon explained to Tae Eul that sooner, each time stops longer than before. They need to find the other access or door that leads to the past. Both worlds are collapsing since Manpasikjeok is torn into two pieces. They need to get the other half and make both worlds stable the same as before. The Republic of Korea Tae Eul hugs his father as she returns to her home. He advises her on why she gets emotional when they see her every day. Tae Eul realized that her counterpart is now roaming around Seoul. Luna uses her phone and stays at her house the whole time she's away. Shin Jae met Luna and was shocked as she kissed him without any hesitation. Tae Eul made every effort to call Luna using her father's phone. As they talked, Tae Eul warned her not to harm anyone, but Luna told her that she will soon see her what she is after for. Tae Eul did not recover her phone, which Luna intended to cancel. Luna used another ID they got from the palace. She uses it to apply for vacation leave from the station. Shin Jae advised Tae Eul to clear her name at the station and cancel her leave as well. King Gon met Jo Young and checked how his life was. He shared with Jo Young about Koo's position back in Corea. Read Part 2 HERE. The Latin name for brook trout -- Salvelinus fontinalis -- means "speckled fish of the fountains," but a new study by Penn State researchers suggests, for the first time, that the larger streams and rivers those fountains, or headwaters, flow into may be just as important to the brook trout. With few exceptions, brook trout are found now only in small mountain streams that stay cold enough year-round to meet their biological needs, below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Because these trout in the United States are threatened by a warming climate, many have assumed those headwater habitats alone are critical for their survival. But a genetic analysis of brook trout in streams across the 460-square-mile Loyalsock Creek drainage in north-central Pennsylvania shows that the fish are very similar genetically, suggesting close relatedness among populations. The only way that could have happened, according to researcher Shannon White, postdoctoral scholar in the College of Agricultural Sciences, is fish moving between tributaries in the 86-mile-long Loyalsock Creek. Temperatures in Loyalsock Creek exceed brook trout thermal tolerance from approximately June through September, White pointed out, so fish are believed to inhabit only the bigger river system during the winter. Although the behavior and survival of brook trout in Loyalsock Creek are not well understood, researchers hypothesize that some brook trout move into the mainstem after spawning in a tributary in October or November and stay until late spring, when some swim up new tributaries. "It's pretty simple -- if widespread populations are related genetically, it indicates that fish are moving around between those populations," she said. "There's a high degree of genetic connectivity between populations separated by the mainstem, and that indicates that brook trout are swimming into Loyalsock Creek and using it as a movement corridor to connect populations in other tributaries." Understanding patterns of population connectivity is critical for species conservation, White added, because populations that are more connected typically are able to survive and adapt to disturbance and stress. To build what White called "a family tree" of brook trout in the Loyalsock drainage, researchers collected 1,627 adult brook trout from 33 sites, with an average of 49 individuals collected from each site. They clipped the caudal fins of those fish and conducted genetic analysis on those tissue samples. To estimate statistically how unique habitat features, such as road culverts and waterfalls found in streams, influence the movement of wild brook trout, researchers developed what they call the "bidirectional geneflow in riverscapes" model as part of a practical framework that uses genetic data to understand patterns and drivers of fish movement. The novel modeling approach is significant, explained researcher Tyler Wagner, adjunct professor of fisheries ecology, because it shows that brook trout -- at least in the Loyalsock Creek watershed -- are not confined just to the headwaters. They are using the mainstem as a seasonal, thermally suitable corridor for movement. There is no reason to expect that the Loyalsock drainage is different from others in the East, Wagner contends, so these results likely have implications for the conservation and management of wild brook trout. Specifically, these results suggest that conservation of larger streams and rivers may be necessary to protect and conserve critical brook-trout movement corridors that keep brook trout populations healthy. "Some of the most fundamental questions in ecology relate to how organisms move through their environment," said Wagner, who is assistant leader of the U.S. Geological Survey's Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Penn State. "These questions historically have been hard to address in fishes because it can be difficult statistically to estimate how unique habitat features found in streams and rivers influence movement. To address this void, we developed the riverscapes geneflow model." The findings of the Penn State study, recently published in Ecological Applications, contrast with other research related to brook trout behavior, White conceded. The consensus has been that trout do not move very far, she said. "But Loyalsock Creek is a fairly big watershed, and we have found that fish are moving quite a bit, and populations on opposite ends of the watershed are connected to one another genetically." However, White, who conducted a wide range of research on the brook trout population in the Loyalsock drainage while pursuing her doctoral degree in ecology at Penn State, noted that only a small proportion of the fish travel -- and it is not just the young males that branch out. This is different from most wildlife species. "In a separate study we used telemetry to monitor the movement of 162 fish and found that there is a small proportion of the population that moves," she said. "It's only about 20% of fish that get into Loyalsock Creek. In terms of males, females, and the size of fish that are moving, it doesn't really seem to make a difference. This would suggest that there may be a genetic component to movement, in the sense that some fish have genes that are programmed to make them travel." ### Also involved in the research was Ephraim Hanks, associate professor of statistics, Eberly College of Science, Penn State. The R.K. Mellon Freshwater Research Initiative at Susquehanna University funded this research, which is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. Media personality and animal activist Ashley James has encouraged her followers not to adopt pets from abroad unless it's via an accredited charity - after fellow reality star Molly-Mae Hague's puppy died, six days after getting him for her 21st birthday. Ashley, 33, who has two cats and a dog called Snoop, took to Twitter to post a lengthy statement about the circumstances surrounding the dog's upsetting premature death. She wrote: 'Please please do your research before getting a pet. Do not import dogs from other countries unless they are rescues from charities. Please look into #lucyslaw and if you do go to a breeder then always make sure you see a fit and healthy mum!' Animal activist: Ashley James has encouraged her followers not to adopt pets from abroad unless it's via an accredited charity Lucy's Law asserts that anyone wanting to welcome a new puppy or kitten in England must now buy direct from a breeder, or consider adopting from a rescue centre instead. Licensed dog breeders are required to show puppies interacting with their mothers in their place of birth. Ashley went on: 'It's something I feel very passionately about. Do not support puppy farming. Obviously I need to point out how many amazing dogs there are up for adoption, but I don't want to be hypocritical as Snoop is a pedigree dog I got from a reputable breeder. 'Always make sure you meet a dog's mum (and their dad too if possible) and you do not need to import dogs from abroad. You don't know what the conditions they have been sent here in, when they were separated from their mum (they should be with mum until 8 weeks at least), or the conditions the mum was kept in if they are used to breed. Tragic: This follows reality star Molly-Mae Hague's puppy dying, six days after getting him for her 21st birthday Making a point: Ashley, 33, took to Twitter to post a lengthy statement about the circumstances surrounding the dog's upsetting premature death She wrote: 'Please please do your research before getting a pet. Do not import dogs from other countries unless they are rescues from charities. Please look into #lucyslaw and if you do go to a breeder then always make sure you see a fit and healthy mum!' 'Same goes for pet shops: you think you are saving them, but you're supporting the system. If you get a sick dog, it's not only incredibly traumatic, but also expensive (or worse they will die like in the horrific case of Molly Mae). 'Since getting Snoop I know so much more about dogs, and usually if you are after a specific breed of dog, there are rescue sites available for those dogs, like there's poodle rescue sites. 'Or if you really want a puppy, look on the Kennel Club and always ask to see mum.' Love Island's Molly-Mae was gifted her puppy by her boyfriend Tommy Fury. Named Mr Chai, they received him from Russia on Friday. But in Wednesday's lengthy statement, Molly-Mae penned: 'Tommy and I are utterly heartboken and shocked to even be writing this. Our beautiful new puppy Mr Chai was taken ill in the last few days and tragically has passed away.... Furry friends: Ashley is the owner of two cats and a dog called Snoop Heartbroken: Love Island's Molly-Mae revealed her dog died, six days after welcoming the pup into her home 'Chai became out whole world in the short time we had him and we couldn't have taken any better care of him. We loved him so much and he brought us more happieness than we can describe... 'We are really hoping that we can get some clearer answers in the coming days whilst we wait for details and more information from the veterinary experts. Myself and Tommy are completely in shock and truly devastated.' In a nod to the global coronavirus pandemic and the shocking protests in the US following the death of George Floyd, Molly-Mae conceded that there are 'bigger things in the world, but still voiced her deep sadness. She went on: 'In a world currently full of tragedy and loss, we understand there are far far greater issues that this, we just need to share this information in order to start the process of trying to accept and overcome this awful situation... Shock: Last Tuesday, her co-star boyfriend Tommy Fury gifted Mr Chai to the reality star before they took him home on Friday - however the heartbroken reality star has now announced the tragic news about his passing 'We asking for some time and respect so that we can come to terms with this immense sadness and loss of our beautiful puppy.' When Tommy gave the dog to his beloved girlfriend, he also gifted a Louis Vuitton dog carrier, which range from between 1,880 and 2,080. The social media influencer shared a snap of the note on her Instagram Stories, which read: 'Dear Mummy, I can't wait to meet you in a few days. Tough times: The couple set up an Instagram account for Mr Chai last week Company: Tommy appeared to have bought the dog through Cheshire-based business Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians. The company shared a number of posts featuring the couple and lamented Mr Chai's death on Wednesday Oh dear: Molly shocked fans when she revealed that he was on his way from Russia, in a move that came under fire, as she penned: 'He was meant to be here on my birthday btw guys but he's coming from Russia so there were delays etc' 'Until then have the best birthday and I know Daddy will be spoiling you rotten love you loads. Your son, Mr Chai. Woof woof.' Also in shot was the designer dog carrier and a pack of puppy pads. Tommy appeared to have bought the dog through Cheshire-based business Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians. The company shared a number of posts featuring the couple and lamented Mr Chai's death on Wednesday. Molly shocked fans when she revealed that he was on his way from Russia, in a move that came under fire, as she penned: 'He was meant to be here on my birthday btw guys but he's coming from Russia so there were delays etc.' One wrote: 'MOLLY MAE's F***ING DOG IS COMING. From. RUSSIA. THe ignorance, I'm so disgusted... wait Molly Mae is having a puppy shipped to her from Russia? Pained: She penned: 'We asking for some time and respect so that we can come to terms with this immense sadness and loss of our beautiful puppy' 'Theres literally so many dogs sat in adoption centres and they choose to get a dog shipped from another country wtf is that about?' The couple set up an Instagram account for Mr Chai last week. On Sunday, the boxer, 21, was left fuming when the sweet puppy used his side of the bed as a toilet. He shared the clip that showed him cuddled in bed with 'mum' Molly. Over the top of the sweet clip Molly-Mae penned: 'Hehe mum can't say no to me having cuddles on the bed' In another caption she penned: 'I did a poo on daddy's side and I don't think he was very happy about it' Cheeky: On Sunday, the boxer, 21, was left fuming when the sweet puppy used his side of the bed as a toilet. He shared the clip that showed him cuddled in bed with 'mum' Molly Last week, the reality star doted on her adorable pet by cradling him in her arms while posing for a snap with Tommy during their outing in the park. Molly-Mae and her boxer beau met on the 2019 edition of the hit ITV2 dating show, where they came runners up behind Amber Gill and Greg O'Shea. After leaving the villa Molly-Mae and Tommy quickly moved into together in Manchester into the open-plan flat they now share. As the state reopens in stages amid the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses are coming back in phases themselves: restaurants taking in sit-down diners on patios after two months of takeout-only service, stores welcoming customers once again. We talked with Lauren Coakley Vincent, president and CEO of Bridgeports Downtown Special Services District, and Garrett Sheehan, president and CEO of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, about reopening. Q: How can people best support small businesses at a time like this? LCV: Our Colorful Bridgeport website (infobridgeport.com) has a number of posts full of information on businesses that are open, or that are booking appointments, or that have gone online in anticipation of opening. At the moment, patronizing businesses is definitely the best way to help them out. Shopping local, supporting local businesses, helps downtown thrive. GS: I think the most important way people can support small businesses is to frequent them as customers, online, pickup, curbside or actually going to a restaurant or store. Until the economy actually comes back, its just going to be difficult for us to get business going. It has to involve people getting out there, understanding the caution people have. Q: What have you been hearing from small businesses through this process? GS: Its slow. I think everyone is trying to work through what works, to make it as safe as possible. We dont want to rush anything. So much comes down to helping build the confidence of the consumer, that its safe. Everyone is taking the necessary steps. LCV: A number of restaurants are doing outside dining. Thats an option, if people are interested in showing up. Restaurants are still doing takeout and delivery. Retail, even though some have not reopened, we do have a number that are open. Q: Have you seen anything particularly creative from small businesses? LCV: Ive seen a number of businesses create packages that could be employed at home. A meal kit from a restaurant, to have their favorite meal at home. At retail locations, a package of pieces from the store to put together an outfit. ... Gift certificates are still a great option. From the Colorful Bridgeport website: you can buy a gift certificate to show your support ... think of it as ordering way in advance! One thing were trying to move forward with in downtown, and weve been able to make some progress, is using public space for outdoor commerce, whether thats designating a parking space, closing a street, making space in a public place. GS: I think people are being creative in creating a safe environment, whether its PPE, what people are wearing, thats where Ive seen a lot of creativity, whether in an office, restaurant or retail. mfornabaio@ctpost.com; @fornabaioctp The films will be able to brand themselves as part of the official 2020 Cannes Film Festival selection. If accepted elsewhere, the films can still have their premieres at other fall festivals should they happen like those in Toronto, Telluride, New York and San Sebastian. The Cannes label will be particularly helpful for films from lesser-known filmmakers; 15 of the films announced Wednesday were directorial debuts. In his Rose Garden remarks, Trump said his "first and highest duty as president is to defend the great country and the American people. I swore an oath to uphold the laws of our nation, and that is exactly what I will do. All Americans are rightly sickened and revolted by the brutal death of George Floyd. My administration is fully committed that for George and his family, justice will be served. He will not have died in vain. But we cannot allow the righteous prize and peaceful protesters to be drowned out by an angry mob. The biggest victims of the rioting are peace loving citizens in our poorest communities, and as their president, I will fight to keep them safe. I will fight to protect you. I am your president of law and order and an ally of all peaceful protesters." The movement by law enforcement came less than a half-hour before a 7 p.m. curfew went into effect for Washington. The action cleared the way -- but not the smell of the tear gas -- around St. John's Church, a block north of the White House, to which Trump walked just minutes after the curfew went into effect. The historic Episcopal Church, known in Washington as "the church of the presidents," suffered minor damage Sunday evening when a small fire was set in its basement. In front of the boarded-up church, Trump held up a Bible, referred to the United States as the "greatest country in the world," and said, "we're going to keep it safe." Then Trump walked back to the White House surrounded by heavy security. Trump said he was "mobilizing all available federal resources, civilian and military, to stop the rioting and looting, to end the destruction and arson, and to protect the rights of law-abiding Americans, including your Second Amendment rights." The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the rights of all American citizens to own firearms. Just before the president spoke, reporters awaiting his remarks in the Rose Garden could hear loud explosions from volleys of tear gas fired around Lafayette Park, where riot police holding shields aloft pushed back peaceful demonstrators. Rubber bullets were also fired, and police on horseback were brought in to clear the area. In a nationally televised address in the White House Rose Garden, the president warned that "if a city or state refuses to take the actions 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." The comment was an apparent reference to the 1807 Insurrection Act, which allows presidents to quell lawlessness during emergencies. The law was most recently used in 1992 amid rioting in Los Angeles after another African-American man, Rodney King, was beaten by police. President Donald Trump is threatening to use the military to end "the riots and lawlessness" that have broken out across the United States following the death of a black man in police custody, prompting harsh criticism from political opponents including likely presidential nominee Joe Biden, who expressed concern "for the very soul of our country." Hours after the president's speech and his appearance in front of St. John's, Biden, the president's presumptive Democratic opponent in this year's November presidential election, denounced Trump's actions on his Twitter feed. "He's using the American military against the American people," Biden wrote. "He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets. For a photo. For our children, for the very soul of our country, we must defeat him." Bishop Mariann Budde, the leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, also expressed her disapproval of Trump's actions on her Twitter feed. "Tonight President [sic] just used a Bible and a church of my diocese as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for. To do so, he sanctioned the use of tear gas by police officers in riot gear to clear the church yard," Bishop Budde wrote. "President Trump's decision to invoke the Insurrection Act, and his inflammatory rhetoric, proves that he cannot lead us through these tumultuous times and unite the country. Instead, he has decided to rely on the use of force to address those who he views as a threat," Congressman Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said in a statement. The president, according to Defense Department officials, has ordered the Army to deploy an active duty military police battalion for Washington, the single jurisdiction where the military can do so without first consulting the governor of a state. National Guard Forces All 1,200 National Guard forces in the nation's capital have been mobilized, and five states were quickly sending between 600 and 800 additional Guard troops, some armed with lethal weapons, according to officials. Additional U.S. active duty troops, including military police and engineering units, have been placed on standby outside the District of Columbia but are poised to move in if necessary, officials say. Late Monday night, a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter flew low over the rooftops of Washington's historic Chinatown district in a "show of force" maneuver, sending protesters scattering to avoid the dust and debris kicked up by the helicopter's rotors, which also snapped the branches off trees. Trump's action is being viewed as his most overt flexing of authoritarian muscle since he took office 3 years ago. "We are teetering on a dictatorship," Don Lemon said on the cable news network, CNN, immediately following the president's remarks. "I think the president is playing a very, very dangerous game here." The president has repeatedly referred to CNN as "fake news" and frequently characterizes the mainstream U.S. media as "enemies of the people." TrumpCcalls Governors 'Weak' Earlier Monday, governors received a lecture from Trump, the defense secretary and the attorney general, exhorting them to get tough with unruly protesters on the streets of America's cities. In a conference call with governors about the violent demonstrations across the country, the leaders of the states were sharply criticized by the president. "Most of you are weak," the president told them, according to an audio recording of the call. "You have to dominate. If you don't dominate, you're wasting your time. They're going to run over you, you're going to look like a bunch of jerks." Trump is facing criticism for not adopting the traditional presidential role of "consoler-in-chief" since the death of African-American George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, prompted a national outpouring of agony and anger. The president, instead, has spent time on Twitter attacking Biden, other Democratic politicians and lumping them in with the far-left radicals he blames for the violence in recent days. The call with Trump on Monday was "deeply disturbing," said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat. "Instead of offering support or leadership to bring down the temperature at protests, President Trump told governors to 'put it down' or we would be 'overridden,'" she said in a statement. About half of the governors have already activated National Guard units to assist law enforcement in quelling the unrest. But more members of the guard are needed on the streets, according to the president. "They're ready, willing and able. They want to fight for the country," Trump said to the governors. "I wish we had an occupying force in there." Los Angeles, specifically, is "not using the greatest resource you can use," Trump said of the military forces under state control. Trump and the White House are blaming the violence on a loose coalition of far-left activists, known as "antifa" (for anti-fascist), whose members campaign against what they view as acts of authoritarianism, homophobia, racism or xenophobia. The Republican president warned on Twitter earlier that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Trump later denied that the phrase was a warning that vandals would be shot and said he did not know it had been used prominently by Miami's police chief in 1967 in response to violent crime in black neighborhoods. "It's a movement that if you don't put it down it'll get worse and worse," said Trump to the governors Monday. "These are radicals and they are anarchists." White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany asked at a White House news briefing about the Michigan governor's reaction, said she does not understand why Whitmer would be disturbed by the president telling governors to do their jobs. Another Democrat, Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, told the president, "I've been extraordinarily concerned about the rhetoric that's been used by you. It's been inflammatory." The president replied: "I don't like your rhetoric much either," criticizing Pritzker's response to the coronavirus outbreak. "I think you could've done a much better job, frankly." Attorney General William Barr told the governors, "we have to control the streets ... and that requires a strong presence." Professional instigators are looking to move from strong to weak states to cause mayhem, Barr said, adding this was based on intelligence reports. "They're all looking for weak spots," Trump said. "You got to arrest these people" and put them away for years. "These are terrorists. They're antifa and radical left." Trump specifically called on New York City and Philadelphia "to toughen up." Trump said the initial response in Minnesota was "weak and pathetic," but Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, deserved praise for deploying the National Guard, which knocked down demonstrators "like bowling pins -- a beautiful thing to watch." On the conference call, Defense Secretary Mark Esper told the governors that "the sooner you mass and dominate the battle-space, the quicker that this dissipates." A week after Floyd, 46, died in police custody after a white police officer was filmed pressing his knee into Floyd's neck for more than 8 minutes, peaceful demonstrations have been overshadowed by urban violence across America. Businesses have been vandalized and looted, public monuments damaged and law enforcement officers firing rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters, some of whom have pelted police with bricks, firecrackers and bags of bodily fluids. Thousands of people were arrested across the United States during demonstrations Saturday and Sunday. California on Monday ordered state government buildings closed in downtown areas. In Chicago, two people were killed during demonstrations on Monday in the Chicago suburb of Cicero and 60 people were arrested, the Associated Press reported. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser moved up the nightly curfew by four hours, to 7 p.m. McEnany said of Trump, "He does understand that pain" of the lawful demonstrators." She added, "It's really a shame" that radicals on the streets are dampening the message of the peaceful protesters. It's an eerie visual in the River Oaks Shopping District - Cartier, Dior, Harry Winston, Brunello Cucinelli and Steak 48 are shown in the photos below with boarded-up windows amid nationwide protests over George Floyd. The windows were still boarded up Wednesday morning following Tuesday's peaceful protests in downtown Houston. The demonstrations did not travel to River Oaks. The Houston Police Department reported on June 3 that about 200 people were arrested during the June 2 protests for refusing to clear streets. Some people were seen throwing rocks and bottles at officers, HPD reported. See the photos below: My boyfriend broke up with me in the last week of the last term of journalism school and it was ugly. I received his text message on a Sunday evening, and I spent a better part of the night crying over the phone to my best friend. The tears flowed long after the goodnights were exchanged. I tried pulling myself together for class on Monday, but a simple question like How was your weekend? triggered another round of tears. I must have looked like a wreck, walking around campus with swollen eyes and tissues balled up in my fists. Questions like, Why would he do this to me? and What did I do wrong? went through my mind. In my eyes, I had been nothing but the sweetest girlfriend any person could hope to have. I remembered every single birthday and anniversary, and was always ready to lend him an ear whenever he was feeling down. But the reality was, we were not suited for each other. We both had different life goals, and had different ways of pursuing them. I had plans of working and travelling overseas, while he was quite happy to continue living in New Zealand. I was irritated by what I felt was a lack of ambition and direction on his part, while he found me spoilt and over-reliant on people. Unfortunately, I was blind to our differences. I was a young and naive 23-year-old who could not see anything beyond the tip of my nose. So I got angry when things did not work out. I thought I was unlucky in love, and that happiness was meant for other people. You see, a year before I started this relationship, I had just got out of another relationship which had ended when I found out my then-boyfriend had been unfaithful to me. By the time he called it quits, I was exhausted, angry, and sick and tired of being hurt. I wanted to re-arrange his face as if it was a Mr Potato Head toy, and at one point, I even flew to Australia to visit friends and family simply because I couldnt bear to be in the same country as him. No wonder author Greg Behrendt in Its Called A Breakup Because Its Broken said, Being brokenhearted is like having broken ribs. On the outside it looks like nothing is wrong, but every breath hurts. Are you in a similar situation as I was? Let me share a few tips that I hope youll find useful. 1) Take your pain to God I cant even begin to tell you how many nights I had spent face down on my bed and all I could offer God between my tears was a simple, Dear God. . ., but couldnt find the strength to finish my prayer. Ill also be honest and admit it was the pain of the breakup which forced me to look to God. C.S. Lewis said, Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pain. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world. Likewise, my pain was Gods way of pulling me back to Him. So I turned to Him and cried my heart out like I would to my earthly father in times of sadness. I found great comfort in Psalm chapter 147, verse 3, in which the psalmist declares, He [God] heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. When I felt like I was truly alone after my latest breakup, I was also comforted by John chapter 16, verse 32, which described Jesus loneliness and His full assurance that God was with Him. A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home, He told his disciples. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. Dont be tempted to go for quick fixes like a strong drink, alternative medicine, or the arms of another person. They can not only be risky, but also leave you feeling even more vulnerable. Rather, go for true healing: God, the Master Healer, is near to the brokenhearted, and is more than able to nurse your broken heart back to wholeness. 2) Remember you are loved by God The days following the breakup process were most challenging. I felt that I was unattractive, that I didnt matter, and that I was a pawn in someones chess game. I wanted to eat potato chips all day long and wallow in my misery. Negative thoughts became my constant companion, invading my head with ideas like, If only I was prettier, smarter, held a glamorous job One day, as I was busy lamenting to God about how unloved I felt, I sensed God say to me, But youve forgotten. I love you. That was a pretty big revelation for me. While I grew up singing Sunday school songs such as Jesus Loves Me, I never really understood just how much He loves me. But at that moment, in my weakest, and probably my ugliest (lets face it, I was in my pyjamas with my messy bed hair, and snivelling away like a broken dam), I felt a calm assurance that Jesus still loves me. In that instant, all the thoughts of inadequacy and the insecurities I felt since the breakup went away. Can I encourage you not to define yourself by your breakup, and see yourself the way God sees you? Your ex-girlfriend/boyfriend might have failed to appreciate your worth, but to God, you are precious and honored (Isaiah chapter 43, verse 4), you are complete in Him (Colossians chapter 2, verse 10), and you are His workmanship, created to do good things (Ephesians chapter 2, verse 10). Remember who you are in Christ, and that you are greatly loved by God (Ephesians chapter 2, verse 4). 3) Look forward to the future It can be tempting to reminisce about your ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, but this can hinder you from moving forward. I deleted every text message and email, and threw out every present my ex-boyfriend gave me. But I hung on to a Peter Rabbit stuffed toy, because I just could not bear to give the wee rabbit away. And I also found myself listening to songs with breakup themeson repeat. The Bible tells us to forget what lies behind, and to press on towards what is ahead (Philippians chapter 3, verse 13). So I forced myself to stop dwelling on the past, and used the time to re-prioritize my commitments. I decided to spend more time with God, and to look forward to the start of my working life as a journalist. I also started thanking God for the breakup. You knew all along this relationship would eventually end, I told God, You hold my world in Your hands. It was comforting to know that God foresaw the breakup (Psalms chapter 139, verse 16), and had allowed it to happen, because He had better things in store for me. At that point, I didnt know what the better things were, but I blindly clung on to His promises knowing He is God and He cares. 4) Count your blessings Time crawled to a standstill when I was working through my breakup. The days were long, and the nights even longer. People say time heals all wounds, but time seemed to pass too slowly for me. During this difficult transition period, I found it useful to keep myself busy. I kept busy by counting my blessings, and that was actually a lot harder than I thought it would be. When I had a boyfriend, it was so easy to be grateful for life, and to feel blessed. Thank you God for a boyfriend, for family, for friends who love me. But when it was taken away (the boyfriend, not the family and friends), I had to make a conscientious effort to be thankful for the little things. I kept a diary listing the things I was grateful for on a daily basis. I thanked God for being able to go to the movies with my friends, lunch and dinners with my family, a new skirt (if I had gone shopping that day). For me, having to count my blessings stopped me from reverting into a state of anger, bitterness, and resentment. It can seem like a bit of a cliche to be told to count your blessings but Bible says we are to give thanks in everything, for this is Gods will for us in Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verse 18). It doesnt mean we have to start jumping in joy, telling everyone how glad our partner has broken up with us; for me, it meant maintaining an attitude of gratitude and quietly thanking God for being with me during the difficult time. 5) Forgive the other party Ill be absolutely honest with you and admit that I did not want to forgive my ex-boyfriend. Forgiving him felt like I was giving him a jail-free card, and really, why should I give him that privilege? Then I remembered a conversation I had with God while praying over a scholarship which would allow me to work in a Beijing newspaper for three months. I was telling God how much I really, really wanted the scholarship, and God said, But you must first forgive your ex-boyfriend. No way was I doing that, I replied. But the Holy Spirit reminded me of Mark chapter 11, verse 25, And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. I resented the idea of having to forgive my ex-boyfriend, but I knew it had to be done. I didnt exactly rush out with my arms wide open, ready to hug my ex-boyfriend with a warm embrace, telling him I had forgiven him. For me, forgiving him meant I had to slowly let go of any resentment I had harbored towards him in my heart. I knew I couldnt call myself a Christian if I couldnt find it within myself to forgive someone who had hurt me. I was glad I forgave him because a few weeks later, I received an email offering me the scholarship to Beijing. I believe God was testing me and building my character at the same time. He wanted me to forgive others as He has forgiven me (Matthew chapter 6, verse 14), love my enemies (Luke chapter 6, verse 27), and to bless those who hurt me (Luke chapter 6, verse 28). Breakups are hard, messy, and take a big toll on your emotions. The good news is, these dark nights will not last forever. Youll get through them, even if its hard to see past the current pain at the moment. But remember, God loves you and cares for you. Missionary Frank Laubach once said, Christ is interested in every trifle, because He loves us more intimately than a mother loves her babe. Originally published on YMI at https://ymi.today/2016/04/how-to-get-over-a-breakup/. Republished with permission. Countries have been pushed into wartime-like efforts to combat the coronavirus disease (Covid-19)-sparked crisis. The only parallel is the time when in the 1940s, large swathes of industry in the United States (US) were pressed into the production of goods required for the war. The current war against the virus has, by reopening debates about the deepening inequalities in society, raised the question of how companies, with their talents and efficiencies, can play a larger role in solving some of the challenges. The slew of economic reforms announced by the government provides an opportunity for Indian companies to now play such a role. Achieving this will require a paradigm shift in thinking across banks, company-owners and the government. The governments stimulus package has some broad themes. First, the government intends to revive micro, medium and small enterprises (MSMEs) through the provision of guarantees to ensure the flow of credit. It will also do so by releasing capital locked into the reverse repo with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or the cash reserve ratios with banks. However, transmitting unlocked reserves requires a different approach to risk-taking. Bankers will play a national role if they can, at least in the case of MSMEs who are existing borrowers, avoid total risk aversion, and encourage sensible lending that balances the need to keep jobs and consumption intact. After the depression, JM Keynes noted that when the facts change, economic theory must change. So too after Covid-19, lending practices must change to enable small business to recover. In this connection fintech lenders have, since 2015, made deep inroads into precisely the types of businesses facing the maximum pain now. In the US, major fintech lenders have been eligible for direct Federal Reserve funds, which are fully guaranteed, as a means to help fund small businesses. If banks and non-banking financial companies were to refinance fintech platforms, this will speed up credit flow. Large sums have been identified for investment through funds in the small and medium enterprises and agriculture space largely overseen by the Small Industries Development Bank of India. Here too conventional investment logic, which requires all projects to meet high hurdles for return, has less meaning when the more urgent need is to revive a stalled economy. There needs to be a clear acceptance that the multiplier effect of job creation, wages generation and demand can largely offset the impact of poor investment or lending. The desire to reform and privatise agricultural procurement, coal, defence and power distribution is commendable. In doing so, it is important to put aside old hang-ups which include concerns about anti-competitive behaviour and corruption during bidding processes, which held back past reforms. In the light of the fears among officials by the 2G and coal scams, there has to be clear communication from the government that officers will be rewarded for bona fide, aggressive steps to bring about change. This is not to say that gross negligence or cases of corruption should be allowed to pass muster. While not denying the likelihood of these risks, economies do not come out of crises by playing safe. A less noticeable-but-important change in approach is required of large shareholder investors. In assessing the returns they want from investments, they need to examine why when shareholders have done well in recent years, these increases in valuation have not touched other critical issues such as job creation, improving their green quotient or providing even two months of salary safety nets. In recent years, valuations of a few companies, especially in the technology sector, have left behind organisations which create high quality jobs, in the way General Motors (GM), Hilton or Unilever do. The desire for the market outperforming returns at all times has seemingly meant an unwillingness for investment in solid, useful, economy-enhancing plays, which pay 3-4% above the cost of capital but do not provide dramatic pay-offs. This is why, for example, in India, there is no market for a mortgage guarantee company, which would materially improve the quality of life. The institutional investing community may need to re-examine the lens through which it reviews its investments. Last and most critical, the proposed reforms provide a chance for industry to rise to the occasion as their forbearers had done in the immediate post-Independence era. Large corporate houses, which drive most of industry, have the opportunity to pick up the gauntlet in several new areas where privatisation has been offered. There is a full alignment between meaningful risk taking and national reconstruction as demonstrated by groups such as the Tatas, whose investments in power, software, chemicals and other industries were, in their day, pioneering, even though they might have been seen as risky at the time. Many other Indian groups have similar stories involving entering unrelated areas and placing their best talent behind new projects. Even with supportive mindsets from the groups above, successful national rebuilding will come by only if Indias large management pool relishes the opportunity to thrive under uncertainty and challenge. In the 1950s Charlie Wilson, the CEO of GM said, What is good for GM is good for America. The opposite was also true. What is good for the country is also good for the individual company. As the government faces arguably the biggest challenge in Indias history, managers can play a greater part in the national response as some already do. Great managers are used to operating in difficult competitive environments. They will do a fantastic job of facilitating nationally meaningful outcomes such as job creation or privatisations of key industries without compromising on-long term returns if they are backed by their investors and promoters to do so. One hopes that the response to these bold reforms will be Indias World War II moment, after which the corporate sector applies its talent, financial muscle and risk appetite to the task of nation-building. Govind Sankaranarayanan, former COO and CFO at Tata Capital, is currently vice chairman at ESG Fund ECube Investment Advisors The views expressed are personal Recently, R Balki's public service advertisement (PSA) on the Novel Coronavirus featuring Akshay Kumar has not gone down well with the netizens. In the ad, Akshay can be seen leaving for work while wearing a mask and urging others to return to their work, while taking precautionary measures like sanitisation, use of mask and maintaining social distancing. In the ad, Akshay also propagates the message that the nation needs to be made 'aatma nirbhar'. Akshay Kumar Corona Virus , | FilmiBeat Unfortunately, the ad failed to leave a positive impact on the people and it is being criticised by the netizens. Some slammed the ad saying that India is still not completely ready to tackle COVID-19 owing to the lack of hospital beds. Here's what other netizens have to say... @vijay_timma: "Promoting disaster. Please check the situation in the hospitals and then make such videos. Doctors are not getting adequate PPE." @deepika.hids: "No hospitals are ready for covid . Many people are dying because they don't get ventilator. All bogus." @iamsagarshastri: "@akshaykumar Sorry but government has not made any kind of arrangements in government hospitals for Ordinary middle class citizens, People who are rich enough to afford private hospitals their chances of recovery are much higher than government hospitals at least in Mumbai." Exclusive: Akshay Kumar Transfers Rs 45 Lakh To Needy Actors' Bank Account! @reenabarot: "What a loser movie, how can u have a senior citizen in the movie, passing wrong msg." @wonttakecrap: "Mr. Rajiv Bhatia aka Akshay Kumar, I really appreciate your awareness film, but sadly it presents a very wrong picture. There are no beds in the hospitals and even the private hospitals are refusing to admit patients. I know you donated a huge amount to the PM's relief fund, but if you had used that money to set up beds in hospitals, it would have been better. The reality is very harsh and saddening sir." If you haven't watched Akshay's ad yet, watch it below.. (Social media posts are unedited.) "The jobs are out there, and we are ready to put people to work." - Express CEO Bill Stoller As states loosen closure orders for businesses, companies are looking to replenish their workforce while facing the dilemma of how to safely interview candidates. As hiring experts, several Express Employment Professionals offices are stepping in to help with Drive-Thru Job Fairs. Instead of requiring job seekers to physically come into offices to apply for positions, candidates line up in their vehicles to fill out paperwork. In the past few weeks, Express recruiters have processed hundreds of applications, filling a critical need for companies. In Biloxi, Mississippi, the local Express offices first rolled out Drive-Thru Job Fairs in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. With everything happening with social distancing, I thought it was an appropriate time to bring the idea back to meet the needs of the community while following the CDC guidelines, owner Jason Poole said. We are ready to help position the community for a comeback. The Biloxi Express offices recent Drive-Thru Job Fair drew hundreds of job seekers, and the staff will continue these events until they can safely open their lobby doors. We are using the Drive-Thru Job Fairs to perfect our process to make it safe, easy and most importantly effective for our community, Poole added. The Morristown, Tennessee, Express office has remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to staff essential businesses, but found they had a hard time convincing job seekers that positions were still available. The Drive-Thru Job Fair concept provided the perfect solution. The office was able to process more than 800 applicants in April and successfully placed 737 candidates with client companies. We want people to know that if theyre struggling, we can provide them hope and give them a chance to get a job, Express Operations Manager Sarah Bowman told The Citizen Tribune. We can do that, and were open. We have a lot of jobs and we want to help people. Recruiters at the Express office in Rochester, Minnesota, are taking every precaution to make job seekers feel safe when they pull up to apply at Express offices, including wearing gloves and masks and staying further back from vehicles. We don't know how long social distancing will go on. We want to make sure that we have all the safety precautions in place until we can be closer together in the future, Employment Specialist Sam Lessarde said in an interview for KIMT3 News. Express offices around the country are open and eager to connect quality job seekers with reputable clients, no matter how creative they have to be to make it happen. The Express family always finds a way to provide hope through employment, even during this difficult and historic time, Express CEO Bill Stoller said. The jobs are out there, and we are ready to put people to work. To find out if your local Express office is hosting a Drive-Thru Job Fair and see available positions, visit http://www.ExpressPros.com. If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bill Stoller to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena Karami, Director of Corporate Communications and PR, at (405) 717-5966. About Bill Stoller William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the international staffing company has more than 825 franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa, and beginning in 2020 will expand to Australia and New Zealand. Since its inception, Express has put more than 8 million people to work worldwide. About Express Employment Professionals At Express Employment Professionals, were in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, our international network of franchises offer localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve, employing 552,000 people across North America in 2019. For more information, visit http://www.ExpressPros.com. Michael Addamo limped on the button and Justin Bonomo shoved. Addamo called all in for 5,200,000. Michael Addamo: Justin Bonomo: Addamo had slow-played pocket queens with fewer than 20 big blinds and looked in pole position to secure another double up. However, a king on the flop saw Bonomo take the lead. The American picked up another on the turn and eliminated Addamo on the river. Addamo would have to settle with $1,187,500 for his second-place finish in the very first Super High Roller Bowl Online. Hardliner Lawmaker Claims Less Than 200 Protesters Killed In Iran's November Unrest Radio Farda June 01, 2020 An influential conservative lawmaker in Iran has tried to minimize the death toll of the protests that followed a gas price hike in November 2019. Mojtaba Zolnur (Zonnouri), a member of the Iranian Parliament (Majles) from Qom told the semi-official Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) on Monday June 1 that 230 people were killed during the protests in mid-November. The figure is far less than reports and estimates by international news agencies, human rights organizations and the United States. In December, a special report by Reuters put the number of those killed during the violent crackdown at around 1500, and U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook has said that around 1,000 protesters were killed by Iranian security forces during the unrest in November. Zolnur, who was the chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee in the previous parliament, now is a candidate for the post in the new Majles that was opened on May 27. He told reporters in Tehran that 6 of the 230 individuals killed in November were police officers, adding that 20 percent of those killed were volunteers working alongside the security and disciplinary forces. Zolnur must have been talking about the IRGC's Basij militia who played a major part in the violent crackdown against protesters. Zolnur's claims puts the number of security elements among those killed in November at 52, leaving only 178 civilians among the dead. According to Radio Farda's Iran analyst Reza Haqiqatnezhad, Zolnur claimed that "counter-revolutionaries" have said 10,000 protesters were killed during the crackdown. "That is a lie," says Haqiqatnezhad, "No one has said such a thing," Zolnuri has simply tried to discredit the higher estimates." Iranian journalist and analyst Behnam Gholipour tweeted that the Islamic Republic was waiting for an opportunity to finally announce its version of the November death toll and the protests in the United States afforded that opportunity. Iran's foreign ministry, government media and several politicians have reacted to the news of these protests, telling the U.S. to respect lives of its citizens and protect journalists. Opponents of the regime have reacted by saying that the Islamic Republic cannot whitewash its long history of suppression by hiding behind events in the United States. Since November, the Islamic Republic has refused to release an official death toll and details about those killed during the protests. The same applies to those wounded or arrested. Meanwhile, Zolnur claimed that 2,000 protesters and 5,000 security personnel were wounded during the mid-November unrest. However, Zolnur did not elaborate on the number of those arrested during the protests. Earlier, a Radio Farda report said that at least 8,600 protesters were arrested in November. Iranian courts have issued death sentences to some of those who were arrested. Zolnur who made too many claims during his interview with ISNA, also said that 22 percent of those who were killed had criminal records. He added: "The death toll includes 7 percent who were killed during shootouts, 16 percent were shot to death during attacks on police stations, 26 percent were those who were killed for no particular reason and 31 percent were those who had attacked public places." Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli also said on May 30 that some 200 to 225 individuals were killed during the November protests of which some 80 percent were shot to death with guns issued to Iranian security forces repeating the claim that some protesters have possibly killed others with other weapons. In a report released last week, Amnesty International said that in all cases except four, protesters were shot to death by Iranian security forces including the IRGC, Basij militia and the police. Amnesty International added that most of those who were killed were shot in the head or chest, which shows the security forces had a shoot-to-kill order. The figures given away by Fazli and Zolnur are different from those announced by international organizations and human rights watchdogs. Last week Amnesty International announced that at least 304 protesters were killed in 37 Iranian cities, stressing that these include only the cases that are accounted for and the actual number is probably much higher. Meanwhile, last December, Reuters quoted three sources close to Khamenei's inner circle as well as another source as having said that some 1,500 Iranians were killed during the November protests. Khamenei had told the security forces in a public meeting: "Do whatever is necessary to stop" the protests. The protests in November 2019 started after the government increased the price of gasoline by 200 percent without prior notice. When nationwide protests broke out, the government attempted to conceal the violent crackdown by imposing a news blackout and shutting down the Internet for several days. Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/hardliner-lawmaker- claims-less-than-200-protesters-killed-in- iran-november-unrest/30646781.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 Rhea Chakraborty remembers Sushant Singh Rajput on his birth anniversary with a video, says "Miss you so much" Kangaroo Island IOTA expedition re-scheduled Grant, VK5GR, reports: I am very pleased to announce that the VK5KI Expedition to Kangaroo Island (IOTA OC-139) has been rescheduled, although it has also been scaled down. It will not be coinciding with the IOTA contest for 2020 and instead will be held during the South Australian school holidays between July 13-18th. It is also being converted into a holiday style expedition with myself (VK5GR), Andrew (VK5AKH) and my family. Bands and equipment are to be finalized but it will likely be only one station covering all bands from 80m to 10m. (it remains to be seen if 160m can be activated - we will see). We are thankful here in South Australia that the authorities have successfully managed my home state's way through the COVID-19 crisis so far. There are no active cases here and havent been (apart from some controlled travel imports) for over a month. They therefore were able to reopen intra-state travel over a week ago, including ferry travel to Kangaroo Island. We are being encouraged to get out into the regions and help our battered hospitality and tourism sectors begin the long road to recovery while continuing to observe social distancing etc. Consequently, many of the other holiday spots locally will be potentially quite busy as people try to overcome cabin fever from the lock-downs. Kangaroo Island, which requires that extra amount of effort and cost with the ferry crossing, should be much quieter, with fewer people and plenty of serenity. We now have a different venue confirmed on the island also, which is quite isolated from the main community. All in all, it should be a great week with some family time, amateur radio and a chance to unwind. We therefore hope to see you on the air as VK5KI from Kangaroo Island OC-139 in July after all! THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. TORONTO, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- North Bud Farms Inc. (CSE: NBUD) (OTCQB: NOBDF) ("NORTHBUD" or the "Company") provides shareholders with the following corporate update: U.S. Operations The Company is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell all the shares of its U.S. subsidiary, Bonfire Brands USA, Inc. (BBUSA), to an entity controlled by Mr. Justin Braune, the President of BBUSA. The transaction constitutes a related-party transaction as defined in 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 the fair market value of the shares of BBUSA sold to the acquiror does not exceed 25% of the Companys market capitalization. This determination is based upon the fact that the value of the net assets of BBUSA is negligible as the assets acquired were, and continue to be, highly leveraged. In light of the current market conditions, it is no longer economically viable for the Company to continue to try to sustain and develop these assets. Under the terms of the transaction, the acquiring party is responsible for and guarantees all of BBUSAs past and future liabilities and capital requirements, including all of the outstanding intercompany debts owed to NORTHBUD up to a maximum of CDN$2 million. The acquiror will retain rights to the name Bonfire Brands and the Company will no longer proceed with the change of name and symbol that was approved at the last shareholder meeting. We are pleased with the successful completion of this deal to divest our U.S. holdings as it will significantly improve the Companys balance sheet and available cash flow, a key Company objective in light of the difficult economic climate brought on by Covid-19, said Ryan Brown, NORTHBUDs Executive Chairman and Interim CEO. The structure of this transaction represents the achievement of the Companys previously-announced plan to remove its direct exposure to the U.S. cannabis sector in order to eliminate the increasing administrative and capital costs associated with such holdings. Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order Issued The following is an update on the previously announced management cease trade order (the "MCTO") issued by the Ontario Securities Commission on March 31, 2020. The MCTO was issued in connection with the delay by the Company in filing its annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related officer certifications for the financial year ended November 30, 2019 (collectively, the "Required Filings") before the prescribed deadline of March 30, 2020. Sequence of Events As previously disclosed, the Company completed two material U.S.-based acquisitions in November 2019, weeks prior to its year-end, thus obliging the Company to include purchase price accounting and post-acquisition activity for both acquired companies into its consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended November 30, 2019. The Company took decisive steps to augment its capabilities to manage and report on its expanded operations including the appointment of advisors, valuation and taxation experts to assist with the year-end reporting and audit requirements; the appointments of Sean Homuth as CEO in December 2019, Adam Shapero as General Counsel in January 2020, and Jeffrey Stoss as CFO in February 2020; and, the addition of Jennifer Ross-Carriere and Lisa Mayhew as Directors in December 2019 and February 2020 respectively. Unfortunately, Sean Homuth had to take a medical leave of absence from the Company on April 28, 2020, which resulted in some delays to the progress of the year-end audit as he was interim CFO for the Company around the time of the U.S. acquisitions. Due primarily to the inability of management, and its advisors and auditors to travel to the U.S. to conduct onsite field work, and due to ongoing travel and work restrictions in both Canada and the U.S. imposed by the impact of COVID-19 and the additional audit and reporting work related to the Companys stated intention to divest of its U.S. operations as announced May 6, 2020, the Company could not complete and file the Required Filings for the year-ended November 30, 2019 and the quarter-ended February 29, 2020 before the end of the May 31, 2020 deadline contemplated by the MCTO. The Company, its advisors and its independent auditor, are continuing to work diligently to complete the necessary work and the Company intends to make the Required Filings as soon as possible. In connection with this delay, on June 2, 2020 the Ontario Securities Commission ("OSC") issued a failure-to-file cease trade order ("FFCTO") against the Company. The FFCTO will affect trading in all securities of the Company in Canada and will remain in effect until such time as the Company has made the Required Filings. This has resulted in a halt in trading of the Companys shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE). Once the Required Filings are made within 90 days of the date of the FFCTO, such filings will constitute the Companys application to have the FFCTO revoked. The Company will issue a further news release when the Required Filings have been made, and it is expected that the Companys stock will resume trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange at that time. The FFCTO, among other things, (i) revokes the MCTO in respect of certain officers of the Company, which prohibited those officers from trading in the Companys securities until after the Company cured its disclosure defaults; and (ii) prohibits any person or company from trading, directly or indirectly, in any security of the Company in the Province of Ontario, and in every other province or territory of Canada in which the Company is a reporting issuer and in which Multilateral Instrument 11-103 - Failure-to-File Cease Trade Orders in Multiple Jurisdictions applies. A copy of the FFCTO will be posted on the website of the Canadian Securities Administrators at cto-iov.csa-acvm.ca. The Company will also post a copy of the FFCTO on the Company's website. Private Placement Offering Suspended The Company also wishes to announce that it has voluntarily suspended the anticipated closing of the previously announced private placement offering of up to $2,000,000 of $0.05 Units until the FFCTO is revoked. The Company did not accept any of the subscriptions and did not issue any securities under the private placement. At this time, the Company continues to evaluate options to preserve shareholder value and provide the Company with the required financial and operational resources required for ongoing operations. During the FFCTO period the Company will continue to update shareholders on the progression of these initiatives. Additional Management Update to Follow Shortly Management will be delivering a comprehensive business update to the Companys shareholders in the coming days, where it will provide further details regarding the Companys current position and outline plans for moving forward. About North Bud Farms Inc. NORTHBUD owns and operates, through its Canadian subsidiary, GrowPros MMP Inc., a licensed cannabis facility in Quebec, Canada. The Company built and owns a state-of-the-art purpose-built cannabis production facility located on 135 acres of agricultural land in Low, Quebec, Canada. The Low, Quebec facility currently has 24,500 sq. ft. of licensed indoor cultivation space; the Company has recently submitted its licence amendment application to Health Canada to add an additional 1,000,000 sq. ft. of outdoor cultivation space. For more information visit: www.northbud.com Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "should" and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This press release contains forward- looking statements that include, but are not limited to, the timing of the Company filing the Required Filings. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risk factors included in North Bud Farms Inc.'s final long form prospectus dated August 21, 2018, which is available under the issuer's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: North Bud Farms Inc. Edward Miller VP, IR & Communications Office: (855) 628-3420 ext. 3 investors@northbud.com The United States expects to ship the first tranche of 100 ventilators, out of 200 machines it plans to donate to India, by next week, President Donald Trump told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a phone conversation. Trump had first announced the plan to donate the ventilators through a tweet on May 16, when he said the two sides were also working on developing a vaccine for Covid-19. The donation of the ventilators figured during President Trumps phone call to PM Modi on Tuesday, and the president said he was happy to announce that the US would be ready to ship the first tranche of 100 donated ventilators to India next week, according to a White House pool report. The two leaders also discussed the upcoming G7 Summit in September, the Covid-19 response of the two countries and regional security issues. President Trump invited PM Modi to attend the G7 Summit. Ramona El Hamzaoui, acting director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in India, had told reporters last month: This is a donation. The US government plans to donate 200 ventilators to India. She added, USAID, on behalf of the US and through the generosity of the American peopleis providing access to medical supplies and ventilators to India and other countries. USAID has been working with Indias health ministry, the Indian Red Cross Society and other stakeholders in both countries to assist in the delivery, transportation and placement of the ventilators. The US government, private companies, and non-profit and academic organisations have shared their expertise with partner countries such as India on the production of ventilators and other equipment. USAID has so far announced $5.9 million in funding for India to combat Covid-19, including $2.9 million to provide care to the affected, disseminate information, contact tracing and surveillance, and $3 million to support a financing facility that can mobilise private sector resources to assist more than 20,000 health facilities enrolled under Indias health insurance scheme. Latest edition of ICSF's newsletter on gender and fisheries, Yemaya No.60, dated April 2020, published June 03,2020 | Source: ICSF Trust The International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) has released the latest edition of Yemaya, its newsletter on gender and fisheries. Yemaya No. 60, dated April 2020, features articles from India, Costa Rica, Japan, European Union, and a special supplement, Turning Points: A decade of change for women in fisheries. The article from India details the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on women fishworkers in Mumbai. The Costa Rican article shows how the women fishers, shrimp peelers and mollusc workers identify their priority areas for the recognition and formalization of work. The article from Japan looks at the challenge of excluding women from fishery cooperative associations. The article from Africa looks at the gradual transformation of the African Confederation of Artisanal Fishing Organization (CAOPA) from 2010 onwards. The article talks about how the organization made gender issues as a priority area in their advocacy work. The article on Southeast Asia narrates the story of how declining incomes and ageing villages mean that women are likely to be the mainstay of families and communities in the small-scale fisheries. The article on small-scale fisheries and the contribution of women highlights that part-time fishing and gleaning activities globally may contribute nearly 3 million tonnes of seafood, with a landed value of around US$5.6 bn. The article on AKTEA, The European Network of Women in Fisheries and Aquaculture, looks at what are the challenges and the way forward for the network. In her review of the recently published book, "Practical Guide for Gender Analysis in Small-scale Fisheries and Aquaculture in Southeast Asia", Susana Siar looks at how the book is designed to support the SSF Guidelines. The Yemaya Supplement, Turning Points: A decade of change for women in fisheries, focuses on a change that has happened over a decade: a truthful appreciation of womens role in fisheries. Their involvement in the sector follows a similar arc the world over, despite wide differences in society, culture, politics and economics. This supplement is an effort to understand and identify the main factors affecting this over the decade -- the causes that have shaped their role, both positively and negatively. The Profile column looks at how a fishing village in India mourns the death of an Italian nurse, Lauretta Farina of Bergamo. The Milestones column features a recently published report of the WHO Global Health Workforce. The report calls for gender-transformative policies and measures to be put in place if global targets for better health and gender outcomes are to be followed. The What's New, Webby? column presents the details of a new gender initiative via a mobile app and an online platform. The app tracks the gender-specific progress in each country. The current issue of Yemaya also carries the ever-popular cartoon strip, "Yemaya Mama". Yemaya No. 60, dated April 2020, can be accessed at: https://www.icsf.net/en/yemaya/article/EN/60.html?limitstart=0 For more, please visit www.icsf.net Unorthodox, a four-episode series on Netflix, tells the story of Esty Shapiro, a 19-year-old unhappily married woman in Brooklyn who leaves her Jewish ultra-Orthodox Hasidic community, traveling to Berlin to find her mother and begin a new life. The series is loosely based on Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots, the 2012 memoir by Deborah Feldman. Feldman, who collaborated with Anna Winger and Alexa Karolinski, the creators of the television series, now lives in Berlin. However, as explained in Making Unorthodox, a brief program accompanying the series, the present-day scenes of Esty in Berlin are entirely made up. Amit Rahav and Shira Haas in Unorthodox Unorthodox, directed by Maria Schrader, is an international effort. It was produced in Germany, but uses mostly Israeli actors, and much of its action is set in Brooklyn. Much of the dialogue is in Yiddish, the language used by the Hasidim. The Brooklyn exteriors are filmed on site, but the interiors have all been filmed in Berlin. The story begins with Estys flight from the Williamsburg neighborhood that is home to thousands of Hasidic families from the Satmar sect. It then proceeds through a series of rapid flashbacks and the intercutting of scenes between Brooklyn and Berlin. Wed at 18, it takes months before Esty (Shira Haas) is able to consummate her marriage to her husband Yanky (Amit Rahav). Increasingly unhappy, and discovering that she is pregnant, she decides to leave without telling Yanky. Using papers given to her previously that grant her German citizenship through her maternal grandparents, she sets off for Berlin. The family consults a rabbi (Eli Rosen), and Estys husband is dispatched, along with a somewhat older cousin, Moishe (Jeff Wilbusch), to bring his wife back. Meanwhile Esty has begun to see possibilities for a new life in Berlin, and the series concludes with a confrontation between the new and old traditions. Many questions are left unanswered, including Estys impending motherhood and other details about her future. Amit Rahav and Jeff Wilbusch in Unorthodox The series, fast-paced and suspenseful at times, is strongest in its portrayal of Hasidic life. This includes the arrangement of the marriage between the two teenagers who have never met; the first, stilted conversation between Esty and Yanky; some glimpses of the lives of families and young mothers; and Estys close relationship with her grandmother, Babby (Dina Doron). The acting is wonderful, especially Shira Haas, who is some five years older than the teenaged Esty, but perfectly depicts both the fragility and the determination of the character. One of the more extended scenes is that of the boisterous and joyful wedding of Yanky and Esty, with men and women celebrating in separate circle dances. Estys mother Leah (Alex Reid), whom Esty has not seen for many years, watches from just outside the festivities, before she is spotted and escorted out of the building. Estys happiness does not last past the wedding night. She is unable to consummate her marriage with her somewhat naive and uncomprehending husband. At their first meeting, she had told him that she was different. She is interested in music, but in the ultra-Orthodox world women are not allowed to perform, not even to sing publicly. Esty is alienated from the other young wives, all giving birth on a nearly annual basis and none having any interests apart from their husbands and children. Esty, like the others, has no skills, no connections to what the ultra-Orthodox term the secular world. As her mother-in-law wonders angrily and impatiently after Estys disappearance is reported, Where would she go? Before her wedding, Esty lived with an aunt and her grandmother. She is referred to as an orphan. Her father, who has a drinking problem, is treated by the community with contempt and plays no role in her life. Her mother has been ostracized and left the family long ago, later establishing a same-sex relationship in Berlin. Shira Haas in Unorthodox Some knowledge of Hasidism, a religious revivalist movement within Judaism that began in the 18th century, is helpful in understanding the dilemma facing Esty Shapiro and others. Hasidim, today divided into numerous sects, are characterized by an extreme religious conservatism and insularity. The characteristic dress and rituals derive from but are not always identical to those of Orthodoxy. The various branches of Hasidism constitute about 5 percent of the worlds Jewish population of nearly 20 million. The Satmars, one of the newer sects, was founded in Hungary in the early 20th century. It is now the largest of the branches of Hasidism, with tens of thousands of adherents in the US, mainly in New York City and the nearby suburb of Monsey, New York, tens of thousands more in Israel and smaller numbers elsewhere. As the documentary One of Us (also on Netflix) explains, only two percent of the Hasidic population leaves the community. The fanatical obscurantism is reinforced by a combination of social insularity and ostracism of those who stray. In many cases they pay a high price. Fathers as well as mothers usually lose custody of their children, and in some cases even any involvement in their childrens lives. The doctrine of the status quo in custody cases means that courts usually rule that the best interests of the children dictate that they should continue to be raised as they have been up to the dissolution of the marriage. The ultra-Orthodox authorities turn to high-priced and experienced lawyers to ensure this outcome. While the social backwardness and the mistreatment of those who question ultra-Orthodoxy is made very clear in Unorthodox, the lives of its adherents are depicted with some sensitivity. The historical basis for the continuing grip of Hasidism is also suggested, as in a scene in which Esty comes across her grandmother crying, the old woman explaining that she was thinking of her parents and her entire family, all lost in the Holocaust. The Satmars suffered immensely at the hands of the Nazi genocide, and one of the consequences of that tragedy has been to reinforce the argument that extremely large families are needed to replace the lost souls of that period, and also that children must not be lost to the religion in the cases of divorce. Those who are brought up in the sect find it difficult to cut their ties. The parts of Unorthodox that are set in Berlin are far weaker. There is a sleekness, a glamorized quality to life, as soon as Esty sets foot in the city and begins to walk its modern streets, including the areas around Potsdamer Platz and other areas that have witnessed growing prosperityat least until the coronavirus pandemic. Of course, the viewer is meant to look on this with the same eyes as Esty, who has hardly ever left Williamsburg, much less the United States. This is a legitimate approach at the outset, but the problem is that Estys fairy-tale life in Berlin continues without much pause. Some of this stretches the bounds of credulity. Esty has her mothers address, but decides to walk the streets for a while, runs into a music student at a nearby cafe, and then is introduced, in a Cinderella-type series of scenes, to a group of students who immediately welcome her, with few questions asked. Later that same evening, she sneaks into the music school where they study, where she spends her first night in Berlin. The students, including an Israeli, an Algerian, a Nigerian, a Yemeni and a German, call to mind the admirable West-Eastern Divan Orchestra founded almost 20 years ago by famed conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim along with Palestinian intellectual Edward Said. While the multicultural and international atmosphere is certainly welcome, Estys connection is not believable. There is also an element of complacency and self-congratulation in the one-sided depiction of Berlin. Much of it does not ring true. These plot devices highlight a version of middle class modernity that is available only to a small section of the population. Certain scenes set in Berlin, such as those dealing with the attempt of Yanky and Moishe to track down Esty, are more effective. Both the sincerity and naivete of Yanky and the cynicism and crudity of Moishe are communicated. In another Berlin scene which strikes a more honest note, Leah finally explains to her daughter why they have been separated for so many years. She tells Esty that she was at her wedding only about a year earlier, but was forced to leave. She also explains how she lost Esty in a court case, after leaving her alcoholic and abusive husband, when her daughter was no more than four years old. Esty, who has always been told that her mother deserted the family, is at a loss for words. The world of the ultra-Orthodox is not often depicted, and there are many similar stories around the world, including some even more tragic. Despite its weaknesses, Unorthodox deserves a broad audience. Openly racist Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa has been, at long last, voted out of Congress, losing his GOP primary battle Tuesday to state Sen. Randy Feenstra. The nine-term congressman lost the five-way contest in Iowas 4th District by nearly 10 points, 45 to 36, bringing to a close his generally repugnant chapter in American political life. The 71-year-olds loss, however, comes not so much from any racial epiphany in the district, but rather the impact of Kings diminished role in the GOP after being stripped of his committee assignments last year, and the once unthinkable prospect of the GOP losing the seat altogether in a district that Donald Trump won by 30 points in 2016. Advertisement For 17 years, King was able to command the support of his district, which at 93 percent white is one of the least diverse in the nation, and used Iowas first-in-the-nation status to leverage a national profile within the party. Republican hopefuls for higher office, after all, arrive in Iowa every four or so years looking to drum up support wherever they can find it, white nationalist or not apparently. Over the last two decades, King dabbled in a lot of amateur racial theory, took it upon himself to defend Western civilization, and was a little too interested in demographics, both in America and globally. During his tenure, King carved out a reputation for making inflammatory racist remarks that flirted with the fringe, and sometimes his ever-so-slightly coded language went even further. The final straw for Republican congressional leaders was Kings 2019 interview with the New York Times, where he asked: White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilizationhow did that language become offensive? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that was just the latest in a long, long line of objectionable remarks. Things King has said (or tweeted): We cant restore our civilization with somebody elses babies; hes openly touted the Great Replacement, a white nationalist conspiracy theory; and he said of undocumented immigrant children, for every one whos a valedictorian, theres another 100 out there that weigh 130 pounds and theyve got calves the size of cantaloupes because theyre hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert. Thats just a sampling of Kings noxious beliefs and theories; it literally goes on and on. Throughout, King palled around with neo-Nazis, retweeted neo-Nazis, pushed neo-Nazi ideology on race, but wasnt a neo-Nazi? Advertisement Kings days in Congress appeared to be numbered even before Tuesdays final result came in; the national Republican establishment had already essentially abandoned King. The minority leader stripped King of his committee assignments, including on the Agriculture Committee, his locus of power in the Capitol, leaving him adrift and vulnerable within his own party. And the 2018 midterms revealed that King was already teetering in his own district, as Democratic challenger J.D. Scholten came within 3 points of defeating the incumbent in the deeply conservative district. Two years earlier, in 2016, King had breezed to victory by 22 points in the district Trump carried by 27 points. Trump wanted to build a wall, something King had been saying for years; it earned him an Oval Office visit in the early days of Trumps presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now, fearing the district could flip, as Scholten again lined up the Democratic nomination to take another whack at King, national and state Republicans rallied behind Feenstra. Feenstra positioned himself not necessarily as anti-King, but a more effective ally to the president given Kings hobbled reputation and curtailed influence. The 4th District needs a seat at the table, an effective conservative voice, Feenstra said in a May 26 debate. Our district, our president, deserves an effective conservative leader in Congress. Republicans and the party leadership agreed, and Feenstras $925,000 in campaign donations was nearly three times what the sitting congressman was able to raise. Mainstream GOP super PACs invested in Feenstra, and Republican organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and the National Right to Life Committee aligned behind him. A handful of Republican congressmen even donated directly to Feenstras campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Feenstras win Tuesday, the party appears to have gotten exactly what it wanted, as a number of House race forecasters moved the contest from the lean Republican to the safe Republican ledger. The Democrat, Scholten, will remain formidable because of the war chest hes been able to amass, but it will now be even more of an uphill battle to swipe the seat. Before voters went to the polls Tuesday, King made one last pitch to Republicans in the state. Whatever they might say about Steve King, he said in a video, I have never let you down. That is a problem for another day, but for now: goodbye, Steve King, and good riddance. For more of Slates news coverage, subscribe to The Gist on Apple Podcasts or listen below. On Tuesday, June 2, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Taran during a visit to the Federal Republic of Germany handed over materials proving the presence of Russian armed forces in Donbas, and also discussed building up bilateral Ukrainian-German cooperation. During talks with the Federal Minister of Defense of Germany, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Taran discussed issues related to the reconciliation of security aspects of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine and increase of bilateral Ukrainian-German cooperation, the press service of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine reported. The parties also discussed involvement of international support mechanisms within the Normandy format. "The Ukrainian side stressed the invariability of positions on the peaceful settlement of the conflict in the East of Ukraine. In addition, Andriy Taran handed over materials with evidence of the presence of active units of the Russian Federation in the east of Ukraine. The minister of defense also drew the attention of the German side to the inadmissibility of obstructing the activities of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as the active militarization of the occupied Crimea," the ministry said. In addition, the Head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry provided information on the situation in the Joint Forces Operation area, as well as measures taken to implement the agreements of the Paris Summit under the Normandy format of December 9, 2019. It is noted that particular attention was paid to the development of military-technical cooperation. The German side expressed support for the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine in its intentions to develop the critical capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "Following the meetings, it was agreed to continue the strategic dialogue at the level of the heads of defense departments of Ukraine and Germany. In order to strengthen bilateral relations, the minister of defense of Ukraine invited the Federal Minister of Defense of Germany to pay a visit to Ukraine in the second half of 2020," the ministry said. In an interaction with former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on the impact of lockdown on Indias economy, Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto, said India tried to implement a hard lockdown which was still porous and ended up with the worst of both worlds. Rahul Gandhi's dialogue with industrialist Rajiv Bajaj on the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis will be aired on Thursday, the latest in the series of deliberations the former Congress chief is having with experts from various fields on the impact of the pandemic. In the teaser of the conversation released on various social media accounts of the party, Gandhi, citing experts, is seen talking about the fear of the coronavirus disease, which, if spreads once, is difficult to get rid of. In the teaser, managing director of Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj, is seen talking about the effect of the lockdown on the economy. "We tried to implement a hard lockdown which was still porous. So I think we have ended up with the worst of both worlds. On one hand a porous lockdown makes sure that the virus will still exist and as you said, it is still waiting to hit you when you will unlock. So you have not solved that problem," Bajaj says. "But you have definitely decimated the economy. You flattened the wrong curve. It is not the infection curve, it is the GDP curve. This is what we have ended (up) with, the worst of both worlds," he says. The first such dialogue was held on April 30 when Gandhi discussed the coronavirus pandemic and its economic implications with former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan. He then held a conversation with Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee who had said India should come out with a large enough stimulus package to revive demand. The former Congress chief last week spoke to globally renowned public health experts -- professor Ashish Jha of Harvard Global Health Institute and Swedish epidemiologist Johan Giesecke. "Tomorrow, Thursday, 4th June, 10 AM onwards, join my conversation with Mr Rajiv Bajaj on the Covid crisis, across all my social media platforms," Gandhi said on Twitter. In a statement, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said over two months after one of the most stringent lockdown was announced with no prior notice, the devastating impact on the economy is obvious. The stimulus package does little to rebuild business confidence and has left many with little leeway to bounce back, he said. "Will India benefit from companies moving out of China? How much is hype and how much of it would translate into opportunities? They (Gandhi and Bajaj) delve into the newfound optimism regarding the possibility of India emerging as a manufacturing hub, and the challenges posed by other Asian competitors," Surjewala said. However, Rajiv Bajaj highlights the dangers of arbitrary regulations and its impact on the ability of Indian companies to be competitive, the statement said. They discuss the emerging opportunities in the electric vehicle sector and past innovations that catapulted businesses into the global league, Surjewala said of the conversation that will be aired on all Congress media handles. During the conversation, Gandhi once again calls for a compassionate response and the urgent need for the government to listen to stakeholders and experts, the statement said. "Whoever is going to invest in India is going to invest not because of your image, they are going to invest because of what you are and what you have... So the first logic has to be, defend that economy," Gandhi was quoted as saying during the conversation. "If you don't have an economy left, there is nothing," he says. Photograph: Bakulharia/Wikimedia Commons In a major setback to the Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit, one of their top commanders, possibly a close relative of Jaish Chief Maulana Masood Azhar Alvi and the mastermind in the Pulwama 2019 terror attack, was eliminated in an encounter with security forces in Kangan area of South Kashmirs Pulwama district today. Sources told Republic World that elimination of Ismail alias Fauji Bhai is a major setback for Jaish-e-Mohammad as he was one of the close relatives of Jaish Founder Maulana Masood Azhar. Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh disclosed to Republic World that Ismail was the one who fabricated the IED into a vehicle that exploded on 14th February, 2019 in which 40 CRPF personals attained martyrdom. READ | 'Pakistan Remains An Epicentre Of Global Terrorism': India On Explosive UN Report 'Received training in Pakistan army camp' He was assigned to carry out a similar IED attack on the security forces convoy. However, with the timely intelligence inputs by the Pulwama Police and the coordination of all security agencies the IED was detected and diffused in time and the terror attack was foiled, he said. Sources in the Intelligence agencies say that elimination of Ismail is a major setback to the Alvi family because the entire Jaish-e-Mohammad leadership is an enterprise of Alvi family. Ismail was a resident of Kosar Colony in Bahawalpur in Pakistan and apart from being trained at terror training camps, he had received special training in fabricating IEDs in Pakistan Army training camp and hence the nickname Fauji Bhai was given to him a top source in the Intelligence agencies said. Killing of Mohd Ismail is seen as major success for security agencies in Kashmir Valley as he was an IED expert and was behind several IED attacks on the security forces across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Sources said that Ismail managed to infiltrate into Kashmir in the early 2017 and his the attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel were martyred was one of the biggest terror attack carried out by him.Ismail was the fourth close relative of Masood Azhar to have been eliminated by the security forces. READ | Pak Terrorist Masood Azhar's Nephew Ismail Who Fabricated 2019 Pulwama Attack IED Killed In November 2017, it was Talha Rashid; In October 2018, it was Usman Haider, Mohd Umar Farooq in March, 2019 and Mohd Ismail in todays encounter. The sources also disclosed that the sons of Rouf Asghar (Asgar is the operation chief of Jaish-e- Mohammad), another brother of Masood Azhar are undergoing training at terror training camps and they will soon be sent to Kashmir. While addressing the Media, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone Vijay Kumar said, The operation was based on human inputs received by SP Pulwama yesterday morning after which a strategy was drawn and operation was launched which resulted in killing of three Jaish terrorists including IED Expert Ismail from Bahawalpur in Multan. He also took part in the war in Afghanistan and escaped during an encounter in 2019 in which another top terror commander Kamran was killed. READ | 'Big Win': Forces Neutralise 3 Jaish-e-Mohammed Terrorists, Including IED Expert Ismail READ | 'It Was A Clean Operation': IGP Kashmir On Gun Battle Which Killed 2 Terrorists In J&K Before the expected second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hits, Canadians could prepare by lobbying for improved grief services to deal with the anticipated deaths, suggests the executive director of the Winnipeg-based Canadian Virtual Hospice. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Before the expected second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hits, Canadians could prepare by lobbying for improved grief services to deal with the anticipated deaths, suggests the executive director of the Winnipeg-based Canadian Virtual Hospice. "Were still looking at a gap, and theres definitely a need" to bolster services, said Shelly Cory. "Everything weve heard about the second wave means that we need to be proactive in getting these services up and ready." Last month, the Canadian Virtual Hospice and the Canadian Grief Alliance asked the federal government for a $100-million investment in grief supports over three years and $10 million dedicated to research. The two groups are scheduled to meet today with representatives from the office of Health Minister Patty Hajdu. Cory is urging Winnipeggers to write letters supporting improved grief services, especially in light of losses from COVID-19, by clicking through on the hospice website. While grief is mostly associated with the death of a family member, many people are also experiencing pandemic-related grief from losses around routines, shuttered workplaces and cancelled recreational events, said Glen Horst, spiritual care advisor to the virtual hospice. "I think the whole society is going through a grieving process," he said. "Were watching things slip away and we dont know if were going to recover them." The five-person organization, with offices at Riverview Health Centre, serves about 2.1 million people a year through learning modules and resources on websites mygrief.ca and kidsgrief.ca. The hospices nine English and French platforms have seen about 70 per cent more traffic in recent months, said Cory. "We know there are more people grieving. People are grieving in virtual isolation," she said. Extra resources from government could increase staff positions at Palliative Manitoba to train and support more volunteers running its grief phone line, which has had a 40 per cent increase in calls since the beginning of the pandemic, said executive director Jennifer Gurke. 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. Volunteers commit themselves to calling clients weekly for an hour-long conversation to offer compassion and support. "Grief is more complicated with the pandemic," she said. "People feel more isolated, they feel more alone, they dont have people to reach out to." Gurke said the organization is facing a revenue loss of $63,000 due to cancelled fundraising events, a hit of 12 per cent to its annual budget of about $500,000. Horst said delaying funerals or limiting them to immediate family during the pandemic also increases isolation, since the community surrounding a grieving family cannot reach out through the usual rituals. Livestreaming funeral or memorial services can help, but technology cant replace the sense of a community grieving together. "Its the neighbour, its the casual acquaintance, its the work colleague and the cottage neighbour who are all robbed of paying their respects," said Horst. faith@freepress.mb.ca Some Ghanaians have intimated that their interest for church activities has dwindled after a ban was placed on public gatherings for weeks. Although they were itching to throng their respective churches, the narrative has changed having been made to stay home for a long period. Their remarks come after President Nana Akufo-Addos decision ease the restrictions on public gathering. An abridged format for religious services can commence. Twenty-five percent (25%) attendance, with a maximum number of one hundred (100) congregants, can worship at a time in church or at the mosque, with a mandatory one metre rule of social distancing between congregants, the president said in his 10th address on Ghanas fight against the pandemic. In addition to the mandatory wearing of masks for all persons at all times in churches and mosques, a register of names and contact details of all worshippers and hand washing facilities and sanitisers must be provided, with a maximum duration of one (1) hour for each service. It however appears that the desire to assemble has suffered. For those who are committed church goers, attending church services in this era of COVID-19 is a dangerous move hence, will not risk it. In this period, I wont attend any church service. That will be at my own risk. God said he has laid before us life and death. We have the right to choose one. Ill certainly not chose death, one told GhanaWeb. Another individual explained that prayers need not to be said during church services alone. He added that the true definition of a church is the human body and not mere buildings. What citizens need to understand is that the church is the body and not a building. That building is just an association we go just to find hope, he gentleman stated. Others say the mere thought of how pastors exploiting their members by selling all sorts of anointing face masks, anointing hand sanitizers and so on annoys them. Re-opening of churches will help some pastors because Ghana is a religious country and these pastors have been calling for re-opening over a period now. It will also create an avenue for these pastors to sell face masks, hand sanitizers and so on to church members at an inflated cost, a man stated. Pastors of nowadays are scum and rogues. Always requesting for money and items. They will also use this as an opportunity to sell their expensive nose masks and hand sanitizers, said another. 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 Tuesdays primary election in Pennsylvania has been described as unprecedented in many ways and yet possibly another is how it went off without any widespread issues arising in spite of the challenges surrounding it. Despite 22 counties using new voting machines for the first time, many polling places being relocated, a global pandemic, and a time of civil unrest in the country, Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar reported Tuesday: Im so happy to be here today to report that todays election in the commonwealth went remarkably smoothly. One of the noteworthy differences that may have contributed to the days success in her eyes is this election was the first time, Pennsylvania voters could vote by mail-in ballot without having to provide an excuse. That helped lessen the lines at most polling places although some did report an hour or longer waits in the bigger cities. Approximately 1.8 million Pennsylvania voters applied for and were approved to vote by mail-in and absentee ballot, which is 17 times greater than the number who applied for an absentee ballot for the last presidential primary in 2016. By Tuesday afternoon, more than 1.3 million ballots had been returned to county election offices, she said. Some counties have received more than 90% of the ballots that they had sent out, Boockvar said. I want to give specific credit to Sullivan County and Forest County, which led the commonwealth in the percentage of ballots that they got back from voters. In all but six counties the ballots had to be turned into the county election office by 8 p.m. Tuesday. Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday issued an executive order that gave voters in Allegheny, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties a little more leeway by only requiring them to have their ballot postmarked by Tuesday to still be counted as long as the ballot arrives at the county election office by 5 p.m. June 9. Those ballots will be segregated from the Election Day ballots in the event theres a challenge. Theyll know exactly which ballots were received after the statutory deadline, said Jonathan Marks, deputy secretary for elections and commissions. Boockvar explained the governor decided to allow those counties extra time for ballots to be received because they were the places that had road closures and curfews stemming from the riots and civil unrest restricting the ability of those voters to participate and get their ballots in on time." As a result of the delay along with the unprecedented number of mailed ballots, Boockvar said there may be some delays in tallying votes. She said in some contested races, the winner might be known but the exact vote count may not be for day or two or longer. Among the few wrinkles that spoiled a picture-perfect Election Day for election officials were some protests over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man in Minneapolis who died in police custody, including one in Lawrence County that caused the courthouse to be closed. Employees there were sent home with the exception of election staff who stayed to count ballots, she said. In Bucks County, the ballots were too large to fit into the scanners and had to deposited into ballot boxes to be counted at the county election office. In Lancaster County, the code on the ballot at some polling places was too light to be read by the scanner and they too were placed in a ballot box and taken to the county election office to be scanned. There were the other snafus that election watchdog groups reported including polls not opening at 7 a.m., poll books being sent to the wrong place, and some issues with voting machines but Boockvar and Marks said there were fewer of those kind of issues than usual on Tuesday. Theres some element of human error in any human operations so those are very standard. Boockvar said. I wish we could eliminate them altogether. Marks added: You have thousands of polling locations across the commonwealth in every primary election and so youre going to have a few that just dont come off without a hitch. He attributed the problems to the consolidation of voting precincts and limited training of poll workers due to the restrictions related to COVID-19 mitigation efforts. But Boockvar said between now and November, the department will continue to work on voter education to help voters get more comfortable with the new voting systems and work with counties that struggled to get the mail-in ballots out earlier. Additionally, she said, We very much hope to work with the Legislature between now and November to allow the counties to start canvassing those mail-in and absentee ballots earlier. A law passed in October allowed counties to begin counting those ballots starting at 7 a.m. on the day of the election, which she said is not enough time and wont be in November when she expects an even larger surge of voters choosing to vote via mailed ballots. We supported pre-canvassing those ballots weeks before election day but whether its weeks before or days before, any amount more that we can give the counties helps them spread out that time period for them to do whats a very, very challenging job, Boockvar said. Another anticipated change could help alleviate some of the confusion voters encountered on Tuesday in figuring out where to vote. She said the consolidation of polling places that caused some of the polling place relocations only applied to this primary because counties had difficulty finding pollworkers and polling places due to COVID-19 concerns. Nobody knows what will happen with the public health situation come November, Boockvar said. But what I can say is the circumstances that existed this time will not be the same November. Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy. 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. Not all contributors had access to such specialized gear. Im not a filmmaker, says Elena Velasco, a directing- and choreography-focused Synetic company member who used an Android phone and iMovie software to create her adaptation. While sheltering in Alexandria with five of her children, who sometimes helped film, Velasco riffed on Boccaccios yarn about a friar who bamboozles people with fake relics. Taking inspiration from current events, she says, she turned the story into a dystopian meditation on the repercussions of following a false leader. Playing around with lighting and framing helped her find her way into the story: A lightbulb, projecting upward from the floor, helped create an eerie mood, she discovered. A lot of it has been a very DIY kind of process, Velasco says, although her directing experience gave her a head start. As bad as the violence and looting have been in recent days, if not for luck it could have been a lot worse. Police sources say at around 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oakland police responded to calls for assistance from police in Emeryville who were dealing with looting on 40th Street at stores like Best Buy, Target and Decathlon. Even with Oaklands support, the officers were outnumbered and had to pick and choose their battles. They secured one store only to stand by helplessly as hundreds of people walked and drove to another store and looted it. As the Oakland officers were setting up skirmish lines they heard at least six gunshots from behind them and saw muzzle flashes directed toward them. Luckily, no one was hit. We could have had a number of dead cops, Oakland Police Officers Association President Barry Donelan said. The officers chased and caught a suspect, a 17-year-old male from Oakland. A P80 semiautomatic pistol that appeared to have been made from a kit was found at the scene. We can confirm that shots were fired, and the individual was arrested, a firearm was recovered, Oakland police said in an email. The investigation continues to determine the intentions of the shooter. Noah Berger / Associated Press Shots fired in Emeryville while looting was going on was just one episode in the string of chaotic scenes that appeared to be organized groups of looters who swarmed shopping districts and malls throughout the East Bay. The looters targets were often miles from the demonstrations in Oakland and elsewhere over the death of George Floyd, who died last week after being restrained by police in Minneapolis. A lot of people want to mix the two together, but there are two distinct groups here. This is just criminal activity, said Berkeley police spokesman Byron White, who was posted at the Fourth Street shopping district Sunday night. White said mobile caravans some as long as 10 cars rolled off Interstate 80 throughout the night. There were three or four people to a car, White said. They would see us and, they would get all big-eyed and speed out of the area. We were able to stop some of the cars. We recovered stolen property, guns, even one stolen vehicle, White said. They were from all over the place, El Sobrante, Rodeo, Hercules. None of the people in the cars appeared to have anything to do with the protests, White said. It was total chaos in East Oakland. In 35 years, Ive never seen anything like it. They were from all over the place, said Oakland City Councilman Larry Reid, who spent the weekend on streets of his East Oakland district. They cleaned out the small businesses in the Durant Square Mall. They hit the Bayfair Mall in San Leandro. They hit a marijuana grow operation on Earhart Road, by the airport, Reid said. One guy ran from the cops, then later came back to get his car. The cops got him. There was a loaded Glock on the passenger seat. Unbelievable. Now Playing: From peaceful protest to mass arrests: Police in Oakland fires tear gas at protesters condemning the killing of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer during the fourth night of demonstrations in the Bay Area. Video: Matthias Gafni, Mallory Moench, Erika Carlos Donelan, who spent much of Sunday in a squad car racing up and down Oaklands International Boulevard from one looting incident to another, agreed that most of the looters they stopped appeared to be from out of town. 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. We had eight or 10 (suspects) lined up on the curb on International Boulevard outside of a sporting goods store, Donelan said. I went down the line and asked where they came from. The answers were Rodeo, Antioch, Brentwood, and on and on. Nobody was from Oakland. Wherever the looters were from, they knew what they were doing. Some of the groups are pretty well organized, Alameda County Sheriff Gregory Ahern said. With the advent of cell phones and apps and social media, they have people who go out and scout for them on what law enforcement is doing around areas they are going to hit. Targets on Monday night included a Dodge dealership in San Leandro and a cannabis grow operation in Oakland where security guards were barricaded inside. Now Playing: Protesters refused to heed official pleas to stay home Saturday, instead taking to Oakland and Bay Area streets, where police officers in riot gear faced another night of outrage over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Here's an inside look. Video: Matthias Gafni, Erika Carlos Weve had to put together rapid response teams, Ahern said. We cant be locked down blocking intersections and doing crowd control. Ahern said Monday night appeared to be calmer than the weekend, as the looters moved north into Contra Costa and Solano counties. Mondays demonstration in Oakland, which drew thousands of people into the downtown was also largely vandalism free. So, theres some good news. Quite frankly, we dont have the law enforcement to do it all, Ahern said. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Phil Matier appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KGO-TV morning and evening news and can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call 415-777-8815, or email pmatier@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @philmatie OTTAWA A new joint Canada-U.S. scientific study of hydroxychloroquine says the drug that U.S. President Donald Trump promotes as a preventive medication does not protect people whove been exposed to the coronavirus from developing the COVID-19 disease. It is the first large randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of the drug to be published in a major peer-reviewed medical journal, the New England Journal of Medicine, and is the kind of gold-standard trial that gives reliable scientific results, said one of its Canadian researchers, Dr. Emily McDonald, of McGill University Health Centre. The study published Wednesday comes on the same day when the Journal and Britains The Lancet issued major expressions of concern about separate earlier studies they had published containing data that raised major concerns about the safety of the drug. The politics around use of hydroxychloroquine have been inflamed with Trump touting its benefits and claiming he was taking it to protect himself from getting sick, while others have warned, without clear proof, that it is dangerous. The latest study used participants in the U.S., Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta and shows no preventive benefit came from using hydroxychloroquine as a prophylaxis for people who had a high-risk exposure to the virus, according to a release by the McGill research team. That suggests Trump is wrong to claim its use will prevent the disease. However, the study also showed the medication had no significant side effects, such as cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat that many had feared after less-rigorous studies suggested hydroxychloroquine was unsafe and could even cause death in hospitalized patients. It really is a cautionary tale about the rush to publish and the rush to provide timely answers that can impact immediately on care, balanced with the scientific rigour that weve come to expect in modern-day research, said Macdonald. Its incredibly important that we complete randomized controlled trials so that we have the best available evidence for how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, she said. The latest study showed only minor side effects like nausea and abdominal discomfort in patients taking the medication compared to those taking a placebo a harmless substitute used as a control in such tests. Thats encouraging news for other scientists whose studies were paused or suspended last week, based on early observational studies. The World Health Organization had ordered its global Solidarity trial into hydroxychloroquine paused while it reviewed safety data, and other countries followed suit. France went so far as to ban continued research into the drug, while Canada required researchers to submit early safety reports but allowed the trials to continue. It is clear to me that we can continue to enrol patients in early-treatment trials in the community because it is the same type of population as in the post-exposure study, she said. So the question now that needs to be answered is, is it effective for early treatment. Dr. Ryan Zarychanski, who led the University of Manitobas research efforts in the trial, said in a statement the studys results set politics aside and provide unbiased evidence to guide practice in the prevention of COVID-19. The Canada-U.S. trial gave the drug and a placebo to a group that included 821 asymptomatic adults in the U.S., Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta, most of whom (719) had a high-risk exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case. The others had moderate exposures. Overall, 107 or 13 per cent of participants developed COVID-19 over two weeks of followup. Among those who received hydroxychloroquine, 49 developed the disease versus 58 in the control group that received a placebo. Two patients, one in each group, were hospitalized. No deaths occurred. The participants were largely healthy people, with an average age of about 40, and mainly health care workers who had been missing a piece of their personal protective equipment while in close quarters for longer than 10 minutes with someone who is infected. Within four days of exposure to the virus, participants in the study got either a dose of the drug or a placebo over five days. McDonald said a separate study she is involved with is studying whether there is any benefit to the use of hydroxychloroquine as an early treatment of patients who have had a positive COVID-19 diagnosis but are well enough to stay in their homes in isolation. The study will examine whether it can be offered to prevent severe complications like hospitalization, intubation or death. As reported by the Star last week, Health Canada is closely watching the trials now underway. It has approved 38 clinical trials into potential COVID-19 therapies and vaccines, including 10 involving hydroxychloroquine, some in combination with other drug therapies. While it didnt halt those trials as the WHO did, Ottawa required researchers to submit early interim safety reports that would be uploaded to a central database to be shared. Read more about: - David McAtee, a barbecue business owner, was shot and killed on Monday, June 1, at a parking lot by law enforcement officers who were trying to implement a curfew - Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said the two officers involved in the incident did not have their body cameras activated when the shooting occurred - It was revealed his body stayed in the streets for close to 12 hours before it was collected as Americans and people worldwide condemned his murder Just a week after George Floyd, a black American was murdered by police in Minneapolis, another African-American has been shot dead by the men in uniform in Louisville during protests. David McAtee, a barbecue business owner, was shot and killed on Monday, June 1, at a parking lot by law enforcement officers who were trying to implement a curfew amid protests over Floyd's death. READ ALSO: Tuko dry spell: Size 8 complains DJ Mo too busy to satisfy her bedroom needs David McAtee was a beloved community figure in Louisville and was known to provide free meals to police officers in the region. Photo: USA Today Network. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Nakuru: William Ruto's allies make u-turn, say they're fully behind Uhuru His demise was confirmed by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear who said police dispatched to maintain law and order shot the deceased while dispersing a rowdy crowd which had fired at the officers. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said the region's police chief was dismissed following the incident. David McAtee's mother Odessa Riley, center, said her son was killed for no reason. Photo: Journalism Today. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Raila ajiunga na ulimwengu kupinga mauaji ya George Floyd Marekani "This type of institutional failure will not be tolerated," Fischer said. "Accordingly, I have relieved Steve Conrad of his duties as chief of Louisville Metro Police Department," he was quoted by ABC News. Fischer said he learnt the officers did not have their body cameras activated when the shooting occurred. Assistant chief of police Robert Schroeder who was appointed to take Conrad's place said thorough investigations would be conducted on the matter. "The two officers that fired their weapons violated our policy by either not wearing or not activating their cameras. That is completely unacceptable and there is no excuse We will review the entire incident to determine if there are any other policy violations that occurred. I assure you we will follow up and there will be discipline for failing to utilise our cameras," he said. McAtee, 53, was known to give police officers free meals and was a beloved community figure. It was revealed his body stayed in the streets for close to 12 hours before it was collected as Americans and people worldwide condemned his murder. 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. Why I beat my own mother- Lucy Nyawira | Tuko Talks | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke A police officer patrols along the beach in Bournemouth, Dorset, as the public are being reminded to practice social distancing following the relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions in England - Two-metre social distancing rule based on outdated science that may have overestimated coronavirus risk by up to fifteen times - PA The two-metre rule on social distancing is based on outdated science that may have overestimated the risk by up to fifteen times, senior MPs and scientists have warned. The Government on Tuesday said the controversial rule would stay in place despite a major study showing the comparative risk of halving the distance to one metre was far less than previously thought. Business leaders and MPs have called for the guidance to be altered in line with WHO guidance and rules followed by some other countries in order to avoid mass redundancies and help the hospitality sector reopen. Last week, Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser, suggested two metres was still necessary as the risk of spreading the virus remained too great. Its not an absolute [that] beyond two metres is safe and slightly less is not safe, theres a graduation across that, and so roughly at a metre its somewhere between 10 and 30 times more risky than at two metres, Sir Patrick told the Downing Street press conference on May 28. But an analysis published on Tuesday in the Lancet found the risk of standing one metre apart was only around twice that of standing two metres apart - a 2.6 per cent chance of catching the disease compared to 1.3 per cent. Keeping one metre apart also cuts the overall risk of catching coronavirus by 80 per cent, the study found. Professor Robert Dingwall, a Government adviser on Covid-19, said scientists backing the two-metre rule were relying too heavily on "experimental lab work that doesn't translate into a real world setting". Prof Dingwall, an advocate of reducing social distancing to one metre, said that too many scientists were basing their calculations for safe distancing on transmission of the disease in the laboratory, failing to take into account real world conditions in which air flow played a huge part in dispersing the virus. He believes there is almost zero risk of catching Covid-19 outdoors and that one metre is sufficient for maintaining a safe social distance. Story continues In the latest paper produced by the the scientific advisory group for emergencies (Sage) committee on the issue in April, scientists recommended keeping the rule, saying two metres is a "good measure" of the distance where the direct person-to-person transmission risk drops significantly. The paper, based on previous studies from countries including China, US and South Africa, said: "Evidence from modelling studies and simple calculation in a room without ventilation flow suggests that exposure could be 10-30 times higher at one metre compared to two metres." On May 27, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had asked members of Sage to review the guidance. However, a Number 10 spokesman said on Tuesday that the Government still believes the two-metre rule should remain in place. Greg Clark, chairman of the science and technology committee, said ministers should only be using the most up-to-date scientific analysis to decide whether to reduce the distance. Now the world has several months experience of the coronavirus we have the chance to learn how countries with different rules such as Germany, Australia and Singapore have fared in practice, he told the Telegraph. As we come out of lockdown it may be the case that the distance rules can be set to reflect different situations recognising that the risk of transmission is much less outdoors than indoors, for example, and that wearing face masks protects people against infection. On Tuesday, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) stressed the "vital" importance of the two-metre distance as more businesses prepare to open. The professional body, which represents those who work in environmental health roles such as in the food, housing and transport industries, urged the Government to maintain the two-metre guidance especially for "riskier" businesses including pubs. CIEH Wales director Kate Thompson said: "Protecting public health and avoiding the possibility of a second peak of infections should be key. It is, therefore, vital that the two-metre rule is not reduced due to pressure from industry." Many of Manitobas front-line workers are about to get additional compensation for the work theyve put in during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Many of Manitobas front-line workers are about to get additional compensation for the work theyve put in during the COVID-19 pandemic. The province rolled out the details of a $120-million "risk recognition" fund it has created with the federal government to provide one-time payments to workers in certain fields, Premier Brian Pallister announced during a media call Tuesday morning. This fund had initially been announced in mid-May, but the province and 15 contributing groups spent time hashing out the details of who qualifies for the money. "Thousands of Manitoba workers have been working to serve others and to keep us safe, and theyve been doing so in times that were stressful for all of us," Pallister said. "But they were taking additional risks in doing so, too. And so we appreciate that." Categories of workers qualifying for the payment include store shelf stockers, retail salespersons, cashiers, cooks, security guards, light-duty cleaners in retail facilities, early childhood educators, licensed home-based child-care providers, family violence shelter workers, social workers, nurses and nurse practitioners, paramedics, health-care aides, community services workers, direct service workers for adults and children with disabilities, law enforcement, correctional officers, long-distance truck drivers and bus drivers. The list of eligible workers was created in consultation with trade unions, business leaders and service providers such as the MGEU, CUPE, UNIFOR and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. A full list of qualifying professions can be found at manitoba.ca/covid19/infomanitobans/mrrp_eligible.html. Additionally, full-time and part-time workers in qualifying professions must have worked at least 200 cumulative hours between March 20 (the beginning of Manitobas state of emergency) and May 29. People who would have met that number of total hours worked but missed out due to self-isolating will also qualify. However, anyone who made more than $6,250 during that time, or approximately $2,500 pre-tax per month, is not eligible. People receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit also do not qualify. Pallister said this money will be taxable. The Manitoba Nurses Union criticized the fund and the process through which eligible workers were identified in an email sent out to media on behalf of union president Darlene Jackson. "Despite what the Pallister government announced, the fact is the vast majority of Manitobas nurses are not included in the Risk Recognition Program," Jackson wrote. "Nurses are listed as eligible, however the income thresholds set by government exclude nurses. Only a small number of (licensed practical nurses) will be eligible under their criteria, and only if they work significantly less than full time. All (registered nurses), (registered practical nurses), (nurse practitioners) and all full-time nurses will be completely shut out." Jackson also said the government refused to define the purpose of the fund during negotiations and pitted stakeholders against each other to determine who should be included. "We also noted our objection to the term risk recognition, which implies nurses can be bought out for taking on added risk and asked for a simple name change," she said. Bob Moroz, president of the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals, concurred with that in an email sent out to association members. "Our members safety is never for sale, nor does this program recognize everyone who has put themselves at risk to serve Manitobans through this pandemic," Moroz wrote. He also criticized the engagement process and said the majority of his associations members would not be eligible for the funding. "MAHCP will not lend our name or support to any government process that pits worker against worker. We are not part of any so-called consensus. At the end of the day, this is a provincial government program, and the final decision on program eligibility was theirs. They have created an overly complicated and inconsistent program that is likely to include some front-line allied health professionals who put their own safety and that of their families on the line during the height of the pandemic, but that will exclude others who did so." The premier mentioned during Tuesdays call that more than 4,700 small businesses are receiving the one-time gap funding the province is offering to businesses that have not received more than $6,000 in federal support money. He said $28 million has already been paid out with applications from businesses still coming in. Pallister also said more than 9,000 businesses have applied for the wage subsidy for student jobs being offered through the provincial government. cslark@brandonsun.com Twitter: @ColinSlark The problem with shutting down important democratic institutions, such as the legislative assembly, during a crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is governments can get used to not being held accountable. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion The problem with shutting down important democratic institutions, such as the legislative assembly, during a crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is governments can get used to not being held accountable. The novel coronavirus outbreak has left elected officials across the country with no choice but to shutter or substantially curtail operations to help contain the spread of the virus. Some have used online meeting tools to conduct business; others have sat sporadically with reduced attendance in the house. In Manitoba, after the Pallister government unveiled its budget March 19, the legislative assembly shut down for almost seven weeks (with the exception of one special sitting day April 15). The shutdown was the right thing to do. Manitoba closed schools and many businesses after the virus took a foothold in the province in late March. As the spread of the virus slowed in May, MLAs returned to the chamber for once-a-week meetings. They imposed limits on the number of members in the house and adhered to strict social-distancing rules. They only sat four days in May. Even though Manitoba has begun reopening broad sections of the economy this week after substantial progress in containing the virus, the Pallister government has decided to shut down the legislature. Instead of extending the sitting beyond a scheduled adjournment to make up for lost time, government has decided to close shop until sometime after the summer. (The next scheduled sitting is Oct. 7, according to the sessional calendar.) That means for the next four months, government will not face questions from the Opposition in the house. They will not debate any of the 46 bills still before the legislature, including a climate change bill, regional health authority reform, and important amendments to the City of Winnipegs Planning Act. There will be no public hearings at second reading on any bill, and no reports tabled in the chamber. None of the 100 hours of "estimates" (where opposition members ask ministers a wide range of detailed questions at committee) will occur. No private members bills will be introduced. All of which is shocking, considering Manitoba is in the middle of a pandemic and the economy is buckling under one of the worst downturns in decades. The province is facing a massive deficit, requiring billions in new borrowing, and government will be making some of the most critical decisions in recent history over the next few months. Yet, Premier Brian Pallister and senior political aides including former Tory campaign manager David McLaughlin, recently hired as governments top bureaucrat will make those decisions behind closed doors, away from the spotlight of question period and the daily proceedings of the house. They will govern through executive order and avoid accountability. They will hide. Pallister and the house leader, Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen, justified winding up the house last week by saying the opposition doesnt have anything credible to ask. The premier called NDP Leader Wab Kinews questions "dull and repetitive;" Goertzen said Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont should think of better questions to ask. 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. "I hope whenever this house does come back for a sitting, and in his regularly scheduled time, the member opposite might use the time he has away to try to bring forward more questions that are relevant to the interests of Manitobans that are happening at that time," said Goertzen. The Opposition NDP hasnt helped make the case for an extended sitting. In March, they blocked the introduction of the 2020 budget for a week and used procedural delays during a pandemic to stall the business of the house. However, the quality of the Opposition perceived or otherwise is irrelevant when it comes to assessing the importance of legislatures (whose role in Canadas parliamentary system has diminished substantially in modern-day politics). Legislatures are an important part of democracy. By refusing to extend the sitting to make up for lost time, Pallister is using the pandemic as an excuse to erode the role of the legislature further. Hes growing accustomed to governing from his office without having to face the scrutiny of the legislative assembly. As the pandemic goes on, it appears he wants to keep it that way as long as he can. tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca Thousands of protestors rallied at Franklin Park in Boston Tuesday afternoon in response to the killing of Black Americans at the hands of police, including most recently the death of George Floyd. Organized by Violence In Boston Inc. and Black Lives Matter Boston, the gathering began with a die-in at Blue Hill Avenue before making its way through the park to Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, where a number of speakers addressed the death of Floyd, who was pinned to the ground by a former Minneapolis police officer for nearly 9 minutes. The officer, Derek Chauvin, had his knee against Floyds neck. He has since been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Thousands of Bostonians turned out to protest police brutality, honor the memory of #GeorgeFlyod, and publicly demand change at Franklin Park @ViolenceNBoston pic.twitter.com/Re4hZxqQV7 Tanner Stening (@tstening90) June 3, 2020 Among those speakers was former mayoral candidate and Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson, who reminded those in attendance of the glaring racial disparities in the city. We cant point fingers at other cities when we live in a city where white families are worth $247,500 and black families are worth $8," Jackson told the crowd. The rally began at 5 p.m. and continued into the evening, where protesters eventually moved onto Boylston Street into downtown Boston, according to the Boston Globe. This was Black-led, Black-organized, Black-done, Monica Cannon-Grant, who organized the event, said. Were economically disadvantaged, were disadvantaged in housing, were disadvantaged in schools. Cannon-Grant said she and others spoke with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Democratic U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, telling the crowd that they agreed to support legislation that would make police chokeholds illegal. Tuesdays protest comes just over a week after Floyds death, and two days after protests in downtown Boston turned violent. Multiple protests were held throughout Boston on Sunday. But the largely peaceful protests turned violent at Winter and Washington streets by 9:30 p.m. and officers had frozen water bottles, bricks and rocks thrown at them, according to Boston police. Several police vehicles were reportedly damaged and at least one set on fire, according to an Associated Press photographer and a Boston TV station. Fifty-three people in total were arrested, and one summons was issued, according to Boston Police Commissioner William Gross, who spoke at Mondays press conference. On Monday, after a peaceful protest in Worcester ended, police were in a stand-off with a group of people who marched into the Main South neighborhood of Worcester Monday night. Related Content: CLINTON It will be another six weeks before the DeWitt County Board will make a decision on the countys first proposed wind farm. Citing issues with being unable to meet as a group, the board voted 6-5 to postpone a decision until July 14. Seven of the 12 board members, including board Chairman Dave Newberg were present in the County Board room along with County Clerk Dana Smith, County Administrator Dee Dee Rentmeister and States Attorney Dan Markwell. Four others were home and one board member, Cole Ritter, was not in attendance. So you have a quorum sitting at the boardroom, but the rest of us are all sitting at home, said board member Melonie Tilley, who joined the meeting via a video link, as did more than 275 residents and officials from Tradewind Energy, the developers of Alta Farms II. I guess I dont understand how that can be such a fair meeting for those of us following from home, Tilley said. I think we all need to be in the boardroom at the same time. "At least the board members should be in the boardroom so we know exactly what everybody is doing. We would know exactly what papers are being passed around. We dont have a clue, sitting here, what is going on with you guys. Board member Terry Ferguson, who was in the board room, agreed. I have said all along that I think that a meeting of this magnitude when all of the board members on the agenda can speak, he said. We are now in Phase 3 of the governors executive order and we are scheduled to go into Phase 4 later this month, and according to the governors rule, we could have 50 people in a meeting then. In September 2018, Tradewind Energy submitted a special-use permit application to the county, but the County Board voted against it in April 2019. Board members denied the application for a variety of reasons, saying it wasnt complete and left too many unanswered questions. Tradewind Energy revamped the application and resubmitted it last year. Both officials with Tradewind Energy and opponents of the wind farm also have expressed a desire to have all participants in one room. Board member Nate Ennis said he also wanted to be in the room when the vote was held. The fields of Central Illinois feed the world. But not everyone is convinced we should harvest the wind. Central Illinois has long been known for corn and soybean production. But the landscape has changed, both literally and figuratively and wind energy production is catching up. My understanding of a virtual meeting is that the chairman was present in the boardroom and the rest of us were virtual, he said. Being that our board is more than 10 people. If we all showed up, how would the meeting be conducted then? Do I have to ask permission to be in the boardroom? I am duly elected just like everyone else is and I cant be in the boardroom for this meeting. I am not so sure that doesnt violate some of our rights as board members of not being present, Tilley added. I feel like it has been taken away from me by not being in the boardroom when others are able to be there. Board Member Lance Reece said he was of the understanding that if there were more than 10 people, some of the board members would have to be in a different room. I dont believe it was a requirement to ask permission to show up, he said. That would be no different than being at home, Tilley argued. You still arent there to see what the other members are doing. And who do you choose to go into a different room? The board debated the issue for more than 45 minutes before calling for a vote, but several, including Reece, wanted to ensure the vote is taken in July. "Come hell or high water," he said. Tradewind began development of the project in 2007 by initiating a turbine site leasing campaign and went into full development in 2016. The application for a special-use permit has been updated since the last one failed. In submitting the plan, Tradewind officials said the second permit included nearly a years worth of additional development activities such as engineering work on the wind farm design and public road improvements, final geotechnical work and landowner approval of the site plan. PHOTOS: Illinois demonstrations for George Floyd Contact Kevin Barlow at (309) 820-3238. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_barlow Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. U.S. President Donald Trump fired back at Joe Biden after the former vice president sharply criticised his use of a Washington DC church as part of his announcement that he was deploying U.S. military assets to combat protesters in the capital city. "Sleepy Joe has been in politics for 40 years, and did nothing. Now he pretends to have the answers. He doesnt even know the questions," the president tweeted about six hours after Biden gave one of the first major speeches of the 2020 general election. That came in response to the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee saying in a speech on Tuesday morning in Philadelphia that the president needs to care "for all of us, not just those who voted for [him]", The Independent reported. "The president held up the Bible at St Johns church. I wish hed open it once in a while instead of brandishing it," Biden said. "If he did, hed see that were all called to love each other like we love ourselves. Its hard work but its the work of America." But the president later tweeted that "weakness will never beat anarchists, looters or thugs, and Joe has been politically weak all of his life," adding the phrase that he has used to describe himself, his presidency and his preferred mindset to end the sometimes violent protests in response to a black mans death under the knee of a white police officer in Minneapolis: "LAW & ORDER!" Mass protests and broke out in Minnesota and other U.S. states after a video of Floyds May 25 detention was posted online. Floyd, suspected of paying with counterfeit money at a local shop, was handcuffed by a white police officer, who put him to the ground and pressed his knee firmly against his neck. Floyd pleaded that he cannot breathe, but the police ignored him. Floyd died at the local hospital, shortly after the incident. The four arresting police officers were fired on May 26. One of them - Derek Chauvin, the officer who had his knee on Floyd - was arrested on Friday afternoon and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Under fire, Premier Doug Ford now acknowledges that of course theres systemic racism in Ontario. Theres systemic racism across this country,.I know it exists, the premier said Wednesday. His comments came after two prominent Black MPPs urged Ford to take clear, direct and continuous action to reform the ways in which our society disadvantages Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities. Sadly, until now, your government has not taken such action. In fact, you have cut critical programming to fight against racism and in particular to support Black youth, wrote Liberals Mitzie Hunter (Scarborough-Guildwood) and Michael Coteau (Don Valley East). Yesterday in the legislature, we stood to ask you whether you believe systemic racism is real and to take concrete action to fight anti-Black racism, particularly by restoring the full funding and scope of work to the Anti-Racism Directorate and the Black youth action plan, they continued. In response to the queries Tuesday from the former Liberal cabinet ministers, the Progressive Conservative premier had said, The Black community knows I have their back, and I will always have their back. What we saw down in the United States, what happened to Mr. Floyd was nothing but disgusting, he added, referring to the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officer, which has triggered protests in dozens of U.S. cities. Theres no room here in the province for racism, not under our government, not under me, as premier. Ive always stood up my family has always stood up for the Black community, anyone in the minority community, said Ford. We have zero tolerance for racism zero tolerance. We are going to move forward. Were going to support the Black community and every other minority community here, because we are the most diversified province, jurisdiction, anywhere in North America. Thats why 99 per cent of us, we all get along. But speaking later to reporters, Ford said, Thank God that were different than the United States and we dont have the systemic deep roots they have had for years. On Wednesday, the premier admitted that he does not know the hardships faced by minority communities in Ontario. I do not have those lived experiences and I can empathize with them, but ... weve never walked a mile in someones shoes that has faced racism, he said. We will do everything we can and within our powers and work collectively with other parties to stamp this out. Hunter and Coteau said actions speak louder than words and urged the premier to restore the full scope of work and funding to the Anti-Racism Directorate. The directorate needs to co-ordinate work across government and work to collect race-based data to inform government policy. We also remain concerned that the directorate is now placed in the Ministry of the Solicitor General, which has jurisdiction over policing and prisons, the MPPs added. We also ask you to restore the focus and full funding to the Black youth action plan. This plan supported programs across the province to empower and support Black youth, particularly focusing on developing skills, entrepreneurship and community-service opportunities. NDP MPP Kevin Yarde (Brampton North) noted more than 5,000 people from across the Greater Toronto Area marched last week against anti-Black racism after the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, which is now being probed by the provinces Special Investigations Unit. They know that Ms. Korchinski-Paquets death is not an isolated incident, but a part of a pattern of Black deaths that include DAndre Campbell in Brampton and countless others, said Yarde, who is Black. They are calling for an independent investigation into Regiss death, because people do not trust the SIU in its current form will bring justice to her family and the community. Korchinski-Paquet, a 29-year-old Afro-Indigenous woman, fell from the 24th floor of a High Park apartment after a police call there. The SIU is an independent civilian agency that probes incidents involving police that result in death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.. It has interviewed all of the police officers who were at the scene, as well as witnesses. Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said she will not make assumptions and jump to conclusions. We need to let the independent SIU do their job. The ability for them to independently investigate this very critical incident is, frankly, what the Paquet family needs, what the community needs, what the policing community needs, said Jones. Subscribe iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Amazon | Google | iHeartRadio | TuneIn Have a question, query, or quagmire youd like Renee and David to answer? Click that red button to the right, or click on this link to leave us a recorded message. Press and talk away and maybe youll be featured on the show! Theres much we respect about Southern cooking. First, theres the history. Second, the sense of comfort and ease with which cooks serve their creations. Third, well, the food. We invited cookbook author and Southern home cook Rebecca Lang onto the show to discuss some aspects of Southern cooking, including fried chicken, cast iron skillets, slaw, pimento cheese, and much more. Chat with us Have a cooking question, query, or quagmire youd like Renee and David to answer? Click that big-mouth button to the right to leave us a recorded message. Just enter your name and email address, press record, and talk away. Well definitely get back to you. And who knows? Maybe youll be featured on the show! Transcript David: Hey, Renee. Renee: Mm-hmm? David: Lets take a little trip down memory lane, okay? Renee: Okay. David: So what do you think of when I say Charleston, South Carolina? Renee: Gritsapalooza! David: Gritsapalooza. For those of you at home, Gritsapalooza was an incredible three-day blowout weekend party we had at Beth Prices home. Beth is our Director of Recipe Testing [Editors Note: Like todays guest, Beth is also a chicken of Nathalie Dupree, as is cooking legend Virginia Williswell talk more about these chickens later], and so many testers just descended upon Charleston and her home. It was amazing. Renee: It was unbelievable. So many people, so many restaurant meals, so many home-cooked meals, so many great conversations about food. So many cocktails. David, I particularly remember you not being able to handle your own signature cocktail. David: The fatty daddy. Renee: The fatty daddy. David: Yep. The fatty daddy had too many fatty daddies that night. Photo: David Leite Renee: And that oyster roast. All right, Im going to change the topic, hes starting to look a little red in the face. David: Okay. The oyster roast. Do you remember The One ate so many oysters that Beths husband had to keep him away because he was eating so many oysters. Oh, that was such a great time. Angry Guy: Sir, put the oysters down. David: So many amazing chefs and food stars also joined us. There was Nathalie Dupree and Renee: Hugh Acheson. David: Yes. And do you remember that Beth and Marilee crashed Art Smiths birthday party? Do you remember that? Renee: Oh, Id forgotten all about that. Thats right. Oh my God. David: Who else was there? Renee: Well, Rebecca Lang, Southern food authority and cookbook author. David: Of course. Yes. And shes here with us today to talk about all things Southern. Renee: David, all things Southern, thats a lot of things. Can you be more specific?! David: Well, yeah, she will talk about fried chicken, right? I do want to know more about fried chicken and slaw. But the thing that I truly, truly want to know more about is pimento cheese. That was just an eye-opening experience. Renee: Oh my god, you and your pimento cheese fetish. David: Yes. Well, give me mayo, give me cheese, and this boys in heaven. Renee: I dont even want to go there. David: Im David Leite, the founder of the website Leites Culinaria. Renee: Im Renee Schettler, its editor in chief. David: And this is Talking With My Mouth Full. Welcome to the show, Rebecca. Renee: Were glad youre here. Rebecca: Oh, thanks so much. Me, too. Photo: Ruta Smith Renee: So Rebecca, Ive got to ask. In your bio, you explain that youre a professionally trained chef, which is pretty self-explanatory. You also mention that youre a chicken of Nathalie Dupree. David: Yeah. Renee: Can you explain that, please? David: What is that, a chicken? Rebecca: That could mean lots of things, right? Renee: Right. What is a Nathalie Dupree Chicken? Rebecca: So Nathalie is, as you all know, the godmother of all Southern food. And so when Nathalie takes a woman in particular under her wings and really trains them to be a professional and to be a self-supporting woman and really teaches you so many life lessons, its not just kitchen stuff. Its everything. You become a chicken. Rebecca: And Nathalie, which may kill me for saying this, but sometimes Nathalie has trouble remembering first names. So a lot of times, if youre in a crowd and youre at an event and Nathalies signing a zillion books and she needs you to come over, shell just call chicken and all the chickens will come running. So, once youre a chicken, youre always a chicken. So Im middle-aged, I should say. And Im always a chicken, you know? And the chickens live everywhere. Theres chickens all over the country. And so if you ever meet a person whos a chicken, they know immediately what youre talking about. David: So that is sort of like the Southern womans way of a guy saying, Hey, babe! Hey, babe, come on over here. Hey, babe! Shes got chicken, right? Rebecca: She has chicken. I think chicken works better than babe. I would take that any day. David: I think so, too. So speaking of chicken, I think this is a very appropriate segue, right, Renee? Renee: Beautiful. Photo: John Lee David: Were going to be talking about fried chicken, Rebecca, because, of course, you have a book out on fried chicken and Renee: And its so Southern. What is the perfect bird for making fried chicken? David: Very Southern. We want to get your ideas, of course, on how to make the perfect fried chicken. And Renee and I were talking, we kind of think that there are three major elements to fried chicken. The three big elements are, of course, the chicken. And then the coating, which includes any kind of liquid that youre using to soak it in. And also the oil. So why dont we start with the chicken? What kind of chicken do you use? Rebecca: I prefer a chicken that is, a perfect case scenario would be about three pounds. And that doesnt necessarily mean that you cant fry a bigger chicken. I have fried a lot bigger chickens and for some applications, bigger chickens work great. But if Im going to fry chicken at my house on a Friday night, Im going to use a chicken between two and a half to three pounds. And the reason I say that is becauseand this is true even with every other animal, probably with ourselves as wellso the older we get, the tougher we get, the moreyall know what Im saying, okay? David: Yeah. Im a tough old bird. Okay. Photo: John Lee Rebecca: Yes. I think we all move in that direction. So a younger chicken is a more tender chicken. Its also a lot easier when youre cutting up a chicken and you want all of the same size pieces, obviously, then a young bird works better. Renee: So on the topic of equal-sized pieces, I saw recipe one time that was a game-changer for me with regard to fried chicken. It had you cut the bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts in half crosswise, and it just ensured a quicker cooking time because sometimes theyre mammoth these days. David: They are. Renee: And so what that does is it effectively gave you more surface area and less possibility for that exterior to be scorched and the interior to be raw. Right? But Im just curious if you have a different way around that. Rebecca: I think that is the best-case scenario when you have a huge chicken breast. And so you dont ever want to fry eight pieces of chicken, which is what the normal, you would cut a bird into, and have a little thigh and a little drumstick and this gigantic chicken breast, which happens all the time if you buy David: Behemoth Renee: Right. Rebecca: Right. Right. And if you buy a package of chicken with all of the chicken cut up in a package, thats when you end up with those huge chicken breasts. And thats because most of those pieces in that package, or all of them, came from eight different birds. So you may have a thigh from a bird that was little and you got a breast from a bird that was huge. Renee: Thats interesting. Rebecca: And so one reason to prevent that is to take your own chicken, a whole chicken, and cut the chicken up yourself. And then you have much more proportionate pieces, if that makes sense. Photo: John Lee David: Mmhmm, it does. I dont know where I can find two and a half pound or three-pound chickens around here. They just dont exist. Where are you finding these? Rebecca: So in the South, thats a very common size and we call them a fryer chicken. So if you went to the grocery store in the South and looked for a fryer, its going to be a little chicken. And what we have here, we have a lot of, obviously, poultry production in the South. And we have a local company, Springer Mountain Farms that probably ships up your way as well. But they always have small, good chickens, but you have to look for a young chicken and maybe theyre labeled differently where you are, and they may not be a fryer chicken, but as you move into bigger chickens, you get labels like a broiler chicken, and you get those older, angry birds. So you want to look for the little ones. David: Angry birds! Very funny. Rebecca: Angry birds. If you cant find the little bitty guys, then just go ahead and fry nothing but drumsticks or fry nothing but thighs, which is my favorite cut of chicken by far. Renee: Nice. David: Mine too. And thats a great tip. You know why? Because the average size up here is between four and five pounds. Weve had some five and a half pounds. Rebecca: Oh, thats like a turkey! David: Thats right, its like a small cat. You know? Rebecca: Yeah. It is. David: And so its hard to find two and a half pound Renee: I cant get that visual out of my mind. Okay. So enough about chicken, I dont want David to go on. What about the coating? Right? Do you brine it first? Do you flour it? Do you batter it? Rebecca: I have done all of the above countless times. And really, if you want to get down to the heart of the tradition in the South, its buttermilk brining. And the reason that we soak it in buttermilk is because buttermilk was very common. Everybody had buttermilk. And the buttermilk actually has enough acid in it that it is breaking down some of those tough proteins in the chicken that not only makes the chicken more moist, but it makes the chicken a lot more tender at the same time. To brine or not to brine? Rebecca: But, saying that, the world was frying chicken long before we fried chicken in the South. So there are other countries that fry chicken that have never thought about putting it in buttermilk. So a lot of times youll see in other places around the world where theyre using just salt, and strangely enough, my grandmother, who I learned almost everything I know about a lot of things from, used only salt. Rebecca: She didnt use water. She didnt brine the chicken in a traditional sense, but she had her chicken, her little happy chicken, and she sprinkled it with salt and then left it sitting in the fridge overnight. And that was it. David: My grandmother did the same thing, Rebecca. She would coat the chicken in salt. She didnt fry chicken traditionally the way its done in the South, she would make other dishes, but she definitely would coat it in salt. Rebecca: And you know, salt is kind of a magic ingredient. And I think our grandmothers knew that. So when I started working on the fried chicken book, I was just amazed at all the ways, even within the South, that chicken is fried that I didnt realize because I was so engrossed in the way that my grandmother fried chicken. It was really a fascinating learning process. Rebecca: And she only did, as I said, the salt. It came out of, literally from the salt, went straight into a light coating of flour, and it is an all-purpose Southern flour, and then straight into melted shortening in a skillet. What coating do you use for fried chicken? David: All it was was flour and salt and pepper. Is that what youre saying? The coating? Rebecca: Thats what Im saying. And its so funny because no matter what the fried chicken is, you may not find that fried chicken to be amazing, but I find it to be amazing because thats the fried chicken that is in my soul. I grew up with that chicken. David: Of course. You grew up on it. Renee: Absolutely. David: Yeah. Rebecca: And it happens so much with fried chicken. Nobody can say, Oh, I tried a fried chicken at so-and-so restaurant, its the best Ive ever had, because if you grew up in the South, the best fried chicken you ever had was either at your moms stove or at your grandmothers stove. Renee: I love that. Rebecca: And it just always seems to work that way. What about a buttermilk soak? David: So just to go through, you have a buttermilk brine, is there any salt in that buttermilk? Rebecca: Well, when I use buttermilk at my house, I do salt the buttermilk. I think salting in layers is essential. It doesnt matter what youre cooking, salt is your friend, which the cardiologist is going to not like to hear that, but I do put salt in the buttermilk and I think really using whole buttermilk, I dont know what you all can find where you are, but for us in the South finding whole buttermilk, doesnt make any sense, but its difficult. So I actually buy whole buttermilk only at one grocery store that I can find it. And its shipped down here from Pennsylvania. Rebecca: So I dont really care for light buttermilk. Its really kind of watery and thin, and a thick buttermilk should have personality and come out and talk to you. I mean, you know when you have whole buttermilk. Renee: What brand is this buttermilk? Rebecca: It is called Marburger, and it comes in a perfectly sized little jug. And this is a lesson I learned from Nathalie Dupree, which may stress yall out, but buttermilk will not go bad. So if you looked in my refrigerator right now, then you would see buttermilk thats dated like maybe early April, late March. And its totally fine. Renee: Readers, we are not recommending that you do this at home. Were just sharing our own personal experience of our guest. We take no responsibility whatsoever. David: Youre taking your health in your own hands, listeners. Renee: So now that weve got the buttermilk brine, weve got the simple flour, salt, pepper coating, right? Were about to fry. Im interested in the kind of oil you use, but Im also kind of interested in how much oil and in what type of vessel. Do you use a skillet, do you use a much deeper-sided pot to prevent spatters? Take us through the process, please. Rebecca: So when I wrote the book, I started out believing with every bone in my body that skillet-fried chicken was really the only way to go. And thats how my grandmother cooked her chicken. I was raised on skillet chicken. I just thought you were kind of selling out if you deep-fried. Rebecca: So over the process of writing this book, I really fell in love with deep frying. I find it to be massively easier than skillet frying. You dont have to pay as much attention to it, within reason. And its so much easier to control how the chicken browns. And I say that because when you fry in a skillet, you have to really stand there and turn the chicken. Youll easily get too brown on one side and not be brown enough on the other. And when you had that little tiny dark spot from the chicken when its frying in a skillet where it sat on the bottom just a quarter of a minute too long David: Too long, yep. Rebecca: Too long. I learned this from my grandmother, thats called the kiss. So if that chicken sat on the bottom of the cast iron skillet for a little bit too long, it has that little spot, but you dont have any kisses when youre deep frying. So theres no David: Well, if thats called a kiss, I have to say that when I fry chicken, mine have hickies. Theyre just loaded with hickies because I always do them in a skillet. This is really great to know. Rebecca: Okay. Im picturing your old angry birds covered in hickies at this point. Renee: That paints quite the visual. David: Yeah. Rebecca: It does. Renee: Im curious, Rebecca, an old Southern chef once conveyed to a reporter I know that when chicken is done, the oil, the sound of the oil bubbling and burbling in the skillet or the pot takes on a different character. And after I heard that, I kind of experimented with that, right? And I thought I could hear it, but I dont know if its maybe my imagination. Im just curious if you have any experience with that. Rebecca: That is true. But I think you would have to have fried hundreds of chickens, which I have, to be able to pick up on that. The reason that theres this infinitely tiny difference in the oil from the beginning to the end, as far as what you can hear, is because so much moisture has already come out into the oil and is gone. So youre hearing that difference. Its really a science experiment of when the chicken went in and you hear that immediate sizzle and its searing off the outside as to what you hear on the backend. I think for an average person frying chicken, that would be almost impossible to detect. Renee: Sort of an elusive fried chicken whisperer sort of thing. Rebecca: Right, maybe thats the level everybody should try to get to is to let your ear notify you your chicken is ready to come out. David: So the Rebecca Lang method of frying chicken is you have a salted brine that you put the chicken in for how long? Rebecca: Overnight. David: Overnight. Then it goes into a flour, salt, and pepper coating. And then it goes into a deep fryer, which you use shortening, right? Rebecca: When Im deep frying, I actually use, most of the time, canola oil. David: Canola oil. Well, that is a very simple process. I think Im going to start changing up how I do fried chicken, because as I said, my chicken is loaded with hickeys. Im going to try this version. Photo: gannusia10 Renee: We cant have that. Okay. Now that weve got our perfect fried chicken, what about the sides? Right? What about the slaw? Rebecca, weve got two of your recipes on our site, a South Carolina slaw and a lime slaw. I know thats kind of classic combination, but why do you think that is? Rebecca: I think with a slaw, its normally tangy and its kind of that perfect marriage of something tangy and crunchy and sometimes a little bit sweet against this chicken thats so salty. Its just like they were made to go together. Its a perfect marriage. Renee: Yeah. I like it. Balances one another out. So of course theres a million and one slaws, just like there are fried chickens, but in terms of a favorite, are you more of a creamy coleslaw type of gal? Or do you like the tart acidic vinegary sugary type of slaw? Rebecca: Im the opposite of a creamy coleslaw person. I do not like creamy coleslaw. I think that a really acidic coleslaw is much more user friendly. I think it tastes better. It smells better. It is better all around. So I kind of throw out the mayonnaise coming into slaw. I do, on my lime slaw, I use just a tiny bit of mayonnaise, but in general, I stay with a fresh, bright slaw, and you all know when slaw sits and people take it places, which they do in the South a lot, it does not want to hang out long. It does not like that. So when you use more acid in your slaw to brighten it up, it can travel with you. Its easy to take along. Its easy to go somewhere and get along with other foods, much better than creamy slaws. David: See, Im a creamy slaw kind of guy. I just like long strands of the cabbage. I dont like it all chopped up. And I like it very creamy. Thats just me. Rebecca: I think a lot of people do. I think thats not unusual. And I used to be a creamy person and then I kind of switched over. Photo: Helene Dujardin David: Rebecca, whether creamy or not creamy, what are some tips for making a great coleslaw? Rebecca: Starting with completely fresh cabbage. Never buy cabbage that has been pre-sliced and put in a package. And then starting, I love to have fresh herbs. I love to have citrus, just like you would think of making a great salad, apply that to a slaw. Renee: Very nice. And how long can you keep it? You mentioned that they dont travel well in the South, but can you keep it in the fridge for up to several hours or even overnight? Rebecca: Not overnight. You could keep it for several hours. When I serve slow when I have people over, I do all the prep and I combine all the vegetables and make my dressing and hold it separately. And then I toss it together right before people come over. Renee: Lovely. David: So you dont want to have that slight softening of the cabbage and the vegetables in it, right? Rebecca: I dont like the softening. No, Im on the opposite team as you. Im sorry. David: Oh, you are. Ive always been on the opposite team of most people, by the way, for many reasons. But I do like when it softens, I do, I just love to put it on sandwiches and all kinds of things, but I do like it when it softens. Renee: Im the same with David, actually, or at least midway between the two of you. Right? A little bit of textural contrast, but to each your own, thats why we have so many recipes on the site. Photo: Jennifer Davick David: Exactly. So Rebecca, the last thing I want to talk about, and I know this is very cliche, but as a Southerner, could you please tell us what is so beguiling about pimento cheese? And I ask because I had never had pimento cheese until the time that I met you down at Beth Prices at that wonderful Gritsapalooza event that we had for Leites Culinaria. And I really thought, Oh God, pimento cheese. I tasted it, and I went wild for it. I went so wild for it that she had a container in the refrigerator that I went back the next morning and for breakfast, I ate half the container. Renee: I remember that. David: Right? Renee: I was there. By the spoonful. David: Yes, you were. Everyone was appalled. What is it about pimento cheese that is so beguiling? Rebecca: I think its so comforting. You know, pimento cheese is something that I come back to if Ive had a great day, if Ive had a terrible day, if I have a picnic, if I have an Easter lunch, there is pimento cheese. And its something that we all grew up with, you all were not that fortunate to have pimento cheese three times a week like we were, but its a very basic staple, but there are a few rules of the South that you have to remember, and this may not be the case for you all. But, so when I was growing up, there was pimento cheese for sale in the grocery store. The pimento cheese was literally fluorescent, glowing orange, like it had been radiated. Renee: Well put. David: Right. Rebecca: And so you knew, yeah, not to judge people in the grocery store, but you knew even as a kid, I knew if somebody bought that, they have not had real pimento cheese, or they wouldnt buy that. So people that grew up eating the pimento cheese, bless them, in the grocery store they have to be converted into regular pimento cheese people. I say this because Ive met people all over when Im teaching classes all over the South and theyre like, Oh, we had pimento cheese growing up. We dont like it. Rebecca: They taste it, just like you, David, theyll taste pimento cheese for the first time thats a good pimento cheese and theyre blown away, because its so simple. I mean, its up to three things, it can be 20 things, but I think its something that grew up with all of us in the South. And it was known first, really came across, during the Depression. It was a food that was economical to eat and economical to make. And pimentos were grown in Georgia and canned in Georgia. So pimento cheese just spread about, and we cant get enough of it to this day. Its everywhere. Photo: David Leite Renee: Well, so tell us, how do you make this pimento cheese of yours? What type of cheese do you start with? Rebecca: So I have made a zillion pimento cheeses, and I like to do it different all the time, but my basic go-to pimento cheese that lives in my heart is nothing but extra sharp Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, a little bit of grated onion David: With Dukes, Im assuming. Rebecca: This might be the version you had. Yes. Dukes all the way. And then my mom always put a touch, like a little tiny splash, of Worcestershire. And I like to have that in it just because that gives it a little bit more depth to it, and a little salt and pepper and pimentos. Thats it. David: And thats it. Rebecca: So its an easy thing to make. Ill whip it up. Its great. Even if you wanted to put it on some toast in the morning with a fried egg, its awesome. But I made it so many different ways. Yeah. Everybody has their different pimento cheese. Its very personal. So people in the South know who makes good pimento cheese and who makes bad pimento cheese. So you know where Renee: Oh, now this is interesting. Rebecca: You know the pimento cheese that you want to eat and the ones that you arent in the mood for today. Renee: Youre hoping the dog is around so you can stealthily David: Give it to the dog. Renee: backhand it, yeah. David: Now, I have made pimento cheese hand pies. Have you ever had those? Rebecca: I have not, but I think I would love them. David: Doesnt that sound good? Rebecca: That sounds very good. Renee: Sounds amazing. I think Ive seen on Southern menus, like, grilled ramps and grilled scallions with pimento cheese kind of melting on top. Thats always intrigued me. Rebecca: I think melting pimento cheese is almost better than pimento cheese thats not melting. Ive even done cheeseburgers that are filled and stuffed with pimento cheese. So after theyre grilled and you bite into ityeah. Its great. David: Oh, wow. Thats wonderful. Renee: So one last question for you, Rebecca, before you go. Ive heard about this habit you have of rescuing and adopting cast iron skillets. David: Yeah, what is that about? Rebecca: So I find a cast iron skillet to be incredibly personal. I have my grandmothers cast iron skillet that she fried the chicken that weve talked about in. And you know, its so black and shiny I could check my makeup in it, and I would never, ever, ever let go of that. So if I see at a yard sale or at an estate sale a cast iron skillet that is being given away by somebodys family, number one, that person deserves to come back and return the favor to the family member that put it out for sale. But second, it needs a home and it needs somebody to love it because theyre made to be loved and they are such a workhorse. Most people that use a cast iron skillet work it to death, and thats what its made for. So I never want them to be unloved. And so they come in my kitchen and they start frying chicken. And theyre all happy there. Renee: I think maybe your next book should be about cast iron skillets. Or at least your next poem. Rebecca: Thats a good point. It should. David: Rebecca, thank you so much for coming on the show. We loved talking fried chicken and slaw and pimento cheese with you. Renee: It was really a pleasure. Thank you. Rebecca: I had a great time, you all. Thank you. David: Rebecca Lang is a recipe developer and author of seven books on Southern cooking. She is a ninth-generation Southerner, so dont you go doubting her pedigree. You can find Rebecca at rebeccalangcooks.com and on Twitter and Instagram @RebeccaLangCook. Upcoming Recipes On LC Hungry Diner: I say, young lady, can I have a menu and big ole glass of sweet tea? David: Renee, Im sure that with having Rebecca on the show, you must have some marvelous Southern specialties lined up for next week. Photo: Leo Gong Renee: I do. We take a definite Southern bent this week. We take a little leisurely approach to things since it is summer. Weve got a homemade Sriracha sauce that you let ferment for quite some time, but let me tell you, its worth the patience. We also give you a recipe, one of our finest, for raspberry jam. So simple, just two ingredients, berries and sugar. Renee: We take it outside, long and slow, barbecue beef ribs. And then for those of you who are stuck inside, pull out your slow cooker. Weve got a pulled pork recipe that you will never guess wasnt outside on the smoker from dawn till dusk. David: Oh, thats great. Photo: Time, Inc. Renee: For dessert, a twist on a classic. Blueberry hand pies. We take the filling that youre accustomed to, but we have you wrap it within individual portions of pastry, and then you deep fry it until its crisp and flaky on the outside, molten on the inside. David: So this might be the very first time that I thank the Lord above that he has blessed me with very large hands and you know what that means, dont you, Renee? Big hands? Lots of hand pies. Renee: But whos counting? David: This podcast is produced by Overt Studios, and our producer is the good old boy, Adam Clairmont. You can reach Adam and Overt Studios at overitstudios.com. Remember to subscribe to Talking With My Mouth Full on your favorite platform and listen to us wherever you go. And if you like what you hear and want to support us, leave a review and rating on iTunes. Chow! Renee: Chow! 2020 David Leite and Renee Schettler. All rights reserved. All materials used with permission. New official data in Spain released on Wednesday showed that many more people have died this year than the recorded number of coronavirus fatalities suggests, raising questions over almost 17,000 unexplained deaths. The data also revealed a shocking 155% spike in mortality at the epidemic's peak in early April when compared with the same period a year earlier. The figures showed that a total of 225,930 people died in Spain in the first 21 weeks of 2020 - 43,945 more than the same period of 2019 and 16,818 more than the health ministry's current total confirmed coronavirus death toll. This means that there have been 16,818 more unexplained deaths than there was during the same period last year that have not been put down to Covid-19. Experts believe these include cases where the cause is hard to establish due to underlying conditions, and fatalities among people who avoided hospital treatment for other problems due to the fear of contracting the virus. Today, figures showed that a total of 225,930 people died in Spain in the first 21 weeks of 2020 - 43,945 more than the same period of 2019, with 16,818 unexplained deaths. Pictured: People wave Spanish flags as they hold a minute of silence for the victims of COVID-19 at Sol square in downtown Madrid, June 3 Overall mortality in Spain jumped its highest, 155%, in the worst week of the coronavirus outbreak in early April from the same period a year earlier, according to data from the the National Statistics Institute (INE). This year - during the week from March 30 to April 5 - there were 20,575 deaths in Spain, compared with 8,081 during the same week in 2019. The INE said it was starting an experimental series monitoring the weekly mortality rate to help shed light on the impact of the pandemic. The data from the INE was consistent with figures from the National Epidemiology Centre, which estimates mortality comparing deaths recorded across civil registries with historical averages. Supporting the Spanish government's belief the worst is over, on the last week analysed by the INE, between May 18-24, mortality was at the same level as a year earlier. Elderly people over 90 were the hardest hit so far this year, with 27% more deaths over the 21-week period, while 25% more died among those aged 85-89. There was hardly any difference from a year earlier in groups under 54 years old. The institute's data is higher than the official Health Ministry death toll of the pandemic, which on Wednesday stood at 27,127. That counts only those who died having tested positive for COVID-19. Officials say the disparities are due to people who died without being tested or from other causes. The figure for excess deaths is seen as a more accurate reflection of the toll wreaked by the pandemic. Spain claimed to have suffered zero coronavirus deaths for the second day running Tuesday, with just one being added to the total on Wednesday, amid doubt over the numbers after they changed the way they are tallied The country also claimed today to have seen just 219 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, though the overall total moved upwards by 394 because of how it now reports the numbers Today, Spain's official total number of Covid-19 deaths increased by one - its first recorded death in three days, but due to the way it now tallies the figure the country's data has been accused of being unreliable. On Wednesday, its 'deaths in the last seven days' figure stood at 63 when on Tuesday it stood at 34, an increase of 29, suggesting it had added more deaths to previous days that had not been registered before. Spain's new experimental method of reporting means that it is impossible to know when the deaths occurred from the daily bulletin released by the government, or whether the figure has moved up or down day-to-day. Experts have also said that the country's R rating - which is used to check whether a second peak of infection is coming - is impossible to calculate as the nation prepares itself to reopen to tourists from some countries. The country's old daily totals included all cases entered into government databases in the last 24 hours, regardless of when the actual infection or death occurred. This is how most world countries have been reporting their data. But Spain now only counts cases and deaths in its daily figures where the person fell sick or died within 36 hours of the report being published. Experts believe the unexplained deaths include cases where the cause is hard to establish due to underlying conditions, and fatalities among people who avoided hospital treatment. Pictured: Healthcare workers demonstrate in Barcelona for stable contract conditions, a 100 percent public healthcare and individual protection equipment for health workers in Catalonia, June 3, 2020 Pictured: Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez takes part in the Government's question time session prior to voting an extension of the state of emergency amid the coronavirus outbreak in Madrid on June 3, 2020 The new reporting method has caused discrepancies with Spain's totals. For example, the country claimed to have suffered just 208 cases in the 48 hours before Tuesday's figures were released, but its infection total moved up by 503. That is because the extra 295 cases have been back-dated to different days. Spain does not say as part of its daily briefing when these cases occurred. Experts said on Tuesday that it is 'unlikely' that the country had really suffered no deaths for two days, and the 'zero' figure is likely the result of a data backlog. It often takes more than 36 hours to register a cause of death. According to the UK's Office for National Statistics, the average time taken to register a death in England and Wales in 2018 - the most recent year for which data is available - was five days. The Africa Digital Festival has held an Artificial Intelligence conference via webinar with a focus on boosting businesses and building a resilient economy in Africa through digitalisation during the era of COVID-19 pandemic. Themed Building a contactless Economy beyond COVID-19, the seminar championed on the relevance of using AI to transact businesses in Africa which would significantly serve as a tool for promoting and sustaining businesses amidst COVID-19. Seasoned speakers include Dario Branchi MTN Digital Consultant, Abeeku Entsua-Mensah Researcher, Business Strategy and Innovation at Deloitte-Ghana, Darlington Ahiale Akogo an Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Gudra Mindhealth, with Foster Kofi Sam serving as the Moderator for the seminar. Building a buoyant economy with the help of AI, Dario Branchi said MTNs plan of building a strong digital economy with its Mobile Money App has the ability to ease payments in a much simpler and safer way to grow the economy during pandemics. In his view, the target of Mobile Money is safe transactions, especially at market places to create a cashless environment. He indicated that, MTN is working on an App known as Ayoba which is more dependable and reliable. Mr. Dario however cited cyber fraud as a risk factor associated with AI which usually involves systems being hacked down. He however indicated that MTN has assembled a strong technical team to quell any cyber attack and has significantly seen a reduction in Mobile Money fraud in recent times. He added that MTN has not rested on its oars as it continues to churn our public education on ways customers can easily detect fraud and how to report those activities for quick solution which involve arresting perpetrators. According to Darlington Ahiale Akogo, Artificial Intelligent has an amazing potential to help build a digitised economy to facilitate easy transactions and collect business data. He added that AI has helped in the collection of data for projections and further predicts the future of the COVID-19 pandemic. On his part, the benefits of AI are very enormous especially in the health sector which is used in diagnosing diseases in an accurate, easier and simple manner. Touching on AI as means of cost-effective tool, Mr Akogo indicated that it saves the cost of time and procurement of hardware where AI could exist on phones, laptops and other devices. Abeeku Entsua Mensah indicated that the covid-19 pandemic presents the need for stakeholders to understand digitisation, which areas to digitise and evaluate while placing emphasis on public education about innovation points and risks associated with it. He said it was important for economies to start taking strategic plans towards the COVID-19 pandemic and conduct a thorough assessment of the economy. CHEP, a top supply chain solutions company, has expanded its Middle East operations into Jordan with the launch of managed pallet pooling services for Fine Hygienic Holding, a leading wellness group and tissue manufacturer in Mena. The new CHEP share and reuse business replaces the use of traditional white wood pallets by Fine, thus streamlining the paper giants supply chain and adding sustainability benefits. Emran Al Hadid, Fine Supply Chain Manager for Egypt and the Levant, said: The CHEP pooled pallet model effectively replaces our traditional white wood pallet pool. CHEP manages the supply and recovery of the pallets, while providing sustainability benefits by continuously repairing and reusing pallets instead of sending them to landfills as waste. We certainly see the potential for overall supply chain cost savings with CHEP, but one of the things we are most excited about is partnering with a business that takes sustainability seriously and can help us deliver on our environmental goals. The cost of purchasing white wood pallets is steadily increasing as well, while their quality is steadily decreasing, adding unnecessary risk to our logistics operations. Through the density of CHEPs network, their share and reuse business model, commitment to zero waste to landfill and impressive pallet quality standards, we are able to demonstrate tangible sustainability and cost saving benefits, he added. Marco Salort Pons, Commercial Director, CHEP Middle East & Africa (Mena), said: We believe this new partnership with Fine in Jordan will serve as an excellent introduction to the benefits that CHEP offers, such as standardized, durable platforms, designed for safe handling and product protection, as well as the potential for overall supply chain savings in terms of both costs and environmental impacts. CHEPs circular business model is also underpinned by sustainable sourcing of renewable and recyclable materials for use in its extensive share and reuse network across the Middle East. Fine Hygienic Holding has been a CHEP customer since 2014 in other parts of the Middle East. The company operates 11 plants across five countries (Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the UAE) and has distribution operations in 75 countries. Tamir Ezzat, Regional Manager, Strategy & Growth CHEP Mena noted that FINE and CHEP have built a strong business connection through leading the supply chain transformation in Jordan and across the region. Together we will be exploring new avenues of collaboration throughout the FINE network with the goal of enhancing supply chain efficiencies, reducing waste and contributing to sustainability within their distribution networks, Ezzat said.- TradeArabia News Service (Natural News) Facebook is under heavy criticism after CEO Mark Zuckerberg refused to remove a post by President Donald Trump. Now, even its own senior employees are calling for the company to step up its censorship. On Friday, Zuckerberg explained in a post the companys decision to leave Trumps post up. He stated that regardless of what his own personal feelings on the matter may be, the companys 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. Following this, a number of Facebook employees expressed disagreement with Zuckerbergs statement. On Monday, employees across the country, including some in management, declined to work in protest. Others took to social media to express their dissent. Facebook refused to censor Trump The intensity of the reactions reveals how Zuckerbergs approach to political involvement is creating as many problems for the company as it is solving. Conservatives say that Facebooks effort to draw lines on certain content smacks of bias and censorship. Liberals, on the other hand, wonder if Zuckerberg, who has had private phone calls and dinners with Trump, is simply cozying up to the administration. In deciding to let the presidents message stand, Zuckerberg seems to have triggered an internal revolt. The Trump tweet that ignited the debate came early Friday morning. Here, he warned that any protesters who resorted to violence in Minneapolis would face lethal force. While Facebook did not censor Trump, rival social media platform Twitter was quick to label the tweet as glorifying violence for threatening demonstrators. This, despite the president himself saying that he was simply referring to the looters themselves becoming violent. (Related: Censorship: Google to start flagging offensive content as another form of censorship.) The public reaction to Facebook letting Trumps posts stand was swift but not unexpected. Liberals decried the companys lack of action while many Republicans lauded it. Meanwhile, as the protests swept across American cities the anger soon spread inside the company. Censoring information that might help people see the complete picture is wrong. But giving a platform to incite violence and spread disinformation is unacceptable, regardless who you are or if its newsworthy, said Andrew Crow, Facebooks head of design for Portal in a tweet. I disagree with Marks position and will work to make change happen. Censoring information that might help people see the complete picture *is* wrong. But giving a platform to incite violence and spread disinformation is unacceptable, regardless who you are or if its newsworthy. I disagree with Marks position and will work to make change happen. Andrew (@AndrewCrow) June 1, 2020 Employees in revolt, but Zuckerberg wont back down to censorship On Monday, the New York Times reported that some employees had also threatened to resign and at least one prospective hire declined a job offer. In light of this, Zuckerberg has moved a weekly discussion with employees from Thursday to Tuesday, in an effort to assuage concerns. We recognize the pain many of our people are feeling right now, especially our Black community, said Facebook spokesperson Andy Stone in a statement. We encourage employees to speak openly when they disagree with leadership. As we face additional difficult decisions around content ahead, well continue seeking their honest feedback. However, Zuckerberg has made it clear that his objective isnt popularity nor public approval. He has acknowledged that his staunch dedication to free speech and resistance to calls to filter some political rhetoric will never please the companys numerous critics. My goal for this next decade isnt to be liked, but to be understood, Zuckerberg said to investors in January. In order to be trusted, people need to know what you stand for. Conservative groups have lauded Zuckerbergs dedication to free speech. They argue that just as political leaders shouldnt meddle in the affairs of private enterprise, so too should private enterprise not meddle in the speech of political leaders. If youre going to make free expression the paramount value and if youre to say that you dont believe its your role to be fact-checking political speech, both of which I think are right, then this is what that looks like, stated Jesse Blumenthal, of the Koch-backed advocacy group Stand Together. And its not surprising to me that people dont like it, including some of Facebooks own employees. [Editors note: Its worth noting that while Mark Zuckerberg has refused to remove a post by President Trump, hes still in the business of blocking free speech. Just last month, Facebook has banned people from sharing links from Natural News and other independent media. This is just the latest in a string of moves made to censor Natural News starting from it scrubbing the Natural News page last year.] Sources include: HollywoodReporter.com Twitter.com Politico.com A satisfying romantic relationship may improve breast cancer survivors' health COLUMBUS, Ohio - Breast cancer survivors in romantic relationships who feel happy and satisfied with their partners may be at lower risk for a host of health problems, new research suggests. The findings suggest that the relationship itself wasn't the cure-all, however. Women who were satisfied in their relationships also reported lower psychological stress - and these two factors were associated with lower markers for inflammation in their blood. Keeping inflammation at bay is the key to promoting health generally, and especially in breast cancer survivors, researchers say. When we're sick or injured, inflammation promotes healing. But elevated inflammation over time increases survivors' risk for cancer recurrence and other illnesses. "It's important for survivors, when they're going through this uncertain time, to feel comfortable with their partners and feel cared for and understood, and also for their partners to feel comfortable and share their own concerns," said Rosie Shrout, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral scholar in the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at The Ohio State University. "Our findings suggest that this close partnership can boost their bond as a couple and also promote survivors' health even during a very stressful time, when they're dealing with cancer." The research is published online in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology. Shrout is a relationship scientist working in the lab of Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, professor of psychiatry and psychology and director of the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research. For this work, Shrout conducted a secondary analysis of data from a previous Kiecolt-Glaser study assessing fatigue and immune function in breast cancer survivors. The 139 women with an average age of 55 completed self-report questionnaires and provided blood samples at three visits: upon recruitment within one to three months of their cancer diagnosis and during two follow-up visits six and 18 months after their cancer treatment ended. One survey assessed relationship satisfaction by asking the women to report their degree of happiness, the level of warmth and comfort they felt with their partner, how rewarding the relationship was and their overall satisfaction. The other questionnaire was used to evaluate their level of perceived psychological stress over the previous week. Researchers analyzed the blood samples for levels of four proteins that promote inflammation throughout the body even when there is no need for an immune response. This kind of chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health problems, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease, as well as the frailty and functional decline that can accompany aging. The findings showed a clear trend in the women as a group: The more satisfied they felt about their romantic relationships, the lower their perceived stress and the lower their inflammation. The design of the study allowed researchers to compare the group of women to each other and also gauge changes in each woman individually. "This gave us a unique perspective - we found that when a woman was particularly satisfied with her relationship, she had lower stress and lower inflammation than usual - lower than her own average," Shrout said. "At a specific visit, if she was satisfied with her partner, her own inflammation was lower at that visit than at a different visit when she was less satisfied." Shrout noted the study suggests that health professionals who care for breast cancer patients might want to keep an eye out for potential signs that their patients are struggling at home. "The research shows the importance of fostering survivors' relationships. Some survivors might need help connecting with their partners during a stressful time, so that means it's important for part of their screening and treatment to take the relationship into account and include a reference to couples counseling when appropriate," she said. "Doing so could promote their health over the long run." Though the findings in this study related to breast cancer survivors, Shrout said a strong romantic relationship would likely be helpful to people navigating the uncertainty associated with other serious illnesses by lowering their stress. There are more sides to the relationship story: Previous work led by Kiecolt-Glaser, senior author of this study, has shown that marital conflict can have detrimental effects on health. And breast cancer survivors who are single may benefit from drawing on a network of family and friends for support. "Some of the research would suggest it's better to be alone than in a troubled relationship," Kiecolt-Glaser said. "A good marriage offers good support, but the broader message for a breast cancer survivor who is not married is to seek support in other relationships. "In general, one thing that happens when people are stressed is we tend to isolate ourselves, so seeking support when we're stressed is one of the more beneficial things that people can do." ### This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health. Ohio State co-authors include Megan Renna, Annelise Madison, Stephen Povoski, Adele Lipari, Doreen Agnese, Lisa Yee and William Carson. Catherine Alfano of the American Cancer Society also worked on the study. Contact: Rosie Shrout, 614-293-5184; Rosie.Shrout@osumc.edu Written by Emily Caldwell, Caldwell.151@osu.edu; 614-292-8152 This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. DALLAS, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In April, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that independent, freestanding ERs in Texas can be recognized health care providers that are eligible for reimbursement for treating Medicare patients during the coronavirus pandemic. "We are excited for Medicare plan holders throughout Texas and we look forward to providing them with the best ER care in the state," said Bruce McVeigh, Chief Operating Officer. "Being allowed to expand our ability to care for more people is a win for everybody." Exceptional Emergency Centers Exceptional Emergency Centers have always treated Medicare patients in need of emergency care regardless of their ability to pay, but now will be able to see an increased number of patients with Medicare insurance. Our board-certified doctors and nurses are up to the task of treating more patients while continuing to provide little to no wait times for patients. "When patients have more choices of where to go for their ER needs, they can pick the best option and not have to worry if their Medicare plan would cover them," said McVeigh. "We are confident Exceptional ER is the best choice for them and their families." Exceptional Emergency Centers are located across Texas, in Amarillo, Lubbock, Fort Worth, Garland, Livingston, Harlingen, Brownsville, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange, and Tyler. The new CMS guidance will allow Exceptional Emergency Centers to serve even more people in our communities. Media Contact: Syed Ali Marketing Director [email protected] 469-341-7800 Ext 6 About Exceptional Emergency Centers: Exceptional Emergency Centers provide high-level emergency care with little or no wait time, state-of-the-art equipment, a fully equipped lab, and on-site CT & X-ray services. Our facilities have a team of Board-Certified ER Physicians and highly experienced and welcoming nurses. Open 24/7 we are dedicated to providing the highest quality ER care. www.EER24.com Related Images exceptional-er-now-accepting.jpg Exceptional ER - Now accepting Medicare Related Links https://www.eer24.com/exceptional-emergency-centers-now-accepting-medicare/ SOURCE Exceptional Emergency Centers Related Links http://www.EER24.com News Bulletin----National People's Congress of China Adopted "Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Safeguard National Security" 2020/06/02 On May 28, 2020, the Third Session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) of the People's Republic of China 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" (hereinafter referred to as the Decision). Main points of the Decision include that the country will implement fully and faithfully the principles of "one country, two systems" and "the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong"; that the country resolutely opposes the interference in the HKSAR affairs by any foreign or external forces in any form; that it is the HKSAR's constitutional responsibilities to safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; that the HKSAR must establish and improve the institutions and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security and that when needed, relevant national security organs of the Central People's Government will set up agencies in the HKSAR to fulfill relevant duties to safeguard national security in accordance with the law. The Decision also entrusts the NPC Standing Committee to formulate relevant laws on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security and include relevant laws into Annex III of the Basic Law of the HKSAR, then the HKSAR promulgates and implements them. Over the past 23 years since China resumed its excise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, HKSAR national security laws are yet to materialize due to sabotage and obstruction by those trying to sow trouble in the HKSAR and China at large as well as external hostile forces. In recent years, the increasingly notable national security risks in the HKSAR have become a prominent problem. Rampant illegal activities such as "Hong Kong independence", splitting the country and violent terrorist activities seriously endanger China's national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Some foreign and external hostile forces openly interfere in Hong Kong affairs and use Hong Kong to engage in activities that jeopardize China's national security, which seriously challenged the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle, harmed the rule of law, and threatened national sovereignty, security and development interests. This is the reason why it brooks no delay to plug the loophole in the national security legislation for Hong Kong through national legislation. The Decision adopted by the NPC is targeted at actions that jeopardize China's national security, such as splitting the country, subverting the government, committing terrorist activities and meddling in Hong Kong affairs. It has no impact on Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents or the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors in Hong Kong. The Decision makes it clear that China will unswervingly, fully and faithfully implement the principles of "One Country, Two Systems", "the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. National security is the basis of "One Country, Two Systems". Only in a secure and stable society can the strengths of "One Country, Two Systems" be maximized and Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity be guaranteed. The adoption of the Decision will improve Hong Kong's legal system and bring more stability, stronger rule of law and a better business environment to Hong Kong. It will ensure the sound and sustained implementation of the basic principle of "One Country, Two Systems" and help achieve long-term stability in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, the United States and the United Kingdom, for their own political purposes, have been making unwarranted comments on, interfering and obstructing the Decision, to which China strongly opposes. The Central Government is responsible for upholding national security in China, as is the case in any other country. The Central Government holds the primary and ultimate responsibility for national security in all sub-national administrative regions. This is the basic theory and principle underpinning national sovereignty and a common practice in countries around the globe. As the highest-level legislature body in China, the NPC enjoys full authority to establish and improve the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for Hong Kong to safeguard national security in accordance with the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR. It is completely in conformity with the needs of safeguarding national security and is necessary and fully justified. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and allow no external interference. Non-interference, as a basic norm governing international relations, must be observed by all countries. Any attempt to use Hong Kong to interfere in China's internal affairs is doomed to fail. (End of item) Caritas Venezuela donates 20 tons of food to support families across the country, in an initiative that lasts from 30 May to 13 June. By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ As part of efforts to provide support for families hard-hit by the pandemic, Caritas Venezuela, in conjunction with the Venezuelan Bishops Conference, has announced that it will deliver approximately twenty tons of food to dioceses throughout the country. This initiative is part of the Gesture of Solidarity campaign promoted by Caritas Venezuela. It aims to provide food aid to families in a situation of nutritional vulnerability in different parish communities, in the face of the trying times experienced by many Venezuelans amid the coronavirus pandemic. Food aid Running from 30 May to 13 June, the national management of Caritas, through its parishes and dioceses, will evaluate and identify people most in need, and ensure that the food aid reaches their homes directly. Each support kit includes six foodstuffs that weigh about twenty kilograms. Caritas Venezuela aims to provide 800 kits to each diocese and about 20,000 kilograms of food nationwide. Reaching the most vulnerable The national director of Caritas, Janeth Marquez, said that in Venezuelas current economic crisis, it is difficult to identify the most vulnerable. However, she noted that the work of Caritas in parishes has helped find persons and families who are in urgent need. Calling for support, Marquez invites the business community and other Non-Governmental Organizations to show solidarity. She asks them to give not what they have leftover, but what they have to offer to those who need it, as a matter of urgency. With this gesture, continued Marquez, we go out from the Church and we reach out to the needy in their homesWe have to knock on their doors to see what is happening in our country, so that we can, in some way, dialogue with people and listen to not only their joys, but also their problems. Thousands of demonstrators rally in Riverside. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) When Mark Ocegueda joined a downtown San Bernardino protest Sunday night, he was compelled by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, his neck pinned under the knee of a police officer. But he was also thinking of 38-year-old Cal State San Bernardino graduate student Bartholomew Williams, a black man who suffered from bipolar disorder and was shot and killed by campus police in 2012. And about Diante Yarber, a 26-year-old black man shot and killed in a fusillade of police bullets in the parking lot of a Barstow Walmart in 2018. And about Tyisha Miller, a 19-year-old black woman killed by police as she sat in her car at a local gas station 22 years ago. Across the nation, protesters have gathered in an outpouring of anger and demands for justice in the death of George Floyd. Major rallies are unfolding in the nation's largest cities such as Los Angeles, where five days of civil unrest in 1992 ravaged the city following the acquittal of police officers in the beating of Rodney King. But protests are also taking place in smaller suburbs and communities with their own histories of racism and police violence that have led to calls for change and accountability. The memory of those cases continues to motivate many who are taking to the streets and calling for local changes. "I could have gone to Los Angeles or Long Beach to protest, but I wanted to participate in my local community and what they had to say about whats going on," said Ocegueda, who is a historian at Brown University and has been staying with family in San Bernardino, where he was raised. "Theres also a notorious record of police violence toward black people and people of color here." In the Inland Empire, protesters have gathered in San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Corona, Temecula, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana and other communities saying they feel moved even as they wear masks to protect against the coronavirus to speak out in the wake of the Floyd case. Story continues The protests have been mostly peaceful, though in some cases there has been looting, vandalism and damage to businesses and a number of arrests for violating curfew. In Riverside on Monday, about 5,000 protesters gathered downtown, many of them young people who said they were tired of constant stories about black people killed by police, locally and nationally. I dont want to see another black face on the news. I dont know if Im next, said Christiana Ellis, 15, who attended the protest with her mother, Sherry Morton, 51. I wonder, what if my dad is out driving to get groceries, and he gets pulled over for a speeding ticket and ends up in a casket? Ellis, who attends Martin Luther King High in Riverside, said she was also thinking about recent incidents close to home like the students at her school who posed with a swastika and a Confederate flag in a photo that circulated on social media in February, sparking fear and anger on campus. "My brother went to King 20 years ago and someone drew a swastika on his jacket," she said. "That just tells me there hasn't been much change." Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) said his own memories of the 1998 Miller case were part of what pushed him to go to Monday's protest in Riverside and speak to protesters. "I remember the outrage," Takano said. "How was it that a black woman alone in her car at a gas station was shot multiple times and killed?" Miller was killed by white police officers a few days after Christmas. She had passed out in her disabled car and had a gun on her lap. Responding officers said she appeared to grab the gun when they tried to wake her. The officers fired nearly two dozen shots, hitting her 12 times. Deborah Wong, a professor of music at UC Riverside, vividly recalls the tumultuous year that followed Miller's death. "There was one public protest after another," Wong said. The officers were eventually fired but prosecutors declined to file criminal charges. And in the aftermath, the state attorney general ordered Riverside's police department to undergo sweeping reforms and the city created the Community Police Review Commission, an independent review board. That board still exists. But in Wong's opinion it has been "very nearly completely defanged." A representative of the board could not be reached for comment. In the Williams case, the Cal State San Bernardino grad student who was working on his second master's degree was reportedly acting confused and distressed when officers went to his off-campus dorm room in response to a call. An altercation ensued when officers tried to take him to a hospital and the officers said Williams exhibited super-human-type strength." Williams' death also sparked protests and in 2014, the California State University Board of Trustees agreed to pay $2.5 million to Williams' family, revise the school's crisis intervention policies and require police officers to undergo crisis intervention training. But prosecutors declined to charge the officers. Ocegueda, who is a graduate of Cal State San Bernardino, says the case might have gotten more attention had it not happened in the Inland Empire. "To me the killing of Bartholomew Williams was such an outrageous use of excessive force that I was very upset to see that it was kind of brushed under the rug," he said. "I think part of that is because the media has so long ignored these places outside of Los Angeles and Orange County. But the residents of the city, they definitely remember that incident." In the Yarber case, the 26-year-old was driving in a Walmart parking lot when officers fired 30 rounds into his car. The shooting, which was captured on a grainy cellphone video, received national attention and again sparked local protests. Prosecutors declined to file charges against the officers, saying they "each had an honest and objectively reasonable belief that Yarber posed a threat of serious bodily injury or death to themselves. Ben Reynoso, 28, an organizer with Inland Congregations United for Change and a candidate for city council in San Bernardino, said people in the community want justice for Floyd and are also hoping that the case can be a catalyst for local change. On Tuesday morning, he and others from around the Inland Empire went to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors for a rally to demand that the county declare racism a public health crisis, saying it's long past time for the community to start looking seriously at issues of police violence and environmental, health and educational disparities that are affecting communities of color throughout the Inland Empire. "I along with a lot of other black people are just tired. Were out there in the streets, but a lot of us cant even chant because were tired," Reynoso said. "It's like youve been shaking a Coke can for such a long time what do you expect to happen? Its going to blow up." Following the rally, the supervisors agreed to consider a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis next week. Times staff writer Stephanie Lai contributed to this story. The killing of George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police officers and the waves of police violence we have seen in recent days in response to protests around the country serve as a testament to the Supreme Courts betrayal of our Constitution. The Supreme Court has enabled horrific police violence by ignoring our constitutional history. Ending police violence and the killing of black people was one of the critical purposes of the 14th Amendment. The long line of police killings of unarmed men and women of colorof whom George Floyd is just the most recentis, in substantial part, the result of the Supreme Courts failure to give the history of the 14th Amendment its due. The protests across America are seeking to give voice to these basic precepts of justice that the Supreme Court has long ignored. Stop killing us, the message reflected in signs across the country, is the response to the Supreme Courts jurisprudence that has, in effect, legalized so many brutal, unspeakable deaths at the hands of the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some areas, constitutional history is murky or debatable. Not so here. The 14th Amendment was added to the Constitution against the backdrop of a campaign of terror and violence against black Americans by white police officers. The authors of the 14th Amendment, in a report that detailed the need for universal guarantees of liberty and equality, laid out, often in gruesome detail, how white police officers were engaged in a campaign of unending violence against black people. Police beat and killed black Americans while turning a blind eye to crimes committed against them. The 14th Amendment was designed to put an end to such police violence and killings. It vindicated the demands of black Americans that now that we are free we do not want to be hunted, we want to be treated like human[] beings. Recently emancipated slaves could not take their place as equal citizens in our nation if police officers were free to brutalize them. Advertisement Advertisement Police brutality and murder flared up in the summer of 1866, as Congress completed its work on the amendment and the American people considered whether to ratify it. In Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, white police officers led bloody massacres of black citizens and their allies, which left hundreds dead and many more badly beaten. These tragic events served as painful reminders that state governments would not respect the fundamental rights of black citizens and that police violence and discriminatory policing would continue unchecked without new constitutional guarantees. As an investigation of the Louisiana massacre concluded, without new protections, the whole body of colored people would continue to be hunted like wild beasts, and slaughtered without mercy and with entire impunity from punishment. Advertisement Advertisement This part of the 14th Amendment has never gotten its due. The Supreme Court has erased these efforts to eliminate unjustified police violence from our constitutional story. And in doing so, it has turned its back on a core promise of the 14th Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Courts conservative wing says that we must be faithful to the Constitutions text and history. But originalists on the Supreme Court have turned a blind eye to the efforts of the 14th Amendments framers to check police violence. The Supreme Court has never once recognized that the 14th Amendment was ratified against the backdrop of brutal killings of people of color by the police. Getting this history right is essential to correcting police abuses today. Advertisement Advertisement Rather than taking seriously the 14th Amendments history, the Supreme Courts current approach to police violence enables, rather than constrains, police brutality. The court uses an open-ended test that defers to the police. This enables systemic police brutality directed at communities of color. In the 1989 case of Graham v. Connor, the Supreme Court insisted that constitutional claims of excessive force must be judged by asking whether police officers use of force was reasonable under the circumstances. Further, the court put its thumb on the scales in favor of the police, stressing that reasonableness must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene and courts must account for the fact that police officers are often forced to make split-second judgments about the amount of force that is necessary in a particular situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This malleable standard has served to condone and legitimize police shootings and killings of people of color. It does not vindicate at all the 14th Amendments promise of personal security for all regardless of race. The Supreme Court has made matters even worse by rewriting Section 1983, a Reconstruction-era law designed to enforce the 14th Amendment, changing the law to give police officers a sweeping immunity from being sued, even when they engage in brutal conduct. Under the doctrine of qualified immunity, a person victimized by the police must show that the officers violated clearly established law. In practice, this means that a police officer cannot be sued for violating an individuals constitutional rights unless there was a prior case closely on point. And because the excessive force standard is so vague and fact-dependent, qualified immunity makes it incredibly difficult to hold police officers accountable for police brutality, as a recent Reuters report showed and which advocates on both the right and the left have decried. When individuals go to court to redress police abuse of power, they almost always find that the courthouse doors are bolted shut. Advertisement Advertisement Rather than giving full effect to a law designed to enforce the 14th Amendment, the court has gutted it to protect police officers and legitimize violations of constitutional rights. As a result, instead of a system of remedies for police misconduct, we have a system that breeds police unaccountability. We cannot hope to rein in police abuses of power if courts give the police a free pass when they violate our rights. More than 150 years after its ratification, the Supreme Court has buried a critical part of the 14th Amendments legacy. George Floyds tragic case shows why we need to recover it. The Trump administration is banning Chinese passenger airlines from flying scheduled service to the U.S. starting later this month, a move aimed at ramping up pressure on China, which hasn't allowed U.S. carriers to resume flights there, and threatens to further isolate the world's two largest aviation markets from one another. The order, published Wednesday, takes effect June 16, but it could be moved up. The issue comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing. The dispute is also a departure from the type of bilateral agreements that the U.S. government has pursued for decades that aim to make it easier for airlines to expand to international airports without onerous government approvals. The U.S. does not have a so-called Open Skies agreement with China. The U.S. order affects Air China, China Eastern, China Southern and Xiamen. The airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The measure does not affect flights from Hong Kong, a Department of Transportation spokesman said. The current dispute "goes back to the era of limited entry markets which we have been trying to get away from for the past 30 years," said Bob Mann, an aviation analyst and a former executive at TWA and other airlines. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have been pushing to return to China after pausing service because of the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year, but they haven't yet received the approvals from Chinese aviation authorities to do so. "We support and appreciate the U.S. government's actions to enforce our rights and ensure fairness," Delta said in a statement. United, for its part, said, "We look forward to resuming passenger service between the United States and China when the regulatory environment allows us to do so." "Our overriding goal is not the perpetuation of this situation, but rather an improved environment wherein the carriers of both parties will be able to exercise fully their bilateral rights," said the U.S. Department of Transportation's order Wednesday. "Should the [Chinese aviation authority] adjust its policies to bring about the necessary improved situation for U.S. carriers, the Department is fully prepared to revisit the action it has announced in this order." In March, Chinese aviation officials said airlines from that country could keep flying one scheduled passenger flight a week, on one route to any country, a measure aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus. In January, U.S. and Chinese airlines operated 325 flights a week between the two countries, the DOT said. The Civil Aviation Administration of China could not immediately be reached for comment. Chinese Embassy officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Plenary Public session on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. The public meeting which was adjourned on January 23, 2020, will be reconvened on Wednesday at 15.00 hrs. and will be held in a virtual setting. The Minister of General Affairs (AZ) will be in attendance. The agenda point is: 2. Ontwerp van Landsverordening tot wijziging van de Pensioenlandsverordening overheidsdienaren, tot wijziging van de Landsverordening leeftijdsgrens ambtenaren, alsmede tot intrekking van de Duurtetoeslagregeling gepensioneerden 1943 (Landsverordening herziening pensioen overheidsdienaren) (ZJ 2018-2019-121) (IS/205/2018-2019 d.d. 16 oktober 2018) (National ordinance amending the National Ordinance on Pension for civil servants, amending the National Ordinance age limit civil servants, and repealing the Long-term Allowance regulation pensioners 1943 (National Ordinance revision pension civil servants) (Parliamentary Year 2018-2019-121)) Due to measures taken to mitigate the coronavirus (COVID-19), the House of Parliament is only allowing persons with an appointment to enter the Parliament building. The parliamentary session will be held virtually and will be carried out live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 115, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1 www.pearlfmradio.sx , via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, and Parliaments Facebook page: Parliament of Sint Maarten. The coronavirus pandemic put a dent in the travel and leisure industry, but one segment of the industry has benefited from the health crisis, according to CNBC's Jim Cramer. The "Mad Money" host on Tuesday highlighted an "incredible, stealth bull market" in the recreational vehicle and camping stocks, advising that investors take advantage on a dip in the future. "I think the pandemic has given the industry a huge long-term boost, but the stocks might pull back as Wall Street realizes that the recession could be longer than they expected and even deeper," Cramer said. "If you like the RV plays, that's when you buy them." After taking a plunge with the broader market at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S., the RV stocks have bounced back triple digits. Shares of Thor Industries and Winnebago the two biggest names in RVs and motor homes have shot up more than 170% and 240%, respectively, from their March lows. RV suppliers, such as LCI Industries, also saw their stock prices surge. In the camping sector, equity in outdoor retailer Camping World has jumped almost 580% from its March trough. Cramer offered a mea culpa for not spotting the bullish turn in the RV market early on. The industry had a tough year in 2018, given outsized supply, he said. He suggested that "camping is back in a big way" now, due to consumer fears of catching the coronavirus in hotels and other vacation establishments. "Camping ... is the perfect Covid vacation" and "you can still practice social distancing, especially if you've got an RV," he said. "One of these things lets you shelter in place and travel at the same time." When LCI Industries last reported quarterly results, executives said that business bounced back much more strongly than anticipated. Camping World also told what Cramer considered an "incredibly bullish story" during its earnings call almost a month ago as the company embarks on a strategy to attract nontraditional consumers. The host does, however, worry that a recession could spell bad news for luxury-based businesses such as RVs. "I say keep an eye on Thor and Winnebago. Thor reports next Monday and Winnebago reports on the 17th," he said. "I think you can buy them if they sell off going into earnings, but otherwise, you should withhold judgment, and I do like Camping World." Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Tuesday faced calls to fire Police Chief Michel Moore after Moore said the death of George Floyd was on the "hands" of those inciting criminal acts at protests as much as the officers involved in Minneapolis. While providing an update on Monday, alongside Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas, Moore reported the LAPD had made 700 arrests on Sunday night 70 of those arrests, he said, were people "who were either burglarizing or looting, victimizing, businesses further." "We didn't have protests last night. We had criminal acts," Moore said during the update, which was posted to Twitter. "We didn't have people mourning the death of this man, George Floyd. We had people capitalizing. His death is on their hands, as much as it is those officers." George Floyd's death was a homicide: Medical examiner and family-commissioned autopsy agree He added, "That is a strong statement, but I must say, that this civil unrest that were in the midst of, we must turn a corner from people who are involved in violence. People who are involved in preying upon others." Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore is under fire for his comments about George Floyd's death. Floyd's death, which has since been ruled a homicide by the county medical examiner in Minnesota, has prompted outrage worldwide. Floyd died after now-fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee pinned to Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes. Three other officers, who haven't been charged, were involved in the incident. Immediately, Moore faced backlash for his comments. Twitter users replied to the video update posted on the mayor's page with calls to fire Moore. The chief attempted to clarify his words during the news conference. He said Floyd's death, "was at the hands of a police officer and the officers who stood by." 'I can't breathe': Fifth day of protesting gets underway in DC following eventful Monday night Story continues "His death, a week later, has served a catalyst for a number of events, certainly protests. But some are using it as a catalyst to justify violence," Moore said. "I misspoke when I said his blood is on their hands, but certainly their actions do not serve the enormity of his loss and cannot be in his memory." "I regret the remarks of that characterization, but I don't regret, nor will I apologize to those who are out there today committing violence, destroying lives and livelihoods, and creating this destruction. His memory deserves reform. His memory deserves a better Los Angeles, a better United States and a better world." Moore tweeted, "There are 4 police officers and 4 alone responsible for the death of George Floyd." He tweeted another apology later Monday night, again saying he misspoke. "While I did immediately correct myself, I recognize that my initial words were terribly offensive," Moore said. "Looting is wrong, but it is not the equivalent of murder and I did not mean to equate the two. I deeply regret and humbly apologize for my characterization. "Let me be clear: the police officers involved were responsible for the death of George Floyd." The responsibility for George Floyds death rests solely with the police officers involved. Chief Moore regrets the words he chose this evening and has clarified them. MayorOfLA (@MayorOfLA) June 2, 2020 Garcetti also issued a statement on Twitter, saying Moore regretted "the words he chose." The apologies did little to placate those calling for Moore's job. By Tuesday afternoon, Black Lives Matter protesters had showed up to Garcetti's home. A crowd of more than 1,000 waved signs like "Prosecute Killer Cops" and "Who is the Enemy? White Supremacy" and engaged in chants as a line of Los Angeles police officers in riot gear blocked Sixth Street. The protesters, which broke the silence of the otherwise placid residential neighborhood, stayed peaceful. The mayor wasn't seen. But one moment stood out. At one point, police Cmdr. Cory Palka broke through the line of blue-clad officers, waded through the protesters and spoke directly to a tall, young African-American man. Together, the two dramatically walked a block down Irving Boulevard to Wilshire Boulevard, the main artery from the city to the westside, with large group of protesters in tow. There, they came upon another group of demonstrators waving signs at passing cars. And together, the police officer and the protester took a knee, joined by much of the crowd. "We need to cross the line of separation," Palka later told reporters. He said walking a block, extending a handshake or a hug yes, amid the coronavirus pandemic and, no, he didn't wear a mask was a way to try to bridge the divide. "We walked a block as a symbol the police and community are reuniting in Los Angeles," he added. "It's a step in the right direction." Not all were buying it. Kendrick Sampson, a social activist from nearby Hollywood, said Garcetti's residence was chosen because "he has blood on his hands" from police-involved shootings over the years. He said the mayor and police are promoting violence on otherwise peaceful demonstrators. He showed off scars and bruises from police batons and rubber bullets from the previous' days protests. He said he took seven impacts from rubber bullets alone and one of his legs was bandaged. Garcetti, Sampson said, has been too strong of a defender of the LAPD. "He stood by the police when they were wrong over and over again," he said. He, like others in the crowd, called for defunding the police department and channeling money into housing, mental health and other social services. Such a move, he said, "would make us safe. Police do not." As nightfall and the city curfew came, the crowd diminished and was chanting, but police had not moved in. In downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of protesters remained peaceful while at times kneeling en masse against police brutality and at others calling for Moore's resignation. Carol Clayton of South L.A. rejected the chiefs explanation for his comments. Every police shooting, they blame everybody but the cop, said Clayton, 47. Now the chief is blaming people who werent even there. Contributing: Gus Garcia-Roberts, USA TODAY. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Floyd: LAPD chief Michel Moore apologizes for 'offensive' words A New Jersey state corrections officer was among four people arrested in a shooting that left a Newark man dead and another injured, authorities said Tuesday. Al-Fatin Grant, a correctional police officer with the Department of Corrections, was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and hindering apprehension in the slaying of 30-year-old Michael Wyche, of Newark, according to the Essex County Prosecutors Office. Grant, 22, also of Newark, was arrested May 5. The Essex County Prosecutors investigators and assistant prosecutors did a tremendous job identifying and charging these individuals; the charges against Al-Fatin Grant, a member of law enforcement, are worthy of special recognition, Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II said in a statement. In these times, law enforcement is facing intense scrutiny. Any allegation of a violation of the public trust is more damaging today than ever. As the investigation continued, authorities said they identified three other suspects in the case. Scott Banks, 32, of Irvington, was arrested Friday and charged with murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and weapons offenses, the prosecutors office said. Search warrants the next day led law enforcement officers to arrest Trevon Ellis, 27, and Ahmad Fields, 31. The two men, both of Newark, were charged with conspiracy to commit murder, according to the prosecutors office. The arrests stemmed from the March 27 killing of Wyche, who was gunned down around 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot of New Community Corporation Housing Complex on Hayes Street in Newark. A second man was shot but survived his wounds, the office said. Authorities did not disclose a possible motive for the shooting or release more details on the investigation. It was not yet clear if the men had retained attorneys. The prosecutors office statement said Grant was suspended from his position. Representatives for the corrections department could not be immediately reached. Anyone with information was urged to contact the prosecutors office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. Officials said calls would be kept confidential. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Nawazuddin Siddiquis niece has alleged sexual harassment by the actor's younger brother. As per the reports, she has filed a complaint at Delhi's Jamia Nagar police station. I have filed a complaint about sexual harassment by my uncle when I was nine years old. My parents were divorced when I was two years old, so I had a step mother. I was tortured a lot. As a child I didnt understand thinking it was my uncle, but when I grew up I realized it was a different kind of touch. There was violence too, ET Times quoted her as saying. Nawazuddin's niece, who lives in Delhi with her husband, further alleges that even after her marriage she and her in-laws are harassed by the actor's family by filing false cases against them. She also claims to have all the proof of physical violence she had gone through. As she expects fresh cases against her after the police complaint, she has the complete support of her husband. However, she did not receive any support from the actor. Nawaz bade papa once asked me what I want to do in life, I told him all that was happening with me and that I felt mentally disturbed. But he said there is nothing like that. I thought that atleast bade papa (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) would understand, he lives in a different society and would have a different mentality. But he was like chacha hai, aisa kabhi nahi kar sakte, she told the publication. Follow @News18Movies for more The U.S. Bankruptcy Court has approved a settlement allowing Philadelphia Energy Solutions to pay only a small portion of its renewable fuel obligations. MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer Read more The U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Wednesday approved a settlement allowing Philadelphia Energy Solutions to pay a small portion of the millions of dollars it owes in unpaid renewable energy obligations, clearing a major obstacle facing the bankrupt South Philadelphia refinerys reorganization. Under the settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency, PES will pay up to $10 million to buy renewable energy credits, called RINs, to satisfy its regulatory liability. Under a previous agreement, the EPA had capped its claim at $35 million. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein, whose court is in Wilmington, approved the settlement Wednesday during a brief hearing conducted by teleconference to comply with coronavirus pandemic restrictions. Under the Renewable Fuel Standard, refiners are required to blend biofuel, such as ethanol, into gasoline. Alternatively, merchant refiners such as PES can buy credits for each gallon of ethanol that others blend into their fuels. Retail gasoline typically contains about 10% ethanol. This wasnt the refinerys first escape from its obligations to pay renewable fuel liabilities, which the company has long complained were an onerous burden that contributed to its financial woes. The EPA had previously waived about $350 million in biofuels compliance costs for PES after its initial bankruptcy in 2018. That deal allowed PES to exit bankruptcy before a disastrous 2019 fire triggered the refinerys closure last June. Ethanol producers, who sell the renewable credits, had objected in the first bankruptcy that allowing PES off the hook would undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard, which is aimed at bolstering the biofuels industry. The EPA, in a court filing Monday, said it agreed to the settlement rather than insisting on full payment in order to avoid scuttling the refinerys reorganization. If PES were forced to liquidate rather than go through an orderly reorganization and sale, cleanup plans for the site could be imperiled, it said. Liquidation of the refinery facility would have potential negative consequences both under bankruptcy law and under other environmental laws, the agency said. Cleanup and responsible stewardship of the refinery facility by a reorganized debtor would have been lost, which would have had threatened negative consequences for the environment and surrounding community. Under the refinerys reorganization plan, the 1,300-acre property will be sold for $252 million to Hilco Redevelopment Partners of Chicago. The closing of that sale, originally scheduled to occur by May 31, has been delayed in part because of logistical challenges caused by the pandemic, according to sources. READ MORE: The massive Philly refinery site sale is about to close. Heres what we know about the developer buying it. PES, which was the largest refinery on the East Coast, needed to buy renewable credits representing 161.8 million gallons of ethanol. The credits, which are traded on open markets, would cost about $78 million to buy at current prices, according to the Oil Price Information Service. So the $10 million that PES is obligated to pay under the settlement is a steep discount to the cost it could have faced. The settlement would require PES to buy $12 million more renewable credits if the refinery is successful in its current claim for a refund of federal fuel excise taxes. The obligation to pay any additional amount will fall to a liquidation trust that will take over management of the refinerys remaining business affairs after the real estate is sold. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 06:15:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANJUL, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Gambia's foreign affairs ministry called strongly on the United States Tuesday to launch a credible investigation into the death of its national Momodou Lamin Sisay who was reportedly killed in a police shootout on Friday during a protest in Atlanta, Georgia. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked the Gambian Embassy in Washington, D.C. to engage the relevant US authorities, including the State Department to seek transparent, credible and objective investigation on the matter," a statement said. The ministry indicated that the country's honorary council in Georgia and the Gambian Embassy in Washington, D.C. are on the ground to support the family of the deceased. Momodou Lamin Sisay is the son of Gambian United Nations diplomat Lare Sisay. He was said to have participated in a protest demanding justice for George Floyd, an African-American who died in police custody after an officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes in Minneapolis. Gambians at home have reacted with anger to the news, with some civil society organizations applying for the police permit to stage a peaceful protest in front of the American Embassy in Banjul to demand justice. Enditem Beijing has refuted an investigation that accused China of delaying the release of vital information of COVID-19 to the World Health Organization in the early stages of the pandemic. Zhao Lijian, a spokesman of China's Foreign Ministry, blasted the bombshell report as 'seriously inconsistent with the facts' during a daily press briefing today. The remarks came after the Associated Press revealed on Tuesday that the WHO officials were frustrated by significant delays in the information sharing by Beijing when the coronavirus outbreak erupted in China in January. Zhao Lijian (pictured on April 8), a spokesman of China's Foreign Ministry, blasted the bombshell report 'seriously inconsistent with the facts' during a daily press briefing today Beijing has dismissed an investigation that accused China of stalling on passing vital information to the World Health Organization in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. The picture taken on May 28 shows a medical worker taking swabs from a resident in Beijing Throughout January, WHO publicly praised China for what it called a speedy response to the new coronavirus. This January 28, 2020, file photo, shows Tedros Adhanom (left), director general of the WHO, shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) before a meeting China's top coronavirus expert, Zhong Nanshan, yesterday claimed that the nation has the lowest rates in COVID-19 infections and deaths. 'So far our country in the world, if we based on an average population of 100,000, our infection rate is the lowest, and our fatality rate is the lowest,' Mr Zhong told state broadcaster CCTV. However, the epidemiologist did not quote any statistics or evidence to back his claim during the interview. Throughout January, WHO publicly praised China for what it called a speedy response to the new coronavirus. The organisation repeatedly thanked the Chinese government for sharing the genetic map of the virus 'immediately,' and said its work and commitment to transparency were 'very impressive, and beyond words.' But the Associated Press suggested that it was a different story behind the scenes. The news agency's report found considerable frustration among WHO officials over not getting the information they needed from China to fight the spread of the deadly virus. In this Wednesday, January 29, 2020 file photo, Maria van Kerkhove, head of the Outbreak Investigation Task Force for the World Health Organization speaks during a news conference regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus, at the European headquarters of the United Nations A second recording saw top WHO official in China, Dr Gauden Galea (pictured), complaining that China was slow to share information on the coronavirus with the health organisation US epidemiologist and WHO technical lead for Covid-19, Maria Van Kerkhove, felt that they were 'going off very minimal information' which was 'not enough for you do to proper planning', according to a recording obtained by the Associated Press from the second week of January. A second recording saw top WHO official in China, Dr Gauden Galea, complaining that the organisation was being provided with information '15 minutes before it appears on CCTV [China's state broadcaster]'. The recordings were taken at a crucial time in early January when there were fewer than 100 recorded COVID-19 cases in China. The recordings were taken at a crucial time in early January when there were fewer than 100 recorded COVID-19 cases in China. A staff member checks the body temperature for a man to be tested for the COVID-19 coronavirus on a street in Mudanjiang of Heilongjiang province Chinese spokesman rejected the investigation in response to a question about the report. People wearing face masks dance in a park next to the Yangtze River in Wuhan on May 13 Mr Zhao stressed that China has worked closely with the WHO based on the principle of disclosure, transparency and responsibility. Workers are pictured lining up for medical workers to take swabs for the coronavirus test at a large factory in Wuhan on May 15 By the end of the month, the number of confirmed cases in the country had exploded to nearly 10,000, when the WHO declared a global health emergency. But the Chinese spokesman rejected the investigation Wednesday in response to a question about the report during the Foreign Ministry's daily briefing. He told reporters: 'I don't know where the inside information you said comes from. I can tell you clearly that such reports are seriously inconsistent with the facts. Mr Zhao stressed that China has worked closely with the WHO based on the principle of disclosure, transparency and responsibility. He added that Beijing reported to WHO and other countries about 'unknown pneumonia' on January 3. Chinese authorities then shared the genetic sequence of the novel coronavirus with WHO on January 12. Zhao Lijian, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, emphasised that China will continue to support the role of the WHO in leading efforts to contain the virus. Pictured, medical workers wait to be disinfected as they line up to submit the COVID-19 samples in Jilin on May 17 Zhao's response comes as China's renowned coronavirus expert, Zhong Nanshan, claimed that the nation has the lowest rates in COVID-19 infections and deaths. In this file photo taken on March 2, Zhong Nanshan attends an oath-taking ceremony for two new party members 'China's anti-epidemic actions are open to the world. The timing and the latitude are clear, the facts are clear at a glance, and they can stand the test of time and history,' Mr Zhao claimed. He emphasised that China will continue to support the role of the WHO in leading efforts to contain the virus. It comes as China has faced a global backlash over the country's apparent 'cover-up' on its handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which led to a pandemic that has infected over 6million people worldwide. The nation came under another wave of criticisms and anger from other countries after its rubber-stamp parliament passed a controversial national security law for Hong Kong, criminalising secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference. China has faced a global backlash over the country's apparent 'cover-up' on its handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which led to a pandemic that has infected over 6million people worldwide. Chinese President Xi Jinping is pictured on May 21 during the opening session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi and Shin Bet head Nadav Argaman will convene a meeting June 3 at the Tel Aviv Defense Ministry headquarters to discuss escalation scenarios ahead of possible annexation of West Bank lands. Representatives of IDF central command and intelligence unit, office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and different Shin Bet branches are expected to participate. They will be presented with different scenarios, including riots in the West Bank and suspension of diplomatic ties with Jordan. On June 1, Defense Minister Benny Gantz had instructed Kochavi to step up army preparations for the possibility that Israel advances plans on annexing parts of the West Bank. Gantz is expected to appoint in the coming days a special representative to coordinate moves on the issue in the Palestinian arena. The Ministry of Defense will also establish a coordinating team in order to gather all the professional recommendations for such a possibility and the different escalation scenarios. No political decision has been made in Israel yet on the issue. Still, the army has reportedly already started preparing in recent weeks for the possibility of Jordan Valley annexation, including verification of equipment and stocks, tightening coordination between the different security agencies and stepping up training. Gantz met June 1 with US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone with senior US officials, including White House adviser Jared Kushner. Following these contacts, Gantz met with Kochavi and updated him on developments. Gantz reportedly told Kochavi to speed up preparations for diplomatic steps on the agenda in the Palestinian arena. Speaking at a Blue and White faction meeting June 1, Gantz was quoted as saying, A joint team will be formed that will bring together recommendations on an operational level for the efforts that are on the agenda for the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Gantz also said that any such move would be carried out in cooperation with states of the region." The April 20 unity agreement between the Likud and Blue and White parties enables Netanyahu to bring his annexation plan for vote as early as July 1. Upon the publication of US President Donald Trumps peace plan last January, Gantz called to adopt the outline as a whole, but according to recent signs, Netanyahu intends to bring for vote only implementing Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and West Bank settlements. Still, in a June 2 meeting with settlers, Netanyahu hinted that the US administration is less enthusiastic than before on annexation. Sources close to the prime minister also said that the joint US-Israel mapping committee might need several more months to conclude its work, a precondition set by Washington before greenlighting annexation. Gantz, who also carries the title of "alternate prime minister" has not said clearly if he would vote against Netanyahus annexation plan, though some Blue and White party seniors have stated in recent days that they will battle the initiative from within the Cabinet. The federal government has said only five airports would be reopened from June 21, while the others will remain closed for further ass... The federal government has said only five airports would be reopened from June 21, while the others will remain closed for further assessment. This was confirmed in a circular to airlines signed by Capt. Musa Nuhu, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Nuhu also made it clear that Nigerias airspace remained closed to international flights. The domestic airports that will be opened include: Omagwa International Airport Port Harcourt, Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, Sam Mbakwe Airport Owerri and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano. The gradual start of domestic flight operations will commence on 21st June 2020 with Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano, Omagwa International Airport Port Harcourt, and Sam Mbakwe Airport Owerri. Other airports will be gradually added to the network after a review and assessment, Nuhu said. Denying the reports that extradition documents of Vijay Mallya have been signed and the liquor baron may land in Mumbai anytime soon, senior government sources have told India Today that India is yet to receive any official communication from the UK authorities. On being asked when Vijay Mallya can be extradited, a senior government functionary, who is keeping a close eye on the developments, told India Today, "We are not aware if the UK Home Secretary has signed the documents. Till the time papers are not signed or we are communicated about his current status, it will be difficult to assume that when Vijay Mallya can be extradited." The deadline for the UK Home Office Secretary to sign extradition documents in order to sent Vijay Mallya expires on June 11, 2020, as per the Extradition Act. There is also a strong speculation that the liquor baron may have already applied for political asylum. But sources say neither the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) nor the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has received any communication from the UK Home Office. The Indian High Commission in the UK hasn't received any concrete information either, India Today TV has learned. Experts say that since Vijay Mallya has exhausted all legal options to avoid extradition, he's left with two options: he either gets asylum or approaches the European Human Rights Court. If Mallya gets asylum on political grounds, he can stay in the UK for as long as he wants - given the treaty between India and Britain doesn't change, or unless he flouts any conditions. If Mallya has applied for asylum, it would have happened much before the UK High Court order which found him to be a fit case for extradition to India, sources say. If he sought asylum after the court's final order, then it will be rejected by the UK government. By seeking asylum, the liquor baron can also delay the extradition further, since the UK Home Office won't take a decision on it until one is made on his asylum plea. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty The Justice Department has sent special operations teams from the Bureau of Prisons to support the Trump administrations response to protests in Washington, D.C., and Florida. In a statement to The Daily Beast, a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson confirmed that they had deployed Crisis Management Teams in response to the protests. The teams include Special Operations response teams, which are highly trained tactical units capable of responding to prison disturbances, and providing assistance to other law enforcement agencies during emergencies. Officers from the Bureaus Disturbance Control Teams, which specialize in crowd control scenarios, have also been deployed. Speculation about the presence of special response teams from the agency grew online as residents and reporters noted the presence of law enforcement officials wearing tactical equipment placed around the city, many of whom refused to identify which agency they worked for. In one photo shared by MSNBC correspondent Garrett Haake, officers with shields labeled corrections and a shirt with an apparent Federal Bureau of Prisons Disturbance Control Team patch formed a perimeter preventing protesters from approaching the White House. Twitter users also noted officers wearing uniforms with logos for the Bureau of Prisons Special Operations Response Team stationed by the Washington Convention Center on K Street. Per the request of the Attorney General, the BOP has dispatched teams to Miami, Florida, and Washington, D.C., the bureau said. 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. Credit: CC0 Public Domain France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands have forged an alliance to speed up the production of a vaccine "on European soil" against the new coronavirus, Dutch officials said Wednesday. Four of Europe's largest economies "are jointly exploring various promising initiatives and are in discussion with various pharmaceutical companies," the Dutch Health Ministry announced. The aim of the "Inclusive Vaccine Alliance" was to allow for vaccine production on European soil wherever possible, the department said in a statement issued in The Hague. "Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands are convinced that a successful result requires a joint strategy and investments," it said. The announcement Wednesday comes as Europe slowly emerges from lockdowns with Italy leading the way as the first country on the continent to open its borders to European travellers. Germany will lift its blanket travel warning on June 15, with the Netherlands likely to do the same in line with European Union guidelines. "The alliance is exploring promising vaccine development initiatives to secure sufficient vaccines for the EU and other countries," particularly lower-income states in Africa. The four-country collaboration will enable "the fastest and best possible results with key players in the pharmaceutical industry about promising vaccine initiatives," the Dutch Health Ministry said. "The alliance also wants to agree with pharmaceutical companies that a vaccine must become widely accessible, available and affordable for the EU," it added. 2020 AFP STATEN ISLAND N.Y. -- Providing you with the latest headlines to start out your day. Multimedia journalist, Alex Salmieri talks about Rep. Max Roses views on deploying the National Guard, also rumors of looting on Staten Island, and a touching story of a COVID-19 survivor. Watch A.M. with Alex to find out more about todays top headlines. Are you on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak? If so we are looking to hear from you. Email asalmieri@siadvance.com Black women have the highest prevalence of low birthweight babies in the US compared other racial groups, but black immigrants typically have better outcomes than blacks born in the US However, new research shows this 'foreign-born advantage' disappears after one generation in the US. Credit: Egan Jimenez, Princeton University Black women have the highest prevalence of low birthweight babies compared to other racial and ethnic groups, but black immigrants typically have much better outcomes than their U.S.-born counterparts. Yet, little has been known about whether this "healthy immigrant" effect persists across generations. According to a new study published by Princeton University researchers, the substantial "birthweight advantage" experienced by the foreign-born black population is lost within a single generation. In contrast, a modest advantage among foreign-born Hispanics persists across generations. The authors suspect discrimination and inequality in the U.S. may be a contributing factor to this decline. Experiences of interpersonal discrimination, both before and during pregnancy, are likely to trigger physiological stress responses that negatively affect birth outcomes, they said. The study, published in Epidemiology, has important public health implications given that low birthweight is a significant predictor of a broad range of health and socioeconomic outcomes throughout one's life. The findings also underscore the potential role of discrimination in producing racial and intergenerational disparities in birth outcomes. The research was conducted by Noreen Goldman, the Hughes-Rogers Professor of Demography and Public Affairs in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, and first author Theresa Andrasfay, who received her Ph.D. from Princeton's Program in Population Studies. Motivated by an earlier study of a small number of black immigrants in Illinois in the 1950-1970s, the researchers felt that conclusions regarding intergenerational changes in birthweight warranted a larger sample based on recent data in a popular immigrant destination state. The authors analyzed administrative records from 1971 to 2015 in Florida, which receives a large number of black immigrants from the Caribbean. They linked several hundred thousand birth records of daughters to those of their mothers. This allowed them to compare birthweights of daughters born to foreign-born and U.S.-born mothers with the birthweights of their granddaughters. The study provides estimates of these intergenerational changes in birthweight for white, Hispanic, and black women. The results point to what the researchers call a large foreign-born advantage among blacks: 7.8% of daughters born to foreign-born black women are low birthweight (under 2,500 grams or 5.5 pounds) compared to 11.8% among U.S.-born black women. But, whereas foreign-born Hispanic women maintain a birthweight advantage in the next generation, black women see this advantage essentially eliminated with the birth of their granddaughters. These granddaughters are more than 50% more likely than their mothers to be low birthweight. In contrast, the increase in low birthweight prevalence between daughters and granddaughters of U.S.-born black women is only about 10%, which is more in line with national increases in low birthweight over the same time period. Andrasfay and Goldman were surprised by the rapidity with which the foreign-born advantage among black women was lost. After only one generation spent in the U.S., the prevalence of low birthweight is almost as high among the granddaughters of foreign-born black women as among the granddaughters of U.S.-born black women (12.2% vs. 13.1%) and is considerably higher for both groups of black infants than for white and Hispanic babies. The authors identified an equally striking finding with regard to differences in low birthweight by level of schooling. Contrary to the pattern found among all other racial and ethnic groups, foreign-born black women are about as likely to have a low birthweight daughter if they have low or high levels of schooling. However, in the next generation, the prevalence of low birthweight declines as maternal education increases. This likely reflects a difference in the context in which mothers received their education. "In the U.S., mothers with less than high school education are disadvantaged in multiple ways," said Andrasfay, "but women who obtained this same level of schooling before immigrating to the U.S. were likely relatively advantaged in their origin countries." The authors controlled for socioeconomic and health-related risk factors, including characteristics of women's neighborhoods that varied among racial, ethnic, and nativity groups, but these factors did not account for their findings. They concluded that the high frequency of low birthweight babies among blacks, and the increase from daughters to granddaughters among black immigrants, were likely both due to exposure to discrimination and inequality. "Unfortunately," said Goldman, "high quality measures of discrimination are notoriously difficult to obtain." The researchers note several limitations of the study. The study is based on birth records from only one state, Florida, and in order to observe multiple generations within the same family, the study was restricted to families in which both daughters and granddaughters were born in Florida. Though the main analysis used only female births, there is evidence that the findings extend to male births. Nevertheless, their study has important implications. "Though black immigrants currently make up a small share of the population, their numbers are growing," said Andrasfay. "This growth emphasizes the importance of understanding how their health evolves with time in the U.S. to better understand future disparities." "Foreign-born blacks may experience less prejudice than their U.S.-born peers because they have spent part of their lives in majority black countries where discrimination may be less severe than in the U.S.," said Goldman. "In contrast, their children spend their entire lives in a more racialized social environment than found in the Caribbean, which could explain the worsening of birth outcomes between generations." "This study also underscores the need for more research," said Goldman, "both to develop better measures of interpersonal discrimination and to identify epigenetic mechanisms that link social stressors to birth outcomes among black women." The paper, "Intergenerational change in birthweight: effects of foreign-born status and race/ethnicity," was published online in Epidemiology on June 1 and will be featured in the September print edition. Explore further Birthweight and early pregnancy body mass index may risk pregnancy complications The American Bible Society says this is a time for Americans to hold on to the truths of Scripture, not just hold the book up as a prop. The 200-year-old Christian ministry, which focuses on Bible access and engagement, issued a statement following President Donald Trumps recent photo opbrandishing a Bible in front of a Washington, DC, church as part of his response to the national protests over George Floyds deathsaying the holy text is more than a symbol. The society has launched a two-week-long free Bible giveaway on its website. In this time of pandemic fear and social isolation, in this time of racial injustice and senseless violence, in this time of economic uncertainty and generational pain, we should be careful not to use the Bible as a political symbol, one more prop in a noisy news cycle, said Whitney T. Kuniholm, senior vice president of the American Bible Society. Because, more than ever, we need to hear whats true. Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:24 NIV). Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (Ps. 23:4 KJV). Episcopal clergy presiding over the church where the president made an appearance Monday evening expressed outrage at the incident. They say they were caught off-guard by the visit. The president did not go inside the church, nor did he quote or read from the Bible during his remarks. He posed with the book in front of the building. To Sattler College historian Aaron Griffith, the move appeared deliberate. It might seem strange, but it all fits together for him and his supporters. While some of the presidents evangelical backers applauded Trumps response, which came amid ongoing protests in cities nationwide, others said this use of the Bible felt manipulative or disrespectful. Some likened it to when he signed Bibles during a visit to an Alabama church rallying for tornado relief. Kuniholms statement brought up other political uses of Scripture, as it referenced John Quincy Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Dorothy Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. and leaders of all political stripes (who) have solemnly held up the Bible and used it as inspiration in our most difficult moments. Why do Americans turn to the Bible in times of national trauma? he said. Because the Bible is more than a symbol. While ABS works with a global network of Bible champions to translate, distribute, and promote the Word, its work has taken on more evangelical distinctives in recent years, including a growing focus on Bible engagement and literacy. Historian John Fea chronicles what he sees as a shift from ecumenical to evangelical in his 2016 book The Bible Cause: A History of the American Bible Society. At the start of last year, ABS began requiring staff to sign a statement of faith, affirming that the Bible provides authoritative guidance for my faith and conduct, including sex and marriage. The ABS president at the time said the understanding of Scripture required of their employees would not restrict who they reach: We remain committed to making the Bible available to anyone who needs it, regardless of alignment on these values. ABS moved its headquarters from New York to Philadelphia five years ago and plans to open a history museum, called the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center, next year on the citys Independence Mall. ABS celebrates its American history connections, saying it was established by a team of renowned patriots including John Jay, the first Supreme Court justice; Francis Scott Key, who wrote The Star-Spangled Banner; and Elias Boudinot, one of the Founding Fathers. The International Space Station has two new NASA astronauts after the SpaceX Crew Dragon arrived on Sunday. The newly-expanded Expedition 63 crew will now be ramping up microgravity research in the coming days and weeks. NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken are getting up to speed with space station systems and operations on their first full day as Expedition 63 crewmates. The duo is also unpacking the Crew Dragon vehicle today and integrating its systems with the space station. The duo joined NASA Commander Chris Cassidy, who has been on orbit since April 9, for a news conference today and talked about the historical nature of the first crewed Dragon mission. Hurley and Behnken, who each flew on two space shuttle missions, also described the differences between the Dragon crew ship and the now-retired shuttles. Cassidy primarily spent Monday on ongoing lab maintenance activities. The veteran astronaut, who also flew on two previous shuttle missions, serviced research hardware and plumbing gear throughout Monday. The two Roscosmos cosmonauts, Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner, focused on science and routine operations in the Russian segment of the orbiting lab. They joined their NASA crewmates in the morning to review Crew Dragon emergency procedures. Afterward, the duo explored advanced Earth photography techniques and ways to improve space exercise. On-Orbit Status Report SpaceX Demo-2 Launch: This weekend, marked the historic launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken on NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 mission. The vehicle successfully launched from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, May 30 at 2:22pm CT. Crew Dragon successfully docked to the International Space Station on Sunday, May 31 at 9:27 am CT. Payloads Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF): The crew made the appropriate gas line and valve configuration changes to transition ELF for Argon use. The NASA Round Robin experiment, which begins later this week, will use Argon during the sample processing in the ELF facility. The Round Robin - Thermophysical Property Measurement (Round Robin) investigation provides researchers with a better understanding of how to measure liquid metal properties to revolutionize how process modeling can support design, flight qualification and production of advanced spaceflight systems. JEM Airlock (JEMAL): The crew assisted with the depressurization of the JEMAL. This is part of the ops needed to prepare for the installation of the external JAXA iSIM experiment in the coming weeks. The integrated Standard Imager for Microsatellites (iSIM), is a high-resolution optical binocular telescope developed by SATLANTIS. The objective of this experiment is to demonstrate the technology, and its functionality, in the low-Earth orbit environment. The ISS Experience: The ground successfully transferred the files from this weekend's recording. They also elected to perform some troubleshooting on connectivity issues they've been experiencing with the Station Support Computer (SSC) used for the data transfer. The ISS Experience creates a virtual reality film documenting daily life aboard the ISS. The 8 to 10 minute videos created from footage taken during the six-month investigation cover different aspects of crew life, execution of science aboard the station, and the international partnerships involved. The ISS Experience uses a Z-CAM V1 Pro Cinematic Virtual Reality (VR) 360-degree camera with nine 190 fisheye lenses. Systems H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)9 Cargo Operations: Today, the crew performed HTV9 cargo transfer operations and will continue to work on HTV9 cargo operations throughout the week. Crew Dragon Arrival Operations: The crew performed several activities to configure the vehicle for post-docking operations. The crew performed a communication check between the Crew Dragon and Soyuz vehicle. They transferred a payload locker from Crew Dragon to ISS and transferred emergency response equipment from ISS to Crew Dragon. The Crew Dragon is now configured for safe haven response. Finally, all USOS crew participated in a debrief conference which allowed the team to provide comments and discuss feedback concerning the Demo-2 mission to date. Crew Dragon Cargo Operations: The crew began cargo transfer operations by unloading cargo from Crew Dragon. There are approximately 2 hours remaining to unpack and transfer cargo to the ISS. Completed Task List Activities: 62S Handover Questionnaire ARED Platform Pictures Connector Pliers Restock Cobalt Brick Stow Station Support Computer (SSC20) Relocate to Lab HTV9 Fruits Video SSC1 Cyrillic Decal Application Today's Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. SSRMS Transfer of External Pallet 8 to HTV Video Support for Robotics Ops ATS PPL Load Look Ahead Plan Tuesday, 6/2 (GMT 154) Payloads: CIR/ACME Mass Flow Controller and Ignitor Replace Systems: EHS TOCA WRS Analysis and Data Record Safe Haven Demo HTV Cargo Review & Conference ECLS PEPS Inspect Dragon Cargo Unpack Wednesday, 6/3 (GMT 155) Payloads: Electrolysis Measurement Setup and Sample Exchange Hourglass SD Card Swap Plant Habitat-02 Dual MWA Preparation Systems: Emergency Mask Review OBT EHS PWD Water Collect OBT ISS Emergency Hardware Familiarization CEVIS & ARED Crew Handover Thursday, 6/4 (GMT 156) Payloads: CIR Manifold Bottle Exchange ELF Round Robin Sample Install Electrolysis Measurement Sample Exchange Plant Habitat-02 Systems: EVA SOP R&R HTV Cargo Ops Today's Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. SpX-CREW DRAGON Emergency Response Review Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain/Fill & Process Reorganize Dragon Supplies after Docking SCENARIO. Observation and photography using the camera Dragon Locker Remove PROFILAKTIKA-2. Health check of electro-pneumatic unit from [-01-] set JEM Airlock Depressurization Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fills Transfer Crew Dragon Trash to ISS Nikon camera sync with station time Monitoring mpeg2 TV-image on Central Post SSC laptop (without broadcasting video to MCC) Dragon MegaHEPA Seals Install DM2 Locker Install Emergency Equipment Transfer Monitoring Condition of RS Hull Structural Surfaces Using -2K Multipurpose Eddy Current Device - preparation Recharging Iridium EXTREME 9575 phone in Soyuz 745 Use Automated Emer Comm to Configure for Voice Checks Internal Audio Subsystem (IAS) Audio Checkout between Dragon and ISS Voice Check between Soyuz 745 and Dragon (SpX Demo-2) Electrostatic Levitation Furnace(ELF) Argon gas Preparation JEM Airlock Vent Emergency Stowage Debrief JEM Airlock Vent Confirmation POIC Overview OBT VIZIR. Photo image coordinate referencing system (-) Session PCS Demonstration of capabilities in Dragon [ABORTED] Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) Gas Bottle Unit (GBU) valve closing Restoring SM panel 134 Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) - Node 2 Dragon Forward Docking Kit Stow Onboard Training (OBT) Dragon Debrief Conference TERMINATOR. Deinstall from the window, closeout ops with Terminator-Nadir PL ISS Experience Hardware Stow Transfer Operations - Pack and stow items on HTV URAGAN. Installation and activation of SOVA scientific hardware and photographic equipment USOS Window Shutter Close Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. A nti-racism protesters hurled temporary barriers and glass bottles at the gates of Downing Street and riot police were deployed as skirmishes continued into Wednesday night. Crowds had flocked to Hyde Park at 1pm on Wednesday before marching towards Parliament in protest against discrimination in the UK. But after a peaceful start to the day, physical altercations broke out as tensions rose outside the Prime Minister's residence later in the day. As chaos escalated, two men were arrested outside Downing Street on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and violent disorder, Scotland Yard said. The crowds were not deterred and just before 10pm some protesters pulled down a line of temporary barriers outside Downing Street. Plastic and glass bottles were then thrown at the metal gates outside No 10. Police scuffle with anti-racism protesters in Westminster 1 /32 Police scuffle with anti-racism protesters in Westminster A protestor kneels in front of police officers in riot hemlets as he appeals for calm to his fellow protestors AFP via Getty Images Police officers in riot helmets walk along Whitehall AFP via Getty Images Police officers in riot helmets walk along Whitehall AFP via Getty Images Police officers in riot helmets reacts as protestors attempt to stop a police van leaving AFP via Getty Images Police officers in riot helmets reacts as protestors attempt to stop a police van leaving AFP via Getty Images Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Protestors scuffle with Police officers near the entrance to Downing Street AFP via Getty Images Protesters and police officers clash near Downing Street Reuters Police officers react after protestors pushed through barriers AFP via Getty Images Officers attempt to detain a protester AFP via Getty Images Protesters interact with police officers near Downing Street in London AP Protesters sit on what appears to be a vandalised van next to the Cenotaph Getty Images Police officers detain a protester following a clash near Downing Street during a "Black Lives Matter" protes Reuters Police officers detain a protester following a clash near Downing Street during a "Black Lives Matter" protes Reuters Officers attempt to detain a protester AFP via Getty Images Protesters are held back by police Getty Images Police officers react as an orange peel is thrown at them AFP via Getty Images Protesters are faced by a line of police AP A protester wearing a t-shirt with fake blood Getty Images Officers attempt to detain protesters AFP via Getty Images Officers stationed in No 10 tried to return the temporary barriers to their original position but had to quickly retreat back inside when more bottles were thrown. Protesters then picked up the temporary barriers and threw them at the gates, with more objects thrown in the direction of police. Some of the temporary barriers were also used by protesters to block off Whitehall. Later a number of police vans descended on the area with social media footage showing officers using batons to try and ward off advancing demonstrators. Meanwhile, a protestor was seen kneeling in front of riot police in the middle of the fray as he appealed for calm from his fellow protesters. Earlier in the evening, a group of protesters climbed up onto the window sills on the outside of the Treasury building, where they chanted and held placards. A protestor was seen kneeling in front of riot police in the middle of the fray as he appealed for calm from his fellow protesters. / AFP via Getty Images Crowds also descended on police who were wearing helmets and holding batons outside of the Cabinet Office, which has been daubed with BLM in black paint Both plastic and glass bottles were thrown in the direction of officers, with some objects striking the back of the police van. Officers then formed a line outside Downing Street as protesters, some on bikes, chanted, before more police vans arrived. More than 10 Metropolitan Police territorial support group vans gathered at Parliament Square at around 9pm. A group of protesters knelt in front of the vans, chanting let us live and holding up their placards. The demonstrations were organised in response to the death of African-American man George Floyd in Minneapolis. George Floyd Hyde Park Protest - In pictures 1 /106 George Floyd Hyde Park Protest - In pictures People climb on the Winston Churchill statue during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn People march holding banners during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd AP Protesters kneel as they stop briefly in Parliament Square AP Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest in London Nigel Howard Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Nigel Howard Protesters are accompanied by police officers as they march during a demonstration AP Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn People march holding banners during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd AP Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn Protesters shout during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People climb on the Winston Churchill statue during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn Black Lives Matter protest march Jeremy Selwyn People march holding banners during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest march Jeremy Selwyn People wearing face masks march with banners in Park Lane during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Aerial of Black Lives Matter protest march to Parliament Square Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration AFP via Getty Images Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration AFP via Getty Images Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images Protesters march as they take part in a London demonstration AP People wearing face masks march with banners in Park Lane during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors wearing face masks as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, march during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images Protestors, some wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) including face masks as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, hold placards during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images John Boyega speaks during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Aerial view of protest at Hyde Park Sky News A man and a woman hold hands aloft in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter" protest REUTERS People hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters A woman reacts in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London Nigel Howard People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London PA REUTERS Protesters adjust a face mask ahead of a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn People hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis Reuters Aerial view of protest at Hyde Park Sky News Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images A person shouts into a megaphone in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA People observe social distancing as they participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London PA Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA Protesters hold up placards AP People hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Nigel Howard People gather ahead of the Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London, in memory of George Floyd PA Stewards direct people as they begin to gather ahead of the Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London PA Protesters wear face masks as they hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protesters wear face masks and observe social distancing during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd John Dunne People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA A protester wears a face mask displaying the words "I can't breathe" during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People wearing face masks hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Protesters gather AP Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn People wearing face masks and holding banners march in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters A protester wearing a face mask holds a sign saying 'I can't breathe' during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protesters take part in a demonstration at Hyde Park AP People wearing a face mask hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protesters hold up placards as people gather AP A woman wearing a face mask with a "Justice For Belly Mujinga" message is seen in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuter Protesters hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protests, some violent, have spread across the US after a white police officer was filmed kneeling on the neck of Mr Floyd for minutes. The 46-year-old later died in police custody. While London's demonstration was, for the most part, peaceful, skirmishes started breaking out by Downing Street at around 5pm. Witnesses said a protester fell over the police barricades by Downing Street, sparking mayhem. But freelance journalist Mattha Busby, who filmed the choas and said it was unclear exactly what started things. Stratfords close ties with China are once again helping in Warwickshires battle against coronavirus, with further donations of PPE arriving from the city of Fuzhou. Over recent years ties between Stratford and Fuzhou have grown closer, with officials from Stratford District Council and other town organisations visiting China and vice versa. During the UKs struggles with coronavirus, officials from Fuzhou contacted district council chairman Christopher Kettle offering help by donating PPE. The offer was accepted and since the crisis first hit, 35,000 masks, 200 disposable protective suits and 5,000 pairs of protective gloves have arrived from China, items which the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) is putting to good use. Cllr Kettle said: We are very grateful to our friends in the Municipal Government of Fuzhou for this very generous and supportive offer during our ongoing health crisis. It is further evidence of the benefit of the relationships Stratford has been building with Fuzhou over the past five years. Glen Burley, chief executive at SWFT, said: I want to say a huge thank you to Fuzhou and Meishan for their generous donation of personal protective equipment in such a crucial time for the NHS. With their support, we are able to continue providing essential care to our patients in hospital and in the community, while keeping them and our staff safe during these unprecedented times. We are extremely grateful and would like to also thank Stratford District Council for their support. Lebanese anti-government protesters wearing protective gear amid the Covid-19 pandemic lift placards demanding the implementation of United Nations resolutions including the disarmament of armed groups in the country, during a demonstration in the capital Beirut, on May 30, 2020. The Lebanese government is "not under any illusion that the coming months are going to be easy for anybody," the advisor to Prime Minister Hassan Diab on financial affairs, George Chalhoub told CNBC's Hadley Gamble on Tuesday. Lebanon is seeking a $10 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund which the government hopes could help bring the country's ailing economy back from the brink. Chalhoub told CNBC that discussions are still "at least probably a few weeks to a month" away from completion. "Negotiations have been very open, very candid. And I would say probably there is a certain sense of cautious optimism on our part. It seems like there is a little bit of give-and-take between the negotiating team in Lebanon and the IMF team," said Chalhoub. However, a former minister of economy and trade said it was not realistic to expect the process to be completed so soon, noting that a number of laws need to be passed. "And parliament, in the middle of this crisis, is going into recess until October," said Nasser Saidi, president of Nasser Saidi & Associates. "What you need is Lebanon to be in crisis mode. Both government and parliament need to be in crisis mode." The IMF loan, along with $11 billion pledged by international donors at the 2018 CEDRE conference in Paris would force Lebanon to pass austerity measures and restructure both foreign and domestic debt. The country currently has a debt-to-GDP ratio of over 150%. As part of these reforms, the government has said it will aim for an exchange rate of 3,500 to the U.S. dollar. The Lebanese pound, which has been pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1997, has lost more than half of its value since October. Saidi told CNBC's "Capital Connection" on Wednesday that he doesn't think approval will be granted very quickly. "It will be a hard path to convince the IMF and the international community that Lebanon's politicians and government are able to implement reform." Italy has bestowed the country's highest honour on 57 health workers who fought coronavirus, including a nurse who went viral after being pictured slumped from exhaustion on her desk. The group, who also included doctors and scientists, were named as Knights of Merit of the Republic by president Sergio Mattarella on Tuesday. They were rewarded for being 'particularly distinguished in the service of the community during the coronavirus emergency.' In March, the country surpassed China to become the epicentre of the pandemic in after an explosion of cases in its northern Lombardy region. There were shocking scenes in the country's hospitals as medics were overwhelmed by thousands of people needing treatment in intensive care. Nurse Elena Pagliarini, 43, became a symbol of the Italian health workers' efforts when a picture of her asleep still in her gloves, masks, scrubs and headgear at a Cremona hospital was heavily shared in March. Italy has bestowed the country's highest honour on 57 health workers who fought coronavirus, including nurse Elena Pagliarini, 43, who went viral after being pictured slumped from exhaustion on her desk Five days after the photograph was taken the nurse tested positive for coronavirus but then recovered and returned to work. Also honoured were doctors Annalisa Malara and Laura Ricevuti who were the first to treat Italy's first coronavirus patient. Italy slowed the spread of COVID-19 after imposing one of the strictest lockdowns seen on the continent on March 9. The Government shut parks and only allowed people to venture within a few hundred metres of their door for essential exercise or food shopping. Italians faced questioning, fines and even prison sentences if they were found outdoors without valid reason. The group, who also included doctors and scientists, were named as Knights of Merit of the Republic by president Sergio Mattarella during a visit on Tuesday to Codogno, the epicentre of Italy's coronavirus outbreak They were rewarded for being 'particularly distinguished in the service of the community during the coronavirus emergency' The country has suffered just over 33,000 deaths and is now reporting less than 100 fatalities a day as the outbreak fizzles out. On Wednesday, Italy re-opened regional and international borders in what was the final phase of easing its long coronavirus lockdown. Families and loved ones separated by the global pandemic could finally reunite but normality remains a long way off. Italy is the first European country to fully open its international borders, dropping the 14-day quarantine requirement for visitors. But most European nations see Italy's move - which aims to boost its collapsed yet critical tourism industry - as premature. Many of them are moving to open only on June 15 - and some even much later than that. Ms Pagliarini became a symbol of the Italian health workers' efforts when a picture of her asleep still in her gloves, masks, scrubs and headgear at a hospital in Northern Italy was heavily shared in March. Five days after the photograph was taken the nurse tested positive for coronavirus Italy also resumed high-speed train service between regions for the first time since the lockdown in early March, checking departing passengers' temperatures as they accessed the tracks. After recovering from her coronavirus battle, Ms Pagliarini said: 'I can't wait to get back.' The picture of Ms Pagliarini was published by industry website Nurse Times, and shared around the globe. Still wearing her face mask and surgical gown the photo spoke of the Italian hospitals 'overwhelmed' by the crisis. A fellow medic who took the picture said: 'We are all tested in body and mind, seeing all those sick people, asking for help with our eyes. 'We started at 8pm. We had been working tirelessly for over ten hours. 'I saw Elena rest five minutes after hours spent running from one patient to another, trying to help yet another patient who came with a fever and respiratory failure.' NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2020 / These days, every step you make needs credit. Do you want to move somewhere new? You have to prove you have good credit. Are you thinking of getting your dream car? Show you have good credit. Do you want a job that pays well? You guessed it; you need good credit. The journey to getting a perfect credit score might be bumpy. However, putting your faith in companies like Aspire Score Inc. will give you the guarantee of a life changed for the better. Aspire Score's mission is to improve its customers' credit by providing affordable credit score optimization programs tailor-made around their needs. As opposed to the months that many competitors take to benefit your credit slightly, Aspire Score Inc. takes a maximum of 45 days to see a full return on your investment. Customers see results in as little as 2 to 3 business days. The company and teams work to ensure that they receive results at a higher pace. Plus, all actions are backed by a legal contract to ensure safety. The company is a labor of love by the founder and CEO, Michael Perfetti. Building a credit repair company from the ground up was a dream for him. His ambitions drove him to be the best in the industry, despite all the stress, negativity, and lack of support from his loved ones. He did once attempt to follow the typical path of life. He went to college to spend four years there and earn a degree, but he quickly realized he cut out for that sort of lifestyle. So he dropped out. At the age of 20, he's had experience in collection agencies, automotive sales, and finance. It is this experience that led him to have a vast understanding of finance at such a young age. And it is this experience that gave him the push to try and aim for success. It didn't come easy, of course. He had to juggle personal loans and his credit card debt, and all this put him at risk of bankruptcy, possibly destroying his credit line for the rest of his life. But he pushed through it, and he came out victorious. So now he knows how firsthand important it is to have a good credit score. This experience is why Michael personally speaks to every client. He aims to understand their situation and learn previous issues that need fixing. Speaking with clients allows him to not only understand his clients but also build a personal relationship. He also gets to watch everyone obtain the financial goals they set out to reach. This personal take on credit repair is what sets them apart from their competitors. You can trust them to take care of your credit needs because it's evident that they care. So whatever it is you need, contact them now to start your credit journey! To get to know more about Michael Perfetti and what he does, you may give him a call on 714-742-0403 or send him an email at michaelperfetti20@gmail.com. SOURCE: Aspire Score Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/592559/Aspire-Score-Inc-Sets-Itself-Apart-from-Other-Credit-Repair-Companies-by-Being-a-Company-That-Cares Brandon Porras returned home after undergoing his 4th heart surgery which was done in Dallas. Many lined up to welcome him back home. We spoke to Brandons Mom and Brother about how he is doing. Jessica Porras told CBS7: Say thank you to everyone for the prayers. Brandon replied: Thank you for the prayers. Jessica added: Tell everyone thank you for praying and for welcoming me home. Brandon said: for welcoming me home. Adan Sauceda, Brandons brother told CBS7: Thank you for coming out and supporting Brandon. It means a lot to our family. As they pulled into town, many were along the side of the road with posters cheering the family on. Welcome home Brandon. Militants Killed Srinagar: Three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants, including an IED expert, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, a Defence spokesman said. Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in the area following information about the presence of militants there. Advertisement Militants killedAfter laying the cordon in the area, announcements were made for the militants to surrender, but they fired upon the security forces, defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said. "Three terrorists of JeM have been killed in Kangan Pulwama operation," the spokesman said, adding, one of the militants was an IED expert. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 09:02 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbaeb50 1 Business village-fund,cash-aid,COVID-19 Free The government aims to complete the disbursement of the BLT Dana Desa (village funds unconditional cash transfers) to around 8 million families this week, as a part of its efforts to protect households at greater risk of falling into poverty amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Minister Abdul Halim Iskandar said on Tuesday that 73 percent of the total 74,953 villages in the country had channeled some Rp 3.48 trillion (US$242 million) in cash assistance to around 5.8 million families so far. The remaining 27 percent of villages, on the other hand, had yet to distribute the money because of, among other reasons, the sluggish process of data synchronization at the upper administration level. The minister has therefore instructed the villages simply to disburse the money to the families they had already identified to expedite the process. "I've instructed the villages to rapidly channel the funding, and subsequently submit the data on the beneficiaries to cities or regencies," Abdul said. The central government estimates that 3 million to 5.23 million Indonesians may lose their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, while some 1.89 million to 4.89 million people may fall below the poverty line as the health crisis brings economic activity to a standstill. It plans to increase spending on village fund cash assistance to Rp 31.8 trillion after previously allocating Rp 21.2 trillion. The government will provide Rp 600,000 per month for three months to families that meet certain criteria, such as having a family member who has lost their job and not having received assistance via the Family Hope Program (PKH) or the staple-food card program. An additional Rp 300,000 may be provided to families for another three months. When we look back at the pandemic in a few years time, might we marvel that a momentous decision was made by the Government on another issue without anyone considering its consequences? Boris Johnson yesterday landed in the pages of The Times with an article promising a route to British citizenship for up to three million people living in Hong Kong who, at the moment, have a right to British National (Overseas) passports. This was a generous and honourable thing to do. China is threatening to impose a new security law on the former British colony, which would bring it under the heel of Beijing. Many Hong Kong inhabitants would find living under an autocratic regime intolerable. Boris Johnson yesterday landed in the pages of The Times with an article promising a route to British citizenship for up to three million people living in Hong Kong who, at the moment, have a right to British National (Overseas) passports. Pictured: At the Downing Street coronavirus press conference last night Like others in the Tory Party, Mr Johnson feels guilty that more was not done to protect Hong Kongers when the territory was handed back to China in 1997, though it was supposed to retain a large degree of autonomy until 2047. Those freedoms have been whittled away, and may soon be consigned to history. Lets be in no doubt that the Prime Ministers undertaking amounts to a major commitment which dwarfs the sudden admission of some 27,000 Ugandan Asians in 1972 on the run from the tyrant Idi Amin. They proved to be of great benefit to the economy. As a result of the Prime Ministers offer, it is theoretically possible that hundreds of thousands indeed, millions of Hong Kong Chinese could choose to settle here in the foreseeable future, if Beijing continues to clamp down. Beijing's spokesperson Zhao Lijian (pictured) lodged stern representations with the UK as he accused Britain of 'blindly commenting on and grossly interfering in our domestic affairs' yesterday Do the British people want this to happen? Could our creaking infrastructure, and hard-pressed schools and hospitals, cope with such an influx? What about housing? There is a dire shortage of homes as it is, which would only be made worse by a new wave of immigration. My strong suspicion is that neither the Prime Minister nor the Cabinet has had the time or inclination to give much, if any, thought to these questions in the midst of a pandemic. Not for the first time, Boris is thinking with his heart. On the whole though not without some reservations, which Ill come to later Im on his side. Honour is important in politics. Even at this late stage, we shouldnt abandon our former colonial subjects to an increasingly brutal and nasty regime. People wearing protective face masks hold placards as they attend a candlelight vigil ahead of the 31st anniversary of the crackdown of pro-democracy protests at Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989, after police rejects a mass annual vigil on public health grounds, in Hong Kong last night Back in the late 1980s, the Tory hierarchy was unwilling to countenance mass immigration from Hong Kong. Norman Tebbit, who was one of Margaret Thatchers key lieutenants, feared in 1989 that Britain would be swamped by people of different culture, history and religion. He said this about six months after the Chinese regime had murdered an unknown number of demonstrators (probably several thousand) in the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing. Foreign Secretary Geoffrey Howe said something similar in milder terms at a lunch I attended around the same time. In his opinion, those who proposed throwing open our doors to the Hong Kong Chinese were naive, and didnt understand the British people. They would never put up with it. Thirty years later and after unprecedented levels of immigration from the EU and elsewhere which would have seemed inconceivable three decades ago No 10 has reached the opposite conclusion. The people of Hong Kong undoubtedly have a great deal to offer our economy. Its work force is highly trained and, according to international comparisons, better educated than its British counterpart. Though immigrants from the territory would need schools and hospitals like everyone else, they would very likely make an enormous contribution, and not represent any kind of drain. Hong Kong is a dynamic and entrepreneurial society with a per capita income 50 per cent greater than ours. Nor is it certain, if Chinese policies were to trigger a large-scale exodus, that a majority of Hong Kongers would want to come here. Countries such as Canada, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand would compete to attract well-trained, highly skilled and often well-funded immigrants. Its likely, by the way, that Beijing would be happy to see the back of them. It would have got rid of people it regards as dangerous malcontents, whose liberal yearnings could otherwise spread like a contagion to China itself. Hong Kongs separate identity would be erased. All in all, there are many reasons for thinking that granting nearly three million Hong Kong people eventual British citizenship could be a great boon as well as a resounding blow struck in the name of honour and decency. But there are dangers. What would happen if the situation in Hong Kong deteriorated so rapidly that hundreds of thousands of its citizens sought to come to Britain in a very short period of time? Unlikely, you may say, and it probably is. But projecting future immigration flows is a mugs game. If Boris has bothered to ask anyone in the Home or Foreign Office of the magnitude of a possible influx, he has almost certainly been given a wrong answer. A pro-democracy demonstrator raises his British National Overseas (BNO) passports during a protest against new national security legislation in Hong Kong on Monday Never forget that in 2004, when the Blair government gave the green light to immigration from Poland and seven other Eastern European states, it forecast a very modest annual number of migrants between 5,000 and 13,000. Within five years, nearly a million had arrived. Assuming the Prime Minister is sincere in the munificent offer he made in his article and there is no reason to suppose he isnt the Government would be wise to envisage the possibility of a torrent rather than a trickle. In short, a proper plan, rather than a well-intentioned gesture, is needed. Other countries should be involved, partly to put pressure on China to reconsider its security law (several voices are likely to be more effective than one), and partly to discuss how they might collectively provide a home for Hong Kongers, should it come to that. Will Boris Johnsons undeniably provocative initiative induce the Chinese government to calm down? I rather doubt it. Beijing's rubber-stamp parliament last week approved a national security law to ban what it deems as 'subversion, treason and foreign interference' in Hong Kong. Pictured, protesters march again Beijing's plans to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong on May 24 Beijings immediate angry response accompanied by the usual claptrap about Britains colonial mindset doesnt suggest an imminent capitulation. The Prime Ministers enemies on the Left often scatter accusations against him of racism and heartlessness. Id say his proposal of ultimate British citizenship for up to three million Hong Kong Chinese amounts to pretty incontrovertible evidence of how unjustified such charges are. Its worth noting that Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Home Secretary Priti Patel are enthusiastically behind him. The formers Jewish father came to the UK in 1938 as a six-year-old from Czechoslovakia after the country had been partly absorbed by the Nazis. The latters parents both left Uganda in the 1960s. As for the wider Tory Party, Im pretty sure it harbours a degree of historical guilt over the refusal of the Thatcher administration to agree to significant immigration from Hong Kong in the late 1980s. That wrong should be put right if China continues along its present destructive path. But Boris mustnt forget the ill-will and unhappiness in many parts of the country caused by uncontrolled immigration during the first two decades of this century. For goodness sake, it was the resentment of these long-ignored people that, in large measure, led to Brexit. This time, if it comes to it, the Government must get it right. BUENOS AIRES, May 21 (Reuters) - Argentina said on Thursday that it would extend a deadline to June 2 for talks with creditors to restructure around $65 billion in foreign debt, which had been set to expire on Friday. The extension comes as Argentina faces a potential ninth sovereign default if it misses bond payments also due Friday. Officials and creditors have sent positive signals about the prospects of the broader restructuring deal. The offer deadline was previously postponed to May 22 after it failed to gain enough support from creditors, who are pushing for the South American country to improve the terms of the deal. (Reporting by Adam Jourdan and Nicolas Misculin; Editing by Dan Grebler) A large group of protesters lay down on a Washington D.C. street to repeat the words George Floyd said as he was pinned down by police officers, minutes before he died. The group lay down on Pennsylvania Avenue in the nation's capital and repeated the words "I can't breathe" before continuing with their march through D.C. Floyd died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pinned Floyd's neck down with his knee for nearly nine minutes as he was handcuffed and saying he couldn't breathe. He was unresponsive by the time medical personnel arrived at the scene. Police said they were responding to a report of a forgery in progress. Protesters chant I cant breathe! while lying down on Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 12th St. and Freedom Plaza outside the mayors office. #dcprotest pic.twitter.com/6o82CINuxC Michelle R. Martinelli (@MMartinelli4) June 3, 2020 It moved me, you know what Im saying? Everybody in sync, northern Virginia resident EB Mackee said about everyone chanting Floyd's words. Mackee added: Its a statement to lie down and say, I cant breathe! It gives you a visual of what its like for somebody to be there for nine minutes saying they cant breathe. So were just making statements. The Wednesday demonstration was part of a new day of protests in D.C. that started in near the White House, the scene of six days of demonstrations. Things got started with law enforcement officers cutting off the main protest area, near Lafayette Park and the White House. The move by police sent protesters along other paths in the city, which included walking towards Capitol Hill. Limiting the protest zone did not sit well with demonstrators who said that the authorities particularly President Donald Trump simply want to shut them down. Story continues "It's like they want to remove us permanently - they want us to go," said Selah Squalls, 19, of Alexandria, Va., a student at Jackson State University in Mississippi. More: DC mayor says using force on protesters outside White House before curfew is 'shameful' "It's crazy, it's abusive, it represents injustice to me it represents unfairness," she said. Wednesday is the sixth consecutive day of protests in D.C. as part of nationwide demonstrations that have gripped the attention of the country. Tuesday's protest in the city ended peacefully after a tumultuous Monday that saw officers clear a peaceful group from the White House with projectiles. Rev. Robert Fisher, rector of St. John's Church, speaks, Wednesday, June 3, 2020, down the block from the church that is across Lafayette Park from the White House in Washington. Squalls, who said she has been at the site throughout the week, said protesters were very near the White House on Friday ... got pushed back into Lafayette Park the next day ... then got pushed beyond the park earlier this week. Now, she noted, they have been moved north on 16th Street beyond St. John's Church. "I'm sure tomorrow we'll be pushed back even more," said Squalls, who attended the demonstration with her mother: Lawanda Squalls, 48, Alexandria, Va., a Washington, D.C. employee. Neither mother nor daughter blames law enforcement for the new restrictions - they blamed someone else. "It's not what they want to do it's what Trump wants to do," said Lawanda Squalls. "He wants this." Rev. Susan Wilder of Kirkwood Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Va., prays at the police line, with a Bureau of Prisons Special Operations Response Team member, as demonstrators gather to protest the death of George Floyd, Wednesday, June 3, 2020, near the White House in Washington. Antonio Jenkins, 26, a caregiver who lives in Washington, D.C., said he was attending his first demonstration and was disappointed he couldn't get close to the White House. He said he understood the need for security, but it feels like the government just wants to shut down the protests. "I feel like it violates our civil rights," Jenkins said. "It could be a necessary thing, because it is the White House ... But they're just doing it because it's a protest." "It's unnecessary," he said. Jenkins said he doesn't care about Trump, and doesn't think Trump cares about him. "It's just a mess,' Jenkins said. "This is a people's protest." A couple of blocks from the White House, a man stood just feet from a line of military police in riot gear and angrily confronted a black officer. Youre one of them, he screamed as the officer looked on stoically. But, you take that uniform off, youre one of us, he said. Youre black. More: 'I am outraged': DC bishop denounces Trump's church visit after police clear protesters with tear gas One man, wearing a mask, yelled at military police officers standing in a line to block part of the roadway. The unidentified man asked the officers if they could imagine standing still for nine minutes as somebody in custody died, a reference to the death of George Floyd. "Four people stood there and watched that man die and made sure that no one helped him while that murdering bastard squeezed the lift out of him. Can you stand there and watch that for nine minutes?" the man asked the officers. The same man told the officers he was "trying to appeal to your heart, your humanity. A protester talks to military police at the perimeter on 16th street, which has been expanded about half a block north toward Eye St. since last night. #dcprotest pic.twitter.com/nTLwBjnoAL Michelle R. Martinelli (@MMartinelli4) June 3, 2020 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser made a brief appearance Wednesday afternoon amid a group of protesters on 16th Street, just north of St. John's Church and Lafayette Park. She walked south toward a line of law enforcement officials shortly after 4:15 p.m. "We want people to peacefully protest," Bowser said. "Nobody wants anybody who's been doing destruction to be here, but people have grievances that must be heard." Asked to evaluate President Donald Trump's response to the protests so far, Bowser was succinct. "I think to insinuate or actually bring the United States military into an American city is unconscionable and maybe illegal," she said. Caryn Brandon and her fiance, Jeff Griner, stood just a few feet from a line of police officers in riot gear one block from Lafayette Park and held up large photos of George Floyd. Brandon, of Timonium, Md., said she has three sons. She said she told the officers I need to know and trust they will do right by my sons. I need to know my sons will not lose their lives because their skin is black at the hands of police officers who are sworn to serve them, she said Brandon said the officers did not respond, but she could tell that her message got through. They dont speak, she said. But they can feel. Protesters walked to the Capitol down Pennsylvania Ave. and have turned around to go to city hall. #dcprotest pic.twitter.com/hETneG5bLP Michelle R. Martinelli (@MMartinelli4) June 3, 2020 This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Floyd: DC protests continue on Wednesday Victims having to challenge delays to a Troubles pension through the courts shows how low politics in Northern Ireland has sunk, a former Secretary of State has said. The payments, worth up to 10,000 a year, have been delayed amid a stand-off between Belfast and London over who foots the 100m-plus bill. The scheme had been due to open for applications on May 29. Last night the Government insisted that delivering it was a matter for the Executive - a position that Stormont's leaders dispute. Campaigner Alan McBride has warned the Executive could be brought to court by victims for failing to implement the scheme. Lord Hain, a former Labour MP who served as Northern Ireland Secretary between 2005 and 2007, said the "shameful impasse" had left many victims devastated. Read More Speaking in the House of Lords last night, he said: "Elderly men and women permanently disabled through no fault of their own by terrorist attacks - some 50 years ago - are confined to wheelchairs, or on prosthetic limbs, or blinded, and live in permanent pain. And because of underlying medical conditions as a direct result of their injuries, they now also live in constant fear of contracting Covid-19. "They had been expecting a pension to help them better survive in the last period of their lives, backdated to the Stormont House Agreement of December 2014. "But then they discovered (last month), days before the scheme was due to commence, that nothing had been done. As you would expect they are devastated." Lord Hain added: "How can politics have sunk so low that a severely injured victim, maimed for life in a terrorist atrocity decades ago, has been forced to put the devolved administration on notice of judicial action to force it to honour its moral and legal obligations?" His intervention came as Victims Commissioner Judith Thompson penned an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Stormont Executive demanding a resolution to the "shameful stand-off". Mrs Thompson has also written to MPs across the UK to stress that the impact of the dispute is not confined to victims from Northern Ireland. She said victims had been let down again and their treatment by the authorities was "cruel, callous and insulting". "They are witnessing a failure to open the scheme and a disgraceful public debate between politicians in Northern Ireland and in Westminster over who should pay," she wrote. "It has become the ultimate insult to those victims and survivors who campaigned for years to be acknowledged, respected and valued. It is not good enough." After a long campaign for the support payments, which range from 2,000 to 10,000 a year depending on the severity of the injury, MPs passed legislation last year to establish the scheme. It was supposed to open to applications on May 29 but its future has been thrown into doubt amid a wrangle between Stormont and the Government over who pays. The Government has insisted it is a matter for the devolved administration to pay for out of its block grant. But Stormont's leaders say the scheme was legislated for at Westminster so that is where the funding should come from. Yesterday, Secretary of State Brandon Lewis came under pressure from a fellow Conservative MP on the issue. Simon Hoare, who chairs the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, said making immediate compensation payments to victims was a "moral imperative". He has written to Mr Lewis urging that a resolution be found. Mr Hoare described the situation as "deeply regrettable", adding that victims "should not be made to endure further delay". A Government spokesperson said: "The UK Government made legislation establishing a victims payments scheme in January - fulfilling its legal obligation. The Northern Ireland Executive must now deliver. "The Government understands the deep frustration of those who were injured in the Troubles and their families and remains extremely disappointed by the current delay. "The Secretary of State and his officials have been in regular contact with the Executive to support them in the progression of the scheme. "Discussions about funding are not preventing the Executive from being able to take vital steps to unlock its implementation, which it must do urgently." The Executive Office was contacted for comment. Viewpoint, page 24 [June 03, 2020] Texas Online Preparatory School to Celebrate Class of 2020 with Online Ceremony June 6 Texas Online Preparatory School (TOPS), an online public school serving students in grades 3-12 throughout the state, will celebrate the Class of 2020 during a virtual commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 6. In lieu of its annual in-person celebration, TOPS is inviting friends and family worldwide to join the festivities online, with live and recorded speeches from school leadership, students, and esteemed guests. "We are thrilled to be celebrating our graduating students this week," said TOPS Head of School Forrest Smith. "Even though we cannot come together to honor their achievements in person, I hope that each one of them is proud of reaching this milestone because we couldn't be prouder to call them TOPS alumni." This year, TOPS will graduate 346 students, many of whom have attended the online public school their entire high school career. Members of the TOPS Class of 2020 report plans to enter the workforce or join military service, and many have been accepted to trade schoos, colleges and universities across Texas and beyond, including: Baylor University, Kansas City Art Institute, Tarrant County Community College, Texas A&M, and The University of Texas - Austin. Collectively, the TOPS Class of 2020 reports having been awarded more than $1.2 million in higher education scholarships and awards. The class includes a National Merit Scholar finalist, and several students have been accepted to college and university honors programs. TOPS students access a robust online curriculum in the core subjects and a host of electives that prepare them for college and careers. Live online classes are taught by state-licensed teachers, who work closely with families and students to ensure academic success, encourage students to discover their passions, and empower them to reach their potential. Details of this week's graduation ceremony are as follows: WHAT: Texas Online Preparatory School 2020 Graduation Ceremony WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 2020, 6:00 PM CDT (News - Alert) WHERE: Register to view the graduation online here: https://tinyurl.com/TOPS2020Grad About Texas Online Preparatory School Texas Online Preparatory School (TOPS) is a public school that serves students statewide in grades 3-12. TOPS is tuition-free for Texas residents and is made possible through a partnership between Huntsville Independent School District and K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about TOPS, visit tops.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005080/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] HSBC has publicly supported the controversial new national security law which China is imposing on Hong Kong putting it at loggerheads with the UK Government. The bank, which is based in the UK but makes most of its money in Asia, signalled its support for China in a post on social media platform Wechat. It said that Peter Wong, the chief executive of HSBC's Asia business, had signed a petition in support of the law. HSBC, which is based in the UK but makes most of its money in Asia, signalled its support for China in a post on social media platform Wechat The post added: 'We reiterate that we respect and support laws and regulations that will enable Hong Kong to recover and rebuild the economy and, at the same time, maintain the principle of 'one country two systems'.' That principle has existed in Hong Kong since the territory was returned to Chinese sovereignty from British control in 1997. It allows Hong Kong to run its own government and legal and financial system, while ultimately remaining part of China. But the communist superpower now wants to impose new legislation on Hong Kong, which pro-democracy campaigners see as an unwelcome encroachment on independence. HSBC has been under pressure to confirm its support for the new law and its stance is contrary to the Government, which has offered almost 3m Hong Kong citizens the right to live and work in the UK. Joshua Wong, a prominent Hong Kong campaigner who has been arrested multiple times has urged the UK government to impose sanctions on China to force it to withdraw the legislation. The three cops who watched on as Minneapolis police officer George Chauvin knelt on George Floyd's neck will have their first court appearances Thursday afternoon on charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder. Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng and Tou Thao are set to appear at 12.45pm on Thursday. A televised memorial for Floyd in Minneapolis that will begin at 1pm. Initially, the officers were scheduled at appear at 1.30pm but the hearing was brought forward by 45 minutes. Lane and Thao were both processed at the city's Hennepin County jail shortly after 5pm Wednesday. Kueng had turned himself in at the same facility earlier in the afternoon. The trio now face a maximum sentence of 40 years behind bars after Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced their charges. Chauvin - who was originally charged with third-degree murder - has now been slapped with an additional charge of second-degree murder. He now also faces 40 years in prison. The three cops who watched on as Minneapolis police officer George Chauvin knelt on George Floyd's neck as he died are in custody after being charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. J.A. Kueng is pictured left, Thomas Lane is seen at right Tou Thao is pictured left, Derek Chauvin is seen at right. Chauvin was slapped with an additional second-degree murder charge Wednesday It comes after a week of global outrage and civil unrest across America during which millions called for the officers to be brought to justice. George Floyd mattered. His life had value and we will seek justice for him and for you and we will find it Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon: 'I strongly believe these developments are in the interest of justice for Mr Floyd, his family, this community and this state.' He said he did not allow public pressure to influence his decision and warned it would be 'months' before he and his team build a 'solid' enough case to go to trial. Another angle of the infamous video shows Chauvin with his knee on Floyd's neck and the three other cops right beside him in Minneapolis last Monday The updated complaint against Derek Chauvin that was filed on Wednesday afternoon charging him with second-degree murder Floyd, 46, (left) died last Monday after begging for his life for nearly nine minutes while Chauvin knelt on his neck and the other cops watched. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (right) announcing the charges on Wednesday afternoon A fatal shooting and lawsuit for excessive force: What we know about the four officers charged in George Floyd's murder Derek Chauvin Derek Chauvin The white police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck has already been investigated over three police shootings and a fatal car chase. In 2006 Derek Chauvin, 44, was one of six officers connected to the death of Wayne Reyes. Reyes, 42 was killed by officers after allegedly pulling a shotgun on the six cops, which included Chauvin. Two years later Chauvin was investigated for his role in the 2008 shooting of Ira Latrell Toles during a domestic assault call. Toles was wounded after police said he went for an officers gun and Chauvin shot him. And in 2011 23-year-old Leroy Martinez was shot and injured during a chase given by officers including Chauvin. Tou Thao Tou Thao Tou Thao, was part of a $25,000 out of court settlement after being sued for using excessive force in 2017. A lawsuit obtained by the DailyMail.com shows Thao was sued for using excessive force in arrest where he was accused of punching and kicking a handcuffed suspect 'until his teeth broke'. The remaining two officers Thomas Lane and J Alexander Kueng were reportedly rookie cops who were still in their probationary periods. Advertisement At his press conference, Ellison thanked the public for giving him time to bring the charges. 'I asked for time for to review all the evidence. The investigation is ongoing at this time. I know it's asking a lot of people to give us time and yet we did get that time. 'Together, a very strong experienced team, we reviewed the evidence and we have something to announce today. 'Thank you for the patience of the people they've shown me in pursuit of justice,' he said. He added that the case was under investigation and asked for anyone with evidence to come forward with it. 'We are investigating as quickly as we can and as thoroughly as we can. Every single link in the prosecutorial chain must be strong. 'Trying this case will not be an easy thing. 'I say this not because we doubt our resources or our ability but history does show there are clear challenges here and we are going to be working very hard to support that endeavor. 'To the Floyd family, I say: George Floyd mattered. His life had value and we will seek justice for him and for you and we will find it. 'The very fact that we have filed these charges means that we believe in it.' He warned the investigation would take 'months' and said he wanted to build a 'solid case' and not rush a trial. 'It will take a while and I can't set a deadline on that, he said. Ellison added that the charges being brought should not bring an end to the global outrage over injustice that Floyd's death has caused. 'A protest can shake a tree and make the fruit fall down but after that fruit is in reach, collecting it and making the jam must follow. 'The demonstrations and protests are dramatic and necessary but building just institutions is more of a slow grind. We have to begin that work now,' he said. The Floyd family called the charges a 'bittersweet moment'. They wanted Chauvin to be hit with first-degree murder charges. All four cops were fired when the video surfaced last week but the three others were not charged initially, to the dismay of Floyd and protesters around the world who say they complicit because they did nothing to prevent Floyd's death. The case was taken out of the hands of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman and handed over to Minnesota AG Keith Ellison earlier this week after a groundswell of outrage over how the case had been handled to date. Quincy Mason Floyd, George Floyd's son, (center) kneels at the spot where he died last Monday Quincy kneeling at the site where his father died on Wednesday afternoon George Floyd's adult son Quincy Mason Floyd (pictured center) visited the site where his father died in Minneapolis last Monday The site where Floyd was killed has now become a tribute to him. His brother Terrence is shown crying as he visits on Monday Protesters descended on the White House again on Wednesday as peaceful demonstrations continued around the world On Tuesday night NYPD officers blocked 5,000 Brooklyn protesters from entering Manhattan during the second night of the city's curfew Timeline: George Floyd's death at the hands to Minneapolis police sparks nationwide protests The death of Floyd, 46, (pictured) prompted several protests across the country Monday, May 25 Cell phone video shows George 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. 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. Tuesday, May 26 Four Minneapolis officers involved in the incident, including Chauvin and Tou Thao, are fired. Minnesota Mayor Jacob Frey says it is 'the right call'. As calls mount for the cops to face murder charges, the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension launch an investigation. That night, the first of several protests over Floyd's death take place in Minneapolis, with protesters shouting: 'I can't breathe!' Wednesday, May 27 Protests continue into a second night in Minneapolis and spread nationwide to Los Angeles and Memphis, Tennessee. As anger mounts, the protests become violent with one person in Minneapolis shot dead, stores are looted and buildings are set on fire. It is revealed Chauvin been subject to at least 12 conduct reports since 2001. Thursday, May 28 A third night of protests with demonstrations in Minneapolis, Memphis, Louisville, Phoenix, New York City and Columbus, Ohio. Protesters burn down the Third Precinct building while 500 National Guards are dispatched to the riots in Minneapolis. At least 70 New Yorkers are arrested after clashing with the NYPD. Protesters in Ohio breached the city's courthouse and shots were fired at the Colorado State Capitol. Friday, May 29 President Trump blasts radial left Mayor Frey and warned thugs that when the looting starts, the shooting starts on Twitter. The phrase comes from former Miami Police Chief Walter Headley in 1967 when referring to slum hoodlums who he believed took advantage of the Civil Rights Movement. Trump warned on Twitter that 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' Twitter flags Trumps tweet for violating its rules about glorifying violence. It comes mere days after the president was fact-checked, sparking a row with the social media giant. Black CNN Reporter Omar Jimenez is arrested on live TV while reporting on the riots in Minneapolis Officer Chauvin is charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter over Floyd's death. Mayor Frey declares a nighttime curfew in Minneapolis that begins Friday at 8pm and extends until 6am Saturday. President Trump is reportedly rushed to the White House's underground bunker and Secret Service and George Floyd protesters clash. Saturday, May 30 At least 25 cities impose emergency curfews as protests and demonstrations continue into the weekend. 11 states and the District of Columbia activate the National Guard as tensions flare. The National Guard is deployed to Los Angeles amid protests - the first time in nearly 20 years since the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. The National Guard is activated at the White House as Secret Service agents struggle control demonstrators in Washington D.C. Sunday, May 31 At least five people are killed during protests in Indianapolis, Chicago, Oakland, Detroit and Oakland as around 140 cities hold a sixth night of protests. Federal Protective Services Officer Patrick Underwood is shot dead outside a federal courthouse during late night demonstrations. The historic St. John's church, built in 1816, is set ablaze near the White House in Washington D.C. as more than 50 Secret Service agents are injured. At least 40 cities impose emergency curfews in light of riots, violence and looting. Trump announces on Twitter that he will designate Antifa, a loose but radical far-left group, as a terrorist organization after blaming them for protest violence. The daughter of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Chiara de Blasio, 25, is arrested during a George Floyd protest in Manhattan. More than 250 people are arrested in New York City as six NYPD officers are injured and looters target luxury stores in SoHo. George Floyd and Black Lives Matter protests have spread internationally, with demonstrations in London and Berlin. Derek Chauvin is moved to one of the US's most secure prisons ahead of his first court appearance on June 8. Monday, June 1 Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison takes over the investigation and vows to carry out a complete overhaul of the evidence to examine whether the three other cops should face charges, and if Chauvin should face increased charges. Tuesday, June 2 Ellison says he needs more time but that an announcement will be made soon and that his team is working round the clock. In the meantime, violent looting in NYC marred thousands of peaceful protests Wednesday, June 3 All four officers now face charges. Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng and Tou Thao are all charged with aiding and abetting second degree murder. They have also been charged with second degree aiding and abetting manslaughter. Chauvin also has his charge upgraded to 2nd degree murder. Advertisement Ellison's office vowed to carry out a full overhaul of the investigation, including whether Chauvin's charges should be upgraded from third-degree murder to first-degree murder. The new development came as Floyd's adult son - Quincy Mason Floyd - visited the site where his father died. Crump also told reporters that he'd been informed a decision on the case had been reached. Both Chauvin and Thao had been complained about for their use of force in the past. Tou Thao, was part of a $25,000 out of court settlement after being sued for using excessive force in 2017. A lawsuit obtained by the DailyMail.com shows Thao was sued for using excessive force in an arrest where he was accused of punching and kicking a handcuffed suspect 'until his teeth broke'. In 2006 Derek Chauvin, 44, was one of six officers connected to the death of Wayne Reyes. Reyes, 42 was killed by officers after allegedly pulling a shotgun on the six cops, which included Chauvin. Two years later Chauvin was investigated for his role in the 2008 shooting of Ira Latrell Toles during a domestic assault call. Toles was wounded after police said he went for an officers gun and Chauvin shot him. And in 2011 23-year-old Leroy Martinez was shot and injured during a chase given by officers including Chauvin. Lane and Keung are reportedly rookies. The announcement on Wednesday comes after more than a week of civil unrest across the United States which has seen thousands of peaceful protests, a social media blackout in the name of racial justice, and out-of-control looting and violence. The unrest began last week in Minneapolis - where Floyd was killed - but it quickly spread across the nation and sparked conversations of police brutality and racial inequality around the world. Floyd was accused of using a forged $20 bill to pay for something when the police were called on him. The 46-year-old father begged for his life as Chauvin knelt on his neck without flinching. The three other cops held Chauvin restrain him despite him pleading for breath and saying his chest and neck hurt. A video of the incident that was filmed by disgusted bystanders went viral and sparked the investigation into the police officers. Initially, they were only fired. Chauvin was then charged but unsatisfied critics demanded the others be brought to justice. President Trump has been widely criticized for his response to the national row which has to been to order governors to take a tougher stance in their handling of the crisis. He has been urging Governors to utilize the military and take as tough a stance as possible. Earlier this week, he hid in a bunker in the White House as protesters threw objects at Secret Service agents. He then had protesters cleared with tear gas to walk over to a church in Washington DC for a photo-opp. Trump was particularly critical of New York City which he said was 'totally out of control. After scrambling to keep up with looters on Monday night, NYPD officers - who all had their leave canceled on Tuesday - were seen arresting protesters for breaking curfew on Tuesday all over Manhattan. They blocked a huge protest on the Manhattan Bridge, stopping some 5,000 marchers who planned to enter the city from Brooklyn. After holding the protesters on the bridge for more than two hours in a tense stand-off, the protesters retreated peacefully back into Brooklyn. Some businesses, still unwilling to put their faith in the NYPD, have hired private security. Saks Fifth Avenue on Wednesday was surrounded by a militia of private, armed guards. They held dogs on leashes and stood in front of plywood walls that had been reinforced with razor wire to protect the luxury department store. 'Anyone who is out and cannot prove they are there for essential reasons can be detained,' Mayor de Blasio said on Wednesday morning, warning against anyone who thinks they can flout the curfew. Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Wednesday that the situation overnight was a vast improvement on the previous 48 hours. Trump claimed on Tuesday that the city was 'totally out of control'. On Wednesday, he said the National Guard was 'ready'. Gov. Cuomo was hesitant to call in the Guard as was de Blasio. They both said the NYPD could handle it in a better way. On Wednesday, Cuomo said: 'New York City last night was much better. The police officers had the resources and capacity to do their jobs. The results last night were much, much better than the night before. 'The people of New York City should feel much better today than they did after the night of looting.' Terrence Floyd, George Floyd's brother, on Wednesday joined NYPD Commisisioner Shea at a press conference where he warned looters: 'Don't do it in the name of George Floyd. 'You're disrespecting his legacy. 'We have an issue in New York City, which is a good thing in terms of having a relationship and bridging the gap in this hostile environment. 'Now, we can have a voice and turn something negative into a conversation that can lead to positive,' he said. Ten protests are scheduled to take place across the city between 1pm and 7pm, including one at Gracie Mansion, where de Blasio lives. The calmer scenes in New York City were echoed across much of America where protesters once again turned out in force but the confrontations with police were subdued and widespread rioting was limited. It followed a day of anger from President Trump's critics over the way he threatened to deploy the military to quell riots across the US and cleared protesters in Washington DC so he could visit damaged St John's Episcopal Church. He also considered using 'tanks' or other armored military vehicles to help restore order in the US after violent protests broke out across the country for a sixth night, defense officials have revealed. This morning the president repeated his demand for 'LAW & ORDER!', urged police to 'get tough' and responded to an image of a boarded-up Manhattan with a warning that 'the National Guard is ready'. As night fell, groups of curfew-violators and looters around the city were rounded up and handcuffed by officers before being loaded on to NYPD vans. Police began making arrests around 9pm and shut down parts of the West Side Highway in lower Manhattan, blocking it off to huge crowds of protesters. The police department had announced it would not allow vehicle traffic south of 96th Street in Manhattan after curfew, though residents, essential workers, buses and truck deliveries were exempt. 'Currently stuck on the Manhattan Bridge. NYPD told us the would let us through 'in 10 min' - that was 40 min ago. 'They now brought in multiple vans to barricade us in from both sides. They are all wearing riot gear. We have been nothing but peaceful,' one woman tweeted. 'Daddy changed the world': George Floyd's six-year-old daughter Gianna says she misses playing with him as her mother reveals she does not yet know he was killed by cops but that he died 'because he couldn't breathe' George Floyd's six-year-old daughter Gianna has been told her 'daddy changed the world' but still does not know he was killed by cops. The six-year-old and her mother Roxie Washington appeared on Good Morning America on Wednesday morning where Gianna, bright-eyed and smiling, said she misses playing with her father. She said she wants to grow up to become a doctor and wants to 'take care of people.' 'I miss him... he played with me,' Gianna said. Gianna Floyd, on the shoulders of former NBA player Stephen Jackson on Tuesday in Minneapolis, saying: 'Daddy changed the world' Roxie, who took part in a press conference with her daughter on Tuesday night, said George 'loved' his daughter, one of his two children. 'He will never see her grow up, graduate, he will never walk her down the aisle. If there's a problem and she needs her dad, she does not have that anymore. 'I'm here for my baby and I'm here for George because I want justice for him. 'He was good, no matter what anybody thinks, he was good. This is the proof.' Washington recalled how excited Floyd was when his daughter was born, saying: 'He was so happy to have her.' 'He slept the whole time I was in labor, but when he heard her cry, he woke up,' she said. 'I still have a picture of him waking up and getting his baby. He loved her. He loved her so much.' As Washington and Gianna stepped back from the microphone, Floyd's longtime friend Stephen Jackson approached and placed his hands on the podium. The former NBA player stared at the floor for several seconds in silence before saying: 'It really don't make no sense. We all seen it plain as day. He then motioned toward the media and said: 'Y'all in here with cameras to record what's in here so you can have it for later. So you can have proof of what happened today. Right? 'When you post that footage on your news station, you expect people to believe what you're posting and what you videoed is real, right? 'Why is it not that simple when someone is getting videoed and getting murdered? Why is it not that simple?' US Capitol police kneel as demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd at the US Capitol on Wednesday in Washington, DC, after the protesters demanded they take a knee Demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd as they gather Wednesday on Capitol Hill She also said she has only seen some parts of the infamous video of Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, and that she wishes she'd been there to help him. 'I couldn't believe somebody was doing him like that I wish somebody would have been there to help him,' she said. Roxie also revealed Gianna does not know the full story behind her father's death. Floyd and Gianna when she was a baby. Roxie says he was a good father to her and his other child 'I told her her dad died because he couldn't breathe,' she said. In another video which emerged on social media on Tuesday, Gianna is seen on the shoulders of former NBA player Stephen Jackson, in Minneapolis and saying: 'Daddy changed the world!' The family turned out to join peaceful protests in Minneapolis on Tuesday as others took place around the country in Floyd's name. They urged people to protest peacefully against police brutality and rebuked violent looters and rioters giving the cause a bad name. Unrest has unfolded across America since Floyd's death last Monday. At a press conference on Tuesday night, Roxie said: 'I don't have a lot to say, I can't get the words together right now. 'I want everyone to know that this is what those officers took from me,' she said, referencing the small girl standing next to her. 'At the end of the day, they get to go home and be with their families. Gianna does not have a father.' The NSW Building Commissioner has warned unscrupulous builders and developers responsible for major defects in apartments that he will not hesitate to use his new powers to bring them to account, after key legislation to clean up the construction industry became law. Heralding it a "red-letter day", David Chandler said his immediate focus would be on developers, builders and certifiers "who have form" in turning out shoddy work. "We will be landing really hard on people who have had a historical record of not doing the right thing," he said. NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler has put unscrupulous builders on notice. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer While his powers will not come into force until September, Mr Chandler said the prospect of a tough approach had already led to developers asking what they had to do to keep out of his "line of sight". Mr Chandler said about 20 per cent of apartment buildings in NSW had "significant issues" that he needed to resolve. However, the extent to which they had "material defects", such as structural, waterproofing or fire-rating systems, had not been determined. [June 03, 2020] Crestwood Advances Its ESG Commitment and Sustainability Strategy with the Publication of Its 2019 Sustainability Report Crestwood Equity Partners LP (NYSE: CEQP) ("Crestwood" or "CEQP") announced today the publication of its 2019 sustainability report furthering its commitment to building an MLP industry leading sustainability program. The report entitled Embracing a Culture of Sustainability, provides enhanced transparency on Crestwood's environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, and for the first time it includes multi-year trend data and analysis. Crestwood also highlights the progression on its three-year sustainability strategy as it continues to integrate sustainability into every aspect of its diversified midstream energy business. The 2019 sustainability report is available at https://esg.crestwoodlp.com. "Crestwood is proud to issue its second annual sustainability report demonstrating our pledge to build a sustainable midstream energy company based on a best-in-class approach to environmental stewardship, safety, diversity and inclusion and community engagement," said Robert G. Phillips, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crestwood's general partner. "In the midst of the current COVID-19 global pandemic, Crestwood remains even more committed to sustainability as the foundation of how we manage our business. We are working to mitigate the short-term ESG impacts of COVID-19 on our employees, contractors, customers and business partners, while we remain focused on continued development of our long-term sustainability strategy. As an ESG leader in the midstream energy industry, Crestwood will rely on its sustainability principles to adapt to the post-COVID-19 requirements, manage business risks through these unprecedented market conditions, deliver solid financial and operational results and generate long-term value for all of our stakeholders." The 2019 sustainability report focuses on Crestwood's performance during the 2019 calendar year and, as a result, does not cover its robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in the face of these challenges, Crestwood's business strategy is to preserve liquidity and financial flexibility in order to navigate the company through the down-cycle created by COVID-19. In response to the pandemic, Crestwood took proactive measures and implemented enhanced health and safety initiatives for its employees and contractors and established a multidisciplinary pandemic management team to coordinate its efforts. Crestwood has taken steps to protect employees, contractors and communities as the company does is part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, while keeping all business functions fully operational and continuing to provide reliable and safe services to its customers. Highlights in Crestwood's 2019 sustainability report include: Progressing on the three-year sustainability strategy: Crestwood demonstrated significant progress on its five key focus areas: Sustainability in the Supply Chain, ESG Investor Strategy and Disclosure, Environmental Stewardship, Diversity and Inclusion and Social Investment. Crestwood demonstrated significant progress on its five key focus areas: Sustainability in the Supply Chain, ESG Investor Strategy and Disclosure, Environmental Stewardship, Diversity and Inclusion and Social Investment. Ensuring the safety of employees and contractors: Crestwood's strong safety performance continued in 2019, with improvements in its leading and lagging indicators. Crestwood saw a 72 percent reduction in its Total Recordable Incident Rate and a 39 percent reduction in its Lost Time Incident Rate for employees. Crestwood's strong safety performance continued in 2019, with improvements in its leading and lagging indicators. Crestwood saw a 72 percent reduction in its Total Recordable Incident Rate and a 39 percent reduction in its Lost Time Incident Rate for employees. Reducing its environmental footprint: Crestwood continues to focus on minimizing habitat disturbances and is proud to issue a biodiversity policy to further edify its commitment to this important focus area. Enhanced leak detection methods have improved operational efficiencies and reduced emissions across the portfolio, with the company realizing more than a 2 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity from all operations. Crestwood continues to focus on minimizing habitat disturbances and is proud to issue a biodiversity policy to further edify its commitment to this important focus area. Enhanced leak detection methods have improved operational efficiencies and reduced emissions across the portfolio, with the company realizing more than a 2 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity from all operations. Building long-term relationships with local communities: In 2019, Crestwood invested over $1.4 million to the communities in which it operates. Through developing a rigorous social investment program, the company has ensured that investments are strategic, impactful and aligned with its corporate values. Due to Crestwood's commitment to education and workforce development, the company established a scholarship program for students pursuing a post-secondary STEM-related degree. In addition, Crestwood enhanced its culture of volunteerism by establishing volunteer councils to oversee its numerous community activities and partnerships. Crestwood's 2019 sustainability report has been prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards - Core option and is aligned with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) midstream reporting framework. New investor and ESG presentation materials are also posted to Crestwood's website at www.crestwoodlp.com. Learn more about Crestwood's response to the COVID-19 pandemic at www.crestwoodlp.com/COVID-19. About Crestwood Equity Partners LP Houston, Texas, based Crestwood Equity Partners LP (NYSE: CEQP) is a master limited partnership that owns and operates midstream businesses in multiple shale resource plays across the United States. Crestwood Equity is engaged in the gathering, processing, treating, compression, storage and transportation of natural gas; storage, transportation, terminalling, and marketing of NGLs; gathering, storage, terminalling and marketing of crude oil; and gathering and disposal of produced water. Visit Crestwood Equity Partners LP at www.crestwoodlp.com; and to learn more about Crestwood's sustainability efforts, please visit https://esg.crestwoodlp.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release may include certain statements concerning expectations for the future that are forward-looking statements as defined by federal securities law. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond management's control. These risks and assumptions are described in Crestwood's annual reports on Form 10-K and other reports that are available from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as otherwise required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005075/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Myanmar & COVID-19 Myanmar Public Health Officer in Chinese Border Town Tests COVID-19 Positive The China-Myanmar border gate in Muse in February 2020. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy YANGONA Myanmar government public health officer in the town of Muse on the Chinese border in northern Shan State tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to the Health Ministry. The case is the first local transmission of COVID-19 in the country in two weeks. The 30-year-old woman is a health assistant from the Muse Public Health Department and she had no travel history or history of contact with known COVID-19 patients. She was among four patients who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to the Health Ministry. The other three patients are Myanmar nationals who returned from India, China and Malaysia. Dr. Myo Tun, social affairs minister for Shan State, told local media that more than 40 medical staff, including the health assistant, who were assigned to border gates or entrance gates of townships and villages were tested using swab samples last Friday. According to lawmakers and the Health Ministry, the patient is isolated at the Muse District Public Hospital and her husband is under quarantine at a facility quarantine center. The Shan State Health Department is now tracing the contacts of the patient. Currently, more than 40 people who had contact with the patient are under facility quarantine and will be tested for COVID-19, according to the Health Ministry. U Sai Kyaw Thein, a lawmaker from Muse Township, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that the patient is in charge of a medical team assigned to Mai-Paw Head Village. We are very worried about the patient because she is a silent carrier without having any fever or COVID-19 symptoms, said U Sai Kyaw Thein. Myanmar conducts about 1,500 COVID-19 tests per day, according to the Health Ministry. By Wednesday afternoon, Myanmar had conducted nearly 30,000 COVID-19 tests. Myanmar has reported a total of 233 COVID-19 cases, including 74 imported cases, six deaths and 143 recoveries. Editors Note: The previous version of the story mistakenly stated that the patient is a nurse who was assigned at the border gate to check the temperatures of returnees coming from China. Corrections have been made on June 4. You may also like these stories: Suu Kyi Consoles Myanmar People Amid COVID-19, Stresses Health Guidelines, Calm The $20 bill that instigated the arrest of George Floyd and its tragic consequences may not have been a fake - and if it was, Floyd would have never intentionally used counterfeit cash, his roommate claims. Floyd's roommate of four years, Alvin Manago, 55, exclusively told DailyMail.com that Floyd was a stand-up guy and if he did use a counterfiet bill at the store before his death, it was 'unintentional'. 'I've never known Floyd to use any counterfeit money. If he tried to pass along a counterfeit $20 bill it was unintentional,' Manago said. 'He probably didn't know the money was fake. 'I'm just not sure why the store employees didn't just tell him it was a fake $20. They all knew him them. He was a regular customer.' Manago met George Floyd, 46, when they worked together at the Conga Bistro Bar and Grill. Floyd worked security and Manago worked as a bar back. Manago says they had been roommates for almost four years and considers him one of his best friends. Floyd died last Monday after being killed during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for allegedly trying to use a counterfeit $20 at a local market. George Floyd's (right) roommate of four years Alvin Manago, 55, (left) tells DailyMail.com that Floyd would never use counterfeit money intentionally 'I'm just not sure why the store employees didn't just tell him it was a fake $20. They all knew him them. He was a regular customer,' Manago said. Pictured is the Cup Foods store where Floyd allegedly tried to use the fake $20 bill Floyd lived with housemate Alvin Manago at this apartment in Minneapolis, Minneapolis. The property is owned by Floyds former employer Jovanni Thunstrom Cell phone video captured former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck for several minutes after he was handcuffed. Floyd died hours later at a local hospital. Former police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested last week on a third degree murder and manslaughter charges, but Manago believes this is just the beginning. 'I want to see all of the officers arrested,' he said. 'The other officers protected the situation even after George was unconscious.' Manago also has issues with the probable cause statement. Manago said he wasn't aware of any pre-existing medical conditions listed in the probable cause statement for Floyd. The arrest warrant states that '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.' 'I've never known Floyd to take any prescription medication apart from some pain pills on one occasion after he was recently released from the hospital. He never mentioned to me about having any medical problems or high blood pressure,' said Manago. Manago also said that Floyd barely drank alcohol. 'He maybe had a shot or a beer. I've never seen him drunk or use drugs,' he added. Choking up, Manago said Floyd was a good guy who had turned his life around. 'He didn't deserve to die this way. Floyd needs justice,' he said. Manago said he never knew Floyd to use counterfeit money and the transaction must have been unintentional Floyd 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 would be against the violence and looting. He wouldn't want people looting and burning buildings in his name. He didn't promote violence,' said Manago. 'He'd be disgusted with what's going on in the country. I don't want the looting and rioting attached to his name, he wouldn't want that. 'Floyd needs justice. Floyd didn't deserve to die that way he did.' Manago also says that Floyd had been exposed to someone who lived with them who had tested positive two months ago for COVID-19. However, he does not believe it had anything to do with his death. 'He went to the hospital a few months ago, he was sluggish, throwing up and had diarrhea and complaining of stomach pain. He spent a few days in the hospital and then came back home,' said Manago. At about the same time, Manago's fiancee tested positive for COVID-19. Manago says that he was also tested but the results came back inconclusive. He wasn't sure if Floyd was ever tested for the virus but said he displayed all of the symptoms of having it. Derek Chauvin, 44, was arrested Friday on charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, which has sparked violent protests Manago said, 'The health care workers told me that there was no reason to come back for another test since we lived with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus and have been exposed to it. So we should just treat it like we have it and self-quarantine.' After Floyd was discharged from the hospital he came home and rested. Manago said he never found out exactly why Floyd spent time in the hospital, but is convinced they both had coronavirus. As DailyMail.com exclusively revealed, Chauvin has been moved to one of the nation's most secure prison to 'ensure he's not murdered behind bars' according to law enforcement sources. Chauvin was arrested last Friday and housed in the Ramsey County Jail in nearby St. Paul, Minnesota. On Sunday afternoon, he was transferred to the Hennepin County Jail in Minneapolis, then hours later transferred yet again to a correctional facility in Oak Heights, Minnesota - the state's only Level 5 maximum security prison. Commissioner of Corrections Paul Schnell said Chauvin was moved to prison because of concerns about coronavirus and the huge influx of people being booked into Twin Cities jails on public order offenses. 'First and foremost, we have a COVID situation. Second of all, a large number of people could be booked into Hennepin County Jail,' Schnell said. It's highly unusual to lock defendants up in prison before they have been convicted, however officials did something similar in the case of disgraced Minneapolis officer Mohamed Noor who shot dead a woman in 2017 while responding to her 911 call. 'The move to DOC custody was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure he is safely held and after concern about space in the jail due to large numbers of arrests related to the unrest over the last few nights,' a spokesman said. 'The DOC also took custody of former officer Mohamed Noor during the time he was in custody before being officially committed to our custody at sentencing, after a similar request in that case. 'The processing of his [Chauvin's] transfer to OPH, including the taking of photos, in being completed this morning. He will appear, with official photos, on the public database of inmates after that process is completed. 'He is being held in administrative segregation outside the general population of the facility.' Derek Chauvin has been moved to Oak Park Heights Prison in Minnesota (pictured), a maximum security prison Administrative segregation, a form of solitary confinement known as 'in the hole', is employed when inmates are deemed to be at grave risk of being attacked by other prisoners or because they pose a significant danger to others. According to recent data released by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, the Oak Park Heights Prison currently houses 297 murderers, 69 sexual predators and eight kidnappers. Some 46 percent of the prison population is black. The 160-acre, rural prison is carved into the side of a hill and has been featured on the National Geographic show America's Hardest Prisons. Cells are 7 by 10 feet with cement slab bed and toilets and sink made of steel so they can't be broken off to use as weapons. The reinforced windows are said to be so secure that it would take 12,000 hacksaw blades to cut though the steel bars. Chauvin will be held at the prison until next Monday, June 8th where he is scheduled to appear in a downtown Minneapolis courtroom for the first time since his arrest. A day after a pregnant wild elephant died after eating a pineapple filled with crackers in Kerala's Malappuram, BJP leader and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as she questioned his silence over the issue. The pachyderm in Kerala's Silent Valley Forest fell victim to an act of human cruelty after the pineapple offered by a man exploded in her mouth when she chomped on it, a senior forest officer said. Her jaw was broken and she was unable to eat after she chewed the pineapple and it exploded in her mouth. Officer Surendrakumar said the elephant died at Velliyar River in Malappuram district on May 27. He said the post-mortem revealed that the pachyderm was pregnant. "Rahul Gandhi is from that area, why has he not taken action?" questioned Maneka Gandhi on Wednesday. The Congress scion represents the constituency of Wayanad, which is adjoining the district of Malappuram. Demanding the removal of the state forest secretary and the resignation of the forest minister, Maneka targeted the state government over the incident. "It's a murder. Malappuram is famous for such incidents. It's India's most violent district." She also cited instances of poison being thrown on roads to kill "300-400 birds and dogs" in one go. Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has assured of strict action against those responsible for the killing. "The forest department is probing the case and the culprits will be brought to book," he said. Taking a serious note of the death, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has sought a complete report and assured stern action will be taken against the culprit. - George Floud, an African-American died on Monday, May 25, after a White police officer knelt on his neck for roughly eight minutes depriving him of oxygen - An independent autopsy report revealed the 46-year-old died due to asphyxia, a condition that arises when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death - Photos shared on Tuesday, June 2, by netizens showed the protesters displaying placards in solidarity with the fallen black man A protest has erupted outside the United States (US) embassy in Nairobi over the cruel murder of George Floyd. The 46-year-old African-American died on Monday, May 25, after a White police officer knelt on his neck for roughly eight minutes depriving him of oxygen. READ ALSO: Tuko dry spell: Size 8 complains DJ Mo too busy to satisfy her bedroom needs George Floyd was killed, an independent autopsy report done by his family has shown. Photo: Offices of Ben Crump Law. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Aden Duale spared in Jubilee's unforgiving purge Photos shared on Tuesday, June 2, by netizens showed the protesters displaying placards in solidarity with the fallen black man. Here were some of the reactions under the #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd and #BlackLivesMatter. George Floyd's mother, center, said her son was killed for no reason. Photo: Journalism Today. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Aden Duale aponea bakora ya Rais Uhuru huku Washiali akipigwa teke "Show of global solidarity with brothers, sisters, family and friends in USA which evolved into a protest against police brutality in the US and Kenya. It was peaceful as you see protesters "taking a knee,"Meredith Beal tweeted. "Protests over death of handcuffed George Floyd in Minneapolis spread to Nairobi, Kenya with protesters demanding justice outside US Embassy," Tony Anelka wrote. "Protests happening this morning at the US Embassy in Nairobi," Yoder Maina posted. "There was a black lives matter protest outside the US embassy in Nairobi today but the police pointed guns at them, made them sit on the ground then dispersed them," another netizen MK claimed though he did not provide proof of the said police action. Derek Chauvin, the officer who was involved in the unfortunate incident, was fired and charged with third-degree murder. Floyd's death led to protests in cities across the US with questions arising about the justice system when Americans of colour are killed by the police. The police department initially said he physically resisted the officers and that he died after suffering medical distress. An independent autopsy report, however, revealed Floyd died due to asphyxia, a condition that arises when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death. 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. Why I beat my own mother- Lucy Nyawira | Tuko Talks | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Earlier, Lukashenko held a meeting to discuss nominations for government posts. President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has signed a decree on the dismissal of the country's government. On the morning of Wednesday, June 3, Lukashenko held a meeting where proposals on a new government composition were discussed, BELTA agency reported. At that meeting, Lukashenko linked the move to remove the entire cabinet with the upcoming presidential election. The country's president noted that changes in government composition would not be significant: "It's not worth expecting any revolution amid government change." Lukashenko said he had started planning the upgrade of the Belarusian government six months ago, that's per his office's website. The head of state said that even back then, some new ministers joined the government, while their predecessors were fired either at their own request, due to reshuffles, or over their failure to perform properly. Read alsoKremlin's hybrid scripts for Belarus - media "Those who today are unable to cope with such volumes [of tasks] during this crisis period, of course, they need to be replaced and offered another job," Lukashenko added. Also, he noted that there would be no large-scale changes in government composition, since the country is in crisis because of the coronavirus pandemic. He said that the country should engage more pro-actively, especially in the economic sphere, in order to get out of the crisis with minimal losses. At the same time, in his opinion, Belarus managed to survive the pandemic the easy way. As UNIAN reported earlier, Lukashenko previously submitted paperwork, confirming he is running for re-election. A possible victory in the August vote could bring Lukashenko his sixth consecutive presidential term. New Delhi: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will visit Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir nagar and Basti district in Uttar Pradesh on day two of his Kisan Yatra on Wednesday. Aim of our yatra is to pressurise Modi Govt to waive off loans of farmers, farmer community is distressed: RGandhi pic.twitter.com/kOxJfdVDh6 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 7, 2016 A huge number of supporters were seen at Rahul Gandhi's road show in Gorakhpur Uttar Pradesh: Visuals from Rahul Gandhi's roadshow in Gorakhpur. pic.twitter.com/Y2HbGxEqVh ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 7, 2016 Rahul Gandhi meets Encephalitis patients at Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur Rahul Gandhi met Encephalitis patients at Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur earlier today pic.twitter.com/UYSY9eN2NR ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 7, 2016 Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Modi and claimed that he favoured only rich farmers. Modi ji ne chhote kisaanon ka karza maaf nahi kiya hai, ameer aur bade logon ka maaf kiya hai: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/73IPzlzYbG ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 7, 2016 Gandhi also confirmed this on Twitter on Wednesday. Day2 of the Deoria-Delhi Kisan Yatra will begin shortly. We will cover Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar and Basti districts today Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 7, 2016 The Congress vice president also shared his schedule of day 2 of his Kisan Yatra on Wednesday. Schedule of Day 2 of Kisan Yatra Wednesday, 7th Sept pic.twitter.com/XU1oKPZZU1 Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 4, 2016 Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Gorakhpur (UP) as part of his 'Kisan Yatra'. pic.twitter.com/EpiCtA58Fq ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 7, 2016 Janta trast hai aur Modi ji mast hain: Rahul Gandhi in Gorakhpur pic.twitter.com/Nls9zG7QeG ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 7, 2016 Aim of our yatra is to pressurise Modi Govt to waive off loans of farmers, farmer community is distressed: RGandhi pic.twitter.com/kOxJfdVDh6 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 7, 2016 What happened on Day 1 of his Kisan Yatra The Congress' bid to make a splash with Gandhi's 'Khat Sabhas' ahead of Uttar Pradesh assembly polls on Tuesday left it embarrassed when people attending the inaugural event made away with thousands of cots amid chaotic scenes. The Congress vice president on Tuesday embarked on an epic 2500 km-long 'Kisan Mahayatra' from Deoria in eastern Uttar Pradesh and held the first 'Khat Sabha' (charpoy meeting) where he interacted with the locals. Moments after he left having made a raft of promises like farm loan waiver, reduction of power tariff and higher minimum support price for agricultural produce, the venue plunged into utter chaos with men, women and children scampering in, lifting the charpoys and hurrying towards their homes. There were minor altercations as policemen were seen walking leisurely, stopping none from carrying away the cots. When asked about it, a villager quipped, "Kya hai ki Rahulji ne hi diya hai (It is given by Rahulji)", even as he gingerly balanced the rally takeaway on his shoulder Congress leaders, travelling with the party scion, were quick to deflect criticism over the matter, saying attacking the party on the issue would boomerang on the opposition as these khats still hold importance in the countryside. The party has arranged 10,000 khats for the entire campaign. (Read More: Rahul Gandhi's promises to farmers are seasonal expression of sympathy, says BJP) The 'khaat sabha' is believed to be the brainchild of election strategist Prashant Kishor where Rahul Gandhi would interact with the farmers in the run up to the UP Assembly polls. Kishor was also credited with conceptualising Narendra Modi's hugely popular 'chai pe charcha' events during the latter's successful prime ministerial campaign. (With PTI inputs) Business closure and stay-at-home orders have faced legal challenges based on putative Constitutional claims across several states. Several decisions have now been issued that construe the legal authority of state government to required closure of businesses and/or compel prospective customers to remain in their homes. Even where injunctive relief has been granted, these courts have recognized that non-essential businesses can be required to cease or reorganize their operation not because they have sustained physical damage but because their business invitees may expose other invitees and employees to contagion. These decisions could have significant and unanticipated implications for business interruption coverage claims. WHGrae District Courts in California, New Mexico, and most recently, Pennsylvania, have denied requests for injunctive relief by individuals and groups who have argued that closure and similar orders infringed rights protected under the First, Second, and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The most recent decision, Benner v. Wolf, (M.D. Pa. May 21, 2020), issued by Middle District of Pennsylvania Judge John E. Jones, III, denied a petition by business owners, real estate agents, and a political candidate who sought to suspend Pennsylvania Governor Wolfs business closure and stay-at-home orders issued in response to COVID-19. The petitioners in Benner challenged the constitutionality of executive orders that temporarily closed non-life sustaining (i.e., non-essential) businesses and ordered individuals to remain at home when not engaging in essential tasks. Petitioners argued that the orders infringed their due process and first amendment rights. In emphatically rejecting petitioners arguments, Judge Jones noted that [a]t the time the Orders were issued, it is beyond dispute that COVID-19 was rapidly spreading across the globe. The virus was known to be highly contagious, and public health experts the world over proclaimed that social distancing was the only effective way to combat its deadly effects. Quick action in the face of such facts was not only justified but required. The court further held that the orders were instituted for the express purpose of protecting the public, and while we acknowledge that petitioners have important financial equities at play, in this case, they have failed to adduce evidence to prove that their losses outweigh the grave harms that could result to all Pennsylvanians from a widespread COVID-19 outbreak. Thus, Judge Jones concluded that the purpose of the executive orders was to confront the states compelling need to protect the public, mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and deter grave harms to Pennsylvanians. The court recognized that these orders suspended the petitioners right to engage in ordinarily protected activities and potentially caused petitioners economic loss. However, the court concluded that a paramount temporary need to prevent the spread of COVID-19 authorized the governors exercise of executive authority. Consequently, Judge Jones accepted that disruption of petitioners business was an inevitable consequence of a strategic response to the pandemic. The cause of this disruption, however, lacked any connection with physical loss of use, damage, or harm to business premises, but rather was tied to the need to prevent people visiting such premises from becoming vectors of contagion. Accordingly, as construed by the Brenner court, economic losses due to the business-closure and stay-at-home orders clearly would be insufficient to trigger business interruption coverage under policies that require physical loss or damage to property. Judge Jones analysis echoed an earlier decision from across the country. By Order dated May 8, 2020, in Givens v. Newsom, Eastern District of California Judge John A. Mendez noted: [I]t is uncontroverted that the States stay at home order bears a real and substantial relation to public health. . . . The virus that causes COVID-19 is known to quickly spread from person to person. Unchecked, it can spread exponentially and can endure over ten transmission cycles, causing one person to be responsible for 1,024 other infections. Many who are infected show no symptoms but still contribute to COVID-19s spread. The States order, and the Department of Public Health directives it incorporates, seek to slow down the rate of transmission by drastically reducing the number and size of all gatherings. The goal is simple, [the State] want[s] to bend the curve, and disrupt the spread of the virus. Givens v. Newsom, 2020 BL 174086, 5 (E.D. Cal. May 08, 2020). Based on this analysis, the Court concluded that the States orders were reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions intended to serve a manifestly compelling state interest. Once again, the courts focus was on the need to prevent gathering places, such as businesses, from becoming conduits for the spread of COVID-19. Closure prevented contamination rather than being a response to it. In these instances, business interruption occurred without any physical change in the premises. Identical reasoning was relied upon in Legacy Church v. Kunkel by New Mexico District Court Judge James O. Browning in denying a challenge brought by a self-described mega-church to an executive order that barred mass gatherings. An initial order had exempted places of worship. The day before Easter weekend, an amended order and new regulations were issued that eliminated this exemption. In denying petitioners request for injunctive relief, the court acknowledged that the scale of the public health emergency created a compelling need for responsive action and accepted New Mexicos assertion that the most potent weapon that the State and local communities can wield against this significant health threat is through individuals choosing to stay in their homes as much as possible and avoiding physical proximity to other people and to public spaces. By contrast, Kansas District Court Judge Broomes in First Baptist Church v. Governor Laura Kelly granted a temporary restraining order and enjoined enforcement of a prohibition that limited the number of individuals permitted to attend religious gatherings. The court based its holding, in part, on the executive orders apparent application of less strict standards to certain secular activities than to religious gatherings. However, the court conditioned its grant of injunctive relief on compliance by attendees with social distancing and other safety protocols. Thus, even in sustaining a legal challenge, the Kansas District Court focused on prospective activities and use of premises rather than the condition of the premises themselves. In Friends of DeVito v. Wolf, which also challenged Pennsylvania Governor Wolfs executive orders, challengers, who included a Pittsburgh-area state legislative candidate and a Lehigh Valley real estate agent, argued that Governor Wolfs executive orders violated their due process and freedom of assembly rights. The challengers further requested that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court find that the order was an improper use of the governors emergency powers. These requests were denied, and the Court instead determined that COVID-19 qualifies as a natural disaster under the Emergency Management Services Code vesting the governor with emergency management powers. Thus, the Court concluded that the exigent circumstances permitted the governors exercise of legal authority, and the resulting economic losses lacked any connection with direct physical loss of or damage to property. The circumstances and ultimate outcome of these legal challenges and pending matters vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. However, each decision has acknowledged that the legal authority to issue executive orders in response to COVID-19 has been and remains rooted in the potential consequences of use and occupation. In no instance has the physical condition of affected business premises merited any discussion aside from recognition that certain floorplans make social distancing a logistical impossibility. These decisions consequently clarify that business interruption during the pandemic whether due to outright closure or elimination of customer base due to shelter-at-home orders lacks any connection with the physical condition of the business premises themselves. Rather, the executive orders in Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and California, similar to orders issued in New York and many other states, have general application based on broad authority to safeguard the health of the public overall, as contrasted with protecting the safety of visitors due to a specific condition at any particular place of business. Each decision has implicitly recognized that these safeguards apply without consideration of any new change in the physical condition or character of the business premises itself. The undamaged physical structure of these business premises is similarly implicit in each decision. It is the individuals entering and using the buildings, rather than the buildings themselves, that pose a danger because of the risk that contagion is being brought into the premises irrespective of the condition of the buildings themselves. The Benner decision has not yet resolved disputes regarding the scope of Pennsylvanias Governor Wolfs authority. In County of Butler et al. v. Wolf et al., (W.D. Pa. 20-677), pending in the Western District of Pennsylvania District Court, challengers argue that their First, Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment rights are being violated by the orders that have shuttered non-life sustaining businesses. In seeking a preliminary injunction, plaintiffs contend that the executive order that remains in place randomly differentiates between categories of business and that Governor Wolf accordingly exceeded the permissible scope of his authority. In making this argument, however, petitioners, acknowledge that the goal of the business classification system was to attempt to lessen the contact between individuals in an effort to slow the spread of the Covid-19 [sic] virus. Petitioners argue that some businesses required to shut down could easily accommodate the need for social-distancing and implement other necessary safeguards. No decision has yet been rendered on plaintiffs request for emergency temporary relief. However, in advancing this argument, petitioners may have tacitly acknowledged that the business interruptions they experienced lacked any connection to physical damage to their offices or other business premises. Whether or not they prevail, plaintiffs may find that the arguments they advanced will have significant implications in the event they later seek indemnity for their losses under their business interruption policies. As states start to lift business closure and stay-at-home orders and implement plans to phase re-openings, there will be more constitutional challenges to the substance and pace of such changes. The decisions issued with respect to Constitutional challenges to business closure and stay-at-home orders are likely to have lingering consequences on the insurance industry and coverage claims for COVID-19 losses.11 By PTI LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Halle Berry has urged her followers to help out an elderly immigrant who lost his store during the protests against police brutality in the US. Ned Harounian's clothing store was looted and burned down last week after protests erupted across Los Angeles over the custodial killing of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Berry encouraged her followers on Twitter to donate to Harounian's GoFundMe, which features updates from his son. "An immigrant business owner in his 80s had his Melrose store looted then burned, and his recently deceased wife's jewelry stolen. Things are crazy right now, but I hope we can all take a minute to help this man out!! Donate if you can," the Oscar winner posted on Twitter. An immigrant business owner in his 80s had his Melrose store looted then burned, and his recently deceased wifes jewelry stolen. Things are crazy right now, but I hope we can all take a minute to help this man out!! Donate if you can. https://t.co/4WSbFts9kN? pic.twitter.com/AgjqEaZjs9 Halle Berry (@halleberry) June 1, 2020 Harounian's son Ebbi, who set up the GoFundMe page, thanked the actor for her support. "Thank you for the support Halle Berry! It means so much having your support," he wrote on the page. Ebbi had earlier detailed how his father's shop in the Melrose district was looted and burned down on May 30 as protests passed through the area. "81 year old immigrant father, Ned Harounian, still grieving the recent loss of his wife, who died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, lost his livelihood when his Melrose shop was violently robbed and burned to the ground. He immigrated to the the US, with his family, in 1985. "For over 30 years he poured everything he had into his business and community. After the recent death of his wife, the store was not only his source of income, but also his safe haven. The LA Melrose community is family to him and he to them. He has been violated, ripped of his life's work, support and community, devastating," Ebbi wrote. The GoFundMe page has so far raised over USD 47,000. Last year Bob Kroll, the head of the Minneapolis police union, appeared at a Trump rally, where he thanked the President for ending Barack Obama's "oppression of police" and letting cops "put the handcuffs on criminals instead of us". The events of the past week, in which the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody led to demonstrations against police brutality, and these demonstrations were met by more police brutality including unprecedented violence against the news media have made it clear what Kroll meant by taking the handcuffs off. And Donald Trump, far from trying to calm the nation, is pouring gasoline on the fire; he seems very close to trying to incite a civil war. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that America as we know it is on the brink. How did we get here? The core story of US politics over the past four decades is that wealthy elites weaponised white racism to gain political power, which they used to pursue policies that enriched the already wealthy at workers' expense. 1949: George Orwell - 1984 1955: Georgette Heyer - Bath Tangle 1956: Yukio Mishima - The Temple of the Golden Pavilion 1961: Stanislaw Lem - Solaris 1963: Julio Cortazar - Hopscotch Octavia Butler, Kindred Bandi, The Accusation: Forbidden Stories from Inside North Korea Andrea Levy, Small Island Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things Amy Tan, The Hundred Secret Senses We're a few days late with this post, and we're sorry for that! We hope everyone is safe and well. June's theme is toand myself have selected five books from the time period and 5 titles from authors of the boomer generation.As always these are just suggestions! Please share in the comments what you're reading or planning to read, and any recs for the theme that you may have.Winston Smith works for the Ministry of truth in London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal. When Winston finds love with Julia, he discovers that life does not have to be dull and deadening, and awakens to new possibilities. Despite the police helicopters that hover and circle overhead, Winston and Julia begin to question the Party; they are drawn towards conspiracy. Yet Big Brother will not tolerate dissent - even in the mind. For those with original thoughts they invented Room 101 .The Earl of Spenborough has always been noted for his eccentricity. Leaving Fanny, a widow younger than his own daughter Serena is one thing, but quite another is leaving his daugther's fortune to the trusteeship of Ivo Barrasford, marquis of Rotherham -- a man whom Serena once jilted and who now has the power to give or withhold his consent to any marriage she might contemplate. Lady Serena Carlow is an acknowledged beauty, many eager suitors have vied for her hand, but she's got a temper as fiery as her head of red hair. When her father dies unexpectedly, Serena discovers to her horror that she has been left a ward of the odious Lord Rotherham. Serena raged as she heard her father's last will and testament! How could he mortgage his only daughter to Lord Rotherham, making the very man she had recently jilted caretaker of her inheritance and her heart?Her father's heir is eager to take over his inheritance--and her lifelong home-- but the the fiery-hearted Serena is not so easily controlled. She with her lovely young stepmother, Fanny as "chaperone", decide to move to Bath. There they'd turn the ton inside out! Volatile Serena and gentle Fanny could not be less alike but they are good friends. Serena makes an odd new friend and discovers a childhood sweetheart, Major Hector Kirkby. All too soon, the scandalous Serena had more beaux than she could dangle on a string, but none of them seemed to matter--now that her former suitor Rotherham pursued another beautiful belle! What she cannot know is that the astute Rotherham has a calculate scheme of his own for capturing her heart. Before long, Serena, Fanny, Kirkby, and Rotherham are entangled in a welter of misunderstood emotions, mistaken engagements, and misdirected love.Mizoguchi, an ostracized stutterer, develops a childhood fascination with Kyotos famous Golden Temple. While an acolyte at the temple, he fixates on the structures aesthetic perfection and it becomes the one and only object of his desire. But as Mizoguchi begins to perceive flaws in the temple, he determines that the only true path to beauty lies in an act of horrendous violence. Based on a real incident that occurred in 1950,brilliantly portrays the passions and agonies of a young man in postwar Japan, bringing to the subject the erotic imagination and instinct for the dramatic moment that marked Mishima as one of the towering makers of modern fiction.When Kris Kelvin arrives at the planet Solaris to study the ocean that covers its surface, he finds a painful, hitherto unconscious memory embodied in the living physical likeness of a long-dead lover. Others examining the planet, Kelvin learns, are plagued with their own repressed and newly corporeal memories. The Solaris ocean may be a massive brain that creates these incarnate memories, though its purpose in doing so is unknown, forcing the scientists to shift the focus of their quest and wonder if they can truly understand the universe without first understanding what lies within their hearts.Horacio Oliveira is an Argentinian writer who lives in Paris with his mistress, La Maga, surrounded by a loose-knit circle of bohemian friends who call themselves "the Club." A child's death and La Maga's disappearance put an end to his life of empty pleasures and intellectual acrobatics, and prompt Oliveira to return to Buenos Aires, where he works by turns as a salesman, a keeper of a circus cat which can truly count, and an attendant in an insane asylum.is the dazzling, freewheeling account of Oliveira's astonishing adventures.The first science fiction written by a black woman,has become a cornerstone of black American literature. This combination of slave memoir, fantasy, and historical fiction is a novel of rich literary complexity. Having just celebrated her 26th birthday in 1976 California, Dana, an African-American woman, is suddenly and inexplicably wrenched through time into antebellum Maryland.After saving a drowning white boy there, she finds herself staring into the barrel of a shotgun and is transported back to the present just in time to save her life. During numerous such time-defying episodes with the same young man, she realizes the challenge shes been given...is a deeply moving and eye-opening work of fiction that paints a powerful portrait of life under the North Korean regime. Set during the period of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-ils leadership, the seven stories that make upgive voice to people living under this most bizarre and horrifying of dictatorships. The characters of these compelling stories come from a wide variety of backgrounds, from a young mother living among the elite in Pyongyang whose son misbehaves during a political rally, to a former Communist war hero who is deeply disillusioned with the intrusion of the Party into everything he holds dear, to a husband and father who is denied a travel permit and sneaks onto a train in order to visit his critically ill mother. Written with deep emotion and writing talent, The Accusation is a vivid depiction of life in a closed-off one-party state, and also a hopeful testament to the humanity and rich internal life that persists even in such inhumane conditions.Hortense Joseph arrives in London from Jamaica in 1948 with her life in her suitcase, her heart broken, her resolve intact. Her husband, Gilbert Joseph, returns from the war expecting to be received as a hero, but finds his status as a black man in Britain to be second class. His white landlady, Queenie, raised as a farmer's daughter, befriends Gilbert, and later Hortense, with innocence and courage, until the unexpected arrival of her husband, Bernard, who returns from combat with issues of his own to resolve.Told in these four voices,is a courageous novel of tender emotion and sparkling wit, of crossings taken and passages lost, of shattering compassion and of reckless optimism in the face of insurmountable barriers---in short, an encapsulation of the immigrant's life.The year is 1969. In the state of Kerala, on the southernmost tip of India, a skyblue Plymouth with chrome tailfins is stranded on the highway amid a Marxist workers' demonstration. Inside the car sit two-egg twins Rahel and Esthappen, and so begins their tale. . . .Armed only with the invincible innocence of children, they fashion a childhood for themselves in the shade of the wreck that is their family--their lonely, lovely mother, Ammu (who loves by night the man her children love by day), their blind grandmother, Mammachi (who plays Handel on her violin), their beloved uncle Chacko (Rhodes scholar, pickle baron, radical Marxist, bottom-pincher), their enemy, Baby Kochamma (ex-nun and incumbent grandaunt), and the ghost of an imperial entomologist's moth (with unusually dense dorsal tufts).When their English cousin, Sophie Mol, and her mother, Margaret Kochamma, arrive on a Christmas visit, Esthappen and Rahel learn that Things Can Change in a Day. That lives can twist into new, ugly shapes, even cease forever, beside their river "graygreen." With fish in it. With the sky and trees in it. And at night, the broken yellow moon in it.The brilliantly plotted story uncoils with an agonizing sense of foreboding and inevitability. Yet nothing prepares you for what lies at the heart of it.Olivia Laguni is half-Chinese, but typically American in her uneasiness with her patchwork family. And no one in Olivia's family is more embarrassing to her than her half-sister, Kwan Li. For Kwan speaks mangled English, is cheerfully deaf to Olivia's sarcasm, and sees the dead with her "yin eyes."Even as Olivia details the particulars of her decades-long grudge against her sister (who, among other things, is a source of infuriatingly good advice), Kwan Li is telling her own story, one that sweeps us into the splendor, squalor, and violence of Manchu China. Teresa Leger Fernandez, a progressive candidate who played up her deep roots in New Mexico, defeated the former C.I.A. officer Valerie Plame early Wednesday in the Democratic primary election for the states Third Congressional District. Ms. Plame, who rose to fame after her identity was leaked during George W. Bushs administration, ran a well-funded campaign in what is widely regarded as a safe Democratic district. Her debut television advertisement, in which she drove a Chevy Camaro backward through the desert, attracted national attention for its James Bond-style flash. But it may have helped contribute to her defeat, as she faced persistent criticism that she was an outsider. By contrast, Ms. Leger Fernandez emphasized her long history in the district throughout her campaign. She received endorsements from high-profile national Democrats, including Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. In New Mexico, we recognize theres nothing to gain in demonizing an other, Ms. Leger Fernandez said in an interview Wednesday. Its clear that voters liked that I am a Latina, based in the land and respectful of the land, and have complete acknowledgment of how we are different and that can be celebrated. The federal high court in Abuja has dismissed charges of corruption filed by the ICPC against a former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko. The charges were dropped on Wednesday by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu on an application by the anti-graft agency, informing the court of its difficulties to apprehend Mr Dikko, TheCable reported on Wednesday. The court had earlier issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Mr Dikko after he failed to appear for his trial. The court issued the bench warrant at its last sitting in March after the ICPC confirmed that Mr Dikko was not on admission in a London hospital contrary to the claim by the defence counsel, Solomon Akuma. The ICPC prosecuting counsel, E. A. Shogunle, had told the court that information available showed that the defendant left Nigeria on February 15 and arrived in London through Dubai on February 19. He said the findings were contrary to the claim by Mr Akuma that Mr Dikko was on admission in a hospital in London as at February 17. But at Wednesdays hearing, according to the report, Mr Shogunle informed the court that they had been unable to apprehend Mr Dikko despite the warrant issued against him. Justice Ojukwu then granted the application of dismissal of charges against Mr Dikko. Background The ICPC is prosecuting the former Customs boss alongside two others, Garba Makarfi and Umar Husseini, on multiple charges bordering on defrauding the Managing Director of Cambial Limited, Yemi Obadeyi, of N1.1 billion. According to the charge sheet exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, they are accused of inducing Mr Obadeyi to pay N1.1 billion into the account of Capital Law Office as a refundable completion security deposit for the purchase of 120 units of duplexes as residential accommodation for officers of the Nigeria Customs Service. The ICPC accused Messrs Dikko and Makarfi of using the bank account of Mr Hussainis firms to illegally receive the money. The anti-graft agency further alleged that Mr Hussaini, within the same period between April 6 and December 2010, shared the money into various accounts. In another development, the EFCC had also recovered 17 exotic vehicles in a warehouse belonging to Mr Dikko. Advertisement A French naval vessel escorted more than 100 migrants into British waters unchallenged this morning as the total to have reached the UK this year edges closer to the total seen throughout the whole of 2019. In total, 167 migrants are believed to have landed in Kent today which is a record. The first group of men, women and children landed at Samphire Hoe beach near Dover, Kent this morning. The dawn operation saw several small boats nearly 12 miles off the coast of Dover on the French-British sea border shortly before 7.30am. It means the crossings today could take the number of migrants to have reached Britain already this year to 1,830. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage condemned the actions of the French navy in escorting the migrants into UK waters. He said: 'Despite all our money been given to France this unacceptable practice of handing over illegal migrants continues. The British public are appalled by this.' The arrival of migrants today, pictured, means the crossings could take the number to have reached Britain already this year to 1,830 A French naval vessel, pictured in the Channel, escorted around 100 migrants into British waters unchallenged this morning Almost half of this year's arrivals have been since the start of lockdown in Britain, with a record 145 on VE Day last month Young children, pictured climbing up the stairs of the ship wearing blankets, were among those to land in the UK today The dawn operation saw several small boats nearly 12 miles off the coast of Dover on the French-British sea border shortly before 7.30am The arrival, pictured left and right, comes after the Home Secretary instructed Border Force chiefs to examine whether they have legal authority to turn migrant boats around in the Channel - and send them back to France. Under current legislation, the border patrol cutters are only allowed to intervene when they see a migrant vessel in danger Many of the people intercepted by Border Force officials this morning were seen wearing masks and blankets, pictured Border Force officials lead a man wearing a face mask and a life jacket from the boats which were spotted at Dover today Several boats carrying young migrants were intercepted at Dover this morning, as officers wearing masks intervened The group were brought ashore in a Border Force vessel this morning, pictured, with many wearing face coverings Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage claimed that at least 50 migrants were packed on board a single dinghy crossing from France He claimed 'a record 167 illegal migrants' arrived in Dover, revising the earlier figure to 60 in a single boat. He described it as 'an invasion' Mr Farage challenged any MP to question Home Secretary Priti Patel 'about this scandal in the House of Commons' It is thought there were up to eight vessels involved in what are the first crossings of the month. Border Force and RNLI ships picked them up and took them to Dover harbour for processing. Dover and Deal Tory MP Natalie Elphicke said today: 'These arrivals will only stop when migrants and traffickers alike know they will not succeed. 'That means making the legal tools available to the Home Secretary to return illegal entrants and I welcome her commitment to do this, as well as today's announcement to introduce quarantine measures at the border that I have been calling for. 'I have set out a detailed action plan that includes tackling criminal gangs and new investment in our borders. 'We need to be clear and robust when it comes to tackling security and ending the abuses of European human rights laws.' There were 741 arrivals in May, a record for a single month. Some 1,359 migrants have completed the journey since lockdown began in March. The crossings today will push the year's total close to the 1,890 who arrived on small boats throughout the whole of 2019. It is thought there are up to eight vessels involved in what are the first crossings of the month after a lot of activity in May Some of those who arrived at Dover this morning were young men, including one wearing a face mask and life jacket There were 741 arrivals in May, a record for a single month. Some 1,359 migrants have completed the journey since lockdown began in March The crossings today will push the year's total close to the 1,850-odd who landed on small boats throughout the whole of 2019 It comes amid a surge in crossings, with more than 1,600 migrants having reached the UK already this year. Almost half of this year's arrivals have been since the start of lockdown in Britain, with a record 145 on VE Day. Just 6 per cent this year have been returned to France. This comes after the Home Secretary instructed Border Force chiefs to examine whether they have legal authority to turn migrant boats around in the Channel - and send them back to France. If it proves impossible to achieve under current law, she is said to be drawing up plans for specific new legislation allowing UK patrol boats to turn back migrant vessels. At present, the border patrol cutters are only allowed to intervene when they see a migrant vessel in danger. If new laws are required to turn back vessels at sea, the way it will work will inevitably be tied into the UK's final Brexit negotiations with the European Union. The maritime measures being pursued by the Home Office are thought to be conditional on securing the support of the French Government, which Mrs Patel has already raised with her French counterpart Christophe Castaner. The Home Office is also understood to be looking at simplifying and streamlining the schemes which govern how asylum seekers are housed across the country. Currently, some of the schemes involve local authorities volunteering to accept asylum seekers - such as the project for unaccompanied children who have claimed refugee status. Bhubaneswar, Jun 03 (UNI) Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan has requested the External Affairs and Civil Aviation Ministries to arrange direct flights for Odias stranded abroad to help them return to their home state. In two separate but similar letters to External Affairs Minister Subramanyam Jaishankar and Minister of state for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri, Mr Pradhan yesterday said he has received several representations from Odia persons living abroad requesting for their repatriation directly to Bhubaneswar. The letter was released to the media here today. The Odia community representatives living in GCC countries, United Kingdom, and Sri Lanka have made specific requests to travel back from their respective capital cities to Bhubaneswar directly, the Union Minister said. Mr Pradhan said since they are in good numbers in these countries, point to point direct flights may be arranged from the cities like Dubai, Doha, Dammam, Muscat, Bahrain, Colombo and London to Bhubaneswar, which would also make commercial sense for the airlines. He requested that point to point direct flights may be arranged for their return directly to Bhubaneswar which would go a long way in helping them during this time of crisis. UNI BD KK Hundreds of mourners joined an emotional memorial service in Minneapolis Thursday for George Floyd, the black man killed by police last week, as civil rights leader Al Sharpton vowed mass protests will continue until "we change the whole system of justice." Largely peaceful demonstrations took place later in cities from coast to coast. In New York, thousands marched over Brooklyn Bridge, while in Washington and Los Angeles curfews were lifted and crowds reduced. In Minneapolis, Floyd's attorney told mourners he would find justice for the 46-year-old, who died during a May 25 arrest when a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. "It was not the coronavirus pandemic that killed George Floyd," said Benjamin Crump, who is representing Floyd's family. "It was that other pandemic. The pandemic of racism and discrimination." The crowd stood in silence for eight minutes and 46 seconds -- the same length of time that officer Derek Chauvin spent with his knee on Floyd's neck, a scene captured on video. Floyd's death has reignited long-felt anger over police killings of African-Americans and unleashed a nationwide wave of civil unrest unlike any seen in the US since Martin Luther King Jr's 1968 assassination. With marches for racial justice stretching beyond the US and around the world, Sharpton said Floyd's death would not be in vain. "It's time for us to stand up in George's name and say get your knee off our necks," said the 65-year-old Baptist minister. "You changed the world, George," he said. "We're going to keep fighting, George." "We're going to keep going until we change the whole system of justice." Members of Floyd's family were among several hundred people attending the North Central University service. Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo dropped to a knee as the hearse bearing Floyd's remains arrived for the service. - 'Necessary and overdue' - A vigil for Floyd was also held in New York and was attended by thousands of people, including Floyd's brother, Terrence. "White Silence is Violence," a sign read. "Make America Not Embarrassing Again," read another. Arrests were reported in Manhattan after the 8:00 pm curfew passed. Upstate in Buffalo, two police officers were suspended without pay after a video showed them pushing over an elderly protester who fell and suffered a head injury. Reporting the suspension on Twitter, city mayor Byron Brown said he and the police commissioner were "deeply disturbed" by the video. An earlier police statement said the man, who appeared unconscious and bled heavily from one ear, "tripped and fell." "This incident is wholly unjustified and utterly disgraceful," New York governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted. "Police Officers must enforce - NOT ABUSE - the law." A Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, broke ranks with her party meanwhile and revealed she was "struggling" with whether to support President Donald Trump's re-election. Murkowski said her move was prompted by remarks from Trump's former defense secretary James Mattis, who a day earlier delivered a biting assessment of a president who "tries to divide us." "I thought General Mattis's words were true and honest and necessary and overdue," Murkowski told reporters. Her comments mark a major break with Trump within the Republican camp, which has largely held together through various crises including his impeachment and current threat to use military force against protests. - 'Frankly criminal' - While condemning Floyd's death, Trump has adopted a tough stance towards the protesters, saying they include many "bad people" and calling on governors to "dominate the streets." US civil rights groups filed a case Thursday suing Trump, after security forces fired pepper balls and smoke bombs to clear peaceful demonstrators outside the White House before the president walked to a church for a photo op earlier this week. Low-flying choppers were also used in an apparent show of force above protesters in Washington, DC on Monday night. Trump tweeted: "The problem is not the very talented, low-flying helicopter pilots wanting to save our city, the problem is the arsonists, looters, criminals, and anarchists, wanting to destroy it (and our Country)!" His re-election campaign accused Twitter of censorship after its post of video paying tribute to Floyd, narrated by a speech Trump gave on the killing, was removed following a copyright complaint. - 'All-inclusive' - Democratic Congressman John Lewis, who marched with Martin Luther King Jr to fight segregation, echoed Sharpton's hope that Floyd's death could pave the way for "greater change." The 80-year-old civil rights icon told "CBS This Morning" that the current protests felt "so much more massive and all-inclusive." He also condemned Trump's threat to use military force against demonstrators. Some of the protests were marred by rioting and looting in the early days, but they have been mostly peaceful since then. Three of the four Minneapolis police officers who arrested Floyd for allegedly passing a counterfeit bill made their first court appearance to face charges of aiding and abetting his murder. Bail was set at $1 million each. The fourth policeman, Chauvin, has been charged with second-degree murder and appeared before a judge last week. burs-amz/mtp/gle The casket containing the remains of George Floyd at a memorial service at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota Human rights activist Martin Luther King III and family pay their respects to the remains of George Floyd at a memorial service in Minneapolis Demonstrators in New York protest the death of George Floyd In Richmond, Virginia, protesters gathered around a statue of Confederate leader Robert E. Lee Protesters march during a peaceful demonstration in Detroit, Michigan Quincy Mason Floyd (C), son of George Floyd, kneels at the site where his father died in Minneapolis Low-flying choppers were also used in an apparent show of force above protesters in Washington, DC Protesters hold up their phones during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd outside the White House National Guard troops arrive at the Joint Force Headquarters of the D.C. National Guard in Washington on June 2, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Pentagon Moves Troops Into Washington Region Amid Riots The Department of Defense moved about 1,600 troops near Washington as rioting continued in multiple U.S. cities. The movement was described as a prudent planning measure in response to ongoing support to civil authorities operations by Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman. Movement took place by military aircraft. Infantry troops assigned to a force based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were among the soldiers moved, along with the 16th Military Police Brigade headquarters. The 91st Military Police Battalion moved from Fort Drum in New York state. A woman walks across K Street as a military fuel truck passes by as demonstrators continue to protest the death of George Floyd near the White House in Washington on June 2, 2020. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo) The brigade acts as a command and control element for the battalion, which primarily provides military police and engineering capability. Active duty elements are postured on military bases in the National Capitol Region but are not in Washington DC. They are on heightened alert status but remain under Title X authority and are not participating in defense support to civil authority operations, Hoffman said in a statement. Rioting in various cities, including Washington, started last week amid protests sparked by the death of a black man, George Floyd, in police custody in Minneapolis. Senior Department of Defense officials said Monday that troops were moved to the National Capital Region so they could respond faster if needed but had not been deployed. Based on the number of National Guard forces and police officers responding to riots, the hope and expectation is that calling out additional active-duty forces will not be necessary, one of the officials said in a call with reporters. Active-duty troops can only be deployed by President Donald Trump, the commander-in-chief. Military police, part of the National Guard, begin to clear the sidewalks near the White House of demonstrators who had gather to protest the death of George Floyd, in Washington on June 1, 2020. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo) The Insurrection Act, which Trump has been pushed by some to use, had not been invoked, one of the officials said. The act says that a president can call the military to enforce laws or suppress rebellion if he decides unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States, make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States in any State by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings. About 1,200 fully activated National Guard forces in the District of Columbia were going to be supplemented Monday by additional forces from Delaware, New Jersey, Ohio, and Utah. New York was planning to send National Guard members but didnt end up doing so. Some of the forces were carrying lethal weapons. Demonstrators march toward Lafayette Park and the White House to protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, in Washington on June 2, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Vice President Mike Pence told KDKA Tuesday that he and Trump are ready to deploy active-duty military personnel to quell the violence, to quell the looting. Pence said he saw rioters engaging in looting and committing acts of violence against police officers, drawing attention to the ramming of officers with vehicles in New York and the shooting of a retired police captain in Missouri. But, like Trump, Pence said governors should deploy more National Guard forces. The president and I will continue to urge the governors, like Governor Wolf, to call up the National Guard, deploy them to the streets and in a strong and decisive manner to restore order. The American people expect nothing less, he said. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, has only called up 500 or 600 members, Pence said. Rioters vandalize an office building in Washington on May 31, 2020. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images) New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, refused to accept an offer of National Guard Support, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, another Democrat, told reporters Tuesday. The citythe largest in the United Statesexperienced continued rioting Tuesday night. The mayor said later Tuesday in a radio interview that National Guard forces and New York State Police officers are not trained for the circumstance, they are not trained for the challenges that come with being in city neighborhoods, understanding how to deescalate, how to handle really complex, difficult situations.: Ed Mullins, the president of the Seargants Benevolent Association, whose members served or serve in the New York City Police Department, said in a statement the same day that he was inundated with calls, messages, and emails pleading for help. I know we are losing the city, he said. We have no leadership, no direction, and no plan. I know you are being held back and used as pawns. Mullins urged officers not to give up. Cuomo mused at a press conference that he could displace de Blasio and take over the mayors duties, but said the situation doesnt currently merit such a move. A man jumps from the window of a damaged store in New York City, N.Y., June 2, 2020. (Jeenah Moon/Reuters) In a Morning Consult poll this week, 71 percent of respondents said they strongly or somewhat support cities calling in the National Guard to supplement police forces. And a majority58 percentsaid they support calling in the U.S. military to supplement police officers. Trump has repeatedly urged state and local officials to step up enforcement of law and order. The president said in an address to the nation Monday that all Americans were rightly sickened and revolted by the brutal death of George Floyd, adding: My administration is fully committed that, for George and his family, justice will be served. He will not have died in vain, Trump said. But we cannot allow the righteous cries and peaceful protesters to be drowned out by an angry mob. The biggest victims of the rioting are peace-loving citizens in our poorest communities, and as their President, I will fight to keep them safe. I will fight to protect you. I am your President of law and order, and an ally of all peaceful protesters. President Donald Trump walks in Lafayette Park to visit outside St. Johns Church across from the White House in Washington on June 1, 2020. Part of the church was set on fire during riots on Sunday night. (Patrick Semansky/AP Photo) But in recent days, our nation has been gripped by professional anarchists, violent mobs, arsonists, looters, criminals, rioters, Antifa, and others. A number of state and local governments have failed to take necessary action to safeguard their residents. Innocent people have been savagely beaten, like the young man in Dallas, Texas, who was left dying on the street, or the woman in Upstate New York viciously attacked by dangerous thugs. Calling violent actions acts of domestic terror, Trump said he was mobilizing all available federal resources, both civilian and military, to stop rioting, looting, and widespread destruction. For Washington, where rioting took place over the weekend, Trump said he was dispatching thousands of armed soldiers, military personnel, and law enforcement officers to stop violence and enforce a new, temporary 7 p.m. curfew. I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice that you will face severe criminal penalties and lengthy sentences in jail. This includes Antifa and others who are leading instigators of this violence, he said. Facebook Inc said Tuesday it has suspended accounts associated with white nationalist groups after some advocated bringing weapons to the current wave of anti-racist protests. Company officials also said they removed accounts falsely claiming allegiance to antifa in order to bring discredit to the anti-fascist movement. Antifa adherents have said they focus on defending people from attacks by authorities or vigilantes, but they have been vilified by President Donald Trump who, without citing evidence, said they were instigators of anti-police violence. Some of the removed white nationalist accounts were associated with the Proud Boys, which Facebook previously classified as a dangerous group. The others had connections to a group called the American Guard, which is now classified the same way. Multiple Facebook executives described the action on condition they not be identified. They said they acted based on behavior, not the politics of any content, and that Facebook had not designated antifa as dangerous. The company said it was looking closer at accounts discussing protests when it saw what it deemed white nationalist accounts encouraging violence. The misleading antifa accounts were removed for "inauthentic behavior," because they purported to be something they were not, Facebook said. As with a false antifa tweet that Twitter Inc tied to a third white nationalist group and which was widely distributed as a screen shot, the Facebook executives said Tuesday the goal of such content is often not to win thousands of followers but to plant a single false flag that can be used to sow distrust about the target group. Facebook declined to comment on whether it had been in touch with law enforcement, which it typically does in cases of an imminent threat. Also read: George Floyd death: Netflix, WarnerMedia, Ford, other brands take a strong stance A toll-free legal aid hotline is now available to victims of Michigans recently declared flood emergency in Midland, Arenac, Iosco, Saginaw and Gladwin counties. The service, which allows callers to request the assistance of a lawyer to aid in flood-related matters, is a partnership between the State Bar of Michigan, the State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section, Lakeshore Legal Aid, Legal Services of Eastern Michigan and private law firms who are volunteering services including Dykema, Bodman, Honigman and Miller Canfield. Flood victims facing legal issues who are unable to afford a lawyer may call 1-866-418-8315 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, to request assistance. When connected to the hotline, callers should note they are seeking disaster-related legal assistance, brief details of the assistance needed and in which county they are located. Individuals who qualify for assistance will be matched with Michigan lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal assistance. Legal consultations will be scheduled for a mutually agreeable time following the initial call-in and matching process. The type of legal assistance available includes: Assistance with securing possible FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster victims; Assistance with life, medical, and property insurance claims; Help with home repair contracts and contractors; Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster; Assistance in consumer protection matters, remedies, and procedures; Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems; and Counseling on landlord-tenant problems. Victims should be aware there are limitations on disaster legal services. For example, assistance is not available for cases that will produce a fee (e.g., those cases where attorneys are paid part of the settlement by a court). Such cases are referred to a local lawyer referral service. Currently, disaster relief services are available to flood victims in Midland, Arenac, Iosco, Saginaw and Gladwin counties. For all other flood victims, contact the State Bar of Michigan lawyer referral service at 1-800-968-0738. The following organizations have joined forces to establish the toll-free phone line for Midland, Arenac, Iosco, Saginaw, and Gladwin County Michigan disaster victims to request free legal assistance and to provide volunteer attorneys to handle cases arising from recent flooding. State Bar of Michigan: The State Bar of Michigan is an integrated bar, consisting of all lawyers licensed to practice law in Michigan. For over 80 years, the State Bar of Michigan has played its central role in regulating the legal profession and improving the administration of justice. State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section: The State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section is open to all Michigan lawyers under age 36 or in their first five years of practice. The Section is committed to sponsoring and carrying on activities of particular interest and value to young lawyers in Michigan. Lakeshore Legal Aid: Lakeshore Legal Aid takes pride in providing Southeast Michigan with excellence in advocacy and civil legal counsel since 1966. Its attorneys offer professional legal advice and counseling, document review and preparation, negotiation, mediation and representation in court to improve the legal status of the men, women and families it serves. Legal Services of Eastern Michigan: LSEM delivers free civil legal assistance to people with limited means. Its mission is to use legal skills to address the causes and effects of poverty. Special emphasis is placed on those issues that affect the survival needs of low-income people. LSEM provides services in 14 Mid-Michigan counties including, Arenac, Bay, Clare, Genesee, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair and Tuscola. Bodman PLC: Bodman PLC is one of the Midwests leading business law firms, providing counsel to some of the regions most successful companies and individuals on a broad range of issues. Deeply rooted in the communities they serve, Bodman lawyers provide clients with the personal attention of a small firm combined with the talent and knowledge expected of the nations leading attorneys. Dykema: Dykema is a leading national law firm, serving business entities worldwide on a wide range of complex business issues. Their lawyers deliver outstanding results, unparalleled service, and exceptional value in every engagement. Honigman: Honigman is a leading business law firm serving clients locally, nationally, and internationally from its Midwest base. They counsel clients on complex legal issues in more than 60 areas of legal practice. They pride themselves on understanding clients businesses and being exceptionally responsive to their business goals and needs. Miller Canfield: Since 1852, Miller Canfield's collaborative approach, deep resources and network of local, regional and worldwide relationships have helped its lawyers get work done quickly, efficiently and successfully for clients. It engages the best people, best practices and delivers the best possible results. Miller Canfield knows its clients' businesses, organizations and industries and look out for their best interests. Processed by Victoria Ritter, vritter@mdn.net OPINION: "This should be a no-brainer, so whats the problem? Some members of the RTA board are hesitant to change the scope of the First Avenue project. They appear to want Tucson to build a six-lane roadway because it was the project scope promised in the 2006 plan and the RTA must do what was promised no matter the need or the cost. Decisions by the RTA Board should be made based on facts and data, not out of fear of public perceptions and long ago promises," write Tucsonans Ruth Reiman and Jane Evans. Gold Fields Ghana Limited (GFGL), Tarkwa Mine has offered more support to battle the novel coronavirus pandemic in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality. This involved donation Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - 80 pieces of safety goggles, 70 infrared thermometers, 8,000 pieces of surgical face masks, 35,700 pairs of gloves and 5,200 pieces of N95 face masks. Mr Robert Siaw, Regional Manager-Community Relations, GFGL who made the presentation indicated, that the Tarkwa Mine had already donated PPE worth thousands of Ghana cedis to the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal committee on CONVID-19, stressing that, these were the second batch of the firms contribution to the Municipality. He reiterated that the two ambulances to be procured for the two hospitals in the Municipality would be presented to the health directorate to assist in fighting the virus. We believe our contribution will go a long to support the Municipality to contain the spread of CONVID-19 in Tarkwa and its surrounding areas he added. Mr Siaw noted that the Mines would continue to aid the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality to ensure that they bring the disease under control. He therefore appealed to their employees and family members to adhere to the Ghana Health Service and World Health Organization guidelines by washing their hands with soap under running water regularly, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers at regular intervals, observing social, physical distancing and wearing of nose masks. Mr Benjamin Kessie, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), was grateful to GFGL for supporting the course of the assembly in fighting the pandemic, We have taken custody of the items and the technocrats together with myself will put these materials into good use. The Municipal Health Director, Mrs Caroline Effah Otoo, expressed her profound appreciation to the GFGL Tarkwa Mine for coming to their aid. 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 49-year-old Stoney Creek man was charged by Toronto police after allegedly pretending to be a police officer and defrauding a woman he met through a dating website. The 38-year-old woman was contacted by a man through the website in January 2018 and he allegedly identified himself as a police officer, police said. They began dating and the man allegedly defrauded her. On June 2, police arrested 49-year-old Raymond Coles and he was transported to Toronto. He is charged with fraud over $5,000 and personate a peace officer. Police said they believe there are more victims. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-4300. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477 or 222tips.com. A good pet can be hard to find. Lately, its been harder than ever. In a normal week, the adoption team at Tony La Russas Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) places about 50 animals in homes. But in April, when the Walnut Creek shelter placed nine puppies on its adoption website, about a thousand emails poured in. Soon after, they put up four more puppies. Another 700 people wrote in to beg for one of them. Its a great problem to have, says Elena Bicker, the shelters executive director. Well yes, for animals, not so much for the lonesome, sheltering-in-place humans. Demand for pet adoptions is up 30 percent, says Bicker. At the same time, pandemic-related issues have made it much harder for the shelter to procure rescue animals. As a result, La Russas foundation was able to arrange adoptions for only 114 animals (cats and dogs) between mid- March and mid-May. Weve seen a significant decrease, Bicker says. Its the ultimate reversal for animal shelters. These refuges for strays and other pets who need care have often had trouble re-homing their cutie-pie denizens, particularly those with behavioral or medical issues. When the shelter-in-place order was issued, some officials feared their facilities would be overrun with unwanted animals. But in the upside-down, inside-out world of the novel coronavirus, the opposite is true: People are clamoring to adopt even aged, infirm creatures but many fewer animals are available. The pandemic and response have deeply disrupted the established processes for animal rescue. Some shelter officials hope lack of supply means that humans are behaving better toward the animals they do have, and not just depositing them at the nearest shelter when caring for them gets tough. Maybe people are being more responsible and taking care of their pets, says Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, president of San Franciscos SPCA. And that is so beautiful. Scarlett says her organization did 200 adoptions from March 16 to May 12, down from 500 in the same period last year. Its waiting list has grown considerably and the time animals spend in the shelter has halved. We have people waiting right there as soon as they can be adopted. Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle Some Bay Area shelters fostered out most of their animals when the lockdown began. But there are two main reasons for the paucity of potential pets. When humans shelter in place, they tend not to spot wayward animals. Meanwhile, government restrictions have made it more difficult for shelters to receive them, says Kurt Krukenberg, president of the Humane Society Silicon Valley in Milpitas. An example: Municipal animal control officers traditionally bring in all strays to shelters. But over the past few months, many were instructed to collect animals only if they were dangerous or needed medical help. There are still all these animals out there, but theyre not being brought in to us, Krukenberg says. Meanwhile, spay and neuter clinics, considered nonessential businesses, were forced to close down, making the wait for adoption longer because animals needed those services before adoption. (The SF SPCA, which closed its clinic and donated most of its personal protective equipment to frontline workers, is now ramping up its spaying and neutering, along with other shelters. East Bay SPCA hopes to get its clinic online in June.) A happy upside to the shortage? Those who were not getting as much attention before the pandemic are now finding humans to care for them. Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle Carol Hopewell, director of the Milo Foundation in Point Richmond, says the rescue group has seen a big uptick in adoptions and fosters. One of their older dogs, a German shepherd named Jackson who has trouble walking, went to a foster home. In San Mateo, a mixed tabby cat called Almond had languished for three years at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. She finally found a home in San Francisco with Miray Vavro, 32. Its a stressful time so I really wanted another furry being around, says Vavro, whose previous cat had died. Six weeks in, Almond has grown friendlier and more secure none of that scratching when Vavro leaves. I got the perfect cat. Dudley, a 12-year-old Chihuahua who lost all his teeth to dental issues, was adopted by a San Francisco couple who fell in love with him, says Buffy Martin Tarbox, of the same shelter. Even though Dudleys tongue hangs out of his mouth. The adoption process has undergone dramatic changes over the past few months. These days, most would-be adopters are filling out forms online, having phone conversations with counselors who make a match between humans and animals, and then maybe a Zoom or iPad meeting with the animal of their choice. Wearing masks, they drive to the shelter and pick the animals up curbside or in designated areas, sometimes using an automatic garage opener. Adopters stay in their car and pay with a credit card before receiving the animal. The pass-off seems a little cold for us, acknowledges Nancy McKenney, CEO of Marin Humane in Novato, which currently has 15 animals remaining in the shelter. Still, McKenney says, the process seems to be working and has a surprising upside: more individualized attention for the animals and adopters. Weve had much richer conversations and experiences on both ends. 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. Lockdown has also reduced the pressure on animals during an adoption process, says the SF SPCAs Scarlett. When it started, the shelter was crowded and people didnt know how to choose between all the animals available. When pet seekers see 50 or 20 potential adoptees, rather than 200, they dont get stuck in trying to make choices, and this decreases the stress on the animals. Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle To be sure, its not all rainbows for the animals. With kitten season in full swing, shelters are bracing for an avalanche of stray kittens, along with other animals that people might surrender as the pandemic continues and a new economic reality sets in. Though McKenney, of the Marin Humane Society, hasnt seen that happen yet, she worries what an increase in requests for support in our pet food-bank program means for the future. But a guinea pig named Snow wont be going anywhere, says his adopter, Emily De Wolfe. She was furloughed at the start of the shutdown she helps the mentally disabled look for employment but her husband wasnt. Ive been alone, says DeWolfe, 36. The newlywed couple adopted Snow in April. De Wolfe returned to work a few weeks ago. Snow is staying put. We put him on the couch and he runs around and jumps on us, says DeWolfe. He squeaks for his food in the morning. Hes brought so much joy to us this whole time with all the stuff going on. Hes been on Zoom with my parents. They dont have real grandkids yet, but hes good enough for now. Jacob Berg, 47, is an elementary school principal who lives in Dublin and is a longtime volunteer at the East Bay SPCA. When the shelter asked for volunteers to foster pets while it was shut down, Berg took Milo, a 9-year-old domestic short-hair cat, on March 17. He was told he could return him on April 9. And of course that didnt happen, says Berg, whose nickname for the cat is Milo the Menace because he gets into things he shouldnt and likes to rest and relax on Bergs laptop. Ive had to shoo him off and he steps on all the buttons. Most families who come to the SPCA want kittens, so it can be difficult for older cats to find homes, Berg says. Milo the Menace has found his, says Berg. We thought we would miss him if he was adopted by someone else. Mandy Behbehani is a freelance writer. Email culture@sfchronicle.com The Oregon Health Authority on Wednesday refused to release key statistics used to help justify and monitor Oregon counties allowed to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic. The Oregonian/OregonLive filed two public records requests last month seeking underlying data used by public health officials and Gov. Kate Browns office to allow phased reopenings by counties. State officials cited broad discretionary powers given to them by the Legislature in choosing not to release the figures. The Oregon Health Authority has frequently cited the law, ORS 433.008, for refusing to disclose information related to the pandemic. The law essentially exempts information collected by the agency during public health investigations from public disclosure requirements, giving state or county health officials sole authority to determine what data to release and when. The state health authority has withheld statistics even in instances where counties have released the same type of data. Its part of a broader pattern by state public health officials to limit the flow of information about the pandemic. Although Oregon has one of the lowest infection and death rates in the country, state officials have been secretive on many fronts, initially refusing to release details about outbreaks at long-term care facilities or workplaces or the age ranges for some people infected. They also have blocked the public from listening to daily conference calls between state administrators and lawmakers. In the latest episode, the newsroom sought daily hospital admission tallies for Marion and Polk county residents. Those are two sets of figures cited by state officials May 14 for initially refusing to allow those counties to reopen. Oregon Health Authority officials initially said new hospitalizations among residents had increased, leaving those two counties unable to meet the necessary criteria. But Brown announced the following week that the counties could reopen. Public health officials said new hospitalizations decreased from 24 for Marion County and nine for Polk County between April 26 and May 9 to 14 and six between May 4 through May 17. The health authority wont publicly release daily tallies of new county hospitalizations, however, saying it could lead to the identification of someone with the coronavirus. Yet at least two counties have publicly disclosed new daily hospital admissions: Clackamas County released the data in its application to Brown seeking to reopen and Washington County now posts the information on its website daily. Washington County discloses daily hospitalizations, even though the Oregon Health Authority won't for other counties. We cant control how other jurisdictions use the data, Robb Cowie, a spokesman for the Oregon Health Authority, said in an email. But we are responsible for how we handle it. Our public health officials are extremely sensitive to the release of public health investigation data out of concern that any disclosure particularly ones that involve small numbers could discourage people from cooperating with other investigations in the future. Meanwhile, the Oregon Health Authority on Wednesday separately refused to release the underlying data used to monitor increasing infections tallies by county a metric that will be considered as officials consider which jurisdictions are allowed to move into Phase 2 reopenings. State officials have built an online dashboard that shows weekly percentage increases or decreases in cases by county. The state set a benchmark that no county should have more than a 5% increase in new infections each week, although officials now say they may not strictly adhere to that before allowing counties to move into Phase 2 reopenings. The math behind such percentage increases or decreases should be simple, by calculating the sum from one week and comparing it to the previous. But The Oregonian/OregonLive could not replicate the percentages reported on the state dashboard by using the infection statistics released each day by the health authority. Part of the discrepancy could be that the daily totals released by the state include infections and presumptive infections instead of only confirmed infections. As a result, the newsroom requested the underlying weekly case counts used by the state to calculate the percentages listed on its initial dashboard May 21. State officials refused, saying they plan to eventually make some data available. Aggregated summary tables will be created that will be downloadable, the agency wrote in denying the newsrooms public records request. These take a lot of work and are currently in progress for the public health indicators dashboard. Statewide data will be available for download once those are launched. The health authority has regularly cited the public health investigation law for not disclosing statistics about the outbreak. At the beginning of the pandemic, officials used it to block inquiries about which labs were processing the most coronavirus tests and how many Oregonians had been rejected for testing or were asked to stay home after potential exposure. While the law makes information obtained during public health investigations confidential and exempt from public records disclosure, nothing prevents health officials from publishing statistical compilations and reports relating to reportable disease investigation if the compilations and reports do not identify individual cases or sources of information. The newsroom appealed an early public records denial to the Oregon attorney general but also was denied. In response to the newsrooms appeal for data early in the pandemic, the Attorney Generals Office wrote: In conclusion, the legislature entrusted this decision to OHA and OHA has decided not to publish this data. Although we acknowledge the strong public interest in information about the current outbreak, we have no legal authority to override OHAs decision to withhold the data. OHA is the public health agency in charge and is in the best position to evaluate the wisdom of publishing any particular information. -- Brad Schmidt; bschmidt@oregonian.com; 503-294-7628; @_brad_schmidt Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Belgium's Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes announced earlier this Wednesday that the country will fully open its borders on 15 June. Belgium will reopen its borders to travellers from the EU, Britain and members of Europe's passport-free travel zone on 15 June, the prime minister said Wednesday. PM Sophie Wilmes announced the measure as Belgium emerges from a three-month coronavirus lockdown, adding that bars and restaurants would reopen on 8 June. The move comes after Belgian authorities decided on 30 May to partially reopen the Luxembourg-Belgium border to allow family visits and cross-border shopping. A U.S. House committee is investigating the failure of a Michigan dam, giving the state two weeks to respond to a series of detailed questions about inspections and oversight. The House Energy and Commerce Committee sent a similar letter to a federal agency that had oversight of the Edenville Dam in Midland County until fall 2018. This inquiry is critical to ensuring this never happens again in any city in America with a high hazard dam, said Michigan Reps. Debbie Dingell and Fred Upton, who are members of the committee. It is concerning there are serious gaps in existing laws, and gathering the facts will be essential as we consider future bipartisan legislation to protect communities across the country, they said. About 11,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes two weeks ago when the Edenville and Sanford dams failed, unleashing the Tittabawassee River, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of Detroit. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, known as FERC, said dam operator Boyce Hydro Power had a string of violations over 14 years. The agency said it repeatedly raised concerns about the Edenville Dams ability to prevent flooding during extreme conditions because of an inadequate spillway capacity. The House committee wants Michigan to explain why it found the dam in fair condition in October 2018, just a month after FERC revoked a license. It also wants to know the size and finances of the states dam safety program. Responses from FERC and the Michigan environment department are due by June 15. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last week told the same department Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to investigate the Edenville and Sanford dam failures. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Michigan S weden should have imposed more curbs to control the spread of coronavirus, the countrys state epidemiologist admitted today. In a radio interview Anders Tegnell said he agreed that too many people had died, following months of defending the countrys policy that he helped to draw up not to impose a lockdown. If we would encounter the same disease, with exactly what we know about it today, I think we would land midway between what Sweden did and what the rest of the world did, he said. Sweden has one of the highest per-capita death rates from coronavirus in the world. More than 4,400 people in the country have died, while neighbouring Norway, Denmark and Finland all have death tolls of fewer than 600. Other European countries who did impose strict lockdowns took further steps to ease restrictions today. Italy reopened its borders to travellers from much of Europe in a bid to rescue its summer tourism season that employs four million people. The country is also allowing travel between regions for the first time since it went into lockdown in March. For a long time Italy was the hardest hit nation in Europe and has recorded more than 33,000 deaths. In a further boost to tourism, Germany today looked set to lift its travel warning for Europe. But there was worrying news from Berlin, where authorities reported that the virus reproduction rate has risen to 1.95, meaning each infected person is passing the virus on to nearly two others. Berlins health minister Dilek Kolat said it showed a trend reversal. Meanwhile, a study of blood donors in the Netherlands has found that 5.5 per cent of them have developed antibodies against the new coronavirus. The study was conducted by blood donation firm Sanquin among 7,000 donors between 10-20 May. This shows that over 90 per cent of our donors have still not been in touch with the virus, assuming almost all people who have been infected develop antibodies, Sanquin head researcher Hans Zaaijer told Dutch broadcaster NOS. We are miles away from a scenario of herd immunity. Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to discuss the FBI's "Crossfire Hurricane" investigation, in Washington on June 3, 2020. (Greg Nash/Pool/Getty Images) Rosenstein Would No Longer Sign Application to Spy on Trump Associate After Reading DOJ Report The former Department of Justice (DOJ) official who appointed special counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election said he wouldnt sign an application to spy on a former Trump campaign associate if he knew what he knows now. Rod Rosenstein, who assumed responsibility over the investigation after then-Attorney General Jeff Sessionss recusal in early 2017, told lawmakers in Washington on Wednesday that he has read the scathing report issued by DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz, which uncovered 17 significant errors or omissions in applications to spy on Carter Page, a Trump campaign associate. So if you knew then what you know now would you have signed the warrant application? Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) asked Rosenstein. No, I would not, Rosenstein said. Among the reasons he wouldnt, Rosenstein said, is because of the omissions or errors uncovered by Horowitz, including an FBI lawyer altering an email to omit the fact that Page was a CIA asset. Carter Page, petroleum industry consultant and former foreign-policy adviser to Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential election campaign, in Washington on May 28, 2019. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) An inspector general probe launched because of the number of problems with applications to spy on Page found widespread problems. Rosenstein initially said he read the application he signed in June 2018 but later changed his wording, saying he reviewed it and couldnt be sure he read every word. I approved the submission of it and four federal judges signed off on it, too, senator, because, like me they believed that the information was verified and accurate, Rosenstein said. The agents had a duty to make sure the information was accurate. In his opening statement, Rosenstein told lawmakers: Whenever agents make serious mistakes, or engage in misconduct, the Department of Justice must take immediate action, calling to punish wrongdoers and change policies if the policies fall short. Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to discuss the FBIs Crossfire Hurricane investigation, in Washington on June 3, 2020. (Greg Nash/Pool/Getty Images) No FBI agents have been charged for the widespread issues found with spying applications made to the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. The former official, who left the department last year, said every pleading thats filed contains the name of a U.S. Attorney. I consider U.S. attorneys responsible for them, he said. Under questioning from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rosenstein said he didnt know that former British spy Christopher Steeles primary source disavowed Steeles dossier, which was used as a basis to launch criminal investigations into the Trump campaign. He also said I dont believe so when asked whether he knew the 2016 campaign for Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee paid for the dossier. And he said he wasnt aware that there were exculpatory recordings of George Papadopoulos, another targeted Trump campaign associate, at the time he appointed Mueller as special counsel. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) questions former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to discuss the FBIs Crossfire Hurricane investigation, in Washington on June 3, 2020. (Greg Nash/Pool/Getty Images) Rosenstein faced hard questions from lawmakers, who accused him of malfeasance in his role as one of the DOJs top officials. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) charged that Rosenstein and Mueller misled him and others by withholding information showing the FBI didnt have a legitimate basis to interview retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn in early 2017. Flynn at the time was Trumps incoming national security adviser. He was pursued under the Logan Act, a centuries-old law that has never been successfully prosecuted. Flynn pleaded guilty to one count of lying to the FBI, but the Department of Justice last month told a judge to dismiss the case because the interview wasnt conducted as part of a legitimate inquiry. I didnt know all the background, Rosenstein said. Be prepared for something big when Trump visits: Hussain had told Umar month before Delhi riots India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 03: Be prepared for something big when Donald Trump visits India, suspended AAP councillor, Tahir Hussain had said at a January meeting, a good one month before the northeast Delhi riots. The chargesheet against Hussain says that on January 8, a month before the riots, the suspended councillor had met with former JNU student, Umar Khalid at Shaheen Bagh, where the anti citizenship law protests were being held. Delhi riots: Police files two chargesheets, names suspended AAP councillor Tahir Hussain Hussain also met with Khalid Saifi of the United Against Hate at Shaheen Bagh and said that be prepared for something big or riots at the time of Trump's visit to India. During his questioning, Hussain said that Saifi had given him money for the preparations. This was given from the account of the companies that he owned and an amount of Rs 1.10 crore was transferred to fake companies in the second week of January. The amount was later received by him in cash, following a chain of transactions, after which the preparations began, the chargesheet, while citing Hussain's questioning and call records also stated. Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall near Mumbai, coastal Maharashtra on red alert | Oneindia News Hussain is then alleged to have distributed cash among the protestors and he further told his supporters to prepare for the big action. It was during this time that Hussain got wind of the pro-citizenship law protests. He went to the Khajuri Khas police station and got his licensed pistol released. He is alleged to have said that this he did to teach them a lesson. Screwfix was among five companies reinstated to the Prompt Payment Code (Rui Vieira/PA) Five companies previously suspended from the Governments Prompt Payment Code (PPC) have been reinstated, officials have revealed. BT, IBM, Kier Highways, Screwfix and Seddon Construct all improved payment practices and proactively engaged with compliance officers, submitting plans on how they intend to meet the codes standards. Signatories to the code must agree to pay 95% of all invoices within 60 days and work towards adopting 30 days as standard, to avoid smaller businesses on the supply chain suffering financially. The current pandemic crisis is placing an extraordinary pressure on the cashflow of businesses and it is more important than ever that Code signatories honour their payment practice commitments. Philip King, interim Small Business Commissioner Several signatories remain suspended, including GlaxoSmithKline, Diageo, Unilever and BAE Systems. The PPC said prior to being suspended: BT were paying just 59% of invoices in 60 days or more, but are now paying at 94%. IBM were paying 55% of invoices in 60 days or more and are now paying at 90%. Kier Highways were paying 79% in of invoices in 60 days or more and are now paying at 98%. Screwfix were paying 18% of invoices in 60 days or more and are now paying at 91%. Seddon Construction were paying 19% of invoices in 60 days or more and are now paying at 92%. The companies reinstated that remain below the 95% requirement have vowed to meet the target. Interim Small Business Commissioner Philip King said: A growing number of businesses have signed up to the code in recent months and this shows the importance companies place on being signatories to the Code. The current pandemic crisis is placing an extraordinary pressure on the cashflow of businesses and it is more important than ever that Code signatories honour their payment practice commitments. It is encouraging to see suspended signatories now adhering to the requirements of the Code and being reinstated but the companies who continue to treat their suppliers unfairly remains a concern. The problem of late payments has hit suppliers hard in recent years, but data suggests this has exacerbated during the coronavirus crisis. A recent survey found the average smaller company does not have enough cash to cover debts due in the next year. Accountancy group UHY Hacker Young said an analysis of the balance sheets of more than 13,500 SMEs (small to medium sized enterprises) shows the average firm only has 95% of cash needed to pay debts due in the next 12 months. A spokesman for BT said the company had improved its invoice processes and said the company was delighted to be reinstated. He added: This progress is particularly timely given the pressures coronavirus is putting on cashflow across our diverse supply chain and SME suppliers. Andrew Davies, chief executive at Kier said: Following the reinstatement of other Kier businesses onto the Prompt Payment Code we remain committed to working proactively and in partnership with our suppliers. The Morrison government is preparing a revamp to its $70 billion JobKeeper program that could cut the $1500-a-fortnight payment for some workers despite Treasurer Josh Frydenberg conceding the nation is in its first recession in three decades. The March quarter national accounts revealed the economy shrank by 0.3 per cent through the first three months of the year, dragged down by the biggest fall in household consumption since 1986 and softer government capital expenditure and home construction. It was the first negative quarter of growth since cyclones and floods derailed the mining industry in early 2011 and puts the country on track to record its first consecutive negative quarters of growth since the recession of 1990-91. Mr Frydenberg, pressed on whether the country was already in recession, conceded it is "on the basis of the advice that I have from the Treasury Department about where the June quarter is expected to be". MIDDLETOWN City officials took to social media this week to address protests across the nation condemning police actions in connection with the death of George Floyd and others some of which have turned violent. Public statements have been made over the past several days by Mayor Ben Florsheim, Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner and Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce President Larry McHugh in reaction to the riots in Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., New York and other major cities across the United States. They pledged to create more transparency among government, the Board of Education, business leaders and the public on issues related to social justice, race and what the path ahead will look like. McKenna took to Facebook June 1 by video, making similar remarks to the one he made during Saturday nights gathering of 750 people downtown, during which most of the community members wore face masks to prevent potential spread of the coronavirus. He called the Floyd killing a horrific incident that deeply hurt, saddened and angered people across America. It was grotesque and has left us all with a painful image of a blatant disregard of a fellow human being. The incident sickened me sickened the nation and left millions of people infuriated with the total disregard for human life, he said. McKenna recently spoke with his officers as well as police chiefs across Connecticut, all of whom feel disgust, sadness, remorse and guilt. He strongly criticized the actions of the Minneapolis officer who placed his knee on Floyds neck for about 8 minutes, according to video recorded at the scene, and said the officers who stood by should be held accountable for their actions. The acts are despicable and 100 percent inexcusable, McKenna said in the video. Florsheim, McKenna, state Sen. Matthew Lesser, state Rep. Quentin Phipps, Conner and other dignitaries attended a peaceful march down Main Street Saturday attended by some 750 people, meant to draw attention to recent incidents of racial injustice and provide a forum for discussion. In many ways, Saturdays protest was a spontaneous protest and demonstration in solidarity with the ones happening across the country in response to the death of George Floyd and others, Florsheim said Tuesday. Larry McHugh, president of Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, also issued a statement on recent events, saying his organization stands with the country in condemning the circumstances surrounding Floyds death. The chamber has had a long record of being a steadfast leader and embraces inclusivity in every aspect of business, life and community. Racism occurs in many forms and should not be tolerated. We need to stand up together, work together, talk together to unite each other as brothers and sisters no matter what a persons race or gender or profession, McHugh wrote. The chamber denounced the violence and destruction that has marred the message of the protesters and damaged many businesses and communities, he said. In a two-page letter from Conner and Florsheim June 1, the two promised to ensure any further demonstrations remain incident-free. It was at some times heated, but at all times peaceful, the letter reads. It made two things clear to us as leaders of the community: Middletown is making positive change and Middletown must still do more. The dynamics of protests and police interaction have shaken our nation to its core in these last few days. Our community with its compassionate spirit and collaborative approach is also uniquely positioned to address them in a manner that moves us closer to justice, the men wrote. Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner, who is black, spoke to the crowd Saturday about his own fears. When I leave my house every day, I dont feel safe. I worry about if Im coming home to my family. It doesnt matter if I have a suit on, doesnt matter if I have an education, they dont see that. All they see is my color, he added. A planned demonstration in which participants intended to walk along the sidewalks on both sides of the Arrigoni Bridge connecting the city to Portland was canceled by the organizer who posted it on Facebook shortly after she announced the event. Former Portland library director Mary Flood said she reversed the decision in favor of a peaceful event in Portland at Riverfront Park on June 19, known as Juneteeth, or Freedom Day, a celebration of the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were told about their freedom. Erica Hunter, who pulled together Saturdays march, also is planning June 19 celebration during a march from Rapallo Avenue to the South Green via Main Street in a similar demonstration to Saturdays. However, this time a committee has been formed to set parameters for the demonstration. The ramifications of the tragedy still live with us. Thats why were having the conversation hundreds of years later, Florsheim said. Going forward, Conner and the mayor said they will take into consideration the concerns of the people who have a reason to protest. They also promised more transparency, better communication and outreach. That plan includes establishing partnerships with the Middletown Racial Justice Coalition, Common Council, Board of Education and Human Relations Commission. The mayor hopes other forums such as Saturdays will continue to take place. I heard people celebrating the fact we were together, but I also heard people protesting. Juneteenth will have the tenor of a celebration because of the celebratory occasion, but its celebrating the end of a tragedy and the ramifications of that tragedy are still with us, Florsheim added. In reaction to a 1,300-signature Change.org petition, Florsheim and McKenna announced on Facebook June 1 that the Thin Blue Line flags which flew at Middletown police headquarters have been taken down. The blue flag and stripe are a meaningful expression to honor fallen officers. However, he worried that some may perceive the symbol as divisive and disrespectful. Meanwhile, McKenna promised change is on the horizon. We are devastated, but we are also determined. Together, we can make our community stronger, safer, and more just for ourselves and our children. Because we can, it is our duty that we do, he said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Sanitation has been clearing public trash cans from streets on Staten Island and throughout New York City in response to protests over the police-involved death of George Floyd, according to sources. A spokeswoman for DSNY confirmed that we are temporarily removing some litter baskets around the city. Removing baskets is standard practice during some large events." She noted that such containers typically are eliminated from parade routes. A law enforcement source termed the move purely precautionary, after cans have been set on fire and used as weapons during Brooklyn and Manhattan protests. Staten Islanders have been posting on social media that trash cans are disappearing along Hylan Boulevard and Richmond Avenue. George Floyd protesters out past the 8 p.m. curfew were arrested in various locations in Manhattan, including on the West Side Highway near the entrance to the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, according to the New York Post. A wall of police prevented a mass of protesters from Brooklyn from accessing Manhattan via the Manhattan Bridge. An individual dressed as Spiderman scaled the bridge, according to the Post. Voters in primaries around the country reported problems with mail-in ballots and confusion about where to turn out in person, as protests over the killing of George Floyd threatened to combine with the coronavirus pandemic to disrupt elections. Primaries were held Tuesday in eight states and the District of Columbia, with nearly every jurisdiction facing a surge of interest in voting by mail and accompanying logistical problems. In several places, the number of in-person voting places was significantly reduced, and cities including the District experienced long lines that grew into the early evening. The problems, though not critical, occurred on the heaviest day of voting since the novel coronavirus emerged in full force and suggested challenges ahead for the November presidential election. "This surge is one thing, but I think we can expect a lot more than this in November, even without covid-19," Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said about absentee voting. She described the day's contests as running "remarkably smoothly, with no widespread issues to report." The story appeared different in the District, which opened just 20 of its typical 143 polling places and reported wait times at each location of more than an hour around 7:30 p.m. The lines stretched for blocks, even as the city's curfew took effect. Despite the problems, the voting landscape was a sharp departure from the partisan and court battles earlier this year in Ohio and Wisconsin over whether to postpone elections because of the threat of the coronavirus. Yet as they cast ballots in person on Tuesday, voters encountered conditions that have become a hallmark of this unusual election year: fewer voting locations, newly installed ballot dropboxes, signs encouraging social distancing and poll workers in protective gear. The public was also cautioned not to expect complete results on Tuesday night, with some states saying they might not be released until next week. In one Pennsylvania county, a judge on Tuesday ordered the mail-in deadline extended for as many as 500 people who had requested but not received mailed ballots. Election officials in Delaware County had struggled to fulfill an "unprecedented number" of absentee ballot requests, County Solicitor William Martin wrote in a last-minute court petition. Voters in other jurisdictions faced similar hurdles. In the District of Columbia, Maryland and Rhode Island, some reported not receiving mail-in ballots or struggling to submit requests. District election officials resorted to hand-delivering ballots that were at risk of not arriving on time. Long lines formed in spots. At about 6 p.m., 300 or more people waited to vote in a line that stretched about six blocks around the Sherwood Recreation Center. In one predominantly African American area of Pittsburgh, voters complained of feeling intimidated by having to cast ballots in a polling location that also houses a police department during a time of tension between black residents and law enforcement. Lakiya Brown of northeast Philadelphia said she was not afraid of contracting the coronavirus or encountering danger from police or protesters when she cast her ballot Tuesday. But the 37-year-old said she planned to be at home before it got dark. "People are angry. I get it. I am angry. I am hurting," she said, wiping away tears. "I may not act the same way, but I get it." Some troubles appeared to stem from poor communication to voters about changed routines. In Philadelphia, for instance, where only 190 of 831 polling places were opened, some voters showed up at their normal location to find facilities shuttered with no signs directing them to a consolidated location. Most of the problems emerged before Election Day and were related to the overwhelming increase in demand for mail-in ballots, which was up more than 1,000 percent in some jurisdictions, according to election officials. Pennsylvania, notably the ring of suburbs around Philadelphia, is widely expected to be a crucial battleground in the November presidential election. If thousands of voters are unable to cast mail-in ballots in the primary, election officials will be under tremendous pressure to better prepare for a general election that four years ago was decided by the narrowest of margins. Deadlines - and voters' confusion about them - also caused issues. In Indiana, the clerk of the state's most populous county warned last week that thousands of ballots might not be counted because they would not be returned by the deadline of noon on Election Day. And in New Mexico, voting rights advocates reported that several thousand applications for absentee ballots were received the day after the deadline. Several of Tuesday's contests drew special interest. In Iowa, firebrand conservative Rep. Steve King, a Republican, faced four GOP rivals. In Maryland, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Democrat, was being challenged from the left by first-time candidate Mckayla Wilkes. And in New Mexico, former CIA operative Valerie Plame ran in a competitive primary for the seat being vacated by Senate hopeful Ben Ray Lujan, a member of House Democratic leadership. The presidential campaigns were taking note of turnout in Tuesday's primaries. Election officials across the board expected low in-person turnout because of the surge in mail-in ballots, although that could mask the number of voters who were unable to or chose not to vote at all due to confusion over mail balloting rules or fear of infection at the polls. There was uncertainty about where to drop mail-in ballots. Philadelphia election officials set up dropboxes at only 11 locations, not at every polling location. At the A.W. Christy Recreation Center in predominantly black West Philadelphia - where 15 separate polling locations were consolidated - voters arrived with mail-in ballots in hand, unsure of what to do with them. With no ballot dropbox available, officials directed voters to a public library a mile away. Advocates said black voters have struggled to cast absentee ballots out of a combination of mistrust about dropping their ballots in the mail and a lack of access to information about how to do it. "To have these folks have to specifically come to the polls is unconscionable to me," said Sergio Cea, 35, a community organizer. One voter, Dorsey Williams, 52, came to the Lucien Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library to drop off his mail-in ballot, only to be told - incorrectly - that he had to submit his ballot in the council district where he lives. "Voter suppression is for real," he said. "They just did it to me." In Delaware County outside Philadelphia, officials said they had fulfilled an unprecedented 80,000 requests for mail-in ballots. But 6,000 of them went out just Monday - giving those voters little wiggle room to return them on time. Officials said they would be unable to fulfill another 400 ballot requests at all because of insufficient staffing and time. To help alleviate the crush, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, extended the mail-in ballot deadline by a week in six counties where the pandemic and protests have been most acute, but ballots still must be postmarked or received in person by 8 p.m. Tuesday. "This is an unprecedented time for Pennsylvania and our nation as we face a major public health crisis and civil unrest during an election," Wolf said in a statement. "Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and I want to ensure that voters can cast their ballot and that it is received in time." The Pennsylvania primary was the state's first major contest since state lawmakers expanded absentee balloting to all voters last fall, long before they could have predicted how dramatically interest in voting by mail would surge as a result of the pandemic. The onset of violent protests after Floyd, who was black, was killed in police custody in Minneapolis compounded the challenges that Tuesday brought. Philadelphia has been under a mandatory 6 p.m. curfew since Sunday; the curfew in Washington is set at 7 p.m., while polls remained open. Both cities declared voters and poll workers exempt. The mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, imposed a 9 p.m. curfew, one hour after polls were scheduled to close. Wolf ordered his deadline extension for mail-in ballots to apply to Philadelphia and two of its suburbs, as well as the counties that include Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Erie. Republican National Committee spokesman Mike Reed said Monday that the party was considering whether to bring legal action to block Wolf's order. The GOP fought efforts to extend the ballot deadline in Wisconsin's spring elections in April. "We want everyone to have the opportunity to vote, but we have an Election Day for a reason," Reed said. "Postponing this deadline would require county election offices to verify ballots for weeks after the election, potentially delaying the outcome and opening the door for unnecessary litigation." In Philadelphia, the crunch for in-person voting access could be more acute in the city's black enclaves, notably West and North Philadelphia, where requests for mail-in ballots were lower than in white areas, according to an analysis by Jonathan Tannen, a demographer who crunches city data. - - - Pompilio reported from Philadelphia. The Washington Post's Joe Heim, Joseph Marks, Jenna Portnoy and Julie Zauzmer contributed to this report. Press Release June 3, 2020 Tolentino lauds resumption of VFA Administration Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino lauded President Duterte for his decision to temporarily shelve the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (DFA) with the United States, saying it "imparts a glimpse of his sincere dedication to the welfare of the nation." In a privilege speech on Wednesday, Tolentino commended Duterte, for keeping his judgment anchored on the supremacy of national interest and affirming his resolve to safeguard the life and liberty of the Filipino people. "Flexibility is at the heart of effective leadership, and effective leadership is central to good governance," said Tolentino. On Tuesday night (June 2), Foreign Affairs Sec. Teodoro Locsin announced that Duterte opted to to suspend the termination of the VFA, a defense agreement that allows American troops to conduct joint training with their Filipino counterparts. Tolentino said the move was a display of Duterte's humility as he gave weight to the long history of alliance and strong relations between the Philippines and the United States. "This decision of the President is perhaps akin to adjusting his sail, so to speak, in order to be able to navigate his ship through dangerous waters, having premised his decision on 'prevailing political and other developments in the region,'" he stressed. The decision will also help further solidify the bond of friendship between the Philippines and the United States, "a pact forged by the blood of our forefathers for the peace and security in the country and the region", he said. He added that Duterte's decision should be placed alongside other significant events in Philippine history that occurred on the month of June, such as the signing of the peace treaty between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, representing King Philip II of Spain, and Rajah Tupas of Cebu on June 4, 1565. June 1945 was also a crucial period in the history when Gen. Douglas MacArthur led the liberation of the Philippines from the hands of the Japanese forces. For the time being, Tolentino said the temporary shelving of the VFA termination opens up a multitude of fresh opportunities, which helps strengthen national security and deter threats from outside our boundaries. Also, Duterte's decision will foster more strengthened bond of friendship between the Philippines and the United States as the world enters a "new normal" amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). During his speech, Tolentino underscored the oldest principle of international law -- "pacta sunt servanda" or "agreements must be kept" - which he claimed depends heavily on the commitment of the signatories to these agreements. "Without such doctrine, international agreements would lose their binding effect," he emphasized. The US Army is funding new technology that could improve the battery performance on smartphones with 5G connections by a factor of 50. The project was led by a team of engineers at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Lille in France, with funding from the Army Research Office. Working with a new nanomaterial design, the team was able to improve battery performance for 5G connected devices by creating a more efficient switching system as they alternate between 5G signs and other radio frequencies. Engineers from University of Texas at Austin and the University of Lille in France received funding from the US Army to develop a new system of radio frequency switches to help make 5G phones less battery intensive 'It has become clear that the existing switches consume significant amounts of power, and that power consumed is useless power,' the University of Texas Austin's Dr. Deji Akinwande said in a statement. 'The switch we have developed can transmit an HDTV stream at a 100GHz frequency, and that is an achievement in broadband switch technology.' In preliminary user testing, 5G phones have been especially battery hungry, with the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G losing 50% of its battery power in just four hours of 5G connection, despite promising 18 hours of battery life. The issue is partly due to the need to maintain connections to both 3G or LTE networks for basic phone functioning while also keeping a connection to more data intensive 5G signal for other data-heavy tasks. The basic connections a smartphone maintains at any given time are governed by a system of radio frequency switches that direct which of the devices receivers to activate for a given task, according to a report in Popular Mechanics. The current generation of 5G smartphones can be surprisingly inefficient, with Samsung's Galaxy S10 5G losing 50% of its 18-hour battery life in just four hours of 5G use The main cause of battery drain for 5G devices is the system of switches that govern when a device should switch between Wifi, 5G, 4G, 3G, LTE, Bluetooth, or another radio signal for a certain task. The Army project uses an ultra-thin nanomaterial to make this more efficient These switches determine when a device should switch from Wifi, 5G, 4G, 3G, LTE, or Bluetooth, and consumes small amounts of processing power and battery power to constantly shift back and forth depending on the required task. The new Army-funded design for these sets of switches is centered around hexagonal boron nitride, a nanomaterial that's described as the world's thinnest insulator. Because hexagonal boron nitride can be laid out in layers that are the thickness of a single atom, they can transfer energy much more efficiently than conventional switches. They also work with radio signals that cover the full 5G spectrum, rather than just the low end parts of the spectrum that earlier experiments with switch efficiency achieved. The Army say it's hoping to apply the technology to a range of 5G compatible devices, including smart radios, satellite systems, and other 'Internet of Things' devices that could be used in the field. Radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson interrupted her radio show on Tuesday to shout at at noisy construction workers outside outside her multi-million dollar Bondi Beach apartment. But when the jackhammer drilling continued during Wednesday's breakfast program, Kyle Sandilands, 48, decided to test whether the roadwork was really as noisy as it sounded on air. The segment began with Jackie, 45, suggesting - and then immediately regretting - that the construction work sounded like a personal vibrator. The mother-of-one initially joked that she should bring her vibrator to the microphone to compare the noise, prompting Kyle to pipe up: 'Excuse me? Where is [your vibrator]? Go and get it now!' 'No! Is this a bad idea? No I'm not getting it,' Jackie nervously responded. Refusing to let it go, Kyle continued: 'Please. I'm begging you, do it. it'll be funny. Trust me, have I ever led you astray before?' 'Is this a bad idea?' Kyle Sandilands, 48, (left) convinced his KIIS FM co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson, 45, (right) to test her vibrator on-air to see whether it was louder than the construction work outside her home on Wednesday 'Oh yes you have!' laughed Jackie, before finally agreeing to Kyle's request. Once she'd located the vibrator, Jackie placed the buzzing device up to the microphone. Kyle and newsreader Brooklyn Ross initially struggled to identify whether the vibrator was louder than the construction work. 'I'd say the vibe's louder': After conducting the racy experiment, Kyle decided that Jackie's vibrator was louder than the construction work outside Finally, Kyle declared: 'There's not much difference. I'd say the vibe's louder,' Kyle said. Jackie has been broadcasting from home for the past two months due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. This week she launched into a tirade against female traffic controllers who've been blocking Uber Eats deliveries from getting to her building. 'Bloody construction, I'm so over it!' Jackie, who has been broadcasting from home for the past two months, interrupted her news segment on Tuesday to yell at construction workers outside Home sweet home? Jackie lives with her nine-year-old daughter, Kitty, (pictured) in a luxury apartment in Bondi 'Sorry, it's annoying me so much, this construction. I mean, it's raining outside. Take the day off, guys!' she yelled in frustration during Monday's show. Her co-host Kyle Sandilands tried to calm her down by saying 'you can barely hear it', but Jackie was still obviously rattled. On Monday, Jackie described a series of run-ins she'd had with female traffic controllers working outside her luxury apartment. 'I'm so sick of these girls': This week Jackie launched into a tirade against female traffic controllers who've been blocking Uber Eats deliveries from getting to her building. The stop-go women, who are mostly Irish backpackers, have apparently been blocking her Uber drivers and couriers from entering the private street. Jackie said that on several occasions recently she'd been forced to walk up the street to collect deliveries or carry heavy bags towards a waiting taxi. 'They're paving the road for some reason. It's crazy to me, but I won't question the council's motivations. Only residents are allowed [to drive] on my street and it's been like that for some time,' she explained. 'It's crazy to me': On Monday, Jackie revealed she'd had a series of run-ins with female traffic controllers blocking access to her private street. Pictured: a lollipop lady in May 2019 She once lost her temper with a lollipop lady who wouldn't let her Uber driver up the street even though other residents' taxis had been allowed through. '[The traffic controller] was on the phone talking to a friend and probably didn't even care,' Jackie said indignantly. Jackie went on to say this wasn't an isolated incident and that she'd never had this problem before with male traffic controllers. Young women are earning up to $130,000 a year with hazard pay and various site allowances as traffic controllers - four times more than some teachers and nurses. Ukrainian journalists are facing multiple problems due to the coronavirus pandemic, a situation that is being addressed by the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU). NUJU has developed a special anti-crisis program for support for media. The program was developed by NUJUs experts and representatives of more than 100 media and is based on the experience in other European countries. The program includes tax, economic and organizational measures. The union is currently negotiating with the Parliamentary Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy for the implementation of this program and it has already reached an agreement on public grants for local media. NUJU, along with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) project "Human Rights for Ukraine" , launched a series of webinars on the "Organization of work of local media in a pandemic of COVID-19". The training project organised 10 webinars in May-June 2020 where regional media owners, editors-in-chief and journalists learned key concepts and skills on how to optimize resources, reduce costs, and adapt to the new context of the media sector. On the eve of the Ukrainian Day of the Journalist, which will be celebrated on June 6, NUJU has launched an information campaign #Journalists are important. The objective of this campaign is to remind society about the importance and the hard work thousands of journalists are doing every day to keep citizens informed. This role has become even more important during lockdowns and the social distancing measures implemented to fight against COVID-19. Journalists, like doctors and other workers, are in the frontline against the COVID-19 pandemic. The President of NUJU Sergiy Tomilenko, said: The media industry has been essential during the lockdown. However, it has suffered an economic collapse. Our mission, as the largest journalistic organization in Ukraine, is to support our colleagues during these difficult times. IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: We welcome NUJUs hard work to support Ukrainian media workers by lobbying the government for support measures for the media sector, organizing webinars for journalists and educating society on media freedom values. All these actions are very inspiring and will improve Ukrainian journalists working conditions. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 04:55:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that China stands ready to work with Germany and the European Union (EU) to strengthen strategic cooperation, uphold multilateralism, tackle global challenges, and jointly add certainty to the current world of uncertainty. In a telephone conversation in the night with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Xi noted that it was the third time since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak that he and Merkel had spoken over the phone, which reflects the deep political mutual trust and close strategic communication between the two sides. The Chinese side appreciates the German government's objective and rational stand as well as its respect for science on the pandemic issue, Xi said. He added that China is ready to work with Germany to support the work of the World Health Organization (WHO), promote international cooperation within such frameworks as the United Nations and the Group of 20, help African countries fight the coronavirus disease, and contribute to safeguarding global public health security. Stressing the need to coordinate epidemic control and economic and social development, Xi said the general trend of the Chinese economy towards stable long-term growth with a sound momentum remains unchanged. China, he added, will stay committed to further opening up to and expanding cooperation with the rest of the world, and continue to create a favorable environment for German enterprises to increase investment in China. The recently launched China-Germany "fast track" arrangement will help enterprises in both countries to speed up business resumption, and maintain the stability of international industrial and supply chains, he said. The Chinese president said he is confident that China-Germany cooperation will play its due role in helping pull the world out of the economic recession at an early date. With China and Germany maintaining a stable and sound cooperative relationship, China stands ready to continue dialogue and exchanges with Germany, Xi said. Noting that Germany is to take over the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU) for the second half of this year, he added that China appreciates Germany's willingness to actively promote the development of China-EU ties. As a series of significant events of China-Germany and China-EU political exchanges are now under discussion, China is willing to keep close communication and coordination with Germany and the EU to ensure the success of these events and lift China-Germany and China-EU relations to higher levels, he added. For her part, Merkel said that Germany attaches importance to the economic and social development plan made in China's "two sessions," and stands ready to work with China to promote work and production resumption without compromising outbreak control and continuously deepen bilateral economic cooperation. Germany highly appreciates the announcement made by Xi that China's COVID-19 vaccine will be made a global public good, she said, adding that under current circumstances, to enhance international solidarity and multilateralism is crucial to the global fight against the pandemic. The chancellor said Germany is willing to strengthen exchanges with China and continue to support the WHO playing its important role, so as to promote international public health security cooperation. Germany, she added, hopes to maintain dialogue with China and boost cooperation as regards a broad range of fields and issues, and also stands ready to keep close communication with China to materialize the important events on the Germany-China and EU-China agenda and push for higher-level development of Germany-China and EU-China ties. Call for Bahrainis to be vigilant in US cities affected by protests Call for Bahrainis to be vigilant in US cities affected by protests TDT | Manama The Bahrain Embassy in the US issued an announcement yesterday, urging all Bahraini citizens currently living in cities affected by protests to abide by the instructions of local authorities. The Embassy, in a post published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official account on social networking service Twitter, called on Bahrainis residing in those US cities to be vigilant, and to limit their movement in this critical time for their security and safety. In case of any emergencies, citizens are to contact the Embassy on (202)-342-111 Ext. 9. US cities have erupted in violence and destruction in protest of a police officers killing of American George Floyd, as he was handcuffed and lying face down on a city street during an arrest. Joe Biden is on the cusp of formally securing the Democratic presidential nomination after winning hundreds more delegates in primary contests that tested the nations ability to run elections while balancing a pandemic and sweeping social unrest. Biden could lock down the nomination within the next week as West Virginia and Georgia hold primaries. On Tuesday, voters across America were forced to navigate curfews, health concerns and National Guard troops waiting in line hours after polls closed in some cases after election officials dramatically reduced the number of in-person voting sites to minimize the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. Biden and President Donald Trump easily swept their respective primary contests that ranged from Maryland to Montana and featured the nights biggest prize: Pennsylvania. The two men are certain to face each other on the presidential ballot in November, yet party rules require them first to accumulate a majority of delegates in the monthslong state-by-state primary season. Trump secured the Republican presidential nomination in March. Pennsylvania, which offered Tuesdays largest trove of delegates, also represented a significant test case for Republicans and Democrats working to strengthen their operations in a premier general election battleground. Voters were forced to brave long lines in militarized zones because officials consolidated the vast majority of polling places in Philadelphia to minimize health risks, according to Erin Kramer, executive director of One Pennsylvania. She noted that some polling places in African American communities are in police stations. Having to stand in line while police officers are entering and exiting the building on police business is not exactly how people want to spend their Election Day, Kramer said. Biden was in Philadelphia earlier Tuesday to deliver remarks about the civil unrest that has erupted across the nation after the police killing of George Floyd. He didnt talk about the primary, instead focusing his attention on Trump, whom Biden blasted as more interested in power than in principle. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is not actively campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination, having suspended his operation and endorsed Biden, but his name appeared on the ballots. On the eve of Tuesdays primaries, senior adviser Jeff Weaver encouraged progressives to vote for Sanders anyway to help maximize his influence in the direction of the Democratic Party. The comments served as a reminder that Biden may have no legitimate Democratic rivals remaining but must still win over skeptical activists from his partys far-left flank, who worry hes too close to the political establishment. Party unity was an afterthought this week, however, as more immediate health and safety concerns dominated the national conversation. The coronavirus death toll has surged past 100,000 nationwide, and thousands of new cases are reported each day. At the same time, several major cities, particularly Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia among those voting Tuesday, struggled to contain protests and related looting that led to thousands of arrests. Some voters said Trumps increasingly tough tone toward protesters inspired them to participate in the democratic process. Nicholas Autiello, who works in finance in Rhode Island, said he was disturbed by police driving back peaceful demonstrators near the White House on Monday. Last night, we have a president who is acting like a dictator, Autiello said. So being able to come out here this morning and fill in a circle next to a name for someone who I know will restore honor and decency to the presidency was so important. Political groups have had to adjust as some states move to a system that relies largely on voting by mail. They include Montana, where all 56 counties decided to vote entirely by mail, despite Trumps repeated warning against it. Voting rights watchdogs in multiple states on Tuesday expressed concerns about access to mail ballots, confusion about deadlines and a shortage of poll workers that led to long lines. We are in unique times, and voting is a unique challenge for people, said Josh Schwerin, chief strategist for the pro-Democrat super PAC Priorities USA. He said that his organization and others would be watching closely on Tuesday to see how well it works, where issues are and where obstacles have been put in place. Those voting Tuesday included the District of Columbia, Indiana, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Dakota. Two other states holding primary elections on Tuesday, Idaho and Iowa, chose their presidential nominee early in the year. In Iowa, Republican Rep. Steve King, known nationally for controversial remarks, lost his bid to be nominated for a 10th term to state Sen. Randy Feenstra. House Republicans stripped King of his committee assignments in 2019 after comments that seemed to defend white nationalism, providing fuel for Feenstras argument that King was no longer an effective representative for the 4th District. In a New Mexico race for an open House seat, ex-CIA operative Valerie Plame lost the Democratic primary to attorney Teresa Leger Fernandez, a professional advocate for Native American communities and voting rights issues. A first-time candidate for public office, Plame harnessed her fame as the operative whose secret identity was exposed shorty after her diplomat husband disputed U.S. intelligence used to justify the 2003 Iraq invasion. ___ Associated Press writer Rodrique Ngowi in Providence, R.I., and Terry Spencer in West Palm Beach, Fla., contributed to this report. ___ Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, Ground Game. Johannesburg, Jun 2 (PTI) South Africa has partnered with NASA to host a deep-space ground station, which will support human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. With this collaboration, South Africa became the fourth country after the US, Spain and Australia to host a deep space ground station. Also Read | IndiGo Cancels 17 flights to And From Mumbai Due to Cyclone Nisarga: Live Breaking News Headlines & Coronavirus Updates, June 2, 2020. The partnership between the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to host the space station followed an earlier agreement between the two organisations for the establishment of the station at Matjiesfontein town in the Western Cape Province. "The station will support human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. It will be integrated into an existing network of three sites in the United States of America, Spain and Australia," the South African government said in a statement on Monday. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Dials US President Donald Trump, Discusses COVID-19 Pandemic, G-7 Among Other Issues. "As the fourth site, it will complement the other three sites and provide improved coverage and redundancy for critical mission support. SANSA will operate, maintain and manage the station," it said. The station will benefit South Africa in, amongst others, the development of scarce skills and the growth of the science, engineering, technology and innovation sector. It will also provide opportunities to feed the knowledge economy and increase the national research output in space science and technology. SANSA Managing Director Raoul Hodges said South Africa's advantage was its location at the southern tip of Africa, with the climate at Matjiesfontein being ideal for the frequency that will be involved in the space studies. Work is expected to start soon on building the dish antennas, with a height equivalent to a 20-storey building. "The dishes need to be large enough to capture the faint signals sent from millions or even billions of miles away (from earth)," the NASA said in a statement. The partnership between SANSA and NASA comes almost half a century after a tracking station was built by NASA at Hartbeestfontein in South Africa in 1961 to track NASA probes that were being sent beyond the earth's orbit. The facility was converted to a radio astronomy observatory after the original venture ended in 1974 when NASA quit South Africa because of the growing international opposition to the white-minority apartheid government. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Four get death for drug trafficking in northern Vietnam Four men at the Cao Bang People's Court in Cao Bang Province are sentenced to death on June 2, 2020 for heroin trafficking. Photo courtesy of the Cao Bang Newspaper. A court in the northern Cao Bang Province sentenced four people to death on Tuesday for trafficking 20.4 kg of heroin. Ma Van Thoi, 35, Mac Chieu Hai, 30, Vang A Sai, 25, and Vu A Cong, 20, had trafficked the drugs last October from Dien Bien Province to Cao Bang en route to China. Dien Bien borders both Laos and China while Cao Bang borders China. The police caught them with 62 packs of 330 grams each of heroin, the Cao Bang Peoples Court heard. Vietnam is a key trafficking hub for drugs from the Golden Triangle, an intersection of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar and the world's second largest drug producing area after the Golden Crescent in South Asia. Vietnam has some of the harshest punishments for drug trafficking, including death for possessing or smuggling over 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kg of methamphetamine and producing or selling 100 grams of heroin or 300 grams of other illegal narcotics. But this does not seem to have had a deterrent effect, with drug trafficking apparently increasing in recent years. Cross of Snow: A life of Henry Wadsworth Longellow By Nicholas A. Basbanes Knopf. 463 pp. $35 --- When I was growing up there were four junior high schools in my hometown: Hawthorne, Whittier, Irving and Longfellow. They were all built in the 1920s and named in honor of what were then America's most respected, and respectable, 19th century writers. Forty years later, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Washington Irving, John Greenleaf Whittier and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow are still featured prominently in the school system's English classes. To speak just of poetry, my classmates and I read "Paul Revere's Ride," "The Courtship of Miles Standish," "The Village Blacksmith" and even the book-length "Evangeline." As it happens, all these are by Longfellow - the subject of Nicholas Basbanes's new biography "Cross of Snow"- and they share certain characteristics: They are narrative poems, patriotic in character and chockablock with memorable lines: "One, if by land, and two, if by sea," "Why don't you speak for yourself, John?," "Under a spreading chestnut-tree/ The village smithy stands," "This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks." To Longfellow we owe dozens of striking phrases we still use: "footprints in the sands of time," "forever and a day," "ships that pass in the night," "A banner with a strange device/ Excelsior!" Because they told stories in verse, his poems - others include "The Song of Hiawatha" and "The Wreck of the Hesperus" - were popular recital pieces back in the day when dramatic declamation was a minor art. Even my father, who quit school at 16, would periodically quote Longfellow to one or other of my three sisters: "There was a little girl, she had a little curl Right in the middle of her forehead; And when she was good, she was very, very good, And when she was bad, she was horrid." Sadly, America's first world-famous poet fell from favor during the 20th century. Already in his lifetime - 1807 to 1882 - both Poe and Margaret Fuller had criticized, and criticized quite viciously, Longfellow's early verse, but with the advent of modernism the whole body of his work began to be disdained as hokey and sentimental. Not that it was forgotten. Martin Gardner's excellent anthology, "Best Remembered Poems," reprints more work by Longfellow than by anyone else. What's more, the once-disparaged "fireside poet" has recently attracted new champions, notably Dana Gioia, the former chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. Basbanes's "Cross of Snow: A Life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow," then, is well timed, though it will chiefly interest three classes of reader. First of all, it will appeal to those fascinated by 19th century "Boston Brahmin" culture and the interconnections among prominent New England families. Longfellow knew everyone and moved in elite circles all his life. Nathaniel Hawthorne was a Bowdoin College classmate. Friends, neighbors and relations included Harriet Beecher Stowe, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Julia Ward Howe, Ralph Waldo Emerson and many other notables with three-barrel names. Second, the book is the portrait of a marriage, devoting considerable attention to Longfellow's second wife, Fanny (his first died young). A highly educated and much traveled woman, Fanny initially refused the proposal of "Professor Longfellow" and only later - four years later - decided that he was, after all, worthy of becoming her husband. Basbanes argues that this power couple formed a true partnership of intellectual equals. Third, "Cross of Snow" will attract those who like capacious biographies that emphasize primary materials. It is, in fact, constructed largely around passages drawn from the Longfellow circle's journals, correspondence and other personalia. This document-driven approach probably reflects Basbanes's background in journalism. His best known books, "A Gentle Madness" and "Patience and Fortitude," assemble compelling portraits of antiquarian book dealers, bibliophiles, librarians and literary scholars. In them, he allowed his subjects to talk at length about their life and work. He does much the same in "Cross of Snow," only this time, instead of relying on spoken interviews, he shapes his narrative around archival testimony. Given the richness of "Cross of Snow," it may seem churlish to point out what the book doesn't do. To start with, it isn't a "critical" biography: Basbanes pretty much ignores the poetry as poetry and provides no guidance to it. Rather he simply presents Longfellow as a man, husband, friend and cultural monument of 19th century America. Many early pages chronicle the poet's youthful Wanderjahre in Europe, but almost nothing is said about his 25 years as a Harvard professor of European languages and literatures. Instead we learn a lot about his oysters-and-champagne social life. What were his courses like? Are there no accounts of his teaching style by former students? Like any newspaperman, Basbanes helpfully identifies the many, often fascinating people mentioned in his text. Still, this practice sometimes comes across as obsessive. While making a small point he refers to "the late Daniel Aaron, the founding president of the Library of America, and a distinguished historian of American literature at Harvard who was a champion of Longfellow's work until the day of his death in 2016 at age 103." Sometimes these identifications grow into actual brief biographies. Similarly, when Fanny dies horribly after her clothes accidentally catch fire, we are told at length about the dangers of crinoline in the age of candles. Such digressions, however informative or entertaining, sometimes seem out of proportion to their biographical importance. In 1849 businessman George Parkman was murdered by Harvard chemistry professor John Webster. Do we need the entire case - the subject of Paul Collins's recent "Blood & Ivy" - retold to us simply because the Longfellows wrote about it in diaries and letters? Maybe. Maybe not. In the end, if you're already interested in Longfellow's life and milieu, Basbanes is definitely your man. Just bear in mind that you shouldn't expect an introduction to the poetry or any discussion of why we should still read it. --- Dirda reviews books each week in The Washington Post. crude oil Ravindra Rao COMEX gold trades moderately lower near USD 1730/oz after a 0.9 percent decline yesterday. Gold rebounded after taking support near USD 1680/oz , however after a brief consolidation near USD 1750/oz it has again corrected. We may see price remaining in a range above USD 1700/oz as market players await more clarity on US-China tensions. Gold price came under pressure amid persistent strength in US and global equity markets as market players downplayed increased US-China tensions, civil protests in US, mixed economic data from major economies and increasing virus cases worldwide and focused more on hopes of economic recovery with lifting of virus related restrictions and stimulus measures taken by central banks and governments. While firmness in equity market has reduced appeal for safe haven assets like gold, the metal continues to hold above $1700/oz supported by slow economic recovery and threats from increased US-China tensions. Lack of any severe retaliation by US against China has eased market nerves however continuing tensions may keep concerns about the partial trade deal signed in January. Also supporting price is robust investor interest as is evident from continuing ETF inflows. Gold holdings with SPDR ETF rose by 0.87 ton to 1129.28 tonnes, highest since April 2013. Gold may continue to trade in a broad range above USD 1700/oz but one may consider buying at lower levels as global growth worries and US-China tensions may keep a floor to prices. Crude oil has risen over 2 percent to trade above USD 37.5/bbl after a 3.9 percent gain in previous session. Crude hit a high of USD 37.88/bbl today, the highest level since March 6. Crude oil surged to near 3-month high supported by API weekly report. API noted a 0.483 million barrels decline in US crude oil stocks as against market expectations of a near 3 million barrel increase. Stock at Cushing, the delivery terminal for NYMEX crude futures, fell further by 2.2 million barrels indicating easing glut in the region. API however noted a bigger than expected increase in gasoline and distillate stocks. Crude oil has risen also in anticipation that OPEC and allies may decide on extending current deep production cuts. OPEC and allies next meeting is scheduled for June 9-10 however there are discussions to prepone the meeting to June 4 but no official announcement has been made so far. OPECs current deal calls for 9.7 million barrels per day production cut in May and June and reduced production cut of about 7.7 million barrels per day for rest of the year. OPEC members are now discussing possibility of extending the current cuts for next few months. Reuters reports noted that the group may extend cuts of 9.7 million barrels per day into July or August. Higher global stocks and slow recovery in demand makes a case for OPEC to extend cuts however stability in prices and reopening of economies gives some room to act. Crude oil has also benefitted from storm activity in Atlantic as a third named storm formed near southern Gulf of Mexico. Crude oil and other commodities have also benefitted from sustained strength in equity markets on optimism that lifting of virus restrictions and stimulus measures may boost economic recovery. US crude oil has rallied sharply in last few days and it is likely that market players may hold on to the gains ahead of OPEC meeting. However, we recommend some caution as inventory report may not have much to offer. API report has already fueled expectations of a decline in US crude stocks. Apart from stocks, focus will be on US crude production and refining demand. Production has been falling but at a slow pace. For the day, price may trade higher ahead of inventory report. NYMEX natural gas trades marginally higher near USD 1.78/mmBtu after a 0.2 percent gain yesterday. Natural gas has been trading in a narrow range amid mixed factors. Mild weather in US and weak LNG demand has kept pressure on price. Also weighing on price is expectations of another bigger than average rise in gas stocks. However, supporting price is lower US gas production, drop in rig count to record low level, firmness in crude oil price and increased storm activity in the Atlantic. While hurricane season has just started, there have already been three named storms. Currently, tropical storm Cristobal has formed in the southern Gulf of Mexico Also supporting price is expectations of pickup in demand as US and other countries work on reopening their economies. Natural gas may continue to trade in a range amid mixed factors however we expect buying to emerge at lower levels amid expectations of improvement demand and some risk premium due to storm activity. Focus will continue to be on US weather, storm activity in Atlantic and trend in energy prices. Disclaimer: 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. The author is VP- Head Commodity Research at Kotak Securities Justin Bonomo Claims Third Super High Roller Bowl Title; Wins SHRB Online for $1,775,000 June 02, 2020 Justin Bonomo has won the Super High Roller Bowl Online on partypoker for $1,775,000, becoming the first player to win three SHRB titles. Bonomo defeated Michael Addamo heads-up to top the 50-player field, adding the Online title to his victories in China and Las Vegas in 2018. Addamo showed grit and guile heads-up, with several eye-catching plays drawing the attention of the commentary team of Nick Schulman, Jeff Platt, and Brent Hanks over on the partypokerTV Twitch Stream Super High Roller Bowl Online Payouts Place Player Country Payout 1 Justin Bonomo United States $1,775,000 2 Michael Addamo Australia $1,187,500 3 David Peters United States $762,500 4 Pauli Ayras Finland $487,500 5 Dan Shak United States $325,000 6 Linus Loeliger Switzerland $250,000 7 Sam Greenwood Canada $212,500 Start-of-day chip leader Ali Imsirovic finished just short of the final table in ninth, with Orpen Kisacikoglu bubbling the tournament in eighth after running ace-king into the kings of Addamo. The final table was stacked with talent, exemplified by the fact that all but two players held the chip lead at one stage at least, but eventually SHRB expert Bonomo came out on top, adding a third title and over $1.7 million to his already length poker resume. Justin Bonomo Super High Roller Bowl Record Edition Buy-In Entries Place Winnings Recap III $300,000 56 7th $600,000 Recap Macau HK$2.1M 75 1st HK$37.83M (~$4.8M) Recap IV $300,000 48 1st $5,000,000 Recap Bahamas $250,000 51 8th $510,000 Recap Online $102,000 50 1st $1,775,000 Recap Final Day Recap Darrell Goh was the shortest stack to start the day and was the first elimination, with Alex Foxen and Sergi Reixach also eliminated, as the chip lead continued to change hands. David Peters doubled through start-of-day chip leader Ali Imsirovic to regain the lead he had held for much of Day 1, before surging to become the clear leader with 3.5 million in chips by the first break of the day. Jon van Fleet went next in tenth place, eliminated by Sam Greenwood, before play went hand-for-hand on the final table bubble. Hand-for-hand didn't take long, as Imsirovic failed to recover from that early Greenwood double, eventually succumbing to Pauli Ayras and finishing in ninth place. How to Play Private Poker Games Online on partypoker Super High Roller Bowl Online Final Table Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Orpen Kisacikoglu United Kingdom 943,000 16 2 Sam Greenwood Canada 1,582,000 26 3 David Peters Costa Rica 2,943,000 49 4 Michael Addamo United Kingdom 1,021,000 17 5 Pauli Ayras Finland 3,374,000 56 6 Justin Bonomo Canada 1,508,000 25 7 Linus Loeliger Austria 1,052,000 18 8 Dan Shak Poland 2,475,000 41 The elimination of Imsirovic moved Ayras into the final table chip lead, ahead of Peters and Dan Shak, with the remaining eight players now on the money bubble. Despite players being on a $212,500 bubble, it didn't take long for the bubble to burst. Orpen Kisacikoglu was the table short stack, and three-bet all-in with ace-king only for Michael Addamo to wake up with kings. Kisacikoglu received no help on the runout, and he was eliminated short of the money. Now that the remaining players were all in the money, the fireworks really began. First, Greenwood doubled through Ayras to move into the lead. He now held 25% of the chips in play, but it didn't last long. Both Linus Loeliger and Justin Bonomo doubled through him, before busting in a sensational hand against Shak, cold-calling all-in with pocket sevens against his opponent's ace-king. Shak flopped top pair to send Greenwood to the rail and move into the chip lead. partypoker Launches $2M Defection Party Promotion The final table was punctuated not only by stellar passages of play but rapid and frequent changes in the chip lead. Shak's moment in the sun was all too brief as Ayras overtook him following the elimination of Loeliger in sixth place. Addamo then took a turn in the lead after doubling through Ayras, before Bonomo moved atop the counts after eliminating Shak. Shak held ace-king against Bonomo's pocket tens, but failed to get there and was eliminated. Shak's elimination precipitated a flurry of eliminations, with Ayras also losing a flip with ace-king against the fours of Addamo to bust. One hand later, Addamo finished off Peters to take a strong chip lead into heads-up play against Bonomo. Heads-up Play Player Chip Count Justin Bonomo 5,293,541 Michael Addamo 9,706,459 Heads-up play was a captivating affair punctuated by some of the highest level poker imaginable. An early double for Bonomo flipped the chip counts but Addamo was never out of contention with multiple doubles throughout heads-up play. Addamo's plays weren't just limited to all-in confrontations with the young Australian snap-calling correctly with bottom pair and extracting maximum value when both he and Bonomo rivered flushes. Not to be outdone, Bonomo showed that he too was capable of pulling moves heads-up. In one hand, he forced his opponent to fold trips with a cleverly-timed bet of almost six times the pot, but in others he seemed capable of opening a gap between the two players with ease. The two battled for over two hours heads-up sharing five doubles between them. By the time the tournament finished, there were 50 big blinds in play. Addamo limped with queens and Bonomo shoved with king-five. Addamo called, but his opponent spiked two kings to secure victory and $1,775,000. That concludes the PokerNews coverage of the 2020 Super High Roller Bowl Online. We look forward to welcoming you back to another live-reported event in the future! Sharelines Bonomo adds the SHRB Online title to his victories in China and Las Vegas two years ago Justin Bonomo Claims Third Super High Roller Bowl Title; Wins SHRB Online for $1,775,000 COLUMBUS, Ohio - Breast cancer survivors in romantic relationships who feel happy and satisfied with their partners may be at lower risk for a host of health problems, new research suggests. The findings suggest that the relationship itself wasn't the cure-all, however. Women who were satisfied in their relationships also reported lower psychological stress - and these two factors were associated with lower markers for inflammation in their blood. Keeping inflammation at bay is the key to promoting health generally, and especially in breast cancer survivors, researchers say. When we're sick or injured, inflammation promotes healing. But elevated inflammation over time increases survivors' risk for cancer recurrence and other illnesses. "It's important for survivors, when they're going through this uncertain time, to feel comfortable with their partners and feel cared for and understood, and also for their partners to feel comfortable and share their own concerns," said Rosie Shrout, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral scholar in the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at The Ohio State University. "Our findings suggest that this close partnership can boost their bond as a couple and also promote survivors' health even during a very stressful time, when they're dealing with cancer." The research is published online in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology. Shrout is a relationship scientist working in the lab of Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, professor of psychiatry and psychology and director of the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research. For this work, Shrout conducted a secondary analysis of data from a previous Kiecolt-Glaser study assessing fatigue and immune function in breast cancer survivors. The 139 women with an average age of 55 completed self-report questionnaires and provided blood samples at three visits: upon recruitment within one to three months of their cancer diagnosis and during two follow-up visits six and 18 months after their cancer treatment ended. One survey assessed relationship satisfaction by asking the women to report their degree of happiness, the level of warmth and comfort they felt with their partner, how rewarding the relationship was and their overall satisfaction. The other questionnaire was used to evaluate their level of perceived psychological stress over the previous week. Researchers analyzed the blood samples for levels of four proteins that promote inflammation throughout the body even when there is no need for an immune response. This kind of chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health problems, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease, as well as the frailty and functional decline that can accompany aging. The findings showed a clear trend in the women as a group: The more satisfied they felt about their romantic relationships, the lower their perceived stress and the lower their inflammation. The design of the study allowed researchers to compare the group of women to each other and also gauge changes in each woman individually. "This gave us a unique perspective - we found that when a woman was particularly satisfied with her relationship, she had lower stress and lower inflammation than usual - lower than her own average," Shrout said. "At a specific visit, if she was satisfied with her partner, her own inflammation was lower at that visit than at a different visit when she was less satisfied." Shrout noted the study suggests that health professionals who care for breast cancer patients might want to keep an eye out for potential signs that their patients are struggling at home. "The research shows the importance of fostering survivors' relationships. Some survivors might need help connecting with their partners during a stressful time, so that means it's important for part of their screening and treatment to take the relationship into account and include a reference to couples counseling when appropriate," she said. "Doing so could promote their health over the long run." Though the findings in this study related to breast cancer survivors, Shrout said a strong romantic relationship would likely be helpful to people navigating the uncertainty associated with other serious illnesses by lowering their stress. There are more sides to the relationship story: Previous work led by Kiecolt-Glaser, senior author of this study, has shown that marital conflict can have detrimental effects on health. And breast cancer survivors who are single may benefit from drawing on a network of family and friends for support. "Some of the research would suggest it's better to be alone than in a troubled relationship," Kiecolt-Glaser said. "A good marriage offers good support, but the broader message for a breast cancer survivor who is not married is to seek support in other relationships. "In general, one thing that happens when people are stressed is we tend to isolate ourselves, so seeking support when we're stressed is one of the more beneficial things that people can do." ### This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health. Ohio State co-authors include Megan Renna, Annelise Madison, Stephen Povoski, Adele Lipari, Doreen Agnese, Lisa Yee and William Carson. Catherine Alfano of the American Cancer Society also worked on the study. Contact: Rosie Shrout, 614-293-5184; Rosie.Shrout@osumc.edu Written by Emily Caldwell, Caldwell.151@osu.edu; 614-292-8152 The Queensland goverment will subsidise flights to bring extra visitors from the states south-east to the tropical north amid efforts to thaw the tourism industry over winter. The announcement from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk comes amid the "further good news" of no new cases recorded in the state, with just five of the Queenslands 1059 cases remaining active. Daydream Island in the Whitsundays. Speaking to reporters in Airlie Beach, Ms Palaszczuk said four new weekly flights operated by Alliance Airlines from Brisbane to the Whitsundays will begin from June 22. The one-way fares, which are inclusive of 20 kilograms of luggage, will start at $99. A week of protests over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis has rocked the United States. Tens of thousands of people, from all ethnic and demographic groups, have taken to streets in cities across the United States to demand an end to police brutality. Below, some of them explain in their own words why they are demonstrating, their experiences of the protests so far, and what they hope America's biggest civil unrest in years will achieve. - A student on the front lines - Kayla Junaye Johnson is a 21-year-old criminal justice student at Grambling State University in Louisiana. She felt "sick to my stomach" after watching the video that captured police officer Derek Chauvin with his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes and joined protests in Minneapolis. "We saw live murder, there's no way around it. It's awful, and every officer should be charged to the highest degree," she said. "The first protest I made it to the front line on my knees, shouting 'Hands up don't shoot.' I jumped and dodged from at least a few flashbangs from my head. It was very scary at times. "The one time I didn't see a flashbang coming, it struck me in the arm. I ended up getting a second degree burn from the Minneapolis police department. "Personally around police officers, I do not feel comfortable. I hate to say it but they have so much power in the world right now that it's scary anything can happen. "I'd never expected things to go like the way they did this week but I'm not surprised. Being black in America, this is what it does. This is how it affects us. It's sad but this is it." - The mother educating her kids - Michelle Evans, a forty-something who works in marketing, took her two boys aged four and seven to the scene of Floyd's death, hugging them amid a sea of flowers. Fearing that the protests, which turned violent, were "too dangerous," she expressed her solidarity and anger at the site which has become a memorial to Floyd's life. "My boys, just by who they are, need to know that they have privilege, and that they need to be a part of the solution as they, as they get older," she told AFP. Crying, she denounced the "structural" racism of America. "It's how our country was founded, and it needs to be destroyed and built back up in a way that brings, equity, and inclusion for everyone." - A musician who won't be silenced - Tyqaun White, a 20-year-old musical theory major at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, has been protesting in New York. "It's gotten to a point where black people are just asking not to be killed. It's just got to stop," he said. "We are angry. People are here dying and in poverty every day. And you want to kill us and just tell us to be quiet? No! We have to go out. "We are treated like animals, this is how black people have been treated for years and years. "I understand why people would break the curfew and protest however they want to protest. "We need to protest forever until this system is completely reversed and changed and built upon equality and freedom. I'm gonna keep fighting as long as I have to." - Privileged suburbanites - Jeff Austin, a 62-year-old cultural anthropologist and his 17-year-old high school daughter Lily Henry-Austin protested in the wealthy Washington DC suburb of Bethesda. Large demonstrations are rare in the predominately white area, one of the richest in the country and home to power-brokers such as cabinet secretaries, White House staff, lawyers and lobbyists. "It feels like enough is enough and we really need to work on changing our policing, we need to change our society's attitude towards race," said Jeff. "We've had centuries to get it right. We haven't come close yet, but we'll keep trying." "The more people that are involved in trying to counter the current racist attitudes of the nation, the better. There's a role for everyone to play," he added. "As a white woman I have a huge amount of privilege," said Lily. "It hurts me so much to see people who are human not treated as humans. I just couldn't sit at home and do nothing. I'm going to be out here until it changes. I'm not going away." - The Latino ex-Marine - Hipolito Arriaga, a 36-year-old of Puerto Rican origin born and raised in the Bronx, New York, served as a US Marine in Iraq and spoke to AFP on a march in Miami. "Having served in the military, I thought we were sent overseas to protect the freedom of the people here, meanwhile the police here are treating us like we're in a war zone. "You are trained to see the people, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, as if they were animals, as if they were savages. "The same way, now here in this country they call us thugs. The president now wants to label us as terrorists for accessing our right to speak, our fundamental human right. "They forget that the country was founded in revolution." chp-lbc-lm-pmh-pdh/caw/ Protesters demonstrate on June 2, 2020, during a "Black Lives Matter" protest in New York City Kayla Junaye Johnson (21) poses as she shows her arm which was wounded by tear gas canister during a protest on June 2, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota Michelle Evans and her kids pose for AFP at the location of George Floyd's death, where they came to pay homage on June 2, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota Tyqaun White, 20, a black musical theory major at Point Park University, poses for a portrait on June 2, 2020, during a "Black Lives Matter" protest at Washington Square Park in New York City Jeff Austin and his daughter Lily Henry-Austin of Silver Spring, hold a sign reading "I Can't Breathe" as they protest police brutality against African Americans in Bethesda, Maryland on June 2, 2020 Puerto Rican veteran Hipolito Arriaga, 36, marching during a rally in Miami, Florida in response to the recent death of George Floyd on June 2, 2020 WESTPORT With restrictions on outside gatherings loosened, school officials have announced the incorporation of an in-person graduation experience for Staples High Schools Class of 2020. In order to be granted approval to do this, we have worked closely with and secured an agreement with both the Westport Police Department and the Weston-Westport Health District, Staples principal Stafford Thomas said in an email on Tuesday. Within the next week, we will be sending out graduation day guidelines which we developed in conjunction with the two agencies. A graduation car parade, which will consist of nine small ones, will take place on June 11 at 10 a.m. Waves of 50 cars will gather at Long Lots Elementary School in three batches at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Every graduate will arrive in one car with family members, Thomas said. Graduates will not drive their own vehicles as they will be on the passenger side in order to best enjoy the experiences of the day. Graduates should arrive at Long Lots by Post Road and Maple Avenue North, and will not be permitted to enter from Long Lots Road down Hyde Lane. The parade route will go from Long Lots to Staples. District and security personnel, wearing masks, will direct traffic and assist in the flow of the procession, Thomas said. Police will escort the cars along from Hyde Lane to Longs Lots Road, then over to and up North Avenue to Staples. Students will be given a chance to get out of their cars in front of Staples where a stage will be set up for them, Thomas said. Graduates will walk across a stage donning their caps and gowns as their name is announced with their diplomas in hand, he said. Parents are able to look on up close from the safety of their vehicles. A professional photographer will also be in place to capture the moment for each graduate, he said. We understand that nothing we do will be able to replicate a traditional graduation ceremony, Thomas said. It is a year where we are balancing numerous safety protocols, moving targets from the state with respect to outdoor gathering sizes, as well as the expectations of our high school traditions linked to a specific culminating event for seniors. That being said, by incorporating the wishes and expectations we have heard from our students and families over the past couple of months, it is our SHS Graduation Committees feeling that this experience will provide a safe and exciting way to honor the class of 2020, he continued. We are extremely excited to blow this day out and end the year for our special seniors in a truly memorable way. Staples radio station will broadcast live beginning at 9 a.m. and throughout the parade. A live camera will also be stationed at the front of the school and the parade will be streamed to Channel 78. June 12 is tentatively scheduled as a rain date for the car parade. A virtual graduation for Staples students is also scheduled for June 16 the original graduation date. The virtual ceremony will have a master of ceremony to guide viewers through all of the segments included in the traditional graduation program. The ceremony will be streamed and a link will be sent to seniors so that they can access the video to view at any time. dj.simmons@hearstmediact.com During my 40 years as a reporter I have covered countless epoch-defining events. Yet the question that most people ask me is invariably the same: What really happened to Madeleine McCann? For 13 of those years I have striven vainly, like many others Portuguese and British policemen, privately hired detectives, investigative journalists to provide the answer. The trail has taken me from Praia da Luz that far-flung Algarve holiday resort whose name will be forever associated with the most disquieting and astonishing child abduction case in history all across Europe, and even to North Africa. It has led me, sometimes literally, down countless blind alleys, and thrown up more red-herrings than a capsized trawler. But perhaps significantly, given last nights dramatic Scotland Yard briefing, one of the myriad oddballs whose name came up repeatedly during my inquiries lived in a battered camper-van, and had a young German girlfriend with whom he shambled around southern Portugal. Gerry and Kate McCann talk to the Press after attending a church service in Praia da Luz, days after Maddie disappeared in 2007 I will return to him later. If, by some miracle, Madeleine is still alive, she will now be 17 years old. From those early photographs, and computer-enhanced images that have since been created, we can envision a strikingly beautiful girl, slender and blonde. Given that her parents are both physicians, we can suppose she would be taking her A-levels and applying for a place at a good university. However, the Madeleine whose disappearance has given rise to countless films, books and articles, and continues to capture international headlines, has been frozen in time. Certainly, I still think of her the way she looked when I was first dispatched to Portugal, a few days after she was apparently plucked from her bed in Apartment 5A at the Ocean Club resort, as her parents ate a tapas supper in the nearby restaurant: a very pretty girl, nine days away from her fourth birthday, with apple cheeks and an unusual brown flash over the iris in her right eye. Arriving in the resort, dubbed Little Britain by locals because so many expats kept apartments and villas there, speculation was rife, and it seemed that everybody had a theory. The most obvious was that she had been abducted, perhaps by a child sex-fiend or someone who intended to sell her into paedophilia for the westernmost tip of Europe was well known as a magnet for such unsavoury types. A photo of Maddie issued by the Metropolitan Police is left, and an e-fit (right) shows her aged nine Since the McCanns and their holiday friends who quickly became known as the Tapas Seven were dining at a restaurant which, though only 80 yards from the apartment, was hidden behind a high wall, this seemed a very real possibility. As there was a large rubbish skip beside the apartment block, which was emptied into a nearby landfill site, some suggested that the kidnapper might have been disturbed by Kate, when she returned to make a half-hourly check on Madeleine and her twin siblings, then killed her in panic and dumped her body. Then again, perhaps the little girl had been bundled into a car and driven across the border to Spain, less than an hour away, before the unforgivably slow and inept Portuguese police had started to make frontier checks. Either that, or she had been carried down to the beach and ferried across the Mediterranean to Morocco (a theory that saw me following the same path several months later, when it was claimed that a small, fair-haired girl had been seen being marched along by a middle-aged woman of Arab appearance). Others offered less macabre explanations for Madeleines disappearance in those early days. At the time major roadworks were underway in Praia da Luz, and a deep trench ran along the road close to Apartment 5A. As the months rolled by, and clue after potential clue was explored, the McCanns dealt with their unimaginable torment in very different ways. Above, a photo of Maddie dated May 2005 Suppose that Madeleine who had been heard to complain, the previous day, that her parents had failed to heed her night-time cries had woken up frightened and alone, and wandered into the street to look for her mummy and daddy. Could she have fallen down the manhole and been rendered unconscious? The theory might sound outlandish, yet it was taken seriously enough for heat-seeking equipment to be used to explore the by-then Tarmacked road several years later. Some observers journalists and residents rushed to judge Robert Murat, an innocent British-Portuguese man, then in his early 30s, who lived with his elderly mother in a house just a couple of minutes walk from the apartment. Mr Murat, the first person to be named as an arguido, or suspect, by the Portuguese police. Soon after Kate McCann alerted the Tapas Seven that her daughter was missing, he had joined some 60 locals in a street search. Then, when the investigation began, he offered to interpret for the McCanns. All this aroused the suspicion of a female British tabloid reporter, and when she went to the police he was duly arrested. It wasnt long before some peoples suspicions began to turn on the couple themselves. Kate is pictured above reporting to a police station in Portimao I was the first reporter to interview Mr Murat after his release. After 90 minutes in his admittedly unusual company I was convinced of his innocence and reported my fears that he had become a scapegoat. In time, he successfully sued a plethora of other journalists for libel, winning a very substantial pay-out. As the months rolled by, and clue after potential clue was explored, the McCanns dealt with their unimaginable torment in very different ways. Gerry, then a spry 39-year-old Leicester heart specialist, seemed to adopt a clinical and business-like approach to the search. He spent his time travelling the world to meet missing person experts and lobby statesmen for their assistance he even secured an audience with the Pope. He also wrote a blog, which many thought unduly chipper. When First Lady Laura Bushs Scottish terrier slobbered over him, he joked that the pooch must have known he was a fellow Scot. Meanwhile, Kate remained in Praia da Luz, staying in a friends villa and cared for by family members. Already pencil slim when the holiday began, she cut a skeletal figure as she jogged over the cliffs above the resort, knelt in prayer at the Roman Catholic church, or spent hours simply gazing out at the Atlantic. Always she clutched on to Madeleines favourite soft toy, a pink animal called Cuddle Cat, which had been beside her in bed on the night she was taken. On one occasion, I met her as she sat on the rocks and wished her well. Her mouth opened but it took a titanic effort for her to utter a few words of thanks. Perhaps partly because of Gerrys refusal, or inability, to show his emotions, it wasnt long before some peoples suspicions began to turn on the couple themselves. Public criticism of their parenting standards had started within hours of the abduction. On radio phone-ins and the nascent social media platforms, many had berated them for leaving their children unattended, and as the months wore on a cruelly orchestrated vendetta was waged against them by internet trolls. The McCanns, it must be said, didnt help themselves by courting publicity for their cause at every opportunity, setting up a charity that raised funds by offering 2-a-time bracelets, and had as its signature tune Bryan Adams slushy rock anthem Everything I Do, I Do It For You. They also hired a string of questionable media representatives, including an aspiring Lib Dem politician who thought it would be a good photo-op if the couple visited an orphanage. Thankfully, the couple were not persuaded. Behind the scenes, however, the Portuguese police led by an out-of-his-depth and misguidedly ambitious inspector named Goncalo Amaral were also coming to the opinion that Kate and Gerry were probably implicated in Madeleines disappearance. So, as the summer season drew to a close, Madeleines parents were shockingly arrested and accused of being suspects. To my lasting shame, having listened to what Amaral and his cronies had to say about traces of Madeleines blood supposedly being found in the couples hire car, and other fallacies I briefly shared their doubts, and wrote as much. It was only later, when the full extent of their bungling detective work was exposed that I penned a humble mea culpa. And so, as the years passed by and little girls resembling Madeleine were reportedly sighted on every continent, this seemingly unsolvable saga rolled on. Gerry McCann arrives at the police station in Portimao for questioning on 7 September 2007 In the light of last night's news, the most intriguing breakthrough may have come in 2009, when sources told me how, when staying in a flyblown town near Praia da Luz, they had met father-of-four Raymond Hewlett, then 64. A thrice-jailed child sex attacker, the scraggy-haired and unshaven Hewlett travelled around Portugal and Spain in an old blue Dodge, converted into a camper, van with his German girlfriend, then in her 30s, and, according to the source, he had been staying near the resort when Madeleine was taken. When this tip-off was relayed to two former British police officers hired by the McCanns to probe the case, they duly sought him out in a German hospital, where he was being treated for cancer of the oesophagus, and described him as their most promising suspect. However, the wheelchair-bound Hewlett screamed obscenities at the private investigators, and declined to answer any questions. The following year he died. Given that the new suspect lived a transient lifestyle in the seedy camper-van community that treks around Europe, however, and given that he is in prison in Germany, we must wonder whether he and Hewlett were somehow connected. For the sake of two much-maligned and forever tormented parents, we must hope that the truth is about to emerge at long last. ALBANY Larry Schwartz, a longtime confidant of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, is promoting SUNY Empire State College President Jim Malatras as the next chancellor of the State University of New York and even urged the SUNY Board of Trustees to forgo a nationwide search. Schwartz, a former secretary to the governor, is currently serving alongside Malatras on the governor's COVID-19 advisory team. In an interview with the Times Union, Schwartz said he had expressed his view to SUNY board Chairperson Merryl Tisch. "I think it will be short-sighted and a waste of time to do a nationwide search when there are many issues that need to be resolved now to move SUNY forward," he said. SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson confirmed Wednesday that she would be stepping down from the position in September to return to her native Ohio to become president of Ohio State University. SUNY's Senior Vice Chancellor Robert Megna, a former state budget director to Cuomo, is expected to become interim chancellor when Johnson leaves on Sept. 1. While acknowledging Johnson's academic credentials, Schwartz said SUNY's next chancellor should not be from another state. Malatras, he said, is entrenched in New York politics and can work well with the governor, unions, the Legislature and the higher education community. "I can't think of a better, stronger candidate than Jim Malatras," Schwartz said. "He's a brilliant public policy guy, he understands the state of New York, he understands state government, local government and you need to be a jack-of-all-trades to be a successful chancellor and leader." The governor has asserted more control over the SUNY's 64 campuses during the coronavirus pandemic, which has upended higher education. Sources said there also has been tension between the governor who keeps a tight rein on state agencies and departments and Johnson during her three years overseeing the sprawling university system. Schwartz, 64, and Malatras both have deep ties to the governor, having worked together for years. They also are part of a tight-knit group of former Cuomo aides that returned to his inner circle as volunteers to help coordinate New York's response to the health crisis and to devise a reopening plan as the state's fiscal outlook and economy have been devastated. "I've watched a lot of chancellors come and go," Schwartz said. "I don't think SUNY has come close to reaching its full potential." Malatras had previously served as president of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, which produced policy analyses and recommendations on timely topics to lawmakers. Between his earlier stints in the Cuomo administration first as deputy secretary for policy management, then as state operations director he served a year as chief of staff to former SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. Schwartz insisted he was speaking not on behalf of the administration but merely as "a SUNY alum who has watched the quality of SUNY colleges decline. Academic credentials dont necessarily qualify someone to run a university system like SUNY. His interview with the Times Union was, however, arranged with the assistance of a current Cuomo administration official. When asked if the governor wants Malatras for the role, Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi said, "Jim's the smartest, most able guy I know, but we're fighting a pandemic and civil unrest as we seek to reopen the state (all efforts that he's also involved in). This will be a decision for the SUNY board to make down the road." A spokeswoman for SUNY did not immediately return a request for comment. Johnson's decision to leave in the midst of a crisis that has caused upheaval in the SUNY system came as a surprise to some in higher education circles. United University Professions, the labor union that represents most SUNY faculty, expressed "dismay" at the timing of her decision. Right now, the university is wrestling with how to safely reopen campuses in the fall after being forced to shut down for months due to the coronavirus pandemic," UUP President Frederick E. Kowal said in a statement. "SUNY also faces a financial situation that has gone from precarious to critical because of the pandemic." [June 03, 2020] Ermetic Reports Nearly 80% of Companies Experienced a Cloud Data Breach in Past 18 Months Ermetic, the cloud access risk security company, today announced the results of a research study conducted by global intelligence firm IDC (News - Alert) which found that nearly 80% of the companies surveyed had experienced at least one cloud data breach in the past 18 months, and nearly half (43%) reported 10 or more breaches. According to the 300 CISOs that participated in the survey, security misconfiguration (67%), lack of adequate visibility into access settings and activities (64%) and identity and access management (IAM) permission errors (61%) were their top concerns associated with cloud production environments. Meanwhile, 80% reported they are unable to identify excessive access to sensitive data in IaaS/PaaS environments. In the recent 2020 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, only hacking ranked higher than misconfiguration errors as a source of data breaches. "Even though most of the companies surveyed are already using IAM, data loss prevention, data classification and privileged account management products, more than half claimed these were not adequate for protecting cloud environments," said Shai Morag, CEO of Ermetic. "In fact, two thirds cited cloud native capabilities for authorization and permission management, and security configuration as either a high or an essential priority." Driven by the dynamic and on-demand nature of public cloud infrastructure deployments, users and applications often accumulate access permissions beyond what is necessary for their legitimate needs. Excessive permissions may go unnoticed as they are often granted by default when a new resource or service is added to the cloud environment. These are a primary target for attackers as they can be used for malicious activities suh as stealing sensitive data, delivering malware or causing damage such as disrupting critical processes and business operations. Highlights of the Cloud Access Survey As part of the study commissioned by Ermetic, IDC surveyed 300 senior IT decision makers in the US across the Banking (12%), Insurance (10%), Healthcare (11%), Government (8%), Utilities (9%), Manufacturing (10%), Retail (9%), Media (11%), Software (10%) and Pharmaceutical (10%) sectors. Organizations ranged in size from 1,500 to more than 20,000 employees. Some of the report's key findings include: 79% of companies experienced at least one cloud data breach in the past 18 months, and 43% said they had 10 or more Top three cloud security threats are security misconfiguration of production environments (67%), lack of visibility into access in production environments (64%) and improper IAM and permission configurations (61%) Top three cloud security priorities are compliance monitoring (78%), authorization and permission management (75%), and security configuration management (73%) Top cloud access security priorities are maintaining confidentiality of sensitive data (67%), regulatory compliance (61%) and providing the right level of access (53%) Top cloud access security challenges are insufficient personal/expertise (66%), integrating disparate security solutions (52%) and lack of solutions that can meet their needs (39%) A full copy of the report is available here: https://bit.ly/2MmZkDt. Ermetic will also discuss the survey findings and present best practices for addressing cloud identity and access security risks in a free webinar on June 17 at 12pm EDT/9am PDT. To register please visit: https://bit.ly/2MsTssd. About Ermetic Ermetic enables enterprises to protect cloud infrastructures (IaaS/PaaS) from access-related risks and misconfigurations by maintaining continuous visibility into identities, their entitlements and data usage. By combining analytics with granular, full stack insight, Ermetic makes it possible to enforce least privilege access at scale even in the most complex cloud environments. The company is led by proven technology entrepreneurs whose previous companies have been acquired by Microsoft, Palo Alto (News - Alert) Networks and others. Ermetic has received funding from Glilot Capital Partners, Norwest Venture Partners and Target Global. Visit us at https://ermetic.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005175/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Over the past few decades, many companies worldwide have come to China, seeking a place to set up production bases and do business as they were lured by the countrys low labour costs and enormous domestic consumer market, allowing the country to become a global manufacturing hub. Illustrative image However, since around 2010, there has been a noticeable shift in foreign direct investment flow, which is called the 'China plus one' strategy. The phrase 'China plus one' refers to a strategy in which companies try to diversify risks of concentrating their manufacturing operations in China by opening factories in at least one country. The strategy has been around for many years as China has entered a phase of restructuring its economic growth model towards focusing more strongly on domestic demand, rather than boosting growth by exports and trade, and the country has gradually lost its comparative advantages from other Asian countries due to rising production costs, especially labour costs. At the end of 2018, the strategy was reactivated as investors sought to reduce risks caused by political tensions between China and the US, which originated from the tit-for-tat trade dispute. The risk of disruption of global supply chains has become more apparent. Technological advances, particularly digital technology, have also forced investors to change value chain strategies. Viet Nam has been recognised as one of the potential candidates for new production facilities. Since the coronavirus pandemic hit and has claimed nearly 400,000 lives and disrupted global production and distribution systems, investors can see more clearly than ever the consequences of a value chain strategy depending too much on one market. Under these circumstances, COVID-19 has been deemed a catalyst for investors to take not only the 'China plus one' but also 'investment withdrawing in China' strategy into more significant consideration and the trend of shifting manufacturing bases to Viet Nam has recently picked up pace. A worker on circuit board production assembly at the South Korea-invested Nexcon Vina Co. Ltd. in the Dong Tho Multi-Craft Industrial Cluster, Yen Phong District, Bac Ninh Province. VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam Why Vietnam? Viet Nam has long been an attractive destination of investment for foreign investors. Not only located in a dynamic region, but the country also has good conditions in terms of logistics for trade, especially its proximity to China. In the 'China plus One Strategy in Vietnam' report released by Dezan Shira & Associates in 2018, experts said: By situating manufacturing cost centres close to traditional hubs in mainland China, investors can reduce costs with limited interruption or delays to currently existing supply chains. Besides, Viet Nam is said to have a state of manufacturing similar to that found in China 10 or 15 years ago when low production costs and labour-intensive manufacturing acted as a magnet for foreign investment. In terms of labour costs, Vietnamese workers wages are only half that of Thailand and Malaysia, meanwhile, the quality of human resources has been improved with more tech-savvy workers. In terms of land rent, although industrial park land rent in Viet Nam rose sharply in 2019, the average price was just US$103.5 per square metre, the second-lowest in the region, only higher than that of Myanmar, according to a report of VNDirect Securities Corporation. VNDirect also pointed out that Viet Nam reduced corporate income tax from 22 per cent to 20 per cent in 2016 for all domestic and foreign companies to increase production attraction. Common tax incentives for firms in industrial zones include tax exemptions for two to four years, tax breaks for three to 15 years, and import tax exemptions. Though the results brought by the economic reform process have not been as great as hoped, Viet Nam has still seen a lot of improvements in its business and investment environment. Moreover, while maintaining political stability, Viet Nam has integrated more deeply and widely into the global economy by joining a series of free trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The European-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is also expected to be approved by the 14th National Assembly in its ongoing ninth meeting. Under the agreement, tax imposed on exports from Viet Nam to EU will be eliminated as soon as EVFTA takes effect or shortly thereafter (maximum seven years). Thanks to the EVFTA, Viet Nams revenue from exports to the EU is forecast to surge by 44 per cent by 2030. Last but not least, that Viet Nam has been hailed as one of the countries most successful in controlling the COVID-19 outbreak at low cost, as well as its assistance and provision of medical equipment and face masks to other countries in their fight against the pandemic have helped raise investors confidence. This is a good opportunity for Viet Nam to attract investment and recover the economy, creating momentum for long-term and sustainable development. Challenges ahead and solutions To prepare for a new investment wave, in September last year, the Politbureau adopted its first-ever resolution on orientations to perfect institutions and policies for and improve the quality and efficiency of foreign investment until 2030. Under the resolution, the country will aim to attract foreign investment in a selective manner, focusing on quality, efficiency, technology and environmental protection. Priority will be given to foreign direct investment (FDI) projects that use advanced technology and modern management with high added value, bringing spillover effects to Vietnamese enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises; and the projects must be able to connect to the global production and supply chain. Despite the advantages mentioned above, Viet Nam is not without its share of challenges. Firstly, many localities in Viet Nam are under pressure of reaching high growth rates, so they have a large demand for capital. Therefore, local authorities are likely to rush licensing projects without carrying out a full assessment of their investment quality and social, economical and environmental impacts. Secondly, Viet Nam needs to create a healthy, fair competitive environment and have policies suitable with international commitments to spur the growth of Vietnamese enterprises and supporting industries in particular. Thirdly, Viet Nam should not compete with other countries to court more foreign capital by only offering investment incentives, as this can distort resource allocation and will not have a meaningful impact in the long run. The country will be more attractive to foreign investors if it can correct its weaknesses and shortcomings, such as improving the capacity of capital absorbency, perfecting logistics infrastructure, upgrading workers skills and ability, and reforming institutions. While some changes can't happen overnight, institutional improvement and reforms must be carried out drastically and quickly. While presiding over a meeting on FDI late May, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc agreed to establish a special task force, led by Planning and Investment Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, that will help the country prepare for a new wave of FDI inflows in the post-COVID-19 period. The main objective of the task force is to fix investment bottlenecks, approach potential investors looking for new destinations and support those that are having difficulties in Viet Nam. According to the PM, given that FDI is a critical part of the economy, it is essential for Viet Nam to take advantage of a shift in global investment capital flow. By combining the strength of both the local and foreign investment sectors, Viet Nam will be able to create a development leapfrog. * Vo Tri Thanh is a senior economist at the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) and a member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council. The holder of a doctorate in economics from the Australian National University, Thanh mainly undertakes research and provides consultation on issues related to macroeconomic policies, trade liberalisation and international economic integration. Other areas of interest include institutional reforms and financial systems. VNS Vo Tri Thanh Vietnam vows to 'catch' new FDI flow Gaining great achievements in the fight against Covid-19 with membership in many FTAs, Vietnam can attract FDI but it is not the only country competing for projects. FDI attraction - one of five key solutions to post-Coronavirus economic recovery The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) capital flows over the recent five months of 2020 only decreases compared to the same period last year but rises against the same period of the previous years. Inlaks, the leading African systems integrator and financial technology solutions provider, has hosted a webinar with some of its partners in the financial sector on strategies to implement in keeping businesses afloat during and post COVID-19. The webinar saw experts from various sectors of the economy contribute to Sustainable Strategies for Staying Afloat Post COVID-19. They include Olufunmilayo Okubena, Country Manager of Inlaks; Yacouba Amuah, the Territorial Head of Infrastructure Business Unit of Inlaks Ghana, Thairu Ndungu, Deputy Managing Director, Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), Micheal Appiah, Chief Operating Officer (COO), ARB Apex Bank; Samuel Tamakloe, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), CalBank, Evans Amartey, General Manager, Operations and Technology, National Investment Bank (NIB). In his opening remarks, Femi Adeoti, Managing Director of Inlaks, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had changed all aspects of human lives and businesses significantly. Organisations must look to new ways to continue doing business. The way we work, live, play and learn are changing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe that after this pandemic is over, the way we do business transactions would be changing, he said. Femi Muraino, Executive Director, Inlaks, in his opening remarks, explained that the webinar was designed to bring together key finance and technology experts to address the fundamental issue of what happens after COVID-19. With the adverse effect of the virus, we must find ways to ensure that the impact of the virus on our businesses is minimal. We also need to address the impact on cashflow of businesses and organisations. Companies must present detailed plans to keep the business afloat. There is also the need to imagine the new normal and discontinue the impact of the virus. What do we need to do differently in terms of that? The webinar provided ideas of how to move forward and strategise to keep businesses going, he said. Mr. Thairu Ndunga Deputy Managing Director CBG touching on how to do business in the new normal stated that although business in finance have not been greatly affected by the pandemic like it has the services sector, it has thought the banking sector a lesson of what they need to do to stay afloat post coronavirus. He noted that CBG has thought of rethinking capital and operational expenditure. Key among which is to accelerate digital banking investment, optimise work environment by utilising online meeting rather than face to face, work from home for those roles that can and workflow automation to eliminate documents. Taking his turn, Mr Michael Appiah, COO ARB Apex Bank, noted that in times like these we need to intensify market research because the customer is key. So, he advised investment in market research to identify evolving customer needs and for companies to move at unprecedented speed to serve customers with quality service that meet those needs at affordable pricing. He also suggested on prioritising the NOW, that is, to focus on supporting people i.e frontline staff to be able to provide the needed support to customers to maintain customer satisfaction through customer service centres and e-channels. In Mr Appiahs view effective way to retain customers in a downturn is pricing innovation making your offering more affordable to the customer and improving your own cash flow, while urging companies to adopt innovative ways to sell or market products by accelerating digital sales and services. For his part, Mr Samuel Tamakloe, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), CalBank advocated scaling up digital agenda. He said COVID-19 has brought about a fear factor which has introduced work from home, paperless solution, digital agenda, virtual projects and virtual meetings. Still, despite these, there is the need to focus on looking at reliable and trusted new products. He noted that new products such as newer ways of transfers, newer ways of customer onboarding and newer ways of deposit mobilisations must be adopted. Mr Tamakloe was, however, quick to add that companies must look at how to keep customers excited or else theres a human factor that will fight to resist the new changes post COVID. The General Manager, Operations and Technology, National Investment Bank (NIB) Evans Amartey, advised companies to adopt digital channels post-COVID. With regard to that, he said companies should focus on customer experience, how the needs of customers have changed and determine how to meet those needs. He added that seeking help from third parties with regards to technical skills saves time and money and urged businesses to invest in technology and involve the team that is frontline staff that deals directly with customers in whatever plans they intend to take to make them feel a sense of belonging which then translate into better customer service for clients. Olufunmilayo Okubena, Country Manager of Inlaks, noted that businesses must face tough truths, manage expenditure, do better, not more, think out of the box, reduce perks and benefits. To him, leaders must lead with resilience, empathise and unify, create a community and constantly think of future scenarios. Resilience is the difference between giving up and getting up. Resilience is a choice, a personal act of defiance that changes the narrative and assumes control of your inner dialogue. In a crisis, leaders typically manage the business from a spreadsheet and manage the culture by walking around. But this crisis is different. Walking around must now be virtual. In anticipation of a recovery, give yourself & your team as many options as possible. Surround yourself with big, bold thinkers. Seek where you can pivot and develop a plan. Dont go this alone. Be intentional in surrounding yourself with the right people. In our connections, we gain perspective. Choosing counsel & support from calm and grounded people will serve as a healthy buffer during hard times, he said. Yacoba Amuah, the Territorial Head of Infrastructure Business Unit of Inlaks Ghana Limited, also underscored the need for empathetic leaders post COVID-19. According to her, the move is the surest way to ensure not only business growth but also to help the world deal with the scary layoff numbers that awaits. Post COVID-19, leaders need to be empathetic, in taking our decisions, we cannot take decision looking at numbers alone or looking at just one aspect of the business. Decisions would have to be made with the heart. Leaders would need to be transparent; there should be a lot of thinking on the feet and being innovative because if you just stick to your process amid a situation and you are not innovative, you will lose out on a great opportunity. She advised businesses to take good care of their employees post COVID-19 as there will be opportunities that will attract the very few qualified persons. She stressed the fact that employers should be more deliberate with employee engagement and get closer to know the challenges of various employees and find a way to fix them. Again, she admonished employers to trust employees to work from home and reduce the burden of officing every employee; but she was quick to add that, there should be the measure to hold employees accountable and track their efficiency. About Inlaks Inlaks is a leading system integrator in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company partners with leading OEMs in the technology industry to provide world-class information technology solutions that exceed the needs of its customers. Over the years, Inlaks has built a reputation as the foremost ICT and Infrastructure Solutions Provider, helping customers effectively seize new market and service opportunities. With an impressive customer base that includes six Central Banks in West Africa, 18 of the 24 banks in Nigeria and other major customers in the West African region, Inlaks has become the dominant Information Technology Company in Africa. Inlaks' customers cut across various segments including Banking, Telecommunication, Oil/Gas, Power, Utilities and the Distribution sectors of the economy. For more information, please visit www.inlaks.com New Delhi: Korean Embassy on Wednesday (June 3) donated 25,000 Korean Filter (KF) masks to the families of the Korean war veterans through the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) and also to underserved community in India through the Chikitsa Trust, an Indian NGO founded in 1999 to ensure free access of quality healthcare for people in need. "While we provide full support for Indias efforts to tackle COVID-19, we also remember the dedication and sacrifice made by Indias non-combatant troop contribution to the Korean War which broke out June 25th, 1950," said Korean Embassy in a statement Ambassador Shin Bong-kil with Koreas Defense Attache Col Lee In, and representatives of the KWVA visited Chikitsa charitable clinic in Gurgaon today and delivered the masks. The KWVA suggested the embassy donate these masks to Chikitsa which has dedicated itself to providing primary healthcare to people in need just like Indian 60 Para Field Hospital which served in Korea did during the war. The Chairman of the Chikitsa and 3 Indian Army war veterans, one of whom commanded 60 Para Field Hospital also joined the ceremony. The event was organised as part of the Korean governments #StayStrongCampaign while remembering that this year is the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War and the landing of Indias non-combatant troops in Pusan, November 19, 1950. The Chikitsa Trust will distribute 5,000 masks to the families of the Korean war veterans and 20,000 masks to Indian people. LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- The buck literally stops on Warren Road, where the second phase to freshen up the busy thoroughfare is currently under way. Specifically, local artist April Bleakneys mural of a deer in Yosemite National Park was recently painted on the side of the Fifth Third Bank building at the northwest corner of the Warren Road and Madison Avenue intersection. Were very excited about this project, which has been in the works for quite some time, LakewoodAlive Executive Director Ian Andrews said. During the pandemic and more than ever, the community needs this really fun infusion of public art and attention to an intersection that for far too long has been somewhat ignored. Were actually going to have five pieces of public art, which we had a committee of folks vet artists and proposals," he said. "The colorful mural featuring the deer really jumps out as you come up the hill. Were really excited to be able to partner with the county and the city to make this happen. Also planned for the intersection is a new bus shelter with solar panels adding light at night that will be wrapped in public art similar to the bank mural, as well as four new thermoplast brick crosswalks. Later in the summer, the plan is to wrap two traffic signal boxes with public art and install eight bike racks throughout the intersection between the Doughnut Pantry and Malleys Chocolates. The renovation of sorts of the Warren Road and Madison Avenue intersection began last year when the city planted 15 new trees. Prior to that, we only had one tree at the intersection, Andrews said. So itll make it look a lot more attractive, with some shade instead of being so hardscaped. A recently awarded $50,000 Community Development Supplemental Grant, which comes from the Casino Revenue Fund, is paying for the second phase. Theres also a 54-foot second mural being designed by artist Stephanie Crossen thats going on the west side of the Doughnut Pantry, Andrews said. Its going to be incredible. Its a sunset over the lake. Its just a beautiful scene that the owner is super excited about and also our committee is excited about. That will go up in the next two weeks. Local artist Stephanie Crossens 54-foot sunset mural will soon be painted on the west side of the Doughnut Pantry in Lakewood. (John Benson, special to cleveland.com) The first phase of public art on Warren Road came two years ago using the same Cuyahoga County grant. That project included a mural at the southwest corner of Detroit Avenue and Warren Road, as well as a bus shelter and utility boxes wrapped in public art and the re-striping of bike lanes. Andrews said the entire public art initiative has been warmly received by the community. People loved it, Andrews said. When they were putting up the buck mural, people were honking. Its really fun to hear the response. Its nice to get some public art going in Lakewood. The third phase of the Warren Road project, currently unfunded and set for 2021 or 2022, runs from Madison Avenue to Lakewood Heights Boulevard/Interstate 90. Im glad that were able to continue part of our public art initiative with our partners at LakewoodAlive, Mayor Meghan George said. Its another great thing to come out of our community, and its nice to see some positivity when theres so much uncertainty going on right now. Added Cuyahoga County Council District 2 Councilman Dale Miller, The completion of the Warren Road project demonstrates their success in creating high-quality public art that adds to the attractiveness and vibrancy of a very walkable neighborhood. Read more news from the Sun Post Herald. Using machine learning and business analytics, streaming provider Watch Brasil has deployed the Jump Data-Driven Video Deep Recommender solution to enhance content discovery and personalised recommendations. Watch Brasil offers exclusive services for Internet providers, offering subscribers films, TV series, documentaries, and childrens content, Watch Brasil has implemented a structure that adds value to Internet providers by using high performance technologies based on machine learning and data driven business analytics.The company was recently chosen to collaborate with Brazilian UOL (Grupo Folha) , which announced its debut in the OTT market with the launch of its new SVOD platform, UOL Play. Watch Brasil was selected to provide the technology platform to support the new product and will incorporate the Jump Deep Recommender solution into its video service technology stack in order to include functionality that will increase customer retention, personalisation, engagement and marketing effectiveness.Jumps machine learning-powered content recommendation tool supports video content personalization. After tracking and analysing user content consumption and content similarity patterns, it will provide recommendations for Watch Brasils customer base.We are witnessing a perfect storm in the video industry: unparalleled consumption as people spend more time in front of their screens; intense competition withnew entrants of all sizes; and a proliferation of artificial intelligence technology. All of this is completely changing the video market as we know it, commented Jeronimo Macanas, CEO and co-founder of Jump.We love that we are in a position to help fuel innovation, teaming with Watch Brasil to successfully address key industry challenges through personalisation and content recommendation and discovery. We are fully committed to contributing to the improvement of Watch Brasils business through the effective use of its business data.Jumps Deep Recommender Technology is a widely comprehensive solution and strongly assertive for our clients, added Mauricio Almeida, co-founder at Watch Brasil. Having highly precise recommendations results in a greater user experience. In addition, its tools allow us to manage audience segmentation for marketing campaigns, personalise the experience , providing a boost to user engagement on social media. All this helps increase retention and reduce churn, which is fundamental to any VOD business The city will need to recruit a new tenant for the restaurant on the iconic Esplanade Riel as WOW! Hospitality will be handing over the keys to Mon Ami Louis on Friday and is closing the doors at the latest experiment on the pedestrian bridge. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The city will need to recruit a new tenant for the restaurant on the iconic Esplanade Riel as WOW! Hospitality will be handing over the keys to Mon Ami Louis on Friday and is closing the doors at the latest experiment on the pedestrian bridge. The little French restaurant is the latest casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, although this time it is the city itself who is the landlord that was not able to negotiate concessions with the tenant, itself a corporate restaurant company. Doug Stephen, the CEO of Wow! Hospitality, said it was a bittersweet occasion taking his final pass though the space as it was being cleaned up to hand it back over. "It breaks my heart, he said. "I like iconic locations but I am getting old and I also want them to be profitable if I can possibly make it." "I like iconic locations but I am getting old and I also want them to be profitable if I can possibly make it." CEO of Wow! Hospitality Doug Stephen Stephen said there was no ill will between Wow! and the city, but he did say there has been back and forth negotiations for four and a half years. The dispute seemed to be on the definition of "operating costs" and it was something that was never resolved. Stephen said there was a clause in the lease that allowed Wow! to extricate itself from its lease in 2016 if a certain level of profitability had not been achieved, which it exercised. But the city asked them and they agreed to stay on. "We said there were three things we needed to make it profitable for both parties, but those three things did not happen," he said. "We have been back and forth since then." TREVOR HAGAN / FREE PRESS FILES The city will need to recruit a new tenant for the restaurant on the iconic Esplanade Riel. He said six months ago the city asked for the operating cost payment but Stephen told them it had not been resolved. "They said if we cant resolve them, we will have to part company," said Stephen. "I said that is OK. There is no ill will." Stephens companys flagship operation, 529 Wellington opened on Monday night at less than 50 per cent capacity but did the same volume of business as it did on a similar night last year. Peasant Cookery, another of Wows popular locations, opened on Tuesday night and Prairies Edge, its restaurant in the pavilion at Kildonan Park is scheduled to open on Wednesday. They said if we cant resolve them, we will have to part company. I said that is OK. There is no ill will. Doug Stephen 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. But its other locations and catering enterprises are going to have to wait. For instance, Stephen said its dinner theatre operations in Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton will hold off because of uncertainty as to how to operate with social distancing. He said it is likely they will wait until the end of August or early September before they re-open Carne Italian Chophouse on York Avenue. And its flight kitchen catering business, that provided pre-made meals and sandwiches to airlines and other venues, may be permanently grounded. "We are re-evaluating whether or not to start it up again," he said. "I have someone who might take it on. It was a nice little piece of business." martin.cash@freepress.mb.cat A Florida sheriff involved in the case of Carole Baskins missing husband Don Lewis has said that the multi-millionaire's will was forged. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister told 10 Tampa Bay that experts had deemed the will was 100 percent a forgery casting 'another shadow of suspicion' on his disappearance. Chronister added that there was no update on whether Baskin, 58, was a suspect in her first husbands disappearance but that investigators have acquired new information and are working through it. The disappearance of Jack Don Lewis from Tampa in 1997 was a major talking point of the Netflixs recent hit Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. Scroll down for video Don Lewis, former owner of Wildlife on Easy Street in Florida, mysteriously disappeared in 1997 shortly before his second wife Baskin took control of his will. A sheriff working on the case has now confirmed that his will was forged Carole Baskin, pictured right, was the last person to see her husband Don Lewis, left The series explored claims that animal rights activist Baskin murdered Lewis and fed him to the tigers in their big cat sanctuary in Florida. Lewis has never been found, nor has any evidence to suggest he was murdered, though authorities have previously stated they dont believe he disappeared on his own volition. Shortly after his disappearance, Baskin - his wife at the time and the last known person to see him alive produced his will and his power of attorney that gave her complete control of his $5 million estate. Two handwriting experts and a local sheriff have now said that they believe Lewis signatures on both of the will documents, as pictured above, were actually forgeries Lewis former attorney has previously claimed that his client's signature was forged on two documents that effectively surrendered his fortune to the Tiger King star after he vanished. Chronister has now confirmed that they were forged but that the investigation into Lewis disappearance previously knew this. They called in some experts to say the will was a forgery, but I had already told them that two months ago,' he said. 'Because the girl who came forward and said "hey, I was forced to witness and say that I witnessed these signatures". Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister confirmed that Lewis' will was forged in an interview this week. He said that investigators were already aware it was a forgery 'The problem was that the statute of limitations had already expires,' he added. 'The will had already been executed but it certainly cast another shadow of suspicion by all means. Chronister may have been referencing notary Sandra Wittkopp who is listed on the documents but told the Mississippi Center For Investigative Reporting that she has no memory of it. 'I dont remember a will at all,' she said. 'I was the housekeeper.' The sheriff continued, however, that police could take no action even if the will is forged as it had already passed the statute of limitations and a judge previously deemed it valid. 'Thats the only reason theres no recourse,' Chronister said. 'A judge deemed it valid so the civil side of it, the disbursement of the funds is one thing, but then you have the criminal side of it is unable to be prosecuted because of the statute of limitations.' Lewis' disappearance was brought to the spotlight by the hit Netflix show Tiger King which focused on the long-running feud shared between self-proclaimed animal activist Baskin and Joe Exotic (left), a flamboyant polygamist owner of a private zoo in Oklahoma Chronister also revealed that the investigation has found some knew leads on Lewis after speaking again to the family and his office manager. 'I can tell you that investigators have some great leads, theyre working through them. I hope something pans out,' he told the station. 'They talked to the kids; the kids had some extra information that the investigators werent aware of. 'They talked to the office manager, she started to tell them things that they werent aware of that they didnt have in the file. So, I think theyre going through a lot of information right now and, fingers crossed, I hope they can solve this case.' Tiger King tells the real-life story of a zoo owner Joe Exotic, who spirals out of control amid a cast of eccentric characters in a true murder-for-hire story from the underworld of big cat breeding. A section of the show explores the controversy surrounding Joe Exotic's nemesis Baskin and her missing first husband. Shortly afterward his disappearance, Baskin - his wife at the time and the last known person to see him alive produced his will and his power of attorney that gave her control of his estate and $5 million in assets. She has denied any involvement in his disappearance After Lewis was reported missing, deputies found his van abandoned at a nearby airport, where he had allegedly planned to take a trip to Costa Rica. Police found no signs of a struggle or blood inside nor did they find proof that Lewis ever left the country This led to Baskin being accused of her husband's murder by rival animal owner Exotic, though she has always protested her innocence. Despite Baskins denials, the case quickly became one of the most discussed parts of the show as the internet was taken over by conspiracy theories Tiger King explored other theories about Lewis' disappearance - including the blonde Texan burying his body under a septic tank, Don crashing his plane, and Don starting a new life in Costa Rica. He was formally declared dead in 2002 but his body was never found. Lewis' ex-attorney, Joseph Fritz, has also said he believes his client's signature on both documents are forgeries. 'I believe it was traced,' Fritz told FOX, adding that he thinks the ledger was copied from Lewis' marriage certificate, signed some five years prior to his disappearance. 'Somebody sat at my office and had the pictures and was able to lay one over the other on their cellphone and they are a perfect match,' he continued, citing that typically a person's signature shows at least some variation. Fritz's observations have also been supported by two independent handwriting experts: Willa Smith, who contested the legitimacy documents for Lewis' family back in 1997, and Thomas Vastrick, who voiced his suspicions earlier this week. Baskin, pictured right, claims that her first husband Lewis either fled to Costa Rica, or he was thrown off a plane over the Gulf of Mexico . She later married to Howard Baskin (left) Its not a difficult call, Vastrick told the Clarion Ledger, adding that the signatures appeared to be the product of tracing. Vastrick also believes Lewis signature for both documents were traced from his marriage record, noting that the witnesses signatures and the notary on both documents are also 'identical', suggesting that at least one and possibly both of the documents may have been forged. He reiterated his findings to Fox on Thursday: 'In conducting the examination of the durable family power of attorney and the will, both of which were created on Nov. 21 in 1996, I was struck by the uncanny similarity between each set of signatures,' he said. 'It was nearly exact replication to the extent that I was very confidently able to opine that what I was dealing with at least with Mr. Lewis's signature that these signatures were traced.' Investigators have unearthed new information they hope could lead the the discovery of what truly happened to Don Lewis, pictured above with one of his tigers Don Lewis was a multi-millionaire and his disappearance in 1997 became one of the major talking points of recent Netflix sensation Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness 'Every time you sign your name, there's a level of variation from one signature to the next,' he continued, 'and these are just way, way too similar. I did not find this a difficult determination at all.' In this instance, Fritz says, the most critical document is the power of attorney. '[Baskin] managed to move their money and assets and property via the power of attorney, not the will ... she had to because he wasn't declared dead [until] five years later,' he explained. Baskin herself said she thinks Don either fled to Costa Rica, or he was thrown off a plane over the Gulf of Mexico. His car was recovered at an airfield in Pasco County. Detectives have said there was no way one of Don's private planes could have held enough fuel to take him all the way to Costa Rica, after Baskin said he would often fly below the radar because he had lost his pilot's license. Baskin has since married second husband Howard, and she addressed claims made by Joe Exotic that she could have killed her husband and fed to him her tigers in the show. She has never been charged with any crime. Tiffany Trump has come under fire for taking part in a social media protest over the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer as both her father's supporters and critics condemned her for vastly different reasons. After days of silence amid the protests and civil unrest around the country, the first daughter took to Instagram to share a black box in support of #BlackoutTuesday, a day started by activists to grieve and advocate for policy change following Floyd's death. '"Alone we can achieve so little; together we can achieve so much." - Helen Keller #blackoutTuesday #justiceforgeorgefloyd,' Tiffany, 26, captioned the post, which quickly faced backlash from both Republicans and Democrats. Under fire: Tiffany Trump sparked controversy when she participated in #BlackoutTuesday, a day for grieving and advocating for change following George Floyd's death Interesting choice: Tiffany, 26, quoted Helen Keller when she shared her post The Georgetown Law graduate's message came just hours after peaceful protesters in Washington, D.C. including priests were doused with tear gas by cops who were clearing a path for her father so he could take photos in front of St. John's Church. Supporters of Black Lives Matter urged Tiffany to share her thoughts with her father, who called Minneapolis protesters 'thugs' and threatened violence against them in a series of inflammatory tweets. 'Maybe you could try to explain this to your father,' one person wrote, while another added: 'Please call your dad so he can get the message... he's called for heads to roll in so many situations but has yet called for these cops to face justice.' Many people found the post to be hypocritical because of the president's actions and threats of violence against the protesters. Awkward: Tiffany's post came hours after her father was slammed for using tear gas and pepper spray to clear out protesters near St. John's Church so he could have a photo op No longer peaceful: Officers with the Arlington County Police Department are pictured pushing back demonstrators outside of the White House Hitting back: Critics called Tiffany's post hypocritical and urged her to talk to her father about his treatment of the protesters if she wants change 'How do you feel about the tear gas on peaceful protests in front of the Church???' one Instagram user asked. 'As a legal scholar, how do you feel about him involving the Insurrection Act of 1807?? I think those words would speak louder than this action...' 'Ha! This is rich. Did you see what your father did to peaceful protesters in DC last night so he could post with a holy book he has clearly never opened?' another commented. 'Would have been a good idea to quote a black activist/thinker but oh well,' someone else pointed out, while journalist Dave Quinn noted: 'Fitting that you used a Helen Keller quote here, as you and your family continue to be blind and deaf to what's really going on.' Some agreed that Tiffany can do more to evoke change, with one woman person saying she should use her law degree to fight systemic racism. Black sheep? Many people wondered what Tiffany's father would think of her calling for justice for Floyd Other side: A great deal of the backlash, however, came from conservatives who called her a 'sheep' and threatened to 'unfollow' her, all while arguing 'all lives matter' 'Hollow, Tiff. Hold your father to account. Call out your poisonous siblings,' she added. 'Use your platform for action rather than vanity. You are getting a law degree? Become a public defender. Champion prison reform. Do literally anything but this. Change your name, while you're at it. History has its eyes on you.' A great deal of the backlash, however, came from Trump supporters who essentially dubbed her a traitor. Conservative critics called her a 'sheep' and threatened to 'unfollow' her all while arguing 'all lives matter.' 'Disappointed, You're definitely not your father,' one person commented, while another wrote: 'I CAN NOT BELIEVE YOU'RE FALLING FOR THIS CRAP! Unfollowing you!!'' 'You drank the koolaid, Tiff,' someone else said. Praise: Tiffany did receive some support from fans, including her boyfriend Michael Boulos's father Massad Boulos, who used to thumbs up emoji to stick up to her 'Not you too!!?? Sheeple, all lives matter,' one Instagram user argued. 'Oh boy I would love to [know] what your family thinks of this,' another wrote, prompting Massad Boulos, the father of Tiffany's boyfriend Michael, to respond with two thumbs up emoji. Despite all the criticism, there were those who praised Tiffany for being courageous enough to share the post knowing she would face backlash from both sides. 'Wow it looks like there might be one Trump that actually gives a crap about mankind? Thank you for saying that. I respect you had the courage to post it,' one person wrote. 'The only Trump I've ever had time for. Your mom raised you well,' another noted. Mother's daughter: Tiffany's mother Marla Maples shared a #Blackout Tuesday post Keeping quiet: Neither of Tiffany's half-siblings participated in the social media protest, though her sister-in-law Lara Trump shared a black box with hearts in the center United front: Tiffany's boyfriend Michael used the hashtags #blackouttuesday and #justiceforgeorgefloyd when he shared his post Both Tiffany's mother Marla Maples and her boyfriend Michael participated in #BlackOutTuesday with similar posts. 'One world. One Love. One Spirit flows between us... Please God lets pause to feel this ... lets take this day to feel the pain and fear which has been inflicted on our brothers and sisters and come together... Unified,' Marla, 56, wrote. 'I Choose Love. I Choose Peace. I Choose to Listen. I Choose to Learn with a heart wide open #georgefloyd #callforlove #blackouttuesday #pray.' Intention: Michael also posted a portion of a quote from former President Barack Obama on his Instagram Stories, though it appears as though he may have been trying to stick up for Tiffany's father Meanwhile, Michael, the 22-year-old heir of the multibillion-dollar Nigerian conglomerate Boulos Enterprises, used the hashtag #blackouttuesday and #justiceforgeorgefloyd. He also posted a portion of a quote from former President Barack Obama on his Instagram Stories, though it appears as though he may have been trying to stick up for Tiffany's father rather than show support for the previous leader. In the quote, Obama explained that 'the elected officials who matter most in reforming police departments and the criminal justice system work at the state and local levels.' Neither of Tiffany's half-siblings participated in the social media protest, though her sister-in-law Lara Trump shared a black box with hearts in the center without a caption any mention of Floyd or Blackout Tuesday. There have been seven days of protests in cities across the country after Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man, died in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25. After being arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill at a deli, white officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Floyd became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Chauvin has since been taken into police custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Floyd's family is calling for a first-degree murder charge to be filed against Chauvin after an independent autopsy found that he died as the result of asphyxiation from sustained pressure on his neck. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) Tourism-related establishments can now count on an application called SafePass to operate under the new normal that was launched by the Department of Tourism. "It basically provides digital solutions, no, pagdating sa space capacity planning, no, ilan ba pupwedeng pumasok diyan; yung contact tracing, no, to make sure that we're able to monitor yung movements ng ating mga customers doon sa establishment, sa restaurant, and then yung protocol enforcement," said Tourism Undersecretary and Spokesperson Benito Bengzon Jr. on CNN Philippines' Newsroom Ngayon. [Translation: It (The app) basically provides digital solutions when it comes to space capacity planning, as in how many people can actually come inside (an establishment); contact tracing, to make sure that we're able to monitor the movements of customers in the establishment, and protocol enforcement.] The agency launched the app with the Department of Trade and Industry and inclusion-tech venture Talino Venture Labs "to meet the new normal in a post-lockdown or post-pandemic scenario," said Bengzon. Through SafePass, establishments will be able to determine their maximum capacity provided social distancing requirements are in place, explained the official. Meanwhile, customers may use the app to help map out their visit to their establishment of choice. "Pagdating naman dun sa booking, pupwede tayong pumunta dun sa app tapos alamin natin kung ano oras ba tayo pupunta dun, ilang tao tayo, and you know, we will be able to get information if we can be accommodated. So nawawala dito ngayon yung problema na pagpasok mo dun eh siksikan pala, hindi ka makapasok," Bengzon said. [Translation: When it comes to booking, we can go to the app and check what time may we proceed (to the establishment), what is our headcount (going there), and you know, we will be able to get information if we can be accommodated. So this eliminates the problem of (the establishment) already being crowded once you get there, preventing you from getting inside.] Given that the app is able to benefit establishments and customers, Bengzon said they expect users to avail of its services. "On the part of the establishment, nam-manage mo yung pagpasok ng mga turista at tsaka nasisiguro mo that during the entire operating hours, meron kang kliyente. On the part naman of the customers, sigurado ka na maa-accomodate pagpasok mo dun," he explained. [Translation: On the part of the establishment, you're able to manage the entry of tourists and ensure you have clients all throughout your operating hours. On the part of the customers, you can ensure you will get accommodate upon entering (the establishment).] The app also contributes to the ongoing shift to cashless, contactless transactions, with the pandemic forcing the public to reduce as much physical contact as possible, Bengzon said. At present, hotels are the only tourism business permitted to operate at limited capacity. They may only accommodate overseas Filipino workers, overseas Filipinos, workers in essential businesses like business process outsourcing firms and banks, and medical frontliners, the official said. Meanwhile, restaurants in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas are restricted to take-out and delivery options. However, those in modified GCQ areas may already provide dine-in operations but only at half their capacity. The morning of October 29, 2019 started like any other for Victoria Devorak. She was diapering her month-old baby, Vaughn, then started seeing double and finally couldnt see at all. She shouted for husband, Billy, and he helped her lie down. Her entire right side became limp and she slumped onto the bed. Billy called 911 and an ambulance rushed the then 30-year-old home health nurse to the local emergency room where Devorak learned she had had a stroke. Just a month after having her third son, Victoria Devorak had a stroke. She had no idea pregnancy and postpartum put her at higher risk. (Courtesy of the Devorak family) Its just baffling, Devorak, 31, of Mount Holly, New Jersey, told TODAY. This stroke was coming out of left field. From healthy birth to stroke Devorak gave birth to her third son, Vaughn, on September 26, 2019 after an uneventful pregnancy. Her second son was born via emergency cesarean section but her doctor cleared her for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) for her third baby. Her words to me from the beginning to the end were, Youre a very good candidate, Devorak recalled. Youre healthy, you didnt have any issues (with pregnancy). She maintains good habits, such as exercising and eating well (with the occasional sweet). And, she rarely imbibes and doesnt smoke. Like with her two other sons, this pregnancy and delivery seemed uneventful and normal. Thats why she was stunned when she had a stroke. But experts know that during pregnancy and up to three months postpartum, women are at increased risk. Doctors are concerned about whats called hypercoagulation your blood is a little bit more pro-clotting and the blood may be a little thicker, Dr. Kristy Yuan, an assistant professor of clinical neurology at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia, and one of Devoraks doctors, told TODAY. Her only risk factor was just this postpartum period and immobility. Victoria Devorak was stunned when she had a stroke. (Courtesy of the Devorak family) Like many new mothers, Devorak spent many hours nursing her baby, sometimes sleeping upright in bed after a late-night feeding (lots of sitting and immobility can lead to more clots forming). Whats more, she didnt know that she had a heart defect that increased her chance of having a stroke. After she arrived at the Comprehensive Stroke Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, doctors performed tests and noticed that her patent foramen ovale, a flap between the two upper parts of the heart, had not closed. Babies are born with it open, but it normally grows shut. When it doesnt, the defect can damage the heart, lungs or cause a stroke. Like other adults with it, Devorak had no idea she had it. Story continues Because my blood was thicker during the period and I had formed a clot, which they said was pretty substantial in size, she explained. "The flap of my PFO opened up and thats when it shot right up to my brain. Yuan added that while this sounds scary it is not considered a typical risk factor for stroke. I want to put a very large caveat on this Most of the patients I see, PFO is not really a contributor to stroke, Yuan said. You have other traditional risk factors like hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, plaque build up in your vessels. Most of those are much greater contributors to stroke. It's important to note that postpartum strokes are rare: A recent study reported that pregnancy-associated stroke occurs approximately 34 per 100,000 deliveries. Additional risk factors include if a woman is or experiences: Advanced maternal age (35 years and older) African-American race Preeclampsia, eclampsia or gestational hypertension Migraine headaches Diabetes Hyperemesis gravidarum Postpartum hemorrhage Yuan stressed that Devoraks husband did the right thing by calling 911 immediately. When it comes to identifying a stroke, experts use the acronym BE FAST, which stands for: B: Balance E: Eyes, doubled, blurred vision or inability to see F: Face droop on one side A: Arm or leg weakness S: Slurred speech or inability to speak T: Time to call for help. The faster you get help, the better. My face never drooped, Devorak said. When I had slumped over, thats when Billy knew we were in trouble and that it was probably a stroke. Thanks to the quick action of her husband, Billy, Victoria Devorak received treatment right away for her stroke and she has almost completely recovered. (Courtesy of the Devorak family) While doctors gave her a clot-busting drug that broke it up, they needed to remove pieces of the clot with a minimally invasive procedure. By the time she returned home on November 1, she was able to move around using a walker and she now walks unassisted, though she still has some weakness. The stroke also impacted her vision and she cant see from the upper quadrants of her eyes. I dont see a black hole. Its almost as if my brain stretches the vision that I do have to cover (it), she said. I do still have a little bit of double vision from time to time. Related: Raising awareness while recovering Devorak's feeling much better and hopes to have her PFO fixed soon (the COVID-19 pandemic postponed her surgery). Shes sharing her story to encourage others to act quickly if they suspect a loved one is having a stroke. My husband saved my life," she said. "If he wasnt home, I dont know what would have happened." Since having a stroke, Victoria Devorak experienced some vision problems and her eyes become tired quickly. (Courtesy of the Devorak family) And Devorak hopes to raise awareness about stroke in pregnant and postpartum women. None of the conversations from my first pregnancy, my second or this one has anybody approached me and told me that there could be complications, such as stroke, she said. Even somebody who is in very good health can have (a stroke). New York: The protests haven't stopped, but New York City officials were hopeful that an earlier curfew and refinements to police tactics are helping restore order after days of unrest over the death of George Floyd. "Last night we took a step forward in moving out of this difficult period we've had the last few days and moving to a better time," Mayor Bill de Blasio said. Gov Andrew Cuomo, who was critical of the police response on prior nights, said the city was much better Tuesday and that officers were better equipped to keep the peace. "Last night was a much, much better than the night before. So it worked. We got results. Let's just remember what we did last night and keep that going," Cuomo said. De Blasio rejected urging from President Donald Trump and an offer from Cuomo to bring in the National Guard to quell the unrest, saying he thought the NYPD was best suited for the task and fearing confrontations spurred by out-of-town Guardsmen unfamiliar with the city's dynamics. The citywide curfew, barring people from the streets and nonessential vehicles from part of Manhattan from 8 pm to 5 am, was imposed to prevent the nighttime chaos that followed peaceful protests for several days in a row. Vandalism and pilfering didn't stop completely Tuesday night. Some shops had windows smashed and merchandise taken. But it was a contrast from the previous two days, when several Manhattan shopping districts and one in the Bronx were overrun with people, some armed with crowbars and clubs, who ransacked numerous shops and set fires. Moving the curfew earlier from 11 pm, where it had been Monday night, as well as blocking vehicles from entering Manhattan, allowed police to take control of city streets and remove troublemakers, Chief of Department Terence Monahan said. It didn't stop demonstrations over police mistreatment of black Americans. Marches continued into the evening, though police stopped one large group from coming over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan after the curfew. The nightly curfews will remain in effect through Sunday, with the city planning to lift it at the same time it enters the first phase of reopening after more than two months of shutdowns because of the coronavirus. "I'd like us never to have to use it again, if we do things right," de Blasio said. Police said they arrested about 280 people on protest-related charges Tuesday, compared with 700 the previous night. Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said some people breaking into stores were part of organized groups using vehicles to scout locations and transport stolen property, including in one instance a U-Haul truck. "We also see a lot of people just peeling off, using the protests as cover and then peeling off and unfortunately running around and doing some looting," Shea said. De Blasio condemned police for roughing up journalists covering the protests, including two from The Associated Press. More than a half-dozen officers surrounded, shoved and cursed at videojournalist Robert Bumsted and photographer Maye-E Wong and ordered them to go home Tuesday night, ignoring Bumsted's explanation that the press are considered ?essential workers? and are allowed to be on the streets. "No journalist should ever be detained ever," de Blasio said, except in what he deemed an ?aberrant? situation of a journalist committing an illegal act. "There should be no condition under which any journalist is detained by the police of this city or any city in the United States of America, period," he added, calling for an investigation. Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said officers were ?doing the best we can under difficult circumstances,? adding that some people stopped by police were lying about being journalists. "Sometimes these things take a second, maybe too long, to sort out," Shea said. "We're not perfect, we do the best we can in a situation." Marchers chanted slogans as they wound through the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn deep into the night Tuesday. The marches were part of a wave of protests across the country since the May 25 death of Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on Floyd's neck. "Something has to break, and it's not going to be us," said Evan Kutcher, one of hundreds of demonstrators chanting Floyd's name outside Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Asked what he wanted to see with more protests planned for Wednesday, de Blasio said: "What I want to see tonight is peace in this city." "I want to see tonight be better than last night, and I want us to just keep making progress from there." WASHINGTON Former President Barack Obama urged the nation's cities Wednesday to examine their community policing policies and revise them if necessary to prevent a repeat of what happened in Minneapolis last week. "Today, I am urging every mayor in this country to review your use-of-force policies with members of your community and commit to report on planned reforms," Obama said in a livestreamed discussion of police reform sparked by the deaths of George Floyd and other African Americans that have triggered waves of protest around the country. "What are the specific steps you can take? In an hour-long town hall, Obama struck a tone of cautious optimism, saying he was heartened at the swift and broad response to Floyd's killing at the hands of the Minneapolis police though he added that far more change was needed. "We don't have the capacity to eradicate 400 years of racism in one fell swoop. If we think this is a seismic shift, I hope people don't think nothing's going to happen once we figure this out," he said. But "a majority of Americans still think those protests were justified. That wouldn't have existed 30, 40, 50 years ago. There is a change in the mindset that's taking place, a greater recognition that we can do better." His town hall came a day after former President George W. Bush spoke out, saying in a written statement that he was anguished and calling it a time for us to listen. Bush, like Obama, expressed support for the protesters, saying its a strength when they march for a better future. The comments from both former presidents marked a contrast with those of President Donald Trump, who has been sharply critical of the protesters and has urged authorities to "dominate" the streets, including in a conference call with governors this week in which he accused them of being "weak" in their responses. Trump, who has described himself as a "law-and-order" president, has emphasized instances of looting and rioting, often failing to make a distinction between those actions and peaceful demonstrations. Story continues Former presidents have traditionally kept in the shadows, allowing their predecessors to run the nation without being second guessed. But during his final White House news conference as president in 2017, Obama said he would speak out after leaving the office when I think our core values may be at stake ... I put in that category, if I saw systematic discrimination being ratified in some fashion." Most of the changes needed, Obama said during Wednesday's discussion, have to take place at the local level. He said his administration compiled a number of reforms from a task force created after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. Many local officials supported the report, but then there wasnt enough policy. "Let's go ahead and start implementing those," he said. "We need mayors, county executives, others who are in positions of power to say this is a priority." While urging action, Obama also sent a message of hope to Americans disturbed and disheartened by recent events, especially young people of color. "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice," he said, quoting Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. "We bend it. All of you have bent it over the last four, five, six, 10 years and we are seeing the fruits of those labors in the degree of awareness that is out there." Obama, who was weighing in for the third time after Floyd's death, has been emphasizing the need to turn protests into policy. Participants included former Attorney General Eric Holder, civil rights leader Rashad Robinson, Minneapolis City Council member Phillipe Cunningham and others. "We are an incredibly progressive city," Cunningham said. "At the same time, we are also the city that has the most significant racial disparities between white and black folks in the entire country across every indicator of quality of life. So this has just been boiling under the surface." New charges in George Floyd's death: Derek Chauvin faces second-degree murder; 3 other officers charged, senator says The discussion was put on by My Brother's Keeper Alliance, an initiative started by Obama after Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old African American teenager from Florida, was fatally shot by George Zimmerman in 2012. The goal is breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities for boys and young men of color. Former President Barack Obama. After Floyd's death, Obama called on a "new generation of activists" to channel the outrage. "If, going forward, we can channel our justifiable anger into peaceful, sustained, and effective action, then this moment can be a real turning point in our nations long journey to live up to our highest ideals," Obama wrote in an essay published Monday on Medium. Obama also addressed Floyd's death in a statement shared on social media Friday. During a virtual event for historically black colleges and universities last month, Obama criticized the United States' coronavirus response and said the crisis "spotlights the underlying inequalities" in the nation. He called the U.S. response an "absolute chaotic disaster" during a call about a week earlier with 3,000 people who served in his administration. More: Phoenix's Jeri Williams is one of the nation's few black female police chiefs. She says George Floyd's death was 'disgustingly horrific.' This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Floyd: Barack Obama hosts town hall on police reforms after death Hilaria Baldwin penned a heartfelt note to her four children, who she shares with husband Alec Baldwin, about fighting for a world without prejudice on Tuesday. 'Dear babies everywhere, so many people working hard to make this world a better place for you, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation,' the fitness guru captioned an adorable Instagram Story of one of her four little ones. The doting mom also shared a selfie of herself recording a podcast with Dr. Aliza Pressman on discussing race issues with sons Romeo Alejandro David, 2, Leonardo Angel Charles, 3, and Rafael Thomas, 5, plus daughter Carmen Gabriela, 6. Proud parents: Hilaria Baldwin penned a heartfelt note to her four children with husband Alec Baldwin about fighting to create a world without prejudice on Tuesday; seen in 2019 In the close-up, Hilaria looked stunning with a demure smile and her dark tresses styled in a half-up, half-down hairstyle in front of a microphone. Her posts comes after her husband received backlash for promoting his new podcast interview with controversial director Woody Allen on #BlackoutTuesday. The 30 Rock star was immediately met with fury from his followers for not only his choice to sit down with Allen, who has been accused of sexual assault by his adopted daughter, but also for his 'tone-deaf' timing. 'Dear babies everywhere, so many people working hard to make this world a better place for you, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation,' the fitness guru captioned an adorable Instagram Story BlackoutTuesday was devised to disrupt the work week by stopping production and social media promotion in order to reflect and focus time and energy on promoting black artists, businesses and projects. On Tuesday, the 62-year-old actor shared a shot of director Woody Allen on his Instagram with a long caption hyping up their conversation on his podcast, Here's The Thing. Allen came on as a guest to discuss his controversial new memoir, Apropos of Nothing. Speaking up: Hilaria also shared a selfie of herself recording a podcast with Dr. Aliza Pressman on discussing race issues with sons Romeo Alejandro David, 2, Leonardo Angel Charles, 3, and Rafael Thomas, 5, plus daughter Carmen Gabriela, 6 Defending himself: Alec Baldwin is facing backlash for promoting his new podcast interview with controversial director Woody Allen on #BlackoutTuesday and then he doubled down on his choices after being met with fury from his followers 'Woody Allen's new book, Apropos of Nothing, starts with a portrait of his father, a tough-guy World War One Navy veteran and onetime gunman in a firing squad,' Baldwin's caption read. 'It's the first of a series of surprising, fascinating stories from a life that went from working-class Jewish Brooklyn in the 1940s to movie sets in Rome and Paris.' 'The book also addresses the accusation of an incident of sexual abuse leveled by Dylan Farrow. Allen and Alec cover it all -- plus how he's doing in the age of coronavirus -- in this candid and wide-ranging interview.' Backlash: Followers immediately took umbrage with Baldwin for his choice to interview Allen, who has been accused of sexually molesting his adopted daughter when she was seven, and the fact that he posted the promo messages on #BlackoutTuesday In 1992 Dylan Farrow, Allen's estranged adopted daughter with ex-Mia Farrow, accused him of sexually molesting her when she was seven years old. Now 34, Dylan later repeated her allegations several time as an adult and, for his part, Woody has long denied her accusations. 'I've worked on three Woody Allen films, each being a highlight of my career,' Alec Baldwin wrote in a second post promoting his podcast. 'National day of whatever': Alec went on to tell his followers he had 'no idea' about #blackouttuesday and added the 'professional lives of some people cannot be put on hold at the whims of political correctness' A time to pause: BlackoutTuesday was devised to disrupt the work week by stopping production and social media promotion in order to reflect and focus time and energy on promoting black artists, businesses and projects. Adding: 'Today he joins me on my podcast and we talk about everything from his mentors, to his method of directing, and the accusation of sexual abuse.' His followers seemed floored that Baldwin went ahead with his business-as-usual promotional posts, which came on the same day as #BlackoutTuesday. 'Always love following your account but this is a tone deaf thing to post today,' one person quipped. Others added things like 'I am speechless, 'Are you serious?' and 'accused him of being 'dismissive' and 'defending a pedophile.' In defense: Baldwin later reposted a call to action from his 24-year-old daughter Ireland about how the black squares are overtaking feeds and suppressing black voices and she came to his defense in comments Despite some people trying to give Baldwin the benefit of the doubt, he actually doubled down on his relationship with Allen and the timing of his posts calling Blackout Tuesday a 'national day of whatever.' Alec jumped into the comments with a lengthy response explaining away his choices because he was obligated to promote the episode as his guests 'have either requested or required a specific posting date in order to promote a project.' 'We make every effort to honor those requests. Allen is no exception,' he said. 'As for the perceived lack of sensitivity re BlackOutTuesday, I had no idea about this...national day of whatever.' Social media: As part of Blackout Tuesday, social media users have been sharing blank black images to show solidarity, like this one by Justin Bieber; Those images have been met with some criticism by many who see them as a hollow gesture that serves to clog up feeds and silence black voices. Baldwin also suggested that viral hashtags didn't do much good for the overall cause and said 'voting, and working to enroll others to vote, is more...practical.' He reposted a call to action from his 24-year-old daughter Ireland about how the black squares are overtaking feeds. She responded in the comments defending her her dad: 'Although the black squares are a sign of solidarity, Im shedding light to the posts that my black activist friends are continuing to post and get out there. (Natural News) As Iran rolls back the lockdown restrictions put in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the countrys number of newly infected cases has surged once more, reflecting the number of daily cases Iran had during the outbreaks peak in late March. In response to criticism, Iranian Ministry of Health officials have put the blame on citizens who refuse to follow social distancing guidelines. As the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) swept through the globe, Iran quickly became the epicenter of the pandemic in the Middle East, with their number of cases and deaths surging well beyond that of its neighbors. Fortunately, the countrys number of reported daily new cases has remained below 2,000 since April 1, but has been on the rise since the country began rolling back its lockdown restrictions. On Tuesday, Minister of Health spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour reported 3,117 new cases of COVID-19, several dozen cases under the highest number of daily infections it reported on March 30 (3,186). This has raised the countrys total number of cases to 157,562, including 7,942 deaths and 123,077 recoveries. (Related: Irans coronavirus crisis is so bad theyre excavating mass graves so large they can be SEEN FROM SPACE.) https://twitter.com/EllzSummary/status/1267734132395839489 Officials blame lack of discipline among Iranians In response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, Iranian officials have put the blame solely on the citizens, many of whom do not believe in the social distancing regulations that have been put in place. The fact that people have become completely careless regarding this disease was of great concern, according to Health Minister Saeed Namaki. They either have total confidence in us or think the coronavirus has gone. The latter is not true at all, he added, according to the Iranian Students News Agency. Namakis criticism of Iranian citizens is not without merit. A recent poll conducted by the Ministry of Health showed that only 40 percent of Iranians surveyed believed in social distancing, which is a dramatic decrease from the 90 percent who believed in it in February and March. On Monday, during an interview with a state-run news agency, Namaki mentioned observing how people in the northeastern city of Mashhad were neither observing social distancing guidelines nor wearing face masks. What I saw was appalling. If things go on in the same way, coronavirus will score a goal against us at the last minute, he added. After President Hassan Rouhani announced Saturday that the countrys mosques could once again open for daily prayers, health officials reiterated the need to follow social distancing guidelines. The reopening of religious sites is especially worrying, as mosques and other religious buildings became vectors of the coronavirus during the early days of the outbreak in Iran. Stagnant economy forced Iran to reopen too early Iran began rolling back its coronavirus restrictions in April, when shopping malls and local bazaars were allowed to restart operations, followed by restaurants in May. However, this didnt do much to put life back into the already stagnant Iranian economy, which was been suffering from a decline in foreign trade due to U.S. sanctions, low oil prices and economic restrictions put in place during the lockdown. In April, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that Irans gross domestic product might contract by 6 percent by the end of the year. This economic downturn will further strain the governments already fragile hold over the populace. In November, violent protests erupted when the government decided to cut fuel subsidies. If Irans economy continues to plummet and many more Iranians are made impoverished by the COVID-19 pandemic, theres no telling what will happen next. Pandemic.news has more reliable, uncensored and science-based reporting on the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus in Iran and across the globe. Sources include: WSJ.com ArabNews.com En.RadioFarda.com WASHINGTON - Former deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein conceded Wednesday that, in hindsight, he would not have signed an application to continue monitoring a former Trump campaign adviser during the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, and claimed he did not know of the significant problems that have since been identified with it. The comment came at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to examine the Russia probe, including flaws in the applications to monitor former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. The Justice Department inspector general found numerous errors and omissions in the applications, and the department has told a court it now believes it had "insufficient predication" to continue the surveillance. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, asked Rosenstein, who signed one of the problematic applications, if - given what he knows now - he would have approved it. "No, I would not," Rosenstein responded. Conservatives are likely to seize on the admission, and others from Rosenstein, as more ammunition for their attacks on the Russia investigation. Rosenstein offered some defense of steps he took in the took in the case - particularly his appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel to lead it - but at times, he was conciliatory toward Republicans skeptical of the investigation. After Graham asked if Rosenstein would agree there was ultimately "no there there" to support the "concept that the campaign was colluding with the Russians in August 2017," Rosenstein responded, "I agree with that general statement." In that month, Rosenstein wrote a memo detailing the scope of Mueller's investigation; the probe was far from over. But Rosenstein seemed to stress at other points that his conclusion about the lack of a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia came only in hindsight. He noted, for example, that he "understood there was predication to investigate" when he wrote his scope memo, and added, "We investigate people who are not necessarily guilty, and so I didn't have any presumption that these folks were guilty of anything." Rosenstein said of the Russia case, "I do not believe the investigation was a hoax" - which seemed to directly rebut a talking point of Trump's. But soon after, Rosenstein said he could not "vouch for the allegations." "As we now know, the eventual conclusions were that Russians committed crimes seeking to influence the election and Americans did not conspire with them," he said. Mueller's report detailing his findings concluded there was not evidence to allege a conspiracy, but that the Trump campaign "expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian efforts." Rosenstein said "appointing a special counsel was the best way to complete the investigation appropriately and to promote public confidence in its conclusions." "I still believe it was the right decision, under the circumstances," he said. He added later, "I do not believe that Mr. Mueller was trying to get rid of the president." Rosenstein defended then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions's recusal from the case, which put Rosenstein in charge, calling Sessions "one of the most principled people I've ever met in Washington." The recusal enraged Trump, who to this day attacks Sessions over the matter. He also repeated a comment he made to The Washington Post after he went into private practice. "I believe we got the big issues right," he said. Rosenstein is the first of what could be dozens of witnesses in an effort by Graham to investigate the investigation that upended Trump's presidency and resulted in criminal convictions for several of his associates and campaign aides. In his opening statement, Graham played a clip of Rosenstein describing in a May 2018 appearance how the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act process typically works - with a career law enforcement official swearing to the truth of an application - and then took aim at the comments. "What brings us here is the fact it didn't work that way," Graham said. "We're trying to find out how that happened." Graham also suggested he would be conducting a broad look at the Mueller investigation - including the reason for Mueller's appointment. "We're going to look hard," he said. Democrats have bristled at the probe, suggesting the Russia case already has been aggressively scrutinized by the Justice Department's internal watchdog and that Republicans seem to be trying to undercut the legitimate work Mueller did to please Trump and help his reelection campaign. The Justice Department inspector general last year lambasted the FBI for its handling of the warrant to monitor Page, though he said information had been kept from Rosenstein and other high-level officials before warrant application was approved. Rosenstein said he did not know of many of the problems, including that an FBI lawyer doctored a document used as part of the process. Some Republican lawmakers took aim at Rosenstein, suggesting he did not do enough to ensure the accuracy of the application he signed. Rosenstein conceded he was not sure he had "read every page." White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany seized on that at a briefing Wednesday, saying, "It's really astonishing to hear from him that he's not sure he read every page of that warrant, but I suppose it's encouraging to hear with his 20/20 hindsight that he wouldn't have signed off on it." In a particularly heated exchange with Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Rosenstein accepted responsibility, but suggested the lawmaker should focus on future fixes. "I am accountable for it, but the question is, why did it happen?" Rosenstein said, adding later, "Yelling at me is not going to solve the problem." Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the highest ranking Democrat on the committee, conceded that Inspector General Michael Horowitz had found serious deficiencies in the warrants on Page, as well as broader problems in how the FBI uses the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. But she noted that Horowitz also found the FBI had good cause to open an investigation into the Trump campaign. Rosenstein was far more guarded in addressing another controversy that he was questioned about: the Justice Department's recent move to try to drop the criminal case against former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn. Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about conversations he had with a Russian diplomat, but later changed defense teams and sought to undo the case. Attorney General William Barr tapped U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen in St. Louis to look into the matter, and Jensen ultimately uncovered FBI notes, which Flynn's defense team has alleged show Flynn was entrapped. At Jensen's recommendation, Barr decided that FBI agents did not have a good reason to interview Flynn in the first place, and thus his lies were not "material" to any case - a requirement to substantiate the charge to which he admitted. Rosenstein, who was nominated by Trump to be deputy attorney general and confirmed in April 2017, was not leading the investigation when the FBI spoke to Flynn. But he was supervising the matter when Flynn later pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with Mueller's investigation. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, confronted Rosenstein about the matter, saying that at a June 2018 meeting the two had, Rosenstein refused to turn over case-related documents. "It's clear you were misleading me, Congress, and the American people when you suggested we should be satisfied with Flynn's plea agreement," Grassley said. Rosenstein responded that he was only reluctant to turn over materials because of the Justice Department's long-standing policy of not giving lawmakers access to such documents in a case that is pending in court. Rosenstein said he approved the case against Flynn because "the evidence demonstrated his guilt, and he and his attorneys admitted his guilt." He said much of what has been revealed recently was "news to me." "I obviously didn't know there was exculpatory evidence," he said. Many legal analysts have disputed that the new evidence exonerates Flynn. Rosenstein also took aim at former acting FBI director Andrew McCabe, alleging McCabe was "not fully candid with me" in the early days of his leading the bureau and the Russia case in May 2017. McCabe, Rosenstein said, did not for at least a week turn over memos from James Comey - who Trump had just fired as FBI director - documenting what Comey saw was troubling interactions with the president. Rosenstein also disputed that McCabe's allegations that, during that time period, Rosenstein had suggested wearing a wire to surreptitiously monitor Trump, or invoking the 25th Amendment to remove him from office. "I did not suggest or hint at secretly recording President Trump," he said. "I have never in any way suggested that the president should be removed from office under the 25th Amendment." Rosenstein has more vaguely denied the allegations in the past; McCabe documented the alleged incidents in contemporaneous memos. In a statement Wednesday, McCabe said Rosenstein's testimony "looks to be yet another sad attempt by the President & his men to rewrite the history of their actions in 2017," and noted he had briefed Rosenstein on Comey's memos days after Comey was fired. Rosenstein has long had a complicated relationship with Trump. Even though the president nominated him as deputy attorney general, he later derided the Justice Department leader as a "Democrat from Baltimore." But Rosenstein has also taken some heat from the left for being willing to mollify the president. After The New York Times reported the allegations that Rosenstein had contemplated wearing a wire to record Trump, or invoking the 25th Amendment to oust him, Rosenstein sought to assure the president in a phone call he would treat him fairly, according to officials with knowledge of the call. "I give the investigation credibility," Rosenstein said, according to an administration official with knowledge of what was said during the call. "I can land the plane." On Wednesday, Rosenstein vaguely disputed he had said that. "I do not believe I've ever used those words, 'I can land the plane,' Senator," he said. "But what I can tell you is what I always said when anyone asked me about the investigation, which was that we would complete it appropriately and expeditiously, and I made no inappropriate commitments." After a landmark Supreme Court decision last summer, Kelly Shackelford believes we're seeing the beginning of a sea change As the nation becomes a little less religious year after year, religious freedom has also increasingly come under attack, though sometimes quietly in the background. But the recent pandemic and state shutdowns have shone a spotlight on why it matters. People started to see their liberties taken away, and wondered whether a shop owner had any right to protest an order that her business close, or why a parent could be handcuffed for taking his child to a park. Things came to a head early April when a drive-in church service organized for Easter Sunday in Louisville, Kentucky, resulted in criminal action against attendeeseven though participants adhered to CDC guidelines, with cars parked six feet apart and congregants staying inside their vehicles. We call this lawsuit the shot heard around the world, said Kelly Shackelford, president and CEO of First Liberty Institute. Its the nations top firm for defending religious freedom, and Shackelfords focus for the past 30 years. Everybody was watching this. Everybody was wondering how we lost our constitutional system, Shackelford said. And then we get this really powerful opinion saying this is wrong. This is a violation. Our Constitution is in play, and this is a massive violation of the Constitution. It was a clear grand slam victory, he said. And that was, I think, the first reminder to everybody, and comfort to everybody, that we hadnt lost our freedom in the midst of a very difficult time. Shackelford started hearing from people who said they hadnt realized what religious freedom meant until this case. All of a sudden, it dawned on them, Shackelford said. They had become increasingly worried about the fate of their freedoms during the shutdown, and after seeing this lawsuit sent Shackelford messages of thanks. What houses of worship are now facing has in a way reminded Americans why religious freedom is our first freedom, and central to all our other freedoms. If you dont have the freedom to live in accordance to your beliefs, everything else is up for debate too. People who have left authoritarian countries certainly know this: Shackelford often meets people from Eastern European nations who will hand him a check and tell him that even though they are not religious themselves, they know how important religious freedom is. They saw religious symbols disappearing in their home countries, and the loss of every other freedom soon thereafter. And they want to join the fight to preserve this liberty in America. Despite these disappearing symbols around the nation, Shackelford has cause for optimism. After a landmark Supreme Court decision last summer, Shackelford believes were seeing the beginning of a sea change. I really believe, assuming we do our job right here in the next 5 or 10 years, I really believe every American is about to have more religious freedom than theyve ever had in their lifetimes, Shackelford said. Our First Freedom Gifted in logic and rhetoric, while in high school Shackelford was deciding between becoming a pastor or a lawyer, and asked his youth minister for some advice. He told Shackelford that there were a lot of good Christian pastors, but maybe they needed more good Christian lawyers. Shackelford took stock of himself and decided that he would probably do better at dispensing justice rather than mercy and eventually applied to law school. He found a lot of encouragement that he was on the right path. Shackelford says that he was really just an average student of average intelligence, and still rather than spending extra hours studying, he spent what time he had at church helping with ministry, because thats where he felt his heart was. Despite that, he had the highest raw GPA in his graduating class, and being in the top 5 percent he was able to clerk for a federal judge for a year, inviting plenty of job opportunities. I felt like I was being shown: keep your heart for ministry, but use law, Shackelford said. In law school, Shackelford developed a passion for religious freedom cases and wanted to use his legal skills to help pastors, churches, ministries, to uphold the nations founding principles, and maybe go to seminary school part time. He had little interest in the job offers from big law firms after his judicial clerkship. Two weeks later, two partners in major law firms that Id never met called me out of the blue and asked me to lunch. They said, Look, weve been donating our time to religious freedom and were now getting so many calls its hurting our ability to make a living. We were wondering, would you be willing to come on and do legal cases, help churches, pastors, religious freedoms, our founding principles? And you could even go to seminary part time,' Shackelford recalled. The two lawyers paid Shackelfords clerk-level salary out of pocket, and at the beginning, it was just him and one other person. Now First Liberty Institute has grown to 50 employees, a team of summer interns, a competitive fellowship program, and a network of top lawyers in every state across the country who are more than enthusiastic to donate their time to First Liberty Institute because of the opportunity to defend our founding principles. In the past two decades, the nonprofit firm has won more than 90 percent of its cases, and the number of cases has increased considerably, unfortunately, because of the increased hostility toward religion. Seven years ago I think we had 40 cases. Last year we had over 300, and thats turning away cases, Shackelford said. The nature of the cases has changed as well. It used to be that the government would pass a law, and someone would bring a case forward because it interfered with their religious freedom in some way. The cases in the last few years are ones Shackelford wouldnt have believed could be real two decades ago. Now people face authorities who tell them they cant practice their religion (like a resident who faced eviction for hosting a Bible study in his apartment), or require them to do things that violate their religions (like a baker compelled to decorate a cake with a message that went against her beliefs). And perhaps in our increasingly secular culture, nonreligious bystanders dont always grasp the gravity of this. Our founders understood this when they called it our first freedom, because they understood that the one thing that a totalitarian regime will never allow are citizens who hold allegiance to one higher than the government. So whenever that type of oppression starts to come into place, one of the first battles will always be religious freedom. Theyll be these people that wont bow their need to the government because they actually have a god bigger than the government. And when you lose there, youll lose everything, and they understood that, Shackelford said. So in addition to winning casesand the right ones, to set significant precedentsFirst Liberty Institute puts a great focus on education and sharing compelling stories of major cases. If we win these cases and win for peoples freedom, and they dont know they have them, what really have we won? Shackelford said. So its very important that people be empowered to know the freedoms that they do have. Originalism A milestone decision happened in 2019 when Supreme Court judges ruled the Bladensburg Peace Cross could stay as is on government-owned land (American Legion v. American Humanist Association). Its a 40-foot-high World War I memorial on a patch of grass nestled in the middle of a busy three-way intersection in Maryland, and to tear it down would have in fact been hostile to religion, though everyone around the country has seen similar events with the disappearance of Nativity scenes and menorahs. About a month later, the town of Tega Cay, South Carolina, put up a monument to honor fallen police officers, and the city hall received complaints because the text was a police officers prayer. In response, the city scrubbed instances of the word Lord off of the monument. That upset even more people. Well the city council at that point didnt know what to do, so they just pulled the whole monument down, Shackelford said. Someone alerted First Liberty Institute about this, and they sent the city council a letter about the Bladensburg Peace Cross decision. What the decision says is, we dont tear things down in public because they have a religious symbol, Shackelford said. They hadnt seen [the Bladensburg decision]. So what they did in this little South Carolina city is they put the monument back up with the full prayer with no deletions, no scrubbing of any of the words. And thats an example of the law was there, they just didnt know. If the Bladensburg case sounds simple, it really isnt; it was a departure from about 50 years of precedent in terms of hostility toward religion in public. What were watching change that has been very significant is the judges, Shackelford said. The current administration has been careful to vet judges who adhere to originalism, he explained, which means the judges look to the original meaning of the Constitution or the statute in question. Some people would assume thats what they always do, but it hasnt been. What were seeing happen is were going back to the founding principles in the Constitution, he said. So the opinions are starting to change in that direction, and the result is we are starting to have real success in the religious freedom arena, the likes of which I havent seen in 30 years. I feel like were right at the beginning of some incredible changes, really positive changes on religious freedom. HK chief executive to visit Beijing, prepare for national security legislation Global Times By Yang Sheng and Wang Qi Source:Global Times Published: 2020/6/2 20:48:40 The chief executive of Hong Kong and senior officials who are in charge of law enforcement, public security and justice will visit Beijing on Wednesday, and analysts in the Chinese mainland said that coming only five days after the NPC passed a decision on national security legislation for the city, this move shows that China wants to push the legislation as soon as possible. The central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will be prepared for any challenge, they said. HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam will pay a one-day visit to Beijing on Wednesday, as the central government needs to hear advice and suggestions from the HKSAR government about the proposed national security law, said the HKSAR government on Tuesday. Hong Kong Commissioner of Police Tang Ping-keung, the Secretary for Security John Lee and the Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng will join the visit with Lam. Li Xiaobing, a Hong Kong affairs expert and legal expert at Nankai University in Tianjin, said that this is a necessary move as the national security legislation for Hong Kong should be finalized as soon as possible. These officials related to law enforcement, public security and justice must provide their suggestions and advice to help the central government make the law executable under Hong Kong's common law legal system, as this law will directly affect and change their work. Apart from the HKSAR officials, the central government might also want to communicate with legal professionals. However, legal professional organizations like the Hong Kong Bar Association always maintain a sentiment of resistance against the central government and the national legislature, and they use their legal professional knowledge to create obstacles for mainland's governance in the HKSAR, Li said. "If they would like to make constructive suggestions, they would be welcome, but according to empirical evidence, they are very unlikely to do so as they have complicated connections with foreign forces," Li noted. Analysts said that advice and opinions from business circles and the financial sector could also be important, because Hong Kong, as an international trading and financial center, has frequent and broad communications and exchanges with other countries and regions. The presence of foreign companies and institutions in Hong Kong is very normal, so the legislation should minimize its impact on these normal legal economic activities. Some countries' high-profile criticism of the national security law in the HKSAR shows "double standards," as they pay attention to their own national security but are biased against Hong Kong, Lam said at a press conference on Tuesday, the US' recent dealing with its domestic riots has been tough. Safeguarding national security is the basis of every country's sovereignty. Hong Kong has laws to stem infringement of national security, but these are insufficient. The risk of violating national security in Hong Kong is increasing and "we all know what happened last year," Lam said. The announcement also disclosed that Lam will travel to Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, in the evening on the same day, before returning to Hong Kong on the morning of Thursday. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the acting chief executive. Yin Hongbiao, an expert on Hong Kong affairs at Peking University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the meeting with central government senior leaders could also cover the most urgent situation: Opposition groups and anti-government forces are planning a series of protests and illegal assemblies from this week to at least July 1. "How to deal with these resistance forces backed by the US and other foreign forces, how to punish and arrest rioters in the upcoming incidents and the people behind the illegal activities and riots, and how to help Hong Kong handle the increasing pressure on the economy this year ... These are also very urgent questions that need to be discussed," Yin said. If Lam and her team, as well as the head of the Hong Kong police, received firm support from the central government, their countermeasures and law enforcement against the upcoming and potential illegal activities and resistance against the national security legislation would be tougher, more determined and resolute, Yin noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NASHVILLE, Tenn. and KNOXVILLE, Tenn., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Lirio, a behavior change AI company helping health systems and large employers move patients and employees towards better health outcomes, has added Justin Beaver, PhD, Suzanne Blazek, PhD, Raju Vatsavai, PhD, and Clayton Webster, PhD to its Behavioral Reinforcement and Learning Lab (BReLL). "Health decision making has become a fundamental part of everyday consumer life. We also know that successfully promoting health behaviors is really difficult," says Marten den Haring, Lirio's COO. "Researchers joining BReLL include some of the top minds in the fields of artificial intelligence and behavioral science. By applying their ideas and discoveries, Lirio will create unmatched solutions that enable consumers to close the gap between their good intentions and real-world behaviors." BReLL is jointly led by Christopher Symons, PhD, Chief Artificial Intelligence Scientist for Lirio, and Chandra Y. Osborn, PhD, MPH Lirio's Chief Behavioral Officer. They direct a cross functional group of highly experienced research fellows and scientific advisors to create industry leading solutions in behavior change AI. The new distinguished research fellows are: Justin Beaver, PhD, joins Lirio from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), where he was a senior researcher and led the lab's Cybersecurity Research Group. His primary focus during his 12 years at ORNL was on the application of analytics and machine learning in real-world cybersecurity systems. Prior to joining ORNL, Beaver worked at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for 12 years doing development work for the Space Shuttle program. He holds a PhD in computer engineering from the University of Central Florida. Raju Vatsavai, PhD, joins Lirio from the faculty of North Carolina State University, where he was an Associate Professor of Geospatial Analytics in the computer science department, and was Associate Director of the Center for Geospatial Analytics. He has also worked at several of the world's leading research labs, including CDAC-India, AT&T Labs, and IBM Research. Vatsavai has over 25 years of research and development experience in spatiotemporal data analysis and machine learning and holds a PhD in computer science from the University of Minnesota. Clayton Webster, PhD, joins Lirio from a joint position as a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Mathematics at The University of Tennessee and a Distinguished Scientist and Group Leader in the Computational and Applied Mathematics Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He earned his PhD in Mathematics from Florida State University. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Department of Energy Office of Science's Early Career Award, the Simons Fellowship in Mathematics, and the John von Neumann Fellowship at Sandia National Laboratories. In addition, he was appointed a Frontiers of Science Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences. Additionally, Lirio announced that Susanne Blazek, PhD, has been named Director of Behavioral Research and will contribute to the lab's research. Blazek moves to Lirio from Korn Ferry where she was Director of Thought Leadership and Outcomes Research. She has a decade of experience conducting industry-agnostic outcomes research on simulation-based assessments, C-suite and board-level search and select, and behavior change post-leadership development. She has consulted with numerous Fortune 500 companies and serves on the Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies' scientific committee. She holds a PhD in social psychology from the University of Minnesota. The Lab's additions are part of more than 30 new hires to Lirio since January of this year. Additional hires include AI researchers and behavioral scientists specializing in design, data science, and machine learning who are contributing to the lab's body of work and Lirio's client services. Media Contact: Patrick Hunt 865-829-5776 [email protected] SOURCE Lirio Related Links https://lirio.com/ DUBLIN and CLONMEL, Ireland, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Shorla Pharma Limited ('Shorla'), an Irish specialty pharmaceutical company, has today announced the completion of a Series A investment of $8.3 million. The financing was led by Seroba Life Sciences ('Seroba'), a European Venture Capital firm headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with additional investment from Irish and Canadian based family offices and participation from Enterprise Ireland. Shorla has developed innovative oncology drugs with a focus on rare, orphan and pediatric cancers, delivering more effective products in indications where existing treatments are sub-optimal for the target patients. The company was founded by Sharon Cunningham and Orlaith Ryan ('Shorla' is a combination of both first names), both formerly with EirGen Pharma ('EirGen') in Waterford, Ireland. Shorla is based in Questum, a Clonmel, Ireland based acceleration center. Together with a strong team of scientists, clinicians and an extensive industry network, the company has an advanced pipeline of innovative drug products to treat a number of unmet patient needs. The funding will support the advancement of the product pipeline, along with expansion of technical and commercial operations in both Ireland and the US. Alan O'Connell, a Partner at Seroba who has joined the Shorla board, said, "We're delighted to support an Irish company with such a promising pipeline of products designed to improve treatment options for cancer patients. Shorla is led by experienced founders with a track record of success in the sector and we look forward to working with them to grow the company and bring their products to market." Speaking about the investment, Orlaith Ryan of Shorla said, "This significant investment will provide the necessary resource to further advance the product pipeline through health authority registration and commercialization which will ultimately create valuable and clinically impactful treatments that improve patient outcomes." Commenting about the support from Seroba, Sharon Cunningham added, "Seroba is a leading venture capital firm in the global life sciences industry and they, along with other participants in the investment syndicate bring invaluable experience to Shorla and have a proven track record in the pharmaceutical sector. We're confident that we have the right partners to support us in executing our vision." Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said, "We are delighted to support Shorla and to be part of this investment round. Ireland is widely recognised as a center for the global life sciences industry as well as a leader in medtech and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Helping to maintain that reputation, Shorla, led by two female founders, is a highly innovative company developing new solutions to critical issues in the oncology area. It is also particularly heartening to see this company starting in a regional location. Earlier this year, the Enterprise Ireland 'Action Plan for Women in Business' cited that less than 10 percent of VC funding is going to companies with women founders. This investment is consistent with that action plan in terms of developing a larger number of companies of scale led by female founders. It is fantastic to have a role model like Shorla to demonstrate what's possible. I wish the team luck with the project and congratulate the company on its success to date." About Shorla Pharma Ltd Shorla Pharma Ltd is a privately held, Irish based specialty pharmaceutical company with an advanced pipeline of innovative oncology drugs for women's and pediatric cancers. The company concentrates on indications where existing treatments are limited, in shortage or inadequate for the target population. Shorla's growing portfolio brings accessible, affordable and life-saving treatments to patients, delivering a major contribution to patient care. Shorla was established by Sharon Cunningham and Orlaith Ryan in 2018 and won the overall award at Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur competition in 2019. Sharon and Orlaith were included on a list of 50 people to watch out for in 2020 by the Irish Times. For further information, please visit www.shorlapharma.com About Seroba Life Sciences Seroba is a European life sciences venture capital firm focused on investing in winning innovations in biotech and medtech. The team has deep investment and industry experience enabling Seroba to help entrepreneurs realise their ambitions whilst creating value for investors. The firm has three funds under management and has built a portfolio of investee companies across multiple indications. Seroba partners with entrepreneurs to create and build businesses around extraordinary science. Follow our story at www.seroba-lifesciences.com SOURCE Shorla Pharma Related Links http://www.shorlapharma.com/ On Tuesday 19 2020, one of the most well known influencers for Christ and Christianity was called home to be with the Lord. This article is a tribute written in honour of his life and service. Throughout this article I will be dispersing various quotes all attributed to Ravi. Early Years Born 26 March 1946, Ravi was born in Madras, which at the time as known as British Raj. Today we are more familiar with that location as Chennai, India. The family moved to Delhi and were affiliated with the Anglican branch of the faith. For Ravi, however, he did not share his family faith and whilst an atheist, at the age of 17, he attempted suicide. As he himself explained in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6aDoOzYN-U the life changing experience whilst in hospital was a key moment for Ravi. A christian worker brought a bible to the ward and encouraged Ravis mother to read to him from John chapter 14. In particular, it was John chapter 14, verse 9 which resonated with Ravi: Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. Ravi thought that this may be his only hope: A new way of living. Life as defined by the Author of Life. He committed his life to Christ praying, Jesus if You are the one who gives life as it is meant to be, I want it. Please get me out of this hospital bed well, and I promise I will leave no stone unturned in my pursuit of truth. At the age of 20, Ravi followed his family in migrating to Canada, where he went on to study at Ontario Bible College (known today as the Tyndale University). He graduated in 1972 at the age of 26 before pursuing a Masters of Divinity from the Trinity International University. Ministry In 1984 Ravi founded the Ravi Zacharias International Ministry (RZIM) which has a global presence across 16 countries with over 250 employees including over 100 itinerant speakers. RZIM utilises the full spectrum of media radio, books, television plus the online channels today to broadcast the message of evangelism and apologetics. The Zacharias Institute branch delivers training to instruct and equip anyone who desires to effectively share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Answering common objections to Christianity with gentleness and respect is a key objective of the short courses. Apologetics is no longer a luxury; it is indispensable in our time. The Scriptures remind us to be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within us. Ravis pursuit of apologetics has been a gift which will enrich the faith of this generation and many generations to come. His ministry continued tirelessly year after year, with his last public post in early 2020 when he recited from a hymn written by Richard Baxter (1615-1691): Lord, it belongs not to my care Whether I die or live; To love and serve Thee is my share, And this Thy grace must give. If life be long, I will be glad, That I may long obey; If short, yet why should I be sad To welcome endless day? Christ leads me through no darker rooms Than He went through before; He that unto Gods kingdom comes Must enter by this door. Come Lord, when grace hath made me meet Thy blessed face to see; For if Thy work on earth be sweet What will thy glory be! Then I shall end my sad complaints And weary sinful days, And join with the triumphant saints That sing my Saviors praise. My knowledge of that life is small, The eye of faith is dim; But tis enough that Christ knows all, And I shall be with Him. This quote in itself is so timely given that for a full 48 year long ministry, Ravi was constantly and continuously pointing people to Jesus. Personal impact We have a right to believe whatever we want, but not everything we believe is right. I personally have watched and followed numerous videos of Ravi. My interest in apologetics led me to discover Ravi and RZIM at some point in the mid 2000s. The eloquence and sincerity of Ravi made his videos compelling to watch. Hearing him respond respectfully to the challenging questions posed by eager hearts and also the non-so-eager audiences has helped me hone my own craft. There have been numerous times when I would use and point to Ravis videos for other believers as we all work out our faith. What I believe in my heart must make sense in my mind. Whilst I have never undergone official training or any of the RZIM programs, the heart of the content and accessibility of it has helped to equip me with a solid understanding of the core tenets of faith. I love the logic and reasoning behind our faith; that the Bible and God have a clear design behind the way everything fits together. Now, dont get me wrong I dont claim to know everything and every little detail but the big picture and the human ability to appreciate and to see God at work is in itself a thing of beauty. As Ravi said: There is no greater discovery than seeing God as the author of your destiny. Ravis gift is clear and best appreciated as a public speaker. Whilst numerous literature has been attributed to his works, his strength and effectiveness in communication is best experienced when watching his speeches, or listening to him rebut a challenging question. Thank You Ravi, you dont know me, but it is indeed enough that Christ knows us all. You are indeed, with Him now. CEBU Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has allowed backriding on private motorcycles in the province, a move seen to help several workers who have complained of being stuck in the streets waiting for the few public utility buses and modern jeepneys allowed to run during the general community quarantine (GCQ). This is to address the needs of families and those who need to take a motorcycle to work together with a co-worker. During her press conference on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, Garcia issued Executive Order (EO) 19 permitting backriding on private motorcycles in the province, which has been under GCQ status since May 16. EO 19 mandates that both the backrider and driver must wear closed shoes and the Department of Trade and Industry-prescribed helmets. The driver cannot charge for the backride. Garcia clarified that EO 19 will not take effect immediately as the Provincial Board (PB) still has to convene on Friday, June 5. The PB is expected to pass an ordinance adopting her order, which she certified as urgent. Earlier Wednesday, the governor had discussed the matter with representatives of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7, the mayors of the six component cities (Bogo, Danao, Talisay, Naga, Carcar and Toledo), and her daughter Liloan Mayor Christina Garcia-Frasco, president of the League of Municipalities of the PhilippinesCebu Chapter, representing Cebus 44 towns. Before she issued EO 19, Garcia said her team had studied Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) and the Supreme Court decisions on backriding. Sigon sa balaod, nakita nato nga wala gidili ang backride (According to the law, we saw that backriding is not prohibited), she said. Caindecs view LTO 7 Director Victor Caindec refused to comment on Garcias latest order, saying the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has the final say on the motorcycle backriding ban. The ban had been implemented since backriding does not allow for social distancing. Story continues After his office receives copies of EO 19 and the ordinance, the LTO 7 will forward these documents to the LTO central office which, Caindec said, would endorse them to its mother agencythe DOTr. The LTO 7, he said, will only make a move after it receives the DOTrs decision. Appeal Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said he already urged Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to reconsider the no-backrider policy. For his part, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan supported Garcias move. He said he had sent two letters to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, asking to allow his constituents to ride on motorcycles driven by their relatives. He has yet to receive a reply. Labella also asked the DOTr to allow drivers of public utility jeepneys to transport passengers as the city is now under GCQ. Since it might take time for the DOTr to decide on his request, Labella said he plans to augment the buses plying Cebu City. In places under GCQ, only buses and modern jeepneys are allowed to carry passengers on a reduced capacity. The LTFRB 7 allowed 60 buses and 10 modern jeepneys to ply the 17 routes in Cebu City. (ANV, FVQ & JJL) N othing compares to reading a book, but literary podcasts do offer their listeners different ways to enjoy them, from hearing an authors voice and getting the lowdown on the latest novels to discovering some magnificent lost gem youve never heard of. The trick here is to be selective when choosing which episode to listen to, as its only as good as the author on it. Confessions with Giles Fraser UnHerd columnist and Anglican priest Giles Frasers interviews with interesting, well-known people, many, though not all, of whom are authors, focus on how their beliefs shape who they are. Turkish novelist Elif Shafak talks about agnosticism, faith and doubt, and why populism is the fake answer to real problems, while Susan Hill reveals how unresolved grief over the deaths of her mother, her fiance and her baby daughter played into her ghost stories. Good for: Serious in-depth discussion. Frequency: Once a month. Duration: Just under an hour. The Penguin Podcast But to write a novel from the perspective of Melania would be to spend your time and energy pondering what its like to be married to Donald Trump, Curtis Sittenfeld tells Nihal Arthanayake, apropos of her latest novel, Rodham. Paul McCartney yes, that one, and author of childrens story Grandude explains why the thought of meeting Bob Dylan made him nervous, and Bernardine Evaristo talks about growing up poor in a mixed-race household, one of eight children. Good For: Keeping up with new publications. Frequency: Fortnightly. Duration: Just over half an hour. Youre Booked Perfect for literary nosy parkers, Daisy Buchanan visits writers at home for some deep-delving into their bookshelves. David Nicholls stacks his books alphabetically with Amis up top (hes got a ladder), while Philippa Perry has read every Jane Austen novel at least 20 times. Check out the new mini spin-off too, Shelf Isolation, about good books to get through lockdown, kicking off with Sara Pascoe. Good For: Shelf envy. Frequency: Weekly. Duration: About an hour. Literary Friction Authors discuss the topics du jour with hosts literary agent Carrie Plitt and academic Octavia Bright. Does debut novelist Kiley Reid think social media is destroying our ability to read? What does Garth Greenwell have to say about why intimacy is so important in these socially distanced times? And Topeka School sensation Ben Lerner argues for the power of therapy in fiction. Shorter minisodes cover anything from Brexit to TS Eliot. Good For: Authors takes on current affairs. Frequency: Weekly. Duration: About an hour. Sentimental Garbage The Irish journalist Caroline ODonoghue discusses vintage chick-lit in a refreshingly lightweight tone. Valley of the Dolls? You should probably have some kind of drink with it, says her guest, the writer Ella Risbridger. Oh yeah, I was so drunk reading so much of this, agrees ODonoghue. The Thorn Birds? Colleen McCullough, not a nice lady, I did some research she was a bitch. Guests and titles vary, but ODonoghue remains the star. Good For: Not taking itself too seriously. Frequency: Weekly. Duration: About an hour. BBC Radio 4 Book Club James Naughtie hosts; listeners put questions to authors. Was anger or art the impetus for The Handmaids Tale?, Margaret Atwood is asked (by Eimear McBride). What diagnosis would a psychologist give Eleanor (Oliphant)?, Gail Honeyman is asked. How much research did Colson Whitehead do on enforced sterilisation when plotting The Underground Railroad? Good For: Authors high, low and every brow. Frequency: Every Sunday. Duration: 28 minutes. Backlisted Ever been tempted to read The Journal of a Disappointed Man by W. N. P. Barbellion? Or Excellent Women by Barbara Pym, or The Blessing by Nancy Mitford? What about Ian Flemings On Her Majestys Secret Service? John Unbound Mitchinson, journalist Andy Miller and guests use a jocular chat-show format to discuss the books that got away, and lots of banter . Good For: Hearing original blurbs of obscure books. Frequency: Weekly. Duration: 50 minutes. Simon Mayos Books of the Year Radio presenter Mayo and former BBC sidekick Matt Williams invite authors from Adele Parks to Sophie Hannah, from Lee Child to Jung Chang, to plug their books and chat about whatever takes their fancy. Followed by a Q&A, with the authors giving their favourite author recommendations. Parks likes Muriel Spark; Hannah prefers Agatha Christie. Good For: A few laughs along the way. Frequency: Weekly. Duration: Anything from 15-50 minutes. Frank Skinners Poetry Podcast On Philip Larkin: A lot of people talk about representation. Women want to see more women in strong positive roles; people of colour likewise. I feel represented by a weedy, unattractive, grumpy bloke who seems to have a sparkling inner life. On Famous Bigshots by Caroline Knox: I dont actually know why I love it completely and I dont completely know what it means, but sometimes love is blind. Good For: Heartfelt takes on poems. Frequency: Weekly. Duration: 30 minutes. The Slightly Foxed Podcast Youre sitting at a well-scrubbed kitchen table in cosy Hoxton Square with SF editors Gail Pirkis, Hazel Wood and friends, a dog at your feet, wine on the go, yakking about off the beaten track books. Topics covered include the power of the English countryside, the connection between the parochial and the universal, and why royal biographies and novels can be so gripping. Good For: More rarified listening. Frequency: Weekly. Duration: 38 minutes. South Sudan said on Wednesday its monthly gold export earnings to the Arab world have plummeted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Akol Ayii Madut, director general of South Sudan Customs Services, said Juba is no longer able to earn from its monthly gold exports to Dubai, worth US$200,000, due to COVID-19 disruptions. "We are no longer earning from our gold exports worth US$200,000, a month due to COVID-19," he told Xinhua in Juba. Madut said this has caused a 20 percent decline in non-oil revenue since March, when the government imposed partial lockdown, before lifting restrictions in the aftermath of widespread agitation from the public. South Sudan's other exports affected due to COVID-19 include gum arabic and teak logs, usually to Sudan and Uganda respectively. "We are still maintaining 80 percent collection on imports compared to March, when the lockdown was imposed due to COVID-19," Madut said. South Sudan depends mainly on its oil exports through Port Sudan to finance 98 percent of its fiscal budget annually. Global oil prices have fallen below 40 dollars a barrel. The government is considering removing tax exemptions enjoyed by humanitarian organizations in order to increase the tax base, Madut said. Several humanitarian organizations have, since March, stopped bringing in goods to the country with the exception of the UN World Food Program (WFP). However, business flow along the main Nimule border with Uganda continues, despite some bureaucracies imposed by authorities on both sides to curb COVID-19 infections, Madut said. "When the truck drivers come it takes three days to be screened by authorities and then they are allowed to enter into South Sudan. This current delay is because of COVID-19," 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 By Trend The representatives of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the UN took part and delivered a speech during the open discussions of the UN Security Council through a video conference on May 27, 2020, dedicated to the protection of civilians during the armed conflicts, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend on June 2. The issue discussed following the speech made by the representatives of the Permanent Mission was of great importance for the UN Security Council, the international community, and in particular for Azerbaijan. The world community was informed that the civilian population suffered, tens of thousands of civilians were killed or injured, millions of people were expelled from their houses as a result of new conflicts or conflicts lasting for a long time, active conflicts or those suspended as a result of the ceasefire regime. The detailed information on Armenias occupation policy and its consequences, in particular, on the damage to the Azerbaijani civilian population and infrastructure, and the ongoing illegal activity of the occupying country, was provided during the speech. The representatives of the Permanent Mission stressed that 250,000 Azerbaijanis were deported from Armenia at the end of the 1980s of the last century. Armenia started a war against Azerbaijan in late 1991-early 1992, as a result of which tens of thousands of people were killed and the infrastructure was damaged. During the speech, the representatives of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan also emphasized that an ethnic cleansing policy was carried out against Azerbaijanis in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region and adjacent territories, as a result of which over a million of Azerbaijanis were expelled from their houses. The occupying country continues to flagrantly violate the requirements of relevant resolutions and international law. Moreover, Armenia is carrying out the work on military construction and is conducting the purposeful policy in the direction of changing demographic, cultural and physical characteristics in the above-mentioned territories. The representatives of the Permanent Mission emphasized that this activity is a threat to the regional peace, security and stability and added that the rights and freedom of hundreds of thousands of people were violated. While referring to the recently published comprehensive report entitled War crimes in the Azerbaijani territories and the responsibility of Armenia, the representatives of the Permanent Mission emphasized that it contains the facts and evidence confirming Armenias war crimes. During the speech, the representatives of the Permanent Mission emphasized that the UN Security Council must focus on the issue of protection of civilians who have suffered during the armed conflicts; at the same time, the parties to the armed conflicts must be aware about the requirements for their commitment to the obligations arising from the international law. 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 regions. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz June 2, 2020 Release Department of Defense Accepts Korean Ministry of Defense's Proposal to Fund Korean National Employee Labor Costs The Department of Defense has accepted the Republic of Koreas (ROK) proposal to fund the labor costs for all U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Korean National (KN) employees through the end of 2020. The lapse of last year's 10th Special Measures Agreement (SMA), in which the Republic of Korea partially shared the burden of stationing U.S. Forces on the peninsula, and the continued absence of a subsequent agreement, resulted in more than 4,000 Korean National employees being furloughed. USFK expects all KN employees to return to work no later than mid-June. In March, prior to the partial furlough, the DoD funded critical logistics contracts and partially funded KN labor to mitigate some of the risk associated with a complete furlough. This enabled USFK to accomplish their mission to maintain a robust combined defense posture. Since the last SMA lapsed on 31 December 2019, the United States has unilaterally shouldered the burden for all costs associated with U.S. Forces in Korea. These include KN labor costs, logistics contracts, and construction project design and oversight costs. Todays decision will provide over $200M in ROK funding for USFKs entire KN workforce through the end of 2020. Additionally, it is a direct reflection of the United States commitment to readiness, to our Korean employees, and to the Alliance - the linchpin of peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. This decision enables a more equitable sharing of the KN employee labor burden by the ROK and the U.S. More importantly, it sustains the Alliances number one priority - our combined defense posture. In regards to the lapsed SMA, the Department of Defense believes that equitable burden-sharing between the governments of the United States and the Republic of Korea is in the best interest of all parties. We strongly encourage our Ally to reach a fair agreement as quickly as possible. The United States has shown considerable flexibility in their approach to the SMA negotiations, and requests that the ROK does the same. Without an agreed upon SMA, critical defense infrastructure projects will remain suspended, all logistics support contracts for USFK will continue to be paid completely by the U.S., and burden sharing will remain out of balance for an Alliance that values and desires parity. USFKs mid- and long-term force readiness remains at risk. https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2205963/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The last American citizen receiving a Civil War pension has died in North Carolina at the age of 90. Irene Triplett, whose father fought for the Union Army between 1863 and 1865, passed away Sunday in Wilkesboro from complications following surgery. Irene suffered from from mental disabilities and therefore qualified for federal financial support as a 'helpless adult child of a veteran', according to The Washington Post. She received a monthly check of $73.13 from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which went towards expenses for the nursing home where she lived. Her father, Mose Triplett, was 83 years old when his much younger wife, Elida, gave birth to Irene in 1930. Irene Triplett, whose father fought for the Union Army between 1863 and 1865, passed away Sunday in Wilkesboro from complications following surgery. She was the last American citizen receiving a Civil War pension Irene's father Mose Triplett (center) fought in the Civil War of 1861- 1865. He is pictured in a photograph taken in the early 20th Century Mose Triplett first enlisted with the Confederate Army at the age of 16. He eventually defected and became a Union soldier. He died at the age of 92, and is buried in North Carolina Irene grew up in poverty in the Appalachians of North Carolina, and never learned to read or write. She became hooked on tobacco at the age of seven, and left school in the sixth grade. In an interview with The Washington Post in 2014, she revealed she was teased by her peers about her father, who was dubbed a 'traitor' because he had defected from the Confederate Army to the Union Army partway through the Civil War. Mose Triplett initially enlisted with the North Carolina Infantry Regiment in 1862, aged just 16. However, he fell ill while his regiment was headed to Gettysburg and he was subsequently hospitalized in Virginia. He later made a daring escape after his regiment suffered losses during the Battle of Gettysburg and he enlisted with the Union in 1864 at the age of 21. He went on to marry his first wife, Mary Watson, in 1880, before she died in 1923. President Lincoln speaks with Union officers at the Battle of Antietam in Maryland during the Civil War This illustration shows the capture of North Carolina's Fort Fisher. Mose served in B Company of the 3rd North Carolina Mounted Infantry between October 20 1864 and August 8 1865 Mose's registry with the Confederate army is pictured. He fought for the North Carolina Infantry Regiment from 1862 until 1863 A year later, at the age of 78, he tied the knot to 28-year-old Elida Hall. They welcomed Irene in 1930. In a 2014 interview with The Record, Irene revealed she did not discuss the Civil War with her elderly father before he died. 'He never would talk about it,' she stated. Irene has been receiving her Civil War pension since the mid-1950s. She has spent more than half a century in nursing homes due to her disabilities. Irene has been receiving her Civil War pension since the mid-1950s. She has spent more than half a century in nursing homes due to her disabilities. She is pictured in photos taken in 2014 However, in recent years, she has been visited by journalists and historians eager to hear more about her life as the daughter of a Civil War soldier. One Civil War buff told The Washington Post: 'She's a part of history, You're talking to somebody whose father was in the Civil War, which is mind-bending.' There are now very few Americans left alive with direct connection to the Civil War. The last Civil War veteran, Albert Woolson, died in 1956 at 109. Gertrude Janeway, who was the last widow of a Civil War veteran, died in 2003 at age 93. Christian university to host George Floyd memorial service in Minneapolis Thursday Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment North Central University, a private Christian university in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, is set to host a funeral service for George Floyd Thursday amid escalating protests over his controversial death while in the custody of local police officers. North Central University is honored to have been asked to serve as the location for the Minneapolis funeral service for Mr. George Floyd. As a Christian university situated in the heart of Minneapolis, we strive to be good citizens and good neighbors. Our hope is that our sanctuary will provide a space of welcome and warmth for Mr. Floyds loved ones and their guests during this time of remembrance and worship, the university said in a statement Tuesday. Civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton, who is founder and president of the National Action Network, is expected to deliver his eulogy at the memorial service set for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Attendance at the memorial service, which will be held inside the Lindquist Sanctuary, Trask Word & Worship Center, will be restricted to verified persons only. The university noted that it was also working with planners of the event and the governors office to ensure appropriate measures will be in place for health and safety related to COVID-19. Benjamin Crump, an attorney for the family, also announced at a press conference Monday that a funeral service for Floyd will be held on June 9 in Houston where Floyd grew up, CNN reported. Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, died in police custody in Minneapolis on Memorial Day while a police officer kneeled on his neck as he begged to breathe. Findings of an independent autopsy released Monday said Floyd died by asphyxia. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's also called his death a homicide Monday, noting that he suffered "a cardiopulmonary arrest while being restrained by law enforcement officer(s)." Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer who was recorded kneeling into Floyds neck in a video online, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday. Lawyers for Floyds family are calling for first degree murder charges as well as the prosecution of three other officers who were involved in the incident that has sparked protests and riots nationwide. A memorial fund for Floyd that was set up on Go Fund Me just five days ago had raised over $11 million as of Wednesday morning. On May 25, 2020, my life shattered as I learned of the tragic passing of my dear brother, George, Floyds brother, Philonise Floyd, said in a statement posted on the fundraising campaign. 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; a white Minneapolis police officer kneeling directly on my brother's neck, obstructing his ability to breathe. As some officers knelt on his neck, other officers participated and watched; no one took any action to save my brother's life. Those officers would continue to brutalize my brother until he died, he said. While some of the funds raised were expected to go toward paying for Floyds funeral service, Leonard Ellerbe, the CEO of Mayweather Promotions, told ESPN on Monday that boxer Floyd Mayweather will cover Floyds funeral costs. "He'll probably get mad at me for saying that, but yes, [Mayweather] is definitely paying for the funeral," Ellerbe said. "Floyd has done these kind of things over the last 20 years. Subscriber content preview OLYMPIA The state's Employment Security Department said Washington workers negatively affected by COVID-19 will gain employment and training for in-demand occupations that pay a living wage through a new $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. In a press release, the ESD said it partnered with the Washington Workforce Association, the state Workforce Board and others to win two National Dislocated Worker Grants. In total, the USDOL has awarded $24 million in recovery grants to Washington the largest amount of any state to date, ESD said. . . . Sensex, Nifty Updates: Benchmark Sensex and Nifty closed on a bullish note on Wednesday, backed by strong global cues, amid heavy buying in banking and realty stocks. Sensex closed 284 points higher at 34,109 and Nifty ended 82 points higher at 10,061. Globally indices turned green as investors turned optimistic over prospects of more government stimulus, eased lockdowns across the world. On Tuesday, Sensex ended 522 points higher at 33,825 and Nifty rose 152 points to 9,979. Here's a look at the updates of the market action on BSE and NSE today 3.40 PM: Closing bell Benchmark Sensex and Nifty closed on a bullish note on Wednesday, backed by strong global cues, amid heavy buying in banking and realty stocks. Sensex closed 284 points higher at 34,109 and Nifty ended 82 points higher at 10,061. 3. 30 PM: Zydus Wellness share price rises over 3% post result Zydus Wellness share price opened with a gain of 2.5% today and later touched an intraday high of Rs 1338.95, rising 3.19% on BSE, after reporting its Q4 earnings. The company reported a 11% rise in profit at Rs 69.40 crore during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, as against Rs 62.31 crore, recorded in a year-ago period. Company's total income rose 15.2% (YoY) to Rs 489.17 crore in the January-March quarter of the current fiscal as compared to Rs 424.64 crore in a year-ago period. 3.15 PM: Earnings today Companies set to announce their earnings are Aurobindo Pharma, DCM Shriram, BPCL, Cholamandalam Investment, MAS Financial Services, Duncan Engineering, DISA, Shriram Asset Management among others. 3.00 PM: State Bank of India shares up 5.6% Shares of State Bank of India were rising 5.67% higher intraday on Wednesday's trade, despited the lender saw its rating outlook being negatively revised by Moody's Investor Service on Tuesday. Moody's has downgraded the long-term local and foreign currency deposit ratings of the state-owned lender to Baa3 from Baa2, citing economic disruption caused by coronavirus outbreak. Moody's has placed its ba1 BCA under a review for downgrade, as it expects SBI's asset quality and profitability to weaken, which could hurt its capitalisation. 2.45 PM: Nifty outlook Nifty near term outlook, having crossed the 10,000 mark for the first time since March 13, Geojit Financial said in ite note,"Having tested 9995.45 yesterday, the move towards 10400 is pending and should be in play today. Risk to downsides start from 9923. 2. 31 PM: Coronavirus toll India, on Wednesday, recorded single-day spike of 8,909 new coronavirus cases and 217 deaths, taking nationawide infections to cross 200,000 The nationstands at 7th position in the world's most infected countries, with growth rate of new infections showing no sign of slowing. Coronavirus update: India reports over 8,000 single-day cases for 4 consecutive days 2.11 PM: Oil prices rise today Oil price continued to move on hopes of rising demand as lockdown restrictions are eased and ahead of the crucial OPEC+ meeting on output cut. Brent crude futures rose 43 cents, or 1.1%, at $40 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 68 cents, or 1.9%, at $37.49 a barrel. Coronavirus pandemic: Crude oil reaches $40 for first time since March 1. 58 PM: Global cues Globally indices turned green as investors turned optimistic over prospects of more government stimulus, eased lockdowns across the world. Asian markets were trading near three-month highs, backed by increased optimism over re-opening of economies, hopes of economic stimulus. 1.32 PM: Gold outlook Expressing veiws on Gold's near term outlook, Anuj Gupta-DVP Commodities and Currencies Research, Angel Broking said," Yesterday gold prices were corrected by 0.53% from higher levels and touched the low of Rs 46441 levels. Some profit booking seems in gold prices as expectation of more easing and stimulous packages may announce by the major economies. Although the recovery in global equity market curb the gold prices. Safe heaven demand may fade out so we are expecting some more profit booking in Gold prices. Traders can go for sell in Gold prices around Rs. 46700 to 46800 levels, with the stop loss of Rs 47100, and for the target of Rs. 46000 levels. In international market gold may test $1710 soon." 1.16 PM: European markets open higher European markets opened higher on recovery hopes shrugging off civil unrest in US. Further signs of a pickup in China's services activity offset concerns about Sino-US trade tensions. Where FTSE gained over 1%, both CAC and DAX gained 1.5% each. 1.04 PM: Gold trades flat today Gold witnessed profit booking today after snapping a three-session winning streak in the previous day, as investors factored in the possibility of economic recovery as restrictions are eased across the globe and rally in equity markets. Spot gold was unchanged at $1,727.65 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures fell 0.1% to $1,732.20. 12. 45 PM: Granules share price gains 4% post results Granules share price opened with a gain of 2.62% today and later touched an intraday high of Rs 188.5, rising 4% on BSE after teh company reported Q4 results. The company reported a 41% rise in profit at Rs 335.39 crore during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, as against Rs 236.40 crore, recorded in a year-ago period. Company's total income rose 14.28% (YoY) to Rs 2635.20 crore in the January-March quarter of the current fiscal as compared to Rs 2305.88 crore in a year-ago period. 12.30 PM: Mahindra & Mahindra share price gains almost 4% Mahindra & Mahindra share price opened with a gain of 2.49% today and later touched an intraday high of Rs 480.3, rising 3.85% on BSE. This was desapite the company announcing that estimated quantum of loss due to COVID19 lockdown for Q1 F21 is around 87,000 Vehicles and around 30,000 tractors. 12.15PM: Religare share price rises 4.9% Religare share price gained almost 5% intraday to Rs 27.85 on BSE after the compan yannounced that it has raised Rs 300 crore through disinvestment in insurance business to Kedaara capital Fund. 12.00 PM: Global cues Asian markets were trading higher with Nikkei up over 2% backed by increased optimism over re-opening of economies. US markets closed higher despite civil unrest across cities and tensions with China as investors started focusing more on economic recovery. 11. 45 AM: Services activity reduces sharply in May Business activity across India's service sector fell drastically during May as the unfavourable economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic impaired business operations, restricted consumer footfall and led demand to collapse, a monthly survey said on Wednesday. The IHS Markit India Services Business Activity Index stood at 12.6 in May. Coronavirus effect: Services sector activity reduces sharply in May 11.30 AM: China's service index recovers post lockdown The Caixin/Markit services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 55.0 in May from 44.4 in April, hitting the highest level since late 2010. The return to expansion for China's services sector was on back of economy recovering from strict coronavirus-induced containment measures, although employment and overseas demand remained weak, a private survey showed. Coronavirus impact: China's services sector recovers, job losses continue: Caixin PMI 11. 15 AM: Rupee opens higher today The rupee rose 32 paise to 75.04 against the US dollar on Wednesday amid positive domestic equities , gains in Asian currencies and weakness in the dollar. 11.00 AM: Lupin share price rises over 1% Lupin share price gained over 1% today to the intraday high of Rs 885.85 on BSE after the company informed the exchanges that it has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration for Meloxicam Capsules 5 mg and 10 mg. The product would be manufactured at Lupin's Aurangabad facility, India, and is expected to be launched shortly. 10.45 AM: IDFC First Bank share price gains 2% IDFC First Bank share price gained 2% after the company announced that ICRA has re-affirmed the rating at [ICRA]AA (Stable) in respect of banks' NCDs for Rs 32,598.73 crore and [ICRA]A1+ in respect of banks' CDs and has withdrawn the [ICRA]A1+ rating assigned to Rs 7000 crore CP Programme and [ICRA]AA (Stable) rating assigned to Rs 6091 crore NCD programme of the bank, as there is no amount outstanding against the said instruments. 10.31 AM: InterGlobe Aviation share price gains InterGlobe Aviation share price touched an intraday high of Rs 1064.95, rising 12.63% on BSE, after the aircraft carrier reported its March quarterly results. The company reported net loss of Rs 871 crore during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, as against profit of Rs 596 crore, recorded in a year-ago period. Company's total income rose 5.3% (YoY) to Rs 8,299 crore in the January-March quarter of the current fiscal as compared to Rs 7,883 crore in a year-ago period. InterGlobe Aviation share price rises over 12% despite Rs 871 crore loss in Q4 IndiGo reports net loss of Rs 871 crore in Q4 FY20, defers guidance on capacity growth amid COVID-19 10.15 AM: Tata Motors share price gains 5.13% Tata Motors share price opened with a gain of 3.63% today and later touched an intraday high of Rs 101.45, rising 5.13% on BSE after the company announced that it has resumed operations across all its manufacturing plants in the country. Why Tata Motors share price rose 5% today despite Fitch downgrade 10.03 AM: ICICI Bank share price gains 5% ICICI Bank share price was among the top gainer on NSE, rising almost 5% today after the lender announced that it has cut the marginal cost based lending rate (MCLR) on loans for all tenors. The private sector lender has lowered rates by 0.05 per cent to make loans cheaper and the decision will be effective from June 1, 2020. The stock price of ICICI Bank opened with a gain of 2.24% today and later touched an intraday high of Rs 366.05, gaining 5.04% on BSE, as against the closing value of Rs 348.50. ICICI Bank share price gains 5% post lending rate cut 9.44 AM: Britannia share price hits new 52 week high Britannia share price touched a new 52 week and all time high of Rs 3,704.55 hit today, rising 7.37% on BSE, after reporting quarterly results. The company reported a 26% rise in profit at Rs 374.7 crore during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, as against Rs 297.2 crore, recorded in a year-ago period. Company's total income rose 2.5% (YoY) to Rs 2,867.7 crore in the January-March quarter of the current fiscal as compared to Rs 2,799 crore in a year-ago period. 9.25 AM: Opening bell Benchmark Sensex and Nifty rose drastically higher on Wednesday, backed by strong global cues. Sensex was rising 510 points higher at 34,336 and Nifty rose 170 points higher at 10,150. SGX Nifty traded 90 points higher at 10,867 level, indicating a positive trend in domestic grounds today. 9.10 AM: Pre-open today Market has risen drastically higher at pre-open session of Wednesday, with Sensex rising 359 points higher at 34,185 and Nifty climbing 129 points higher to 10,128. 9.02 AM: Stocks to watch today on May June 3 ICICI Bank, Aurobindo Pharma, BPCL, Lupin, Britannia, IndiGo, Motherson Sumi among others are the top stocks to watch out for in Wednesday's trading session Stocks in news: ICICI Bank, Aurobindo Pharma, BPCL, Lupin, Britannia, IndiGo, Motherson Sumi and more 8.55 AM: Market Expectations Benchmark Sensex and Nifty are likely to open on a positive note on Wednesday, backed by strong global cues. SGX Nifty traded 90 points higher at 10,867 level, indicating a positive start in domestic grounds today. Globally indices turned green as investors turned optimistic over prospects of more government stimulus, eased lockdowns across the world. 8.50 AM: PM Modi invited for G7 summit US President Trump has extended an invitation to PM Modi to attend the next G7 summit. Trump spoke about the US Presidency of G-7 and conveyed his desire to expand the bloc beyond the existing membership, including India, and invited PM Modi to attend the next Summit in September Trump discusses G-7 summit invitation, coronavirus, India-China tensions with PM Modi 8.45 AM: Rupee closing On the currency front, Rupee ended higher at 75.36 per US dollar as against the last closing value of 75.55 per dollar on Tuesday. 8.40 AM: Earnings today Companies set to announce their earnings are Aurobindo Pharma, DCM Shriram, BPCL, Cholamandalam Investment, MAS Financial Services, Duncan Engineering, DISA, Shriram Asset Management among others 8.30 AM: Closing Bell Sensex and Nifty closed higher on Tuesday, inline with strong global equities amid heavy buying in auto and banking stocks. Extending rise for the fifth straight session, Sensex ended 522 points higher at 33,825 and Nifty rose 152 points to 9,979. Share Market Update: Sensex ends 522 points higher, Nifty at 9,979; Tata Motors, Bajaj twins top gainers (Bloomberg) -- Taiwans cabinet plans to allocate more than NT$10 billion ($335 million) to entice foreign chipmakers to set up R&D facilities locally, people familiar with the plan said, escalating global competition for much-sought-after semiconductor technology. The seven-year blueprint to be unveiled Thursday aims to subsidize as much as half of all the research and development costs incurred by global chip companies that build centers on the island, said the people who asked not to be identified because the plan isnt public yet. The program would also apply to local chip firms that convince foreign suppliers to establish such operations in Taiwan. The government is hoping to secure new investments from at least one company each year, according to the people, who added that certain requirements such as on the amount invested and the number of jobs created would apply. The new policy emerges at a time Taiwan has been caught in the middle of a clash between the U.S. and China over the development of chip technology that powers everything from smartphones to 5G base stations. Last month, the Trump administration barred any chipmaker using American equipment from supplying Chinas Huawei Technologies Co. without approval, dealing a major blow to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and the islands other chipmakers. The incentives are designed to attract capital and talent to maintain the islands industry lead, the people said. Taiwan cabinet spokesman Ting Yi-ming confirmed the government has made plans to attract investments and create jobs, but details need to be finalized. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has pledged to transform Taiwan into an R&D hub for emerging technologies. Her government is now pursuing more foreign tech investments from multinationals seeking to shift out of China over concerns about the intensifying U.S.-China trade war and their desire to reduce dependency on the worlds second largest economy. Story continues The incentive program is mainly targeted at makers of memory chips, the people said, though part of it will also be used to attract global 5G and artificial intelligence technology companies, they added. Another target is power semiconductor companies, one person said. Such makers often focus on non-silicon material, at a time when chip companies are keenly researching new options beyond silicon. 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. THE PARENTS: Samantha Giusti, 34, and Amy Scarano, 43, of South Philadelphia THE CHILD: Beau Sebastian, born March 15, 2020 HIS NAME: Samantha had a dream in which someone was holding a baby hers and uttered that name. It just felt like a prophecy, she says. Like it was given to us. They finished their hike it was a glamping trip in the Finger Lakes for Amys 40th birthday and sat down to admire the waterfall. I appreciate that you take me outside my comfort zone, Samantha began. And that you bring out the best in me. Amy started to respond, saying what she cherished about Samantha. Then she began to cry. I looked down, and she had this small box, Samantha recalls. She opened it, and there was a ring. I was flabbergasted. For the pair, who met while volunteering at the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, slow and steady had been their relationships tempo. They zipped around Philadelphia on Amys Vespa; they deflected friends queries Why dont you two just date? by saying, No, were friends. But after a year or so of casual dating, they were walking across the bridge from Lambertville to New Hope when Samantha said, Can we name what were doing?" A year after that, Amy asked me to move in with her. And then on her birthday, she asked me to marry her. Both women are from New Jersey; both are Italian, with families whose traits felt recognizable. Samanthas the smartest person I had ever met. When we started dating, she was 26, but she was so wise beyond her years. Samantha recalls reading a quote that advised, You should find the best person you know, and marry them. And that was Amy. Children might have been a deal-breaker; Amy had previously been in a long relationship with a partner who didnt want children, and shed made peace with that. But when I met Samantha, I felt differently. Samantha loved playing house and tending dolls as a child; as an adult, she still wanted kids. I settled into a life I really loved. Nothing was missing. And thats a good thing. It wasnt that I wanted to have kids to fill a void. They thought about international adoption: too many barriers. A private domestic adoption would be costly. They knew friends who were fostering and hoping to adopt, but that could take years. Neither of us was getting any younger, Samantha says. When we looked at the sheer logistics what was the easier, most direct, most cost-effective way that was going to be me carrying a baby. Initially, she favored asking a male friend to donate sperm. But Amy balked. I already was not a biological parent of this child. I didnt want to feel like the third wheel, she says. So they used a sperm bank, scanning donor lists until they found someone whose traits height, an aptitude for math and science complemented Samanthas. I didnt see a lot of people who really wowed me, Samantha recalls. Its hard to get a sense of who they are as a person: Are they kind? But we listened to his interview, and he sounded nice. He was also an open-identity donor, meaning he was willing to meet any future offspring, if they wished, once they turned 18. Samantha was pregnant after one intrauterine insemination. Amy wanted to shout it from the rooftops, she says, but they kept the news to themselves for several weeks while Samantha struggled with constant nausea, vomiting, and sweats. When they did tell family a special Christmas ornament for Samanthas parents, and a onesie for Amys mom they wept with joy. This would be the first grandchild on both sides. After the first rough trimester, the pregnancy grew easier. They took a baby-moon trip to Palm Beach; they attended a birthing class and read a bit but not too much about labor and birth. I figured I would just experience it as it came, Samantha says. They called the baby Poppy. They planned on delivering at Jefferson Hospital, with Amy in the delivery room and immediate family joining them postpartum. Some women in Samanthas mom groups were starting to worry about the coronavirus. But there were only three cases in Philadelphia; Samantha continued to take the subway from South Philly every day, and when she checked into the hospital on the morning of March 13, all seemed normal. Sixty-two hours later after high doses of Pitocin, an epidural that didnt quite work, and finally a C-section the COVID-19 situation had changed dramatically. The emergency department was suddenly hectic with staff and patients in masks. Amy checked the CNN feed on her phone: shelter-in-place orders, the shuttering of nonessential businesses, the number of cases rising here and elsewhere. The hospital refused deliveries of balloons or flowers. The kennel that was boarding their dog called to say it was closing. It became increasingly clear that the situation was escalating around us, Samantha says. They were discharged two days after her C-section. Theyd anticipated family and friends jumping in with a meal train, helping with laundry and dishes and shopping. Theyd pictured lazy walks to the corner coffee shop. They were going to plan a baptism. Its really just survival mode, Amy says spraying new baby items with Lysol, crossing the street with Beau when a stranger approaches, the swelling highs and grinding lows of new parenthood in the midst of a pandemic. If we were to get sick, what does that mean for Beau? Samantha wonders. Parenthood is life-changing. But for me, this is soul-changing. Its beautiful, and its brutal. Samantha keeps flashing back to their wedding March 2017, two months after President Trumps inauguration, when their private jubilation felt layered against a collective anxiety. She didnt realize until the two walked back down the aisle and out the church doors that shed been holding her breath. I just felt relieved that whatever was coming, we were going to face it together. Franco-Nevada Corp. reported adjusted net income of $109.2 million, or 58 cents per share, for the first quarter amid impacts from the coronavirus pandemic, and the company named David Harquail as board chairman, replacing Pierre Lassonde, who becomes chair emeritus. Paul Brink was appointed president and chief executive officer. The first quarter adjusted net income compared with $65.2 million, or 35 cents per share, in the 2019 quarter. Franco-Nevadas diversified portfolio performed very well in the first quarter, adding strong free cash flow to our debt-free balance sheet, Harquail said, but he reported that going forward, we are seeing COVID-19 related production curtailments to a portion of our mining portfolio, which will temporarily defer some of our mining revenues. He said that in the companys energy portfolio, we have seen a sharp drop in commodity prices and drilling activity and an impairment has been taken to reflect our reduced expectations for those assets. Energy is expected to be less than 10% of our revenues this year and weakness in the sector is expected to be more than offset by strength in our gold equivalent assets. All Franco-Nevada employees continue to work remotely, and there are no known COVID-19 cases in the royalty and streaming company, according to the earnings report. Toronto-based Franco-Nevada stated in its earnings report that Lassonde gave his last address at the companys annual meeting, and the board thanked him for his leadership over the past 12.5 years. After 35 years with Franco-Nevada, in one incarnation or another, I would like to thank all the analysts, brokers, portfolio managers and shareholders who have believed in us and helped us build a great company, Lassonde said. At a time when financial markets are racked by uncertainty, volatility and violent losses in the face of COVID-19, there is nothing that gives me greater pleasure than to see our share price reach new highs and give our thousands of shareholders that extra support and comfort they deserve by having invested in Franco-Nevada, he said. Revenue totaled $204.5 million in the quarter, coming 89 percent from gold and gold equivalents and 11% from energy. Franco-Nevada stated there was a net loss of $98.8 million, or 52 cents per share, because of after-tax impairment charges of $207.4 million related to the companys interest in two energy projects. The net loss compares also with $65.2 million profit in the 2019 quarter. Franco-Nevada, a royalty and streaming company, has a diversified portfolio that includes 56 producing assets. Operations at two of the largest, Cobre Panama in Panama and Antamina in Peru, were temporarily suspended due to the pandemic, according to the report. Franco-Nevada announced May 11 that it signed a $100 million net smelter returns financing deal with international exploration company SolGold to advance SolGolds Alpala copper-gold project in Ecuador. There is an option to upsize the financing to $150 million. For the first $100 million, Franco-Nevada will receive a perpetual 1% NSR interest from SolGold calculated with reference to Net Smelter Returns from the Cascabel license area. One of the companys royalties is on the South Arturo mining property in Nevada operated and 60 percent owned by Nevada Gold Mines on the Carlin Trend and 40 percent owned by Premier Gold. Franco-Nevada stated that South Arturo had a strong quarter due to the El Nino underground mine that went into commercial production last fall and the processing of ore stockpiles. Nevada Gold Mines is evaluating phase one and phase three open-pit projects and the potential for an on-site heap leach operation, the report stated. Franco-Nevadas other royalty properties in Nevada include the Goldstrike, Marigold and Fire Creek gold mines and the Robinson copper mine near Ely, as well as the Midas Mine that Franco-Nevada developed in its earlier days. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Bernard Stolberg knows all about best-laid plans. His went off the rails when Gov. John Bel Edwards issued the stay-at-home order to contain the coronavirus. Stolberg's new downtown eatery, The Vintage, had been set to open the next day. Now, as the state slowly begins lifting the restrictions, Stolbert knows the restaurant world must face stark new realities. "I would love to return to how things were before all of this, but I know it's going to be different," Stolberg said. "People will still be conscious of social distancing, and sanitizer is not going away." But none of that deterred customers when the restaurant finally opened on May 18, two months later than planned. Business has been great, Stolberg reported, "and everyone is observing the safety precautions." Atmosphere and experience The new Vintage is a second location of the long-established coffee shop on Magazine Street in New Orleans, where the space is smaller with a decor described as "Parisian cafe." Stolberg and his business partner began thinking about expansion about a year ago, settling on the 333 Laurel St. location because of its mix of downtown businesses and the neighborhood atmosphere. At 2,000 square feet, the larger space still lends itself to Stolberg's focus atmosphere and customer experience. "That's the thing we're trying to appeal for," Stolberg said. "We found, especially on Magazine Street, if you want to go for a coffee and hang out, it's about the environment. If you need a lunch spot or you're looking for a cool place to have a quick business meeting, The Vintage was filling that niche. And people who are studying or using the shop as a home office scenario, we became more about being the convenient place to be." And it all happens over coffee, about which the cafe is very serious, serving up a proprietary blend created by Orleans Coffee, owned and operated by Bob Martineau. Where To Go, What To Eat Each week we'll highlights the best eats and events in metro Baton Rouge. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "Our house blend is very smooth and not dark," Stolberg said. "I would say it's well rounded. It's not bold or bitter. It's got a smooth finish, and it's got a slight little fruity, nutty flavor. But it's very mild. However, we also have our iced coffee with a chicory blend base, but it's not overpowering because of the formula that we use. It comes out in a full, well rounded coffee." Beignets star on the menu for breakfast and late night. The Vintage serves up a variety from the traditional fried dough sprinkled with confectioner's sugar to a cinnamon and sugar variety to stuffed "fancy beignets." "We have a matcha beignet that's filled with Bavarian cream and matcha (powdered green tea leaves), which is a big customer favorite," Stolberg said. "We also have a raspberry beignet and a s'mores beignet, which is also a big customer favorite." Among the other breakfast offerings are smothered shrimp and grits, a breakfast biscuit, a healthy parfait and avocado toast. Because there are so many offices and state workers in the vicinity, Stolberg said the menu was fleshed out to "put a little bit more lunch focus together, a couple more salads, a couple more sandwiches, so you can get a full lunch. And even for dinner, you still can fill up." The bites menu includes such south Louisiana favorites as crawfish queso, alligator poppers and pimento cheese dip, to name a few. Rounding out the menu are flatbreads (like apple brie and chicken BLT) and pressed sandwiches, including the Italian, the veggie and the interesting-sounding 3 Sisters, which is filled with fig spread, brie, ham and arugula. Then there are the Champagnes and wines, vintage cocktails with a twist (a la the "Not Too Old Fashioned") and craft cocktails. "When we opened at Magazine, we put both coffee and wine there at the same time," Stolberg said. "The atmosphere changes with the time, and it's gradual. Even at Magazine, we'll have kids come in at night to get beignets with their parents. They're just not sitting at the bar." +6 'Value of community:' Zeeland Street Market shifts to bringing meals to neighbors amid coronavirus For almost three decades now, Stephanie Phares has been preparing fresh, healthy meals at Zeeland Street Market on Perkins Road. The decor leans on The Vintage name, with tall, curved booths, reclaimed wood nailed to the walls, antique photos, signs and instruments, including a Beckwith piano, a brand once sold by Sears. At full capacity, the restaurant will be able to seat up to 70 diners. Sections can be cordoned off for meetings, and comfortable chairs have been placed in corners and vestibules for those who want to work, read or just visit. Stolberg's team began working in July on the location, previously home to the Magpie Cafe Downtown and many years before that to the Three Sisters clothing store. Work stopped in October and began again in January. Meanwhile, some 20 staff members were receiving training in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Stolberg hopes to increase that number to 30. 03.06.2020 LISTEN Ghanaian Reggae Icon, Rocky Dawuni has indicated that racism is still high in the United States of America. Rocky Dawuni speaking on the recent killing of George Floyd noted that there is still a high rate of racism. He indicated blacks make up 13 percent of the American population but are not recognised despite their contribution towards the development of the country. There have been a series of protests in the United States following the death of Floyd. Rocky Dawuni shot into the music scene over two decades when he released his hit track In Ghana. He has six albums to his credit they include; Beats of Zion, Branches of the Same Tree, Hymns for the rebel soul, Book of Changes, and Crusade. ---FirstnewsRoom Russia and Turkey will start joint studies to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus, officials announced, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah. Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Murashko met in a video call to discuss the issue. Russian scientists and officials from state-run Health Institutes of Turkey will hold talks on Thursday for their first meeting on the issue. Koca said at the meeting that Turkey had succeeded against the COVID-19 pandemic by pursuing a treatment algorithm different than the one applied by the World Health Organization (WHO). He noted that the number of daily cases and deaths from the pandemic dropped day by day, and they managed to take the outbreak under control. The Turkish minister noted that 22 centers in Turkey were currently working on developing a vaccine, and four among them reached the stage for experiments on animals. I value the synergy the scientists of two countries sharing the same geography, against the global pandemic. We are open to sharing experience and cooperation on the production of vaccines and drugs, Koca said. For his part, Murashko said they were working on the synthesis of the COVID-19 vaccine and had successful results in trials on animals. He added that the clinical trials would start soon. Murashko said Russia sought an exchange of experience between two countries, and they attached importance to Turkeys local tracking systems for drugs. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) speaks to the press after a meeting with Republican senators on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 19, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Senate Blocks Resolution Condemning Trump Over Treatment of Protesters Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic resolution on Tuesday that would have condemned President Donald Trump for the alleged use of gas and rubber bullets against protesters near the White House. The resolution (pdf) would have affirmed the constitutional rights of Americans to peaceably assemble and exercise freedom of speech. It also would have condemned Trump for ordering federal officers to use gas and rubber bullets against the Americans who were peaceably protesting in Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C. on the night of June 1, 2020, thereby violating the constitutional rights of those peaceful protesters. If a senator objects, they should be asked if they believe Americans do not have the constitutional right to exercise the freedom of speech Do they support the presidents use of tear gas against people, including families, who are peacefully protesting in a public park? Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer said, according to The Hill. However, the resolution was blocked by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who said the resolution just indulges in a myopic obsession with President Trump that has come to define the Democratic side, according to The New York Times. McConnell then offered his own resolution that condemned racial injustice and riots and called for order to be restored so that the legitimate grievances of peaceful protesters may be heard and considered, which was blocked by Schumer. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks to members of the press during a news briefing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on May 12, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) The McConnell resolution stated that the United States cannot fully realize the constitutional promise of equal protection and equal justice under the law until unjust police violence against black Americans has been further addressed. At the same time, it asserted that Americans had no constitutional right to loot, burn, or attack police officers, Fox News reported. Numerous reports have claimed police used tear gas and rubber bullets to quell protesters in Lafayette Square on Monday. However, United States Park Police Acting Chief Gregory Monahan said in a statement issued June 2 that this was in fact not the case. This past weekends demonstrations at Lafayette Park and across the National Mall included activities that were not part of a peaceful protest, which resulted in injuries to USPP officers in the line of duty, the destruction of public property, and the defacing of memorials and monuments, Monahan said. Multiple agencies assisted the USPP in responding to and quelling the acts of destruction and violence over the course of the weekend in order to protect citizens and property No tear gas was used by USPP officers or other assisting law enforcement partners to close the area at Lafayette Park. Subsequently, the fence was installed, he continued. The acting chief also noted that during four days of demonstrations, 51 members of the USPP were injured; of those, 11 were transported to the hospital and released and three were admitted. Widespread protests have broken out across the United States in recent days following the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man whom police sought to arrest outside a south Minneapolis grocery store on Memorial Day for alleged fraud. The father of two was pronounced dead May 25 after he was taken into custody by authorities. A citizens cellphone video showed police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyds neck for almost 9 minutes as he struggled to breathe. Last week, the president said many of the violent protests throughout the United States were being steered by ANTIFA led anarchists, among others, and announced his administration would be designating Antifa as a terrorist organization. A 54-year-old man accused of killing his infant grandson, who allegedly suffered a fatal injury while he was babysitting, has been granted bail. Baby Sean Wang, who was 10 months old, died at Temple Street Childrens Hospital in Dublin on August 15, 2019 where he had been in intensive care for two days. His grandfather Chan Teng Wang, a Chinese national with an address at Melville Rise, Finglas, Dublin 11, was charged on May 8 with manslaughter and was subsequently refused bail in the district court. However, he made a successful application in the High Court on Tuesday and was released on his own bond of 100 with an independent surety of 5,000. He appeared again at Cloverhill District Court today. He was ordered by Judge Victor Blake to appear again on July 1 to be served with a book of evidence. 'A very sad case' The accused came to Ireland last year to live with his son, and his family. His solicitor Tracy Horan said it was a very sad case but Mr Wang denies the charge. Ms Horan has told the court her client has said from the start the child died from a fall and his family accepted that. The defence case is it was an accident and a UK-based pathologists report has been obtained, she said. Detective Garda Siobhan Tolan has said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed trial on indictment in the circuit court. The deceased, Sean Wang, was 10 months old and the grandson of the accused, she had said earlier. At Mr Wang's first hearing, Detective Garda Tolan said the baby boy was in the care of his grandfather at his home in Finglas. The babys parents were out with friends at the time. It was alleged at 00.38 on the morning of August 13, 2019, baby Sean arrived at Temple Street Childrens Hospital in cardiac arrest. He was accompanied by his parents. Medical staff performed CPR 40 times after which a heartbeat was detected. He was transferred to the intensive care unit where he lost his fight for life two days later, Detective Garda Tolan had said. Airline shares including those of Ryanair and IAG, which owns Aer Lingus have soared on suggestions of growing consumer appetite for a return to flying, but an industry body has warned that a return to profitability may prove a long haul for many airlines. Google searches for air travel have overtaken Covid-19 searches since the middle of last month, according to airline representative group the International Air Transport Association (IATA), although they remain 60% below where they were in January. While Ryanair said it carried just 70,000 passengers in May down 99.5% on the 13.5 million it carried in the same month last year and expects minimal traffic this month, it plans a more concerted recovery in July and August. Its shares jumped around 6% as that period gets closer. Other airline stocks similarly soared Aer Lingus owner IAG up by over 11%; EasyJet ahead 8% and Lufthansa up 8%. IATA warned, however, that lower air fares aimed at resuscitating passenger numbers pose a threat to airline profitability, with the crisis potentially costing the aviation industry around $314bn (280bn) in lost revenues this year. IATA chief economist Brian Pearce said a return to profitability may be some way off for many airlines, with some seeing quite a difficult time ahead. Meanwhile Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air will stick with fleet expansion plans, and is confident of longer-term growth, but said expansion plans will be held back by Covid restrictions. Elsewhere, Davy analyst Stephen Furlong said Lufthansa which, this week, reported a first-quarter loss of 1.2bn - is likely to be challenged for some time, despite a pending 9bn bailout from the German government. With many aircraft parked over the next two years, he said significant restructuring and cost-cutting will be required. Larry Hogen, right in the screen, governor of the U.S. state of Maryland, speaks during the Cities Against COVID-19 2020 summit session on Tuesday. Screen capture from YouTube By Kim Se-jeong Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon proposed the creation of a new international organization to facilitate inter-city cooperation in responding to future infectious diseases during an online meeting with 42 city mayors, Tuesday, which was part of the Cities Against COVID-19 2020 (CAC2020) Summit. "Taking this opportunity, Seoul proposes to build an inter-city network to brace for future disasters and infectious disease outbreaks with the joint efforts of our partner cities," Mayor Park said. The participating mayors endorsed the proposal which was later put into the Seoul Statement that read: "Understanding a general agreement on the necessity of city-to-city solidarity, we wish to build an intercity network which enables prompt joint responses to emerging infectious diseases." The new organization will focus on detecting new infectious diseases, sharing information, providing resources to partner cities, cooperating in people-to-people exchanges, and reducing barriers to travel and economic activities between cities. The city didn't say much about its plans for the new organization, except that more details would be worked out in future meetings among the mayors. The anger and rage at police violence and systemic racism is not just a week old, or a few years old, or a decade or even 50 years old. It is centuries in the making. In order to understand and meaningfully contribute to this movement will require many white Americans to simply listen to black Americans and to educate themselves about the inequality baked into our society, about the racist social and economic policies that have oppressed many black Americans, even as we preach about a post-racial society. Now is the time to learn. Ava DuVernays powerful Oscar-nominated 2016 Netflix documentary 13th is a fast, furious and information-packed film about the race, the justice system and the effects of mass incarceration. The title refers to the 13th amendment, which abolishes slavery, except, of course, for criminals, who are stripped of their human rights upon entering and exiting the system. Much of the film hinges around the arguments of writer Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow, that the criminal justice system is an extension of slavery and Jim Crow laws as a racialized system of control. 13th touches upon the civil rights movement, the war on drugs, Hollywood, redlining and the prison industrial complex. And though it communicates a vast breadth of information, DuVernay presents it clearly and in a way that it is absolutely electrifying and infuriating. Also available on Netflix is When They See Us, DuVernays award-winning miniseries about the Central Park Five, a group of unjustly convicted black teenagers. Alexander also appears in Eugene Jareckis 2012 documentary The House I Live In (free to stream on Tubi), which makes the same argument as 13th but is more specifically focused on the war on drugs. Jareckis film illustrates the racist historical context for criminalizing drug use, due to white fears about other ethnic groups gaining economic power. He also demonstrates the destructive cycles of poverty and criminality that oppressed minorities become locked in once they are convicted of a drug charge, and the brutality of mandatory minimum sentencing laws, which are opposed even by the judges and prison guards he interviews. It is all about economics in Jareckis film, from the need to turn to alternate, criminal economies after being shut out of the main economy through racist social policies and the for-profit prison system. Haitian filmmaker Raoul Peck brought an unfinished manuscript of critic and novelist James Baldwin to life with his 2016 Oscar-nominated documentary I Am Not Your Negro, ($2.99 on Amazon, YouTube, Vudu, Google Play). The book was intended to be about the interconnected lives of civil rights activists and friends of Baldwins, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Medgar Evers, all three assassinated in their prime, during the height of their activism. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, Peck enlivens the text with archival footage and photographs, and clips of the charismatic Baldwins television appearances. He updates the material, bringing the brilliant thinkers words to bear on contemporary events with a lighting-fast edit through the major political movements and films about race of the 20th century. Its an investigation of the norm of whiteness in our culture, and a bold reminder well never reconcile the existential crisis of America without reckoning with issues of race and inequality. Spike Lee, the auteur who made the seminal protest film, Do The Right Thing ($3.99 on Amazon, iTunes, GooglePlay, Vudu, YouTube), intimately grapples with the simmering and deeply rooted issues that cause civil unrest. He also made the sombre and sensitive documentary 4 Little Girls (available on Crave), about the Birmingham church bombing that claimed the lives of four young girls and shocked a nation. Its a serious film that looks at the context for the violence, including horrific acts of domestic terrorism enacted on black Birmingham residents during this time of segregation, and pays tribute to the memories of the victims. Morgan County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Joshua D. Reid, 38, of 100 Main St., Franklin, was arrested at 10:16 p.m. Monday on a violation of an order of protection. Terry Lee Fernandes, 44, of 643 S. Fayette St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 11:18 p.m. Monday on a charge of delivery of methamphetamine. Jacksonville Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Jordan C. Branch, 28, of 1065 S. Clay Ave. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 3:21 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of resisting a peace officer. Michael A. Smith, 26, of 222 Howe St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 3:44 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of resisting a peace officer and on a warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court on a contempt of court charge. Marquesa D. Davis Morton, 32, of 1829 S. 14th St., Springfield, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of resisting a peace officer. Tony L. Henson, 33, of 800 W. College Ave., was cited on a change of driving while license revoked after being stopped at 2:44 p.m. Tuesday in the 400 block of South Clay Avenue. Dakota H. Barrett, 18, homeless, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 3:51 p.m. Monday on a burglary charge. Calhoun County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Nathine W. Walker, 36, of Carrollton was booked into the Greene County jail at 1:16 p.m. Sunday on a Greene County arrest warrant accusing him of aggravated domestic battery and domestic battery with a prior conviction and on a warrant accusing him of violating probation. Logan R. Nevlin, 24, of Jerseyville was booked into the Greene County jail at 12:56 a.m. May 17 on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of adult-use cannabis in a motor vehicle, driving under the influence and head lamp not meeting regulation. Greene County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Hope D. Ingram, 44, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 4:49 a.m. Saturday on a battery charge. Jarrod E. McDonald, 42, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 2:53 a.m. Saturday on a battery charge. Malindy A. Farris, 24, of White Hall was booked into the Greene County jail at 7:52 p.m. May 27 on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended. Jacob M. Beard, 29, of Wood River was booked into the Greene County jail at 10:11 p.m. May 25 on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended. Amber Kimbrough, 26, of East St. Louis was booked into the Greene County jail at 1:09 a.m. May 23 on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended. Eddie L. Swan, 49, of Carrollton was booked into the Greene County jail at 10:45 a.m. May 15 on a charge of sexual assault involving force. Christy A. Plogger, 49, of Rockbridge was booked into the Greene County jail at 7:18 a.m. May 14 on a domestic battery charge. Greenfield Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Jarrod L. Holtz, 47, of Jacksonville was booked into the Greene County jail at 4:24 p.m. Thursday on a charge of driving while license is suspended and on a Pike County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court. Michael J. Vaupel, 30, of Monroe City, Missouri, was booked into the Greene County jail at 6:11 p.m. May 25 on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended and a Monroe County, Missouri, warrant accusing him of possession of cannabis by a driver. Jimmy W. Davidson, 40, of Carrollton was booked into the Greene County jail at 4:59 p.m. May 22 on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended and on a Morgan County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court. James L. White, 21, of South Jacksonville was booked into the Greene County jail at 3:47 p.m. May 15 on a reckless driving charge. Roodhouse Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Rebecca L. Newingham, 34, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 6:50 p.m. Saturday on charges of aggravated assault and resisting a peace officer. Terry L. Miller Jr., 44, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 10 a.m. Saturday on charges of disorderly conduct, aggravated battery of a peace officer and resisting a peace officer. Richard S. Burton, 38, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 4:37 p.m. May 27 on a charge of interference with a public utility. Terry P. Gibson, 29, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 12:33 a.m. May 27 on charges of reckless conduct and disorderly conduct. Matthew T. Farris, 25, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 7:16 p.m. May 23 on a domestic battery charge. Rebecca L. Newingham, 34, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 5:49 p.m. May 21 on a charge of resisting a peace officer. David N. Lawson, 40, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 5:30 p.m. May 21 on charges of battery of a peace officer, resisting a peace officer and disorderly conduct. Tysha L. Ghazal, 35, of Ottumwa, Iowa, was booked into the Greene County jail at 1:48 a.m. May 19 on charges of driving while license is suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Matthew T. Farris, 25, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 8:42 p.m. May 18 on a battery charge. Larry M. Kauffold, 43, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 3:12 p.m. May 18 on a disorderly conduct charge. White Hall Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Paige N. Fields, 20, of White Hall was booked into the Greene County jail at 1:38 a.m. May 27 on a residential burglary charge. Robert E. Bratsch, 40, of White Hall was booked into the Greene County jail at 10:25 p.m. May 22 on a charge of aggravated domestic battery. Victor T. Rector, 60, of White Hall was booked into the Greene County jail at 12:49 a.m. May 22 on charges of assault and domestic battery. William H. Guyer, 31, of Jerseyville was booked into the Greene County jail at 9:37 p.m. May 20 on charges of driving while license is revoked or suspended, possession of cannabis by a driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and disregarding a stop sign. Macoupin County Carlinville Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Jessica T. Bishop, 40, of Carlinville was booked into the Greene County jail at 3:43 p.m. May 16 on a Greene County arrest warrant accusing her of burglary, theft involving a school or place of worship, delivery of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of burglary tools and possession of drug paraphernalia. Pike County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Martin L. Grisham, 21, of Baylis was arrested at 9:08 a.m. Friday on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended. Michael A. Pritchett, 65, of Nebo was arrested at 6:04 p.m. Friday on charges of aggravated battery, resisting arrest and obstructing justice. Carlos D. Todd, 32, of Columbus, Ohio, was arrested at 7:04 p.m. Thursday on charges of cannabis trafficking, delivery of cannabis, possession of cannabis and driving while license is revoked or suspended. Marekus E. Benson, 29, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was arrested at 7:04 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of cannabis, delivery of cannabis and trafficking in cannabis. Kate L. Dawson, 37, of Bluffs was arrested at 10:31 p.m. May 27 on charges of possession of cannabis by a driver, having no valid registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Michael S. Tunstall, 33, of Hannibal, Missouri, was arrested at 8:16 p.m. May 26 on charges of failure to register as a sex offender, false information by a sex offender and obstructing justice. Kenneth L. Rose, 42, of Auburn Hills, Michigan, was arrested at 8:11 a.m. May 26 on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. James L. Chestnutt, 37, of Nebo was arrested at 1:02 p.m. May 26 on three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Tina S. Edwards, 52, of Detroit was arrested at 6:24 p.m. May 26 on a possession of methamphetamine charge. ACCIDENTS A Pike County man suffered serious injuries Sunday when he was ejected from his car during a single-vehicle crash. Gary Brewster, 31, of Barry was driving on County Highway 4 south of Barry about 9:07 p.m. when the crash occurred, according to a Pike County Sheriffs Department report. Brewster was found on the west side of the road; his car was on the east side, according to authorities. He was flown to St. Johns Hospital in Springfield. His condition was unavailable. Scott County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Donald R. Gauges, 49, of Winchester was booked into the Greene County jail at 9:19 p.m. Thursday on a residential burglary charge. Aaron L. Burton, 21, of Bluffs was booked into the Greene County jail at 1:51 a.m. May 23 on charges of manufacture or delivery of controlled substances, unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm with an invalid Firearm Owner Identification card. Winchester Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Bennie D. Carter, 44, of Winchester was booked into the Greene County jail at 1:37 a.m. Sunday on a domestic battery charge. James M. Sherwin, 50, of Winchester was booked into the Greene County jail at 1:02 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and having a defective or no turn signal. Compiled by David C.L. Bauer Love Island fans left disappointed the series was postponed for the summer will be kept entertained by Love Island: Australia coming to screens. ITV2 have confirmed the Australian version of the hit reality series will kick off later this month, hosted by Sophie Monk and narrated by Eoghan McDermott. The series sees a bunch of sizzling Aussie singles embark on the ultimate summer of love, leaving the Australian winter behind them, as they take up residence in a luxury villa in Mallorca. Down Under: Love Island fans left disappointed the series was postponed for the summer will be kept entertained by Love Island: Australia coming to screens (host Sophie Monk pictured) Playing the definitive game of love, the Aussie Islanders will get to know each other in the hope of finding romance. The promo for the steamy series reads: 'Bring on the Bombshells, the Bromances and a little bit of Naughty Naughty! Its the Love Island you love, just with a different accent. Bring it on!' Love Island: Australia has been airing Down Under in 2018 and has aired two series so far. While the first series followed the UK versions lead in filming in Majorca, the second series sent their singletons to the island of Fiji to find love. Romance: ITV2 have confirmed the Australian version of the hit reality series will kick off later this month In May, ITV pulled the plug on the British summer series, revealing it was a logistical impossibility to safeguard 'the wellbeing of everyone involved' amid the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic. Fans have been assured the dating programme, which was due to begin filming in June, will be back 'stronger than ever in 2021'. Kevin Lygo, Director of Television at ITV, said: 'We have tried every which way to make Love Island this summer but logistically it's just not possible to produce it in a way that safeguards the wellbeing of everyone involved and that for us is the priority. Steamy: The series sees a bunch of sizzling Aussie singles embark on the ultimate summer of love Sunshine: The contestants will leave the Australian winter behind them, as they take up residence in a luxury villa in Mallorca Fun in the sun: The promo for the sizzling series reads: 'Bring on the Bombshells, the Bromances and a little bit of Naughty Naughty!' Looking for love: Playing the definitive game of love, the Aussie Islanders will get to know each other in the hope of finding romance 'In normal circumstances we would be preparing very soon to travel out to the location in Mallorca to get the villa ready but clearly thats now out of the question. 'We are very sorry for fans of the show but making it safely is our prime concern and Love Island will be back stronger than ever in 2021. In the meantime Love Island fans can still enjoy all six series of Love Island on BritBox.' Host Laura Whitmore weighed in on the cancellation, saying it was the right decision. She tweeted: 'Like with a lot of things because of restrictions with travel, social distancing and unable to plan ahead, Love Island is postponed until 2021. Action: The trailer for the series promises plenty of drama as two of the male islanders square off Spin-off: Love Island: Australia has been airing Down Under in 2018 and has aired two series so far. Show: While the first series followed the UK versions lead in filming in Majorca, the second series sent their singletons to the island of Fiji to find love 'Great news is that there have been more applications then any other series! Next year is going to be BIG. Stay safe.' TV insiders have claimed the work that has already been done towards the cancelled series - including casting - will be deferred until the winter 2021 series. A source told The Sun: 'A huge amount of work had already gone into this series in terms of laying out plans for the show. 'Casting had also started, with interviews on Zoom for new applicants planned to begin this week. 'Rising stars on social media had also been tapped up by producers, who were already picking out their favourites.' Chief constables from across the UK have issued a joint statement saying they stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified after a black man died after being restrained by US police. George Floyd died after a white officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking days of protest. In a statement, the chief constables, the chair of the National Police Chiefs Council, the chief executive of the College of Policing and the president of the Police Superintendents Association said: We stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life. Justice and accountability should follow. They have also urged people who want to make their voices heard to be aware that coronavirus remains a deadly disease and there are still restrictions in place to prevent its spread, which include not gathering outside in groups of more than six people. Expand Close Stewards direct people as they begin to gather ahead of the protest (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stewards direct people as they begin to gather ahead of the protest (Dominic Lipinski/PA) It comes as a number of police officers were on duty at Londons Hyde Park as protesters began to gather for another demonstration in the capital. Ahead of the protest, both standard officers and liaison officers were seen speaking to protesters, with additional officers on horseback. Protest organisers reminded attendees to social distance and were seen handing out gloves. A spokesman for Sir Keir Starmer said the Labour leader supported the solidarity being shown by UK demonstrators but urged them to uphold the rules on staying two metres apart. We support the right to protest, of course we do, said Sir Keirs spokesman. But of course we would also say that we need to do it in a way which follows the Governments guidance on social distancing. In their statement, the police leaders continued: We are also appalled to see the violence and damage that has happened in so many US cities since then. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these terrible events and hope that peace and order will soon be restored. In the US, Tuesday marked the eighth night of the protests, which began in Minneapolis where Mr Floyd died, and quickly spread across the US. Expand Close Protesters hold banners in Hyde Park (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Protesters hold banners in Hyde Park (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Demonstrations have taken place in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Columbia, South Carolina and Houston. Some protests have included widely reported clashes between police and protesters, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets. Protesters have also defied curfews and President Donald Trump has pressed governors to put down violence sparked by Mr Floyds death. In the UK, demonstrators previously protested outside the US Embassy in south London as well as in Trafalgar Square following Mr Floyds death. The police joint statement went on to highlight the tradition of policing by consent and said officers are trained to use force proportionately, lawfully and only when absolutely necessary. Expand Close The rally was held in memory of George Floyd who was killed on May 25 in the US city of Minneapolis (Victoria Jones/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The rally was held in memory of George Floyd who was killed on May 25 in the US city of Minneapolis (Victoria Jones/PA) The statement continued: We strive to continuously learn and improve. We will tackle bias, racism or discrimination wherever we find it. Policing is complex and challenging and sometimes we fall short. When we do, we are not afraid to shine a light on injustices or to be held to account. The relationship between the police and the public in the UK is strong but there is always more to do. Every day, up and down the country, officers and staff are working to strengthen those relationships and address concerns. Only by working closely with our communities do we build trust and help keep people safe. Avdullah Hoti has been elected as the new Prime Minister of Kosovo - ARMEND NIMANI/AFP Kosovos parliament elected a new government on Wednesday with a prime minister promising to reach a deal on normalising ties with Serbia that would enable it to get a United Nations seat. The new government of Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti, of the centre-Right Democratic League of Kosovo, was voted for by 61 deputies in the Balkan countrys 120-seat parliament after weeks of legal wrangling. The final deal between Kosovo and Serbia will be based on reciprocity recognition between the two states, Mr Hoti told MPs. We will not allow any change of the borders or exchange of territories (with Serbia)." Mr Hoti's ascent to power has led to some backlash in Kosovo - ARMEND NIMANI/AFP Mr Hoti has promised to remove all trade barriers for goods coming from Serbia, as urged by both the United States and the European Union, to resume a Brussels-sponsored dialogue which was interrupted in 2018. Serbia, together with its traditional ally Russia, has been blocking Kosovos membership of international organisations including the United Nations. A deal on mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia is a pre-condition for Belgrade to join the EU. Mr Hoti was deputy PM in the previous government of Albin Kurti, from leftist party Vetevendosje, which was dismissed in a no confidence vote in March after disputes over its handling of the coronavirus crisis and lifting tariffs on Serbian goods. Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has effectively given up on plans to change the start of the nation's school year from April to September. Abe told a Liberal Democratic Party working team that introducing the proposed change is difficult for the time being. Governors of Tokyo and other prefectures have called for starting the year in September amid school shutdowns due to the coronavirus outbreak. The LDP team, led by former education minister Shibayama Masahiko, studied the matter and submitted a report summarizing its views. It said shifting the school year needs a national consensus and time to prepare, and that it would be difficult to implement the plan in the near future, such as the current or next academic year. The team also suggested that the government study the matter by listening widely and carefully to views of experts and members of the public. For his part, Abe said the government is working with local authorities to ensure students' right to learn in the current social situation, following the lifting of the nationwide state of emergency. He indicated that the proposed change of the start of the school year involves revising related laws and that it is difficult to make the change that way for the current or next year. "Bedroom preventive measures" are a thing, as Harvard researchers claim that having intercourse could spread the coronavirus. The scientists urge people to take precautions when getting intimate by avoiding kissing, showering before and after the deed, and even wearing masks while in action. In the study, the authors ranked different sexual plots based on how likely a person is to catch the virus during copulation. "Low risk" sexual activities included masturbation and abstinence while intercourse between people within a household or with people from other homes ranked as "high risk." Mirror reports that although researchers acknowledge that not everyone can abstain from doing the deed, they are urging people to observe preventive measures to reduce the risk of further spreading the virus. The study's findings were published in the clinical journal Annals of Internal Medicine on May 8, 2020. The study came shortly after a specialist claimed that patients who recovered from COVID-19 should avoid sex for about a month. Veerawat Manosutthi, a senior medical expert from the Thai Disease Control Department, has urged patients who have been affected by COVID-19 to avoid getting intimate for about 30 days. Furthermore, Manosutthi warned that even kissing should be avoided. Also Read: COVID-19 Male Patients to Receive Female Sex Hormones Estrogen and Progesterone To See if They Could Help Reduce Severity Being Frisky is Risky Dr. Jack Turban, the lead author, wrote in the study that complete abstinence from sexual activity with an actual person is not an achievable goal for some people. Moreover, he adds that having sex with people self-quarantining with them would be the safest way. Nevertheless, for those people who could not use the approach, he advises them to look into risk reduction counseling. He vouches for the method to be proven effective in other domains of sexual health. Additionally, Turban says information should be made available to patients about measures on how to rescue the risk for other sexually transmitted infections. Contraceptive use should also be continued during this time of the pandemic, especially with many people staying at home, to prevent unwanted pregnancy. See Men, Even Semen Can Transmit the Virus In an interview with Khaosod English, Manosutthi said people who think themselves as being free of the virus should still use condoms when having sex. Furthermore, he advises against kissing since the virus could also spread through the mouth. Manosutthi's advice comes from a recent study that discovered that some men have hints of the virus in their semen. In the study, researchers from Shangqiu Municipal Hospital in China's Henan province took semen samples from 38 male coronavirus patients. The researchers examined the samples on January 26 and again on February 16. Ultimately, they found that 16 percent of the men had traces of the coronavirus in their semen. The authors wrote that the presence of viruses in semen could be more common than most people think. Furthermore, traditional nonsexually transmitted viruses should not be taken for granted and should not be assumed to be completely absent in genital secretions. The findings of the study were published in the clinical journal JAMA on May 7, 2020. Read Also: COVID-19 May Be Sexually Transmitted as Coronavirus is Detected in Semen of Recovering Men: Study Police have scaled back the search operation for a diplomat who has been missing from his home for more than four weeks. Richard Morris has not been seen since he went jogging in Bentley, Hampshire, near Farnham, at 10.30am on May 6. Undated family handout file photo issued by Hampshire Police of Richard Morris. (Hampshire Constabulary/PA) He was then seen by a member of the public at around 10.50am running in Isington Road, Alton. The 52-year-old was the ambassador to Nepal between 2015 and November 2019 and accompanied the Duke of Sussex during his tour of the country in 2016. Prior to that he was head of the Pacific department in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and has held senior diplomatic posts including in Australia and Mexico. A Hampshire police spokesman said that the force had searched more than 9 km2 of land and water in Alice Holt Forest and the surrounding Alton and Binstead areas as well as viewed CCTV footage and carried out house-to-house inquiries. Chief Inspector Alex Reading said: It has now been 28 days since Richard went missing, and we continue to be very concerned for his welfare. I would however like to reassure the community that there is no evidence of foul play. I want to reassure you that although the search phase is being scaled back, our investigation into Richards disappearance is ongoing and any new lines of inquiry will be thoroughly investigated. We are continuing to keep Richards family informed and they are being supported by specially trained officers. Georgetown is just down the hill from Cleveland Park and used to be a hub for businesses, MacWood said. Many people would take their horse and carriages in the summer and go up the hill, which we think of as Wisconsin Avenue now, to a cooler climate. So, summer homes got built in this area because of the elevation. They were summer homes for the merchant class in Georgetown. A day after an octogenarian ex-serviceman succumbed to Covid-19 in Ludhiana, a 64-year-old Jalandhar resident lost his battle to the virus at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH). The deceased, identified as Mohainder Pal, a resident of Jalandhars Tagore Nagar, had been brought to DMCH on June 1 following complaints of respiratory obstruction. Civil surgeon Dr Rajesh Bagga said he was suffering from Type-2 diabetes and died of a heart attack on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday. With this, Ludhiana has seen 16 Covid-19 deaths, which include nine patients belonging to the district and seven who had come here from other districts for treatment. Meanwhile, two patients from the district who recently tested positive for the virus -- a 27-year-old resident of SAS Nagar behind Sangeet Cinema who has been admitted to Patialas Government Medical College and Hospital and a 52-year-old woman of Ishwar Nagar Gill Road admitted to DMCH-- are stated to be in a stable condition. 44 ACTIVE CASES Dr Bagga said the district currently has 44 active cases, not including the patients from other districts and states who are undergoing treatment here. Ludhianas tally is currently at 203, out of which 150 patients have been discharged after recovery while nine died during treatment. The civil surgeon said that so far, 8,650 samples have been sent for testing, out of which 7,731 have been found negative while reports of 621 are still pending. Currently, there are 1,626 persons in home quarantine in the district. by Sumon Corraya Sea water has invaded collection basins, wells and aquifers, causing a health catastrophe. Many people fall ill with dysentery. The government is unable to intervene in the most affected areas. Caritas distributes a chlorine purifier invented in Switzerland. Satkhira (AsiaNews) - Cyclone Amphan has seriously damaged the country's water sources, and a large part of the population, especially in coastal areas, no longer has access to drinking water. Amphan hit Bangladesh and India on May 20, wreaking enormous devastation. About twenty people lost their lives; thousands have had to abandon their homes. This is the monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent. In the afternoon, western India will be hit by Nisarga, a new cyclone from the Arabian Sea. Whipped up by Amphan, sea water invaded collection basins, wells and aquifers, causing a health catastrophe in Bangladesh. The lack of drinking water is creating more problems than that of food. Many people are falling ill with dysentery or have intestinal problems, " Satkhira resident Samsur Rahaman tells AsiaNews. Arshed Ali, head of the public health engineering department, explains that wells and aquifers are cleaned with mobile treatment plants. Along with tanks of water, purification tablets are also distributed: "The problem is that many areas of the country are not accessible, and we can only reach the shelters that house the displaced people". The Catholic Church is also making its contribution. Mamun Sirajum Manir Chowdhury, responsible for a water sanitation program launched by Caritas of Khulna, says that his agency aided 22,000 people by distributing a chlorine purifier invented in Switzerland. Yemen: 'Hanging on by a thread', UN chief requests funding to meet staggering humanitarian crisis 2 June 2020 - More than five years of conflict have left Yemenis "hanging on by a thread, their economy in tatters" and their institutions "facing near-collapse", the UN chief told a virtual pledging conference on Tuesday, calling for a demonstration of solidarity with some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable. "Four people out of every five, 24 million people in all, need lifesaving aid in what remains the world's largest humanitarian crisis", said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "Two million Yemeni children are suffering from acute malnutrition, which could stunt their growth and affect them throughout their lives". Moreover, since the start of the year, some 80,000 more people were forced from their homes, bringing the total displaced to almost four million; cholera continues to threaten lives with 110,000 people contracting it so far this year; and recent floods have raised the risk of malaria and dengue fever. Fighting intensified across Yemen in 2015 between a Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally-recognized Government, based in the south, and the Houthi armed movement, known as Ansar Allah, with still controls the capital Sana'a, together with their allies. Cornavirus threat On 10 April, Yemen reported the first confirmed case of COVID-19, posing a terrifying threat to people weakened by years of conflict, and with a health system on the brink of collapse Since then, cases have risen to the hundreds, which, with extremely low testing rates, are likely to be undercounted. "There is every reason to believe that community transmission is already underway across the country", said Mr. Guterres. Race against time Citing reports that the mortality rate from COVID-19 in Aden are among the highest in the world, the UN chief maintained: "That is just one sign of what lies ahead, if we do not act now". Against a backdrop of health facilities not functioning; shortages of testing devices, oxygen, ambulances and protective equipment; healthcare workers stricken with the virus; and sketchy electricity supplies in hospitals, the UN chief pointed out that even simple public health measures are challenging when 50 per cent of the population lacks clean water to wash their hands. "Tackling COVID-19 on top of the existing humanitarian emergency requires urgent action", he stressed. "We must preserve the major humanitarian aid operation that is already underway the world's largest while developing new public health programmes to fight the virus and strengthen healthcare systems" all of which requires financing. Up the ante Aid agencies estimate the need for up to $2.41 billion to cover essential lifesaving aid until the end of the year, including programmes to counter COVID-19. "There is no time to lose", said Mr. Guterres. Highlighting that civilian casualties have risen each month throughout the year, and more than 500 people have been killed or injured since January, Mr. Guterres echoed his call for a ceasefire, maintaining that ending the war is "the only way" to address the country's health, humanitarian and human development crises. "Yemenis desperately need peace", concluded the Secretary-General. 'Catastrophic' situation After five years of "economic collapse, destroyed infrastructure, hunger, disease and displacement", COVID-19 is the latest blow to strike the war-torn country, said the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and conference co-host, Mark Lowcock. "The situation in Yemen is catastrophic", he asserted, explaining that the coronavirus is "spreading rapidly", with data suggesting "a much higher rate of severe illness and death than in many other countries". Updating that overcrowded, under-stocked health facilities are turning people away, he said: "This is what more than five years of war have done to Yemen. The health system is in a state of collapse". And yet so far, the world has offered less help than it did last year. Funding assistance The UN and its partners are delivering humanitarian assistance to more than 10 million people across the country every month, which has "helped bring Yemen back from the brink of famine, curb the largest recorded cholera outbreak in history and support families fleeing violence", said the relief chief Aid agencies are also racing to contain COVID-19 as the UN is supporting rapid response teams in all districts, importing essential supplies to help millions protect themselves. "Delivering aid in Yemen is never easy, and we need much more from everyone if we are to continue this work", said the UN relief chief. He made it clear that "the biggest challenge is the money". More than 30 of the 41 UN-supported programmes in Yemen, will close in a few weeks if additional funds are not secured. 'On the precipice' Upholding that "pledges will not save lives unless they are paid", Mr. Lowcock pointed out that so far, most have not been honoured. He painted a picture of Yemen "on the precipice, right on the cliff edge, below which lies a tragedy of historic proportions", and asked that everyone match their pledges of last year and to pay promptly and flexibly so that aid agencies can focus on where the needs are greatest. He cautioned against cutting funding to any one part of the country because of who is in control, saying that is "tantamount to the collective punishment of the innocent and the vulnerable, people who have no say on who is in charge in the places they live". Sharing the gavel, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia said that his coungtry "supports the UN efforts to reach a political solution in Yemen to alleviate the suffering and support humanitarian, economic and developmental aspects". Riydah has pledged around $500m in support of the UN's humanitarian response plan for Yemen, and he highlighted that the country has so far provided more than $16 billion in aid to its neighbour. At the end of the conference, Mr. Lowcock repoted the $1.35 billion dollars had been pledged. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As the cyclonic storm Nisgara made landfall in Maharashtra, the NDRF has advised people not to step out for six or seven hours at least. It is said that the cyclone will bring heavy winds and rains to Mumbai. The process of landfall started around 12.30 pm and it made landfall about 40 km from Alibaug, which is 95 kms from Mumbai. With the wind rushing from 85-95 kmph to 90-100 kmph, social media has been abuzz with visuals of overcast sky, strong winds and waterspouts from parts of Maharashtra. Netizens took to Twitter to share images and visuals and urging each other to stay inside their houses. Many even expressed concern over the dangers, that will be faced by stray animals and appealed to people to take care of them. Dial 1916 and press 4 for any cyclone related query or concern.#CycloneNisarga@mybmc Shot by: Nishchay Jain pic.twitter.com/E4geWsk2yr Diana Penty (@DianaPenty) June 3, 2020 Mumbai braces for heavy rains as Cyclone Nisarga makes landfall https://t.co/7D62Wqg6U1 Manish Maheshwari (@manishm) June 3, 2020 AMC Theatres, which owns 10 movie theaters across Massachusetts, said on Wednesday it has substantial doubt it can remain in business after closing all of its worldwide locations due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our inability to generate significant cash flow from operations if our theatres continue to operate at significantly lower than historical levels ... could lead to a substantial increase in indebtedness and negatively impact our ability to comply with the financial covenants, if applicable, in our debt agreements," AMC wrote. The news came as the company reported a net loss of $2.1 billion to $2.4 billion in its first quarter. Total revenue for the first three months of 2020 was also only $941.5 million, a $250 million decrease compared to the $1.2 billion earned during the same timeframe last year, according to a statement from AMC. The COVID-19 public health crisis has had a severe and unprecedented impact throughout the world, the company pointed out, and measures to prevent the spread of the virus, include restrictions on social gatherings, have had a significant effect on theatrical exhibition. The company is the largest movie exhibitor in the United States, Europe and the world, with roughly 1,000 theaters and 11,000 screens across the globe, according to AMC. In accordance with coronavirus-related restrictions, AMC suspended operations at all its theaters worldwide through June. To save cash, AMC suspended non-essential operating expenditures as well, including marketing, promotion and utilities, the company wrote. AMC fully or partially furloughed all corporate employees, including senior executives, as well as theater-level crew, reducing management to the minimum level needed to resume operations when allowed. The company also eliminated or reduced non-healthcare benefits, according to AMC. During this period, we are generating effectively no revenue, the company wrote. "We will continue to monitor the potential lifting of various government operating restrictions, or whether such operating restrictions are extended with respect to some or all of our theatres. Even if governmental operating restrictions are lifted in certain jurisdictions, distributors may delay the release of new films until such time that operating restrictions are eased more broadly domestically and internationally, which may further limit our operations. As of April 30, AMC had $718.3 million cash on hand, though the company has begun to ramp up its spending with the intention of reopening theaters in the summer or later, according to AMC. However, the company noted that its ability to predict future business is uncertain and the viral respiratory infection could shift the dates of when it may be able to reopen. If the company does not start up operations again within its estimated timeline, it will need additional capital and possibly more financing, AMC said. Due to such factors, substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time, the company said. Our liquidity needs thereafter will depend, among other things, on the timing of a full resumption of operations, the timing of movie releases and our ability to generate revenues, AMC wrote. We cannot assure you that our assumptions used to estimate our liquidity requirements will be correct because we have never previously experienced a complete cessation of our operations. In Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Bakers four-phase reopening plan made no mention of movie theaters or when they could reopen with the exception of drive-in theaters, which were allowed to reopen in Phase 1 with some restrictions. Related Content: This is the moment a gun runner who tried to smuggle dozens of weapons into the UK by hiding them in a car engine was snared by armed officers. Dramatic footage shows gun-toting police swarming on Michael Nicholls, from Slough, before demanding he gets on the ground and puts his arms behind his back so he can be handcuffed. The 28-year-old was yesterday jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of working with Denis Kolencukov and Stephen Spires to import the guns from mainland Europe. Seventy-nine handguns and thousands of rounds of ammunition were seized by Border Force officers based at Coqeulles, France, following a tip off from the Metropolitan Police Service Organised Crime Partnership (OCP) before another 16 weapons were later discovered Thousands of rounds of ammunition were seized by police as part of the operation to stop the gang Ammunition was hidden in engine blocks on a vehicle in France just before it entered the Channel Tunnel on July 1, 2017 Kolencukov was arrested on July 1, 2017 after 79 handguns and thousands of rounds of ammunition were seized by Border Force officers based at Coqeulles, France, following a tip off from the Organised Crime Partnership (OCP), run by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Metropolitan Police Service. Michael Nicholls, pictured, was yesterday jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of working with Denis Kolencukov and Stephen Spires to import the guns from Europe The weapons were hidden in specially adapted concealments in engine blocks on the trailer of a van which was en route to the UK. The driver, a Polish courier, had collected the engines from Kolencukov at the Orlen petrol station in Boleslawiec, Poland, the previous day, unaware of their lethal contents. A diary seized from the courier had entries detailing seven other previous importations conducted by Kolencukov, all of which were believed to contain firearms and ammunition. Two days after Kolencukov's arrest, OCP officers watching an industrial estate in Seaborough, Slough, saw Nicholls and Spires remove items from a shipping container and attempt to drive away in a van. Armed officers from Thames Valley Police then helped stop the van and arrest the pair, as seen in the video. Nine firearms were recovered stashed in a plastic carrier bag in the front passenger foot well. Officers then found another gun in the shipping container, and a further six were recovered as part of police operations across the UK, bringing the total seized as part of the operation to 95. Nicholls was yesterday jailed for 15-and-a-half years after appearing via video link to Kingston Crown Court. Body-worn footage from armed officers shows the moment the 28-year-old was arrested Steven Spires (left) and Denis Kolencukov (right) were convicted for conspiring to import revolvers and ammunition from mainland Europe, and were handed 26 years each Spires and Kolencukov were sentenced in March to 26 and 19 years and two months respectively. Prosecutors at a previous hearing said the group carried out seven importations between January and July 2017, making a profit of up to 1.2million. Detective Chief Inspector Tony O'Sullivan of the Organised Crime Partnership said: 'Nicholls is the third and final man to be jailed for this extremely dangerous plot to smuggle 95 lethal firearms into the UK. 'He was a trusted facilitator within the group who was fully briefed on the scale of the operation. 'Not only were these viable weapons, they were packaged up with thousands of rounds of ammunition, ready to be sold to whomever was willing to buy them. 'Handguns are the most commonly used firearms by criminals in the UK due to them being easily concealable. This investigation prevented a huge haul of them reaching the criminal market. 'The NCA and Met Police work closely together to reduce the fear and harm these weapons bring to our streets.' Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) is a close confidant of Trumps, but hes also a longtime lawyer in the Air Force Reserve who understands the militarys skittishness about domestic conflict. He explained in an interview Tuesday: Its in our DNA as a nation not to use the military for domestic purposes until we absolutely have to. . . . Countries that use their militaries for domestic law and order, those militaries are seen by the public as more an enemy than a friend. Russia's major propaganda narratives are similar to those promoted by the Soviets at the time of the Cold War. Russia's strategic goal is to weaken U.S. government institutions and undermine the country's image both within its borders and internationally, a U.S.-based think tank believes. Alongside the major foreign policy goal, by covering in mass media acts of violence and human rights violations on foreign soil, the Kremlin is also set to address internal political issues, IGTDS reports. Emotional media coverage allows Russia to reinforce in the information space the idea that western democracies have been badly compromised. Russia's major propaganda narratives are similar to those promoted by the Soviets at the time of the Cold War and focus on: Racial inequality; Lawlessness on the part of law enforcement; Questionable legitimacy of U.S. government; and Social injustice. The Kremlin's intention to further fuel the existing contradictions between the GOP and the Dems is of course on the list as well. Read alsoRussia bills U.S. $660K for "humanitarian aid" According to the Kremlin's idea, captions of violent acts amid U.S. protests are supposed to be in contrast with the Russian government's actions to suppress opposition, which Russia will claim are democratically acceptable measures to be taken by the authorities. In the medium term, Russian government media will cover protests in Russia with a reference to the events in Minnesota. In 2013, when Vladimir Putin faced poor ratings, Russia covered the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine the same way. The key narrative was that protests against the authorities are unacceptable as they would inevitably result in violence, casualties, and instability. However, in the case of Kremlin-backed rallies, like protests in Catalonia and "Yellow Vests" in France, Russian narratives, on the contrary, target foreign governments hostile to, competing with Russia, or impeding the developments favorable to the Kremlin. While covering the latest developments in the U.S., a Russian online outlet affiliated to Russia's military intelligence highlights that "the Democrats give their 'black electorate' (who mainly vote for the party) their own way in everything". So on the eve of the U.S. presidential election the Kremlin's campaign seeks to provoke the Democrats and Republicans to butt heads massively. Obviously, the ultimate goal is to disrupt the vote as such and undermine the United States democracy, which has traditionally been a role model of public expression. President Muhammadu Buhari held an almost virtual FEC meeting in Abuja today . Many ministers participated remotely, in line with COVID-19 protocols. Apart from Buhari, in the chambers were VP Yemi Osinbajo, SGF Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari. The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno and a few ministers were also present. \ Nigeria is in the middle of the raging coronavirus pandemic. As at Tuesday, 10,819 cases of the virus had been confirmed in the country. Related Pastor whose church was burned down vows to pray for soul of arsonist, continue worship Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The pastor of the Mississippi church that was burned down last month after it filed a lawsuit against a local stay-at-home-order banning worship gatherings says that the church will pray for the soul of whoever destroyed his congregations cherished spiritual home. Pastor Jerry Waldrop of First Pentecostal Church of Holly Springs wrote an op-ed published in USA Today in which he defended his churchs right to assemble in worship even after the church building was destroyed in what authorities believe is an act of arson. We recognize that not everyone shares our belief in the Word of God as revealed in the Bible, Waldrop wrote. We are not offended that others dont share our firmly held belief that gathering together to worship and to study the Bible is an essential duty and necessary to the growth of the church and its members. And we will pray for the soul and peace of mind of someone who would harbor such hatred that he would take from us our cherished spiritual home. Responders to the burning church building on May 20 discovered cans of spray paint and graffiti in the parking lot. The graffiti read: Bet you stay home now you hypokrits (sic). [S]omeone burned down our church, leaving only a smoldering mass of debris and our dreams. They left graffiti, trying to shame us for worshiping together in our church, Waldrop wrote. Who would do such a thing? Why would anyone want to destroy a sacred place where the faithful venerate God in their own way, in a way that does not intrude on others rights or disrupt their lives? But even without a physical building to call home, Waldrop stressed the church will continue to gather for worship despite the circumstances. Three days after the church was destroyed, the congregation won the right from a federal appeals court to continue worshiping in person. Following the ruling, the city of Holly Springs revised its stay-at-home order to no longer require churches to suspend their in-person services during the pandemic. [W]e are a church in the classic sense that being together in such a place is at the heart of our assemblage, Waldrop stated. Here, together, we lift our voices in song in the presence of one another in praise of God. To suggest that such a gathering is not essential is to deny us the fundamental explanation for our existence. He concluded by stating that he and his congregants believe that religious liberty is a blessing from God. Just as the United States of America is a blessing from God. Those two blessings are meant to reinforce one another, and to deny the freedom to enjoy one of the blessings is to destroy the other, he stressed. Based on these premises, we will continue to worship together and to fight together for our and every Americans right to partake in the blessings of freedom. First Pentecostal Church of Holly Springs first gained national media attention when police disrupted an Easter service in April as well as a mid-week Bible study. Police officers reportedly told attendees they could face criminal citations for attending. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that in America, in our church the First Pentecostal Church of Holly Springs, Mississippi I would see armed police standing in our aisles, ordering us to shut down our worship services, Waldrop wrote. Even worse, I never thought that in America Id experience what it was like for those armed policemen to hand me an official government document, ordering our community of faithful to cease and desist worshiping on Easter Sunday and to depart the House of God. Across the nation, the majority of churches have halted in-person worship services to comply with state and local stay-at-home orders enacted to combat the coronavirus. While many have held online services, some have continued to meet in person despite opposition from local governments. Although many churches that have continued to meet in person have done so while following social distancing guidelines, churches and church leaders nationwide have been faced with fines, arrest and even forced temporary closure if they failed to comply with government orders. While the results of legal battles on coronavirus worship gathering bans have been mixed, the U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision declined last Friday a California churchs request for an injunction against a state order restricting the capacity of worship gatherings. Beijing: The anti-racist protests spreading across the United States have given fodder to China's propaganda machine, which says Washington is hypocritical to support protests in Hong Kong but threaten to quash them at home. US President Donald Trump's threats to deploy the military to quell protests sparked by the death of George Floyd represent "the most extreme response to disorder among governments across the world," China's state-run tabloid Global Times wrote on Wednesday. Police clear the area around Lafayette Park and the White House as demonstrators gather to protest the death of George Floyd in Washington, DC on Monday. Credit:AP The commentary comes a day before the 31st anniversary of China's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square. The paper's editor, Hu Xijin, wrote on Twitter that the US was preparing to commemorate Tiananmen in a "unique way" - by dispatching the military against protesters. Photo credit: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS - Getty Images From Oprah Magazine Amid mass protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, religious leaders across the nationand even internationallyhave released statements. Some prominent bishops, including the Catholic Archbishop of D.C. as well as the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Curry, have expressed their frustration and outrage at President Trump's leadership in this difficult moment. In times of difficulty, pain and anguish, many Americans have turned to their faith to find guidance, solace and words of wisdom. Given the mass protests to demand arrests of the officers who killed George Floyd, an unarmed Black man in Minnesota, many religious leaders have been releasing statements expressing their sorrow over his death, calling for prayers and support of the Back Lives Matter movement. In some cases, their actions have gone even further. After President Trump ordered the use of tear gas to disperse a group of peaceful protestors outside the White House so he could take a photo in front of the St. Johns Episcopal Churchas well as a second religious visit to the Saint John Paul II National Shrinethe country's top Catholic and Episcopalian Bishops have issued rare condemnations of the President. Below, see their reactions, as well as the statements from many religious leaders after over a week of civil unrest calling for justice after Floyd's death. Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory: I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree," Gregory said in a statement. Saint Pope John Paul II was an ardent defender of the rights and dignity of human beings. His legacy bears vivid witness to that truth. He certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of a place of worship and peace. Story continues .@WashArchbishop Gregory has released a statement on the president's visit to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.https://t.co/46g9Ac8Wy5 pic.twitter.com/d1wERIoLVp DC Archdiocese (@WashArchdiocese) June 2, 2020 Michael Curry, The Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church: "This evening, the President of the United States stood in front of St. Johns Episcopal Church, lifted up a bible, and had pictures of himself taken. In so doing, he used a church building and the Holy Bible for partisan political purposes," Bishop Curry wrote in a tweet storm. "This was done in a time of deep hurt and pain in our country, and his action did nothing to help us or to heal us." Bishop Curry also later expounded on his thoughts on George Floyd's death in an op-ed for The Washington Post. "Our nations heart breaks right now because we have strayed far from the path of love. Because love does not look like one mans knee on another mans neck, crushing the God-given life out of him," he wrote. "This is callous disregard for the life of another human being, shown in the willingness to snuff it out brutally as the unarmed victim pleads for mercy." This evening, the President of the United States stood in front of St. Johns Episcopal Church, lifted up a bible, and had pictures of himself taken. In so doing, he used a church building and the Holy Bible for partisan political purposes. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry (@PB_Curry) June 2, 2020 Mariann Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington: "Tonight President just used a Bible and a church of my diocese as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for. To do so, he sanctioned the use of tear gas by police officers in riot gear to clear the church yard," Budde wrote on Twitter. "We are followers of Jesus. In no way do we support the Presidents incendiary response to a wounded, grieving nation. We stand with those seeking justice for the death of George Floyd through the sacred act of peaceful protest." Tonight President just used a Bible and a church of my diocese as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for. To do so, he sanctioned the use of tear gas by police officers in riot gear to clear the church yard. 1/1 Mariann Budde (@Mebudde) June 2, 2020 The President did not come to pray; he did not lament the death of George Floyd or acknowledge the collective agony of people of color in our nation. He did not attempt to heal or bring calm to our troubled land. Mariann Budde (@Mebudde) June 2, 2020 The Bible teaches us to love God and our neighbor; that all people are beloved children of God; that we are to do justice and love kindness. The President used our sacred text as a symbol of division. Mariann Budde (@Mebudde) June 2, 2020 We are followers of Jesus. In no way do we support the Presidents incendiary response to a wounded, grieving nation. We stand with those seeking justice for the death of George Floyd through the sacred act of peaceful protest. Mariann Budde (@Mebudde) June 2, 2020 Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops "I am praying for George Floyd and his loved ones, and on behalf of my brother bishops, I share the outrage of the black community and those who stand with them in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and across the country," said Archbishop Gomez. "The cruelty and violence he suffered does not reflect on the majority of good men and women in law enforcement, who carry out their duties with honor. We know that. And we trust that civil authorities will investigate his killing carefully and make sure those responsible are held accountable." .@ArchbishopGomez, #USCCB president, has issued a statement on #GeorgeFloyd and the protests in American cities that have taken place over the last several days: https://t.co/IKaTe0nDQ2. pic.twitter.com/hLJ2eyZNLb U.S. Catholic Bishops (@USCCB) May 31, 2020 Commission of Religious Leaders: Comprised of bishops, reverends, rabbis, imams, the Commission issued a statement noting: "We often speak of 'thoughts and prayers.' We will offer our many prayers of healing, but we need not only serious thoughts but also firm action as we work together with all members of our community to find that critical cure for human hatred." Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York: "We cannot remain silent after we watched the shattering video of a police officer keeping his knee on the neck of George Floyd who was crying out 'I cant breathe.'" Cardinal Dolan tweeted. "I join with CORL [Commission of Religious Leaders] and all people of conscience to declare that all life is sacred." We cannot remain silent after we watched the shattering video of a police officer keeping his knee on the neck of George Floyd who was crying out I cant breathe. I join with CORL and all people of conscience to declare that all life is sacred. https://t.co/F2vdtX1PTi Cardinal Dolan (@CardinalDolan) June 1, 2020 Reverend Al Sharpton: In an op-ed for NBC, Sharpton wrote: "George Floyd is no longer with us because even in the middle of a global pandemic, police brutality has not ceased." George Floyd couldn't breathe. We protest because now all of Black America can't either.https://t.co/5iM1ERDbqn @NBCNewsTHINK Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) May 31, 2020 Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid "We must, as a people, demand accountability of ourselves in our souls, and then of others," the imam wrote on Facebook, expressing his moral outrage over the death of George Floyd.And Muslims must be in the mix if not the vanguard - leading by example either way. Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl of Central Synagogue, NYC: "The work of fighting racism cannot be left only to the Black community, just as we know that antisemitism cannot be fought only by Jews," Rabbi Buchdahl shared in a letter to the Central Synagogue community. "As we look at these recent turbulent days, we have to separate the violence and looting from the call for change echoing across the country. We must hear the groundswell of voices and listen to the pain and protest emanating from every corner of our beloved nation." Archbishop Etienne, Archdiocese of Seattle: In a statement titled A Call to Address Racism in our Hearts and Community, Archbishop Etienne wrote, "The killing of George Floyd in Minnesota on Monday, May 25, was very traumatic and appalling. I wish to acknowledge the anger, pain, and sadness this and other encounters between police officers and black men evoke not only in Minnesota, but throughout the country and in our own faith family as well." Bishop Frank Caggiano, Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut: "As the nation reels from the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the protests and rioting that have followed, we must once again confront the evil of systemic racism, bigotry, and discrimination in our country," Bishop Caggiano said in a statement. As the nation reels from the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the protests and rioting that have followed, we must once again confront the evil of systemic racism, bigotry, and discrimination in our country. https://t.co/3T1EwyJsfB Bishop Frank Caggiano (@BishopCaggiano) June 2, 2020 Cardinal Sean, Archbishop of Boston: "This is a time for honest dialogue," Cardinal Sean tweeted, sharing his fuller statement. "A time for our communities to address the injustices suffered by the African American community." This is a time for honest dialogue. A time for calm. A time for our communities to address the injustices suffered by the African American community. A time to recommit to cleansing our society of systemic racism. #Boston https://t.co/wMXIknmnw8 Cardinal Sean (@CardinalSean) June 1, 2020 The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York: Even across the pond, religious leaders are taking note. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York in England issued a joint statement: "Recent events in the United States of America have once again drawn public attention to the ongoing evil of white supremacy. Systematic racism continues to cause incalculable harm across the world." The Archbishop of Canterbury added on Twitter: "I pray that those of us who are white Christians repent of our own prejudices, and do the urgent work of becoming better allies to our brothers and sisters of colour." I pray that those of us who are white Christians repent of our own prejudices, and do the urgent work of becoming better allies to our brothers and sisters of colour. Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) June 2, 2020 For more stories like this, sign up for our newsletter. You Might Also Like For third time, Hill AFB fighter wings deploy F-35As to Middle East By Micah Garbarino, 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published June 02, 2020 HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) -- For the third time in approximately 12 months, Airmen from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at Hill Air Force Base deployed F-35A Lighting IIs into combat. The 421st Fighter Squadron departed Hill AFB recently for Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, to support the United States Air Force Central Command mission in the region. "The 421st Fighter Squadron completed their stand up in December and now they're our latest squadron heading into the fight," said Col. Steven Behmer, 388th Fighter Wing commander. "This demonstrates the readiness of our Airmen, our weapons system, and the importance of both the Air Force and our national defense mission. On top of that, add in prepping and training in this challenging coronavirus environment. As leaders, we couldn't be more proud of our Airmen." The deployed squadron is made up of pilots and maintainers from the active duty 421st and Reserve 466th Fighter Squadrons and aircraft maintenance units as well as personnel in other support functions. Three weeks ago, an initial wave of active and Reserve Airmen who were deployed with the 34th Fighter Squadron returned to Hill AFB following a six-month deployment to the Middle East. A large contingent from the 34th FS remain in the region and will return home soon. During the deployment, the 34th FS performed close air support, offensive and defensive counter-air, and maritime escort which enabled regional deterrence. They also operated simultaneously from two different bases for more than three months and participated in multinational exercises, strengthening partnerships with regional allies. The 421st Fighter Squadron will likely take on a similar role. "I'm extremely proud of our personnel for answering their nation's call once again, and I'm certain they'll do an exceptional job," said Col. Brian Silkey, acting commander for the 419th Fighter Wing. "As always, we truly appreciate the sacrifices of their families and civilian employers as our Citizen Airmen step away to serve, especially now, during these challenging and uncertain times." The F-35A, the conventional takeoff and landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, provides greater operational capability by combining advanced stealth capabilities with the latest weapons technology. The 388th and 419th are the Air Force first combat-capable F-35A units. The first operational F-35As arrived at Hill AFB in October 2015. The active duty 388th FW and Air Force Reserve 419th FW fly and maintain the jet in a total force partnership, which capitalizes on the strength of both components. Hill AFB is home to 78 F-35s. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia on Wednesday congratulated Turkey on the two countries' centennial of diplomatic ties, TRT World reports. In an online statement, the foreign ministry stressed that though the history of Russian-Turkish relations spanned even further over five centuries, the past 100 related to bilateral relations following the dissolution of Russian and Ottoman empires. Though Turkey and Russia have different views on regional and international issues, today's relations have continued due to dialogue between their presidents. Russia was the first country in the world to recognise the Republic of Turkey, during the Turkish War of Independence. "On June 3, 1920, People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic Georgy Chicherin sent a telegram to Mustafa Kemal (Ataturk), the chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey with a proposal to 'immediately establish diplomatic and consular missions'. This day is considered the official start point in diplomatic relations between Soviet Russia and the government of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey," it said. Russian-Turkish relations, based on a "solid foundation of good neighbourliness, mutually beneficial cooperation and respect for each other's interests", have weathered many tests over the past century, it added. "Today, [bilateral relations] are experiencing a rise, steadily moving to the level of strategic partnership in a number of areas and serve as an important factor in strengthening regional stability and security." On April 26, 1920, Mustafa Kemal Pasha, later took surname as Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, sent a letter to Vladimir Lenin, head of the Russian Bolsheviks, to develop relations. This event is seen as the Republic of Turkey's official recognition of Russia. Responding to the letter, Chicherin took up Mustafa Kemal's offer in what is considered the beginning of Turkish-Russian diplomatic ties. On May 11, the Turkish Grand National Assembly sent a delegation headed by Foreign Minister Bekir Sami Bey to Moscow which heralded the signing of a Treaty of Brotherhood, also known as the Treaty of Moscow, on March 16 the following year. Ali Fuat Cebesoy became the first Turkish ambassador to Moscow on November 21, 1920. The first Russian permanent diplomat took office in Ankara on December 15, 1920. Turkey-Russia ties continued after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with economic cooperation playing an important role until the 2000s and political relations becoming more pronounced in recent years, along with close dialogue between the two countries' leaders. Today, relations between the two countries is one of the major axes of Turkey's multi-dimensional foreign policy. While economic and commercial relations continue to be the driving force of relations, developments in energy, defence industry and tourism have recently surged. As Louisiana prepares to enter Phase 2 of re-opening, it is worth remembering where we were less than 3 months ago. The first case in Louisiana was announced on March 9. Mayor LaToya Cantrells initial shut-down proclamation on March 16 closed bars, casinos, gyms, and made all restaurant only takeout or delivery. New Orleans had 79 known COVID-19 cases at the time. An even stricter stay-home mandate followed on March 20 when the city had 299 known cases. Gov. John Bel Edwards followed suit with a statewide stay-home order on March 22 when there were 837 known cases across Louisiana. Editor's Note This is part of an occasional series of columns examining coronavirus information and trends by data analyst Jeff Asher. Some commentators and politicians have suggested that shutting down Louisiana was not justified as a strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A review of the available evidence at both the national, statewide, and local level, though, leaves no doubt that Louisiana shutting down helped reverse the diseases rise here. There are a handful of ways to evaluate the shutdowns impact. The most obvious way is to measure cases by the day they are reported by the Louisiana Department of Health. The 7-day average of new reported cases peaked on April 7, 17 days after the statewide stay-home order and 23 days after the initial New Orleans proclamation. But substantial backlogs of test results late March and April makes case data an unreliable data source for understanding the states actual trend. Seeing the impact of the stay-home orders is easier using confirmed new cases reported by the date of the test. (LDH provides case counts by the estimated date of the onset of symptoms. This reflects cases by the date of the test minus four days, so adding four days to that data gives cases by the date of test). Cases by date of test peaked statewide on March 30, exactly 14 days after the initial stay-home mandate in New Orleans. This is important because the diseases incubation period is generally a maximum of 14 days, meaning new cases can take up to two weeks to show up in data. A model of the diseases spread built by data scientist Youyang Gu provides even more evidence of the impact of staying home. His well-regarded model attempts to describe COVID-19s trek in counties, states, and countries, including estimates for both New Orleans and Louisiana as a whole. The model estimates, among other things, how many people were infected (not just those with positive tests) on any given day. 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 According to Gus model, around 1,000 new people were likely being infected in New Orleans on March 10 the day the first case was announced here. And the number of newly infected people per day in New Orleans likely peaked on March 17, the day Mayor Cantrells initial stay-home proclamation went into effect, though it took a while longer to see it in the case data. Statewide, new infections per day likely peaked on March 22, the day Edwards stay home order was announced, according to Gus model. Not only was Louisianas stay-home order necessary in late March, it was an urgent necessity. Gus model estimates that Louisiana had more infected people on March 16 than Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi combined. New Orleans likely had more infected people than the combined total of four urban counties in Texas (Harris, Dallas, Tarrant and Bexar) that are home to more than 11 million people. +6 If it's reopened, will people come? Slowly, according to early evidence from New Orleans The road back to normalcy will be a long one, and nowhere is that clearer than when one looks at how commercial activity is faring after nearl Louisianas experience mirrors a host of other places that implemented similar shutdown policies. Robert VerBruggen helpfully summarized 30 studies on the impact of lockdowns in a recent piece for National Review, a conservative publication. One study from UCLA found stay-home orders reduced disease transmission by 49%. Another study similarly found a 48.7% reduction in cases and 59.8% reduction in fatalities after three weeks. A third study found that counties in Texas that adopted stay-home orders early saw a 19 to 26% reduction in cases after two and a half weeks. And so on. The ability to test, trace, isolate and treat new cases may be our best strategy for containing outbreaks as we head into Phase 2, but the lack of widespread testing in March meant that strategy was not an option at the time. Voluntary lockdowns and shutdown orders were basically the only available strategy in mid-March. The experiences in New Orleans and Louisiana match the growing evidence nationally and globally that shutting everything down was an effective containment strategy. Taken together, the available evidence makes it hard to believe that the slowing of the diseases spread after the shutdown was a coincidence. -Jeff Asher is a consultant and co-founder of data analytics firm AH Datalytics. Follow him on Twitter @Crimealytics. Mumbai is bracing itself for the first cyclone in over 129 years. Cyclone Nisarga is expected to hit Mumbai and nearby areas on June 4, followed by strong winds and heavy rainfall. As a precautionary measure, The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wants car owners to be emergency-ready and keep a hammer with them. Explaining the reason on Instagram, the BMC suggests that a hammer would help break the glass if the doors get jammed due to electronic failure during heavy rainfall. While its best that you stay at home during heavy rainfall; but if, for some unavoidable reason, you need to drive your car, please ensure that you carry a hammer or objects that can help you break the glass in case your car doors get jammed, the caption attached to the post read. Also Read: Cyclone Nisarga Live Updates Mumbai Police has issued prohibitory orders and invoked Section 144 of the CrPC from June 3 12 AM to 12 pm on June 4 amid Cyclone Nisarga. This means that citizens are not allowed to venture out in open places like the coast-line, parks, promenades, etc. Section 144 (CrPC) has been promulgated in the city from 00:00 hours, June 3rd till 12:00 hours, June 4th. Refrain from venturing out to coast-beaches, promenade, parks and other similar places along the coastline.#TakingOnNisarga Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) June 2, 2020 The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also issued an advisory for Mumbaikars to follow during Cyclone Nisarga. These include keeping an emergency kit ready, tightening loose things outside the house or moving them indoors, staying away from windows, poles, trees, and damaged buildings, etc. BEIRUT Nearly four months since the novel coronavirus first arrived in Lebanon, the countrys testing capacity has grown steadily according to medical experts, who express confidence that Lebanons health sector will be able to bear the weight of the pandemic. But although the virus remains largely confined to several isolated clusters across the country, a lack of contact-tracing staff, inadequate compliance with quarantine guidelines in certain areas and a low level of concern about the virus among certain impoverished communities have hampered efforts to contain it. As of May 31, the country had 1,220 confirmed cases and 27 deaths, numbers significantly lower than those of many of its neighbors in the Middle East and Europe. On May 4, the country began a phased reopening of its economy, with a subsequent rise in new cases this month. For many Lebanese and refugee populations alike, however, mounting concerns about unemployment, low standards of living and social marginalization have continued to present more immediate challenges to daily life than the virus. Over the last several weeks, most of the new cases among the local population in Lebanon have arisen in clusters in the towns of Majdal Anjar, Mazboud and Jdeidet el-Qaytaa, all of which have been placed under localized quarantines and lockdowns. Another hotspot appeared in a population of foreign workers in Ras el-Nabaa near Beirut. In Majdal Anjar, 15 Syrian refugees, none of whom live in Lebanon's dense refugee camps, had tested positive as of May 29. Jdeidet el-Qaytaa is located in Akkar, one of Lebanons poorest districts. I think that these are our weakest links the housing of foreign workers, the refugee camps and the prisons, Firass Abiad, the CEO of Rafik Hariri University Hospital, which is the main hospital treating coronavirus cases in Lebanon, told Al-Monitor. If COVID-19 find its way in there, then youre going to see a large surge in cases. There are an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). No cases have been confirmed in Lebanons prisons or Syrian refugee camps so far, but steps are being taken in Roumieh Prison, the countrys largest, to prepare for a local outbreak. Four positive cases were reported by health officials in the Wavel Palestinian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley in April. Abiad noted on Twitter that recently repatriated individuals from abroad had been identified as the source of some clusters, and told Al-Monitor that overall, compliance with coronavirus prevention measures had been lower in peripheral, marginalized areas than in Beirut. The major problem is the cultural and social problem that we have here, the social differences that we have, Ziad Rahal, CEO of Rahal Akkar Hospital in Halba, Akkar, told Al-Monitor. Because people there are not still aware of the severity of this virus, they are neglecting it, they are ignoring it, they are not taking it as seriously as they must to protect themselves and to protect others from it. A lack of adherence to preventive measures was also reported in Majdal Anjar, where even as the city was under quarantine from the outside, business was apparently taking place as usual inside the quarantine zone. Not many of them were complying with the quarantine, Osama Alaa Aldiin, a Syrian refugee living in the town, told Al-Monitor. They did not comply with the rules," he said, adding people wore masks but went about normal life without worrying about the virus, which they feel "is a lie. In response, town leaders, including Mayor Said Hussein Yassine, announced a five-day lockdown starting on May 30 during which all shops would be closed and all street movement forbidden. Photographs sent to Al-Monitor suggested that locals were complying with these latest measures. Lisa Abou Khaled, spokesperson for UNHCR in Lebanon, told Al-Monitor that the agency has been in contact with refugees who had tested positive for the virus to ensure that they are following safety guidelines and practicing self-isolation. Access to testing has been increasing in Lebanon as the outbreak has advanced. According to Abou Khaled, testing efforts among Syrian refugees have focused on both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals living in informal camps and shelters. Yet overall, the number of tests administered per day nationwide has still fallen short of medical professionals recommendations. Some social difficulties have hampered testing as well. On the weekend of May 16, a medical team traveled to Akkar prepared to conduct up to 700 polymerase chain reaction tests in the area, but only conducted 124. Out of these tests, 17 positive cases were found, and one doctor on the team later tested positive as well. When the Ministry of Public Health does the screening tests and sends out medical staff to a region or a village in peripheral areas that includes between 5,000 to 7,000 inhabitants and only comes out with a hundred tests, there is a big problem, Rahal said. Despite many locals in Akkar's refusal to be tested, Walid Ammar, the outgoing director general of the Ministry of Public Health and lecturer at several Beirut universities, stated he is not concerned. The most important indicator that this situation is under control is that we dont really have severe cases we were not aware of that come suddenly to hospitals and then we discover they are COVID positive, Ammar told Al-Monitor. We dont have surprises. Other doctors and officials at the Ministry of Public Health could not be reached by Al-Monitor for comment. According to Abiad, contact tracing can be more difficult among urban populations in the Beirut area than in rural communities. The foreign worker cluster in Ras el-Nabaa is one example. If you see the living conditions that those workers live under, they tend to be very densely packed, Abiad said. This is to an extent something that we need to be very careful [about], whether we might at one point see some kind of a domino effect where we see these infections moving from certain housing quarters to others, he added. Undocumented foreign workers in Lebanon have often encountered difficulties in accessing health care services, according to Amnesty International, and many such workers have also reportedly been unable to get tested. Palestinian refugee camps are another potential hotbed for infection due to their population density and poor living conditions, Abdelnasser el-Ayi, the office director for Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee, told Al-Monitor. The infection rate is almost double or triple inside the Palestinian camps than in any [area outside of refugee camps], which brings up more risks of infection and makes it much more difficult to trace cases, Ayi said. According to Abiad and other medical experts who spoke to Al-Monitor, awareness about prevention measures is growing among populations living in peripheral areas of Lebanon. Yet for many who have been dealing with the effects of Lebanons ongoing economic crisis or have been marginalized further due to their refugee status, the coronavirus has not been a priority. Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, Syrian refugees have been subjected a special set of curfew rules and treatment by municipalities and authorities, according to a Human Rights Watch report in April. Abiad stated that new clusters will likely continue to show up in Lebanon, but that he remains optimistic about Lebanons ability to respond. According to Rahal, the best way to improve the current efforts is to craft a strategy that is catered to Lebanon's specific needs. A student from Aurangabad in central Maharashtra is stranded in Hungary since the outbreak of coronavirus outbreak, and waiting to return to India as he is unwell. Prithviraj Rajput, who is studying catering and tourism at an institute in Budapest said that over 50 Indians are stuck in the East European country since the pandemic brought air travel to a halt. "I collapsed last Wednesday and somehow managed to call my friend who took me to hospital here. Doctors told me it was a blood sugar issue," he said. "Things are expensive here. My friends cooked and supplied me food in hospital. Now these friends have returned to their homes and I have not recovered completely yet," Rajput said. "We are a total of 51 Indians here who want to return to India. We are in touch with each other through a WhatsApp group. Doctors have advised me to return home," he said. Jaswantsingh Rajput, his father, who is a veteran tour operator, said, "We have been writing to embassies and concerned offices (of the Ministry of External Affairs). We received a reply few days back that stranded students from Budapest will be sent back to India from Frankfurt. But there was no communication thereafter. "Three flights are scheduled to depart for India from Frankfurt till June 11. We are expecting that my son will get a seat on one of them as he is not well," he added. He has led various functions and teams at a national as well as global level since he joined Roche in September 2014 Roche has announced the appointment of V. Simpson Emmanuel as General Manager for Roche Products (India) Pvt. Ltd., after a leadership change in December 2019. Simpson has an extensive experience of over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, across functions such as marketing, strategic planning, sales management, new product planning and access. He has led various functions and teams at a national as well as global level since he joined Roche in September 2014. Adriano Treve, Area Head - Central Eastern Europe, Turkey, Russia & Indian Subcontinent (CEETRIS), Roche said, I am pleased to announce Simpson as the new General Manager for Roche India. Simpson has a deep understanding of the healthcare sector and with his strong diverse experience, I am confident he will guide the company to deliver better outcomes for more patients in India. India is a priority for Roche and I believe he will find new ways to shape the healthcare ecosystem together with our customers and embrace next generation ideas and technologies that can transform the lives of patients. V. Simpson Emmanuel, General Manager, Roche Products (India) Pvt. Ltd said, I feel honored to be stepping into this new role in these unique times. As we keep on working towards providing medical care to patients, I know that the current challenges in healthcare will only strengthen our intent to serve patients and drive excellence. We will continue to work passionately to make an impact on patients lives, focusing on delivering innovative solutions and collaborating with each stakeholder in the Indian healthcare ecosystem. Simpson holds a Masters degree in Health Economics from the University of York, UK, a Post-graduate Diploma in Business Administration in Marketing & Systems and a Bachelors degree in Physics. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany did not go out of her way Wednesday to assure reporters that Donald Trump still had confidence in Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who earlier in the day broke with the president over whether to use U.S. troops to quell protests on the streets of American cities. As of right now, Secretary Esper is still Secretary Esper, McEnany said in a less-than-glowing assessment of whether the defense secretarys position in the administration was safe. Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday, Esper declared he did not support Trumps suggestion of using active-duty U.S. soldiers to put down sometimes violent protests over the killing of African-American man George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. The option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort, and only in the most urgent and dire of situations, Esper said. We are not in one of those situations now. I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act. However, after an Associated Press report from early afternoon on Wednesday that said the Defense Department was sending home the roughly 1,600 active-duty troops who had been deployed close to the District of Columbia for possible use controlling the protests in that city, Pentagon spokesman Chuck Prichard said that would not be happening after all. Theres no change, Prichard said. The active-duty troops will remain in the National Capital Region, but they are outside of the district proper. There are no plans to send them back to their home posts. Esper also used his press conference to decry the killing of Floyd, a black man who died May 25 after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd begged for his life. Esper called it a horrible crime and urged that the officers on the scene that day should be held accountable for his murder. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper with President Trump in April. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) The defense secretary said that on behalf of himself and his department he wanted to extend the deepest of condolences to Floyds family and friends. Racism is real in America, and we must all do our very best to recognize it, to confront it and to eradicate it, he said. Story continues Prior to Wednesday mornings press conference, Esper had drawn fire from retired senior military leaders and others for a series of perceived missteps, including his weeklong silence on the Floyd case and his telling the nations governors that they needed to dominate the battle space in responding to the protests. But it was his participation as part of Trumps entourage in a Monday evening walk from the White House through Lafayette Park to the historic St. Johns Church, where Trump made brief remarks while brandishing a Bible in what appeared to be little more than a photo opportunity for the president, that drew the fiercest criticism. The short trip from the White House to the church, which had been slightly damaged by a fire the previous day, was preceded by one of the most high-profile incidents of police violence during the protests, when law enforcement officials, including some National Guard troops, forced a largely peaceful crowd of protesters back in an apparent effort to clear a path for Trump and his entourage. The televised beating the police gave to an Australian television crew during the incident prompted the government in Canberra to open an investigation. James Miller, a former undersecretary of defense for policy under President Barack Obama, cited the episode in a letter to Esper announcing his immediate resignation from the Defense Science Board. You may not have been able to stop President Trump from directing this appalling use of force, but you could have chosen to oppose it, wrote Miller in his letter, which was published by the Washington Post. Instead, you visibly supported it. After a background briefing for reporters by Defense Department officials Tuesday morning failed to quell the controversy, Esper addressed it Wednesday. While he was aware that the excursion from the White House would involve a trip to the church, Esper said, he was not aware that a photo op was happening. I do everything that I can to try to stay apolitical and try and stay out of situations that may appear political, and sometimes Im successful at doing that and sometimes Im not as successful, he added. Police officers push back demonstrators near St. John's Church in Washington, D.C., on Monday. (Jose Luis Magana/AFP via Getty Images) Esper said he was also unaware prior to the event of the Park Polices plans to clear the park. They had taken what actions I assume they felt was necessary given what they faced, but I was not briefed on the plans and was not aware of what they were doing, he said. Even before the walk across Lafayette Park, Esper had made headlines on Monday for making that statement about dominat[ing] the battle space in a phone call between senior administration officials, including the president, and the nations governors. His remark drew a furious rejoinder from retired Army Gen. Tony Thomas, the former head of U.S. Special Operations Command. The battle space of America??? Thomas wrote in a tweet Monday afternoon. Not what America needs to hearever, unless we are invaded by an adversary or experience a constitutional failureie a Civil War Retired Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was similarly critical in an impassioned article he wrote for the Atlantic. Even in the midst of the carnage we are witnessing, we must endeavor to see American cities and towns as our homes and our neighborhoods, he wrote. They are not battle spaces to be dominated, and must never become so. Retired Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (Noam Galai/Getty Images for Team Rubicon USA) Esper, a former Army officer, tried to walk back his comment during Wednesdays press conference. It is part of our military lexicon that I grew up with, he said. Its what we would routinely use to describe a bounded area of operations. Its not a phrase focused on people. However, he added that in retrospect I would use different wording. Wednesdays press conference represented the first time that Esper had directly addressed the Floyd killing and the issue of racial injustice. On Tuesday evening he issued a one-page statement in which he told the military how proud he was of its professionalism, but only obliquely referred to the Floyd protests by saying he was committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting life and liberty, so that the violent actions of a few do not undermine the rights and freedoms of law-abiding citizens. Asked why he had taken a week to speak out about Floyds death and the racial injustices that underpinned both that incident and the protests that followed, Esper cited his desire to keep the Defense Department out of politics. What happened to George Floyd happens way too often in this country, and most times we dont speak about these matters as a department, he said. But as events have unfolded over the past few days, it became very clear that this was becoming a very combustible national issue and I had made the determination as events escalated over the last 72 hours that the moment had reached a point where it warranted a clear message to the department about our approach. The Washington Post reported Tuesday that the Trump administration had told members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff not to speak out on the Floyd protests until Esper had done so, but on Wednesday Esper said it was the chiefs who wanted him to go first. Most of the chiefs wanted to take the lead from me, he said. Esper said he told the chiefs that I was going to send the initial message out to set the tone, to express my views, and then Id give them the space to share their views as well. People near the White House protesting the killing of George Floyd. (Evan Vucci/AP) Prior to Espers press conference, the only service chief to have addressed the Floyd killing and related issues was Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein, who is due to retire soon. The Air Force released a video Tuesday of Goldfein speaking about it with his senior enlisted adviser, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright, an African-American who had himself posted a lengthy statement on social media Monday expressing his outrage at the Floyd killing. However, shortly after Esper had concluded his remarks, the Army leadership, including Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy, Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston, issued a statement pledging the Armys support of the American peoples constitutional right peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances, while acknowledging that as white men we can never fully understand the frustration and life experiences of people of color. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday also issued a video address to the Navy Wednesday in which he decried Floyds killing. Its not the first time, Gilday said. Its happened time and time again in our country. Conspicuous by his absence from Wednesdays press conference was Army Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who has also been criticized for joining Trumps entourage during Mondays church photo op. Other than impromptu remarks to journalists as he inspected National Guard forces near the White House that night, Milley has not commented publicly on Floyds death or the militarys role during the protests. Milleys office declined to answer a list of questions about the chairmans participation in that event. Another senior military figure to comment on the unrest prior to Esper was Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau. During a call with reporters on Tuesday, Lengyel described the Guards mission of supporting civilian authorities during civil unrest as being not only one of the most difficult and dangerous missions that Guard forces have to perform within the United States, but probably the mission that we like doing the least. For Guard forces, Lengyel said, this mission is an uncomfortable mission, they dont like doing it. Protesters in Washington on Monday night. (@MARIELCG3 via Reuters, Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images) In fact, Guard troops have found themselves in the spotlight as a result of their actions in the nations capital. One of the most controversial elements during the protests in Washington occurred when at least one National Guard UH-72 Lakota medical evacuation helicopter hovered over a group of protesters in an apparent attempt to disperse them using the downwash from its rotor blades, a tactic U.S. military forces have been known to use in combat operations abroad. On Tuesday, the commander of the D.C. National Guard, Maj. Gen. William Walker, ordered an investigation into the incident. Esper said he had directed Army Secretary McCarthy, who is in the D.C. National Guards chain of command, to order the investigation. After about 20 minutes, following an opening statement and responding to a handful of questions, Esper ended his press conference abruptly, saying he was wanted at the White House. _____ Read more: BTS performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" in May 2019. (Associated Press) K-pop fans are famous for their persistent and creative ways to make online life miserable for people who demean their favorite artists and groups. But on Wednesday, the genre's sometimes-toxic community harnessed its digital savvy and mercilessness for more noble causes: shutting down white supremacist social media and overwhelming police tip lines meant to identify Black Lives Matter protesters. A planned day of social media action from white supremacists, which was being promoted with the hashtag #whitelivesmatter, quickly went sideways. K-pop fans, who on any given day control a meaningful percentage of the trending topics across social media, decided to flood the tag with "fancam" footage of beloved acts like BTS and Blackpink. They also threw in memes ripping anyone earnestly using the tag to search for white-nationalist news. Tf is this #WhiteLivesMatter ??? XD Stan jungkook for clear skin enjoy this fancam pic.twitter.com/KdbW2z47Zv (@PurpleHeartsJk_) June 3, 2020 They took aim at several pro-Trump and police hashtags too, renderingmuch of #MAGA and #BlueLivesMatter Twitter useless for the day. K-pop fans also found ways to steer their ire toward police efforts to identify Black Lives Matter protesters. Several police departments, including those in Dallas and Grand Rapids, Mich., had established public digital tip lines where residents could send footage of protesters, which cops could then investigate. Story continues "If you have video of illegal activity from the protests and are trying to share it with @DallasPD, you can download it to our iWatch Dallas app. You can remain anonymous," the Dallas department wrote on Saturday. Hope they enjoy Monster era Yixing pic.twitter.com/BvUUYE9x3k (@cockyixing) May 31, 2020 Over the weekend, jokes about K-pop fandom's capacity to flood the app with fancam footage quickly became a genuine direct action, as fans filed reams of "tips" that were really footage of Korean groups performing. The Dallas PD quickly pulled back its efforts: "Due to technical difficulties iWatch Dallas app will be down temporarily," the department announced. A number of K-pop artists have been more plainly supportive of Black Lives Matter protests sparked by George Floyd's killing, including Got7, Jay Park, Amber Liu, CL and others. They've acknowledged the debt that their music owes to black artists and advocated for protests that have swept much of the globe. YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister of Armenia Davit Tonoyan met today with CEO of Veolia Jur Marianna Shahinyan, the ministry told Armenpress. A number of issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting. In particular, the meeting participants touched upon the issues relating to the organization of water supply to the military units. An agreement was reached on cooperation aimed at improving the servicing of water supply and draining systems in military units. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan The Board of School Education Haryana (BSEH) has indefinitely postponed the Class 10 board examination 2020 result declaration, which was earlier expected to be announced on 8 June Haryana Board Class 10 result 2020 | The Board of School Education Haryana (BSEH) has indefinitely postponed the Class 10 board examination 2020 result declaration, which was earlier expected to be announced on 8 June. Once declared, students can check their Class 10 board exam result on bseh.org.in. A report by Jagran Josh mentions that BSEH will only declare scores for four subjects. BSEH could not conduct the Class 10 Science examination due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown. The report said the Haryana Board officials have confirmed that the pending exam for the Science subject will be conducted later. Students who want to opt for the Science stream in Class 11 and 12 are required to take the exam. BSEH recently announced that all pending examinations of Class 10 and 12 will be conducted from 1 to 15 July. The detailed time table will be uploaded by the board 10 days prior to the examinations. The Times of India report also quoted the Haryana education minister as saying that schools in the state could be opened in July, but ahead of that demo schools would be made operational. According to Pal, if there are 30 students in one class, only 15 could be called for being part of the demo and the remaining could be asked to come the following day. The minister also said that schools could operate in morning and evening shifts. He added that there would be no winter vacation for this year's academic session in Haryana. The Trump administration moved Wednesday to block Chinese airlines from flying to the U.S. in an escalation of trade and travel tensions between the two countries. The Transportation Department said it would suspend passenger flights of four Chinese airlines to and from the United States starting June 16. The decision was in response to China's failure to let United Airlines and Delta Air Lines resume flights to China this month. The airlines suspended those flights earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic that started in China's Wuhan province. The Transportation Department said that China was violating an agreement between the two countries covering flights by each other's airlines. "The Department will continue to engage our Chinese counterparts so both U.S. and Chinese carriers can fully exercise their bilateral rights," the agency said in a statement. "In the meantime, we will allow Chinese carriers to operate the same number of scheduled passenger flights as the Chinese government allows ours." The department said President Donald Trump could put the order into effect before June 16. The administration had hinted at Wednesday's move last month, when it protested to Chinese authorities that Beijing was preventing U.S. airlines from competing fairly against Chinese carriers. The four airlines affected by the order are Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. Before the pandemic, there were about 325 passenger flights a week between the United States and China, including ones operated by United, Delta and American Airlines. While U.S. carriers stopped their flights, Chinese airlines continued to fly about 20 times a week between the two countries by mid-February and increased that to 34 flights a week by mid-March, according to the Transportation Department. United and Delta announced last month that they hoped to resume flights to China in June, as air travel has recovered slightly since mid-April. American Airlines' schedule shows flights resuming in October; it has not announced any plans to restart service sooner. "We support and appreciate the U.S. government's actions to enforce our rights and ensure fairness," Delta spokeswoman Lisa Hanna said. United Airlines spokesman Frank Benenati said, "We look forward to resuming passenger service between the United States and China when the regulatory environment allows us to do so." Messages to a spokesperson in China's embassy in Washington were not immediately returned, and efforts to reach the person by phone were unsuccessful. By DAVID KOENIG, AP Airlines Writer The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will open around 70 state park campgrounds on Monday, June 22. The state park campgrounds, overnight lodging facilities and shelters have been closed since March 23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The state parks have remained open to provide Michiganders with opportunities to recreate and spend time outdoors. Ron Olson, chief of parks and recreation of the DNR, said the majority of the state campgrounds will open June 22 while others will be delayed in opening due to construction work that had been paused due to the pandemic or flooding damage caused by high water levels. We expect to go from nothing to having a very robust rest of the summer because I think a lot of people are really anxious to get out and camp, he said. He said DNR employees are working hard to prep the campgrounds before visitors arrive for the summer to include various de-winterization and water testing processes. Campground construction projects are in the process of being expedited so the campgrounds can open sooner rather than later, said Olson. Traverse City State Park and Wilson State Park are just a few campgrounds that will be impacted by ongoing construction work while Tawas State Park has seen significant impacts from high water levels, which resulted in the flooding of some campground sites. Olson said campgrounds at low elevations and located along large bodies of water are prone to flood damage. He said none of the state park campgrounds were impacted by the historic mid-Michigan flooding from a few weeks ago caused by the breaching of the Edenville Dam. For everyone who had campground reservations scheduled between March 23 and June 22, the DNR automatically cancelled those reservations and provided full refunds. For reservation holders who decided to reschedule instead of cancel, the DNR gave them one free camp night. We had a number that took advantage of that option, said Olson. For those that didnt choose to reschedule, we hope that they resume finding a spot for later in the summer. Were going to really try hard to make sure people know there are vacancies scattered around. Some of the most popular state park campgrounds include Ludington State Park and Grand Haven State Park, according to Olson. He said both are usually booked throughout the summer and are very, very heavily desired. For more information on how to make a state park campground reservation or to find a campground near you, visit michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79145,00.html. On Monday, after vowing violent state action against protestors across the US, Donald Trump took time out for a photo opportunity. Did he talk to people of colour, heartbroken, enraged and exhausted by police brutality and the killing of George Floyd by officers of the state? Did he listen to the black mothers terrified that the next time they see their son leave the house will be the last time? No. Police launched smoke grenades and shot rubber bullets at protestors to pave the way for Trumps publicity stunt outside the St Johns Episcopal church. The president posed in front of the church, brandishing a Bible invoking its legacy as the sacred text of slave owners and colonisers. Biblical scholars, even working from different perspectives on faith, can agree that such use of sacred text is reprehensible. Despite Trumps outspoken views on biblical literacy, its apparent that he hasnt read much, if any, of his favourite book. When asked in an interview with Bloomberg about his favourite biblical passages, he responded The Bible means a lot to me, but I dont want to get into specifics. Then again, the president doesnt need to get into specifics. Not when hes using the Christian sacred text as visual shorthand for the justification of white structural violence. Some Christian leaders, including the Right Rev Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, and James Martin, a Jesuit priest and consultant to the Vatican's communications department, have condemned Trumps photo opp. On Twitter, Martin declared the Bible is not a prop religion is not a political tool. The sentiment is understandable but the statement is less convincing. The Bible has been used as a prop to scaffold racism for centuries, from the Ku Klux Klan, to the Nazis, to apartheid. Whether we like it or not, some of the most abhorrent ideologies have been legitimised using Biblical texts. The weaponisation of the Christian sacred text against people of colour is so integral to our colonial history that the gasps of shock ringing out on social media seem disingenuous. For Trumps purposes, the Bible signifies white Christian supremacy and theres an audience for it, no matter how many white people Tweet their dismay at the killing of George Floyd or use the Black Lives Matter hashtag. The use of the sacred to support centralised power is as old as monarchy itself. For example, the black Christian biblical scholar Willie Jennings has recently explored the toxic interaction between the Bible and the colonial project in his ground-breaking work The Christian Imagination. It is the shame of the Church that we have far too often been silent, complicit, or actively collaborated with such uses. This calls for public repentance. World's most popular religions Show all 7 1 /7 World's most popular religions World's most popular religions Christians Source: Pewforum Getty Images World's most popular religions Muslims Source: Pewforum World's most popular religions Hindus Source: Pewforum World's most popular religions Buddhists Source: Pewforum World's most popular religions Folk Religions Source: Pewforum Getty Images World's most popular religions Other religions Source: Pewforum World's most popular religions Jews Source: Pewforum Getty It is hard to know what Trump was attempting by his stunt. In fact, if Trump knew much at all about the Bible he was waving, he might not be so keen to invoke its authority. It contains many examples of the sharp rebuke of abusive leadership and it has many strongly-worded criticisms of those who perpetrate social injustice of every type. He has picked up a brand that will burn him. The Bible is a public book, and everyone is entitled to interpret it for themselves. I suspect that biblical scholars interpret it quite differently. But neither of us would seek to shut down the other. Control of the interpretation of the sacred text is yet another way in which power has been wielded to great harm. But the interpretation of a text as powerfully resonant in both cultural and religious terms as the Bible must be exercised with caution, with integrity, and with an enormous sense of responsibility. For readers both with and without faith, responsible interpretation requires a commitment to interpret it for the benefit of human welfare. We all must resist interpretations that lead to, promote, or endorse violence and injustice. Katie Edwards is a senior lecturer in biblical studies at the University of Sheffield and Helen Paynter is a Baptist minister and director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College The program will help support poor and vulnerable households The Ukrainian government is working on a new program of social support censor.net.ua Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine plans to improve the program of social support for the population and create a targeted program of Guaranteed minimum income. This was reported by the Ekonomichna Pravda outlet. The program is needed to effectively help poor and vulnerable households. The new scheme will combine some current social benefits, as well as unemployment benefits. The amount of the guaranteed minimum income will be increased in comparison with the current minimum payments to pensioners and the unemployed. The Ministry of Social Policy will intensify the inspection of recipients of social benefits in order to improve its targeting. As we reported earlier, as of May 20, 2020, the number of unemployed in Ukraine was 501,000 people. In May 2020, the number increased by 196,000 (64% more than during the same period last year). "The increase in the number of registered unemployed took place in all regions, most significantly in Khmelnytskyi, Zaporizhia, Poltava, Kyiv, Lviv, Zakarpattia regions (2.1 - 2.3 times) and Kyiv (3.5 times)," the message reads. JACKSON COUNTY, MI A week ago, the Parnall Correctional Facility outside Jackson had 191 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with more than 1,000 test results pending. As of June 2, the facility has 495 confirmed cases of the virus, 1,036 negative tests and 43 pending tests, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections. The explosion of positive cases at the prison comes on the heels of increased testing done by the state with assistance from the Michigan National Guard. There have been no new deaths at the Parnall facility beyond the 10 prisoners previously reported, according to MDOC. With the exception of the Cooper Street Correctional Facility, all prisons in Jackson County have hundreds of prisoners who have tested positive for the disease. Michigan tests every state prisoner for coronavirus in less than 15 days Positive COVID-19 results from the prisons in Jackson County are not included in the countys numbers which steadily remain flat, with little growth since a week ago, according to the Jackson County Health Department COVID-19 database. The county saw just 19 new cases of the virus since last week, bringing the total to 458 cases. It also saw two new deaths associated with the virus, bringing the number of deaths to 28, health officials said. According to a weekly-updated data map of COVID-19 cases throughout the county, the positive cases are largely located in the city of Jackson and its surrounding townships. Risk of the virus spreading in Jackson County is listed as medium, with 3 percent of those tested getting positive results, according to a COVID-19 interactive database created by health professionals at the University of Michigan. Two new cases of the virus have been confirmed at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility, increasing its cases to 691. Three new deaths have been reported, bringing the total to four, MDOC said. One additional employee at the Cotton facility has tested positive for the virus, bringing its total to 41. No additional prisoners have died and 175 have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Charles E. Egeler Reception and Guidance Center, bringing its coronavirus totals to six deaths and 281 confirmed cases, MDOC said. Four additional employees of the reception center have tested positive, marking 36 staff cases. There have been no new cases reported at the Duane Waters Health Center, keeping the total to 70, with no new deaths and no new staff members testing positive. Statewide, officials reported 58,035 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and a death toll of 5,570 Wednesday, June 3. PREVENTION TIPS In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces. Read all of MLives coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. Sorry, but your browser does not support frames. HANOI -- Vietnam, the worlds third-largest rice exporter, aims to ship 7 million tonnes of the grain this year, greater than last years volume, the government said on Tuesday. The Southeast Asian country fully resumed rice exports in May after it briefly banned shipment of the grain in March and limited April shipments to 500,000 tonnes. Those measures were taken to ensure it had sufficient food during the coronavirus pandemic. This will be 400,000-500,000 tonnes higher than last year, Mai Tien Dung, chief of the government office, said at a news conference. Dung said the country had bumpy rice harvests this year from dry weather conditions and the intrusion of salty water in the Mekong Delta. He said Vietnam had put aside enough rice for domestic use, stockpiling 270,000 tonnes of rice, including 80,000 tonnes of unhusked paddy, to ensure food security. Vietnams rice exports in the first five months of this year rose 3.7% from a year earlier to 2.86 million tonnes, according to the governments customs data. Local radio station LMFM has been awarded 95,000 by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland as part of a special Covid-19 funding initiative. The local radio station was among 32 radio stations across the country to be awarded funding by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland as part of a 2.5m package for independent commercial radio stations across the country supporting public awareness and understanding of COVID-19. The special COVID-19 funding initiative was operated by the BAI under the BAIs Sound & Vision 4 Scheme, following a request from the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton, TD. Funding recommendations range from 40,000 to 95,000. The projects vary in approach, and focus on a range of themes, including the everyday impact of COVID-19, the celebration of frontline workers and special on-air concerts. Formats include factual; educational; health; human interest; community / social outreach; business; arts and culture; religious, and agriculture. The content will also serve a range of audiences, including adults, the 1534-year age group, and parents and children, at a local, regional and national level. Commenting, BAI chief executive, Michael OKeeffe said: Radio continues to be a key source of information for people in Ireland. The purpose of this funding round was two-fold: 1) to raise awareness and understanding of COVID-19, and 2) to support the sustainability of the independent commercial broadcasting sector. LMFM broadcasts to counties Louth and Meath, North county Dublin and parts of Monaghan, Cavan, Armagh and Down. Read more local news HERE Despite assurances from the Frankfurt Book Fair that the event will go on and the health and safety of attendees will be a top priority, publishers continue to pull out of attending the fair in person. HarperCollins, Macmillan and Simon & Schuster have all said they would not be sending staff. Today, Hachette Livre and Bloomsbury Publishing also said they would not attend in person. "Frankfurt Book Fair is a very important date in the global publishing calendar and the Hachette Livre Group has always had a strong presence at the event," said Sophie Cottrell, senior v-p of corporate communications for Hachette Book Group. "After carefully reflecting on the situation and also taking into consideration the health and safety of our employees and partners, weve decided that Hachette Livre France, Hachette UK, Hachette Book Group and Grupo Anaya (Hachette Espana) will not exhibit at the Frankfurt Book Fair this year. Well follow with great interest the virtual and digital solutions which are being developed by Frankfurt Book Fair to provide new ways of connecting and working with the global publishing community." In the U.K., Bloomsbury Publishing CEO Nigel Newton announced the company would also not be sending staff to Frankfurt, or any other international trade show, this year. "It is inadvisable for Bloomsbury to send people by plane, train, bus and car to an international trade fair," he said. More than 20 members of a Traveller family have launched a legal challenge in the High Court against the five-year Traveller Accommodation Programme adopted by Cork City Council. The adults and children who have been living on an unauthorised halting site in the city for the last 15 years without electricity or permanent toilet facilities want the decision adopting the five-year plan struck down over the alleged failure to provide the family with long term Traveller-appropriate accommodation. The family, who cannot be identified by order of the court, say their unauthorised halting site is thick with rats and they remain in unsanitary conditions with limited washing facilities during the Covid-19 pandemic. In their proceedings against Cork City Council, they are seeking an order quashing the December 2019 decision adopting its draft Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024. They are also seeking a declaration that the adoption of the programme constituted a failure to vindicate their constitutional and human rights. They have brought proceedings against Cork City Council. The Minister for Housing and the State are notice parties to the action. Mr Justice Charles Meenan this week granted the family leave to bring the judicial review. In an affidavit to the court, the grandfather of the family said before appropriate accommodation is allocated to them, the family wants essential services including access to electricity, hot and cold running water and washing and toilet facilities. Site is 'thick with rats' He said the lack of electricity has affected the education of the children on site as they cannot complete their homework after dark and the alternative is to do their homework by candlelight, which is a safety hazard. He said the day-to-day living of the family is impacted as without mains electricity there is no way to heat the caravans apart from relying on solid fuel stoves which are a fire hazard. The grandfather also said the site is thick with rats and he is very concerned about the risk it poses to the familys health. He said water was provided from a pump in an adjoining field and three portaloos were provided over 10 years ago. He said a comfort pod to include toilet and washing facilities was promised but the history of its provision has been terribly frustrating and upsetting. The comfort pod was promised in 2018 and due to be delivered but in March last year at a meeting at the Council offices he said the Council said it was not going to install the pod because of the cost of connecting to the water mains and a septic tank was being considered instead. He said the comfort pod was finally provided in April this year, but he said they have to use a generator to power it. In May 2019, he said the family were offered a standard house or houses as a temporary measure but he said he was not given details of the address or how long they would have to stay there until a halting site was approved. He said his family want Traveller-appropriate accommodation and his family would be willing to avail of modular type homes if they were located on a suitable site. He said the recently adopted Programme, like previous three Traveller accommodation plans does not contain any detailed plans or commitment to end his familys stay in the unauthorised halting site by providing alternative suitable accomodation. The case will come back before the court in July. A team of researchers based in Manchester, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the USA has published a new review on a field of computer device development known as spintronics, which could see graphene used as building block for next-generation electronics. Recent theoretical and experimental advances and phenomena in studies of electronic spin transport in graphene and related two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as a fascinating area of research and development. Spintronics is the combination of electronics and magnetism, at the nanoscale and could lead to next generation high-speed electronics. Spintronic devices are a viable alternative for nanoelectronics beyond Moore's law, offering higher energy efficiency and lower dissipation as compared to conventional electronics, which relies on charge currents. In principle we could have phones and tablets operating with spin-based transistors and memories. As published in APS Journal Review of Modern Physics, the review focuses on the new perspectives provided by heterostructures and their emergent phenomena, including proximity-enabled spin-orbit effects, coupling spin to light, electrical tunability and 2D magnetism. The average person already encounters spintronics in laptops and PCs, which are already using spintronics in the form of the magnetic sensors in the reading heads of hard disk drives. These sensors are also used in the automotive industry. Spintronics is a new approach to developing electronics where both memory devices (RAM) and logic devices (transistors) are implemented with the use of 'spin', which is the basic property of electrons that cause them to behave like tiny magnets, as well as the electronic charge. Dr Ivan Vera Marun, Lecturer in Condensed Matter Physics at The University of Manchester said: "The continuous progress in graphene spintronics, and more broadly in 2D heterostructures, has resulted in the efficient creation, transport, and detection of spin information using effects previously inaccessible to graphene alone. "As efforts on both the fundamental and technological aspects continue, we believe that ballistic spin transport will be realised in 2D heterostructures, even at room temperature. Such transport would enable practical use of the quantum mechanical properties of electron wave functions, bringing spins in 2D materials to the service of future quantum computation approaches." Controlled spin transport in graphene and other two-dimensional materials has become increasingly promising for applications in devices. Of particular interest are custom-tailored heterostructures, known as van der Waals heterostructures, that consist of stacks of two-dimensional materials in a precisely controlled order. This review gives an overview of this developing field of graphene spintronics and outlines the experimental and theoretical state of the art. Billions of spintronics devices such as sensors and memories are already being produced. Every hard disk drive has a magnetic sensor that uses a flow of spins, and magnetic random access memory (MRAM) chips are becoming increasingly popular. Over the last decade, exciting results have been made in the field of graphene spintronics, evolving to a next generation of studies extending to new two-dimensional (2D) compounds. Since its isolation in 2004, graphene has opened the door for other 2D materials. Researchers can then use these materials to create stacks of 2D materials called heterostructures. These can be combined with graphene to create new 'designer materials' to produce applications originally limited to science fiction. Professor Francisco Guinea who co-authored the paper said: "The field of spintronics, the properties and manipulation of spins in materials has brought to light a number of novel aspects in the behaviour of solids. The study of fundamental aspects of the motion of spin carrying electrons is one of the most active fields in the physics of condensed matter." The identification and characterisation of new quantum materials with non-trivial topological electronic and magnetic properties is being intensively studied worldwide, after the formulation, in 2004 of the concept of topological insulators. Spintronics lies at the core of this search. Because of their purity, strength, and simplicity, two dimensional materials are the best platform where to find these unique topological features which relate quantum physics, electronics, and magnetism." Overall, the field of spintronics in graphene and related 2D materials is currently moving towards the demonstration of practical graphene spintronic devices such as coupled nano-oscillators for applications in fields of space communication, high?speed radio links, vehicle radar and interchip communication applications. Advanced materials is one of The University of Manchester's research beacons - examples of pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships that are tackling some of the biggest questions facing the planet. #ResearchBeacons ### Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 4 2020 Publicly listed pharmaceutical company Kalbe Farma has signed an agreement with South Korea-based biotechnology firm Genexine Inc. to start a clinical trial of a COVID-19 candidate vaccine in Indonesia. Kalbe would also incorporate government agencies in the process to ensure public access to the vaccine once the trials showed positive results, the companys president director Sie Djohan said. We hope research and development on the COVID-19 vaccine can yield positive results to ensure vaccine access for Indonesia can be secured, he said in a press statement on Thursday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) Back-riding on motorcycles is now allowed in the Province of Cebu, contrary to guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force. Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia signed on Wednesday Executive Order No. 19, allowing private motorcycle owners to have one passenger or back rider. According to the EO, a large percent of the population living in Cebu Province depend on motorcycles to travel to work and secure their basic necessities during the community quarantine. "With the lifting of more restrictions where more businesses are allowed to operate under the GCQ, the 'no back rider' policy is no longer cogent for want of adequate public transportation especially for persons living in the mountain barangays and far flung areas as well as for those living in the same household who are related by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree to the owner of the motorcycle," the EO said. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Saturday that the policy against back-riding on motorcycles will remain in areas under general community quarantine. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said they cannot allow back-riding, even between married couples, adding that the issue is ensuring that the driver and passenger keep enough space from each other to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease. This is in line with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) order to implement physical distancing protocols, as lockdown measures are eased in many areas in the country. Earlier, Cebu City, an independent city from Cebu Province, appealed to the DOTr to allow back-riding on motorcycles. Garcia also issued Executive Order No. 17-F on Tuesday, allowing religious gatherings to resume in the province, defying guidelines set by the IATF. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Tuesday the government is not ready to allow more than 10 people to gather in places of worship under general community quarantine. However, in a social media post, the Cebu Provincial Government said "masses will be held with 50 percent of the church capacity and subject to social distancing and other health protocols that the Church will implement." Cebu stringer Dale Israel contributed to this report. PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of TEATT Ludmilla de Weever announced that St. Maarten is looking at July 1st to reopen its airport to all flights. Minister de Weever said St. Maarten is taking all the necessary precautions to ensure there is no resurgence of the COVID-19 virus on the island. The Minister said only now St. Maarten is returning to some type of normalcy students and residents that are stuck overseas and would be returning to the island during the month of June will have to abide by the 14 days mandatory quarantine that is in place when the state of emergency was declared. Minister de Weever said persons that are currently entering St. Maarten for the boats must also comply with the quarantine requirements while persons that are picking up their vessels must leave within a 24-hour time frame. The marine protocol has also been finalized and implemented thus showing some increased activity in the Simpson Bay lagoon. De Weever said that by June 15th St. Maarten should be able to finalize its internal deadline while efforts are being made to resume flights with the country sister islands such as the BES islands, St. Barths, and Anguilla, as long as these islands are also free from COVID-19 cases. The Minister called on businesses that are now allowed to reopen their doors to ensure they follow all guidelines in place for COVID-19 to ensure there is no resurgence of the virus on St. Maarten. OTTAWA - It was Sonya Nadine Mae Cywink's 31st birthday when she went missing in Ontario in mid-August of 1994. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. An eagle feather is held up during a rally for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on October 4, 2016. A national advocacy organization that fights for Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people is giving the federal government a failing grade for not delivering national action plan to respond to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - It was Sonya Nadine Mae Cywink's 31st birthday when she went missing in Ontario in mid-August of 1994. She was with child. She had been planning to celebrate her birthday by meeting her sister, Meggie Cywink, at a Toronto Blue Jays game. But she never showed up. Eleven days later, her body was found at the Southwold Earthworks National Historical Site, south of London, Ont., wearing only a T-shirt and socks. Her cause of death was described as blunt force trauma. "Obviously, my grief, and the anxiety of never knowing what happened in the final moments of Sonya's life have haunted me," Cywink said Wednesday. She expressed her disappointment that the massive three-year effort of the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls has not led to change. "Families, communities, and allies have not received any information about what governments either federal or provincial have been doing over the past year on this file," she said. "I can tell you that, whatever it is, it has had little or no impact on the families left behind," Cywink said. "It has brought us no solace and it has not changed the violence we witness or the genocide we survive." The inquiry delivered its final report June 3, 2019, concluding that decades of systemic racism and human rights violations had contributed to the deaths and disappearances of hundreds of Indigenous women and girls and that it constituted a genocide. In a report card released Wednesday to mark the anniversary of final report's release, the Native Women's Association of Canada found little has been done to address the inquiry's 231 calls for justice in the last 12 months. It awarded the federal government a "resounding fail" in the four broad categories of human rights under which the inquiry made recommendations: health, security, culture and justice. "Instead of a national action plan, we are left with a lack-of-action plan," said association president Lorraine Whitman. "The sad fact is, we cannot afford to do nothing in the face of the violence that continues to take the lives of First Nations, Metis and Inuit women." Last week, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett said Ottawa is delaying its intended release of the national action plan this month because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whitman said using the pandemic as an excuse for not delivering a plan is a "double slap in the face" to Indigenous women who are facing even greater risks of violence because of isolation measures aimed at slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus. "These are things we have been trying to tell the government, but they have not been doing much listening," Whitman said. On Wednesday, Bennett acknowledged these concerns, but also said a national action plan is not just up to Ottawa to craft. It must also involve commitments and reforms within provinces and territories something that was highlighted in the inquiry's final report. "Some people think that this was a federal inquiry. It was the first-ever national public inquiry so it requires that kind of inter-governmental work that is never easy, shall we say," Bennett said in an interview Wednesday. "The commission report insisted (the response) be regionally relevant. We will work with them provinces and territories in order to get the best possible national action plan we can." In a joint statement Wednesday, the national inquiry's four commissioners said they "deplore inaction on the part of some governments." "As the final report asserts, the calls for justice are not mere recommendations or a quaint list of best practices they are legal imperatives rooted in Canada's obligations under international and domestic human rights norms and laws," the commissioners said. Chief commissioner Marion Buller is among many calling for transparency. "I would like to see all governments, not just the federal government, be transparent about what they've done to date and what they plan on doing moving ahead. I think all Canadians deserve that transparency," Buller told The Canadian Press earlier this week. Bennett would not commit to a timeline, but she did point to a federal website launched Wednesday that lists what she calls "concrete actions" taken across federal departments to date on addressing some of the issues identified by the inquiry. Those initiatives include: legislation to preserve Indigenous languages, legislation to give Indigenous communities control over their own child-welfare systems and the elimination of gender discrimination in the Indian Act. The inquiry commissioners are also calling on the federal government to establish an ombudsperson and tribunal as per one of the recommendations to ensure oversight into governments' work on the implementation of the calls for justice and to ensure full participation of families and survivors. 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. Bennett said this would require provinces and territories to agree to an independent office having jurisdiction within their respective governments, which was also needed for national inquiry. But she didn't rule it out, saying this is "something that would be discussed." NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called it "completely wrong" that a year has passed and Ottawa has not yet completed a national action plan. "The government doesn't need to plan this out and find the best time to do it," he said. Bennett committed to continue working with all partners, pointing to the need to establish indicators and metrics to measure progress. "I'm very optimistic that we will not let these families and survivors down, we will get this done and we will continue to work across all government departments to keep going." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2020. MANILA, Philippines A witness in the Maguindanao massacre trial who is under state protection was injured in an ambush in South Cotabato on Wednesday. Lawyer Nena Santos, who represents several families of the massacre victims, said Mohamad Sangki, his driver, and one security escort from the Department of Justices witness protection program (WPP) were traversing Tantangan, South Cotabato on their way to the airport when they were ambushed. Sangki was not hit by the bullets but he sustained injuries due to the impact of the vehicle when it slammed against two cottages along the road, Santos said. The security escort was able to return fire but the gunmen fled the scene. The driver is 50/50 but prognosis is bad, she added. Santos said they are now being treated in a hospital while authorities are pursuing the perpetrators. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he will order an investigation into the shooting incident. Sangki is a vital witness in the second wave of prosecution for the Maguindanao massacre, and it is not far-fetched that his ambush today had something to do with the horrible case, Guevarra said in a statement. This is the second time that Sangkis life was threatened after he survived an ambush try in Sharif Aguak town in Maguindanao in March. The Maguindanao massacre, the countrys worst case of election-related violence, claimed the lives of 58 people on November 23, 2009. Most of the victims were media personnel who joined the convoy of Esmael Toto Mangudadatus wife to cover the filing of his certificate of candidacy for the governors position. In December 2019, members of the Ampatuan clan were found guilty and sentenced to a maximum of 40 years of imprisonment for the murder of 57 people in Maguindanao. Among those convicted were Datu Andal Ampatuan, Jr., Zaldy Ampatuan, and Datu Anwar, Sr. who are sons of the late Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. accused of masterminding the gruesome crime. RRD (details from Correspondence Janice Ingente) The post Key witness in Maguindanao massacre case hurt in South Cotabato ambush appeared first on UNTV News. Tom Cotton, to the left of Donald Trump, last night gave evidence to the Defence Select Committee - Evan Vucci/AP America could move weapons stored on British soil if the UK allows Huawei to build its 5G network, a US senator has warned. Tom Cotton, the Republican senator for Arkansas who was called as a witness before the Defence Select Committee, warned that the case for America keeping some US Air Force assets, such as F-35 fighters, in the UK could be weakened if it goes ahead with Huawei, as it would pose a security risk. We have to make a decision about deploying those [F-35 fighters] to many countries, Senator Cotton said. Obviously if you no longer have Huawei in your network then F-35 fighters can be based in your country under my legislation. That does not mean I would drop my legislation my legislation is about Huawei and the threat Huawei poses to our airmen and our aircraft. He added that allowing Huawei in UK infrastructure could "give PLA [China's People's Liberation Army] hackers a window into our military logistics operations", which he said could put US forces and American weapons systems based in England "at dangerous risk". His comments come after the Government confirmed last month that the National Cyber Security Centre had launched a review of Huawei's involvement in Britain's 5G network in the wake of US sanctions. Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Defence Select Committee, warned that the UK needed to break its dependency on Huawei. We are yet to have our sputnik moment, Mr Ellwood told The Daily Telegraph. When it comes to Chinas telecommunications ability and where they are taking ownership of the digital domain we desperately need that wake up call, and ask what is the alternative? China takes commercial operations and thumps huge sums of state funding into them. That allows them to ensnare smaller countries into its web of influence. Once youre in that vortex of dependence you cant get out of it. Story continues However Victor Zhang, Vice President of Huawei said yesterdays committee concentrated on Americas desire for a home-grown 5G company that can match or beat Huawei. Its clear that market position, rather than security concerns, is what underpins Americas attack on Huawei, Mr Zang said. The committee was given no evidence to substantiate security allegations. We welcome open and fair competition as it fosters innovation and drives down costs for everyone. As the nation is cautiously heading toward normalcy, and given the heartbreaking conditions it endured during the pandemic shutdown, I had hopes that societys collective human values, such as compassion, would be advanced to a higher level. My hopes were shattered by the horrific act of a police officer in Minneapolis. The behavior and actions of the officer who took George Floyds life, as shown in video clips, are shocking. The brutal force that he used against Mr. Floyd is incomprehensible. I kept asking myself: What threat did a man who was outnumbered by cops, not resisting arrest, hands cuffed behind his back and face down on the ground pose to the police? My attempt to come up with a remotely reasonable answer was unsuccessful. As Emory leaders speak out against racist violence, the community will come together Friday, June 5, to unite for an anti-racist world. A university-wide online solidarity vigil is set for 4 p.m. Friday. Earlier in the day, the Emory medicine community will hold White Coats for Black Lives events on the Emory Quadrangle and at six hospitals. Masks and social distancing will be mandatory. All of us are grappling with the violent deaths of Georgia resident Ahmaud Arbery, Minneapolis citizen George Floyd, Kentucky citizen Breonna Taylor, and too many other instances of racism and violence against people of color, Emory President Claire E. Sterk said in a message sent to the Emory community May 30. These senseless acts strike at the heart of Emorys commitment to upholding equity, diversity and inclusion. Now, more than ever, we must stand together against intolerance and racism. Sterk will speak at Fridays online solidarity vigil, which is hosted by the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life along with Campus Life. Other speakers include Carol Henderson, vice provost for diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer; LaNita Campbell, director of the Office for Racial and Cultural Engagement; the Rev. Greg McGonigle, university chaplain and dean of religious life; and Olivia Johnson, a student in the Laney Graduate School. The event will also include a reading from Jericho Brown, Emorys Winship Distinguished Research Professor in Creative Writing, who recently won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Attendees should register to attend and are encouraged to light a candle for those who have died. The Emory community stands for justice in all aspects of our mission, and when confronted with hatred and prejudice, we must speak out, Sterk emphasized in her message. Emory respects the dignity and value of all human beings, and our community will continue to engage in conversations that matter, no matter how difficult the dialogue, so that together, we might seek a more just and equitable world for all. Emory President-elect Gregory L. Fenves, who takes the helm of the university Aug. 1, sent a message to the community June 2 reflecting on the tragedies of the past weeks and the protests in Atlanta and across the nation. The murder of George Floyd, under the knee of a police officer, horrified me as a human being and as an American, Fenves said. Mr. Floyds death, coming in the wake of so many other killings of African American citizens including Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia has unleashed anger and outrage about systemic racism that has not been addressed more than 60 years after the Civil Rights Movement started. We are still fighting the same battles and people have had enough of racist violence, of organized hatred and of longstanding social inequities. But amid the despair, the Emory community has the ability to lead change through education, research, health care and creative expression, but also by leading with your hearts, he continued, noting that he learned from his father that it is our duty to speak up to not be silent so that injustice could be rooted out and overcome. It is my hope, then, that the tragedy of George Floyds murder and those before him will awaken us all to our deepest flaws and help us heal, change and create a better future, together, Fenves said. Interim Provost Jan Love called on the Emory community to remember that education is only one tool, but it is powerful and to note that the universitys motto the wise heart seeks knowledge deliberately combines head and heart. Righteous rage is a healthy immediate emotion in response to the outrageous violence we are witnessing perpetrated against black people, Love said in June 3 message to the Emory community. If you want to be part of meaningful, productive and life-giving change, definitely get mad, but then get busy. We all have work to do. Lets do it together. White Coats for Black Lives The Emory School of Medicine community will gather in seven locations earlier on Friday for White Coats for Black Lives events. Participants will kneel for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in remembrance of George Floyd, as well as countless other victims of racist violence. Our aspirations for a racism-free world seem so very, very far away. For that, we should all be sad, angry, and at the same time energized to do all that we can to serve as forces of change to support each other, regardless of race, and to confront both racism and the racists who would seek to divide and damage, Emory Healthcare CEO Jonathan S. Lewin said in May 30 message. The events take place at 1 p.m. and all are welcome to attend; masks and social distancing will be mandatory. Locations include the following: (Natural News) Health officials have confirmed that the U.K.s death toll from the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) has passed 50,000. The tally came 10 weeks after Britain went into lockdown and confirmed its status as one of the countries worst hit by the global pandemic. The U.K.s death toll is now higher than that of other European countries that have been hit hard by the coronavirus such as Italy, France and Spain. Worldwide, only the United States has had more fatalities, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Britain hits its worst-case scenario According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the number of deaths registered in England and Wales from suspected COVID-19 cases reached 44,401 by May 22. But when more recent figures from the National Health Service (NHS), as well as statistics from Scotland and Northern Ireland, were factored in, the count rose to 50,032. ONS data says that 64.2 percent of all the deaths recorded since the pandemic started occurred in hospitals. Meanwhile, 12,739 deaths, more a quarter of the total, were recorded in care homes. The grim number surpasses projections by some of the governments own advisers. Back in March, Government Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance said that keeping deaths below 20,000 would be a good outcome. Then, in April, the government stated that its worst-case scenario would be 50,000 deaths, according to Reuters. Death toll includes excess deaths Unlike the daily death toll published by the Department of Health and Social Care, Tuesdays death certificate figures include both confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19. These include excess deaths that may be associated with the virus. The Health Departments count of 39,045, on the other hand, only counts confirmed COVID-19 cases. (Related: Excess deaths hint at a much higher coronavirus death toll than official numbers admit.) According to public health experts, excess deaths those from all causes that exceed the five-year average for a specific time of year are the best way of gauging the mortality from an outbreak like the coronavirus pandemic. Even as the figures confirm that the death rate has reached its lowest level in the last seven weeks, overall mortality in England and Wales for the year has so far been running at 22 percent above the five-year average. April was particularly bad; this month was when the virus peaked in the country. Separate ONS figures published Tuesday showed that the provisional number of deaths registered in England and Wales was double the number recorded in 2019. The 88,153 figure for April represented an increase of 38,430 deaths compared to March. In England, the northeast and east are the areas where coronavirus is still having the greatest impact, compared to normal years. The death tolls in these regions are 30 to 40 percent higher than the five-year average, respectively. Scotland, on the other hand, has recorded 3,779 deaths where coronavirus was mentioned in the death certificate, according to National Records of Scotland data. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland recorded 716 COVID-19-related deaths in all settings, according to the Nothern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Boris Johnsons government criticized for death toll The 50,000 death toll has prompted criticism of U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his government. Opposition parties have questioned Johnsons government on several fronts. One criticism is that the U.K.s lockdown came too late, when it was introduced on March 23. Former Government Chief Scientific Adviser David King said that every day that the lockdown was not in place cost lives. On top of this, health care workers faced weeks of shortages of personal protective equipment, such as masks and gowns, required to slow the spread of infection. Johnsons government has admitted that it might have made some mistakes. However, it also stressed that the government made measures to ensure the NHS was not overwhelmed despite facing the countrys biggest public health crisis since the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak. Despite this, some U.K hospitals, including those in London, had trouble coping with the nations surge in coronavirus patients. Sources include: TheGuardian.com Coronavirus.JHU.edu Mirror.co.uk Bloomberg.com Reuters.com Press Release June 3, 2020 Privilege Speech of Sen. Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino re Suspension of the VFA Termination Mr. President, we received news reports last night of the suspension of the abrogation of the Philippines-US Visiting Forces Agreement which we entered in 1998 and renewed in 2000. This is indeed an extremely positive development as it affirms, first and foremost, that in our country, the separation of powers is one of the cornerstones of our constitutional democracy as stated by the supreme court case, Angara v. Electoral Commission, 68 Phil. 139, 156 [1936] and, second, that the President of the Philippines as chief executive and head of State, is the sole organ and authority in the external affairs of the country" as affirmed by the Supreme Court in Pimentel Jr v. Executive Secretary 2005, GR. No. 158088. As the Philippines and the rest of the global community are in the midst of the COVID-19, to quote from Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr., in his note verbal, "in light of political and other developments in the region," there is sufficient legal basis under international law for the President to perform such an act. Under the international law principle of rebus sic stantibus which is codified in Article 62 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, a party may invoke the "fundamental change of circumstances with regard to those existing at the time of the conclusion of a treaty". Said Art. 62 (3) provides: "If, under the foregoing paragraphs under Article 62 of the said Convention of Treaties, a party may invoke a fundamental change of circumstances as a ground for terminating or withdrawing from a treaty it may also invoke the change as a ground for suspending the operation of the treaty." Now, as rebus sic stantibus has been recognized as one of the grounds to terminate or even suspend the operation of a treaty, I now propose this legal and academic question: Can rebus sic stantibus be used as a basis to renew a treaty or an international agreement? My question is this, with all due respect to my esteemed colleagues, I don't even profess to have the answers, do we have a new agreement because of the suspension of the termination? Or do we comply with what is contained in the note verbale that "after 6 months, which is renewable for another 6 months by the Philippines, the tolling of the initial period in the note verbale dated in 11 Feb 2020 shall resume"? Again Mr. President, I don't have the answer to this but I rely on the strong friendship of the Philippines and the United States specifically the strong people to people partnership which we still maintain. Napakarami hong Pilipino na frontliners ngayon sa Amerika. 150,000 Filipino nurses are in the United States, not to mention doctors and caregivers. In California alone for example, 20% of the register nurses are Filipinos. And because they are most likely to work in acute care, medical/surgical, and ICU nursing homes, many "FilAms" are on the front lines of care for COVID-19 patients. Binabanggit ko po ito Mr. President dahil ang kasaysayan po natin ay punong-puno ng halimbawa kung bakit masasabi natin na napakalapit ng Estados Unidos at ng Bansang Pilipinas. An appreciation of past international practice has recognized that the "fundamental change of circumstances" can be used as a cause for the revival of a treaty and in this case, the VFA. It so happened that VFA was signed in October 9, 1998, on the same year Mr. President and I would like to quote the specific example: on the same year the Kosovo War started, the Kosovo War, which separated Kosovo from Yugoslavia resulted in the abrogation of the UK-Yugoslavia Air Service Agreement in 1998. After two years because of a mere exchange of notes that took effect on March 17 2000, the same agreement was revived. What I'm saying Mr. President is that international practice would show that even after severance of relations, an agreement can be renewed by mere exchange of notes. And that is what happened last June 1. This is also a significant date for one of our colleagues here. June 1, 2020 marked the resumption, because of this note verbal, of the VFA. And the first week of June has been significant to our country. The first week of June in 1942 was also the date when General Mc Arthur abandoned Corregidor after struggling against great odds to save the Philippines from the Japanese occupation leaving 90,000 nd Americans and Filipino soldiers behind. The first of June in 1945 Mr. President was again is a very critical part of the process towards the Philippine campaign and the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese during WW II. Kung kaya siguro nagkataon na naibalik muli ang VFA nitong June 1, 2020. Again Mr. President, this development opens up a multitude of fresh opportunities which strengthens national security and help deter threats from outside our boundaries for the time being. If I recall Mr. President, during the meeting of the whole, this representation insinuated several confidential national security matters which the DFA Secretary nodded in approval - perhaps one of the reasons why we revived the VFA. I'm just looking in hindsight, and looking forward Mr. President. The President's announcement, through the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, imparts a glimpse of his sincere dedication to the welfare of our nation -- relaxing his otherwise firm stand on the issue of severing ties with the US and keeping national interest at the forefront of his executive power. Similarly, it also reflects the humility of the Chief Executive in assigning greater weight to the long history of alliance and strong relations that we have established with the United States, this country being one of the first and oldest US ally in Asia. I recognize and admire the wisdom of the President as the chief architect of the country's foreign policy for keeping his judgment anchored on the supremacy of national interest and affirming his resolve to safeguard the life and liberty of the Filipino people. The decision of the President is perhaps akin to adjusting his sail, so to speak, in order to be able to navigate his ship through dangerous waters, having premised his decision on "prevailing political and other developments in the region." Flexibility is at the heart of effective leadership, and effective leadership is central to good governance. As we reforge our ties with one of our oldest allies, we must not forget, arguably the oldest principle of international law: "pacta sunt servanda" or "agreements must be kept". Pacta sunt servanda governs many international agreements and treaties, including the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969), which concerns treaties between states, and the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties Between States and International Organizations or Between International Organizations (1986). Well settled is the principle that the enforcement of obligations by states largely depend on their commitment to these agreements. Without such doctrine, international agreements would lose their binding effect. As the world, Mr. President enters into the "new normal," we welcome this recent development of the renewal of the VFA which serves as an opportunity for both nations to foster a stronger bond of friendship between the Philippines and the United States, a pact forged by the blood of our forefathers for the peace and security in the country and the region. Maraming salamat po Mr. President. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 20:21:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MADRID, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told lawmakers on Wednesday that "the worst is over" while addressing the Spanish Congress, the lower chamber of the Parliament, in a debate which will see the sixth and final extension of the state of alarm. "It's been three months that seemed never-ending. Today, with caution, we can say that the worst is over," Sanchez said. Spain had imposed the state of alarm on March 15 to control the spread of the coronavirus. The two-week extension will prolong the Spanish government's emergency powers to June 21. "I am proud to preside the government of a country that has shown discipline, solidarity and responsibility. Since March 11, when the global pandemic was declared, the government has had no other goal than to save lives," Sanchez said, according to Spanish best-selling newspaper El Pais. He also defended Spain's strict lockdown measures. "There was no other way. We accept one of the strictest confinements in Europe. It has been terribly hard, but it has also been tremendously effective and we are coming out of the tunnel," Sanchez said. Spain is currently advancing in the government's four-stage plan to ease the restrictions imposed by the state of alarm, which is the first of three emergency levels a Spanish government can apply under exceptional circumstances. Spain registered no death from COVID-19 on Monday, the second consecutive day without new death reports, health authorities said on Tuesday. As of Monday, 27,127 people in Spain had succumbed to COVID-19 since the beginning of the outbreak. The cumulative number of confirmed coronavirus cases stood at 239,932. Sanchez also told lawmakers that his cabinet will unify existing prevention measures under a new law in order to avoid new outbreaks. The latest update to the Health Ministrys daily coronavirus data included 63 fatalities, just one of which corresponds to the last 24 hours. That brought to an end a symbolic run of two days when the countrys regions had not notified a single fatality to the central government. The ministry had warned in previous days that delays in the notifications from the regions meant that the data might not be a true reflection of reality. The total number of official Covid-19-related fatalities in Spain now stands at 27,128. The majority of the newly reported fatalities were in the Castilla y Leon region, accounting for the death that took place yesterday, and another 27 victims. As a result, the total for the last seven days which the Health Ministry considers to be the most representative of the current state of the epidemic has risen from 34 on Tuesday to 63 today. Madrid represents the biggest increase in infections, with 112 cases corresponding to Tuesday and another 140 from previous days The number of new infections detected in the last 24 hours rose by 219, almost double yesterdays figure of 137, but the cumulative total since the start of the crisis has not risen by the same amount. On Tuesday, the report from the ministry stated there had been 239,932 total infections, whereas today that number is at 240,326. The difference between those two figures is 394. That means that the difference between the 219 positives in the last 24 hours and the difference in the totals between today and yesterday correspond to previous days and have been reported late by the regions. The day-on-day increase in cases is 0.09%. The data includes an outbreak in Fraga (Huesca), with a rise of 20 cases in Aragon. But as has often been the case, Madrid represents the biggest increase in infections, with 112 cases corresponding to Tuesday and another 140 from previous days, and Catalonia, with 38 in the last day and 39 on previous days. The accumulated cases of hospitalizations have fallen slightly. The number of hospital admissions has dropped from 243 to 221, to a total of 124,013 since the epidemic began. Madrid, Catalonia and Castilla y Leon saw the most cases. Admissions in intensive care units (ICUs) fell from 11 to 10, with 13 regions that have had no ICU admission in seven days. In total, 11,415 patients have been admitted to ICUs since the crisis began. As has been the case in recent weeks, the ministry warned again today that the historical series is still being updated. Fernando Simon, the director of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts, explained that at this stage of the epidemic, the trends are the most important factor, and that data on fatalities will in future only be provided on a weekly basis. English version by Simon Hunter. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards national The coronavirus has infected more than 6.5 million people around the world as of Thursday, killing at least 386,289 people. George Floyd, a black man who was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis last week, tested positive for coronavirus weeks before his death, according to an autopsy report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office. White House health advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday he's concerned about the "durability" of a potential coronavirus vaccine, adding that there's a chance it might not provide long-term immunity. And former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb told CNBC Wednesday that any effective vaccine will likely still be seasonal. The coverage on this live blog has ended but for up-to-the-minute coverage on the coronavirus, visit the live blog from CNBC's U.S. team. Global cases: More than 6.5 million Global deaths: At least 386,091 U.S. cases: More than 1.85 million U.S. deaths: At least 107,175 The data above was compiled by Johns Hopkins University. LVMH confirms it has discussed coronavirus' 'potential impact' on Tiffany takeover A shopper wearing a protective face mask browses luxury handbags inside a Louis Vuitton boutique in Moscow, Russia. Bloomberg | Getty Images Dubai hands out fines to beachgoers not wearing masks Dubai police has fined more than 100 people visiting public beaches for failing to adhere to coronavirus safety rules. Public beaches in Dubai reopened on May 30, after more than two months of closure. Those not wearing masks on the beach, and not adhering to social distancing requirements of 2 meters, were fined on the spot, police said. "People were not adhering to precautionary measures and during the first three days of reopening beaches, around 100 fines were issued against offenders," Lt. Col. Ahmad Al Marzouqi, from the Dubai Police beaches security section, told local media. "But when we started implementing fines, people began to adhere to rules." Natasha Turak Mexico overtakes U.S. in daily number of coronavirus deaths for first time 3:20 p.m. (Singapore time) Mexico reported more daily deaths than the U.S. for the first time on Wednesday. It had a record 1,092 fatalities, while the U.S. reported 1,045 deaths on Wednesday, according to Reuters. That sharp jump in numbers was attributed to improved documenting, the report said, after growing criticism that its limited test rate meant most cases and deaths were not being recorded. Weizhen Tan George Floyd had coronavirus, according to medical examiner's autopsy 1:50 p.m. (Singapore time) George Floyd, a black man who was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis last week, tested positive for coronavirus weeks before his death, according to an autopsy report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office. NBC News reported that the document showed an April 3 test was positive for the virus' RNA, which can remain in the body weeks after a disease clears. The autopsy said a second positive test after his death likely indicated that Floyd was asymptomatic from an earlier infection when he died May 25, NBC reported. The CDC has previously said that a positive RNA test does not necessarily indicate that the virus is infectious. NBC reported that it wasn't immediately clear if Floyd developed symptoms earlier or was entirely asymptomatic. Floyd's death has sparked widespread protests against police violence in dozens of cities across the country. Christine Wang GM updates North American production timeline General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra on April 1, 2020 tours one of the company's facilities in Warren, Michigan that will produce Level 1 face masks. GM 8:30 p.m. ET General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra said the automaker expects its North American vehicle production to return to near pre-coronavirus levels by the end of June. "This week we'll continue to add additional shifts in our North America plants, and we think we'll be close to normal capacity by the end of June, and sooner, if possible," Barra said during a Wolfe Research automotive conference. The Detroit automaker has worked aggressively to restart its operations, particularly those that produce pickup trucks, since restarting production May 18. The plants closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. GM's U.S. plants that produce large pickups returned to pre-coronavirus levels of three shifts Monday, however they are not to pre-coronavirus production levels. Its Silao plant in Mexico that produces full-size pickups remains on one out of three shifts. Michael Wayland Congress sends bill to change PPP loans to Trump Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) speaks at the start of a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing on the government's response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on March 5, 2020 in Washington, DC. Samuel Corum | Getty Images 7:30 p.m. ET The Senate passed a bill Wednesday to give recipients of small business loans during the coronavirus pandemic more flexibility in how they spend the aid. It approved the House-passed legislation after Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., blocked an earlier attempt to clear the measure. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump's desk. It reduces the share of loan money small business have to spend on payroll in order to get the loan forgiven, to 60% from 75%. Recipients have six months to use the money, rather than two. It also extends the June 30 deadline to rehire workers, among other provisions. Jacob Pramuk Malaria drug doesn't protect people from the virus, study finds A pharmacy tech pours out pills of Hydroxychloroquine at Rock Canyon Pharmacy in Provo, Utah, on May 20, 2020. George Frey | AFP | Getty Images 5 p.m. ET Hydroxychloroquine doesn't prevent infection of the coronavirus, according to results published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study, led by Dr. David Boulware, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Minnesota, looked at 821 people who were exposed to the virus. About 12% of the people who were given the malaria drug developed Covid-19, compared with 14% who did not receive the drug, according to the study's findings. The study is the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which is considered the "gold standard" in science. Berkeley Lovelace Jr. White House doctor says Trump had no side effects after taking hydroxychloroquine 4:31 p.m. ET A White House doctor said President Donald Trump finished a regimen of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine "without side effects." Trump, who revealed last month he was taking the drug to protect himself from contracting the coronavirus, completed his two-week regimen safely, White House physician Dr. Sean Conley said in a report on the president's third physical exam while in office. There is little definitive evidence proving hydroxychloroquine works either as an effective prophylactic or treatment for the coronavirus, though Trump has repeatedly touted its potential. The president "remains healthy," Conley concluded in his report, which covered Trump's physical exams between November and April. Kevin Breuninger Delta caps plane capacity at 60% through September 3:40 p.m. ET Delta Air Lines is extending a policy that ensures its planes are no more than 60% full through September, a move aimed at calming travelers' nerves about packed flights during the coronavirus pandemic. The airline previously expected to end the policy on June 30. Photos of packed planes have circulated widely on social media as passengers found themselves on surprisingly crowded flights. Though airlines say packed planes are rare. Delta said it would use larger planes or add more flights if demand is high. United and American have put programs in place to notify travelers if their plane is booked over certain capacity thresholds and allow passengers to switch to other flights without paying a fee. JetBlue and Southwest are also limiting the number of seats they make available on each flight through at least July 6 and July 31, respectively. Leslie Josephs Walmart says there's still a need for office space, despite rise of work-from-home 3:12 p.m. ET Many Americans may be working from kitchen tables and home offices during the coronavirus pandemic, but Walmart executives think office space still has a place in the future. The retail giant is building a new headquarters in its hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. It will span more than 300 acres and have amenities, including fitness centers, hiking trails and a child-care facility. During the company's annual shareholder meeting, which was held virtually, Walmart executives fielded a question about whether the pandemic and the rise of work-from-home will change its plans. Dan Bartlett, the company's executive vice president of corporate affairs, said it already planned on a flexible office design. He said it's factoring in evolving work habits during the architectural phase of the project. But CEO Doug McMillon added that offices will remain important, even though employees are productive at home. "As this crisis has gone on, we've noticed things that we're missing," he said. For example, he said it's been hard to onboard new employees, introduce them to people and integrate them into company culture. Melissa Repko Virus has not yet mutated significantly, WHO says Maria Van Kerkhove, head of the World Health Organization's emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, speaks during a press conference following an emergency committee meeting over the new coronavirus in Geneva on Jan. 22, 2020. Pierre Albouy | AFP | Getty Images 2:21 p.m. ET The coronavirus has not mutated in a way that would significantly change how it spreads among humans or how lethal it is, World Health Organization officials said. Scientists and virologists are collecting samples of the virus from all over the world and comparing the genetic sequence found in each sample in order to track whether it is evolving, the WHO said. Scientists have so far found only "normal changes" in the virus, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, head of WHO's emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, said. "To date, to my knowledge, we haven't seen any particular signal in the virus' behavior or in its sequence that would lead us to believe the virus is changing in its nature, has changed in its transmission dynamics, or changed in its lethality," Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO's emergencies program, said. Will Feuer Pandemic brings opportunity for more sustainable economy, Prince Charles says 1:33 p.m. ET The U.K.'s Prince Charles said the coronavirus pandemic presents a rare opportunity to establish a more sustainable economy. "We have a golden opportunity to seize something good from this crisis its unprecedented shockwaves may well make people more receptive to big visions of change," the Prince of Wales said at a World Economic Forum event. Prince Charles outlined five ways that the economy could recover from the coronavirus crisis while also addressing the issue of climate change, including sustainable employment and a transition to net-zero carbon emissions. He also said the Covid-19 crisis has revealed a need to invest in the areas of science, technology and innovation and that the global economy must advance sustainable investment for both economic growth and employment. Read more on Prince Charles' speech from CNBC's Chloe Taylor. Suzanne Blake Black voters are hit harder by the coronavirus and more worried about the pandemic than others: CNBC/Change Research poll 1:16 p.m. ET Black voters in six swing states have taken a bigger hit from the coronavirus than other racial groups, and they have more concerns about the pandemic moving forward, according to a new CNBC/Change Research poll. A larger share of black respondents than Hispanic or white voters have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or know someone who has, the poll found. A higher percentage of black voters (42%) than Hispanic (37%) or white (29%) respondents said they or a member of their household have lost their job or been furloughed. The CNBC/Change Research poll surveyed 3,958 likely voters in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin from Friday through Sunday and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.6 percentage points. A larger share of black voters than Hispanic or white respondents said they are worried about themselves or a family member getting sick, the U.S. economy reopening too soon or their job security and health care costs in the next year. The survey, which underscores the disproportionate burden black Americans have borne from the pandemic, comes during a week of nationwide protests against systemic racism following a string of police-involved killings of black men and women. Jacob Pramuk Study on Trump-backed drug will resume, WHO says The drug hydroxychloroquine, pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump and others in recent months as a possible treatment to people infected with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is displayed at the Rock Canyon Pharmacy in Provo, Utah, May 27, 2020. George Frey | Reuters 1:10 p.m. ET The World Health Organization says it will continue its trial looking at hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment for the virus after examining safety data on the drug. Last week, the agency announced it would halt its trial after a study published in medical journal The Lancet found that hospitalized Covid-19 patients treated with the drug had a higher risk of death than those who didn't take it. However, the study is now being reexamined over concerns it contained fabricated data. Berkeley Lovelace Jr. Military families stuck in housing limbo amid Covid-19 1:03 p.m. ET They serve their country at home and abroad. But thanks to coronavirus lockdowns and stop-movement orders, many Armed Forces members and their families who were set to transfer between bases and had arranged new housing find themselves having to make two payments, for both their old digs and their new ones. CNBC Senior Personal Finance Correspondent Sharon Epperson speaks with one such family in limbo, and looks at what help is out there for them, and others like them. Kenneth Kiesnoski Trump to ban Chinese airlines from flying to the U.S. 12:51 p.m. ET The Trump administration will prohibit Chinese passenger airlines from flying scheduled service to the U.S. this month, as a dispute between the governments of the two largest aviation markets escalates. U.S. airlines suspended service to China earlier this year after demand plunged because of the coronavirus. Delta and United have been trying to return, but Chinese officials haven't yet permitted them to do so. The U.S., in retaliation, won't allow passenger airlines from operating their flights between the two countries starting June 16. "Our overriding goal is not the perpetuation of this situation, but rather an improved environment wherein the carriers of both parties will be able to exercise fully their bilateral rights," said the U.S. Department of Transportation's order. "Should the [Chinese aviation authority] adjust its policies to bring about the necessary improved situation for U.S. carriers, the Department is fully prepared to revisit the action it has announced in this order." The measure affects Air China, China Eastern, China Southern and Xiamen. The airlines didn't immediately comment. Leslie Josephs The latest on reopening and virus spread Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Bill to require refunds for all canceled flights unlikely to become law Flight attendants talk in a nearly empty cabin on a Delta Airlines flight operated by SkyWest Airlines as travel has cutback, amid concerns of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), during a flight departing from Salt Lake City, Utah, April 11, 2020. Jim Urquhart | Reuters 12:43 p.m. ET Afraid to fly during the pandemic? If you cancel your air ticket over Covid-19 fears, airlines aren't required to refund your money. But five Democratic senators want to change that, introducing legislation that would require carriers to refund money for canceled flights no matter who does the canceling. Industry observers say the odds aren't good that the proposal will actually become law. Kenneth Kiesnoski Manhattan real estate deals plummet amid pandemic, protests 12:37 p.m. ET The Manhattan real estate market continues to struggle in the face of the coronavirus and now has the added challenge of widespread protests in response to the death of George Floyd while in police custody. Only 160 real estate contracts were signed for Manhattan apartments in May, an 84% drop from last year, according to UrbanDigs. New listings also fell 71% compared to May of 2019, CNBC's Robert Frank reports. The upper end of Manhattan real estate, which includes expensive condo towers and penthouses, is taking the biggest hit. Hannah Miller The coronavirus crisis could have a lasting impact on the gender wage gap 12 p.m. ET Even with millions of Americans now working from home, the wage disparity among parents persists, and could likely worsen due to Covid-19. Already, mothers are paid only 70 cents for every dollar paid to fathers, which translates to a loss of $18,000 a year, according to a new analysis of Census data by the National Women's Law Center. Going forward, the gender wage gap could grow as women disproportionately cut back on work to take care of their children as childcare options remain limited. Jessica Dickler As pandemic causes soup sales to soar, Campbell Soup expects higher demand to continue 12 p.m. ET After sales of Campbell Soup's iconic broths and soared 35% during its fiscal third quarter, the company is expecting to keep seeing elevated demand, even as the weather heats up and states reopen. Campbell CEO Mark Clouse said on "Squawk on the Street" that retailers will have to restock their inventories, which will lift demand even if consumers are buying less of those products. Still, Clouse said that he expects that consumers will continue to eat more soup and consume other Campbell's products compared to historic levels. The pandemic has reversed consumers' preference for fresher food options, reviving sales for categories that had been declining in recent years. Shares of the company fell nearly 5% in morning trading despite it raising its 2020 outlook and topping analysts' earnings estimates. Amelia Lucas Reopening and protests could make for a bad fall season A doctor holds up a mask that reads "Black Lives Matter" during a rally against the killing of George Floyd, Foley Square on May 29, 2020 in New York. Kevin Mazur | Getty Images 11:25 a.m. ET Amid nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd and the easing of restrictions across the country, public health specialists warn that Covid-19 threatens to bounce back later this year. Some other countries that were hit hard by the virus, such as Germany and Italy, have driven down the number of daily new infections to just hundreds per day. The U.S. has struggled to do the same with more than 20,000 new cases diagnosed every day. If that number doesn't fall, the country could be in for another major outbreak in the fall, public health specialists who spoke with CNBC said, adding that the protests are likely to spread the virus. "It's heartbreaking on a number of levels, for sure from the infectious diseases and epidemiology levels," Dr. Katie Passaretti said. "You have big groups coming together and people from far apart places coming together. It's a risk for spread of Covid." Will Feuer NYC Mayor says curfew will end as first phase of coronavirus reopening plan begins Mayor Bill de Blasio addresses media after he and First Lady Chirlane McCray donated blood during COVID-19 pandemic at New York Blood Center on 67th street. Lev Radin | Pacific Press | Getty Images 11:15 a.m. ET New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that an 8 p.m. curfew imposed during the heated protests over George Floyd's death are set to be lifted Monday morning, when the city kicks off the first phase of its coronavirus reopening plan. "We're going to end it, as per now 5 a.m. Monday morning, curfew comes off," de Blasio said at a press briefing Wednesday. "I'd like for us never to have to use it again if we can do things right, and then we go right into the reopening." The first phase of the plan to lift social distancing restrictions will include construction, manufacturing and wholesale businesses, as well as retail businesses that can provide curbside pickup services. "New Yorkers are resourceful. I have great confidence people will be ready," the mayor said. He apologized to any businesses dealing with the "additional challenge" of having to repair their stores following the violence and property destruction that occurred during protests over the past week. Kevin Breuninger AMC has 'substantial doubt' it can remain in business after closing all of its locations during the pandemic "Theater Closed" signs are posted in front of the AMC Frederic J. Brown | AFP | Getty Images 11:10 a.m. ET AMC, the largest movie theater chain in the world, disclosed concerns about its liquidity and its ability to generate revenue in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. AMC shared preliminary earnings results that projected the company had lost between $2.1 billion and $2.4 billion in the first quarter ended March 31, while theaters were shuttered due to social distancing regulations. Expectations are that losses will be even steeper in the second quarter. "We are generating effectively no revenue," the company said in its filing. AMC also said it worried that distributors would continue to push back new film releases, either due to coronavirus restrictions on public gatherings or because of production delays, and that some studios will begin offering audiences more movies on-demand or through streaming. Sarah Whitten U.S. services PMI comes in better than expected 10:26 a.m. ET The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said its non-manufacturing activity index rose to a reading of 45.4 last month from 41.8 in April. Economists polled by Dow Jones were expecting a reading of 44.4 in May. The April figure marked the first contraction in the U.S. services sector since December 2009 as the coronavirus pandemic roiled the economy. Yun Li Dow jumps 200 points at the open, rising for a third day 9:40 a.m. ET Stocks opened higher with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 230 points, on pace for a third straight day of gains, despite uncertainty surrounding days of demonstrations to protest the killing of George Floyd and the persistent coronavirus crisis. The S&P 500 climbed 0.7%, while the Nasdaq Composite 0.4%. The Nasdaq 100 index rebounded sharply from its March bottom, now sitting less than 1% from its record high. Yun Li J&J looking at virus' impact on black communities, CEO says 9:26 a.m. ET Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky said the company is looking into the coronavirus' disproportionate impact on black communities. "What's the underlying nature? What can we do better to make sure your zip code isn't contributing more to your life expectancy, frankly, to other health-care factors," he told CNBC. J&J has been working on a potential vaccine to prevent Covid-19, which has infected more than 1.83 million across the U.S., according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The company expects human testing of its experimental vaccine to begin by September and it could be available for emergency use authorization in early 2021. Berkeley Lovelace, Jr. New cases in Africa continue to soar Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Vaccine will be 'seasonal,' Dr. Scott Gottlieb says 7:32 a.m. ET Any coronavirus vaccine that proves to be safe and effective will still probably only provide immunity for a limited amount of time, maybe "up to a year," former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said. His comments come after White House health advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday he worries about the "durability" of a potential coronavirus vaccine, saying there's a chance it may not provide long-term immunity. "This is probably going to be a seasonal vaccine," Gottlieb said in an interview with CNBC's "Squawk Box." "It's probably a vaccine that we're going to need to take every year. Dr. Fauci's right, the immunity's not going to be long term in the form of a smallpox vaccine or a polio vaccine where you get the vaccine once and you're protected for the rest of your life or most of your life." Eventually, people might be asked to take the coronavirus vaccine annually along with the flu vaccine, Gottlieb said. Will Feuer Disclosure: Scott Gottlieb is a CNBC contributor and is a member of the boards of Pfizer and biotech company Illumina. Sweden 'could have done better' in tackling outbreak, chief epidemiologist admits People enjoy themselves at an outdoor restaruant, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in central Stockholm, Sweden, on April 20, 2020. ANDERS WIKLUND 7:02 a.m. ET Sweden's chief epidemiologist, who advocated a no-lockdown strategy to combat the coronavirus crisis, conceded that more should have been done to tackle the epidemic. "Yes, I think we could have done better in what we did in Sweden, clearly," Anders Tegnell, state epidemiologist at Sweden's Public Health Agency, told Swedish radio, according to a Reuters report. "If we were to run into the same disease, knowing exactly what we know about it today, I think we would end up doing something in between what Sweden did and what the rest of the world has done," he said. Unlike most of Europe, Sweden decided against implementing a full lockdown of businesses and schools when the coronavirus began to spread in Europe in March, opting instead for softer, largely voluntary measures. Holly Ellyatt Spain eyes reopening to some tourism June 22 Participants run in front of Fuente Ymbro's bulls during the fourth 'encierro' (bull-run) of the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 10, 2015. Miguel Riopa | AFP | Getty Images CHICAGO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) Market by Component (Interrogator Units, Visualization Software), Fiber Type (Single-mode Fiber and Multimode fiber), Industry (Oil & Gas, Infrastructure, Transportation), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) Market size is estimated to grow from USD 462 million in 2020 to USD 792 million by 2025; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.4% from 20202025. DAS systems are increasingly being adopted by various industries due to their advantages such as immunity toward electromagnetic interference, high range, and lower maintenance compared to electrical-based sensors. Owing to COVID-19, the DAS market is estimated to decline by ~10% for 20192020. Given the critical nature of monitoring operations in the oil & gas industry and the increased digitization of production, completion, and evaluation operations, DAS systems continue to hold significant importance in this field due to increased digitization taking place in this industry. This has also led to the deployment of DAS systems in other industries such as military, infrastructure, and transportation, which is helping in the growth of the overall market. Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=31300369 Market for multimode fibers to grow at higher CAGR during forecast period Multimode fiber optic cables have larger cores (4550 microns) compared with single-mode fibers. The large diameter allows many paths for the rays of light to travel through the fiber. The large diameter of multimode fibers also allows for more optical power to be launched in the fiber allowing for greater light gathering capacity and facilitates the use of cheaper electro-optic devices or interrogators. Although multimode fibers have a lower range of detection compared to single-mode fibers, they can eliminate signal fading within that distance. Hence, the market for multimode fibers is expected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period. Market for oil & gas industry to grow at highest CAGR during forecast period New pipeline projects are also being deployed worldwide on a large scale and DAS technology has proven to be ideal and cost effective for long-distance monitoring. Due to the increasing deployment of DAS systems for pipeline monitoring, the industry is also expected to have the highest growth during the forecast period. DAS systems can monitor the entire length of an oil & gas pipeline using telecommunications grade fiber optic cables. The market for pipeline integrity holds a larger share due to the larger distance covered using DAS systems compared to that for oilfield services. The fiber optic cable deployed for pipelines can stretch to thousands of kilometers compared to their deployment in oilfields, which is only a few hundred kilometers. Also due to the resilience of DAS systems in harsh operating environments, they are quickly replacing traditional monitoring solutions such as electrical and quartz-based sensors. Browse in-depth TOC on "Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) Market" 107 Tables 47 Figures 172 Pages Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=31300369 Americas to hold largest share of DAS market during 20202025 The DAS market is dominated by the Americas, with North America contributing to the majority share of the market compared to South America. In North America, the US is a key market for DAS systems, accounting for the largest share in the region during the forecast period. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the US ranked first in oil & gas production. Canada is the second-largest market for DAS systems in North America and according to the EIA, Canada ranked fifth in terms of oil & gas production in 2019. South America has some of the world's largest oil & gas reserves located in Argentina and Venezuela. In South America, state-owned companies oversee the majority of oil & gas production in their respective countries. Hence, the Americas is expected to hold the largest market for DAS systems. At present, due to the North American region being most affected owing to the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in the subsequent decrease of hydraulic fracturing and offshore drilling activities, the DAS market in the Americas is expected to be among the most affected markets. Major companies in the distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) market are Schlumberger (US), Halliburton (US), Baker Hughes (US), OptaSense (UK), Future Fibre Technologies (Australia), Fotech Solutions (UK), Bandweaver (China), Hifi Engineering (Canada), Omnisens (Switzerland), and Silixa (UK). Apart from these, ofs (US) and Fibre Completion Services (Canada) are among a few emerging companies in the DAS market. Related Reports: Distributed Temperature Sensing Market by Operating Principle (OTDR, OFDR), Fiber Type (Single-mode Fibers, Multimode Fibers), Scattering Method (Rayleigh Effect, Raman Effect, Brillouin Effect), Application, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2025 Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing Market (DFOS) by Operating Principle (OTDR, OFDR), Fiber Type (Single-Mode, Multimode), Scattering Process (Raman Effect, Rayleigh Effect), Application (Temperature, Acoustic), Vertical, and Region - Global Forecast to 2022 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight : https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/distributed-acoustic-sensing-market.asp Content Source : https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/distributed-acoustic-sensing.asp SOURCE MarketsandMarkets BUCKLAND Granby School Superintendent Sheryl Stanton on Tuesday was offered the superintendents job at the combined Mohawk Trail/Hawlemont regional school districts during a joint meeting of the boards. The vote to name Stanton was unanimous. She has accepted, subject to negotiating a labor contract between the parties, the district said in a prepared statement following the vote. Rhonda Sennaite Stowell Lewis, principal of the Glenwood Elementary and Hiram L. Dorman Elementary School in Springfield, and Thaddeus King, principal of Murdock High School in Winchendon, were the other finalist for the job. Interim Superintendent Pat Bell will remain with the districts through the end of June, with the expected start date for the new superintendent to begin on July 1, the statement said. The former Mohawk Trail/Hawlemont Superintendent Michael Buoniconti, who had held the job 15 years, resigned in January after he admitted to an affair with an employee. "Im very pleased that Sheryl Stanton was the unanimous choice of the MTRSD and Hawlemont School Committees and I am very much looking forward to working with her," Mohawk School Committee Chair Martha Thurber said in the statement. "Sheryl will bring her extensive experience as an educator and superintendent with her to our districts, as well as her strong commitment to the advancement of rural schools. Im confident Sheryl is the right person to guide the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts as we meet the budgeting and COVID-19 challenges in the near months ahead and create an environment where all our students can thrive," she said. Stanton has been Granbys school chief the past four years. From 2014 to 2014 she was superintendent at Southbridge public schools. Previously she was a principal at Ludlow public schools. Stanton earned a masters degree in secondary education and teaching from College of Our Lady of the Elms. The Mohawk district includes Mohawk Trail Regional School in Shelburne for grades seven through 12; Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School; Colrain Central School; and Sanderson Academy in Ashfield for prekindergarten through grade six. The Hawlemont School Committee oversees a prekindergarten through grade six school for the towns of Hawley and Charlemont. As per the IMD, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar will be hit with winds of up to 100 kmph to 110 kmph with heavy to very heavy rainfall National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel along with Mumbai police evacuate people living along Versova beach ahead of Cyclone Nisargas expected landfall, in Mumbai. PTI photo Mumbai: Hundreds of people living close to various beaches in Mumbai are being shifted to safer places on Wednesday in light of cyclone 'Nisarga' which has made landfall near Alibaug, 95 kms from here, police said. Mumbai Police and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are taking all precautionary measures to minimise any damage likely to be caused by the cyclone, an official said. "Hundreds of people living in areas near sea shores like Colaba in south Mumbai, Worli and Dadar in Central Mumbai, and Juhu and Versova in Western Mumbai, are being shifted to safer places by the BMC with the assistance of the police," the police official said. As per the IMD, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar will be hit with winds of up to 100 kmph to 110 kmph with heavy to very heavy rainfall. A total of eight teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed at Colaba, Worli, Bandra, Andheri, Malad and Borivali, the official said. Five teams of the Indian Navy have also been stationed at various places in the city. Police have beefed up security along the beaches in Mumbai, where section 144 of the CrPC has already been imposed. "Mumbai, we have survived several storms together. This cyclone shall pass too. As always, just take all necessary precautions, follow the guidelines and dont believe in any rumours. Trust only official sources. Take care," Mumbai Police tweeted. The nationwide tally of confirmed COVID-19 infections neared 2.1 lakh on Wednesday with a record number of nearly 9,000 new cases getting detected across states and union territories, while the death toll neared the 6,000-mark. IMAGE: A health worker wearing protective gloves signs a swab sample vial at a Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Tripura. Photograph: ANI Photo The government, however, said recoveries have also crossed the one-lakh mark and the testing infrastructure has been ramped up considerably. Badly-hit states and union territories such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Delhi continued to report rising tallies, while new cases continued to surface in several eastern and north-eastern states including Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Sikkim. Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala also figured among the states where more people tested positive for COVID-19. In its morning update, the Union health ministry said the total number of cases has risen to 2,07,615 across the country, following an increase of 8,909 cases in the 24 hours since Tuesday 8 am, while the death toll rose by 217 in this period to 5,815. The number of active cases has also risen to more than 1.01 lakh, while at least 1,00,302 COVID-19 patients have recovered already giving an overall recovery rate of over 48 per cent, the ministry said. However, a PTI tally of figures announced by states and UTs, as of 9.30 pm, showed the total number of confirmed cases having risen to close to 2.1 lakh and the death toll to approximately 6,000, showing an increase of nearly 9,000 cases since Tuesday evening and at least 273 more fatalities in this time period. It also showed a higher number of recoveries at more than 1.03 lakh. India is the seventh worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic after the United States, Brazil, Russia, the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy. India's tally had crossed the 2-lakh mark on Tuesday night with nearly 1 lakh new cases having emerged in a span of 15 days. The first COVID-19 case in India was detected on January 30. The health ministry also said that the number of COVID-19 tests across the country has crossed the 40 lakh-mark, while the daily testing capacity has been ramped up to 1.4 lakh through 480 government and 208 private laboratories. Sources said attempts are underway to further increase the capacity to two lakh tests per day. IMAGE: A shopkeeper arranges face masks at his shop, after authorities eased restrictions of the ongoing COVID-19 nationwide lockdown, in Jabalpur. Photograph: PTI Photo In the national capital itself, a record number of 1,513 new cases emerged, taking its tally past the 23,000-mark, while the death toll climbed to 606. The Delhi government, however, reduced the 14-day mandatory home quarantine period to seven days for all asymptomatic travellers arriving in the national capital. Last week, the Karnataka government had also reduced the mandatory quarantine period to seven days for asymptomatic travellers coming to the state, except for those coming from Maharashtra. However, the Uttarakhand government increased this mandatory quaratine period to 21 days, from 14 days earlier, for those returning from the country's 75 worst coronavirus-hit cities, including Delhi,Noida, Agra, Lucknow, Meerut, Varanasi, Chennai and Hyderabad. In the meantime, scientists at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad have identified a distinct trait in the coronavirus found in the people infected in the country, mostly in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Telangana. They have named this unique cluster of virus population as 'Clade A3i' found in 41 per cent of the genome sequenced in India. 'Here is a fresh preprint on genome analysis of SARS-CoV2 spread in India. The results show a distinct cluster of virus population, uncharacterised thus far, which is prevalent in India - called the Clade A3i,' the CCMB tweeted. 'This cluster seems to have originated from an outbreak in February 2020, and spread through India. This comprises 41 per cent of all SARS-CoV2 genomes from Indian samples, and 3.5 of global genomes submitted into public domain,' it said. The CCMB is a laboratory under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Among southern states, Kerala reported its highest single-day spike of 86 cases, taking its tally to 1,494. Those having tested positive included a doctor and four health workers. More than 1.6 lakh people are under observation in the state. Among the new cases, 53 people had come from abroad and 19 from other states, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters after a COVID-19 evaluation meeting. Tamil Nadu also reported its highest single-day increase of 1,286 cases, taking its tally of confirmed cases to 25,872. The state also recorded 11 more fatalities, taking the death toll to 208. IMAGE: Social distancing markers are seen on a pathway leading to the Kali Mata temple after authorities allowed re-opening of all religious places from June 8, amid the ongoing COVID-19 nationwide lockdown, in Jammu. Photograph: PTI Photo In Telangana, four doctors at a Hyderabad government hospital tested positive. In North, Himachal Pradesh's remote Kinnaur district reported its first two cases after a couple tested positive after returning from Delhi. Barring Lahaul-Spiti, now 11 of the 12 districts in the state have COVID-19 cases. Uttarakhand also saw 23 more people testing positive, taking its tally to 1,066. According to the state government bulletin, the people who tested positive had travelled to Delhi, Aligarh, Mumbai and Hyderabad. In Nagaland, nine more people tested positive and all of them had returned to the state last month in a migrant special train. In Sikkim, a man who returned from Delhi recently tested positive, becoming the second case of COVID-19 in the hill state. Megalaya and Mizoram also saw new cases among those having returned from other states. Assam recorded 111 new cases, while Odisha reported 143 more cases. Karnataka recorded 367 new cases and 168 new cases emerged in Madhya Pradesh. Gujarat's tally of confirmed cases rose by 485 to reach 18,117, while its death toll increased by 30 to 1,122. Maharashtra, the worst-hit state, reported 122 COVID-19 deaths, the highest for a day, taking its toll to 2,587, while the count of positive cases rose by 2,560 to 74,860. However, close to 1,000 patients were discharged from hospitals. In the national capital, a five-member committee has been constituted by the Delhi government to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and look into overall preparedness of hospitals to battle COVID-19. In the meantime, the protest by the AIIMS Nurses' Union over their working conditions entered the third day. The premier medical institution in the national capital has seen at least 329 staff members having tested positive for COVID-19 so far, of which 47 are nursing staff. In a letter to AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria, the nurses body has put forward a number of demands including implementation of a uniform four-hour shift with personal protective equipment in COVID-19 areas of the hospital, a uniform rotation policy between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas, and establishment of proper donning and doffing area. He was a legend that lives on. June 2 marked filmmaker/actor Raj Kapoors 32nd death anniversary. Friend and colleague, Manoj Kumar, spoke to a daily about his love for the Showman. He revealed how a miscommunication almost stopped him from making a guest appearance in Raj Kapoors Mera Naam Joker (1970). Manoj has always been a Raj Kapoor fan. So when Raj offered him a small role in Mera Naam Joker, he was happy to accept it. However, the actor was shooting outside Mumbai when Raj tried to call him. For some reason, Raj couldnt get through. Raj assumed that Manoj was trying to avoid him. When Manoj learnt about it, he gave a call to Raj and the two soon met. Manoj told the daily, We met at 4 pm at (composer) Jaikishans residence, where I assured Raj saab that neither I nor my wife Shashi would ever dare to discomfit him. I told him I was looking forward to working with not the Showman but a karmayogi (who views his work with reverence) Raj saab quietly heard me out, then, put his head in my lap and started crying. Manoj also revealed that Raj asked him to rewrite his own scenes. When I demurred, pointing out that (K.A) Abbas saab (who wrote the story and screenplay) was a senior writer, he made me speak to him on the phone and he gave me his permission. Raj Kapoor was impressed by the actors reworked scenes and few lines. For example, in the film when the young Raju asks whos the biggest joker, David points upwards and indicates that its the divine one, just like a joker, He doesnt do anything for himself. He added, Appreciating that dialogue, Raj saab pointed out that I had encapsulated the philosophy of the joker in these lines. He further added, The first story in this three-story film was reworked by me, but I didnt do it for name, fame or money. I paid for my travel expenses and hotel stay and refused to take credit as writer. Mera Naam Joker was my tribute to karmayogi Raj Kapoor. In Urdu awara means khushboo and even today, the fragrance of Raj Kapoor fills our senses. Mera Naam Joker starred Rishi Kapoor, Simi Grewal, Kseniya Ryabinkina, apart from Raj and Manoj. June 2 marked the 32nd death anniversary of Raj Kapoor. 347 Shares Share Seven years ago, I took a hot yoga class in a packed studio, an R&B playlist bumping loudly, the woman next to me sporadically singing along with the music. Afterward, she smiled at me and said, It was nice to practice with you! I was new to yoga, and this was the first time I considered yoga as a practice, a word signifying a skill performed repeatedly in order to improve proficiency. A practice, by nature, is an acknowledgment that we are not perfect but we are working on it. Many perceive yoga as a practice of flexibility but in fact, it is a practice of balance. The practice of balancing sthira and sukha, Sanskrit words loosely translating to strength and softness, effort and ease. The practice of balancing breath, matching each intentional inhale with each measured exhale. The practice of balancing our bodies, physically balancing on one foot or both hands, mentally balancing our resistance with acceptance. As a recently graduated fourth-year medical student and brand new resident physician, I delight in the way both yoga and medicine are considered a practice, an acknowledgment of imperfection. I practiced and taught yoga throughout medical school and found the physical and mental aspects of yoga to be a steady force that helped me maintain balance over the past four years. And now, facing the start of my career as a physician, I cannot imagine one practice without the other. The first year of medical school reminds me of childs pose, a common way to begin a yoga class. Newly-minted medical students are fresh and eager sponges ready to absorb information. As we start small and settle into our practice, we accumulate knowledge but are unable to do anything with it yet. Sometimes we wonder if we are doing enough, moving enough, learning enough. We try to be patient, settling into steady breath, allowing this early part of our journey to set the tone for the years to come. Second-year is like sun salutations. We start to build routine movement, create physical and mental heat, and work our way through familiar patterns. We are eager and excited to progress in our practice as we cultivate muscle memory. We begin to move with tempo, inhaling and expanding, exhaling, and contracting. Becoming more comfortable with our role, we gain knowledge and confidence. The practice begins to feel good. Our third year resembles the practice of including a peak pose, sequencing a class to prepare for a specific posture. Movements become intentional as we orient our energy toward determining a future specialty. We rotate through clerkships, shifting through various poses, searching for that ideal balance of effort and ease of strength and softness. We learn to sit with discomfort, to continue to breathe through the parts that dont fit right. We hope we have learned enough, seen enough, prepared enough that when we finally reach the peak pose, we will be ready. Finally, fourth-year brings us to corpse pose, savasana, our practice of stillness the time to soak in all of the physical and mental work we have done as we prepare to start anew. Often the most challenging part of practice; it necessitates full relaxation and quiet and we as humans are quite skilled at finding distractions to prevent us from being fully present with ourselves. When we finally allow ourselves the chance to rest, we close our eyes and see how far we have come. But sometimes the distraction is too big to ignore. This year, savasana was thrown off course by coronavirus, and my graduating classmates and I will begin as interns in the midst of COVID-19. Instead of festive graduation celebrations and traveling abroad, we are participating in virtual ceremonies and baking banana bread at home. We proudly watch health care providers put their own lives at risk each day, knowing that we will soon follow in their footsteps. We endure the inevitable instability that accompanies uncertainty, and bravely remember that we chose a life of service. I lean on my yoga practice, both physically and mentally, to keep me grounded and balanced as my colleagues and I dive headfirst into a global pandemic. Yoga teaches me the importance of being fully present, whether moving on my yoga mat or giving a patient my undivided attention. Yoga is where I learned to cultivate breath, both to keep me steady in a challenging posture, and to keep me focused under a sterile gown in a hot operating room. Yoga emphasizes observation without judgment, whether noticing my own bodys flexibility or learning about a new patient. Through instability, doubt, insecurity, and fear, I return to my practice to find balance. In yoga and medicine: I am an expert in neither, but I am practicing both. Caitlin McCarthy is a psychiatry resident. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Choo Yun Ting (The Straits Times/Asia News Network) Wed, June 3, 2020 15:07 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbd6368 2 News Singapore-Airlines,travel,Airlines,coronavirus,COVID-19 Free Singapore Airlines (SIA) is resuming flights to several destinations in June and July, and increasing the number of flights for some of its other services. The airline will be flying to 27 cities in June and July, up from the 15 that had been earlier announced for June. The reinstated scheduled services include flights to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Christchurch, Hong Kong, Melbourne and Osaka, SIA said on Monday. These flights are subject to regulatory approvals and changes, the airline added. The updated flight schedules mean that SIA has cut about 94 percent of the passenger capacity which had been originally scheduled for June and July, pre-COVID-19. "SIA and SilkAir will continue to adjust our capacity to match the demand for international air travel," the group said. In April, flight cancellations had extended to as much as 96 percent of SIA's passenger capacity, as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, which has sunk the demand for air travel globally. In Monday's update, SIA reiterated that customers whose flights were cancelled by SIA or SilkAir will retain the full value of the unused portion of their tickets as flight credits. They will also be awarded bonus flight credits when rebooking their flights. On May 29, the airline group extended its travel waiver policy for flights up till July 31, for customers who purchased their tickets on or before March 15. The travel credits from the unused portion of tickets can be used to book new flights up till Dec 31, 2021. SIA has also waived rebooking and no-show fees for customers. Topics : This article appeared on The Straits Times newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Robert Spinks began work in October 2018 as the new police chief in Parsons. Pete Evans has sparked further outrage on social media following his endorsement of President Donald Trump's threats to use the military against Black Lives Matter protesters. The celebrity chef, 47, shared a Facebook post on Wednesday stating that the riots across the U.S. in response to the death of George Floyd are part of a media conspiracy staged by 'the elite' to distract citizens from the coronavirus pandemic. 'With the wave of a wand the media diverted your attention from a "deadly" pandemic to racial riots, and you didn't even stop to notice,' the post reads. Pete Evans has sparked further outrage on social media following his endorsement of President Donald Trump's threats to use the military against Black Lives Matter protesters 'Stop taking the bait and being spoon fed by the media. They are here to misinform you. Think critically and research for yourself,' it continues. 'Do not mistake rioters with protesters. There is plenty of evidence showing you that the riots were instigated by organisations affiliated with the elite. 'It is no accident that videos of police brutality have suddenly gone viral. I hope you see the pattern. Stay vigilant, be prepared, don't fall for the new world agenda. And once again think, it's not illegal yet. 'We are waking up, and the elite are afraid.' Evans captioned the post: 'I invite you to read and feel into these words that someone sent me. Or simply scroll on.' The celebrity chef, 47, shared a Facebook post on Wednesday stating that the riots across the U.S. in response to the death of George Floyd are part of a media conspiracy staged by 'the elite' to distract citizens from the coronavirus pandemic The origins of the meme are unclear, but Evans probably sourced it from a Facebook page dedicated to conspiracy theories - which he has done before. The post sparked backlash from Evans' once-loyal fans, several of whom were appalled by how he was portraying the anti-racism protests. 'Jesus dude, do you mind? People are facing physical violence from the people who are supposed to be protecting them, and you're too busy rEaLIsinG tHe tRUtH that you suddenly think hate crimes shared via organic reach are just the "lamestream" media,' one person commented. 'Just because you can suddenly share your thoughts without breaking a contract, doesn't make them any less cracked.' Several conspiracy theories about the George Floyd protests have surfaced on social media since the African American's death in custody last Monday. Pictured: New York police officers arresting protesters after the 8pm curfew on Wednesday The post sparked backlash from Evans' once-loyal fans, several of whom were appalled by how he was portraying the anti-racism protests Others pointed out there was no conspiracy behind the recent wave of police brutality, saying that such behaviour was just being caught on camera more regularly Another wrote: 'I really liked you Pete until this post. This movement has the ability to bring never seen before change for black people in many countries, especially ours. 'And you, a person who has the power to influence others, is choosing instead not to see the possibilities for miraculous positive change and instead vilify it.' Others pointed out there was no conspiracy behind the recent wave of police brutality, saying that such behaviour was just being caught on camera more regularly. One Facebook wrote: 'I'm sorry, but unless you've lived it, you will never understand and it's no new world, it's an old world for many that's finally being exposed.' Several conspiracy theories about the George Floyd protests have surfaced on social media since his death in custody last Monday. Anti-police brutality demonstrations have erupted in more than 400 cities in all 50 states in the 10 days since George Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man, died in custody in Minneapolis after being forcefully restrained by a white officer for eight minutes One example of the misinformation is the baseless rumour that Floyd is alive and that his death was a hoax designed to cause social division. Another false claim is that George Soros - the Hungarian-born billionaire investor, philanthropist and Holocaust survivor - is secretly funding the protests. A spokeswoman for Mr. Soros told the New York Times: 'We deplore the false notion that the people taking to the streets to express their anguish are paid, by George Soros or anyone else.' Aryeh Tuchman of the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish organisation that opposes antisemitism, also told the Times of Israel: 'It has been very common among right-wing pundits and leaders in the media to ascribe the activity on the ground to Soros, who they claim is paying protesters to show up and advance his alleged anti-American agenda.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Pete Evans for comment. Anti-police brutality demonstrations have erupted in more than 400 cities in all 50 states in the 10 days since Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man, died in custody in Minneapolis after being forcefully restrained by a white officer for eight minutes. The riots have so far resulted in more than 9,000 arrests and major cities, including New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., have enforced curfews. Derek Chauvin, the officer who restrained Floyd, has been charged with second-degree murder, and the three other officers on the the scene have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. The riots have so far resulted in more than 9,000 arrests and major cities, including New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., have enforced curfews. Pictured: looters smash a storefront in Manhattan Demonstrators peacefully protest outside of Trump International Hotel Washington on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday In recent weeks, Evans has shared dozens of social media posts vaguely hinting at a global conspiracy, encouraging his followers to 'join the dots'. Meanwhile, he has faced backlash for spreading false information about 5G technology and the non-existent link between vaccines and autism, not to mention his wildly off-brand pro-Trump rhetoric. His views have become so bizarre since quitting Channel Seven earlier this year, that a leading doctor has expressed concerns for his mental health. Evans drew criticism earlier this week when he shared a video of U.S. President Donald Trump saying he would use force to 'take back the streets' in the wake of America's race riots Dr Harry Nespolon, the president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, said last month he feared Evans was 'in trouble' and advised him to book an appointment with his GP. The chef insisted he was perfectly fine, physically and mentally. Evans drew criticism earlier this week when he shared a video of U.S. President Donald Trump saying he would use force to 'take back the streets' in the wake of America's race riots. He captioned a video of Trump announcing new measures to stop violent protesters with a red love heart emoji, despite the president facing widespread condemnation for his handling of the demonstrations. The celebrity chef reposted a video of Trump (pictured outside the White House on Monday) announcing his new measures to stop violent protesters alongside a love heart emoji 'I have no respect left for you Pete! How can you agree with him when black people don't have the same rights?' one person commented. 'How can anyone support Trump! He's clearly incompetent in COVID-19, contributed to such division in the States and gives tax breaks to the very rich while the poor get poorer,' another wrote. Similar comments included, 'I'm so confused, what is to love about this?' and, 'A Trump supporter? Yuck.' Evans faced backlash from his once-loyal fans, who disapproved of his support for Trump This comes after radio host Ben Fordham revealed that the celebrity chef may be considering a career in politics One disappointed fan added: 'You have always been someone I've looked up to with your consistent messages of peace and love. So the fact that you're endorsing this man and his fight fire with fire proposal is truly appalling.' Evans has used his page to share posts in support of Trump in the past. This comes after broadcaster Ben Fordham revealed that the celebrity chef may be considering a career in politics. Speaking on his 2GB radio show on Monday, Ben explained that a fan had suggested the idea to Evans on social media and he responded with: 'Stay tuned'. A 11-year-old boy who was returning home on a two-wheeler with his father died after their bike skid on the highway and he came under the wheels of a passing BEST bus in Kandivali (East) on Tuesday evening. The 57-year-old Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus driver was arrested for negligence. The police said it was raining at the time of the incident. According to Samta Nagar police, the incident took place at around 5.30 pm near Sai Dham temple on the north-bound stretch of the western express highway. The father-son duo was returning to their home in Nalasopara from KEM Hospital in Mumbai. The police rushed the boy to Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali (West) where he was declared dead before admission. The father survived with minor injuries. The deceased boy Ali Khan was suffering from a disease and was being treated for it for the past seven years at KEM Hospital. His father Aslam, a labourer had taken him on the bike to KEM Hospital and the duo was returning home. The bike skid and the boy fell off and came under the front wheel of the bus. He suffered injuries on his stomach. We have registered an FIR against the bus driver and have arrested him for causing death due to negligence under section 304 A of the IPC, said Raju Kasbe, senior police inspector of Samta Nagar police station. Coty Inc is in talks with reality TV star Kim Kardashian West over a potential collaboration for a beauty line, the cosmetics maker disclosed in a regulatory filing on Wednesday. The company already has a majority stake in West's half sister, Kylie Jenner's makeup and skincare line, which it bought last year for $600 million. West, who is known for chronicling her life with her sisters on TV's Keeping Up with the Kardashians, launched her own makeup line in 2017, two years after Jenner's successful foray into the beauty industry. Biz deal: Coty Inc is in talks with reality TV star Kim Kardashian West over a potential collaboration for a beauty line, the cosmetics maker disclosed in a regulatory filing on Wednesday Shares of the company rose nearly 7% on Wednesday after the possibility of another collaboration with the family, adding to the 20% gains in Coty's stock seen earlier this week, when it named chairman Peter Harf as its new CEO. Coty, however, said there was no assurance that an agreement or collaboration would be reached and did not provide any further details The company's holding recently came under the scanner after Forbes magazine alleged that Jenner had been overplaying the value of her cosmetics brand. Makeup minded: West, who is known for chronicling her life with her sisters on TV's Keeping Up with the Kardashians, launched her own makeup line in 2017, two years after Jenner's successful foray into the beauty industry Coty's new chief executive officer said on Monday the allegations came as a 'mystery' to him. In late May Jenner slammed Forbes after it published a bombshell report accusing the Jenner family of inflating figures and 'forging' tax returns for the makeup mogul's cosmetics company. It appears the 22-year-old reality star was taken by surprise at the article, which claims Kylie Cosmetics is not doing as well as the Jenners want people to think - and that the Lip Kit creator is not actually a billionaire. Forbes named Kylie the world's youngest self-made billionaire in 2019 and again in 2020, and of her surprise over their latest article she wrote on Twitter: 'what am i even waking up to. i thought this was a reputable site.. Sister did it: The company already has a majority stake in West's half sister, Kylie Jenner's makeup and skincare line, which it bought last year for $600 million 'All i see are a number of inaccurate statements and unproven assumptions lol. ive never asked for any title or tried to lie my way there EVER. period' She followed up with a quote from the Forbes report that accused the Jenners and their accountant of producing false tax returns. '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 tweeted incredulously. She followed up with another post focusing on the positive, 'but okay i am blessed beyond my years, i have a beautiful daughter, and a successful business and im doing perfectly fine.' 'Inaccurate statements': On Friday morning Kylie appeared shocked by the Forbes article that claimed her family created a 'web of lies' so she could be crowned the youngest billionaire In a detailed report based on public financial disclosures, Forbes on Friday accused the family of creating a 'web of lies' and said Kylie had inflated the size of her business and success. The publication accuses her of 'lying about company figures and forging tax returns' to be dubbed a billionaire. Based on filings from beauty giant Coty, which acquired a 51 percent stake of Kylie's makeup company in January at a valuation of $1.2 billion, Kylie Cosmetics generated revenues and profits that were far lower that the figures touted for years by the Jenner-Kardashian clan. These shock claims come after Forbes put Kylie on the cover and hailed her the youngest self-made billionaire ever two years running. Forbes explained that it had been shown 2016 tax returns indicating revenue far higher than the numbers revealed by Coty's filing, and that there were only two explanations: Kylie Cosmetics' sales had utterly collapsed in the two years before the acquisition, or the tax returns were fabricated. Not worried: Kylie reacted to a tweet that questioned why she cared about it with so much going on in the news Reaction: Another fan asked her to use her platform to speak out about George Floyd, the man who was killed by a police officer in Minnesota this week Forbes now think that Kylie, even after pocketing an estimated $340 million after tax from the sale, is not a billionaire. The magazine claimed that filings released by publicly traded Coty over the past six months reveal Kylies business is significantly smaller than people have been led to believe. They wrote: 'Revenues over a 12-month period preceding the deal: $177million according to the Coty presentation, far lower than the published estimates at the time. 'More problematic, Coty said that sales were up 40% from 2018, meaning the business only generated about $125 million that year, nowhere near the $360 million the Jenners had led Forbes to believe. 'Kylies skincare line, which launched in May 2019, did $100 million in revenues in its first month and a half, Kylies reps told us. The filings show the line was actually on track to finish the year with just $25 million in sales.' They add that there was no way the numbers the Jenners were offering in earlier years could be true. If Kylie Cosmetics did $125 million in sales in 2018, how could it have done $307 million in 2016 as their supposed tax returns state or $330 million in 2017? Forbes claimed that their new calculations put Kylie's personal fortune at just under $900million. MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Kylie Jenner for comment. Impressive: In 2019, Kylie was hailed as the 'youngest 'self-made' billionaire for the second year in a row (pictured on the 2018 cover) Kylie's lawyer Michael Kump told TMZ: 'We have reviewed Forbes' article accusing Kylie of engaging in deceit and a 'web of lies' to inflate her net worth. 'The article is filled with outright lies. Forbes' accusation that Kylie and her accountants 'forged tax returns' is unequivocally false and we are demanding that Forbes immediately and publicly retract that and other statements.' He added, 'It is sad that, of all things, Forbes has devoted 3 reporters to investigate the effect of the coronavirus crisis on Kylie's net worth. We would not expect that from a supermarket tabloid, much less from Forbes.' In 2019, the star unseated Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, then 35, as the youngest-ever self-made billionaire - he was 23 when he made his first billion 11 years ago in 2008. Forbes has addressed the controversy that surrounds the title 'self-made' as last year people were up in arms that Kylie came from an already privileged background. They penned: ' Yes, self-made (despite a lot of help from her famous family, she didnt inherit her businessshe built it). And yes, billionaire (shes worth $1 billion).' The site also claimed that money from Kylie's Coty sale meant she was one of just 2,095 people in the world with a fortune of ten digits. Defense: At the time, Forbes addressed the controversy that surrounds the title 'self-made' as people were up in arms that Kylie came from an already privileged background (pictured in February) Kylie previously told Forbes: 'I didnt expect anything. I did not foresee the future. But [the recognition] feels really good. Thats a nice pat on the back.' Jenner, who is the youngest and richest of the entire Kardashian-Jenner family, started her make up line in 2015 by selling $29 lipstick kits. The kits sold out within minutes of launching - an early sign of the power of her now 270 million-plus social media following. Jenner's products were only sold online when it was first launched but in 2018, the brand struck a deal to sell its goods in 1,100 Ulta Beauty stores across the U.S. She expanded her empire earlier this year with Kylie Skin - a line of moisturizers, under eye creams and facial scrubs. Incredible: Jenner, the youngest sibling of the Kardashian family, started her make up line with lipstick kits in 2015. Kylie Cosmetics signed a deal with Ulta Beauty Inc to put her products in all of the retailer's 1,163 U.S. stores (above) Jenner brought in sales of an estimated $360 million in 2018. Forbes itself put Kylie on the cover in March 2019, hailing her as the youngest ever self-made billionaire. The move appeared to anger her brother-in-law Kanye West, whom Forbes did not declare a billionaire until April of this year. The magazine reported that West 'reacted with hurt and venom' after he was not included in its billionaires list earlier this year. 'You know what you're doing,' he texted a Forbes reporter. 'You're toying with me and I'm not finna lye [sic] down and take it anymore in Jesus name.' After he was finally added to the list, West disputed Forbes' evaluation of his net worth at $1.26 billion. Currently, the entire world is suffering from arguably one of the greatest health crises humankind has ever experienced. More than 0.3 million people have already died with over 5 million cases registered and just over 2 million have recuperated. Nepal has also tested more than 800 positive cases with four people being dead. As a result, global lockdown, social distancing and increased sanitation are strictly in practice. The impact is felt across the world economies as the crisis has dismally affected almost all the industries. Tourism and production sector have been badly hit by the virus with medium to the low impact felt in other industries including agriculture, services, hospitality and others with decline in demand and consumption, supply chain disruptions and changing customer behaviours. People have lost jobs; companies have been shut down; children are deprived of education; people are feeling anxiety as uncertainties pile around them as to when the pandemic will finally be controlled. The way we live and work after the crisis will be different in many ways just as catastrophic events in the past have led to major changes including World War II changing society into a technology-based social structure. Here is how life in Nepal could be changed powered primarily by digital transformation, economic restructuring, and shift in consumer preferences, with health and hygiene being the critical focus. 1. Shift towards the digital economy Post-Covid-19, businesses will make the most use of digital technologies as they realise the importance and benefits of e-business tools and models. We already see an increase in the frequent use of mobile banking app and e-banking use by customers which seems to continue moving upward in the future, shifting the tradition to a cashless economy. For instance, NIC Asia Bank is aiming to channelise 90% of its total transactions digitally in the upcoming years. More consumers will purchase through e-commerce platforms. Businesses will continue to leverage video conferencing tools like Zoom. Telecommuting will be an alternative, bolstered by remotely coordinating and cloud-based sharingfor private firms to government organisations. Office space will come at a relatively lower rate. The education sector will too gradually develop a framework and leverage online platforms, complementing chalk-and-duster methods of learning. There will be increasing demand for rampant upskilling and reskilling of the labour force to take on digital sectors. All this, however, will require tremendous government support with infrastructural investment, especially in rural areas where people do not have access to digital devices and private sector promotion. Of course, this will be more of a long-term target given the huge cost associated with building Nepal a digital economy. 2. Increased focus on health and hygiene According to UNICEF, as many as 4,000 children under the age of five could die in Nepal as the Covid-19 crisis has ravaged an already vulnerable healthcare system here unless immediate action is taken to change. Therefore, the government must act now to assess risk and opportunities in the healthcare sector and build a framework for the implementation of health system restructuring. The importance of digital health solutions is being crystal clear during these challenging times, forcing the authorities to realise the need for a robust healthcare system in the country. Hand sanitiser at disposal everywhere and meetings and gatherings at least six feet apart might be the new normal. People will be health-conscious more than ever. New rules and guidelines for personal hygiene and changed office interiors will shape the office work. There appears to be a tremendous move in buyer inclinations with a surge in request for cleanliness items and healthcare supplements and a few of these changes will stick around even after the circumstance improves and the lockdown is lifted. 3. Restructuring and economic development initiatives With no jobs or pay, many Nepali migrant workers currently working in other countries, especially those in the Gulf, are willing to come back to the country as soon as possible. Some desperate migrant workers even swam big rivers into the country from India causing coronavirus cases to skyrocket to a larger extent. Sooner or later, they will be back in Nepal and these people have to be given employment opportunities if the economy is to avoid significant unemployment and economic contraction. This, of course, will require intense investment from the government in the development of infrastructures and industries. Large-scale migration and the ensuing remittances have contributed to the steady loss of competitiveness in Nepal along with the growth of low-productivity services. This scenario might improve if the government succeeds in creating economic opportunities and the opportunity is just ideal for the authorities to increase real productive capacity in the coming years. Furthermore, agricultural reforms accounting for one-third of the GDP and two-thirds of the labour force will be important to further poverty alleviation, productivity improvement, and the release of labour for new sources of growth. Lamichhane is a graduate from Kathmandu University School of Management, currently working as a research analyst at Frost & Sullivan. The effectiveness of cloth masks depends on the material, the fit and the number and kind of layers. When it comes to your face, cloth masks can absorb natural oils, which may trigger your skin to compensate and overproduce oil, leading to more acne, McGill said. The best cloth option for your skin is a mask made from silk or silk-lined materials, said Adam Mamelak, an Austin-based dermatologist, because silk has antimicrobial properties and has been shown to be better for people with sensitive skin. The downside to those? They arent as effective at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus because they tend to gap around the cheeks, mouth and nose. Plus, the fabric is porous, so smaller droplets may be able to get through. Mamelak suggests looking for silk masks that include multiple layers with filters in between. There are few things worse for a dairy farmer than seeing fresh milk literally poured down the drain. Thats why, from the early weeks of the pandemic until now, thousands of organizations around the country began campaigns to get that excess milk processed and delivered to people who need it. The action and demand have been remarkable. On April 17, USDA announced they would exercise authority to purchase excess agricultural products to distribute to those in need. We now know that the Farmers to Families Food Box Program will purchase $317 million in dairy products to include in food boxes distributed through food banks and nonprofit organizations across the country between May 15 and June 30. Its a triple win Michael Dykes, CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), describes the food boxes as a win-win-win situation. It is a win for those dairy farmers because your milk is being bought, and its being processed. Those processors are employing people who are continuing to make products, and then it is going to the families who need it most, he said. Dykes made those comments with firsthand experience, joining the May 27 DairyLivestream after assisting USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue with a Farmers to Families Food Box donation event in Pennsylvania. This giveaway was one of the first mass distributions of the program, sending boxes of dairy and produce home with 1,000 cars at the county fairgrounds. Dykes described that the dairy products provided were sourced from a local processor and included fluid milk, cottage cheese, Swiss cheese, and cheese curds. A home for ag products The program will also purchase meat and produce to include in delivered boxes. USDA has promised a total of $3 billion to agricultural purchases, and on May 8 approved $1.2 billion for the first round of contracts to be spent through June 30. If need continues after the end of June, $1.8 billion remains in the pot for use. Dairys portion of that first installment comes to $317 million of consumer-sized products purchased from processing plants around the country. From the time the bids were starting to be accepted until the grants were awarded was one week, Dykes said. The program was designed as an efficient use of resources. This not only means excess milk but also the food safety and refrigeration infrastructure across the country that had been sitting idle for months, Dykes said. IDFA had been encouraging USDA to think creatively about how to best use these assets while meeting a need for American families as well as preventing inflated stock that would drive down future prices. Dykes also stressed that any nonprofit organization with a tax-exempt identification can receive food boxes to distribute, not just food banks. The program certainly helps fill a need, and Dykes applauded the joint effort of agricultural industries to solve this problem. All of us in dairy can feel good about what we are doing because we are doing good things for people. An ongoing series of events In June, DairyLivestream will begin airing twice each month for the remainder of this year. The next broadcast will be on Wednesday, June 10 at 11 a.m. CST. Each episode is designed for panelists to answer over 30 minutes of audience questions. If you havent joined a DairyLivestream broadcast yet, register here. Registering once registers you for all future events. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2020 June 1, 2020 Bazaar Corporate Radar | Feb 22, 2021, 12:00 AM IST Bazaar Corporate Radar Bazaar Corporate Radar is your window into the minds of top CEOs, Boardrooms, global economists, fund managers and sector analysts. If it?s making news, you?ll find it on Bazaar Corporate Radar. It didn't take long for Willie, a 5-year-old Labrador mix, to become a favorite among the staff at Houston's BARC Animal Shelter. ADOPT DON'T SHOP: Houston readers share photos of their rescue pups Willie was found in bad shape by a BARC staff member in mid-April; he was underweight and suffering from an eye and skin condition. Even though he was in pain, his sweet personality made him a favorite guest at BARC. Willie is healthy again and is one of many dogs looking for a forever home. Keep scrolling for a look at the adoptable dogs currently waiting at BARC... MediaTek has denied the reports that itll be indirectly supplying TSMC chips to Huawei. The Taiwanese chipmaker said it will follow all relevant global trade laws and regulations and will not be involved in any unethical business means. For the uninitiated, a Japanese news agency recently claimed that MediaTek will be supplying Huawei with TSMC chips indirectly. The report explicitly mentioned that the chipmaker would buy chips from TSMC, label them as its own, and sell them to Huawei. The company has now come out and denied the allegations. A MediaTek spokesperson has clarified that the company will not make any such arrangements for Huawei, or for that matter, for any other customer. Advertisement It is reportedly mulling legal action against the Japanese news agency for making false claims and affecting the companys credibility. It has asked the concerned agency to retract the report. MediaTek will not be supplying TSMC chips to Huawei indirectly The US government tightened the trade restrictions on Huawei last month. The Trump administration blocked foundries using American software and technology from supplying chips to the Chinese phone maker. While Huaweis fully-owned chipmaker HiSilicon designs its own Kirin chips, it relies on TSMC for their manufacturing. The recent change in rules means TSMC could no longer manufacture the Kirin chips for Huawei. Advertisement The Chinese company is expectedly looking for alternatives and MediaTek is one viable option. A report last month claimed that it has increased orders for MediaTek processors by 300 percent this year. Now that the latter has denied reports of it indirectly supplying TSMC chips to Huawei, we might see MediaTek processors in most of the upcoming Huawei phones. Huawei is reportedly negotiating with the Taiwanese chipmaker for its Dimensity 5G chipsets. If the two reach a deal, MediaTek could become the companys largest supplier of chips for its flagship phones. Neither of the companies has confirmed these reports, though. Advertisement For its low-end phones, Huawei could move to Shanghai, China-based Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) for supplying chips. It has already moved production from TSMC to SMIC. However, since SMICs most advanced chip as of now is based on a 14nm process, those chips arent fit enough for high-end phones. The company has reportedly already begun work on 7nm nodes and might catch up with the competition pretty quickly. After all, it recently received huge funding from national investors. The Chinese chipmaker could very well become a long-term partner of its compatriot Huawei. Japan's Diet on Tuesday enacted a revised road traffic law that will impose tougher penalties on drivers involved in road rage incidents. The revised law defines road rage as obstructive driving, such as putting other motorists in danger by zigzagging in front of another vehicle or suddenly slamming on the brakes. The term had previously not been legally defined. Such aggressive drivers can be sentenced to prison for up to five years or fined up to one million yen, or about 9,000 dollars. Their driver's license will be invalidated and they will be unable to get a new one for a certain period. The National Police Agency says there were over 15,000 cases of road rage across Japan last year, up about 2,000 from the previous year. The revised law also targets drivers aged 75 or older. Elderly drivers with a record of violations such as ignoring traffic signals must take a driving test when renewing their license. If their driving skills are below standard, they cannot have their license renewed. Punishment for road rage will be tightened from the end of this month, and new measures for elderly drivers are expected to take effect by mid-2022. Over 500 emergency response team members from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) and the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are on standby as Mumbai braces for impact of Cyclone Nisargas landfall by Wednesday afternoon. The BMC has appealed to citizens to not step out of their houses unnecessarily. It has also asked citizens to keep their mobile phones and power banks charged to ensure connectivity, and to keep candles handy. The city has been receiving light rains in several places since early morning. However, power distribution firms have said there will be no scheduled shutdowns. The Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company (Mahatransco) has created a contingency plan for all stakeholders for Wednesday and Thursday to prevent power outage in the state. There will be no planned shutdown of power supply in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and north Maharashtra on the two days, the plan, accessed by HT, stated. All the sub-station, operation and maintenance personnel and engineers have been asked to remain alert at power stations, to analyse the cause of tripping and take quick action, in case of any glitches. Mahatransco has also asked an adequate number of experienced staffers to be deployed at the control centres for crisis management. A system restoration procedure will also be readily available for the teams to take quick action, an official from the transmission arm said. The BrihanMumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, which supplies power to Mumbais island city, said it will keep its engineers on standby so that immediate action can be taken in case of a power failure, especially at Covid-19 hospitals or care centres. Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML), a major power supplier in the city and its suburbs, said all necessary precautions have been taken. Our specialised quick response teams are on standby. Consumers can call our helpline 19122, and our teams will attend to their concerns at the earliest, an AEML spokesperson said. According to BMCS disaster management department, officers from each of the 24 wards are on standby, followed by 150-plus members from MFB who will activate the flood response plan, in case of an emergency. Further, 94 lifeguards are on standby at several beaches in the city including Girgaon Chowpatty, Juhu, Versova, Aksa and Gorai, BMC officials said. Citizens have been barred from going to beaches in the city under a Section 144 order by the Mumbai Police. Three NDRF teams of 45 members each were already stationed in Mumbai until Tuesday. An additional five teams of 45 members each were airlifted from Andhra Pradesh late on Tuesday night. The NDRF team is on standby with equipment such as rescue boats, tree and pole cutters, life jackets, ropes, breathing masks, floaters, etc. An official from BMCs Disaster Management Cell said, The main worry is slums in places like Versova and Colaba, considering they are almost on the seashore. Many of those residing in these slums were identified and evacuated on Tuesday night. The official added, We are expecting a lot of trees to fall, and the ward level and MFB officials are already on standby for the same. Thankfully, as per the predictions, the landfall is in afternoon when there is a low tide, however, it will be worrying if during the landfall there is heavy rainfall. In the next three days, there will be three high tides of over four metres at least thrice. The first high tide of 4.26 metres was on Wednesday at 10.06 am. This will be followed by a 4.56 metre high tide at 10.57 am on Thursday, and a third one is expected at 11.45 am on Friday of 4.75 metres. Meanwhile, in an advisory issued on Tuesday, the BMC said, If for some unavoidable reason, you need to drive your car, please ensure that you carry a hammer or objects that can help you break the glass in case your car doors get jammed. Originari di Francofonte, sono stati ordinati lei nel 2008, ed e diventata suora di clausura, lui nel 2010 ed e l'attuale guida della comunita parrocchiale della basilica di SantAntonio Abate nella sua citta di nascita In recent weeks, Pakistan has made India its focus. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is tweeting about India and the Modi Government. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is trying to intervene in the India-China LAC situation. READ: 'Pakistan Remains An Epicentre Of Global Terrorism': India On Explosive UN Report Pakistan's shifting priorities Here is a short reminder to Pakistan on why they should focus their energies on the problems with their country: LOOMING FOOD AND SOCIAL SECURITY THREAT: On 1 June, State Bank of Pakistan said 40% of Pakistans population faces multidimensional poverty. In a video message, it was declared that this raises challenges of food and social security in an extended lockdown scenario. Pakistan should dedicate its efforts to overcome this looming poverty threat. READ: UN Report Claims 6,500 Pakistanis Among Foreign Terrorists In Afghanistan CORRUPTION IN CPEC PROJECTS: In August 2019, a report by the Pakistani governments internal report of corruption exposed Beijings corruption in China-Pakistan Economic corridor projects in which China has invested more than $62 billion in infrastructure and energy projects. The report highlighted the lack of transparency in the projects. TORTURE OF MINORITIES IN PAKISTAN: On 27 May, a Christian teenage girl was tortured and beaten in Kasur in Punjab province suffering a nasal fracture and other severe injuries. It was also reported that when the family went to lodge a complaint, the police apprehended the family members and lodged a fake complaint against them instead. Instead of poking his nose in Indian affairs, Imran Khan should work on empowering minorities in his nation. READ: Pakistan Document Shows Experts Wanted Lockdown RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS DESTROYED: On 30 May, a Christain pastor Haroon Sadiq Cheeda was brutally bashed and thrown out in Rahim Yar Khan city and forced to leave the city. Haroon Sadiq Cheeda, his wife and young son were reportedly attacked by some armed extremists with weapons. FOOD SHORTAGE IN PAKISTAN: According to the Global Report on Food Crises 2020, 51% of the analysed population of Pakistan faced acute food insecurity which was the highest in all of Asia READ: Pakistan Governor Calls Covid Lockdowns 'fashion Symbols', After Falling Prey To Infection Ukraine has received humanitarian aid from the Republic of Korea in the form of 20,000 coronavirus test kits. "On June 3, humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine from the Republic of Korea in the form of COVID-19 test kits in order to overcome coronavirus infection (a total of 20,000 test kits)," the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reports. It is noted that Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba thanked the Korean side for the timely assistance and consistent support for Ukraines efforts to fight the spread of coronavirus. "The Ukrainian side is ready to further strengthen friendly relations with the Republic of Korea and will make every effort for mutually beneficial development of promising areas of bilateral cooperation," Kuleba said. According to the Foreign Ministry, the issue of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine was discussed during a telephone conversation between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in on April 10. At the request of Ukraine, the Government of the Republic of Korea decided to allocate $300,000 to Ukraine in the form of COVID-19 test kits. USD 400,000 more will be transferred through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. As of June 3, Ukraine has reported 24,823 laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases, including 735 deaths and 10,440 recoveries. Over the past day, 483 new cases have been recorded. ol Khrystyna Shevchenko was diagnosed with a fracture of two toes and a minor head injury Protests in the United States that have begun over the death of George Floyd Montana Standard Voice of America journalist Khrystyna Shevchenko was attacked during the shooting of news footage on protests in the United States. She announced this on her Facebook page. "I was filming, as activists/robbers broke into the store. No one touched me for about 10 minutes. And then my eyes went blank from a punch. I was blacking out for a few seconds and then I fell. The tripod with the camera also fell on my foot," the journalist told. At the hospital, Shevchenko was diagnosed with a fracture of two toes and a minor head injury. She later hid her post due to a number of negative comments. As we reported earlier, the death of the 46-year-old African American George Floyd caused demonstrations and protests against racism and police brutality across the USA and the world. President of the United States Donald Trump was hidden in an underground bunker in central Washington during one of the protests. "Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the gates, shouting curses at President Trump, and in some cases threw bricks and bottles. Concerned about his safety, secret service agents placed the president in an underground bunker that was used in the past during terrorist attacks," the statement reads. President Donald Trump originally tried to register to vote in Florida while claiming his "legal residence" was in another part of the country - Washington, D.C. - according to Florida elections records. The September 2019 registration application listed Trump's legal residence as 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, the location of the White House. That created a potential problem for Trump: Florida law requires voters to be legal residents of the state. A month later, Trump resubmitted his application to use a Florida address and in March he voted by mail in Florida's Republican primary. The revisions complicate Trump's own record as a voter at a time when the president has made unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in mail-in balloting. Trump's original voter-registration application, which was obtained by The Washington Post via a public records request, was filed during a time when the president was making a highly publicized move to change his permanent residence from his Manhattan penthouse to Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach, Fla. The voter application is dated Sept. 27, 2019 - the same day that Trump made the domicile change. On one of his forms that day he was telling Florida officials that his "legal residence" was Washington, D.C., and on another he was saying he was a "bona fide resident" of Palm Beach. Florida voter-registration applicants are warned on registration forms that they may be subject to fines and even prison time if they do not provide truthful information. There has been at least one recent instance in Florida in which a public official faced legal consequences for registering to vote at an address that was not her legal residence. Last year, the city manager of Deltona, Fla., entered into an agreement with the local state's attorney's office to pay more than $5,000 in fees and reimbursements for the state's investigation to avoid being prosecuted on criminal charges in a voter-registration case. She had registered to vote using the address of Deltona's City Hall, rather than her home address, and had cast ballots in elections using that registration. In Palm Beach, where Trump has registered to vote, there was a high-profile arrest in 1993 of a popular restaurateur who was charged with voter fraud and briefly jailed because he registered to vote in Palm Beach but lived in the neighboring city of West Palm Beach. A felony charge in the case was eventually dropped. A month passed before Trump filed the second voter registration application, this time listing 1100 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach - the address of Mar-a-Lago - as his legal residence. There also was another difference: Trump's original voter-registration directed election officials to send his registration materials to Mar-a-Lago in care of another person - Sean McCabe, a vice president and general manager of Trump Florida Properties in the neighboring city of West Palm Beach. (McCabe's first name - Shawn - is misspelled.) It's unclear precisely what happened during the 31 days between Trump's two applications. It's possible that Florida elections officials flagged the D.C. address on the application and may have requested a change or clarification. Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link and the state's Division of Elections did not respond to written questions. Trump Organization representatives did not respond to written questions, and McCabe could not be reached for comment. Trump has used his change of residency as a political tool, saying at the time of his announcement that he had been treated badly in New York. Beyond that, he hasn't explained his reasons. Voting outside the District of Columbia while serving as president is not uncommon. President Barack Obama cast his vote in the 2016 presidential election in his hometown of Chicago, and President George W. Bush voted by mail in Texas in the 2008 presidential election. Trump, however, has sent confusing signals about his official state of residence beyond the recent change on his Florida voter-registration forms. On Monday, he declared, "I live in Manhattan," during a call with the nation's governors about the response to unrest related to protests over the death of an unarmed black man who had been held down by police in Minneapolis. Afterward, prominent Democratic lawyer Marc E. Elias tweeted: "Sounds like New York may have a good claim for taxes. And Florida for voter fraud." Questions about the legality of Trump's change of domicile surfaced in the past few weeks during an otherwise mundane fight he's been waging since 2018 to persuade Palm Beach to let him build a dock at Mar-a-Lago. Trump initially made the request, which is being considered by the Palm Beach City Council, saying it was needed to enhance security to protect him. He later changed the request, saying Mar-a-Lago is his "personal residence" and that the dock would be "for private family use only." According to Mar-a-Lago's website, he maintains "private quarters" at the club. Trump calls Mar-a-Lago his "Winter White House" and has traveled there more than two dozen times during his presidency, staying there well over 100 days, according to a Washington Post tally. Opponents of the dock unearthed an agreement with the city that Trump signed in the early 1990s converting Mar-a-Lago's use from a single-family residence to a private club. At the time, his attorney told the council that he would not live at the club, but would have use of the facilities like any other member. The agreement also bans members from staying at the club for more than 21 days a year spread over three nonconsecutive visits. "It's one or the other - it's a club or it's your home," Reginald Stambaugh, an attorney who represents a neighbor opposed to Trump's dock plan, told The Post in an interview last month. "You can't have it both ways." Trump withdrew the dock request in early May - three days after The Post reported on the existence of the use agreement and the potential legal problems it posed. His attorney told the council that he would revisit the request at a future date. Glenn Zeitz, a Philadelphia-area attorney who has a home in Palm Beach and has been informally advising the dock opponents, has said that the withdrawal has no bearing on the legal issues raised by Trump's domicile issue. Zeitz has said that Trump's decision to use Mar-a-Lago as his domicile may represent "a substantial and serious potential legal impediment" to Trump registering to vote in Florida. The revelation about Trump using an out-of-state address for his first voter application only adds more questions, he said. "It's just beyond the pale," Zeitz said, "that something is being done like this." - - - The Washington Post's Amy Gardner, Philip Bump and Alice Crites contributed to this report. The Emory College Advancement and Alumni Engagement team is hosting a monthly book club series online, featuring popular works by Emory College of Arts and Sciences faculty. The virtual book club series kicks off Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m. with Tayari Jones, Charles Howard Candler Professor of English and Creative Writing, discussing her fourth book, An American Marriage. Jones won the Womens Prize for Fiction, an Aspen Words Literary Prize and NAACP Image Award for An American Marriage. The New York Times bestseller tells the story of Celestial and Roy, young black newlyweds in Atlanta whose pursuit of the American dream is violently interrupted when Roy is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. The book club series continues July 2, when Joseph Crespino, Jimmy Carter Professor of History and chair of the history department, will discuss his award-winning title Atticus Finch: The Biography. The book draws on exclusive sources to reveal how Harper Lees father provided the central inspiration for her most well-known character. Deborah Lipstadt, Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies, will discuss her award-winning analysis Antisemitism: Here and Now on Sept. 3. The book unfolds as a series of conversational letters written by Lipstadt to two fictional acquaintances an inquisitive college student and a campus colleague, composites of people shes known across more than 40 years of teaching. Organizers are working to confirm Virtual Book Club events in August and October. Get more information and register for the June 4 event here. A major packaging company has reopened its Port Melbourne factory after about 100 workers were told to stay home because one employee tested positive for COVID-19. Amcor Flexibles, which manufactures wrappers for food, beverage and pharmaceutical products, confirmed on Wednesday that a worker had tested positive to the virus on Sunday. A worker at Amcor's Port Melbourne factory has tested positive for COVID-19. Credit:Paralax Photography A spokesman for Amcor Flexibles said the factory had not been operating when the company was notified of the positive result, but it had followed strict measures by completely locking down the site and carrying out a deep clean of the building. About 100 Amcor employees have been kept away from the Port Melbourne facility since the weekend and also tested for COVID-19. Senator Dino Melaye has put Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on fresh hot seat in the politics of the state. The former senator was on Tuesday exonerated by the court from charges of false information which was raised against him by the federal government to frustrate his political ambition of returning to the senate. But Melaye has shown that those accusing him of lies are the liars; and this may betray their public trust in the country. The judgment implies that it is now the duty of the APC, the federal government and the Kogi State government to prove that they are not the ones involved in false information for political purpose. Senator Dino Melaye was discharged by an Abuja High Court on Tuesday of the charges of false information filed against him by the Federal Government. Justice Olasumbo Goodluck, in a ruling on a no-case submission filed before the court held that the prosecution counsel failed to establish a prima facie case against the senator. Senator Melaye was alleged to have, sometime in April, 2017 deliberately given false information to the police to incriminate the-then Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor, Mr. Edward Onoja, as the mastermind of an assassination attempt on him. He was also alleged to have, in April 2017, made a false statement in a phone conversation with one Mohammed Abubakar with the intention of harming the reputation of Mr. Onoja. Senator Melaye, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, punishable under the penal code. The presiding judge delivering judgment on Tuesday, declared that there was no evidence that the defendant gave false information to any person in public service. Melaye was, therefore, discharged and acquitted. The judgment has rekindled the public to the desperation of the APC national leadership, the federal government and the Kogi State governor to take Melaye out of the senate being sensitive to his rising profile and popularity in the upper chamber of the National Assembly and his vehement criticism of the APC federal government and the president. Matt Rourke, STF / Associated Press WASHINGTON The attorney representing George Floyds family said Tuesday that former Vice President Joe Biden is expected to attend Floyds funeral in Houston next week. We understand Vice President Biden will be in attendance, attorney Ben Crump said in an interview on PBS NewsHour. A deep depression over east-central Arabian Sea, which intensified into cyclone Nisarga on Tuesday, is expected to make landfall near Alibaug in Maharashtra on Wednesday. Alibaug is about 94 kilometre from Mumbai. Nisarga will hit as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100 to 110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph. It is currently situated 200 kilometre away from Mumbai, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday morning. It also said that heavy rainfall is expected over coastal Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat in next few hours. Also read| Cyclone Nisarga closes in, 215km from Mumbai: IMD Here are the latest developments on Cyclone Nisarga: 1. The IMD said on Wednesday that the cyclone is expected to cross Alibaug between 1 pm and 3 pm. It is approaching the north coast of Maharashtra with a speed of 13 kilometers per hour, reported news agency ANI. 2. Nisarga intensified into a severe cyclonic storm early on Wednesday morning and is currently recording a wind speed of 85 to 95 kmph gusting to 105 kmph. The diametre of the cyclones eye is about 65 kilometre as observed through radar, said the weather department. 3. The IMD has issued a red alert for at least seven coastal districts of Maharashtra, while several districts along Gujarats coast are also expecting heavy rainfall. Mumbai, which is on the path of the cyclone, will likely receive very heavy rainfall upwards of 164 mm. 4. The movement of people along the Mumbai coastline has been prohibited from midnight to Thursday afternoon, news agency PTI quoted city police as saying. An order under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) was being issued, it further reported. Also read: Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall today, high alert in Mumbai 5. A predicted storm surge of about 1-2 metres height above astronomical tide is likely to inundate low lying areas of Mumbai, Thane and Raigad. Nisarga is the first storm to threaten Mumbai in more than 70 years. 6. Operations at the Mumbai airport, which has been handling 50 domestic flights daily since May 25, are likely to be significantly affected on Wednesday due to the cyclone. 7. Nisarga is expected to maintain its cyclonic storm intensity for about six hours after the landfall while moving north-northeastward towards central Maharashtra. Under its influence, gale wind reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph is likely to prevail over Pune, Ahmadnagar and 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph adjoining Beed, Nashik and Aurangabad districts of Maharashtra, the IMD said. 8. Nearly 1,00,000 people, including some coronavirus patients, have been moved to safer locations, officials in Maharashtra said. The Gujarat government has said that nearly 79,000 people will be evacuated from coastal regions by early Wednesday. 9. Gujarat relief commissioner Harshad Patel told reported on Tuesday that 18 districts across the state would experience heavy rainfall and strong winds. 10. Nisarga comes on the heels of Cyclone Amphan, which killed more than 100 people as it ravaged West Bengal, Odisha and Bangladesh last month. Nisarga is the 65th named cyclone in the north Indian Ocean and its name, proposed by Bangladesh, means nature. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 06:15:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ROME/BRUSSLES, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Europe-based airlines are starting to resume services step by step as countries try to revive tourism as a way to bring their economies battered hard by the COVID-19 pandemic back to life. Alitalia, Italy's flagship airline, formally launched long-haul flight from Rome to New York on Tuesday, a day before the country opens its borders to other Schengen countries. The eight-hour flight will run twice a week. Since early March, the lockdown has all but shut down the airline aside from some cargo flights and a few flights used to repatriate Italians from coronavirus hotspots. The airline will also restart flights between Rome and the Sardinian cities of Alghero and Olbia on Wednesday, as well as flights between Rome and Spanish cities of Barcelona on Wednesday and Madrid on Thursday. All the flights will take place with social distancing rules in effect, meaning that flights will be capped at 33 to 50 percent capacity depending on the type of aircraft. Germany's biggest airline Lufthansa announced on Tuesday that it is going to make wearing mouth-nose cover on board mandatory starting from June 8. This change would initially apply to Lufthansa, Eurowings and Lufthansa Cityline and will preliminarily apply until Aug. 31, 2020. Lithuania lifted on Monday the 14-day self-isolation rule for travellers from 24 European countries. Travellers coming from Malta, Ireland and Spain are still subject to mandatory self-isolation for 14 days while travel is still prohibited from Belgium, Sweden, Portugal and Britain, where the number of COVID-19 patients exceeds 25 cases per 100,000 population. Up to now, Lithuania has resumed regular flights to Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands and plans to resume flights to Denmark, Israel and Finland in the upcoming week. From July 1, Malta will reopen its airport for some European countries and Israel. The lifting of restrictions applied only to direct flights, and passengers have to guarantee that they have stayed in the same country for four weeks prior to the flight. In Cyprus, airports are scheduled to reopen on June 9 when flights are expected to resume with 19 countries considered by Cypriot authorities to be relatively safe as far as COVID-19 is concerned. Most hotels are offering big discounts, but have announced on their websites that accommodation will not be available before June 20, when travellers from Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Norway, Austria, Finland, Slovenia, Hungary, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia and Lithuania will travel freely without having a proof for a negative COVID-19 test, those from six other countries will still need the proof. As the summer tourism season is about to start in the coming weeks, the Greek government gave more information on the the conditions under which Greece will welcome tourists. The Ministry of Tourism announced last Friday the first list of 29 countries, including China, which can send tourists to Greece as of June 15 to the airports of Athens and Thessaloniki. The list was drafted based on epidemiological data and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) announcements, following recommendations from Greek scientists. These travelers will be subject only to sample testing for COVID-19 upon arrival. In addition, the country also opens to visitors from other countries as of mid-June. But at least until June 30, all the tourists originating from an airport on the EASA list of affected areas with high risk of transmission of COVID-19, are obliged to be tested upon arrival and will have to spend one night at a designated hotel. If the test is negative then the passenger has to self quarantine for seven days, while if the test is positive, the passenger is quarantined under supervision for 14 days, according to Tourism Minister Harry Theocharis. Greek authorities will focus on the departure airports but not the nationality of the travelers, the minister stressed. As of July 1, international flights are allowed into all airports in Greece and visitors are subject to random tests upon arrival, while additional restrictions regarding certain countries will be announced at a later date. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said on Sunday that there has been a slight easing of world travel restrictions introduced in response to COVID-19. The Madrid-based agency stressed the importance of international tourism in promoting sustainable economic growth. "The timely and responsible easing of travel restrictions will help ensure the many social and economic benefits that tourism guarantees will return in a sustainable way. This will contribute to the livelihoods of many millions of people around the world," UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said. "The sector is a driver of sustainable development and a pillar of economies. UNWTO stresses the need for vigilance, responsibility and international cooperation as the world slowly opens up again," he added. On May 7, the organization predicted that international tourist numbers would fall by between 60 and 80 percent in 2020 due to the effects of COVID-19. Enditem Wickers bill would require the FAA to review its assumptions about how pilots respond to problems with automated features designed to help them fly and conduct more research into how crew and aircraft work together, a discipline known as human factors. The legislation would also require flight testing by a wide range of pilots whose skills are representative of those actually working for airlines around the world. For a moment, the death of George Floyd has eclipsed the nations battle with a lethal virus. But the stories are not at odds. Both reveal an infection we have yet to overcome. Last Friday night would have been my daughters high school graduation ceremony. Because of orders I signed to protect Michiganders, my family and I were at home. No robes, no diplomas, no pomp and circumstance like families across the country, just doing our best to make do and manage the disappointment. I kept my phone close at hand. Protests were sparking across Michigan and the nation. Then a text brought news that I never expected: The Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department in Washington had just filed a 17-page document asking the federal courts to strip me of my powers to protect the people of my state from Covid-19. As cities boiled over with anger at racially targeted policing, the Justice Department argued that the true victims were carwashes and a jewelry store. Their closures were arbitrary and oppressive. About George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, the filing was silent. Former national security adviser Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn arrives for his sentencing hearing at US District Court in Washington on Dec. 18, 2018. SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images Flynn Case: In a Sign of Urgency, Appeals Court Sets Hearing in 10 Days A federal appeals court has set a tight schedule for a hearing in the case of former Trump adviser Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, whos accusing a lower level judge of undue delay in dismissing his case. The District of Columbia ordered on June 2 an oral argument in 10 days, when it will hear from Flynns lawyers, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and from a lawyer for District Judge Emmet Sullivan on whether the judge does or doesnt have the authority to delay ruling on the DOJs motion to dismiss the case. The 10-day notice is tighter than it may seem, said appellate attorney John Reeves, former assistant attorney general of Missouri, in a June 2 series of tweets. For non-lawyers, a ten day notice for oral argument may seem like a long time, but it isnt. Its an increidibly [sic] short amount of time, he said, noting that the usual time would be 30 days or more. The setting of oral argument shows that the DC Circuit is gravely concerned about this matter, and wants to hear further from all sides, he said. This will give the DC Circuit the opportunity to pepper Sullivans lawyer with as many questions as they want about the arguments raised in her brief. They can interrupt her as much as they want. Flynn, a former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency during the Obama administration and former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty in 2017 to one count of lying during an FBI interview. In January, he disavowed the plea and asked the court to allow him to withdraw it. The DOJ moved to drop Flynns case on May 7, saying the FBI interview wasnt based on a properly predicated investigation and seems to have been undertaken only to elicit those very false statements and thereby criminalize Mr. Flynn. Sullivan has so far refused to affirm the dismissal and has instead laid out a schedule that would prolong the case for possibly months. Hes appointed former federal Judge John Gleeson as an amicus curiae (friend of the court) to present arguments in opposition to the governments Motion to Dismiss, as well as to address whether the court should make the defense explain why Flynn should not be held in criminal contempt for perjury. Hes also signaled he may allow more amici to join the case. Flynns lawyers, led by former federal prosecutor Sidney Powell, filed a petition on May 19 for a writ of mandamusa request to the higher court to order Sullivan to accept the case dismissal, cancel the Gleeson appointment, and assign the case to another judge. The appeals court gave Sullivan 10 days to respond, upon which he hired highly-connected Washington attorney Beth Wilkinson to do so for him. Wilkinson has argued that the DOJ motion to dismiss is so unusual, the judge needs more information to evaluate it. Her argument, however, doesnt address the substance of the documents the DOJ cited as a reason for dismissing the case. The documents show that top FBI officials intervened to keep the Flynn investigation open, despite the fact that the Washington field office already proceeded to close it. The probe was supposed to determine whether Flynn was cooperating with Russia on something illegal or threatening national security. It not only found no evidence of that, but uncovered no actual derogatory information on Flynn, a decorated military intelligence veteran. FBI top brass kept the case open on a legal theory that Flynn could have trespassed on a virtually never-enforced and never successfully prosecuted 18th-century law called the Logan Act, despite the fact that the DOJ made clear to them that such charges wouldnt fly. The documents were revealed by Jeffrey Jensen, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, who was directed in January by Attorney General William Barr to perform a review of the case. Upon the discovery, Jensen recommended dismissing the case. The DOJ stated it could no longer prove beyond reasonable doubt that what Flynn said during the interview was material to a properly predicated investigation. Flynn and the DOJ have told the appeals court that Sullivan doesnt have the authority to delay accepting the dismissal in this case. Because this case involves the prosecutions constitutionally rooted exercise of charging discretion, it is a usurpation of judicial power to second-guess it, the DOJ told the court. Update: The articles headline has been updated for clarity. In Pics: Interesting facts you did not know about lions The cheetah is returning to India: How the govt plans to bring them back Wildlife poaching in India more than doubles during COVID-19 lockdown India pti-PTI New Delhi, June 03: Incidents of wildlife poaching in India have more than doubled during the COVID-19 lockdown with 88 animals being killed for meat and trade during this time compared to 35 in the pre-lockdown days in February, a new study has revealed. The study conducted by TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network and an NGO working globally on trade in wild animals, said that between February 10 and 22, the number of animal poaching incidents was 35 while during the lockdown between March 23 and May 3, the number escalated to 88. Cyclone Nisarga uproots trees, damages cars and buildings in Maharashtra| Oneindia News TRAFFIC, which operates as a programme division of the WWF India, found a significant increase in reported poaching of wild animals in India during the lockdown period that is not restricted to any geographical region or state or to any specific wildlife area. Reported poaching incidents rose from 35 to 88, including nine leopards being killed during the lockdown compared to four killed in the pre-lockdown period, said the report 'Indian wildlife amidst the COVID-19 crisis: An analysis of poaching and illegal wildlife trade trends.' Reports of poaching incidences for consumption and local trade have more than doubled during lockdown although there was no evidence of stockpiling of wildlife products for future trade, it said. The study indicates that despite consistent efforts by law enforcement agencies, wild animal populations in India are under additional threat during the lockdown period. Ravi Singh, CEO, WWF-India said, If poaching of ungulates and small animals remains unchecked it will lead to depletion of prey base for big cats like tigers and leopards and a depletion of the ecosystems. This in turn will lead to higher incidences of human-wildlife conflicts and will undermine the significant successes that India has achieved in the field of wildlife conservation. Kerala govt orders probe into pregnant elephant death; Centre seeks report The highest increase in poaching was reported to be of ungulates mainly for their meat, and the percentage jumped from nearly 22 per cent (eight out of 35) total reported cases pre-lockdown, to 44 per cent (39 out of 88) during the lockdown period. The second group which showed a marked increase was poaching of small mammals including hares, porcupines, pangolins, giant squirrels, civets, monkeys, smaller wild cats. Although some have always been in high demand in international markets, most hunting during the lockdown period is presumably for meat or for local trade. Cases for these rose from 17 per cent to 25 per cent between the pre-and lockdown periods, the report said. It also said a total of 222 people were arrested in poaching-related cases by various law enforcement agencies during the lockdown period across the country, significantly higher than the 85 suspects reported as arrested during the pre-lockdown phase. However, there was less reporting of poaching and illegal trade in tortoises and freshwater turtles, with almost no seizures of these species during the lockdown period, the report said. Saket Badola, Head of TRAFFIC's India Office said, The more than doubling of reported poaching cases, mainly of ungulates and small wild animals for meat is doubtless placing additional burdens on wildlife law enforcement agencies. Therefore, it is imperative that these agencies are supported adequately and in a timely manner so that they can control the situation. The number of families with children receiving emergency food parcels in the UK has almost doubled in a year, food banks report. April was the busiest month ever for Trussell Trust's food banks, with an 89% increase in emergency food parcels delivered across the UK compared with the same month in 2019. An average of 700 parcels were handed out at each of their food banks in April 2020, compared with 369 in April 2019, the Trussell Trust said. And the number of parcels provided for children has more than doubled, while almost twice as many families with children are receiving them (a 95% rise). Food bank usage has rocketed amid the coronavirus pandemic, with 'unprecedented' levels of usage reported by the providers The figures are taken from responses from 351 of the 425 food bank charities in the Trussell Trust network. The Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN), which represents over 346 independent food banks, has reported a 175% increase in need over the same period. They have called the soaring demand during the coronavirus pandemic 'completely unprecedented'. One food bank was last week seen to be taking the extreme measures of dishing out more than 15,000 free meals a week to struggling families during lockdown - using food thrown out by supermarkets. Around 320,000 of emergency food parcels are being issued to people in low paid work, who are just not earning enough to make ends meet The North West has the highest number of food banks in the UK with 222,722 currently open - and this could still rise if current predictions are true A coalition of charities is calling for the Government to provide more funding for councils so they can quickly get cash to families through a temporary emergency income support scheme. They include the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), the Children's Society, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), StepChange and Turn2us. They are worried that when Government support such as the job retention scheme starts to wind down, families will fall into poverty. As part of the proposed scheme, benefits for families with children would increase, the benefit cap would be lifted and no deductions would be taken from advance payments. Chief executive of the Trussell Trust Emma Revie said: 'We have been seeing rises in food bank need for the past five years but this 89% increase - with the number of families coming to food banks doubling - is completely unprecedented and not right. 'People need to be able to put food on their table. The government must put urgent support in place to ensure people already struggling to keep their heads above water can stay afloat. The Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN), which represents over 346 independent food banks, has reported a 175% increase in need over the past year 'We have outlined what we need our government to do - it's in our power to protect one another, we've seen it during this health crisis, and we need it to continue during this economic one.' IFAN coordinator Sabine Goodwin said: 'Our food bank figures paint a grim picture of what is unfolding across the UK and the numbers of people having to resort to emergency food parcels to survive. 'But the solution to the escalating food insecurity crisis has never been the provision of charitable food aid. Everyone needs to be able to afford to buy food and the bare essentials. 'Our joint call details how this can start to be achieved and we urge the Government to act swiftly and decisively to reverse this devastating trend.' Child Poverty Action Group chief executive Alison Garnham added: 'Struggle is turning to real hardship. 'The Government has quickly put in place unprecedented and very welcome schemes to support family finances in the wake of Covid-19, but too many households are falling through the gaps.' More than half a million food parcels given out by The Trussell Trust in 2018 went to children. Of these, nearly 90,000 were handed out in the school holidays, and there are fears that number could rise even higher this summer A Government spokesman said: 'We understand that this is a difficult time for people on low incomes and we've taken significant action to support those affected by coronavirus, including through income protection schemes, mortgage holidays and additional support for renters. 'For those most in need we've injected more than 6.5 billion into the welfare system, which includes an increase to Universal Credit of up to 1,040 a year. 'No one has to wait five weeks for money as urgent payments are available, while some people may be eligible for a nine-month grace period where their income is not capped.' On anniversary of deadly dispersal of a sit-in protest, rape survivors describe the horror at the hands of militiamen. Dozens of women raped by Sudanese security forces over the course of a few hours on June 3, 2019, are still seeking justice, a year after a brutal crackdown that left at least 87 people dead. In a rampage that day, members of the notorious paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other troops tore apart a sit-in camp in the capital, Khartoum, where protesters had been demanding for weeks that the military give up power. A military-backed prosecutor said no rapes or sexual assaults took place during the violence. But over the past year, activists have been documenting what they say was a campaign of rapes ordered by the militarys leadership to crush the pro-democracy movement. It was an orchestrated scenario All was by order and systematic, said Sulima Ishaq Sharif, who at the time headed a trauma centre at Khartoums Ahfad University. Her centre documented at least 64 rape victims. The Sudan Doctors Union identified at least 60 rape victims, said Dr Howida al-Hassan, a member of the union who counselled survivors. Both experts say the real number is considerably higher, since many victims do not speak out for fear of reprisal or the stigma connected to rape, and that many more women were sexually assaulted as well as several men. 200411165213095 Identifying and prosecuting those behind the violence is a major test of whether Sudan can shed its decades-long military rule. Fight for democracy The protest movement, which began in 2018, succeeded in overthrowing longtime ruler, President Omar al-Bashir, in April 2019 and forcing the creation of a joint civilian-military ruling sovereign council. But the civilians are struggling to assert authority in the face of the militarys power. Most notably, the councils deputy head is the commander of the RSF, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who is considered the strongest man in the leadership and enjoys the backing of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. An independent commission investigating the violence already missed one deadline in February for releasing its conclusions. It may also miss a new deadline, June 22, because work has halted amid the coronavirus pandemic, said the commissions head Nabil Adib. Still, Adib said the panel has taken testimony from some 3,000 witnesses. It found a number of crimes, including rape, that were committed during the dispersal, and also identified some suspects, he said, refusing to give details. Victims and activists have little faith the military will allow any findings that implicate top generals. Dagalo and the military have said the troops that day had no orders to clear the camp, only to clamp down on part of it where drug-dealing and other crimes were allegedly taking place. Spokesmen for the military and the RSF did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Chills through my body Rape victims told similar stories of RSF soldiers corralling men and women who fled the protest site, beating them, sexually molesting the women and gang-raping some. By their accounts, the rapes took place in specific locations a medical complex, a cemetery, and the grounds of Khartoum Universitys mosque. The womens ordeal embodies the terrible personal price paid by activists in crackdowns that have crushed pro-democracy movements around the Middle East in recent years. For Samah, a 28-year-old teacher, the wounds of her gang-rape that day are reopened whenever she sees Dagalo on TV. Watching him sends chills through my body, she said. Women took a major role at the sit-in, often giving speeches to the crowds. They were celebrated with the nickname kandaka a title of ancient Nubian queens that became a slogan and symbol of the protests. After the protest forced al-Bashirs fall, the military took sole power, but the protesters refused to end their sit-in, demanding a civilian government. The RSF grew out of the so-called Janjaweed militias, which al-Bashir mobilised to fight in the Darfur conflict in the early 2000s. They were notorious for killings and rapes of civilians there, according to rights groups. In mid-May 2019, about 1,000 RSF fighters were brought from Darfur to a base in Omdurman, adjacent to Khartoum, three RSF officers said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the press. Ill kill you Around 3am on June 3, they descended on the sit-in. About 1,300 protesters found themselves encircled as forces set on them with live ammunition, tear gas, whips and sticks. Samah was asleep in a tent when gunfire erupted. She heard screaming and saw people running in panic as security forces fired. Some fell to the ground, bleeding. She ran barefoot from the tent. Blocks away, outside the al-Bashir Medical Center, she was caught by RSF troops rounding up whomever they could grab. Samah saw them pull a woman away, shouting they would rape her. She heard the woman screaming. Other troops dragged Samah into a hallway in the medical centre. One hit her with the butt of his rifle. If you open your mouth, Ill kill you, whore, he shouted. They groped her as they stripped her and shoved her to the ground. One pinned her hands to the floor while another fell on top of her, biting her breasts, as hands grabbed her everywhere. I was trying to scream, but they shut my mouth, Samah said, adding three of them raped her. They did not do this for enjoyment. They did so to break us down. They left her naked and bloody on the hall floor. She covered herself with what was left of her clothes, then found some other protesters hiding in a nearby clinic. I didnt tell them Id been raped, but I think they knew from my condition. Mosque attack site At the same time, dozens of protesters hid in the Khartoum University mosque. We thought it would be safe there, said Sayeda, a mother of three. Soldiers broke in, beating people. In a mad rush, the men and women inside fled, some running into a building under construction in the courtyard and piling out its windows. The troops shouted insults and threats of rape, said Sara Ali Abdulla, a doctor who managed to get out of the mosque compound. We heard women screaming and crying, as they were raped, she said. Sayeda was grabbed as she tried to flee out the mosques back door. She pleaded with the soldiers to let her go home to her children. When they groped her, she slapped one, and they turned brutal, beating her. They pulled off her clothes and cut away her underwear. Four of them raped her, biting her breasts so hard they bled, she said. After an hour, they left her half-conscious on the ground. She covered herself with her robe and sat there crying. I was so tired I couldnt walk, she said. In the following weeks, Dagalo, the RSF commander, expressed regret over the violence. He said whoever went beyond orders and plotted to break up the camp would be identified. A military-backed prosecutor said eight RSF officers, including a major-general, had been charged with crimes against humanity. But there has been no word since of any being tried or detained. Meanwhile, the military struck a compromise deal that August. The Sovereign Council, made up of military officers and civilians from the protest movement, was created to govern until the end of 2022. Under the same deal, the independent investigation was created. Untouchable Mayada is one of the many impoverished women who sell tea on the sidewalks of Khartoum. When the sit-in camp sprang up in front of the main military headquarters in downtown Khartoum in April 2019 the culmination of months of protests she set up her tea stand in the square. She managed to escape the June 3, 2019, dispersal but returned several hours later when security forces clamped down with a citywide curfew. She headed to the Ophthalmology Hospital, near the square, where she kept her plastic chairs, teapots and cups. Four RSF soldiers harassed her the whole way there. They entered the courtyard behind her and sprayed something in her face. She felt woozy. The four stripped and raped her, she said. When she regained consciousness, she lay in agony. Everything hurt. I was like a grandmother who lost her power to even walk. Months later, Mayada had not gotten her period. Soon it was confirmed, she was carrying twins. She wanted to end the pregnancy, but a pharmacist refused to sell her pills to cause an abortion. She hurt herself, lifting heavy objects and throwing herself off furniture, hoping for a miscarriage. In March, she gave birth to a baby girl, Marwa. The other twin, a boy, was stillborn. She does not know the names of the men who raped her, much less who is the father of her child. That means she cannot get Marwa a birth certificate. Since her pregnancy, she said she has been weak and faints often, so she sent Marwa to a foster home, hoping one day to take her back. It was useless to talk to investigators, she said. Those who ordered the break-up are very well known but they are untouchable. Most of the women never told their husbands or families what happened and wrestled with the trauma in secret. There has been this psychological pain that will never end, that cant be described in words, Samah said. She wakes up terrified at night, because she sees her rapists faces in her sleep. She never goes to downtown Khartoum. She avoids looking at her body. I feel ashamed of myself, she said. Sometimes, my body trembles when my husband touches me. Sayeda spoke twice with a doctor. Fearing she would harm herself, the doctor tried to change the context of the trauma. She told her, Look at the positive things we have achieved in the revolution, like removing al-Bashir. All our sacrifices were not in vain. Sayeda found that little consolation. Only her children give her will to survive, she said. She expects nothing from the self-described government of the revolution. It is God who will avenge me. Two weeks after the start of the states reopening, many tenants in southwestern Connecticuts malls are back doing business but the shopping centers comeback is far from complete. Malls in Connecticut were allowed to re-open May 20, with new social-distancing regulations and ramped-up cleaning protocols. Resumed operations at most anchor stores have helped to bring back customers and restore jobs in one of the sectors hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis. But some of the areas largest centers are still missing key occupants including Lord + Taylor, whose long-term plans are shrouded in uncertainty and foot traffic remains slow at many hours. With malls in general, I think youre going to see slow openings as these brands roll out safety measures throughout their portfolios, said Jessica Curtis, Stamford-based senior vice president at commercial real estate firm CBRE. Some of these brands have hundreds, if not thousands, of stores. Mobilizing all of that in a short amount of time is a huge undertaking. At Stamford Town Center, more than half of the tenants have returned, including the three anchor stores: Macys, Saks Off 5th and Barnes & Noble. The latter is offering curbside pickup service, but it will resume in-store shopping Friday. Compared with the malls first day back on May 20, when it looked deserted with few stores open and only a trickle of customers the downtown shopping centers turnout is much higher, if not yet back to pre-shutdown levels. Weve had a great response from customers, both in terms of sales and compliance with state regulations, said Stamford Town Center General Manager Dan Stolzenbach. Macys has also reopened its establishments at Danbury Fair, Westfield Trumbull and Connecticut Post Milford. At SoNo Collection in Norwalk, which debuted last October, anchors Nordstrom and Bloomingdales have reopened. Among other anchor stores, Target has resumed service in Milford and Trumbull, Dicks Sporting Goods has returned in Milford, fast-fashion retailer Primark has come back in Danbury and department store Boscovs has relaunched in Milford. JC Penney, which filed for bankruptcy last month, lists a six-day operating schedule at Westfield Trumbull. It is scheduled to reopen Wednesday at Danbury Fair. This past weekend, some of the other Danbury Fair retailers were attracting sizable crowds. To comply with new state restrictions on store occupancy, a long line of shoppers snaked across the concourse as they waited to enter Primark on Saturday. Most of them wore masks and kept six feet between themselves and other patrons. Still, the ongoing absence of stores such as Apple which has not announced yet when it would reopen at Danbury Fair, SoNo Collection and Westfield Trumbull and the trepidation of some customers about shopping again in person has curbed attendance. On Monday when the restrictions on salons and barbershops were lifted, the two salons in the Trumbull Mall had a steady stream of waiting customers. But business in the rest of the facility was slow. While about a third of the food court was open, there were few customers taking advantage. Sections of area malls are desolate where clusters of closed-up shops remain. The emptiness was pronounced around the entrances of the Lord + Taylor department stores at Danbury Fair and Westfield Trumbull this weekend. Lord + Taylor is the sole anchor establishment at southwestern Connecticuts malls to have not reopened or announced reopening dates. Reports emerged last month that Lord + Taylor would liquidate its 38 stores inventory as soon as they reopened. A message left Tuesday for Lord + Taylor representatives was not immediately returned. Many other stores are scheduled to open their doors again in the next couple of weeks. Danbury Fairs website lists Ann Taylor, Eddie Bauer, H&M, Hot Topic, Janie + Jack, Justice, Lululemon, Sephora and Torrid among its planned re-openings in the next two weeks. In Milford, where about 70 percent of the malls stores have re-opened, womens retailer New York & Co., and H&M are set to return, respectively, on June 5 and June 20, a spokeswoman said Tuesday. Southwestern Connecticuts malls are counting on customers to return to help shore up employment in a reeling industry. Connecticut shed a record 266,000 jobs last month. As part of that toll, retail lost approximately 38,000 jobs in Connecticut in April, second after the nearly 73,000 positions shed in the leisure and hospitality sector. Before last month, the state had not lost more than about 17,000 jobs in one month since at least 1983. pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; twitter: @paulschott The ebb and flow of the restaurant industry goes on. A Mount Pleasant newcomer is ready for its debut, after the coronavirus delayed its launch. Another is eyeing a vacated downtown Charleston venue, while an upper King Street dining establishment won't be reopening. First Watch Daytime Cafe is set to open June 15 in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, bringing a second location to the Charleston region. Its other site is on North Main Street in Summerville near where organic grocer Earth Fare is planning to reopen this year. First Watch will be open 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. with 50 percent seating capacity plus outdoor patio dining. It originally was supposed to open in the spring, but the pandemic postponed its arrival. What's cooking? Also, in the works is a new restaurant in downtown Charleston. Pasta Beach Charleston LLC has applied for a license from the state to sell on-premise consumption of alcohol at 492 King St. The building was once a restaurant called 492 King, but it closed in 2018, three years after opening. The property is owned by an affiliate of The InterTech Group Inc. of North Charleston. Pasta Beach Charleston is registered to Donald Migliori, an attorney at Motley Rice in Mount Pleasant who did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An InterTech official declined to discuss the project. Meanwhile, HoM restaurant at 563 King St. announced this week it will not be reopening after being closed for the coronavirus. "Dear HoMies, we want to start by expressing our gratitude to you for always being there for us. We have loved every second of serving up great food & watching you all get crazy on the ping pong tables," according to a post on the restaurant's Facebook page. "We are thankful for the time we have been a part of the wonderful Charleston community. Sadly, we will not be reopening our doors. We will truly miss you all & thank you again for some amazing times." HoM opened in 2011, just as upper King was beginning to gain popularity after the Great Recession. National Restaurant Properties is listing the 3,700-square-foot venue as a "turnkey restaurant" with a below-market lease. On the way A new 12,000-square-foot retail center is coming to Goose Creek. Market Square at Carnes Crossroads at 2507 N. Main St. in Carnes Crossroads Town Center is scheduled to be completed in the fall. No tenants have been named. The site is just south of a new Polly's Fine Jewelry location across from the developing Carnes Crossroads neighborhood, where 4,500 homes are slated to be built. Sweet treat A Charleston-based cookie shop will soon celebrate the grand opening of its new Mount Pleasant store. King Street Cookies has set June 14 as the date to officially launch the shop at 405 W. Coleman Blvd., where Campbell's Jewelers operated before the owners retired in 2018 after 30 years in business. The new store is now offering initial hours of noon-6 p.m. before the grand opening. Owner Harris Cohen does not plan to reopen the location at 370 King St. until he believes there is enough foot traffic to warrant a weekend-only return. He said he probably won't reopen the downtown shop full-time until the College of Charleston restarts in-person classes. The downtown store has been closed during the coronavirus outbreak. King Street Cookies also operates a kiosk at Charleston International Airport, but it is currently closed until travel picks back up. Tides up A Charleston-based beachwear shop is adding a fifth location in the Carolinas. Las Olas will offer a 1,500-square-foot store from June through September in Mayfaire Town Center in Wilmington, N.C. Sign up for our real estate newsletter! Get the best of the Post and Courier's Real Estate news, handpicked and delivered to your inbox each Saturday. Email Sign Up! "The store was planned pre-pandemic but was shelved until we were able to reopen and immediately saw that the demand was still very high for our specialized product mix," shop owner Daniel James said. The other locations are on King Street in Charleston, Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island, at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre and Atherton Mill in Charlotte. New chews North Charleston-based beef jerky maker The New Primal recently added 10 new items into Whole Foods Market, bringing its count to 31 with the retailer nationally. The company now offers eight meat snacks, 19 condiments and four seasonings. The food maker also launched its children's snacking line, Snack Mates, into CVS pharmacy stores across the nation along with its Buffalo Sauces in every Super Target location. Renamed When East Cooper Habitat for Humanity ReStore reopens June 15 after being closed because of the coronavirus, it will have a new name. The resale shop at 469-C Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant will be called East Cooper Home Store. It will begin scheduling donation pickups Monday. Rolling in A Scottsdale, Ariz.-based tire retailer recently opened its first store in the Charleston area and 16th in South Carolina. Offering leading brands, Discount Tire now operates its new location at 10140 Dorchester Road in Summerville. It's open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. The shop next to Wells Fargo Bank is closed on Sunday. Founded in 1960, Discount Tire has grown from a one-man tire shop in Ann Arbor, Mich., into one of the nation's leading tire retailers. The retailer also sells under the names America's Tire in parts of California and Discount Tire Direct in markets outside the reach of retail stores. Stepping back in A shoe and luggage repair service recently reopened after being closed for the coronavirus. Peter & Sons Shoe Repair at 42 Windermere Blvd. continues serving the community in its 40th year in business. Joseph Tsveer is the owner. Gassing up Another new gas station and convenience store is being proposed for the Charleston region. Greenville-based Spinx Co. is seeking conceptual approval from the city of Charleston to build a new store at Glenn McConnell Parkway and West Wildcat Boulevard in West Ashley. The city's Design Review Board will consider the proposal Thursday via a virtual meeting. Also, a new Speedway convenience store and gas station is coming to the Ladson area. The existing store at 4306 Ladson Road will be torn down and rebuilt. Winesett Hill Constructors Inc. of Hixson, Tenn., is the contractor. Post-riot help The UPS Store at 472 Meeting St. in downtown Charleston is offering several of its services for free to local businesses affected by last weekends riot. "After seeing our next door neighbors get looted and burned, we knew that we had to do something to help, said owner Michael Cunningham. For any business needing to file an insurance claim, the store is offering free printing, faxing, scanning and notary services as well as free temporary signs, posters and banners. "With businesses boarded up, its important to let customers know that youre still open, so were happy to provide any signage that local businesses may need," Cunningham said. "We can print it right here on Meeting Street and have it to them the same day. The store is open weekdays and Saturday. Parking is available behind the shop. As a black American, Democrats and fake news media demand that I agree with the George Floyd protests. I say the protests are unnecessary and are totally politically motivated. The American people of all races including President Trump have expressed their outrage over the wrongful death of Mr. Floyd. The officer who killed Mr. Floyd has been charged with murder. The three officers who watched the abuse have been fired and investigated. So, where's the beef? Why are opportunists looting stores, burning businesses, and beating up whites in the name of demanding justice? Who is opposing justice for Mr. Floyd? The answer is no one. Therefore, what is the real purpose of the riots, hate, violence, and chaos in our streets? The answer is politics. Democrats and fake news media believe by generating racial hate, they can ensure that blacks will vote against Trump in November. Like a magician uses misdirection, Democrats and fake news media hope to focus blacks' attention away from the fact that blacks have experienced unprecedented prosperity and record low unemployment since Trump has been in the Oval Office. Leftist political hacks say the killing of George Floyd reflects America's systemic racism, a country dominated by white supremacists. They say America was founded by racist white men for racist white men. Folks, such bogus and divisive rhetoric is nothing more than leftist intellectual-sounding gobbledygook. There are not enough white supremacists in America to elect anyone to any public office. In the real-world America, blacks are not suffering persecution. I realize saying that will get me in trouble, but it is true. America is the greatest land of opportunity on the planet for all who choose to pursue their dreams. The perverted thinking of leftists has to make everyone a victim of someone or something. Democrats and fake news media brand blacks who do not harbor resentment for whites and America traitors to their race. Blacks are only 13% of the population. White America gifted its first black president two terms. And yet, far too many blacks absurdly believe Democrats' and fake news medias lie that white America did not want a black man in the White House. If America is such a hellhole of racism, how did Oprah Winfrey, a dark-complexioned stout black woman, become one of the wealthiest and most influential persons on the planet? The myth of America's racism is evil, destructive, and must end. Racism along with every other sin will exist until Jesus returns. However, there is not enough racism in America to stop anyone. This is why it is so offensive hearing wealthy black celebs filling young black minds with the lie that white America has stacked-the-deck against them. I wish blacks would ignore such crap and simply pursue their dreams. Despite countless glaring examples of blacks thriving in America, Democrats and fake news media relentlessly sell the lie that blacks can't catch a break in this horrible country. This is why they persecute successful blacks who love their country and do not view themselves as victims. Democrat presidential candidate Joe Biden said, If you don't vote for me, you ain't black. Biden has also absurdly said, Republicans want to put y'all back in chains. Biden insultingly views blacks as brain-dead idiots eager to stay on Democrats' government dependency plantation. In 2020 America, the tired old battered, tattered, and torn race card has been begging to retire for several years. Democrats refuse to retire it because they believe playing it wins them emotional, mindless black votes, trumping logic, facts, and commonsense. All of the people who are protesting because cops routinely murder blacks and because America is racist are responding to lies. Cops do not murder blacks so much as blacks murder blacks. America is not racist. Why do you think people risk everything to get here? Trump is building a wall to keep illegals out, not to keep people in. We are extremely blessed to be Americans living in America. Americans should be angry and protest about failing schools controlled by Democrats. Students graduate who cannot read their diploma. People should be angry and protest Planned Parenthood's black genocide. Why are 36% of America's aborted babies black? Black Christians should protest the Democrat party's anti-Christian agenda which has led to the moral decay of the black community; fatherless households, gangs, crime, generational poverty, incarceration, and record-high black on black homicides. I refuse to pander to Democrats' and fake news medias' lie that protests against cops, white supremacy, and America are necessary. America is the greatest land of opportunity on the planet for all who choose to pursue their dreams. This truth should be repeatedly shouted from the rooftops. God instructed Pharaoh, Let my people go. God instructs us, Let my people know. Spread truth. Graphic credit: YouTube screen grab Lloyd Marcus, The Unhyphenated American Help Lloyd Spread the Truth https://www.trumptrainusa2020.com/ http://LloydMarcus.com Manchester United striker, Marcus Rashford, has congratulated Odion Ighalo on extending his stay at the club. The Premier League side and Shanghai Shenhua have reached an agreement that will see Ighalo remain at Old Trafford until January 2021. The deal however has been modified after it was dragged for a while and conclusions in keeping Ighalo on the team have been reached. Rashford took to social media to felicitate with his team-mate on the new contract in reaction to the teams official announcement. Advertisement READ ALSO Rashford Scores As Manchester United Romp To Victory Rashford retweeted Uniteds official announcement on Ighalos loan extension and commented, Congrats @ighalojude. Ighalo replied: Thanks bro. See His Post Here: SoftBank Group today announced a $100M Opportunity Growth Fund that "that will only invest in companies led by founders and entrepreneurs of color," according to a letter to employees by COO Marcelo Claure. The move follows the national outrage over the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis policeman. Claure said OGF would be the "biggest fund providing capital to black Americans and people of color." It positions Japan-based Softbank as a leading player in the impact investing space geared to minority-owned businesses. Hopefully, the Softbank fund will open the floodgates to other investments by major financial institutions to back up their sometime empty words about empowering black and brown communities with action. Softbank is on the right track as a June 2 poll by Morning Consult found that 71 percent of Americans say it's important for business leaders to address racial inequality in the US. The No. 1 way to support the Black Lives Matter protest (cited by 49 percent of respondents) is to establish an investment fund for small businesses impacted by looting Kudos to Softbank for getting the ball rolling. China is playing catch-up to Russia in spreading misinformation on social media, though both countries are flooding the Internet with content geared to the racial unrest and violence in the US. Politico reports that both countries seek to portray the US on the brink of disaster and highlight the "perceived hypocrisy of Washington's scolding of Beijing and Moscow for their civil rights abuses when parts of America are engulfed in flames and violence." Disinformation experts warn that China and Russia are ramping up their online efforts ahead of the 2020 elections. The president of the UN Economic and Social Council called for urgent action on Tuesday to help the growing number of countries already facing or at risk of debt distress because of the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Norways UN ambassador, Mona Juul, head of the 54-nation UN body, told a meeting on financing and recovery for the crisis that the decision by the worlds 20 major economic powers to freeze debt service payments for the worlds poorest countries through the end of the year isnt enough. She said the Group of 20s freeze will free about $11 billion until the end of the year, but its estimated that eligible countries have an additional $20 billion in multilateral and commercial debt combined coming due in 2020. Juul said that means even if the moratorium is extended to 2021, many countries will have to make difficult choices between servicing their debt, fighting the pandemic and investing in recovery. Eric LeCompte, executive director of Jubilee USA Network, an alliance of more than 75 US organizations and 700 faith communities working for debt relief, was sharply critical of the resistance of private creditors, commercial lenders and banks to participate in debt relief calls despite calls by the G-20, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and United States. Because of the enormity of this crisis and the long-term challenges the markets could face, the fact that some private and commercial creditor blocks are not participating ... baffles the mind, he told the virtual meeting. LeCompte said the UN Security Council must act given that this crisis could devastate all of us, poor countries and the markets. He called on the Security Council to follow its precedent in 2003 when it protected the assets of Iraq from creditor payments and now immediately make the same decision for the 73 countries that need this protection most to compel private creditors to join the G-20. This decision would protect the assets of these countries and mandate that debt relief from official bilateral creditors is not used to pay private creditor debt, LeCompte said. He also said that instead of calling or inviting private creditors to participate, officials should say they expect their participation in order to help compel it. LeCompte welcomed last weeks strong announcements from World Bank Group President David Malpass and said the IMF, G-20 and UN agencies should strengthen previous statements to say they expect private creditor participation in debt relief. Malpass told last Thursdays largest gathering of world leaders since the coronavirus pandemic began that he was among the first to call for a debt moratorium, and he welcomed the support of G-20 countries for a suspension of debt service payments by all bilateral creditors and comparable treatment by commercial creditors. I have been vocal in stating that all official bilateral creditors should participate, that commercial creditors should also participate on comparable terms and not exploit the debt relief of others, Malpass said, and that much more is needed, including longer term debt service relief and, in many cases, permanent and significant debt reduction. Published on 2020/06/02 | Source Actress Kim Hee-ae topped the dramas' brand reputation measurement. According to the analysis of Big Data in May 2020, Kim Hee-ae was ranked first, Han So-hee was ranked second and Park Hae-joon was ranked third. Advertisement The Korea Institute of Enterprise Reputation measured the brand big data of 115,934,999 of 50 actors in dramas aired from April 30th, 2020 to May 30th, 2020 by measuring consumers' brand participation, media volume, traffic volume and communication, and indexed them as brand reputation algorithms. Compared to the actor brand big data of 132,857,415 in February of 2020, it decreased by 12.74%. The brand reputation analysis of drama actors was conducted with participation index, media index, communication index and community index. Brand reputation index is an index that extracts brand big data and analyzes consumer behavior with a reputation analysis algorithm, classifying it as participatory value, communication value, media value, community value and social value and weighing it. Brand big data analysis can measure the positive and negative assessment of the brand, the source and interest of the media, the amount of interest and communication of consumers, the spread of the community on issues, the reaction and popularity of the content. The top 30 drama actor brand reputation rankings for May 2020 are Kim Hee-ae, Han So-hee, Park Hae-joon, Cho Jung-seok, Yoo Yeon-seok, Lee Min-ho, Jeon Mi-do, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Go-eun, Yook Sung-jae, Kim Dae-myung, Jang Nara, Yoo In-young, Park Sun-young, Woo Do-hwan, Han Ji-eun, Kim Young-min, Hwang Jung-eum, Jung So-min, Kim Eung-soo, Lee Bo-young, Choi Kang-hee, Yoo Ji-tae, Lee Min-jung, Park Ha-na, Shin Ha-kyun, Ko Jun, Lee Sang-yeob and Jeon So-nee. Kim Hee-ae's brand ranked first, with the participation index of 1,846,320, Media Index of 2,836,512, Communication Index of 2,368,224 and Community Index of 1,484,203 analyzed to be 8,535,260. In second place, Han So-hee's brand was analyzed to have a brand reputation index of 8,346,968, with a participation index of 3,425,588, Media Index of 1,861,020 and Communication Index of 1,224,864. In third place, Park Hae-joon's brand was analyzed to have a brand reputation index of 5,658,462, with a participation index of 2,053,962 and a communication index of 2,154,432 reaching 730,944 and a community index of 719,124. In fourth place, the Cho Jung-seok's brand was analyzed as the brand reputation index of 5,583,332, with the participation index of 1,621,392, Media Index 2,217,936, Communication Index of 1,028,736 and Community Index of 715,268. In fifth place, Yoo Yeon-seok's brand was analyzed to have a brand reputation index of 4,815,017, with a participation index of 1,746,374, Media Index of 1,786,344, Communication Index of 515,520 and Community Index of 766,778. Koo Chang-hwan, director of the Korea Enterprise Reputation Institute, said, "As a result of the analysis of the brand reputation of drama actors in May 2020, the Kim Hee-ae brand, which attracted consumers' attention with the drama "The World of the Married" was ranked first. Kim Hee-ae's brand big data link analysis showed high 'pouring, empathizing, and affectionate' in key words while the keyword analysis showed high in 'The World of the Married, viewer ratings and Park Hae-joon'. In the positive maintenance rate analysis, the positive ratio was 83.09%". Also, he added, "After analyzing big data on actor brand categories, it decreased by 12.74% compared to actor brand big data of 132,857,415 in February 2020. The detailed analysis shows a 35.27% drop in brand consumption, a 16.65% rise in brand issues, a 12.66% drop in brand communication, and a 5.50% drop in brand proliferation". Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 17:10 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbdfd00 1 SE Asia COVID-19,ASEAN,ASEAN-Summit,Vietnam,coronavirus,virus-corona,Southeast-Asia,Foreign-Ministry Free Vietnam has made a proposal as this year's ASEAN chair for the regional bloc to hold a physical summit later this month despite the COVID-19 pandemic, a senior official from the Indonesian Foreign Ministry has said. Should the face-to-face meeting be realized for the 36th ASEAN Summit instead of a virtual one it is expected to be held on June 27 and 28 in Da Nang, a coastal city in the southeastern part of Vietnam, said the Foreign Ministrys director general for ASEAN cooperation, Jose Tavares. Scheduled for the two-day summit are the ASEAN Summit Plenary Session, the ASEAN Leaders Retreat, the ASEAN Leaders Interface with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the ASEAN Leaders Interface with Representatives of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and the ASEAN Leaders Interface Session on Womens Empowerment. On the ministerial level, the agenda includes sessions for the ASEAN Coordinating Council, ASEAN Political-Security Community Council, ASEAN Economic Community Council and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council. Read also: Enter 'New normal': Diplomacy post-COVID-19 Compared to other ASEAN countries, Vietnam has a relatively low COVID-19 infection rate, with 328 confirmed cases and zero deaths. The discussion on how to execute the summit is still ongoing, whether to be held [virtually] through video conference or face-to-face. There are mixed views about it, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Jose said in a virtual press briefing on Wednesday. The decision would come in a couple of days. The COVID-19 pandemic has slightly interfered with diplomatic affairs and forays, causing major bilateral or multilateral agendas to be postponed or changed in terms of how they are usually presented. Within ASEAN, for instance, officials of Southeast Asian countries had been actively engaging in dozens of meetings through video conferences, Jose said. Some agendas that are related to capacity building or training, for instance, were canceled. However, many agendas that are related to negotiation are still ongoing, he added. Read also: ASEAN solidarity and response in the face of COVID-19 When asked about the possibility of Vietnam extending its chairmanship due to the pandemic, Jose said that ASEAN member states had neither discussed the matter nor had there been a proposal from Hanoi regarding the extension of the country's chairmanship until next year. Foreign Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said that Indonesia was one of the countries that always pushed for ASEAN and other multilateral organizations to keep the diplomatic affairs in check despite the travel limitations caused by the pandemic, and one way was to encourage the scheduling of virtual meetings and negotiations. We [diplomats] are adjusting to the new normal [in diplomatic affairs] in addressing various issues, Faizasyah said. Martinelli Salt put Cognac on the world map, brandy kept it there. Thats the short version of history, but true nonetheless. Before cognac conquered the world drinks market, the quaint French village of the same name owed its existence to its lucrative trade in salt, courtesy of King Francois I granting it royal license to sell the key commodity. That was before refrigeration, of course. Nowadays, with the celebration of World Cognac Day approaching this week (June 4), it is the global branding of brandies that have created the regions enduring success. Situated on both sides of the Charente river in western France between Angouleme and Saintes, the cognac region blends ocean, marshland and countryside and hosts 600 vineyards, around 150 privately-owned cellars and multiple cooperatives. Photo Credit: Shutterstock With no less than 26 grape varieties including merlot, cabernet, sauvignon and chardonnay and the less well-known pinot, gamay, chauche gris and colombard, the region is enjoying a resurgence. As for its premier drink, cognac is made from white grapes trebbiano toscano, known as ugni blanc in France. The grapes are transformed into wine, distilled into a spirit known as eau de vie, then aged for at least two years in French oak barrels. To qualify for the designation, only grapes from six sub-regions can be used and the wine must be distilled twice in copper pot stills. Only around 3 per cent of cognac is sold in France, the largest market being the US. And, clearing up some confusion over etiquette, it can be enjoyed straight up, on the rocks, with a mixer or in a cocktail. To know more about this celebrated liquor, stop by the medieval towns Museum of the Arts of Cognac. You can even visit Saint Gobain glassworks where the bottles are made to contain all that cognac. Youll also enjoy its narrow, cobblestoned streets hemmed in by 15th to 18th-century timber and white stone houses and the multitude of brandy-maturing warehouses riverside. But a key question still remains: which cognac to choose? Here are three leading ones to start with. Maison Martell Chanteloup XXO, Maison Martell Released just last autumn, it is the only cognac to incorporate all four of the most prestigious crus Borderies, Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois. Inheriting its name from the historic Chateau de Chanteloup, it was ceremoniously unveiled at a lavish dinner prepared by 3-Michelin starred chef Guy Savoy amidst the opulent decor of Le Petit Palais in Paris. Chanteloup XXO reflects the keen sense of innovation that has marked Martell, now owned by Pernod Ricard, since its founding in 1715 by Jean Martell, with officials proudly claiming an identity based on elegance, complexity and harmony. Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud blended 450 very old eaux-de-vie for his creation, the youngest aged for a minimum of 14 years. Martell Chanteloup XXO embodies a heritage transmitted through nine generations, as the Martell art of blending has been passed on from one cellar master to the next, said Christophe. Today, just as I blend eaux-de-vie aged by my predecessors, so I nurture eaux-de-vie that will be blended by my successors. Fragrant aromas of honey, vine peach and apricot greet the nose, before hints of fig, almonds and walnuts. The first sip hits the palate with an intense burst of fruity notes. Presentation Chanteloup XXO is impressive, with the sleek outline of the bottle reflecting the elegant volutes of the iron gates of Chai Chanteloup in the Martell estate. Maison Delamain Pale & Dry X.O., Maison Delamain Over 200 years of refinement through nine generations thats the depth of experience and savoir-faire Maison Delamain brings to the table. Passion for cognacs has been in the family genes since 1759 when Irish-born James Delamain settled as a merchant in Jarnac and his grandson Henri Delamain founded Maison Delamain. And no better Ambassador product than its best-selling Pale & Dry X.O., a cognac that will shortly celebrate its centenary. Created in the 1920s by cousins Jacques and Robert Delamain, it is made exclusively from eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne and Premier Cru de Cognac and embodies the Delamain approach to cognac-making led by Dominique Touteau, cellar master. Pale because of its amber color, dry because of the feeling it leaves in the mouth, almost a powdery dryness, and a nose described as poached pear, ripe apricot with a hint of orange blossom, the bottle is engraved with the family crest. Delamain cognacs, which also include Vesper and The Very Revered, are currently exported to over 60 countries. Its cellars contain red casks filled with cognacs several decades old. Rebecca Montgomery, marketing and commercial director, said during the coronavirus lockdown, we have been regularly communicating with loyal customers and distributors via social media platforms. Tasting videos enable us to continue educating people about our cognacs and ensuring they are available through traditional outlets and online. Maison Ferrand 10 Generations, Maison Ferrand Headquartered in the 18th century Chateau de Bonbonnet, Maison Ferrand is a relative newcomer to the scene, having been established by Alexandre Gabriel in 1989, after he revitalized the then dormant Ferrand Cognac, one of the oldest of cognac houses. In tribute to the ten generations of the family who developed the house since 1630, Gabriel has created Ferrands 10 Generations cognac. Aged in French oak with 20 percent in Sauternes casks, it features flavors of baked pear, honey, muscat grape, pineapple and cloves, and fruity spice cake and raisin aromas. Ferrands distinctive style derives from vines planted on Angeac terroir in the heart of Grande Champagne, considered the Premier Cru of Cognac, what connoisseurs call the Golden Triangle, a highly-reputed micro-terroir of chalky soil. When I think of my grandfather, a small Burgundy winegrower for whom the earth was the source of true riches, I believe he would be proud of what we have achieved at Maison Ferrand, says Alexandre Gabriel. Switch the Market flag Open the menu and switch the Market flag for targeted data from your country of choice. for targeted data from your country of choice. Australia's Energy Minister Angus Taylor speaks during question time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia. on July 4, 2019. (Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images) Australian Energy Minister Signs US Fuel Reserve Deal Energy Minister Angus Taylor has finalised a petroleum reserve deal with the United States, but it wont have an impact on bowser prices for Australian motorists. Taylor signed the agreement in Canberra on June 3 with the US ambassador by his side, while his American counterpart Dan Brouillette beamed in from Washington. The deal allows Australia to lease space in the US strategic petroleum reserve to store oil that can be drawn from during an emergency or domestic supply shortage. US ambassador Arthur Culvahouse praised the relationship between the two nations, saying they would continue to stand together. A lot has changed in the last few days and weve learnt the importance yet again of energy security, he said. Even more, I think weve learned the importance of true friends and trusted allies and Australia could not be a better mate. Taylor has been negotiating the deal for some time following the early findings of a fuel security review. Im very confident this landmark deal will benefit both of our nations coming out of the pandemic, he said. I made a commitment to the Australian people that the government was and will be taking action to shore up our fuel security and enhance our ability to withstand global shocks. This lease agreement is an integral element of that commitment. Taylor also flagged an announcement about a local fuel reserve. Discussions are ongoing between the government and private sector about building more storage capacity. The timing of the reserve deal allows Australia to take advantage of low oil prices. CommSec says the price of oil is tied to when nations come out of lockdown. While the good news for motorists is that petrol prices are low. The bad news is that prices are lifting as drivers get back behind the wheel following the virus lockdown. NRMA (The National Roads and Motorists Association) spokesman Peter Khoury says theres still scope for prices to fall before a gradual increase. It depends on how quickly it takes for the global economy to come out of the COVID lockdown period, and not just come out of it, come out of it properly, he said. If we have another phase of cases globally and you start to see people go back into lockdown, thats going to have a really dramatic effect. Rebecca Gredley Transaction strengthens Choom's leadership position in Canadian cannabis retail Choom poised for accelerated growth with omni-channel retail growth strategy Strategically timed to benefit from the continued Ontario retail rollout Compelling value-creation opportunity with defensible store portfolio in flagship locations Enhanced capital markets presence and balance sheet strength to fuel growth in 2020 and beyond Combines the strength of Choom and Phivida's executive teams, national relationships and strategic shareholders with capabilities across retail, branding and digital analytics Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2020) - Choom Holdings Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) ("Choom") and Phivida Holdings Inc. (CSE: VIDA) ("Phivida") are pleased to announce that they have entered into a definitive arrangement agreement dated June 2, 2020 (the "Arrangement Agreement") pursuant to which Choom will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Phivida (the "Phivida Shares") in exchange for common shares of Choom (the "Choom Shares") in an arm's length all-share transaction valued at approximately $7.3 million (the "Transaction"). Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Phivida shareholders will receive 0.72566 of a Choom Share in exchange for each Phivida Share held (the "Exchange Ratio") based on $0.082 per Phivida Share, representing a 10% premium to the 20-day volume weighted average price of the Phivida Shares ending June 2, 2020, and based on a 20-day volume weighted average price of the Choom Shares for the same period, being $0.113 per Choom Share. Based on the closing price of the Phivida Shares on June 2, 2020, the Transaction results in an implied premium of approximately 20% per Phivida Share. Upon completion of the Transaction, existing Choom and Phivida shareholders will hold approximately 78% and 22% of the pro forma company, respectively, on a fully diluted basis. Story continues "The acquisition of Phivida will further Choom's ability to deliver on our business plans and accelerate our growth initiatives, enabling our omni-channel strategy through enhanced digital capabilities, and an expanded brick-and-mortar presence across Canada," said Corey Gillon, CEO of Choom. "The timing is ideal as we prepare to expand our retail footprint in Ontario, Canada's largest market for cannabis sales, later this year, with several flagship locations already secured." David Moon CEO of Phivida, added: "Following an extensive evaluation of the Canadian cannabis market, we're thrilled to partner with Choom and continue to execute on our digital growth strategy which will be complimentary to Choom's brick and mortar retail store growth. By leveraging consumer data collected through our online websites and working with the Choom team to enhance in store analytics, we are well positioned to optimize our business for continued success." Strategic Rationale The Transaction is expected to enhance Choom's strategy in becoming one of the dominant national retail players in the Canadian cannabis retail sector. More specifically, the Transaction is expected to: Enhance Choom's Leadership Position in Cannabis Retail: Leveraging Choom's current brick and mortar retail presence with Phivida's digital assets and branded product expertise, the combined company will benefit from a vertically integrated strategy focused on cannabis retail and consumer experiences. Accelerate National Store-Roll out Program: Upon completion of the Transaction, Choom will leverage Phivida's current assets, to accelerate the build-out of additional stores in Ontario and British Colombia. The combined company will further benefit from its deep relationships with prominent landlords to support future store growth at marquee locations. Strengthen Choom's Digital Strategy & Analytics: Choom will leverage Phivida's digital assets and capabilities to enhance growth and consumer experiences in its retail stores by utilizing Phivida's strong e-commerce solutions and content-rich marketing platforms. Enhance Scale and Access to Capital: The combined company will benefit from enhanced capital markets presence and a broader shareholder group with strengthened access to growth capital. Bolster Management Team with Added Capabilities and Broader Stakeholders: The combined company will have blue-chip retail and branded product capabilities, digital and online expertise, countrywide geographical representation, and an aligned entrepreneurial spirit committed to creating one of the dominant national cannabis retailers in Canada. Transaction Summary The Transaction will be effected by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement completed under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and will require approval by at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast by the shareholders of Phivida at a special meeting of Phivida shareholders. In addition to shareholder approval, the Transaction is subject to applicable regulatory, court and stock exchange approvals and certain other closing conditions customary in transactions of this nature. The Arrangement Agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Choom and Phivida, and the Phivida board has recommended that Phivida shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction. A management information circular will be mailed to Phivida shareholders in connection with a meeting of Phivida shareholders to consider and approve the Transaction. The board of directors of Phivida has obtained a fairness opinion from Haywood Securities Inc. that, as of the date of the opinion, and subject to the assumptions, limitations, and qualifications on which such opinion is based, the consideration to be received by Phivida's shareholders pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Phivida shareholders. Directors and officers of Phivida as well as certain Phivida shareholders holding, in aggregate, approximately 31% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Phivida, have entered into support and voting agreements pursuant to which they have agreed to vote their Phivida Shares in favour of the Transaction. The Arrangement Agreement includes customary provisions including reciprocal non-solicitation provisions, subject to the right of each of Choom and Phivida to accept a superior proposal in certain circumstances, with both Choom and Phivida having a seven business day right to match any such superior proposal for the other party. The Arrangement Agreement also provides for reciprocal termination fees of $500,000 if the Transaction is terminated in certain specified circumstances, as well as a reciprocal payment of a $250,000 expense reimbursement fee if the Transaction is terminated in certain other specified circumstances. Upon completion of the Transaction, Choom's board of directors will be reconstituted to comprise three directors nominated by Choom and one director nominated by Phivida. A fifth director, mutually agreed upon by Phivida and Choom, will subsequently be added to the board. None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and any securities issued in the Arrangement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon the exemption from such registration requirements provided by Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Advisors and Counsel BDO Transaction Advisory Services Inc. is acting as the exclusive financial advisor to Choom. Pushor Mitchell LLP is acting as legal counsel to Choom. Hillcrest Merchant Partners Inc. is acting as the exclusive financial advisor to Phivida. Phivida received an independent fairness opinion from Haywood Securities Inc. Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP is acting as legal counsel to Phivida. About Choom Choom is a fast-expanding retail cannabis company who has established one of the largest store networks in Canada. The Choom brand is inspired by Hawaii's "Choom Gang" - a group of buddies in Honolulu during the 1970's who loved to smoke weed - or as the locals called it, "Choom". Evoking the spirit of the original Choom Gang, our brand caters to the Canadian market with the ethos of 'cultivating good times'. Choom is focused on delivering an elevated customer experience through our curated retail environments, offering a diversity of brands for Canadians across a national retail network. For more information, visit www.choom.ca. About Phivida Phivida Holdings Inc. is a CBD-centric holding group with assets in technology, publishing and consumer-packaged goods (CPG). Headquartered in Vancouver BC, with operations in San Diego, Toronto and Belgrade, Phivida produces a line of CBD-infused foods and beverages (OKI), and CBD topicals and supplements (VIDA+), in addition to managing and operating two CBD-related, online retail marketplaces under the brand names Bloomgroove and Wikala. Greencamp is Phivida's online publication and knowledge center on CBD sector news. For more information, visit www.phivida.com. Contacts: Choom - Corey Gillon, CEO, Telephone: 1 (604) 683-2509, Email investors@choom.ca. Phivida - David Moon, Interim CEO, Telephone: 1 (844) 744-6646 x2, Email IR@Phivida.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or 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. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Choom, Phivida or their respective subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained in this news release. Statements containing forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our expectations with respect to: the timing and outcome of the Transaction; the anticipated benefits of the Transaction to the parties and their respective securityholders; and the impact of the Transaction on the parties' respective businesses on a combined basis, and the anticipated growth of the combined company and how the Transaction are expected to enhance the parties' respective future business plans. In respect of the forward-looking information in this news release concerning the anticipated benefits and completion of the Transaction and the anticipated timing for completion of the Transaction, Choom and Phivida have provided such statements and information in reliance on certain assumptions that they believe are reasonable at this time, including assumptions as to the time required to prepare and mail security holder meeting materials; the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory, court and shareholder approvals; the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Transaction; other expectations and assumptions concerning the Transaction. Although Choom and Phivida believe that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including; risks that the Arrangement will not close as anticipated or at all, risks that required shareholder, regulatory or other approvals will not be obtained or may be materially delayed, risks that the synergies expected as a result of the Transaction will not be realized as anticipated or at all, integration risks following completion of the Transaction, risks associated with general economic conditions, including adverse conditions resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting government policies restricting mobility, assembly or contact with actual and potential customers and suppliers; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms or at all, and such other risks identified in Choom's and Phivida's most recent management's discussions and analysis filed with Canadian securities regulators and which are available on Choom's and Phivida's respective issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and Choom and Phivida do not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will occur, or that it will occur on the terms and conditions contemplated in this news release. The Transaction could be modified, restructured or terminated. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange and the approval of shareholders of Phivida. The Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder, court and regulatory 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 to be prepared in connection with a meeting of Phivida shareholders to consider the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. The Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction, and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION INTO THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57189 (Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @ajplus) Rubber Bullets Used by US Police Can Blind, Disfigure, or Even Kill the Protesters When Fired at Close Range (Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @sabrinak47) Rubber Bullets Used by US Police Can Blind, Disfigure, or Even Kill the Protesters When Fired at Close Range United States Police's rubber bullets can critically injure protesters or even kill them. According to The Daily Beast's latest report, rubber bullets were fired into crowds of protesters by the police department in an attempt to quell unrest in cities across the country over the death of George Floyd. Five decades of evidence shows that such weapons can disfigure, disable or even kill people. U.S. police using rubber bullets at protests is a potential human rights violation, says a UN rights expert. AJ+ (@ajplus) June 2, 2020 She told @washingtonpost use of such weapons doesn't seem proportional to security needs and can cause death or disability: "Less-lethal does not mean nonlethal." pic.twitter.com/5GCC19z1TE Aside from rubber bullets which usually have metal cores, the police department of the United States also uses flash-bang grenades, projectiles, pepper spray, and tear gas to disperse and control the protesters. The crowds of people demanded justice for the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black American, who died in the custody of Minneapolis police after being pinned down by while other officers restrained him. There were incidents of violence with some people setting buildings on fire, looting stores, and smashing windows. The outrage of protesters was provoked by the rubber bullets used by the U.S. police which was shown in graphic images posted on different social media platforms, revealing some people have ben critically injured, lost an eye, or suffered other serious injuries after they were hit directly. Rubber bullets used by US Police can blind, disfigure, or even kill the protesters when fired at close range A study published in 2017 revealed that 3% of people directly hit by rubber bullets died because of serious injuries. The result of the study showed that 15% of the 1,984 people were permanently injured by the rubber bullets also known as "kinetic impact projectiles." pic.twitter.com/63m8H3wbID These are rubber bullets. These are what police are shooting at US citizens, at their heads. They are massive and they are lethal. #PoliceBrutality Sabrina (@sabrinak47) June 3, 2020 "Rubber bullets should be used only to control "an extremely dangerous crowd," said Brian Higgins, the Bergen County's former police chief officer. "Shooting them into open crowds is reckless and dangerous," added Dr. Douglas Lazzaro, an expert in eye trauma and professor at NYU Langone Health. Dr. Rohini Haar, a lecturer at the University of California-Berkeley School of Public Health and medical expert with Physicians for Human Rights, stated that no one knows how many people are harmed every year since there are no data showing how often the police department uses rubber bullets. Higgins confirmed that the police are not required to provide any documents for their use of rubber bullets. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In Just Mercy, Michael B. Jordan stars in a real-life story as attorney Bryan Stevenson, whose client, Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), is serving time in prison for a crime he did not commit. McMillian, who died in 2013, spent six years on death row in Alabama before he was released in 1993. Warner Bros. has made the film free to watch for the month of June, citing protests of systemic racism following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and many others. The movie, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and released wide in January, is based on Stevensons acclaimed 2014 memoir Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption." The attorney is the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama. We believe in the power of story. #JustMercy is one resource we can offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society. For the month of June, #JustMercy will be available to rent for free on digital platforms in the US. @eji_org pic.twitter.com/3B2IHMNk7E Just Mercy (@JustMercyFilm) June 2, 2020 McMillian was immediately sent to death row after his arrest. He was convicted of murdering Ronda Morrison despite the testimony of a dozen witnesses who said he was at home and that they had seen him at a fish fry at the time of the murder. On Sunday, Warner Bros. tweeted a quote from Stevenson. 'Somebody has to stand when others are sitting. Somebody has to speak when others are quiet.' Bryan Stevenson," the company said in its tweet. We stand with our Black colleagues, talent, storytellers and fans and all affected by senseless violence. Your voices matter, your messages matter. #BlackLivesMatter. Jordan, who grew up in Newark, attended a December premiere of the film in Newark along with Stevenson and the cast. We believe in the power of story, Warner Bros. said in a statement. Our film Just Mercy, based on the life work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, is one resource we can humbly offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society ... To actively be part of the change our country is so desperately seeking, we encourage you to learn more about our past and the countless injustices that have led us to where we are today. Just Mercy is free to rent on digital platforms including Amazon, iTunes, Google Play and Vudu. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com or send a coronavirus tip here. Unheralded and unnoticed, equality has been taken out from customary political obscurity, dusted down and put to some use in our pandemic crisis. The norm in times of trouble had been for equality to be pushed ever deeper into the shadows. The actions required to curb the spread of the coronavirus have shone an unforgiving light on inequality. The protection afforded by social distancing is unequally available. Wealth enables access to space on a scale that makes social distancing real and manageable. Poverty offers no such succour. Roma people in overcrowded rented accommodation, homeless people in hostels, asylum seekers in direct provision centres and people with disabilities in congregated residential settings are just some of the groups that end up at particular risk. Hygiene requirements can only be met where basic living conditions apply. Travellers on unofficial halting sites do not have access to such conditions. Home is not always a safe space of confinement. The dangers for women to be subjected to domestic violence have increased. Socioeconomic status determines who has the resources to benefit from homeschooling and to protect themselves from looming economic crisis. There was, therefore, some imperative for equality to form part of the response to Covid-19. It is only the low political standing for equality that ends up leaving one surprised that it has. Policy changes, across social welfare, housing and healthcare, by way of example, have had a significant equality dimension. The Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is an admission that social welfare rates have been inadequate to date. It provoked the Economic and Social Research Institute to point out some lower-paid and temporary workers would now be better off unemployed than remaining in subsidised, but lower-paid employment. The Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 enabled changes in housing and homeless policy that had previously been deemed unconstitutional. A prohibition on evictions was introduced and a rent freeze was enacted, on a temporary basis. The agreement between the Government and the Private Hospitals Association to use its facilities for the treatment of both Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 patients meant that, in effect, private hospitals became part of the public system for much of the period of the pandemic. Although the agreement is due to come to an end at the end of this month, our pernicious two-tier healthcare system was set aside in weeks, a goal that Slaintecare is supposed to achieve over 10 years. The shift in public and political discourse that accompanied these changes was unprecedented. Values of universal human worth, care, community and solidarity have been persistently and efficiently engaged. These are pro-social values that motivate a concern for others and, ultimately, choices for equality. The traditionally dominant values of individualism, competition and consumption that motivate self-interest have been relegated to the back burner. Values are powerful. They are the ideals that motivate our choices, attitudes and behaviours as individuals and as a society. If sustained, this engagement of these pro-social values could drive significant cultural shift. When particular values are engaged in this manner, they get prioritised. The prioritisation of these values creates the conditions for a more equal society. It is difficult to see silver linings in a crisis of this magnitude, yet we badly need to seek them out if hope is to thrive. Equality must continue as an imperative at the heart of policy-making for a better society to emerge from this crisis. Public bodies are under a statutory obligation to have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality and protect human rights in implementing all their functions, under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014. Steps could now be taken to finally secure a systematic and effective implementation of this duty in all public-sector policy making, service provision and employment. The politicians, who enacted this duty, should abide by it themselves. A programme for government will have to be negotiated and agreed. This should respect the duty to eliminate discrimination, promote equality and protect human rights, by establishing the key equality and human rights issues that need to be addressed and by committing to prioritising and implementing the actions required to address these issues. A Florida sheriff has encouraged residents in his area to shoot looters, if they attempt to break into their homes, amid the George Floyd protests. During a press conference on Monday, Polk County sheriff Grady Judd criticised the minority of people who are stealing from businesses and residences during the nationwide peaceful protests, according to CBS News. Mr Judd said that the Polk County Sheriff Department had received information on social media that some folks were threatening to take their criminal conduct into the neighbourhoods, this week. I would tell them, if you value your life, they probably shouldnt do that in Polk County, the sheriff said. Because the people of Polk County like guns, they have guns, I encourage them to own guns, and theyre going to be in their homes tonight with their guns loaded, and if you try to break into their homes to steal, to set fires, Im highly recommending they blow you back out of the house with their guns. So, leave the community alone, Mr Judd added. 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 sheriff reiterated his stance in a Facebook post later on Monday, that expanded on his comments made at the press conference. Those who want to come in, stealthily, among those wonderful people who are simply making their position known, the ones that tried to infiltrate, we are going to hunt you down and lock you up if you engage in any criminal conduct, he added. On Tuesday, Mr Judd confirmed that there has been zero incidents of protest-related violence, in Polk County, since the protests started, but added in an interview with Dana Loesch that he would be prepared to follow his advice, and shoot a looter. He said: If someone breaks into my home, Im going to shoot them and Im going to shoot them a lot. Mr Judds remarks are similar to comments made by president Donald Trump last week, who wrote when the looting starts, the shooting starts on his Twitter account. Recommended Cuomo condemns Trump for his church photo op The presidents comments were widely criticised and Twitter flagged his post for glorifying violence, but did not remove it from the social media site. Twitters explanation read: This 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. Protests have taken place across the US, following the death of George Floyd, who died after being detained by Derek Chauvin, who at the time was a Minneapolis police officer. The protests, in opposition of police brutality against African Americans, started in Minneapolis, but quickly spread to Chicago and New York, among cities in every state in the US. Police have clashed with protesters all over the US, and some officers have been filmed using excessive force, while a minority of civilians have engaged in looting. Recommended Minnesota governor mobilises National Guard Despite his strong advice in regards to looters, the sheriff confirmed that he supports peaceful protests and condemns the actions of Mr Chauvin. The death of George in Minneapolis at the hands of that police officer was outrageous, he said. Had that police officer done here what he did there, he would have been locked up in the county jail by sundown. Putin approves Nuclear Deterrence Policy Framework TASS In accordance with the decree, Russia considers nuclear weapons exclusively as a means of deterrence. MOSCOW, June 2. / TASS /. Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the Fundamentals of State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence. The document signed on Tuesday replaces a similar one, adopted 10 years ago and valid until 2020. The new regulatory act, unlike the previous one, was published; on Tuesday it was posted on the official Internet portal of legal information . The new foundations confirm that government policy on nuclear deterrence is defensive in nature. Restrain the aggressor "The state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence is defensive in nature, aimed at maintaining the potential of nuclear forces at a level sufficient to ensure nuclear deterrence, and guarantees the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state, deterrence of a potential adversary from aggression against the Russian Federation and (or) its allies, and in the event of a military conflict - to prevent the escalation of hostilities and their cessation on conditions acceptable to the Russian Federation and (or) its allies, "the document emphasizes. It is supposed to restrain aggression "by the totality of the military power of the Russian Federation, including nuclear weapons." At the same time, Moscow "considers nuclear weapons exclusively as a means of deterrence, the use of which is an extreme and compelled measure, and is making all necessary efforts to reduce the nuclear threat and prevent aggravation of interstate relations that could provoke military conflicts, including nuclear ones." The inevitability of retaliation "Nuclear deterrence is aimed at ensuring that the potential adversary understands the inevitability of retaliation in the event of aggression against the Russian Federation and (or) its allies," the document warns. Moreover, the Russian military is capable and ready with the help of nuclear weapons "guaranteed to cause unacceptable damage to a potential enemy in any situation." The basics specify that "the Russian Federation exercises nuclear deterrence in relation to individual states and military coalitions (blocs, unions) that consider the Russian Federation as a potential adversary and possess nuclear weapons and (or) other types of weapons of mass destruction or significant combat potential of general forces destination. " Military threats Among the dangers that could escalate into military threats for Russia are, for example, the potential adversary's buildup in the territories adjacent to the Russian Federation and in the adjacent sea areas of the general forces, which include nuclear delivery vehicles; deployment by states that consider the Russian Federation as a potential adversary, missile defense systems and means, medium and shorter range cruise and ballistic missiles, high-precision non-nuclear and hypersonic weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles, and directed energy weapons. Threats also include the creation and deployment in space of missile defense and strike systems; the presence of nuclear weapons and other types of weapons of mass destruction among states that can be used against the Russian Federation; uncontrolled proliferation of nuclear weapons, their delivery vehicles, technologies and equipment for their manufacture; deployment of nuclear weapons and their delivery vehicles in the territories of non-nuclear states. In carrying out nuclear deterrence, Moscow "takes into account the deployment of offensive means by potential adversaries in the territories of other states." These are, in particular, cruise and ballistic missiles, hypersonic flying vehicles, strike unmanned aerial vehicles, directional energy weapons, and missile defense systems that can be used against the Russian Federation and its allies. One of the main principles of nuclear deterrence is compliance with international arms control obligations. Extreme case The document notes that Russia carries out nuclear deterrence "continuously in peacetime, during the immediate threat of aggression and in wartime, until the start of the use of nuclear weapons." And it reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to the use of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction against it and its allies, as well as in the case of aggression against the Russian Federation using conventional weapons, when the very existence of the state is threatened. President's decision The decision to use nuclear weapons is made by the president of the country. The head of the Russian state may, if necessary, inform the military-political leadership of other states or international organizations about the readiness of the Russian Federation to use nuclear weapons or about the decision to use nuclear weapons, as well as the fact of their use. Four conditions The basis of state policy lists four conditions that determine the possibility of the use of the Russian Federation of nuclear weapons. This is "the receipt of reliable information about the launch of ballistic missiles attacking the territory of the Russian Federation and (or) its allies; the enemy's use of nuclear weapons or other types of weapons of mass destruction across the territories of the Russian Federation and (or) its allies; the enemy's impact on critical state or "military installations of the Russian Federation, the failure of which will lead to the disruption of retaliatory actions of nuclear forces; aggression against the Russian Federation with the use of conventional weapons, when the very existence of the state is jeopardized." The Ministry of Defense is entrusted with the direct planning and implementation of organizational and military measures in the field of nuclear deterrence. And nuclear deterrence forces include ground, sea, and air-based nuclear forces. TASS NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myleene Klass has detailed the horrific racial abuse she experienced in her childhood and the prevalent prejudice she still witnesses. The songstress, who was born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, to an Austrian father and a Filipino mother, took to Instagram on Wednesday morning to reveal she is struggling to explain racism to her children amid the Black Lives Matter movement. In her impassioned post, the star, 42, listed some of the horrendous slurs she has faced over the years, with a shocking list reading: 'Chink. Slit eye. Number 69, Fried rice. Mongrel. Ping pong. Slut. All Tai girls are sluts. Banana'. Shocking: Myleene Klass has detailed the horrific racial abuse she experienced in her childhood and the prevalent prejudice she still witnesses Myleene is mother to Ava, 12, Hero, nine, from her relationship with her ex Graham Quinn and Apollo, 10 months, with her current partner Simon Motson. Amid the Black Lives Matter movement and the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, the star revealed she is trying to educate her kids. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died last Monday after a white police officer knelt on his head for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, prompting a wave of protests. Discussing her own experiences - yet conceding she cannot understand the struggles in the US - Myleene shared the lengthy caption beneath a childhood snap. Heartfelt: The songstress, who was born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, to an Austrian father and a Filipino mother, took to Instagram on Wednesday morning to reveal she is struggling to explain racism to her children amid the Black Lives Matter movement Great loss: The movement comes after the death of African-American George Floyd, 46, last week, who passed away after Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for several minutes before he died from asphyxiation The star attended Notre Dame High School, Norwich, but transferred to the Cliff Park Ormiston Academy in Gorleston-on-Sea, to complete secondary school. Myleene opened the post with explaining what she is working to do by revealing the struggles she has faced in her past. She wrote: 'Im trying so hard to explain the complexities of racism to my children. How it happens... 'How whilst I dont understand the struggles a black person living in America might be experiencing, how I do understand and know my own experience of being a mixed race Filipino girl growing up in Norfolk... Loved ones: Myleene is pictured with her parents Oscar and Bong in 2014 Alarming: She went on to detail the ongoing racism she faces in her own area, as she explained: 'In the area I live now, get a Filipino is bandied around so easily when referring to getting a nanny 'I had those words thrown at me. On other occasions, it wasnt just words, it was rock filled snowballs by a group of boys as I walked home, I had my hair cut in the school cloakrooms by some girls, later they threatened a lighter... 'There was spitting. Why does your mum speak like that? Why dont you have an accent? I was born here. Yeah, but you dont belong here... 'I also remember the pride and relief I felt when a bus of school children, aged 10 pulled up next to my own bus and the children opposite all started making Chinese eyes and buck teeth to then have my own bus retaliate with fist signs and fingers... Sweet: Myleene is mother to Ava, 12, Hero, nine, from her relationship with her ex Graham Quinn and Apollo, 10 months, with her current partner Simon Motson 'It was small victory, I felt embarrassed, hot, shamed but I remember it so well because for the first time, I didnt feel alone, I had a small token of solidarity that gave me courage'. Speaking about her experiences at college, she went on: 'At college, I walked into the canteen only to have a group of students hand me their trays loaded up with dirty plates. Youre Filipino, youre all cleaners right? Then the laughter.' She went on to detail the ongoing racism she faces in her own area, as she explained: 'In the area I live now, get a Filipino is bandied around so easily when referring to getting a nanny, they dont even realise theyre talking about a person, an actual person... Open and honest: Speaking about how she is now living with and addressing the issues, she went on: 'The world looks different now. I am mixed race and I am so proud of that' 'A woman who will likely have sacrificed being with her own children for years to raise your snotty kids. Another popular quote... We love our Filipino nanny (still no name), shes like family, we send her home every year for Xmas... 'Not doing a sister out of a job, but shes not your pet and she has a name.' Speaking about how she is now living with and addressing the issues, she went on: 'The world looks different now. I am mixed race and I am so proud of that... 'Growing up in Norfolk, there wasnt much visibility as to what a girl like me could aspire to be. I was surrounded by incredible, selfless nurses and those in service (the same who are tending our covid patients and dropping like flies' Secretary of Hanoi Partys Committee Vuong Dinh Hue (R) receives Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Tanee Sangrat on June 2 (Photo: VNA) Secretary of Hanoi Partys Committee Vuong Dinh Hue made the commitment during a reception for the Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Tanee Sangrat on June 2. Hue informed his guest that Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular has basically put the COVID-19 epidemic under control while maintaining a positive growth rate at 3.72 percent along with political security and social order and safety. He stressed that Hanoi is implementing concerted measures to restore the economy, including organising a major investment promotion conference on June 27. The official invited the Thai Ambassador and Thai businesses to attend the event, which demonstrates Hanois resolve in attracting investment. Appreciating the success of Vietnam and Hanoi in particular in containing the COVID-19, Ambassador Tanee Sangrat said this year is a right time for the two countries to discuss mechanisms to promote and facilitate bilateral trade and investment. He suggested holding a joint workshop to look into trade and investment issues. The ambassador invited Hanoi to attend several annual exchange programmes held by Thailand in the time ahead, adding that the two sides should coordinate to organize cultural exchange events in Hanoi on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic relations in 2021. The Hanoi leader affirmed his support of such joint events, and expressed his wish that flights between Vietnam and Thailand, and between Hanoi and Bangkok will be resumed early on the condition of ensuring safety for both sides. The Thai Ambassador said Thailand also shares this wish and is considering ways to realize it. The two sides agreed that the existing cooperation agreement between Hanoi and Bangkok has not matched their potential, and proposed that the two cities consider elevating their ties towards a twinning relationship. She's been very vocal online in regards to supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. And Ireland Baldwin was seen going one step further on Tuesday when she stepped out to protest in Los Angeles. The 24-year-old donned a white tank top with jeans during her solo outing. Protesting: Ireland Baldwin was spotted stepping out to join the protests around Los Angeles on Tuesday Earlier, Ireland covered herself in a dark grey graphic hoodie and a pair of cropped mom jeans for the occasion. She teamed the look with open-toed slides and accessorized with a pair of shades over her face. The daughter of Alec Baldwin styled her light brown hair out naturally and appeared to be wearing very little to no makeup under a protective green mask. Standing up: Ireland seen attending a protest on Tuesday afternoon Bundled up: Before turning heads in her a tank top, she covered up in an over-sized grey hoodie Casual: Ireland sported a dark grey graphic sweatshirt and a pair of cropped mom jeans for the occasion Heart-wrenching: She shared an emotional protest sign, which read: 'PTSD is seeing a cop car and immediately making a detour to avoid any confrontation cause you don't want to die' on her Instagram Story Ireland later took to social media to share a video of the protest she attended. 'LA showing up!! I love these people,' she captioned the black and white clip. The model cousin of Hailey Bieber has spent the past few days showing her support on social media for the Black Lives Matter movement. Protection: Ireland sported her mask for most of the outing and kept comfortable in flat slides Vision: Ireland later took to social media to share a video of the protest she attended Ireland's past nine posts have all drawn attention to the racial injustices that the black community has faced. She also alerted those fans who have their primary elections today. Those states include; New Mexico, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Dakota, Indiana, Montana and Washington D.C. She captioned: 'text VOTER to 26797... stay on top of this.' Additionally, she shared a snap of a heart-wrenching protest sign, which read: 'PTSD is seeing a cop car and immediately making a detour to avoid any confrontation cause you don't want to die.' Taking a stance: Ireland's past nine posts have all drawn attention to the racial injustices that the black community has faced While Ireland was out demonstrating, her father Alec was slammed after a flippant remark downplaying the importance of #BlackoutTuesday in an effort to bring awareness to the group Black Lives Matter and their multimedia power. Further complicating issues was that he was interviewing Woody Allen on his Here's The Thing podcast, as the Oscar-winning director is considered a pariah by many some two and a half years after the #MeToo movement exposed decades of sexual misconduct in show business. Baldwin downplayed the observance when replying to posts questioning why he would welcome on the Annie Hall director, whose estranged adopted daughter with ex-Mia Farrow, Dylan Farrow, accused him of molesting her when she was seven in 1992. 'As for the perceived lack of sensitivity re BlackOutTuesday, I had no idea about this...national day of whatever,' said Baldwin, who has past collaborated with Allen on films such as Alice, Blue Jasmine and To Rome with Love. Response: Alec said the didn't think the social media blackout was effective and that he believes Allen is innocent. The director and actor were snapped in 2012 His take: The Departed actor explained his side of why he felt it was appropriate to welcome Allen on his program Tuesday In his direct fashion, the Glengarry Glen Ross star delivered his view on the planned observance - and why he didn't feel the need to observe it. 'Three things: the professional lives of some people cannot be put on hold at the whims of political correctness,' said Baldwin, who's best known in recent years for playing President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live. 'I believe Allen is innocent and that is my right. 'Posting a black screen today or any other day, though a decent sentiment, is not an effective political stance.' Ireland later took to social media to defending her father - who's generally been an outspoken voice on the left in his political stances - 'because [she knows] his intentions and where his heart is at.' The UK will provide an alternative for nearly 3 million Hong Kong citizens if China imposes a national security law over the semi-autonomous territory, Boris Johnson has said. Writing in a column published online on Wednesday by the South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong newspaper, the prime minister said the law would curtail freedoms in Hong Kong and erode its autonomy. Many people in Hong Kong fear their way of life which China pledged to uphold is under threat, he wrote. If China proceeds to justify their fears, then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away. He said the law would conflict with Chinas obligations under its agreement with the United Kingdom when it took back the former British colony in 1997. Since the handover in 1997, the key has been the precious concept of one country, two systems, enshrined in Hong Kongs Basic Law and underpinned by the Joint Declaration signed by Britain and China, Mr Johnson wrote. It comes after Chinas parliament approved a decision last week to create laws to curb sedition, secession, terrorism and foreign influence in Hong Kong. It allowed mainland security and intelligence agencies to be stationed in the city for the first time. The plan for the legislation followed months of often violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Mr Johnsons remarks came after the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, warned China to take a step back on Tuesday. After Mr Johnsons intervention, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam accused foreign critics of displaying blatant double standards over Beijings decision. Following talks with officials in Beijing, Ms Lam said China has the same right as Britain and the US to enact legislation protecting its national security and said foreign criticism and threats of sanctions could not be justified. She also said China was compelled to take the step at the national level because opposition in Hong Kongs own legislature and among government critics made it impossible to do so locally. I can only say that the international community and some of the foreign governments have been adopting blatant double standards in dealing with this matter and commenting on this matter, Ms Lam said. It is within the legitimate jurisdiction of any country to enact laws to protect and safeguard national security, Ms Lam said. USA is no exception. UK is no exception. So why should they object, resist or even condemn and take their sanctions against Hong Kong and the Peoples Republic of China for taking similar actions? Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Show all 20 1 /20 Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests An anti-extradition bill protester is detained by riot police during skirmishes between the police and protesters outside Mong Kok police station, 2 September, 2019 Photos by Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Police fire tear gas and rubber bullets at anti-extradition bill protesters during clashes in the Sham Shui Po district of Hong Kong, 14 August, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests A pro-China demonstrator films herself as an anti-government protester holds up a sign on her phone during skirmishes between the two opposing groups at Yuen Long station in Hong Kong, China, 12 September, 2019. The words on the phone read, "Seek an official reassessment of the June 4 crackdown," referring to the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests A man sprays paint over the Regional Emblem of Hong Kong after anti-extradition bill protesters stormed the Legislative Council Complex on the 22nd anniversary of the handover from British to Chinese rule, destroying pictures and daubing walls with graffiti on 1 July, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests An anti-government protester, who later identified himself as a university student, is chased by riot policemen after skirmishes at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on 12 November, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Hundreds of thousands protesters march through the streets of Hong Kong, demanding for it's leaders to step down and withdraw the proposed extradition bill on 16 June, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests A masked anti-government protester, wielding a hammer, attacks a man who bystanders suspected of being a pro-Beijing activist from mainland China, during a protest in the Mong Kok area in Hong Kong on 11 November, 2019. The bloodied man, who suffered major facial and head trauma, was reported to have survived his injuries by local media Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Passengers push their luggage past bricks and barriers after anti-government protesters blocked the roads leading to Hong Kong International Airport on 1 September, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Mall security personnel urges caution as he tries to extinguish a burning Christmas tree at the Festival Walk mall in Kowloon Tong on 12 November, 2019. The property suffered damage after anti-government protesters stormed the shopping centre Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests A woman looks out from the window of a residence as tens of thousands of demonstrators march through Hong Kong on 20 October, 2019, demanding autonomy and for its leaders to step down weeks after the formal withdrawal of an extradition bill Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Hundreds of anti-government protesters gather after climbing to the peak of Lion Rock as a lighted sign is held high in the air, in Hong Kong on 13 September, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests A child sits in carrier wearing a mask as anti-government protesters hold hands to form a human chain in a sign of solidarity in Kowloon Bay on 30 November, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Anti-government protesters are detained during skirmishes between the police and protesters in Admiralty district, Hong Kong on 29 September, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam pauses while holding a news conference in Hong Kong on 27 August, 2019. On September 4, Lam announced the formal withdrawal of the extradition bill Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Anti-extradition bill protesters use slingshots to hurl bricks as they clash with riot police during a demonstration to demand democracy and political reforms, in the market town of Tsuen Wan, located in Hong Kong on 25 August, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Customers cautiously exit an eyeglass store past a burning molotov cocktail as demonstrators clash with riot policemen during a march billed as a global "emergency call" for autonomy, in Hong Kong on 2 November, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Demonstrators protesting the proposed extradition bill aim their flashlights towards riot police as they are chased through the streets of Hong Kong on 25 August, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests A restaurant worker receives help from volunteers as patrons cover their faces after riot police fired tear gas nearby to disperse anti-government protesters taking part in a march billed as a global "emergency call" for autonomy, in Hong Kong on 2 November, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests Anti-government protesters stand in a cloud of tear gas unleashed during a stand off with riot police at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, in Hong Kong on 12 November, 2019 Reuters Pulitzer-winning photographers look back on Hong Kongs protests A man clears debris following the clashes between police and anti-government protester after a two week campus siege of the Polytechnic University in Hong Kong on 16 November, 2019 Reuters In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian reiterated Chinas stance that the agreement with the UK, known as the Sino-British Joint Declaration, was essentially null and void. The UK has had no sovereignty, governance or supervision over Hong Kong since its return [to Chinese rule], Mr Zhao said at a daily briefing. Therefore, the British side has no right to cite the Sino-British Joint Declaration to make irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong affairs and interfere in Chinas internal affairs. Around 350,000 Hong Kong citizens hold British National Overseas passports, a legacy of the colonial era, and 2.5 million others are eligible to apply for them, Mr Johnson said in his column. Long lines have formed at DHL courier offices in the city since the announcement as people rushed to apply for or renew their BNO passports. Mr Johnson, echoing earlier statements by Cabinet ministers, said if China imposes a national security law, Britain would allow holders of the BNO passports to remain for 12 months on a renewable basis and would grant them the right to work, placing them on a possible path to UK citizenship. This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history, Mr Johnson wrote, adding, I hope it will not come to this. BNO passport holders currently can stay in the UK for only up to six months. Additional reporting by agencies By Express News Service BENGALURU: Confusion and drama followed the arrival of the first train from Mumbai at KSR Station in Bengaluru, after two months. Two passengers who attempted to escape from the second entry of KSR Railway Station, to avoid institutional quarantine, were brought back by cops and BBMP officials. A few others may have escaped, but no one is sure about the number. Udyan Express, which left Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, reached Platform 5 of KSR Station at 8.33 am, and 644 passengers, including 52 children, deboarded the train. However, according to S Vijayamma, Assistant Director of Health Services, Karnataka health department, there were 556 passengers, including 28 children. a girl pulls her luggage after alighting in the city | Pandarinath B With the State recently declaring compulsory 7-day institutional quarantine prior to 7-day home quarantine for passengers from Maharashtra, BBMP health officials got busy with thermal screening and swab testing (for special categories) before they could be taken to quarantine centres. However, there were no buses to ferry them. Passengers from within Karnataka who had boarded the Mumbai train midway, were allowed to leave as intra-state travellers are exempt from quarantine. A senior BMTC official said, Our buses were there in advance. When our drivers learnt that the passengers were from Mumbai, a Red Zone, we decided to send special partitioned buses. The partition ensures the drivers safety. We withdrew the buses and despatched nine partitioned buses, he said. The Railways should have informed us that the train was from Mumbai. Deputy SP, Government Rly Police, D Ashoka said, A group of passengers was taken by bus from the second entry, and after 100m, the bus stopped, may be due to a technical problem, health equipment officer Shivakumar said. There were too many people around as the buses had not turned up. Two of them tried to leave in an auto. They were chased and caught by BBMP and Railway Police. Passengers on the New Delhi-KSR Bengaluru Daily Special, which had arrived on Platform 8 earlier, were also leaving, so there was no clarity on which passenger belonged to which train. Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru Div, A K Varma, said the responsibility of passengers shifts to the State after they reach the station. Protesters using umbrellas as shields stand opposite the Seattle Police near the department's East Precinct on June 2, 2020. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson Seattle protesters are using umbrellas to shield themselves from substances like tear gas as they take part in the anti police-brutality protests that are sweeping the country. CNN reported that dozens of people opened umbrellas in front of a police barrier to protect themselves on Tuesday. Umbrellas may also be becoming a wider symbol of the protests in the city, after footage circulated of a police taking an umbrella off a woman before firing gas into a crowd on Monday. The use mirrors a protest tactic in Hong Kong, where pro-democracy demonstrators continue to use umbrellas to defend against tear gas. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Protesters in Seattle used umbrellas to shield themselves from control gasses like pepper spray and tear gas during police-brutality demonstrations on Tuesday, mirroring protest tactics used by Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. CNN reported that dozens of people stood in front of a police barrier with umbrellas on Tuesday, to protect themselves against any chemicals police might use against them. Tuesday's protests were sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a police officer knelt on him. Demonstrations against police brutality have since spread to as many as 14 American cities and around the world. Micheal Spears, a reporter for Seattle news outlet KIRO 7 Seattle, tweeted that protesters on the front lines of the demonstration outside of the Seattle Police Department's East Precinct on Tuesday were opening umbrellas, and that the crowd was chanting "No more gas." The new symbol for Seattle protests? Bringing umbrellas to protests may also be a growing symbol in Seattle. Story continues Local news outlet My Northwest reported that people protesting on Tuesday had brought umbrellas in response to an incident on Monday, where protesters were met with gas after an officer grabbed a woman's umbrella away. An aerial video of a street on Seattle's Capitol Hill on Monday shows what appears to be peaceful protesters chanting: "We don't see no riot here, take off your riot gear," before the police begin to spray into the crowd. The Seattle Times reported that officers fired tear gas and pepper spray into the crowd. Hannah Jane Parkinson (@ladyhaja) June 2, 2020 Another view of the scene on Monday showed a close-up of an officer in riot gear pulling the pink umbrella over the barrier, and starting to spray into the crowd. The person filming the video says it is pepper spray: A post in the Reddit group for Seattle on Tuesday urged people to being pink umbrellas to protests if they could as a "powerful symbol against what happened." The author also wrote: "We need the umbrellas for our protection while we are protesting." Seattle police declared the protest on Monday a riot. The force said the crowd threw rocks, bottles, and fireworks at officers, and tried to breach the barricade. Protesters disperse as tear gas, pepper spray, and flash-bang devices are deployed by Seattle police during a protest in Seattle on June 1, 2020. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson The characterization was heavily disputed on social media, and many used the video footage as proof. Omari Salisbury, a citizen journalist who captured the close-up footage of the officer taking the woman's umbrella and who has been documenting the city's protests, told The Seattle Times that he saw no signs that the police had tried to de-escalate the situation before firing into the crowd. "I took in so much tear gas," he said. "I got hit with the pepper spray and the tear gas." Protest tactics from Hong Kong's playbook Umbrellas became a key symbol of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2014, which demanded free elections. They were used by protesters to shield themselves from tear gas and pepper spray, but became a wider symbol and led to the movement being known as the "Umbrella Movement." Protesters in Hong Kong open their umbrellas - symbols of the city's pro-democracy movement. Reuters/Damir Sagolj Bloomberg also noted that they became tools for privacy under China's heavy surveillance and that police in Hong Kong at the time designated them as weapons and forbade residents from buying them online. Their use, both practical and symbolic, has continued, including in the 2019 protests that began in opposition to a now-shelved bill that would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be extradited to China, but developed into wider pro-democracy and anti-police-brutality protests. Protesters even got tattoos of the famous yellow umbrella protest symbol. Read the original article on Insider By PTI WASHINGTON: The US will ship next week the first batch of 100 ventilators it has donated to India to treat the coronavirus patients, President Donald Trump has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a conference call, the White House said. Trump spoke with Modi on Tuesday and "the two leaders discussed the G-7 (summit), the COVID-19 response, and regional security issues", it said. "The president was happy to announce that the United States would be ready to ship the first tranche of 100 donated ventilators to India next week," the White House said in a readout of the call. India is now the seventh among the worst-hit nations by the COVID-19 pandemic after the US, Brazil, Russia, the UK, Spain and Italy. ALSO READ | PM Modi, Donald Trump hold telephonic talks; discuss Sino-India border row among other issues India has reported over two lakh confirmed coronavirus cases and 5,815 deaths, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday. Ventilators have emerged as a key medical device to treat critical coronavirus patients. Around 1 out of every 5 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops breathing difficulty, according to the World Health Organisation. A ventilator takes over the body's breathing process when a disease has caused the lungs to fail. This gives the patient time to fight off the infection and recover. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi in a series of tweets on Tuesday said that he had a warm and productive conversation with his "friend" Trump. "We discussed his plans for the US Presidency of G-7, the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other issues," he said. "The richness and depth of India-US consultations will remain an important pillar of the post-COVID global architecture," Modi tweeted. Trump spoke about the US presidency of the Group of Seven (G7), and conveyed his desire to expand the ambit of the grouping beyond the existing membership, to include other important countries like India. "In this context, he extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the next G-7 Summit to be held in USA," said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in a statement in New Delhi. Modi commended Trump for his creative and far-sighted approach, acknowledging the fact that such an expanded forum would be in keeping with the emerging realities of the post-COVID world. Prime Minister Modi said that India would be happy to work with the US and other countries to ensure the success of the proposed G7 Summit, the PMO said. Expressing concern over the ongoing civil disturbances in the US, Modi conveyed his best wishes for an early resolution of the situation. "The two leaders also exchanged views on other topical issues, such as the COVID-19 situation in the two countries, the situation on the India-China border, and the need for reforms in the World Health Organisation," the PMO said. During the call, Trump warmly recalled his visit to India in February this year. "Modi said that the visit had been memorable and historic on many accounts, and had also added new dynamism to the bilateral relationship," the statement said. "The exceptional warmth and candour of the conversation reflected the special nature of the Indo-US ties, as well as the friendship and mutual esteem between both leaders," the PMO statement added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of the State Symbols Museum in Tartar. President Ilham Aliyev was informed about the exhibits, which are demonstrated in the museum. Shimla, June 3 : Himachal Pradesh ministers Mohinder Singh and Suresh Bhardwaj on Wednesday congratulated Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur for being voted as the best performing Chief Minister, besides the best Chief Minister among the BJP-ruled states in the IANS-C Voter State of the Nation 2020 Survey. The ministers said the survey was based on the satisfaction rating of all the Chief Ministers as voted by the respondents in their respective states. They said the net percentage of satisfaction in Himachal Pradesh was 73.96 per cent, which was much higher than most of the big states. They said the net percentage of satisfaction was 67.21 per cent in Karnataka, 67.17 per cent in Assam, 58.73 per cent in Madhya Pradesh, 58.53 per cent in Gujarat and 57.81 per cent in Uttar Pradesh. They said the all India average of satisfaction was 57.36 per cent. The ministers said Himachal Pradesh was not only forging ahead on the path of progress and prosperity under the dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister but also effectively tackled the impact of the corona pandemic. They said the steps like the active case finding campaign launched by the state to identify people with influenza-like illness symptoms have been appreciated even by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Illustration of emergent spintronic phenomena in a 2D van der Waals heterostructure. Graphene acts as an ideal spin-transport channel given its long spin-relaxation length. In the center of the channel two magnetic contacts are used to electrically inject or detect the spin current. The need for magnetic contacts is circumvented by using heterostructures of graphene and transition-metal dichalcogenides, which enable direct optical spin injection (top left) and direct charge-to-spin conversion (bottom right). Credit: Reviews of Modern Physics (2020). DOI: 10.1103/RevModPhys.92.021003 A team of researchers based in Manchester, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the U.S. has published a new review on a field of computer device development known as spintronics, which could see graphene used as building block for next-generation electronics. Recent theoretical and experimental advances and phenomena in studies of electronic spin transport in graphene and related two-dimensional (2-D) materials have emerged as a fascinating area of research and development. Spintronics is the combination of electronics and magnetism, at the nanoscale and could lead to next generation high-speed electronics. Spintronic devices are a viable alternative for nanoelectronics beyond Moore's law, offering higher energy efficiency and lower dissipation as compared to conventional electronics, which relies on charge currents. In principle we could have phones and tablets operating with spin-based transistors and memories. As published today in APS Journal Review of Modern Physics, the review focuses on the new perspectives provided by heterostructures and their emergent phenomena, including proximity-enabled spin-orbit effects, coupling spin to light, electrical tunability and 2-D magnetism. The average person already encounters spintronics in laptops and PCs, which are already using spintronics in the form of the magnetic sensors in the reading heads of hard disk drives. These sensors are also used in the automotive industry. Spintronics is a new approach to developing electronics where both memory devices (RAM) and logic devices (transistors) are implemented with the use of 'spin', which is the basic property of electrons that cause them to behave like tiny magnets, as well as the electronic charge. Dr. Ivan Vera Marun, Lecturer in Condensed Matter Physics at The University of Manchester said: "The continuous progress in graphene spintronics, and more broadly in 2-D heterostructures, has resulted in the efficient creation, transport, and detection of spin information using effects previously inaccessible to graphene alone. "As efforts on both the fundamental and technological aspects continue, we believe that ballistic spin transport will be realized in 2-D heterostructures, even at room temperature. Such transport would enable practical use of the quantum mechanical properties of electron wave functions, bringing spins in 2-D materials to the service of future quantum computation approaches." Controlled spin transport in graphene and other two-dimensional materials has become increasingly promising for applications in devices. Of particular interest are custom-tailored heterostructures, known as van der Waals heterostructures, that consist of stacks of two-dimensional materials in a precisely controlled order. This review gives an overview of this developing field of graphene spintronics and outlines the experimental and theoretical state of the art. Billions of spintronics devices such as sensors and memories are already being produced. Every hard disk drive has a magnetic sensor that uses a flow of spins, and magnetic random access memory (MRAM) chips are becoming increasingly popular. Over the last decade, exciting results have been made in the field of graphene spintronics, evolving to a next generation of studies extending to new two-dimensional (2-D) compounds. Since its isolation in 2004, graphene has opened the door for other 2-D materials. Researchers can then use these materials to create stacks of 2-D materials called heterostructures. These can be combined with graphene to create new 'designer materials' to produce applications originally limited to science fiction. Professor Francisco Guinea who co-authored the paper said: "The field of spintronics, the properties and manipulation of spins in materials has brought to light a number of novel aspects in the behavior of solids. The study of fundamental aspects of the motion of spin carrying electrons is one of the most active fields in the physics of condensed matter." The identification and characterisation of new quantum materials with non-trivial topological electronic and magnetic properties is being intensively studied worldwide, after the formulation, in 2004 of the concept of topological insulators. Spintronics lies at the core of this search. Because of their purity, strength, and simplicity, two dimensional materials are the best platform where to find these unique topological features which relate quantum physics, electronics, and magnetism." Overall, the field of spintronics in graphene and related 2-D materials is currently moving towards the demonstration of practical graphene spintronic devices such as coupled nano-oscillators for applications in fields of space communication, highspeed radio links, vehicle radar and interchip communication applications. Explore further Generation and manipulation of spin currents for advanced electronic devices More information: A. Avsar et al. Colloquium : Spintronics in graphene and other two-dimensional materials, Reviews of Modern Physics (2020). Journal information: Reviews of Modern Physics A. Avsar et al. Colloquium : Spintronics in graphene and other two-dimensional materials,(2020). DOI: 10.1103/RevModPhys.92.021003 The Federal Executive Council has approved N1.7 billion for consultancy services for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport, Abuja. The airport currently has only one runway. The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed the approval while briefing State House reporters at the end of the 3rd virtual meeting of the council, presided by President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr Sirika said the amount covers services for the design of the runway. He said a consortium of consultants would be involved. Today in council, a memo from Aviation was considered and it is the consultancy services for design; pre contract services for the construction of a new runway here in Abuja. The contract went to a consortium of consultants, at a total contract sum of N1, 659, 592, 908.78, this included 7.5 percent of Value Added Tax VAT also with an exchange rate of N360 to dollar and this was approved, Mr Sirika said. MIDDLETOWN The Rotary Club of Middletown recently made a $1,050 contribution to the St. Vincent De Paul Middletown Amazing Grace Food Pantry to assist those in need of food during the pandemic. The club has been supportive of the food pantry and soup kitchen for years, but recognized the need for increased support due to unprecedented challenges presented by the pandemic, according to a press release. This spring has been especially difficult for those who have lost jobs due to virus-related business closures, for those with health issues who can no longer head to a grocery store safely, and for hundreds more who find themselves in need of our support your support, Maryellen Shuckerow, executive director of St. Vincent De Paul Middletown, said in a prepared statement. While the 40-year-old mission of Amazing Grace remains the same to feed the hungry in the Middletown community the way in which it operates has changed, the release said. Volunteers have switched from escorting guests through the pantry to packing boxes with fresh, healthy food that people can pick up easily out front under a tent. This keeps volunteers safe while increasing capacity needed to meet current needs. In March, the pantry partnered with the Middletown Senior Center to feed older area residents, who, for health or other reasons, need to stay home, the release continued. Over 130 seniors have taken advantage of this biweekly home food delivery program at no cost. We are absolutely convinced that this program has saved lives by keeping people out of public transportation and grocery stores, Shuckerow said in her statement, adding that another 200 or so families are also receiving home-delivered groceries due to immune deficiencies, disabilities and other health conditions which put them at high risk. Cheryl Duey, co-president of the Middletown Rotary Club, presented the check. We are proud to join local churches, companies, service providers and individual volunteers to help meet this most basic need in our community. Although the demand for service has increased by over 100 percent, Amazing Grace has been able to assist the most vulnerable among us without increasing staff or overhead because of volunteers and financial support from community leaders, Duey said. To volunteer or contribute to the food pantry, call 860-347-3222. In 1990s India, Bollywood rarely made films for the kids. It was usually a choice between sappy romance, mindless action or over-the-top drama. Megha Ramaswamy grew up at such a time and also grew tired of watching pretty women and handsome men dance around trees in the cinema halls. So when she made her feature film debut in 2020 with What Are The Odds, she made sure she made a movie that spoke to the young population in a way she had always wanted to be addressed. Talking to Hindustan Times about her new film, Megha revealed the true motivations behind why she made it the way she did. Ive always felt that I was dumbed down as a teenager growing up in the 90s, because there was no cinema for me. I was just watching adults running around trees, wearing nylon costumes. I never watched kids that were like me. I always had to look at cinema that was outside of India. Or there was the regular slum film about a slumdogs story. What about that normalcy? That healthy normalcy that makes a teenager tap on their creativity with simplicity. I think thats what I was aiming at, she said. Megha Ramaswamy (left) with her actors. What Are The Odds, which released last month, on Netflix tells the story of two very different school kids--Vivek and Ashwin--who strike the unlikeliest friendship over the course of a day spent bunking an examination. They run into unexplained scenarios and crazy characters throughout their whimsical journey in a Mumbai that looks nothing like any of its many real life versions. Though What Are The Odds is makes for an easy gulp of sugar down your throat, it could also seem a little all over the place for someone who is not a fan of this halfway magical genre of films. But Megha knows that audiences need a little challenge and a little change in their viewing list. If you see my filmography before, I have done very straightforward and intense work. So for me it was quite easy to make my first feature as one of those film which will be straightforward and have a normal narrative. But I didnt want to do that because I dont want life to be explained to me on a platter. I think there has to be that place there for mystery, magic and hope. And the kids definitely seem appreciative of the movie, responding to the it with a deluge of fan art. Because we have done this, kids have joined in. Kids are drawing and painting. You wont believe the kind of fan art we are getting. So if a man peeping into a patch of beetroots can do that, then I think the answer is right there. The kids were thirsty for imagination and heres a film that tells you to imagine, there are no boundaries, youre young, youre free. Please have fun, Megha said. Fan art for What Are The Odds. Megha credits the films wide appeal and the genuineness to its young writer, Shreya Vaidya. She remembers how Shreya would prop herself up on her bed with her pink laptop, brimming with stories she wanted to tell. Its the most important thing about this film that it is voiced by a 17-year-old, which is why it is so sincere. Even if it is immature, Abhay (Deol, producer and actor) and I knew that we wanted immature voices to be taken into consideration as well. I mean she (Vivek) says I want to serve coffee, be independent. And we all know that is not independence. This is the understanding of independence for a 14-year-old. Only Shreya could have brought around that, she said. Also read: Shah Rukh Khan to provide aid to child who tried to wake up dead mother at train station, says I know how it feels to lose a parent Shows such as Sex Education and Riverdale may be all the rage right now but much like Shreya, Megha, too, was aiming at bringing the teenage experience to the screen in its more innocent form. And for that, she has her lead actors Yashaswini Dayama and Karanvir Malhotra to thank. They treated these characters with so much affection and there wasnt any over-smartness. Everything is becoming so over smart, hypersexual and quippy. They have that asexual chemistry between them which was beautiful. I am sick and tired of teenagers being hypersexual. They both are very attractive young kids and its very easy to have on set crushes. But the fact that they maintained that level of dignity towards their characters, never crossed a line is what worked for the film, she said. What Are The Odds is also a sight for sore eyes with its gorgeous wide shots, pastel, muted hues, unabashed display of pinks and yellows, and obsession with symmetry. Therefore it was no surprise that many saw a love for Wes Anderson peeking through the film. Megha takes it as a compliment. I think great filmmakers leave their films for other filmmakers to also understand and celebrate. And Wes Anderson has celebrated India so much. So for a little girl from Pune is so influenced by his films that her first feature gets to draw so much from his films and thats the fact that should be celebrated, she said. Left: Ben Stiller in The Royal Tennebaums; top right: A still from What Are The Odds; and bottom right: Jason Sudekis and others in SNL sketch Whats Up With That. However, she realises that the comparison vs copy debate is not always gender neutral. It never gets questioned when men who make gangster films, pay homage to Scorcese and lift scenes. I dont wanna name these filmmakers but these are huge filmmakers ruling the gangster genre. But when they pay homage to gangster filmmakers who are glorifying rape and violence, nobody makes a comment about it. And here we are loving delicate frames and suddenly someone sees a red tracksuit and symmetry and says, Wes Anderson, she says. Megha also offered a clarification: the red tracksuit scene from her film is a homage to Saturday Night Lives Whats Up With That sketch, not The Royal Tennebaums. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON PMQs is back. No, I don't mean back as in back after the recess. I mean back, back. As in back to its punchy old self. The session was rowdy, even if there were only 50-odd members in the chamber. With the TV screens gone and the noisy SNP lot back in situ, there was a mano-a-mano feel about proceedings again. As for our two main protagonists, Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer, the uneasy semi-truce to which they tentatively abided at first has now been firmly consigned to the dustbin. Boris Johnson appeared to breach 2m rule when he strayed outside the marked exclusion zones in the House of Commons after PMQs Gone is Sir Keir's pretence of cross-party co-operation. The arch prosecutor has switched to attack mode, painting the Government as a bunch of deluded bunglers. Similarly, Boris has grown tired of his opponent's sanctimonious tones. Those phoney offers of diplomacy, the whole Mr Reasonable act. It is clear he regards Starmer as a shameless opportunist seeking to talk down the Government's achievements at every turn. And he wants everyone to know it. Much is made of Sir Keir's lawyerly flourishes at the dispatch box. His little piece de resistance was to produce a letter he had sent to the PM offering to help him get schools to reopen. 'I did it confidentially because I didn't want to make a lot of it,' he announced in those peculiar staccato tones. 'He hasn't replied.' As he put down the document, he placed it carefully, caressing it as though it were some item of vast historical significance. Boris narrowed his eyes to imply this was an unseemly gambit. Tut, tut, tut. He'd had a long conversation about these matters with Starmer on the phone, apparently. 'He didn't offer any dissent. In fact he endorsed them,' he yelled, moving up a gear. 'He's on better ground, firmer ground when he stands with the overwhelming majority of the British people.' Sir Keir Starmer produced a letter he had sent to the PM offering to help him get schools to reopen and claimed 'he hasn't replied' during PMQs Starmer moved on to the Government's test, track and trace operation which he claimed was still not up and running. Rubbish, replied Boris. Over 40,000 people had already taken part. The Leader of the Opposition was 'casting aspersions' on the efforts of all those who had made it happen. For Starmer it was all about the PM's honesty. Could he be trusted with these numbers? He mentioned that the statistics offices had queried some of the data the Government had recently published. Boris did not like that one bit. 'I really do not see the purpose,' the PM thundered, 'of his endless attacks on public trust and confidence.' With that, he gave the despatch box a mighty thwack. Uh-oh! Hulk mad. 'Woooo!' chorused the Labour benches. Sir Keir recoiled with OTT indignation. 'The Prime Minister's confusing scrutiny for attacks,' he gasped. Boris still rarely addresses the question but he's got more adept at dragging them in his direction. When Sir Keir asked about the 'R' rate, the PM furiously turned it into an attack on his decision to ease the lockdown. At the Downing Street press briefing, the Prime Minister said he might 'explore the possibility' of 'travel corridors' with countries with low rates of coronavirus (pictured during PMQs) Questioned about the farcical new voting system, which requires MPs to queue up for long periods, Boris made Starmer appear lofty by saying 'ordinary people' around the country were having to do the same everywhere. Another take-home from the session was how lively Labour's benches were. They were never that noisy under Jeremy Corbyn's tenure, even in a much fuller chamber. When Jezza was on his feet they would just sit like turnips fiddling with their telephones. Later, the PM emerged at the Downing Street press briefing, where much discussion was given over to the Government's puzzling plans to quarantine people arriving at airports as of next Monday. It should concern him that Home Secretary Priti Patel took a hefty kicking from her own side on the issue several hours earlier in the Commons. Someone from the BBC asked whether we could expect a summer holiday this year. Boris said he might 'explore the possibility' of 'travel corridors' with countries with low rates of coronavirus. This sounded mildly hopeful. Though judging by the doubtful looks on Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty's face, I wouldn't order those new Bermudas yet. We were also given another reminder about new lockdown rules, including keeping outside gatherings to just six people. As the PM said this, thousands were flooding into Westminster to protest over the murder of George Floyd in America, megaphones blaring all across Parliament Square. Westminster has certainly got noisy again. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 16:26:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUANDA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Angola will join the Group of 20 (G20) Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), which allows the country to direct funds to combat the impact of COVID-19, the country's finance ministry said Tuesday. Following consultations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the ministry said in a statement that it has decided to use the G20's DSSI to negotiate with its sovereign peers the suspension of the debt in bilateral loans. The DSSI will be able to ease financial pressure and allow the liberalization of funds to combat the impact of COVID-19 in Angola in the coming months, according to the statement. Without disclosing any figures, the ministry said the renegotiation of the debt focuses on the amounts owed to bilateral creditors included in the agreement proposed by the G20, which excludes private creditors. "Following the already announced public administration reforms and budgetary adjustments, the ministry of finance is currently at an advanced stage of negotiations with some of its oil importing partners to reprogram the financing facilities to better reflect the current market environment and the production quotas of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries," the ministry said. Thanks to the above measures, and in cooperation with the IMF as well as its multilateral partners, the ministry believes that it is on the right track to guaranteeing the emergency aid needed for the country in 2020 and Angola's long-term macro-financial stability. Enditem Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) Tens of thousands of so-called REwear, or re-usable, washable, and re-wearable face masks per week for frontline workers may be produced by the end of the month, the Department of Science and Technology said on Wednesday. "The main beneficiary of the mass production of our re-wearable, reusable, re-washable mask is really the frontliners, the health workers, and those at the checkpoints and other kinds, categories of frontliners," said Secretary Fortunato dela Pena in a Laging Handa virtual briefing on Wednesday. The Philippine Textile Research Institute #, the agency's research and development arm, is in charge of producing the face masks. Dela Pena said current production is at 10,000 units per week. "Our target production initially is 500,000. We have already earmarked half of it for the frontliners in cooperation with the (National) Task Force that is taking charge of logistics and of course, the rest that we will produce will be part of the stockpiling of inventory of masks by the Philippine government," he said. For the masks to work, they require "water repellency of the textile material and this is being done by applying a certain compound and of course, we are preparing the use of natural textile like cotton," Dela Pena said. He said the agency is hoping to get more people on board to sew masks. "Most of our production now is coming from the sewers of Taytay (Rizal) and also from Cavite, and we expect to have more collaborators for this," the Cabinet official said. The US will be ready to ship the first tranche of 100 donated ventilators to India next week, President Donald Trump told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a conference call, the White House said. Trump spoke with Modi on Tuesday and the two leaders discussed the G-7 (summit), the COVID-19 response, and regional security issues, it said. The president was happy to announce that the United States would be ready to ship the first tranche of 100 donated ventilators to India next week, the White House said in a readout of the call. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi in a series of tweets said that he had a warm and productive conversation with his friend Trump. We discussed his plans for the US Presidency of G-7, the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other issues, he said. The richness and depth of India-US consultations will remain an important pillar of the post-COVID global architecture, Modi tweeted. Trump spoke about the US presidency of the Group of seven, and conveyed his desire to expand the ambit of the grouping beyond the existing membership, to include other important countries including India. In this context, he extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the next G-7 Summit to be held in USA, said the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) in a statement. Modi commended Trump for his creative and far-sighted approach, acknowledging the fact that such an expanded forum would be in keeping with the emerging realities of the post-COVID world. Prime Minister Modi said that India would be happy to work with the US and other countries to ensure the success of the proposed Summit, the PMO said. Expressing concern regarding the ongoing civil disturbances in the US, Modi conveyed his best wishes for an early resolution of the situation. The two leaders also exchanged views on other topical issues, such as the COVID-19 situation in the two countries, the situation on the India-China border, and the need for reforms in the World Health Organisation, the PMO said. During the call, Trump warmly recalled his visit to India in February this year. Modi said that the visit had been memorable and historic on many accounts, and had also added new dynamism to the bilateral relationship, the statement said. The exceptional warmth and candour of the conversation reflected the special nature of the Indo-US ties, as well as the friendship and mutual esteem between both leaders, the PMO statement added. Christian Association of Nigeria demands release of kidnapped Bishop Joseph Masin Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Christian Association of Nigeria is calling on the countrys government to secure the release of its chairman of the Nasarawa State unit, Bishop Joseph Masin, who was kidnapped from his house by gunmen last week. The gunmen came on motorcycles and took Bishop Masin from his home in Bukan Sidi area in the state capital of Lafia on Wednesday night, and are now demanding a ransom of 20 million Nigerian Naira (roughly $52,000), said Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, who leads CANs media and communications department, according to the Nigerian news outlet This Day. Since we have no police of our own and we are trying as much as possible to avoid chaotic situations, we are placing a demand on the federal government and the Nasarawa State Government to ensure the safety and immediate release of Bishop Masin before it is too late. In January, Rev. Lawan Andimi, chairman of CAN Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was abducted by the Boko Haram terror group. He was a Church of the Brethren pastor. Days later, he appeared in a ransom video pleading with church and government leaders to secure his release. However, the pastor was said to have been executed because the Christian community could not raise enough funds to meet the ransom demands. Additionally, sources said that Andimi refused to renounce his faith in Christ. We will not accept losing another state Chairman while our security agencies appeared powerless, helpless , CAN said. Nigeria ranks as the 12th worst nation in the world when it comes to Christian persecution on Open Doors USAs 2020 World Watch List. The U.S. State Department added Nigeria for the first time to its special watch list of countries that tolerate severe religious freedom violations last December. The church views the unabated kidnappings, extortions and killings of Christians and innocent Nigerians as shameful to the government that each time boasts that it has conquered insurgency, CAN noted in an earlier statement. It is reprehensible and saddening that each time the government comes out to claim the defeat of the insurgency, more killings of our people are committed. A human rights group estimates that at least 1,000 Christians were killed by Boko Haram and Fulani radicals in 2019. CAN has suggested that its difficult for its leaders to believe that the federal government under President Mohammadu Buhari is not colluding with the insurgents to exterminate Christians in Nigeria. CAN has pointed to the very questionable leadership of the security sector that has been skewed toward a (particular) religion and region. Is that lopsidedness not a cover-up for the operation of the insurgency? If not, why couldnt the well-equipped security agents of Nigeria get this man killed rescued? The Nigerian government had claimed that the brutal acts carried out against Christians had no religious undertones. But CAN, then why are extremists and herdsmen targeting the predominantly Christian communities and Christian leaders? If the security agencies are not living up to the expectations of the government, why hasnt it overhauled them with a view of injecting new visionaries into the security system? So, after months of virtual school at home and with an ever-evolving picture of what back-to-school might look like in the fall, you find yourself considering becoming an all-in, bonafide homeschooler. Welcome to the other side! One advantage of a summer full of canceled plans is you have time to wrap your head around what homeschooling might look like for you and your family. This may not be something youve ever considered doing before, but if youre like most homeschoolers I know, youll look back one day and wish youd done it sooner. Of course, thats quite a leap from where you might find your thoughts today. After all, this is a big decision, requiring a significant shift in the way you think of school and education and your role as a parent. The fears and doubts that come up will likely be plentiful. As someone who has been there, Id like to suggest some things to think about this summer in preparation for your new season of homeschooling. Seek Out Inspiration One sure-fire way to get pumped to homeschool (and restore your faith in humanity) is to check out the multitudes of inspiring homeschool parents and experts who are sharing their journeys, struggles, philosophies, and ideas online. Search online to get a peek at whats possible. If youve never fallen down this rabbit hole, prepare to be amazed at the beauty, creativity, and diligence of todays homeschooling parents. Its simply wonderful. Your family is in for a magical shift. In addition, find local families who are homeschooling. Facebook Groups are probably your best bet; search your town, county, state name, and homeschool in Groups, and youll likely find many people to connect with and build community with. Look Back at School With Fresh Eyes It can be helpful, before you set off along a new path, to know where youve been. Just as its good to know what you want in a homeschool, its good to know what you dont want. With the benefit of some separation, look back upon your experience with the school system objectively, with fresh eyes. Public school is the standard path for most in the U.S. Many consider the experience a right of passage, what everyone does, warts and all. With the smallest amount of research, though, those who learn about the true history of the public school system and its current practices and standards are quite surprised, to say the least. I highly recommend starting with the works of former New York City teacher John Taylor Gatto for an eye-opening look at what youre leaving behind. Additionally, think back to your own experiences with school and those of your children. Was school a good learning environment? Did you learn a lot in school? Did you like school? Is that the best option for education? Be as objective as you can and understand the true nature of the pros and cons for your children and your family. Understand Your Why With a sense of where youve been and a glimpse at where youre going, begin to formulate an answer to the question: Why am I choosing to homeschool my children? This article, 9 Reasons Parents Choose to Homeschool Their Children, may inspire some ideas. Your current why may simply be to avoid the impacts of the schools pandemic response. If you plan to send your children right back to school in a year, you may choose a different strategy from someone who plans to homeschool more long-term. When you know your why it can inform the detailed decisions you make in your homeschool. Read Up As the popularity of homeschooling has continually grown, so have the resources available to homeschoolers. Youre starting this journey at a wonderful time. The skys the limit. Of course, this abundance can also be a tad overwhelming. There are many homeschool books out there. I recommend starting with The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life by Julie Bogart and The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home (Fourth Edition) by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise. These two different books both provide a broad overview of homeschooling ideas and point to other resources that you may find more fitting to the style youre aiming for. Consider these jumping-off points that will send you well on your way. Set Up a Structure As you head toward your first day of homeschool, starting slowly and simply will be key. Rather than drawing up an elaborate schedule that will lead to certain burnout by day three, aim to establish a lovely rhythm to your days. Additionally, stay flexible. It takes some time to find your groove and what works for each member of the family. Take it easy. Take it slow. As the year progresses and you see what works and what doesnt, get systems in place that help you thrive and continue to tweak your daily, weekly, semesterly rhythms to best create a homeschool life you love. Hint: When it all breaks downthe systems, the rhythm, the joyjust read books. Read aloud, read individually, put on an audiobook. Tomorrows another day. Have Faith Finally, know that you are the very best possible teacher your child could ever have. No one knows your child like you do. No one is rooting for your child to thrive harder than you are. No one is more qualified to facilitate their education. You dont need to be a trained teacher or an expert in any subject whatsoever. You simply need to create an environment where your child can thrive and to be resourceful in finding the tools, materials, experts, and communities to help your child learn best. You just need to walk side-by-side with your child along this learning journey. You simply need to love your child and do your best to support his or her education, and that will be leaps and bounds beyond what they could ever possibly acquire anywhere else. The National leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu has lent his voice against the incessant rape cases recorded in the country. Speaking via a statement on his official Twitter handle on Tuesday, 2nd June, he stated that there is no tenable excuse strong enough to defend rape. Read Also: 12-Year-Old Girl Gang Raped By 11 Men In Jigawa He then called for justice for all the recent rape victims. Advertisement In his words: For far too long women and young girls in our nation have suffered the pain, hurt and stigma of gender-based violence and abuse. Too many have been hurt, intimidated and bullied. Too many have died. Such violence is inexcusable. There is nothing that can defend this wrongdoing. All of us are born of woman and nurtured of woman. Vera Uwaila Omozuwa is the most recent name on a list, far too long, of women who have lost their lives at the hands of these vile criminals. Today, I rise in solidarity with women in Nigeria to say #enoughisenough. For far too long women and young girls in our nation have suffered the pain, hurt and stigma of gender-based violence and abuse. Too many have been hurt, intimidated and bullied. Too many have died. Such violence is inexcusable. There is nothing that can defend this wrongdoing. pic.twitter.com/UezPRyA3Lh Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@AsiwajuTinubu) June 2, 2020 In their recent report, the Syrian Network for Human Rights have documented the arrests made by all sides of the conflict, over the month of May reports Sowt Al-Asima. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) published a report on Tuesday documenting 147 cases of arbitrary arrest in Syria throughout the month of May 2020. In its report, the group said that the detainees included 10 children and four women, adding that there were 95 cases of forced disappearance. According to the report, 64 cases of arrest were at the hands of regime forces, and they included seven children and one woman. SNHR held the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) responsible for the arrest of 41 people, including three children, while opposition factions were responsible for 33 arbitrary arrests, including the arrests of two women. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham arrested nine people, including one woman. According to the report, the largest share of the arrests were in Deir ez-Zor governorate, then Raqqa and Aleppo. Many of the arrests happened without judicial warrants, and as the victims were passing through security checkpoints or during raids. SNHR warned of increased dangers amid the spread of COVID-19, amid brutal conditions in detention centers, which are ripe for the spread of the virus. The lives of around 130,000 regime-held detainees and forcibly disappeared are under threat. The group relied on piecing together information from numerous sources, including, victims family members and members of SNHR in various Syrian governorates, as well as local activists, former detainees, and through communications with the families of detainees, forcibly disappeared people and survivors. The aim was to gather the greatest possible amount of information and data, in light of extraordinary challenges. SNHR recorded at least 138 cases of arbitrary arrest in April, with the regime responsible for 82 of the cases, including four women. The SDF meanwhile arrested 19 people, opposition factions in northern Syria arrested 26 (including two women), and Tahrir al-Sham arrested 11 people. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. According to European market research done by Counterpoint, COVID-19 has caused 7% market decline in Q1 2020 compared to Q1 2019 and about 23% decline compared to the last quarter. Western Europe took the bigger hit with 9% on average while Easter Europe experienced about 5% fall. The pandemic has led to lengthening the update cycles of the consumers. Italy took the biggest hit with 21% decline compared to last year's Q1. But the pattern across Europe was pretty much the same - online retailers were able to offset the negative impact with more aggressive online sales schemes while the offline stores suffered quite a bit due to store closures. Interesting to note that the Russian market has seen a small 1% decline as it was barely affected by the time the quarter concluded. As far as manufacturers go, Samsung holds the lead with 29% market share with just 2 percentage points decline while Apple has seen a 1pp increase to 22% market share. Huawei follows but lost a low of ground, while Xiaomi has grown to 11% from just 4% in 2019. Source Rhonda Barnet has been chosen as one of nine business leaders from across Canada to help inform the federal government on the effects of COVID-19 on Canadian industry. Barnet is the president and chief operating officer of AVIT Manufacturing on Fisher Drive in Peterborough. She was named on Tuesday to federal governments new Industry Strategy Council. The announcement was made in a press release from Innovation, Science and Industry Minister Navdeep Bains. Barnet said in an interview Tuesday shes honoured to be part of a group that includes executives of smaller companies like hers and large ones too. The council will include Monique Leroux, former chair, president and CEO of Desjardins Group, as well as Dr. Mona Nemer, Canadas Chief Science Advisor. It also includes: Murad Al-Katib, president and CEO, AGT Food and Ingredients John Baker, president and CEO, D2L Corp. Paviter Binning, president, Wittington Investments, Ltd. Ben Cowan-Dewar, co-founder and CEO, Cabot Links Karimah Es Sabar, CEO and partner, Quark Venture Karen Hamberg, vice-president of external affairs and sustainability, Westport Fuel Systems Inc. Mark Little, president and CEO, Suncor Energy Inc. Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO, Montreal Port Authority Barnets company, AVIT Manufacturing on Fisher Drive, provides tooling and equipment technology to other firms in areas such as the automotive and energy industries to help solve their manufacturing challenges. Barnet is the former chair of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters board. She also represented Canada last year at the World Manufacturing Forum in Italy and in 2015 was named to an economic strategy table that worked with the federal government to help boost Canadian innovation. This is an extension of that work, Barnet said, adding that she was approached by the government to sit on the new council. She said her new role will involve speaking with leaders in manufacturing across Canada and reporting back to the council on how to boost economic recovery in the COVID-19 pandemic. The council will hold virtual meetings every two weeks for the next 90 days, the press release states. The council is meant to serve as a way for the federal government to have industry leaders directly share the pressures they are facing in the pandemic, the press release states. Its an industry-government collaboration, Barnet said, adding that her job will be straightforward: To go out and listen. AVIT Manufacturing was renamed about a year ago: the company was founded in 2002 by Don and Rhonda Barnet as Steelworks Design. AVIT is also a leader in advancing women in manufacturing and skilled trades. Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020 (2:15 pm) - Score 3,803 Openreach (BT) has today announced that they will deliver superfast broadband (30Mbps+) coverage to an additional 5,000 homes and 550 businesses in Suffolk UK (mostly rural areas) after securing the contract for Phase 3 of the state aid supported Better Broadband for Suffolk (BBS) project, which we assume will use FTTP. At present the existing 64m state aid supported Better Broadband for Suffolk (BBS) project with BT, which is based off the Building Digital UK framework, has already put superfast speeds of 24Mbps+ within reach of 96% of homes and businesses within the county. The existing contracts should take this to 98% of local premises by the end of 2020. NOTE: The first two phases of the programme have delivered a fibre based broadband service (mostly The first two phases of the programme have delivered a fibre based broadband service (mostly FTTC and a little FTTP ) to around 150,000 premises and 100,000 of those have taken the service. The procurement process for their follow-on Phase 3 contract (aimed at the final 2% of premises) began last year (here) and a final decision on the outcome of this was made earlier this year, although the final plan has only just been confirmed today. In terms of funding, the press release doesnt state any, but previous meetings mentioned 10m of gainshare (clawback) funding from BT, which is effectively a reinvestment of previous public funding that was put toward the earlier contracts (i.e. public money gets returned as take-up in related areas rises). But we also know that 1.725m from DEFRA will be included and a previous update put the total pot at c.15m. Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: It is incredible to think that over 100,000 homes and businesses in Suffolk are now using Superfast Broadband as a result of this project. Faster and more reliable broadband is more important now with many of us using digital devices to stay in contact with family and friends or working from home. As Suffolk, and the rest of the UK, begin to move into the recovery phase Superfast Broadband will continue to play a crucial role. To find out if Superfast Broadband is available in your area please contact your service provider or visit the Better Broadband for Suffolk website. Our ambition has always been, and will always be, to achieve total Superfast Broadband coverage across Suffolk. With the contract now being signed on the third phase of the programme, we are closer to realising that goal. This will mean that some of the most rural and hard to reach premises in Suffolk will enjoy equal or faster speeds than some major cities and towns across the UK. Laura Whelan, Openreachs Regional Director (East of England), said: Weve already made a great deal of progress across Suffolk, making faster broadband available to thousands for the first time. We know there is more to do connecting up the most remote areas, and thats why were delighted to be working with Suffolk County Council on extending that reach even further. Openreach has an important role within the East of England, with more than 3,400 of our people living and working here. Weve also recently announced a great deal of work to build full fibre in some of the most hard to reach rural areas, including Bungay, Saxmundham and Kentford. Matt Warman MP, Minister for Digital Infrastructure, said: Weve invested almost 30 million into this project to deliver faster broadband to rural homes and businesses across Suffolk. I am pleased so many people have taken up superfast and full fibre internet connections for the economic and social benefits they bring. But there are more homes to connect in Suffolk and across the UK, so we have pledged a further 5 billion to make sure people in hard-to-reach areas get the high-quality broadband they deserve. Apparently the Phase 3 deployment will begin as soon as the current Phase 2 contract completes at the end of this year, with completion on Phase 3 then being expected to follow by September 2022. In theory Phase 3 could push local coverage of superfast broadband to nearly universal levels. President Trump tweeted on Tuesday night that because of ongoing coronavirus restrictions in North Carolina, the Republican Party will be "forced to seek another state" to host its convention in August. The big picture: The late-night tweet came after North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) told convention organizers earlier Tuesday that Republicans should plan for a "scaled-down convention with fewer people, social distancing and face coverings" given the impact of the pandemic. Trump had previously threatened to move the August convention from Charlotte if Cooper, a Democrat, does not allow the event to be held at full capacity. "Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-In-Place Mode, and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised. Would have showcased beautiful North Carolina to the World, and brought in hundreds of millions of dollars, and jobs, for the State," Trump tweeted Tuesday. "Because of @NC_Governor, we are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention." Background: North Carolina's health and human services secretary asked the RNC in late May for clarification about how it plans to hold the convention and whether it would honor Trump's wish to host the event without requiring social distancing or face masks. The RNC outlined proposed safety protocols, including requiring all attendees to have thermal scans before taking sanitized, pre-arranged transportation to the venue. Organizers said it would also require attendees to pass a health check before entering the convention arena. The RNC stated in a letter that it does not have "solid guidelines from the State and cannot in good faith, ask thousands of visitors to begin paying deposits and making travel plans without knowing the full commitment of the Governor, elected officials and other stakeholders in supporting the Convention." What they're saying: "We still want a safe RNC convention in Charlotte that follows the health guidelines set forth in the interim guidance regarding mass gatherings," Cooper wrote in Tuesday's letter. "In my conversation with the President, I commended him for not holding crowded political rallies since March because of the serious health risk that they would cause." "The people of North Carolina do not know what the status of COVID-19 will be in August," Cooper noted. "We are happy to continue talking with you about what a scaled-down convention would look like and we still await your proposed plan for that." RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel wrote later on Tuesday that Cooper is "dragging his feet," adding, "We have an obligation to our delegates and nominee to begin visiting the multiple cities and states who have reached out in recent days about hosting an historic event..." BERLIN, GERMANY - JUNE 03: German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas speaks to the press about travel restrictions in Europe in front of the Federal Foreign Office on June 03, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Koehler/Photothek via Getty Images) - Thomas Koehler/Photothek Germany is to advise its citizens against all travel to the UK because of the governments coronavirus quarantine regulations, it emerged on Wednesday. Angela Merkels government announced that it will lift its general warning against all international travel for much of Europe from June 15, when Germanys borders are set to reopen. But it will issue special advice that travel to the UK is strongly discouraged because of the requirement that all international arrivals self-isolate for 14 days. Travel advice is not an invitation to travel. We want to make this clear in the advice which may be that travel is strongly discouraged, Heiko Maas, the German foreign minister, told a press conference. This applies to the UK, as long as there is a 14-day quarantine requirement for all entering the country. The move will come as a blow to the British government as it seeks to negotiate air bridge agreements to enable quarantine-free travel with countries deemed at low risk from the virus. Germany is widely seen as among the most successful countries at containing the virus and is a key destination for British business travellers. Talks have so far opened with Portugal, France, Greece and Spain, but a spokesman for the German foreign ministry said on Wednesday he was not aware of any discussions with the UK about an air bridge or similar arrangements. Mrs Merkels government has previously rebuffed overtures from Austria and others to agree bilateral travel deals and instead pursued a policy of reopening all of Europe to travel. FILES) This file photo taken on April 18, 2020 shows the closed German-French border between Carling in France and Lauterbach in Germany, on the 33rd day of a lockdown in France aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 infection caused by the novel coronavirus. - An European coordination for a return to free movement between European countries is delicate, between health imperatives and economic emergency, after the closings of the borders which have damaged a symbol of the European Union. (Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN / AFP) (Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images) - JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP Under the measures announced by Mr Maas, Germany will lift its general warning against travel to the EU and Schengen Area from June 15, when the borders with France, Austria, Switzerland and Denmark are due to reopen. The general warning will also be lifted for the UK but will be replaced with the new advice as Germany issues specific bulletins for countries where it has concerns. Story continues Mrs Merkels government will also continue to advise against travel to Spain and Norway because they are yet to reopen their borders. Germany ended its quarantine requirement for travellers from Europe last month but will reimpose it on arrivals from anywhere the rate of new infections goes above 50 per 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days. We just did not take today's decision easily. There were a variety of intensive discussions with our European partners in recent days and weeks, Mr Maas said. Everywhere lockdown measures are being scaled back gradually. Hotels and restaurants are operating again. In many places, it has been possible to get the spread of the coronavirus under control. Germany brought around 240,000 citizens who were stranded by the pandemic home on special flights, but Mr Maas stressed that there would be no new airlift home for anyone trapped abroad by a second wave. We will provide the best information available for each country in our travel advisories, he said. You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa at this link, or on your favorite app including Alexa, Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Subscribe/follow and rate the podcast via your favorite app. Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | June 3, 2020 Protests sparked by the death of George Floyd continue for a fourth day in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission lays off 500 workers and well have to wait to receive the results of the June 2 primary (but one race is already called). And for those ready to get their drivers license at long last, PennDOT is once again offering skills tests. Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa, a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Julia Hatmaker. Today in Pa is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories in the state. Todays episode refers to the following articles: If you enjoy Today in Pa, consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, we like to know what you think of the program. 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. New Delhi, June 3 : BSE Limited has invited claims from investors against two stockbrokers -- Grovalue Securities and Vineet Securities -- who have been declared as defaulters and also expelled from the exchange. The NSE has already expelled them and declared them as defaulters. "Investors having outstanding claims against Grovalue Securities and Vineet Securities are advised to file their claims with the exchange, if they so desire, within 90 days from the date of issue of this notice," the BSE said. The eligible claims filed before the specified period will be considered for compensation from the Investor Protection Fund (IPF) to the maximum extent of Rs 15 lakh per client. Grovalue Securities Pvt Ltd describes itself as a leading equity and commodity services company in India offering diversified brokerage services that includes equity, derivatives, commodities, NRIs mutual funds, offline trading, demat account, insurance and currency services. The company has offices located in Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Aurangabad, Chennai, Indore, Jaipur, Nagpur and Mumbai's Vile Parle. The company's registered address is in Chennai. Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci speaks during the daily briefing on the CCP virus, in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, on April 9, 2020. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images) US Should Have a Couple Hundred Million Doses of a COVID-19 Vaccine by the Start of 2021, Fauci Says The United States should have 100 million doses of one candidate CCP virus vaccine by the end of the year, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a member of the White House CCP virus Task Force, said on June 2. Then, by the beginning of 2021, we hope to have a couple hundred million doses, Fauci said during a live Q&A with the Journal of the American Medical Association. However, its still not clear whether the vaccine will be effective against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. Fauci said the first vaccine candidate, made by biotech company Moderna in partnership with NIAID, should go into a final stage of trials in volunteers, known as Phase 3, by mid-summer. Preparations at national and international sites are already underway, he said. The real business end of this all will be the Phase 3 that starts in the first week of July, hopefully, Fauci said. We want to get as many datapoints as we can. A pharmacist gives Jennifer Haller (L) the first shot in the first-stage safety study clinical trial of a potential vaccine for COVID-19, at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle, on March 16, 2020. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo) Phase 3 will involve about 30,000 people. The vaccine will be tested in people ages 18 to 55, as well as in the elderly and in people who have underlying health conditions. Its going to be the entire spectrum, Fauci said. Fauci said Phase 2 of the trial started a few days ago. A few hundred volunteers will be involved in that part of the trial. The plan is to manufacture doses of the vaccine even before it is clear whether it will work, making close to 100 million doses by November or December, Fauci said. If it does work, then it can be deployed quickly. Scientists should have enough data by November or December to determine if the vaccine works, Fauci said. The University of Oxford and AstraZeneca vaccine trial underway in the UK will follow a similar schedule. A handful of other vaccine studies should start just one to two months after that, he said. Im cautiously optimistic that with the multiple candidates we have with different platforms, that we are going to have a vaccine that will make it deployable, Fauci said. He is optimistic, he said, because, while the number of deaths from COVID-19 are profound, largely people recover from this disease. Recovery shows that there is an immune response that can clear the CCP virus. A doctor looks at protein samples at Novavax labs in Rockville, Md., one of the labs developing a vaccine for the COVID-19, on March 20, 2020. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images) Which tells us, that if the body is capable of making an immune response to clear the virus of natural infection, thats a pretty good proof of concept, Fauci said. Having said that, there is never a guarantee. Indeed, even with 10 vaccines already in clinical trials and more than 120 more in development, many experts are skeptical that a vaccine will be available early next year. Key trial phases can be delayed, and ultimately, the vaccines being tested now may not protect people against the CCP virus. Millions of vaccine doses manufactured ahead of time could be thrown out. Fauci noted hes also concerned about what the durability of the immune response will be. People develop antibodies to fight common colds caused by other strains of CCP virus, but that protection generally only lasts about a year. That might mean people would need a fresh vaccine every year, as is the case with influenza. Fauci said there is also a major push underway on programs to develop monoclonal antibodies, convalescent plasma, and hyperimmune globulin. These are all treatments that employ antibodies, like vaccines do, but deliver them directly, provide more temporary protection, and can also potentially treat COVID-19 symptoms. Fauci said he would like to see treatments developed using monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma that would protect the elderly and those who are at risk for the worst symptoms of COVID-19. Thats a very, very high priority, Fauci said. The CNN Wire and Epoch Times staff contributed to this report. People are arrested for violating curfew in Los Angeles after peaceful protests on June 2, 2020, over police brutality and the death of George Floyd. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) The nighttime curfews imposed in Los Angeles County due to protests over police brutality and the death of George Floyd are coming under growing scrutiny. The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit Wednesday against the cities of Los Angeles and San Bernardino and L.A. county to end the curfews. The curfews extraordinary suppression of all political protest in the evening hours plainly violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and their blanket restrictions on movement outside working hours violate the Constitutions protection of freedom of movement, the ACLU said in a statement. The suit was filed on behalf on Black Lives Matter and others. After several nights of scattered looting, there were very few problems Tuesday and Wednesday night even as thousands protested peacefully across the region. The arrests were mainly of protesters who refused to obey the curfew. Los Angeles County extended its sweeping curfew for a fourth day this time with reduced hours. But Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said that while the curfews may have been warranted on Sunday and Monday nights, now it seems like they are being used to arrest peaceful protesters. I dont think they are needed anymore, she wrote on Twitter. On Wednesday, county officials opted to begin the curfew at 9 p.m. instead of the usual 6 p.m. The curfew, which does not apply to law enforcement, first responders, people traveling to and from work and unsheltered individuals, will last until 5 a.m. Thursday. Sheriff Alex Villanueva said early Wednesday that officials had been assessing whether to continue the curfew for another day, noting big improvements from previous days related to the protests. Police said the curfew has helped clear the streets at night so they can focus on looters who hit some communities Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Some protesters also questioned the need for curfews if demonstrations are peaceful. Its ridiculous that 1,000 protesters have been arrested," Heaven Bouldin, 25, said Tuesday during the Hollywood protest. Story continues She held a sign that read, "Stop killing black people," and was punctuated by an expletive. She said that on Monday night, she and her boyfriend held signs up past curfew, protesting peacefully. Im all for doing whats safe for yourself. In order to make a change we have to stay above six feet, we have to stay alive. Theyre setting these curfews so that they can arrest us, so that they can kill us. I encourage everyone else to try and do this as safely as possible. At 8th Street and Crenshaw Bouelvard on Tuesday night, police detained dozens of protesters who had converged at the mayor's residence. The crowd chanted peaceful protest intermittently and, for the most part, calmly complied with police as they were cuffed with plastic bands. Police arrested the crowd methodically and had protesters stand with legs spread against a gate collecting names and information before escorting each protester to a Los Angeles County sheriff bus. After each person was arrested, some in the crowd yelled, We love you, and clapped. Australians dreaming of their own 'island home' can now snap one up for as little as $385,000 in the stunning Great Barrier Reef. The slice of paradise is a 30-minute boat ride from Gladstone in central Queensland just below the picturesque Whitsundays. Worthington Island has been described as the nation's 'cheapest island ever' by selling agents Richard and Narelle Van Hoff of Private Islands Online Australia. The 69-acre island costs less than the average suburban home but you better get use to the quiet life and don't be expecting to move in any time soon. Worthington Island is located just below the picturesque Whitsundays on Queensland's mid-north coast The 69-acre island features a 9m x 4.3m structure complete with two awnings and a generator On the island is a 9m x 4.3m structure complete with two awnings, a shower, 240-volt generator to run fans and lighting, a gas stove, and a 2,400-litre rainwater tank. There are also three solar panels on the roof and a wind generator, along with an abundance of birds and native wildlife, 18 mango trees and bee keeping boxes. Also included in the sale is a ride-on lawn mower, quad bike, pit bike, tractor and welding machinery. The property has eight years to go on its current lease, with a further 25 if it is renewed. The property has eight years to go on its current lease, with a further 25 if it is renewed While the island was under contract just days after it was first listed, the buyer fell though While the island was under contract just days after it was first listed, the buyer fell though. 'Those who made offers and visited the island and were disappointed to find that we entered into a contract days after the market release will be happy to know that you can have a second shot at purchasing Worthington Island,' the listing said. 'So it is up to you now, let's get onto it and buy the cheapest island ever.' The listing urged potential buyers to 'stop wondering what the high-end wealthy are doing and own your own island that is cheaper than a house block in the 'burbs' Worthington Island boasts beautiful sea views. Mangroves in the tidal stretches provide homes for mud crabs and habitat for the many species of fish which school in abundance The island was once a farm that produced fruit and vegetables that were shipped from a now-ruined pier to the mainland. Mr Vanhoff previously told Daily Mail Australia it would make a good hideaway for urbanites trying to escape the big city rat race. 'If a family want the ultimate getaway, you can't see anyone, you can't hear anyone, it's very private,' he said 'It's quite habitable in a primitive sense. It's got internet, and your mobile works.' Shocking footage has emerged showing a 'full-on looting street party' in Soho Tuesday night, taken as New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio downplayed the extent of rioting in the streets of the Big Apple. In the video, which has gone viral on Twitter, hundreds of people are seen gathering in the streets of Soho, with several rioters dancing on top of cars and others filming the raucous scenes on their cellphones. The wild scene was captured on video and posted on Twitter at 10.21pm Tuesday, just after de Blasio downplayed the rioting in the city and claimed there was no issue with widespread looting. Shocking footage has emerged showing a 'full-on looting street party' in Soho Tuesday night In the video, which has gone viral on Twitter, hundreds of people are seen gathering in the streets of Soho, with several rioters dancing on top of cars The wild scene was captured on video and posted on Twitter at 10.21pm Tuesday night, just after de Blasio downplayed the rioting in the city 'I just want to correct one thing, if I may, that we had a really troubling situation last night in Midtown Manhattan and in one area in the Bronx,' he told CNN Tuesday. 'But we had no unrest, no looting in Brooklyn and Queens and Staten Island, and most of the Bronx and most of Manhattan, I really want to set that straight.' The mayor also insisted there was a 'very different reality' happening that night compared to the night before after he brought forward the city's nighttime curfew from 11pm to 8pm. The affluent area of Soho has been hard-hit by looters over the last few nights as designer stores have been destroyed and ransacked. Looters have also targeted businesses across across other areas of Manhattan and Brooklyn. This came just after NYC Mayor de Blasio (pictured) downplayed the rioting in the city saying 'we had no unrest, no looting in Brooklyn and Queens and Staten Island, and most of the Bronx and most of Manhattan' The NYPD arrested fewer people in the city Tuesday night, detaining 280 compared to 700 on Monday night. Chaos erupted in the streets of New York over the last week following the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed last Monday when a white cop knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while he begged him to stop and said he couldn't breathe. The shocking footage of the incident has sparked peaceful protests across America demanding an end to racism and police brutality against African-Americans. But some demonstrations have turned violent as night falls, when rioters and looters have taken to the streets and trashed businesses and stores. Looters smash up windows of stores in Manhattan Monday night Over the weekend I remarked to a friend that I have no idea, in this moment, how to be both black and a journalist at the same time. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Over the weekend I remarked to a friend that I have no idea, in this moment, how to be both black and a journalist at the same time. As I bear witness to the protests and conflicts rippling across both the United States and Canada in opposition to police brutality and systemic anti-black racism issues that affect my community, my people, my selfhood I find myself faced with questions about how I will show up in my work. How will I choose to bring light to this movement? Whose voices will I turn to? Whose stories will I amplify? Which words will I use? How will I honour myself, my people and my journalistic integrity at the same time? MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Reporter Julia-Simone Rutgers moved to Winnipeg in February to join the Free Press. It is our job, as news media, to be the witness-bearers. It is our responsibility to shine light where there is darkness and ensure systems of power are held to account. Ask nearly any journalist and they will tell you as much. They will also tell you contrary, perhaps, to popular belief, that this is not an objective practice. This is not a neutral cause. Each of us brings our biases, our blind spots and our passions into the work we do. We make choices at every step: who we will speak to, how we will frame their voices, which stories will we write and which we will ignore. None of this is neutral. Because none of this is neutral, journalism has the power to be complacent and complicit when our communities are faced with injustices. Journalism has the power to turn a blind eye to what is essential about these movements and focus public attention elsewhere: on property damage, on police who kneel or hug protesters (before donning masks and firing gas, that is), on voices that detract from the movements. Darnella Frazier / The Associated Press Files In a frame from video provided by Darnella Frazier, a Minneapolis officer kneels on the neck of George Floyd, a handcuffed man who was pleading that he could not breathe, In situations like this, we as news media are called to make choices. First, we must choose which voices we amplify. There is a tendency, especially in the crushing pace of daily reporting, to lean heavily on what the police tell us has happened. We believe we are giving room to everyones perspective when we do this, we believe it is in the interest of balance and we fall short of critiquing and questioning what the police have said. SUPPLIED Eishia Hudson died on April 8, when she was shot and killed by police. When 16-year-old Eishia Hudson was shot and killed by Winnipeg police in April one of three Indigenous people killed by police in the city over a 10-day span we called it a "police-involved shooting," neutralizing the violence of her death. We repeated information handed out at press briefings about the events leading up to her death before speaking with her family, with witnesses or with the Indigenous community to check facts and contextualize her death in a history of prejudice and racialized police violence. I wrote this papers first article that day. That was on me. If we are to write about these movements in the honest pursuit of truth, we must choose to centre the voices that are most affected in the case of this week's news I mean black voices and we must choose to frame actions in their full context. We cannot rely on police-driven narratives. We cannot be complicit in continuing to diminish black voices by amplifying the voices that oppress them. DARRYL DYCK / CANADIAN PRESS FILES A man holds a skateboard bearing George Floyd's name above his head as thousands of people gather Sunday for a peaceful demonstration in support of Floyd and Regis Korchinski-Paquet and protest against racism, injustice and police brutality in Vancouver. We must also make choices about the language we use. In journalism school I was taught to use the active voice as much as possible, but I find when we report on police brutality and racial injustice, we tend to lean away from this practice. Protests do not erupt into violence spontaneously. Tear gas, flash bangs and rubber bullets do not deploy on crowds of their own accord. We cannot shy away from specificity in describing the actions at play. We cannot shy away from directly acknowledging who initiates violence, fires tear gas, fires rubber bullets, fires guns, kills. We also cannot shy away from acknowledging, directly and unflinchingly, who is harmed. These protests are about speaking against anti-black racism and police brutality, and it is black people across Canada and the United States who are receiving the lion's share of the violence. These protests are in solidarity with those grieving the deaths of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and all those who have died at the hands of police violence. This is the context and we are complicit when we refuse to acknowledge and centre it in our reporting. FAMILY PHOTO / BLOOMBERG HANDOUT Breonna Taylor, 26, was was fatally shot by Louisville Metro Police Department officers in March. 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 the context of protests combating police brutality, who does it serve to focus our energies on stories about cops expressing menial acts of kindness? Or about property damage to big-box stores? It certainly does not serve those who have died in police hands, or those who respond with grief and rage to their deaths. We must choose, finally, to listen. At its core, this is our job. When we are told what the goals of a protest or action are, we must listen. When we are told what matters to the communities we report on, we must listen. When we are told we have misrepresented the voices we seek to amplify, we need to take a step back. At the end of the day, our jobs rely on trust. Black communities, by and large, do not trust the news. In order to restore that trust it is our responsibility to critically examine our reporting and its role in perpetuating the cycles of violence that we seek to expose; to listen to, amplify and hire black voices in a news landscape that is so painfully void of our stories and our storytellers; and to heed critique when it is given. When we neglect to centre these questions in our work, we are choosing complacence. julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @jsrutgers L ike many of the British stars on the silver screen, Tom Hiddleston owes his success to the theatre. This week, we return to one of his stand-out performances as the bloody ruler Coriolanus, which will be streamed as part of the National Theatre's efforts to bring the curtain up in our own homes. With no shortage of Shakespeare and under the direction of some of the country's finest, we look back over the actor's command of the stage through the years. A Streetcar Named Desire While studying at Cambridge, Hiddleston played Mitch in Tennessee Williamss A Streetcar Named Desire. His performance was spotted by an agent, and Hiddleston then applied to study at RADA, graduating in 2005. The Changeling His first of two shows with Cheek By Jowl theatre company at the Barbican took place in 2006, with him playing the romantic role of Alsemero in The Changeling. The Jacobean tragedy sees Beatrice Joanna, soon to marry Alonzo but in love with Alsemero, send her servant to kill her betrothed. Cymbeline A year later, Hiddleston starred alongside Jodie McNee in the second Cheek By Jowl production: Cymbeline. He earned an Olivier Award for best newcomer for his roles as Posthumus and Cloten in Shakespeares play set in ancient Britain. Othello Hiddleston's first of many appearances at the Donmar Warehouse began when he played Cassio opposite Chiwotel Ejiofor and Ewan McGregor in Michael Grandages production of Shakespeares Othello. He was once again nominated for best newcomer at the Olivier Awards, but lost out on winning this award to... himself. It was the same year he was nominated for his part in Cymbeline. Ivanov That same year, Hiddleston starred at the Donmar in a revival of Tom Stoppards adaptation of Chekhovs play. It was here that he first worked with Kenneth Branagh, his co-star, who would go on to direct him as Loki in the first Thor film, starting him on his Marvels Avengers journey. The Childrens Monologues 2011 was Hiddlestons big breakthrough onto the big screen, with War Horse, Thor, The Deep Blue Sea and Midnight in Paris all coming out in the same year. The previous November, he took to the Old Vic stage alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, Gemma Arterton and more in Danny Boyles one-time production of The Children's Monologues. Writers including Lynn Nottage, Bola Agbaje and Polly Stenham adapted stories of childrens first-hand experiences in South Africa. Coriolanus at the Donmar Warehouse - in pictures 1 /20 Coriolanus at the Donmar Warehouse - in pictures Johan Persson Johan Persson Johan Persson Johan Persson Johan Persson Johan Persson Johan Persson Johan Persson Johan Persson Johan Persson Johan Persson Johan Persson Johan Persson Johan Persson Coriolanus Hiddleston returned to the Donmar under Josie Rourkes tenure as artistic director for her production of Coriolanus, starring alongside Mark Gatiss, Alfred Enoch, Hadley Fraser and Deborah Findlay. According to the Standards review: The violent and treacherous Roman general Coriolanus is one of Shakespeares most bloodthirsty creations, but Hiddleston focuses on his arrogance and elusive coolness. The role won him the Evening Standard Theatre Award for best actor. Hamlet Of course, he had to do Hamlet as well. He reunited with Kenneth Branagh in 2017 for a fundraiser for RADA, playing the Danish prince in Shakespeares play. For just three weeks he played the part to a 160-strong audience who won tickets by raffle. Nicholas Farrell, Lolita Chakrabarti and Kathryn Wilder also starred, with Branagh directing. Betrayal Jamie Lloyds Pinter at the Pinter season in which he staged all of the playwrights one-act works at his namesake theatre to mark a decade since his death was an unrivalled success. It concluded with a revival of Pinter's classic three-hander starring Hiddleston, who the Standard described as irresistibly magnetic in review, alongside Zawe Ashton and Charlie Cox. The cast went on to reprise their performance on Broadway, and Hiddleston was nominated for another Evening Standard Theatre Award in 2019 (which was nabbed by Andrew Scott for his role in Present Laughter). Prithviraj Sukumaran, who is currently under institutional quarantine after returning from Jordan, has tested negative for COVID-19. The actor took to his social media handle to share the relieving news with his fans. He wrote that he will be continuing the quarantine before returning home and asked his fans to stay safe amid the lockdown. "Did a COVID-19 test and the results are negative. Will still be completing quarantine before returning home. Stay safe and take care all", he wrote on Instagram. Well, the fans are happy with the news, as they showered the star with wishes in the comment section of the post. Prithviraj along with 57 cast and crew members of Aadujeevitham recently returned from Jordan, after being stranded in the country while shooting for the upcoming big project. The actor along with the team flew to Kochi via Delhi from Amman by a repatriation flight. The effort was a part of the government's Vande Bharat Mission, to bring back Indian citizens stranded abroad. The Aadujeevitham team was shooting at the Wadi Rum desert in the Arab country. The actor had earlier announced that in spite of all the challenges amid the lockdown, the crew had managed to complete the Jordan schedule. The film, based on the award-winning Malayalam novel Aaduvjeevitham penned by Benyamin, is directed by Blessy. Produced by AG Abraham, the survival drama has Amala Paul essaying the female lead opposite Prithviraj Sukumaran. AR Rahman will be composing the music for the highly-anticipated project of the year. The next schedule of Aadujeevitham will be shot in South Africa after the team analyses the Coronavirus condition. Prithviraj is also expected to start the pre-production of his next directorial venture L2: Empuraan. The Mohanlal-starrer is the sequel to his 2019 blockbuster movie Lucifer. Prithviraj's Mother Mallika Sukumaran Rescued Yet Again From Flash Flood Prithviraj Sukumaran Accepts Dulquer Salmaan's 'Training Done' Challenge: Reveals His Transformation Three different approaches are being taken for vaccine - One is an immune-boosting, another is a monoclonal antibody and the third is a convalescent plasma therapy. Banking on developing herd immunity to fight coronavirus is too large a risk" for any nation and only timely interventions can mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Shekhar Mande said. Herd immunity is achieved when the majority of the population becomes immune to an infectious disease, either because they have become infected and recovered, or through vaccination. When that happens, the disease is less likely to spread to people who aren't immune, because there just aren't enough carriers. Responding to a question on whether it is viable for India to achieve herd immunity, Mande said, "It is too large a risk for any nation." "Herd immunity typically works when 60-70 percent population of a country has been affected and its too large a risk to take for any nation. What one would do is to take intervention before so that the infection does not spread," he told PTI in an interview. Mande said several theoretical modelling that people have conducted across the world and also in India seems to suggest that there could be few waves of COVID-19 and people need to be prepared for them. "The number of cases will go down and people need to be prepared as there can be a second wave of COVID-19," he said. On US President Donald Trump terminating the country's relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO) as he blamed it and China for the deaths and destruction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe, Mande said it is "not a good sign". "WHO is a valuable body which has played an important role. It has been involved in smallpox elimination, poliovirus elimination and it has worked very well with countries. The termination of ties is not a good sign," he said. Mande further said that the CSIR has adopted a five-pronged approach in the fight against COVID-19 focusing on, surveillance, diagnostic, intervention through development of new therapies, hospital assistive devices and supply chain model." On the vaccine development front, he said three different approaches are being adopted. "One is an immune-boosting vaccine that improves the hosts immunity that is under trial in three different locations in the country and the results are expected in the next 15 days." "Another one is a monoclonal antibody that CSIR has funded a collaborative programme between NCCS (National Centre For Cell Science) Pune, IIT Indore and Bharat Biotech. The third one is convalescent plasma therapy whose trials are going on in Kolkata," he said. He further said that Indian companies are "very deeply involved" in the process of vaccine development. India registered its highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases on Sunday with 8,380 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, taking the country's tally to 1,82,143, while the death toll rose to 5,164, according to the Union Health Ministry. India is the ninth worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also Read: With migrants heading home, some experts call for herd immunity to combat coronavirus crisis but others warn it is no panacea With the surge of violent protests spread throughout the United States in the wake of George Floyd's death, China takes advantage of the chaos to showcase its authoritarian system and denounce America as hypocritical, albeit ignoring its own nation's issues and problems. The move is made contrary to the country's history of ethnic discrimination and its actions against human rights with its decision to suppress Hong Kong's independence, as reported by The New York Times. Taking advantage of the chaos Several Chinese government officials are joining the protests over Floyd's death. The state-run media is accusing the US of being a hypocrite with its response to the violent protests across the country after it has supported Hong Kong in its fight against the capital. Some commentators in China expressed their belief that American democracy is a facade as they point out the country's failed response to the coronavirus pandemic and violent protests. A scholar at Fudan University in Shanghai, Song Guoyou, said that the current situation in the US would result in more Chinese people supporting their government in denouncing and countering the American nation. "The moral ground of the United States is indeed greatly weakened," the scholar added. According to the Wall Street Journal, Zhao Lijian, the spokesman of the Foreign Ministry on Monday questioned the response of the US government to the method that the Chinese government took to quell Hong Kong protests when they had no issues with sending the National Guard to threaten to shoot and quell the violent protests. Also Read: Trump Says US Will Move to Support Hong Kong: Withdraws From WHO US President Donald Trump has ordered the increase in force that local governments and officials should use to control the demonstration across the nation. On Monday, Trump called the Washington military and law enforcement to support the defence against the protesters. The comments of the Chinese government with the US response comes after the American nation's criticism of Beijing's decision to impose a new law that threatens Hong Kong's independence. A history of violence The events come ahead of Beijing's anniversary of the bloody 1989 crackdown against protesters on June 4 in Tiananmen Square. The date marked Hong Kong's third decade in holding demonstrations. This year, Hong Kong officials banned a candlelight vigil for reasons of maintaining social distancing to curb the spread of the coronavirus infection. The rivalry between the two countries has been a longstanding feud, and power struggle as their relationship has hit its lowest in decades. President Xi Jinping has used the number of protests in the United States to counterattack with the Communist Party's propagandists. Media videos within the Chinese nation are filled with scenes from the latest violent protests. The footage shows the National Guard patrolling the area and media hosts citing America's long history of racial discrimination. Social media platforms are branding the United States as unruly and disorganized. "This is not Syria, this is the US!" one popular site captioned. The editor of the Global Times tweeted a post calling out to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The latter previously shared his support with the people of Hong Kong in their fight against the government, where he asks the official to do the same with the protesters in the US. Related Article: National Guard to Join Los Angeles in Protecting City as Protest Violence Rages @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Islamabad, June 3 : A Lahore High Court (LHC) division bench on Wednesday granted pre-arrest bail till June 17 to Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif , a day after a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team raided his residence to arrest him in connection with cases relating to money laundering and keeping assets beyond known sources of income. During the hearing, Sharif's lawyers claimed that even though he was summoned by the NAB on Tuesday, the warrants were dated May 28, implying that the watchdog had already decided to arrest him. To this, NAB's counsel responded by saying that the warrants were issued when there was enough evidence to make an arrest, Dawn reported. Granting Sharif bail till June 17, the court also asked him to submit a surety bond of Rs 500,000. Sharif's legal team had filed the pre-arrest bail petition on June 1, a day before he was required to appear before an investigation team of the NAB. However, the bail petition could not be fixed for hearing before the bench on Tuesday. Also for a third time, Sharif on Tuesday refused to appear before the NAB, citing health concerns. In a statement submitted to the bureau, he said: "It has been widely reported in the media that some NAB officials have tested positive for COVID-19." "Please appreciate (that) I am a cancer survivor and 69 years old. I have been advised limited exposure on account of the peculiar background of low immunity," he said. He added that he was available to answer any queries by the investigation team via Skype. Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) Vice Chairman Abid Saqi and Lahore High Court Bar Association Secretary Haroon Dogal submitted a petition requesting the Lahore High Court to grant Sharif permission to reach the court. The petition said police had "set up obstacles" on the way to the court to prevent (Sharif from reaching it). A similar petition was also filed by Azam Nazeer Tarar, a member of the PBC. ALSO TUESDAY The City Council voted to accept $2.1 million in funds from the federal CARES Act to be used for homelessness prevention, a need that was highlighted during the shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. That money is in addition to the roughly $93 million Guilford County is receiving in CARES Act money to help small businesses, among other things, that were affected while North Carolina was in quarantine. DEDHAM, Mass., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlantic Power Corporation (NYSE: AT) (TSX: ATP) ("Atlantic Power" or the "Company") provides the following update on the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for its Calstock and Oxnard plants: Calstock is an approximately 35 megawatt biomass plant located in Hearst, Ontario. The PPA with the Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation, which had been scheduled to expire in June 2020, was recently extended to December 16, 2020 on existing terms. The extension provides the provincial government additional time to evaluate the future role of the Calstock plant and biomass generation in the province. The Company expects Project Adjusted EBITDA from Calstock in the July through December period will be lower than the comparable period in 2019 primarily due to an expected increase in fuel costs, as a result of lower production from the local mills due to the coronavirus pandemic. Oxnard is an approximately 49 megawatt gas-fired plant located in Oxnard, California. The PPA with Southern California Edison expired on May 25, 2020 and was not renewed or extended. The Company recently executed a Reliability Must Run (RMR) agreement with the California Independent System Operator that became effective June 1, 2020 and will expire December 31, 2020. The RMR is conditioned upon the approval of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); the application for approval was submitted to the FERC on May 28, 2020 and is pending. The Company expects that Project Adjusted EBITDA from Oxnard under the RMR agreement will be de minimis. "Market conditions are currently unfavorable for re-contracting in Ontario and California. These short-term arrangements provide the Company with additional time to pursue longer-term contracting options for both plants," said Joe Cofelice, Executive Vice PresidentCommercial Development of Atlantic Power. "We continue to work with the provincial government and other stakeholders in Ontario to develop a longer-term solution that properly values the non-power benefit streams provided by Calstock. At Oxnard, our re-contracting effort has been negatively affected by reductions in electricity demand due to the coronavirus pandemic. We will continue to pursue re-contracting options for Oxnard for 2021 in the expectation that electricity demand will recover to pre-pandemic levels." Although the Company had not assumed continued operation of either Calstock or Oxnard beyond the second quarter, the short-term contract extension for Calstock and the RMR agreement for Oxnard do not result in a change to 2020 Project Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $175 million to $190 million. About Atlantic Power Atlantic Power is an independent power producer that owns power generation assets in eleven states in the United States and two provinces in Canada. The Company's generation projects sell electricity and steam to investment-grade utilities and other creditworthy large customers predominantly under longterm PPAs that have expiration dates ranging from 2020 to 2043. The Company seeks to minimize its exposure to commodity prices through provisions in the contracts, fuel supply agreements and hedging arrangements. The projects are diversified by geography, fuel type, technology, dispatch profile and offtaker (customer). Approximately 75% of the projects in operation are 100% owned and directly operated and maintained by the Company. The Company has expertise in operating most fuel types, including gas, hydro, and biomass, and it owns a 40% interest in one coal project. Atlantic Power's shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AT and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ATP. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.atlanticpower.com or contact: Atlantic Power Corporation Investor Relations (617) 977-2700 [email protected] Copies of the Company's financial data and other publicly filed documents are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml under "Atlantic Power Corporation" or on the Company's website. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements To the extent any statements made in this news release contain information that is not historical, these statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and under Canadian securities law (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Certain statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which reflect the expectations of management regarding the future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities of the Company and its projects. These statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company's future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of the words "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "estimates", "forecasts", "targets", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "believes", "outlook", "objective", or "continue", or equivalents or variations, including negative variations, of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results, "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Examples of such statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the following: the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy and the Company's operations, including the measures taken by governmental authorities to address it, which may precipitate or exacerbate other risks and/or uncertainties; the Company's expectation for Project Adjusted EBITDA from the Calstock plant in the July through December 2020 period; plant in the July through period; the Company's ability to obtain the approval of the FERC, which is a condition of the RMR agreement for Oxnard ; ; the Company's expectation for Project Adjusted EBITDA from the Oxnard plant under the RMR agreement; plant under the RMR agreement; the Company's assessment of market conditions in Ontario and California ; and ; the Company's expectations about the timing and extent of the recovery of electricity demand in California ; ; the Company's views with respect to re-contracting potential for the Oxnard plant in 2021; and plant in 2021; and the Company's 2020 Project Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $175 million to $190 million . Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not or the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. Please refer to the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information" in the Company's periodic reports as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") from time to time for a detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what are believed to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. SOURCE Atlantic Power Corporation Related Links http://www.atlanticpower.com In his first public comments since the May 25 death of George Floyd, Gov. Jared Polis said Tuesday that what happened to Floyd was "wrong, brutal and inhumane," and it was murder. Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Bern, 02.06.2020 - The civil war in Yemen has created one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time. People in Yemen need urgent assistance. But ongoing hostilities and major administrative and operational restrictions are making humanitarian programmes increasingly difficult to implement. At a pledging conference co-hosted by the UN and Saudi Arabia, Switzerland has announced that it will make CHF 12 million available for measures to assist the Yemeni people. The international community has pledged a total of USD 1.35 billion towards relief efforts to help the affected population. Yemen has been embroiled in civil war for many years. The ongoing conflict has created one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time. As a result of the violence, millions of people have no access to water, food or medical care. Eighty per cent of the population are unable to survive without humanitarian aid and over 50% have little or no access to clean water. Water and sanitation services are essentially paralysed and only 50% of the country's medical infrastructure is functioning, which increases the risk of epidemics. International community pledges USD 1.35 billion The humanitarian situation in Yemen was already precarious before the COVID-19 crisis erupted. The global pandemic is now putting millions of people in Yemen at further risk. The international community has now pledged USD 1.35 billion in funding to help the affected population and prevent the situation in Yemen deteriorating still further. The amount was made available at a pledging videoconference co-hosted by the UN and Saudi Arabia. The conference was attended by representatives from various countries, international organisations and NGOs. Switzerland committed to humanitarian aid and international cooperation Switzerland is contributing CHF 12 million in international assistance on top of its regular humanitarian aid budget. The contribution will help to fund ongoing work by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the initiatives of partner organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and World Food Programme. Switzerland's funding will be targeted at water supplies, sanitary facilities, hygiene and the protection of civilians in Yemen. In line with its humanitarian tradition and policy of neutrality, Switzerland calls on all parties to comply fully with international humanitarian law and stresses that there is no military solution to the conflict. Switzerland is assisting the UN in its efforts to find a sustainable political solution to end the many years of suffering the Yemeni people have endured. Address for enquiries FDFA Communication Federal Palace West Wing CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53 Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55 E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch Twitter: @SwissMFA Publisher Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html In some cases, the debate among protesters over how to respond to the police breaks down along generational lines. Just before midnight on Sunday, rumors swirled that the authorities were about to break up protesters near the intersection where Mr. Floyd died. A black woman and two white men, all in their 20s, hatched a plan to set fire to a barrier of garbage containers and wooden palettes to prevent the police from moving in. Hey, do you have flammables in the car? the woman asked the men. They ran off, returning with plastic bottles filled with liquid, which they poured over the wood and containers. At that point, a group of people hurried over, telling them to stop. One of them was the womans father. What youre doing they understand that violence, he said angrily. There aint a vehicle that they have that cant run through fire. The woman looked down. Youre my daughter. I got you, he said, and she walked away. Johnetta Elzie, an early participant in the Black Lives Matter movement who co-founded the group Campaign Zero, which advocates against police violence, said she had seen the full spectrum of emotional responses that could bubble up in a protest in recent days, often based on each persons individual life experience She said divisions were inherent to protest and should not be seen as necessarily detrimental to the cause. Who am I to stop them? Kim Barker reported from Minneapolis, and Caitlin Dickerson from New York. Reporting was contributed by Matthew Furber in Minneapolis, Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Thomas Gibbons-Neff in Washington and Adam Popescu in Los Angeles. Erica Clulow-Seckold was last seen on May 29 in Lakes Entrance in eastern Victoria A desperate search is underway for a 15-year-old teenager who went missing on Friday night and hasn't been seen or heard from since. Erica Clulow-Seckold was last seen on May 29 in Lakes Entrance in eastern Victoria. Her family and police hold grave concerns for the teenager's welfare due to her age. She is described as 165cm tall with a thin build, dyed blonde hair and fair skin. She is known to frequently visit the East Gippsland, Wodonga and Melbourne CBD areas. Anyone with information of Erica's whereabouts is urged to contact police. Retired Marine general James Mattis, who resigned as President Trumps Secretary of Defense in 2018, broke his silence on the administration in a statement Wednesday, saying he was angry and appalled by Trumps response to national unrest after the death of George Floyd. Mattis, who clashed with Trumps over the initial decision to withdraw American troops from Syria, told the Atlantic that Trump was distracting from the nations protests against police by blaming unrest on far-left groups, and slammed the presidents decision to visit the historic St. Johns Episcopal Church moments after federal police had pushed back protestors from Lafayette Square, calling it an abuse of executive authority. When I joined the military, some 50 years ago, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution, Mattis said. Never did I dream that troops taking that same oath would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the Constitutional rights of their fellow citizensmuch less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander-in-chief, with military leadership standing alongside. The White House was heavily criticized for Trumps visit to the church which had been set on fire by rioters on Sunday night with D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser calling it a shameful decision for federal police to use munitions to clear protestors. The Trump administration has pushed back on claims that the police were ordered to advance with the knowledge Trump would visit the church, where he held a Bible for several minutes in front of the cameras and promised to protect the country. The former defense secretary added that Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people. Instead he tries to divide us. We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership, Mattis wrote. We can unite without him, drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society. This will not be easy, as the past few days have shown, but we owe it to our fellow citizens; to past generations that bled to defend our promise; and to our children. Story continues Trump said in January 2019 that he had essentially fired Mattis after he resigned in December 2018, and criticized his former Defense Secretary for not doing too good in respect to the administrations policy on Afghanistan. Mattis wrote a book that was published last year, in which he refrained from criticizing Trump. Mattis told the Atlantic in October 2019 that when you leave an administration over clear policy differences, you need to give the people who are still there as much opportunity as possible to defend the country, but promised not to make his silence eternal. More from National Review The head of the University of Sydney's St Andrew's College says it can continue to provide "life-changing experiences" despite calls from within to burn down its colleges over new allegations of student misconduct. In a letter to the college community including its alumni, the principal of St Andrew's College, Wayne Erickson, said it had been a "challenging fortnight". The letter follows protests after fresh allegations of misconduct were raised two years after the landmark Broderick review found a high incidence of sexual violence and need for cultural change on campus. St Andrew's College at the University of Sydney. Credit:Jessica Hromas "We have witnessed acts of graffiti, calls to burn down the colleges and protests contending that colleges should be dismantled," Mr Erickson said. The Chinese authorities on Thursday appeared to retreat partially from an escalating dispute with the United States over air travel between the two countries, announcing that foreign airlines would be allowed to operate one flight per week in Chinese cities. The announcement, from Chinas civil aviation regulator, followed the Trump administrations announcement on Wednesday that it would block Chinese passenger airlines from flying into or out of the United States starting on June 16. That move was a response to a similar ban by the Chinese government on American carriers, which had further stoked tensions between the worlds two biggest economies. Foreign airlines that were barred from operating in China during the pandemic which includes all American airlines except those carrying cargo will be allowed to choose one Chinese city from an approved list to operate one flight each week, beginning June 8, the announcement said. Relations between the countries have deteriorated sharply in recent weeks as officials scuffled over the origin of the pandemic and Chinas move to tighten its authority over Hong Kong, a semiautonomous city. With the U.S. presidential election just five months away, President Trump and his campaign have taken a much tougher stand against China, blaming its government for allowing the coronavirus to turn into a pandemic and wreck the American economy. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Stockholm, Sweden Wed, June 3, 2020 11:00 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbbaf7f 2 World Sweden,Chinese-nationals,money-laundering,extradition,crime Free Sweden has extradited to the United States a Chinese national suspected of laundering millions of dollars in Henan Province, his Swedish lawyer said Tuesday, a year after Stockholm rejected Beijing's extradition request. A former official of the Chinese state grain administration, Qiao Jianjun is wanted by Beijing under a sweeping government campaign against corruption for embezzling 200 million yuan ($29 million or 26 million euros). Qiao contests the accusations but his lawyer Henrik Olsson Lilja told AFP Tuesday his client, who lived in the United States after leaving China in 2011, was extradited last Friday. The US Department of Justice issued a statement saying, "As the director of a grain storehouse in Zhoukou City, Henan Province, China, from 1998 to 2011, Qiao allegedly laundered millions of dollars in proceeds related to fraudulent transactions through banks in China, Hong Kong, and Singapore." Part of the money was allegedly used to buy two properties near Los Angeles. The statement said a federal grand jury in 2014 first indicted Qiao, while a superseding indictment in December 2018 charges him with conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and engaging in financial transactions in criminally derived property. Last July, Sweden's top court rejected an extradition request from Beijing because of a "real risk" of persecution and the death penalty in China. His lawyer questioned how Sweden rejected China's extradition request but accepted that of the United States. "In the US he is suspected of money laundering and the basis of that is that he is supposed to have committed crimes in China. "Now this will be tried in the US ... and then they will hopefully demand better evidence than the Chinese authorities just saying these are illicit funds." Qiao was detained in Sweden in June 2018 at China's request. He was released on 19 June 2019 only to be again arrested a week later in another case, this time at US behest. According to court documents, Qiao started travelling between China and the US after gaining a visa in 2009. He decided to permanently leave China in 2011 after joining the "China Democracy Party" and entered the US with his family. Later he moved to Austria and on to Sweden in 2014 together with his new wife, an Austrian citizen. The Swedish government officially makes the final decision on extradition matters, but is obliged to follow Supreme Court rulings. (Newser) New York City extended an 8pm curfew all week and said it would prohibit many types of nighttime traffic in Manhattan as officials struggled Tuesday to stanch destruction and growing complaints that the nation's biggest city was reeling out of control night by night. After chaos erupted again overnight amid protests over George Floyds deathdespite an 11pm curfewMayor Bill de Blasio doubled down on a citywide curfew but rejected urging from President Trump and an offer from Gov. Andrew Cuomo to bring in the National Guard, the AP reports. The police department announced it would allow no vehicle traffic south of 96th Street in Manhattan after 8pm, though it said residents, essential workers, buses, and truck deliveries were exempt. story continues below "Were going to have a tough few days. Were going to beat it back," de Blasio, said in announcing that an 8pm to 5am curfew would remain through Sunday. As he spoke at City Hall, midtown Manhattan was pocked with smashed storefronts, with Macy's flagship store among those hit. Cuomo offered a particularly scathing assessment of the city's response to the unrest. "The NYPD and the mayor did not do their job last night," the Democratic governor said at a briefing in Albany. "Look at the videos. It was a disgrace." Unprompted, Cuomo brought up the possibility of using his power as governor to replace the mayor and deploy the National Guard over de Blasios objections, then immediately shot down the idea as legally impractical and unnecessary. (Read more New York City stories.) London: Two Australian reporters have been attacked live on air while covering an anti-racism demonstration which turned violent outside Downing Street. In separate incidents now being investigated by police, Nine News journalist Sophie Walsh was assaulted in Hyde Park on Wednesday morning by a man shouting "Allahu Akbar" and making stabbing motions. Later in the day, Walsh's colleague Ben Avery was chased down a central London street by a crowd hurling bottles and other projectiles. Walsh initially feared the man may have been wearing an explosive vest and was trying to kill her on what was the third anniversary of the deadly London Bridge terrorist attack. At least 40 workers of a chemical factory were injured on Wednesday in a huge fire caused by a blast in the boiler at Dahej in Bharuch district of Gujarat, district collector said. "Around 35-40 workers sustained burn injuries after the boiler of an agro-chemical company exploded in afternoon. All the injured persons have been shifted to hospitals in Bharuch, and efforts are on to control the fire," said Bharuch collector MD Modia. The fire has still engulfed the unit, the collector said. He said residents of Lakhi and Luvara villages located near the factory are being evacuated as a precautionary measure because of the presence of plants of poisonous chemicals near the affected factory. Also Read: Cyclone Nisarga LIVE Updates: Maharashtra on high alert as cyclone to hit in 1 hour Also Read: Cyclone Nisarga Update: Mumbai police imposes curfew until June 4 ahead of severe storm Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty hired a new Head of Cyber in North America. AXIS Re made a promotion. QBE North America promoted an executive to be Senior Vice President, Broker Management & Sales Operations. *** A former Willis Towers Watson executive is signing on with Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty as Head of Cyber in North America, starting June 15, 2020. Thomas Kang will be based in New York and report to Paul Schiavone, North America Regional Head of Financial Lines, North America and Regional Head of Corporate Long Tail Lines and ART. Kang joins AGCS from Willis Towers Watson, where he served as Global Cyber Product Leader since 2018. During this time, he formulated cyber product strategy across both traditional and specialty lines of business, and oversaw the execution of transactional and strategic initiatives across all regions. Before that, he was with The Hartford, planning and implementing a corporate strategic vision for the cyber insurance line of business, and spearheading profitable growth in cyber, media and tech E&O (Errors and Omissions) portfolios across the enterprise. He also spent three years at ACE Group in senior Cyber service and claims functions. *** AXIS Re, the reinsurance business arm of AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, promoted Cyril Caillo to Head of A&H Reinsurance, EMEA LatAm. In this role, Caillo will be responsible for managing and growing AXIS Res accident and health business in the EMEA LatAm region. He will continue to be based in Zurich and will report to Andy Hottinger, President EMEA LatAm for AXIS Re. Caillo has worked at AXIS since 2011, most recently serving as a Senior Underwriter, A&H Reinsurance. He joined the company as part of the former AXIS Accident & Health Reinsurance business segment prior to its absorption into AXIS Re in 2018. From 2011-2018, Caillo oversaw the AXIS Life and Accident business for Spain, Portugal, Benelux, Scandinavia and Latin America. Caillo previously worked in various senior underwriting roles in the life, accident and health markets at PartnerRe and XL Re Europe. *** QBE North America appointed Thaddeus Woosley as Senior Vice President, Broker Management & Sales Operations. Previously, Woosley served as Vice President, Strategic Advisor, Specialty & Commercial, at QBE North America. In his new role, Woosley will be accountable for broker relationshipsensuring close connectivity for QBEs trading partners, managing compensation strategies, and executing service agreements in a way that focuses on delivering mutual value and growth for both partners and customers. He is based in QBEs Chicago office. Before joining QBE in February 2020, Woosley worked at Aon for 15 years in a variety of leadership roles of increasing responsibility. Sources: AGCS, AXIS Re, QBE North America False rumors that antifa is organizing bus rides to take protesters into white neighborhoods and loot homes have gone viral in recent days on digital neighborhood platforms and in group texts throughout the U.S. Some of the posts feature a screenshot of a tweet by a fake antifa Twitter account that Twitter said was created by the white nationalist group Identity Evropa, attempting to drum up fear of looting in residential and suburban areas. The false antifa tweet was boosted in part by Donald Trump Jr., who posted a screenshot of the tweet to his Instagram account. Other rumors falsely warn of antifa members being "bused in" to towns in Idaho. The rumors about outsiders coming to damage property or commit acts of violence at protests have ripped through local communities over the last week, aided by neighborhood-focused social media networks and groups. Rumors circulating on Facebook and Nextdoor that buses filled with thousands of antifa and other outside agitators were on their way to loot "white neighborhoods" prompted law enforcement officials to respond to fearful residents in the suburbs of Sacramento, California, that they are "monitoring" messages on social media "causing worry and concern." Read more from NBC News: Free stimulus checks every month? Tech execs think so, but there might be a catch White nationalist group posing as antifa called for violence on Twitter Google faces $5 billion lawsuit in U.S. for tracking 'private' internet use In Idaho, online militia groups warned businesses that antifa activists were coming on buses to vandalize Boise and residential areas. On Monday, the sheriff's office in Payette County, north of Boise, posted on its Facebook page to debunk the rumor. Another viral rumor warned Idahoans to "lock our doors and our guns" because antifa activists were being flown in from Seattle. "The Payette County Sheriff's Office has not had contact with and has not verified that Antifa is in Payette County," its post read. In South Dakota, Sioux Falls Police Chief Matt Burns had to rebut claims that buses were coming from Fargo to incite violence. "In any event like this with this much exposure, there is lots of information floating around out there on social media," Burns told The Argus Leader newspaper. "Some of it has some truth to it, and some of it is just a false flag. It appears at this time that that's what that was." Similar claims are sweeping social media in rural areas throughout the country, according to Matt Hildreth, the executive director RuralOrganizing.org, a national progressive nonprofit. Hildreth said his national network of rural community leaders "are being overwhelmed" by claims from social media about out-of-towners' riding in on buses to infiltrate local protests. "Misinformation campaigns are specifically targeting these communities," Hildreth said. "It seems to be specifically attempting to stoke fear and paranoia, especially in response to what we're seeing in Minneapolis." The impostor antifa tweet gained considerable traction on hyperlocal services like Nextdoor and the Ring app in communities across the country, as seen in screenshots shared with NBC News. The tweets share a screenshot sometimes with captions like "Antifa in the suburbs?" sparking fearful comments among rural and suburban communities. Screenshots of the fake antifa tweet are still swirling around group texts nationwide, according to several people who group-forwarded the claims to NBC News. The spread of false, context-free screenshots is known as "hidden viral" texting by disinformation researchers, in part because the spread of viral misinformation and rumors is exponential but almost impossible to responsibly track because of the private nature of text messages. SAO PAULO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BRASKEM S.A. (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5 and BRKM6;NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK) announces today its results for 1Q20. HIGHLIGHTS: Braskem - Consolidated: Braskem recorded recurring EBITDA of US$294 million , up 22% from 4Q19, explained by (i) the higher sales volume of resins in the Brazilian market, PP in the United States and Europe and PE in Mexico ; and (ii) the lower selling, general and administrative expenses. In Brazilian real, recurring EBITDA amounted to R$1,313 million , 32% higher than in 4Q19. In relation to the same quarter last year, recurring EBITDA decreased by 34% and 22%, in U.S. dollar and Brazilian real respectively, due to lower spreads in the international market. , up 22% from 4Q19, explained by (i) the higher sales volume of resins in the Brazilian market, PP in and and PE in ; and (ii) the lower selling, general and administrative expenses. In Brazilian real, recurring EBITDA amounted to , 32% higher than in 4Q19. In relation to the same quarter last year, recurring EBITDA decreased by 34% and 22%, in U.S. dollar and Brazilian real respectively, due to lower spreads in the international market. In the quarter, sales of resins and chemicals recycled globally amounted to 1,200 tons, representing an increase of 154% in relation to 1Q19. In the quarter, the Company reported a net loss of R$3,649 million , mainly due to the exchange variation impact on the financial result given the effects from the Brazilian reais depreciation against the U.S. dollar on the net exposure in the amount of US$2,427 million and the Mexican peso depreciation against the U.S. dollar on the outstanding balance of the loan of Braskem Idesa of US$2,255 million as of March 31, 2020 . , mainly due to the exchange variation impact on the financial result given the effects from the Brazilian reais depreciation against the U.S. dollar on the net exposure in the amount of and the Mexican peso depreciation against the U.S. dollar on the outstanding balance of the loan of Braskem Idesa of as of . Financial leverage measured by the ratio of net debt to EBITDA4 in U.S. dollar ended the quarter at 5.84x. The recordable and lost-time injury frequency rate stood at 0.81 (events / 1MM HH), which is 74% below the industry average. In May, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) confirmed the conclusion of the independent compliance monitorship at Braskem, which was established in the agreements signed by Braskem, the DoJ and the SEC on December 21, 2016 ("Agreements"). The decision of the DoJ and SEC was based on a final report by the independent monitors that attested that the Company implemented all the recommendations regarding the structure and the execution of its compliance program and concluded that the Company meets the standards set out in the DoJ Plea agreement and the SEC consent. With the end of the independent monitoring period and the certification by the Federal Prosecution Office (MPF), the DoJ and the SEC, the Company has complied with its obligations established in the agreements signed with these authorities and has successfully concluded the three-year term under the Agreements. Brazil: EBITDA in Brazil was US$233 million ( R$1,049 million ), 214% higher than in 4Q19 and representing 62% of the Company's consolidated EBITDA. The growth in EBITDA was mainly explained by the lower expenses related to Alagoas. In relation to 1Q19, the decline in EBITDA was due to the increase in COGS given the higher naphtha costs in 1Q20. United States and Europe: EBITDA in United States and Europe was US$62 million ( R$277 million ), up 33% from 4Q19 and representing 17% of the Company's consolidated EBITDA. The better performance in the quarter is mainly explained by the capacity utilization rates normalization in the United States and the restocking trend in the chain in Europe due to uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 impacts. In relation to 1Q19, EBITDA reduction was due to the lower PP spread. and was ( ), up 33% from 4Q19 and representing 17% of the Company's consolidated EBITDA. The better performance in the quarter is mainly explained by the capacity utilization rates normalization in and the restocking trend in the chain in due to uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 impacts. In relation to 1Q19, EBITDA reduction was due to the lower PP spread. The construction of the new PP plant reached 98.4% of completion at the end of the first quarter, with total investment to date of US$634 million . In the quarter, Braskem America imported 8,000 tons of PP from Braskem in Brazil to continue the new plant's pre-marketing activities. Mexico: EBITDA in Mexico was US$79 million ( R$354 million ), 2% higher than in 4Q19 and representing 21% of the Company's consolidated EBITDA. The increase in EBITDA is mainly explained by the growth in PE sales volume supported by the higher supply of ethane. In relation to 1Q19, the decrease in EBITDA was due to the lower PE spread in the region. was ( ), 2% higher than in 4Q19 and representing 21% of the Company's consolidated EBITDA. The increase in EBITDA is mainly explained by the growth in PE sales volume supported by the higher supply of ethane. In relation to 1Q19, the decrease in EBITDA was due to the lower PE spread in the region. In the quarter, Braskem Idesa imported 12,600 tons of ethane from the United States to partially offset the lower supply of ethane by Pemex, which enabled the Mexico Petrochemical Complex to operate at a higher capacity utilization rate in the period. The full earnings release is available on the Company's IR website: http://www.braskem-ri.com.br/home-en Braskem will host conference calls to discuss its Results WEDNESDAY, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. US ET. Additional information may be obtained from the Investor Relations Department at +55 11 3576-9531 or [email protected] SOURCE Braskem S.A. Related Links http://www.braskem-ri.com.br/home-en Resolutions pushing Chevron and Exxon Mobil to disclose climate change risks to petrochemical facilities failed at their respective Wednesday shareholder meetings. The preliminary results provided by As You Sow, the shareholder activist group that filed the measures, sought to require reports on physical and public health risks from those plants resulting from climate-linked events like more extreme storms. The group raised concern about the firms' planned Gulf Coast petrochemical investments following pollution releases from such operations when Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in 2017. "These investor votes demonstrate increasing concern for companies expanding petrochemical operations in areas that are facing climate-related physical impacts like stronger and more frequent storms and flooding," As You Sow energy program manager Lila Holzman said in a statement. Forty-six percent of investors backed the Chevron proposal, compared with 25 percent of Exxon Mobil shareholders. The votes came just weeks after nearly 55 percent of shareholders for Phillips 66, which operates a joint venture chemical company with Chevron, approved the same resolution. Some investors have increasingly pushed climate-related resolutions within energy company shareholder meetings. They have cited concerns about business operational risks from more extreme weather and "stranded assets" in which more aggressive climate policies degrade the value of fossil fuel resources. Companies have largely asserted those worries are not material. Under the Trump administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission administration also has weighed in on such activity, blocking proposals requiring Chevron and Exxon Mobil to detail how they would reduce their "total contribution to climate change" and align greenhouse gas emissions targets with the Paris climate agreement. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phong receives Ambassador of Armenia Vahram Kazhoyan (Photo: hcmcpv.org.vn) Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh city Peoples Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong said above at the reception for the new Ambassador of Armenia to Vietnam Vahram Kazhoyan on June 2nd. The chairman expressed readiness to enhance investment in fields of demand such as information technology, electronics, automation, farm produce, cultural exchange, tourism and sharing of experience in administrative reform. The Armenian diplomat said as two-way trade remains modest, Armenia wants to further develop connectivity between the two countries businesses. He suggested the city should establish friendly relationship with Gyumri, the second largest city of Armenia, and wished that the city and Armenia would facilitate visits, increase cultural exchanges and people-to-people diplomacy, thus contributing to traditional friendship between the two nations./. Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars have caused chaos with filming by changing their hair in lockdown, an ITV boss has revealed. Managing Director of Continuing Drama John Whiston told Lorraine Kelly on Wednesday that writers have been forced to change scripts as stars including Danny Miller have been shaving their hair in the absence of a barber during the lockdown. John also confirmed that when Corrie resumes filming next week after the lockdown there are no plans to film episodes focusing on the virus, but did say viewers will notice some differences when the scenes air this summer. Hilarious: Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars (Sue Cleaver left and Danny Miller right) have caused chaos with filming by changing their hair in lockdown, an ITV boss has revealed John first spoke to Lorraine about Emmerdale which returned to filming last month, and will air a series of lock-down themed episodes beginning next week. He admitted that many of the cast decided to change their hair during lockdown by either colouring it, or in many of the men's cases shaving it completely, including Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Dingle. He said: 'You can also see my biggest problem with Aaron's haircut, most of the cast decided to shave their heads, and lots of the female cast members deciding to dye their hair. So we had to put in a lot of lines taking the p**s out of his hair.' Funny: Managing Director of Continuing Drama John Whiston said on Wednesday writers have been forced to change scripts as stars have been shaving or dyeing their hair during lockdown John went onto explain some of the more complicated elements of filming with social distancing in place, with all cast and crew ordered to stay at least two metres apart. He added: 'We've been putting in lots of new things, new protocols, the two metre distancing. 'Our production manager has been given a re traction pole, we've put shields on the camera, we've had to make a lot of this up ourselves because there's no guidelines for it, guidelines had come out but no one had done drama in a socially distanced way. 'If someone picks up a letter, another cast member can't pick up the same letter... you have think about that.' Transition: Emmerdale resumed filming last month with a series of special lockdown-themed episodes, with Coronation Street (pictured) to resume filming next week Speaking about the lockdown episodes, John added; 'It doesn't look like they're standing two metres away from each other. I think we'll get complaints from people saying they're not standing two metres apart!' Despite Emmerdale's special lockdown-themed episodes, John told Lorraine there are currently no plans for similar episodes when Corrie resumes filming on Tuesday. He explained that while there will be a sense of change on the cobbles due to the virus, he would prefer to keep the soap as an escape for viewers during the crisis. 'Our audience do give us some latitude, I mean there is some research came and one of the people said if we do normal social distancing, one of ht peoepl would just go down to Dev's once a day,' he added. 'We'll do it quite lightly, the Rovers will do takeaway, you'll see the odd person wearing masks, if things loosen up than it's easier to build it into the scripts, we will be reflecting the pandemic, Underworld may indeed be making PPE equipment.' Changes: Despite Emmerdale's special lockdown-themed episodes, John told Lorraine there are currently no plans for similar episodes when Corrie resumes filming on Tuesday The ITV boss added that certain storylines have become even more important during the current lockdown, in particular a Corrie plot which has seen Yasmeen Nazir abused by her husband Geoff Metcalfe. He told Lorraine: 'I know the timing with domestic abuse being on everybody's agenda, we've had a huge number of letters on that story, and that was based on going out, getting the research from people. 'I think it's just normality, I find that myself, you watch the news at 6 and then you watch the telly, you just need something that takes you out of it.' Coronation Street confirmed their plans to resume filming last week, but announced that for the timebeing cast members of the age of 70 will remain and home and won't return to set. Funny: John also joked that with social distancing in place viewers may have to use their imagination when it comes to passionate scenes John insisting bosses are constantly reviewing the situation in the hope that cast members can return to set soon, saying: 'It's their safety we're most concerned about, and Coronation Street wouldn't be Coronation Street without those characters in it. 'We'll do everything we can to film them safely. At the moment, following government guidelines there's a process to go through to see whether our clinically cast can come back. 'If they can't come back we'll find some way to bring them into the show.' Explaining further changes to filming he added: 'For a while we won't have children on the show, because they come with a lot of extra people. 'The senior people in our cast are really important to our show so we'll find a way to get their presence in the show.' John also joked that with social distancing in place viewers may have to use their imagination when it comes to passionate scenes, saying: 'It's like going back to the 1920s in Hollywood, when if two people going into a bedroom you saw waves crashing into the sea. 'We'll have a lot of smouldering, our actors are particularly good at smouldering.' Emmerdale begins airing its lockdown specials on Monday at 7pm on ITV. Coronation Street continues tonight at 7:30pm on ITV. Geo Leros, the deputy from the People's Servant faction, said that the head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak, MP of the Servant of the People faction Mykola Tyshchenko, and former Kyiv City Council deputy Denys Komarnytsky were involved in corruption. "Today at 9:00 I had a briefing in NABU, where I provided unprecedented evidence of high-ranking officials' corruption in the city of Kyiv. This organized crime group is headed by Andriy Yermak, his crony and our fellow colleague Denys Komarnytsky, who is put in charge of [the group's] criminal activities in Kyiv, who directs all the 'flows' through Andriy Yermak and allocates these funds for local elections," Leros said from the rostrum of parliament on Monday. The deputy appealed to his fellow colleagues with an appeal not to support the aforementioned actions. "I want to turn to this organized crime group and say that the land under your feet will 'burn.' I will imprison each of you," Leros emphasized. New Delhi, June 3 : The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday released guidelines for safe ENT practice amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It said that the guidelines are aimed at minimising the spread of Covid-19 infection among ENT doctors, nursing staff, support staff, patients and their attendants. According to the guidelines, all patients entering the ENT OPD shall be thermal screened. The ministry said that Covid-19 positive patients are to be operated only for emergency indications in designated operation theatres for Covid patients. Patients having symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 pertaining to both ENT symptoms or respiratory symptoms, should be seen in a separate Covid-19 screening clinic and not in the ENT OPD, it said. The Health Ministry also suggested that teleconsultation will be preferable. "Avoid performing endoscopy (nasal endoscopy, 90 rigid or flexible endoscopy for larynx) in routine OPD," it said, adding even if this has to be performed, it should preferably be performed in a separate demarcated area with Level II PPE kit i.e. Cover-all gown, N-95 mask, gloves and goggles. The Health Ministry said that the Covid suspect patients should be treated in a separate ward for Covid-19 patients, and should be shifted to ENT ward only after confirmation of Covid negative status while it must be ensured that suspected and confirmed Covid patients are kept separately. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2020) - Galleon Gold Corp. (TSXV: GGO) (the "Company" or "Galleon Gold") announces that it has signed an agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire an additional interest in the Neal Development Limited Partnership ("Neal LP"). Neal LP was formed to own and operate the mineral lease comprising the Neal Gold Project, located 27 km southeast of Boise, Idaho (the "Project"). The Company and Eric Sprott are partners on the Project (see press release dated April 30, 2019). The Company is acquiring all rights and assets in the Neal LP that are currently held by a minority interest owner. Pursuant to terms of the Agreement, the Company will issue 500,000 common shares to the minority interest owner. Upon completion of the acquisition, the Company will own a 53% interest and Eric Sprott will retain a 47% interest in the Neal LP. The Company has the option to earn in an additional 27% interest in the Neal LP. The acquisition is subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. Increase of Previously Announced Private Placement to C$5 Million The Company further announces that it is increasing the maximum size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering from C$4.0 million to C$5.0 million (the "Offering") (Press Release dated April 28, 2020). The other terms of the Offering remain the same. On May 25, 2020, the Company completed an initial tranche of the Offering for gross proceeds of C$3,196,440. Debt Settlement The Company additionally announces that it has agreed to settle an aggregate amount of C$580,000 owing for services and expenses rendered to the Company (the "Debt Settlements"). The Debt Settlements will be settled by the issuance of 9,666,667 common shares at a deemed price of C$0.06 per share. Completion of the Debt Settlements are subject to acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. All the securities issued in connection with the Neal Gold Project acquisition and the Debt Settlements will be subject to a four-month and one day hold period commencing on the date of issuance. Story continues About the Neal Gold Project The Neal Project is located 27 kilometers southeast of Boise, Idaho and has excellent access via improved gravel and dirt roads from Interstate-84. The Project consists of five private patented mining claims covering approximately 22.4 hectares and seven unpatented lode claims covering approximately 50.2 hectares. The Project area contains three historic underground mines. About Galleon Gold Galleon Gold is a North American exploration and development company. Eric Sprott holds approximately 29% of the Company's outstanding common shares and is also the Company's partner on the Neal Gold Project in Idaho. The Company's flagship project, the West Cache Gold Project, is located 13 km from Timmins, Ontario. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Galleon Gold R. David Russell Chairman and CEO T. (416) 644-0066 info@galleongold.com www.galleongold.com Forward Looking Statements Some of the statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, expectations, plans, and objectives of Galleon Gold are forward-looking statements that involve various risks. The following are important factors that could cause Galleon Gold 's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: changes in the world-wide price of mineral commodities, general market conditions, risks inherent in mineral exploration, risks associated with development, construction and mining operations, the uncertainty of future exploration activities and cash flows, and the uncertainty of access to additional capital. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Galleon Gold undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Neither the 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57183 The 7:10am bulletin by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday morning states that the severe cyclone storm Nisarga lay centred at 6.30 AM over east-central Arabian sea. It is currently 155 km south-southwest of Alibaug, 200 km south-southwest of Mumbai, 425 km south-southwest of Surat in Gujarat. The intensity near the Centre as per IMD is 85-95 kmph gusting to 105 kmph. Here is the full bulletin: READ | Cyclone Nisarga: Ahead of landfall, rains lash Mumbai As per Skymet Weather's Founder and MD Jatin Singh, at about 8:15 am, Cyclone Nisarga had moved to within 150 km of Mumbai. Cyclone Nisarga 150 km southwest of Mumbai, edging on a 'severe cyclonic storm'. Rainfall likely in the city at 10 am: Jatin Singh, Founder & MD, Skymet Weather; Catch non-stop #LIVE updates on #CycloneNisarga from @SkymetWeather here - https://t.co/qOBZ15NnB2 pic.twitter.com/94GI2nVNDx Republic (@republic) June 3, 2020 NDRF teams deployed As Mumbai and south Gujarat is already on Red Alert, NDRF teams have been deployed. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General SN Pradhan on Wednesday morning said that evacuation process is on and people have been evacuated from Sathipads, Daneida, Manglawada villages near Dahanh coastal areas of Maharashtra. Till Wednesday morning, 8 NDRF teams have been deployed Mumbai, 5 teams in Raigad, 2 teams in Palghar, 2 teams in Thane, 2 teams in Ratnagiri and 1 is Sindhudurg. The Indian Air Force is also ready to provide required assistance in combating the cyclone. On Tuesday, one IAF IL-76 aircraft landed at Surat with 5 NDRF teams. Another IL-76 airlifted 5 NDRF teams from Vijayawada for Mumbai. 1500 citizens have been evacuated to safe shelters in the Alibag and Raigad areas. READ | Cyclone Nisarga LIVE updates: IMD issues red alert, landfall in Alibag on Wednesday noon Statement by Mumbai Airport Meanwhile, releasing a statement, GVK MIAL managing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) said that in the wake of Cyclone Nisarga, it will be operating a total of 19 flights which include 11 departures and 8 arrivals on June 3. The flights will be operated by 5 airlines which include Air Asia India, Air India, IndiGo, GoAir and SpiceJet. It said that there could be changes to the schedule and requested the passengers to check the schedule with their respective airline before leaving for the airport. READ | Cyclone Nisarga approaching Mumbai at 13kmph; wind speed may touch 100-120kmph at landfall When is Cyclone Nisarga expected to make landfall? According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe cyclonic storm 'Nisarga' is likely to make landfall in Alibaug in Maharashtra's Raigad district, Mumbai and its metropolitan areas on June 3. Nisarga is expected to have a wind speed of 105-115 kmph, gusting to 125 kilometre per hour on June 3. According to the IMD, it again will weaken into a cyclonic storm with wind speed of 60-70, gusting to 80 kilometre per hour on June 4. WATCH | Cyclone Nisarga: Akshay Kumar advises precautions, says 'we'll get through this' How it got its name? The name 'Nisarga' has been given by Bangladesh. In its twenty-seventh Session held in 2000, the World Meteorological Organisation and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific had agreed to assign names to the tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand were part of the panel. Later in 2018 Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen were added to the list. There are a total of six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres that names cyclones, including the India Meteorological Department. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been mandated to name cyclones that develop over the North Indian ocean, including Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. As suggested by the 13 countries, IMD released a list of cyclone names in April, 2020. The names like Arnab, Nisarga, Aag, Vyom, Azar, Prabhanjan, Tej, Gati, Lulu among 160 other names were listed. The southern Chinese city of Guangzhou will host an international expo featuring anti-epidemic supplies on June 10, the municipal government said on Tuesday. The expo has attracted more than 400 enterprises, as well as 65 consulates and 30 foreign commerce groups based in Guangzhou, said Yang Yong, director of the Guangzhou branch of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. So far, more than 5,000 visitors, most of them potential buyers, have signed up for the event, the first off-line exhibition to be hosted in Guangzhou since the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic. The expo will set up 850 booths in four exhibition halls, with a total exhibition area of about 36,000 square meters. Organizers will assist foreign buyers with customs clearance and delivery of anti-epidemic supplies, taking advantage of an international distribution center located in Guangzhou's Nansha free-trade zone. The expo will also feature live streaming events in which participants of the expo will share their experiences of fighting the epidemic. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan on Wednesday invited chip major Intel to set up manufacturing units in Mangaluru or Belagavi. "There is a port in Mangaluru while Belagavi is a few hours from a port in Goa," he was quoted as saying in a press release. The release referred to the connectivity through sea to export the chips made in Karnataka. The deputy chief minister said the government would ensure ease of business for Intel to set up its units. Ashwath Narayan, also in-charge for IT, BT, held a video conference with Intel India head Nivruti Rai and other top executives. Rai, while announcing Rs 1 crore as donation to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, appreciated Karnataka government's way of handling COVID-19, the release said. Director, Intel (business operations), Manas Das handed over a cheque for the sum to the deputy chief minister. Also Read: Cyclone Nisarga LIVE Updates: Maharashtra on high alert as cyclone to hit in 1 hour Also Read: Cyclone Nisarga Update: Mumbai police imposes curfew until June 4 ahead of severe storm The European Union will try to convince Boris Johnson to forge a compromise later this month in an attempt to stop the U.K. from breaking away from the bloc without a trade deal. With the negotiations deadlocked, and the latest talks set to end Friday without a breakthrough, the EU is pinning its hopes on a dramatic intervention by the British prime minister when he speaks to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel later this month, according to people familiar with the matter in Brussels. Johnson will be told where the EU could potentially make concessions -- as long as the U.K. takes a similarly conciliatory approach, the people said. That could allow the two sides to reach an accord in the second half, they said. But there is no guarantee that the prime minister will agree. On Tuesday, Johnson's spokesman, James Slack, dismissed suggestions of a compromise as "wishful thinking by the EU." The U.K. government has threatened to walk away from the negotiations in June if they haven't made adequate progress. If the two sides fail to reach an agreement by year-end, Britain will default to trading with the bloc on terms set by the World Trade Organization, leaving businesses and consumers grappling with the return of tariffs and quotas. On Wednesday, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey told bank chief executive officers to step up their preparations for leaving the EU without a trade deal, Sky News reported, citing unidentified people briefed on the call. The EU is demanding that, in return for any deal, the U.K. agrees to apply some of the bloc's rules after Brexit to maintain a level competitive playing field. It also wants the European Court of Justice to continue to have jurisdiction in the U.K. and for European fishing vessels to maintain their access to British waters. So far, though, British officials have ruled out accepting those demands. Johnson has made it clear that he believes Britain's vote to leave the bloc means that the country should be fully independent, one U.K. official said. Behind the rhetoric, though, diplomats say the two sides have started to map out where a deal could be done as they work out which positions are genuine red lines and which leave room for maneuver. European diplomats say the bloc could water down its demands on fishing and, to a more limited extent, on the level playing field. In return, they expect the U.K. to make a similar leap -- but so far, one hasn't been forthcoming. While the U.K. has offered to stick to current EU standards to prevent unfair competition by way of a so-called non-regression clause, the EU doesn't believe that promise goes far enough. Much of this week's discussions will be focused on fisheries. The EU's public position is to demand the status quo, where European fishing boats have access to British waters under a quota system based on historic catch areas. The U.K. wants to replace that with annual negotiations that reflect more accurately where fish are found today. At the end of the last round of talks, the U.K.'s chief negotiator, David Frost, called the European approach "manifestly unbalanced." His EU counterpart, Michel Barnier, acknowledged that both sides had taken "maximalist" starting positions that they could move away from. Even if the two sides inch closer toward agreement on fishing, though, they will still have to reconcile their divisions on the role of the EU courts. One U.K. official warned that Britain will never agree to align with EU laws or accept the continued jurisdiction of the European courts -- and accused the EU of ignoring the political realities of Brexit. In addition to fisheries, negotiators will on Wednesday also discuss: - Trade in goods and services; - The level playing field; - Cooperation on law enforcement and energy matters; - Governance; and - The U.K.'s continued participation in EU projects. Courtney Phillips, Louisiana's new Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, speaks at Governor John Bel Edwards' regular press conference to update Louisiana's status during the novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, at the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in Baton Rouge. Dr. Jimmy Guidry, M.D., State Health Officer of Louisiana and La. Dept. of Health's Medical Director, is at right. There are reasons to be optimistic that Canada will accommodate more foreign travellers including new immigrants in the coming months. Will Canada lift its travel restrictions on July 1? There are reasons to be optimistic that Canada will accommodate more foreign travellers including new immigrants in the coming months. Will Canada lift its travel restrictions on July 1? There are reasons to be optimistic that Canada will accommodate more foreign travellers including new immigrants in the coming months. Will Canada lift its travel restrictions on July 1? There are reasons to be optimistic that Canada will accommodate more foreign travellers including new immigrants in the coming months. Kareem El-Assal Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A The question of whether Canada will lift its coronavirus travel restrictions on July 1, 2020 is on the minds of immigration professionals and prospective immigrants around the world. Whether you are an immigration professional, such as Canadas immigration minister, or a prospective immigrant, the answer is simply no one knows. However, considering recent actions taken by the federal government, and the apparent flattening of the pandemic curve in Canada, a July 1 opening to foreign nationals may be possible. Here is a look at the key factors that could influence Canadas decision. Why Canada could ease travel restrictions The decision to lift the restrictions will simply come down to whether the Canadian government believes it can safely do so. It will closely monitor the number of coronavirus cases around the world to see if containment efforts are proving effective. Of course, Canadas decision will also be shaped by the effectiveness of its own efforts to contain the virus. Health Canada says the epidemics curve is flattening thanks to public health measures. Beginning in mid March, provinces and territories across Canada went into lockdown, however the lockdowns have been gradually eased over the past few weeks. There were 759 new cases of coronavirus in Canada on June 1, the lowest since March 29, which had 665 reported cases. If this positive trend continues, we could see Canada allow more foreign travellers to enter the country. For example, Canada could enable the entry of individuals such as new confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) holders who obtained their COPR after the travel restrictions took effect on March 18. Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs In addition, Canada may look to facilitate family reunification, even if the purpose of the visit to Canada is for non-essential reasons, which is something that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week is an issue currently under consideration. Trudeau has stated that Canada recognizes the hardship that is being caused due to travel restrictions preventing family members from crossing the U.S. border into Canada. On the other hand, he has noted that some provincial premiers are concerned with lifting restrictions with the U.S. It is not difficult to fathom that such premiers may also be wary about lifting travel restrictions with other countries as well. However, there are a number of reasons and signs such concerns may not prevail. Reasons to be optimistic As mentioned above, new coronavirus cases have been stabilizing and lockdown restrictions across Canada are being lifted. In addition, Canada has allowed some foreign travellers into the country since March 18. Hence, come July 1, Canada may decide it can in fact safely welcome more travellers from abroad. To ensure the health and safety of Canadians, such individuals would also surely be subject to the health screenings and mandatory 14-day self-quarantine periods that current travellers must adhere to. In addition, Canada has continued to hold Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, as well as process work and study permits since the travel restrictions took effect. This is a strong sign that Canada does plan to gradually open up its immigration system in the coming months. Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is aiming to process as many completed study permit applications as possible in time for the start of the fall 2020 semester. This is more proof that Canada is eyeing expanding the list of individuals exempt from its current travel restrictions. There are also strong administrative and economic arguments to be made in favour of easing the restrictions. On the administrative side, Canada will want to welcome more foreign travellers as soon as it is safe for it to do so to avoid overburdening the immigration system. The longer the restrictions are in place, the greater pressure there will be on IRCC and Canadian diplomatic missions due to the backlog of individuals waiting to enter Canada. From an economic point of view, welcoming more individuals into Canada after July 1 will help to support the countrys economic recovery, a point that Canadas immigration minister Marco Mendicino has stressed on numerous occasions over the past few weeks. International students, for instance, contribute nearly $22 billion annually to the Canadian economy and support 170,000 Canadian jobs. Welcoming more foreign travellers will help to stimulate more economic activity as such individuals make contributions as workers and consumers. Safety is the main priority Of course, public safety is more important than the administrative and economic implications of the travel restrictions. However, the flattening of the curve in Canada suggests that the country can effectively strike a balance between the three considerations come July 1. Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. After reading and watching the messages sent by different users of social networks over the violations of anti-coronavirus rules Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan came to the conclusion that the problem is in very large scale and there is no power structure or administrative system that can solve it. The PM informed live on Facebook today that he had a serious talk to the Police Chief and the Director of the National Security Service for not presenting accurately the scale of the problem and the situation. Those who follow my page see what is happening. You know after following all these and understanding its scale, I come to the conclusion that there is no power structure or administrative system capable of solving this issue. What I saw with your help is just a catastrophe, I have no other words to say, Pashinyan said. According to him, the police need to be 4-5 times bigger to be able to solve this problem, but its still a question whether it can do that or not. He urges citizens to change the attitude towards the rule, the law, the security of the other person. The issue is not in the person in charge, I am the person in charge, but does that change anything?, he said, adding that the government is unable to solve this issue if none of the citizens considers this problem as their own. Yes I have been infected with the coronavirus. I accept my mistake, lets each of us accept it and make a step back from the path leading to collapse. This is my message, he said. But he added that this doesnt mean that the police should weaken its operations. He again told the citizens that this is a common problem and must be solved together. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Kabul, June 3 : A powerful bomb ripped through a popular mosque in Kabul's fortified green zone on Tuesday, killing at least two persons and injuring two others, police said. Tariq Arian, spokesman for Afghanistan's Interior Ministry, said the bomb targeted the Wazir Akber Khan mosque at around 7:25 p.m. (local time), when worshippers had gathered for evening prayers, aljazeera reported. The mosque is located in a high-security diplomatic area near the offices of several international organisations and embassies. Prayer leader of the mosque, Mullah Mohammad Ayaz Niazi, was one of two people killed in the attack, Arian confirmed. No group has claimed the responsibility of the explosion in central Kabul, which occurred at one of the city's most famous places of worship. Niazi was famous in Kabul and his politically charged sermons were often so well attended that worshippers would spill into the grounds outside the mosque. Arian initially said the attack was conducted by a suicide bomber. But as investigations proceeded, it was not clear that remained the case. President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman called the incident a "heinous" attack. The attack follows a bombing claimed by ISIS against a television station's minibus in central Kabul on Saturday, killing a scribe and the driver. It also comes after officials said seven civilians were killed late Monday by a roadside bomb linked to the Taliban in northern Afghanistan, even as authorities pressed for peace talks with the militants. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Credit: CC0 Public Domain France's new phone app for tracking coronavirus cases and alerting people at risk of contagion was downloaded some 600,000 times in less than 24 hours since its launch, the country's digital affairs minister said Wednesday. "It's a good start," Cedric O told France 2 television, while app analytics firm AppAnnie said StopCovid was leading the list of French downloads for both Apple and Google Android phones. Virus tracing apps are seen as a vital tool for slowing the spread of COVID-19, which has killed nearly 29,000 people in France. Governments around the world have developed apps, either on their own or enlisting help from private companies including Apple and Google, which have teamed up to provide tracing software that is compatible between their phones. Many use bluetooth technology that allows phones to "see" if a person comes into close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virusassuming the infected person had entered the diagnostic into the app. France refused to work with Apple and Google for its app, citing data privacy concerns. Use of the StopCovid app is voluntary, and officials say no personal data can be revealed to fellow users. Health experts say at least 60 percent of a population needs to use the technology for it to be effective as countries lift their lockdowns, since vast numbers of people are still at risk of infection. Several countries have fallen short of that goal, however, including in Asian countries that were among the first to roll out tracking apps. Cedric O said he hoped "several millions of French" people would download the app, which is especially useful in crowded areas "such as bars and restaurants, public transport, and shops." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 AFP Sonu Sood has become a heroic figure for migrant workers in Maharashtra, and others, helplessly looking to make their way home, amid the lockdown. He has arranged transport for hundreds of people, and has helped them reach home safely. In appreciation, netizens have been making some funny memes and playfully asking Sonu Sood to help out with absurd needs. One particular meme said that only Sonu Sood can send the dreaded Cyclone Nisarga back home. Sonu even had a reply to this! A Twitter user shared a hilarious meme where Sonu can be seen sitting by the ocean, looking into the distance. The meme read, "Sonu Sood waiting for #CycloneNisarg so that he can send it back home." In good spirit, Sonu replied, "Isko bhi chhod kar aata hoon (Let me help this return home too)," and added a laughing emoji. Sonu has tirelessly been working to support and help out those in distress during the Coronavirus crisis. He helped hundreds of migrant workers who were stuck in Maharashtra, get home in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Karnataka. He even organized to airlift 177 girls from Odisha, who were working in a garments manufacturing factory in Kerala. Sonu has received immense appreciation and love for his efforts. A pregnant woman, whom Sonu helped reach home, named her son Sonu Sood Shrivastav. Another man worshipped a photo of Sonu, calling him 'no less than a God'. Talking about Cyclone Nisarga, it made landfall on the coast of Maharashtra on Wednesday. Being that it is a first storm of its kind to hit Mumbai in a long time, thousands have been evacuated from the city to safer ground. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE! Sonu Sood: My Mother Once Said, 'You Are Successful Only When You Can Help Someone' ALSO READ: Shilpa Shetty, Farah Khan And Other Celebs Shower Praises On Sonu Sood For Helping Migrant Workers The many incidents of anti-Black violence in Canada and the U.S recently have been difficult to witness; the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd are all heartbreaking, the protests far-reaching. As a visible Muslim woman, Im no stranger to discrimination. However, as a light-skinned south Asian, I have no concept of the systemic racism that many Black Canadians face on a daily basis. As a parent, teacher and writer, I strive to be friend, a witness and an advocate. But the racially-motivated incidents of the past few weeks have led me and my friends, most of whom are south Asian, to think about how we handle issues of race, as people and as parents. This is a conversation we have had many times before, but it feels even more pressing right now. I started speaking to my kids about racism and inequity from a young age, maybe 5 or 6. In some ways, its easier to have this conversation when they are younger. As my sons have grown, the conversation has become more nuanced and specific. Yet even being able to choose to have this conversation with my kids is a privilege. For many Black Canadians, systemic racism is part of everyday life. Like many parents, Ive spent the past few weeks thinking about how to talk about violence and anti-Black racism, and reflecting on the ways that I myself have been parented. I have a few suggestions, especially for my fellow non-Black POC. The following is not an exhaustive list, but it might spark further conversations: 1. Dont underestimate your impact as parents Growing up, my Indian mom talked to me and my brother about anti-Black racism often. More importantly, her words were followed up with actions: she actively encouraged me to have a diverse friend group; she was friendly with Black neighbours and with Black Muslims at the mosque; she spoke up when people in her circle engaged in anti-Black dialogue. All of this was not common among first generation south Asian immigrants. At heart, my mother believes in equity and compassion, and her example has left a lasting impression on me. 2. Amplify the voices of those with lived experience The protests that have erupted over the past week, the sadness and mourning over Black deaths, all are an outpouring of grief and a desire to see lasting change to systemic inequalities. As an ally and friend, Im here to echo and amplify the voices of people with lived experience of anti-Black racism Not to share and post about how badly I feel about the racism others deal with every day. 3. Address anti-Black racism in our own communities and social circles Anti-Black sentiments within other race communities is not inevitable. Dont let casual racism pass with a shrug and a, thats just how my parents/grandparents/that generation thinks. My mother never commented on skin tone to me or my brother, and would discourage talk about the superiority of fair skin within our extended family. She caused plenty of arguments as a result, but she kept at it, and it has made a difference. 4. Educate family about about historical context Some immigrant communities are not aware of the historical injustices that have taken place in other marginalized communities, especially when it comes to the Black Canadian/American experience, or to the First Nations community. A brief history lesson might help contextualize events such as the protests erupting in the U.S following the death of George Floyd and anger over police shootings. Educating our families and ourselves is our responsibility. A good place to start is by reading and following Black authors and activists, and listening with an open heart. 5. Talk about systemic racism When I talk to my 15-year-old son about anti-Black racism, I break it down for him from a systemic point of view. It becomes more real when I ask him to consider the effects of racism from an institutional perspective, such as why Black students in Ontario are expelled and suspended from schools at a disproportionately high rate compared to other students. As a Muslim, I believe that when I see injustice, I can either change it through actions, change it using my voice, or at the very least, hate it in my heart. There are no easy answers. I know having conversations about race with family and kids is difficult, but it necessary, now more than ever. Speaking from experience, if you practice having the difficult conversations, they become part of regular family dialogue, and then part of the lens with which our loved ones see the world. While the search for meaningful change has moved to the streets, it always starts at home. The Kaneshie District Court has remanded into Police custody a 50-year-old cargo agent who lodged at a hotel from January 11 to May 21, 2020 and later issued dud cheques to cover his bills. Michael A. Gyasi denied issuing the two dud cheques of the Access Bank. He will be brought back to the Court on June 24. Police Inspector John Baidoo told the Court presided over by Madam Rosemond Dodoa Agyiri that Mr Kofi Agyare, a receptionist of the AMPAQX Grand Hotel is the complainant. He said the accused, a cargo agent at the Tema Harbour on January 11 this year, went and lodged at the hotel located at Asylum Down in Accra. Inspector Baidoo said the daily charge was GHC150.00, and his bill accrued to GHC19,000.00 as at May 21. He said Gyasi then paid GHC8,350.00 and afterwards issued two separate cheques of GHC1,700.00 and GHC2,000.00 for the outstanding balance but the cheques were dishonoured when presented at the bank. The Prosecution said this led to his arrest and after he was cautioned, he was arraigned. 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 NEWS PROVIDED BY Catholic League June 3, 2020 NEW YORK, June 3, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on a rash of anti-Christian assaults: We have the coronavirus pandemic going on at the same time as rioting in the streets of urban America. Though churches had absolutely nothing to do with the killing of George Floyd, they have been targeted by thugs. Anti-Catholic remarks have also aired on TV. St. John Episcopal Church, across the street from the White House, was set on fire, as was the Catholic Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Churches were vandalized near the University of Mississippi, and the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver was also trashed. St. Patricks Cathedral in New York City, and St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, had obscene words inscribed on its exterior and on its sidewalk, respectively. Windows were smashed in Dallas at St. Jude Chapel, and at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville. Bill Maher, whose bigotry against priests is pathological, told his sick fans a joke about a priest who put children in danger because he was seen walking within 500 feet of a school. Contact Keith Cocozza, Exec. VP, Marketing and Communications: Keith.Cocozza@warnermediagroup.com NEW YORK - Tensions flared on Tuesday as New York City's leaders and its weary police force faced withering criticism over their approach to reinstate order after another night of unprecedented lawlessness. Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, and Police Commissioner Dermot Shea insisted the NYPD remains present and effective, but New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, called their efforts insufficient - as evidenced by widespread vandalism, property damage and theft. As the sun rose Tuesday morning, many of the city's streets were once again littered with broken glass, clothes hangers and other evidence of looting. Retail establishments such as Verizon and Dolce & Gabbana were wiped out. Even the iconic Macy's department store in Manhattan's Herald Square was infiltrated. More for you Fourth day of S.A. protests ends in late-night chaos downtown Cuomo accused the department, the country's largest with 36,000 uniformed members, of grossly mishandling matters, and offered to deploy state police or the National Guard to help suppress the destruction. "The police in New York City were not effective at doing their job last night. Period. They have to do a better job," Cuomo said at a news briefing. ". . . We've had activity all across the state, all manageable, except in New York City." De Blasio insisted that only the NYPD is equipped to deal with the problem, having spent years focused on trying to improve community relations and establish a mutual trust. "You know what will help them deal with the situation? Not the National Guard," he said at a briefing. "The people of New York City are much more powerful than anything the National Guard could do." While cities across the country are dealing with riots that have grown from protests over the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, New York and its 8.6 million residents present a novel backdrop. Some of the world's wealthiest people reside in Manhattan, where opulent homes in luxury high-rises form a stark contrast to the poor, mostly minority neighborhoods of other boroughs. And while much of the city remains paralyzed by the coronavirus pandemic, for many activists here, what happened to Floyd is a call to action, an infuriating reminder of 2014 and the death of Eric Garner, a black man from Staten Island who police restrained using a banned chokehold despite pleading - just as Floyd did - "I can't breathe." Shea, the police commissioner, suggested the scale and the spread of looting and violence is a significant challenge for law enforcement, but he defended the department's aggressiveness thus far and vowed to bring more force to bear. About 700 arrests were made Monday, he said. Separately, officials said that the number of officers dispatched to the streets would be doubled, shifts would be extended and days off eliminated until the unrest subsides. "The police officers are out there. They are affecting arrests. They are putting themselves in harm's way," Shea said at a briefing. "They are being attacked. They are also putting their lives on the line to make sure that people have the right to protest against them." In an interview, former NYPD commissioner Bill Bratton said the department may have the nation's largest police force, but it is only a lot of cops when there is relative calm - not "when things are in chaos." "There's no police department in America that under those pressures and responsibilities can cover every part of a city," Bratton said. A police official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive law enforcement practices, acknowledged that officers are overwhelmed by the amount of activity night after night. "You can hear it on the radio, you can hear it in their voice," the official said. Compounding the challenge, police say, is the vitriol and violence they're encountering. In Brooklyn, for example, a woman tossed a molotov cocktail into an occupied police vehicle last week. Officers have encountered gang members, the official said, they've been hit with bricks or water bottles filled instead with nail polish remover or other chemicals meant to inflict pain. A sergeant responding to a pawnshop burglary in the Bronx early Tuesday was hit by a car. Louis Turco, who heads the Lieutenants Benevolent Association, said the violence seen during the demonstrations is a product of new laws eliminating bail for many crimes and other criminal justice reforms unpopular with many on the force. "This has been put in motion by our politicians that have allowed the criminal element to feel as if there's no consequences for any crime that you do and now you've seen this coming out," Turco said. " . . . Now they go home and tell all their friends, 'listen, I got out the next day and nothing's going to happen to me.' " A member of staff hands over a Randox laboratories Covid-19 self test kit to a member of the public at a drive-through test centre at the SSE Arena in Belfast. PA Up to 1,100 Covid-19 tests a day are needed in Northern Ireland to get cancer services back on track, according to new analysis from Cancer Research UK. For cancer services to become fully operational again, protecting diagnosis and treatment areas from the virus must be an urgent priority, the charity insists. In Northern Ireland, this would mean scaling up the daily testing programme by between 650 and 1,100 tests. Testing, together with enhanced infection control procedures and an adequate supply of PPE, will help protect patients and staff from Covid-19. The findings are released as Cancer Research UK launches a campaign highlighting the importance of Covid-19 testing to ensure all cancer services operate safely. As part of its #SafeSpaces4CancerServices campaign, the charity is urging people to contact their elected representative to alert them to the impact that the virus is having on cancer patients. Around 9,600 people a year are diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland. Margaret Carr, Cancer Research UK's public affairs manager in Northern Ireland, said: "It's deeply concerning that patients are not receiving the cancer diagnostic tests and treatment they need. "This is partly due to people who have worrying symptoms not visiting their doctor because they're frightened they'll become vulnerable to the virus when they go for tests in hospital. "Cancer testing and some treatment has also significantly stalled due to the pandemic, putting lives at risk." Ms Carr said to address this, testing needed to be ramped up so that staff and cancer patients have confidence that diagnosis and treatment areas are safe. She added: "In some cases, this would lead to lives being saved. Early diagnosis can significantly improve someone's chances of survival. It's crucial patients don't wait for the pandemic to be over before they receive the treatment they need. "This is why it's essential we see all cancer services fully operational in Northern Ireland. This means taking action to quickly ramp up the number of virus tests offered." The BAFTA Television Awards 2020 announced the nominees for the Must-See Moment category on Wednesday. The conclusion to last year's Gavin and Stacey Christmas special, in which Ruth Jones' character Nessa proposed to James Corden's alter-ego Smithy, is among the contenders in the shortlist, which is voted for by the British public. Line Of Duty's shock killing of undercover police officer John Corbett, played by Stephen Graham, is up for the award, while the scene where Arya Stark kills the Night King in the final season of Game Of Thrones also got a nod. Shortlist: The nominees for BAFTA Television Awards 2020's Must-See Moment were revealed on Wednesday, with Nessa's proposal to Smithy in the Gavin and Stacey special getting a nod Michael Griffiths' post-Casa Amor recoupling on last summer's edition of the ITV2 reality show Love Island has also been shortlisted, and is the only reality show to have been selected in the category. While the sad passing of Coronation Street character Sinead Osbourne - portrayed by Katie McGlynn - from cervical cancer also received a nod. Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag completes the shortlist, for the scene where her titular character visits the hot priest in his church, which ends up being a catalyst in their relationship. What a moment: Line Of Duty's shock killing of undercover police officer John Corbett, played by Stephen Graham, is also up for the award, which is voted on by fans Dramatic: The scene where Arya Stark (Maisie Williams, pictured) killed the Night King in the final season of Game Of Thrones is also one of the nominees The awards show will be held in a closed studio on July 31, and in accordance with government guidelines amid the coronavirus crisis the ceremony will be socially distanced with nominees accepting their prizes virtually. Broadcast live on BBC One from the studio, actor Richard Ayoade is set to host the show whilst following social distancing rules. Last year's awards show saw the likes of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Jodie Comer win for Killing Eve, while Benedict Cumberbatch earned the prize for Leading Actor for his work in the Sky miniseries Patrick Melrose. Romance: Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag completes the shortlist with the scene where her character visits the hot priest in his church, which ends up being a catalyst in their relationship New format: Last week, BAFTA announced the 2020 Television Awards will be held in a closed studio (pictured Phoebe and Jodie Comer who won for Killing Eve in 2019) The shortlist was selected by an independent BAFTA-approved jury of media experts, with BAFTA Television Committee Chair Hannah Wyatt heading the group. The winner of this years Must-See Moment award will be revealed on Friday July 31st when the 2020 Virgin Media British Television Academy Awards airs on BBC One. Members of the public can vote for their favourite Must-See Moment online at www.virginmedia.com/bafta. OMAHA, Neb. - Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts on Tuesday apologized for calling black leaders "you people" as fallout from the killing of a black protester by a white bar owner in Omaha earlier this week continued to fuel protesters' anger over racial injustices. On Monday, armed vehicles flanked the Douglas County courthouse in Omaha as County Attorney Don Kleine announced that he would not be filing charges against a white bar owner, Jake Gardner, who allegedly shot and killed 22-year-old protester James Scurlock on Saturday night during a confrontation in the city's popular Old Market area. The pair had scuffled, Kleine said, and Gardner had acted in self-defense in what he called a "senseless, but justified" killing. The county attorney's decision not to charge Gardner added new fuel to ongoing protests in this Midwestern city - and sparked discussion on its own legacy of racism. An estimated 300 protesters surged through Omaha's streets for the another day Monday, through searing pepper spray and broken glass, with a new chant: "What about James?" More than 80 were arrested. Gardner did not respond to requests for comment. Throughout Tuesday, Ricketts, a Republican, was grappling with the fallout from a contentious meeting he had with local ministers and black leaders after Kleine's announcement. What was supposed to be a discussion about how to keep the peace deteriorated into a tense exchange that escalated when a pastor pressed the governor on public safety. Three people who were at the meeting said Ricketts became visibly angry and said: "Where the hell were you people?" Leaders and aides prevented the governor from finishing the sentence, according to two pastors who were at the gathering. Six of the community leaders walked out. Ricketts appeared on a radio program on the channel 95.7 The Boss to apologize and say that he "chose his words poorly." More news Dodge Hellcats stolen in brazen looting of San Leandro dealership "In the heat of the moment, I said things that were trigger words," Ricketts said. "I'm learning. I made a mistake. I apologize." The governor said his administration is working to set up economic development programs to help those hit by the pandemic-induced economic crisis and has created several dozen contact-tracing jobs in economically affected areas. Coronavirus-related deaths have been disproportionately higher in Latino and African American communities than in white communities in Nebraska and the United States. "I chose my words poorly, and apologized when it became apparent that I had caused offense," Ricketts said in a statement to The Washington Post. But leaders said the damage was done. Jarrod Parker, the pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church in Omaha, said that when he heard the governor's comment it was a "gut punch." "People gasped. There was a collective disbelief," Parker said. "You saw staff members hanging their heads." He left the meeting in protest. As in other Midwestern cities, the relationship between people of color and the police has long been fraught, black leaders said. In 1969, the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old girl, Vivian Strong, by a white police officer - who was later acquitted - sparked riots that scarred Omaha for generations. More recently, activists cite the death in 2017 of a Native American man who had mental health problems, Zachary Bearheels, as another killing in which officers used excessive force, shocking and punching the victim. Three of the four officers involved were later reinstated, and a fourth was acquitted at a trial. During protests against police violence Saturday, Scurlock and some friends were among thousands of demonstrators who filled the streets of Omaha's downtown. Some protesters broke windows and spray-painted buildings in what the city's police chief later called "one of the longest nights Omaha has ever had." Scurlock and his friends got into an argument with a local bar owner, Gardner, and his 68-year-old father, authorities said. The proprietor owns a bar called The Hive, a tribute to local-band-made-good 311. Gardner, a retired Marine, pleaded guilty to a charge of carrying a concealed weapon in 2011, and a similar charge was dropped against him in 2013, a case in which he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, records show. Kleine presented surveillance camera video at Monday's news conference that showed Gardner and Scurlock exchanged words after someone in the crowd pushed Gardner's father. The conflict intensified, and two men ended up tussling with Gardner on the ground, during which time Gardner fired what the prosecutor called "warning shots." Scurlock's friends fled and Scurlock jumped onto Gardner, who shot and killed him, authorities said. Kleine said Monday that Gardner later told police he feared for his life. The prosecutor said that while the group might have had a "heated conversation" there was never any "racial tone" to the exchange. Witnesses told a different version of the altercation. Derek Stephens, a local bartender who knows Gardner, was passing by shortly before the conflict became violent and said he heard Gardner say "Kiss my white ass," and said his father yelled the "n-word" at protesters. "I feel like the old man instigated the incident with a racial slur," Stephens said. When reached by phone, Gardner's father, David Gardner, declined to comment, saying he wanted to consult with his attorneys first. County authorities said they are aware of the allegations and videos on social media that might indicate a racial element to the incident, and they are investigating. Protesters and activists said that authorities were presenting just one side of the story and had not investigated the matter fully before deciding to let Gardner go without charges. While authorities saw a white man acting in self-defense, the others saw a black man who bravely jumped onto a man firing a gun to protect others. "The kid jumped on an active shooter to stop him from continuing to discharge his weapon, and they are calling his murder justified," protester Nikki Catron wrote in a Facebook post. "In my eyes, James Scurlock was a hero." Protester Danielle Powell, 31, said she was "very jaded and defeated" in the wake of Scurlock's death. "It felt very much like our county attorney decided he was the judge and the jury and eyewitnesses and other evidence from specific people was not included," she said. "They're not listening to us. The people in office right now do not care about it." Yet, she said, her activism will continue: "We can't resist momentum. We can't have these deaths happen in vain. We need something to change." - - - The Washington Post's Alex Horton, Meryl Kornfield and Julie Tate in Washington contributed to this report. An interior designer has transformed his sunroom into a 'cocktail lounge' for after-work sunset drinks by using budget and recycled items. Jarrod Applebee, from Brisbane, decided to turn the spare room in his apartment into a space where he could 'switch off' with his partner after a 'crazy' day at work. The 26-year-old styled the room with 'soft muted' furnishing colours, mixed with a 'joyous balance of textures and plant life'. 'We are big believers in being able to save where we can, so some key pieces that make this space a "bar", are budget friendly,' Jarrod told Daily Mail Australia. 'For example, the drinking cart is $40 from Kmart. The bar is mostly recycled but the timber top was a steal from Bunnings at under $100. 'Also the rug, which was a must for this space, is only $169 for Ikea - rugs are expensive so whenever you can find a bargain it's a no-brainer.' Interior designer Jarrod Applebee, from Brisbane, has transformed his sunroom into an oasis-inspired 'cocktail lounge' for sunset drinks after using budget and recycled items The 26-year-old styled the room with budget items such as the $40 drinks cart from Kmart and recycled materials such as the stools, in which he repainted Jarrod's styling tips 1. Trust your instinct: A space should reflect you and how you live your life at home - therefore if you feel that a certain item doesn't represent you or hold its own in a room, re-think it. 2. Start small: Whether it's a particular cushion colour or a vase, introduce a style into your space before fully committing! Trust me, this will save you both time and money. 3. Get to know your style: There's no wrong in taking time to get to know what you like aesthetic wise. 4. Pick a space: I always recommend picking one space in the home to start with. This allows you to play and learn before taking on the whole house. 5.Have fun: This sounds cliche and look, it probably is, but nonetheless it's important! Some of the best designs are created when you let your creativity take centre stage and experiment. Advertisement Jarrod said the empty room features windows all around, which boasts 'beautiful natural light and a consistent glow throughout the day'. 'We are entertainers at heart, so our home is styled in a way that complements guests and gatherings of friends and family,' he explained. 'So the idea for this room to be converted into a cocktail lounge of sorts was a no brainer. Also, because of the age of the building, there's no balcony or outdoor space, so I wanted to create a space that brought the feeling of an alfresco area indoors.' Jarrod, who runs a homeware boutique store called Finnley Home, said be built the bar from recycled materials he found lying around the house - and he stayed true to his theme, which is a mix of 'relaxed Australiana meets soft desert vibes'. 'I built it right up to the sill of the windows, making it feel like a balcony or rooftop bar. I then added in some lower seating for comfort and dimension in the space and of course the essential - a summery bar cart,' he explained. For anyone styling on a budget, Jarrod said you should always spend money on important pieces that need to last, such as lounges and beds. 'These pieces will pay for themselves time and time over, but there is not always a need to spend big money on the small styling pieces,' he said. 'I believe there is a way to style for every budget and that you don't need to go above your means to style a space and create a beautiful atmosphere in your home. 'Work from the key pieces outwards, so start with the couch for instance and then move onto the rug, the coffee table and as you work your way out you can save money on the smaller pieces.' Jarrod stayed true to his theme, which is a mix of 'relaxed Australiana meets soft desert vibes' Jarrod decided to turn the spare room in his apartment into a space where he could 'switch off' with his partner after a 'crazy' day at work He said just 'be creative' when it comes to designing a space on a budget. 'Whether you're a DIY genius or a savvy shopper, don't just look at things with a standard view,' Jarrod said. 'Whether you have some leftover fabric perfect for a cushion or a bottle perfect for a vase, you can keep the costs as low as you need just by taking some extra time to think.' For first time stylers, Jarrod said you should avoid over-filling and over-styling. 'When you are restyling a space, start off easy and light, introduce things into the space and live in them for a while,' he explained. 'You will soon be able to see whether you need to remove or add anything. I'm a huge believer in styling items holding their own in a space. Everything in a space should be there for a reason and add to the beauty and feel, not just take up room.' - Oil prices have risen past $40 for the first time in 3 months - This was after it fell by over 30% which was considered as the worst fall since the Second Gulf War - At the moment, there are ongoing discussions about the possibility of extension of production cuts Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in YEN.com.gh has learned that the price of oil has increased beyond $40 for the first time in three months. This comes after it fell by over 30% and was considered as the worst drop since the Second Gulf War. Information available shows that Brent crude rose to $40.12 a barrel amid reports that OPEC+ members are calling for an extension of production cuts currently set to end in June 2020. READ ALSO: IES warns of drop in oil production in Ghana as Bren crude prices drop A leading member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Saudi Arabia, has reportedly called for a one to three months extension. Per a report by Business Insider, this comes as a sharp contrast to a one-month only extension being called for by Russia and other OPEC+ members. YEN.com.gh earlier reported that reports coming in show that Ghana is likely to lose an estimated GHC4,149,467,250 in the wake of falling oil prices on the world market. YEN.com.gh understands that this represents about half of Ghanas projected oil revenue for the year 2020. The situation would become a reality if oil prices continue to decline or stay at around $30 a barrel for the rest of the year. READ ALSO: Fuel prices may not fall in Ghana soon - COPEC Read the best news on Ghana #1 news app. Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Ghana Bawumia fires Mahama - Stop embarrassing yourself; always check the data before you talk | #Yencomgh Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook or Instagram now! Source: YEN.com.gh An Irish born police officer in Washington's described the violent scenes of recent days as horrific. The death of George Floyd, killed when a white police officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck in Minneapolis last week, has provoked demonstrations and condemnation in the United States and the wider world. Mark Kirwan is originally from Tipperary but is now policing the streets of the US Capital. Describing what has encountered on the frontline, he said: Weve really been tried and tested. Last night I come off a 20-hour shift and Ive been punched, Ive been spat at. Someone tried to steal my police cruiser. But that doesnt make up for the fact that an innocent man was killed in the hands of police officers. Last night Read More: The president also demanded that New York call up the National Guard to stop what he termed the lowlifes and losers. Most protests passed peacefully, and while there were scattered reports of looting in New York, the country appeared calmer than it did a day earlier, when violence swept through multiple cities. Protests ranged across the US, including in Los Angeles, Miami, Columbia, South Carolina and Houston, where the police chief talked to peaceful demonstrators, vowing reforms. Tuesday marked the eighth straight night of the protests, which began in Minneapolis, where Mr Floyd died, and quickly spread across the country. The mother of George Floyds six-year-old daughter, Gianna, said she wanted the world to know that her little girl lost a good father. I want everybody to know that this is what those officers took, Roxie Washington said. I want justice for him because he was good. No matter what anybody thinks, he was good. Meanwhile, the Tanaiste has said many people are shocked and disturbed by the death of Floyd George and subsequent protests. Simon Coveney says he has not yet spoken to the US ambassador to Ireland. However, he has said violence is not the way to achieve long term progress. The Tanaiste says many in government are concerned about what is happening I think may of us are pretty disturbed and shocked by the images were seeing coming out of the United States now for the eighth day in a row, he said. What everybody wants to ensure is that peaceful protest is part of any democracy. - with reporting from Press Assoication Orangeburg County School District trustees have selected three finalists for the position of superintendent. The finalists are: Aiken County Chief Officer of Operations and Student Services Dr. Shawn Foster Scotland County, N.C. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Valarie Denise Williams Hertford County, N.C. Public Schools Superintendent Dr. William T. Wright Jr. The district had 31 candidates apply from 14 states. Trustees went into closed session for about an hour and half Tuesday before coming out with the unanimous vote for the slate of finalists. There was no discussion about the candidates in open session. "We were very impressed with the high quality of all the initial candidates we interviewed, OCSD board Chair Peggy James Tyler said in a prepared statement. We have three strong finalists, and our job now is to narrow these to the one who will be our next leader. We are looking for a leader who will come to this community to work with our students, staff and community, she said. Due to COVID-19, all three finalists will be featured in videos posted on the districts website, and candidates will share information about themselves, their backgrounds and the reasons for their interest in Orangeburg County, according to an Orangeburg County School District press release. In addition, their resumes and photos will be posted on the OCSD website at www.ocsdsc.org. The finalists will each be invited back for a second interview with the board June 11, June 15 and June 16. The community will be able to interact with each candidate and have the opportunity to ask questions via social media, according to the district's press release. "We encourage employees and members of the community to meet the candidates and review their resumes on the district web page," James-Tyler said. Specifics on candidate availability were not immediately available. The school board could make a hiring decision as early as the week of June 15, or the first of the following week, according to the press release. This is the most important decision that a school board makes, so we want to get it right, James-Tyler said. We have appreciated the support and interest from the community and look forward to announcing the next leader for our school district very soon. Interim Superintendent Dr. Darrell Johnson was hired to serve the fledgling district for a year and is supposed to serve through June 30. The district provided the following information about the candidates: Dr. Shawn Foster Foster has served as the chief officer for Operations and Student Services for the Aiken County School District since 2015. His areas of responsibility include human resources, facilities, maintenance, technology, counseling, homebound and alternative services, and strategic planning. Foster previously served as director of Student and Administrative Services for Spartanburg School District 7. Foster has served as an assistant principal, principal, intervention specialist and assistant director of an alternative school, and director of student and administrative services. He received a bachelors degree in social work from Livingstone (NC) College, a masters degree in counseling from Webster University, a masters degree in divergent learning from Columbia College and a doctorate in administration from South Carolina State University. Foster was born and raised in Greensboro, N.C. Dr. Valarie Denise Williams Williams is presently the assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Scotland County schools in North Carolina, a position she has held since 2014. Williams has served as a principal at the middle and high school levels, a graduate school professor, a college-level business instructor, a computer instructor and a math teacher. Williams graduated with a bachelor's degree in mathematics/secondary education from St. Augustine College. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership with a concentration in curriculum and teaching from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Williams received a masters in business, an education specialist and School of Business Management certification from East Carolina. Williams is originally from Wilson, North Carolina. Dr. William T. Wright Jr. Wright has served as superintendent of the Hertford County, N.C. Public Schools since 2015. Previously, he served as superintendent of the McCormick County School District in South Carolina from 2013 until 2015. Wright has also served as a business teacher, principal and assistant superintendent. He holds a bachelors degree in business administration from North Carolina Wesleyan College, a masters degree in administration from North Carolina State University, and a doctorate in administration from North Carolina State University. Prior to entering into education, Wright was a radio broadcaster and a manufacturing manager. Wright was born in Flint, Michigan but was raised in North Carolina. Note: The story was changed from its original version. Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. Eight days after a natural gas well operated by Oil India Limited (OIL) witnessed a blowout in Assams Tinsukia district, a union petroleum ministry team reached the site to take stock of the situation on Wednesday. Amar Nath, joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas reached Baghjan, where natural gas and oil condensate from the well has been flowing uncontrollably since May 27. A blowout is uncontrolled release of crude oil or gas from a well when pressure control systems fail. Condensate is a low density high gravity hydrocarbon generally found along with natural gas. Nath took a review meeting at Tinsukia, which was attended by Sanjay Kishan, Assam tea tribes welfare minister, district officials, forest and pollution department officials as well as senior OIL executives. In a statement issued on Wednesday, OIL informed that a two-member team of experts from Singapore-based Alert Disaster Control is expected to reach the site on Thursday to help control the blowout. Pumping of water to the well through the casing valve is in progress to minimize chances of fire. Testing of equipment required for controlling of the well is in progress, the statement read. To ensure that there is adequate and continuous supply of water while the process to control the blowout is underway, a reservoir is being dug up near the well and a pipeline being laid from a nearby river. The blowout happened at the Baghjan well while work was underway to produce gas from a new oil and gas bearing reservoir at a depth of 3,729 metres. Natural gas and oil condensate has been flowing from the well continuously. Around 1610 families have been evacuated from the areas near the well and have been shifted to four relief camps. Since the well is located close to the Dibru Saikhowa National Park and the eco-sensitive Maguri wetland, wildlife and environment activists in Assam have expressed concern of long term damage to ecology and wildlife if the blow out is not contained soon. Residue of the condensate has spread to areas near the well and trees, water bodies and roofs of houses are covered in a thin oil-like layer. All safety and security measures are continuously being monitored to protect surrounding villagers and their properties, working teams. Protection of environment would be paramount while carrying out the well control operation, said the OIL statement. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Over three-quarters (76%) of Irish employees believe their employer has a responsibility to provide well-being support to employees during the coronavirus pandemic, yet less than half (45%) of employers currently provide such supports. The Hays Ireland Well-being Matters: What Workers Want Report 2020, which surveyed 1,700 people across Ireland, examines the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on employee well-being and explores how employers can take steps to support their workforce. The research found Irish employees want to see their employers show leadership and reassurance during this time of unprecedented change and uncertainty. However, two in five (40%) employees feel that their employers response to the coronavirus pandemic has been okay to poor. The research suggests that although over two fifths (41%) of employers say the communication aspect of their organisation has had the most change since the coronavirus pandemic, communications is the main area employees (50%) believe their employers should improve in. This is followed by improvements in strategy and planning (16%) and remote staff management (14%). According to the research, almost 40% of employees rate their current work-life balance as average or poor, with a lack of social interaction being the greatest challenge to their overall well-being (31%). At a time when an unprecedented number of Irish employees are working remotely, employers must work harder than ever before to maintain workplace morale and foster a positive team spirit. Over half of employees (59%) say job security has become more important since the coronavirus restrictions, with almost half also stating that work-life balance (49%), mental health support (49%), the work support network (48%), and physical health support (46%) has become more important as well. Hays research suggests that the most prominent supports offered by employers promoting employee well-being include professional training, social activities, online doctors, and exercise initiatives. The most in-demand well-being supports listed by employees include a greater focus on communications (41%), professional training (21%), and support services such as online doctors or counselling services (18%). Over one-third of employees (36%) say they want to prioritise their health and well-being in the future. Other key findings from the What Workers Want report include: Employers One third of employers are still recruiting staff to fill permanent, temporary, contract and interim positions during the coronavirus pandemic. 62% of employers feel their organisation is quite prepared for a phased return to the workplace at the end of the coronavirus restrictions, but almost one fifth of employers (17%) state their organisation is unprepared. Almost one third (30%) of employers think the greatest challenge when transitioning back to workplaces will be establishing remote working agreements with their employees. Flexible working policy is the top long-term change (49%) to workplaces that will come as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, with employers looking to retain new communication/collaboration tools (28%) and change the overall communications approach to the business (21%). Employees Over one quarter (27%) of employees have experienced a decrease in salary since the coronavirus restrictions, with 4% of employees receiving a raise in their salary. The majority of employees (68%) have experienced no change to their salary since the coronavirus restrictions. Almost one third (30%) of employees are not confident in their ability to progress their career in the short term, with this figure decreasing to 6% when thinking long term. Approximately eight out of ten employees (84%) check in with the colleagues on their team every couple of days, if not every day. Almost one quarter (24%) of employees feel relationships with colleagues have become more distant since the coronavirus restrictions. Commenting on the report, Maureen Lynch, Director of Hays Ireland, said: "As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it is estimated that 320,000 employees are currently working remotely across Ireland, which represents approximately 14% of the working adult population in the country. "The coronavirus has changed the way we work and how employees perceive the workplace. This presents challenges and opportunities for employers, who must now adapt to new ways of working and better understand their employees motivations. "On 10 August, we will see the final phase of the re-opening of the Irish economy and more specifically, the re-opening of office buildings across the country. "Were seeing some employers already making changes. Less than a fortnight ago, Twitter committed to making its current remote-working practises available to staff on a permanent basis. "This move is a recognition of the positives that have emerged from this new mode of working, including improved employee wellbeing and, for the employer, new ways of achieving optimum productivity." And thats the message I see in the results right now, Graybill said. Dudik and Bennion did not return requests for comment. Knudsen was elected Roosevelt County attorney in 2018 after serving two terms as speaker of the Montana House. He served a total of four terms as a state representative and worked throughout his legislative career in private practice, both at a law firm in Plentywood and his own firm in Culbertson. He has practiced law for 12 years. Bennion has worked in the Montana Department of Justice under Attorney General Tim Fox since 2013, currently overseeing the legal services division. The other half of his 15 years in law was spent as in-house counsel for the Montana Chamber of Commerce, plus one year clerking for a state district judge in Billings. Ethan Aloiai (pictured) wore a Make America Great Again hat to the Black Lives Matter protest in Auckland on Monday A Christian primary school teacher has infuriated a crowd of protesters at a Black Lives Matter rally by wearing a 'Make America Great Again' cap. Ethan Aloiai was among thousands of people who snaked throughout Auckland's central streets for Monday's protest, organised in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis, US, last month. The sight of the pro-Trump hat sparked anger among the protesters, who accused the teacher of being a 'racist' and antagonising the crowd. Aloiai later posted a video to Facebook in which he defended his actions before sharing footage of his interactions with the protesters. 'I hate racism,' he begins. 'I decry every form of racism, ethnic superiority, all of it. It's abominable to God and personally, I have no toleration for racism.' But he argued his MAGA hat was not racist. 'I wasn't wearing it to incite racism. In fact, I was wearing it to represent a diverse range of ideas." Angry protesters demanded the teacher remove his MAGA hat saying it was racist and antagonising The video clip ends with footage taken at the march, with dozens of protesters telling Aloiai to 'take the hat off'. 'Its antagonising because that hat stands for racism and you know it,' one protester tells him. 'You're antagonising people.' Another protester, who says he attends the same church as the teacher, urges Aloiai to remove the cap. 'You're a Christian, take that down,' the man says. The video has racked up more than 100,000 views and over 5300 comments. The MAGA hat, which bears Donald Trump's 2016 campaign slogan, has been used by Far Right movements in the United States. Ethan Aloiai (pictured) later posted a video to Facebook defending his decision to wear the hat, arguing it was not racist Many commentators accused Aloiai of deliberately wearing the controversial political symbol to provoke the crowd. 'You went there to provoke protesters. What did you want to gain? You pushed for the reaction you received,' one person wrote. 'You were standing there with your friend laughing and giggling about when people would notice your hats and how people would react,' another woman added. Manukau Christian School is now managing complaints from parents concerned about Aloiai's behaviour and has since shutdown its Facebook page. Principal Pete Slaney has reportedly said the the school does not condone racism and is handling the incident internally. In the video, Aloiai said he opposed the BLM movement heading to the march, but he felt further justified in his views once he faced hostility due to his hat. The teacher said he and his brother-in-law, who was also wearing a MAGA hat, were 'very lucky not to get jumped' at the march. 'I was attacked, I had my hat stolen from me. I was grabbed by the collar, pushed around and [we] had our hats stolen and lit on fire.' The Christian primary school teacher said the hat (pictured) was stolen and burned by angry protesters Two days later Aloiai issued a Facebook post apologising for his actions, saying the hat 'does not mean to me what it means to many others', and it has also been worn by 'many prominent black figures' such as Kanye West and Candice Owens. 'I understand that to some people the hat represented a symbol of white supremacy and my wearing of it provoked them in unhelpful ways,' he wrote. 'I am sorry that this is the communication that was received by many, and I am sorry for the hurt it caused. It comes as the United States enters its seventh night of widespread outrage, with thousands of people protesting George Floyd's death in cities across the country. The 46-year-old died on May 25th when a police officer knelt on his neck for nine minutes during an arrest, after a service station attendant accused the black man of paying for cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. US President Donald Trump has vowed to use military action to end the anger-fuelled protests, which have erupted into chaotic scenes of buildings and cars being set on fire. Black Lives Matter protests have since emerged across the globe, with marches also held in France, Australia and New Zealand. Nokian Tyres has chosen the winners of the inaugural Nokian Tyres Scholarship: Rhea County High School graduates Saeri Goins and Crista Brumberlow. The company celebrates the students academic accomplishments and admires their passion for environmental sustainability, both of which were primary factors in the scholarship selection process.Ms. Goins and Ms. Brumberlow will each receive one-time awards to assist with their college educations. The scholarships are part of Nokian Tyres Road to Sustainable Success, a three-pronged initiative to support education, fund scholarships and advocate for sustainability in Southeast Tennessee, where the companys North American factory is located.Ms.Brumberlow plans to attend The University of Tennessee at Martin, where she will pursue a STEM-related major. She is an ambassador for the National Society of High School Scholars and enjoys swimming, hiking and exploring East Tennessees scenery. In her scholarship application, Ms. Brumberlow demonstrated her commitment to helping preserve the environment, one of Nokian Tyres core values."I am honored to have support in my journey to success and immensely grateful to be awarded this scholarship to help acquire my long-term goal of attending a university, Ms. Brumberlow said.Ms. Goins plans to major in biology at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. A student council member and Key Club editor, Ms. Goins values the environment through her hobbies of boating and fishing. In her application, she expressed the importance of being premium in everything she does which is also Nokian Tyres mission.I am so thankful for this scholarship, not only because it will help with tuition costs, but also because of the environmental lesson I gained through the application process, Ms. Goins said. The Nokian Tyres Scholarship is not just helping me pay for my future; it is setting me up for success as an individual in my community.Nokian Tyres launched the scholarship this year as part of its commitment to serving as a community partner in Rhea County. Company employees performed more than 1,000 hours of community service last year, and the tire manufacturer has been a partner in a variety of community events.Saeri and Crista embody Nokian Tyres premium mentality, and were pleased to support their college educations, said Nokian Tyres Dayton Factory Human Resources Manager Blake Markham. As we grow, we look forward to helping advance educational and sustainability efforts throughout Southeast Tennessee."Nokian Tyres has impressed me with its level of community involvement since before construction even began on its facility, said Rhea County High School Senior School Counselor Connie Arnold. Offering these scholarships to Rhea County High School students is an investment in their futures. It demonstrates how much Nokian Tyres values education and its impact on those who will guard the environment for the future generation. I am thankful for the opportunity this scholarship will help provide for Saeri and Crista to accomplish their educational goals." US attacks China's defense sector with more 'lies' Global Times By Liu Xuanzun and Wang Cong Source:Global Times Published: 2020/6/2 20:18:40 Last Updated: 2020/6/2 20:49:40 Targeting Chinese students, firms won't hold China back, only hurting US interests: experts Even as the US political establishment is under siege amid nationwide riots that have plunged the country into chaos, US officials, instead of addressing profound domestic woes, waged a new series of attacks against China targeting Chinese students and companies based on what Chinese officials and experts dismiss as lies about nonexistent links between ordinary students, businesses and the Chinese military. Washington's latest actions and plans to restrict visas for thousands of Chinese students and ban US investors pouring money into Chinese firms it deems being connected to the Chinese military foreshadows a further escalation in the China-US tit-for-tat trade and technology tussle. The US' national security claims are so vaguely defined that all Chinese personnel and businesses could be at risk of a US crackdown and if such actions occur, they will surely be met with swift retaliation from China, experts said on Tuesday. Washington's move, which appears to be a last-ditch effort to curtail the rapid rise of China's technological prowess in both civilian and military arenas, will not only be futile in its ill-fated attempts to contain China but also undermine the US' own economic interests, Chinese military experts noted. 'More lies' Following a proclamation issued by US President Donald Trump on Friday that limits visas for some Chinese students and scholars who Trump asserted without evidence assist the Chinese military to acquire US technology, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday sought to defend the move amid fierce backlash. In a statement, Pompeo said that the US "values" contributions made by international students and scholars, including those from China, but repeated Trump's claims, again without evidence, that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) was using the visa program to steal technology from the US. In Beijing, when asked about Pompeo's claims, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, did not mince his words. "Pompeo is used to creating lies to find excuses for his wrong actions," Zhao told a routine press briefing on Tuesday, noting that the US' move based on "far-fetched" excuses of national security will be "detrimental" to both sides. The immediate impacts of Trump's proclamation will be likely felt by at least 3,000 Chinese students. US media outlets have listed several Chinese universities that they allegedly claim have ties with the PLA, including the Northwestern Polytechnical University, Harbin Engineering University and Beijing Institute of Technology. They also listed several Chinese defense companies, including warplane manufacturer the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, aircraft engine producer Aero Engine Corporation of China, and missile and space giant China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. However, these media reports provided no evidence that those universities and corporations are engaged in stealing US technology as US officials have groundlessly claimed. Several Chinese students have disclosed to the Global Times that they were not exposed to any confidential technology. "This is just another excuse for the US to crack down on China in its attempt to curtail China's development," Li Yong, deputy chairman of the Expert Committee of the China Association of International Trade, told the Global Times on Tuesday, noting that the latest move by Washington will open up a new front where more Chinese companies could be targeted because of the "lowest standards" set by US officials. In a move that could lead to more of a direct impact on Chinese and foreign companies, several US lawmakers have proposed a plan that will ban US companies and citizens from investing in foreign defense companies that have substantial contracts with the Chinese military. Futile efforts However, those moves will unlikely have any major impact on China's military programs because China is accustomed to independent development after long-term bans of arms sales and technology transfer imposed by Western countries, defense experts said on Tuesday. "China would not allow foreign investment to become involved in China's major military programs in the first place, and Chinese arms firms are abundantly funded," Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Tuesday, noting that the US move also exposes their uneasiness around China's rapid rise in certain areas. The US is particularly wary of three high-level technology fields that China is currently developing: innovative technology, new materials and advanced workmanship, which are essential to both military and civilian projects, according to Song. Industry insiders told the Global Times under the condition of anonymity that the US move might be a last-ditch effort to contain China while the US believes it still can. In some fields like development of aero-engines, large aircraft, advanced aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered strategic missile submarines, China still lags behind the US, the insiders noted. Even then, China is counting on its own independent capabilities and is only interested in cooperation in certain specific fields rather than depending on foreign companies, let alone the US ones, analysts said. Still, China is open to foreign countries regarding military cooperation: China has made many arms purchases from Russia, highlighted by recent Su-35 fighter jet and S-400 air defense system deals, and it also cooperates with Ukraine in fields like aero-engines. Even some European countries like France are eager to do business with China and want to lift the arms export ban, because China is such a huge market, Song said, noting that they know China's own arms industry is rapidly growing, and if they do not sell now they will forever lose the business opportunity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address San Francisco, June 3 : As outrage grows within the company to take action on a controversial post by US President Donald Trump, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has once again defended his decision to retain the Trump post. In a virtual town hall with employees on Tuesday, Zuckerberg said that the post "did not constitute a policy violation". The last-minute town hall was organised to address outrage among employees who staged a "virtual walkout" on Monday in protest against the social networking giant's policies regarding the controversial post - "When the looting begins, the shooting begins," - by Trump that fuelled nationwide anger against the death of African-American George Floyd. Zuckerberg, however, said he will begin to review moderation processes and change the way the company deals with such harmful content, reports the Wall Street Journal. "Open and honest discussion has always been a part of Facebook's culture. Mark had an open discussion with employees today, as he has regularly over the years. He's grateful for their feedback," a Facebook spokesperson Liz Bourgeois said in a statement. Several Facebook employees earlier took to Twitter, publicly announcing their solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter protests that have seized the nation. Facebook employees came out in the open to protest the social media giant's stand on not taking action on a controversial post from Trump about the Minnesota protests. At least two Facebook employees have resigned against the company's stand. "I believe Trump's 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' tweet (cross-posted to FB), encourages extra-judicial violence and stokes racism. Respect to @Twitter's integrity team for making the enforcement call," David Gillis, Director, Product Design at Facebook, said in a tweet. While Twitter last week put out a "public interest notice" on the tweet for violating the platform's policies about glorifying violence, Facebook refused to take action when the tweet was cross-posted to its platform. Defending the decision to not take action on the controversial posts, Zuckerberg earlier said that its "policy around incitement of violence allows discussion around state use of force". "We looked very closely at the post that discussed the protests in Minnesota to evaluate whether it violated our policies," 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," he said. (Alliance News) - Another unit at Anglo American Platinum Ltd's Anglo Converter Plant will go offline after a water leak was detected, the company, as well as parent Anglo American PLC, noted on Wednesday, Amplats explained it detected a water leak on Sunday in the high-pressure cooling section the plant's Phase B unit. The Phase A unit at the Rustenburg, South Africa, plant is also offline, after it was damaged during an explosion back in February. On Phase B, Amplats said: "Whilst a detailed technical investigation into the cause of this leak and potential repairs is under way, the company has taken the decision to temporarily close the ACP Phase B unit to ensure an ongoing safe operating environment, protect employees and protect the integrity of the plant. This latest action is separate from the repair work that was recently completed at the ACP Phase B unit and there is no damage to the prior repairs or to the furnace." The company said it expects to issue another update on the matter "early next week". Amplats shares were 5.4% lower at ZAR1,108.99 each in Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon. Anglo American shares were 2.1% higher at ZAR384.80 each. In London, Anglo American was 2.1% higher at 1,796.00 pence per share. By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. - Bong Revilla Jr. took to social media to share an update on the health condition of his father, Ramon Revilla Sr. - His father is still in the intensive care unit (ICU) of St. Lukes Medical Center but is stable and showing small signs of improvement - The senator added that his father is slowly getting better because of his will to live and through Gods kindness - He also urged netizens and his followers to continue praying for his fathers recovery PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Senator Bong Revilla Jr. used his Facebook account to share an update on the health condition of his father, Ramon Revilla Sr., who is confined at St. Luke's Medical Center. According to the senator, his father is still in the intensive care unit (ICU) but is stable and showing small signs of improvement. He added that his father is slowly getting better because of his will to live and through Gods kindness. The senator also urged netizens and his followers to continue praying for his fathers recovery. PAY ATTENTION: Shop with KAMI! The best offers and discounts on the market, product reviews and feedback He is still in the ICU and is stable, showing small signs of improvement but still facing a lot of challenges moving forward. His will to live, coupled with all our prayers and the kindness of God, gives us hope that this too shall pass. Tulad po ng dati, hinihiling po namin ang patuloy ninyong panalangin, Revilla posted on Facebook. PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! KAMI previously reported that Revillas reaction to Manila Mayor Isko Morenos comments went viral online. Bong Revilla Jr. is a Filipino actor and a senator in the Philippines. He is married to Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado, who is also an actress. Their son, Jolo Revilla, is also an actor-politician. 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 MINNEAPOLIS By Tuesday afternoon, the intersection of 38th Avenue and East Chicago Avenue where George Floyd died had become a kind of shrine. People black and white trying to express something, trying to see something, perhaps trying to wrestle with their feelings. It was so much a space to see and be seen, to emote and to engage with those of like minds, that a kind of photo backdrop a black-and-white image of George Floyd's face on plywood had been stationed on the street. As Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" played on a loudspeaker, a line formed. Many posed and smiled. But when Corey Yeager, a black man and psychologist for the NBA's Detroit Pistons, approached with a group of young black men clad in T-shirts emblazoned with the words "I Can't Breathe," all five, ages 12 to 19, knelt and raised their fists. Yeager suggested they also bow their heads. Within seconds a crowd of mostly white observers began snapping photos and recording the moment on video. From the crowd, there was even a "Yaaas." Image: George Floyd memorial mural (Janell Ross / NBC News) "This, this situation here, is the depths of despair," Yeager said. "Our situation is grave. If you are black, born in America, you have and will experience trauma. This is a country where a black man can be murdered for jogging, a black woman can be murdered while sleeping, and then there is George Floyd and the many, many George Floyds." In the parlance of the internet, the past week has been a year. So much has happened to shock those optimistic about the state of racial equity and affirm those always in tune with the persistence of racism in American life that the strain of the last 10 days has been extraordinary. But black Americans are exhausted. They are grieving. They are angry. They have, in many cases, grown tired of being forced to make the case for their citizenship, their humanity, their very survival again and again over the course of generations. Story continues Different people and circumstances, but the same cause Just the recent roll call of tragedy is disturbingly long. In Minneapolis, a collection of 49 names a partial list of black men and women who have died in encounters with police or white private citizens since 2006 stretches down Chicago Avenue. It also includes the name of an Asian man. Most are not names known to many nonblack people in the United States. The following day, Ben Crump, a lawyer for Floyd's family, recited most of them off the top of his head. They are, for much of black America, a familiar litany. Image: Name of victims (Janell Ross / NBC News) "They are all different, different people, different circumstances and cities," said Phillip Atiba Goff, a psychologist who uses data to study race and policing in the United States. "The reason that they feel connected, like part of a long list, is that they all stem from the same thing: that is, America's original sin, white supremacy. It's part of who we are as a nation, and, apparently, even during a period of distress never before seen, it surfaces again and again." Goff, who is black and the co-founder and CEO of the Center for Policing Equity at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, worked to help transform the Minneapolis Police Department, in which the center found vast racial disparities in all sorts of policing activity, Goff said. (The city declined to make the report public.) A previous police chief, Janee Harteau, was persuaded to make changes after working alongside local activists and some elected officials. Beginning in 2016, the list of changes included, for the first time, tracking the race and gender of drivers stopped by police and reporting use-of-force data online, requiring officers to activate their body cameras the minute they respond to 911 calls and deeming officer refusal to cooperate with an investigation as a form of misconduct. Officers were also directed to issue repair vouchers to drivers stopped for broken taillights and to stop arresting the homeless for congregating in warm spaces. Those types of tickets and arrests can lead to mounting fines, fees and involvement with the criminal justice system. The changes helped make residents feel that their neighborhoods were safer, researchers found. The same year, the department implemented its "duty to intervene" policy, requiring officers to stop colleagues from using excessive force. Based on the policy, Medaria Arradondo, Minneapolis' current police chief, fired the three officers who witnessed Derek Chauvin pin Floyd down with his knee for more than eight minutes before he died. (On Wednesday, the three were charged with aiding and abetting murder, and the murder charge against Chauvin was elevated to second-degree, from third-degree.) The changes were part of a three-year, $4.75 million, six-city initiative funded during the Obama administration. When President Donald Trump took office, funding for the research and field work ended along with federal consent decrees requiring legal and less abusive ways to police several other communities. "It's heartbreaking for us," Goff said after a long sigh, "because we feel like they were there and making progress and material changes that were really benefiting the community, and now we are not just back to where we started, we are further back. It's worse than when we started." Related: Several police experts said that number appears to be unusually high. "By using this tactic, it's a self-fulfilling tragedy," said one. One of the fundamental reasons for black America's deep exhaustion is that the dangerous and humiliating encounters are not limited to contact with police. "The majority of this world, certainly in this country, struggles with white privilege," said Shawn Shipman, who works for Minneapolis' public schools on black student achievement. He and his sons, Shawn Jr., 17, and Mekhi, 12, were part of the group who had arrived with Yeager at the memorial site for Floyd. Yeager brought along three of his four sons, Izaiah, 19, Zach, 17, and Azrie, 14. "All that has happened recently is it's become transparent to more people: the injustice, the lack of handling of human life with care," Shipman said. The Kerner Commission appointed by President Lyndon Johnson to investigate the causes of 1960s riots across the country pinpointed the roots of unrest. The commission found that they were present in nearly every major American institution and in the choices of individuals. Banks; the news media; city, state and federal governments; schools; grocery stores and other retail operations; and individual Americans routinely excluded black Americans from the best jobs and neighborhoods. Segregating black Americans, forcing them to the bottom of the ladder and to lead very different lives than white Americans, the commission wrote, was a way of life. Related: Security stops and 911 calls driven by racial anxiety are creating spaces where only white Americans feel welcome and comfortable, experts say. Today, many of those conditions persist, Yeager said. But, he added, there's also this drumbeat, this deep white confusion and unease with anything less than quiet acceptance. "Too often we are asked to quickly reconcile," Yeager said. "But there is no truth telling. And it is unnerving. There can be no reconciliation without truth." 'Expected to hopscotch while everybody else is walking' In 2011, J. Drew Lanham wrote about his love of birding and the constant need to try to anticipate, accommodate and push against white suspicion in a publication run by AfroOutdoors, an organization of mostly black outdoor enthusiasts who work to ensure that the beauty and benefits of nature ought to be accessible to everyone. Lanham grew up in rural South Carolina and can remember being fascinated with birds even as a 5-year-old. "Birds are free to go anywhere they want without any of the limits we know of, and I have always envied that, and I think I'm not alone," said Lanham, who is black. "For black folks, simply being in this country has been an exercise in not being fully free. I think that may be why if you read the narratives of enslaved people and people who were liberated, you will see a lot of references to birds and watching birds. Their beauty, the freedom inherent in their flight, the melody of their songs, is a metaphor for freedom." Lanham is friends online with Christian Cooper, the black birder involved in the Central Park incident with the white woman who was walking her dog and called police to say she was being threatened by an African American man. Lanham was not surprised by the details of that encounter, because he has had similar experiences most of his life. He's an endowed professor of wildlife ecology at Clemson University, yet he avoids going to the place closest to his home where he could spot his favorite bird because of an experience he had two years ago. A white man who owned property in the area struck up a conversation with Lanham, telling him that his family had been there for generations, Lanham said, and that the "n------" who used to pick and gin the family's cotton certainly knew how to do the job. Lanham recalled the man adding: "That's just how it's meant to be. Some people are better at some things than others." He added that he hated trespassers and let Lanham know he was armed. It was a threat disguised as a chat, Lanham said. As Lanham drove away, he heard the man firing a gun behind a nearby barn. "And I thought about how very careful I have always been about no trespassing signs when I have seen white birders flout them," Lanham said. "Most of us take walking for granted. You walk, you put one foot in front of the other and you go where you want to go, but for us black folk and some other people of color, you don't get to walk. You hopscotch through life. ... There's this constant balancing act and switching feet while keeping your eye on some goal. We are expected to hopscotch while everybody else is walking." Related: We heard from black men and women about this moment in history and what motivated them to join the rallies around the country. Lanham has had his fill, he said last week. He's more determined than ever to talk about racism and suspicion in birding, outdoor and conservation circles. Stephanie Jones-Rogers, a historian and associate professor at the University of California, Davis who focuses on race and gender dynamics in American history, said the Central Park encounter brought to mind Carolyn Bryant. Bryant was a white woman who in 1955 falsely claimed that a 14-year-old black boy visiting relatives in Mississippi had made a pass at her. Bryant's family kidnapped the boy, named Emmett Till, and tortured, mutilated and murdered him. "What Carolyn Bryant did is the same thing Amy Cooper did, which is she knew there was power in being a white woman and that was to be believed and to be trusted, and then because of that to weaponize police," said Jones-Rogers, who is black. "It just looks different because we are in 2020." One of the ways Jones-Rogers has found to manage her frustration with the constant onslaught of racist indignities rests in the dark humor of social media feeds collecting and describing some of these events. They have names like "Karens in the Wild." Image: George Floyd memorial (Janelle Ross / NBC News) "People I know and love and care about are expressing their exhaustion that this keeps happening to black people, and it's not just the murders, the killings," she said. "It's the tarnishing of names, the defamation of character and then the lack of justice. This is what we do to the victim, after someone kills a black person, over and over again." There are generations of mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters who have passed along the advice, the tips, the warnings about how to stay alive in a racist country their encounters resulting in the most terrifying cautionary tales. Even young people have seen the repeating cycle of violence, suspicion and maltreatment directed at black Americans and have grown weary. Izaiah Yeager, 19, came to the corner of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue with his dad. As he talked about what happened to Floyd, what's happened to so many other black people in America, he also rattled off a list of strategies and techniques passed on from his father. On the list: Always remain aware of who and what is watching you. Always take note of the police when driving and, even when going the speed limit, slow down. If you are a passenger in a car and the police appear, make sure to alert the driver. "It's a constant and everyday thing," he said. Full coverage of George Floyds death and protests around the country Three-toed dinosaur footprints discovered by rock climbers in China were made 190 million years ago by a 17-foot cousin of T. rex, a study found. The prints of which there are 46 were found in march this year in the Geleshan National Forest Park in Chongqing, south-west China, in the March of this year. Chinese palaeontologists examined the tracks which lie in two quartz sandstone surfaces and are among the best-preserved of their kind to be discovered in Asia. The team identified the Early Jurassic-period prints as 'Kayentapus' the name given to the fossilised tracks left behind by three-toed bipedal theropods. Theropods a group which includes the notorious Tyrannosaurus rex are dinosaurs characterised by their hollow bones and three-toed limbs. This is the first reported finding of Kayentapus trace fossils from Asia. According to a report from the Chongqing Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources, the 'chicken feet' tracks were likely made by a Sinosaurus. Three-toed dinosaur footprints discovered by rock climbers in China were made 190 million years ago by a 17-foot cousin of T. rex, a study found. Pictured, one of the three-toed prints According to a report from the Chongqing Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources, the 'chicken feet' tracks were likely made by a Sinosaurus, pictured here in artist's impression. Sinosaurus was a meat-eating dinosaur thought capable of growing to a maximum height of 18 feet (5.6 metres) with adult likely weighing in at around half a tonne Sinosaurus was a meat-eating dinosaur thought capable of growing to a maximum height of 18 feet (5.6 metres) with adult likely weighing in at around half a tonne. According to the researchers, the specimen which left its tracks at the Geleshan site was likely at least 17 feet (5.4 metres) tall. 'When we arrived at the fossil site last year, we determined through stratigraphy that the tracks were from 190 to 200 million years ago,' said paper author Dai Hui of the Chongqing Laboratory of Geological Heritage Protection and Research. Stratigraphy is the study of how rocks are layered in the geological record. 'At the same time, our team discovered that these were the most well-preserved Kayentapus in Asia,' the palaeontologist added. 'The dinosaur tracks at Geleshan National Forest Park are significant because they are from the early Jurassic period,' added paper author and palaeontologist Lida Xing of the the China University of Geosciences, in Beijing. 'We can also determine that it belonged to a large carnivore at the very top of the food chain.' 'We very rarely find tracks like this in China, so it will aid in research and public education.' Professor Xing added that he hoped the national park would consider sealing off the area, as to prevent further rock climbing and better preserve the fossil trackway. Chinese palaeontologists examined the tracks which lie in two quartz sandstone surfaces and are among the best-preserved of their kind to be discovered in Asia The team identified the Early Jurassic-period prints as 'Kayentapus' the name given to the fossilised tracks left behind by three-toed bipedal theropods The team identified the Early Jurassic-period prints as 'Kayentapus' the name given to the fossilised tracks left behind by three-toed bipedal theropods 'The newly reported Kayentapus occurrences reported here from the Lower Jurassic Geleshan site in Chongqing, China, provide some of the best-preserved examples in Asia,' the research team concluded in their paper. 'The assemblage is further evidence that the dinosaur track sites of the Lower Jurassic were dominated by theropods in Asia and globally.' The full findings of the study were published in the journal Historical Biology. Palaeontologist Lida Xing of the the China University of Geosciences, who studied the trace fossils, added that he hoped the national park would consider sealing off the area, as to prevent further rock climbing and better preserve the fossil trackway 'When we arrived at the fossil site last year, we determined through stratigraphy that the tracks were from 190 to 200 million years ago,' said paper author Dai Hui of the Chongqing Laboratory of Geological Heritage Protection and Research A Moody police sergeant was shot and killed after responding to a call at the Super 8 motel. Chief Thomas Hunt identified the slain officer as Sgt. Stephen Williams. Williams, a 50-year-old father of three, had been a police officer for 23 years, the last three of those at the Moody Police Department. He began his law enforcement career at the Bessemer Police Department. Williams was a father of three, according to a Gofundme account set up for the family. Hunt said Williams had just been promoted to sergeant in the past year and was a recipient of the Officer of the Year award in memory of Keith Turner,who was shot to death June 27, 1998 and was the last Moody officer killed in the line of duty. Oh, he was awesome, Hunt said of Williams. He was just a good man, a good person, fun to be around. He was very thorough in his reports, a good teach, a good mentor, the chief said. A lot of the guys looked up to Steve. "All I can ask is for everybody to please be in prayer for the Williams family and for the Moody police department,'' Hunt said. Williams often fed an American bulldog, Champ, that recognized his patrol vehicle when Williams drove by the city park. He knows Im his favorite policeman and I have treats, Williams said in a Facebook video. Max knows his favorite Moody police officer has treats. He recognizes the cruiser and starts drooling. Champ is a one year old American Bulldog and doesn't know his own strength. He gets so excited for our visit! He's a good boy!! Show us your good doggos in the comments section. We are sorry we had picture comments disallowed but they should be turned on now. #americanbulldog #doggo #dogsofmoody Posted by Moody Police Department on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 The shooting happened shortly before 9:30 p.m. at the motel on Moody Parkway. A medical helicopter was sent for Williams, but the officer was instead taken by ambulance to UAB Hospital. Two suspects - a male and female - were taken into custody. Police had the motel where the officer was shot surrounded for hours. Amar Fouda just moved into the Super 8 on U.S. 411. He said it was about 9:25 when he heard a lot of noise in Room 214, which is directly next to his room. I heard like an AK-47, he said. Fouda said he ran into the bathroom and hid in the tub. When he saw blue lights come on the scene, he looked outside. I saw one of the officers, he was down, Fouda said. He said he didnt know why police were at the motel but said his neighbors had been making a lot of noise. Hunt said the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the St. Clair Sheriffs Office will be heading the investigation. I am deeply saddened to hear Sergeant Stephen Williams was killed in the line of duty last night. He served the Moody Police Department with distinction and had a long, honorable career in law enforcement. In the end, he died a hero, fulfilling the oath he swore to do -- to uphold the community he served, a statement from Gov. Kay Ivey read. "Beyond his career in law enforcement, he was a father, and now, three children are left without their dad. We must not forget Sgt. Williams ultimate sacrifice was that of his family. This senseless violence must end. Every day, brave men and women who wear the badge put their lives on the line in order to keep us safe. We are greatly indebted for his service on our behalf. I ask the people of Alabama to join me in prayer for his family, friends and his brothers in arms. Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Jay Town released this statement: Moody Police Sergeant Stephen Williams end of watch has come much too soon. Our condolences and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow officers. His loss is a loss for all of Alabama. This serves as yet another heartbreaking and stark reminder of the perils encountered by law enforcement each day. Alabama General Steven Marshall said he was devastated to receive the phone call about Williams death. "I have been slow to make a public statement today because, after a record-breaking year of law enforcement deaths in our state, words just seem so inadequate,'' Marshall said. Sergeant Williams was responding to a call for help at local hotel. He showed up, ready to assist, and was instantly shot dead. At this point, we have no reason to believe that Sergeant Williamss shooting is related to the unrest were witnessing across the nation. Nevertheless, our state has been plagued in recent months by a lack of respect for law enforcementmost of whom are genuinely good men and women, from all backgrounds, doing an incredibly difficult job. Whether black or white, law enforcement or civilian, we are all Alabamians. None of us benefit from lawlessness,'' he said. "As I shared with Moody Police Chief Hunt last night, my prayers and deepest sympathies are with the department and Sergeant Williamss family. My office stands ready to assist in any way that we can. ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said, "We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of yet another law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Sergeant Stephen Williams bravely committed 23 years of his life to protecting and serving his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow officers of the Moody Police Department. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten as we mourn alongside the entire law enforcement community. Williams is the second Alabama police officer shot to death in the line of duty in 2020. Kimberly police officer Nick ORear was fatally shot on Feb. 4 during a pursuit on Interstate 65 South. [June 03, 2020] Beyond Spots & Dots Launches $15,000 Women-to-Women Grant Program Layoffs. Furloughs. Businesses closing their doors. This has been the unfortunate reality for many during the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders. In an effort to help support women-owned businesses struggling to maintain production, commerce and/or staff as a result of the devastating COVID-19 outbreak, Beyond Spots & Dots is launching its Women-to-Women Grant Program, which offers $15,000 total in grant funds to three women-owned businesses, with each receiving $5,000. With locations in Pittsburgh, PA; Columbus, OH; and Baltimore, MD, Beyond Spots & Dots was not excluded from fearing for the worst as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The agency now seeks to give back and help fellow women-owned small businesses who are struggling and need additional assistance. "This has been a tough time for women leaders. We want to celebrate the extra work women are doing these days," said Melanie Querry, Founder and President, Beyond Spots & Dots. "As a women-owned company, we're incredibly fortunate to have been able to sustain our business through such a difficult time. We want to pay that forward and ensure if we are able to offer a helping hand, we do, and to the people who need it most. We're committed to the community." To be eligibl for a Beyond Spots & Dots Women-to-Women Grant, businesses must be: Women-owned Small business with less than $5 million in annual gross revenue 25 or less full-time employees Business address in Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Maryland Qualifying businesses must apply online by July 15, 2020. To learn more and apply, please visit: https://www.beyondspotsanddots.com/women-to-women-grant-program Beyond Spots & Dots will announce grant finalists on or about July 31, 2020. Grant awardees will be announced on or about August 15, 2020, with award disbursements to be sent on or about August 31, 2020. About Beyond Spots & Dots Established in 2006, Beyond Spots & Dots is a full-service advertising agency in Pittsburgh, PA, Columbus, OH and Baltimore, MD. Beyond Spots & Dots is dedicated to planning, creating and managing advertising, marketing, public relations, branding and digital for clients. Agency services range from digital advertising, programmatic tactics, social media, web development and SEO to traditional media buying, market research, copywriting, brand development and video production. Beyond Spots & Dots is also recognized as a national Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Visit beyondspotsanddots.com to learn how to increase your company's share of voice. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005687/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A 6bn hole in the budget may look like bad news, but in fact the reverse is true - Irelands tax base is holding up despite the worst recession in history and a million-plus people dependent on the State for at least part of their wages. To be sure, welfare payments surged by 5bn-plus and pushed spending for the year to May to 26bn, but we knew that was going to happen, it was fully costed in the revised budget forecasts issued by the Department of Finance when Covid-19 hit. From now on, with construction workers back on site and others set to start returning to work, those payments will only start to fall, so in one sense, albeit a narrow one, much of the red ink in State finances is over. What was more interesting was that company taxes not only held up, but actually surged. That reflects one of the huge strengths of the Irish economy, its ability to attract multinational companies who pay their taxes here and contribute eight out of every ten euros in corporation receipts to the Government. Read More So, the likes of Apple, Microsoft and Google whose earnings have been robust, are a major boon as the State seeks to boost the economy through this unprecedented crisis. In May alone, tax payments by companies doubled from a year ago to 2.6bn and cumulatively they were 1.7bn ahead of the same period last year. The Department of Finance notes that we need to exercise some caution as to whether this will continue as the May corporation tax payments represent the last month in which the money due to the Exchequer from 2019 has come in. That said, the performance of Apple and other tech giants through the crisis gives us confidence that the revenue stream will continue. Despite interruptions to its supply chain as Covid ravaged China and started to take its toll on Europe, Apple posted quarterly revenue of $58.3bn (50bn) in the first quarter of this year, up one percent from last year. Crucially for Ireland, which is a revenue centre for the American giant, international sales accounted for 62pc of the quarters revenue. That would appear to indicate that the robust performance in company tax receipts from this industry sector will continue to boost Irish Government coffers, to reduce the overall deficit and cut the amount of money the State needs to raise on financial markets. In other words, not only is the Government right to support workers and the economy, it has the firepower to keep on doing as the need arises thanks to multinational companies paying their taxes here. Of course 6bn is a big hole in State finances, but we are very far from entering an era of financial crisis austerity. When one of his interviewers tried to broaden the question Are you an Old Testament guy or a New Testament guy? Mr. Trump replied: Probably equal. I think its just an incredible the whole Bible is incredible. When asked about his favorite biblical teaching on other occasions, Mr. Trump has given different answers. Three months later in September 2015, he cited a Book of Proverbs passage about never bending to envy that scholars have said does not exist. Asked again in April 2016, Mr. Trump pointed to the Old Testament teaching of an eye for an eye, which he said resonated with his view that the United States had been taken advantage of by rivals. Giving an address at Liberty University in January 2016, Mr. Trump drew laughter with an errant reference to Two Corinthians, a commonly quoted book properly known as Second Corinthians to adherents. The president has also been inconsistent in his own assessment of his biblical knowledge. On the campaign trail in 2016, Mr. Trump told a crowd in Nevada, Nobody reads the Bible more than me. But in December, Mr. Trump offered a different view at a White House Hanukkah reception, lightheartedly imagining the evangelical pastor Robert Jeffresss impression of him: He may not be the greatest Christian Ive ever seen. He may not know the Bible quite as well as the rest of us. In fact, he may not know it very well at all. Mr. Jeffress on Monday defended Mr. Trumps appearance at St. Johns against critics, including the bishop who oversees the church, saying that God hates lawlessness, according to a report in The Atlantic. The bishop, Mariann Edgar Budde, accused Mr. Trump of appropriating religious symbols to deflect criticism in a series of interviews on Tuesday. Other faith leaders have also suggested in the past that some of Mr. Trumps actions and crasser remarks do not square with Christian values. During the 2016 presidential primary, Pope Francis implied that Mr. Trump was not Christian, given his remarks about Mexican immigrants and other groups that the pope framed as incompatible with Scripture. In December, a number of religious leaders condemned a remark Mr. Trump made at a rally suggesting that Representative Debbie Dingells late husband, John D. Dingell Jr., was looking up from hell. And in February, the president invited criticism for using an address at the National Prayer Breakfast to attack the faith of political rivals. However, many of Mr. Trumps less conventional acts surrounding the Bible have often been accepted and even celebrated by evangelicals. When critics pounced after Mr. Trump passed out signed copies of the Bible to survivors of a hurricane in Alabama, many faith leaders quickly pointed out that several former presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, had signed Bibles as well. A protestor runs for safety after being shot with a rubber projectile from LAPD officers at 3rd St. and Fairfax Ave. in Los Angeles Saturday May, 30th. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he has directed the LAPD to minimize its use of rubber bullets when dealing with peaceful protesters. I think that weve seen less of any of those tactics and I hope that we can see the most minimal if not zero of those tactics, he said. He mentioned that an officer suffered a fractured skull and that officers needed to make peaceful protesting possible. Those tactics will sometimes be out there, but it is my direction to minimize those and if we can to not use those [tactics] at all especially if theres peaceful protesters. Garcetti defended LAPD Chief Michel Moore after Moore made comments equating looters to the cops who were there when George Floyd died in Minneapolis. These remarks have sparked calls for the Moore to step down. The Police Commission meeting, which started at 9:30 a.m., was still going on when the mayors presser started, and Moore was still there, listening to hundreds of speakers call for his resignation. Garcetti said he was glad that Moore quickly corrected his remarks, which were made Monday, and stated emphatically that he believed it was wrong to compare looting to the killing of an unarmed man. Im glad he quickly corrected it, and Im glad that he further apologized, as well, Garcetti said. I want to be very, very clear about that. If I believed for a moment that the chief believed that in his heart, he would no longer be our chief of police. I cant say that any stronger. The mayor, who earlier in the day had taken a knee with protesters outside City Hall, also gave the microphone over to a 16-year-old African American man that day. Davion Pilgrin described some of the challenges of living in South Los Angeles and being racially profiled and stopped by police. He said he doesnt want to see what happened to Floyd happen to any of his seven siblings. While I think we should keep protesting and demanding change, there is no need to loot and tear things down, he said later adding that he hoped to be a lawyer some day and that his own kids could go to college. Story continues The mayor took the extreme step of asking for the National Guard to be brought to Los Angeles, evoking bloody memories of 1992 for many in this city. He said that as of this evening about 1,000 Guardsmen were on the streets but noted that there would be no patrols in South Los Angeles. The protests Tuesday heartened him, he said, and he was glad to see they had mostly gone off without any violence. That came as other cities saw major confrontations between law enforcement and protesters. Garcetti reserved some of his strongest criticism for President Trump. He didnt mention him by name but said there needed to be more national leadership to bring this moment to a calmer place. The political pyromania of this moment that we see coming out of Washington right now, he said. Its not only not bringing us together, it is fanning the fuel of this fire. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- International Land Alliance, Inc. (ILAL) today announced that it has selected HIR CASA and its online lending platform, Easy Loan Mexico, as its preferred mortgage lender. HIR CASA and Easy Loan Mexico offers an array of financing options and mortgage loan products to U.S., Mexican and Canadian buyers of real estate in Mexico. Mauricio Bustamante, Director of Sales of International Land Alliance, commented: We look forward to working with HIR CASA and its group of professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service to our homebuyers. Having access to quality mortgage financing for our U.S. and Canadian homebuyers will certainly increase our range of buyers, which we expect to have a positive impact on overall sales. To schedule a presentation or get pre-qualified, please contact Mauricio Bustamante at mauricio@ila.company . About HIR CASA: HIR CASA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Grupo HIR, a publicly-traded Mexican corporation with more than 60 years of experience in the real estate market. During their 25-year history, HIR CASA has consolidated itself as a leader in the self-financed real estate market, adjudicating more than $26 billion pesos to 37,000 customers. HIR CASA is regulated by the Secretariat of Economy through PROFECO (Federal Bureau for the Protection of Consumers) and its corresponding regulations, which establish a specific authorization to operate this particular type of business. Grupo HIR debuted last May on the Mexican Stock Exchange with an issue of $700 million pesos in Trust Certificates, under a program of $2.5 billion pesos. About International Land Alliance, Inc.: International Land Alliance, Inc. (ILAL) is an international land investment and development firm based in San Diego, California. The Company is focused on acquiring attractive raw land primarily in Northern Baja California, often within driving distance from Southern California. The Company serves its shareholders by devoting considerable time and resources to seeking out the finest sites available and obtaining the necessary development permits to build a compelling portfolio of properties, which provide a diversity of investment and living options. Please visit: www.ila.company . Story continues Safe Harbor Statement The press release may include certain statements that are not descriptions of historical facts but are forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include the description of our plans and objectives for future operations, assumptions underlying such plans and objectives, and other forward-looking terminology such as "may," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "projects," or similar terms, variations of such terms or the negative of such terms. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein. Such information is based upon various assumptions made by, and expectations of, our management that were reasonable when made but may prove to be incorrect. All of such assumptions are inherently subject to significant economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies beyond our control and upon assumptions with respect to the future business decisions which are subject to change. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that actual results will meet expectation and actual results may vary (perhaps materially) from certain of the results anticipated herein. CONTACT: Television actor Simran Sachdeva has been dropped from Colors TVs show Choti Sarrdaarni, with Drishtii Garewal replacing her. Simran has claimed that she opted out of the show as she was being forced to take a massive pay cut. Not just this, the producer allegedly misbehaved with her. In an interview with TellyChakkar.com, Simran said, Lately, the producers were pressuring me a lot to take around a 40% pay cut which is not feasible for me. Also, in the past Ive faced many issues with the production house regarding the payments as we werent paid on time. One of the producers misbehaved with me and was extremely disrespectful and rude. Simran, who played the character of Harleen Kaur Gill Bajwa, said that she had a choice whether to continue being a part of Choti Sarrdaarni after the lockdown, and she decided to quit the show. Incidentally, the role was originally played by Mansi Sharma, and Simran was brought in as her replacement after she exited the show due to health issues. Also read | Amitabh Bachchan-Jaya anniversary, 10 times he showed off their love on Instagram: Father said you must marry her Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has allowed shoots of films, televisions shows and web series to resume. All shoots were stalled since mid-March, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The government has said producers will have to adhere to certain guidelines, including reducing the crew strength to one-third and a temperature check every day. Except the actors shooting the particular scene, everyone on set must wear gloves and a mask. Each studio must have an ambulance, a doctor and nurse and sets must be fumigated daily. JD Majethia, the chairman of the TV wing of Indian Film and Television Producers Council, welcomed the governments decision to allow shoots to resume. Calling it a big relief, he told PTI, It (the industry) was shut for so long, we thought itd not open by June 15. This is much faster than what we expected. We thank the CM of Maharashtra for doing this wonderful job. He has pleasantly surprised all of us. This industry is Mumbais pride. It will now reach every household and bring smiles, happiness to everyone with fresh content. Follow @htshowbiz for more The US has just gone through a chaotic weekend, with large-scale violent protests sweeping across many cities. The historic St. Johns Church, 300 meters away from the White House, was one fire, and the White House was also harassed and threatened by demonstrators, both of which are landmark events in the ongoing protests. But few people believe the chaos would bring any reflection on US politics. It will bring superficial impact and destruction, but the US political structure has been solidified. The US can hardly form any strong force to push forward reforms. The protests are now mainly pushed by African Americans. Yet, even if they are joined by mainstream Americans, perhaps nothing will change. Racial discrimination has been the most touchy issue among ethnic minorities in the US. But US administrative authority, and most US Congress members, did not take this opportunity to condemn the issue to comfort those hurt. The fundamental reason is that they dont want to displease the white electorate. The Democratic Party also needs the vote of the white people, so they were also cautious on the issue. During the riots, a large part of the protesters grievances came from the fact that they, as the people at the bottom, suffered most of the pain caused by the novel coronavirus epidemic. Because the campaign strategy of the presidents team is to downplay the pain of the epidemic, the White House has rarely mentioned the epidemic in the past week, except when it needed to exploit the virus to attack China. The US is not there for ethnic minorities and poor people. Through the epidemic and the attitude of the ruling elites in the riots, people can see that these groups live in desperation. Because the poor have no way to unite under the US system and can easily be divided, their common dissatisfaction has a limited impact on elections, and they have never become the focus of attention of policymakers. Chinas massive poverty alleviation program is just unthinkable in the US. The frosty attitude of capitalism against the vulnerable groups has been laid bare in the past few months. The poor in the US are experiencing a very bad 2020. Partisan politics has created severe divisions in society. Such divisions restrict and disturb peoples thinking. Peoples support for a particular party is only a matter of stance, which provides a shelter to politicians who violate peoples interests. As elections come and go, it is simply about one group of elites replacing the other. The intertwined interests between the two groups are much greater than those between the victorious one and the electorate who vote for them. To cover such deception, the key agenda in the US is either a partisan fight or a conflict with foreign countries. The severe racial discrimination and wealth disparities are marginalized topics. The US presidential election is held once every four years, while the poor actually have no choice. There is no policy that addresses the issue of racial discrimination for them to vote, nor is there any social policy that truly benefits the poor and the vulnerable. African Americans and people at the bottom protest once in a while, with isolated cases being the fuse of the eruption. But it will not change anything, and they will eventually foot the bill for most of the destruction they make. Before a reasonable solution comes out, this periodic breakout becomes an unavoidable cycle. Judging from the superficial comments and statements from US politicians on the protests, the outsiders can easily draw the conclusion that solving problems is not on the minds of the country, and elites are just fearlessly waiting for this wave of demonstrations to die out. Las Vegas police said they were responding to a demonstration outside the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino late Monday when the shot ran out. An officer was struggling with a protester when someone walked up and shot the officer in the back of the head, a spokesman said. That same night, police confronted an armed man near a federal building that they were guarding amid the unrest, and an officer opened fire when he reached for a gun, according to Joseph Lombardo, the Las Vegas sheriff. The man was killed, while the officer wounded outside the hotel was on life support Tuesday. "With these protests, which are leading to riots, one tragedy is only leading to another," Lombardo said, linking both shootings to the demonstrations against how police use force that have gripped the country. Police nationwide say they are facing increasing threats amid the unrest that has spread since George Floyd's death in Minneapolis last week. Officers have been shot and injured in St. Louis, struck by cars in New York City and Buffalo and targeted with rocks and fireworks in Seattle, according to police. Officers also are facing criticism for using force against demonstrators protesting how police use force, including wielding tear gas and rubber bullets against bystanders, journalists and some peaceful demonstrators. Experts and civil rights advocates say they fear this dynamic could further inflame tensions and lead to an even harsher crackdown as police and protesters face off, particularly in the wake of President Donald Trump's calls for authorities to "dominate the streets" and respond more fiercely. "It's going to escalate to somewhere we have never been before," said Joe Ested, a former police officer in Richmond, Virginia, who runs a group called Police Brutality Matters. "Because Trump is adding fuel to the fire. . . . He should be healing. And then you would see a different tone with police officers." While many demonstrations nationwide have been peaceful, responses from government officials have increasingly focused on the factions setting fires, looting and destroying property. Police officials and authorities have struggled to respond, deploying an ungainly mix of responses that includes voicing support for peaceful protesters, denouncing violent actors, backing their officers and punishing misconduct within their own forces. In some cases, officers have been cheered for marching and kneeling with protesters. In others, they have been denounced for using brute force against protesters seemingly unprovoked. But the potential for more violence is worrisome observers said. "The longer this goes on, you are going to see both sides escalating," said Ested. "No one is talking about solutions. Police are going out there thinking, we are getting hurt; let's fight back." Departments have imposed some punishment on their own ranks, including in Atlanta, where two officers were fired and six face criminal charges over video footage of them pulling young people from a car and the Richmond officers facing discipline for gassing peaceful protesters. But in other cases, police officials have struggled with their actions and words. In Los Angeles - where the police department has pledged to investigate a car filmed striking demonstrators - the police chief caused an outcry by saying people looting were just as responsible for Floyd's death as officers, a statement he withdrew hours later. "I recognize that my initial words were terribly offensive," Moore posted on Twitter. "Looting is wrong, but it is not the equivalent of murder and I did not mean to equate the two." Authorities say that, like in Las Vegas, they have also faced potentially serious danger during the demonstrations. In St. Louis, where police officials say officers were hit with rocks, four officers were shot during the unrest there, although it was unclear if it was connected to the demonstration. John Hayden, the police chief, said he "believed some coward randomly shot at the police line." Two officers were shot in the leg, one was shot in the arm and another in the foot, according to Hayden. "It's an extraordinarily difficult time for officers - for their physical safety and the conditions under which they're being forced to work," said Bill Johnson, executive director and general counsel for the National Association of Police Organizations. "The attacks are quite literally becoming murderous." In New York City, at least two officers were attacked during the overnight chaos late Monday and early Tuesday, officials said. A sedan sped through an intersection in the Bronx early Tuesday, hitting and injuring an officer who was taken to a hospital in serious condition, they said. In a separate incident late Monday, a video shared online showed people apparently attacking an officer before fleeing. Last week, a woman tossed a molotov cocktail into an occupied police vehicle, and others have been charged in similar attacks, while other police officials have been struck with bricks. New York officials have also faced criticism for how their own officers have used force. A widely circulated video clip captured New York police cars hitting people in crowds over the weekend. The police department opened an investigation and Dermot Shea, the commissioner, said he was "troubled" by video footage of police cars driving into protesters. Shea also said during a separate appearance that his officers were facing danger doing their jobs. "The police officers are out there," Shea said Tuesday. "They are affecting arrests. They are putting themselves in harm's way. They are being attacked." Officers have been targeted in the past by people angry at law enforcement or the government. In 2014, two police officers and a shopper were killed by a husband-and-wife pair police later said had white-supremacist, anti-government views. That same year, weeks after a grand jury declined to indict an officer filmed with his arm around Eric Garner's death, a gunman traveled to New York and ambushed and killed two officers. Two years later, amid widespread protests fueled by police shootings, gunmen targeted and killed five police officers in Dallas and then three more in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Overall, though, line-of-duty deaths have been falling for decades, said Lisa Dario, an assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice at Florida Atlantic University, who studied line of duty deaths between 1970 and 2016. "We found that policing has become remarkably safer for police officers," she said, citing better health care and superior equipment, including body armor, as two of the possible reasons for that. The recent attacks on police and shows of force by officers have unnerved some now protesting as well. Cori Bush, a registered nurse who became a leader of the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, after an officer shot a black teenager there, said "things will get much worse before they get better." Bush said she expects police to be emboldened by Trump's calls to crush unrest. "I worry tonight, the police will be taking action even harder," she said. - - - The Washington Post's Shayna Jacobs in New York and Lateshia Beachum, Marisa Iati and Brittany Shammas contributed to this report. Huawei logo at the company's main UK offices near London in a file photo. (Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP via Getty Images) Telus, Bell Huawei Snub Shows Impact of US Sanctions, Backlash Against Chinese Regime News Analysis Amid the growing backlash against the Chinese regime and U.S. sanctions increasingly crippling Huawei, its little wonder that Canadian telecom giants Telus Corp. and BCE Inc. decided to partner with the rivals of the Beijing-linked Huawei for their 5G networks. BCE, the parent company of Bell, announced on June 2 that it is partnering with Ericsson for its 5G network, and Telus followed with a similar announcement hours later that its partnering with Ericsson and Nokia. Huawei has clearly failed to establish its credentials as a private company, as a trustworthy partner, or as being above illicit financial schemes across the worlds conflicts and developing countries, says Shuvaloy Majumdar, a Munk senior fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. A recent Angus Reid survey showed that only 14 percent of Canadians think Huawei should be allowed to participate in the countrys 5G networks. Ottawa has yet to make a decision on whether to allow the company to be part of Canadas 5G infrastructure. Canadas allies are also increasingly pushing to have Huawei excluded from 5G networks. The United States has threatened its partners, including Canada, that it would limit data sharing if they allow Huawei to participate. And last week, British media reported that the U.K. is looking to form a 10-member coalition with G7 nations and other countries to secure 5G supplier alternatives to Huawei. There has been increasing backlash against Beijing in the U.K. over the regimes handling of the COVID-19 outbreak. With the U.K. looking at an alternative 5G community of major market countries, it is not surprising that 5G alternatives from Nokia and Ericsson are featuring more prominently, says Majumdar. Rogers was first among Canadas three telecom giants to announce it wont be using Huawei for its 5G network. The companys vice-chair told Bloomberg last year that Huawei is a threat to Canada and should be barred from 5G networks. But Telus had earlier indicated that it would be partnering with Huawei on 5G, despite uncertainty as to whether the federal government would give Huawei the green light. For Telus and BCE, the decision to go with Huaweis rivals was a business one, says Christian Leuprecht, a political science professor at Queens University and the Royal Military College of Canada. If you look at the business uncertainty when it comes to China, the business risk has increased substantially, Leuprecht says. The situation for Huawei has been exacerbated by sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. The latest blow is the administrations move to block chip suppliers from selling semiconductors produced using U.S. technology to Huawei. This has a huge impact, Leuprecht says, adding that it has affected the business calculus for telecom companies wanting to use Huawei. Leuprecht says the decision by the Canadian telecoms can have a cascading effect, as the telecom companies around the world are in dialogue with one another. Shattered Credibility With Huawei increasingly isolated, its credibility is further undermined if it cant be part of the 5G networks in democratic countries. If the only people youre involved with are autocrats, thats not really good for business, Leuprecht says. One of the things that sets Huawei apart from its competitors is that the company, founded by a former officer of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army, is willing to do business with anyone who is willing to pay, Leuprecht says. As much as this [access to the Canadian market] was a market share and geopolitical share for China, it was also an opportunity for Huawei to increase its credibility, and it doesnt have much. All these developments point to the fact that the U.S. strategy to make business increasingly difficult for Huawei has worked, he says. Thats the U.S. calculus. If you create a market environment thats so inhospitable to Huawei it will change the business calculus, and that seems to be whats happening, Leuprecht explains. It was ingenious because it put enough pressure on allies while raising the security issue, and also used some very targeted trade sanctions thats causing massive pain. MIDLAND -- To assist with recovery in Midland and Gladwin Counties from the recent floods, AT&T Michigan recently launched a text-to-give campaign to benefit residents during this time. AT&T kicked off the effort with a $25,000 donation to the United Ways in Midland and Gladwin counties, which will receive all proceeds from the campaign. "Our hearts go out to the Mid-Michigan residents dealing with last week's unimaginable flooding on top of the struggles that already exist due to the COVID-19 pandemic," AT&T Michigan President David Lewis said. "Recovery from this disaster won't be easy and that's why we are proud to donate to the cause and launch a text-to-give campaign to allow people to donate to the Mid-Michigan recovery efforts." To donate to the effort, residents can text FLOOD to 20222 and a one-time $25 donation will be provided to Midland County United Way and United Way of Clare and Gladwin Counties. The effort will work on any cell phone provider and donation costs will appear on the contributor's next cell phone bill. (message and data rates may apply) "The Mid-Michigan area has been hit hard by this flooding but everyone is working together to make recovery from this crisis possible," United Way of Midland County President Holly Miller said. "We greatly appreciate AT&T Michigan's support and coordination of the text-to-give campaign because every donation will make a difference during this time." On May 19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Midland County and requested a federal disaster declaration, which was approved by President Donald Trump on May 21. Gladwin, Arenac and Saginaw Counties were added to state's emergency declaration May 22. "There has been widespread damage across Mid-Michigan as a result of last week's flooding and we must work together to protect families in impacted areas from the effects of this crisis," said state Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland. "I am grateful to AT&T Michigan for putting this effort together so that Michiganders can support each other during this difficult time." WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Facebook's Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has defended his decision not to moderate recent controversial posts by U.S. President Donald Trump on the social media platform, according to reports. Zuckerberg reportedly told employees during a company-wide meeting on Tuesday that he and other members of Facebook's policy team could not justify saying that Trump's messages clearly incited violence and therefore, did not violate Facebook's community standards. In contrast, Twitter had flagged and hidden Trump's tweet from his profile, saying his remarks referring to protests over the death of Floyd violated rules about glorifying violence. The company has prevented users from liking or retweeting Trump's tweet. Facebook employees, critical of their own company, had praised Twitter for its response to the message from Trump. Hundreds of Facebook employees staged a 'virtual walkout' on Monday to protest the company's decision not to act on the posts by Trump. In a post last Thursday, Trump said, 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts.' Trump's controversial comments were posted on both Facebook and Twitter. Trump had posted the message following violent protests in Minneapolis over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in police custody. Floyd died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Floyd's death has sparked outrage and protests in Minneapolis and across the U.S. In addition to Facebook's employees, civil rights leaders and one of Facebook's partners also have criticized its decision not to moderate Trump's posts. Civil rights leaders who attended a video conference with Zuckerberg and Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said they were disappointed and stunned by Zuckerberg's 'incomprehensible explanations' for allowing Trump's posts to stay up. Talkspace, a company that provides online therapy, said it has discontinued its partnership discussions with Facebook and will not support a platform that incites violence, racism and lies. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Los Angeles City Hall (Los Angeles Times) A political operative pleaded guilty to bribery Wednesday, admitting he helped a real estate developer pay off a Los Angeles City Council member for help with a major development project. The guilty plea by Justin Jangwoo Kim, 53, is the latest turn in an on-going investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office into pay-to-play schemes and other corruption in City Hall. At a hearing Wednesday, which U.S. District Judge John F. Walter conducted over videoconference, Kim listened as a prosecutor read a lengthy narrative detailing his role in the bribery scheme. When it was over, Walter asked whether Kim had done all the things the government claimed. "Yes, I did, your honor," Kim replied. A real estate appraiser and consultant, Kim was a top fundraiser for a City Council member whom federal prosecutors have referred to as Councilmember A in court filings against Kim and others charged in the case. Many details included in the court records have identified the council member as Jose Huizar, who served on a council committee that handles real estate projects and and whose offices and home were raided by FBI agents in 2018. Huizar has not been charged with a crime in the case. The bribery scheme involving Kim began in the summer of 2016, when a labor organization challenged a developer's plans to build a large residential project in the council members district. The challenge threatened to derail the project as it was making its way through the citys approval process, prosecutors said. Kim, who prosecutors said was a major fundraiser for the council member, admitted to helping to negotiate and carry out a $500,000 payment the developer paid in exchange for help scuttling the labor group's efforts. The name of the developer has not been made public. The council member allegedly sought the help of a lobbyist, who successfully convinced the labor group to drop its appeal of the project, according to court records. Court records show Kim kept more than $100,000 of the bribe money for himself, although prosecutors did not specify the amount. Story continues With investigators bearing down on him, the council member allegedly instructed an aide to hold on to part of his share of the bribe money, according to court filings. It is unknown whether the council member ever received any of the money. Kim is one of four people now charged in the case. Former councilman Mitchell Englander has agreed to plead guilty to charges that he tried to obstruct an investigation into payments and other gifts he allegedly received from another developer. And a former aide to Huizar, George Esparza, and a real estate consultant, George Chiang, have agreed to plead guilty to charges stemming from allegations they conspired with the council member on plans to extract illicit payments from estate developers. Kim is scheduled to be sentenced in August. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, although prosecutors have agreed to seek leniency from the judge in exchange for Kim's cooperation. (Newser) After 13 agonizing years, the parents of Madeleine McCann may finally get some answers. In what friends of Kate and Gerry McCann say is the biggest breakthrough in the case since the 3-year-old disappeared in Portugal in 2007, a German man has been identified as a suspect, the Telegraph reports. British police say the suspect is a 43-year-old man who was in the area of the Praia da Luz resort when Madeleine disappeared from her family's holiday apartment, the AP reports. Police say they received a tip about the suspect in 2017 after an appeal for information on the 10th anniversary of the disappearance. story continues below German authorities say the man is currently in prison in Germany for a sex crime and has two previous convictions for "sexual contact with girls." Authorities say he is now being investigated for murder in connection with the McCann case. Police in Britain have urged members of the public to come forward with any information they have about two vehicles linked to the suspect, a VW T3 Westfalia campervan and a 1993 British Jaguar, CNN reports. The latter vehicle was re-registered in somebody else's name the day after the disappearance. "Someone out there knows a lot more than they're letting on," says Scotland Yard investigator Mark Cranwell, per the BBC. (Read more Madeleine McCann stories.) MANSFIELD, Mass. and KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Transplant Genomics, Inc. ("TGI") and Viracor Eurofins ("Viracor"), announce the formation of the Eurofins Transplant Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, employing diverse expertise and experience in transplantation technology development and clinical studies to enhance the clinical value of diagnostics throughout the transplant community. The members will be tasked with providing independent advice on the unmet clinical needs in transplantation to guide the evolution of TGI and Viracor's current and future products that expand the indications for the TruGraf and TRAC product lines through Clinical Studies, and the R&D or acquisition of additional disruptive technologies into the Eurofins Transplant portfolio. The Board will be convened by Dr. John Holman, VP Medical Affairs at Eurofins - TGI. Covering the breadth of geographies within the US market, the Board welcomes Dr. Roz Mannon, University of Nebraska; Dr. Michael Abecassis, University of Arizona; Dr. Fuad Shihab, University of Utah; Dr. Win Williams, Massachusetts General Hospital; Dr. Anil Chandraker, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Dr. Allan Kirk, Duke University (joining in August after completing his term as Editor-in-Chief of AJT); Dr. Jonathan Bromberg, University of Maryland, Dr. Robert Fairchild, Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Matt Cooper, Georgetown University. Advisor Dr. Johnathan Bromberg, Professor of Surgery and Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland says, "For too long transplant patients have had limited or invasive diagnostic options, so it is tremendously exciting to join a Board with a mission in science and medicine to improve current diagnostic options available to transplant patients, and subsequently offer physicians better tools to alter and improve our approach to treatment." Advisor Dr. Michael Abecassis, Dean of the University of Arizona, College of Medicine - Tucson, says, "The formation of this Board will help to expand the product portfolio to create new opportunities for the powerful commercial teams assembled by TGI and Viracor." By combining TruGraf and TRAC, Eurofins has assembled the largest transplant diagnostics sales force, and has the most comprehensive portfolio of non-invasive kidney rejection tests available today, and is focused on aggressively growing beyond blood tests for kidney with more technologies and more organs. Combining this group expertise and Eurofin's resources in research and development, this advisory board is uniquely positioned to drive clinical value throughout the transplant community. For information on ordering tests and arranging remote sample collection, physicians may contact TGI about TruGraf tests by calling 1-844-TruGraf. Ordering and general information is also available on our websites at www.trugraf.com. For information on ordering or remote collection for TRAC or other Viracor products, please call 800.305.5198 or email [email protected]. About Transplant Genomics, Inc. Transplant Genomics, Inc. ("TGI") is a personalized diagnostics company committed to improving organ transplant outcomes worldwide through innovative tests that detect early signs of graft injury, differentiate among actionable causes and enable the optimization of therapy. Working alongside the transplant community and within the Eurofins family, TGI is commercializing a suite of tests enabling diagnoses and prediction of transplant recipient immune status. Our flagship product is TruGraf, the only blood test approved by CMS for surveillance and to rule out "silent" subclinical acute rejection in kidney transplant recipients with stable graft function. Test services are offered through TGI's CLIA laboratory in Fremont, CA. TGI was acquired by Eurofins in 2019. ABOUT VIRACOR With over 30 years of specialized expertise in infectious disease, immunology and allergy testing for immunocompromised and critical patients, Viracor Eurofins is committed to helping medical professionals, transplant teams, reference laboratories and biopharmaceutical companies get results faster, when it matters most. Viracor is passionate about delivering value to its clients by providing timely, actionable information, never losing sight of the connection between the testing it performs and the patients it ultimately serves. Viracor is a 100 percent subsidiary of Eurofins Scientific (EUFI.PA), the global leader in bio-analytical testing, and one of the world leaders in genomic services. For more information, please visit https://www.eurofins.com/ and https://www.viracor-eurofins.com/. Eurofins a global leader in bio-analysis Eurofins Scientific through its subsidiaries (hereinafter sometimes "Eurofins" or "the Group") believes it is a scientific leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products testing and in agroscience CRO services. It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, CDMO, advanced material sciences and for supporting clinical studies. In addition, Eurofins is one of the leading global emerging players in specialty clinical diagnostic testing. With about 45,000 staff in more than 800 laboratories across 47 countries, Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods for evaluating the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin and purity of biological substances and products, as well as for innovative clinical diagnostic. The Group objective is to provide its customers with high-quality services, accurate results on time and expert advice by its highly qualified staff. Eurofins is committed to pursuing its dynamic growth strategy by expanding both its technology portfolio and its geographic reach. Through R&D and acquisitions, the Group draws on the latest developments in the field of biotechnology and analytical chemistry to offer its clients unique analytical solutions and the most comprehensive range of testing methods. As one of the most innovative and quality oriented international players in its industry, Eurofins is ideally positioned to support its clients' increasingly stringent quality and safety standards and the expanding demands of regulatory authorities around the world. The shares of Eurofins Scientific are listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN FR0000038259, Reuters EUFI.PA, Bloomberg ERF FP). Important disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements and estimates contained herein represent the judgment of Eurofins Scientific's management as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance, and the forward-looking events discussed in this release may not occur. Eurofins Scientific disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements and estimates. All statements and estimates are made based on the information available to the Company's management as of the date of publication, but no guarantee can be made as to their validity. Media Contact Sloane Heller Communications [email protected] 917.432.4194 SOURCE Transplant Genomics, Inc. Siemens Healthineers has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had issued an Emergency Use Authorization for its total antibody test to detect the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies, including Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the blood. Called the SARS-CoV-2 Total (COV2T), the test can identify recent or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on the patients adaptive immune response to the virus. The total antibody test demonstrated 100 percent sensitivity and 99.8 percent specificity in identifying antibodies against the novel coronavirus. Antibodies attacking the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock Detect antibodies to the spike protein The spike protein on the surface of the virus enables it to penetrate and infect human cells, which are found in many organs and blood vessels in the body. The total antibody test detects the antibodies believed to neutralize the SARS-CoV-2, specifically targeting the antibodies that attach to a spike protein on the viral surface. Many candidate vaccines being developed today target the spike protein, since it plays a pivotal role in the entry of the virus into cells. As a leader in laboratory diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers designed a high-quality, highly accurate antibody test with the capacity and reach necessary to help address a critical societal need. The test targets both IgM and IgG antibodies, which allows for early identification of individuals infected with the virus who have developed an immune response, even if they were asymptomatic or never diagnosed with the disease, Dr. Deepak Nath, President, Laboratory Diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers, said. Ramp up production The company, based in Erlangen, Germany, said it could ramp up production immediately, and it has shipped more than 1 million test kits to health systems and laboratories. Currently, the firm is shipping worldwide, and the company is prepared to increase the production of its antibody test as the pandemic evolves. The company has a capacity exceeding 50 million tests each month across its platforms starting in June. Plus, it plans to boost production in two facilities in Walpole and Glasgow. The company has production capacity for more than 50 million tests per month as the pandemic evolves to address the largest installed base in the U.S., the company said. The total antibody test SARS-CoV-2 Total (COV2T) is available on the largest installed base of high-throughput analyzers in the U.S. The country has reported the highest number of infections, with about 1.83 million confirmed cases and more than 106,000 deaths. Globally, the confirmed cases exceed 6.37 million, with more than 380,000 deaths. Further, there are about 20,000 Siemens Healthineers systems installed across the globe, including the Atellica Solution immunoassay analyzer, which can run up to 440 tests per hour and can provide results in just ten minutes. As one of the leading specialized laboratories, we recognized the critical need of our customers to have rapid and accurate testing to manage COVID-19 among their patients and staff. The Siemens Healthineers total antibody test enables us to confidently deliver fast, reliable results that will be extremely valuable in the surveillance of the disease, Paul F. Beyer, CEO of Ascend Clinical, said. Antibody testing Also called a serological test, an antibody test detects antibodies produced in response to a virus. The test involves checking the blood for a past infection. Antibodies are proteins that help ward off infections, which are produced by the immune system when the body is exposed to antigens. The antibody test will provide a more precise clinical picture as the disease progresses. It can help governments determine who vast the spread of the virus is and the proportion of the exposed people in the population. Knowing who was exposed to the virus may help guide return-to-normal decisions, including reopening businesses and economies. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that antibody test results should not be used to determine if someone can return to work and should not be used to group people, especially in jails, schools, and dormitories. Only Urban Small Biz Can Really Save Kansas City Business owner encourages minorities to start businesses to make change in community KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Darran Jasper wanted to speak out after days of protesting and rioting in Kansas City following George Floyd's murder. He's an entrepreneur and part-owner of Elevate Bar & Grill off 78th Street and State Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. "It's always from within where we start," Jasper said. Kansas City Legal Freebies Amid Civil Unrest Metro lawyer helping arrested protesters for free: 'This is why I became an attorney' RIVERSIDE, Mo. - Kansas City police have reported more than 160 protest-related arrests over the last five days. A local attorney is hoping to get the charges all thrown out, and she's doing it for free. "As a black woman, this is why I became an attorney. Down Ballot Peek Check Kansas City and area Election Results for June 2, 2020 Voters across the Kansas City area went to the polls Tuesday to decide a number of mayoral and school board races, as well as a number of ballot questions.Check all results when the polls close at 7 p.m.App users, tap here to view the results page. Kansas City MO State Rep. Shares Road To Recovery State legislator Runions eyes finish line following coronovirus recovery Photo: House Rep. Joe Runions in his final days of the legislative session in Jefferson City. Runions, who represents Grandview and parts of south KC, is recovering from the coronovirus. Kansas Target Stores Targeted Amid Rioting Questions raised after Target stores close early in Kansas One day after Target, Walmart and CVS announced the closing of some stores in cities gravely impacted by rioting and looting, several Kansas locations, including in Wichita and Salina, closed early. According to the signs posted on the doors of the store located at 21st Street and Greenwich in Wichita, closing time is at 9 p.m. Hottie Kendra Shares Hardcore Makeup Tutorial The Incredible Nuance of Porn Makeup When I think of beauty in the context of porn, I think of the '70s and '80s. Big hair, dark smokey eyes, red lips. The over-the-top, high glam look is perfect for the studio porn of days gone by, which were all about fantasy. Coronavirus Killed Hookups Sex with someone you don't live with is illegal from today New coronavirus guidelines have made it illegal to have sex in your own home with a person from another household from today. The government is set to lay out the new regulations this morning, which will ban people from socialising indoors with a person from outside your household bubble. Campaign 2020 Juxtapsotion Trump threatens rioters with military, Biden urges racial healing In virtually everything he does, and the rioting across America is no exception, President Trump tries to project strength. One of his favorite epithets is "weak," which is what he accused many of the nation's governors of being during a conference call. GOP Old School Ousted Steve King's career on the line in historic primary night The fate of King, an opponent of immigration and multiculturalism who has supported white nationalist candidates abroad, will be decided amid massive social protests in the wake of the killing of an unarmed black man by a Minneapolis police officer last week. Prez Bush Shares Compassionate Conservatism George W. Bush laments 'shocking failure' in treatment of black Americans But "it remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country," Bush said, as he argued that "the doctrine and habits of racial superiority, which once nearly split our country, still threaten our Union" today. Training Camp Returns Report: NFL to announce all teams will hold training camps at local facilities The Chiefs will hold their training camp at their Arrowhead practice facility, rather than at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseh. KC Hot Air Rises A hot and humid stretch for the first week of June KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Share in our weather experience on the weather blog. Click on the blog at the top of the page for more information. For a full list of weather alerts, click here. Hottie Kendra and herreminds us that the Internets is beautiful but can get sketchy very fast. Accordingly, we share this quick peek at community news, pop culture and info from across the nation and around the world . . .is the song of the day and this is thefor right now . . . "Riverdale" actor Cole Sprouse was taken into custody in Santa Monica, California on Sunday while taking part in a protest against racial inequality regarding the murder of African-American man, George Floyd. Sprouse, 27, was jailed for participating in the peaceful protest for participating in Sunday's protest. The former "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" star narrated the unfortunate news himself through a long-winded on his personal Instagram account. He wrote, "I was detained when standing in solidarity, as were many of the final vanguard within Santa Monica." The group was provided the option to take off, and if they did not pull out, they would be taken into custody. He continued that numerous people did obey to leave, but they found another batch of policemen blocking their way and started zip-tying them. Sprouse asserted that the scenario does not put on a spotlight on him, as the focus was on the movement of Black Lives Matter. He emphasized that although he is a public figure and a straight white man, the institutional repercussions of his jail time are minuscule comparing to others within the movement. He then humbly conceded that the narrative is not about him and he hopes he is not underscored by the media as such. Participating in a protest against racial discrimination and police brutality in Santa Monica, along a dozen others, they were holding "I Can't Breathe" signs, but as their peaceful protest culminated, fires broke out from people that came into their area. Also Read: George Floyd Video: Three Footages Put Together Shows Final Moments Before His Death While the frenzy was ongoing, his group remained put but they were cornered to another portion of the street wherein the actor was put into zip handcuffs, according to Wild 94.9. Sprouse added on Instagram, "This is, and will be, a time about standing ground near others as a situation escalates, providing educated support, demonstrating and doing the right thing." He further noted that the timing is right to dutifully ruminate on what it means to be an ally. The actor has been undertaking quarantine with co-star KJ Apa in Los Angeles, as reported by Hollywood Life. He reiterated that "peace, riots, looting, are an absolutely legitimate form of protest." He claimed that the media's nature is to showcase the most sensational with a long-standing racist intention. Sprouse is one of the numerous famous names who have taken to the streets across the United States to fight for justice for George Floyd. The latter was murdered on May 25 after police officer Derek Chauvin forced a knee into his neck for over eight minutes in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 46-year-old Black man's cause of death, cited by an independent autopsy released on Monday, was "asphyxiation from sustained pressure." Sprouse observed that cameras were present and rolling inside the police cars during the entire jail time. According to Daily Mail, he said that he will not recount the incident again for 3 reasons. Explaining, he said, "I'm (1) not well versed enough to do so, (2) not the subject of the movement, and (3) uninterested in drawing attention away from the leaders of the #BLM movement. I will be, again, posting the link in my story to a comprehensive document for donations and support." Related Article: [Breaking] Independent George Floyd Autopsy Reveals How He Died; Contradicts Initial Findings @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tax Analyst, Dr. Abdallah Ali Nakyea, has suggested to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), to put in place the necessary measures to tax digital business transactions. He says this should enable the Authority to increase its revenue sources in order to meet or exceed revenue targets. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the government's revenue as economic activities have largely slowed down. But as businesses resort to digital platforms to continue with the provision of services and sustain their operations, the digital economy has rather seen a pick up during the period. Speaking at the virtual business forum of the Citi Business Festival on Citi TV, Dr. Ali Nakyea said taxing the digital economy should reduce the burden on the regular businesses whose operations have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. COVID-19 has proven that businesses can be done online through digital platforms, but how are we getting a share as a government from all these incomes being generated? So I think it will help the GRA to start profiling taxpayers so we can move from the 80/20 paradox; this is where we have 80% of tax payers contributing only 20% of tax revenue and 20% contributing 80% of tax revenue, and this is the category who appears to be the hardest hit, he explained. The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has already estimated that the shortfall in import duties, petroleum receipts and the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme will cost the Ghanaian economy 9.5 billion cedis. In addition, Mr. Ofori Atta believes that there will be an ultimate fiscal gap of 11.4 billion cedis. In an address to MPs in March 2020, the Minister of Finance said that pandemic will also take a toll on Ghana's GDP growth. Dr. Ali-Nakyea, who also advised businesses on the need to comply with the various tax laws is hopeful that GRA's ability to improve its revenue base should afford the government the opportunity to help other tax compliant businesses that have been adversely affected. It calls for us to start looking quickly at how to put in measures to tax the digital economy because things are bad for some sectors, but an opportunity for other sectors. If people are now manufacturing PPE, face masks and all others, they are not going for free, but they are for sale and income is being earned. The question is how do we get the government's share so we can get money as support to others who are not doing well in their industry so they can also bounce back and then the economy grows. ---citinewsroom MINNEAPOLISThe unrest in Americas cities showed no signs of fading on Tuesday as embattled police forces from Atlanta to Los Angeles struggled to reclaim the streets and as protesters debated the future of the week-old uprising. Police and National Guard troops continued a heavy lockdown in Minneapolis, where the death in police custody of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, ignited the first protests. Gov. Tim Walz announced civil rights charges against the Minneapolis Police Department and said his administration would investigate whether there had been systemic discrimination against people of colour over the past 10 years. An estimated 10,000 people gathered peacefully outside the State Capitol as a Black Hawk helicopter flew behind the freshly gilded dome. National Guard troops applauded, handed out water and sometimes dropped to their knees in a show of support for the protesters. U.S. troops positioned military vehicles across Washington and a crowd of protesters at least twice the size of the day before gathered near the White House. It shrank after the citys 7 p.m. curfew, but more than 1,000 protesters remained, facing police officers across a tall chain-link fence erected overnight. Thousands more gathered in the heart of Hollywood, California, on Tuesday evening as police officers filed out of trucks and formed a skirmish line. Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York extended the citys 8 p.m. curfew which some groups of protesters again ignored a day after looting in Manhattan through Sunday. He also promised to take action against the outsiders, gang members and common criminals he said were responsible for looting and violence. I know we will overcome this. I want to be abundantly clear, the mayor said, warning: We will have a tough few days. In more than a week of protests, the violence has continued to escalate, and both the police and protesters have been victims. Officers in New York City and Buffalo, New York, were plowed over by cars and injured. After protests in the St. Louis area turned violent, four police officers were shot and a 77-year-old retired police captain was shot and killed by looters at a pawnshop. And in Las Vegas, a police officer was in critical condition Tuesday after being shot as the authorities tried to disperse crowds pelting them with bottles and rocks. But protesters, too, have been caught in the increasingly forceful law enforcement crackdowns. In Atlanta, six police officers were charged with using excessive force after video footage showed them stopping two college students in a car Saturday night, firing Tasers at them and dragging them out of their vehicle. The conduct involved in this incident is not indicative of the way that we treat people in the city of Atlanta, Paul L. Howard Jr., the district attorney, said in a news conference Tuesday. President Donald Trump has pushed on states to crack down even harder on the protests, leaving demonstrators debating how to respond to a growing police and military presence in the streets. As the demographics of the movement have expanded to include a far more diverse population, the goals have also broadened. Some demonstrators are demanding that all four officers involved in Floyds death be thrown in jail, not just the single officer charged last week. All four, they shouted at protests. Many others are calling for the entire system of inequality that they view as the ultimate cause of Floyds death to be torn down and rebuilt. Outside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, a racially diverse crowd of hundreds has gathered nightly, with people chanting against institutions they feel contribute to racial and socioeconomic divides including law enforcement and capitalism. Those carrying signs cursing Amazon and Jeff Bezos have stood alongside others demanding an end to police brutality. What feels different about right now is people are angry for themselves in a way that we did not see outside of Black people four years ago, said Sharhonda Bossier, who began participating in protests affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement in 2013. In some cities, protesters worried that violence could overshadow their message and have engaged in self-policing to prevent emotions from escalating. On Monday afternoon, Floyds brother Terrence visited the spot where his brother was killed, near an intersection that has turned into a peaceful gathering spot for protesters. One of the first things Terrence Floyd did was criticize the looting, window-smashing and arson that has accompanied some of the protests. If Im not over here blowing up stuff, if Im not over here messing up my community, then what are you all doing? he asked, his voice growing louder. What are you all doing? You all doing nothing! Because thats not going to bring my brother back at all. Instead, Terrence Floyd, who came to Minneapolis from Brooklyn, urged people to research political candidates and vote for change. Some particularly uncomfortable conflicts between white and Black protesters have reflected the very divide that protesters are hoping to upend. In Baltimore on Saturday night, Denicia Baker was chanting, Hands up, dont shoot! outside City Hall with a group of about 200 protesters when two young white men wearing black T-shirts and ski masks started kicking and shaking protective fencing put up by the police. Stop! Baker yelled at the men, recording the episode on her cellphone. When you do that, they dont go after you. They come after us. During a heated exchange, one of the young men responded: Theyre going to kill you anyway. Eventually, other protesters removed the two white men. Baker said she suspected they only wanted to stir up trouble. In many of the demonstrations, white protesters say they have tried to hang back and listen or play a supporting role by passing out water, hand sanitizer and snacks. Some have gone as far as to use their bodies to shield black protesters as the police are bearing down on them. But some escalations led by white protesters have not been welcome. If you show up in these spaces across the country, you are a guest, said Takirra Winfield Dixon, a former Obama administration official and activist based in Baltimore. You dont necessarily have the right to pick up a brick and throw it through a window. In some cases, conflicts have erupted between local protesters and others who have come in from outside. In Minneapolis, Michael Big Texas Holiday, a community activist from Houston as large as his name, whipped up a crowd Sunday, telling hundreds of gathered protesters that they needed to stop giving lip service and take action. You fired up? he yelled into a megaphone. People cheered, raising their fists into the air. Lets take the streets! But then, a local man came forward with a quiet warning. Im telling you right now: If you march, they will come full force at you, he said people would get hurt. Holiday reconsidered. Word has just got to me that this might not be the safest thing, he announced. Across the country, opposing approaches have often been on display simultaneously in the same city. On Monday night in Los Angeles, peaceful demonstrators in West Hollywood knelt alongside a police officer in a show of mutual good will. But in Van Nuys, a few miles north, a protest splintered. Looters broke into a pharmacy and a Big 5 Sporting Goods store; police chased them on foot. A number of people peeled off from a peaceful gathering in Hollywood and headed for the Gower Gulch shopping complex, smashing windows of the Kebab Daddy restaurant and ripping plywood off a T-Mobile store and a Rite Aid. Most of the mob fled when officers showed up. In Washington, D.C., protesters squabbled on Monday over how to respond as law enforcement wielding pepper spray advanced upon them. Some shouted through the cloud of chemicals that the group should stand strong; others pleaded to fall back for safety. Later in the night, tensions rose again after Army helicopters descended to rooftop level, kicking up dirt and debris and snapping tree branches in a manoeuvre often used in combat zones to scare away insurgents. Some young people wearing masks responded by throwing rocks at storefronts, while others appeared intent on continuing to march peacefully. In some cases, the debate among protesters over how to respond to the police breaks down along generational lines. Just before midnight Sunday, rumours swirled that the authorities were about to break up protesters near the intersection where George Floyd died. A Black woman and two white men, all in their 20s, hatched a plan to set fire to a barrier of garbage containers and wooden palettes to prevent the police from moving in. Hey, do you have flammables in the car? the woman asked the men. They ran off, returning with plastic bottles filled with liquid, which they poured over the wood and containers. At that point, a group of people hurried over, telling them to stop. One of them was the womans father. What youre doing they understand that violence, he said angrily. There aint a vehicle that they have that cant run through fire. The woman looked down. Youre my daughter. I got you, he said, and she walked away. Johnetta Elzie, an early participant in the Black Lives Matter movement who co-founded the group Campaign Zero, which advocates against police violence, said she had seen the full spectrum of emotional responses that could bubble up in a protest in recent days, often based on each persons individual life experience She said divisions were inherent to protest and should not be seen as necessarily detrimental to the cause. Who am I to stop them? By Idrees Ali WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon said on Tuesday that it had accepted a proposal from South Korea for it to temporarily fund thousands of Korean workers at U.S. bases who were put on unpaid leave this year. The United States furloughed the workers in South Korea in April after the two allies failed to sign a new cost-sharing agreement. In a statement, the Pentagon said the agreement meant South Korea would pay more than $200 million to fund 4,000 Korean workers through to the end of this year. "This decision enables a more equitable sharing of the employee labor burden by the ROK and the U.S.," the Pentagon said, referring to South Korea by the initials of its official name, the Republic of Korea. "More importantly, it sustains the Alliance's number one priority - our combined defense posture," it said. South Korea's Ministry of Defence said it welcomed the Pentagon's decision to end the furlough for the workers. The ministry said South Korea would work with the United States to reach an agreement "as soon as possible" on the broader cost-sharing arrangement, which remains in dispute after it lapsed at the end of last year, leading to the workers being furloughed in the first place. South Korea and the United States are embroiled in a disagreement dating back almost two years over how much each should pay to support the roughly 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War that ended in an armistice, rather than a peace treaty. "The United States has shown considerable flexibility in their approach to the SMA (Special Measures Agreement)negotiations, and requests that the ROK does the same," the Pentagon said. U.S. officials have told Reuters that before South Korea's parliamentary elections in April, President Donald Trump rejected a South Korean offer to increase its contribution by at least 13% from the previous accord. A union representing the Korean workers issued a statement welcoming the Pentagon's decision, and called for institutional changes to prevent the situation from happening again. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Additional reporting by Sangmi Cha and Hyonhee Shin in Seoul; Editing by Peter Cooney, Robert Birsel) Hundreds more taken into custody everyday as protests continue despite heavy police presence. More than 10,000 people have been arrested in protests that have rocked the United States since the police killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, according to an Associated Press tally. All four Minneapolis police officers involved in Floyds death have been charged. Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyds neck, has been charged with second-degree murder, which was upgraded from a previous charge of third-degree murder. He also faces a second-degree manslaughter charge. The other three are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. US President Donald Trump was rebuked by his former defence secretary, James Mattis, who said he was trying to sow divisions. Trumps current defence chief, Mark Esper, also said he opposed Trumps threat to send in the military to quell unrest. Several major cities scaled back or lifted curfews imposed for the past few days. As protests continue, police in riot gear charged into a crowd of about 1,000 protesters defying a local curfew in New York Citys Brooklyn borough, albeit peacefully, near an outdoor plaza, and clubbed demonstrators and journalists as they scurried for cover in heavy rain. Latest updates: Thursday, June 4 This blog has closed for the day. To see more live updates from Thursday, including Floyds Minneapolis memorial service, follow along here. 13:51 GMT Minnesota governor sends National Guard to western border Governor Tim Walz is sending Minnesota National Guard troops to states western border because of what he says are credible threats of violence during demonstrations planned in neighbouring North Dakota. The city of Moorhead, Minnesota, lies just across the border from Fargo, North Dakota. Walzs order didnt say how many guard members are being deployed in Clay County. The governor didnt provide details on what he perceives is a credible threat. President Donald Trump has blamed violence and looting on a loose grouping of far-left activists known as Antifa. Authorities have found little evidence to support these claims. There are concerns about white nationalist groups planning violence, with some suspected white nationalists allegedly shooting at protesters in North Carolina. The Minnesota National Guard stands ready to provide protection for all Minnesotans, Walz said in a statement. 11:41 GMT Memorial service to be held for Floyd after week of protests A memorial service was to be held on Thursday for George Floyd led by civil rights activist Al Sharpton. The ceremony will be held in Minneapolis, where Floyd died after being detained by police. Sharpton, who will give the eulogy for Floyd, met with his family on Wednesday. Tomorrow we will lay out how we will mobilize nationally in the name of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and more, the leading rights activist said on Twitter, referring to a black jogger who was shot dead in February and a black medical worker killed by police in her own apartment in March. A mural of George Floyd near the spot where he died while in police custody [File: Bebeto Matthews AP Photo] 10:40 GMT SoftBank creates $100m fund for black entrepreneurs Japanese tech giant SoftBank Group said it was setting up a $100-million fund for black entrepreneurs. The Opportunity Growth Fund will only invest in companies led by founders and entrepreneurs of colour, said the firms executive vice-president Marcelo Claure in an internal letter obtained by AFP news agency. Venture capital start-ups are overwhelmingly white, male and Ivy-league educated and based in Silicon Valley. Just one percent of VC-backed founders are black, he added. Many major US corporations have issued statements decrying discrimination and some, including Apple and Bank of America, have put some money behind the effort by supporting civil rights advocacy groups or programmes targeting disadvantaged populations. 10:34 GMT US Park Police investigate attack on Australian journalists The US Park Police said it has placed two officers on administrative leave after video showed two Australian journalists being attacked during Monday nights protest in Washington, DC. Acting Chief Gregory T. Monahan said the attack is being investigated. Video captured by WJLA-TV in Washington showed reporter Amanda Brace and cameraman Tim Myers being assaulted as law enforcement officials cleared an area near the White House so Trump could walk to a nearby church that had been damaged during the demonstrations the previous night. The US Park Police said it has placed two officers on administrative leave after two journalists were attacked [Jacquelyn Martin/AP] The journalists were reporting live for Australias Channel 7 on the demonstrations protesting George Floyds death at police hands in Minnesota. As is consistent with our established practices and procedures, two US Park Police officers have been assigned to administrative duties, while an investigation takes place regarding the incident with the Australian Press, Monahan said in a statement posted on Twitter. Australias ambassador to the United States has complained about the attack that the networks news director Craig McPherson described as nothing short of wanton thuggery. 10:32 GMT Fundraisers say donations to Biden surge Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his allies have seen donations swell in recent days, several top fundraisers said. Trumps response to the demonstrations over George Floyds death pushed new donors and even some Republicans to open their checkbooks, the fundraisers said. Ive seen several significant donors who had never been involved in politics before but believe that something has to be done, said Michael Kempner, a New York-based fundraiser for Biden. He called the influx a sea change in the level of urgency and the size of the commitments, but declined to compare recent totals with previous figures because of Bidens relatively new arrangement with the Democratic National Committee that allows for much higher contributions. Biden, the former vice president who will face the Republican Trump in the November 3 election, told supporters in an email on Monday that his campaign hit an ambitious $6mn online fundraising goal over six days at the end of May. Trump has denounced those who carried out looting during protests as thugs, and his campaign has reiterated his calls for law and order in fundraising appeals this week. Democratic presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden speaks in Philadelphia, Tuesday, June 2, 2020 [Matt Rourke/AP Photo] 07:52 GMT Arrests at widespread US protests hit 10,000 More than 10,000 people have been arrested in protests across the US, according to an Associated Press tally of known arrests. In a nearly 24-hour period from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon, 41 of the 52 people cited with protest-related arrests had Minnesota drivers licenses, according to the Hennepin County sheriff. In the nations capital, 86 percent of the more than 400 people arrested as of Wednesday afternoon were from Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. In Los Angeles, an online fundraising campaign has gathered $2 million so far to help more than 3,000 people arrested in demonstrations since Floyd died on May 25 in Minneapolis. Police arrest protesters as they march along a street in the Manhattan borough of New York [Seth Wenig/AP] Los Angeles Chief Michel Moore told the citys Police Commission the bulk of the arrests, about 2,500, were for failure to disperse or curfew violations. The rest were for crimes including burglary, looting, assaults on police officers and other violence, Moore told the panel, which functions as the police departments civilian oversight board. The only other US city with an arrest toll that comes close to Los Angeles is New York, with about 2,000, according to APs tally. The AP tally didnt take into account any additional arrests still unreported from Wednesday evening. 07:50 GMT Deputy mayor in Maine charged in case of racist Floyd post The deputy mayor of a Maine city has resigned and was charged with filing a false report after he said someone hacked his social media account to make racist statements about the George Floyd killing. Brewer police said Thomas Morelli was charged in relation to the incident, the Bangor Daily News reported on Wednesday. Morelli issued a statement in which he said he is ashamed of my comments and behavior and acknowledged his participation in Facebook trolling. Morelli had told police on Monday that someone had gained access to his Facebook account to post racist comments about Floyd. An investigation determined that Morelli made the comments, police said. 07:45 GMT UK says expects US to protect media freedoms Britain expects the United States to continue its tradition of protecting media freedoms, foreign minister Dominic Raab said when asked about protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. A journalist is seen bleeding after police started firing tear gas and rubber bullets in US protests [Chandan Khanna/AFP] While the demonstrations have been largely peaceful, police in some cities have used force against journalists and protesters, and protesters have clashed with police. I want to see America come together you mention media freedoms and journalistic freedoms, of course the US has a fine tradition of protecting all of those things and yes we do expect that to continue, he Raab said in an interview on Sky News. 07:03 GMT Meghan calls US events devastating Meghan, Britains Duchess of Sussex and wife of Queen Elizabeths grandson Prince Harry, has spoken about events following the death of George Floyd saying she was sorry that children had to grow up in a world where racism still existed and that current events in the United States were devastating. I know you know that black lives matter, Meghan said in a video she recorded for students graduating from her old high school in Los Angeles which was aired on Wednesday. For the past couple of weeks Ive been planning on saying a few words to you for your graduation and as weve all seen over the last week what is happening in our country, and in our state and in our home town of LA is absolutely devastating, said Meghan, whose mother is African American and father is white. 06:47 GMT Officer stabbed, 2 shot in Brooklyn A confrontation in Brooklyn left one police officer stabbed in the neck, two officers with gunshot wounds to their hands and another man shot by police, the New York Police Department said. The officers were taken to a hospital with wounds that were not expected to be life-threatening, the department said. The condition of the man shot by police was not immediately released. Tuesday night brought more big protests over the death of George Floyd [Seth Wenig/AP] The bloodshed happened just before midnight in the hours after an 8 pm (local time) curfew that was intended to quell unrest over the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. Details on how it unfolded werent immediately available. A neighborhood resident, though, said there was no protest in the area at the time of the shooting, and it wasnt clear if there was any connection to the unrest. 05:10 GMT Trump hits back at Mattis The US president has responded to former Defense Secretary James Mattiss scathing criticism of his handling of the racial justice protests sweeping the country. In a series of tweets, Trump called Mattis the worlds most overrated General and said: Glad hes gone! His primary strength was not military, but rather personal public relations. I gave him a new life, things to do, and battles to win, but he seldom brought home the bacon. I didnt like his leadership style or much else about him, and many others agree. Glad he is gone! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2020 The presidents press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, called Mattiss article in The Atlantic little more than a self-promotional stunt to appease the DC elite. Under Trump, she wrote on Twitter, America will unite in LAW AND ORDER! 04:44 GMT Los Angeles, San Francisco to lift curfews London Breed, the mayor of San Francisco, said she will be lifting a curfew in the city at 5am local time on Thursday. The protests we have seen in this city and across the country are for a peaceful cause and our city will continue to facilitate any and all peaceful demonstrations, she wrote in a tweet. Starting tomorrow morning at 5am we will be lifting the curfew in San Francisco. The protests we have seen in this city and across the country are for an important cause and our city will continue to facilitate any and all peaceful demonstrations. London Breed (@LondonBreed) June 3, 2020 In Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti said barring a setback, the citys curfew will be discontinued on Thursday. Los Angeles is currently locked down, with its fifth curfew set to last from 9pm on Wednesday to 5am on Thursday. 04:16 GMT Seattle cancels curfew Jenny Durkan, mayor of Seattle, cancelled a curfew in the west coast city, saying the chief of the police believes we can balance public safety and ensure peaceful protests can continue without a curfew. For those peacefully demonstrating tonight, please know you can continue to demonstrate, she said in a tweet just hours before the curfew was to kick in. We want you to continue making your voice heard. For those peacefully demonstrating tonight, please know you can continue to demonstrate. We want you to continue making your voice heard. Mayor Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) June 4, 2020 03:00 Video shows North Carolina police using chemical agents on boxed-in protesters The police department in Charlotte, North Carolina, is coming under criticism after a video posted to social media appeared to show officers using chemical agents on demonstrators who were boxed in while protesting the death of George Floyd. The video was recorded Tuesday night by Justin LaFrancois, co-founder and publisher of the alternative Charlotte newspaper Queen City Nerve. He said officers fired tear gas and flashbangs from behind the protesters, and in front of them, as well. He also said officers perched on top of buildings were firing pepper balls down on the crowd. We were completely trapped, LaFrancois said. There was one way to get out, and half of the group did go out that way through the tear gas and through the pepper balls. But for the rest of us, the only route of escape was to pull up a gate on the parking structure that we were pressed up against. LaFrancois said people tried to squeeze under the 6-inch opening in the gate. But as they looked for an exit from the parking deck, he said officers began firing pepper balls after they entered the deck from the other side. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said on Twitter that they are looking into the incident. 02:45 GMT Man fatally shot by police in San Francisco A man suspected of robbing a pharmacy in the San Francisco Bay area was fatally shot by officers who thought a hammer he was carrying in his waistband was a firearm, police said. Sean Monterrosa, 22, of San Francisco is the first confirmed death at the hands of law enforcement related to smash-and-grabs and protests in California since Floyds death. Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams said officers were responding to calls of looting at a Walgreens early Tuesday when the shooting occurred. Officers said Monterrosa began running toward a car when he suddenly stopped, got on his knees and placed his hands above his waist, revealing what appeared to be the butt of a firearm in his waistband. An officer shot five times through a car window, striking him once. The intent was to stop the looting and arrest any perpetrators if necessary. The officers reacted to a perceived threat, Williams said. John Burris, a lawyer for the family, said he is appalled police would shoot at a person who was on his knees with his hands raised. 02:00 GMT Autopsy report shows Floyd had tested positive for COVID-19 A full autopsy of Floyd showed that he had previously tested positive for COVID-19. The report by Chief Medical Examiner Andrew Baker spelled out clinical details, including that Floyd had tested positive for COVID-19 on April 3 but appeared asymptomatic. The report also noted Floyds lungs appeared healthy, but he had some narrowing of arteries in the heart. The countys earlier summary report had listed fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use under other significant conditions but not under cause of death. The full reports footnotes noted that signs of fentanyl toxicity could include severe respiratory depression and seizures. Terrence Floyd visits the site near where his brother George died in Minneapolis police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota [Eric Miler/Reuters] 00:05 GMT Ex-defence chief Mattis rips Trump for dividing Americans Former Defense Secretary James Mattis denounced Trumps heavy-handed use of military force to crack down on protests and said Trump was setting up a false conflict between the military and civilian society. I have watched this weeks unfolding events, angry and appalled, Mattis wrote. Mattis retired as defence secretary in December 2018 to protest Trumps Syria policy. He declined to speak out against Trump, saying he owed the nation public silence while his former boss remained in office. Riot police detaining a man as they rush protestors to clear Lafayette Park and the area around it across from the White House for President Donald Trump to be able to walk through for a photo opportunity in front of St Johns Episcopal Church [Ken Cedeno/Reuters] Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people does not even pretend to try. Instead he tries to divide us, Mattis wrote in a statement published by The Atlantic. Mattis said the protesters are rightly demanding that the country follow the words of Equal Justice Under Law that are on display at the US Supreme Court. He took particular issue with the use of force to move back protesters so Trump could visit St Johns Church the day after it was damaged by fire during protests. We know that we are better than the abuse of executive authority that we witnessed in Lafayette Square, Mattis said. Read more here. Wednesday, June 3 23:30 GMT Police charge 3 men they say plotted to capitalise on Vegas protests Three Nevada men who allegedly have ties to a movement of right-wing extremists advocating the overthrow of the US government have been arrested on terrorism-related charges in what authorities say was a conspiracy to trigger violence during recent protests in Las Vegas. Federal prosecutors say the three men, who are white and served in the US military, are accused of conspiring to carry out a plan that began in April in conjunction with protests against coronavirus lockdowns and later sought to capitalise on protests against Floyds death in police custody. Stephen T Parshall, 35, Andrew T Lynam Jr, 23, and William L Loomis, 40, were being held on $1m bond each in the Clark County jail, according to court records. Each currently faces two federal charges conspiracy to damage and destroy by fire and explosive, and possession of unregistered firearms. In state court, they have been accused of felony conspiracy, terrorism and explosives possession. 23:15 GMT ACLU sues Minnesota police, alleging harassment of journalists at protests The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has accused Minnesota law enforcement of wrongly arresting, injuring and harassing journalists covering protests. In the lawsuit, the ACLU accuses the Minneapolis Police Department and Minnesota State Patrol of shooting journalists in the face with rubber bullets, arresting reporters and photographers without cause, and threatening them at gunpoint. The suit alleges a Minnesota State Patrol officer forced videographer Tom Aviles to the ground and arrested him even though he had identified himself as a member of the press and was carrying a large video camera. Also arrested was CNN reporter Omar Jimenez, during a live broadcast. Los Angeles Times reporter Molly Hennessy-Fiske and photographer Carolyn Cole were backed against a wall, subjected to tear gas and had projectiles hurled at them. 22:50 GMT Retired Navy officer says he was sickened by sight of army clearing protesters in Washington, DC Retired Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he was sickened to see how law enforcement including the National Guard had cleared the area outside of the White House on Monday and warned against over-use of the US military. Our fellow citizens are not the enemy, and must never become so, Mullen wrote. Protesters are tear gassed as the police disperse them near the White House in Washington, DC [Roberto Schmidt/AFP] 22:45 GMT Trump says he most likely will not need military to respond to protests Trump said on Wednesday that he did not believe that he would need to use US troops to counter protests. It depends, I dont think well have to, Trump said when asked in an interview with Newsmax TV whether he would send the military to any cities. LAW & ORDER! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2020 The president had previously said that he could use military forces in states that have failed to crack down on the violent protests. 22:30 GMT Obama calls on local mayors to review police use of force policies and commit to reform Former US President Barack Obama said the violence and injustices that are the underlying causes that sparked nationwide protests need change at the local level. Im urging every mayor in this country to review your use of force policies with members of your community, and commit to report on planned reforms, he said in a virtual town hall. Obama said both protest and voting are important, as officials who could effect change in 19,000 American municipalities and more than 18,000 local enforcement jurisdictions are elected and could be held accountable by voters. Former US President Barack Obama speaking during an event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia [File: Lim Huey Teng/Reuters] To bring about real change. We both have to highlight a problem, and make people in power uncomfortable, but we also have to translate that into practical solutions and laws that can be implemented. He told young men and women of colour your lives matter and your dreams matter and commended those in law enforcement who have marched alongside the protestors. 21:30 GMT Minnesota attorney general says first-degree murder charge still possible In an interview with CNN, Minnesota Attorney General Ellison said that if the prosecution gets evidence to support a first-degree murder charge against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the George Floyd case, it will be presented to a jury. We are continuing to gather evidence, and if we get evidence to support that, that we can put in front of a jury, we will present that. At this time, we brought forth the maximum ethical charges we could, he said. 21:45 GMT New York City has taken a step forward in restoring order, mayor says New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says the city has taken a step forward in restoring order with the help of an early curfew. There was much less widespread looting of stores Tuesday night amid a large police presence, he said. The citywide curfew continues from 8pm to 5am this week, imposed to prevent the nighttime chaos and destruction that followed peaceful protests for several days in a row. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio speaking during a press conference in New York City, New York [File: Angela Weiss/AFP] Police said they arrested about 280 people on protest-related charges Tuesday, compared with 700 the previous night. Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was critical of the prior police response, says the city was much better, and officers were better equipped to keep the peace. 20:20 GMT Symbolic funeral in Connecticut Hundreds of people in the US state of Connecticut held a symbolic funeral procession to honour George Floyd and protest racial injustice. In the city of Danbury, protesters shouted I cant breathe, as they marched through the city and walked onto Interstate 84, briefly shutting down traffic on the highway. The procession in Floyds honour ended with a rally at the state Capitol, where speakers eulogised victims of police brutality and called for a sustained effort to address issues of poverty and discrimination. 20:15 GMT Floyd family welcomes new charges against fired policemen This is a significant step forward on the road to justice, Benjamin Crump, attorney for the Floyd family, said in a statement, we are gratified that this important action was brought before George Floyds body was laid to rest, Crump said. He later told CNN that Chauvin should be facing a first-degree murder charge and that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison had informed Floyds family that the investigation is ongoing and other charges could be filed. 19:30 GMT All four Minneapolis officers involved in Floyds death charged All four fired Minneapolis police officers involved in George Floyds death now face charges. According to court documents, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J Alexander Kueng all face aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder charges, as well as aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. NEW: Three other Mpls police officers present at the scene of George Floyd's death are charged with Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Murder and Manslaughter. Patrick Kessler (@PatKessler) June 3, 2020 Derek Chauvins murder charge, previously third-degree, has been upgraded to second-degree unintentional murder, which can carry a sentence of up to 40 years, 15 years longer than the maximum sentence for third-degree murder. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has requested that bail be set at $1m for each of the four former officers, the documents showed. Ellison is expected to hold a briefing later. 18:30 GMT AG Ellison to elevate charges against officer who knelt on Floyds neck, charge others involved: reports Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will elevate charges against former officer Derek Chauvin to second-degree murder, according to US Senator Amy Klobuchar. This is another important step for justice, Klobuchar, a former candidate for the Democratic nomination for president and rumoured contender for Joe Bidens vice president pick, tweeted on Wednesday. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is increasing charges against Derek Chauvin to 2nd degree in George Floyds murder and also charging other 3 officers. This is another important step for justice. Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) June 3, 2020 Klobuchar also said the other three officers involved would be charged. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune also published a report with similar information. Ellison is expected to make an announcement on the charges this afternoon. 18:05 UN high commissioner for human rights blasts US for structural racism UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday decried structural racism in the US and voiced alarm at the unprecedented assault on journalists covering protests across the country. Bachelet insisted that the grievances at the heart of the protests that have erupted in hundreds of US cities needed to be heard and addressed if the country was to move forward. The voices calling for an end to the killings of unarmed African Americans need to be heard, Bachelet, the former president of Chile, said in a statement. Bachelet stressed the need for clear and constructive leadership to bring the country through the crisis. Especially during a crisis, a country needs its leaders to condemn racism unequivocally; for them to reflect on what has driven people to boiling point; to listen and learn; and to take actions that truly tackle inequalities, she said. 17:57 GMT Active-duty troops deployed to DC will leave Active-duty troops brought in to help if needed during the civil unrest in the US capital are beginning to return to their home base, after two days of more peaceful demonstrations in Washington, DC, senior defence officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The officials said about 200 soldiers with the 82nd Airbornes immediate response force would be the first to leave on Wednesday. The remainder of the active-duty troops, who have all been kept at military bases outside the city in northern Virginia and Maryland, will also get pulled home in the coming days if conditions allow, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss imminent troop movements. The active-duty troops were available but were not used in response to the protests. 17:45 GMT Floyds family and their lawyers visit the site where the 46-year-old died. Benjamin Crump, the prominent civil rights lawyer representing the Floyd family, called for all officers involved in Floyds death to be arrested and charged before Thursdays memorial in Minneapolis. So far, only Derek Chauvin who knelt on Floyds neck has been charged. Pointing out that some of Floyds last words were, I cant breathe, Crump called on those present to take a breath for peace. Lets take a breath for justice, lets take a breath to heal our country. And most importantly take a breath for George Floyd, he said, joined by members of Floyds family. Lets take a breath this week to heal this country. Lets follow Georges example, he added, reading the names of several Black people who have been killed by police.Lets take a breath for all the marginalised and disenfranchised and dehumanised people who were killed unjustifiably, who were killed unnecessarily and who was killed senselessly because they are American citizens and they human beings and finally, they are children of God. 16:15 GMT Decision made in further charges for officers in Floyd case Minnesota Attorney Generals office has completed its review of initial evidence in the investigation of the four police officers involved in the killing of George Floyd and will announce its decision on further charges later this afternoon, CNN reports. Protesters have demanded all four officers involved be charged in Floyds death. Only one white officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes as he pleaded, I cant breathe has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Former officers JA Keung and Thomas Lane, who helped Chauvin restrain Floyd, and Tou Thao, have not yet been charged. Medical examiners have designated the death a homicide, though this is not a legal determination. 16:10 GMT Reports challenge Trumps Antifa claims Part of a June 1 internal intelligence assessment of the protests viewed by Reuters shows that US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials said most of the violence appears to have been driven by opportunists. Trump has threatened to designate Antifa, a loose conglomeration of anti-fascist activists, as a terrorist organisation for allegedly causing violence in the protests. Reuters cited two unnamed Justice Department officials who said they had seen little to support claims that far-left groups were causing violence. The DHS report said there was some evidence based on open-source and DHS reporting that Antifa may be contributing to the violence, a view shared by some local police departments in public statements and interviews with Reuters. The part of the document seen by Reuters did not provide any specific evidence of extremist-driven violence, but noted that white supremacists were working online to increase tensions between protesters and law enforcement by calling for acts of violence against both groups. There was no evidence, however, that white supremacists were causing violence at any of the protests, the document said. But the Southern Poverty Law Center, an Alabama-based monitoring group, claims it has found evidence that a person arrested at a North Carolina for allegedly shooting at groups of protesters has ties to neo-Confederate groups. 16:25 GMT Secretary of Defense Esper does not support invoking Insurrection Act Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has said during a news conference that he supports the rights of US citizens to protest peacefully and does not support the invocation of the Insurrection Act. It is these rights and freedoms that make our country so special. It is these rights and freedoms that American service members are willing to fight and die for, Esper said in remarks before taking questions. I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act. A demonstrator walks in front of a row of military police members wearing riot gear as they push back demonstrators outside of the White House [Jose Luis Magan/AFP] President Trump threatened to use the act to use the military to quell protests across the country. The Insurrection Act dates to the early 1800s and permits the president to send in US forces to suppress a domestic insurrection that has hindered the normal enforcement of US law. Esper further said he was not informed about Trumps controversial photo-op at a church which took place on Monday. I was not aware of law enforcements plans for the park. I was not briefed on them, nor should I expect to be, Esper said. Trump holds up a Bible during a photo opportunity in front of St Johns Episcopal Church in the midst of protests over racial inequality in the wake of the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody [Tom Brenner/Reuters] The defence secretary also stated he was working hard to keep his department out of politics, though it is challenging as the country moves closer to elections. 12:43 GMT Statue of divisive former Philadelphia Mayor Rizzo removed Workers have removed the statue of controversial former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo, which was recently defaced during a protest following Floyds death. As National Guard troops deployed in the wake of recent protests watched, a crane lifted the 10-foot-tall (3-metre) bronze statue and workers moved it from its stand outside the Municipal Services Building, across from City Hall. It was loaded onto the back of a truck. 14:25 GMT Irans supreme leader condemns duplicitous US human rights policies Irans supreme leader has assailed Washington in the wake of Floyds killing for its duplicitous policies when it comes to upholding human rights. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed that in the US, they kill people in an open crime, and they do not offer an apology while claiming [to support] human rights. Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters, added: Apparently, the African American man who was killed there was not a human being. 14:05 GMT Germany, shocked by Floyds death, promises to counter racism The German government is shocked by the death of Floyd, an unarmed Black American man, at the hands of police and must work to counter racism at home like other countries, a government spokesman said on Wednesday. The death of George Floyd shocked people in Germany and all over the world, it shocked the federal government [of Germany] too, spokesman Steffen Seibert said. It is an appalling and avoidable death. 13:45 GMT Of course Black lives matter, says British PM Johnson British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday Black lives matter, and he supported the right to protest, in a lawful and socially-distanced way, after the killing by police of Floyd in the US stirred widespread anger. Of course, Black lives matter and I totally understand the anger, the grief that is felt not just in America but around the world and in our country as well, he told Parliament. I also support, as Ive said, the right to protest. The only point I would make is that any protest should be carried out lawfully and in this country protests should be carried out in accordance with our rules on social distancing. ____________________________________________________________________ Hello and welcome to Al Jazeeras continuing coverage of the protests in the US over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is Laurin-Whitney Gottbrath in Louisville, Kentucky, and Creede Newton in Washington, DC. Here are a few things to catch up on: George Floyd, an unarmed 46-year-old Black man, died on May 25 after a white officer used his knee to pin Floyds neck to the ground for nearly nine minutes. Floyd can be heard on a bystander video repeatedly pleading with officers, saying: I cant breathe. He eventually lies motionless with the officers knee still on his neck. You can read about the deadly incident here. The four officers involved in the incident were fired, and one has been charged. Protests some violent have since erupted nationwide as demonstrators rally for justice for Floyd and all unarmed Black people killed by police. See the updates from Mondays protests here. Carole Baskin, who became a household name after Netflixs Tiger King spotlighted her yearslong feud with Joe Exotic, was awarded Exotics former zoo by an Oklahoma judge on Monday. Baskin, who owns and operates Big Cat Rescue, sued Exotics business, Greater Wynnewood Development Group, and Shirley Shcribvogel, Exotics mother, in 2016. The zoo is no longer controlled by Exotic, whose legal name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage. Exotic is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence for murder-for-hire plot against Baskin. The two have been longtime enemies, with Baskin accusing Exotic of animal abuse Exotic claiming Baskin was trying to ruin his zoo. Both accused the other of smearing their reputations. Exotic was convicted in September and sentenced in January for the murder-for-hire scheme against Baskin, as well as for multiple violations of wildlife laws. The court ruling Monday in the Western District of Oklahoma says the zoo must be vacated in 120 days and control must be handed over to Baskins Big Cat Rescue. Baskin is also entitled to the buildings and vehicles on the land. The order requires the removal of all zoo animals for the Zoo Land. The park is now owned by Jeff Lowe, who was also featured in the Netflix documentary. Baskin could not be immediately reached by NBC News. A coalition of local pastors announced on Wednesday a partnership with the Hamilton County Health Department and the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga to launch COVID-19 testing sites at community churches beginning on Saturday. In an effort to offer broader and more accessible testing to the African American community, the Hamilton County Health Department is partnering with local pastors and the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga to launch a community testing model that utilizes churches as COVID-19 testing sites. "We know African American communities are more likely to be essential workers, more likely to be exposed at work, and are ultimately more at risk during this pandemic, said Dr. Ternae Jordan, senior pastor at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, the first church hosting a testing site on June 6 and 7. Churches have long-been places of healing and hopethis is another way we can offer ourselves in service and pour Gods grace into our community. Churches were selected in partnership and with input from several African American pastors, including: Pastor Bobby Hampton, Pastor Gary Hathaway, Pastor Ternae Jordan, and Pastor Carlos Williams. The partnership also included input from the Hamilton County Baptist Association and the Servant Leadership Christian Fellowship. The initiative is being coordinated by the Hamilton County Health Department Director of Community Health Services Bill Ulmer. Testing will begin on June 6 and 7, and is currently slated to continue every weekend through August. The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga provided funding for the pilot initiative. The current testing schedule includes four churches through the month of June, including: - June 6-7 Mt. Canaan Baptist Church - June 13-14 Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church - June 20-21 Hawkinsville Baptist Church - June 27-28 Tucker Baptist Church Testing will run Saturdays from 10 a.m.1 p.m. and Sundays from 12-3 p.m. Additional testing sites for July is anticipated to be announced in the coming weeks and is being developed in partnership with a broader coalition of community leaders and local pastors. Ministry just doesnt come from behind the pulpit. We are called to go beyond the walls, said Reverend Carlos Williams, senior pastor of Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church. This is an opportunity for the church and the community to come together. We are just trying to do our part to keep the community safe, healthy, and informed. Appointment 3 June 2020 42-year old Thomas Wilken has been appointed General Manager of the 137-room MAXX by Steigenberger Sanssouci Potsdam with effect from 1 June 2020. In his new capacity, Mr. Wilken will be responsible for all operational and administrative business areas of the hotel. The previous Director Thomas Schneider is leaving the company at the end of June in order to relocate to Belgium. Mr. Schneider will, however, be making his experience and expertise available to his successor in the meantime. Thomas Wilken has gained valuable experience of his own during the past few years as a Director of Operations and Executive Assistant Manager. His employers have included the Marriott and Kempinski hotel groups. After completing his upper secondary school leaving certificate, Mr. Wilken trained as a cook at the Sansibar Restaurant on the Island of Sylt before embarking upon a hotel management training programme with Marriott International. Representative image Bharat Biotech on June 3 said it has secured $14.1 million funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to advance the development of a Chikungunya vaccine. The vaccine maker in consortium with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is developing vaccine against Chikungunya. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection. CEPI will fund the consortium with up to $14.1 million for vaccine manufacturing and clinical development of a two-dose live-inactivated vaccine (BBV87) against Chikungunya. This grant is supported by the European Unions (EUs) Horizon 2020 programme through an existing framework partnership agreement with CEPI. The consortium will be further supported with a grant of up to $2 million from the Indian governments Ind-CEPI initiative which will fund the set-up of GMP manufacturing facilities for the vaccine in India, and the subsequent manufacture of clinical trial materials. In addition to manufacturing, the partnering agreement will finance a multi-centre Phase 2/3 adaptive clinical trial to be conducted by IVI in Colombia, Panama and Thailand which will provide crucial data about the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate. "The partnership will build on Bharat Biotech's experience of developing and supplying affordable vaccines, and WHO prequalification procedures, to ensure affordable access to the vaccine in countries where Chikungunya is endemic, in line with CEPIs core commitment to equitable access," it said in a release The investment is part of CEPIs third call for proposals which was launched in January 2019. Since the launch of this call, over $80 million of CEPI core funding has been committed to three Chikungunya vaccine candidates and two Rift Valley Fever vaccine candidates. CEPI was founded in Davos by the governments of Norway and India, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, and the World Economic Forum. CEPI has secured $750 million toward its $1billion funding target, with multi-year funding from Norway, Germany, Japan, Canada, Australia, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Wellcome Trust. The agency priority diseases include Ebola virus, Lassa virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus, Nipah virus, Rift Valley Fever and Chikungunya virus. Bharat Biotech vaccine candidate called as BBV87 vaccine is an inactivated whole virion vaccine based on a strain derived from an East, Central, South African (ECSA) genotype. The vaccine has completed standard pre-clinical studies, and an optimum immune response was elicited by the adjuvanted vaccine in phase 1 clinical trials in India. Inactivated virions technology has a safety profile which potentially makes this vaccine accessible to special populations, such as immunocompromised and pregnant women, that some other technologies cannot reach. Chikungunya continues to be a threat to public health in countries around the globe. It is a painful and debilitating disease for which there is no licensed vaccine or treatment," said Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI. "Through this partnership with Bharat Biotech and IVI we will accelerate the clinical development of the Chikungunya vaccine candidate, with the aim of producing a vaccine and making it accessible to those most affected by the disease, Hatchett said. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech said with accelerated clinical development in endemic countries, the Chikungunya vaccine candidate will be successful. We are witnessing that todays neglected diseases are susceptible to become tomorrows pandemics and with this collaboration we have the opportunity to tackle them proactively, Ella added. "Through these late-phase clinical trials under GCCDP, were looking forward to generating additional safety and immunogenicity data from three endemic countries to support use of this vaccine in outbreaks and routine immunization in endemic countries, said Dr Sushant Sahastrabuddhe, Principal Investigator and Director of the Global Chikungunya vaccine Clinical Development (GCCDP) consortium. Chikungunya is an RNA virus. It was first identified in Tanzania in 1952, with sporadic outbreaks of the disease reported subsequently across Africa and Asia. In 2004, the disease began to spread quickly, causing large-scale outbreaks around the world. Since the re-emergence of the virus, the total number of cases has been estimated at over 3.4 million in 43 countries. Chikungunya is spread by the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes and causes fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can persist for weeks to years. Climate change could further amplify the threat posed by Chikungunya. As the climate warms, more areas across the world will become habitable for the mosquito vectors that transmit the virus, thereby increasing the size of the human population at risk of infection. In 2006, Chikungunya re-emerged in India after 32 years, causing the epidemic affecting more than 1.4 million people across the 13 States, and post epidemic, a declining trend was seen till 2011. From 2011 to 2015, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) reported an average of about 20,000 suspected CHIK cases across the country every year. For example, in 2007, an outbreak of Chikungunya virus infections was declared for the first time in Europe with more than 200 human cases reported in Italy. Since 2014, in the USA, local-transmission of the virus has been reported in Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas and the US Virgin Islands. Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The chief of the Northern Army Command is camping in Leh to review the situation amid growing tensions with China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. Sources said Lt Gen YK Joshi, Commander of the Udhampur-based Northern Command, will be camping in Leh till Thursday. He was scheduled to reach Leh on Tuesday but was unable to do so. The visit comes ahead of the talks between the senior level officers of the Indian Army and the People's Liberation Army to resolve the ongoing standoff. Lt Gen Joshi was earlier heading the 14 Corps, the Army division that looks after Ladakh and now engaged with the PLA soldiers at the standoff points. His visit to Leh assumes significance keeping in mind his understanding of the area and knowledge on LAC. Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army held several meetings to resolve the face-off. However, no breakthrough has taken place. The Major General level commanders from Indian and Chinese sides had met at the LAC in Ladakh on June 2 in a bid to defuse tension along the border. The soldiers of India and China are in a month-long faceoff position in Ladakh which was first reported by this paper. The Chinese soldiers are said to have reached the positions claimed by India. In the meantime, China has sent a large number of troops to the LAC as reinforcements. Seeing this, Indian Army has also deployed forces accordingly. There are four places where there is an eyeball-to-eyeball situation since May 5 along LAC. Both sides have deployed over 1,000 troops and sending reinforcements. Disability rights activist Heidi Crowter has urged MPs not to approve Northern Irelands abortion regulations after they were rejected by the Stormont Assembly (Heidi Crowter/PA) Disability rights activist Heidi Crowter has urged MPs not to approve Northern Irelands abortion regulations after they were rejected by the Stormont Assembly. On Tuesday, devolved lawmakers voted in opposition to new provisions that include terminations up to birth in cases of serious non-fatal disabilities. Ms Crowter claimed such laws are discriminatory. She said: Firstly I would like to say thank you for voting for equality for disabled babies in the womb. It makes me feel overjoyed and very proud of myself that my campaigning helped and inspired the MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly). I listened to the debate and was delighted with the vote. I would now call on the Government not to ask MPs and peers to vote for regulations that contain discriminatory provisions that tell people like me that we should not exist. Expand Close MPs are due to vote on the abortion regulations, which were introduced in March, at Westminster later this month (George Ryan/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp MPs are due to vote on the abortion regulations, which were introduced in March, at Westminster later this month (George Ryan/PA) MPs are due to vote on the abortion regulations, which were introduced in March, at Westminster later this month. If they are rejected, the Government would face the prospect of having to redraw new regulations. Northern Irelands restrictive abortion laws were changed by MPs last year at a time when the Stormont Assembly was collapsed. The outcome of Tuesday evenings debate at Stormont does not change the recently introduced liberalised system. A DUP motion rejecting the imposition of abortion regulations by Westminster passed by 46 votes to 40. One abstained. The result is read after MLAs voted on this evening's motion on abortion regulations. The motion is carried. pic.twitter.com/BJ5foBI0DJ DUP (@duponline) June 2, 2020 Some SDLP, UUP and Alliance Party representatives voted with the DUP while others opposed it. While the motion rejected the new regulations in their entirety, it focused on one which permits abortions up to birth in cases of severe disability. A related amendment from Sinn Fein fell. Ms Crowters mother Liz Crowter said: At 24 weeks babies are viable. You cannot have a law that says it is OK to end the lives of some viable human beings because they have Down Syndrome, while saying that other viable human beings of the same age cannot be because they dont have a disability, without saying human beings with non-fatal disabilities are worthy of less protection and are therefore less valuable. Nicola Woods, from Belfast, is mother of Daniel Woods, seven, who has Down Syndrome. She said: It is great news that our elected representatives here in Northern Ireland have spoken up for the rights of the unborn with disabilities. There should be no difference in the treatment of pregnancies depending on the chromosomes of the baby. People with Down Syndrome arent stupid. They understand that the screening and discriminatory abortion law around Down Syndrome, and other disabilities, implies their lives are not worth living and the absolute opposite is the case. We want Northern Ireland to be a clear voice in standing up for the value of people like my son Daniel. At the virtual ASMS 2020 Reboot conference, Bruker Corporation today announces a major advance in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) with the launch of the worlds first commercial MALDI-2 post-ionization (PI) source, which is now available as an option on the timsTOF fleXTM ESI/MALDI mass spectrometer. The novel MALDI-2 technology can offer one or two orders of magnitude higher sensitivity for many small molecules and lipids. MALDI-2 increases the applications range of MALDI mass spectrometry and imaging even further. Moreover, Bruker launches additional unique TIMS/PASEF-enabled 4D proteomics methods that leverage the large-scale, real-time availability of accurate collision cross sections (CCS) for tens of thousands of measured peptides per 4D nanoLC-CCS-MS/MS run. These new methods and software include prm-PASEF, short-gradient dia-PASEF, MOMA, and Run and Done proteomics using a novel GPU-based real-time search engine. In addition to further enhanced peptide, protein and PTM identification, these CCS-enabled innovations allow for sustained, ultra-high sensitivity LFQ performance, and for truly high-throughput methods for 4D proteomics, 4D lipidomics and 4D metabolomics on the exceptionally robust timsTOF Pro platform. A. SpatialOMx and Translational Mass Spectrometry Imaging on timsTOF fleX The innovative MALDI-2 PI source increases both the sensitivity and range of applications of MALDI very significantly. MALDI-2 requires a second laser (266 nm) fired orthogonally into the expanding MALDI plume that is generated by Brukers proprietary primary SmartBeamTM 3D (355 nm) laser. An optimized flexMatrixTM formulation is recommended for MALDI-2. The new MALDI-2 source is now available as an option on the timsTOF flex ESI/MALDI instrument. Professor Klaus Dreisewerd, Leader Section for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry at the University of Muenster in Germany, and the pioneer of MALDI-2, said: In the last 35 years, MALDI has become a unique and rapid analytical tool for a wide variety of applications. We developed MALDI-2 to significantly extend the technique by providing much higher sensitivity for small molecules, and the inclusion of chemical classes that did not ionize efficiently with MALDI. The MALDI-2 powered timsTOF fleX will take MALDI to new scientific and analytical frontiers. Dr. Michael Easterling, Global MS Imaging Director at Bruker Daltonics, added: The growing value of MALDI Imaging and SpatialOMx for tissue-specific models in drug development drives demand for even higher sensitivity and versatility. With its dramatically increased sensitivity and accessible range of chemical classes, the novel MALDI-2 source option can now further enhance mass spectrometry-based, non-targeted tissue analysis.. Bruker now also offers a MALDI-2 compound reference library for its MetaboScape metabolomics software, which was created during various academic and pharma collaborations. MetaboScape provides automatic analyte annotation within the SCiLS Lab MALDI imaging software, including CCS-algorithms that improve the confidence of annotation for many metabolites, glycans and lipids directly in tissue images. B. CCS-Enabled 4D Proteomics Innovations on timsTOF Platform prm-PASEF for Translational Quantitative 4D Proteomics Brukers revolutionary timsTOF Pro for has been further enhanced by combining PASEF with parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) for label-free quantitative proteomics. This unique mode of prm-PASEF takes advantage of the 4th dimension of separation using TIMS to improve selectivity and sensitivity, combined with the speed of PASEF to increase the number of precursor targets. Working closely with the Skyline team to enable prm-PASEF methods, Skyline software can now analyze the prm-PASEF data and produce quantitative reports. The group of Prof. Gunnar Dittmar from the Luxembourg Institute of Health and Prof. Antoin Lesur, who both worked on the prm-PASEF workflow development, commented: We have been extremely impressed by the early results from prm-PASEF on the timsTOF Pro in our lab. The sensitivity and speed of prm-PASEF already rivals that of PRM methods that have been developed over many years on other platforms. Dr. Jarrod Marto, Associate Professor at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Womens Hospital added: We have made tremendous progress since initiating co-development of prm-PASEF with the Bruker Team. The unique combination of acquisition speed and integrated ion mobility on the timsTOF Pro enable us to robustly quantify potential biomarker candidates across clinical cohorts. Moreover, real-time adjustment of acquisition parameters with prm-PASEF LIVE will push usability and throughput even further. Large-Scale, High-Precision Peptide CCS Measurements for Deep Learning Peptide collisional cross sections (CCS) measured at large scale and with high precision by the unique TIMS technology deliver added dimensionality for increased confidence of identification in 4D proteomics. A new study by Florian Meier et. al., entitled Deep learning the collisional cross sections of the peptide universe from a million training samples, and submitted to bioRxiv, (2020.05.19.102285; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.05.19.102285), uses a deep learning training set of 570,000 CCS values measured in 360 LC/MS runs of fractionated digests of five organisms, run on a timsTOF Pro system. Professor Matthias Mann, Director at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Germany, commented: The size and shape of peptide ions in the gas phase are an under-explored dimension for mass spectrometry-based proteomics. CCS values can now be predicted for any peptide and organism, forming a basis for advanced proteomics workflows that make full use of the additional information. Short-gradient dia-PASEF and Mobility Offset Mass Aligned (MOMA) for 4D Proteomics New short-gradient methods have been developed using the dia-PASEF workflow, which is finding increasing use in many timsTOF Pro labs. Dia-PASEF can provide a meaningful advance in data completeness, and the dia-PASEF workflow is now supported by Bioinformatics Solutions Inc. PEAKS and Biognosys Spectronaut software. Dr. Lukas Reiter, Chief Technology Officer of Biognosys commented: With the Spectronaut 14 launch, we have complete support for the timsTOF Pro: Fast library generation from PASEF and ion mobility calibration for a more specific targeted extraction in Spectronaut. Furthermore, we have added directDIA support for the timsTOF Pro. We are also excited to have a timsTOF Pro in our lab to further speed up our software development for this new and exciting platform. Dr. Gary Kruppa, Vice President for Proteomics at Bruker Daltonics, added: With the launch of prm-PASEF, the growing success of dia-PASEF, and the trend towards shorter gradients that take advantage of the robustness, sensitivity and unmatched duty-cycle of PASEF, the timsTOF Pro provides the capabilities to make 4D-proteomics translational reality. Furthermore, the unique MOMA feature of TIMS allows for targeting isobaric precursors at similar retention times for MS/MS acquisition. Having MOMA capability helps improve the depth of coverage using short gradients, and this is important to our translational research proteomics users who are running >50 samples per day per timsTOF Pro. Run & Done Real-Time Search Developed by Yates Lab for High-Throughput 4D Proteomics Bruker announces the availability of the proteomic pipeline (IP2) with a GPU-based search engine incorporating the ProLuCID database search tool from the laboratory of Professor John Yates at The Scripps Research Institute based in LaJolla, CA. This unique GPU-based IP2 software has been developed by Dr. Robin Park and allows timsTOF Pro 4D data to be searched in real-time during acquisition, with search results available at the end of the run. Prof. John Yates III and Dr. Robin Park said: The co-evolution of computational advances with mass spectrometry sensitivity and scan speed have enabled more accurate, large-scale data analysis approaches that help answer many biological questions. GPU-based search engines designed to simultaneously execute many parallel instruction threads can reduce search times to the point where the search results can be converted into real-time input to drive tandem MS acquisition. This becomes an exciting part in our partnership with Bruker, as it will utilize the timsTOF Pro even more intelligently. Dr. Rohan Thakur, Executive Vice President of Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry at Bruker Daltonics, added: The IP2/GPU solution provides a software infrastructure thats amenable to supporting plug-in applications from our third-party software partners that take advantage of high-performance cluster or cloud capabilities. We are committed to our strategy of open data file formats to facilitate community-driven software development, including our third-party partners through API access for the benefit of the timsTOF user community. Featured speakers at our eXceed symposia and breakfast events. For more detailed information on our eXceed Symposia and Breakfast Workshops please visit www.bruker.com/events/2020/asms-2020-reboot. The Synergies of Mass Spectrometry and Informatics Prof. John Yates , The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA Next level imaging Mass Spectrometry: Single cells in focus with SpatialOMx Prof. Ron Heeren , Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands Clinical Proteomics in interesting times Roman Fischer , University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom Developing PRM on the timsTOF Pro for biomarker studies in cerebrospinal fluid Jarrod Marto , Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA High-speed MALDI-2 on a timsTOF fleX: An overview of applications Dr. Bram Heijs , Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands Affinity-Bead Assisted Mass Spectrometry (Affi-BAMS): A Multiplexed Microarray Platform for Targeted Proteomics Ghaith Hamza , Astra Zeneca, Discovery Science, MA, USA Kinase-substrate analysis via diaPASEF phosphoproteomics Danielle Swaney , School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA PASER: Parallel Database Search Engine in Real-Time and beyond Robin Park , The Scripps Research Institute and CEO Integrated Proteomics Applications, La Jolla, CA, USA Introducing the Novel timsTOF fleX MALDI-2 a powerful tool to enhance sensitivity and dimensionality for SpatialOMx Prof. Klaus Dreisewerd , University of Munster, Munster, Germany Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry (TIMS) and Parallel Accumulation Serial Fragmentation (PASEF) for Urine Metabolomic Profiling Christina Di Poto , AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA Bruker will host a virtual scientific and trade press conference on Monday, June 1st, 2020, at 8:00 am CDT, including Bruker management and guest speaker Professor John Yates. Customers are invited to visit Brukers ASMS 2020 Reboot virtual hospitality suite throughout the conference. For much of the first half of the 20th century, another mysterious virus was freaking people the hell out, and no one understood what it was or how it spread. Children got hit the worst. It touched the wealthy and the poor. It paralyzed and even killed. Nothing seemed to stop it, and "Polio season" came back with a vengeance every summer. Public swimming pools were the kiss of deathor at least paralysisand attending a gathering at a birthday party, a bar mitzvah, or even a playground was a recipe for disaster. Speculation about its source ran rampant: the public considered everything from poisonous gasses from Europe, to horses, to radio waves, to cigarette smoke, to parents tickling their kids too much. Children touched by the virus were deemed pariahs and sent off to hospitals and sanitariums for treatment, while their panicked parents "cleaned" their homes by tossing toys, burning bedding, scrubbing floors and ripping down wallpaper, unsure of where the virus lurked or how long it incubated. Then, in 1953, Jonas Salk created a vaccine that stopped polio in its tracks. And Jayne Mansfield did her part to promote the March of Dimes immunization program. My friend Bill Franklin, writer, educator, and publisher, was a Southern California grade-schooler at the time. It was announced to his 5th grade class that the movie star Jayne Mansfield (the infamous headline-grabber, pin-up, and star of the films Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter, The Girl Can't Help It, Too Hot to Handle, and Promises! Promises!) would be visiting local area elementary schools, and for a fifty cent donation to the March of Dimes you could have your picture taken with her. "Fifty cents was a lot of money for a kid at that time," he recalled when he first told me about his brush with greatness, "But I thought about it, and I decided it was for a good cause and that it would be worth the money. So I nervously took five precious dimes from my savings that morning before I left for school." Although his moment before the camera with Jayne was brief, no one could argue that his fifty-cent investment wasn't well spent. Unfortunately, 30 or so years later would Bill succumb to complications of another virus, HIV, while AIDS was at its peak and more advanced treatment had yet to be developed. His photo with Mansfield is priceless though, and it's my favorite way to remember him. I also love that even when touring the Southern California public school system posing for photos with children to fundraise for polio vaccination, Jayne was still all about the bust. Although she couldn't sport her signature plunging neckline at an elementary school, she still managed to get the job done with a blouse of complicated geometrical striping and seaming. The pose is all about the tits too, as she's fully aware, giving every fifth-grader their money's worth, nearly poking Bill's eye out with the tip of her bullet bra. Could the distribution of a Covid-19 virus be as much fun? RIP Bill, and Jayne. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 By Matanat Nasibova - Trend: Lankaran cannery, one of the largest producers of a wide-range fruit juices and compotes (stewed fruit) in Azerbaijan, located in the Lankaran district, has expanded the export geography, a source in the enterprise told Trend. According to the source, the matter is about the export deliveries to the US. For the first time, $9,000 worth of canned goods were exported to this market, the source noted. The cannery exported 12,000 bottles of Bagdan compotes and Narsharab (pomegranate juice). Initial deliveries to the US market amounted to only one container of products. Regular deliveries to this country are also expected during the summer, added the source. In the first quarter of 2020, the enterprise made export supplies to Russia, Ukraine and Poland. The retail price of compotes within the country is ranging at 1.4-1.8 manat (82 cents-$1.05). Prices for export products are also quite low, since foreign customers fully cover all transport and customs costs. Around 65-70 percent of cannerys products are sold in the domestic market, and 30 percent are exported. Lankaran cannerys products have a certificate of conformity issued by the State Committee for Standardization, Metrology and Patents of Azerbaijan. The production capacity of the enterprise allows producing 6-7 million bottles of compotes, and in general up to 10 million bottles of all types of products. The factory uses Italian-made equipment in the production process. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MatanatNasibova By Aisha Jabbarova Azerbaijan and Turkey have agreed on visa exemptions for citizens who have valid international passports and wish to stay in these countries for a period of no more than 90 days. The agreement "on mutual exemption from visa between the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkey" was signed on February 25 in Baku. Turkish Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved the visa agreement with Azerbaijan today. The Azerbaijani parliament had approved the agreement on May 31. With the agreement, citizens of Turkey and Azerbaijan "holding a valid passport shall be exempted from visa requirements for 90 days in order to enter, transit, exit and stay temporarily in the territory" of each country. Earlier, citizens of Azerbaijan and Turkey could stay in these countries for 30 days without a visa. _____ Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz After a record-breaking two weeks, where 'Remove China Apps' got over 10 lakh downloads on Android, Google has now removed the app from its Play Store, citing it for a policy violation. Where the Boycott China movement has been trending online for a few days now, Indian users were obviously furious at Google's suspension of the 'Remove China Apps' app. Google Play Store Developed by OneTouch AppLabs (this is the first and only app developed by them as of now), the Remove China Apps app -- when installed on your Android phone -- would show only third-party apps installed on the app, not the pre-installed apps by Chinese smartphone makers like Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, etc. The app developer also tweeted about the removal of 'Remove China Apps' app from Google's Play Store. In their tweet, they didn't offer any reason as to why their app was being suspended by Google, which is definitely something to take note. Twitter The makers of 'Remove China Apps' thanked everyone for "all your support in past 2 weeks", hinting at the amazing response to the app, and also offered a tip on how to find the origin of any app by a simple Google search. By typing any app's name "origin country" in Google's search box, you can find the origin country of any app on Google Play Store, according to the makers of 'Remove China Apps'. Online response to app removal As expected, quite a few people on Twitter expressed their disapproval for the suspension of 'Remove China Apps' from Google's Play Store. Twitter Twitter From people commenting about how Google Play Store is succumbing to Chinese pressure, to how it's a communist act, there were a wide range of disapproving thoughts of Google's suspension of Remove China Apps. Twitter Some other disgruntled users called out Google Play Store for doing a wrong, mentioning how it may be time to find an alternative to Google Play if the Remove China Apps was not restored to the Google Play Store. Twitter But the overwhelming response on Twitter was just this -- people asking Google to restore the Remove China Apps on to the Play Store. Why Google Play Store suspended the app A report in TechCrunch claimed the Remove China Apps was suspended because it violated Google Play Stores Deceptive Behaviour Policy, where an app is forbidden from making changes to user's device settings -- which is what Remove China Apps was doing, essentially, by encouraging users to delete or disable third-party apps. After installing Remove China Apps, it looked for all the apps that are installed on the device, then from that, it populated a list of apps that are made by Chinese developers (looking through its own database of apps). After populating the list, if users wished to uninstall a particular app, they could simply uninstall it from the app by hitting the delete button to the right. This behaviour was not in accordance with Google Play Store policy. Another app called Mitron, hailed as a 'local' TikTok rival app was suspended from the Google Play Store recently as well, on the grounds of violating its spam and minimum functionality policy. A professor has said his 'white privilege' meant his own arrest for trying to pay with a counterfeit $20 bill is 'a story I sometimes tell at parties' while for black man George Floyd it was a 'death sentence'. Mark McCoy, a white man and an archaeologist and associate professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, was arrested in Massachusetts in 1994 for the same charge as Floyd - allegedly spending with a fake $20 bill. McCoy, then a white 18-year-old, spent a night in jail, the charge was dropped after a six-month probationary period and he went on to be a successful university professor. Floyd, a black 46-year-old, was killed during his arrest when a white cop knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while he begged him to stop and said 'I can't breathe'. Mark McCoy (left pictured now) was arrested in Massachusetts in 1994 for the same charge as George Floyd (right) - allegedly spending with a fake $20 bill. McCoy spent a night in jail and the charge was dropped after six months while Floyd was killed during his arrest McCoy, now 44, broke his silence on social media on Monday to share his story, pointing out how his 'white privilege' led to very different outcomes for the two men. 'George Floyd and I were both arrested for allegedly spending a counterfeit $20 bill,' he tweeted. 'For George Floyd, a man my age, with two kids, it was a death sentence. For me, it is a story I sometimes tell at parties. That, my friends, is White privilege. ' McCoy's Tweet has gone viral with almost two million likes and almost 600,000 retweets, with people commenting on how the case highlights the racism and prejudice that black people continue to face. The white professor, who lives in Floyd's home state of Texas, said news of Floyd's death in police custody while he was being arrested on the same charges 'hit [him] like a ton of bricks'. 'My wife was kind of chiming in with things that she had read. And then our daughter, who's 12, said he was arrested for allegedly using a fake $20 bill,' he told Dallas Morning News. 'And that just hit me like a ton of bricks.' He said his experience was little more than an 'interesting story'. McCoy, now 44, broke his silence on social media Monday to share his story, pointing out how his 'white privilege' led to very different outcomes for the two men 'I genuinely have told that story of being arrested a lot of times because it's an interesting story,' he told Dallas Morning News. McCoy, who said he hasn't been arrested since, was detained when he used a counterfeit bill to pay for batteries at a convenience store and then used the change at a fast-food restaurant. He recounted how when he left the restaurant, police officers picked him up. He maintains he didn't know the bill he had used was fake and that anyone could accidentally use counterfeit money. 'I'm kind of a goody two-shoes. At the time, I was the last guy you would guess would run afoul of the law,' he told Dallas Morning News. 'This could happen to anyone.' McCoy added that his grandfather was a cop, which he also thinks helped him pass through the criminal justice system unscathed. 'The reason I didn't resist arrest and the thing went the way it did is very much about my white privilege,' he told Dallas Morning News. 'It's very much about who my grandfather was and how I walk through the world, and my expectations.' The white professor's story shows the shocking differences between how two men - one white, one black - were treated by officers and the criminal justice system over the same alleged offence. Floyd, a 46-year-old black father of two, (left) was killed in Minneapolis last Monday when a white police officer (right) knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes despite him repeatedly begging for the cop to stop and saying 'I can't breathe'. The cop Derek Chauvin has been arrested and charged with murder but three other officers involved continue to walk free Floyd's roommate has spoken out insisting that the black man would not have known the bill he used was a fake either. Alvin Manago, 55, exclusively told DailyMail.com that Floyd was a stand-up guy and if he did use a counterfeit bill at the store before his death, it was 'unintentional'. 'I've never known Floyd to use any counterfeit money. If he tried to pass along a counterfeit $20 bill it was unintentional,' Manago said. 'He probably didn't know the money was fake.' McCoy said he shared his story to try to 'humanize' the issue for white people. 'You know, black and brown people already see Mr. Floyd as a human,' he added. 'You don't need to humanize him for people of color. But you do for white people... I hope this [Twitter post] did a little bit.' Floyd's death at the hands of white cop Derek Chauvin has sparked mass protests across America - and other parts of the world - as people demand justice and an end to police brutality and racism against African-American men. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has said he will attend the funeral of Floyd and vowed to 'heal the racial wounds' if he gets into power at the White House. 'I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country not use them for political gain,' the ex-vice president pledged at Philadelphia's City Hall Tuesday. However, some officials and leaders continue to insist that racism is not an issue with NYPD Chief of Department Monahan telling CBS This Morning Tuesday that while he understands the anger over Floyds death, he does not believe racism exists in the police force in the Big Apple. 'I don't believe racism plays a role in New York. I can only speak for what I've seen in New York City,' Monahan said. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has focused his attentions on blasting the 'thugs' rioting and looting stores and threatening them with violent action, tweeting 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts'. The chant was hard to decipher through a bullhorn on a Tribeca street Sunday night, all the more so because the message was a bit unfamiliar. But, listen to the video posted online enough times, and you can make out what the protester was yelling: Fuck the PBA! Thats the commonly used initialism of the Police Benevolent Association, the largest union representing NYPD officers and the largest municipal police union in the world. The average New Yorker may not know anything about the PBA and its counterpart, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, or SBA, but the two unions are arguably as responsible for the current state of New York City policing as Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. (New York City has a total of five police unions that often have similar views, but the lieutenants, detectives and captains unions are much smaller.) Certainly, close observers of New York politics have become familiar with the two major police unions and their extremely outspoken leadership. PBA President Pat Lynch issues enraged statements in response to any blowback against a police officer for using force. For instance, in 2004, when then-Police Commissioner Ray Kelly concluded that it was unjustified for a police officer to shoot an unarmed black man in Brooklyn who was engaged in no criminal activity other than being on a housing project rooftop, Lynch reacted by saying, "Commissioner Kelly gave a message to the 23,000 New York City police officers that said basically this: Take all the risks of doing your job, go up on all those roofs, patrol all those subway platforms, walk the streets day and night, take the risks to yourself, take the risks to your family, but then when the worst happens, when there's a tragedy, that you will not have the backing of the New York police commissioner. That is, if anything, mild by Lynchs standards. Usually, he goes on to predict that terror and chaos will be the inevitable result of the cop-hating, criminal-coddling politicians latest mistake. If theres a use of force by a police officer that the PBA would admit is wrong and worthy of punishment, no one else knows what it is. (A PBA spokesman did not respond to an interview request, or a question as to whether Lynch has ever supported firing a cop for police brutality, before publication.) Last year, Lynch even attacked then-Commissioner James ONeill for firing Daniel Pantaleo, the officer who choked Eric Garner on Staten Island five years earlier. The job is dead, Lynch said after Pantaleos termination. Our police officers are in distress. Not because they have a difficult job, not because they put themselves in danger, but because they realize theyre abandoned. The rank-and-file seems to agree with Lynchs approach: Last year, running unopposed, he was elected to his sixth term as PBA president. Lynchs most infamous comment, the one that many believe set New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio running scared from the cause of police reform, came after a man shot two NYPD officers in Brooklyn in 2014. The slain officers blood on the hands starts at City Hall in the Office of the Mayor, Lynch said. The PBA president blamed de Blasio because the mayor acknowledged, in the wake of Garners death, that racially disparate policing exists in New York City. Cops subsequently turned their back on de Blasio at the slain officers funeral, and the mayor has sided with the cops ever since. Now, six years later, de Blasios erstwhile liberal base has been disappointed by seeing continued instances of police brutality, especially during the recent spate of protests against systemic racism in the wake of George Floyds death in Minneapolis. As The New York Times columnist Michelle Goldberg observed on Monday, late Saturday night, addressing the unrest in New York, de Blasio seemed to see the confrontations almost entirely through the eyes of law enforcement. Of the cops who rammed protesters blocking their SUVs and throwing objects at the vehicles, de Blasio said, Im not going to blame officers who were trying to deal with an absolutely impossible situation. In response to this incident, along with the videos of NYPD officers attacking protesters with their hands, pepper spray and bikes, even some of the mayors own former advisors criticized him. On Monday, de Blasios position evolved into one more critical of the officers involved. But to understand why the mayor does what he does, one must understand what hes up against. On Monday, The City reported that since 2015 the PBA has spent upwards of $1.4 million on lobbying and campaign contributions. In addition to conventional political advocacy for their interests, as City & State noted in a 2019 cover story, the cops also have the power to undermine a mayor by refusing to do their job. In December 2014, when Lynch blamed the two officers murders on de Blasio, NYPD officers made two-thirds fewer arrests and wrote 94% fewer tickets than they had during the same period the year before. The PBA has also moved to block new policies intended to increase transparency and accountability, for example by suing to prevent the release of body camera footage. De Blasio meant what he said when he vowed to change the NYPD, said one former de Blasio speechwriter, who requested anonymity to speak frankly. But then he tried, and there was infinitely more pushback than he'd anticipated. Maybe the most powerful force in the municipal government openly revolted against him, and it terrified him. It has ever since. As a gel-haired, pinstripe-suited union boss, Lynch is in many ways a throwback to an earlier era in New York politics, in which white men with tough-on-crime views were politically mainstream and brass-knuckled political brawlers from public sector unions were the norm. In archetypal NYPD fashion, Lynch was raised in a large Irish-Catholic family in Bayside, Queens. SBA President Ed Mullins, other than being bald, cuts a very similar profile to Lynch only he makes his counterpart seem mild-mannered in comparison. In February, when de Blasio condemned an assassination attempt on police officers, the SBAs Twitter account responded, Mayor DeBlasio, the members of the NYPD are declaring war on you! We do not respect you, DO NOT visit us in hospitals. You sold the NYPD to the vile creatures, the 1% who hate cops but vote for you. Earlier this month, when it was revealed that New York City Department of Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot had angrily defended her refusal to hand over masks intended for doctors and nurses to NYPD officers demanding them for the department, the SBA wrote, this bitch has blood on her hands but why should anyone be surprised the NYPD has suffered under DeBlasio since he became Mayor. On Monday, the union leaked personal information about the mayors daughter Chiara de Blasio, stemming from her being arrested for failure to disperse at a peaceful civil disobedience protest in Manhattan. The SBA called Chiara de Blasio a rioting anarchist and falsely alleged that she had been throwing objects. Is that why youre tying our hands, because your daughter is out there? Mullins asked the mayor, rhetorically, in an interview with the Times. Mullins, however, rejects the notion that his union opposes police reform. The SBA isn't an impediment to reform, he said in a statement emailed to City & State via a spokesman. We represent our diverse membership through no matter who is mayor, but especially in the face of one who so clearly was never interested in staying in the city long enough to gain the credibility needed to lead in a crisis. It would be a mistake to attribute the union dynamics to just the personalities of these individual union leaders. The presidents of the PBA and SBA are elected and they represent the views of many police officers. On Tuesday afternoon, Mullins posted a letter he sent to his members that read, in part, I know you are being held back and used as pawns. At the bottom, he included anonymous comments he said he has received from members, including this: "We have pepperball guns, tear gas, and other anti criminal riot apparatus such as horses not being deployed!" The police unions and their various presidents have feuded with every New York City mayor in recent memory sometimes adopting explicitly discriminatory or bigoted positions. In 1966, when then-Mayor John Lindsay increased civilian review of the NYPD, John Cassese, then-president the PBA, griped, I am sick and tired of giving in to minority groups, with their whims and their gripes and shouting. The union sponsored a referendum effort that successfully defeated the measure. In 1973, the PBA sought to block women from joining street patrols. In 1978, the union opposed banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, warning that allowing LGBTQ officers to serve could be catastrophic. Even the law-and-order-obsessed Rudy Giuliani, who the PBA blamed for a lack of pay raises and supposed staffing shortages, received caustic criticism from Lynch. Pat Lynch is so famous for racist and vitriolic rhetoric, which fuels the fire, but its overly simplistic and maybe even dangerous to make it seem like its about Pat Lynch, said Joo-Hyun Kang, the director of Communities United for Police Reform. When we look at police unions in other jurisdictions around the country, its not that different from New York. Police unions block forward motion on police reform. We would argue that the police unions as an institution, as well as the NYPD, because theyre not as separate as people say, have outsized political power. Some of this may be endemic to the nature of public employee unions. It is the norm for even more progressive unions to jealously guard their employees prerogatives just look at teachers unions, the bane of self-styled education reformers. Past presidents of the United Federation of Teachers, the New York City public school teacher union, include such famously uncompromising figures as Albert Shanker and Randi Weingarten. I think the reason most cops act this way is thats how bureaucracy and institutions work, said the former de Blasio speechwriter. They have their own interests. If youre in the NYPD, youre responsible for solving the city and countrys mental illness problems, youre the first line of response in emergencies, youre essentially a social worker in a city and country that doesnt devote enough resources to solving those problems. If youre out on the street and one of your friends gets shot or you feel like the public is too quick to blame you, you and the institutions that represent you are mostly devoted to safeguarding your interests. Its going to put (police officers) in a defensive, angry crouch. De Blasio denies that he has been shaken by the police unions resistance. Anyone with eyes to see knows that I have made my views clear on the need to change the NYPD and have often incurred the wrath of certain union leaders and haven't changed my views at all, the mayor said in a Sunday press conference. I want to see more faster, speedier, more transparent discipline when it comes to police. The mayors office declined to provide additional comment for this story. But civil rights advocates say that the NYPD often avoids speedier, more transparent discipline that is currently possible. Due to union contracts, it is exceedingly difficult to swiftly a fire a cop for excessive use of force, as they are entitled to a departmental trial and could sue to get their job back as the PBA is currently doing on behalf of Pantaleo if they want to argue that the trial wasnt conducted fairly. If they wanted to move discipline, they could fire cops within 2-3 months, said Kang. Theres no reason to be going years and years, as was the case with Pantaleo, Kang added. In the videos from the recent Black Lives Matter protests, We saw white shirts, meaning higher-ranking officers such as lieutenants and captains, throwing people to the ground, Kang noted. Those names should be made public. They should be put on immediate suspension and theres a disciplinary process that needs to be filed. What the mayor and NYPD are banking on is the concern will die down and no one will be asking in a year what happened to those cops. Kang also noted that Francisco Garcia, the officer recorded punching a man who allegedly violated social distancing regulations in Manhattan in early May, was merely placed on modified desk duty. (The NYPD) should have put him on disciplinary suspension, which is the most they can do, filed charges the next day and fast-tracked for a department trial, Kang said. If the police unions political posture is the natural result of the underlying conditions, then they will remain an impediment to the accountability and transparency measures that civil libertarians propose, such as repealing 50-A, the state law that blocks disclosure of NYPD personnel records. But that doesnt mean laws and departmental practices cant be changed. According to Kang, it starts with political leadership. But for the kind of leadership she and other police reform advocates want to see, it will be at least another year and a half until a new mayor takes office. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Ten Washtenaw County high school students are among more than 3,300 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. The National Merit Scholarship Program announced its third round of scholarship winners on Wednesday, June 3. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their schools. Scholarships provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the school financing the scholarship. An additional group of National Merit Scholars will be announced in July, bringing the number of college-sponsored recipients in the 2020 competition to about 4,100. Approximately 167 colleges and universities are underwriting these awards through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Sponsor colleges and universities include 92 private and 75 public institutions in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The college-sponsored scholarship winners announced Wednesday are among about 7,600 high school seniors who will receive National Merit Scholarships for college undergraduate study worth over $30 million. The National Merit Scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the states percentage of the nations graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors. Finalists and their high schools provided students academic records, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned, scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, contributions and leadership in school and community activities, an essay written by the finalist and a recommendation written by a high school official. Last month, 13 Washtenaw County high school students were among the 2,500 winners selected from a pool of more than 15,000 finalists for the second round of $2,500 scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Here are Washtenaw County winners announced Wednesday, along with the college or university awarding the scholarship. Ann Arbor Greenhills School Anisha M. Fujii - Northwestern University Ann Arbor Huron High School William Chettleburgh - Michigan State University Ann Arbor Pioneer High School Soorya S. Janakiraman - Case Western Reserve University Elizabeth J. Kreske - Michigan State University Claire P. Robinson - Tufts University Ann Arbor Skyline High School Reid D. VanDiepen - Rochester Institute of Technology Dexter High School Zoe E. Michos - Case Western Reserve University Saline High School Eileen Zong - University of Southern California Ypsilanti - Washtenaw International High School Kate Eliot S. Tang - Wheaton College Ypsilanti - Early College Alliance at EMU Aman Verma - University of Texas at Dallas READ MORE: 13 Washtenaw County students named National Merit Scholarship winners 83 Washtenaw County students named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists AAPS announces new start date, what instruction might look like for 2020-21 Saline Area Schools hopeful for in-person graduation, fall classes Michigan districts are meeting students where they are as schools adapt to remote learning Microsoft rolled out Windows 10 May 2020 update to Windows 10 powered PCs last week. Microsoft rolled out one of the biggest updates to Windows 10 last week. The update dubbed as the Windows 10 May 2020 update brings host of features to Windows 10 powered personal computers. The list includes faster Bluetooth connectivity, passwordless sign-ins, kaomoji, and memory improvements in Edge among others. The update also brought significant improvements to Microsofts virtual assistant Cortana. The Windows 10 May 2020 update makes it easier for users to ditch Cortana altogether. Up until now, Cortana was integrated in the taskbar. The May update takes Cortana out of the taskbar into an app-based interface. Simply said, users can now access and interact with Cortana like they do in case of other apps. In addition to this, Microsoft has also added the ability to block Cortana at the log in. So, if you are planning to not use Cortana at all, you can disable it by following these steps: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open Task Manager > Click on Startup tab > Select Cortana > Select Disable. Alternatively, you can also remove Cortana completely. A report by Windows Latest lays out steps for that. Heres what you need to do: Type PowerShell in the Windows search box > Right click on the result and click on Run As Administrator option > In the window that opens type: Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Remove-AppxPackage > Press Enter. It is worth noting that to remove all traces of Cortana, you will have to edit the Windows 10 registry. Coming to the bugs, Microsoft shortly after the roll out of the Windows 10 May 2020 update discovered that it is riddled with bugs and so the company is not encouraging everyone to download it just yet. The issues pertain to various components such as Intel iGPU, Realtek Bluetooth radios, Conexant audio drivers, Thunderbolt dock and Nvidia display adapters among others. The company, in a blog post detailing these issues, has said that it is working on resolving all these listed bugs and that it will roll out a fix with the next software update. In the meantime, the company is recommending users not attempt to manually update using the Update Now button. Six police officers in Atlanta, Georgia have been charged after a video of the officials showed how they forcefully dragged two black students out of their car and shot them with stun guns. The event unfolded while the vehicle was stuck in traffic when protesters blocked the road. Paul Howard, the Fulton County District Attorney, announced the charges placed on the officers in a news conference. The Atlanta police department did not provide any comments regarding the incident, reported Oxygen. "I feel a little safer now that these monsters are off of the street and no longer able to terrorize anyone else," said Messiah Young, 22 years old who is one of the two black students that were dragged from their vehicle, the other being his girlfriend, Taniyah Pilgrim, 20 years old. A repeating event The footage of the incident first spread throughout social media and local news on Saturday night. The video shows the couple being forced out of their car by the officers while they scream and ask the law enforcement what they did wrong. Two of the police officers involved in the incident have been fired on Sunday after the mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms along with Erika Shields, the Atlanta Police Department chief, reviewed the body cam footage. The two officials believe that the officers had used excessive force during the incident, as reported by Insider. Authorities released Pilgrim without any charges but Young, however, was charged with attempting to elude the officers, said Howard, and that Mayor Bottoms was working on getting the police to drop charges against him. Also Read: Black Out TUesday: Social Media Goes Dark to Call for Action and Solidarity After George Floyd's Death According to CBS News, one of the officers who used his stun gun on the couple, Lonnie Hood is facing two counts of aggravated assault for tasing the students along with one count of simple battery. The other officers involved were also indicted with several charges of assault and damage to property. Chief Shields said that the officers were good people and that she knew them personally and had worked with one of them for more than 20 years. She added, however, that they made a mistake they would now regret that they cannot remove. Going forward In the aftermath of the encounter, Young suffered a fractured arm along with a long laceration when officers forcefully dragged him out of the car. Howard also noted that Young told an investigator that the police officer who escorted him after the incident punched him at the back for more than ten times while they were walking. The two students are both seniors at colleges found near downtown Atlanta. Young, who hails from Chicago, is a student at Morehouse College and is studying business management, while his girlfriend Pilgrim, studies at Spelman College for psychology. Howard announced that he has talked with a judge to set a signature bond with an amount of $10,000, which is meant to limit the number of people who will be in the Fulton County jail. He also added that the officers had been asked to turn themselves in willingly by the end of the day. Related Article: George Floyd Criminal Record: Minneapolis Police Says He Was Charged With Armed Robbery @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. June 03 : Space Force Cast: Steve Carell, John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, Diana Silvers, Tawny Newsome, Lisa Kudrow CCreated by: Steve Carell and Greg Daniels CRating: * * and 1/2 (two stars and half stars) CBy Vinayak Chakravorty "Space Force" stretches itself to 10 episodes, which is an awful lot of runtime for a story that just wants to put some American "boots on the moon". All in good humour, of course -- when funnyman Steve Carell dons the four-star uniform of the US Space Force's first Chief of Space Operations, landing a few good souls on the moon can be expected to come with the standard bag of gags. Except that you miss the standard gag bag this time. For those who would go in expecting the moon (quite literally) because the show marks a new collaboration between Carell and co-creator Greg Daniels after "The Office", "Space Force" would seem like an anti-climax. The story starts running low on humour and brainwaves after a while, and you seriously wish it all ended within half the number of episodes allotted. In a nutshell, the US Space Force has been established as the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces, with Carell's protagonist, General Mark R. Naird, as its head. The mission is to get Americans on the moon as per orders of the President of the United States. "Space Force" tries being a satire and a workplace comedy, like "The Office". The idea is to create a set of oddball characters and quirky situations that leave scope for political jibes at Trumpism. There is also a third intention, beyond serving up random office space laughs and White House lampooning. Without getting too melodramatic about it, the writing also tries giving a deeper context to the storyline by occasionally dwelling upon the inner demons of General Naird. The trouble is the show struggles at all three levels. As a workplace comedy, "Space Force" lacks the sheer engaging quality of "The Office", or Daniels' earlier brilliant creation, "Parks And Recreations". Random jokes are thrown in, a few hilarious and mostly pedestrian. But what leaves you more disappointed is the way Daniels and Carell fumble while trying to leave a witty political comment. If the effort was to show how a high-ranking official is at the mercy of POTUS whims, it comes across in a rather sketchy manner. Parallel to these is Naird's personal track. In a bid to add a dash of black humour, perhaps, his family life revels in tragi-comic tones. His wife (Lisa Kudrow) is in jail, his daughter (Diana Silvers) is dating the Russian Air Force liaison (Alex Sparrow) at the base who, Naird is convinced, is a spy. His parents are not in the soundest state of mind. It doesn't make Naird's life easier that right from the start, when he is confidently keen about launching a rocket, most top shots at the space station, including chief scientist Dr Adrian Mallory (John Malkovich), are dead against his plans. The show is redeemed by its cast. Steve Carell is impressively understated as he lives out Naird's high-tension job profile on screen, without losing touch with his intrinsic comic image. Some of Carell's best scenes are with Malkovich, ever the assured performer. The makers have handpicked a credible cast that lives up to its billing. Watching minor characters mouth spoofy "Star Wars" lines throws up the occasional laughs, too. Going by the Netflix tradition of bringing back their most mediocre shows for a new season, "Space Force" will most likely return. For the sake of humour, here's hoping Greg Daniels hits vintage form then. (Vinayak Chakravorty can be reached at vinayak.c@ians.in) -- Syndicated from IANS Wyomings delegation in Washington condemned a number of violent incidents seen in protests across the United States this week. Like many of their Republican colleagues, however, none decried the role of law enforcement or President Donald Trump in their statements, as images of police violence against protesters have gone viral and the commander in chief faces heightened scrutiny over the use of chemicals and pepper balls to disperse nonviolent protesters in front of the White House on Monday night. In public statements this week, Wyomings delegation in the nations capital acknowledged many of the realities fueling the demonstrations across the country, offering reflections on structural racism and the worst impulses of rioters in major cities around the country. We must protect our Constitutional right to peacefully protest and work toward a better future, but we must not let efforts for justice be hijacked by those who would resort to looting and violent riots, Sen. Mike Enzi said in a statement to the Star-Tribune. If we are to strive for a more just nation, one that ends a history of abuse against our fellow Americans, then we must be ready to listen and learn from each other. Throughout my career, I have been guided by three principles: doing what is right; doing our best; and treating others as they wish to be treated. I hope we can use these principles to help heal our communities. The comments mirrored the conventional wisdom of public polling released Tuesday, which indicated a majority of Americans 57 percent believe the underlying conditions leading up to the protests were justified, with a similar number acknowledging the fact that law enforcement is more likely to use excessive force against a person of color than a white person. However, condemnations of excessive force toward protesters including to make way for the president of the United States were nowhere to be found in the statements. Though all three members of Wyomings delegation decried the deaths of black men and women like George Floyd in Minneapolis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia calling for thorough investigations and for justice to be served they focused their comments on condemning the violence of the protests themselves, veering from specific statements condemning the use of force by police or the presidents own handling of the crisis. Contacted for comment, spokespeople for Sen. John Barrasso who addressed the riots in a speech on the Senate floor referred the Star-Tribune to his speech as well as a Monday appearance with Fox News Stuart Varney, where he decried the vandalism of landmarks like the Lincoln and World War II memorials in Washington. Rep. Liz Cheney, who has kept a low profile in recent days, has used her social media platforms to boost statements by public officials like Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Attorney General William Barr, both of whom called for peace from the protesters and accountability for the police officers responsible for those deaths, and in a statement to the Star-Tribune Cheney called for continued respect for those who assemble peacefully. However, riots are not constitutionally-protected protests, she said in her statement. Those who are exploiting the protests, attacking our law enforcement officials, burning our cities, and assaulting innocent civilians must be arrested, prosecuted and face the full power of American justice. Across the country, we have seen law enforcement officers and protestors praying and working together to defend and unite our communities. These scenes reflect the truth of who we are. Freedom and justice for all must prevail. NBC News Congressional correspondent Kasie Hunt questioned Enzi in person Tuesday about the presidents photo opportunity, in which Trump held a bible while standing in front of St. Johns Episcopal church. Enzi declined to respond at length, reportedly telling her, Sorry, Im late for lunch. Spokespeople for the senator later clarified the lunch was a policy meeting where lunch was served and referred a reporter back to comments about the right to peacefully protest. Correction: A previous version of this article stated rubber bullets were used on protestors at Lafayette Park. U.S. Park Police actually used an inflammatory chemical projectile known as pepper balls to disperse the crowd. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 10 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Chicago: In the days since US President Donald Trump blamed antifa activists for an eruption of violence at protests over police killings of black people, social media has lit up with false rumours that the far-left-leaning "group" is transporting people to wreak havoc on small cities across America. The false rumours are part of a wave of hoaxes, conspiracy theories and other falsehoods surging on social media following George Floyd's death in police custody in Minneapolis. A poster with the inscription 'Justice for George' and 'Antifa on the offensive' is held by a protester demonstrating against police brutality. Credit:DPA Among them are claims that Floyd is not really dead and that billionaire philanthropist George Soros is bringing in protesters on convoys of buses, and supplying them with bricks. Many viral posts misrepresent historical events, often falsely claiming they relate to the current wave of protests. One shared hundreds of thousands of times carries a caption claiming it shows a black man who is actually an FBI agent being arrested. The video dates from 2019 and the man being briefly detained in the video is not an FBI agent. Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, is still in custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) in Abuja, despite a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos ordering his immediate release. However, the NCS on Tuesday evening said it was yet to get a valid court order to enable it effect the release of the one-time governor, according to The Nation. Its Public Relation Officer (PRO) Augustine Njoku said unless the court ruling is transmitted to the service, the former governor will remain in NCS custody. Njoku said: We cannot act on the basis of radio or television announcement on a Court order or ruling. The ruling will be communicated to us in form of warrant. This would be acknowledged and all other protocols and procedures would be followed. Advertisement Read Also: Protesters Storm NASS, Call On Senate President To Declare Orji Kalus Seat Vacant As things stand now, we are yet to be communicated. And unless this is done, he will remain with us. On how long Kalu, now Senate Chief Whip will be in the NSC custody, Njoku said: it depends on when the court reached the service with details of the ruling. He, however, added: Hopefully within the next two days. Justice Mohammed Liman, had ordered the release of Kalu, while setting aside the fraud trial, conviction and 12-year prison sentence imposed on him, on December 5, 2019 by Justice Mohammed Idris. Frontline Ltd. (NYSE: FRO) ("Frontline" or the "Company") today announced the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement dated June 3, 2020, with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC ("Morgan Stanley") for the offer and sale of up to $100.0 million of common shares of Frontline. In accordance with the terms of the Equity Distribution Agreement, the Company may offer and sell its common shares at any time and from time to time through Morgan Stanley as its sales agent. Sales of the common shares, if any, will be made by means of ordinary brokers' transactions on NYSE or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices. The net proceeds of this offering will be used to opportunistically fund growth opportunities and for general corporate purposes. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. The offering is being made by means of a prospectus and related prospectus supplement. A prospectus supplement related to the offering has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of the prospectus and prospectus supplement relating to the offering may be obtained from the offices of Morgan Stanley at 180 Varick Street, Second Floor, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department. June 3, 2020 The Board of Directors Frontline Ltd. Hamilton, Bermuda Questions should be directed to: Robert Hvide Macleod: Chief Executive Officer, Frontline Management AS +47 23 11 40 84 Inger M. Klemp: Chief Financial Officer, Frontline Management AS +47 23 11 40 76 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Matters discussed in this document may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. Frontline desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words "believe," "anticipate," "intends," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," "potential," "will," "may," "should," "expect," "targets," "likely," "could," "seeks," "continue," "possible," "pending" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this document are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in Frontline's records and other data available from third parties. Although Frontline believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond Frontline's control, you cannot be assured that Frontline will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. Frontline undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in expectations. Important factors that, in Frontline's view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charterhire rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the tanker market, including but not limited to changes in OPEC's petroleum production levels and worldwide oil consumption and storage, the anticipated global economic uncertainty and financial market conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in Frontline's operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for Frontline's vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, ability to comply with covenants in such financing arrangements, failure of counterparties to fully perform their contracts with us, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessel breakdowns, instances of off-hire and other important factors. For a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties associated with Frontline's business, please refer to Frontline's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 20-F. This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. ? The United Kingdom is prepared to change its immigration rules if China imposes a national security law on Hong Kong, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday in an op-ed for the South China Morning Post. Since the handover in 1997, the key has been the precious concept of one country, two systems, enshrined in Hong Kongs Basic Law and underpinned by the Joint Declaration signed by Britain and China, Johnson wrote. The British prime minister added that Chinas decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong will curtail its freedoms and dramatically erode its autonomy. Also Watch | From my personal experience: UK PM Boris Johnson returns to work after covid bout He described Chinas step as being in conflict with the obligations under the Joint Declaration. If China imposes its national security law, the British government will change our immigration rules, Johnson said. Under the change, holders of British National Overseas passports from Hong Kong would be allowed to enter the UK for a renewable period of 12 months and given further immigration rights, he added, including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship. About 350,000 of the territorys people currently hold such passports and another 2.5 million would be eligible to apply for them, Johnson said. Chinas parliament last 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. On Tuesday, Britain warned Beijing to step back from the brink over the national security law in Hong Kong, saying it risked destroying one of the jewels of Asias economy while ruining the reputation of China. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered his administration to begin the process of eliminating special U.S. treatment for Hong Kong to punish China. amoghchaphalkar BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pune Posts: 628 Thanked: 645 Times Continental MC5 tyre sidewall completely destroyed! I wanted to post my recent experience with Continental MC5 tyres on my Abarth. The background of the incident is as follows: - I was driving from Goa to Pune on 21st March (a day before the lockdown started). We were two cars that started from Goa early in the morning on 21st March. - We drove till Belgaum (Anmod route). I fueled the car at Belgaum and checked the tyre pressure. Everything was normal (My dashcam clearly shows me halting at the air filling station) - Post breakfast we left for Pune and drove non-stop to Pune maintaining decent speeds. The quality of tarmac on this patch is well-known and documented. The other car was always behind me (this is important!). - After we entered Pune, we briefly stopped after the viaduct since the two cars were going to go in two different directions after. - The two cars left for their respective homes, and about 2-3 minutes after we started I felt the car pulling to the left and steering becoming heavy. I immediately started pulling over, sensing a flat tyre. I was doing around 60-80 kmph when this happened. - By the time I came to a complete halt, the ABS light had started flashing. - When I got down from the car to check, I saw this. As you can see, the sidewall completely gave up. I have no clue why and how this happened. The tyre had done 8000 km and was manufactured in August 2018. Do note that this is not the first time I am using MC5. I had them on my Ritz as well as my Punto MJD. Because I had such a good experience with them earlier those tyres were my default choice for the Abarth. Since this happened right before the lockdown started, I have not got the chance to go to the dealer and escalate this to Continental. Honestly, I am not very hopeful that they are going to entertain my complaint. But I am going to give it a shot anyway. Do you guys feel this is a manufacturing issue or just sheer bad luck? How hard should I pursue this with Continental? Do I have a case? @Mods: I posted here since this thread is specific to MC5. If you feel it is appropriate to move this thread to the general Continental Tyres discussion thread, please feel free to do so. Hey guys,I wanted to post my recent experience with Continental MC5 tyres on my Abarth. The background of the incident is as follows:- I was driving from Goa to Pune on 21st March (a day before the lockdown started). We were two cars that started from Goa early in the morning on 21st March.- We drove till Belgaum (Anmod route). I fueled the car at Belgaum and checked the tyre pressure. Everything was normal (My dashcam clearly shows me halting at the air filling station)- Post breakfast we left for Pune and drove non-stop to Pune maintaining decent speeds. The quality of tarmac on this patch is well-known and documented. The other car was always behind me (this is important!).- After we entered Pune, we briefly stopped after the viaduct since the two cars were going to go in two different directions after.- The two cars left for their respective homes, and about 2-3 minutes after we started I felt the car pulling to the left and steering becoming heavy. I immediately started pulling over, sensing a flat tyre. I was doing around 60-80 kmph when this happened.- By the time I came to a complete halt, the ABS light had started flashing.- When I got down from the car to check, I saw this.As you can see, the sidewall completely gave up. I have no clue why and how this happened.The tyre had done 8000 km and was manufactured in August 2018. Do note that this is not the first time I am using MC5. I had them on my Ritz as well as my Punto MJD. Because I had such a good experience with them earlier those tyres were my default choice for the Abarth.Since this happened right before the lockdown started, I have not got the chance to go to the dealer and escalate this to Continental. Honestly, I am not very hopeful that they are going to entertain my complaint. But I am going to give it a shot anyway.Do you guys feel this is a manufacturing issue or just sheer bad luck? How hard should I pursue this with Continental? Do I have a case?@Mods: I posted here since this thread is specific to MC5. If you feel it is appropriate to move this thread to the general Continental Tyres discussion thread, please feel free to do so. Last edited by amoghchaphalkar : 25th May 2020 at 18:47 . Some Middle Easterners are supporting protests in the United States against the treatment of African Americans by police. The United States is currently engulfed in protests and general unrest following the death of African American George Floyd, who died last week when a white policeman kneeled on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds while detaining him. Videos show Floyd repeatedly saying I cant breathe before his death, prompting worldwide protests and outrage. Several Middle Eastern countries have now had protests in support of Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement, including some countries that have had their own recent protest movements. In Israel, both Jewish and Palestinian Israelis demonstrated while chanting Palestinian lives matter at protests this week. The protesters were inspired by events in the United States, but also by the killing in Jerusalem last week of Iyad Hallak an autistic Palestinian man. Israeli police mistakenly thought he was armed and shot him, but Hallak did not have a weapon. In Syria's northwestern Idlib province this week, Syrian artists Aziz Asmar and Anis Hamdoun painted a mural of Floyd's face along with the words I CAN'T BREATHE and No To Racism." An Instagram poster commenting on the mural said it is on the remains of a building that was destroyed by the Syrian air force during its battle with rebel groups. A protest against police violence also occurred in Turkey today, where some carried posters referencing Floyd, according to The Associated Press. A Kurdish man in Turkey who was allegedly murdered for listening to Kurdish music at a park on May 31 also prompted outrage and led to comparisons to Floyd in Kurdish media. The Arabic-language hashtag America revolts trended on Twitter after the US protests. Many in Lebanon in particular used the hashtag to express support for the demonstrations. Several of these countries have had their own protests as of late. In late April, Israelis gathered for an anti-government protest while following social distancing guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic. Lebanon has been gripped since October with protests against the government, corruption and the economic situation. Bengaluru-based PropShare Capital, a tech-enabled commercial real estate investment platform, has closed a Grade A distressed listing offering for Rs 80 crore with participation from over 150 investors across high network individuals, family offices, retail and institutional investors including a Japanese family office, within a span of two weeks. The fundraising for its 1st COVID-19 Distressed Opportunities PMS offering (PDOF I) was carried out entirely through its online platform without distributors or middlemen. "While the demand was in excess of Rs 500 crore, the firm chose to make a first closing within two weeks in order to be in a position to deploy money quickly as distressed opportunities become available," a company statement said. The company remains bullish on back office leasing as it expects multinationals to continue to build teams in cities like Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad and Gurgaon to offshore high cost jobs in the west to lower cost destinations like India. It also expects delays in construction timelines to lead to an uptick in rents in the medium term due to the migrant crisis, supply of critical building materials and physical distancing. "While the pandemic has created stress in the larger real estate market, it has created a unique window of opportunity for investors to access Grade A commercial real estate properties at higher yields and lower prices. We believe PDOF gives PropShare a significant advantage in deploying investor capital quickly and efficiently in high yielding Grade A assets emerging out of the COVID-19 pandemic," Kunal Moktan, Co-founder & CEO, PropShare Capital said. The company said that 72 percent of the investors in PDOF were existing investors. Indian investors, which comprised 67 percent of all investors, contributed to 71 percent of total funds raised. While 49 percent of all investors were IT professionals, 32 percent were from the finance background, the company said. Established in 2015, the PropShare Capital platform currently manages over Rs 330 crore of investments with more than 50,000 users at the moment. Also read: Relief for real estate sector! Govt allows housing project deadlines to be extended by 6 months Also read: Income tax dept revises Form 26AS; now includes real estate, share transaction details A Wickliffe man is accused of pointing a gun at another man and repeatedly striking him in the face with it during a bar dispute in the city. The victim reported to Wickliffe police May 30 that he had been assaulted by a white male at a Euclid Avenue bar that night. According to police, the victim had obvious facial injuries, including cuts, bruises, and swelling to his nose and both eyes. Officers and detectives identified the suspect and on June 1, an arrest warrant was issued for Cody Griffiths. The suspects car was stopped by police at 9:45 a.m., June 2, on Euclid Avenue at Mt. Carmel Drive. Griffiths, 36 was arrested without incident, according to police. Police stated that a loaded Glock 17 handgun was found under the drivers seat of his car. Police stated that weapon is believed to be the one used in the alleged assault. Griffiths was arraigned June 3 in Willoughby Municipal Court on second-degree felony assault and fourth-degree felony improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle charges, according to court records. A $25,000 bond was set for Griffiths. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 10. India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic has been successful so far, Union Home Minister Amit Shah told CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview on Monday India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic has been successful so far, Union Home Minister Amit Shah told CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview on Monday. The response to the outbreak under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been the BJP-led NDA governments biggest achievement in the first year of its second term, he added. Our biggest achievement is the successful fight against COVID-19. Apart from only the government, for the first time 130 crore people are fighting this pandemic under the leadership of Modi, he said. With the Janata Curfew, 'ghanti bajao', 'thali bajao' to salute our coronavirus warriors, the prime minister united the nation in the fight against coronavirus as one country, one people and one mindset. Comparatively, we are better placed if you see the statistics. I wont say we have not faced troubles and pains, we wont say there is no pandemic situation here. But in the global context, we have only 12.6 cases per lakh population, said Shah. In comparison, the world average is 77.6 cases infected per lakh population, in USA it is 582 cases per lakh population, in Germany it is 217 per lakh population and in Brazil it is 195 people per lakh population. These statistics tell you that in comparison to the developed countries we have been able to control the pandemic better and we are fighting a good fight. Indias recovery rate is now above 42 percent from 5 percent earlier, he added. This shows that we are fighting a successful fight, this has been a result of taking the states along together and result of uniting 130 crore people, Shah said. Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, has suspended the entire staff of the general hospital in Ngala, a town in the state. The staff o... Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, has suspended the entire staff of the general hospital in Ngala, a town in the state. The staff on suspension include resident medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians. The governor was said to have paid an unscheduled visit to the hospital on Monday morning, but the entire staff under the government payroll were absent. They were reported to have abandoned the hospital to humanitarian workers of an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) managing hundreds of patients at the facility, including internally-displaced persons (IDPs). On arrival, the governor was received by a field coordinator of the NGO. The governor expressed his disappointment finding out that despite high turnout of patients, no government paid staff, from doctors down to clerical staff, was at the hospital at 11am. This is a General Hospital belonging to Borno state government. Unfortunately, there is no single state government staff here to attend to all these patients, and we promptly pay all of them salaries, Zulum said. These humanitarian workers from the iNGO (fhi360) are supposed to complement the state Government staff but not to completely take over the Hospital. I am directing the Borno State Hospitals Management Board, if there is any staff on the payroll of this Hospital, to immediately suspend all the workers on government payroll. I will be back to this hospital, hoping to see the opposite of what I saw today. In 2019, Zulum paid an unscheduled visit to a hospital in Maiduguri, the state capital, around 1 am and did not meet any doctor on duty. The governor later suspended the absentee doctors. In February, the governor visited a school at 6:30 am and met only one teacher on duty. He asked that the teacher be promoted for her dedication to work. Scotland Yard will not identify the suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, but here is what we know: Christian Hoppe, from Germanys Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), told the countrys ZDF television channel that the suspect is currently serving a prison sentence for a sex crime and has two previous convictions for sexual contact with girls. He is a German national, aged 43, but at the time Madeleine vanished on May 3 2007 he was 30 years old and may have looked between 25 to early 30s. He is known to have frequented the Praia da Luz area between 1995 and 2007, with some short spells in Germany. The suspect is described as having a transient lifestyle, living in his camper van for days at a time. Expand Close Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a VW T3 Westfalia campervan that has been linked to the suspect. A German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, detectives have revealed PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a VW T3 Westfalia campervan that has been linked to the suspect. A German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, detectives have revealed PA Wire An appeal on German Crimewatch-style programme XY said he is thought to have worked odd jobs, including as a waiter, but also committed burglaries in hotels and holiday resorts and dealt drugs. It said also said he was linked to two houses in Portugal one between Praia da Luz and Lagos, and a second inland. At the time of Madeleines disappearance, he had access to a distinctive VW T3 Westfalia camper van, from at least April 2007 until sometime after May 2007, which was used in and around the area of Praia da Luz. It is an early 1980s model, with two tone markings, a white upper body and a yellow skirting, with a Portuguese registration plate. Detectives believe he was living in the van for days, possibly weeks, and may have been using it on May 3 2007. The suspect has also been linked to a 1993 British Jaguar, model XJR 6, with a German number plate and registered in Germany, which is believed to have been in the Praia da Luz and surrounding areas in 2006 and 2007. Expand Close Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 that has been linked to the suspect. PA WIRE / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 that has been linked to the suspect. PA WIRE The car was originally registered in the suspects name but was re-registered to someone else in Germany the day after Madeleines disappearance, although the vehicle is believed to have still been in Portugal. The suspect is believed to have been using a Portuguese mobile phone, number +351 912 730 680, on the day Madeleine went missing. The phone received a call, starting at 7.32pm and finishing at 8.02pm on May 3 2007 in the area of Praia da Luz from a second mobile number (+351 916 510 683) from a person not in the area. DALLAS June 2, 2020 A study of teens diagnosed with the vaping-linked respiratory disease EVALI revealed that most also had gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of psychosocial factors, including substance abuse, UT Southwestern researchers found in one of the first clinical reviews of its kind. The investigation, published online by Pediatrics, described the treatment of 13 adolescents for vaping-related lung injury at Childrens Health in Dallas, UTSWs pediatric teaching hospital. Vaping involves inhaling aerosol from a battery-powered device, also known as an electronic cigarette. Vaping marijuana has been linked to EVALI (e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury). This is the first study on teens and EVALI from UT Southwestern, and one of the first in the country regarding clinical features of EVALI in the pediatric population, says corresponding author Devika Rao, M.D., pediatric pulmonologist at Childrens Health and assistant professor of pediatrics in the division of respiratory medicine. We found that teenagers often presented with GI symptoms, which were just as frequent as respiratory symptoms. In some cases, these teens had abdominal CT scans that ended up showing abnormalities in the lung, which was the first clue of lung injury. Clinicians found that the nature of lung injury varied from mild to severe, and that there was a much larger proportion of female and Hispanic patients hospitalized with EVALI compared with published adult studies, Rao says. It may be that in the adolescent population these groups are more vulnerable to risky behaviors than what was previously thought. This serves as a reminder to clinicians that a teen with EVALI is not necessarily always going to be white and male, she adds. In January, the Food and Drug Administration moved to blunt vaping among teens by banning fruit- and mint-flavored products. Over the past two years, the country has experienced an alarming rise in vaping as well as a corresponding increase in associated lung injuries. In early 2019, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than 1 in 4 high school students and about 1 in 14 middle school students had used nicotine-containing e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. About the same time, a National Institutes of Health-supported study by the University of Michigan found that twice as many high school students used e-cigarettes in 2018 compared with the previous year. Further, the study showed, 1 in 5 high school seniors reported having vaped nicotine at least once in the previous month the largest single increase in the surveys 44-year history, surpassing a mid-1970s surge in marijuana smoking. Last summer, clinicians began seeing an uptick nationally in EVALI that was linked to products containing vitamin E acetate or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). By early 2020, more than 2,800 hospitalized EVALI cases or deaths had been reported to the CDC. Despite these surges, however, the hallmarks of EVALI in adolescents are just beginning to be well characterized. In the UTSW study, researchers from the pediatrics and emergency medicine departments studied 13 hospitalized adolescents diagnosed with confirmed or probable EVALI between December 2018 and November 2019. The majority (54 percent) were female, with a mean age of 15.9 years. Both respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in 85 percent of the teens. Vaping cannabinol products was reported in 92 percent of patients, and vaping nicotine was reported in 62 percent. The analysis included sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging results, pulmonary function testing, oxygen requirements, and clinic follow-up, Rao says. Many teens were originally believed to have pneumonia or viral gastroenteritis-like symptoms, but actually had EVALI, which was diagnosed based on eliciting a vaping history from the teens. Treatment with glucocorticoid led to an improvement both in symptoms and lung function. Investigations also revealed that a large percentage of the patients had a history of psychosocial stressors, including substance abuse and mood disorders. In addition, almost half of the cohort was Hispanic, though it was unclear whether that simply reflected the sizable Hispanic population in North Texas. Charting each patients risk-associated behavior was challenging, she says, but worth the unified and ongoing effort. In taking care of hospitalized teens with EVALI, we found that they were very hesitant to disclose their vaping habits, Rao says. A multidisciplinary effort discussion among emergency medicine physicians, hospitalist medicine physicians, pulmonologists, toxicologists, behavioral medicine specialists, and intensivists is key to successful treatment of these patients. We know that teens can be vulnerable to lung injury from vaping, and we know there are many experience stressors that perhaps motivate them to engage in risky behavior. The next step is prevention preventing teens from the desire to vape and also helping teens who have been treated for EVALI so that they can stop vaping, she adds. Future plans for study are tracking the long-term effects of EVALI on lung function and studying current vaping habits of teens with a history of vaping and/or EVALI in the context of the novel coronavirus epidemic. ### Other UTSW study contributors were Kendra Maple, Sing-Yi Feng, Vineeta Mittal, Folashade Afolabi, Maddy Artunduaga, Dazhe James Cao, Jenny K.R. Francis, Stephanie Hsu, Tiffany Lieu, and Amy Dettori. The study authors reported no funding or support or conflicts of interest. About UT Southwestern Medical Center UT Southwestern, one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institutions faculty has received six Nobel Prizes, and includes 25 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 16 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 14 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. The full-time faculty of more than 2,500 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians provide care in about 80 specialties to more than 105,000 hospitalized patients, nearly 370,000 emergency room cases, and oversee approximately 3 million outpatient visits a year. Child safety officers who failed to regularly visit toddler Mason Jet Lee before he died will now be investigated. A 22-month-old boy, Mason died of an infection in Caboolture, Queensland, in June 2016 after his stepfather William O'Sullivan belted him in the abdomen so hard it ruptured his small intestine. 'The handling of Mason's case was a failure in nearly every possible way,' deputy state coroner Jane Bentley said during her findings on Tuesday. She found that child safety officers should have visited Mason 12 times in the three months leading up to his death, but only saw the toddler once. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Department of Child Safety will be investigated by the Public Service Commissioner in Brisbane on Wednesday. 'I don't think that it's publicly acceptable for a department to judge a department,' Ms Palaszczuk said. Mason Jet Lee (pictured) died of an infection in Caboolture, Queensland, in June 2016 after he was struck in the abdomen by his mother's boyfriend, William O'Sullivan. Child safety officers will now be investigated Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) said the Department of Child Safety will be investigated by the Public Service Commissioner in Brisbane on Wednesday 'I've spoken with my Director-General today and I have asked that the coroner's report be forwarded to him to go to our Public Service Commissioner,' she continued. 'The Public Service Commissioner must look at all of the staff that have been involved. 'We just need to go through that report very carefully and we need to make sure that we adopt the recommendations that the deputy coroner has made.' There were 21 child safety staff involved with Mason's case. Three people left of their own accord while nine have since been disciplined over the ir handling of toddler's case. Ms Palaszczuk's pledge to investigate the Department of Child Safety comes after deputy coroner revealed the shocking details of Mason's death on Tuesday. Ms Bentley presented an audio recording that pinpointed the exact moment Mason was belted by his stepfather O'Sullivan on June 6, 2016. Baby Mason Jet Lee was neglected and abused by his mother and stepfather William O'Sullivan. There were 21 child safety staff involved in Mason's case William O'Sullivan (right) and Mason's mother Anne Maree Lee (left) pleaded guilty to manslaughter after failing to get the toddler medical treatment The audio was captured by a CCTV camera that O'Sullivan had installed. In the recording, Mason can be heard crying. 'Oh - shut up', O'Sullivan says, but the toddler continues to wail. Soon, O'Sullivan begins to scream. 'I find that it was at this time that Mr O'Sullivan struck him forcefully in the abdomen,' the coroner said in the report on Tuesday. The toddler was whacked so hard that his small intestine split inside him and then became infected. His mother and stepfather refused to seek help, leaving the little boy to die a terrible, painful death over five excruciating days. The audio was not heard in the court case against O'Sullivan and Mason's mother, Anne Maree Lee, in which the pair were each sentenced to nine years jail. It took Mason five days to die, but it was only the latest injury in a long painful history The coroner said that if any of the Queensland child safety officers tasked with looking after the abused toddler had done their job in the weeks before his death, he may still be alive. The blow was just one of many serious and painful injuries the neglected 22-month-old suffered in the months before his death in June 2016. Deputy state coroner Jane Bentley says the child safety department's handling of Mason's case was 'a failure in nearly every possible way'. More than 20 departmental staff, who were investigated following his death, were found to have acted unsatisfactorily. Their behaviour reflected the failure of the system as a whole, Ms Bentley said in inquest findings handed down on Tuesday. She also warned that details about Mason's last days would be distressing. 'I include it in the findings not to shock or upset, but in recognition of the fact that these things happened to this little boy whilst he was a child in our community,' she told Brisbane Coroners Court. An autopsy found Mason's death was caused by an infection from internal injuries similar to those seen after car accidents. He had dozens of other injuries, including a fractured coccyx, extensive bruising and torn skin around his anus. Mason's declining health in his final days was largely ignored by his mother, Anne-Maree Lee, and stepfather, William O'Sullivan, who are both serving jail sentences for his manslaughter. The family had been known to the child safety department since before Mason's birth in 2014. Pictured: Anne Maree Lee with baby Mason. The coroner found no fault with Queensland Police or the Health Department Mason was hospitalised in early 2016 with injuries a veteran pediatrician described to the inquest as the worst he had seen. Despite this and the involvement of the police, the department again made the decision to release the toddler back to his family. In the months before Mason died, child safety officers saw Mason only once for about five minutes in mid-March. They were required to carry out 12 face-to-face and 12 support contacts with the toddler, Ms Bentley said. 'Had anyone from the department seen Mason in the weeks before his death they could have saved his life.' Ms Bentley said it was difficult to find any steps that complied with the department's policies and procedures, or were correctly documented. The coroner said if anyone from the department had seen Mason (pictured) in the weeks before his death they could have saved his life 'The fact that the (ethical standards unit) found that 21 employees of the department involved in Mason's case ... failed to carry out their duties appropriately is indicative of the scale of the failure.' Ms Bentley made six recommendations, including that the department reviews its policies about how it implements out-of-home care for at-risk children, and provides information to police. She also advised Queensland Health to allow doctors to escalate child safety cases when they disagree with a decision made by the department. Child Safety Minister Di Farmer said the child protection system was a difficult and challenging system and she would consider the coroner's recommendations. 'We take a call about a child potentially at risk of harm every four minutes,' she said. '(But) nobody could possibly read the report that was handed down today and not feel sick to the stomach, to not imagine what that little boy's life was like.' Ms Farmer said three independent reviews had been held into the department since Mason's death, with significant failings identified. She said an additional $200 million and more than 200 staff had been allocated to address the issues. Former SBI chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya (pictured) joined Salesforce to head its India unit at a time when the firm was facing multiple challenges. On April 1, when she took over as chairman and CEO of the US-based software major, the country was under a lockdown. Business sentiment, too, was quite low. A couple of months later, she is now more optimistic than before regarding the adoption of newer technologies, even though she acknowledges there could be short-term challenges owing to the pandemic. In the short term, it is going to be challenging (due to the pandemic). However, ... Open source Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will make the final decision on the allocation of the tranche to Ukraine up to June 10, as 112 Ukraine TV channel reported, citing Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmygal. The sum of the tranche will make $5 billion. The memorandum with the IMF the important topic of the recent weeks. We did a great job by the entire country and the Cabinet of Ministers, ministries, the Verkhovna Rada, and the president personally held the talks. On Friday, the final agreements were reached with the IMF and today we are able to say that until June 10 the session of the IMF council will take place during which the final decision on the allocation of $5 billion tranche to Ukraine will be made, Shmygal said. As we reported, the expectations of the International Monetary Fund from the Ukrainian government needed to get the new $5 billion credit program was revealed. It should be approved in June. Earlier, the team of the IMF workers reached the preliminary decision with Ukraine's government on the new 18-months-long stand-by funding program. The IMF mission in Ukraine was led by Ivanna Vladkova-Hollar. By Akbar Mammadov Azerbaijans Embassy has issued a warning to its citizens over ongoing protests in a number of cities across the U.S. In connection with the ongoing events in a number of US cities, we strongly recommend that citizens of Azerbaijan currently in the United States refrain from travelling to areas where protests and riots occur, given the threats and risks to personal health and safety, to consider the possibility of postponing such visits in case of visits to the territories and to follow the rules established by the relevant local authorities and law-enforcement bodies in the territories where they live, including the curfew in case of the application, the embassy stated in its Twitter account on June 1. In case of any incident involving the citizens of our country, please inform the Embassy's hotline, the embassy added. The hotline of Azerbaijans Embassy to the USA is 202 560 35 83. It should be noted that at least 11 people have died and hundreds injured in protests against the death of African-American George Floyd in the United States in recent weekws. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz [June 03, 2020] Japan's Global AISIN Group Enlists QC Ware for Joint Quantum Computing Research to Advance Digital Transformation KARIYA, Japan, and PALO ALTO, Calif., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AISIN Group is taking digital transformation by the horns. The automotive technology giant and QC Ware today announced a research collaboration exploring the impact of quantum optimization and quantum machine learning algorithms on automotive applications. The collaboration utilized commercially available quantum computers from D-Wave Systems and Rigetti Computing . Aisin is a leading global supplier of components and systems for the automotive industry and the world's largest transmission manufacturer. Its customers represent a wide range of automotive manufacturing giants, including Toyota, Volkswagen Group, PSA Group, Volvo, and the BMW Group. "The auto industry must change drastically to meet the new dynamics of next-generation mobility. At Aisin, we continuously build our technological capabilities, focusing on innovation and future-oriented research and development. Our goal is to advance digital transformation, and to bring new value-added products to global markets," said Katsuhiko Eguchi, Executive General Manager, Corporate R&D Division, Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. "QC Ware and Aisin's research is focused on solving critical automotive parts design challenges, including quality assurance in automatic transmission software. We are also exploring how we can remove computational bottlenecks in big data calculations on logistic services. We want to be well-prepared with top-rate quantum computing skills when quantum computers are ready for commercial use." According to IDC senior research analyst Heather West, findings from IDC's Quantum Computing Adoption Trends: 2020 Survey Findings indicate that while most manufacturing companies demonstrate a high interest in quantum computing, only a small percentage have been able to jumpstart their quantum computing initiatives partially due to complex technology and skillset limitations. "QC Ware has an interesting top-down approach to making quantum computing practical for businesses, said Peter Rutten, Research Director, IDC. "They build algorithms for distinct industrial use cases and then run those algorithms on whatever hardware is most suitable as a quantum simulation on classical computers, on a D-Wave system, on IBM's Quantum service, or on Rigetti." Rutten added, "IDC found that Aisin was able to begin understanding the potential of quantum computing for improving their manufacturing operations beyond traditional methods. They have subsequently initiated two POCs, thanks to the collaborative research with QC Ware's algorithms experts." "Aisin is at the forefront of emerging tech and research initiatives in Japan and globally," said Matt Johnson, CEO, QC Ware. "While the main objective of our research collaboration is knowledge transfer and quantum computing skills building for competitive advantage, it also helps us at QC Ware to understand how quantum algorithms can address the current and future needs of the automotive industry." About AISIN Group AISIN Group is the sixth largest, global Tier One supplier of automotive components and systems such as brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrain, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportation systems, and the largest transmission manufacturer in the world. A $35 billion company, Aisin Group has over 200 consolidated companies and employs approximately 120,000 people. In the Americas, Aisin Group companies include 14,000 employees, 36 manufacturing, sales, and R&D centers, including Aisin Technical Center of America located at the North American Headquarters in Northville, Mich., and FT-Techno of America, the company's 950-acre test track and proving ground in Fowlerville, Mich. About QC Ware QC Ware is a quantum computing-as-a-service company building enterprise solutions that run on quantum computing hardware. QC Ware's mission is to be the first company to offer a practical application providing quantum advantage over classical computers. QC Ware is working towards that goal with one of the world's strongest teams of quantum algorithms scientists. The company is already generating revenue through successful research collaborations with industry leaders in the automotive, aerospace, finance, material design, and oil and gas sectors. QC Ware is headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., and has a wholly owned subsidiary in Paris, QC Ware France. For more information, please visit qcware.com . QC Ware also hosts the annual "Q2B - Practical Quantum Computing" conference every December in Silicon Valley. The three-day conference brings industry, government and research institutions together to stimulate application discovery and development. For more information, please visit q2bconference.com About QC Ware's Forge cloud service Forge , QC Ware's cloud services platform, enables large enterprises and public-sector organizations to start building quantum skills and prepare for the potential disruption that quantum computing will bring to the market in the near future. Forge allows enterprise users with no presumed quantum computing expertise to run problems on a wide range of quantum computing hardware platforms and simulators. Forge users can access end-to-end implementations of proprietary and open-source algorithms for binary optimization, chemistry simulation, and machine learning. Media Contact [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/japans-global-aisin-group-enlists-qc-ware-for-joint-quantum-computing-research-to-advance-digital-transformation-301069858.html SOURCE QC Ware Corp. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Joe Martin is a staff writer for the Seguin Gazette. You can e-mail him at joe.martin@seguingazette.com . A recession brought on by a global pandemic led Portland Public Schools to reconsider plans to pitch voters on a $1.4 billion bond to extensively renovate three high schools. But in a surprise development made public on Tuesday, district leaders indicated they may still place their largest ever money measure on the November ballot. Leaving the states most heavily African American high school, located in the heart of Portlands historic African American neighborhoods, in outdated and poorly configured condition for many more years is the wrong choice, particularly given the national and local cries to right systemic anti-black racism, some district leaders said. District decision-makers and the school board in late May discussed proffering a two- or three-year bond topping out at around $600 million to fund urgent infrastructure projects and investments in technology and learning material. Their reasoning was that voters appetite for the mega-bond they had planned earlier would be greatly diminished given the implosion of the economy due to the global pandemic. Officials originally presented the school board with four potential pitches, all of which included $200 million to address cost overruns from school rebuilds and remodels voters greenlit in 2017 and another $151 million to repair or replace roofs at nine schools, complete seismic retrofits at three of them and carry out myriad other smaller maintenance projects and repairs. All told, those options would cost between $584 million $785 million, depending on scope. On Tuesday, however, board members were provided two more options to mull over, both of which would include extensive renovations at Jefferson High School to the tune of $320 million. District officials have long planned for a remodel suitable for enrollment of 1,700 according to specifications adopted a decade ago. Jefferson has about 640 students this year, state figures show. District statistics show 32% of students at Jefferson are black, making it by far the most heavily black high school in Oregon. Another 31% of Jefferson students are white, 20% are Latino and 13% identify as multiracial. Board member Julia Brim-Edwards had previously pressed the bond committee to consider the North Portland school for inclusion in the scaled down bond proposal, calling the building a dump. The building is not really suitable for students and I think theyve waited a long enough time, she said Tuesday. Earlier this week, the principals of each of the districts nine high schools signed a letter urging the board to place Jefferson on the November bond. They wrote that waiting on renovations to the building amounts to perpetuating the historic inequities that our communities of color have seen for generations. Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal called in during the public comment portion of the meeting to further press the board to include a Jefferson rebuild in the November bond campaign. A rebuild of Jefferson would be a literal and figurative concrete investment in our black community, she said. Michelle DePass, the only black member on the Portland school board, said adding Jefferson to the November bond campaign would be a way for the district to live up to its long-stated goals of addressing inequity and persistent achievement gaps. This is one of those moments where we can say, Were going to help black kids, DePass said. Board member Andrew Scott pushed back against including the school on the November ballot. He wondered aloud whether the district can adequately gather community feedback in eight weeks and if it was wise to lock in an architectural plan when any groundbreaking would be at least three years away. District officials were chastened when the cost estimates underlying the $790 million bond put to voters in 2017 turned out to be wildly short of delivering the upgrades they had promised. The approach of including funding now limits and narrows our options for what Jefferson is going to look like, Scott said. Decision-makers have until Aug. 14 to finalize any ballot proposal before the deadline to file it with county elections offices. Board members picked apart all six bond proposals district officials put forth for consideration for a November bond campaign. Every option included $34 million for digital devices like laptops and tablets and $40 million to improve internet infrastructure across the district. Board members and Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero went back and forth on the $25 million line item for curriculum and instructional material, with some asking if district officials might tap into free-to-use or open source resources online. Guerrero said the district hasnt consistently updated learning material for nearly two decades, leading to what the superintendent called a severe curriculum debt. If it was a degree of consistent investment over time, year over year, on a cycle across content areas, we wouldnt be in this predicament, he said. Addressing concerns of equity for black students voiced by board members earlier in the meeting, Guerrero said guaranteeing access to the same learning materials district-wide would reach those populations regardless of which school they attend. Of the more than 3,800 black students who attend district-operated schools, just 204 are enrolled at Jefferson. As some board members wondered if it would make sense to reduce the planned outlay for curriculum to reduce the size of the bond, the superintendent pushed back. Safe, modern, warm dry buildings should be a guarantee to any one of our students no matter what campus they step in, Guerrero said. But if you have a modern building and 30-year old textbooks, you have a pendulum or balance thats missing. The school board plans to finalize the bond package on July 21, with community surveys and listening sessions planned throughout June. Board Chair Amy Kohnstamm told The Oregonian/OregonLive Wednesday that she felt confident in a larger bond proposal after seeing education measures garner wide support among voters last month. Voters in the Canby and Centennial districts approved multimillion-dollar bond measures in May. The Portland gas tax and a Metro measure for homeless services with an estimated price tag of $250 million also won a majority at the ballot. There was just a moment at the start of this COVID crisis where the board was wondering if it was appropriate to come out with such a large measure," she said. Kohnstamm said renovations had long been promised for Jefferson students and their families, with recent protests against police brutality following the death of George Floyd putting a spotlight on ever-present inequities in Portlands black community. Our Jefferson community has seen their plans for modernization deferred several times, she said. I think theres a sense that at least some of us want to make a stronger commitment to that community. While board members fidgeted over whether the districts bond timeline would allow officials to gather enough feedback from North Portlanders on Jeffersons fate, DePass said shed seen enough community support to know the board should prioritize a remodel. I know theres some fear of not doing this correctly. Not doing anything with Jefferson is what doing it incorrectly looks like, she said. --Eder Campuzano | 503-221-4344 | @edercampuzano Eder is The Oregonians education reporter. Do you have a tip about Portland Public Schools? Email ecampuzano@oregonian.com. Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Lucknow, June 3 : A delegation of Japanese business and industrial representatives have sought time from the Yogi Adityanath government to visit Uttar Pradesh in November this year to assess the possibility of starting projects here. The letter written to MSME Minister Siddhartha Nath Singh, is a major boost to the government's initiative to bring foreign investment to the state. The MSME minister said that the letter written by the Organisation for Spiritual, Industrial and Culture Advancement (OSICA) International, has said that its members in Japan, who have "interest in a wide range of industries and services, have now requested to coordinate a business delegation to India this year". The delegation would comprise 20-25 members and would like to visit Lucknow and Delhi, where they will make presentations on their proposals, according to Tadashi Watanabe, vice-president for international relations for OSICA International. The minister, who had met OSICA International secretary general Fumio Kitsuki in December 2019 and Japanese ambassador to India, Satoshi Suzuki, on May 7 this year, said that the development was a positive sign for the state. "Uttar Pradesh is clearly being recognised as a state with immense possibilities for investment. OSICA has asked to be shown at least two sites, one in west UP and another in east UP during their visit. It has also indicated, so far, that the delegation is interested in setting up electronics park, warehousing and logistics and food processing units. We have sought more details so that we can prepare a detailed itinerary for the visiting delegates," he said. State Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has already asked officials to tap foreign companies that plan to move out of China in the wake of the pandemic. A committee consisting of Siddhartha Nath Singh and Industries Minister Satish Mahana, has been set up to specifically focus on bringing foreign investment into the state that has already been reworking several policies for making the state investment-friendly. The Japanese government has created a US $ 2.2 billion fund to help companies migrate from China, creating a huge potential for Uttar Pradesh. The state government has set up a help desk for three countries from where it is anticipating investments, including Japan, South Korea and the US. Angola, IN (46703) Today Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. Much colder. High 22F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 10F. Winds light and variable. The federal opposition has accused Australia's National Library of abandoning crucial Asian collections due to a lack of federal government funding, warning the move acts against the national interest. Labor's foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong and arts spokesman Tony Burke called on the federal government to intervene and reverse the National Library of Australia's decision last week to cease collecting material on Japan, Korea and mainland south-east Asia. Labor senator Penny Wong fears federal government budget cuts are forcing the National Library of Australia to limit its Asia collections. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "In a time where Australia should be looking to improve and expand our engagement in Asia, the NLA's decision is alarming, and is counter to our national interest," Senator Wong and Mr Burke said in a letter to Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Minister for Communications and the Arts Paul Fletcher. The library closed its Asian collections reading room late last year and warned its staff they could be made redundant in a major restructure to be completed this year. (HedgeCo.Net) The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced the filing of a civil enforcement action in the Eastern District of Kentucky against defendant William S. Evans III (d/b/a Turning Point Investments) of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, charging him with fraud in connection with soliciting clients to trade S&P commodity futures contracts and options in a commodity pool while failing to register with the CFTC. The Commissions action also names Evans wife, Frances Evans, as a relief defendant in possession of funds from Evans alleged illegal activity. On May 29, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Claria Horn Boom signed a statutory restraining order freezing the Evanses assets and prohibiting the destruction or concealment of their books and records. The CFTC complaint alleges that since at least September 2018, Evans accepted at least $10 million from clients of which he misappropriated at least $8.4 million. Evans allegedly paid some clients with non-existent profits in the manner of a Ponzi scheme while diverting other funds for his personal use. Although Evans promised participants that they would enjoy double-digit profits, the transactions he engaged in resulted in losses he failed to disclose. The complaint further alleges that Evans acted in a capacity requiring him to register with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator but failed to do so. As the allegations in this case show, the CFTC will work vigorously to root out fraud from our markets, said CFTC Director of Enforcement James McDonald. Where necessary and appropriate, the Commission will move swiftly to preserve assets for potential victims, including through statutory restraining orders that freeze assets that could be used to compensate victims. In its continuing litigation, the CFTC seeks restitution to defrauded investors, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, civil monetary penalties, and an imposition of a permanent injunction against further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act, as charged, as well as permanent trading and registration bans. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Wed, June 3, 2020 08:57 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbadefe 2 Business digital-tax,Netflix,united-states,Google,Indonesia Free United States President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday announced investigations into foreign digital services taxes it says are aimed squarely at American tech firms. Following a similar trade investigation against France last year, the US Trade Representative office now is looking into taxes in Britain and the European Union, as well as Indonesia, Turkey and India. Read also: Higher Netflix bill? Govt to charge VAT on imported digital goods, services starting July "President Trump is concerned that many of our trading partners are adopting tax schemes designed to unfairly target our companies," USTR Robert Lighthizer said in a statement. "We are prepared to take all appropriate action to defend our businesses and workers against any such discrimination." Washington opposes the efforts to tax revenues from online sales and advertising, saying they single out US tech giants like Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Netflix. Read also: Indonesia taxes tech companies through new regulation The US and France have agreed to negotiate till the end of the year over a digital services tax Paris approved in 2019, after USTR found them to be discriminating and threatened retaliatory duties of up to 100 percent on French imports such as champagne and camembert cheese. Trump has embroiled the US in numerous trade disputes since taking office in 2017, including a months-long trade war with China that cooled with the signing of a partial deal in January. Even while museums are closed due to the coronavirus, art matters in our lives. In this series, Lagniappe presents a different work each week from the collection of the New Orleans Museum of Art, with commentary from a curator. At different times in his career, Arthur Siegel worked as a photojournalist, documentarian and artist who explored various methods of photographic abstraction. This image seems to combine these disparate approaches, documenting a demonstration even as it threatens to reduce the participants to repetitious formal elements. Made in his hometown of Detroit, "The Right of Assembly" affords a birds-eye view of members of the United Automobile Workers striking against Chryslers institution of higher production speeds. Siegels title suggests that his sympathies lay with the demonstrators or, at the very least, with their right to demonstrate. His choice of vantage point is also laden with political meaning, recalling other radical forms of social photographic engagement from earlier in the century. Some photographers from that era had advocated for unusual perspectives as revolutionary forms of vision and criticized traditional views as regressive. Seigel's picture documents a mostly white workforce and, of course, was made by a white photographer. The activists in this protest were also largely successful. As demonstrators pour into the streets today to protest the horrific history of anti-black violence and systemic racism, think about who is representing them and how. There is a long history of photographic representation of heroic white revolutionaries and an equally long history of photographs that vilify black protesters. The present moment demands fair representation for a just cause, but we are likely to see images that indict, confuse or undermine this cause. Think critically about every image as this historic moment unfolds. +2 Photo captures yearning for touch as distancing rules: New Orleans Museum of Art spotlight Even while museums are closed due to the coronavirus, art matters in our lives. In this series, Lagniappe presents a different work each week +2 Japanese artist drew solace from nature amid her life's difficult transitions Even while museums are closed due to the coronavirus, art matters in our lives. In this series, Lagniappe presents a different work each week By Roy Freiman New Jersey is home to nearly 800,000 small businesses, which together employ roughly 1.8 million people and accounts for about half of our private workforce. That makes New Jerseys small business industry too big to fail. Equipping them to navigate and weather the unprecedented, unforeseen challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, therefore, remains a critical goal as we look toward reopening and recovery. At the outset of New Jerseys declared public health and state of emergency, small businesses deemed essential were faced with paring down services and operations, and those considered non-essential with shutting down indefinitely. To create the economic safety net needed by so many suffering huge financial loss, I pushed for passage of legislation (A-3845) authorizing the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to issue emergency grants as well as to extend or waive loan program deadlines. This bill passed unanimously in the Legislature and was signed into law on March 20. It has allowed the EDA to provide financial relief under seven programs. Within these, a total of $43 million in grant and loan program aid was made available to directly help New Jersey small businesses. Initially, under the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program over $5.4 million in grants were disbursed and under the Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program, $10 million in working capital loans was made available to businesses with less than $5 million in revenue. In addition to state initiatives, the federal government and the U.S. Small Business Administration established the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which has since facilitated $16.9 billion in loan aid to reach New Jersey businesses. And, through Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advances funded by Congressional appropriations, another $1.6 million has been disbursed to small businesses in need. Unfortunately, many small businesses are still waiting in line. Working closely with stakeholders and listening to small business concerns, the asks have been clear: more cash assistance is needed via grants, and eligibility criteria for programs and for use of funds must be expanded. The governors most recent commitment of $50 million to small businesses from federal CARES Act funding is evidence that the government recognizes the priority of our small business community. I applaud this allocation, of which the EDA has committed $5 million to businesses waitlisted in the first phase of emergency grant funding and $45 million toward a second phase. Already, $2.3 million has been approved to support 700 businesses impacted in the April backlog. Grants of up to $10,000 will also become available to a greater pool of businesses, home-based businesses and sole proprietorships being among those that will now able to benefit. How New Jersey is prioritizing the short-term survival of local small businesses so it can see sustained long-term growth is an example to be followed. However, the near $100 million weve brought to bear to boost small businesses is just the beginning of our road back. Continued advocacy by Governor Murphy and his administration, his successful bipartisan efforts with President Trump, Congress, and partnerships with private and corporate industry, have no doubt all been crucial components to securing the public assistance small businesses so desperately needs. To that end, under Speaker Craig Coughlins leadership, my Assembly colleagues and the Assembly bi-partisan Business Caucus remain committed to hearing small business concerns and putting forth legislative solutions. The work of the Speakers Economic Advisory Council will play a large role as we chart our path forward and out of this crisis. As government, consumers, industry and ultimately, as a society we all have a part to play. Beyond maintaining and expanding relief programs, which continue to be of critical importance, we must as citizens do our part as well. Whatever that looks like for you, whether its ordering takeout from a local restaurant, buying a gift card, using social media to spread the word and share local finds, or giving a cash donation, every bit helps. Days, months and years from now our economy will be defined by our actions to make businesses more resilient in challenging moments like this one. Helping small businesses survive is about helping New Jersey thrive. State Assemblyman Roy Freiman represents the 16th Legislative District, which includes parts of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset counties. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Dozens of tanker cars sitting on Portland & Western Railroad tracks along U.S. Highway 20 between Albany and Corvallis are filled with liquefied petroleum gas, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation, but railroad officials insist they pose no risk to the public. The railcars, of which there are 60 or more, have been sitting for weeks on a siding near Garland Nursery, southwest of the highway's intersection with Northeast Granger Avenue. The siding has been leased by the Portland & Western to an undisclosed third party to store the cars. A reader contacted the newspaper over concerns about the cars being stored in the vicinity of homes and farms. A railroad representative said the concern is unfounded. There is no more risk to the public than exists anyplace else across North Americas rail network, where more than 99.999% of all hazardous material reaches its destination without a release caused by an incident, said Michael Williams, vice president of corporate communications for Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Inc., in an email. Safety is the first priority of everyone at the Portland & Western, and if these railcars could not be stored safely, then they would not be on the railroad. Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Inc., based in Connecticut, is the parent company of the Portland & Western Railroad, Inc., which lists an address on Howard Drive in southeast Albany on its website. Department of Transportation placards on the cars are labeled 1075, with a flammable symbol. The number denotes flammable substances including butane, propane and liquefied petroleum gas and designates cars that are or recently were carrying the substances and have yet to be cleaned out. Some of the cars near Highway 20 are labeled with the words non-odorized liquefied petroleum gas. Williams added that the rail industry has protocols to share information on railcar contents with first responders as necessary. But beyond that, for security reasons, contents are not disclosed to the general public. Short line freight railroads such as the Portland & Western provide the vital link between local businesses and the national rail network, Williams said. Storing loaded and empty railcars for customers is an essential service provided by short line railroads, as well as an important source of revenue, and is safely done as normal course of business and in full compliance with federal regulations. Railroad and state officials did not release the name of the third party that leased the siding. Shelley M. Snow, the Oregon Department of Transportations strategic communications coordinator, said all of her agencys requirements in the storage of the cars have been met. ODOT is not responsible beyond that because the cars are now immobile and have reached their destination, thus ending ODOTs oversight of them, Snow said. Once the shipment is at its final destination and has moved onto a private track, as in this case, ODOTs hazardous material transportation regulations no longer apply. That is in addition to requirements under the third partys security plan, which was submitted to and reviewed by ODOTs hazardous materials inspector. ODOT inspectors reviewed the lease agreement between the railroad and the third party and found the siding meets the criteria to be considered a private track, Snow said. The shipper is responsible for minimizing how long the material is stored to the extent practicable, and the lessee of the track is a distributor of the product, Snow said. Given this, the duration of storage could be an ongoing situation of cars coming in and going out of storage. Snow added: We absolutely understand this may not satisfy the concerns of those who live nearby, but we do want to reassure everyone that our role focuses on preventing incidents, Snow said. We will continue to work with the railroads/shippers to make sure they are following the regulations that we oversee. Love 5 Funny 5 Wow 4 Sad 2 Angry 11 North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2020) -Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. David Tretbar, P.Geo, to the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Tretbar is currently Vice President, Exploration and Mineral Resources of Denver-based Summit Mining International, a 100% owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation of Japan, where he is responsible for developing exploration programs, implementing exploration and resource development strategies, and providing technical support in all aspects of mine and mill production at Minera San Cristobal in Bolivia. He also performs project due diligence for strategic alliances and joint ventures, and executive support functions within Summit Mining and its parent Sumitomo Corporation. Mr. Tretbar has wide-ranging experience in surface and underground exploration, resource modeling, mine development and production, laboratory operations, mineral analysis, process metallurgy, and project management. Prior to joining Summit Mining International in 2010, Mr. Tretbar held a number of operational management level positions, including Chief Mine Geologist for Golden Minerals at Minera San Cristobal, and both Mill Manager and Manager Engineering & Geology for the Ashdown Molybdenum Mine in Nevada. Mr. Tretbar has worked as an underground mine geologist at several Nevada gold mines, including 4 years at the Getchell Mine where he conducted his Master's degree research on geochemistry and mineralization of the deposit. He later spent 2- years as process mineralogist for Barrick Gold Corporation at the Goldstrike Operation. From 2004 to 2007 Mr. Tretbar was senior exploration geologist for Alamos Gold at their Mulatos Mine in Sonora, Mexico. While there he designed and directed construction of 2000 meters of exploration tunnels and managed near-mine exploration programs. At the narrow-vein, high-grade Ashdown Molybdenum Mine in northern Nevada, David simultaneously managed the molybdenum flotation plant and designed the underground ramp access and stope sequence mining plans. Mr. Tretbar earned a B.S. Geology, from Northern Arizona University in 1995, and a M.S. Geochemistry, from the University of Nevada Reno in 2004. Mr. Tretbar is a Certified Professional Geologist with the American Institute of Professional Geologists, and a Registered Professional Geologist in the state of Arizona. He is a qualified person as defined by Canadian NI 43-101. Lion One CEO Walter Berukoff commented "We're delighted to have someone of David's caliber join our Board of Directors and provide critical oversight for our technical team as we advance the Tuvatu Gold Project and explore the Navilawa Alkaline Gold System in Fiji". The Company also announces it has granted a total of 2,200,000 stock options exercisable at a price of $1.50 for a period of 5 years from the date of grant to various advisors, directors, officers, employees, and consultants. About Lion One Metals Limited Lion One's flagship asset is 100% owned Tuvatu Gold Project and the surrounding Navilawa Alkaline Gold System, located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. Lion One's CEO Walter Berukoff leads an experienced team of explorers and mine builders and has owned or operated over 20 mines in 7 countries. As the founder and former CEO of Miramar Mines, Northern Orion, and La Mancha Resources, Walter is credited with building over $3 billion of value for shareholders. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lion One Metals Limited "Walter Berukoff" Chairman and CEO For further information Contact Investor Relations Toll Free (North America) Tel: 1-855-805-1250 Email: info@liononemetals.com Website: www.liononemetals.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57138 The Trump administration is planning to bar Chinese airlines from flying to the U.S., Reuters reported on Wednesday. The decision was reportedly made in response to Chinas refusal to allow U.S. airlines to resume passenger service to Chinese airports. Weconclude that the public interest requires the suspension of all Chinese carrier scheduled passenger air services between the United States and China, read a Wednesday filing by the U.S. Transportation Department. The suspension will take effect on June 16 and apply to Air China, Hainan Airlines Holding Co., China Eastern Airlines Corp., and China Southern Airlines Co. At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. airlines Delta, American, and United severely curtailed passenger service to Chinese airports, ceasing entirely by March 12. The companies have continued to operate cargo flights to China facilitate trade and the export of medical equipment, and foreign carriers have continued some non-stop passenger flights between China and the U.S. In recent weeks, the U.S. State Department has accused China of refusing to lift a broad restriction on flights that effectively precludes U.S. carriers from reinstating scheduled passenger flights to China. The Civil Aviation Authority of China currently prevents airlines from operating more than the number of flights they operated on March 12, when U.S. carriers had stopped all flights to the country. The State Department has said it protested this situation to the Chinese authorities, repeatedly objecting to Chinaas failure to let U.S. carriers fully exercise their rights and to the denial to U.S. carriers of their right to compete on a fair and equal basis with Chinese carriers. Both Delta and United have put in requests to resume a limited number of nonstop flights to China. Before the pandemic, United operated a twice-daily nonstop flight from San Francisco to Shanghai, supported by tech company Apple which bought 50 business-class tickets per day for the route. More from National Review People vote at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center in Philadelphia on June 02, 2020. There were fewer polling locations across the city due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read more Get ready for a long wait. Pennsylvania held its primary election Tuesday, but only a fraction of the votes had been tallied Tuesday night. It will take days to count them all. So it could be a while before you know if your candidate won. Thats not because of fraud, or election rigging, or anything of the sort. Its the direct result of legal changes designed to make voting more flexible and accessible, along with a coronavirus pandemic that greatly accelerated the adoption of voting by mail. Its also a huge change for voters who have grown accustomed to winners being called by news outlets on election night, with displays of concession speeches and victory parties from candidates. And while a lack of actual election results wont bother many voters with so few competitive races on the ballot attracting wide interest, imagine the same lack of certainty the night of Nov. 3: If changes arent made between now and then, elections officials across the state say, the world could be left watching Pennsylvania, a critical swing state, count ballot after ballot long after polls have closed. Its pretty wild, isnt it?" said Delaware County Councilmember Christine Reuther, who works on election issues. People are going to have to wait for results. Its not going to be as satisfying for a lot of people. Lets just leave it at that. READ MORE: Want to know who won the presidential race on election night? Get ready to wait. Tuesdays primary was the first election in which any Pennsylvania voter could vote by mail, and coronavirus fears helped fuel an unexpected surge in mail ballot requests. More than 1.8 million voters requested mail ballots almost 17 times the 107,000 requests in the 2016 primary and several counties planned on having only a small share of those ballots tallied Tuesday night. The Associated Press declared Joe Biden the winner of the states Democratic primary shortly after polls closed, a formality after his last remaining rival, Bernie Sanders, dropped out of the contest, while President Donald Trump easily won the Republican primary. But there werent sufficient returns late Tuesday to determine a winner in a competitive Democratic primary for state auditor general, nor in a smattering of primaries for congressional and state legislative seats. Most votes in the Philadelphia region, where one in three registered Pennsylvania voters live, werent being counted Tuesday night. Philadelphia wont even begin counting its mail ballots until Wednesday, and officials expected them to make up a majority of votes cast in the city. Bucks County planned to have about 20% of mail ballots and 20% of in-person votes counted by the end of the night. Chester County could take an estimated three days to count all its votes. Delaware County wont have all its in-person votes counted until Thursday, and mail ballot results wont come until after that. Montgomery County will count the vast majority of its votes in the days ahead. Together, they make up five of the six highest-population counties in Pennsylvania. Elections officials fear that the lack of high-profile competitive races Tuesday could obscure the reality that votes simply take longer to count now that the electoral system has changed. Part of the change comes from adapting to new technology. Gov. Tom Wolf in 2018 ordered all 67 counties to replace their voting machines with more secure systems that leave a paper trail that can be audited and manually recounted. Results from polling places are still tracked as they are cast, making it fairly straightforward to pull vote summaries at the end of the night, but counties struggled to pull off Tuesdays election amid a pandemic. So Delaware County, instead of scanning paper ballots at polling places, was counting them at county offices after polls closed. Few of the polling place results that are normally available on election night were counted Tuesday night, and the full count of in-person votes will last through Thursday, Reuther said. And seven counties including Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, and Allegheny had extended deadlines for mail ballots to arrive and still be counted: Wolf ordered ballots be counted if they were postmarked by Tuesday, even if they arrive after the Tuesday night deadline set by state law. (The order applies to six counties. A judge on Tuesday granted Bucks County a separate extension.) That means county elections officials didnt even know at the end of the night how many ballots are still coming in the days ahead. The larger change, though, is one that will outlast the pandemic: Voters have options now. Until Tuesdays elections, Pennsylvanias absentee system was so restrictive that only about 5% of votes in any election were cast by mail. That meant when in-person results came in from polling places on election night, they made up the vast majority of the votes. No longer. After the law was changed last year to allow any voter to use mail ballots, county elections officials began to warn that results would take time to process. In some states with high rates of voting by mail, results can take days or even weeks to process. And that was even before the pandemic blew expectations out of the water. Months ago, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar, whose office oversees elections, said she expected mail ballots to make up 20% to 25% of votes in the primary. Last week, she said she believed most votes would be cast by mail. The pandemic, and the change to the law, also make it more difficult for news outlets to use the sophisticated statistical models they normally rely on to project winners based on unofficial election night returns and to call winners of races. But public expectations have been set by years of election night projections, and elections officials and experts worry that voters may jump to conclusions based on partial results and then be surprised or even distrustful of the final numbers. Early returns, especially when they represent just a few of the total votes cast, may not align with the final totals. In some cases, the candidate who appears to be winning on election night may ultimately lose. READ MORE: How does a Republican lead on election night and still lose Pennsylvania? Its called the blue shift. We will take confidence over speed any time, so were going to have to reset our expectations on how long it takes to get results, said Lee Soltysiak, Montgomery Countys chief operating officer and clerk of its election board. But well have confidence in them once we have them. There are still changes that can be made to quicken the reporting of results, with some county elections officials calling for mail ballots to be opened days or even weeks ahead of election day. State law currently forbids counties from opening ballots until 7 a.m. on election day. Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, chair of the Bucks County commissioners, is among those who hope the state legislature will change the law and allow counties to begin counting mail ballots earlier. If not, she said, everyone will just have to strap in for November. Dont expect too much on election night. Everybody take a deep breath, she said. Were going to have to get used to one hour at a time for a while. Soon, the search for life outside our own solar system will receive a significant helping hand thanks to China. The country's new Five-hundred-meter Aperture Sherical Telescope, known as FAST, is going to commence their search for alien life when September comes. What Is Going On With China's New Telescope? At the beginning of this year, China officially started the telescope's service for general scientific purposes. However, the telescope is going through upgrades that will reduce the interference it gets as well as helping it search for alien life better. The FAST has a diameter of 500 meters, which is 1,640 feet. The focus of the telescope is only a 300 meter, which is 984 feet, segment located on the receiver at any time. The chief scientist Zhang Tongjie stated that the search won't be interrupting regular science missions. As of right now, we shouldn't be raising our hopes for finding aliens in the near future. There are narrowband candidate ET signals that are interesting to see, but they are most likely not originating from intelligent life. A typical distinct radio signal will usually come from a pulsar or a random fast radio burst. But if an alien lifeform does broadcast radio signals and we're close enough to be able to receive their signals. Then the FAST will receive the signals with a higher chance. Read Also: What's The Details Behind The Telescope? The basic information about the telescope has already been given above. But there's more to know about this giant radio telescope from China. The scientists gave the FAST a nickname. Its nickname is Tianyan, which translates to Eye of Heaven or Eye of the Sky. You can find the telescope in Guizhou, Southwest China. The main purpose of the telescope is to study pulsars. Three years ago, FAST already found two new pulsars, which is astonishing for a telescope that was still being improved. But if you want to talk about any regular pulsar, then the telescope has found more than that and it will keep finding more. The FAST finished construction in 2016, which was twenty years after the FAST was initially proposed. The cost of building the telescope was more than 170 million U.S. dollars. If you visit the Chinese Academy of Sciences, its where you'll find the Chinese National Astronomical Observatory, who are the FAST's operators. The largest radio telescope used to be the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, but the FAST is now the largest one you can find. Both of these large telescopes use a large parabolic dish, and they can only use a small fragment of their areas each time. But China's FAST isn't only bigger than the previous largest telescope, it has a different process to operate it and it offers more flexibility. The FAST can change the shape of its surface, but the Arecibo's shape can't change. If you know what a segmented mirror telescope is, the FAST is like one. Read Also: Australia's $2.8 trillion superannuation system should be opened up to cut fees, help people use their savings towards their own homes and increase contributions to women as part of a wider goal of ensuring at least 50 per cent of retirees can be self-funded over time. In a new book to be released today, Liberal senator Andrew Bragg has outlined a plan for "drastic surgery" on the nation's super funds which he criticises for charging workers $32 billion in fees every year without enough scrutiny and too little pressure to deliver better performance at lower cost. Liberal senator Andrew Bragg wants Australia to change direction on super. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "The purpose is not to junk super but to make it work harder for the workers," Senator Bragg said of his proposals. "The purpose is to try to get us to change direction by re-calibrating the scheme. Are workers getting a good deal? No. Is the taxpayer getting a good deal? No." Senator Bragg also urges the Morrison government to dump the way workers are put into default funds and argues instead for a new scheme akin to the Future Fund. The fund would be a new "semi-government" default fund with low fees that outsourced the management of assets to several wholesale fund managers including the Future Fund. Dr. Anthony Fauci speaking during the U.S. Senate committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing on May 12th, 2020. CNBC White House health advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said he worries about the "durability" of a potential coronavirus vaccine, saying there's a chance it may not provide long-term immunity. If Covid-19 acts like other coronaviruses, "it likely isn't going to be a long duration of immunity," Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said during an interview Tuesday evening with JAMA Editor Howard Bauchner. "When you look at the history of coronaviruses, the common coronaviruses that cause the common cold, the reports in the literature are that the durability of immunity that's protective ranges from three to six months to almost always less than a year," he said. "That's not a lot of durability and protection." The National Institutes of Health has been fast-tracking work with biotech firm Moderna on a potential vaccine to prevent Covid-19, which has infected more than 6.28 million people worldwide and killed at least 375,987, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Fauci said Tuesday that the biotech company expects to enroll about 30,000 individuals when it begins a phase 3 trial in July. He said there are at least four trials for potential vaccines that he is either directly or indirectly involved in. Fauci said that by the beginning of 2021 "we hope to have" hundreds of millions of doses. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne plans to stand in solidarity with protesters Wednesday afternoon. The rally, called Justice for Black Lives Silent Sit in, starts at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, on Fulton Street in downtown Grand Rapids. According to the Facebook event page, 1,300 people are listed as going and another 3,600 as interested. On Monday, Payne told journalists that he planned to march with protesters at the upcoming rally because the organizers reached out to his department with their plans and intent ahead of time. He drew contrast to the demonstration that happened Monday night, saying that he declined those invitations to march with that group of protesters because it was an unplanned and unpermitted rally. Payne said the department tried multiple times to contact that demonstrations organizers but was unsuccessful. Now Wednesday, there is a scheduled rally that is going on, he said to reporters Monday. I plan to be there and I will be a part of that, but this is not organized. In fact, Ill go as far as to say I dont believe a lot of people down there are from Grand Rapids. Payne cited intelligence his department had as the reason for this belief that a lot of those who attended the demonstration Monday at the Michigan National Guard barricade on Fulton Street near the Van Andel Arena werent Grand Rapids residents. Related: Grand Rapids leaders turn down extending curfew Organizers for Wednesdays sit-in are asking people to arrive by 3:45 p.m. and form a single-file line, on both sides of Fulton Street, that will start on Fulton Street behind the Grand Rapids Police Department and spread outward. The organizers intend for the protest to be silent, with everyone having a sign that reads: Im still here. Im still pissed." At 5 p.m., protesters plan to take a knee for nine minutes and chant I cant breathe to signify the amount of time a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd, a black man, before he died May 25. The officer continued to kneel on Floyds neck despite pleas from bystanders and Floyd himself, who appeared unconscious or dead when the officer finally got up. At 5:30 p.m., protesters will then leave. Organizers hope this peaceful protest and its structured form will make it hard for anyone to hijack it and begin property destruction, like the city experienced on Saturday night. While not the same organizers, the demonstration Monday ended with a handful of arrests of protesters who did not leave the area after the 7 p.m. curfew. Many of the attendees, which police say numbered around 200, left the area minutes before curfew went into effect. City commissioners declined to continue the curfew past Monday, with some saying they trust police to arrest those that cause destruction and trust others in the community to demonstrate peacefully. The two-day curfew, put in place Sunday by Mayor Rosalynn Bliss after a night of rioting in the city, expired Tuesday at 5 a.m. The continued protests against police brutality are part of nationwide demonstrations and riots sparked by Floyds death. City Manager Mark Washington recommended commissioners extend the curfew through Sunday, June 7, so that businesses damaged in the Saturday night riots could have time to repair without fear of further destruction and so that police could better keep a handle on protests devolving into further property destruction at night. The city manager told city commissioners Tuesday that there was a possibility of a repeat scenario that led to the Saturday riots, where both planned and unplanned protests commingled downtown. He said one of the protests possibly happening Wednesday may have up to 3,000 people attending. Washington pointed out the chiefs attempts to de-escalate the situation on Saturday by talking with protesters outside the police department, as well as his attempt on Monday to talk with those protesters. "I think what we have is a chief that is willing to make himself available to the community and to work with the community and to try to have positive change and reform, Washington said. We want this to be one of the safest communities in the country. Anyone who wants to organize an event in the city is asked to call the citys Office of Special Events at 616-456-4125. Read more: Grand Rapids protesters scatter after police, backed by Michigan National Guard, move in Downtown Grand Rapids quiet under curfew after night of rioting 12 arrested in Grand Rapids for curfew violations after weekend riot Woman, 22, accused of inciting Grand Rapids riot As the United States engages in a war of words with China over the Covid-19 pandemic and trade issues, and India counters an aggressive Chinese army at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump spoke over the phone on Tuesday evening. A large part of the 25-minute conversation seems to have revolved around China. The press statement from India said the two leaders exchanged views on the situation on the India-China border. Ministry of external affairs had clarified last week that there are five agreements and protocols in place starting from 1993 between India and China to be able to maintain peace and tranquility on the border after the US President made an offer to mediate or arbitrate on the LAC issue. With this India had pretty much ruled out mediation, yet the US administration has continued to express concern and this was also discussed in the call between the two top leaders. Significantly, the ministry of external affairs had accused China of hindering Indias normal patrolling patterns, in a statement on May 21. In an interview to News18 on Wednesday, defence minister Rajnath Singh said a sizeable number of Chinese troops were at the border. The two countries are in the fourth week of the current stand-off and the situation is yet to be defused. The Indian statement on the phone call also said that President Trump extended an invitation to PM Modi to attend the G7 summit in the US. Last week, Trump announced the postponement of the summit to September or later so as to include countries like India, Australia and South Korea, as currently it is a very outdated group of countries. There was no clarity on whether this was going to be a permanent expansion or their engagement would be as invitees. It is important to note that India was invited to the G7 summit in Biarritz last year as well by France. But, interestingly, the Indian press statement said PM Modi commended President Trump for his creative and far-sighted approach, acknowledging the fact that such an expanded forum would be in keeping with the emerging realities of the post Covid world. India has already indicated that it would like to offer an alternative to countries to shift businesses to India from China in a post-pandemic world. States like Punjab, Gujarat and UP have announced incentives to attract more businesses already. But analysts believe that it may do India no good joining the rich boys club. Former diplomat and Indias one-time envoy to Canada Vishnu Prakash said that though the G7 has time and again invited countries, but Indias priorities are vastly different from this group of seven richest countries of the world. He said, Indias GDP is certainly more than a couple of G7 countries but our per capita income is barely $ 2000. Our concerns are absolutely different. If it is long term then it will be a diluted kind of G20, so I dont know how it adds value to global framework on economic governance or is it to needle China? I am not sure if it has been thought thorough. It appears like mere tokenism. But even before Trumps call for expansion of the G7, there has been some buzz over such a possible development. The idea was first floated by the United Kingdom that had proposed G7+3 including India, Australia and South Korea. The immediate trigger for the idea was the concern over cyber security in view of the Huawei controversy and the need to reduce dependence on China for 5G technology. The British high commission in India told News 18: The security and resilience of our networks is of paramount importance. Following the US announcement of additional sanctions against Huawei, the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) is looking carefully at any impact they could have to the UKs networks. The UK is collaborating with a number of international partners on a range of issues including cyber security. The UK has, however, categorically said that Russia will not be welcome. British Prime Minister Boris Johnsons official spokesperson was quoted in the media saying that any push by President Trump to re-admit Russia would be vetoed by the UK. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also spoke at a press conference to say, Russia was excluded from the G7 after it invaded Crimea a number of years ago, and its continued disrespect and flouting of international rules and norms is why it remains outside of the G7 and it will continue to remain out. Russia, on its part, has rooted for China. Foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, The idea of an expanded G7 summit is in general a step in the right direction, but it does not really mean a true representation. For instance, it is obvious that it is hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China. Others too have expressed scepticism. Alexey Pushkov, member of Russia's Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building, tweeted, If Trump expects to try to create an anti-Chinese coalition at an expanded G7 meeting, and he wants, in his words, to discuss the future of China, he may be disappointed: few will support such an undertaking. Neither France nor Germany is inclined to this, not to mention Russia. Bad idea. Pushkov was formerly a member of the committee on defence and security of The Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of Russia. While Australia has welcomed the idea and Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said he is keen on it, South Korea has shown hesitation. A source said while its a friend of the US but it cant forget that China is its neighbour. As expected, Beijing has reacted sharply to the developments. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lijian Zhao said, Any attempts to seek a small circle against China is doomed to fail and is unpopular." Apart from this, PM Modi and President Trump also engaged in taking stock of the Covid-19 pandemic. This at a time when the US has pulled out of the World Health Organization for failing to inform the world on time and showing a "dangerous bias" towards China. India is currently the chair of the Executive Board of the WHO for one year and would play a crucial role in seeking accountability. Editors note: Lorin Ledger, the narrator, is a Canadian teacher at Houhai English, an English training school in Beijing. Ledger told his experience fighting COVID-19 in China to the Peoples Daily in an interview. Im a writer and English teacher. While I teach children English, I love to tell them stories. I have been in China for three and a half years and I now live in Xiangmiwan Community, Shunyi District, Beijing. During the prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic, the neighbors cared for each other like a big warm family. I was in China when the COVID-19 epidemic broke out here. My daily life has been largely affected by the pandemic, especially my work. I had to teach my students online from my home. I wanted to help the parents in my community to give their children something to do during the epidemic. I have three children, and I cannot imagine what it would be like to stay with them during the quarantine. I hoped to give people a happy time staying with their families in this special time. So I decided to read kids some books as a volunteer. I helped the students understand the books and fortunately the general reception was pretty good and the kids were entertained. A neighbor left a message that I sat too far away from the camera. I took this feedback seriously and adjusted my camera. I think in the future, it would be nice to provide a proper English lesson, and teach a subject related to the story. For example, a lesson on colors for the story of Little Blue and Little Yellow. My goal was to entertain the students. I would like to do more, and hopefully I can in the future. The epidemic prevention work done by the community workers is outstanding. They have been diligent yet friendly. I am impressed how thorough they are. I also hope I can help the community workers take a break from manning the gate and other activities. All over China, people were helping each other. I saw the spirit of unity and encouragement. I saw Chinese people doing what was best for the community by staying quarantined. But most of all, I saw doctors and nurses working until they dropped because they were so tired. China has helped other countries, and it helped the most by shutting Wuhan down. I think this is very commendable. Also, I see other countries blaming China for the virus, and this is not helpful. To blame China for the virus is just wrong. We should stop the blame and simply work together to figure out how to get a vaccine out quickly, how to show compassion, and how to become less fearful of people from other countries. A virus does not care where you are from, what religion you are, and what genetic structure you have. This is a human problem experienced by countries all over the world. We are not out of the woods yet. In the rest of the world, there are still problems. There is no vaccine yet, and until we find a vaccine or until there are no more cases, we have to be diligent to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I hope all of us could get back to normal in a short period. Myanmar workers arrive near the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge II in Mae Sot, a district of northwestern Thailands Tak province, before heading across to Myawaddy town in Myanmar, June 2, 2020. The Thai cabinet has approved visa extensions until July 31 for about 1 million migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar to ease potential labor shortages as the countrys economy reopens. During the coronavirus pandemic hundreds of thousands of the 2.8 million foreign workers in Thailand legally returned to their home countries after losing their jobs when their employers ran into economic hardships, according to NGOs and neighboring government officials. But about 1 million many of whom are now unemployed or underemployed were stranded in Thailand and could see their visas expire, making them illegal immigrants. The cabinet agreed to compromise and allow workers from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar to stay and work temporarily from June 1 until July 31 in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19, government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat told reporters Tuesday after a regular weekly meeting of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-chas cabinet. In addition, the decision to allow the workers to remain in Thailand could ease labor shortages for a better preparedness in restoring economy after the COVID issue subsides, she said. Narumon said one group of workers had gained visas and work permits through a labor memorandum of understanding (MoU) with neighboring countries that expired on May 31. Many of the foreign workers found jobs in labor-intensive businesses such as restaurants, fisheries, construction, factories and domestic workers, while more than 300,000 came to Thailand for seasonal jobs in the agriculture sector, according to a local NGO, the Migrant Worker Rights Network (MWRN). Since Thailand announced COVID-19 restrictions in the second half of March many foreign workers were laid off, often without compensation, the NGO said. Fifty-one Myanmar workers in Samut Sakhon filed a complaint with us that they got fired without compensation. Forty others in Krathumban, another district, were also fired without pay, Suthasinee Kaewleklai, a staffer at MWRN, told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. She said foreign workers, like their Thai counterparts, were entitled to protection in accordance with the Social Security Act, adding that they could use travel documents and work permits to enroll for social security funds. Some of those who lost jobs had struggled to find a way home to Myanmar until the neighboring countries agreed to partially open their borders. Myanmar worker Sein Sein, 28, crossed the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge II in northwestern Tak province on Monday, returning to Myanmars Myawaddy town. I thought of going home since Myanmars New Year (in April) but then the Thai government shut off the borders to prevent COVID-19 spread, so I couldnt travel, Sein Sein told BenarNews. He worked as a petty laborer in Mahachai town, the center of fisheries in Samut Sakhon, a province in central Thailand. When things are back to normal, I will come back to work in Thailand again. But during these couple of months, my family and I are facing hard times, he said. I dont know when COVID-19 will be gone. On Tuesday, Thailand recorded one new COVID-19 infection, bringing the total number of cases to 3,083 and one new death, bringing the nations death toll from the virus to 58. Globally, more than 6.3 million people have been infected by COVID-19 and more than 377,000 have died as of Tuesday, according to data compiled by disease experts at U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. The man known as "YaYa" was in negotiations to buy the property at the corner of 26th and Broadway in Louisville's West End so he could build a proper space for his thriving barbecue business. But as Sunday night turned into Monday morning and the usual weekend crowd stayed past the city's 9 p.m. curfew, David McAtee's dream died when he did. The founder and namesake of YaYa's BBQ was killed in an exchange of gunfire following a display of law enforcement power that one city council member said demonstrates how police treat black communities differently than white ones. The folks who gathered at the intersection were not protesters, said David James, president of the Louisville Metro Council. James, who is African American, represents the district in which McAtee conducted business, had known McAtee, 53, for more than a decade and had hired him occasionally to cater events. James said the people in the streets last weekend were the same ones there every weekend: West Louisville locals who would move between YaYa's BBQ, Dino's Food Mart and a gas station across Broadway. These were partyers, James said, not people protesting George Floyd's death in police custody in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. But that's not how the Kentucky National Guard and Louisville Metro Police treated them when they rolled up on the crowd, James said. "Maybe 4 1/2 seconds, five seconds after they get out of that truck, they're clearing that lot using pepper-ball guns," James said about the scene early Monday. "There was no walking up to people and saying: 'Hey, man, there's a curfew and we're trying to clear the lot and keep everybody safe. We're just trying to get everybody to clear out.' That didn't happen." "Someone still has to explain to me why we chose to do that," James added. "It's as if they rolled up to a point in Iraq and they were ready to rock 'n' roll." The Louisville Metro Police Department did not immediately respond to a call for comment. Members of McAtee's family also did not return multiple calls for comment. James knows a few things about policing. He spent decades in law enforcement before he became a politician. He worked as a patrolman, detective and SWAT team member for the police department and for several years was commissioner of the Department of Criminal Investigations, the investigative arm of the Kentucky attorney general's office. James questions the tactics used by the Kentucky National Guard and Louisville police at 26th Street and Broadway, including whether they would have used the same approach in a part of town where the population tilts white. "I have a belief that if the same scenario - people hanging out and having a good time on the east end of town - I'd think that officers would have probably walked up and said: 'Hey, we have a curfew. I need you to shut this down,'" James said. "I would hope they wouldn't just roll out of the truck and start blasting away with pepper balls and yelling at people about curfew. To me that just seems not a good situation." Former law enforcement colleagues have been contacting James since McAtee's death, incredulous at the idea that the man who has fed police free for years would suddenly open fire on them. But Louisville police released silent surveillance footage Tuesday that appears to show McAtee firing a gun from the doorway of his barbecue shack. "He was a friend of law enforcement," James said. "I had so many law enforcement people call me about that since this has happened and said: 'I just can't believe that he would be shooting at police. It blows my mind that that would happen.'" McAtee wasn't just a friend of law enforcement. He was a friend to seemingly everyone in the community. John D. Marshall is the chief equity officer for Jefferson County Public Schools, and part of his job is to help homeless and hungry students in the district. Marshall said he met McAtee at a public event, and the barbecue man said that if there was anything he could do to help students to just let him know. "About a month or so passed, and I remembered it and ran into some families that had been completely starving," Marshall told The Washington Post. "We went over there, and he didn't miss a beat. He fed them in abundance. No guilt, no questions." James had similar stories about McAtee and his generosity toward those in the West End. "Let's just hypothetically say a meal would cost $10," James said, "and you told him that you only had $5. He's going to give it to you for $5." Or if McAtee recognized you were "having a hard time, he's not going to charge you anything. He just wants you to be fed. He was just a really good guy." McAtee's community spirit - and his exceptional barbecue, people say - were why YaYa's attracted large crowds every weekend, despite the fact the business had no apparent website, no social media presence, no Yelp page and no reviews from local critics. It was the cultural hub of West Louisville, James said, a place where locals would relax and enjoy a plate of McAtee's "sweet and sassy" barbecue. It didn't need the usual promotional tools to be popular. It just was. "He just had the power of his food and his personality," James said. The popularity of YaYa's in general, and McAtee in particular, is why it's been hard for people to process the violent way in which he died. The shooting happened not just in the wake of Floyd's death in Minneapolis but also two months after Louisville officers fatally shot a black resident, Breonna Taylor, in her apartment. leading to protests over police violence. After learning that officers involved in McAtee's shooting had not activated their body cameras, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer fired Police Chief Steve Conrad on Monday, hours after McAtee's death. James said law enforcement officers put McAtee in a "bad situation" when they fired pepper balls from the start. Once people began to retreat inside McAtee's small kitchen off 26th Street, the police and National Guard continued to shoot pepper balls at them, James said. You can see it in the video that police released, he pointed out. One pepper ball appears to hit and explode on contact with McAtee's niece. "I just feel like the way the whole thing was approached caused that situation," James said. "I'm not making excuses for David's behavior, and he's the only one that can tell us what was going through his mind, and he's not here. And the police didn't have their body cameras on." "What if I were him? How would I react if I had just saw my niece get shot by something? And I just got shot by something?" James continued. "Would I try to defend myself? There are no police cars' red and blue lights going. It's dark outside. I think it's possible. I mean, I don't know. I don't what they're yelling. I don't know if they're saying, 'Drop the gun.' I don't know any of that stuff." In the days since his death, friends, family and well-wishers have stopped by YaYa's to place flowers on the chain-link fence next to the business or hang signs, such as the one that reads "We can't breathe," a reference to some of the last words from Floyd's mouth as a Minneapolis officer pressed his knee against his neck. There is a desire to remember McAtee for his years of generosity, not for the ugly moment of his death. Edward Lee, a chef, restaurateur and humanitarian in Louisville and elsewhere, wants to create an initiative to continue McAtee's work to feed the hungry in the community. "McAtee was known for giving out free food to his community. He had such a big heart," Lee said in a text message. "We plan on continuing his mission of caring for his community through the gift of food. We hope to honor his name and his legacy through our efforts." 3 1 of 3 Arnold Gold/ Hearst Connecticut Media / Arnold Gold/ Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Contributed photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3 WEST HAVEN The city is on the cusp of a 2020-21 budget with a 0.80-mill tax rate increase, the minimum increased required by the state Municipal Accountability Review Board overseeing city finances. City Council Chairman Ronald Quagliani said the City Council had hoped for a lower tax increase 0.58 mill in these pandemic times, but MARB required the minimum. MARB approved the budget, he said, pending its approval of the mayors five-year-plan, likely at its June meeting. Ontario will remain under a state of emergency for another month, but Premier Doug Ford stresses that does not mean that reopening is on hold. As about 40 people rallied outside the legislature to protest government measures keeping many businesses closed to limit the spread of COVID-19, Ford moved to allay concerns. We are working around the clock to move ahead with our economic reopening, the premier said Tuesday at his daily teleconference. Our health officials are working on the option of a regional model because we need a plan that recognizes the reality on the ground in different parts of our province a plan that will help us reopen safely without taking unnecessary risks because a second wave of this virus is possible, said Ford. So, we must ... remain vigilant and we must continue to prepare for the long haul. His comments came as MPPs, who sit again Wednesday, get set to rubber-stamp his call to extend Ontarios state of emergency in place since March 17 through June 30. That gives the government sweeping powers and means much of Ontarios economy will have been locked down for 15 weeks and possibly longer since the emergency declaration could again be extended. In front the legislature, a smattering of protesters pushed for a rapid reopening of the economy, brandishing signs saying My income is essential and Time to flatten the curve on Fords power grab. If you want to stay home and you feel safe at home, stay home. Most people actually feel safe and healthy to be outside, especially in the summer, said protester Vladislav Sobolev, who wore a T-shirt with the slogan Hugs over masks. Thats a reference to public health officials recommendation that Ontarians don face coverings in circumstances where they cant maintain physical distancing of at least two metres. Ford said the rally was totally irresponsible. Were doing so well as a province. Were seeing the trend go down because of the support of the people. Its just unnecessary so disappointing, he said. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said continuing the state of emergency is the responsible thing to do based on what were hearing from public health officials. But I have to say its disappointing when we come to the legislature and we do approve these state of emergency requests by the government ... (then) have to struggle to get questions answered in question period, she said. Horwath was frustrated that Ford, who skipped last weeks two question periods, ducked her queries about his handling of the crisis in long-term-care homes, where about 70 per cent of Ontarios almost 2,400 COVID-19 deaths occurred. The premier told reporters he fobbed the NDP leaders queries to Long Term Care Minister Merrilee Fullerton because she is lot more knowledgeable about nursing homes than he is. I pass it over to the experts. Dr. Fullertons done a great job, has been a doctor for 30 years and honestly, when it comes to health, could run circles around me, he said. Also Tuesday, in an unusual move, MPPs for the first time in Ontario history were able to vote from the public visitors gallery in order to maintain safe social distancing. They passed a motion to temporally amend the standing orders so that, until Sept. 14, voting will occur in the members lobbies outside the chamber in order to keep MPPs two metres apart. The ayes shall be recorded in the (governments) east members lobby and the nays shall be recorded in the (oppositions) west members lobby, the motion said. Results would then be announced in the legislature. With files from Rob Ferguson Robert Benzie is the Star's Queen's Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie Read more about: The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico will be larger than usual this summer, scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted on Wednesday. The dead zone, an area of the northern Gulf of Mexico with low oxygen levels that appears every summer, is produced by nutrients washing into the Mississippi, many from fertilizer used on farmland in the rivers vast watershed. Heavy spring rains increase the likelihood that more nutrients will flow into the Gulf, where they stimulate the growth of algae. The algae dies, sinks and decomposes, depleting the oxygen in the water. The result is an area with low oxygen levels that kills some sea creatures and drives others to move elsewhere. That can cause harm not just to marine life, but also to those who catch things like shrimp and fish for their livelihood, said David M. Kidwell, a supervisory physical scientist with NOAAs national ocean service. And while the Gulf dead zone is famous, he added, its not unique to the Gulf. There are zones of low oxygen, or hypoxia, in many other places around the United States and the world where nutrient runoff causes problems. It is likely occurring in someones back yard, but they dont know it or have not heard about it yet, he said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) Lawmakers found a fresh point of contention as they tackled ABS-CBN's ownership structure on Wednesday amid calls to renew the network's franchise. The Department of Justice has declared that ABS-CBN chairman emeritus and former chief executive officer Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III is Filipino by birth, regardless of his being an American citizen too as his mother gave birth to him in Boston in 1952. Lopez also repeatedly denied renouncing his Philippine identity as he made use of his American passport and stayed abroad for an extended period to study college and seek refuge from the martial law regime in the Philippines. The 1987 Constitution prescribes that the ownership and management of mass media "shall be limited to citizens of the Philippines," a provision seen to protect the industry from foreign incursion and control. These ownership restrictions, however, are being relaxed through a separate bill approved by the House in March that will let fully foreign-owned corporations enter sectors like telecommunications and transportation and do business locally. Current limits force global firms to partner with a local company the latter maintaining at least 60 percent or the controlling stake if they want to venture in the Philippine market. Wednesday's House hearing saw lawmakers repeatedly quizzing Lopez on whether or not he is a Filipino. However, Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Alfredo Garbin, Jr. and several solons shifted the line of questioning after the DOJ's definitive response. "Undeniably, Gabby Lopez is a natural-born citizen but he is also an American citizen by virtue of jus soli principle applied in American law. Ang tanong: can a dual citizen own a mass media company?" inquired Garbin, a lawyer. ABS-CBN corporate lawyer Mario Bautista, however, explained that statutory rules require that the Constitution must be applied using their "ordinary meaning" and that provisions be "understood in the sense they have in common use." Bautista also argued that the issue at hand is within the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the DOJ and the Bureau of Immigration, which handles the registration of all businesses. "Ni minsan po, wala pong nagsasabi sa amin na kapag dual citizen ka, hindi pwede. Kasi po ang nakalagay sa Constitution, kailangan Pilipino ka. Wala naman pong nakalagay doon na kailangan, Pilipino ka lang," Bautista said. [Translation: Not once did anyone tell us that if you are a dual citizen, you cannot run mass media. Our Constitution says you must be Filipino, there's no provision there that prohibits someone from holding another citizenship apart from being Filipino.] SEC Commissioner Ephyro Luis Amatong has said that they hold ABS-CBN's corporate documents that show Lopez's Filipino citizenship. Cavite Rep. Boying Remulla asked anew if Lopez is both a Filipino and American, to which Bautista replied that he holds dual citizenship, while Rep. Elpidio Barzaga also asked Lopez why he only thought of getting a Philippine passport in 2001 after decades of holding on to his citizenship here. The DOJ has clarified that using a foreign passport and not owning a local travel document did not disqualify or cancel Lopez's nationality. Dual allegiance is an issue for Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor, who said that such arrangement is a make or break for people running for office. "Kung kami po nire-require, barangay captain o kagawad, na isa lang, Pilipino ka lang, what more for a mass media company na ang pag-iisip ng bawat Pilipino ang pwede mong kontrolin? Na ang kultura ng ating bansa ay meron kang kinalaman? [If barangay captains and kagawads are required to have just one, Filipino citizenship, what more for a mass media company which can control how Filipinos think? Ones that can shape the country's culture?]," Defensor said. He said the possible conflict of interest if someone who holds a Chinese citizenship would operate a local news outlet reporting issues on the West Philippine Sea as an example. "If we require our kagawads to be full Filipino citizenship, it should be incumbent that those who handle mass media company should also be a Filipino citizen," Defensor added. Lopez responded, citing that his record for the past 35 years will show that he is "committed to the people of this country." His lawyer also explained that while the long-time company executive had dual citizenship, but did not mean that he maintained dual allegiance to two states. Meanwhile, Manila Rep. Edward Maceda offered to resolve the matter. "I believe that with the laws we have right now, the fact that he is a natural-born Filipino citizen even if he is a dual citizen means he can be an owner of a mass media corporation," Maceda said during the hearing. "In this case, siguro kung gusto nating mas malinawag kung ano talaga ang pupwede... In my humble opinion, pwede nating palitan ang batas sa mga darating na panahon [In this case, if we really want to make it clearer as to who is qualified... In my humble opinion, we can revise the law at a later time]," the lawmaker added. (Photo : Senate Committee for Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee/Handout via REUTERS) Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is seen in a frame grab from a video feed as he testifies remotely from his home during a U.S. Senate Committee for Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Washington, U.S., May 12, 2020. U.S. (Photo : REUTERS/Brian Snyder) A sign marks the headquarters of Moderna Therapeutics, which is developing a vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., May 18, 2020. Dr. Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert, said he is "cautiously optimistic" that some vaccines that are currently being developed in the U.S. will be ready within a reasonable time and effective to fight the spread of coronavirus. According to The Daily Mail, Dr. Fauci said during The Wall Street Journal's Tech Health Conference on Tuesday, June 2, that he is optimistic about the jab being developed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) with Moderna. Last month, Moderna's vaccine showed a positive outcome as it started its second phase of human tests. The company said that it activated the production of antibodies, which is comparable to recovered coronavirus patients, which increased Moderna shares by 20%. Fauci feels optimistic over Moderna's vaccine's effectivity; Hopes to release by January However, criticisms about the accuracy of the data quickly followed as the announcement coincided with automated trading by the company's largest investor as well as the sale of shares of its two executives amounting to $30 million. Medical experts also questioned the significance of the data results, which reported an increase in antibody levels among eight patients and raised questions on whether they are entirely positive. However, NIAID Director Fauci said he and his collaborators "are optimistic we're going to be successful." Moderna's jab is just one of the numerous vaccines currently being developed and Fauci expects that multiple studies will lead to effective results. With numerous vaccines being developed, Fauci believes several candidates "will arrive at that goal at approximately the same time." As of this writing, at least 124 vaccines are being developed worldwide. "Cautiously optimistic" about the vaccine Fauci is confident based on an antibody response seen in coronavirus patients who have recovered from the infection, which is not the case for every infectious disease. Moderna released its "positive data" on May 18. "Given that the body can make a good response against coronavirus, we feel cautiously optimistic that if we mimic safely natural infection with our vaccine, we will be able to induce a response in a person that would be equivalent to the response that natural infection induces,' Dr. Fauci said during the virtual conference. The eight volunteers who joined the trial had blood levels of neutralizing antibodies that may be able to block the coronavirus like those who had recovered from COVID-19. Normally, only about 30% of drugs that undergo clinical trials make it to final-stage testing, so it is uncommon to make big announcements about early-stage tests that may have little bearing on the outcome of clinical trials. University of Texas vaccine expert Dr. Peter Hotez noted on Twitter that some studies suggest that the level of antibodies in recovered patients' plasma might be insufficient to neutralize the virus. Thus, the trial's early results were "not necessarily good news." Nevertheless, the stock market responded positively over the news as the company share prices increased by 20%. The company later gained $1.3 billion after Moderna chief medical officer Tal Zaks and chief technical officer Lawrence Kim sold their combined shares of nearly $30 million and the Moderna's primary venture capital investor sold a million of its shares, according to CNN. The phase 2 trial for Moderna's shot launched early this week and will follow its participants for a year. Meanwhile, phase 3 of the trial is planned for next month with the hope to release the vaccine's first batch by January. Read also: Can The World Finally Combat COVID-19? Here's What Research Suggests 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (This is the second part in a series on the NDDC water projects in Delta State. The investigation revealed that seven projects listed as completed were not executed, five were abandoned, five were completed and still in use, while three were completed but are no longer functional. Read the first part here). On Friday, October 11, 2019, this reporter turned her attention to Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State. Her first stopover was Okuno Community. Neglected borehole at Okuno Community, Ethiope West LGA On February 11, 2011, the NDDC awarded the contract for the construction a solar-powered water project in Okuno community to Philvianno Nig Ltd. The commissions official records show that the project is ongoing. However, our findings show that the borehole was abandoned and overgrown with weeds. This borehole has been this way for more than five years now, Agorson Sunny, a community leader, said angrily. We never drank a cup of water from this borehole. You see how they condemned this land? he queried. According to Mr Sunny, the community was looking forward to enjoying potable water. We have been drinking water from the well for so long, he said. We were eagerly waiting for them to finish the borehole. But, when the project was near completion, the contractor disappeared without a trace. They mounted the borehole and tested it. Immediately it brought out water, they carried their property and left. They did not come back again, Mr Sunny said, bitterly. He continued: We cannot start the borehole on their behalf because they have not given us the power to do so. They have not handed the borehole to us and we dont have access to them. There are two other boreholes in the community. But, both have not functioned in years. All they know is how to waste peoples lands. They start and never finish the borehole, Mr Sunny said, visibly livid. Tomorrow, they will ask for another land to render useless (project). A CAC search revealed that Philvianno Nigeria Limited, the company that was awarded the contract, is located at NO 18, Rumueprikom by Wimpey junction in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. But, upon visit, the reporter met Blosom Choice, a boutique occupying the address. Officials at the boutique said they had never heard of such a company. When asked about the directors of the company Gbagi Felix Chuks, Gbagi Michael Emeka and Gbagi Francis Onyeka residents and business owners in the area said they had never heard such names. In Erovie, Fully paid for but never worked In Erovie Community, Isoko North Local Government Area, the story is almost the same. Forsaken solar-powered borehole at Erovie quarters, Ozoro in Isoko North LGA Erovie quarters, Ozoro, houses two solar-powered boreholes, while Oramudu Ozoro has one borehole all courtesy of the NDDC. But, the three projects are abandoned and never worked. On May 28, 2012, Fripengo Dredging Nig Ltd secured the contract from the NDDC, to construct a solar-powered borehole at Erovie quarters, Ozoro. Advertisements Records provided by the NDDC show that the project has been completed and fully paid for. But upon visit, the reporter gathered that the borehole has been abandoned for long time, and it never provided water. Its more than three years since NDDC constructed the borehole. But, it has not worked for once, said Wisdom Omoghene, the Chairman of the Town Planning Committee in the community. Christopher Oweh, a motorcyclist who resides in the community, said getting water especially during dry season is his greatest concern. We walk far to get water, beg and most times we dont get because those we beg are even managing the water they have, Mr Oweh, said. We have two wells but during dry season the owners dont allow us fetch water from it. According to Mr Omoghene, there are few private boreholes in the community and the owners have been helpful. They pump water and allow people to fetch for free. But, they have stopped, the chairman said. The electricity company gives us light once in a while. So, we have to buy fuel to pump water. Since the power supply in the community became irregular, Mr Oweh said, the private borehole owners have formed the habit of pumping water at midnight. They dont want us to beg them water, and I dont blame them, he said. I blame those that have refused to give us light because if theres light, our neighbours will give us water. To find out why the project was abandoned, PTCIJ in March visited Fripengo Dredging Nig Ltd, the contractor of the project. Arriving at the company address at NO 43 Kpakani Street, Rumuigbo in Port Harcourt, the reporter met the wife of the contractor, who introduced herself simply as Mrs Ukwosah. The project has been completed and commissioned, Mrs Ukwosah, said. But, my husband is not around to answer all your questions. When contacted on telephone, Ngozi Ukwosah, the husband, also said the project was done and commissioned. I did not abandon anything. Even after the project was commissioned, I was paid almost two years after, he said. When this reporter told him she had visited the project site and residents said the borehole never worked, as well as requested for the project documents, the contractor hung up. Subsequent calls to Mr Ukwosah were not answered. The second borehole in Erovie quarters Ozoro was contracted to Racen Integrated global Limited on May 28, 2012. The tall grass around the structure was a clear indication that the borehole has been abandoned for years. Its about the same time the other project was constructed, the community leader, Mr Omoghene, said. Its annoying. We have two boreholes here but they havent worked for a minute. Another forgotten solar-powered borehole at Erovie Quarters in Isoko North LGA Another solar-powered water project commissioned by the NDDC was also abandoned in Oramudu Ozoro. Details provided by the commission show that the project was awarded to Citilight Integrated Services Limited on May 31, 2012. According to NDDCs 2016 appropriation act, N40,000,000 million was earmarked for solar-powered borehole in Oramudu Quarters, Ozoro. Out of this figure, N15,360,000 million was approved in 2015, while N25,000,000 million was approved in 2016. Also, N1,933,049 million was approved in 2015, for solar-powered water system in Oramudu Quarters, out of a budget cost of N45,446,087 million. Efforts to reach the contractors of these projects were unsuccessful as the companies Registration Certificate (RC) numbers could not be traced and their files could not be found at the CAC. Contractor laments over Emevor project In Emevor, a community in Isoko North Local Government Area, the story was not different. The contract for the construction of a solar-powered water supply scheme at Emevor town was awarded to El-Fegor Nig Limited on May 28, 2012, according to NDDCs records. In 2015, the NDDC approved N10 million for the construction of solar-powered boreholes in Emevor out of a budget cost of N178 million and in 2016, N10 million was approved, according to the commissions 2016 appropriation act. NDDCs records show that the project is ongoing and the approved sums released. Upon arrival, the reporter met two rusty structures with no water tanks on them. The sites were overgrown with weeds. Beside one of the projects is the signboard indicating that El-Fegor Nig Limited is in-charge of the project. The company started the projects in 2015 and abandoned them in 2016, said Otobo Abisi Odiri, chairman of the community, during a tour. According to the chairman, water has been a huge challenge in the community. We dont even have water. I pump water from my borehole for the community to fetch, Mr Odiri, said. When the chairman does not have enough to share, everyone turns to the only well in the community. Chairman is trying but he does not give us water every time. So, we go to one small well a bit far from here to fetch water, said Ambrose Igbakporo, a resident of the community. Other wells have collapsed. Abandoned solar-powered borehole at Emevor in Isoko North LGA PTCIJ earlier this year reached out to Elliot Ugbome, the owner of El-Fegor Nig Limited, the contractor of the water project, to know what went wrong. Theres no money. The mobilisation that was paid to me was expended on that project. I even added my money, said Mr Ugbome. Ive put in payment since 2014. They have disbursed N26 million APG (Advance Payment Guarantee) and the APG was guaranteed by Unity Bank. NDDC wrote Unity Bank that the money they guaranteed has been utilized so the bank is no longer liable, he said. According to documents obtained from the contractor, N51.2 million was disbursed for the project out of the N178 million needed. I was mobilised with 15 per cent when the project was awarded to me. I even spent beyond that 15 per cent. That was why we got at IPC of N51 million after deducting the mobilization that was paid to me, he explained. The actual IPC was supposed to be N80 something million. But, they now debited the IPC. That was why they now wrote to the bank that this contractor has exhausted the mobilisation that the bank guaranteed so the bank is no longer liable. Continuing, he added: The only thing left for that project to be completed is the tank and the solar panel. If Im paid, that job would be completed in two weeks. If IPC was raised in 2014, till today and they have not paid, how do you expect the contractor to go to work? You see? The commission is at fault. Let them pay me so I can complete the job. Mr Ugbomes explanation highlights that in some cases, the projects were abandoned, not necessarily due to corruption, but because the NDDC failed to adequately pay the contractors. Unfortunately, this information is not available to residents of such communities. Cases like this are separate from those were monies are released for non-existent or abandoned projects. The Ethiope Experience In Ethiope West Local Government Area, the reporter headed to Ajatitor Community. The contract to construct a customized surface water filtration system in Ajatitor was awarded to FOH & FOH on April 11, 2003, according to details provided by the NDDC and the signpost at the site. But, the project was abandoned and the site, overgrown with thick weeds. In 2015 and 2016, the NDDC decided to continue with the project. According to NDDCs 2016 appropriation act, N95 million was earmarked for the construction of a customized surface filtration system at Ajatitor. Out of this figure, N31.8 million was approved in 2015, while N35 million was approved in 2016. This project has been like this for years, said Obriki Nathaniel, vice chairman, Ajatitor community. It hasnt been easy for our people. Many of them get water from the well. CAC search reveals that FOH & FOH Limited, the company that secured the contract, is located at No 10 Ajibola Aluko Street, Okota in Isolo area of Lagos State. But, when this reporter visited, the address was occupied by a mini retail store whose officials said they knew nothing about the firm called FOH & FOH Limited. Attempts to speak with the directors of the company Foh Patrick, Foh Tamarakuro, Foh Opie and Foh Bena were futile, as they could not be traced. Abandoned project at Ajatitor community, Ethiope West LGA NDDC responds When contacted for comments, Charles Odili, the spokesperson for the NDDC, preferred to attack PREMIUM TIMES for its series of reports on the NDDC projects in the Niger Delta. Its always from PREMIUM TIMES, every day, from different angles. You people never celebrate the projects that we are doing. We have mega projects that we are doing, he said. This reporter tried to explain that this report was a series to review completed, uncompleted and non-existent but funded projects, but Mr Odili would have none of that. Ive had to talk to a lot of your colleagues. Its always about the not-completed. The things that are completed and standing well, no one is reporting them. Your reports are negative towards the commission and thats not fair, he said. He declined further comments saying he was in a meeting. He refused to say when he could be contacted again. Subsequent calls to his phone several hours later were unanswered. After unsuccessful attempts, this reporter sent a message to his line, requesting to know what NDDC is doing about the abandoned water projects in Delta State. She also mentioned some of the projects listed as completed by the commission that were not executed. An hour later, Mr. Odili replied. Plans are afoot to completing all abandoned water and indeed, other projects. Paucity of funding has been central to this state, he wrote. (Editors Note: Read the first of this three-part investigation here). Luxembourg has been under a dry spell for weeks but rain is expected to celebrate a comeback later this Wednesday. Drivers will have to be extra careful. Once the rain returns, roads are likely to become extra slippery because oils, fuels, and parts of rubber tyres may have accumulated on Luxembourg's roads after this prolonged period of extremely dry and warm weather. According to France's Meuse police department, braking distance may increase along with the risk of losing control over your vehicle. Police stressed that motorcyclists have to be particularly wary of slick streets and potentially reduced helmet visibility. Police reiterated the importance of maintaining a safe trailing distance from other vehicle and of adapting the driving style to the weather conditions. SILVER SPRING, Md., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- URBAN ONE, INC. announced today the presentation of a virtual town hall to discuss the current political and racial climate plaguing the African American community titled, We Are One: More Than A Hashtag, on Thursday, June 4 at 8 p.m. ET. The one-hour virtual town hall will stream live on the digital platforms across the Urban One brands Radio One, Reach Media,TV One and iOne Digital. Urban One has been the leading voice to inspire, inform and entertain Black America for 40 years. As the nation reels from the injustices surrounding the recent deaths of unarmed African Americans, Urban One addresses these issues with the We Are One: More Than A Hashtag virtual town hall. Urban One remains committed to being a voice for the community. Veteran media personality Sybil Wilkes, former co-host of the Reach Media syndicated radio show, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, will moderate the town hall. The esteemed panelists include NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson; National Urban League President Marc Morial; Political analyst and former South Carolina lawmaker Bakari Sellers; CURLS Founder and CEO Mahisha Dellinger; Reach Media syndicated radio personalities Russ Parr (The Russ Parr Morning Show), Erica Campbell (Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell), Angie Ange (The Morning Hustle), Rickey Smiley (The Rickey Smiley Morning Show), Willie Moore, Jr. (The Willie Moore Jr. Show); Rev. Gayle Fisher-Stewart, a former police officer for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department, current associate rector of Calvary Episcopal Church and founder of the Center for the Study of Faith in Justice; and more panelists to be announced. "We grieve with the Floyd family over the tragic murder of George Floyd and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who demonstrate and cry out for justice, which is long overdue," said Urban One Founder and Chairwoman Cathy Hughes. "Urban One has always provided a forum for these kinds of discussions, and we will continue in that 40-year old tradition. It is our responsibility to ensure that our community, especially our youth, not only have a voice but are also made aware of the tactics being used to hijack and discredit the protests to shift the narrative and support a sinister political agenda." ABOUT URBAN ONE, INC. Urban One, Inc. (urban1.com), together with its subsidiaries, is the largest diversified media company that primarily targets African-American and urban consumers in the United States. Urban One is the parent company of Radio One, Reach Media, Inc. (blackamericaweb.com), TV One (tvone.tv), CLEO TV (mycleo.tv), iOne Digital (ionedigital.com) and One Solution. Formerly known as Radio One, Inc., the Company was founded in 1980 with a single radio station and now owns and/or operates 59 broadcast stations (including HD stations) in 15 urban markets in the United States, making it one of the nation's largest radio broadcasting companies. The Company's growth led to diversification into syndicated radio programming, cable television and online digital media. As a result, in 2017, Radio One, Inc. was renamed Urban One, Inc. to better reflect the Company's multi-media operations. While the Company was renamed Urban One, Radio One remains the brand of the radio division and all of its radio assets. Through Reach Media, Inc., the Company operates nationally syndicated radio programming, including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the Russ Parr Morning Show, and the DL Hughley Show. TV One is a national cable television network serving more than 59 million households, offering a broad range of original programming, classic series, and movies designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. Launched in January 2019, CLEO TV is a lifestyle and entertainment cable television network targeting Millennial and Gen X women of color. iOne Digital is a collection of digital platforms providing the African-American community with social, news and entertainment content across numerous branded websites, including Cassius, Bossip, HipHopWired, and MadameNoire branded websites. One Solution provides award-winning, fully integrated advertising solutions across the entire Urban One multi-media platform. Through its national, multi-media operations, the Company and One Solution provides advertisers with a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to African-American and urban audiences. Finally, Urban One owns a minority interest in MGM National Harbor, a gaming resort located in Prince George's County, Maryland. SOURCE Urban One, Inc. The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) has called for cool heads to prevail in the impasse over the Electoral Commissions (EC) decision to compile a new voters register. Mrs Theodora Williams Anti, the Programmes Manager, FOSDA, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the approach taken by stakeholders was unhealthy, especially in an election year where tension must not be encouraged. If the trend should continue, she noted, it could escalate and poison the atmosphere in the run up to the election. She, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders to handle the issues more objectively and dispassionately. The EC, as body in in-charge of elections, should be more engaging like a parent, and more reassuring to the public, she stated. Mrs Williams Anti also appealed to political leaders to be more decorous and measured in their speeches when on media platforms. They should also not insinuate any wrongdoing in the media against the EC because it would lead to public upheavals against the electoral body. Some political parties and non-governmental organisations have kicked against the compilation of a new register, saying the old one could be cleaned up for purpose to save the public purse. They also object to the exclusion of the existing voters ID Card as a guarantee for a registrants national identity, saying without the permissible Ghana Card and Passport, being proposed by the EC, many would be disenfranchised. However, the EC has explained that it would rather be saving the taxpayers money and be able to run a more successful and credible election if it replaced the obsolete electoral processing equipment and worked with a register. It says the provision made for eligible persons to attest for others without the requisite identification cards would save eligible persons from being disenfranchised. 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 India is likely to witness a steady rise in Covid-19 cases in June with the daily increase crossing 15,000-a-day by the middle of the month, a global forecast model for the coronavirus pandemic prepared by Chinese researchers has predicted. Established by Lanzhou university in northwest Chinas Gansu province, the Global Covid-19 Predict System makes daily forecasts for 180 countries. The research groups forecast model for India for June 2 had predicted 9,291 new confirmed cases in India; Indian government official data put the increase the biggest yet for a single day at 8,909 cases in the last 24 hours. Also Watch | Covid-19: India crosses 2 lakh case mark, multiple layer masks better than single From Wednesday onwards, the model predicts 9676, 10,078, 10,498 and 10,936 daily new cases for the next four days. Also read: Chinese and European variants of Sars-Cov-2 most prevalent in India Another example: India on Friday reported 7,467 new cases of the coronavirus disease for May 28 (Thursday). For May 28, we had predicted 7,607 new cases of Covid-19 in India, which is close to the reported number. Our prediction is at an initial stage. Error analysis will soon be updated on our website, Huang Jianping, director of Lanzhou Universitys Collaborative Innovation Center of Western Ecological Safety, who is heading the project told HT. By June 15, India could see more than 15,000 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 every day. India has recorded more than 8,000 cases for three consecutive days with the total number of infections now at over 2,00,000. The same system predicts that the US will see a daily increase of 30,000 new cases in June and major countries in Europe will witness a continuous drop in new daily cases. The dynamic forecasting model, which was unveiled online last week, takes into account the impact of climate and environmental conditions, population densities as well as control measures implemented by governments. The spread of the virus is affected by many factors, including population density, quarantine measures, and of course the environmental factors, Huang said. Also read: Another single-day jump in Covid-19 cases with 8,909 new infections; Indias tally at 2.07 lakh Different factors contribute differently in different regions in the world. Meteorological factors can affect the spread of the virus. We believe it is necessary to consider the impact of temperature and humidity, although the degree of their influence varies in different regions, Huang, the project leader, said. For India, the high population density reduces the social distance and is conducive to the development of pandemic. The influence of temperature is limited, compared with other factors, he said. Experts say that the number of new cases in India will rise as the government gradually eases the lockdown. Before the release of the system, repeated verification and debugging were carried out. There are many factors affecting the development of the Covid-19, and we will continue to adjust and improve it according to the actual situation, Huang said. The Centres prediction model is based on statistical epidemiology model and in the data in the model construction such as the number of confirmed cases and the death toll are from USs Johns Hopkins University. Meteorological data such as temperature and humidity were taken from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and NASA. According to the research, usually the temperature most conducive for the spread of the novel coronavirus is between 5 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius, with 60 percent of the Covid-19 cases around the world reported within the temperature scope. Our previous study found that 60 percent of the confirmed cases of Covid-19 occurred in places where the air temperature ranged from 5 C to 15 C, with a peak in cases at 11.54 C and approximately 73.8 percent of the confirmed cases were concentrated in regions with absolute humidity of 3 g/m3 to 10 g/m3. The content of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere is taken into account as it is related to vehicular exhaust. According to Huang, if the nitrogen dioxide content is less in the atmosphere, it means non-pharmaceutical measures like lockdowns and restrictions on transport have been effective. In this May 18, 2020, file photo, a man wearing a face mask to protect against the coronavirus walks past a Huawei retail store in Beijing. One of China's biggest tech companies has criticized the Trump administration for "politicizing business" after it slapped export sanctions on 33 more Chinese enterprises and government entities. The announcement expanded a U.S. campaign against Chinese companies Washington says might be security threats or involved in human rights abuses. Beijing criticized curbs imposed earlier on tech giant Huawei and other Chinese companies but has yet to say whether it will retaliate. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File) Two of Canada's three major telecommunication companies announced Tuesday they've decided not to use Chinese tech giant Huawei for their next-generation 5G wireless network. Bell Canada announced that Sweden-based Ericsson will be its supplier and Telus Corp. later announced that it had also selected Ericsson and Nokia. Rogers already has a longstanding partnership with Ericsson. Canada and its security agencies have been studying whether to use equipment from Huawei as phone carriers prepare to roll out fifth-generation technology. 5G is designed to support a vast expansion of networks to facilitate medical devices, self-driving cars and other technology. Huawei is the world's biggest supplier of network gear used by phone and internet companies, but has long been seen as a front for spying by China's military and its highly skilled security services. The U.S. has urged Canada to exclude Huawei equipment from their next-generation wireless networks as they claim Huawei is legally beholden to the Chinese regime. The United States and Australia have banned Huawei, citing concerns it is an organ of Chinese military intelligencea charge the company denies. "We look forward to the federal government completing its 5G review and making an evidence-based decision about Huawei's role in helping build Canada's next-generation wireless networks," Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said in an email. The Canadian government is studying the use of Huawei as Canada and China are locked in a political dispute. China's imprisonment of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor is widely seen as retaliation for the arrest in Canada of Huawei senior executive Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. extradition warrant. A Canadian judge ruled last week the U.S. extradition case against a senior Huawei executive can proceed to the next stage. CEO of Swedish telecom giant Ericsson, Borje Ekholm talks to the media after presenting the company's 2019 full year result at the Ericsson headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, on Friday Jan. 24, 2020. (Fredrik Sandberg / TT via AP) Explore further Canada spy agencies split over proposed Huawei 5G ban: media 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Tom Cruise (Credit: AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Mission: Impossible 7 is planning to re-start filming in September, and Tom Cruise is making sure that everyone on-set is safe. According to The Sun, the actor, who is also a producer on the movie, is building a 'village' of VIP Winnebago trailers for cast and crew of the movie at an abandoned RAF site in Oxfordshire. The site is being used as a short-term filming location for the movie, with the trailers being used as bubbles to keep people apart and safe. Read more: Doug Liman to direct Tom Cruise movie shot in space A source told the paper that 'this is a way to try to get things up and moving again quickly and safely'. Its also tough to get hotel rooms at the moment as most of them are shut for the foreseeable future, so it was this or delay things for even longer, the added. It will mean some of the worlds biggest stars all living together in a posh campsite while working alongside the rest of the team. Mission: Impossible - Fallout (Credit: Paramount) Director Christopher McQuarries movie was on location in Venice in February when filming was abandoned as the virus took hold, northern Italy being the worst-hit region of the country. Yesterday, the movie's first assistant director Tommy Gormley told Radio 4 that plans were in place to kick off filming again in September. We hope to restart in September, we hope to visit all the countries we planned to and look to do a big chunk of it back in the UK on the backlot and in the studio, so September through to end April/May is our targets. We are convinced we can do this, he said. Read more: Rob Lowe recounts Tom Cruise going ballistic over hotel room Star Simon Pegg, who plays Benji Dunn in the M:I movies added to Variety: That will begin with the outdoor stuff. That feels fairly doable, and obviously there will be precautions put in place. People that are involved in any close proximity stuff, it will have to be determined that theyre safe to do that. I dont know what the testing situation is, how that works, or whether theyll be able to be tested regularly. The movie is currently scheduled for release on 19 November, 2021. Japanese Justice Revisited Japan's criminal justice system has become the target of international criticism since the arrest, detention, and flight of former Nissan executive Carlos Ghosn. While acknowledging the need for targeted reform, the author calls for a holistic understanding of the system in the context of Japanese culture and society. The Japanese criminal justice system has come under harsh scrutiny in the wake of the November 2018 arrest of Carlos Ghosn, former chairman of Nissan. Many outside of Japan were shocked to learn about a system in which suspects and defendants can be held for months and subjected to endless interrogation until they confess. The Ghosn case trained a spotlight on this hostage justice system. Ghosn is scarcely a poster child for the wrongly accused. My purpose here, however, is neither to condemn nor defend his behavior but to use his case, and the criticism it has generated, as the springboard for a more holistic assessment of the Japanese criminal justice systemincluding its merits as well as its flawswith a focus on underlying attitudes toward crime and punishment. Criminal Procedure and the Ghosn Case Let us begin with an overview of Japanese criminal procedure as viewed through the lens of the Ghosn case. On November 19, 2018, Carlos Ghosn, then chairman of Nissan, was arrested at Tokyos Haneda Airport on suspicion of financial irregularities. On December 10, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office charged him with underreporting his income in violation of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Rearrested twice, Ghosn was not released on bail until March 6, 2019. He was arrested a fourth time on April 4 and freed on bail on April 25 under highly restrictive terms. On December 30, 2019, Ghosn absconded, fleeing to Lebanon in violation of his bail conditions. Under Japans Code of Criminal Procedure, police have 48 hours after an arrest to transfer the case to the public prosecutor. The prosecutor then has up to 24 hours to either charge the suspect or apply to a judge for a further 10 days of detention. Subsequently, another 10-day extension may be granted. Altogether, a suspect may be held in this way, without charges, for a maximum of 23 days subsequent to arrest. This in itself is not highly unusual; other countries have pre-charge custody periods ranging between 16 and 30 days. The big problem is that prosecutors in Japan can easily evade this limit by rearresting the suspect on different allegations before the 23 days are up. In some cases, they will arrest a person over and over by breaking a single case down into multiple offenses. This is exactly what happened to Ghosn, who was arrested four times in all. During the long detention, suspects are often subjected to hours of grilling (although recent reforms have helped rein in harsh interrogation techniques). Also problematic from the standpoint of international norms is the fact that defense lawyers are not allowed to be present during the interrogation process. Ghosn and his lawyers have loudly decried this system and justified his flight on the grounds that he could never have gotten a fair trial in Japan, citing Japanese prosecutors 99.9% conviction rate. (Others have suggested that Ghosn was motivated primarily by a desire to avoid civil litigation, inasmuch as his criminal trial would doubtless have resulted in a suspended sentence.) A 99.9% conviction rate is difficult to justify. My aim here is not to defend it but to place it in the context of a system that, on the whole, has worked quite well for Japan. Japans Curious Criminal Courts Westerners tend to view criminal court as a setting for the adjudication of conflicting claims regarding a defendants guilt or innocence. In Japan, however, it rarely functions that way. In about 70% of the cases that come to trial, the defendant has already confessed to all charges. Following the prosecutors opening statement, the defending attorney immediately acknowledges the defendants guilt. The defense then places on the stand a series of witnesses who testify to the defendants remorse in order to receive a lenient sentence. The goal, in most cases, is to secure a guilty verdict with a suspended sentence, and this is frequently the outcome. In the remaining 30% of criminal trials, the defense is usually arguing that the charges are too severefor example, that the defendant is guilty of manslaughter but not murder. Rarely will a defense attorney stand up in a Japanese court of law and assert the defendants innocence. In Japan, in short, a criminal court is fundamentally a place to plead for clemency, not to argue a persons guilt or innocence. From a Western perspective, such a proceeding scarcely deserves to be called a trial. How did such a system come into being? Historical Background Japans first encounter with the Western world came in the sixteenth century, in the Age of Navigation, but it was not until the second half of the nineteenth centuryfollowing the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perrys ships in 1853that Western ideas and systems began making inroads in Japan. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Japan rushed to transform itself from a semi-feudal society into a modern nation-state. In the process, it quickly established a national assembly, legal code, and judiciary system based on Western models. France provided the models for Japans first modern legal codes, as well as its early courts of justice (designed by the French jurist Gustave-Emil Boissonade). However, by the beginning of the twentieth century, the influence of German legal thought had begun to predominate, and the 1907 revision of the Penal Code reflected this trend. Japans Penal Code has changed little since then, notwithstanding the promulgation of a new Constitution drafted by the Occupation authorities following World War II. From a formal standpoint, therefore, Japans system of criminal law bears a strong superficial resemblance to the continental model. The differences stem from distinctively Japanese procedures and practices, many traceable to deep-rooted ideas about crime and punishment. Of course, Japanese criminal justice did not begin in the Meiji era. Public safety was a major concern during the Edo period (16031868), especially with respect to the capital city of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), an urban center with a population in excess of 1 million. Despite the absence of Western-style law enforcement and criminal justice, Edo was a very safe city, just as Tokyo is today. Indeed, Japan is noted both for its low crime rate and for its very low rate of incarceration. To Catch but Not to Punish One important distinguishing feature of the Japanese criminal justice system is the high clearance rate. While the reality is not quite as impressive as the myth, the rate at which serious crimes are solved in Japan is nonetheless quite impressive. Yet while intent on apprehending criminals, the system is not particularly eager to punish them; quite the contrary, in fact. The vast majority of criminal cases that reach Japanese prosecutors are dealt with by suspended prosecution, which is to say, no charge, or by summary prosecution, an informal procedure that typically ends with imposition of a fine. In this way, most offenders avoid the social stigma of a courtroom trial. Moreover, while 99.9% of cases that come to court end in a conviction, the prison sentences are often suspended, and the prison system is oriented toward rehabilitation, early release, and reintegration into society. At the same time, it would be a mistake to conclude from this description that the system as a whole is simply soft on crime. People found guilty of the most serious offenses face very harsh punishment indeedincluding the death penaltyparticularly if they fail to demonstrate remorse. And since these are the cases that attract the most media attention, the public is largely unaware of how forgiving the system is toward the typical offender. Japans Unique Social Context If people who break the law are dealt with so leniently, what is there to prevent them from committing other crimes? In Japan, volunteer parole and probation officers play a key role in overseeing those released from custody or prison, and this approach has proven quite effective in preventing recidivism. The rate of first-time juvenile offenses in Japan is not particularly low by international standards, but 90% of such offenders are never arrested again, indicating a very low rate of recidivism. In this way, Japan has maintained law and order without excessive police or penal control. In short, despite Japans 99.9% conviction rate, there are aspects of the system that are worthy of admiration, and possibly even emulation, in the West. As it turns out, however, this is a tough sell. The reasons are complex, but the main factors, I believe, are as follows. The hard data needed for rigorous comparative study are unavailable, largely because Japanese police, prosecutors, and prisons are convinced that secrecy is essential to the systems continued efficacy. Japans low crime rate must be attributed in large part to factors outside of the criminal justice system, as suggested by the law-abiding, orderly behavior of Japanese citizens during natural disasters and other emergencies. Among the factors contributing to this behavior during emergencies is the fact that local yakuza gangs have traditionally rallied to protect ordinary citizens at such timesnot an approach one can recommend to other countries, even if one has the courage to discuss it in defiance of Japanese taboos. The citizen volunteers who play such an important role in preventing recidivism in Japan are rewarded for their service with a direct audience with the emperor (as are corrections officers). Japan has the advantage of a comparatively cohesive society, free of serious racial or religious divisions, and of relatively close relations between police and the community. Dialogue between police and corrections officials on the one hand and suspects and prisoners on the other also contributes to the successful rehabilitation of offenders, though this factor is difficult to quantify. In short, Japans low crime rate cannot easily be ascribed to specific features of its criminal justice system, divorced from the broader social context. A Culture of Redemption In my view, the traditional Japanese treatment of criminals reflects deep-rooted cultural attitudes regarding crime and redemption. From the standpoint of cultural anthropology, Ruth Benedict famously highlighted the role of shame, as opposed to the threat of punishment, in maintaining social order in Japanese society (in her 1946 work The Chrysanthemum and the Sword). And while Benedicts characterization of Japan as a shame culture had a decidedly negative thrust, scholars like sociologist Sakuta Keiichi have since emphasized the social value of shame.(*1) Others have stressed the indigenous Japanese concept of tsumi (sin or guilt) as a state of defilement requiring purification. Such analyses provide a meaningful cultural context for the Japanese systems focus on remorse, as opposed to punishment. From a religious standpoint, the idea that no one is beyond redemption is central to the highly influential teachings of the Buddhist monk Shinran (11731263), founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Pure Land Buddhism. It is a little-known fact that Japanese corrections officers are, as a rule, members of the Honganji School of Jodo Shinshu. From a historical perspective, the ancient practice of assigning convicted criminals the job of guarding imperial mausoleums also supports the idea of redemption as fundamental to the Japanese treatment of criminals. The Need for Targeted Reform All of this helps explain why Japanese criminal justice focuses on apprehension, remorse, apology, and rehabilitation, rather than on proportionate punishment as a deterrent to crime. It is only in this context that we can begin to understand the prohibition on having an attorney present during interrogations. The critical flaw in this system, of course, is the lack of safeguards to protect the wrongfully accused from conviction and punishment. Miscarriages of justice are by no means common in Japan, where it is difficult to escape the scrutiny of neighbors and the community as a whole. Still, it is undeniable that innocent people have been charged, tried, and convicted. Most notorious are the cases of four condemned prisoners who were retried and exonerated in the 1980s after decades on death row. (They were released and provided monetary compensation for their years in prison.) This is an area in need of reform. On the other hand, the Japanese emphasis on prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration has received high marks in a number of Western studies, including that of legal scholar Daniel Foote (formerly of the University of Tokyo).(*2) Unfortunately, criminal justice reform in Japan has been simplistically portrayed as a process of correcting Japans backward approach through the adoption of laws and procedures based on the superior Western model. Calling on Japan to adopt Western systems wholesale, without regard to the cultural and social context, is no more sensible than asking Western societies to embrace the Japanese system. Our best hope for progress, I believe, is to actively learn from one anothers successes and failures while acknowledging our basic cultural differences. My hope is that future studies of Japanese criminal justice will lead in that direction. (Originally published in Japanese. Banner photo: Former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn visits his attorneys office in March 2019, following his initial release on bail. Jiji.) China warned US not to interfere with its relations with India With no sign of disengagement along LAC by China, Delhi pins hopes on diplomacy All eyes on June 6 meeting as tense stand between India and China continues India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 03: All eyes would be on the crucial meeting of the Lieutenant Generals of India and China, amidst the stand off between the two countries along the Line of Actual Control. The meeting will be held on June 6 and both sides would hope to end the deadlock, which is not over a month old.The meeting comes after several rounds of talks between Brigadiers, Colonels and Major Generals failed. On Tuesday, a meeting of the Major Generals was held, but the same remained inconclusive. Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall near Mumbai, coastal Maharashtra on red alert | Oneindia News Sources tell OneIndia that on June 6, Lt. General Harinder Singh will hold a meeting in a bid to end the stalemate. The source said that this meeting is being held even as back-channel talks continue. PM Modi, Trump discuss India-China border issue, George Floyd protests India has maintained that it would not suspend its ongoing projects to build roads and bridges in the border areas. India further has said that it will not enter any bilateral agreements that might infringe upon its sovereign right to build such infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control. India is also organising special trains to move 12,000 construction workers from Jharkhand to areas closer to the disputed boundary with China. The Ministry of Defence is working with the Ministry of Home Affairs and also the Ministry of Railways to move construction workers from Jharkhand to areas closer to the Ind0-China border. The source cited above said that India wants to send a strong message to China with this move. The infrastructure work which was slowed down owing to the pandemic will pick up pace now, the source also said. Currently 61 border roads are under construction. Only 25 per cent of these works are pending and hence now is the time to give it a further push and complete the work, the source cited above said. These roads at Ladakh would given India better access to areas close to the LAC. The situation deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on the evening of May 5 in Pangong Tso which spilled over to the next day before the two sides agreed to "disengage". However, the standoff continued. 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 besides construction of another road connecting the Darbuk-Shayok-Daulat Beg Oldie road in Galwan Valley. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said bilateral talks were on at military and diplomatic levels with China to resolve the row. The army in Sudan has used barbed wire and concrete to block off roads leading to its headquarters in the capital, Khartoum. The move is to prevent people gathering there to commemorate a massacre that took place at the site a year ago. More than 100 people were killed on 3 June last year, when the army attacked and cleared a protest camp opposite the army headquarters. The pro-democracy protesters had been there for weeks, demanding a quick transition to civilian rule after the ousting of president Omar al Bashir in April last year by a Transitional Military Council. 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 Leaflets with pro-Ukrainian slogans were posted across towns in the occupied areas. An underground activist organization coordinated efforts in the occupied Donbas to spread the word about what they believe is important for the local population to remember. "Donetsk region is part of Ukraine, even its occupied areas," read paper leaflets, loads of which were posted on walls and lamp poles across towns in the occupied territories. Separate groups of like-minded citizens earlier held a series of secret meetings where a decision was made to unite in a larger organization that will go by the name of "Committee for Donbas Liberation", the Ukrainian TSN news service reports. The outlet's sources say some of the Committee's members are those who used to be ardent supporters of the so-called "Russian world" ideas back in 2014, at the onset of Russian aggression in Donbas. The leaflets were printed in Russian, spreading messages of the need for resistance to the occupation. It took less than a day though for the occupation authorities to make sure the leaflets were destroyed. Earlier, Ukrainian troops showed military UAVs penetrating the line of contact to deliver pro-Ukrainian leaflets to the occupied Donbas. It was once possible to buy an Australian-built Studebaker, like this fantastic 1962 Studebaker GT Hawk on sale in Perth on Carsales. Heres a bit of a history lesson for you: Studebaker was one of the great American car marques. With commanding model names like the Dictator, Commander, President and Champion, the Indiana company had a reputation for stylish, well-built, reliable cars. Owning a Studebaker was announcing to the world that youd made it. In the 1960s, Studebaker opened a small assembly plant in Melbourne, banging together the compact Larks, the stylish Hawks and commercial vehicles from American-supplied knock-down kits. Larks even found themselves in service as police squad cars in Victoria, NSW and the ACT, as they came with V8s at a time when FC Holdens only put out a paltry 70hp. After years of financial strife, Studebaker folded in the 1960s, shuttering its American, Canadian and Australian operations. Unique models like the Raymond Loewy-designed Avanti, famously the fastest car in the world at the time; the Wagonaire, which had an innovative sliding rear roof to accommodate oversized cargo; and Studebaker successes on the track werent enough to save the ailing firm. The Gran Turismo Hawk was the top-of-the-line, final evolution of the sporty Hawk series, and one of the last models Studebaker ever produced. Like the Avanti, the GT Hawk came with Studebakers bombproof 4.7L V8 engine as standard. This 1962 GT Hawk in American mustard yellows got the special sauce, too: the optional R2 supercharger, which bumps this Yank tank up to a respectable 289hp. There arent many GT cars from this era that came in right-hand drive and with a supercharged V8 from the factory. Before the top-spec Avanti arrived in Australia packing a bigger 5.0L version of the engine found in the GT Hawk this Studebaker wouldve been the fastest car in Australia. Its in exceptional nick, too just take a gander at those clean, arcing lines and tasteful chrome highlights. It looks almost brand new. The Hawks were considered some of the most beautiful cars of their day and that beauty hasnt aged one bit. For only A$35,000, we reckon this classic GT is an incredible deal. Consider that a new Ford Mustang GT costs almost double that and has less than half the charm. Head to Carsales right now before someone snaps it up. Read Next After two years of maintenance and modernization at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, the US Navy USS Missouri (SSN 780) the seventh Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine is now ready for operational deployment. It began its maintenance period almost 24 months ago. Since then, more than 2.2 million work-hours and more than 20,000 individual jobs were required to keep the boat fit for service. The availability officially ended on May 21, 2020, following the submarines successful sea trials and certification. After two years of maintenance and modernization at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, the US Navy USS Missouri (SSN 780) the seventh Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine is now ready for operational deployment. It began its maintenance period almost 24 months ago. Since then, more than 2.2 million work-hours and more than 20,000 individual jobs were required to keep the boat fit for service. The availability officially ended on May 21, 2020, following the submarines successful sea trials and certification. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Missouri (SSN 780) departs Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard after completing a scheduled extended dry-docking selected restricted availability (EDSRA). (Picture source U.S. Navy) The U.S. Navys submarine force has unique access to a critical undersea domain. The ability to rapidly deploy is a key component to the Pacific Fleets ability to respond to crisis and conflict throughout the Indo-Pacific region. While underway, the submarines are conducting combat readiness training and employing undersea warfare capabilities in support of a wide-range of missions. The shipyards ability to complete complex maintenance operations and deliver submarines back to the fleet on time, or even early, ensures that our submarine force remains ready and responsive for any tasking. The USS Missouri submarine, homeported at the historic submarine piers in Pearl Harbor, was commissioned on July 31, 2010, and is the fourth ship named in honor of the state of Missouri. It is the seventh commissioned Virginia-class submarine. The Virginia class, also known as the SSN-774 class, is a class of nuclear-powered cruise missile fast-attack submarines in the U.S. Navy. The USS Missouri Virginia class submarine is fitted with 12 Vertical Launching System (VLS) able to fire BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile. A vertical launching system (VLS) is an advanced system for holding and firing missiles on mobile naval platforms, such as surface ships and submarines. Each vertical launch system consists of a number of cells, which can hold one or more missiles ready for firing. The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is an all-weather, long-range, subsonic cruise missile used for deep land attack warfare, launched from U. S. Navy surface ships and U.S. Navy and the United Kingdom Royal Navy submarine. The Tomahawk Block III Conventional variant (TLAM-C) contains a 1,000-lb class blast/fragmentary unitary warhead while the Submunition variant (TLAM-D) includes a submunitions dispenser with combined effect bomblets. The Tomahawk Block IV (Tactical Tomahawk, TLAM-E), conventional variant, which entered the Fleet in 2004, adds the capability to reprogram the missile while in-flight via two-way satellite communications to strike any of 15 pre-programmed alternate targets or redirect the missile to any Global Positioning System (GPS) target coordinate. The Block IV missile is capable of loitering over a target area in order to respond to emerging targets or, with its on-board camera, provide battle damage information to warfighting commanders. Tomahawk Block IV is currently in Full Rate Production (FRP). it has a maximum firing range of 1,600 km. The USS Missouri Virginia class submarine has also four 533 mm torpedo tubes able to fire the Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo. The MK 48 ADCAP torpedo is a heavyweight acoustic-homing torpedo with sophisticated sonar, all-digital guidance-and-control systems, digital fusing systems, and propulsion improvements. Its digital guidance system allows for repeated upgrades to counter evolving threats through software upgrades. The MK 48 ADCAP Mod 6 torpedo combines two significant enhancements: one in guidance and control (G&C Mod), and the other in the torpedo propulsion unit (TPU Mod). The G&C Mod improves the acoustic receiver, replaces the guidance-and-control hardware with updated technology, increases memory, and improves processor throughput to handle the expanded software demands required to improve torpedo performance against evolving threats. The TPU Mod provides a significant reduction in torpedo radiated-noise signatures. The latest version of the MK 48 ADCAP is Mod 7 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) which is optimized for both the deep and littoral waters and has advanced counter-countermeasure capabilities. Tropical Storm Cristobal could make landfall on the Louisiana coast south of Franklin by mid-day Sunday, packing winds of 65 mph, heavy rains and some storm surge, according to the 10 a.m. forecast of the National Hurricane Center. Update, 3:55 p.m. Wednesday: Cristobal's projected path has the storm making landfall in Louisiana sometime late Sunday or early Monday. That could result in as much as 15 inches of rain and worst case coastal storm surge heights of as much as 6 feet above ground level in some locations in southeastern Louisiana, according to the Slidell office of the National Weather Service. But the exact location of landfall -- and the strength of the storm -- are still very uncertain, as the system fights off the weakening effects of hitting land along the Bay of Campeche on Wednesday, hurricane center forecasters said. Cristobal has already caused deadly flooding in portions of Mexico and Central America, and is expected to dump more than 2 feet of rain on parts of Mexico by Friday night. "Now that the center of circulation has moved inland, a gradual weakening trend should commence," said Senior Hurricane Specialist Richard Pasch. "However, the large circulation will take some time to spin down," he said. "It is anticipated that Cristobal will weaken to a depression by tomorrow evening." At 1 p.m., the center of Cristobal was about 15 miles south southwest of Ciudad Del Carmen, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, moving south southeast at 3 mph. What's left of the system will move back north over the Gulf by Friday evening, and will begin its return to tropical storm strength. Pasch said that intensification is likely to be limited by shearing winds. Get hurricane updates in your inbox Sign up for updates on storm forecasts, tracks and more. e-mail address * Sign Up Locations east of the storm's expected landfall, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, are likely to see heavy rains, some high winds, and coastal flooding, forecasters said. Locally, increased moisture pushed north by the Bermuda high pressure system in the Atlantic, combined with a weak low-pressure system over Arkansas and Louisiana, were already on track to produce numerous thunderstorms through Friday. As the storm moves north, those rainfall effects will increase. On Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Slidell issued a flood watch through 7 a.m. Sunday for all of southeastern Louisiana and the Mississippi coast, warning that widespread rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches an hour are possible, with accumulations over the next seven days easily reaching 10 inches. Some locations, including Houma, Boothville, Gulfport and Poplarville could see rainfall totals of as much as 15 inches over the next 7 days. In a morning briefing for Louisiana and Mississippi emergency managers, forecasters said that based on the 7 a.m. forecast, Cristobal would move through the area as a strong tropical storm with winds of about 60 mph. Using information for a reasonable worst case storm surge event based on that intensity, they said maximum storm surge levels of 4 to 6 feet above ground were possible in southeastern Louisiana, with the higher levels possible in the easternmost wetlands outside the New Orleans levee system. The weather service's Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center estimates that, based on the Wednesday forecast, surge from Cristobal will cause a 2-foot rise in the Mississippi River at the Carrollton Gauge in New Orleans, to 16 feet. Levees and floodwalls in the city protect from water heights of between 22 and 25 feet. However, a segment of levee at the Army Corps of Engineers headquarters -- at the gauge -- is still as low as 18 feet, with new floodwalls awaiting construction later this year. Corps officials have said they plan on using sandbags or Hesco baskets to improve protection there, if necessary. As India prepares to open up after its two-and-a-half month lockdown called to combat the coronavirus, it is remarkable how the pandemic has drawn out the best in us along with the worst, just as psychologists predicted. Not only has the crisis exacerbated and amplified our faults, flaws and neuroses, both as individuals and as a society, it has brought about displays of acute compassion and extraordinary courage. These new Indian heroes did not content themselves with armchair activism on social media, ghosting rivals and choosing safe bets to comment upon. They stepped out of their comfort zones and put their money where their mouths are. The Jharkhand government was not the only one to fly home stranded workers. Actor Sonu Sood arranged aircraft for 177 workers stuck in Kerala and helped them reach Bhubaneswar. He bought railway tickets for a thousand other guest workers. Sood is providing free accommodation in his Mumbai hotel to Covid warriors. Shah Rukh Khans NGO Meer Foundation has come forward to help the baby whose video of trying to awaken his dead mother at the Muzaffarpur railway station went viral. Tamil actor Vijay has donated Rs 1.30 crores. But not all humanitarians are celebrities. Take the instance of Baba Karnail Singh Khaira, head of Dera Kar Seva Gurdwara Langar Sahib. It is located on a lonely stretch of a Maharashtra highway. Since the lockdown began, the langar has fed over 15 lakh people, mostly labourers. Then there are feats of incalculable human resilience. Left without food and work, Rajesh Chouhan and his 10 friends walked and hitchhiked 2,000 km from Bengaluru to their UP homes. Chouhan lost 10 kilos in as many days. Days after reaching home, one of the men died of snakebite. The question, however, remains as to whether one can expect the government one has elected to deliver on services and assurances. While the rich taking care of the poor, as advocated by the Prime Minister in his second address to the nation during this period, is the old Indian political philosophy of society maintaining itself, whither governance if duties remain unfulfilled? The masses having to depend on charity to sustain themselves isnt exactly self-reliance. Where the government faltered, citizens tried, if limitedly. May the force be with these heroes. Illustration) An enormous outburst from the vicinity of the Milky Way's central black hole sent cones of blistering ultraviolet radiation above and below the plane of the galaxy and deep into space. The radiation cone that blasted out of the Milky Way's south pole lit up a massive ribbon-like gas structure called the Magellanic Stream. This vast train of gas trails the Milky Way's two prominent satellite galaxies: the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and its companion, the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). The astronomers studied sightlines to quasars far behind the Magellanic Stream and behind another feature called the Leading Arm, a tattered and shredded gaseous "arm" that precedes the LMC and SMC in their orbit around the Milky Way. Unlike the Magellanic Stream, the Leading Arm did not show evidence of being lit up by the flare. The same event that caused the radiation flare also "burped" hot plasma that is now towering in ballooning lobes about 30,000 light-years above and below the plane of our galaxy. These bubbles, visible only in gamma rays and weighing the equivalent of millions of Suns, are called the Fermi Bubbles. The Fermi Bubbles and the Magellanic Stream were thought to be separate and unrelated to each other, but now it appears that the same powerful flash from our galaxy's central black hole has played a major role in both. Credits: NASA, ESA and L. Hustak (STScI) About 3.5 million years ago, the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy unleashed an enormous burst of energy. Our primitive ancestors, already afoot on the African plains, likely would have witnessed this flare as a ghostly glow high overhead in the constellation Sagittarius. It might have persisted for 1 million years. Now, eons later, astronomers are using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope's unique capabilities to uncover even more clues about this cataclysmic explosion. Looking to the far outskirts of our galaxy, they found that the black hole's floodlight reached so far into space it illuminated a vast train of gas trailing the Milky Way's two prominent satellite galaxies: the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and its companion, the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). The black hole outburst was probably caused by a large hydrogen cloud up to 100,000 times the Sun's mass falling onto the disk of material swirling near the central black hole. The resulting outburst sent cones of blistering ultraviolet radiation above and below the plane of the galaxy and deep into space. The radiation cone that blasted out of the Milky Way's south pole lit up a massive ribbon-like gas structure called the Magellanic Stream. The flash lit up a portion of the stream, ionizing its hydrogen (enough to make 100 million Suns) by stripping atoms of their electrons. "The flash was so powerful that it lit up the stream like a Christmas tree -- it was a cataclysmic event!" said Principal Investigator Andrew Fox of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore. "This shows us that different regions of the galaxy are linked -- what happens in the galactic center makes a difference to what happens out in the Magellanic Stream. We're learning about how the black hole impacts the galaxy and its environment." Fox's team used Hubble's ultraviolet capabilities to probe the stream by using background quasars -- the bright cores of distant, active galaxies -- as light sources. Hubble's Cosmic Origins Spectrograph can see the fingerprints of ionized atoms in the ultraviolet light from the quasars. The astronomers studied sightlines to 21 quasars far behind the Magellanic Stream and 10 behind another feature called the Leading Arm, a tattered and shredded gaseous "arm" that precedes the LMC and SMC in their orbit around the Milky Way. "When the light from the quasar passes through the gas we're interested in, some of the light at specific wavelengths gets absorbed by the atoms in the cloud," said STScI's Elaine Frazer, who analyzed the sightlines and discovered new trends in the data. "When we look at the quasar light spectrum at specific wavelengths, we see evidence of light absorption that we wouldn't see if the light hadn't passed through the cloud. From this, we can draw conclusions about the gas itself." The team found evidence that the ions had been created in the Magellanic Stream by an energetic flash. The burst was so powerful that it lit up the stream, even though this structure is about 200,000 light-years from the galactic center. Unlike the Magellanic Stream, the Leading Arm did not show evidence of being lit up by the flare. That makes sense, because the Leading Arm is not sitting right below the south galactic pole, so it was not showered with the burst's radiation. The same event that caused the radiation flare also "burped" hot plasma that is now towering about 30,000 light-years above and below the plane of our galaxy. These invisible bubbles, weighing the equivalent of millions of Suns, are called the Fermi Bubbles. Their energetic gamma-ray glow was discovered in 2010 by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. In 2015, Fox used Hubble's ultraviolet spectroscopy to measure the expansion velocity and composition of the ballooning lobes. Now his team managed to stretch Hubble's reach beyond the bubbles. "We always thought that the Fermi Bubbles and the Magellanic Stream were separate and unrelated to each other and doing their own things in different parts of the galaxy's halo," said Fox. "Now we see that the same powerful flash from our galaxy's central black hole has played a major role in both." This research was possible only because of Hubble's unique ultraviolet capability. Because of the filtering effects of Earth's atmosphere, ultraviolet light cannot be studied from the ground. "It's a very rich region of the electromagnetic spectrum -- there's a lot of features that can be measured in the ultraviolet," explained Fox. "If you work in the optical and infrared, you can't see them. That's why we have to go to space to do this. For this type of work, Hubble is the only game in town." The findings, to be published in the Astrophysical Journal, will be presented during a press conference on June 2 at the 236th meeting of the American Astronomical Society, which will be conducted virtually this year. The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between NASA and ESA (European Space Agency). NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore conducts Hubble science operations. STScI is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy in Washington, D.C. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. In his most recent announcement, Prince Harry made it clear that he is no longer working with his brother Prince William and sister-in-law Kate Middleton on the same charity project. It looks like the Duke of Sussex is indeed moving on. The Merging Of Two Charities For The Better Endeavour Fund charity has decided to merge with the Invictus Games Foundation, as reported by Express U.K. The official announcement was made through the Twitter account of Prince Harry's Invictus Games Foundation. "The Invictus Games Foundation is delighted to announce that the Endeavour Fund has been transferred across from The Royal Foundation and into the work of the Invictus Games Foundation," the statement read. The post also reassured the public that the charity will continue to do its work and that the merger is only to further expand the help that it could provide. "The Endeavour Fund will continue to support the ambitions of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans but will now expand its activities across the international Invictus community." The Endeavour Fund works with various organizations to provide support and relief to those who have been injured while in service. Their goal is to help them become part of the team again by taking part in epic endeavours. In a similar post on the website of the Invictus Games Foundation, it was revealed that the original funding for the first Invictus Games in 2014 was from the Endeavour Fund. "And this transfer now presents an exciting opportunity for both organisations to further their support for international members of the WIS community," the statement furthered. The Endeavour Fund was first established in 2012 by the Duke of Sussex. At that time, Prince Harry was working alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge under The Royal Foundation. While this merger may look good as both will be working together to provide more relief to the vulnerable in the community, it seems there is more to it than just that. Did Prince Harry further cut his ties from Prince William and Kate? As reported by Express, the decision to merge was to help Prince Harry to continue working for both charities despite his current status as a non-working member of the royal family. The Royal Foundation Takes On A Different Track Prince William and Kate Middleton continue to work for The Royal Foundation. While they may be saddened by the news of The Endeavour Fund charity moving away, they have found a new way to provide the community with help. The advent of the coronavirus pandemic has given The Royal Foundation a new way to reach out to the most vulnerable members of the community while living up to its basic values. The foundation describes itself as: "Driven by a desire to make a difference together, The Royal Foundation is the primary philanthropic and charitable vehicle for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Our programmes support a broad and ambitious spectrum of activities, bringing people, ideas and resources together to understand issues, explore creative solutions and be a catalyst for long-term impact." Prince William and Kate have been very active in providing relief and comfort during the pandemic. While they may not be seen in public functions as often as they did, the video conferences that they made while in quarantine have truly helped ease people into the new normal. The foundation that the royal couple established has been designed to innovate when needed. Since its conception, the goal is to provide whatever help they can, no matter what form it takes and with whom. There were tears of joy as P7 pupils at Earlview Primary School were paid a surprise visit by their teachers ahead of them receiving confirmation of the school they will be attending in September. Earlview Primary School teachers Joanne Darrah, Kerrice Tonkin, and classroom assistant Mandy Burns knocked doors around Carnmoney on Wednesday in a bid to lift the spirits of their pupils and deliver a letter and poem. "Obviously P7 is a special year," Mrs Darrah said. "We always wanted it to be as special and as memorable as possible. "The worldwide pandemic changed the situation dramatically. We tried to do as much as we could in the short notice before the school closed." Children across Northern Ireland are to receive their letters on Thursday advising of the secondary school they should be moving to in September. "We just dreaded and hated the thought of those letters arriving without us seeing the children in person and preparing them and having a word with them," Mrs Darrah said. "So a poem came to me and I jotted it down and Miss Tonkin wrote an accompanying letter. "And as lockdown restrictions lifted slightly we thought what would better way than hand delivering it to the 29 children just a message of reassurance no matter what the letter says .. that they can excel wherever they go." Expand Close Mrs Darrah's poem. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mrs Darrah's poem. The teachers have been able to keep in contact over the app Seesaw. In their letter to the children they acknowledge the hard work they have put in and the incredible obstacles they have faced. They also talk of their regrets and not having as much time in the classroom. Kerrice Tonkin added: "We are so proud of the children, they have faced challenges that no other p7 class have done before." Mandy Burns, classroom assistant said she had to be out with the teachers to deliver the letters. "I have been with this class since P5.. I am like Mummy Mandy to them. I miss them all so much. "I have worked at Earlview for nearly 18 years and I have seen how Mrs Darrah works. "I was heart broken because she does so much after Easter to prepare them for big school and this year is missing out on that. "Hopefully this is just a bit of comfort." Pupil Lydia Keys was the first call for the group. She said the lockdown - and missing out on school - had been tough for her. "I was so happy, I love them so much," she said. "I fell like crying.. I wish I could bottle them up and take them with me. That has just made the lockdown so much better." Pune: The city reported 294 fresh Covid-19 positive cases on Wednesday, taking the count of progressive positive cases to 7,089. Also, eight deaths were reported, putting the total number of fatalities in the city related to Covid-19 at 352. These eight fatalities include two deaths of residents of rural Pune. The total number of Pune residents who have died due to the virus stands at 350. Also, 229 virus-infected persons have been cured and discharged, putting the total count of cured cases at 4,384. On Wednesday, of the eight deaths reported, four were from the Deenanath Mangeskar Hospital, two from KEM hospital and one each from Ruby Hall and Kashibai Navale hospital. The youngest Covid-19 casualty on Wednesday was a 15-year-old resident of Ashti taluka in Beed, who died on Wednesday at 2.45 am at KEM hospital. The cause of death was recorded as systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) with lupus and nephritis with acute kidney injury (AKI). He was undergoing treatment since May 16 and had severe pneumonia and cardio pulmonary arrest with Covid-19. The second deceased from KEM hospital, was a 60-year-old female resident of Yerwada, who died on Tuesday at 4.45pm due to severe ARDS and pneumonia. She was also suffering from diabetes and hypertension. The four deaths reported at Deenanth Mangeshkar hospital include a 70-year-old female residing at Khadki; a 44-year-old female residing at Ganj peth; a 49-year-old female residing at Mangalwar peth; and an 80-year female, a resident of Mumbai, who died on Tuesday. The other fatalities include a 65-year-old female from Laxmi nagar, Parvati, at Kashibai Navale hospital on Wednesday at 1.38 am, due to pneumonitis with Ischemic heart disease (ISH). A 77-year-old male was reported dead at Ruby Hall Clinic on Wednesday due to type 1 respiratory failure with severe ARDS. The patient was suffering from bilateral pneumonia, diabetes, hypertension and autonomic neuropathy. Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, John Abraham, Dia Mirza and Disha Patani among many actors have condemned the tragic death of an elephant in Kerala. Bollywood actors including Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, John Abraham, Dia Mirza and Disha Patani on Wednesday condemned the inhuman treatment meted out to pregnant elephant in Kerala. The elephant died after a local allegedly fed her a pineapple stuffed with crackers in Palakkad-Malappuram border in Kerala on May 27. Expressing shock over the tragic incident, the actors took to social media platforms and demanded stricter laws against animal cruelty. Akshay Kumar put out the heart-wrenching picture of the dead body of the mother elephant, tied in strings after being pulled out from the water. Along with the post, the actor wrote, Maybe animals are less wild and humans less human. What happened with that #elephant is heartbreaking, inhumane and unacceptable! Strict action should be taken against the culprits. #AllLivesMatter. Dhawan, the Main Tera Hero actor, took to Instagram and wrote a long note alongside a heartfelt image to showcase the relationship between human beings and elephants. They gave us food baby, to which the baby says, humans are so good, the image featuring an elephant with a baby inside her womb. Maybe animals are less wild and humans less human. What happened with that #elephant is heartbreaking, inhumane and unacceptable! Strict action should be taken against the culprits. #AllLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/sOmUsL3Ayc Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) June 3, 2020 The artwork was created by tedthestoner, which was later reposted by Dhawan, who wrote: We pray to him and yet do this. A pregnant elephant was fed cracker stuffed pineapple by unidentified people in Kerala which exploded in her mouth and damaged her jaw. She walked around the village and finally passed away standing in a river. We keep searching for monsters hoping they would be having the devils horns on their heads. But look around you, the monsters walk beside you. This elephant was going to give birth 18-20 months later. Even after the elephant was injured, she did not crush a single home or hurt a single human being. She just stood in a river because of the excruciating pain and passed away without hurting a single soul, he added. Calling the violent act against the elephant cruel beyond measure, Varun urged the authorities to catch the guilty and asked for their punishment. Just stricter laws wont help. We need a decent execution of the law too. Until the guilty are punished in the worst possible way, these wicked monsters will never fear the law, he said. Anushka Sharma too reposted the artwork and asked the Kerala Chief Minister to find the preparators and bring them to justice for the crime. She wrote, We all would urge @cmokerala to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice for this heinous crime. Disha Patani also urged the government to take strict actions. She tweeted, This is truly heartbreaking. Hope the government takes strict against these people. #Elephants. Sharing some heart-wrenching pictures of the dead elephant and its womb, John Abraham shared a post which showed a sketch of the last conversation between the mother elephant and baby in the womb, where the baby asks, Amma, I will never be able to see humans? To which the crying mom says, You wont regret baby. Along with the post, Abraham wrote, Shame on us !!!! Ashamed to be human. @vijayanpinarayi @CMOKerala @PrakashJavdekar@moefcc@ntca_india #WeAreTheVirus #WildAnimals #SaveAnimals #CrueltyFree #SaveElephants. Dia Mirza and Sonali Bendre too condemned the incident. Just when I thought nothing could shock me anymore, I came across this terrible news how could they do this??? This is the karma humanity has to face. no wonder we are going through all this. Where is the humanity?, Bendre wrote. Randeep Hooda tagged Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, asking them to take strict action against the culprits. An act most #inhumane to will fully feed a pineapple full of fire crackers to friendly wild pregnant #Elephant is just unacceptable..strict action should be taken against the culprits sir @vijayanpinarayi @CMOKerala @PrakashJavdekar @moefcc @ntca_india. (sic), he wrote. For all the latest Entertainment News, download NewsX App Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of major US cities on Tuesday for an eighth consecutive night of protests over the death of a black man in police custody, defying pleas by mayors, strict curfews and other measures meant to curtail them. Major marches took place in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta and New York City as well as in Washington, D.C., near the park where demonstrators were cleared on Monday to make a path for President Donald Trump so he could walk from the White House to a historic church for a photo. Although rallies on behalf of Floyd and other victims of police brutality have been largely peaceful during the day, after dark each night crowds have turned to rioting, vandalism, arson and looting. On Monday night, five police officers were hit by gunfire in two cities. Outside the US Capitol building on Tuesday afternoon a throng took to one knee, chanting "silence is violence" and "no justice, no peace," as officers faced them just before the government-imposed curfew. The crowd remained in Lafayette park and elsewhere in the capitol after dark, despite the curfew and vows by Trump to crack down on what he has called lawlessness by "hoodlums" and "thugs," using National Guard or even the U.S. military if necessary. After the curfew began in New York City, thousands of chanting and cheering protesters marched from the Barclays Center down Flatbush toward the Brooklyn Bridge as police helicopters whirred overheard. A crowd, gathered at an entrance to the Manhattan Bridge roadway, chanted at riot police: Walk with us! Walk with us." Police in riot helmets, far fewer than on previous nights, watched at a distance from the sidewalk as cars honked rhythmically in support. On Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, hundreds of people filled the street from curb to curb, marching past famous landmarks of the film center. Others gathered outside Los Angeles Police Department headquarters downtown, in some cases hugging and shaking hands with a line of officers outside. Los Angeles was the scene of violent riots in the spring of 1992, following the acquittal of four policemen charged in the beating of black motorist Rodney King, that saw more than 60 people killed and an estimated $1 billion in damage. MOST AMERICANS SYMPATHIZE A majority of Americans sympathize with the protests, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday. The survey conducted on Monday and Tuesday found 64% of American adults were "sympathetic to people who are out protesting right now," while 27% said they were not and 9% were unsure. More than 55% of Americans said they disapproved of Trump`s handling of the protests, including 40% who "strongly" disapproved, while just one-third said they approved - lower than his overall job approval of 39%, the poll showed. In Minneapolis, Roxie Washington, mother of Floyd`s 6-year-old daughter, Gianna, told a news conference he was a good man. "I want everybody to know that this is what those officers took from me....," she said, sobbing. "Gianna does not have a father. He will never see her grow up, graduate." The head of the US National Guard said on Tuesday 18,000 Guard members were assisting local law enforcement in 29 states. Floyd died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25, reigniting the explosive issue of police brutality against African Americans five months before the November presidential election. The officer who knelt on Floyd, 44-year-old Derek Chauvin, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers involved were fired but not yet charged. Trump has threatened to use the military to battle violence that has erupted nightly, often after a day of peaceful protests. He has derided local authorities, including state governors, for their response to the disturbances. On Monday night, demonstrators smashed windows and looted luxury stores on tony Fifth Avenue in New York, and set fire to a Los Angeles strip mall. Four police officers were shot in St. Louis and one in Las Vegas who was critically wounded, authorities said. Officers were injured in clashes elsewhere, including one who was in critical condition after being hit by a car in the Bronx, police said. The protests come on the heels of lockdowns to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus which hit African Americans disproportionately with high numbers of cases and job losses. Some of those who have gathered at the site of Floyd`s killing have invoked the non-violent message of the late U.S. civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., assassinated in 1968, as the only way forward. "He would be truly appalled by the violence because he gave his life for this stuff," said Al Clark, 62, a black man who drove to the Minneapolis memorial with one of King`s speeches blaring from his truck. "But I can understand the frustration and anger." Two men have been taken to hospital after being hit by a car in Sloane Square. Greg Hands, Conservative MP for Chelsea and Fulham, said he heard a vehicle had mounted a pavement and struck pedestrians. Police initially said they were investigating a suspicious vehicle and evacuated buildings in the area after a car was found abandoned at the scene on Wednesday afternoon. However a Metropolitan Police spokesman told The Independent the incident was not sinister and was being treated as a road traffic collision. The force later confirmed a man had been arrested on suspicion of driving offences. It added in a statement: Police are on scene in Sloane Square, SW1 where they are dealing with a vehicle which has collided with two people. We await a condition update. The car was found abandoned. Cordons were put in place and buildings in the surrounding area were evacuated as a precaution while officers searched the vehicle. A man was subsequently arrested for driving offences. Further details await. London Ambulance Service spokesperson said it was called to the incident at 12.08pm. A spokesperson added: We dispatched two ambulance crews and a medic in a car, with the first of our crews arriving in under four minutes. We treated two men at the scene and took them both to hospital. Throughout Tuesday, it was mostly back to regular business at the Montgomery County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Court in Willis. In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the countys five justice of the peace courts had suspended in-person proceedings in mid-March. As of the first two days of June, Judge Wayne Macks courtroom was serving as a test run for pretrial meetings for defendants in the justice of the peace courts. All while adhering to guidelines provided to help stymie the spread of COVID-19 as also followed by courts at Conroes Montgomery County Courthouse. We took ours to the next level, Mack said about the guidelines regarding defendants in court. During criminal arraignments where agreements or trials are set, Mack, the prosecutor and clerks converse through video conferencing with the defendant sitting in the jury room adjacent to the court. The Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace court is expected to follow suit as early as Wednesday. Drop in cases Montgomery Countys justice of the peace courts manage traffic and Class C misdemeanor cases, along with civil cases for small claims and landlord-tenant disputes. Justice of the peace courts, Mack explained, face the biggest volume of cases in Texas. As such, its very important that we have our guidelines in place, he said. The number of defendants appearing before the judge has been capped at 50, a move eased by the slowdown in court filings brought on by the state orders the courts were under during the past 11 weeks. Mack said his court has 500 pending civil cases and as many criminal cases, whereas there were usually between 300 and 400 civil cases and 700 to 800 criminal cases monthly. Stay-at-home and curfew orders also contributed to this drop, Mack said, as did the governors mandate to suspend tickets for expired vehicle registrations and past-due inspections. Mack himself had to hold off by two months on renewing his cars inspection. Mitigation efforts Court days usually have two dockets where defendants can see Mack on the bench. There are now five spread throughout the day. The courtroom, which can seat a maximum 120 people, is limited to 26 during each docket now. The lobby is allowing for 20 people to wait during two-hour windows of time between the start of each docket. Wearing face masks and gloves each, there are three bailiffs charged with holding COVID-19 mitigation efforts in place. A bailiff screens court visitors for symptoms, checking through a contact-free infrared thermometer those who disclose having a fever. Every other court bench is closed out and seats are marked to instill social distancing between occupants unless from the same household. Flat surfaces at the courthouse are routinely disinfected. Mack, meanwhile, uses hand sanitizer before and after touching any paper documents. Continuous work Even though in-person dockets were suspended for more than two months, justice of the peace courts remained at work. This included justice of the peace judges resolving urgent cases affecting public health or public safety. And those are the only kinds of cases that may call for jury trials before the states planned August restart. The new guidelines handed to justice of the peace courts and the Montgomery County Courthouse were decided upon by the countys district courts. They were approved by the Second Administrative Judicial Region of Texas, which oversees court operations in 22 counties in southeast Texas. These measures specify those older than 65 or anyone with underlying conditions are at risk. Also considered at heightened risk are those with a compromised immune system like Mack who recently overcame non-Hodgkins folicular lymphoma. He is continuing safety precautions as his court opens up to the public, having never taken a break during the disruptive pandemic. Through this whole process, I never quit working, Mack said. Ive just been very careful. jose.gonzalez@chron.com twitter.com/jrgzztx Minneapolis police have used force against black people at seven times the rate force was used against white individuals, data has revealed. The data comparison comes more than a week after George Floyd, 46, was killed while in custody of police. Floyd died after Office Derek Chauvin, 44, pressed his knee into his neck for more than eight minutes. According to the data, which was compiled by The New York Times, nearly 60 per cent of the time, Minneapolis officers use force against black people, who only make up about 20 per cent of the city's population. The alarming data, which spans between 2015 and 2020, shows that police have documented using force about 11,500 times. To break down that number further, about 6,650 of those incidents involved force against black people. That number is significantly higher compared to the 2,750 times cops used force against white people, who make up 60 per cent of the city's population. Police have documented using force about 11,500 times since 2015. About 6,650 of those incidents involved force against black people and 2,750 involve force against white people (rate depicted above from 2015 through May 2020) Minneapolis police (pictured on May 30) have used force against black individuals at a rate that's at least seven times that of white people since 2015 According to the Times' analysis, Minneapolis police have used force against black individuals at a rate that's at least seven times that of white people since 2015. Floyd's death in Minneapolis comes after the deaths of several black men that sparked protests across the country. In 2015, Jamar Clark, 24, was shot in Minneapolis after he allegedly tried to grab an officer's gun. Clark's death was followed by Philando Castile, 32, whose death was live-streamed by his girlfriend when he was shot by police in St Anthony. Then came Thurman Blevins, 31, who was shot in 2018 by officers while running through an alley screaming: 'Please don't shoot me.' The data is just another example of how often black people become victims of over-policing compared to white people. Take New York City for example, 80 to 90 per cent of the arrests for breaking social distancing rules in the Big Apple were of blacks or Latinos. Trump-supporting Minneapolis police federation leader sends his members a letter calling George Floyd a 'violent criminal' Lt Bob Kroll, the president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis has called George Floyd a 'violent criminal', described protesters demonstrating over his death terrorists and criticized the city's politicians for not sanctioning greater use of force against them in a letter to union members. Kroll also defended the four officers involved in Floyd's death, including Derek Chauvin who is facing charges of murder and manslaughter. All four officers have been fired. The Minneapolis Star Tribune released the full copy of the letter written by Kroll, who appeared at a Trump rally in October last year. Lt Bob Kroll (pictured in 2018) the president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis has called George Floyd a 'violent criminal' 'What is not being told is the violent criminal history of George Floyd. The media will not air this,' he wrote. 'I've worked with the four defense attorneys that are representing each of our four terminated individuals under criminal investigation, in addition with our labor attorneys to fight for their jobs. They were terminated without due process.' In his letter, Kroll also blamed city officials for not giving police enough support to deal with the protests and riots that have broken out in Minneapolis following the death of Floyd. 'What has been very evident throughout this process is you have lacked support from the top,' he wrote, addressing union members. 'This terrorist movement that is currently occurring was a long time build up which dates back years. 'Starting with minimizing the size of our police force and diverting funds to community activists with an anti-police agenda. Advertisement The Minneapolis Police Department has faced decades of allegations of brutality and other discrimination against African Americans and other minorities, even within the department itself. Critics say its culture resists change, despite the elevation of Medaria Arradondo as its first black police chief in 2017. And the data comes just a day after the state of Minnesota launched a civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department. Gov Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced the filing of the formal complaint at a news conference Tuesday afternoon. The governor and Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero said they hope to reach agreement with the city to identify short-term ways to address the police department's history of racial discrimination, and use the investigation to find long-term solutions for systemic change. Lucero said their goal is to negotiate a consent decree with the city that courts could enforce with injunctions and financial penalties. There are precedents, she said, including a consent decree approved in Chicago last year after the US Justice Department found a long history of racial bias and excessive use of force by police. Walz said the investigation into the police department's policies, procedures and practices over the past 10 years will determine if the force has engaged in systemic discrimination toward people of color, and root it out. Lucero will lead the investigation. All 12 members of the Minneapolis City Council endorsed a statement read by Council President Lisa Bender at a news conference later Tuesday in support of the investigation. 'We urge the state to use its full weight to hold the Minneapolis Police Department accountable for any and all abuses of power and harms to our community and stand ready to aid in this process as full partners,' the council said. Mayor Jacob Frey said the state's intervention will help break what he called a stalemate on reform. 'For years in Minneapolis, police chiefs and elected officials committed to change have been thwarted by police union protections and laws that severely limit accountability among police departments,' Frey said in a statement. 'I welcome today's announcement because breaking through those persistent barriers, shifting the culture of policing, and addressing systemic racism will require all of us working hand in hand.' Earlier Tuesday, an attorney for Floyd's family again decried the official autopsy that found his death was caused by cardiac arrest as police restrained him and compressed his neck. The medical examiner also listed fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use, but not as the cause of death. A separate autopsy commissioned for Floyd's family concluded that that he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression. 'The cause of death was that he was starving for air. It was lack of oxygen. And so everything else is a red herring to try to throw us off,' family attorney Ben Crump said. He said the Hennepin County medical examiner went to great lengths to try to convince the public that what was shown on bystander video didn't cause Floyd to die. Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. From Monday travellers arriving in England will have to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival or risk being fined, prosecuted and even deported if they do not comply. I'm travelling to the UK, what will I have to do? At the moment laws have been published for England. These are called The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (England) Regulations 2020. Separate legislation is expected to follow this week for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Travellers to England will be expected to fill out a form online on gov.uk up to 48 hours in advance of travel, providing contact information, travel details and an address of where they plan to self-isolate once they arrive in the country. The government's new travel laws will come into effect on Monday, with travellers to England required to quarantine fro 14 days What happens if I don't fill out the form? Most travellers will be expected to fill out the form in advance but facilities will be provided at the border for those who have been unable to do so. For anyone who has not filled out the form, they will be given one last opportunity as they arrive to do so. Failure to do that will result in an offence and they could be issued with a fine. Officials will expect airlines and other carriers to check whether people have filled out forms in advance but they will not be required to turn people away from travelling if that has not happened. The offence will occur when someone has arrived in the UK and failed to fill out the form. Personal details cannot be used for any reason other than in conjunction with these laws. The law also appears to suggest information provided by passengers cannot be used in criminal proceedings against them unless they relate to breaches of the quarantine regulations. How do I get from the airport to my accommodation? Travellers are urged to use cars or other forms of private transport to travel from the airport when they arrive in the UK but if they must use public transport, they are advised to take the most direct route possible to their accommodation and follow guidance such as wearing face masks. Passengers in a queue at Stansted Airport, Essex, to check in for a flight to Adana, Turkey. Under the rules, you must fill out a form before travelling to England Failure to do so, or to quarantine, could results in fines or even deportations with police allowed to use 'reasonable force' to ensure rules are followed Where should I quarantine? UK travellers can go back to their home and self-isolate there. Who is exempt from the new travel laws to England? Transit passengers: someone passing through the UK en route to another destination without setting foot here. Road haulage workers or road passenger transport workers: this includes those driving goods vehicles and freight, and a 'public service vehicle driver', described as some who drives a vehicle adapted to carry more than eight passengers. Seamen, pilots, inspectors and ship surveyors: travelling to the UK for work, or who are repatriated. Air crew: in the UK for work. Civil aviation inspectors: in the UK while on inspection duties. Shuttle staff, operational and rail maintenance workers: in the UK for work. A Crown servant or government contractor: required to undertake essential policing or essential government work in the UK within two weeks of their arrival. Extradition escort: including a representative of any territory travelling to the UK in order to take someone into custody. Essential or emergency workers: including those relating to water and sewerage services, utilities, energy, chemical weaponry inspector. Someone carrying out a critical function at a space site, an aerospace engineer. A postal operator: travelling to the UK in the course of their work. A worker with specialist technical skills: where those specialist technical skills are required for essential or emergency works or services, such as continued production, supply, movement, manufacture, storage or preservation of goods. Someone receiving healthcare, someone accompanying them, or an organ donor: where they will travel directly to before self-isolating, likewise someone transporting human cells or tissue for healthcare purposes. Health or care professional: working within 14 days of their arrival in the UK. Someone taking part in a clinical trial. Someone working in 'essential infrastructure industries': including telecoms and technology. A person who works in the UK but lives abroad, or the other way around, and travels between the two countries at least once a week. Seasonal agricultural or farm workers: including those processing crops, packing and harvesting. Advertisement But people can also isolate in the home of a friend or relative, a hotel, hostel, bed and breakfast, or 'other suitable' accommodation. More than one address can be provided if a 'legal obligation' requires a person to change addresses, or it is necessary for them to stay overnight on their arrival in England before 'travelling directly to another address at which they will be self-isolating'. Anyone who cannot provide a suitable address will be provided accommodation by the Government, like a hotel. Friends and family will not need to isolate with the people who have arrived, unless they have also travelled. But they should avoid contact with anyone they are staying with and minimise time spent in shared areas and use separate bathrooms if possible. What happens if I refuse to fill out the form, or self-isolate? You could be fined 100 for not filling out the form, doubling for each offence up to a maximum of 3,200. Breaching the self-isolation stipulation would result in a 1,000 fine and could lead to prosecution and then a potentially unlimited fine. Travellers could even be deported, but authorities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will decide separately on immigration policy for this. How will authorities check whether I have followed the rules? Spot checks are set to be carried out by officials, like Border Force officers, as travellers arrive at airports and ports to make sure they have filled out the forms. In extreme circumstances Border Force officers could refuse entry to any non-British citizen or non-British resident who has decided not to fill in the form or not take part in the self-isolation period. The Government has also threatened to carry out spot checks around the country to make sure people are complying. In the first instance public health authorities, using private contractors, will phone people and question them to establish whether they are self-isolating. If there is concern they are not complying, they could be reported to the police. There is even a risk travellers could face questions from officials as they try to leave the country again if they could not be tracked down during the self-isolation period. Who is exempt from the rules? A list of exemptions has been published, including road haulage and freight workers; medical professionals travelling to help the coronavirus effort; anyone moving from within the common travel area covering Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man; and seasonal agricultural workers who will self-isolate on the property where they are working. So far no exemptions have been made for elite athletes. How long will the measures be in place? The rules will be reviewed every three weeks, so will be in place until at least June 29 but could last as long as a year, when the legislation expires. I have a holiday booked later in the summer, what do I do? Officials have said until such time as the Foreign Office lifts the advice against all but essential travel, holidaymakers should take that into account and bear in mind implications for their trip and any conditions on their holiday insurance. A woman was caught traveling 126km/h in a 70km/h zone on the A4 motorway and faced a judge this Wednesday morning. The attorney of the defendant demanded that the case be dismissed because the prosecution was allegedly based on an inexistent grand ducal decree. The defendant, a 33-year-old woman, was charged with going 126km/h in a 70km/h zone on the A4 motorway in March last year. The driver told the court this Wednesday morning that it had "not been clever" to disregard the speed limit, especially because she had her young son in the car with her. The attorney of the defendant nevertheless demanded that the case be dismissed. "The facts are clear, nobody is denying them - but there was nothing unlawful about the behaviour of my client," he argued. He explained that temporary or permanent speed limits need to be approved by a grand ducal regulation. At the time of the so-called infraction, he argued, this grand ducal regulation has still been pending. When the defendant was caught speeding, there had only been a ministerial regulation that awaited confirmation via a grand ducal regulation, he explained. The attorney also argued that the minister had overstepped his authority when he issued the regulation for the speed limit. The legal basis for the prosecution is lacking and his client, legally speaking, went 126kmh in a 130km/h zone, he argued. The 70km/h speed limit road sign and speed camera therefore "guide value" at best, he concluded. The attorney demanded that the case be dismissed. The representative of the public prosecutor's office then asked the judge to adjourn the case because it was the first time that an attorney took this specific line of argument. The representative stressed that he would check the validity of the argument. He added that the defendant would not have to come in for another hearing if he were to reach the same conclusion than the attorney. The case was adjourned until further notice. Snapchat says it will stop promoting President Donald Trumps account (Amr Alfiky/AP) Snapchat is to stop promoting US president Donald Trump account on its video messaging service. Last week, Twitter placed fact-check warnings on two Trump tweets that called mail-in ballots fraudulent and predicted problems with the November elections. It demoted and placed a stronger warning on a third tweet about Minneapolis protests that read, in part, that when the looting starts the shooting starts. Snapchats action is more limited. It means only that the presidents posts will no longer show up in the apps Discover section, which showcases news and posts by celebrities and public figures. Expand Close President Donald Trumps account will remain visible to anyone who searches for or follows it (Evan Vucci/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trumps account will remain visible to anyone who searches for or follows it (Evan Vucci/AP) Mr Trumps account will remain active on Snapchat and visible to anyone who searches for or follows it. The decision, which Snap the owner of Snapchat says was made over the weekend, puts the Santa Monica, California-based company in Twitters camp after that company escalated its actions against Mr Trump. Facebook, meanwhile, has let identical posts stand, although the company and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg face growing criticism over the decision. We will not amplify voices who incite racial violence and injustice by giving them free promotion on Discover, Snap said in a statement on Wednesday. Racial violence and injustice have no place in our society and we stand together with all who seek peace, love, equality, and justice in America. Snapchat has 229 million daily active users. Twitter, by comparison, has 166 million. Unlike Twitter and even Facebook, Snapchat is generally used as a private communications tool, with friends sending each other short videos and images and, to a lesser extent, following celebrities and other accounts. In a tweet, Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said Snap chief executive Evan Spiegel would rather promote extreme left riot videos & encourage users to destroy America than share positive words of unity, justice, and law & order from our President. The Bratislava Airport recorded an interest in irregular flights, regular and charter lines, which will not be allowed to take off until June 11. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled After the anti-pandemic measures partially lifted in the country, the Bratislava Airport recorded an increased demand for business flights. Related article Related article Some airlines plan to launch flights soon Read more As of May 28, people with permanent or temporary residence in Slovakia can fly out using private flights with a capacity of up to 20 travellers to eight countries from the Bratislava Airport. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Passengers who use the irregular form of transport do not have to go into quarantine if they return within 48 hours from departure to Czechia, Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland, the TASR newswire wrote. At the turn of May and June, the Bratislava Airport recorded an increased interest in flights to and from Croatia. Four arrivals and four departures have been handled. People are showing an interest in flights to and from the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany as well. Related article Related article Wizz Air plans to re-launch some flights from London Luton Read more "We have also seen an interest among citizens of those eight countries in flying to Slovakia, although the measure in place does not allow this transport for foreign nationals," said the airport spokesperson Veronika Sevcikova for TASR. Civilian flights including regular and charter flights have been banned until June 11, when the authorities will decide whether they will prolong the ban or not. What the fuck ever. Still a piece of shit who should be wiped from the shoe that probably fits his face. Reply Thread Link ugh seriously. some people should have been swallowed. Reply Parent Thread Link He and his brother can fuck off and die Reply Thread Link the amount of people willing to cape for this guy i can't Reply Thread Link I'm just not ready to applaud horrible white men for doing the bare minimum in an effort to save their brand. Reply Thread Link I still hate this asshat for his behavior in Japan. My family and I were on holiday there at the time. We actually witnessed him filming in Akihabara (he and his crew were dressed up in Pokemon onesies, bothering pedestrians and stopping cars in the middle of the road). We didn't realize/care who he was but we found him so embarrassing and inappropriate (and it looked like some people were already calling security guards/the cops on him lol). We only found out it was him a few days later because we saw news about backlash over his antics in Aokigahara, lol. Edited at 2020-06-03 03:14 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link He was there when I was as well and my friend and I missed him just barley. She was really worried though since shes a foreigner that lives there and thought shed get treated differently because of his ass. She also wanted to fight him if she saw him Reply Parent Thread Link When will Youtube delete his account? Garbage. Reply Thread Link Still trash. Reply Thread Link you're lucky you don't know him, keep it that way Reply Parent Thread Link same. he looks like he's 35. Reply Parent Thread Link I cannot believe he is 25 Reply Parent Thread Link I thought this man was 29-30, idk why Reply Parent Thread Link Omg you dont even know how blessed you are my child Reply Parent Thread Link hes only 25?!? jesus Reply Parent Thread Link Be glad you don't know about the Paul brothers, I've only ever heard bad things about them. And I don't like the way he talks, either. He's pretty much shouting in this one? Like dude, the microphone is right in your face and you're in a studio, you don't need to raise your voice that much. Reply Parent Thread Link he's definitely lying about his age. from the extent he's balding alone... Reply Parent Thread Link I def can see him lying, just as how he is as a morally corrupt person, but the balding has more to do with his genetics than age. My brother started to have his hair thin at 21 and now at almost 26 the balding is becoming much more promininent. I think my brother should just shave it off and accept going bald but thats his choice Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Bad take. Im 26 and have very progressed balding. And it started noticeably around 23/24. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I'm not defending him in any way but both my brothers started balding early it does happen. Reply Parent Thread Link balding isn't the best determiner of age, I knew a guy who was balding even in high school. One of my internet friends began losing his hair around 21. It's not common, but it does happen. Reply Parent Thread Link 25?! I thought he was my age/ older than me Reply Parent Thread Link Slighty OT: I went to visit the Eagles subreddit to see folks' reactions to the owner's statement today and the mods have shut down the sub for 24 hours. They requested that Reddit admins evaluate how reporting works and to make sweeping changes so that bigotry and hatred from certain subreddits (y'all know the ones I'm talking about) will no longer be tolerated. And if the requests weren't met that the current leadership step down. I don't think it'll do anything but I was pretty shocked and a little proud. Slighty OT: I went to visit the Eagles subreddit to see folks' reactions to the owner's statement today and the mods have shut down the sub for 24 hours. They requested that Reddit admins evaluate how reporting works and to make sweeping changes so that bigotry and hatred from certain subreddits (y'all know the ones I'm talking about) will no longer be tolerated. And if the requests weren't met that the current leadership step down.I don't think it'll do anything but I was pretty shocked and a little proud. Reply Thread Link Making some of your faves look positively goofy. The Mayans might have been right about 2020.... Reply Thread Link Did 2020 even exist in the Mayan calendar? We should have been gone by 2012 lol (unless this is actually some warp, surreal reality beyond time and space lol) Reply Parent Thread Link Whoops lol. I could see this being a warped reality at this point. Nothing makes sense. Reply Parent Thread Link The world really did end. We're all just in hell. \o/ Reply Parent Thread Link time is cyclical in the Mesoamerican world and 2012 was supposedly the end of a bak'tun (400 year period) which is just the death of one cycle to start a new one. and from what I recall, the Maya didnt factor in leap years so the world shouldve ended about nine months earlier?? damn I dont really remember bc the Maya are not my area of expertise. but damn this new baktun since 2012 has just been horrible, time for the gods to come down and just start over again Reply Parent Thread Link I get its a joke but as a Mayan I dont find this funny :T Anyway, the maya calendar reset in 2012, my ancestors were smart and the calendar is pretty much infinite bc its cyclical. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Logan is a prime example of celebrities speaking out against racism only when it's trendy Reply Thread Link it sounds like he stole every talking point from actual activists on twitter. i wonder how many people on his pr team they're paying to signal boost his basic contribution. Reply Thread Link Yeah, his little speech is just a bunch of sentences and phrasing I've seen from others put together. Reply Parent Thread Link see? this is why sentiments don't matter. people were rolling head over ass for pewdiepie also, like him donating makes up for him saying hard-r n-word in anger wow i read this whole post and had no idea this was the other one. they're literally the same person. that's probably why he gathered PR to make this statement lmao. he's not going down for his doppleganger, that's for damn sure. this family acts like they aren't blood Edited at 2020-06-03 03:26 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link Pew guy donated? I really hope his home gets robbed again. Reply Parent Thread Link allegedly. he said he was "looking" for some to donate to on his youtube (i aint actually check i saw a screenshot) and donated to the Memorial Fund allegedly. frankly i trust him and deemon starr as far as i can throw them Reply Parent Thread Link Stop Reply Parent Thread Link Two themes permeate much of the discourse surrounding ongoing riots: that racism in America, particularly against blacks, is "systemic" and that any show of force against the "protesters" many of whom are simply criminals, looters, and thugs out to capitalize on a tragedy is more proof of America's ingrained racism and intolerance. Wonderfully encapsulating these two points is Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.). In a recent interview, she asserted that "we are living in a country that has truly for a long time brutalized African-Americans, from slavery, to lynching, to Jim Crow, to mass incarceration and now to police brutality." As for the rioters, they "were terrorized," Omar claims, "by the presence of tanks, by the presence of the National Guard and the militarized police." Let's respond to these two charges of "brutalization" and "terrorization" by way of analogy say, by looking at how minorities are treated (including vis-a-vis tanks) in nations where Omar's religion permeates, which is to say in Muslim nations. Egypt is a perfect example, as its non-Muslim minority, the Christian Copts, make for about the same percentage of the general population that blacks do in America: 15%. Back in 2011, and due to nonstop attacks on their churches whether from local authorities that demolish "unlicensed" churches or from Muslim mobs that burn down recognized ones Egypt's Christians held a demonstration in Maspero. By any stretch of the imagination and especially compared to what's happening now in the U.S. their protest was orderly and peaceful. It was, after all, actually about ending discrimination against Christians and their churches, not capitalizing against weak leaders. The Egyptian government responded by initiating what came to be known as the "Maspero Massacre": it sent out troops including snipers and tanks against the peaceful demonstrators. In the end, dozens of Christians were murdered in cold blood, many by being intentionally run over and mangled by tanks. Hundreds were wounded. All the Obama White House did at the time is call "for restraint on all sides" as if Egypt's unarmed Christian minority needed to "restrain" itself against the nation's military. The Maspero Massacre is just the tip of the iceberg for Egypt's Christians, who openly experience discrimination and persecution in a myriad of ways, from not getting the best or administrative jobs to getting killed by fellow policemen and soldiers for being "infidels." (Only "spectacular" terrorist attacks such as the bombing of their churches and killing of dozens of Christians ever get noticed by the "mainstream media.") None of this is surprising, considering that Egypt's constitution (Article 2) makes clear that "Islam is the religion of the state" and that "Islamic Sharia" which is inherently discriminatory if not downright hostile to non-Muslims is the "main source of legislation." The plight of Egypt's Copts is representative of the plight of all Christians throughout the Muslim world where both discrimination and outright persecution are systemic, not to mention endemic. If you doubt this, see my "Muslim Persecution of Christians" series and witness the nonstop discrimination, persecution, and carnage committed quite often in the name of Islam by "everyday" Muslims, including their governments, against Christians. Each monthly report there are currently well over a hundred, stretching back to July 2011 contains a dozen or so atrocities, most of which if committed by Christians against Muslims would receive 24/7 blanket coverage. Despite all this despite the fact that 38 of the 50 nations that persecute and terrorize as many as 260 million Christians are Islamic curiously, no Muslim has begun a "Christian Lives Matter" movement. Indeed, and to return to Ilhan Omar, her Islamic homeland of Somalia is widely considered the third worst nation in the entire world in its horrific and ideologically driven butchery of Christians (Egypt in comparison is ranked #16). Yet, instead of using her prominent position as a member of congress to draw attention to and help the non-Muslims of Somalia, she is busy projecting what her homeland does to its minorities onto America. Meanwhile, it's only because the U.S. Constitution does not base freedom and equality on race or religion that Omar a Muslim woman from Africa could become a member of Congress in the first place. It's also why countless other blacks and non-white minorities come to and have achieved great success and social mobility in America: here, everyone stands equal before the law. Does that mean that American society is perfect, that there is no racism or discrimination whatsoever? Of course not. No nation because no individual human is perfect. That said, things don't get a whole lot better than this. They only get worse potentially much, much worse. The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) has declared a state of emergency in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, CONAIE head Marlon Vargas said QUITO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd June, 2020) The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) has declared a state of emergency in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, CONAIE head Marlon Vargas said. "In the jungle, across the Ecuadorian Amazon region, we declare a public health emergency until the situation in the communities normalizes," Vargas said at a press conference on Tuesday. According to the CONAIE head, as of May 31, there were 215 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the indigenous population of Ecuador, while 354 people are suspected of being infected. The death toll from disease stands at 13, while two patients are in critical condition. Vargas added that the infection was brought to the indigenous communities by companies procuring wood, especially balsa wood, that did not comply with curfews. According to the CONAIE head, Pastaza province where Quechua, Achuar and Shuar communities reside has been most affected by COVID-19. The authorities of Ecuador have so far confirmed over 40,000 cases of COVID-19 and nearly 3,500 fatalities. Wrexhams MP urges Welsh Government to reopen the economy in line with England This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jun 3rd, 2020 Wrexhams MP has urged the Welsh Government to reopen Wales economy in line with England. Sarah Atherton claimed businesses in her constituency were being left to suffer because of the difference in coronavirus legislation between the two nations. Non-essential shops over the border have been given permission to start serving customers again from this month, with some resuming trade earlier this week. Labour ministers in Cardiff Bay recently said retail firms in Wales should prepare to reopen over the next three weeks, but any decision to ease lockdown restrictions would depend on scientific evidence. However, Ms Atherton said she had been contacted by local companies who were concerned about losing out on income. In a letter to the Welsh Minister for Economy, Ken Skates, she said: I am concerned about the future of businesses in Wales, particularly in border constituencies such as Wrexham, being negatively affected by differing lockdown rules between England and Wales. As you know, many businesses in England will be reopening this month, albeit with social distancing policies in place to protect staff and customers. I have been contacted by many businesses in Wrexham, concerned about both the short-term and long-term impact of their not being able to reopen at the same time. As you are aware, around 80 per cent of businesses in Wales have taken advantage of the UK Governments Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. However, there are a number of ways in which a delay to easing the lockdown could, in the long term, directly harm the viability of local businesses. Ms Atherton said people in Wrexham would easily be able to buy goods in England, putting Welsh businesses at a disadvantage. Having spent several months with no earnings, she claimed many firms were reliant on the initial sales rush once lockdown lifts to start paying staff again. However, the former nurse warned the economic boost would not happen if customers are able to shop elsewhere, putting companies at risk of insolvency. In response to similar concerns raised by car dealers in Wales, a spokesman said: We have said that non-essential retail business which can comply with physical-distancing duty should prepare to reopen over the next three weeks, and we will take a decision at the next review. There is an ongoing risk to public health from coronavirus and any decision will depend on the scientific and medical evidence. We have delivered the most generous business support package in the UK, including 1.7bn of direct financial support for businesses of all sizes through our Economic Resilience Fund and grants targeted at those paying business rates in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors. The Welsh Government has been asked to comment on her request. By Liam Randall BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme) A Tampa television reporter was broadcasting live from protests last weekend when two young men in Hawaiian shirts moved in front of the camera and began chanting the name of an obscure white nationalist slogan, drowning out protesters shouting "No Justice, No Peace!" The incident was one of a growing number in which far-right extremists who once organized mainly online have been inserting themselves into the real-world protests roiling much of the nation, sowing confusion about the nature of the protests and seeking attention for their causes. They've appeared, sometimes carrying assault rifles, at protests in Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia and dozens of other cities, often wearing Hawaiian shirts - a seemingly goofy uniform that, within the ranks of their movement signals adherence to a violent, divisive, anti-government ideology. This increasingly visible spillover from radical online forums has alarmed researchers, who for months have tracked surging support for groups advocating armed rebellion as their conversations have spread from fringe platforms such as 4chan and Gab to mainstream forums on Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Twitter and YouTube. The largest groups have hundreds of thousands of followers. These groups have displayed a flexible ideology, espousing gun rights in Richmond in January, opposition to government public health restrictions in several state capitals in March and April and, over the past week, resistance to police brutality against African Americans, though the goal in some cases may be mainly to distract attention from those causes, according to recent research. Some far-right groups have purposefully sown confusion by impersonating left-wing activists, adding chaos to already turbulent days of protests in which local officials have blamed unnamed outsiders and left-wing groups for the mayhem. Late Monday, Twitter announced that it had suspended an account for a purported radical left-wing group, @ANTIFA_US. Those behind the recently created account, which had been suspended after tweeting calls for violence during the protests, had ties to a white nationalist group, Twitter said. The company also suspended another fake Antifa account, after a far-right group claimed it had created it to infiltrate the movement. Researchers have struggled since these movements emerged online last year to determine whether they represent a gonzo, self-consciously ironic exaggeration of long-standing far-right ideologies - perhaps confined to mere online bravado - or something more dangerous. Their appearance at recent protests, often with weapons, have convinced those who study radical online groups that there is growing potential for real-world violence, as well as a knack for using events to spread incendiary ideas. "There's a violent spear tip of people who take this way beyond a joke," said Joel Finkelstein, director of the Network Contagion Research Institute, which tracks the spread of online hate and published a report on the far-right groups on Tuesday. "There's a ready made audience for the violent actors to get out of hand." Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., on Sunday tweeted an Associated Press photo showing two white men atop an overturned police car in Salt Lake City, both holding what appear to be assault rifles. Spray painted on the side of the car is "4 George," an apparent reference to George Floyd, the unarmed African American whose killing at the hands of Minneapolis police last month sparked the recent unrest. One of the men standing on the vehicle in the photograph was wearing what appeared to be hunting garb. The other was wearing a Hawaiian shirt, as was a third man filming the activity. "Look at this photo, and using simple common sense ask yourself are these "protestors" in Salt Lake City: A. Outraged by racial injustice in America; or B. Domestic extremists taking advantage of protest to further their own unrelated agenda," Rubio tweeted. His point fits with a range of recent research on far-right extremist movements, including Tuesday's Network Contagion report, "Covid-19, Conspiracy and Contagious Sedition," which detailed the rising prominence of such groups. It concluded that a constellation emerging in what the report called "the Milita-Sphere" are coalescing around gun rights, anti-government messages and threats of violent action, often infused with the false claims of conspiracy theorists such as QAnon. The report found evidence of rising militarism among followers of QAnon, which once spoke cryptically of shadowy forces within the federal government. Now many adherents describe themselves as part of a "Qarmy," a term whose use doubled on Twitter in 10 days recently, according to the Network Contagion Research Institute. The researchers also found an explosion in the use of military badges and revolutionary flags online and in real-world protests. Joan Donovan, Director of the Technology and Social Change Research Project at Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center on Media Politics and Public Policy, said Boogaloo group members had shown particular ability to insert themselves into events started by others, a tactic called "stream sniping." Common in the world of internet gaming, it refers to interrupting someone else's live stream to bring attention to yourself and to provoke authorities to appear on the scene. "Extremists across the ideological spectrum exploit poor governance and state fragility. We know this from the history of terrorism around the world," said Jessica Stern, an expert on terrorism and a research professor at Boston University's Pardee School of Global Studies. "We can expect, based on recent U.S. history, that hard-left groups, hard-right groups and international actors will try to exploit this tragically chaotic moment." - - - Adherents of one particularly radical fringe group, which goes by Boogaloo Bois and several similar names, openly anticipate a civil war. The term Boogaloo comes from a 1984 break dancing movie, "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo," considered all but indistinguishable from the original, much as adherents claim a coming civil war will serve as a repeat of the one that occurred in the 1860s. The Boogaloo were the first to don Hawaiian shirts as symbols of their extremist ideas. As social media companies cracked down on their posts for violating various policies, the supporters adopted new names and images to avoid detection, such as "Big Igloo," "Boojahadeen" and "Big Luau." The latter gave rise to wearing the distinctively patterned shirts. Researchers are uncertain what role these groups have in the violence that has exploded across dozens of U.S. cities in recent nights, but they cite worrying signs. These include the seizure by Denver police last week of guns and ammunition from a man who said he was inspired by the Boogaloo but kept the weapons for sport shooting. "It's getting a bit more real. In that mix there are always people who are taking it very real and very seriously," said Devin Burghart, president at the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights, a group that tracks far-right movements. His group has tracked the presence of far-right militias and Boogaloo-related groups at 40 protests related to the Floyd killing across the United States. The Tech Transparency Project, an advocacy group critical of the tech companies, has reported that Boogaloo groups are especially active on Facebook, where at least 125 operate. More than half of those groups have been created since January, Reddit shut down several Boogaloo-related communities in February and another set in May, said company spokesman Anna Soellner, for inciting or glorifying violence. But the Boogaloo and their messages remain easy to find on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and the messaging platform Telegram. On Telegram, a platform with limited moderation efforts, several accounts that were posting using the #DCBlackout hashtag had previously used derogatory language to describe African Americans and Jews, according to Eric Feinberg, vice president of content moderation at Coalition for a Safer Web. Since the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a march organized by neo-Nazis and white supremacists in which a counterprotester was killed, Facebook has banned groups dedicated to hate and white supremacy. Facebook spokeswoman Sarah Pollack said that the company had already removed many of the accounts in the reports cited by The Washington Post, and had updated its policies as well. "We already removed accounts referenced in both reports and last month we updated our policies to prohibit the use of these terms when accompanied by statements and images depicting armed violence. We are removing posts that violate our policies and preventing pages and groups from being recommended on Facebook," she said. Twitter's hateful-conduct policy bans direct attacks or promoting violence on the basis of race, ethnicity and other protected categories, and bans accounts whose primary purpose is to cause such harm, the company says. Twitter spokesman Brandon Borrman said that the company views the term "boogaloo" as a form of free expression, and would not remove accounts on their use of the term alone. However, the company had suspended many accounts associated with the term because those accounts had broken other rules, such as spam or trying to get around a previous suspension. - - - The protests, which began peacefully last week but have taken violent turns in recent days, have attracted a wide range of people motivated by their outrage at yet another police-involved killing of an unarmed black man. But state and local officials have complained that outsiders with more nefarious motivates are infiltrating the protests and driving at least some of the violence. President Donald Trump and Attorney General William P. Barr have blamed far-left extremists for this escalating violence, but the far right also has spread disinformation online and encouraged followers to take violent action against both protesters and the police, according to experts and posts on Telegram, which is popular with some extremist groups that organize and spread messages privately. Far-right groups also are using social media to exacerbate tensions between law enforcement and protesters, urging their members to hurl molotov cocktails and fire weapons as protesters gather to encourage a police counterattack. One Telegram group, Eco-Fascist Central, with about 2,500 subscribers, on Sunday called on members who encountered rioters to either attack them or "keep your mouth shut and start handing out pamphlets on how to make napalm, molotov cocktails, [and] slam bangs." Rita Katz, a terrorism analyst and the co-founder of SITE Intelligence Group, said the far left has bad actors but that the far right is more cohesive and stages attacks on people as opposed to the far left's targeting of buildings. Among those seeking to exploit the recent protests are neo-Nazi groups, which Katz said are "using these tumultuous times to incite terrorist attacks and recruit. Recent days have included discussions on how many synagogues they can attack while most police, firefighters, and paramedics are being tied up in rioting cities." The tactics of the far-right extremists are the latest attempt to "accelerate" violence between police and protesters - an idea embraced by those who call themselves "accelerationists." Their goal is a race war that would lead eventually to the dissembling of the government through violent struggle, according to Oren Segal, vice president of the Center on Extremism at the Anti-Defamation League. "Extremists of all kinds never miss an opportunity," he said. erhui1979 | Getty Images Small businesses across the country were already teetering due to COVID-19-related closures of non-essential businesses. And then, on May 25, a Minneapolis police officer was caught on tape crushing 46-year-old George Floyd's neck while he pleaded, "I can't breathe," shortly before being pronounced dead in a crime that has since been deemed a homicide by the county medical examiner. More than a week of protests in dozens of cities have subsequently convulsed the nation, causing collateral damage to many small businesses who were already struggling to find a way forward as quarantine restrictions eased. For anyone looking to assist those businesses to get back on their feet, whether through rebuilding or replenishing of inventory, there are numerous, legitimate fundraisers that have launched within some of those communities. The below is just a small sampling of how to contribute to the restoration of fellow entrepreneurs' storefronts and livelihoods in hard-hit regions over the coming days and weeks. Each initiative is overseen by a recognized nonprofit or community leaders and/or is verified as a credible GoFundMe user, and contributes proceeds to a multitude of businesses. If you want to direct us to similar wide-reaching efforts in your area, tweet us @entrepreneur. With a Taliban takeover, what is the JeM demanding in Afghanistan JeM terrorist who killed BJP leader gunned down by security forces in Tral What does the meeting between Taliban and Jaish-e-Mohammad mean for India 3 Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists gunned down in Valley India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 03: Three terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad have been killed on Wednesday, following an encounter with the security forces at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. The security forces launched a cordon and search operation following inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. Police officials said that the search operation turned into an encounter as the terrorists opened fire at the security personnel. Two terrorists killed in Kulgam encounter Meanwhile, a UN report said that there are some 6,500 Pakistani nationals among foreign terrorists operating in Afghanistan and the JeM and Lashkar-e-Tayiba play a key role in bringing in foreign fighters into the war-torn country. Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall near Mumbai, coastal Maharashtra on red alert | Oneindia News External Affairs Ministry, spokesperson, Anurag Srivastava expressed serious concern to the continued presence in Afghanistan of the senior leadership of the Al-Qaeda and large number of foreign terrorists. He said that the report vindicates India's long standing position that Pakistan remains the epicentre of international terrorism. If there is one star that almost everybody in the world will be able to associate with Bollywood, it is the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan. So, calling his career a 'success story' would be an understatement. Yet Big B humbly refuses to be called a success story, and says that his is a 'somehow managing to exist' story. In an interview with IANS, Amitabh said, "My 'success story' is wrongly expressed. It is not a success story, it is a 'somehow managing to exist story', and a still trying story." His upcoming film, Gulabo Sitabo, also starring Ayushmann Khurrana, is scheduled for release on Amazon Prime Video on June 12. About working with Ayushmann, Amitabh said that it was an experience of working with an accomplished, competent and an immensely talented artiste. When Ayushmann's choice of films were compared to his own, Big B said, "Firstly, every actor, artiste, creative talent, has the prerogative to make his or her own choices on the kind of work they wish to professionally get involved in -- bringing Ayushmann's choices as being similar to mine is incorrect. I cannot say about Ayushmann, but my choices have been the entire responsibility and dependence on the makers that I have had the privilege to work with. They chose me, not I them. You have to ask AK why he chose what he chose to do and with whom." Talking about the younger generation of actors, he said, "The younger breed of actors are the most superior breed -- sorry, actually I don't like the word 'breed' -- I get visions of a horse stable. The younger generation or the present generation of artistes is an impeccable faultless faculty. They are a learning device or, to be more present time in my lingo, they are a 5-star Learning App." Gulabo Sitabo is directed by Shoojit Sircar. ALSO READ: Amitabh Bachchan Helps Out Migrant Workers By Arranging Buses To Uttar Pradesh ALSO READ: Amitabh Bachchan Was Not Recognized When he Walked Around Lucknow During Gulabo Sitabo EDWARDSVILLE In the week since George Floyds death in Minneapolis, protests, violence and confrontations have roiled the nation. As I watched the video in horror, I pleaded for that officer to get off him and for someone to help Mr. Floyd. It was a disgusting act of cowardice to put that amount of pressure on a man that was clearly immobilized on the ground and in handcuffs, Mayor Hal Patton said Tuesday during a city council meeting after calling for a moment of silence. I have no idea why that officer, and those who stood by and watched, were not arrested immediately upon seeing that tape, he continued. Had that happened in this city, the offenders would been on their way to jail before you could rewind the tape! I clearly understand the civil outrage that followed. We are all outraged and we should all demand justice for Mr. Floyd. That is why I was so pleased to see how our community responded with a large yet peaceful gathering of hundreds of people from different backgrounds and different generations. Patton announced the formation of two community action groups in response to the civil unrest. Patton said the groups one led by him with Police Chief Jay Keeven leading the other one will review present conditions in Edwardsville. Pattons group will focus on fairness and equality in the community as it pertains to opportunities for people of color and other minorities opportunities to participate in democratic solutions, obtain fulfilling employment, receive an excellent education and be proud of where they live. Meanwhile, Keevens group will focus on fairness in policing, community engagement and quality training for public safety personnel. While I think this tragedy implores all of us to ask the questions, Are we doing enough and what could we do better? Patton said. I truly believe we do live in a safe and inclusive community that values all of our fellow citizens. Should citizens have any ideas or recommendations to make this community more inclusive and fairer for all residents, they should contact their alderman or the city hall administration. The council unanimously passed the following items: A donation agreement between the Steinmeyer Subdivision Association and the city for buying decorative street posts and signs A sole source resolution to remove the barn at Plummer Park at no cost to the city A resolution authorizing Mayor Patton to sign an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Grant Agreement for the Richards Brick greenspace property An ordinance authorizing the sale of Fire Engine 1318, a 1999 model bought used in 2007 from a Chicago-area fire department. The vehicle is now obsolete and expensive to repair. The fire department believes it is worth between $25,000 and $35,000. To date, at least one outside fire agency has visited to look at the truck Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at (618) 659-5735 Dozens of voters line up outside Masjidullah in Philadelphia's East Mount Airy section on Pennsylvania's primary election day. There were fewer polling locations across the city due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read more Voting in Philadelphias busy 50th Ward started off messy Tuesday when polling locations were delivered machines meant for neighboring poll places. The problem was corrected by late morning, city officials said, though the wait to vote in parts of the busy ward was still about 90 minutes by early evening. The ward in Northwest Philadelphia is one of the highest turnout locations in the city, and lines started forming around the block at polling places like the Masjidullah Temple early in the morning. Several divisions had already been consolidated into polling locations, making the crowds larger. Councilmember Cherelle Parker, who is also ward leader in the area, said multiple polling locations were delivered the wrong machines. They were all at the wrong locations. It was a mess. Parker said. The office of the Philadelphia City Commissioners, who oversee elections, confirmed a mix-up had occurred with polling places receiving the wrong voting machines, including at the mosque. Voters used paper emergency ballots before the correct machines were set up. READ MORE: Live coverage of the 2020 Pennsylvania primary election While voting machines were being fetched, the line to vote stretched from Masjidullah, around the corner and down the block, all the way to Ogontz Avenue. Parker walked up and down the line that snaked around the block, thanking voters for their patience. We know this is not normal, she told them. Parker said that once notified, city officials corrected the problem. But those in line from 7 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. had to vote via emergency paper ballot. She said she worked the lines to ensure folks their votes would be counted, but encountered skepticism. Theres a strong distrust for this vote-by-mail process, Parker said. Theres a strong distrust. And people feeling like voter suppression is real. And they know that there are folks across this nation and this city and all over who would prefer that they did not vote. And then they wake up this morning to know that theyre standing in line and when they get there, they cant vote." The average person cant be expected to know what happened with the machines," she added. "The only thing that they know Im going to exercise my constitutional right to vote and those damn machines were not there. The coronavirus pandemic may not have deterred the voters who showed up, but it was a source of their confusion. The city consolidated polling places because of the public health crisis. Some voters stood in line wondering whether they were in the right place. Some former polling places lacked signs directing people to new sites. At least a few voters had already stood in line at one polling place, only to be told they couldnt vote there. While Parker commended city officials for fixing the voting machine problem early, the polling place consolidation continued to have an impact on wait times into the early evening. The lines to vote at the mosque at 5:30 numbered at least 100 people. Elections experts generally agree on a benchmark of half an hour as the maximum acceptable length of time voters should have to wait at a polling place. Rasheen White, 50, cast her ballot after waiting an hour and a half. She was tired and had not expected such a line, but said people were friendly. I wanted to come, she said. Just doing my duty. Poll workers had reorganized the site by late afternoon to make separate lines for each section of the alphabet, and a volunteer in a yellow vest was walking up and down the queues directing people. City project manager Melissa Scott-Walker, who was there to help with the crowds, said people had been understanding. I think people realize that were in the middle of a pandemic she said, and things [wont be] normal. -Staff writer Jonathan Lai contributed to this article Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 00:30:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- People arriving in Britain by any means, including air and sea, will have to go into self-isolation from next Monday at a designated address for 14 days as a condition of being allowed through frontier posts, Home Secretary Priti Patel told MPs Wednesday. Amid criticism from opposition politicians, Patel insisted that the measure was proportionate and was aimed at preventing COVID-19 being brought into Britain from other countries at a time when coronavirus cases in Britain are falling. Patel said the quarantine controls, backed by fines of up to 1,000 pounds (1,260 U.S. dollars) for breaching the rules, would be reviewed at the end of June and regularly afterwards. The rules will not apply to people arriving in England from Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. As to worries that these restrictions would hit the aviation industry, Patel said in her statement to the parliament that the government understands how tough the public health measures to prevent a second wave of coronavirus are for this sector, noting that it will continue to work closely with companies and carriers. "We will tomorrow (Thursday) host a roundtable to work across the travel sector and the broader business sector as well on how we can innovate and move forward together," she said, adding that "a long-term plan" for industry will be formed. As to tourism, she said the government knew these measures will present difficulties for the industry, noting that it has an unprecedented package of support for both employees and businesses. "These measures are backed by the science, supported by the public, and essential to save lives...We will all suffer in the long run if we get this wrong. That's why it's crucial that we introduce these measures now," said the secretary. Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson came under fire from main opposition leader Keir Starmer over the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Another 359 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain as of Tuesday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 39,728, the Department of Health and Social Care said Wednesday. Starmer said this was a critical week in Britain's response to COVID-19 as lockdown measures were eased with many schools reopening. "This is the week, of all weeks, where public trust and confidence in the government needed to be at its highest," Starmer said. Enditem There's an increase of anti-Semitism rates in Ukraine since people let themselves dissert on the number of Jews in Ukrainian business circles and speak absurd things about Jews on TV. Joel Lion, the Ambassador of Israel in Ukraine, said so in his interview for the RBC-Ukraine news agency. "If we follow the definition by IHRA (the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, - 112 International), then yes, you've got the rise of anti-Semitism here in Ukraine. If people dissert about a lot of Jews doing business in Ukraine, that's anti-Semitism, and it's wrong. If Palchevsky (Ukrainian and Russian entrepreneur and public figure, - 112 International) says some absurd things about the Jews while being on air on TV, it's anti-Semitism. You can't say it's the wrong thing to say, or say it's something else", he said. Joel Lion also said that rewriting history would be considered anti-Semitism as well. "If someone sells postcards with Nazi symbols on them right next to Maidan (in the downtown Kyiv, - 112 International), one shouldn't just go and complain about it. The police should reach the site and look into it as a manifestation of anti-Semitism. And if someone says something bad about Israel, it's anti-Semitism, too, even if people use the word Zionism for that, in order to conceal their anti-Semitic message", the Ambassador said. Watch our video digest of Ukraine's top events that took place in May 2020: BlackRock Latin American Investment Trust plc (Legal Entity Identifier: UK9OG5Q0CYUDFGRX4151) Announcement in respect of the June 2020 Annual General Meeting and the future format of the Company's Annual General Meetings Update re the BlackRock Latin American Trust plc Annual General Meeting ('AGM') to be held on 29 June 2020 The Company's next AGM will be held at 12.00 noon on 29 June 2020 at the offices of BlackRock at 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London EC2N 2DL. The Board is mindful that on 26 March 2020, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stay at Home Measures were passed into law in England and Wales, with immediate effect, in statutory instruments (2020/350 in England and 2020/353 in Wales) made pursuant to the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. Under these restrictions, public gatherings of more than two people were not permitted. As at the date of this announcement, some social distancing restrictions have been relaxed. However, until the restrictions are relaxed further it will still not be possible for shareholders to attend general meetings held indoors in person. The Board therefore encourages all shareholders to submit their votes by proxy. The only attendees who will be permitted entry to AGMs under the current restrictions will remain those who will need to be present to form the quorum to allow the business to be conducted. Proposed changes to Articles of Association to permit General Meetings to be held electronically and commitment to hold physical General Meetings The Board is proposing to make amendments to the Company's Articles of Association to enable the Company to hold general meetings (including AGMs) wholly or partially by electronic means and to give additional powers in respect of postponing or adjourning meetings in appropriate circumstances. Nothing in the revised Articles of Association will prevent the Company from holding physical general meetings. The amendments are being sought in response to challenges posed by government restrictions on social interactions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have made it impossible for shareholders to attend physical general meetings. The Board is cognisant of the importance to shareholders of the ability to meet the members of the Board and representatives of the Manager face to face, and is committed to ensuring that future general meetings (including AGMs) incorporate a physical meeting where law and regulation permits. The potential to hold a general meeting through wholly electronic means is intended as a solution to be adopted as a last resort to ensure the continued smooth operation of the Company in extreme operating circumstances where physical meetings are prohibited. The Company has no present intention of holding a wholly electronic general meeting but wants to be prepared for the future. For further information, please contact: Melissa Gallagher, Managing Director, Investment Trusts, BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited Tel: 020 7743 3893 Rob Naylor, Cenkos Securities Ltd Tel: 020 7397 1922 / Mobile: 07738 784593 Twitter Inc on Tuesday appointed Patrick Pichette, a former chief financial officer at Google, as the social network's board chairman, marking the first time in Twitter's history that an outsider will preside over the group. Pichette, who had been Twitter's lead independent director since the end of 2018, will replace Omid Kordestani in leading the directors as chairman. Kordestani supervised the board and had more day to day involvement with the company as executive chairman for nearly five years. Kordestani will stay on as a director, serving on the 11-member board ... The 60-day lockdown has left over 2.2 lakh beedi rollers, mostly of them housewives earning a little extra income, staring at bleak future in Udipi and Mangaluru district of coastal Karnataka. Beedi rolling is important in the economy of coastal Karnataka, particularly Udipi and Mangaluru Moreover, it is a self employment generation for the women, who look after their family as well as generate revenue for small expenditure. It is estimated that over 2.2 women are involved in beedi rolling, who earn anywhere Rs 150-200 beedis, each rolling over 800-1000 beedis per day. The entire industry employs over three lakh people from the two districts. "About 90 percent of beedi laborers are women. We have about 2.20 lakh people involved in beedi rolling in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district. Even if we consider that on an average a beedi roller gets Rs 150 per day that will sum up to Rs 3.30 crore per day in DK and Udupi districts. It is really a huge amount. It is a big loss to the sector as well as the laborers," South Kanara Beedi Workers Federation president Balakrishna Shetty told Deccan Chronicle. During the 60-day lockdown, the total loss of revenue for beedi rollers itself is over Rs 180 crore! This huge sum which would have been distributed among the grassroot level employees has failed to reach the people due to the lockdown. "Had beedi rolling continued during the lockdown, it would have generated money as well as job to the rural people. Many men were unable to go to work during the lockdown. They would have helped in rolling beedis. This would have maintained the rural economy to some extent," Shetty feels. "Due to the lockdown, all these beedi rollers are in distress. They are in deep problems. The government has neither declared any package for them nor provided any assistance. All the beedi rollers are from poor family. The government should provide at least Rs 200 per day for the beedi rollers," he demanded. Shetty said that despite relaxation, confusion continues and the beedi workers continue to suffer. If this is about the beedi rollers, the sector too is suffering as the industry is unable to get the raw materials as well as unable to sell beedis. Tendu leaves (used to roll beedi) are supplied from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Every year they are plucked during summer but this time the lockdown is said to have shown its impact. Lockdown seems to have the supply of these leaves also as transportation too was affected for some days. It is not just the local market for beedis. They are also sent to other states and also exported to other countries. But all these have come to a standstill now, making those involved with the industry to stare at a bleak future. CALGARY, Alberta, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bellatrix Exploration Ltd. ("Bellatrix" or the "Company") announces that further to its press release dated April 24, 2020, Bellatrix intends to continue to rely on the relief (the "CSA Relief") granted by the Canadian Securities Administrators for extension of the deadline for filing certain continuous disclosure documents by reporting issuers. As announced in the previous press release, Bellatrix is relying on the CSA Relief in respect of its requirements to file a statement of reserves data and other information required by section 2.1 of National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities ("2019 NI 51-101 Filings") in respect of the Company's year ended December 31, 2019, which it still anticipates filing on or about June 13, 2020. In addition, Bellatrix intends to rely on the CSA Relief in respect of its requirements under sections 4.4 and 5.1(2) of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations to file its interim financial report and accompanying management's discussion and analysis as at and for the three months ended March 31, 2020 ("2020 Q1 Filings"), which it anticipates filing on or before July 14, 2020. Although none of the Company's securities are currently listed for trading on any recognized stock exchange, the Company's management and other insiders will be subject to a trading black-out until such time as the 2019 NI 51-101 Filings and 2020 Q1 Filings are completed. There are no material business developments that have not been disclosed. As announced in the Company's press release dated June 1, 2020, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of its assets pursuant to Bellatrixs proceedings under the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (the CCAA). As a result, the Company is in the process of winding-up its business pursuant to the CCAA proceedings and such process may impact Bellatrix's future plans for filing its continuous disclosure documents including its 2019 NI 51-101 Filings and 2020 Q1 Filings. Materials publicly filed in the CCAA proceedings are made available on the website of PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., the Court appointed monitor in the CCAA proceedings, at http://www.pwc.com/ca/bellatrix. The TTC will resume fare inspections on the transit system as early as next month, a decision thats drawing fire from transportation advocates and anti-poverty activists who say riders shouldnt be hit with fines while the city is still recovering from the pandemic. Early in COVID-19 crisis, the TTC effectively suspended fare enforcement, announcing in March that although its inspectors would continue patrols they would be focused on education and customer service rather than giving out fines. A message currently posted to the agencys COVID-19 webpage assures riders we are not conducting fare inspections at this time. But this month the TTC plans to begin deploying inspectors at key surface transfer points to remind customers to pay their fare according to a message on the site. Full enforcement activities, including fines for evasion, will resume in mid-July or August. TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said in order to prevent the spread of the virus, inspectors will wear personal protective equipment in the form of gloves, masks, and eye protection, and customers will be asked to tap their Presto card on fare verifying machines from a distance. According to Green, the agency decided to reintroduce enforcement because preventing revenue loss is important to fund TTC operations. He cited a February 2019 report from the city auditor general that determined before the pandemic unpaid fares cost the TTC about $60 million a year. Ensuring we are recovering as much fare revenue as possible is especially important in view of the exceptional losses weve seen during the pandemic, Green said. The TTC is facing a major financial crisis as a result of COVID-19, which has caused ridership to fall to about 15 to 20 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. The agency has estimated its losing $92 million as a result of the crisis, an amount that far outstrips its losses from fare evasion. Faced with reduced ridership, the agency has cut service by about 20 per cent and is temporarily laying off 1,200 employees, most of them operators. Transit officers havent been affected by the layoffs, and a pre-crisis plan to hire 50 more enforcement personnel is delayed but still going ahead, with the first 20 recruits expected to be deployed in October. Butterfly Gopaul, resident member of Jane and Finch Action Against Poverty, a community group in the citys northwest, said its unfair to start fining riders for not paying during a pandemic that caused an economic strain for many. Tickets for evasion can come with a fine of up to $425, a sum Gopaul described as exorbitant, particularly for people who are really struggling right now, trying to negotiate rent and food and (how to pay) to get to work. The TTC has acknowledged that many of the riders who have continued to take crowded bus lines during the crisis are low-income residents and workers in parts of the city that house essential industries like grocery distribution centres and industrial bakeries. Gopaul said resuming enforcement means the most vulnerable people, who are actually keeping the city of Toronto going, are the ones that are going to be targeted. Transit advocacy group TTCriders also opposes the reintroduction of fare enforcement. The TTC needs funding, not policing, TTCriders executive director Shelagh Pizey-Allen said in a statement that called on Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to commit operating funding to struggling transit agencies. Fare inspectors will never recover the $92 million per month lost from lower ridership, but they will target the predominantly lower-income, racialized, and disabled people who rely on the TTC for essential trips to work, get groceries, or access medical care, she said. During the pandemic, the TTC has converted its buses to rear door boarding only in order to keep bus drivers isolated from riders. The policy required the TTC to suspend the collection of tickets, tokens, and cash on buses. Green said the TTC is developing plans to resume farebox collections but didnt provide any guarantee the agency will allow bus riders to start paying with tickets, tokens, and cash before enforcement starts. He noted that more than 90 per cent of TTC trips are paid for using Presto cards, and said individual instances of fare evasion will be assessed on their own merits. But Pizey-Allen warned that transit users will be unfairly penalized for not having access to Presto, especially those living in suburban areas who dont have easy access to Presto machines at subway stations or Shoppers Drug Mart locations where they can add money to their cards. Ben Spurr is a Toronto-based reporter covering transportation for the Star. Reach him by email at bspurr@thestar.ca or follow him on Twitter: @BenSpurr Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal In an election cycle that will determine three of five seats on the Bernalillo County Commission, Tuesdays primaries appeared to catapult two political newcomers and a veteran. Longtime progressive activist and first-time candidate Adriann Barboa was leading a three-way Democratic primary for the commissions District 3 seat late Tuesday, according to unofficial results. The winner advances to the Nov. 3 general election without a Republican challenger. Barboa said she ran because the current climate calls for leaders who know and have worked in the community. She touted the broad support she received during her campaign, citing the 540 donors who contributed to her campaign and the nearly 100 phone bank volunteers. I can relate to all different sectors of our families and communities because Ive grown up here, and value our families and all our neighborhoods, said Barboa, who had more than 41% of the vote as of late Tuesday night, topping opponents Adrian Carver and Marcos Gonzales. The District 3 winner will succeed Jim Collie, who was appointed earlier this year, but said he would not run for the seat that represents parts of Southeast Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico area and more. Another first-time candidate, businessman George Walt Benson, was leading Tuesdays Republican primary for the commissions District 4 seat. The field included former County Commissioner E. Tim Cummins, Tina Tomlin and Sean Kesani. The winner faces Wende Schwingendorf, the lone Democratic candidate, in this falls general election. Benson said New Mexicos population flight compelled him to run for elected office, saying too many people he knows have left in search of safer communities and better job opportunities. District 4, which includes parts of Albuquerques Northeast Heights and West Side, is the only district currently represented by a Republican. Benson says his goals for the community transcend party. I get along well with people regardless of political perspective, he said. I definitely want to see Bernalillo grow in terms of economic vitality and I want to see the crime decrease, and I assume that I can find common ground with my Democrat colleagues at least on those areas. Elsewhere in commission races, incumbent Steven Michael Quezada was leading Frank Baca, a retired attorney, in the Democratic primary to represent the South Valley and the rest of District 2. He will have no Republican opposition on the Nov. 3 ballot. Quezada said in a written statement that Tuesdays results reflected his first-term efforts to work across constituencies. Voters were paying attention to the great work achieved by my office and they are very aware that I represent everyone from people who voted for me or not, are citizens or not, business community or not everyone, he wrote. In other results, incumbent Bernalillo County Treasurer Nancy Bearce appeared headed for victory in the Democratic primary. She had more than 39% of the total vote in a four-person field that included former state lawmaker Bernadette Sanchez and former County Treasurer Patrick Padilla. The winner of the Democratic primary will have no Republican opposition on Novembers general election ballot. Bearce said she believes her first term restored public trust in the office that previously had been mired in controversy. I think that was the base that said, We want a change; we want to go in a different direction with this office, she said. Mayor Ron Nirenberg wants San Antonio Police Chief William McManus to clearly explain to protesters what provokes officers to use force after a confrontation turned violent in downtown San Antonio on Tuesday night. Our goal is to protect peaceful demonstrators rights to voice their demands for equal treatment of all Americans and their desire for criminal justice reform, Nirenberg said in a statement. Their goals are laudable. A couple of hours later, McManus issued a statement of his own, saying police will take measures to disperse crowds including tear gas, pepper balls and rubber and wood projectiles when objects are thrown at officers. McManus deemed those less than lethal options and said the projectiles become necessary because instigators often wear gas masks impervious to tear gas. Typically, police will issue several warnings, but very fluid situations do not always allow for that, McManus said. Tuesday night, a line of San Antonio police met about 100 protesters at Alamo Plaza. SAPD officials said glass bottles had been thrown at officers; several video recordings show plastic water bottles being thrown at the plaza but no glass. Police fired pepper balls, smoke, wooden and rubber projectiles at the marchers. When a person was injured with a wooden bullet Tuesday night, the mayor was asked on Twitter whether he was OK with that use of force. No, Im not, Nirenberg responded Tuesday night. I am asking for more information on these projectiles. On ExpressNews.com: Fourth day of protests in San Antonio that started out largely peaceful ends in violence Nirenberg said he met with McManus and City Manager Erik Walsh on Wednesday morning to discuss crowd dispersal policies and safe crowd management after hearing concerns about officers using tear gas and rubber and wood projectiles. Nirenberg pushed McManus to communicate the rules of engagement to protesters so they will understand what actions lead police to use force. I do not want to see anyone injured, Nirenberg said. But that also means its on demonstrators to point out violence during the protests so it can be dealt with, he said. We need to make sure that people understand that if they see someones safety being threatened by others, whether its a police officer or others, they need to move away and point out the instigator so we can make sure we isolate that person and not risk the rest of the peoples safety, Nirenberg said. Police said earlier Wednesday they didnt want to give details about their tactics. In his statement issued Wednesday afternoon, McManus acknowledged there were unintended victims as officers broke up the crowd Tuesday night. During crowd dispersal action, officers cannot readily distinguish between peaceful protesters, media and instigators once the situation has reached the boiling point, the chief said. Separately, Nirenberg noted this week he restarted the councils Public Safety committee, which he put on pause during the coronavirus pandemic. He hadnt planned on immediately jump-starting the panel. But then protests broke out over the death of George Floyd, an African-American man killed when a white police officer in Minneapolis kneeled on his neck for more than 9 minutes. We all have to work together to ensure that San Antonians can safely exercise their rights, Nirenberg said. Together, we will be examining the citys role in the criminal justice system and updates or reforms to ensure the equitable treatment of communities of color. Staff writer Brian Chasnoff contributed to this report. Joshua Fechter is a staff writer covering San Antonio government and politics. To read more from Joshua, become a subscriber. jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports Hong Kong Will Become Xinjiang! Stanley Will Become Qincheng, read placards held by protesters in Hong Kong, after Chinas parliament moved to impose new national security legislation on the city, entirely bypassing Hong Kongs own legislative process. Stanley and Qincheng are maximum-security prisons in Hong Kong and mainland China, respectively. Qincheng, located in northwest Beijing, is the infamous facility where numerous human rights defenders and political activists have been jailed, including the late Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo. Xinjiang is the site of an ongoing systematic campaign of mass arbitrary detention, political indoctrination, and invasive surveillance targeting Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities. The spectre of being barred from overseas travel, forced to delete social media content, disappeared, detained and held in a secret location, tortured, prosecuted or jailed simply because of ones identity or exercise of human rights guaranteed under local laws is now looming over Hong Kong. Beijings proposed legislation would also enable the mainland governments national security agencies, which are known perpetrators of these abuses, to set up branches and enforce related laws in Hong Kong. Hong Kongers know all too well what China does to ethnic minorities, government critics, and democracy advocates in the mainland, who are painted by state media and authorities as separatists, terrorists, extremists, subversives, and traitors who collude with foreign hostile forces, just to name a few of Beijings favourite labels. Tibetan human rights defender Tashi Wangchuk was detained in 2016 and jailed for five years in 2018 for inciting separatism. His so-called crime? Giving interviews to the New York Times and asking Chinese officials to comply with their own constitution and laws to preserve the use of the Tibetan language in schools in Tibetan populated areas. Human rights defender Cao Shunliwas taken by police at the Beijing airport in September 2013 as she was preparing to board a flight to Switzerland to take part in training on UN human rights mechanisms. She died of organ failure in a hospital in March 2014 after not receiving adequate medical care while in detention. Her crime? Organising sit-ins and campaigning for greater public participation in the drafting of Chinas human rights reports. Cao Shunlis fellow human rights defender Chen Jianfang was detained by police in March 2019 and is now awaiting trial for inciting subversion of state power. Her crimes have not been revealed by the authorities, but shortly before her detention, she published an article commemorating Caos death. Chen has been denied access to her lawyer, a discretionary power granted to the police under Chinese law in cases involving national security crimes. In April, Hong Kong authorities detained 15 pro-democracy activists and charged them with offences relating to unlawful assemblies. The kinds of peaceful advocacy these 15 activists have engaged in would have long ago landed them in jail or worse if they had been subject to mainland Chinas jurisdiction. Mainland Chinas national security, public order, and counterterrorism legal framework is infamous for vague and ill-defined provisions that are inconsistent with international human rights law. They are often used to criminalise peaceful and legitimate actions, including those in defence of human rights. Holding public protests, criticising the government online, drawing political satire cartoons, archiving censored online content, organising private meetings to discuss politics, cooperating with UN mechanisms, issuing open letters calling for democratic reforms these legitimate actions have all been subject to reprisals under Chinese law. Chinas use of national security legislation to silence and eliminate any form of dissent or opposition is well-documented. The decision adopted by Chinas rubber-stamp Parliament on May 28 by a vote of 2,878-1 provides an outline of the upcoming Hong Kong law, and it closely reflects the draconian provisions of the mainland governments current legal framework. Therefore, there is no reason to believe that the eventual legislation will be compatible with international human rights obligations, including those that are binding on Hong Kong, where the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and other human rights treaties apply. In fact, provisions related to anti-terrorism and sedition under existing laws in Hong Kong are already inconsistent with international standards. These serious flaws were highlighted in a letter in April to the Hong Kong authorities from six UN human rights experts. The experts warned that human rights defenders and civil society groups are at particular risk of being silenced by counterterrorism legislation. The mainland governments national security proposal for Hong Kong will not only be a gross violation of Beijings treaty obligations to ensure Hong Kongs high-degree of autonomy under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, but will also add another legal cudgel to the authorities toolbox designed to bludgeon critics and activists into silence. Over the years, people in Hong Kong, including human rights defenders, have shown remarkable courage and commitment to defend their rights in the face of government attempts to hollow out the rule of law and democratic traditions that have made Hong Kong an anathema to the authoritarians ruling mainland China. They took to the streets in large numbers and deterred a proposed national security law in 2003. They built the Umbrella Movement in 2014 to demand the right to universal suffrage in free and fair elections. And they came out again, braving brutal police violence, to successfully oppose the controversial extradition bill amendments introduced last year. They have also come out in the tens of thousands every year on June 4 to demand justice for the Tiananmen Square massacres in 1989, the public commemoration of which may very well be considered a crime once Beijings national security law is formally enacted in Hong Kong. Now, an existential threat is staring Hong Kong in the face. Even with a global pandemic hanging over their heads, Hong Kongers will no doubt be standing up again. From whom can they find support? The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 By Tamilla Mammadova - Trend: Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Natia Turnava has held a video conference with the ambassadors from the European Union (EU) member states, Trend reports referring to the ministry. As reported, the conference was initiated by the Ambassador of the EU to Georgia Carl Harzell. The video conference was attended by 20 ambassadors of the EU member states and as well as Deputies Economy Minister Ekaterine Mikabidze and Genadi Arveladze. Turnava provided detailed information about government's anti-crisis plan and governmental strategy related to investment policies which aim to attract global companies to the country. The minister emphasized Georgia's willingness to receive international travelers and ensure their safe stay in the country. The ambassadors expressed interest in Georgia's reopening the tourism sector, the report said. "We have shared our expectations, and our readiness to host tourists from the EU starting from 1 July in accordance with all necessary precaution measures," stated Turnava. It was also noted that the ambassadors were interested in Georgia's plans to renew the investment policy. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356 Gov. Tom Wolf marched with protesters during Wednesdays rally against injustice and gun violence in Harrisburg. It was the Pennsylvania leaders first appearance at a public demonstration in the state as gatherings have been held in the capital city and elsewhere, and also state and nationwide, in response to the death of George Floyd in police custody. A Minneapolis officer, Derek Chauvin, who knelt on his neck was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. There was no immediate word about whether or not Wolf planned to speak at the event, but according to a PennLive video, he marched at the front of the group with other officials. We are live the Pennsylvania state Capitol complex in Harrisburg, where a rally and march against injustice and gun violence in the wake of George Floyds death. Posted by PennLive.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 According to PennLives Steve Marroni, who is at the rally: "Gov. Wolf, Mayor [Eric] Papenfuse and [Police] Commissioner [Thomas] Carter are at the front of the march. Roughly 200 people are marching, chanting Black lives matter and I cant breathe. Click here for more live updates from the rally. More coverage: BELGRADE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd June, 2020) The Slovenian Interior Ministry intends to strengthen the border with Croatia by deploying 1,000 police officers in the area amid the fears of illegal migrants influx. On May 31, the Slovenian authorities announced the end of the coronavirus epidemic in the country and allowed entry for EU and other countries citizens who had temporary or permanent registration in the republic. "Until June 5, oversight of migrants and organizers of illegal border crossings is being strengthened at the border with Croatia. Regular patrols will be assisted by about 1,000 more police officers with all available technical means," the ministry wrote on Twitter. Over the recent weeks, Slovenia registered the intensification of the so-called Balkan route used by migrants from the middle East and North Africa to make their way to the EU. The authorities said that the army would help reinforced police units to protect the country's southern border. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) The Philippine Coast Guard will continue to conduct swab tests on returning overseas Filipino workers arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Department of Health said Wednesday. The clarification came amid reports that the PCG ran out of test kits, halting coronavirus testing at NAIA. Nais po naming linawin na hindi naubusan ang Philippine Coast Guard ng mga test kits. Bagkus, nagkaroon po tayo ng shortage o kakulangan doon po sa mga pang-swab ng ating mga nagbabalikbayan na mga OFWs, Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online briefing. [Translation: We would like to clarify that the Philippine Coast Guard did not run out of test kits. Instead, we had a shortage of the swabs used to collect samples from OFWs.] Vergeire said the PCG received additional specimen collection kits. The collected specimen will then be delivered to licensed COVID-19 testing laboratories. More OFWs are expected to return home, with the government anticipating around 60,000 in the next two months, and some 300,000 more for the rest of the year. Snapchat on Wednesday stopped promoting posts by US President Donald Trump, saying they incite racial violence. "We are not currently promoting the President's content on Snapchat's Discover platform," Snapchat said in response to an AFP inquiry referencing the youth-focused social network's section for recommended content. "We will not amplify voices who incite racial violence and injustice by giving them free promotion on Discover." The move came after Twitter took an unprecedented stand by hiding a Trump post it said promoted violence, thrusting rival Facebook into turmoil for refusing to sanction false or inflammatory posts by the US president. The decision was made over the weekend, during which Snapchat parent Snap chief executive Evan Spiegel sent a lengthy memo to employees condemning what he saw as a legacy of racial injustice and violence in the US. "Every minute we are silent in the face of evil and wrongdoing we are acting in support of evildoers," Spiegel wrote as companies responded to the outrage over the police killing of a black man in Minnesota. "I am heartbroken and enraged by the treatment of black people and people of color in America." Snapchat will not promote accounts in the US that are linked to people who incite racial violence on or off the messaging platform, according to Spiegel. The Discover feature at Snapchat is a curated platform on which the California-based company get to decide what it recommends to users. Trump's account remains on the platform, it will just no longer be recommended viewing, according to Snapchat. "We may continue to allow divisive people to maintain an account on Snapchat, as long as the content that is published on Snapchat is consistent with our community guidelines, but we will not promote that account or content in any way," Spiegel said in the memo. "We will make it clear with our actions that there is no grey area when it comes to racism, violence, and injustice - and we will not promote it, nor those who support it, on our platform." Snapchat is particularly popular with young internet users, claiming that about half of the US "generation Z" population taping into news through its Discover feature. Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek signed a Disaster Emergency Declaration June 1 in response to civil disturbance, which has caused property damage and affected the safety, health and welfare of residents in Upper Darby Township and other municipalities in the county. Some protests May 31 in response to the death of George Floyd devolved into civil disturbances in Upper Darby and other locations in the county. Businesses in Upper Darby suffered extensive property damage and additional law enforcement from neighboring municipalities and the National Guard were brought in to protect the safety of residents. Delaware County Council requested the National Guard over the weekend to assist Delaware Countys law enforcement. Over 600 Guardsmen have been placed on state active duty to provide support to local law enforcement. The Emergency Declaration suspends certain County rules and regulations relating to limits on contracting and employment involving the emergency and will facilitate applications to the state government for emergency assistance from impacted businesses and residents. The declaration will remain in effect until revoked in writing, or in seven days. More hospital customers are choosing digital self-service. A promising trend emerging from the COVID-19 crisis As timely as these digital solutions are in meeting the demands of patients/customers, they also hold the potential to immediately begin saving hospitals and health systems millions in unnecessary, often overlooked expenses - Kevin Fleming, CEO, Loyale Healthcare Because of COVID-19, the nature of the healthcare marketplace in America is changing. What were merely developing trends among patients and payers a few long months ago have quickly become realities. Assumptions about the economics of healthcare delivery have been rendered invalid. The healthcare marketplace emerging from the COVID-19 crisis is more dependent on patient choice, more technology-driven and better able to absorb unpredictable events such as those the crisis continues to throw healthcares way. In research published recently by Forrester, analysts noted that, Consumers have long awaited a better way to understand where to go for care. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this problem on a national stage. Yet self-triage solutions which provide actionable recommendations to users on what to do next are poised to become a mainstay of the digital front door in healthcare. Their findings go on to point out that as, organizations optimize these tools, its imperative for them to design experiences that reassure consumers, use clear and concise language, and provide seamless and actionable recommendations The digital front door this research refers to is healthcares equivalent to any other consumer-facing companys website - more specifically their customer portal. With detailed descriptions of the products and services offered, pricing for those products and services and links to the reviews of other consumers, digital front doors give consumers the information they need to make informed choices about who their healthcare provider will be and how their care will be delivered. For many of these consumers, financial matters will be nearly as important as medical considerations when choosing a healthcare provider. Even before the pandemic crisis, healthcare provider performance had been negatively impacted by the industrys growing reliance on patients as a principle source of revenue. With more than one third of industry revenue now coming direct from patients pockets, many providers were dealing with the financial consequences of lower patient volumes and higher patient bad debt. With more than forty million now newly unemployed, those consequences are likely to get much worse. Hospitals and other providers write off billions in patient bad debt each year. Additionally, they risk alienating patients (and their recurring revenue potential) by outsourcing patient debt collection to early-out and other vendors whose commitment to patient/customer care may not measure up to patients expectations of their healthcare provider. Because providers existing revenue cycle systems were built for an age when most provider revenue came from insurers, many institutions lack the systems and know-how to effectively engage with their patients financially. In the new healthcare marketplace, that model must give way to more customer-centric models in order to compete and survive, let alone prosper. For healthcare, financial sustainability will depend on providers ability to step up to their patients expectations. Expectations that have evolved rapidly during the COVID-19 crisis. The explosive growth of telehealth resulting from the crisis is an apt example of just how rapid. According to a CNBC article published in April, 2020, The adoption of telehealth shifted into hyper-drive over the past month, with virtual healthcare interactions on pace to top 1 billion by years end. It goes on to point out that, Analysts now expect general medical care visits to top 200 million this year, up sharply from their original expectation of 36 million for all of 2020." Many other segments of the American economy have been transformed by digital customer engagement - driving additional revenue streams, larger wallet share and meaningful opportunities to extend brands into profitable adjacencies. Healthcare, on the other hand, has been slow to respond to the digital customer/patient engagement revolution. They point to the relatively low engagement experienced on their existing patient portals, concluding that healthcare consumers dont expect or care to engage with their providers digitally. That conclusion is distorted by the simple fact that many provider portals simply fail to deliver the customer experience patients have grown to expect. COVID-19 Accelerates the Digital Consumer Engagement Trend According to survey research recently published by the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP), The ongoing public health crisis is causing an unprecedented shift in the way Americans view and access healthcare. These shifts include widespread aversion to in-person visits to a doctors office and delays in seeking care - over the last three months and into the future. One bright spot noted in the patient survey results is that 28 percent of respondents have used some type of virtual care in the past three months, nearly tripling previously documented averages. Importantly, 89 percent of these telehealth users were satisfied with the experience. For decades, healthcare has held itself apart from other consumer industries, assuming that it was immune to the competitive and market pressures that were commonplace in automotive and retail among others. For a long time, that assumption appeared to be sound. But as healthcares dependence on patient-directed revenue has soared, so has the impact of patient preference and behavior on healthcare operating performance - from increased patient bad debt to ever-higher revenue cycle costs and a growing susceptibility to pressures from competitors. Some old, some new. Many offering better value and convenience. These include powerful new entrants to healthcare such as CVS Health, Walgreens, Walmart and others. Again, we believe it is essential for healthcare providers to consider not just their primary solutions - medical care - but all the other patient deliverables associated with the delivery of that care. In that light, for the reasons listed above, patient financial experiences must be included in providers digital engagement strategies. This is especially true now during the COVID-19 crisis, as providers face potentially disastrous disruptions in costs and revenue. Why? Because, as timely as these digital solutions are in meeting the demands of patients/customers, they also hold the potential to immediately begin saving hospitals and health systems millions in unnecessary, often overlooked expenses. Our company, Loyale Healthcare, routinely analyzes healthcare provider revenue cycle performance to calculate potential savings for companies that convert to digital patient financial engagement. These companies consistently show cost take-outs in the tens of millions per year. These are savings that begin to accumulate in as little as 90-days following adoption. Better still, digital revenue cycle systems give providers the flexibility and scale theyll need as more ordinary operations begin to ramp up. Longer-term, digital patient financial engagement gives providers an enduring competitive advantage with the adaptability to conform to evolving patient expectations. Under the formidable threat of COVID-19, the American healthcare industry has demonstrated an astonishing capacity for innovation. Embracing new ideas, leveraging technology and working tirelessly at breakneck pace - health systems, hospitals and the caregivers they employ have been a highlight in a troubling time. Its time to extend the lessons learned from these experiments into the next phase - making the most of what healthcare has learned to improve every dimension of the patients healthcare experience - today and ten years into the future. Kevin Fleming is the CEO of Loyale Healthcare. About Loyale Loyale Patient Financial Manager is a comprehensive patient financial engagement technology platform leveraging a suite of configurable solution components including predictive analytics, intelligent workflows, multiple patient financing vehicles, communications, payments, digital front doors and other key capabilities. Loyale Healthcare is committed to a mission of turning patient responsibility into lasting loyalty for its healthcare provider customers. Based in Lafayette, California, Loyale and its leadership team bring 27 years of expertise delivering leading financial engagement solutions for complex business environments. Loyale currently serves approximately 12,000 healthcare providers across 48 states. Loyale is proud to have an enterprise-level strategic partnership with Parallon which includes the deployment of Loyales industry leading technology at all HCA hospitals and Physician Groups. ABC News As of early June 3, Ukrainian medics have confirmed 24,823 cases of coronavirus infection across the country. The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine reported that on Wednesday morning. 483 new cases were observed over the last 24 hours. 735 people deceased since the epidemic reached Ukraine (+8 over the last 24 hours). 10,440 recovered (+362). 13,648 people are now being treated from the disease now. After June 22, Ukraine's Healthcare Ministry may consider the prolongation of quarantine restrictions. Viktor Lyashko, the Chief Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine said so as quoted by Ukrainska Pravda. "Currently it lasts until June 22, that's for sure. After that, we will see how the mitigation on June 10 and June 15 changes the situation. If it remains the same, we'll look into the quarantine, it will be the adaptive kind. And it will be kept on the regional level, maybe on the level of an inhabited locality," Lyashko said. According to the official, further decisions on lifting quarantine restrictions will depend on the epidemiological situation not only in Ukraine but also in the EU member countries. China to continue supporting Indonesia in its fight against COVID-19: ambassador JAKARTA, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Xiao Qian said on Tuesday that China stands ready to continue supporting Indonesia in its fight against COVID-19. Xiao made the remarks here at a video press conference. The Chinese ambassador said that China and Indonesia are good neighbors who can always rely on each other in difficult times. Since the epidemic broke out, the two countries have provided medical supplies and support to each other at the earliest possible time, Xiao said. The assistance and support from China were provided to various sectors of Indonesia via channels including political parties, regional governments and companies, Xiao said. The Chinese ambassador noted that the joint efforts made by the two countries in their fight against COVID-19 have fully demonstrated the deep friendship between the two countries. China is willing to promote relevant departments and enterprises of the two countries to discuss cooperation in vaccine research and development, anti-viral drugs, testing technology and production of medical equipment, Xiao said. And China is also willing to further deepen communication and cooperation between the two countries within multilateral frameworks to support international cooperation against COVID-19 and maintain global public health security, Xiao added. In the video press conference, the Chinese ambassador spoke highly of Indonesian government's efforts in fighting the COVID-19, saying that China firmly believes Indonesia will overcome the epidemic at an early date. The father of Blackwater man Nathan Turner has backed Queensland Health's response to his son's initial post-mortem COVID-19 diagnosis in a lengthy statement about the toll of the ensuing scrutiny on the family. In the public post to social media on Tuesday night, Rodney Turner said it had been a "week of constant public scrutiny" since health authorities revealed his son had tested positive after being found dead by his fiance, Simone Devon, in their central Queensland home. Nathan Turner, who was thought to be Australia's youngest COVID-19 victim, has tested negative to the virus after his death. "For a week we have sat on the sidelines silently grieving our unbelievable loss, while the media has had an absolute field day," Mr Turner wrote. He said though the coroner's office had contacted both he and Ms Devon on Monday night, his son's autopsy report had not yet been released. Prosecutors are charging a Minneapolis police officer accused of pressing his knee against George Floyds neck with second-degree murder, and for the first time will level charges against three other officers at the scene, a newspaper reported Wednesday. Widely seen bystander video showing Floyds May 25 death has sparked sometimes violent protests nationwide and around the world. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired May 26 and initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The three other officers involved were also fired but were not immediately charged. The Star Tribune reported that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison would be upgrading the charge against Chauvin while also charging Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. The newspaper cited multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the case that spoke on condition of anonymity. This undated handout photo provided by Christopher Harris shows George Floyd. The mayor of Minneapolis called Wednesday, May 27, 2020, for criminal charges to be filed against officer Derek Chauvin, who is seen on video kneeling against the neck of handcuffed Floyd, who complained that he could not breathe and died in police custody. (Christopher Harris via AP)AP Earl Gray, who represents Lane, told The Associated Press that the report is accurate before ending the call. Floyds family and protesters have repeatedly called for criminal charges against all four officers as well as more serious charges for Chauvin, who held his knee to Floyds neck, despite his protests that he couldnt breathe, and stayed there even after Floyd stopped moving. Floyd, a black man, was in handcuffs when he died with his face pressed to the street. Earlier Wednesday, the Floyd familys attorney demanded that all four officers be charged. He died because he was starving for air, Ben Crump said. He needed a breath. So we are demanding justice. We expect all of the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, tomorrow. Crump said the other officers failed to protect a man who was pleading for help and said he couldnt breathe. Crump pointed to the criminal complaint against Chauvin, which said that while Floyd was complaining he couldnt breathe, Lane asked Chauvin twice if they should roll him on his side. Chauvin said they should keep him on his stomach. To us that is intent, Crump said. And he said the other officers were complicit because they failed to take action. We are expecting these officers to be charged as accomplices, Crump said. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said on a National Governors Association call that state Attorney General Keith Ellison, now leading prosecutions in the Floyd case, would make an announcement later Wednesday on the other officers. Ellison spokesman John Stiles confirmed that Ellison would give an update but would not provide any details. Personnel records released by the city show Chauvin served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army in the late 1990s. Since being hired as a police officer in 2001, he has been awarded two medals of valor: One for being part of a group of officers who opened fire on a stabbing suspect after the man pointed a shotgun at them in 2006, and one for apprehending another man in a domestic incident in 2008. In the latter incident, Chauvin broke down a bathroom door and shot the man in the stomach. Chauvin was reprimanded in 2008 for pulling a woman out of her car in 2007, frisking her and placing her in his squad car after he stopped her for speeding 10 miles per hour over the limit. His dashboard camera was not activated and a report said he could have interviewed the woman while standing outside her car. Lane, 37, and Kueng both joined the department in February 2019 and neither have any complaints on their files. Lane previously worked as a correctional officer at the Hennepin County juvenile jail and as a probation officer at a residential treatment facility for adolescent boys. Kueng was a 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota where he worked part-time on campus security. He also worked as a theft-prevention officer at Macys in downtown Minneapolis while he was in college. Tou Thao, a native Hmong speaker, joined the police force as a part-time community service officer in 2008 and was promoted to police officer in 2009. He was laid off later that year due to budget cuts and rehired in 2012. Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Tuesday launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department and its history of racial discrimination, in hopes of forcing widespread change. The official autopsy by the county medical examiner concluded that Floyds death was caused by cardiac arrest as police restrained him and compressed his neck. The medical examiner also listed fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use, but not as the cause of death. Crump and the Floyd family commissioned a separate autopsy that concluded he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression due to Chauvins knee on his neck and other responding officers knees in his back, which made it impossible for him to breathe. A man votes at McKinley Technology High School on primary election day on June 2, 2020 in Washington, DC. On Tuesday, nine states and the District of Columbia are holding primaries, most of which were previously delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Black voters in swing states worry more than other groups about the health and economic crises created by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new CNBC/Change Research poll. Black respondents in the key 2020 states of Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are more likely than white voters to have been diagnosed with the coronavirus or know someone who has, the survey found. At the same time, 42% of black voters said they or a member of their household lost their job or have been furloughed because of the pandemic higher than the 37% of Hispanic and 29% of white respondents, respectively. The CNBC/Change Research poll surveyed 3,958 likely voters in the six states from Friday through Sunday and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.6 percentage points. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to protect long-term farmland lease agreements of agricultural companies, including foreign ones. "We could not open a possibility to buy land for everyone, including foreign companies, because foreign companies have absolutely different credit terms. Our strategy is very simple. At first we will create credit terms that would allow our farmers to raise loans at 2% and after that we will open the market for everyone. However, we are ready to protect long-term lease agreements for farming land and foreign companies which have been operating on our market for a long time," he said during a meeting with local entrepreneurs in Khmelnytsky region on Wednesday. Zelensky also called on businesses to inform the local authorities about any problems. Disturbing footage has revealed alpacas being kicked, stepped on, and vomiting while being roughly shorn of their wool in Peru. Campaigners from animal rights group PETA captured the video in secret at the Mallkini Ranch - Peru's largest alpaca farm, located in the south of the country. The footage shows animals being tied up by their front and back legs and winched out until they are lying flat so their coats can be trimmed. PETA activists filmed alpacas being subjected to rough treatment while being trimmed of their wool in Peru, including one that was filmed being violently sick Workers can be seen treating the animals roughly - kicking them, throwing them, and dragging them around by their ears and tails. At one point a worker appears to stamp on an alpaca, placing a boot across the animals neck as it writhes around. At least one animal can be seen vomiting violently, which PETA says is a sign of fear in the animals, while several others show signs of having been sick. In several cases the treatment is rough enough to cause the animals to bleed, with some receiving cuts deep enough to require stitches. Footage shows staff at the ranch stitching these wounds, which PETA's researchers claim was done without anesthetic. PETA also claims some of the animals were pregnant while being subjected to the rough treatment. Workers were filmed tossing, kicking and stamping on the animals - with one putting his boot across an alpaca's neck (pictured) Some of the treatment was rough enough to leave the alpacas bleeding - including some who required stitches (pictured) The rights group is now asking Peruvian authorities to investigate Mallkini for possible violations of the country's animal protection laws. It also claims that brands including Espirit, H&M and Gap have now ended their relationship with the Michell Group, the parent company which owns Mallkini. A spokesman for the group said they 'regret' the actions that PETA's video shows, but denied they showed established practices at the farm. The majority of the ranch's alpacas - which number 4,000 according to their website - are shorn without needing restraint, the spokesman said. Visitors to the ranch, which is advertised as a tourist destination, are welcome to watch the shearing process, the statement added. The ranch said it 'regrets' the actions that were caught on film, but denies it is part of standard practice - saying only a small number of animals require restraint while being shorn 'Mallkini is the only Alpaca farm in the world with Organic Certifiation granted by the USDA Organic and the Organic EU Regulation, which covers the soils, breeding, handling, and shearing,' it said. 'We have an open disposition for sharing or receiving information, new methodologies, and good herd management practices. 'We have contacted PETA in order to establish a dialogue on this matter.' PETA is a campaign group that fights for an end to 'speciesism' - the belief that humans are the superior species on our planet. During the third phase of Vande Bharat Mission, Air India will operate five flights to evacuate almost 1,200 Indians nations stranded in the United Kingdom between June 18 to June 23. The Indian Embassy in the UK said that tickets will not be booked for technical halts which included Delhi (on June 18 and 20), and Mumbai (on June 21). The embassy further stated that more than 243 passengers will not be allowed to travel in a single flight. READ | Vande Bharat Mission: Over 57,000 stranded citizens returned to India since May 6 Scheduled flights from London Vande Bharat Mission's third phase Air India will operate 70 flights in the third phase of Mission Vande Bharat to evacuate Indians stranded in the US and Canada between June 11 to June 30, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said. "More flights being added to Mission Vande Bharat to enable stranded and distressed Indians to return home. Air India will operate 70 flights to destinations in USA and Canada under Phase 3 of the Mission from 11-30 June 2020", Puri announced on Twitter. The minister further said, Air India brought 3,891 people from Dubai, Kuwait , Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain, Salalah, Moscow, Kiev, Madrid, Tokyo, Dhaka, Bishkek, Almaty, Riyadh and Dammam on June 1. More than 50,000 stranded Indians have been evacuated under the Vande Bharat Mission. The government plans to evacuate another 100,000 by June 13. More than 57,000 citizens have returned to India on flights being operated under mission Vande Bharat Since May 6, he added. READ | Vande Bharat Mission: Stranded Indians in Japan arrive at Narita Airport Vande Bharat Mission In a major relief for Indians stranded abroad, the Centre had announced that their travel will be arranged via aircraft and naval ships in a phased manner. The first phase of the mission was set for 7 days starting from May 7 to rescue stranded Indians from over 11 countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Maldives, Singapore, and the US. In the second phase of the mission, the Indian government had said to bring back stranded Indians from around 31 countries from May 16 to 22. However, the government extended the date for the second phase till June 13. More countries have been added in the second phase including Finland, South Korea, Belgium, New Zealand, Netherlands, Kenya, Mauritius, Spain, Myanmar, Maldives, Egypt, and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the Embassy has already begun planning for the third phase of the 'Vande Bharat Mission' which will commence from June 15 in the US. READ | MEA lists Vande Bharat mission, COVID medical supplies to 154 countries among key achievements READ | Vande Bharat Mission: Over 57,000 stranded citizens returned to India since May 6 (With inputs from agency) CHICAGO (dpa-AFX) - TUI (TUIFF.PK) said the company has agreed on a comprehensive package of measures with Boeing (BA) to offset the consequences of the grounding of the 737 MAX. The agreement provides compensation which covers a significant portion of the financial impact, as well as credits for future aircraft orders. The compensation will be realised over the next two years. The companies have agreed to a revised delivery schedule for the 61 737 MAX aircraft on order. On average, compared with the original scheduling, the 737 MAX deliveries will be delayed by approximately two years. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts expressed support for the throng of protesters outside the White House on Tuesday evening, a night thats seen law enforcement and National Guard presence ramped up in several cities amid unrest over systemic racism and the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week. President Donald Trump has called on governors to dominate the streets after several days of peaceful protests have shifted into violence after nightfall. Trump and officials in several states say outside agitators have played a role in instigating violence. But many protesters have taken to social media to argue law enforcement have escalated tensions as well. And a mix of prominent Democrats and Republicans, religious leaders and activists denounced the Trump administrations clearing of a peaceful protest on Monday that paved the way for a presidential photo op. Asked by a protester why Trump had brought the military out here, Warren said, Because hes wrong, according to a video posted by ABC reporter Anna-Lysa Gayle. Hes imposing violence on our people, she added. People are here to protest peacefully. Protester to Warren: Why does Trump have the military out here? @SenWarren: Because hes wrong. https://t.co/5EZgJANyaq Anna-Lysa Gayle (@AnnaLysaGayle) June 2, 2020 The president has expressed sympathy for Floyds family and peaceful protesters several times after the release of bystander videos that captured Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer, pinning Floyd by the neck with his knee for nearly 9 minutes. Chauvin faces a second-degree murder charge and other officers involved in the incident remain under investigation. Trump called for expedited Department of Justice investigations into his death, as well as the death of Ahmaud Arbery, another unarmed black man who was killed while jogging in a predominantly white neighborhood in Georgia. But as protesters gathered around the White House last week, Trump threatened them in tweets with vicious dogs and ominous weapons." Hes pinned the blame for unrest on radical leftists and called most governors weak in their response. Trump received widespread criticism for using the historically racist phrase, When the looting starts, the shooting starts, on Thursday. He said Friday that he was unaware of its origins, and did not directly answer whether he viewed police brutality as a problem in the U.S. Healing not hatred, justice not chaos. This is our mission, Trump said on Monday, announcing that he was taking immediate action to mobilize all resources, including the military, to stop violence and looting. Warren argued in a tweet Monday that the president threatened to take over cities and towns with military force. Peaceful protesters were tear-gassed so he could get a photo-op, she said. We will fight for justice for Black lives in America, even if our racist Commander in Chief tries to stand in the way. Warren and Trump have a history of sparring in the past, including during a White House bid that the senator ended in March. She is among those often named as a potential running mate for former Vice President Joe Biden. Biden, who delivered a speech in Philadelphia Tuesday calling on the U.S. to address generations of systemic racism, is expected to attend Floyds funeral. Related Content: Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 1, 2020) - Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) ("Red Light Holland" or the "Company"), an Ontario-based corporation positioning itself to engage in the production, growth and sale of a premium brand of magic truffles to the legal, recreational market within the Netherlands, is pleased to announce the proposed Offering (as defined earlier today) announced earlier today is now fully subscribed, upon receiving a significant lead order from an institutional investor. "We are elated to receive additional capital into Red Light Holland so quickly which will enable us to focus on executing on our business plan and to build a leading premium brand within the Netherlands and globally. The fact that we were able to source such a significant lead order so soon after going public shows the confidence investors have in our Company's team and vision. Cash is king and we are cashed up and ready to rock," said Todd Shapiro, CEO and Chairman. The Closing Date is scheduled to be on or about June 8, 2020, upon completion of certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the CSE and the applicable securities regulatory authorities. 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 any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable state securities laws. About Red Light Holland Corp. The Company is an Ontario-based corporation positioning itself to engage in the production, growth and sale (through existing Smart Shops operators and an advanced e-commerce platform) of a premium brand of magic truffles to the legal, recreational market within the Netherlands, in accordance with the highest standards, in compliance with all applicable laws. Story continues For additional information on the Company: Todd Shapiro Chairman and Chief Executive Tel: 647-204-7129 Email: todd@redlighttruffles.com Website: https://redlighttruffles.com/ Forward-Looking Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Red Light Holland. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, the anticipated closing of the Offering, the anticipated use of proceeds, and the receipt of regulatory approvals, including the approval of the CSE. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/56975 Press Release June 3, 2020 Senate honors Garcia, PCG personnel in fight against Covid-19 The Senate today adopted a resolution commending the heroic services of the men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) under the leadership of Admiral Joel Sarsiban Garcia in the fight against Covid-19. At the same time, the resolution congratulated Garcia for his "valor and dedication" as PCG commandant. Senate Resolution No. 436 was introduced by Sen. Richard Gordon, who said the PCG under the leadership of Garcia heeded the call of duty and aided in the country's fight against Covid-19. He said Garcia's men had conducted massive laboratory testing for Covid-19 to identify, treat and isolate the positive patients and ultimately stop the deadly transmission of the virus that claimed the lives of more than 950 Filipinos and infected more than 18,000 of our countrymen. "The men and women of PCG continue to risk their lives by personally conducting the swabbing and specimen collection of thousands of repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other returning Filipinos, as well as overseeing several isolation and quarantine facilities," Gordon said. "The immeasurable contribution and brave and heroic services of the members and officers of the Philippine Coast Guard should be recognized and commended," he added. Gordon said Garcia exemplified his valor and dedication to aid the government in the "gargantuan task" of leading his men and women in the massive Covid-19 testing of more than 36,000 Overseas Filipino Workers being repatriated due to the pandemic. The massive Covid-19 PCR testing was done in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross and the Task Force for Test, Trace and Treat. Garcia studied in Bago City Elementary School and the University of Negros Occidental-Recolectos for his secondary education. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation majoring in Navigational Science at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA). He also earned his Masters of Science degree in Maritime Safety Administration from the prestigious World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmoe, Sweden and Masters degree in Shipping Management at PMMA. He pursued further studies and obtained his Doctors degree in Philosophy in Public Administration from the Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST). He was likewise conferred a Doctor's degree in humanities (Honoris Causa) by the Sulu College for his humanitarian services.He said Garcia's men had conducted massive laboratory testing for Covid-19 to identify, treat and isolate the positive patients and ultimately stop the deadly transmission of the virus that claimed the lives of more than 950 Filipinos and infected more than 18,000 of our countrymen. "The men and women of PCG continue to risk their lives by personally conducting the swabbing and specimen collection of thousands of repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other returning Filipinos, as well as overseeing several isolation and quarantine facilities," Gordon said. "The immeasurable contribution and brave and heroic services of the members and officers of the Philippine Coast Guard should be recognized and commended," he added. Gordon said Garcia exemplified his valor and dedication to aid the government in the "gargantuan task" of leading his men and women in the massive Covid-19 testing of more than 36,000 Overseas Filipino Workers being repatriated due to the pandemic. The massive Covid-19 PCR testing was done in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross and the Task Force for Test, Trace and Treat. Garcia studied in Bago City Elementary School and the University of Negros Occidental-Recolectos for secondary Education. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation majoring in Navigational Science at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA). He also earned his Masters of Science degree in Maritime Safety Administration from the prestigious World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmoe, Sweden and Masters degree in Shipping Management at PMMA. He pursued further studies and obtained his Doctors degree in Philosophy in Public Administration from the Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST). He was likewise conferred a Doctor's degree in humanities (Honoris Causa) by the Sulu College for his humanitarian services. (TNS) What was once considered as an experimental way to deliver health care, telehealth, has now become a mainstream delivery system.While many people are just now getting a taste of telehealth because of the coronavirus pandemic, the idea behind it and the act to develop it has been around for quite awhile.Before the pandemic the pieces were in place to provide telehealth care, but there were some obstacles, said Tera Veale, vice-president of provider services at Daviess Community Hospital. One was that a lot of the systems we could use were heavily regulated.We have been involved in telehealth for more than a decade, said Don Kelso, president of the Indiana Rural Health Association. We were actually working on it before most people had even heard of it.One of the things that Indiana Rural Health did was try to bring telehealth to Indianas rural schools. The organization used a grant to set up clinic stations in school nurse offices where a doctor at one location could examine a child with the help of the school nurse. The stations included computer linked otoscopes, stethoscopes and cameras that linked directly to the doctors office.One of the early problems we had was that equipment was quite expensive, said Kelso. Setting up a station could cost as much as $20,000.Daviess Community Hospital was among the providers that signed on to build the program. We helped establish operations in the nurses offices at three area elementarys, said Veale.Expense wasnt the only early problem. Insurance companies were reluctant to pay for telehealth visits. Also, medical professionals wanted to vet the system to be certain that it could work accurately for the benefit of the patient.By the time they worked through those issues we had established a number of rural telehealth centers in schools, said Kelso. Then when the coronavirus outbreak happened everything began to change.As hospitals and other medical providers looked for ways to keep patients out of waiting rooms and from being exposed to potential COVID-19, medical professionals increasingly began to rely on versions and variations of the original telehealth model.That was when we began receive waivers so that we could utilize Facetime, Messenger and Skype to deal directly with our patients, said Veale. It was also around this time that most of the insurance companies agreed to pay for telehealth visits.We have seen a growth in the use of Zoom and Facetime to conduct medical evaluations, said Kelso. The pandemic forced practitioners to adjust.Telehealth may turn out to be a blessing in rural Indiana where there are fewer doctors to serve an aging population that tends to have chronic health issues like diabetes, COPD, and heart disease.A Facetime meeting with a doctor or nurse practitioner treating someone with ongoing chronic conditions may just be the right thing, said Kelso. It also may help lower health care costs while adding more accessibility for patients.Not only are we doing telehealth with our hospital and clinics, a lot of a specialists that would hold regular clinics at our facilities have begun to use it, said Veale. All of our providers through St. Vincents are utilizing telehealth.Another area where telehealth may be able to make a big difference is in dealing with mental health issues. You cannot believe the difference it makes for a troubled person to be able to get face to face with someone who wants to treat them, said Kelso. There are just so many useful things to telehealth.Health care professionals say not all services can be delivered through telehealth, but it appears to be something that is here to stay.We have begun reopening and headed back toward normal operations, but we are still doing telehealth appointments, said Veale. Some people prefer them. They are still uneasy with the idea of sitting in a waiting room where someone may have the coronavirus. This has increased our ability to make better access to care for our patients. Telehealth is part of the new normal and we will see more and more people using it.Kelso also predicts that the use of telehealth will expand in the coming years. He says it may well be the big thing in healthcare over the next decade, but he points out there are also potential problems that have to be addressed.The biggest obstacle for telehealth in rural Indiana is the accessibility to broadband, he said. You need a good system for it to be effective. The co-problem with availability is cost. A lot of people, because they are older or on fixed incomes, may not have the money to afford a high-speed service that can provide a telehealth connection.Connectivity issues will be the big problem moving forward in rural Indiana, added Veale. For telehealth to be really effective for everyone, all people will need high speed broadband connections. That is something we do not have now in rural Indiana. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 18:36:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SHIJIAZHUANG, June 3 (Xinhua) -- China's benchmark power coal price rose slightly during the past week. The Bohai-Rim Steam-Coal Price Index (BSPI), a gauge of coal prices in north China's major ports, stood at 531 yuan (about 74.7 U.S. dollars) per tonne Wednesday, a rise of 1 yuan week on week, according to Qinhuangdao Ocean Shipping Coal Trading Market Co. Ltd. Analysts said that the reasons for the narrowing of the index rise included a sharp decline in stocks at Bohai-Rim ports, a decrease in daily consumption of downstream power plants, and a cooling of market trading activities. In addition, the coal prices from large coal enterprises did not come out at the beginning of the month, resulting in a strong wait-and-see mood in the market. The large stock gap in ports, coupled with the increase in the number of coal mines that have reduced production or stopped production, supported the weak upward trend in the price of thermal coal. The buyer's bargaining power was strengthened by the gradual decline in daily coal consumption in coastal power plants, which inhibited the upward movement of coal prices, according to analysts. Released every Wednesday, the BSPI is a leading indicator of China's coal prices. Enditem The trucking sector is looking over the landscape of rioting and looting in numerous American cities and counting up the impact on operations. By far the most disastrous interaction between a truck and the protesters occurred in Minneapolis. A tanker truck appeared to have deliberately sped toward a group of protesters on a bridge on Interstate 35. "Very disturbing actions by a truck driver on I-35W, inciting a crowd of peaceful demonstrators," the Minnesota State Patrol said in its Twitter feed. "The truck driver was injured and taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He is under arrest. It doesn't appear any protesters were hit by the truck." The driver of the truck was identified as Bogdan Vechirko. He was dragged from the truck by protesters, and was taken to the hospital with what were described as non-life threatening injuries. The potential threat to drivers has been clear to those in the industry who remember 1992, and the attack on construction truck driver Reginald Denny. Denny was pulled out of his cab in Los Angeles when riots began in the wake of the acquittal of police officers who had been charged with assaulting Rodney King during an earlier arrest. Denny suffers from life-long debilitating injuries as a result of the attack. (A video of of the incident in Minneapolis can be seen here.) There was a trucking-related death in St. Louis, when a protester was dragged by a FedEx truck. According to news reports, the truck had been on Interstate 70 going through St. Louis when it was forced off the road. But when it was on local streets it faced more local protesters and was forced to stop. According to the reports, the double-trailer FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) truck was stopped by a group of protesters. Police statements about the incident said two protesters climbed on the running board of the tractor and pointed guns at the driver. Others had already begun trying to loot some of the freight in the twin trailers. Story continues That included a man who was between the two trailers. When the driver began to pull away, he was run over and killed. Although there were no reports of injuries from an incident in Chicago, a startling video shows a UPS (NYSE: UPS) truck being looted before the driver manages to pull away. The protests created a patchwork of road closures over the weekend; some officially confirmed with others more anecdotal. In Minneapolis, the epicenter of the protests and the site of George Floyd's death, portions of interstates 35, 94, 394 and local highway 55 was closed overnight until the city's curfew was lifted at 6 a.m. As of publication time, the Minnesota Department of Transportation had not published any updates on its Twitter site regarding further closures. Other reports of closures came in from around the country. Interstate 630 in Little Rock, Arkansas was closed for several hours. Memphis also reported highway closures. Highway 101 in San Jose was closed due to protests. Ramps to downtown off interstate 90 were closed in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. In particular, the reaction to the incident in Minneapolis led to a robust discussion on many trucker-related boards on the internet. As one poster put it: "Two weeks ago we were labeled essential and today we are labeled as murderers." In a similar vein of frustration, another driver posted this: "Stay home. Truckers are getting pulled out of their trucks by mobs on highways. Every city with a population over 20,000 is a potential problem spot. Just stop." A FreightWaves report yesterday highlighted the steps that Amazon and other companies were taking in reaction to the protests and riots. You can see that report here. Image: Flickr/Lorie Shaull See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. The latest news on the protests over the death of George Floyd Wednesday. This file will be updated throughout the day). 10:19 p.m.: MINNEAPOLIS A full autopsy of George Floyd, the handcuffed black man who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police, was released Wednesday and provides several clinical details, including that Floyd had tested positive for COVID-19. The 20-page report released by the Hennepin County Medical Examiners Office came with the familys permission and after the coroners office released summary findings Monday that Floyd had a heart attack while being restrained by officers, and classified his May 25 death as a homicide. The report by Chief Medical Examiner Andrew Baker spelled out clinical details, including that Floyd tested positive for COVID-19 on April 3 but appeared asymptomatic. The report also noted Floyds lungs appeared healthy but he had some narrowing of arteries in the heart. The countys earlier summary report listed fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use under other significant conditions but not under cause of death. The full reports footnotes noted that signs of fentanyl toxicity can include severe respiratory depression and seizures. WASHINGTON Military police and law enforcement officers from a variety of federal agencies were out in force as demonstrators in the nations capital protested the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. A senior Defence official said at least 2,200 Guard members would be on the streets Wednesday. The law enforcement officers formed a ring around the perimeter of Lafayette Park across from the White House. Military vehicles were parked on nearby streets, also blocking access. The South Carolina and Utah National Guards had forces there. Bureau of Prisons personnel wore blue uniforms. There were also agents from the Drug Enforcement Agency, the FBI hostage rescue team and the Secret Service. Washingtons mayor set an 11 p.m. curfew in the city after earlier restrictions the previous two nights. 7:22 p.m.: WASHINGTON Thousands of protesters are marching in the nations capital, unswayed by the additional charges lodged against Minneapolis police officers in connection with the death of George Floyd. They passed block after block of storefronts covered in plywood and side streets blocked by police, soldiers and federal agents. As they marched, protesters chanted, Whose streets? Our streets. and No justice, no peace. People ferried supplies of water and free snacks to demonstrators, who included people with young kids in strollers but were mostly young adults. Some tried to engage troops blocking the streets around the White House, calling out to them and telling them to quit their jobs. The troops stayed silent.. PARIS, Texas A member of a Texas city council has resigned under fire over a social media response he made to a protest of George Floyds death in Minneapolis police custody. Paris City Council member Benny Plata submitted his resignation at a special meeting Tuesday. Mayor Steve Clifford called the meeting to censure Plata after the council member messaged a protester, Why dont you leave America if its so bad, The Paris News reported. Plata said he really cares about the city and was responding to one person berating America. Paris is a city of about 25,000 residents about 90 miles (145 kilometres) northeast of Dallas. PHILADELPHIA Explosions have hit 50 cash machines in and near Philadelphia since the weekend in a co-ordinated effort to steal them or take the money inside, authorities said Wednesday. A 25-year-old whos accused of selling homemade dynamite on the streets with instructions on how to use it on ATMs has been arrested, though authorities arent yet sure whether the man is connected to the co-ordinated effort, the state attorney general said. One theft resulted in the death of a 24-year-old man hours after he tried to break into an ATM early Tuesday, authorities said. More than a thousand people demonstrated peacefully for several hours on Tuesday night in Philadelphia to protest the killing of George Floyd. Cash machines in other cities also have been stolen from or damaged since civil unrest struck the nation after Floyd died on Memorial Day. BATON ROUGE, La. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards on Wednesday thanked the people of his state for holding peaceful demonstrations in the aftermath of George Floyds death, avoiding the violence and property damage seen in other parts of the country. Edwards said almost without exception, every single person whos shown up to protest and demonstrated has done so in a way that is an appropriate expression of their concerns about this. The Democratic governor said he doesnt expect to use the Louisiana National Guard to assist local and state police in their response to the future Floyd protests. BLACKDUCK, Minn. The mayor of a small northern Minnesota town has resigned after a Facebook post appearing to support running over protesters. The Star Tribune reports Blackduck, Minnesota, Mayor Rudy Patch resigned Monday and deleted his post. Patch had shared a meme showing an apparently bloody Jeep with the caption, I dont know what you mean by protesters on the freeway. I came through no problem. Patch said in his resignation letter he was making a misguided attempt to show how dangerous protesting on a highway could be. He wrote it was never his intention to support running over protesters. A tanker truck drove into a large crowd of marchers protesting the death of George Floyd near downtown Minneapolis on Sunday night. Nobody was seriously injured and the driver was not charged. 6:30 p.m.: COLUMBIA, S.C. A prosecutor in South Carolina said the investigation into the shooting death of a black teenager by a white Columbia police officer this spring is complete and he is reviewing to see if any charges will be filed. The shooting of Joshua Ruffin, 17, has been part of several days of protests at the South Carolina Statehouse which erupted after the May 25 death of George Floyd. Floyd died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd's neck for several minutes, even after he stopped moving. Solicitor Byron Gipson said in a statement Wednesday that he will share his thoughts and evidence with the public after he reviews and decides what to do about Ruffin's death. Ruffin was killed April 8 by a Columbia police officer patrolling in an area near where cars had been recently broken into, Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said the next day. When the officer got out of his car to question Ruffin, the teen started to run away and during the 20-second chase, pulled out a gun, Holbrook said. The officer fired at Ruffin, hitting him once and killing him, the chief said. The coroner found Ruffin was shot in the chest, and Holbrook said that indicated to him the teen was facing the officer when he was shot instead of being wounded in the back while running away. 6:26 p.m.: WASHINGTON Former President Barack Obama on Wednesday called on every mayor in the United States to review use-of-force policies and make progress on police reforms during his first on-camera remarks since a wave of protests and violence after the killing of George Floyd convulsed the country and upended the 2020 election. Obama, adopting a notably more measured and less confrontational tone than President Donald Trump, said that the crisis was unlike anything I have seen in my lifetime and that it offered an opportunity to curb police violence that would prompt a political awakening to unite the country around racial justice and police reform. The former president who is taking pains to address the crisis without upstaging Joe Biden, his friend and the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee was appearing at a round-table event with his former attorney general, Eric Holder, from Washington as part of a video town hall series sponsored by the My Brothers Keeper Alliance, a nonprofit group Obama founded. 6:02 p.m.: MIAMI A police officer who was suspended for pushing a kneeling black woman to the ground at a George Floyd demonstration in Florida has been under review numerous times for pointing guns and using force on suspects, and at least once for racial profiling, a review of his personnel files shows. The files, obtained by The Associated Press in response to an open records request, also reflect that Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Steven Pohorence received several commendations over the years for helping people in need and was named Trooper of the Month once while employed by the Florida Highway Patrol. Video of Pohorence pushing the woman to the ground on Sunday was shared widely on social media as protests against police violence and racial injustice erupted across the country. Pohorences shove escalated a clash in which bottles were thrown and tear gas fired. 5:40 p.m.: WASHINGTON The White House said Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trumps visit to a nearby church where he held up a Bible was a leadership moment akin to Winston Churchills inspection of bomb-damaged London during World War II, a comparison that drew swift condemnation from the author of a new bestselling book on the former British prime minister. Throughout the yearlong blitz of London by German fighter aircraft, Churchill often watched the bombing raids from rooftops and he made special effort to walk the streets in places where thousands were killed. The Trump administration has been criticized by Democrats and several Republicans, after peaceful protesters were forcibly cleared from the area around St. Johns Church, where the president posed and held a Bible aloft on Monday. The president did not inspect damage inside the church. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Trumps stroll to St. Johns Church the day after it was damaged by fire during protests was a comforting moment for Americans amid unrest spurred by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. 5:39 p.m.: WASHINGTON Thousands of protesters in the nations capital knelt and sang Amazing Grace on Wednesday, the sixth night of protests over the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. We are not going anywhere, the protesters chanted. As the protesters sang and chanted, law enforcement officers in riot gear stood watching over the crowd, which stretched down 16th Street near the White House. The crowd knelt silently as the time neared for a virtual town hall by former President Barack Obama to discuss Floyds death, policing and the protests that have engulfed the country. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser imposed an 11 p.m. curfew after a peaceful night of protests. The curfew then had been 7 p.m. 5:13 p.m.: RICHMOND, Va. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is expected to announce plans Thursday for the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from Richmond's prominent Monument Avenue, a senior administration official told The Associated Press. The governor will direct the statue to be moved off its massive pedestal and put into storage while his administration seeks input on a new location, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak before the governors announcement. 5 p.m.: Former U.S. President Barack Obama discussed the tragic events of recent weeks, the history of police violence in America, and specific action steps needed to transform a system that has led to the loss of too many lives. He was joined by leaders in the police reform movement. Obama spoke about the death of George Floyd during the livestream event. 4:09 p.m.: LOS ANGELES Los Angeles County has ordered another overnight curfew, but it will be four hours shorter. The curfew will begin at 9 p.m. Wednesday and end at 5 a.m. Thursday. Previous curfews ran from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. A county statement says officials are assessing public safety needs on a daily basis. A few municipalities in the sprawling county continue to have stricter curfews. Huge demonstrations in Los Angeles on Tuesday were peaceful, and subsequent arrests were only for curfew violations. DETROITAnother 127 people were arrested Tuesday night during protests in Detroit, Police Chief James Craig said Wednesday. Most of the arrests were for violating the citys curfew. At least one person was charged with misdemeanour resisting police or disturbing the peace. Of those arrested, Craig said 80 live outside the city and six show addresses in Maryland, California, Washington D.C., and New York. Dozens of people have been arrested over five days of demonstrations, with police reporting that the majority of those charged were from outside the city. Craig says many protesters have another agenda, and its not to celebrate the life of Mr. Floyd. LAS VEGASA union president says a Las Vegas police officer gravely wounded when shot during a protest against George Floyds death successfully underwent surgery to remove a bullet from his neck. The 29-year-old officer was shot Monday night as police tried to disperse protesters outside a hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Protesters dispersed Tuesday night without major reported problems after a demonstration that lasted nearly five hours. 4 p.m.: MINNEAPOLIS Prosecutors charged a Minneapolis police officer accused of pressing his knee against George Floyds neck with second-degree murder on Wednesday, and for the first time levelled charges against three other officers at the scene, according to criminal complaints. The upgraded charge against Derek Chauvin says the officers actions were a substantial causal factor in Floyds death. Officer Chauvins restraint of Mr. Floyd in this manner for a prolonged period was a substantial causal factor in Mr. Floyd losing consciousness, constituting substantial bodily harm, and Mr. Floyds death as well, the criminal complaint said. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison upgraded the charge against Chauvin to unintentional second-degree murder. He also charged Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Ellison said warrants have been issued for their arrests. Attorney Ben Crump tweeted that the Floyd family was deeply gratified by Ellisons action and called it a source of peace for Georges family in this difficult time. He said Ellison had told the family his office will continue to investigate and upgrade charges against Chauvin to first-degree murder if warranted. Ellison, who called the protests unleashed by the death dramatic and necessary and said Floyd should be here and he is not. His life had value, and we will seek justice, Ellison said. Crump called it a bittersweet moment and a significant step forward on the road to justice. 3:12 p.m.: DETROIT Leaders of Detroits automakers and other business executives are pledging to stand with the black community and support peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd and police treatment of African Americans. The group includes the heads of General Motors, Ford, Fiat-Chrysler North America, Quicken Loans and Ilitch Holdings. The statement Wednesday from the group follows demonstrations and unrest around the U.S. since Floyds May 25 death. The group also said it condemns the acts of injustice in the Feb. 23 fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery by a white father and son in Glynn County, Georgia, and the March 13 shooting death of Breonna Taylor by police in her Louisville, Kentucky, apartment. STOCKHOLM Thousands of people in the Nordic countries have gathered in support of protesters in the U.S. over the death of George Floyd. With signs reading I cant breathe or Make racism bad again more than a thousand Swedes met despite bans on gatherings of over 50 people due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Stockholm protest was mostly peaceful, but police have confirmed the use of pepper spray and one arrest, and that reports of isolated confrontations continue. In Finlands capital Helsinki, around 3,000 people attended a protest that dispersed an hour later as the number of participants exceeded the 500 maximum currently allowed under Finlands coronavirus gathering restrictions. 2:36 p.m.: MINNEAPOLIS Prosecutors are charging a Minneapolis police officer accused of pressing his knee against George Floyds neck with second-degree murder, and for the first time will level charges against three other officers at the scene, a newspaper reported Wednesday. Widely seen bystander video showing Floyds May 25 death has sparked sometimes violent protests nationwide and around the world. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired May 26 and initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The three other officers involved were also fired but were not immediately charged. The Star Tribune reported reported that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison would be upgrading the charge against Chauvin while also charging Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. The newspaper cited multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the case that spoke on condition of anonymity. Earl Gray, who represents Lane, told The Associated Press that the report is accurate before ending the call. 2:25 p.m.: WASHINGTON Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser says her administration is preparing for a potential legal challenge to President Donald Trumps authority over security operations in the District of Columbia. Trump directed what he characterized as a full-scale federal response on Monday night to quell protests over the death of George Floyd. That included forces from a variety of federal agencies and the entire 1,700-strong contingent of the DC National Guard. Military helicopters repeatedly buzzed low over protesters, kicking up clouds of debris, and guardsmen armed with long guns were stationed throughout the city. Bowser said Wednesday that she had had consulted with Washington Attorney General Karl Racine on the issue, adding that her administration had only requested about 100 unarmed guardsmen. LIBERTY, Mo. St. Louis County Executive Sam Page on Wednesday accused President Donald Trump of fanning the flames of violence amid days of unrest across the nation after the death of George Floyd. Although protests Tuesday night in St. Louis County were calm, Pages comments came after four St. Louis police officers were shot and a retired city police captain was killed during violence Monday night and early Tuesday, Page said at a news conference the president has fanned the flames, treating this unrest as if it were a reality show. He said criminals have hijacked peaceful protests that rightly denounce decades of law enforcement mistreatment of minorities. St. Louis police said more than 70 businesses in the city were ransacked or broken into, including a pawn shop where former police Capt. David Dorn was fatally shot during a break-in. On Wednesday, Trump posted a message on Twitter praising Dorn, who served 38 years on the force. ST. PAUL, Minn. Members of the Minnesota People of Color and Indigenous Caucus along with Democratic leaders of the Minnesota House are calling for policing reform during the upcoming special legislative session. The proposals by state lawmakers include bolstering the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions independence in police killing investigations, citizen oversight of law enforcement, and removing a state ban on local residency requirements by officers. Caucus members are calling for immediate access to legislative funding to help rebuild Minneapolis and St. Paul communities damaged by riots following the death of George Floyd. The caucus also called for the arrests of all officers involved in Floyds death. The Minnesota Legislature is expected to convene for a special session by June 12 to extend the emergency declared by Gov. Tim Walz in mid-March in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 1:58 p.m.: LOUISVILLE, Ky. The city of Louisville, Kentucky, plans to reach out for an independent review of its police department amid protests that erupted over the deaths of black people during encounters with police, the mayor said Wednesday. Officials plan to hire an outside group to perform a comprehensive, top-to-bottom review of the police department, Mayor Greg Fischer said. The evaluation comes two days after the shooting death of a black man in the city as police and National Guard soldiers tried to enforce a curfew. The police chief was fired after it came to light that officers involved in the shooting failed to activate their body cameras. The city has been hit by days of protests demanding justice for Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was killed in her home in Louisville in March. The 26-year-old EMT was shot eight times by narcotics detectives who knocked down her front door while attempting to enforce a search warrant. No drugs were found in the home. The demonstrations also erupted over the death of a black man in Minneapolis George Floyd in an encounter with police. Fischer said the outside review will focus on such issues as police training, use of force, bias-free policing, accountability and community engagement. The evaluation will include listening sessions to gather input from a cross-section of the community, the mayor said. To make sure that we have the right approach and the right systems in place for law enforcement, and the type of police-community trust and legitimacy that we need, you have to take a look at the hard policies, procedures and structure of our police department to ensure that they align with the values and goals of our entire community, he said. Outside perspective to help us make those determinations is needed. 1:56 p.m.: HARTFORD, Conn. Hundreds of cars travelled from Windsor to Hartford on Wednesday in a procession led by a hearse with an empty casket - one of several demonstrations around Connecticut to honour George Floyd and protest racial injustice. The procession in Floyds honour ended with a rally at the state capitol, where speakers eulogized victims of police brutality and called for a sustained effort to address issues of poverty and discrimination. As George Floyd took his very last breath and said Mama I cant breathe, he didnt know that it would take him laying in a box dead before a nation called his name and cried out for transformation, Melinda Johnson of the YWCA said. 1:44 p.m.: PORTLAND, Ore. The police chief in Portland, Oregon issued a plea Wednesday to the citys residents to help its leaders stop the violence that has engulfed the city for five consecutive nights in demonstrations over the death of George Floyd. Chief Jami Resch said at a news conference that a peaceful march and rally Tuesday that attracted more than 10,000 people was marred when several hundred people broke off late and confronted police officers guarding a building that holds police headquarters and a sheriffs detention centre. The repeated nights of mayhem have rattled even liberal Portland, which has such a storied history of protest that the late president George H. W. Bush dubbed it Little Beirut. ATHENS Greek police have fired tear gas to disperse youths who attacked them outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens during a protest over the killing of George Floyd. Police said the violence Wednesday came towards the end of an otherwise peaceful demonstration by about 4,000 people that was organized by left-wing groups and anarchists. Protesters at the tail-end of the march threw petrol bombs and stones at police. No injuries or arrests were reported. A similar protest is scheduled in Athens on Thursday. ROTTERDAM A protest demonstration in the Netherlands had to be cut short because crowds became too big and would have made social distancing measures impossible. Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb had already moved the protest over the death of George Floyd to a more open space instead of the city centre. But as thousands sought to converge and the crowds swelled at the site near the Maas River, authorities first called on people to stay away and then moved in early to end the peaceful protest. POZNAN, Poland Dozens of young people walked in an anti-racist march on Wednesday in Polands western city of Poznan in response to the death of George Floyd. Mostly clad in black, the protesters carried signs with I cant breathe and Black Lives Matter written on them. They walked to the U.S. Consulate and then to a downtown square where they lay face down on the ground, just like the handcuffed Floyd lay pleading for air as a police officer pressed his knee against Floyds neck for several minutes. Also Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Georgette Mosbacher, apologized on Twitter to Warsaw residents whose flowers and candles placed before the embassy in Floyds memory had been removed. Mosbacher called it a misunderstanding. 1:37 p.m. WASHINGTON Active-duty troops brought in to help if needed with the civil unrest in the nations capitol are beginning to return to their home base, after two days of more peaceful demonstrations in Washington, D.C., senior defence officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The officials said that about 200 soldiers with the 82nd Airbornes immediate response force will be the first to leave on Wednesday. The remainder of the active-duty troops, who have all been kept at military bases outside the city in northern Virginia and Maryland, will also get pulled home in the coming days if conditions allow, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss imminent troop movements. The active-duty troops were available, but were not used in response to the protests. The departure of the troops comes as Defence Secretary Mark Esper told reporters Wednesday that current conditions do not warrant using military forces for law enforcement in containing the protests. Trump has in recent days talked about using the military to quell violent protests in U.S. cities. About 1,300 active-duty troops were brought in to the Capitol region early this week as protests turned violent, in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd. The active-duty unit that will be last to remain on alert is the Armys 3rd Infantry Regiment, which is normally most visible as the soldiers who stand at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The troops, known as the Old Guard, are based close to D.C. at Fort Myer, Virginia, and have been on 30-minute alert status. They would continue to be prepared to respond to any emergency in the region within a half hour for as long as needed. 1:12 p.m.: OTTAWA Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is cautioning those intending to take part in anti-racism protests to remember the risks posed by COVID-19. Events are planned in Ottawa and Toronto, among other places, in the coming days in solidarity with Americans who have been taking to the streets in that country following the death of a black man in police custody. The Liberal government has been outspoken about the need to do more to combat racism in Canada, but has stopped short of providing concrete examples of planned action. Freeland was asked Wednesday whether shed attend a protest herself, and she said its something for Canadian leaders to think about. She called protests an important and useful form of political expression, but suggested they must be approached with caution in the COVID-19 era as large gatherings remain restricted. Freeland says she struggles to tell her own children they cant get together in groups and she needs to set an example. 12:48 p.m.: MINNEAPOLIS George Floyds family on Wednesday demanded the arrest of all four police officers involved in his death, as they visited a makeshift shrine at the Minneapolis street corner where the black man died after a white officer pressed a knee on his neck as he pleaded for air. The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been fired and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers who were present were also fired but have not been charged in Floyds May 25 death. The familys attorney, Ben Crump, repeated his call for all four officers to be charged. He died because he was starving for air, Crump said. He needed a breath. So we are demanding justice. We expect all of the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, tomorrow. Crump said the other officers two who helped to restrain Floyd and one who didnt intervene failed to protect a man who pleaded for help and said he couldnt breathe. The Minneapolis Police Department has identified them as Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng and Tou Thao. Gov. Tim Walz made an unannounced visit to the memorial earlier Wednesday. And on Tuesday, Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department and its history of racial discrimination, in hopes of forcing widespread change. The official autopsy by the county medical examiner concluded that Floyds death was caused by cardiac arrest as police restrained him and compressed his neck. The medical examiner also listed fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use, but not as the cause of death. Crump and the Floyd family commissioned a separate autopsy that concluded he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression due to Chauvins knee on his neck and other responding officers knees in his back, which made it impossible for him to breathe. 12:36 p.m.: Pope Francis prayed for George Floyd in his weekly Wednesday audience called his death tragic and racism a sin. Speaking from the Vatican, Francis addressed people in the United States and said he has witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in your nation in the days after Floyd, 46, died in police custody when a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life, the pope said during the audience, held in the presence of bishops because of the coronavirus restrictions on gatherings. Francis said he is joining the church in St. Paul and Minneapolis and across the U.S. in praying for the repose of the soul of George Floyd and of all those others who have lost their lives as a result of the sin of racism. At the same time, the pontiff warned that nothing is gained by violence, and so much is lost, quoting a statement from Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles that was released Sunday. 12:33 p.m.: BERLIN The U.N.s top human rights official called for grievances to be heard on endemic and structural racism at the heart of the protests in the United States. Michelle Bachelet, the U.N.s High Commissioner for Human Rights, says addressing those grievances is necessary for the U.S. to move on from its tragic history of racism and violence. While calling for protesters to express their views peacefully, she also urged U.S. leaders to unequivocally condemn racism and reflect on what has driven people to boiling point. Bachelets office also cited at least 200 reported incidents of journalists covering the protests being physically attacked, intimidated or arbitrarily arrested, despite their press credentials being clearly visible. SEATTLE Large crowds marched through Seattle and demonstrations were mostly peaceful until late in the night, when Seattle police used tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse a crowd near a police precinct. Seattle police say some people in the citys Capitol Hill neighbourhood began throwing objects at officers. There were no immediate reports of arrests. On Tuesday, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan addressed hundreds of demonstrators and encouraged them to keep marching and keep it peaceful. Your voices holding me accountable are important and you should continue to raise them, Durkan told those assembled outside the citys Emergency Operations Center downtown. Durkan and protest leaders planned to meet Wednesday. 11:45 a.m.: Former U.S. president Barack Obama is expected to speak about the death George Floyd in a live address today at 5 p.m. EST on his website, obama.org. Obama is holding a virtual town hall event with young people to discuss policing and the civil unrest that has followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Aides said Obama will call for turning the protests over Floyds death into policy change and will urge specific reforms to ensure safer policing and increased trust between communities and law enforcement. Were in a political season, but our country is also at an inflection point, said Valerie Jarrett, a longtime friend and adviser to Obama. President Obama is not going to shy away from that dialogue simply because hes not in office anymore. 11:44 a.m.: LONDON Thousands of people demonstrated in London on Wednesday against police violence and racial injustice following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Chanting Black lives matter, thousands gathered in Hyde Park, central Londons biggest open space and a traditional protest venue. Many of them passed through barriers at the park and marched through the streets, blocking traffic. There were no signs of violence, although some sprayed graffiti on walls. Some protesters converged on Parliament and the nearby office of Prime Minister Boris Johnson at 10 Downing St. Others headed south of the River Thames. Star Wars actor John Boyega, who was born in Britain to Nigerian parents and grew up in south Londons Peckham neighbourhood, pleaded tearfully for demonstrators to stay peaceful. Because they want us to mess up, they want us to be disorganized, but not today, he said. Boyega recalled the case of Stephen Lawrence, an 18-year-old black man from southeast London who was stabbed to death in 1993 as he waited for a bus. The case against his attackers collapsed in 1996, and a government report cited institutional racism on the part of the London police force as a key factor in its failure to thoroughly investigate the killing. Black lives have always mattered, Boyega said. We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless and now is the time. I aint waiting. Police appeared to keep a low profile during the demonstration and the ensuing marches. 11:37 a.m.: NEW YORK New York Citys second night under curfew was calmer than the first, with mostly peaceful demonstrators marching to protest the death of George Floyd and sporadic reports of vandalism. Last night we took a step forward in moving out of this difficult period weve had the last few days and moving to a better time, Mayor Bill de Blasio said. The citywide curfew from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday was imposed to prevent the nighttime chaos and destruction that followed peaceful protests for several days in a row. Chief of Department Terence Monahan said the order to clear the streets at 8 p.m., three hours earlier than Mondays 11 p.m. curfew, allowed police to take control of city streets and remove troublemakers. The nightly curfews will remain in effect through Sunday, with the city planning to lift it at the same time it enters the first phase of reopening after more than two months of shutdowns because of the coronavirus. Id like us never to have to use it again, if we do things right, de Blasio said. Monahan told NBCs Today that officers allowed peaceful protests to continue after 8 p.m. but added, when a group of people that were looking to cause mayhem broke off, we were able to take care of them very quickly. Police said they arrested about 280 people on protest-related charges, compared with 700 the previous night. De Blasio condemned police for roughing up journalists covering the protests, including two from The Associated Press. 11:35 a.m.: OTTAWA NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has accused the prime minister of hypocrisy for calling on Canadians to do more to combat racism but refusing to condemn inflammatory remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump. Justin Trudeau was pressed Tuesday to address how Trump has been handling escalating protests in the U.S. related to the death of George Floyd. The prime minister fell silent for several moments when a reporter asked for his views on the crisis Tuesday. He eventually said Canadians were watching in horror what was going on in the U.S., but did not mention Trump directly. He then pivoted to acknowledging more must be done in Canada to address racism. Trudeaus silence was deafening, Singh said Wednesday. The prime minister of Canada has to call out the hatred and racism happening just south of the border and if the prime minister cant do that how can everyday people be expected to stand up? Singh said Wednesday. The prime minister should lead by example. Trudeau has long ducked questions calling on him to respond to statements by the U.S. president, repeating as he did Tuesday that Canadians expect their government to focus on them. But Singh said thats not acceptable. He called Trumps actions reprehensible, accusing the president of inflaming hatred and divisions, fuelling racism and putting peoples lives at risk. There are times when we have to be strategic and there are times when we have to stand up for whats right, he said. And this is one of those times you have to stand up for whats right. 11:23 a.m.: ATLANTA Large, peaceful protests in Atlanta were marked by pockets of confrontation between protesters and police ahead of the curfew on Tuesday night. Hundreds lingered on the streets of downtown ahead of the 9 p.m. curfew imposed by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Authorities used armoured vehicles to form a cordon at the state capitol. Near Centennial Olympic Park, where much of the protests and unrest have centred, National Guard troops fired tear gas and moved in on a group shortly after curfew fell. The crowd quickly dispersed, and television footage showed police leading some people away in zip ties. Police say 52 arrests were made Tuesday, bringing the total arrests in Atlanta to 439 over five days of protests since Friday. PHOENIX Thousands of people participated in peaceful protests on Tuesday night with no arrests, according to police. One crowd marched in the heart of downtown and another gathered at the state capitol about a mile to the west. The protests ended early in the evening, with most participants leaving by the 8 p.m. start of a statewide curfew ordered Sunday by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. It was the sixth consecutive night of protests, with no reported arrests in Phoenix for the second straight night. MADRID Spains prime minister Pedro Sanchez has called the response of the U.S. government to the outcry over police brutality and injustice against African Americans authoritarian. Sanchez referred to the wave of demonstrations in the wake of George Floyds killing on May 25 in Minneapolis when he spoke during debate on the governments response to the coronavirus outbreak at the Spanish parliaments Lower House. Sanchez, who leads a left-wing coalition, says I share and stand in solidarity with the demonstrations that are taking place in the United States. 11:04 a.m.: WASHINGTON Moving among the pulsing mass of angry activism outside the White House, a handful of people are on hand to provide help and first aid to police and protesters alike. Morris Crawford, a former U.S. military combat medic, totes a backpack filled with medical supplies outside Lafayette Square, the front line in a standoff between demonstrators and troops armed with truncheons and riot shields. Others drag a wagon loaded with water, snacks and bottles of milk to ease the sting of pepper spray, urging those in the crowd to take what they need. Still more squirt sanitizer into outstretched hands a pointed reminder of the threat of COVID-19, which stalks Americans through the tensest cultural crisis since the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Crawford, no stranger himself to discrimination at the hands of police, says he wants police reform to help law-enforcement officials better navigate Americas racial divide. In the meantime, he says he and others will help dress the wounds of anyone who needs help, regardless of which side of the divide theyre on. 10:45 a.m.: WASHINGTON U.S. Defence Secretary Mark Esper said Wednesday he opposes use of Insurrection Act, which would allow President Donald Trump to use active-duty forces for law enforcement duties. Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, Esper said active-duty troops in a law enforcement role should be used in the United States only in the most urgent and dire of situations, adding, We are not in one of those situations now. Use of the Insurrection Act has been discussed as Trump has talked about using the military to quell violent protests in U.S. cities. 10:30 a.m.: WASHINGTON U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday took credit for a massive deployment of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officers to the nations capital, saying it offered a model to states on how to quell protests nationwide. Trump argued that the massive show of force was responsible for protests in Washington and other cities turning more calm in recent days and repeated his criticism of governors who have not deployed their National Guard to the fullest. It was a striking contrast to the harsh crackdowns outside the White House on Monday night, advocated by the president who wanted to make the aggressive action in the nations capital an example for the rest of the country, a senior White House official said Tuesday. You have to have a dominant force, Trump told Fox New Radio on Wednesday. We need law and order. He quickly pivoted to the politics of the moment, adding, You notice that all of these places that have problems, theyre not run by Republicans. Theyre run by liberal Democrats. 10:09 a.m.: WASHINGTON The Washington D.C. National Guard says it will investigate the use of one of its helicopters to make an aggressive show of force against protesters near the White House on Monday. The commanding general of the D.C. Guard, Maj. Gen. William Walker, says in a brief written statement Wednesday that he directed the investigation. The helicopter, normally designated for use in medical evacuations, hovered low enough to create a deafening noise and spray protesters with rotor wash from the aircraft. Williams says the Guard is dedicated to the safety of its fellow citizens and their right to peacefully protest. He says, This is our home, and we are dedicated to the safety and security of our fellow citizens of the District and their right to safely and peacefully protest. WASHINGTON The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit against Minneapolis Police and the Minnesota State Patrol, alleging police have violated the rights of journalists covering the protests in response to the death of George Floyd. The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU of Minnesota on Wednesday, alleges a pattern and practice of conduct by law enforcement, which the organization says, tramples on the Constitution. The lawsuits lead plaintiff is Jared Goyette, a freelance journalist who says he was shot in the face by a rubber bullet fired by police. The suit outlines the number of journalists who have been arrested or injured by police since the demonstrations began last week. The lawsuit also alleges police have interfered with news coverage and have continued to target and intimidate the press by firing less-lethal ballistics designed for riot control directly at members of the media. The ACLU has also vowed to bring lawsuits against police departments across the U.S. who arrest, target or attack journalists. ORLANDO, Fla. Mostly peaceful rallies in Tampa and St. Petersburg took a turn late Tuesday when police used smoke grenades, nonlethal rounds, pepper canisters and other measures to disperse crowds. Protesters fled, screaming and angry, and police made dozens of arrests. They briefly detained two Tampa Bay Times reporters who were covering the events, the newspaper reported. In St. Petersburg, a group of protesters went to police headquarters late Tuesday, where tensions heightened. Officers told the crowd to leave the area, and then launched smoke and what appeared to be flash bangs at the crowd, the Times reported. Police and Pinellas County Sheriffs deputies closed in on the crowd, arresting several. A reporter was briefly detained. LONDON British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the death of George Floyd was inexcusable and he understands why people are protesting. In his first public comments on the turmoil roiling the U.S., Johnson told lawmakers what happened in the United States was appalling, it was inexcusable, we all saw it on our screens and I perfectly understand peoples right to protest what took place. He added protest should take place in a lawful and reasonable way. Johnson, who has sought to nurture close ties with President Donald Trump as he leads the U.K. out of the European union, deflected calls from the opposition to suspend exports of tear gas and rubber bullets to the United States. Johnson says all British arms exports complied with the countrys human rights obligations, and the U.K. is possibly the most scrupulous country in that respect in the world. Most British police officers do not carry guns, though armed units have been involved in several fatal shootings in recent years. RICHMOND, Va. Richmond Police have denied accusations an officer spit on a detained protester after a video showing the alleged incident was shared on social media. The incident did not happen as the activists have claimed and a slow-motion analysis of the video shows the officers spitting on the grass and not on the detainee, the Richmond Police Department says in multiple Twitter posts Tuesday night. A version of the slow-motion video obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch focuses on the officer closest to the handcuffed detainee and follows the spits trajectory. Police say officers were frequently coughing and spitting due to exposure to tear gas, amid demonstrations in the city. BERLIN A German government spokesman has called the death of George Floyd terrible and avoidable, but says the United States doesnt need advice from Germany on dealing with the situation. Steffen Seibert says America is a strong democracy where there is a lively debate about everything thats happening now, it doesnt need our advice. Asked whether Germany has a problem with racial discrimination, Seibert says racism certainly isnt a problem in America alone, its a problem in many societies and Im sure there is racism in Germany, too. 9:20 a.m.: LONDON Thousands of protesters gathered in Londons Hyde Park on Wednesday to demonstrate against police violence and racial injustice following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which has set off days of unrest in the United States. Chanting Black Lives Matter, the protesters streamed into central Londons biggest open space, a traditional venue for demonstrations. Many wore masks because of the coronavirus pandemic. Other protests were set to take place around the world from Cape Town in South Africa to Reykjavik in Iceland. As in many of the protests in the U.S. and the one that took place in Paris on Tuesday, that led to police firing tear gas, many of the demonstrators in London appeared to ignore coronavirus social distancing guidelines. In the U.K., people have been told to stay 2 metres (6 1/2 feet) apart. While the protesters expressed solidarity with Americans protesting Floyds death, many also pointed to issues closer to home. Racism is a pandemic, said one placard at the London demonstration. 8:34 a.m.: PHILADELPHIA Workers removed the statue early Wednesday of controversial former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo, which was recently defaced during a protest following George Floyds death. As National Guard troops deployed in the wake of recent protests watched, a crane lifted the 10-foot-tall (3-meter-tall) bronze statue and workers shook it from its stand outside the Municipal Services Building, across from City Hall. It was loaded onto the back of a truck. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said he never liked the statue Monday and announced a plan to move the statue later this month. I cant wait to see it go away, Kenney said. The statue was frequently targeted by vandals and there had been calls in recent years to remove the figure of the former mayor. Kenney had pledged to move the statue to another location in 2021. Supporters said Rizzo, who also served as the citys police commissioner, was tough on crime while critics said he discriminated against minorities. 8:06 a.m.: WASHINGTON After threatening states that he would dispatch the military to quell protests, President Donald Trump appeared to be privately backing off, with White House officials saying the response to demonstrations across the country indicated that local governments should be able to restore order themselves. The shift came as protests in Washington and other cities over police brutality against minorities proceeded Tuesday with relative calm, a striking contrast to the harsh crackdowns outside the White House on Monday night. The president wanted to make the aggressive action in the nations capital an example for the rest of the country, a senior White House official said Tuesday. The Defence Department has drafted contingency plans for deploying active-duty military if needed. Pentagon documents reviewed by The Associated Press showed plans for soldiers from an Army division to protect the White House and other federal buildings if the security situation in the nations capital were to deteriorate and the National Guard could not secure the facilities. But interest in exerting that extraordinary federal authority appeared to be waning in the White House. Though the crackdown on the Washington demonstrations was praised by some Trump supporters Tuesday, a handful of Republicans expressed concern that law enforcement officers risked violating the protesters First Amendment rights. Trumps defence secretary also distanced himself from Trumps decision to walk across Lafayette Park for a photo opportunity at a church after the demonstrators had been cleared. 7:58 a.m.: JOHANNESBURG South Africas government is calling on security forces in the United States to use maximum restraint in responding to the protests over the killing of George Floyd. The statement cites Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor as saying that just as Americans supported South Africa in its struggle against apartheid, South Africa, too, supports the clarion calls for practical action to address the inadequacies highlighted by protesters. The statement also warns that the violence marking some of the protests in the U.S. seriously detracts from drawing international awareness to the legitimate concerns about violence against defenceless black people and other minorities in America. The statement ends by expressing the belief that the U.S., a beacon of freedom for many worldwide, has the ability to directly focus on healing and peace. ST. PAUL, Minn. Several thousand people congregated at the state capitol in St. Paul for a peaceful protest Tuesday, organized by high school students in metro area. The sit-in on the capitols front lawn and steps was in contrast to the civil unrest that has roiled the Twin Cities since the death of George Floyd. Army National Guard soldiers handed out bottled water during the protest. Also, faith leaders from several congregations marched with hundreds past the ruins of burned businesses to the boarded up Target store, which was the epicenter of protesting and looting last week. St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell and St. Paul Fire Chief Butch Inks walked alongside clergy members during the march, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. Officials in Minnesota tweeted Wednesday that 612 people have been arrested since they set up a state operations centre late last week. TEHRAN, Iran Irans supreme leader has assailed Washington in the wake of George Floyds killing for its allegedly duplicitous policies when it comes to upholding human rights. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed that in America, they kill people in an open crime, and they do not offer an apology while claiming (to support) human rights. Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, added: Apparently, the African American man who was killed there was not a human being. Khameneis remarks came in a speech on Wednesday marking the anniversary of the 1989 death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The televised speech came as the country cancelled an annual massive commemoration for Khomeini due to the coronavirus pandemic. Khamenei described Floyds death, including how he repeatedly said I cant breathe. Khamenei added this is nothing new. This is the American nature. This is what Americans have been doing to the whole world. In Iran, which in November put down nationwide demonstrations by killing hundreds, arresting thousands and disrupting internet access, state television has repeatedly aired images of the U.S. unrest. VATICAN CITY Pope Francis says he has witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in the United States in reaction to the killing of George Floyd, and called for national reconciliation. My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life, the pope said during his weekly Wednesday audience, held in the presence of bishops due to coronavirus restrictions on gatherings. At the same time, the pontiff warned nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Francis said he was praying for the repose of George Floyd and all those who have lost their lives as a result of the sin of racism and issued his condolences for all those who grieve their loss. He called for national reconciliation and peace. PORTLAND, Ore. Several hundred people broke away from a massive peaceful protest in Portland, Oregon, late Tuesday and engaged in a confrontation with police officers guarding a public building. Police Chief Jami Resch said in a video message posted on Twitter that members of the smaller group tried to tear down fencing set up to protect a facility that holds the police headquarters and a county jail and threw bottles, bats and mortars at officers. Police declared an unlawful assembly and set off flash-bang grenades and tear gas. It wasnt clear how many arrests, if any, had been made. The violence was in stark contrast to a rally and march earlier in the evening. Thousands of people laid down on a major bridge spanning the Willamette River for nine minutes and their bodies covered almost the entire span of the bridge. The crowd then proceeded to Pioneer Courthouse Square for a peaceful rally before the much smaller group broke away. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler cancelled an 8 p.m. curfew earlier Tuesday after praising protestors for Monday nights demonstration, which was largely peaceful. NEW YORK At least 9,300 people have been arrested in protests around the country since the killing of George Floyd, according to a tally by The Associated Press. Los Angeles has recorded 2,700 arrests since the protests, followed by New York with about 1,500. Police in Dallas, Houston and Philadelphia have also arrested several hundred people. The count reflects how much police activity has surrounded the protests that have engulfed cities from coast to coast. Floyd was an African American man who was killed by a police officer who pressed a knee into Floyds neck for several minutes, even as he pleaded that he couldnt breathe. WASHINGTON The protest in the nations capital on Tuesday night was peaceful and polite, in contrast to the previous nights demonstrations. The crowd outside Lafayette Park near the White House protested the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minnesota. Instead of the spray-painted tags, the protesters Tuesday favoured colorful childrens street chalk, writing Black Lives Matter slogans on the asphalt in front of St. Johns Church. Protesters chanted and talked among themselves, most wearing masks, but not keeping to social distancing for the coronavirus. One protester, Mati Yiheyis, a 21-year-old college student at the University of Virginia, speculated that fears of coronavirus kept many older people away. When one protester climbed a lamp post and removed a street sign he was roundly booed. Its not what were about, said protester George T.J. Pierce of Washington. The crowd started thinning out on its own after 8 p.m., an hour after a curfew went into place, although a core group of several hundred remained at the fence, chanting at the line of police and soldiers in riot gear on the other side. On Monday, law enforcement officers on foot and horseback aggressively drove protesters away from Lafayette Park, clearing the way for President Donald Trump to do a photo op at St. Johns Church. LOS ANGELES Thousands have taken to the streets of Los Angeles in peaceful protests Tuesday, and smaller demonstrations dotted other California cities while authorities renewed overnight curfews in L.A. and other areas that have seen clashes with police and groups of thieves wreck hundreds of businesses. There were several sizable demonstrations in Los Angeles and Mayor Eric Garcetti took a knee at one while in a crowd outside police headquarters. However, later in the day, hundreds gathered outside the mayors house and protested. Elsewhere in the city, police cordons backed by National Guard troops kept a tight watch on marchers in Hollywood, where hundreds were arrested a day earlier, and at a crowd of thousands at City Hall. In San Francisco, a mass of people marched up the Great Highway along San Franciscos Ocean Beach. At San Joses City Hall, several hundred people showed up for a demonstration and speeches organized by the local branch of the NAACP. San Francisco Police Chief William Scott asked supervisors Tuesday to keep an overnight curfew order for at least the next few days to get ahead of people bent on using peaceful protests to pilfer stores and commit violence. Mayor London Breed ordered the 8 p.m. curfew Sunday following a night of thefts downtown. MELBOURNE, Australia Police are urging thousands of demonstrators planning to attend a protest rally in Australias second-largest city over George Floyds death to reconsider due to social distancing rules. Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius on Wednesday described the rally planned for Saturday as the largest mass gathering in Melbourne since pandemic restrictions were introduced in March. Public gatherings are limited to 20 people in Victoria state, and people must keep 1.5 metres (5 feet) apart. Australia has recorded 7,221 coronavirus cases with 26 in hospitals on Wednesday. There have been 102 deaths. Cornelius did not say whether police plan to fine protesters, but told reporters that police would prefer people obey the law. Police have not enforced social distancing regulations when thousands gathered peacefully in Sydney and Perth in solidarity with U.S. demonstrators and to protest against the over-representation of indigenous Australians in prisons. Protesters attempted to get around social distancing rules by demonstrating over an unrelated issue in their cars in Melbourne in April. But police fined 26 of them 1,652 Australian dollars ($1,145) each and arrested their organizer for breaching a ban on non-essential travel. That ban has since been lifted. MINNEAPOLIS The Minneapolis school board has voted to end its contract with the Minneapolis Police Department following the death last week of George Floyd. The Star Tribune reports the vote was unanimous Tuesday. Minneapolis Public Schools will stop further negotiations with the Police Department. Schools Superintendent Ed Graff must come up with a new plan for school safety by the boards Aug. 18 meeting. School board chairwoman Kim Ellison said in an interview that she values people and education and life. Ellison said shes now convinced, based on the actions of the Minneapolis Police Department, that we dont have the same values. The Minneapolis and St. Paul school districts have faced criticism over the use of school resource officers. Both districts have sought to transform the role to be more of a mentor than an enforcer. June 2 11:30 p.m.: NEW YORKNew York City police officers surrounded, shoved and yelled expletives at two Associated Press journalists covering protests Tuesday in the latest aggression against members of the media during a week of unrest around the country. Portions of the incident were captured on video by videojournalist Robert Bumsted, who was working with photographer Maye-E Wong to document the protests in lower Manhattan over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The video shows more than a half-dozen officers confronting the journalists as they filmed and took photographs of police ordering protesters to leave the area near Fulton and Broadway shortly after an 8 p.m. curfew took effect. Bumsted and Wong said officers shoved them, separating them from each other and pushing them toward Bumsteds car, which was parked nearby. At one point Bumsted said he was pinned against his car. He is heard on video telling the officer that Wong has his keys and he needs them to leave the area. Officers then allowed Wong to approach and the two got in the vehicle and left. Both journalists were wearing AP identification and identified themselves as media. They didnt care, Wong said. They were just shoving me. NYPD officials said they would review this as soon as possible. NEW YORK Thousands of demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd remained on New York City streets on Tuesday after an 8 p.m. curfew put in place by officials struggling to stanch destruction and growing complaints that the nations biggest city was reeling out of control night after night. Mayor Bill de Blasio had doubled down on a citywide curfew, moving it up from 11 p.m. a night earlier, but rejected urging from President Donald Trump and an offer from Gov. Andrew Cuomo to bring in the National Guard. Protests had resumed Tuesday during the day over the death of Floyd, a black man who died on May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on his neck even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. People marched in groups of thousands in parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, as merchants boarded up their businesses. As the the curfew time arrived, many were still in the streets and continued marching, with officers initially standing by and allowing them. But officers started ordering people to move along, and began taking people into custody. Demonstrators who had been on the West Side Highway in lower Manhattan were herded off, with parts of the roadway blocked off behind them. Something has to break, and its not going to be us, said Evan Kutcher, one of hundreds of demonstrators who stood outside the Barclays Center chanting Floyds name Tuesday evening. Were here because something needs to change. 8:21 p.m.: LOS ANGELES With the National Guard patrolling the streets of Los Angeles after several nights of looting, violence and fires, hundreds of people gathered downtown to protest the death of George Floyd and police brutality against so many other black people. After weeks of calls for strict social distancing amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Eric Garcetti pulled down his blue Los Angeles Dodgers face mask, joined the crowd and took a knee. 7:04 p.m.: WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Tuesday turned up the pressure on governors to quell the violence set off by the death of George Floyd, demanding New York call up the National Guard to stop the lowlifes and losers. As more demonstrations began taking shape around the country, and cities including Washington girded for another round of scattered violence after dark, the president amplified his hard-line calls of a day earlier, in which he threatened to send in the military to restore order if governors didnt do it. NYC, CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD, he tweeted. The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart. Act fast! Dont make the same horrible and deadly mistake you made with the Nursing Homes!!! One day after a crackdown on peaceful protesters near the White House, thousands of demonstrators massed a block away from the presidential mansion, facing law enforcement personnel standing across a black chain-link fence. The fence had been put up overnight to block access to Lafayette Park, just across the street from the White House. Read more analysis from Edward Keenan, the Stars Washington bureau chief Multiple Star reporters and editors have contributed to this article, including Ed Keenan, Tania Pereira, Andrea McDonald and more. With files from the Associated Press, the New York Times and McClatchy wire services. Read more about: Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 18:37:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SOFIA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria has intercepted nine illegal immigrants hidden in a refrigerator truck at a parking lot near the western city of Vidin bordering Romania, the Interior Ministry said Wednesday. The immigrants were found Tuesday night after the truck driver heard banging in the refrigerated trailer, the ministry said. Police arrived immediately and found that the seal of the trailer carrying watermelons was broken and nine foreigners were hiding inside. The foreigners, including seven men, a woman and a 16-year-old boy, said they were from Afghanistan. Three of them were treated at a local hospital, but their lives were not in danger, the ministry said, adding an investigation is underway. Enditem Metal and aluminium company Aluzare S.A from Ehlerange has gone bankrupt. The jobs of around 30 employees cannot be saved, the Christian trade union confederation said in a statement. The employees will soon receive further details about potential compensation packages shortly, the trade union confederation added. They will reportedly also receive assistance to find a new job. Aluzare was mainly specialised in the production of metal doors and windows. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States (US) President Donald Trump took the opportunity of the latter inviting India to the planned Group of Seven plus summit to discuss the situation at the India-China border on Tuesday. The conversation raises a question of how New Delhi should use geopolitical cards when playing yet another round of shotgun poker with Beijing. Of their own volition, US officials have been vocal in calling out China during this crisis, conflating Beijings border intrusions with its strangulation of the South China Sea and Hong Kong. This may please Indians, but an overt US role in a bilateral dispute may not necessarily make things easier for India. New Delhi should not define strategic autonomy to be the external relations of a hermit. Statecraft is about increasing options, not reducing them. Dealing with China, a country cognizant of its much greater heft, means all possible diplomatic, economic and military means need to be brought to bear. One measure of a nations strength is how many friends it has, and being able to say one of them is the US still counts for a lot. Beijing sees Washington as its only peer; so, bringing the US into a dispute can be useful. In a number of past cases, whether border negotiations in the 1980s or forcing China to stop stapling visas for Indian Kashmiris, India has used its proximity to the US to its advantage. In the instance of the Doklam stand-off, it worked better to keep the US at a distance. At the same time, an India which handles such crises on its own builds capacity within its institutions and polity. Resilience based on domestic strengths, independent of the international environment, is the best means to deter troublesome neighbours. Also, disputes over a dozen kilometres of barren land are small enough; entangling them in superpower rivalry will not make resolution easier. Indias interests now range from the local to the global, and, so, a part of its skillset must be to judge when to use a scalpel and when, a broadsword. An emerging power must recognise which external crises can be handled at what level. At present, Galwan Valley is best handled at the bilateral level with the US support being used only as background noise. There are other long-term issues regarding China, in areas such as technology standards and maritime security, which can be taken up at venues like the supersized G-7 summit. The Beijing Municipal Health Commission just released a set of draft regulations for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a huge industry of mass-produced, over-the-counter remedies based on herbal ingredients. But buried in those draft regulations is a surprising rule: Article 54 states that "denigrating and defaming traditional Chinese medicine" will be "punished by public security organs according to law." The eagle-eyed Chen Du, a journalist with Chinese news outlet PingWest, flagged the draft rule on Twitter. Why it matters: The Chinese government has increasingly sought to promote TCM internationally as a form of Chinese soft power. In 2019, at China's urging, the World Health Organization included a chapter on TCM in its influential diagnostic compendium for the first time. But TCM methods and remedies have undergone relatively little scientific study, and their efficacy and side effects are largely unproven, though widely consumed in China. With that background, it's not hard to imagine why local Chinese authorities might want to suppress criticism of something as seemingly apolitical as a package of foul-smelling pills. Ray Bonsack has worked 22 years for the city and took care of street maintenance while running the street sweeper. He said he started working for the city originally because of the benefits the job provided and said he will miss the friends he has made over the years. Flights to the Whitsundays have gone on sale for as little as $99. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Wednesday that cheap flights between Brisbane and the Whitsundays would revive the region. The Alliance Airlines flights will fly four times every week from June 22 with airfares starting from $99. The flights are expected to bring 5,300 tourists to the region that will generate more than $9.2 million and create 85 new jobs. Extra flights between Brisbane and the Whitsundays have gone on sale for as little as $99 The Alliance Airlines flights will fly four times every week from June 22 and are already on sale It comes as Queensland celebrated zero new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday. The state had eased restrictions to allow limited internal travel from Monday, however the state's borders remain closed. Appearing at the famous Airlie Beach at Whitsundays region in north-east Queensland Ms Palaszczuk said the boost in flights would help revive the area. 'We are very pleased to announced that from today there will be extra flights from Brisbane to the Whitsundays,' she told reporters. 'Tourism operators are already reporting 200 per cent increases in bookings since the COVID crisis began.' 'Tourism supports one in three jobs in the Whitsundays. We know how crucial this industry is to the livelihoods of people in this region,' she said. The flights are expected to bring 5,300 tourists to the region that will generate more than $9.2 million and create 85 new jobs. Pictured is model Elyse Knowles Ms Palaszczuk said Brisbane residents looking to get away would find that the Whitsundays had a lot to offer. 'For many people who have been to Bali, Thailand or to the Greek Islands now is your opportunity to come and support the beautiful Whitsundays,' she said. 'You only have to look at the beautiful scenery here to appreciate everything this region has to offer from the national parks out to the beautiful reef, to the locals, you will have a wonderful experience.' Ms Palaszczuk said the government was continuing to negotiate with other airlines including Qantas to bring more air travel to rural Queensland. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Aircraft Soft Goods Market research report provides the latest industry data, growth, key segments and future trends on the basis of the detailed study. Moreover, this market report also allowing you to identify the opportunity and growth rate of the leading segment, revenue growth and profitability. The broad aircraft soft goods market has been sub-grouped into aircraft, product, material and distribution channel. The report studies these subsets with respect to the geographical segmentation. The strategists can gain a detailed insight and devise appropriate strategies to target specific market. This detail will lead to a focused approach leading to identification of better opportunities. Request a FREE Sample Copy of Global Aircraft Soft Goods Market Report with Full TOC At: https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/contact/aircraft-soft-goods-market/download-sample By Aircraft Commercial Aircraft Regional Jet Business Jet Helicopter By Product Carpets Seat Covers Curtains Others By Material Wool/Nylon Blend Fabric Natural Leather Synthetic Leather Other By Distribution Channel OEM Aftermarket The report also covers detailed competitive landscape including company profiles of key players operating in the global market. The key players in the aircraft soft goods market includes Aero Floor, Aero Foams, Aircraft Interior Products, Aircraft Interior Solutions, Botany Weaving Mill Ltd., Desso Group, E-Leather Ltd., F-list, Mohawk Group, Fellfab, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd. (HAECO), InTech Aerospace, Lantal Textile AG, RAMM Aerospace, Spectra Interior Products, Tapis Corporation and The Anker Company. An in-depth view of the competitive outlook includes future capacities, key mergers & acquisitions, financial overview, partnerships, collaborations, new product launches, new product developments and other developments with information in terms of H.Q. Furthermore, the report comprises of the geographical segmentation which mainly focuses on current and forecast demand for aircraft soft goods in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The report further focuses on demand for individual application segments in all the regions. Browse Full Global Aircraft Soft Goods Market Research Report With TOC At: https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/report/aircraft-soft-goods-market About Us: Value Market Research was established with the vision to ease decision making and empower the strategists by providing them with holistic market information. We facilitate clients with syndicate research reports and customized research reports on 25+ industries with global as well as regional coverage. Contact: Value Market Research 401/402, TFM, Nagras Road, Aundh, Pune-7. Maharashtra, INDIA. Tel: +1-888-294-1147 Email: sales@valuemarketresearch.com Website: https://www.valuemarketresearch.com Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) Victoria Court has announced that at least three of its branches will shut down as the business takes a blow from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The 10 drive-in hotels of Victoria Court in Metro Manila and Pampanga are divided among siblings Atticus King and Angelina Mead King. The son of the late Archimedes Archie King acknowledged the video announcement of his sister to her employees that the Cuneta, Gil Puyat, and Malate branches of Victoria Court she owns and manages are closing down. King clarified that the other branches in the north that he handles Balintawak, Hillcrest in Pasig, Panorama in Pasig, Las Pinas, Malabon, North Edsa, and San Fernando in Pampanga will remain operational. He said they are trying to stay afloat during the pandemic, but admitted that some workers had to be let go as the business cannot operate as usual amid the health crisis. He did not say how many employees will be let go but described the move as "deep retrenchment." "For clarity, we both share the brand 'Victoria Court,' but we have completely different management groups. Given that, our solutions to the ongoing situation are completely different and unrelated. For my group, we have decided to retrench and we are trying our best to keep the lights on," he said in a video post on his personal Facebook page late Tuesday. Although the drive-in hotels are being tapped by the government and Business Process Outsourcing companies to house medical frontliners and employees, King admitted that it is not the "ideal" situation for their business. "That's our market now and it's not ideal. We are not optimized for it and we are looking forward to things reverting back to normal," he added. The motel chain known for decades as a location for lovers' trysts has tried to revamp it's image but has retained its iconic signage of a woman silencing onlookers with a finger to her lips. At present, hotels and motels can only cater to guests with prior bookings, long-staying guests, travelers in transit, distressed or repatriated overseas Filipino workers doing their 14-day quarantine, stranded passengers, health workers, government frontliners and private employees billeted by their companies. In areas under general community quarantine, such as Metro Manila, hotels cannot operate at 100-percent, and no leisure travel is permitted. For areas under modified GCQ, hotels, resorts, motels, homestays, and other accommodation facilities are allowed to accept tourists and business travelers, but are limited to a 50 percent capacity. The tourism sector is said to be hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, as local and global travel restrictions force tour operators and lodging facilities to go dark. The National Economic and Development Authority has pegged industry losses at about 60.25 billion for a two-month shutdown, but that has already stretched longer. L By Nosa Eresoyen, Asaba The wife of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Mrs. Edith Okowa, on her 59th birthday anniversary on Tuesday, thanked God for keeping her alive and taking her to where she found herself in life. Mrs. Okowa remarked that the greatest achievement in her life is her devotion to Christ Jesus. Mrs. Okowa at a media interaction in Asaba after thanksgiving service at the Chaplain Government House, Asaba on Monday, said she would be glad to live to a ripe of over 100 years. According to her, if God has given me 59 years, Im asking for 120 years. The Delta State governors wife highlighted: on this special day of my birthday, I have several testimonies, but my greatest testimony is that I love Jesus Christ, and even when I was almost discouraged by some actions, I refused to bow to the devils. And every day in my life, I keep thanking God; I keep renewing my Covenant with God. God is all in my life, the life of my Children, and my husband, and I will continue to love Him the more because God is the greatest. Mrs. Okowa said that God is in control of the Covid-19 Pandemic and will take it away from the society. God is in control and he will end the situation. But I urge Deltans, Nigerians to keep to the instructions, keep safe, Covid-19 Pandemic disease ravaging the world is real, stay away from the spread and avoid whatever that will spread the virus to you and your family, Mrs. Okowa said. She commended the state government for its proactiveness in ensuring the process of curtailing the spread of the virus in the state. Appealing to Deltans, especially, youths and women, to continue to sustain the peace in the state, Mrs. Okowa acknowledged that the relative peace which the Okowa administration had ensured, could not be overemphasized, adding that it was peace that gave birth to the unity between the government and non-indigenes in the state Mrs. Okowa in delight, said: every year, my songs has been that I will not be silent on His good works towards me, and I will continue to worship him as long as I live, and I am breathing. I supplicate God to give me many more years, in fact, 120 years on this earth. I have lots to offer to the people, especially, the less privileged in the society. The founder of 05 initiative, narrating her expectations in the new year, said: if God has given me 59 years, I am asking him is for the grace to serve him more and do His will, work in ways that are pleasing to Him. I also understand that as a human, I have my areas of flaws and weaknesses, some of which I may not know. So, I am trusting Him to remold every part of my character that does not give Him glory: I continually present myself to Him as the clay that I am, while He is the porter. In his exhortation, the Chaplain Government House Chapel, Venerable Charles Osemenam, admonished the congregation to emulate the footsteps of the First Lady in charting the course for the welfare of others with their good deeds. Anchoring his message on Genesis 6, he said: God is calling on persons to make an ark that can shield others from the pains that life brings their way. This ark may be an assignment or a personal line of action that God has called you into. Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 10:30AM Daniel Walber's series on Production Design. Click on the images to see them in magnified detail. Nearly 20 years on, Julie Taymors Frida remains both breathtaking (those Quay Brothers puppets!) and befuddling (why isnt it in Spanish?). It holds up better as a visual experiment than as a biopic, despite the richness of Salma Hayeks performance. Filmmakers have long struggled to bring the lives of visual artists to the screen in dynamic, resonant ways. Some fail. When Frida does succeed, its largely due to its Oscar-nominated team of art director Felipe Fernandez del Paso and set decorator Hania Robledo. Their work doesnt simply represent the art of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, but interprets it. By transforming Kahlos paintings into the stuff of cinema, they directly engage with their meaning - or, rather, Taymors own interpretation of those meanings. The result is a film with a lot to say about materiality and identity, the value of brick and the value of life. We begin with Fridas bedridden journey to her first solo show in Mexico City. She is carried out of the house aloft, head resting on an embroidered pillow that reads Amor and Tesoro Mio. But then we see her through her eyes, as she looks up to the mirror into the canopy of her bed, the flowers reflected back at her. Over the course of the film we see her through countless mirrors, reflecting both her art and her life. The next comes after we have flashed back to her youth, as she slowly recovers from her 1925 bus accident. The mirrors themselves are never much to look at, usually bound by a plain wooden frame that quietly suggests those of her paintings. They follow Frida even away from her canvases - here she is at her wedding, precisely captured by the mirror on an armoire. This is an opinion column. Thanks, FunnyMaine. Thanks, Jermaine Johnson. You may not have had a plan, but you had a purpose. You shouted to the throng gathered on Sunday afternoon at Kelly Ingram Park, gathered to commit to eradicating injustice everywhere: What Im not gone tell you is Tear it down. Your words were not spontaneous. They were even slightly reckless. Yet they were heard. By many. By people who were as passionate about your purpose as you. By people working quieter channels to bring it down. By people, too, alas, who just wanted to swing a hammer. At something. You didnt have a plan. You just wanted to Tear it down. Now, its down. Finally. The 50-foot sandstone obelisk that was the centerpiece of the states disdain and disrespect for its largest cityand its black citizensis down, down, (almost) down. On Monday evening and well into Tuesday morning, it was meticulously deconstructed from the place on the border of Birminghams Linn Park. The highest three pieces were skillfully removed, respectfully cradled, laid onto a flatbed truck and whisked somewhere, presumably outside our citys limits. Only the stubborn base, its final remains, is left behind. It will soon to be extracted, too. Otherwise, its gone. Not without cost, though. The monument came down less than 24 hours after the city was rocked with mayhem, destruction, and injury (the aforementioned fire). Many small businesses, black-owned businesses, are in pain. Theyre sweeping up their passion and purpose when they should be striving to rise from three months in an economic wasteland. Two people, one of them my co-worker, are recovering from injuries after being attacked. Many others are recovering from the trauma of what they saw, their city on fire. Recovering from what they experienced. Protests turned violent overnight after demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama, in the wake of the death of Minnesotan George Floyd. He died when a police officer restrained him facedown with a knee on his neck for almost nine minutes. The events May 31 to June 1, 2020, in Birmingham prompted the city to enact an overnight curfew indefinitely. The city's mayor also promised arrests if unrest continues. Demonstrators tried to bring a Confederate memorial statue down in Linn Park and then did damage to businesses near the downtown park. There were more than two dozen fires reported. (Dez Wilson | DWilson@al.com)Dez Wilson | DWilson@al.com But there are costs we should not ignore. Costs we cannot ignore as voices for change, much-needed change, continue to be raised. Voices calling for change that often must be demanded. We need our voices, all of them, to be raised with passion and purposeeven if not always with a plan. We need them to be collaborative. We need them to be strategic. We need them to be thoughtful. We need them to be heard. Especially here, in the city where a collective chorus of voices was raised, voices not always in accord, and heard. Heard by segregationists in our city who for too long refused to hear. Heard by politicians in Washington, D.C. (sound familiar?) who for too long refused to listen. Heard until they could no longer be ignored. Heard until change happened. Here and across our nation. A voice was raised and heard on Sundayfor good, this time. Crews work to remove another piece of Birmingham's Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Monument, Monday, June 1, 2020, in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. (Tamika Moore/AL.com) (Tamika Moore/AL.com) More than a century ago, in 1894, the erection of the Soldiers & Sailors monument was a crowning event for the masses gathered there. Its disassembly, too, was crowningtaking place, as it did, on the same day our state commemorates a leader of that hateful time. And even though there were no masses to observe its departure. If a monument falls and few are there to see it, if a voice with purpose is raised, does it make a sound? Hell, yeah. Boom. A voice for whats right and wrong in Birmingham, Alabama (and beyond), Roys column appears in The Birmingham News and AL.com, as well as in the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register. Reach him at rjohnson@al.com and follow him at twitter.com/roysj Anusha Ravi By Express News Service BENGALURU: In a series of decisions approved by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Tuesday, water resources minister Ramesh Jarkiholi was appointed as district in-charge minister of Belagavi, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K Gopalaiah was made in-charge of Hassan. Athani MLA Mahesh Kumathalli- who lost out on a ministerial berth - was appointed as Chairman of Slum Development Board. The appointments come at a time the Chief Minister is facing massive dissent within the party whose epicentre is Belagavi. As if to counter the dissent in its epicentre, Yediyurappa- much to the dislike of Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi who is also from Belagavi- has appointed Ramesh Jarkiholi as in-charge minister. Yediyurappa's recent decisions, including the appointment of NR Santosh as his political secretary, is an attempt at damage control, according to those in the Chief Minister's inner circle. A day after he said he did not have the time for 'dissent' in the party, Yediyurappa with Jarkiholi and Kumathalli's appointments seems to have conveyed to the Kattis that holding him to ransom wasn't appreciated. "When those rebelling aren't willing to hold talks, the Chief Minister has no option but to convey to them that he will not give it to bullying. When he said he is busy containing coronavirus he didn't mean just the pandemic," said a source close to the Chief Minister highlighting Yediyurappa's attempt to tackle the dissidence among party MLAs. Considering Jarkiholi's huge voter base, money and muscle power, Yediyurappa hopes to convey to the rebels led by Umesh Katti that he has other generals in Belagavi region. His inner circle, however, is aware that the move as comes as a huge setback to Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi who the BJP is looking at as the next big Lingayat leader. Ramesh Jarkiholi, who already holds the plump water resources portfolio, is a happy man now with district in-charge responsibility of Belagavi as his man- Mahesh Kumathalli- is appointed Chairman to one of the most sought after boards. While he is cementing his position and gathering as many influencers as possible from the same region as the dissenters, Yediyurappa is also said to be patching up things between family members. "NR Santosh's appointment is Yediyurappa's attempt at ending the bad-blood growing between his son Vijayendra and Santosh- his grandnephew. Santosh was part of the rebel group in 2019 when Yediyurappa appointed cabinet ministers. Now the differences were only growing between members of his family and he has attempted to control that damage," said a source from Yediyurappa's inner circle. Taliban Officials Deny Report That Top Leader Died From Coronavirus By RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan June 02, 2020 Taliban officials have denied a report that its leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, died after contracting the coronavirus. Foreign Policy magazine, citing unnamed Taliban officials, reported on June 1 that Mullah Akhundzada contracted COVID-19 and possibly died while receiving treatment abroad. Foreign Policy quoted Mawlawi Mohammad Ali Jan Ahmad, a senior Taliban military official, as saying that Mullah Akhundzada was "sick" after contracting the virus but was "recovering." But three other Taliban figures in the Pakistani city of Quetta, where the Taliban leadership is believed to be based, told Foreign Policy on condition of anonymity that they believed Akhunzada had died of the illness. Foreign Policy said the coronavirus has stricken a number of senior Taliban leaders in Quetta and in Qatar, where the militant group has a political office. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid on June 2 denied that Mullah Akhundzada or any other senior leaders had contracted the disease or died. In a tweet, Mujahid accused Foreign Policy of spreading "propaganda" and said Mullah Akhundzada was well and "busy with his daily activities." Sayed Mohammad Akbar Agha, a former Taliban military commander who lives in the Afghan capital, Kabul, told RFE/RL that the report of Mullah Akhundzada's death was "untrue." But a Taliban official in Quetta told RFE/RL that he could neither confirm nor deny the leader's death. Mullah Akhundzada took over leadership of the Taliban after his predecessor, Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansur, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan in May 2016. The reclusive leader is a former Taliban chief justice and heads the militant group's religious council. An Islamic scholar, he is said to have strong religious credentials, and has been responsible for issuing fatwas, or Islamic decrees, to justify military and terrorist operations. Taliban officials told Foreign Policy that Mullah Akhundzada had not been seen for the past three months and had not made any voice recordings. Some Taliban sources in Quetta told Foreign Policy that Mullah Akhunzada went to Russia for treatment. Foreign Policy reported that many of the Taliban's senior leaders in Quetta had caught COVID-19, including Mullah Akhunzada's deputy, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the leader of the Haqqani network. The network, a Taliban faction, is believed to have been behind some of the deadliest attacks on Afghan and international forces and civilians in Afghanistan. With the top two leaders out of action, Foreign Policy reported that the Taliban was now being run by Mullah Mohammad Yuqub, the eldest son of the Taliban's founder and spiritual leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar. Mullah Omar's death was revealed in 2015, more than two years after he had died in Pakistan. Mullah Yuqub is a graduate of a seminary in the Pakistani port city of Karachi. Believed to be in his early 30s, he is said to have the backing of a considerable number of field commanders and the Taliban's rank-and-file. Experts say that Mullah Yuqub supports the U.S.-Taliban agreement signed in February that is aimed at negotiating an end to the 18-year Taliban insurgency. It is unclear how a possible change in the Taliban leadership would affect that deal, which calls for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan in exchange for counterterrorism guarantees from the Taliban, which is committed to negotiating a permanent cease-fire and a power-sharing arrangement with the Kabul government. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/taliban-officials -deny-report-that-top-leader-died- from-coronavirus/30648768.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 By Kim Bo-eun gettyimagesbank Bloomberg photo by Angus Mordant. Oil erased gains as the OPEC+ meeting was put in doubt over cheating by some nations on their output-cuts deal. The producer group won't hold an early meeting on June 4, and a scheduled gathering next week was also threatened, unless all nations first agree to cut output by as much as they promised, according to people familiar with the negotiations. The alliance had been expected to prolong their record cutbacks instead of easing them next month. The team created a conceptual model that takes into account the response of springs to drying events and what investigations researchers must do to identify and classify a spring's potential to be a refuge A Northern Arizona University professor co-authored a paper on the importance of springs in a drying climate that is in the inaugural climate change refugia special edition of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. The issue focuses on refugia, which refers to areas that are relatively buffered from current climate change and shelter valued wildlife, ecosystems and other natural resources. Abe Springer, a professor of hydrogeology and ecohydrology in the School of Earth and Sustainability whose research focuses on springs and aquifer health, collaborated on "Oases of the future? Springs as potential hydrological refugia in drying climates." The collaborators, which included the U.S. Geological Survey, Rocky Mountain Research Station, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Nature Conservancy, Sky Island Alliance, Hampshire College, the Museum of Northern Arizona and National Park Service and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, reviewed relevant published studies on the role of springs as refuges to support plants and animals in drying climates. They created a conceptual model that takes into account the response of springs to drying events and what investigations researchers must do to identify and classify a spring's potential to be a refuge. Springer contributed results and implications on springs as refugia from his research group's springs ecohydrology research with the Springs Stewardship Institute at the Museum of Northern Arizona. His role in developing a geomorphological-based classification system for springs ecosystems helped the team characterize and prioritize different types of refugia. The results, while not surprising, do serve as a call to action to researchers and citizen scientists alike. Springs have served as refuges for some species through previous climatic changes, and that's likely to become even more true in the future. However, scientists still can't say with certainty what effects a drying climate can have on these delicate ecosystems. "Springs importance of refugia may increase with future predicted drying in such places as the southwestern United States," Springer said. "Inventories of the richness and diversity of life at springs are still too limited to provide adequate knowledge of their response to drying events." They can, however, make some educated guesses with the available data. Springer said springs serve as wet refuges for certain plants and animals; these refuges are fed by groundwater stored in large aquifers, which can offset the drying events somewhat, offering a long-term buffer to such short-term, climate-influenced events. But as aquifers dry up from human pumping, springs are at risk of drying up, affecting entire ecosystems and even putting species at risk of extinction. These risks are what led to the special edition of the journal, edited by Toni Lyn Morelli, a research ecologist at the USGS's Northeast Climate Adaptation Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Morelli said she hoped bringing the issue of refugia to the fore would spur action and innovation among researchers and conservationists. Northern Arizona, already an arid climate, is at particular risk as climate change leads to even more drying. Springer has studied aquifers and springs in this region for years, including how the Grand Canyon gets its water (perhaps counterintuitively, it's not from the Colorado River), and has previously assessed the condition and risk of 200 springs in the Coconino and Kaibab national forests. This research led to conservation priorities among these springs, which forest managers have implemented. They include a range of various springs geomorphology to include the range of necessary refugia. "All climatic and human-induced changes to hydrologic systems influence the aquifers that supply waters to springs," Springer said. "Our regional studies about the hydrological influences of forest management is important for sustaining processes to buffer groundwater storage from drying climate." ### A total of 4,407 have been relocated from the coastal resort town of Alibag around 9 nautical miles or 90 km by road from Mumbai where cyclone Nisarga is expected to make landfall just south of it between 1 pm and 4 pm. Nisarga, classified as a severe cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall at a wind speed of 100-110 kmph, with a gusting speed of 120 kmph. The Indian Institute of Oceanic Studies has also warned of storm surges that may result in inundation in low-lying areas along the coastline. However, a survey of coastal villages by this reporter showed that many people had still not left their homes despite a warning by district authorities. HT spoke to residents of three fishing villages, Siddharth Nagar, Shastri Nagar and Alibag Koliwada, who were still at home on Wednesday morning. Local police was spotted going door-to-door, telling people to evacuate as rain and wind speed intensified marginally around 9.30 am. It has been raining since yesterday. We have to complete all our household chores before leaving. We will evacuate soon, Kamla Perekar, a fisherwoman from Alibag Koliwada, told this reporter. Girish Hirlekar, a resident of Shastri Nagar village said, We were informed about being evacuated at 8 am by the local police. It will take us sometime to leave our houses. [I am worried that we will be leaving our homes] unattended during the cyclone. Alibag on Wednesday has recorded 33 mm rain between 5.30 am and 9.30 am while Raigad district, which comprises 17 talukas, recorded 285 mm rain in the same time frame. Residents have been evacuated from other coastal districts too as of Wednesday 10 am, relocation of at least 2,553 people from Shrivardhan, 2,407 from Murud, 1,512 from Uran, 239 from Mhasala, 87 from Pen, and 55 form Panvel has taken place. People have been relocated to rest houses, schools, and government buildings for Wednesday and Thursday. From Alibag, they are mostly residents of fishing villages relocated to schools, and everyone will be allowed to return to their homes once we are told that there is no impending danger from the cyclone, said Manoj Sanap, district information officer of Raigad district, in which Alibag falls. He added that they had been informed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) that Cyclone Nisarga is likely to make landfall close to Alibag around 3 pm. There are seven teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in the district including two teams in Alibag, he said. Until Wednesday morning, 20 National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams were deployed in Maharashtra: eight in Mumbai, five in Raigad, two each in Thane, Palghar and Ratnagiri, and one in Sindhudurg district. Each team has up to 45 jawans equipped with tree and pole cutting machines, communication gadgets, inflatable boats, first-aid kits, basic medicines and a rescuer-Covid kit, which includes a hand-wash, soap, gloves, face masks and face shields. There are more than 40 teams across the western coast, as Gujarat also prepared for the cyclones impact. Close to 100,000 people have been evacuated from the coastal areas of Maharashtra until Wednesday morning state government and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) authorities have said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Philippines has suspended the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US, announced Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on June 2. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (Photo: VNA) Locsin posted on his Twitter account that the abrogation of the agreement has been suspended upon the President Rodrigo Duterte's instruction, owing to "political and other developments in the region." The VFA provides a legal framework for the presence of US troops in the Philippines and joint military exercises. On February 11, the Philippines said it sent a notice to the US that it would abrogate the decades-old military deal. The termination is set to take effect after 180 days without approval of the US./.VNA DALLAS, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacobs (NYSE:J), the managing partner for Jacobs/Russell Team a joint venture between Jacobs and H. J. Russell & Company was selected to support the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) as they embark on a $3 billion expansion program, the largest expansion in MARTA's history. The Jacobs-led team will serve as MARTA's CPMO Supplemental Services Consultant and manage approximately $700 million in construction spending in the first five years of the Authority's "More MARTA Atlanta" expansion project. "For more than 40 years, the City of Atlanta and Clayton, DeKalb and Fulton counties have invested in transit in the Atlanta region," said Jacobs People & Places Solutions Senior Vice President and Regional Director Tom Meinhart. "This contract symbolizes a renewed commitment to that investment and is an historic win, not only for the joint venture team, but for the Atlanta region." The Jacobs/Russell Team will be responsible for the standardization of project management processes and will handle quality assurance and project resources, including planning, monitoring and performance measurements. MARTA general manager and CEO Jeffrey Parker explains, "The centralized project management model lends itself to efficiency because it provides a singular focus that's imperative with an initiative the size and scope of 'More MARTA Atlanta.' With the expertise and vision the Jacobs/Russell Team brings, we are confident that this historic expansion will be delivered efficiently and will make sense in the local and regional context." It is anticipated that the project will create more than 6,000 jobs and employ 15 subcontractors, 13 of which are either minority-owned, women-owned or small business enterprises. About Jacobs At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With $13 billion in revenue and a talent force of more than 55,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector. Visit jacobs.com and connect with Jacobs on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. About H. J. Russell & Company Founded in 1952, H. J. Russell & Company is one of the largest minority-owned real estate development and construction services firms in the United States. A multi-faceted organization providing integrated solutions and an exceptional customer experience, Russell has developed, designed/built, renovated and managed some of the nation's most complex and high-profile projects involving multiple stakeholders and requiring exceptional diplomacy and skill. Visit Russell online at hjrussell.com and follow us on social media via LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided by the same. Statements made in this release that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on management's current estimates and expectations as well as currently available competitive, financial and economic data. Forward-looking statements, however, are inherently uncertain. There are a variety of factors that could cause business results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related reaction of governments on global and regional market conditions and the company's business. For a description of some additional factors that may occur that could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 27, 2019, and in particular the discussions contained under Item 1 - Business; Item 1A - Risk Factors; Item 3 - Legal Proceedings; and Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as well as the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company is not under any duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform to actual results, except as required by applicable law. For press/media inquiries: Kerrie Sparks 214.583.8433 SOURCE Jacobs Related Links http://www.jacobs.com UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged world leaders to invest in social cohesion, expressing sadness over the riots in the US after the death of an African-American man in Minneapolis. "I am heartbroken to see violence on the streets in our host country and our host city of New York," Guterres said in a tweet on Tuesday. Protests in New York and the US intensified as thousands of demonstrators took to the streets demanding an end to police brutality after 46-year old George Floyd was killed last week when a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly ... The number of test for detection of Covid-19 crossed the 4 million mark on Wednesday morning, the Union Health Ministry said as the coronavirus cases shot up to over 200,000 in the country. A total of 41,03,233 samples have been tested as of 9 AM on June 3, with1,37,158tests being conducted in the last 24 hours since 9 AM on Tuesday, officials of the Indian Council of Medical Research said. 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 Four more COVID-19 patients given all clear Four more COVID-19 patients were given the all-clear on June 3, the treatment section under the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control said. The patients, who were treated at the Thai Binh General Hospital, are in stable health condition without fever, cough or breathing difficulties. They will continue staying in quarantine for health monitoring for the next 14 days. Now the number of recovered COVID-19 patients in Vietnam has risen to 302 out of the total 328 cases. The country has gone through 48th straight day since April 16 morning without locally-infected cases in the country. Up to 188 of the 328 confirmed infections so far were imported and quarantined upon their arrival. High-speed cruise Tuan Chau Express has began official operations along the Halong-Co To route in Quang Ninh province VND200 billion ($8.7 million) injection Quang Ninh has officially reopened intermunicipal transportation as well as commercial and tourism activities, and less than half a month later (May 14), the Peoples Committee of Quang Ninh has organised its 17th meeting, focusing on stimulus plans for the provinces tourism for the year 2020. Among the municipalities with strong tourism sectors, Quang Ninh is the first to hold a Peoples Committee meeting to discuss revitalising its tourism sector, said Nguyen Thi Truc, director of the Quang Ninh branch of Vietravel and vice president of Quang Ninhs Tourism Demand Stimulus Association. According to estimates, the tourism stimulus plans would cost the provinces budget about VND200 billion ($8.7 million) in the from of tax reductions and exemptions as well as other fee reductions for local tourism companies. Specifically, the province has completely foregone entrance fees to Ha Long Bays tourist attractions (not applicable for overnight tickets), Quang Ninh Museum, and Yen Tu Mountain from May 14, 2020 until June 1, 2020, along with 2020s public holidays. Moreover, for the remainder of June and July, these entrance fees are also reduced by half, not applicable for overnight tickets. The province has also subsidised bus tickets from Van Don International Airport to Doc Do (Phuong Dong ward, Uong Bi city) and back. Speaking about the stimulus plans, Nguyen Thi Bao, president of the Quang Ninh Tourism Association, has stated that in light of the tremendous budgetary losses the province has suffered due to the tourism sector almost entirely freezing over in the first four months of the year, this is a huge effort from the authorities, and the tourism association and its members should seize this chance with both hands to build up appropriate products so that Quang Ninh can attract more visitors, especially locals, for the remainder of the summer. Speaking about the products developed by Quang Ninhs tourism demand stimulus alliance, which was formed on May 13, 2020, Truc Nguyen stated that there have been more than 100 companies in the transport, accommodation, and hospitality sectors who committed to reducing prices and service fees. The main products are two-night tours with free pick-up to and from the airport, city-round tours for visitors already in Ha Long, and complete tour packages with transportation service to and from places of residence. "The actions of Quang Ninhs management to provide cuts and exemptions from tax and other fees at local tourism attractions are like a vaccine to help businesses improve their immunity." Nguyen Chi Thanh Chairman, Sun Group Northeast Branch Pham Ngoc Thuy, president of Quang Ninh Department of Tourism, commented: The department is also planning to organise tourism demand stimulus activities in Nha Trang, Danang, and Dak Lak at the beginning of June. Depending on the situation, the department might expand the scope of these initiatives to international markets such as China, Northeast Asia, and ASEAN countries within this year. Talking for business members of the provinces Tourism Demand Stimulus Association, Nguyen Chi Thanh, chairman of the northeast branch of Sun Group a leader in the hospitality industry said that the tourism sector would not be able to recover immediately from the huge impacts of the COVID-19. He likened the actions of Quang Ninhs management to provide cuts and exemptions from tax and other fees at local tourism attractions to a vaccine to help businesses improve their immunity. These are the necessary actions, he claimed, to attract domestic visitors to Quang Ninh once the pandemic has been contained and to welcome international tourists still in 2020. Vital unity and proactivity According to Pham Hoan, CEO of Sealife, after Quang Ninh resumed transportation and tourism activities at the beginning of May, several businesses in the cruise and accommodation sectors have reduced prices by up to 70 per cent, even for overnight cruises. Several five-star cruises have launched hourly tours during the days as well. Speaking of this, Pham Ngoc Thuy from Quang Ninh Department of Tourism commented that this was a sign of a lack of unity among the companies who failed to come up with a baseline to maintain the profitability of their operations while also maintaining high service quality. The consequences of this might be severe as a reduction in service quality could result in unequal competitionwhich will cause chaos in the tourism market. Additionally, some companies might increase their prices for add-on services after they have managed to attract visitors to Quang Ninh to make up for the loss. According to Pham Hoan, her companys cruises have offered 15 different discounts for locals visitors. The majority of passengers are regular passengers who demand very high service quality, therefore the company cannot afford to reduce their prices anymore while maintaining the expected standards. This is exactly the reason why Department of Tourism has called for the formation of the Tourism Demand Stimulus Associationto stabilise business operations of province-based companies in a fair and profitable market while at the same time providing good service for visitors. Regarding the operation of the alliance, Nguyen Thi Truc from Vietravels Quang Ninh province branch has stated that when tailoring products for stimulus plans, the alliance could not involve all businesses offering similar products. Instead, the alliance should select businesses with the best service quality to ensure good impression for the image and reputation of Quang Ninhs tourism. Companies in the same sector and offering similar products should commit to maintain prices, with their portfolio shared with other tourism companies to co-operate and build appropriate tours. In order for the alliance to operate effectively, it is essential for businesses to be proactive and responsible. The authority has created an opportunity for businesses, now the ball is in their court to make it work," said Thuy. Le Trong Thanh, vice director of Tung Lam Development Company which stands to benefit from the stimulus plans, has confirmed that the number of visitors has increased gradually since the beginning of May and the pace has been far more rapid since May 14, when Quang Ninh reduced entrance fees to Yen Tu Mountain and Halong Bay. Besides, during the weekend, Legacy Yen Tu deluxe resort has an occupancy rate of about 90 per cent. The resort has also halved the room prices from Monday through Thursday, and also reduced the price for all cable rides from VND350,000 ($15.2) to VND250,000 ($10.8) until the end of August. Several cultural, sports, and tourism events in different regions of Quang Ninh have been greenlit to be held between May and October. With more than 70 events, Quang Ninh would charm many visitors in post-pandemic time. Boris Johnson Getty Boris Johnson reportedly told the Italian prime minister in March that the UK was aiming for herd immunity, according to a new documentary. Pierpaolo Sileri, a health minister in Giuseppe Conte's Italian government, told Channel 4's Dispatches that UK Prime Minister Johnson informed Conte of his plan during a phone call on March 13. Sileri said: "I remember he said, 'He told me that he wants herd immunity'." Downing Street have denied that herd immunity was ever UK government policy. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Boris Johnson told the Italian prime minister in March that the UK was aiming for "herd immunity" to the coronavirus, according to a new documentary. Herd immunity is the theory that populations can develop natural protection to a virus once more than 60% of the population has caught it. Johnson's government has previously denied multiple reports that his government initially pursued this strategy of allowing the virus to pass through the UK population in order to achieve herd immunity. However, Italian health minister Pierpaolo Sileri, told Channel 4's Dispatches that the UK prime minister informed Giuseppe Conte of his plan during a phone call on Monday, March 13. Sileri told the programme: "I remember it perfectly because it was the same weekend that I discovered I had COVID. "I spoke with Conte to tell [him] that I'd tested positive. And he told me that he'd spoken with Boris Johnson and that they'd also talked about the situation in Italy. "I remember he said, 'He told me that he wants herd immunity'." "I remember that after hanging up, I said to myself that I hope Boris Johnson goes for a lockdown." At this point in the pandemic, the UK government had dismissed the imposition of lockdowns in other countries, such as Italy, as being "populist" measures which were not based on the scientific evidence. Story continues Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser to the UK government, on March 13 said he believed the UK would be able to achieve herd immunity the theory that it would be harder for the coronavirus to spread in the future once it had affected a majority of the British population. However, medical experts reportedly warned Johnson's government early in the pandemic that a policy of attempting to achieve herd immunity risked killing hundreds of thousands of people. Johnson's government did eventually choose to impose a lockdown, after receiving scientific advice that the UK risked hundreds of thousands of deaths without imposing the restrictions. A Downing Street spokesperson has denied that the UK had ever sought herd immunity. 'The Government has been very clear that herd immunity has never been our policy or goal," they said. UK government adviser says Johnson did not take the coronavirus outbreak seriously Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Reuters/Remo Casilli In the same episode of Dispatches, which will be aired on Wednesday evening, a scientist who sits on the group of experts advising Johnson's government, SAGE, said that he and other scientists in early-March were worried that the UK government was not taking the risk of the virus seriously enough as it spread across the planet. "We already knew that this virus was going to cause an awful lot of death and disability and would require an awful lot of NHS resources," Professor Graham Medley told the programme. "So it was with some dismay that we were watching senior politicians behaving in a way that suggested that this was not something that was too serious." On Tuesday, March 3, Prime Minister Johnson told the government's daily press conference that he had been shaking people's hands "continuously," and was filmed shaking hands with notable people in the days which followed. However, on the same day and hours before that press conference, scientists advising Johnson's government agreed that the prime minister and other ministers "should advise against greetings such as shaking hands." Read the original article on Business Insider Fort Bend Memorial Planning Center on Tuesday announced details regarding a memorial service and celebration of life honoring George Floyd. On Monday, June 8, a public memorial will be held from 12 to 6 p.m. at The Fountain of Praise Church at 13950 Hillcroft Ave. Happening Tuesday: Trae Tha Truth, Bun B to join Floyd family march to City Hall A private service at an undisclosed location is slotted for the following day, June 9, at 11 a.m., after a June 4 memorial in Minneapolis, where Floyd died in police custody last week, and a June 6 memorial service in North Carolina, where he was born. All expenses for the funeral services are being handled by former professional boxer Floyd Mayweather, according to the release. Due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, organizers are requesting that guests practice social distancing, and wear a mask and gloves. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man whose death in Minneapolis police custody last week was captured in a video, grew up in the Third Ward and graduated from Yates High School in 1993. Floyd died after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as he pleaded for air. The incident has sparked outrage and protests across the globe. Derek Chauvin, the officer, was fired and faces charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter. The family is accepting floral arrangements, which should be sent to Fort Bend Memorial Planning Center at 15006 Hwy 6, Rosharon, 77583. Ive been going to protests since the Vietnam War. In the early days I sometimes marched, but usually I reported. Thats been my job in the Rocket City for more than 40 years, and I dont know of a better job or a more welcoming, progressive Southern city to do it in. Its not perfect. Ive seen racism, crooked sheriffs and rule by oligarchs I once called the Lords of Twickenham for the historic district where many lived. But I do not recall tear gas fired at protesters here. Ive dodged it in several states on assignment, but never here. Monday night, however, police used gas to end a downtown protest that went on several hours after its permit expired. Earlier, those police were barely visible as a racially mixed crowd of more than 1,000 men and women carried signs of pain and sometimes wit through downtown streets. I cant breathe, more than one read, echoing some of George Floyds last words as he died under a Minneapolis policemans knee. Its so bad even introverts are here read another. Say his name! people shouted, and Floyds name was shouted back. Police largely stayed back as the main crowd dissipated. But the protesters who remained were more confrontational, and officers in growing numbers appeared in body armor, boots and helmets. A growing line of police and deputies on a courthouse terrace seemed to be trying to look like hard men you didnt challenge. A hundred or so protesters crowded the stairs below that terrace and just beside the Confederate memorial like so many in front of Southern courthouses. Our memorial is half hidden by a magnolia tree that will finish the job in a few years if the statue isnt gone by then. It needs to be gone. Police ordered the crowd to leave and started backing them off the square. I had a good view of what happened then when police threw canisters on the street in front of dozens of people facing a police line. I was on the balcony of AL.coms Huntsvilles office as a smoke bomb came first and then the gas. I inhaled enough to hope I never do again. Theyre saying now it was the light beer of tear gas, but thats even scarier to contemplate. Were the police right? They might not have done it if looters hadnt trashed storefronts in Birmingham on Sunday night. Police leaders came close to saying just that Tuesday when they told reporters they were worried about what would happen after dark if they let protesters remain downtown, given what had happened in other cities the night before. I understood that. Some of us followed the remainder of the crowd north on Jefferson Street to the intersection of Clinton Avenue where they stopped in front of a flower and gift store and yelled at police. I stood there hoping that beautiful display window would survive. To be clear, I saw no sign the protesters were thinking about breaking it, but the police took no chances. They moved them again with a chemical stream from a can in a sergeants hand. I also know other protesters ran through the Bridge Street shopping center Monday night tossing trash cans. Police told a business owner that some tried to get into stores. But heres the thing about what seems like a good read on the moment. Sometimes, you get it wrong. The last time I was doused in irritants, for example, was at a political convention - a Democratic convention - in Los Angeles. It was my night to cover the protests outside the hall, and I was jammed inside a temporary chain-link stockade designed to keep press and protesters from roaming the streets. Maybe from breaking windows. We were sprayed, and mounted police pushed us against that fence and held us there with their horses bodies. I wrote an indignant column the following day saying, basically, how dare they? How dare they use horses to push humans against a wall? People couldve been stomped. Much later, I learned those horses are trained to hold people safely against a barrier to keep them from throwing objects and, ironically, to keep them safe. The day after the protest and the tear gas, Huntsville police faced the possibility they hadnt seen clearly, either. They thought the gas was a better option than putting their hands on a small crowd of young people, but they used a substance with huge symbolic power. They won a battle, but a bigger one could be coming. Some police are reportedly worried now that news of the gas will bring even more people to the city to protest. What then? I know how a night can be misread like that. And just like the spray and clouds of gas, it can sting. Telrad Networks, a global provider of innovative LTE telecom solutions, has reported a $1.5 million profit in Q1 2020. The company's revenue for the first quarter of 2020 was $40.8 million, representing a 42.4% increase compared to the same quarter last year ($28.6 million). Organic growth of Telrad's revenue reached $3.5 millionan improvement of 12.2% by the same year-over-year metric. Gross profit in Q1 2020 rose nearly 65% to more than $6 million (14.9% of revenue) compared to about $3.7 million (12.9% of revenue) in Q1 2019. "After a long period of dealing with challenges in the company's business operations, we are opening the year 2020 with a return to growth and profitability. These encouraging quarterly results reflect the first fruits of our implementation of a refreshed business strategy alongside the turnaround plan we realized over the past year." said Moti Elmaliach, CEO of Telrad Networks. About Telrad Networks Telrad Networks is a global provider of innovative LTE telecom solutions, boasting over 300 4G deployments in 100 countries. Telrad stands at the forefront of the technology evolution with TD-LTE solutions and a path to 5G in the sub-6 GHz market. Since 1951, the company has been a recognized pioneer in the telecom industry, facilitating the connectivity needs of millions of end-users through operators, ISPs and enterprises around the world. (http://www.telrad.com) Taryn Sipperly Director of Marketing Telrad (844) TELRAD | Taryn.Sipperly@telrad.com The government should strip British Airways of its slots at Heathrow, a senior Tory MP has said. BA plans to make up to 12,000 of its 42,000 staff redundant, and to change the employment conditions of those who keep their jobs. It blames the collapse of demand created by the coronavirus pandemic. Huw Merriman, the Tory MP who chairs the Transport Select Committee, described the airlines behaviour as ethically outrageous. He described BA as using this pandemic as a justification to slash jobs and employment terms. Mr Merriman said: British Airways is the only airline who is sacking its entire 42,000 workforce and replacing it with 30,000 jobs on inferior terms. BA have tried this before but its workforce resisted. Its ethically outrageous our national flag carrier is doing this at the time when the nation is at its weakest. Will the Department [for Transport] ask the Civil Aviation Authority to undertake a review into reallocating lucrative landing slots at Heathrow from companies like British Airways? He echoed an earlier demand from Len McCluskey, general secretary of the Unite union, which represents British Airways cabin crew. He told BBC News Channel that IAG BAs parent company had treated staff at its sister airline, Iberia, less harshly. Spanish workers are not being treated in any way like British workers. This is outrageous." The aviation minister, Kelly Tolhurst, told MPs: Government is legally prevented from intervening in the slot-allocation process. Recommended British Airways boss scathing about quarantine move She also said that: Shareholders and employers should consider their responsibilities. Claudia Webbe, Labour MP for Leicester East, called BA immoral, opportunistic and greedy. A spokesperson for British Airways said: We are acting now to protect as many jobs possible. The airline industry is facing the deepest structural change in its history, as well as facing a severely weakened global economy. We call on Unite and GMB to consult with us on our proposals as our pilot union, Balpa, is doing. Working together we can protect more jobs as we prepare for a new future. British Airways is offering passengers booked to fly back to the UK after quarantine begins on 8 June the chance to travel home early. HAMDEN Imam Saladin Hasan wants to change the narrative, to make it one of unity. About 50 marchers traveled roughly four miles from their mosque, the Abdul-Majid Karim Hasan Islamic Center, to the town hall, side-by-side with about a dozen uniformed Hamden police officers. They called for further dialogue after the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police late last month. Floyds death has sparked protests across cities and towns, as yet another unarmed black man was killed by police officers after years of demands from national groups such as Black Lives Matter. The imam said he wants to present a peaceful, unified message, where police are part of a respectful and functioning community. Were want to walk and talk in community, to see if we can hold one another accountable, Hasan said. Hasan said marchers were making a respectful demand for police departments to begin holding themselves accountable. Organizer Remidy Shareef said his vision for the march was to walk for unity. Where he contrasts with his imam, though, is that he said he is starting to lose some patience. This is the last chance were going to give America to give us the respect we deserve, he said. We need policing, but policing with humanity, not supremacy. Hamden Police Chief John Cappiello, who walked at the front of the march, said he felt the actions of the officers in Minneapolis was an absolute disgrace. He said any officer who acts that way either by kneeling on a detained mans neck as he pleads for breath, or by standing by and watching it happen should turn in their badge. Hamdens police department drew sharp criticism from community members in and around the town in 2019 after officer Devin Eaton traveled into New Haven during an investigation into what was then an alleged armed robbery and fired 13 bullets in the direction of Paul Witherspoon and Stephanie Washington, passengers of a car that was stopped by Eaton and a Yale University officer. Witherspoon and Washington were unarmed; Washington was struck by gunfire and required abdominal surgery for serious injuries. The report of the robbery was later retracted. Activists in New Haven against police brutality placed pressure on New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker on Sunday to advance a memorandum of understanding dictating clearer rules around when Hamden and New Haven officers are allowed to cross municipal lines something Elicker said has been delayed because of the pandemic. Im not going to get into details, said Cappiello when asked about that MOU during Tuesdays march. We have ongoing dialogue with New Haven. Hamden Mayor Curt Leng, who was part of the march, echoed Elicker on the issue in saying the coronavirus pandemic has stalled talks on the MOU. Theres times we want New Haven police to come into Hamden, he said. Upon reaching the steps of Town Hall, Hasan began spelling out his narrative. We do not support destruction, he said. We have no control of our households. Our children do not respect us. He said the children must know their parents, which is more of a generational relationship than a genetic one. We all come from one parental situation, he said. Lets get to know each other again. Hasan said city streets are burning because of an inability to listen to forefathers, who set the framework for peaceful protest. He said officers cannot be held accountable for the actions of one bad officer, unless they stand by without holding themselves accountable. Once more, Shareef said he agreed with most of what his imam said, but not all. We do not want to cause harm or a loss of life to anyone, he said. But you back people into a corner for 400 years, this is what it can come to. Fire is not only a punishment, its also a cleansing. Couldnt America use a cleaning? he said. Shareef mentioned the deaths of Floyd, Sandra Bland, Trayvon Martin and Breonna Taylor, all unarmed black people who died this decade. Enough is enough of the marching, he said. From this day forward, if any of our people are victims of police brutality, there will be no peace if we all cant have peace. He said it applied even more to the state of Connecticut and Greater New Haven. You have to show us you are a good cop. Dont tell us, show us, he said. Cappiello addressed the crowd of marchers, expressing a desire to move forward with community members. The community is going to need us, and we need them more, he said. Were here to listen, were here to talk, were here to walk. Hamden is one. Cappiello said the march was a small step in a long, long journey. Leng said he believed the officers showed up because they care and want to be a part of the community. We need to be together. We need each other, he said. Some speakers spoke candidly about their fear and mistrust of police. Ive become desensitized, said Abdul Hafeez, who said he has seen previous protests against police brutality pushed under the rug. And Porsche Edmundson, who joined the event midway, said she does not feel safe or comfortable with police. She pointed further down the road from town hall, saying Hamden police stopped her and she felt harassed. Edmundson said she believes in continued dialogue, so long as the dialogue ends with actual change. How many more dead people do we need to have? she said. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com As France progessively eases lockdown measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, one of the sectors keen to get back to business is film and television. To keep in line with new hygiene measures and social distancing on the sets, some projects may have to make changes to scripts and locations. The film Eiffel, with Romain Duris and Emma Mackey, is a case in point. The two lead actors will take up their roles and continue filming on Thursday in what is expected to be one of this year's biggest budgets for a French movie at 23.4 million euros. Directed by Martin Bourboulon, Eiffel is a romantic comedy about how Gustave Eiffel designed the now-famous tower for the Universal Exhibition of Paris in 1889. The team had already shot most of the scenes at the end of 2019, well before the Covid-19 pandemic was declared. "Luckily we did our crowd scenes and love scenes before the confinement, because now we wouldn't have been able to," producer Vanessa Van Zuylen told the Journal du Dimanche newspaper. Some scenes have had to be re-written since the lockdown to limit the number of people on set to no more than 50. All technicians on set will have to wear protective masks and gowns, an ultraviolet light machine will clean equipment after filming, and a nurse will be on hand to make sure all the hygiene measures are respected. "We are going to film a restaurant scene, and there needs to be 1.5 metres between actors. But that's what upper class dinners were like back in the 19th century," explained Van Zuylen. 50 million euros in aid Around 80 different film projects were underway in the Paris area when the lockdown came into force on 17 March. These projects have now been given the green light to resume, provided they apply health and safety guidelines adapted to the prevention of Covid-19. The French film industry has already begun to receive compensation guaranteed by the National Cinema Centre (CNC) and there will be around 50 million euros in further financial support from the government. Michel Gomez, in charge of authorising film sets on behalf of the town hall in Paris, says dozens of projects suspended during lockdown will restart in June. The business brought in some 2 million euros for the city in 2019. One of the films in question is the historical drama Adieu Monsieur Haffman directed by Fred Cavaye. The crew spent the last week of May preparing the set, which included repainting walls of two streets in Montmartre. The team has been reduced from 50 to 25 technicians and some scenes have been re-written to avoid too many extras. One scene featuring a cabaret was cut completely. The new health and hygiene guidelines range from regularly disinfecting sets and equipment, staff wearing masks, individual meals as opposed to a canteen, marking on the ground to establish distances between technicians and members of the public if the shoot is outside. To kiss or not to kiss? At first the regulatory body wanted to ban kissing on set. But this rule was overturned by directors and producers. However, insurance companies do not appear willing to cover Covid-19 as part of their risk packages, said Hugo Rubini, a consultant for film directors on the matter, explaining why the temporary relief fund was quickly set up by the CNC. "It's terrible to see good films not made because of fear," he added. Meanwhile, some 2,046 French cinemas are hoping to re-open to the public as of the 22 June, with strict hygiene measures in place, which may involve a reduced capacity for seating. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Uzbekistan increased by 107 to 3769, Trend reports on June 3 with reference to the Ministry of Health. To date, 2,908 patients have fully recovered in the country, 15 have died. Uzbekistan has 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 and Surkhandarya regions. Today, in Kitab district of Kashkadarya region (previously - "green" zone), the quarantine regime has been tightened. Earlier, Navoi region was transferred from "green" zone to the "red" zone. Moreover, Jizzakh and Surkhandarya regions were declared free from COVID-19. A kindhearted man is giving free vegetables to motorists who pass by his house in the Philippines in an effort to help those affected by the coronavirus economic downturn. Footage taken on May 16 shows Gary Bacos, 45, in a makeshift tent he set up in front of his house handing the vegetables to motorists and pedestrian passing by. He said: "I think it is better to give vegetables than canned goods because we need to be healthy during the pandemic." Gary, who works as a village official at Imus, Cavite, bought the vegetables from the local farmers who were having a hard time transporting and selling their goods. He added: "I bought bulk vegetables to the farmers here for me to help them as well. So it is a win-win situation. ''However, those I am giving them our excess to the one I gave to my constituents. I want to help everyone not only my constituents but also people that need my help.'' Union Petroleum and steel minister Dharmendra Pradhan spoke to Rajeev Jayaswal about the challenge of delivering cooking gas cylinders to 274 million consumers during the lockdown period, the impact of the rise and fall in crude oil prices, the push for energy security, new supply contracts with the US and Russia, and the role public and private players in the oil sector, among other issues. Edited excerpts: Soon after the national lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19 began, the government announced that it would give free cooking gas cylinders to poor households for three months. What is the progress? The government has proposed to give free refills for PMUY (Prime Minister Ujjwala Yojana) consumers for a period of three months with financial assistance of 13,500 crore. The scheme has been operational since April 1. As on May 31, 8,494 crore have been transferred to the bank account of beneficiaries though DBT (direct benefit transfer). And the beneficiaries have availed the delivery of 852.49 lakh (over 85 million) cylinders under the PM Gareeb Kalyan Yojana. Low oil prices provided good fiscal space to the government to mobilise resources to fight Covid-19. But crude oil prices have started rising now. Does this worry you? This may not be a matter of worry. The OMCs (oil marketing companies) are basically dependent on cracks -- the difference in the prices of crude and petroleum products in the international markets -- for their profitability, and not on the crude prices alone. I would say that high volatility in prices is in nobodys interest. India always looks for a reasonable and responsible price regime. Both the Centre and states raised levies and mopped up almost all benefits of low international crude oil. But petrol and diesel prices were kept frozen. Why? The prices of petrol and diesel depend on the prices of these products in the international markets. Then there is the 15-day cycle to take the moving average of these products to estimate prices in the domestic market. Although crude prices came down, the product prices did not come down by the same percentage. The cracks actually became negative, hurting the books of Indian OMCs. The oil industry, too, was faced with an extraordinary situation. There were no takers for the crude being produced; the world literally ran out of storage space for the crude and petroleum products. The reduction in demand has led to a peculiar situation where product prices are less than the price of crude. These negative margins and low crude prices do not reflect the real economics of oil refining and the pricing of end products. The pandemic has had a huge impact on government revenue. Therefore, mopping up resources has become inevitable to deal with this unprecedented crisis. Global oil prices have softened. Is this the time to reduce Indias import dependence on politically volatile Middle East? To improve its resilience to disruptions in crude supplies due to geopolitical factors, India has significantly diversified its sources of crude oil over the years. Last year, we secured steady supplies of crude oil despite significant challenges to security in the Middle-East, particularly the attacks on Saudi oil facilities and the flare-up in US-Iran tensions. Over the last four years, we significantly diversified sources of crude oil to reduce excessive dependence on the Middle-East. As the US became an exporter of crude oil, we took proactive steps to import crude oil from the US since 2017. In a short span of two years, the US has now become one of the top 10 sources for crude oil imports. Earlier this year, in February, our companies added Russia as a source for crude oil by signing a term-contract starting this year. Our companies are also exploring sourcing of crude oil from other regions, including North and South America. It will be our constant endeavour to continue to diversify our oil and gas import sources from price-competitive countries or regions to reduce our dependence on the Middle-East. India imports its crude from about 25 countries, and no doubt the Middle East supplies the majority of that crude. During recent years, India has imported substantial amount of crude from the US, Nigeria, Mexico, Brazil etc. On May 17, the government announced a Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) policy. Do state-run oil and gas firms come under the list of strategic sectors? Oil and gas sector play a predominant role, as over one-third of the energy required is met by hydrocarbons. A considerable part of the infrastructure for the governments push to a gas-based economy, including untouched areas, is also being steered by CPSEs (central public sector enterprises). It was announced that, in strategic sectors, at least one enterprise will remain in the public sector but the private sector will also be allowed. Does that mean there will be just one integrated oil PSU? The government believes in creating a level playing field in which both public as well as private players compete with each other and contribute to the overall growth of the sector. Other decisions, like how many PSUs in which sector are strategic, are subject to market conditions prevailing in each sector. This government recently completed the first year of its second term. What are the key achievements, and what is the road ahead? The government recognises that our supply security is a critical element in ensuring our energy security. To diversify the import of crude oil, IOCL (Indian Oil Corporation Ltd) has entered into long-term contract with the US and Russia to source crude oil. Further, taking advantage of the low crude oil price, India is filling the strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) to their full capacity. This will result in savings of approximately 5,000 crore for the government towards filling the vacant cavern. This will boost Indias energy security. The government has taken a number of initiatives to encourage the use of alternative fuels and incentivise production of ethanol and biodiesel. In order to encourage the production of biodiesel from used cooking oil (UCO), the OMCs have floated expressions of interest (EOIs) for the supply of UCO biodiesel from 200 locations across the country. Till April 2020, 31 entrepreneurs submitted their EOIs for production of biodiesel from UCO from 50 plants with a capacity of 1,042 MT/day. Oil and gas will continue to remain vital for Indias energy security in the foreseeable future. A concerted effort is required by all stakeholders to ensure that India is appropriately positioned to take advantage of the existing opportunity. This may require end-to-end planning, synergies, and trade-offs across sectors. You also handle the steel ministry, which has been facing headwinds due to several reasons. What are your plans to boost this sector? The main thrust of the steel ministry has been to bring in cost competitiveness, and thereby improve steel usage in India. The possible disruption in iron ore availability was addressed by policy changes enabling public sector captive units to carry out the market sale of the mineral, apart from ensuring a smooth carry over of regulatory permissions to new leaseholders post the auction. There has been a thrust to facilitate local industries for which the ISPs (integrated steel plants) of SAIL have come out with a programme to incentivise local manufacturers. For the planned development of the sector and ancillaries, steel cluster projects under Purvodaya have been given impetus. By setting up a data system which gives better visibility regarding the imports in the sector, the SIMS (steel import management system) platform will prepare the ground for informed investment decisions by domestic industry, in turn contributing to local production and employment. The system has been made operational last November in association with the commerce department. US$ 25 million loan to provide liquidity and ensure business sustainability Coronavirus response to ensure provision of vital services following pandemic Focus on supporting critical infrastructure and combat economic impact of the crisis The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of $25 million to the electricity distribution company Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA), the single supplier of electricity in the country, to help safeguard the electricity supply to the population following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is co-financing this project with a $20 million loan. The loan aims to strengthen ENAs liquidity and ensure the continued sustainability and high quality of the companys operations. The investment comes under the EBRD Resilience Framework, a central element of the Banks response to the Covid-19 crisis and its economic impact. The 4 billion facility offers existing clients support through the provision of short-term working capital, liquidity and restructuring of exposures. Dimitri Gvindadze, EBRD Head of Armenia, said: The pandemic has an impact on the economy and the society. ENAs work is crucial for Armenias power sector and for the economy. We are happy to support the company as our strong partner in Armenia. Were now facing the greatest challenge of our time. The COVID-19 pandemic is much more than a health crisis, it is also a devastating social and economic problem, said ENA Director General Karen Harutyunyan. We are so grateful to our partners for their commitment and great assistance in this difficult period. The EBRD has been cooperating with ENA for over a decade and the Bank has committed $80 million to support the company. The funds have helped to finance energy efficiency measures, including an upgrade and modernisation of the low-voltage infrastructure to reduce losses and the installation of meters to improve the quality of supply. The support was crucial in helping to increase the overall efficiency of the power distribution system in Armenia, reduce network losses and improve the quality of power supply. The EBRD is the leading institutional investor in Armenia, active in all sectors of the economy. Since the start of its operations in the country in 1992, the Bank has invested 1.36 billion in 178 projects in the countrys financial, corporate, infrastructure and energy sectors, with 90 per cent of investments in the private sector. In response to the coronavirus pandemic the EBRD has approved two Solidarity Packages and now expects to dedicate the entirety of its business investments in 2020-21 of up to 21 billion to overcome the crisis and support the recovery. In an effort to prevent a further collapse of the Syrian pound, the Syrian regime has closed down six money transfer companies reports Alsouria Net. The regimes Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority announced on Tuesday it would suspend six money transfer companies, as part of measures to control the exchange rate. The authority published a statement halting the following companies: Irsal, Hafez, Faraoun, Shamna, Arak and Mas, due to their violations of decrees regarding their work. The companies were also threatened with the cancellation of their licenses. According to the latest decree, the six companies will not be permitted to provide money transfer services in any of their branches, as well as receive or deliver any transfers, starting from Tuesday and lasting until they are notified that they can resume work. Violations of the decree could result in the cancellation of their licenses. The authority ordered the six companies to provide it with all of their transfers sent and received within the past three months, in order to audit them and confirm their compliance, in accordance with the decree. The authority also indicated that it has the right to freeze or cancel licenses, partially or in full, in the following cases: failure of the licensee to adhere to the orders of regulatory framework, or failure to carry out the measures stipulated in the license. Tuesdays move comes amid a series of measures by the Assad government to control the exchange rate of the Syrian pound, which has seen an unprecedented collapse in recent weeks. Its deterioration is decreasing with the onset of the Caesar Act, with the exchange rate reaching 1,920 pounds to the US dollar at the opening of markets on Tuesday. The Assad regimes Central Bank released a decree on Monday restricting black market money transfers and threatening unlicensed exchange offices with charges of funding terrorism. According to Mondays decree, the phenomenon of receiving money transfers from abroad from unidentified individuals is widespread. The decree added, These funds are received on public streets after contacting the beneficiaries, and agreeing on a place. Most of the time, these communications are done via voice notes on social media platforms. In its statement, the bank threatened those dealing in these kinds of unlicensed transfers, whether individuals or companies, with prosecution, in accordance with terrorism finance laws. The Central Bank in recent months has linked the deterioration of the Syrian pound with speculation by black market dealers and unlicensed money transfer offices. The majority of Syrian across the country rely mainly on remittances arriving from abroad, especially after the falling purchasing value of the Syrian pound and the rise in prices. Assad regime authorities in May acted on a recommendation of the Central Bank to enforce field campaigns targeting transfer and exchange offices in order to control the pounds exchange rate. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. [June 03, 2020] Planar Announces June 2020 Virtual Product & Technology Showcase Planar, a global leader in visualization technology, today announced the June 2020 Virtual Product & Technology Showcase, a three-day, all-inclusive, virtual event composed of product and technology sessions, videos, demonstrations and more. Scheduled from June 9-11, in lieu of being able to showcase products at the InfoComm 2020 event, the largest professional audiovisual trade show in North America, Planar's own Virtual Product & Technology Showcase will introduce display innovations that would have been unveiled in the company's booth at the show. Planar's Virtual Product & Technology Showcase will also include a handful of sessions hosted by members of Planar's product team with topics ranging from the latest applications and advances in LED display technology to improvements in meeting room and collaboration display technology and ways to drive impact with custom display solutions. The virtual product and technology sessions will also offer an opportunity for questions and answers, allowing attendees to engage with Planar professionals and learn more about the ways the company can support their unique and evolving needs. "Our Virtual Product & Technology Showcase was designed to replicate what our customers and partners would have experienced by visiting our booth in person at a show," said Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Pro Services Adam Schmidt. "By attending this first-of-its-kind showcase, virtual visitors will have the opportunity to interact with industry experts while keeping up with the latest Planar innovations that are powering businesses around the world. It's important for our virtual visitors to know that we're focused on innovating now more than ever and available to help make their display technology visions a reality." Planar's Virtual Product & Technology Showcase will introduce visitors to the following display innovations: Planar HB Series Huddle Board: The Planar HB Series Huddle Board is a line of LCD displays optimized for quick and efficient collaboration. Available in 75-inch and 86-inch sizes, the series features a highly responsive touch performance to recognize up to 20 simultaneous touch points from multiple users and an included stylus that accurately captures even the smallest of characters. The series is also compatible with industry-leading collaboratio solutions, supports third-party devices and includes an integrated Android (News - Alert) operating system complete with whiteboard software to create a one-stop collaboration solution for users. Planar FX Series: The Planar FX Series is a new family of fine pixel pitch indoor and outdoor LED video wall displays that bring to high ambient-light environments the same level of close-viewing image detail and resolution historically reserved for lower light private spaces. Planar FX Series displays include LED treatments designed to protect them from ultraviolet rays, dust, water and casual contact, without negatively impacting the viewing experience. Planar TVF Series: Introducing a new 0.9 millimeter fine pixel pitch model to the award-winning LED video wall line, the Planar TVF Series now supports higher resolution video walls at a size that fits in more environments. Joining other fine pitch models, Planar TVF 0.9 upholds a platform that is easy to set up, use and maintain at an attractive price point. The Planar TVF Series features a 16:9 aspect ratio that allows every pixel pitch to achieve popular resolutions, including Full HD and 4K, to enable a closer, comfortable viewing distance for clear presentation of content. Planar ERO-LED Matte: As the newest alternative to the company's popular Planar ERO-LED (Extended Ruggedness and Optics) technology, Planar ERO-LED Matte introduces a protective solution that is almost unnoticeable, allowing content to be displayed without interruptions or reflections. The proprietary materials and process add a protective layer to provide increased ruggedness and an improved touch experience for continued interaction, while maintaining superb image performance. www.junetradeshow2020.events.planar.com. About Planar Planar is a global leader in visualization technology, delivering best-in-class image performance for the world's most demanding environments. From broadcasters and government agencies to corporations, sporting venues and educational facilities, the world's leading organizations use Planar's broad selection of display solutions in applications ranging from digital signage and simulation to large scale events and large-scale visualization. Planar is the global market leader for LED video displays, narrow pixel pitch LED and the Americas market leader in LCD control room applications (Futuresource 2019). Founded in 1995, Planar is headquartered in Oregon, USA with offices and manufacturing facilities in Oregon, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.planar.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005122/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A crowd of protesters gathered in downtown Grand Rapids Wednesday afternoon. Carrying signs and sitting on the curb, several people turned out for the planned and permitted protest, one of multiple protests held in Grand Rapids since Saturday. Alexis Polega and Danielle Stover were among the hundreds of protesters lined up along Fulton Street. I just think everyone here is looking for total reform of the system," said Stover, a 20-year-old Grand Valley State University student. They need laws passed so innocent people dont get killed. Stover held a sign reading still here + still pissed along with many other protesters. The protest held near the Grand Rapids Police Department comes nine days after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd, a black man, before he died May 25. The continued protests against police brutality are part of nationwide demonstrations and riots sparked by Floyds death. UPDATE: 4:55 p.m. Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne joined protesters The protest began at 4 p.m. When Payne joined at 4:55 p.m., he addressed the crowd briefly and knelt and chanted with them "I cant breathe,'' which Floyd repeatedly said before losing consciousness. I will meet with anyone who is an advocate of peace and moving forward, Payne told the crowd about coming up with the solutions. We have to work together with this. I cant do it alone. I need everyone out here to work with me. Related: Grand Rapids police chief tells protesting crowd hell work for change Payne said he holds his officers accountable as well as supports them. Payne said earlier this week that he planned to stand in solidarity with the protesters, in part because the organizers of the Justice for Black Lives Silent Sit-in Protest had reached out to police ahead of time. Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne, left, and Sgt. Dan Adams take a knee while chanting "I can't breathe" during a planned peaceful protest against the death of George Floyd on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Floyd, a black man, died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, despite him saying he could not breathe. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) The protesters are a mix or races and ages. All four officers involved in Floyds arrest were fired. On Wednesday, June 3, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced he was upgrading charges against former officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyds neck, to include second-degree murder, and charging the other three officers with aiding and abetting murder. For over a week, protesters nationwide have called for all four to be charged. Wednesdays Grand Rapids protest comes four days after a riot broke out in downtown Grand Rapids, follow a peaceful protest. Following Saturday nights riot, Grand Rapids instituted a citywide curfew beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday. The curfew expired at 5 a.m. Tuesday but the state of civil emergency imposed Sunday has been extended through June 16. According to a Facebook organizing page, some 2,000 people indicated they would join the protest Wednesday but authorities did not issue a crowd estimate. Organizers for the sit-in asked people to form a single-file line, on both sides of Fulton Street, starting on Fulton Street behind the Grand Rapids Police Department and spreading outward. The organizers intended for the protest to be silent, with everyone having a sign that reads: Im still here. Im still pissed." Were not going to stop, said Raphaela Varella, 22, a Lansing resident and student at Kalamazoo College in attendance about the protests. This is a problem, this is a pandemic, and were ready for the treatment. A protest on Monday, June 1 ended with a handful of arrests of protesters who refused to leave the area after a then-7 p.m. curfew. The group did not have a permit. On Saturday, a large group of people gathered on both sides of the Grand Rapids police station and police barricaded themselves inside. After dark, several people began smashing windows of downtown shops, state and county buildings and looting some places. Business leaders later estimated that up to 100 business were affected by the damage. Nearly every shop along Monroe Center had windows broken. City commissioners declined Tuesday, June 2 to continue the curfew past Monday, with some saying they trust police to arrest those that cause destruction and trust others in the community to demonstrate peacefully. More on MLive.com: 5 suspects in Grand Rapids riot accused of damaging police cars, Sundance Grill Grand Rapids leaders continue state of civil emergency HopCat, BarFly Ventures file for bankruptcy A slow, longer-term recovery expected as wearables increasingly add advanced health monitoring features LONDON, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Wearables have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic because consumer interest in buying non-essential devices has dropped in the first quarter of 2020, along with the issues associated with a hampered supply chain. Wearable shipments in 2020 are now expected to be 254 million, down from the previously forecasted 281 million, states ABI Research, a global tech market advisory firm. Although a significant drop, this new COVID-19 impacted forecast is a minor increase from the 241 million shipments in 2019. However, this now puts the estimated YoY increase at 5%, compared to 23% between 2018 and 2019 and the previously expected 17%. "While wearables will see fewer shipments this year than originally expected, shipments of devices that can track and monitor healthcare vitals has lowered the impact," says Stephanie Tomsett, research analyst at ABI Research. "Healthcare wearables are already being utilized to help track the progression of COVID-19 and monitor patients remotely." While healthcare wearables are aiding current situations, all wearable device types are expected to see a small amount of increase in the second half of 2020, with smartwatches and sports, fitness, and wellness trackers leading this growth. However, Consumers and enterprises will now prefer wearables that feature more health-related monitoring capabilities. Many devices, such as those from Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, Withings, and Oppo, are offering, or expected to soon offer, advanced monitoring features such as ECG tracking, sleep apnea detection, arrhythmia detection, and blood oxygen tracking. The incorporation of these features into devices, particularly smartwatches, that already have several other features, allows users to utilize one device rather than multiple devices for different purposes. "The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a higher health awareness to all individuals around the world. Wearables with advanced health monitoring features will begin to buoy the wearables market in the second half of 2020 and pave the way for 289 million wearable shipments by 2021 and 329 million by 2022 as the world recovers from the pandemic," concludes Tomsett. These findings are from ABI Research's Mobile Accessories and Wearables Market Share and Forecasts market data report. This report is part of the company's 5G Devices, Smartphones, & Wearables research service, which includes research, data, and analyst insights. Market Data spreadsheets are composed of deep data, market share analysis, and highly segmented, service-specific forecasts to provide detailed insight where opportunities lie. About ABI Research ABI Research provides strategic guidance to visionaries, delivering actionable intelligence on the transformative technologies that are dramatically reshaping industries, economies, and workforces across the world. ABI Research's global team of analysts publish groundbreaking studies often years ahead of other technology advisory firms, empowering our clients to stay ahead of their markets and their competitors. ABI Research?????????????,?????????????? ?1990???,????????????????,????,?????????????????????????? ???????????????? For more information about ABI Research's services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific or visit www.abiresearch.com. Contact Info: Global Deborah Petrara Tel: +1.516.624.2558 pr@abiresearch.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/276887/abi_research_logo.jpg New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday (June 3, 2020) announced to resumed the trial of hydroxychloroquine drug which was temporarily paused on May 25 because of concerns raised about the safety of the drug. Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, On the basis of the available mortality data, the members of the committee recommended that there are no reasons to modify the trial protocol. The Executive Group received this recommendation and endorsed the continuation of all arms of the Solidarity Trial, including hydroxychloroquine. On the earlier decision, the WHO DG said it was taken as a precaution while the safety data were reviewed. He further stated the Executive Group will communicate with the principal investigators in the trial about resuming the hydroxychloroquine arm. The Data Safety and Monitoring Committee will continue to closely monitor the safety of all therapeutics being tested in the Solidarity Trial, added Dr Tedros. He also said that more than 1,00,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported to WHO for each of the past 5 days. The Americas continue to account for most cases. For several weeks, the number of cases reported each day in the Americas has been more than the rest of the world put together. We are especially worried about Central and South America, where many countries are witnessing accelerating epidemics. We also see increasing numbers of cases in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Africa, although the numbers are much smaller, said Dr Tedros. He informed the number of cases in Europe continues to decline. Yesterday saw the fewest cases reported in Europe since March 22. WHO continues to work through our regional and country offices to monitor the pandemic, to support countries to respond, and to adapt our guidance for every situation, said Dr Tedros. Press Release June 3, 2020 Bong Go welcomes use of IBC-13 as remote learning platform; sees broadcast media's potential to provide continued learning opportunities under the 'new normal' Senator Christopher "Bong" Go welcomed state media company Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation's (IBC-13) offer to use its television facilities as a remote learning platform. The proposal should enable the Department of Education to air curriculum-based programs when schools reopen on August 24, 2020. Senator Go previously urged the education department to explore alternative means to ensure continued learning process of students amid COVID-19 pandemic. Such alternative modes should ensure the safety of the students and without unnecessarily putting additional burden on the part of their parents. "Gamitin ang teknolohiya na available para sa distance learning tulad ng pagkakaroon ng virtual classrooms. May airtime rin na allotted for educational programs ayon sa batas, pwede po itong gamitin bilang alternative mode of teaching and learning," he stated. The Senator cited Republic Act No. 8370, also known as the Children's Television Act of 1997, which requires a minimum of 15% of a network's daily total air time to programs that further children's positive development. Go also called for a review of teaching strategies that were based on new technology whilst taking into consideration the availability of the internet. The use of broadcast media would ensure a more inclusive access to learning by allowing students without internet access to participate. "Hindi naman po lahat ng kabataan may access sa internet o smart phones. Malaking tulong kung magamit ang 'free TV' para sa edukasyon," he said. In his latest report to Congress, President Rodrigo Duterte revealed that the satellite television industry is in active dialogue with the government regarding remote learning opportunities. The government also aims to use the state-owned IBC-13 to air curriculum-based television programs to students in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said the network, currently underutilized, would require a P100-million investment to widen its reach. "Ayaw po nating maantala ang klase, ngunit prayoridad natin lagi ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng mga Pilipino," said Go, who is also chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography. The Senator has staunchly backed President Duterte's call to not permit face-to-face learning until a vaccine for COVID-19 is available. "We will take this one step at a time so that we can slowly, but surely, protect the safety of our students. 'Wag natin biglain. Let's assess first what happens in the coming days. Iba't ibang linggo, iba't ibang araw ay meron pong posibleng mangyari. Kahit ayaw nating maantala ang klase nila, importanteng safe sila," Go cautioned. He noted that the use of broadcast media would enable rural schools, which often lacked an adequate supply of teachers and classrooms, to accommodate more students, including the beneficiaries of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa program. "Paghandaan natin kung papaano magpapatuloy ang ating pamumuhay sa panahon ng 'new normal'. Maglatag na po tayo ng kailangang policies and protocols. Siguraduhin nating makapag-aral ang kabataan habang patuloy nating nilalabanan ang COVID-19," he said. Earlier, Go filed Senate Bill No. 396 months after being elected as Senator in 2019, which seeks to amend the Local Government Code of 1991 by expanding the application of the Special Education Fund (SEF) taken from the additional 1% on real property tax. The bill will enable local government units to the SEF to operate Alternative Learning System programs as well as provide the salaries, allowances and other benefits of ALS facilitators. Photo: Flair Airlines Flair Airlines is resuming service to Kelowna and Winnipeg, the airline announced this morning. The airline previously resumed flights serving Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver after shutting down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Flair said in a press release it also made "the difficult decision" to delay the launch of service into Ottawa and Atlantic Canada due to continued travel restrictions. The airline said it will offer full refunds for passengers booked on cancelled flights to the affected destinations, which include Ottawa, Halifax, Saint John, N.B., and Charlottetown. Due to the current provincial travel restrictions and quarantine requirements, we feel this is the best balance right now for both the provinces, and for Flair as a business, said John Mullins, vice-president of customer experience and airports. Safety comes first for Flair, and our customers are our priority. The airline said Atlantic Canada remains a priority, and the company will look to return to those destinations soon. This is only temporary, said Mullins. "We look forward to providing more choice to our customers for their travel needs. We will be there for Ottawa and Atlantic Canada as soon as everyone is ready for our arrival. Passengers already booked on flights to the affected destinations will be contacted through email with instructions on how to receive refunds. If customers require support, they are asked to contact Flair at 1-800-441-7214. Information on affected flights can also be found at https://flyflair.com/rerouting-passengers. If there is any benefit from the massive workplace disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak, it may be that there is a wider understanding of the massive cybersecurity risks within state and local governments.Everyone now understands that security isnt just an IT issue, says Maria Thompson, chief risk officer for the state of North Carolina. One of the pros of COVID-19, if I can say that, is some of the agencies that have been more resistant to a unified approach to cybersecurity have come to the realization that they have to work together, because we're all dealing with the same levels of the deficiencies that we may have, she says.Network endpoints have shifted rapidly in recent years, and the pandemic intensified that shift.Within the cybersecurity team, weve known for some time that the boundary has shifted, that it's no longer contained and it's at the individual endpoints, Thompson says. In the coronavirus era, everyone is getting a better appreciation of that shifting landscape.Thompsons comments came during a recent webinar discussion of how states have been forced to rethink their cybersecurity approach as a result of the pandemic. The webinar,, was part of a new series of conversations for the Crisis Response Initiative, a joint program between Governing and Government Technology to help equip state and local leaders with tactics and resources to respond to crises.The new work-from-home normal has vastly expanded the threat landscape for state and local agencies, as well as the potential for fraud and abuse within programs such as unemployment benefit applications. Thompson says the entire North Carolina IT team has been working hard to manage those risks, address vulnerabilities, detect fraud, push out security awareness training to remote employees, and work with vendors to implement new solutions. The process has been a reminder, she says, that good solutions can come from anywhere.A personal lesson learned for me was the understanding that, as a cyber professional, we dont have to have the answers for everything. We need to work together with all the operations team, because sometimes they have solutions that can answer our cyber needs. But we tend to sometimes be in our own corner. We look at the tools and capabilities we have, not understanding there are other solutions out there that can be leveraged to meet those needs.The crisis has shown how vital it is for states and localities to have strategic plans in place ahead of time, says Mark Weatherford, a former first deputy undersecretary for cybersecurity in the federal Department of Homeland Security.It became very clear that having documented and tested business continuity plans is critical, says Weatherford. The worst time to figure out you need to execute a business continuity strategy is during a disaster. A lot of threats that were formerly directed at government and business organizations are now being redirected at those same employees who are working from the kitchen table or the sofa. It doesn't take a big leap of imagination to see how conducting business and accessing systems and critical data from your home computer creates huge gaps in the overall security of an organization.The webinar conversation, which also included former Michigan Chief Security Officer Dan Lohrmann, focused as well on solutions that are helping governments meet the demands of the new security environment. Those include things like virtual desktops, enhanced endpoint security measures and stepped-up cybersecurity training programs for employees.You can learn more about how governments are meeting the challenges of the pandemic at governing.com/crisisresponse Coasties looking for some retail therapy in these unusual times have a new place to shop. Mandy Randall, the owner of the shoe shop Heavenly Soles in Matakana, has opened Island in Bakehouse Lane, Orewa. She describes the new shop as predominantly fashion-based, but it will also stock a range of gifts. There are a lot of new homes being built in Orewa and Millwater, so I think there is a market for a store offering modern gifts, she says. I take a lot of care in sourcing quality stock, often New Zealand or Australian made, which isnt always available in other places. Originally from England, Mandy was a maternity nurse at St John Hospital in London for 25 years before emigrating to New Zealand. Initially, she worked in maternal health in Auckland, but then decided it was time for a change. I really just wanted a good nights sleep! she says. It was while managing a shoe store in Ponsonby that she discovered a love for shoes. At Heavenly Soles, she takes home one pair of every pair of shoes in her shop. Its market research, she explains. If I find the shoes comfortable, then Im happy to sell them. After wearing them two or three times, I give them to charity. When Mandy and husband Adam moved to Orewa, she shifted her interests to Matakana. She managed Heavenly Soles for a few years before buying the business in 2016. Although the Orewa store is quite different from Heavenly Soles, it does have the same welcoming vibe a place where women will feel comfortable to linger, browse and chat. Stock will include NZ fashion brands Kathryn Wilson and Briarwood, designer gifts by Father Rabbit, Robert Gordon ceramics and Tilley Australia home products. Adam, a retail designer, has overseen the fit out of the store, which is in the former Dick Smith building. We love living in Orewa and over the last two years weve watched the town grow into an amazing hospitality destination. Its now time to grow the retail options and Island will be part of that. [June 03, 2020] Strategy Analytics: Almost 30% of Smart Homes Are Equipped with Surveillance Cameras Surveillance cameras can be found in nearly a third of all smart homes in the US, UK, Germany, and France according to new research published in Strategy Analytics' report "Smart Home Survey - Surveillance Cameras." Strategy Analytics (News - Alert) reports the surveillance camera is the second-most popular device overall. Popularity of surveillance cameras in the US, UK, and Germany came in just behind smart thermostats; in France, surveillance cameras were slightly more popular than smart thermostats. Additionally, on average, 60 percent of all smart homes in these countries with at least one camera have two or more cameras. Consumers across the four countries included in Strategy Analytics' survey mentioned Nest, Amazon (via Blink and Ring), and Arlo most frequently. In the US, the millions of subscribers to residential interactive security services placed cameras from ADT and Vivint in the top five brands. In the UK, Hive cameras offered by Centrica Connected Home were marginally more popular than Nest and Arlo. The brand landscape in Germany and France were similar in their diversity, with many smaller Chinese and regional European brands mentione with the same frequencies as Nest, Arlo, and Amazon. Jack Narcotta, Senior Industry Analyst in Strategy Analytics' Smart Home Strategies advisory service, said, "Surveillance cameras have found a place in millions of smart homes, in spite of concerns over privacy and hacking, which suggests the benefits outweigh the risks for many consumers. Surveillance cameras' popularity among consumers is driven more by what the devices do and less by what software features or which hardware components the devices are equipped with. The two most powerful purchasing drivers for surveillance cameras are how they help consumers feel secure and how they give consumers peace of mind to know their families and homes are safe." Bill Ablondi, Director of Strategy Analytics' Smart Home Strategies advisory service, added, "Surveillance cameras are potent assets smart home companies can use to attract new customers, as they provide consumers the feelings of safety and security in and around their homes, a potentially powerful value proposition that can be replicated in all markets. Those benefits, however, will become more challenging for some brands to promote as cameras become more of a mass market smart home device. Brands will need to create innovative features to help them find solid footing to compete with Nest, Amazon, and Arlo." About Strategy Analytics Strategy Analytics, Inc. is a global leader in supporting companies across their planning lifecycle through a range of customized market research solutions. Our multi-discipline capabilities include: industry research advisory services, customer insights, user experience design and innovation expertise, mobile consumer on-device tracking and business-to-business consulting competencies. With domain expertise in: smart devices, connected cars, intelligent home, service providers, IoT, strategic components and media, Strategy Analytics can develop a solution to meet your specific planning need. For more information, visit us at www.strategyanalytics.com. For more information about Strategy Analytics Smart Home Strategies: Smart Home Strategies (SHS) Home Page View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005598/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Protesters and police met in New Orleans on an interstate highway Tuesday night after days of protest in the city over the death of a black man at the hands of Minneapolis police. Several hundred demonstrators ascended onto Interstate 10 around 7:45 p.m. following a rally in Duncan Plaza and a march through downtown New Orleans. Editor's note: The interstate has since reopened. As the day faded, the diverse crowd of protesters walked along the elevated expressway, chanting and carrying signs as stopped cars blasted music and drivers leaned out to cheer them on. About a quarter-mile down the expressway, a line of New Orleans police, some with helmets and other riot gear, blocked them from continuing on near an off ramp to the French Quarter. +34 Photos: Another day of George Floyd protests in New Orleans brings I-10 traffic to a halt About a thousand protesters marched around Duncan Plaza at the New Orleans City Hall and through New Orleans as part of a national movement af With the lines of protesters and police silhouetted in the New Orleans skyline, the demonstrators urged each other to remain peaceful. Echoing the rally and march that took place near City Hall hours earlier, they began a series of chants and cheers while some spoke directly to the officers about the outrage they felt over the killing of black men by police. A New Orleans police commander, Chief Deputy Superintendent John Thomas, addressed the crowd. We feel ashamed for what this officer did to tarnish the badge, he said, referring to the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on Memorial Day. We support you. Soon after, the officers in riot gear all took a knee. It was an emotional scene that as of publication time had remained peaceful, and capped five days of demonstrations in New Orleans that were set to continue through the rest of the week. Peaceful standoff on Interstate 10 in New Orleans. Chanting and speeches. Looks like all NOPD officers in front, although I see a few State Police units behind the police line. pic.twitter.com/Uy0Z90ljri Bryn Stole (@brynstole) June 3, 2020 The march followed a day during which Louisiana officials had cheered the work of local activists to maintain peaceful demonstrations over the killing of Floyd by Chauvin, who has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. And while the move to ascend onto a major highway represented an increase in the level of disruption in New Orleans, it nevertheless paled in comparison to the violent clashes between police and protesters in other cities across the U.S. Im out here to show my son that this is what it takes, this is what it takes to make a difference, said Dandrick Green, 36, who came to Duncan Plaza with his 13-year-old son. They value money more than they value black lives. Were no longer going to lay down and sleep in our rooms and stay inside and allow them to continue to kill our black brothers, Green added. Were going to be unified, were going to be peaceful but were going to make a difference. The crowd Tuesday appeared similar in size to those in previous days, with several hundred to as many as a thousand or so protesters joining the demonstrations in the early evening. As they had during previous demonstrations, many participants carried signs and most wore masks, a nod to the coronavirus precautions. Each day, protests have focused on the continued killings of black men and women at the hands of police, with chants of "Black lives matter" and signs voicing the need for justice for Floyd and many others. Public officials, including Mayor LaToya Cantrell and New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, have voiced support for the protesters and encouraged what has so far been an emotional but peaceful airing of long-held grievances. Brandon Mar, a 42-year-old tech worker at Tuesday's gathering, said he wanted to add his voice to a chorus demanding change in the country. I mean systematic racism. We have police departments across America that consistently brutalize black people," he said. "Were incarcerated at a higher rate, were given longer sentences, its just the whole system thats unjust. This has to change. Were people just like everybody else and we deserve to be treated that way. Dylan Lynch said the demonstrations and marches have given him a new appreciation for what others in the community must endure. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up I dont think I could ever fully understand what people of color are going through in this country (...) and I cant pretend to understand that, but what i can do is stand here, listen to the people who do understand it, who have lived it, I can try to learn from them and add my small voice to theirs," said Lynch, who is white. "This is too big of a moment for anybody to be sitting on the sidelines now. The nonviolent gatherings, which on Tuesday evening included a number of speeches as well as the march, have stood in sharp contrast to the pictures and videos from Minneapolis, New York, Washington, D.C. and other U.S. cities where police decked out in tactical gear have used tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and batons to break up crowds. More than 20,000 National Guard members have been called up in 29 states to deal with the violence. Roughly a dozen deaths related to the protests have been reported around the country over the past week. And nearly 8,000 people nationwide have been arrested for offenses such as stealing, blocking highways and breaking curfew, according to a count by The Associated Press. In Washington on Tuesday, protesters and police in riot gear squared off near Lafayette Square across from the White House, a day after the park was cleared with tear gas to allow President Donald Trump to walk through it to a nearby historic church. Whole crowd have fists up now, Several hundred people. Quiet, letting one person speak at a time. Police are in riot gear but standing back. pic.twitter.com/ycjNvefnH8 Bryn Stole (@brynstole) June 3, 2020 Those scenes haven't played out in Louisiana. Gov. John Bel Edwards on Monday applauded the peaceful protests held across the state over the past several days, noting that residents were "appropriately" expressing their outrage over police killings and denouncing the Minneapolis police whose actions were caught on video and sparked the broader demonstrations against police killings of black people. Obviously what we saw captured on the video and the unnecessary death of George Floyd, the behavior of the Minneapolis police officer was egregious, said Edwards, a Democrat whose family has deep roots in law enforcement. It was bad enough with respect to that officer. It was made worse by the fact that you had two or three other officers standing by who didn't intervene." Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng made similar comments during a live interview with The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate Tuesday, calling the video "heart-wrenching." She acknowledged the fear many black men and women have to face during something as seemingly routine as a traffic stop. As parish president Lee Sheng has no authority over law enforcement. She is the daughter of longtime Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee, who served for nearly three decades prior to his 2007 death and faced criticism at times that his department discriminated against African Americans. There remain concerns locally that as protests continue, actions by demonstrators or others in the crowd could escalate. Ferguson warned Tuesday that any actions by "outside agitators" or protesters would be met head-on by police. There have been some arrests. On Saturday, two people were arrested during overall peaceful protests in Marrero related to the death of Modesto Reyes, who was shot and killed by Jefferson Parish sheriffs deputies last week. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto has said Reyes, 35, was shot after pointing a gun at officers. Reyes family members have disputed that version of events. Protests have also occurred outside of the New Orleans metro area. Hundreds marched Sunday in downtown Baton Rouge to the State Capitol. Others have continued to demonstrate on Siegen Lane in Baton Rouge as well. Police officers in New Orleans have made a point to express solidarity with the demonstrators. On the highway over New Orleans Tuesday night, Thomas, who is black, told protesters that the entire department supported their cause and that their actions reminded him of the Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s. He told them they could keep marching, they just had to do it on surface roads. At around 9:15 p.m., the protesters who had been chanting about the need for justice began walking down the off ramp. Some appeared determined to remain on the highway as long as possible, but others urged them to leave. They chanted, "Let's go home! Let's go home!" The reasoning: Some said they didn't want to get arrested so that they could continue to demonstrate this week. Shortly after 10 p.m., police and the last protesters remaining on the expressway struck a deal. Thomas, the NOPD deputy superintendent, told the protesters that police were leaving. The protesters did the same and traffic was set to begin flowing again. Staff writers Sam Karlin and Faimon Roberts, and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Editor's Note: Gov. John Bel Edwards made comments about the peaceful nature of recent protests on Monday. An earlier version of this article provided an incorrect date for those remarks. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jonathan Ernst and Brendan O'Brien (Reuters) Washington/Minneapolis, United States Wed, June 3, 2020 15:15 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbd6bdf 2 World George-Floyd,black-lives-matter,anti-racism,anti-racism-protests,Racism,US,racial-issues,racial-tension,racial-violence Free Tens of thousands of people defied curfews to take to the streets of US cities on Tuesday for an eighth night of protests over the death of a black man in police custody, as National Guard troops lined the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Clashes between protesters and police and looting of some stores in New York City gave way to relative quiet by night's end. In Los Angeles, numerous demonstrators who stayed out after the city's curfew were arrested. But by late evening, conditions were quiet enough that local television stations switched from wall-to-wall coverage back to regular programming. Large marches and rallies also took place in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Denver and Seattle. In Portland, Oregon, crowds seemed to swell before 11 p.m. local time. Police used stun grenades and tear gas on the crowd, calling it an "Unlawful assembly." The scattering crowd shouted "Peaceful protest," back at police. Although rallies on behalf of Floyd and other victims of police brutality have been largely peaceful during the day, after dark each night crowds have turned to rioting, vandalism, arson and looting. On Monday night, five police officers were hit by gunfire in two cities. Outside the US Capitol building on Tuesday afternoon a throng took to one knee, chanting "silence is violence" and "no justice, no peace," as officers faced them just before the government-imposed curfew. The crowd remained after dark, despite the curfew and vows by President Donald Trump to crack down on what he has called lawlessness by "hoodlums" and "thugs," using National Guard or even the US military if necessary. Some protesters briefly pushed and rocked a chainlink fence, but were encouraged other protesters to stop. Local news media reported that the crowds dwindled by midnight. Protests coast to coast In New York City, thousands of chanting protesters ignored an 8 p.m. curfew to march from the Barclays Center in Flatbush toward the Brooklyn Bridge as police helicopters whirred overheard. The crowd, halted at an entrance to the Manhattan Bridge roadway, chanted at riot police: Walk with us! Walk with us." On Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, hundreds of people filled the street, marching past famous landmarks of the film center. Others gathered outside Los Angeles Police Department headquarters downtown, in some cases hugging and shaking hands with a line of officers outside. Los Angeles was the scene of violent riots in 1992, following the acquittal of four policemen charged in the beating of black motorist Rodney King, that saw more than 60 people killed and an estimated $1 billion in damage. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday found a majority of Americans sympathize with the protests. The survey conducted on Monday and Tuesday found 64% of American adults were "sympathetic to people who are out protesting right now," while 27% said they were not and 9% were unsure. More than 55% of Americans said they disapproved of Trump's handling of the protests, including 40% who "strongly" disapproved, while just one-third said they approved - lower than his overall job approval of 39%, the poll showed. In Minneapolis, Roxie Washington, mother of Floyd's 6-year-old daughter, Gianna, told a news conference he was a good man. "I want everybody to know that this is what those officers took from me....," she said, sobbing. "Gianna does not have a father. He will never see her grow up, graduate." Floyd died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25, reigniting the explosive issue of police brutality against African Americans five months before the November presidential election. The officer who knelt on Floyd, 44-year-old Derek Chauvin, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers involved were fired but not yet charged. 'America is not a battleground' Trump has threatened to use the military to battle the violence and has derided local authorities, including state governors, for their response to the disturbances. The head of the US National Guard said on Tuesday 18,000 Guard members were assisting local law enforcement in 29 states. The Pentagon said it has moved about 1,600 US Army troops into the Washington, D.C., region. Trump's rhetoric and the growing role of the US armed forces has alarmed some current and former officials. "America is not a battleground. Our fellow citizens are not the enemy," Martin Dempsey, a retired four-star general who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote on Twitter. The protests come on the heels of lockdowns to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus which hit African Americans disproportionately with high numbers of cases and job losses. Some of those who have gathered at the site of Floyd's killing have invoked the non-violent message of the late US civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., assassinated in 1968, as the only way forward. "He would be truly appalled by the violence because he gave his life for this stuff," said Al Clark, 62, a black man who drove to the Minneapolis memorial with one of King's speeches blaring from his truck. "But I can understand the frustration and anger." If the rest of the world doesnt trust China at all, they would have to gang up against China. Is this a way forward for China and for Xi Jinping? Martin Lee, a prominent veteran democracy supporter, said. We have to persuade them that it is ultimately and eminently in the interest of China that they win the confidence of the rest of the world. MOSCOW -- Police in Moscow detained at least 20 demonstrators on June 2 as they rallied in front of the Moscow City Police headquarters to protest against police violence. Current Time correspondents reported from the site that Yegor Ilyushkin, press secretary of the Civil Society movement, along with activists Mila Zemtsova, Lusine Minasyan, Maria Chernykh, Ksenia Babich, and many other noted civil rights defenders were among those detained The series of single-person pickets, protest acts that do not require preliminary permission from the authorities, was held after local media reported the killing by National Guard officers of a man in St. Petersburg suspected of stealing several rolls of wallpaper. The National Guard explained the fatal shooting by "noticing an item looking like an assault rifle aimed at the officers" in the man's hands. Last week, police detained dozens of picketers in front of the Moscow City Police headquarters as they expressed support for journalist Ilya Azar. Azar was sentenced to 15 days in jail for publicly protesting against the jailing of Vladimir Vorontsov, an activist who has worked to expose violations within Russia's law enforcement agencies. Moscow police said on May 29 that even single-person pickets have been banned in Moscow as a precaution against the coronavirus pandemic. (CNN) As conversations continue about if, when and how it's safe to be flying, airplane seat designers continue to sketch out concepts for what the future of aviation might look like. The latest off the drawing board is Interspace Lite, presented by Luke Miles, founder of transportation technology company Universal Movement. Back in December 2019, Miles premiered a new seat design dubbed Interspace, designed to make sleeping in economy a little easier thanks to "padded wings" that fold out from behind both sides of the seat back. CNN Travel tested out the product at its London launch. Interspace Lite reworks this design in response to Covid-19. Miles reckons it'll provide an active solution to on board social distancing. Like other recent pandemic-inspired airplane seat designs, Interspace Lite involves adding kit to the airplane middle seat. It leans on the idea that airlines will temporarily block out middle seats in order to better enable distancing, but won't want to permanently change the cabin interior. What makes this concept stand out, says Miles, is that the divider that separates the window and aisle seat isn't a clear screen, which will make travelers feel more comfortable. "We don't want it to look, in any way, medicinal, I suppose," the designer tells CNN Travel. "We don't want remind people of where they are, we just want them to feel more comfortable." Ideally, the divider would be made of the same material as the upholstery that's on the airplane seat, although part of the appeal is that the seats are retrofittable. Miles has also envisaged a way in which the two passengers on either side of the divider can make use of the middle seat. "When you taxi, takeoff or land you have the armrest down, but you can put the armrest up when in flight, and so essentially you get what we've kind of coined as a 1.5 economy seat," he says. This extra space could work out as a place to store belongings or just give you a bit of space to play with during the flight. Coming soon Miles hopes the aesthetic and the features will make people feel more comfortable flying again. In fact, if Miles and his team get their way, you could be on a plane with some variation of Interspace Lite before the summer is over: Universal Movement has officially partnered with airplane seat manufacturer Safran and aims to bring Interspace to market ASAP. "There's a lot of effort going into making Interspace Lite operable by late summer," he says. Quentin Munier, Safran's executive vice president for strategy and innovation, adds that his company is working on several other concepts that will help make flying in the wake of Covid-19 safe and secure. He gives the example of touchless travel, such as activating your food tray table with a pedal, rather than with your hands. The company is also developing kit called Ringfence, which is a removable partition that could be placed around each traveler's seat. Future of the middle seat? Other new airline interior concepts that have premiered over the past few months include Aviointeriors' idea of a row of three economy seats with the middle seat facing the opposite way and French engineer Florian Barjot's concept, PlanBay, which also includes a removable piece of kit that could be placed on the middle seat. Although many of these designs involve reimagining the airplane middle seat, on May 5, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents carriers around the world, released a statement suggesting blocking off the middle seat was not something it supported. "Airlines are fighting for their survival. Eliminating the middle seat will raise costs," Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's director general and CEO, said in the statement. "If that can be offset that with higher fares, the era of affordable travel will come to an end. On the other hand, if airlines can't recoup the costs in higher fares, airlines will go bust. Neither is a good option when the world will need strong connectivity to help kick-start the recovery from COVID-19's economic devastation." But Munier reckons Interspace Lite is viable, and suggests carriers agree. He won't give names, but he says airlines were in touch with Universal Movement following the launch of the original Interspace seat back in December and discussions remain ongoing. "Time is of the essence," he says. "We have identified the right technology, the right resources and ways to achieve it." "We want to get people flying again and we want people to fly feeling comfortable. The industry has been knocked," adds Miles. This story was first published on CNN.com "Can this airplane seat keep you safe from COVID-19?" Former defense secretary Jim Mattis excoriated President Donald Trump on Wednesday, accusing the nation's chief executive of deliberately trying to divide Americans, taking exception to his threats of military force on American streets, and praising those demanding justice following the police killing of George Floyd. "Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people - does not even pretend to try. Instead, he tries to divide us," Mattis wrote in a statement published by the Atlantic. "We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership," he continued. "We can unite without him, drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society. This will not be easy, as the past few days have shown, but we owe it to our fellow citizens; to past generations that bled to defend our promise; and to our children." The message marked a significant shift for Mattis, a retired Marine general who said he felt it was his duty to stay out of politics after resigning as Pentagon chief in 2018. He has broadly been criticized for it. But recent unrest in the country, and Trump's response to it, changed the dynamics. Mattis wrote that he has watched events this week "angry and appalled," and said protesters are right to demand equal justice under the law. "It is a wholesome and unifying demand - one that all of us should be able to get behind," he wrote. "We must not be distracted by a small number of lawbreakers. The protests are defined by tens of thousands of people of conscience who are insisting that we live up to our values - our values as people and our values as a nation." While Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and use active-duty troops to quell unrest, Mattis said the military should only be used at home on "very rare occasions" when requested by state governors. Mattis also took exception to events outside the White House on Monday night, when peaceful protesters were cleared from the area with nonlethal weapons by a force that included Secret Service, Park Police and National Guardsmen. That allowed Trump to walk to nearby St. John's Episcopal Church while flanked by a group that included Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "When I joined the military, some 50 years ago, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution," Mattis wrote. "Never did I dream that troops taking that same oath would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the Constitutional rights of their fellow citizens - much less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander-in-chief, with military leadership standing alongside." While Mattis does not mention Esper by name, he also rejects the defense secretary's characterization this week of American cities as a "battlespace" that the military can help "dominate." "Militarizing our response, as we witnessed in Washington, D.C., sets up a conflict - a false conflict - between the military and civilian society. It erodes the moral ground that ensures a trusted bond between men and women in uniform and the society they are sworn to protect, and of which they themselves are a part." Confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona topped 22,200 on Wednesday, according to new state figures. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across Arizona is 22,200, the Arizona Department of Health Services said Wednesday in its daily tally. The total number includes people who have recovered. The state said 981 people in Arizona have died from COVID-19. There were 40 deaths reported today. Across Pima County, 2,627 cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed, up 131 cases from the day before. Among the 2,627 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pima County: 672 people ages 65 and older; 372 people between 55 and 64 years old; 442 people between 45 and 54 years old; 986 people between 20 and 44 years old; 154 people 19 years old and younger. No age was available for one coronavirus patient in the county. There have been 196 known COVID-19 deaths in the Tucson-metro area, according to the state health department. Five new deaths were reported in Pima County today. There have been 345,044 coronavirus tests given across Arizona, with 5.8% of them showing positive for COVID-19, the state says. The 981 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Arizona include: 759 people 65 years old and older; 117 people between 55 and 64 years old; Former state Rep. Yvette Herrell prevailed in the bitter fight for the Republican nomination for the 2nd Congressional seat on Tuesday. She garnered 46% of the votes that had been counted as of 10 p.m. Roswell oil and gas executive Claire Chase had 32% and Las Cruces businessman Chris Mathys was trailing with 22%. Herrell will now take on Democratic incumbent Xochitl Torres Small. The battle for the Republication nomination in the race was described by political observers as nasty. Chases and Herrells campaigns attacked one another, each questioning the others loyalty to President Donald Trump. They were considered the front runners heading into the night based on their one-two finish at the Republican pre-primary convention and their sizeable fundraising advantage over Mathys. I dont think its been good for either candidate moving to the general with that kind of negative legacy from the primary campaign, University of New Mexico political science professor Lonna Atkeson told the Journal. It cant be good for uniting the Republican Party, she added. But pollster Brian Sanderoff said in an earlier interview that a negative campaign isnt unusual in a competitive race, and he feels confident the Republicans would unite behind the winner. And the Republican Party issued a statement earlier in the campaign saying the rifts between the Chase and Herrell campaigns could be healed. The 2nd Congressional District is conservative, and we believe constituents there will repudiate the liberal policies being promoted by Congresswoman Torres Small, the party said in a statement sent out by spokesman Mike Curtis. But Sanderoff said the negative attacks could affect how moderate Democrats and independents vote, and he said they are the ones who will determine the outcome for a seat that had been held by Republicans in every year except two since 1981 before Torres Smalls victory in 2018. The Chase and Herrell campaigns and supporting political action committees spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on attack ads. Herrells campaign reminded voters of Chases anti-Trump comments she made leading up to the 2016 election, including calling the future president an a**hole unworthy of the office. Chases campaign has run ads claiming Herrell stood against the president, citing Herrells attendance at a legislative conference in 2015 in which attendees were asked about supporting Trump and no one indicated support. Atkeson wonders if the two campaigns depleted their resources in attacking the other. Thats going to hurt them for raising money on the general, while with no opponent on the other side, Xochitl Torres Small has an economic advantage, she said. As of May 13, Torres Small had more than $3.1 million cash on hand. Chase had more than $202,000 and Herrell had more than $70,000. Mathys reported having about $15,000 on hand from his mostly self-funded campaign. Sanderoff, however, feels there will be plenty of money that will flow to the winner. He said there may be donors who are waiting to find out who will win before writing a check. And outside groups have already been spending money on the general election. The Congressional Leadership Fund has booked $1.1 million in advertisements against Torres Small for the general election. Thats in addition to the almost $220,000 American Action Network spent in advertisements against her that ran late last year. And the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee also spent money in support of Torres Small during the impeachment process. I think thats the earliest Ive seen advertisements for the general election, Atkeson said. Herrell cited her eight years as a state legislator and as a business owner in making the case for her election during a Journal-KOAT forum on Sunday. I come to the table with the right amount of experience, the relationships and I have the references, (Ohio) Congressman Jim Jordan, (White House Chief of Staff) Mark Meadows, (Texas Sen.) Ted Cruz and others, she said. This race is about the people of New Mexico This is about our values and whats important to us and taking those to Washington, D.C. But Chase, who positions herself as an outsider, said the state doesnt need to send more career politicians to Washington. My experience having worked for Congressman (Steve) Pearce, having actually drafted federal legislation and having actually moved through the committee process, along my seven years of business experience make me uniquely qualified to be an effective congresswoman for this district. Melissa Phillip, Staff / Houston Chronicle Prairie View A&M University President Ruth Simmons was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board of directors of the Houston branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the Fed said Tuesday. The board has seven members who provide input on regional economic conditions as part of the Feds monetary policy functions. PORTLAND - A proposed show of solidarity on the Arrigoni Bridge to honor of the memory of George Floyd was canceled Tuesday out of an abundant of caution given the construction taking place on the bridge. However, apparently not everyone got the message and a handful or so of people did turn out, Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim said. He said he did not think there was a serious traffic disruption, as the people walked down the sidewalk and into the roadway briefly, and authorities were there to keep an eye on things. Florsheim said he thinks the people showing up anyway demonstrates the deeply felt desire for change. I think that it is so clear we are at a tipping point in this issue and that action needs to be taken, he said. On the Portland side of the bridge, in the minutes leading up to 4 p.m., about two-dozen individuals arrived at the Dunkin Donuts store. Police halted traffic, allowing them to cross from the north side of the bridge to the south side, according to information conveyed to Portland First Selectwoman Susan S. Bransfield. The group went to the center of the bridge, and two reportedly laid down in the road, so traffic was stopped in both directions. The group then returned to Portland where two individuals lay down in Main Street, again causing a brief traffic delay, Bransfield said. Police reported there were no injuries - and no arrests - and shortly after 6 p.m., the group dispersed and people left the area. Portland resident Mary Flood had proposed having people stand on the south sidewalk of the bridge - while practicing social distancing - to honor Floyd who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25. In a posting on social media over the weekend, Flood called upon like-minded people to join her on the bridge at 4 p.m. Tuesday . But officials of both Middletown and Portland expressed their concern about the safety of people, given that the four-lane bridge that spans the Connecticut River has been reduced to two lanes as part of renovation and rehabilitation project. Both Florsheim and Bransfield said they supported idea of honoring Floyds memory. Florsheim took part in a march in Middletown Saturday night to protest Floyds death. Bransfield described his death as a terrible injustice, one that would not be acceptable in Portland. But they also said they both had serious concerns about the safety of people standing on the bridge as well as those who drive over the bridge. Our concern is that bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure, Florsheim said and if, for whatever reason it became blocked, there is no easy alternative route to the Middletown Health hospital. A conference call Tuesday afternoon was held with both leaders, Flood, and police and fire officials from the two towns. Flood said she has agreed to cancel Tuesdays event and instead hold a similar event on June 19 or Juneteenth at the Riverfront park in Portland. Juneteenth (short for June Nineteenth) marks the effective end of slavery in the United States, according to an explanation on the History.com website. On June 19, 1865, two months after Robert E. Lees surrender at Appomattox Court House Union General Gordon Granger and approximately 1,800 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Flood, the former director of Portland Senior Center, said she saw the bridge as a metaphor for the need of Americans to help one another through the trauma of Floyd killing, adding that it has been used for similar events - such as the annual Hunger Walk in the past. She was surprised and heartened that her post had attracted so much attention and so many messages of support. For her part, Bransfield said she intends to ask the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday to approve holding a memorial gathering for Floyd on one or the other days this weekend. She also said if Americans dont stand together to oppose events like Floyds killing, Its going to happen again and again and again. jmill@middletownpress.com Egypts non-oil private sector activity shrank more slowly in May after turning in its worst performance in a decade the previous month as the coronavirus crisis ravaged businesses, a survey showed on Wednesday. IHS Markits Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for the non-oil private sector came in at 40.7 last month, up from 29.7 in April but still far below the 50.0 threshold that separates growth from contraction. The coronavirus has virtually shut down Egyptian tourism, which accounts for about 5% of the economy, with no scheduled flights to Egypt since March 19. The government began allowing some hotels to reopen at a quarter of their usual capacity in late May if they met strict health and safety protocols. Restaurants and cafes have also been shuttered, and a night-time curfew has been in place since March. The outlook for activity in 12 months time weakened from April, although it remained higher than Marchs recent low, IHS Markit said. Businesses were generally hopeful that the eventual passing of the COVID-19 crisis could lead to a rebound in the market. The new orders sub-index rebounded to 36.1 from 14.1 in April, which was its worst reading in nine years. Purchasing strengthened to 41.9 from 21.0 in April. Output and new orders fell again as private sector demand remained broadly stagnant, said IHS Markit economist David Owen. Export sales were also weak. In addition, job losses accelerated to the quickest pace in over three years. Non-oil sector employment contracted for a seventh straight month with the index at 45.5 compared with 46.1 in April. Sentiment was still positive, though concerns arose that the U.S./China relationship is worsening, which could affect any rebound in global demand, Owens said. Search Keywords: Short link: Night Curfew in Maharashtra: Check guidelines, rules; what is allowed, what is not allowed Will schools in Maharashtra reopen next week amid rising Omicron cases? Proposal sent to CM Schools in Mumbai to reopen with rest of Maharashtra on Monday Weather today: Heavy rains likely in Mumbai during next 2 hours; orange alert issued coastal K'taka India oi-Madhuri Adnal Mumbai, June 03: Mumbai on Wednesday witnessed its first-ever cyclonic storm in more than a century as Nisarga hit the coastal areas of Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Goa experienced heavy rain and gusty winds on Wednesday morning due to the formation of a low-pressure area in the Arabian Sea, causing flooding in some low lying parts of the coastal state. With the sea conditions being rough, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has asked fishermen not to venture into the waters. Delhi seals border for 1 week, all shops permitted to open, no odd-even | Oneindia News Cyclone Nisarga: From rain, wind warning to damage expected, all you need to know Following the heavy showers, many low lying areas in the state were inundated on Wednesday. "Several roads are inundated. There is very less traffic on roads as people are staying indoors, a senior police official said. Corporation of City of Panaji Mayor Uday Madkaikar said pre-monsoon work was undertaken even during the lockdown, considering the arrival of rains. The rains which Bengaluru and the state are experiencing now are because of the cyclone and also are part of the pre-monsoon showers, according to the IMD. Cyclone Nisarga: Maharashtra CMO releases a list of DO's and DONT's to stay safe The meteorological department also predicted heavy rainfall and strong wind in Karnataka coast. It also has predicted the sea to become turbulent. The department has also issued orange alert for coastal Karnataka on June 3. The monsoon arrived in Kerala on Monday, marking the commencement of the four month-long rainfall season, the IMD said. Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Coincheck announced on Tuesday that it suffered a data breach, which may have leaked users emails and personal information. The information includes name, registered address, birth date, phone number and selfie ID, said Coincheck. The breach affected around 200 customers who made email inquiries from May 31 to June 1, the exchange added. Giving details of the breach, Coincheck said a third party unauthorizedly accessed its domain registration service and fraudulently accessed customer emails. The domain registration information has since been amended and there is no impact on customers assets at this time, said Coincheck. As a result of the breach, the exchange has suspended its crypto remittance service, while other services such as trading, deposits and withdrawals remain active. Last month, crypto lender BlockFi also suffered a similar data breach, which affected some of its retail clients. The breach lasted for "about an hour" and did not impact customer funds, BlockFi said at the time. As of Coincheck, the exchange has previously suffered the biggest hack in crypto's history. In January 2018, Coincheck lost nearly $500 million in digital tokens. Japan-based online brokerage firm Monex Group later acquired Coincheck for $33.5 million, and the exchange is now a licensed entity. 2020 The Block Crypto, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Watch the latest video at foxnews.com CLEVELAND, Ohio GOP Gov. Mike DeWine said Wednesday morning he would not volunteer Ohio as a site for the Republican National Convention due to concerns about coronavirus spreading. Republican President Donald Trump tweeted Tuesday the GOP was looking for alternative sites for the partys nominating convention, originally scheduled to take place in Charlotte the last week of August. During a Wednesday appearance on Fox News Fox and Friends which Trump regularly views DeWine said Ohio, which hosted the 2016 RNC in Cleveland, would not ask for consideration as an alternate location out of concern a mass gathering of its size could become a potential coronavirus transmission ground. These mass gatherings are kind of the last things to come together, DeWine said. A mass gathering inside is frankly the thing that would scare us the most simply about the spread of the virus. The virus is still very, very much here. I dont know where we will be several months from now. This would not be something we think we would volunteer to do. Mass gatherings of more than 10 people have been banned in the state since March as the state works through the coronavirus pandemic. DeWine has reopened sectors of the economy, but the restriction on those gatherings is currently slated to run through July 1 by state health order. During the interview, DeWine said coronavirus hospitalization numbers have plateaued, but havent decreased, leading to his hesitation. The state reported 36,350 coronavirus cases and 2,258 deaths through Tuesday, with Cuyahoga, Franklin and Hamilton counties the three largest and most capable of hosting the convention among the hardest hit per capita. Republican National Committee officials and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, were at odds over how to move forward with the convention scheduled for Aug. 24-27. The RNC wanted to move forward unabated with the potentially 50,000-person event, but Cooper said he would only permit the convention with health protocols in place, including limited attendance, social distancing requirements and face coverings. Trump tweeted Tuesday that because of the restrictions, the RNC would seek another venue. Other Republican governors have jumped at the chance to hold the convention in their state, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Read more cleveland.com politics coverage: While Ohio waits on sports gambling, Pennsylvania, Michigan head into sports and more online Gov. Mike DeWine again dodges questions about Donald Trump and protest crackdowns Gov. Mike DeWine says state should review whether officers involved in police-related deaths should be fired Ohio National Guard sent to Washington for protest response Kwara State Government has said the sudden peak in the number of COVID-19 cases on Monday followed a deliberate effort of the committee to contact-trace and test all persons and health workers that have had contacts with two persons that recently sneaked into the state and tested positive to the virus. The government added that all but one of the 23 new cases posted on Monday the highest in a day since the outbreak were already in isolation before the test result as they had long been identified as persons of interest on account of their close contacts with a pregnant woman who sneaked in from Zamfara and later tested positive. The woman was briefly treated at the Ilorin General Hospital and later at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital where she underwent an operation and later tested positive, leading to contact tracing and testing of over 180 people. Various precautionary measures have since been taken at the two hospitals, including disinfection of relevant wards, relocation of other patients to some other wards, testing of all the contacts, and a renewed emphasis on the need for healthcare workers to treat every patient as a potential COVID-19 case, Rafiu Ajakaye, spokesman of the State Technical Committee on COVID-19, said in a statement. For the record, the rise in the cases was a result of governments proactiveness in rounding up all contacts and testing all of them. Insinuations about the lack of PPEs or shortage of same are unfounded and reckless. The government said the 23 cases included a contact of a deceased whose corpse was brought into Kwara State from the neighbouring Ekiti State. The government has therefore despatched a Rapid Response Team to begin an aggressive contact tracing of the case in the affected community for another round of test, the statement added. So far, 75 percent of our cases were imported. There is no record of community spread yet in Kwara. While we commend the security agencies for what they are doing, we urge them to do much more to secure our borders and prevent influx of people into the state. The new 23 cases, as many before now, were a backlash from porous borders. We would like to state that Kwaras performance in COVID-19 management is one of the best in the country. As of May 30, our percentage of recoveries/discharges is 43%, far above the national average of 29%. Our percentage of mortality is 1.15%. It is well below the national average of 2.81%. The state also ranks among the best in terms of high index of suspicion as can be seen in the number of positive cases compared to the test done. For every 100 test done in Kwara, seven is positive, whereas the national average is 16 for every 100 tests done. Even so, the government is not taking chances. Apart from constant supplies of PPEs and designation of holdings rooms across our facilities for suspicious cases, the government has intensified engagements with hospital heads and trainings for health workers to be on top of their game. In time of pandemic and other emergencies, it is a crime for anyone or entity to undermine a system put in place to protect the people. The government therefore warns that any action that purports to kill the morale of our health workers and those in the frontline of this national emergency will not be tolerated. The government meanwhile has called on the federal government to expedite action on setting up of at least a COVID-19 test centre in the state to strengthen the capacity to test more samples and urge people to come up for voluntary testing. The government said it is willing to offer all the necessary cooperation to ease the setting up of the facility. Similarly, the government will soon announce the modalities for relaxing the lockdown order on worship centres in the state. The government sincerely commends the patience and understanding of our religious and traditional rulers while urging them to actively join the sensitisation campaign about the virus, the statement added. It said the government is to meet with the leadership of the Muslim and Christian communities in the state on Wednesday to fashion out the way forward on the proposed reopening of worship centres. Rafiu Ajakaye Chief Press Secretary to the Governor/ Spokesman, Technical Committee on COVID-19 June 2, 2020. Northwestern Congo (Equateur province) has a new Ebola virus outbreak. There have been eight confirmed cases so far, and four of the infected have died. The epicenter is the city of Mbandaka, on the Congo River. This is over 1,600 kilometers from the eastern Congo locations where an epidemic raged for 20 months. Mbandaka and Equateur province had an Ebola outbreak of their own in 2018. While Ebola is one of the most lethal epidemic diseases ever encountered, a much less lethal visitor from China has recently shown up in Congo. The covid19 has, in three months, inflicted around 3,400 confirmed cases of covid19 virus in Congo and 72 confirmed deaths. Thats 37 per million people and 0.8 deaths per million. For all of Africa (including North Africa) there have been 120 cases per million and 3.4 deaths per million people. Thats far lower than anywhere else. So far the global total is 828 cases per million and 49 deaths per million. Congo detected its first covid19 infections in early March. Most of Africa is showing low rates of infection and death because health care throughout Africa is unable to handle something like this. There may be more cases in Congo but the country has little or no access to modern medical care and people regularly die of undiagnosed afflictions. Since most of these involve a fever, caused by the immune system trying to fight off some kind of infection, people call many fatal conditions an unspecified fever, and such fatal fevers are common. Covid19 is not as scary in Africa because there are so many other deadly diseases or unnatural ways to die. Moreover, while most fatal diseases have very distinct and visible symptoms, like diarrhea and vomiting common to Ebola victims, covid19 is more difficult to separate from many similar and sometimes fatal diseases. One more such death does not make much difference and since covid19 is most fatal for the elderly or those already ill from other afflictions, in most parts of Africa covid19 deaths will not even be noticed. Covid19 is similar to the annual influenza outbreaks but infects and kills two or three times more people. Thats not considered a health emergency in most countries. In Africa, a fatal cause of covid19 is just another death by a fever of someone seen as close to death already. This happens in the West as well, but much less frequently and usually by accident. For example, a lot of nursing home deaths in the West were, at first, not attributed to covid19 because nursing homes normally have frequent and numerous deaths and often involve a case of pneumonia at the end. The victims tend to have a number of health problems that can eventually kill them. In the West just another fever as a cause of death is no longer acceptable even though it is what is happening. A unique feature of covid19 is that it interferes with the breathing and appears similar to pneumonia. That is not unusual if most of the dead are elderly or younger people with other health problems. What often finally kills such sickly people is a case of pneumonia that healthier people can survive. The difference is actual pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection that can be cured by antibiotics while covid19 pneumonia is caused by a virus which, so far, has no cure. Fortunately, most people exposed to covid19 fight it off without even knowing it or getting infected, but experiencing no symptoms or ill effects. Ebola is a much higher infection and fatality rate. Ebola is feared while covid19 often goes unnoticed. June 1, 2020: In Congo, former president Joseph Kabila demonstrated how he is continuing to rule though out of office. Kabila was apparently behind a recent parliament vote to oust Jean-Marc Kabund as first vice-president of the National Assembly. Kabund is an ally of president Felix Tshisekedi and acting president of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress party. Tshisekedi accused Kabilas FCC party of plotting Kabunds removal. In Ugandan, a hundred soldiers, in groups of about 25 each, were sent north to the South Sudan border to deal with cattle theft by raiders from South Sudan. Since the end of January, there have been several such cattle raids resulting in at least 130 cattle stolen. The army detachments will defend community cattle yards (community kraals). May 31, 2020: In southwest Congo (Kasai region) the chief suspect in the murder of two UN investigators has been arrested. The dead men were probing mass murder reports from Kasai. The arrested man, Tresor Mputu Kankonde, led one of the rebel militias operating in the area and had a reputation for random and sometimes sadistic violence. May 29, 2020: In eastern Congo (South Kivu province) rebels attacked a UN base and wounded two of the 16,500 peacekeepers operating in the country. Most of the peacekeepers are soldiers but a few percent of the force consists of observers and armed police. In southeast Congo, the 1,600 kilometer long border with Zambia is again being discussed by experts from both countries who are trying to resolve several disputes about exactly where the border is. The border was drawn during colonial times and that explains its unusual shape, which is long salient of Congolese territory that goes deep into Zambia. The various disputed areas have been under discussion for years. May 28, 2020: Burundis largest opposition party, the CNL, has gone to the countrys highest court to challenge the results of the May 20 presidential election. The government claims retired General Evariste Ndayishimiye received 69 percent of the vote and opposition candidate Agathon Rwasa got 24 percent. The CNL contends there was massive election fraud. The Burundi Conference of Catholic Bishops (BCCB) issued a statement on May 26 that disputed the credibility of the election process and its results. May 27, 2020: In northeastern Congo (Ituri province) peacekeepers equipped with armored personnel carriers battled ADF Islamist terrorists. During the last few says the ADF had attacked several villages in Ituri and nearby North Kivu province, killing several dozen civilians and looting whatever could be taken away. The peacekeepers are out to destroy or at least discourage, the ADF faction responsible. Rwandan and Congolese officials announced they have agreed on a set of procedures that will allow the countries to re-open their border to trade despite the covid19 pandemic. May 24, 2020: In northeast Congo (Ituri province) COCEDO tribal rebels have destroyed 150 schools and 22 health centers this year. In response peacekeepers and Congolese soldiers have, over the last two months, carried out several operations against the rebels killing over 300 of them. None of the peacekeepers died but 63 soldiers were killed during these clashes. During the operation the army seized two rebel strongholds, both base camps from which the rebels operated. The rebels fought hard to protect those bases. COCEDO is a religious cult composed of Lendu tribesmen. Other Lendu considers the COCEDO dangerous religious fanatics. May 21, 2020: In France police arrested the Rwandan man accused of financing the purchase of machetes to facilitate the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Felicien Kabuga is regarded as the radical Hutus chief financier. A French court is expected to remand Kabuga to the International Criminal Court in The Hague for trial. May 20, 2020: In CAR (Central African Republic) peacekeepers arrested nine men belonging to the UPC militia and accused them of committing atrocities. One of the men arrested was the UPCs warlord, Azor Kalite. He was a key member of the Seleka rebels that overthrew President Francois Bozize in 2013. May 19, 2020: In western Congo (Kongo Central province) police are accused of using excessive force in April when they confronted members of the BDK (Bunda dia Kongo) separatist religious group who had built roadblocks in several towns. Police also raided the BDK leaders home in the capital, Kinshasa. Police killed at least 55 BDK members in the process. In the Kikongo language, Bundu dia Kongo means The Church of the Kongo. The BDK says the Bakongo people are oppressed and demands greater autonomy for Kongo Central province. May 10, 2020: In eastern Congo (North Kivu province) ADF terrorists beheaded three people during an attack on a village. Murdering civilians is common with ADC but beheadings by the Islamic group are rare. May 8, 2020: In northeast Congo (Ituri province) the UN is accusing the Lendu tribal militias of seeking to permanently drive rival Hema tribesmen out of the area. The Hema are cattle herders. The more numerous Lendu tribe claims Hema herds ravage their farms by eating crops. Since late 2017 over 700 people have been killed in tribal clashes between the Hema and Lendu. Earlier, between 1999 and 2003 there were several thousand deaths. That fighting was halted by peacekeepers and a peace deal worked out. This arrangement fell apart after about a decade and now it is believed that many Lendu are determined to drive all the Hema out of the area and kill those that resist or refuse to leave. May 7, 2020: It is estimated that Congo has five million IDPs (internally displace people), the highest number in Africa. Globally only Syria has more IDPs. In Ituri province, ethnic intercommunal (tribal) violence displaced 453,000 people in 2019. In April 2020 violence in Ituri displaced another 200,000. May 6, 2020: In northeast Congo (Ituri province) Kyini ya kilima rebels attacked an army outpost and killed four attackers. Nevertheless, the attack failed and eight rebels were killed. Soldiers recovered four rebel AK-47s. In CAR (Central African Republic) peacekeepers report that during April there were 35 criminal and often violent incidents against foreign aid operations and personnel. Frequently aid or equipment was stolen. Six vehicles belonging to aid organizations were stolen and several others were damaged. Footage of Sydney police officers assaulting a 16-year-old Aboriginal boy on Monday has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times on social media, provoking widespread anger and prompting comparisons with the brutal actions of the US police over the past week. The unprovoked attack took place just hours after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared on national radio that explosive US demonstrations against the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis had little relevance to conditions in Australia. Morrison stated there was no need to import the mass protests against police violence unfolding across America. The video of Mondays assault gives the lie to those self-serving assertions. Australian police, like their US counterparts, are trained to brutalise working class youth as part of their role in enforcing unprecedented social inequality and stamping down on mounting discontent. As with the murder of Floyd, the only thing that was exceptional about the police attack in Sydney was that it was captured on film, providing graphic evidence of the harassment and arbitrary state violence that oppressed and working-class youth are threatened with on a daily basis. The footage was taken after a group of youths were stopped by four police officers in the inner-city suburb of Surry Hills. Reports indicate that the boys were being questioned only because they were spending time together in a public park, a common occurrence for Aboriginal youth. When the video began, one of the boys was sitting on the ground, seemingly detained by the police. His friends objected to their treatment, with one apparently referencing the situation in the US. Sharp words were exchanged. A male officer then marched over to another of the youths and placed his hands behind his back, as if to make an arrest. The youth did not resist. Without warning, the officer kicked the boy's feet out from under him. The 16-year-old was slammed onto the concrete, without any way of bracing the impact. He was then held to the ground, with one officer pinning his legs down with her knee. The boy screamed out in obvious distress and pain, but the officers were completely indifferent. The boy pinned to the ground by two police officers The youth was taken to hospital with a bruised shoulder, extensive grazing and chipped teeth. Given the manner in which he was thrown onto concrete, the injuries could have been far worse, even fatal. Underscoring the fact that he had committed no crime, the 16-year-old was released from police custody without being charged. Speaking on Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio this morning, the teenagers sister said: When he came back home later that night, he was shaken up. He was very sore this morning and he was distraught. Teenagers, theyre lippy, but you dont just abuse children because they're lippy. His family addressed a press conference today, extending solidarity to the relatives of George Floyd and all victims of police violence. They have obtained legal representation and demanded that the officer who threw the boy to the ground be charged. The family is considering launching a private prosecution if no action is taken. The response of the authorities has been a combination of damage control, obfuscation and defense of the violent assault. Shortly after the footage began widely circulating online, it was announced that police professional standards command was investigating the incident. Such in-house operations, with the police essentially investigating themselves, are routinely used to white-wash misconduct. The officer has not even been stood down, let alone charged, but instead was placed on unspecified restricted duties. New South Wales (NSW) Liberal Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and her Labor Party counterparts, have shed crocodile tears, clearly fearful of the anger that the attack has provoked. Berejiklian said it showed that we still have a long way to go in our country, and that what happened in the US is a good wake up call. NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller publicly apologised to the boy. In the same breath, however, he declared that the leg sweep technique shown in the video was sometimes used during arrests. The officer did not have a checkered history, prompting Fuller to obscenely suggest that he had merely been having a bad day. The callous attitude of the political establishment was summed up by NSW Police Minister David Elliot who stated that he was horrified by the language used by the group of youths. Elliot said he was just as disturbed by what the children had said, as he was by the fact that one of them was then violently attacked. The police investigation, the weasel words from Berejiklian and the hand-wringing from Labor are all aimed at diffusing hostility provoked by the footage. For all of Morrisons claims that the situation in Australia is fundamentally different to the US, the authorities are clearly fearful that similar explosive struggles could emerge in this country. This was summed up in comments to the media by NSW Police Central Metropolitan Region Commander Mick Willing. Asked about the footage and the demonstrations in the US, he said he was concerned about the police assault, but added that he was equally concerned about others who may use this footage to inflame it and turn it into something that its not. Yesterday evening, a lively protest of more than a thousand people took place in the centre of Sydney. The previous night over 2,000 rallied in Perth, in one of the largest demonstrations in the Western Australian capital in several years. Tens of thousands have indicated on social media that they may participate in further protests in Melbourne, Sydney and other capital cities this weekend. The international protests are intersecting with longstanding public anger over police violence in Australia, especially directed at Aborigines. Since 1991, 432 Aboriginal people have died in police custody. There were two fatal police shootings late last year of an 19-year-old Aboriginal man in the Northern Territory and a 29-year-old woman in Western Australia. Neither were posing a threat to the police when they were gunned down. Mondays police assault has provoked online discussion about earlier violent attacks, including the 2004 death of TJ Hickey, a 17-year-old Aboriginal boy in the inner-Sydney suburb of Redfern, not far from where Mondays assault took place. Hickey died when he was impaled on a fence after he was chased by a police car while riding his bike. The officers involved lied to official inquests and were never held to account. The conditions facing Aboriginal youth, of endemic poverty, widespread unemployment and a lack of access to decent healthcare and education, are among the sharpest expressions of a broader assault on the social and democratic rights of the working class. While Aborigines are disproportionately targeted for police violence, this is because they are the most oppressed section of the working class. Young people of all backgrounds are routinely harassed and intimidated by police, especially in the working-class suburbs of the major cities. Victims of police killings, moreover, are overwhelmingly poor or mentally-ill, regardless of racial background. Over the past decades, state and federal governments, Labor and Liberal alike, have vastly expanded the size of police forces, along with their powers, as part of a broader offensive against democratic rights. This is above all aimed at preparing for the repression of the social and political struggles of the working class that are now emerging internationally. Minister for Railway Development, Joe Ghartey, has assured that government will begin the payment of three months salary arrears to workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) next week. He indicated that government was also giving financial assistance to support the operations of the company from this year to March, 2021 as the company began to improve its service delivery in the haulage of manganese from Nsuta in the Western Region. Speaking on Metro TVs Eye on Port programme, the minister revealed that the financial support from government would cover all the companys expenses till next year March. The money will hit the railway companys accounts next week, he said. The minister was, however, quick to add that the said money from government was not free money, in that the GRCL would pay back after things normalized. GRCL has been unable to meet its obligation to workers, and owes its staff three months of their salary and other benefits due to challenges with haulage of manganese from Nsuta. The main constraint has been as a result of an impasse between the Minerals Commission and the Ghana Manganese Company Limited, over the tonnage of manganese they are to mine each year. This is why the GRCL was not raising enough money to pay the workers of the company, Joe Ghartey clarified. The GRCL earns its money from manganese, and what happened was that the manganese company went on a break for a while, he added. He said to alleviate the challenges being faced by workers as a result of the break, the government had agreed to help finance the operations of the company from now till the end of March next year. 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 All those claiming to be men/women of God but seek to be conducting church services wearing PPEs, with their congregants in huge nose masks for fear of catching Covid-19, right in the house of God, are nothing but crazy charlatans. Ruthless legion Such characters are therefore not fit to lead any flock, because, if tiny the divine authority to thread over a tiny virus, to the point where it can spread fear and panic in them and their congregations, then, what happens when the devil himself enters with his ruthless legion? The instant healing power openly and freely exhibited by the apostles through the Holy Spirit in the early days of the church is completely missing in contemporary Christian leadership. The signs Indeed, the gospel of Mark 16:17-18 says: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. As for the tongues, they rattle it with notorious ease and indecent haste because nobody really understands what they're saying or the source of power it is emanating from. However, miracles are to be manifested in the physical and that's where the pure lies and naked trickery take over. Commercialisation Even these fake miracles and total lies being presented as prophecies by these charlatans are sold at cut-throat prices to the poor and needy. However, tithes/offerings which are old testament edicts, are being forced down the throats of modern-day worshipers. Successful people in the church are always given prophecies of their businesses being threatened with ominous calamities by family witches and wizards, with the expressed purpose of entrapping them to part with huge sums in tithes and offerings, and also, buy anointing oils of various efficacies over demons. Destruction The poor congregants who are not in the position to be milked through fictitious but mouthwatering prophecies are either simply overlooked during prophetic sessions, or, simply told their situations are not improving because they lack faith. Once struggling and poverty-ridden individuals who, through the help of family members, have made it in life, have often had their mental faculties completely taken over by such charlatans through naked lies and vile aspersions, with intent to extricate the family from this individual, so they can reap where they didn't sow. Indeed, I have a very personal experience on this, which I promise to share with you when the time is right so that we can all learn. A personal vow Indeed, I would've been a stark illiterate, today, but for the steadfastness of my uneducated mother who sold her personal possessions to give me secondary School education. For this; I vowed never to believe any prophet whoever made a mistake to tell me my mother was a witch. Such antics are the tools often deployed by these charlatans to sow seeds of confusion, conflict, disunity, chaos, and often wars within otherwise peaceful, loving, and united families. They do same to marriages, friendships, and other cordial relationships. Knowledge Hosea 4:6 says: "For lack of knowledge, my people perish"; and this is why 2Peter 1:5 actually admonishes that: "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge". The Holy Prophet Mohammed, may peace be upon Him, summarized it all in just one word: IQRA; which means READ!!! Individualism In conclusion; I believe a post-COVID-19 era presents the State with the opportunity to put in place legislation to regulate activities of such charlatans. And as individuals, we must wake up to the reality that SALVATION IS AN INDIVIDUAL AFFAIR: nobody will answer questions on behalf of the other when we all come before the judgment throne of the Lord Almighty. And this divine admonition is vividly captured in Apostle Paul's epistle to the Philippians Chapter 2:12; thus: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION with fear and trembling". THE MODERN-DAY CHRISTIAN HAS BECOME NOTORIOUSLY LAZY WITH PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MAKER; AND THEREFORE, HAVE BECOME DEPENDENT ON FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS THE LEAD THEM ON THE PATH OF SALVATION. MAY THE GOOD LORD, IN HIS ETERNAL MERCIES, OPEN OUR SPIRITUAL EYES, RENEW OUR MINDS, IMBIBE US WITH DIVINE KNOWLEDGE AND FILL US WITH STRENGTH TO DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM. Newton-Offei Justice Abeeku email: [email protected] T housands of demonstrators staged a huge lie in protest on a bridge in Portland, Oregon, in tribute to George Floyd. The activists swarmed onto the citys Burnside Bridge and lay with their hands behind their back as if they were handcuffed. Videos showed peaceful crowds, many wearing masks, stretching out for miles. Local reporters said it was the largest demonstration the city had ever seen. The lie in lasted for nine minutes the length of time that white police officer Derek Chauvin was filmed kneeling on Mr Floyds neck, as the African American gasped I cant breathe before losing consciousness. Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder following Mr Floyds death in Minneapolis on May 25. A large crowd also gathered in Iowas Union Park and took a knee for nine minutes in silent protest. Footage of the scene was shared on Twitter, with one social media captioning the moment a community coming together in solidarity. It came as protests convulsed US cities from coast to coast for the eighth night in a row. President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy the US military to quell the most serious wave of civil unrest seen since the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. Protests in solidarity have spread around the world from London to Sydney, with activists saying that events in America has refocused attention to the issue of police misconduct in other countries, including the UK. Further protests, led by parts of the Black Lives Matter movement, are scheduled for this week in London, Manchester and around the country. British police leaders today released a joint statement saying they are appalled by the death of George Floyd, and called for justice and accountability in the US. In the statement, the three national police bodies also admitted there was more to do in the UK and said they were working to improve. We will tackle bias, racism or discrimination wherever we find it, the statement added. Policing is complex and challenging and sometimes we fall short. "When we do, we are not afraid to shine a light on injustices or to be held to account." Treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with the menopause. Treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy associated with the menopause. When prescribing solely for the treatment of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, topical vaginal products should be considered. Treatment of hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration or primary ovarian failure. Treatment of advanced androgen-dependent carcinoma of the prostate (for palliation only). "We are proud to add Estradiol Valerate Injection to our robust product line of products that are manufactured in America. We are also pleased to provide patients with another treatment option from American Regent," stated Harsher Singh, Vice President, Chief Commercial and Strategic Officer at American Regent, Inc. This product is available for immediate shipment. Customers can order Estradiol Valerate Injection, USP through their wholesaler/distributor, or by contacting our Customer Support Group at 1-800-645-1706. Estradiol Valerate Injection, USP is supplied as follows: Pack NDC# Strength Supplied As Shelf Pack 0517-0420-01 100 mg/5 mL (20 mg/mL) 5 mL Multiple Dose Vial 1 0517-0440-01 200 mg/5 mL (40 mg/mL) 5 mL Multiple Dose Vial 1 See the following Important Safety Information, including BOXED WARNING, in addition to the product's Full Prescribing Information. For additional information, please visit www.americanregent.com. PP-EV-US-0005 6/2020 Estradiol Valerate Injection, USP For intramuscular use INDICATIONS AND USAGE Estradiol Valerate Injection is indicated in the: Treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with the menopause. Treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy associated with the menopause. When prescribing solely for the treatment of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, topical vaginal products should be considered. Treatment of hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration or primary ovarian failure. Treatment of advanced androgen-dependent carcinoma of the prostate (for palliation only). IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ESTROGENS INCREASE THE RISK OF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER Close clinical surveillance of all women taking estrogens is important. Adequate diagnostic measures, including endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in all cases of undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal bleeding. There is no evidence that the use of "natural" estrogens results in a different endometrial risk profile than synthetic estrogens at equivalent estrogen doses. Estrogens and progestins should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study reported increased risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, invasive breast cancer, pulmonary emboli, and deep vein thrombosis in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 5 years of treatment with oral conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg) combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA 2.5 mg) relative to placebo. The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), a substudy of WHI, reported increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older during 4 years of treatment with oral conjugated estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women or to women taking estrogen alone therapy. Other doses of oral conjugated estrogens with medroxyprogesterone acetate, and other combinations and dosage forms of estrogens and progestins were not studied in the WHI clinical trials and, in the absence of comparable data, these risks should be assumed to be similar. Because of these risks, estrogens with or without progestins should be prescribed at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. CONTRAINDICATIONS Estradiol Valerate Injection should not be used in women with any of the following conditions: Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding. Known, suspected, or history of cancer of the breast. Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia. Active deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or a history of these conditions. Active or recent arterial thromboembolic disease. Liver dysfunction or disease. Estradiol Valerate Injection should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to its ingredients. Known or suspected pregnancy. There is no indication for Estradiol Valerate Injection in pregnancy. WARNINGS The use of unopposed estrogens in women who have a uterus is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Cardiovascular disorders - Estrogen and estrogen/progestin therapy has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke as well as venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Should they occur or be suspected, estrogens should be discontinued immediately. Large doses of estrogen have been shown in men to increase the risks of nonfatal myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and thrombophlebitis. Coronary heart disease and stroke - An increase in the number of myocardial infarctions and strokes has been observed in women receiving CE which was observed in year one and persisted. Large doses of estrogen have been shown in men to increase the risks of nonfatal myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and thrombophlebitis. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) - An increase in VTE has been observed in women receiving CE. Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was observed in women receiving CE/MPA, which was observed during the first year and persisted. If feasible, estrogens should be discontinued at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery of the type associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during periods of prolonged immobilization. Malignant neoplasms Endometrial cancer - The use of unopposed estrogens in women with intact uteri has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Clinical surveillance of all women taking estrogen/progestin combinations is important. Breast cancer - The use of estrogens and progestins by postmenopausal women has been reported to increase the risk of breast cancer. The use of estrogen plus progestin has been reported to result in an increase in abnormal mammograms requiring further evaluation. Ovarian cancer - Estrogen plus progestin increased the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who used hormonal therapy for menopausal symptoms had an increased risk for ovarian cancer. Dementia - There is an increased risk of probable dementia for CE/MPA. Gallbladder disease - An increase in the risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery in postmenopausal women receiving estrogens has been reported. Hypercalcemia - Estrogen administration may lead to severe hypercalcemia in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases. If hypercalcemia occurs, use of the drug should be stopped and appropriate measures taken to reduce the serum calcium level. Visual abnormalities - Retinal vascular thrombosis has been reported in patients receiving estrogens. Discontinue medication pending examination if there is sudden partial or complete loss of vision, or a sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine. If examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions, estrogens should be permanently discontinued. PRECAUTIONS GENERAL Addition of a progestin when a woman has not had a hysterectomy - Risks may be associated with the use of progestins with estrogens compared to estrogen-alone regimens, including a possible increased risk of breast cancer. Elevated blood pressure - Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals. Hypertriglyceridemia - In patients with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia, estrogen therapy may be associated with elevations of plasma triglycerides leading to pancreatitis and other complications. Impaired liver function and past history of cholestatic jaundice - Estrogens may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. For patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice associated with past estrogen use or with pregnancy, caution should be exercised and in the case of recurrence, medication should be discontinued. Hypothyroidism - Estrogen administration leads to increased thyroid-binding globulin levels. Patients dependent on thyroid hormone replacement therapy who are also receiving estrogens may require increased doses of their thyroid replacement therapy. These patients should have their thyroid function monitored. Fluid retention - Estrogens may cause fluid retention, therefore careful observation is warranted. Hypocalcemia - Estrogens should be used with caution in individuals with severe hypocalcemia. Exacerbation of endometriosis - Endometriosis may be exacerbated with administration of estrogens. Cases of malignant transformation of residual endometrial implants have been reported in women treated post-hysterectomy with estrogen alone therapy. Exacerbation of other conditions - Estrogens may cause an exacerbation of asthma, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, migraine or porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus, and hepatic hemangiomas and should be used with caution in women with these conditions. Hypercoagulability - Women taking estrogen replacement therapy may have hypercoagulability. Uterine bleeding and mastodynia - Patients may develop undesirable manifestations of estrogenic stimulation, such as abnormal uterine bleeding and mastodynia. Patient Information - Physicians are advised to discuss the PATIENT INFORMATION leaflet with patients for whom they prescribe Estradiol Valerate Injection. Laboratory Tests - Estrogen administration should be initiated at the lowest dose approved for the indication and then guided by clinical response rather than by serum hormone levels. Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions Accelerated prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and platelet aggregation time; increased platelet count; increased factors II, VII antigen, VIll antigen, VIII coagulant activity, IX, X, XII, VII-X complex, II-VII-X complex, and beta-thromboglobulin; decreased levels of antifactor Xa and antithrombin III, decreased antithrombin III activity; increased levels of fibrinogen and fibrinogen activity; increased plasminogen antigen and activity. Increased thyroid-binding globulin levels leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone levels as measured by protein-bound iodine, T4 levels (by column or by radioimmunoassay) or T3 levels by radioimmunoassay. T3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG. Free T4 and free T3 concentrations are unaltered. Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum (i.e., corticosteroid binding globulin, sex hormone binding globulin leading to increased total circulating corticosteroids and sex steroids, respectively. Free hormone concentrations may be decreased. Other plasma proteins may be increased (angiotensinogen/renin substrate, alpha-1-antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin). Increased plasma HDL and HDL2 cholesterol subfraction concentrations, reduced LDL cholesterol concentrations, increased triglycerides levels. Impaired glucose tolerance. Reduced response to metyrapone test. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility - Long-term continuous administration of estrogen, with and without progestin, in women with and without a uterus, has shown an increased risk of endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Pregnancy - Estradiol Valerate Injection should not be used during pregnancy. Nursing Mothers - Estrogen administration to nursing mothers has been shown to decrease the quantity and quality of the milk. Detectable amounts of estrogens have been identified in the milk of mothers receiving this drug. Caution should be exercised when Estradiol Valerate Injection is administered to a nursing woman. Pediatric Use - Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Large and repeated doses of estrogen over an extended period of time may accelerate epiphyseal closure. Periodic monitoring of bone maturation and effects on epiphyseal centers is recommended in patients in whom bone growth is not complete. Geriatric Use - Women treated with conjugated estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate were reported to have a two-fold increase in the risk of developing probable dementia. Alzheimer's disease was the most common classification. ADVERSE REACTIONS - See BOXED WARNINGS, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS. Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The following additional adverse reactions have been reported with estrogen and/or progestin therapy. Genitourinary system - Changes in vaginal bleeding pattern and abnormal withdrawal bleeding or flow; breakthrough bleeding; spotting; dysmenorrhea, increase in size of uterine leiomyomata; vaginitis, including vaginal candidiasis; change in amount of cervical secretion; changes in cervical ectropion; ovarian cancer; endometrial hyperplasia; endometrial cancer. Breasts - Tenderness, enlargement, pain, nipple discharge, galactorrhea; fibrocystic breast changes; breast cancer. Cardiovascular - Deep and superficial venous thrombosis; pulmonary embolism; thrombophlebitis; myocardial infarction; stroke; increase in blood pressure. Gastrointestinal - Nausea, vomiting; abdominal cramps, bloating; cholestatic jaundice; increased incidence of gallbladder disease; pancreatitis, enlargement of hepatic hemangiomas. Skin - Chloasma or melasma, which may persist when drug is discontinued; erythema multiforme; erythema nodosum; hemorrhagic eruption; loss of scalp hair; hirsutism; pruritus, rash. Eyes - Retinal vascular thrombosis; intolerance to contact lenses. Central Nervous System - Headache; migraine; dizziness; mental depression; chorea; nervousness; mood disturbances; irritability; exacerbation of epilepsy, dementia. Miscellaneous - Increase or decrease in weight; reduced carbohydrate tolerance; aggravation of porphyria; edema; arthalgias; leg cramps; changes in libido; urticaria, angioedema, anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions; hypocalcemia; exacerbation of asthma; increased triglycerides. For additional safety information, including BOXED WARNING, please see Full Prescribing Information. You are encouraged to report Adverse Drug Events to American Regent Inc. at 1-800-734-9236, or to the FDA by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. REF-1504 4/2020 You are encouraged to report Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) to American Regent: Email: [email protected]; Fax: 1-610-650-0170; Phone: 1-800-734-9236 ADEs may also be reported to the FDA: 1-800-FDA-1088 or to www.fda.gov/medwatch Drug Information: 1-888-354-4855 (9:00 am 5:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday Friday) For urgent drug information outside of normal business hours, assistance is available at: 1-877-845-6371 About American Regent American Regent, Inc., a Daiichi Sankyo Group company, is a top-10 injectable manufacturer. For over 50 years, American Regent has been developing, manufacturing and supplying quality generic and branded injectables for healthcare providers. For nearly 20 years, we have been a leader in IV iron therapy. American Regent is committed to US-based manufacturing. In 2018, more than 99% of units supplied were manufactured in our US-based facilities, making us uniquely positioned to quickly mobilize and respond to shortages or changes in market needs. Speed counts. Flexibility matters. Reliability and quality are paramount. Because patients should never have to wait for the medications they need. For more information, please visit www.americanregent.com. About Daiichi Sankyo Group Daiichi Sankyo Group is dedicated to the creation and supply of innovative pharmaceutical therapies to improve standards of care and address diversified, unmet medical needs of people globally by leveraging our world-class science and technology. With more than 100 years of scientific expertise and a presence in more than 20 countries, Daiichi Sankyo and its 15,000 employees around the world draw upon a rich legacy of innovation and a robust pipeline of promising new medicines to help people. In addition to a strong portfolio of medicines for cardiovascular diseases, under the Group's 2025 Vision to become a "Global Pharma Innovator with Competitive Advantage in Oncology," Daiichi Sankyo is primarily focused on providing novel therapies in oncology, as well as other research areas centered around rare diseases and immune disorders. For more information, please visit: www.daiichisankyo.com. Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., headquartered in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, is a member of the Daiichi Sankyo Group. For more information on Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., please visit: www.dsi.com. References 1. Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/results_product.cfm?Appl_Type=A&Appl_No=090920#27598 Accessed May 13, 2020. 2. Delestrogen is a registered trademark of Par Sterile Products, LLC. SOURCE American Regent, Inc. Related Links www.americanregent.com Zaki Group, one of the leading food dairy and beverage companies in Iraq, has launched a new range of flavoured milk including chocolate, banana, strawberry, caramel and fresh milk varieties under its brand Yomme Abtalona in SIG Combibloc Obeikans combiblocXSlim 150ml carton packs. SIG Combibloc Obeikan is one of the worlds leading systems and solutions provider for aseptic packaging and filling machines for food and beverages. The new products are the first aseptic milk locally produced in Iraq and will be the first range of a growing portfolio of flavoured milk released in the market, a statement said. Bahaa Zeidan, General Manager, Zaki Group, said: We constantly focus on research and development to distinguish ourselves and to enable us to introduce new products based on consumer preferences and demand. YOMME Abtalona flavoured milk is a convenient snack that comes with a differentiated proposition. With this, we aim to respond to the trend in consuming out of home, on-the-go milk for consumers from different age groups. With the support from SIG Combibloc Obeikan throughout the whole process, the product innovation is now in the market. Abdelghany Eladib, Chief Operating Officer, SIG Combibloc Obeikan, said: Dairy is a category, which is firmly rooted in Iraqi tradition and enjoyed greatly by consumers. It is a premium family drink not only for kids but for every age group looking for such flavoured milk which is not only nutritious and healthy but also offers a great taste. I am confident that this launch will have a great potential in the Iraqi market and with a variety of consumers. TradeArabia News Service Britain accused the EU of wishful thinking yesterday for claiming it should compromise on access to fishing waters and follow standards set by Brussels. As the latest round of trade talks began, Downing Street said Brussels had failed to acknowledge the nation's new-found independence. UK chief negotiator David Frost and the EU's Michel Barnier are holding meetings online after the last round of talks ended in stalemate. The two sides must make progress ahead of a summit this month between Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, but the UK has already indicated it will walk away from negotiations if there is no prospect of an agreement by then. UK chief negotiator David Frost (left) and the EU's Michel Barnier (right) are holding meetings online after the last round of talks ended in stalemate. Pictured together March 2 2020 It was claimed yesterday that the UK would be willing to compromise on access to its fishing waters and 'level playing field' trade rules if the EU agreed to scale back its demands. 'There is only one way to get things moving and that is for the UK side to move and then, as Frost knows full well, the EU will move too,' a senior EU diplomatic source told The Times. But the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'This is wishful thinking by the EU. 'We have always been clear there is no question of splitting the difference on level playing field and fish. We are not compromising on those because our position on these is fundamental to an independent country. Any agreement has to deal with this reality.' The spokesman said there had to be a 'balanced solution' that reflected the 'political reality' on both sides, adding: 'What we cannot do is agree to any EU demands for us to give up our rights as an independent state.' Meanwhile, industry leaders described any attempt by Brussels to withhold a post-Brexit trade deal over fishing rights as a 'nuclear option'. As the latest round of trade talks began, Downing Street said Brussels had failed to acknowledge the nation's new-found independence. Pictured: Boris Johnson, May 28 2020 Barrie Deas, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, said he did not believe 'capitulation' by the UK was likely. He said the EU had taken a 'hard line' and there was not much optimism that a deal on fishing could be reached by the end of June. But as European trawlers fish six times as much in UK waters as British vessels do in EU waters, London has leverage in the talks, Mr Deas said. He said: 'Fishing rights are an entirely separate issue. The EU are trying to link them because it's the only card they believe they have. It's a nuclear option and would be extremely damaging to the EU as well as to the UK. That's why I think there will be a compromise because it's in the parties' interests.' Fishing boats take part in a Brexit flotilla, organised by Fishing For Leave, in Newcastle upon Tyne, Britain March 15, 2019 A compromise could be based on an assurance to EU fleets that they could fish in UK waters but not with the same quotas as before, Mr Deas said. It came as MPs on the Commons public accounts committee said they feared firms and the public would struggle to absorb official advice on Covid-19 and Brexit at the same time. In a report, they claimed it was 'likely the Covid-19 campaign will crowd out the Brexit transition campaign'. Pound Sterling has held steady on Wednesday, but risk premiums are liable to increase as underlying trade tensions increase with negotiators struggling to make significant headway this week. Bank of England Governor Bailey held a conference call with chief executives of UK banks during Tuesday. According to sources, Bailey stated that the banks should accelerate planning for the UK ending the transition period at the end of the year without an agreement. In a statement released on Wednesday, the bank stated that it is fundamental that the bank prepares the UK financial system for all risks including the possibility of the UK/EU trading relationship not ending with a deal. It is one that the banks need to prepare for over the coming months. Commercial bank balance sheets will be put under considerable strain by the coronavirus crisis with an increase in bad loans even with the government assuming some of the risk. There will be concerns that the banks will be subjected to further stress if the UK fails to reach a trade agreement. Banks overall, however, are confident that the impact will be limited. In the desktop stress tests issued in May the Bank of England concluded that financial institutions have more than sufficient buffers to ensure that they can continue lending even if they experience significant loan losses,. The tests which modelled an almost 30% collapse in economic output in the second quarter, found that banks would incur total credit losses of just over 80bn ($99.6bn). That would represent around 45% of the banking systems available capital buffers, but would still allow banks to continue providing credit to the economy. The greater impact is likely to be in a downgrading of the UK economic outlook. Exclusive: The Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey told the chief executives of Britain's biggest banks yesterday that they should accelerate planning for a no-deal Brexit amid signs of deadlock during this week's talks between London and Brussels. https://t.co/7kaZR1MlwY Mark Kleinman (@MarkKleinmanSky) June 3, 2020 The banks illustrative scenario published in the May monetary policy report was conditioned on the assumption that the UK moves to a comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU on 1 January 2021. Consistent with government policy, the scenario assumes that there is an immediate but orderly move to a comprehensive free trade agreement between the UK and the EU on 1 January 2021, as incorporated in the January Report. Some restrictions on trade between the UK and EU are assumed to come into place at that point The bank has assumed that some customs checks are introduced and some services trade would be subject to greater barriers. In his pre-appointment hearing, Governor Bailey said a WTO outcome would increase trade barriers relative to a comprehensive free trade agreement. The absence of measures to ease restrictions was "likely to make trade more costly or difficult relative to a comprehensive FTA, reducing trade flows and foreign direct investment". If the UK fails to reach a free-trade deal, the implications would be for a downward revision to the economic scenario if all other factors are unchanged. Companies are also liable to take fright and inevitably there will be a risk that investment plans will be scaled back. There would also be a risk that banks would adopt tighter credit standards which would undermine investment and derail the economic recovery. In an interview on Tuesday, Nissan global chief operating head Ashwani Gupta said that the companys UK commitment could not be maintained if there was not tariff-free EU access. He stated; "You know we are the number one carmaker in the UK and we want to continue. We are committed. Having said that, if we are not getting the current tariffs, it's not our intention but the business will not be sustainable. That's what everybody has to understand." The most likely outcome is that there will be only very limited progress this week and politicians will have to take up the baton later in June in an attempt to forge a path to compromise. According to EU sources, Prime Minister Johnson will be told where the EU could potentially make concessions -- as long as the U.K. takes a similarly conciliatory approach. That could allow the two sides to reach an accord in the second half, they said. Euro/Sterling was steady just above 0.800 with Sterling dollar below 1.2600 after failing to hold above this level. ING expects a 0.8900-0.9000 range for EUR/GBP. Sterling has enjoyed some temporary outperformance on reports of more flexibility in the UK Brexit position, but we doubt GBP ca hold onto gains. (Newser) A resolution was introduced in the Senate on Tuesday that would have condemned President Trump's controversial actions against peaceful protesters Monday night in Washington, DC, but Mitch McConnell blocked it, Axios reports. The resolution would have condemned Trump "for ordering federal officers to use gas and rubber bullets against the Americans who were peaceably protesting in Lafayette Square in Washington, DC on the night of June 1, 2020, thereby violating the constitutional rights of those peaceful protesters." The protesters were cleared so that Trump could make his now-infamous walk to a nearby church, which also proved controversial. McConnell introduced his own resolution, which would have condemned both racial injustice and riots, but Chuck Schumer blocked it. story continues below In blocking the initial resolution, McConnell said that rather than working toward "justice for black Americans in the face of unjust violence, and peace for our country in the face of looting, riots, and domestic terror," it simply "indulges in the myopic obsession with President Trump that has come to define the Democratic side of the aisle." The AP reports, however, that McConnell on Tuesday did acknowledge, "You can understand the outrage" of those protesting the deaths of black people at the hands of police. "There is no question that there is residual racism in America. Its been a longtime dilemma and we all wish we could get to a better place," he said, while not commenting directly on Trump's handling of the unrest. Other Republican lawmakers have suggested the president should work to calm the nation rather than inflame tensions, and multiple officials in and around DC have pushed back on the aggressive actions taken against protesters. (Read more Mitch McConnell stories.) New Delhi: Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar may soon hold an interaction with Vice Chancellors of Universities across the country in Benaras Hindu University. Sources said that in would be the first meeting of Javadekar, after taking over as the HRD minister with Vice Chancellors of different universities in Varanasi on the 6th of next month. It is also learnt that the HRD minister would also meet directors of IIMs soon. "It is planned that the HRD minister will meet directors of IIMs at IIM Shillong," an official said. The HRD minister has planned a series of meetings with different higher educational institutions, officials said adding that he has already met the directors of IITs. There are various issues which affect the higher education sector including those related to funding, vacancies in faculty positions. The ministry has also been looking towards ways to increase the capacity of higher education as well improve the quality of education. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. TheJakartaPost Please Update your browser Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below. Just click on the icons to get to the download page. We continue to support the First Amendment rights of everyone in Minneapolis, he added. According to the complaint, Mr. Goyette was reporting on a protest in south Minneapolis last Wednesday when he was shot in the face with what the suit described as less-lethal ballistic ammunition. At the time, he was helping an injured person, and there was no warning before the projectile was fired, the suit said. Mr. Goyette was identifiable as a member of the press by a camera attached to a stand and his notepad, the suit said. These acts would chill a reasonable person from continuing to engage in a constitutionally protected activity, the lawsuit said. These acts did, in fact, chill plaintiff and the plaintiff class from continuing to observe and record some events of public interest, including constitutionally protected demonstrations and the conduct of law enforcement officers on duty in a public place. Minneapolis, the city where George Floyd was killed while in police custody on May 25, has been the site of numerous protests. Many journalists who covered those demonstrations and others around the country told The New York Times that they were targeted by police officers while doing their jobs, even as they wore press badges or informed law enforcement officials that they were journalists. The A.C.L.U. said this lawsuit would not be the last it would file on behalf of journalists who had been harmed while covering the protests. We will not let these official abuses go unanswered, Brian Hauss, a lawyer with the A.C.L.U.s Speech, Privacy and Technology Project, said in a statement. This is the first of many lawsuits the A.C.L.U. intends to file across the country. Law enforcement officers who target journalists will be held accountable. 'No deal' could mean the end of the road for Sunderland Nissan warned Wednesday that a no-deal Brexit would threaten its vast UK car factory, the Japanese carmaker's largest plant in Europe. The site, located in Sunderland in northeast England, manufactures models including the Juke, Leaf and Qashqai, employs 7,000 workers, and produces more than 440,000 cars per year. Nissan has already warned that a no-deal Brexit, which would see World Trade Organization tariffs imposed on its cars, would threaten its future in Europe and in Sunderland. The carmaker unleashed a drastic cost-slashing plan last week, as the auto sector buckles in the face of the coronavirus outbreak, but no decision was made on the Sunderland facility. "We are the number one carmaker in the UK and we want to continue. We are committed," Nissan's global chief operating officer Ashwani Gupta told the BBC on Wednesday. "Having said that, if we are not getting the current tariffs, it's not our intention but the business will not be sustainable. That's what everybody has to understand." Britain officially left the European Union on January 31 but remains under the bloc's rules until the end of the year while both sides try to thrash out terms of a new relationship. Trade negotiators from Britain and the EU are this week locked in a fourth round of post-Brexit negotiations, but no-one in London or Brussels expects a breakthrough in the video-conference talks that conclude on Friday. Nissan has already decided to shut its factory in Barcelona, where 3,000 people are employed, ending four decades of operations as it seeks to cut costs and switch focus to Asia. Explore further Spain says Nissan closing Barcelona factory 2020 AFP Increase in demand due to technological advancements, commercialization of renewable energy, and growth of various industrial verticals drive the growth of the global cable management market. North America contributed the highest share in 2019, and will maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The cable management services have not been impacted during the months of coronavirus pandemic, owing to its application in essential services such as energy, marine, and healthcare.. Portland, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global cable management market generated $18.31 billion in 2019, and is estimated to reach $35.02 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 7.9% from 2020 to 2027. The report offers an extensive analysis of changing market trends, top impacting factors, business performance, company profiles, and competitive landscape. Increase in demand due to technological advancements, commercialization of renewable energy, and growth of various industrial verticals drive the global cable management market growth. However, lack of standardization for prices of raw material hinders the market growth. On the other hand, growing investment in Asia-Pacific region, growth of IT & telecom sector, and rapid urbanization in developing nations create new opportunities in the coming years. Download Sample Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/1381 Covid-19 scenario: The cable management services have not been impacted during the months of coronavirus pandemic, owing to its application in essential services such as energy, marine, and healthcare. On the other hand, the demand for the cable management services has slightly been declined in sectors such as commercial construction, manufacturing and automation, and mining due to restrictions on its application. The report offers a detailed segmentation of the global cable management market based on type, end user, and region. Story continues Based on type, the cable conduits segment contributed to the largest share in 2019, accounting for more than one-fourth of the total share, and is estimated to maintain its dominant position during the forecast period. However, the cable lugs segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 13.3% from 2020 to 2027. Enquire For Discount: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/1381 Based on end user, the IT and telecommunication segment accounted for the largest share in 2019, holding one-fifth of the total share, and is expected to maintain the largest share throughout the forecast period. In addition, the same segment is estimated to portray the highest CAGR of 10.0% during the forecast period. Moreover, the energy segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period. Based on region, North America contributed the highest share, accounting for nearly one-third of the total market share in 2019, and will maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 9.5% from 2020 to 2027. Get a Customized Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/1381 Leading market players analyzed in the research include Atkore International, Chatsworth Products, Legrand, Llc., Panduit, Prysmian Group, ABB, Eaton, Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., Nexan, and Schneider Electric. Avenue, a user-based library of global market report database, provides comprehensive reports pertaining to the world's largest emerging markets. It further offers e-access to all the available industry reports just in a jiffy. By offering core business insights on the varied industries, economies, and end users worldwide, Avenue ensures that the registered members get an easy as well as single gateway to their all-inclusive requirements. Access Avenue (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) @ https:/www.alliedmarketresearch.com/Avenue-Membership-details About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com ZEELAND, MI -- It didnt take long for Ebrahim Mohammad Eshaq to find a way to excel while working for an Ottawa County manufacturing company. His co-workers have dubbed him the mask master. A refugee from Afghanistan, Eshaq is so quick that he sews 120-150 masks per day for local medical offices to use for protection against the coronavirus. Eshaq works for Ventura Manufacturing, an assembly company in Zeeland, 471 E. Roosevelt Ave. It makes me feel proud to be able to help the community, to help prevent people from catching the virus," Eshaq told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press through a translator. When Eshaq started at Ventura, he helped in the manufacturing of various other products. However, once the coronavirus pandemic hit Michigan, Eshaq began making masks at the company for distribution to local medial offices and healthcare professionals. Before long, Eshaq was sewing nearly 100 masks per day, which quickly increased to 150. His speed and efficiency earned him the title mask master from his co-workers. Eshaq said he feels respected and valued by everyone at work, and he enjoys the supportive environment. Ventura Manufacturing was started in 1997 by France Allen, who was born in Mexico. Allen is passionate about hiring refugees and immigrants. Amanda Watt, Eshaqs supervisor at Ventura, called Eshaq a positive addition to the team. He comes to work with a great attitude, always positive, always ready to start the day, Watt said. He has a teamwork mentality and is always helping others out, or eager to learn (new) responsibilities in order to contribute more to the team. When Eshaq was 15, he and his family sought refuge in Iran. There he worked as an apprentice to his brothers tailoring business before opening his own, which he operated until 2017. He then went to a refugee camp in Turkey before resettling in the United States in 2019. Eshaq now lives in Holland with his wife, Farzana, and their three sons and a daughter. Bethany Christian Services, who helped the family come to the United States, used Eshaqs background in tailoring to match him with local employment opportunities. This led him to Ventura, said Sam Lankah, refugee health coordinator for Bethany. Fellowship Reformed Church, located at 2165 W Lakewood Blvd. in Holland, also sponsors the Eshaq family. The church provides English assistance, emotional support and some rides when needed, as Eshaq typically takes the bus. The Eshaq family is extremely grateful for the support they have received from both the church and Bethany, Farzana Eshaq said. We are so grateful and feel so blessed for the opportunity, Farzana Eshaq said of the familys immigration, via translator. We want to be able to give to this country for the opportunity weve been given." More from MLive: Tuesday, June 2: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan 12 arrested in Grand Rapids for curfew violations after weekend riot From hair salons to gyms, experts rank 36 activities by coronavirus risk level Activists from Birminghams civil rights movement of the 1960s, famous worldwide for its example of non-violent protest, watched in horror Sunday night as protests of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis turned to looting and destruction in Birmingham. My heart is swollen, said Jeff Drew, who still lives in the Birmingham house where his parents John and Deenie Drew hosted their close friend, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., on his visits to Birmingham. Its where planning meetings for the 1963 demonstrations were often held. Drew grew up calling King Uncle Mike, and still calls him that. Im sad, flirting with depression, Drew said. To see my parents life and Uncle Mikes life diminished puts me at the brink of depression. Andrew Marrisett joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference field staff in 1963, was arrested on April 15, 1963 during demonstrations led by King, and still lives in Birmingham. The way to do it is organization, having a spokesperson, having an agenda, having a fixed goal, knowing what we are marching for, Marrisett said. All those things can come together. It has to be organized. Marrisett said he was sickened by watching the video of Floyd dying with a police officers knee on his neck. My soul still hurts, he said. I am totally in agreement with peaceful protest, said Marrisett, who turned 84 this month. Police brutality throughout this country needs to stop. But I dont condone violence in any form, especially when youre fighting for your rights. The Rev. Gwendolyn Cook Webb, who took part in the Birmingham childrens marches of 1963 when she was 14, said Birminghams international reputation for successful peaceful protest has been tarnished. I could not sleep at all Sunday night and Monday knowing how they had destroyed our city, said Webb, who became Birminghams second female police officer in 1975 and is now an associate pastor of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. All those that did all that criminal activity, all up and down 20th Street, should be in jail. She pointed to black businesses that were hurt, such as that of Dr. Juanakee Adams, CEO of Adams Eye Care. Two doctors offices in that plaza were destroyed, she said. This doesnt make sense. This never should have occurred. Juanakee Adams is a black doctor who has been there for years and serves black and white patients. They took her glass frames, the cash register, the security monitor. Dont tell me these people were about peace and justice. These people were about destroying and destruction. Im so upset about this. This never should have happened. Webb recalled being trained in non-violent protest training workshops led by SCLC staff member James Bevel. Marrisett also attended those sessions and later led some himself. They were trained in non-violent tactics, said Andrew Manis, author of A Fire You Cant Put Out, a biography of Birmingham civil rights leader the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth. Shuttlesworth was a stickler about that. Shuttlesworth had been leading non-violent protests in Birmingham since the 1950s and invited King to help lead demonstrations in Birmingham in 1963. I remember Fred and Uncle Mike in this front room fighting like cats and dogs, Drew said. When they walked out of this front door, they knew how important it was to speak with one voice. That was the kind of leadership that America grew to expect. It was the use of that knowledge and compassion that allowed the movement to really take hold. Drew said King would demand any weapons be surrendered. He had us go up and down the aisles with shoeboxes to collect knives and guns, he said. He knew all it would take is a firecracker to get every last one of us killed. Today, the first thing he would say is were not going to make any gains by embracing violence. The clergy knew the rules and made sure marchers knew the rules. We always taught non-violence and love, said Bishop Calvin Woods, 86, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Birmingham, one of the clergy who marched with King in Birmingham in 1963. We tried to make it clear when we were having a march, if you cant be non-violent, dont get in the march, Woods said. We preached that every day. Were fighting against violence. We have to be non-violent. If you cant be non-violent, we dont want you. It doesnt take but one match to start fire. Many of us were upset. We got beaten. We were hurt, fired from our jobs, children were bit by dogs and knocked down by fire hoses. There were no black police officers then. We had to work hard. You dont have a license to be violent just because somebody else is violent. We reached out to pull white people into the struggle. We realized it wasnt a black problem. We felt they ought to be on the front line with us. Theres got to be a call for unity. White leaders have to stand up and speak out. The marches in the 1960s were always led by ministers. We didnt start a march unless we had prayer and invoked Gods blessings, Woods said. We had singing, praying, preaching. We had a preacher telling people to be non-violent. It is a movement of God, and God loves everybody. Some said we were redeeming the soul of America. We were trying to dispel the darkness. We knew we were going to get beaten. The removal of the Confederate monument in Linn Park this week was the right thing to do, but it shouldnt have been initiated by a mob attack, Woods said. By them going up there trying to tear it down themselves, that was wrong, Woods said. We resolved we werent going to do it that way. Youve got to pray and ask God for strength. Youve got to be committed. Doing the will of God will never go out of style. Woods said he understands the outrage underlying the protests, and its justified. The primary emphasis should be put on the police killing a man, Woods said. Enough strong voices have got to come out and say were not going to stand for this. It was unequivocally wrong. Thats got to be strongly stated. Bishop Jim Lowe, pastor of Guiding Light Church and a survivor of the 1963 bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church who organized a reunion of survivors in 2013, said hes angry at the way protests in Birmingham unfolded on Sunday night. We were effective (in the 1960s) because we began with prayer, Lowe said. There was an order. Thats what made the difference. This revolution is not led by men of God. We have to follow divine guidance, not self-guidance. The voice of reason is not there. Its vengeance, its retaliation. Riots will not change the system for the better. Look at Watts (an area of Los Angeles where riots took place in 1965). Those areas are not changed. Theyre blighted. Its only when we begin to organize and petition the government for change that it happens. Revolution in America is done through the ballot. We have to think of whats good for my community, for the nation. Drew said hes alarmed by a lack of leadership across the nation. I cannot express to you my disdain for lack of character in our country, Drew said. Martin and Fred too were great negotiators. They had the acumen to sit down and negotiate. The negotiations worked. They worked without violence on our part. We had violence from (Birminghams then-Public Safety Commissioner) Bull Connor on their part. That made the difference. Drew said he understands the rage of the protests that have erupted since Floyds killing. These folks feel theres no other way to be heard, he said. Police are still killing us at will. Black Americas really lacking some leadership. White Americas lacking some leadership too. There are ways to bring people together of different backgrounds. Violence wont help, he said. Youre not going to achieve anything through violence, Drew said. We have not embraced love and equality as human beings, Drew said. Uncle Mike never dreamed that we would abuse the freedom we won on the backs of those sacrifices. He wanted the full right to assimilate into American society and be welcomed. South Africa: Nzimande to check university state of readiness The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, will on Thursday visit Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to check its state of readiness in preparation for the phased return of students. The Ministers visit follows the commencement of the COVID-19 level 3 pronouncement by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Final year students and those graduating in 2020 may return to campus under level 3 lockdown. Nzimande held a media briefing on 23 May, in which the department announced level 3 lockdown health and safety measures, and subsequent regulations. Students in all years of study, who require clinical training in their programmes provided that the clinical training platforms have sufficient space and can accommodate them while adhering to the safety protocols [may return], Nzimande said. He announced a phased reopening of campus activities in the entire Post School Education and Training sector, as the sector continues to implement a risk adjusted strategy. Under level 4, the sector has provided for a controlled return of final year students in programmes requiring clinical training, starting with medicine (MBChB) and the phasing-in of all other programmes, such as Nursing, Dental, Veterinary Sciences, he said. Medical students have been returning to clinical training platforms from 11 May 2020. Other final-year students in other programmes, who require clinical training, began returning from 1 June 2020. Universities have already identified students who will be returning to campuses at various levels of the lockdown, and universities have already made provision for the necessary health and safety measures, permissions and permits for the students to travel back to campus, the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 20:59:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A flag-raising ceremony is held at Mawuzhai boarding school in Lingchuan County, north China's Shanxi Province, on June 2, 2020. June 2 was the day when Qin Chunlan, Qin Qiulan and Qin Xingwang returned to school. Early in the morning, they got on their father's tricycle and rushed to the primary school of Mawuzhai boarding school more than 10 kilometers away. The family of the three kids is the only household in Nanbei Village of Lingchuan County, and the primary school is the only school within a radius of dozens of kilometers. There are seven students in school. Qin Chunlan, 12, is in the sixth grade. Qin Qiulan, 8, is in the third grade. Qin Xingwang, 6, is in pre-school education. Due to limited teaching resources, the three siblings share the same classroom. Nanbei Village is located in a mountainous region, and there is no Internet signal. In order to help the three siblings with study during the COVID-19 epidemic, principal Zhao Jincheng and other teachers went to Qin's home several times. Since bus could not reach the village, the teachers had to walk four kilometers of mountainous road. On May 31, principal Zhao Jincheng and Chinese teacher Cui Lianrui came to their home again, bringing the clothes donated by the social charity organization and the news of the school reopening. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Semiconductor stocks keep surging even as trade tensions between the U.S. and China begin to ratchet up once again. The SMH ETF that tracks the space was up nearly 3% on Wednesday, bringing its total advance over the last month to about 16%. These gains come despite increasing scrutiny on chipmakers and other technology companies based in Asia, which some investors expected to stall the space's rally. Instead, bullish options traders are pouring into names based stateside, Michael Khouw, chief investment officer at Optimize Advisors, said Tuesday on "Fast Money." "Texas Instruments traded more than four times its average daily call volume, and that was the result of a large trade in the September 120-calls," said Khouw. "A trader bought over 8,700 of those, paying an average of $9. That's obviously making a bullish bet that Texas Instruments will exceed that $120 strike price by at least the $9 that they paid." As Khouw would explain, this bet could potentially be worth more than $105 million in Texas Instruments stock upon September expiry, but the trade could also be worth plenty to this trader right now. Those 120-calls that this trader bought on Tuesday for $9 were trading for about $13.65 in Wednesday's session, thanks to Texas Instruments' stock jumping about 4% higher. That means, if this trader was so inclined, they could collect a profit of about $4.65 per contract on 8,700 of these call contracts, netting them about $40,000 in total gains. Disclaimer Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Its difficult to take a stand for anything today without being accused of virtue signaling or the like. And if youre woke in one area youll soon find out that you are blissfully unwoke in another area. (Hey, if woke is a word, why not unwoke?) Well, allow me to set the record straight. Everyone has blind spots. Everyone is woefully ignorant (or neglectful or indifferent) in some major area of genuine concern. So lets not be so self-righteous and smug. And lets not be so condemning of others who genuinely care but who dont quite express their concern in the right way. We are doing the best we know how. For all those who decry racism, do you also decry antisemitism? Have you been speaking out about the dangerous rise in antisemitic words and deeds in America in recent years? And last year and the year before, did you take to the streets to shout, These synagogue shootings must stop! Or maybe youve been alert to the very real dangers of antisemitism. But have you been on the front lines of the pro-life movement? Have you been speaking up for the unborn? Are you there on the sidewalk to help offer mothers a better choice? Perhaps you are grieved about gun violence in America. A report from January of this year stated that, At least 15,292 people were fatally shot in The United States in 2019, excluding suicides, according to data gathered by Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit that tracks shootings. Thats a roughly 3 percent increase over 2018. That is not good news. But it absolutely pales in comparison to the number of babies killed in the womb each year as many as 800,000 to 1 million. Woke in one area; asleep in the next. Or maybe you are thoroughly pro-life. Thats great to hear. But are you concerned about the persecution of Christians worldwide? About our brothers and sisters being raped and kidnapped and tortured and beheaded? About them losing their properties and their homes? About their church buildings being burned to the ground? Does your home congregation even talk about this publicly, let alone pray for these persecuted saints? As noted by the Catholic News Agency, In a report issued on 15 May, the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety) said that 620 Nigerian Christians have been killed since the beginning of the year, and mapped a campaign of destruction and arson carried out against churches in the African nation. The society, a non-profit founded in 2008 in Nigeria, works to promote civil liberties, the rule of law, criminal justice reform, and good governance. Its report said that Nigerias main Islamic Jihadists: Militant Fulani Herdsmen and Boko Haram/ISWAP have intensified their anti-Christian violence in the old Middle Belt and Northeast regions. And that is just Nigeria. What about Christians in China and India? Or in the Middle East? How woke are we really? Or maybe this is your area of focus. Maybe you pray daily for the suffering Church and write letters to advocate for them. But do you care about human trafficking? According to an April 2019 report in Fortune, Slavery is alive and well in the land of the free. With human trafficking now a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide and cases increasing in the United States, activists are trying to squash the myth that most women who work as prostitutes do so because they want to. And what about the children sold into sexual slavery? Does that keep you up at night? Were you even aware? According to the Erase Child Trafficking website, Statistics show that 46 children in America are taken and sold into slavery per day. How can this be happening, and on our watch, at that? Or maybe this is your area of focus, and you are fighting tirelessly to liberate victims and stop others from being victimized. Wonderful. But what about world hunger? We are told that more than one-tenth of the worlds population is undernourished (so, more than 8 billion people) while World Hunger reports that, Approximately 3.1 million children die from undernutrition each year. That is almost 8,500 kids dying per day because of malnourishment. Who can puts words to this? And what about all the other, urgent causes that I have not addressed? What about your particular area of interest that I failed to mention? The point of all this is not to lay a guilt trip on you or to make you feel that you should not focus on one particular issue. And I certainly dont want to make you feel paralyzed by the massive needs worldwide, including many that we can do something about. I simply want to remove any sense of smug self-righteousness. Or of being more woke than someone else. Or of criticizing those who are late to your particular party. Or of accusing others of virtue signaling when they are simply trying to do what is right. From Gods perspective, all of us are miserably unwoke and fall pitifully short of loving our neighbors as ourselves. So, rather than strutting around in our self-righteous cubicle, applauding our compassion and awareness, lets walk humbly, honoring others as they fight their fights and welcoming those who want to join ours. Let the awakening begin. We are not as woke as we thought. YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a congratulatory letter to Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the occasion of his birthday, the Presidential Office told Armenpress. I highly value your personal contribution to the strengthening of the friendly ties between Armenia and Qatar and the development of mutually beneficial cooperation, the Armenian President said. I attach great importance to our warm relations and personal friendship. I reaffirm our readiness to work together to promote the bilateral relations in accordance with the changes and demands of the modern world. President Sarkissian wished the Emir of Qatar good health, success and all the best. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz lashed out at Antifa protesters, calling them bigots for taking advantage of otherwise peaceful protesters and causing violence throughout the nation. Lets be clear, these Antifa protesters that are organizing these acts of terror, among other things, they are behaving in a profoundly racist manner, Cruz said at a press conference in Washington, D.C. He said there is no doubt that the nation is upset at the police brutality against George Floyd. Everyone agrees what happened to George Floyd was horrific, Cruz said. It was police brutality. But he said that doesnt justify violence. And yet you are seeing Antifa protesters deciding to abuse and take advantage of this crisis to wrongly paint the peaceful protesters as being violent, Cruz said. They are behaving like bigots. Hes hardly the only one pointing the finger at Antifa groups. Steve McCraw, the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, said members of Antifa - an umbrella for loosely knit groups of far-left militants were involved in the looting of a Target store in Central Austin on Sunday. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox There is no question there is involvement of these extremists, said McCraw, who added that investigators saw evidence of Antifa involvement in social media channels associated with the group. They just cant help themselves. Theyre going to exploit this as much as they can. Cruz said the rioting and looting have to be stopped. Let me be clear, everyone has a right to speak, he said. You have a right to speak peaceably and exercise the First Amendment. What you dont have a right to do is engaging in violence. What you dont have a right to do is loot stores. What you dont have a right to do is shatter store windows. What you dont have a right to do is light police cars on fire. Cruz also had praise for President Donald Trump for his actions on Monday when he walked across the street from the White House to stand in front of a church. Im glad the president went to St. Johns church, Cruz said. Thats a historic church in our nations capital city that arsonists and vandals have firebombed. It was strong and powerful for the president to go there and say we will not be cowed. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 17:05:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LAGOS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Policing in the United States is defined along racial lines, Nigerian columnist Morak Babajide-Alabi said Sunday. Babajide-Alabi made the remarks in an article titled "'I can't breathe' is a plea for life," published by Nigerian newspaper Vanguard. African American George Floyd, 46, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes until he stopped breathing. In a video posted online, the victim is heard saying "I can't breathe," while three other police officers stand close by. The article said the landscape of policing in the United States is littered with pieces of evidence of how white police officers treat black people with iron fists. As the incident has triggered massive protests against racial discrimination across the United States, the article asked "For how much longer can a black man walk the streets without fear of a police bullet in his back? Or when will the heartfelt cry of 'I can't breathe' be a thing of the past?" "Things are not looking good in race relations right now in the U.S.," the article concluded. "Racism seems to have become a familiar issue in a country where nationalism has taken a wrong turn." Enditem America's top infectious disease expert, Dr Anthony Fauci, said he believes the United States should have 100 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year. Dr. Fauci explained in a live video interview with the Journal of the American Medical Association that production on the vaccine would begin before it's known if it works. Scientists should have enough data by November or December to determine if the vaccine is effective, he said, but production would begin before then to ensure that if it does work, it can be deployed quickly. He added that this could result in the production of a couple of hundred million doses by early 2021. His comments came as confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States reached over 1.8 million and the death toll passes 106,000. Scroll down for video Dr Anthony Fauci expressed optimism about the US effort to make coronavirus vaccines in general, and the NIAID's work with Moderna to make one in particular on Tuesday (file) 'We're going to start manufacturing doses of the vaccines way before we even know that the vaccine works,' Fauci, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, said. 'So that by the end of the year the prediction of the statistical analysis and the projection of cases indicate that we may know whether its effective, efficacious or not by maybe November, December, which means that by that time we hopefully would have close to a 100 million doses. 'And by the beginning of 2021, we hope to have a couple of hundred million doses,' he added. 'So, it isn't as if we're going to make the vaccine show its effective and then have to wait a year to rev up to millions and millions of doses. That's going to be done as we're testing the vaccine.' Fauci was speaking about trials on the first vaccine candidate made by biotech company Moderna in partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAD), of which he is the director. Moderna's shot showed early promise in its phase 1 human tests last month. The company reported that it triggered antibody production on par with that seen in recovered coronavirus patients. Phase two of the trials on the Moderna vaccine started Friday and the third and final phases of the vaccine being developed by the Massachusetts-based biotech firm will begin in early July. 'The real business end of this all will be the Phase III that starts in the first week of July, hopefully,' Fauci said. 'We want to get as many datapoints as we can.' Moderna announced Friday that it has begun its second phase of human trials for its coronavirus vaccines - but the results of its first human tests are now shrouded in controversy Moderna has led the pack in the US race to make a vaccine to prevent coronavirus infection He explained that this final phase will involve testing on about 30,000 volunteers over a range of ages, including those with underlying health issues. 'It's going to be the entire spectrum,' Fauci said. Speaking at a The Wall Street Journal's Tech Health Conference on Tuesday, Dr Fauci said that he is 'really optimistic' about the Moderna vaccine. He added that he was 'cautiously optimistic' that one of several coronavirus vaccines being developed in the US will work to prevent infection, and be ready in 'a reasonable period of time.' Dr Fauci is encouraged by the fact that an antibody response has been seen in coronavirus patients who have recovered from the infection. That is not the case for every infectious disease. Most notably, the human body does not mount an immune response to HIV, the infectious disease upon which Dr Fauci built his career studying 'Given that the body can make a good response against coronavirus, we feel cautiously optimistic that if we mimic safely natural infection with our vaccine, we will be able to induce a response in a person that would be equivalent to the response that natural infection induces,' Dr Fauci said via video call during the remote conference. Optimism on the vaccine sent shares for Moderna sky-rocketing by 20 percent in May, but was quickly followed by skepticism and the revelation that the suspiciously well-timed results coincided with automated trading by the company's largest investor and the sale of $30 million worth of shares by two of its executives. Medical experts, too, questioned whether the data from the study - which reported antibody levels in just eight patients - was significant, or entirely positive. But speaking on Tuesday Dr Fauci was unwavering, saying he and his collaborators 'are really optimistic we're going to be successful.' 'I'm cautiously optimistic that with the multiple candidates we have with different platforms, that we are going to have a vaccine that will make it deployable,' Fauci said. He explained that he remains optimistic as while deaths from coronavirus have been 'profound', people mainly recover from the virus and recovery evidence shows that there is a there is an immune response. 'Which tells us, that if the body is capable of making an immune response to clear the virus of natural infection, that's a pretty good proof of concept,' Fauci said. 'Having said that, there is never a guarantee.' Moderna's 'positive data' on its vaccine was released on May 18. The eight people in the trial had blood levels of neutralizing antibodies - immune cells that may be able to block the coronavirus - that were on par with those seen in people who had recovered from coronavirus. Only about a third drugs that enter clinical trials make it to final stage testing. So, it's not terribly common for big announcements to be made about early stage tests, which may have little bearing on the outcome of clinical trials. What's more, University of Texas vaccine expert Dr Peter Hotez noted on Twitter that some studies have suggested that the level of these antibodies in recovered patients' plasma might not be sufficient to neutralize the virus. So, the trial's highly anticipated results were 'not necessarily good news,' he said. But it's the best news the US has seen about a vaccine so far, although similar results were seen in early trials of a vaccine being developed in China. And the stock market certainly responded as though it was very good news. Based on early indicators of an antibody response seen in just eight trial participants, its share prices jumped up 20 percent. In the hours and days following the announcement, the company amassed $1.3 billion in a mass sale of shares to the public, two executives - chief medical officer Tal Zaks and chief technical officer Lawrence Kim - sold off nearly $30 million of their combined shares, and the Moderna's primary venture capital investor sold a million of its shares, according to CNN. Moderna's vaccine has been mired in controversy ever since. Moderna's chief medical offier, Tal Zaks (left), and chief technical officer, Lawrence Kim (right), collectively made nearly $30 million selling off shares after the earlier trial results were announced That doesn't concern Dr Fauci so much as lingering questions over just what kind of protection these antibodies provide put him ill at ease. 'What is a big unknown is what the durability of that protection is,' he said during the Tuesday conference. 'Is it going to be a year, two years or even maybe, unfortunately, six months or less? 'Then we have a secondary problem. We may have overcome the first problem of getting a vaccine, but then you're in a logistical situation.' Already, the 'reasonable' time frame for a coronavirus vaccine is most the start of next year for front line workers to receive it and longer for the average citizen. If everyone needs two doses within six months, that's twice as much vaccine to produce. The phase 2 trial for Moderna's shot, launched this week, will follow its participants for a year, but a phase 3 trial is planned for next month and the hope is that the vaccine's first batch could be ready by January. The Moderna vaccine is not the only one being developed. In the United Kingdom, there is a trial by AstraZeneca also under way and following the same schedule. Other vaccine studies are due to start one or two months after that. The key to huntings comeback is to improve the experience; and the best way to improve the experience is to make access to quality hunting habitat a reality. As the hunting industry continues to recruit new hunters and promote the conservation efforts of hunters, The American Hunting Lease Association (AHLA) has established itself as the leader in making private land access a reality for thousands of hunters across the country. AHLA is proud to announce it is now offering a $2 million liability policy to satisfy the demand of landowners requiring higher coverage limits. For the last 10 years, the AHLA has provided hunters and landowners across all 50 states with the risk management tools they need to responsibly and safely enter into a private land hunting lease agreement. We are always paying close attention to the needs of our hunters and landowners, said Sean Ferbrache AHLA Chief Operating Officer. As land values rise, landowners are requesting more coverage from their hunters leasing access or even friends and family members who are hunting their property. The $2 million policy provides hunters and landowners with a new and higher coverage option. AHLAs standard policy provides $1 million of coverage per occurrence. Returning members and new members will always have the option of purchasing the standard $1 million policy or upgrading to the new $2 million policy to protect their landowners. The AHLA policies cover every member of a lease or hunt club and all their landowners. The AHLA is the only provider of hunting lease insurance that includes up to seven landowners for no additional charge. Landowner liability is typically one of the biggest barriers preventing access to private lands. That barrier is easily overcome with a standard liability policy created specifically to address the risk a landowner assumes when he/she allows other access onto their property. AHLA provides an easy online buying process or if customer prefer they can also secure coverage over the phone. Rates are surprisingly affordable with most farms and properties fully covered at $1M for $215 annually or $2M at $365. Convenient monthly coverage start dates are available with the $1M policy. According to Ferbrache the AHLA remains committed to opening up as much acreage as possible for hunters and anyone looking to enjoy the outdoor experience. Given the pandemic lockdowns and unfortunate domestic meat shortages, hunting seasons are highly anticipated outdoor events this year for a safe and enjoyable experience to fill a freezer with quality, organic meat. As a trade association, our mission has been clear from day one. Offer guidance, education and the tools needed to give landowners the peace of mind to create income from hunting or recreation on their property while minimizing risk. In addition, AHLA also offers Vacant Land (Timberland) policy for landowners that allow free access to their properties and affordable coverage for professional Guides and Outfitters who are passionate about taking Americans hunting and fishing said Ferbrache. He continued, the key to huntings comeback is to improve the experience; and the best way to improve the experience is to make access to quality hunting habitat a reality. About American Hunting Lease Association The American Hunting Lease Association is an Indiana-based trade organization that provides Members across all 50 states with more benefits and opportunities to hunt on private land and continues to innovate on behalf of outdoorsman everywhere. Additionally, the AHLAs website http://www.ahuntinglease.org, provides an easy online buying process, hunting lease template, an informative hunting blog, advocacy on behalf of hunters and landowners and Leasespotter, a hunting lease listing service. This combination of photos provided by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office in Minnesota shows J. Alexander Kueng, from left, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao. They have been charged with aiding and abetting Derek Chauvin, who is charged with second-degree murder of George Floyd. Read more MINNEAPOLIS Prosecutors charged a Minneapolis police officer accused of pressing his knee against George Floyds neck with second-degree murder on Wednesday, and for the first time leveled charges against three other officers at the scene, according to criminal complaints. The upgraded charge against Derek Chauvin says the officer's actions were a substantial causal factor in Floyd's death. Officer Chauvins restraint of Mr. Floyd in this manner for a prolonged period was a substantial causal factor in Mr. Floyd losing consciousness, constituting substantial bodily harm, and Mr. Floyds death as well," the criminal complaint said. Widely seen bystander video showing Floyds May 25 death has sparked protests nationwide and around the world against police brutality and discrimination. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired May 26 and initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The three other officers involved were also fired but were not immediately charged. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison upgraded the charge against Chauvin to unintentional second-degree murder. He also charged Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Ellison was expected to talk about the new charges on Wednesday afternoon. READ MORE: Live coverage of what's happening Wednesday, June 3 Attorney Earl Gray, who represents Lane, told The Associated Press that the Star Tribune's initial report about the charges was accurate, before ending the call. Before news of the upgraded charges, an attorney for Chauvin said he was not making any statements at this time. Attorneys for Thao and Kueng did not return messages seeking comment on the charges. Attorney Ben Crump tweeted that the Floyd family was deeply gratified by Ellisons action and called it a source of peace for Georges family in this difficult time. He said Ellison had told the family his office will continue to investigate and upgrade charges against Chauvin to first-degree murder if warranted. Reached by phone, Crump declined to speak beyond the statement or make clear when Ellison had spoken with the family and whether he had been informed directly that additional charges had been filed. Floyds family and protesters have repeatedly called for criminal charges against all four officers as well as more serious charges for Chauvin, who held his knee to Floyds neck, despite his protests that he couldnt breathe, and stayed there even after Floyd stopped moving. Floyd, a black man, was in handcuffs when he died with his face pressed to the street. He died because he was starving for air, Crump said at a news conference earlier Wednesday. He needed a breath. So we are demanding justice. We expect all of the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, tomorrow. Crump said the other officers failed to protect a man who was pleading for help and said he couldnt breathe. We are expecting these officers to be charged as accomplices, he said. Personnel records released by the city show Chauvin served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army in the late 1990s. Since being hired as a police officer in 2001, he has been awarded two medals of valor: One for being part of a group of officers who opened fire on a stabbing suspect after the man pointed a shotgun at them in 2006, and one for apprehending another man in a domestic incident in 2008. In the latter incident, Chauvin broke down a bathroom door and shot the man in the stomach. Chauvin was reprimanded in 2008 for pulling a woman out of her car in 2007, frisking her and placing her in his squad car after he stopped her for speeding 10 miles per hour over the limit. His dashboard camera was not activated and a report said he could have interviewed the woman while standing outside her car. Lane, 37, and Kueng both joined the department in February 2019 and neither have any complaints on their files. Lane previously worked as a correctional officer at the Hennepin County juvenile jail and as a probation officer at a residential treatment facility for adolescent boys. Kueng was a 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota where he worked part-time on campus security. He also worked as a theft-prevention officer at Macys in downtown Minneapolis while he was in college. Tou Thao, a native Hmong speaker, joined the police force as a part-time community service officer in 2008 and was promoted to police officer in 2009. He was laid off later that year due to budget cuts and rehired in 2012. Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Tuesday launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department and its history of racial discrimination, in hopes of forcing widespread change. Calhoun County Sheriffs Office Nathine W. Walker, 36, of Carrollton was booked into the Greene County jail at 1:16 p.m. Sunday on a Greene County arrest warrant accusing him of aggravated domestic battery and domestic battery with a prior conviction and on a warrant accusing him of violating probation. Logan R. Nevlin, 24, of Jerseyville was booked into the Greene County jail at 12:56 a.m. May 17 on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of adult-use cannabis in a motor vehicle, driving under the influence and head lamp not meeting regulation. Carlinville Police Jessica T. Bishop, 40, of Carlinville was booked into the Greene County jail at 3:43 p.m. May 16 on a Greene County arrest warrant accusing her of burglary, theft involving a school or place of worship, delivery of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of burglary tools and possession of drug paraphernalia. Greene County Sheriffs Office Hope D. Ingram, 44, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 4:49 a.m. Saturday on a battery charge. Jarrod E. McDonald, 42, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 2:53 a.m. Saturday on a battery charge. Malindy A. Farris, 24, of White Hall was booked into the Greene County jail at 7:52 p.m. May 27 on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended. Jacob M. Beard, 29, of Wood River was booked into the Greene County jail at 10:11 p.m. May 25 on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended. Amber Kimbrough, 26, of East St. Louis was booked into the Greene County jail at 1:09 a.m. May 23 on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended. Eddie L. Swan, 49, of Carrollton was booked into the Greene County jail at 10:45 a.m. May 15 on a charge of sexual assault involving force. Christy A. Plogger, 49, of Rockbridge was booked into the Greene County jail at 7:18 a.m. May 14 on a domestic battery charge. Greenfield Police Jarrod L. Holtz, 47, of Jacksonville was booked into the Greene County jail at 4:24 p.m. Thursday on a charge of driving while license is suspended and on a Pike County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court. Michael J. Vaupel, 30, of Monroe City, Missouri, was booked into the Greene County jail at 6:11 p.m. May 25 on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended and a Monroe County, Missouri, warrant accusing him of possession of cannabis by a driver. Jimmy W. Davidson, 40, of Carrollton was booked into the Greene County jail at 4:59 p.m. May 22 on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended and on a Morgan County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court. James L. White, 21, of South Jacksonville was booked into the Greene County jail at 3:47 p.m. May 15 on a reckless driving charge. Roodhouse Police Rebecca L. Newingham, 34, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 6:50 p.m. Saturday on charges of aggravated assault and resisting a peace officer. Terry L. Miller Jr., 44, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 10 a.m. Saturday on charges of disorderly conduct, aggravated battery of a peace officer and resisting a peace officer. Richard S. Burton, 38, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 4:37 p.m. May 27 on a charge of interference with a public utility. Terry P. Gibson, 29, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 12:33 a.m. May 27 on charges of reckless conduct and disorderly conduct. Matthew T. Farris, 25, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 7:16 p.m. May 23 on a domestic battery charge. Rebecca L. Newingham, 34, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 5:49 p.m. May 21 on a resisting a peace officer charge. David N. Lawson, 40, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 5:30 p.m. May 21 on charges of battery of a peace officer, resisting a peace officer and disorderly conduct. Tysha L. Ghazal, 35, of Ottumwa, Iowa, was booked into the Greene County jail at 1:48 a.m. May 19 on charges of driving while license is suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Matthew T. Farris, 25, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 8:42 p.m. May 18 on a battery charge. Larry M. Kauffold, 43, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County jail at 3:12 p.m. May 18 on a disorderly conduct charge. White Hall Police Paige N. Fields, 20, of White Hall was booked into the Greene County jail at 1:38 a.m. May 27 on a residential burglary charge. Robert E. Bratsch, 40, of White Hall was booked into the Greene County jail at 10:25 p.m. May 22 on an aggravated domestic battery charge. Victor T. Rector, 60, of White Hall was booked into the Greene County jail at 12:49 a.m. May 22 on charges of assault and domestic battery. William H. Guyer, 31, of Jerseyville was booked into the Greene County jail at 9:37 p.m. May 20 on charges of driving while license is revoked or suspended, possession of cannabis by a driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and disregarding a stop sign. Protesters stand handcuffed under arrest after curfew as a police officer carries away an American flag in Los Angeles, Calif. on June 2, 2020. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Thousands of Protesters Take to Streets Nationwide Despite Curfews Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of major U.S. cities on Tuesday night despite curfews put in place by officials struggling to quell the violence and rioting that has largely marred peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd. In New York City, protesters remained in the streets hours after the 8 p.m citywide curfew that was set by Mayor Bill de Blasio in an attempt to curb potential violence, arson, looting, and clashes with police, as protests and rallies across the United States continued for an eighth consecutive night. Protesters exit the Manhattan Bridge after being stopped by police for hours during a citywide curfew in New York City on June 2, 2020. (Scott Heins/Getty Images) Officers did not initially stop groups of thousands of protesters as they marched past boarded up businesses in parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn past curfew. However, they eventually moved to detain some people violating the order. Parts of the the West Side Highway in lower Manhattan were blocked off to demonstrators. The widespread rioting, violence, and looting that has accompanied the otherwise peaceful protests over the death of 46-year-old Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, has been publicly condemned by lawmakers. On Monday night, five police officers in two cities were hit by gunfire. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvinwho was seen in footage kneeling on Floyds neck as he said he couldnt breathe and eventually became unresponsivewas charged Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin and three other officers involved in Floyds arrest were fired. Something has to break, and its not going to be us, protester Evan Kutcher said Tuesday evening standing outside the Barclays Center. Were here because something needs to change. Largely peaceful rallies and marches continued on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, which has seen a surge in violent rioting in recent days, prompting California Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency for Los Angeles county, and deploy the state National Guard on Sunday to assist with the response to demonstrations. Protesters are arrested after curfew went into effect during mostly peaceful demonstrations over George Floyds death downtown in Los Angeles, Calif. on June 2, 2020. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Hollywood Boulevard, marching past famous landmarks of the film center, while others held protests outside Los Angeles Police Department headquarters. Some people were seen shaking the hands of officers standing in line outside the building. Meanwhile, in Washington peaceful demonstrations were held Tuesday night outside Lafayette Park near the White House. Groups of people chanted at the line of officers and soldiers in riot gear, and swapped spray-painted tags for colorful childrens street chalk in writing Black Lives Matter slogans on the asphalt in front of St. Johns Church. With the White House in the background, a line of police forms behind a fence in Lafayette Park as demonstrators gather in Washington on June 2, 2020. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo) Attempting to quell the violence nationwide, Floyds brother made an impassioned plea for peace on Monday, saying destruction is not going to bring my brother back at all. According to Floyds family, the results of a second independent autopsy they commissioned said that sustained pressure on the right side of Floyds carotid artery impeded blood flow to the brain, and weight on his back impeded his ability to breathe. The independent autopsy was carried out by famed forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, who was hired by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epsteins brother to observe Epsteins autopsy following his death in a jail cell last year. President Donald Trump on Monday warned he will deploy military personnel along with other federal assets to stop violent riots in Washington, and that he strongly recommended that governors deploy the National Guard in their states. We must never give in to anger or hatred. If malice or violence reigns, then none of us is free, he said, calling the violence in the nations capital on May 31 a disgrace. Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany added that the White House will establish a central command center to oversee the federal response to riots, and that Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Attorney General William Barr, and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be involved. The widespread nature of the riots has raised questions about whether the events have been coordinated. Dozens of video clips reveal a pattern of similar tactics employed by the violent extremists, many of whom appear to be affiliated with Antifathe extremist anarchist-communist group that the president said will be designated as a terrorist group by his administration. I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice that you will face severe criminal penalties and lengthy sentences in jail. This includes Antifa and others who are leading instigators of this violence, Trump said last week. Ivan Pentchoukov, Jack Phillips, The Associated Press, and Reuters contributed to this report. The move comes after the NC governor said the full capacity convention Trump requested is very unlikely to happen. The Republican National Committee unveiled plans on Wednesday to proceed with certain convention activities in Charlotte, North Carolina, even though President Donald Trump will deliver his nomination acceptance speech somewhere else. The move came in response to growing concerns from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper that the full capacity convention Trump had requested is very unlikely to happen in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cooper wants the GOP to continue discussing a scaled-back convention, while Republicans are seeking assurances that more than 10 people will be allowed in a room. Coopers present executive order limits indoor gatherings to 10 people, and the governor believes its not time yet to enter into phase 3 of reopening the state. Due to the directive from the governor that our convention cannot go on as planned as required by our rules, the celebration of the presidents acceptance of the Republican nomination will be held in another city, the RNC said in a statement. Should the governor allow more than 10 people in a room, we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte. Dory MacMillan, a spokeswoman for Cooper, said in a statement that the governor has been clear that the convention could be held with more than 10 people but that plans need to be in place for a scaled down convention with safety precautions. The state has asked for a plan from the RNC but instead has received a public demand for a guarantee of a full indoor convention without social distancing or protective measures. Had long planned to have the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, a place I love. Now, @NC_Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena Spend millions of dollars, have everybody arrive, and Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2020 Republican governors in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee have called on Trump to move the convention to their states, and the RNC is scheduled to visit Nashville on Thursday. Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, is one of the most populous and liberal parts of the state. While North Carolina is a critical swing state in the presidential election and Trump could have generated lots of enthusiasm among his loyal base of supporters, there is little precedent for a convention site boosting a candidates performance. Michael Bitzer, a political scientist at Catawba College, noted former President Barack Obama held his 2012 convention in Charlotte but lost the state to former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in 2012. Conventions dont really have as great of an impact as people think, Bitzer said. The Democrats had a convention in Charlotte, and the state went for Romney by two points in 2012. Biden and the Democrats already have moved their convention from July 13-16 to the week of August 17 because of the pandemic. The gathering is still slated for an arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but officials have left open the possibility of holding it elsewhere or even having a virtual convention. New mortality figures from the Office of the Connecticut Medical Examiner Tuesday raised eyebrows among those of us who like to stare at data to glean what the numbers say about real peoples lives. And deaths. The numbers appear to show that most people who have died of, or with, COVID-19 in this horrific spring were not about to die of something else. That may seem obvious but its not, considering that 60 percent of all the roughly 4,000 deaths have been among people age 80 and older, and another 21 percent of the deaths have hit people 70 to 79. What we see in the preliminary figures is that 14,308 deaths were reported to the medical examiner in the first five months of 2020. That compares with 9,920 deaths in the same period in 2019 for a difference of 4,388. Obviously thats not just the normal up-and-down pattern from year to year. As it happens, the added deaths known in the trade as excess mortality, as if all deaths arent excess line up with the reported coronavirus deaths. And it lines up by month. In January and February, the differences between 2019 and 2020 were trivial, fewer than 45 deaths. (trivial unless youre one of those 45 of course.) Then in March the total shot up by 192 in 2020, as we had 126 reported deaths. In April, the total rose by 2,664, more than doubling the 2019 total of 1,938 reported deaths. In April, by no coincidence, we peaked at 2,464 COVID-19 deaths. May saw a decline in COVID deaths, to 1,453, and sure enough, the overage from 2019 came in close to that, at 1,604. I would have guessed the mortality rate would rise by less than the total of reported coronavirus deaths. Surely a lot of very old people who died with the disease were close to the end of their lives anyway, right? Thats especially true since COVID-19 as a cause if death may be accompanied by a co-morbidity such as heart disease, emphysema or COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. So whats happening with the numbers? The short answer is, its too soon to draw conclusions until weve had many more months to study. It will take time to analyze increases or decreases in mortality from other specific causes (such as suicidal injuries, accidental drug intoxications, heart attacks, etc.), Dr. James Gill, the chief medical examiner, said in releasing the numbers Tuesday. Its possible, for example, that were seeing coronavirus speed up the deaths of people near the end of their lives. That would mean well see the mortality rate decline after the crisis abates or we will see the number of new COVID-19 deaths rise way higher than the number of additional deaths compared with prior years. All of this matters because it tells public health officials, and the public, how the pandemic is really affecting us. For example, you may have noticed above that in March, April and May, the death rate compared with 2019 rose more than the reported COVID-19 deaths by 417 people. Thats not just random noise in the numbers. Why did those extra people die? Josh Geballe, the states chief operating officer and a former tech executive who likes to look at data, wondered Tuesday whether some were COVID-19 deaths that were not reported. Entirely possible, as many people died without a test. But probably more likely, much of that has to do with people avoiding care, avoiding important medical procedures, Geballe said. He urged anyone needing hospital care to get it. Its safe there, and we need people to seek the care that they need, Geballe said. A couple of final asides here. First, its been a good week for data releases. My colleague Jordan Fenster and I detailed five key pieces of data that were missing from public view, in a story this past Sunday. On Monday, the state released one of those hospital admissions and discharges. That report showed that 22 percent of all state residents admitted to Connecticut hospitals and no longer being treated in those hospitals, died and 78 percent were discharged. The release on mortality rates in 2020 satisfies a second of our list of five. Maybe well go 5 for 5 this week. This still is important but its worth remembering that reliable data doesnt float up the Connecticut River from the Long Island Sound. It takes a lot of careful effort to build. For example, you may notice the COVID-19-related deaths added up to 4,043 in March, April and May, which is more than the number the state reported. Thats because these deaths include people from elsewhere who died here and every one of them had to be researched for addresses, duplications, causes of death and on and on. Thats why its all the more amazing that the state Department of Health in April, 1919, with just a tiny staff, compiled the excess deaths data for September through December 1918 when Connecticut sustained 8,488 influenza deaths. Check out pages 202 to 212 here. And they did it by age group, and by town. (That crisis hit young adults, not old people.) Their data secret 101 years ago: No health privacy laws. Thats a column for a different day. dhaar@hearstmediact.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev has visited a military unit in Aghdam district, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani presidential press-service. Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and First Deputy Minister of Defense, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Colonel General Najmaddin Sadikov reported to President, Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. President Aliyev viewed conditions created at the military unit. Holding an election in the middle of a once-in-a-century pandemic is tough. Holding an election as civil unrest sweeps across the country during that pandemic could be seriously problematic. Election officials will have to grapple with that challenge Tuesday, when voters in nine states and the District of Columbia vote by mail or head to the polls for primaries. Several cities set to hold an election have seen massive protests, at times spiraling into looting and violence. With widespread curfews keeping residents in their homes and some ballot-return locations shuttered, some voters could end up disenfranchised, voting rights activists warned. "We are particularly concerned about how the protests, and particularly the response to the protests, are going to affect voting," said Suzanne Almeida, the interim executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania. She cited two particular stress points: curfews and an increased police presence. "If you look at the genesis of the protest that we saw over the weekend, it is police violence toward people of color," Almeida said. "Then asking people to walk through, or near, or around police or National Guard who are armed can feel dangerous. Particularly voters of color, but other voters as well." Curfews in cities could also pose a barrier if they press against or overlap with time designated for voting. Philadelphia's curfew for Monday night starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, an hour before polls are set to open. Mayor Jim Kenney's office announced it will begin enforcing a curfew at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening, a half-hour after polls close. Philadelphia isn't the only city that could see voting affected by the unrest. In Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser announced there would be a citywide curfew starting at 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, which intersects with early in-person voting on Monday and Election Day voting on Tuesday. Story continues Bowser said voters will be exempt from the curfew. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks about the District's coronavirus response at a news conference, Tuesday, March 31, 2020, in Washington. The District of Columbia has issued a stay-home order for all residents as the number of positive infections from the new coronavirus continue to rise. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) Voting is essential, therefore D.C. residents voting will be exempt to the curfew, Susana Castillo, a spokesperson for Bowser, wrote in an email. Castillo did not respond to follow-up questions on what steps the government of the plurality-black city will take to ensure that voters traveling to or from their polling place are not subject to the curfew, or whether voters will have to provide proof they actually voted. I've sent you all the information I have at this time. Whatever you learn from the Mayor's office should suffice, Rachel Coll, a public information officer for the city Board of Elections, wrote in an email when asked a similar set of questions about the curfew. In response to an earlier question on whether the board is considering other changes to respond to the unrest, Coll said election workers are trained to respond to emergencies by calling the police when necessary." Dozens of other cities could run into similar problems. The Baltimore board of elections also announced that it shuttered a ballot drop box outside the board of elections office in the city on Monday due to safety concerns in the area. (The board directed voters to 14 other drop boxes throughout the city.) In Hammond, Ind., Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. a Democrat who is running in the primary on Tuesday in the open-seat House race in Indianas 5th District ordered a curfew for his city on Sunday night that was extended to Monday evening as well. But the city said it will likely be lifted on Election Day. The coronavirus had already upended the primary season before the recent upheaval, and officials are struggling to ensure that the sanctity of the vote is protected. Weve run out of ways to describe how unusual this situation is, said David Thornburgh, president and CEO of the Philadelphia-based nonpartisan good-government group Committee of Seventy. The Committee of Seventy partnered with the office of the Philadelphia City Commissioners, the citys election agency, to run a series of mobile ballot drop-off points. But it had to cancel one scheduled for Sunday evening because of the unrest. Other mobile dropoff spots around the city were unaffected on Monday. There was a saving grace amid all the trouble the steps many election officials took to mitigate the effect of the pandemic on voter participation in the first place. Iowas secretary of state previously mailed ballot request forms to every voter, which has helped boost turnout in what is typically a low turnout primary, said Polk County Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald. The county, Iowa's largest, encompasses Des Moines, which also has seen protests and a countywide curfew. Were a go, Fitzgerald said of Tuesdays primary. We have record turnout already, before we even open the doors. Dublin City Council has opened a book of condolence for George Floyd. Mr Floyd was killed when a white police officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck in Minneapolis last week. His death has provoked demonstrations and condemnation in the United States and the wider world. Tom Brabazon, Lord Mayor of Dublin, has opened a book of condolence for the people of Dublin to extend their sympathies to Mr Floyds family. A statement said the book of condolence was opened to stand in solidarity with the people of the USA who are appalled by what happened to him, and to state our support for those who are fighting against racial injustice worldwide. The book of condolence will be available online due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place. It will be available here until Wednesday June 17. All messages in the book will be printed and presented to the US Embassy in Dublin. Mr Brabazon said: All over the world people have reacted to the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. I am opening this Book of Condolence to allow the citizens of Dublin to express their sympathies to the family and their support for all who raise awareness of and fight against racial injustice worldwide. Last night Read More: The president also demanded that New York call up the National Guard to stop what he termed the lowlifes and losers. Most protests passed peacefully, and while there were scattered reports of looting in New York, the country appeared calmer than it did a day earlier, when violence swept through multiple cities. Protests ranged across the US, including in Los Angeles, Miami, Columbia, South Carolina and Houston, where the police chief talked to peaceful demonstrators, vowing reforms. Tuesday marked the eighth straight night of the protests, which began in Minneapolis, where Mr Floyd died, and quickly spread across the country. Earlier today, a Green Party councillor called for a book of condolence to be opened in Cork. Dan Boyle, who was born in Chicago, told The Echo that what happened in the case of George Floyd was abhorrent. He added: Too many times something like this has happened, even just in recent memory, and if we dont stand against injustice like this, if youre silent now whether youre in Cork or Kansas then youre standing with the injustice. The Tanaiste has said many people are shocked and disturbed by the death of Floyd George and subsequent protests. Simon Coveney says he has not yet spoken to the US ambassador to Ireland. However, he has said violence is not the way to achieve long term progress. The Tanaiste says many in government are concerned about what is happening I think may of us are pretty disturbed and shocked by the images were seeing coming out of the United States now for the eighth day in a row, he said. What everybody wants to ensure is that peaceful protest is part of any democracy. The man fatally shot by Vallejo police as the city erupted in chaos Tuesday was kneeling outside a Walgreens and not carrying a firearm when an officer opened fire sending five bullets through his own windshield. Sean Monterrosa, 22, of San Francisco died after the shooting at around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, but police did not tell the public the man was killed or disclose the circumstances of the shooting until Wednesday at a news conference outside City Hall, a day after calling in 50 troops from the National Guard to help control protests and rioting sparked by the Minnesota police killing of George Floyd. In a Wednesday afternoon news conference, Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams said the officer believed he saw the butt of a handgun poking out near Monterrosas waist, and opened fire due to this perceived threat. Williams did not say how far the officer, who was still in his vehicle, was from Monterrosa. Investigations later revealed that the weapon was a long, 15-inch hammer, tucked into the pocket of a sweatshirt, Williams said. Now Playing: Police radio transmissions from the fatal shooting of Sean Monterrosa, 22, in Vallejo, Calif. on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Video: Vallejo Police Department via Broadcastify The shooting is under investigation by the Vallejo police and the Solano County district attorneys office. The officer, an 18-year veteran of the force, has been placed on administrative leave. The killing early Tuesday morning occurred as protests, lootings and civil unrest erupted across the country. That evening in Vallejo, city officials said about 100 people and nearly 40 vehicles surrounded the police department, and rocks and bottles were thrown at officers. The killing of Monterrosa, who was Latino, is almost certain to fan the flames of an already outraged community, after activists here say for years they have run up against a police department that has disproportionately targeted people of color and is rarely held accountable for its actions. My brother was murdered out here by a cop, too they got no justice, said Alicia Saddler, who is the sister of Angel Ramos, and who attended the press conference. Now this man was on his knees? Unarmed? A hammer is not a weapon. For Ramos, whose 21-year-old brother was shot and killed by Vallejo police after they responded to a fight at a home, Monterrosas death was chillingly familiar. He should be here. He should be alive, she said. This cop needs to be arrested and taken to jail, period. The incidents leading to Monterrosas shooting began late Monday evening, when police responded to reports of a looting at a Walgreens on Broadway and Redwood Street, Williams said at the news conference. Looters initially fled the scene, but about 12:15 a.m. looters had returned and were attempting to break into the building, Williams said. The responding unit reported seeing 10 to 12 potential looters in the parking lot, and police also saw a young man dressed in black, who appeared to be armed, in front of the building, Williams said. As a police vehicle drove into the parking lot, at least one officer reported potential looters inside two vehicles, a black sedan and a silver truck. Williams said officers in a second unit saw a single male dressed in black outside the Walgreens, holding what appeared to be a weapon. This individual appeared to be running toward the black sedan but suddenly stopped, taking a kneeling position, and placing his hands above his waist, revealing what appeared to be the butt of a handgun, Williams said. Now Playing: On June 2, 2020, residents of San Franciscos Outer Sunset marched in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and against the recent death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. Video: Manjula Varghese / The Chronicle The officer in the second unit opened fire, striking Monterrosa once. In police scanner traffic of the incident, an officer can be heard saying, wearing all black, looks like theyre armedpossibly armed. We got shots fired, an officer is heard saying 22 seconds later. After the shooting, police scanner traffic captured the ensuing scene, which Williams talked about at the press conference: The black sedan rammed one of the police vehicles, Williams said, which set off the airbag and injured an officer. 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 two suspect vehicles fled the scene, prompting a chase into Contra Costa County, where the driver of the silver truck was apprehended, Williams said. Civil rights attorney John Burris, who is representing Monterrosas family, said he was troubled by the shooting. Notwithstanding what hes accused of doing, you dont kill people because theyre looters, he said. Burris said hes awaiting more information on the case, including police body camera footage of the incident. At the press conference, Williams declined to answer reporters and advocates questions on whether he believed the officers use of force was excessive, but said policy doesnt preclude police from firing through windshields. I would like to say since Ive been here in the city of Vallejo, we have made many changes in terms of our de-escalation policy, in terms of our body-worn camera policy, he said. So there are there are big positive things that are happening. When a reporter asked asked how de-escalation was used in this case, Williams said the officers intent was to stop and arrest the perpetrators in the Walgreens area. The officers reacted to a perceived threat, he said. When asked why police waited so long to announce that the shooting was fatal, Williams said he didnt yet have the information that Monterrosa had died. Williams said on Wednesday he was unaware of the time of Monterrosas death, and denied the suggestion that police waited until after the Tuesday evening protest to release the information. Williams vowed to release body camera footage as soon as possible, prior to the required 45-day legal deadline, in the name of rapid transparency. Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy A woman accused of murdering her four-year-old stepdaughter allegedly never fed her or changed her nappy. Willow Dunn's body was found malnourished and decomposing in her cot at her home in Brisbane last Monday, her face partially eaten by rats. Her father, Mark James Dunn, 43, was charged with murder after he allegedly found the toddler dead two days earlier and didn't call emergency services. On Wednesday, Dunn's partner Shannon Leigh White, 43, was arrested and charged with murder. Police allege White refused to change her dirty nappies and never fed her, the Courier Mail reported. Willow Dunn's (pictured) body was found decomposing in her bed and police revealed she died of malnourishment and sustained neglect Dunn's partner Shannon White (centre) was on Wednesday arrested and later charged with murder White was led away from the station in handcuffs looking worse for wear and wearing thongs and shabby clothes Dunn and White allegedly noticed Willow looked unwell but didn't seek medical treatment. Police also allege White told Dunn that she didn't want to be a stepmother to Willow, who had Down syndrome. White was led away from the station on Wednesday afternoon in handcuffs looking worse for wear and wearing thongs and shabby clothes. Both White and Dunn are charged with murder under its 'reckless indifference of human life' definition. White had her matter briefly mentioned in the Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday. She and Dunn have both been remanded in custody to appear in court on July 20. White allegedly told police last week that caring for Willow was not her responsibility as she was not her biological daughter. White's daughter, Taliah, 19, would sometimes feed and bathe Willow after moving in to the house along with her mother. White (a few years ago) is Willow's stepmother and was best friends with Willow's biological mother Naomi Dunn for 20 years before moving in with Mr Dunn after she died Willow's body was found malnourished and decomposing in her bed at her home in Brisbane last Monday, her face partially eaten by rats, and her father Mark James Dunn (pictured) charged with murder White, second from left, was a bridesmaid at Ms Dunn's wedding in 2014 and was her friend for 19 years at the time But for the past year the toddler is believed to have been solely in the care of her father, who allegedly left her in squalor. Dunn 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. Detectives are investigating whether Willow spent the entirety of her four years on earth in squalor without adequate food or care. Willow was not Down syndrome registered with the NDIS, leading detectives to allege she was not receiving the care she needed. Police confirmed a post-mortem revealed the toddler died of malnourishment and sustained neglect. Detective Inspector Chris Knight would not rule out charging more people and said police were investigating the entire family in Queensland, NSW, and South Australia. 'Despite today's second arrest in this homicide, detectives are continuing to progress this investigation,' he said. Willow's mother Naomi Dunn died on November 5, 2015, from complications following Willow's birth about a week earlier. Daily Mail Australia understands Willow was sent to live with an aunt and uncle after her mother's death. Their father up to a year later took her and her brother, who is now seven, back to live with him despite a custody attempt by the relatives. Dunn allegedly told police after his arrest he couldn't handle his daughter's condition and was depressed about his wife's death. Willow, who suffered from Down Syndrome, and her brother who is now seven (right) was sent to live with an aunt and uncle after her mother's death Naomi Dunn died on November 5, 2015, after giving birth to her daughter Willow, devastating her family A Facebook post from Ms White in 2014 claimed Ms Dunn was her best friend of 19 years (pictured) White, who was Ms Dunn's best friend and a bridesmaid at her wedding in 2014, later started dating Dunn and moved from Adelaide to live with him. 'I still have my bestie from 19 years ago Naomi Kipping (Ms Dunn). She's always been there for me no matter what,' Ms White posted on Facebook in 2014. Ms Dunn replied: 'Awwww love ya xx.' The two regularly commented on each other's Facebook posts and that of Ms Dunn's adult children from an earlier relationship. Ms Dunn once wrote Ms White was 'so dam (sic) hot' in a photo, to which she replied 'oh baby thanks xx miss u'. Ms Dunn's adult son mourned his half-sister on Facebook in the days after her death, and later shared a post condemning White. 'Rest in Peace Willow. It's so heartbreaking things have turned out this way, but you will forever be in our hearts. Fly high with mum,' her son wrote. A teddy bear wearing a Parramatta Eels jersey is seen in the bedroom of the Cannon Hill home on Tuesday (pictured) just hours after little Willow was allegedly found in her cot A stroller was seen in the front yard on Tuesday (pictured) as police continued to investigate what happened to the toddler He allegedly banned his wife's other children from seeing Willow, blocking their phone numbers and social media accounts. 'He pushed away everyone when (Naomi) died so he could be with Shannon,' the relative told the The Australian. Inspector Knight said members of Willow's family moved to Queensland from South Australia in 2017 and police wanted to speak to anyone who knew of them and the family dynamic. 'We continue to obtain information from potential witnesses who are assisting us to build a clearer picture of the dynamics relating to Willow Dunn's family,' he said. 'Our investigative team are not yet satisfied that we've exhausted all inquiries and will continue to investigate and evaluate all information that we come by so that we can make better informed decisions in the future.' MIAMI, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Cansortium Inc. (CSE: TIUM.U) (OTCQB: CNTMF) ("Cansortium" or the "Company") announced today that the board of directors of the Company has approved the issuance of common shares to certain of its directors in satisfaction of a portion of directors' fees accrued up to May 31, 2020. The Company is issuing 408,286 common shares at a deemed price of U.S.$0.38 per share in satisfaction of U.S.$155,149 of accrued directors' fees with the balance being paid in cash. Issuing shares instead of making a cash payment, in satisfaction of a portion of accrued directors' fees, will assist the Company in preserving cash for deployment on actionable growth opportunities. The issuance of common shares to each of Neal Hochberg and John McKimm constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, on the basis that the fair market value of the transactions do not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. About Cansortium Inc. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, and operating under the Fluent brand, Cansortium is focused on being the highest quality cannabis company in the State of Florida driven by unrelenting commitment to operational excellence from seed to sale. Cansortium has developed strong proficiencies in each of cultivation, processing, retail, and distribution activities, the result of successfully operating in the highly regulated cannabis industry. In addition to Florida, Cansortium is seeking to create significant shareholder value in the attractive markets of Texas, Michigan and Pennsylvania, where the Company has secured licenses and established operations. Cansortium Inc.'s common shares and warrants trade on the CSE under the symbol "TIUM.U" and "TIUM.WT.U", respectively, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol (OTCQB: CNTMF). Investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com. Forward-Looking Information Certain information in this news release, may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the factors described in the public documents of the Company available at www.sedar.com. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE Cansortium Inc Related Links https://www.getfluent.com/ Leaders from Libya's warring factions were said to be travelling for talks abroad on Wednesday as reported air strikes south of the capital threatened to escalate the conflict further. After weeks of fighting around Tripoli supported by competing foreign powers, the United Nations said on Monday that both sides had agreed to resume ceasefire talks. However, the UN has warned that a flood of weapons and fighters into Libya in defiance of an arms embargo could fuel more fighting. The oil-rich country has been in turmoil since 2011, when a civil war toppled long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed. Libya has since split between the rival administrations in the east and the west. The UAE and Egypt back the Libyan National Army (LNA) lead by commander Khalifa Haftar, based in eastern Libya, which are trying to take the capital Tripoli. Turkey, backs Libya's UN recognised government in Tripoli. PM of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez al-Serraj is expected in Ankara late on Wednesday, Turkish broadcasters reported. His deputy Ahmed Maiteeg and GNA Foreign Minister Mohamed Siyala had earlier arrived in Moscow, local media said. "That the legitimate government has the upper hand now should be viewed as an opportunity for a political solution," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a TV interview. Meanwhile Haftar travelled to Egypt to meet defence officials, a source close to him said. Last week the United States said Russia had flown at least 14 warplanes to an LNA airbase in central Libya. Russia and the LNA have denied that, with the LNA saying it has refurbished some old Libyan air force jets. The air battle has been critical, with Turkish drones knocking out LNA air defence systems and supply routes. On Wednesday, an LNA military source said warplanes had struck near Gharyan, a town taken by the GNA last year. It would represent the first acknowledged use of warplanes by eastern forces since Washington said Russia had supplied the MiG 29 and Su-24 jets. Search Keywords: Short link: President's order to regulate social media is against US Constitutions First Amendment that guarantees free speech, says tech-rights group In its suit, the Center for Democracy and Technology said that Trumps executive order violates the First Amendment because it attacks Twitter for putting the fact checks on the presidents tweets, which CDT said is Twitters right as a private company. (Photo | AP) New York: A tech-focused civil liberties group on Tuesday sued to block President Donald Trumps executive order that seeks to regulate social media, saying it violates the First Amendment and puts curbs on free speech. Trumps order, signed last week, could allow more lawsuits against internet companies like Twitter and Facebook for what their users post, tweet and stream. The order was more political than substantive, with many experts questioning whether it was constitutional. The president aimed to rally his supporters after Twitter put fact checks on two of his tweets. Trump, without evidence, has long accused tech companies of being biased against conservatives. The order targets current law you may have heard recent references to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act that protects internet companies from lawsuits. They cant be sued for hosting videos and posts from users, or for moderating their services, with some exceptions. In its suit, the Center for Democracy and Technology said that Trumps executive order violates the First Amendment because it attacks Twitter for putting the fact checks on the presidents tweets, which CDT said is Twitters right as a private company. More broadly, the order is trying to curb speech of all online platforms and people by demonstrating the willingness to use government authority to retaliate against those who criticize the government, CDT said. The government cannot and should not force online intermediaries into moderating speech according to the presidents whims, said Alexandra Givens, CDTs CEO, in an emailed statement. The organization filed the federal suit in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. There was pushback against Trumps order from various sources. Tech industry groups, unsurprisingly, said it was bad for innovation and speech. Civil rights and libertarian organizations and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce also criticized Trumps order. Security personnel use a megaphone to raise awareness about COVID-19 to residents of a Rohingya camp in Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar district, May 15, 2020. A 71-year-old Rohingya man who died on the weekend has posthumously tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first resident of crowded refugee camps in southeastern Bangladesh known to have succumbed to the disease, health officials said Tuesday. The grim milestone came less than three weeks after the first Rohingya refugee tested positive for coronavirus. By Tuesday, the number of Rohingya infected at the camps had increased to 29. The old man was admitted to a health center at the Kutupalong camp after suffering from coronavirus symptoms on May 30 and died that night, Dr. Abu Toha M.R.H. Bhuiyan, health coordinator of the Refugee, Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRRC), told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Doctors collected a sample for testing and the result was found to be positive today. Nine members of the mans family have been placed in isolation and are being monitored, Dr. Toha said, joining close to 200 other Rohingya in quarantine due to exposure to infected people. A neighbor said the deceased man had long suffered from high blood pressure and kidney complaints. Nobody realized that he was suffering from coronavirus. The news came as a shock to us, Mohammad Shafi, a Rohingya school teacher, told AFP. In recent weeks a lot of people in the camps are suffering from fever, headache and body pain. But most think they got sick because of the change of weather. They dont bother to get tested for coronavirus, he was quoted as saying. New spike in cases nationwide Authorities say they have taken extensive precautions to contain infections in the refugee camps, which are home to more than 1.1 million Rohingya. Most of them fled from neighboring Myanmar following a military crackdown in August 2017. With the support of international agencies and relief groups, the government is preparing facilities containing 1,900 beds to treat potential Rohingya patients. About 8,500 hand-washing centers have been set up at camp entrances, said Saikat Biswas, a spokesman for the Inter Sector Coordination Group, which oversees humanitarian aid to refugees in southeast Bangladesh. Across Bangladesh, COVID-19 infections and deaths have been increasing sharply, even as the government on Sunday allowed businesses and offices to reopen on a limited scale, and mass transit to operate with social distancing protocols. Only educational institutions remain closed. Steadily rising daily infection rates nationwide hit a new high of 2,911 on Tuesday, bringing the cumulative tally to 52,445. Meanwhile, 37 new deaths brought the overall COVID-19 death toll to 709, according to a daily update from Nasima Sultana of the Directorate General of Health Services. Globally, more than 6.3 million people had been infected by COVID-19 and more than 377,000 had died as of Tuesday, according to data compiled by disease experts at U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. China In Focus (June 2): Results From Wuhans Mass Testing Are In Hong Kong will not have an outdoor vigil for the Tiananmen massacre victims this year, for the first time in the past three decades. But residents are determined to honor the dead in their own ways. The final results are in after Wuhans initiative to test all of its residents. The results may surprise you. Despite ongoing western condemnation for two decades, the CCPs persecution of a spiritual group continues in secret, although the regime claims the secret police agency has been disbanded. In the latest effort to stop Beijing from influencing Hollywood, federal help to studios may be cut if they bow to the pressure of censorship. The widow of Chinas whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang wrote on social media that she opposes U.S. lawmakers plan to name a street outside the Chinese embassy in Washington after Dr. Li. But locals in Wuhan told media that the widow might have been pressured by Chinese authorities to make the statement. Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more first-hand news from China For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter Ukraine International Airlines resuming flights between Kyiv and Odesa as quarantine eases 22:00, 03.06.20 2434 At stage 1, the carrier will only perform two round flights. Mohammed Adamu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has directed the forces headquarters in Abuja to take over investigations on the... Mohammed Adamu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has directed the forces headquarters in Abuja to take over investigations on the rape and murder of Vera Omozuwa. Vera, a microbiology student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), had died from injuries sustained after she was attacked with a fire extinguisher and raped while studying in a church situated within Benin. Amid the heated outrage across social media platforms, the Edo state police said it had arrested a suspect connected to the incident after a fingerprint exam was conducted on the murder instrument. On Tuesday, Frank Mba, a spokesperson of the police in Abuja, however, said the case was taken over from the state following report from a team of investigators and forensic experts deployed to Edo. He said that the IGP also ordered an immediate deployment of specialised investigators and assets to all gender desk offices of the countrys police to strengthen and enhance the capacity of the units. DEATH OF MISS VERA UWAILA: IGP DIRECTS FORCE-CID TO TAKE OVER INVESTIGATIONS - Orders Strengthening of the Gender-Based Unit of the Force Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) June 2, 2020 The IGPs directive is sequel to the preliminary report from the team of investigators and forensic experts earlier deployed to assist the Edo State Police Command in the investigations into the unfortunate incident. Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) June 2, 2020 The DIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Anthony Ogbizi Michael, will henceforth provide direct supervision and ensure a speedy and thorough investigation of the case, Mba said. The IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of specialised investigators and additional investigation assets to all the Gender Desks Offices and the Juvenile Welfare Centres (JWC) across the country. This is to strengthen and enhance the capacity of the Units to respond to increasing challenges of sexual assaults and domestic/gender-based violence linked with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and other social ills within the country. Representative image Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut on Wednesday asked the Centre to withdraw its proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020, saying it "clearly violates" the constitutional mandate and undermines its federal structure. The Congress leader also said that the Centre should focus on decentralisation of power for transparency and efficiency. Expressing his concern over the proposed amendments in the EA Act 2003, Raut alleged the Centre intends to "override and dominate" the state governments' responsibility in the administration of power generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. The Union power ministry had in April come out with the fourth draft of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill since 2014, which seeks to set up an Electricity Contract Enforcement Authority (ECEA) having power of a civil court to settle disputes related to power purchase agreement between discoms and gencos. The draft provides that the ECEA will have sole authority to adjudicate matters related to specific performance of contracts related to purchase or sale of power, between power generation companies (gencos) and distribution companies (discoms). "The seventh schedule of the Constitution of India empowers both, the central and state governments to enact laws on matters related to electricity as it is included in the concurrent list. "However, with proposed amendments, it is obvious that the federal structure of electricity wherein the Centre and state governments are responsible is being interfered," he said in a statement. He said the existing provisions empowering state governments as well as state commission to take appropriate decisions/make rules and regulations after considering the state-specific issues need to be continued. "Hence, the Centre should withdraw the draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020 proposed by the Ministry of Power, Government of India," Raut said. Limerick-based radio stations Live 95 and Spin South West are set to receive 155,000 in funding under the new Sound and Vision Covid-19 Initiative. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland received a total of 32 applications from independent commercial radio stations across the country, seeking total funding in the region of 2.75m. Live 95 is to receive 95,000 while Spin South West will receive 60,000. The applications were evaluated according to the assessment criteria, which included: the public value of the proposals; the feasibility; the value for money; and, the track record of the applicant. Overall, we were very pleased with the standard of the applications, which showed a varied and innovative approach to project content. This funding will have a significant impact on the independent commercial broadcasting sector, facilitating them to provide bespoke Covid-19 programme content that speaks directly to and for its audience," said Michael OKeefe, CEO of the BAI. "It will facilitate a more structured and planned approach to the pandemic which will include informed and effective engagement with, and by, local groups representing a broad range of expertise across health, social, business, community and voluntary groups. It will also offer content that is interactive, engaging and provides for a high level of social content and community outreach that would otherwise not be possible, he added. Deputy Kieran ODonnell has welcomed the allocation of funding to the two Limerick-based radio stations. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that people in Limerick have access to reliable and trusted information. This Sound and Vision Covid-19 Initiative requested from the BAI by Minister (Richard) Bruton, is designed to ensure that independent radio stations can provide that to the public throughout the pandemic, he said. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, called on President Donald Trump on Monday to invoke the Insurrection Act, then deploy active-duty combat units to "show no quarter" in putting down violence and looting in major cities, which he charged have been instigated by left-wing extremists. State governors thus far have not asked for the help of active-duty troops. But Cotton said a massive show of force by the 101st Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Cavalry Division and 3rd Infantry Division -- "whatever it takes to restore order" -- might be necessary. Read next: Guard Members, Police Open Fire and Kill a Man in Louisville, Authorities Say "We always respect the rights of peaceful protesters," said Cotton, a former Army captain and Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, but "we have zero tolerance for anarchy, rioting and looting." In a series of tweets and an appearance on the "Fox & Friends" program, Cotton echoed others in the Trump administration, including Attorney General William Barr, in blaming the violence on leftist extremists such as the antifa movement. He appeared to challenge antifa, the far-left militant group, to a fight. "If local law enforcement is overwhelmed and needs backup, let's see how tough these Antifa terrorists are when they're facing off with the 101st Airborne Division," Cotton said on Twitter. "We need to have zero tolerance for this destruction." Under the federal Posse Comitatus Act, the use of active-duty troops for domestic law enforcement is generally banned, but there are exceptions that require the specific request of state governors. Cotton urged Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would allow for the deployment of active-duty units in law enforcement roles if requested by a governor or state legislature. The Insurrection Act was invoked in 1992, when President George H.W. Bush sent active-duty troops to California at the request of Gov. Pete Wilson, following unrest in the aftermath of the arrest and beating of Rodney King by police. Story continues Cotton's calls for more aggressive action by active-duty troops contrasted with early signs that the crisis might be abating. In Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz ordered the partial deactivation of Minnesota National Guard troops called up to assist local law enforcement following relatively peaceful protests in Minneapolis and St. Paul on Saturday and Sunday, and shortened the hours of curfew in effect for Monday and Tuesday nights. However, other governors and mayors extended curfews in an effort to quell violence. "We are keeping the curfew [from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.] in place tonight to protect everyone's safety and help our first responders keep the peace," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement. In Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser extended curfews for Monday and Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. In his comments on Fox News, Cotton tempered his call for aggressive action by the president to quell the violence with a plea for justice in the case of George Floyd. "What the president can do is say that justice will be done in accordance with law for George Floyd and we will always respect the right of peaceful protests," but the line has to be drawn against looting and rioting, he said. However, the American Civil Liberties Union called Cotton's remarks "dangerous" and said they were likely to inflame an already tense situation nationwide. "This approach and mindset in response to legitimate grievances would be irresponsible and dangerous," Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLU's National Security Project, told Military.com regarding Cotton's remarks. "We are not in an actual war." In a May 29 news conference, Walz said he had spoken twice to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley about the possibility of assistance from active-duty troops, but said again Monday that he had made no formal request. The Defense Department on May 30 confirmed that Esper and Milley had spoken with the Minnesota governor and expressed their willingness to provide support, but said Walz did not ask for active-duty troops. However, the DoD said in a statement that U.S. Northern Command had increased the alert status for several active duty-units, including military police, should they be required. "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 four-hour status," the DoD statement said. National Guard support as backup for local enforcement increased significantly over the weekend, the National Guard Bureau said Monday. As of May 30, a total of about 5,000 members of the National Guard had been called up in 15 states and the District of Columbia in response to the civil unrest, the Bureau said in a statement. On Monday, the number activated increased to 17,000 in 23 states and the District of Columbia, it added. "The situation remains fluid and, as governors access their needs, the numbers may change rapidly," the Bureau said. "We are here to protect life and property, and preserve peace, order, and public safety," Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau. The 17,000 National Guard members activated to assist in containing civil unrest, combined with those already activated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, put the total number of National Guard troops activated at historic levels, the Bureau said. A total of about 66,700 National Guard members had been activated as of Monday morning, according to the Bureau. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Related: Minnesota Guard Carrying Guns and Ammo in Response to 'Credible Threat,' General Says MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The case against a man who drove his semitrailer into a crowd of protesters on a closed Minneapolis freeway has been delayed pending further investigation, prosecutors said Tuesday. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said in a statement Tuesday that the case against the man has been deferred and that hell be released from jail. Investigators are in the process of gathering additional information and answers to aid in the charging decision, Freeman said. The 35-year-old man drove his tanker truck into a crowd of thousands of people who were marching on Interstate 35W near downtown Minneapolis on Sunday to protest George Floyd's death. Floyd, who was black, died May 25 when a white police officer pressed his knee into Floyd's neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. The incident has sparked protests across the country. Gov. Tim Walz said Monday that the man was apparently confused and got on the freeway before traffic officials shut it down. Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said there was no evidence that the driver was trying to intentionally hurt protesters. Economic liberalisation has done good to India, and the country needs to knock down import tariffs imposed on many products in the last three years, former Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya said on Tuesday. Panagariya also pointed out that COVID-19 pandemic may lead to integration of global labour market. For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here "Liberalisation has done good to us. We are reversing something from which we benefited. I thought that in 1991, India had give up import substitution, but in the last three years, import tariff on many products have been raised," he said while addressing CII Annual Session 2020. "India needs to open up more and knockdown import tariff imposed on many products in the last 3 years. We should bring tariff to 7 per cent and sign trade agreement with the US, RCEP and European Union," he said. The eminent economist also expressed hope that down the line, India will sign trade agreements with the US, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the European Union. Panagariya said India should continue to engage with Asia Pacific partners and get into RCEP as it prepares to take over the multinational companies from China in areas of textiles, footwear and other labour intensive sectors. Read: Moodys downgrades India rating to a notch above Junk The professor of economics at Columbia University also pitched up for setting up Shenzhen-style coastal employment zones to boost manufacturing and creating employment. Panagariya pointed out that there will be greater globalisation post COVID-19 pandemic in terms of integration of labour markets. "Boundaries of the labour market will extend beyond H1 B visa as workers will work from their remote countries," he said, adding India could emerge as winner if it brings in major reforms in the education sector. Panagariya observed that multilateralism had taken a hit even in the pre-COVID 19 days with bodies like the WTO Dispute Settlement mechanism becoming inoperative due to non-cooperation by the US. CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL COVERAGE ONLY ON DH "The COVID-19 crisis which has been currently sweeping the world is not likely to affect the process of globalisation," he stressed. Panagariya said India needs 2-3 large employment zones with full autonomy to change rules. "Today 44 per cent of Indian workforce still involved in farming, you can't combat poverty without lot of farm workers moving out of farming to low skill industry," he argued. Also, speaking at the event, Jeffrey Sachs, director of sustainable development, Columbia University, said that India made a big mistake in not joining the RCEP because this is an economic group catering to 3.2 billion people. He stated that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries sealing off their borders to prevent the virus from spreading in the country was not the same thing as reversing globalisation. WESTBURY, N.Y., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- RXVIP Concierge Chief Pharmacist Officer and Founder Ken Sternfeld announced today that the open enrollment period for the CareONE Concierge Academy has been set for June, July and August 2020. With the hope of having a full class by the September back to school timeline, RXVIP will be promoting this new experiential eLearning platform through a joint marketing alliance with Life Improvement Media to deliver the entire curriculum over the internet on Helium Radio. RXVIP Concierge will also work with the Pharmacy Podcast Network to create content and career development podcasts that will bring experts and thought leaders in the pharmacy profession into the academy as CareONE Concierge adjunct professors. This new strategic partnership with PPN will also allow CareONE Concierge Academy to offer Certifications and CE Credits as part of an online subscription service. "Words cannot express how excited and grateful we are to be partnering with Ken and the team to help raise awareness and promote the CareONE Concierge Academy across all of our demographics. Our goal is to improve the quality of our listener's lives, and by adding a health care eLearning platform, we have the ability to not only enhance the career path of PharmDs, but also to connect our internet radio network to information that is pertinent to all listeners who need help during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic," Chief Creative Officer of Life Improvement Media and Founder/CEO of Helium Radio, Erik Remmel commented. "To support the content, we have created a separate channel on Helium just to focus on delivering the courses, lectures and podcasts and certifications that the academy has already so that it reaches the students who will tune in to our station as part of their educational pathway, and hopefully throughout their career and life," Remmel concluded. PharmD candidates and Alumni from Colleges of Pharmacy and Universities nationwide can receive mentoring and eLearning plus job training by joining the CareONE Concierge Academy. The course of study will align to traditional IPPE, APPE and Residency timelines that PharmDs usually follow, plus there will be a new 'MAPPE', which is a Master of APPE Proficiency course that will guarantee a position with RXVIP Concierge as a PharmD Provider upon completion. The strategic partnerships now in place enable RXVIP Concierge to play an integral role in the education and training of future PharmD candidates as well as any licensed Pharmacists or PharmDs who want to practice at the height of their profession. The CareONE Concierge Academy will utilize the skill sets plus leadership and mentoring talents of the current PharmD candidates from the Class of 2021 and past graduates of RXVIP Concierge rotations. The company has selected four charter members as the first of many who will be given the opportunity to participate as we shape this non-traditional eLearning and education solution. The CORE FOUR charter members include women from various colleges, with unique and forward thinking ideas that they want to use as advocates for Provider Status. They have shown extraordinary passion for enhancing the role of Pharmacists in the healthcare continuum for their peers graduating next year and beyond. They include Bittany Olbert, Krystal Hughes, Jessica Whetzel and Paige Zwicker as charter members of the CareONE Concierge Academy who will help develop the innovative programs which they will then share with colleges and universities across the country. They will focus on COVID-19-centric eLearning modules and core initiatives in Telemedicine, Testing, Tracing, Transition of Care, plus the need for next-generation Doctors of Pharmacy to deliver remote monitoring to provide better outcomes for Medicare patients with chronic diseases. "COVID-19 has caused us all to look to the future with hope that there will be advancements in healthcare," stated Ken Sternfeld, RPh and Chief Pharmacist Officer of RXVIP Concierge. "The time is now to fuse a group of young and older Pharmacists looking to win the battle with the coronavirus that has changed our world," Sternfeld added. "When the Yankees needed to return to greatness, they played rookies like Jeter, Pettitte, Posada and Rivera to move the franchise to the top. I figured that if it worked for them, it could work for us, so these women are the CareONE Concierge Academy Core Four," Sternfeld continued. "They show care, compassion and empathy in every aspect of their persona and they are extraordinary future leaders. It is my pleasure to mentor them and watch them lead the profession to a higher ground as part of our team," Sternfeld concluded. "When I started my rotation as an APPE student from Howard University College of Pharmacy, I knew that my passion for helping patients and members of our profession was very similar to what I saw at RXVIP," stated Brittany Olbert, a CareONE Concierge Academy charter member. "I also realized very quickly that Ken was eager to learn about what I thought and how I could help make these rotations more meaningful, not only for my career but for all my fellow APPE colleagues," Olbert continued. "I have been given many opportunities to grow during this rotation and want to help inspire others to join us in creating an Academy that meets the needs of every student," Olbert concluded. "The CareONE Concierge Academy allows us to put our pathway to provider status, developed over the years, into an eLearning remote platform that guides students through their requirements during and beyond the years spent in school," stated Crystal Cruz, ExVP/COO of RXVIP Concierge. "By completing the courses we offer to IPPE, APPE and Residents, we are able to help our students secure high paying RXVIP PharmD Concierge Provider positions the day they graduate," Cruz continued. "By having the Core Four adding their perspective as PharmD candidates, we feel confident our message that Pharmacists can practice at the height of their diploma is in good hands," Cruz concluded. "My interest in pharmacogenomic and its benefit to patients dealing with adverse drug reactions was why I chose RXVIP for my rotation, but after a few lectures, I quickly learned about the vision of the 'concierge' approach where Pharmacists could help more patients by collaborating with physicians," stated Krystal Hughes, PharmD Candidate 2021 from West Virginia University School of Pharmacy and Core Four charter member. "Ken was passionate about advocating for pharmacist provider status and has given me an opportunity to become a leader by collaborating with my peers. Together, we can help shape future rotations with a student forward manner." Hughes continued, "I am grateful that my efforts can be impactful to other students as we all adjust to a new model of telemedicine, testing and tracing in a time of COVID-19." "Pharmacy is at an incredible transformative inflection point. Those who question the need to change will be left behind. Ken recognized the coming change from transactional prescription based environments to patient focused value based payment & concierge style services enabling pharmacists to practice at the top of their license," stated Todd Eury, Founder & Publisher of the Pharmacy Podcast Network. "With the RXVIP Concierge Pharmacist Movement gaining momentum, the Pharmacy Podcast Network is proud to continue to support the crucial messaging from Ken & his team helping other pharmacists with a thirst for patient care to become advocates for better pharmacy care through the CareONE Concierge platforms," Eury added. "This is an exciting time to be in the pharmacy industry." "The millions of people already tuned into Helium Radio are potential new PharmD candidates or licensed PharmDs and Pharmacists who want to enhance their career by becoming a provider. Having our course on Helium Radio helps take us to the top of the educational spectrum," stated Jason Cavolina, PharmD and Co-Founder of RXVIP Concierge. "Patients are now listeners of podcasts and have a thirst for information on the new COVID-19 world, so this experiential pathway was developed for those suffering from the chronic disease states that our graduates of the academy can help. The listeners who dial in for our free content on ways to test, trace and use telemedicine to stay alive allow RXVIP Concierge to expand our mission to support our national population health initiatives with these strategic alliances." Cavolina added, "We are setting the stage to deliver evidence-based, expertise-insights, and editorial commentary to the public for the active 300,000 provider pharmacists in the U.S. today. I believe that this new platform is not just the pharmacy profession's top pathway to provider status for students, but now we are positioned to be the leading pharmacy radio information resource for our profession." For more information on the CareONE Concierge Academy contact [email protected] or call us at 1-844-MYRXVIP (844 697-9847) ABOUT RXVIP RXVIP Concierge is a network of Pharmacists, PharmDs and Students of Pharmacy who are committed to enhancing their roles as healthcare providers. By working collaboratively with other healthcare providers, RXVIP is able to deliver a suite of value-based services at the point of care. These services increase reimbursements and enhance quality measures with the innovative PharmD Concierge program that is setting a new standard of patient engagement. The program includes training for PharmDs, PharmD interns, physicians, and their staff at no cost to those team members. RXVIP Concierge seamlessly integrates these offerings with zero out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare practitioners looking to add a trained PharmD to serve as their medication expert via telehealth or in the office. Visit www.rxvipconcierge.com to learn more. About Pharmacy Podcast Network (PPN) The PPN launched in 2009 and is the first podcast network dedicated to the pharmacy industry, with over 1000 episodes published to date on topics including, but not limited to Pharmacogenomics, financial planning, business franchising, marketing, and career development. The PPN has unmatched relationships within the Pharmacy vertical market and is currently interviewing several national and regional pharmacy brands plus continuing education partnerships for clinical pharmacist expertise and sponsorship for future consumer-oriented content. With close to 40 different co-hosts helping to develop audio content about different subjects in pharmacy, the PPN delivers a unique publication to all health care professionals with a specific focus on pharmacy. Over the last twelve years, the podcast publication has gathered over 80,000 listeners with over one million downloads and partnered with the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. With unmatched relationships within the pharmacy vertical market, PPN is currently interviewing several national and regional pharmacy brands for clinical pharmacist expertise and sponsorship for future consumer-oriented content. About Helium Internet Radio Helium Radio was launched in 2010 and officially born in July 2017 in St. Petersburg, FL. Helium Radio is the overarching network that balloons over two existing global radio stations. Life Improvement Radio and Life Improvement Radio After Dark were born from sister company, Life Improvement Media Group, Inc. SOURCE RXVIP Concierge Related Links http://www.rxvipconcierge.com Over the past year, The Hamilton Spectator's journalists have covered everything from arson homicides to elusive wild turkeys. Signing up for an annual digital subscription to TheSpec.com gives you access to this vital local reporting and keeps you in the know on the most important Hamilton topics from the award-winning staff at The Spec. The best part: an annual digital subscription to TheSpec.com is only $72 before tax. Here's a look back at some in-depth coverage of local issues in 2019 from Spectator reporters and columnists and 72 reasons to sign up: 1) Three former servers who worked at Hamilton's iconic Black Forest Inn for decades accused the restaurant's new owners of discriminating against them based on their age. 2) It was 3:30 a.m. when the back bedroom inside 8 Greening Ct. in Dundas erupted in flames. Al Rutherford, with burns to over 80 per cent of his body, escaped and knocked on his neighbour's door. Call 911, he said. And then he said a name. In the early hours of July 9, 2018, fire erupted at the Rutherford house in Dundas. Smoke and flames filled the bedroom, then broke through the roof and stretched above the treetops. | Cathie Coward, The Hamilton Spectator file photo 3) In 2014, iconic Hamilton cheese company Salerno Dairy was swallowed up by Gay Lea Foods. But five years after the acquisition, Gay Lea CEO Mike Barrett says all is not well. 4) A priest has been suspended from duty by the Diocese of Hamilton in the wake of allegations he had a sexual relationship with a minor in his home country of Portugal and then later fathered a child with her when she was a young adult. 5) Not only was it the 125th birthday of the iconic Around the Bay Road Race, it marked 40 years since women were permitted to officially enter it. At North Shore Blvd. and Waterdown Rd., Joanne O'Brien and Marcy Saunders hold their sign to support an Around the Bay Road Race running group from Ottawa. | Gary Yokoyama, The Hamilton Spectator 6) Briefing notes to Ontario's PC government suggest LRT cost estimates have climbed exceeding the $1-billion provincial commitment. But they also warn killing the project now would waste money, snuff economic development and spur outrage. 7) On a quiet March weekend, Spec reporter Jon Wells was asked to go on a goose chase for a wild turkey. 8) Just 10 minutes after hitting the road for his shift, Hamilton Paramedic Service superintendent Dave Thompson is on his knees trying to save the life of a woman suffering symptoms of an overdose. Advanced Care Paramedic Dave Thompson calls out to another crew arriving on the scene of a drug overdose at Jackson Square. | Scott Gardner , The Hamilton Spectator 9) Two women are devastated; their fathers dying from infections related to horrible bedsores acquired in the same hospital. Bedsores they believe were totally preventable. 10) Neurosurgery was a toxic workplace at Hamilton General Hospital, according to both an external review and a $30-million lawsuit launched by two doctors who claim they were used as "scapegoats." 11) Hamilton police seized so much cannabis from illegal dispensaries they had to create a special room in the basement of headquarters exclusively devoted to storing evidence. A room in Hamilton police headquarters is devoted exclusively to cannabis seized during warrants at illegal dispensaries. The bags are stored here until after a court case is done, when the cannabis is moved to another room to await destruction. | Hamilton Police Service 12) There were times, Helen Nalborczyk remembers, when they'd hand out tickets on a Saturday night at the Skyway Lanes, and bowlers would wait in line for their turn to play. Back then bowling was king. The Melvin Avenue bowling alley closed its doors April 26. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat in his chambers with the settler leaders for more than two hours on June 2. The reason? He needs to smooth the political rights ruffled feathers regarding his intentions to promote annexation as soon as the beginning of July. Senior figures among the settlers and the political right have expressed reservations and even objections to Netanyahus annexation plan. They argue that the annexation he is promoting as a historic step is really a code name for the establishment of a Palestinian state that Netanyahu is also endorsing as part of the US peace plan. Just a day earlier, the leaders of the settlers met with seniors of the Yamina Party. At the end of that meeting, chairman Naftali Bennett was heard accusing Netanyahu of intentionally hiding the maps and details of the annexation plan. In Bennetts words, We do not yet know the details of the plan and the map. Is it sovereignty or Palestine? Another Yamina senior who has been giving endless interviews recently is former Transportation Minister Bezalel Smotrich. He, too, has been criticizing Netanyahu harshly. In a June 2 interview with Ynet, Smotrich said, Netanyahu always talks about partitioning the country. To his credit, he does not lie. He sets conditions, mainly security ones; he talks about a demilitarized Palestinian state, about IDF control over the entire territory. But he does not think that we have the right, whether right appears between quotation marks or not to rule over a foreign nation and that we have no solution. Therefore, ultimately, the land must be split up. The tone inside the Yamina meeting room was that Netanyahu is leading the settlers on. Netanyahu didnt like what he heard. His conclusion was that the former Yamina ministers Bennett, Ayelet Shaked and Smotrich, who remained outside Netanyahus new government are behind the right-wing discontent against him in the form of the political and media campaign that is currently gaining ground. He was not wrong. The Yamina clique, left helpless yet vengeful outside the new government, has no intentions of giving up. The former ministers made the strategic decision to form an irritating opposition to Netanyahu on diplomatic issues and they have only started. Their argument that Netanyahu is misleading the right by promoting a diplomatic program that he claims fulfills the dreams of the settlers, while it is in effect only another land-partition program is gathering more followers by the day. It is also the message of a campaign run by heads of the Yesha Council (the umbrella settlement organization) among right-wing Knesset members, including from the Likud. The goal: to influence Netanyahu to impose sovereignty over the full West Bank. They also plan to soon execute a media campaign in the United States as well, including billboards and the like, in order to influence the White House. Netanyahu also reported that Yesha heads are dealing directly with US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who is viewed as having a pro-settler orientation. These bothersome developments prompted Netanyahu to hastily assemble the settler heads and devote himself to hearing their arguments. New Knesset speaker Yariv Levin, a member of Netanyahus diplomatic staff in mapping the annexation territory opposite President Donald Trumps advisers, was in attendance. He is viewed as a widely respected and trusted figure on the ideological right. At Netanyahus request, the June 2 meeting with the settlers was held behind closed doors. Leaked details suggest that a group of settler leaders presented Netanyahu with their own map. With it, they tried to show Netanyahu the dangers for the isolated settlements that would remain enclaves in Palestinian territories. The map was based on a draft publicized by the White House when it presented the plan at the end of January. However, ever since the presentation of Trumps plan and the Israeli elections in March, no one really knows the extent of the West Bank lands that Netanyahu plans to annex. It is also unclear whether he start with a declaration or make a real move. And no one seems to know when exactly the maps being drawn up by the American and Israeli teams will be revealed. Netanyahu is keeping his cards close to his chest. So far, not even the IDF heads have been privy to the map data. On June 1, former defense minister and current chairman of Yisrael Beitenu Avigdor Liberman delivered a speech to the Knesset plenum. He stated that neither the chief of staff nor the Shin Bet head has seen the maps and therefore he has doubts regarding Netanyahus intentions. On the other hand, there are signs on the ground that Netanyahu is progressing on plans to begin annexation activities at the beginning of July. According to Netanyahus coalition agreement with Gantz, it is the earliest possible date that Netanyahu can begin the process and bring his plan up for a vote. On June 1, Defense Minister Benny Gantz instructed Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi to prepare for diplomatic steps. Yet high-level members of the defense establishment complained that they were not shown detailed programs or maps, which of course makes it difficult to prepare for anything. A senior Likud minister in the defense cabinet told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, Netanyahu will do it. Its his legacy. We reckon that the Arab world will let it pass. After all, it wont make a difference on the ground to the life of a single Palestinian. The closer we inch to annexation, the more the rift widens on the right. One side argues that even partial sovereignty is a big step, while the other side feels it must be all or nothing. Shlomo Filber, Netanyahus former adviser who later turned state witness against him, is one of the more influential people in the settler scene. In a tweet that went viral, Filber rebuked those on the political right who are trying to rain on Netanyahus parade. According to Filber, land annexation is a good start after half a century of discourse on withdrawal. When the snowball starts to roll, it cant be stopped, he wrote. People say that Netanyahu is the sum of his traumas, and theres a lot of truth to that. In his first term of office, Netanyahus government fell because of the settlers who opposed the 1998 Wye River Memorandum. In the years following, he gave them no reason to oppose him. The difference is that this time, as a very strong prime minister and the undisputed leader of the right, he is also looking at the legacy he will leave behind. Thus, this time, he might be willing to take his chances. >>> Vietnam presents 24,000 medical masks to hospital and medical school in Japan As a practical and meaningful support activity, the donation also shows the concern of the Vietnamese Government, as well as of both Korean and domestic businesses for the Vietnamese community in the ROK, while demonstrating the friendship between the two peoples. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Nguyen Hoanh Nam, Ambassador-Vice Chairman of the SCOV, highly appreciated the gift from CME and HSV, saying that this donation shows the two companies great kindness and is a meaningful gesture to overseas Vietnamese in this peak period of COVID-19. This difficult time helps us to be aware of the social responsibility, the contribution needed from enterprises in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, which can be seen in their donations to the Party, State and people, including overseas Vietnamese. This reaffirms that overseas Vietnamese are an indispensable part of our country, Nam stated. Following the call of Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong, as well as the programme on "Mobilising all people to support the fight against COVID-19 called by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and launched by the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) last March, overseas Vietnamese around the world have made donations with a total amount of more than VND34 billion, along with many gifts and medical supplies for the fight against COVID-19 in Vietnam, the diplomat added, adding that the overseas Vietnamese community in the ROK has donated over VND160 million VND to the VFF. Vice Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, Nguyen Hoanh Nam speaks at the ceremony. In addition, many companies, organisations and individuals have made donations to the overseas Vietnamese in many other countries such as the UK, France, Russia and the US, proving the solidarity and close relationship between Vietnamese people at home and abroad, as well as the great kindness of many people in the current fight against the pandemic, Nam affirmed. Bui Trung Kien, CME Chief President, said that seeing the difficulties that both Korean and Vietnamese communities in the ROK are facing amidst COVID-19, as enterprises operating in renewable energy industry working toward sustainable growth, CME and HSV have joined forces to donate 25,000 face masks to the Vietnamese expatriates in the ROK with the hope that everyone will remain safe during this difficult time. A Hwaseung Vina LLC representative (R) presents medical masks to overseas Vietnamese in the Republic of Korea. A representative from HSVs Executive Board shared that this is a time in which every piece of support is crucial to defeating COVID-19. After more than 17 years operating in Vietnam, in addition to focusing on its main industry producing active footwear and components, which has created jobs for more than 26,000 employees in six large industrial parks in the provinces of Dong Nai, Kien Giang and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, HSV has also invested in other important areas such as energy, agriculture, healthcare and social security in Vietnam through practical social projects, such as funding the installation of solar panels and water filtration systems, as well as giving scholarships at some elementary schools in Rach Gia District, Kien Giang Province. Biden meets with black leaders at church; vows to tackle institutional racism if elected Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive presidential nominee for the Democratic Party, spoke with over a dozen African-American leaders at a Delaware church on Monday to discuss police brutality and racism. When discussing the first 100 days of his presidency should he win in November, Biden explained that he planned to look towards crafting economic recovery that tackles institutional racism and economic structures that undermine minority advancement. During his comments at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington, the Democratic candidate criticized the handling of the current protests over racism and police brutality by President Donald Trump. Hate just hides. It doesnt go away, and when you have somebody in power who breathes oxygen into the hate under the rocks, it comes out from under the rocks, stated Biden. Ordinary folks who dont think of themselves as having a prejudiced bone in their body, dont think of themselves as racist, have kind of had the mask pulled off. The gathering at the church involved Biden dialoguing with attendees about racial concerns and what tangible steps he will take if elected president to handle the issue. Biden said there was so much the American public is now seeing racial hatred that came out, big time over the past few years. I want to make something clear: I dont expect anything from the black community, said Biden, adding that the support of African-American voters has to be earned, every single time. Bidens comments about Trumps rhetoric echo remarks he made before the National Baptist Conventions winter meeting in Arlington, Texas, back in January. If I have learned anything during a time of Donald Trump being president is this: hate never goes away. It just hides, he said at the time. When leaders give it oxygen as Trump has done, it comes roaring back. Biden himself faced criticism for his record on racial civil rights during a Democratic Primary debate in June when then candidate U.S. Senator Kamala Harris took issue with his past opposition to federally mandated busing to help desegregate schools. it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States Senators who built their reputations and careers on segregation of race in this country, stated Harris at the time, who has since endorsed Biden for president. You also worked with them to oppose busing. And there was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools and she was bused to school every day. And that little girl was me. During the debate, Biden said Harris gave a mischaracterization of his views, responding that he believed it was best left to the local government to support or oppose busing. If you want to have this campaign litigated on who supports civil rights and whether I did or not, Im happy to do that. I was a public defender, replied Biden. Police are looking at the possibility that a Toronto rapper killed in a daylight gunfight on a downtown street last week was targeted because of his gang affiliations. Homicide Det.-Sgt. Andy Singh cautions its still early in the investigation, but told the Star police are probing whether Dimarjio Jenkins, who performed as Houdini, was shot to death because of his ties to gangs based in the Driftwood area, near Jane and Finch. We know that Jenkins aka Houdini was repping the Driftwood community, which has gangs that have conflicts with quite a few neighbourhoods. Investigators are also exploring whether Jenkins music videos and lyrics about violent street life including purported insults directed at rival gangs and dead rappers are a possible motive for the killing, which sent shockwaves through Torontos underground hip hop scene. (Its) the new language of gang war, they speak to each other on YouTube videos. They go to each others areas and shoot small short clips, and thats their way of dissing that neighbourhood, Singh said Wednesday. Last week, police released dramatic surveillance videos showing a masked gunman jumping out of a blue SUV and opening fire on Jenkins and his three companions as they walked along Blue Jays Way toward King St. W., on May 26 around 4 p.m. The bullets nearly hit a six-year-old boy and struck a 27-year-old innocent bystander. Two of Jenkins associates, including a 15-year-old, returned fire. The teen was also injured and appeared for a bail hearing Wednesday. Its unclear if he was detained. A 17-year-old suspect remains at large, and police are continuing to hunt for the lone shooter who was targeting Jenkins, Singh said. Jenkins, 21, had been staying in an Airbnb in the area after returning to Toronto from Los Angeles, where his music was drawing attention. There is no evidence Jenkins had a gun, Singh said. Several other young rappers, some who collaborated with Jenkins, have also recently been fatally shot in Toronto. Singh said investigators continue to put in long hours to solve Jenkins murder but need the publics help. People in the city know who he is, and who the driver is (and) if they dont want to come forward as witnesses, all they need to do is call CrimeStoppers and tell me a name, tell me who is responsible, Singh said. Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh on Tuesday said that the state is prepared for the possible locust attack and issued a high alert in border districts of the state Ranchi: Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh on Tuesday said that the state is prepared for the possible locust attack and issued a high alert in border districts of the state. "Jharkhand has prepared itself for the attack. After looking at states being affected by locusts, we have issued high alert in border districts. The report of a three-tier high power committee is awaited. But before that, we have given alert to all our scientists and NDRF," Patralekh told ANI. The Minister said there is less chance of Jharkhand facing the locust attack. "But if the border districts are attacked, we are ready for it. And we will definitely succeed in protecting the state from the attack. A meeting will be held on what other measures can be taken," he added. Locust swarms from Pakistan have entered Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh threatening major damage to standing cotton crops and vegetables, a spokesperson of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had earlier said. While the minister also said that the state will continue to bring stranded migrant labourers back to the state. "As monsoon is approaching, we have directed officials to help migrant labourers in the state. A meeting was held to restructure the market from where revenue will be procured. Our work to bring back our migrants will continue," Patralekh said. TECNO Foundation has donated essential medical supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in support of the fight against the ravaging coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria. The material donation which was handed over to the Lagos office of the NCDC on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020 by officials of TECNO Foundation included 100,000 medical masks, 10,000 medical gloves, 1,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and 5,000 googles amongst others. Speaking during the presentation, an official of TECNO Foundation, Mr. Attai Oguche who handed over the medical materials to officials of the NCDC reiterated the importance of adequately equipping medical personnel who are at the forefront of the battle against the deadly virus. While receiving the donation on behalf of the Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Mrs. Olajumoke Babatunde, Head, Lagos NCDC expressed gratitude and acknowledges the kind gesture by TECNO Foundation in showing care for the health care workers who are at the forefront of the fight. The PPEs donated here today will be used judiciously because NCDC is supporting 36+1 states. Some of these items will be taken to the other states of the federation to support the response activities she said. Advertisement Also speaking at the donation, Dr. Everistus Aniaku, Director & Team Lead Emergency Operations Centre Establishment, NCDC, stated that TECNO Foundations goodwill will go a long way in helping us to respond to COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos state and Nigeria because we are here to support Lagosians and protect the life of Nigerians. We sincerely appreciate. According to Mr. Oguche, health care workers are the most exposed to the virus because they deal directly with the cases. For Nigeria to win the fight against coronavirus, medical personnel should get all the support needed in terms of equipment and motivation. There is a need for material intervention at this time as we collectively battle COVID-19. Obviously, health care workers need more protective equipment to fight the virus and care for the cases. That is why TECNO Foundation is donating today he said. Mr. Oguche further thanked the government of Nigeria, the NCDC, and all medical personnel involved in the fight against the pandemic for the progress recorded so far and promised the continuous support of TECNO Foundation. TECNO Foundation is giving these medical materials with love and earnest prayers to support the medical personnel for their efficacy in this grim war. We believe humanity shall prevail, Oguche said. TECNO Foundation seeks to motivate and encourage charitable activities that promote the well-being of Nigerians by identifying and accelerating breakthrough solutions, ideas, and conversations. In this unusual time of this pandemic, TECNO Foundation will be standing together with Nigerians as always. TECNO Foundation is leading the way in Nigeria as a company willing to support the nation and its public support organizations, demonstrating its care and concern as a socially responsible company. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 20:43:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Representatives of China and Laos attend a ceremony marking the handover of medical supplies in Lao capital Vientiane on June 2, 2020. The second batch of medical supplies, provided by China's Ministry of National Defense to its Lao counterpart for the fight against COVID-19, was handed over in Vientiane on Tuesday. (Chinese Embassy in Laos/Handout via Xinhua) VIENTIANE, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The second batch of medical supplies, provided by China's Ministry of National Defense to its Lao counterpart for the fight against COVID-19, was handed over in the Wattay International Airport of Lao capital Vientiane on Tuesday. Chen Yongjing, military attache of the Chinese Embassy in Laos, said at the handover ceremony that China sincerely thanks Laos for its valuable support and assistance in China's fight against COVID-19. With the worldwide spread of COVID-19, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has actively carried out international cooperation to combat the virus, he said. Chen noted that in late April, a team of Chinese army medical experts came to Laos, bringing with them the first batch of donated medical supplies, to join Laos' efforts in fight against COVID-19. "Today, the Chinese air force aircraft brought the second batch of medical supplies including ventilators, monitors and other medical aid to meet the urgent needs of the Lao army," Chen said. "We believe that the joint efforts of the two armies, as an important part of the two countries' joint efforts to fight the epidemic, will contribute to the building of China-Laos community with a shared future," Chen added. Vongkham Phommakone, directer general of the General Logistics Department of the Lao People's Army, spoke highly of China's contribution to the global fight against COVID-19, and expressed Lao army's heartfelt thanks to the Chinese army for the support and assistance. Enditem Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and PennLive/Patriot-News. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. HARRISBURG Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday joined hundreds of demonstrators as they marched through Harrisburg to protest the police killing of George Floyd, a black man from Minnesota. READ MORE: Heres live coverage of whats happening June 3 Wolf spoke briefly to the crowd, saying, We have got to stop the divide in this country that separates white and black and We need to stop racism now. Im proud to be here to show my support, he said. Youre doing the right thing. As he delivered his remarks, some in the crowd voiced anger, with one person yelling back, What are you doing? Wednesdays demonstration was one of many that have taken place across Pennsylvania and the nation over the last week in the wake of Floyds death. Wolf on Sunday addressed the state to express support for the demonstrations, while noting that some people took advantage of these peaceful protests and ... incited violence and looting" in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and a handful of other cities. I urge everyone in the these demonstrations to be peaceful, he said. I urge everyone to have respect for the communities and our neighbors. And I urge all of us to continue to call out injustice. In response to Floyds killing, Democrats in the state House on Tuesday unveiled a package of reform bills that would change Pennsylvanias deadly force law and ramp up police oversight. The measures are similar to ones introduced after death of Antwon Rose II, an unarmed black teenager who was fatally shot by a police officer outside Pittsburgh in 2018. That legislation has since languished in the GOP-controlled General Assembly. The lawmakers this week also called on Wolf to take several executive actions, including directing the State Police to create a disciplinary database and establishing a civil unrest damage recovery fund. A spokesperson for the governor said he is supportive of the concepts outlined by the elected leaders." Wolf is expected to make a related announcement Thursday. Brandon Flood, secretary of the Board of Pardons, told protesters they shouldnt direct their anger at Wolf, but should focus their efforts instead on local elected officials. The governor is beholden to the legislature," Flood told Spotlight PA, adding that getting a small number of council members to agree on something, as opposed to 253 state lawmakers, is a much easier lift. Folks are mad, and it goes back to the point of not knowing who the direct decision-makers are, Flood said. "If we are talking about local issues, with the mayor and the council, certainly that has nothing to do with the governor. Wednesdays rally was peaceful and speakers often allowed protesters to interrupt, heckle, and voice their concerns. One of the speakers, Pastor William Ewell, said there should be a collective responsibility to speak out against racism and injustice. We all played a role in what happened in Minnesota," he said. It wasnt just the cop. It was every time you didnt speak with your family at a holiday, with an uncle that used a racial slur. Every time you see violations taking place and you looked another way. Every time you do that, you add to the problem." Holding a sign that read defund the police, 22-year-old Kevin Buschan, of Kutztown, said he attended the demonstration to bring awareness and just stand with the people, against the law and the government, and what has been going on for the past how long? Its been enough. Buschan said he wants police funds routed to nurses and teachers, adding that these workers are all begging for supplies to get what they need ... and then we have police ready for riots. Ready for protests. Ready to do whatever they can to keep their authority. 100% ESSENTIAL: Spotlight PA relies on funding from foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. If you value this reporting, please give a gift today at spotlightpa.org/donate. WASHINGTON Americans returning from China landed at U.S. airports by the thousands in early February, potential carriers of a deadly virus who had been diverted to a handful of cities for screening by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Their arrival prompted a frantic scramble by local and state officials to press the travelers to self-quarantine and to monitor whether anyone fell ill. It was one of the earliest tests of whether the public health system in the United States could contain the contagion. But the effort was frustrated as the CDCs decades-old notification system delivered information collected at the airports that was riddled with duplicative records, bad phone numbers and incomplete addresses. For weeks, officials tried to track passengers using lists sent by the CDC, scouring information about each flight in separate spreadsheets. It was insane, said Dr. Sharon Balter, a director at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. When the system went offline in mid-February, briefly halting the flow of passenger data, local officials listened in disbelief on a conference call as the CDC responded to the possibility that infected travelers might slip away. Just let them go, two of the health officials recall being told. The flawed effort was an early revelation for some health departments, whose confidence in the CDC was shaken as it confronted the most urgent public health emergency in its 74-year history a pathogen that has penetrated much of the nation, killing more than 100,000 people. The CDC, long considered the worlds premier health agency, made early testing mistakes that contributed to a cascade of problems that persist today as the country tries to reopen. It failed to provide timely counts of infections and deaths, hindered by aging technology and a fractured public health reporting system. And it hesitated in absorbing the lessons of other countries, including the perils of silent carriers spreading the infection. The agency struggled to calibrate its own imperative to be cautious and the need to move fast as the coronavirus ravaged the country, according to a review of thousands of emails and interviews with more than 100 state and federal officials, public health experts, CDC employees and medical workers. In communicating to the public, its leadership was barely visible, its stream of guidance was often slow and its messages were sometimes confusing, sowing mistrust. They let us down, Dr. Stephane Otmezguine, an anesthesiologist who treated coronavirus patients in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Richard Whitley, the top health official in Nevada, wrote to the CDC director about a communication breakdown between the states and the agency. Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois lashed out at the agency over testing, saying that the governments response would go down in history as a profound failure. The CDC is no longer the reliable go-to place, said Dr. Ashish Jha, the director of the Harvard Global Health Institute. Even as the virus tested the CDCs capacity to respond, the agency and its director, Dr. Robert Redfield, faced unprecedented challenges from President Donald Trump, who repeatedly wished away the pandemic. His efforts to seize the spotlight from the public health agency reflected the broader patterns of his erratic presidency: public condemnations on Twitter, a tendency to dismiss findings from scientists, inconsistent policy or decision-making and a suspicion that the deep state inside the government is working to force him out of office. Trump and his top aides have grown increasingly bitter about perceived leaks from the CDC they say have been designed to embarrass the president and to build support for decisions that ignore broader concerns about the countrys vast social and economic dislocation. At the same time, some at the CDC have bristled at what they see as pressure to bend evidence-based recommendations to help Trumps political standing. Located in Atlanta, the CDC is encharged with protecting the nation against public health threats from anthrax to obesity and serving as the unassailable source of information about fighting them. Given its record and resources, the agency might have become the undisputed leader in the global fight against the virus. Instead, the CDC made missteps that undermined Americas response. Here is an agency that has been waiting its entire existence for this moment, said Dr. Peter Lurie, a former associate commissioner at the Food and Drug Administration who for years worked closely with the CDC. And then they flub it. It is very sad. That is what they were set up to do. The agencys allies say it is just one part of a vast network of state and local health departments, hospitals, government agencies and suppliers that were collectively unprepared for the speed, scope and ferocity of the pandemic. They also point out that lawmakers have long failed to adequately prioritize funding for the kind of crisis the country now faces. Dr. Amy Ray, an infectious disease specialist in Cleveland, said the CDC did not get enough credit, adding, They are learning at the same time the world is learning, by watching how this disease manifests. The agency, which declined repeated requests for interviews with its top officials, said in a statement: CDC is at the table as part of the larger U.S. government response, providing the best, most current data and scientific understanding we have. Its important to remember that this is a global emergency and its impacting the entire U.S., the agency said. That means it requires an all-of-government response. Not Our Culture to Intervene In early March, Redfield led Trump on a VIP tour of the high-tech labs at the CDCs Atlanta headquarters, standing off to the side as the president spoke. Wearing a red Make America Great Again cap, Trump falsely asserted that anybody that wants a test can get a test, claimed he had a natural ability for science and noted that he might keep holding campaign rallies even as the virus spread. Thank you for your decisive leadership in helping us, you know, put public health first, Redfield told the president as they posed for the cameras. The moment underscored the challenge for the director and his agency. To combat the virus, he would have to manage the mercurial demands of the president who appointed him and the expectations of the career scientists he leads. The sensibilities could not be more different. At one point that month, White House officials asked the agency to provide feedback on possible logos including Make America Healthy Again for cloth face masks they hoped to distribute to millions of Americans. The plan fell through but not before CDC leaders agreed to the request, according to one person familiar with the discussions. White House aides saw Redfield, 68, as an ally, but as the coronavirus crisis intensified, his meandering manner in television appearances and congressional hearings irritated a president drawn to big personalities and assertive defenders of his administration. A former military virologist who specialized in HIV, Redfield was Trumps second choice after his first CDC director resigned. He had no experience leading a government agency although he had been considered for jobs in previous Republican administrations and often told associates that he was happiest treating patients in Africa or Haiti. Dr. Robert Gallo, who founded the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine with Redfield in 1996, said he had warned him against taking the CDC post, describing it as massive public health, lots of politics, lots of pressure. While praising his friend as a terrific, dedicated infectious disease doctor, Gallo, who also co-founded the Global Virus Network, said in an interview that Redfield cant do anything communication-wise. He added, Hes reticent, never wanting the front of anything maybe its extreme humility. The CDC, established in the 1940s to control malaria in the South, has the feel of an academic institution. There, experts work at the speed of science you take time doing it, said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. The agency, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services with 11,000 employees, cannot make policy, but it guides federal and state public health systems and advises government leaders. The CDCs most fabled experts are the disease detectives of its Epidemic Intelligence Service, rapid responders who investigate outbreaks. But more broadly, according to current and former employees and others who worked closely with the agency, the CDC is risk-averse, perfectionist and ill suited to improvising in a quickly evolving crisis particularly one that shuts down the country and paralyzes the economy. Its not our culture to intervene, said Dr. George Schmid, who worked at the agency off and on for nearly four decades. He described it as increasingly bureaucratic, weighed down by indescribable, burdensome hierarchy. The exacting culture shaped its scientists ambitions; it also locked some into a fixed way of thinking, former officials said. And it helped produce the CDCs most consequential failure in the crisis: its inability early on to provide state laboratories around the country with an effective diagnostic test. The CDC quickly developed a successful test in January designed to be highly precise, but it was more complicated to use and turned out to be no better than versions produced overseas. And in manufacturing test kits to send to the states, the CDC contaminated many of them through sloppy lab practices. That, along with the administrations failure to quickly ramp up commercial and academic labs, delayed the rollout of tests and limited their availability for months. In late January, the agency sent epidemiologists to Seattle to help local health officials learn whether what was then the countrys first known patient a 35-year-old man who had visited Wuhan, China had infected others. After an initial round of tests, the agency imposed restrictive testing standards. When doctors in Washington state and elsewhere forwarded the names of about 650 people in January who might have been infected they had contact with a confirmed patient, had been admitted to a hospital or had other risk factors the CDC agreed to test only 256. That group consisted primarily of people traveling from Wuhan and their contacts. In part because of capacity issues, the agency typically did not recommend testing people without symptoms even though Chinese doctors were reporting that people could spread the virus without ever feeling ill. Redfield mentioned the possibility of asymptomatic spread in a CNN interview in February, but the CDC did not emphasize such transmission until late March. In mid-February, CDC officials announced plans for a national surveillance effort by testing samples from people with flulike symptoms to determine whether the virus was spreading undetected. The effort was to begin in Seattle, New York and three other cities, but after disagreements over how to proceed, it did not start. Later that month, public health officials across the country were increasingly concerned about visitors streaming into the United States from South Korea, Japan, Italy and other European countries engulfed by the virus. On phone calls with the CDC, worried state officials kept asking: Are there plans to expand the travel monitoring? The response, according to a participant from New York, was always the same: Were still actively considering that. Trump announced a European travel ban March 11, a few days after meeting with Redfield and others. But it was too late. Genomic tracing would later show that European travelers had brought the virus into New York as early as mid-February; it multiplied there and elsewhere in the country. In Seattle, a strain from China had struck nursing homes in late February. If we were able to test early, we would have recognized earlier the scale of the outbreak, said Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, the chief health officer in King County, Washington. We would have been able to put prevention measures in place earlier and had fewer cases. Part of the CDCs startup troubles, current and former employees said, was that the group in charge of the response initially the Division of Viral Diseases is smaller and has far less staff focused on contagious respiratory diseases than the CDCs Influenza Division, which eventually took more a leading role. They were very quickly overwhelmed by what they had to do, said Dr. Pierre Rollin, a virologist who left last year. Now, more than 3,000 CDC employees are aiding the coronavirus response, analyzing data, performing lab work and deploying to cities where local health departments need help. While other federal agencies are also involved including the FDA, which has speeded the use of antibody tests; the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has worked to get ventilators and other supplies; and the National Institutes of Health, which has studied vaccines and possible treatments the CDC is the reigning expert. Even before the current crisis, Redfield had kept a low profile. Some days he could be spotted in a corner of the cafeteria, sipping coffee alone. Although he is on the White House coronavirus task force, Redfield found himself eclipsed by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations most famous infectious disease specialist, and Dr. Deborah Birx, an AIDS expert and former CDC physician. Meanwhile, his bonds with some of his own staff have frayed. One associate recounted him saying that the agencys scientists had a myopic view of their roles, and characterized his relationship with his top deputy, Dr. Anne Schuchat, a career CDC scientist deeply respected in the agency, as growing strained. He has not been in Atlanta recently, shuttling instead between his home in Baltimore and the West Wing. One person familiar with his thinking described Redfield as feeling a little bit on an island. The CDC still has many defenders who say it has done the best it could battling a stealthy, previously unknown virus. When they do release something, it does what CDC ought to do retain the voice of credibility, said Dr. James Town, medical director of the intensive care unit at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Even if its coming at a slower pace, which can be frustrating, I think theyre pretty thoughtful and trying to make even-keeled investigations. Redfield declined to comment for this article. But in a recent interview with The Hill, he said, I would say CDC has never been stronger. In a briefing last week, he acknowledged that the nation must work to improve its systems to track disease outbreaks, although he disputed that the agency was somehow unable to detect when the coronavirus started to spread in the United States. We were never really blind to the introduction of this virus, he said. The Data Pipeline Inside Building 21, the CDCs gleaming 12-story headquarters, nothing has been more critical than getting fast, accurate information on how the virus is spreading, who is getting sick, how best to treat them and how quickly the country can reopen. But that has proved difficult for the agencys antiquated data systems, many of which rely on information assembled by or shared with local health officials through phone calls, faxes and thousands of spreadsheets attached to emails. The data is not integrated, comprehensive or robust enough, with some exceptions, to depend on in real time. The CDC could not produce accurate counts of how many people were being tested, compile complete demographic information on confirmed cases or even keep timely tallies of deaths. Backups on at least some of these systems are made on recordable DVDs, a technology that was state-of-the-art in the late 1990s. The result is an agency that had blind spots at just the wrong moment, limited in its ability to gather and process information about the pathogen or share it with those who needed it most: front-line medical workers, government health officials and policymakers. That specific, granular data has huge implications, said Julie Fischer, a professor of microbiology at Georgetown University who studies community preparedness for emerging diseases. We lost precious time in decision-making and putting public health resources to use. When CDC officials urged states to track travelers from China in February for possible infection, the agency turned to a computer network called Epi-X. It sent emails to state officials, one at a time, for each arriving flight so they could download a list of targeted passengers. In California, state health officers received as many as 146 notification emails a day, forcing them to spend time forwarding them to the appropriate local health departments. In some cases, the information, collected for the CDC by the Department of Homeland Security, listed incorrect dates or times; in other cases, passenger data was sent to the wrong state or came more than a week after the travelers had entered the United States. We got crappy data, said Fran Phillips, Marylands deputy health secretary. We would call them up and people would say, Well, I was in China, but that was three years ago. On Feb. 11, Whitley, Nevadas top health official, complained to Redfield in a letter about the breakdown in communication the states have received from the CDC. The agency had said three travelers from China could go along with their normal day-to-day business advice that conflicted with the CDCs message to monitor such passengers and make sure they were in self-quarantine. One week later, the CDCs Epi-X system stopped sending notices entirely, even though flights kept coming. The agency had temporarily shut the system down to improve data quality, it told state officials in an email. The travel-monitoring program screened at least 268,000 passengers through mid-April. A CDC report cited 14 COVID cases that were traced back to those passengers, but lapses and errors in the data made that tally far from conclusive. The agency went on to say that the program did not stop the disease from being introduced to California, where incomplete information, high travel volume and the possibility of asymptomatic spread made it ineffective. Once coronavirus cases started developing in earnest in the United States in March, federal and state officials began demanding information to make key decisions. Among them: where to move ventilators from the national stockpile and where to build temporary hospitals. State and local officials were quickly overwhelmed trying to document hospitals needs. Staff at the Los Angeles County Public Health Department, for example, called each of the 94 county hospitals in the early weeks of the outbreak, asking nurses how many coronavirus patients were in intensive care units and how many were on ventilators. The CDC tried to repurpose one of its data systems to collect the information directly from hospitals, but it had significant gaps. Finally, the Department of Health and Human Services in April also enlisted a private contractor, TeleTracking Technologies, only to have hospitals struggle to log on to the system. Hospital executives resorted to finding aid themselves. Scott Malaney, head of Blanchard Valley Health System in Ohio, got a phone call from an official at a Michigan health care system that was running short on beds and equipment. It was asking neighboring facilities to share supplies or take in overflow patients if necessary. She said they were looking up the phone book up and down Highway 75 to see if there were other places that could help, Malaney recalled. The disconnects in the public health record-keeping system delayed sharing critical data that could help patients, said Dr. Thomas Inglesby, director of the Center for Health Security at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Hospitals look to the CDC for that information. Is it higher risk to be a healthy person at age 75 with coronavirus or a diabetic with the disease at age 45? Inglesby said. We should have the data to know the answer to this question quickly, and we should be using it to make better decisions. As the number of suspected cases and deaths mounted, the CDC struggled to record them accurately. The agency rushed to hire extra workers to process incoming emails from hospitals. Still, many officials turned to Johns Hopkins University, which became the primary source for up-to-date counts. Even the White House cited its numbers instead of the CDCs lagging tallies. Some staff members were mortified when a Seattle teenager managed to compile coronavirus data faster than the agency itself, creating a website that attracted millions of daily visitors. If a high schooler can do it, someone at CDC should be able to do it, said one longtime employee. For years, federal and state governments have not invested enough money to ensure that the nations public health system would have critical data needed to respond in a pandemic. Since 2010, for example, grants to help hospitals and states prepare for emergencies have declined. In 2019, more than 100 public health groups pressed congressional leaders to allocate $1 billion over a decade to upgrade the infrastructure. The CDC received $50 million toward the effort this year. Then, as coronavirus cases and deaths mounted in March, the federal government committed to $500 million under the emergency CARES Act. The crisis has highlighted the need to continue efforts to modernize the public health data systems that CDC and states rely on, Redfield told a Senate committee May 12. Timely and accurate data are essential as CDC and the nation work to understand the impact of COVID-19 on all Americans. Data is one of the essential tools of public health; Trump, though, often appears to see it as a weapon against him. He has suggested that testing is overrated and that it makes the United States look bad by increasing the number of confirmed cases. He has seized on lower-end projections of the viruss toll, only to see them eclipsed as the cases and deaths rose. Recently, the CDC drew criticism after media reports disclosed that in tracking how many Americans had been tested, the agency had breached standard practice by combining data from antibody tests, which can indicate past infections, with diagnostic tests. The agency said it was caused by confusion in overworked state and local health officials reporting results, but the mistake muddied the picture of the pandemic. The scientists at the CDC are still great, Jha said. Its very puzzling to all of us why CDC performance has been so poor. A Strained Relationship Late in the evening on March 15, the CDC put a bold statement on its website: All gatherings of more than 50 people should be canceled, the agency said, effectively calling for an end to large public events. Inside the West Wing, the presidents top aides were stunned. Meeting in the Situation Room, the coronavirus task force was just putting the finishing touches on its own guidance. It limited gatherings to no more than 10 people a fact that CDC officials, including Redfield, knew from participating in days of debate on the issue. Reporters soon were peppering the White House with questions about whether it was overruling the CDC. Some of Trumps aides shrugged it off as a miscommunication. But others viewed it as the CDC insisting it knew best. The episode underscored the strained relationship between the health agency and the White House. Veteran officials at the CDC were not unfamiliar with the ways of Washington. But they had never dealt with a president like Trump or a White House like his. Already under siege for problems with the agencys diagnostic test, CDC officials watched with growing alarm as Trump, facing criticism for his administrations response, repeatedly undermined the agency. Although the task force was occasionally ahead of the CDC in its cautions to the public, Trump and his aides often expressed extraordinary skepticism about the coronavirus and the steps required to combat it. He said the virus would disappear like a miracle even as CDC scientists described it as a real threat. When the CDC urged Americans to wear masks, he said, I dont see it for myself. And when Redfield told The Washington Post that a second wave of the virus could be even more difficult than the first, Trump insisted that he publicly claim to have been misquoted during a White House briefing. Redfield, with the president standing next to him, scowling, said he had been misunderstood. At one point, Trump even complained about the agency to his 80 million Twitter followers, saying, For decades the @CDCgov looked at, and studied, its testing system, but did nothing about it. There comes a time, said Dr. Jeffrey Koplan, who served as CDC director in the Clinton and Bush administrations, when it makes it very hard to operate effectively, when things are being suggested, requested, ordered that you think are contrary to the containment of the pandemic. The president and his aides viewed the civil servants at the CDC many of whom had worked under presidents from both parties as disloyal liberals eager to wound Trump politically by leaking to the press. In private, some senior administration officials began referring to agency scientists as members of the deep state, according to several people who participated in the conversations but requested anonymity to discuss the meetings. As the coronavirus crisis deepened, tensions between Washington and Atlanta increased. In late February, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, who oversees the CDCs respiratory diseases center and had been leading the agencys emergency response, was sidelined after she issued a stark public warning that the virus would disrupt American lives. The comments sent stocks tumbling and infuriated Trump, who had not been told in advance. Public health officials, inside and outside the agency, saw her forced retreat as an effort to silence the truth. Often, the clashes have centered on the economic consequences of shutdowns, which have forced 40 million people into unemployment, companies into bankruptcy and fueled resentment across the country. In early April, the CDC posted an extension of its no sail order for cruise ships, forbidding them from operating through August and warning that the ban could become indefinite. The White House had supported the original order but privately objected to an indefinite ban, fearing lasting harm to an industry that employs tens of thousands of people. The posting quickly came down, replaced by an order ending the ban in July. Those things arent helpful, Redfield would tell his colleagues when disputes between the CDC and the task force erupted. The White House was soon put on the defensive when USA Today cited internal emails about the pressure. Sorry to do this, but the Office of the Vice President has instructed us to pull the No Sail Order Extension from the website immediately, the paper quoted a CDC official as writing to agency colleagues. To the presidents aides, one of the most frustrating moments came May 1, when Schuchat published one of the agencys regular reports on morbidity and mortality without giving the White House any notice, according to two of Trumps advisers. Written in dry, scientific language, the report offered a blunt assessment of the viruss spread, showing how travel from Europe and mass gatherings had accelerated it. Schuchat went further when interviewed for an Associated Press article Health Official Says U.S. Missed Some Chances to Slow Virus saying that taking action earlier could have delayed further amplification. As the president pushed governors to liberate their states from virus lockdowns, top CDC officials in April delivered a draft of new guidance full of caveats about lifting the restrictions. In it, the agency urged schools, churches, child care centers, day camps, restaurants and bars to take numerous precautions and move slowly. Trump aides were furious when they saw the draft. To them, it was more evidence that the CDC refused to consider political, economic and social effects in weighing how and when to reopen the country. The agencys recommendations for houses of worship particularly annoyed some aides, who resisted the advice that churches stop giving communion. When the White House sat on the draft guidance for weeks, a copy was leaked. While the CDC delayed posting the draft guidance that would allow churches to reopen, Trump all but ordered it to do so. During a visit to Michigan on May 21, the president who the next day would explain, In America, we need more prayer, not less made it clear the CDC no longer had any choice. I said, You better put it out, Trump told reporters. And theyre doing it. Lawrence Gostin, the director of a legal center at the World Health Organization, and a former CDC official, chided the White House for exerting undue pressure on the CDC throughout the crisis. Public health is politics. But this is different, he said. Its criticizing its public health agencies in public. Its rejecting guidelines it puts out. It tells them you cant even put guidelines out. I would expect the CDC to coordinate with the White House, he added. But this is not teamwork. This is not coordination. This is confrontation. Wheres the Guidance? As the battle against the coronavirus stretches into summer and the United States lurches toward restarting its economy, the mayor of Miami Beach wants to know what to do if COVID-19 cases explode after the citys famous beaches open again. Doctors and nurses remain desperate for updates on how to protect themselves. School superintendents and college presidents need to decide how to hold classes in the fall. And employers want advice about whether to test all of their workers before returning to business as usual. The CDC is where they expect to get answers. As the national clearinghouse for critical public health information, it has dual missions: to provide medical guidance to health workers while offering easy-to-understand information for political leaders, business executives and the general public. But many say the agency has struggled at times to provide clear and timely guidance. At Margaret Mary Community Hospital in rural Batesville, Indiana, doctors and nurses got sick after following CDC guidance in mid-March that masks were necessary only when treating patients with respiratory symptoms or fever. The first patients who tested positive for COVID-19 there instead showed up with headaches, fatigue, nausea and diarrhea. This virus made it halfway around the world without us having a heads-up to our providers that this is how the disease can present, said Tim Putnam, the hospitals chief executive. Over two months after the disease surfaced, I would have expected better. Front-line doctors and nurses have long relied on the agency for advice on clinical best practices, and many said in interviews that they were satisfied with the CDCs advisories, especially given the novelty of the coronavirus. The agency has issued 114 advisory documents for disaster and homeless shelters, retirement communities, taxis, pediatric clinics and other venues. We have issued countless guidance and recommendations based on the best available science and data, an agency press officer said. Its experts have also held about a dozen calls for clinicians about caring for COVID patients, and other calls for medical groups. In interviews with medical practitioners across the country, many said they now look elsewhere for detailed recommendations about how to safely care for infected patients, posing questions about the new virus on mailing lists or scouring online research articles. In a crisis, one of the CDCs main roles is to explain its guidance and reasoning, provide a rationale for when its thinking changes and acknowledge what it does not know. The agencys routine in past emergencies was to hold press briefings almost daily; Dr. Thomas Frieden, Redfields predecessor, was highly visible during the Ebola and Zika crises. But in this case, medical workers and the public were left to make sense of often-opaque postings on the CDCs website after its leadership stopped holding regular briefings March 9. Right now, they only have the PDFs that are out there, without any kind of a conversation, said Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins. That is a real shortcoming. Medical specialty and public health organizations have sometimes taken it on themselves to identify and highlight updates for their members. It would be awesome if CDC could actually announce significant changes rather than bury it on their website and assume it is done, Jim Collins, Michigans director of communicable diseases, complained to his colleagues in an email Jan. 31. The CDC, some medical workers complain, has provided limited guidance on how children transmit the virus, when to ventilate patients and how to prioritize use of isolation rooms. And it took until April 27 for the agency to expand its list of possible symptoms to include more than a dozen signs of illness that some medical specialty societies had reported weeks earlier. To many anxious doctors and nurses, the some of the CDCs clinical guidance often seemed driven by the nationwide shortages of personal protective equipment, not the best interests of health care workers. Initially, the CDC recommended that all doctors and nurses coming in contact with coronavirus patients wear N95 respirators, which filter out 95% of all airborne particles. But March 10, with supplies dwindling, the CDC announced that less protective surgical masks were an acceptable alternative except during procedures that might aerosolize the virus. Days later, the agency said health workers could even wear homemade masks (e.g., bandanna, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. Mistrust crept in, said Lori Freeman, chief executive of the National Association of County and City Health Officials. Are we really being protected? The relaxed guidance on protective equipment matched advice from the World Health Organization on surgical masks. But the CDC did not highlight that fact in its update and gave no public explanation other than acknowledging the worsening shortages. An analysis published this week suggests that N95 and other respirator masks are superior to surgical or cloth masks in protecting medical workers against the virus. Leaders of schools, businesses and other organizations also said they were confused by the CDCs advice, which sometimes conflicted with that of the White House coronavirus task force. In one such instance March 16, the White House urged limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people and schooling from home whenever possible for at least the next 15 days. But days earlier, the CDC had recommended that schools close only if someone in the building tested positive or there was evidence of substantial community transmission. On March 17, nearly 2,500 superintendents from around the country were hoping to get some clarity during an online seminar with the CDC. Why was the CDC recommending most schools could remain open? But just 40 minutes before the seminar was to start, the CDC canceled it without explanation and never rescheduled. The agency later told reporters it had decided to fully adapt to the new guidance from White House before addressing the superintendents. In Miami Beach, densely packed with tourists, older residents and service workers, Mayor Dan Gelber dreads the prospect of new outbreaks. While he appreciated the reopening guidance that the CDC published recently, Gelber, a Democrat, said he wished the agency would also lay out specific steps to follow if cases surge again. Its almost as if they just said, Open up and figure out whether its a good idea or not afterward, he said of the CDC. We dont have a net here. Noah Weiland contributed reporting. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. DUBLIN, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Aerospace Raw Materials Market by Platform Type, by Material Type, by Form Type, Aluminum & Alloys, Steel & Alloys, and Composites, by Sales Channel Type, and by Region, Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2020-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This strategic assessment report provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today's aerospace raw material market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period of 2020 to 2025. The following are the key features of the report: Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis Market trend and forecast analysis Market segment trend and forecast Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Product portfolio, New Product Launches, etc. Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities Emerging trends Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players Key success factors Market Highlights Aircraft designing and manufacturing depend upon various factors including comfort, safety, efficiency, and reliability and their intensity varies from aircraft to aircraft. Aircraft manufacturing is always highly regulated where many quality checks and legal documentation are required across the supply chain, before their use in an aircraft. This is a time-consuming process and any delay in aircraft manufacturing, due to shortage of raw materials, can lead to catastrophic results and put enormous pressure on OEMs with loss of millions of dollars. Some of the raw materials have witnessed a remarkable journey in the aerospace industry over the eons. Titanium and composite materials have been at the top in the list of materials contributing higher in OEMs' strategies for next-generation aircraft. Other materials, such as superalloys, have also witnessed fair growth over the years. It is anticipated that titanium and composites will remain an apple of the eye for the market stakeholders in the industry in years to come. Raw materials majorly used in the aerospace industry are aluminum & alloys, titanium & alloys, composites, steel & alloys, and superalloys. Composite materials have been witnessing the most unsettling journey especially in the aerospace & defense industry where the penetration of advanced composites has increased to more than 50% of the structural weight in the next-generation aircraft programs, such as A350XWB and B787, with an aim to enhance fuel efficiency. The year 2019 was challenging for the aerospace industry, especially for commercial aerospace, with several setbacks, compelling the industry giants to reconfigure their strategies. Grounding of B737 Max, P&W 1100G engine series failure (A320neo), delayed deliveries of upcoming aircraft programs such as B777X, and revised production rates of key aircraft programs, A350XWB and B787, due to cancellation of Boeing's orders from China and other parts of the world, are some of the burning challenges of the industry, negatively impacting the entire supply chain including the demand for raw materials. However, the long-term outlook is still extremely promising with good growth opportunities across regions. Boeing in its 2019-2038 outlook, anticipated the total new commercial and regional aircraft deliveries to be 44,040 aircraft units during 2019-2038. Similarly, Airbus anticipated the 39,210 commercial and regional aircraft deliveries during the same period. Several other factors are also mushrooming the growth of raw materials in the aerospace industry in which some of the most noticeable ones are increasing commercial aircraft fleet size, aging aircraft fleet size, growing global satellite industry, increasing penetration of composites in newer variants of aircraft, increasing use of titanium alloys and powders, and increasing production of LEAP engines. The aerospace raw materials market is gradually heading towards consolidation as the industry recorded good number of mergers & acquisitions to tap growing opportunities in this briskly expanding market. For instance; in 2015, Solvay SA acquired Cytec Industries Inc. to enhance its advanced material portfolio. Similarly, in 2018, Toray, the world's largest supplier of carbon fiber, acquired TenCate Advanced Composites Holding B.V. (TCAC) from Koninklijke Ten Cate B.V. Also, in 2015, Alcoa Corporation, the world's leading supplier of aluminum, acquired RTI International Metals, gaining excellent capabilities in the aerospace titanium market. The market is segmented based on the platform type as commercial aircraft, regional aircraft, general aviation, military aircraft, helicopter, and spacecraft. Commercial aircraft is expected to remain the largest as well as the fastest-growing segment of the market during the forecast period. Strong order backlogs of the best-selling aircraft programs, such as B737 and A320 including their variants; upcoming aircraft programs, such as C919 and MC-21; and large aircraft fleet size are likely to create a healthy demand for raw materials in the commercial aircraft segment. The grounding of B737Max across the world may have some short-term impact on the demand for raw materials. The long-term outlook still seems impressive with good growth opportunities across the world. Based on the material type, the market is segmented as titanium & alloys, aluminum & alloys, steel & alloys, composites, and others. In terms of value, titanium & alloys are expected to remain the largest segment of the market during the forecast period. Over the decades, there has been a greater penetration of titanium parts as new aircraft programs are built with higher titanium content. In terms of volume, aluminum & alloys hold a significant share as all the legacy aircraft platforms, such as B737 and A320, are built with extensive use of aluminum alloys. In terms of regions, North America is expected to remain the largest market for aerospace raw materials during the forecast period. The USA is the growth engine of the region's market and has one of the largest fleets of commercial and military aircraft in the world. Due to the presence of major companies, the region is the early go-getter in the industry concerning technology and material adoption. Opening of assembly plants of the A320 and A220 aircraft programs by Airbus in the USA further assures a healthy growth of the market in the region. Asia-Pacific is likely to witness the highest growth during the same period, driven by a host of factors including increasing demand for commercial aircraft to support rising passenger traffic, increasing defense budget of key economies, opening of assembly plants of Boeing and Airbus, and upcoming indigenous commercial and regional aircraft (COMAC C919 and Mitsubishi SpaceJet). The supply chain of this market comprises raw material suppliers, intermediate product manufacturers, aerospace component manufacturers, aircraft and engine OEMs, airlines, aircraft leasing companies, and MRO companies. Key players in the market are VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation; Allegheny Technologies, Inc.; TIMET (Berkshire Hathaway Inc.); Alcoa Corporation; Kaiser Aluminum; Constellium SE; Hexcel Corporation; Solvay S.A.; Toray Industries, Inc.; and Carpenter Technology Corporation. All the major raw material suppliers have different growth strategies based on their synergies, product portfolio, market reach, geographical presence, and market positioning. However, formation of long-term contracts, new product developments, and strategic alliances are some of the key strategies adopted by major players to gain a competitive edge in the market. Key Topics Covered 1. Executive Summary 2. Aerospace Raw Materials Market Overview and Segmentation 2.1. Introduction 2.2. Aerospace Raw Materials Market Segmentation 2.2.1. By Platform Type 2.2.2. By Material Type 2.2.3. By Form Type 2.2.3.1. Aluminum & Alloy - Form Type 2.2.3.2. Titanium & Alloy - Form Type 2.2.3.3. Steel & Alloy - Form Type 2.2.3.4. Composites - Form Type 2.2.4. By Sales Channel Type 2.2.5. By Region 2.3. Supply Chain Analysis 2.4. Industry Life Cycle Analysis 2.5. PEST Analysis 2.6. SWOT Analysis 3. Aerospace Raw Materials Market Assessment 3.1. Insights 3.2. Aerospace Raw Materials Market Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 3.3. Profitability Analysis 3.4. Market Segments Analysis (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 3.5. Regional and Country-Level Analysis (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 3.6. Market Drivers 3.7. Market Challenges 3.8. Expert Opinion 4. Competitive Analysis 4.1. Insights 4.2. Product Portfolio Analysis 4.2.1. By Platform Type 4.2.2. By Material Type 4.3. Geographical Presence 4.4. Strategic Alliances 4.5. Market Share Analysis 4.6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5. Aerospace Raw Materials Market Trend and Forecast by Platform Type (2014-2025) 5.1. Insights 5.2. Commercial Aircraft: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 5.3. Regional Aircraft: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 5.4. General Aviation: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 5.5. Military Aircraft: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 5.6. Helicopter: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 5.7. Spacecraft: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 6. Aerospace Raw Materials Market Trend and Forecast by Material Type (2014-2025) 6.1. Insights 6.2. Titanium & Alloys: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 6.3. Aluminum & Alloys: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 6.4. Steel & Alloys: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 6.5. Composites: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 6.6. Others: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 7. Aerospace Raw Materials Market Trend and Forecast by Form Type (2014-2025) 7.1. Insights 7.2. Titanium & Alloys 7.2.1. Plate: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 7.2.2. Billet: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 7.2.3. Others: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 7.3. Aluminum & Alloys 7.3.1. Extruded Products: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 7.3.2. Sheet & Plate: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 7.3.3. Cast Products: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 7.3.4. Others: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 7.4. Steel & Alloys 7.4.1. Long Products: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 7.4.2. Short Products: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 7.5. Composites 7.5.1. Prepreg: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 7.5.2. Compound: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 7.5.3. Others: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 8. Aerospace Raw Materials Market Trend and Forecast by Sales Channel Type (2014-2025) 8.1. Insights 8.2. Direct Sales: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 8.3. Distributor Sales: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 9. Aerospace Raw Materials Market Trend and Forecast by Region (2014-2025) 9.1. Insights 9.2. North American Aerospace Raw Materials Market Analysis 9.2.1. Country Analysis: Trend and Forecast (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 9.2.1.1. The USA's Aerospace Raw Materials Market T&F (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 9.2.1.2. Canadian Aerospace Raw Materials Market T&F (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 9.2.1.3. Mexican Aerospace Raw Materials Market T&F (US$ Billion and Million Lbs.) 9.3. European Aerospace Raw Materials Market Analysis 9.4. Asia-Pacific's Aerospace Raw Materials Market Analysis 9.5. Rest of the World's (RoW) Aerospace Raw Materials Market Analysis 10. Strategic Growth Opportunities 10.1. Insights 10.2. Market Attractiveness Analysis 10.2.1. Market Attractiveness by Platform Type 10.2.2. Market Attractiveness by Material Type 10.2.3. Market Attractiveness by Aluminum & Alloy Form Type 10.2.4. Market Attractiveness by Titanium & Alloy Form Type 10.2.5. Market Attractiveness by Steel & Alloy Form Type 10.2.6. Market Attractiveness by Composites Form Type 10.2.7. Market Attractiveness by Sales Channel Type 10.2.8. Market Attractiveness by Region 10.2.9. Market Attractiveness by Country 10.3. Emerging Trends 10.4. Growth Matrix Analysis 10.5. Key Success Factors (KSFs) 11. Company Profile of Key Players 11.1. VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation 11.2. Allegheny Technologies, Inc. 11.3. TIMET (Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.) 11.4. Alcoa Corporation 11.5. Kaiser Aluminum 11.6. Constellium SE 11.7. Hexcel Corporation 11.8. Solvay S.A. 11.9. Toray Industries, Inc. 11.10. Carpenter Technology Corporation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qnmb38 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] 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 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com RABAT China and Morocco have strengthened relations through joint efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In parallel, their multilayered cooperation in public health, culture and other fields has deepened under the Belt and Road framework. In early February, when China was rushing to contain the spread of the coronavirus and worried about a lack of medical equipment, the Bank of Africa, a large commercial bank based in Morocco, donated 150,000 surgical masks and 900,000 medical gloves to the central Chinese province of Hubei. As a Chinese proverb goes, whoever gives a drop of water will receive spring water. Months later, when Morocco needed medical equipment to tackle the outbreak of COVID-19, the China Development Bank showed its solidarity with the Moroccan people by offering dozens of respirators and 98,000 medical protective masks. It was an example of how cooperation between China and Morocco went beyond economics. On March 20, a batch of supplies, including 15,000 medical gloves, 20,000 N95 masks and 2,000 medical protective suits, which were donated by the southwestern Chinese province of Guizhou, arrived in Moroccos capital Casablanca. On March 26, China held a video conference with countries in West Asia and North Africa to share its experience in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Moroccan medical experts and officials participated. Mesiane Belfkir, an official with the Moroccan Health Ministry, said that Chinas experience in combatting the disease is inspiring and useful. Although the pandemic is somehow hindering exchanges and communication among countries, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is still effectively promoting exchanges in various fields. Morocco has been actively participating in the construction of the BRI, which is a win-win cooperative approach and contributes to the development of the African continent, said Mohammed Tawfik Mouline, director general of the Royal Institute for Strategic Studies in Morocco. In early May, the Chinese Cultural Center in Rabat launched a series of activities themed Cloud Traveling to China via its social media accounts. The activities included sharing anti-epidemic knowledge online, home isolation tips and other relevant content such as a documentary regarding Chinas fight against the virus and other videos. The section won the praise and affirmation from many netizens. Nasser Bouchiba, president of the Africa-China Cooperation Association for Development in Morocco, said that Morocco and China supported each other in the COVID-19 fight, adding that the BRI has promoted all-round cooperation between Morocco and China and brought the two peoples closer together. Related GREENWICH Indivisible Greenwich will hold what it is calling Greenwich Cares: Rally for Justice on Saturday, an event to honor George Floyd and so many others before him while also standing up to protect First Amendment freedoms of speech and to peacefully assemble. The event will take place at 2 p.m. June 6 at Greenwich Town Hall. Protests have been held across the country and the world since Floyds death in Minneapolis last week. A video shows a police officer kneeling on the neck of the African-American man for nearly nine minutes while Floyd says he cant breathe during an arrest over a suspected counterfeit $20 bill. A demonstration was held Monday outside the towns Public Safety Complex, where protesters angrily but peacefully gathered to speak out about Floyds death and about what they allege is a longstanding pattern of racial profiling by Greenwich police. Chief of Police James Heavey and First Selectman Fred Camillo met outside with the protesters, told them they wanted to listen, and urged them to file complaints about any incidents. At Saturdays rally, Indivisible Greenwich said it will welcome those who care about the issue of systemic criminal injustice and the use of excessive police force against our black brothers and sisters, and those who want to protect freedom of speech and assembly. The event will be peaceful, and there will be speakers. Indivisible Greenwich said it wants the community to come together to mourn and explore ways we can move forward in a productive manner. Due to the coronavirus, Indivisible said masks and social distancing are both expected and necessary. Attendees can bring blankets and towels to sit on, too, to help with social distancing. The officer involved in Floyds death, Derek Chauvin, was later charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. On Wednesday, the charge was upgraded to second-degree murder. The three other cops on the scene were reportedly arrested and charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. All four officers have been fired. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com Health Minister Simon Harris has called for the organisers of this weekend's anti-direct provision protest to cancel the event. Minister Harris said that the event should not go ahead in light of public health guidelines. He was speaking after a similar event protesting the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis saw hundreds of people take to the streets of Dublin. Minister Harris said that opposition to something doesn't give people a right to break public health guidelines. Minister Harris said that while racism made him "sick to the pit of his stomach" and physically ill. He could not abide by large gatherings, at present. "I think we have to be very careful that we don't stay silent on a protest just because we support its cause. I abhor racism, it makes me feel physically sick to the pit of my stomach. I think what's happening in the United States, with the death of George Floyd and others, really concerns any right-thinking person. But that doesn't mean we can ignore mass gathering guidelines. The reality of the situation, regardless of your cause or how just your cause is, large gatherings are dangerous. "So I do think we have to be careful, that we don't stay silent on a protest which did clearly breach guidelines." Mr Harris said that while there was some other instances where physical distancing guidelines were breached, he believed the majority of people adhered to the rules. However, he said this weekend's protest should be cancelled. "I would call on anybody thinking of organising any sort of mass gathering or large scale protest, or anything that breaches the public health guildelines not to proceed with it. "I would point out to people that there are many ways we can make our views known - there are many ways we can express our disgust at racism. There are many ways that you can campaign donate and advocate to bring about change. There will be a time where we can protest again - but now is not the time. Mr Harris said that distancing guidelines had made people be unable to be at loved ones' funerals and that it had been "hard on everybody". Minister Harris also said that he was not in favor of speeding up Ireland's roadmap, saying that he and Taoiseach and Leo Varadkar, were more in favor of a roadmap which could be started and sped up, rather than one which was too fast, who would have to go backwards. He said that there had been a debate on how quickly Ireland would reopen and this was healthy, but said he remained guided by NPHET advice. "I've been clear, as has the Taoiseach that we want to see a plan that when we press "go" on it, we move forward and forward and forward. We don't want a situation where we produce a piece of paper that gets us to an endpoint quickly, but which results in people getting sick or the loss of more lives or leads to restrictions being reimposed." Mr Harris said that it was unlikely any measures from Phase 3 of Ireland's roadmap would be brought forward to this Monday, saying that getting through Phases 1 and 2 would give the country "confidence". Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 11:08 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbbc6cd 1 National public-housing,Jokowi,tapera,public-housing-saving Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo signed Government Regulation No. 25/2020 on the public housing savings program (Tapera) on May 20. The regulation provides further instruction for fund management body BP Tapera in collecting and organizing money for public housing intended for civil servants, military and police personnel, state-owned enterprise employees and private employees. Formal workers and individuals with monthly salaries equal to or surpassing the minimum wage, including foreign workers living in Indonesia for at least six months, are required to participate in the program. Its purpose is to accelerate the governments program to build 1 million houses a year. The public housing savings program will require its participants to pay a monthly deposit that equals 3 percent of an employees monthly salary, says Article 15 of the regulation as quoted by kompas.com. Read also: Housing program exceeds 1 million target in 2018 The 3 percent payment is split between the employer and employee, with the employee paying 2.5 percent and the employer paying 0.5. Tapera program contributions end when a participant reaches the age of 58. The participants can then draw their public housing savings after retirement. BP Tapera will replace the Housing Savings Advisory Board for Civil Servants (Bapertarum-PNS), with the latter expected to hand over its assets totaling Rp 12.3 trillion (US$861 million) to the former. The government has injected Rp 2.5 trillion into BP Tapera so far. Bapertarum-PNS has a total of 6.7 million participants, both active civil servants and retirees. (trn) VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2020 / GATLING EXPLORATION INC. (TSXV:GTR)(OTCQX:GATGF) (the "Company" or "Gatling) is pleased to announce that it has intersected high-grade mineralization in two new holes at the Larder gold project in Ontario. The holes, which include 85.1 g/t Au over 3.0 meters and 8.4 g/t Au over 1.5 meters, further extend the strike length and up plunge mineralized trend at the Bear deposit - one of Gatling's three deposits along a 4.5 kilometer trend at Larder. News Highlights Highest Grades to Date at Larder with 85.1 g/t Au over 3.0 meters . Drill hole GTR-20-059 extended the North zone approximately 250 meters towards surface (Figure 3) and 100 meters to the west. . Drill hole GTR-20-059 extended the North zone approximately 250 meters towards surface (Figure 3) and 100 meters to the west. Increase to Strike Length and Up Plunge Mineralization. Drill hole GTR-20-054 intersected 8.4 g/t Au over 1.5 meters and extended the zone approximately 250 meters towards surface and outside of the historic resource extents of the Ultramafic zone. Drill hole GTR-20-054 intersected 8.4 g/t Au over 1.5 meters and extended the zone approximately 250 meters towards surface and outside of the historic resource extents of the Ultramafic zone. Future Near Surface Targets. The 2020 ice drilling program was designed to target the up plunge portion of the Bear deposit and was successful in hitting the targets. Additional high priority, near surface targets remain to be tested. The 2020 ice drilling program was designed to target the up plunge portion of the Bear deposit and was successful in hitting the targets. Additional high priority, near surface targets remain to be tested. Next Phase of Drilling at Larder. The next drilling phase will test the connection between the Fernland and Cheminis deposits to establish mineralization over a continuous 4.5 km strike length. The 2020 program will also include western extension drilling at Fernland towards Omega mine and phase II exploration at the Kir Vit prospect where 13 of 16 holes intersected gold mineralization. Nav Dhaliwal, CEO and President, stated "Gatling's 2020 ice drilling program has been a great success and we are thrilled with the remarkable strength of the mineralization we have encountered, as well as the 250 meter up plunge and farthest eastern strike length extension to date. The results generated throughout our initial program continue to show that the extent of mineralization at Larder is far greater than previously anticipated, and we are looking forward to our next phase of drilling in the coming weeks." Table 1. Drill Hole Highlights Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Zone GTR-20-049 447.0 449.8 2.8 2.0 South Volcanics GTR-20-054 80.0 82.0 2.0 2.1 Ultramafics GTR-20-057 193.5 195.0 1.5 8.4 Ultramafics GTR-20-059 99.0 102.0 3.0 85.1 North Volcanics 226.5 232.5 6.0 2.1 Ultramafics 267.8 279.9 12.1 1.5 Quartz Flooded Zone For enhanced image, please click here Figure 1. Larder Gold project long section showing the new mineralized zones identified from recent drill results and target areas for the 2020 drill campaign. For enhanced image, please click here Figure 2. Composite long section of the Bear deposit showing recent drill results. For enhanced image, please click here Figure 3. Cross section of Bear deposit at 600,850 m east showing the new, up plunge extension of the North zone. About the Bear Deposit The Bear deposit is one of three high-grade gold deposits at the Larder Gold project. at the Larder Gold project. 1.5 kilometers in mineralized strike and 1.6 kilometers depth and open in all directions. and and Gold mineralization occurs in three distinct zones: North Volcanic, Ultramafic and South Flow. High-grade gold zones at the Bear deposit are within altered carbonate zones, high-iron mafic and/or ultramafic volcanic rocks locally cut by albitized dykes. These rock types are the typical host to significant gold deposits in the region, including the nearby historic Kerr Addison mine and other historic and current gold producers along the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break. Over 120,000 meters of historical drilling has been completed with intersected gold values including 85.1 g/t Au over 3.0 meters , 13.6 g/t Au over 15.1 meters including 338.5 g/t Au over 0.5 meters, 18.3 g/t Au over 4.8 meters, 11.2 g/t Au over 5.0 meters and 20.7 g/t Au over 6.1 meters . , including and . The Bear and Cheminis deposits have a total historic estimate of 335,000 tonnes indicated at 4.1 g/t Au (43,800 oz) and 5,141,000 tonnes of inferred at 5.6 g/t Au (917,000 oz). The Bear deposit hosts a historic estimate of 3,750,000 tonnes inferred at 5.7 g/t Au (683,000 oz). The Cheminis deposit contains a historic estimate of 335,000 tonnes indicated at 4.1 g/t Au (43,800 oz) and 1,391,000 tonnes inferred at 5.2 g/t Au (233,400 oz) (2011, P+E Mining). About Gatling Exploration Gatling Exploration is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on advancing the Larder Gold Project, located in the prolific Abitibi greenstone belt in Northern Ontario. The Larder property hosts three high-grade gold deposits along the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break, 35 kilometers east of Kirkland Lake. The project is 100% controlled by Gatling and is comprised of patented and unpatented claims, leases and mining licenses of occupation within the McVittie and McGarry Townships. The 3,370 hectare project area is positioned 7 kilometers west of the Kerr Addison Mine, which produced 11 million ounces of gold. All parts of the Larder property are accessible by truck or all-terrain vehicles on non-serviced roads and trails. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Nathan Tribble, P. Geo., VP Exploration of Gatling Exploration, and a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Nav Dhaliwal, President and CEO Gatling Exploration Inc. For further information on Gatling, contact Investor Relations Telephone: 1-888-316-1050 Email: ir@gatlingexploration.com Neither 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. Forward Looking Statements: Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainness and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may vary, and we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. SOURCE: Gatling Exploration Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/592547/Gatling-Drills-Highest-Grades-to-Date-851-gt-Au-over-3-meters-Extends-Strike-Length-at-Larder-Gold-Project-Ontario CHARLESTON, S.C., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Florida's first turfgrass release in over a decade, CitraBlue St. Augustine, is now available for purchase throughout Florida. Currently there are over 350 acres across the Sunshine State up for sale to the public with an exponential increase expected in 2021. Customers can purchase sod or plugs directly at CitraBlue.com. This grass is a product of many years of research, development and testing begun in 2006 and led by UF breeder Dr. Kevin Kenworthy. CitraBlue, marketed by Sod Solutions, Inc., is naturally developed for Florida and has many improved features over other grasses that may answer many statewide environmental challenges. CitraBlue's traits were developed by narrowing down hundreds of different lines of grass. Those grasses in the program were eliminated over time until the process was left with just one standing variety. This grass was developed first and foremost for a resistance to disease. That was the feature that Dr. Kenworthy was primarily seeking in his years of research and he believes that's just what it has. CitraBlue has shown an enhanced level of resistance to damaging diseases grey-leaf spot, take-all root rot and large patch. Other traits include an elevated drought persistence, a slower growth rate than Floratam St. Augustine, a dense canopy to cut down on weed pressure, and it's one of the top options for shade tolerance in the state. Its most visually significant feature is its unique blue-green color which will set it apart in a field of other grasses. This will lead to a reduction in over-fertilization. "Just the color alone makes it pop out where a lot of grasses look good in one yard but not the other," said Eric Bartl of Vero Beach based Gulf Kist Sod. "This grass is going to be good across all the yards because of the color alone and I think that when one neighbor has it, everyone else is going to want it." Professor Dr. Kenworthy is one of the top forward-thinking turfgrass breeders in the industry. CitraBlue is his first release from a program partially funded by over 20 sod producers across the state of Florida. They, in conjunction with the Turfgrass Producers of Florida, formed a research support group called Turf Research Florida (TRF) to help develop this variety. This group includes most of the top turfgrass producers in the Sunshine State. "We are very excited about CitraBlue and what it will bring to the turf industry," said Dr. Kenworthy. "Grower responses and landscape tests have been very favorable. We look forward to learning and sharing more in the future as production expands." With its toughness and sustainability, CitraBlue St. Augustine has positioned itself to be the premiere lawn for Florida and the southern half of the country for years to come. To buy online and for more information, visit CitraBlue.com. Sod Solutions has helped successfully develop and release to the market over 20 different turfgrass varieties over the past 27 years including Palmetto St. Augustine, EMPIRE Zoysia and Celebration, Latitude 36 and NorthBridge Bermudagrass. The company is based in Mount Pleasant, SC. CitraBlue St. Augustine is an improved St. Augustine turfgrass variety developed by the University of Florida turfgrass breeding program under the sponsored Research Service Agreement with the Turfgrass Producers of Florida, Inc. (TPF). CitraBlue St. Augustine is exclusively licensed to TPF by Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc., a direct support organization of the University of Florida. SOURCE Sod Solutions, Inc. Related Links http://www.sodsolutions.com Properties of the businessman, Alfred Agbesi Woyome, are expected to be transferred to the National Security Council (NSC) if the Supreme Court gives the green light. The Attorney-Generals (A-G) Department has filed an application urging the apex court to allow the transfer of the properties to the NSC to defray the GH47.2 million debt Woyome owes the state. The properties include two mansions at Trasacco Estate and a house at Kpehe, both in Accra. The A-G wants the properties transferred to the NSC because people do not want to buy them for fear of losing them in the event there is a change of government. The auctioneer has been encountering numerous difficulties in conducting a sale of the properties by public auction, as all potential buyers who express interest in buying them subsequently shy away, citing a number of factors, including the very circumstances of the instant matter, the A-G said in its application. Also, the A-G indicated in its application that the NSC considered the location of the properties very vital for some of its operations and, therefore, it wanted to assume control of them. Although the Supreme Court has given the state the green light to sell the properties, the A-G cannot transfer them to the NSC unless permitted by the court, as the orders of the court were for the properties to be publicly auctioned to defray the debt the businessman owes the state. Pay your debts A Deputy A-G, Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame, was in court yesterday to move the application for the properties to be transferred to the NSC, but the court adjourned the matter due to the absence of Mr Woyomes lawyer, Mr Osafo Buabeng. Immediately the case was called, Woyome stood up to address the court, but he was stopped in his tracks by the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Kwesi Anin Yeboah, who said Woyome should channel whatever he wanted to say through his lawyer, who would address the court at the next adjourned date. The Chief Justice also said the court had already ordered the sale of the properties to defray the debt. If you have the money, pay for your properties to be released back to you, Mr Justice Anin Yeboah said. Hearing continues on June 24, 2020. A five-member panel of the apex court, presided over by the Chief Justice, will determine the A-Gs application. The other judges are Justices Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Samuel K. Marful-Sau, Nene Amegatcher and Gertrude Torkornoo. Background The Supreme Court, on July 29, 2014, ordered Mr Woyome to refund GH51.2 million to the state, on the grounds that he got the money out of unconstitutional and invalid contracts between the state and Waterville Holdings Limited in 2006 for the construction of stadia for CAN 2008. It was the view of the court that the contracts upon which Mr Woyome made and received the claim were in contravention of Article 181 (5) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which required such contracts to be laid before and approved by Parliament. The case leading to the Supreme Court decision was initiated by Mr Martin Amidu, the current Special Prosecutor, in his capacity as a citizen of Ghana. On March 1, 2016, Mr Woyome prayed the court to give him three years to pay back the money, but the court declined to grant his wish. He, however, refunded GH4 million in November 2016 and an additional GH600,000 and promised to pay the outstanding balance by quarterly instalments of GH5 million, commencing April 1, 2017. However, that did not materialise, after the businessman had initiated a litany of legal cases at the Supreme Court challenging the decision for him to pay the money or efforts to execute the judgment, which were all dismissed. Apart from fighting his cases in the country, Mr Woyome also sought relief unsuccessfully from the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) based in Paris, France, and the African Court of Justice, based in Arusha, Tanzania. In August 2017, the ICC threw out his case on the basis that he had failed to properly invoke its jurisdiction. His case at the African Court of Justice was also dismissed in June last year. Sale of properties The state, in its attempt to take over the businessmans properties, faced certain obstacles, which included a claim by the defunct UT Bank that some of the properties belonged to the bank. On June 27, 2019, the Supreme Court ruled that the properties were, indeed, for Woyome and ordered their sale to defray the debt he owed the state. The assets to be sold include an office complex of Anator Holdings, a residential building at Abelemkpe and a stone quarry, including its plants and equipment, at Mafi in the Volta Region. 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 China warned Britain on Wednesday that interfering in Hong Kong will backfire, after the former colonial power vowed to give sanctuary to locals who may flee the city if a controversial security law is passed. The United States and Britain have enraged Beijing with their criticism of planned national security legislation that critics fear would destroy the semi-autonomous city's limited freedoms. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has further angered Beijing by suggesting that it had time to "reconsider" the plan, which could soon be enacted after the proposal was endorsed by China's rubber-stamp parliament last week. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, meanwhile, said London would not "walk away" from Hong Kongers worried by Beijing's control over the international business hub. Johnson wrote in a column for The Times newspaper and the South China Morning Post that he would offer millions of Hong Kongers visas and a possible route to UK citizenship if China persists with its national security law. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Beijing had lodged "serious representations" with London over Raab's remarks, which "grossly interfered" in Hong Kong's affairs. "We advise the UK to step back from the brink, abandon their Cold War mentality and colonial mindset, and recognise and respect the fact that Hong Kong has returned" to China, Zhao said at a regular briefing. Zhao said London must "immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs, or this will definitely backfire." Hong Kong has been rocked by months of huge and often violent pro-democracy protests over the past year. In response Beijing has announced plans to introduce a sweeping national security law covering secession, subversion of state power, terrorism and foreign interference. China says the law -- which will bypass Hong Kong's legislature -- is needed to tackle "terrorism" and "separatism" in a restless city it now regards as a direct national security threat. But opponents, including many Western nations, fear it will bring mainland-style political oppression to a business hub that was supposedly guaranteed freedoms and autonomy for 50 years after its 1997 handover to China from Britain. In parliament on Tuesday, Raab said he had reached out to Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada about contingency plans if the law creates a deluge of Hong Kongers looking to leave. "I raised it on the Five Eyes call yesterday -- the possibility of burden sharing if we see a mass exodus from Hong Kong," Raab told lawmakers, referencing the intelligence-sharing alliance between the five powers. - 'Path to citizenship' - In his column, Johnson wrote that if China proceeds to justify the "fears" of Hong Kongers, "then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away; instead we will honour our obligations and provide an alternative." About 350,000 people in Hong Kong currently hold British National (Overseas) passports, which allow visa-free access to Britain for up to six months. Another 2.5 million people would be eligible to apply for one. Johnson said Britain could allow BN(O) holders to come for a renewable period of 12 months "and be given further immigration rights, including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship". Britain says it views the proposed law as a breach of the 1984 agreement with Beijing ahead of the handover guaranteeing Hong Kong's freedoms and a level of autonomy -- a deal that formed the bedrock of its rise as a world class finance centre. But Zhao said the Sino-British agreement "does not contain a single word or clause that gives the UK any responsibility for Hong Kong after its handover". Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam brushed aside international concerns while in Beijing for a meeting with top Chinese officials to discuss the proposed law. "The international community and some foreign governments have been adopting blatant double standards... in commenting on this matter," said Lam. "It is within the legitimate jurisdiction of any country to enact laws to protect and safeguard national security. The US is no exception, the UK is no exception." Lam added that experts and representatives from various sectors of Hong Kong society would be invited to discuss their views in central government-organised seminars on the mainland. Political tensions are rising in Hong Kong once more. The city's pro-Beijing weighted legislature is expected to pass on Thursday legislation that would criminalise insults to China's national anthem. The vote would fall on a day when Hong Kongers will also mark the anniversary of Beijing's 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, despite city authorities banning the traditional annual vigil because of the coronavirus. burs-lxc/lth/rbu Semi-autonomous Hong Kong has been rocked by months of huge pro-democracy protests Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he had reached out to Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada about contingency plans if the law sparks a deluge of Hong Kongers looking to leave Beijing has hit out at foreign criticism of its national security law Political tensions are rising in Hong Kong once more Photo credit: TJELLESEN MIKKEL From ELLE Decoration Choosing the pieces that turn a house into a home is, for Bettina Gedda, designer and founder of Danish carpet brand Knothouse, always an emotive process. When I buy art, she explains, it is first and foremost because the work can be felt. It can be compared to the feeling you get when you hear a piece of music, it stirs something. She takes the same approach to colour. Step into the Copenhagen apartment that she shares with husband Johan and their three teenage children and the first things you notice are the delicate, dusty shades on the walls. From the chalky greenish blue in the living area to the creamy yellow of her bedroom, each has a seductive depth. Even the light beige ceilings lend the sunlight a warmer quality as it streams in through the large arched windows. Photo credit: TJELLESEN MIKKEL For Bettina, perfecting this palette was the first step in the delicate transformation of her home, which is located in an historic building that dates back to 1888. Once owned by the Danish military, today its architectural and cultural importance is recognised by its protected status. Bettinas aim was to reference the propertys past greatness while giving all of the rooms a new lease of life. The restoration project required immense patience and respect for the house, she says, but the quality of the materials, the details and the craftsmanship that went into these buildings made it all worthwhile. The result is a home that she describes as a love story between different design periods. Its a fitting choice of words, as, from art to furniture and accessories, the items in this abode all tell a tale. Some represent family connections look at the collection of vases in the living room and youll find one made by Bettina, one by her mother and another thats a gift from her mother-in-law while others are her own designs and mementoes of happy times. A lot of the most significant things on display are also the humblest, from books and photographs to small glass objects and boxes bought by friends and fellow students at Rhode Island School of Design and the Danish design school where she studied. Story continues Photo credit: TJELLESEN MIKKEL As well as these deeply personal touches, there are also furniture classics from around the world Italy, France, Finland and, of course, Denmark that reflect Bettinas own international influences. We have lived in the US and Malta for many years and, since my husband and I met, we have moved numerous times, she says. When you travel a lot you think carefully about what comes with you, so only the things that have real meaning remain. Its a natural editing process, one that has created a home with heart. knothouse.com For the full house tour see ELLE Decoration June 2020 Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. SIGN UP Keep your spirits up and subscribe to ELLE Decoration here, so our magazine is delivered direct to your door. A waiter wears a protective face mask as he stands in front of the terrace of Cafe de Flore, as bars and restaurants reopen after two months of nationwide restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak, and are allowed to install terraces on the sidewalk, as well as on the parking lots on the streets in Paris, France. Unemployment in the euro zone rose to 7.3% in April, according to the latest data from Eurostat, reflecting job losses as coronavirus lockdowns were in full-swing across the single currency region. The jobless rate rose from 7.1% in March, revised lower from a previous figure, when European countries first implemented lockdown strategies to quell the outbreak that emerged in Italy in late February. For the wider European Union, the unemployment rate hit 6.6% in April 2020, up from 6.4% in March 2020. Capital Economics' Chief Europe Economist Andrew Kenningham said the data was not as bad as expected (a rate of 8% or above was widely forecast) but that it was likely to rise further in the coming months. "Looking ahead, the unemployment rate is likely to rise in the coming months as job-subsidy schemes expire, bankruptcies pick up and people return to the labour market. But we are now hopeful that our forecast for the unemployment rate to be around 12% at the end of the year will prove too pessimistic," he said in a note Wednesday. The data showed that young people are bearing the brunt of job losses in the euro area, with the unemployment rate for under-25s rising to 15.8% in April, up from 15.1% the previous month. In the EU too, youth unemployment rose to 15.4% in April, up from 14.6%. Youth unemployment is acute in some euro zone countries. In Spain, youth unemployment hit 33.2% in April while in Italy, it stood at 20.3% and in France, at 21.8%. Figures for Greece were not available for March or April but are likely to be worse, given that the rate stood at 35.6% in February. Even in Sweden, which did not impose a strict lockdown, the youth unemployment rate hit 24.4% in April. Kyrgyzstan reported on Wednesday 26 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of cases to 1871, Trend reports citing Kabar. Deputy Health Minister of the country Nurbolot Usenbaev told a daily briefing that 2377 tests for the virus were held in the past 24 hours, as a result 26 new cases were registered. Of the newly confirmed cases, 15 are imported cases and the rest are contacts of the confirmed cases, he said. Usenbaev noted that three patients have died last night with confirmed coronavirus infection COVID-19, bringing the death toll in the country to 20. One of them was a medical worker, he added. Currently, there have been 586 patients with coronavirus infection in hospitals in the country, 3 are in intensive care. Usenbaev also noted that 46 patients with a previously confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were discharged from hospitals per day after receiving treatment, bringing the total number of people who have so far recovered to 1265. A total of 2380 people in the country who have had contact with infected patients are under medical observation, and another 7713 people are in home quarantine under the supervision of doctors. WASHINGTON - The National Guard of the District of Columbia is investigating the use of one of its helicopters to make a show of force against protesters near the White House, while President Donald Trump is encouraging authorities to get tougher to quell the unrest over George Floyds death. The helicopter, normally designated for use in medical evacuations, hovered low enough to create a deafening noise and spray protesters with rotor wash on Monday. The commanding general of the D.C. Guard, Maj. Gen. William Walker, said in a statement Wednesday that he directed the investigation, and officials The investigation comes as the federal government has promised to maximize its law enforcement presence in the nations capital. Scores of heavily-armed federal officers in tactical gear have been on the districts streets for days, after demonstrators set fires, broke store windows and stole items from the shelves and left police officers injured. The Trump administration has made an effort to show a use of force in Washington. Hours before a 7 p.m. curfew on Tuesday, cars were being stopped at military checkpoints downtown, and a cavalry of armoured military vehicles could be seen driving through the district. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the administration had floated the idea of taking over the Metropolitan Police Department, a proposal she strongly rejected. She threatened to take legal action if the federal government attempted to do so. Two Defence Department officials said the administration had ordered military aircraft to fly above Washington on Monday night as a show of force against demonstrators. They were protesting the death of Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis policeman pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after Floyd stopped moving and pleading for air. Police made over 300 arrests, mainly for violating the districts curfew. Earlier Monday evening, law enforcement officers on foot and horseback moved aggressively to clear protesters away from Lafayette Park near the White House before President Donald Trump walked to a nearby church for a photo opportunity. After participating in the show of force, Arlington County in Virginia pulled out its officers, saying they were used for a purpose not worthy of our mutual aid obligations. County officials said in a statement their officers never wielded their batons and did not fire rubber bullets or tear gas. After watching the scene unfold on live television, the police chief ordered all the officers to return to Virginia. Officials said they were reevaluating the mutual aid agreements to ensure officers are never again put in a situation where they are asked to take action that is inconsistent with our values. The U.S. Park Police said it gave three warnings over a loudspeaker before clearing the area of protesters, some of whom authorities said were becoming violent, throwing projectiles and trying to grab weapons. The agency said it used smoke canisters and pepper balls to disperse the crowd. Attorney General William Barr ordered law enforcement to clear the park and push back the perimeter around the White House when he arrived there Monday evening, before the presidents remarks, and that led to police using force to disperse protesters, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. Officials had decided the perimeter had to be moved by at least one full block, after fires were set in the park the night before, the person said. When Barr arrived, he was surprised it hadnt been done and directed action to be taken, according to the person, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. In a Monday call with governors, Trump and Barr encouraged more aggressive action against those who cause violence during protests. Trump said he was taking immediate presidential action to stop the violence and restore security and safety in America. The president urged governors to deploy the National Guard, which he credited with helping calm the situation Sunday night in Minneapolis, and demanded that similarly tough measures be taken in cities that also experienced spasms of violence, including New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Between the protests and the response to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Guard has been deployed at its highest level in recent history, surpassing the number of troops sent to the Gulf Coast during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. More than 66,700 soldiers and airmen have been activated 45,000 to assist with the pandemic and more than 17,000 to help with the protests. The Justice Department had deployed agents from every one of its agencies, including the FBIs Hostage Rescue Team, an elite tactical unit, and riot teams from the Bureau of Prisons. The Park Police and Secret Service have had dozens of officers out in riot gear in Washington for the last few nights, in addition to the Metropolitan Police Department. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other Homeland Security agencies were also dispatched. Most of the protesters have been peaceful and tried to discourage violence. Trump, Barr and others have tried to blame some of the civil unrest on left-wing extremist groups, including antifa, and other anarchists. Short for anti-fascists, antifa is an umbrella term for far-left-leaning militant groups that resist neo-Nazis and white supremacists at demonstrations. ___ Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Lolita C. Baldor and Ashraf Khalil in Washington; James LaPorta in Delray Beach, Florida; and Sarah Blake Morgan in West Jefferson, North Carolina, contributed to this report. The death of George Floyd, a black man who died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by a white Minnesota police officer, has sparked outrage and protests in Minneapolis and across the United States. Manslaughter and third-degree murder charges have been filed against Derek Chauvin, the officer who prosecutors say held his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes. Chauvin and the other three officers at the scene have been fired. The Department of Justice is investigating. Tuesday's biggest developments: Floyd's family joins protesters at march in Houston Floyd's 6-year-old daughter, girl's mother hold press conference Minnesota Department of Human Rights to investigate police department Surveillance video released from police killing in Louisville Here is how the news unfolded on Tuesday. All times Eastern. 10:39 p.m.: Trump objects to GOP criticism of church photo op President Donald Trump lashed out at fellow Republicans who have criticized his decision to clear protesters out of Lafayette Park Monday evening prior to a photo op in front of St. John's Episcopal Church. He called out Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, James Lankford of Oklahoma and Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who were all critical of the violent removal of peaceful protesters with flashbangs and smoke canisters. "You got it wrong! If the protesters were so peaceful, why did they light the Church on fire the night before?" he tweeted, though it was a different group of protesters and Monday's group had not been violent. "People liked my walk to this historic place of worship! Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. James Lankford, Sen. Ben Sasse." PHOTO: A protestor waves a burned American flag over a fire during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in St Louis, Missouri, U.S., June 1, 2020. Picture taken June 1,2020 (Lawrence Bryant/Reuters) 8:58 p.m.: Police close Soho to New York Protesters Police blocked streets in Soho just after New York's 8 p.m. curfew started. Several boutique stores in the expensive Manhattan neighborhood were damaged by protesters over the weekend. Sidewalks were taped off and barricades were placed in the street preventing anyone from entering. Story continues Even though the curfew banned nonessential workers from being outside, some protesters continued to march throughout the city. Mayor Bill de Blasio told the radio station 1010 WINS that he ordered Uber and Lyft drivers to no take hails during the early parts of the curfew, because they were used during previous looting. "Series of tactical moves were made to disrupt the pattern that we saw in the last 48 hours," he said. 8:00 p.m.: Boston protesters hold die-in at Franklin Park Thousands of protesters rallied peacefully in Boston with a massive "die-in" demonstration in Franklin Park. The crowds laid on the ground for eight minutes and 46 seconds, the exact time former officer Derek Chauvin placed his knee on George Floyd's neck. PHOTO: People take part in a 'die-in' as they attend a rally following the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Boston, June 2, 2020. (Brian Snyder/Reuters) The protesters stayed in the park for at least two hours. "The peaceful protest at Franklin Park has come to a conclusion. As participants vacate the area, we respectfully remind individuals to remain committed to peace," the Boston police said. Later in the evening, smoke and multiple apparent fireworks were seen in the air after police called protesters to clear the area. Officers launched pepper spray and tear gas. 7:10 p.m.: DC protests rally behind gate near White House As Washington, D.C., approached its 7 p.m. curfew, thousands of protesters once again gathered outside the White House. A chain-link fence was set up just outside the section where officers fired flash bang grenades and tear gas into the crowd 24 hours earlier. The crowd shouted at police officers on the other side but remained peaceful, with some taking a knee. PHOTO: Demonstrators kneel and raise their fists during a protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, June 2, 2020 in Washington, D.C. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) When some protesters climbed street lights, others in the crowd screamed for them to climb down. National Guard troops were still deployed in the city, including a group that was lined up on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. PHOTO:A demonstrator watches as a U.S. Secret Service police office works on a fence blocking Lafayette Park as protests in the death of George Floyd continue, June 2, 2020, near the White House in Washington, D.C. (Evan Vucci/AP) Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and her husband Bruce Mann, were among the protesters. The former Democratic presidential candidate and her spouse were wearing face masks and interacted with the crowd. When one protester asked the senator why the president was deploying troops in the city, Warren responded, "Because he's wrong, he's imposing violence on our people. People are here to protest peacefully." 7:05 p.m.: Minneapolis school board votes to cut ties with police In a unanimous decision, Minneapolis school board members voted Tuesday night to terminate its contract with the Minneapolis Police Department following its actions in Floyd's death. The school superintendent's office will devise an alternative plan to serve its students, according to the board. 6:47 p.m.: Dr. Birx calls on mayors to test all protesters for coronavirus Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coordinator for its coronavirus task force, said during a video appearance at The German Marshall Fund's Brussels Forum that she worries about the spread of COVID among protesters around the country. Birx said she is particularly concerned with footage that shows many of the protesters not wearing face coverings and with the possible spread to elderly persons. "And so we're really trying to do the work with mayors to expand testing availability over the next week or two so that the individuals who were involved in the peaceful protest can get tested," she said. 6:38 p.m.: New York protesters take knee outside mayor's mansion Hundreds of protesters in Manhattan marched to Gracie Mansion, Mayor Bill de Blasio's residence, and took a knee. The protest was largely peaceful and there were even volunteers giving out face masks and hand sanitizer. Afterward, the crowd made its way to Central Park, according to eyewitnesses. PHOTO: Hundreds of protesters took a knee outside of Gracie Mansion in Manhattan, where New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio lives, in a peaceful display on June 2, 2020 following the police death of George Floyd. (ABC News) Across the city protesters continued to hit the streets and remained largely peaceful. New York's curfew is slated to go into effect at 8 p.m. Uber and Lyft drivers were informed that they won't be allowed to operator between 8 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., according to WABC. Yellow and green cabs would be allowed to operate overnight for essential workers, the city's Office of Emergency Management said. 6:12 p.m.: George Floyd's daughter, girl's mother make 1st public appearance Gianna Floyd, the 6-year-old daughter of George Floyd, and her mother, Roxie Washington, made their first public appearance since his death at a news conference Minneapolis City Hall. Washington held back tears as she talked about Floyd and lamented that their child won't grow up with him in her life. "If there's a problem and she needs her dad, she does not have that anymore," she said. PHOTO: George Floyd's 6-year-old daughter, Gianna, embraces her mother, Roxie Washington, before speaking about her father, following his death in Minneapolis police custody, June 2, 2020. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters) Floyd moved from Houston to Minneapolis for better job opportunities and to provide for his family, Washington said. "I want justice for him. Because he was good," she said. "And this is the proof that he was a good man," Washington said, referring to Gianna. 5:47 p.m.: Denver cop fired over social media post The Denver Police Department said it has fired an officer and begun an internal affairs investigation after he posted an inappropriate photo on social media while policing the city's protests. Officer Thomas McClay posted a picture of himself and two other officers in riot gear with the caption, "Let's start a riot," on Instagram, according to the department. The post was taken down, however, police officials said it violated the department's social media policy and was "inconsistent with the values of the department." 5:27 p.m.: Florida police place cop who put knee on back of black suspect on leave The Sarasota, Florida, Police Department said an officer who was videotaped putting their knee on a black suspect during an arrest last month has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. A video of the unnamed officer putting their knee on Patrick Qwashawn Carroll's neck was put on social media Monday and tagged the department. Police Chief Bernadette DiPino reviewed the video and other footage of the May 18 arrest, immediately initiated a formal internal affairs investigation and placed the officer on administrative leave, according to the department. "Chief DiPino was disturbed to see an Officer kneeling on the head and neck of an individual in the video. While it appears the Officer eventually moves his leg to the individual's back, this tactic is not taught, used or advocated by our agency," the department said in a statement. According to the Sarasota Police Department, Carroll, 27, did not require medical attention and did not complain of injuries. He was later charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, resisting arrest and domestic violence The police are asking anyone who had more information or footage of the arrest to contact them. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin placed his knee on George Floyd's neck before he died. 5:07 p.m.: St. Paul man charged with shooting at cops during protest A St. Paul man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder for allegedly firing at officers during Saturday night's protest in Minneapolis, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced. Jaleel Stallings, 27, allegedly stepped out from behind a pickup truck on 14th Avenue South around 10:55 p.m., approached a police SWAT team and "crouched by the driver's side door as if to pick something up, and officers became concerned that debris or rocks were going to be thrown at them," according to the criminal complaint. The officers fired a non-lethal bullet at Stallings and he opened fire at them in return, the complaint said. Stallings allegedly ran away, but the officers caught up and arrested him, according to the complaint. He fired "three to four" shots, but all narrowly missed the officers, Freeman said. An AK-47 style Mini Draco pistol was allegedly found near the right bumper of the truck, according to the complaint. Stallings is scheduled to make his first court appearance Wednesday and prosecutors are seeking $500,000 in bail, Freeman's office said. Two other men who were with Stallings were arrested and their charges are pending. 4:30 p.m.: Floyd's family joins protesters at march in Houston In George Floyd's hometown of Houston, his family joined thousands of protesters in a march Tuesday afternoon. Before the march began, people silently kneeled for 30 seconds in honor of Floyd, the Houston Chronicle reported. Demonstrators held up signs with messages including: "black lives matter," "no justice no peace," "white people wake up." PHOTO: People gather to protest the death of George Floyd in Houston on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. (David J. Phillip/AP Photo) As many as 60,000 people were expected to participate, reported ABC Houston station KTRK. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said he'd be among those attending to show his support. MORE: How parents can talk to their kids about racism, George Floyd protests Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted Tuesday, "I am praying that today will be uplifting and encouraging for #GeorgeFloyd family, our City and the country as a whole. And I pray those of us in positions of power who have taken the oath to serve will hear the message of those who have marched and commit to justice for ALL." At one point, a protester hugged Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo. The march will end with a rally at City Hall. 4 p.m.: French protesters set fires, clash with police Demonstrations in support of George Floyd are ongoing overseas, including in the French cities of Paris and Lyon. Protesters there are setting fires and clashing with police officers, who are responding with tear gas. PHOTO: Protester kick in tear gas canisters during a demonstration Tuesday, June 2, 2020 in Paris. (Michel Euler/AP Photo) PHOTO: Protesters kneel and react by a burning barricade during a demonstration Tuesday, June 2, 2020 in Paris. (Michel Euler/AP Photo) The French are not only showing solidarity with George Floyd, but also the family of a French black man who died after being arrested by police in 2016. PHOTO: Thousands of people defied a police ban and converged on the main Paris courthouse for a demonstration to show solidarity with U.S. protesters and denounce the death of a black man in French police custody, June 2, 2020. (Michel Euler/AP Photo) 3:22 p.m.: Minnesota Dept. of Human Rights to investigate police department Minnesota's Department of Human Rights is launching an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department after filing a civil rights charge related to Floyd's death, Gov. Tim Walz announced Tuesday. PHOTO: People gather on June 1, 2020, in Minneapolis, at site where George Floyd died May 25 while in police custody. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) The investigation will examine the "policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years" to determine if the police department "has engaged in systemic discriminatory practices towards people of color," a statement said. If so, the investigation will work to "ensure any such practices are stopped," the statement said. Walz called this investigation "only one of many steps to come in our effort to restore trust with those in the community who have been unseen and unheard for far too long." PHOTO: A group of demonstrators gather at a makeshift memorial honoring George Floyd, at the spot where he was taken into custody, in Minneapolis, Minn., June 2, 2020. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters) The Minneapolis City Council issued a statement on Tuesday in support of the civil rights investigation. "We urge the state to use its full weight to hold the Minneapolis Police Department accountable for any and all abuses of power and harms to our community," the council said. The council said it stands "ready to aid in this process as full partners." As protests spread across the Twin Cities, about 123 people were arrested Monday and early Tuesday, mostly for curfew violations, authorities said. About 13 guns were seized, police said. A total of 604 people have been arrested since Friday, according to the Minnesota State Patrol, and dozens of fires have been reported in the last several days. PHOTO: A police vehicle passes a building on East Lake Street that was destroyed during protests two days prior, Tuesday, June 2, 2020, in Minneapolis. (John Minchillo/AP Photo) 2 p.m.: Floyd Mayweather to pay for George Floyd's funeral George Floyd's family has accepted an offer from boxer Floyd Mayweather to pay for his funeral, Leonard Ellerbe, the CEO of Mayweather Promotions, told ABC News. PHOTO: George Floyd is pictured in an undated photo released by the office of Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump. (Courtesy Ben Crump Law) Floyd, who is from Houston, will be laid to rest there on June 9. PHOTO: Terrence Floyd visits the site near where his brother George was taken in Minneapolis police custody and later died, in Minneapolis, June 1, 2020. (Eric Miller/Reuters) 1:40 p.m.: NY trooper pushing back demonstrators gets hit by speeding SUV A 19-year veteran trooper of the New York State Police was pushing back a crowd of demonstrators in Buffalo on Monday night when he was hit by a speeding SUV, authorities said. A Buffalo police officer was also hit by the car and a second trooper was run over. MORE: Lawmakers react to crackdown on George Floyd protests Troopers fired at the SUV, state police said, and then the driver and passengers were taken into custody. The veteran trooper was taken to the hospital with a shattered pelvis and broken leg, state police said. The other officers suffered minor injuries. Those in the SUV were not seriously hurt. Two people have been charged. 1 p.m.: Surveillance video released from fatal police shooting in Louisville Authorities on Tuesday released surveillance video from an incident which caused the death of David McAtee, a black man shot by officers in Louisville, Kentucky, during protests. McAtee owned a local BBQ restaurant which was frequented by police officers, Mayor Greg Fischer said. PHOTO: Louisville police were on guard inside police tape at the intersection of 26th and Broadway on June 1 after a man was shot and killed by police and National Guard personnel outside Dino's Market. (Matt Stone/Courier Journal via USA Today Network) At about 12:15 a.m. Monday, members of the Louisville police and Kentucky National Guard were trying to disperse a crowd when they "were fired upon," Gov. Andy Beshear said. The local police and National Guard returned fire, "resulting in a death," Beshear said. Video footage from McAtee's restaurant and a neighboring business appeared to show officers approaching McAtee's business, police said Tuesday. McAtee then appeared to fire a gun outside his restaurant, toward the officers, police said. Officers took cover and returned fire, police said. From the footage it appears McAtee fired first, police said. MORE: How viral videos of killings of black men take a toll on black male mental health Authorities cautioned Tuesday that the video does not provide all of the answers. Why officers were approaching McAtee's restaurant in the first place is under investigation, police said. PHOTO: Emotions overtook some as hundreds gathered to protest the death of David McAtee, a beloved BBQ owner who shot and killed amid gunfire by LMPD and Kentucky National Guard early Monday morning in Louisville., Kentucky, June 1, 2020. (Matt Stone/Courier Journal via USA TODAY Network) The officers have not yet been interviewed, police said. Louisville Metro Police Chief Steve Conrad has since been fired after it was announced that no body camera footage was available of the shooting, The Louisville Courier Journal reported. Conrad previously said he would retire at the end of June after facing immense pressure following the March death of Breonna Taylor, a young black woman who was shot dead by police while in her home. The Kentucky State Police will independently investigate McAtee's death, the governor said Monday. 12:15 p.m.: Despite overnight looting, Chicago to move into next phase of reopening Amid overnight looting, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot promised Tuesday, "we are 110% dedicated to you successfully reopening safely and securely." Lightfoot said she was with one business owner who "burst into tears" and "broke down" as she looked at the devastation to her store. PHOTO: A Best Buy store with broken entrance is seen while people are taking electronics from inside the building in Chicago, Illinois, United States on June 1, 2020. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Despite the unrest, Lightfoot said Chicago will move into phase 3 of its coronavirus reopening on Wednesday. "We want economic activity to resume peacefully and safely in every single neighborhood, especially those hurting the most," Lightfoot said. 11:20 a.m.: Nearly 700 arrested in NYC, curfew extended through the week In New York City, despite an 11 p.m. curfew, nearly 700 people were arrested overnight as peaceful protests devolved into moments of vandalism, looting, fire and confrontation. PHOTO: A looted souvenir shop is seen after a night of protest over the death of George Floyd, June 2, 2020 in New York City. (Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images) PHOTO: People cross the FDR Drive interrupting traffic during protests over the death of George Floyd, in New York, New York, June 1, 2020. (Alba Vigaray/EPA via Shutterstock) Luxury brands and big box retail stores in Rockefeller Center and the Upper East Side had windows smashed and spray painted. Many retailers have boarded up their storefronts. Some officers were hit by cars of protesters fleeing the scenes of vandalism and looting. It also appeared officers were shot at, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said, condemning it as "unacceptable." PHOTO: Protesters participate in a moment of silence during a rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in the Manhattan borough of New York City, June 1, 2020. (Jeenah Moon/Reuters) "I know people want peace," de Blasio stressed Tuesday, "and I know they want change." "I know we will overcome this," he said, adding he's asked community leaders to "step forward" and "take charge." "Do not let outsiders attack your community ... do not let criminals attack your community," the mayor said. "I'll be standing by you." PHOTO: Protesters rush past Times Square after an 11pm curfew during a night of marches and vandalism over the death of George Floyd on June 1, 2020 in New York City. (John Moore/Getty Images) PHOTO: A man takes skateboards during a night of protests and vandalism over the death of George Floyd on June 1, 2020 in New York City. (John Moore/Getty Images) De Blasio said he does not think National Guard members should be sent to New York City. They're armed, yet not trained for the city's environment, the mayor said, calling it a "dangerous scenario." New York City will now be under a nine-hour curfew each night this week, beginning at 8 p.m. and ending at 5 a.m. MORE: Mass protests could propel a second wave of coronavirus infections The mayor on Tuesday asked those who want to protest to do so during the day, and then return home. He also said he's very worried that protests are leading to the spread of the coronavirus. Regular days off have been canceled for all uniformed members of the NYPD, meaning all 36,000 police officers are now working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week until further notice. 10:40 a.m.: Senate Judiciary to hold hearing on George Floyd's death, policing in US Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham said he's planning to hold a hearing on June 16 to examine Floyd's death and policing in the country, promising to "take a deep dive" into the issue. "It's a long-overdue wake-up call to the country that there are too many of these cases where African American men die in police custody under fairly brutal circumstances," he said. "It's clear to me that policing among men in the African American community is a topic that needs to be discussed and acted upon, and I expect this committee to do its part." MORE: Photos: Moments of peace, unity you may not have seen in George Floyd protests "I'd like to get to the root cause of it. Mr. Floyd's case is outrageous on its face, but I think it speaks to a broader issue," said Graham, R-S.C. "We just need to get to the bottom of what happened and what we can do to fix it." PHOTO: Chief of Department of the New York City Police, Terence Monahan, takes a knee with activists as protesters paused while walking in New York, June 1, 2020. (Craig Ruttle/AP) PHOTO: Chief of Department of the New York City Police, Terence Monahan, hugs an activist during a protest in New York, June 1, 2020. (Craig Ruttle/AP) Graham called community policing "the anecdote." "I don't know how to make that a reality, but we'll have a hearing along those lines," Graham said. 7:35 a.m.: Minnesota AG 'considering all charges' for Chauvin Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison confirmed he is "considering all charges" and that "all options are on the table," when it comes to prosecuting Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd. PHOTO: Demonstrators gather at the site of George Floyd's death while under arrest by police officers in Minneapolis, May 31, 2020. (Emilie Richardson/ABC News) Ellison told ABC News' "Good Morning America" that the case must be dealt with methodically and that prosecuting Chauvin would not necessarily be easy. "Generally, jurors resolve all doubts in favor of the police," said Ellison. "The system is such that there are certain immunities police have, there are certain presumptions. There are relationships that police have that are established over the course of years. And the fact is if you just look at the Freddie Gray case, people looked at that video and were quite certain that there needed to be a conviction. No one was." "The fact is these cases are not easy," said Ellison. "And anybody who says they are has never done one." Ellison was reluctant to give a firm deadline on the timeline of the case but confirmed that the public could see charges very soon. MORE: Transcript: Trump to mobilize federal resources to stop violence, restore security "We are having a fresh review from what the county attorney has already done ... and we are looking at this case with fresh eyes," said Ellison. "There is nobody who has culpability who will not be held accountable." Said Ellison: "The public has an expectation that there will be, there will render assistance when necessary, that [police] will not add harm. Just saying 'I didn't know' and 'I was following orders', I don't think is working for the public anymore. That is not a comment about the evidence or the law. It is a comment about where the public's mind is these days." Ellison said that he and his team are moving "expeditiously" but warned that they also have to move carefully which could take more time than the public would like. "There are numerous videos, numerous witness statements, a lot of stuff to go through for us to do due diligence," Ellison stated. "We are not going to prolong this any longer than is absolutely necessary to do that due diligence and we are moving expeditiously, yet we have to move carefully. I know that is unsatisfying to people. They want, what they want immediately, and of course people have waited too long and have been too patient over the years but this case must be done methodically and we are doing that right now." 6:49 a.m.: Las Vegas police officer in critical condition after shooting Las Vegas Sheriff Joe Lombardo said two shooting incidents took place amid protests across the city Monday night. PHOTO: Police and rescue workers swarm the intersection outside Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse, where shots were fired late Monday, June 1, 2020, in downtown Las Vegas. (Ronda Churchill/AP) In the first incident, an officer was shot while engaging with protesters near the Circus Circus hotel and casino. "Our officers were attempting to take rocks and bottles from the crowd," said Lombardo. "Officers were attempting to get some of the protesters in custody when a shot rang out and our officer went down." MORE: Trump, Barr tell governors to 'dominate' streets in response to unrest The officer is in "extremely critical condition and on life support," he said. PHOTO: Police officers surround a person that was shot near the 300 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard, on June 1, 2020, in downtown Las Vegas. (Bridget Bennett/AFP via Getty Images) The suspect in that shooting was taken into custody. The second incident occurred around 11:22 p.m. at the courthouse on South Las Vegas Boulevard. Officers were posted at the federal building to protect it from protesters when a suspect appeared, armed with multiple weapons. When authorities approached the individual, the suspect reached for one of those weapons and was subsequently shot by the responding officers. The suspect later died at the hospital. "This is a tragic night for our community," said Lombardo. "With these protests, which are leading to riots, one tragedy is only leading to another ... our investigations into both these incidents will be ongoing throughout the morning." "What has occurred is utterly, utterly unacceptable and I hope the community sees it that way too," he concluded. 3:22 a.m.: 4 police officers shot in St. Louis In St. Louis, four officers were shot amid protests Monday night, Police Chief Hayden John Hayden said. PHOTO: A protestor waves a burned American flag over a fire during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in St Louis, Missouri, U.S., June 1, 2020. Picture taken June 1,2020 (Lawrence Bryant/Reuters) All four officers have non life threatening injuries. Two were shot in the leg, one was shot in the foot and the other was shot in the arm. Hayden said that a peaceful protest began around 3 p.m. with a couple of thousand people in attendance, but later a group of about 200 people started looting. The group reportedly set off fireworks aimed at officers. PHOTO: A member of the St. Louis Fire Department removes a hose outside a vandalized and burned convenience store, June 2, 2020, in St. Louis, the morning after protests against the death of George Floyd. (Jeff Roberson/AP) Hayden said the officers, who he said exhibited restraint throughout the ordeal, also had gas thrown on them. Chief Hayden provides an update on 4 of our officers who were struck by gunfire tonight during the downtown unrest. https://t.co/Ml1CgIikHf St. Louis, MO Police (@SLMPD) June 2, 2020 That is when, he said, several officers, who were standing on the line, all of a sudden felt pain and realized that they had been fired. 1:57 a.m.: LAPD Chief apologizes for equating looters with officers involved in Floyd's death In Los Angeles, Police Chief Michel Moore apologized for a remark he made during a mayor's press conference Monday afternoon. He had said: "We didn't have people mourning the death of this man, George Floyd, we had people capitalizing. His death is on their hands as much as it is those officers ... We didn't have protests last night. We had criminal acts." The comment was met with immediate backlash and Black Lives Matter LA called for Moore to be fired in a tweet. Several hours later, amid much criticism, Moore issued an apology on Twitter saying that he misspoke during the press conference. My Apology for Remark Regarding the Death of George Floyd During a Press Conference Earlier Today: I misspoke when making a statement about those engaging in violent acts following the murder of George Floyd. Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) June 2, 2020 ABC News' Beatrice Peterson, Alexandra Faul, Sabina Ghebremedhin, Will Gretzky, Marilyn Heck, Aaron Katersky, Stephanie Wash, Carlos Gomez, Whitney Lloyd, John Parkinson and Kirit Radia contributed to this report. City curfews going into effect nationwide originally appeared on abcnews.go.com "All of us were contributing to epidemic control in Wuhan" Im an engineer working for Lenovo in Wuhan. After the COVID-19 epidemic broke out in the city, I joined a volunteer team of the Hubei Charity Federation, becoming the only foreigner on the 83-member team. I helped sort materials donated to the city and translate English and Urdu customs clearance documents into Chinese. Haroon Nomaan, a Pakistani engineer with Lenovo is at work. Photo by provided by Haroon Nomaan As an engineer, the volunteering job was new to me, so it was hard for me to pull things together at the beginning. I had to search for information online first and then consult professionals every time I encountered terms on customs clearance and medical materials, so as to ensure correct translation. My wife, who studied at the School of Journalism and Communication of Wuhan University, was very supportive. She speaks Russian, so she often helped me translate Russian materials. Learning what I was doing, my company particularly reduced my workload. Gradually, I got better and better at the job. Now I could easily translate complicated professional terms into Chinese, and now I'm one of the executives for a material reception group. Volunteers need to spend much time on communicating to ensure purchases of preventative materials, unimpeded logistics and rapid handling of tax reduction formalities for donated materials. I'm in more than 130 chat groups on the messenger app WeChat, and it's a unique experience switching between them one by one every day. To avoid time differences between me and overseas donators, I always talked to those in Asia at 8 a.m. and contacted those in Europe and America at 2 a.m. the next day. This extended my working hours to over 14 hours per day. On March 15, my volunteer service came to an end. Busy as I was during the period, I didnt feel the tiredness. When I saw a drastic decline in confirmed coronavirus cases in China and the remarkable achievements in containing the disease, I felt proud of myself as a part of it. As Chinese President Xi Jinping said, public health crises pose a common challenge for humanity, and solidarity and cooperation are the most powerful weapon to tackle them. Over the 40 days, we received 253 batches of donations and I recorded all of them carefully. They are a token of love for Wuhan, and represent the strong power of the people from all over the world in combating the disease with concerted efforts. What touched me deeply was that the alumni associations of international students in Wuhan also actively donated money and materials to the city, providing concrete support to the anti-epidemic efforts. Having lived in Wuhan for years, I empathize with them. Everyone who's been living here is deeply attached to the city. Every person I met was contributing their share to combating the epidemic. What I did was trivial compared with their work. A simple message in WeChat group was all we had to do every time we needed supplies during the quarantine, and the community workers would soon deliver the goods to our doorsteps. I know that we were cared for when we were helping others, and this moved me very much. Now, Wuhan is covered by green plants and flowers in full bloom. In the future, well cherish more the happy and peaceful life we have here. As airline, ferry firms and holiday companies prepare for the impact of the UKs first global quarantine scheme, Tory MPs are stepping up their campaign against the measures. From 8 June, most people arriving at UK airports, ferry ports and international rail terminals will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days. As this will affect returning holidaymakers, travel sales for the summer have dried up. Quarantine has been championed by the prime ministers chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, and the home secretary, Priti Patel. The plan is also backed by the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab. But other cabinet ministers and many MPs are furious at the damage the measures will do to Britains airlines and the wider travel industry, just as they were planning to start up for the summer. The policy means travellers arriving from nations such as Australia, Cuba and Greece, which have hardly any Covid-19 cases, will be presumed to be infected with coronavirus and made to go into what amounts to solitary confinement for two weeks. Meanwhile more than two million British citizens will be exempt from quarantine because of their jobs. The Independent has revealed that bus drivers, dentists and police officers are among many professions that will be able to side-step the measures. Formula One teams are also expected to be granted exemption from the 14-day self-isolation rules. There have been widespread concerns about enforcement of the measures, with the Metropolitan Police Federation warning that officers do not have the time to check on travellers whove arrived into the UK. On the BBCs Today programme, the former transport minister, Stephen Hammond, said: What is the point of doing it? Either you believe that these measures seriously will lower the risk of transmission, and I think the medical and scientific evidence I have looked at is equivocal on that or you look at a more targeted response. Opponents say the scheme should be neutralised by the introduction air bridges or travel corridors a series of bilateral deals between the UK and key destinations that allow quarantine-free movement in both directions. Boris Johnson is said to be personally in favour of such arrangements, and early in May actually discussed an Anglo-French agreement with President Macron. Airlines have drawn up a list of 45 countries with which they want air bridge agreements. They cover the vast majority of arrivals to the UK, including the US which has the worlds highest number of Covid-19 infections and deaths. Labours shadow foreign secretary, Lisa Nandy, retweeted The Independents article about quarantine, adding: Ministers delayed quarantine for months as hundreds of thousands of people flew into the UK, only finally introducing measures as holidays approach. Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Show all 11 1 /11 Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Ben Gurion International airport, Israel Reuters Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Daxing International Airport, Beijing AFP via Getty Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan EPA Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Noi Bai International Airport, Vietnam AFP via Getty Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Haneda Airport, Tokyo Reuters Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Changsha Huanghua International Airport, China Reuters Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Shanghai Pudong Airport in Shanghai, China EPA Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Daxing International Airport, Beijing AFP via Getty Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Haneda Airport, Tokyo Reuters Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Shanghai Pudong Airport in Shanghai, China EPA Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry Noi Bai International Airport, Vietnam AFP via Getty Now theyre hoping air bridges might help us. But were seen as a high-risk country. What a total shambles. Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the British Ports Association, has called for sea bridges, saying: Quarantine rules could slow recovery and kill off any opportunity of a summer recovery for passenger travel and tourism. Ministers must put exemptions in place for other transit corridors such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain. But the housing minister, Simon Clarke, told BBC Breakfast: This is a proportionate step to minimise the risk of bringing new cases into society. Its absolutely vital ... we do this as long as required. Check out the companies making headlines after the bell. Zoom Video The video conferencing platform's stock whipsawed in extended trading then fell 4% after the company released its first-quarter financial results. Zoom reported earnings of 20 cents per share excluding some items on revenue of $328.2 million, while analysts expected earnings of 9 cents per share with revenue of $202.7 million, according to Refinitiv. The company said it had about 265,400 customers with more than 10 employees, a 354% increase from last year. Zoom also offered strong guidance at a time when many companies are withdrawing their financial outlooks amid the coronavirus pandemic. Zoom anticipates adjusted earnings of 44 cents to 46 cents per share in the second quarter, while analysts polled by Refinitiv estimated 11 cents per share. "The COVID-19 crisis has driven higher demand for distributed, face-to-face interactions and collaboration using Zoom," said CEO Eric Yuan in a company statement. Ambarella The semiconductor company's stock tumbled 4% in extended trading after Ambarella provided its first-quarter earnings. The company reported earnings of 4 cents per share excluding some items on revenue of $54.6 million, while FactSet analysts expected a loss of 1 cent per share on revenue of $54.3 million. CrowdStrike Shares of the cyber-security company climbed 5% in extended trading after CrowdStrike provided its financial results for the first quarter. CrowdStrike said it had earnings of 2 cents per share excluding some items on revenue of $178.1 million, while analysts polled by Refinitiv expected a loss of 6 cents per share with revenue of $165.4 million. The company also reported a 105% increase in subscription customers compared to last year and achieved non-GAAP operating profitability for the first time in its history, according to its earnings release. Twitter The social media giant's climbed 1% in extended trading after Twitter announced in an SEC filing that it had appointed Patrick Pichette as the new chair of its board of directors, taking over for Omid Kordestani, who stepped down as executive chairman of the company. Kordestani will remain on the board as a non-employee director. Lyft The ride-share company's stock jumped 4% in extended trading after the company provided a business update indicating that rides on its platform increased 26% in May versus April. The company also reported major ride growth in cities where social-distancing restrictions had been eased, according to the SEC filing. A 20-year-old man charged with shooting a Las Vegas police officer during a George Floyd protest is being held without bail following his first court appearance. Edgar Samaniego faced court on Wednesday after being charged with the attempted murder of 29-year-old officer Shay Mikalonis. Police say Samaniego shot Mikalonis on Monday night near the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino when officers were trying to disperse a large group of protesters from the Las Vegas Strip. Samaniego, who was arrested hours later after being identified by witnesses, is being held on attempted murder and weapon charges. Edgar Samaniego, 20, faced court on Wednesday after being charged with the attempted murder of 29-year-old Las Vegas police officer Shay Mikalonis Police say Samaniego shot Mikalonis on Monday night near the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino when officers were trying to disperse a large group of protesters from the Las Vegas Strip Prosecutors say he was out on bail at the time of the shooting and has two pending cases for a DUI charge and possession of a drug without a prescription. Samaniego's attorneys argued that he has no prior convictions given those two cases are still pending. The judge ordered Samaniego be held without bail because of the officer's grave condition and the suspect being a danger to the community. Officer Mikalonis, who is a four-year veteran on the force, remained on life support on Wednesday after the bullet struck him in the back and became lodged in his face. Police say Mikalonis was shot from across the street while trying to break up protesters. Samaniego, who was arrested hours later after being identified by witnesses, is being held on attempted murder and weapon charges The judge ordered Samaniego be held without bail because of the officer's grave condition and the suspect being a danger to the community The officers were being hit by rocks and bottles when a shot rang out and Mikalonis went down, according to Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, who heads the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The protest on Monday began near President Donald Trump's non-casino hotel, Trump International Tower, just off the Las Vegas Strip and remained peaceful for more than four hours. Lombardo and local officials pleaded multiple times in recent days for events to remain peaceful. They have so far resisted calls to impose a curfew in Las Vegas. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak said on Tuesday he was praying for the 'officer who was senselessly shot' and 'all of the communities across Nevada who are experiencing grief and pain'. 'It's during these trying times we must remind ourselves that creating a state where justice and peace exist together in partnership, not as a binary choice, is the goal we must all work toward,' he said. Police say Mikalonis was shot from across the street while trying to break up protesters outside the Circus Circus casino (pictured above) Former Eagles Malcolm Jenkins walks behind a group of protesters as they make their way to City Hall in Philadelphia, Pa. on June 1, 2020. It was the third day of protests protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Read more I am a black man. I live comfortably. I have a career most could only imagine. Im a business owner. Im famous. I have privilege. And yet, I am still afraid. Im afraid because I am very aware that my wealth and life achievements will not introduce me when confronted with police authority. Instead, my skin will do that. Then I am, simply, black. And being black in the eyes of far too many police officers means my dignity and my life are not worth protecting. Your lives dont matter! is what police actions tell and have told me and people like me for centuries. That is why I am in the street, kneeling and shouting no justice, no peace with the Philadelphia community. I watched on Saturday night as police officers worked to protect a statue of Frank Rizzo, proudly displayed outside City Hall. Frank Rizzo embodies all that is wrong with American policing. This is a man who said the Black Panthers should be strung up. He had students brutally beaten during a protest, telling cops to get their black asses. When he was mayor and still controlling the police force, the Department of Justice sued Philly PD for rampant police abuse. The statue was removed Wednesday morning, but on Sunday morning, with Center City in shambles after a peaceful protest turned destructive, as citizens from all over helped clean up the streets, city workers cleaned the Rizzo statue. Then police officers surrounded it with pride. Years after Rizzo controlled the city, the Philadelphia police force still demanded that we treat his memory with respect, turning a blind eye to the enormous damage his style of policing inflicted on communities of color. This is just one reason why these protests are not just about the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. We are out in the streets demanding change because for over 150 years of freedom in this country we have exhausted every other recourse. There are protesters on the ground with their hands up, even as police fire tear gas and rubber bullets at them, to draw attention to the fact that, for so many in this country, kneeling before the flag, as many athletes did, is a worse offense than kneeling on a black mans neck until he perishes. We are out in the streets because we are tired of the constant, everyday display of authoritarianism by police forces in black communities, wealthy and poor alike: the constant stop-and-frisks, vehicle searches, and arrests of black men as if our lives do not matter. We are tired of police using extreme measures when protecting property and then giving a fraction of that vigor to protect the honor, decency, and humanity of the black people in this city. Why do you march? In this essay, Malcolm Jenkins writes about why he joined thousands in the streets as part of nationwide protests prompted by the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. If you spent time marching in Philly this week, The Inquirer Opinion section wants to hear from you. Tell us why you took to the streets at opinion@inquirer.com. Please include your name and contact information. Some answers may appear in The Inquirer. If your response is chosen for publication, we will contact you ahead of time. (We will not share your contact info.) We are out in the streets because we have a president who refuses to acknowledge the cries of the people. Instead of delivering a message acknowledging the pain that African Americans are feeling after watching the horrific murder of George Floyd at the hands of police, President Trump thinks it is better to answer their cries with more force. Not only is he ignoring the overwhelming outcry of the people, hes adding lighter fluid to a nation that is already up in flames. There are those who want to focus on the looting and rioting. I urge you not to take the easy way out. Challenge yourself to be upset about the unnecessary loss of life at the hands of a disgraceful representative of the state first. I do not condone the violence and looting from citizens, but I most especially have a disdain for the murder of unarmed civilians at the hands of the police. The majority of people in the streets are peaceful and they are desperate for change. Even as they kneel and chant about the painful effects of police brutality, they are answered with more police violence. In front of the White House on Monday, in broad daylight, police unleashed tear gas on protesters, none of whom were violent. Rather than focusing our attention on the damage of rioting, as a nation, we should ask: Why are people so angry? Who is going to bring back the life of Breonna Taylor after the police wrongfully broke into her home and killed her? Why did Ahmaud Arberys killers walk away from that murder scene scot-free for 74 days, yet George Floyd lost his life over an alleged $20 counterfeit bill? Why do we live in a country where law enforcement has caused so much pain that people are filling the streets, day after day and night after night? Locally, we must also ask: Why do we continuously throw money at law enforcement, instead of schools and hospitals? The new Philadelphia budget proposes we do just that, throw more money at law enforcement when law enforcement remains completely unwilling to address its own systemic conduct. As a taxpayer, I am already upset that the Philly Police Department is wasting my many tax dollars to clean and protect the Rizzo statue that we, the people, tried to tear down. Now the mayor wants to throw more money to it?! I hope people will contact Mayor Jim Kenney and their City Council representatives before the June 9 budget hearing. If we are ever to move forward, every person not in the streets must ask why so many other people are. I know there are some who are afraid that our streets will never be the same. That is the point. Malcolm Jenkins, formerly with the Philadelphia Eagles, is cofounder of the Players Coalition and a safety for the New Orleans Saints. A newlywed couple tied the knot in a gas mask-themed ceremony held in an abandoned building after deciding to push ahead with their wedding in spite of the pandemic. Powerful images show the loved-up couple holding hands and wearing real gas masks in an old run-down factory. Other photos capture the pair kissing and the absent mother-of-the-groom watching the wedding via FaceTime. Theme: Detroit newlyweds Matthew Engelke, 36, and Lilly Engelke nee Ayrapetyan, 28, posed for a pandemic-themed wedding shoot in March Fitting: The couple's planned courthouse ceremony was called off amid the coronavirus pandemic so they had to come up with other arrangements Memories: Although they wed in an intimate ceremony with ten guests, the couple wanted to do something to pay mind to the pandemic - so they posed in gas masks for photos The photos were shared by photographer, Scott Sprague, 50, who snapped personal trainer Matthew Engelke, 36, and behavior technician, Lilly Engelke nee Ayrapetyan, 28. The groom and the photographer, from Detroit, have been friends for over a decade and worked together to come up with the wedding photos with a twist. Scott, who shot on a Nikon D810 with 35mm and 70-200mm lenses, expressed his thoughts on what images he liked the most. 'My favorite photo is one with the gas masks and in between them reads a message that states, "What we need in the world is more love,"' he said. 'I had this whole idea to pay homage to the American Gothic picture in my head [by 1930s painter Grant Wood], which has a couple wearing white and black, just like a wedding with a bride and groom. 'So we created this whole story with the wedding photos for art, saying this is where they now live due to the pandemic.' Heartwarming: The couple tied the knot on March 20, which was actually days before their original nuptials were due to take place Celebration! Their photographer friend Scott Sprague, 50, provided them with a space in the form of his studio Intimate: There were just ten guests present at the event, along with the minister The happy couple from Michigan state first met at Wayne State University in 2016, and wed on March 20, 2020 after their April courthouse wedding was under threat by closing imposed by lockdown. The couple estimate they spent a little under $1,000 on the small but sweet ceremony. Ten guests plus the minister and photographer Scott witnessed the ceremony. The wedding and industrial-like photoshoot took place entirely in the Russell Industrial Center building of Scott's BlindSpot Photography Studio. Scott's workspace covers 4000 sq. ft. Fitness model, Matthew, had this to say. 'I asked my Mom to join me on FaceTime and it was as simple as that,' he said. 'My father was on a conference call that he had to host on the exact hour of our wedding. It was so short notice though we couldn't really blame him for it. We'd always planned on doing a bigger wedding anyway at a different time. Emotional: Groom Matthew had his mother 'attend' the ceremony on FaceTime Eerie: Photographer Scott had the couple pose in this eerie abandoned building to give more emphasis to the pandemic-themed shoot 'To couples considering if they want to delay, I say if you want to get married, get married. Don't wait. ' Lilly expressed her thoughts on the big day. 'Engagement wasn't a big deal. We'd already been feeling married for a while now,' she said. 'We only organised the wedding the week before we got married and two days later we went to my parents' house and Matthew asked hand in marriage. Six days later we were married. 'Some friends that I had that were getting married were a little disappointed to move their wedding, but the way I see it is the wedding will always be there you can always have a big get together later.' More of Scott's photography can be found on @ssfoto, where he has over 1,800 followers as of May 2020. His website is https://www.scottspraguephotography.com/. The newly-weds can be found at @itssliliyaa and @matthew.detroit.muscle. Love Island's upcoming summer series has been cancelled. (ITV) Last month it was announced that the UK series of Love Island would be cancelled this summer due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, ITV have confirmed that in its place the first season of Love Island: Australia will be broadcast instead. Much like the UK version, the contestants from Down Under are looking for love in a luxury villa in sunny Mallorca in episodes that will air nightly on ITV2 when it starts later this month. Read more: Dr. Alex George disappointed by results of coronavirus antibody test The programme, which originally aired in 2018 in Australia, is hosted by Sophie Monk while Irish presenter Eoghan McDermott acts as Iain Stirling's Aussie counterpart. Love Island: Australia is presenter by Sophie Monk. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage) The promo, which launches on Wednesday, says: Bring on the Bombshells, the Bromances and a little bit of Naughty Naughty! Its the Love Island you love, just with a different accent. Bring it on! In May, ITV's Director of Television Kevin Lygo announced that the programme would not be going ahead after bosses found it was "not possible" to ensure the wellbeing of cast and crew amid the pandemic. He said: "We have tried every which way to make Love Island this summer but logistically it's just not possible to produce it in a way that safeguards the wellbeing of everyone involved and that for us is the priority. Love Island UK is set to return to screens in 2021. (ITV) In normal circumstances we would be preparing very soon to travel out to the location in Mallorca to get the villa ready but clearly thats now out of the question. Read more: Laura Whitmore never saw Iain Stirling while working on Love Island We are very sorry for fans of the show but making it safely is our prime concern and Love Island will be back stronger than ever in 2021." Presenter Laura Whitmore told fans there had been a record number of applicants as she responded to the news. She tweeted: Great news is that there have been more applications then any other series! Next year is going to be BIG. Stay safe. Repair work has been launched to rescue dilapidated parts of the 2,000-year-old Xiaoshetai section of the Great Wall, located in the city of Bayannur in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, said local authorities. The project to be completed by 2021 will repair a collapsed 5-km section of the Great Wall dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221-207 B.C.). With a total length of about 240 km, the Xiaoshetai Great Wall is an important part of the existing Great Wall of the Qin Dynasty. There is a beacon tower standing every 0.5-1.5 km along the wall. The oldest sections of the Great Wall were built under the reign of the first emperor of Qin who required it to be built as a defense by the imperial court against northern tribes. The Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of many interconnected walls, some of which date back more than 2,000 years. In 2019, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Cultural Heritage Administration jointly released a comprehensive conservation plan to establish a long-term mechanism for the conservation and utilization of the Great Wall. CHICAGO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Central and Eastern Europe data center market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 3% during the period 20192025. This market research report includes data-driven and deep market insights on the impact of COVID-19 across geographies, segments, and vendor landscape. Leverage Arizton's market analysis to take real-time strategic business decisions and enhance your product portfolios. Key Highlights Offered in the Report: Over 20 data center projects investment witnessed in Central & Eastern European Countries 2019. Russia dominates the market with over 50% of investments in 2019, followed by Poland and Czech Republic . Around $2 billion revenue opportunities for construction contractors operating in the region between 2020-2025. Local data center service providers are major investors that account for over 80% market share. Increase in new entrants to build data center with over 20 MW of IT load capacity will grow through adoption of cloud, big data and IoT technologies. Key Offerings: Market Size & Forecast by Investment | 20192025 Market Size & Forecast by Colocation Revenue | 20192025 Impact of COVID-19 on Data Center Market Retail & Wholesale Data Center Colocation Pricing in Central and Eastern Europe List of Data Center Investments in Central and Eastern Europe Market Dynamics Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by IT infrastructure, electrical infrastructure, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standard Key Market Participants List of 12 IT infrastructure providers, 10 construction service providers, 15 support infrastructure providers, and 20 data center investors Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/central-eastern-europe-data-center-market-report-2025 Central and Eastern Europe Data Center Market Segmentation The increase in investment in big data, IoT and cloud technology is likely to increase the demand for high-performance computing infrastructure. The contribution from server systems suitable for machine learning and artificial intelligence workloads is expected to grow during the forecast period. Data centers built in populated areas will be concerned over carbon emission, which is likely to increase the adoption of efficient generator systems. These populated areas are also subjected to frequent power fluctuation and outages. The adoption of diesel generators is high in Central and Eastern Europe , with DRUPS systems gaining traction in the region. The trend is expected to grow during the forecast period. , with DRUPS systems gaining traction in the region. The trend is expected to grow during the forecast period. The contribution of data center rack units with rack size of 40U48U rack capacities is witnessing growth in the market. Data centers opened and under construction in 2019 were provided a rack capacity of over 11,000 racks. Equinix data center facilities SO2 and WA3 are currently using 42U rack units in their data centers. Market Segmentation by IT Infrastructure Servers Storage Systems Network Infrastructure Market Segmentation by Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer, Switches & Switchgears Rack PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Market Segmentation by Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Rack Cabinets Other Mechanical Infrastructure Market Segmentation by General Construction Building Development Installation & Commissioning Services Building Design Physical Security Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Market Segmentation by Tier Standard Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV Market Segmentation by Geography Russia Czech Republic Poland Austria Other Countries Central and Eastern Europe Data Center Market Dynamics Data centers are the backbone for Central and Eastern European digital economy. In 2020, Microsoft announced its plans to invest $1 billion in the digital transformation plan for Poland. By 2020, the Czech Republic government aims to provide high-speed internet - faster than 30 Mbps, where half of the households having access to the internet at 100 Mbps. The internet penetration in Eastern Europe is 74%. Russia has 90 million internet users with more than 60% users accessing the internet through mobile devices. By 2022, it is expected that Central and Eastern Europe will have more than 365 million internet users and more than 2 billion networked devices, which will increase data growth and investments in data centers in the region. Central and Eastern Europe is witnessing a double-digit growth rate in the digitization of the economy. It is estimated that digitization in the region will add $225 billion to Central and Eastern Europe GDP by 2025. Currently, the digital economy accounts for 7% of GDP. Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth: Cloud Computing to bring Hyperscale Investments Increased Investment from Colocation Providers Growing Demand for Edge Data Centers Big Data and IoT to increase Data Center Investments Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/central-eastern-europe-data-center-market-report-2025 Key Market Participants IT Infrastructure Providers Atos Arista Broadcom Hewlett Packard Enterprise Cisco NetApp Dell Technologies IBM Lenovo Huawei Fujitsu Supermicro Construction Service Providers Warbud Arup Astron Buildings eld ISG Exyte & M+W AODC SP. Z O.O. Qumak S.A. H1 Systems Citrus Solutions Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Caterpillar Cummins Eaton Legrand STULZ Schneider Electric Vertiv Euro-Diesel (KINOLT) Rittal Climaveneta Riello UPS Socomec KOHLER(SDMO) MTU Onsite Energy Data Center Investors Equinix Boosteroid 3data Host-telecom.com, s.r.o. CEZ Group Vapor IO Conova Communications GmbH Telecor ITLDC IXcellerate DataPro Rostelecom Rosenergoatom Selectel MTS Yandex AzInTelecom IT and eGovernment, Republic of Serbia MCF Group Estonia Vantage Data Centers Target Audience: Datacenter Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) Datacenter Construction Contractors Datacenter Infrastructure Providers New Entrants Consultants/Consultancies/Advisory Firms Corporate and Governments Agencies Why Purchase this Report? To gain competitive intelligence about the industry and players in the market To focus on the niche market To offer a presentation-ready format and easy-to-interpret data To enable decision-makers to make informed and profitable choices To provide the expert quantitative and qualitative analysis on the revenue and growth projections of the data center market Explore our data center knowledge base profile to know more about the industry. Read some of the top-selling reports: About Arizton: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Mail: [email protected] Call: +1-312-235-2040 SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence WTBC Changes Moniker, Rebrands to IMPACT 307 The Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC) has rebranded itself as IMPACT 307, Where Founders and Innovation Thrive. The announcement of the rebranding of the states only University of Wyoming-sponsored business incubator program took place Monday. Fifteen years ago, a group of forward-looking leaders at UW and in the state committed to creating a resource to facilitate companies starting up and growing in Wyoming. Since its founding, the WTBC has helped 173 companies get started and prepared for successful launch across its three incubators in Laramie, Casper and Sheridan. While we feel that the success of our clients speaks to the value of our services, it needs to work for more of Wyoming, too. Like every successful startup company that we have worked with, we have to ask ourselves how to grow and improve, then make necessary adjustments based on validated evidence, to something better, says Sheridan WTBC Director Scot Rendall. To continue connecting genuinely with our communities, building upon our legacy while also looking forward, its important to leave behind the WTBC brand. This past spring, in collaboration and with the support of UW and its partners in the Wyoming Business Council, the WTBC directors and staff began the rebranding process. Our team at the WTBC initiated a rebrand and relaunch of our business incubator program to more clearly convey the value that we can bring to startup and early-stage ventures across the state, Rendall says. IMPACT 307 will play a huge role in the development of Wyomings entrepreneurial ecosystem to encourage private business initiation and growth and, thus, lead a core element of our states future economic diversification initiatives. IMPACT 307 will continue to be a network of innovation-driven business incubators that advise and support high-growth startups in the early stages of business development. With innovation-driven support, IMPACT 307 will work to diversify Wyomings business landscape by fostering creative, solution-based ideas that add value to Wyoming and the local economy. IMPACT 307 will do this by providing free deep business mentoring; entrepreneurial and startup resources; and connections to create a positive impact on businesses and Wyoming. All IMPACT 307 services and counsel will remain free. While the former WTBCs services and support remain, IMPACT 307 is introducing a complete rebrand package, including statewide and location-specific logos, an updated tagline and messaging, a formal social media program and a statewide relaunch campaign. Additionally, IMPACT 307 will launch a new website, IMPACT307.org. The website, scheduled to launch in mid-July, will include new features, streamlined information on the various Start-Up Challenges, other programs and incubation opportunities, as well as the business mentorship, resource and connections that entrepreneurs and business startups have come to expect from the WTBC. All three WTBC locations also will be featured on the website, including its current incubator clients and the many success stories indicative of IMPACT 307s startup support and business services. Until the new website launches, pieces of IMPACT 307s rebrand will occur on various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. For questions, email impact@uwyo.edu or call (307) 766-6395. " " Marion Doss /Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0) Benito Mussolini and Adolph Hitler in Munich, Germany around 1940. Mussolini wielded a lot of power post-World War I, but was he really responsible for Italy's improved rail industry? In the wake of World War I, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini began his slow and inexorable rise to power. He created Italy's Fascist Party, became prime minister and eventually took full control of the country's day-to-day decision making. Those decisions, of course, had consequences, and Mussolini liked to take credit for everything that went right in Italy, even when it didn't go that well at all. He was particularly fond of saying he was responsible for successful, large-scale public works projects, such as the railroad system. In fact, there's an old saying about Mussolini that goes something like this: "Mussolini made the trains run on time." In other words, even dictators have their good points. Sure, fascism is an often brutal model of efficient government, full of poverty and corruption, but hey, at least the trains were newly punctual [source: Cathcart]. Advertisement But, in Mussolini's case, even this point wasn't exactly true. He used pro-Fascist propaganda to boost his power and selected the rail industry as an example of a key way in which he'd improve daily life for Italians. While there really were some improvements around the country in terms of reduced unemployment and investment in infrastructure this didn't always translate into the supposed perfection perpetuated by propaganda [source: Biography]. Cue the trains. Italy's railway had entered into a state of disrepair after World War I, but after the war ended, there had been a number of measures implemented to boost efficiency. Mussolini, of course, liked to say he was responsible for those improvements. However, those changes actually took place before he assumed power, so technically, he couldn't really take credit (although that didn't stop him). More to the point, the trains didn't always run on time, either. But where did this transportation-crazed fascist come from, anyway? Mussolini led a very troubled life, one that included a violent childhood. He bullied schoolmates and was prone to picking fights. At 10, he stabbed another child in the hand and later stuck a knife in a girlfriend's arm. As a young adult, Mussolini was known for a proclivity for sword fighting. [source: Greenspan]. When Mussolini seized the reins as Italy's dictator in the 1920s, it wasn't a popular move. So, he may have believed his plan for a reliable mode of public transportation would improve his public standing. By riding the coattails of a rail rebuilding project that was already underway when he took over the country, he hoped the trains would help his political aspirations from, well, derailing. Notably, the regime built particularly extravagant stations for the main lines that tourists and visiting politicians were most likely to see, all the better to boost his reputation [source: Dudley]. In the meantime, there were several attempts on his life, and he set a series of dictator-like moves into motion. He banned more than 100 members of parliament, refused to let opposing parties have their say, created a secret police force, did away with local elections and reestablished the death penalty for political crimes. Then, as fascists are wont to do, he made friends with another fascist, Adolf Hitler. Just prior to Hitler's World War II rampage, Mussolini signed a "Pact of Steel" that aligned Italy with Nazi Germany. When the war broke out, Italy fought on the side of the Nazis, but its army was not up to par against the Allies. Soon, even with Germany's assistance, Mussolini was forced out of power and Italy was sidelined in a war that ravaged all of Europe. He escaped arrest with the help of German special forces and for a while served as leader of a puppet government in northern Italy. He seemed all set for a cushy life as a post-war leader. But then, things went horribly sideways for Germany and the Axis Powers. The Allies stormed towards Berlin, smashing Germany's alliances in the process. As the Allies advanced, Mussolini and his mistress disguised themselves and tried to slip unnoticed into Switzerland, where they hoped they'd be safe from retribution. Instead, they were spotted. Mussolini was executed and his corpse hung as part of a macabre display of vengeance in a Milan public square. Those mythical on-time trains, it seems, couldn't save him in the end. Advertisement Originally Published: Mar 31, 2015 Close to one lakh people have been evacuated from the coastal areas of Maharashtra until Wednesday morning, in anticipation of Cyclone Nisarga later today, authorities from the state government and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said. A state official said the evacuation has been mainly carried out Raigad, Palghar and Thane districts along the Maharashtra coast. The cyclone is expected to make landfall around 1 pm at Alibag in Raigad district, 10 nautical miles south of Mumbai, and around 90 km by road. Click here to follow cyclone Nisarga LIVE updates Until Wednesday morning, 20 NDRF teams were deployed in Maharashtra, of which eight are in Mumbai, five in Raigad, two each in Thane, Palghar and Ratnagiri, and one team in Sindhudurg. Each team has up to 45 jawans equipped with tree and pole cutting machines, communication gadgets, inflatable boats, first-aid kits, basic medicines and a rescuer-Covid kit, which includes a hand-wash, soap, gloves, face masks and face shields. There are more than 40 teams across the western coast, as Gujarat also prepared for the cyclones impact. Sachidanand Gawde, second-in-command, NDRF Pune, said that the teams continue to make announcements via loudspeakers asking people living near the coast to evacuate. Our men have been stationed in different pockets and are assisting district administrations in evacuation measures, Gawde said. Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had appealed to citizens on Tuesday to not step out of their homes on Wednesday and Thursday. Offices, industries and other activities, which have started functioning, will be shut tomorrow and day after. Do not leave your house for your own safety and well-being, he said. All fishermen on the coastline have been contacted and have returned home. They will not be able to venture into the sea for at least two days. Though the cyclone may make landfall at Alibag, everyone from Mumbai to Sindhudurg and Palghar must be on alert. Most district collectors have imposed a curfew for the next three days in the tehsils expected to be hit by the cyclone. Mumbai Police on Tuesday issued an order restricting assembly of one or more persons at areas such as beaches, parks and promenades along the coastline. A Mumbai Police tweet on June 2 said, Section 144 (CrPC) has been promulgated in the city from 00:00 hours, June 3rd till 12:00 hours, June 4th. Refrain from venturing out to coast-beaches, promenades, parks and other similar places along the coastline. Mumbai fire brigade authorities said 150 fire personnel and 94 lifeguards are on stand-by in the city. The fire brigade has 63 fire engines fitted with hydraulic, electrical and mechanical gear for cutting, lifting, spreading and quenching, and five rescue vans with stretchers, flash lights, portable generators, cutters and chainsaws. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has more than 300 dewatering pumps on ground and up to three schools have been identified per ward as rescue shelters. Mumbai has 24 administrative wards. Authorities have also issued a list of dos and donts to be followed by citizens to remain safe. Citizens have been asked to stay away from windows, keep some windows open and some closed to equalise pressure, tie loose things outside their house and move them indoors, stay in the centre of the room and away from corners, regularly inspect battery-operated and reserved power-systems, disconnect power supply of all non-emergency electric equipment and tools, seal important documents and jewellery in a plastic bag and switch off power supply in case of sparks in electric equipment, exposed wires or burning smell. Citizens have been asked to not drive or ride any vehicle, not venture near dilapidated buildings, not move injured people unless absolutely necessary, do not allow oil of other inflammable substances to spill, and clean right away, and keep a watch for broken electric poles and wires and other sharp objects. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After almost three months of COVID-19 restrictions during which Manitobans died in hospital without family members present, and patients communicated with loved ones via telephone or tablets only the province will reopen health centre doors to visitors. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. After almost three months of COVID-19 restrictions during which Manitobans died in hospital without family members present, and patients communicated with loved ones via telephone or tablets only the province will reopen health centre doors to visitors. Health-care facilities will begin gradually easing visitor restrictions Friday after a successful trial earlier this week at Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg. All sites are expected to have new visitation measures in place by June 8. Different numbers of visitors will be allowed depending on what type of ward the patient is on, said Lanette Siragusa, Shared Health chief nursing officer. "We know the last few months have been incredibly difficult for patients and their families. The new visitor guidelines will allow most in-patients to identify a single, designated support person who may visit them once a day," Siragusa said Wednesday. "This will be another evolution, as we learn and adapt through this pandemic. We believe these new guidelines strike a balance between protecting staff and patients, minimizing the spread of COVID, as well as ensuring that those vital connections with loved ones helps to promote health and healing." In-patients who have been in hospital for more than 14 days will be allowed to identify a second support person to visit for the duration of their stay, she said. "Most visitors will be restricted to visiting one at a time, though exceptions will be made for children under 14 who need to be accompanied by an adult," she said. CP In-patients who have been in a Manitoba hospital for more than 14 days will be allowed to identify a second support person to visit for the duration of their stay. (Andre Penner / The Associated Press files) The changes come after weeks of complaints levelled at provincial public health officials. Jack Wiens, 67, died March 22, days after a cancerous lung was removed. Prior to his death, his family tried for three days to convince staff at Winnipeg's Health Sciences Centre to let them visit, but to no avail. After he died, they were allowed into the hospital. "Nobody ever called me they only called me when he was gone," said Wiens' wife, Mary Lou. "When the doctor called and told me, I said, 'How dare you call me now?' If our story is what it takes to open their eyes that even in a pandemic there has to be compassion, let it be... No family should have to go through this." 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. Wiens, who spent decades working with the City of Winnipeg as driver for its mayors (including Robert Steen and Susan Thompson) and police chiefs, had surgery at HSC on March 16 prior to any COVID-19 visitor restrictions. Three days later, while his family was visiting, hospital staff told them they had to leave because officials were now restricting visitors due to the coronavirus. As Wiens' condition spiralled down, his wife called numerous times over the next few days to ask for updates and inquire if she could visit. On March 22, she was told he had been moved to intensive care; another call said doctors were with him; a few minutes later, a doctor called to say her husband had died. "We were then allowed to see him, which is so confusing as we were allowed to march through the ICU where other patients were," daughter Cheryl said, adding the family has submitted a complaint to the hospital. "We were allowed to stay with him as long as we needed, and other family members were allowed as well, so why not when he was alive?" kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca Looting devastates businesses already shaken by virus Already facing an uncertain future amid ongoing restrictions related to the virus, owners must figure out how to rebuild or relocate their companies. By JOYCE M. ROSENBERG AP Business Writer NEW YORK Looting and vandalism in cities across the country have dealt another blow to small businesses that were already reeling from the coronavirus outbreak. Along with big chain stores like Target, Walgreen and Macy's, independent retailers in neighborhoods and downtown sections were targets of vandals and looters who struck as police mobilized to contain large demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Many businesses had been closed by state and local government orders as officials tried to contain the spread of the coronavirus, leaving owners with little or no revenue since March. Now, already facing an uncertain future amid ongoing restrictions related to the virus, owners must figure out how to rebuild or relocate their companies. Over three nights, Ahmed Muhumud's Minneapolis optician shop was vandalized, looted and burned, leaving Midtown Eye Care in ruins. The store was just getting back to business after having been shut since mid-March by the virus outbreak. This has been a difficult couple of months, and now with the protesters and everything that followed it's very difficult, Muhumud said. He's trying to figure out what to do next; the building, which may not be salvageable, is in a hard-hit area with many minority-owned businesses that were also looted and burned. We don't know where to move, Muhumud said. Small businesses employ nearly 60 million people, or nearly half the U.S. workforce. Since the coronavirus brought the U.S. economy to a virtual standstill, the government has loaned businesses hundreds of billions of dollars to help them survive and keep their employees on staff as unemployment soars toward 20%. But some won't make it, and bankruptcies are already on the rise. Even as they pick up pieces of broken glass and try to assess their losses, many owners say they understand the anger over the killing of Floyd, who died after a police officer pressed his knee into Floyd's neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. Johnny Grimes reopened his hair salon in Birmingham, Alabama, on Sunday after being closed for two months due to the virus outbreak. That night the windows of the Wheelhouse Salon were shattered and the establishment looted. As Grimes boarded up the salon Monday, he said he was devastated by what had happened to his business but was sympathetic with those who demonstrated against police brutality. I just hope that this isn't all for nothing, he said. I hope that this does spark some kind of national conversation on race, racial reconciliation, police brutality and how the African American, the black community, is treated in America, said Grimes, who is white. Sam Mabrouk tried to save his denim clothing store from being vandalized and left barren amid demonstrations Friday in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Mabrouk, who arrived from Egypt over a decade ago, owns two retail stores in the city; one, 89 and Pine, was destroyed. Mabrouk said he tried to convince the people ransacking his store and other minority-owned businesses nearby that he understood their cause and begged them to leave his store alone. I lost everything in one night, Mabrouk said of the estimated $70,000 in stolen merchandise. That was my savings from 11 years of working. That's what hurts more than anything. Mabrouk had already lost business due to being shut down amid the virus outbreak but said he wouldn't give up. Even if I only have a thousand pairs of jeans to sell and nothing else, I will start from there, Mabrouk said. In Boston, vandals shattered the front windows at Clarendon Wines Sunday night and stole much of the alcohol at the front of the shop in the city's high-end Back Bay neighborhood. We never thought this could happen, said Kayla Levine, a manager at the store that's been family-owned since the 1940s. Boston has been good about protests. They've been mostly peaceful. We were hoping for the best this time. Levine said she supported the mostly peaceful demonstrations but felt other people had taken advantage of Sunday's protests to cause destruction. It's just really sad because the message gets skewed, she said. Like other stores, Clarendon Wines has been contending with a steep drop in revenue due to the pandemic. The store normally relies heavily on workers in nearby office complexes for its sales, but those customers have been working from home. The pandemic remains an issue for businesses that are able to keep operating because social distancing requirements and weak consumer spending are likely to limit their revenue and income. Many owners, especially restaurateurs, have been uncertain about the future because of the virus, and the violence following Floyd's death has added to that uncertainty. On Monday, one of Patrick & Co.'s two San Francisco stationery stores was held up at knifepoint; the thief took backpacks and threatened employees but no one was hurt. The attack came after both stores had windows broken and merchandise stolen, not only during the protests, but also twice as they were shut due to the pandemic. Owner Jamie Patrick estimates that even with insurance reimbursement, the damage will cost between $15,000 and $20,000, a lot of money in the best of times for a small business, but harder to come up with when revenue is still down because of the pandemic. Having to replace windows and deal with everything else at this point is tough. But we stand with all the people who are protesting peacefully, Patrick said. Mercado, a Minneapolis marketplace for Latino retailers and restaurants, has been closed since March because of the virus outbreak. The restaurants planned to open for outdoor seating on Monday, but last week's violence and looting has forced a delay, says Mercado general manager Eduardo Barrera. The tenants have not yet visited Mercado, and so the damage was still being assessed, Barrera said. I have no idea when we're going to begin coming back, he said. MINNEAPOLIS Counterfeit bills allegedly circulated in the neighborhood around Cup Foods before a reported $20 forgery led to George Floyd's death in police custody on Memorial Day. "I've seen my share of counterfeit bills," said P.J. Hill, a resident of the neighborhood, community leader and member of the Worldwide Outreach for Christ Ministries across the intersection from Cup Foods, where the report of the fake bill was made to police. Two nearby business owners said they did not have a problem with counterfeits or know they were an issue. Floyd allegedly used a counterfeit bill to buy cigarettes at the convenience store last week. The clerk reported it to police, a step that management described as store policy in Facebook posts. Memorials to George Floyd are set up at the Cup Foods store at the corner of Chicago Avenue and East 38th Street in Minneapolis. Four police officers arrived for what is now a notorious arrest, captured on video by bystanders. Police officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes, and Floyd was declared dead shortly thereafter. His death was ruled a homicide. Chauvin and three other police officers were fired; Chauvin faces criminal charges. RELATED: Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin arrested, charged with murder in George Floyd's death "It went from a counterfeit bill to a man being killed to millions of people around the nation just hurting," Hill said. "Then to people being angry and responding in a militant way and destroying, burning cities. Then to a grieving and trying to protest. "You just think about that, all from a counterfeit bill," Hill said. In Minnesota, the highest penalty for knowingly using counterfeit money less than $1,000 is up to one year in prison and a fine up to $3,000. What happened to that bill? Public officials have been mum on the location of the alleged counterfeit, citing investigations and lawsuits. A spokesman for the Minneapolis Police Department referred a reporter to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Story continues "Under Minnesota law, the BCA is unable to discuss evidence or details of an open and active investigation," BCA Public Information Officer Jill Oliveira wrote in an email to USA TODAY. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will help prosecute Chauvin. Spokesman John Stiles said officials couldn't comment on investigative data. What did the bill look like? In the 911 transcript a Cup Foods clerk told the dispatcher, "Um, someone comes our store and give us fake bills and we realize it before he left the store, and we ran back outside, they was sitting on their car." Angel Stately, a former employee and customer of the shop, told The New York Times she saw the bill and the ink was running on it. Stately could not be reached for additional comment. Cup Foods owner Mahmoud Abumayyaleh questioned whether Floyd even knew he used a counterfeit, in a statement posted on Facebook Sunday. He told TRT, a Turkish public broadcast service, that normally officers ask a few questions about counterfeits, "put it in a bag and take it." "As a check-cashing business, this is a routine practice for us: we report forged money, then the police come and ask patrons about the bill to trace its origin. Upon receiving a counterfeit bill from George Floyd, one of our employees called the police in accordance with this procedure," according to the statement on Facebook. Abumayyaleh and the store's spokesman did not respond to messages seeking additional comment. Abumayyaleh was not at the store during the incident, according to his statement. The business has been open for more than three decades, and Abumayyaleh expressed grief and outrage over what happened to Floyd: "There is no justification for the use of reckless force displayed by the police that murdered George Floyd." Other issues with counterfeits? Dalfonzo Credit described the alleged fake $20 bill as a "nudge" that pushed police over the edge. He lives in the area and said Floyd's death is not the first problem with the Minneapolis Police Department. "It kind of feels like a drop in the bucket," Credit said. He's never seen a $20 counterfeit, but he's seen other fakes. "Most stores are catching bills nowadays. It's never been a problem where the police have been called," he said. Hamza Refaya, owner of Mill City Auto Body, less than a block north of Cup Foods, and his brother-in-law Moses Wazwaz said they have not had any issues with counterfeits or heard of any issues before Floyd's arrest and death. Cubtan Nur runs a business a few doors south of Cup Foods called Axis Home PCA Agency, which does not rely on cash transactions. She's been there two years. "This is the first time I'm hearing (about counterfeits)," Nur said. To Hill, using fake bills is not right, but he understands why people with low incomes would use a counterfeit, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak when many have lost jobs and income. Police lack that compassion, Hill said. "I'm not saying don't police that, definitely need to police that," Hill said. "But police it in a different way. ... We need more compassion." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Floyd: Where is the alleged counterfeit $20 bill? PAISLEY, Scotland, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Skills Training Group, an award-winning training provider with training centers in Paisley and Dalgety Bay, Fife, is now fully accredited to deliver first aid training courses. They are already the market leader for heating, plumbing & electrical courses in Scotland, working with many of the country's largest and reputable sector employers. First aid training now marks a new, exciting chapter for the company. Mark McShane, Managing Director at Skills Training Group, said, "We're delighted to be able to add first aid training to our syllabus of courses. It's exciting times ahead and we already have a current client base who require this training, so it was a natural extension to our company. Furthermore, to be able to deliver training that saves lives makes it a fulfilling prospect." Skills Training Group is accredited by the First Aid Industry Board (FAIB) as well as the Federation of First Aid Training Organizations (FOFATO) to deliver their courses. First aid courses available are: - Emergency First Aid at Work Course (1 Day) - First Aid at Work Course (3 Days) - First Aid at Work Refresher Course (2 Days) Skills Training Group's full range of first aid courses can be found on their website - https://www.skillstg.co.uk/category/first-aid-training-courses/ Training is delivered from their Paisley training center, five minutes from Glasgow Airport, as well as their Dalgety Bay training center in Fife. Although training is mostly delivered in their centers, there is also the option for training to be delivered at the employers' workplace nationwide. For further information regarding first aid courses, please contact a training advisor today. Mark McShane Press Contact, Skills Training Group [email protected] 01418894516 SOURCE Skills Training Group Related Links https://www.skillstg.co.uk British Airways could be stripped of lucrative landing slots at Heathrow Airport after it was accused of abusing the Government's furloughing scheme. Britain's flag carrier is facing a growing backlash from MPs, ministers and union leaders after claiming taxpayer subsidies to pay the wages of 23,000 staff, shortly before announcing 12,000 job cuts. The move, which was criticised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week, could now prove costly for Britain's flag carrier. BA is facing a growing backlash from MPs, ministers and union leaders after claiming taxpayer subsidies to pay the wages of 23,000 staff, shortly before announcing 12,000 job cuts Aviation minister Kelly Tolhurst yesterday voiced concerns about BA's use of the Job Retention Scheme and pledged to review the allocation of landing slots at Heathrow, which has given it a stranglehold at Britain's busiest airport. Speaking on behalf of Chancellor Rishi Sunak, she said the scheme 'was not designed for taxpayers to fund the wages of employees, only for those companies to put the same staff on notice of redundancy during the furlough period'. Asked whether airline slots will be transferred to airlines that are taking on workers, Tolhurst replied: 'I want to ensure the slots allocation process encourages competition and provides connectivity, so this is something that I will be looking at.' The minister was responding to an urgent question in Parliament from Huw Merriman, a Tory MP and chairman of the House of Commons transport committee. Echoing concerns raised by the Unite and GMB unions, he accused the airline of 'effectively sacking' its entire workforce of 42,000 people and trying to rehire the 30,000 who survive the job cuts on 'inferior terms'. The airline has submitted notices to staff and unions, warning them that their pay, perks and benefits are under review. Merriman said: 'It's ethically outrageous that our national flag-carrier is doing this at a time when the nation is at its weakest and when we expect the country to do its bit.' The senior MP then urged the Government to 'use its full weight to stop unscrupulous employers from using this pandemic as a chance to slash terms and conditions'. He said the Department for Transport should ask the Civil Aviation Authority to launch an 'urgent review' into reallocating lucrative landing slots at Heathrow, and giving them to airlines that want to expand. And he called for a Government review into the Job Retention Scheme to stop employers furloughing staff at the expense of the taxpayer while simultaneously putting those same employees on redundancy notice. BA occupies just over half the landing slots at Heathrow. These slots, which give an airline the right to take off and land at a certain time, can be worth several millions of pounds at Heathrow. The aviation industry has been brought to its knees by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has grounded planes and devastated the global tourism industry. A succession of major airlines, including Easyjet and Virgin Atlantic, have also announced mass redundancies shortly after furloughing thousands of jobs. When it announced the job cuts in April, BA warned it does not expect demand for air travel to return to 2019 levels before 2023. Calling for a review into BA's landing slots at Heathrow, Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: 'No other employer has threatened to effectively fire and rehire its workforce.' But in a letter to staff, BA chief executive Alex Cruz hit back, stressing: 'I want to save as many jobs as possible.' He said the Government's decision to enforce a 14-day quarantine on anyone travelling to Britain from Monday has 'dealt another blow to our industry'. He added: 'Bizarrely, the unions are now campaigning to have Heathrow slots taken away from British Airways. 'I don't need to tell you that every slot lost will lead to jobs in BA being permanently lost.' Nearly all of California has moved ahead to advanced Stage 2 coronavirus reopening plans - with much of the Bay Area a notable exception. How do the counties here compare on critical benchmarks to those areas reopening more quickly and allowing things like sit-down dining? All California counties have been in Stage 2 for at least a few weeks, allowing lower-risk businesses to reopen. But progressing from early Stage 2 to advanced Stage 2 represents a big step, with dine-in restaurants, hair salons and schools allowed to reopen in the later phase. Just seven counties remain in early Stage 2 guidelines, and six are in the Bay Area: San Francisco, Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Marin. (The seventh is Imperial in Southern California.) To increase the pace for reopening, the state requires counties to submit attestation applications that share a laundry list of information, including clear protocols for safely reopening, new COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates, staffing levels for contact tracing, low positive test results, surge capacity at hospitals, and test sites within 30-minute driving time for 75% of residents. Todd Trumbull We looked at some of the states criteria for moving further on reopening, comparing the data in Bay Area counties against that of some of the larger Southern California counties. Heres what we found. How the Bay Area compares on new coronavirus cases In order for a county to have its application to advance approved, it must report fewer than 25 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents over 14 days, or fewer than 8% of new test results coming back positive over seven days. As the chart at the top of this story shows, Los Angeles County, one of the last to be approved to move to advanced Stage 2, soars above the rest of the counties in terms of new cases, with 168 cases per 100,000 residents over the past 14 days. Los Angeles reported the highest single-day increase of cases on May 30 with more than 2,000 logged. Officials say the high number was partly due to a testing backlog. And Los Angeles has worked to increase testing capacity. In late April, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that any county resident, regardless of symptoms, could receive a free coronavirus test. The county tested 10,000 in one day, three times the normal amount previously. But Los Angeles, at more than six times the state standard, isnt alone in not meeting the guideline on new cases. The chart above shows none of the larger Southern California counties is even close to meeting the state benchmark. Among Bay Area counties, Santa Clara is the only one currently meeting the state guideline. Early in the pandemic, Santa Clara was the Bay Areas coronavirus epicenter, with case spikes at the end of March and mid-April. But that has since changed, with daily case counts dropping significantly and remaining steady for the past month and a half. Its given officials the confidence to advance further into Stage 2, allowing outdoor dining, shopping, child care and religious services to resume on Friday. Todd Trumbull With many areas still not meeting the states benchmark for new case counts, these counties have justified advancing based on the alternative metric allowed by the state: percentage of positive test results over a seven-day span. All of the Southern California counties are under the states guideline of fewer than 8% of all tests performed coming back with positive results. Orange County was barely below the state guideline according to numbers reported in its attestation application. The county continues to see spikes, most recently 213 new cases on Monday, one of the highest single-day totals during the pandemic. A number of these cases can be attributed to nursing homes and prisons. In early May, Orange County reopened its beaches. San Bernardino also teeters on the line for both criteria. On May 23, with an average positive test rate of 7%, the county won approval to reopen restaurants and retail stores. Since then, daily case counts have remained high, and on May 28, there was a nearly 20% increase in ICU patients. All Bay Area counties are well under the state guideline. Even Alameda County, which overtook Santa Clara in total cases after a recent spike, is reporting that about 5% of tests over the past seven days have been positive. That figure, while highest among the Bay Area counties, is better than most of the counties that are opening more quickly. Todd Trumbull What about testing capacity? The states required minimum testing volume to reopen faster is 1.5 tests per 1,000 residents. Though few counties ever actually test this many people, they must show the capacity to perform that number of tests in a given day or justify on the application a reason if they cant hit that baseline. Alameda, where cases have recently been surging, is only halfway to reaching the state testing guideline. The county has doubled testing efforts over the past month, aimed particularly at low-income residents and communities of color where infection rates overall are higher. Two weeks ago, Santa Clara County began providing coronavirus testing to all county residents, regardless of symptoms, yet its daily average is just 53% of the state guideline. But the guideline is based on capacity, not actual testing, and most Bay Area counties have surpassed the state guideline on certain dates, which would qualify them for approval. A recent report stated Santa Claras capacity for testing at more than 7,000 per day. San Francisco and Marin actually exceeded the state measure of tests per day over the past week. 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. Its also important to note the Bay Areas more strict checklist for a full reopening calls for two tests per 1,000 residents and none of the Bay Area counties has met that goal. While Orange County made an effort in late April to ramp up testing, it has the lowest number for actual tests per day out of the larger Southern California counties. It averaged less than 31% of the state standard during the week it filed attestation papers. Los Angeles is the only one among these counties to actually perform the number of tests required to meet the benchmark at the time they filed their application. Todd Trumbull How does the Bay Area compare on contact tracing? The state guidelines for reopening faster require at least 15 staff per 100,000 county population trained and available for contact tracing. Most counties that have been approved did not have that level of staffing at the time of their application, but outlined a plan to hire and train adequate staff. Only San Francisco and Los Angeles are actually meeting state goals for contact tracing. San Francisco has 276 tracers employed, which is more than twice the number required by the state. Los Angeles 1,759 contact tracers are 114% of the threshold. Again, however, six counties in the Bay Area have set a stricter benchmark for contact tracing than the state, and none of the six counties have met that goal yet. For example, the state wants Santa Clara to have nearly 300 trained tracers but its stated goal is 1,000. Gov. Gavin Newsom tapped UCSF and UCLA to build a contact-tracing army of up to 20,000 civil servants and volunteers via an online training academy. The goal is to conduct contract tracing for every single case in California, but all of the other counties are well behind the state guideline. Todd Trumbull designed the graphics in this article. Kellie Hwang and Mike Massa are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com, mmassa@sfchronicle.com Comcast's Philadelphia headquarters. (Matt Rourke / Associated Press) Comcast shareholders, led by Chairman Brian Roberts, rejected three proposals from investors, including a demand for an outside investigation into sexual harassment at NBC News. The Philadelphia-based cable giant's investors also tossed out shareholder requests to detail its lobbying efforts Comcast spent more than $15 million in lobbying in 2018 and a proposal that the company's board be led by an independent chairman. Roberts, the scion of Comcast's founding family, has served as the company's chairman and chief executive for more than a decade. The company conducted its annual meeting of shareholders via webcast Wednesday, rather than the traditional in-person gathering, because of COVID-19 social distancing recommendations. The 43-minute affair included an array of questions from investors, with a request by an elderly couple for "senior discounts" offered to cable customers nationwide and allegations that certain MSNBC anchors have given tacit support to protesters in some of the violence gripping American cities. Protests have been sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in police custody. "It is truly heartbreaking and tragic that, in 2020, we find our society still struggling with issues that are so core to human dignity. Racism, injustice, violence have no place and cannot be tolerated," Roberts said. "By and large, I think the coverage continues to inform and educate our society. ... But thank you for your comment." However, Wednesday's forum shone a light on lingering frustration over NBCUniversal's decision not to seek an independent review of NBC News' culture following allegations of sexual misconduct by former "Today" show anchor Matt Lauer. NBC's internal investigation found that management was unaware of allegations of misconduct by Lauer before November 2017. The review was conducted by NBC legal counsel with assistance from two outside law firms. They concluded that before a woman reported Lauer in November 2017, there hadn't been complaints to management or human resources regarding the former anchor, who had worked at the network for 23 years. Story continues Other media companies, including CBS Corp. and Rupert Murdoch's Fox company, quickly turned to outside law firms to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct by high-level employees. The issue surfaced again last fall, when investigative reporter Ronan Farrow alleged that NBC brass covered up serious allegations against Lauer claims that NBC has consistently denied. Lauer has acknowledged having affairs but said they were consensual and criticized Farrow's reporting methods. Farrow left NBC in August 2017 amid frustrations over NBC News' handling of his reporting on disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. Farrow took his Weinstein story to the New Yorker magazine, which published his blockbuster report in October 2017. He went on to win a Pulitzer Prize. Since the Lauer affair, there have been other controversies, including over sexist comments made by former MSNBC anchor Chris Matthews and Simon Cowell, a judge on NBC's prime-time show "America's Got Talent." In the case of the reality show, NBC hired an outside firm to look into allegations of whether there was a racist and toxic environment on set. Last week, the company announced that a review into Gabrielle Union's high-profile exit from "America's Got Talent" found that workplace issues had no bearing on her dismissal from the show. One shareholder, Arjuna Capital of Manchester, Mass., requested the company conduct an "independent investigation and report on risks posed by failing to prevent sexual harassment." The firm noted that NBC News' digital editorial staff voted to form a union with the NewsGuild of New York because staff members, among other things, have "serious questions" about management's handling of allegations of workplace sexual misconduct. Allegations about inappropriate comments by managers have been made by three Comcast call center employees, according to Arjuna. "Workplace harassment can harm shareholder value," Arjuna Capital wrote in its proposal. "To avoid legal and reputational risk, as the employer of 184,000 workers, Comcast must create a culture of accountability and transparency, and protect employees from harassment and discrimination." Comcast urged shareholders to reject the independent review, saying "our company has been built on a foundation of respect, integrity and trust, and we are committed to creating a work environment that promotes those values." Comcast did not release actual vote totals. The Roberts family controls 33% of its voting shares. The company said it would provide a breakdown of the votes in a Security & Exchange Commission filing within four business days. More than a week after the death of George Floyd, the San Diego police said that it will end the controversial practice of carotid restraint. San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer and police chief David Nisleit said at a press conference on Monday that the practice will be immediately stopped. Nisleit also said that this is the right thing to do for the community. Also read: He will never see her grow up, graduate, says mother of George Floyds daughter Under the carotid restraint, an immobilisation technique, a police officer applies pressure to sides of a detainees neck to render him unconscious. But no police academy that we know of teaches a police officer to use their knee, to put it on their neck, Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, which researches and advises on police practices, to,d news agency Associated Press. Thats just not taught because that can impact their breathing and their carotid artery (a crucial vessel that supplies blood to the brain), he added. Officers are also taught to get a suspect up from the ground as soon as possible, either sitting or standing, since lying on ones stomach can cause breathing problems, especially for larger people. Also Read: Donald Trump threatens to send in army as protests against Floyds death simmer Floyd, 46, was arrested on Monday (May 25) in Minneapolis after an employee at a grocery store called police to accuse him of trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. The cellphone video shows Floyd, who is black, face-down on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back, as officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, uses the knee restraint on his neck. Floyds head is turned to the side and he does not appear to be resisting. As the minutes tick by and Chauvin continues to hold him down, Floyds complaints about not being able to breathe stop as he falls silent and motionless. Toward the end of the video, paramedics arrive, lift a limp Floyd onto a stretcher and place him in an ambulance. He wasnt actively resisting, and he was saying he couldnt breathe, said Charles P. Stephenson, a former police officer and FBI agent with expertise in use-of-force tactics. You have to understand that possibility is there (that Floyd couldnt breathe), and you release any kind of restriction you might have on an airway immediately. Chauvin and the three other responding officers have been fired, and the FBI is investigating whether they willfully deprived Floyd of his civil rights. Other cities like New York and Chicago have already banned the practice of restraining a person throug this controversial hold. However, Minneapolis where Floyd was killed, allows it. WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday that he does not support invoking the Insurrection Act, a law from 1807 that would allow President Donald Trump to deploy active-duty U.S. troops to respond to civil unrest in cities across the country. "I say this not only as Secretary of Defense, but also as a former soldier and a former member of the National Guard, the option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort, and only in the most urgent and dire situations. We are not in one of those situations now," Esper said. "I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act," he added. Meanwhile, NBC News, citing two White House officials, reported that Trump is backing off the idea of invoking the act, at least for now. "It has always been an option and remains an option," an official told NBC. This person said things have improved "because of the influx of National Guard and the president's pressure on governors." But Esper's remarks reportedly angered Trump and his aides at the White House, according to Bloomberg News. The outlet, citing Trump aides, said the White House viewed Esper's remarks as out of line. Bloomberg said the aides didn't expect Trump to fire Esper. A senior administration official later told NBC News that Esper's comments "were not well received" inside the White House. Esper met with Trump on Wednesday afternoon in a previously scheduled sitdown. LANSING (AP) A Republican legislative leader said Wednesday that Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lied and engaged in a cover-up by requesting the removal of a social media post about her husbands attempt to get his boat in the water during the coronavirus pandemic, only to later acknowledge he did drop her name as a joke. The governor confirmed Tuesday that her husband, Marc Mallory, called a dock company last week before he traveled to their home in the Elk Rapids area, after she had urged people to think long and hard about visiting the region. Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey questioned why her staff contacted his office Friday to successfully push Republican Sen. Tom Barrett to delete his Facebook post about Mallory. The post was based on a post by the owner of NorthShore Dock, who said his staff took a call from Mallory asking if his boat could be put in the water before the Memorial Day weekend. When Mallory was told there was no chance, Tad Dowker wrote, Mallory replied, I am the husband to the governor, will this make a difference?' according to The Detroit News. NorthShore Dock subsequently said on Facebook that Mallory was respectful and understood why the company could not quickly get his boat in the water. The governor lied. Not only did she lie, but she directed her staff to lie on her behalf in order to cover up her own lies, Shirkey said in statements from the Senate floor. He said Whitmers staff was emphatic that the story was false and that it should be removed. Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown said Shirkeys comment were incorrect and unfair, and frankly, he owes the governor an apology. She has been completely honest about the situation and she never directed her staff to mislead anyone or to contact his office. The relationship between Shirkey, of Clarklake, and Whitmer has been bad for some time, even before her statewide stay-at-home orders to curb COVID-19 prompted a lawsuit from the GOP-controlled Legislature. Last year, he used the word bat and an expletive to call her crazy. A month ago, her office broke decorum and released to the media emails detailing Shirkeys proposal related to extensions of her declared coronavirus emergency. Gretchen Whitmers husband pleaded to get boat in water Barrett, of Charlotte, said he took down his post at the request of the governors office out of an abundance of caution but quickly re-verified the story over the weekend. Her staff moved from expressly denying it to the Senate leadership to not engaging on the issue at all. Then by Tuesday, she tried to cover it up as a joke, he said. Now the governor has impugned the credibility of a small business owner in northern Michigan and impugned the integrity of me, and I take my integrity very seriously. Brown confirmed that one of Whitmers staffers reached out to Shirkeys office on staffs own initiative (regarding not posting about the governors family) based on an assumption that was obviously incorrect. When it became clear, the staff member called, explained and apologized. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 05:53:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PRAGUE, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The prime ministers of the Visegrad group (V4), namely the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, spoke on Tuesday with European Council President Charles Michel about European Union (EU) funds allocated to their respective countries, according to Czech Government Office. The group discussed the EU Reconstruction Fund and the Multiannual Financial Framework, stressing the necessity to clarify the conditions of loans distributed by the European Commission (EC), said the Government Office in a release. "The Prime Ministers of the V4 identified the allocation criteria as an absolutely key issue. All Member States are facing a major economic downturn, so the distribution of funds should not disadvantage countries that have managed the pandemic well," said the release. The Czech Republic is expected to receive nearly 20 billion euros (22.4 billion U.S. dollars) from an extraordinary EC fund meant to prop up the economies of the EU members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to local media reports. The EC allotment comes from a 750 billion-euro (840 billion U.S. dollars) proposal for direct payments and loans to affected countries. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis criticized certain factors in determining the distribution of these funds, for example, unemployment, which the Czech Republic has had at a markedly low level for several years. "I do not agree with the criterion of the unemployment rate in 2015-2019, for example, because it is not related to the problems caused by the coronavirus crisis," said Babis. Enditem Wells Fargo will stop providing loans to a majority of its independent auto dealer customers due to the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday. "We are doing everything we can to help customers weather the economic impacts of this health crisis ... we also have an obligation to review our business practices in light of the economic uncertainty presented by COVID-19," the spokeswoman said in an email. Wells Fargo has let the majority of its independent dealership customers know that it will suspend accepting loan applications, the spokeswoman said, adding that the bank will continue doing business with customers with whom it has "deep, long-standing relationships". CNBC reported earlier on Tuesday the lender, who is worried about defaults, had informed hundreds of dealerships last month that it would drop them as customers. The bank in April said it has set aside nearly $4 billion to cover expected loan losses due to the coronavirus outbreak. Wells Fargo, the largest U.S. mortgage lender, is already offering fewer home loan products during the economic downturn. Scandal-plagued Wells Fargo has an unprecedented growth restriction on its balance sheet, which has limited its ability to make loans to help customers through the crisis. The U.S. Federal Reserve has "temporarily and narrowly" modified the growth restriction on the lender's balance sheet. Related Video: Click here to See Video >> Three terrorists believed to be part of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) group were gunned down by security forces on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama, police said, in the second encounter in the district in the last 24 hours. The joint operation was launched by the Indian Armys Rashtriya Rifle, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the state police in Kangan Murran village of south Kashmirs Pulwama on specific information. Dilbag Singh, J-Ks director general of police, confirmed that three Jaish terrorists were killed in the encounter and that their identities have been ascertained. Sources said that one of the terrorists killed could be a so-call top commander of Jaish, who has been active in south Kashmir. Since the last few weeks, police have not been revealing the identities of terrorists killed in encounters and they are being buried away from their native villages. Police said only family members are allowed to participate in the funerals. On Tuesday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district. The terrorists, who sources said were locals, were killed in a gunfight which erupted after a search operation was launched by a joint team of the state police and the army at Saimoh village. Two AK-47 assault rifles were recovered from the encounter site. On Monday, three heavily-armed terrorists were killed along the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. They attempted to sneak into India but were intercepted by the alert troops near Kalal village, triggering a gunfight, officials said. Since the Covid-19 lockdown, 44 terrorists and two associates have been killed in encounters in Jammu and Kashmir. Adorable photographs show the moment two firefighters are called to the rescue of a mother duck whose fluffy ducklings had fallen down the drain. The anxious mother and her brood appeared to have been separated when four of her six little ones dropped through cracks in the drain while crossing the street. Fire crew were called to assist the quacking mother, as she frantically tried to save her ducklings in Micklegate in York city centre at around 6.20am on Saturday. Fire crew were called to assist the quacking mother, as she frantically tried to save her ducklings from the drain Thankfully the compassionate firemen, armed with rubber gloves and a crow bar, were able to coax the baby birds out, lifting them one by one to be reunited with their mother. Just moments later the flock is seen reassembling, following their mother in formation down the street and past the fire truck that had arrived to rescue them. Another picture shows the amused firemen, who are wearing full protective gear, snap a picture from their truck. Amused firemen, who are wearing full protective gear, snap a picture from their truck A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Crew were mobilised to assist a mother duck to release four ducklings from a drain using a halligan tool.' The halligan tool is a crow-bar type implement used by firefighters and law enforcement to gain entry and break free. Individuals who spot ducklings who have become stuck are advised to ring the RSPCA or their local fire authority. RYANAIR'S efforts to have a US class action lawsuit against it dismissed have failed, but the judge presiding over the case has said many of the complaints levelled against the carrier don't have any actionable basis. The lawsuit was launched in New York in 2018 by the City of Birmingham Firemen's and Policemen's Supplemental Pension System, following a pilot rostering fiasco at Ryanair in 2017 which ultimately saw it recognise trade unions. Judge Paul Oetken dismissed claims in the complaint that the sale of six million shares by Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary in months prior to a pilot rostering failure and subsequent union recognition represented a fraudulent motive. "The fact O'Leary retained the vast majority of his stock holdings substantially undermines plaintiff's claim that O'Leary was motivated to commit fraud," he said. "It is implausible that O'Leary would engage in (what) the fraud plaintiffs allege and knowingly leave the overwhelming majority of his stock - worth more than 727m after the May 2018 sale - to lose value," lawyers for Mr O'Leary and the airline told the court last year. However, Ryanair will have to answer the case filed against it to the extent that it made statements regarding the slim chance that there would ever be unionisation at the airline, but then recognising trade unions in December 2017. The judge said statements by Mr O'Leary indicted a "near certainty" that Ryanair would not recognise trade unions. "These statements are impossible to reconcile with O'Leary's subsequent admission that he had 'long anticipated' unionisation," noted the judge in a ruling this week on Ryanair's motion to have the case against it dismissed. "This admission is direct evidence of defendants' knowledge of the true likelihood of unionisation at the time they made the statements denying the existence of any likelihood," he said. But Judge Oetken dismissed other claims made in the case, including those related to statements about Ryanair's profitability, growth targets and labour relations. The judge said statements made by Ryanair that it was attracting pilots with "industry-leading" job security and pay, and "excellent working conditions", are not actionable because there are "quintessential puffery" - statements that are "too general to cause a reasonable investor to rely on them". The judge also noted that the plaintiff had argued that Ryanair failed to disclose that the airline would be unable to meet its growth target of carrying 200 million passengers a year by 2024 without unionisation, specifically because the target relied on expanding operations in union-friendly regions such as France and Scandinavia. "Once more, plaintiff fails to plead the falsity of these statements because it cites no specific evidence, available to defendants at the time of the omission, establishing that the growth targets indeed required unionisation," said the judge. "In sum, plaintiff has failed to establish falsity, materiality and scienter [intent] for all of the potentially actionable statements listed in the complaint, with the sole exception of defendants' statements regarding the likelihood of unionisation," he added. The judge has now given the plaintiff leave to amend the complaint filed against Ryanair. The airline said it does not comment on pending legal matters. Bird is scrapping thousands of e-scooters in the Middle East and shutting down its operations in the majority of the region as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to five people familiar with the matter. The e-scooters being scrapped belong to Circ, which was acquired by Bird for an undisclosed sum in January. There are between 8,000 and 10,000 Circ scooters across cities in Qatar, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates, according to one former employee and one company source who asked to be kept anonymous as they've signed a confidentiality agreement. Bird is paying around $300,000 to have all of Circ's scooters in the Middle East scrapped, the former employee told CNBC. Bird said it has "temporarily paused operations" in the Middle East because of the hot weather, adding that it is using the break to "recycle" some vehicles. Bird will continue to operate its own scooters in Tel Aviv. "During this pause, we are taking the opportunity to responsibly recycle parts of the old Circ fleet that were previously used in the region," a Bird spokesperson said. "Following extreme wear and tear, the Circ vehicles no longer met our rigorous quality standards. Selling or re-use of these vehicles would potentially result in safety and reliability issues, which would not have been fair or ethical to the purchasers or potential riders. We look forward to resuming our service throughout more parts of the region later this year." 'People before cars' says green councillor A Douglas councillor believes theres an opportunity for a major road in the Islands capital to go green, following the lockdown effect on traffic. Andrew Bentley of Derby Ward, who has been campaigning to keep Lord Street one-way, has unveiled plans which involve a cycle lane and tree planting. He says any costs to make changes to the road, which would accommodate active travel and make it safe for families, would be minimal. These ideas are being used all around the world as we come out of lockdown Mr Bentley says. From Manchester to Milan, they are repurposing areas of road to facilitate social distancing and to reappraise what they value in their town. In September last year, Lord Street formed part of a regeneration scheme which also included Market Hill. The works carried out by the Department of Infrastructure led to a one-way system put in place from the bus station to Ridgeway Street, for the last eight months. A spokesperson for the department says there are no plans to retain the one-way system in Lord Street beyond the current improvement scheme, adding the road is designed for two-way traffic. Mr Bentley, who is also the Green Party chair, calls Lord Street the gateway street due to its connection with the Sea Terminal. He spoke to Local Democracy Reporter Aaron Ibanez: A spokesperson for the department says there are no plans to retain the one-way system in Lord Street beyond the current improvement scheme, adding the road is designed for two-way traffic. Media Bentley 1 Australians who were looking forward to a summer holiday in Greece will not be allowed to go because travelling outside the country without exemption remains illegal. 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. Australians must seek exemption from the government in order to leave the country and tourism is not a sufficient enough excuse. Despite Australians being offered a quarantine-free arrival, health officials warn that there remains a significant health risk on the Mediterranean island due to the coronavirus pandemic. 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 Greece's ambassador to Australia, George Papacostas, claims the quarantine free arrival is impossible due to no direct flights travelling to the country. Travellers would have to make their way en-route Qatar, UAE or Asia which have been temporarily blacklisted from Greece due to the coronavirus, The Guardian reported. By travelling en-route through Qatar, UAE or Asia, the quarantine-free period in turn becomes invalid. Upon returning from overseas, Australians will continue to be subject to the 14-day mandatory hotel quarantine. However, a Department of Home Affairs spokeswoman said Australian dual-nationals who leave the country on their foreign passport wouldn't need an exemption at the airport. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force for comment. Australian health officials have pointed out that travel to the Mediterranean island poses a significant health risk during the pandemic and is in fact illegal Tourism and related industries make up around 20 per cent of the Greek economy, and the government has been anxious to ensure the tourist season is not lost this year. 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 '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 on Friday. 'Our aim is to be able to welcome every tourist who has overcome their fear and has the ability to travel to our country.' Peter Collignon, a professor of infectious diseases at the Australian National University, said there's a greater risk in contracting COVID-19 due to the difference in testing. 'I would be worried about going to a place where there's not been the same amount of testing as Australia. You've got to assume both the guests you're with and people in your hotel could be carrying Covid-19,' he told The Guardian. 'We can't even go to Queensland now, let alone Greece.' 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. 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. New Delhi: With 8909 fresh cases and 217 deaths in a day, novel coronavirus cases were once again on all-time high on Wednesday in India as overall figures zipped past 2 lakh. The government figures were 2,07,615 cases and 5,815 deaths while other agencies put total numbers to 2,08,543 and 5,834 deaths. Presently, there are 1,01,497 active cases and all are under active medical supervision. Government officials said that during the last 24 hours, 4,776 COVID-19 patients have been cured. Thus, so far, a total of 1,00,303 patients have been cured of COVID-19 and the recovery rate is 48.31%. The fatality rate is 2.80%. Officials added that the testing capacity has increased through 480 government and 208 private laboratories (total 688) and cumulatively 41,03,233 samples have been tested so far out of which 1,37,158 samples were tested on Tuesday. Out of the total new cases, maximum continue to come from four states -- Maharashtra (2,287 cases, 103 deaths), Tamil Nadu (1091 cases, 13 deaths), Delhi (1298 cases, 33 deaths), and Gujarat (417 cases, 29 deaths). In fact, Delhi, that recorded its highest single-day spike of 1,298 coronavirus cases, has now set up a 5-member committee to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and look into overall preparedness of hospitals to battle COVID-19. The committee will guide the Delhi government on any areas where strengthening of infrastructure is required to better manage the pandemic in Delhi. Delhi now has 22,132 cases and 556 deaths. However, June is turning to a more tense period for the health agencies as cases continue to rise big time since May 31. With states contemplating opening religious places, malls, market places and interstate public transport, the numbers are expected to shoot up further. The Badrinath temple's chief priest has urged the Uttarakhand government to keep the yatra to the Himalayan shrine suspended till June 30 for safety reasons in view of the rising number of coronavirus cases. This comes after the state government said that it was preparing to start the Chardham yatra on a limited scale from June 8. Haryana on Wednesday resumed inter-state public transport services that had remained suspended for over two months in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown. Barring Delhi, which has ordered sealing of its borders for a week in the wake of the rising coronavirus cases in the city, the Haryana Roadways buses will ply to other states like Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. PERTH, Western Australia, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perseus Mining Limited (Perseus or the Company) (TSX & ASX: PRU) wishes to advise that Perseus and Exore Resources Limited (ASX:ERX) have entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed under which it is proposed that Perseus (or a subsidiary of Perseus) will acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Exore by way of scheme of arrangement. HIGHLIGHTS Perseus to acquire 100% of Exore by way of scheme of arrangement in an all-share transaction under which, if implemented, Exore shareholders will receive 1 Perseus share for every 12.79 Exore shares held The Scheme delivers compelling value to Exore shareholders: Based on Perseuss 10 trading day VWAP, Scheme Consideration values Exore at a fully diluted equity value of A$59.8 million 1 or A$0.098 per share Based on Perseuss last closing share price on June 2, 2020, Scheme Consideration values Exore at a fully diluted equity value of A$64.0 million 1 or A$0.105 per share Based on Perseuss 10 trading day VWAP, Scheme Consideration values Exore at a fully diluted equity value of A$59.8 million or A$0.098 per share Based on Perseuss last closing share price on June 2, 2020, Scheme Consideration values Exore at a fully diluted equity value of A$64.0 million or A$0.105 per share At Perseuss last closing price, the Implied Scheme Consideration represents a premium of: 69% to Exores closing share price of A$0.062 on June 2, 2020 78% to the 20 trading day VWAP of Exore of A$0.059, up to and including June 2, 2020 69% to Exores closing share price of A$0.062 on June 2, 2020 78% to the 20 trading day VWAP of Exore of A$0.059, up to and including June 2, 2020 This is equivalent to a 56.9% premium based on the 20 trading day VWAP of both companies The Exore Board unanimously recommends that Exore shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme, in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an Independent Experts report concluding that the Scheme is in the best interests of Exore shareholders Exore has elected to exercise its pre-emptive right over Apollos 20% joint venture interest in the Bagoe and Liberty Projects in northern Cote dIvoire for US$4.5 million to obtain 100% ownership 1 Calculated based on 589,356,105 ordinary shares outstanding, plus 20,616,667 outstanding performance options that are expected to vest and be exercised prior to the record date, plus 5,000,000 options to be cancelled in consideration for Perseus shares Shareholders of both Perseus and Exore are expected to benefit from the increased strength of the combined entity Exores Bagoe project in northern Cote dIvoire has a maiden JORC-compliant Mineral Resource containing 90,000 ounces of gold classified as an Indicated Mineral Resource and a further 440,000 ounces classified as an Inferred Mineral Resource The Mineral Resources defined at the Bagoe project are within trucking distance of Perseuss Sissingue Gold Mine Perseus has the financial capacity, technical expertise and in-country experience to advance the Bagoe and Liberty projects as well as explore Exores highly prospective ~2,000km 2 land package Exores Bagoe project in northern Cote dIvoire has a maiden JORC-compliant Mineral Resource containing 90,000 ounces of gold classified as an Indicated Mineral Resource and a further 440,000 ounces classified as an Inferred Mineral Resource The Mineral Resources defined at the Bagoe project are within trucking distance of Perseuss Sissingue Gold Mine Perseus has the financial capacity, technical expertise and in-country experience to advance the Bagoe and Liberty projects as well as explore Exores highly prospective ~2,000km land package Perseuss offer allows Exore shareholders to retain exposure to Exores exploration potential as well as gain exposure to Perseuss multi-mine, multi-jurisdictional portfolio of profitable mining and development operations, its highly competent technical team and licence to operate in West Africa Transaction Summary Perseus and Exore have entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed under which it is proposed that Perseus (or a subsidiary of Perseus) will acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Exore by way of scheme of arrangement. Exore has elected to exercise its pre-emptive right to acquire the remaining 20% interest in the Bagoe and Liberty Projects from Apollo Consolidated Limited for US$4.5 million which, upon completion of that transaction, will result in Exore owning 100% of the Bagoe and Liberty projects. Exore will fund this acquisition from its existing cash. The Scheme Consideration of A$59.8 million is calculated on a fully diluted basis1 applying a purchase price of A$0.098 per share (based on Perseuss 10 trading day VWAP). Consideration is to be paid in the form of shares in Perseus with each Exore shareholder receiving 1 Perseus share for every 12.79 Exore shares held. This share swap ratio is based on the 10 day VWAP of Perseus shares on 2 June 2020 and implies a price of A$0.105 per Exore share based on Perseuss closing share price on the same date. The Implied Scheme Consideration represents a premium of: 69% to Exores closing share price of A$0.062 on June 2, 2020; 78% to the 20 trading day VWAP of Exore of A$0.059, up to and including June 2, 2020 Transaction Rationale Exore holds approximately 2,000 square kilometres of highly prospective land in northern Cote dIvoire, near Perseuss Sissingue Gold Mine. Exore acquired an 80% joint venture in exploration permits that make up the Bagoe and Liberty projects, which cover 816 square kilometres, from Apollo in December 2018. Exore subsequently expanded this position to approximately 2,000 square kilometres through additional earn-in and joint venture agreements with local Ivorian groups. Exore recently announced a JORC Compliant Mineral Resource at its Bagoe Project comprising Indicated Mineral Resources of 0.75Mt @ 3.5g/t for 90,000 ounces of gold contained, and Inferred Mineral Resources of 5.85Mt @ 2.3g/t for 440,000 ounces of gold contained. Bagoe Gold Project, Cote dIvoire JORC 2012 Mineral Resource Estimate1 Cut-Off Classification Tonnes (kt) Gold Grade Ounces 0.5g/t Indicated 950 3.0g/t 90,000 Inferred 8,800 1.8g/t 510,000 Total 9,750 1.9g/t 600,000 1.0g/t Indicated 750 3.5g/t 90,000 Inferred 5,850 2.3g/t 440,000 Total 6,650 2.5g/t 530,000 Perseus is a multi-mine, multi-jurisdictional explorer, developer and producer of gold with a solid track record of successfully operating in West Africa. Perseus currently has two producing gold mines, one in Ghana and the other in Cote dIvoire, and a third mine, also in Cote dIvoire, in development. Perseus is on track to produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold per year with three mines in operation, generating a cash margin of more than US$400 per ounce from financial year 2022. Perseus Managing Director and CEO Jeff Quartermaine said: The acquisition of Exore results in Perseus gaining ownership of approximately 2,000 square kilometres of geologically prospective land in northern Cote dIvoire, close to our operating Sissingue Gold Mine. Sissingue currently has a mine life of three years from 1 July 2020, and with the acquisition of Exores land package, including defined Mineral Resources at the Bagoe Project, we have the option of developing the Bagoe Project into a new gold mine potentially using the Sissingue infrastructure, or alternatively, delineating further Mineral Resources that can be economically mined and trucked to our Sissingue plant for processing. Either option provides an opportunity to continue creating value for Perseuss shareholders. Exore Managing Director Justin Tremain said: The Board of Exore believes the proposed transaction with Perseus represents compelling value for Exore shareholders. In addition to the premium implied by the transaction consideration, Exore shareholders have the opportunity to benefit, at a time of near record gold prices, from Perseuss strong development and production capabilities which position Perseus as the ideal counterparty to unlock the future value of the companys Bagoe project, whilst de-risking the need for Exore to discover additional ounces to support a standalone operation or fund a standalone development. There are significant potential synergies that can be realised by utilising Perseuss pre-existing infrastructure in any future development of Exores projects with the Sissingue infrastructure comfortably within trucking distance of the Bagoe project. Exore shareholders will also benefit from exposure to Perseuss existing production and development assets, which provide an exceptional growth profile. ______________________________ 2 Refer to ASX announcement released by Exore on May 4, 2020 titled Maiden Gold Resource of 530,000 ounces at 2.5g/t for more detail Exore Board unanimously recommends the Scheme The Board of Exore unanimously recommend that Exore shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme, in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent experts report concluding that the Scheme is in the best interests of Exore shareholders. Exore Directors intend to vote in favour of the Scheme in respect of all the Exore shares which they control, subject to those same qualifications. Benefits to Perseus Shareholders Acquisition of shallow relatively high-grade Mineral Resources at Bagoe that remain open for further exploration If expanded, the Mineral Resource may be able to be developed in-situ or alternatively, may be economically trucked for processing through the mill at Perseuss near-by Sissingue Gold Mine and in the process, extend the life of the Sissingue operation without major capital investment Acquisition of a highly prospective 2,000km2 land package in close proximity to Sissingue that is relatively under-explored but known to host geological structures on which several significant gold discoveries have previously been made Benefits to Exore Shareholders The Implied Scheme Consideration represents a significant premium of 69% to last close and 78% to 20 trading day VWAP Through Perseus scrip consideration, retain exposure to Exores assets and future upside associated with exploration (including the Bagoe and Liberty Project of which, as mentioned above, Exore will obtain 100% ownership after having exercised its pre-emptive right over Apollos 20% interest) Benefit from exposure to Perseuss two producing gold mines and third mine in development (currently on time and on budget for first gold in December 2020) Benefit from significantly enhanced trading liquidity, scale, and asset diversification Benefit from Perseuss operational experience in West Africa, with proven success in developing and operating gold mines Mitigates development risks including permitting, capex and funding Details of the Scheme Implementation Deed The implementation of the Scheme is subject to several conditions, including: Exore shareholder approval; Court approvals; An Independent Experts report concluding the Scheme is in the best interests of Exore shareholders and not changing that conclusion; There being no Exore Material Adverse Change, Exore Prescribed Occurrence, Perseus Material Adverse Change or Perseus Prescribed Occurrence (each as defined in the Scheme Implementation Deed); and Other conditions customary for a transaction of this nature including TSX approval. The Scheme Implementation Deed contains standard no shop, no talk, notification and matching rights provisions, with a reciprocal break fee payable in certain circumstances. The no talk obligation is subject to a customary fiduciary carve-out. A copy of the Scheme Implementation Deed, which includes full details of the conditions to the Scheme, is available on www.asx.com, www.perseusmining.com and www.sedar.com. Perseus intends to rely on the exemption for Eligible Interlisted Issuers in Section 602.1 of the TSX Company Manual in connection with the transaction. Indicative Timetable A scheme booklet containing information relating to the proposed acquisition, reasons for the directors recommendation, an Independent Experts report and details of the Scheme meeting will be prepared and provided to Exore shareholders in due course. Exore shareholders will then be able to vote on the Scheme at a Court-convened shareholder meeting, which is expected to be held in late August or early September 2020. Subject to shareholder approval being obtained and the other conditions of the Scheme being satisfied, the Scheme is expected to be implemented in mid-September 2020. These dates are indicative only and may change. Advisors Perseus has appointed Sternship Advisers as financial advisor and Corrs Westgarth Chambers as legal advisor. Exore has appointed Hartleys Limited as financial advisor and Gilbert + Tobin as legal advisor. Investor Call A video conference on the transaction will be held for the investment community on Wednesday June 3, 2020 commencing at 10.00am (AWST) / 12.00pm (AEST). Investors, brokers, analysts and media can join the video conference through the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oqu3MISzTfaCAcV5qnMYxQ The Investor Presentation will be available via the ASX Company announcements Platform (ASX and TSX code: PRU, ASX code: ERX) as well as at Perseuss website at www.perseusmining.com and on www.sedar.com . A recording of the video conference will also be available later today at Perseuss website. This announcement has been approved for release by the Boards of Perseus and Exore. For further information, please contact: Perseus Mining Limited Managing Director: Jeff Quartermaine at telephone +61 8 6144 1700 or email jeff.quartermaine@perseusmining.com Chief Financial Officer: Elissa Brown at telephone +61 8 6144 1700 or email Elissa.brown@perseusmining.com General Manager BD & IR: Andrew Grove at telephone +61 8 6144 1700 or email andrew.grove@perseusmining.com Media Relations: Nathan Ryan at telephone +61 4 20 582 887 or email nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au (Melbourne) Exore Competent Person Statement: This announcement includes information that relates to Exores mineral resources, ore reserves and exploration results. This information was prepared by and is the responsibility of Exore only. It is extracted from Exores announcement dated 4 May 2020. These announcements are available to view on www.exoreresources.com.au. These announcements set out the key assumptions, mining and processing parameters and methods used to prepare the estimates. Exore confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affect the information in those market releases and that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, continue to apply and have not materially changed. Perseus has not undertaken sufficient work to independently verify Exores mineral resources, and further evaluation work and appropriate studies will be done by Perseus following completion of the Transaction. Perseus Competent Person Statement: All production targets for the Edikan and Sissingue Gold Mines referred to in this report are underpinned by estimated Ore Reserves which have been prepared by competent persons in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code. The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves for the Esuajah North deposit at the Edikan Gold Mine was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market announcement entitled Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves released on 29 August 2019. The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resources for the Edikan deposits (other than the Fetish, AFG, Bokitsi South, Esuajah North and Esuajah South deposits) was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market announcement released on 29 August 2018. The information in this report that relates to Ore Reserves for the Edikan deposits (other than the Fetish, AFG, Bokitsi South, Esuajah North and Esuajah South deposits) was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market announcement entitled Perseus Mining Updates Mineral Resources & Ore Reserves released on 29 August 2018. The above-mentioned deposits have been updated for mining depletion as at 31 December 2019 in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Edikan Gold Mines Mineral Resource & Ore Reserves released on 20 February 2020. The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates for the Bokitsi South and Esuajah South underground and to the Ore Reserve estimates for the Fetish and AFG deposits at the Edikan Gold Mine was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market announcement Perseus Mining Updates Edikan Gold Mines Mineral Resource & Ore Reserves released on 20 February 2020. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report Central Ashanti Gold Project, Ghana dated 30 May 2011 continue to apply. The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves for Sissingue was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market announcement released on 20 October 2018 and includes an update for depletion as at 30 June 2019 in a market announcement released on 28 August 2019. In respect of the Fimbiasso East and West deposits, previously Bele East and West respectively, the Company confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves described in market announcements dated 20 February 2017 and 31 March 2017 respectively continue to apply with the exception that the reported resources are now constrained to a US$1,800/oz pit shell as advised in a market announcement dated 29 August 2018. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affect the information in these market releases and that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report Sissingue Gold Project, Cote dIvoire dated 29 May 2015 continue to apply. The information in this report in relation to Yaoure Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market announcement on 28 August 2019. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in Technical Report Yaoure Gold Project, Cote dIvoire dated 18 December 2017 continue to apply. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information: This report contains forward-looking information which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of Perseus believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by Perseus regarding, among other things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production without any major disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, development of new mines, the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of Perseus to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of Perseus to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by Perseus. Although management believes that the assumptions made by Perseus and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Perseus to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in Perseuss publicly filed documents. Perseus believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, Perseuss ability to carry on its exploration and development activities, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold, the ability of Perseus to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of Perseus to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Perseus does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Eight workers were killed and 50 others were injured on Wednesday in a massive fire triggered by a blast in the boiler of a chemical factory at Dahej in Gujarat's Bharuch district, police said. The death toll may rise further as some of the injured workers are in a serious condition, according to police. As companies of methanol and xylene chemicals are located near the affected factory, authorities have shifted about 4,800 people from nearby Luvara and Lakhigam villages to safer places as a precautionary measure. About 230 workers were present inside the factory, Yashaswi Rasayan, located in Dahej Special Economic Zone-1, 42 kms from Bharuch, at the time of the incident in afternoon, they said. "Eight workers died in the boiler blast at the chemical factory located in Dahej Special Economic Zone-1, while around 50 others sustained injuries," said Dahej Marine police station inspector Vipul Gagiya. While six charred bodies were recovered from the factory after the fire was doused, two more workers died at separate hospitals in Bharuch, he said. "32 injured workers are admitted in various hospitals in Bharuch and nearby areas," he said, adding that the death toll may go up as some of the workers are in a serious condition. About 18-20 workers were given a primary aid, local officials said. It took about six hours for eleven fire tenders to bring the massive blaze under control, officials said. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, Ahmed Patel, blamed the state BJP government for the incident. He said factories need to undergo complete safety audit as there have been rising cases of industrial accidents in Gujarat. Patel also expressed concern about recent changes in labour laws, which he said will encourage factories to create "unsafe working conditions". "There has been a rise in industrial accidents in Bharuch district today and people lost their lives. "The buck stops only with the state government ensuring safe working conditions that factories have completed safety audits. We are concerned that recent changes in labour laws will incentivise unsafe working conditions," he tweeted. A North Carolina man was sentenced Tuesday to 10 months in prison for anonymously threatening on social media to lynch a Muslim-American man who ran for a state Senate seat in Virginia, according to prosecutors. Joseph Cecil Vandevere, 53, of Black Mountain, had faced a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison after a federal jury in Asheville, North Carolina, convicted him in December of interstate communication of a threat to injure a person. US District Judge Max Cogburn Jr. also sentenced Vandevere to a year of supervised release after his prison term, said Lia Bantavani, a spokeswoman for US Attorneys office for the Western District of North Carolina. Vandevere will report to prison at a date to be determined, according to Bantavani, who said sentencing guidelines called for a prison term of 10 to 16 months. Vandevere was charged last June in connection with a tweet directed at candidate Qasim Rashid. The March 2018 tweet included a picture of a lynching and read, VIEW YOUR DESTINY. Rashid posted a screenshot of the threatening tweet and reported it to the FBI. The judge also ordered Vandevere to pay $224 in restitution to Rashid. Rashid didnt express support for a prison sentence but said he had urged the court to fine Vandevere $250,000, the statutory maximum, to send the strongest message that there are material consequences for this kind of violent behaviour. Our goal from the get-go was to emphasize rehabilitation and reform, he told The Associated Press after the hearing. Were a bit concerned that this (sentence) may not send that kind of deterrent message. In a statement submitted to the court after the trial, Rashid said Vandeveres threat evoked painful memories of a cousin who was lynched and dragged through the streets of Pakistan two decades ago, his neck broken and his life taken because of his faith. Seeing Mr. Vandeveres threat, I felt found, thousands of miles away, by that same generational pain of violent religious persecution that my family had fled, Rashid wrote. Authorities also accused Vandevere of posting an anti-Semitic threat on a Florida synagogues Facebook page. Investigators linked Vandevere to a threatening comment posted in February 2018 on the website of a synagogue in Plantation, Florida, according to an FBI agents affidavit. A rabbi at Ramat Shalom Synagogue contacted the FBI after somebody using the name Bob Smith posted a disturbing comment in response to the rabbis post showing support for the Parkland, Florida, high school where a gunman killed 17 people earlier that month, the agent wrote. Investigators linked Vandeveres telephone number to the same Twitter account with the handle DaDUTCHMAN5 that posted the threat against Rashid, according to the affidavit. The post was accompanied by a black-and-white photograph of the infamous 1915 lynching of a Jewish man, Leo Frank, in Marietta, Georgia. Twitter suspended the DaDUTCHMAN5 account. Rashid, a Democrat, lost his November 2019 bid to defeat an incumbent Republican state senator in Virginia. Prosecutors have said Rashids political campaign started well after the threat was made and had no bearing on the threat. Rashid, an attorney who works on immigrant rights cases, testified at Vandeveres two-day trial. Rashid said in his post-trial statement to the court that Vandeveres threat still haunts him and his family, with his wife constantly fearing for his safety. I am forced to act now, in many ways, like someone who is hunted, he wrote in January. In September, Cogburn rejected Vandeveres argument that his indictment must be dismissed on First Amendment free speech grounds. Vandeveres attorney, Andrew Banzhoff, claimed the communication in question was not a true threat. In 2019, the political arena necessarily includes the public exchange of political views that occurs daily on Twitter and other social media sites, Banzhoff wrote. But the judge said he couldnt rule as a matter of law that the alleged threat was political hyperbole or that no reasonable person would interpret this communication as a serious expression of intent to do harm. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a VW T3 Westfalia campervan that has been linked to the suspect. A German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, detectives have revealed PA Wire Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a VW T3 Westfalia campervan that has been linked to the suspect. A German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, detectives have revealed. PA Wire Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 that has been linked to the suspect. PA WIRE Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 that has been linked to the suspect. PA WIRE File photo dated 3/5/2008 of Kate and Gerry McCann leave St. Mary & St. John Rothley Parish Church, Rothley, Leicestershire, after a service to mark the first anniversary of their daughter Madeleine's disappearance in Praia Da Luz, Portugal: Rui Vieira/PA Wire MISSING: One of the last pictures taken of toddler Madeleine McCann A German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, detectives have revealed. The Metropolitan Police have not named the man, 43, who is described as white with short blond hair, possibly fair, and about 6ft tall with a slim build. The German national is known to have been in and around Praia da Luz on the Algarve coast at the time Madeleine vanished on May 3 2007 while on holiday with her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, and her twin siblings Sean and Amelie. A half-hour phone call was made to his Portuguese mobile phone around an hour before Madeleine is believed to have gone missing. Expand Close Gerry and Kate McCann hold an image of what Madeline might look like as an older girl Photo: John Stillwell/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gerry and Kate McCann hold an image of what Madeline might look like as an older girl Photo: John Stillwell/PA Wire The suspect, who is in prison in Germany for an unrelated matter, has been linked to an early 1980s camper van with a white upper body and yellow skirting, registered in Portugal which was pictured in the Algarve in 2007. Expand Close Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a VW T3 Westfalia campervan that has been linked to the suspect. A German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, detectives have revealed. PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a VW T3 Westfalia campervan that has been linked to the suspect. A German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, detectives have revealed. PA Wire Expand Close Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a VW T3 Westfalia campervan that has been linked to the suspect. A German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, detectives have revealed PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a VW T3 Westfalia campervan that has been linked to the suspect. A German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, detectives have revealed PA Wire Scotland Yard said he was driving the vehicle in the Praia da Luz area in the days before Madeleines disappearance and is believed to have been living in it for days or weeks before and after May 3. He has also been linked to a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 with a German number plate seen in Praia da Luz and surrounding areas in 2006 and 2007. Expand Close Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 that has been linked to the suspect. PA WIRE / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 that has been linked to the suspect. PA WIRE Expand Close Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 that has been linked to the suspect. PA WIRE / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a 1993 Jaguar XJR6 that has been linked to the suspect. PA WIRE The day after Madeleine went missing, the suspect got the car re-registered in Germany under someone elses name, although it is believed the vehicle was still in Portugal. Expand Close Scotland Yard commissioned the last official age progression of Madeleine McCann in 2012. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Scotland Yard commissioned the last official age progression of Madeleine McCann in 2012. Both vehicles have been seized by German police. Scotland Yard is launching a joint appeal with the Federal Criminal Police Office of Germany (BKA) and the Portuguese Policia Judiciaria (PJ), including a 20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible of Madeleines disappearance. The Mets investigation has identified more than 600 people as being potentially significant and were tipped off about the German national, already known to detectives, following a 2017 appeal 10 years after she went missing. She vanished shortly before her fourth birthday and would have turned 17 last month. German police are treating her disappearance as a murder investigation but the Mets Operation Grange, launched in 2013, has always considered the case a missing person inquiry. A statement from Madeleines parents, read by Det Chief Insp Mark Cranwell said: We welcome the appeal today regarding the disappearance of our daughter Madeleine. We would like to thank the police forces involved for their continued efforts in the search for Madeleine. All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. Read More We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive, but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace. We will be making no further comment in relation to the appeal today. We would like to thank the general public for their ongoing support and encourage anyone who has information directly related to the appeal to contact police. Expand Close File photo dated 3/5/2008 of Kate and Gerry McCann leave St. Mary & St. John Rothley Parish Church, Rothley, Leicestershire, after a service to mark the first anniversary of their daughter Madeleine's disappearance in Praia Da Luz, Portugal: Rui Vieira/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp File photo dated 3/5/2008 of Kate and Gerry McCann leave St. Mary & St. John Rothley Parish Church, Rothley, Leicestershire, after a service to mark the first anniversary of their daughter Madeleine's disappearance in Praia Da Luz, Portugal: Rui Vieira/PA Wire Mr Cranwell told reporters on Wednesday he was taking the really unusual step of releasing two mobile phone numbers as part of the appeal. The first, (+351) 912 730 680, is believed to have been used by the suspect and received a call from another Portuguese mobile, (+351) 916 510 683, while in the Praia da Luz area, starting at 7.32pm and ending at 8.02pm on the night of May 3 2007. Madeleine is believed to have disappeared between 9.10pm and 10pm that evening. The caller, who is not thought to have been in the Praia da Luz area, is not being treated as a suspect, but is said to be a key witness in the case. Any information in relation to these mobile numbers during the spring and summer of 2007 could be critical to this investigation, said Mr Cranwell. Some people will know the man we are describing today, the suspect in our investigation. Im appealing to you directly. You may know, you may be aware of some of the things he has done. He may have confided in you about the disappearance of Madeleine. More than 13 years have passed and your loyalties may have changed. This individual is in prison and we are conscious that some people may have been concerned about contacting police in the past. Now is the time to come forward. Im appealing to you to contact us, or the German authorities or the Portuguese authorities. I should be very, very clear on this while this male is a suspect, we retain an open mind as to his involvement. There have been 330 cases of Covid-19 infections among doctors, and the Doctors Syndicate announced the 26th death of a member from Covid-19 on Sunday. I panic when I hear we are losing doctors to coronavirus, says Hussein Ahmed, an IT engineer. When doctors, who should be getting the best care, are falling ill, what are the chances of average citizens? Doctors say they still face shortages of PPE, and when Walid Yehia Abdel-Halim, a young physician, died of Covid-19 on 24 May, after struggling to find a hospital bed, many threatened to quit over the failure to provide them with adequate medical care should they contract the virus. Young doctors are also angry about the new assignment system announced by the Health Ministry last month. Under the system 7,000 newly graduated medical students will be assigned to coronavirus screening and quarantine hospitals across Egypt. Amr, a recent graduate of medicine, told Al-Ahram Weekly that he is seriously considering a career shift. Think of the endless logistical, administrative and financial problems public hospitals face in normal times. And now, in the midst of a pandemic? My colleagues and I worry that they are ill-prepared to cope. Amr knows many senior doctors, including from among his teachers, who have contracted the virus. Yet according to Minister of Health Hala Zayed, medical teams have all the tools they need to combat the pandemic. Zayed also says a 20-bed ward has been allocated in each quarantine hospital to treat medical staff. The safety of medical staff in hospitals topped the agenda of a meeting on 28 May between Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli and Doctors Syndicate head Hussein Khairy. A senior doctor working in a public hospital in Cairo told the Weekly that it is essential to consider the bigger picture. As in many countries, the number of coronavirus patients is more than the capacity of hospitals to treat them, he said, and allowing people free movement throughout most of the day will result in increasing numbers of infections. Doctors are expecting tens of thousands of cases in the coming months. And if they dont feel protected, how can they be expected to perform at the top of their game? The situation is extremely dangerous. I dont want to see any more of my colleagues catching the virus. *A version of this article appears in print in the 4 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the title: Shielding medical staff Search Keywords: Short link: RPC, Inc. RES has been gaining from diverse oilfield services that include pressure pumping, coiled tubing and rental tools. Its better-than-expected results in the first quarter of 2020 buoy optimism. The stock gained 66.8% since the beginning of the second quarter compared with 39.9% rise of the industry it belongs to. Atlanta, GA-based RPC supplies equipment and services to oil and natural gas explorers, as well as producers in almost all prospective plays like the Rocky Mountain region, Appalachian area, Gulf of Mexico and other resources in the United States. The company also provides oilfield services in several regions outside the domestic market. It has operations in Africa, Argentina, Canada, China, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Mexico, the Middle East, and other places. Strong Balance Sheet The company has cash and cash equivalents of $82.6 million, and no debt load. This reflects a strong balance sheet that will provide it with massive financial flexibility. This is a huge advantage for RPC, given the current market uncertainty. Lower Capex RPCs management has taken strategic measures to pull through the challenging exploration and production spending environment. As such, it has decided to lower 2020 capex to around $50 million from its prior guidance of $80 million. Last year, it had recorded capital expenditures of $250.6 million. This is reflective of the companys capital efficiency. Management is focused on maintaining a healthy capital structure, while looking to improve shareholder returns. For more than a decade, RPC has been reporting positive operating cash flows, which reflect stable operations despite volatile commodity prices. Lower capital expenditures will further boost its cash flows. Declining Costs The companys 2019 cost of revenues was recorded at $919.6 million, which declined 22.3% from 2018 levels. Also, cost of revenues contracted from $252.4 million in first-quarter 2019 to $181.9 million in first-quarter 2020 due to lower materials and supplies expenses, as well as employment costs stemming from reduced activity levels. Its effective cost-containment efforts are expected to continue, which will improve profit levels in the coming quarters. Story continues All the developments mentioned above substantiate the companys Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Thus, RPC appears to be a lucrative investment proposition at the moment. Other Stocks to Consider Other top-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. 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. Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2020? Last year's 2019 Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolio returned gains as high as +102.7%. Now a brand-new portfolio has been handpicked from over 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Dont miss your chance to get in on these long-term buys. Access Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2020 today >> 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 CNX Resources Corporation. (CNX) : Free Stock Analysis Report RPC, Inc. (RES) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research The United States has launched an investigation into the new two per cent tax India recently imposed on all foreign billings for digital services provided in the country. The investigation will assess the extent of impact of the new tax on the US tech companies like Google, Facebook and Amazon. It may lead to the US retaliating by imposing tariffs on imports from India. The US Trade Representative (USTR), Robert Lighthizer, announced the launch of the investigation into the Digital Services Tax (DST) introduced or likely to be introduced by India and some other nations, like Austria, Brazil, Czech Republic, Italy, Indonesia, Turkey, Spain and the United Kingdom. The investigation by the USTRs office will also target the European Union, which is considering a DST as part of the financing package for its proposed plan for reviving the economy ravaged by the COVID-19 crisis. President (Donald) Trump is concerned that many of our trading partners are adopting tax schemes designed to unfairly target our companies, said Lighthizer, adding: We are prepared to take all appropriate action to defend our businesses and workers against any such discrimination. Prime Minister Narendra Modis government in New Delhi in March announced a 2 per cent DST, applicable only on non-resident companies, covering online sales of goods and services to, or aimed at, persons in India. The tax, which came into effect on April 1, applies only to companies with annual revenues in excess of approximately Rs 20 million (approximately $ 267,000). Google, Facebook, Amazon and other US tech companies already requested the Modi Government to defer imposition of the new tax by at least six months so that they could get enough time, not only to overcome technical and commercial challenges for compliance, but also to recover from COVID-19 crisis. The USTR launched the investigation in accordance with the Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, which gave it broad authority to probe and respond to a foreign country's action that may be unfair or discriminatory and negatively affect US companies. Henry Golding (left) responds to Samantha Katie James (right) following her racist remarks on Instagram. 2 Jun "I usually try to keep a cool head when it comes to these things, but reading your comments @samanthakayty infuriated me," Henry Golding recently posted on his Instagram Stories. As mentioned in his post, the "Crazy Rich Asians" star is directing it towards a certain former Miss Universe Malaysia named Samantha Katie James. The 25-year-old beauty queen sparked the ire of many when she made several racists remarks on her Instagram Stories, downplaying the harsh reality faced by black Americans and telling them to accept things as it is since they "chose" to be born as a coloured person in America. Using the Bersih campaign as an example, where Malaysians "[put] their lives on the line to be heard", Golding stated, "If you were part of that movement then please understand where the #BlackLivesMatter protests come from." Below are the screenshots from Henry Golding's post. "I'm not going to let people have the wrong idea of what's really happening. In a country like Malaysia that has a history of the such, that we are trying so hard to move on from. Love one another. One Malaysia, one world," the Malaysian-British actor ended his post. Samantha's tone-deaf remarks were made yesterday regarding the Black Lives Matter protests in America that were held nationwide last weekend, following the death of George Floyd while in police custody. American celebrities also took part in the protests, such as John Cusack who revealed on his social media that he was even attacked by the police for filming the protests. Netizens have urged the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization (MUMO) to revoke Samantha's title. MUMO has responded with a statement on Twitter which acknowledge that her posts are indeed "inappropriate, offensive, unacceptable and hurtful", but she has not represented MUMO since June 2018 and thus her words do not reflect its views. Undeterred, netizens continue collecting signatures for the "Strip Samantha Katie James of her Miss Universe Malaysia Crown and Title" petition on Change.org. Parents have hailed the 'miracle' of their five-month-old baby boy returning home after spending 32 days in a coma with coronavirus in Brazil. Just a few months after his birth Dom Andrade tested positive for COVID-19 at the Pro-Cardiaco hospital in Rio de Janeiro. 'He had some difficulty breathing so the doctors thought it was a bacterial infection,' his father Wagner Andrade told CNN. 'But the medication didn't work and he got worse. Then me and my wife decided to take him to a second hospital and they tested him. It was coronavirus.' Wagner Andrade and his wife, Viviane Monteiro, believe their baby's recovery is a 'miracle.' Dr. Cristiane Guimaraes, coordinator of the hospital's pediatric ICU, praised the baby who 'behaved like an adult,' and added that Dom will not suffer any long-term conditions as a result of his treatment Mr Andrade and his wife, Viviane Monteiro, believe their baby's recovery is a 'miracle.' It remains unclear how the child contracted the virus, but the parents think it may have been after a visit to a relative's home. Ms Monteiro told La Nacion: 'We lived through a magical moment when he was released, because at times we thought we would not bring him home. Going out with our son in our arms is indescribable.' Dom will celebrate six-months since he was born on June 14 and will be joined by relatives over a video conference call. Dr. Cristiane Guimaraes, coordinator of the hospital's pediatric ICU, praised the baby who 'behaved like an adult,' and added that Dom will not suffer any long-term conditions as a result of his treatment. Dom will celebrate six-months since he was born on June 14 and will be joined by relatives over a video conference call Brazil has recorded 25 coronavirus-related deaths of children under 12 months. Brazil registered 16,409 new cases of novel coronavirus on Sunday, raising the total of infected cases to 514,849 in the second worst outbreak of COVID-19 in the world after the United Sates, the health ministry said. It said there were 480 new deaths reported in the last 24 hours in Brazil, for a total death toll of 29,314, the fourth highest in the global pandemic after the United States, Britain and Italy. Robin Wright and her husband Clement Giraudet took advantage of a beautiful afternoon to go on a bike ride. The 54-year-old House of Cards actress and her 34-year-old husband were spotted in Brentwood riding their bikes. The happy couple, who have been married since August 2018, were also seen riding with their beloved dog. Robin bikes: Robin Wright and her husband Clement Giraudet took advantage of a beautiful afternoon to go on a bike ride Husband and wife: The 54-year-old House of Cards actress and her 34-year-old husband were spotted in Brentwood riding their bikes Wright was spotted wearing a light green hoodie and black sunglasses with her hair pulled back into a ponytail. She also wore black Ale stretch pants and grey Nike running shoes as she biked alongside her husband, with their dog walking between them. The actress was all smiles while she rode her matching IZIP electronic bike alongside her husband. Robin's look: Wright was spotted wearing a light green hoodie and black sunglasses with her hair pulled back into a ponytail Bike ride: She also wore black Ale stretch pants and grey Nike running shoes as she biked alongside her husband, with their dog walking between them Her husband Clement Giraudet was spotted out wearing a black Hurley Recordings t-shirt and matching black sunglasses. The Saint-Laurent fashion exec was also wearing grey sweats and green sandals as he rode with his wife. He was also holding the red leash to the handlebars as their dog walked between the happy couple. Clement: Her husband Clement Giraudet was spotted out wearing a black Hurley Recordings t-shirt and matching black sunglasses The Wonder Woman 1984 star began dating the Saint Laurent executive back in 2017 before they secretly wed in August 2018 in France. Wright has two children with actor Sean Penn, model Dylan Frances Penn, 29, and actor Hopper Jack Penn, 26. Wright and Penn were off and on for over two decades, starting their relationship in 1989, with the couple getting married in 1996 and their divorce finalized in 2010. Dating: The Wonder Woman 1984 star began dating the Saint Laurent executive back in 2017 before they secretly wed in August 2018 in France Wright will return as Antiope from the 2017 blockbuster Wonder Woman in the highly-anticipated sequel Wonder Woman 1984. The sequel was originally set for release on June 5, but it was pushed to December 14 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. She will also be featured as Antiope in Zack Snyder's Justice League, which will debut on HBO Max in 2021. The Trussell Trust operates a network of food banks throughout the UK Demand for food banks in Northern Ireland has soared by almost 150 percent because of Covid-19, figures have revealed. This April the number of emergency food parcels given out by The Trussell Trust locally rose 142 percent compared to the same time last year. The data, released today, shows the number of children seeking support from their 22 food banks in Northern Ireland also jumped by 128 percent. The trust has written to every MLA to bring in emergency measures to shore up social security. Paul Armstrong, the Trusts operations managerI, said free food isnt a solution. He said: Its not right that Covid-19 has meant some of us dont have enough money for essentials and are being pushed to food banks. The problem is financial hardship, the answer to financial hardship is not food. The government needs to reduce the flow of people who need food banks rather than increasing the level of support food banks are able to meet. The trust wants an extension to welfare mitigation and direct payments in lieu of free school meals to continue until all schools reopen. Mr Armstrong added: These arent long term. Right now we dont want people to be in crisis because of Covid-19 theyre practical asks and I think theyre realistic asks. Bruce Gardiner-Crean runs the trust's food bank in South Belfast. He wants a longer term remedy for people in need. He said: Tonight people will get a food parcel and that will be the short term answer but the deeper need is what we want to unpack. We are not the answer, food banks are not the answer. Mr Armstrong said coronavirus had turned the service on its head overnight- from a face-to-face resource to contact-free food delivery. The way they get supplies has also shifted after food donations dropped off and essentials were bought up by panicked shoppers. So supermarkets like Tesco stepped in. He said: Tesco and FairShare, theyre giving us food deliveries helping us stay afloat. The public have been fantastic and donated money so food banks can buy their own food something we havent had to do in the past but have to do now. Covid-19 has cut South Belfast Food Banks volunteer base by two-thirds but those who can have stepped up, Mr Gardiner-Crean said. He added: Its been tough but I feel the lifeblood of our organisation is our volunteers and we couldnt do what we do without them turning up, showing up and saying Im in this for the long haul. Across the UK demand for food banks has surged 89 percent. The number of children being supported has also risen by 107 percent. In NI, smaller food banks mean the percentage increase is significantly higher. Mr Armstrong said: Whilst Northern Ireland has seen significant increases in need for food bank support in keeping with the rest of the UK, we arent drawing direct comparisons. During the crisis, our data has shown that small food banks are more likely to see the biggest percentage increases in need. Oxfam Ireland has launched a fun challenge the #JoeyChallenge4Oxfam - to encourage people to declutter and save their donations for when their local Oxfam shop reopens on June 8. The Joey Challenge encourages people to showcase their unwanted items by re-creating the infamous scene from popular television series Friends when Joey Tribbiani puts on as many layers of clothes as possible. At the start of April, along with many other businesses, Oxfam Ireland made the difficult decision to close its network of shops to protect staff, volunteers and customers, and to play its part in the countrys response to Covid-19. Margaret Robinson, Shop Manager of Oxfam Portlaoise said: Our shops play a vital role in raising much-needed funds for Oxfams work globally they are central to ensuring we can continue to protect and support some of the most vulnerable people in the world. Today, we are calling on local people to drop their donations of clothes, accessories and bric-a-brac to us at JFL Avenue. Ahead of opening our doors on June 8th, our staff and volunteers will be in the shop getting it safety-ready to recommence business - and we will gladly accept your pre-loved items. The reality is, after more than two months of closure, your donations are needed more than ever especially as we respond to the threat of COVID-19 in some of the most fragile places on earth. So, how does Oxfams Joey Challenge work? First things first, if you havent already, get decluttering! Oxfam shops accept clothes, shoes, accessories, bric-a-brac, books, DVDs and more. Once you have gathered your items for donation show Oxfam what youve got Joey style! Take a photo of you and your donations and post it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #JoeyChallenge4Oxfam, making sure to nominate a friend. You can go original by putting on as many layers of clothing as possible, or try one of Oxfams alternative (and fun) Joey Challenges: The Joey Original: Layer on as many of the clothes and accessories you are going to donate as possible. The Joey Fresh: Hang all the clothes you are going to donate on your washing line or over your staircases bannister or over your arms! The Joey Traditional: Simply fold and pile the clothes you are doing to donate lets see how high you can go! The Showy Joey: Put on a fashion show and model some of the items you are going to donate. The Novel Joey: Just donating books?! Stack em up or build something with them! The Joey Mishmash: Gather the bric-a-brac you are going to donate. The Joey Freestyle: Show us what you got in your own unique way! Once you have completed your Joey Challenge box or bag up your unwanted items and drop them to Oxfam Portlaoise! While their doors dont open until June 8, staff will be in store from June 2 ready to accept your donations. Next step? Feel good about this. Your pre-loved items are a lifeline. By donating to your local Oxfam, you are playing a part in Oxfams global work to beat poverty and fight inequality which is now more urgent than ever as Covid-19 reaches vulnerable and at-risk populations. Lastly, youll also be reducing the amount of textiles that end up in Irish landfills every year helping our planet and people. To find out more about the #JoeyChallenge4Oxfam visit: https://stories.oxfamireland.org/joeychallenge4oxfam/ Oxfam Portlaoise is located at JFL Avenue, Portlaoise and can be reached by telephone or email with any queries from the public about dropping off donations: 057 866 4799 or email portlaoise@oxfam.org New Delhi: Apple is all set launch its brand new smartphone on Wednesday. The company will be hosting the event at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. It is expected that the company will come up with three new devices iPhone 7, iPhone 7 plus and iPhone 7 pro. A new version of Apple watch is also expected but it is still not clear whether the company will call it Apple Watch 2 or give it another name. New version of Apple Mac Book is also in the line-up for the event. The event will be live streamed on Apples official website at 10.00 PDT or Pacific Time, which is around 10.30 pm IST for the fans in India. All the apple users can watch the event live on their Safari browser automatically if the device is running on iOS 7.0 or later. According to rumours, Apple is expected to ditch the 16GB iPhone and the 64GB phone; instead the new iPhone will come in 32,128, and 256GB versions. The new devices will be price bracketed between Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Sonoma County Sheriff's Office The push to reopen the economy is rife with hard choices over timing, scale and risk. No one is more familiar with this predicament than Sonoma County Sheriff Mark Essick who is backpedaling from a divisive decision to drop enforcement of COVID-19 health orders. His original stance last week was taken to mean deputies wouldnt charge a shop owner opening up for business or a church holding services. Though such enforcement was rare, Essick wanted to send a message that lockdown rules were killing commerce and everyday life and he wasnt satisfied with the medical reasons. Its a message thats rattling California as Gov. Gavin Newsom peels back restrictions and health officials point to fears the pandemic could roar back. Perth-based shipbuilder Austal will have a new captain steering the ship from January after current chief executive David Singleton announced he was stepping down from the role. The company's chief operating officer Patrick Gregg will be promoted to the role from January 1 after a six-month transition period. Austal's outgoing chief executive David Singleton. Mr Singleton will have spent nine years at the company as a director and five years as chief executive by the time he finishes. He has overseen the expansion of the company in the US and South East Asia and led the company through the controversial offshore patrol vessel tender it won in conjunction with rival tenderers, but eventually left the build program. British motorway service area (MSA) operator standardizes on SnapLogic's Intelligent Integration Platform to connect applications and systems across the enterprise SnapLogic, provider of the #1 Intelligent Integration Platform, today announced that Roadchef, a leading British motorway service area (MSA) operator, is using SnapLogic's award-winning cloud integration platform to support its day-to-day IT operations and future business development plans. Roadchef operates 30 MSAs across 21 locations in Great Britain, employing over 3,200 people who aim to de-stress and delight the millions of motorists that pass through its doors each year. The company's internal business analyst team is tasked with continually reviewing both existing and new IT systems that can help to improve Roadchef's day-to-day operations and support its future business strategies and plans. The team was looking for a better, faster, more automated way of integrating their applications and systems, as the previous third-party integration tool they used to build data pipelines was hard to use, slow to integrate, and often error-prone. The team reviewed multiple integration platforms before eventually selecting SnapLogic for its intuitive user interface and feature-rich platform. In early 2019, Roadchef began implementation, initially using the SnapLogic platform to move training data to a third party application that allowed them to create training profiles for employees. From here, strategic implementation was rolled out across the whole organization with the platform supporting more and more parts of the business, from HR to finance to other departments. Looking ahead to 2020 and beyond, more projects are planned, including integrating HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) parking systems to a single kiosk, which will reduce IT strain and vehicle congestion while allowing drivers to pay for parking within the main site. Ben Latham, Systems Analyst at Roadchef, commented: "When we started looking for an integration solution, SnapLogic stood out as the best and only option thanks to the ease of use and accessibility of the platform. It has meant that even members of our IT team without programming backgrounds can meaningfully participate in integration projects, enabling our teams to get more done in record time. The platform has also given us greater flexibility when moving between third-party suppliers, as we don't have to manually build data pipelines every time we want to change applications." Craig Stewart, CTO at SnapLogic, added: "Roadchef is building a foundational IT strategy that puts self-service application and data integration at the center of its approach, setting them up to drive company-wide efficiency and innovation. We're pleased that Roadchef now has greater flexibility in how it approaches digital transformation with an intuitive, scalable platform that is accessible to their entire IT team. We look forward to working with them in the future, ensuring that their business systems are all connected seamlessly, simply, and intelligently." SnapLogic's Intelligent Integration Platform uses AI-powered workflows to automate all stages of IT integration projects design, development, deployment, and maintenance whether on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments. The platform's easy-to-use, self-service interface enables both expert and citizen integrators to manage all application integration, data integration, API management, B2B integration, and data engineering projects on a single, scalable platform. With SnapLogic, organizations can connect all of their enterprise systems quickly and easily to automate business processes, accelerate analytics, and drive transformation. The SnapLogic platform was recently recognized as the industry's 'Best Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) for 2020' as part of the Software Information Industry Association's (SIIA) annual CODiE Awards. In addition, in the last year alone, SnapLogic is the only integration and automation platform provider to be named a Leader across five key industry analyst reports and peer-to-peer customer review sites, including reports from Gartner, Forrester, and G2 Crowd. About Roadchef Roadchef is one of the UK's leading motorway and trunk road service area operators. With some 3,500 people across its 30 locations, the company aims to provide a restful and relaxing environment for over 52 million visitors to its motorway service areas each year. Popular brands located at Roadchef include McDonald's, Costa, LEON, WHSmith, SPAR, Chozen Noodle, and Days Inn. In addition, Roadchef's own branded offerings include Fresh Food Cafe and Restbite. Roadchef operates 91,000 square feet of catering, 41,000 square feet of retail, 15,000 square feet of grocery, and 695 hotel bedrooms. Learn more at roadchef.com. About SnapLogic SnapLogic powers the automated enterprise. The company's self-service, AI-powered integration platform helps organizations connect applications and data sources, automate common workflows and business processes, and deliver exceptional experiences for customers, partners, and employees. Thousands of enterprises around the world rely on the SnapLogic platform to integrate, automate, and transform their business. Learn more at snaplogic.com. Learn more at snaplogic.com. Connect with SnapLogic via our Blog, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005061/en/ Contacts: Scott Behles SnapLogic scott.behles@snaplogic.com +1 415-571-4462 Cameron Burke Kaizo for SnapLogic snaplogic@kaizo.co.uk +44 (0)203 176 4700 How will you remember Monday June 1, 2020? Ill remember it like this: a coward emerged from the bowels of the White House to convince the world he wasnt a coward. He convinced no one. On Monday, amid mass demonstrations against anti-Black racism and police brutality in the United States, police and National Guard troops used tear gas to clear a Washington, D.C., area of peaceful protesters. They did this ostensibly so that President Donald Trump could walk unbothered from the White House to a nearby Episcopal church for a bizarre photo op. When President Trump arrived at his destination, he fiddled with a bible for a few seconds and then held it up in the air in the fashion of a bored construction worker directing traffic. The cameras flashed. Meanwhile, the protesters whose civil liberties were squashed only moments earlier so that this inane spectacle could go forward nursed their wounds out of view. How will I remember Monday June 1, 2020? Not as World Milk Day. And yet, this is how the Conservative Party of Canada will likely remember it, as it was the importance of dairy, not civil disobedience, they chose to highlight on their social media feed that day. (World Milk Day, by the way, is a United Nations-led international day of recognition of the importance of milk; its arguably one of few UN initiatives many Conservatives get excited about). On Monday, the official Opposition retweeted a photo of Conservative MP Lianne Rood. In it she is sitting at her computer with a glass of chocolate milk in her hand and a big smile on her face. The caption reads: Celebrating the 20th anniversary of #WorldMilkDay with a delicious glass of chocolate milk. #EnjoyDairy. She wasnt the only one sipping a tall cold one at home. Peter MacKay, a candidate for the federal Conservative leadership, tweeted a photo of himself in his kitchen holding a glass of milk to his mouth. Like Rood, there is a big smile on the candidates face as well as a pronounced milk moustache. I raise my glass to the dairy farmers across Canada, he wrote. CPC Leader Andrew Scheer also extolled the virtues of dairy Monday with a post about delicious milk products and a photo of himself petting a cow. I mean no disrespect to dairy farmers, nor do I believe human beings are incapable of caring about two things at once (the day prior, MacKay released a statement condemning anti-Black racism), but it is surreal to witness, as the world burns, some of your nations most prominent leaders launching the Conservative party version of a Got Milk ad. Yet this milk episode serves as a kind of metaphor for the federal Conservative partys MO in recent months: i.e. weird, tone-deaf and irrelevant. To recap: Earlier this year, Andrew Scheer positioned himself as a noble defender of the taxpayer, but his concern that fraudsters and criminals are benefitting from federal aid money during a pandemic in which millions of Canadians are struggling financially came off as petty and harsh to many taxpayers who are themselves recipients of aid. CPC leadership candidate Derek Sloan is currently fixated with Antifa an entity virtually unknown to most Canadians but which hes promised to designate a terrorist organization if he is elected. In April, he questioned Dr. Theresa Tams loyalties to Canada, a move many characterized as outright racist. MacKay seems to spend about as much time managing the fallout of his campaigns social media blunders as he does campaigning. And this week, Erin OToole released a totally oxymoronic statement promoting racial equality on the one hand and himself as a tough on crime candidate on the other. All of this is to say that many prominent Conservatives consistently appear determined to raise tensions and confuse people. But to what end? According to a new study from the Angus Reid Institute, the Liberal Party of Canada now holds a six-point advantage in national vote intention. Clearly something isnt working and its unlikely that bluster and milk moustaches will provide the answer. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paused for a total of 21 seconds before giving an arguably soft answer to a reporters question about violent crackdowns on protests in the United States. The bar for decisive moral leadership is already fairly low in this country. However, instead of raising it, prominent Conservative leaders appear intent on setting it ever lower. CURE Violence Chester will host a stakeholder Zoom meeting Friday as a way to implement an evidence-based model for deescalating violence and its root causes an effort which has been in the planning stages prior to the countrys reaction to the death of George Floyd, which included the county issuing an emergency disaster declaration and National Guard troops stationed on 69th Street. CURE Violence Chester is a violence intervention initiative spearheaded by the Ministerial Fellowship of Chester and Vicinity in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Deliquency, Temple University and the Chester Community Coalition. On Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., stakeholders and the public are invited to meet via Zoom and learn how the initiative works. Dr. Ronald D. Williams Jr. is with the Center for Urban Bioethics at Temple University and is program manager of CURE Violence Chester. Some stakeholders include Chester Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland, the Chester Police Department, the Chester Boys & Girls Club, Eastside Ministries, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation and the Crozer-Chester Medical Center. Williams explained that the effort has been coalescing over the past 18 months after the Rev. William Taliaferro, pastor of the West Philadelphia Seventh-Day Adventist Church and Williams friend, approached Marla Davis, director of Philadelphia Ceasefire, Philadelphias CURE Violence agency. From there, grant funding was acquired and employees were hired. Williams said the group is excited for the work it will do to help the Chester community move towards tranquility and getting along, something being heightened on the national, regional and local scene after the killing of George Floyd. Its showing us how desperately we need the model implemented, Williams said. The model we are using could easily be adapted to a larger scale issue like police violence and police brutality. He explained that the public health approach really gets to what creates a violence issue and how that violence is kept in place. The mediation is a substantive mediation, Williams said of the discussions that take place. People can air their grievances and come to a space of mutual respect. Examples of bringing it to a larger scale include have police departments sit down with the community, having Congress sit and learn what the germane issues are that African Americans have. He gave as an example how One set of justice can be administered to one group in the community and another to another group. He said it looks at constructs at what has been put in place and provides a method for not always thinking the worst and going to the worst. The model is looking at people from a human perspective their underlying pains that need to be addressed, Williams said. He shared a part of how it works. The most critical piece is an act of violence precipitates another act of violence, he said. So, if we can stop the initial violence, the second one wont come The model tries to get at the root cause. For example, working with the Chester Community Coalition, trained members can respond when there is a situation where a violent altercation has occurred. If it has included a death, Williams explained, That family is going to need critical care. If the victim is alive, a conversation needs to occur, as the project manager explained they are trying to access the golden moment where the person realizes they may have a limited mortality and may chose to do something different. He noted that in hospital settings, normally a chaplain is present. If we can get a hospital-trained violence interrupter, that allows us another approach, Williams said. Violence and deep-rooted pain are not limited to Chester. On Monday, the day after up to 1,000 people crammed 69th Street, many of them looting the stores, resulting in 12 arrests, the National Guard was deployed to Upper Darby to assist the township police in safeguarding that corridor. Widespread rioting and looting was also reported in Philadelphia and around the country. They will assist us with vehicular and pedestrian traffic, the Upper Darby police tweeted. There is no need for any resident to be alarmed by their presence. This is strictly to provide relief to our officers and as a preventative measure. On that same day, Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek signed a disaster emergency declaration in response to the civil disturbance. The declaration remains in effect in seven days or until revoked in writing. In its announcement, county officials said, (T)he National Guard were brought in to protect the safety of residents. Delaware County Council requested the National Guard over the weekend to assist Delaware Countys law enforcement. Over 600 Guardsmen have been placed on state active duty to provide support to local law enforcement. As events continue to unfold, CURE Violence hopes to be a part of a new solution. Were not the golden bullet, Williams said. We are one tool in the midst of a community-wide effort On behalf of the Ministeriums of Chester and Philadelphia, were just doing what we can to make a difference in our community and we hope this allows us to do that. To register for the event, please visit https://zoom.us/j/95868569653?pwd=V2FTbDl5bStmdDNuYW83TDhtbnBiQT09. - Over 80% of agribusinesses in Ghana have been severely affected by the outbreak of the coronavirus - Most of them are now facing increased expenditures, fall in production levels and inability to meet targets - Other challenges are setbacks in the payment of salaries and wages, issues with tax obligations and repayment of debts Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG) has revealed that over 80% of agribusinesses in Ghana have been severely affected by COVID-19. The outbreak of the virus has had a toll on its operations and services, leading to several challenges. The businesses revealed that they are currently dealing with increased expenditures, fall in production levels, inability to meet targets and setbacks in the payment of salaries and wages. READ ALSO: Farmers cry to government over storage facilities and financial challenges Other challenges, the CAG noted, were issues with tax obligations, repayment of debts and threats to the health and life of employees. Per a report by graphic.com.gh, the Agribusiness Sector Survey Report, 2020, by CAG, showed that policies such as the partial lockdown and social distancing resulted in a fall in revenue levels. YEN.com.gh understands that the average monthly revenue of such firms fell by 61.2% during the period of restriction on movement. Meanwhile, some people have expressed fears over a possible food shortage after Ghana has been rid of the coronavirus. Farmers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders have, therefore, urged President Akufo-Addo to implement strategies that would improve the lives of Ghanaians. While commending him for the measures aimed at controlling the spread of the coronavirus, they also claimed there is a need to avert possible threats to food security. READ ALSO: COVID-19: Farmers reduce price of cashew nuts from GHC8 to GHC2 Enjoyed reading our story? Download YEN's news app on Google Playstore now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Bawumia fires Mahama - Stop embarrassing yourself; always check the data before you talk | #Yencomgh Want to be featured on YEN.com.gh? Send us a message on our Facebook page or on Instagram with your stories, photos or videos Source: YEN.com.gh Gary J. Fitzgerald is president & CEO of the Iroquois Healthcare Association, in Clifton Park. Travis Heider is president & CEO of Pandion Optimization Alliance, in Rochester. Their organizations are partners in the Upstate New York Healthcare Coalition. The coalition represents over 60 hospitals and healthcare systems in approximately 45 counties of Upstate New York, spanning 40,000 square miles. By Gary J. Fitzgerald and Travis Heider | Special to Syracuse.com In these unprecedented times, we are all struggling with some form of loss: a loved one, a job, our former daily routines. This pandemic has also expanded the definition of loss exponentially. In health care, and in New York state alone, the loss has been unimaginable. Our state treated more Covid-19 positive patients than any other state in the country. In fact, nearly 45% of total confirmed U.S. cases have been identified here. While hospitals in Upstate New York have not seen the influx of Covid patients as compared to their Downstate counterparts, they have been equally affected by this pandemic, losing over $1 billion in revenue since the onset. Since the pandemic began, Upstate New Yorks hospitals stood ready. They prepared for an influx of patients by creating surge capacity, expanding operations and infrastructure and acquiring needed supplies. When the surge didnt happen, Upstate hospitals offered to take patients from Downstate, to share staff and donate equipment and supplies at a time when costs for masks, isolation gowns, face shields and gloves increased between 300 and 2,000 percent. In March, all hospitals stopped normal operations in compliance with the states mandate that hospitals halt all elective procedures and other routine care. Needed but non-urgent treatment was delayed for some patients and others hesitated to seek care for even urgent problems, such as heart attack or stroke. The halt of services also meant that hospitals stopped receiving revenue and financial losses ensued, forcing hospitals from Buffalo to Albany to layoff or furlough over 6,000 healthcare workers. Since the start of the pandemic, Upstate hospitals have lost over $1 billion in revenue. There is little hope these numbers will improve this year, forcing hospitals to remain in financial peril indefinitely. The much-publicized Covid-19 federal funding for New York state was woefully inadequate for Upstate New Yorks hospitals and health systems. Of the nearly $8 billion New York state received, Upstate hospitals received less than 10%. How is it possible that Upstate hospitals, which represent half of all hospitals in the state and serve as the largest employers in most counties, were so disproportionately left out of the funding distribution? How was loss of revenue not a determining factor for federal aid? There is no question that Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on New York states already precarious fiscal health. The state now projects a $13.3 billion budget deficit. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has stated that unless federal aid is distributed to state and local governments, New York will need to make drastic cuts in state Medicaid spending of up to 20% to 30%. These cuts are in addition to the $2.5 billion Medicaid reductions adopted in this years state budget. Cuts of any kind to health care providers during a public health pandemic is incomprehensible and unacceptable. Without a commitment from our local, state and federal leaders to funding equality for our Upstate hospitals and health systems, the losses will be insurmountable. The loss of an Upstate hospital will lead to the collapse of entire communities. How to submit letters and commentary to Syracuse.com WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump triggered sharp condemnation from top religious leaders for the second time in two days on Tuesday, with Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory slamming his visit to a D.C. shrine honoring Pope John Paul II. On Monday, Trump's appearance in front of St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House set off a controversy because it involved aggressively clearing peaceful protesters. "I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree," Gregory said in a statement as Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Northeast Washington. The shrine was opened as a museum to John Paul in 2001 but nose-dived financially and was bailed out in 2011 by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men's religious organization that has lobbied for conservative political causes, such as opposing same-sex marriage. In his statement, Gregory noted the legacy of Pope John Paul II, suggesting he would not have condoned Trump's actions, including his walk to St. John's on Monday as hundreds of demonstrators nearby were protesting the death of George Floyd last week in the custody of the Minneapolis police. Once he got to the church, the president held a Bible aloft and news crews and White House staffers recorded the moment. "Saint Pope John Paul II was an ardent defender of the rights and dignity of human beings. His legacy bears vivid witness to that truth," Gregory said. "He certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of a place of worship and peace." It's unusual for someone like Gregory to make such a stark statement about Trump specifically; Catholic bishops generally speak about issues more broadly. In a statement last week, Gregory, who was installed as the first black archbishop of Washington in 2019, said Floyd's death, "like all acts of racism, hurts all of us in the Body of Christ since we are each made in the image and likeness of God, and deserve the dignity that comes with that existence." Trump's brief visit to the shrine appeared to serve primarily as another photo opportunity. The president and the first lady, who identifies as Roman Catholic, stood to face the media before facing the statue of John Paul II for a few minutes. Then they looked at a wreath of red and white roses that held a card saying "Mr. President." About half a mile away, several dozen protesters held signs that read, "Black lives matter," "Trump mocks Christ" and "God is not a prop." Just before noon, the group knelt down for eight minutes of silence and prayer - one for each minute a police officer kneeled on Floyd's neck before he died. Chian Gavin, 57, of nearby Brookland, wiped her eyes while the crowd sang "Amazing Grace." "Eight minutes is so long," she said. "To think that someone would be in pain, would be suffering in that position for that long." Chanon Bah, 31, said she's tried to explain the demonstrations to her 3-year-old son, Cairo. Watching television images of riot police advancing on unarmed protesters has confused him, she said. "Mommy, who's the bad guy?" he asked. "I tried to explain that sometimes, the police are the good guys, but sometimes they're not," Bah said. "We talk a lot about feelings. That maybe those people out there are not mad. Maybe they're sad. Or scared." Michelle Dixon, 38, said she was moved to come out to stand against what she saw as Trump's disingenuous show of faith. Dixon, a congregant at All Souls Church, said God is "sacred, and really the embodiment of unconditional love." "How can you stand there and hold up a Bible and say you believe in this unconditional love that is God when you are sowing fear and hatred and shooting peaceful protesters just down the street?" she said. "It's unforgivable." Trump's appearances in front of St. John's and at the shrine were seen as attempts to appeal to his conservative evangelical and Catholic voting base. Both appearances were met with fierce condemnation by religious progressives - and also concern from some religious conservatives. "The Bible is a book we should hold only with fear and trembling, given to us that in it we might find eternal life," J.D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention said in a statement to The Washington Post. "Our only agenda should be to advance God's kingdom, proclaim his gospel, or find rest for our souls." Russell Moore, the president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Religious Liberty and Ethics Convention, said in a statement that he was "brokenhearted and alarmed." "For me, the Bible is the Word of the living God, and should be treated with reverence and awe," he said, adding that Americans should listen to what the Bible says about the preciousness of human life, the sins of racism and injustice and the need for safety and calm and justice in the civil arena. "The murder of African-American citizens, who bear the image of God, is morally wrong," Moore said. "Violence against others and destruction of others' property is morally wrong. Pelting people with rubber bullets and spraying them with tear gas for peacefully protesting is morally wrong." The Right Rev. Mariann Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, excoriated Trump for standing in front of the historic church Monday - its windows boarded up with plywood - while holding the Bible aloft. "Everything he has said and done is to inflame violence," she said of the president. "We need moral leadership, and he's done everything to divide us." Budde and other religious progressives have denounced Trump in the past, on multiple issues. from immigration to fiscal policy to LGBTQ rights. But on Tuesday there was also criticism by others who are not vocal opponents of the president. "There is no right to riot," said Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., in a statement. "But there is a fundamental-a Constitutional-right to protest, and I'm against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the Word of God as a political prop." Ed Stetzer wrote on his Christianity Today magazine blog that the president's photo op was "jarring and awkward. It did not play well, even with many of the president's supporters." "America is burning. We need a call to justice that sees each and every person as image bearers of their Creator-as the Bible teaches," he wrote. "But, we did not need that photo op." Also on Tuesday, several pastors stood on the steps of St. John's, calling for an end to police brutality. John Paul II is especially remembered by conservative Catholics for his strong anti-Communist and antiabortion stances. In a statement Tuesday, the shrine said that the White House originally scheduled the visit as an event at which the president would sign an executive order on international religious freedom. Later Tuesday, the president did sign an executive order that, among other moves, stated that $50 million in USAID's budget should be allocated for advancing international religious freedom. "St. John Paul II was a tireless advocate of religious liberty throughout his pontificate," said the statement from the shrine, which did not address Floyd's death or the related protests. "International religious freedom receives widespread bipartisan support, including unanimous passage of legislation in defense of persecuted Christians and religious minorities around the world," the statement said. "The shrine welcomes all people to come and pray and learn about the legacy of St. John Paul II." John Paul's movement for religious freedom, including in his native Eastern Europe from communism, is considered one of his key legacies. Tuesday is the 41st anniversary of his first papal visit to Poland. The shrine, according to its website, "is a place of pilgrimage housing two first-class relics of St. John Paul II. Here, through liturgy and prayer, art, and cultural and religious formation, visitors can enter into its patron's deep love for God and for man." Stephen Schneck, former head of Catholic outreach for then-President Barack Obama and current executive director of the Franciscan Action Network, said he was "disgusted that the Knights would allow the Shrine to St. John Paul II to be used for what is transparently a Trump reelection campaign event." "Pope St. John Paul II was an ardent foe of racism. In his last visit to the United States the saint begged our nation to eradicate racism from its heart. One cannot imagine a worse insult to John Paul II's memory than to hold a Trump re-election event at the saint's shrine," he told The Post in a statement. Messages to the Knights of Columbus were not immediately returned Tuesday morning. Trump's attorney, Pat Cipollone, was a top lawyer with the organization, holding the title "supreme advocate." Trump has signed several orders related to religious freedom. Charles Haynes, senior fellow for religious freedom at the Freedom Forum, said the orders have been primarily symbolic, but have the potential to change how federal departments enforce existing law. Early in his administration, Trump promised to abolish the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits clergy from endorsing politicians from the pulpit. But it would take an act of Congress to change the amendment. Instead, Trump issued an executive order on how his administration would enforce the amendment. In another case, he signed a rule offering protections for health-care workers who declined services that violate their religious beliefs, a move that concerned LGBTQ advocacy groups. "It reiterates the law in some cases," Haynes said of the executive orders. "There already are religious liberty protections, but he wants to underscore we're upholding them or we're implementing them." - - - The Washington Post's Marissa Lang contributed to this report. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa on the East Front of the Capitol, to highlight crimes committed by illegal immigrants in the U.S., on September 7, 2018. Rep. Steve King, an Iowa Republican known for racist remarks, lost his primary election Tuesday on a night when states across the country voted. The congressman, removed from House committees last year after he questioned why the phrases "white nationalist" and "white supremacist" were "offensive," fell short against Randy Feenstra, a GOP state senator. Feenstra will face Democrat J.D. Scholten, who narrowly lost to King in 2018 but likely faces a tougher race without the incumbent on the ballot. During his 17 years in Congress representing the 4th District, King has repeatedly made racist comments about immigrants and helped to fuel nativist elements in the GOP. At the 2016 Republican National Convention, he claimed no "subgroup" contributed as much to civilization as white people. The race between King and Feenstra was not the only major contest on the ballot Tuesday as seven states and Washington, D.C., held primaries. From Iowa to Montana and New Mexico, Americans voted in key races with a larger-than-usual emphasis on mail-in ballots as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. Iowa Senate: Democrat Theresa Greenfield, the candidate supported by the national party, won the primary to face Republican Sen. Joni Ernst in November. The senator and multiple GOP colleagues need to defend their seats in potentially competitive races in order for the party to keep its 53-47 majority in the Senate. President Donald Trump won Iowa by about 10 percentage points in 2016, but Democrats flipped two House seats in the state in 2018. Democrat Theresa Greenfield, the candidate supported by the national party, won the primary to face Republican Sen. Joni Ernst in November. The senator and multiple GOP colleagues need to defend their seats in potentially competitive races in order for the party to keep its 53-47 majority in the Senate. President Donald Trump won Iowa by about 10 percentage points in 2016, but Democrats flipped two House seats in the state in 2018. Montana Senate: Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock carried the Democratic primary in Montana and will face Republican Sen. Steve Daines in November. The two-term governor boosted Democratic hopes of flipping the seat when he entered the race in March. Trump won Montana by a whopping 20 percentage points in 2016, though Bullock won reelection the same year. Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock carried the Democratic primary in Montana and will face Republican Sen. Steve Daines in November. The two-term governor boosted Democratic hopes of flipping the seat when he entered the race in March. Trump won Montana by a whopping 20 percentage points in 2016, though Bullock won reelection the same year. Presidential election: Apparent Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden continued his push to amass enough pledged delegates to take on Trump in November. He now has 1,943 of the 1,991 delegates needed to become the Democratic nominee after projected wins in Indiana, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Mexico, South Dakota and Montana, according to NBC News. He will likely hit the threshold after Georgia and West Virginia vote next week. Apparent Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden continued his push to amass enough pledged delegates to take on Trump in November. He now has 1,943 of the 1,991 delegates needed to become the Democratic nominee after projected wins in Indiana, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Mexico, South Dakota and Montana, according to NBC News. He will likely hit the threshold after Georgia and West Virginia vote next week. House races: The primary elections set up some 2018 rematches in swing House seats that will help to determine whether Democrats can keep their majority. Democratic Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, who flipped New Mexico's 2nd District in the midterms, will again face Republican Yvette Herrell after beating her by about a percentage point in 2018. Democratic Rep. Cindy Axne of the 3rd District, who unseated GOP Rep. David Young two years ago, will face the former congressman again in November. The primary elections set up some 2018 rematches in swing House seats that will help to determine whether Democrats can keep their majority. Democratic Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, who flipped New Mexico's 2nd District in the midterms, will again face Republican Yvette Herrell after beating her by about a percentage point in 2018. Democratic Rep. Cindy Axne of the 3rd District, who unseated GOP Rep. David Young two years ago, will face the former congressman again in November. Ferguson mayor: Ella Jones was the first black person and first woman elected as mayor of Ferguson, Missouri, on Tuesday. Her election came during a week of nationwide protests over police-involved killings of black Americans, which echo the demonstrations seen in Ferguson after black teenager Michael Brown's 2014 shooting death at the hands of a white police officer. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. (Newser) Protests over George Floyd's death continued into a second week Tuesday night, and while the Washington Post reports tensions lessened in some US cities, others "experienced another night of chaos." In DC's Lafayette Square, where peaceful protesters had been cleared the previous evening to make way for President Trump's appearance at a local church, police pepper-sprayed and fired rubber bullets at protesters said to be throwing water bottles at them. In Portland, Ore., police used pepper spray and stun grenades (also called flash bangs) during a clash with protesters not far from a larger peaceful demonstration. And Los Angeles saw a dramatic confrontation between protesters chanting "defund the police!" and Mayor Eric Garcetti taking a knee in front of demonstrators. "The political pyromania of this moment that we see coming out of Washington right nowit's not only not bringing us together, it is fanning the fuel of this fire," he said, per the Los Angeles Times. More on the ongoing protests: Media harassment? Tensions between police and the media continued, with the AP reporting that two of its journalists were surrounded at a protest in lower Manhattan by NYPD officers, who then pushed and cursed at them. Both video journalist Robert Bumsted and photographer Maye-E Wong say they were sporting media ID and told the cops they were members of the media. "They didn't care," Wong says. "They were just shoving me." story continues below More NYC turmoil: The city saw at least 40 arrests Tuesday night into Wednesday, even with an earlier curfew of 8pm, CNN reports. Meanwhile, protesters were trapped on the Manhattan Bridge after trying to violate that curfew and march from Brooklyn into Manhattanonly to find a police blockade that wouldn't let them in. When they tried to get back into Brooklyn, there was a police blockage there, too. They were finally allowed back into Brooklyn around 11pm, PIX11 reports. The city saw at least 40 arrests Tuesday night into Wednesday, even with an earlier curfew of 8pm, CNN reports. Meanwhile, protesters were trapped on the Manhattan Bridge after trying to violate that curfew and march from Brooklyn into Manhattanonly to find a police blockade that wouldn't let them in. When they tried to get back into Brooklyn, there was a police blockage there, too. They were finally allowed back into Brooklyn around 11pm, PIX11 reports. Bad choice: In Los Angeles, police are being criticized for the makeshift detention center they used to temporarily hold protesters: UCLA's Jackie Robinson Stadium, named for the MLB's first African-American player, per NBC News. "We're troubled by accounts of Jackie Robinson stadium being used as a 'field jail,'" the university tweeted, adding it hadn't granted permission. In Los Angeles, police are being criticized for the makeshift detention center they used to temporarily hold protesters: UCLA's Jackie Robinson Stadium, named for the MLB's first African-American player, per NBC News. "We're troubled by accounts of Jackie Robinson stadium being used as a 'field jail,'" the university tweeted, adding it hadn't granted permission. Words from an ex-president: George W. Bush is speaking out on the protests, delivering what ABC News calls a "rare" public statement with wife Laura. "It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country," he writes. "It is a strength when protesters, protected by responsible law enforcement, march for a better future." Read his full statement here. George W. Bush is speaking out on the protests, delivering what ABC News calls a "rare" public statement with wife Laura. "It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country," he writes. "It is a strength when protesters, protected by responsible law enforcement, march for a better future." Read his full statement here. And from the pope: "We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form," the pontiff tweeted. "At the same time, we have to recognize that violence is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Let us pray for reconciliation and peace." (Read more George Floyd stories.) Its a Monday evening in Minneapolis. Police respond to a call about a man who allegedly used a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes. Seventeen minutes later, the man they are there to investigate lies motionless on the ground, and is pronounced dead shortly after. The man was 46-year-old George Floyd, a bouncer originally from Houston who had lost his job at a restaurant when the coronavirus pandemic hit. Crowd: No justice, no peace. Floyds death triggered major protests in Minneapolis, and sparked rage across the country. One of the officers involved, Derek Chauvin, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The other three officers have been charged with aiding and abetting murder. The Times analyzed bystander videos, security camera footage and police scanner audio, spoke to witnesses and experts, and reviewed documents released by the authorities to build as comprehensive a picture as possible and better understand how George Floyd died in police custody. The events of May 25 begin here. Floyd is sitting in the drivers seat of this blue S.U.V. Across the street is a convenience store called Cup Foods. Footage from this restaurant security camera helps us understand what happens next. Note that the timestamp on the camera is 24 minutes fast. At 7:57 p.m., two employees from Cup Foods confront Floyd and his companions about an alleged counterfeit bill he just used in their store to buy cigarettes. They demand the cigarettes back but walk away empty-handed. Four minutes later, they call the police. According to the 911 transcript, an employee says that Floyd used fake bills to buy cigarettes, and that he is awfully drunk and not in control of himself. Soon, the first police vehicle arrives on the scene. Officers Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng step out of the car and approach the blue S.U.V. Seconds later, Lane pulls his gun. We dont know exactly why. He orders Floyd to put his hands on the wheel. Lane reholsters the gun, and after about 90 seconds of back and forth, yanks Floyd out of the S.U.V. A man is filming the confrontation from a car parked behind them. The officers cuff Floyds hands behind his back. And Kueng walks him to the restaurant wall. All right, whats your name? From the 911 transcript and the footage, we now know three important facts: First, that the police believed they were responding to a man who was drunk and out of control. But second, even though the police were expecting this situation, we can see that Floyd has not acted violently. And third, that he seems to already be in distress. Six minutes into the arrest, the two officers move Floyd back to their vehicle. As the officers approach their car, we can see Floyd fall to the ground. According to the criminal complaints filed against the officers, Floyd says he is claustrophobic and refuses to enter the police car. During the struggle, Floyd appears to turn his head to address the officers multiple times. According to the complaints, he tells them he cant breathe. Nine minutes into the arrest, the third and final police car arrives on the scene. Its carrying officers Tou Thao and Derek Chauvin. Both have previous records of complaints brought against them. Thao was once sued for throwing a man to the ground and hitting him. Chauvin has been involved in three police shootings, one of them fatal. Chauvin becomes involved in the struggle to get Floyd into the car. Security camera footage from Cup Foods shows Kueng struggling with Floyd in the backseat while Thao watches. Chauvin pulls him through the back seat and onto the street. We dont know why. Floyd is now lying on the pavement, face down. Thats when two witnesses begin filming, almost simultaneously. The footage from the first witness shows us that all four officers are now gathered around Floyd. Its the first moment when we can clearly see that Floyd is face down on the ground, with three officers applying pressure to his neck, torso and legs. At 8:20 p.m., we hear Floyds voice for the first time. The video stops when Lane appears to tell the person filming to walk away. Get off to the sidewalk, please. One side or the other, please. The officers radio a Code 2, a call for non-emergency medical assistance, reporting an injury to Floyds mouth. In the background, we can hear Floyd struggling. The call is quickly upgraded to a Code 3, a call for emergency medical assistance. By now another bystander, 17-year-old Darnella Frazier, is filming from a different angle. Her footage shows that despite calls for medical help, Chauvin keeps Floyd pinned down for another seven minutes. We cant see whether Kueng and Lane are still applying pressure. Floyd: [gasping] Officer: What do you want? Bystander: Ive been Floyd: [gasping] In the two videos, Floyd can be heard telling officers that he cant breathe at least 16 times in less than five minutes. Bystander: You having fun? But Chauvin never takes his knee off of Floyd, even as his eyes close and he appears to go unconscious. Bystander: Bro. According to medical and policing experts, these four police officers are committing a series of actions that violate policies, and in this case, turn fatal. Theyve kept Floyd lying face down, applying pressure for at least five minutes. This combined action is likely compressing his chest and making it impossible to breathe. Chauvin is pushing his knee into Floyds neck, a move banned by most police departments. Minneapolis Police Department policy states an officer can only do this if someone is, quote, actively resisting. And even though the officers call for medical assistance, they take no action to treat Floyd on their own while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Officer: Get back on the sidewalk. According to the complaints against the officers, Lane asks him twice if they should roll Floyd onto his side. Chauvin says no. Twenty minutes into the arrest, an ambulance arrives on the scene. Bystander: Get off of his neck! Bystander: Hes still on him? The E.M.T.s check Floyds pulse. Bystander: Are you serious? Chauvin keeps his knee on Floyds neck for almost another whole minute, even though Floyd appears completely unresponsive. He only gets off once the E.M.T.s tell him to. Chauvin kept his knee on Floyds neck for over eight minutes, according to our review of the video evidence. Floyd is loaded into the ambulance. The ambulance leaves the scene, possibly because a crowd is forming. But the E.M.T.s call for additional medical help from the fire department. But when the engine arrives, the officers give them, quote, no clear info on Floyd or his whereabouts, according to a fire department incident report. This delays their ability to help the paramedics. Meanwhile, Floyd is going into cardiac arrest. It takes the engine five minutes to reach Floyd in the ambulance. Hes pronounced dead at a nearby hospital around 9:25 p.m. Preliminary autopsies conducted by the state and Floyds family both ruled his death a homicide. The widely circulated arrest videos dont paint the entire picture of what happened to George Floyd. Crowd: Floyd! Floyd! Additional video and audio from the body cameras of the key officers would reveal more about why the struggle began and how it escalated. The city quickly fired all four officers. And Chauvin has been charged with second degree murder. Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao were charged with aiding and abetting murder. But outrage over George Floyds death has only spread further and further across the United States. As the number of hospitalized coronavirus cases increased in the US, the number of emergency room visits decreased, a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds. Emergency department visits fell by more than 40 percent during the peak of the pandemic compared to the same time last year, according to the report, released on Wednesday. The largest declines were seen among Americans aged 14 or younger, females and those living in the Northeast. Researchers say adults likely were fearful of seeking medical care for themselves or their children over fears they'd catch COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. A new CDC report found that emergency room visits in the US fell by 42% from the weeks between March 31 and April 27 in 2019 to the weeks between March 29 and April 25 in 2020 (above) The largest drops were seen in kids with a 72% decline among those 10 years old and younger and a 71% decrease among those ages 11 to 14 (above) Geographically, the Northeast (Region 1) aw the biggest decline at 49% followed by the region that includes New Jersey and New York (Region 2) at 48% (above) For the report, the team looked at the weekly number of emergency department visits nationwide from January 1 to May 30 during 2019 and 2020. Next, they specifically analyzed visits that occurred during late March to late April. In 2019, a mean of 2,099,734 emergency visits per week took place between March 31 and April 27. But, between March 29, 2020 and April 25, 2020 - the height of the pandemic - visits a 42 percent decline to a mean of 1,220,211 per week. Over that four-week period, the lowest number of visits occurred during the week of April 12 to April 18. Visits fell among every age group, with the sharpest drops seen in children. There was a 72 percent decline from 2019 to 2020 among those 10 years old and younger and a 71 percent decrease among those ages 11 to 14. In 2019, 12 percent of all emergency visits were in children aged 10 or younger compared to six percent over the same period in 2020. The large declines were seen in visits for the flu, ear infections, other upper respiratory illnesses, nausea/vomiting and asthma. Drops were also seen in specific geographic drops, mostly in the Northeast, which saw a 49 percent decline, followed by the region that includes New Jersey and New York. Fewer females went to the emergency room in 2020, dropping 45 percent from 2019 to 2020 although males saw a 37 percent decline. The CDC says that Americans were worried about catching coronavirus if they sought medical care at an emergency department. Pictured: Nurses care for a COVID-19 patient in the ICU at t Regional Medical Center in San Jose, California, May 21 Across all age groups, the largest declines were seen in visits for abdominal pain or other symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and hypertension. Although visits are starting to pick back up, visits for the most recent complete week May 24 to May 30, were 26 percent lower than the same week in 2019. 'The number of visits for conditions including nonspecific chest pain and acute myocardial infarction decreased, suggesting that some persons could be delaying care for conditions that might result in additional mortality if left untreated,' the authors wrote. They also noted that people were likely scared to go to the emergency room but don't have access to other forms of medicine. 'Persons who use the ED as a safety net because they lack access to primary care and telemedicine might be disproportionately affected if they avoid seeking care because of concerns about the infection risk in the ED,' they wrote. Nursing homes in New Jersey were underprepared and under-staffed to deal with the coronavirus crisis and require tougher state scrutiny, according to a consultant hired by Gov. Phil Murphys administration in response to the deadly outbreak that has killed more than 6,000 residents and employees in the states long-term care facilities. Murphy has repeatedly criticized the performance of nursing homes during the outbreak and state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has opened an investigation into possible criminal offenses in nursing homes at the governors request. But the governor struck a more conciliatory tone in announcing the report on Wednesday, describing it as a roadmap for all of us to do better better communication, better support for staff and residents, better monitoring, better coordination between the state and facilities. It is a call for dramatic reforms so the long-term care industry itself can do better including greater transparency and stronger staffing requirements reforms which, once enacted, will be critical for achieving our goal of protecting our most-vulnerable residents, Murphy said during his daily coronavirus briefing in Trenton. According to the 100-page report, many nursing homes had previously been cited for infection control deficiencies before the coronavirus struck. It noted also that nursing homes generally are not adequately tied into the larger system of health care, suggesting they did not have strong relationships with hospital emergency departments. In its report, Manatt said it did not conduct any in-person visits to nursing homes because of the statewide stay-at-home orders and restricted nursing home visitation. Instead, the consultants held video and telephonic calls with 50 nursing home administrators, labor representatives, consumer advocates and others. Meanwhile, state agencies did not have sufficient staff to deploy to facilities and conduct meaningful oversight prior to COVID-19, according to the report. The $500,000 study by Manatt Health, released Wednesday afternoon, paid scant attention to the states response, which critics say may have contributed to New Jerseys high death toll. Recommendations include: Requiring nursing homes to hire a senior-level Infection control preventionist who reports to the CEO and the board of directors Making COVID-19 relief payments for nursing homes and review rates Improving state oversight and increasing penalties for nursing homes Conducting a rate study to assess if Medicaid nursing home rates are sufficient enough to cover direct care and administrative costs Creating a Governors Task Force on long-term care Details of the report were first published by Politico on Wednesday morning. Milly Silva, executive vice president of SEIU 1199, a union which represents nursing home employees, joined Murphys coronavirus briefing and described how the outbreak has taken a devastating toll on her members. Silva also said she welcomed the changes Manatt recommended, and urged lawmakers to move quickly. We need long-term, thoughtful legislation to stabilize direct-care staffing, to bring transparency to the industry, and to fund nursing home care appropriately, Silva said. Its time to build a new system that better values the lives, agency and personhood of those who depend on around-the-clock nursing care while supporting the critical direct-care workforce," she added. Nursing home residents are not second-class citizens and nor should their caregivers be." State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli in a statement praised Manatt for its in-depth review and recommendations that will help to strengthen New Jerseys nursing homes and improve their resiliency." When asked during the briefing what she would have done differently given the benefit of hindsight, Persichilli replied: "What I would have done differently is really focused on the resiliency of our nursing home industry from day one. I should have looked at that a little more critically. We did not have a full picture of their back-up plan. Murphy announced May 6 that Persichilli had hired Manatt Health, a national health advisory consulting group, to assess the states response to the coronavirus in long-term care facilities, as the number of nursing home deaths continued to soar. One in 11 nursing home residents have died in the pandemic. Described as an effort to review the steps to take to best protect nursing home residents, the review was led by Cindy Mann, former deputy administrator during the Obama administration, along with Carol Raphael, senior advisor at Manatt Health who served as chief executive officer and president of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. But behind the scenes as the contract was being negotiated, there was internal debate and some pushback by Persichilli, who told colleagues the cost of the contract was excessive and complained that the firm had little experience with long-term care, NJ Advance Media reported last week. In private conversations recorded without her knowledge and shared by a source with NJ Advance Media, the commissioner said she initially had refused to sign it even as she came under pressure from the governors top advisors. I am not signing a contract that I think is excessive. I am not signing it as the commissioner and I am not signing it as a taxpayer in New Jersey, she said. By any measure, the crisis in the nursing homes has been devastating. There have been 6,020 residents and staff in long-term care facilities have died in the COVID-19 outbreak. More than 22,500 residents alone have tested positive for the virus. An investigation by NJ Advance Media for NJ.com based on internal department records and statements by officials, as well as interviews with families, advocates, workers and players behind the scenes, found that New Jersey failed to react fast enough or take forceful, aggressive actions to slow the deadly rampage in nursing homes as the virus preyed on the states most vulnerable patients. In fact, state inspectors did not begin making on-site inspections inside facilities until 36 days after New Jersey reported its first death, and not until reports surfaced that one nursing home was storing 17 bodies in a makeshift morgue. Nursing home operators also complained the state had overlooked their needs for PPE for more than the first month of the pandemic, according to the NJ Advance Media story. Health Department officials disputed those comments, saying that by mid-May, the state Office of Emergency Management delivered more than 22 million pieces of PPE. More than half of that equipment arrived in May, the department said. Manatts report said the state gave priority treatment to hospitals by helping them acquire personal protective equipment, as was true in many states. Ann Kohler, a retired long-term care consultant and former director of New Jersey Medicaid program, said Manatt identified long-understood shortcomings to nursing home care that she hopes are finally addressed. Yes, we need to address salaries, especially for certified nursing assistants, but who is going to pay for it? Kohler said. Kohler agreed with Manatt that the state and federal government must strongly enforce financial penalties and admission bans when inspections uncover these problems or when facilities earn 1-star reviews, she said. Manatt urged the state to consider stripping providers of their licenses, and other ways DHS can enhance Medicaid managed care plans role in monitoring quality. Few people understand or use the federal review system, Kohler said. They could be improved, and consumers encouraged to use them...Most families are ill equipped to make an informed decision on the facility and usually go along with whatever the discharge planner recommends often not even knowing they have a choice. The consultants also suggested New Jersey adopt a stricter system of reviewing the financial background of nursing home operators before they are permitted to acquire new facilities. The report noted 74 percent of nursing homes are owned by for-profit companies Kohler agreed. A much better understanding of the financial operations and incentives are needed," she said. But she notes the health department, which has been decimated by years of attrition and budget cuts, may not have enough experienced staff to do these reviews. In the coming weeks, a bipartisan state Senate committee is expected to hold hearings on the Murphy administrations pandemic response, including its work with nursing homes. Richard McGrath, spokesman for the Senate Democrats, said they will give the report "a thorough review. This is a serious issue that calls for a full accounting so that actions can be taken to protect the health and safety of residents and employees of all long term care facilities in New Jersey. Senate Republicans blasted the report for not bringing a more objective eye to the events as they unfolded. The Murphy Administration paid a consulting firm $500,000 to rush a report that attempts to shift blame for thousands of nursing home deaths to anyone but the governor, Steven Oroho R-Sussex, said in a statement. Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex and chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, said he anticipates there will be a lot of new legislation that addresses the problems identified in the report. Its now up for us to take this information from this and groups like AARP and make policy and legislative changes, Vitale said. There continue to be issues throughout the system. We have to worry about the problems that exist, and if there is a resurgence in the fall. Vitale expressed disappointment that his Republican colleagues are throwing grenades from the sidelines. No one wanted this to happen. Some of it was inevitable with the tsunami that hit us, he added. READ THE FULL MANATT HEALTH REPORT: NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report. Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Students could be forgoing pub crawl rites of passage as universities introduce 'virtual freshers weeks' and zoom lectures. Institutions are also considering making students live in 'bubbles' with people on their courses as part of a series of measures to reopen campuses in September, as the sector faces its greatest challenge yet. Students arriving at university for the first time could be faced with one-way systems across campus in a bid to keep them safe from coronavirus. A series of proposals for easing out of lockdown safely have been unveiled by university leaders - including using a 'blended' learning approach, with a mix of online and face-to-face classes. Forty-nine per cent of applicants fear that the Covid changes will ruin their university experience. Students arriving at university for the first time could be faced with virtual freshers' week events, fewer large-scale lectures and one-way systems across campus in a bid to keep them safe from coronavirus It comes as the University of Buckingham's Sir Anthony Seldon described Covid-19 as the 'biggest crisis that the university sector has faced... the biggest crisis ever in the history of universities'. The Vice Chancellor told the i paper that higher education was being hit by a 'triple whammy' of not knowing how to plan, problems with making remote learning work, and a drop in international students which threatens to 'push us into the red'. The majority of prospective students say they would support delaying the start of the academic year to secure more face-to-face teaching on campus, a survey suggests. Nearly half (49%) of university applicants fear cuts made by institutions because of the Covid-19 crisis will negatively impact upon their education, according to a poll by the University and College Union (UCU). The findings come after the University of Cambridge confirmed all 'face-to-face lectures' will be moved online during the 2020-21 academic year to ensure social distancing can continue amid the pandemic. A number of universities across the UK are planning to offer a blended learning approach - with a mix of online lessons and face-to-face teaching - when they reopen campuses to students in the autumn. The University of Glasgow has said large-scale lectures would be 'impractical' at the start of the term if the two-metre social distancing rule remains in place. The poll, of 516 students who have applied to a UK university this year, suggests 71% of applicants would support moving the start of their first year of university to a later time if it meant they could have more face-to-face teaching rather than online lessons. It also found that almost a quarter (23%) of prospective students were worried that the university they wish to attend could go bust because of Covid-19. It comes after vice-chancellors warned in April that universities were likely to face 'financial failure' amid the Covid-19 crisis without emergency Government funding of at least 2 billion. Professor Liz Barnes, vice-chancellor of Staffordshire University, said her institution is considering grouping students on the same courses in the same accommodation to keep a 'bubble'. The University of Buckingham's Sir Anthony Seldon described Covid-19 as the 'biggest crisis that the university sector has faced... the biggest crisis ever in the history of universities' Students could also be asked to come in for a day in a smaller assigned group to 'minimise movement around campus' and to reduce the number of social interactions, she added. Prof Barnes, who is also a member of the Universities UK (UUK) board to coordinate the sector's coronavirus recovery work, said other institutions are looking at a similar approach. She said: 'The bubble around accommodation has been discussed across a number of universities, about how best we can bring groups of students together. 'The more that we can keep them into a small group of regular interaction, the better in current circumstances.' When asked whether universities would regulate what students do in freshers' week and whether they would discipline students for holding parties, Prof Barnes said: 'We don't expect to have to police it heavily because they are adults and they do understand. Students could also be asked to come in for a day in a smaller assigned group to 'minimise movement around campus' 'We have processes if students misbehave in halls, which occasionally they do, we do have disciplinary processes in place and we would just apply those in the same way as we always have in the past.' UUK has published a set of principles for universities to consider as they emerge from lockdown - including how to encourage social distancing. Virtual work placements and a greater use of outdoor spaces for classes and extracurricular activities are some ideas being considered by universities. Speaking about freshers' week, Professor Julia Buckingham, president of UUK and vice-chancellor of Brunel University, said: 'We're working very closely also with our students' union to arrange a whole load of virtual events to make sure that we can guarantee students have social interaction with one another, irrespective of what the social distancing arrangements are at the time.' Shearer West, vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham, said the institution was looking at how to make Welcome Week work within communities of halls of residence 'rather than the all-singing, all-dancing, all across the university' experience they had before. Almost half of students surveyed said they fear that the Covid changes will ruin their experiences as some have said they might not bother going (file photo) She said: 'We're certainly planning to have people join things and get involved in societies, but we may just have to run freshers' fair in a different kind of way depending on what the rules are about social distancing.' A survey from the UCU has found that most students would delay starting university in the autumn if they were able to secure more face-to-face classes. Nearly half (49 per cent) of university applicants fear cuts made by institutions because of the Covid-19 crisis will negatively impact upon their education, according to the poll. Prof Buckingham said Brunel University would introduce an optional new January start for international students who may not be able to travel in September, as well as other courses. But on the UCU findings about students wanting more face-to-face teaching, she said: 'I think it's a very exciting time for students to go to university and I would be encouraging students to think very strongly about the opportunities that a university education provides.' Universities minister Michelle Donelan said: 'I know this has been a very difficult and uncertain time for students. 'I am pleased universities are making decisions and planning now for how courses might be adapted should restrictions be in place come autumn, providing much-needed clarity to students. 'Universities UK's principles will help the sector ensure the health and wellbeing of students and staff remains a top priority.' Jo Grady, general secretary of the UCU, said: 'It is hardly surprising that students are anxious about what the future holds for universities and for their education. Given the impact this uncertainty is having on students, it is now critical that Government agrees to provide increased financial backing to the sector. 'Students need to be confident that they will get a high quality education, despite the hugely damaging impact of the pandemic. 'Government needs to guarantee funding so institutions are able to make decisions which put the welfare of their staff and students first, and plan for a delayed start if this is the safest course of action,' Dr Grady added. Claire Sosienski Smith, National Union of Students (NUS) vice president (Higher Education), said: 'The Government must underwrite the higher education sector to ensure its survival as a vital public good and integral part of our economic recovery. 'This should include a student safety net and funds to allow all students to re-do this year at no extra cost, or have their tuition fees reimbursed or written off. 'The Government must also advise institutions to carefully consider the start dates and format of any blended learning environments, so that everyone can be confident that these environments are safe for students and staff.' Julia Buckingham, president of Universities UK (UUK), said: 'I think it's a very exciting time for students to go to university and I would be encouraging students to think very strongly about the opportunities that a university education provides. 'Both in terms of being an exciting experience, and we all want university to be exciting just as we had a great time there, but also in preparing them for their jobs and careers in what is going to be a very, very challenging job market.' Staten Island, N.Y.-- During a peaceful protest outside the NYPDs 120th Precinct on Tuesday residents delivered to the station house a list of requests, asking that it be distributed among officers and posted on the wall. About 20 demonstrators gathered Tuesday in one of hundreds of protests over the past week across the U.S., following the alleged murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The officer was arrested and charged with third-degree murder, however, demonstrators over the past week have cited dozens of killings involving unarmed black men and women. St. George resident Monique Vasquez handed over the requests, which read in part: When you witness a fellow officer using excessive force, stand up and do something; when you witness a fellow officer being rude to a citizen, step up and do something; when you witness a fellow officer breaking the rules, step up and do something." When asked immediately after the protest if police had any plans to further explore the demands, a law enforcement source described them from an officers viewpoint as not too crazy... BREAKING: NYC curfew extended to Sunday, starts at 8 p.m. Posted by Staten Island Advance on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 The law source wouldnt elaborate on whether he thought the request would incite any action on behalf of police-community relations, which have turned violent on a wide scale in other parts of New York City and in cities across the U.S. Protesters on Tuesday chanted the names of unarmed black men and women killed during interactions with police -- including Eric Garner, who died in 2014 after former NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo applied a banned chokehold during an attempted arrest for the alleged sale of loose cigarettes. About a half-dozen motorists passing by along Richmond Terrace honked their horns in support. Across the street, a Stapleton woman and mother of three young black men watched the group of mostly white demonstrators chanting and holding signs, saying it was encouraging to see people of different colors realize that theres injustice going on here, and it has to be changed. The list of requests handed over to the precinct echoed pleas made by another Staten Island community leader who co-organized the Take that knee march Sunday, from Park Hill to the 120th Precinct station house. We have police officers that are here for our community, who dont carry a badge to stand behind to be bullies, said Lovasia Washington, 25. They want to be a part of our community, but because you have bad apples in the bunch, it ruins it for all of them. Conversely, Police Commissioner Dermot Shea has pointed to a minority group of protestors who have showed up to protests with the intent of destroying property and assaulting cops. He said civilians and police must come together, but authorities must also stop the anti-police rhetoric thats fueling these senseless attacks. Horrible and unfortunately not uncommon. We MUST stop the anti-police rhetoric that is fueling these senseless attacks. We MUST also come together and hear each other, work together and move forward ....TOGETHER. #onenewyork https://t.co/E4IqytGOzU Commissioner Shea (@NYPDShea) June 1, 2020 Hours before the protest in St. George, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and members of Congress held a press conference rallying behind city, state and federal laws that would more strictly enforce police tactics when effecting an arrest, and more clearly outline penalties for NYPD officers found to be in misconduct of department protocol. Responding to the press conference Tuesday, Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli (R-South Shore) accused Democratic leaders of using a critical moment to score a cheap win on progressive legislation that has been previously unable to pass." What began as a plan for a small protest among Katy ISD high school students has now grown to a Black Lives Matter: Houston-sanctioned event with a projected attendance of more than 1,000 people. The protest is scheduled to take place 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at Katy Park at 24927 Morton Road. The event is being touted as a peaceful protest, and organizers request that all attendees wear masks and maintain six feet of social distancing. 60K STRONG: Aerial photos show scale of George Floyd rally turnout in Houston Katy for Justice, an advocacy group run by three Katy ISD high school students, is organizing the protest to honor George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis, Minn., police custody last week after a white police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes. In the wake of Floyds death, protests and riots have taken place across the country. Although the students attend Cinco Ranch High School and Seven Lakes High School, the protest is not a Katy ISD event. The protest was originally intended to be a student-only event at Mary Jo Peckham Park but news of the event spread quickly on social media. To accommodate the larger crowd, Katy for Justice has moved the event to a much larger venue. Organizers now anticipate more than 1,000 protesters. The protest has also garnered the attention of Black Lives Matter: Houston, which is now officially affiliated with the event. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Houston health officials fear George Floyd protest crowds will spur coronavirus surge I spoke with kids who are just as angry as I am, and will support this event, said Ashton P. Woods, founder and lead organizer of Black Lives Matter: Houston in a Facebook post. Please go support. Katy for Justice has also arranged several speeches for the event. According to an organizer, four or five high school students, Woods; and Chris Hollins, interim Harris County district clerk; and Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton are planning to speak. Katy for Justice is requesting donations of masks and bottled water for the event. Anyone wishing to contribute can arrive early to donate the items. MORNING REPORT: Get the top stories on HoustonChronicle.com sent directly to your inbox While the Katy for Justice advocacy group was formed specifically to orchestrate this protest, an organizer stated that the group has been inspired to continue their work after the event. We came up with that name yesterday and realized that wed love to continue causing change around Katy, so hopefully it goes even further than today, an organizer said. claire.goodman@chron.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Alya Nurbaiti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 08:56 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbad66b 1 National dentists,COVID-19,new-normal,#NewNormal,PPE,APD,dokter-gigi,dokter-meninggal-virus-corona,PDGI,#ForgingtheNewNorm Free This article is part of The Jakarta Posts "Forging the New Norm" special coverage series, on how people are forging their lives anew to adjust to the new realities of COVID-19 in Indonesia. Dentists and dental clinics in Indonesia are attempting to minimize the high risks they face amid the COVID-19 pandemic by embracing telemedicine and tighter health protocols in order to continue treating patients and to keep their businesses afloat. Dental procedures frequently generate formations of droplets and fine water particles in the air that can carry the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, which may end up on the clothes of, or be inhaled by, both dental healthcare personnel and patients. Read also: Indonesian dentists walk on tightrope as practices forced to close due to COVID-19 The Indonesian Dentists Association (PDGI) has advised the public not to see dentists unless for emergency or serious dental problems, such as oral bleeding or severe dental pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, the PDGI reported that six dentists had died of COVID-19 after treating patients. Patients can understand their degrees of urgency by consulting the dentists virtually. It has never been more obvious that dental organizations must embrace teledentistry, PDGI chair Sri Hananto Seno told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. Take pictures Many patients, including Intan Kurnia Marka, have decided to postpone going to the dentist. Intan, herself a 24-year-old dental student in Yogyakarta, has skipped her routine braces checkups during the outbreak. "A loose bracket is a common problem for people with braces but it doesn't need emergency care. I fear the COVID-19 transmission more," she said. Hananto said that patients nowadays might want to communicate with dentists online, especially if their dentists have established good relationships with them. Hananto, for example, asks his patients to take several pictures of their mouth and send them through WhatsApp so he can analyze the problem. This is the closest we can get to solving the dilemma of whether to continue to work and keep earning or to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, he said, adding that in outbreak epicenter Jakarta, the COVID-19 situation had prompted nearly 70 percent of dentists to stop practicing and lose their source of income. Hananto said the PDGI, which has 272 branches across the country, was also starting to collaborate with telemedicine apps such as Klikdokter and Halodoc so that dentists could register easily. Limited services Dentistry, however, has yet to settle on an established new normal. Dentists and clinics are still grappling with how best to serve needy patients and the results are either a limited service or a costly one. Artist Yustiansyah Lesmana told the Post that his wife, whose gums had swollen, went to RE Martadinata Dental Naval Hospital in Central Jakarta on May 8 where she was asked to cover the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the medical workers in order to obtain emergency treatment. They did not use the national healthcare system BPJS Kesehatan because that system requires the patient to go see their nearest dentist first before being treated as a dental emergency in the hospital. My wife was expected to pay Rp 500,000 [US$ 33.50] outside the treatment fees. We declined to see the dentist eventually, he said. The couple spent hours, calling several dentists and clinics, to find a dentist that could treat Yustiansyahs wifes problem. Finally, they went to the University of Indonesia clinic in Salemba, where she left her number and was called and treated remotely by a dentist because the dental clinic was closed to visitors. RE Martadinata Dental Naval Hospital head Col. Agus Gamal Mulya said the policy of patients buying PPE for dentists applied to general patients, to partially cover the cost of PPE given the scarcity of protective gear in the first weeks of the outbreak and subsequent skyrocketing prices. We needed to procure protective gear but were unable to do it without aid from other parties. A set of PPE cost around Rp 500,000 per staff member. Meanwhile, a patient with an emergency case is treated by two personnel, a doctor and a dental assistant. We decided to charge the patient for the PPE at half the cost if they agreed, Agus told the Post on Tuesday. He added that the policy did not apply to patients covered by the Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan). Atika Nurmalia was also only able to obtain a limited dental service recently. Unable to bear the incessant pain from her swollen gums, the 24-year-old woman from Kudus regency in Central Java, decided to see a dentist, despite her fear of contracting COVID-19. When she visited the clinic, she went through a body temperature check and was told to maintain physical distance. However, she was surprised when she saw the dentist only wore a surgical mask and did not examine her mouth at all. I was not told to open my mouth, I didnt even remove my mask. I understand that must be dangerous to do especially as the dentist only wore a mask but whats the point then of visiting the dentist? she said. Her experience demonstrated the necessary shift in dental practice as some procedures may be now carried out without visiting a hospital or clinic. Tighter protocols Endodontist Rio Suryantoro, who owns a clinic in Tebet, South Jakarta, said he had been conducting assessments regarding COVID-19 through WhatsApp as a routine procedure. If a patient needs emergency care, we must first assess their condition and travel history in the last 14 days before agreeing to an arrangement. Meanwhile, all kinds of nonemergency practices should be postponed, he told the Post. Rio added that even with such precheck measures, the risks were still high as long as the patients were not tested for COVID-19, especially as some COVID-19 patients could be showing no symptoms. Now is a good time for dental professionals to learn about and improve infection control. All this time, both dental patients and staff could be exposed to various viruses and bacteria through direct or indirect contact with fluids, but even the standard precautions are often overlooked, said Rio. The standard precautions in dental practices include hand hygiene, use of PPE such as gloves, masks and eyewear, safe injection practices, sterile instruments and a clean and disinfected environment. In the future, patients may expect to see all dental staff wearing gowns, masks, face shields, gloves and boots. Hananto of the PDGI said this protective gear was an absolute condition for any dentists who wanted to work during this pandemic. Hananto added, however, that not all dental healthcare personnel could afford protective gear. The PDGI has received 5,000 PPE items from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and distributed them to several regions. This amount is far from enough to cover all 34,000 dentists across the country, according to Hananto. Without an effective vaccine, the pandemic will last but we cant stop working forever. The way to work is by wearing full protective gear, he said. With Covid-19 pandemic threats lingering, civil unrest has affected the lives of many Vietnamese residing in the U.S. Since the pandemic hit America, Le Thanh Hiep, 31, has gone shopping every two weeks. Last Sunday, his plans to stockpile food got canceled with the Target store near his home in Pennsylvania surrounded by protesters. "Things were slowly getting back to normal - the protests are like another shot fired into our lives. Now, I cannot go shopping, or even to work," said Hiep, pursuing a Master of Finance degree. With violent protest escalating across many cities in the U.S. over the brutal death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, many Vietnamese find venture out difficult due to limited transportation and curfew restrictions. George Floyd died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, reigniting the explosive issue of police brutality against African Americans. Protests began in Minneapolis last week and quickly spread to many cities across the U.S. Demonstrations have turned increasingly violent as police clamp down on protesters, and looters destroyed thousands of stores nationwide. Hung Nguyen, a photographer in New York, said: "I could not find an Uber or Lyft so I walked the three kilometers home, scared I may violate the law by going at night, or face violence from protestors." On Tuesday, New York suspended app-based vehicle services operating at night due to the demonstrations rocking the city in the last few days. A Vietnamese restaurant in Tampa, Florida is destroyed by protestors on the night of May 30, 2020. Photo by Twitter/cam. Meanwhile, Nguyen Thu Huong, his housemate, decided to overnight at a convenience store after finishing her evening shift as "it was too risky to go out." With numerous stores and supermarkets across the country destroyed and looted, students and workers dependent on part-time income are worried their jobs may be in danger. Huong is waiting for her manager to confirm her request to work during the day instead of at night. "If my request is rejected, I will quit since it is too risky to go out alone after dusk." In Houston, Luong Minh Ha and her family also opted to stay indoors since Monday after encountering several violent protestors Sunday. "We were having pizza downtown with our kids when some guys broke the windows, before coming inside and shouting, which freaked us out," Ha recalled, adding she would not visit any stores until "public anger is over." Some business owners face worse ordeals. Thuong Tran had reopened her nail salon in Seattle for almost a week, until her windows were broken and front door spray-painted. On Friday night, the 43-year-old and her family took turns to guard the store. "We have lost so much and only keep losing," Tran said with a sigh, adding they used pieces of wood to cover the storefront because "[protestors] may break the glass windows once more." Many other stores and restaurants across the U.S. have been looted. "Haven't we endured enough struggles in the last few months?" Thuong lamented. Double shot Since earlier this year, the novel coronavirus has posed numerous difficulties to people in the U.S., including Vietnamese, who have lost their jobs or been stuck in the country where the virus has claimed over 100,000 lives. Now, protesting crowds pose a greater risk of infection. In California, home of many Vietnamese, some business owners have witnessed their stores or restaurants be destroyed. Over 2.1 million Vietnamese currently live in the U.S., mainly in California. A man jumps from the window of a damaged store in New York on June 2, 2020 as protests against the death of George Floyd continue. Photo by Reuters/Jeenah Moon. Jenny Tran, 54, was full of hope in re-opening her hair salon after almost two months of closure. Last weekend, the chaos over George Floyds death put her plans on hold. "I lost thousands of dollars because of the virus, and now public anger could well help spread it even," she lamented, adding her family has prevented her from going out due to the risks over Covid-19. Tran's husband, Thien Tran, agrees, saying he is sad to see people join the crowds since doing so is a health risk, especially when young people can accidentally become spreaders without any symptoms. "We are yearning for normalcy, but violent protests can be a huge obstacle. I just want to go out and open our shop to see my patrons and earn," the man said. Both pandemic and public rage have many Vietnamese considering returning home to be with their loved ones. But with no commercial flights, such plans remain little more than dreams. Hoang Nguyen, a graduate student in Washington D.C., has been waiting to come home since May, missing two repatriation flights from the U.S. to Vietnam. "Staying at home during the lockdown was tough - now all I hear is shouting and sirens. I want to go home to get a job and feel safe again," he maintained, adding there will be another repatriation flight next month, though he has no idea if he made the passenger list. Hoang wants to raise his voice, join the crowd of protestors and proclaim that black lives matter. "But what is next? More than 100,000 people have died and millions have lost their jobs. After two crises I find myself unable to go home or even go out for food." Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 23:11:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MUMBAI, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The growth of new COVID-19 cases has showed sign of slowing in Asia's largest slum in Mumbai, India. As per the last available update, the slum spread over 613 hectares with an estimated population of 1 million, now has 1,830 confirmed cases after the total number crossed the mark of 1,000 cases on May 13. The densely populated Dharavi slum, which led to rapid transmission of COVID-19 due to public sanitation issues, received a special 200-bed hospital with oxygen facility earlier this week. Another reason for the reduction in cases is the reverse migration of the slum-dwellers back to their native state of origin following the train facility made available by the government, civic officials said. Enditem Connecticut protests remained peaceful Wednesday, as activists took to the streets in Danbury, briefly shutting both side of Interstate 84, and protesters met with officers on the steps of the New Haven Police Department where only days before tensions boiled over. In Danbury, demonstrators followed a planned march from the library to the city police department, where Mayor Mark Boughton and Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour addressed the protesters. Another group of protesters made their way onto I-84, where State Police shut down both lanes of travel. In New Haven, a throng of activists carrying signs that read Black Lives Matter and say their names marched to the steps of the New Haven Police Department while singing We Shall Overcome. Chief Otoniel Reyes knelt with protesters and spoke with them in an open forum where on Sunday demonstrators had been met with riot shields and pepper spray when a group tried to rush inside. Among those hit was Brad MacDowall, a member of Hamdens town council, who pushed back Wednesday against Reyes defense of the tactic earlier in the week, calling it garbage. The protests in Connecticut cities came as authorities in Minneapolis upgraded the charges against Derek Chauvin, the white police officer filmed pressing his knee into the back of Floyds neck for more than eight minutes before his death. Authorities are now charging Chauvin, who was fired from the Minneapolis Police Department on May 26, with second-degree murder, and three other officers who stood by have been charged with aiding and abetting murder. The Memorial Day video of Chauvin kneeling on Floyds neck sparked protests across the U.S. that are now in their second week, including violent clashes between demonstrators and police in several major cities. But despite instances of police using pepper spray in Bridgeport on Saturday and in New Haven on Sunday in both cases, after protesters tried to enter a police station Connecticut municipalities have been spared the violent clashes seen in New York, Los Angeles and Washington D.C., among other places. After protesters shut down a section of I-84 between exits 5 and 4 Wednesday, Danbury police sent their armored truck to the scene after reports of motorists being assaulted, Ridenhour said. The team inside never left the vehicle, he said. A video posted to Facebook showed a woman standing among the protesters arguing with a driver on the highway out of frame, before taking a photo of the vehicle with her phone and walking away. State police said a crowd of around 500 people closed the highway for about one hour before the people were dispersed without any arrests, property damage or injuries. In New Haven, police offered up to $5,000 in reward money Tuesday after two police substations on Winchester Avenue and Howard Avenue were hit with Molotov cocktails Monday morning. More demonstrations are planned as the week unfolds. A New Canaan rally planned for Wednesday was postponed due to weather concerns, and will now be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, starting at Saxe Middle School. In Bethel, state Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan and First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker plan to hold a candlelight vigil on the towns green beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday. In Derby, organizers plan to hold a unity rally on the green beginning at 7 p.m. Friday. Meanwhile, Bridgeports city council introduced a resolution Wednesday, seeking to ban knee and choke holds by police officers, as West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi and the Guilford and Hamden police departments issued statements condemning Floyds death. We understand that we can and must do better. With the assistance from the communities we represent, we must pledge to continue to train and educate ourselves to be the best that we can be, Hamden police Capt. Ronald Smith said in a statement. This endeavor will be a continuous work in progress. Musafeer, a newly opened restaurant in the Galleria, has been temporarily closed, after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19, owners Mithu and Shammi Malik announced Wednesday. Due to the enhanced safety measures advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we were able to quickly discover a staff member tested positive for COVID-19, the Maliks said jointly in the release. The husband-wife duo, who are behind the Dubai-based Spice Route Co. group, first opened Musaafer, an upscale Indian restaurant, on May 18, despite the coronavirus pandemic. On CHRON.COM: Patrenella's Italian restaurant permanently closed after 28 years of business Because of the nature of our cuisine, we had been training (employees) for years and the thought of letting anyone go was heartbreaking, Mithu told the Houston Chronicle shortly before the restaurants opening. May 1 was the first day that Texas restaurants were allowed to offer dine-in service under a 25-percent occupancy restriction after being shuttered in March to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. On May 22, Gov. Greg Abbott increased occupancy to 50 percent, only days after Musaafer launched. The restaurants temporary closure comes just a day after Texas saw the largest single-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. Statewide, cases increased by 2.75 percent for a total of 67,527 cases, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis. An additional 35 new deaths were reported, bringing the state's death count to 1,718. The Houston region's count increased by 2.7 percent to 17,978 cases total. Two additional deaths were reported; the region's death count is now at 359. The economic impact of the pandemic has left the entire restaurant industry struggling. Texas restaurants, which lost a projected $4.2 billion in lost sales and nearly 700,000 jobs through the end of April, have been optimistic about reopening. But not everyone is convinced its wise to reopen. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said on Tuesday that public protests, in-person graduation ceremonies and the reopening of bars, restaurants and churches put the county at risk of a spike in cases. In many ways, were blind, said Hidalgo. Were on the verge of an outbreak at any given time. In late May, vaccine expert Dr. Peter Hotez, a professor and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and co-director of the Texas Childrens Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, expressed concern about reopening the states economy too quickly. Hotez said models show that rather than a gradual increase in cases, Harris County is likely to see a surge. Musaafer will remain closed through the end of this week with the possibility of extending the closure for longer if needed while all employees are tested for COVID-19 and the restaurant undergoes rigorous sanitation and disinfectant measures, according to the release. We are overwhelmed by the support we have received from Houston since opening our doors, and are looking forward to serving you again in Musaafer very soon, the owners said. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal Monday night, as crowds gathered in Albuquerque for a second night in a row to protest against racial injustice and the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, chief administrative officer Sarita Nair joined about 30 officials from local and state law enforcement agencies to monitor the demonstrations via video at the Real Time Crime Center. She said watching the unrest in other cities across the country as police departments cracked down and made arrests cemented her belief that Albuquerque had made the right call to not impose a curfew. The speed at which that enforcement escalated was really disheartening, sad, terrifying, to every single person in that room regardless of what agency they were representing, Nair said in an interview with Journal editors and a reporter. Both Nair and Mayor Tim Keller stressed that they considered every option and consulted with the Police Department and the governor after demonstrators smashed windows, set fires and vandalized businesses Downtown early Monday. No injuries have been reported, and two men were arrested on misdemeanor charges of unlawful assembly. Obviously, not taking action, we cant have that, and we will not have that, Keller said. But we also dont want to take too much action or we will end up like a bunch of other cities. We dont feel like we need to do a curfew at this time or bring in the National Guard but, of course, we will if we think we need to. Police Chief Michael Geier said the Albuquerque Police Department didnt have a lot of time to prepare before the first protest, on Thursday, but since then they have been making adjustments and talking with the organizers. He said the department has also beefed up its response in partnership with other agencies, including the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office and New Mexico State Police. But he said that the chaos that ensued Downtown a couple of hours after a peaceful march concluded Sunday night caught his officers off guard and that some had already gone home. By the time the officers were called back and set up again, a lot of the damage to businesses had already been done, Geier said. We got caught behind a power curve on that because we werent prepared, he said. But had that situation been part of a splinter group that broke off during the peaceful one, we would have had more than enough resources to be prepared for that. He said so far they dont think a militarized response beyond the line of officers with riot gear, helmets and batons is necessary. The Emergency Response Team descended on the demonstrators Downtown and eventually dispersed them using tear gas. But if the city imposes a curfew, Geier said, it will be nearly impossible to enforce. If there are 200 people out there, I can guarantee you we wont arrest 200 people; its almost impossible, we could not manage that, Geier said. Once they call our bluff, there are more people that are going to come out and challenge us. Instead, Nair said, officials are monitoring the protests, blocking streets to Downtown and working on de-escalation. Monday nights protest, in which hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in the pouring rain to march up and down Central, never made it Downtown because APD had blocked all the entrances. The march was peaceful for its duration. I watched the cameras all night, Nair said. It was empty. The only people trying to navigate those roadblocks were people who were trying to get home. So we essentially did curtail movement and activity around Downtown last night, but also without doing anything as extreme as a curfew, and it worked. Madeleine McCann was just three years old when she was taken from her bed during a family holiday in Portugal 13 years ago. More than a decade after she disappeared from Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007, police have revealed a 43-year-old German prisoner has been identified as a suspect. From 2007 until now millions of pounds has been poured by successive governments into a Metropolitan Police investigation. Four months after she went missing Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry McCann were made suspects by Spanish police and the couple have faced a barrage of abuse ever since, despite being removed as suspects in July 2008. A Netflix Documentary released in April 2019 only made matters worse for the pair and the latest revelation comes as a shot in the arm. Madeleine was taken from the holiday apartment where she was sleeping in a room with her then two-year-old twin siblings, Sean and Amelie, and the family have been searching for answers ever since. Here, MailOnline has delved into the twists and turns of the missing person case that caught the world's attention. More than a decade after Madeleine McCann (pictured at 1.30pm on the day she disappeared with her younger sister Amelie and father Gerry) went missing from Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007, police have revealed a 43-year-old German prisoner has been identified as a suspect An aerial view of the Ocean Club in Luz, on the Algarve, Portugal, where Maddie went missing from her room while her parents had a drink in the complex bar 2007 May 3: 8.30pm: The McCanns have dinner at the Ocean Clubs tapas restaurant with friends they went on holiday with, taking it in turns to check on the children. 9pm: A member of the group, Matthew Oldfield, goes to check. 9.05pm: Mr McCann checks on his children, noticing the bedroom door is open wider than it was left. On his return to the restaurant, he chats to a guest. 9.15pm: Checking on her children, his friend Jane Tanner sees a man carrying a child near the McCanns apartment. This became the focus of the investigation before being discounted. Police said he was almost certainly a British tourist with his two-year-old daughter. 9.30pm: Mr Oldfield checks on the McCanns apartment. Hearing no noise from the childrens bedroom, he assumes all is well. Around 10pm: An Irish family see a man carrying a blonde child, aged three or four, possibly in pyjamas, walking towards the beach. They help to produce an e-fit of the man, described as white, in his thirties, of medium build and height, with short brown hair. 10pm: Kate McCann checks and notices the childrens window is open, the shutter up and Madeleine gone. Her husband said: Kate came running back screaming, Madeleine is missing, shes gone. I was in cupboards, checking everywhere, under the kitchen sink. Disbelief, shock, horror and then panic and terror. Kate and I went out walking the streets shouting Madeleines name. I remember asking the police to get helicopters and heat-seeking equipment. The thought somebody could be across the border into Europe, driving her. Or Africa the ports are a couple of hours away. I remember thinking, Get the borders closed. The bedroom from which Madeleine McCann was snatched on May 3, 2007, which was included in police files which were released on 4 August 2008 under Portuguese law The complex from where she disappeared. From 2007 until now millions of pounds has been poured by successive governments into a Metropolitan Police investigation The Ocean Club Tapas bar where Madeleine's parents were enjoying drinks with friends while their children were sleeping May 4: Police do not set up effective searches or alert the Spanish border for 12 hours. A basic check of other guests is not done for 48 hours, when many potential witnesses had left. Police do not seal off the McCanns apartment until 10am the next day, by which time many people including the McCanns, resort staff and the police have potentially contaminated forensic evidence. May 14: British expat Robert Murat is quizzed. He was later totally cleared of any involvement. Mr Murat, 44, had translated for Portuguese police early in their investigation before being made an arguido an official suspect. May 30: The McCanns meet the Pope in Rome during a series of trips around Europe and beyond to highlight the search. August 11: Police in Portugal acknowledge for the first time in the investigation that Maddie might be dead. Sniffer dogs reportedly find blood traces on a wall in the McCanns apartment. September 7: Spanish police make the McCanns official suspects in the disappearance. Two days later the family flies back to England. October 2: Detective Goncalo Amaral is removed from the case. 2008 July 21: Spanish police remove the McCanns and Mr Mural as official suspects as the case is shelved. Detective Amaral writes a book and alleges in TV interviews that the McCanns hid Madeleines body. They went on to win a libel case against him, although it was later overturned on appeal. The original Portuguese police team believe she died in a tragic accident. 2009 May 1: A computer-generated image of what Maddie could look like two years after she disappeared is released by the McCanns. June: Convicted British paedophile Raymond Hewlett, who was in the Algarve when Madeleine disappeared, claims he saw her twice before she vanished and says she was stolen to order by a gypsy gang, but denies he was involved. He died in Germany of throat cancer at 64 in 2010. A forensic expert works on the blinds of the apartment on May 4. Sniffer dogs reportedly found blood traces on a wall in the McCanns apartment in August 2007 Kate and Gerry McCann before the start of the Miles for Missing People charity run in Regent's Park, central London on April 2, 2011 British police conduct a finger-tip search in 2014 of an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing 2011 May 12: A review into the disappearance is launched by Scotland Yard, following a plea from then-Home Secretary Theresa May. They identify almost 200 new lines of inquiry from the Portuguese case files and the inquiries made by private detectives hired by the McCanns. There have been unconfirmed sightings of Madeleine all round the world. 2012 April 25: After a year of reviewing the case, Scotland Yard announce they belief that Maddie could be alive and call on police in Portugal to reopen the case, but it falls on deaf ears amid 'a lack of new evidence'. Scotland Yard releases an image of what Madeleine might look like aged nine. 2013 July 4: Scotland Yard opens new investigation and claim to have identified 38 'people of interest'. October 24: A review into the investigation is opened by Portuguese police and new lines of inquiry are discovered, forcing them to reopen the case. 2014 January 29: British officers arrive in Portugal as a detailed investigation takes place. During the year, several locations are searched, including an area of scrubland near the resort. Four months after she went missing Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry McCann were made suspects by Spanish police and the couple have faced a barrage of abuse ever since. Pictured, with an image of what Madeleine might have looked like aged nine In April 2019 a controversial new Netflix documentary re-examining Maddie's kidnap was released, triggering a barrage of online abuse against Kate and Gerry by heartless trolls 2015 October 28: British police announce that team investigating Maddie's disappearance is reduced from 29 officers to just four, as it is also revealed that the investigation has cost 10million. 2016 April 3: Operation Grange is handed an additional 95,000 by Theresa May to keep the investigation alive for another six months. 2017 March 11: Cash is once again pumped into keeping the investigation alive, with 85,000 granted to keep it running until September, when it is extended once again until April next year. The ten-year anniversary. As the only four official suspects investigated by the Met were ruled out of the investigation, Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley says it is pursuing a significant line of inquiry. Someone comes forward with the name of the current German suspect. Meanwhile the McCanns reveal they still buy Christmas and birthday presents for Madeleine every year, saying the real progress being made by police gives them hope that their daughter will be found. 2018 March 27: The Home Office reveals it has allocated further funds to Operation Grange. The new fund is believed to be as large as 150,000. September 11: Parents fear as police hunt into daughter's disappearance could be shelved within three weeks by the new Home Secretary amid funding cuts. September 26: Fresh hope in the search for Madeleine McCann as it emerges the Home Office is considering allocating more cash for the police to find her. Madeleine's parents talk to the press after a court session for the libel case against former Portuguese police chief Goncalo Amaral in July 2014 2019 April: Controversial new Netflix documentary re-examining Maddie's kidnap is released, triggering a barrage of online abuse against Kate and Gerry by heartless trolls. The pair, who refused to take part in the eight hour programme series, slammed it for 'potentially hindering' the search for their daughter while an active police hunt is ongoing. May: A convicted German paedophile and serial killer emerges as a key suspect. Martin Ney, 48, serving life in prison for abducting and killing three children, was said to resemble closely a photofit issued in 2013 of a man spotted acting suspiciously in Praia da Luz around the time Madeleine was abducted. June 5: The Home Office gives the Metropolitan Police enough funding to investigate for another year. June 22: Detectives say they are 'closer than ever' to solving the disappearance as they look into a new suspect. A joint effort by British and Portuguese police narrowed in on a 'foreign' man who was in the Algarve when she went missing in 2007. December 7: Paulo Pereira Cristovao, a long-time critic of Maddie's parents who angered them with a controversial book about the mystery disappearance, was convicted of participating in the planning of two violent break-ins at properties in Lisbon and the nearby resort of Cascais. He is jailed for seven and a half years. December 11: Maddie's parents revealed a touching list of what they miss most about their daughter as they spent their 13th Christmas without her. They say: We love her, we miss her, we hope as always. The search for Madeleine goes on with unwavering commitment. 2020 February 22: Scotland Yard detectives questioned a British expat about her German ex-boyfriend. Carol Hickman, 59, claims police entered her bar in Praia da Luz, Portugal to ask questions about her former partner. March 27: Detectives requested extra money to continue their investigation into the disappearance of the toddler in Portugal back in 2007, with funds for the operation set to run out at the end of the month. June 3: Police reveal that a 43-year-old German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in Madeleine's disappearance. In court records, police say Talbot had texted a woman just five minutes before Wilson shot him, asking for help, saying the people he was with wouldn't let him out of the car. In February, Wilson was sentenced to 58 to 70 years in prison for manslaughter and a weapons charge. The same day, Thomas pleaded no contest to being an accessory to the crime and got the three-year maximum. In court Tuesday, Pollack said Howard didn't have anything to do with the murder and asked for time served, saying Howard's life changed the day of the shooting. He said it was rock-bottom for Howard, who stopped using drugs and has been working at a lumberyard as a result. Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Eric Miller said Talbot died as a result of Wilson's actions, but he didn't know that it was fair to say Howard had nothing to do with it. "It was his firearm that was purchased the day before that was used to kill Mr. Talbot," he said. Police say it was Howard who bought the .38-caliber Taurus handgun at a Lincoln pawn shop. Miller said Howard had been running around with Wilson and Thomas, then fled the state with them, though he eventually parted ways with them. In a cruel twist, it was the very closeness of some of these families that made them more susceptible to spreading the coronavirus in the first place, survivors have come to realize. For Mayra and Saul Velazquez, it was multigenerational living in the same home as her parents and two siblings that may have opened the door to tragedy. VENICE For a change, it was the Venetians who crowded the square. Days before Italy lifted coronavirus travel restrictions on Wednesday that had prevented the usual crush of international visitors from entering the city, hundreds of locals gathered on chalk asterisks drawn several feet apart. They had come to protest a new dock that would bring boatloads of tourists through one of Venices last livable neighborhoods, but also to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show that another, less tourist-addled future was viable. This can be a working city, not just a place for people to visit, said the protests organizer, Andrea Zorzi, a 45-year-old law professor who frantically handed out hundreds of signs reading, Nothing Changes If You Dont Change Anything. He argued that the virus, as tragic as it was, had demonstrated that Venice could be a better place. It can be normal, he said. The coronavirus has laid bare the underlying weaknesses of the societies it has ravaged, whether economic or racial inequality, an overdependence on global production chains, or rickety health care systems. In Italy, all those problems have emerged, but the virus has also revealed that a country blessed with a stunning artistic patrimony has developed an addiction to tourism that has priced many residents out of historic centers and crowded out creativity, entrepreneurialism and authentic Italian life. New Delhi: The Supreme Court Wednesday said the Centre should treat as a representation a plea which sought a direction to amend the Constitution and replace the word India with 'Bharat' or 'Hindustan'. The plea filed before the apex court by a Delhi-based man has claimed that such an amendment will "ensure the citizens of this country to get over the colonial past". It contended that replacing the word India with 'Bharat' or 'Hindustan' will "instill a sense of pride in our own nationality." However, a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, which heard the matter through video-conferencing, told the counsel appearing for the petitioner that India is already called 'Bharat' in the Constitution itself. "Why have you come here?," the bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy, asked the petitioner's counsel. The counsel said that the plea has sought to amend Article 1 of the Constitution, which deals with name and territory of the Union. The petitioner's counsel said that he should be allowed to make a representation in this regard to the concerned authority. The apex court, after hearing the submissions, said that the petition should be treated as a representation by the concerned authority. The plea has sought to amend Article 1 of the Constitution to the effect that the same refers to the country as Bharat/Hindustan, to the exclusion of India". "The removal of the English name though appears symbolic, will instill a sense of pride in our own nationality, especially for the future generations to come. Infact, the word India being replaced with Bharat would justify the hard fought freedom by our ancestors," the plea has claimed. Referring to the 1948 Constituent assembly debate on Article 1 of the then draft constitution, the plea has said even at that time there was a "strong wave" in favour of naming the country as 'Bharat' or 'Hindustan'. "However, now the time is ripe to recognize the country by its original and authentic name i.e. Bharat especially when our cities have been renamed to identify with the Indian ethos," it said. Scottish milk processor Grahams Family Dairy has submitted plans to Fife Council proposing a low carbon heat project for their cheese production facility. The proposed plant, which would be built at the Glenfield Industrial estate in Cowdenbeath, is set to generate and distribute bioenergy for onsite heat and power. The processor claimed the plan was a 'first' for Scotlands dairy industry, and would 'position Fife at the forefront of decarbonisation solutions' for the food sector. The plans are in response to the challenges set out by Scottish government in their Energy Strategy and the transition within the dairy sector to zero carbon. The low carbon effluent treatment plant would utilise waste residue - whey - from cheese making to produce green heat and electricity. Grahams said the proposed development would generate renewable power that would deliver 80% of the sites baseload electricity and 50% of peak electric load. It would also deliver 50% of boiler gas supply and a 20% reduction in vehicle and traffic flow to and from the site. Robert Graham, managing director of the processor, said the dairy sector has the potential to lead in the transition to a net zero carbon economy, particularly within the areas of heat and transport. "Our plans for the Glenfield dairy in Cowdenbeath will mark a step change in investment within the dairy sector in zero carbon innovation, infrastructure and skills development to accelerate climate adaptation within industry. "This builds on our recent investment in a 15 MW solar park on our farmland in the Carse of Stirling as we move our business, at speed and scale, to decarbonise," he said. Through consultation with Fife Council, environmental analysis has been undertaken to inform the design, siting, layout and mitigation measures for the project. These assessments will cover air quality, noise, aerosols, transport, landscape, ecology and drainage comply. The aim is to complete the project by the spring of 2021. Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam meets the press on June 2, 2020 in Hong Kong, China. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai) HONG KONG, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam said Tuesday that the decision by the national legislature to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security demonstrates the commitment of the central authorities, while some foreign countries applied double standards on the matter. Speaking at a media session on Tuesday, Lam pointed out that national security embodies a nation's sovereignty and sets up the foundation of the governance. It is the jurisdiction of the central authorities to enact laws on national security, as all other nations do, and current laws in Hong Kong are nowhere near adequate to deal with issues related to national security. Lam said China's national security law should be applied in each part and corner of the country, and the central government had thus authorized the HKSAR to complete on national security legislation in accordance with the "one country, two systems" principle, "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. Hong Kong however has yet to enact such laws. Lam said there has been an increasing threat on national security in Hong Kong since last year, with some advocating "Hong Kong independence," as well as foreign interference harming the national security. Lam, rebuffing some foreign countries' criticism on China, said the central authorities shoulder the responsibility by making the decision under the special situation. Some foreign governments treasure so much of their own national security but look through colored spectacles when viewing China's security and Hong Kong's current situation, Lam said, blasting those foreign governments of taking double standards. Any sanctions or removing of Hong Kong's special status would hurt the United States itself and would not benefit anyone, Lam warned. She said that the United States, for the past over 10 years, has enjoyed its large trade surplus with Hong Kong, the non-reciprocal visa-free access and etc. Lam said that the acts and behaviors to hit businesses and people will only make the economy and people's livelihood worse as the COVID-19 epidemic has already weakened the global economy. Protesters embrace as a demonstrator is arrested Sunday on 5th Street in Santa Monica. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Last night while my city burned and curfew fell, I sat and watched Black Panther and thought about what smug hypocrites white people can be. Myself included, of course. I have spent a lifetime watching cities burn and always over the same damn thing: racism. I am just old enough to remember the 1968 Baltimore riot, one of several violent protests that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. I remember it mainly because the curfew extended to my family's suburban neighborhood, which meant I could not play in the yard as long as I wanted to do, something I found extremely unfair. A reasonable reaction for a 4-year old; not so much for a grown person, though that is the response from far too many white people whenever a city burns for the same damn reason. Including this weekend. It's so much easier to judge a relatively few looters my God, not the Grove! than deal with the fact that the country you live in would rather regularly set itself on fire than address its obvious racism. Even during a global pandemic. Think about that for a second. How furious do people have to be to gather in the streets at a time when a highly infectious disease is killing thousands daily, especially black and brown people, who are dying at disproportionately high rate? Pretty damn furious. We know why: A black man died in the custody of Minneapolis police for the horrifying offense of attempting to pass a fake $20 bill while three of his fellow officers looked on. And the only reason any action was taken by the city's Police Department was that the whole thing was captured on video and circulated on social media. Which is also why Gregory and Travis McMichael were recently arrested after stalking and shooting Ahmaud Arbery, a black man who had the temerity to take a run in a predominantly white Georgia neighborhood. And no doubt the only reason Christian Cooper wasnt arrested when a white woman called the cops to say an African American man was threatening her (after he asked her to leash her dog in a leash-only section of Central Park) was that he had filmed the whole incident. Story continues Seriously, if cellphones turn out to be what saves the soul of America, it will only be what we deserve. Certainly this is a theme of Black Panther that technology, used in pursuit of equality and justice, can be the great leveler. But thats not why I was watching it as Los Angeles, and Minneapolis, and Philadelphia, and New York and a dozen other cities, burned. I was watching because I wanted to remind myself of all the white people who fell all over themselves talking about how wonderful a movie it is just as we had fallen all over ourselves celebrating Get Out the year before. It was literally the least we could do praise two very good films and yet we made such a big deal out of it. Look, white people can enjoy a film with an all-black cast about black empowerment! Look, white people can laugh uncomfortably as the various levels of racism are exposed in a comedy in which all the white people are evil! We are not racists! We paid lots of money to see Hamilton, live-tweeted Scandal, we supported #OscarsSoWhite. Everyone agrees that Idris Elba is the best-looking man ever, even in "Cats," and Beyonce should have won those Grammys because she is a queen. Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther in Marvel's "Black Panther." (Film Frame / Marvel Studios) In L.A., we all mourned the death of Kobe and Gianna Bryant with a depth and ceremony usually reserved for presidents. So its getting better, right? We aren't so racist. Were getting better, its all going to be OK. Nothing like white people managing their own comfort level while black people continue to deal with the crap theyve been dealing with for centuries. And Im just as bad as any. Ive championed diversity in film and television and felt very noble, and occasionally, briefly, frightened, when my inbox filled with often threatening hate mail. Look at me, doing the right thing! Ive tried to support black and brown colleagues, sometimes succeeding, and sometimes failing because I couldnt understand what the problem was. Except sometimes I did understand what the problem was. I just didn't have the energy, or creativity, or intestinal fortitude to deal with it effectively. I am shocked and horrified by George Floyd's death and Arberys death and how Amy Coopers reaction to a perfectly reasonable request immediately exploded straight to racism so obvious and absurd it would have been funny if we didn't all know that the story could have ended a whole other way. With Christian Cooper in custody. Or dead. For asking a white woman to leash her dog. We are all horrified, but only white people have the luxury of being shocked. Being white does not guarantee fair treatment by the police just ask countless white rape victims any more than being white is an automatic protection against COVID-19 or poverty or injustice. But white people do not live our lives in constant, thrumming low- to high-grade fear of the police. We do not worry about getting arrested or killed for being in the wrong neighborhood or because a white person committed a crime and we look like him because we too are white. We dont worry about being pulled over or asked for ID for no apparent reason, or threatened with a drawn gun when we ask What is this about? White people do not worry that any chance encounter with the police could easily end with us, or our children, incarcerated or dead. And we are, or should be, very aware of this. God knows, police harassment of black people has become so normalized it is part of the popular culture. How many jokes/episodes/films/songs have depicted an act of institutionalized racism? How often have white people sat, full of righteous indignation, through stories scripted and personal of black men being asked what theyre doing in a "nice" neighborhood or driving an expensive car, or of a white person being pulled over for speeding, only to be asked if he or she is all right when the officer sees that the person in the passenger seat is black? How many times have we heard a black man say Its fine, while he reaches for his ID and tries to calm us down because we, being white, are allowed the luxury of being furious at a clear example of racism. Actually, for white people the real luxury is that the outrage can pass, or hover at the farthest edge of everyday life. Because it is not part of our everyday life. Except it is. We cannot divorce ourselves from injustice simply because it is not happening at any given moment in front of our very own selves. Not only is that the very definition of morally bankrupt, its just plain wrong. Everything that happens, happens to all of us. Look at the news. Our cities are burning, in the middle of a pandemic, just like they have burned so many times before because systemic, continual injustice is at absolute odds with a peaceful society. Murder will out. The people will rise. If evolution is too slow, revolution will occur. We know this. Never mind history. Look at the stories we tell ourselves in literature, film, television, music justice will prevail, and when it doesnt, the world is a bleak and dangerous place. So it isnt enough for white people to wear Black Panther T-shirts and say Wakanda Forever, it isnt enough to tweet a hashtag or sign a petition or show up for a march if once the fires burn out we all go back to our normal lives. Normal is the problem. Normal is what needs to be changed. Im not going to tell you how white people can help fix this everyone knows what to do when they want something changed. Listen to community leaders, vote, show up at meetings, demand accountability, protest, boycott and dont stop until something gets done. Nobody complains better than white people just ask any city that has tried to put a Metro line or a homeless shelter in a "nice" neighborhood. Suddenly Karen is on the line, pissed off and demanding to speak with her Congress rep. Ah, Karen. Lately weve heard a lot about Karen, a label for white women (and occasionally men) who call the cops or the manager or otherwise hassle people, usually black or brown, for doing perfectly harmless things that these women find outrageous. Women named Karen, and husbands of women named Karen, are pretty annoyed by this The Times just got a slew of letters about how unfair the trope is to actual Karens everywhere. Which just proves my point. Any group of people who can be moved to protest such an innocuous thing with such vehemence is a resource we need. Instead of criticizing what you consider the demonizing of a perfectly good name (as someone named Mary as in Typhoid Mary I promise, you'll live), why not criticize the behavior that the name has come to represent. Why not use those Karen powers for good? Be a Karen for change. Dont demand that the government and the cops put a stop to those horrible protests; demand that they put a stop to the behavior and crimes that led to the protests in the first place. Demand body cams and accountability, demand better training and a zero-tolerance policy, demand that racist cops get fired, abusive cops get prosecuted and good cops get recognized and rewarded. Its that simple. Because you know what no one protests against, peacefully or violently? Justice and equality and freedom. Give people justice, equality and freedom and they will stay at home and watch "Black Panther," which really is a terrific movie. But if white people want to go around saying Wakanda Forever, then we have to be Wakanda. Right now. Security guard Tammy Miller (left) dances during a surprise drive-by ceremony recognizing her at the DaVita Cobbs Creek Dialysis center where she works in Southwest Philadelphia on Friday, May 29, 2020. Miller is known by patients and family members for her dancing, which helps them feel better. Read more Officially, Tammy Miller is a security guard at the DaVita Cobbs Creek Dialysis center. Unofficially, she is a one-woman welcome wagon. She greets patients at their cars with a smile and song. She dances alongside them as they enter the facility. She helps settle them in their stations setting the TV to their preferred channel, grabbing a blanket, fetching a drink or snack, offering words of comfort and support and providing enough warmth to heat the building on 60th Street in Southwest Philadelphia. Shes our ray of sunshine, said Simone Iovacchini, the centers facility manager. She just radiates positive energy. The twist in this story is that its usually Miller who provides the pep to the folks who pull up in cars outside the facility. But on Friday, it was the cars with their signs and decorations, with smiling folks inside leaning hard and happy on the horns who turned the good vibrations back her way. Thats when DaVita and the Borough of Yeadon teamed up for Drive by Wave for Miller, a car parade and balloon-festooned celebration to honor Miller for her cheerful, infectiously upbeat service. I was completely off guard, Miller said. It was overwhelming. It made me feel like what Im doing really matters. Miller was feted by a car parade that featured Yeadon fire and police vehicles. She was honored by proclamations by Yeadon Mayor Rohan Hepkins, State Rep. Joanna McClinton, and State Sen. Anthony Williams. Tammy brightens every day, said Jenna Honig, a nurse at the facility. This can be really hard on the patients. They have to come in three times a week, sit in a chair for four hours, not moving. Theyre scared. She knows all their names. She knows their life stories. She is so gentle and kind with all of them. Miller, 53, said she has always been a positive person, looking for the bright side of every situation. Happy-go-lucky, thats always been me, Miller said. She said she has felt additional compassion for dialysis patients since she used to help her stepson, Arthur Grandy Jr., through similar treatments. She said he died of complications from kidney failure in November at the age of 38. She tries to provide even more reassurance for patients in his memory. I know what they are going through because I went through it with him, Miller said. I want to help people. But I do it even more because I remember what it was like with my stepson and I want to remember him. Miller said she used to dance with Grandy Jr., usually to the sound of the Temptations and the Chi-Lites. She tries to bring that same, soulful style to her singing and dancing with dialysis patients. Oldies but goodies, thats me, she said. Miller was born and raised in West Philadelphia. She graduated from University City High. She has been a security guard since 1998, when she first applied for a position at SpectaGuard, which later became Allied Security. She now works for GardaWorld of Philadelphia Security Services. I wanted to take it home and the woman said, Fill it out now, Miller said of the application. They hired me on the spot. I love being a security guard. I love people, interacting with them, getting to know them. They see me coming, see me dancing, and they know, No stress here. She usually takes two shifts a week at DaVita Cobbs Creek Dialysis, reporting to work at 4:30 a.m. Im not a morning person, so thats my challenge, the 4:30 challenge, said Miller, who lives in the West Oak Lane section of the city. She works two more shifts at Penn Medicine. She usually picks up another fill-in shift per week at either Cobbs Creek or Jefferson Health. She is also an EMT, having volunteered with the Bensalem Fire Rescue company. To me, its all about customer service, Miller said. People are scared, they are nervous. Im here to tell them, Its going to be all right. Its going to be OK. Schematic illustration of parity violation in a molecule containing two nuclear spins. Credit: Dr. John W. Blanchard Scientists have long tried to experimentally demonstrate a certain symmetry property of the weak interactionparity violationin molecules. So far, this has not been possible. A new interdisciplinary effort led by a research group at the at the PRISMA+ Cluster of Excellence at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz (HIM) has now shown a realistic path to demonstrating this phenomenon. The approach includes aspects of nuclear, elementary particle, atomic and molecular physics as well as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). "Molecular parity nonconservation in nuclear spin couplings" is published in the current issue of the journal Physical Review Research. Symmetries are omnipresent, in space as well as in the world of molecules, atoms and elementary particles. The four fundamental forces (electromagnetism, gravity, and the strong and weak nuclear forces) also obey certain, perhaps seemingly abstract, symmetries. From the Big Bang to the present day, existing symmetries were repeatedly broken. Symmetry and symmetry breaking are necessarily reflected in the physical processes and states that we can observe. One of these symmetries is the mirror symmetry (symmetry with regard to reflection in space)if it is broken, the researchers speak of parity violation. According to current knowledge, the weak interaction is the only one among the four fundamental forces that does not appear mirror-symmetrical: Only in processes that are subject to this interaction do parity violations occur. "Since the weak interaction plays almost no role in our everyday experiencegravity and electromagnetism dominate herethe phenomenon of parity violation contradicts our normal idea and is therefore difficult to grasp," says Dr. John Blanchard, lead author of the study. "Parity violation in the weak interaction was therefore only theoretically predicted in the 1950s and was discovered shortly afterwards in certain nuclear and elementary particle decays. Parity-violating processes have never been detected in molecules, although theoretical calculations predict that they should be there. Definitive evidence of such subtle effects is, so to speak, a holy grail of precision-measurement physics." Many attempts have been made to experimentally observe the effects of parity violation in molecules. One example is the interaction of the spins of different atomic nuclei in a molecule. In turn, these can in principle be detected and analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance methods (NMR). While the team of scientists has already developed a promising approach to chiral molecules in a previous work (doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.96.042119), their current publication focuses on simple molecules that consist of as few as two atoms. First of all, they identify a special NMR measurement variable (a specific spin-spin coupling) on the basis of which the parity violation is shown and carry out complex theoretical analyses to calculate the expected effect within the molecule. These calculations were carried out in close collaboration with the co-author of the study, Prof. Mikhail G. Kozlov from the Nuclear Physics Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia, with whom the Mainz group has been working very successfully for many years. Building on this, the scientists propose a special experiment that should be sensitive enough to detect the calculated signals: "The so-called ZULF (zero to ultra-low field) NMR method is an exotic technique that we were already using for dark matter successfully," explains Prof. Dr. Dmitry Budker, also an author of the study. "It offers a system in which nuclear spins interact with each other more than with an external magnetic field. In this way, it enables the direct measurement of antisymmetric spin-spin couplings, which are cut off in conventional high-field NMR experiments." "Our results show an elegant way to quantitatively investigate the weak interaction in molecules and atomic nuclei," concludes Dr. Blanchard. "The results of our feasibility study are very promisingwe hope to soon have experimental verification of molecular parity nonconservation." Explore further Atomic parity violation research reaches new milestone More information: John W. Blanchard et al. Molecular parity nonconservation in nuclear spin couplings, Physical Review Research (2020). John W. Blanchard et al. Molecular parity nonconservation in nuclear spin couplings,(2020). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevResearch.2.023258 ROBIN JERSTAD /SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS San Antonio police arrested a man accused of throwing bricks at a church during riots Saturday night Nathan Abraham Carranza, 21, is charged with criminal mischief and rioting, a third degree felony. Officer Alisia Pruneda, an SAPD spokeswoman, said Carranza was seen on cell phone video throwing "rock-like" objects at Travis Park Church on Saturday. The damage to the church totaled more than $3,100, Pruneda said. Carranza was arrested at about 6 p.m. Tuesday near West Theo and West Malone avenues. [June 03, 2020] Inna Kuznetsova Appointed Chief Executive Officer of 1010data 1010data (News - Alert), a leading provider of analytical intelligence to the financial, retail and consumer goods markets, announced today that Inna Kuznetsova has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Inna was previously interim CEO and had joined the company as Chief Operating Officer in July 2019. "We are thrilled to appoint Inna as 1010data's CEO, a role in which she has already excelled. Inna not only brings deep business development experience, but an exceptional understanding of the critical and ever-growing roles data and analytics play in guiding business strategy across industries," said Nomi Bergman, Executive Chair of 1010data's Board of Directors. "The Board has been impressed with her execution of 1010data's strategy and we were unanimous that Inna is the right person for this position. An accomplished and respected professional, Inna has rapidly developed significant inroads with our stakeholders, employees and customers. We have full confidence in Inna's ability to drive the company's future success, and we look forward to her continued leadership." "I am deeply honored to serve as CEO and excited about the future of 1010data. I believe the company and its market-leading products are best-poitioned to turn data into knowledge, empowering customers to rapidly make insightful decisions and optimize business outcomes," said Kuznetsova. "I look forward to working with the talented 1010data team and the Board to grow this great company, further innovate and continue to deliver on our promise to provide exceptional service to our valued clients." Inna Kuznetsova joined 1010data in July 2019 as Chief Operating Officer and was appointed interim CEO in January 2020. Prior to 1010data, Inna was President and Chief Operating Officer of INTTRA, [the largest digital network for the ocean shipping industry], and Chief Commercial Officer of CEVA Logistics. Inna also spent 19 years in a variety of senior, global roles at IBM (News - Alert), most recently serving as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Systems Software. Inna currently sits on the Board of Global Ports Investments plc (LSE:GLPR), serving as chair of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and previously served on boards of two SaaS (News - Alert) companies, Sage Group,(LSE: SGE) and Avantida. Inna holds a MS and PhD in mathematics from Moscow State University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. She is also a bestselling author in Russia. About 1010data For more than 20 years, 1010data has helped financial, retail and consumer goods customers monitor shifts in consumer demand and market conditions and rapidly respond with highly-targeted strategies. The 1010data Insights Platform combines market intelligence, data management, granular enterprise analytics, and collaboration capabilities to empower better business outcomes. More than 900 of the world's foremost companies partner with 1010data to power smarter decisions. To learn more, visit 1010data.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005231/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Cities around Alabama in recent days have seen protesting in the wake of George Floyds death last week in Minneapolis. The protests have created a complexity with people also urged to be socially distant to fight coronavirus. Cameras often capture packed crowds. Some people wear masks, as advised by the CDC. Between the pandemic and the protests, mayors around the country certainly are facing a unique scenario with variables for each city. This week, we continue with Reopening Alabama: A mayoral town hall series by AL.com. We wanted to bring mayors to citizens and give them a chance to ask their questions directly with the theme: How do we reopen Alabama responsibly? The weekly series, sponsored by AARP Alabama, will continue at 11 a.m. each Thursday at www.facebook.com/aldotcom or www.youtube.com/aldotcom. This weeks guest is Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, who will join host Ivana Hrynkiw. A recording of the event can be heard later by calling: 800-472-0172. Last week, our guest was Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. The series will continue weekly as follows: June 11: Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson June 18: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed June 25: Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin July 2: Fairhope Mayor Karin Wilson If you have a question for Mayor Maddox, please send me an email: igould@advancelocal.com Our hope is to identify people in advance of the town hall to bring you on screen to ask the mayor your question during the live event. We also will answer questions in our Facebook comments in real time. Thanks in advance for your interest and participation. An Oklahoma woman who abused an adopted little girl by torturing and starving here was caught, is now begging to be let out of jail, according to Crime Online. The couple identified as Ashley Schardein, 24, and Billy Menees, 27, were charged with horrific child abuse, and other charges committed against her adopted 10-year old girl. Both were considered guilty of the charges, but their attorney claimed everything was exaggerated. Pregnancy contractions due to stressful hearing In a bond hearing last week at District 18, Judge Tim Mills lessened the bond to $100,000. Ashley Schardein through her lawyer she asked if she can be let out, citing medical issues. Soon after, she was taken for a checkup. A journalist who attended the hearing on Thursday said that the judge from District 18, Judge Brian McLaughlin, took arguments from two parties. The abusing step mother mentioned that the stress of the hearing caused her pregnancy contractions last hearing. She is even months pregnant, as confirmed by Mc Alester News. The results from her checkup was announced in the hearing, but nothing is indicative of any problem about her current status or the contractions she claimed, and she went back to jail. Wagner, her lawyer, said she was frail and giving birth in jail will jeopardize them both. Adding that house arrest with ankle monitor is preferred by the abusive mother, but prosecutors denied the request. Judge McLaughlin did not allow the release since the examination found nothing wrong. Later she was to perform limited exercise and take health drinks as directed by the court, all to be done in jail. When the defense counsel then said a fair trial is not possible, the judge ordered counsel to sit and keep quiet. Also read: Couple Who Starved Foster Kids, Left Dead Body of a Girl in Basement, Also Hid Skeletal Remains of Their Own Son Charged with child abuse The two were charged with grievous child abuse, both Schardein and her husband did terrible things to the abused 10-year old girl, according to Police Reporter. One of these charges was that the couple would beat the girl harshly and did not feed her enough to the point of starvation. What sent the authorities to the Menees house is a tip about their alleged maltreatment of their malnourished daughter. The person who reported has seen bruises, with family members reporting to the Department of Health Services two times for the alleged child abuse. Both of the foster parents would do unspeakable emotional and verbal abuse, physical abuse, including spanking, even tying her up like an animal. Worse is shaving her head, even refusing use of the toilet, according to court records. Records claimed that they would only let her sleep on concrete with no pillow or blankets, and only sleeping in a chilly room. The little girl was fed nothing but oatmeal or spinach. She was even made to stand for a long time wearing damp clothes while being hit by a cold fan. According to News on 6, Lori Fullbright was able to get an arrest affidavit. Schardein would be eating, with the girl hungry near her. When the girl would ask for food, Schardein will dismiss her pleas for food. The victim was deprived of meat and remarked that she forgot its taste. Both of the accused claimed she was harming herself, but investigators saw no such thing. Another claim by the abusive step-parents is she took Ritalin, but she had tested negative of the drug. The abusive stepmother is now in jail, despite an attempt to fool the court and both in jail for horrific abuse, and her bail is set for $100,000. Related topic: Skeletal Remains of Girl Discovered in Feces-Filled Basement Along With Her Brother in Dismal Condition @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Bubble tea, also called pearl tea, or boba tea, is a flavored milk tea with chewy tapioca beads. Sounds modest enough, right? The demand for this beverage, however, is anything but modest. Valued at $1.89 billion (USD) in 2018, the global bubble tea market is projected to reach $3.49 billion (USD) by 2026. So, how did a mere variation on classic tea capture this much of the global market share? Food Fashion Social media is an easy way to gauge this fads popularity. Instagram is full of pictures of delicious food, and beverages often have dedicated hashtags. Plus, its now customary to share nearly every meal on social media before consuming it. In a culture that looks at what you eat the way it looks at what you wear, food has become just as fashionable as clothing. Whats in your pantry or on your plate has become a form of self-expression, much like a fabulous pair of Christian Louboutins. Just as the label fashionista evokes an entire lifestyle, so, too, does the term foodie, writes famous television host and entrepreneur Martha Stewart in a blog for HuffPost. This phenomenon is not new, of course. In an article written for the New York Times almost four decades ago (De Gustibus; Fashions in Food, Like Those in Clothes, Follow the Trends), food critic Mimi Sheraton talks quite candidly about food fashion. It is probable that many people, anxious to be seen eating the right thing in the right restaurant, are swallowing hard-to-down rare fish, almost raw vegetables, white chocolate mousse that tastes like sweet fat and exotically aromatic seasonings they secretly consider to be as appealing as moth balls, writes Sheraton. While that sentiment might be true, there is no denying that food fashion is a huge economic driver. It has helped build numerous billion-dollar industries, including the bubble tea market. The Rise of Bubble Tea Bubble tea originated in Taiwan, China, in the 1980s. The most popular version is said to have originated in Chun Shui Tang tea shop in Taichung, Taiwan, China, where the owner, Liu Han-Chieh, experimented with milk tea by adding it in a cocktail shaker with ice. At that time, no one served chilled tea, and the concoction went on to become extremely popular with the younger crowd. They called it bubble tea because of the thick foam layer that formed on top. In 1987 Han-Chieh held a competition for his staff members and asked them to come up with creative beverage variations. Lin Hsiu Hui, the store manager, added tapioca balls to milk tea and created the version now popular across the globe. From its nation of origin, bubble tea quickly spread to several other Asian countries and communities. It burst onto North Americas food scene in waves but hit the mainstream around 2014 and is now considered a mainstay. Its phenomenal growth is partly tied to the simultaneous rise of foodies on social media, who are notoriously partial to foods visual appeal. Researchers who study food cultures attribute another factor to bubble teas success. By introducing and marketing the product toward working professionals, it gave the drink a kind of stature. Krishnendu Ray, assistant professor of food studies at New York University, explains in an article published in the South China Morning Post: One of the attractive things about bubble tea is the fact that it is spreading to the middle class, professional classes, so it has a lot more prestige at the very beginning compared to food associated with poor working-class Chinese, which is what I call a hierarchy of taste. The higher the class your food is, the easier it is to circulate in global circuits and acquire prestige. Riding on Bobas Success Many organizations grew out of bubble teas success. This includes franchises that serve boba to customers, as well as manufacturers that make the material and equipment for the tea. Strong competition in the bubble tea market drives these manufacturers to experiment with flavors and to improve the quality of the boba they produce. Jasmine milk tea, avocado milk tea, and mango green tea are just a few of many great variations. A Stevie-winning boba manufacturer is Empire Eagle Food Co., Ltd., which is based in Taichung City, Taiwan, China. They help businesses serve bubble tea by guiding them from the initial concept stage to sampling to making the final tapioca drinks. Conceding there are several other players in the market to compete against, Mindy Jen, co-founder and chief marketing officer (CMO) at Empire Eagle Food Co., Ltd., says they outstrip competition by treating bubble tea like the food fashion culture that it is. Even though bubble milk tea is a traditional drink, our team believes bubble milk tea is not only a Taiwanese local drink but a fashion culture, just like all the different fashion industries, she says. Therefore, we change our marketing strategy and products all the time to fit the quick changes in the industry. Its anyones guess whether bubble tea is here to stay or will fade like so many fads before it. For now, though, many people count it as their favorite beverage, and that is all that matters. Jen won a Silver Stevie Award in the Female Executive of the Year - Business Products - 11 to 2,500 Employees category at The 2019 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Interested in entering the 2020 Stevie Awards for Women in Business? I dont know if my struggle with anxiety began before or after a police officer shouted Keep your hands where I can see them! as he pulled alongside my parked car. I only know that the following months were filled with sleepless nights, including many spent replaying every sound from the incident: the whoop of the sirenshrieking as it spun in red flashes; the slam of the police car door as the officer approached my window; and the bark of his criminalizing question, What are you doing in this neighborhood? Advertisement Just when I thought my restless routine was done after so many weeks, Id close my eyes and see four angry furrows etched into the officers forehead. Then, Id feel sweat drip down mine as I recalled the way his fingers trailed his beltinching closer to his pistol grip as he waited for my trembling reply: I live here, officer. I live right across the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time I watched George Floyd shout Momma! as the suffocating knee of a Minneapolis police officer dug into his neck, I was well aware of why some days I couldnt sleep through the night, or I didnt want to leave bed, or Id lost my appetite, or I couldnt focus at work, or I felt a stabbing pain in my stomach every time I scrolled through Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement To many Americans, news of Floyds death simply marked another viral police killingtragic, but like most trending topics, fleeting and inconsequential. But for me, and black people across the United States, every tweet, headline, and image sharing news of Floyds murder builds into a daily deluge of traumaflooding our psyche, leaving us afraid to drown. Ive felt this pain each of the several times Ive been racially profiled by the police. And more commonly, Ive felt it with each traumatic post Ive read about Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee, and other innocent black people who lost their lives at the hands of the police. This familiar pain is a symptom of black peoples shared post-traumatic stress disordera uniquely American epidemic, 400 years in the making. And as viral police killings force black Americans to repeatedly endure secondary traumaor the emotional stress that results from witnessing the trauma of othersthis country must reckon with not just its policing crisis, but also the hidden cost: the unjust spread of a black American stress disorder that is undiagnosed, untreated, andin the age of social mediaubiquitously spread. Advertisement Advertisement While secondary racial trauma is still a nascent research topic, firsthand experiences with racism have long been proven to cause higher rates of PTSD for people of color as compared with white people. It should come as no surprise that black people, who are the most likely victims of police violence and hate crimes in America, are also most likely to live with this mental illness. Advertisement Advertisement Following Michael Browns death, researchers began surveying Americans to understand the national impact of viral police killings, and proved their measurable impact on the black American psyche. According to one 2018 study in the Lancet, about half of the black Americans surveyed had been exposed to one or more police killing of an unarmed black person in their state in the previous three months. According to this research, black Americans are exposed to two additional poor mental health days each year due to this police violence. That is 55 million poor mental health days per year collectively, not far from the mental health impact of chronic diseases like diabetes. Conversely, white survey respondents experienced no discernible mental health impact after being exposed to news of unarmed black people killed by police officers. Advertisement Advertisement While white Americans can typically endure news of police brutality unscathed, black Americans are forced to tend to wounds many of their co-workers or friends may never see, including those that grow to become anxiousness or depression. Advertisement Advertisement The wounds you cannot see are always the slowest to heal. And in this case, they reopen every time black Americans learn of one of the hundreds of black people killed by police each yearmany of whom are memorialized as trending topics across Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, transforming social media into a boundless source of secondary traumatic stress. We already know that engaging in social media, whether its race related or not, yields higher rates of depression and anxiety, Riana Anderson, a professor at the University of Michigan who focuses on black mental health, told me. This is especially true for black children, who face far more discrimination than other young people on the internet. Advertisement Anderson described research released earlier this year showing that black adolescents experience discrimination five times every daycompounding the secondary trauma of seeing innocent black people die on film. When I asked Anderson how black people across ages should care for their mental health following a death as widely broadcast as Floyds, her advice was simple: Stay away from social media. She continued: Were at war right now. And just like in war, your body must do what it can to protect itself from the environment. Survival is the goal, so you must focus on being psychologically well. Advertisement Advertisement While millions of traumatic headlines, images, and videos fill social media feeds each minute, the American Psychiatric Association has yet to qualify such distressing content as a diagnosable cause of PTSD. According to the APAs fifth Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the effective bible of psychiatric diagnoses, secondary trauma as caused by electronic media shared outside of the workplace is not a sufficient determinant of PTSD. But many black psychiatrists across the country are demanding that social medias endless deluge of brutalized black bodies be taken into account. Advertisement Such a stipulation just doesnt make sense for the black experience in America, said Danielle Hairston, a psychiatrist at Howard University and the president of the APAs Black Caucus. Hairston compared media-based distress to witnessing loss in your own family. If every day, youre seeing a video of someone who looks like yousomeone who could be you or your family membermurdered or beaten, whats the difference between that and you experiencing it in your own family? Since 2015, Hairston and her colleagues have urged an update to the DSM-5 that recognizes such traumatic media exposure and called for cultural sensitive treatment for media-based retraumatization. She has also encouraged the provision of community resources for patients following viral police brutality, supports that rarely reach black communitieseven for the black adults who are diagnosed with a mental illness, only 30 percent receive treatment compared to 49 percent of white Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All corners of society should be identifying ways to equitably bolster the mental health of black people right now. Company leaders should offer paid time off for their black employees, and if possible, offer free or subsidized counseling for them and their families. Schools, whether they serve young children or adults, should create spaces for black students to gain mental health support and treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Without treatment, the anxiety and depression borne from PTSD risks transforming into anger, sometimes righteous and useful and sometimes not. As James Baldwin put it in words that have in recent weekslike the images of George Floyds murderspread across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook: to be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious, is to be in a rage almost all the time. Those who tweet or post Baldwins quote often omit the following critical sentence of the passage. The challenge of that anger is how to control that rage so that it wont destroy you. Baldwins sagely reflection on rage is meaningless without his subsequent call for self-preservation. In the war against racial injustice, our mental health is our greatest armor. If we want to do good, we must be well. Margrethe Vestager, the European Union's competition chief, is weighing the need for tougher powers to protect the bloc's economy from the twin threats of Silicon Valley and China. Ms Vestager asked for feedback yesterday on a potential new tool to intervene in markets such as technology before it is too late for competition to be saved. The move come weeks before the Danish EU Commission vice-president is expected to unveil separate proposals which could arm competition authorities with tougher powers to vet deals or companies funded by the Chinese government and other foreign states. "The world is changing fast and it is important that the competition rules are fit for that change," Ms Vestager said in a statement on the European Commission anti-trust overhaul. "There are certain structural risks for competition, such as tipping markets, which are not addressed by the current rules." Internet platforms from Google to Amazon have attracted complaints over an alleged failure to play fair. After adding the role of tech chief to her job description, Ms Vestager is looking at how enforcers could prevent tech giants from exploiting their dominance before competition is wiped out. At the same time, she is weighing her options to tackle how some companies may use funding from foreign states to undercut European rivals or outbid them in M&A. An EU initiative due to be published on June 17 seeks to assuage European businesses' fears about Chinese state-owned firms that may pay less for financing to fund business operations within Europe, Ms Vestager said last month. European regulators are trying to walk a fine line between keeping Europe's markets open and shielding its companies from rule-breakers. Ms Vestager has come under intense pressure from French and German politicians and businesses to take action on the challenge posed by Chinese businesses. The 'Financial Times' reported that the EU measures would seek to review proposed acquisitions involving possible subsidies via a compulsory notification system. If a takeover was facilitated by foreign subsidies that distort the EU's internal market, the 'Financial Times' said buyers may have to make commitments to solve the problem or, as a last resort, the purchase could be blocked. The Brussels-based Commission didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the suggested new rules. In Ireland, Ms Vestager shot to prominence in 2016 when she ordered the Government here to collect 13bn in back taxes she said should have been paid by Apple. The ruling, based on state aid rather than tax regulations, remains controversial and is being appealed by both the Irish Government and Apple in a process that could run for years. During her time in office, the European Commission has hit Google with fines totalling just under 9bn in two years - enough to put the technology company ahead of most member states in terms of its contribution to the EU. Earlier this year, Ms Vestager said she thinks that in some circumstances European countries should buy stakes in companies to stave off the threat of Chinese takeovers, in a sign of a hardening stance as well as a potential shift back to an era of large scale state involvement in European industry. Bloomberg Louisville, Kentucky, a city already grappling with the police shooting death of Breonna Taylor nearly three months ago, faced renewed anguish this week with another police shooting that killed beloved business owner David McAtee. McAtee was in a parking lot next to his barbecue stand, YaYa's Barbecue, early Monday when Louisville police officers and the National Guard went to break up a crowd in violation of a recently mandated curfew. The crowd that the police and National Guard was trying to disperse wasnt part of protests, according to NBC Louisville affiliate WAVE, and people often congregate in the parking lot of McAtees restaurant to eat and play music. Image: David McAtee (Courtesy of family) McAtees nephew, Marvin McAtee, told WAVE that soldiers boxed in the crowd and people were scared. When shots rang out, David McAtees niece was hit by a bullet. McAtee reached out to grab her and at that point another fire went off, Marvin McAtee said. Then another fire in the rear shoots off and hit him in the chest and he died right there. Louisville police say surveillance footage released Tuesday shows that McAtee fired a gun before he was shot and killed. The video does not provide all the answers, interim police Chief Rob Schroeder said, but authorities were releasing it to provide transparency. At a news conference Tuesday, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said, "This is a difficult piece of the story to process, but I believe in transparency." The calls for transparency followed the firing Monday of Louisville Metro Police Chief Steve Conrad after it was revealed that the officers involved in the McAtee shooting had not activated their body cameras, as required. Metro Council President David James, who says he was a friend of McAtee's, told WAVE that the surveillance video was only a part of what happened. I would encourage everyone to understand that that is just a snapshot at that moment, James told WAVE, adding that the lack of body camera video was concerning. Story continues Hes just a good, decent person," James told The Courier-Journal of McAtee. "He believes in this neighborhood. He loves his city, loves his neighborhood, loves to cook food. McAtee's mother, Odessa Riley, called her son a community pillar. All he did on that barbecue corner is try to make a dollar for himself and his family," Riley told the Courier-Journal. "And they come along and they killed my son." Riley said McAtee would give out free meals to community members, including officers of the same police department that fired shots at him. "He fed them free. He fed the police and didn't charge them nothing, she said. McAtee, known to many as the BBQ Man, used food to bring the community together, Carlos Nolen, who holds events nearby Yayas and knew McAtee, told the Courier-Journal. This is a strong loss. A lot more would have happened on this corner if he wasn't here," Nolen said. "Time after time I've witnessed him stop the escalation of violence with food." Carolyn Wilder told WFPL, a public radio station in Louisville, that McAtee was a beautiful person. He tried to feed everybody. He wouldnt even charge half of them. He would just feed them so they wouldnt go hungry, she said. McAtee's death came nearly 12 weeks after Taylor was killed. Taylor, 26, an EMT who was black, was shot in her home on March 13 by three Louisville plainclothes police officers serving a "no-knock" warrant against her and her boyfriend in a drug case. Taylor's family has claimed in a wrongful death lawsuit that she and her boyfriend believed their home was being broken into because the officers did not identify themselves. Police have said the officers did. No drugs were found. Taylor's boyfriend, believing they were intruders, fired a legal firearm at the officers. Taylor was killed in the responding gunfire. The investigation is ongoing; the officers involved have not been charged. The city, still incensed by Taylor's death, has protested for six nights calling for racial equality in the wake of George Floyd's death in police custody in Minnesota on May 25. McAtee was slain amid that backdrop fueling renewed questions about police use of force and policing measures for black residents. After the shooting, around 100 people lined the sidewalk all day across the street from McAtees barbecue stand wishing for change while experiencing a sadness that's become far too familiar. In honor of Junes Pride Month, Lili Reinhart came out as bisexual via Instagram. In her coming-out post, the Riverdale star used her platform to draw awareness to the West Hollywood LGBTQ+ For #BlackLivesMatter protest, and she asked her fans and followers to come out to support. Although Ive never announced it publicly before, I am a proud bisexual woman, Reinhart posted to her Instagram Story earlier today, June 3rd. And I will be joining this protest today. Come join, she wrote, showing a poster for the LGBTQ+ For #BlackLivesMatter protest. The protest she references is taking place today at 3 p.m. ET (noon PT), surrounding the intersection of Santa Monica and La Cienega in West Hollywood, California. The protest will be a peaceful walk to Robertson Boulevard. Masks are required, as is following the current curfew in place. Signs of love and support are highly encouraged, the ad for the protest reads. Instagram, @lilireinhart Reinhart just reportedly ended her relationship with her Riverdale costar Cole Sprouse before the coronavirus (COVID-19) shelter-in-place regulations went into place in California. Sprouse has also been active in supporting the Black Lives Matter movement; he participated in a protest in Santa Monica at the end of May. Of course, they are just two of many, many people who have joined protests seeking justice for George Floyd and other Black Americans killed at the hands of police. Were grateful to Reinhart for using her platform to share information and support her local protest, and were happy for her to be able to proudly live her truth while doing so. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2020 / Kingman Minerals Ltd. (KGS.V)(47A1.F) ("Kingman" or the "Company") is pleased to update shareholders. The Company is currently preparing a drill campaign with a focus on the historic mine area within the Mohave Project to twin prior 1984 drill program. The Mohave Project (the "Project") is located in the Music Mountains in Mohave County, Arizona and is comprised of 20 lode claims which are inclusive of the historic past producing Rosebud Mine (the "Rosebud"), eight separate veins and one prominent double vein which extend from the northwest corner to nearly the southeast corner of the claims block. As per the Company's new release dated May 5, 2020, between 1984 and 1986, L.A. Bayrock Ph.D P.Geo. ("Bayrock"), on behalf of Stellar Resource Corp., conducted surface and underground mapping, drilling and sampling of the area comprising the Project. In 1984 eight holes totalling 1,553 feet (473 meters) were diamond drilled on the Southwick veins on which the main Rosebud production shaft is located. The shortest hole measured 106ft while the deepest was 301ft. Sixty-nine core samples were submitted and analyzed for gold and silver. This drill program was designed prospect for new ore deposits for a distance of 200 feet beyond the northwest end of the underground workings. The results were said to have discovered two new zones of what was considered then to be ore grade mineralization. Significant results, which have not yet been verified by the Company, were reported to include 0.125 opt (4.286 g/t) gold and 2.06 opt (70.629 g/t) silver over 31 inches (0.79 meters) in hole #5 at 160 feet (48 meters) depth, and 0.261 opt (8.95 g/t) gold and 0.777 opt (26.64 g/t) silver over 41 inches (1.04 meters) in hole #6 at 55 feet (17 meters) depth. No hole locations are available to the Company. While the estimations prepared by Bayrock are considered relevant, they were written before NI 43-101 regulations and are therefore not NI 43-101 compliant. The assay values have not been verified and would require additional underground sampling for verification. The Bayrock (1984) drilling data has not been verified but appears reasonable considering the width and grade of the veins in the underground workings. Additional drilling in the vicinity of the Bayrock drilling would be required to verify the above data. In order to upgrade or verify Bayrock's drilling results, the Company would be required to complete additional drilling in the vicinity of the Bayrock drilling. Story continues Kingman is currently devising a drill program in the area of the mine site to verify the drilling data disclosed by Bayrock, and which were used in the historical non-compliant mineral reserve calculations as stated in Bayrock, L.A., 1985, Geology and Mineral Reserves of the Rosebud and Music Mountain Claims, Mohave County, Arizona: prepared for Stellar Resource Corp., 34p. Additionally, the Company is in planning to drill in areas previously not drilled with the intention of expanding the exploration area and potential resource. The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Bradley C. Peek, MSc. and Certified Professional Geologist who is a Qualified Person with respect to Kingman's Mohave Project as defined under National Instrument 43-101. About Kingman Kingman Minerals Ltd. is currently engaged in the business of precious metal mineral exploration for the purpose of acquiring and advancing non grass roots mineral properties located in mining friendly jurisdictions of North America. The Mohave Project (the "Project") is located in the Music Mountains in Mohave County, Arizona and is comprised of 20 lode claims which are inclusive of the past producing Rosebud Mine (the "Rosebud"). High grade gold and silver veins were discovered in the area in the 1880's and were mined mainly in the late 20's and 30's. Underground development on the Rosebud property included a 400-foot shaft and approximately 2,500 feet of drifts, raises and crosscuts For further information please contact: Sandy MacDougall, Chairman & Director (604) 685-7720 smacdougall@kingmanminerals.com www.kingmanminerals.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 may contain forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding, among other things, the completion transactions completed in the Agreement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, regulatory approval processes. Although Kingman believes that the assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, including that all necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained in a timely manner, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Kingman 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 applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Kingman Minerals Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/592535/Kingman-Prepares-for-Drill-Program-on-Mohave-Gold-Project-Historic-Underground-Mine DENVER, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- PAIRIN, the trusted technology partner to today's leading workforce programs, governments and education systems, today announced the close of $2.1 million, the first tranche of its Series A investment round that will be used to support continued growth of the company and its My Journey platform. The round is led by social impact investor New Markets Venture Partners, along with New U Venture Partners, JFFLabs, and return investors Village Capital and Independent Spectrum, LLC participating. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment rates in the U.S. have spiked to more than 14 percent, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. With the economy struggling and many businesses closing, more than 40 million Americans have found themselves jobless. PAIRIN's My Journey platform helps these citizens, and all citizens, achieve meaningful employment through powerful partnerships with state governments, workforce agencies and education systems. "Everyone should have the opportunity to define their own future, regardless of their background. During this period in our nation's history, supporting the organizations and professionals helping people along their career journey is more important than ever," stated Michael Simpson, CEO and co-founder of PAIRIN. "We've worked tirelessly alongside our partners in government and education to simplify the processes by which Americans enter and excel in the workforce. This funding will allow us to accelerate rollouts and key features that help connect people to critical resources, education and career assistance in an increasingly volatile job market. The enthusiasm and support we've received from investors are indicative of the widespread need for this technology." The Series A funding will help support the company's rapid growth and hiring initiatives. PAIRIN plans to grow its workforce by 33 percent in the next year with new hires in engineering, design and project management roles, among others. At this rate, the company expects to be cash-flow positive and double its current number of employees by the end of 2021. "New U Venture Partners (NUVP) is committed to investing in organizations that connect talent to opportunity, and PAIRIN's data-driven approach will support that effort on a large scale," said Dre Bennin, Managing Partner of NUVP. "By helping students and adult learners identify skills gaps and using data to demonstrate to employers the value of soft skills, PAIRIN can significantly increase ROI for job seekers and businesses a win-win for workforce development." My Journey has dramatically increased its rollout in the past few months, with large workforce networks and state governments leading the way in adoption and interest. One PAIRIN customer has expanded from using My Journey in three regions to all 15 across the state during the pandemic to expand services to the recently unemployed. "PAIRIN is at the intersection of innovation, technology and workforce development at a time where unemployment is at an all-time high and economic mobility is out of reach for millions more," said Yigal Kerszenbaum, Managing Director of the Employment Technology Fund at JFFLabs. "[email protected] is excited to invest in PAIRIN as they expand the My Journey platform to other states, helping millions of people on their path to finding a meaningful career." For more information, visit www.PAIRIN.com. About PAIRIN PAIRIN is a social enterprise company with a mission to make education relevant and hiring equitable. My Journey is a workforce process management platform that personalizes career exploration, job matching and skill development for education, workforce programs and governments. PAIRIN was founded in 2012 and is based in Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit www.PAIRIN.com. Media Contact Amanda King [email protected] Related Images image1.png SOURCE PAIRIN Related Links http://www.PAIRIN.com KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan leaders and ordinary citizens condemned on Wednesday the killing of a prominent cleric in a bomb attack at a mosque in the heavily fortified diplomatic quarter of the capital, Kabul. The explosion, which police initially said was a suicide bombing but later said was caused by a planted device, killed two people on Tuesday including Ayaz Niazi, a scholar and the outspoken imam of the Wazir Akbar Khan mosque. President Ashraf Ghani called the attack a crime against humanity and appointed a team to investigate, his office said on Twitter. Ghani also visited the hospital where Niazi's body was brought to pay his respects. Niazi was famous for his fiery sermons, in which he regularly criticised the Taliban, the government as well as U.S.-led foreign forces in the country. No group claimed responsibility. The Taliban denied involvement. Prominent politician Abdullah Abdullah, who was recently appointed to head peace talks with the Taliban, said "criminal terrorists" had once again struck a "towering religious figure". "They view great religious scholars as a major threat against their extremist ideology," he said. Many Afghans called on social media for an official day of mourning. The mosque is one of the most-heavily guarded in the country and is in a central Kabul district where several embassies and offices of foreign organisations are located. Despite a lull in fighting in recent days, following a three-day ceasefire between the government and the Taliban late last month to mark the end of Ramadan, attacks have been taking place. Two people were killed and two wounded in Kabul on Sunday when a bus carrying employees of private Khurshid TV was hit by a roadside bomb. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State, who also took responsibility for the storming a maternity hospital in Kabul last month. In the southern province of Kandahar, nine civilians were killed and five wounded when a roadside bomb blew up their vehicle on Wednesday, police said. (Reporting by Hamid Shalizi; Editing by Gibran Peshimam, Robert Birsel) Expert Advice with Brett Warren Is assessing demographics an integral part of building your property portfolio? If not you could be missing the key to building longer term wealth without significant risk. Understanding demographics could and should be the final piece of the puzzle for you during the decision-making process. It is certainly something we monitor at Metropole on a continual basis to ensure we get it right. After all, we are looking for locations that can ride out a downturn and produce above average rates of return in the good times. Here are my thoughts and what we look for; Owner occupier percentage I feel that this is usually the best place to start at the top. Homeowners are longer term thinkers, they generally wont panic and just sell their home in a crisis. [adrotate group="85"]I know Michael Yardney always says that people would rather eat dogfood than sell their home. In other words, they will do whatever it takes to keep a roof over their familys head. Investors are different. They tend to be shorter term thinkers and are reactionary, with more emotion. As a result, they are more inclined to sell up when times get tough, causing a great deal of downward pressure in the market. A great example of that is mining towns markets heavily affected both ways by emotion. While there is no magic figure, naturally we would like to see more owner occupiers residing in that location than investors. With that now established, lets drill down a little further. You see not all owner occupiers are equal and we are looking for a certain type of Owner Occupier. Weekly income We are looking for Owner Occupiers in locations where they are not just reliant on one income stream. They are not living pay cheque to pay cheque. We look for Owner Occupiers with multiple streams of income, for example; Both occupants may be working They may receive bonuses and commissions from their work They may receive an income from property or shares or other investments They may have a side business We regularly monitor and assess the Weekly Family Income of a certain locations and compare it to the average for that State. Lets take a closer look. In a previous article, I argued this may be the most important piece of property data you may not be using. As we are seeing in the current environment, people who lose their job or sole source of income during this period, unfortunately struggle and may be forced to sell. Others can rely on other sources of income during this period and be able to ride it out without being forced to sell. In these locations, prices may soften but they will not drop drastically like the 30% -50% being predicted. I must also stress, this is not a judge of people, but an analytical perspective on the data. Occupation type This can also be the key to lowering the risks inside your own portfolio. And boy, it is more evident right now than it has ever been previously. Areas that are heavily reliant on tourism, retail and manual work have virtually come to a stand still. Leaving many employees out of work, with little to no income. Those jobs that are based around professional services like IT, Financial and without doubt Health have thrived. Many that have been affected have still been able to work from home and earn an income. A point you have no doubt heard many times before, the vast majority of these jobs are within or very close to our CBDs and Hospitals. Why fight the big trends? In summary Understanding the demographics of a location you are about to invest in can be very important. While we all endeavour to maximise our returns, significant risks can often be overlooked. By getting a clearer picture of the trends and data for the location you may be able to achieve the best of both worlds. Owner occupiers with higher incomes can and do pay more to buy and improve their properties. This will lead to greater growth and returns for your portfolio. Then in downturns, they will not sell and can afford to ride it out and in almost all cases, they will do whatever it takes to keep their family home. So, prices will never drop sharply, and they tend to recover significantly quicker. If you are building true wealth, you need a deeper level of understanding and perspective, as opposed to a news headline or tip from a family member. ..................................................... Brett Warren is a director of Metropole Properties in Brisbane and uses his 18 plus years property investment experience and economics education to advise clients how to build their portfolios. He is a regular commentator for Michael Yardney's Property Update. Disclaimer: while due care is taken, the viewpoints expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Your Investment Property. Hundreds of people protested in Buenos Aires on Tuesday against the death of George Floyd in the United States. Demonstrators marched along main streets to settle in front of the American Chamber of Commerce in central Buenos Aires. Organizers said that causes of the protest in the US are shared by South America. The killing of Floyd has led to protests in many countries and across the US. The protest defied Argentina's mandatory lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus that is in place since March 20th. Floyd died on May 25 after a police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. Global outrage over what happened to Floyd has kindled frustrations across borders and continents. Incumbents in three Indiana House districts appear to have a hold on their party nominations, according to early election returns from Lake and Porter counties. District 1 State Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond, said it feels "really good" to see early numbers indicating she will be reelected to the position, which she has held for one term. "I'm happy. I'm honored and extremely humbled," Jackson said, adding the best endorsement she has received is from the people of the 1st District, which encompasses parts of Hammond and Whiting. In the upcoming session, Jackson said she would like to focus on emissions testing in Lake and Porter counties; equal pay for women in Indiana; train crossings throughout the state; and expanding House Enrolled Act 1265, which requires drinking water equipment at every public and private school in Indiana be tested at least once for lead contamination, with Lake County schools subject to regular, ongoing tests. Jackson has said she wants to see the testing expanded to nursery schools, preschools and ministry schools. The New York Times today published a column by Sen. Tom Cotton calling for the U.S. military to violently suppress nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed by police in Minneapolis. These rioters, if not subdued, not only will destroy the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens but will also take more innocent lives. Many poor communities that still bear scars from past upheavals will be set back still further. One thing above all else will restore order to our streets: an overwhelming show of force to disperse, detain and ultimately deter lawbreakers. It is completely mad that the Times would publish such an piece, even as an op-ed. It does so from a floating world which has no idea how quickly or how hard it could be brought crashing to the ground. It invites violence against everyone, from all quarters of power, and America will pay for it in blood. I have lots of friends who work at the NY Times and do amazing work. This destroys all of their credibility. It's one thing to post opposing views. But this is not that. This is blatant support for fascism. pic.twitter.com/ZJkO7jeFzG Mike Masnick (@mmasnick) June 3, 2020 i feel compelled to say that i disagree with every word in that Tom Cotton op-ed and it does not reflect my values. this piece does though https://t.co/Vrlw3NVtBH Charlie Warzel (@cwarzel) June 3, 2020 where's the red line for the NYT do we think pic.twitter.com/AGZHfIzz7W Jason Wilson (@jason_a_w) June 3, 2020 I truly, truly cannot believe the New York Times published a piece calling for military force to be used against civilians. NYT's Opinion section has lost its moral compass. I am horrified. pic.twitter.com/qxHKIZU9XV Carlos Maza (@gaywonk) June 3, 2020 June 3, 1989, the troops started clearing Tiananmen Square. QUITE an anniversary for a US senator to drop this. pic.twitter.com/wD7DztB1u4 Kathleen McLaughlin (@kemc) June 3, 2020 FUUUUUUUUUUUCK YOU this sucks so bad WHAT THE FUCK you suck pic.twitter.com/sCb3IV6Nru Joshua Topolsky (@joshuatopolsky) June 3, 2020 [Race affects our lives in countless ways. To read more provocative stories on race from The Times, sign up for our Race/Related newsletter here.] The images of seething unrest are stark: violent clashes between protesters and police officers clad in riot gear; police cars on fire; storefronts defaced, looted; sidewalks littered with shards of glass and the remnants of tear gas canisters and rubber bullets. In protests against police brutality across the country, scenes of chaos and disruption have unfolded nightly for more than a week, since George Floyd, a black man, died after being handcuffed and pinned down by a white police officer in Minneapolis. When a person of color isnt called for a job interview theyre qualified for simply because of the way they look. When a black child fails a standardized test largely because its geared toward white students. When a banker wont give a person of color a loan despite a credit score of 700 and a good history. Those are the metaphorical knees in the back, coupled with the physical one given to George Floyd just before his death last week and many others, that brought out some 500 peaceful protesters to the Port Arthur downtown pavilion Tuesday night. Youve been peaceful. Youve been intelligent and yet youve shown your discontentment, Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bill Bartie told the crowd. Youve shown your anger. The event, which was organized by the local chapter of the NAACP included various other speakers including the NAACP presidents from both Port Arthur and Beaumont, the Revs. Kalan Gardner and Michael Cooper; environmental activist Hilton Kelley and Port Arthur Police Chief Tim Duriso. >> Related: Follow live: Port Arthur protest They took turns leading the crowd in chants and listed ways they could continue the momentum triggered by Floyds death to bring substantive change, such as getting involved in the community and voting in leaders based on their character, not simply because theyre your brother, sister or friend. The protest was Southeast Texas third on Tuesday. The demonstrations began at 2 p.m. when about 100 people were met at the intersection of Concord Road and Lucas Drive with the largest police presence seen thus far at a Southeast Texas protest in response to Floyds death about a dozen police cruisers and dozens of uniformed police officers in masks. The reaction to the polices presence was mixed, with some protesters like Marshai Smith saying it seemed overly dramatic while protesting police brutality, although she added that she was glad they were there in case something went wrong. A volunteer passing out water said the presence was welcomed because shes seen that not everyone wants to be peaceful. Councilman Audwin Samuel, who represents the district where the protest occurred, said he went over to it after a council meeting when he got a call about the police. >> Related: Peaceful Beaumont rally hopes change for nation He said everyone was calm and peaceful and he cant complain about (the polices) presence or the way that they handled themselves there, adding that officers helped a woman who fainted and backed away when the issue was resolved. Just an hour later, between 50 to 75 people again gathered in Beaumont, this time at the Event Centre before marching into the citys downtown. Demonstrators held signs and chanted messages about the value of black lives and the death of George Floyd as they eventually made their way to the Beaumont Police Department. The group gathered in front of the Beaumont Public Library until eventually an officer in body armor addressed the crowd and told them they could stand on the steps of the department. There were more chants and personal messages from protesters, some of whom asked police to join them, before ending a prayer to start the march back to the Event Centre. The Rev. Johnny Letman III, a participant in the march, said he was happy to see people coming together in a way that honored the memory of George Floyd, but he would have liked to see more people. I really felt that more people would come out, because silence is agreement, but maybe there was fear that being downtown might increase the risk for damage, he said. >> Related: Beaumont rallies, Port Arthur readies He felt the peaceful demonstration helped elevate the message that there were citizens looking for change. The only time any of the protests either in Beaumont or the evening rally in Port Arthur turned contentious was after an unplanned march led by Wilson Early College High School Graduate and youth activist Taylor Getwood that followed the city-sanctioned protest in the pavilion. The march meandered through the downtown Port Arthur streets for more than four miles before passing the police station, where Getwood asked an officer to come out and march. When they declined, the procession made its way to another officer across the street. I simply walked up to the police officer, and I talked to him respectfully, I talked to him from a young black male perspective, being respectful to authority. I simply asked him to stand with us, Getwood said. He said he would stand with us. We asked him us to take a knee with us, and he surprised us and he took a knee with us. They are angry, I understand, the officer said. Shortly after the officer knelt down, the protesters pushed forward and some yelled expletives while Getwood and others blocked them from the officer. >> Related: Faith leaders hope discussion can ease unrest You are always going to have the few, Getwood said, adding that he was able to deescalate the situation promptly. Other police arrived and escorted the cruiser and officer away, with several protesters following before the crowd dispersed around 9 p.m. Similarly, during the rally at the pavilion, when a woman began yelling back at elected officials to voice her concerns, other demonstrators reminded her that the rally would stay peaceful. Chief Duriso also met with her after to get her contact information to be able to talk about the concerns at a later date. And when another protester was yelling to remind others that the elected officials cant make the change on their own, the people have to join in, he was invited on stage to speak. While Floyds death set off the most recent round of protests and calls to end systemic injustice, many of the speakers called on organizers to not let Tuesdays evening be the end. We cannot be Rip Van Winkle, said Port Arthur Pastor Kevin Domingo. We cannot go to sleep right now. Don't miss a thing: Sign up for our Daily Headlines newsletter. PRETORIA (dpa-AFX) - South Africa's private sector contracted the most on record in May as lockdown measures to control the spread of coronavirus, Covid-19, were extended, survey data from IHS Markit showed on Wednesday. The headline Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 32.5 in May from 35.1 in April. Any reading below 50 indicates contraction in the sector. This was the third consecutive decline. Output levels contracted sharply in May and incoming new business declined at a marked pace, as firms were unable to receive orders and new work from abroad. Backlogs of work eased in May and employment dropped for the seventh month in a row. Suppliers' delivery time lengthened due to restrictions on movement. On the price front, purchase cost declined in May and output prices were reduced. The 12-month outlook for the business activity turned negative for the first time in May. 'It is now expected that the economy will suffer an unprecedented fall in GDP during the second quarter,' David Owen, an economist at IHS Markit, said. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 21:16:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- China's financial institutions extended the repayment of principal and interest on loans of 1.3 trillion yuan (about 183 billion U.S. dollars) for small businesses from January 25 to May 15, the country's top banking regulator said Wednesday. Banks have also provided relending funds of 1.9 trillion yuan to micro-, small- and medium-sized companies hurt by the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a statement on the website of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. In a bid to help small businesses, China has adopted a slew of measures to reduce financing costs, such as letting them delay repayment of principal and interest as well as encouraging lenders to increase credit lines. In the next step, lenders across the country will allow small businesses to further delay repayment of principal and interest and provide them more comprehensive and targeted financial services, the statement said. Enditem Beijing's state media has claimed that the US has crumbled into a 'failed state' amid the ongoing rallies across America and blasted Donald Trump as 'a racist president'. Global Times, a major Chinese propaganda tabloid, slammed President Trump as 'weak, irresponsible and incompetent' and accused American politicians of blaming China for the protests erupting in the US. The US has been rocked by seven straight nights of tumult since George Floyd, a black man, was killed in Minneapolis after white police officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground by kneeling on his neck last Monday. Beijing's state media has declared that the US has crumbled into a 'failed state' amid the ongoing riots across America as the newspaper blasts Donald Trump 'a racist president'. This picture taken on May 28 shows protesters gather in front of a liquor store in Minneapolis Global Times, a major Chinese propaganda tabloid, slammed President Trump's leadership 'weak, irresponsible and incompetent' and accused American politicians of blaming China for the protests erupting in the US. The file picture shows US President Donald Trump speaking The US has been rocked by seven straight nights of tumult since George Floyd. Thousands of people protesting over the death of George Floyd remained on New York City streets Floyd, who was in handcuffs at the time, died after Chauvin ignored bystander shouts to get off him and Floyd's cries that he couldn't breathe. His death, captured on citizen video, has sparked days of protests in Minneapolis that quickly spread to cities across America. While many of the demonstrations around the country have been peaceful, others have descended into violence - despite curfews in many cities and the deployment of thousands of National Guard members over the past week. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to call in the military, inflaming tensions further. George Floyd, who was in handcuffs at the time, died after Chauvin ignored bystander shouts to get off him and Floyd's cries that he couldn't breathe. A group of looters are seen fleeing out of a shattered window of a shop in Manhattan of New York City on Tuesday night President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to threaten to call in the military, inflaming tensions further. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters in Atlanta. Pictured: One protester is seen throing a smoke device at police as they lined up against him with riot shields Tuesday In an article published Monday, the Chinese state newspaper claimed that the riots exposed the US 'a failed state' ruled by 'a racist president'. Pictured: In Atlanta, the National Guard and cops were massed together as they faced down scattered protesters who defied a 9pm curfew In an article published Monday, the Chinese state newspaper claimed that the riots exposed the US 'a failed state' ruled by 'a racist president'. 'As more and more netizens question "whether this is how US President Donald Trump makes America great again," observers see a weak, irresponsible and incompetent leadership navigating the country into a completely opposite direction, with all-out efforts to deflect public attention from its own failure,' the tabloid wrote. It added: 'The protests exposed long-standing issues in the US, including racial inequality, discrimination and a polarized society, which have been amplified under the Trump administration.' While many of the demonstrations around the country have been peaceful, others have descended into violence - despite curfews in many cities and the deployment of thousands of National Guard members over the past week. Protesters push up against a fence outside the White House while breaking curfew on Tuesday night in Washington, DC Dozens of protesters staged a post-curfew sit-in outside Mayor Eric Garcetti's home on Tuesday night. They held up their hands and chanted: 'Peaceful protest' in Los Angeles The nationalistic outlet claimed that American politicians are shifting blame to China over the mass demonstrations on the US streets. Looters are pictured ransacking a K Mart store on Tuesday night amid mass protests erupting across the US over the death of George Floyd The nationalistic outlet claimed that American politicians are shifting blame to China over the mass demonstrations on the US streets. The newspaper said: 'As the world watches the US being confronted with massive riots, looting, chaos and heightened violence, US officials, instead of reflecting on the systematic problems in their society that led to such a crisis, have returned to their old 'blame game' against left-wingers, 'fake news' media and 'external forces.' 'More Americans have slammed the US president for inciting hatred and racism, and US officials, who turn a blind eye to the deep-seated issues in American society, including racial injustice, economic woes and the coronavirus pandemic, began shifting the blame to the former US president, extremists, and China for inflaming the social unrests. Hu Xijin (pictured), the head of Communist propaganda outlet the Global Times, blasted US politicians who criticised China's controversial national security law for Hong Kong Beijing has long been infuriated by criticism from Western capitals, especially Washington D.C., over its handling of the pro-democracy protests that shook Hong Kong last year. Pictured, police guard an MTR station exit near the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on May 27 In another column published Tuesday, Hu Xijin, the newspaper's editor-in-chief, blasted US politicians, who criticised China's controversial national security law for Hong Kong, 'ruthless' towards American protesters. Hu wrote: 'When riot breaks out in the US, they want to use all means necessary, and cannot stand the loss of order for even one more day. What they are facing are merely unorganized protesters. 'If this was organized subversion, what would they do? Will they drop an atomic bomb? Beijing has long been infuriated by criticism from Western capitals, especially Washington D.C., over its handling of the pro-democracy protests that shook Hong Kong last year. As unrest erupting across the US, Chinese media circulated video clips suggesting Hong Kong police were 'restrained' compared to actions seen in the U.S. Beijing sparked outrage and concern earlier this month with a plan to impose a law on Hong Kong that it said was needed to protect national security and curb 'terrorism.' Pro-democracy activists and Western nations condemned the move as another attempt to chip away at the city's unique freedoms. China's rubber-stamp approved the law last Thursday, sparking waves of opposition from Western countries. Following President Donald Trump's announcement that he would strip Hong Kong of its special privileges, a commentary published Sunday in China Daily - a mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party - said U.S. politicians dreamed of 'victimizing' China. 'Better give up that dream and come back to reality,' it said. 'Violence is spreading across the US... US politicians should do their jobs and help solve problems in the US, instead of trying to create new problems and troubles in other countries.' Lack of transparency The back-and-forth over Hong Kong has exacerbated U.S.-China tensions, which were already high over a number of issues - including trade and the coronavirus pandemic, over which Trump has accused Beijing of a lack of transparency. As violence broke out in the U.S. over the weekend, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying also took aim at Washington. 'I can't breathe,' she said on Twitter, with a screenshot of a tweet by U.S. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus that had criticised the Chinese government over its Hong Kong policy. The back-and-forth over Hong Kong has exacerbated US-China tensions, which were already high over a number of issues - including trade and the coronavirus pandemic, over which President Donald Trump (pictured) has accused Beijing of a lack of transparency Hua was quoting the words George Floyd was heard saying repeatedly before his death - after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes - which sparked the current unrest in the United States. Over the weekend, Chinese media also circulated video clips of the U.S. violence, accompanied by the hashtag 'How restrained are the Hong Kong police' on the Twitter-like platform Weibo. One clip posted by the People's Daily on Sunday compared the recent on-screen arrest of CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez, who was covering the unrest in the U.S. city of Minneapolis last Friday, with scenes of Hong Kong police appearing to back away from media personnel in the city last year. The accompanying caption said 'reporters used their professional identities to obstruct law enforcement.' Police in Hong Kong have been accused by rights groups of using excessive force during pro-democracy protests last year. They have been accused of using tear gas, water cannons and making mass arrests at the protests. It was a virtual thought bubble of anguish, begging to be filled. Lets assume that during those excruciating 21 seconds when the prime minister paused Tuesday before answering a question about why he wasnt speaking out about Donald Trumps treatment of anti-racism protesters, Justin Trudeau was evaluating whether its more important to shield the Canadian economy from the impetuous U.S. president or to defend democratic rights. After the well-timed silence, Trudeau came down on the side of a careful both the only acceptable answer to a country whose prosperity is so deeply connected to the United States, even at a time of political instability, but also has its own record of racial inequality to deal with, especially during the pandemic. It is a time for us as Canadians to recognize that we too have our challenges, that Black Canadians and racialized Canadians face discrimination as a lived reality every single day, Trudeau eventually told reporters on the morning after police in Washington used tear gas and concussion grenades to force a path through peaceful protesters to make way for a Trump photo-op. Trump followed up by threatening to bring in the military to stifle the protests. But Trudeau wanted to keep his focus on Canada, in part because he has crossed the thin-skinned Trump before, and come face to face with trade retaliation that hurts us all. Trudeau has made an art out of silently criticizing the U.S. president, and the meaning of his unspoken message was perfectly clear without being overtly offensive. But when he did answer out loud, he also turned to an area where he can actually make a difference confronting systemic racism in Canada. We need to see that not just as a government and take action but we need to see that as Canadians. We need to be allies in the fight against discrimination. His call to action was echoed across the country on social media, in the House of Commons, and in a letter from 116 business leaders pledging publicly to denounce racism and do better. As employers, we value and promote diversity and inclusion in our companies and in our communities, said the letter penned by Manulife CEO Roy Gori and circulated by the Business Council of Canada. We call on other leaders to do the same so that together we can build a more just, fair and equitable society. But what does that really mean for a labour market that has systemically paid less money to people of colour, promoted them less often and given them weaker protections and lower standards? Trudeaus silence on that question is more troubling. According to 2016 census numbers crunched by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, women of colour in Canada earn 59 cents for every dollar a white man earns, while men of colour make about 78 cents. They face higher unemployment rates and earn far less from investments. Black workers face even bigger wage gaps than other racialized workers. The pandemic seems to have exacerbated these inequalities, often placing people of colour in dangerous front-line jobs without proper personal protective equipment, low pay and often few benefits. Clearly, this is indeed systemic, and workplaces are a perfect spot to look for solutions. In the short term, when it comes to fair treatment for front-line workers during the pandemic, the federal opposition parties have been quick to propose some answers. The NDP and the Bloc Quebecois are both pushing the Liberals to more quickly process and legitimize the hundreds of often-racialized asylum seekers who walked over the border from the United States and are now working in long-term-care homes. Federal and provincial governments are increasing the pay and bettering the protections for these workers in real time. Quebec Premier Francois Legault offered Tuesday to provide training, give benefits and pay up to $49,000 a year for new personal support workers to join the ranks. But will all those improvements end when the pandemic is over? The Business Council is proposing some longer-term approaches, including training all new employees to recognize unconscious bias, setting up zero-tolerance anti-racism policies in the workplace and developing mentorships. Sheila Block, who co-wrote the CCPA paper on racialized inequality, would like to see legislated employment equity rules, legislation for transparency on pay rates, stricter labour and safety standards, higher minimum wages and more pervasive unionization. And of course, anything that alleviates the precarious nature of work for new immigrants with immigration status and foreign credential recognition at the top of the list. The to-do lists of business and labour and social justice advocates are long, but theyre also completely feasible with some concerted leadership from all sides. Theres no need for the thought bubble to remain empty on this one. Read more about: The Government is being urged to bring in a scrappage scheme to encourage people to move from old to newer, cleaner - but not new - cars. It is claimed to be the "only way" to move towards a 'blended' lowering of emissions by using EVs and internal combustion engines (ICEs). The call was made by Denis Murphy, of the Irish Car Carbon Reduction Alliance (ICCRA), in an interview with 'Motors'. ICCRA represents a majority of new-car dealers. Mr Murphy said the best way to cut emissions is to incentivise replacement of older cars with newer, efficient models. He said such a scrappage scheme is "badly needed". Read More He blamed the Government for causing "confusion" with its blanket approach to getting emissions down. Instead of sticking to the impossible target of a million EVs and the outright ban on new diesel and petrols from 2030, it should be directing a blend of power sources towards that target. Mr Murphy claims technological innovations could bring petrol and diesel-engined cars close to zero emissions by 2030. He said Government policy is "counter productive". He spoke as a new survey, for ICCRA, found: * 53pc of motorists are confused about what car options they should consider in the countdown to 2030. * 86pc don't know their own car's CO2 emissions. * 82pc of over-25s believe the plan to ban new ICE cars by 2030 is not possible, while 42pc say such a ban would definitely, or quite likely, stop them from buying one in the next five years. * Key concerns about EVs include cost (74pc) and lack of charging infrastructure (70pc). The findings coincide with the launch of ICCRA's new E-Way 2040 campaign. Central to it is a website explaining the various engine options and how people can start their "journey to zero carbon emissions". The study found 62pc would consider buying an ICE car if shown it was more environmentally friendly. More than half (56pc) are not willing to pay a premium to go electric. Mr Murphy said research showed "electric vehicles will not be the answer for the overwhelming majority of Irish consumers for many years to come". There are only around 8,500 EVs on our roads (less than 1pc of the 850,000 target by 2030). Doctors world-travel sabbatical brings her back to Wrexham hospice early This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jun 3rd, 2020 A doctor who took a three month sabbatical from a Wrexham hospice to travel the world is back on the ward after her plans were cut short. Dr Claire Dunne, a Speciality Doctors in Palliative Medicine at Nightingale House Hospice, and her partner had saved for several years for the once in a lifetime trip to take in New Zealand and then South America at the start of March. But her plans were cut short after just two and a half weeks in New Zealand when the Covid-19 pandemic struck and the pair were forced to fly home on 23 March the day lockdown was announced in the UK. Dr Claire was not due to return to the hospice until the middle of June but as her plans changed she returned to the hospice to do the job she loves, criss-crossing between the in-patient and out-patient units. She is philosophical about her cancelled holiday plans and says they will now wait until she has saved up again. We were lucky to get back when we did and it is what it is, said Claire. I think the team at Nightingale House were pleased to have an extra pair of hands. Since lockdown the hospice has had to add to its admissions policy, and alongside the usual referral processes, is now operating a triage system, set up to take calls directly from family members of individuals with palliative care needs who might need admission but are struggling with referrals through the normal channels due to obvious pressures on the NHS. She said: Things have changed since I got back, with the introduction of Zoom calls for outpatients and their families. It is a new style of work and it is not how we would choose to do things, as the obvious drawback from my point of view is that it is more difficult to assess patients when we cant see them to examine them. It has shown us how we can develop our outreach services for patients with the technology but it does depend on the person; for some a simple phone call is all it takes to help them feel less isolated. Dr Claire originally wanted to specialise in paediatrics but soon changed her mind after a four month stint at Nightingale House as part of her foundation training and fell in love with the holistic approach hospice care gives to its patients. I am privileged to have the job I do because we have got the time to devote to our patients and give them patient-centred care through both medical and holistic treatments, added Claire. If you have a family member with a life-limiting illness and in need of palliative care such as cancer, heart failure or neurological conditions such as motor neurone disease and are already known to the district nursing general practice teams and struggling with un-controlled symptoms of pain and sickness you can ring the Nightingale House Hospice Triage Admissions team on 01978 316800 between 9am 4pm, Monday Friday (except Bank Holidays). While the construction crew repaired the home's leaky ceiling, broken pipes, and HVAC system, the Rack Room Shoes team hosted the family for a once-in-a-lifetime shopping spree in March. In addition to the shopping spree, each family member received a $500 gift card. The episode airs Friday, June 5, at 7:30 a.m. EDT on the Lifetime Network. "Rack Room Shoes maintains a special commitment to giving back to our communities, especially when it comes to supporting veterans who have served our country," says Mark Lardie, President and CEO of Rack Room Shoes. "It is an honor to recognize Luke and Natasha and their three children through this partnership with Military Makeover." To further honor the country's veterans, Rack Room Shoes increased the brand's military discount from 10% to 20% on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. Veterans and their families can continue to receive a 10% discount every Tuesday at all locations. About Luke and Natasha Luke a 100 percent medically retired disabled combat veteran served six years in the United States Army as an Infantryman. In 2008, he deployed to Iraq, where multiple IEDs hit his convoy. As a result, Luke suffered a severe head injury and received a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation with Valor. Natasha is also a medically retired disabled veteran and served as a Geospatial Engineer in the United States Army. During her service, Natasha was sexually assaulted, which left her with permanent injuries and PTSD. When retiring in 2014, she received the Women of Courage award by the Pentagon. The program airs on Lifetime Network Friday, June 5, runs in syndication on the American Forces TV Network and is available 24 hours a day on militarymakeover.tv. SOURCE Rack Room Shoes Winnipeg Police Service Chief Danny Smyth says officers will help ensure a local protest sparked by the death of George Floyd takes place peacefully, while calling actions that led up to the man's death in Minneapolis police custody criminal. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Winnipeg Police Service Chief Danny Smyth says officers will help ensure a local protest sparked by the death of George Floyd takes place peacefully, while calling actions that led up to the man's death in Minneapolis police custody "criminal." "By any professional measure, Mr. Floyds death was unnecessary, it was avoidable and, frankly, it was criminal," Smyth said Tuesday. "I think the chief there has moved quite quickly to take decisive action to fire the officers involved and now, as we see, criminal charges are being laid." Smyth joined Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief John Lane in a civic leadership response to Floyds death and the protests that have followed in its wake. The May 25 death was captured on video, showing a white police officer kneeling on the black mans neck for several minutes. Large-scale demonstrations have since occurred in multiple cities in the United States, with some including violence and looting. Smyth said police will focus on allowing an upcoming Winnipeg protest to take place peacefully. "The outrage and the anger, both in Minneapolis and throughout the world really, and here locally, its understandable. It is palatable Its important to hear from our own community," the chief said. On Friday at 6 p.m., a Justice 4 Black Lives Matter rally will take place outside the Manitoba legislature. Winnipeg city Couns. Markus Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River) and Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) have announced theyll attend. Both said theyve received an increased number of calls and emails about racism in Winnipeg in recent days. "I want our communities to, first and foremost, take care of themselves because the vicarious trauma conveyed through our televisions, screens, and smartphones is real," Chambers said in a news release. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg city councillor Markus Chambers, above, and councillor Sherri Rollins have announced theyll attend a Justice 4 Black Lives Matter rally outside the Manitoba legislature on Friday. Smyth said the Winnipeg rallys organizers have reached out to police, who expect to monitor the event. He said the group has told police it intends to hold a peaceful protest and respect COVID-19 pandemic social-distancing rules to stay at least two metres apart. Even if the protest violates a public health directive that caps outdoor gatherings at a maximum of 50 people, the police chief said it wont be used as a reason to end the rally. "If by chance people get too close, we are not going to intervene into their ability to protest under the guise of COVID," said Smyth. Smyth, Bowman and Lane all said they would consider attending the event on a personal basis, but only if organizers wanted them to do so. "In terms of standing (with them), if the community organizers are welcoming of that, I would certainly consider standing with them, I just dont want to impose myself," the police chief said. The officials stressed local work to combat racism must continue, including through the education of City of Winnipeg staff and others. "This is an ongoing effort thats going to take a lot of good people. I think theres a role for all Winnipeggers (to get educated)," said Bowman. 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. Meanwhile, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister says health concerns will prevent him from attending the Friday rally. "As a senior with asthma, I'll be observing social-distancing recommendations given to me by my physician and by Dr. (Brent) Roussin (chief provincial public health officer) personally," said Pallister, 65. "So I will not be in attendance for those reasons, but I will be there in spirit." Pallister said he does not condone violent protests, which have been an element of some demonstrations in the United States. "I've always believed that peace and love and understanding have to replace discord and violence and racism... I think it's critical that we demonstrate our understanding in ways that are non-violent," he said, urging attendees to observe pandemic social-distancing rules. joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Joyanne Pursaga Reporter Born and raised in Winnipeg, Joyanne loves to tell the stories of this city, especially when politics is involved. Joyanne became the city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press in early 2020. Read full biography Inside Hook Suffice it to say these are trying times for a variety of reasons. Unsurprisingly, the widespread stress of the coronavirus pandemic and surrounding crises has had far-reaching effects on mental health. Unfortunately, those mental health challenges have led to a shortage of Zoloft, one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. As of Friday, the Food and Drug Administration has designated Zoloft a drug in short supply, according to a recent report from Bloomberg. As the need for mental health treatment rose amid the pandemic, Zolofts prescription rate saw a marked increase as well, spiking 12 percent in March compared to the previous year. This increase marks the largest in the United States in the drugs history, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence. BOSTON, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bioinsider LLC (Bioinsider) will present the "Diagnostic Landscape for COVID-19" virtual meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2020. The event, chaired by Dr. Karl V. Voelkerding, medical director of Genomics and Bioinformatics at ARUP Laboratories, will feature talks on molecular, serology, rapid testing, clinical considerations when testing, and properly handling the pandemic with the current testing capacity. Attendees will have access to seven scientific talks, a closing panel discussion, two speed networking sessions, and face-to-face breakout discussions. The virtual event is the first in Bioinsider's four-part "Together as One COVID-19" Series, with all net proceeds from the series going to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization. To register, visit: https://www.bioinsidernetwork.com/registration/meeting-1-reg/ "The Diagnostic Landscape for COVID-19 event will provide a platform for experts and decision makers in the diagnostic field to share ideas, scientific findings, and shape the direction of future innovations and testing development around COVID-19," said Bioinsider Founder and CEO Dr. Ngoc (Emily) Le. "Having an open platform such as this can speed up collaborations, address the current COVID-19 diagnostic testing need, and help us quickly get back to a new normal. With the influx in COVID-19 diagnostic tests, it is critical that we have the opportunity to examine and evaluate different testing methods and their performances." Event speakers include experts from: University of Utah ARUP Laboratories University of Maryland Wadsworth Center Mayo Clinics Brown University LabCorp and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Following speaker presentations, attendees may join one of six breakout discussions. The event is available to both academic/non-profit and commercial attendees, $25 and $50 respectively. Face-to-face breakout sessions will be limited to 15 participants each and are available for an additional cost of $25. Members of the scientific and medical communities are encouraged to register early, as speed networking and breakout sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, visit www.bioinsidernetwork.com/registration. To view full event details, final program, breakout discussion, and future events, visit www.bioinsidernetwork.com. About Bioinsider Founded in 2020, Bioinsider LLC is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to creating a quality-driven, unbiased virtual meeting platform for communication among the scientific community, policymakers and business leaders. The goal of these events is to create connections, enrich knowledge, foster collaborations, drive the success of research, and spark innovations. For more information, visit bioinsidernetwork.com. About Dr. Ngoc 'Emily' Le, Founder and CEO, Bioinsider Dr. Le received her Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and spent years working as a content conference producer and led the product development analytics group at Cambridge Healthtech Institute. She has nine years of experience working with academic, healthcare, biopharma, and executive professionals in technical scientific and business settings. She has diverse knowledge in diagnostics, drug development, commercial strategy, and various therapeutic areas, including immuno-oncology, and gene and cell therapies. SOURCE Bioinsider Related Links http://www.bioinsidernetwork.com SIOUX CITY -- Steve King had never lost a race in his 24-year political career. Until Tuesday night. Fellow Republican Randy Feenstra pulled off a stunning upset of King, a conservative firebrand who honed a national reputation for a series of incendiary comments on race and immigration during his nine terms in the U.S. House. Feenstra, a state senator from Hull, beat King, 45.6 to 36 percent, in the GOP primary for Iowa's 4th District with 96 percent of the vote in, according to the Associated Press, which called the race for Feenstra at 11 p.m. In his first interview with Iowa media, Feenstra told the Journal that lining up support from grassroots conservatives over 17 months sealed the win, and "catapulted" him to a solid foundation prior to the spread of the novel coronavirus halted in-person campaigning in March. "At the end of the day, Iowa deserves a proven, effective congressman," he said. Feenstra also described having a phone conversation prior to 10:30 p.m. with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. "He just said, 'Hey, go out and win in November,' " Feenstra said. A three-term state senator and former businesman from Hull, Feenstra advances to the November general election to face Democrat J.D. Scholten, a Sioux Cityan who narrowly lost in King in 2018 and was unopposed in Tuesday's primary. Three other GOP challengers, Bret Richards, Jeremy Taylor, and Steve Reeder split about 18 percent of the vote Tuesday. Early voting by mail factored heavily in the outcome, as the Iowa Secretary of State office sent out ballot request forms to all registered voters, to reduce in-person voting during spread of the novel coronavirus. Feenstra ruled in his home county of Sioux County, where he had a 4,436 vote margin over King, taking 82 percent. In Woodbury county, largest county in the 4th District, Feenstra got 38 percent to King's 34 percent, while Taylor had just 18 percent in his home county. The high-profile 4th District race, watched closely nationally, was widely seen as a referendum on King's effectiveness in the House after GOP leaders last year removed him from all his committees in the wake of published comments in which he questioned when terms like "white supremacist" and "white nationalism" became offensive. Feenstra and his allies heavily outspent the field, arguing that King had lost his clout in Congress and it was time for a change. Feenstra was endorsed by abortion rights opposition group National Right to Life, once a longtime King supporter, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation's largest business lobbying group, and also picked up support from prominent Republican leaders including former Gov. Terry Branstad and evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats. King's paltry fundraising kept him from airing TV ads. Heading into the primary, King was seen as vulnerable, after only winning re-election by 3 percent in 2018 to Scholten, a political newcomer. Two months later, in a New York Times story on immigration, King was quoted as asking, "White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?" The published remarks fueled a national backlash that prompted GOP House leaders to strip him of his committee assignments, including Agriculture, a key spot for the largely rural 4th District. The full House also passed a resolution condemning white supremacy and white nationalism. Since then, King has repeatedly insisted the Times reporter misquoted him, and that Republican leaders were too skittish over the fallout to reinstate him to his committees. King took to the House floor in January 2020 to again criticize McCarthy, describing his treatment by the GOP leader as "unprecedented." King had run for office 10 prior times, for a state senate seat in 1996 and nine times for Iowa congressional seats, and won all 10 positions. King had faced primaries in 2018, when he got 75 percent of the vote, and 2016, when he defeated Republican Rick Bertrand, who at the time was a state senator from Sioux City. King got 65 percent of the vote that year, so he's fallen far from where he stood in those primaries. Bertrand on Tuesday said both King and Feenstra are "honorable men, but like many Republicans in the 4th District, we are tired of the political impotence that Congressman King now represents. We are Iowans, and we'd like a little pork every once in a while." As of June 1, there were 198,289 Iowans living in the 4th congressional district who had active Republican voting registrations. As of Tuesday morning, those Republicans had requested 70,890 early ballots and 59,752 had been returned. Love 2 Funny 5 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2 I was a little girl, but the events of 1968, especially in Chicago at the Democrat National Convention, impressed me. I remember images of helmeted police officers facing off against rioters. I also remember generally from that year how the protesters referred to the police as pigs, so we kids always tried to offset that by waving at the police whenever they drove by. Back then, you had the leftist protesters on one side, and the media and the political class on the other side, aligned with the forces of law and order. This year, things are very different. The violent protesters (whether BLM, Antifa, Chauvinistas, Anarchists, or opportunists) are being aided and abetted by the media and Democrat politicians. Its the ordinary American citizen -- the small business owner, the retiree whose retirement fund includes shares in companies that are looted and burned, the truck driver caught on the freeway, the churchgoers, and many other people just trying to get by -- who are the targets of the whole Democrat establishment, from the looters to the mayors offices to Democrat politicians in D.C. And what about the forces of law and order? Well, thats where it gets interesting. Keep in mind that all of these protests are taking place in Democrat-controlled cities. When it comes to the guys and gals on the street, some are siding with the peaceful protesters, but all seem to be trying to stem the violence. Their problem is that their bosses, not the guys on the streets with them, but the Democrat police chiefs and mayors, are siding with the protesters. This bizarre situation, one that sees the political class siding with violent revolutionaries, can be summed up in a letter from the leader of the Sergeants Benevolent Association to Sergeants in the New York City Police Department: I Hear You. Never Give Up. pic.twitter.com/1AuXW4DlIi SBA (@SBANYPD) June 2, 2020 Dear Fellow Sergeant, I am being inundated with calls, text messages and emails pleading for help. Please know that I am reading each and every correspondence I receive. I want each of you to know that I am very much aware of everything that is occurring in our city. I know we are losing the city. We have no leadership, no direction, and no plan. I know you are being held back and used as pawns. I understand. I am one of you! I am doing, and I will continue to do, everything I can to protect you and the people of this city. So I am asking you to please stay together and stay strong. Hold the line and protect each other. Stand shoulder to shoulder and DO NOT give up. NEVER GIVE UP! I hear you. I am aware and soon everyone is going to hear you. Help is coming and we will win this war on New York City. Remember, you work for a higher authority. Its good against evil and good always wins. The following are some of the messages I am receiving: Total nightmare last night. The executives of the NYPD are going to get a member of the service killed. They have no plan set in motion. You have inspectors and Chiefs running around the city with no direction. Leave the police work to the frontline supervisors. Ive been at these riots since the beginning. I have been hit with eggs, bricks, rocks. My officers are depleted, tired, beat up. Our officers and supervisors are getting hurt every night DOING THEIR JOBS without ANY support from our PC & Mayor. I am so angry with how this has been handled its bringing me to tears with frustration to write it . . . for the 1st time in my 16yr career all ranks have been abandoned by our leadership. We have pepperball guns, tear gas, and other anti criminal riot apparatus such as horses not being deployed! We need to be able to use our tools that are available to us. The leadership of the NYPD has to go. Please what can be done? We need help. Thank you for your support, continue to be vigilant, and stay safe. As it happens, DeBlasio does have a plan, although it does not include either protecting the city from rioters or guiding and protecting his police force. Once again, hes going after the Jews: Correction, its in the Hasidic community in Boro Park, Brooklyn, not Williamsburg. Reagan Battalion (@ReaganBattalion) June 3, 2020 Democrat party operatives are signaling support for the violence all over the place. In Massachusetts, the state Attorney General, Maura Healey, thinks its great that America is burning. After the ritual obeisances about her shame at being white and the horrors systemic racism, she came out with this: Healey made the case that the unrest over Floyds killing and the unequal impact of the pandemic give America an opportunity to create a more just society. I wont talk about rebuilding. Instead, Ill talk about building anew in ways that rid us of the institutionalized racism thats led to America burning today, Healey said. If Americans do not seize that opportunity, she said, it will extinguish the promise of this great country. After a Sunday night violent protest in Boston that resulted in property damage, arrests, and injury to civilians and police officers, Healey said she is calling for a revolution, but not a violent one. I support calls for a revolution but not the revolution of violence in our streets, Healey said. Instead, Im calling for a revolution in mindset. A fundamental change to our ingrained assumptions. And then she called for doubling down on the leftwing playbook. On the internet too, leftist politicos are all in for rioting. These two examples make the point: Hes proudly declaring his place in the political wing of a terrorist group. https://t.co/JbffqfAEwD David Reaboi (@davereaboi) June 2, 2020 The *Fairfax County* Democratic Party saying riots are an integral part of the countrys march towards progress. This in the affluent suburbs outside DC, an area known for its moderation. https://t.co/Ek6PizkoJZ Josh Kraushaar (@HotlineJosh) June 1, 2020 While the Democrat political class sends out its virtue signals, emergency responders are suffering. In Oakland, rioters shot and 53-year-old Patrick Underwood, a federal law enforcement officer. In Las Vegas, rioters left 29-year-old Shay Mikalonis in critical condition. In St. Louis, a looter killed 77-year-old retired police Captain David Dorn, who was serving as Moline Acres police chief. He bled out on the sidewalk (warning: graphic image). In Jacksonville, Florida, rioters stabbed a police officer in the neck. And in Richmond, Virginia, rioters set fire to a house with a child inside and then refused to let firefighters in. Thankfully, the firefighters were able to force their way in and rescue the child, but it was a close thing. And then there was this, in Chicago: #Police violently attacked in #Chicago by mob anxious to drag them away including a small woman as her coworker desperately attempts to save her #ChicagoProtests #ChicagoRiots #ChicagoPD pic.twitter.com/o1OllfrEgJ Silver Report Uncut (@silver_report) May 31, 2020 Its to be hoped that, when Americans go to the polls in November, theyll remember that, to a man (and woman), the Democrat party abandoned the police and ordinary Americans to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with people who tore communities apart. Our Democrat leaders have long lusted after a revolution and, now that theyve got one, theyve reveling in it, no matter who gets hurt. A glamorous real estate agent has admitted to selling cocaine over Craigslist with former Bachelor star Georgia Tripos. Kristiana Karakostas, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking cocaine the County Court of Victoria last week. The pair, who referred to themselves as 'The Mafia' in text messages, were arrested in March 2017 after Karakostas sold a bag cocaine to an undercover police officer, the Herald Sun reported. Kristiana Karakostas, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking cocaine at court last week The officer was part of a sting operation launched against the women after police discovered a suspicious online ad they believed to hold coded language for drug dealing. Karakostas sold almost 70 grams of cocaine from February 2 to March 10, with many of the sales made through online classified site Craigslist. The estate agent was arrested at her Mount Waverley office, in eastern Melbourne, on March 15, where officers found six grams of cocaine. Police also found more than $3,000 cash, drug paraphernalia and records of future drug transactions. During Karakostas' arrest Georgia Tripos (pictured) arrived and began speaking with Karakostas in another language Tripos rose to fame after she appeared on Richie Strahan's season of The Bachelor During Krakostas' arrest Tripos arrived and began speaking with her in another language before the Bachelor star messaged a man discussing what to do with the drugs at the estate agent's home, the court heard. When officers later raided Karakostas' home they discovered another 20 grams of cocaine and 250gm of another drug known as ethylpentylonane and other drug paraphernalia. Tripos was intercepted by police driving with $3,000. Officers then raided her home and found cocaine, cocaine purity testing kits and an additional $3,500. The brunette rose to fame after she appeared on Richie Strahan's season of The Bachelor. Tripos has pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine but will fight other charges at a trial on November 9. Karakostas will be sentenced on June 12. Larid Johnson has published his new book Yellow Dog Eight: a fond reflection on the people, landscape, and career he loved in the ruggedly beautiful Wyoming ranchlands. Johnson writes, The puffy small white clouds move across the light-blue sky like memories across Larid Johnsons mind. His memories are of hunting coyotes in old Wyoming for more than thirty years. He remembers the anticipation he felt when moving his pretty young wife, his two small children, and most of his earthly possessions in the trunk of his Chevy Sport to his new job with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. He remembers the unusual characters with whom he worked through the years and the exciting experiences that went with the job. He remembers the things that he learned about coyotes and predator control, and he remembers the satisfaction of helping ranchers save some lambs. Life was good in those days, and the time passed too quickly. He has recorded some of his memories in this book, Yellow Dog Eight. Published by Page Publishing, Larid Johnsons engrossing book is a fascinating glimpse at the life of a predator control specialist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase Yellow Dog Eight at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. ANCHORAGE, Alaska - An Alaska Native village corporation from the Kodiak Island region has acquired the states largest retailer of liquor, wine and beer. Afognak Native Corp. announced Monday it completed the purchase of the Brown Jug chain from Canadian firm Alcanna Inc., The Anchorage Daily News reported. Alcanna, based in Edmonton, Alberta, said in an earnings statement Monday that the sale will generate about $21 million. The deal includes the chains 21 stores in the Anchorage area, Wasilla and Fairbanks, plus a warehouse, Afognak said in a statement. Brown Jug employs 218 Alaska residents and generates more than $80 million in yearly revenues. The purchase will allow the retailer to increase operational revenue and reduce its reliance on government contracting, the company said. The village corporation plans to prioritize employee training to comply with strict regulations in the liquor sales industry, Afognak Executive Vice-President Alisha Drabek said. Our focus is on promoting safe use and compliance, Drabek said. This is an opportunity for us to take a leadership role in the state on that. The Brown Jug stores will require large investments to remain strong and Alcanna would prefer to focus its interests in Canada, Alcanna Chief Executive James Burns said. It was important to Alcanna that if we sold our Alaska business, it was to a responsible buyer with the financial resources and corporate aspirations to take the business to the next level, he said. Afognak met those criteria extremely well. Brown Jug was founded in Alaska more than 80 years ago. An Alaskan family owned and operated the company for decades before selling it to a predecessor of Alcanna in 2008. Afognak Native Corp. was created in 1977 with the merger of two village corporations from the Kodiak region. Afognak and its subsidiaries employ more than 4,000 people. Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England, has urged young people to put their money into investments focused on sustainability amid the coronavirus pandemic. Younger generations, he said, were likely to be the ones to experience a shift or "adjustment" toward sustainability, and so should be the ones to benefit from it. "At some point that adjustment is going to happen as a younger person, who is going to be around for that adjustment and needs to benefit I would want to be positioned for that," he said. While Carney said he believed there was "a fair bit of momentum in society" already in terms of moving to a greater sustainability, he said this was likely to be reinforced by the coronavirus pandemic. "It's not assured but it's likely it's going to be reinforced by the experience we've just lived through," he added. Carney was speaking at the Personal Investment Management & Financial Advice Association's "Virtual Fest," on Wednesday, and discussed how the financial services sector could help the U.K. meet its climate-change goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The former head of England's central bank said there was a "sweet spot" of opportunities for U.K. government investment in areas such as infrastructure, which creates jobs and has "big multiplier effects on the economy." For instance, last week the U.K. government approved plans to develop the country's largest solar park in the south of England, which will have the capacity to power 91,000 homes. Meanwhile in May, it announced that 2 billion ($2.5 billion) would be spent on initiatives to encourage people to walk and cycle more. This is part of an effort to encourage "greener travel habits" as an alternative to crowded public transport in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. This included bringing forward trials of rental electric scooters. Carney stepped down as governor of the Bank of England in March, after around seven years in the role. He was replaced by the head of the U.K.'s financial watchdog, Andrew Bailey. He is now the United Nations' special envoy for climate change. CNBC's Anmar Frangoul contributed to this article. SAN FRANCISCO, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- FinancialForce , provider of the only modern ERP suite and the #1 Professional Services Automation ( PSA ), today announced it has bolstered its executive sales team with the appointments of David Schloss as VP and General Manager, Americas, and Stewart Monk as VP and General Manager, EMEA. Recognized for their leadership in building and developing top performing sales teams, Schloss and Monk will be responsible for spearheading sales initiatives that maximize customer value and further accelerate global growth. Throughout his career, Schloss has consistently delivered revenue growth and collaborated with development, marketing, and operations teams to optimize go-to market strategies. He joins FinancialForce after nearly nine years at Oracle, where he most recently led the North American Diversified HCM Team to record growth. Schloss has over 30 years of sales experience directing high-performance teams including positions at Ultimate Software, Convergys, and ADP. Monk comes to FinancialForce after a total of more than 22 years at Oracle, where he most recently served as Head of Northern Europe Applications for the Office of Finance. He held several executive sales roles at Oracle including EMEA Sales Factory Leader, Senior Sales Director, and Director of HCM Sales, helping customers leverage technology across their HR and finance functions. Monk has also held sales management positions at Workday and SAP. "David and Stewart are two of the best sales executives in the software industry and we couldn't be more excited to welcome them," said Tod Nielsen, CEO of FinancialForce. "Their addition to the executive sales team underscores FinancialForce's momentum in the market and our leadership position in bringing the latest tech innovations to finance and services teams across the globe. This year is all about focus, execution and delivering customer value through one of the greatest sales forces on the planet. I can't think of two better people than David and Stewart to help us achieve this goal." "I'm thrilled to join FinancialForce and build on the many successes the company has achieved with its industry-leading PSA and ERP solutions on the Salesforce platform," said Schloss. "FinancialForce is reshaping the future of business by providing a complete, customer-centric view of operations, and I look forward to helping organizations transform their businesses with our solutions." "FinancialForce is the clear leader in its field, and I'm excited to help organizations in EMEA streamline operations, increase productivity, and make faster, smarter decisions around finance and professional services," said Monk. "I'm especially excited about the way the company brings customers value from groundbreaking Salesforce advances in analytics and user experience--making ERP and PSA more powerful and intuitive than ever." FinancialForce has received strong industry validation and awards over the past year. FinancialForce was recognized as the #1 Enterprise PSA provider by G2, a leader in SaaS and cloud-enabled ERP and PSA applications by IDC Research, the most adopted PSA solution by SPI Research, and the "Top ISV Partner of the Year" at the Salesforce UK Alliances & Channels Awards. FinancialForce was awarded Top Technology & Software Employer by DiversityJobs and a Top 20 Company to Work for in 2020 by Mirror Review. About FinancialForce FinancialForce offers customer-centric business applications on the leading cloud platform from Salesforce. We accelerate business growth with the only modern ERP suite and the #1 professional services automation (PSA), enabling real-time insights and intelligent decision-making. See your customers in full color with FinancialForce. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, FinancialForce is backed by Advent International, Salesforce Ventures and Technology Crossover Ventures. For more information, visit www.financialforce.com . SOURCE FinancialForce Related Links http://www.financialforce.com France Affirms its Commitment to Ensure Timely Delivery of Rafale Jets, Indian Defence Minister Says Sputnik News 09:55 GMT 02.06.2020 New Delhi (Sputnik): India is set to receive a portion of its Rafale jet order in July 2020 under an inter-governmental agreement signed between New Delhi and Paris. The Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, boosting India's combat capabilities. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Sing has expressed his gratitude to the French Armed Forces for ensuring the timely delivery of Rafale aircraft despite a weeks-long halt in production due to the COVID-19 lockdown. "We also appreciated the efforts made by the armed forces of India and France in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. France has affirmed its commitment to ensure the timely delivery of Rafale aircraft despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic", said Singh on Tuesday. Following a phone conversation with French Defence Minister Florence Parly, Singh stated that the two sides had discussed matters of mutual concern, including the COVID-19 situation, regional security and agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. "Had a telephonic conversation with French Minister of Armed Forces, Ms Florence Parly today. We discussed matters of mutual concern including the COVID-19 situation, regional security and agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation between India and France", he added. French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain also confirmed the timely delivery of aircraft on 24 May as apprehensions were raised over a possible delay due to the surging coronavirus cases in the country. France is reeling with 189,220 coronavirus cases with 28,833 deaths. The Rafale jet has the advantage of carrying a range of potent weapons. The mainstay of the weapons package is the European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile. The two countries signed an $8.7 billion contract under an inter-governmental agreement along with an aircraft package supply protocol signed with Dassault Aviation and weapons package supply protocol signed with MBDA for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in fly-away condition. The jets are contracted to be made available by 2022 while the first four Rafale are scheduled to arrive in India by July 2020. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address LONDON, June 3 (Reuters) - British police said they were appalled by the way George Floyd lost his life and by the violence which followed in U.S. cities but called on potential protesters in the United Kingdom to work with police as coronavirus restrictions remain in place. "We stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life," police chiefs from across the United Kingdom said in a joint statement. "Justice and accountability should follow." "We are also appalled to see the violence and damage that has happened in so many U.S. cities," they said. Police chiefs said they understood the right to lawful protest but reminded people that the coronavirus restrictions remained in place which prevent large groups from gathering. "So for whatever reason people want to come together, we ask that people continue to work with officers at this challenging time," the police chiefs said. George Floyd died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25, reigniting the explosive issue of police brutality against African Americans five months before the November presidential election. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Kate Holton) By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Wednesday sought response from the Centre on the pleas of two Assam students' unions challenging the Presidential order amending the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873 to deny the state an inner-line permit (ILP) system to insulate it from the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). A bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices A S Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy, conducting hearing through video conferencing, also refused to grant ex-parte stay on the operation of Presidential order. The top court issued notice to the Centre and listed the matter for further hearing after two weeks. To visit the ILP-regime states, outsiders, including people from other states of the country, need to take permission. There is also protection for the locals with regards to land, jobs and other facilities. READ HERE: What is the Inner Line Permit and why is the Northeast clamouring for it? Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the Students Unions said that the issue is of Inner-line permit system and the court should grant interim stay on the Presidential order. The bench said that it cannot grant any interim-stay on the order without hearing Centre on the issue. The pleas, of All Tai Ahom Students' Union' and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad have challenged the presidential order of December 11, 2019 to amend the BEFR calling it unconstitutional. The plea of All Tai Ahom Students' Union' filed through advocate Kaushik Choudhury, said the President passed the order for amendment under Article 372 (2) of the Constitution, although as per Article 372 (3), he has the power to do so for only three years from the date of enactment of the Constitution, that is till 1953. Both the students' unions have sought inner-line system in the state to protect them from the effect of CAA especially from those who have come from Bangaldesh. Many students' union in the state have been protesting against the CAA and wanted implementation of ILP in the state saying that under the BEFR, the inner line permit system was very much prevalent in some undivided districts of Assam. On December 11, the President signed an order extending the inner line permit (ILP) regime to Manipur. Manipur is the fourth state after Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram where the ILP regime is applicable. As per the plea filed by All Tai Ahom Students' Union', the President by exercising the power under Article 372 (2) of the Constitution has removed Kamrup, Darrang, Nowgong, Sibsagar, Lakhimpur and Cachar, which forms the part of almost entire Assam presently, from the purview of the BEFR, exactly one day prior to giving assent to the CAA. The ILP regime is applicable under the BEFR, 1873. In terms of Section 2 of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations (BEFR), 1873, citizens of other states require ILP for visiting these three states. The main objective of the ILP system is to prevent settlement of other Indian nationals in the three states in order to protect the indigenous population. There have been widespread protests in the Northeastern States against the new Citizenship law following which the Centre announced that the Act will not be applicable in ILP regime states and areas governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, autonomous councils and districts were created in certain tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura. The autonomous councils and districts enjoy certain executive and legislative powers. According to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, till December 31, 2014 facing religious persecution there, will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship. Services for Fort Bend Deputy Constable Caleb Rule, who died in what authorities said was friendly fire, are scheduled in Needville. A public visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Carmel Church, 2405 Richmond Street. The private funeral, for family and law enforcement, is on Thursday. A Fort Bend Sheriffs Office deputy accidentally shot Rule last Friday after the two completed a check at a home where a suspicious person was reported to be seen, officials said. Courtesy Fort Bend Constable Pct 4 The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled the death a homicide. The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the institute. NEWS IN YOUR INBOX: Sign up for breaking news email alerts from HoustonChronicle.com here Rule, who joined the Precinct 4 Constables Office in September, and three sheriff's deputies responded to a report of suspicious activity about 1:45 a.m. at a house in the 3900 block of Chestnut Bend in Sienna Plantation, southeast of Sugar Lands town square. The sheriffs deputies and Rule apparently arrived at the residence around the same time. The law enforcement officers noticed a back door was not secured and entered. As they were clearing the home, a sheriffs deputy discharged his weapon, believing a suspect was inside, officials said. The gunfire struck Rule, who was flown to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he later died. Rule, 37, was a married father of four who had served 14 years with the Missouri City Police Department. A GoFundMe page has been set up in Rules honor, where more than $27,000 has been raised. SUBSCRIBE TODAY: Stay informed with accurate reporting you can trust on HoustonChronicle.com S tar Wars actor John Boyega has given an emotional speech at a Hyde Park demonstration about the death of George Floyd in the US. Boyega joined thousands of protestors in Hyde Park in a peaceful demonstration in support of Black Lives Matter. The 28-year-old actor, who is best known for playing Finn in the recent Star Wars trilogy, became tearful at points during his heartfelt speech, which referenced two other black Americans who controversially died in the US and the murder of Stephen Lawrence in the UK. We are a physical representation of our support for George Floyd," he told the demonstration. "We are a physical representation of our support for Sandra Bland. We are a physical representation of our support for Trayvon Martin. We are a physical representation of our support for Stephen Lawrence. John Boyega at Hyde Park George Floyd Protest - In pictures 1 /21 John Boyega at Hyde Park George Floyd Protest - In pictures Getty Images Evening Standard PA Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images He added: Im speaking to you from my heart. Look, I dont know if Im going to have a career after this, but f*** that. Today is about innocent people who were halfway through their process, we dont know what George Floyd could have achieved, we dont know what Sandra Bland could have achieved, but today were going to make sure that wont be an alien thought to our young ones. George Floyd Hyde Park Protest - In pictures 1 /106 George Floyd Hyde Park Protest - In pictures People climb on the Winston Churchill statue during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn People march holding banners during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd AP Protesters kneel as they stop briefly in Parliament Square AP Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest in London Nigel Howard Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Nigel Howard Protesters are accompanied by police officers as they march during a demonstration AP Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn People march holding banners during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd AP Protesters during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn Protesters shout during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People climb on the Winston Churchill statue during a Black Lives Matter protest march in London Jeremy Selwyn Black Lives Matter protest march Jeremy Selwyn People march holding banners during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest Nigel Howard Black Lives Matter protest march Jeremy Selwyn People wearing face masks march with banners in Park Lane during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Aerial of Black Lives Matter protest march to Parliament Square Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration AFP via Getty Images Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration AFP via Getty Images Protestors march during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images Protesters march as they take part in a London demonstration AP People wearing face masks march with banners in Park Lane during a "Black Lives Matter" protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors wearing face masks as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, march during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images Protestors, some wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) including face masks as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, hold placards during an anti-racism demonstration in London AFP via Getty Images John Boyega speaks during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Aerial view of protest at Hyde Park Sky News A man and a woman hold hands aloft in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter" protest REUTERS People hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters A woman reacts in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London Nigel Howard People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London PA REUTERS Protesters adjust a face mask ahead of a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn People hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis Reuters Aerial view of protest at Hyde Park Sky News Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images A person shouts into a megaphone in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA People observe social distancing as they participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London PA Protesters wearing face masks hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA Protesters hold up placards AP People hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Nigel Howard People gather ahead of the Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London, in memory of George Floyd PA Stewards direct people as they begin to gather ahead of the Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London PA Protesters wear face masks as they hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protesters wear face masks and observe social distancing during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd John Dunne People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park PA A protester wears a face mask displaying the words "I can't breathe" during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images People wearing face masks hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Protesters gather AP Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn People wearing face masks and holding banners march in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd Reuters A protester wearing a face mask holds a sign saying 'I can't breathe' during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protesters take part in a demonstration at Hyde Park AP People wearing a face mask hold banners in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuters Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protesters hold up placards as people gather AP A woman wearing a face mask with a "Justice For Belly Mujinga" message is seen in Hyde Park during a Black Lives Matter protest Reuter Protesters hold up signs during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park Getty Images Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Jeremy Selwyn Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh Protestors at Hyde Park protest for George Floyd Radhika Aligh He told the crowds: Every black person in here remembered when another person reminded you that you were black. So none of you out there, all those protesters on the other side, protesting against what we want to do, protesting against what we want to try and achieve, burn you, this is so vital. John Boyega - In pictures 1 /52 John Boyega - In pictures BBC/McQueen Limited/Will Robson-Scott John Boyega attends the World Premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens at the Dolby, El Capitan, and TCL Theatres on December 14, 2015 in Hollywood Getty Images Attack The Block (2011) Daisy Ridley and British John Boyega pose on the red carpet upon arrival for the European film premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in London AFP via Getty Images John Boyega and Scott Eastwood in Pacific Rim Uprising World Premiere Of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Getty Images Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Lucasfilm Daisy Ridley and John Boyega arrive for the World Premiere Of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Getty Images Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Lucasfilm John Boyega and Kelly Marie Tran attend the Premiere of Disney's "Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker" Getty Images World Premiere Of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Getty Images John Boyega attends Universal's "Pacific Rim Uprising" premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on March 21, 2018 in Hollywood, California Getty Images Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Naomi Ackie, Kelly Marie Tran, Anthony Daniels and Oscar Isaac arrive for the World Premiere of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" Getty Images Letitia Wright and John Boyega attend the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York Getty Images John Boyega as Finn in a scene from "Star Wars: Episode IX AP Star Wars: The Last Jedi Stormzy,John Boyega and Daniel Sturridge pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Black Panther' in London Invision/AP John Boyega as Finn and Kelly Marie Tran as Rose Tico IN Star Wars: The Last Jedi Lucasfilm Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, Graham Norton, John Boyega and Gwendoline Christie during filming of the Graham Norton Show PA John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill pose at the 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' photocall at Corinthia Hotel London on December 13, 2017 in London Dave Benett Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby and John Boyega on This Morning ITV Star Wars: The Last Jedi Star Wars: The Last Jedi LucasFilm Star Wars - The Force Awakens EE BAFTA British Academy Film Awards Detroit John Tiffany with the award for best director alongside presenter John Boyega at the Olivier Awards 2017 PA John Boyega and Daisy Ridley with their awards for Best Male and Best Female Newcomers in the winners room at the Jameson Empire Awards 2016 at The Grosvenor House Hotel Getty Images Mitzi, 7 (right) a patient at The Royal London Hospital and her brother, Teddy, 5 (second right) both from London, visited by Star Wars actor John Boyega PA Daisy Ridley and John Boyega in Star Wars: The Force Awakens Daisy Ridley and Kylie Minogue laugh as David Beckham and John Boyega play with light sabers during the filming of the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA Star Wars - The Force Awakens Lucasfilm Star Wars - The Force Awakens Lucasfilm Star Wars - The Force Awakens Lucasfilm Star Wars - The Force Awakens Star Wars - The Force Awakens Star Wars - The Force Awakens Lucasfilm Star Wars - The Force Awakens Lucasfilm Star Wars: The Force Awakens stars Daisy Ridley and John Boyega with their respective action figures at London's flagship Disney Store on Oxford Street Lucy Young The actor continued: I need you to understand how painful this s**t is. I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing and that isnt the case anymore, that was never the case anymore. PA Boyega urged his fellow demonstrators to "keep this as peaceful as possible," adding: "They want us to mess up, they want us to be disorganised but not today." Thousands of protestors descended on Hyde Park on Wednesday amid international outrage at the death of Floyd. The 46-year-old African-American died in police custody in Minneapolis last week after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. With reporting by Press Association Work as we know it must be revamped to ensure safer workplaces and a successful rebound for the economy, or Canadas recovery will be derailed again and again. In a report released Wednesday, economist Jim Stanford highlights 10 ways that work must change for the good as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, exploring areas including paid sick leave, precarious employment, income security and working safely. Were all longing to get back to normal, but we cant lose sight of the fact that some of the ways we were organizing work before the pandemic made things worse, Stanford, director of the Centre for Future Work, told the Star in an interview. At this moment, we absolutely have to pay some attention to improving how work occurs. Otherwise, were definitely going to heighten the likelihood of infection and other cataclysms down the road. The report is part of the PowerShare project a partnership between the Centre for Future Work, the Atkinson Foundation and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives that is exploring workers collective voice and agency amid the changing nature of work. Our ability to rebuild is ultimately limited only by our collective ability to work and produce, the report states. That capacity to work, not money, is the only thing limiting what we can do to repair infrastructure and facilities, strengthen services and restart production and incomes. So imagining a better, safer world of work after the pandemic is vital to our success in overcoming the pandemic and preparing for the next one. Stanford says there now seems to be more consensus around some of those areas, particularly paid sick leave for workers, pointing to a recent statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that the government was in talks with the provinces about bringing in 10 paid sick days for workers. Only two provinces, Quebec and Prince Edward Island, have some paid sick day provisions for qualifying workers, according to Stanfords report, which also highlighted that one of Ontario Premier Doug Fords first legislative acts in 2018 was to abolish the two paid sick days brought in by the previous Liberal government. Stanford said any discussion around paid sick days and other structural changes to work must include part-time workers, gig workers and contractors. Aside from long-term-care homes, other workplaces were the biggest source of infection, and I think that employers and regulators were very slow to respond to what should have been pretty obvious risks. Any time youre in close proximity with other workers and customers, youre obviously in danger, Stanford told the Star. He argues those in authority were too slow in ensuring that workers such as taxi drivers, meat-packing plant employees and workers in oilsands camps were protected. Now I think theres greater sensitivity, and if we put the right rules in place and the right oversight, then I think we have a chance at making workplaces a lot safer on infection, he said. And those workplaces are going to need more than just hand sanitizer and Plexiglas, Stanford said; theyll also need workers who are trained, knowledgeable and powerful to demand safer workplaces, and inspectors and regulators to ensure that they are indeed safe. It is no longer a question just of protecting the lives of people working in those facilities although that is abundant motive for vigorous health and safety protections, says the report. Now we understand that the health of the whole community depends on effective prevention and control of infections in all workplaces, in any industry. The idea of the powerful worker is tied in with Stanfords 10th area in need of change: ensuring workers have a voice and bargaining power. Its an area where he can envision some pushback. In their public relations and advertising, lots of employers said were all in this together thanks to our heroes on the front lines, but as things get back to business, the temptation will be very strong for employers to figure out how they can shave a little bit more off the top, Stanford said in his interview. So theyre going to be focused on trying to repair their bottom line, but we have to make sure that isnt done while forgetting the important lessons of this pandemic, which is people doing even the most humble jobs in society the cleaners, the care aides and the retail clerks actually have a critical role in public health and public safety, and we have to recognize that and start to value that properly. His report states that by international standards, Canada has a relatively strong union movement, but at the same time these structures havent been able to successfully address challenges brought on by the changing nature of work, such as those in precarious work situations. He also highlights that the strength of unions and collective bargaining has eroded in Canadas private sector in recent years. A key ingredient in building a better future for work after the COVID-19 pandemic must be a stronger role for mechanisms of voice, representation and bargaining power for workers in all industries and all statuses, says the report. Only by empowering Canadian workers to recognize the risks (both epidemiological and economic) of working in an infectious world, and then respond to those risks in informed, ambitious and collective ways, can we ensure those risks will be taken seriously and meaningfully addressed. Its going to take an immense, sustained rebuilding program over a number of years for Canada to bounce back from its current level of unemployment, Stanford said. While Statistics Canadas official unemployment rate for April was 13 per cent, Stanford says once you take into account the many people out of work who dont meet StatCans criteria for being unemployed, the rate would be closer to 33 per cent which he describes as Depression-level unemployment. The report outlines that among Canadians who lost most or all of their work, those most impacted include people between the ages of 15-24 and those in temporary, part-time and low-wage jobs. The report found that just one per cent of people who earn $48 an hour or more lost most or all of their work, while more than half of those earning $16 an hour or less lost most or all of their work. As usual in any recession, the people who are the hardest hit are the people who can least afford it, Stanford told the Star. When we assembled the numbers here on who lost their work and who didnt, the overlap with precarious work, low-wage work, women and racialized communities was absolutely stunning. He said permanent government initiatives similar to those implemented as a result of the pandemic such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, which provides $2,000 a month to people out of work who qualify are needed in order for all workers to have income security and to recognize that the old employment insurance system failed to capture many workers who didnt qualify, such as contractors and gig workers. We need a better level of benefits, and I think even more importantly we need more universal coverage for the benefits, Stanford said. This in a way is a recognition of how the labour market has changed over the last generation. We knew that was happening, we knew there were problems associated with it, but it took the pandemic to kind of shake us up and say, Wait a minute, this isnt how we should be doing it. [June 02, 2020] Global Fitness App Market 2020-2024 | Increasing Demand for Wearable Devices to Boost Growth | Technavio Technavio has been monitoring the global fitness app market and it is poised to grow by USD 1.68 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 12% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005754/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Fitness App Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Please Request Latest Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impact The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. adidas AG, ASICS Digital Inc., Azumio Inc., BetterME., FitNow Inc., Google (News - Alert) LLC, Nike Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Under Armour Inc., and YAZIO GmbH are some of the major market participants. The increasing demand for wearable devices will offer immense growth opportunities. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The increasing demand for wearable devices has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Fitness App Market 2020-2024 : Segmentation Fitness App Market is segmented as below: Product Female Male Application Lifestyle Monitoring Health Monitoring Others Geographic Landscape APAC North America Europe South America MEA To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR40200 Fitness App Market 202-2024 : Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our fitness app market report covers the following areas: Fitness App Market size Fitness App Market trends Fitness App Market industry analysis This study identifies the increasing number of M&A as one of the prime reasons driving the fitness app market growth during the next few years. Fitness App Market 2020-2024 : Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the Fitness App Market, including some of the vendors such as adidas AG, ASICS Digital Inc., Azumio Inc., BetterME., FitNow Inc., Google LLC, Nike Inc., Samsung (News - Alert) Electronics Co. Ltd., Under Armour Inc., and YAZIO GmbH. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the Fitness App Market are designed to provide entry support, customer profile and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Fitness App Market 2020-2024 : Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist fitness app market growth during the next five years Estimation of the fitness app market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the fitness app market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of fitness app market vendors Table Of Contents : PART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORT 2.1 Preface 2.2 Preface 2.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ PART 03: MARKET LANDSCAPE Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysis Value Chain Analysis PART 04: MARKET SIZING Market definition Market outlook Market sizing 2019 Market size and forecast 2019-2024 PART 05: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition PART 06: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY APPLICATION Market segmentation by application Comparison by application Lifestyle monitoring - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Health monitoring - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Others - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by application PART 07: CUSTOMER LANDSCAPE PART 08: GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison APAC - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 North America - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity PART 09: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY GENDER Market segmentation by gender Comparison by gender Female - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Male - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by gender PART 10: DECISION FRAMEWORK PART 11: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES Market drivers Market challenges PART 12: MARKET TRENDS Increasing number of M&A Rising investments Proliferation of fitness apps PART 13: VENDOR LANDSCAPE Overview Landscape disruption Competitive scenario PART 14: VENDOR ANALYSIS Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors adidas AG ASICS Digital Inc. Azumio Inc. BetterME. FitNow Inc. Google LLC Nike Inc. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Under Armour Inc. YAZIO GmbH PART 15: APPENDIX Research methodology List of abbreviations Definition of market positioning of vendors PART 16: EXPLORE TECHNAVIO About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005754/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Scenes emerging from the US states of Minnesota, California and many others of riots and violent protests have dominated the TV news despite the prevailing daily dose of gloomy news of the Covid-19 pandemic around the world. A police officer in Minneapolis was caught on film kneeling on the neck of African-American man George Floyd for over eight minutes and enough for the poor man to die horribly at the scene. The policeman, named Derek Chauvin, ignored Floyds pleas and cries of I cant breathe until he died as a result of Chauvins knee choking him. The video then went viral, unleashing massive protests in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Seattle among 13 other US cities now under mandatory curfews. The governor of Minnesota took unprecedented measures and issued a state of emergency, calling on the states National Guard to quell the riots. US President Donald Trump also vowed to involve the American military should the riots continue. At least seven other states have called on their National Guards to curb the growing violence of rioters mingling with peaceful protesters. These hooligans have committed acts of vandalism and the arson of public and private property across many states, exacerbating an already tense situation and overshadowing the death of Floyd by exacting vengeance on the whole of society. Violent groups have capitalised on the situation and have been reported as being involved in acts of violence during the protests. Dozens of shops, restaurants and private businesses have either been burned, looted or vandalised by rioters who have violated curfews and clashed with police, resulting in the killing of a federal police officer in California and the injury of many others. The events following the death of Floyd are reminiscent of many others that have occurred over past decades in the US. One of the most infamous took place in 1992 when a court acquitted four police officers accused of assaulting the African-American man Rodney King and brutally beating him. One of the most violent riots in US history then took place in Los Angeles, resulting in 63 deaths, 2,383 injuries and more than 7,000 fires. It also resulted in damage to 3,100 businesses as the riots cost nearly $1 billion in financial losses during the course of six days. Unfortunately, history seems to be repeating itself as a result of the horrific death of Floyd at the hands of the US police. This cycle of violence seems to be beyond the control of any US president, whether he be Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton or George Bush. The deeply rooted racial issues in the US were not resolved by the existence of an African-American president such as Obama, and certainly they will not be resolved by Trump. The race issue requires a more extensive outlook and more protection laws, and it seems to have been overlooked in the recent past when Obama was elected as the countrys first black president. Many believed at that time that the majority of the nation had changed and that racism in the US was a practice of the past. But events have proven otherwise. In fact, the rise of the far-right and of alt-right groups in the US has been a clear signal that racism is far from over in the United States and that it must be tackled on all levels, especially within government departments and the authorities that deal directly with citizens such as police departments across the country. The bottled-up hatred between large sections of Americans towards others also manifests itself in such riots, which emerge to destroy property as a result of a single horrific death. These events are not caused by racial-segregation laws, which were abolished in the US educational system in 1954, but they are an indication that large numbers of Americans still view themselves in terms of ethnicity first and citizen second. Floyd has meanwhile joined the countless black and non-white victims of police brutality and abuse in the US. While there have been measures to reeducate the police forces, which have had positive results in some cases, racism still lingers within police forces across the United States. A bad apple can spoil an entire basket, and the killing of Floyd should not be seen as necessarily tainting the entire police force of Minnesota. Yet, it does taint the efforts and sacrifices that this police force has been making to tackle racism, along with similar ones made elsewhere. It is imperative that bad examples such as Chauvin be weeded out early before they cause nationwide disasters. Chauvin had had 18 complaints filed against him in his 19 years in the police department, and he was disciplined as a result of two of them. These cases included deaths and shootings, and yet he was still awarded a medal of valour in 2008. There is no doubt that a police officers job is not easy and involves his placing his life at risk every day. But this cannot be a reason for officers to take the law into their own hands or to overstep their roles as the protectors of the public or enforcers of the laws, turning them into executioners. The video of Chauvin kneeling on the neck of Floyd causing his eventual death is a scene that cannot be allowed to take place again in the United States or anywhere else in the world. Chauvin has now been arrested and charged with third degree murder, and the escorting officers patrolling with him have also been suspended from their work. Chauvin violated proper police conduct in his act, but alas he is not the only case of such violations that have taken place in recent years. Countless other cases have also been reported in the US of police brutality, many of them involving a white policeman and a minority victim who has been mistreated, abused, humiliated and sometimes even killed during the process of apprehension or arrest. In many cases, police officers are trigger-happy and fire upon suspects at the slightest of excuses. The threats to the US status in the world are numerous. Some of them are military, such as those from its global rivals such as Russia, or economic, such as from China, or security based, such as from the likes of terrorists such as the Muslim Brotherhood, Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State (IS) group. But none of these can defeat the United States militarily, as it is more than capable of defending itself from countries like Russia, China, North Korea or Iran. China, despite its exponential growth, cannot overshadow the United States. Even with continued attacks and threats by global terrorist groups, none of these can ever manage seriously to affect the power of the United States. The real threat to US unity and welfare comes from within because the race issue still has not been resolved after over two centuries of the countrys history. Race and racial identity remain a major cause of problems in the US today and ones that are deeply rooted within US society. It is high time that US-based human rights organisations such as Human Rights Watch shift their focus inwards towards Americas own human rights violations and racial issues before dictating what other governments should do in their own countries. The United States today is at a crossroads, and the divisions in US society are becoming ever clearer and more visible to everyone. They cannot be hidden by the language of political correctness any longer. The writer is a political analyst and author of Egypts Arab Spring and the Winding Road to Democracy. *A version of this article appears in print in the 4 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Rep. Eliot Engel, a New York Democrat facing a tough primary challenge and questions about his absence from his district, was caught on a hot mic at a district event responding to unrest saying twice that he only wanted press coverage because of an electoral threat. If I didnt have a primary, I wouldnt care, Engel said to Ruben Diaz Jr., the Bronx borough president, at a Tuesday press conference responding to unrest and vandalism in his district related to the recent death of George Floyd. Diaz worried about having too many elected officials speak, but Engel pleaded with him for coverage. I cannot have all the electeds talk because we will never get out of here, Diaz said. The moment was captured on a hot mic by a local television station and quickly went viral in a tweet that has nearly 1 million views as of Tuesday evening. It comes as Engel has faced his toughest primary since being elected to Congress in 1988. He represents New Yorks 16th Congressional District, which includes portions of the Bronx and Westchester as well as Mount Vernon, Yonkers and New Rochelle, which was one of the epicenters of the COVID-19 outbreak. Engel has faced growing criticism about his lack of presence in his district, particularly since the beginning of the pandemic, and now given the demonstrations and vandalism in his district. Engel explained his comments in a statement to NBC News on Tuesday. In the context of running for reelection, I thought it was important for people to know where I stand, that's why I asked to speak, he said. Of course I care deeply about what's happening in this country, that's what I wanted to convey. I love the Bronx, grew up in the Bronx and lived here all my life. I would not have tried to impose on the Borough President if I didn't think it was important. After the hit mic moment surfaced, one of Engels main Democratic challengers, Jamaal Bowman sharply criticized Engel, saying in a tweet, and later in a statement, it was incredibly painful to watch. Story continues This is so incredibly painful to watch fromRep. Eliot Engel, Bowman said. We need to be taking care of our communities right now - whether it's election season or not. It's clear that we need new leadership inNY-16. His other primary challengers also criticized him. Sammy Ravelo, a retired NYPD lieutenant, called Engel's comments a "dereliction of duty." Chris Fink, a lawyer, called it opportunism. LEAP Forward, a New York-based gun safety organization, also rescinded its endorsement on Engel on Tuesday. Police reform is one of the central issues LEAP Forward tracks and grades candidates and lawmakers on, the organization said in a tweet. Voting records are fine, but to make necessary reforms we need leaders leading EVERY DAY. New York's primary is scheduled for June 23. Tens of thousands of protesters amassed in Londons Hyde Park in an anti-racism demonstration calling for justice over the death of George Floyd. Chants of Black lives matter, No justice, no peace and We will not be silent rang out as protesters waited for the demonstration to begin. Star Wars actor John Boyega delivered an emotional speech as the demonstration got under way, telling fellow protesters he was speaking to you from my heart and he didnt know if he was going to have a career after this, but f*** that. The 28-year-old actor from Peckham, in southeast London, made references to other black Americans who have died in the US, as well as the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence in London in 1993. Today is about innocent people who were halfway through their process. We dont know what George Floyd could have achieved, we dont know what Sandra Bland could have achieved, but today were going to make sure that wont be an alien thought to our young ones. Bland, from Texas, died in police custody in 2015 after being arrested during a traffic stop. I need to you to understand how painful this s*** is, Boyega said. I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing and that isnt the case any more, that was never the case any more. Boyega urged protesters to make the demonstration as peaceful and as organised as possible. This has been years in the coming, years and years and years of white supremacy, 30-year-old project manager Karen Koromah said. Black Lives Matter: London protests Show all 25 1 /25 Black Lives Matter: London protests Black Lives Matter: London protests Actor John Boyega speaks in Hyde Park at a Black Lives Matter protest. Demonstrations broke out across the US and world after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of a white police officer Rex Black Lives Matter: London protests Getty Black Lives Matter: London protests Getty Black Lives Matter: London protests Reuters Black Lives Matter: London protests AP Black Lives Matter: London protests AP Black Lives Matter: London protests AP Black Lives Matter: London protests Rex Black Lives Matter: London protests AFP via Getty Black Lives Matter: London protests EPA Black Lives Matter: London protests EPA Black Lives Matter: London protests AP Black Lives Matter: London protests EPA Black Lives Matter: London protests AFP via Getty Black Lives Matter: London protests AP Black Lives Matter: London protests EPA Black Lives Matter: London protests EPA Black Lives Matter: London protests EPA Black Lives Matter: London protests EPA Black Lives Matter: London protests AP Black Lives Matter: London protests EPA Black Lives Matter: London protests AP Black Lives Matter: London protests AFP via Getty Images Black Lives Matter: London protests Getty Images Black Lives Matter: London protests PA Weve come here with our friends to sound the alarm, to make noise, to dismantle supremacist systems, Koromah said, cautioning that unless there was action the United Kingdom would face similar problems to those in the United States. I dont want to start crying, she said of the images from the United States. It makes my blood boil. British actor John Boyega takes part in Wednesdays anti-racism demonstration (AFP/Getty) (AFP via Getty Images) Videos and images shared from the protest on social media showed the proceedings had been mostly peaceful. As demonstrators marched towards Parliament Square, next to the Houses of Parliament, vehicles were heard honking in support. Other footage showed some protesters throwing placards and other items at police officers as they attempted to drag someone from the crowd. Organisers initially asked those attending to sit two metres apart unless they were from the same household and were told to keep their arms stretched out to ensure social distancing could be maintained when moving around the park. But as the numbers grew, many protesters were seen standing close together. Organisers still tried to maintain social distancing and most people donned face masks and gloves. As protesters marched, UK police chiefs released a joint statement saying they stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the death of Floyd. But in Hyde Park, near Speakers Corner, many cautioned that racism was still a British problem too. A protester in Hyde Park wears a mask saying, I cant breathe among George Floyds final words (AP) My mum was a protester in apartheid and that was 30 to 40 years ago its pretty disappointing that we have had to come out today to protest the same thing today they were protesting how many years ago, Roz Jones, a 21-year-old student from London, said. Jones came to Britain as a small child with his mother from South Africa. Its a systematic issue all over the world. Its not like this is just about someone dying, we live our lives made awfully aware of our race. Thats not right, thats not the natural order, he said. Floyd died last week after a white police officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck for over eight minutes. His murder sparked outrage and protests which have been erupting across the US and the world in recent days. Donald Trump has threatened to send in the military to deal with the unrest, the most serious the US has seen in decades. Additional reporting by agencies The world isnt the same anymore ever since protests erupted in the United States after the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in broad daylight. People from every community are protesting against the racist police violence and many companies have pledged their support for the Black Lives Movement on social media and elsewhere. Instagram/Ar12russell. Many companies have also started making donations and are urging others to do the same for the movement. Heres a list of companies or their leaders who are helping the community heal with their support: 1. Facebook Reuters Facebook will be donating $10 million to groups that are fighting racial inequality as a form of protest across the United States. "We stand with the black community," CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post. 2. Netflix Reuters Netflix has also expressed the same sentiment on Twitter and tweeted "To be silent is to be complicit. Black lives matter. We have a platform, and we have a duty to our black members, employees, creators and talent to speak up. 3. Apple /Tim Cook Reuters Time Cook, CEO of Apple also shared a letter to employees and has heard from them that they feel afraid in their own communities because of recent events. Cook said, Apple has always drawn strength from our diversity, welcomed people from every walk of life to our stores around the world, and strived to build an Apple that is inclusive of everyone. He further added, people may want nothing more than a return to normalcy, or to a status quo that is only comfortable if we avert our gaze from injustice. But that "desire is itself a sign of privilege. 4. Ubisoft Video Games developer Ubisoft has also pledged some amount to support the cause and tweeted this image: We stand in solidarity with Black team members, players, and the Black community. We are making a $100,000 contribution to the NAACP and Black Lives Matter and encourage those who are able to, to donate. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/KpHZCF6VWx Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) June 2, 2020 5. Square Enix Similarly, Japanese Video Game publisher based in the United States Square Enix also released a statement and pledged $250,000. 6. Microsoft Instead of going through their normal day of promoting Microsoft products, the company chose to highlight voices from the Black and African American community instead. At this time, we will be using our platform to amplify voices from the Black and African American community at Microsoft. And were starting with Megan Carpenter: https://t.co/cFFHxFQCrQ. pic.twitter.com/nDrMi4MPR2 Microsoft (@Microsoft) June 1, 2020 7. Twitter Twitter was amongst the first few companies to support the cause as it added #BlackLivesMatter to its biography and encouraged its users to diversify their feed. These are just 7 companies weve featured that are speaking about and pledging support for the protests, however, there are countless others who have also contributed to the cause. Let us know in the comments which companys support you admired the most? Security University Fights Off Cyber Attack from Another School A security company was able to work with a major unnamed university in the northeast to stop an attack that was initially thought to originate from students to disrupt online testing. It turned out to come from another university. Netscout Systems shared some details about the attack, which hit the university's online test platforms. Netscout produces programs that provide visibility into application and network performance. According to Netscout experts, the attack vectors used weren't especially innovative, but the traffic was localized to sources geographically close to the university. And the timing of the security incidents coincided with what the company referred to as "typical student cyber activities." The process of identifying and diagnosing the problem was quick, the company noted. It took Netscout's security operations center a couple of hours to identify the pattern and communicate that information to the university's IT department. From there the institution's IT organization examined its own traffic patterns. The attack was eventually traced back to a campus proxy run at another university. Netscout said schools could expect an increase in security events as they shift more and more to remote learning. "Over the past couple of months and for the foreseeable future, students and teachers are relying on the internet to submit and grade assignments, conduct testing, collaborate on projects, share research and complete other vital tasks during the academic year," said Carlos Morales, vice president and general manager of DDoS mitigation services at Netscout. "With this level of reliance comes increased risk, as hackers seek out areas of vulnerability to exploit." Attacks on educational networks vary. Those that are student-instigated, according to Morales, frequently focus on the use of "internet-based botnets for the purpose of test cancellation/delay." In this case, there was no specific motivation for the attack that could be readily identified. On a larger scale, however, "attacks on admissions could have detrimental consequences on an academic institution from a monetary and reputation standpoint," said Morales. "In essence, universities by nature have a lot of bandwidth, allowing these varied attackers to bring to bear many different tools to take down their systems. Attacks can range from being very subtle to full-fledged 'carpet bombing' of vast IP address space, and can take many forms, making it difficult for universities to identify and mitigate." As Morales explained, schools are susceptible to DDoS attacks because of their many connections with other institutions. A major challenge is differentiating legitimate traffic from harmful traffic. "As a result of collaboration, research and even gaming that takes place between parties from separate universities, a large attack surface is formed, providing plenty of opportunities for attackers to strike," he said. If an attack is constructed well, it can mimic normalcy and come across initially as legitimate traffic, making it difficult to identify in the early stages, thereby allowing more time in which to cause damage. In the case of the university in this situation, Netscout's security team was able to look beneath the surface of the traffic that the school was seeing to find clues about the origins of the attack in order to create appropriate defenses. In doing so, they were also able to confirm that another university was behind the attack. The job of the SOC is to build "client-specific templates and measures for each client," which can facilitate automatic mitigation, Morales noted. However, no automated approach can stop every attack. That's when a SOC's "collective experience and skills come together" and the team pulls together to analyze and adapt defenses to match attackers' methods. He added that success requires "having the right people to talk to and [keeping] the channel of communication open. Response time and the ability to mitigate threats depend on this collaboration and combined expertise." Morales warned that as institutions prepare to include virtual instruction in their planning for the fall semester, they must be ready for the risks that coincide with external traffic entering networks. "Whereas in times past universities had a sense of what applications were available on campus, remote learning has moved everything off premise, posing numerous challenges," he said. "Universities have to continue observing and learning these new patterns, which is no small feat." The work is made more difficult by the various levels of a school's uniqueness size, structure, varying curriculum and tools for each program and so on. "This can potentially bring to light many vulnerabilities that hackers will recognize and take advantage of." Morales advised that universities spend time now "learning how their network behaves, what apps are available for use and what normal traffic looks like." From there, he said, "they can set up long-term monitoring and review the results of this monitoring on a regular basis. Universities have to understand their environment to secure it properly, and, if possible, reduce the size of their attack surface." Likening it to a boxer's stance, where the fighter "holds their hands up to reduce the amount of space on their body their opponent can hit," colleges and universities "must reduce their attack surface to a bare minimum and focus on those remaining exposed pieces to construct specialized defenses." A Saudi teenager who was granted asylum in Canada has revealed she has a black boyfriend as she spoke out about the Black Lives Matter protests that have rocked the U.S. over the past week. Rahaf Mohammed made International headlines last year after she barricaded herself in a hotel room in Thailand to avoid being sent back to Saudi Arabia. After a week in limbo, Ms Mohammed was handed over to the US refugee agency and resettled in Canada. She has spent the past year enjoying the freedom in her new home and raising awareness for the plight of women in her conservative homeland. She took to social media over the weekend as protests - some of which erupted into violence - rocked cities across the U.S. following the death of George Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis police custody. In a recent social media post Rahaf Mohammed shared her love for her boyfriend: 'Je t'aime mon amour' (I love you my dear) Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, an 18-year-old Saudi woman who fled her family, speaks at the COSTI Corvetti Education Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada January 15 Ms Mohammed revealed that she is in a relationship with a black man, but explained that wasn't the reason she was speaking up about the protests. 'Black lives matter isn't a political stance!' she said. 'It's basic human rights. I have a black partner but that is not the reason i choose to speak up about the injustice towards black people, it's always about human rights. Black lives matter today, tomorrow and always.' Ms Mohammed also shared a photo of herself in an embrace with her partner in a post on Snapchat. Rioters start fires outside the White House to protest George Floyd's death. Ms Mohammed wrote: 'Black lives matter isn't a political stance!' 'Je t'aime mon amour,' she wrote in a caption alongside the picture. In another caption in Arabic, Ms Mohammed said she was grateful that he had come into her life. Ms Mohammed also recently spoke out about the struggle of Saudi women as the UK and other nations went into lockdown to slow the spread of coronavirus. 'Since y'all forced to be at home, just imagine their lives,' she wrote in response to a tweet that said many Saudi women have lived their entire life in quarantine. 'They're not allowed to go to the hospital, supermarket, visit friends, the mall, parks, or even just walk outside their homes?' The tweet added. Ms Mohammed's plight made headlines around the world in January 2019 as she posted on social media about being barricaded in her hotel room at the international airport in Bangkok, Thailand (pictured) Ms Mohammed left her family while visiting Kuwait and flew to Bangkok in January last year. When she was denied entry into Thailand, she barricaded herself in an airport hotel room to avoid deportation and appealed for help on Twitter, quickly amassing a large following. She said she feared for her life, but her family have denied abusing her. In a press conference after he arrived in Canada, Ms Mohammed said she wanted to work in support of freedom for women around the world. Union Army Gen. Robert Nugent and staff near Washington, D.C. Nugent helped form the Irish Brigade and was its last surviving officer in the waning days of the war. WASHINGTON The last person to receive a pension from the U.S. Civil War, has died at the age of 90, The Wall Street Journal reported. Irene Triplett, daughter of Civil War veteran Mose Triplett, died Sunday in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, following complications after surgery. According to the newspaper, she received a pension of $73.13 a month from the Department of Veterans Affairs for her father's service, which began more than 155 years ago. According to the Journal, Pvt. Triplett enlisted in the Confederate 53rd North Carolina Infantry Regiment in May 1862 before defecting to a Union regiment two years later. In 1924, when he was 83 years old, he married 34-year-old Elida Hall and the two had Irene. Mose Triplett died at the age of 92 in 1938. Irene Triplett lived a tough life. As a child, she told the Journal in 2014, she was beaten by her parents and her teachers alike. After her father died, Triplette and her mother lived several years in the Wilkes County, North Carolina, poorhouse, the Journal said. Medicaid and her small Civil War-era pension helped pay for her residence in care homes through the years, as well. Click here to read the full Wall Street Journal story. (Photo : Smart Home Security: Responsible Development and Maintenance of Smart Home Devices) Currently, smart home solutions are gaining popularity for a good reason. They allow owners to remotely monitor their houses, increase energy efficiency and even assist in health tracking. They provide the same type of peace of mind as a medical alert system and more. Given all those advantages, home owners are jumping on the opportunity to enhance their homes' comfort and security for a better quality of life. Consequently, the smart home market amounted to $76.6 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach $151.4 billion by 2024 according to Markets and Markets. As the number of smart devices grows, so do their software and hardware vulnerabilities, which can be exploited by malicious individuals, making smart home safety a major concern. For instance, a couple based in Wisconsin, suffered a terrifying incident when their smart home was attacked. Hackers penetrated their smart home network and played disturbing, loud music while speaking to them through their smart camera. As if that was not scary enough, the attackers manipulated the couple's thermostat to change the room temperature to over 30 degrees Celsius. This and other similar incidents have created market opportunities for vendors to release new solutions for smart home security, making the forecast for this industry jump to $4.37 billion in 2022, rising at a CAGR of 19.6% from 2018. Securing smart home devices is the responsibility of both vendors and consumers. And as consumers are becoming aware of the risks, they search for vendors who make security their top priority during smart device development. The State of Smart Home Security Connected smart home devices can be hacked just like any other smart electronics. Outdoor smart devices such as doorbells and garage doors are the most vulnerable as they can be accessed easily by anyone driving by. Kitchen appliances are less likely to be targeted, but these devices are not safe either. Even though an individual appliance does not present much value in of itself, attackers can still target it to break into the smart home security system. Once inside, they can access personal information or perform a more complex attack such as building a botnet. While installing a smart camera can make people feel safe, it also opens a digital gateway into their home. One infamous incident involves Ring security cameras. Attackers hacked into the Ring IoT system and found users' passwords stored in free text. With those passwords, the attackers could compromise the wireless security system and spy on people. Ring was quick to blame the users for this security breach, saying they used weak passwords. However, further investigation proved that Ring did not take enough precautions to ensure the security of the private data. Even smart light bulbs have been compromised. In a recent incident with the Philips Hue smart bulb, hackers were able to exploit a vulnerability in the way the company implemented the Zigbee communication protocol. From up to 100 meters away, criminals were able to gain access to homeowners' wi-fi networks and install malicious spyware and ransomware. Almost all smart devices can be a target for attack. Even a smart coffee machine can be used to access its owner's bank account details. As a trend on secure smart home devices is spreading among consumers, vendors are expected to step up and make security a part of their development process. Even the most seemingly harmless devices need to be secured. For example, Softeq Development has produced a remote-control app for outdoor lights with multiple security protocols. Incorporating Security into the Heart of the Development Process In a recent study, a group of researchers from North Carolina State University examined 24 popular smart home devices and found that the vast majority contained flaws, which could potentially put the home owners at risk. One wide-spread flaw enabled hackers to passively listen to signals coming from smart devices, and collect and analyze data by simply being in close proximity to the house. For example, by monitoring a smart lock, the attacker could find out whether the owner was home. Another common flaw in the analyzed devices was the possibility to deactivate them before intrusion. A hacker could upload a piece of malware that would block all security alerts, such as smart door opening, while letting heartbeat messages pass through to prevent raising suspicion. In order to produce a secure device, it is not enough to just quickly incorporate a few security functions into the final product. Security must be an integral part of every phase of the development process. Design Phase While developing smart devices, the manufacturer has to take care of security during the early stages of the product life cycle. Separate security functions from other functions Establish limited interfaces between secure and non-secure functions. This separation narrows the scope for developers specialized in security, allowing the rest of the team to handle non-secure functionality. Make explicit assumptions about security requirements Document any security assumption made during the design phase, do not count on the fact that everyone else has the same expectations by default. This includes suppositions regarding the device's usage, environment, etc. Consider inviting an external security expert A final security check of the completed design is beneficial to search for inconsistencies. For instance, sensitive data can be safely captured and stored, but at the same time, it can be leaked through other channels such as error messages. Take a layered approach to security Keep in mind that the security measures you are implementing, are very likely to be compromised at some point. To minimize the risk of exposure, include redundant security measures into your design. Development Phase During this stage, developers implement the security rules prescribed in the design phase. Even if the design was strong, programming errors can unintentionally introduce new vulnerabilities. Keep security in mind when choosing a programming language Some programming languages (such as Rust) offer memory management capabilities, which makes them preferable from a security standpoint. However, any vulnerabilities of this kind will present a single point of failure. For example, C and C++ are often used in developing software for smart devices as they allow for efficient use of system resources. However, these languages open an opportunity for programmers to perform operations which undermine security. On the other hand, Ada, despite being one of the older programming languages, is still a good option for secure programming. Stick with the established security frameworks when possible, do not redevelop them There are the existing libraries for different security aspects and redeveloping them is not a good practice. Although using existing libraries is favorable, they are not exempt from flaws. While choosing which library to use, investigate its reliability: check if the library is widely adopted by others. Does it implement a standard security mechanism? Has it been audited? Simple questions like this at the outset can save a lot of trouble down the road. Make sure your firmware is up to date When developing firmware, rely on the security frameworks that were thoroughly investigated and improved by security experts, and always update them to the newest version when available. Be careful to ensure that the newest version hasn't been replaced by a "man in the middle". Digital signatures can be used as reliable verification tools. A digital signature is incorporated into the firmware at its origin and read by the receivers using a private key. Testing Phase In this step, you are not only testing the functionality, but also exploring the robustness of error handling and fault tolerance. Invite external auditors to run security tests Third-party experts simulate different attacks and try to weaken your product. Such external tests include penetration testing, network scan, etc. The number and complexity of these tests should be proportional to the security requirements. When the level of security is very high, the attack scenarios become increasingly complex. Perform a privacy impact assessment test This test is used to ensure the data is processed in accordance with the GDPR (when applicable), or any equivalent regulations governing privacy in your country (e.g. CCPA). Be aware that your national security agencies might have privacy assessment guidelines prepared and available for everyone to use. Continuous Monitoring after Smart Devices are Deployed Even after a smart device leaves the shop, a responsible vendor will continue monitoring it for vulnerabilities. Collecting traffic data coming from smart devices will help to study device-specific traffic patterns and improve future versions. There are several measures smart device producers can take to contribute to security after deployment. Supplying Consumers with Security Tips Many security tips seem like common sense to vendors. However, they might not be so obvious to end-users. Even if the tips are well-known to consumers, it's likely that they'll undervalue the impact they can make. To avoid incidents that could easily be prevented, supply your customers with tips on how to keep their smart devices secure. These tips should include, but not be limited to: Changing the default password and choosing a secure option Installing device updates when available Checking permissions while installing devices Giving your devices a name Unplugging devices when not in use Disabling features that you do not use Securing your wi-fi and avoiding connection to public networks Performing network segmentation if possible, so that not all devices have access to the whole network Device Discovery With machine learning-based techniques you can accurately identify every connected IoT device, construct a taxonomy of devices, and analyze network traffic. Being able to distinguish, for instance, a refrigerator from a thermostat is essential for security as it allows you to see what data traffic patterns belong to what device. Anomaly Detection and Classification When smart home devices are recognized and profiled, you can build an incremental behavioral model for every profile. When a device's current behavior deviates from the established norm (such as the number of sent/received packets), this might be indicative of an attack. Traffic monitoring alerts you to compromised devices at an early stage and lets you take preventive actions. Monitor both internal to external traffic (to detect DDoS attacks) and external to internal (to detect home network penetration attacks). Reliable Data Storage Provision Insecure data storage is an invitation for data breaches. In 2019, IoT devices vendor Wyze admitted to leaving data gathered from two million people exposed on the Internet where criminals could freely harvest it. This data included email addresses as well as health information. What's in It for Your Business? There is no one-size-fits-all best smart home security system. Nevertheless, you will be more successful in delivering secure smart devices if you adopt a comprehensive approach to security in all phases of the development process and continue monitoring smart devices after deployment. This will not only make you a trusted vendor, but it will also open new business opportunities. For example, you can sell the data you are collecting (with consent, privacy, etc.) through: Cross-selling programs with trusted vendors Forecasting supply-demand and selling the insights With the increased demand on smart devices, vendors fail to provide proper security and end up headlining the news with bad publicity. It's a challenge to supply consumers with secure smart devices as it takes a rigorous development process, continuous monitoring, and reliable data storage. But those vendors who put security on their priorities list, will receive consumers' trust and new options to advance their business. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Bathinda Mohit Munjal, a kinnow grower from Fazilka district is a worried man as, so far, fruit traders have not shown any interest in striking a deal with farmers for this years crop. Munjal, who has an over 80-acre orchard at Khubban village near Abohar town, says as per the established past practice, kinnow farmers get paid up to 25% of the total estimated yield by May. With farmers expecting a second consecutive bumper crop this year, the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent lockdown has them worried over sale of their crop. Kinnow harvesting starts from November and lasts till March. Till last year, these informal trade commitments began from April onwards, after traders assessed kinnow production on the basis of fruit flowering. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, traders are out of sight and farmers are worried about the sales prospect of their crop, Munjal adds. Punjab leads the country in the cultivation of kinnow, with the Abohar belt of Fazilka district alone contributing up to 60% to the states total production. The fruit is cultivated on nearly 33,000 hectares in Punjab. Last season, Abohar belt produced more than 5 lakh metric tonnes of kinnow. The mandarin fruit sown in Abohar area finds buyer in many states of the country. Orchardists like Sagar Nagpal say he had a bumper yield last season and earned well from cultivating kinnow over his 50-acre farm. Last year, a contractor struck a deal as early as in March and I had handsome income from it. Now, when the fruit has started setting on trees and a good crop is expected, no potential wholesale buyer has visited us to date, he adds. According to Shivam Setia, a leading fruit trader, kinnow market trade may start opening up after August. He admits the trading community is in a wait-and-watch mode before investing in kinnow. Traders are still unable to settle last years financial transactions due to the complications caused by the lockdown. The entire supply chain is in a state of financial uncertainty. I have regular supply to Bangladesh and Nepal besides Indian states. This time, no one is really interested in trading at this juncture, said Setia. It appears as though Sarah Hammond will represent the Democratic ticket in the November race for the 11th Congressional District seat. Hammond, 27, of Hanover, held a commanding lead over Paul Daigle Tuesday night in the race for the Democratic nomination. The district covers all of Lancaster County and part of York County. The Associated Press projected Hammond as the winner at 12:32 a.m. With 86 percent of the ballots counted in Lancaster County, Hammond received 78 percent of the Democratic vote. She also had 73 percent of the vote in York County late Tuesday night. It appears Hammond will face Republican U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker of Lancaster County, in the general election. Smucker was unopposed for the GOP nomination. Smucker was a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, representing the 13th District form 2008-2016. He won the congressional seat in 2016. Hanover, a graduate of Slippery Rock University, is a newcomer to the political scene who told PennLive she aligns herself with what she calls a new and young worldview. She advocates for single payer health care, student debt forgiveness and bold action on climate change. Elections results remain unofficial until they are certified. Note: This story has been updated to reflect the fact that the Associated Press projected Sarah Hammond as the winner of the Democratic nomination. In this way, audience members become passive participants in the piece, conducting the music simply by moving through it and listening from wherever they are. The musicians play off of each other as well as the audience. Pierson has written that one of the great joys of performing the piece, which his group has done several times, is that he has absolutely nothing to do. Suzanne Tenner/Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection; David Bornfriend/A24 En espanol | Movies at their best can do two things: show us our own world with a new point of view, and expand our vision to see a richer world around us. Movies can entertain and teach. They can celebrate and challenge. Films about the queer experience play both those roles, and in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month, our critics have collected 12 great films by and about queer people. From the female love triangle in The Favourite to the best-picture-winning coming-of-age drama Moonlight to the liberating trans Oscar winner A Fantastic Woman, these movies are all widely available on streaming platforms. And worth watching, in this and every month. With students losing access to school facilities and community maker spaces, internships canceled, and connectivity feeling harder and harder in quarantine, students are searching for ways to build community and continue to pursue their passions. Join the Summer of Making GitHub is partnering with Hack Club to support the students behind Summer of Making, a new remote, student summer program. From building Arduino-powered robots to creating an open source game, GitHub is excited to see students channel their passions and build with the Hack Club community this summer. Summer of Making is open globally to teenagers age 13-18 and entirely free. Running for six weeks starting in early July, students will have access to hardware on a needs basis (shipped directly to their home) and guidance from industry mentors. GitHub has committed to a $50K hardware fund, globally and is working alongside Arduino and Adafruit on delivering the hardware tools directly to students homes. For those that do not get a spot in Summer of Making, they can join the Hack Club community to stay active on the latest activities going on locally and globally. Summer of Making is the brainchild of teenagers from Hack Club, a network of after-school computer clubs led and organized by students, for students. Hack Club gives students the support and community they need to explore their interests in technology. All Summer of Making participants will have the opportunity to build connections within the entire Hack Club community and showcase their projects at the end of the summer. Students also have access to: A network of 400+ Hack Clubs chapters, across 22 countries around the world Free access to the best developer tools with the Student Developer Pack Funding for hardware (as needed basis) from GitHub Prototyping tools and support from Adafruit and Arduino Mentorship from industry professionals Pre-register for Summer of Making is open now and the applications begin on June 18th. Mentor the next generation of makers Hack Clubs Summer of Making provides teens with resources to make their large passion projects a reality, for free. GitHub is looking for mentors from around the globe to support this years participants. The mentor will meet with a student for half an hour every week for six weeks. The mentors role is to keep the student on track with their project, provide feedback, and even give some technical guidance here and there. Everyone from engineers to project managers are encouraged to apply and become a mentor. In the words of Shubhangi Gupta, a 22-year-old alumni Hack Club member from India, Hack Club provided me the peer support I was lacking and the platform to guide students. We have been exploring technologies, organising workshops and participating in hackathons together, which has been a learning experience. Through the program, Ive learned more about competitive coding, started with machine learning and explored new cloud tools. Additionally, weve discussed best interview practices and some vocal exercises, so we are best prepared for our placements in the following semester. Hack Club helps students think bigger, connect to people who share their interests, and discover their passions in technology. [June 02, 2020] Mitsubishi Electric Develops Cooperative AI for Human-Machine Work Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6503) announced today that it has developed a cooperative artificial intelligence (AI) technology that enhances work collaboration between humans and machines by using inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) to learn and imitate the actions of skilled workers. IRL, one of the key features of Mitsubishi Electric's (News - Alert) Maisart* AI technology, enables machines to imitate human-like actions based on relatively small amounts of data. The new cooperative AI technology will be further refined through test deployment in automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and robots at production and distribution sites where machines operate alongside humans. Eventually, the technology is expected to be used in autonomous driving vehicles and other applications. M itsubishi Electric's AI creates the S tate-of-the- ART in technology Key Features 1) Improves efficiency in environments where both humans and machines work In mixed-work environments populated with humans and machines, Mitsubishi Electric's collaborative AI technology enables AGVs to use images from video recordings of these work areas to learn and imitate the actions of humans. By learning actions such as yielding, the technology helps AGVs to avoid unwanted situations such as collisions or stalemates. In-house simulations conducted by Mitsubishi Electric raised operational efficiency by about 30 percent compared to operations in conventional mixed-work environments populated with less intelligent machines. 2) Maisart's IRL reduces amount of operational data required for learning To enable AI to learn and imitate human actions, conventional machine learning requires huge amounts of operational data -in this case video data- which incurs time and cost burdens. Mitsubishi Electric's Maisart AI, however, uses IRL to reduce the amount of data required to learn and imitate human actions. In simulations, the new technology required only 10 percent or less video data used normally. For the full text, please visit: www.MitsubishiElectric.com/news/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005409/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Kathmandu, June 3 As per the latest update of the Ministry of Health and Population, 145,375 people have been quarantined across the country. Most of them are the people who recently returned home from India. Health officials have already collected their swab samples to test them for coronavirus. But, all of them will apparently get the test results only after several weeks as the labs across the country are not efficient enough to process them quickly. Currently, over 20 labs in Nepal are conducting coronavirus tests and they have been able to conclude just 3,000 to 4,000 tests every day. On Tuesday afternoon, the ministrys spokesperson Bikas Devkota said 3,440 tests were conducted in the past 24 hours, of which 288 were positive. While the thousands of samples are put on hold, the officials have continued collecting over 5,000 swab samples every day even now. The chief of National Public Health Laboratory, the biggest Covid-19 test lab of the country, Dr Runa Jha, blames haphazard testing by field officials and the tendency of sending all the samples to a single lab for the increasing number of samples on hold. She maintains, however, the ratio between collection ad testing will be balanced soon as the number of labs conducting Covid-19 tests is increasing. Meanwhile, public health experts have said the government should immediately take initiatives to increase the capacity of labs. Infection disease expert Dr Anup Subedi warns that such a delay in the publication of test reports might result in an uncontrolled spread of the infection. Johnnie Williams chants with the crowd during a protest in St. Louis on Monday. St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP By Jung Min-ho Hakim Djaballah. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday appealed to the Centre to give one-time assistance of Rs 10,000 each to migrant workers amid the COVID-19 crisis. In a tweet, she said financial aid should also be provided to those engaged in the unorganised sector to help them cope with the ongoing economic crisis arising out of the lockdown. Banerjee suggested that a portion of the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES) could be used for the purpose. "People have been facing economic hardship of unimaginable proportions bcz of the ongoing pandemic. I appeal to Central Govt to transfer Rs 10,000 each as one-time assistance to migrant labourers including people in unorganized sector. A portion of PM-CARES could be used for this," she tweeted. The country's economy headed towards its first annual contraction in several decades following which the government has started easing lockdown norms in many regions of the country. JNU professor Avinash Kumar remarked that migrant workers' relations with the government are 'not based on mutual respect.' Lalan Yadav, a labourer living in Delhi's Wazirpur slum, is more worried about his livelihood than COVID-19. Yadav is a migrant worker who hails from Bihar's Arrah. Yadav, He came to Delhi 22 years ago in search of a better livelihood, and now has three children. He lamented, "I have not got any work since 25 March, when the lockdown was announced. In my locality - Machli Bazaar - there are at least 200 labourers who don't have anything to eat. People here are forced to beg. No government or political leader is listening to us." Yadav further said, "If the government can help me to get my money from the work that I have done in March, it would be enough. When the lockdown was announced, our employers told us that we'd be paid and asked us not to go anywhere. We did get some of that money. However, Rs. 2500 is still due from the work done in March. Now, when I call up my employer, he doesn't respond. The 46-year-old added, "Since March, I have not been able to send money to my family. My wife applied for a ration card several times over, but without luck. Everyone is corrupt there, from the officer to the mukhiya (village head). I dont even have enough money to go home." The nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus has made the lives of economically vulnerable people such as Yadav much more difficult. According to an assessment by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, more than 120 million people lost their jobs in April due to the lockdown, 75 percent of whom were working in the unorganised sector. There has been an exodus of migrant workers from cities due to employment drying up. Some of them travelled for long distances on foot or on bicycles. COVID19 as a threat multiplier Yadav used to earn Rs 11,000 per month working as an operator in a steel factory, at times managing to top up his earnings by working overtime. His monthly wages were below the minimum wage set by the Government of Delhi, which is Rs 14,842 for unskilled workers, Rs 16,341 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs 17,991 for skilled workers for eight hours of work. He does not even know the name of the factory he worked in, because, in Wazirpur, most factories do not have the names of the establishment displayed on their premises. He only knows the plot number of the factory where he worked. Authorities distribute cooked food at a nearby school, but Yadav said it is irregular and inadequate. He said, "I don't know what I should fight against - hunger or the virus. It does not feel good to stand in long queues and risk ones life to just take a meal." Yadav is not alone in his predicament. According to data collected from 11,000 workers across the country by the Stranded Workers Action Network and Azim Premji University, by the third week of the lockdown, 50 percent of the workers had less than one day's ration. More worryingly, 96 percent said they have not received foodgrains from the government, while 70 percent said they have not got any cooked food. Yadav's neighbour Phool Kumari Devi, a 39-year-old daily wage labourer, has a similar story to tell. Her husband also works in a steel factory in Wazirpur and has not received his salary since March. Despite the Delhi High Courts order to the state government to provide foodgrains to needy persons irrespective of availability of ration cards, she has not received foodgrains. (In Delhi, online registration of Aadhaar is mandatory to get foodgrains). Phool Kumari said, "I have not received any help from any government. I have even registered my Aadhaar card online to get the foodgrains. But 20 days have passed, and I still haven't got them." She added, "I have to pay rent, but I don't have money." Amrita Sharma, who leads the Centre for Migration and Labour Solutions at Aajeevika Bureau, an organisation which works with migrant labourers, said, There are two aspects to this issue. Firstly, to what extent does the government intend to help migrant labourers? Secondly, what are the mechanisms available? As it is, migrant labourers don't get the benefits of social welfare schemes for food security, housing, toilets, etc as they dont live in their home state. Sharma remarked, "The government neither has any data on migrant labourers, nor any structure to reach out to them. Even the National Sample Survey Office fails to capture the migrant workers." Comparing the country's situation with that of China, she added, "The situation with regards to migration in India is quite similar to that in China. But China has at least developed a structure to reach out to migrant workers, whereas we don't have anything like that." According to the National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized Sector, only about 8 percent of workers in the informal sector are covered under any social security scheme. Out of the total workforce of 47.41 crore, 82.7 percent is in the unorganised sector. Speaking about the exclusion of migrant workers from welfare measures, Sharma said, "Most of the social welfare schemes are linked to domicile certificates (a document of permanent residence). Migrant labourers do not have such residential documents...they often don't have employer IDs either, as they work in the unorganised sector. Many of them work in small factories, and are employed on a contract basis. Further, some states have been weakening existing labour laws. Workers don't even get dignified wages." Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, at least ten states, including highly industrialised Gujarat and Haryana, have suspended several labour laws to attract investors in the states. These changes will allow employers to downsize their workforce at will, and require workers to work for more than eight hours per day. Deepening exclusion and exploitation Rakesh, 38 years old, is a daily wage worker who lives in Delhi's Indira Vikas Colony, not far from the prime minister's residence. He is the sole breadwinner in his five-member family and works as a construction labourer. Before the lockdown, on regular days, he used to earn Rs 8,000-9000 per month. He said, "I used to send back Rs 5,000 home and live on the rest. Now, I don't have any work. I have borrowed money to buy ration." Rakesh further said, "I don't know how long I will survive like this. At home, my family will starve too. I had even registered online to return home, but it didn't work out." He added, Some people have got a cash assistance of Rs 5,000. But I haven't, although I am a construction worker." Avinash Kumar, professor at the Center for Informal Sector and Labor Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said, Increasing contractualisation has strained access to social security provided under the BOCW Welfare Cess Act, 1996. In most of the companies, there are no records of these workers. They work on a contractual basis. They do not even get anything in the name of security. These workers have been exploited for years, even before the COVID-19 crisis hit them. COVID-19 has only exposed the broken system". Follow LIVE updates on coronavirus outbreak here Nikhil De, associated with the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, said, "Despite having foodgrains in the buffer stock, the government has not been able to provide foodgrains to many needy people. Even cash assistance is very insufficient. The government has only given Rs 500 to women who have Jan Dhan accounts. Many families don't have any Jan Dhan account, and many accounts have been closed." Simmering social unrest De said, "The government had ordered that companies should pay the workers during the lockdown (the government has now revoked the order). But it is common knowledge as to how many companies have paid this amount. The government has locked such labourers up without even ensuring two square meals for them. Now, when they want to go home just to survive, the government is not facilitating that either." He added, "This government sent flights for people stranded abroad and got buses to ply for students. However, migrant labourers were exploited. These workers are witnessing injustice in broad daylight. They are dying on the streets. Amrita Sharma from the Ajeevika Bureau, speaking about why the rights of migrant workers are often ignored, said, "Migrant labourers often do not vote in the states where they go in search of work. Perhaps this could be a reason why state governments do not pay attention to them. Migrant labourers do have some political agency, but unlike the middle class, livelihood is probably a more important issue for them." She added, "The reason behind this mass exodus is that these migrant workers don't trust the government. If the government doesn't act compassionately, the current situation can take any direction. We have already witnessed small-scale violence in Surat and some other parts of the country." JNU's Avinash Kumar said, If every decision in a democracy is taken based on who votes and who doesn't, then it cannot be called a democracy. If the right to basic equality and dignity is not given to every individual, then democracy is only a machine to win and lose elections." He added, "The labourers' relations with the government are not based on mutual respect. They face police brutality in their day-to-day lives. Sometimes, police officers demolish their huts, or sometimes, police personnel throw away their stalls. For such labourers, it is hard to believe the government and stay in cities, where the social bonding is not as strong as in villages." Kumar concludes, Governments, especially the Central government, needs to step up and support the people. And this support has to be universal. Asheef Iqubbal works as Research Executive at Digital Empowerment Foundation, New Delhi which has been working on digital development, access, and digital rights. Tweets: @knowiqubal GRANTS PASS, Ore., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- To help prospective senior residents and their families remotely explore long-term care communities for a possible move, Team Senior Referral Services , Southern Oregon's leading senior care advisory organization, recently introduced a new free virtual tour service. The three-way virtual tours are between the families, Team Senior, and the long-term care communities that Team Senior partners with. At a time when most facilities are closed for in-person tours, these virtual tours by Team Senior give prospective residents and their families the opportunity to explore areas of the community that they would have seen during a physical visit, as well as meet the staff working there, remotely from the safety of their homes. The virtual tours are conducted via FaceTime or Zoom. Team Senior Referral Services Additionally, although office hours are currently closed, Team Senior staff members are working from home to continually assist families on a daily basis with decisions around long-term care. From monthly costs to quality of care to the capabilities and preferences of most facilities, Team Senior provides families with nearly every detail needed to make an informed decision about which community to move into. These services are provided for free to seniors and their families and require no commitment. "At Team Senior, we understand that the biggest question Southern Oregon senior residents and their families seeking long-term care arrangements face during these unprecedented times is to move or not to move. And the inability to visit and assess a potential community is a major hurdle in their decision-making," said Jamie Callahan, Founder and CEO of Team Senior. "Through our virtual tours, families can see the living areas and meet the people working in our partnered communities remotely. And prior to the tour, we also offer to meet families in-person, while honoring social distancing mandates. We know it's a difficult time for many families, and we wanted to make our services as personal, thorough, and safe as possible." Team Senior guides and supports families through the maze of Southern Oregon long-term care communities for free, allowing them the freedom to care for their loved ones without the pressure of searching for long-term care housing or in-home caregiving. Unlike many national referral companies that recommend facilities without having visited them, Team Senior has physically pre-screened, toured, and assessed all of the long-term care options in Southern Oregon. Every facility the organization recommends has been licensed by the State of Oregon. Team Senior interacts with their partnered facilities on a regular basis and understands the rotation of caregivers, nurses, and doctors. The hands-on, intimate, and compassionate service that Team Senior provides is unmatched to those offered by national referral companies that service individuals and facilities across the country. About Team Senior Referral Services Team Senior Referral Services launched in 2016 to guide and support families through the maze of long-term care and assisted living options in Southern Oregon. The company has visited and physically pre-screened homes on behalf of its clients, and maintains a network of state-licensed facilities as part of giving clients the best options for their budget and circumstances. Being in the Rogue Valley, Team Senior Referral Services is very much in tune with what's happening in the Southern Oregon senior community. For more information, please visit TeamSenior.org . Media Contact: Jamie Callahan [email protected] (541) 295-8230 SOURCE Team Senior Referral Services Police in Virginia have come under fire after a video of two officers appearing to spit on a detained protester emerged on social media on Tuesday evening. The video, which first appeared on Twitter, was captured during a demonstration on Monument Avenue, in downtown Richmond, during the fourth night of protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week. In the footage, a detained female protester is seen sitting in front of a group of 10 police officers with her hands bound behind her back. One police officer appears to lean over and spit on the woman, as angered protesters watch on in disgust. Yup, got that, one woman shouts, in referencing to capturing the moment on her cell phone. We got that on Camera, a**-hole, screams another. In the footage, a detained female protester is seen sitting in front of a group of 10 police officers with her hands bound behind her back One police officer appears to lean over and spit on the woman, as angered protesters watch on in disgust Unfazed by the jeers, the officer appears to repeat the action again, spitting down at the detained protester. Hey, we see you, a woman says loudly, as the officer spits for a third time. Another officer stood to his right also appears to spit at the protester. Got that one too, the woman recording the video shouts. The Richmond Police Department were made aware of the footage on Tuesday and launched an investigation. In a tweet, the department later denied the officers had spit on the protester, insisting the video is not what it appears. The department said a frame-by-frame analysis of a viral video that appears to show RPD officers spitting on a detained prisoner shows it did not happen as activists have claimed. Unfazed by the jeers, the officer appears to repeat the action again, spitting down at the detained protester (left). Another officer stood to his right also appears to spit at the protester (seen right) Instead, Richmond police concluded, after watching the footage in slow motion, that in the video the officers are actually coughing and spitting on the grass and not on the detainee. The frequent coughing and spitting was due to exposure to tear gas, the department claimed. Despite the denial, social media users have raged online about the officers conduct, particularly amidst a global pandemic. Watch this officer in Richmond, VA spits on a protestor during a global #pandemic multiple times, one tweeter fumed. People are getting arrested just for threatening to spread the #coronavirus, but I guess it doesnt apply to cops. Just saw a video of a cop in Richmond, Virginia, spitting large wad of saliva on a detained protester kneeling at his feet, added the New Yorkers Ben Taub. The DOJ recently defined COVID-19 as a "biological agent," and advised that acts like these can be prosecuted as terrorism. Footage from the same demonstration near the Robert E. Lee Monument showed police surrounding peaceful protesters and firing gas canisters towards them on Monday. The crowd of activist had been kneeling on the ground, chanting Dont Shoot! Hands up! a famous Black Lives Matter rallying cry, when the tear gas was administered. Richmonds mayor and its police chief apologized after videos of the incident surfaced, which occurred before the citys 8pm curfew came into effect. To the peaceful protesters who were gassed tonight, please come. I want to apologize in person, Mayor Levar Stoney tweeted. New Delhi: Once a popular Bhojpuri queen, Monalisa, successfully ventured to television in 2018 with her super successful supernatural fiction show 'Nazar'. The stunner is an avid social media user and keeps her Instagram updated. Her fans eagerly wait for all her new posts. She recently posted a throwback picture of chilling in the pool like a water baby, donning a perfect black bikini. Her caption reads: Sunshine On My Mind...... 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 3.2 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. Mona was seen as a popular contestant in the reality show 'Bigg Boss 10' and in fact, got married to her then-boyfriend Vikrant Singh inside the BB 10 house. Los Angeles, June 3 : Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti took a knee in solidarity with protesters in a demonstration over the death of African American man George Floyd in police custody last week in Minneapolis. Garcetti took a knee during one of the demonstrations held near LA Police Department headquarters in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, expressing his support for peaceful protests against police brutality, Xinhua news agency reported. "A black face should not be a sentence to die, nor to be homeless, nor to be sick, nor to be under-employed, nor to be under-educated," the mayor was quoted by local news outlet City News Service as telling the protesters. "We need a country that listens," Garcetti noted. The protests over Floyd's death went into the seventh straight day on Tuesday in the Los Angeles area. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Hollywood, in the largest demonstration of the day in the area and many remained on the streets even after a countywide curfew took effect in the evening. Authorities in Los Angeles had taken approximately 2,500 people into custody between Friday and Tuesday morning after a mix of peaceful protests and property destruction rocked the city, reported the Los Angeles Times, citing Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore. Although police clashed frequently with protesters after demonstration turned violent during days of civil unrest across the United States, some police officers were pictured taking a knee alongside protesters to honor the memory of Floyd. How many people owe their lives to paramedic John Duggan? That's a figure probably hard to quantify given his 35 years' service to the emergency front-lines in the Kingdom. In that time, he attended thousands of scenes most people would never wish to contemplate, making the very real difference between life and death for so many. What was easier to quantify was his extraordinary success representing his colleagues across the ambulance service nationally when he led negotiations for the service under the benchmarking process in 1997. Along with fellow Kerry service man Brendan Galwey, John succeeded in securing the highest increment any public service attained in the industrial relations process - a rise in the order of 25 per cent on the pay levels the emergency workers then earned. For all these reasons and much more was his retirement marked with deep feeling by his colleagues across the health service at University Hospital Kerry last week. It was an event attended by HSE top brass, including the HSE National Director of the Acute Hospitals Division Liam Woods as well as the CEO of the South/Southwest Hospital Group Gerry O'Dwyer. Also present was John's long-time friend and colleague, National Ambulance Service Kerry manager Pat O'Callaghan. Pat said the Lissardboula, Farmer's Bridge man has been to the forefront of modernising of the ambulance service in Kerry in recent decades - not just in terms of its members' working conditions, but also in the high level of expertise they all bring to a service Pat describes as 'five-star'. For the benchmarking established the structure within the ambulance service that exists today. And, as the regional trainer for Kerry, North Cork and West Cork in recent times, John has helped all his younger colleagues gain the vital learning and expertise. "The '97 agreement changed the name and structure of the role people had until then known as 'ambulance driver' into EMT, emergency medical technician and laid the groundwork for the scale that sees EMTs progress into paramedics and advanced paramedics," he said. "Paramedics typically stay local to respond to emergencies. Advanced paramedics, then, are capable of administering 49 different drugs. "They're able to give interventions: drips, morphines, phentanyl and so on. They can intubate and extubate, put up drips and, in a really invaluable skill they can use, what's called an intraosseous needle - straight into the bone when there's no vein. "In every shift in Tralee I have eight APs and around four in most of the other five stations of Killarney, Listowel, Dingle, Cahersiveen and Kenmare. "John was central to that programme and indeed was part of it himself, progressing from EMT to paramedic and advanced paramedic before becoming training officer for the entire region of Kerry, North and West Cork, a role he's fulfilled for the last seven years. "We have a five-star service in Kerry, they are all extraordinary, and John can testify to that, the type of calls they respond to can be very stressful, even for those who are professional. But we have a great group and we are united in what we do. I can never say enough for them, they never say no to any situation and respond to all the calls in all conditions. And that's testament in a large degree to the leadership of the likes of John. "It really is a heart-rending moment for the service, saying goodbye to such a cherished colleague. We say it is always very hard to replace a person, and that's especially so in John's case because of the experience he brought with him through the disciplines he worked in as a member and as an officer." One litmus test of the professionalism of the 96-strong Kerry ambulance service has been its record to date through what has been its darkest hour - the COVID-19 pandemic. Tasked from an early stage with testing for COVID-19, the ambulance service had also, of course, to largely take nearly every call as a potential COVID-19 one, requiring great courage of its members at a time when the news was a grim barrage of the catastrophe in Northern Italy. Pat said it was a testament to the professionalism and courage of the service here that they continued in their duty with stoic determination. He said they were lucky in having been able to operate with the appropriate PPE from the get-go (stocks were there since the Ebola scare of 2014), but that the professionalism of the staff, all trained by John, made the difference in one essential way. "We have had no case in the National Ambulance Service of Kerry. Not one of our staff contracted the disease. Two members dealt with a case which turned out to be COVID before the thing had really hit in Ireland and were put off for the 14 days but didn't contract it, luckily. The fact we have had no case is due to the care and vigilance of the staff themselves." The service men and women were also appreciative of Mr Woods' contribution to their special leave-taking day for John last week. Mr Woods spoke highly of the Farmer's Bridge man and his stalwart service to healthcare in the State, and was also deeply impressed with the new ambulance centre at UHK - which, just as with John Duggan's work, has brought the service in Kerry into the 21st Century. The intrinsic uncertainty surrounding the duration of beleaguered global oil and gas demand and low oil prices has led to varied responses from E&P companies to cope with the current economic climate. Analysis of the impact on the top Australian E&P companies reveals that domestically-focused operators are positioned at the lowest risk to the short-term impacts of Covid-19 and weakened oil prices due to shelter from external market dynamics and robust reserve lives, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Joseph Wisdom, Oil & Gas Analyst at GlobalData, comments: Cooper Energy, due to its domestic-market-focused portfolio, has less exposure to the current external market volatility compared to its peers. Gas prices in Australia have dropped in the first quarter as international gas prices reacted to the suppressed demand. However, with winter approaching and an easing of lockdown restrictions announced, prices could rise again as demand picks up. On the contrary, larger Australian E&P companies such as Woodside Petroleum and Santos Limited have a stronger dependence on exports - primarily LNG to the Asian market. Both companies have tried to mitigate the associated impact by deferring FIDs on major LNG projects in recent months; the US$11bn Scarborough project and US$4.7bn Barossa were both expected to take FID this year but have seen delays until at least 2021. The second wave of Australian LNG has been stalled and current conditions are negatively affecting those relying on the liquefied gas exports for primary revenue. First quarter 2020 reports from the Australian E&Ps show a consistent pattern of lower revenue from the previous quarter. However, production was varied across the group; Woodside Petroleum and Origin Energy saw increases year on year, but Santos Limited and Beach Energy saw a decrease. Companies may look to cut production as global storage issues continue; Oil Search has stated the possibility of cutting oil production from Papua New Guinea awaiting a price recovery. In response to the Covid-19 climate, capex cuts have been announced by the majority of the group. The Australian LNG players have reacted with the largest capex cuts with Woodside Petroleum announcing the biggest so far, reducing their 2020 capex forecast by 60 per cent. Wisdom concludes: The Asian LNG glut has led prices to record lows and those companies relying on a stable LNG market are at elevated risk to COVID-19 impacts. Despite a significant fall in the domestic Australian gas prices, those operating domestically are sheltered from external market dynamics and could benefit from increased demand and easing of lockdowns coming into the winter months. Both Origin Energy and Santos reported in their Q1 statements that customers have been reducing their volumes via downward quantity tolerances in their contracts. Origin Energy is considering trimming spot volumes from its coal seam gas Australia Pacific LNG asset. However, Woodside utilizes primarily long-term contracts, making it difficult to cut LNG volumes. The speed at which global demand picks up, particularly in Asia, will have the most significant impact on Australian LNG-focused E&Ps in the medium/long term. -Tradearabia News Service Wuhan, in central China's Hubei Province, tested nearly 10 million residents in a 19-day drive to screen for novel coronavirus infections, with officials hailing the effort as ending "psychological lockdown" for the virus-ravaged city. The city tested 9,899,828 people between May 14 and June 1, according to a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. No confirmed COVID-19 cases were found in the process, said Lu Zuxun, professor with Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, at the event. Meanwhile, 300 asymptomatic cases were found and quarantined. All the tracked 1,174 close contacts tested negative for COVID-19 and were also quarantined, Lu told the media. On May 14, the city launched a campaign to offer nucleic acid tests to those not tested before. Officials said the move was aimed at tracing asymptomatic cases and reassuring society as the city gradually reopens its factories, businesses and schools. Executive Deputy Mayor Hu Yabo said the city spent 900 million yuan (126 million U.S. dollars) on the tests, which was "totally worthwhile" as it reassured Wuhan residents, as well as the whole nation, and will help the city bring its social and economic activities back on track. "After the citywide tests, Wuhan residents, who made great sacrifices during the city's lockdown, will also lift their psychological lockdown," he said. The city's health commission said the tests were voluntary and free, with all costs borne by the government. Li Lanjuan, a renowned Chinese epidemiologist, said the campaign brought the total number of nucleic acid testees in Wuhan to 10.9 million. Li also noted that no live virus was cultivated from the phlegm samples and throat swabs of 106 asymptomatic carriers, while over 97 percent of Wuhan's residential complexes did not find asymptomatic infections in the testing campaign. "Wuhan is now safe, and Wuhan people are safe," she told the media. How did Wuhan do it? The tests have been met with great enthusiasm from the public. Xinhua reporters saw mask-wearing residents forming long queues while maintaining their distance outside testing sites within residential compounds and in the city's public places. Wang Weihua, deputy director of the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, said 63 testing agencies in the city have been mobilized to raise the testing capacity. National resources were pulled in to support the citywide drive, and batch testing, which mixes no more than five samples in a single test, was employed to improve efficiency, she said. Batch testing mixes samples from different people to be analyzed in one test to boost efficiency. Only when the result is positive is a second round of individual tests required. Hu said Wuhan's testing drive mainly used individual testing, with batch testing being a supplement. All these efforts raised Wuhan's daily testing capacity from 300,000 to more than one million samples, Wang said. Chinese biotech firm BGI, one participating agency, said they were able to get a result within 24 hours and will preserve the samples for another two days in case a review is needed. The company's Huo-Yan Laboratory in Wuhan doubled its testing capacity to 40,000 samples a day, said Zhu Shida, who is in charge of the lab, after it deployed technicians and equipment from across China to support the drive. Is it worth it? Some public health experts argue that testing of such a scale could be too costly. But Hu Ke, a respiratory doctor at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, believed the citywide testing is worthwhile in a city where the virus has infected more than 50,000 people, saying it helps prevent a rebound and ease public concerns. "The mass tests helped detect asymptomatic cases, who may still infect others. Only by putting them in strict isolation and treatment can the epidemic be stemmed and the whole society be reassured," Hu said. The doctor also sees the results, with only 300 asymptomatic cases detected, as proof of the success of Wuhan's epidemic control. "It also reflects the idea of 'putting people first' in China's anti-virus fight," he said. Du Zhizhang, vice dean of the Institute of State Governance, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, said the tests will help the world better understand the real situation in Wuhan, while corporate and other employers can use the results to pave the way for accelerating work resumption. For the residents, the benefits are also psychological. "It's like issuing health certificates to Wuhan residents, which helps prevent discrimination against them," the expert said. HONG KONG, June 3, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Always too late or never too late?Enterprises know they need to backup. Time is money, and business data is the product of countless hours of labor and intelligence. Precious company goodwill, resources, productivity, and competitiveness can be lost due to accidentally or maliciously corrupted or deleted data, or data and applications made unavailable due to hardware disasters or criminal hostage by ransomware. Certain types of data are even irreplaceable. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance , cyberattacks caused 69% of small organizations to be forced offline for a while and 37% experienced financial loss. In 2019, cybercrime forced 10% of small businesses to shut down.Yet, diligently backing up organizational data can be complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. Many organizations only attempt to regularly back up the minimum assets, such as a few critical servers and workstations. The remaining data and applications, including work-in-progress documents, are left vulnerable to risks. Having data properly backed up offsite, as it should be, makes all this even more complicated.Key Criteria in Choosing a BaaS ProviderOffered by an outside service provider, Backup-as-a-Service, or BaaS, addresses the complexity and overhead of traditional enterprise backup methods. As a virtualized cloud service, it is naturally offsite and managed by the provider. It requires no on-premises hardware, and can be fully automated. BaaS transparently handles all backup tasks in realtime, without relying on the effort or diligence of in-house human operators. There are no tapes or disks to manually rotate or keep track of, and it can be as specific or general as the enterprise desires, protecting several servers or the entire organization. In case of data issues, BaaS can offer easy and rapid data restoration so the company can quickly resume operations and get back to work. This highly convenient, cost-effective, and secure solution frees up staff so they can focus on more productive tasks, without compromising data and applications integrity.When choosing a BaaS provider, several key criteria should be kept in mind:- Compatibility - As a start, check whether the backup service supports your particular choices of operating systems and applications.- Compliance - Consider whether your industry has compliance issues that impact usage of BaaS, and whether your organization can create policies to accommodate those compliance requirements.- Security - Ask what security measures the service provider offers to protect your digital assets.- Manageability - Check whether you can easily configure the service through a user-friendly portal, or do you need to call the technical support line to make adjustments and check on the status of your backups?- Cost-effectiveness - Research and compare pricing among different BaaS vendors. The least expensive might not necessarily be the best value, if the BaaS is not reliable or cannot fully ensure your business continuity.You should also consider other aspects of your IT infrastructure that can impact the performance and success of BaaS usage. Do you have sufficient bandwidth to support the realtime traffic to the BaaS provider's offsite facilities, and does the bandwidth allow you to restore data in a quick enough manner? If not, check whether the service provider offers connectivity solutions alongside the BaaS, which can scale in realtime according to your needs, with high performance catering to the geographic locations you operate in.Success with Managed ServicesIndeed, aside from the technical aspects of the BaaS provider, you also need to consider whether the service provider offers a range of other relevant managed services. These services should at minimum include 7x24 customer support, and also give you confidence about the reliability of the underlying platform operating the BaaS solution. Professional consultation with certified experts is also a high priority for successfully helping you evaluate and design a reliable architecture that delivers the backup and disaster recovery functionality for your business needs.Because you are planning for business success, you need to consider your future requirements for expanding into other markets around the world. A BaaS service provider with extensive points of presence and experienced local support will be instrumental to achieving your roadmap milestones. Although BaaS is cloud-based and should work from anywhere in the world, it is important your enterprise staff can contact knowledgeable professionals for inquiries and support. Ideally, your BaaS provider will have offices local to your own business points of presence, and competently support your team members in their own native languages.Listed in Gartner's Market Guide for BaaS - CITIC Telecom CPCWhen researching the most appropriate BaaS solution provider for your enterprise needs, be sure not to overlook CITIC Telecom CPC, listed in Gartner's Market Guide for Backup as a Service (May 2020) as one of the key BaaS hosters in China, the Middle East & Africa, Japan, and the rest of APAC. CITIC Telecom CPC's SmartCLOUD BRR gives enterprises a full range of managed backup, replication and recovery services. It was created based on all the considerations discussed above, and provides operation modes that include onsite, offsite, and a variety of physical and virtual replication models. To speed up deployment, SmartCLOUD BRR supports "initial seed" transfers of your enterprise data to significantly reduce time and bandwidth needed for the initial full backup, and gives you the flexibility to have copies of your enterprise backup stored both in the cloud datacenter and locally on your premises for quick recovery if possible. SmartCLOUD BRR protects your sensitive data using encryption for both data-in-transit and data-at-rest giving your backup the most comprehensive data protection.CITIC Telecom CPC also provides a user-friendly online management portal called ManagedCONNECT where your enterprise backup status and usage information can be easily accessed. ManagedCONNECT also provides visibility and configurability for other CITIC Telecom CPC flagship solutions your enterprise might choose to interoperate with SmartCLOUD BRR, including the SmartCLOUD cloud computing platform itself, TrustCSI comprehensive network security and enterprise protection (covering a wide range of modern threats including ransomware detection), TrueCONNECT carrier-class global and regional networking, and much more.Similar to other BaaS solutions, SmartCLOUD BRR is offered on a subscription basis, with pricing based on the backup type. For example, backing up your enterprise's physical servers, virtual machines (such as VMware and Hyper-V instances), and Microsoft Office 365 installations. The subscription pricing will also vary depending on your cloud storage and bandwidth requirements.Act Today to Protect Your Data and Your FutureTo help customers with inquiries and technical support for SmartCLOUD BRR and other solutions, CITIC Telecom CPC's 24x7 professionals are always on hand, even offering native language support via the company's many points of presence around the world. In fact, CITIC Telecom CPC is staffed by over 1,000 business and technology professionals with deep experience in their areas of expertise, including extensive IT industry certifications and vertical industry experience, all working at more than 140 points of worldwide presence, 18 cloud service centers, 30+ data centers, and two dedicated 24x7 Security Operations Centers.Whether your organization ultimately decides to use CITIC Telecom CPC's SmartCLOUD BRR or another vendor's BaaS solution, it is imperative this decision is made sooner rather than later. Every second your mission critical digital data is not properly backed up, it is exposed to countless vulnerabilities, including those catastrophic enough to cease business operations. To make sure your company stays competitive and maintains its forward momentum, protect its achievements by backing up with the right BaaS.To enjoy hassle-free and flexible managed cloud backup services, simply scan the QR code and register for the latest SmartCLOUD BRR offers with FREE restoration test!About CITIC Telecom CPCWe are CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited ("CITIC Telecom CPC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1883), serving multinational enterprises the world over by addressing their specific ICT requirements with highly scalable tailored solutions built upon our flagship technology suites, comprising TrueCONNECT private network solutions, TrustCSI information security solutions, DataHOUSE cloud data center solutions, and SmartCLOUD cloud computing solutions.As a leading Global Local ICT Solutions Partner with worldwide footprint across East to West and native presence, we truly live our motto, "Innovation Never Stops." Being a preferred Digital Society Enabler, we lead our key markets at the forefront of pioneering ICT development, embracing AI, AR, Big Data, IoT, and other cutting-edge emerging technologies to transform technical potential into real-world value for our customers, helping them achieve higher productivity, agility, cost-efficiency, and ultimately, Digital Globalization.As one of the first managed service providers in Hong Kong to achieve ISO 9001, 14001, 20000, 27001, and 27017 ICT-related certifications, CITIC Telecom CPC delivers on our superior quality commitment through a broad global self-managed infrastructure encompassing some of the highest growth markets in Asia, Europe and America, with over 140 points of presence, 18 Cloud service centers, 30+ data centers, and two dedicated 24x7 Security Operations Centers.For more information please visit www.citictel-cpc.comMedia Contact:Rowena LeungCITIC Telecom International CPC Limited(852) 2170 7536Email: rowena.leung@citictel-cpc.comSource: CITIC Telecom International CPC LimitedCopyright 2020 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold his first-ever virtual bilateral summit with his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison on June 4. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a press release on the event, stating that the virtual summit is being held as PM Morrisons visit to India could not take place amid the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the first time that Prime Minister Modi will be holding a Bilateral Virtual Summit, this signifies the strengthening of ties with Australia and its upward trajectory, the MEA release read. Tomorrow PM @narendramodi will be holding, for the first time, a "Bilateral Virtual Summit" with Australian PM @ScottMorrisonMP. Click below to read more about this unique summit Anurag Srivastava (@MEAIndia) June 3, 2020 During the summit, both leaders will review the broad framework of the relationship between India and Australia in the context of growing bilateral ties. The leaders will also discuss their respective responses to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Several agreements, including one on mutual sharing of military logistics facilities, are expected to be signed during the summit on June 4, people familiar with development said. Ahead of the virtual summit, Australian high commissioner Barry OFarrell on Monday said relations between India and Australia will scale greater heights. Sunday ScoMosas with mango chutney, all made from scratch - including the chutney! A pity my meeting with @narendramodi this week is by videolink. Theyre vegetarian, I would have liked to share them with him. pic.twitter.com/Sj7y4Migu9 Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) May 31, 2020 Both (Prime Minister Modi and PM Morrison) are people person; theyll be talking about how to work together to improve the lives of people. Both believe that the government is not about the number of agreements signed but improving the lives of citizens and generating jobs, news agency ANI quoted OFarrell as saying. The Australian High Commissioner said it will be like a virtual interview between two friends, adding that the leaders will discuss how each country is dealing with Covid-19. They may share commentary on the hard task of how to ease restrictions, he stated. The Australian prime minister had previously held such a summit with Singapore in March. PM Morrisons visit to India was first scheduled in January and was later postponed to May. The leaders decided to continue their engagement through a virtual meeting amid the coronavirus crisis. A boutique Byron Bay clothing label has sparked outrage after sharing a controversial 'all lives matter' post in the wake of George Floyd's death and protests about racial inequality. Yoli & Otis, based in the northern NSW coastal community, used news of the turmoil gripping the U.S. to share a contentious Instagram post about mainstream media and political agendas on Wednesday. The fashion label said they receive their information from 'an alternative view' and referred to anti-vaxxer conspiracy theorists, celebrity chef Pete Evans and anti-vaxx ex-Home and Away actor, Isabel Lucas. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in custody of the Minneapolis Police Department on Monday May 25 after an officer knelt on his neck for eight minutes while making an arrest. A boutique Byron Bay clothing label has sparked outrage after sharing a controversial 'all lives matter' post in the wake of George Floyd's death and protests about racial inequality. Pictured: Yoli & Otis owner Lena Catterick (left) and Carlo Letica (right) Yoli & Otis, based in the northern NSW coastal community, jumped on the recent chain of events to share a contentious Instagram post about mainstream media and political agendas on Wednesday His death has led to rallies across the U.S and the world and sparked a global social media movement condemning violence against black people at the hands of police. Lena Catterick, who owns and created Yoli & Otis, suggested the recent events were a cover-up on bigger political issues. 'I believe we need to look deeper. A connection needs to be made between those in power and their ability to push the world in one direction or another to suit their own invested interests,' the statement reads. 'If they wanted to end racism and division, they could. If they wanted to end poverty, they could. If they wanted to reverse the effects of global warming, they could. 'The system fuels violence, they perpetuate fear, create division, inequality, poverty, protect the elite.' The mum-of-two said she was aware of her privilege as a white woman and she was not undervaluing the life of Floyd. Lena Catterick, who owns and created Yoli & Otis, suggested the recent events were a cover-up on bigger political issues The mum-of-two said she was aware of her privilege as a white woman and she was not undervaluing the life of Floyd 'I'm not by any means undervaluing or comparing the life of George Floyd to others who have suffered at the hands of police brutality but I do want you to pay attention to how these disgusting and inhuman events are being exploited for political purpose,' the post read. 'No human deserves to suffer at the hands of another human. That seems very straightforward to me. My stance has and always will be that ALL LIVES MATTER.' The post concludes by explaining the family does not access their information through mainstream news and instead looks to alternative sources. 'Look, we don't watch the mainstream news and from an alternative view we don't see this as being a war on race We see this as being a distraction if anything, a political game,' it concludes. 'But whatever way we look at it RACISM IS NEVER OKAY. 'There is so much to uncover right now and I can't even begin to explain it myself but here are some great people who have done an amazing job at providing us with the resources needed to further expand our minds.' Lena Catterick said her stance would always be 'all lives matter' in the wake of the death of George Floyd The fashion label said they receive their information from 'an alternative view' and referred to anti-vaxxer conspiracy theorists, celebrity chef Pete Evans and actress Isabel Lucas WHY VACCINES ARE IMPORTANT Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases before they come into contact with them. Immunisation not only protects individuals, but also others in the community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases. Research and testing is an essential part of developing safe and effective vaccines. In Australia, vaccines must pass strict safety testing before the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will register them for use. Approval of vaccines can take up to 10 years. Before vaccines become available to the public, large clinical trials test them on thousands of people. High-quality studies over many years have compared the health of large numbers of vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Medical information from nearly 1.5 million children around the world have confirmed that vaccination does not cause autism. People first became concerned about autism and immunisation after the medical journal The Lancet published a paper in 1998. This paper claimed there was a link between the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. Since then, scientists have completely discredited this paper. The Lancet withdrew it in 2010 and printed an apology. The UK's General Medical Council struck the author off the medical register for misconduct and dishonesty. Source: Australian Department of Health Advertisement The fashion label, who have more than 190,000 followers on Instagram, were quickly slammed for the 'ignorant' statement. 'I know you probably think this post is coming from a place of love but I think it does come across as being quite ignorant,' one person wrote. 'Right now black people are finally getting a time to shine light on all the injustices they have faced after a life time of oppression... To try then divert that light onto other issues is taking away from the movement.' Another wrote: 'Stop looking to people who said themselves 'don't experience racism' and 'doesn't watch mainstream news' for support. We are giving the wrong people a voice and platform.' A third said: 'Honestly this is very hurtful reading this, I understand where you are coming from with your point about the media being divisive, yet at the same time, real lives are being hunted.' The fashion label, who have more than 190,000 followers on Instagram, were quickly slammed for the 'ignorant' statement Yoli & Otis tagged Evans and Lucas in their post as sources of alternate information 'Automatically you go to using the phrase all lives matter when that was only created as a diversion to black lives matter, that is not okay. 'If you truly cared, you would be using your platform every day to talk on the white supremacist system that affects every single one of us.' Other commenters directly addressed the success of the fashion label when criticising the post. 'Extremely disappointed in this statement. You sell $350 shirts so that your family can traipse across Europe. Check your privilege,' one wrote. Yoli & Otis tagged Evans and Lucas in their post as sources of alternate information. The former MKR judge has controversially spouted anti-vaccine sentiments on social media. Lucas used her platform to speak about the potential dangers of 5G. In a statement to Daily Mail Australia Ms Catterick said she did not realise that 'All Lives Matter' was a phrase used by white supremacists. 'To have written the words all lives matter was ignorant on my part, having only discovered after, that its a term coined by white supremacists and racists - which we absolutely are not and do not tolerate in any way,' she said. 'But thankful a fellow brand pointed it out, after themselves having just made the same mistake. To which I then of course apologised to our audience for the hurt my message had caused. 'My only intention was to bring awareness to all POC living in fear, especially given today as it is the last day of Reconciliation Week - a time for non-indigenous Australians to come together and support our First Nations people.' 'Black lives matter,' one Instagram user commented in response to the lengthy post 'Extremely disappointed in this statement. You sell $350 shirts so that your family can traipse across Europe. Check your privilege,' one comment read Patna: Exposing the government's hollow promise of better infrastructure in Bihar even as electrical cables hang over each pole and transformers offering an ugly look of jumble wires posing serious threat to anyone passing under it, a fire on a transformer pole in Langartoli in Patna on Tuesday morning damaged a nearby building, a car, a motorcycle and some other properties. https://www.patnadaily.com/index.php/news/14762-fire-on-electricity-pole-destroys-properties-in-patna.html#sigProIdf60cfbff77 View the embedded image gallery online at: While people in the area awaited the firefighters to arrive, some used buckets of water in an attempt to douse the flame without any success. By the time fire tenders arrived, several private properties in the area including a car, a motorbike, and a hand cart, were completely destroyed in the flame. Fortunately, due to the direction the wind was blowing, a nearby apartment building managed to escape what could have been a very tragic day for some people. No one was said to be hurt in the incident. Eyewitnesses in the area said residents had complained about the defective transformer in the past but their complaints were falling on deaf ears. A rapid coronavirus testing machine could halve the time it takes to diagnose patients and help to free up space on wards, an NHS hospital has found. Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge has been trialling portable machines called Samba II after being the first NHS hospital to receive them in April. They can diagnose Covid-19 in less than 90 minutes, compared with the 24 to 48 hours it takes to receive a result from the Department of Health. The average stay for patients on a Covid-19 holding ward, where results are awaited and other diseases are investigated, dropped from 59 hours to 30 hours when the rapid test was used. The proportion of 'isolation rooms', which are typically used to keep potentially infected vulnerable patients separate, being used fell from 31 per cent to 21 per cent. Researchers said this 'could make all the difference' in freeing up hospital capacity, especially if the coronavirus crisis persists into winter. Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge has been trialling portable machines called Samba II The machines can diagnose Covid-19 in less than 90 minutes compared with Public Health England's 24-48 hours. Now, they have been found to cut patients' time on wards by half Ten of the Samba II devices, made by a company called Diagnostics for the Real World (DRW), were sent to the 1,000-bed Addenbrooke's Hospital in April. The machines have shown to be almost 99 per cent accurate at analysing swabs. Health chiefs have never revealed the accuracy of PCR testing, currently used to diagnose patient across the UK, but up to 20 per cent of results are currently thought to be incorrect. Once nasal and throat swabs have been collected from patients, the samples are loaded into the devices, which look for tiny traces of the virus in their DNA. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CORONAVIRUS TEST? PCR (DNA) TEST A PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) aims to pick up on active viruses currently in the bloodstream. A PCR test works by a sample of someone's genetic material - their RNA - being taken to lab and worked up in a full map of their DNA at the time of the test. This DNA can then be scanned to find evidence of the virus's DNA, which will be embroiled with the patient's own if they are infected at the time. The PCR test is extremely reliable but may be slow as it needs to be carried out by a qualified technician in a specialised laboratory. It does not look for evidence of past infection. ANTIGEN TEST Antigens are parts of a virus that trigger the immune system's response to fight the infection. The key advantage of antigen tests is that antigens can be seen almost immediately after infection. They work by running the patient's swab sample through a machine designed specifically to spot them, often by introducing a chemical which reacts with the antigen to give off a signal visible to the technology. Antigen tests are used to diagnose patients with flu, as well as malaria, strep A and HIV. They can also be done using swabs. ANTIBODY TEST An antibody test is one which tests whether someone's immune system is equipped to fight a specific disease or infection. When someone gets infected with a virus their immune system must work out how to fight it off and produce substances called antibodies. These are extremely specific and are usually only able to tackle one strain of one virus. They are produced in a way which makes them able to latch onto that specific virus and destroy it. For example, if someone catches COVID-19, they will develop COVID-19 antibodies for their body to use to fight it off. The body then stores versions of these antibodies in the immune system so that if it comes into contact with that same virus again it will be able to fight it off straight away and probably avoid someone feeling any symptoms at all. To test for these antibodies, medics or scientists can take a fluid sample from someone - usually blood - and mix it with part of the virus to see if there is a reaction between the two. If there is a reaction, it means someone has the antibodies and their body knows how to fight off the infection - they are immune. If there is no reaction it means they have not had it yet. Advertisement The machines amplify the DNA billions of times chemically so they can detect the virus with extreme sensitivity. The machines are used at point-of-care, meaning they can be operated by healthcare workers within the hospital, as opposed to current tests which need to be sent off for analysis at a lab, where backlogs can result in delays of two days or more. During this time, a patient who had arrived at hospital needing a test would have to stay on the coronavirus ward in isolation. Addenbrooke's Hospital switched nearly all of its coronavirus testing from standard lab tests to the Samba machines in May. The machines are already used to diagnose HIV and hepatitis C, which are blood-borne viral diseases. Researchers conducted their analysis by comparing data from electronic patient records of all those who had in-hospital tests done in the 10 days before and then after the switch to Samba machines at the hospital. The average time it took to get a test result fell from 39.4 hours to 3.6 hours, according to the study, which is currently a pre-print and has not been reviewed by other scientists. Patients who were tested using the Samba machine spent an average of 30 hours on the coronavirus 'holding ward' - where they wait for their results to either be discharged or have more tests done. This was 28 hours shorter than usual because the wait for their test result was so much smaller. The rapid diagnostics led to an increased availability of isolation rooms needed for infected patients, as well as fewer hospital bay closures. The researchers say that the time and hospital capacity spared by these devices will be 'critical as we move towards autumn and winter'. And if fewer hospital bays needed to be closed to make room for Covid-19 patients, more planned operations could take place. A Samba test, costing approximately 30 per sample, would outweigh the cost of each additional bed day at around 200 'many times over', the team said. Professor Ravi Gupta of the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Diseases, who is the study's lead author, said: 'The backlog of routine operations and screenings as a result of the pandemic is a huge issue, and must be resolved ahead of winter, when the NHS will face even more pressure from other infections like norovirus and influenza. 'Rapidly testing admissions for SARS-CoV-2 at the point of care is essential for reducing Covid-19 transmission in hospitals, speeding up access to urgent care and allowing safe discharge to care homes. 'It could make all the difference in a few months' time. 'Use of point-of-care testing would speed up the identification of patients for Covid-19 clinical trials, and receiving an experimental treatment a day earlier could make a clinical difference. 'Hospitals across the UK, as well as care homes and prisons, could benefit from Samba II devices.' The devices have been developed by a University of Cambridge spin-off company called Diagnostics for the Real World. The creators say the tests have been validated by Public Health England and are expected to be launched in hospitals across the country. A donation of US$3million (about 2.4million) from the businessman and philanthropist Sir Chris Hohn means 100 machines have been purchased. Dr Ashley Shaw, medical director of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'Point of care testing has been hugely beneficial in enabling our clinical teams to make well-informed and timely decisions, keeping patients and staff as safe as possible throughout this difficult period.' An initial study, with 149 participants, indicated that 96.9 per cent of people with the virus were correctly identified as positive cases. It had 99.1 per cent specificity (the ability to correctly identify negative cases). Previously tests in 102 patient samples showed the machine could spot the disease 98.7 per cent of the time. The tests do not look for antigens - parts of a virus that trigger the immune system's response to fight the infection. The tests also do not look for antibodies - proteins made by the immune system in response to an infection. Facebook and PayPal have made investments in Gojek, joining Google and Tencent among other high-profile technology firms that have backed the five-year-old Southeast Asian ride-hailing startup that also offers food delivery and mobile payments. Facebook, for which it is the first investment in an Indonesia-based firm, and PayPal did not disclose the size of their checks. Gojek told TechCrunch that Facebook and PayPal were participating in its ongoing Series F financing round, which brings it total raise-to-date to over $3 billion. For Facebook, which in April invested in India's top telecom operator Reliance Jio Platforms, backing Gojek unlocks a similar opportunity: helping millions of small businesses -- while finding a business model for WhatsApp, an advertisement-free instant messaging service it owns that is used by more than 2 billion users. Matt Idema, chief operating officer at WhatsApp, said the company will work with "indispensable" Gojek to "bring millions of small businesses and the customers they serve into the largest digital economy in Southeast Asia." "The majority of small businesses in Indonesia rely on cash to operate due to the countrys large unbanked population. Digital payments are safer than cash, both for businesses and customers. And digital payments help more people participate in the economy and give businesses access to credit which is crucial for business growth," he wrote in a blog post. Indonesia is one of the biggest Asian markets for Facebook. In April, Reuters reported that the social juggernaut was in talks with local fintech firms to launch a mobile payments service in the country. This investment paves the way for Facebook to expand its digital payment and financial services to Indonesia and more broadly to the Southeast Asian market, said Meng Liu, an analyst at Forrester. "The payment sector is still underserved and the opportunity in Southeast Asias emerging markets like Indonesia is worth billions of dollars. For Gojek, they will be able to embed Facebooks digital wallet offering (like WhatsApp Pay) on their platform of lifestyle services across shopping, transport etc.," he said. Story continues "Consumers who are underserved by traditional banks and card networks will have the chance to get such digital payments offered by Facebook in the future. In the long run, if Facebooks Libra (now called Novi Financial) plan is successful, there would also be a natural rollout of this inclusive cross-border payment offering to immigrant workers in the Southeast Asian markets as well. I see the deal as the first step to building the infrastructure to expand Facebooks payment and fintech businesses in the region," he added. PayPal, which last year invested in money lender Tala ahead of the startup's launch in India, said Wednesday's commercial partnership will enable the global payments giant to "significantly grow" its scope and scale in Southeast Asia. "This new relationship is another positive step in our journey towards becoming the worldwide payments partner of choice, and helping to fuel global commerce by connecting the world's leading marketplaces and payment networks," PayPal said in a statement. Gojek, which disclosed it had raised $1.2 billion in March to employees and was valued at about $10 billion, said it has amassed over 170 million users in Southeast Asia. The company, which competes with heavily-backed Singapore-headquartered Grab, said at the time that it had raised nearly $3 billion over the years. "We have the opportunity to achieve something truly unique as we aim to help more businesses to digitise and ensure that many millions more consumers are enjoying the benefits that the digital economy can bring," said Andre Soelistyo, who was appointed as co-chief executive of Gojek last year, in a statement. Gojek founder Nadiem Makarim resigned his top job at the firm to join Indonesian cabinet in October last year. Peter Braun Braun is a Portland Police officer who lives in Portland. The views expressed are his own. Last December I wrote an op-ed discussing the challenges of working as a police officer in the city of Portland. Since then it feels like the world has come apart around us. Just over a week ago, along with the rest of the world, I watched the video of George Floyds final moments as Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on the handcuffed mans neck for nearly nine agonizing, soul-rending minutes. I was in shock. I spoke to other officers, and I watched the video again and again. We all wanted to know why the other officers involved had stood by and let that happen in front of them. We wanted to know why Chauvin, at least, was not in handcuffs the minute someone saw that video. The only answers I have are ugly ones. I have never been so ashamed of something in my life. I wish I could have been at the gatherings in Terry Schrunk Plaza and Peninsula Park to hear the words said there. But while I grieve for George Floyd, I felt that I, as a white police officer, should respect those spaces and leave them for those who bear the deepest scars. Sadly, I was there for the protests that followed, working my shifts as a police officer. I was at the Justice Center when it was set on fire. I was scared for myself, but terrified at what would happen to the men and women housed in the Multnomah County Detention Center. Whatever may be said of police, rightly or wrongly, we protect those inmates and feel an obligation to them just like we would for anyone else. We have spent many hours and days of our lives talking to them and while we may not always like or approve of them, the thought of them trapped if the fire had spread still leaves me sick to my stomach. What followed was little better. I saw people tear a damaged community apart. It wasnt just the Apple Store or Louis Vuitton that was targeted; it was small businesses owned by people of every background that were smashed and torched. This isnt about valuing glass and plastic over lives, this is seeing the collective energy of thousands destroyed in minutes. This was about people whose livelihoods are now gone. Everywhere I went downtown throughout the weekend, I saw young people, mostly white men and women, instigating senseless acts of violence against people. On Sunday, I saw people throwing firework mortars packed with explosives at my colleagues even as the police communications team announced that officers were withdrawing to de-escalate the situation, but encouraged the crowd to continue speaking. I remember talking to a homeless man who sleeps outside Central Precinct because he feels safe there. He asked when it would be safe to come back. I told him that it probably wouldnt be for a long time. I understand this grief and rage is about more than just George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. I understand that this about what has and is still happening in Portland. I understand this is about the Portland Police too. But for all that I may disagree with Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, what she said last Saturday is true: This violence and destruction is not helping. She has shown real leadership over the last few days, and I commend her for that. I also commend the protestors I have seen who have been willing to call out others for acts of violence and destruction and the organizers who took the hard step of talking to our chief to try and preserve protestors voices. I know they are not doing this for me or the police, but none the less, I have seen it and been moved by it. What has happened over the last week should be a wake-up call for all of us, but especially for law enforcement. No matter who we are, no matter what background we come from, no matter how we personally do our job, we have to go back to work tomorrow and try and find some trust and common ground so that we can help our communities. I remain proud to be a police officer, especially one for the Portland Police Bureau. I see the good work we do. I see the values we express to each other in our work. I also know that I have to live with the shame of what Derek Chauvin and others who have worn a badge have done. I know I cannot ask many of you trust me, but I promise you, each and every one of you, that I will try my level best to earn your trust every day that I put on my uniform. I promise that I will not let what happened to George Floyd happen on my watch. Both black and brown communities on the South and West sides of Chicago are affected by environmental racism, racial discrimination, systematic discrimination and centuries of exclusion, so much so that it may be hard for some of us to assimilate the trauma we have endured, which makes it hard for us to determine how much that has slowed down black and Latino social and economic mobility, he said. Republican Congressman Steve King of Iowa, known for a history of racist comments that saw him shunned by leadership of his party, was ousted in Tuesday night's GOP primary. King blamed the media and Republican leaders for his loss, arguing it was his 'Christian conservatism' that was the target. 'This comes from an effort to push out the strongest voice for full spectrum, constitutional Christian conservatism that exists in the United States Congress,' King said in his concession speech. Republican Congressman Steve King of Iowa, known for a history of racist comments that saw him shunned by leadership of his party, was ousted in Tuesday night's GOP primary Randy Feenstra, a state senator who was backed by Republican Party leaders, won the five-way primary to be the Republican nominee. President Donald Trump, who did not endorse in the primary, offered his congratulations to Feenstra, who was backed by the party after officials feared they would lose the safe-Republican seat if King was the nominee. 'Congratulations to Randy Feenstra on your big win in the Iowa Republican Primary. You will be a great Congressman!,' Trump tweeted Wednesday morning. Feenstra is favored to hold the seat. He faces Democrat J.D. Scholten, who nearly defeated King two years ago, in the November election. King had a history of controversial language and ties to Neo-Nazi groups - a past that got a fresh look after he told The New York Times in a 2019 interview: 'White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive?' King said the remarks were taken out of context. But Republican Party leadership acted swiftly and bluntly, stripping King of his leadership assignments in the House of Representatives, rendering him powerless on Capitol Hill. King's challengers in the primary argued his loss of clout, even more than his continuous string of provocative and racially-charged statements, was reason enough for turning on him. 'I said from day one that Iowans deserve a proven, effective conservative leader that will deliver results and I have done that in the Iowa Senate, being in the Iowa Legislature for the last 12 years, and I promise you I will deliver results in Congress,' Feenstra said during a Facebook Live appearance with his family behind him. The nine-term congressman, shunned by his party leadership in Washington and many of his longtime supporters at home, lost to well-funded state Sen. Randy Feenstra in a five-way GOP primary Iowa Democrats also chose a challenger for Republican freshman Sen. Joni Ernst in a race earlier thought to heavily favor Ernst until her approval shrank over the past year. Des Moines businesswoman Theresa Greenfield, who raised the most money and garnered the widest cross-section of the Iowa Democratic coalition of elected officials and labor unions, won the nomination over three others. But the focus was on the 4th District primary featuring King, the lone Republican in Iowa's U.S. House delegation. The 71-year-old had piled up provocative statements throughout the years, comparing immigrants to livestock and appeared to make light of rape and incest in defending his anti-abortion views. Critics in both parties charged that King was no longer an effective representative for Iowa's 4th Congressional District on agriculture and other local issues. Establishment Republicans suggested Kings ouster would easily keep the seat in the party's hands, warning a King primary victory would jeopardize it. Senator Randy Feenstra King was vastly outspent by Feenstra and conservative groups backing him, including onetime King backer National Right to Life, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nations largest business lobbying group. 'I called Randy Feestra a little bit ago and conceded the race to him, and I pointed out that theres some powerful elements in the swamp and he's going to have an awfully hard time pushing back against them,' King said, referring to outside groups that spent to support Feenstra and attack King. 'He assured me thats what he would do, and I'm thinking of those super PACs that came into this race and how powerful they are.' Several of Kings former supporters shrugged at the litany of comments that fueled the congressman's love-hate relationship with national media. King is a strident opponent of abortion rights and illegal immigration, an issue he had in common with President Trump. He has a history of remarks and associations that made Republicans wince. During a political meeting in Iowa last year, he questioned whether there would be any population left were not for 'rape and incest.' In October 2018, King defended his association with a far-right, Nazi-linked group in Austria. 'If they were in America pushing the platform that they push, they would be Republicans,' King told The Washington Post. He was referring to Austria's Freedom Party, a group founded by a former Nazi SS officer and whose current leader was active in neo-Nazi circles. All King's ties and words came under fresh scrutiny in the wake of the Times story and Republican leadership moved fast to shun King. King was tossed from the House Judiciary Committee, which would have given him a high profile role defending President Donald Trump during the 2019 impeachment hearings. He also lost his seat on the agriculture panel, a blow to the representative whose district produced more agricultural products in raw dollars than any district but Nebraskas massive 3rd District, according to the most recent federal data. 'I personally feel very let down about some of the things that have happened because we need someone who is strong in agriculture from this area,' said former King supporter, state Sen. Annette Sweeney, who backed Feenstra. The challengers argued that King's loss of clout, even more than his continuous string of provocative and racially-charged statements, was reason enough for turning on him King said during the campaign he had been assured privately by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy that he'd support King's reinstatement on the committees, a claim McCarthy dismissed publicly to reporters last month. State Rep. Ashley Hinson won her two-way Republican primary to face freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer. State Sen. Mariannette Miller Meeks won a five-way race to face former state Sen. Rita Hart in Iowa's 2nd District, the seat held by retiring Democrat Dave Loebsack. And former U.S. Rep. David Young won a two-way GOP race to run against Democrat Cindy Axne, who beat him for reelection in 2018. Democrats chose from four relative unknowns to take on Ernst in what has has shaped up to be a more competitive Senate race than expected. Ernst's job approval and overall favorable ratings have dropped in the past year as she has sought to balance support for President Donald Trump, who is popular with Republicans but far less so among others in the state. Iowa Democrats also chose a challenger for Republican freshman Sen. Joni Ernst (pictured) in a race earlier thought to heavily favor Ernst until her approval shrank over the past year Greenfield had the edge, in part because of her compelling story of being widowed as a young mother and owing her rebound to Democratic priorities, Social Security and union benefits. Perhaps most notably, the 55-year-old Greenfield impressed with her fundraising, bringing in more than $7 million since entering the race last year. That's at least $5 million more than any of her Democratic opponents and reflects the endorsement of the Democrats national Senate campaign arm. A precinct volunteer sanitizes a chair to prepare for the next voter in Iowa's Primary Election at the Polk County Central Senior Center, Tuesday, June 2, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa While Ernst has lost some of her footing, its difficult to say how the Senate race proceeds in light of the continuing pandemic, the uncertain economy and now protests over over police treatment of African Americans, including in Iowa where Trump won by more than 9 percentage points in 2016. 'Anybody who can predict what the state of the economy will be, any sense of community people have, where the partisan tendencies go between now and November, its just really hard to say,' said senior Ernst adviser David Kochel. One recent data point, lost on many except Iowa Democratic leaders amid the ongoing crises: Registered Democrats in Iowa edged registered Republicans in March for the first time in more than six years. NSF renews K-State CyberCorps program for five years, $3 million Wednesday, June 3, 2020 MANHATTAN With recent funding from the National Science Foundation of more than $3 million over the next five years, the CyberCorps: Scholarships for Service program at Kansas State University will continue to build on its history of producing high-quality graduates to meet national, state, local and tribal government demand for skilled cybersecurity personnel. "Through a newly restructured and streamlined cybersecurity curriculum, students will receive not just training, but a comprehensive education in cybersecurity theory, fundamentals and the state of the art, enabling a nimble workforce that can readily adapt to new situations, technologies and computing modalities," said Eugene Vasserman, director of the program and associate professor in computer science and Michele Munson-Serban Simu Keystone research scholar. Under the umbrella of the universitywide Center for Information and Systems Assurance, a National Security Agency/Department of Homeland Security National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Research also directed by Vasserman, the award provides scholarship support for undergraduate and graduate students interested in cybersecurity research and practice. The continuing CyberCorps program, "CyberCorps SFS Renewal: Strengthening the National Cyber-Security Workforce," will build on the current momentum of providing unique opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, including rural and first-generation students, to become high-quality professionals in the field." The project will result in an expanded cybersecurity curriculum, a strategic plan for cybersecurity with research focus areas and measurable goals, a continuous improvement plan to grow and evolve the program, including additional classes focused on special interest areas in cybersecurity, hands-on experience with real-world cybersecurity problems through the multistakeholder INSuRE program, and an annual goal and performance review system to tailor instruction and research involvement to the learning style of each student. Computer science faculty members who will serve as co-investigators on the project include Scott DeLoach, department head and professor; Daniel Andresen, professor; George Amariucai, associate professor; and Arslan Munir, assistant professor. "As Kansas and the Midwest have a large underserved, mostly rural and first-generation student population, this renewal of K-State's CyberCorps program will help broaden participation of diverse and underrepresented groups," Vasserman said. "We are uniquely situated to recruit veteran, active duty and non-scholarship ROTC students through our proximity to, and established relationship with, the U.S. Army's Midwest Regional Network Enterprise Center at Fort Riley and the Kansas Air National Guard in Wichita; and first-generation college students from underserved rural areas and from Kansas' designated Opportunity Zones." Until recently, Bashar Ali Naim worked at a small store in Baghdad. He earned about $480 each week. Three months ago, health officials reported Iraqs first coronavirus cases. Ever since, the young father of two children, has been out of work. I am suffering a lot without workespecially when I look at the kids and wonder: How will I provide for them? he said. Naim is not alone. The United Nations labor agency reported this week that more than one in every six young workers worldwide have stopped working during the pandemic. It warned that long-term unemployment could create a lockdown generation if steps are not taken to ease the crisis. The International Labor Organization (ILO) looked at the effect of the pandemic on jobs. It says that work hours equal to about 305 million full-time jobs have been lost because of the health crisis. Many young workers face serious economic hardship in the future, it said. ILO Director-General Guy Ryder warned of the danger that young workers, those between the ages of 15 to 28, may face. They include an inability to get training or get accepted for positions that last far into their working careers. In a study, ILO and its partners found that nearly 17 percent of young workers were no longer working during the pandemic. Young people already had employment problems because of the after-effects of the 2008 economic crisis. There is a danger of long-term exclusion, Ryder noted. He added that the psychological damage caused by labor exclusion is well-documented. Naim said he and his family are living off savings but expect the money to run out in 6 to 7 months. I dont know what Ill do after that the future is a big unknown, he said. Im scared of the coming days. God forbid, if there is a health emergency with the family and I dont have enough money for it because I dont have a job, and the government is unable to help. ILO says governments can help with measures like increasing state support for unemployed workers. It also supports calls for more training as well as COVID-19 testing so workers can return to work safely. The Middle East is just one of the many areas struggling with COVID-19. But the disease is an issue worldwide. Sifiso Ditha is a student from Soweto township in South Africa. He worked part-time in construction jobs to pay for school, food, and other necessities. Because of COVID-19, he has lost that job. The construction sector was closed during the lockdown, so there was absolutely nothing, Ditha said. Even now, as the restrictions ease, many projects are either put on hold or they are not taking any more people, he added. Of those still working, 23 percent have seen their working hours reduced, the ILO said. We run the risk of creating a situationwhich will have lasting effects, Ryder told an online press conference. A lot of young people are simply going to be left behind in big numbers. Im Susan Shand. The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story pandemic - n. a contagious disease the crosses into many countries lockdown - n. the shutting down of society to fight a contagious disease exclusion - n. something that is left out psychological - adj. relating to the mind scare - v. to frighten forbid - v. to disallow construction - adj. the business of building sector - n. a specific area A limited number of pupils are expected to return to classes in August (Ian West/PA) Social distancing in schools could be almost unmanageable, a headmaster in Northern Ireland warned. A limited number of pupils are expected to return to classes in August. A rule that people stay two metres apart is intended to limit the spread of coronavirus. There is a growing sense in the community at large that young people are perhaps those with most to lose following this pandemic Stephen Black, Ballymena Academy headmaster Stephen Black, headmaster at Ballymena Academy in Co Antrim, said: Social distancing is going to be very difficult to achieve. It would nearly be unmanageable for schools if it is as strict as that. Much more of our delivery will be online than if those requirements were to be reduced. Mr Black is a committee member at the Association of School and College Leaders. He told Stormonts education committee that clear direction was needed by mid-June on issues surrounding reopening. Expand Close Schools could reopen to pupils preparing for exams in the third week of August, education minister Peter Weir has said (Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Schools could reopen to pupils preparing for exams in the third week of August, education minister Peter Weir has said (Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye/PA) They could accept pupils preparing for exams in the third week of August, education minister Peter Weir has said. Mr Black said as much clarity as possible was essential to enable principals to gauge how many young people can be safely allowed in. It is very clear to us that it will be impossible for all the normal content in all the normal subjects to be taught to all the populations in the normal way, given the amount of time that pupils have missed from school. He expressed concern that youngsters would feel anxious about the amount of material they had missed, and said harm was being caused by ongoing restrictions. There is a growing sense in the community at large that young people are perhaps those with most to lose following this pandemic. They could be the unwitting victims of this. He urged a cautious approach, while allowing pupils to return at the earliest possible point. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the tense situation on the Sino-Indian border in the wake of the military face-off with China in a warm and productive conversation with United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening. In another important move, the US President also expressed his desire to expand the G-7 grouping to include India and invited PM Modi to attend the next G-7 Summit to be held at Camp David in the US sometime in September or later this year. The invite was welcomed by PM Modi who praised President Trump for his creative and far-sighted approach. Other issues discussed during the phone call included the current civil unrest in the US following the death of an African-American man there as also the need for reforms in the World Health Organisation (WHO) amid the global coronavirus pandemic. The two leaders also exchanged views on other topical issues, such as ... the situation on the India-China border, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The discussion on the situation at the Sino-Indian border by PM Modi in a conversation with a top leader of a third country shows the seriousness with which it is being viewed both by close strategic friends India and the US. New Dehi said the exceptional warmth and candour of the conversation reflected the special nature of the Indo-US ties, as well as the friendship and mutual esteem between both leaders. PM Modi too tweeted, Had a warm and productive conversation with my friend President @realDonaldTrump. We discussed his plans for the US Presidency of G-7, the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other issues. The richness and depth of India-US consultations will remain an important pillar of the post-COVID global architecture. This follows a controversy last week when President Trump had claimed that an unhappy PM Modi had spoken to him about the same issue but as it turned out, no such conversation had taken place then. The MEA in its statement on Tuesday evening said that during the conversation, PM Modi also expressed concern regarding the ongoing civil disturbances in the US, and conveyed his best wishes for an early resolution of the situation. The US is currently experiencing severe unrest following the death of an African-American man there. The MEA also said President Trump while inviting PM Modi for the G-7 Summit had conveyed his desire to expand the ambit of the G-7 grouping beyond the existing membership, to include other important countries including India. New Delhi added, Prime Minister Modi commended President Trump for his creative and far-sighted approach, acknowledging the fact that such an expanded forum would be in keeping with the emerging realities of the post-COVID world. The Prime Minister said that India would be happy to work with the US and other countries to ensure the success of the proposed Summit. India is not a member of the G-7 grouping that comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, termed as seven of the "largest" advanced economies in the world. This time, apart from India, President Trump is also reportedly inviting leaders of Russia, South Korea and Australia to participate. New Delhi also said the two leaders also discussed the Coronavirus pandemic and the need for reforms in the World Health Organisation (WHO), just days after the US President announced termination of American funding to the WHO. The proportion of men and women amongst Covid-19 patients in India suggest men are more vulnerable to this pandemic than women, but a reality check suggests women are the bigger sufferer. True, the count suggests there are more men compared to women amongst Covid-19 patients, but the story of womens sufferings is beyond these numbers. The nature of sufferings women are facing is largely unheard, unseen and literally locked within four walls of the house. Data indicated a significantly high proportion of men in India (76 per cent) falling prey to Covid-19 as compared to women (24 per cent). This should not surprise anyone as men are more likely to be working outdoors, increasing their risk of contact with disease. Evidence from a survey conducted by Lokniti-CSDS (2019) indicated only about a quarter (24 per cent) of Indian women are gainfully employed, which is much less compared to men, and so they are less likely to be the primary carrier of the virus into the household. However, this pandemic has exposed and exploited gender inequality prevailing in society far more than normal times. The lockdown has proved to be extremely challenging for all women professional or homemakers with all family members present at home, demanding more care and attention compared to usual times, increasing their burden manifold. Traditional gender roles, which see women as caregivers and men as breadwinners, became more visible, pushing them further into domestication. Housewives had a challenging time, but even working women had a tough task with the new concept of work from home Working-women are facing substantial additional household duties, apart from the fear of job loss and wage cuts, increasing their vulnerability in both personal and public spaces. The descending economic graph is impacting everyone in the job market. However, women are more likely to face the wrench of loss of job and wage-cuts due to existing disparity at workplaces. According to the estimates from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, more than 122 million Indians have lost their jobs in the month of April. Of them, three-fourth being small traders and wage labourers. Women would be at the receiving end as large numbers of them are in poorly paid jobs of domestic helps, casual labourers and in small-scale industries devoid of job security and benefits. The Lokniti-CSDS survey (2017-18) also indicates that nearly two-thirds of women employed in unorganised or informal sectors belong to the lowest socio-economic classes. An economic slowdown consequential to such catastrophes leaves women employed in these sectors with additional wage cuts or no job. The vulnerability of women does not stop only by way of more work at home and fear of job loss. There is an additional element of domestic violence, which has also increased during lockdown. Data from the National Commission of Women indicated the number of cases of domestic violence having doubled compared to the pre-lockdown period forcing the Delhi high court to give directions to the Centre and the government of Delhi to hold top-level meetings to deliberate on measures to curb violence against women. The opening up of liquor shops after May 3 increased cases of domestic violence. Ghaziabad reported 291 cases of domestic violence between March 25 and May 5; the number increased to 342 cases between May 5 and May 15. There was a similar trend of increased reported cases of domestic violence in Noida. Other cities would have witnessed the same trend in reported cases of domestic violence. Despite helpline numbers being advertised extensively by the government, making it possible to complain via mediums like WhatsApp, the situation remains dismal. One reason that can be accorded to this is a lack of privacy for women within their households. With all the members present at home during the lockdown, amid the fear of being overheard by abusive partners, there would hardly be any suitable time to call and submit the complaint. Also, 70 per cent of Indians live in dwellings comprising fewer than two rooms, with more than half of them living in one-room dwellings. The internalisation of patriarchal norms and allowing men control or domination over women, however, remains the most common reason for women not being able to raise their voice or seek help even in case of dire need. The network of Asha and Anganwadi workers needs to be fortified, beefing up their pays and funding, and using them, first, to monitor vulnerable households; second, in providing women with necessary hygiene-and-health-related products; third, in identifying women facing domestic abuse and, finally, in providing much-needed support and counselling. Apart from this, support through the existing welfare-based schemes should be increased, identifying all the needs and requirements of women. The local governance system should be strengthened, as decentralisation serves as the most important key to understand problems and provide solutions at the grassroots level where they first emerge. In these testing times when vulnerable groups tend to suffer far more than the others, a gender perspective in the fight against the deadly virus should help us understand and analyze its short-term and long-term threats to the society at large, and better prepare us for the times ahead. WESTPORT The Aquarion Water Company announced it will begin site preparation for the North Avenue water tank project at 63 to 67 North Ave. on June 4. The project was approved in 2017 but sparked controversy when neighbors submitted an appeal to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) stating the construction could pose safety hazards. In December, the neighbors reached a settlement with Aquarion. For nearly two years, town staff and I have participated in numerous meetings, negotiations and discussions on how the proposed water tanks could be built with limited disruption to the neighborhood and its property values, First Selectman Jim Marpe said in a statement on Tuesday. The settlement agreement between the North Avenue neighbors and Aquarion is one that I endorsed to PURA. The water tank project includes construction of two 40-foot-tall water tanks, removal of an existing tank and extensive landscape restoration throughout the property. The project is expected to be completed in two years, the town said. I am confident that the controls put into place will allow for planned activity, minimal disruptions to the town and ample support to the neighbors, Marpe said. I would also like to thank the members of our state legislative delegation: Will Haskell, Tony Hwang, Gail Lavielle and Jonathan Steinberg, who were active in these negotiations. As part of the conditions of the settlement an ombudsman was appointed to act as a liaison between neighbors, town officials and Aquarion. The ombudsman will provide weekly updates to neighbors and meet with school and police personnel to insure minimal impact on North Avenue. Construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with some prearranged extensions required during the construction. There are no planned roadway closures for North Avenue. dj.simmons@hearstmediact.com Navy Signs Lease to Build Renewable Energy Solution in Norco Navy News Service Story Number: NNS200602-05 Release Date: 6/2/2020 8:36:00 AM From From Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) signed a lease, May 27, with developer Bright Canyon Energy (BCE) to construct and operate a 2.5-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic system with 2.5-MW battery storage capacity on approximately 8.3 acres of land at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach (NWSSB) Detachment Norco. The project will achieve a key milestone in the Navy's pursuit of a new resilient energy solution, which will supply clean, renewable energy to a key installation in Southern California and the local grid. Home to the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona, NWSSB Norco houses Naval Sea Systems Command testing and manufacturing equipment, which are vital to Department of the Navy (DoN) operations. Secure power at NWSSB Norco is critical to capture and analyze mission-related information and ensure that the equipment is not damaged. The project will fortify the installation against future power outages, which could cause equipment to malfunction and data loss greatly impacting their support to the Fleet. The solar power and battery storage system will provide backup in the event of an outage and will allow the site to continue operations unimpeded. The Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) permits BCE to sell the electricity generated to the local grid, with the Navy installation receiving backup power during an off-base grid outage. "This project will have very significant and long-lasting benefits, ensuring energy security for our Norco base and the NSWC Corona mission while supplying clean renewable energy to the surrounding community it is very rewarding to see it finally come to fruition," said Capt. Jason Sherman, NWSSB commanding officer. The solar power generated aligns with the state's goal to achieve 100% clean, zero-emission energy sources for the state's electrical needs by the year 2045. As in-kind consideration (IKC) for the EUL, BCE will provide NWSSB Norco with a new, autonomously controlled microgrid sized to provide full backup power to the installation for extended periods. BCE also will deliver voltage and frequency support during normal grid operations, as well as operation, maintenance and testing for the microgrid and the existing Navy-owned 1.25-MW backup diesel generator. "The EUL is an essential capability to realize electrical power resilience aboard the installation, a foundational requirement for providing Fleet readiness data analytics," said Capt. Khary Hembree-Bey, NSWC Corona commanding officer. "Leveraging third-party capital to improve the property with a commercially viable enterprise, while simultaneously providing electrical power resilience, is beneficial for both industry and the Department of Navy." The new generation and IKC will increase energy security, resilience, and reliability on the installation, the three key pillars of the DoN's Installation Energy Resilience Strategy, released in February. "The lease will deliver the Norco base critical infrastructure that will provide an autonomous, uninterrupted power supply during an outage, plus the ability to restore electric power operation without relying on the external grid to recover from a total or partial shutdown," said John Kliem, executive director of the DoN's recently-established Acquisition Modernization Office (AMO). "This is all at no additional cost to the installation. This is an amazing deal and is another example of how NAVFAC is creatively executing authorities to achieve mission-critical goals at the installation level while preserving Congressionally-appropriated funds for naval operations support." AMO, part of NAVFAC, works to leverage partnerships with the private sector and public entities to rapidly pursue non-traditional solutions to infrastructure, utility, and base operating support requirements. The Norco lease signing is the second in a series of EULs AMO and NAVFAC Southwest are working with the BCE team that started with a successfully completed project at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma. BCE's affiliate, Arizona Public Service Company, provided the Marine Corps' premiere aviation training base with backup power and automated switching, which has resulted in the mitigation of over 120 power disruptions, directly improving MCAS Yuma's mission readiness. NWSSB Norco expects commercial operation of the new solar and battery energy storage system by December 2023. NAVFAC Southwest personnel support our clients with services in planning, design, construction, real estate, environmental and public works support for U.S. Navy shore facilities, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and other federal agencies in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In all of these cases, individuals in institutions or networks took action autonomously, without answering to higher authority. Part of the digitally driven movement that elected Mr. Bolsonaro, they listen to his frequent dog-whistles or, in many instances, direct exhortations and then take matters in their own hands. Some of what they consume is available to public scrutiny, on open platforms like Twitter or YouTube. But some of it is shared only privately through WhatsApp. And it appears to come from high places: Content can often be traced back to the presidents inner circle or even to Mr. Bolsonaro himself. In February, he shared a particularly dramatic video urging his supporters to protest against Congress. That episode underlined something important: Mr. Bolsonaro relies on the countrys institutions to defy him. Without their defiance, he cant fire up his supporters. And the coronavirus crisis has supercharged his tendency toward antagonism. Seeing a situation from which no good could come, Mr. Bolsonaro seems to have decided the path to political safety lies in refusing responsibility for the pandemics toll and keeping his base in a state of frenzied anger. So he calls for protests, attends public barbecues and turns a blind eye as his followers openly harass journalists. For all his bombast, Mr. Bolsonaro doesnt want to be seen to be in charge. He prefers to tell an underdog story of a lone wolf fighting against the powerful establishment, relying on an energetic base of support to maintain his position. He is perhaps the worlds only strongman who likes to project an image of weakness, not strength. None of this is inconsistent with Mr. Bolsonaros own history. As a young soldier, he was accused of rebellion and almost kicked out of the Army. And he has often praised individuals who acted outside official chains of command. His biggest hero, by his own account, is someone who took that approach to an unspeakable extreme: Col. Carlos Alberto Brilhante Ustra, the only person ever held officially responsible for torture under the dictatorship. The hideous practice, though widespread in the 1960s and 70s, was not officially recognized by the generals that presided over the country. But Colonel Ustra pursued it vigorously. Mr. Bolsonaro, who never misses a chance to pay his respects to Colonel Ustra and his family, took note. His entire presidency is based on the premise that there are many Ustras hidden within powerful institutions and spread out across society, ready to turn his suggestions into practice. Many expect the world after the pandemic to follow one of two paths: either increased authoritarianism, with top-down control and centralized surveillance, or more distributed power, based on solidarity and serving local needs. But Mr. Bolsonaro proves that authoritarianism can exist even when power is dispersed. Kymab announces that the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board rejects a fifth request by Regeneron for invalidation of Kymab's US patents USPTO upholds a fifth Kymab patent covering Human Antibodies and Platforms Cambridge, UK, 3 June 2020: Kymab, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing fully human monoclonal antibody therapeutics, announces that Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc ("Regeneron") has been unsuccessful in its attempt to invalidate a fifth Kymab patent (US patent No. 10,165,763). The Kymab patent is part of a series (known as the "Bradley Patents") covering genetically modified mice with chimaeric human/mouse antibody genes used as platforms to produce human antibody therapeutics. Therapeutic antibodies produced using such mice are also covered. Equivalent patents have been granted by the European Patent Office and in other jurisdictions including Japan. Regeneron had filed oppositions against the Japanese Bradley patents, but the Japanese Bradley patents were upheld in unappealable decisions by the Japanese Patent Office. In September 2019, Regeneron filed requests1 at the US Patent Office's PTAB (Patent Trial & Appeal Board2) seeking Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings against 4 of the Bradley US patents. IPRs are trial proceedings conducted at the PTAB to review the patentability of one or more claims in a patent3. In January 2020, Regeneron filed a further request for the PTAB to instigate IPR proceedings on a 5th Kymab patent4. Regeneron relied on its own patent application (the "Murphy application", which is directed to mice containing "reverse chimeric" human/mouse antibody genes) as the main purported prior art reference and argued that Kymab's patented inventions should be found obvious in view of the Murphy application in combination with other prior art. In April 2020 the PTAB issued decisions rejecting all 4 initial petitions filed by Regeneron, holding that Regeneron's arguments concerning the prior art were substantially the same as those the Examiner had already considered and Kymab successfully overcame during examination of the patents. The PTAB noted that "Petitioner has not demonstrated that the Examiner materially erred in considering the prior art and arguments". Regeneron has not sought to request a re-hearing. This month, the PTAB issued a further decision rejecting Regeneron's request for an IPR on the 5th patent. These PTAB judgments follow an August 2019 decision from the Australian Patent Office (IP Australia) rejecting on all grounds an opposition by Regeneron against Kymab's patent AU2011266843. In this opposition, Regeneron relied upon its own earlier Murphy patent application (WO2002/066630) as an alleged prior art reference. IP Australia found, however, that the Murphy Application does not provide sufficient information to put the "reverse chimeric" concept into practice, and therefore does not provide an "enabling disclosure" as required for the purposes of assessing novelty or inventive step. Thus, IP Australia disregarded Regeneron's Murphy application, finding instead for Kymab on novelty and inventive step for chimeric antibody technology as detailed in AU2011266843. Regeneron appealed to the Australian Federal Court, but in May 2020 Regeneron agreed to discontinue its appeal and Kymab's Australian patent is now upheld. A US counterpart of the Murphy Application (US patent No. 8,502,018) has been litigated by third parties where the patent was found by the US District Court to be invalid for indefiniteness (that finding was upheld by the Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit, CAFC). The District Court also held that the claims of the Regeneron Murphy patent were unenforceable and the CAFC upheld this decision as well, adding that this outcome was "because of Regeneron's inequitable conduct during prosecution". The US Supreme Court denied a certiorari hearing to Regeneron in its appeal of the Federal Circuit's decision. Regeneron's US Murphy patent thus remains invalid and unenforceable. In litigation against Kymab in the United Kingdom based on the Murphy patents (EP (UK) patents 1360287 and 2264163), the High Court found that they were not enabled and could not be practised at their earliest filing date, although this decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal. Kymab appealed this decision on the test for enablement; this appeal was heard by the UK Supreme Court in February 2020 and a decision is pending. References: IPR2019-01577 (U.S. Patent No. 9,505,827); IPR2019-01578 (U.S. Patent No. 9,434,782); IPR2019-01579 (U.S. Patent No. 9,447,177) & IPR2019-01580 (U.S. Patent No. 10,064,398). The PTAB is an adjudicative body within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), consisting of statutory members and administrative patent judges. The statutory members include the Director of the USPTO, the Deputy Director of the USPTO and the Commissioner for Patents. In addition to the statutory members, the PTAB includes a number of administrative patent judges (APJs) who are appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce in consultation with the Director of the USPTO. Administrative patent judges are required by statute to be "persons of competent legal knowledge and scientific ability." Thus, every APJ must have a technical background, in addition to a law degree, and experience in the legal field. Many APJs also have had distinguished engineering or scientific careers in addition to their extensive legal experience. Inter Partes Review (IPR) is a trial proceeding conducted at the PTAB to review the patentability of one or more claims in a patent. The IPR process begins with a third party filing a petition setting out why an IPR should be instituted, including one or more arguments alleging the lack of novelty or obviousness of the claimed invention. An IPR may be instituted upon a showing, in the PTAB's judgment, that there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least one claim challenged. If the PTAB does not make such a finding that the petition would likely prevail in a full IPR proceeding, the PTAB may dismiss the petition and the IPR is not instituted. A party may request rehearing of the Board's decision. The request must specifically identify all matters the party believes the Board misapprehended or overlooked, and the place where each matter was addressed. From 2013 to date, year-on-year more IPRs have been instituted than denied (Ref: USPTO statistics). IPR2020-00389 (U.S. Patent No. 10,165,763). ##ENDS### NOTES TO EDITORS About Kymab Kymab is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a deep pipeline of novel antibody-based therapies in a broad range of indications. The Company generates its product candidates using its proprietary, integrated platforms collectively called IntelliSelect. Kymab's platforms have been designed to maximize the diversity of human antibodies produced in response to immunization with antigens. Selecting from a broad diversity of fully human antibodies allows for the identification of antibodies with optimal drug-like properties. For more information on Kymab please see http://www.kymab.com . Forward-looking statements This announcement includes forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, future events, performance and/or other information that is not historical information. All such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances after the date made, except as required by law. For further information contact: (Reuters) - British government ministers are aiming to replace coronavirus quarantine for people arriving at airports by the end of June, with so-called air bridges being considered as an option, the Telegraph newspaper reported. The policy of air bridges is meant to enable people from other countries who have achieved lower levels of coronavirus infection to come to Britain. The Department for Transport and the Home Office have been told to plan to allow for their introduction by the end of the month, according to the newspaper. Britain's quarantine for travellers arriving from abroad will be introduced from June 8, Interior Minister Priti Patel said in May. All international arrivals, including returning Britons, will have to self-isolate for 14 days and provide details of where they will be staying under the plans, which were criticised by airlines, business groups and politicians alike. British officials are working to strike deals with foreign countries to make them exempt, the Telegraph reported. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Grant McCool) 03.06.2020 LISTEN Indigeneous rights activists and standard committee members of the ASI Mr. Abu Karimu is calling on mining companies in the country to publish environmental impact assessment in indigenous people languages so that affected communities can make an informed decision on possible impacts on their environments and livelihoods. The culture of just meeting a fraction of the community members by project consultants frowned on the international rights of indigenous people to be informed in their own language. Don't just bring a Ph.D. holder in our community to speak big grammar and confuse them. It is also morally wrong to just paste a 600-page impact assessment on the notice board of companies and national dailies and think you have fulfil the sacred obligation of informing them. It must be done in their mother tongue. Mr Abu Karimu urged mining companies to set up community information centres in all mining communities for the purpose of informing communities about EIA. Frankly speaking the methodology and approaches currently been used is outdated and not fit for purpose for indigeneous communities in the country. Give us that information in our own language and let's us as communities jaw-jaw before making a definite decision on projects. Mr Karimu who is also chief executive officer for settle Ghana made the call at Yamfo community in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo region. He said the western and developed world style of engaging communities on environmental impact assessment must give way to a more practical and domesticated method. Indigeneous community leaders have often accuse mining companies and investors of hiding vital negative impacts of mining on their communities. Environmental assessment is the assessment of the environmental consequences of a plan, policy, program or actual project prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed action Environmental impact assessment now enjoys at least statutory in a number of third world countries(TWCs) including Ghana. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 16:16:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on June 21, 2019 shows a section of the Lancang River in Zadoi County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. Sanjiangyuan, a major natural reserve in northwestern China, saw rising vegetation coverage in 2019, according to the latest monitoring data. Sanjiangyuan, meaning the "source of three rivers," is home to the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers. The environmental quality remained stable in the area compared with the previous year, with grassland coverage reaching 77 percent, according to the report released by authorities of Qinghai Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Long) XINING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Sanjiangyuan, a major natural reserve in northwestern China, saw rising vegetation coverage in 2019, according to the latest monitoring data. Sanjiangyuan, meaning the "source of three rivers," is home to the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers. The environmental quality remained stable in the area compared with the previous year, with grassland coverage reaching 77 percent, according to the report released by authorities of Qinghai Province. The coverage of multiple types of forests, as well as the vegetation coverage and biomass in the wetlands, has also been on the rise, the report said. Beginning in 2005, China launched the country's biggest ecological project to protect and restore the environment in Sanjiangyuan. In 2016, China started piloting the Sanjiangyuan National Park. Enditem Gordon Ramsay posted an adorable video of his baby son Oscar on Wednesday as he teetered around in what resembled a mini-fisherman's outfit. The 13-month-old son of the TV chef, 53, was filmed as he waddled around in bright red dungarees, trying to get into the cage of the family's pet dog Truffles - who lay inside asleep. Gordon remarked that the tot looked like he was about to go onto the fishing show Dedliest Catch, as he followed him around trying to get him to put his wellies on. Cheeky! Gordon Ramsay posted an adorable video of his baby son Oscar on Wednesday Gordon was left highly amused by the little boy as he played with him in the living room of the Cornwall home he is currently in lockdown in with the rest of his brood. He captioned the video: 'All dressed up with nowhere to fish!' Proud dad Gordon beamed as he posed with Oscar on the back of a motorbike in Daymer Bay in a separate snap over the weekend. Cute: Oscar teetered around in what resembled a mini-fisherman's outfit Sweet: The 13-month-old son of the TV chef, 53, was filmed as he waddled around in bright red dungarees Let me in! Oscar was trying to get into the cage of the family's pet dog Truffles Having none of it! The pooch was trying to lie inside asleep He donned a pair of cargo shorts and a black T-shirt as he hunched over and held his lookalike son in position. Gordon uploaded the photo and thanked fellow chef Paul Ainsworth for temporarily lending the pair his bike for the photoshoot. The caption read: 'Biker Boy thanks for the ride @paulainsw6rth @oscarjramsay.' Father and son: Gordon was left highly amused by the little boy as he followed him around trying to get him to put his wellies on Home sweet home: He played with him in the living room of the Cornwall home he is currently in lockdown in with the rest of his brood It comes after reports that some of the workers made redundant by Ramsay amid the coronavirus crisis are being paid via the furlough scheme that is estimated to cost the government around 80 billion of taxpayers' money. An email seen by the Sun On Sunday from Gordon Ramsay Restaurants' HR Director Sarah Anderson to a London-based worker read: 'Should you not wish to apply for a new role, you will remain on the furlough scheme for the duration of your notice.' A source told The Sun: 'The furlough scheme is called the job retention scheme - but that is not what he seems to be using it for. They are sacking people anyway.' Adorable: Gordon beamed as he posed with 13-month-old Oscar on the back of a motorbike in Daymer Bay, Cornwall over the weekend Awkward: It comes after reports that some of the workers made redundant by Ramsay amid the coronavirus crisis are being paid via the furlough scheme The same source went on to claim senior members of staff in Ramsay's restaurants were being offered lower-paid jobs, including telling a supervisor to become a bartender. Ramsay, who is thought to be worth close to 200million, has restaurants across London, including in Mayfair and The Strand. Alec Shelbrooke said there were questions over whether Mr Ramsay had exploited taxpayers, adding: 'It will have to be carefully looked at whether the scheme was used to increase the profits of the company.' The lockdown led Ramsay to lay off 500 employees in March, with no guarantee their jobs would be safe in the future. Sunny stroll: Ramsay has grabbed headlines throughout the lockdown after he had his wrist slapped for flouting lockdown rules as he continued to relish his time out of London Chefs, waiters and other staff were called to a meeting and told their contracts were being terminated - rather than being furloughed on 80 per cent pay. It triggered a wave of anger, including from chef Anca Torpuc who at the time branded the celebrity chef a 'piece of 's***' for his decision. Ramsay has grabbed headlines throughout the lockdown after he had his wrist slapped for flouting lockdown rules. The coastguard reportedly issued the father-of-five with an official warning after he was seen in Rock, Fowey, Port Isaac and Newquay some distance from his lavish home. MailOnline has approached Gordon Ramsay Restaurants for comment. Chris Biagini would much rather be at work with his daughters Sam and Alex, clipping and styling hair in his small, east-end salon. Instead, the long-time stylist has been spending most of the past few weeks either idling at home or going mountain biking to relieve the boredom during the COVID-19 shutdown. I had to do something or Id be going crazy, said the owner of Studio CPB, open since 1985. Last week, that boredom turned to frustration and a bit of anger when the provincial government announced it was loosening COVID-19 restrictions on non-emergency medical services, including massage therapy. Non-medical services arent expected to reopen until Stage 3 of the governments reopening plan. I dont know how they justify it, Biagini said of the governments decision. Im standing behind you, wearing a mask. Massage therapists? Theyre getting right in there with their hands on your body. Theyre a lot closer than six feet, Biagini added. Still, Biagini admitted, hes in a better situation than some small businesses his landlord has applied for the federal governments CECRA rent credit, which means hell only have to pay 25 per cent of his rent while hes closed. Ryan Mallough, Ontario regional director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said hes been taking plenty of calls from members who are in the styling business. Theyre frustrated. They see other businesses opening up and say, We can do that, too. We can wear masks. We can be careful. So why not us? Mallough said. A spokesperson for Ontarios finance minister stressed that non-emergency medical services would only be allowed to open if their regulatory body provided strict, detailed guidelines on how to keep staff and patients safe from COVID-19. Its important to note that this does not mean that all health services will be available. ... Rather, health regulatory colleges are now in the process of developing guidance to ensure high-quality and safe clinical care that must be met before services can resume, said Emily Hogeveen. Two days after the provinces May 27 announcement that it was allowing some health-care providers to reopen, the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario issued guidelines for its members. Among the rules? Strict sanitization of therapy rooms, wearing masks and prioritizing people with greater medical need. The Registered Massage Therapists Association of Ontario said it has reached out to the federal and provincial governments to help find a way to ensure its members have access to personal protective equipment. Theyre also trying to make sure its affordable, said spokesperson Laura Fixman. We are working closely with various suppliers to eventually provide discounts and access to PPE for our members, Fixman said. Walter Cheung, who owns two Hand & Stone massage therapy clinics one on Danforth Ave. and the other on Lawrence Ave. E. said hes been busy preparing for reopening on Saturday. I was pretty well prepared. I bought PPE before the announcement, so all our therapists will be wearing masks. Weve got medical-grade disinfectants. Well be completely sanitizing the room after each client. We want to make it as safe as possible for our clients and our therapists, said Cheung, adding that only about half of his RMTs are returning to work immediately. Some of them are waiting to see what the environment is like, which is totally understandable. Well probably have a lot more coming back in July and August, said Cheung. He estimates the staff shortage means hell probably only be bringing in about 40 per cent of the revenue he made in June last year, despite plenty of interest from clients. We started taking bookings Tuesday, and our phone and email have been going non-stop. Theres a huge demand, Cheung said. Biagini said he, too, has been inundated with calls from now-shaggy clients. Theyre pre-booking appointments for whenever hair salons are allowed to open. Ive got a waiting list of 150 people, but Ill probably only be able to do about 30 a week once were allowed to open up again, because we wouldnt be able to socially distance properly if both of my daughters are in here with me. Im probably going to have to raise my rates a bit to make up for it, said Biagini. Some callers have even begged Biagini for a black market haircut. Ive had people calling up and offering me a hundred bucks for a trim. Its just not worth it, Biagini said. Still, while almost all stylists would rather be open right now, some understand the provinces approach, at least in principle. This is a haircut. This isnt medical, said Hiro Hayashi, owner of Yorkvilles Salon Bespoke. Hayashi said hes been able to take out a Canadian Emergency Business Account $40,000 loan, which has helped bridge the financial gap while hes shut down. His landlord has also only been charging him the TMI portion of his rent (taxes, maintenance and insurance). Ive been lucky with the landlord. They understand what were going through, so right now theyre only making us pay TMI. Well have to pay the rent, too, when this is all over, said Hayashi. Being without revenue since mid-March has been tough, Hayashi admitted. But whenever he gets frustrated, he thinks of his mother. Im frustrated, but I understand. Health has to come first. My mothers in Japan on dialysis, so shes in a high-risk category for COVID. So I think of her, and I understand why we have to do this. GUANGZHOU, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The southern Chinese city of Guangzhou will host an international expo featuring anti-epidemic supplies on June 10, the municipal government said on Tuesday. The expo has attracted more than 400 enterprises, as well as 65 consulates and 30 foreign commerce groups based in Guangzhou, said Yang Yong, director of the Guangzhou branch of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. So far, more than 5,000 visitors, most of them potential buyers, have signed up for the event, the first off-line exhibition to be hosted in Guangzhou since the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic. The expo will set up 850 booths in four exhibition halls, with a total exhibition area of about 36,000 square meters. Organizers will assist foreign buyers with customs clearance and delivery of anti-epidemic supplies, taking advantage of an international distribution center located in Guangzhou's Nansha free-trade zone. The expo will also feature live streaming events in which participants of the expo will share their experiences of fighting the epidemic. Top technology leader from the San Francisco Bay Area will lead ContractPodAi's continued endeavors to build the dominant technology platform for the legal contract lifecycle management (CLM) industry ContractPodAi, the award-winning provider of AI-powered contract lifecycle management solutions, today announced the appointment of Anurag Malik as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Malik brings over 20 years of experience scaling products and building technology teams for both start-ups and multi-billion corporations across a wide range of industries. As the new CTO, Malik will focus on building the next generation of an AI driven dominant technology platform in the contract management space. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005539/en/ Anurag Malik (Photo: Business Wire) "I am thrilled to welcome Anurag to the ContractPodAi team; his technology prowess, strategic vision and innovative thinking will help drive ContractPodAi's momentum as we continue to expand our efforts globally," said Sarvarth Misra, co-founder and CEO, ContractPodAi. "What stood out for us was Anurag's shared passion for customer outcomes. As pioneers of legal AI, this strategic hire reaffirms our vision to lead the digital transformation of the legal tech industry." In 2019, ContractPodAi secured a $55 million Series B investment round led by Insight Partners with participation from the company's Series A backer, Eagle Proprietary Investments. This $55 million investment represents Europe's largest legal tech Series B fundraise and the largest Series B round for any CLM provider globally. Malik's appointment as CTO demonstrates ContractPodAi's intention to continue to invest in and dominate the contract lifecycle management market. "I've long held an interest in the legal tech industry and I am excited to join a company that is well positioned to take AI powered contract management to the next level," said Malik. "I look forward to being part of an innovative company that doesn't simply replicate what already exists but strives to truly break traditional barriers and improve the legal world." Prior to joining ContractPodAi, Malik was most recently the Chief Information Officer of Zovio Inc. as well as the CEO of the online learning platform, Learn@Forbes. Malik holds an MBA with a major in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology. To learn more about how ContractPodAi is using artificial intelligence to power the contract lifecycle management process globally, visit ContractPodAi.com. About ContractPod Technologies (ContractPodAi) A pioneer in the legal transformation space, ContractPodAi is now one of the world's fastest growing legal tech companies. Customers include some of the world's largest and highly regarded corporations. ContractPodAi is an award-winning easy to use, intuitive and affordable end-to-end contract lifecycle management solution aimed at corporate legal departments. It enables users to assemble, automate, approve, digitally sign and manage all their contracts and documents from one place. Our platform is built in partnership with some of the most trusted technologies in the industry including IBM Watson AI, Microsoft Azure, DocuSign and Salesforce. ContractPodAi is headquartered in London and has global offices in San Francisco, New York, Glasgow, Mumbai and Toronto. More information is available at ContractPodAi.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005539/en/ Contacts: Media: Patricia MacLean Director, Global Communications patricia.maclean@contractpodai.com +1 (416) 414-7755 Sara Zammit Communications Specialist sara.zammit@contractpodai.com +1 (647)-405-3197 OTTAWA - Deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland suggested Wednesday that COVID-19 will keep her away from anti-racism marches planned across Canada in coming days. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Chrystia Freeland. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - Deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland suggested Wednesday that COVID-19 will keep her away from anti-racism marches planned across Canada in coming days. Freeland called peaceful protests a valuable and important form of political expression, but with large gatherings still restricted in Canada to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, they must be approached with caution. "The coronavirus issue is a really serious one to think about in that context," she said. "As a mother, I have been struggling very hard to say to my children that they can't see their friends, and they can't be in groups, so setting an example on that front is also an important one for me." Freeland's comments came amid calls from opposition politicians and community groups for the Liberal government to move from words to actions in its efforts to address racism in Canada in response to protests over the issue escalate in the U.S. Tensions have run high in several U.S. cities for days after George Floyd, a black man, died in police custody on May 25. A police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes, even as Floyd said he couldn't breathe. The marches in the U.S. have been both peaceful and destructive, sometimes spurred on by aggressive policing, and have resulted in other deaths as well as widespread property damage. U.S. President Donald Trump has lashed out at the protesters, calling them thugs and anarchists. He has suggested the military be used to quash them and has appeared to advocate violence against protesters. This week, tear gas was used on protesters who were blocking Trump's path to a photo-op outside the White House. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh responds to question from the media during a news conference Wednesday June 3, 2020 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld The prime minister fell silent for several moments Tuesday when a reporter asked for his views on the crisis. He eventually said Canadians were watching in horror what was going on in the U.S., but did not mention Trump directly. He then pivoted to acknowledging more must be done in Canada to address racism. Trudeau's silence was deafening, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said Wednesday. "The prime minister of Canada has to call out the hatred and racism happening just south of the border and if the prime minister can't do that how can everyday people be expected to stand up?" Singh said. "The prime minister should lead by example." For her part, Freeland said Trudeau's response was excellent and eloquent. Trudeau has long ducked questions calling on him to respond to statements by the U.S. president, repeating as he did Tuesday that Canadians expect their government to focus on them. But Singh said that's not acceptable. He called Trump's actions reprehensible, accusing the president of inflaming hatred and divisions, fuelling racism and putting people's lives at risk. "There are times when we have to be strategic and there are times when we have to stand up for what's right," he said. "And this is one of those times you have to stand up for what's right." Singh called on Trudeau to put actions behind his focus on Canadians. The Liberals could find a path through legislation to end racially motivated policing tactics and address the overrepresentation of visible minorities and Indigenous Peoples in prisons, he said. They could also move faster to sew up holes in the country's social safety nets that create the inequalities that lead to racism. "Those are just some of the things the government can do immediately that would go beyond the pretty words of a prime minister who says that he cares," Singh said. 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. In a separate appearance, the Green party's Elizabeth May said while it is true that Trudeau's "pretty words" were not the same as action, they are the epitome of what is making Canada different from the United States at this time. "Pretty words are so much better than vile language so bad that Twitter decides to put a warning that it incites violence, that Facebook employees quit because Mark (Zuckerberg) won't take down comments that are incendiary and those comments are from the president of the United States," she said. May said Trump has made everything going on in his country worse and that Canada must stop pretending the United States offers a safe place of refuge for minorities. She repeated the Greens' long-held stance that Canada must suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States. The deal sees both countries reject most asylum claims lodged at the land border on the grounds that both countries are safe, and so asylum seekers must seek refuge where they first arrive. "It is clear that if you're Muslim, if you're black, if you're Latina, if you're Indigenous, the United States is not a safe country," May said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2020. - Kenya Power boss Ngugi confirmed three employees at Mombasa branch tested positive on June 2 - The managing director asked all the employees based on the first floor of Electricity House to be tested before going home - The Health Ministry confirmed eight of 72 new cases were reported from Mombasa county on June 2 At least three employees of Kenya Power based in Mombasa have tested positive for coronavirus. The lighting company confirmed in a statement on Tuesday, June 2, stating the three were put in isolation where they continued to receive treatment for the deadly virus. READ ALSO: ODM Secretary General pokes fun at Tanga Tanga MPs, says they're cowards Kenya Power staff connecting electricity at unknown site. The company confirmed three employees in Mombasa tested positive for coronavirus. Photo: The Star. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Foul future: Scientists say bird flu could wipe out half of humanity The managing director Bernard Ngugi asked all employees based on the first floor of Electricity House to be tested after which he directed them to stay at home for seven days. Employees working on the 1st floor of the building and the banking hall have been requested to stay at home for a period of one week awaiting test results and health check clearance before resuming duty, he said. READ ALSO: Interior PS Karanja Kibicho hints Uhuru could announce re-opening of economy measures on Saturday READ ALSO: COVID-19: Panic in Uganda after Tanzanian national who tested positive escapes from isolation On June 2, Health Chief Administrative Secretary Rashid Aman announced Kenya had registered 72 more cases in the country. This raised Kenya's COVID-19 count to 2,093 from 2,021 recorded on Monday, June 1. Of the new infections, Nairobi had 39 followed by Busia (13), Mombasa (eight), Migori (three), Garissa (two), Kiambu (two), Kajiado (four) and Kisumu (one). Aman further confirmed the Mombasa cases were reported from Mvita, Nyali, Changamwe, Likoni and Kisauni. 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. Why I beat my own mother- Lucy Nyawira | Tuko Talks | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke Photo: CTV News Vancouvers Nordstrom location has been temporarily closed and boarded up in response to protests over police brutality across North America. The U.S. company says it has taken the step out of an abundance of caution after several of its stores have been looted, particularly in Seattle and Los Angeles, reports CTV News. A rally is planned for Vancouver on Friday, but Nordstrom's move was not made in response to any specific threat within the city. "We're paying close attention to potential gatherings that may take place in cities across Canada and the U.S. this week," Nordstrom Canada said in an email to CTV News. "To help keep our employees and customers safe, we are adjusting hours and temporarily closing stores in some locations. Out of an abundance of caution, some of our storefronts are being boarded." with files from CTV Vancouver Fourteen-year-old daughter of daily wage worker in Kerala found dead near her home on the first day of new school term. Students have protested in southern India after the suicide of a teenage girl who was unable to attend online classes because she did not have access to the internet or television. Schools have been shut across India since the country locked down its 1.3 billion people on March 25 to curb the spread of the coronavirus, leaving millions of children whose families cannot afford expensive devices with no access to education. Among them was Devika Balakrishnan, the 14-year-old daughter of a daily wage labourer in the southern state of Kerala who was found dead near the family home on Monday, the first day of the new school term, having apparently taken her own life. Indian media reports said the teenager went missing from her house on Monday afternoon. Her burned body was later recovered from a deserted spot near her house. An empty bottle of kerosene was found near her body. There is a television at home, but that has not been working. She told me it needed to be repaired, but I couldnt get it done. I couldnt afford a smartphone either, said the girls father, who belongs to the underprivileged Dalit community (formerly referred to as untouchables), according to media reports. I dont know why she did this. I said we could look at options, like going to a friends house. The young girls mother had given birth a few weeks ago, and the family was suffering financially, said a report by the NDTV network. Suicide sparks protests Student activists in Kerala took to the streets to protest her death, which has highlighted the inequalities of the lockdown, with pupils in poor, rural areas far less likely to be able to learn online. The government action has put the poor students under stress and pressure, said Abhijith KM, who heads the Kerala Students Union and was among the protesters. It should enable the poor students to obtain computers at interest-free loans to avoid similar cases in future, he told the Reuters news agency by phone from Kozhikode district. He said the group had organised protests in all Kerala districts, but limited the number of protesters to 50 in each area so they could follow social distancing rules. Police said they used batons to disperse protesters in northern Malappuram district, where the victim was from. One officer was injured when about 28 students tried to enter the district education office, Malappuram superintendent of police Abdul Kareem said. India has begun easing its coronavirus lockdown, which was among the strictest in the world and left millions without work. But schools have not yet reopened, and Kerala began its academic year on Monday with classes broadcast on television and online for more than four million students. The protesters accused the government of not checking whether all students had the means to attend them. Keralas education minister expressed grief over the teenagers death and ordered an investigation. He said remote classes were being conducted on a trial basis and that students who missed them would be given opportunities to attend again. Kerala is one of Indias wealthier states and more than half its inhabitants have access to the internet, according to a 2018 report by the Internet And Mobile Association of India. It also has among the highest rates of internet use by women, the same report said. Inside Hook In a recent article at Vox, Terry Nguyen explored the contradictory narratives surrounding the protests taking place in American cities large and small. People who take to the streets might not all share the same beliefs: Some protesters are looting out of the same anger that drives the protests, and other looters are not protesters at all, she wrote. One thing that has struck some observers of the last few days is the degree to which unrest has included affluent neighborhoods. Writing in The New York Times, Emily Badger notes that this is a significant departure from the unrest of 1968, to which its often compared: 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. China warned Britain on Wednesday that interfering in Hong Kong will backfire, after the former colonial power vowed to give sanctuary to locals who may flee the city if a controversial security law is passed. The United States and Britain have enraged Beijing with their criticism of planned national security legislation that critics fear would destroy the semi-autonomous city's limited freedoms. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has further angered Beijing by suggesting that it had time to "reconsider" the plan, which could soon be enacted after the proposal was endorsed by China's rubber-stamp parliament last week. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, meanwhile, said London would not "walk away" from Hong Kongers worried by Beijing's control over the international business hub. Johnson wrote in a column for The Times newspaper and the South China Morning Post that he would offer millions of Hong Kongers visas and a possible route to UK citizenship if China persists with its national security law. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Beijing had lodged "serious representations" with London over Raab's remarks, which "grossly interfered" in Hong Kong's affairs. "We advise the UK to step back from the brink, abandon their Cold War mentality and colonial mindset, and recognise and respect the fact that Hong Kong has returned" to China, Zhao said at a regular briefing. Zhao said London must "immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs, or this will definitely backfire." Hong Kong has been rocked by months of huge and often violent pro-democracy protests over the past year. In response Beijing has announced plans to introduce a sweeping national security law covering secession, subversion of state power, terrorism and foreign interference. China says the law -- which will bypass Hong Kong's legislature -- is needed to tackle "terrorism" and "separatism" in a restless city it now regards as a direct national security threat. But opponents, including many Western nations, fear it will bring mainland-style political oppression to a business hub that was supposedly guaranteed freedoms and autonomy for 50 years after its 1997 handover to China from Britain. In parliament on Tuesday, Raab said he had reached out to Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada about contingency plans if the law creates a deluge of Hong Kongers looking to leave. "I raised it on the Five Eyes call yesterday -- the possibility of burden sharing if we see a mass exodus from Hong Kong," Raab told lawmakers, referencing the intelligence-sharing alliance between the five powers. - 'Path to citizenship' - In his column, Johnson wrote that if China proceeds to justify the "fears" of Hong Kongers, "then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away; instead we will honour our obligations and provide an alternative." About 350,000 people in Hong Kong currently hold British National (Overseas) passports, which allow visa-free access to Britain for up to six months. Another 2.5 million people would be eligible to apply for one. Johnson said Britain could allow BN(O) holders to come for a renewable period of 12 months "and be given further immigration rights, including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship". Britain says it views the proposed law as a breach of the 1984 agreement with Beijing ahead of the handover guaranteeing Hong Kong's freedoms and a level of autonomy -- a deal that formed the bedrock of its rise as a world class finance centre. But Zhao said the Sino-British agreement "does not contain a single word or clause that gives the UK any responsibility for Hong Kong after its handover". Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam brushed aside international concerns while in Beijing for a meeting with top Chinese officials to discuss the proposed law. "The international community and some foreign governments have been adopting blatant double standards... in commenting on this matter," said Lam. "It is within the legitimate jurisdiction of any country to enact laws to protect and safeguard national security. The US is no exception, the UK is no exception." Lam added that experts and representatives from various sectors of Hong Kong society would be invited to discuss their views in central government-organised seminars on the mainland. Political tensions are rising in Hong Kong once more. The city's pro-Beijing weighted legislature is expected to pass on Thursday legislation that would criminalise insults to China's national anthem. The vote would fall on a day when Hong Kongers will also mark the anniversary of Beijing's 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, despite city authorities banning the traditional annual vigil because of the coronavirus. burs-lxc/lth/rbu While anyone is allowed to access public waters, one might be surprised to learn the land below that surface may be privately owned by someone. And what happens when an area that was once a river becomes a lake through the process of damming, and then that lake becomes a river again after the dam is removed? Thats when the bottomlands are exposed. Mark Breederland, of Michigan Sea Grant Extension and the Northwest Michigan Grand Traverse MSU Extension, said if a dam is removed, the bottomlands are anywhere that was formerly under water. The pond (or lake) is there and its up to your house or whatever and you can see if it drops to the natural riverbed and where it would be, he said. The river has a natural historic channel and thats where its been reconstructed here through time. The bottomlands are all the lands from where the new rivers edge (is) back to where it would have been underneath the edge of the former pond (or lake). Breederland explained Michigan has riparian laws for inland lakes that usually means triangle-shaped pieces of land under the water belong to the person with bottom land ownership. You take Bear Lake, or you name it, and there are these invisible (pieces) underneath the water lines. There are these triangle-shaped pieces that all kind of go to the middle and then it would start there. So, if you owned 100 feet of land on Bear Lake, you probably owned another 100 feet out into Bear Lake or whatever to the midpoint. The riparian rights tend to give allowance for things like docks and anchoring boats for extended periods. But the answer to who owns the bottomlands really depends on a host of factors such as property transfers through time shown in the title history. It matters if youre a homeowner because do you own that land, or not? he said. Michigan riparian law on inland lakes is such that you actually own the bottom of the land underneath the water. The water is public, the fish are public, theyre all part of the public trust. The riparian land rights and bottomlands also depend on where the natural body of water is located, as opposed to an artificial waterbody. According to the nonprofit Michigan Lakes and Streams Association that addresses topics like preservation and waterfront legal issues, two cases in the states Court of Appeals in the last 10 years have shown that artificial lakes in Michigan do not have riparian rights. Breederland said one method used to determine where a natural riverbed was, is to use rods to determine where the rivers natural riverbed existed in the past. Theyd use 20-foot long rods that they push them through all that silt and they (notice) they are hitting the hard, were hitting the ball-sized boulders and different things, he said, adding that in some cases Theyve moved some places back to the historic beds. Breederland said factors like the bottomlands historical title transfers can also come up when dealing with oil wells and mineral rights royalties in an example he gave from Kalkaska County where people wanted expanded oil and gas royalties but that depended on what bottomlands property they technically owned. The question was, once the lake went away for some of these (people), did they have that (bottomlands ownership and mineral rights) or not? Breederland said. In the case of impounded areas on dammed rivers, one of the draws is access to waterfront property. Lakefront property has been a value to people who desire a parcel. Thats certainly whats happened in those other lakes over in Gladwin (and Midland counties) that have now been taken out, so their property value has diminished, he said. On the Boardman (River), we had one big impoundment, Boardman Pond. One subdivision of houses probably 20-some houses in there, their issues obviously were (that they didnt) want the pond to go away (with a dam removal) and they wanted to know who owned the bottomlands. In that case, he said there was a public process involved in discovering who owned those lands at the ponds bed area as the county had a note showing it owned the bottomlands but the pond residents wanted another opinion. We actually said you guys take $25,000 of public money and hire your own attorney to determine who owns the bottomlands, he explained. So, they got a separate, independent attorney firm out of Grand Rapids and they determined that the county owns the bottomlands. But while individuals can own the bottom lands in Michigans inland lakes and ponds, thats not the case for the Great lakes. On the flipside, the Great Lakes bottomlands are mostly owned by the state and held in a public trust. Its totally different on the Great Lakes, Breederland said. The Great Lakes bottomlands are owned by the state of Michigan. Now, when you go up to Sleeping Bear Dunes, the (state) deeded the bottomlands on the Sleeping Bear Dunes 35 miles of shoreline to the federal government they own a quarter mile off of the edge of the water basically. Darvin Furniture & Mattress in Orland Park, a regional destination retailer that ranks Northwest Indiana as a primary market, has launched a new community hero program to honor nurses, EMTs and others risking their lives during the coronavirus public health crisis. The furniture store plans to recognize first responders and front-line workers in the fight against coronavirus on its website and social media pages. Unprecedented times require unprecedented responses, Darvin President Will Harris said. The jobs these community heroes do for all of us is very hard on them and their families. Nominating one of them is easy to do and my hope is that the full impact of recognizing so many will in some small way let them know how much we appreciate what they sacrifice. Anyone can nominate anyone "they feel is a hero during these challenging times." The public can vote online for a favorite hero, who are selected weekly. Winners get a Darvin Furniture gift card and get entered into a grand prize drawing. Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec), a subsidiary of ADQ, has vowed to develop solutions that meet its partners and clients needs, and offer fresh ideas to face the challenges posed by the Covid-19 sisitation. Celebrated Global Exhibitions Day, Adnec highlighted the importance of the business tourism sector for the national economy. This year, organisations are globally participating in the day in a series of interactive online campaigns and activities. The day highlights the importance of business tourism as a pivotal driver of economic activity, increasing national income, and contributing to achieving sustainable economic development. Through its exhibition centres of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and the Al Ain Convention Centre in the UAE, and the ExCeL London Centre in the capital of the United Kingdom, Adnec supports the development of the global exhibitions industry. In addition, the company seeks to support the development march of the UAE in a variety of sectors. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Adnec and its subsidiaries, said: "Adnec is celebrating Global Exhibitions Day, which has been organised by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. We do so as Adnec robustly supports this dynamic sector as a driver of economic and social development. Adnec has succeeded in setting new standards of excellence and fulfilling its role as a driver of economic growth as we help further the goals of Abu Dhabi Plan, the economic vision of the capital for 2030, through hosting and organising a range of specialised international events. In spite of the challenges which the exhibitions sector is facing at the moment, Adnec will endeavour to develop solutions that meet our partners and clients needs, and also offer fresh ideas that will motivate them to participate and promote their business in more innovative ways, as we look to the resumption of exhibitions in the near future, he said. Adnec continues to focus on its role in contributing to national economic growth, alongside recognising its role in promoting the leading position in the business tourism sector at a local, regional, and international level. Through providing an integrated portfolio of world-class facilities and services, the company seeks to offer efficient and flexible offerings to all events hosted at its centres, to guarantee their success. - TradeArabia News Service Flash The U.S. visa restriction on Chinese students and researchers severely undermined their legitimate rights and interests, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday. The U.S. side's latest action under an abused concept of national security and flimsy excuses "runs counter to the common aspiration for friendly people-to-people, especially youth-to-youth exchange," as Chinese students and researchers have been an important bond of friendship and bridge for scientific and educational exchange between Chinese and American people, Zhao said. He made the remarks at a press briefing in response to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's statement on Monday, in which he said the U.S. side would not tolerate China's attempts to illegally acquire technology and intellectual property from U.S. academic institutions and research facilities for Chinese military ends. "Mr. Pompeo is used to weaving lies as excuses for his wrongdoing, and his statement on this issue is no exception," Zhao said. "Taking a backward step like this will only bring harm to oneself and others," he said. Police prepare to fire non-lethal projectiles just after curfew in Grand Rapids: AP Police in Grand Rapids, Michigan have opened an internal investigation after a viral video showed officers attacking a man with mace and tear gas at a protest against police violence. Footage of the incident, which has been viewed nearly 5 million times on Twitter alone, shows the man walking towards a line of police with both his hands apparently empty. An officer wearing riot gear approaches him calmly, then sprays him with mace; after he recoils, another officer fires a canister of tear gas into his face. The video, which was shot at a protest at the weekend, emerged along with widely-shared footage from Seattle showing police unleashing tear gas and flash-bang grenades on non-violent crowds, including after one group of people chanted dont shoot. Grand Rapids and Seattle have both seen days of protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a Minneapolis man who was killed by a white police officer kneeling on his neck for several minutes even as he repeatedly told him I cant breathe. Reacting to the video from Grand Rapids, local journalist Steve Bohner wrote that the rioters arent the only ones who might need to be policed. And that is obvious in a video that depicts a GRPD officer firing a tear gas canister into a protesters head at a range in which the shot could have been lethal. The sight of police and national guardsmen on the streets in full riot gear with military-grade equipment has helped rile up protesters who have already taken to the streets to protest police brutality, and curfews have now been imposed in various cities to try and bring down the scale and the intensity of the demonstrations. Other incidents under investigation include the use of low-flying helicopters to disperse protesters in Washington, DC, where more than 3,000 national guard troops have now been deployed. Tata Motors share was trading higher today despite Fitch lowering the ratings of Indian auto firm from B from BB-. Share price of Tata Motors has gained 13% in two sessions after the firm said on June 2 it has resumed operations across all its manufacturing plants in the country. It closed 7.81% higher on June 2. The stock closed at Rs 89.55 on June 1. Tata Motors share gained 5.13% to Rs 101.45 compared to the previous close of Rs 96.50 on BSE. Market cap of the firm rose to Rs 36,316 crore in today's trade. The auto firm share hit a 52 week high of Rs 201.80 on January 15 ,2020 and 52 week low of Rs 63.60 on March 24 this year. "Technically, Tata Motors looks overbought and a correction till 96 could be possible. Short-term traders should start booking profits at these levels. However, if daily candle closes above 101 , 109 could be achieved in the next few sessions," said Abhijeet Ramachandran, Independent Analyst/ Co-Founder and trainer at Tips2trade. Tata Motors stock opened with a gain of 3.63% at Rs 100 today. The stock has risen 20.42% in the last 7 days. The large cap share trades higher than 5 day, 20 day and 50 day moving averages but lower than 100 day and 200 day moving averages. Aamar Deo Singh, Head Advisory at Angel Broking said,"Tata Motors has gained over 15% this week itself after the company announced that it has resumed operations across all its manufacturing plants in the country. Earlier, Fitch had downgraded its ratings, but that does not seem to have any negative impact on the stock so far." The stock has entered triple digits after 2.5 months. On March 11 this year, Tata Motors share hit a 11-year low in a weak market on concerns over sluggish Jaguar Land Rover sales in China and lower volumes at home. Growing fears of coronavirus across the globe also dampened sentiment around the stock. Share price of Tata Motors closed 6.43% lower at Rs 99 compared to the previous close of Rs 105.80 on BSE. The stock touched double digits on August 31, 2009 when it closed at Rs 96.90. The company has restarted operations at all plants with Jamshedpur facility also getting approval on May 27. Around 59 per cent of company's passenger vehicle showrooms, covering 69 per cent of the retail market, have commenced operations, it added. Fitch Ratings downgrades Future Retail, Tata Motors; revises JSW Steel, Tata Steel outlook to negative The Tata Group firm has issued commercial papers of Rs 3,500 crore and also raised Rs 1,000 crore through non-convertible debentures (NCDs). While almost every indie bookstore in Minneapolis has been touched by protests in the wake of George Floyds killing by a police officer just over a week ago, local publishers have been affected as wellthough none so dramatically as Lerner Publishing Group. LPGs headquarters are in downtown Minneapolis; its offices are in the trendy North Loop area, while its warehouse is about a mile north of that office. The family-owned company is housed in a historic brick building around the corner from the Minneapolis Central Library, which has had windows smashed and its exterior graffitied. The city government center is down the street and has also been vandalized. In response to these incidents occurring in such close proximity to LPGs offices as well as the ongoing turmoil, about 75 office employees are working from home and the building has been boarded up. Staff will continue working remotely, as they have been doing since Marchnot just because of the current civil unrest, but also due to the pandemic. While approximately 20 warehouse employees were sent home early Friday due to safety concerns when violence erupted on Broadway, a major artery four blocks from the warehouse, Lerner CEO and publisher Adam Lerner said that they were back at work Monday and today. Were taking precautions and we are very concerned about our warehouse employees and operations, but we are shipping, Lerner said. The safety of our employees is the most important thing. During his interview with PW, Lerner had some sharp words about the Minneapolis Police Department, as he spoke of his anger and frustration over Floyds murder. Disclosing that LPG has been burglarized in the past, and describing the MPD as unresponsive, Lerner added, Weve had to protect ourselves from crime. The MPD doesnt seem to be committed to the community. I hope some good comes out of this. Despite his criticisms of the police, Lerner has no intention to pull his company out of Minneapolis, noting that his family has done business in the North Loop area for almost 90 years. His grandfather owned a grocery store in that neighborhood, and his father launched LPG 61 years ago in a nearby office building. Weve always been in this neighborhood, Lerner said. Weve seen it change. Now its the Tribeca of Minneapolis. Were never going to leave here. Protests on Streets and Pages It is only fitting that even as waves of civil unrest radiate outward from Minneapolis, LPG is rushing to publish a childrens book that might interest some of those participating in these acts of civil disobedience. Into the Streets: A Young Persons Visual History of Protest in the United States by San Francisco-based activist Marke Bieschke will be released on July 7. Its original pub date was May 5, but it, like so many other books, was pushed back to fall in response to the pandemic shutting down the nation. Now it has been moved back up. The first print run in hardcover and paper editions is 20,000 copies total. The book concludes with Swedish teenager Greta Thunbergs advocacy for climate change, as well as a guide for those wanting to know how to effectively protest. Lerner said that he personally made the decision to push the pub date forward, despite so many bookstores doing business on a restricted basis, as well as schools being closed. Its very topical, he said. Its a very important book because it explains that protests dont happen in a vacuum; they can lead to change, either positive or negative change. And people need to read about their right in our civil society to protest, especially when they see something wrong, like George Floyds murder. Lerner disclosed that while the first edition of Into the Streets has already been printed, a foreword will be added to the next print run of copies, about George Floyd and whats been happening in Minneapolis. That foreword is still being drafted. It really hits home for us, being that were at the epicenter of these protests and riots, Lerner said. Press Release June 3, 2020 After spending P353 billion, has govt slowed down COVID-19 spread? Pangilinan asks AS THE SENATE discussed the measure extending the Bayanihan Law, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Tuesday asked if the government has slowed down the COVID-19 pandemic after spending P353 billion for this purpose. "We'd like to know: We've spent 353 billion [pesos]. We will allocate another 130-140 billion [pesos]...With all the money spent in the last several months, where are we in terms of curbing the spread of the virus? Have we flattened the curve?" Pangilinan asked. "Is there a way for us to get a better sense of how we're going to achieve what we set out to do? Because the target is May, and apparently, we've not reached that," he added, referring to the target of 1 million tests and 30,000 tests daily by May. Senate Bill 1654 or the "Bayanihan to Recover as One Act" aims to provide the President the necessary powers to implement the national response on the COVID 19 pandemic for an additional three months. It also seeks to provide mechanisms for economic recovery. Pangilinan raised the issues of inadequate mass testing and delayed reporting of COVID-19 data, citing the mass confusion over the results, to characterize government's performance during the Bayanihan period. "There are concerns about the last three months that we have yet to achieve the targets in terms of mass testing and yet we've had the longest lockdown, one of the longest if not the longest lockdown," he said. "And some are saying that our approach was too militaristic in nature rather than public health- oriented... We are concerned. For example, we are now on our fourth month, do we have enough testing kits? What is the buffer stock of testing kits for our government facilities?" Pangilinan asked. Senator Sonny Angara, principal sponsor of SB 1654, shared Pangilinan's concerns, saying that he also asked Health Secretary Francisco Duque III why the Red Cross can release its test results faster than the Department of Health's. "The issue of backlog, late data on results, obviously will lead to poor contact tracing and leading to the inability or failure to isolate high-risk people If a private hospital can achieve a faster turnaround, why can't government do the same?" Pangilinan asked. Angara, who recovered from COVID-19, also confirmed that turnaround time of results in some cases take up to 10 days, compared to the private sector which only takes 2 to 4 days Pangilinan also raised the slow accreditation of testing laboratories. He expressed disappointment that government accredited 30 percent of those that applied two months ago, slightly increasing to 38 percent now. While the Philippines has 49 accredited laboratories with 81 pending, Vietnam has 112 and South Korea has 500 testing centers. "This gives us a sense of where we are and where they are in terms of managing the spread [of the disease]," Pangilinan pointed out. "Many workers are afraid to report for work, employers are asking about testing...This [the slow increase in testing and accreditation of test labs] is not acceptable. I think the Oversight that we will create must be able to step on toes to get the testing and accreditation of testing facilities done," he added. Pangilinan said he is raising these issues to appeal to the DoH leadership and bureaucracy to act with a sense of urgency as the situation is emergency in nature. "I'm just raising these concerns and placing them on record as an appeal as well to the agencies to walk the walk and talk the talk...It looks like the bureaucracy, at some point, will have to give way to the emergency rather than the emergency adjusting to the bureaucracy," he said. Pangilinan also shared the concern of fellow senators that health front-liners have died without receiving the benefits specified in the Bayanihan Law due to the absence of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). "This is truly disappointing and truly indicative of the lack of compassion of whoever in the DoH is supposed to have addressed this with the IRR. This is unacceptable and unforgivable. They have already died. They have already suffered. And we continue to allow [their families] to suffer more because of this failure and inaction on the part of the Department of Health. This is completely and totally unacceptable and we seek the Senate leadership's intervention here to make sure that this is addressed squarely and immediately," he said. On Monday, June 1, Metro Manila transitioned to General Community Quarantine despite spikes in confirmed COVID-19 cases. The DoH has taken to reporting "fresh" cases separate from "late" cases as an attempt to address the backlogs in test results. The effectivity of Bayanihan to Heal As One Act ends on June 23. Congress will adjourn on June 4. The current pandemic of COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a betacoronavirus similar to that which caused the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV earlier. Scientists are pursuing therapeutic drugs and vaccines to counter the relentless spread of the virus, but so far, none has been established to be effective. However, several are in clinical trials in various parts of the world. A new study published in the preprint online server bioRxiv* in May 2020 describes a new vaccine candidate. The SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus with a genome that concerns 4 structural proteins: the envelope (E) protein, the spike (S) protein, the membrane (M) protein, and the nucleocapsid (N) protein. There are also 16 non-structural proteins and several accessory proteins. The S protein is the major protective antigen against which the host produces neutralizing antibodies, and has been the primary target of most vaccine developers. Prior Vaccine Attempts For instance, an inactivated viral vaccine was found to produce neutralizing antibodies against multiple strains of the virus, protecting macaques against this infection. A chimpanzee adeno-vectored (ChAD) vaccine containing the full S gene of the virus produced both cellular and humoral reactions in macaques. Still, it could not completely mitigate the clinical features, though it did produce a significant decline in the severity of pneumonia. A similar failure was seen with the ChADOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, which allowed the current virus to replicate in the nose, with its sinister implications of vaccinated people still spreading the virus through sneezes. Inherent Advantages of AOaV-1 However, the avian orthoavulavirus 1 (AOaV-1) presents several advantages as a vaccine vector. For one, it is a cytoplasmic virus, which means the viral genome will not be incorporated into the host genome a hugely safer means of vaccination. Secondly, the lack of natural recombination allows for genetically stable expression of the transgenes. It has a restricted host range, and induces a strong interferon expression in mammalian cells, thus preventing its replication. Thirdly, the AOaV-1 can infect multiple animal species, which means that it can be grown in multiple cell lines. With all these features, harmless strains of AOaV-1 have been used as live attenuated vaccines against many viral infections like influenza, Nipah disease, Ebola, and avian flu. The natural host of AOaV-1 is avian, and the vector has different antigens from the pathogens that commonly infect humans, which means there is no pre-existing human immunity. This makes it suitable for human transfection. The full-length ORF for S gene of SARS-CoV-2 was over596 hanged with required transcriptional signals (GE, GS, IG) and inserted in between P 597 and M genes. The rough gene size is mentioned below each gene, the division of the 598 genome across the length and number of nucleotides in intergenic region is displayed 599 at the top of the schema of the AOaV-1 genome. Recombinant AOaV-1 Strain For the current study, the researchers designed an AOaV-1 vector from an avirulent strain of the virus, containing the complete antigenomic sequence of the AOaV-1 derived from wild birds with asymptomatic infection. Within this viral vector, the whole Spike protein gene was expressed at an optimized gene junction. In vitro studies were carried out to fully characterize this vaccine, its sensitivity to antibodies, its replication and stability within embryonated chicken eggs. The next step was to test the vaccine for safety and immunogenicity using an animal model. The construct was termed rAOaV-1-SARS-CoV-2, and the wildtype strain without the S gene insert was called AoaV-1-wt. Both were propagated in embryonated chicken eggs at 8 days of age. These eggs were then screened to identify the successfully propagated viruses. Vero cells were infected with the 600 AOaV-1-wt or rAOaV-1-SARS-CoV-2 and sainted for the expression of the HN (red) 601 or S (green) proteins. The co-expression of both surface proteins is coloured yellow in 602 combined images and Quantitative co-expression profile is marked with arrow and 603 shown in the line chart. The Results of the Recombinant Vaccine Propagation The S protein and HN protein was identified in the cells infected with the rAOaV-1-SARS-CoV-2 strain, which showed that the recombinant vaccine could express both the transgenic S protein and its own growth proteins. The replication of AOaV-1 can occur only after cleavage of its F protein by cellular proteases. To find out if exogenous trypsin or similar proteases were necessary for the infectivity of this virus, the researchers used the recombinant strain and the wildtype strain to infect cell cultures in the absence of trypsin. The recombinant virus replicated and spread to neighboring uninfected cells within 12 hours, with up to 90% of cells being infected within 2 days of infection. Most of the cells expressed both the HN and S protein. The slow spread of the infection was confirmed by cumulative fluorescence dynamics, which identified either the HN or the S protein and thus displayed the presence of both on the surface of the infected cells. Thus, the recombinant vaccine, as well as the wildtype virus actively replicated and spread to a comparable extent without exogenous trypsin, expressing both native and foreign genes in the host cells. The incorporation of the S protein into the recombinant virus led to its neutralization by anti-SARS-CoV-2 antiserum and more strongly by anti-AOaV-1 antiserum, at about 40% and 90% respectively. Finally, the study showed that the S protein was stably expressed in the recombinant vaccine even after multiple passages in the chicken embryonated eggs, but the growth characteristics in vitro were maintained to a large extent. Suitability of the Viral Vector for Vaccine Development Overall, therefore, the vaccine candidate is highly attenuated in primate species am is pretested. It can express the antigenic S protein, is able to propagate and replicate stably over the course of several successive passages in embryonated chicken eggs, and still maintain normal growth characteristics in vitro. This gives it the potential for accelerated vaccine development against CoVID-19 for clinical studies.. *Important Notice bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 09:19:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- China's international air cargo transport capacity has been sustained thanks to the effective green channel measures taken in the sector during the pandemic period, according to the civil aviation authorities. The civil aviation industry of China has seen a sharp increase in scheduled cargo flights, said the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). China now maintains scheduled air cargo flights with around 102 overseas destinations in 49 countries. In April, Chinese and foreign airlines carried out 1,574 scheduled air cargo flights per week, representing a 55.2-percent increase compared with the weekly volume before the COVID-19 pandemic. And in the first two weeks of May, the weekly volume was up to 2,365 flights, a 133.2-percent increase. The rapid growth in China's international air cargo sector has contributed to transporting vital supplies and ensuring global supply chains. The CAAC introduced a series of green channel measures to facilitate international air transport in the pandemic period. These comprehensive measures include a simplified flight approval process, more flexible time limits and around-the-clock online acceptance of flight applications, according to the CAAC. Enditem NEW CUMBERLAND It was a Primary Day unlike any other in Cumberland County. New voting machines. Mail-in ballots. And everybody wore a mask. But despite all these differences, for some voters, it was still an election day, and a day to come out and exercise their rights. Even while wearing a mask. These days, its weird when you see someone without a mask, said New Cumberland resident Brian Case, who votes in just about every election. And under those masks, he said he saw familiar faces and the same good instruction. He was one of the 233 people who, by 5 p.m., stopped by the New Cumberland Fire Department on Fourth Street to cast his ballot in the primary. New Cumberland 1-1 Judge of Elections Ron Curran said there have been no lines today, but he is still pleased with the turnout. The lack of lines could be because of mail-in ballots, of which theyve had nearly 200, he said. He has been working elections for about a decade now, and this year was certainly different with the new cleaning protocols and the new voting machines, he said. But very few people had trouble with the new machines, and elections workers were on hand to help if they did run into some issues, he said. The machines are great. Theyre easier to use, he said. Case was pleased to see machines with paper ballots. You can see it for yourself and say, yes, thats who I voted for, he said. It seemed to be a similar story at nearby polling places, too. Voters turned out for the primary though not in great numbers. Except for the masks and blue painters tape on the floor, marking social-distancing parameters, all seemed to be normal. But the lack of people coming out to vote did concern some. There was no line. There were no people here, which was very strange, said Jessica Ickler, who voted at Lower Allen Precinct 4 at Medards House. Ive always waited in line. She voted around 6 p.m., and theres usually a bit of a wait when she gets to the polling place, she said. The lack of voters could be due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it could be because many people mailed in their votes, she said. But it is important to come out to vote to do your duty, she added. Bryan Reynolds votes in every election, and he showed up at Medards House, just like he does in every election. It was wonderful, the staff was very helpful, the poll workers were great, he said. It was very easy to do. Nearby at New Cumberland 2-2 at St. Theresas, Marge Graney said she didnt expect to have to come out to vote this year. She wanted to vote by mail to avoid crowds, but since she didnt receive her mail-in ballot on time, she showed up at the polls, anyway. I didnt expect to have to come over, she said. But she did, and said it felt good to exercise her right to vote, which is important to her. Nothing could stop me," she said. Not even a pandemic. 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. The virus has been slowing down for some time now, thanks to stringent restrictions imposed by the government and the compliance of the nation as a whole since Covid-19 arrived in Ireland earlier this year. And, with Ireland due to enter phase two of the five-phase roadmap to reopen the country next week, things are looking far more hopeful than they were a couple of months ago. There are currently only 754 active cases of coronavirus in Ireland, according to global statistic website, Worldometer, which has been monitoring the spread of the virus since it first emerged in China. That's 754 cases of the 25,111 total confirmed cases the country has had since March, meaning there have been 22,698 recoveries from the virus since it arrived in Ireland. Ireland's death toll, since the pandemic began, has reached 1,659, with three new deaths announced this evening (Wednesday). 47 new confirmed cases were also announced this evening. The 754 active cases is a significant drop on yesterday's figure, which stood at over 1,300. Of those 754, a total of 36 are believed to be in a serious or critical state, with the remaining 718 considered not serious. New evidence has emerged that Huawei deliberately obscured the relationship between its Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou and the Iran-based Skycom Tech. Extensive business records obtained by Reuters including contractual agreements, correspondence and memos demonstrate that Huawei effectively controlled Skycom despite maintaining that the Hong Kong-registered firm was a local partner in Iran and a separate business. The documents may be used as evidence against Meng as the US seeks to extradite her from Canada following her arrest in December 2018 on fraud charges. US authorities allege that Huawei and Meng defrauded a major bank in order to deliver US-manufactured products to Iran via Skycom and then repatriate money from the country. The US claims that Skycom was an unofficial subsidiary of Huawei rather than a local partner. Although the business was shuttered in 2017, it remains a defendant in the case. Huawei is a former shareholder in Skycom but sold its stake in the unit over ten years ago. Reuters notes that the documents appear to undermine Huaweis claims that Skycom was just a business partner by providing a behind-the-scenes look at some of what transpired at the two companies inside Iran seven years ago and how intertwined the companies were. The agency notes that Huawei internal company records from 2010 confirm that the vendor was directly involved in sending prohibited U.S. computer equipment to Iran. Huawei and Meng have both denied the criminal charges which include bank fraud and wire fraud, among others and have argued that they cannot be considered crimes under Canadian law. However, this defence was dismissed last week by a Canadian Supreme Court judge, allowing the case to proceed. The Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the US case represented an unfair politicisation of a trade dispute, stating: We urge the United States to immediately stop its unreasonable suppression of Chinese firms including Huawei. In January 2013, Reuters first reported on connections between the firms including Meng sitting on Skycoms board of directors from 2008 until 2009. In December 2012, the news agency reported that Skycom had approached Irans leading mobile operator MCCI (Mobile Communication Co of Iran) in 2010 with an offer to sell embargoed Hewlett-Packard ICT equipment worth $1.4 million. According to the documents obtained by Reuters, Huawei began attempting to hide its relationship to Skycom following the 2012 report. At the time, the Chinese firm described the company as a major local partner, with their relationship a normal business partnership. However, a document from Huaweis Iranian office dated 28th March 2013 suggests that Huawei was in control of Skycom. Translated from Chinese, the document reads: In consideration of trade compliances, A2 [Huaweis internal code for Iran] representative office is trying to separate Skycom and Huawei. The same document confirmed that an urgent decision had been made to appoint Hu Mei as Skycoms general manager in Iran effective from 10th March 2013 - to avoid the risks of media hype. Hu had previously been a director at Skycom and was listed in a directory of Huawei employees. However, this appointment created an issue that was addressed swiftly, since Hu was based at Huaweis Shenzhen headquarters but the role necessitated presence in Iran. Recognising the need for a Chinese employee based in Iran, Hu was quickly replaced by Song Kai, the deputy representative of Huaweis Iran office. On 2nd November 2013, Song sent a letter to the vice president of MCCI one of Skycoms major clients - informing them that the firm had decided to annul and terminate its business activities and dissolve the branch company in Iran, suggesting that Huawei was directly involved in shuttering Skycom. The day after Song sent this letter, Skycom transferred eight contracts worth around US$50 million to a newly founded Huawei unit known as Huawei Technologies Service (Iranian) Co Ltd, with all money owed to Skycom transferrable to this unit once the contracts were complete. The three-way agreement was also signed by MCCI, with all parties agreeing to confidentiality. During protests in Omaha, Nebraska over the weekend, a black activist was shot and killed by a white bar owner after a fight broke out. The county attorney said the shooter will not face charges because he was "defending himself." James Scurlock, 22, was killed by Jacob Gardner, the owner of the Hive Bar and Gatsby Bar in Omaha's Old Market neighborhood around midnight Saturday in the midst of protests against police brutality and George Floyd's death. The Douglas County Attorney's Office determined Gardner acted in self-defense after interviewing the shooter and reviewing videos of the incident. "There was a consensus... that the actions of the shooter were justified," County Attorney Don Kleine said during a briefing Monday. "There wasn't any big disagreement about what happened here." According to prosecutors, the incident followed an altercation involving Gardner's father, who pushed several protesters when asking them to leave the bar. Live: City officials hold briefing as city/county offices shut down Live: City officials hold briefing as city/county offices shut down Posted by KMTV 3 News Now on Monday, June 1, 2020 A grainy surveillance video of the shooting, played during the briefing, shows that Gardner backed up and pointed a gun after two people tackled him in the street. He initially fired two shots into the air that did not hit anyone. After Scurlock jumped on his back, Gardner can be heard saying "get off me" many times before fatally shooting Scurlock once in the clavicle, Kleine said. Scurlock was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. "Mr. Gardner, as we know now, has said, 'I did what I did to defend myself,' and we find that we can't disprove that from the evidence that we have," Kleine said. In response to outrage on social media, Kleine added that there was not any "racial tone" to the conversations between Scurlock and Gardner. Story continues Gardner was taken into police custody and released Sunday. Prosecutors say he has an expired concealed carry permit. 1000-3.jpg A "sorry we're closed" sign sits in the entrance surrounded by broken glass at the Hive at 1207 Harney Street, near where a man was shot to death during the second night of protests on Sunday, May 31, 2020. Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP Following the shooting, officials imposed a curfew on Omaha, and National Guard troops were mobilized to help local police. Tear gas was again used to disperse a crowd of protesters after curfew Sunday night, despite few problems with vandalism and violence, according to The Associated Press. During a press conference Monday, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts urged protesters to remain peaceful and voiced his support for Kleine. "If in his judgment at this time, there is not the evidence to bring charges, I believe him," he said of Kleine's decision. Nebraska State Senator Justin Wayne, speaking on behalf of the Scurlock family, condemned the decision Monday. He said they are continuing to explore "all legal options." "In this community, we prosecute black and brown individuals a lot more for things like we just watched," Wayne said, referring to the surveillance footage. "It's easy to talk to someone when they're alive. It's easy to get their version of the story when they can talk. We don't know what James would've said." Citing the state's self-defense law, Wayne tweeted, "NONE of these circumstances were present. NONE. The State of Nebraska does NOT allow you to use deadly force to defend property. Further it is NOT a valid defense if you could have retreated." "I honestly feel that if Mr. Gardner's dad would've kept his hands to himself, the incident would've never happened in the beginning," Scurlock's father, James Scurlock II, told CBS News affiliate KMTV. "Once again I ask that we investigate this and I ask my people to stand by me strong but do it peacefully." In an interview on Tuesday with KMTV, Scurlock's mother said she feels broken over the death of her son, who she called "JuJu." "He was vivacious. He lived life to the fullest. He was adventurous, he had such a big heart and was a momma's boy," she said. Scurlock's brother, Nicholas Harden, said the loss is especially devastating because Scurlock had a newborn daughter. "He has a heart of gold and anybody can tell you that," Harden said. "He was trying to protect people's lives. He was a hero. He has a daughter that is not even one and he changed his life around. He was settling down." The family called for further investigation in the case and also urged protesters to remain peaceful, saying they don't want Scurlock's name to be used as a justification for violence. Analyzing Trump's calls for military mobilization to confront nationwide protests Senator Cory Booker slams Trump over church photo-op GoFundMe for destroyed restaurant raises over $1 million The mayors of Hamilton and Tauranga are seeking to work much more closely on ensuring their cities have aligned infrastructure and spatial planning strategies. Tauranga Mayor Tenby Powell and Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate want to enhance links between their two high-growth cities to support economic growth and social outcomes. They have identified some priority issues they say are critical to the future wellbeing of each city. Both mayors believe understanding and protecting key transport connections between Hamilton and Tauranga, specifically the Port of Tauranga, are key to the upper North Island and national economies. Already the Waikato-Tauranga sub-region is a key player in New Zealands freight and logistics system. Huge volumes of freight pass through Waikatos road and rail networks and the future location of ports both sea and land is critical to the national transport system and national economy. Hamilton already has an inland port at Crawford St and there is an inland freight hub at Horotiu in the Waikato district. A further inland port is planned for Ruakura within the Hamilton city boundary. Both mayors suggest protecting and developing the North Island main trunk line and east coast rail corridors for inter-regional freight should also be a priority. They are urging a comprehensive review of the North Island logistics and freight system before final decisions are made around moving the Port of Auckland, potentially to Northland. Hamilton has put a lot of emphasis, quite rightly, on the Hamilton to Auckland corridor and there has been some excellent work done in that space," says Southgate. "The Waikato Mayoral Forum under Mayor Allan Sanson plus the FutureProof and SmartGrowth leadership groups chaired by Bill Wasley are doing great work for our wider region. But Hamilton cant lose sight of the Hamilton-Tauranga connection. We need to make sure any changes to New Zealands ports fully consider the exporting and logistics roles of our two cities, given they are already so closely linked. Its important we work together to deliver a competitive supply chain network that allows us to plan for future challenges and leverage future opportunities. Powell notes the likelihood of a progressive scaling-down of the Port of Aucklands activities in future years would make efficient transport links between Hamilton and Tauranga critical for exports from the upper North Island, an area which generates more than half of the countrys GDP. On its own, that confirms the need for a joined-up planning approach and we believe that now is the right time to explore potential linkages between the Waikatos FutureProof economic development strategy and the Western Bay of Plentys SmartGrowth plan, he says. Both mayors noted the cities already share significant and growing education and research capability activities through University of Waikato campuses. They have noted the Government directive that regions must work collaboratively and have well-aligned planning strategies to promote both economic growth and the wellbeing of communities. Our cities have common interests in many respects and as the country looks to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, now is the time to demonstrate leadership and a willingness to combine our strengths for the regional and national good, says Powell. Tauranga and the wider Western Bay of Plenty sub-region were already grappling with the infrastructure challenges created by sustained population growth, he says. Theres absolutely no doubt that a collaborative approach with Government and our key regional partners is the most effective way of dealing with those challenges and it seems equally obvious that there is much to be gained in working closely with Hamilton City, to ensure that our road and rail infrastructure will support the inevitable growth of exports through the Port of Tauranga. Both civic leaders noted that education was also an export product which attracts overseas students and generates considerable revenue for their cities. Any joint initiative which supports the growth of University of Waikatos course delivery will be mutually beneficial and we look forward to working with the Universitys leadership team to help promote its future growth, says Powell. Devbhoomi Tirtha Purohit Haqhakudhari Mahapanchayat, a priests body in Uttarakhand that has representatives from all the major shrines in the hill state, has opposed the state governments proposed move to start the annual Char Dham yatra from June 8 in line with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) guidelines on opening religious places of worship amid the easing of lockdown restrictions that were imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak. Brijesh Sati, the spokesperson of the mahapanchayat, said the priests of the four main shrines of Uttarakhand are against starting the Char Dham yatra from Monday, as they have expressed their reservations about maintaining strict social distancing norms and sanitisation of vehicles as a precautionary measure to prevent the pandemic. The opening of the Char Dham yatra is fraught with the risk of the spread of the infection, as it may not be feasible to maintain strict social distancing norms and sanitisation of vehicles. Besides, our hill state has been reporting a growing number of Covid-19 positive cases daily, Sati said. On Tuesday, representatives of the priests from the Kedarnath shrine met the district magistrate of Rudraprayag to discuss the matter. The priests from Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham Temple Committees have also raised similar objections. The priests want the decision to open the shrines for pilgrims to be postponed for a few more weeks because of the spiralling number of Covid-19 positive cases in the hill state. Rajesh Semwal, co-secretary, Gangotri Dham Temple Committee, said Covid-19 positive cases are comparatively lesser in the hilly districts and most of them have been reported among the migrants who have returned to their home state amid the easing of lockdown restrictions. Those who tested Covid-19 positive have had a travel history from other states. If Char Dham yatra begins and pilgrims start coming from outside, then the infection is likely to spread. Under such circumstances, its prudent not to start the yatra from Monday, said Semwal. State cabinet minister Madan Kaushik, who is also the official spokesperson of the state government, said that the priests apprehensions would be taken into consideration before taking a final call on starting the Char Dham yatra from Monday. Were closely studying the MHA guidelines. If the yatra starts from Monday, then itll be restricted to only pilgrims from Uttarakhand, as the interstate travel restrictions are still in place and state borders are closed. Besides, there are issues about acquiring passes while coming from the red zones. All these issues will be discussed threadbare before a final decision is taken on starting the Char Dham yatra from Monday, Kaushik said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 09:49:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BERLIN, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The United States Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell has resigned from post and his deputy has temporarily filled in, local media Deutsche Presse Agentur (DPA) reported on Tuesday. Grenell confirmed his retreat late Monday on his Instagram account without indicating his next post. It has been widely speculated that he may join U.S. President Donald Trump's re-election campaign, according to the DPA. Grenell's deputy Robin Quinville has become the chargee d'affaires until a new ambassador comes. During his tenure of more than two years in Germany, Grenell was seen widely by German media as an aggressive, unconventional and even rude diplomat, as he zealously presented Trump's policies in Germany and Europe. Shortly after his appointment in May 2018, he directly warned German enterprises not to work with Iran, which was criticized for meddling in other country's internal affairs. He tweeted many controversial statements, following Trump's rhetoric, including the accusation about Germany's insufficient military and the threat to withdraw U.S. troops from Germany. He has also long been finding things to pick at about the Nord Stream 2 project, which is designed to transport natural gas from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. Although German ministers have refrained from radical responses to Grenell, parliament members have often openly denounced his remarks, and some lawmakers even asked foreign ministry to declare him as "persona non grata" -- an unwelcome or unacceptable person in diplomacy. Enditem Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Colombo, Sri Lanka Wed, June 3, 2020 16:40 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbdc275 2 World Sri-Lanka,Leopard,endangered-animal,endangered-species Free Two endangered leopards -- including a rare black one -- have been killed by snares in Sri Lanka in less than a week, sparking calls for authorities to crack down harder on the cruel traps. A third was found alive in a snare and released back to the wild after being tranquilized. In the latest case, the bloated carcass of a leopard was discovered Tuesday strangled by a wire snare on a cashew plantation on the edge of a forest reserve in Neluwa, some 145 kilometers southeast of the capital Colombo. "It is possible that the trap was set for a sambar deer, but the leopard got caught instead," a wildlife official from the area told AFP. A week earlier, a rare black leopard -- also known as melanistic because the color is a pigment condition rather than the mark of a separate species -- was found trapped alive in the Nallathanni highlands, but died two days later. The third leopard was found Friday at Yatiyantota, another highland nature area, before being released back into the wild. Although setting snares in national parks and reserves in against the law, they are not illegal elsewhere and farmers often use them to protect crops or catch wild boar. Sri Lankan conservationist Jayantha Jayewardene said the spate of leopard snaring might be villagers driven to desperation because the coronavirus lockdown had deprived them of income. "For about two months these people have not had any work, and without money for food they are setting up snares to catch wild boar," Jayewardene told AFP. "What we are facing is a bigger problem -- not just a wildlife issue." There are believed to be less than 1,000 leopards in the wild in Sr Lanka, and harming the big cat is punishable by up to five years' jail. Sri Lanka's Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust called for all snares to be banned, and those who set them to be prosecuted "Snares are indiscriminate and therefore can kill any animal, either protected or not," the conservation group's trustee Anjali Watson told the Daily Mirror local newspaper. "This [latest killing] is clearly seen as a case of incidental killing of leopards by snares. Hence they should be made illegal." The protests against police brutality and racism that have spread across the US have spurred fears that they could result in a resurgence of the virus. Concerns have forced people sympathetic to the movement to weigh the risks of attending demonstrations, where there is often little social distancing. Health experts know that the virus is far less likely to be spread outdoors than indoors. And masks reduce the chances of respiratory droplets containing the virus being transmitted. But yelling, shouting and singing can increase how far those droplets are projected. Crowds also increase the ... (Natural News) Wikipedias NPOV is dead. The original policy long since forgotten, Wikipedia no longer has an effective neutrality policy. There is a rewritten policy, but it endorses the utterly bankrupt canard that journalists should avoid what they call false balance. The notion that we should avoid false balance is directly contradictory to the original neutrality policy. As a result, even as journalists turn to opinion and activism, Wikipedia now touts controversial points of view on politics, religion, and science. Here are some examples from each of these subjects, which were easy to find, no hunting around. Many, many more could be given. (Article by Larry Sanger republished from LarrySanger.org) Examples have become embarrassingly easy to find. The Barack Obama article completely fails to mention many well-known scandals: Benghazi, the IRS scandal, the AP phone records scandal, and Fast and Furious, to say nothing of Solyndra or the Hillary Clinton email server scandalor, of course, the developing Obamagate story in which Obama was personally involved in surveilling Donald Trump. A fair article about a major political figure certainly must include the bad with the good. The only scandals that I could find that were mentioned were a few that the left finds at least a little scandalous, such as Snowdens revelations about NSA activities under Obama. In short, the article is almost a total whitewash. You might find this to be objectively correct; but you cannot claim that this is a neutral treatment, considering that the other major U.S. party would treat it differently. On such a topic, neutrality in any sense worth the name essentially requires that readers not be able to detect the editors political alignment. Meanwhile, as you can imagine, the idea that the Donald Trump article is neutral is a joke. Just for example, there are 5,224 none-too-flattering words in the Presidency section. By contrast, the following Public Profile (which the Obama article entirely lacks), Investigations, and Impeachment sections are unrelentingly negative, and together add up to some 4,545 wordsin other words, the controversy sections are almost as long as the sections about his presidency. Common words in the article are false and falsely (46 instances): Wikipedia frequently asserts, in its own voice, that many of Trumps statements are false. Well, perhaps they are. But even if they are, it is not exactly neutral for an encyclopedia article to say so, especially without attribution. You might approve of Wikipedia describing Trumps incorrect statements as false, very well; but then you must admit that you no longer support a policy of neutrality on Wikipedia. I leave the glowing Hillary Clinton article as an exercise for the reader. Wikipedia can be counted on to cover not just political figures, but political issues as well from a liberal-left point of view. No conservative would write, in an abortion article, When properly done, abortion is one of the safest procedures in medicine, a claim that is questionable on its face, considering what an invasive, psychologically distressing, and sometimes lengthy procedure it can be even when done according to modern medical practices. More to the point, abortion opponents consider the fetus to be a human being with rights; their view, that it is not safe for the baby, is utterly ignored. To pick another, random issue, drug legalization, dubbed drug liberalization by Wikipedia, has only a little information about any potential hazards of drug legalization policies; it mostly serves as a brief for legalization, followed by a catalog of drug policies worldwide. Or to take an up-to-the-minute issue, the LGBT adoption article includes several talking points in favor of LGBT adoption rights, but omits any arguments against. On all such issues, the point is that true neutrality, to be carefully distinguished from objectivity, requires that the article be written in a way that makes it impossible to determine the editors position on the important controversies the article touches on. What about articles on religious topics? The first article I thought to look at had some pretty egregious instances of bias: the Jesus article. It simply asserts, again in its own voice, that the quest for the historical Jesus has yielded major uncertainty on the historical reliability of the Gospels and on how closely the Jesus portrayed in the Bible reflects the historical Jesus. In another place, the article simply asserts, the gospels are not independent nor consistent records of Jesus life. A great many Christians would take issue with such statements, which means it is not neutral for that reasonin other words, the very fact that most Christians believe in the historical reliability of the Gospels, and that they are wholly consistent, means that the article is biased if it simply asserts, without attribution or qualification, that this is a matter of major uncertainty. In other respects, the article can be fairly described as a liberal academic discussion of Jesus, focusing especially on assorted difficulties and controversies, while failing to explain traditional or orthodox views of those issues. So it might be academic, but what it is not is neutral in the original sense we defined for Wikipedia. Of course, similarly tendentious claims can be found in other articles on religious topics, as when the Christ (title) article claims, Although the original followers of Jesus believed Jesus to be the Jewish messiah, e.g. in the Confession of Peter, Jesus was usually referred to as Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus, son of Joseph.[11] Jesus came to be called Jesus Christ (meaning Jesus the Khristos, i.e. Jesus the Messiah or Jesus the Anointed) by later Christians, who believe that his crucifixion and resurrection fulfill the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. This article weirdly claims, or implies, a thing that no serious Biblical scholar of any sort would claim, viz., that Jesus was not given the title Christ by the original apostles in the New Testament. These supposed later Christians who used Christ would have to include the apostles Peter (Jesus first apostle), Paul (converted a few years after Jesus crucifixion), and Jude (Jesus brother), who were the authors of the bulk of the epistles of the New Testament. Christ can, of course, be found frequently in the epistles. Of course, those are not exactly later Christians. If the claim is simply that the word Christ does not appear much in the Gospels, that is true enough (though it can be found four times in the book of John), but it is also a reflection of the fact that the authors of the Gospels instead used Messiah, and quite frequently; the word means much the same as Christ. For example, he is called Jesus the Messiah in the very first verse of the New Testament (Matthew 1:1). Clearly, these claims are tendentious and represent a point of view that many if not most Christians would dispute. It may seem more problematic to speak of the bias of scientific articles, because many people do not want to see unscientific views covered in encyclopedia articles. If such articles are biased in favor of science, some people naturally find that to be a feature, not a bug. The problem, though, is that scientists sometimes do not agree on which theories are and are not scientific. On such issues, the scientific point of view and the objective point of view according to the Establishment might be very much opposed to neutrality. So when the Establishment seems unified on a certain view of a scientific controversy, then that is the view that is taken for granted, and often aggressively asserted, by Wikipedia. Neutral information, representing a scientific consensus with no dissent, Im sure. The global warming and MMR vaccine articles are examples; I hardly need to dive into these pages, since it is quite enough to say that they endorse definite positions that scientific minorities reject. Another example is how Wikipedia treats various topics in alternative medicineoften dismissively, and frequently labeled as pseudoscience in Wikipedias own voice. Indeed, Wikipedia defines the very term as follows: Alternative medicine describes any practice that aims to achieve the healing effects of medicine, but which lacks biological plausibility and is untested, untestable or proven ineffective. In all these cases, genuine neutrality requires a different sort of treatment. Again, other examples could be found, in no doubt thousands of other, perfectly unexciting topics. These are just the first topics that came to mind, associated as they are with the culture wars, and their articles on those topics put Wikipedia very decidedly on one side of that war. You should not be able to say that about an encyclopedia that claims to be neutral. It is time for Wikipedia to come clean and admit that it has abandoned NPOV (i.e., neutrality as a policy). At the very least they should admit that that they have redefined the term in a way that makes it utterly incompatible with its original notion of neutrality, which is the ordinary and common one. It might be better to embrace a credibility policy and admit that their notion of what is credible does, in fact, bias them against conservatism, traditional religiosity, and minority perspectives on science and medicineto say nothing of many other topics on which Wikipedia has biases. Of course, Wikipedians are unlikely to make any such change; they live in a fantasy world of their own making. The world would be better served by an independent and decentralized encyclopedia network, such as I proposed with the Encyclosphere. We will certainly develop such a network, but if it is to remain fully independent of all governmental and big corporate interests, funds are naturally scarce and it will take time. Read more at: LarrySanger.org and Biased.news. A Madhya Pradesh BJP MLAs tweet seeking Bollywood actor Sonu Soods help in facilitating return of stranded migrant labourers in Mumbai to their native place in the Vindhya region became fodder for Congress attack on Shivraj Singh Chouhan government on Wednesday. The Congress attack came in the backdrop of chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans claims that the state government had facilitated return of more than 5.5 lakh migrant labourers from various states and also provided food and transportation for migrant labourers passing through Madhya Pradesh. MLA Rajendra Shukla, a minister in Chouhans previous cabinet until December 2018, tagged a Twitter post with a list of stranded migrants to Sonu Sood on Monday with an appeal, @SonuSood ji these residents of Rewa/Satna are stranded in Mumbai for a long time and have not been able to return. Please help them get back home. Sonu Sood has been in the spotlight for assisting stranded migrants in Maharashtra with food and transport to get home. In his reply Sonu Sood said, Sir, now no brother will remain stranded anywhere. Your migrant brothers will be sent back tomorrow. Please treat me with Poha whenever I come to MP. Reacting upon the former ministers appeal, former state Congress president Arun Yadav alleged it was BJP MLAs expression of loss of faith in his own partys government run by Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Exposing the bitter truth of Madhya Pradesh is this tweet of Rajendra Shukla. Shivraj ji! Please see ex-minister and incumbent BJP MLA from Rewa doesnt have faith in your government. Hence, he has to seek help from Sonu Sood to facilitate return of migrant labourers stranded in Mumbai, Yadav tweeted. Congress leader in Delhi, Alka Lamba, too, joined the attack and demanded the resignation of BJP MLA. I dont believe (my) eyes, who is an MLA and has been a minister, its his government in Madhya Pradesh and the Centre, CM/PM are from his party, in Maharashtra too there are BJP MPs and MLAs but he is seeking help from Sonu Sood, he should better resign, she said. The HT Guide to Coronavirus COVID-19 As his tweet and reactions went viral on social media, Rajendra Shukla presented data to highlight the work done by the state government in ensuring migrants return. My indolent friends in the Congress must note that 45 Shramik trains have brought back more than 42,000 people in the past 3 weeks. Besides, another 75,000 residents of Vindhya region have been brought back by 1,500 buses. This could be made possible with assistance and coordination between the state and the central governments. State BJP leader Dr Hitesh Bajpai accused the Congress of doing politics over the sensitive issue of migrants plight. Its unfortunate that even the labourers pain and plight is a political issue for the Congress. The entire country has seen how Congress leaders were sincere in helping migrant labourers of Uttar Pradesh. If the Congress leaders dont have compassion for migrant labourers, they should at least not make mockery of genuine efforts made by BJP leaders for the labourers stranded in other states, Bajpai said. Police said the suspect, described as white with short, blond hair and a slim build, was linked to a camper van pictured in the Algarve in 2007 and was believed to be in the resort area in the days before and after May 3 that year. He is in prison in Germany for an unrelated matter. The United Nations warned Wednesday its programs to fight the coronavirus and stave off starvation for hundreds of thousands of children in war-torn Yemen will be severely cut or stopped altogether by the end of the month unless donor countries provide an immediate injection of cash. The UN sounded the alarm a day after its appeal for countries to fund emergency aid in the Arab world's poorest nation fell a billion dollars short of what aid agencies needed _ $2.41 billion _ to cover essential programs from June to December. Already, 75% of UN programs in Yemen, covering essentially every sector, from food to health care and nutrition, have had to shut their doors or reduce operations amid a shortage of funds. The World Food Program had to cut rations in half and UN-funded health services were reduced in 189 out of 369 hospitals nationwide. Yemen has careened from one disaster to another in recent years, but aid groups warn the country of 30 million faces its darkest hour with the spread of the coronavirus. The country's hospitals, which lack adequate electricity, protective gear for health workers, ventilators and other life-saving equipment, are simply not equipped to handle an outbreak of the virus. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been at war against Iranian-allied Houthis in Yemen since 2015. The conflict has killed more than 100,000 people and created the world's worst humanitarian disaster, with more than 3 million people internally displaced and two-thirds of the population reliant on food assistance for survival. Zoe Paxton, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office, said if aid isn't paid immediately, response teams working to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Yemen ``will likely close by the end of this month,`` severely handicapping efforts to contain the coronavirus, which is spreading at an alarming rate throughout the country. The virus threatens to decimate Yemen's health care system, already ravaged by civil war. Paxton said the UN will likely start winding down some of its disease outbreak and control programs next month, including efforts to contain cholera, malaria and dengue fever, among other diseases. Tuesday's conference raised $1.35 billion, about half of what is needed, and half of the $2.6 billion that countries pledged at the same conference last year. Saudi Arabia, which co-hosted this year's UN pledging event, reiterated previous announcements made that it would pay half a billion dollars in aid for Yemen this year, $300 million of which will be funneled to the UN and related aid agencies. It is the largest amount pledged by any country. However, UN tracking figures show the kingdom has paid just $16 million of that amount to the UN response plan so far this year. The UAE announced no pledges of humanitarian aid for Yemen during the UN conference. The UAE says it has spent $37 million in overall aid for Yemen this year, and has plans to spend more. When asked, the UAE's Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al-Hashimy, said the country has provided more than $6 billion in aid to Yemen since the start of the war. In May, the UAE sent 87 tons of medical supplies to Yemen, including 65 ventilators. A key factor contributing to dwindling international funds is obstruction by Yemen's Houthi rebels, who control the capital, Sanaa, and most of the country's north. The United States decreased its aid to Yemen earlier this year, citing interference by the Houthis. A person familiar with Saudi and Emirati policy making, who was not authorized to speak to the media, told The Associated Press that while the two nations are Yemen's largest donors of humanitarian aid, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are considering how to ensure aid reaches Yemeni civilians and is not diverted by the Houthis. The UAE in particular is reviewing the most effective means of doing so, the person said. Some aid workers say donors appear to have lost confidence in the UN's ability to implement programs amid restrictions by Houthis, as well as the reduced presence of UN staff and aid workers in the country. Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, called for the money pledged on Tuesday to be ``disbursed immediately``. ``But money alone is not enough,'' Egeland added. ``These pledges are worth little if people are still fleeing from bombs and crossfire and their hospitals attacked.'' Since April, authorities in areas controlled by Yemen's internationally recognized government have reported around 400 coronavirus cases, including 87 deaths. The Iran-backed rebel Houthis have declared only four cases of COVID-19, including one death. The group faces heavy criticism for suppressing information about the number of virus cases and fatalities in areas they control. The World Health Organization believes there is significant underestimation of the outbreak, which could further hinder efforts to get needed supplies into Yemen to contain the virus. Search Keywords: Short link: 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 Cities and counties across Southern California are under curfews spurred by massive protests over the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. But a number of experts who study policing say there's not a lot of evidence that curfews actually reduce unrest. One of the reasons for the uncertainty is that, historically, we've had very few curfews. "It's actually an extremely aggressive strategy that you don't often see in democratic nations," said Jennifer Earl, a University of Arizona expert on how police handle protests. In L.A. County, a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew has been in place every day since Sunday. Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties have all utilized curfews, as have various cities in L.A. County, including Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Curfews bring a danger of police misconduct, Earl said. "The same kind of inequalities that we see in the use of discretion, generally, are likely to be seen in moments where police have greatly amplified discretion," she said. Videos shot by journalists and demonstrators have shown a massive law enforcement presence after curfew hours in protest areas, with officers corralling and arresting people who remained in the street and loading them onto buses. Other accounts show police enforcing the curfew outside of protest zones. KPCC/LAist reporter Emily Guerin reported from protests in Santa Monica on Sunday night about police officers shooting rubber bullets at people driving in cars and pointing their guns at people on the sidewalk at 10th and Bay, in a residential neighborhood about a mile from the downtown demonstrations. Im 3 minutes from my house and the police are shooting at people driving cars and pointing guns at people walking on the sidewalk. This is wild. Emily Guerin (@guerinemily) June 1, 2020 "We can only protect people and their First Amendment rights for so long, because we're draining resources from other things," said Craig Lally, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union that represents rank-and-file LAPD officers. Curfews are used so sparingly because they represent a dangerous situation for everyone at a protest scene, he said. "It's a way to coax the good people, to [tell them], 'Okay, you made your point,'" Lally said. "We've protected [you] as long as we can [and] we may not be able to protect you any longer." 'ESCALATE...UNTIL YOU GAIN COMPLIANCE' Earl said the police tactics used today draw heavily from violent confrontations with protestors in the 1960s and '70s. "A very standard way of thinking that's developed through police training and practice is that, if you're not getting compliance, you escalate your level of force until you gain compliance," she said. "Police really think that they are misunderstood by the public, and that the public just doesn't understand the constraints [on law enforcement]," Earl said. By Tuesday, the LAPD had arrested 2,500 people since the start of the protests for failure to disperse or breaking curfew. In Santa Monica, police said they'd arrested more than 400 people for crimes such as burglary and curfew violations. Earl says enacting a curfew can also signal tension inside law enforcement agencies. "There is a preference for techniques like tear gas, rubber bullets [and] curfews when police supervisors are not sure that they can control their line officers," she said. "If you can't control your officers, what you need to do is keep them away from the people." Journalists from KPCC's newsroom who covered the protests over the weekend reported they were met with aggression, and some were injured alongside protesters. Reporter Adolfo Guzman-Lopez was shot in the throat with a rubber bullet by a Long Beach police officer on Sunday. ECHOES OF '92: 'IT MAKES YOU SUPER, HYPER ALERT.' The ramifications of a curfew are serious for neighborhoods that still live in fear of law enforcement -- and hearken back to the unrest in 1992 that upended many lives. April, a resident of the Crenshaw District who asked us not to use her last name, said she made sure to walk her dog before the curfew started on Sunday night. She talked with a neighbor who reminded her repeatedly about the curfew. "How could I forget?" April said. She was 11 years old in 1992. "I certainly thought I was going to be shot if I stepped outside," she said, describing the National Guard patrol in Leimert Park, where she grew up. So, far from Sunday's protests, she stayed inside -- and she says her neighborhood was really quiet. "It makes you super, hyper-alert," she said of the curfew order. A curfew puts a target on communities of color that are already heavily policed, said Rashawn Ray of the Brookings Institution. "What people want is not a curfew," he said. "People want the police to stop treating them badly. And a curfew might actually then enhance the likelihood of mistreatment, not reduce it." Ray said a curfew layered over the current COVID-19 health restrictions is a double-edged sword for low-income communities of color, which are feeling the brunt of the pandemic. People who work in "essential" jobs, who not only have to deal with the challenges of staying healthy, might also end up having "issues with the police" during a curfew, he said. "Guess what?," Ray asked. "Another one of your freedoms just got restricted during the biggest global pandemic we've had in a century." 'I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND' As curfew orders blare on cell phones across the region, anxiety also permeates immigrant communities, said local immigration attorney Alma Rosa Nieto. Nieto says many immigrants have jobs that require them to work at night or odd hours, she said, adding that her clients are fearful. She said they are telling her: "'I don't know what I'm going to do. I can't stop working. I have to support my family, but I'm scared of fearing arrest or citation.'" L.A. County has only sent its curfew orders through phone emergency alerts in English. Nieto said she received inquiries on social media asking her to explain what was going on. "I heard of a few clients saying, 'I didn't understand, I knew it was an alert because [the phone] was bleeping, but I didn't know what it meant.' And so grandkids and kids have been translating." 'YOU CAN'T GO IN THERE AND PICK PEOPLE OUT. YOU'VE GOT TO MOVE EVERYBODY.' Lally of the Police Protective League said he doesn't expect curfews to become a regular part of law enforcement tactics. "We only do it when it's absolutely necessary," he said. "There's people that are infiltrating these crowds and throwing rocks and bottles and Molotov cocktails at the cops," Lally said. "So how do you control it? You can't go in there and pick people out. You've got to move everybody." But that approach can lead to more confrontation spurred by police, Earl argued. "Very few American police officers are taught to approach their job by asking, 'If I didn't have the ability to use force, how would I handle this situation first?'" she said. On Tuesday, KPCC reporter Emily Guerin reported police helicopters circling her neighborhood in Santa Monica, calling out Curfew! through a bullhorn just after 2 p.m. Just heard someone yelling curfew! through a bullhorn. https://t.co/Ad0IhrqJPb Emily Guerin (@guerinemily) June 2, 2020 Tweeted one Santa Monica resident:"Outrageous. Let's see how long this goes on for." As scores of Torontonians descended on Trinity Bellwoods Park a few weeks ago to enjoy the warm spring weather and flout social distancing rules, the images hit a nerve for those on the frontlines. It really struck a chord with me and I felt saddened that our efforts as frontline people and just anybody whos been sacrificing for the past several months have been for not and been undermined, said Dr. Abdu Sharkawy, an infectious disease specialist at Toronto Western Hospital. This isnt right. Respect and compassion is a 2 way street. pic.twitter.com/xtecDTB3x5 Abdu Sharkawy (@SharkawyMD) May 23, 2020 After seeing several images circulate online, Dr. Sharkawy was flabbergasted by the amount of people who were in the park and how reckless they were being by being in public without masks and not physically distancing. The first thing that went through my mind was just shock, I had seen images on other warmer days where people were bending the rules, but I think the scale of what I say was like something out of Woodstock, just hordes of people, he said. The images were especially disappointing to Dr. Sharkawy whos been on the frontlines for months fighting against COVID-19, especially as he and fellow healthcare workers put their own wellbeing at risk. I think what I really saw was a sense of oblivion as to [whats going on around the city and inside the walls of hospitals, he said. Were putting ourselves at harms risk when we see patients, sacrificing and toiling away, and that was a difficult thing for me to reconcile and digest. During the Trinity Bellwoods swarm, the city handed out zero tickets under the physical distancing bylaw, but nine people received tickets for urinating in public. While he was amazed at the turnout, Dr. Sharkawy noted that with the warm weather approaching and other provinces effectively flattening the curve, people are wanting to ease back to normalcy. Story continues I think the weather brings with it a sense of leisure and signs of hope that we are moving towards a [new] normal again, he said. Dr. Abdu Sharkawy discusses why the Trinity Bellwoods fiasco may have occurred. As Ontarians enter month three of the pandemic there may be another hurdle of moving towards Phase Two of the provinces reopening plan, as numbers have remained in the 300 to 400 cases daily range. With the positive cases combined with little communication of when things could return to normal on the provinces end, its clear the mental strain that restrictions are having on people. Theres starting to be isolation fatigue, people are starting to feel like theyve had enough of being cooped up and are feeling restricted. They cant see their friends, and its only compounded with the deficit in our messaging from the province downwards, he said. Leadership failures across the board, Dr. Sharkawy says While its easy to point the finger at park-goers for their behaviour, Dr. Sharkawy feels part of the blame falls on the Ontario government and public health for their handling of the pandemic. I think the leadership in much of public health in Ontario has had its share of problems for quite some time, I dont think those issues have been addressed adequately enough by Premier Ford, she said. Dr. Sharkawy points to the West Coast and to the work done by chief medical officer of health for the province of Alberta, Dr. Deena Hinshaw and Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia, Dr. Bonnie Henry who have both been able to flatten the curve in their respective provinces. The leadership from the top down is consistent and not surprisingly has translated into a community that follows through and trusts the advice, he said. In response to the Trinity Bellwoods situation, Torontos medical officer of health, Eileen de Villa said she had consulted with the provinces chief medical officer and associate chief medical health officer and the trio all agreed people who were at the park on the Saturday should self-monitor for symptoms for the next fourteen days. But, earlier in the day, Premier Doug Ford had offered contradictory advice telling Torontonians to take advantage of the assessment centres and go get tested. I think it speaks to the principle of clear, consistent messaging which is not contradictory between different levels of leadership and this has been very problematic in Ontario, said Dr. Sharkawy. The advice from the province and from its medical health officers is just the latest case of mixed messaging since the beginning of the pandemic, which Dr. Sharkawy admits is having a negative effect. Theres consistent issues with lack of communication, consistent issues with lack of urgency on issues of testing or reacting to issues around long-term care homes...it doesnt appear that theyre being addressed, he said. In many respects, Dr. Sharkawy thinks the province has dragged its feet, especially when evidence was available from other jurisdictions. He points to long-term care (LTC) homes in British Columbia and Washington State being hit hard by COVID-19, but the province of Ontario had lengthy delays when addressing similar problems. He also cited the delayed approach to bring extra support staff, while other epidemiologists who spoke to Yahoo News months ago had called on the Ontario government to call in the military, especially in LTCs. These are not impressive examples of leadership when you take into account the lessons from other parts of the country and other parts of the world, well before they hit parts of Canada, there was evidence everywhere, he said. Since the beginning of the pandemic, freelance journalist, Nora Loreto has kept a list of Canadians who have died in an LTC. Of the 6639 deaths in the country, Loretos data shows at least 86.56% of the deaths have occurred in long-term care homes, which makes the provinces slow response that much more damning, according to Dr. Sharkawy. The province was clearly late in terms of reacting, in terms of identifying the scope of the problem that existed and in terms of steps they needed to follow to address PPE and staffing issues, he said. Learn the lessons, now It hasnt all been bad however, as there have been a couple of well thought out ideas, according to Dr. Sharkawy, most notably Mayor John Torys CurbTO plan which involved blocking curb lanes to alleviate overcrowding on sidewalks while creating more room for activities. Designating spaces for cyclists, for people to walk and run and take their dogs out, that is an example of forward thinking that is helpful and gives people some sort of accommodation and to exercise a little bit of freedom, said Dr. Sharkawy. In regards to parks or green spaces, Dr. Sharkawy adds that when larger numbers of people tend to congregate in one area and there needs to be clearly laid out rules or places of demarcation, or it can lead to the masses invoking poor judgement. You have a sort of structure that allows you to go out so its not a sort of free-for-all, where as being out in an open space without that means youre left to your own devices and judgement, he said. Since the Bellwoods incident, the city of Toronto said they would be introducing piloting physical distancing circles at the park to limit how many people can congregate at one time, similar to whats being done in New York and California. SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 21: People utilize social-distancing circles at Dolores Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, May 21, 2020. The Parks and Recreation Department painted the circles in the northernmost area of the park, but other areas have not been painted. (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images) At the end of it all, Dr. Sharkawy noted a lot of people making negative comments about the park-goers, but he hopes that people understand that if there are not clearly laid out rules and direction from those in power, trying to put the onus on citizens is a tough ask. A lot of sentiment that has emerged from the Bellwoods situation is of finger pointing and blame towards the young people of the city of Toronto, and I dont think thats fair. Its also important to remember that not everyone did this with malice, said Dr. Sharkawy. Rice pleaded guilty last July to one count of production of child pornography. In his plea agreement, Rice said that on multiple occasions from October 2013 until June 2016 he induced an Indiana girl, who was between 10 and 12 years old, to engage in sexually explicit activity online. The Pentagon is pitching Congress on a new training initiative for foreign military officers that would run parallel to a program that currently exists under the auspices of the State Department, Al-Monitor has learned. The Pentagons draft legislation obtained by Al-Monitor says the proposal would not duplicate or conflict with activities under the International Military Education and Training authorities, which the State Department oversees. Under the Pentagons draft proposal, the Defense Department would implement its program in coordination with the State Department. But some purse-string holders on Capitol Hill are skeptical of the idea. Tim Rieser, a foreign policy aide to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said the Pentagon initiative appears to be essentially a duplication of the State Department program, but one under the Defense Departments control. For an administration whose mantra is shrinking the federal government, you have to wonder whats really behind this," he said. "What problem are they trying to solve? The State Department has requested $105 million in International Military Education and Training funding for fiscal year 2021, including $17.5 million for the Middle East and North Africa. That funding is used to train foreign military officers from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. The State Department has also requested $1.6 million to train officers from Turkey. The Pentagons funding request for its proposed training initiative is relatively more modest, starting with just $3 million for the program in fiscal 2021 and gradually rising to $15 million for fiscal 2025. Over time things have a habit of becoming ingrained and expanding, and before you know it, its not $3 million, its not $15 million, its $100 million, Rieser told Al-Monitor. Notably, Congress received the Defense Departments proposal in March, but the Pentagon did not include it in its full 2021 budget request, released in April. Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Uriah Orland told Al-Monitor that the proposed International Professional Military Education program would supplement the State Department one "and is intended to increase the participation of critical allies and partners in select [Defense Department] education courses. Orland said that the proposal would be a critical component of the Defense Departments efforts to implement the National Defense Strategy, which calls for strengthening alliances as we attract new partners. He also confirmed that the proposed Pentagon training program would be subject to the same restrictions as the State Department one under a series of human rights regulations, collectively known as the Leahy laws. The State Department currently uses the Leahy laws to reject foreign officers who are potentially implicated in human rights abuses from the International Military Education and Training program. But Rieser, who helped draft the regulations, noted that Sen. Leahy would want the authorization for this [Pentagon] program to confirm that the Leahy law applies. The State Department did not comment on the Pentagons proposal. John served as the guest host on the June 1 edition of the Dan Proft show. John opened the show with an interview of Kyle Hooten, who has provided incomparable coverage of the Minneapolis meltdown. I have embedded a podcast of the entire show below. Kyle packs a lot of information into his two segments with John. The headlines on the home page of Minneapoliss Star Tribune provide a glimpse of recent developments as the city has descended into madness and chaos: Minnesota Human Rights Department launches probe into Minneapolis police. Subhead: The investigation will look at Minneapolis police policies and procedures over the past 10 years to determine if police engaged in discriminatory practices. Mother of George Floyds daughter speaks as thousands fill Capitol grounds to demand change. Subhead: With their daughter by her side, Roxie Washington struggled through emotion to share that Floyds life was more than his final moments. Minneapolis police cite fluid situation for troubling misinformation released after George Floyd death. Subhead: The most credible accounts of what happened that night came from bystander video and private surveillance footage. Charges: Minnesotans drove plateless car, carried guns and hammer during George Floyd protest. Subhead: The case conflicts with authorities initial warnings that outside agitators were largely responsible for the havoc that trailed protests. Condition of burned Lake Street liquor store cuts short search for possible body. Subhead: Witnesses said someone didnt make it out, but its unclear who, if anyone. In Minneapolis, a quiet army of generosity gains strength. Subhead: The sheer scope of support, pouring in from Minnesota and the nation, has surprised and relieved exhausted Minneapolis communities. Protesters return to the streets as Trump decries lowlifes' (a wire service story). Trucker who drove into protesters on 35W Bridge released without charges. Subhead: Investigators are in the process of gathering additional information and answers to aid in the charging decision, a statement says. And from the Star Tribune board of editors: Ellison can help build trust that justice will be served in Floyd case. Subhead: Attorney generals experience in civil rights is needed as case tests legal systems credibility. Its time to stop the madness! The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite became available in the UK at the end of April, but now Samsung has decided that it wants to boost sales and is offering a deal a free pair of AKG Y500. This deal is exclusive to the UK and Ireland, its valid from today until June 30. The Tab S6 Lite costs 350/400 if you want the Wi-Fi version, the LTE one is 400/460. That means that the Y500 normally 130/150 make up a significant portion of the price. That is if you wanted a pair of on-ear headphones in the first place. Maybe you do, check out our review to help you make up your mind. In the UK you can buy the tablet from Samsung, Very, Vodafone, Three and many others. If youre in Ireland, then head over to Samsung or one of several retailers. Heres the full list of participating retailers: United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands Carphone Warehouse, Carphone Warehouse Business, Dixons Travel, Currys PC World Amazon.co.uk (sold & dispatched by Amazon only), Amazon Business, Argos, Harrods, John Lewis, Littlewoods, O2, Samsung Experience Store, Samsung Shop Online, Selfridges, Three, Very, Vodafone, Sky, Insight, Tela Technologies, The Barcode Warehouse, Pescado, AO.com, EE, BT, Mainline, MDEE Republic of Ireland Samsung Shop Online (Exertis), Arnotts (Expert), DID Electrical, Euronics, Exertis Ireland, Expert, Harvey Norman, Power City, Soundstore Ireland, Brown Thomas (Expert), Littlewoods Ireland, Very Ireland, Carphone Warehouse, Carphone Warehouse Business, Dixons Travel, Currys PC World, Sky You need to claim the free headphones this page withing 30 days of purchasing the tablet (make sure to read the terms & conditions too). A jealous boyfriend brutally attacked his girlfriend on the night of her sister's wedding in Newport after accusing her of flirting with other men. Aaron Williams, kicked and stamped on Jessica Gittings' face during the horrific 90-minute ordeal when the couple returned to her mother's home in Aberbargoed, South Wales after the reception. Williams, from Caerphilly, South Wales, tried to cover up the attack when her relatives returned to the family home from the party in Newport then fled the property. Jessica, who was still wearing her blue bridesmaid's dress, was rushed to nearby Prince Charles Hospital with an injury to her jaw, along with cuts and bruises across her body following the beating on March 23 last year. Jessica Gittings, pictured on the day of her sister's wedding in her bridesmaid's dress, was brutally attacked by her drunken boyfriend who had accused her of flirting with another man Aaron Williams, 26, was given a 21 month prison sentence, but it was suspended for two years. He must also follow an indefinite restraining order handed to him by Judge Catherine Richards During a 90 minute attack, Aaron Williams stamped on Jessica Gettings' face and repeatedly kicked her Jessica was a bridesmaid at the wedding of her sister, Lisa to Jake Llewellyn, both above, in Newport Cardiff Crown Court heard Williams threw a bedside lamp at Jessica, before throwing her to the floor - then kicking her in the hips and stamping on her face. Prosecutor David Pinnell said: 'After they were back at home, his behaviour deteriorated. He was jealous and accused her of flirting with another male whilst at the wedding. 'This was a sustained and repeated assault on the victim who was heavily intoxicated and alone.' Afterwards, Williams told her: 'I love you. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it.' During his police interview, Williams claimed he had acted in self-defence after she 'wanted to scratch me'. Mr Pinnell said: 'The victim has asked for a restraining order as she wants a line drawn under this relationship - she says she wishes it had never got off the ground. 'She said that before this incident, she was happy, confident and outgoing. She is exactly the opposite now.' Jessica Gittings was all smiles in her blue bridesmaid's dress on the day of her sister's wedding, later that day she was subjected to a brutal assault at the hands of her jealous boyfriend Hashim Salmman, representing Williams, said: 'The defendant pleaded guilty on the day of his trial which spared the victim the further ordeal of having to give further live evidence. 'He has no previous convictions or propensity for violence. There is a realistic prospect of his rehabilitation.' Jailing Williams for 21 months suspended for two years, Judge Catherine Richards said Williams was guilty of an 'appalling' attack. She added: 'After your actions, you even had the audacity to say that you loved her as you tried to take her away in a taxi.' Speaking after the sentence, Jessica said: 'For three years I suffered with a narcissistic psychotic thing of a person who took complete control over my life to the point where I've wanted to take my own life.' Jessica Gittings was stamped, repeatedly kicked and suffered cuts and bruising during a 90-minute assault at the hands of Aaron Williams She told how the attack began after he took her home from the wedding She said: 'He was screaming at me accusing me of cheating on him and accusing me of lying and going behind his back with a family members partner. 'He beat me to a pulp for over a hour and half, stamped on my head to the point I had shoe prints on my face and a chipped tooth. 'He kicked me over and over in my hips knowing that was a weak point for me, he was literally frothing at the mouth smashing my bedroom up, picked me up from the floor laughing and spitting at me, threw a lava lamp at my head and smashed up my door taking it off the hinges. 'I've never been so scared at that point, I feared for my life. 'He had turned before but not as bad to the point where I was genuinely scared how far and how much longer it was going to go on for.' TOKYO, June 3, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Rakuten Mobile, Inc. and NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) today announced that the two companies have reached an agreement to jointly develop the containerized standalone (SA) 5G core network (5GC) to be utilized in Rakuten Mobile's fully virtualized cloud-native 5G network.Based on the agreement, Rakuten Mobile and NEC will jointly develop the containerized SA 5G mobile core to be made available on the Rakuten Communications Platform (RCP), Rakuten Mobile's fully virtualized and containerized cloud-native mobile network platform. The two companies will collaborate to build a Japan-made, highly reliable 5GC, based on the 5GC software source code developed by NEC. Subsequent to the launch of its non-standalone (NSA) 5G service in 2020, Rakuten Mobile aims to provide its SA 5G service in Japan in 2021.The containerized 5GC will also play a key role in the global expansion of RCP, a platform aimed at offering solutions and services for the deployment of virtualized networks at speed and low cost by telecom companies and enterprises around the world, tailored for their unique needs. The 5GC will be offered as an application on the RCP Marketplace, allowing customers to quickly and easily "click, purchase and deploy" a fully virtualized SA 5G core network solution."We are very excited to collaborate with NEC on the development of our standalone 5G core network," commented Tareq Amin, Representative Director, Executive Vice President and CTO of Rakuten Mobile. "Our partnership with NEC represents a joint collaboration to build an open, secure, and highly scalable 4G and 5G cloud-native converged core, that will also become a key feature of the highly competitive services we will offer to global customers through the Rakuten Communications Platform.""NEC is proud to be the 5GC development partner for Rakuten Mobile's advanced, fully virtualized, cloud-native network. Following the BSS/OSS for the 4G network and 5G radio equipment that we have already begun offering, we look forward to providing a high-quality, highly reliable 5GC and contributing to Rakuten Mobile's 5G services," said Atsuo Kawamura, Executive Vice President and President of the Network Services Business Unit, NEC.Through the joint development of the SA 5GC, Rakuten Mobile and NEC aim to drive innovation in global mobile technology and provide high-quality 5G network technology to customers both in Japan and around the world.About Rakuten MobileRakuten Mobile, Inc. is a Rakuten Group company responsible for mobile communications, including mobile network operator (MNO) and mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) businesses, as well as ICT and energy. Through continuous innovation and the deployment of advanced technology, Rakuten Mobile aims to redefine expectations in the mobile communications industry in order to provide appealing and convenient services that respond to diverse customer needs.About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.Source: NEC CorporationCopyright 2020 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. By V. DuWayne Battle I cant breathe. These were the words spoken by Eric Garner in 2014, who died after being placed in a chokehold by a white police officer. Sadly, these same words were repeated just last week during the tragic and awful death of George Floyd at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers. This public murder, which comes after the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, has resulted in outrage and protests throughout the nation. It also comes while we are facing a global pandemic, which has put a chokehold on our economy and disproportionately killed people of color by causing a respiratory illness that includes symptoms of shortness of breath. I cant breathe. Then, on Memorial Day, a white woman sought to weaponize the police on a Black man who asked her to leash her dog in the Bramble section of Central Park. She chokes her dog while calling the police. Sadly, some people seem to be more concerned about the dog than her frightening lie, her false police report or her use of white privilege. That same day, George Floyd dies after hes handcuffed and pinned to the pavement by the knee of a white police officer. Floyd tells the officer, I cant breathe. This is not a new phenomenon. In 2010, Defarra Gaymon, president and CEO of an Atlanta credit union, was needlessly shot and killed in Newarks Branch Brook Park by an undercover sheriffs officer. John Crawford III was shot and killed in 2014 in a Wal-Mart in Beavercreek, Ohio after a misleading call was placed about a Black man walking around with a gun. The gun was an air rifle taken from the store shelf. Four days later, Michael Brown Jr., an 18-year-old was fatally shot in Ferguson, Missouri by a white police officer. That November, Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy with a toy gun was shot and killed in Cleveland by a white police officer. Moreover, there were no fewer than 100 such incidents in 2014, including three unarmed Black men from New Jersey: Jerame C. Reid, Lavon King, and David Yearby. There were no indictments in each of these cases. We desperately need revisions in our criminal justice system to address police brutality. First, all aggressive, racist police tactics, especially those that result in the death of unarmed people, must be met with swift and visible accountability. To accomplish this Congress needs to establish legislation indicating a threshold of accountability for excessive force to determine culpability to protect against police brutality. Second, we need to make sure that independent federal prosecutors handle cases where unarmed people are severely injured or killed at the hands of police. It is unreasonable to believe that local prosecutors can avoid bias in favor of police to ensure justice in cases of police brutality. Third, we must redouble our efforts to ensure the proper screening, hiring, training and supervision of those serving in any law enforcement capacity. Police officers must be required to perform their duties within an antiracist framework. It is not enough to teach about diversity awareness, cultural competence and conflict management. This training must deal specifically with racial justice, and officers who fail to demonstrate the ongoing competency and ability to operate in an antiracist framework should be terminated and not allowed to work in law enforcement in any region or capacity. And finally, our society must be aggressive in acknowledging, challenging, and eliminating the causes and consequences of racism at every level. The public health implications of racism have been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are intricately interrelated to the social, economic, environmental, and criminal injustices that are the product of a racist society. All aspects of racism must be eliminated so, as a nation, we each can finally breathe. V. DuWayne Battle, Ph.D., DMin, MSW, is an associate professor and the director of the Baccalaureate Social Work (BASW) program on the Rutgers Camden and New Brunswick campuses. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Amid the India-Chinese stand-off along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is constructing an emergency landing strip in south Kashmir on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. The officials, however, said the landing strip has nothing to do with the confrontation with China and termed it as an old project which was approved sometime ago. The work has started adjacent to the newly constructed national highway between Srinagar and Jammu near south Kashmirs Bijbehara area. An NHAI officer said the project involves construction of a 3.5-kilometre emergency landing strip. It was already in the plan when the construction of the new national highway began in Kashmir. The work couldnt be taken up earlier due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Officials said that earth laying work is already going at full pace and special passes have been issued to people engaged with the construction. Once completed, the airstrip could be used in emergency situations, the officials said adding that the area where the strip is coming up is centrally placed. FP Staff Amid the ongoing spat between US president Donald Trump and Twitter after the latter flagged a post by the American president on the ongoing protests against the murder of an African-American man named George Floyd, the social media platform on Wednesday posted a detailed thread outlining its policies and principles and their enforcement process while highlighting controversial tweets. Trump had tweeted saying, "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" in reference to the ongoing unrest in the US following the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed African-American man who pleaded for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck. Twitter had flagged the post for "glorifying violence." Twitter had also earlier added fact-check links to two of Trump's tweets, enraging Trump. Trump had responded by signing an executive order aimed at stripping social media giants like Twitter and Facebook of legal immunity for the content posted by third-party users. "We believe that healthy public conversation is an important element to enable the achievement of Universal Human Rights for all," the platform said through its handle Twitter Safety on Wednesday, detailing its process to flag inappropriate content. The platform said that its process was based on providing context to tweets and not fact-checking them. It also said that it does not try to address all misinformation but prioritises on the basis on certain criteria. We are NOT attempting to address all misinformation. Instead, we prioritize based on the highest potential for harm, focusing on manipulated media, civic integrity, and COVID-19. Likelihood, severity and type of potential harm along with reach and scale factor into this. Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) June 3, 2020 The company also said that it focuses on issues of civic integrity an public health as it believes that these are contemporary matters of importance. We have since expanded to issues of civic integrity and public health given the critical importance of elections and the current health crisis. https://t.co/S4c3SRYTB0 Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) June 3, 2020 The social media platform on Wednesday also sought to throw light on the purpose behind labelling tweets. When we label Tweets we link to Twitter conversation that shows three things for context: 1Factual statements (e.g. ballots are only being sent to registered voters) 2Counterpoint opinions & perspectives 3Ongoing public conversation around the issuehttps://t.co/gSPzaEZ1Fk Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) June 3, 2020 "We also believe its important people can read and speak about what world leaders say, even if they violate our rules,"said Twitter. Last week, the White House's official account pointed to a 22 May tweet by Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei and accused the social media app of allowing "terrorists, dictators, and foreign propagandists to abuse its platform". "We will continue to be transparent in how we make our decisions and be open with our rationale on how we label certain Tweets. Publicly sharing our work is core to everything we do. If we cant explain and be confident in our determination, we will not label a Tweet," it said. Trumps order violates First Amendment, claims tech-rights body Centre for Democracy and Technology (CDT), a tech-focused civil liberties group on Tuesday filed a suit to stop Trump's executive order that seeks to regulate social media, saying it violates the First Amendment and presses curbs on free expression. In its suit, the Center for Democracy and Technology said that Trump's executive order violates the First Amendment because it attacks Twitter for putting the fact checks on the president's tweets, which CDT said is Twitter's right as a private company. More broadly, the order is trying to curb speech of all online platforms and people "by demonstrating the willingness to use government authority to retaliate against those who criticise the government", news agency AP quoted the CDT as saying. "The government cannot and should not force online intermediaries into moderating speech according to the president's whims," said Alexandra Givens, CDT's CEO, in a statement emailed to AP. The organisation filed the federal suit in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. Trump's social media order had come under criticism from various sources. Tech industry groups had said it was bad for innovation and speech. Civil rights and libertarian organisations and the US Chamber of Commerce had also criticised it. With inputs from AP Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label. Mladenov, 48, is a former Bulgarian foreign minister and Middle East veteran. He was raised for part of his childhood in Syria and more recently served as the head of the U.N. mission in Iraq. An imposing figure, he tries to strike a balance between lighthearted and serious tones. And after five years as the U.N. peace envoy, he still appears passionate about the apparently hopeless task he has been given. New Delhi, June 3 : The Congress has assured the government that it is with the government on the Sino-India standoff in eastern Ladakh but said the government should not hide and distort facts. Addressing a press conference, party leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said "we are with you on any issue of national security." "Whatever stance you take aggressive or diplomatically we are with you but don't distort and hide things otherwise questions will arise," said Singhvi. Referring to the statements of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh that the Chinese troops have come to the area which they claim to be theirs and they are in large numbers, the Congress slammed the government clarification on it. The government had clarified that "The Minister was referring to differing perceptions of the LAC and presence of Chinese troops. It is being misinterpreted as if Chinese troops entered the Indian side." Singhvi said the "government is joking with the country on the issue of national security and talking of nationalism, the clarification itself is proof that it is either distorting facts or hiding something." Another party spokesperson Manish Tewari tweeted on the Defence Minister's interview and sought clarification. "Finally Rajnath Singh admits Chinese intrusion as 'achi khasi sankhya'. Could he please define what 'achi khasi sankhya' means? How much of our land beyond the LAC is occupied by Chinese? If LAC is a phantom how much territory occupied beyond Chinese claim line? "How broad is the intrusion?" Woolworths is giving more than 100,000 workers shares in the company as a 'thank you' for making it through a turbulent period marked by bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible full time workers will get up to $750 of Woolworths shares. This share offer means Woolworths will have the largest number of shareholder team members in Australia and New Zealand. Visit Business Insider Australias homepage for more stories. Woolworths is rewarding its workers for their performance through the bushfires and coronavirus pandemic by giving them shares in the company. The supermarket giant said more than 100,000 employees across Australia and New Zealand will get a share in Woolworths Group in recognition of their "extraordinary efforts and contributions during a year of unprecedented challenges". This share offer means Woolworths Group will have most shareholder team members in Australia and New Zealand. The shares will be given to workers who were employed before March 1 and aren't already part of the company's short-term incentive schemes (STI). Eligible full-time workers will get up to $750 of Woolworths Group shares which they can either keep or sell while part-timers get shares on a pro-rata basis. Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci said in a statement the company thought the share program was the best way to reward workers. "From protests in Hong Kong, droughts and bushfires in Australia to the devastating volcanic activity in New Zealand and finally COVID-19, we have pulled together as a team to support each other, our customers and the communities in which we live and operate," he said. "This has taken an enormous amount of hard work and dedication and through our collective commitment we have indeed lived our purpose of creating better experiences together for a better tomorrow. We could think of no better way to thank and recognise our team than by making them shareholders in our Group." Story continues Woolworths first mentioned its plans to recognise its staff during in April during its FY20 third quarter sales announcement. Banducci added that the shares are a way for the company to acknowledge the role the workers will continue to play going forward. "Id like to thank our team once again for their continued support during these extraordinary times," Banducci added. There are also some extra perks for Woolies employees. All Australian full and part-time workers who joined before March 1 (and aren't involved in the STI scheme) also get $250 in Team Member PlusCard credits, which they can spend like gift card at Woolworths Supermarkets, Metro, BIG W and BWS. Casual workers, on the other hand, get $100. D-Nice, SoundExchanges Huppe Discuss Unusual Business [Midem Digital Edition Spotlight Series] MIDEMs digital programming continues to roll out, including the events greatly anticipated Business (Un)Usual panel that takes a deep look at the ways the music industry is evolving in the wake of COVID-19. As music creators find new ways to connect with their audiences and the industry seeks ways to support them, DJ D-Nice, a panel participant, noted, I will probably never go back to be the same type of artist that I was in the past. This [time in history] has brought so much creativity to the forefront for me. Now that I am using social media to connect to fans, I cant imagine going back to what it was before. Having the ability to touch fans from all over the world people wake up in Italy just to hear me play music, continued D-Nice. D-Nice was joined by Michael Huppe, president and CEO of SoundExchange, the premier royalty solutions organization, with Rolling Stones Amy Wang. An important theme discussed during the conversation was the economic impact of COVID-19 on the music industry. A lot of artists are suffering just as much as a lot of other people out there, said Huppe. Theres no touring, theres no clubs, theres no restaurants, no place to gig, bars are closed, you cant even do house concerts, so many artists are really being slammed by this pandemic, and yet you still see them rising up, rising above and sharing. Artists globally, I hope, are being looked at in a new light as a result of this The conversation quickly turned to compensation and when or if artists should start to charge for digital performances, be it on social media or events streamed on other platforms. The digital world needs to fairly compensate artists. Theres an immense amount of wealth being made out there off the music, and more of it needs to trickle down to the people that create it, the labels and the artists that provide it to these services, said Huppe. I think what were doing is saving lives, keeping people from being depressed. D-Nice noted he doesnt feel right charging for his art, at least while the quarantine continues. I dont know what its going to be like six months from now but while we are quarantined and stuck at home, I think what were doing is saving lives, keeping people from being depressed, added D-Nice. Overall, the discussion focused on the power of creativity and music in dark times. Artists globally, I hope, are being looked at in a new light as a result of this, concluded Huppe. For more than 50 years, Midem has brought the global music community together in Cannes. This year, Midem Digital Edition (June 2-5) will feature 264 speakers from 48 countries, 64 sessions, and 23 livestreamed keynote sessions, talks, and presentations. Register for all of the full sessions here: https://www.midem.com/en-gb/midem-digital-edition.html Share on: U.S. private payrolls fell less than expected in May, suggesting layoffs were abating as businesses reopen, even though a federal report later this week is expected to show unemployment nearing Great Depression levels. The ADP National Employment Report on Wednesday showed private employers laid off another 2.76 million workers last month, after a record 19.557 million in April. The May layoffs were far less than the 9 million forecast by a survey of economists. A staggering 25 million private jobs were lost over the past three months. Barring a second wave of the outbreak and with some additional government support, Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, said the COVID-19 recession appears to have only lasted three months. Unemployed workers attend to a demonstration to demand their unemployment benefits rin Florida last month. New data shows that layoffs are slowing but recovery will be slow 'It will be the shortest recession on record, but it will be among the most severe,' Zandi said on a call with reporters. 'The COVID-19 recession is over, barring a second wave of infections or policy error,' Zandi said. 'But recovery will be a slog until there is a vaccine.' The damage was concentrated in two sectors. Manufacturers cut 719,000 jobs in May. The trade, transportation and utilities sector let go of 826,000. Other sectors that suffered as part of April's 19.6 million job losses saw their layoffs slow sharply. The leisure and hospitality industry - which includes hotels and restaurants - shed 105,000 jobs last month, down from a revised 7.7 million losses in April. Zandi said there was no evidence yet the government's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was helping the labor market. Weekly jobless claims have slowly tapered off following an initial spike in late March A CVS Pharmacy in San Francisco displays a sign seeking employees. Many who lost jobs are now able to seek employment as businesses slowly reopen The PPP, part of a historic fiscal stimulus package worth nearly $3 trillion, offers businesses loans that can be partially forgiven if they are used for employee pay. Stocks on Wall Street opened higher as investors remained optimistic about an economic rebound despite growing social unrest. Though the worst of job losses is probably behind, economists estimate that roughly one in four workers who were laid off or furloughed during the near shutdown of the country in mid-March to control the spread of COVID-19 were unlikely to be rehired. Many bankruptcies are anticipated. The ADP report was released ahead of the government's more comprehensive employment report for May scheduled for release on Friday. Though it has a poor record predicting the private payrolls component of the government's employment report because of methodology differences, it mirrors other labor market indicators in suggesting that layoffs are ebbing. 'The ADP report isn't always a reliable predictor of the government data, but it suggests that the pace of job loss moderated noticeably between April and May, even though it remained substantial relative to pre-COVID-19 norms,' said Daniel Silver, an economist at JPMorgan in New York. 'This is a message broadly consistent with some other related signals, and the labor market likely has benefited from the easing of restrictions on activity in many places.' The unemployment rate reached 14.7% in April and is forecast to hit 19.8% for May According to a Reuters survey of economists, nonfarm payrolls probably declined by 8 million last month after plummeting by a record 20.537 million in April. The unemployment rate is forecast rocketing to 19.8 percent, a post-World War Two high, from 14.7 percent in April. Recessions in the United States are called by the National Bureau of Economic Research, which does not define a recession as two consecutive quarters of decline in real gross domestic product, as is the rule of thumb in many countries. Instead, the NBER looks for a drop in economic activity, spread across the economy and lasting more than a few months. Economists believe the economy slipped into recession in March. The ADP report showed job losses across all sectors in May, though within the service-providing sector, administrative services, which include temporary help, and educational services showed employment gains. See Full Image Gallery >> As the top-of-the-lineup performance variant, the Civic Type R is already a rarified vehicle, and Honda added to the car's legendary mystique with a limited-edition model for 2021. The Canadian market was restricted to only 100 examples of the special edition, and all 100 recently sold out within four minutes of the order books opening. That's quicker than the 2017 Type R's Nurburgring lap record. The 2021 Type R LE, which is offered exclusively in Phoenix Yellow, offers slight apperance tweaks, as well as a lighter overall package. It features 20-inch BBS lightweight forged aluminum wheels that reduce unsprung weight by 18 pounds total, and those wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber. Weight has further been cut by reducing the use of sound-deadening materials, though Honda does not get into details about where the materials were affected. Contrasting with the bright heritage paint job, the Type R LE has a black roof, black side mirror caps, and a black hood intake. In addition to the red Honda badges on every Type R, this model also has a rear CIVIC badge with a dark chrome treatment. Under the hood, the power remains the same. The LE has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 306 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. It's linked to a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching, and power is funneled to the front wheels. Honda confirmed in a press release this week that all 100 examples of the 2021 Type R LE allotted for Canada sold out in four minutes through an online eCommerce website. According to Automotive News Canada, buyers were required to put down a $1,000 deposit for the pre-sale. The U.S. market will get 600 units of the Type R LE, but that doesn't mean they'll be easy to get. Talk to a local dealership now for pricing and availability. GREENWICH State Police on Saturday arrested a Hudson Falls man on parole for allegedly illegally entering a residence after fleeing from a traffic stop. Everetton I. Newman, 24, was riding his motorcycle on John Street at about 2:30 p.m., when police attempted to stop him for a traffic infraction. Newman then sped away on his motorcycle and dumped the bike on the lawn of a residence before taking off on foot, according to police. Newman then allegedly ran out of a home and re-entered it after being given an order by a trooper to stop. Newman was taken into custody and he actively resisted, police said. Newman was charged with felony second-degree burglary because police determined that he did not live at the residence nor have any reason to be there. He also faces misdemeanors of resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. Newman was taken to Washington County Jail on a parole warrant and is due to appear in Kingsbury Town Court on Aug. 5 at 9 a.m. Newman was arrested in September 2017 for displaying a Glock 9 mm semiautomatic handgun outside his home and cocking it during an argument. He pleaded guilty in January 2018 to attempted criminal possession of a weapon and was sentenced to 6 months in Warren County Jail and 5 years on probation in that case. In February 2018, he crashed his car on Coolidge Avenue in Queensbury and fled the scene. That violated his probation and he pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and received 2 years in state prison. Newman was released on parole last July after serving 9 months of his sentence. 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. More South Korean students will return to classrooms on Wednesday as part of the government's phased reopening plan, but worries linger over the continued spread of the new coronavirus. Yonhap More South Korean students will return to classrooms on Wednesday as part of the government's phased reopening plan, but worries linger over the continued spread of the new coronavirus. The reopening comes at a time when the country is wrestling with a spike in infections traced to small churches and cram schools in Seoul and its adjacent areas despite a slowdown in cases tied to bigger clusters, such as a nightlife district and a logistics center. On Wednesday, first-year high school students, second-year middle school students and third- and fourth-year elementary school students will return to their classrooms. The total number amounts to 1.78 million. When the third phase is completed, 4.59 million, about 77 percent of all South Korean school kids, will be attending in-person classes. But they will not all go to school simultaneously. Each school is allowed to run a different schedule to ease classroom crowding. They implement staggered lunches, shifts of student attendance, split sessions, reduced class time and a mix of online and offline classes. The South Korean government started reopening schools on May 20. Under the plan, 440,000 high school seniors began in-person classes, followed by 2.37 million students in other year groups, including kindergartners. According to top educational officials, the reopening is inevitable at a time when a great deal of uncertainty over COVID-19 is holding back normal life activities, including those of students. They believe staying at home and learning through virtual classes is insufficient for the mental and intellectual development of young Koreans. But infection cases have been reported at schools, cram schools and business establishments frequently visited by students. Cases are abundant. Last week, a second-year elementary school boy and two middle school pupils in Seoul tested positive for COVID-19, causing scores of schools to close. A high school senior in the southern port city of Busan also tested positive. A second-year elementary school student in Anyang, a suburb of Seoul, was confirmed on Sunday to have the virus. So far, 20 teenage patients of COVID-19 were traced to a teacher at a cram school in the port city of Incheon. On Monday, an official at a Seoul elementary school tested positive, leading to the closure of the school and its kindergarten. The operation of cram schools which have mostly stayed open despite government warnings is particularly worrisome. According to the ministry, a total of seven confirmed cases involving students were reported from cram schools from February to May. The figure rose to 20 in May. Since February, more than 30 cases involving teachers or officials at cram schools have been reported. To address the concerns, the government inspected the safety conditions of private education institutes in the capital area on Monday and Tuesday. But the Education Ministry maintains its position that the coronavirus is under control, with the government's stringent quarantine protocols and testing and tracing capability. Last week, it toughened measures to minimize classroom crowding in Seoul and the surrounding area. Elementary and middle schools are required to cap the number of students at one-third of the total student body and high schools at two-thirds. It also strongly advised businesses frequented by teenagers to remain closed until June 14. If they choose to remain open, they have to make sure that patrons fill out entry logs, wear masks and maintain at least a 1-meter distance from one another. Some parents have misgivings about sending their kids to school. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), the infection cases of people aged 10-19 is 659, or 5.71 percent of the country's total caseload of 11,541. Children younger than 10 years old account for 1.37 percent with 158 cases. Although the figure is not deemed large, it should not be overlooked because young people with mild symptoms can silently carry the virus and infect other family members who are vulnerable. On a now-closed petition posted on the presidential Cheong Wae Dae, more than 255,000 people asked the government to delay the reopening of schools. In another ongoing petition posted by a teacher, more than 164,000 people have supported the delay. (Yonhap) Australian manufacturers have become the first to make a vegan version of the famous Wagyu beef. Sydney-based food company JAT Oppenheimer makes the product out of tofu and are soon hoping to stock it in supermarkets around Australia under the brand name 'V Meat'. However, beef producers are frustrated the vegan product is allowed to use the 'Wagyu' label as part of its marketing. A joint venture between two Australian-listed companies have released a line of plant-based 'Wagyu Beef' into Asian supermarkets However, the company's managing director Wilton Yao, didn't see the problem, and told Daily Mail Australia all the products in their vegan Wagyu were from Australia. 'Most of the products are from different suppliers in Australia: in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales,' he said. The product is made using soy-based and wheat proteins, pea fibres and wheat proteins out of Australia. 'They're hoping to get the products into Australia's major supermarket chains, but haven't got a timeline yet.' 'We are in discussion with a few local distributors in Australia such as Woolworths, Coles and Aldi. To get not just the Wagyu beef into stores, but we also have other products like meatballs and burgers,' he said. Australian manufacturers have launched a new fake meat product, which is masquerading as a style of beef produced only from a certain breed of cattle He said the product was similar to Wagyu beef because of its 'more chewable' and has a distinctive smell like meat. Wagyu is branded as such because it's been harvested from Japanese-bred cattle with a trademark marbling or fat throughout the meat. A single wagyu steak can cost up to $100 depending on quality. That's why some beef producers are unhappy the company is using the name to sell a vegan product. The Australian Wagyu Association's Chief Executive Matt McDonagh told Daily Mail Australia it's offensive to farmers to advertise the fake meat as 'Wagyu'. 'Fake Wagyu is just nonsensical, Wagyu is natural and the result of hundreds of years of purity in breeding - what is the point of trying to produce a highly manufactured and and artificial ingredient fake?' he said. But the cut of meat is typically branded as such because it's been harvested from Japanese-bred cattle with a trademark marbling or fat throughout the cut of meat 'People choose to eat Wagyu because of the integrity and unique luxury qualities of the product.' Australian farmers are at war with the labelling of plant-based products with meat titles. They want a ban on words such as 'milk', 'seafood' and 'meat' over products which have no connection to the original products. Minister for Agriculture Bridget McKenzie wants to see products rebranded to 'protect' Australian farmers. America's top infectious disease expert, Dr Anthony Fauci, said he is 'cautiously optimistic' that one of several coronavirus vaccines being developed in the US will work to prevent infection, and be ready in 'a reasonable period of time.' Speaking at a The Wall Street Journal's Tech Health Conference on Tuesday, Dr Fauci said that he is 'really optimistic' about the shot that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) - which he directs - is working on with Moderna. Moderna's shot showed early promise in its phase 2 human tests last month. The company reported that it triggered antibody production on par with that seen in recovered coronavirus patients. The announcement sent shares for Moderna sky-rocketing by 20 percent, but was quickly followed by skepticism and the revelation that the suspiciously well-timed results coincided with automated trading by the company's largest investor and the sale of $30 million worth of shares by two of its executives. Medical experts, too, questioned whether the data from the study - which reported antibody levels in just eight patients - was really significant, or entirely positive. But Dr Fauci was unwavering, saying he and his collaborators 'are really optimistic we're going to be successful.' Dr Anthony Fauci expressed optimism about the US effort to make coronavirus vaccines in general, and the NIAID's work with Moderna to make one in particular on Tuesday (file) He added that Moderna's is just one of many vaccines being developed, and that he expects multiple will prove effective. 'There will be a vaccine that is protective,' he said. 'I think there will be several candidates that will arrive at that goal at approximately the same time.' Dr Fauci is encouraged by the fact that an antibody response has been seen in coronavirus patients who have recovered from the infection. That is not the case for every infectious disease. Most notably, the human body does not mount an immune response to HIV, the infectious disease upon which Dr Fauci built his career studying. 'Given that the body can make a good response against coronavirus, we feel cautiously optimistic that if we mimic safely natural infection with our vaccine, we will be able to induce a response in a person that would be equivalent to the response that natural infection induces,' Dr Fauci said via video call during the remote conference. Moderna's 'positive data' on its vaccine was released on May 18. Moderna announced Friday that it has begun its second phase of human trials for its coronavirus vaccines - but the results of its first human tests are now shrouded in controversy Moderna has led the pack in the US race to make a vaccine to prevent coronavirus infection The eight people in the trial had blood levels of neutralizing antibodies - immune cells that may be able to block the coronavirus - that were on par with those seen in people who had recovered from coronavirus. Only about a third drugs that enter clinical trials make it to final stage testing. So it's not terribly common for big announcements to be made about early stage tests, which may have little bearing on the final outcome of clinical trials. What's more, University of Texas vaccine expert Dr Peter Hotez noted on Twitter that some studies have suggested that the level of these antibodies in recovered patients' plasma might not be sufficient to neutralize the virus. So the trial's highly-anticipated results were 'not necessarily good news,' he said. But it's the best news the US has seen about a vaccine so far, although similar results were seen in early trials of a vaccine being developed in China. And the stock market certainly responded as though it was very good news. Moderna's chief medical offier, Tal Zaks (left), and chief technical officer, Lawrence Kim (right), collectively made nearly $30 million selling off shares after the earlier trial results were announced On the basis of early indicators of an antibody response seen in just eight trial participants, its share prices jumped up 20 percent. In the hours and days following the announcement, the company amassed $1.3 billion in a mass sale of shares to the public, two executives - chief medical officer Tal Zaks and chief technical officer Lawrence Kim - sold off nearly $30 million of their combined shares, and the Moderna's primary venture capital investor sold a million of its shares, according to CNN. Moderna's vaccine has been mired in controversy ever since. That doesn't concern Dr Fauci so much as lingering questions over just what kind of protection these antibodies provide put him ill at ease. 'What is a big unknown is what the durability of that protection is,' he said during the Tuesday conference. 'Is it going to be a year, two years or even maybe, unfortunately, six months or less? 'Then we have a secondary problem. We may have overcome the first problem of getting a vaccine, but then you're in a logistical situation.' Already, the 'reasonable' time frame for a coronavirus vaccine is most the start of next year for front line workers to receive it and longer for the average citizen. If everyone needs two doses within six months, that's twice as much vaccine to produce. The phase 2 trial for Moderna's shot, launched this week, will follow its participants for a year, but a phase 3 trial is planned for next month and the hope is that the vaccine's first batch could be ready by January. The Project panellist Nakkiah Lui has issued an emotional plea to Australians as protests over racial tensions continue around the world. Thousands of protesters marched in Sydneys CBD on Tuesday evening, calling for an end to the mistreatment and abuse of Australias Indigenous people. It was sparked by ongoing civil unrest in the US after the death of black man George Floyd, 46, while being arrested by police officers in Minneapolis. Nakkiah Lui has implored everyone to stand with Australia's Indigenous people and demand an end to abuse at the hands of police. Source: Twitter/ The Project Writer and actress Nakkiah Lui, who is a Gamilaroi and Torres Strait Islander woman, tweeted on Tuesday about Aboriginal deaths in custody. If a white person was murdered every month for 24 years by the same group, we'd call them terrorists, she tweeted. You call it Australia. Lui was asked about her tweet on Network Tens The Project, which she co-hosting, on Tuesday night, to which she replied: These people arent just numbers they have names. "These people aren't just numbers - they have names. Be angry for us. Stand with us. Protest with us. Because we need you. I don't want to live in a country where names become numbers. I just don't" - @nakkiahlui pic.twitter.com/DptpKH2pc9 The Project (@theprojecttv) June 2, 2020 Protesters call for an end to racism in Sydney's CBD on Tuesday afternoon. Source: Getty Images She mentioned David Dungay, who died in police custody in 2015, and Tanya Day, who died in 2017. In total, 432 Indigenous Australians have died in custody since 1991, The Guardian reported. Lui told the program they were loved and are still loved. So what I want to say is just to the people that are watching, think about your loved ones, what would you do if they died begging for help? she said, fighting back tears. What would you do if they died with a knee on their neck? Lui was referring to the vision showing a Minneapolis police officer with his knee on Mr Floyds neck as he told police he couldnt breathe before his death. Story continues She also implored Australians to unite and stop the mistreatment. What I'm saying is be angry for us, stand with us, protest with us because we need you, Lui told The Project. There was never no wonderful Australia. We can create hope by creating a better world for each other. I don't want to live in a country where names become numbers. I just don't. More protests are set to take place across the weekend in Australia. Source: Getty Images People on social media described her plea as amazing, powerful and inspirational. I came close to crying so many times tonight, one woman tweeted. Luis on-air message comes after a NSW police officer was filmed sweeping the legs of an Indigenous teen and arresting him in Sydneys inner-city suburb of Surry Hills. The videos led to widespread outrage. While the teen has been released from hospital, an investigation is being undertaken by NSW Polices Professional Standards Command. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. A Denver police officer has been fired after writing 'let's start a riot' for a caption of a photo he posted on Instagram that showed him and two other officers in riot gear. The Denver Police Department announced on Tuesday that Officer Thomas McClay was fired. 'The Denver Police Department initiated an Internal Affairs investigation into a social media post by Officer Thomas McClay,' according to a news release from the department,' the Denver Post reports. The Denver Police Department announced on Tuesday that Officer Thomas McClay (left) was fired. His Instagram account has also since been deleted 'The Internal Affairs investigation revealed that the officer violated the department's social media policy, posted content inconsistent with the values of the department, and the officer has been terminated.' McClay had been assigned desk duties while the internal affairs investigation was taking place, according to police spokesman Sonny Jackson. The investigation was conducted by the Office of the Independent Monitor. It was unknown whether the other two officers were working during protests in Denver, which saw officers using foam bullets and pepper spray on demonstrators. The now fired officer had just graduated from the police academy, joining the department in October 2019, McClay's account on Instagram has since been deleted. The now fired officer had just graduated from the police academy, joining the department in October 2019, according to a post on Facebook from the department. Since he was within the nine-month probationary period for all officers who join the department, McClay could have been fired without an internal investigation. It was unknown whether the other two officers were working during protests in Denver, which saw officers using foam bullets and pepper spray on demonstrators The Denver Police Protective Association released a statement condemning the remarks from the officer. 'Today a young, probationary Denver Police officer was terminated for posting an inflammatory, insensitive, and quite frankly, misguided photograph on social media,' they said in the statement, CBS News reports. 'For the other 1,600 Denver Police officers who are left dealing with a very difficult situation, we ask the public, as well as elected City officials, to stop using social media to fan the flames of hatred.' Thousands in Denver have taken to the streets like many Americans across the country, to combat police brutality against black people in the aftermath of George Floyd's death at the hands of white cop Derek Chauvin who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. With Chrome M83, Google rolled out a brand new feature to help users protect their browsing privacy called Secure DNS. As its name implies, the feature is centered around the way browsers determine which server hosts a given website. Referred to as a DNS lookup, the browser effectively searches out the IP address of a given site before returning results. That traffic, it nearly goes without saying, is seen by service providers and anybody else viewing the network. But it can also be viewed by would-be attackers. With Secure DNS, that process happens via DNS-over-HTTPS, encrypting the step. In Chrome, that can be secured using the service provider, via Google DNS, CleanBrowsing, Cloudflare, or Quad9. That stops cyber-attackers and service providers alike from seeing which websites are visited. In the former case, that can prevent phishing attacks among other things. Advertisement Fortunately, users dont need to actually do anything to take advantage of the feature. It will appear and be activated by default for more users as the rollout continues and its reach broadens. But for those who want to adjust Secure DNS settings in Chrome or adjust deeper settings, the process is fairly straightforward. Heres how to adjust or turn off Secure DNS in Chrome The update bringing Secure DNS will continue rolling out slowly in version 83 of the browser. But it wont necessarily arrive everywhere at once. For those who are feeling impatient, it can be turned on by visiting the chrome://flags URL and searching out the DNS-over-https flag. Once activated, the option becomes available in Settings. For those who do have the latest update installed and the feature available, it can be found in the Chrome Settings menu. Getting there simply requires users to click the three-dot menu at the top-right-hand side of the UI. Then, the Settings option needs to be selected. Users on Chromebooks will want to ensure thats the menu they are accessing rather than the Settings app found on the system shelf or in the app drawer. Advertisement In the Settings menu, users will need to select Privacy & Security from the left-hand sidebar. After scrolling to the bottom of that section, a Secure DNS toggle is found turned on by default once it arrives tucked behind the Advanced or More option in those settings. After its turned on, users can choose to keep the default setting, using their respective service provider. Or they can choose any of the options listed above or another Custom DNS provider. This does not benefit everybody but marks a crucial step for Google Now, there is at least one drawback to Secure DNS and DNS-over-HTTPS, generally. Namely, network admins wont be able to see what sites are being accessed either. Thats a fairly big caveat but Secure DNS can also be turned off via the same settings menu mentioned above. That means it should be relatively easy for IT admins to deactivate the feature where required. Secure DNS also doesnt appear in Chromes mobile iterations, at least for the time being. Advertisement Looking beyond the slight caveats, this is just one of many features Google has been rolling out amid ongoing investigations it is currently facing. Those chiefly center around its handling of user privacy and data collection. Among other changes, the company has actively combatted abusive site behavior. It recently took that even further to protect against permissions abuse. Secure DNS is arguably but simply the more impactful of the incoming changes. By Trenton Goble In the past few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought so many changes and challenges to the education sector that its difficult to keep track of them all. Students and teachers alike have moved to online learning platforms en masse due to school closures, which has led to countless issues with adapting lesson plans and ironing out the wrinkles with video conferencing technology. One challenge thats flown under the radar, however, is the millions of students across the country without reliable access to the internet, who are now being left behind in the great online migration. Easy access to the internet is one of the great invisible divides of our era. Many of us have taken it for granted for so long that its difficult to imagine things could be different for others, but the numbers dont lie. According to an analysis from the Pew Research Center, more than a third of all households (35%) with school-age children did not have any form of high-speed broadband internet services in 2015. The problem is even worse for students in rural areas 39% of rural residents nationwide lack any basic option for high-speed internet access, and in 15 states, that figure rises to more than half. Whether its the unaffordable cost to lower-income Americans or the geographic challenges of extending access to larger rural areas, many issues have contributed to this problem. What does this mean for these students? Without high-speed internet access, many of the online learning platforms and video streaming and presentation services that schools are now using to keep the school year moving simply arent an option. At an individual level, teachers and administrators have stepped up with heroic efforts to hand-deliver study materials and homework assignments to students without online access. But these are stopgap solutions, and this is ultimately a problem that cannot be solved at an individual level. Even with educators doing all they can to try to make this transition work, were still seeing heartbreaking stories like in Phoenix, Arizona, where three teenagers were found huddled under a blanket outside a closed elementary school just so that they could use the schools wi-fi access to complete homework they couldnt do at home. And that only covers the students who are still making an effort to overcome the odds and find ways to connect, however unorthodox they might be. For others, there are no interim solutions available, and they may simply be falling behind further and further each day. Some teachers are reporting that more than half of their students are simply not logging on to online learning resources at all, with the problem magnified in areas with limited internet access. We already know plenty about how much progress students lose to the summer slide when theyre out of school for months without any educational stimulation. COVID-19 and our nationwide experiment in online learning threaten to make the situation even worse. Experts are already warning that we may be in the midst of a COVID slide for millions of students, and thats just considering the weeks of education that have already been lost. When you add the upcoming summer break and the fact that some schools are already weighing whether on-campus classes should return right away in the fall into the mix, you have a recipe for disaster. It is heartening that some leaders on Capitol Hill have stepped forward to try to address this issue. Some have proposed allocating billions in funding that the Federal Communications Commission would share with school districts to buy routers and other internet infrastructure equipment to help keep students connected. Measures like these would be a start, but the full scope of the problem here is tremendous. COVID-19 has exposed a major gap in our national education system one that wont be closed until reliable high-speed internet access is a given for everyone. Whatever the pathway looks like, its clear that we cant afford to wait any longer. An entire generation of students may be taking a giant step backward that will impact the rest of their lives, through no fault of their own. Online learning resources offer so much promise to help us weather this crisis and even improve education long after the pandemic has ended. But they wont make the impact they could until every student can access them. Our goal cant be anything short of that. Trenton Goble is vice president of K-12 Strategy for Canvas, a learning management platform that has connected millions of instructors and learners at more than 5,000 educational institutions and corporations throughout the world. At the event (Photo: VNA) Speaking at the handover ceremony, Chung said that on the back of the Vietnam - US comprehensive partnership, Hanoi wishes to share part of its resources to assist New Yorks administration and people, including 100,000 antibacterial cloth masks and 50,000 medical masks made in Vietnam under the Ministry of Healths quality standards and the EUs CE certificate. Receiving the gift, US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink congratulated the Vietnamese Government and Hanoi on becoming known as a highlight in the fight against the pandemic, applying active and effective counter-measures. He said the US is still facing the pandemic and New York is one of the hardest-hit localities. The ambassador expressed his belief that the gift will soon help New York curb the epidemic. As 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of Vietnam - US diplomatic ties, the handover ceremony proves the strength of the growing partnership between the two countries in various fields, he said./. Protesters rush past Times Square after an 11pm curfew during a night of marches and vandalism in NYC - Getty On Monday, for the first time since the Harlem race riots of the 1940s, New York was put under curfew. Walking home after reporting on a peaceful Black Lives Matter sit-in in downtown Brooklyn, I could have heard a pin drop as the 11pm deadline hit. New York is still under a full coronavirus shutdown too, not to forget. There is no precedent in history for a double lockdown such as the one currently imposed on America's most populous city. With Uber prices surging and rental Citibikes across the borough locked, the best option for me was to walk the two miles back to my house. After witnessing the often brutal tactics of the NYPD, few others appeared to want to take their chances out on the streets, in Brooklyn at least. New York now under both a full Coronavirus lockdown and a protest curfew. You can hear a pin drop #GeorgeFloydProtests pic.twitter.com/UWbERaL49i Josie Ensor (@Josiensor) June 2, 2020 It was a tale of two cities on Monday. In Manhattan, looters took no heed. They counted down to 11 o'clock like it was New Years Eve. Manhattan saw the worst, most widespread destruction and looting of the week-long protests. Dozens of shops down Fifth Avenue were ransacked as demonstrators smashed their way through stores boarded up because of the coronavirus lockdown. The 8,000 officers were no match for the organised hordes, who had come with duffel bags and getaway cars. This was not exactly the New York I had expected to be covering. A shop owner looks over damage in a looted souvenir shop near Times Square after a night of protests and vandalism over the death of George Floyd - Getty I had moved here three weeks before the city went into lockdown on March 22 - just enough time to find an apartment, but little else. I arrived hot on the heels of a four-year posting in Beirut. I had covered attempted coups, revolutions, wars, and the rise and fall of the Islamic State. From October to when I left in late February, I had been reporting on protests taking place in Lebanon that were not too dissimilar to those I am seeing now in the US. Story continues New York, which shut down too late to stop the spread of the virus, began recording hundreds of deaths a day. It took on the dubious title of the Covid capital of the world. I was again back to reporting from hospitals and speaking to loved ones of the dead. My journalist friends have messaged, telling me how lucky I am to be here to witness it all. My non-journalist friends have sent commiserations that my new beat was quickly turning out to be a lot like the old one. Protesters march across the Brooklyn Bridge as part of a solidarity rally calling for justice over the death of George Floyd - AP After days of silence, Donald Trump addressed the growing protests on Monday, holding a Bible outside St Johns Church and calling himself the law and order president as National Guard soldiers gassed protesters not a bloc away. As I watched it all unfold live on CNN I started to get heart palpitations. I hadnt consciously processed how I had been feeling since the unrest began, but now my body was quite forcefully telling me. Anti-government protesters call for the fall of the regime in DC, its seat of power. The beleaguered strongman president is yet to address the growing uprising. Over the weekend, he was forced to seek shelter in an underground bunker as crowds threatened to storm the White House https://t.co/9DpyDp1ydW Josie Ensor (@Josiensor) June 1, 2020 I was anxious because I know how this goes. There are many comparisons to be made between Mr Trump and authoritarian leaders across the Arab world and beyond. Step One in the dictators handbook: label protesters terrorists, giving yourself greater powers to crack down on perceived insurrection. In the case of the US president it was Antifa, the amorphous anti-fascist movement, for Syria's Bashar al-Assad it was al-Qaeda. When Mr Trump stood in front of the church holding a Bible, I was reminded of the times Assad would turn up for photo opportunities in houses of worship after decisive battles, presenting himself as a protector of Christians and other religious minorities. Step Two: demonise media that opposes you. People like to credit Mr Trump with the phrase fake news, but the Syrian regime has been using it for years. They first deployed it when describing foreign coverage of massacres carried out by the shabiha, or regime-aligned thugs, in the rebellious city of Homs in the earliest days of the uprising in 2011. As I packed up my kit to go report on the curfew in NYC on Monday, I was filled with dread. I wore a warm jumper though it was a balmy evening, just in case I ended up spending the night in jail. A British colleague, photographer Adam Gray, had been arrested while out covering the demonstrations over the weekend and so the prospect was not so distant. Some 100 journalists across the States have been beaten, harassed, arrested and injured doing their jobs this past week. While I often feared for my safety reporting in the Middle East, I had never been concerned about being arrested simply for interviewing protesters at a public rally. Walter Shaub, the former head of the US Office of Government Ethics, recommended this week that American journalists start covering what was happening in the US like youre a foreign correspondent in a collapsing republic. Middle East reporters are surely ready to offer tips. Police officers nationwide pray, kneel with protesters: A sign of hope in America Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Police and sheriff's officials across the country kneeled in solidarity with protesters last weekend as thousands of demonstrators across the United States took to the streets to protest the death of George Floyd, who died in the custody of Minneapolis police on Memorial Day. Although scenes of violent riots and looting have permeated cities throughout America, the last few days have also united people together in prayer and peace. Days after the death of Floyd, Art Acevedo, the police chief in Floyds hometown of Houston, Texas, said what Floyd went through should be "condemned by all in law enforcement and our extended community." "His death serves as a stark reminder that when bad policing happens, it disproportionately impacts communities of color and poor communities," Acevedo wrote on Twitter. On Saturday, police chiefs across Miami-Dade County in Florida knelt in prayer with protesters in Coral Gables, Florida, near Miami. "This was a good first step in the right direction. It was a touching moment," a spokesman for Miami-Dade police told NBC Miami. Pastor Joanne Hoehne of The Source Church wrote on Facebook that police officers knelt and confessed they needed to do better. According to Hoehne, people began crying and praying together. In New York City, just hours after violent protests led to hundreds of arrests, city police officers joined a church in Queens and demonstrators in Manhattan by taking a knee beside protesters on Sunday. Videos posted online show NYPD officers, including white-shirt officers, kneeling in the streets of Jamaica, Queens as members of The Excelling Church prayed and held a moment of silence. The cops bowed their heads and joined in on a reading of the names of black men and women who have died at the hands of police. Pastor of The Excelling Church Garelle K. Solomon, who led the protest with the hashtag #codeblack, told his congregants they needed to take to the streets and put our faith into action as they peacefully make our voices heard! The solitary knee of a police officer in America is a sign of hope in America, Solomon told The Christian Post on Monday. God is still able! Protesters were also seen shaking hands and hugging the officers. Havent seen this video much yet, but look at these NYPD officers including a white shirt officer in Queens, taking a knee beside protestors. They join as they read the names of men and women who have died at the hands of police. Its from today: https://t.co/8MAf9CZJWr Gloria Pazmino (@GloriaPazmino) May 31, 2020 Later that evening, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Foley Square in Lower Manhattan. There, a few other cops knelt in solidarity as seen in a video posted to social media. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, community members gathered in prayer at The Elevated Church with the support of Baton Rouge Police. We need prayer now more than ever before, even before this incident, said Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul to local news outlet WAFB. The chief attended the vigil as a way to show support as people of all races prayed for peace. "Were keeping the community lifted up in prayer. Were keeping officers lifted up in prayer. We do understand and recognize that there is hurt out there, that there is pain, and I understand it, Paul maintained. Its important for us to listen, and actively listen about whats going on in America and take a look at ourselves and agencies in law enforcement and ask ourselves what are we doing to make sure that an incident like that doesnt happen. The only reason were here is to make sure you have a voice. Thats Chris Swanson, Sheriff of Genesee County, MI. He said he wanted a parade not a protest, you tell us what you need to do, he yelled. The crowd chanted: walk with us. He did. : Johnie Franklin III/Facebook pic.twitter.com/kuMVQycCAj David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) May 31, 2020 In Flint Township, Michigan, the sheriff of Genesee County, Chris Swanson, displayed unity with the people as he took off his helmet and laid down his baton to address the crowd. "We want to be with [you all] for real," Swanson told the crowd in a video published by NBC affiliate WEYI, adding: "I want to make this a parade, not a protest. ... You just tell what you need to do." The crowd asked Swanson to walk with them. Swanson waved his arm and said, "Let's walk," as he joined them. Police Chief Andy Mills joined Mayor Justin Cummings in taking a knee in Santa Cruz, along the Central Coast of California on Saturday. The Santa Cruz police department released a statement explaining that Mills knelt to demonstrate unity with protesters and to bring "attention to police violence against Black people." SCPD is fully supportive of peaceful protests @CityofSantaCruz and we always keep them safe. Hundreds gathered on Pacific Ave in #SantaCruz, taking a knee together in memory of George Floyd & bringing attention to police violence against Black people. PhotoCredit @Shmuel_Thalerpic.twitter.com/EmfAfcIZaM Santa Cruz Police (@SantaCruzPolice) May 30, 2020 According to NBC affiliate WOWT of Omaha, Nebraska, police and protesters locked arms Sunday afternoon near police headquarters in Bellevue. In contrast to the many fires and lootings shown in the media brought on by angry protesters, there have also been gatherings of which people have joined together in prayer and repentance. A large number of Christians gathered at the site of George Floyds death to usher in the presence of God in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. A pastor on location reported: At the site of GEORGE FLOYDS murder scene, they preached unity, love, and repentance. People brought food, and many came to love on and minister to the community. Then the people got in their knees, forgave one another, and gave their lives to Jesus!! Another video circulating online showed hundreds of people praying together for help and peace. Former Cambodia National Rescue Party district councilor Sun Thun was arrested from his home Monday morning. Local police arrived at his home in Kampong Thom provinces Taing Kouk district and detained him without even mentioning the charges against him. Sun Thuns arrest mirrors the detention of other former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) officials and members, many of who were stripped of their local government positions when the party was forcefully dissolved by the Supreme Court in 2017. They came with a car, they put him into the car and drove away, said his wife, Seng Chanthorn. It is unfair to him. But it is not only Sun Thun. There are many, she added. The arrest of Sun Thun and others illustrates the precarious position lower-level CNRP members find themselves in, a scenario probably unfathomable just three years ago. On June 4, 2017, the CNRP leadership was brimming with confidence as preliminary results of the commune election trickled in. With official results weeks away, media reports showed that the party had consolidated gains made in the 2013 national election. The opposition party won close to 500 commune chief positions across the country short of their expectations but far more than the few dozen seats won by the Sam Rainsy Party and Human Rights Party, combined, in 2012. But the excitement was short-lived. Around two months after their impressive electoral showing, party president, Kem Sokha, was arrested in a midnight raid on September 4 and whisked away to the Trapaing Plong prison along the Vietnamese border. Senior CNRP leaders quickly left the country fearing they were next, and lower-level officials quietly slid into Thailand - many fleeing following the dissolution of the party. The government intensified its alleged color revolution narrative to justify Kem Sokhas arrest who has yet to be prosecuted for any crimes and to push forward Supreme Court proceedings to completely dissolve the party. This disbanding of the opposition party happened on November 16, 2017, when the Supreme Court ruled in the governments favor immediately stripping the CNRPs 5007 commune councilors of their elected positions. In the three years following the commune election, much of the governments repressive actions have been directed at former members, activists, and council members Sun Thun being the most recent. The former CNRP district councilors sister-in-law, Seng Chanthou, was the commune chief for Taing Kouk districts Treal commune. Now stripped of her position, Seng Chanthou, 50, said she was still under surveillance and intimidated despite holding no official position in local government or the CNRP. They watch our every step when people visit me. The local police are [routinely] driving past our homes, Seng Chanthou said. Rights group Human Rights Watch has documented the recent slew of arrests involving former CNRP members. Many of these arrests, the rights groups said, was under the guise of cracking down on alleged COVID-19 fake news. From January 2020 to April, Human Rights Watch documented at least 30 arrests of opposition officials, 16 of who have been charged with varying crimes, such as incitement, conspiracy, and inciting military personnel to be disobedient. CNRP leadership overseas has documented at least another four arrests in the past six weeks and Radio Free Asia reported in May that at least 16 people linked to the party have faced physical violence since August 2019. This was immediately after exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy said he would return to Cambodia on November 9, 2019, but was eventually blocked by the government. Additionally, the government arrested at least 74 CNRP members for purportedly supporting Sam Rainsys planned return, only to be released later, but with charges still hanging over them. Sun Bunthun, a former Baray commune councilor, and Sun Thuns brother was one of the 74. The government has been reticent about these arrests and local media, mostly affiliated or loyal to the ruling Cambodian People's Party, have only occasionally reported on these detentions. Kri Sarith, Treal commune police chief, said Sun Thun was arrested using an arrest warrant issued by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court. He refused to provide any additional details, referring queries to officials in Phnom Penh. I followed the summons from the Phnom Penh court, he said. Kuch Kimlong, a Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesperson, did not offer any information about Sun Thuns case. I will let you know when I have information, he told VOA Khmer on Tuesday. As the government has increased its investigations into the alleged crimes committed by provincial CNRP members, the number of case files in Sam Sokongs possession has proportionally increased. The lawyer, who routinely represents CNRP members, has defended at least 100 cases in the last year, with 16 active cases in courts as of this week. He said the charges placed against his clients, such as inciting military personnel, only proves that these cases are politically motivated. All of these are political cases. It is pressure for the [government] to stop the opposition party from doing politics, he said. While 118 senior CNRP members were banned by the Supreme Court from the political arena for five years, other members face no such ban, but say they have been unable to express their opinions freely on political issues. Justice Ministry spokesperson Chin Malin pushed back at any assertions that these cases were politically motivated, instead, calling them evidence-based investigations. Only prosecutors know how dangerous the activities [of arrested people] are and what is behind [these charges], he said. You and I dont know that. While the CNRP had made considerable progress by winning 55 National Assembly seats in 2013, the 2017 commune election results would have had a more far-reaching impact on its political presence in the country, especially beyond the capital, Phnom Penh. With its 5007 commune councilors, the party would likely have seen a significant increase in provincial and district council positions potentially controlling the council in Phnom Penh, where it won a majority of commune chief positions. The party would have also made gains in the 2018 Senate election. Bengaluru, June 3 : Cyclone Nisarga did not land in Karnataka and has passed its border with heavy rains and strong winds, said an official on Wednesday. There was no report of any casualty, the official added. "It has already passed. We have not got any reports of fatalities. A heavy rain was expected and the deputy commissioners were alerted. Fishermen too were warned," said Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) Principal Secretary T.K. Anil Kumar. Kumar said Nisarga's actual landing is in Maharashtra and the warning was given for that state and Gujarat. "In the fringe proportion (of Karnataka), high winds were expected and fishermen were warned not to venture into the sea," he said. Kumar said the department interacted with the deputy commissioners of Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga and alerted them about heavy rains. Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre Director Srinivas Reddy said the department has kept four National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams on standby in Mangaluru and Kodagu for any eventuality. The teams have been mobilized from Guntur in Andhra Pradesh. "More rain is predicted in coastal districts. Wind speed too will be more in coastal areas," said Reddy. According to a Met Department official, the track of Nisarga is expected to be 200-400 km off Karnataka coast. "Sudden wind speed had been reported along the coast. We had issued port warnings," said the official. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text In other ways, On the Record can be viewed as a response to a criticism of #MeToo in particular, and the anti-rape movement in general: the overlooking of black women as victims of sexual assault. Dick and Ziering, who are white, could have taken up the vexed history of rape and American racism when they made The Hunting Ground, which featured the allegations that a black Harvard law student lodged against her black classmate. But until now, the race of the victim or the perpetrator went unaddressed in their movies. The films focus on race is also its biggest challenge. By zooming in on Dixon, On the Record risks making her story a stand-in for that of all black women, a burden that is impossible for one person to carry. In turn, even with the thoughtful use of black feminist scholars and writers as expert voices, the films focus on one woman makes it difficult to understand fully how racism and sexism are institutions unto themselves even larger than the Catholic Church, the military or universities that simultaneously oppress millions of black women and girls. In our conversation, Dick acknowledged that the phenomenon of experiencing racial and gender oppression at the same time or what the law professor Kimberle Crenshaw (who appears in the film) describes as intersectionality was eye-opening. As a former academic, Ziering is more familiar with black feminist theory and history. But, I think having all of these analyses articulated in this way for me was revelatory, she said. Such oversight does not undermine the power or authority of Dixons account. In the film, her story is not only corroborated by friends with whom she worked at the time but also by other women, including Sherri Hines, Alexia Norton Jones and Tina Baker, who all say Simmons raped them. Together, these allegations reveal a striking pattern: they all suggested that Simmons used his rarefied status (as one of the few black men to run his own music label) to prey on up-and-coming women artists and executives in hip-hop. Because the movie is mainly interested in Dixon, who also has accused the music executive L.A. Reid of harassment, On the Record sometimes feels like a critique of the rampant misogyny in hip-hop. (Reid has said he apologized if anything he had said or done had been misinterpreted.) But on this score the film is not as comprehensive as Byron Hurts 2006 documentary, Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes. And of course, I couldnt help but wonder if my viewing was slightly colored by the debate about Oprah Winfreys decision in January to withdraw as an executive producer of the film because of what she termed creative differences and its treatment of hip-hop. MEP Luke Ming Flanagan has said there were some positive aspects to the attention on his legs at an online European Committee meeting yesterday. He said yesterday he had returned from a run and wore a shirt along with his shorts while taking part. Ming rocking the shirt & shorts vibe. One of the great things about following .@lukeming is you get a feeling for the institution & his passion for getting things done (whether you support him politically, or not) pic.twitter.com/wFkzUr7bsA Dr Robert Bohan Artist (@RobertBohan) June 2, 2020 The Roscommon politician said at least it got some focus on an important committee as well. He told The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk radio this morning: When is the last time you ever heard anyone talking about what happened in the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee in the European Parliament? he asked. Even though there is about 1.6bn spent in Ireland every year on it. So, from that point of view, it is good to get it aired. The Independent MEP said his camera was on landscape instead of portrait and resulted in his legs being on view. I put on my shirt about five minutes before I asked the question because I said to myself, I might look a bit better with my shirt on, he said. Some people might find it hard to believe that I would ever think along those lines but, as anyone knows, a pair of shorts and a shirt dont go very well together if you can see the bottom half of your body. I put my iPad in landscape rather than portrait but such are the dangers of working from home. He also said he would support a long-term change to the way the European Parliament works hoping that online meetings and voting would become a permanent feature. I have to say, overall, working from home suits me an awful lot better, he said. I get to see my children more often, I get to attend way more meetings, my carbon footprint is through the floor, my expenses are down to zero and my productivity is up, he said. So, if they could ever continue this into the future and let us vote and work remotely, I have to say I find it very effective albeit with a few glitches as you can see. KHARTOUM, Sudan - Two or three times a week, Mayada goes to visit her baby daughter at the foster home. Sometimes, she breastfeeds her if she has milk, or she just sits and lulls the 3-month-old to sleep. She left Marwa at the home because shes too poor and ill to care for her, she said. Not because she doesnt love her not because the little girl is a legacy of a horrific day a year ago in the streets of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. Sometimes I feel like I love her more than my other children, said the 22-year-old. She has no guilt. Its me who feels guilty. Mayada was among dozens of women raped by Sudanese security forces over the course of a few hours on June 3, 2019. In a rampage that day, fighters from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and other troops tore apart a sit-in camp in Khartoum where protesters had been demanding for weeks that the military give up power. At least 87 people were killed, with activists putting the number at more than 120. A military-backed prosecutor said no rapes or sexual assaults took place during the violence. But over the past year, activists have been documenting what they say was a campaign of rapes ordered by the militarys leadership to crush the pro-democracy movement. It was an orchestrated scenario .... All was by order and systematic, said Sulima Ishaq Sharif, who at the time headed a trauma centre at Khartoums Ahfad University. Her centre documented at least 64 rape victims. The Sudan Doctors Union identified at least 60 rape victims, said Dr. Howida al-Hassan, a member of the union who counselled survivors. Both experts say the real number is considerably higher, since many victims dont speak for fear of reprisal or the stigma connected to rape. They said many more women were sexually assaulted and several men were among those raped. Identifying and prosecuting those behind the violence is a major test of whether Sudan can shed its decades-long military rule. The protest movement, which began in 2018, succeeded in ousting longtime military strongman, President Omar al-Bashir, in April 2019 and forcing the creation of a joint civilian-military ruling sovereign council. But the civilians are struggling to assert authority in the face of the militarys power. Most notably, the councils deputy head is the commander of the RSF, Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, who is considered the strongest man in the leadership and enjoys the backing of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. An independent commission investigating the violence already missed one deadline in February for releasing its conclusions. It may also miss a new deadline, June 22, because work has halted amid the coronavirus pandemic, the commissions head, Nabil Adib, told The Associated Press. Still, Adib said the panel has taken testimony from some 3,000 witnesses. It has found a number of crimes, including rape, that were committed during the dispersal, and also identified some suspects, he said, refusing to give details. Victims and activists have little faith the military will allow any findings that implicate top generals. Dagalo and the military have said the troops that day had no orders to clear the camp, only to clamp down on part of it where drug-dealing and other crimes allegedly took place. Spokesmen for the military and the RSF did not respond to multiple AP requests for comment. The AP spoke to six rape victims, whom it is identifying only by first names. They told similar stories of RSF fighters corralling up men and women who fled the protest site, beating them, sexually molesting the women and gang-raping some. By their accounts, the rapes took place in specific locations in a medical complex, a cemetery and the grounds of Khartoum Universitys mosque. The womens ordeal embodies the terrible personal price paid by activists in crackdowns that have crushed pro-democracy movements around the Middle East in recent years. For Samah, a 28-year-old teacher, the wounds of her gang-rape that day are reopened whenever she sees Dagalo on TV. Watching him sends chills through my body, she said. ___ IT WAS A SHELTER Mayada had lived on her own the past three years, one of the many impoverished women who sell tea on the sidewalks of Khartoum. Married and divorced as a teen, her ex-husband took their two children. Her parents kicked her out after she refused to remarry. When the sit-in camp arose in front of the main military headquarters in downtown Khartoum in April 2019 the culmination of months of protests she set up her tea stand in the square to sell to the protesters. It was steady money, but she also found a community. It was a shelter, she said. In her backpack, she had a journal where she wrote poems about love, her parents, relationships. In protesters eyes, the camp was a place of freedom where the common cause healed Sudans many divisions. Women took a major role, often giving speeches to the crowds. They were celebrated with the nickname kandaka a title of ancient Nubian queens that became a slogan and symbol of the protests. After the protest forced al-Bashirs fall, the military took sole power but the protesters refused to end their sit-in, demanding a civilian government. We were all Sudanese, said Samah, the teacher. At the sit-in, you would see the best of us. The RSF grew out of the Janjaweed militias, which al-Bashir mobilized to fight in the Darfur conflict in the early 2000s. They were notorious for killings and rapes of civilians there, according to rights groups. In mid-May 2019, about 1,000 RSF fighters were brought from Darfur to a base in Omdurman, adjacent to Khartoum, three RSF officers told the AP on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to talk to the press. Around 3 a.m. on June 3, they descended on the sit-in. Around 1,300 protesters found themselves encircled as forces set on them with live ammunition, tear gas, whips and sticks. Samah was asleep in a tent when gunfire erupted. She heard screaming and saw people running in panic as security forces fired. Some fell to the ground, bleeding. She ran barefoot from the tent. Blocks away, outside the al-Bashir Medical Center, she was caught by RSF fighters rounding up whomever they could grab. Samah saw the fighters pull a woman away, shouting that they would rape her. She heard the woman screaming. Other troops dragged Samah into a hallway in the medical centre. One hit her with his rifle butt. If you open your mouth, Ill kill you, whore, he shouted. They groped her as they stripped her robe and shoved her to the ground. One pinned her hands to the floor while another fell on top of her, biting her breasts, as hands grabbed her everywhere. I was trying to scream but they shut my mouth, Samah said. Three of them raped her, she said. She felt each had a specific role in a specific mission. They did not do this for enjoyment, she said. They did so to break us down. They left her naked and bloody on the hall floor. She covered herself with what was left of her robe, then found some other protesters hiding in a nearby clinic. I didnt tell them Id been raped but I think they knew from my condition. One woman gave her a scarf to cover her hair. ___ THE MOSQUE At the same time, dozens of protesters hid in the Khartoum University Mosque. We thought it would be safe there, said Sayeda, a mother of three. Soldiers broke in, beating people, several women said. In a mad rush, men and women inside fled, some running into a building under construction in the courtyard and piling out its windows. The fighters shouted insults and threats of rape, said Sara Ali Abdulla, a doctor who managed to get out of the mosque compound. We heard women screaming and crying as they were raped, she said. Sayeda was grabbed as she tried to flee out the mosques back door. She pleaded with the soldiers to let her go home to her children. When they groped her, she slapped one, and they turned brutal, beating her. They pulled off her clothes and cut away her underwear. Four of them raped her, biting her breasts so hard they bled, she said. After an hour, they left her half-conscious on the ground. She covered herself with her robe and sat there crying. I was so tired I couldnt walk, she said. Mayada, meanwhile, had managed to escape the dispersal. But she returned several hours later, when security forces had clamped down with a citywide curfew. She headed to the Ophthalmology Hospital, near the square, where she kept her plastic chairs, tea pots and cups. The whole walk there, four RSF soldiers harassed her. They entered the courtyard behind her and sprayed something in her face. She felt woozy. The four stripped and raped her, she said. When she regained consciousness, she lay in agony. Everything hurt. I was like a grandmother who lost her power to even walk. ___ GOD WILL AVENGE ME In the following weeks, Dagalo, the RSF commander, expressed regret over the violence. He said whoever went beyond orders and plotted to break up the camp would be identified. A military-backed prosecutor said eight RSF officers, including a major general, were charged with crimes against humanity. But there has been no word since of any being tried or detained. Meanwhile, the military struck a compromise deal that August. The Sovereign Council was created to govern until the end of 2022, made up of military officers and civilians from the protest movement. Under the same deal, the independent investigation was created. By that time, Mayada hadnt gotten her period for months. Soon it was confirmed, she was carrying twins. She wanted to end the pregnancy, but a pharmacist refused to sell her pills to cause an abortion. She hurt herself, lifting heavy objects and throwing herself off furniture, hoping for a miscarriage. In March, she gave birth to Marwa. The other twin, a boy, was stillborn. She doesnt know the names of the men who raped her, much less which is the father. That means she cant get Marwa a birth certificate. Since her pregnancy, she said she has been weak and faints often, so she sent Marwa to the foster home, hoping one day to take her back. It was useless to talk to investigators, she said. Those who ordered the break-up are very well known ... but they are untouchable. Most of the women never told their husbands or families what happened and wrestled with the trauma in secret. There has been this psychological pain that will never end, that cant be described in words, Samah said. She wakes up terrified at night, because she sees her rapists faces in her sleep. She never goes to downtown Khartoum. She avoids looking at her body. I feel ashamed of myself, she said. Sometimes my body trembles when my husband touches me. Sayeda spoke twice with a doctor. Fearing she would kill herself, the doctor tried to change the context of the trauma. She told her, Look at the positive things we have achieved in the Revolution, like removing al-Bashir. All our sacrifices were not in vain. Sayeda found that little consolation. Only her children give her will to survive, she said. She expects nothing from the self-described government of the Revolution. It is God who will avenge me. NEW DELHI: Delhi Police Crime Branch on Wednesday filed two chargesheets in connection with communal riots in northeast Delhi. The chargesheet was filed in the Karkardooma court. The first chargesheet was filed in connection with the IB officer Ankit Sharma murder case which will be taken up by the court on June 16. While the second chargesheet was filed in connection with the violence at the Rajdhani Public School owned Faisal Farooqui case. In the Ankit Sharma murder case, 10 people have been accused by the Crime Branch, including suspended Aam Aadmi Party councilor Tahir Hussain. In its chargesheet, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has stated that suspended AAP councillor Tahir Hussain "led the mob from his house and also from the Masjid near Chand Bagh Pulia on 24th & 25th February 2020 and gave it a communal colour". On 25 February, an FIR was registered in the murder case of IB officer Ankit Sharma. According to the chargesheet, the dead body of deceased IB officer Ankit Sharma was recovered from the drain, close to the house of accused AAP leader Tahir Hussain. According to the chargesheet, the video of Ankit Sharma's body being dumped in the drain was made by a person from the roof of a nearby house after the crime. In the chargesheet, which states that Tahir Hussain was leading the violent mob that killed Ankit Sharma, the accused had been charged under various other sections, including IPC Section 302 (murder), 120B ( conspiracy), 201 (destroying evidence) and 365 (kidnapping). The Crime Branch has named 10 people, including Tahir Hussain, Halil Salman and Sameer, two prominent miscreants from Dayalpur area - Nazim and Qasim in the chargesheet. Salman has been described as the main accused in the Ankit Sharma murder case. In its chargesheet, the Crime Branch also mentioned the voice call of the accused Salman's mobile as evidence. The chargesheet also mentioned 96 witnesses in this case. Delhi Police chargesheet also stated that 51 injury marks were found on Ankit Sharmas body. The post-mortem report of the deceased Ankit is mentioned as evidence in this case. Two knives, which were used in the murder of the deceased Ankit Sharma, were recovered by the Crime Branch. Also, the Crime Branch also recovered the clothes of the accused in the murder. The Crime Branch has filed its second chargesheet in the Capital School Faisal Farooqui case. An FIR was registered in Dayalpur Police Station on 5 March 2020 in connection with the violence surrounding the Rajdhani Public School. In this case, 18 people were arrested by the Delhi Police. Faisal Farooqui has been mentioned as the main accused in the chargesheet who owns the Rajdhani Public School. Delhi Police also mentioned the security guards of nearby DRP school, Rajdhani School, and several others as witnesses in the case. The chargesheet states that information obtained from Faisal Farooqui's call details revealed that the accused was in constant contact with the Popular Front of India, Pinjra Tod Group, Jamia Coordination Committee, Hazrat Nizmuddin Markaz and Deoband. Even the accused went to Deoband a day before the violence, the chargesheet said. 6 empty cartridges, broken glasses, a rope and several other items were recovered from the roof of the Rajdhani Public School. On 24 February 2020, many Muslim children along with their parents were sent home long before the violence erupted at the school, which points to the fact that the violence was a well thought out conspiracy, the chargesheet stated. Meanwhile, the court will take cognizance in Rajdhani Public School violence case on June 17. Delhi Police will also file another chargesheet in the Dilbar Negi case on Thursday. BMW Group has announced that it will be increasing its use of high-performance computer technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in logistics. Top priorities include intelligent logistics robots, data analytics and the high-definition simulation of logistics processes. These AI applications can optimise robotics and material flow, as well as take simulations in the planning process to a new level, the company said. In a first pilot project, the BMW Group has equipped logistics robots and smart transport robots (STR) developed in-house with high-performance technology and special AI modules. This improves the robots coordination as well as their ability to recognise people and objects compared to the technology used previously. The enhancements to the navigation system allow robots to identify obstacles such as forklifts, tugger trains and people faster and more clearly, which makes it possible to calculate alternative routes in a matter of milliseconds. This AI-based technology enables the robotics applications to learn and apply different responses to people and objects. The use of high-end AI and visualisation technologies to redesign our logistics is revolutionary. Our collaboration with NVIDIA is allowing us to develop state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 technologies, commented Jurgen Maidl, Head of Logistics in the BMW Groups Production Network. With this high-end technology, we can further optimise our logistics innovations and processes. Combining our innovations with NVIDIAs high-performance technology is a huge step forward. Faster and more precise The BMW Group is currently working on developing five AI-enabled logistics robots to improve logistics processes. This involves the previously announced Smart Transport Robots (STR) for autonomous transportation of materials, as well as logistics robots to select, grab and handle components and load carriers. Developed based on NVIDIAs ISAAC robotics software platform, the robots utilise a number of powerful deep neural networks (DNNs), including perception, segmentation, pose estimation and human pose estimation. In addition to real data, the robots are trained to render ray-traced machine parts in a variety of lighting and occlusion conditions. The real and synthetic data are then used to train deep neural networks on DGX servers. The robots are virtually trained and tested on the ISAAC robotics software platform, operating in Omniverse virtual environment where multiple BMW Group personnel in different geographic locations can all work in one simulated environment. Optimised virtual logistics planning The BMW Group already uses high-performance computer technology in conjunction with artificial intelligence in its virtual logistics planning. AI 3D scans can recognise different objects such as containers, building structures or machines and use this information to create a virtual layout plan through high-resolution 3D scans of entire buildings and factories. The technology allows the engineers to remove individual objects from the 3D scan using 3D planning software and then change them one at a time. This makes it easier to simulate and comprehend layout changes within the production halls. The BMW Group production network In 2019, strong customer demand and new models kept capacity utilisation high across the BMW Group production network. Production volumes for the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands reached record levels, with output totalling 2,564,025 units. Of those, 2,205,841 were BMW vehicles, 325,729 MINI, and 5,455 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Approximately one million vehicles were manufactured by the German plants. Uniquely flexible and highly efficient, the BMW Group production network is able to respond quickly to changing markets and regional sales fluctuations. Expertise in manufacturing is a key contributor to the BMW Groups profitability. The BMW Group production network uses a range of innovative digital and Industry 4.0 (IoT) technologies, including virtual reality, artificial intelligence and 3D printing applications. Standardised processes and structures across the production system ensure consistent premium quality and allow a high degree of customisation. Artificial Intelligence The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key technology is an embedded element in the process of digital transformation at the BMW Group. The company already employs AI throughout the value chain, enabling it to generate added value for customers, products, employees and processes. Project AI is the BMW Groups centre of excellence for data analytics and machine learning. It ensures rapid connectivity plus knowledge and technology sharing throughout the company. Project AI therefore has a key role to play in the BMW Groups ongoing digital transformation and underpins the efficient development and scaling of new technologies. The BMW Groups D portfolio provides transparency on the use of technologies making Data-Driven Decisions (hence the name D). It comprises over 400 use cases at present, more than 50 of which have already been made available for regular operation. - TradeArabia News Service RENO, Nev., June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the request of IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada), Nevada Exploration Inc. (NGE or the Company) is pleased to clarify and provide additional information related to its June 1, 2020, news release (the Original Press Release). Geologic context of nearby deposits The Company wishes to clarify the information provided about the nearby Lone Tree and Marigold deposits, the sizes of which were rounded to the nearest million ounces and presented simply as 5 Moz and 8 Moz respectively, in the Original Press Release: Lone Tree produced 4.60 Moz of gold from 1991 to 2015; and Marigold produced 3.24 Moz of gold from 1989 up to and including 2016; and at December 31, 2016, SSR Mining published a 4.98 Moz Indicated Mineral Resource (348.30 Mt at 0.45 g/t). Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby projects is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Companys property. Disclosure of an Exploration Target The Companys disclosure that it believes its results to date have confirmed that its Kelly Creek Project has the potential to host a gold endowment constitutes disclosure of an exploration target, and thus is subject to NI 43-101, 2.3(2) Restricted Disclosure. As per NI 43-101, 2.3(2), until work at the Companys district-scale Kelly Creek Project has progressed to focusing on specific exploration targets for which target-specific ranges for tonnage and grade can be established, the Company wishes to retract its comments on the specific range of 5 10 Moz for the potential size of the mineral endowment at the Project, as detailed in the Original News Release. For further information, please contact: Investor Relations Nevada Exploration Inc. Email: info@nevadaexploration.com Tel: +1 (604) 601 2006 Website: www.nevadaexploration.com Wade A. Hodges, CPG, CEO & Director, Nevada Exploration Inc., is the Qualified Person, as defined in National Instrument 43-101, and has prepared the technical and scientific information contained in this News Release. 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. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking information) within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, without limitation, expectations, beliefs, plans, and objectives regarding projects, potential transactions, and ventures discussed in this release. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made numerous assumptions, regarding, among other things, the assumption the Company will continue as a going concern and will continue to be able to access the capital required to advance its projects and continue operations. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. In addition, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Companys 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. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are the risks inherent in mineral exploration, the need to obtain additional financing, environmental permits, the availability of needed personnel and equipment for exploration and development, fluctuations in the price of minerals, and general economic conditions. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company is disclosed in the Companys continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com. 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. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Deforestation of tropical old-growth forests increased last year, according to new satellite data unveiled Tuesday, wiping out acreage roughly the size of Switzerland in a period when experts are raising alarms about the transmission of a variety of diseases, including the novel coronavirus, that jump between animals and humans. Earth in 2019 lost 9.3 million acres of primary tropical forestsswathes of pristine ecosystems that humans had left largely untouched. Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia saw the largest losses, while Bolivia and Australia experienced record tree losses for those countries due to wildfires. The groups that released the figures, Global Forest Watch and World Resources Institute, said the losses worldwide last year were the third-highest annual total for primary forests this century. "We seem to be going in the wrong direction," Frances Seymour, distinguished senior fellow at WRI, told reporters. "The 2019 data corroborates what we already know. If governments put into place good policies and enforce the law, forest loss goes down," Seymour said. Deforestation, the destruction of animal habitats and wildlife trafficking are linked with the spread of zoonotic diseases, including the novel coronavirus, which can transmit between humans and animals. While the origin of COVID-19, which has killed more than 370,000 globally and more than 100,000 in the U.S., is uncertain, researchers have found genetic similarities between it and viruses found in bats sold at markets that offer live animals in China, though the exact point of the outbreak is unclear. Other high-profile zoonotic infectious diseases include SARS, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and the Ebola virus, all of which likely jumped from wildlife to humans after finding hosts, such as primates or camels. Environmental groups joined an effort in late April to stop the commercial shipping and sale of wild animals for human consumption. "When you look at the conditions that led to the spread of COVID-19, and the strong link to wildlife species that are highly sought-after in open markets, it's a clear sign we need to take a hard look at our global wildlife trade, specially the illegal trade," Alejandra Goyenechea, senior international counsel for Defenders of Wildlife, said at the time. Rep. Daniel Lipinski, D-Ill., introduced legislation March 2 to curb illegal wildlife trafficking and extend the life of a federal wildlife trafficking task force. Mikaela Weisse, Global Forest Watch Project Manager at WRI, said she has heard anecdotes of a spike in forest destruction during the COVID-19 outbreak. "We've been getting all these stories from partners on the ground about instances where they are seeing increased illegal activity because of perhaps the lower law enforcement or just people who are taking advantage of the pandemic to actually continue incursions on indigenous lands or protected areas," Weisse said. Pulling data from the University of Maryland, Google, the U.S. Geological Survey and NASA, Global Forest Watchestablished in 1997tracks forest growth and loss, providing updates weekly and annual reports. Weisse said she and her colleagues were trying to corroborate and "link" those anecdotes with satellite data. Brazil accounted for one-third of all primary forest loss last year. Because of massive bushfires, compounded by drought, Australia saw a 560% increase in lost tree cover between 2018 and 2019. "A sixfold increase," said Rod Taylor, an Australian who heads Global Forest Program. "My home country," he said, "suffered through what is being called the devastating Black Summer Bushfires last year," adding that "2019 was Australia's worst year on record." Explore further Football pitch of rainforest destroyed every six seconds 2020 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Scientists have grown hair on mice using human stem cells in a possible step towards curing baldness. US scientists said they've created skin organoids tiny tissue cultures from stem cells in a lab dish. These can generate into multi-layered skin tissue with hair follicles, sebaceous glands and neural circuitry when cultured for four to five months, they said. In lab trials, when the nearly complete skin was grafted onto mice, more than half of the grafts went on to sprout hair in a promising development for bald men. Currently, transplanting hair follicles from one part of the head to the other is the only option for male-pattern baldness. The research could also lead to treatments for alopecia, the condition that causes hair to fall out, as well as burns, genetic skin disorders and cancers. Human skin is a complex, multi-layered organ involved in diverse processes from temperature regulation and bodily fluid retention to the sensing of touch and pain. Reconstructing skin with hair follicles and sebaceous glands has been a major biomedical challenge 'Reconstructing appendage-bearing skin in cultures and in bio-engineered grafts is a challenge that has yet to be met,' said corresponding author Professor Karl Koehler, a plastic surgeon at Harvard Medical School in Boston. 'Here we report an organoid culture system that generates complex skin from human pluripotent stem cells. STEM CELLS: EMBRYONIC VS ADULT Stem cells are special human cells that have the ability to develop into many different cell types, from muscle cells to brain cells. In some cases, they also have the ability to repair damaged tissues. Stem cells are divided into two main forms embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells can become all cell types of the body because they are pluripotent they can give rise to many different cell types. Adult stem cells are found in most adult tissues, such as bone marrow or fat but have a more limited ability to give rise to various cells of the body. Meanwhile, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to be more like embryonic stem cells. Advertisement 'Direct comparison to foetal specimens suggest the skin organoids are equivalent to the facial skin of humans in the second trimester of development. 'This shows the organoids are capable of integrating with the mouse epidermis and forming human hair-bearing skin.' Human skin is a complex, multi-layered organ involved in diverse processes from temperature regulation and bodily fluid retention to the sensing of touch and pain, Professor Koehler and his team said. Therefore, reconstructing skin with its associated structures such as hair follicles and sebaceous glands has been a major biomedical challenge. Taking pluripotent stem cells which can potentially produce any cell or tissue in the body the US team created tiny skin buds, or organoids, in a dish. The buds were incubated in a cocktail of growth factors and other chemicals for four to five months. This gave rise to both the upper and lower layers of skin - known as the epidermis and dermis, respectively. Follicles with specific glands that lubricate hair with an oily substance called sebum also appeared along with interwoven nerves, muscles and fat. The skin origanoids expressed genes characteristic of the chin, cheek, ear and scalp suggesting it would work for hair transplants. When the skin was implanted onto the backs of immuno-compromised bald mice, hair loss was reversed. Human-style strands 2 to 5 millimetres in length sprouted on more than half 55 per cent of the grafts. A mouse in the lan. When implanted onto the back skin of mice, 25 mm hairs (right) sprouted on 55 per cent of the grafts What's more, the creation supports a network of sensory neurons and nerve cells form nerve-like bundles that target Merkel cells oval-shaped receptors essential for light touch sensation in organoid hair follicles. 'This mimics mimicking the neural circuitry associated with human touch,' the researchers write in their study, published in Nature. The study establishes a model for investigating the 'cellular dynamics' of developing human skin and its appendages. A range of genetic skin disorders and cancers could be modelled with skin organoids to accelerate drug discovery, the team said. Top, hair follicles stained with haematoxylin. Transmission electron microscopy image (bottom) of the region marked in the top dashed box, showing hair follicle layers They could be used to reconstitute appendage-bearing skin in patients with skin burns or wounds. Dermatologists Dr Leo Wang and Dr George Cotsarelis, who were not involved in the study, described it as a 'major step towards a cure for baldness'. 'This achievement places us closer to generating a limitless supply of hair follicles that can be transplanted to the scalps of people who have thinning or no hair. 'Moreover, if the approach reaches the clinic, individuals who have wounds, scars and genetic skin diseases will have access to revolutionary treatments.' 'The work holds great promise of clinical translation we are confident that research will eventually see this promise realised.' Several questions remain before this therapeutic approach can become a reality, according to Wang and Cotsarelis. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Mardika Parama (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 13:13 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbc6380 1 Business Garuda-Indonesia,layoffs,pilots,association,APG,sukuk,bailout Free National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia has laid off 180 contract pilots, as well as hundreds of workers as the company continues to struggle financially amid a slump in demand for air travel, its workers association has said. The pilots, including senior and outsourced pilots working on a contract basis, have had their contracts terminated as the airline cuts back on flights, Garuda Pilot Association (APG) chairperson Muzaeni told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday. There are a total of 180 pilots affected, of which 150 are contract workers sourced internally, mostly retired seniors aged 60 to 65 years old, Muzaeni said in a phone interview. The other 30 are externally sourced contract workers. The move followed a previous announcement from the airline that it had furloughed about 800 workers for three months starting on May 14 in a bid to maintain the companys finances before resuming normal operations. The COVID-19 outbreak has forced Garuda to park 100 of its 142 aircraft as its daily flights have dropped 70 percent because of the governments large-scale social restrictions (PSBB). Consequently, in the first quarter of 2020, the airline recorded a 31.9 percent annual drop in passenger and cargo revenue. APG said the laid-off pilots had their rights fulfilled by the company. Muzaeni also said that in addition to the layoffs, Garuda had offered early retirement packages with added benefits for existing senior employees. The company is offering early retirement packages for employees who are over 50 years old. The package is worth about 35 times monthly wages, more than the usual retirement package, which is worth 30 times monthly wages, he said. Garuda Indonesia president director Irfan Setiaputra acknowledged the layoffs in a press release on Tuesday, while stating that the company had fulfilled its obligation to the affected pilots. We have been forced to terminate the contracts of our workers in order to align our workforce with the demand for our flight operations, which are significantly affected by the pandemic, he said. It was a tough decision to make. However, we believe that Garuda can improve its operational condition and survive these challenging times, Irfan added. Previously, Garuda Indonesia took several measures to maintain cash flow amid plummeting demand for air travel. The measures included cutting employee and executive salaries, cutting production costs for efficiency and renegotiating obligations to partners and aircraft lessors. Garuda Indonesia booked US$3.25 billion in short-term liabilities last year, including $498.9 million in sukuk (sharia compliant bonds), according to its 2019 financial report. As the company struggles to stay afloat, the government is set to give Rp 8.5 trillion ($597.6 million) in a working capital guarantee for the airline as part of the economic recovery stimulus package to stave off the impact of the pandemic, including on ailing state-owned companies. New York, NY, June 03, 2020, the global live brand storytelling agency has been named one of the industry's Top 50 Virtual Meetings & Events Innovators. An initiative from Eventex Connect, the online trade show for virtual meetings and events, this prestigious peer nominated and voted list acknowledges both the growing importance of virtual events and the innovators, change-makers and pioneers behind the shift to virtual. It features industry leaders from agencies, brands and media outlets including Zoom, Cisco, WebEx Meetings, JoinMe and Event Industry News. "The global pandemic made pivoting to virtual one of the hottest topics in the events industry, but the people behind these groundbreaking changes just don't get enough recognition. We feel now is the perfect time to rectify that," says O. Ovanessian, co-founder of Eventex. Commenting on his inclusion in the list, Cullather adds: "I am so honored! Thank you to my peers for the recognition and the Eventex team for launching this important initiative. From livestreams to social and augmented reality (AR), many of us have been incorporating virtual into our face-to-face experiences for some time, but more than ever, we must design and produce live virtual experiences that continue to combine the best of these worlds, albeit in the comfort of our audiences homes. "Once the pandemic ends I urge you all to continue to weave virtual throughout your face-to-face events. Not only do they provide potent amplification opportunities, our most powerful audiences - millennials and Gen Zs - are innately digital beings, and they'll expect these phygital experiences - those that combine the best of the physical and the digital - from us." Cullather will be speaking at Eventex Connect 2020, which is taking place from June 10-11. In his session The broadcast, but not as you know it: how to maximize the phygital format for maximum engagement on June 11 at 1:00pm ET, Cullather will cover the shift to virtual, the phygital trend and more. ### View the entire list here: https://eventex.co/connect/top-50-innovators/ View the Eventex Connect agenda here: https://eventex.co/connect/agenda/ About INVNT Founded in 2008 by Scott Cullather and Kristina McCoobery, INVNT is the global live brand storytelling agency. The company's 'challenge everything' positioning statement helps clients including General Motors, Grant Thornton, Merck, PepsiCo, Samsung and Subway - share their stories - live - with every audience that matters. 'The tribe' is INVNT's diverse, talented and creative team behind the stories and brand experiences that people just can't stop talking about. INVNT's offices are strategically located in New York, where INVNT's story studio, HEVE and brand strategy firm, Folk Hero are also based, London, Sydney, Detroit, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Stockholm and Singapore. For more information visit www.invnt.com Attachments Shoring up Indo-Pacific: Covid crisis urges us to develop regions multilateral dimension by Emmanuel Lenain, Frances ambassador to India June 03,2020 | Source: The Indian Express At a time when the focus of the international community is on public health and the economic response to the coronavirus pandemic and rightly so one should also continue reflecting on the concept of the Indo-Pacific and see how it can best serve regional stability at a time of heightened tensions. It appears that our national security depends not only on traditional security policies but also on our ability to foster multilateralism as well as the blue economy and environmental protection. These convictions will continue to guide Frances policy in the Indo-Pacific, in close coordination with India. Traditional security policies, including the exchange of information and military cooperation against traditional and non-traditional threats, have in no way lost their relevance in a COVID-19 world. The current crisis has, in fact, revealed the assertion of power politics. This is likely to have a negative impact on territorial disputes and international law, as the recent tensions in the South China Sea have shown. Moreover, the tensions between the United States and China have been revived, accentuating regional faultlines and urging countries to take sides. This would go against the objective of a multipolar Asia in a multipolar world. In this tumultuous context, France and India, as two nations that cherish their strategic autonomy, are committed to deepening their partnership. And they have actually upgraded their naval interoperability through the organisation, earlier this year, of the first-ever joint patrol off Reunion Island and the Mozambique Channel. That being said, our policies in the Indo-Pacific must be enriched by a multilateral dimension and an emphasis on the blue economy and environmental protection. Multilateralism, including in its regional dimension, regionalism, is all the more necessary since the Indo-Pacific is characterised by limited political integration, and more intensely competing ideological narratives in the wake of the public health crisis. In these circumstances, multilateralism is a tool that can help countries defuse tensions and build common understandings of shared challenges. It is, moreover, an unequaled mechanism to promote international norms and principles and to facilitate their implementation by increasing the cost of unilateral policies. It represents a multiplying not undermining factor of national policies. That is why joining and supporting regional organisations and mechanisms is a pillar of Frances Indo-Pacific strategy. France is a candidate for full-fledged membership of the IORA, it supports the centrality of the ASEAN, and is committed to seizing the opportunities offered by other multilateral frameworks, such as the Asia-Europe Meeting, or the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, which France is chairing for a two-year term. Besides this, France welcomes the admission of India as an observer in the Indian Ocean Commission, decided in March 2020 by the five-member sub-regional grouping, and sees it as an opportunity to increase regional cooperation. The blue economy and environmental protection should also be at the centre of our Indo-Pacific strategies. This was one of the key messages of President Emmanuel Macron at the Choose La Reunion Summit on October 23, 2019, which was attended by Indias Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, and Indian business representatives. This conviction is derived from our diagnosis that inequalities within societies, marginalisation of some coastal populations, and vulnerability to climate change may well be aggravated in the Indo-Pacific by short- and long-term factors, ranging from the COVID-19 crisis, uncooperative appropriation of natural resources, as well as climate change, which creates environmental insecurity. These factors have the potential to damage the social fabric of the people. Against this risk, protecting biodiversity and promoting a sustainable marine economy involves developing new economic sectors, facilitating local job creation, preventing the predation of certain projects when necessary, and upgrading their resilience to climate change. This would, for example, involve developing sustainable fishing industries that benefit the local people and abide by the law. These are true components of a long-term agenda for the Indo-Pacific and, to quote Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, they demonstrate that we act for something and not against somebody. France is committed to working in this field in synergy with Indias Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, including through further cooperation in the blue economy, building on its economic, scientific and academic assets in Reunion Island. As an illustration of this approach, the French Development Agency (AFD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, in March with the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Strengthening the Capacities of IORA in Promoting the Blue Economy and Fisheries Management. The partnership will support the implementation of the IORA Action Plan with an allocation of one million euros over three years, offer expertise and training to decision-makers, as well as capacity building for the IORA Secretariat. In conclusion, far from questioning the relevance of the Indo-Pacific concept, the current crisis urges us rather to develop its multilateral dimension and focus on blue economy and environmental protection. Only on this condition can we ensure both national security and shared stability in our region. 2020 The Indian Express [P] Ltd. All Rights Reserved Theme(s): Others. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 08:23:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Former Argentina international center-back Jose Maria Basanta has parted ways with Monterrey, less than six months after helping the club to a fifth Liga MX title. "Jose Basanta says goodbye to the club and does it at the top... Today a chapter in the history of the club called Jose Maria Basanta is closing," Monterrey said in a statement on Tuesday. The 36-year-old also leaves as a reigning continental champion, having played a part in the club's 2019 CONCACAF Champions League triumph. He represented the club in two separate spells: from 2008 to 2014 and again from 2015 to 2020, making 295 first-team appearances and scoring 10 goals. "The time has come to say goodbye," Basanta said on Instagram. "I've always dreamed of being a part of this club's history but I never thought the day would come when I had to leave. It's a difficult day for me," added the defender, who has been capped 12 times for Argentina. According media reports in Argentina, Basanta could return to his original club Estudiantes. Enditem But one dark truth of the memorial, accidentally amplified by this image of soldiers on its steps, is: For many white Americans, it symbolizes a fantasy of society made whole by Lincoln, of a country that skipped from the trauma of civil war straight to the reconciliation and healing that was adumbrated but not achieved by him, nor any of his successors. I fight my own emotional reaction to this memorial, to YouTube videos of Andersons silvery contralto singing My Country, Tis of Thee, as if the dream embodied in the lyrics, and sanctified in Kings great speech, werent just hopes squandered, again and again but reality. MALVERN, Pa., June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocugen, Inc. (OCGN), a clinical-stage company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing transformative therapies to treat rare and underserved eye diseases, today announced the appointment of Dr. Mohamed Genead as chair of the Ocugen, Inc. Retina Scientific Advisory Board, which is comprised of prominent experts who provide strategic advice, clinical and regulatory support, and scientific and industry expertise. Shankar Musunuri, Ph.D., MBA, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder remarked, We welcome Dr. Genead as Chair of Ocugens Retina Scientific Advisory Board. His deep experience in ophthalmology and gene therapy will be instrumental as we advance our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform into the clinic next year. Ocugen has a strong product portfolio to address a variety of retina diseases that lead to vision loss and blindness. Their novel gene therapy platform has the opportunity to transform our drug development process and provide one product to address many inherited retinal diseases. I am excited about the opportunity to lead this esteemed scientific advisory board and support Ocugens development strategy, said Dr. Genead. Mohamed Genead, M.D. Dr. Genead is an ophthalmologist/retina specialist/serial entrepreneur, inherited retinal disease expert, and clinical investigator with over 20 years experience in ophthalmology and gene & cell therapy drug development. Prior to co-founding two ophthalmic companies, Dr. Genead served as Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President for GenSight Biologics, where he led the clinical development and medical affairs organization in multiple phase I-III trials, leveraging disruptive ocular gene therapy and optogenetics platforms for patients with ocular degenerative diseases. Prior to GenSight, Dr. Genead was Biogens ophthalmology and ocular gene therapy lead in collaborations with Jean Bennett, M.D., Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania (inventor of Luxturna, the scientific foundation for Spark Therapeutics) and Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation in the execution of multiple retina gene therapy programs intended for regulatory approvals of ophthalmic gene therapy products. Dr. Genead spent years in academic medicine serving as a physician/scientist, co-director of the Center of Retina Degenerative Diseases and as an Investigator, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, at the University of Illinois in Chicago. His area of academic interest focused on retinal novel therapeutics from ocular gene therapy to retina regenerative stem cell therapies for orphan retina diseases such as Stargardt disease and Retinitis Pigmentosa. His team were pioneers in using topical eye drops to treat macular edema associated with retinal dystrophies. In collaboration with researchers at McGill University and other research institutions, he discovered a new gene mutation in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis. He is a member of numerous professional and honorary societies. He was the primary and key author for numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts in highly impact factor scientific journals focusing on ophthalmics clinical research and novel therapeutics. Dr. Genead completed his vitreoretinal fellowship at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Illinois in Chicago and a retinal research fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Story continues About Ocugen, Inc. Ocugen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing transformative therapies to treat rare and underserved eye diseases. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with one drug one to many and our novel biologic product candidate aims to offer better therapy to patients with underserved diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy. For more information, please visit www.ocugen.com. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as predicts, believes, potential, proposed, continue, estimates, anticipates, expects, plans, intends, may, could, might, will, should or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled Risk Factors in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release. Corporate Contact: Ocugen, Inc. Kelly Beck kelly.beck@ocugen.com +1 484-328-4698 Media Contact: LaVoieHealthScience Emmie Twombly etwombly@lavoiehealthscience.com +1 857-389-6042 Flight operations have been disrupted at the Pune International Airport on Wednesday morning because of cyclone Nisarga that made landfall at Alibag in Maharashtras Raigad district accompanied by heavy rains and high wind speed. Airport Authority of India (AAI) officials said that two flights were diverted and a flight was cancelled due to the inclement weather condition. Click here for full cyclone Nisarga LIVE updates A Delhi-Pune flight, which was to arrive at 10.50am, and another Hyderabad-Pune flight that was to arrive at 11.20am were diverted to Surat and Hyderabad, respectively, said Kuldeep Singh, director, Pune International Airport. Earlier on Wednesday morning, a Delhi-Pune flight was cancelled because of bad weather condition, he added. A member of the media takes a picture of 15th century painting Doni Tondo by Michelangelo Buonarroti, during a press tour of the Uffizi museum (Andrew Medichini/AP) The reopening of some of Europes most famous galleries has given the continent a glimpse of the past as well as the uncertain future after the Covid-19 pandemic. On Wednesday Florences Uffizi Gallery was the latest to open its doors with its collection of Renaissance masterpieces available, albeit with strict social-distancing measures. On Monday The Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, were again available for viewing as were galleries in Amsterdam, with Dutch masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum once more on display. Expand Close A member of the media takes pictures of 15th-century paintings Portraits Of Angelo, left, and Maddalena Don by Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, during a press tour of the Uffizi museum (Andrew Medichini/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A member of the media takes pictures of 15th-century paintings Portraits Of Angelo, left, and Maddalena Don by Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, during a press tour of the Uffizi museum (Andrew Medichini/AP) Expand Close People walk in the Uffizi gallery (Andrew Medichini/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People walk in the Uffizi gallery (Andrew Medichini/AP) Expand Close Annunciation by Leonardo Da Vinci, as seen at the Uffizi (Andrew Medichini/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Annunciation by Leonardo Da Vinci, as seen at the Uffizi (Andrew Medichini/AP) Expand Close Sandro Botticellis Birth Of Venus (Andrew Medichini/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sandro Botticellis Birth Of Venus (Andrew Medichini/AP) Expand Close Visitors admire the Sistine Chapel as the Vatican Museums reopened on Monday (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Visitors admire the Sistine Chapel as the Vatican Museums reopened on Monday (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) Expand Close Visitors admire the Gallery Of Maps at the Vatican Museums (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Visitors admire the Gallery Of Maps at the Vatican Museums (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) Expand Close A feminine figure painted in oil and known as Allegory Of Friendship, right, is seen as part of a fresco depicting Pope Clemens I in the Constantine Hall at the Vatican Museums (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A feminine figure painted in oil and known as Allegory Of Friendship, right, is seen as part of a fresco depicting Pope Clemens I in the Constantine Hall at the Vatican Museums (AP) Expand Close A limited amount of visitors admire Rembrandts Night Watch, rear, at the reopened Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (Peter Dejong/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A limited amount of visitors admire Rembrandts Night Watch, rear, at the reopened Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (Peter Dejong/AP) Expand Close Bartholomeus Spangers Body Of Christ Supported By Angels oil on copper painting, centre, which went on display at the Rijksmuseum (Peter Dejong/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bartholomeus Spangers Body Of Christ Supported By Angels oil on copper painting, centre, which went on display at the Rijksmuseum (Peter Dejong/AP) Bob Owen /Staff file photo The Department of Justice has awarded the San Antonio Police Department more than $3.1 million to hire more officers in an attempt to increase community policing, according to a news release. Nearly 600 law enforcement agencies got a cut of the $400 million grant from the Community Oriented Policing Services's hiring program. This will allow for the addition of more than 2,700 full-time law enforcement officers. Banks have sought permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to restructure loans worth Rs 3 lakh crore. The lenders want to restructure loans given to companies in the hospitality, aviation and commercial property spaces to avoid downgrading the borrowings, The Economic Times reported. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report. The COVID-19 outbreak and the consequent lockdown have impacted several industries, particularly aviation, hospitality, and real estate. Banks' exposure was Rs 2.3 lakh crore to commercial realty at the end of April, Rs 45,862 crore to the hospitality sector, and over Rs 30,000 crore to aviation companies, The Economic Times reported. Lenders have informed the central bank that without restructuring, the amount of non-performing assets (NPAs) on their sheets will increase, the report said. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show Heads of state-run banks had raised the subject during their meeting with Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on May 22, the report added. "We are in talks with RBI to extend help to worst-hit sectors. We see huge slippages in aviation, hospitality and commercial realty if restructuring benefits are not extended to past loans," a banker told the publication. Some bankers told the paper that the moratorium granted by the RBI, which has been extended till August 31, may be insufficient for these sectors, since they will take a few quarters to build cash reserves and clear payments. We have started extending loans from our COVID emergency lines to the companies that are the worst hit, but more than emergency loans, these sectors could be helped greatly if easier terms of repayment are given through restructuring,"the head of a state-run bank told the publication. China's Huawei Technologies acted to cover up its relationship with a firm that had tried to sell prohibited US computer gear to Iran, after Reuters in 2013 reported deep links between the firm and the telecom-equipment giant's chief financial officer, newly obtained internal Huawei documents show. Huawei has long described the firm - Skycom Tech Co Ltd - as a separate local business partner in Iran. Now, documents obtained by Reuters show how the Chinese tech titan effectively controlled Skycom. The documents, reported here for the first time, are part of a trove of internal ... In cities across the country, police departments have attempted to quell unrest spurred by the death of George Floyd by firing rubber bullets into crowds, even though five decades of evidence shows such weapons can disable, disfigure and even kill. In addition to rubber bullets which often have a metal core police have used tear gas, flash grenades, pepper spray gas and projectiles to control crowds of demonstrators demanding justice for 46-year-old George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck, while other officers restrained his body. Some peaceful demonstrations have turned violent, with people smashing windows, setting buildings afire and looting stores. The use by police of rubber bullets has provoked outrage, as graphic images have flashed on social media showing people who have lost an eye or suffered other injuries after being hit. A study published in 2017 in the BMJ found that 3% of people hit by rubber bullets died of the injury. Fifteen percent of the 1,984 people studied were permanently injured by the rubber bullets, also known as kinetic impact projectiles. Rubber bullets should be used only to control an extremely dangerous crowd, said Brian Higgins, the former police chief of Bergen County, N.J. Shooting them into open crowds is reckless and dangerous, said Dr. Douglas Lazzaro, a professor and expert in eye trauma at NYU Langone Health. In the past week, a grandmother in La Mesa, California, was hospitalized in an intensive care unit after being hit between the eyes with a rubber bullet. Actor Kendrick Sampson said he was hit by rubber bullets seven times at a Los Angeles protest. In Washington, D.C., the National Guard allegedly fired rubber bullets Monday to disperse peaceful protesters near a historic church where President Donald Trump was subsequently photographed. In a statement, Attorney General William Barr defended the actions of local and federal law enforcement officers in Washington, saying they had made significant progress in restoring order to the nations capital. Barr did not mention the use of tear gas or rubber bullets. Freelance photographer Linda Tirado said she was blinded by a rubber bullet at a protest in Minneapolis. In an email, Minneapolis Police Department spokesperson John Elder said, We use 40 mm less-lethal foam marking rounds. We do not use rubber bullets. No one knows how often police use rubber bullets, or how many people are harmed every year, said Dr. Rohini Haar, a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health and medical expert with Physicians for Human Rights. Many victims dont go to the hospital. A volunteer holds rubber bullets in his hand that was collected with other debris as he cleaned after a night of protests in downtown Louisville, Ky., Sunday, May 31, 2020. The debris came from a previous evening of protest over the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)AP Police are not required to document their use of rubber bullets, so there is no national data to show how often theyre used, said Higgins, now an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. There are no nationally agreed-upon standards for their use. When aimed at the legs, rubber bullets can stop a dangerous person or crowd from getting closer to a police officer, Lazzaro said. But when fired at close range, rubber bullets can penetrate the skin, break bones, fracture the skull and explode the eyeball, he said. Rubber bullets can cause traumatic brain injuries and serious abdominal injury, including injuries to the spleen and bowel along with major blood vessels, said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician in New York City and a spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians. Firing rubber bullets from a distance decreases both their force and their accuracy, increasing the risk of shooting people in the face or hitting bystanders, Lazzaro said. Physicians for Human Rights, a nonprofit advocacy group based in New York, has called for rubber bullets to be banned. The British military developed rubber bullets 50 years ago to control nationalist rioters in Northern Ireland, although the United Kingdom stopped using them decades ago. Rubber bullets are used by Israeli security forces against Palestinian demonstrators. French police were criticized for using rubber bullets last year after dozens of yellow jacket demonstrators were blinded and hundreds were injured. Rubber bullets are used almost every day somewhere in the world, Haar said. Using them against unarmed civilians is a huge violation of human rights. Many less than lethal police weapons can cause serious harm, according to Physicians for Human Rights. Acoustic weapons, such as sound cannons that make painfully loud noises, can damage hearing. Tear gas can make it difficult to see and breathe. Pepper spray, while painful and irritating, doesnt cause permanent damage, Lazzaro said. Pepper spray balls, which have been used to quell recent protests, can be deadly when used incorrectly. In 2004, a 21-year-old Boston woman was hit in the eye and killed by a pepper spray pellet fired by police to disperse crowds celebrating the citys World Series win. Disorientation devices that create loud noises and bright lights, known as concussion grenade or flash-bangs, can cause severe burns and blast injuries, including damage to the ear drum. Panicked crowds can cause crush injuries. Water cannons can cause internal injuries, falls and even frostbite during cold weather. Physical force, such as hitting someone to subdue them, causes about 1 in 3 people to be hospitalized, said Dr. Howie Mell, a spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians and former tactical physician, who worked with SWAT teams. Rubber bullets are less harmful than subduing people by physical force or regular bullets, Mell said. But were firing a lot more of them this week than we usually do. On Wednesday, humanitarian aid from the Republic of Korea was delivered to Ukraine in the form of test kits for COVID-19 in order to overcome coronavirus infection (20,000 tests), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported. "The Ukrainian side is committed to further comprehensive strengthening of friendly relations with the Republic of Korea and will make every effort to mutually beneficial development of promising areas of bilateral cooperation," the Foreign Ministry's press service quoted its Minister Dmytro Kuleba as saying on Wednesday. Anyone can be a pilot at the Hover Hawgs hovercraft park well, those who are over 14 years old at least. Bennie Forister and his wife Tanya opened the park, which allows those interested to fly and whir around a track on three acres, on May 8. Forister said the couple was looking into starting a side business in the Black Hills. They started with researching campgrounds and cabin rentals, but thought it may be difficult to make a living with so many around. I started talking to the people coming into the Black Hills for vacation and the Sturgis Rally, Forister said. They were looking for things to do, things that were actually hands-on. You can only go see Mount Rushmore so many times. Thats when he stumbled across hovercraft. He called the British HoverCraft company and asked them to build five machines for him two Snapper IIs and three Marlin IIIs. Each model allows one pilot and one passenger, but the Snapper II can handle a maximum weight of 250 pounds while the Marlin III can handle up to 400 pounds. The hovercraft use a large wind turbine that creates thrust. The challenge with the machines, though, is weather. Forister said although the hovercraft operate well over dirt, grass, snow, ice, water and concrete, wind over 20 mph will make it difficult for the pilot to maneuver the vehicle. He said the park will also shut down if lightning or thunder are in the area for the safety of the customers. According to the parks website, if operations are canceled due to weather, riders can request a refund or resume riding once the weather clears the area. Forister said he hadnt ridden on a hovercraft before purchasing them aside from larger models many, many years ago in the military. I started talking to a lot of people who have (ridden them) and theres quite a few hovercraft in the United States its just nobody set up a hovercraft park for the public to come out and ride them, he said. Forister said before people step into the pilots seat, he and his employees give general instructions on how to maneuver the vehicles and go over safety precautions with the riders. They do this again before participants are let onto the course. The course is limited to three hovercraft operating at the same time. Forister said any more than that and it gets a little congested. Pilots and passengers are also limited to about 20 minutes. We found that 20 minutes is the limit. Even for a very active, strong person, these things take a little bit of skill but they also take a little physical energy to operate, Forister said. Youll be sore the next morning, especially turning these things around the corners that we have. After riders are finished, Forister said all equipment is sanitized, and there are signs posted for social distancing. Despite being open for over three weeks, the park has already seen some repeat customers. Theyre actually addictive, Forister said. Once you start riding them, you want to just go back and ride them over and over and over again because you can constantly improve yourself on how you operate the hovercraft each time you go out and ride them. Forister said he has a five-year plan for additions to the park, but wouldn't reveal anything quite yet. Hover Hawgs is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The park will be open from May 8 through the end of September. Its $33 to pilot the Snapper II and $39 to pilot the Marlin III. Passengers can ride for $7 on each model. Passengers must be 9 years old or older, and pilots must be 14 years old or older. Group and military discounts are available. The park can be found at 8686 S. Highway 16 by Harvest Acres. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 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. CALGARY, Alberta, June 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zargon Oil & Gas Ltd. (Zargon or the Company) (TSX:ZAR) has released its 2020 first quarter financial results. Highlights from the first quarter ended Mar. 31, 2020 are provided below: FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS (THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2020) Funds flow from operating activities was a negative $1.24 million compared to $1.35 million recorded in the prior quarter. The decrease from the prior quarter is primarily due to significantly lower commodity prices and lower production volumes. First quarter 2020 production averaged 1,706 barrels of oil equivalent per day, a two percent decrease from the preceding quarter production rate of 1,746 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The reduction in production volumes from the prior quarter was primarily due to natural production declines, the suspension of discretionary oil exploitation capital programs, the deferral of routine maintenance operations due to cash constraints and the shut-in of uneconomic natural gas properties. First quarter 2020 production averaged 1,427 barrels of oil per day and 1.67 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. First quarter 2020 field oil prices averaged $35.31 per barrel, a 35 percent decrease from the prior quarters price of $54.57 per barrel. The combination of lower oil prices and oil volumes resulted in a 38 percent reduction in first quarter 2020 revenues to $4.89 million, down from $7.91 million in the prior quarter. With relatively consistent operating costs and royalty rates, this reduction in revenue carried through to Zargons first quarter 2020 field operating cash flow of a negative $0.39 million, which compares with the prior quarters $2.09 million. First quarter 2020 field operating netbacks defined as sales less royalties and operating/ transportation costs were a negative $2.52 per barrel of oil equivalent, a significant decrease from the prior quarters operating netback of $13.01 per barrel of oil equivalent. At quarter end, Zargon recognized a non-cash impairment loss to property, plant and equipment assets of $33.34 million, primarily due to exceptionally low forecasted future commodity prices. The first quarter 2020 deferred tax recovery was $2.92 million compared to $0.06 million recorded in the prior quarter. The increase in the deferred tax recovery from the prior quarter was primarily due to the $8.54 million impairment loss on the Williston Basin USA property. First quarter 2020 capital expenditures totaled $0.45 million, a $0.20 million decrease from the $0.65 million recorded in the prior quarter. During the 2020 first quarter, Zargons capital program was primarily allocated to oil exploitation programs (waterfloods) and Little Bow Polymer costs. Consistent with the last few years, Zargon did not drill any of its proven undeveloped locations (Taber, Bellshill Lake and North Dakota) in the quarter, as Zargon conserved its cash to retire debt and retire abandonment liabilities. Zargon has entered into contracts with its suppliers to access the Alberta Governments Site Rehabilitation Program. The availability of funds under the program is uncertain. On April 2, 2020, Zargon Oil & Gas Ltd. (Zargon or the Company) announced that it had entered into an agreement to settle its $3.05 million (USD) term debt through the sale of its US subsidiaries for nominal proceeds and the release of the Company from its obligations under the loan agreement. Subsequent to the quarter end, Zargon has shut in all producing Alberta operated properties as realized field oil prices in April declined to levels significantly below the variable costs of production. The timing of the reactivation of these properties will be dependent on future WCS (Western Canadian Select) oil price trends, Zargon's participation in the Alberta government's Site Rehabilitation Program, and Zargon's efforts to improve its financial situation through refinancing and restructuring initiatives. Zargons first quarter 2020 financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. These statements have not been reviewed by the Companys auditors. Three Months Ended Mar 31, 2020 2019 Percent Change Financial Highlights Income and Investments ($ millions) Gross petroleum and natural gas sales 4.89 8.31 (41 ) Funds flow from operating activities (1.24 ) 1.23 (201 ) Cash flows from operating activities (0.05 ) (0.93 ) 95 Free cash flow (2.13 ) 0.26 (919 ) Net earnings/(loss) (34.52 ) 25.08 (238 ) Net capital expenditures 0.45 0.75 (40 ) Abandonment and reclamation costs 0.44 0.22 101 Per Share, Basic Funds flow from operating activities ($/share) (0.05 ) 0.06 (183 ) Net earnings/(loss) ($/share) (1.50 ) 1.23 (222 ) Balance Sheet at Period End ($ millions) Property and equipment (D&P) 60.18 98.60 (39 ) Total assets 65.45 106.61 (39 ) Working capital (0.57 ) 2.61 (122 ) Shareholders equity (7.49 ) 29.34 (126 ) Weighted Average Shares Outstanding for the Period (millions) Basic 22.99 20.37 13 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding for the Period (millions) Diluted 22.99 20.37 13 Total Common Shares Outstanding at Period End (millions) 22.99 22.99 Funds flow from operating activities is an additional GAAP measure presented on the consolidated statement of cash flows, it represents cash flow from operating activities adjusted for asset retirement expenditures and changes in non-cash operating working capital. Working capital excludes derivative assets/liabilities and short term debt. Three Months Ended Mar 31, 2020 2019 Percent Change Operating Highlights Average Daily Production Oil and liquids (bbl/d) 1,427 1,576 (9 ) Natural gas (mmcf/d) 1.67 1.39 20 Equivalent (boe/d) 1,706 1,808 (6 ) Average Selling Price (before the impact of financial risk management contracts) Oil and liquids ($/bbl) 35.31 56.54 (38 ) Natural gas ($/mcf) 2.01 2.28 (12 ) Netback ($/boe) Gross petroleum and natural gas sales 31.51 51.04 (38 ) Royalties (3.88 ) (5.59 ) (31 ) Operating expenses (29.44 ) (30.81 ) (4 ) Transportation expenses (0.71 ) (0.64 ) 11 Operating netback (2.52 ) 14.00 (118 ) Wells Drilled, Net Undeveloped Land at Period End (thousand net acres) 29 33 (12 ) The calculation of barrels of oil equivalent (boe) is based on the conversion ratio that six thousand cubic feet of natural gas is equivalent to one barrel of oil. Forward-Looking Statements This press release offers our assessment of Zargons future plans and operations as at June 2, 2020, and contains certain forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate, continue, estimate, expect, forecast, may, will, project, should, plan, intend, believe and similar expressions (including the negatives thereof) are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking information and statements pertaining to our strategic alternatives process under the heading Strategic Alternatives Process. In addition, all statements relating to reserves, including ASP reserves, in this press release are deemed to be forward-looking as they involve an implied assessment, based on certain assumptions and estimates, that the reserves described, can be properly produced in the future. The forward-looking information and statements included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information or statements including, without limitation: those relating to results of operations and financial condition; general economic conditions; industry conditions; changes in regulatory and taxation regimes; volatility of commodity prices; escalation of operating and capital costs; currency fluctuations; the availability of services; imprecision of reserve estimates; geological, technical, drilling and processing problems; environmental risks; weather; the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management; stock market volatility; the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; and competition from other industry participants for, among other things, capital, services, acquisitions of reserves, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel. Risks are described in more detail in our Annual Information Form, which is available on www.zargon.ca and on www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow investors to have a greater understanding of our business. You are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information and statements, including, among other things: future oil and natural gas prices; future capital expenditure levels; future production levels; future exchange rates; the cost of developing and expanding our assets; our ability to obtain equipment in a timely manner to carry out development activities; our ability to market our oil and natural gas successfully to current and new customers; the impact of increasing competition; the availability of adequate and acceptable debt and equity financing and funds from operations to fund our planned expenditures; and our ability to add production and reserves through our development and acquisition activities, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Our actual results, performance, or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that any of the events anticipated will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits we will derive from them. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this document is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Our policy for updating forward-looking statements is that Zargon disclaims, except as required by law, any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures Zargon uses the following terms for measurement within this press release that do not have a standardized prescribed meaning under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and these measurements may not be comparable with the calculation of similar measurements of other entities. The terms funds flow from operating activities and operating netback per boe in this press release are not recognized measures under GAAP. Management of Zargon believes that in addition to net earnings and cash flows from operating activities as defined by GAAP, these terms are useful supplemental measures to evaluate operating performance and assess leverage. Users are cautioned; however, that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings or cash flows from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP as an indication of Zargons performance. Zargon considers funds flow from operating activities to be an important measure of Zargons ability to generate the funds necessary to finance capital expenditures and repay debt. All references to funds flow from operating activities throughout this press release are based on cash provided by operating activities before the change in non-cash working capital since Zargon believes the timing of collection, payment or incurrence of these items involves a high degree of discretion and, as such, may not be useful for evaluating Zargons operating performance. Zargons method of calculating funds flow from operating activities may differ from that of other companies and, accordingly, may not be comparable to measures used by other companies. Funds flow from operating activities per basic share is calculated using the same weighted average basic shares outstanding as is used in calculating earnings per basic share. See Zargons Managements Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) as filed on www.zargon.ca and on www.sedar.com for the periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 for a discussion of cash flows from operating activities and funds flow from operating activities. 51-101 Advisory In conformity with National Instrument 51-101, Standards for Disclosure of Oil and Gas Activities (NI 51-101), natural gas volumes have been converted to barrels of oil equivalent (boe) using a conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil. In certain circumstances, natural gas liquid volumes have been converted to a thousand cubic feet equivalent (mcfe) on the basis of one barrel of natural gas liquids to six thousand cubic feet of gas. Boes and mcfes may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A conversion ratio of one barrel to six thousand cubic feet of natural gas is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion ratio on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value. Filings Zargon has filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities its unaudited financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and the accompanying MD&A. These filings are available on www.zargon.ca and under Zargons SEDAR profile on www.sedar.com. About Zargon Zargon is a Calgary-based oil and natural gas company working in the Western Canadian and Williston sedimentary basins and is focused on oil exploitation projects (water floods and tertiary ASP) that profitably increase oil production and recovery factors from existing oil reservoirs. In order to learn more about Zargon, we encourage you to visit Zargon's website at www.zargon.ca where you will find a current shareholder presentation, financial reports and historical news releases. For further information please contact: C.H. Hansen President and Chief Executive Officer Zargon Oil & Gas Ltd. Telephone: 403-264-9992 E-mail: zargon@zargon.ca Website: www.zargon.ca Night after night MasterChef judge Melissa Leong has been stunning fans with her stylish wardrobe. The 40-year-old is always chic, and manages to pull off plenty of bold designer looks with confidence and class. Since debuting on the show, Melissa has worn $25,000 worth of showstopping outfits and accessories, expertly mixing high-end and high street styles. Inside Melissa Leong's $25,000 MasterChef wardrobe: The judge's celebrity stylist reveals the one designer brand she wore for two weeks straight and shares the secrets behind her looks Melissa is dressed by celebrity stylist Charmaine De Pasquale. For the first two weeks of the show, the popular judge wore dresses and designs, all by British label Ted Baker. One of her most popular looks was in episode five, when Melissa modelled a $260 Elowisa Hedgerow printed wrap dress. She was also hard to miss in the designer's $300 bright red Ryylie button midi dress. Chic: Melissa is dressed by stylist Charmaine De Pasquale on the show. She wore nothing but Ted Baker for the first two weeks. Pictured in Ted Baker's $260 Elowisa Hedgerow wrap dress Hot stuff: She was hard to miss in Ted Bakers $300 bright red Ryylie button midi dress For the third week of the show, Melissa only wore dresses from popular Australian designer Alice McCall. The judge looked like she'd stepped straight off the catwalk in the Australian fashion brand's $450 geometric 'sittin pretty' midi dress. Likewise, she oozed style in Alice McCall's creme 'angels' jumpsuit, worth $500. Melissa went on to wear dresses from Sydney designer Gary Bigeni for week four. Bold: For the third week of the show Melissa only wore dresses from Alice McCall, including their $450 geometric sittin pretty midi dress Fashion icon: Likewise, Melissa oozed style alongside Andy Allen (right) and Jock Zonfrillo (left) in Alice McCall's creme 'angels' jumpsuit, worth $500 And the fifth week of MasterChef, Melissa was dressed in KITX. Her boldest look from the sustainable fashion brand came in the form of their $500 Anthropocene two way dress. Lastly, for this week's episodes, Charmaine dressed Melissa in creations available by online store Order of Style. 'Our attention is drawn to all the amazing colours, prints and design lines from a range of incredible designers represented by Order of Style,' said the stylist. Edgy: For the fifth week of MasterChef, Melissa was dressed in KITX. Her boldest look from the sustainable fashion brand came in the form of their $500 Anthropocene two way dress When it comes to accessorising the designer dresses, Melissa isn't shy about stepping away from expensive brands and turning to high street options. She has often gone from wearing Scanlan Theodore shoes worth $600 in one episode to happily wearing a more affordable pair from Zara in the next. Earlier this week, Melissa slipped into a sweater from Zara and styled it with a $349 skirt from designer Torannce. (Photo : REUTERS/Alyson McClaran) Protesters march to the State Capitol, amid nationwide unrest following the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Denver, Colorado, U.S. June 1, 2020. A week since protests against police brutality began in the US, fake stories and posts meant to misinformation people have been circulating on Twitter and other online platforms. Floyd who was accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck to pin him on the ground. The incident has since sparked nationwide protests against police brutality. With the increasing tensions in these protests and flaring emotions from both sides, BuzzFeed News listed some of the fake stories and misleading posts that have been spreading online. 1. MSNBC aired a clip of the movie "World War Z" as a video of the protests. The man who created the video admitted it was meant to be a joke, but was surprised it received so much traction. Well that escalated quickly. YES, that MSNBC clip was from World War Z, I even marked the video above the MSNBC logo "NOT REAL." I dramatically underestimated Twitter, many pointed it out, some claimed it was "real"-that was stupid of me. #WorldWarZ pic.twitter.com/8O52I5iEmn I apologize #Philly Bad Scooter (@OfficialSlop) June 1, 2020 Twitter user Bad Scooter later apologized for his actions and deleted the earlier post. However, screenshots of it had already circulated online while "World War Z" trended on Twitter. 2. TikTok is not blocking the Black Lives Matter and George Floyd hashtags. We are aware of an issue that is impacting the hashtag view counts displayed at the upload stage. This appears to affect words at random, including terms like #cat and #hello. Our team is investigating and working quickly to address the issue. TikTokSupport (@TikTokSupport) May 29, 2020 The company has advised a bug has affected "words at random" and its team is quickly working to fix the issue. We are aware of an issue that is impacting the hashtag view counts displayed at the upload stage. This appears to affect words at random, including terms like #cat and #hello. Our team is investigating and working quickly to address the issue. TikTokSupport (@TikTokSupport) May 29, 2020 3. A Minnesota TV reporter did not play "fake gunshot sounds" during a peaceful protest as claimed in a viral video. These reports sabotaging the protest making look like the protesters are armed by playing fake gunshot sounds pic.twitter.com/TT3SPArjS3 e. (@_eden______) May 28, 2020 A Twitter post showed KSTP reporter Richard Reeve being confronted by protesters who accused him of disturbing the event with gunshot sounds. The station quickly explained what happened in a statement. KSTP news director Kirk Varner said Reeve was filming the peaceful protest on his phone, but he wanted to confirm the gunshot sound he heard, so he played back the video and found an individual shooting into the air. Protesters approached Reeve as he was reviewing the footage. The station's then released the footage shot by Reeve, which does show a man in the street firing several shots from a handgun. This was also supported by the video of Reeve speaking with protesters posted on Twitter. The video shows the reported lifted his phone and said, "This is what I saw." Meanwhile, KSTP did not air the gunshots as they though "it ultimately did not contribute to our efforts to impartially portray the events that were happening in a rapidly developing situation." 4. A photo showing a McDonald's restaurant on fire is not from the Minnesota protests, but a branch in Pennsylvania that burned down in 2016. Although the account seems it came from a news organization, its account description states a parody account. 3. Do not get information from Breaking News twitter accounts. Many use breaking news situations to gain clout and followers. For example this one, which used an old photo of a McDonald's on fire to make it look like it was from Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/hVtdDiCZYW Jane Lytvynenko (@JaneLytv) May 29, 2020 5. CNN Communications criticized a tweet from the Minnesota State Patrol about the media outfit's journalists who were arrested live on TV but were also immediately released. 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. MN State Patrol (@MnDPS_MSP) May 29, 2020 The video of the arrest shows the reporters identifying themselves as CNN crew. 6. A video of a police officer was smashing the windows of an automotive business in Minnesota. The St. Paul Police Department has already denied the allegation while the suspect's identity remains unverified. 7. The train on this image was not stolen from a mall but is from the 2014 Ferguson protests known as the "peace train." 8. A tweet about a brother who went missing amid the protests garnered over 30,000 retweets. However, the owner of the Twitter account later admitted they do not even know who the man in the photo is. IMPORTANT!! There is this tweet going around by @/lucidxyena in which they say their brother is missing. THIS IS NOT TRUE! DON'T RETWEET IT! Don't let it distract you from actual missing people pic.twitter.com/j7EamMVArp sam | BLM (@rainbowdeku) May 29, 2020 The poster told BuzzFeed News that they did not expect it would get so many retweets. The account is now suspended due to violating Twitter rules. 9. The Minneapolis police officer who used a knee to hold down George Floyd, Derek Chauvin, was not in protective custody after receiving death threats as the tweet claims. He was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter and currently detained. The poster's account, Egyptian Weeknd has also been suspended. THE INFORMATION ON EGYPTIANWEEKND IS FALSE PLEASE BLOCK THIS PROFILE pic.twitter.com/qIZfdUBxRQ miss andry ACAB (@copcoffin) May 30, 2020 10. A video of a supposed explosion inside a police precinct in Minneapolis was the explosion that happened in 2015 in the city of Tianjin in northern China. Nice try. This video is actually of an explosion in China from 2015 and the person has just dubbed over audio from the riots last night in Minneapolis. Original unedited video below.https://t.co/ICs4O17OeB Q Army STORM-trooper (@QArmyST) May 29, 2020 Before sharing any story, article, or social post, take the time to verify whether it is true or a parody. Check the user's account whether it was just recently created or try searching online to find another source. Read also: Don't Steal iPhone on Stores; Apple Knows Where You Are 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Last week as chaos and violence takes place in the United States in response to George Floyd's tragic death, here in Kelowna a doctor responds to the hard work and dedication of the employees at the Kelowna Cancer Centre. The staff at this centre has worked hard and had to follow extra procedures to keep the cancer patients in Kelowna safe from the current Covid-19 pandemic crisis. Dr. Sanjay Rao offered to treat the staff at the BC Cancer - Kelowna Center to lunch last Friday May 29th to show his appreciation. He organized to have lunch delivered to the Kelowna Cancer Centre from The Cactus Club restaurant. Well, the Cactus Club management decided to respond to Dr. Rao's request by donating the entire lunch order to the Cancer Centre staff. With this generous donation, Dr. Rao responded by donating all the money he would have spent for the lunches to the Cancer Patient's Emergency Fund. This fund is set up to help cancer patients with financial difficulty. In Canada a good deed goes a long way to help those in need. I'm proud to be a Kelownian and a Canadian. A huge Thank You to Dr. Sanjay Rao and The Cactus Club (at The Kelowna Yacht Club) for their warm hearts. Beverly Layne COVID-19: Delhi govt sets up panel to strengthen overall preparedness of hospitals India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, June 03: A five-member committee has been constituted by the Delhi government for healthcare infrastructure augmentation and strengthen overall preparedness of hospitals to battle COVID-19, officials said. The order to set up the panel was issued on Tuesday, the day Delhi recorded its highest single-day spike of 1,298 coronavirus cases. The members include Dr Mahesh Verma, Vice-Chancellor of IP University; Dr Sunil Kumar, Medical Director of GTB Hospital; Dr Arun Gupta, president of Delhi Medical Council; Dr RK Gupta, former president of Delhi Medical Association; and Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director, Max Hospital, the order said. Mamata urges Centre for one-time financial assistance for migrant labourers | Oneindia News China delayed releasing coronavirus info, frustrating WHO The committee will guide the Delhi government on healthcare infrastructure augmentation and strengthen overall preparedness of hospitals to battle COVID-19, it said. It will also guide the government on any other area where strengthening of infrastructure is required to better manage the pandemic in Delhi. The panel has been directed to submit its report by June 6, the order said. A record single-day spike of 1,298 fresh cases took the COVID-19 tally in Delhi to over 22,000 on Tuesday and the death toll due to the disease mounted to 556, authorities said. COVID-19 plasma therapy safe, without adverse side effects: Study Meanwhile, AAP leader Sanjay Singh on Wednesday said that he would use the air tickets he is entitled to as an MP to help stranded migrant workers reach Patna from Delhi by flights. He would take migrant workers on two flights to Patna on Thursday. In a tweet, Singh said that he will use 34 flight tickets received by an MP during the year to send migrants to Patna with the help of colleagues and voluntary organisations. An MP is entitled to 34 business class tickets in domestic flights annually. The decision was praised by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who said it would be an inspiration for everyone. Coronavirus outbreak: These states in India contribute more to COVID-19 cases "Everyone will be inspired by this unique initiative of Sanjay ji. Those whom God has given means, it is their responsibility to put their resources in the service of others. Sanjay ji deserves to be congratulated," Kejriwal said in a tweet. Responding to the compliment, Singh said these were the ideals with which he entered politics. "Thank you Arvind Kejriwal ji. These are the ideals with which we entered politics with you and I will try to follow them throughout my life," he said in a tweet. Frank will fight to rebuild an economy that works for working Hoosiers and work to lower the cost of health care, Zody said. "We are excited to see him continue the legacy of Congressman Pete Visclosky for the residents of the First Congressional District when he is elected to Congress in November. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 By Fidan Babayeva - Trend: The official name of the management company of Azerbaijan's Agricultural Insurance Fund will be determined by its founders, Chairman of the board of the fund Fuad Sadigov told Trend. The fund will provide recommendations to properly conduct this process. Branding a company is a time-consuming and lengthy process, especially when it comes to a long-term oriented name. A well-chosen name helps the company grow faster, makes easier creation of the right image, helps to convey the company's strategy more easily, increases its value in the eyes of the consumer, he said. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on August 19, 2019 on the applying of the Law on Agricultural Insurance and the establishment of the Agricultural Insurance Fund, a non-profit legal entity that ensures organization, development and sustainability of the agricultural insurance system in Azerbaijan, as well as the formation of a governing structure and exercises control for its activity. The Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers approved the Charter of the Agricultural Insurance Fund on December 14, 2019. The Charter includes the goals of the activity, obligations and rights of the Fund, the fundamentals of its management, authorized capital, property and financial activity, the procedure for compiling and submitting audit and accounting reports, as well as other issues. Presently, 21 insurance companies and one reinsurance company operate in Azerbaijan. --- Follow the author on Twitter: Fidan_Babaeva By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 03, 2020 | 05:14 PM | WESTERN KENTUCKY CFSB announced Wednesday that they have provided over 800 free meals to essential workers. The meals were served from the Benton Banking Center, Calloway County North Banking Center, Graves County Banking Center, and Paducah Park Avenue Banking Center. The lunches included a BBQ sandwich, chips, cookie, and a drink as a gesture to say "thank you" to anyone who has been considered an essential worker during the pandemic. CFSB CEO Michael Radcliffe said, "We know that this has been a difficult time for so many people. We wanted to show our appreciation for everyone who has helped keep our community safe and healthy. CFSB is proud to be here for our community." CFSB has provided over 800 lunches to essential workers. The Ghaziabad health department is concerned after three patients in Meerut who met Uttar Pradesh minister for finance and medical education Suresh Khanna on Monday tested positive for the highly contagious coronavirus disease the next day. The minister had also met Ghaziabad officials on Monday and inspected a tertiary care facility in the district on Tuesday where he spoke to several patients, district and health officials, and doctors. Doctors from both Covid-19 tertiary care hospitals -- Meerut Medical College and Santosh Medical College, Ghaziabad -- say they had taken utmost precautions, including social distancing, during the ministers visit. They, however, advised all those who were at the hospital at the time to quarantine themselves. The time between exposure to the virus and developing symptoms is usually five to six days but can range between one to 14 days as well. During this time, the infected person could infect others as well. At the Meerut Medical College, The minister met people admitted in a holding area, which is a ward created for those who may have the virus and were awaiting test results. As per our knowledge, the minister was there for a couple of minutes. He later went to Ghaziabad. When the daily test reports arrived on Tuesday night, two persons from the same ward tested positive, while a third from a nearby ward also tested positive, said Dr. Raj Kumar, the chief medical officer (CMO) of Meerut. He said that there were others along with the minister, including those from the media in the ward that had at least six people at the time. There is little possibility of infection as we had asked all those who visited the ward to take precautions. They were asked to take precautions for 5-6 days in case they show any symptoms. They have been asked to stay in home quarantine. Officials from Lucknow also contacted the district authorities and have taken note about the ministers visit, Kumar said. The next day, Khanna headed to the Ghaziabad hospital near Old Bus Stand. He was accompanied by Ghaziabad district magistrate, the chief medical officer along with other officers and staff members of the hospital. The minister stayed for about two hours at the hospital but every precaution was taken. After the issue at Meerut came to light on Wednesday, we are also cautious and keeping a tab on patients health. We have told those who were present at the hospital to report to us in case they show any symptom, said Dr. NK Gupta, CMO of Ghaziabad. After this, Khanna left for Lucknow. PPE kits found dumped at Dasna On Wednesday, the UP pollution control board (UPPCB) issued show cause to the officials of the Dasna Nagar Panchayat after personal protection equipment (PPE) were found dumped at an open dumping ground. The teams of administration along with those from pollution board and the health department went for inspection. Normally, PPE kits come under the category of bio-medical waste and an outsourcing agency is already collecting from government and private establishments. So the reason of PPE kits lying dumped in Dasna is being inquired, said Dr NK Gupta, chief medical officer. Following the inspection, the officials of the UPPCB said that they have decided to issue show cause to the executive officer of Dasna Nagar Panchayat. During inspection we found two PPE kits which were disposed off at the dumping ground. Our teams went there for inspection. In the meantime we are issuing show cause, said Utsav Sharma, regional officer of UPPCB. Dasna authorities said that the two PPE kits were found disposed near Usman Colony in Dasna and the area has no habitation. The dumpinig ground is in isolated area. During inspection, I myself went to the location. There were two PPE kits but these were found to be unused ones. We suspect that these could be sampling kits thrown here by some unidentified persons. All biomedical waste and even those from the facility quarantine centres in Dasna is being collected by an agency and safely disposed of.The officials from the quarantine centres also inspected the site, said Manoj Kumar Mishra, executive officer of Dasna Nagar Panchayat. We will be replying to the show cause issued by the UPPCB. In the meantime we have disposed off the PPE kits, found in Dasna, as per norms. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In an op-ed for the Telegraph, UKs home and transport ministers defend plans to quarantine international arrivals. The United Kingdoms quarantine for travellers arriving from abroad is crucial to avoiding a second wave of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, Home Minister Priti Patel and Transport Minister Grant Shapps have argued in a newspaper column. Under the plans, all international arrivals, including returning Britons, will have to self-isolate for 14 days and provide details of where they will be staying, starting from June 8. Although criticised by airlines, business groups and politicians, Patel and Shapps on Tuesday insisted the travel restrictions were vital in a country with the worlds second-highest death toll. We will all suffer if we get this wrong, the ministers wrote in the Telegraph newspaper. On arrival in the UK, passengers will need to provide travel details and contact information. There will be spot checks and fines, Patel and Shapps wrote, adding there was a lot of misinformed speculation about the introduction of public health measures at the border. Regular review The ministers said that, as of now, COVID-19 tests or rapid temperature tests were not effective, as infected passengers might not have any symptoms and tests might also not work where a passenger might have only just caught the virus. Which is why it is right that we ask those who are travelling to our country to follow the measures that our own citizens are undertaking to continue to stop the spread of the virus, Patel and Shapps said. The government will review the measures regularly and is working with the transport industry on introducing agreements with other countries when it is safe to do so, they added. Breaches of the rules could be punished by a 1,000 pound ($1,250) fine or prosecution. Patel has previously said foreign nationals could be deported as a last resort if they broke the quarantine, while non-resident foreign nationals who did not comply could be refused entry at the border. The UKs Home Secretary Priti Patel is expected to outline the quarantine measures in Parliament on Wednesday [File: Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street/Handout via Reuters] Ireland is reportedly the only country with an exemption. Truck drivers, police officers, seasonal farmworkers and healthcare professionals are also excluded from the plan. Patel is due to give a statement in Parliament on the quarantine measures on Wednesday. Earlier on Tuesday, the Home Office said the UK was looking at establishing air bridges with countries with low rates of coronavirus. This would remove self-isolation measures and safely open up routes to and from countries with low transmission rates, the ministry said in a statement. Agreement would need to be made with individual countries before these measures take effect, it added. A group of firms, including The Ritz hotel and travel agent Kuoni, were among those demanding air bridges to low-risk countries. Airlines including EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic also said they had serious reservations about a blanket approach. The UK is among the countries worst-hit by the virus with 39,452 deaths from 279,392 cases, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University. Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The Constitutional Court of Mali has noted "with regret that political parties and movements, in defiance of constitutional and legal provisions and republican orthodoxy, are disseminating on social networks and in the media insurrection, subversive and seditious statements calling for the resignation of the President of the Republic" Malacanang assured the public that there is constitutionality in all the provisions stated under the proposed Anti-Terror Bill. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said all the provisions under House Bill 6875 or the Anti-Terror Bill are still tied to the law. Alam naman ng Kongreso lalo na ng Senado ang kaniyang ginagawa (Congress, especially the Senate, knows what they are doing). Not only presumed constitutional but it will also pass the test of constitutionality, he said. On Wednesday (June 3), the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) strongly condemned the proposed Anti-Terror Bill saying it could worsen the impunity in the country and would violate freedom of speech. The bill also poses a mortal danger to the principles of freedom of the press and of expression in Section 9 defining the crime of inciting to terrorism, which can be committed by means of speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, banners or other representations of the same and is punishable by 12 years in prison, their statement reads. Roque also defended that the Anti-Terror Bill contains no harsh provisions and if so, it is up to the Supreme Court to determine if the proposed bill violates human rights. Wala naman pong draconian na provision diyan. Lahat po ng provision diyan ay ibinase rin natin sa mga batas na mga ibat ibang bansa na mas epektibo po ang kanilang pagtrato dito sa mga terorista, (There are no draconian provisions there. All of the provisions stated are still based on the law of various countries that have more effective measures against terrorists) Roque said. House Bill 6875 already passed the second reading on Tuesday (June 2). The said bill aims to strengthen the governments campaign against terrorism and to repeal the Human Security Act of 2007. AAC (with reports from Rosalie Coz) The post Palace defends anti-terror bill, assures constitutionality appeared first on UNTV News. Mumbai, June 3 : The LGBTQ+ themed upcoming film "Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele " will be released on a digital platform instead of getting a theatrical release, amid the COVID-19 lockdown. The film features Zareen Khan and Anshuman Jha in lead roles. " A gay boy, a lesbian girl, a road trip... What do you think happened next? #HumBhiAkeleTumBhiAkele. Happy Pride month from Veer and Mansi. Since we can't release this journey of friendship in theatres this June, we promise to see you soon digitally. Stay tned for more as we will be 'coming out' with an announcement to make this month even more special," Zareen wrote on social media, confirming the news. Directed by Harish Vyas, "Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele" is pitched as a mainstream Bollywood film with Zareen and Anshuman essaying gay protagonists. "Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele" won Best Film award in New York at the HBO South Asian Film Festival in December last year, where its world premiere was also held. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text In addition to using their massive social media platforms to give a voice to the Black Lives Matter movement, a number of celebrities are joining peaceful protests. Logan Paul and his model girlfriend Josie Canseco are among the latest to take to the streets to demand justice for the killing of George Floyd, who was killed by a cop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Memorial Day. As the lovebirds rallied against policy brutality, the 25-year-old internet personality and Canseco, 23, held signs, which read 'Black Lives Matter' and 'This is f****d' during a Hollywood protest on Tuesday. Cozying up: Logan Paul and his model girlfriend Josie Canseco are among the latest to take to the streets to demand justice for the killing of George Floyd during a protest in Hollywood on Tuesday The daughter of Jose Canseco looked comfortable, as she cozied up to her man, who wrapped his left arm around her shoulder. In addition to advocating against the systemic racism towards black people, the blonde beauty displayed her phenomenal figure in a cropped black top and a pair of jeans. Like Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker, who were also in attendance, neither Paul or Canseco properly covered their mouths or noses, despite coming in close contact with other protesters. Advocates: As the lovebirds rallied against policy brutality, the 25-year-old internet personality and Canseco, 23, held signs, which read 'Black Lives Matter' and 'This is f*cked' during a Hollywood protest on Tuesday Out and about: Like Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker, who were also in attendance, neither Paul or Canseco properly covered their mouths or noses, despite coming in close contact with other protestors Last month, Logan confirmed their relationship during an interview with ET's Katie Krause and that they were isolating together during the coronavirus pandemic. When asked who he had been in lockdown with during the crisis, Logan said: 'It's just me, the bird, a couple of homies and a girl. Logan also divulged how they met, and admitted things are 'serious' between them, saying: 'It was a crossing of L.A. circles... Getting serious: Last month, Logan confirmed their relationship during an interview with ET 's Katie Krause and that they were isolating together during the coronavirus pandemic 'She's over here and I'm over there and we crossed circles one nightit's f**king serious. It's pretty serious. Yeah,' he went on to say. Following speculation that the couple were dating, Logan was spotted cosying up to his brother's ex Tana Mongeau in prank. It was reported in February that they had gone their separate ways, however it appears that they have managed to work it out and are back on track. On again: It was reported in February that they had gone their separate ways, however it appears that they have managed to work it out and are back on track, over the past four weeks According to TMZ, the couple ended their romance after model Josie 'stopped' talking to Logan and before photos of Logan on an affectionate outing with brother Jake's ex Tana, 21, emerged. Sources told the website Josie, split from Brody, 36, in October last year after a brief fling, told friends Logan wasn't the right man for her and she worried he was 'using her for publicity.' It was also claimed that Josie felt Logan and Tana are hanging out as a publicity stunt and are not romantically interested in one another, which Tana confirmed. UN Monitors: Taliban Maintains 'Close' Ties With Al-Qaeda Despite U.S. Peace Deal By RFE/RL June 02, 2020 The Taliban still maintains close ties with the Al-Qaeda terrorist network, despite signing a peace deal with the United States in which they committed to fight militant groups, a new United Nations report said. The Taliban slammed the report, made public on June 1, as "baseless and bigoted." Under the U.S.-Taliban deal signed in February, the militant group pledged to combat other extremists and deny them from using Afghan soil to launch attacks on the United States and its allies. "Relations between the Taliban, especially the Haqqani network, and [Al-Qaeda] remain close, based on friendship, a history of shared struggle, ideological sympathy and intermarriage," said the report sent by independent UN sanctions monitors to the UN Security Council. The report added that the Taliban "regularly consulted" with Al-Qaeda during negotiations with the United States and "offered guarantees that it would honor their historical ties." "The challenge will be to secure the counterterrorism gains to which the Taliban have committed" under the U.S.-Taliban deal, the report said. U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad downplayed the UN report, saying it largely covered a period before the February agreement. "There is progress, but we will continue to monitor those activities very closely," he said of Taliban ties with Al-Qaeda, adding that if the Taliban fails to keep its promises, Washington could reconsider its own. Under the agreement, signed in Doha on February 29, the United States will pull troops out of Afghanistan by mid-2021, while the Taliban also committed to launching direct negotiations with the Afghan government over a permanent cease-fire and a future power-sharing arrangement. 'Ahead Of Schedule' U.S. officials have said that American troops are already returning home and the withdrawal is ahead of schedule. The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and toppled the Taliban regime, saying it had provided a safe haven to Al-Qaeda, which carried out the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The UN report said the Islamic State (IS) extremist group remained "capable of mounting attacks in various parts of Afghanistan, including Kabul." It added that some of those attacks "may have arisen wholly or partly from a tactical accommodation with the Haqqani Network," a key Taliban faction believed to have been behind some of the deadliest attacks on Afghan and international forces as well as Afghan civilians. After suffering a series of setbacks, the UN report said the number of IS militants in Afghanistan was "as low as 2,200." "In addition to their handling of any threat posed by [Al-Qaeda], the Taliban's credibility as a counterterrorism partner for the international community will rest on their success in countering the threat" from Afghanistan's IS affiliate, said the report. It said that there were thousands of foreign fighters active in Afghanistan, including 6,500 militants from neighboring Pakistan. The Taliban insurgency has been a unifying cause for some 20 smaller foreign militant groups, mostly from Pakistan and Central Asia. Experts say the Taliban has ties to some of these groups. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/un-monitors-taliban -maintains-close-ties-with-al-qaeda-despite- peace-deal-with-u-s-/30649078.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 The public is invited to participate in the City of St. Helenas Digital Community Roundtable: A Conversation About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, via Zoom. The Chief Executive of Translink has detailed how his staff faced a serious public safety situation as hundreds of young people descended on Helens Bay and Crawfordsburn over the last weekend. Chris Conway said that at one stage over 1,400 youths were crammed into stations at the seaside destinations and that staff had no option other than putting themselves at risk to control the situation. It was very clear a lot of drink and drugs were taken. It was very difficult to control, even for the PSNI, he told the Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday morning. Public safety took precedence. We had to get the crowd dispersed. We deployed over a dozen staff to the unmanned halt at Helens Bay after the reports that large crowds had gathered on the beach. Read More They all had to be removed within a few hours by staff putting themselves at great risk. There was a danger of crushing or falling on to the tracks. We arranged trains in such a way that anyone who was using the train normally could socially distance on that but in other areas we just had to get people on to the train and dispersed, he said. The staff handled it well and Im sure its not the last time we will face those difficulties. Passenger numbers are now increasing and services are close to a Saturday service. Mr Conway also told the Committee that revenue for Translink has been next to nothing during the Covid-19 outbreak as the company faces a 114m shortfall. Additional support will be required to ensure we maintain a viable public transport network going forward, he warned. He told the committee that staff furloughing is not applicable to Translink in its public service role. We would see a reduction in our salary bill on the basis of working a total different shift pattern, said Mr Conway. Our saving around our network at the minute is probably running at about 250,000 on a sort of weekly basis. There has been a Sunday service on most services to enable essential workers to travel safely, he continued. Passenger numbers are now increasing and services are close to a Saturday service in urban areas and on the rail network. We are operating at around 10% of our normal passenger demand at the minute, at 80% of normal capacity on rail network and metro services and 60% on Ulsterbus. Key time for us will be when schools return in September and how we manage that. As passenger numbers increase Mr Conway said Translink would work with private operators to manage the growing capacity in line with social distancing requirements. But the number of passengers means there is significant capacity in place to manage social distancing, he added. The key time for us will be when schools return in September and how we manage that. Discussions are under way with the Education Authority and Department of Education as to how that will work. Read More Mr Conway also said that Translink hadnt seen a huge uptake on the recommendation of wearing face coverings while using public transport. Its for the government to decide if that becomes mandatory or recommended, he said. I use public transport, I wear a mask and try to show that leadership. Of 4,000 Translink staff, there have been less than 10 positive Covid-19 cases, which Mr Conway said was an indication on how well prepared Translink was to deal with a very challenging situation. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been supplied to staff and additional initiatives like perspex screens in buses have been implemented. The introduction of safe zones for conductors is also to be considered to ensure safety of staff. Superspreaders - everyone seems to be using this word in the context of COVID-19 these days. After social distancing, this might be one of the most catchy terms that are gaining popularity all over the world. But do you know what a superspreader is, and exactly why its quickly becoming a huge concern in the context of COVID-19? Heres everything you need to know. Old theory, new disease Lets start with a clarification: A superspreader is not a brand new phenomenon associated with only COVID-19 infection. Many earlier studies in infectious disease epidemiology noted that some infected individuals had a higher ability to infect others. The most interesting early example is perhaps Typhoid Mary (Mallon), a cook with asymptomatic infection who managed to spread typhoid to 51 individuals between 1900 and 1907. A study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases in 2011 explains that research led to the creation of the 20/80 rule which explained in parts what a superspreader is. You might be aware of the basic reproductive number or R-naught (R0) of an infectious disease, especially in the context of COVID-19 by now - it signifies the number of people one infected person can pass on the infection to, on average. Turns out, a fraction of the population, i.e. 20 percent, contributes disproportionately and excessively to the R-naught, leading to the spread of the infectious disease to 80 percent of the total infected. This 20 percent consists of superspreaders, and if this population is controlled, the R-naught would go down by 80% and the infectious disease will lose much of its potency to become easier to control. Now, its important to remember that superspreaders are not always humans - but in the case of COVID-19, human superspreaders have played a huge role till date. Superspreaders and COVID-19 There have been multiple reports of super-spreading events of COVID-19 since February-March 2020: an infected person spread COVID-19 to seven others during a Zumba instructors workshop in South Korea in February, 76 out of 350 wedding attendees contracted the infection in Jordan in March, one choir member infected 52 others at choir practice in Mount Vernon, USA. Closer to home, Tablighi Jamaat's prayer gathering organised in Delhi's Nizamuddin area in March has been referred to as a super-spreading event. These are just a few examples but they indicate a trend. There arent too many available researches on COVID-19 superspreaders yet, but one preprint paper about infection rates in Hong Kong between 23 January (first reported case) and 28 April indicates that five-seven superspreader events (SSE) occurred in the city, which in turn contributed immensely to the overall COVID-19 transmission. In one SSE, a single infected individual infected 73 more after bar-hopping in March! How to stop superspreaders From everything thats known about superspreaders till date, its quite clear that controlling this group's interactions, or removing them from circulation until recovery, is the best way to arrest the spread of COVID-19 or any other infectious disease for that matter. However, heres where the problem lies: super-spreading is a complex process that has, until now, been either traced back to a single infected host after the transmission has occurred, or been used in observational and modelling studies to make projections for an infectious diseases growth. No study - not even those done on infectious diseases in livestock, like the one published in Biology Letters in 2005 - has been able to identify what makes an infected individual a superspreader. Current research suggests that the degree of infectiousness of COVID-19 peaks within the first few days of contracting the disease. You could be a superspreader whether you have symptoms or, like Typhoid Mary, are asymptomatic. So, is it even possible to stop superspreaders or SSEs? There is no straightforward answer to this yet, but one could try the approach other countries have. Communities could adopt Japans successful anti-superspreading strategy of avoiding what researchers at Tohoku University are calling the three Cs - closed spaces, crowds, close contacts. A nation can efficiently practice widespread COVID-19 testing and contact tracing like Hong Kong has. And one can maintain strict physical distancing, wear masks or face covers, and follow proper sanitisation and hygiene protocols. For more information, read our article on COVID-19 superspreaders and how to stop them. 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. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Eisya A. Eloksari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 11:57 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbc0d25 1 Business Gojek,investment,Facebook,PayPal,Google,tencent,payment,GoPay Free Technology giant Gojek has announced that American tech companies Facebook and PayPal have invested an undisclosed amount in its new round of funding, joining other high-profile global corporations such as Google and Tencent. The funds would be used to focus on increasing digital economic growth in Southeast Asia, especially payment and financial services inclusion for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), said the decacorn, which means the company is valued at more than US$10 billion. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that a resilient economy requires support from reliable digital infrastructure, said Gojeks co-CEO Andre Soelistyo in a statement on Wednesday. With this collaboration, we will continue to speed up digital economy inclusion, especially when the majority of SMEs in Southeast Asia still rely on cash transactions. Gojek is the first Indonesian company to receive an investment from Facebook, with the social media company looking to create opportunities for businesses in Indonesia through its instant messaging service, WhatsApp. Gojek, WhatsApp and Facebook are important services in Indonesia. Through this cooperation, we can help millions of SMEs and their customers to join the largest digital economy community in Southeast Asia, said WhatsApp chief operating officer Matt Idema. Facebook has been on a mission to widen the market for its digital payment services, as the company talked with several e-wallet companies in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Gojek has agreed to integrate PayPal into Gojeks payment system, GoPay, giving GoPay users access to the PayPal network of 25 million merchants worldwide. PayPal head of corporate development and ventures for APAC Farhad Maleki said that Southeast Asia was at a very crucial point in the process of digital adoption, which could create new opportunities to provide financial services to unbanked consumers. We are very excited about entering into a strategic relationship with Gojek to expand access and provide new experiences for our users in this very dynamic market, he said. While Facebook and PayPal had only recently invested in Gojek, Google and Tencent have been investors since 2018. Gojek has been active in supporting financial inclusion for SMEs, and we are proud to strengthen our collaboration through additional investments, said Jeffrey Li, vice president of Tencent Holdings and managing partner of Tencent Investment. Gojek has raised a combined total of Rp 14.5 billion in fresh capital injection from seven investors this year. Topics : Gojek investment Facebook PayPal Google tencent payment GoPay The nationwide tally of confirmed COVID-19 cases crossed the 2-lakh mark on Tuesday with almost one lakh people testing positive for the dreaded virus infection in the last 15 days. The elderly, who constitute 10% of Indias population, accounted for over 50% of the countrys Covid-19 deaths, the Times of India has reported quoting the Health Ministry. The United States continues to lead the world with the most number of overall coronavirus cases, with 2.9 million people contracting the infection and more than 163,000 dying from it. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that 6,194,533 people have been infected with the new coronavirus globally. As many as 113,198 numbers of cases were reported in the last 24 hours. Further 4,242 virus-related deaths were reported during the same period, according to the WHO tally. NEW YORK, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilco Streambank, a leading intellectual property advisory firm specializing in the valuation and sale of intangible assets, is selling the intellectual property assets of Nygard International Partnership (the "Company"), including the trademarks associated with Alia, TanJay and Nygard. Inventory is also available. Offers are due on July 7, 2020, and an auction will be held on July 9, 2020. Since 1969, the Company's brands have been synonymous with great fitting jeans and have developed a loyal customer following in Canada and the United States. Its products are distributed through multiple channels including wholesale, retail and ecommerce. Its bottoms and denim incorporate the Company's proprietary SLIMcurve Technology, providing both fit and comfort. "The Company's brands have a strong presence in Canada and the United States with annual sales of more than $105 million through its wholesale partners and nearly $110 million through the Company's retail and ecommerce channels," remarked Hilco Streambank senior vice president Richelle Kalnit. "These brands offer the customer her staples denim and black pants as well as an array of styles and fits to serve women in the office, at home and on the weekend. A buyer of one or more of the brands has an opportunity to continue to build on the Company's robust omnichannel offerings and continue to provide the customer the styles on which she has come to rely." The sale is being conducted on behalf of Richter Advisory Group Inc., in its capacity as the Receiver for the Company's assets, and is subject to Canadian Court approval. Parties interested in acquiring the intellectual property assets or learning more about the sale process should CLICK HERE or contact Hilco Streambank directly using the contact information provided below. David Peress Executive Vice President [email protected] 617.642.1909 Richelle Kalnit Senior Vice President [email protected] 212.993.7214 Ryan Brenner Analyst [email protected] 212.993.7213 About Hilco Streambank: Hilco Streambank is a market leading advisory firm specializing in intellectual property disposition and valuation. Having completed numerous transactions including sales in publicly reported Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, private transactions, and online sales through IPv4.Global, Hilco Streambank has established itself as the premier intermediary in the consumer brand, internet and telecom communities. Hilco Streambank is part of Northbrook, Illinois based Hilco Global, the world's leading authority on maximizing the value of business assets by delivering valuation, monetization and advisory solutions to an international marketplace. Hilco Global operates more than twenty specialized business units offering services that include asset valuation and appraisal, retail and industrial inventory acquisition and disposition, real estate and strategic capital equity investments. For media and press: Gary C. Epstein EVP Chief Marketing Officer Hilco Global [email protected] 847.418.2712 SOURCE Hilco Streambank Mamata Banerjees government will review an appeal by Bengals jute mill owners to allow women to work on night shifts and let mills employ temporary workers without provident fund for six months, the states labour minister Moloy Ghatak said Wednesday. The appeal came as the jute industry ran into manpower shortage following the exodus of workers from states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh during the lockdown. If the government allows it, it will mean that women will be working at night in Bengals jute mills for the first time. Bengal is the highest producer of jute in the country. In neighbouring Bangladesh, women constitute around 18 per cent of the workforce in jute mills. On May 29, chief minister Mamata Banerjee allowed the 59 operational jute mills in Bengal to start production with 100 per cent manpower from June 1. A day later, Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA), the apex business chamber for Indias jute industry, requested labour minister Moloy Ghatak to let women work at night and allow employment of temporary workers without provident fund for six months. A lot of people from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh etc have returned home, leading to staff shortage. On the other hand, a large number of migrant workers from Bengal have come back. They need jobs. If the government agrees to our proposals this crisis can be turned into a win-win situation for many unemployed people, R K Poddar, a senior member of IJMA, told HT. We will review the appeals and a committee will look into this. Earlier, we allowed two industries, including a soft drink giant, to let women work at night, labour minister Moloy Ghatak told HT. As far as letting temporary workers work without provident fund is concerned, the industry has said their money will be transferred to bank accounts. We will review this, the minister added. On May 29, Bhaskar Khulbe, an advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wrote to Bengals chief secretary Rajiva Sinha. I would request you to kindly consider assisting the jute mills in reaching the assured production of 10,000 bales per day as early as possible and definitely by June 15. We shall appreciate your feedback by June 4 to enable us to further review the matter on June 8, said the letter from PMO. Since April, the Centre has been urging the Bengal government to direct jute mills to resume operation in view of shortage of jute bags in food grain producing states. In one of the letters, the Centre said, packaging material like jute bales are immensely required by major procuring states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madya Pradesh. On April 5, Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao requested the Prime Minister to open jute bag manufacturing units in Bengal and ensure transportation of jute bags through special goods trains to his state. Till May 29, however, Bengal allowed deployment of only 50 per cent manpower in most of the mills. The jute industry suffered a nationwide loss of 1,250 crore during the lockdown. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3 By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend: The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Uzbekistan increased by 107 to 3769, Trend reports on June 3 with reference to the Ministry of Health. To date, 2,908 patients have fully recovered in the country, 15 have died. Uzbekistan has 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 and Surkhandarya regions. Today, in Kitab district of Kashkadarya region (previously - "green" zone), the quarantine regime has been tightened. Earlier, Navoi region was transferred from "green" zone to the "red" zone. Moreover, Jizzakh 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 The leader of the Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has commended Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church ... The leader of the Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has commended Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church for speaking against the closing down of churches due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Primate Elijah said Oyedepo should be the leader of Christians in Nigeria due to his fearlessness. In a statement, the clergyman also commended Chris Okotie of the Household of God Church over his comment on the closure of churches. Okotie had described the proposed guidelines by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for reopening of churches, as unbiblical. However, Primate Ayodele said: I still maintain that Oyedepo should lead the Christians, he has come out fearlessly to speak against the closing of churches than those who are not sure of what they are saying. Pastor Chris Okotie too has amazed me, both of them are the ones championing There were two multi-candidate Republican races. In southern Montana, where incumbent O'Donnell won PSC District 2 with 14,164 votes, there was a rematch with former commissioner Kirk Bushman, whom ODonnell unseated in the 2016 primary after three of Bushmans fellow commissioners opposed his re-election. The third in the race is Daniel Zolnikov, a state legislator who was chairman of the House Federal Relations, Energy and Telecommunications Committee. Bushman was runner up in early returns, with 12,926 votes, in a race where the future of Colstrip Power Plant and its supporting community played a key role. All three candidates live in Billings. The district covers 10 counties from Carbon County to the North Dakota state line. Zolnikov had 12,013 votes. The District 2 Democratic candidate, Valerie McMurtry, was uncontested and advances to the general election. ODonnell was the only current commissioner seeking re-election. Commissioner Bob Lake, of Hamilton; and Roger Koopman, of Bozeman, were prevented by term limits from running again. The other multi-candidate Republican race was in northwest Montana, where Fielder was pulling ahead in District 4 with 16,662 votes, or 45% of the total. Former Vice President Joe Biden has surged past President Donald Trump in online betting markets tied to the outcome of the 2020 presidential race as the U.S. continues to grapple with a deepening financial crisis, spreading pandemic and historic protests over police brutality. Biden, the apparent Democratic nominee, has taken his biggest lead over Trump to date in Smarkets, a U.K.-based online gambling platform, as well as PredictIt, an online betting platform established by researchers in New Zealand. As recently as last week, Trump was favored to win on both platforms. Biden's chances have risen to 50%-43% on Smarkets and 53%-46% on PredictIt. Spokespeople for both companies confirmed that trading volume has risen to levels unseen since March, when the U.S. began shutting down major portions of its economy to halt the spread of the coronavirus. Betting markets are distinct from polls, which have for months consistently shown Biden leading Trump and currently show Trump behind by about 8 percentage points. While polls typically ask voters which candidate they support, betting markets allow users to wager on whom they think will ultimately win November's election, taking into account factors such as the Electoral College. Trump, who won the Electoral College in 2016 despite losing the popular vote, has typically performed better in betting markets than polls. Representatives for the campaigns did not respond to requests for comment. The shifting contours of the race, as played out in online betting markets, are a marked contrast to the relative stability that has held in recent months. Biden briefly led Trump in March, but Trump carried a stable lead throughout April and May, even as tens of millions of Americans lost their jobs, sending unemployment numbers skyrocketing past those reached in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The change in the race comes as Biden positions himself as Trump's opposite when it comes to addressing grievances over historic injustices in policing black communities. Trump, who has expressed some sympathy for the case of George Floyd, a black man who was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis last week, has nonetheless called for police to "dominate" protesters with overwhelming force. The four officers involved in the arrest have been fired and one has been charged with murder. A dramatic example of the tactic came on Monday, when police backed by the National Guard forcefully ousted peaceful protesters gathered at a park near the White House so that Trump could walk across the street to have his photograph taken with a Bible at St. John's Church. Biden has accused Trump of "calling for violence against American citizens during a moment of pain for so many." "Look, the presidency is a big job. Nobody will get everything right. And I won't either. But I promise you this. I won't traffic in fear and division," Biden said during an address to the nation on Tuesday. "I won't fan the flames of hate. I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country not use them for political gain." Biden's stance during the crisis has also apparently boosted his standing in the money race. Supporters and bundlers for the candidate have reported a massive surge in contributions, CNBC reported Tuesday. "Nationwide protests in the wake of George Floyd's killing and Trump's response have seemingly had wide-reaching consequences for the 2020 election," Patrick Flynn, a political analyst at Smarkets, said in a statement. Recent events have also shifted the odds for candidates to become Biden's running mate, boosting black women who have been suggested for the job, and taking a toll on Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., whose record as a prosecutor in Minnesota has come under renewed scrutiny. Klobuchar, who ran against Biden for the nomination, saw her chances fall to 5% from a May high of 29% on Smarkets after critics accused her of failing to press for charges against police who used excessive force in her prior role, reprising criticism that surfaced during her own primary run. Klobuchar has defended her record and said that ultimately the decision about who will be on the ticket is Biden's. Meanwhile, black women lead betting markets for the role, with Sen. Kamala Harris of California and Florida Rep. Val Demings taking the top two slots as of Wednesday morning. Harris, who feuded sharply with Biden during the campaign, endorsed him shortly after his victory on Super Tuesday in March. Harris has faced scrutiny for her own record on race as the attorney general of California but has sought to position herself as a progressive. She is the leading contender on Smarkets, with a 41% chance of being tapped as vice president. Demings, who served as the chief of the Orlando Police Department, has seen her chances rise most precipitously in the wake of the protests over Floyd's death. She could face an uphill battle because of her low national profile, though coming from Florida, a key battleground, is an asset. Demings has confirmed she is on Biden's short list. Demings' chances rose to 13% from 2% in May on Smarkets. Read more: How Joe Biden's leading VP contenders stack up in the wake of protests over George Floyd's death Dozens of protesters are arrested June 2 for curfew violations in Los Angeles. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Police vehicles crashing through crowds. Journalists shot at or arrested. Officers and self-appointed militiamen threatening protesters. As images of Americas rage explode on screen, people across the Middle East no strangers to discontent, thoughts of revolution or the heavy-handed response of security forces have been struck by scenes more often associated with their own region than with the worlds superpower. Its the American intifada, said Rami Khouri, a journalism professor at the American University in Beirut who covered the U.S. civil rights movement and various Middle Eastern uprisings. In the Arab world, theres an inability to address the structural oppression of most citizens by an elite that has become very wealthy but is totally detached from their people. Youre seeing the same thing in the U.S. Theres an inability to address its structural racism. The discord blooming across dozens of U.S. cities, which began after the death of George Floyd, an African American who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned Floyds neck to the ground with his knee, has exposed Americas tortured reckoning with questions of race and privilege. But it has also resonated here in the Middle East, with many seeing in the U.S. protests not to mention authorities often-aggressive response echoes of the uprisings that exploded in the region over the last decade. Lebanese activist Sarah Aoun, who shuttles between Beirut and Brooklyn for her human rights work at the Open Technology Fund and has taken part in protests in both cities, is struck by the similarity of the footage out of Minneapolis to what she and her friends have experienced in Lebanon, one of several Arab countries facing spasms of anti-government demonstrations. "Were dealing with systemic inequalities in both places and continued oppression of both peoples," Aoun said. She joined 11 other Lebanese technologists, protesters and activists in publishing a document packed with hints on what to bring to demonstrations and how to handle police abuse. "Just in the same way that we in Beirut had gotten tips from Hong Kong and Chile on how to deal with the protests, we figured we'd put together a guide for people in the U.S. as a show of solidarity," Aoun said. Story continues We wrote a quick guide for US folks, combined by Lebanese activists, protesters, and revolutionaries (cc @aemasri). Contains info on protest safety, tear gas, + other hacks. From #Lebanon to #Minneapolis, solidarity everywhere Thread below, and guide: https://t.co/OnKgQKdNav pic.twitter.com/enun7Ebqrl Sarah A | (@sa0un) May 29, 2020 Over the weekend, activists tweeted their support to those demonstrating in the U.S. under the hashtag #AmericaRevolts, modifying the slogan for Lebanons protest movement, which used the hashtag #LebanonRevolts. Aoun said the aggressive crackdown on protesters in some U.S. cities could change general perceptions there of law enforcement. "In Beirut, theres no pretense of the army and police being on the people's side; we knew that from the beginning," she said. "But in the U.S. you assume police are peacekeepers, and instead what theyre doing is declaring war on their own citizens." For Mohamad Bazzi, a Lebanese American journalism professor at New York University who covered the Middle East during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, the constant stream of helicopters over Lower Manhattan, the charred debris and the smell of burning tires near his neighborhood reminded him of the unrest he had seen in Baghdad and Beirut, two Arab capitals that for months have seen protesters wounded and killed at the hands of riot police not above employing thuggish tactics. The way [authorities] treated protesters with immense violence, and then to see the protesters, or some elements of them, resorting to violence it was hard for me not to see these parallels, of U.S. troops in the Middle East and local armies, Bazzi said. There has also been schadenfreude, with some noting then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfelds justification of looting after U.S. troops invaded Iraq as part of the price of getting from a repressed regime to freedom." When some U.S. officials invoked Iraq or Syria while speaking of the unrest in their cities, many here were outraged, and pointed out that Americas foreign policy in the Middle East had instigated much of the strife now associated with their countries. The hypocrisy stretches to the United States routinely condemning human rights abuses in Iraq and other Middle Eastern nations, painting itself as a global beacon for liberty, while American minorities face disproportionate police cruelty, said Haider Sumeri, an Iraqi analyst. They always find religion pic.twitter.com/ikUOS6Mlaa Mohamad Bazzi (@BazziNYU) June 1, 2020 President Trump has been denounced for a take-no-prisoners rhetoric reminiscent of Middle East autocrats. On Friday, Trump tweeted, When the looting starts, the shooting starts, a statement that got him flagged by Twitter. He doubled down on that harsh approach Monday, saying in a speech he would deploy the military and "I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice. What you have in the U.S. and what you have in the Arab world are exactly the same: a pauperized citizenry rising up against a militarized state and system, Khouri said. And the system has responded with more security and force, curfews, the National Guard and of course the president eggs them on. Trump and U.S. officials such as Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) have also blamed the unrest on outside agitators, including the anti-fascist movement antifa, and even on "foreign adversaries" like Russia. Hearing that rhetoric from American officials, said Karl Sharro, a Lebanese British satirist who lives in London, brings a sense of irony. Western liberals tell us You Arabs are always blaming your problems on others and have conspiracies on the mind. Then they blame everything on Russia, he said. You cant dismiss our entire societies and then, at the slightest whiff of trouble, you adopt a very conspiratorial attitude. But some also noted the hypocrisy of regional reactions, especially from governments adversarial to the U.S. In Syria, where mostly peaceful demonstrators in 2011 faced live fire and then a civil war that is estimated to have killed at least 400,000 people, activists mocked state-affiliated channels decrying U.S. authorities' use of excessive force even as they ignored Syrian government troops' use of bombs on areas with civilians. Others pointed out that regional support for African Americans comes as the Arab world grapples with the mistreatment of migrants from Africa and Asia in construction jobs and domestic work. That treatment has pushed many migrants to suicide, and caused some of their home countries to restrict visas to nations like Lebanon, which has some 250,000 foreign domestic workers. "We need to face our own shame for decades before we even look a black protester in the face, much less make it seem we are with them in the same struggle shoulder to shoulder. You cannot be a supporter of black people abroad and silent/complicit about what is going on at home," Tarek Zaidan, the executive director of Helem, a Lebanese nonprofit organization working on improving the legal and social status of LGBT people, wrote in a Facebook post this week. "You want to show solidarity with people in Minneapolis? Start by giving every African and South Asian woman who lynched herself on an Arab balcony for the past century life-affirming justice." Mr. Graham and Senator Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican who is chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, plan to ask their panels on Thursday to empower them to issue subpoenas related to the Russia investigation. Those would seek reams of records and testimony from dozens of current and former law enforcement and national security officials, including prominent members of the Obama administration. The session was the first major investigative hearing the Senate has had in months, scheduled despite the economic and health crises caused by the coronavirus pandemic and amid days of national unrest over police brutality. Democrats insisted repeatedly on Wednesday that those were far more obvious and urgent topics for the Senates consideration than an investigation that has already been widely scrutinized. I just do not understand why we as a committee are focusing on things that further deepen the discords of partisan posturing in America, said Senator Cory Booker, Democrat of New Jersey and one of only three black senators. I might be missing something, but to me we are in a pandemic like we have not seen since 1918, an economic crisis like we have not seen since the Depression and uprisings across America like we have not seen since 1968. Mr. Rosenstein was sworn in to the No. 2 post at the Justice Department just weeks before the president fired James B. Comey as the F.B.I. director, and within days Mr. Trump publicly and privately linked the dismissal to the Russia investigation. Mr. Rosenstein then called Mr. Mueller, a former F.B.I. director and prosecutor, out of retirement to lead the inquiry. Mr. Muellers investigators found that while the Russian government covertly intervened in the 2016 election with a goal of helping Mr. Trump defeat Hillary Clinton, and while the Trump campaign welcomed that assistance and had many links to Russian figures, the evidence was insufficient to prove any criminal conspiracy. Managing school requirements along with child care, work responsibilities, public transportation schedules, and, too often, financial and housing insecurities is part of the norm for many Community College of Philadelphia students. So it is little wonder that handling the added burden of a pandemic was something they were able to do with aplomb, and without ever missing a beat. During the first two weeks of the mandatory shut down, our colleges faculty and staff moved over 9,000 students into remote learning environments. This included more than just classroom instruction, extending to all of our support services, including tutoring, counseling, library services, and basic needs support. Like everyone else, our students needed to deal with the tragic effects the virus was having on their families, their communities, and in some cases themselves. Rather than giving up, most of them persevered through a disrupted spring semester. In fact, many have taken the next step and signed up for summer classes also all being offered online and via a remote format. They know what they want, whether it is a certificate, a professional development course, a two-year degree, or credits that can be transferred to another institution. They know that waiting to pursue what they want can lead to more debt and delayed earnings, and they will not be deterred even by a pandemic. At the citys college, we help them keep their goals in view and within reach. They understand that the road to a college degree is normally filled with engaging experiences that are rooted in face-to-face student life. But they also know perhaps more than others that during times of crisis and struggle, adjustments are necessary and obstacles must be overcome. Our students see no reason to wait or postpone their goals, and neither should you. As the pandemic has added an extra layer of uncertainty for recent high school grads and others who hoped to spend the fall furthering their learning, community colleges offer an opportunity for students of all ages and backgrounds to keep their education momentum going, even as the world feels like its on pause. On May 1, we celebrated the graduation of 97 nursing students. Their achievements were accomplished despite personal tragedies and sweeping changes to their curriculum during the last six weeks of their two-year journey. Their graduation is worth noting because they will join so many frontline heroes in the battle against this insidious virus. These incredible students have shown that community colleges continue to transform lives despite this pandemic. Their tenacity and their unwillingness to give up is a lesson for everyone. For anyone who is making a decision about their future, our students and graduates have demonstrated by their example that waiting is not the answer. The current uncertainties about college life have not deterred them from their dream of earning a college credential. In fact, they have shown that for those looking to join the economy, the only thing that can make this pandemic worse would be to wait. The lesson to be learned from community college students is to not let a year go by without making educational progress. Preparing for the post-pandemic future should be a top priority. During this period of personal uncertainty related to home life and finances as well as those like on-campus living arrangements and tuition costs the best decision is the one that offers the greatest stability and certainty about the immediate future. Researchers have shown that the first year of a college career is the most important. Decisions about college should be made with the confidence that there will be no disruptions or distractions due to the virus, or anxieties stemming from the continued impact of COVID-19. Community colleges offer students that stability while mitigating their very real concerns about educational debt because we already know they have enough challenges before them. Start now. Donald Guy Generals is the president of Community College of Philadelphia. Brenda A. Smith of Philadelphia, CEO of the Broad Reach Capital hedge fund, in a booking photo taken Aug. 27, 2019. Smith is being held in the Essex County Jail in New Jersey on charges related to a Ponzi scheme. Read more The alleged architect of a $68 million Philadelphia-based investment scam was charged Tuesday by a federal grand jury in a complaint that detailed how the onetime accountant turned a supposedly successful hedge fund into a giant Ponzi scheme. Brenda Smith, 59, was arrested last August at her Rittenhouse Square apartment after collecting more than $68 million from investors and then spending it on obscure projects, credit cards, and personal expenses from December 2016 to June 2019. After working as an accountant, Smith set up a hedge fund called Broad Reach Capital and sought money from about 40 investors. At its peak, however, the value of cash and securities in the Broad Reach Capital bank and brokerage accounts was no more than $32 million, according to U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito in the Newark, N.J., office. Smith on Tuesday was indicted in Newark on six counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud. She was initially charged by federal agents in August 2019. Her federal defender did not return calls requesting comment. Federal prosecutors allege that Smith transferred tens of millions of dollars out of Broad Reach Capital to entities she controlled, including more than $10 million to a mineral mining operation and $2 million for American Express credit card bills. She claimed returns as high as 33% when, in fact, her fund was consistently losing money, according to the charges. When investors asked for their money back, Smith diverted other victims funds to pay the requested redemptions, in what prosecutors say was a classic Ponzi scheme. She also allegedly provided monthly statements to investors that falsely showed that their investments were safe and earning significant returns. The wire fraud counts against Smith carry a maximum penalty of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. The securities fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions office in Philadelphia previously filed a civil complaint against Smith, according to director Kelly Gibson. Smith remains in federal custody at the Essex County Jail in northern New Jersey. The SEC in May appointed Kevin Kent of the Philadelphia law firm Conrad OBrien as receiver over Broad Reach and other related entities to take control of any assets, and protect the value of the estate for injured investors and other claimants. The receiver will be paid $510 an hour to handle the case. The lead accountant named to examine the assets will receive $550 an hour, according to court documents. Covered by the receivership are 20 different business entities, including Broad Reach, Bristol Advisors, and CV Brokerage. Seized assets once held by Smith include her Rittenhouse Square penthouse apartment, several properties in Louisiana, the mining company, space in a computer server farm, the contents of her Conshohocken offices, her ownership stakes in Lyft Inc. and Palantir Technologies, and whatever cryptocurrencies she may have possessed. The painful death of a pregnant elephant in Kerala after a man fed her with a cracker-filled pineapple has enraged the people. The incident was reported from the fringe areas of the Silent Valley in Attappadi. She was allegedly given the pineapple to eliminate her. The crackers exploded in her mouth, damaging her jaw grievously. The sheer inhuman act has angered people. Many took to social media to express their resentment over the act and demanded action against the culprits. People also came up with posters and sketches. Here are some of the sketches: There's a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone.#Elephant pic.twitter.com/1J2epz2YDG Aman banka (@AmanBanka00) June 2, 2020 Stand and fight for the voiceless.. Monsters are mythical but, humans are real...#Elephant pic.twitter.com/ebdGHjj9wz amrutha vk (@amrutha_vk) June 3, 2020 As news of a pregnant #elephant killed in #kerala by being fed a pineapple stuffed with a firecracker makes the rounds, this is all I have to say. pic.twitter.com/yBJuqVgiyl Green Humour (@thetoonguy) June 3, 2020 There's a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone.#Elephant pic.twitter.com/bTSpkMVh31 Pawan Sharma (@PawanSh04278980) June 3, 2020 Pineapple feed to a pregnant elephant with firecrackers on it.!! She dead still, with her baby together.... These ppl should be arrested for no reason, should be sentenced to death.#elephant pic.twitter.com/wl3gwyXyJs Sarvanan (@sarvanan3691) June 2, 2020 Angry and Upset The #elephant that died in Palakkad, #KERALA was pregnant. She was fed a pineapple filled w/firecrackers by locals. Her mouth was severely injured. She walked around the village, in searing pain & hunger until she died!! https://t.co/mfGdhq0jrg pic.twitter.com/hVV6vZ8sU2 Colby Steiner (@raccoon_mama) June 2, 2020 She was a mother, she died standing in river. God will take revenge. Sin will never be forgotten never be forgiven. Culprit will see hell on this very earth.#Elephant Ajit Kumar Jha (@AjitKum03975689) June 3, 2020 Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor demanded action against the criminals and wrote, "Authorities are investigating&I didn't tweet earlier, thinking it'd be superfluous. But Kerala must bring these criminals to book to preserve its reputation for protecting nature." Pregnant elephant was fed a pineapple stuffed w/firecrackers &died horribly: https://t.co/K6I1usI4x9. Authorities are investigating&I didn't tweet earlier, thinking it'd be superfluous. But Kerala must bring these criminals to book to preserve its reputation for protecting nature Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 3, 2020 Actor Randeep Hooda also tweeted and demanded action against those who were involved in the dastardly incident. Labor governments in Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria are facing mounting criticism over their reluctance to reverse prohibitive lockdown rules. The Queensland and WA premiers are being roasted over their border closures, which are sapping billions from the economy and leaving thousands of businesses on the brink of collapse. Analysts have told Daily Mail Australia opening the borders is crucial for the tourism industry which is worth $27billion in Queensland and $12billion in WA each year. 'It is critical that state borders are reopened immediately. Reopening domestic travel would give tourism businesses a critical lifeline,' said Gideon Rozner, Director of Policy at the Institute of Public Affairs. Meanwhile, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is being slammed for his 'heavy-handed' coronavirus rules including banning workers from going to the office and fining them if they do. The Queensland tourist town of Noosa (pictured) is closed off to interstate residents due to the hard border QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) is under fire for releasing a road map saying the border would come down on July 10 but then changing her mind and saying September is more realistic Anger came to a head in Queensland yesterday when hundreds of tourism operators in Cairns, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast protested against the border closure. One in nine Queenslanders work in the tourism industry and business owners say they need interstate travel because the bulk of their domestic revenue would come from southern customers seeking sun during the colder months. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is under fire for releasing a road map saying the border would come down on July 10 but then changing her mind and saying September is more realistic. Mr McGowan keeps instilling fear into the community WA Opposition Leader Liza Harvey Shadow minister for tourism David Crisafulli told Daily Mail Australia the premier has 'pulled the rug from under the feet' of business owners and caused mass confusion by failing to decide when the border can open. 'The biggest criticism for me is the mixed messages, moving goalposts and the confusion,' he said. Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said businesses need certainty and accused the premier of costing Queensland 'millions of tourists and tens of thousands of jobs'. Towns in the north of the state are particularly suffering from the lack of tourists, with international markets cut off and state borders stopping domestic travel. In Cairns, one in five jobs is linked to tourism and this figure increases to one in three for the Whitsundays. Ms Palaszczuk has justified her border closure by saying there are too many cases of the virus in NSW and Victoria. But New South Wales has not had a single case of community transmission for a week. 'People want to see a mature balance between protecting their health and protecting their economy - both factors have to be weighed up and both have a health outcome,' Mr Crisafulli said. Aerial view of cars dotted along the wide expanse of Cable Beach, Broome, which is closed off to tourists outside WA The WA Opposition has slammed Premier Mark McGowan (pictured) and accused him of 'scaremongering' over the border issue Some businesses are so furious that they have launched a legal challenge, claiming that closing the state border is illegal under the Australian constitution. One of the plaintiffs, Retail Services Group owner Sue Jeffreys, said of the premier: 'I don't think she has any idea what she's doing.' Pressure is also mounting in WA where Premier Mark McGowan has steadfastly refused to open the border and said NSW and Victoria residents represent a threat to the health of West Australians. Tourism is a crucial industry for the state, generating 100,900 jobs and injecting $12.2 billion into the economy each year. The Liberal Opposition has slammed his defiance and accused him of 'scaremongering'. 'Mr McGowan keeps instilling fear into the community when the issue is raised,' said WA Liberal leader Liza Harvey. 'There is no reason why travel between South Australia and the Northern Territory, where there is no evidence of community spread of COVID-19, can't be allowed first in a staged approach,' she said. 'Figures from Tourism Research Australia show that visitors from South Australia alone spent $302million in WA last year.' One Perth resident told Daily Mail Australia Mr McGowan has used his daily press conferences to 'brainwash' the state into thinking closed borders is a good idea. There is more money coming from the wealthier states Critics says he has thrown aside Labor's supposed values of compassion and care for others and retreated to parochialism, even demanding that a cruise ship containing sick passengers 'get away from our state' as soon as possible. The federal government is also pressuring states to open their borders. 'The expert medical advice at a national level never recommended internal borders within Australia. It's not good for the economy,' said Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, a senior Lecturer in Tourism Management at University of South Australia, said that local businesses in less populated states were desperate for inter-state travel to resume. 'In terms of tourism businesses there is more money coming from the wealthier states and the more money you've got circulating the better,' she told Daily Mail Australia. A large Victorian Police presence in Melbourne CBD as restrictions are eased She warned that intra-state travel alone may not be enough to keep businesses that depend on tourism alive. 'The sort of travel that's going to be easiest and that people feel comfortable with - such as camping and caravaning - isn't the best for the economy because people might not spend a lot.' It is not only the Labor states which have closed their borders but Liberal premiers in Tasmania and South Australia are already planning to loosen restrictions with a possible travel bubble between the two states and Canberra. And the Labor opposition in both states, far from pressuring the government to open up the borders, has either urged caution or stayed silent on the matter. Meanwhile in Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews is copping criticism over his apparent reluctance to open up the economy. Mr Andrews has been the strictest premier throughout the COVID-19 crisis, even refusing to re-open schools when federal health officials said it was safe. Last week he banned white-collar workers from returning to their offices and threatened fines for any boss who ignores the rules. He also urged workers to report any breaches and instructed police to randomly check offices. The move has infuriated Victorian Liberal MPs who believe his 'heavy-handed' approach is holding back economic recovery. James Newbury, Liberal MP for Brighton, told Daily Mail Australia: 'Victorians have stopped listening to Daniel Andrews because he has been too heavy handed. 'His approach will lead to a deeper recession in Victoria than other states. Today he has threatened people for daring to question his direction. 'The threats are disturbing and certainly not the sign of good leadership'. Daniel Andrews (pictured in China's Tiananmen Square) has been the strictest premier throughout the COVID-19 crisis, even refusing to re-open schools when federal health officials said it was safe Mr Andrews was also the last state premier to re-open cafes and restaurants, keeping them shut until June 1. Even now, punters have to buy food if they wish to order a drink. Liberal MP Tim Smith said: 'Why can you buy a beer mug at a pub without food in NSW but not in Victoria? Seems Chairman Dan is at it again with his bizarre puritanical rules. 'Surely he still can't say it's to protect us from ourselves? He really is the most tedious wowser around.' The premier has also faced crticism over his controversial Belt and Road deal with China which he signed in October without approval from the federal government, earning him the nickname 'Chairman Dan' - after Chinese leader Chairman Mao. It comes after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg today became the first federal treasurer in three decades to confirm Australia is in recession - warning COVID-19 remained a threat to prosperity. Gross domestic product, also known as GDP, fell by 0.3 per cent in the March quarter as a result of COVID-19 and the summer bushfires, official national accounts data showed. Should the economy shrink again in the June quarter, Australia will officially be in recession for the first time since 1991, ending a world-record run of uninterrupted growth. Mr Frydenberg confirmed Australia was likely already in recession. 'The answer to that is yes,' he said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-02 23:35:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIRUT, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The French Embassy in Lebanon donated on Tuesday protective equipment to the Lebanese civil defense to help its members to properly carry out their tasks in emergency situations related to COVID-19 spread in the country, LBCI local TV channel reported. The donation took place under an agreement signed between the Internal Security Department at the French embassy and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Commission at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. On April 25, France also donated to Lebanon biological protection gears and equipment to detect COVID-19 infection. Enditem Some farmers at the Damwaateon and Mwaakpa communities in the Wa West District have appealed to government to extend the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme to their communities. They said since the implementation of the programme about three years ago they have not benefited from it and this has impeded their efforts to increase their production. The farmers, who made the appeal in an interaction with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said they would greatly improve their farming activities if they benefited from the PFJ programme. Mr Boo-Iru Baasor, the Chief of the Damwaateon, told the GNA that they do not have the capital strength to engage in large scale farming if government does not come to their aid with the PFJ programme. We are old men, we dont have the strength but we do small farms and need fertilizer, so we are appealing to the DCE and the MP to help us to get fertilizer and tractors to farm, he said. He said they have heard that government was giving farmers some support in a form of fertilizer and other inputs but none has reached their community. Mr Bonteon Mwaadomo, a resident of the Damwaateon community, said the lack of a dam for dry season farming was negatively affecting their efforts. He said some of the youth had to travel to the southern sector during the dry season to engage in activities that could earn them income as they had no beneficial economic activities in the dry season. Mr Mwaadomo said if they had the dam at the community, many of the youth would stay to farm in the dry season and to also engage in animal farming. Other challenges they identified as having an impact on the community included lack of electricity, health facility, school, and potable water for domestic purposes and appealed to government and benevolent organisations to come to their aid. Meanwhile, Dr John Yaw Akparep, the Research Director for the Centre of Posterity Interest Organisation (COPIO), said the coronavirus pandemic would adversely affect agricultural production if the government did not intervene to support farmers. He said the pandemic has affected the financial status of farmers and this would affect their efforts to produce on a large scale. 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 Syracuse, N.Y. -- On the fourth straight day of protests in Syracuse, protesters started sharpening their message. They passed around clipboards with voter registration forms, started rattling off names of those who have been killed by police in Syracuse and discussed policies that shroud alleged police misconduct. If were not happy with the service theyre providing us, said Vay Riley, one of the leaders of the march. Its our duty as people to get them out of office. While George Floyds death was the impetus for organizing the protests, they have started becoming more pointed at fixing local issues. Their goal, they say, is to march for the next 40 days or until more is done. Tuesdays protest began at 2 p.m. and ended at around 9:30 p.m. Protesters started by walking to the Rescue Mission to hand out food to those who need it. They plan for that to be a staple of each march. More than 100 people showed up to march for the fourth straight day. The march wound from Billings Park in Syracuse through the East Side and back to the park. Then, they marched on South Salina Street, all the way to Brighton Avenue. Ive never seen anything like this in my 24 years of life, said Riley. If it takes 40 days, it takes 40 days. On Tuesday, protesters used the call and response in which a leader chants out Say his name and the protesters yell back George Floyd less. Instead, they highlighted cases in which people alleged police brutality or were killed by Syracuse police officers. Among the names protesters chanted were Alonzo Grant, Miguel Russo and Gary Porter, who was also known as Terry Maddox. As the protesters stopped at the corner of East Fayette Street and Columbus Avenue, one organizer, Curtis Chaplin, spoke of Jonny Gammage. In 1995, Gammage -- a Syracuse native -- died during a traffic stop when he was arrested by police officers in Pittsburgh. Coroners ruled his death a homicide and the officers involved were prosecuted. The case ended in a mistrial. Often, the protesters have played music when they marched. On Tuesday, they replaced some of the music with speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Protesters would briefly go quiet as King spoke. We want all of our rights, Kings voice would bellow out from a boombox. We want them here, and we want them now. The protesters cheered. When they reached Loguen Park in the East Side of Syracuse, Chaplin got on the mic again. He reminded protesters of a rally at Forman Park on Friday, where officials would be meeting to discuss civil service law 50-a. The law protects police departments from releasing personnel records. Often, personnel records hold documents related to complaints against police officers. For each day of the protests, police have escorted the protesters through the city. On Tuesday, two sisters who had brought their kids to the protest asked whether their kids could take a picture with one of the officers, Sgt. Michael Yarema. He obliged. Protesters initially thought Yarema was taking a knee with them, but appreciated that he snapped a photo with the kids. As the number of protesters dwindled later in the night, some decided to march down South Salina Street. Community activist Clifford Ryans said protesters had wanted to march further down the street for much of the last four days but hadnt gotten the chance. We had to take Salina, Ryans said. When they came back, the 30 or so left kneeled in front of a sign hung on a statue that read No justice, no peace!! George Floyd. For several minutes, the kneeled, fists raised, in silence. By any means, a leader called out. Necessary, the crowd responded. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter. April 2020 was defined by the complete collapse of tourism in Spain due to the coronavirus crisis. Recent figures from Spains National Statistics Institute (INE) show that the industry has come to a complete standstill, a problem that is likely to persist into the much-anticipated summer season. Hotels have recorded a slight rise in reservations for July and August, but this increase means little given that not a single tourist visited Spain in April. Sources from the hospitality sector expect that just over half of all hotels in Spain will open in summer and at a very low occupancy rate. Places that are usually 80% or 90% full in summer, will be at around 25% [occupancy], explain top executives from the sector. It is vital to create a map of the safe regions in Europe to enable travel corridors as soon as possible so that it can have some effect before July Luis Zoreda, deputy president of Spanish tourism lobby Exceltur The tourism sector in Spain is in crisis. Since mid-March, when the Spanish government declared a state of alarm in a bid to halt the coronavirus outbreak, the industry has been in a coma-like state. Not a single hotel opened in April. Half of all workers on Spains temporary layoff schemes, known in Spanish as ERTEs, are from the tourism sector. On Monday, the INE confirmed that not one international visitor showed up, leading to zero tourist spending. This 100% contraction represents a serious blow to the economy, since tourism accounts for more than 12% of Spains gross domestic product (GDP). And the problems look set to continue into the summer high season. This summer will not be like any other year, says Antonio Catalan, the head of the hotel chain AC by Marriott. This is a view shared by Jose Luis Zoreda, the deputy president of the Spanish tourism lobby Exceltur, who says, in almost the same words, that this season will not even be close to last years. Other hotel spokespersons say that while there has been a slight rise in hotel reservations, this does not indicate that the sector will bounce back to 2019 levels. We are starting from zero. Is the situation improving? Yes, but it will not be comparable to last summer, says sources from the Barcelo hotel chain. Sources from the Melia hotel group agree: Reservations have quadrupled compared to those from last week, especially for August. At any rate, it will be far from 2019 figures. Sources from the NH hotel chain say that it will open around 55% of its global hotels over summer, 60 of which are in Spain. Given the low demand, the hotel believes it will not change this policy for some months to come. Spokespersons from the Iberostar hotel group say that just 25% of all its hotels are expected to open. Travel agreements Spain is one of the countries worst affected by the fall in tourism, as it receives the highest number of visitors after France, according to the World Tourism Organization. The global coronavirus pandemic was a major hit to the sector and the ensuing travel restrictions dealt the final blow. During the state of alarm, the few hotels that were open only received essential workers, who cannot be classified as tourists. The Spanish government announced that international tourists will be able to return to Spain from July 1, and that the obligatory 14-day quarantine period for overseas arrivals will come to an end on this date. But the tourism industry wants more to be done and has called on the government to finalize agreements with other countries to allow tourist arrivals before July 1. Last week, Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto proposed that the European Union open up travel corridors between regions in the EU that have controlled the spread of the coronavirus. Although the Balearic regional government has already begun negotiating with different lander in Germany, no deal has been confirmed. It is vital to create a map of the safe regions in Europe to enable travel corridors as soon as possible so that it can have some effect before July, says Zoreda from Exceltur, who adds that this will still not save the summer season. Not as many tourists will arrive as in other years and many companies will have to be helped, he warns. On the governments decision to welcome international visitors from July, sources from the Riu hotel group say: Its good news. But when foreign visitors can come and how residents will be able to move within the provinces still needs to be specified. These sources hope that Spains Canary and Balearic islands will be able to receive tourists before July 1. As leaders of Exceltur point out, every week without tourists in summer leads to 5 billion in losses. English version by Melissa Kitson. With the support of Quest Oracle Community, we will highlight success stories and create a forum where customers can discuss technologies and approaches virtually, as we all adjust to this new digital normal Circular Edge, an award-winning Oracle JD Edwards, Oracle Cloud Customer Experience (CX) & Cloud Service Provider, maintains its investment in the Quest Oracle Community as a Gold level member of Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) to support Oracle JD Edwards customers who are adopting next-generation automation solutions, continuous innovation strategies, cloud technology and integrated digital experiences, which will be highlighted during the Quest Forum Digital Event, June 8-11. During Oracle JD Edwards Week, Circular Edge and its customers will participate in several educational sessions to highlight their success stories in leveraging new product and service innovations along with Oracle JD Edwards applications and tools & technologies to realize digital success across their ERP & Cloud roadmaps: Phibros Story: Upgrading Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne to 9.2 and Moving to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) | June 9, 3:45pm EDT Sleep Better on Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne with Continuous Development | June 10, 11am EDT Alaska Railroad Goes All Aboard with Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne 9.2 | June 10, 12:15pm EDT KINDs Successful Journey Towards RMA & Order Allocation Automation | June 11, 3:15pm EDT 9.2 Orchestrations: From Chart of Accounts to Credit & Collections & More! | June 11, 4:30pm EDT Emser Tiles Oracle JD Edwards & Oracle Cloud Customer Experience (CX) Integrated Suite | Replay Available On-Demand RPA & Business Process Automation using AtomIQ and Orchestrator | Replay Available On-Demand Eliminate Oracle JD Edwards Batch Job Challenges with Smart Scheduler | Replay Available On-Demand We understand that many companies are exploring how to best move forward with their Oracle JD Edwards roadmap and look forward to working together. With the support of Quest Oracle Community, we will highlight success stories and create a forum where customers can discuss technologies and approaches virtually, as we all adjust to this new digital normal, said sAchin cHoudhari, CEO & Founder. We are proud to support Quest by continuing to deliver value via meaningful educational content for the global user community. Another way Circular Edge will showcase customer innovations is through unique customer giveaways that include products made by companies running Oracle JD Edwards: Power Your Oracle JD Edwards Team to Success with KIND and Circular Edge Light Up Your RPA Imagination with Lutron and AtomIQ Revitalize Your Digital Workflows with SoulCycle and JDESign Sleep Better with Casper and Smart Scheduler To complement this virtual conference experience, Circular Edge will also host its third COVID-19 Bingo Fundraiser and Happy Hour to close out Quest Forum Digital Event. Created to help raise money for hospitals and medical staff after learning about the shortage of protection equipment in the local New Jersey area, Circular Edge launched its first virtual fundraiser to positive feedback from customers, who are able to play for free and CE then donates based upon every customer who attends. Throughout Oracle JD Edwards Week attendees can also explore Circular Edges product and service innovations, along with 160+ Smart Help skills, resources and services that are available for customers to tap into whenever needed for as long as needed. Learn more about these solutions by scheduling a one-on-one meeting with the CE team and enter to win the customer giveaways at the Circular Edge, AtomIQ, JDESign and Smart Scheduler virtual exhibit booths: http://www.CircularEdge.com/QuestForum In addition, Circular Edge has made available several complimentary digital resources to further illustrate how customers can drive continuous value from Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne 9.2 and the latest RPA tools and technologies: About Circular Edge Circular Edge (CE), started in 2003, is an award-winning, full-service Oracle JD Edwards, Oracle Cloud Customer Experience (CX) & Cloud Service Provider. Built from the ground up as an Oracle JD Edwards consulting company, CE employs a direct staff of 160+ functional and technical resources who bring extensive Oracle JD Edwards, Oracle Cloud CX & Cloud domain expertise into short- and long-term projects, managed services and staff augmentation engagements. CE also delivers packaged solutions such as AtomIQ, Smart Scheduler (3x OVI), JDESign, AutoXCHNG, Lead2Lease & Oracle Cloud CX Add-Ons. Learn more about CE product & service innovations including Smart Help, our 2x award-winning customer success formula by visiting http://www.circularedge.com. Follow Circular Edge on LinkedIn and Twitter. About Oracle PartnerNetwork Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) is Oracle's partner program that provides partners with a differentiated advantage to develop, sell and implement Oracle solutions. OPN offers resources to train and support specialized knowledge of Oracles products and solutions and has evolved to recognize Oracles growing product portfolio, partner base and business opportunity. Key to the latest enhancements to OPN is the ability for partners to be recognized and rewarded for their investment in Oracle Cloud. Partners engaging with Oracle will be able to differentiate their Oracle Cloud expertise and success with customers through the OPN Cloud program an innovative program that complements existing OPN program levels with tiers of recognition and progressive benefits for partners working with Oracle Cloud. To find out more visit: http://www.oracle.com/partners ## Trademarks Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Business Secretary Alok Sharma was said to be 'doing fine' today as he awaits the result of a coronavirus test that risks forcing Boris Johnson and other senior ministers into a 14-day quarantine. The Cabinet ministers is well enough to work from home despite visibly struggling in the House of Commons yesterday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps revealed tonight. It came as furious MPs demanded Parliament sit 'virtually' again today after Mr Sharma 'sniffled, sweated and snorted' through a statement - before self-isolating for coronavirus. In extraordinary scenes in the chamber last night, he ignored the government's own guidance as he struggled on despite repeatedly wiping his brow and blowing his nose. The episode sparked concerns that dozens of politicians have been at risk of infection and will now have to go into quarantine - potentially including Cabinet ministers and top officials. Mr Sharma physically attended a 45-minute meeting with the PM and Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Tuesday. It also heaped pressure on Boris Johnson to reverse the controversial decision to scrap electronic voting and Zoom debates, after 'farcical' scenes this week that saw hundreds of MPs 'conga' through Westminster in a mile-long socially distanced queue to take part in divisions. Addressing the nation tonight Mr Shapps said: 'I have spoken to Alok within the last hour, he is doing fine. 'Actually, he is working today, but working from home as usual. He is awaiting his test result.' Labour MPs warned that it was now clear the move back to a regular Commons could be 'potentially deadly'. However, ministers suggested Mr Sharma might have merely been suffering from a 'bout of hay fever'. And Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg was defiant in the Commons this afternoon, insisting it was right that MPs should come to the chamber and 'do our democratic duty'. 'How can we look teachers in our constituencies in eye when we're asking them to go back to work and we are not willing to.' Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg (right) was defiant in the Commons this afternoon, insisting it was right that MPs should come to the chamber and 'do our democratic duty Fury as Labour MP boasts of flouting social distancing at protest A Labour MP is facing fury after boasting about flouting lockdown rules to attend a Black Lives Matter protest. Barry Gardiner posted a video of himself in the middle of the crowd outside Westminster, openly stating that he had 'broken' social distancing guidelines. Challenged over the action on Twitter, he said he had recently tested negative for coronavirus. Tory MP Imran Ahman Khan said Mr Gardiner had 'fragrantly flouted the law' and were 'boasting that they have broken social distancing measures'. Mr Khan called on any MPs involved to be 'prevented from rejoining this House until they have undergone a period of self-isolation' for the safety of all those working inside the parliamentary estate. Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing said MPs who took part 'have put themselves at risk' and 'should act responsibly'. It came after thousands of people joined a protest in London on Wednesday over the death of African-American George Floyd in US police custody nine days ago. Advertisement A spokesman for Mr Sharma confirmed that he has been tested for covid-19, after developing the symptoms. According to a statement from his department: 'Secretary of State Alok Sharma began feeling unwell when in the chamber delivering the second reading of the Corporate Governance and Insolvency Bill. 'In line with guidance he has been tested for coronavirus and is returning home to self-isolate.' Mr Sharma regularly attends the daily Covid meeting in Downing Street, and was in No10 on Tuesday. The PM's spokesman said: 'He does not yet have his test results. 'Should the Secretary of State receive a positive test then he will work with the test and trace service to share information about his recent interactions. 'He did attend a meeting in No 10, which took place before Cabinet. 'That was a discussion on the economy and in terms of who was present, it was the Prime Minister, the Chancellor and the Business Secretary.' The spokesman stressed the meeting took place with two-metre distancing in place and pointed towards the Government guidelines on how the tracers operate, which include asking individuals whether they had been to a workplace recently. The spokesman confirmed that even those who have had Covid-19 must isolate and, when pressed on whether the PM would self-isolate if told to, he said: 'I would expect us to take medical advice and to follow it.' As a way of slowing the virus's spread, contact tracers with the NHS service are asking infected individuals who they have come into recent contact with. Tracers will then decide whether it is necessary to tell those contacts to self-isolate for 14 days from their last contact with the individual, as a precaution. Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said it was possible Mr Sharma just had a bout of 'severe hayfever'. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Lewis said: 'I don't want to be premature because Alok, who I wish well and hope he recovers quickly, may well have had severe hayfever, we're not sure yet. 'He has had a test, he is self-isolating as you say, to take the correct precaution.' Mr Lewis denied that Mr Sharma's case supported the argument for virtual voting in the Commons to be resumed. He said: 'It is important for parliamentarians to be able to properly scrutinise legislation, not just for Covid but for the wider legislative agenda we have to continue with for people across the country, but to do so within proper guidelines. 'That's what the House authorities have set up, that's what's been working over the last few days and that's a very good thing. 'It highlights Alok's situation, if he has got coronavirus, why it is so important that if you are in a work environment, you have got to follow the guidelines.' Parliamentary colleagues rushed to wish Mr Sharma a speedy recovery. But many seized on the development at evidence virtual sittings should be brought back, amid risks that MPs could become super-spreaders for the disease. After Mr Sharma's statement the government's despatch box needed to be 'deep cleaned', causing a delay to proceedings. Business Secretary Alok Sharma was visibly struggling at the despatch box today, touching his face and adjusting his glasses shortly before he went into isolation with suspected Covid-19 During the debate, Mr Sharma was seen wiping his face with a handkerchief several times and his opposite number in Labour's shadow cabinet, Ed Miliband, passed him a glass of water at one point. Labour MP Barry Sheerman wished Mr Sharma well today, but demanded to know: 'How many other MPs will have been infected?' He added: 'Now obvious what a possibly deadly decision it was for Boris Johnson to demand that MPs flock back to Parliament.' The SNP's Philippa Whitford said: 'Hope Alok Sharma recovers quickly but he should have stopped immediately. 'HoC claim despatch box etc ''deep cleaned'' but can't clean every door handle he touched since Monday when he became infectious! 'Cabinet meeting was on Tuesday so will THEY isolate?' Labour MP Toby Perkins took to Twitter to share his concern that Mr Sharma had attended the chamber while ill, tweeting: 'This is ridiculous. It was clear that Alok Sharma looked unwell. 'If there are now fears that he may have covid-19 and he hadn't already tested negative, it was the height of irresponsibility for him to be in parliament sniffling, sweating and snorting from the despatch box.' Digital voting in the Commons was ended on Tuesday when MPs approved a Government motion introduced by Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg despite widespread objections. Mr Sharma was in Downing Street for the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (pictured) Labour MP Toby Perkins called Alok Sharma's decision to attend chambers while feeling ill 'the height of irresponsibility' Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper wrote: 'This should be a MASSIVE wake-up call for Jacob Rees Mogg' Labour MP John McDonnell tweeted: 'This confirms that lives of both staff & MPs are being put at risk in parliament' Labour's Lisa Nandy described the Government's decision to stop MPs working from home was 'reckless' as social distancing is impossible in the House of Commons Labour party MP Dawn Butler wrote: 'Watching this makes me feel like i'm watching a horror movie. That's my place of work, i'm going in there tomorrow. It is scary' Labour Party MP Peter Kyle tweeted: 'I hope Jacob Rees-Mogg makes a full and swift apology' Yesterday, Mr Sharma voted against the continuation of the hybrid parliament which allowed MPs to vote remotely, especially if they needed to remain in isolation or were shielding. Senior Conservatives, opposition groups and the equalities watchdog raised concerns that the move would prevent many MPs, particularly the elderly and vulnerable ones who are shielding, from being able to vote. Labour's Lisa Nandy also took to Twitter shortly after Mr Sharma fell ill to share her frustration, tweeting: 'This is just awful. The government has stopped MPs from working from home and asked us to return to a building where social distancing is impossible. MPs are travelling home to every part of the country tonight. Reckless doesn't even begin to describe it.' While Labour MP Peter Kyle tweeted: 'Attempting to drag the MPs most susceptible to a bad COVID outcome into the same space as people dripping with the disease is going to be a standout legacy of Rees-Mogg's time as Leader of the Commons.' Mr Miliband, who could potentially be contacted by NHS contact tracers and asked to self-isolate if Mr Sharma was to test positive for Covid-19, sent his 'best wishes' to the Business Secretary for a quick recovery, adding: 'Hope he feels better soon.' Proceedings in the House of Commons were temporarily suspended after it emerged Mr Sharma was heading for isolation so the despatch box, where ministers issue statements received a thorough deep clean. Mr Sharma grabbed a glass of water while Labour's Ed Miliband, pictured left, responded to his statement The despatch box was being wiped down between exchanges, but the scheduled pause after the Bill's reading went on for longer than expected and journalists were unusually asked to leave the press gallery. The size of the chamber has made it difficult for some MPs to keep their distance as they try to swap seats or move around. Earlier in the day, Boris Johnson ended PMQs by heading towards the chamber exit but stopping for a chat with a Conservative colleague, thereby walking over hazard tape on the floor designed to encourage MPs to keep two metres apart. The SNP said virtual proceedings must return without delay after Alok Sharma's suspected case of Covid-19. The SNP's deputy leader in Westminster Kirsty Blackman MP said the suspected case demonstrates 'just how ridiculous and irresponsible the Tory Government's decision to end virtual participation in Parliament was'. 'They must now rectify this serious mistake and reintroduce hybrid proceedings without delay,' the MP added. 'In light of this development it's difficult to see how else Parliament can proceed - but what is clear is that this botched system isn't working and needs to change urgently to protect our democracy. 'Millions of people across Scotland and the UK have been disenfranchised by the Tory decision, which has blocked many MPs from participating and voting.' Labour shadow minister Toby Perkins had raised concerns over the Reading West MP's appearance in the Commons earlier in the day. 'This is not ok. If he has symptoms that could be Covid-19, it's not up to him to soldier on, he is jeopardising the health of everyone who he comes across and everyone else who touches that despatch box and every door handle he touches etc,' Mr Perkins tweeted. The government were criticised by MPs from all sides over their decision to scrap the hybrid parliament and forcing members to vote in person - while attempting to social distance. Labour's Ben Bradshaw tweeted this photograph of chaotic scenes at the bottom of Portcullis House. Mr Sharma voted against continuing with arrangements to vote from home House of Commons launches urged 'deep clean' after Alok Sharma goes into isolation The House of Commons authorities said 'additional cleaning' had taken place after Alok Sharma's suspected case of Covid-19. A Commons spokeswoman said: 'The House's priority is to ensure that those on the estate are safe while business is facilitated. 'We have closely followed guidance from PHE on action to take following a suspected case of Covid on site, including additional cleaning. 'Our risk assessment outlines the measures we have already put in place to reduce the risk of transmission in Parliament.' Advertisement 'Maybe he's had a test and knows it's not that, but if so he should confirm that to people watching, otherwise the message again goes out that what the government says and means about what to do if you have symptoms are two different things.' Chaotic scenes unfolded in the Commons yesterday when MPs formed a long queue snaking through Parliament so they could maintain social distancing while voting on the motion. Mr Sharma had due to be attending a new C-19 strategy committee along with Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and Health Secretary Matt Hancock. The committee will be chaired by the PM. Meanwhile, a second committee - the C-19 operations committee - will be led by Mr Gove, with Mr Sunak and Mr Hancock also attending. Other Cabinet ministers will attend the committee meetings 'according to the agenda', and they will meet 'as often as is required', Number 10 said. The San Francisco Employees Retirement System, the city workers pension fund, reported a data breach affecting around 74,000 members. The pension systems vendor, 10up Inc., said an outside party accessed a test data server with members information on Feb. 24. The server was closed and 10up Inc. said there was no evidence information was removed, but could not confirm whether the data was viewed or copied. The data, which was last updated in Aug. 29, 2018, may have included first names, home addresses, dates of birth, designated beneficiary information, and SFERS website user names and passwords, the fund revealed Tuesday. Retired pension members may have had 1099-R tax form information and bank routing numbers exposed. Your personal financial information may be misused, the pension fund said. Social Security numbers and bank routing numbers were not included, SFERS said. An investigation is ongoing and all members are required to reset their passwords. The San Francisco Employees Retirement System breach is a good reminder that even applications on test systems need to be secured against threats, whether they are internal bad actors in the organization and its partners or external, coming from hackers trying to exploit vulnerabilities, Jayant Shukla, co-founder of K2 Cyber Security in San Jose, said in a statement. Vulnerabilities, misconfigured servers, and misused credentials are among the top reasons systems get breached. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes The breach occurred shortly before another city agency, the San Francisco International Airport, reported hacks of SFOConstruction.com and SFOConnect.com, two websites used by suppliers, in March. The airport said login information may have been taken. Roland Li is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf DALLAS (June 2, 2020) - In response to the impact of COVID-19 in the North Texas community, Center for BrainHealth, part of The University of Texas at Dallas, will offer science-backed strategies and tools to help the brave men and women on the front line -including medical personnel and hospital staff, law enforcement officers, and other health care workers - mitigate stress, recharge and recalibrate, and boost cognitive performance as they perform their essential jobs. The Center raised $65,390 for these trainings, which includes a $15,000 matching gift from Bert Headden and Cindy Thomas and a generous donation from The Sapphire Foundation, during North Texas Giving Tuesday Now hosted by Communities Foundation of Texas. The program will offer: Online, self-paced cognitive training modules featuring the Center's Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART), stress solutions and sleep A BrainHealth Boost video series with tips and tools to increase brain-healthy habits for stress resilience, tailored to front line healthcare providers and first responders Interactive live resilience and mindfulness sessions led by the Center's subject-matter experts Participants will be reminded of and empowered with tools and practices to impact their capacity for stress resilience. "We appreciate the opportunity Communities Foundation of Texas has offered through this timely giving day and we are very grateful to the 68 donors and members of our team making the program come to life. We are eager to help those who are helping our community each day," said Dee O'Neill, head of executive and corporate solutions. ### For more information about the program please visit: https://brainhealth.utdallas.edu/programs/stressresiliencefrontlines/ ABOUT THE CENTER FOR BRAINHEALTH The Center for BrainHealth, part of The University of Texas at Dallas, is a research institute committed to enhancing, preserving and restoring brain health across the lifespan. Scientific exploration at the Center for BrainHealth is leading edge, improving lives today and translating groundbreaking discoveries into practical clinical application. By delivering science-based innovations that enhance how people think, work and live, the Center and its Brain Performance Institute are empowering people of all ages to unlock their brain potential. Major research areas include the use of functional and structural neuroimaging techniques to better understand the neurobiology supporting cognition and emotion in health and disease. The Honorable Brian Miller is sworn in during a confirmation hearing before Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs at Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 5, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Senate Confirms Special Watchdog for Pandemic Recovery WASHINGTONThe Senate has confirmed a new inspector general to oversee money distributed as part of the $2 trillion economic rescue law, putting at least one watchdog in place as oversight of the money has lagged. The Senate confirmed Brian Miller, a lawyer in the White House counsels office, on a 51-40 vote June 2. Democrats voted against Miller after questioning his independence from President Donald Trump, who nominated him for the post. Responding to those concerns, Miller told the Senate Banking Committee during his confirmation hearing last month that independence is vital for the special inspector general for pandemic recovery. He pledged to conduct audits and investigations with fairness and impartiality. The post would place him in charge of overseeing a roughly $500 billion Treasury fund for businesses and localities created as part of the economic rescue law approved in March. Republicans pointed to his previous experience as an independent watchdog. Miller has worked at the Justice Department and was inspector general for nearly a decade at the General Services Administration, which oversees thousands of federal contracts. Miller helped force out the GSAs director during President George W. Bushs administration, drawing criticism from the White House and Republican lawmakers. But most Democrats werent convinced, with only oneAlabama Sen. Doug Jonesvoting for him. Another Democratic moderate, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, said in a statement that he voted against Miller because I believe his current role in the Office of White House Counsel and relationship with the president makes it impossible for him to remain independent as he investigates the administrations response to the pandemic. As Miller assumes the post, he will be one of the sole checks on the massive pot of money as other oversight bodies set up in the law have foundered. The Pandemic Recovery Accountability Committee, a committee of inspectors general, still has no leader after Trump sidelined the original chairman, Glenn Fine, by demoting him. A bipartisan congressional commission is also rudderless as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, (D-Calif.), and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), have not yet agreed upon and appointed a chair, as the law directs them to do. Trump has bristled at the laws oversight provisions, suggesting in a signing statement that some of the mandates from Congress were unconstitutional and did not need to be obeyed. He has also often bristled at the work of inspector generals, firing several in recent months with little explanation. Democrats questioned whether Miller would be able to remain neutral in that environment, especially amid concerns that some of the money has been going to larger, publicly traded companies in lieu of small businesses with the most need. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, the top Democrat on the banking panel, questioned at the hearing whether Miller would be able to hold the Trump administration accountable for how it administers the program and guarantee that corporations getting taxpayer money put their workers first. If he is confirmed, Brown said, I expect you to follow the letter and spirit of the law, and serve the American peoplenot President Trump. You must be willing to stand up to the administration and any other bad actor and to uphold the goals of the law. Anything less is unacceptable. By Mary Clare Jalonick The White House has released information about President Donald Trumps annual physical, including him experiencing no side effects while taking anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a preventative measure against Covid-19. Mr Trump weighs 244lbs and stands at 6ft 3in tall, according a summary of the annual physical. The president made an unannounced visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Centre in November for a little over two hours to perform tests necessary for the physical. Subsequent tests then happened later at the White House. There were no findings of significance or changes to report, Dr Sean Conely, the presidents physician, wrote in a memo about the presidents physical. Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany described Mr Trump as healthy after the summary report was released. What the report also showed was that the president was on hydroxycholorquine, which he revealed last month he started taking as a preventative measure against Covid-19. Following the diagnosis of Covid-19 in two West Wing staffers this past May, as a preventative measure, the president took a two-week course of hydroxychloroquine with zinc and Vitamin D, Dr Conley wrote. This was done in consultation with the appropriate care team members and close monitoring of the electrocardiogram for changes in the QT interval. Dr Conley added: The president completed the regimen safely and without side effects. Hydroxychloroquine was boosted up by the president and other officials as a game-changer drug that could potentially prevent or diminish the symptoms of the coronavirus. But studies released have since shown different results. Researchers from the University of Minnesota and Canada studied 821 people who were exposed to patients infected with the coronavirus, making it the first controlled clinical study launched in the US. The study was randomised, with some receiving hydroxychloroquine and others receiving a placebo. The results, to be published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that hydroxychloroquine was no more effective than the placebo. After Mr Trumps first physical, it was indicated the president had a common form of heart disease, CNN reported. The presidents doctor recommended a higher dose of medication that would help lower his cholesterol and lifestyle changes. The latest annual physical showed Mr Trumps cholesterol was now at 167 with an LDL, low-density lippotins, below 100, indicating a healthy level. Voters chose Democrat Ivy Schuster and Republican Dawn Driscoll to face off in the general election for the District 38 State Senate seat in Tuesdays primary. Schuster and Driscoll will be competing to replace Senator Tim Kapucian, who announced last year that he would not be seeking reelection. Kapucian, a Republican, has held the seat since 2008. On the Democratic side, Schuster won definitively, defeating Alvin Aragon with 83 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results. On the Republican side, Driscoll defeated Garrett Dozark and Bruce Adams. Driscoll received 46 percent of the vote, with Dozark receiving 35 percent and Adams receiving 19 percent. In Poweshiek County, however, Driscoll and Dozark were neck and neck, with 455 and 461 votes, respectively. The results released by the Poweshiek, Benton and Iowa County auditors Tuesday night are unofficial, and they may be subject to minor changes as ballots continue to be counted. Schuster, who works at Grinnell College as a training specialist with Information Technology Services, told The S&B in a February interview that her campaign will prioritize womens issues as well as affordable childcare. Driscoll, from Williamsburg, Iowa, is a farmer and the current Iowa County Farm Bureau President. She has campaigned on ensuring safe drinking water for Iowans and shoring up the states mental health care system. She also argues that loosening work requirements across the state would encourage economic growth. Past results indicate that Democrat Schuster will have an uphill climb to defeat Republican candidate Driscoll in the general election; Kapucian won the seat by nearly 26 percent in 2016. Schuster and Driscoll werent the only winners on Tuesday night, though. In the most closely watched race in Iowa, four Democrats vied for the chance to take on Senator Joni Ernst in the general election. Theresa Greenfield, who had been heavily favored to win, defeated her challengers with a comfortable 48 percent of the vote. The next closest candidate, Admiral Mike Franken, collected 25 percent. In Poweshiek County, Greenfield won 52 percent of the vote. Greenfields campaign has been endorsed by national organizations including the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the progressive womens organization EMILYs List, as well as a slew of prominent Iowa Democrats. Whoever wins Iowas Senate seat will help determine which party controls the U.S. Senate. Last month, analyst newsletter The Cook Political Report changed its rating of the race from likely Republican to lean Republican. In the first Congressional District, Republican Ashley Hinson defeated Thomas Hansen and will now challenge first-term Democratic Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer in the general election. The race is rated as a toss up by The Cook Political Report. Other primary races in Poweshiek County were uncontested. State Representative David Maxwell will face Democratic challenger Sarah Smith in the general election, as well as Kamal Hammouda, who is running as an independent. Incumbent county supervisor Diana Dawley, a Democrat, will face Republican Kelly Bryan. Poweshiek County Auditor Missy Eilander, a Republican, went unchallenged in the primary and will remain unchallenged in the general. Democratic Sheriff Thomas Kriegel also faced no challengers in the primary and will face none in the general. They predicted a mix of precautions and incentives. Masks, fever checks, contact-tracing apps and even coronavirus throat swabs will make travel more agonizing, even as discounts and smaller crowds soften the blow. A reduction in flights will mean more connections and longer journeys, testing travelers patience. The baby steps toward a reopened world start with the healthy the nations that have low rates of death and few active cases. The Baltic countries have gone first, and Australia and New Zealand are following a similar path. But even for countries with close ties, it is like starting from scratch. Border agencies, airports, airlines and health officials in Australia and New Zealand have spent more than a month trying to work out a proposal that would let travelers avoid the mandatory 14-day quarantine now in place for a smattering of international arrivals. They hope to have the system up and running by September. Mr. Tasker, the Auckland Airport official, said the biggest hurdle was making sure that local transmission of the virus was as close to eliminated as possible. Beyond that, travelers can expect new protocols and constant reminders about social distancing, health and hygiene from booking through return. Australias coronavirus tracking app, COVIDSafe, could also be used to share location data between both countries. If it works for the two island neighbors, the bubble could grow to include other locations. Many European countries are also starting out with a restricted guest list. Denmark and Norway are opening to each other on June 15, for example, but are excluding Sweden, where a looser lockdown has let the virus proliferate. With every phase of reopening, officials said, more movement means more risk and more work, for governments but also travelers. Former President, John Agyekum Kufuor has thrown his weight behind the compilation of a new voters' register for the 2020 general elections in December. The former President claimed most people on the register used foul means to get their voters identification cards (ID) and that does not make the voters register clean. The debate on the compilation of a new voters register ahead of the December elections has seen the various actors taking entrenched positions, with most opposition political parties kicking against it. Speaking on the issue on Onua TVs 'Maakye' on Wednesday, jointly hosted by Bright Kwasi Asempa, Anokyewaaba Serwaa and Adwoa Konadu-Yiadom, former President Kufuor said in Twi that we agree that some people are not Ghanaians but they are on the voters register. We should do it again because it is not good. He added, there are so many people now on the voters register and I agree to the new voters register. If we get a clean register to vote, it will help. He noted that the register still contains names of persons who registered with NHIS cards and drivers licence despite a Supreme Courts directive to get those names expunged. He noted that these two cards can be obtained by anyone including foreigners. The former president pointed out, some might have used dubious ways to get the ID. Some are not citizens but they have used means to get the ID and as such non-citizens have gotten the right to vote. Mandate of EC He explained that Ghana is governed by the 1992 Constitution and the Constitution gives EC the mandate to manage elections in Ghana. If they have realized we should do a new one, we have to do a new one, he said. He therefore advised persons opposed to the idea to go to court and not take the laws into their hands. Advice to opposition parties Former President Kufuor noted that about a year ago, various opposition political parties visited him in his house with a petition to prevail on the EC to halt the compilation of a new voters register. They came to my house somewhere last year. The NDC Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, PNC National Chairman, Bernard Mornah was their spokesperson, Peter Boamah Otukonor and Gyataba, came and said they will not agree to the compilation of the new voters register. But I told them they are Ghanaians and what the law says is for the EC to manage elections so if they are not in favour, they should go to the Supreme Court for the law court to decide. Protest after petitioning Supreme Court The former President said the NDC and other political parties have done well by taken the issue up with the Supreme Court but the protest after the Supreme Court should stop. If they have gone to court, they should stop the protest and wait for what the court will say. He noted that if they have gone to court and they are still protesting, then it means they are protesting against the Supreme Court and it is not good. Social media video Commenting on a social media video in which he asked the EC to include the old voters ID as requirements for the yet to be compiled register, the former President suggested that the interview was granted years ago but felt the register has now been compromised. That video is an old video. It was two year or three years ago. The NIA came into my house for the registration and during the interview I said that, he explained. Source: 3 news 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 Amsterdam/s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, 3 June 2020 Ernst Jansen has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Kempen Capital Management (Kempen) with immediate effect. The successor to Erik Luttenberg, Jansen will take on this role alongside his current position of COO of Van Lanschot Private Banking. The new position also sees him appointed to Kempens Management Board. Constant Korthout, Van Lanschot Kempens Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer (CFO/CRO), explained: Were very pleased that Ernst has proved willing to take on these new responsibilities alongside his current position. This appointment reflects our strategy towards a fully integrated wealth management model by 2023, allowing us to enhance our efficiency and productivity, and act as a single group. Our thanks go to Erik for his many years of service to our organisation, and we wish Ernst lots of success in his new role. Media Relations: +31 20 354 45 85; mediarelations@vanlanschotkempen.com Investor Relations: +31 20 354 45 90; investorrelations@vanlanschotkempen.com About Van Lanschot Kempen Van Lanschot Kempen, a wealth manager operating under the Van Lanschot, Evi and Kempen brand names, is active in Private Banking, Asset Management and Merchant Banking, with the aim of preserving and creating wealth, in a sustainable way, for its clients. Van Lanschot Kempen, listed at Euronext Amsterdam, is the Netherlands oldest independent financial institution with a history dating back to 1737. vanlanschotkempen.com Attachment Twenty years ago, comedian Dave Chappelle made a joke in a stand up special about the time somebody broke into his house. Did he call the police? A hard no. It aint a real nice house, but theyd never believe I lived in it, he said. Hes still here! Chappelle said, flipping into a police officers voice and smacking the mic stand as if it was the culprit. I was a teenager when my older brother introduced me to the special and I laughed at the satire after all, the best comedy is based in truth you can relate to. Since my brother got his drivers licence and bought his first car at 17, hed come to me with stories about the times hed get pulled over by police; and the comments that would ensue about our addresses when the officer checked his and his passengers IDs. Wed eyeroll and joke. But were past the point of laughter. In the U.S. and Canada encountering the police, much less calling the police, has been a real fear for Black people for as long as the service has been around. Its 2020 and little has changed. In Minneapolis, George Floyd, was killed by now former officer Derek Chauvin, who held his knee on Floyds neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds while he was pinned to the ground. Floyd pleaded for air until he lost consciousness. Three other officers stood by. The video went viral and has now led to days of unrest by those seeking justice. All four officers were fired and Chauvin was eventually charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Both the medical examiner and an independent autopsy conducted by the family found that Floyds death was a homicide. But even when police officers dont appear to be exacting cruel and undue force, the outcome can still be just as deadly for Black people. In Toronto, Claudette Beals-Clayton called the police to take her 29-year-old daughter Regis Korchinski-Paquet to CAMH to seek mental health assistance. Regis, who has epilepsy, was in distress over a family conflict, her mother said. We may not know what happened inside the apartment when several officers arrived Regis and the officers were the only ones in the apartment, while her mother and brother were in the building hallway, according to the familys lawyer but what we do know is that she wound up falling 24 floors to her death, rather than getting the mental health help she needed. In April, a somewhat similar story played out when Peel police were called to a Brampton home to intervene in a domestic incident, and 26-year-old DAndre Campbell, a Black man, who also dealt with mental health issues, was shot by police and died. Earlier this month, in the context of a spate of anti-Asian attacks, CBC News published an article suggesting what a bystander could do if they witnessed a racist attack. In the original piece, suggestion number one was call the police. After a massive wave of rebuttals on social media, reporters followed up the next day with a piece based on community members accounts of why police may be part of the problem, rather than the solution. And yet, its still an entity that has long been considered essential by white people and the mainstream. When you follow the line of blue shields back to their origin, one of the first forms of police in the American south were slave patrols. And Canada is not too far off. The Mounties were founded to police Indigenous people as the country colonized westward and the organization was based on the force the British used to control the Irish. The way Indigenous and Black people are treated by the police has been and still is damningly similar. Three Indigenous people were shot and killed by police in Winnipeg over a 10-day period in April. Somewhere along the line, the police became synonymous with safety, but for people of colour, and people experiencing mental distress, there are scrolls of names that are examples of the contrary. Andrew Loku. Jermaine Carby. Sammy Yatim. All of them wound up dead in encounters with the police in Toronto and the GTA. And why is that? Is it not enough de-escalation training? Is it a lack of mental health training? Is it implicit bias that makes Black people skew more threatening in their minds? Is it the racism that has been embedded in police forces since their start in Canada and the U. S.? Were constantly looking for answers to improve the police rather than considering other options for first responders. Sandy Hudson, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter Toronto and co-host of the Sandy & Nora Talk Politics podcast shared a thread on Twitter about a preinterview she gave regarding George Floyds homicide. One of the ideas she put forth was to develop an alternative, nonpolice, front-line service for emergency mental health support. This shouldnt be an idea left buried on a Twitter timeline, or perhaps forgotten after it does make its way on air, or is written about. Hudson also suggested cutting Torontos police budget, which in 2019 made up 23 per cent of the average property tax bill more than any other service including fire services, libraries and community housing which combined still amount to less. The second biggest divvy was the TTC at about 17 per cent. Its a discrepancy others have been pointing out on social media recently, including BuzzFeed editor Elamin Abdelmahmoud. Both here and in the U.S. there have been calls to defund the police and a question of what that would tangibly look like. Perhaps the city could consider taking some of that money and putting it toward another first responder option. There are distress lines, yes, but what if we had something that people could recall as easily as 911? Something more tailored toward de-escalation and mental health calls? The police do not inherently make everyone feel safe. Its time Black and Indigenous people, people of colour, people in mental distress, had someone to call who does. Shanna Danielson as of late Tuesday was leading the Democratic race for the 31st state Senate seat, currently held by Republican Mike Regan. As of shortly before midnight, Danielson had 5,120 votes to 3,669 for retired Army officer Rick Coplen and 1,337 for pharmacist John Bosha. The winner will face Regan in November. The 31st covers parts of Cumberland and York counties, encompassing municipalities including Carlisle, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Mount Holly Springs, Dillsburg and Dover. Its home to about 276,000 people. Danielsons unofficial total included all Cumberland County precincts. But York County figures as of late Tuesday didnt indicate what percentage of the vote had been counted. Moreover, mail-in votes for Cumberland had yet to be reported. As of late Tuesday, Coplen was leading Danielson by more than 1,000 votes in Cumberland, leaving open the possibility mail-in votes could enable him to pass her. Danielson, 33, of Carroll Township, is a music teacher and band director at East Pennsboro Middle School. As did all three Democratic candidates, she named education as the top issue and said its critical for the state to resume fully funding public schools. Danielson said two events cemented her interest in politics: the impacts of cuts to the education budget made under former Republican Gov. Tom Corbett and the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Further, she said the coronavirus crisis has shed new light on inequities in education. As schools have shifted to online education, some students are getting left behind because their homes lack adequate technology, according to Danielson. She views it as an infrastructure failure that can and must be remedied by schools. Danielson believes the extra funding for education can come from sources including shifting the tax burden more toward wealth than property and taxing legalized marijuana. Danielson said her other top concerns are the environment and health care. She believes the environment within the 31st suffers as the result of its high concentration of trucking and warehousing. She said negative impacts can be offset through things including promoting walking, biking and public transportation, more dependence on wind, solar and hydo energy and less on fossil fuels, and stronger laws against truck idling. Danielson said too many people are avoiding health care out of fear of the costs. She believes the best solution will require a national plan for universal coverage. However, she believes Pennsylvania lawmakers can improve the situation by raising the income limits for Medicaid and the CHIP program for children. Regan was elected to the four-year term in 2016. State senators earn $88,610 per year and can receive $177 per day for expenses. People should limit themselves to one intimate partner to reduce the spread of Covid-19, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan has said. He was asked yesterday whether he agreed with the advice from the Dutch public health team to people in the Netherlands to limit themselves to one partner. He said "that is good public health advice" as a precaution against the transmission of infections generally. Dr Holohan said there was no specific advice around Covid-19 regarding intimate contact for people who were in a relationship and lived in different houses. "We know that is a challenge for people," he said. "And there are general guidelines which they can refer to on engagements between different households." He was speaking as the downward trend in the spread of the virus continued. However, it has claimed the lives of another eight people, bringing the toll to 1,658. Another 10 cases, the lowest figure since March, were confirmed, pushing the number of infections to 25,066. The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to prevent further spread. Asked about the Black Lives Matter protest in Dublin on Monday, Dr Holohan said it was "not the time" to attend events that could be classed as mass gatherings, however well intentioned they were. He said although Covid-19 had been suppressed within the community, it still posed a threat to the lives of many people. The public health advice was clear on mass gatherings, and they were not "appropriate" at the moment. "It's too early. Now is not the time to be attending such events." People who attended should be aware of the symptoms of the virus if they developed them, he added. "Over the past week, there have been approximately 500 new cases of Covid-19 notified, 54pc of which are aged between 24-55 years old. "Incidences of these cases are spread across 21 counties in Ireland. While we are doing well, the potential for spread remains present across all regions of the country. "Nphet (the National Public Health Emergency Team) will meet on Thursday and submit further recommendations to Government for consideration." Dr Cillian De Gascun, of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, said: "As of midnight Monday, 348,416 tests have been carried out. "Over the past week, 22,621 tests were carried out and of these 389 were positive, giving a positivity rate of 1.7pc." Ronan Glynn, deputy chief medical officer, warned that 47pc of people were taking longer than four days from the onset of symptoms before being swabbed. "We are strongly encouraging all members of the public to know the symptoms of Covid-19 and seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear." Meanwhile, the Oireachtas committee on Covid-19 was told one in three people flying here from abroad were not responding to calls to check if they were self-isolating. Good morning, Bay Area. Its Wednesday, June 3, and a San Francisco startup has laid off people here and will hire staff elsewhere. Heres what you need to know to start your day. Streets across the Bay Area filled with people clutching homemade signs, chanting and marching peacefully on a fifth day of region-wide protests against police killings and violence against black people, sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. People gathered in San Francisco, East Oakland, Redwood City, Vallejo and San Jose across the day Tuesday. In the afternoon, hundreds clustered in Redwood Citys Courthouse Square, where on the marquee front of Fox Theater, show titles were replaced with We stand in solidarity and Black lives matter. Together our voices are stronger, said Alexa Sol, standing nearby, next to the boarded up windows of her familys Mexican restaurant, Quinto Sol. The plight of the Latino people, we can sympathize with the plight of the black community. Across the Bay in Oakland, hundreds marched around Lake Merritt and rallied outside Oakland City Hall. We shouldnt be out here fighting for our lives. For our freedom to be human, one Oakland protester, who identified herself as Destiny C., said. Read more and follow our live updates throughout the day here. Fifth & Mission: San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton wants to ban the police department from hiring any officer who engaged in misconduct in a previous job. Listen to the Fifth & Mission podcast and read the full story here. Whats driving looting? Paul Kuroda / Special to The Chronicle The scope of recent lootings, which have occurred as law enforcement contends with widespread protests, have prompted police to toss their old playbooks and develop new tactics on the fly. Bay Area police departments are now leaning heavily on a curfew an extreme measure some say will only further agitate a shaken community. Reporters Megan Cassidy and Alejandro Serrano talk to the police responding to lootings and activists who say blaming out-of-towners is a distraction from law enforcements response to protesters. Read more. Second night: Five National Guard vehicles carrying 50 troopers rolled into Vallejo on Tuesday night amid a second night of sharp increases in calls to police for looting and burglary. About 100 people and nearly 40 vehicles surrounded the police department, city officials said. From Phil Matier: Quite frankly, we dont have the law enforcement to do it all. Shots fired, stolen vehicles and multi-car caravans of suspected looters in the East Bay over the weekend. Maps: Where the damage has happened. Bay Area takes it slow on coronavirus reopening to what effect? Nearly all of California has moved ahead to advanced stage two coronavirus reopening plans - with much of the Bay Area a notable exception. So how do Bay Area counties compare on coronavirus benchmarks to California counties that have reopened faster? We look at the differences on new case counts, testing and contact tracers. Not pressing their luck: Bay Area casinos pump the brakes on reopening for now. An appointed time for everything Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press Responding to President Trumps displaying of a Bible in front of a fire-damaged church across from the White House, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday read from her own. Pelosi labeled as unfortunate the events of the day before, when federally commanded law enforcement officers used force to clear peaceful protesters from a park in front of the White House so Trump could have an unimpeded walk to nearby St. Johns Episcopal Church. It was among the milder reactions from Democrats, reports Washington correspondent Tal Kopan. Can he do that? Trump threatened to send armed forces to cities shaken by violent clashes between police and protesters. Whether the president can legally take such action without a states consent is far from certain, Bob Egelko writes. Eating local with a purpose Over the weekend, a list of Los Angeles-based black-owned restaurants, created by Angeleno Kat Hong, began to circulate on social media, in response to the unrest erupting across the country over police violence and anti-black racism. 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. Our restaurant critic, Soleil Ho, picked up the momentum and made a version for the Bay Area highlighting the work of restaurants and food businesses who have made massive contributions, not only to Bay Area food culture, but to American food culture as a whole. But were not the first to think of this idea. With some help from the Bay Area Organization of Black Owned Businesses (BAOBOB), travel educator Tracey Friley and others, we bring you a searchable list of black-owned restaurants, pop-ups and caterers in the Bay Area. Around the Bay Lower cost hubs: S.F.s Stitch Fix to lay off 1,400 in California and hire 2,000 outside of the state over the next year and a half. The worst thing I have ever seen: Richmond man caught cannibalizing 90-year-old grandmother, police say. Jury questions: California Supreme Court hears arguments on whether Scott Peterson should be granted a new trial. Her favorite story: For actress Elisabeth Moss, playing S.F. writer Shirley Jackson is like winning the lottery. Not happy customers: Grand Princess cruise passengers sue over alleged negligence, coronavirus exposure. No fault admitted: SF pays $400k to settle suit over claim former D.A. George Gascon carried guns on commercial flights. As Notebook Ben Margot/Associated Press In this weeks Reluctant Mailbag from As beat writer Susan Slusser, theres a lot of reader questions about the teams decision to furlough more than half their employees and halt stipends to all of the teams minor leaguers. Susan answers questions on how that decision was made and the possible impact on next years draft. Giants Splash: Ownership should pay minor leaguers they cut, Henry Schulman writes. Bruce Jenkins: Golden Greats: The I-5 Series was rewarding and bittersweet. Bay Briefing is written by Taylor Kate Brown and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here, and contact Brown at taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com. YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. 36 cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in Gloria sewing factory in Armenias Vanadzor town, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said live on Facebook, reminding the photo which he posted yesterday on his Facebook page, showing a bus overloaded with the factory workers. There are already 36 confirmed cases in the factory. Inspections were carried out 4-5 times, warnings were made, the PM said. As for his and his familys health condition, the PM said they still do not have any symptoms. Yes, there is no guarantee for any next moment as the disease, it is said, is having an unprecedented course, Pashinyan said. He assured that the healthcare system has done and does the utmost. The PM urged citizens to be careful to their parents and children. I believe that we can solve this issue together. This is an issue of one person, just one person needs to seriously react to this, and that one person is you, he said. Reporting by Anna Grigoryan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Since joining the long-running talk show, The View, Meghan McCain has been a pretty divisive figure. The conservative is known to shout over her co-hosts, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, and Sunny Hostin. She also gets angry when her points dont come across and she, unfortunately, doesnt have the biggest fan base with The View fans. However, because she continues to be bombastic, she has been able to help bring in ratings. Amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the recent protests following the death of yet another unarmed Black person, McCain has many things to say. However, her most recent statement, calling her Upper West Side New York City neighborhood a war zone amid protest isnt actually an accurate statement, according to her neighbor. RELATED: The View: Meghan McCain Just Called Herself a Witch for a Hilarious Reason Meghan McCain is not beloved on The View From joking about taking the drug hydroxychloroquine, which has been stripped of approval from the Federal Drug Administration to frowning down at another stimulus bill that would help the most underprivileged in society, McCain certainly hasnt won over many fans. In fact, her mood and temperament are constantly addressed by fans of The View. I think Meghan may be mentally unbalanced, a viewer said. One day she is aghast at people at beaches, the next day she is defending them. Something is not right there. Another added, Meghan McCain is really being pi*** today. You could tell by her sour face that she was in a horrible mood. Cant wait until she goes on her maternity leave so we can have civil conversations. However, McCain just wants people to give her a break sometimes. I just wish people at home would give me a break, because Ive been dealing with so much, McCain shared in Ramin Setoodahs 2019 book, Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of The View. Its been a lot to deal with the drama of the show, the leaking in the press, and then my grief all at the same time. My neighborhood in Manhattan is eviscerated and looks like a war zone. DeBlasio and Cuomo are an utter disgrace. This is not America. Our leaders have abandoned us and continue to let great American cities burn to the ground and be destroyed. I never could have fathomed this Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) June 2, 2020 RELATED: The View: Meghan McCain Says Theres Been A Lot To Deal With During Her Time on the Show Meghan McCain just called her NYC neighbor a war zone McCain lives in the plush and affluent Upper West Side neighborhood, an area that remains untouched by recent Black Lives Matter protests in NYC. That didnt stop McCain from claiming that her neighborhood looked like a war zone on Twitter. She also shamed New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio in the process. My neighborhood in Manhattan is eviscerated and looks like a war zone, she tweeted. DeBlasio and Cuomo are an utter disgrace. This is not America. Our leaders have abandoned us and continue to let great American cities burn to the ground and be destroyed. I never could have fathomed this However, one of McCains neighbors quicky clapped back at her. Meghan, we live in the same building, and I just walked outside. Its fine. https://t.co/ZvwNrjL6P7 Kristen Bartlett (@kristencheeks) June 2, 2020 RELATED: The View: Fans Are Furious That Meghan McCain Joked About Taking Hydroxychloroquine Meghan McCains neighbor just dragged her for lying about the state of their NYC neighborhood Kristin Bartlett, a writer for the TBS Full Frontal lives in the same building as McCain. Barlett clapped back at The View host saying, Meghan, we live in the same building, and I just walked outside. Its fine. Fans have applauded Bartletts candor and whats more, many people are even questioning McCains presence in the city. It seems that most of her neighbors believe shes currently in Arizona amid the pandemic. Another neighbor added, Folks in the bldg who would know say she hasnt been here for months. So I was surprised she had such a clear view of our eviscerated neighborhood all the way from Arizona Btw, I went for a walk right before curfew. Im not sure Meghan knows what a war zone is. This neighbor also included pictures of a serene neighborhood in her photos without any property damage. After Crushing Anti-Government Rallies At Home, Iran Expresses Support For U.S. Protesters By Golnaz Esfandiari June 02, 2020 Iran is using the killing in the United States of an African-American man at the hands of a white policeman and the angry wave of protests it has caused as a propaganda tool to settle scores with Washington, which has imposed a campaign of "maximum pressure" on Tehran that includes crippling economic sanctions. Iranian officials have denounced the killing of the man, George Floyd, in the city of Minneapolis on May 25 while using the same rhetoric Washington has used in recent months to blast state corruption and human rights abuses in Iran. On June 1, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Musavi made a rare statement in English to directly appeal to Americans and express support for what he termed their "outcry over state oppression" in protesting Floyd's death. "To the American people: the world has heard your outcry over [state] oppression. The world is standing with you. The American regime is pursuing violence and bullying at home and abroad," Musavi said. Musavi also called on U.S. officials and the police to stop using "violence" against Americans and to "let them breathe." The comments echoed statements issued by top U.S. officials in support of Iranians who took to the streets in recent months, including in January following the downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The influential IRGC said the tragic accident was caused by human error amid heightened tensions with the United States after the assassination of the corps' top commander, Qasem Soleimani. But the government initially denied involvement in the plane's downing, angering Iranians. Both U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed support for the protesters outraged by the incident, which killed 176 people. Trump posted a tweet in English and Persian saying that his administration stood with the Iranian people. He added that "we are following your protests closely and are inspired by your courage." For his part, Pompeo said that Iranians "are fed up with the regime's lies, corruption, ineptitude, and brutality of the IRGC under @Khamenei_ir's kleptocracy." On May 30, Iran's Twitter-savvy foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, posted a 2018 statement by Pompeo where some of the words had been crossed out and replaced with new words in red to reflect Tehran's views and highlight the outbreak of protests in 140 cities around the United States. "The people of America are tired of the racism, corruption, [and] incompetence from their leaders," Zarif's statement said, adding that "the American people are demanding their leaders share the country's wealth and respond to their legitimate demands." "Some don't think #BlackLivesMatter," Zarif said on Twitter, which is among the social-media platforms banned in Iran, although top government officials are allowed to use it. Pompeo retorted back with the tweet: "You hang homosexuals, stone women and exterminate Jews. Iranian Vice President Massumeh Ebetkar, who was the spokeswoman for the hostage-takers of U.S. diplomats in Tehran following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, retweeted a story about the protests in the United States while writing that "All humanity stands with you against racism, against discrimination, against oppression, against imperialism!" There was also condemnation from the head of Iran's judiciary, hard-line cleric Ebrahim Raisi, who is accused of having played a key role in the 1988 mass executions of thousands of political prisoners following mock trials that often lasted just a few minutes. "Today America is not a claimant [as a purveyor of] human rights anymore, but as an accused it should face trial," said Raisi, who has been blacklisted by the U.S. Treasury, in a speech aired on state-controlled television. Iran routinely crushes antiestablishment protests, including in November 2019, when at least 300 people were killed during street demonstrations, according to Amnesty International. Many of the victims were reportedly shot dead by snipers. Other critics, including U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook, have said that more than 1,000 people may have been killed by security forces in those protests, which were sparked by a major hike in gasoline prices. Iran's heavily censored media, which is often banned from reporting on anti-government rallies, has covered the protests in U.S. cities on their front pages and led their news broadcasts with them. Iranian media reported earlier this week that a candlelight vigil was held in the city of Mashhad for Floyd, who died after a policeman kneeled on the back of his neck for nearly nine minutes, pinning him facedown in a city street. Floyd repeatedly told the officer that he could not breathe. The police officer has been arrested and faces murder charges. Three other police who helped detain Floyd and failed to help him during the incident were fired. The vigil in Iran for Floyd is notable because Iranian officials do not usually allow public memorials for victims of state violence. In December, family members of Pouya Bakhtiari, a young protester killed in the November street protests that spread to more than 100 cities and towns, were detained after announcing they would hold a public ceremony to mark 40 days since his death. Security officials reportedly summoned Bakhtiari's father and told him not to hold the ceremony in a mosque, citing concerns it could create unrest. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/after-crushing-anti- government-rallies-at-home-iran-expresses- support-for-u-s-protesters/30649137.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 Samantha Katie James has issued an apology but it seems to lack genuine remorse. 3 Jun After angering the masses with her tone-deaf remarks about black Americans, Samantha Katie James yesterday took to Instagram again, this time to issue an apology. The former Miss Universe Malaysia, who won the title in 2017, was responding to netizens who asked her to clarify her "black people chose to be black" statement. Read her full apology below. The 25-year-old also pointed out once again that she was born to a Chinese Malaysian mother and a Brazilian father, but was raised by an Indian Malaysian foster family. This reiteration is presumably in response to those (including National Director of Miss Universe Malaysia Elaine Daly, who carries an Irish surname) who questioned why she identifies as a "white" person despite her Malaysian background. A petition to have her stripped of her Miss Universe crown and title is currently accepting signatures on Change.org. At the time of writing, it has collected more than 62,000 signatures. (Yesterday morning, it numbered around 9,000). Following her remarks on Instagram Stories a couple of days ago, a video from an unknown source that allegedly further highlights her views towards black people has started circulating on social media yesterday. In the video, in which she appears to be in an inebriated state, she can be seen talking down to a black woman and it escalated almost to the point of physical alterations. (Photo source: Samantha Katie James' Instagram) [June 03, 2020] Club Vita to Provide Longevity Analytics Through ProVal Club Vita, the international leader in longevity analytics, today announced an integration partnership with WinTech, a leader in retirement valuation and administration software. The partnership will integrate Club Vita's longevity assumptions within ProVal, WinTech's flagship defined benefit valuation software. ProVal is used worldwide by pension and insurance actuaries and investment professionals for funding and accounting valuations, asset / liability studies, projections, PRT pricing, and a host of other modeling needs. The partnership enables ProVal's users to seamlessly use Club Vita's personalized suite of survival tables when measuring a liability or performing a projection. Douglas Anderson, Founder of Club Vita, notes "ZIP codes are the real game changer. Our research in UK, Canada and US has revealed similar patterns of longevity variation between neighboring communities. By combining Club Vita's VitaCurves system with WinTech's ProVal, actuaries can now confdently and conveniently value plans with diverse demographic characteristics. Because historical experience data is not required, longevity assumptions can be tailored for even the smallest plans, for different sections within a plan or for partial annuity buy-outs." "This integration supports our vision to be the gold standard calculation engine for the pension actuarial community," observed Mark Tillman, President, WinTech. "We are delighted to be able to bring more robust analytics to our clients, driving more informed decisions, and ultimately, securing better outcomes for plan members." About Club Vita Club Vita is a longevity data analytics company, which facilitates the pooling and statistical analysis of demographic data from defined benefit (DB) pension and retiree health plans to reveal insights that would not be evident to the plans acting alone. Before establishing its US club in 2019, its first two clubs in UK and Canada had served the needs of plan sponsors and their advisors since 2008 and 2015 respectively. Club Vita's innovative team has designed, built and refined ZIP code based socio-economic models for understanding the diversity of longevity. These enable plan sponsors not only to tailor their assumptions to reflect their people, but also to develop strategies to actively manage their longevity risk, so longevity is no longer just an actuarial assumption. For more information, please visit https://www.clubvita.us/. About WinTech Founded in 1987, WinTech is based in Connecticut, USA and services a diverse client base of more than 300 organizations in over 30 countries. For more information, please visit winklevoss.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005548/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] WASHINGTON When I arrived in front of St. Johns Episcopal Church in Lafayette Square on Monday, bringing granola bars and cases of water, the mood was upbeat. I couldnt have imagined the grotesque scene that would unfold hours later that the police would shove us out of the way with riot shields, pepper balls and smoke canisters, to clear a path for President Donald Trump. It was 4 p.m. by the time I got to the church. People were milling about the St. John's patio: 20 to 30 protesters, who sat on the steps, or drank some water, watching the action across the street, and 20 clergy and parishioners from churches around the city. Our plan was to be there until 6:30 p.m., offering peaceful, prayerful support. A team from Black Lives Matter had set up a first aid area, with boxes of bandages and first aid supplies and bottles of eyewash. Demonstrators packed H street, Lafayette Square and the end of 16th street. Heading north up 16th, they were scattered in clumps and pairs, carrying signs and chanting: "Say his name: George Floyd!" It wasn't quiet you could hear cheers from the protests but it was peaceful. My colleagues and I passed out water and snacks. People exchanged prayers and elbow bumps. Things were so calm that, by 6 p.m., most of my colleagues had left. I decided to stay until I could no longer be useful; so did my church's seminarian, Julia, who is also a trauma nurse. The BLM medical folks taught me how to do an eye wash and gave me medical gloves. We waited, hopeful our services wouldn't be needed. The curfew wasn't due to take effect until 7 p.m. But around 6:15 p.m., everything shifted. The crowd grew tense as police started to move out of the park. Trails of smoke come from Lafayette Square, followed by clouds of acrid smoke billowing through the crowds. People began to run north on 16th street and onto the St. John's patio, some coming for eyewash, wet paper towels or water. The first flash grenade rang out, sounding like gunfire, and some people dropped to the ground, thinking that the police were shooting. People ran toward us, and there was yelling and panic. We called out, "Water! Eyewash!" Julia and I were washing out protesters' eyes and feeling it ourselves. I was coughing; Julia's eyes were red, swollen and tearing. There was a shout that someone was hurt, and Julia ran to help. When she came back, she told me that she had seen police on horseback approaching. The seminary team decided it was time to leave. Minutes later, the intensity of the flash grenades and gas clouds increased, as the police began pushing protesters out of the park and onto H Street. More people ran in our direction, crying from the smoke, and from fear. Someone yelled "rubber bullets," and I looked up from washing someone's eyes to see a man holding his stomach, bent over. He moved his arms, and I saw marks on his shirt. When I looked over his shoulder, I couldn't believe my eyes. A wall of police, in full riot gear, was physically pushing people off the St. John's patio, maybe 15 feet away from me. The BLM team, far more experienced than I, said, we've got to go. They picked up what they could of the medical supplies and quickly dropped back, around 30 feet to the north. I was so stunned, all I grabbed was a few water bottles. I was still clutching my bottle of eyewash, and I rushed to join the medical volunteers. What was happening? It's not even 7 p.m., I thought. Why were they doing this? I walked through the crowds "Water? Eyewash?" and bent over folks, washing eyes or pouring solution on paper towels or handkerchiefs. We got pushed back again. We had not intended to be on the front lines, but the police had literally pushed the front line across the park, then H street, then the patio of St. John's. More flashes, more smoke, more panic. I ran out of water and found the BLM medical staff at K street, which was now the "back of the line." I gave them the rest of my eyewash bottle. I was scared. I had had enough. They were so brave. As I walked to where I'd parked, I could still hear occasional bangs. I peeled off the two layers of blue medical gloves and put them in my pocket to throw away later. My phone started to ping. In their messages, colleagues, friends and family asked where I was, and whether the president was really going to speak in front of St. John's. No way, I replied. It's crazy out here. I can still hear it. I got to the car. My sister texted, Gini, they're showing him on the news right now, walking across the park! I drove home. Then Julia texted me: Did we really just get gassed for a PHOTO OP? My revulsion was immediate and strong, the reality of what happened sinking in: The president had used military-grade force against peaceful protesters, so he could pose with a Bible in front of the church. I sat in my driveway and wept. Before taking my current position as the rector of St. John's in Georgetown, I had served as assistant rector at Lafayette Square. I understood the symbolism of its location, steps away from the White House. It's known as "the church of the presidents," because every one of them, since it was built in 1816, has prayed there. I've sat in Lincoln's pew, and preached to a sitting president. I knew the drill. When the president needed the park cleared, the police set up wooden barriers, sent police cars to block off streets, and stationed officers at key locations to block passersby. That is what "clearing the park" used to look like orderly, gentle, peaceful. Now, clearing the park for the president looked like body armor, sounded like gunfire and burned the back of my throat. There were so many layers of irony, and hypocrisy. People were protesting the fact that their government had been enslaving, incarcerating, overlooking and brutalizing them for generations and the government brutalized them again. Religious people, who were literally wiping away the protesters' tears, were driven off the church property with brute force and fear. All so that Trump could use the church as a backdrop and wave the Bible like a prop. It was beyond offensive. It was sacrilege. Monday night, I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about what had happened and why. I pictured the police advancing, and the president holding up our sacred book, in front of our holy place. I wondered if he had to step over our remaining medical supplies to get just the right photo. I slept as best as I could. Then, it was a new day. I asked myself: How can I be a force for goodness today? How can I become a force to be reckoned with? And so on Tuesday afternoon, I returned to the square. This is what I do now. Gini Gerbasi is the rector of St. Johns Episcopal Church, in Georgetown. She is a 2007 graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary, and has both a BA and JD from William and Mary. MONTREAL, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - The Medicom Group, ("Medicom"), one of the world's leading manufacturers of surgical and respiratory masks, has announced the further expansion of its global footprint with the opening of a mask manufacturing facility in Singapore. Established as the KHM Engineering company, the factory will produce millions of masks per month. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of resilient supply chains for personal protective equipment. The establishment of the new manufacturing facility will see Singapore as the latest of a growing number of countries that Medicom is investing in to ensure proximity of production to end markets. Earlier this year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the Canadian Government had placed orders for tens of millions of masks from Medicom and that an agreement had been reached to support the opening of a manufacturing facility in Canada to help ensure ongoing supply for local demand. The same week, French President Emmanuel Macron toured Medicom's Kolmi-Hopen facility near Angers, France, to reassure French citizens that his government is working with that country's number one mask producer to maximize output for local critical care professionals. As a trusted manufacturer of personal protective equipment for over thirty years, Medicom has built long-standing relationships with governments and healthcare providers around the world. The company's expertise, along with significant experience navigating large contracts and establishing mass production capabilities, make the company an attractive partner for those seeking to secure local and international supply to meet both current and future needs. "One of our key strengths globally is our strong partnerships with local governments and healthcare stakeholders, established in Hong Kong, France, Canada and now Singapore," stated Global Chief Operating Officer Guillaume Laverdure. "Working with the Medicom Group is one of most efficient ways to ensure ongoing supply, which is vital during a pandemic, but our belief is that it is critically important at all times." With manufacturing operations strategically distributed across three continents and an extensive global network of raw materials suppliers, Medicom has been uniquely positioned to meet the exponential demand for personal protective products like face masks throughout the current crisis. The company's role, however, is expected to remain critical even after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Both throughout the ongoing crisis and afterwards, Medicom remains committed to meeting the personal protective equipment needs of healthcare professionals across the globe, whether by opening local manufacturing facilities or through international supply agreements. About Medicom The Medicom Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of high-quality, single-use, preventive and infection control products for the medical, dental, industrial, animal health, laboratory, retail and health and wellness markets. Medicom distributes infection control products under the Medicom, Ritmed, Ocean Pacific, Kolmi and Hopen brands, as well as under the recently acquired Hedy brand. Medicom operates under the Kolmi-Hopen company in Angers, France, Medicom Asia in Hong Kong and KHM Engineering in Singapore. Medicom has extensive experience in responding to the demand for personal protective equipment in the event of a pandemic. Medicom was founded in 1988 in response to the urgent need for medical gloves for healthcare professionals during the global HIV crisis. Since then, the company has been a reliable supplier of infection control solutions during multiple epidemics, including avian flu, SARS, H1N1 and Ebola. For more information about Medicom and their comprehensive portfolio of infection control solutions, including an extensive range of medical face masks, please visit Medicom.com . SOURCE AMD Medicom Inc. Related Links www.medicom.ca Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 01:01:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DAR ES SALAAM, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian authorities said on Wednesday it will launch a crackdown on sugar traders who have been hiking price. Japhet Hasunga, the Minister for Agriculture, said the crackdown followed complaints from the public that traders sold the commodity higher than the indicative price set by the government. "The crackdown will target one shop after another and traders who are found for hiking price of sugar will face the full force of the law," said Hasunga. "If there are traders who think the crackdown is a joke, let them continue selling the commodity at a high price. They should not blame anyone when they face the music," added the minister. On April 24, the government announced indicative price of the commodity, which is 2,600 Tanzanian shillings (about 1.12 U.S. dollars) a kilogram, after sugar price had gone up. The rise in sugar price was allegedly attributed to traders who had hoarded the commodity in warehouses to create an artificial shortage. Hasunga said Tanzania's sugar demand stood at 470,000 tons a year, while the country's five sugar processing factories had the capacity of producing 378,000 tons in 2019. Enditem The Heads Together campaign set up by Prince William, Prince Harry and Kate Middleton has shown its support for the Black Lives Matter movement. The organisation shared an Instagram post yesterday with resources available to those struggling with mental health and 'needing support' during this time. The social media post gave details of the Shout, the UK's first 24/7 crisis text line, which the Duke, 37, and Duchess of Cambridge, 38, launched last year with the Duke, 35, and Duchess of Sussex, 38. Alongside details, which were posted on a black background, the post read: 'Heads Together stands with the black community. Today and every day. Heads Together, the campaign set up by Prince William, 37, Kate Middleton, 38, and Prince Harry, 35, in 2016, has shown it's support for the Black Lives Matter movement (pictured, the Duchess during a video message for Heads Together last month) The organisation, which the royal family have supported throughout lockdown with video messages and calls, said it stood 'with the black community today and every day' (pictured, the Duke of Cambridge during a video message for Heads Together last month) 'This is a reminder to all that your mental health matters, and our charity partners are there for you if you need support. 'If you or someone you know is feeling distressed, overwhelmed, anxious or panicked, talking can help.' It went on to detail several resources which could be available to those struggling during this period. It continued: 'Text @giveusashoutinsta on 85258 for free and confidential 24/7 support. The organisation shared resources with it's followers as it posted a 'reminder that your mental health matters' on Instagram 'Visit @themixuk for webchat, group chats, discussions boards and more. 'Call @calmzone between 17:00 - midnight any day to talk about what you're going through. ' The post finished: 'Black Lives Matter. Today and every day.' Prince Harry joined Prince William and Kate to launch Heads Together in 2016, with the project remaining one of their shared commitments after Megxit. The mental health campaign encouraged followers to talk if they were feeling 'distressed or overwhelmed' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the joint Royal Foundation with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge last year, but it was said at the time that there would be future collaboration on Heads Together. One of the Heads Together's legacy projects, Shout, a free text messaging service which provides 24/7 support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, was launched last year alongside Meghan Markle, 38. It comes after the The Queen's Commonwealth Trust and The Diana Award have joined forces to show their support for for the Black Lives Matter movement earlier this week. The organisation shared a link to the Shout text messaging service, which was set up by Prince William, Kate, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, 38, last year (pictured, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex meeting volunteers from the service last year) The QCT, which is overseen by the Queen, Prince Harry and Meghan, took to Twitter to share poignant Martin Luther King Jr quote, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The show of unity from social media users around the world has come in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a black man killed by a white policeman in Minnesota who knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes during an arrest over the alleged use of a counterfeit banknote. In highly distressing video footage which emerged last week, the 46-year-old was heard gasping 'I can't breathe' before his death. Protests have taken place across America and beyond after white police officer Derek Chauvin (seen right) knelt on unarmed George Floyd's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds last week, despite Floyd's desperate repeated pleas for help crying, 'I can't breathe'. Floyd (left and right) passed out and later died Protests have taken place across America, Britain and beyond after white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on unarmed George Floyd's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds last week, despite Floyd's desperate repeated pleas for help crying, 'I can't breathe'. Floyd passed out and later died. His death is seen as a symbol of systemic police brutality against African-Americans sparking outrage country-wide. Tens of thousands of people gathered as the National Guard was deployed to over half the states in the country on Sunday for further demonstrations against police brutality. A new University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center study finds that many Kentucky patients with colon cancer are not receiving the recommended standard of care therapy for their disease. Though the state has made great advances in colorectal cancer screening the past two decades, Kentucky continues to rank fifth in the nation for colorectal cancer mortality. Locally advanced colon cancers (LACC) defined as colon cancers with high-risk microscopic features or that have begun spreading via lymph nodes are best treated with multiple modalities. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network practice guidelines recommend surgical removal of the tumor followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for stage IIb, IIc, and stage III colon cancers, which has greatly improved the survival of these patients. Published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, the study examined data for 1,404 Kentucky patients with LACC, gathered from the Kentucky Cancer Registry and insurance billing codes. Results showed that nearly 42% of these patients did not receive the full standard of care therapy, with the vast majority of patients failing to receive their adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery. Among patients who did receive standard of care for colon cancer, the survival rate was 63%; for those who did not comply with the standard of care, the survival rate dropped to 27%. Several independent risk factors were identified for those who did not receive standard of care, including patients age 65 and older, a high comorbidity index (i.e., other serious health issues), disability, Medicaid insurance status, and a moderate to the high poverty level. Dr. Avinash Bhakta, the colorectal cancer surgeon with the UK Markey Cancer Center and lead author on the study, says the study highlights the importance of the adherence to the standard of care for these patients. Many of these characteristics are shared by our Appalachian patient population, which is a vulnerable population here in Kentucky, With this knowledge, the UK Markey Cancer Center and its Affiliate Network are working on measures that will help increase access to a standard of care therapies to this vulnerable population." Dr. Avinash Bhakta, Study Lead Author and Colorectal Cancer Surgeon,University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center The Kumasi Circuit Court presided over by Her Lordship Patricia Amponsah has convicted Ebenezer Osei Bonsu for inflicting open wounds on his three-year-old son. The Police in Ashanti Region arrested the 25-year-old father on 10 May 2020 and charged him for assault and causing harm. The toddler who had his skin shredded up after the accused disciplined him with a wire and belt for being stubborn was also admitted and managed at a health facility in Kumasi. The accused pleaded guilty to the charge; an offence he denied during his first appearance in court on May 14. The counsel for the accused, Samuel Kodua Amofa has apologised to stakeholders involved for the inconvenience caused and pleaded for mercy from the Court for his client. Mr Amofa also wants the Circuit court to be lenient in punishing his client. He explained to Class News' regional correspondent, Maxwell Attah in an interview that his plea will enable the accused person to assume his fathership role adding, we're going to pray and fast; you too join us in the prayer and fasting that the Court will deal leniently with us." "You know, you and I have wronged people before, but the more you insist that you did the right thing, the angrier the person becomes, but once you go to the person and you're able to plead for clemency it helps in one way or the other and we are hoping that the court will take this into consideration when it comes to sentencing," he added. The accused person who failed to meet his bail bond since May 14, will reappear before the court on June 9 for sentencing. ---classfmonline Former Member of Parliament for North Dayi on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr George Loh, has explained that he participated in the Electoral Commission's pilot voter registration exercise on Tuesday to be sure of how the exercise was ongoing. There have been concerns that even though the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was opposed to the new register, it was preparing its members to get ready to register. On social media, some have said Mr Loh's participation in the pilot exercise was a move which, was not in consonance with the position of the NDC. But Mr Loh in a radio interview with Accra based Citi FM on Tuesday evening said his participation in the exercise does not change the position of the NDC. He disagreed with the suggestion that his action was hypocritical to the party's position. Mr Loh is currently the Volta Regional Vice Chairman of the NDC. He participated in the pilot voter registration exercise in the Electoral Commission's office Ho on Tuesday. Asked in the radio interview if his action was not something that indicates he has abandoned his party in the cold in relation to the fight against the new voters register Mr Loh said: "I do not believe that I have said anywhere or our party the National Democratic Congress [NDC] has said anywhere that we have abandoned our position or we have changed our position towards the compliation of a new voters register." "We have remained resolute that it is not a wise decision for the EC to say at this time, that they are going to compile a new voters register. and so it is untrue if anybody says that anybody in the NDC, let alone me, George Loh has abandoned our party's position." He said there was no need to mix the issues because the NDC has not said anywhere that it was abandoning voting in Election 2020 and that the party has said that "at best the EC's option should be a limited registration and not a compilation of a new voters register. "If it is time for limited registration, the EC will use the system, won't they? And so if they are piloting what they say are new machines don't we deserve to know what kind of things they are doing and if there are any hanky panky games we prepare ourselves? So clearly, this thing is funny and all those doing mischief with it should better stop because the card that is being showcased is a dummy card, I cannot use it in any election." "So nobody should walk around with their minds thinking that, yes some people have acquired cards and they are going to participate in the voting that is going to happen in the compilation of a new voters register. This card given me has nothing to do with the new voters register, it is only a pilot of a system they say they are bringing, and some of us wanted to be sure, that yes." Mr Loh said as a Regional Vice Chairman in the Volta Region, he has a responsibility to ensure that proper things are done in the region and that he was called by the Regional Chairman to go and see what was happening there [EC office] and "I went, and so it is part of my official duty to ensure, and I didn't go alone, I went with other officers of the party. But I am saying that as a party, we deserve the right to know what is happening at all material times." 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 3 1 of 3 Tony Gutierrez, STF / Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Kaila Contreras Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Even though coronavirus has robbed seniors of official graduation ceremonies, Houston ISD and the city are teaming up to give the class of 2020 a celebration for the books. High school seniors will gather outside of their campuses in their caps and gowns at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 5, and watch pre-recorded messages from celebrities. When officers arrived, they were told that a man in his 40s had been shot near the corner of Rochester Avenue and Bergen Streets, the entrance of the housing project. But the officers couldnt immediately find the wounded man, because he had crawled away from the place where he had been shot, a police official said. Witnesses told the police that a man with a gun had run up the block, Chief Terence Monahan said at a news conference near the scene less two hours after the incident. After a search, the officers came upon the armed man, who they believed to be the shooter, hiding behind a tree on Bergen Street, the chief said. The man, who was 34 but whose name was not released, pointed his weapon at the responding officers, the police said. For more than a minute, officers ordered the man over and over to drop his weapon in an adrenaline-charged standoff, the chief said. Videos posted on Facebook and Twitter also showed numerous neighbors behind the officers, warning the man, Drop the gun! Davion Pilgrim says There is Still Time for Unity; 16-year Old Talks About the Power of Peace in Protest Tuesday, June 2, Los Angeles City Mayor Garcetti provided updates on the plan to keep the city safe during a time of unrest. Another curfew was set on Tuesday, for the protection of Los Angeles. Garcetti expressed his concerns behind the rage that clashes with the cause of a peaceful protest for the murder of George Floyd. Public officials share the unanimous view, there is a visible injustice that needs to be addressed. But there are outside agitators redirecting the attention away from the main cause for protesting. Over 1,000 arrests have been made between Friday and Tuesday Morning. The main cause of arrest was for looting, vandalism, and property destruction. CNN called the curfews set in L.A. historic and harshest in decades. Across the city, there is a 12-hour boundary set in place, between 6pm to 6am Los Angeles is under high surveillance. Garcetti confirmed curfews will be set day by day, in hopes of the city deescalating. Davion Pilgrim, a 16-year old student from Morning Side High school shared his story of recently being racially profiled and accused of gang affiliation by the police. He is an athlete and president of the youth department at Greater Zion Church in Compton. Losing our lives to police officers is one of our biggest fears that we have in South L.A. Pilgrim continued, This is a hard time, but the good news is there is still time for unity. While I think we should keep protesting and demanding change, theres no need to loot. Pilgrim prays his children is set to go to college, live to see their 21st birthday, and beyond. The mayor followed Pilgrims statement by declaring, justice is earned, there needs to be work done that pushes for progress. Pilgrim promoted Conversations of understanding are needed, Garcetti followed Pilgrims statements by listing disparities seen within African American Communities. Garcetti mentioned he has been talking with elected officials across the country, mapping out a strategy to grow from this moment; that includes looking at the city budget. He is looking to build a foundation to address issues that are heavily layered within the Black American communities for generations. Even within the local government, African American members have been vocal about the current condition and their position in public office. There is a level of paranoia that is induced by racial profiling that happens among Law enforcement. Garcetti advised for Non-Black Angelenos to hear these stories of discrimination and start having those conversations. The discrimination are visible and need to be addressed. There were questions of Chief Moore and the disconnect with the platform the mayor is standing on, Garcetti stated, Ive known this mans heart for decades, he was the person brought in after the Rampart scandal, to clean up that station as the captain. When I heard him say what he said, I knew he did not mean that and know that he corrected it right away. ADVERTISEMENT The mayor referred to the Negro National Anthem to emphasized hope for the country to do better. He shared that he wants to protect all Angelenos. The mayor declared there should be a national hand on calming the uprisings that are happening across the country. 1,000 National Guards are stationed around Los Angeles, from West L.A. to the downtown area. The necessary work needed for changed is a shared responsibility, throughout county officials, budgeting, and increased opportunities within underserved communities. What is being seen in the streets across the nation, is the energy from generations of hurt and anguish forming in the physical world. The narrative behind human beings must change and share a space of unity. The growth starts from the root of political power, tonight the mayor pledged to plant seeds of opportunity, within the following days the mayor said he will look at aspects of L.A. government and see what movements can be made in the right direction. Burma Myanmar Condemns Report on Illegal Teak Exports to EU A Forest Department official inspects illegal teak seized in Rakhine States Taungup Township. / The Irrawaddy Naypyitaw Myanmars Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation has disputed the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)s latest report which claims illegal teak from Myanmar is being shipped to Europe through the black market. All the teak we export is legal, U Kyaw Zaw Oo, the deputy permanent secretary of the ministry, told The Irrawaddy. On May 28, the EIA report, The Croatian Connection Exposed Importing illicit Myanmar teak through Europes back door, says traders are shipping illicit teak into Europe, avoiding import rules to acquire valuable timber for high-paying clients for use in luxury products, like yacht decking. Illegal teak from Myanmar is not allowed to be traded in the European Union under the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) since 2013. The report said the documentation the agency obtained showed that 10 shipments of timber totaling 144 tonnes arrived in Rijeka in Croatia between 2017 and 2019. Invoices put the total value at nearly US$1 million (1.4 billion kyats), although the wood was selling at far higher rates to yacht builders. Alec Dawson, a forestry campaigner at the EIA, told The Irrawaddy that traders throughout Europe are using a Croatian company to land timber and trade it on to them. U Kyaw Zaw Oo called the EIAs claims one-sided, adding that timber export procedures are open to investigation. I can accept if they say we need to make changes to meet their timber regulations. But they said the exports are illegal, prompting us to respond strongly. What they said is wrong, said U Kyaw Zaw Oo. Myanmar is planning to complain through its ambassador to Belgium about the EIAs claims, he said. We oversee timber production and export licenses are issued by the Commerce Ministry. And the Customs Department is responsible for customs duties and clearance. These three agencies will respond through Myanmars ambassador to Belgium. We are collecting data to respond, he said. A retired senior official at the Forest Department, who asked for anonymity, told The Irrawaddy that Myanmar is exporting teak legally. But western governments claim Myanmars teak to be illegal and seize it because they want to put pressures on buyers not to buy teak from Myanmar, he added. He also claimed that the Dutch government arrested the traders who bought teak from Myanmar when State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi defended the lawsuit at the International Court of Justice in The Hague filed by The Gambia against Myanmar for alleged genocide last year. It was politically motivated. [The traders] were arrested in a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of Myanmar. But the teak was imported legally from Croatia and the Czech Republic, said the retired official. A manager of a Yangon-based timber factory said on condition of anonymity that the Forest Department is taking harsh action against the illegal export of teak and only sawn timber can be exported. For the export of sawn timber, companies have to apply to the Myanma Timber Enterprise to certify that their teak is legal. The exporters also have to work with third-party organizations which are trusted by importers in Europe, he said. They are professional organizations with expertise in examining whether timber is legal. The third party examines the tracking data such as when, where and who cut down the trees, and by which routes timber is carried, said the retired forestry officer. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko You may also like these stories: Chinese-Backed Firm Granted Massive Copper and Gold Exploration Permit in Myanmar Opening of the First Airport in Myanmars Chin State Delayed Amid COVID-19 Displaced Children in Western Myanmar Unable to Attend Reopening Schools An entrance for Sungdong Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering headquarters in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, is locked in this March 8, 2018, file photo, after the shipbuilder went into court receivership. The Export-Import Bank of Korea said on May 11 that the receivership has ended and the company was sold to HSG Heavy Industries. Yonhap By Nam Hyun-woo The Korean shipbuilding industry's restructuring is picking up speed, as a growing number of midsize shipbuilders have exited or are attempting to exit from creditors' control. According to the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank), the court receivership of Sungdong Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering ended May 11, following the consent of creditors including the state-run lender. The Eximbank was also the largest stakeholder in Sungdong with 81.25 percent before a sale. Sungdong began a creditor-led restructuring program in March 2010, and went into court receivership in April 2018. Since then, Changwon District Court had three botched attempts to sell Sungdong before selecting HSG Heavy Industries as the preferred bidder in November last year. "Since the 2008 global financial crisis, most of Korea's small- and midsize shipbuilders have changed their portfolio or stopped operations," an Eximbank official said. "Against this backdrop, the successful completion of Sungdong's receivership is becoming a model case for midsize shipbuilders." Along with Sungdong, there are a number of other midsize shipbuilders owned by Eximbank and another state-run lender, the Korea Development Bank (KDB), that have been put on standby for sale. Of these, the KDB is attempting to sell Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction, while Eximbank has put Dae Sun Shipbuilding & Engineering up for sale. Hanjin Heavy said it will put forward an 83.45 percent stake held by domestic and Philippines-based creditors on April 21, and the creditors submitted their agreement to the sale to the KDB, the main and largest creditor stakeholder in Hanjin Heavy with 16.14 percent. The move came after Hanjin Heavy logged a 77.1 billion won operating profit last year, bouncing back from a 66 billion won operating loss in 2018. Dae Sun is also under a similar process. On May 6, Eximbank, which is the largest shareholder with an 83.03 percent stake, made a public announcement about receiving letters of intent from companies interested in purchasing Dae Sun. Eximbank attempted to sell Dae Sun in October 2017, but failed to reach a deal due to price differences. However, industry officials said it will be different this time, because Dae Sun also has been showing signs of a recovery. The shipbuilder posted a 27.99 billion won operating loss in 2017, but turned to an operating profit of 4.2 billion won in 2018 and expanded it to 11.3 billion won last year. Eximbank has already expressed its strong intention to seal a deal, selecting Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers as the lead manager for the sale. It also stated that it will sell the shipbuilder through a "stalking horse offer, meaning Dae Sun will select an initial bidder (a stalking horse bidder) and then launch a public auction so that other bidders cannot underbid the price offered by the initial bidder. The remaining question over the sale attempts is the uncertainty stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak. According to market tracker Clarksons Research, global ship orders in the first four months of this year stood at 3.82 million compensated gross tonnage (CGT), down 61.6 percent from 9.95 million CGT during the same period a year earlier. "Efforts for restructuring of the domestic shipbuilding industry are affected by how the COVID-19 crisis unfolds in the near future," an industry official said. "Given the global shipbuilding industry is facing a downturn in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the sales might not be completed over the short term." Israel has stopped in the last three months deducting Palestinian payouts to families of assailants from the tax revenues it is transferring regularly to Ramallah. According to Israels public radio Kan, six months ago, former Defense Minister Naftali Bennett neglected to present to the Cabinet a report detailing the sums paid by the Palestinian Authority (PA) to families of Palestinian assailants. Without the report, there was no deduction to be approved. And so Israeli authorities stopped deducting these funds, transferring instead the entire tax revenues it collected on behalf of the PA. According to the 1994 Paris Protocol signed between Israel and the PLO, Israel is the one collecting tax revenues of imported goods on behalf of the Palestinians. But in 2018, Israels parliament adopted a controversial law, enabling it to deduct stipends from tax revenues the PA offers monthly to families of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel or killed while perpetrating an act of terror. Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman and Likud Knesset member Avi Dichter were the ones who pushed the bill, with Liberman labeling it the Pay to Slay law. When the PA confirmed that this was the case and that it received the full due tax revenues, right-wing parliamentarians became furious. Dichter said the law recommends the prime minister deduct, although it does not force him to do so; this explanation only exasperated tensions. Knesset member Elazar Stern, also one of the people behind the 2018 law, sent an official letter to the Knessets Security Affairs Committee chair Zvi Hauser, urgently demanding a meeting on the issue. At that point, the government realized it must react. The Prime Minister's Office stated on July 3 that the delay in implementing the law was not due to a "change in attitude" and that the government would act according to the law. Another message to the media indicated that the Cabinet will discuss the matter, but no specific date was mentioned. For the moment, it is still unclear why Bennett did not submit the report. When Israel first introduced the law, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced he would not accept the deduced sum. In October 2019, then-Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, together with Palestinian Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh and Palestinian Finance Minister Shukri Bishara, cobbled together a partial solution, which involved granting a tax exemption on gasoline that the PA buys from Israel. Moody's Investor Service has downgraded the long-term issuer ratings of oil marketing companies (OMCs) including Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Oil India Limited (OIL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The outlooks on these ratings are negative, the agency said on Tuesday. On Monday, Moody's downgraded India's sovereign rating for the first time in 22 years by a notch to 'Baa3', which is the lowest investment grade, just a notch above junk status. The rapid and widening spread of the coronavirus outbreak, deteriorating global economic outlook, volatile oil prices and asset price declines are creating a severe and extensive credit shock across many sectors, regions and markets, said Moody's. ALSO READ: Coronavirus effect: Moody's takes ratings action on 11 banks; downgrades SBI, HDFC, IndusInd, EXIM Bank "In accordance with the Regulation 30 read with Part A of Schedule III of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015, it is hereby notified that Credit Rating agency Moody's has revised the credit rating of Indian Oil's debt instrument viz. "Senior unsecured debt-foreign currency from "Baa2" to "Baa3"," IOCL said in a regulatory filing on Wednesday. "Moody's Investor Service, an international credit rating agency for our Foreign Currency (USD) denominated notes, has vide its press release dated 2nd June 2020, revised the foreign currency issuer and senior unsecured debt rating of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited to "Baa3" with Negative Outlook," HPCL said. Meanwhile, Moody's also downgraded ratings of eight non-financial companies, including Infosys, TCS, ONGC, and 11 banks, including SBI, HDFC Bank and EXIM. It also downgraded seven Indian infrastructure issuers, including NTPC, NHAI, GAIL and Adani Green Energy Restricted Group, by one notch. Issuer ratings of IRFC and HUDCO have also been lowered. ALSO READ: Moody's downgrades TCS, Infosys; affirms RIL's rating with negative outlook With regard to ratings of banks, Moody's has downgraded the long-term local and foreign currency deposit ratings of HDFC Bank and SBI to Baa3 from Baa2, and the long-term issuer rating of EXIM India to Baa3 from Baa2, with negative outlook. Moody's has placed the Baa3 long-term local and foreign currency deposit ratings of Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank and Union Bank of India and their BCAs under review for downgrade. The agency has downgraded IndusInd's long-term local and foreign currency deposit ratings, with a negative outlook. ALSO READ: State Bank of India share gains 5% despite Moody's downgrade Italy has reopened its borders to tourists from Europe, three months after they were shut as the country went into coronavirus lockdown. From today, travellers from most other European countries will be allowed in with no quarantine and people will be allowed to move freely between regions. Three airports - Rome, Milan and Naples - will resume international arrivals, with flights scheduled to depart from Heathrow and Manchester today. Italy has reopened its borders to tourists from Schengen-zone countries and the UK from today, with no quarantine restrictions in place (pictured, tourists at the Coliseum in Rome) Italy is trying to salvage its lucrative summer tourist season by allowing travellers from Europe into the country without restrictions starting today (pictured, a tour guide in Rome) However, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office still advises against all-but essential travel abroad. Travellers also face being quarantined for 14 days on arrival back in the UK, though those rules will only apply from June 8. Before then, travellers are merely being asked to quarantine with no spot-checks or penalties for breaking the rules. Once in Italy, travellers will face restrictions imposed on all Italians which include observing social distance, wearing a mask in public, and a ban on large gatherings. Italy, like many other European countries, is desperately trying to revive its tourism industry in time for the lucrative summer season. But there are fears that the country's role as a former epicentre of the virus, along with restrictions in other countries, will stop travellers from coming. Italy was the first European country to be hit hard by the coronavirus and has officially reported more than 33,000 deaths. Travellers will not be forced to quarantine on arrival, but will be asked to follow social distancing rules and to wear a mask in public at all times (pictured, a man at Fiumicino airport) An airport security member wears a protective face mask at Fiumicino airport, as it prepares to accept travellers when lockdown rules relax today Passengers wearing protective face masks stand with their luggage at Fiumicino Airport as Italy eases its lockdown measures further It imposed an economically crippling lockdown in early March and has since seen its contagion numbers drop off dramatically. With the country facing its deepest recession since World War II, it needs foreigners to return, and quickly. But it is still reporting dozens of new cases a day, particularly in the northern Lombardy region, and experts warn the government may be being hasty in permitting travel between regions and abroad. International flights were only expected to resume in three main cities: Milan, Rome and Naples. And there were concerns that those who usually come in by car, train or ferry from neighbouring countries would go elsewhere on their holidays. Switzerland has warned its citizens that if they go to Italy they will be subject to 'health measures' on their return. The country will open its borders with Germany, France and Austria on June 15, but not with Italy. Austria is lifting restrictions in mid-June with Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary - but again, not Italy, described last week by Vienna's health minister as 'still a hotspot'. Other countries, such as Belgium and Britain, are still advising against, or forbidding, all non-essential travel abroad. In response to perceived anti-Italian sentiment, Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio has warned countries not to treat Italy 'like a leper'. Travel restrictions between Italian regions have also been dropped, allowing people to move around freely and without a permit A railway worker checks the temperatures of arriving passengers at Milan's main train station after restrictions on travel between regions were dropped He said Saturday he would be travelling to Germany, Slovenia and Greece to persuade them Italy is safe for foreign tourists. Arrivals in Italy from Europe will not be required to self-isolate unless they have recently travelled from another continent. Italy's lockdown has had a particularly devastating effect on the tourism sector, which amounts to some 13 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Historic sites were shut, restaurants closed, and hotels were used to care for coronavirus sick. Restaurants, cafes and beach establishments have slowly reopened over the past two weeks - although the government has said it reserves the right to impose localised lockdowns if it sees contagion numbers rise. But only 40 of Rome's 1,200 hotels have reopened, the Corriere della Sera newspaper said Monday, and just a dozen in Milan. It costs too much to open them if they will just stand empty. 'My hoteliers all want to reopen, but as long as the borders remain closed, it's not possible,' Marco Michielli, deputy head of hoteliers' association Federalberghi, said Saturday. Italy's national tourism agency (ENIT) said some 40 percent of Italians traditionally travel abroad for their holidays, but could be forced this year to vacation at home, helping local businesses. That may be little comfort to those running the country's costly historic sites, because most of the tens of thousands of visitors that usually flock daily to the Tower of Pisa, Pantheon or Pompeii come from abroad. Mark Cuban says it's "a moral imperative" for white people in America to change their behaviors and mindsets in order to address racism. "Dear White People: We are the ones that need to change," the billionaire owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks wrote in a tweet on Monday. Cuban's tweet also included a link to an open letter written by Emerson College president M. Lee Pelton, who is a black man. The letter discusses Pelton's personal experiences with racism in American and the "persistent structural racism that under girds American society and permits the police and others to kill black people." "This is not one man's story," Cuban wrote in the tweet, referring to Pelton's letter. "This is almost every black man's story. Which is why the problem is ours. We need to find OUR way to change what we do. There is no quick fix. It's a moral imperative." TWEET Cuban previously joined a handful of Mavericks players over the weekend in Dallas at a gathering to protest police brutality and honor the memory of George Floyd, the 46-year-old black man who died in May after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Floyd's death, which has been ruled a homicide by an official autopsy and resulted in charges being brought against four Minnesota police officers, sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country. Asia faces a wave of instability unless it unites on trade, stimulus, travel and the development of a vaccine for the coronavirus, according to prominent former government officials from across the region. As Beijing reportedly threatens to renege on key components of its phase-one trade deal with Washington and Hong Kong and the United States grapple with escalating protests, a group that includes former officials from Indonesia, China and Australia has called for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to convene an urgent regional leaders' summit. Pro-democracy supporters scuffle with riot police during a rally in Hong Kong. Credit:Getty The summit would focus on six key immediate steps to drive co-operation, including the development and equitable distribution of vaccines, treatments and testing kits, expanding bilateral currency swap deals and the finalisation of the Regional Comprehensive and Economic Partnership, a European Union-style trade deal across Asia. It has also raised the possibility of an international travel bubble within Asia similar to the arrangements Australia is working on with New Zealand to help kickstart international commerce and tourism. Chief Justice (CJ) Akwasi Anin-Yeboah has given an assurance that more court buildings will be constructed during his tenure. According to him, he has carefully analyzed and realized that the number of courts in the country is not enough to promote the justice delivery system. In this regard, the CJ has said he has made it his personal policy to ensure that more modern court buildings are constructed to boost justice delivery. According to him, the justice delivery system in the country will experience massive transformation when more court buildings are built in the various districts. Justice Anin-Yeboah made the announcement when he cut the tape to open a modern court complex faculty at Akropong in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District. The traditional leaders at Akropong provided the land, and the Atwima Nwabiagya North District Assembly offered some support to put up the court building. He lauded the Akropong chiefs and the district assembly for a good job done and entreated other chiefs and assemblies to learn from them. Our revered chiefs should provide lands for court buildings, and the various assemblies should also offer logistical support, the CJ said. He stated that access to justice delivery is key to help maintain law and order and also accelerate national development, so we need more courts. Justice Anin-Yeboah said he was thrilled with the imposing court building at Akropong, giving an assurance that the court would be upgraded to a circuit court soon. The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, on his part, admonished the managers and users of the new court to take good care of it, so it would last long. The Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Benito Owusu-Bio, in his succinct remarks, said government was committed to promoting justice for all, thereby leading to national growth. The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Rebecca Yeboah, stated that bringing justice delivery on the doorstep of the ordinary Ghanaian was key to development. Nana Sarfo Kantanka, Chief of Akropong; Nana Amoapim Brenya I, Chief of Barekese; and Kaleem Abdallah, the Atwima Nwabiagya North District Coordinating Director, were there. ---Daily Guide Photograph: Patrick Semansky/AP Donald Trump has been railing against vote by mail for the past few months falsely citing the potential for voter fraud, which is extremely rare. As it turns out, the president himself bungled the system. Trump registered to vote in Florida last September under his White House address 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, according to the Washington Post. But Florida does not allow people to register to vote without an in-state address, and one month later, Trump resubmitted his application with a Florida address and voted in the Republican primary. Related: Trump threatens to cut states' election funding over false claims of voter fraud On his registration form, Trump told Florida officials his legal residence was in Washington DC but on another day also said he was a bona fide resident of Palm Beach, Florida, home to his Mar-a-Lago Club, according to the public records reviewed by the Post. Other voters have faced significant consequences for the same mistake. In fact, as some Democrats pointed out, the same issue is listed on White House website as voter fraud. Beyond Trump's dangerous, dishonest claims of widespread voter fraud, it's really rich because the WH website uses the case of someone trying to vote at their second home as an example of voter fraud! https://t.co/syhg4fsehh pic.twitter.com/pEIyXy89Ck American Bridge (@American_Bridge) June 3, 2020 A city manager in Florida paid $5,000 in fines for putting the wrong address on her registration, as did a restaurateur in Palm Beach county. Florida Republicans also challenged state Democrats in 2018 in a vote-by-mail investigation, but the state found there was no fraud. Florida also tossed out thousands of mail-in ballots for supposedly having signatures that did not match original registration forms. Meanwhile, Democrats and some Republicans have called on states to ease vote-by-mail restrictions amid the pandemic. Tuesdays primary election showed people waiting in line for hours in cities such as Washington DC, some of whom had not received absentee ballots in time. If this happens in November, election officials fear the public could be at risk for contracting Covid-19, as some did in Florida and Wisconsin during elections earlier this year. Teenagers with autism are heavily over-represented in gender clinics, figures show, as an expert warned it could lead to mental health problems. In Australia's busiest gender clinic for young people, 45 per cent of 383 patients show 'mild to severe' autism features. Those patients, at the clinic in the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, have an average age of just under 14, with 275 of them being born female. Just three per cent of Australia's young people are thought to be autistic, compared to 45 per cent of the clinic's patients. Expert Tony Attwood, author of a book known as the 'Asperger's bible', said the over-representation could lead to health problems in future years, but could be a success if treatment is done in an 'unhurried' way. Experts have discovered higher numbers of children seeking treatment for gender dysphoria have autism than in the general population (stock image) 'Once theyve changed gender, they still have autism and when (gender) transition doesnt solve their problems they think, "oh no, that was the only option I had, whats the point of life?",' he told The Australian. He explained that some young people with autism could be 'impulsive' and see being transgender as a way of 'fixing' their condition. But if they still felt the same way, even after treatment was completed, they may fall into 'depression', he warned. Professor Attwood, a psychologist based in Brisbane, explained: 'One of the characteristics of autism is what we call a one-track mind. 'And sometimes the issue of gender dysphoria (discomfort with ones body) and changing gender becomes a special interest with a phenomenal knowledge and determination.' Michelle Telfer (pictured, left) of the gender clinic in at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, which expert Tony Attwood (right) said may not be the answer for autistic youths Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital (pictured) has a gender clinic, where 45 per cent of patients have autistic characteristics He called for an inquiry and specialist research to be undertaken to assess the psychological outcomes of sex-change treatment. Previous studies have found that a strong like between gender dysphoria, which is when a person doesn't feel that their gender identity matches with their biological sex, and autism. Experts have suggested that gender dysphoria is present in between 5 and 7 per cent of autistic young people, compared to just 1 per cent in the general population. But others have argued it is 'over-represented'. WHAT IS GENDER DYSPHORIA? Gender dysphoria is the distress felt by people whose sense of being male or female differs from the gender they are assigned at birth based on their sex. For some people, the difference between their gender identity and physical characteristics can cause significant and persistent emotional distress. The terms transgender or gender diverse are often used to describe these identities. About 1.2 per cent of Australian school children (about 45,000 children) are thought to identify as transgender. Source: Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Advertisement Speaking to an inquiry in June, clinic director Michelle Telfer said many of her recent intake were female-born patients wanted 'top surgery' - involving mastectomies. She explained her patients often said 'I dont need to talk about this any more, I just actually need to transition (with medical intervention)'. At a similar gender clinic at Perth Children's Hospital, with an average age of just under 15, nearly 50 per cent had mild to severe autistic features. Another specialist clinic at Queensland Childrens Hospital said it didn't have data on the matter. Transgender individuals are more at risk from mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and suicide. Top American doctor Johanna Olson-Kennedy has previously pointed at cases where 'symptoms of autism go away when (patients) are affirmed in their (self-identified) gender'. It comes after some of Australia's top psychologists called for transgender children to be able to undergo surgery without their parents' permission. The Australian Psychological Society, which represents 24,000 professionals, says the disapproval of both parents should not inhibit a child under 16 from consenting to procedures. The deputy prime minister of Libyas UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) has arrived in Moscow for talks, according to Russias RIA news agency. Ahmed Maetigs visit came on Wednesday, two days after the GNA and the rival self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) of renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar agreed on Monday to restart ceasefire talks. The eastern-based Haftar forces have been waging an offensive since April 2019 to seize the capital Tripoli, the seat of the GNA. Haftar is backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia, while the GNA is supported by Turkey, Qatar and Italy. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied involvement. Russian fighters The presence of the Russian fighters has been widely documented by diplomats and journalists, and photographs purporting to show Russians in Bani Walid have been posted on social media. According to a leaked United Nations report, Russian private military contractor Wagner Group deployed about 1,200 mercenaries to Libya to strengthen Haftars forces. They have been identified by their equipment, typically reserved for Russias armed forces. UN monitors identified more than two dozen flights between Russia and eastern Libya from August 2018 to August 2019 by civilian aircraft strongly linked to or owned by Wagner Group a Russian paramilitary organisation seen as close to President Vladimir Putin or related companies. Across the Wagner Group, personnel are predominantly Russian, but also include citizens of Belarus, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine, the UN report said. Police said only one of the three men said they had attended the protests that had swept the city earlier that day. They did not say which man it was. One witness said he was visiting from Tennessee and staying with his father, who lives near where the shooting unfolded. This witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he heard a loud siren about 1:30 a.m. and heard tires screech and a car door slam. He looked outside and saw two police officers get out of a car and approach a group of men as if the officers planned to search the men. Suddenly, both officers backed off quickly and the witness saw at least one muzzle flash. He said he heard five to six shots. I dont know who shot first, he said. Lisa Kirk, who lives in an apartment near the scene, said she awoke to the sound of sirens, looked outside and heard gunshots in the area of SunTrust Mortgage. There were three shots very, very quickly in a row, she said. A police officer kept saying, Get in your car, get in your car. Then the cavalry arrived from every direction. Some of the police cars jumped the median on Semmes Avenue, and the officers blocked off surrounding streets, she said. The income tax department has specified the jurisdiction of officers in its international taxation wing under whom the companies would be assessed for 2 percent equalisation levy, commonly known as 'digital tax'. Over two dozen non-resident tech companies would come under the purview of the equalisation levy as proposed in 2020-21 Budget. It came into effect from April 1, 2020 and its first instalment is due on July 7. The 2 percent tax would be levied on consideration received by e-commerce operators from e-commerce supply or services. Experts said as the first due date for payment of the equalisation levy is fast approaching, the income tax authorities seem to be working steadily towards the implementation of this new tax and chances of its deferment look bleak. "Equally important would be for the government to clear air on tangled issues such as need for non-resident e-commerce operators to have income tax registration in India for payment of equalisation levy, application of levy on gross consideration or commission income for platform based business models and corresponding exemption under the Income Tax Act to avoid double taxation," Nangia Andersen LLP Partner Sandeep Jhunjhunwala said. In an order dated May 29, the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (International Taxation) authorised Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax (ACIT) / Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax (DCIT) as the Assessing Officer and specified their jurisdiction in respect of assessees for the purpose of equalisation levy. Equalisation levy was first introduced by the Finance Act, 2016, at the rate of 6 percent on payments for digital advertisement services received by non-resident companies without a permanent establishment (PE) here, if these exceeded Rs 1 lakh a year. The Budget 2020-21 expanded its scope to include consideration received by non-resident e-commerce operators from e-commerce supply or services. The rate applicable was set at 2 percent. This came as a surprise to the international trade partners of the country. Last month, a group of nine business bodies, representing mostly American, European, Australian and Asian companies, had written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking deferment of the 2 percent tax imposed on non-resident e-commerce companies by nine months due to the crisis triggered by COVID-19. Non-resident e-commerce operators are those firms that sell goods and services to Indian residents online, but do not have presence in India. Meanwhile, the US has decided to start an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act, 1974, into the digital services taxes that have been adopted or are being considered by a number of countries, including India, to "unfairly" target American tech companies. Other countries against whom the investigations might be initiated include Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the European Union, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the UK. Digital tax has been a vexed issue globally in recent years. OECD has produced multiple papers and alternatives for digital taxation but no consensus has been reached on the matter. In the absence of any multilateral or globally agreed upon approach, countries have started imposing digital tax in different ways on a unilateral basis. France had in 2019 introduced a similar levy on digital transactions which resulted in the US imposing higher tariffs on import of French products like wine and cheese. France agreed to put the levy on hold and enter into a multilateral discussion and negotiate at the OECD level, experts said. Jhunjhunwala said India's equalisation levy brings with itself complex questions and ambiguities, including the possibility of double taxation of income in the absence of access to foreign tax credit as per tax treaties. "With approximately USD 27 billion worth service exports to India in 2019, USA is the most affected stakeholder by this new tax regime. "The current investigation has invited public comments and will primarily deal with issues like unreasonableness of tax policies, diverging provisions from US tax laws, extra-territorial rights and whether the digital tax mechanism is being used to penalise technology giants for their atypical success graph or for being crisis-proof in current times. "India is racing towards becoming a digital giant, and one needs to wait to see if the details of this new levy would be negotiated to avoid any hurdles in its implementation," Jhunjhunwala said. I don't have much more to say about it other than to marvel at the sheer "what-the-fuck-itude" of it all. The past few months have been exhausting, and there's no sign of things letting up any time soon. If Back To The Future were made today then the entire movie would center around Doc Brown going back only weeks at a time to correct the various shitstorms of our current moment. Or maybe he'd just take a missile to the face from one of those Libyan terrorists and be done with it. It's just all so damn much. Like, off the top of your head, do you remember what happened in 2011? Is that when Breaking Bad ended? I honestly don't remember. I'm sure there were major cultural events, but for the life of me, I can't recall anything before whatever insane headline occurred this morning. Oh, look, here's more potential conflict with Iran. I'm sure this will go well. Continue Reading Below Advertisement 2020 will live in our memories for the rest of our lives, and the worst part of all is that with the election coming up in November, there's no way that any of this slows down. People were half-jokingly calling pre-quarantine "the before time." What now? Is that the "before before time"? Are we going to be five befores deep by election day? The tensions are only going to rise, and the news cycle is only going to accelerate. So buckle up, because while life right now might feel like taking a bubble-bath with Satan, in a couple of months, this might be considered "the good old days." Support Dan on Twitter and he will talk about his life with you in lieu of getting a therapist. He also hosts The Bachelor Zone Podcast, where you can hear him give a sports-style breakdown of all things happening on The Bachelor. Top Image: Rosa Pineda/Wiki Commons, Adoscam/Wiki Commons WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. When the pandemic forced StrandzandThreadz to close its doors to customers, Stefanie Griffith and her sisters werent thrilled but they were ready. They spun up a shopping site on the southern Indiana salon, spa and boutiques website and linked it to Facebook and Instagram. If location, location, location is the key to successful retail business, the social media feeds of StrandzandThreadz became more valuable online real estate after Griffith attended two workshops in Purdue Universitys Digital Ready Businesses series and began applying what she learned. We really didnt have a good social media presence at the time, said Griffith, whose business is located physically in New Albany, Indiana. We doubled, probably tripled, Facebook. Meanwhile, their Instagram audience grew from 200 to 1,700. Purdue is now making the Digital Ready Businesses workshop series available in an online format that allows participants to learn where and when its convenient. The entry-level workshops are designed to provide small businesses, entrepreneurs and community organizations with basic knowledge they need to establish an effective online presence. If you dont have an online presence today, youre not going to be able to compete or perform at the level you could, said Roberto Gallardo, director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development. People hear about these things but are not comfortable enough to go forward. These workshops can get them ready to dive in. Participants can work through the lessons they want or complete the whole series. Completing the series leads to Digital Ready Businesses certification from Purdue. The eight workshops, each about an hour to an hour and a half long, are: Claiming Your Bubble: Learn how to stake a claim and build and manage a bubble for your business on map platforms like Google Maps and review sites like Yelp. Planning Your Website: Learn what goes into planning and designing a website including key concepts, formats and content considerations. Introduction to Email Marketing: Learn how to reach customers inboxes by learning the basics of email marketing, key terms and essentials. Email Marketing Analytics: Learn how to evaluate your email reach by understanding key indicators of effective email marketing, including conversion and return on investment. Social Media Introduction and Platforms: Learn what social media is, whats available, how it differs from other digital platforms, and identify the platform or platforms most suitable for your business. Social Media Planning and Content: Learn about a six-step social media planning tool, the benefits of social media and best practices for social media content. Social Media Analytics and Marketing: Learn about key analytics concepts for evaluating your social media reach, paid marketing, Facebook Insights, and ad campaigns. Business Intelligence: Learn basic concepts behind artificial intelligence and how your business might take advantage of this technology in the future. For more information on Purdues Digital Ready Businesses workshop series, visit https://www.eventreg.purdue.edu/info/digital-ready-business. The workshops are $50 each for Indiana residents or $250 as a package of eight; $55 and $300 for out-of-state residents. Purdue has been offering the workshops at in-person training sessions around the state of Indiana since 2018 and also has developed a self-contained mobile app. Participants can mix and match either of those options with the new online program or do the workshops entirely online. Were trying to be as flexible as we can because we know people are busy, says Emily Del Real, program coordinator at Purdues Center for Regional Development. Purdue has presented more than 100 of the in-person workshops. As a result of implementing digital business practices learned at the sessions, participants surveyed reported increases in their customer bases and customer engagement, along with increased sales. They also reported being able to create new jobs or retain existing jobs. In addition to businesses, the workshops have proven popular with community organizations such as libraries, parks departments, tourism agencies and historical societies. Griffith, who completed two of the social media workshops, said she picked up valuable tips such as how often to post on different platforms and the need for having a theme in Instagram posts. But her most valuable pickup may have been a template Purdue provides to guide organizations through the planning required to make social media pay off. You dont just post randomly, Griffith said. Youve got to have a plan. Writer: Greg Kline, 765-494-8167, gkline@purdue.edu Sources: Roberto Gallardo, robertog@purdue.edu Emily Del Real, edelreal@purdue.edu Lewis brings more than 20 years of senior management experience to EDCO, including finance, engineering and manufacturing, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Trex Commercial Products Inc., a building products manufacturer. Previously, Lewis served as Chief Financial Officer for HelpSystems, LLC. In addition, Lewis currently serves as an independent director of several manufacturing and technology businesses. "I am honored and excited to lead the EDCO team," said John G. Lewis. "Over its nearly 75-year history, the company has established an unmatched reputation for product quality, performance and innovation. From this solid foundation, we will strive to become the preferred brand of exterior building solutions for consumers and home builders nationwide." Nancy M. Dahl has served as EDCO's Interim President and CEO since January of 2020. Dahl has been an instrumental member of EDCO's Board of Directors since the Fall of 2013. She will transition back to the board of directors and serve as Chairman of the Board, replacing the retiring long-time board member Steve Broz. "I am excited about the future growth opportunity under John's Leadership," said Nancy M. Dahl. "His knowledge of the industry, experience as a CEO/President and Board Director together with his love for private family owned businesses will ensure EDCO continues to build momentum." Over the course of his career, Lewis has demonstrated a proven track record of successfully building and growing businesses across a variety of industries including building materials, metal fabrication, consumer products, software and wireless communications. Lewis holds a master's degree in business administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. About EDCO Products, Inc. Headquartered in Hopkins Minnesota, EDCO Products Inc. is one of the largest privately held manufacturers of pre-finished exterior building materials in the United States. Named the 2018 Manufacturer of the Year by the Minnesota Manufacturing Alliance, EDCO designs and manufactures a full-line of siding, roofing, soffit, and rainware products. They have established distributor partnerships across the United States and Canada. EDCO was founded in 1946 by the enterprising Edwards family who capitalized on a strong demand for affordable building materials in the wake of WWII. For close to 75 years, EDCO continues to set the standard for quality, service, and innovation. More information about EDCO Products Inc. can be found on our website: edcoproducts.com SOURCE EDCO Products Related Links http://www.edcoproducts.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 20:46:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's Ministry of Defense on Wednesday held a handover ceremony to receive medical supplies donated by China's Ministry of National Defense. Malaysian Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob received the donations from Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian at the ceremony, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the medical equipment will aid its frontliners in their fight against the COVID-19 outbreak. The aid includes surgical masks, gloves, personal protection equipment (PPE), among others, and had arrived in Malaysia in May, according to the statement. Malaysia's Ministry of Defense expressed appreciation to China for the medical supplies and its continuous support to join Malaysia's efforts in fight against COVID-19, it added. Enditem (Natural News) Days after slapping a fact check label to a pair of tweets from President Donald Trump, social media network Twitter went after Rep. Matt Gaetz. On Monday, the social media service placed a warning label to obscure a post from the Florida Republican, which suggested that antifa terrorists be treated the same way as those in the Middle East. Now that we clearly see Antifa as terrorists, can we hunt them down like we do those in the Middle East? Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) June 1, 2020 Any tweet that gets a label warning that it had violated Twitters rules about glorifying violence and will require users to click a View button to see the tweets contents on the app. This also prevents people from liking or retweeting the post to prevent it from being amplified. A Twitter spokesman confirmed the censure, telling the New York Times that the tweet is in violation of our glorification of violence policy. Gaetz sharply criticized the move, saying that the social media service did not flag a tweet from Colin Kaepernick that openly called for revolting as the only logical reaction. In comparison, Gaetzs tweet only called for antifa terrorists to be treated with racial equality, given their role in the riots. Aside from calling out Twitters duplicitous policy, he also called for government action, saying that the matter will be brought up to the Judiciary Committee. (Related: Matt Gaetz: Twitter ought to look in the mirror for inciting violence with Black Lives Matter, Antifa.) Twitter has no problem with this incitement of violence. I called for government action against terrorists, and they deemed that naughty. Feels good to virtue signal now twitter. But this will be hard to explain later. See you in the Judiciary Committee. https://t.co/RzD15r5pZE Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) June 2, 2020 Twitter is on the warpath against conservatives Gaetzs claim that Twitter is censoring conservative users while ignoring calls for violence and criminal behavior from pro-riot users isnt without merit. The social media service has allowed posts that call for looting and violence to remain over the weekend, including those that have led to real-life attacks. His claim that compared antifa to terrorists is also the official view held by both the White House and the Attorney General. On Sunday, White House spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News that the group will be prosecuted as a domestic terrorism entity under a law and order president like Trump. Meanwhile, Attorney General Willian Barr said that antifa violence is domestic terrorism and will be treated accordingly. President Donald Trump the leader of the Free World was among those slapped with a fact check label over tweets that expressed concerns about mail-in ballots, in particular, their vulnerability to voter fraud. Its worth noting that the label urges users to get the facts about mail-in ballots and by facts, it means tweets and links handpicked by employees. These so-called facts were a scattershot collection of articles from CNN, the Washington Post and other left-leaning outlets. Its also worth noting that Trump is the only world leader to have his tweets undergo a fact check with a hard leftist as part of the team, writes Sohrab Ahmari in an op-ed for the New York Post. According to Ahmari, the hard leftist is Yoel Roth, the sites head of integrity with a lengthy history of anti-Trump rhetoric. Roth has previously compared Trump and his team to actual Nazis, says Fox News. He has also lashed out against the presidents supporters, saying: We fly over those states that voted for a racist tangerine for a reason. Last August, Twitter most likely under Roths direction suspended Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells Twitter account. Previously, he had referred to McConnel as a personality-free bag of farts. In addition, Roth had previously expressed support for Hillary Clinton, tweeting: Ive never donated to a presidential campaign before, but I just gave $100 to Hillary for America. We cant fu-k around anymore. Sources include: Breitbart.com NYTimes.com Twitter.com 1 Twitter.com 2 NYPost.com FoxNews.com Gandhinagar, June 3 : The Gujarat High Court, on Wednesday, rejected the temporary bail application of godman Asaram, convicted in a rape case, citing the gravity of the offences he was involved in and also a strong possibility of his huge number of followers aggravating the Covid-19 situation if he was released. Gujarat High Court Justice A.S. Supehia rejected the temporary bail application of Asaram. Putting forward the application for Asaram, who is in judicial custody and lodged in Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan, advocate Mita Panchal sought temporary bail citing the present global pandemic and the High Court and the Supreme Court's orders with regard to the Covid-19 situation. Asaram's Counsel had also submitted that he is suffering from various ailments and he is an old man of 84 years of age. Some of the inmates of Jodhpur jail had contracted the Coronavirus and there was every possibility that Asaram might also get infected, the plea said. Opposing the bail, Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) said that the accused,had also sought regular bail and the apex court had rejected his application. Further, the Rajasthan Jail authorities were taking ample precautions against Covid-19 situation. The High Court, in its order, observed that Asaram was involved in very serious offences under the section 376 (2)(c), 377, 354, 357, 342, 346, 506(2) and 120 (B) of the IPC. Further, his regular bail was also not granted by the apex court. Asaram's case also did not fall under any of the categories mentioned in the guidelines issued by the High Powered Committee for Covid-19 pandemic. Rejecting the bail application, the court also noted that the applicant had made an averment that Asaram had a large following in India as well as abroad. The high court observed that looking at that, if he was released on bail, thousands of his followers might congregate in large numbers and thereby aggravate the distressing situation of Covid-19. Summerside, P.E.I., has announced where its new 3D crosswalks will go. Last month, the city announced plans to introduce the crosswalks, painted for a three-dimensional effect, which they hope will catch drivers' attention and improve safety. Germany, France and Iceland, as well as the city of Montreal, have all tried the 3D painting. Three locations were picked during a meeting of city council Tuesday night. 3D sidewalks will be installed at Central Street and Maple Avenue near the city's splash pad at Leger Park, MacEwen Road and Carol Avenue at an existing crosswalk location next to the People's Cemetery, as well as on Greenwood Drive where it intersects with the Confederation Trail. 'As little disruption as possible' Coun. Justin Doiron said they wanted locations that will have the most impact. Tom Steepe/CBC "We wanted to choose locations recommended by management that didn't really have anything in place now," Doiron told CBC News. "There's some crosswalks out there currently that have some flashing lights, some overhead lights. There's also a few that have the orange flags that you would pick up and indicate to traffic that you want to cross." The new sidewalks should be painted soon. Doiron said it could take up to a full day to paint the new sidewalks so the city will look at carrying out the work in the evening or possibly on a Sunday. "The last thing we want to do is shut down traffic at eight or nine in the morning during the week," he said. "It will take some planning but we're going to try to do it with as little disruption as possible." City to study the impact That additional time will also mean additional costs for the city. The city will have crews and flaggers out much longer than if it was painting a traditional sidewalk. The city will also have to order different colour paints to create the 3D effect. Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press The city has been discussing ways to improve crosswalk safety. They have put flags at some intersections. Rapid flash beacons where pedestrians press a button to activate a flashing light have been installed at other intersections. Story continues Doiron said they will study the impact the new sidewalks has on drivers and pedestrians before deciding if they want to expand the number of 3D sidewalks in the city. "If it goes well, and it's received well, then certainly there's the option next year and in years to come to either add some new locations or improve these ones." More from CBC P.E.I. We have a number of students in this city and across this country who are asking, How relevant is this education, that you say I need, to where I am and to my future? said Eric Rowe, principal at PREP Academy in Denver, a 25-year educator and veteran of schools in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., St. Louis and Kenya. In education, were talking to them about college and career prep, and many of them are wondering where the next meal is coming from, or where theyre going to sleep that night or that week. Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague has revealed her dog has died, six days after welcoming the pup into her home after receiving him for her 21st birthday present. Last Tuesday, her co-star boyfriend Tommy Fury gifted Mr Chai to the reality star before they received him from Russia on Friday - however the heartbroken reality star has now announced the tragic news about his passing. In a lengthy statement, the star penned: 'Tommy and I are utterly heartboken and shocked to even be writing this. Our beautiful new puppy Mr Chai was taken ill in the last few days and tragically has passed away.... Heartbroken: Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague has revealed her dog has died, six days after welcoming the pup into her home after receiving him for her 21st birthday present 'Chai became out whole world in the short time we had him and we couldn't have taken any better care of him. We loved him so much and he brought us more happieness than we can describe... 'We are really hoping that we can get some clearer answers in the coming days whilst we wait for details and more information from the veterinary experts. Myself and Tommy are completely in shock and truly devastated.' In a nod to the global coronavirus pandemic and the shocking protests in the US following the death of George Floyd, Molly-Mae conceded that there are 'bigger things in the world, but still voiced her deep sadness. She went on: 'In a world currently full of tragedy and loss, we understand there are far far greater issues that this, we just need to share this information in order to start the process of trying to accept and overcome this awful situation... Shock: Last Tuesday, her co-star boyfriend Tommy Fury gifted Mr Chai to the reality star before they took him home on Friday - however the heartbroken reality star has now announced the tragic news about his passing 'We asking for some time and respect so that we can come to terms with this immense sadness and loss of our beautiful puppy.' When Tommy gave the dog to his beloved girlfriend, he also gifted a Louis Vuitton dog carrier, which range from between 1,880 and 2,080. The social media influencer shared a snap of the note on her Instagram Stories, which read: 'Dear Mummy, I can't wait to meet you in a few days. Tough times: The couple set up an Instagram account for Mr Chai last week Company: Tommy appeared to have bought the dog through Cheshire-based business Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians. The company shared a number of posts featuring the couple and lamented Mr Chai's death on Wednesday Oh dear: Molly shocked fans when she revealed that he was on his way from Russia, in a move that came under fire, as she penned: 'He was meant to be here on my birthday btw guys but he's coming from Russia so there were delays etc' 'Until then have the best birthday and I know Daddy will be spoiling you rotten love you loads. Your son, Mr Chai. Woof woof.' Also in shot was the designer dog carrier and a pack of puppy pads. Tommy appeared to have bought the dog through Cheshire-based business Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians. The company shared a number of posts featuring the couple and lamented Mr Chai's death on Wednesday. Molly shocked fans when she revealed that he was on his way from Russia, in a move that came under fire, as she penned: 'He was meant to be here on my birthday btw guys but he's coming from Russia so there were delays etc.' One wrote: 'MOLLY MAE's F***ING DOG IS COMING. From. RUSSIA. THe ignorance, I'm so disgusted... wait Molly Mae is having a puppy shipped to her from Russia? Pained: She penned: 'We asking for some time and respect so that we can come to terms with this immense sadness and loss of our beautiful puppy' 'Theres literally so many dogs sat in adoption centres and they choose to get a dog shipped from another country wtf is that about?' The couple set up an Instagram account for Mr Chai last week. On Sunday, the boxer, 21, was left fuming when the sweet puppy used his side of the bed as a toilet. He shared the clip that showed him cuddled in bed with 'mum' Molly. Over the top of the sweet clip Molly-Mae penned: 'Hehe mum can't say no to me having cuddles on the bed' In another caption she penned: 'I did a poo on daddy's side and I don't think he was very happy about it' Cheeky: On Sunday, the boxer, 21, was left fuming when the sweet puppy used his side of the bed as a toilet. He shared the clip that showed him cuddled in bed with 'mum' Molly Last week, the reality star doted on her adorable pet by cradling him in her arms while posing for a snap with Tommy during their outing in the park. Molly-Mae and her boxer beau met on the 2019 edition of the hit ITV2 dating show, where they came runners up behind Amber Gill and Greg O'Shea. After leaving the villa Molly-Mae and Tommy quickly moved into together in Manchester into the open-plan flat they now share. More broadly, China sees the risk as limited. In the face of Mr. Trumps threat, for example, China is calculating that he is bluffing. American business interests in Hong Kong are extensive. If the White House takes the more drastic route of limiting Hong Kongs access to U.S. dollars, Chinese banks have other ways to maintain access to the global financial system, said Victor Shih, an expert on the Chinese financial system at the University of California, San Diego. China also holds more than $1 trillion in U.S. Treasury bills, which accounts for more than 4 percent of Americas total debt. While China cannot quickly sell that debt without making major problems for itself, such a move could cause disruptions globally. Chinese officials also believe that Hong Kongs business elite, historically a moderating force on Beijing, has been successfully persuaded or pressed to go along. Many have extensive business holdings in the mainland. We probably need not overinterpret it, Li Ka-shing, Hong Kongs richest man, said of the law in a statement. Some of Hong Kongs biggest investors contend that business will continue as usual. Weijian Shan, a major private equity investor in Hong Kong, recently wrote a memoir detailing recollections of his difficult childhood under the harsh policies of Mao Zedong. In a letter to his clients this week, he expressed little concern about Beijings new security law for Hong Kong. There will not be any change in the rule of law, independent judicial system or freedom of expression, he said. China is also acting at a time of political strength. It has contained the coronavirus within its borders, a feat few other countries have managed. The moment may have emboldened Chinas top leader, Xi Jinping, to take steps that his predecessors dared not. Montreal should seek permission to run a deficit and consider selling special bonds to help fund its economic recovery from the coronavirus, according to an expert report it commissioned. Stimulus bonds are needed in addition to aid from federal and provincial governments after lockdown measures hurt revenue, especially from public transportation, the report says. Montreal has been reopening its economy slowly after COVID-19 spread inside nursing homes, killing nearly 3,000 people in Canadas second-largest city and making it one of the epicentres of the pandemic in North America. Local governments in Canada are not allowed to run operating deficits in most cases, though they do issue debt to help fund capital projects. The city of Montreal is rated AA- by S&P Global Ratings and Aa2 by Moodys Investors Service. The deficit proposal appears pertinent, said Mayor Valerie Plante, who said the city is already in the red and waiting for the federal and Quebec governments to follow up on pledges to help the city. The report by economists and other experts says Montreal should ask Quebec to temporarily suspend the rules that require it to balance its books. When you want to support the economy you need levers, a strong strategy, Plante said during a press conference. Under current rules and without government support, I have two options left: tax, cut services, or both. The report makes 16 recommendations on how to help the city recover, from easing property taxes for some sectors to helping workers get together and buy companies. A lobby group for municipal governments has asked for at least $10 billion ($7.4 billion U.S.) in emergency funding to deal with shortfalls in subway and bus fares, user fees and other revenue sources. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week offered to give them an advance on billions of dollars of gasoline tax money that is earmarked for cities and towns. Read more about: Weather Alert ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills. Wind chills as low as 25 below zero. * WHERE...Portions of central, northeast, northwest and southern Vermont and northern New York. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST this morning. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Temperatures currently range from 5 to 25 below across the region. Light winds coupled with these cold temperatures will produce dangerously cold wind chills through 10 AM. Winds will continue to weaken through this morning with calm winds expected this afternoon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. && VANCOUVER, British Columbia , June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgraFlora Organics International Inc. (AgraFlora or the Company) (CSE: AGRA ) (Frankfurt: PU31 ) (OTCPK: AGFAF) is pleased to announce that on May 28, 2020, its subsidiary The Edibles and Infusions Corporation (EIC) submitted its Site Evidence Package (the Evidence Package) to Health Canada for a Standard Processing License (the Processing License) for its 51,000-Square-foot fully-automated edibles manufacturing facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba (the Edibles Facility). A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a8b22f4-a728-48fa-a3d0-b65f88bf748a James Fletcher, one of the founders and the operational manager of EIC stated, "We have submitted a comprehensive evidence package to Health Canada. License permitting, we are confident in our timelines to be able to reach first packaged sales in Q4 of this year. We have designed our facility to be technologically advanced and highly efficient, which will position us to be able to handle high-volume output while maintaining industry leading quality and cost structure. We will leverage our nearly 100 years of knowledge and experience manufacturing confectionery to produce the best quality cannabis infused candies and disrupt the existing cannabis edibles marketplace. The recently completed 51,500 square-foot production ready Edibles Facility ( See Press Release dated May 15, 2020 ) utilizes state of the art equipment technology and when fully operational, EIC expects to produce over 250,000 pieces of precisely dosed edibles per eight-hour shift. With the facilitys equipment efficiencies, EIC can easily pivot to provide specific dosing and custom candies to meet regulatory requirements and customer specifications, while also reducing the risk of contamination or degradation of the cannabis inputs. The company currently holds a Research and Development License from Health Canada which it intends to use to develop and perfect the recipes and formulations for client edibles, increasing customer satisfaction, reducing operational risk and allowing the company to move into revenue quickly once the Standard Processing License is obtained. Story continues "We believe that our technological and personnel advantage give us the opportunity to make a significant impact on the Edibles market, stated Brandon Boddy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AgraFlora. Once our license is received, our ability to immediately produce multiple and precisely dosed product lines from our superior production infrastructure allows EIC to offer a higher quality and lower cost product to industry. Although there is no guarantee on licensing timelines, management estimates that first revenue post-licensing will be delivered in Q4 2020. About AgraFlora Organics International Inc. AgraFlora Organics International Inc. is a leading cannabis company building shareholder value through the development of revenue generating operating assets in the global cannabis industry. AgraFlora is focused primarily on the Canadian cannabis industry; the worlds most advanced and regulated legal cannabis market. Flagship Canadian assets include: Edibles & Infusions, a fully automated manufacturing facility in Winnipeg, MB for white-label and consumer branded edible production; Propagation Services Canada, a large-scale commercial greenhouse in Delta, BC focused on reshaping the Canadian flower market with high-potency, low cost cannabis flower, and AAA Heidelberg, a craft focused cannabis producer in London, ON. In addition, AgraFloras wholly owned subsidiary Farmako GmbH is scaling towards its goal of being Europes leading distributor of medical cannabis. Farmako currently has active distribution operations in Germany and expects to commence active operations in the United Kingdom in 2020. For more information please visit: https://agraflora.com/. About Edibles and Infusions Corporation Edibles and Infusions Corporation is a joint venture formed between AgraFlora and one of North Americas leading confectionary manufacturing families. The Joint Venture partner is one of Canadas oldest confectionary companies with over 100 years of active operations, and currently supplies confectionary and candy to over 20,000 locations throughout North America. Edibles and Infusions is constructing a purpose built, highly automated facility located in Winnipeg, MB. The facility employs state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to produce pharmaceutical-grade quality cannabis edibles with a precise level of consistency for improved dosing accuracy, consistent consumer experiences and increased consumer safety. Edibles and Infusions is one of a small group of Canadian companies to successfully obtain a Research and Development License from Health Canada for edibles formulation testing and expects to commence fully-licensed manufacturing operations in 2020. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brandon Boddy Chairman & CEO T: (604) 682-2928 For additional information: For French inquiries: AgraFlora Organics International Inc. Maricom Inc. Nicholas Konkin Remy Scalabrini E: ir@agraflora.com E: rs@maricom.ca T: (800) 783-6056 T: (888) 585-MARI The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement Except for statements of historic fact this news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as plan expect project intend believe anticipate estimate and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions may or will occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals including that of the CSE. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information including factors beyond the Companys control. There are no assurances that the business plans for AgraFlora Organics described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Companys filings with Canadian securities regulators which are available at www.sedar.com. The crowding in Trinity Bellwoods park is not the result of people being stupid; its the result of being human in a city thats been allowed to grow in population without growing its green space at the same time. Of course, people should have been social distancing in the park. Of course, they put themselves and others at risk. But human beings need light and air, just like any animal, and when an animal is starved, it will consume at any cost. Even without a pandemic, there simply isnt enough outside available anymore in downtown Toronto. The population of the area around Trinity Bellwoods park increased by more than half between 2006 and 2011 and has kept going since due to countless new condo developments. The green spaces did not grow along with them. A huge proportion of the people who live in this area have no car to take them out of the city, no yard, and often, not even a balcony or terrace. The cafes and restaurant patios are closed. So these people cannot go outside except in an urban public place. Theyve been dutifully locking themselves away in their apartments for over two months. The weather warms up, and what do you expect them to do? Stay imprisoned? Is the outdoors now another space that belongs solely to the privileged? The real culprit here is rapacious developers increasing density without offsetting it with usable green space, and the short-sighted city planning that allowed this to go on for decades. The result is a generation of Torontonians who are vilified simply for wanting to be outside. MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine president has suspended his decision to terminate a key defence pact with the United States, at least temporarily avoiding a major blow to one of Americas oldest alliances in Asia. Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Tuesday he dispatched a diplomatic note to the U.S. ambassador in Manila informing the U.S. government that the Philippines is delaying its decision to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement by at least six months. Washington immediately welcomed the move. Our longstanding alliance has benefited both countries, the U.S. government said in a statement released by its embassy in Manila. We look forward to continued close security and defenceco-operation with the Philippines. President Rodrigo Dutertes administration notified the U.S. government on Feb. 11 that it intends to abrogate the 1998 agreement, which allows the entry of large numbers of American forces for joint combat training with Filipino troops and lays down the legal terms for their temporary stay. The termination would have taken effect after 180 days, in August, unless both sides agreed to keep the agreement. The waiting time will be suspended by at least six months and could be extended by another half a year, according to the diplomatic letter to the U.S., which cited unspecified political and other developments in the region. Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez told The Associated Press by telephone that he and his American counterpart, Sung Kim, helped discuss what could be done after the coronavirus pandemic hit and hampered possible talks ahead of the agreements actual abrogation in August. We both were concerned about the deadline for the termination which was coming close, Romualdez said. U.S. President Donald Trumps expression of readiness to help the Philippines deal with the pandemic during a telephone call with Duterte in April fostered the Philippine decision, Romualdez said. Key Duterte officials led by Locsin have cited the security and economic benefits the allies have gained from the treaty alliance. Former Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the alliance has deterred aggressive Chinese actions in the disputed South China Sea, including possible construction of structures in Scarborough Shoal, a disputed fishing area off the northwestern Philippines that China effectively seized after a tense standoff in 2012. The Philippines has protested other assertive actions by Beijing in recent months in disputed waters where Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei are also locked in increasingly tense territorial disputes with China. Duterte has defended his decision to abrogate the pact with the U.S., saying the Philippines can survive and address a long-running communist insurgency and threats by Muslim extremists in the largely Roman Catholic nations south without American military assistance. Do we need America to survive as a nation? Duterte asked in February. Do we need the might and power of the military of the United States to fight our rebellion here and the terrorists down south and control drugs? The (Philippine) military and police said, `Sir, we can do it, Duterte said. New Delhi: Union Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday (June 3) took six decisions, including 3 for agriculture, said Union I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar. He added that the cabinet also approved the renaming of Kolkata Port Trust as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Trust. Addressing media persons, Javadekar said the government has made farmers-friendly amendments to the Essential Commodities Act, approving a historic amendment in the Act to make the regulatory environment liberalised for farmers. He termed the decisions as a landmark to benefit farmers and transform the agriculture sector. "Now farmers will have the freedom to sell their produce on the basis of mutual consent at a higher price," he said. The government also approved setting up of an Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) and Project Development Cells (PDCs) in ministries/departments for attracting investments in India, said Prakash Javadekar. He also informed that the cabinet has approved the establishment of Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) as Subordinate Office under the Ministry of AYUSH. Earlier, a farmer or a trader was unable to stock more than the crop yield limit and the limit was also fixed for cold storage. In such a situation, the bumper crop used to spoil or was sold at throwaway prices. With the ECA amendment, farmers or traders will now be able to stock their crops and will have to pay no penalty. This amendment will also end the stock limit on grains, pulses, oil, oilseeds, onion and potato. Big farmers and private players will now be able to invest in storage facility to retain their crops till they they find it appropriate to sell. The removal of stock limit is likely to promote hoarding as well as black marketing, but the government has made arrangements to check this practice as certain conditions will be implied with this provision. In case of stock limit, the government will impose stock limit if it witnesses the price rise of some products. Similarly, in times of war, disaster, famines, the government can impose stock limits. This will be done in the wake of the price fluctuations in the market. RACINE Hundreds gathered on the lawn of Gateway Technical College at 10th and Main Streets Tuesday night to peacefully honor the memory of George Floyd, whose death at the hands of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin sparked protests across the country. At 6 p.m., churches across Racine chimed their bells for nine minutes to mark the amount of time that Floyd was pressed under Chauvins knee, asphyxiating him. While Racine Mayor Cory Mason encouraged people to mark the moment of silence at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and shared a live video of his family doing so, hundreds gathered in person to mark the moment. Continue to breathe The protest was organized by multiple organizations: Foster Youth Empowerment, Racine Women for Racial Justice, Restoration Ministries, Dominican Center for Justice, Racine Interfaith Coalition and Racine Vocational Ministry. Organizers provided free water, masks and materials for making signs on-site. When the church bells began to chime, the crowd hushed. Kelly Scroggins-Powell from Racine Women for Racial Justice spoke afterwards, listing the names of high-profile cases of black men and women who have been killed by law enforcement, adding George Floyd to the list. For us as African Americans, we had to watch another black man die. Another senseless murder on TV, on video. And today it felt like we cant breathe, Scroggins-Powell said. I came here today to tell us as African Americans that we must continue to breathe. We must continue to fight for our brothers. We must continue to fight for our sisters. We must continue to fight for our mothers. We must continue. The crowd marched about two miles, zig-zagging along Racines streets with stops for rallies in front of the Racine County courthouse, 730 Wisconsin Ave., at 14th and Grand Streets, passing the SC Johnson Co. campus, then moving north past City Hall, 730 Washington Ave., and on to Monument Square. Downtown Racine remained closed for over an hour as the crowd continued to rally. But by 10:30 p.m., all was quiet, a relief after the escalation on Sunday night that resulted in property damage throughout Downtown and demonstrators being tear-gassed by Racine police. Racine Police spokesman Sgt. Chad Melby reported that the protests Tuesday went very well with no arrests reported. Which one Some participants, including Amy Myer, brought extra water to hand out along the route in the scorching heat. According to the National Weather Service, Tuesdays high temperature was recorded at 93 degrees. That did not discourage demonstrators from shouting. Terivia Tyler was so hoarse by the end of the march she could barely be heard. Tyler said she has been attending protests since the fatal shooting of Donte Shannon by Racine Police officers on Jan. 17, 2018, and Tuesdays crowd was the largest she had seen. Its amazing. It means were finally getting through to people, said Tyler. Theyre not scared anymore. Theyre standing up for their rights. The time is now. The world is watching. One of the newer chants heard at the protest was a variation on one that has been used for years at similar protests, where the caller would shout, Say his name, and the crowd would respond with a name such as, George Floyd. On Tuesday, callers shouted, Say their name, and the crowd responded, Which one. Pete Wicklund contributed to this report. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday that the United Kingdom is ready to offer refuge and citizenship to nearly three million Hong Kong citizens should China implement a restrictive national security law that is currently pending. Many people in Hong Kong fear their way of life which China pledged to uphold is under threat, Johnson wrote in an op-ed published Wednesday in the South China Morning Post, which is based in Hong Kong. If China proceeds to justify their fears, then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away. Johnson said that Beijings new national security law violates the terms of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the agreement the UK reached with China after Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. The prime minister wrote that if necessary, Britain will allow Hong Kong residents who hold British National Overseas passports to come to the UK for a renewable period of 12 months and be given further immigration rights, including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship. The move would be one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history, Johnson added. Currently, about 350,000 Hong Kong residents hold such passports and another 2.5 million would be eligible for them, the prime minister said. China last month approved national security laws that would allow Beijing to wield expanded power over Hong Kong. Pro-Democracy activists and other critics say the national security laws would effectively scrap the one country, two systems policy that has allowed Hong Kong its political freedoms and civil liberties despite still being technically governed by China. China claims that the laws, which have not yet been implemented, are necessary to crack down on separatism, subversion, terrorism, and foreign intervention in Hong Kong in the wake of the pro-democracy protests against Beijing. The measure would also allow Chinas state security agencies to operate in the territory, although details of the legislation have not yet been released. Story continues China has also argued that the agreement between China and Hong Kong no longer applies. The U.K. has had no sovereignty, governance or supervision over Hong Kong since its return (to Chinese rule), Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Tuesday. Therefore, the British side has no right to cite the Sino-British Joint Declaration to make irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong affairs and interfere in Chinas internal affairs. More from National Review Singh said that currently China claims that the border is at one point and India claims that it is at another point. New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that Chinese soldiers have come in goods numbers at LAC in Ladakh and India has taken all necessary steps which are needed in the current situation. Singh said that a meeting of high level army officials from both sides is scheduled on 6th June to try to resolve the issue. He said that the country has the capability to give a befitting reply to anyone who tries to hurt Indias pride or wants India to bow its head. Singh said that currently China claims that the border is at one point and India claims that it is at another point and a dispute has risen. Aur acchi khasi sankha mein Cheen ke log bi aa gaye hain (and Chinese troops have also come in good numbers), the defence minister told a news channel on stand-off at Ladakh sector between Indian and Chinese armies. He said that Indias policy is clear that it doesnt want to hurt the dignity of any country and nor will it allow any country to hurt Indias dignity. He said that whenever such disputes have risen in the past between India and China including during Doklam standoff in 2017, it has been resolved through dialogue at military and diplomatic levels. He said that currently talks are going on at military level. Defence minister said that it is not just India who wants to resolve the dispute but even China is also saying so. Even during the meeting of our Ambassador and their foreign secretary, China has said that they want to resolve the issue peacefully through talks. If the issue is resolved through talks what could be better than that, the defence minister said. Singh said that from a long time something keeps on happening between India and China on the border issue. Rarely any year would have gone when no face-off has occurred between Indian and Chinese troops at the border, said the defence minister. He said that sometimes incidents have happened when troops have even snatched each others fire arms. Singh said that he doesnt consider any nation as an enemy. We believe they are neighbors. But even Pakistan is our neighbor which has not learnt anything from its actions. But India wants good relations with every nation, said the defence minister. On Congress leader Rahul Gandhi statement asking government to clarify on situation with China, Singh said that there should be no politics over border disputes and on such issues everyone should be united. He said that this is not a time to ask questions and when needed we will sit and talk with everyone. Singh said that border security is not only the issue of BJP or Modi government but of the whole nation. Singh statement comes when US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that China's actions, be it on the India border, or in Hong Kong or in the South China Sea, have been part of the behaviour of the ruling Communist Party in Beijing in the recent past. "We see even today increasing forces of China moved up to the north of India on the Line of Actual Control there on the Indian border," he said. "It's not just over the past six months. We've seen over the past number of years continued Chinese build out of their military capabilities, and then continually more aggressive action. I mentioned India. You've mentioned the South China Sea," Pompeo said. He said that we see these same kind of things with them attempting to build ports around the world as part of their Belt and Road Initiative, places where they can move the People's Liberation Army Navy. We've seen their continued efforts to expand militarily." The flights will be conducted from Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv and Odesa Low-cost carrier Ryanair Open source Low-cost carrier Ryanair has started selling tickets for flights from Ukraine to Italy. There are already scheduled for July 6-7, the companys website reports. Previously, Ryanair did not carry out flights to Italy, but now it has opened flights to Rome, Milan, Bologna and Catania from Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Odesa. For example, tickets to Rome start at 43 euros and to Milan - from 41 euros. Tickets can only be booked for a few flights in July. Meanwhile, Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) and SkyUp Airlines will conduct more than 30 evacuation flights starting from June 3 to June 15. As we reported earlier, Ukraine International Airlines Company (UIA) will dismiss 900 employees due to the quarantine measures in the country which led to the closure of all international flights. Currently, the management of the company assumes all possible measures for cost-saving and income generation from one-time flights. Our goal is to keep the company and the key staff, particularly, flight personnel. To our great regret, the significant decrease of the volumes of the activity of the air company led to the forcible downsizing of 900 highly professional UIA employees, the message said. Although the coronavirus pandemic is hurting Census participation in Texas, some cities in the Bay Area are chalking up much better numbers than the statewide average. An example is Taylor Lake Village, with a participation rate of 78.5 percent on June 2, ranking it No. 21 in Texas and 773rd out of 19,182 U.S. cities. The town has a population of 3,625 according to the last count in 2018. But larger area cities such as League City and Friendswood also are well ahead of the pack in Texas, which ranks 41st in the nation with a response rate of 55.1 percent. The national rate is 60.5 percent. League City is at 65 percent participation, with 61 percent of that done over the internet. Since National Census Day (on April 1), we have been pushing the census on Facebook and NextDoor, League City spokesperson Sarah Greer Osborne said. Osborne also said residents tend to be very engaged in community efforts. According to the League City Economic Development Corp. at least 47 percent are college grads with an income over $100,000, and 15.7 percent have earned a graduate or professional degree. "Theres no fear or question in our community for filling (Census forms) out, she said. How to follow the numbers If you have an interest in how your community is participating in the 2020 Census, do the following steps: 1. Go to 2020Census.gov 2. Hover over the first tab, "Get The Facts" and go to the bottom of the list and click on "Response Rates." 3. That takes you to the interactive map. Click on "state" and enter "Texas." Then go to "city" and click on the city you're interested in the drop-down menu. See More Collapse With the Stay Home, Work Safe orders, Osborne said residents certainly had more home time to fill it out. The advancements in technology and the questionnaires offered online made the process much easier. I filled it out online myself. Thats where most of our people are at 7 in the evening, Osborne said. With a population averaging the age of 36, it makes sense for them to be computer savvy and take advantage of the convenience of online registration. Only 4 percent of those who have filled out responses to the Census in the League City area have mailed theirs in. The remaining 61 percent have opted for online. Osborne said she has put questions to the public online through Survey Monkey and received thousands of responses. Youve got to reach people where theyre at, and thats where they are on their computer or on their phone, Osborne said. Osborne is curious to see the final numbers and what the Census reveals about the demographic layout of the city. As a government, its always important to be armed with more knowledge about your citizens, Osborne said, and so we encourage as many to fill out the census as possible. Big changes have occurred since the city incorporated in 1961. In 2000, the population was 45,444. By 2010, it was 83,560. We will double again in the next 15-20 years, and so its important to know how weve changed over the last 10 years, Osborne said. Osborne said funding for vital programs could be directly tied to the Census. Across Interstate 45 in Friendswood, a response rate of 72.6 percent on June 2 puts that city, which has an estimated population of about 40,300, at No. 74 among cities in the state. Weve done extensive social media postings, city spokesman Jeff Newpher said. Weve done some specialized messages targeted with our social media, he said. Its been mentioned in public meetings, in electronic newsletters. Some of the messaging included emails to more than 13,000 residents several times over the last several months. The city also ran announcements promoting Census participation on Friendswoods television channel, Channel 17 on Comcast and 99 on U-verse. The Census is critical to senior programs, economic development, public works and recreation department.. Every one of those departments can utilize federal grants, Newpher said. It benefits everyone. Some other local cities percentages of Census participation in early June were: Seabrook 56.2%, Dickinson 55.6%, Nassau Bay 55.5%, Texas City 53.1%, Kemah 52.6%, Pasadena 52.4%, Houston 51.2%, Tiki Island 44.3%, Webster 43.7% and Galveston 38.8%. Underrepresentation could mean the loss of federal funds to cities for everything from highway planning and construction to housing assistance for older adults. Terry Bennett with the U. S. Census Bureau said the process of conducting the count has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline was originally July 31, but theyve extended the self-respond deadline to Oct. 31, Bennett said. We encouraging residents to register as soon as possible. We will have representatives in the field, and they are required to wear PPE protective masks, and well only be knocking on doors and leaving packets, Bennett said. She said Census representatives wont ring doorbells or meet with residents. We are being cautious, and safety is a priority, she said. Pollen, the U.K.-headquartered travel and events marketplace, describes its company culture as built on principles of "freedom" and openness, including a well-publicised pay transparency policy. However, that doesnt appear to always be the case with regards to the treatment of recently departing employees. When the word-of-mouth marketing company laid off 69 staff from its various U.S. and Canada entities last month, axed staff were asked to sign a severance agreement that included a clause prohibiting them from disclosing the content of the agreement, including to current and former employees. In addition, multiple sources tell TechCrunch the severance contracts feature a broader non-disparagement clause. Such clauses are typically used to prohibit current or former employees from talking about a company or its staff and leadership in a way that is harmful to the business or individuals associated with the business. "It was basically an NDA masked as a severance agreement," said one former Pollen employee, who asked not to be identified. "They dangled our last pay check in front of us so that we felt pressure to give away our rights, and they paired that with an abrupt cut off from the company. I was told I was laid off and then promptly removed from all correspondence within a 24-hour period." Pollen co-founder and CEO Callum Negus-Fancey doesn't dispute the existence of either clause, but says both are a "standard inclusion" in severance agreements and were drafted by external employment lawyers. "However, were going to discuss internally if its necessary to continue to include these kinds of clauses given the company's focus on transparency," he added. "We strive to adopt best practices throughout Pollen." However, according to HR experts TechCrunch has spoken to, including one HR professional with years of experience working for large tech companies in the U.S., such confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses aren't typically employed in more general redundancy situations. Instead, they are more commonly used where a severance contract is agreed after a dispute between a departing employee and the company, or when a company is concerned there could be adverse publicity. Story continues "For a company that strives itself on transparency, there is actually a deep undertone of political rhetoric about what should or should not be talked about," a former Pollen employee tells TechCrunch. Meanwhile, Pollen, or rather JusCollege, one of its many brands and entities, did attract negative media headlines earlier this year as it grappled with the emerging coronavirus situation. Parents of students who canceled a spring break to Mexico in mid-March told NBC News that they weren't offered refunds despite concerns over the virus and had been reassured that the trip was safe. On the 12th of March, two days before departure, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a pandemic. Subsequently, according to the University of Texas, dozens of students that went on the trip tested positive for COVID-19 when they returned to the U.S. In response, a JusCollege spokesperson told the Independent newspaper: We take the safety of our customers very seriously and are working with public health authorities to assist where we can. JusCollege always follows U.S. government regulations and guidance from the state department when making travel recommendations, and Mexico was not under a federal travel advisory at the time the trip departed... Our thoughts are with the students who are ill and the healthcare providers and public health officials who are working to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. In a call, and followed up over email, Negus-Fancey said that Pollen wasn't in a position to cancel the spring break trip and offer full refunds at the time because the U.S. government was yet to advise travel restrictions to Mexico. He also explained that the company acts as a "curator and distributor" connecting customers with suppliers, such as hotels, airlines and nightclubs, who set their own refund policies. "The money doesn't sit with us, it sits with our partners. We take a commission in the middle," he said. Adds the Pollen CEO: "All customers who didn't want to travel were refunded at a minimum whatever was received back from clients (hotels, airlines or other providers) or they were given a 100% credit to a future trip. The team worked tirelessly over weeks to achieve this outcome for customers as it was at the discretion of clients given there were no travel warnings in place at the time about flying to Mexico. We were materially out of pocket as a result of this effort because despite the circumstances, we took a long-term view to do right by customers and as a result paid out in many circumstances where clients had not refunded us." Separately, following layoffs in North America and 34 furloughs in the U.K., TechCrunch has learned that Pollen has put another 56 members of staff on furlough, as the travel and events sector continues to be hit hard by the coronavirus crisis. They comprise 45 in the U.S., seven in the U.K. and four in Canada. Confirming the latest round of furloughs, Negus-Fancey says employees are being supported by each country's various government furlough schemes and that Pollen U.S. furloughed employees were given "over a weeks notice on full pay and we are covering their medical insurance whilst they are on furlough leave." Founded in 2014 and previously called Verve, Pollen operates in the influencer or word-of-mouth marketing space. The marketplace lets friends or members discover and book travel, events and other experiences and in turn helps promoters use word-of-mouth recommendations to sell tickets. Pollens backers include Northzone, Sienna Capital, Draper Esprit, Backed and Kindred. SPRINGFIELD Girding for an expected three days of protests over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died at the hands of police in Minneapolis, hundreds gathered on the steps of City Hall late Tuesday afternoon for a vigil urging peaceful demonstrations. Mayor Domenic Sarno led a speaking program fueled primarily by faith leaders from around Greater Springfield and joined by elected officials and the citys police commissioner. At least 300 surrounded the podium to listen and watch, lending words of encouragement to calls for peace, unity and prayer. Similar pleas for peaceful protests have unfolded in cities across America after violence, destruction and looting have followed peaceful rallies decrying the death of Floyd, who died May 25 as an officer knelt on his neck during an arrest for a misdemeanor. Three other officers looked on. Floyds arrest and his death were caught on video. The footage has inflamed the nation and reignited the Black Lives Matter movement. This is a vigil for healing and hope. What happened to George Floyd was atrocious and unacceptable, Sarno said. I, we, welcome peaceful protest. ... Mr. Floyds legacy should be a legacy of change, not destruction. Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood took to the podium and said for the first time publicly she believes the four officers involved in Floyds death belong behind bars. What happened to Mr. Floyd was just plain wrong and those officers belong in jail. And those words are not easy for me to say, she told the crowd. They should be! one member of the crowd responded. The officer seen on video kneeling on Floyds neck as he cried I cant breathe, Derek Chauvin, was fired along with his three colleagues. Chauvin was eventually charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. The other officers have not been charged. The response to Clapproods remarks appeared largely positive in a climate where police have become lightning rods again. She called for peaceful protest ahead of Wednesdays planned Black Lives Matter rally scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. at Central High School and continue to police headquarters on Pearl Street. Additional rallies are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Clapprood said. She warned of insurgents who arrive in cities to make peaceful protesters look like they are bad, and urged peaceful demonstrators to stay alert to potentially violent or destructive factions. We support your cause and we agree with you there is no division here. There is no us against you, Clapprood said, adding that her officers planned to march with protesters on Wednesday. A peaceful protest occurred outside the Springfield police station earlier this week. Several hundred gathered outside the Northampton police station on Monday, and Holyoke saw more than 1,000 marchers Tuesday afternoon. Springfield has not been without its own police force problems. For instance, but for the COVID-19 pandemic, suspended officer Gregg Bigda would have stood trial on police brutality charges in U.S. District Court about a week before Floyd was killed. Bigda is accused of beating two Latino youths during an arrest in 2016. His trial has been postponed along with all jury trials. City councilors, state representatives and U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, joined the vigil. Neal said the death of Floyd and the national uprising that has followed gives the country a moment to try to get it right. The congressman quoted civil rights leaders including Martin Luther King Jr. and his own colleagues. Organize, stand up, sit in, and vote, he said, to loud applause. Many members of the crowd bowed their heads in prayer alongside religious leaders including Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield and Pastor C.S. Cooley of United Temple Church Of God In Christ on Walnut Street in Springfield. Cooley said he saw an opportunity to set the pace for rest of the nation. I want to see peace in this city. I want to see peace in this state. I want to see peace in this nation, Cooley said. On Monday at City Hall, City Councilor Timothy Allen called for a moment of silence in Floyds memory during a weekly coronavirus update. Allen said Floyds death was a brutal and senseless lack of humanity. While it happened to one person, it also happened for all of us, he said. His cries of I cant breathe and his cry for his mama will echo in our hearts and minds for a long time, he added. Staff writer Peter Goonan contributed to this report. Azerbaijani Parliament discussed the issue of fines for not wearing masks during the coronavirus pandemic at the parliamentary meeting yesterday. The corresponding amendment to the Code on Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan was discussed by MPs in the third reading. According to the amendment, fines will be imposed for violation of the requirements established by the relevant executive authority in connection with the use of personal protective equipment during epidemic, sanitary-hygienic and quarantine regimes. Furthermore, for failure to prevent the violation of these requirements, the fines for physical persons is 50 manat ($29.4), for officials - 100 manat ($58.8), and for legal entities - 200 manat ($117.6). For repeated violation of Article 211.2 of the Code by a person who has received an administrative penalty from the date of entry into force of the decision to impose an administrative penalty until the end of the anti-epidemic, sanitary-hygienic and quarantine regimes, fines for individuals will amount to 100 manat ($58.8), for officials - 200 manat ($117.6), and legal entities - 400 manat ($235.2), Trend reports. Turkey on Wednesday confirmed over 130,000 recoveries as the country began easing measures against the novel coronavirus, according to the Health Ministry. The total number of recoveries from the disease hit 130,852 as 931 more patients were discharged from hospitals over the past day, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca told reporters after a meeting of the country's Coronavirus Advisory Board in the capital Ankara. Some 867 new cases were reported in the country, bringing the total to 166,422, Koca added. The death toll from the outbreak rose to 4,609 as the country reported 24 new fatalities over the last 24 hours. Healthcare professionals performed over 52,305 more tests for the virus in the last 24 hours, raising the overall number to over 2.15 million. Currently, some 612 patients are being treated in intensive care, the ministry data showed. Since first appearing in China last December, the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 188 countries and regions. The US, Brazil, Russia and several European countries are currently the hardest hit in the world. The pandemic has killed over 382,000 people worldwide, with more than 6.43 million confirmed cases, while recoveries surpassed 2.76 million, according to figures compiled by the US' Johns Hopkins University. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 20:25:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DAMASCUS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian foreign ministry on Wednesday condemned the U.S. Caesar Act, a sanction law against Syria that is expected to be implemented later in June, the state news agency SANA reported. In a statement, the ministry said the United States is practising the "economic terrorism" against Syria, noting the Caesar sanctions are based on a bunch of lies and fabricated claims. The sanctions are considered flagrant violation of the simplest of human rights, it added. Meanwhile, the ministry held Washington responsible for the suffering of the Syrians and the impact of sanctions on their livelihoods. The Syrians will exert efforts to protect the national economy of Syria and minimize the impact of the additional U.S. sanctions, the statement said. The U.S. Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act aims to sanction the Syrian government including President al-Assad for its alleged war crimes against the Syrian people. The law also includes sanctions on any party that might aid the Syrian government. Enditem MEXICO CITY - Weeks ago, civil defence officials in Mexicos Tabasco state, one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic and now Tropical Storm Cristobal, asked health authorities for daily lists of infections in vulnerable communities. State civil defence chief Jorge Mier y Teran designated a shelter in each township for people infected with the virus, but not hospitalized. His office advised Tabasco residents that during this hurricane season they should try to stay with relatives if rising waters forced them to leave their homes so as to avoid big gatherings in shelters, a recommendation shared by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Now authorities from Mexicos Gulf coast to El Salvador in Central America are putting their storm season plans into action as the temporarily weakened Cristobal drops heavy rains while the pandemic reaches new heights in Mexico. The virus poses an additional risk for rescuers and evacuees and will make it harder to persuade people to leave their homes, experts say. When Cristobal made landfall Wednesday as a tropical storm, Mier y Teran preventively evacuated 75 people from two communities. Their temperatures were checked and they were screened for symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The mix of the pandemic and what is expected to be a busy hurricane season has officials throughout the region worried about simultaneously managing multiple emergencies. COVID without a doubt complicates the operational logistics, Mier y Teran said. Cristobal weakened to a tropical depression Thursday with sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph) after it moved inland. The storm emerged this week in the Bay of Campeche from the remnants of Tropical Storm Amanda, which had formed in the Pacific and pounded El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Together the storms have caused at least 30 deaths in El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. On Thursday afternoon, the storm was moving east-southeast at 3 mph (5 kph), about 165 miles (270 kilometres) south of the Gulf coast city of Campeche, capital of the state of the same name. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Cristobal was expected to begin strengthening once it moves back over the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday. The storm is forecast to be out in the central Gulf on Sunday and could be nearing the U.S. Gulf Coast by late Sunday or Monday. El Salvador has reported 27 deaths from the two storms and more than 11,000 people evacuated to more than 200 shelters. The development of the storm emergency in some way is going to influence the development of the illness, said the countrys health minister, Francisco Alabi. He said infections could rise because people are more exposed when their homes are destroyed or damaged. Cristobal is expected to leave more than a foot of water along Mexicos Gulf coast over the course of the week. As it sits nearly stationary, the concern grows that the regions rivers will spill over their banks potentially forcing thousands from their homes. Many people in the poorer parts of Central America and southern Mexico often resist evacuations because they fear their belongings will be stolen, a situation aggravated now because of fears of the virus. The pandemic also increases risks for rescue crews like the one working to save a family from the rubble of their home on the outskirts of San Salvador on Thursday. So far, only a couple hundred people had been evacuated along Mexicos Gulf coast and none reported suspected virus infections. Overall, Mexico has more than 101,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, with nearly 12,000 dead. David Leon, Mexicos national civil defence director, appeared beside President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Thursday morning in Palenque in Chiapas state. He explained the governments emergency response, but never referred to the pandemic. Asked for comment, his agency shared a link to recommendations and protocols for managing disasters during the pandemic that was shared with authorities around Mexico. Carlos Valdes, former director of Mexicos National Disaster Prevention Center and part of Mexicos National Autonomous Universitys program in Costa Rica, said there is consensus among disaster officials that the key will be identifying confirmed and suspected cases and then separating them from others. Having smaller shelters that still allow safe spacing of evacuees along with strict hygiene measures will also be important, he said. The obvious challenge is people who are infected but asymptomatic, because testing everyone before evacuating them to a shelter is not viable, he said. El Salvador has adopted among the strictest measures to combat the virus. In evacuating people from floodwaters and areas at risk of landslides, it screened them for COVID-19 symptoms, took their temperature and gave them masks when they arrived at shelters. Some shelters held as many as 300 people but mats were spaced at least six feet (two meters) apart. Families were grouped and separated from others. Alabi, the health minister, said that so far none had tested positive for the virus in the 210 shelters. On Thursday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees warned that the rains which forced nearly 30,000 Salvadorans from their homes were also making conditions worse for those already displaced internally by violence. Valdes lauded El Salvadors response. He said it would not be possible to talk of returning to normalcy during hurricane season. In Mexico, the National Water Commission, which issues weather alerts, has forecast 15 to 18 named storms in the eastern Pacific and 15 to 19 in the Atlantic, where the average is usually a dozen. Valdes said the confluence of tropical weather and pandemic ultimately will mean that the novel coronavirus will be a problem for longer and will change the way it is spread. It will be important to educate people about how the rain can lead to a rise in illnesses. People will have the idea that the water cleanses the virus, but we forget its water and soap. Water alone wont get rid of it, he said. ___ Associated Press writer Maria Verza reported this story in Mexico City and AP writer Marcos Aleman reported from San Salvador, El Salvador. LANSING, MI The public can now access approved plans for reopening local trial courts amid the COVID-19 pandemic online. As required by Administrative Order No. 2020-14, the State Court Administrative Office must approve Local Administrative Orders for each court that include step-by-step plans for phased reopening, according to a Michigan Courts news release. The plans, organized by county, are being posted as they are approved on a new webpage launched by the Michigan Supreme Court. As Michigan continues to reopen, our courts are also working to reopen their buildings safely by taking a consistent, phased approach that reflects local conditions, Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack said in a statement. In response to the pandemic, Michigans judiciary has been leading the nation in opening the virtual doors of justice to everyone. By posting reopening plans online, we can now make sure that all residents know when court buildings will be open and for what purpose. Last month, the Court launched a real-time Virtual Courtroom Directory to help residents find and watch live court proceedings across the state. Users can search courts where virtual hearings are being held, sort by judge or hearing officer, click on a county to see if a specific court offers streaming, and find a public calendar to virtual courtroom search results. Nearly 10,000 visitors have used the directory nearly 15,000 times since it launched on May 18, the release states. With every courtroom equipped with videoconferencing systems, judges and other court officers quickly adopted remote proceedings in virtual courtrooms, the release states. Nearly 1,000 judges and other court officers have Zoom licenses and have conducted more than 200,000 hours of hearings remotely since April 1. In conjunction with AO No. 2020-14, the State Court Administrative Office released detailed guidance: Return to Full Capacity, COVID-19 Guidelines for Michigans Judiciary. This 23-page guide reflects advice published by the U.S. federal courts, the White House, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Similar to plans being followed by the federal court system, the guide identifies gating criteria to enter each of four phases in returning to full capacity More information and resources can be found by visiting the Supreme Courts COVID-19 webpage and more information about reopening plans can be found here. COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. More Michigan coronavirus coverage: Michigan residents can watch court proceedings across the state from home with new virtual directory Michigan reports fewer than 200 new coronavirus cases for 2nd straight day Tuesday, June 2: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Federal authorities are increasingly worried that violent opportunists are infiltrating otherwise peaceful protests across the country and could be emboldened to attack law enforcement as they see police officers targeted elsewhere, according to new warnings from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. In fact, the FBIs field office in Boston received credible intelligence that rioters are looking for officers home addresses via public [records]," the FBI office said in an internal report issued Tuesday. MORE: George W. Bush releases rare public statement on George Floyd protests Protests throughout the nation are calling for major police reforms and seeking justice for George Floyd, the unarmed black man who died while being arrested early last week by a Minneapolis police officer, who has since been charged with murder. Violence has erupted during many of the protests over the past week, with nearly 10,000 people arrested in recent days. DHS on Tuesday distributed a private intelligence note to the nations local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, warning that some violent opportunists have become more emboldened following a series of attacks against law enforcement during the last 24 hours nationwide. This could lead to an increase in potentially lethal engagements with law enforcement officials as violent opportunists increasingly infiltrate ongoing protest activity, declared the DHS report, noting that several incidents in recent days involved violent opportunists not only targeting police but shooting into crowds of protestors. In the document, DHS reported that on Tuesday, at least one violent opportunist drove into a crowd of protesters in Asheville, North Carolina, firing several shots into the crowd before speeding away. There were no reported injuries and we lack information suggesting that this was a preplanned or coordinated incident, DHS added. PHOTO: Police hold a perimeter near the White House as demonstrators gather to protest the death of George Floyd while in police custody, June 2, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty Images) In Davenport, Iowa, after a protester there was shot and killed Monday, a law enforcement vehicle on patrol was shot 13 times, injuring an officer in the vehicle, DHS said, citing media reports. Story continues In Las Vegas on Monday, a police officer was killed as officers tried to arrest several people who were allegedly "throwing bottles and rocks at officers. A witness told local news media that as one officer was struggling with a protestor, another person walked up and shot the officer in the back of the head, DHS wrote in its intelligence note. Also in Las Vegas on Monday, police encountered a man who was carrying multiple firearms and appeared to be wearing body armor when the subject reached for a firearm, an officer fatally shot him, according to DHS. Law enforcement reports issued in recent days depict police officers being targeted with bricks, fireworks, Molotov cocktails and gunfire in cities such as New York, St. Louis, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. On Tuesday, a retired St. Louis police captain who became a small-town police chief was found fatally shot outside a pawn shop that was looted. And in the midst of protests in Oakland, California, on Friday, a gunman opened fire on two officers from the Federal Protective Service, who were reportedly protecting a courthouse. One of the officers was killed; the other was critically wounded. The perpetrators committed these senseless acts of violence while hiding behind those expressing their First Amendment right to lawfully protest, the assistant director for infrastructure protection at DHS, Brian Harrell, said Monday during an online summit hosted by the Security Industry Association. As Americans, we should all support peaceful demonstrations and exercising our constitutional rights. However, violence, destruction, and bloodshed in the streets is never the answer, he added. In their reports, neither DHS nor the FBI field office offered details about the violent opportunists they are tracking. President Donald Trump and Attorney General Bill Barr, however, have publicly pointed to the radical left-wing antifa group as driving much of the violence over the past week. Earlier DHS documents, meanwhile, have warned that certain right-wing radicals are seeking to incite violence with postings online. ABC News' Luke Barr and Bill Hutchinson contributed to this report. Feds warn 'violent opportunists' infiltrating George Floyd protests, could be 'emboldened' to attack police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A peaceful demonstration organized, in part, by students with the fledgling group Vallejo Towards Peace took over city streets Tuesday. The diverse crowd of largely youth participants marched from the Waterfront to City Hall and through downtown protesting police violence and the death of George Floyd. As the day went on, the crowd split from the original demonstration and made their way in the evening to city's police station. As protesters squared off against dozens of police in riot gear, the crowd quickly dispersed when officers fired two rounds of tear gas into the crowd. The city experienced widespread burglaries and lootings overnight, which culminated with officers shooting a suspected looter in a Walgreens parking lot. Few details have been released. Republican voters in Iowas fourth congressional district rejected Rep. Steve King yesterday, with the nine-term incumbent getting a little more than a third of the vote. His defeat was a long time coming. Conservatives for a long time gave the congressman the benefit of the doubt as he made racially provocative comments, and especially discounted those critics who treated his opposition to immigration as per se racist. But King eventually depleted any trust in him. He called Mexicans coming to the U.S. dirt and then called reporters liars for accurately quoting him. He endorsed the fringe candidacy for Toronto mayor of Faith Goldy, whose CV by that time included reciting the white-supremacist 14 words on the radio. He did what he could to promote far-right politicians in France, Austria, and the Netherlands. He complained that white nationalist, white supremacy, Western civilization had come to be considered offensive terms a comment for which the House censured him and the chambers Republicans stripped him of his committee assignments. Iowa Republicans began to wonder what Kings peculiar and troubling enthusiasm for an Alt-Right Internationale had to do with their priorities. Given the chance to vote for a viable alternative who is a mainstream conservative, they took it. Soon-to-be-representative Randy Feenstra may not generate as many headlines as his predecessor. But being a more effective, and decent, congressman should be feasible. More from National Review Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, on June 3, called for a nationwide protest on June 16 in view of the migrant workers crisis. CPI(M), which held its first polit bureau meeting through video conferencing since the coronavirus-driven lockdown was enforced, decided to hold pan-India protests demanding cash transfer of Rs 7,500 per month to families outside the income tax paying bracket, minimum 200-days employment under MNREGA and a check on scrapping of labour laws. He slammed the PM Modi-led central government for neither "augmenting the health facilities required to combat the pandemic nor in providing relief to the people who have been agonized cruelly", including migrant workers. Yechury said by easing of restrictions in "an unplanned fashion", the Centre is abdicating its responsibilities and shifting the accountability to the state governments. "All through the period of the national lockdown, instead of single-mindedly focusing on combating the pandemic and providing relief to the people, the central government went about systematically implementing its aggressive agenda of communal polarization and the pursuit of neo-liberal economic policies," the CPI(M) statement read. 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 party condemned the targeting of the Muslims, "the arbitrary arrests and detention" of those who participated in protests against CAA, NRC, NPR under "draconian laws like the Sedition Act, UAPA and NSA". Yechury said the various fiscal packages announced by the Centre were "simply unrealistic" as the revenue collections of the government have "fallen drastically". He commended the efforts of the Left government in Kerala in controlling the number of coronavirus cases, adding that the Centre "refuses to learn" from the Kerala model. Living conditions for many migrant workers in the Maldives are tough Living conditions for many migrant workers in the Maldives are tough (AFP Photo/Ahmed SHURAU) Tens of thousands of impoverished foreign labourers have been left stranded and ostracised in one of the world's most densely packed cities as the tourist paradise of the Maldives battles coronavirus. The turquoise waters and pristine beaches that draw honeymoon couples from around the world have been empty for weeks since a government order to close all resorts. That has left an army of migrant workers jobless. Like Singapore, which recorded a large number of coronavirus cases among migrants living in tightly-packed dorms, the Maldives is heavily dependent on foreign labour. About half of the 150,000 people in the two square kilometres that make up the capital, Male, are workers from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka living in teeming alleys that are a haven for the virus. "There is huge uncertainty and panic," said Zakir Hossain, 39, who had worked in a Male restaurant until Marchs shutdown. He said he has not been paid for more than two months. "We are worried about the disease. All the Bangladeshi workers live in congested conditions," he said. Like many migrants -- who share rooms and even beds between shifts -- Hossain lives in a single room on a backstreet with four other Bangladeshis. Outside, security forces stop the labourers going out on the streets. Authorities acknowledge conditions in Male for foreign workers are poor, and say they are moving thousands into better housing out of the capital. But opposition politicians have criticised the plans, labelling the treatment of such workers as "inhuman". - Family fears - The Maldives has recorded nearly 1,400 coronavirus infections among a population of 340,000, a much higher ratio than neighbouring Sri Lanka with 22 million people. Some experts have warned the Maldives risks thousands more cases unless action is taken. Authorities say the infection spreads three times faster in migrant communities than in the local population. Fears are growing for the health and welfare of these foreign workers, who are often brought in to clear refuse, clean dishes and do other essential jobs that locals reject. Story continues Four coronavirus deaths have been reported so far, including one Bangladeshi, but rumours that hundreds of foreigners have the virus have compounded concerns among migrants. Many are also worried about their families back in Bangladesh, also in the grip of a pandemic lockdown amid rising deaths. "We need money to survive. We need our work," said Hossain, who managed to send about 80 percent of his $180 a month wage back to his wife and four children before the outbreak. But others were not so fortunate. Anwar Hosain, a 42-year-old Bangladeshi carpenter and father of five, said he was owed about $1,800 by his employers. "My wife calls me every day and cries. What can I do?" - What next? - The government has moved 3,000 foreign workers to a temporary shelter on the industrial island of Gulhi Falhu outside Male. Thousands more are to follow but the main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has described the facilities as prisons. Labourers are barely allowed out and their rooms do not even have fans in the peak summer heat, when temperatures climb above 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). "The treatment of these expatriates, mostly Bangladeshi nationals, is inhuman," PPM spokesman Mohamed Hussain Shareef told AFP. Government spokesman Mabrook Azeez said authorities had built the housing in a bid to ease overcrowding in Male. "This is not the condition we want our labourers to live in," he told AFP. Roughly a thousand Bangladeshis staying illegally in the Maldives have been repatriated, minister for foreign affairs Abdullah Shahid said on Sunday. India has taken back 4,000 people who lost their jobs. Those left are increasingly despondent. "I heard that if a Bangladeshi worker dies here, they dont send his body back and he is buried here. I am worried what will happen if I die," said Hossain. ISELIN, N.J., June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Middlesex Water Company (MSEX), has announced that through its COVID-19 relief efforts, to date, the Company and its employees have contributed over $61,000 to fourteen separate organizations in New Jersey and Delaware. The donations from employees have been in the form of cash or equivalent cash for donated back vacation days and have been matched two-for-one by Middlesex Water and Tidewater Utilities, Inc., its largest Delaware subsidiary. As protectors of public health, safety and economic stability, were committed to supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve. In addition to providing reliable utility services to help our customers cope during this crisis, were pleased to be able help equip first responders with personal protective equipment and assist food banks in replenishing their supplies at a time where COVID-19 lockdowns have caused unprecedented challenges for so many, said Middlesex Water Chairman, President and CEO Dennis W. Doll. We worked with local officials in our retail service areas in New Jersey and Delaware to identify urgent local community needs and our employees were quick to respond. We are inspired by, and ever grateful to, all those working on the front lines and to all essential employees helping Americas families manage through this pandemic, added Doll. New Jersey organizations that have received contributions from the Middlesex relief effort include - Feeding Middlesex County, JFK Foundation, Perth Amboy COVID-19 Help, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Middlesex County, Carteret Business Partnership, Metuchen Downtown Alliance, Vincentown United Methodist Church Food Pantry, We Feed Woodbridge, St. Marys Food Pantry and First Presbyterian Church, both in the City of South Amboy. Delaware recipients include Kent Ecumenical Food and Crisis Fund, Sussex County Police Chiefs Association, Nanticoke Senior Center - Food Fund and Seaford Community Food Closet. Story continues In mid-March, to lessen the impact on its customers struggling with economic uncertainties posed by COVID-19, the Company suspended shutoffs of water service for non-payment and restored service to those who had been previously shut off for non-payment. Throughout the pandemic, the Company has continued to provide uninterrupted water and wastewater services necessary for public health protection with essential employees employing all mandated protective measures while continuing to operate treatment plants, make necessary repairs and ensure water quality. To help support the local economy and maintain jobs in its service territories, Middlesex Water had previously announced it was continuing critical construction projects most needed to support system reliability and resiliency. In addition, during the pandemic, the Company continues to add to its workforce, where necessary, adding talented employees to support customers needs. About Middlesex Water Company Organized in 1897, Middlesex Water provides regulated and unregulated water and wastewater utility services primarily in New Jersey and Delaware through various subsidiary companies. Media Contact: Bernadette Sohler, Vice President Corporate Affairs (732) 638-7549 bsohler@middlesexwater.com Tristan A. Taylor, a Detroit police brutality protest organizer, was detained by Detroit police for 16-plus hours after being arrested Tuesday night following a march that violated the citys emergency 8 p.m. curfew. Detroit Police Chief James Craig said Taylor, 37, of Detroit, remained in custody longer than most of the other 126 arrested protesters, who were charged with curfew violations, because Taylor was initially charged with a felony, inciting a riot. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor crime of resisting a police office and Craig said Taylor had been released as of 2:15 p.m. Wednesday. As of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Detroit Detention Center personnel said Taylor remained jailed. The Wayne County Prosecutors Office didnt receive a criminal warrant request from Detroit police, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthys spokeswoman Maria Miller said Wednesday morning. Miller said the prosecutors office is not part of the investigation. Possible charges, in an unusual move, are instead being investigated by the Detroit Law Department. Detroit officials havent said why the Law Department, instead of the prosecutors office, is handling the case. Tristan Taylor, 37, of Detroit speaks to protesters as they march through Detroit again for second day of protesting police brutality and justice for George Floyd Saturday May 30, 2020 in Detroit. Nicole Hester/Mlive.com Craig said his officers were patient on Tuesday and gave protesters nearly an hour of warning before making mass arrests for curfew violations. Police ultimately arrested 127 protesters, including about 90 from outside Detroit and six from outside of Michigan, including California, Maryland, New York and Washington D.C. Heres the question: Why are you here, Craig said Wednesday of the out-of-town protesters. Leaders and residents have resoundingly said, go home. We dont want you here." Craig has blamed nonresidents for inciting violence against police. Protesters march through Detroit again for second day of protesting police brutality and justice for George Floyd Saturday May 30, 2020 in Detroit. Nicole Hester/Mlive.com Another police brutality protest is planned in Detroit beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Detroit protesters, in the name of George Floyd, a black man who died during a May 25 arrest in Minneapolis sparking riots and protests nationwide, began marching daily on Friday May 29. Detroit police in riot gear have clashed with protesters on four of the five nights. Stefan Perez, 16, of Detroit, is credited with defusing a standoff that resulted in protesters dispersing without violence on Monday. Each of the protests remained mostly peaceful until the large groups, at times numbering over 1,000, were confronted by Detroit police in riot gear. A small number of protesters on previous nights were seen verbally antagonizing or throwing objects at police, which led police to advance on the crowds, firing tear gas, nonlethal bullets and in some cases tackling fleeing protesters. Craig said protesters on prior nights damaged police vehicles and threw various projectiles, including railroad ties and small boulders. MLive reporters witnessed bottles and fireworks being thrown or fired at police. There has not been significant property damage, arson or looting during the Detroit protests. Peaceful protesters march through Detroit while protesting police brutality and justice for George Floyd Sunday June 1, 2020. Nicole Hester/Mlive.com Multiple members of the media, sometimes embedded with protesters, have been shoved, shot with nonlethal bullets and temporarily arrested during police attempts to disperse crowds. A group of over 100 protesters faced off with Detroit police on Gratiot Avenue about 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, although its not clear that any of the protesters instigated physical violence with police. Chief Craig was asked by a reporter Wednesday if the fact that protesters didnt appear to be throwing projectiles or initiating violence with police impacted the decision to engage protesters with force. What was the foremost in my mind, we have a curfew, Craig said. He said some protesters embedded with the march were believed to have other agendas. This is about keeping our city safe, reducing the likelihood of property damage, Craig said " ... We responded appropriately ... Its not my goal to arrest, but they violated the curfew ... What if wed done (nothing) and there was looting, burning, shootings ... Have you seen whats going on around the country? Do we think that it could happen here." Detroit Police make an arrest during a the second day of protests against police brutality and justice for George Floyd Saturday May 30, 2020 in Detroit. Nicole Hester/Mlive.com Nakia-Renne Wallace, the niece of Taylor, has spoken at prior Detroit police brutality protests alongside Taylor and issued a statement on Facebook in response to the Tuesday night arrests and her uncles jailing. She called the curfew an unjust attempt to squash the movement and protected free speech. After three days of watching the Detroit Police Department brutalize and reign terror on those who chose to stay and protest while lying about their motives and trying to divide our movement, we decided it was time to stand up and stand with those brothers and sisters who were bravely and courageously opposing this injustice, Wallace wrote. She said protesters who didnt wish to violate the curfew order were given an opportunity to disperse prior to 8 p.m. Wallace said police later approached protesters on Gratiot Avenue. Despite the best efforts of the police to disorient, bully, and threaten the crowd, we stood our ground, Wallace said. "We were an immovable force. The police rushed the crowd and pepper sprayed us, brutally attacking many of the protesters ... " Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced on Monday that a curfew would remain in place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily for at least a week. While speaking to protesters Sunday night, Taylor told the crowd he was invited to meet with Chief Craig privately to discuss the possibility of dismissing charges against protesters arrested on previous nights. This is how sellouts happen, Taylor told the crowd. When these conversations happen in closed doors, nuh uh. So heres my proposal ... I want to reconvene Wednesday at 4 oclock and I want Chief Craig to join us so we can have that discussion together as a movement. If hes serious about it, he can bring the mayor too. The death of George Floyd, who was killed during a police detention in Minneapolis, has sparked protests and unrest worldwide as many protesters are asking for changes to occur within the institution of policing. More on MLive: Detroit police arrest protesters on fifth night of marching Curfews set in 3 Michigan cities Protesters clash with police in Kalamazoo Detroit protests turn violent Detroit protests end peacefully Grand Rapids protesters scatter Lansing protesters riot on Sunday Nissan has warned its Sunderland plant with 7,000 staff will be 'unsustainable' if the UK fails to strike a Brexit trade deal with Europe - days after saying it would survive a global restructuring. Thousands of workers in the North East thought there jobs were secure last week, after the car giant announced the factory would survive a string of series of cost-cutting measures that close the Japanese firm's Barcelona facility. A Nissan spokesman said at the time that 'Sunderland (remained) an important part of our plans for the European business.' Nissan's Sunderland factory opened in 1984, but there are fears it could be 'unsustainable' unless Britain reaches a trade a deal with the EU But in an interview with the BBC, Nissan's global chief operating officer Ashwani Gupta warned the company would not be able to stand by its commitment to the Sunderland plant if the UK left the European Union without a trade deal that enabled tariff-free EU access. Mr Gupta said: 'You know we are the number one carmaker in the UK and we want to continue. We are committed. 'Having said that, if we are not getting the current tariffs, it's not our intention but the business will not be sustainable. 'That's what everybody has to understand.' The Nissan factory in Sunderland opened in April 1984 and has produced millions of cars over the past 26 years. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been adamant he will not seek any extension to the current Brexit transition period which ends on December 31, despite warnings the coronavirus outbreak means it will be impossible to conclude a new free trade agreement with the EU by that date. In an interview with the Sunday Times, the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier issued an ultimatum, saying there would not be an 'agreement at any cost'. The Nissan factory in Sunderland has produced millions of vehicles since it opened in the 1980s He said: '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 doesn't happen, there will be no agreement.' In response, a UK source close to the negotiations said yesterday: '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. '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. P riti Patel has been forced to defend the Government's planned travel quarantine rules from Conservative MPs who claim such measures will ground the aviation industry. The Home Secretary has unveiled details of the regulations, which will require everyone coming into the UK from Monday to self-isolate for 14 days. She defended the rules in the House of Commons today despite opposition from her own Tory colleagues, who say the plans are damaging to business. Tory MP Dr Liam Fox, former International Trade Secretary, said: Im afraid I simply cannot get my head around the public health mental gymnastics of this policy. Former Secretary of State Liam Fox says he can't get his head around the policy / Sky News If such a barrier was required, why was it not introduced earlier in the outbreak? And if it is a contingency measure against a so-called second wave, why apply it to countries with a lower infection rate than we already have? Winchester Conservative MP Steve Brine added: If Im honest I think many people will think this is the right move at the wrong time. We keep being told to use our common sense. "The idea that this was wrong when Europe was at the centre of a pandemic and right now. It doesnt add up to me. The rules will apply to anyone, including UK nationals, arriving into the country by air, rail or ferry. Those who do not comply could be fined up to 1,000. Dr Ben Spencer, who was elected as MP for Runnymede and Weybridge at the 2019 election, told the Commons: The introduction of a 14-day quarantine is a very blunt tool with many downsides and consequences and it effectively grounds the aviation industry. Former Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers urged Ms Patel to suspend the implementation of the quarantine rules to give a few more weeks to establish air corridors, save jobs and allow families to go on holiday. While Sir Desmond Swayne called for the review of the policy to brought forward by ten days to limit a second wave of economic damage. Ms Patel paid tribute to the aviation industry but said it was an international crisis, adding: Planes are still flying and goods are coming into the United Kingdom. All arrivals to the UK will be required to self-isolate for 14 days / AFP via Getty Images "Of course this is an international crisis, no one person, no one organisation has a bespoke way of working throughout this crisis for the aviation sector." In her statement to the Commons, Ms Patel said the UK is past the peak of coronavirus but the country is "now more vulnerable to new infections being brought in from abroad". Loading.... She said: "The transmission rate in the UK continues to decline and international travel is likely to resume from its record low. "Therefore the scientific advice is that imported cases of the virus pose a more significant threat to our national effort. "Travellers from overseas could become a higher proportion of the overall number of infections in the UK and increase the spread of the disease. "The Government is acting now by taking a proportionate and time-limited approach to protect the health of the British people. Married At First Sight star Michael Goonan copped major backlash on Tuesday night for penning a controversial Instagram post amid the Black Lives Matter movement. Hundreds of celebrities posted black squares to Instagram as part of the viral campaign Blackout Tuesday, a collective action to protest racism and police brutality following the death of George Floyd in the U.S. The 29-year-old lost hundreds of followers after writing 'all lives matter equally' and posted a picture of a black square with a colourful kaleidoscope in the middle. 'You've completely missed the point': Married At First Sight star Michael Goonan copped major backlash on Tuesday night for penning a controversial Instagram post amid the Black Lives Matter movement 'This is 2020! Enough is ENOUGH... - We are one (All lives matter equally),' Michael wrote in his post. Many of Michael's fans told the businessman that he 'completely missed the point' and that they would be swiftly 'unfollowing' him. Although he may have had good intentions with the post, followers were quick to hit back. Backlash: ' The 29-year-old lost hundreds of followers after writing 'all lives matter equally' and posted a picture of a black square with a colourful kaleidoscope in the middle 'Not "all lives" are subjected to police brutality, systematic racism and prejudice,' one wrote. 'You've completely missed the point.' Another wrote: 'I understand what you're trying to say, but you're missing the point.' One fan added: 'Of course all lives matter! Most rational people feel like that. But not ALL lives are having problems right now. Not impressed: Although he may have had good intentions with the post, followers were quick to hit back 'Black people have been persecuted against for a very long time and their fight continues to this day, so that why we need to sat their lives matter right now.' They finished: 'People saying "all lives matter" minimises black people's fight. Understand that their problems aren't an attack on your life but them just wanting equality. Joining their fight will bring us all closer together not further apart.' Other fans insisted that Michael should 'delete' the post, while other said that they were 'unfollowing' him. Michael had 128,422 followers on Sunday and now has approximately 127,997 followers. Losing followers: Michael had 128,422 followers on Sunday and now has approximately 127,997 followers Black Lives Matter protests have erupted in the U.S. and around the world this week in response to the death of unarmed black man, George Floyd. Floyd, 46, died last Monday after he was arrested by four Minneapolis police officers for allegedly using a fake $20 bill. He was brought to the ground and white police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd's neck for eight minutes. Floyd, who was unarmed and handcuffed, repeatedly said he couldn't breathe and later died in custody. The horrific assault was caught on video and sent shockwaves across the world. Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He, along with the three other officers who arrested Floyd, have been fired from the force following outrage over the African American's death. Over the past week, hundreds of protests have unfolded in at least 75 cities across the United States in an unprecedented display of civil unrest. At least 40 cities have imposed curfews in response to the riots and violence. Daily Mail Australia has contacted a representative of Michael for comment in relation to this story. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer A Harris County Jail inmate has been charged with murder in the death of another inmate in early May, authorities said. Jerome Nebuwa died May 6, two days after he was attacked by Gregory Keith Curtis, the Harris County Sheriffs office said earlier this week. The charge followed an investigation by the Texas Rangers, which was requested by the sheriffs office, the local agency said. Hyderabad, June 3 : The resumption of economic activity with easing of lockdown has provided a breather to some sections of professionals reeling under the lockdown for over two months but one section which is yet to see any hope are teachers of private schools. With uncertainty continuing over re-opening of schools, there are no hopes of an early end to the hardships of thousands of teachers. While teachers of government-run schools are not badly impacted as they were at least paid 50 per cent salaries and they are sure to get the deducted salaries in future, the teachers in private schools, especially those in small unaided schools are the worst affected. Drawing meagre salaries between Rs 4,000 and Rs 12,000, it is a hand-to-mouth existence for many. Most of them have not received salaries for three months. While dignity held them back from reaching out for help, there were also instances where some had to approach the NGOs for food ration to save themselves and their families from starvation. The managements of some schools showed magnanimity to pay salaries for March and made part payment for April but teachers in majority of schools have not received salaries for three months. "We cannot tell anyone about our distress and there is no support from the government or anyone for people like us," said Narasing Nayak a teacher at New St. Maria High School, Falaknuma in Hyderabad. With a salary of Rs 15,000, he is the only earning member of my family and has to also take care of an ailing father. With no salary since March and no money for food and medicines, he had to approach a private financier to borrow on 5 per cent interest. Syed Mohsin Ali and his wife work at Zahra High School in Hyderabad together earning about Rs 15,000 per month. Ali's wife is afflicted with polio and they have a seven-month old child born premature. Both wife and child need regular medication. They have not received salaries since March and the family is surviving on hand loans taken from neighbours. "The management clearly told us that they are not in a position to pay the salary. They said you are free to continue or look for a job in some other school," said a lady teacher working for a school with multiple branches in the city. It's not only the teachers who are passing through tough times but the school managements are also going through a crisis. The lockdown also came as a bolt from blue for many school managements. Like every year, they were hoping to collect the fee dues from defaulters before the examinations in April. Since the examinations for classes from first to ninth standard are held in April, the schools issue the hall tickets to students only after they clear the last term fee or the dues. With the government promoting the students to the next class without conducting the exams, the schools have almost lost hopes of receiving the fee dues. With the state government issuing orders that the schools should not demand the fee, the managements are struggling to pay for the rents, security and maintenance of the school buildings. "We entirely depend on the fees collected to pay our teachers. But with the sudden Lockdown no fees were collected since March and we could not pay our teachers who are all facing acute financial distress. We can see their suffering but are totally helpless to do anything," said Jhansi Jaison, Principal, New St. Maria High School, Falaknuma. With the lockdown resulting in job-loss in different sectors or badly impacting the incomes of low-income groups, there are also apprehensions of a drop-out whenever the next academic year begins. A city-based NGO Confederation of Voluntary Organisation (COVA) has come out with an innovative idea to help the teachers and ensure that the students who might be forced to discontinue the education are retained. Under the scheme, COVA will pay Rs 10,000 to a teacher and will in turn make the management of that school to provide free education to two students for every teacher supported. "This will be a win win situation for teachers, students, parents, school managements and the society as teachers will get at least part of their salary to survive the coming months with dignity, students from deprived backgrounds will be able to continue their education in this time of acute economic stress for their parents, the burden on the management to pay the full salary of the teachers will be reduced and massive dropout of students could be curtailed," said Dr Mazher Hussain, Executive Director of COVA. COVA, which works with 100 private schools in Hyderabad, plans to support at least 1,000 teachers from 60 schools for this programme by raising Rs 1 crore through donations and grants. Mazher Hussain said COVA would enter into a MoU with schools to be covered under the programme. "A selection committee will be formed with 3 representatives of COVA and 2 representatives of the school to select students of the school for free study for a year. Care would be taken by the committee to ensure that students from 6th to 10th classes who are good in studies but likely to drop out due to economic constraints are selected and retained," he said. He suggested that organisations and groups initiate similar programmes in their respective localities, towns, cities and villages. COVA is ready to provide them free assistance or guidance required. During the lockdown COVA started providing subsistence support of Rs 5000 each to 114 teachers from eight member schools of COVA through direct bank transfers. Stand Together was the message Grace Bales, 21, a resident of Auroras 9th Ward on the far southeast side of town, originally sketched out. Thanks to her work and the help of volunteers who just showed up to help, the message was bright, loud and clear on the front of the Broadway Tavern building on Broadway by 4 p.m. Australia is backing the regional offices of the World Health Organisation while criticising Geneva amid new revelations about its mishandling of the coronavirus crisis. Global health security expert Adam Kamradt-Scott said despite legitimate criticisms of delays, obfuscation and political influence at the UN health body, a withdrawal from the global organisation towards regional bureaus would be "one of the worst outcomes", preventing further pandemic coordination. The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that the WHO was frustrated in January by the level of detail it was receiving out of China in the early days of the outbreak. At one stage, officials at the UN health body were quoted as being briefed only 15 minutes before key information was being shared with Chinese state media. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Credit:AP Despite this, the WHO continued to praise China's leadership in public in a bid to solicit more information. The 4000-word AP report, based on internal WHO recordings, also said scientific competition in China, a lack of collaboration between research labs and Beijing's delays in releasing the virus' genome played critical roles in hampering the international response to the outbreak. At an annual womens rights convention in Illinois, several new rules were laid down for members. Attendance was limited to 100 people, the general public were barred from participating and chairs at the meeting were set four feet apart. It could almost be a scene from 2020, the kind of thing societies around the world are implementing as they begin to cautiously emerge out of coronavirus lockdown measures and adjust to a new, socially distanced way of life. But this meeting took place in late October 1918, against the backdrop of the so-called Spanish flu pandemic, one of the deadliest in history, thought to have killed 50 million people worldwide by the time it ended. And the women taking part were members of the Illinois Equal Suffrage convention, eager to follow public health guidelines as well as to continue the campaign for the American womans right to vote. This August will mark the centennial of the 19th Amendment, and thus 100 years of womens suffrage across the United States. As the plans to celebrate the anniversary have been upended by COVID-19, historians are looking back to the determination of the suffragists in the face of a similarly challenging moment. The suffragists have shown us how to persevere through the highs and the lows, says Anna Laymon, executive director of the Womens Suffrage Centennial Commission. Its easy to find inspiration in their stories and their work. Theres a refrain of if the suffragists can do what they did, we can get through this. The 1918 flu outbreak started in the spring of 1918 and, in the U.S., was first identified in military personnel. The lack of advanced medicine and a vaccine meant that, much as is the case today, governments encouraged non-medical interventions such as quarantines, mask-wearing and good personal hygiene. Meanwhile, several countries around the world had already passed legislation for the enfranchisement of women. By the time the flu outbreak was first identified in the U.S. in the spring of that year, the momentum for American womens suffrage was building rapidly. A patchwork of legislation in different states enabled women to vote in some local elections, but Congress had not yet ratified the 19th Amendment. Story continues This is also a moment when women are doing a lot of visible protests modeled after British suffragists, says historian Allison K. Lange, associate professor of history at Wentworth Institute of Technology and a consulting historian for the Commission. Legislation passed in 1918 gave some women in the U.K. the right to vote, subject to specific criteria, and transatlantic tactics were shared. American women were organizing parades and the National Womens Party started picketing outside the White House in January 1917, the same month that the U.S. entered World War I. Four months later, in April 1917, Jeannette Rankin of Montana was elected to the House of Representatives as the first female member of Congress. But American women campaigning for the right to vote found themselves engaged in three different battles against the practical problems and the tragedies that the flu wrought, against the crisis of the then-ongoing World War I, and against those opposed to womens suffrage. Everything conspires against womens suffrage, one local suffragist told the New Orleans Times-Picayune in October 1918. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter That sentiment resonates today for Lange, author of the forthcoming Picturing Political Power: Images in the Womens Suffrage Movement. That was my takeaway quote from the newspaper articles, because I think we all kind of feel that way, whether its about the 1918 flu or the suffrage centennial actually happening, she says. Lange came across that particular article reported from New Orleans while researching how the suffrage movement responded to the 1918 flu, a topic that has often been overlooked in historical literature, which has tended to focus more on the impact of the war on the suffrage movement. As the fight for the vote was peaking, tens of thousands of women entered roles in the Womens Land Army to fill the jobs that men had left when they went to war, and eight million women volunteered as American Red Cross workers taking on duties from nursing to mechanics and motorcycle messengers. In some ways, womens World War I contribution and the flu crisis, at least especially initially, overlapped, says Lange. Poster showing a Red Cross nurse appealing to a young woman for help, as another nurse tends to a wounded man; created by Albert Sterner 1918. | Library of Congress The simultaneous challenges of the war and the pandemic forced the suffragists to adapt their priorities and campaigning methods, particularly in the face of the influenza, which prevented the public demonstrations and events that they had been so well known for. More radical suffragists felt their efforts had been thwarted, but moderate campaigners saw these obstacles as opportunities to show their patriotism and contribution to the national effort. Although they wouldnt have labelled their actions as social distancing at the time, suffragists aligned themselves with the message of the health authorities. They postponed campaigns, wore masks and focused on petitions instead of large-scale public events. Local womens organizations signed up to volunteer with the Red Cross and a key part of their work was to help discharged soldiers recover from the flu, as several outbreaks were at military camps. It was also a moment of possibility for a more diverse group of women: during the pandemic, 18 black nurses were admitted to the Army Nurse Corps and American Red Cross, which had only previously admitted and deployed white nurses. Between the war effort and the flu response, more moderate suffragists endeavored to show a kind of model citizenship, says Lange. While the public spectacles were extremely valuable in keeping the issue in the news and in peoples minds, the rhetoric of the more moderate suffragists was adopted by public officials. And that rhetoric helped further the argument that womens suffrage was socially acceptable, even to those who might not otherwise have supported it. That patience paid off, as President Woodrow Wilson addressed the Senate in support of womens suffrage in September 1918. This war could not have been foughtif it had not been for the services of the womenservices rendered in every sphere, he said, having written a telegram to the Illinois suffragist group just four days later to praise the way womens work for suffrage was being carried out during the war. While the suffragists themselves recognized the ways the flu impacted their work, their contribution to fighting the pandemic was perhaps overlooked, even at the time, in comparison to their contribution to the war effort. It was assumed that women would do this [nursing] work and risk their lives to be caregivers, says Lange. Just a week later, the influenza pandemic would claim victims in Washington, D.C., and Congress itself, showing just how much it infiltrated all aspects of life. Despite the pandemic, the suffrage movement continued campaigning with determination and on June 4, 1919, the 19th Amendment, granting U.S. women the right to vote, was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. For Lange, the suffragists ability to adapt and change in the face of steep obstacles is a timely reminder. They were constantly adapting new ideas and new ways of thinking about the world, and thats exactly the kind of thing were hoping to do right now, she says. I hope we take away the idea of persistent perseverance, and hopefully see new opportunities in that adaptation. Lucknow, June 3 : The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has created a record of sorts by ensuring medical screening of 4.85 crore persons in the state for COVID-19. 'Our medical teams have reached out to 4.85 crore people in more than 78 lakh households for medical testing for corona. Over one lakh medical teams are actively involved in screening people," said an official spokesman. The spokesman said that ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers have also been included in the medical teams. 'Nigrani' Samitis have been set up at village levels to keep an eye on the corona suspects and monitor those in quarantine centres. The Samitis keep the concerned officials informed of the developments at the village level and help in medical screening. The Chief Minister, while addressing the meeting of Team 11 on Wednesday, said that over one lakh beds were available in COVID hospitals in level one, two and three in the state. Of these 2,000 beds are fitted with ventilators. The medical screening of migrant workers was continuing in all the quarantine centres and all workers who were returning home, were being provided ration kits. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text FLINT, MI -- The U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati has denied requests to delay certain depositions of former Gov. Rick Snyder and ex-state Treasurer Andy Dillon in lawsuits related to the Flint water crisis. In an opinion filed Tuesday, June 2, the court denied a request from Snyder and Dillon for a stay of depositions tied to claims against other defendants and dismissed for lack of jurisdiction the pairs appeal of the denial of a protective order they sought in U.S. District Court. Snyder and Dillion have claimed they cannot be deposed in such cases because they are immune from all discovery until they have exhausted every opportunity to appeal the district courts denial of their motions to dismiss the claims against them based on qualified immunity. Qualified immunity" means elected officials cannot be held civilly liable for actions they took in the normal course of doing their jobs. The request to the Court of Appeals was filed in April after plaintiffs including Veolia North America, a water consultant hired during the water crisis, sought to depose Snyder and other ex-state officials starting June 25, and Dillon starting on July 7, the opinion written by Judge Karen Nelson Moore says. The District Court carefully sculpted a discovery plan that afforded the state defendants their full entitlement to immunity, while permitting other parties to seek discovery from them as fact witnesses on wholly separate claims, the opinion says. The discovery plan would permit state defendants to be deposed as non-party fact witnesses to events regarding separate claims brought against different defendants to prevent the litigation from stalling out ... We reject Snyders and Dillons attempt to dress up the District Courts discovery order as an implicit denial of qualified immunity. Luke Waid, Michelle Rodriguez and other Flint residents claim in the federal lawsuit that they were harmed as a consequence of lead and other toxic substances in the citys water supply. The residents are seeking to recover monetary damages for gross negligence of the defendants, including various employees of the state and city of Flint. The claims are based on the citys use of improperly treated water from the Flint River for 17 months in parts of 2014 and 2015. Researchers have said the corrosive water caused lead to leech into the citys water supply while Flint was being run by emergency financial managers appointed by Snyder. The case is one of many civil lawsuits pending in state and federal courts related to the water crisis. U.S. District Court Judge Judith E. Levy has already ruled in a separate case that a bodily integrity claim can move forward under the U.S. Constitution because the conduct of many of the individual governmental defendants was so egregious as to shock the conscience and violate plaintiffs clearly established fundamental right to bodily integrity." In the same case, a claim against Snyder was dismissed initially but later reinstated after new information was filed by attorneys for the Flint residents. In January, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in that case, allowing the federal lawsuit to move forward, and in March, the state Supreme Court heard arguments on the bodily integrity portion of that case. The court has until the end of the current term on July 31 to make its decision. MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach the Department of Attorney General, which represents state defendants in the case, for comment on the ruling, but Theodore J. Leopold, a partner at Cohen Milstein and co-lead counsel in the Flint case, issued a statement saying his clients are pleased with Tuesdays decision, which he called Snyders last attempt to avoid being questioned under oath about his role in the Flint disaster. We will now look forward to questioning Governor Snyder at the end of this month, the statement says. Former Gov. Rick Snyder could be deposed in Flint water crisis case As Flint was slowly poisoned, Snyders inner circle failed to act Flint water crisis lawsuits for kids 6-12 go to front of the line in federal court Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Reuters) Seoul, South Korea Wed, June 3, 2020 15:00 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbd4f01 2 World South-Korea,remdesivir,coronavirus,COVID-19,COVID-19-drugs,pandemic,SARS-CoV-2,virus-corona,novel-coronavirus Free South Korea said on Wednesday it has approved the emergency use of Gilead Sciences Inc's remdesivir to treat COVID-19 after a government panel last week cited positive results for the anti-viral drug in other countries. Remdesivir, which is administered intravenously in hospital, is the first drug to show improvement in COVID-19 patients in formal clinical trials. "Remdesivir can help reduce the amount of coronavirus in the body," South Korea's Ministry for Food and Drug Safety said in a statement. "This can help the patient's condition improve faster." On Monday, Gilead reported the drug provided a modest benefit in patients with moderate COVID-19 given a five-day course of the treatment, while those who received the medicine for 10 days in the study did not fare as well. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization (EUA) last month, citing results from a U.S. government study that showed the drug reduced hospitalization stays by 31%, or about four days, compared to a placebo. Japanese health authorities have also approved use of the drug. Under guidelines announced by South Korea's Ministry for Food and Drug Safety, doctors can administer one dose of remdesivir a day, with 5 doses overall for patients with moderate symptoms, and 10 doses for patients with severe symptoms and who need oxygen support. The ministry said it will cooperate with Gilead, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other ministries to swiftly import the drug. All patients must undergo a liver function test before taking the drug as possible side effects include elevated levels of liver enzymes, the ministry added. South Korea has been battling small but steady new outbreaks of the new coronavirus, with 49 new cases reported on Tuesday, bringing the country's total to 11,590 cases with 273 deaths. In a move that would benefit thousands of Amrapali homebuyers, SBICAP Ventures has informed the Supreme Court that it would create a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with the court receiver and would appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to take over the construction of seven stalled projects in Noida and Greater Noida. The Supreme Court on May 27 had reserved its order in the Amrapali case on issues such as financing of stalled Amrapali projects through the governments stressed fund managed by SBI Cap. SBICAP has filed an affidavit on June 3 and stated that they have considered the proposal of court receiver. They proposed a scheme where the homebuyers will be asked to pay their balance amount/ some deposit. A special purpose vehicle company shall be created with SBI Caps and the receiver on board. A CEO will be appointed to oversee the projects. This company will enter into an agreement with NBCC for construction, Kumar Mihir, an advocate, told Moneycontrol. However, any investment by SBICAP must be given priority in repayment. Initially seven projects (to be decided) will be considered and rest will be taken up later, he said. The court receiver, senior advocate R Venkataramani, also informed the court on June 3 about UCO Bankss inclination to be part of arrangement proposed by SBI Caps and enter into a joint funding. UCO Bank has expressed interest to finance Rs 2000 crore in lieu of the unsold inventory of around 5000 units as mortgage. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and U U Lalit was told by counsel appearing for SBICAP Ventures that it would apprise the court about its concrete proposal by next week. We direct the UCO Bank to finalise the complete proposal in this regard within seven days and let it be placed before the Court on the next date of hearing, the court has ordered. We have considered the affidavit filed on behalf of the SBICAP. It is pointed out in the affidavit that they are ready to do the needful for stalled project and they are in deliberation with the Receiver of this Court and another company has to be set up between the Receiver and SBICAP which shall work in collaboration with the NBCC. The NBCC shall undertake the construction work and the funding will be done through the company for the purpose of construction, the court order said. For this, time is prayed for to work out the details. Let a joint meeting be convened between the NBCC, Receiver, the SBICAP and UCO Bank to do the needful. Let UCO Bank also join the meeting in furnishing the information as may be required by the SBI CAP. The Forensic Auditors are requested to provide all the information as may be required by the SBICAP, the court order said. We direct the UCO Bank to finalise the complete proposal in this regard within seven days and let it be placed before the Court on the next date of hearing, it said. The next date of hearing is June 10. JP Morgan directed to deposit Rs 140 crore The Supreme Court directed multi-national firm JP Morgan to deposit Rs 140 crore. The money was paid for by the homebuyers and was allegedly siphoned off as per the forensic auditors report and last year's order in the case. The top court has asked the firm to let it know by next week as how it would deposit the homebuyers money and by what time. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had told the apex court that criminal conspiracy was hatched between JP Morgan Group of Companies and the Directors of Amrapali Group under which JP Morgan India Property Mauritius Company-II made Rs 85 crore investment in Amrapali Zodiac in 2010 and exited it during 2013-15 by taking about Rs. 140 Crore outside India through "sham transactions and shell companies". At the outset, Rohatgi told the bench that JP Morgan had not diverted any home buyers' money and the ED has wrongly attached its assets worth Rs 187 crore. The top court also pulled up Surekha Group for not depositing the amount it had allegedly siphoned off from home buyers money and warned that its directors and promoters will be put behind bars, if Rs 167 crore is not deposited. With regard to relaxation of GST, the court receiver informed the bench that the Government was considering an issue with respect to real estate projects on whether it can give relaxation in GST or not. Prayer for exemption in GST has, therefore been deferred. NBCC has been directed to assist the court receiver to shift the records of Amrapali Group from the Tower sold by DRT in three weeks and possession to be handed over to the purchaser thereof thereafter. The District Magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar has been directed to provide security for the same MSTC filed an affidavit stating that out of 15 luxury cars, eight have been sold by it and seven are not to be found. Court expressed its anguish and directed MSTC to take possession of all cars, luxury and otherwise and sell them. Court also directed MSTC to file an affidavit with Item-wise valuation of all properties with principles of valuation applied in the form of a chart. Let the learned Receiver make verification and after due verification, those 7 cars be handed over to the MSTC Limited. Let the possession of 85 cars be taken and they may be put to sale by the MSTC Limited. We find from the report filed by the MSTC that they have not disclosed the valuation done of most of the items. The principle of valuation of all the items as well as the valuation may be disclosed. Item-wise details with respect to all the properties, which are supposed to be sold by the MSTC Limited, be furnished, the court order said. The top court had on December 18, last year directed court receiver who has been appointed custodian of properties of Amrapali Group, to make an application to SBICAP Ventures and furnish the requisite information with regard to the projects. Cracking its whip on Amrapali Group, the Supreme Court in July last year had ordered cancellation of Amrapali Group's registration under real estate law RERA and ousted it from its prime properties in the NCR by nixing the land leases. It had ordered a probe by the ED into allegations of money laundering and to look into the charge of FEMA violation by JP Morgan. The top court had also termed the sequence of events in Amrapali group a "shocking and surprising state of affairs" where such large-scale cheating has taken place and middle and poor class home buyers were duped and deprived of their hard-earned money. It had directed the state-run NBCC to complete the stalled projects of the Amrapali Group, whose directors Anil Kumar Sharma, Shiv Priya and Ajay Kumar are behind bars on the top court's order. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2020 / Ximen Mining Corp. (XIM.V)(1XMA.F)(XXMMF) (the "Company" or "Ximen") is pleased to announce it is planning to conduct a drone-based magnetometer survey over part of its Brett property, near Vernon in south-central British Columbia. A ground magnetic survey conducted in 2014 indicated The Main Zone is defined as a modest northwest-trending magnetic low anomaly, and the survey identified a broad magnetic low anomaly west of the Main Zone that extends west to the limits of the survey. This mag-low anomaly is associated with a zone of strongly altered Eocene volcanics with local quartz veining, and with elevated gold (and associated pathfinder elements) in rock and soils. Additional magnetics surveying using a drone is going to be trialed on the property with the aim to extend this anomaly further to the west. Dr. Mathew Ball, P.Geo., VP Exploration for Ximen Mining Corp. and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, approved the technical information contained in this News Release. The Company also announces that it has divested its interests in the Gold Drop Property in southern British Columbia to GGX Gold Corp. Ximen will retain a 2.5% net smelter returns royalty which GGX Gold may buy down 1 per cent of the NSR royalty by paying $1 million. The Company has a meaningful share position in GGX Gold Corp. and wishes them success in realizing value from these properties for both Companies. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, "Christopher R. Anderson" Christopher R. Anderson, President, CEO and Director 604 488-3900 Investor Relations: Sophy Cesar, 604-488-3900, ir@XimenMiningCorp.com About Ximen Mining Corp. Ximen Mining Corp. owns 100% interest in three of its precious metal projects located in southern BC. Ximen`s two Gold projects The Amelia Gold Mine and The Brett Epithermal Gold Project. Ximen also owns the Treasure Mountain Silver Project adjacent to the past producing Huldra Silver Mine. Currently, the Treasure Mountain Silver Project is under a option agreement. The option partner is making annual staged cash and stocks payments as well as funding the development of the project. The company has recently acquired control of the Kenville Gold mine near Nelson British Columbia which comes with surface and underground rights, buildings and equipment. Story continues Ximen is a publicly listed company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol XIM, in the USA under the symbol XXMMF, and in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin Stock Exchanges in Germany under the symbol 1XMA and WKN with the number as A2JBKL. This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval and the exercise of the Option by Ximen. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the possibility that the TSX Venture Exchange may not accept the proposed transaction in a timely manner, if at all. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Neither 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. SOURCE: Ximen Mining Corp. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/592545/Ximen-to-Conduct-Drone-Mag-Survey-at-Brett A woman from Baragu village in Mitheru, Tharaka Nithi County was nearly set on fire after she was caught milking a neighbors goat Monday morning. Angry villagers claimed the suspect, identified as Wanja Mbabu, had become a thieving menace in the village. There have been reports concerning stolen property in this village and this led to arrest of Wanja, said village head Beatrice Kinyua. She added that the suspect had been jailed at Meru prison and was released recently after giving birth. Wanjas son, Gerald Njagi, said his mothers stealing habits were bizarre because she steals anything. I dont believe my mothers stealing habit is normal. She can steal anything that she comes across, said Mr. Njagi. The irate villagers who were baying for Wanjas blood said they were not ready to live with a serial thief in the same village. Other villagers sympathized with the suspect saying she has a problem that needs to be addressed. Mr John Kiambi said: Wanja needs help and not lynching. We have to understand times are hard. The act should challenge each of us about the many social challenges affecting women especially needy, poor and the ordinary, said Patrick Muchiri. Wanja Mbabu, who had already been tied up and covered in firewood and a tyre, was instead taken to Mitheru police post to face the law. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Shaun Tandon with Julia Bennarous (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Wed, June 3, 2020 16:02 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbd8c96 2 World Donald-Trump,George-Floyd,US,rioting Free Protesters defied curfews across the United States Tuesday as leaders scrambled to stem anger over police racism while President Donald Trump rejected criticism over his use of force to break up a peaceful rally. Standoffs between police and demonstrators stretched into the night in cities from New York to Los Angeles over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man whose killing has brought once-in-a-generation protests to the nation for the past week. But there were fewer reports of the looting and violence that had soured street demonstrations in previous nights. Tens of thousands gathered earlier in Houston to pay a hometown tribute to Floyd, who grew up in the Texas city and is to be buried there next week. "Today is... about George Floyd's family -- we want them to know that George did not die in vain," Mayor Sylvester Turner told an estimated 60,000 people. A tearful Roxie Washington, the mother of Floyd's six-year-old daughter, told a news conference she wanted "justice for him because he was good. "No matter what anybody thinks, he was good." In New York, which on Tuesday prolonged its first curfew since World War II for the full week, AFP reporters saw hundreds refusing to go home after the 8:00 pm cutoff, instead chanting slogans and peacefully walking the streets in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Protestors attempting to cross the Manhattan bridge were pinned there for an extended period by police on both sides, but were finally allowed to return to Brooklyn, according to a New York Times reporter on the scene. Mayor Bill de Blasio told CNN it had been "much calmer" a day after several Manhattan luxury stores were looted, praising an increased and "vast presence" of police on the streets. Minnesota took one of the first concrete actions to address the grievances behind the uprising, which began after Floyd's death on May 25 in the state's largest city Minneapolis. The state launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department, looking at possible "systemic discriminatory practices" going back 10 years, Governor Tim Walz tweeted. Former president George W. Bush called on the US to examine its "tragic failures" and to "listen to the voices of so many who are hurting and grieving." And in Los Angeles, one of dozens of cities hit by unrest, police officers and Mayor Eric Garcetti dropped to their knees in a symbolic act of solidarity as they met marchers led by African-American Christian groups. "A black face should not be a sentenced to die, nor to be homeless, nor to be sick, nor to be underemployed, nor to be under-educated," Garcetti told them, inviting the leaders into City Hall for a discussion about the issues. But protesters gathered outside Garcetti's residence late into the evening. An AFP reporter witnessed a group of at least 200 refusing to disperse and subsequently arrested. 'People liked my walk' In Washington DC, thousands returned to the streets Tuesday for a peaceful "Black Lives Matter" march. Hours after the 7:00 pm curfew protesters could be heard chanting, as National Guard troops stood on the streets near the White House and helicopters hovered above. Broadcast footage showed police firing tear gas shortly after midnight, but the situation appeared to be calm overall. "I'm just tired, essentially, of being scared of police, of not getting justice," said Jada Wallace, an 18-year-old protester outside the White House earlier who said she was ready to risk arrest. US President Donald Trump leaves the White House on foot to go to St John's Episcopal church across Lafayette Park in Washington, DC on June 1, 2020. - US President Donald Trump was due to make a televised address to the nation on Monday after days of anti-racism protests against police brutality that have erupted into violence. The White House announced that the president would make remarks imminently after he has been criticized for not publicly addressing in the crisis in recent days. AFP/ Brendan Smialowski (AFP/Brendan Smialowski ) In the same place on Monday, federal police had abruptly opened tear gas and fired rubber bullets to break up a non-violent protest, clearing a path for Trump to stroll outside for a photo-op at a historic church damaged the previous night. The move was loudly condemned by religious leaders, the president's political rivals, and onlookers around the country. But Trump, who has rejected the traditional presidential role of healer, voiced glee on Twitter over the response in Washington and accused the leadership of New York -- led by the rival Democratic Party -- of succumbing to "Lowlife & Scum." "Overwhelming force. Domination," he wrote, adding: "Washington, D.C., was the safest place on earth last night!" He pushed back against the criticism later on Twitter, writing: "You got it wrong! If the protesters were so peaceful, why did they light the Church on fire the night before? People liked my walk." 'Despicable looters' Joe Biden, Trump's presumptive Democratic rival in November elections, denounced the crackdown as an abuse of power and promised, if elected, to tackle the "systemic racism" in the country. "Donald Trump has turned this country into a battlefield driven by old resentments and fresh fears," Biden said in a speech in Philadelphia, also hit by violence. The United States also faced unusual, if polite, criticism from some international allies including Germany, Britain and Australia. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called the anti-racism protests "understandable and more than legitimate." "I hope that these peaceful protests won't slide further into violence, but even more than that I hope that they will make a difference in the United States," Maas told reporters. A Las Vegas officer was in "grave condition" Tuesday after being shot during protests overnight. An armed Hispanic man was shot and killed by police after raising his gun in a separate, nearby incident. Four officers were also shot overnight in St. Louis. None of the injuries was life-threatening. Our highest respect to the family of David Dorn, a Great Police Captain from St. Louis, who was viciously shot and killed by despicable looters last night. We honor our police officers, perhaps more than ever before. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/0ouUpoJEQ4 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2020 But one retired St Louis police captain was shot dead early Tuesday outside a ransacked store. Trump tweeted that David Dorn, who was black, was "viciously shot and killed by despicable looters." The year 1968 has been on a lot of peoples minds lately another year of protests, violence and upheaval that seemed to be tearing the nation apart. Yes, but: This crisis also has moments weve never seen before and some historians and experts say the differences suggest that 2020 doesn't compare well at all. Yes, this year is worse than 1968. Plus its not even half over! said Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations and author of the new book, The World: A Brief Introduction. The big picture: There are plenty of similarities. The demonstrations in the streets that were seeing now have a parallel in the mass demonstrations of 1968, as do the racism and police brutality were seeing now. Weve seen cities burning in both years, and fearsome police crackdowns. And both times, there was a law and order Republican promising to end the violence. "In 1968 there were black leaders and protesters and activists still trying to get white America to understand what was going on in black America," Mark Anthony Neal, chair of the Department of African and African American Studies at Duke University, tells Axios' Margaret Talev. "At this moment, now, it's not so much the challenge of getting white America to know what's going on in black America it's getting them to care." Thankfully, 2020 has not been a year of war and assassinations two key differences that have led some historians to conclude that 1968 was a bigger year of upheaval. As James Fallows wrote in The Atlantic of the Vietnam War and the ever-present fear of being drafted in 1968: It was different from now, and worse. And yet, 2020 has still been able to shock us. Heres whats different this time: Were also in the middle of a pandemic, when everyones nerves are already frayed over the more than 100,000 Americans who have lost their lives and over the skyrocketing unemployment that was set in motion by the lockdown. Twice as many Americans died in the past 4 months of COVID-19 as did in the entire Vietnam War, Haass notes. when everyones nerves are already frayed over the more than 100,000 Americans who have lost their lives and over the skyrocketing unemployment that was set in motion by the lockdown. Twice as many Americans died in the past 4 months of COVID-19 as did in the entire Vietnam War, Haass notes. Everything is being captured in real time on social media as well as cable news. Yes, we all saw the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police with our own eyes, thanks to the video. But we also see it almost immediately when a protest turns violent or when police break out the tear gas, rubber bullets or pepper balls to crack down on protesters. on social media as well as cable news. Yes, we all saw the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police with our own eyes, thanks to the video. But we also see it almost immediately when a protest turns violent or when police break out the tear gas, rubber bullets or pepper balls to crack down on protesters. Treating protest violence as domestic terrorism as Attorney General Bill Barr has promised to do could be seen as a dangerous parallel with other countries. As Axios Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian notes, rising authoritarian leaders from Russia's Vladimir Putin to Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan have cracked down on their political opposition as a means to consolidate power in the early years of their rule, or to paralyze movements that seek to undermine the power they have already accrued. as Attorney General Bill Barr has promised to do could be seen as a dangerous parallel with other countries. As Axios Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian notes, rising authoritarian leaders from Russia's Vladimir Putin to Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan have cracked down on their political opposition as a means to consolidate power in the early years of their rule, or to paralyze movements that seek to undermine the power they have already accrued. The targeting of journalists by police, and sometimes by protesters, has gone beyond the scale of anything journalists have experienced covering protests in recent years with reporters and camera crews getting arrested, shot at with rubber bullets, being tear-gassed, and even punched by police officers. And this time, the president of the United States is inflaming the tensions rather than trying to calm them. President Trump and Richard Nixon both stood up for law and order to appeal to Americans tired of protest violence and upheaval, and other presidents have used the Insurrection Act of 1807 to deploy federal troops to cities in crisis. But theres only one president who has made statements like when the looting starts, the shooting starts and who went to a church after law enforcement officers smoked out peaceful protesters and even priests. "If your question is, 'Should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op,' the answer is no, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only African-American Republican in the Senate, said Tuesday. For all his flaws, Lyndon Johnson was a president, not, as in Trump's case, a provocateur, historian Jon Meacham said about the 1968 president. He was wrong about the war, but he was committed to the proposition that national unity was a good thing. And for all of his law and order talk, even Nixon met with Vietnam protesters at the Lincoln Memorial one night in 1970. What hasnt changed: Read this quote from a March 1968 speech by Martin Luther King Jr. and think about the frustrations todays protesters have taken to the streets: And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the plight of the Negro poor has worsened over the last twelve or fifteen years. It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice and humanity. The bottom line: Meacham notes that in the 1968 election, Nixon and segregationist George Wallace together got about 57 percent of the vote. Every day a city delays in implementing social distancing measures after the appearance of its first case of coronavirus infection may add as much as 2.4 days to the duration of the outbreak, says an analysis of COVID-19 spread in 58 cities. According to the study, published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, places that take longer to implement social distancing measures may spend more time with the virus rapidly spreading than those that act more quickly. Researchers, including those from The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), looked at data from cities throughout China and analysed when the first cases were detected, when social distancing measures were implemented, and when the outbreak was considered contained. "Every day saves time, saves effort, saves people becoming infected and probably saves lives," said Lauren Ancel Meyers, a professor of integrative biology who leads the UT Austin COVID-19 Modeling Consortium. This is particularly important as we think about the coming weeks and months, Meyers said. The scientists believe the findings are applicable both to communities experiencing their first outbreaks and those that may see a resurgence in the coming months. According to the analysis, waiting for a week after early signs of resurgence of the virus might require about 17 more days of social distancing to slow the spread of the pandemic. It will be difficult to consider strict interventions again, but acting early upon signs of resurgence will mean fewer days of social distancing orders, said Spencer Fox, study co-author from UT Austin. "Our findings have implications for the timing of interventions in US cities," Meyers said. The scientists said the impact of delays may be particularly important for communities that are prone to rapid transmission, such as nursing homes, colleges, schools, and jails. "We need concrete plans for when and how to respond to rising cases to prevent unnecessarily long and costly restrictions," Meyers added. To determine when an outbreak had been contained, the researchers looked at case counts and determined the reproduction number -- a measurement that shows how many people will be infected by one infectious person. The study noted that if the reproduction number drops below one, scientists consider the outbreak contained. In their analysis, the researchers looked at previous studies on the impact of delaying social distancing measures to estimate a link between the time of measures being taken and the effect on outbreaks. They used on-the-ground data to determine the link between cities taking measures to contain the virus and rates of its spread. While the analysis was not able to determine which social distancing measures were most effective, it showed that the timing of the first measure, regardless of the type, had a big impact. "We provide direct, data-driven evidence that the timing of interventions has a substantial impact on how long an outbreak lasts, how effective our interventions are and, ultimately, how many people might be infected and die from the virus," Meyers said. Although the study looked at cities experiencing the earliest days of an outbreak, the scientists believe these findings are also relevant for cities in the middle of an outbreak. Advertisement The ninth night of protests over the death of George Floyd came to a relatively peaceful end on Wednesday as crowds in several cities dispersed without aggressive intervention from police enforcing curfews. In Washington, DC, crowds thinned out slightly after sundown, but hundreds of people were still in the streets when the 11pm curfew came and went. Anxiety hung in the air between the protesters and a line of troops watching over them in riot gear as the former group projected messages onto buildings that bore the same words they've chanted for days, including: 'We can't breathe', 'Stop Killer Cops', and 'Demilitarize the police'. Tensions were more obvious in New York City, where at least 90 people were arrested in connection with protests, and a group of officers were seen whacking a cyclist with batons after removing him from his bike. At least one NYPD officer was injured when a scuffle broke out between police and protesters marching to Cadman Plaza after dark. In New Orleans, police deployed tear gas on crowds that refused to comply with orders to not walk across the Crescent City Connection, a bridge that stretches across the Mississippi River. But overall, there was a marked quiet across the country compared with the unrest of the past few nights, which included fires and shootings in some cities while police resorted to forceful tactics including tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets to break up crowds. In Atlanta, streets that were filled with hundreds of protesters during the day emptied out when a 9pm curfew went into effect. Similar scenes unfolded in Philadelphia, where the 7pm curfew was accompanied by a sudden rain shower that soaked protesters on their way home. WASHINGTON DC: Protesters hold up their phones during a demonstration as a city-wide 11pm curfew approached NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: New Orleans police tackle demonstrators on top of the Crescent City Connection bridge late on Wednesday during further protests over the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by police in Minneapolis NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: A protester and a police officer stare at one another on the Crescent City Connection bridge in New Orleans on Wednesday night during a tense stand-off punctuated by skirmishes with officers and the firing of tear gas PORTLAND, OREGON: Protesters cross Morrison Bridge while rallying against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: Tear gas fills the bridge in New Orleans as riot police attempt to move the demonstrators on as the city saw further unrest on Wednesday night NEW YORK: Scuffles broke out between police and protesters marching in Brooklyn on Wednesday night NEW YORK: Police arrest a pair of protesters for breaking curfew in Manhattan on Wednesday night amid rainy weather NEW YORK: Police advance to arrest protesters breaking curfew by marching through Manhattan on Wednesday night PHILADELPHIA: Rain showers moved through Philadelphia on Wednesday night, causing protest crowds to disperse LOS ANGELES: Demonstrators raise their hands as they wait for LAPD officers to detain them on Wednesday night NEW ORLEANS: Police deployed tear gas on crowds that refused to comply with orders to not walk across the Crescent City Connection, a bridge that stretches across the Mississippi River The US has been rocked by over a week of tumult since George Floyd, a black man, was killed in Minneapolis after white police officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground by kneeling on his neck on Memorial Day. Floyd, who was in handcuffs at the time, died after Chauvin ignored bystander shouts to get off him and Floyd's cries that he couldn't breathe. His death, captured on citizen video, has sparked days of protests in Minneapolis that quickly spread to cities across America. Charges against Chauvin were upgraded to second-degree murder on Wednesday, and the three other officers at the scene were newly charged with aiding and abetting murder. However, the news seemed to do little to quell the protests and unrest, which continued for a ninth straight day in dozens of cities including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: A person pours milk on the face of a protester who was teargassed by police officers by the Crescent City Connection bridge WASHINGTON DC: After the capital's curfew went into effect, protesters projected powerful messages on the side of buildings. The words: 'We can't breathe' took up three floors of the Hay Adams Hotel (pictured) NEW YORK: A protesters is escorted by police after breaking curfew during a demonstration on Wednesday night NEW YORK: Curtis Sliwa, the founder and CEO of the Guardian Angels, walks with other Guardian Angels on a safety patrol in lower Manhattan following nights of looting in the area NEW YORK: Protesters raise their hands as police prepare to make dozens of arrests during demonstrations in Manhattan NEW YORK: Protesters kneel on the ground as police officers swoop in to arrest them for breaking curfew WASHINGTON DC: A demonstrator raises his hands during a protest near the White House on Wednesday night WASHINGTON DC: At around 11.15pm, projections with protest messages started appearing near the White House WASHINGTON DC: The words: 'Demilitarize the police' were projected on the side of an armored vehicle LOS ANGELES: Demonstrators raise their hands as police confront them for breaking curfew on Wednesday night LOS ANGELES: A demonstrator is detained by LASD officers during a protest in response to the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd LOS ANGELES: Demonstrators kneel before police officers with their arms raised in the air as the protest against the death of George Floyd LOS ANGELES: Demonstrators raise their hands and kneel as they wait for LASD officers to detain them during a protest in response to the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd In Washington DC, some Capitol Police in charge of protecting Congress took a knee as protesters shouted slogans, similar to other scenes that have played out across the nation. While many view the gesture as an act of solidarity with peaceful protests, as police join in condemning Floyd's in-custody death, others have criticized cops who participate as bowing down before protesters. President Donald Trump waded into the debate on Wednesday morning for the first time, retweeting a message that said New York City police were being forced to 'bend a knee to terrorists'. Protesters in DC sent a strong message to police hours later as they lay face-down in front of the Capitol in silence. Organizers asked them to stay down and stay quiet for about the same amount of time Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck. In the afternoon, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi emerged from the Capitol building to greet and mingle with the protesters. NEW ORLEANS: Protesters breach a line of police atop the Crescent City Connection Bridge over the Mississippi River NEW ORLEANS: Protesters retreat from tear gas after breaching a line of police atop the Crescent City Connection bridge NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: Protesters retreat from tear gas Wednesday, June 3, 2020, after breaching a line of police atop the Crescent City Connection bridge, which spans the Mississippi River WASHINGTON DC: US Capitol police kneel as demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd at the Capitol on Wednesday after the protesters demanded they take a knee NEW YORK: Hundreds joined the march near Prospect Park in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Wednesday BOSTON: People take part in a rally following the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, on Wednesday CHICAGO: Demonstrators in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago also marched on Wednesday LOS ANGELES: Protesters in Los Angeles pass through police lines after negotiating during a demonstration on Wednesday SEATTLE: Hundreds of people marched through Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood on their way to City Hall on Wednesday At one point the crowd knelt together as they sang 'Amazing Grace' and chanted: 'We are not going anywhere.' Meanwhile law enforcement officers in riot gear stood watch over the crowd, which stretched down 16th Street near the White House. Mayor Muriel Bowser moved the citywide curfew back from 7pm to 11pm curfew after a peaceful night of protests on Tuesday. Crowds began to thin out as the curfew approached, but hundreds of protesters remained in the streets despite a heavy presence of police and National Guard troops. At around 11.15pm, projections with protest messages started appearing on buildings and military vehicles. The words 'We can't breathe' and 'Stop Killer Cops' flashed on the face of the Hay Adams Hotel in a font so large they spanned three floors. 'Demilitarize the police' was projected on the side of an armored vehicle that brought in National Guard members. WASHINGTON DC: Demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd as they gather Wednesday on Capitol Hill WASHINGTON DC: Demonstrators participate in a Black Lives Matter rally as protests continue over the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, outside the US Capitol on Wednesday WASHINGTON DC:Demonstrators on the East side of the US Capitol in protest the death of George Floyd on Wednesday WASHINGTON DC: Police gather as the first line to keep demonstrators away from Lafayette Square near the White House In New York City, the scene of massive protests as well as shocking looting after dark in recent days, the streets were calmed by afternoon rain showers. However, as the weather cleared by 4pm, several large groups began gathering in Washington Square Park and elsewhere. One group marched up 5th Avenue toward Central Park. Storefronts in New York were fortified at new levels of security in fears of violence breaking out after dark, with companies adding razorwire and guard dogs to deter looting. A large protest march also occurred in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bed-Stuy. Some business owners in the neighborhood prepared by putting signs saying 'black owned' in their storefront windows. Meanwhile, city officials expressed hope that an earlier curfew and refined police tactics will bring the city closer to restoring order after days of unrest. 'Last night we took a step forward in moving out of this difficult period we've had the last few days and moving to a better time,' Mayor Bill de Blasio said. Gov Andrew Cuomo, who was critical of the police response on prior nights, said the city Tuesday 'was much, much better than the night before'. 'It worked. We got results,' Cuomo said. 'Let's just remember what we did last night and keep that going.' Hours later NYPD Chief of Department Terrance Monahan expressed optimism that the night, at least up until that point, had been relatively calm with no looting reported. He also emphasized the distinction between peaceful protests and ones that escalate into violence. 'We are one with the protesters,' Monahan said. 'We are out there for a justified cause but not with the people who want to cause mayhem to our city.' NEW YORK: In Brooklyn, protesters gathered in Grand Army Plaza on Wednesday afternoon after the skies cleared NEW YORK: A demonstrator attends a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd in Brooklyn NEW YORK: In Manhattan, a group also gathered outside of the Stonewall Inn to protest the death of George Floyd NEW YORK: People in Manhattan rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd on Wednesday NEW YORK: People rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Manhattan In Los Angeles, protesters gathered in Hollywood on Wednesday to voice their discontent. Hundreds appeared to be peacefully marching near La Cienega Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard. The demonstrators blocked traffic at the intersection just before 1pm and each got down on one knee and took a moment of silence. Los Angeles County ordered another overnight curfew, but it will be four hours shorter. The curfew began at 9pm Wednesday and will end at 5am Thursday. Previous curfews ran from 6pm to 6am. A county statement says officials are assessing public safety needs on a daily basis. A few municipalities in the sprawling county continue to have stricter curfews. Huge demonstrations in Los Angeles on Tuesday were peaceful, and subsequent arrests were only for curfew violations. On Wednesday the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced that 60 people were facing charges for crimes during protests in the city over the past week. Most of the charges were for looting, but others include assault and/or battery of a peace officer, robbery, burglary and receiving stolen property. The district attorney's office said it expected more charges to be brought later this week. About 2,700 people were arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department between Friday and Monday, Officer Rosario Cervantes told CNN. It's unclear how many of those arrests were linked to protests. LOS ANGELES: Protesters gather at the intersection of La Cienega Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard as they prepare to march during a demonstration in West Hollywood LOS ANGELES: People attend a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Hollywood LOS ANGELES: California National Guard members stand guard as protesters walk past them at the Hollywood Walk of Fame LOS ANGELES: People take a knee as they attend a protest in Hollywood, Los Angeles on Wednesday LOS ANGELES: A protester yells at some police for not wearing masks as protesters pass through police lines in Hollywood On Chicago's northwest side, a crowd of early-morning marchers was followed by a procession of honking cars in the Logan Square neighborhood. The 8am march, which passed near Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's home, urged residents to 'wake up' to their protest of racial injustice and police brutality. Organizers with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization and the Chicago Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression called for the creation of a civilian police oversight board. Chicago Alliance organizer Frank Chapman also demanded that all prisoners be released from prisons. 'Those are death camps right now, because of COVID-19,' he said. 'Free them all!' CHICAGO: Organizers with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization and the Chicago Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression led the early morning march CHICAGO: The 8am march, which passed near Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's home, urged residents to 'wake up' to their protest of racial injustice and police brutality CHICAGO: The Chicago protesters took a knee in an intersection to make their voices heard In Boston, a large group gathered at the Boston Common on Wednesday afternoon. National Guardsmen and hundreds of police officers were on hand to maintain order. Organizers called for the event to remain peaceful. 'Massachusetts needs to let America know we do not stand for racism!' organizers said in a Facebook post. 'We need to show support for our fellow Americans and honor human life.' The organizers said the event would end at 5.30pm, noting the city has a recommended curfew of 9pm due to the coronavirus pandemic. BOSTON: People at Boston Common take part in a protest following the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd BOSTON: People hold up their hands during a protest following the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd BOSTON: A demonstrator in Boston uses a megaphone during a protest on Boston Common on Wednesday In Philadelphia, hundreds of people marched nearly two miles from City Hall to Temple University in sweaty 80 degree weather. They reached their final destination and remained there up until a city-wide 6pm curfew went into effect and organizers encouraged them to go home. It came as Philadelphia authorities announced that they had arrested a 25-year-old man who may be connected to a string of explosions at 50 ATM machines since Monday. The state attorney general said the explosions were part of a coordinated effort to steal the machines or take the money inside. The man arrested is accused of selling homemade dynamite on the streets with instructions on how to use it on ATMs, though authorities aren't yet sure whether he is connected to the coordinated effort. One theft resulted in the death of a 24-year-old man hours after he tried to break into an ATM early Tuesday, authorities said. PHILADELPHIA: Protesters in the City of Brotherly Love marched from City Hall to Temple University on Wednesday PHILADELPHIA: Protesters gathered outside the 26th District Police station in Philly's Fishtown neighborhood on Wednesday PHILADELPHIA: Protesters pray outside the 26th District Police station in Fishtown during a demonstration on Wednesday PHILADELPHIA: The protest outside the 26th District Police station dispersed when heavy rain hit the area PHILADELPHIA: Authorities arrested a man who may be linked to a string of explosions at ATMs amid Philadelphia protests In Seattle, a crowd of protesters descended on City Hall, where police holding batons formed lines behind metal barricades. The demonstrators carried 'Black Lives Matter' signs and called for cutting the police department's budget and shifting the money to social programs. They chanted for officers to remove their riot gear and knelt or sat together as they surrounded the building. There's been increasing criticism of the repeated use of tear gas and flash-bangs by Seattle police to disperse mostly peaceful crowds. Mayor Jenny Durkan met with protest leaders in City Hall before meeting with demonstrators outside for a second straight day. City Attorney Peter Holmes noted that citizens had filed some 12,000 complaints over the police departments handling of the protests. SEATTLE: Protesters descended on Seattle's City Hall, where police holding batons formed lines behind barricades SEATTLE: The demonstrators carried 'Black Lives Matter' signs and called for cutting the police department's budget and shifting the money to social programs SEATTLE: Protesters chanted for officers to remove their riot gear and knelt or sat together as they surrounded City Hall In Montgomery, Alabama, a large group of demonstrators gathered at the state capitol building. The large group marched from the Legacy Museum to the statehouse, where they gathered on the steps to protest against police brutality. They called for change and reconciliation. People of all ages and races, and members of the clergy were present. ALABAMA: A Black Lives Matter protest march to the Alabama State Capitol Building in Montgomery on Wednesday ALABAMA: Marches stroll past a Rosa Parks historic maker on their way to the Alabama State Capitol Building in Montgomery ALABAMA: The large group marched from the Legacy Museum to the statehouse, where they gathered on the steps to protest US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Wednesday he does not support invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty forces to quell civil unrest for now, despite President Donald Trump's threats to militarize America's response to mass protests. Trump said this week he could use military forces in states that fail to crack down on sometimes violent protests over the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis. 'The option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort and only in the most urgent and dire of situations. We are not in one of those situations now,' Esper told a news briefing. 'I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act.' Esper's news conference did not go over well with either the president or his top aides, an administration official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. To deploy the military on US soil for law enforcement purposes, Trump would need to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act - something last done in 1992 in response to the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. IDAHO: 'We are not counter-protesters, we're just going to make sure Coeur d'Alene is safe' says Conrad Nelsen of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, as he holds the flag while standing next to armed citizen Dan Carson, left, during a protest Tuesday MISSOURI: Victoria Ezeufu raises her arms as she leads protesters down a highway Wednesday in St. Charles. Ezeufu helped organize the protest attended by several hundred people to speak out against the death of George Floyd NEW JERSEY: Protesters take part in March for Peace in response to the death of George Floyd, in Vineland on Wednesday OHIO: Protesters walk with the Cleveland Heights police during a rally on Wednesday protesting the death of George Floyd ARIZONA: Protesters rally Wednesday in Phoenix, demanding that the City Council defund the Phoenix Police Department MICHIGAN: Protesters march after a rally in Detroit, Wednesday over the death of George Floyd, a black man On Wednesday, the National Guard of Washington, DC, launched an investigation into claims that the Trump administration ordered a military helicopter to fly low as a 'show of force' against George Floyd protesters near the White House. The helicopter, normally designated for use in medical evacuations, hovered low enough to create a deafening noise and spray protesters with rotor wash on Monday. On Wednesday, the commanding general of the DC Guard, Maj Gen William Walker, said in a statement that he directed the investigation. The investigation comes as the federal government has promised to maximize its law enforcement presence in the nation's capital. WASHINGTON DC: The National Guard of Washington, DC, is investigating the use of one of its helicopters (left and right) to make a 'show of force' against George Floyd protesters near the White House WASHINGTON DC: Two Defense Department officials said the Trump administration had ordered military aircraft to fly above Washington on Monday night as a 'show of force' against demonstrators Scores of heavily-armed federal officers in tactical gear have been on the district's streets for days, after demonstrators set fires, broke store windows and stole items from the shelves and left police officers injured. The Trump administration has made an effort to show a use of force in Washington. Hours before a 7pm curfew on Tuesday, cars were being stopped at military checkpoints downtown, and a cavalry of armored military vehicles could be seen driving through the district. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the administration had floated the idea of taking over the Metropolitan Police Department, a proposal she strongly rejected. She threatened to take legal action if the federal government attempted to do so. Two Defense Department officials said the administration had ordered military aircraft to fly above Washington on Monday night as a 'show of force' against demonstrators. Roanoke police did not know that people planned to march into downtown Roanoke following Saturdays rally in Washington Park condemning the death of George Floyd, Chief Sam Roman said. Speaking during a video news conference Wednesday, Roman said that officers learned during Saturdays rally that there was a small element in that crowd that gave indications that there was going to be serious property damage and violence that was to occur not only at the police department, but at the jail as well as at downtown businesses. Saturdays peaceful rally featured speakers protesting the May 25 death of Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis who died after a police officer kept a knee on his neck for more than eight minutes. The killing has prompted widespread protests across the country, including violent altercations between protesters and law enforcement officers in New York, Washington, Richmond and scores of other cities and towns, large and small. Roman said that police learned of the march through classified sources and sources in open-source media such as social media that police were monitoring. When police began hearing that protesters planned to march toward downtown Roanoke, officers worked to ensure safe passage of marchers and traffic along the busy Orange Avenue and Gainsboro Road corridor. Hundreds of people marched or traveled from Washington Park to places that included downtown Roanoke, Valley View Mall, the Target and Walmart stores off Valley View Boulevard and a Sheetz station at Orange and Williamson Road on Saturday. Roman spoke of three locations where officers were placed to limit access to marchers. One of those places was the 300 block of Campbell Avenue, where the police station and city jail are located. Police used pepper balls and personal pepper spray to keep protesters from getting to the police station. Seven people were arrested Saturday. Roman alluded to protesters attempting to get close to the police station, which, he said, we could not allow that to happen. Roanokes protests, which have included smaller gatherings Sunday through Tuesday evenings, have featured far less of the kinds of violence, injuries, arrests and property damage that have occurred in many demonstrations across the country. Roman said that 99 % of the fine folks who were marching downtown in Roanoke protested with peaceful intentions. During Wednesdays news conference, Roman, Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea and Vice Mayor Joe Cobb condemned Floyds killing with some of the strongest language heard from Roanoke officials so far. Most significantly, we must not forget that the outrage being displayed in our community and all across this nation is due to the heinous acts of individuals that disgrace the meaning of law enforcement everywhere; that is to protect and serve, Lea said. These acts deny Mr. Floyd the dignity that all humans deserve, no matter their conduct or the color of their skin. Let me say, the brutality that we observed in Minneapolis is unacceptable and never will be a part of what is acceptable in policing here in Roanoke, Virginia. Roman said that in both my personal opinion and in my professional opinion the actions we saw taken by the officers and the inaction taken by some officers is not appropriate to professional law enforcement. Roanoke emphasized training, promotions and community partnerships between police and neighborhoods as large parts of the effort to ensure that such an event does not happen in Roanoke. Lea and Roman said that the city will emphasize community outreach, especially between city government, police and black communities. Lea said that city leaders must continue conversations not only in rallies but at meetings. To that end, Lea and Roman participated in a forum, streamed on Facebook on Tuesday night, moderated by Cecil Scott, pastor of The Vine Church on Loudon Avenue. The event, which can be viewed at https://bit.ly/2XWgi10 also included young African American activists Jordan Bell and Jemarh Fuell, and white minister David Shearer of Elevation Church. The men talked about Floyds killing, systemic racism and the effort to find solutions during the 75-minute forum. I felt some barriers were broken, Lea said. 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. Anvil, a San Francisco, CA-based provider of a paperwork automation platform, raised $5m in Series A funding. The round was led by Gradient VenturesGoogles AI-focused investment fund, with participation from Citi Ventures, Menlo Ventures, Financial Venture Studio and 122 West. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations. Led by Mang-Git Ng, CEO, Anvil is a low-code paperwork automation platform that helps businesses quickly build simple online experiences for paperwork processes. The platform can be applied to any existing paperwork process. Current customers span industries including financial services, human resources, technology and healthcare companies. FinSMEs 03/06/2020 Ukraine, Israel not to resume air travel in near future ambassador 11:15, 03.06.20 6202 This issue may be discussed next month. Church delivers powerful protest over George Floyds killing with hymns, Gospel Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment While images of looting and burning buildings have filled television screens across the country amid protests over the killing of George Floyd, many Christians also joined the chant for change this past weekend, including members of the Church of God based in Greenville, Ohio, who expressed their outrage while singing hymns and sharing the Gospel. The Church of God, which says it is not a denomination but the church of the living God, as we read about in the New Testament, has emerged with a video of them singing with placards that has racked up more than 23 million views on Twitter alone. Members of the church have been shown in pictures also listening to hurting members of the black community and comforting them with hugs. Days earlier, the church, led by Chief Apostle Ray Tinsman, released a statement declaring Proverbs 29:2, which says: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. As the Church of God, we send our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd, as well as to the people of Texas, Minneapolis, and the entire United States who are touched by this tragedy. The video footage of this killing is absolutely inhuman, and this senseless act must be condemned by all people, the church said. Tragically, many other African Americans have fallen victim to similar violence without the benefit of having it documented via video recording. What happened to George Floyd is not a single and isolated act of brutality but evidence of a system which mass-produces these heartbreaking results. Racism is not dead in our country. This tragedy affects all of us. Injustice and oppression will be defeated only when we stand together in solidarity as one human family for the cause of truth. Floyd, a 46-year-old African American, died in police custody on May 25, after he was restrained for several minutes by Minneapolis Police Department officers. One of the officers, Derek Chauvin, was caught on video kneeling into Floyds neck as he begged for his life until he stopped breathing. Last Friday, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman charged Chauvin, who has since been fired along with three other colleagues, with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Protesters are demanding that the other officers involved in Floyds death also be arrested. Other spiritual leaders like Pastor Micaiah Young with Life Center Church in Milwaukee also joined peaceful protests on Sunday, seeking to counter rioting that he believes detracts from the fight for justice. "We're crying out, saying we're not going to take it anymore, but we're peacefully using what we have to make an impact," he told Fox 6. "If we are not peaceful, then we will have chaos, and in chaos, nothing significant can be accomplished." Kay Warren, co-founder of Saddleback Church in California, tweeted Sunday that Floyds death had left her in tears. The somber, grief-filled makeshift shrine to George Floyd brings me to tears. In my minds eye, Im there too, kneeling in tears, asking for forgiveness, praying he is the last black man to die this way in America, she said. Carl Lentz, senior pastor of Hillsong Church NYC who joined peaceful protesters in West Harlem, Manhattan, on Saturday said Sunday that Americas system of justice needs to change because it isnt working for everyone. When people say the system is broken, thats wrong. The system is working well. And thats the problem. We need a new system. Despite that, there are good men and women that have taken an oath to serve and protect. Its a high calling that has been severely tarnished due to evil and murder and systemic injustice, he wrote in a post on Instagram. If you cant understand the vitriol towards law enforcement, its because you have never been victimized by it. The reports of overt brutality at these protests are REAL. Ive seen it. And the reports of police men and women doing the exact opposite are true to. We pray for them in the middle of this madness. We need our police to fight WITH US for justice. Uproot the evil and demand change. To those doing that, I salute you. Im thankful for you. Im praying for you, he said. Charles Blake Sr., presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ who also leads the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles, said in a recorded statement shared on Facebook Sunday that the impact of racial violence on the black American community was worse than the coronavirus, which has killed more than 100,000 Americans and disproportionately impacted the black and Hispanic communities. Over the past three months, this country has put forth cautionary restrictions and attention to stop the spread of a deadly virus and to save lives. But within the last 30 days, three black lives Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd have all been brought to prominence with the common thread of having their lives snuffed out and snatched by a plague even more vicious than COVID-19, he said. This plague unlike COVID-19 is not invisible. Were seeing it far too much. And its time for every legislator, leader of a city, state department, government agency to put forth the same effort and urgency that has been put into the cure for COVID-19. We as black people deserve better. We are human beings, created in the image and the likeness of God. Just like all people. No one has the right to crush the very life out of us. Our black, brown, young men and women of color were not created to be executed in the streets by those whove taken an oath to protect life or by anyone else for that matter. Our lives are worth protecting. The leader of COGIC, which is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the U.S., urged protesters to send their message peacefully and avoid looting and destroying buildings. The Rev. Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, who turned his first drive-in service into a parking lot protest on Sunday with his congregants, agreed. "Peaceful protests have accomplished more than violence," Bryant said during his sermon, according to Fox5. "You cannot find in the history of this county one thing that riots have accomplished." He further noted that the Church cannot be absent in the path toward a solution. "The civil rights movement was birthed out of the Church. So while we are in this crisis, the Church cannot be distant, invisible and mute, but the Church has got to lend its voice," Bryant said. "So in the tradition of Dr. King who is the son of Georgia's soil, it was appropriate for us to speak to the times." Prominent New York City megachurch preacher A.R. Bernard, who is founder, senior pastor and CEO of the 40,000-member Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, said in a statement Sunday that while he doesnt condone the rioting, he understands it. This week in America, a Black man was tortured and murdered right before our eyes, by a white police officer whose actions represent a cancer in the American social system. The nation reacted with both peaceful and violent protests. I dont condone the violence, but I understand the violence. Because when change is necessary, failure to change becomes destructive, he wrote on Twitter. Fuel Your Pipeline. Close More Deals. Our full-service marketing programs deliver sales-ready leads. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! Learn more Twitter has erased an account that claimed to be affiliated with the militant left-wing antifa movement but actually was operated by a white nationalist group. The group, Identity Evropa, began tweeting Sunday night, calling for violent action in the suburbs of cities where demonstrators were protesting the death of George Floyd, a black man who died on May 25 in Minneapolis, NBC News reported Monday. Floyd died after a white police officer pressed his knee to Floyds neck for almost nine minutes while he was handcuffed face down on the ground. President Donald Trump has claimed, with little evidence, that antifa was behind some of the violence and property destruction that has occurred in cities where protests have been held. Twitter scotched the account because it violated the companys manipulation and spam policy, which bans coordinated activity that attempts to artificially influence conversations through the use of multiple accounts, fake accounts, automation and/or scripting. Twitters latest action wasnt the first time it has taken down accounts displaying hateful conduct and linked to the white nationalist group, NBC noted. Twitter removed two hashtags from its trending topics section because they were part of coordinated attempts to disrupt the public conversation around the protests. Twitter did not respond to our request for comment for this story. Inauthentic Behavior Twitter has come under fire recently for some of its enforcement actions, most notably those against the president. Although taking on the White House was a first for Twitter, its move against the bogus white nationalist accounts has precedents. Were talking about inauthentic behavior, said Alex Engler, a fellow at Brookings, a nonprofit public policy organization in Washington, D.C. That has been prohibited on these platforms for some time, he told TechNewsWorld. Thats not unique to Twitter. Facebook has also taken down inauthentic behavior. It was not the substance of the account posts that prompted Twitter to act, suggested Vincent Raynauld, assistant professor in the department of communication studies at Emerson College in Boston. A D V E R T I S E M E N T When it comes to the white nationalist account, its not whats published on the account. Its about transparency the identity portrayed, he told TechNewsWorld. There is clear obstruction of who is behind the account. Twitter Is No Town Square Twitter does muzzle some of its users content from time to time, however. Twitter threatens the ability of users to post content all of the time, thanks to content moderation policies, said Mathew Feeney, director of the project on emerging technologies at the Cato Institute, a Washington, D.C. think tank. Those policies include restrictions on bots, and bans on all kinds of legal content, such as images of graphic violence and pornography. Twitters understandable use of content moderation policies has no impact on the users legal right to free speech, even if it results in content being removed, Feeney told TechNewsWorld. First Amendment rights dont extend to platforms like Twitter and Facebook, noted Karen North, director of the Annenberg Program on Online Communities at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. The First Amendment protects our right to free speech in the town square and the steps of city hall, but not in someones living room or private business, North told TechNewsWorld. In a private business like Twitter, the rules are the rules of Twitter, not the First Amendment she continued. Just as restaurants, a club or a business could have a code of conduct or dress code, the social media platforms are private businesses, and when we join them, we agree to their code of conduct, North explained. Its not illegal to say things that glorify violence in the town square, but it is against the rules of Twitter, she said. Platform or Publisher? Some critics of Twitter maintain that its aggressive enforcement of its terms of use makes it more of a publisher than a platform, and as such it should be subject to the same rules. That distinction isnt legally meaningful, Catos Feeney said. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which is the law at the core of the social media content moderation debate, does not make a distinction between publishers and platforms,' he pointed out. Twitter can be held liable for publishing content such as fact checks or a post on Twitters blog but not for the vast majority of content posted by users, Feeney maintained. Even traditional publishers enjoy Section 230 protections, as in The New York Times comment section, he said. What social media platforms are doing now is no different from what theyve been doing for years, Brookings Engler added. Theyre enforcing standards against certain kinds of content that are a problem, he observed. A call to violence isnt a new standard, Engler continued. The difference is that Twitter is holding Trump accountable in the same way. Thats whats novel. Avoiding the Presidents Wrath Both Facebook and Twitter have made attempts to deal with misinformation, but theyre going about it in different ways, Feeney said. Most recently, Facebook has been on the receiving end of criticism for declining to engage in the kind of fact-checking of the president seen on Twitter, he noted. However, Facebook has been aggressive in removing content associated with anti-COVID lockdowns. Twitter is willing to hold politicians to its rules, Engler said, while Facebook isnt inclined to do so. Twitter is trying to grapple with the question of when does speech cross the line and become dangerous. Facebook hasnt engaged with that line when it comes to officials, he said. Facebook appears to be unwilling to enforce what their community standards say for public officials, he continued. That benefits Trump in a way thats politically suspect. It helps Facebook avoid Trumps wrath and anger with Trumps political base. The verdict is still out on the business impact of Twitters aggressive rules enforcement. I cant see the removal of a fake account having a lasting negative impact on Twitters business, Feeney said. However, there is a risk that if Twitter engages in more content moderation of the presidents tweets whether thats removal or fact-checking that it will lose users who flee the service in protest or in search of an alternative. The fact that people are so concerned about Twitters behavior illustrates the powerful impact the platform is having on political discourse in the United States at the moment, observed Emerson Colleges Raynauld. Donald Trump can completely change the discourse in one tweet, he said. These platforms can really shape the conversation, while traditional media is behind the platforms in shaping the conversation. Gurugram, June 3 : The 'millennium city' On Wednesday recorded 132 positive cases with four of them being police personnel, including Gurugram police PRO Subhash Bokan, who is now under home isolation. Health officials are currently sanitizing the police commissioner office, especially the second floor where Bokan's office is located. He is among the officers who frequently meet police commissioner Mohamad Akil and several DCPs and ACPs in the same building. The police commissioner's office is in the same building. Dr J.S. Punia, Civil Surgeon of Gurugram, said the total number of cases has reached 1,195. In view of the rising cases, District Magistrate Amit Khatri has suggested home isolation. "It has been observed that 80% corona-infected patients may recover from it if they follow necessary guidelines of the health department," Khatri said. "During home isolation, one should have separate washroom facilities. The patient's activities should be monitored round-the-clock," Khatri pointed out. "The district administration has already constituted a separate medical team which will call every patient daily and register progress reports. If needed, the team will also visit them for medical assistance," Khatri said. With a strong focus on its global expansion strategy, the international beauty packaging provider strengthens its presence in one of the leading beauty and innovation hubs in the world International beauty packaging manufacturer and provider Quadpack has started operating in Japan, with the opening of a commercial office. With a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with facilities in Australia, mainland China and Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea, the company lands in Japan with high expectations for one of the most promising markets in the beauty packaging industry. The expansion is supported by data that places Asia as the region with the strongest growth in demand for cosmetics in 2019, according to a L'Oreal report. Being a unique market in which brands are known for their products' quality, sophistication and technology, Japan is an auspicious investment destination for Quadpack. "Having a physical office is a key step in our strategy to offer 'in the region for the region' solutions, especially in a country that values personal contacts in business," says Tim Eaves, CEO and co-founder of Quadpack. The new office is led by Thomas Kuerner, a skilled executive with more than 25 years' experience in the country and an extensive network within the cosmetics industry. "Thomas brings to Quadpack his unique understanding of the Japanese market. We hope to build long, successful relationships there, based on collaborative innovation," adds Eaves. Some of Quadpack's innovations have already raised interest in Japan. "We are very excited to introduce our exclusive bi-injection blow moulding technology and sustainable solutions in packaging like Quadpack's proprietary wood range and Sulapac, a biodegradable, microplastics-free material," says Quadpack's Japan Country Manager Thomas Kuerner. After reaching excellent results in 2019, with double-digit growth both organic and by acquisitions, Quadpack is optimistic about 2020, despite the challenges that the COVID-19 crisis has posed to all markets. The new office opening is good news after these difficult months, as it opens new possibilities of expansion and recovery. -ENDS- ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: xmqeaJRuaJiVx3FqlJaYmGGUaJxjm5GXbJPKmmeaaZ7IaJxnlmZmaJqXZm9knGhu - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-63738-qp-japan-office-pr.pdf Watch the CBS News Digital documentary "Jailed for Abortion in El Salvador" in the video player above. Abortion has been banned in El Salvador since 1998, and more than 140 women accused of terminating their pregnancy have been jailed with sentences of up to 35 years. Many of the women say they were wrongfully convicted after suffering a miscarriage. CBS News reporter Kate Smith traveled to El Salvador with producers Gilad Thaler and Alex Pena to investigate. manuela-el-salvador.jpg Manuela was convicted of homicide after what she said was a miscarriage, and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. She later died of lymphoma. Gilad Thaler Three hours outside of San Salvador, down a rocky path, lies a modest house with a tin roof. The floors are bare, and the only adornments on the walls are a few framed photographs. "That's my daughter. That's her. That's Manuela," said Carmen, whose daughter was nearly seven months pregnant when she miscarried at home. carmen-el-salvador.jpg Carmen's daughter Manuela died in prison after being accused of abortion in El Salvador. Gilad Thaler They called for an ambulance, and at the hospital she was accused of abortion, prompting an investigation at her home. "The whole place was full of cops," Carmen recalled. Manuela was convicted of aggravated homicide and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Behind bars, in 2010, Manuela died of lymphoma. Thomas, Manuela's oldest son, walked up the hill behind the family home toward a flat gray stone that bore his mother's name. "Sometimes abortion isn't voluntary," he said. "My mother was sick." thomas-el-salvador.jpg Thomas' mother Manuela died in prison after being accused of abortion in El Salvador. Gilad Thaler There are no exceptions to El Salvador's strict abortion laws, which were adopted with the backing of the country's powerful Roman Catholic Church and declare that "life begins at conception." Story continues "It happened six weeks before my due date," said Jacqueline, one of 14 women at Izalco women's prison accused of violating the ban on abortion. "I felt my womb. I felt in my womb that now there was nothing there." Jacqueline said it was a miscarriage, but on the way to the hospital she found out over the police radio that she was being detained for attempted homicide for abortion. jacqueline-el-salvador.jpg Jacqueline was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being accused of abortion; she says she miscarried. Gilad Thaler Jacqueline was sentenced to 15 years in prison. She has not been able to see her first child since being incarcerated, more than 8 years ago. "I don't even know what he will look like," Jaqueline said. "He won't be a kid anymore when I see him. He'll be a young man." Kenia was 17 when she got pregnant, and she said she later miscarried. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison. "I feel outraged, to be honest. The laws here are too harsh," she said. kenia-el-salvador.jpg Kenia was sentenced to 30 years in prison in El Salvador for abortion after she said she miscarried. Gilad Thaler Doctors see the impact of the strict abortion law firsthand. "If we don't have all the options that we can offer to our patients, we're not doing right medicine, right practice," said Dr. Ronald Lopez, an OB-GYN in the maternity ward of the National Women's Hospital in San Salvador. Lopez said he had a case of a woman with heart disease whose pregnancy put her life at risk. "We knew that the woman could die if the pregnancy was allowed," he said. "So, we couldn't make the abortion, so the woman died about nine weeks later. And the baby, too." dr-ronald-lopez.jpg Dr. Ronald Lopez, an OB-GYN at the National Women's Hospital in San Salvador, El Salvador. Gilad Thaler The Center for Reproductive Rights estimates about 5,000 abortion procedures are performed every year on El Salvador's black market. Lopez said he believes that lifting the abortion ban would not change the number of abortions in the country, but would directly lower the mortality rate associated with illegal abortion which the World Health Organization estimates at about 11%. One doctor who provides abortions despite the legal risk said he offers the procedure to help the women. "If those of us who are technically trained don't help, women will have to go elsewhere. They will go to people who have no experience or training. They will always seek solutions in the black market." This doctor, who spoke with CBS News on the condition of anonymity, said he believed the laws in the country needed amending. "For the benefit of women, the law should change. The gang violence in our society is horrendous. I've seen fathers bringing their teenage daughters, taken by force, raped by gang leaders and left pregnant." Despite the country's harsh laws, more than 40 women accused of abortion have been released from prison. The Supreme Court commuted Theodora Vasquez's sentence in 2018 after she'd served 10 years and 7 months of her 30-year term, citing "reasons of justice and fairness," BBC News reported. theodora-el-salvador.jpg Theodora Vasquez was released after serving nearly 11 years in prison of a 30 year sentence. Gilad Thaler "It was as if the world had crumbled down on me," Vasquez recalled about the moment she was convicted. "It wasn't just the sentence. I was grieving on the inside and couldn't get it out. I had just lost my baby." Vasquez now works at a home for women like her who have been released from prison. She said life outside of jail remains difficult for those accused of abortion. "Society sees us as killers. But they don't know our reality." Analyzing Trump's calls for military mobilization to confront nationwide protests Philadelphia removes statue of controversial former mayor Frank Rizzo Joe Biden sweeps 8 presidential primaries, inches closer to nomination Police today arrested a driver after a car mounted the pavement and hit a pensioner and a 'cyclist' in an upmarket area of London. Officers were called to an incident in Sloane Square in the west of the capital at lunchtime after a vehicle allegedly drove into Bill McGhee, 69, and a 'man in his 30s'. A man was arrested on suspicion of driving offences. One witness said the vehicle allegedly involved in the incident was found on Exhibition Road, but the police refused to give any further details tonight. The two victims were taken to hospital but have since been discharged following the incident near the Saatchi Gallery and Harrods. Police were today searching a 'suspicious' car and arrested a driver after it 'collided with two pedestrians' in an upmarket area of London Officers were called to Sloane Square in the west of the capital on Wednesday lunchtime following reports of an incident Mr McGhee was allegedly hit along with another man in his thirties, thought to be a cyclist, according to Mr McGhee's son Charles Birch. Mr Birch, 30, said: 'My dad was going to meet a friend for a coffee when he was hit. When I got to the scene my dad was already in an ambulance. 'He said he had pain in his chest and down his back. I asked him what happened and he responded: ''a car hit me and lots of people. He was going very fast''. 'I asked him how fast and he said: ''fast enough for me to go over the car bonnet''.' After speaking to his father, he looked into the second ambulance at the scene and saw another victim. He added: 'He was male, in his thirties and looked like a cyclist because he had a helmet next to him. 'Blood was pouring from his face and he was unconscious. He looked like he was in a really bad way.' Mr Birch said he was 'very angry' about what had happened and 'wanted answers,' adding: 'What is happening in this country? The big concern is we are not in control of anything at the moment.' A man was arrested on suspicion of driving offences but no further details have been released The two victims were taken to hospital but they have since been discharged, police confirmed According to Mr Birch, the car was found abandoned on Exhibition Road, less than five minutes drive away, in Kensington, central London. Police have refused to confirm where the vehicle was located, but reports in The Sun suggest offices around where the car was discovered were evacuated 'as a precaution' while police investigated. Scotland Yard said: 'Police are on scene in Sloane Square, SW1 where they are dealing with a vehicle which has collided with two people. 'We await a condition update. The car was found abandoned. 'Cordons were put in place and buildings in the surrounding area were evacuated as a precaution while officers searched the vehicle. 'A man was subsequently arrested arrested for driving offences. Further details await. Enquiries continue.' Police officers line the street in Sloane Square after the incident on Wednesday afternoon Scotland Yard said: 'Police are on scene in Sloane Square, SW1 where they are dealing with a vehicle which has collided with two people' It later confirmed the incident was not being treated as terror related. London Ambulance Service added: 'We were called at 12:08pm today (3 June) to reports of a road traffic collision involving pedestrians on Sloane Square, Kensington. 'We dispatched two ambulance crews and a medic in a car, with the first of our crews arriving in under four minutes. 'We treated two men at the scene and took them both to hospital.' B oris Johnson said his message to Donald Trump is that "racism and racist violence has no place in our society" following the death of George Floyd. At the Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister was asked what his message was on behalf of those protesting in London in solidarity with Black Lives Matter . Mr Johnson said: We mourn George Floyd and I was appalled and sickened to see what happened to him. "My message to President Trump, to everybody in the United States, from the UK is that I dont think that racism and its an opinion Im sure shared by the overwhelming majority of people around the world racism and racist violence has no place in our society. Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old African American, was filmed gasping and pleading I cant breathe as a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. Thousands of people have been marching from Hyde Park to Parliament Square as worldwide outrage continues to grow over the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis last week. Mr Johnson added: I do think people have a right to protest to make their feelings known about injustices such as what happened to George Floyd. I would urge people to protest peacefully, and in accordance with the rules on social distancing. "Everybody's lives matter, black lives matter, but we must fight this virus, as well." The Prime Minister made the comments just a few hours after the leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer called on him to speak to President Trump about Mr Floyds death. During a clash at Prime Ministers Questions Sir Keir said: "I'm surprised the Prime Minister hasnt said anything about this yet. "But I do hope that the next time he speaks to President Trump he will convey to him the UK's abhorrence about his response to the events." President Trump has threatened to send in the military to quell growing civil unrest. Both Labour and the SNP have called on the Government to suspend the export of riot control equipment to US during unrest. Travel Genius Tips, tricks and hacks you can actually rely on, before and after your travels are delivered with a light tone during this roughly 30-minute podcast from Bloomberg. Hosts Nikki Ekstein and Mark Ellwood interview jet-setters from all walks of life. And when guests impart a particularly useful tip, its met with an audible cha-ching button pressed by the hosts, as a running tally of their genius score stacks up throughout the chat. Browse some of his 2020 episodes and learn how an ironing board is the most overlooked useful item in hotel rooms (it can double as a standing ergonomic desk or simply additional counter space!), and how claiming your overweight carry-on is camera equipment (make sure theres some in there) can help you avoid having to check it for a flight. The show went on hiatus in May 2020 due to the pandemic and will return when the travel world returns to normalcy, according to the last mini-episode that posted. Until then, theres a backlog of 28 shows to keep you smiling and learning. EWING Township man Aaron Adams has been charged with murdering his girlfriend. Adams, 38, is accused of shooting and killing 32-year-old Ashley Davis with a BB gun inside his township home on the first block of Glen Stewart Drive, the Mercer County Prosecutors Office said Wednesday in a news update. Authorities initially charged Adams with certain persons not to possess a weapon after raiding his house Monday night and finding two long BB guns, a short BB gun and the homicide victims body. Prosecutors later charged him with first-degree murder and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose after identifying him as the triggerman. Davis, a resident of Levittown, Pennsylvania, is Ewings first homicide victim of 2020. She suffered a gunshot wound by a metal airgun pellet that struck internal organs and caused massive internal bleeding, the prosecutors office said, citing an autopsy report. The prosecutors office has filed a detention motion seeking to keep Adams in jail without bail. The Ewing man has a prior history of violence, including previous convictions for manslaughter and domestic violence, explaining why he is legally not allowed to possess any weapons in New Jersey, according to court records and the defendants unique SBI number. Adams previously served a six-year prison sentence for admitting he fatally stabbed Ulysses Adams III, 21, of Sicklerville, during a fight at an Atlantic City party held in July 2006. The current murder charge is a result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Ewing Police Department. As is known, Peru on Monday received the donation of 50,000 rapid tests from the Government of South Korea , which will help strengthen the actions of the State-run National Health Institute to face the COVID-19 pandemic in the South American country. During an interview with TV Peru on Tuesday night, Suntae Park claimed that South Korea's collaboration will continue because Korean people are interested in helping control the coronavirus. "In Korea, we say that a person who helps you when you are in a difficult situation is a true friend. Now is the time for solidarity, for cooperation, it is time for sharing. That is why Korea decided to make the donation (of rapid tests). We want Peru not to feel alone. Let's fight this pandemic together," he stated. The minister recalled that a few days ago South Korea donated US$500,000 to purchase medical resources in order to battle the novel coronavirus. He also announced that his country will share an app for confinement control to the Ministry of Health (Minsa) , as well as written and audiovisual materials such as an emergency response guidebook for the National Police. Moreover, the South Korean official recalled that the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korean community in Peru have donated tests and biosafety suits not only to support the first phase of the Peruvian strategy, but the second and third, since the aim is to have a more efficient and rapid response. (END) SMS/CCH/RMB/MVB Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of South Korea in Peru , Minister Suntae Park on Wednesday affirmed that the donation of 50,000 COVID-19 diagnostic rapid tests is an expression of solidarity and cooperation amid global efforts to stop the spread of this pandemic.Published: 6/3/2020 The Government must be prepared for unemployment levels to hit highs not seen in the UK since the 1980s, according to two former chancellors. Lord Darling of Roulanish and George Osborne also called on ministers to ensure more structures to help the unemployed are in place. Alistair Darling, who was Labour chancellor under Gordon Brown during the 2008 financial crisis, said: "We need to get ourselves into the frame of mind where we're thinking of 1980s levels of unemployment. "If it doesn't happen, that's great but I think we need to be ready for that and if we're not people will ask why." Answering questions on comparisons between the financial crisis and the coronavirus pandemic from the Treasury Select Committee, Mr Osborne said: "We didn't really have to deal with mass unemployment. We never faced the structural unemployment that we saw in the 1980s." Recommended Unemployment expected to be in double digits through November election He added that the Government must make sure unemployed workers do not end up on long-term benefits. The former Tory chancellor explained: "Governments of all colours since the Second World War have not done terribly well at getting structurally unemployed people back into work." The pair were giving evidence alongside former Tory chancellor Philip Hammond, who said there were too many uncertainties to know how quickly and successfully the economy can recover. He said: "A lot is going to depend whether over the next months it is clear that we are heading towards a vaccine or treatment for this disease and returning the economy to something like normal, or, by contrast, that we're not heading towards an early vaccine or a treatment and we have to plan, in terms of restarting the economy living with Covid - restructuring our businesses so they can operate in a sub-optimal way so they can operate with the disease." All three said the Government should not concern itself with the high levels of debt the UK is wracking up in the short term, avoid tax rises and consider tax cuts either through a VAT reduction or national insurance payments. Mr Hammond said there was "no economic logic to increasing taxes in the short term". The trio also discussed interventions, welcoming the furlough scheme but warning it would need to be extended in some form. Experts worry that many of the 8.7 million people who have been placed on furlough might lose their jobs when the scheme starts winding down and is ended. The government currently promises to cover 80% of the salaries of furloughed workers. PA A man who raped a teenage girl beside a dam in a caravan park 37 years ago has finally been jailed - but he could be free in under two years. Frank Beerens, 64, on Wednesday was found guilty of raping the girl at a holiday park in Brisbane during the Christmas school break in 1984. After the horrific ordeal, the then 27-year-old told the girl: 'If you tell anyone I s****ed you it will be your fault.' Beerens was jailed for seven years at Brisbane District Court but will be eligible for parole in May 2022. Frank Beerens, 64, on Wednesday was found guilty of raping the girl at a holiday park in Brisbane during the Christmas school break in 1984 (file image) The 64-year-old was charged in 2015 following a police interview, the Courier Mail reported. Prosecutor Elizabeth Kelso said the case's delay was a 'reflection of court processes in the regions'. Ms Kelso also said it was due to a lack of court availability in the south-east Queensland town of Warwick where the case was first listed. Beerens had also committed sexual crimes against another young girl at the same time. He was charged for the offences in 1991 but they were never pursued. Eventually he was charged and pleaded guilty to indecent treatment of a child before being given a suspended sentence in December last year. On Wednesday, Beerens' barrister, David Jones, said the lengthy court proceedings caused a 'high degree of frustration' for the 64-year-old who had changed since committing the violent acts. 'His track record of recent years is one that is consistent with a man who has addressed his demons,' Mr Jones said. Judge Brian Devereaux said the victim had been forced to recount the attack 'over and over to different counsellors without relief'. 'The last five years, she says, have been an emotional rollercoaster waiting for the long court process,' he said. Judge Devereaux also said he believed Beerens had a 'low risk' of reoffending. TORONTO - A worker shortage could threaten the harvest of some crops across Ontario, groups that advocate for farmers said Wednesday, as Premier Doug Ford acknowledged his government has discussed creating incentives to address the issue. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Workers do maintenance at the Scotlynn Group where 164 Migrant workers have tested positive for COVID-19 shutting down the asparagus farming facility temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic near Vittoria, Ont., in Norfolk County on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette TORONTO - A worker shortage could threaten the harvest of some crops across Ontario, groups that advocate for farmers said Wednesday, as Premier Doug Ford acknowledged his government has discussed creating incentives to address the issue. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the Canada Horticultural Council and the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers said the shortages exist on many farms across the province because of the pandemic. The groups are urging the federal and provincial governments to provide resources to farmers to attract local workers and provide greater access to harvest equipment and more personal protective equipment (PPE). They say COVID-19 has affected the flow of temporary foreign workers into the country despite the federal government deeming them essential several months ago. "We've become pretty well totally reliant on these workers to be the backbone of fruit and vegetable production in Canada," said Brian Gilroy, the president of the Canada Horticultural Council. A Statistics Canada report released Wednesday said that while the migrant workers represent less than three per cent of Canada's total workforce, they made up over a quarter of the country's employees in crop production in 2017. In Ontario, temporary foreign workers represent over 40 per cent of agriculture employees, the report said. The report also notes that the flow of the migrant workers into the country continues to be affected by the pandemic, in part because of travel restrictions put in place by source countries. "This may have a particularly strong effect on the agriculture sector, given that the timing of pandemic coincides with the period of highest demand for seasonal agricultural foreign workers who primarily come to Canada in the spring and early summer," the report said. Last month, the Quebec government appealed to workers who lost their jobs because of COVID-19 to seek out work on local farms to address a labour shortage there. Premier Francois Legault said the government would make the work more attractive by adding $100 a week to what farmers pay. On Wednesday, Ford said his government has contemplated creating a similar program, but offered no further details. "We've had this discussion and even before this pandemic we were short, just in Ontario, over 250,000 workers to fill positions right across this province," he said. "I've talked to many farmers about this." Ford said the province has provided over $2 million to farmers to help them buy personal protective equipment. "It's critical for the safety of the food supply chain as well," he said. A spokeswoman for Ontario's Agriculture Ministry said the province has also partnered with the federal government to spend a million dollars to help farmers recruit and train workers and created a job portal for the agri-food sector that has been visited more than 250,000 times. Approximately 20,000 migrant workers come to Ontario each year from Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean to work on farms and in greenhouses. The shortages have been exacerbated by the pandemic as dozens of migrant workers have tested positive for the virus and had to self-isolate. Outbreaks have been reported on farms in Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex, Niagara Region and Elgin County. At least one migrant worker in the province has died of the virus and an outbreak in Norfolk County at Scotlynn Group has seen 184 workers test positive. The president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture said the owners of that farm spent hundreds of thousands of dollars isolating their workers in local hotels after they arrived in Canada,but workers later contracted the virus. "Essentially, they've shut down their asparagus harvesting," Keith Currie said. "So they have now essentially almost lost that crop." Currie said he has appealed to Ontario's agriculture minister for help accessing personal protective equipment. "I've been asking, please make sure that we have adequate access to the proper equipment going forward so we minimize any kind of opportunity for an outbreak during harvest periods," he said. Gilroy, who owns an apple orchard near Owen Sound, Ont., said data from the horticultural council's members taken earlier this month suggests that just under 80 per cent of temporary foreign workers have been able to come to Ontario this year. That could spell trouble for berry and asparagus harvests this summer, he said. 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. "Farmers are very nervous about the investment that's required to grow a crop, and the thought of not having workers available to harvest it is very disconcerting," he said. He said finding local help isn't always easy because the work is difficult, and also requires some skill and training. "You can imagine spending eight to 10 hours a day, picking small apples off a tree or harvesting cucumbers or harvesting almost anything it's repetitive work," he said. The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, which represents 200 greenhouse growers, said its members haven't been hit as hard as field producers, but labour gaps still exist. "While there are many job-matching sites that have been created to pair farmers with potential employees, we have yet to see effective employee-directed incentives be established," spokeswoman Justine Taylor said in a statement. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2020. As protests in response to the killing of George Floyd continue, there is concern about a potential spike in COVID-19 cases among those protesting, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said Tuesday. "Of course, public health officials are concerned; I'm concerned," Gaylor Baird said. "We have limitations on gatherings of people in confined indoor and outdoor spaces to try and protect people from close contact. We know as well that communities of color are being disproportionately impacted by this disease right here in Lincoln. "So the idea that folks (who) have important messages that they should get out, and that their voices need to be heard, may be subjecting themselves to further threats is absolutely painful for all of us to consider." It's a fine line for both protesters and the city to walk, as Gaylor Baird on Tuesday lifted the curfew that had been in place the previous two nights as rioting related to the protests decreased. Those who do choose to protest, she said, should keep their health in mind as well. "We know that they're aware; they're making informed choices," the mayor said. "So we are encouraging anyone who goes to a rally to please wear a face mask (and) try to keep some distance between yourself and others so that everyone can stay safe tonight and in the coming weeks." The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced 17 new lab-confirmed cases in Lincoln on Tuesday, bringing the total in the city to 1,245. The cases came after a total of 70 positive tests Saturday and Sunday, and 16 more Monday, interim health director Pat Lopez said, with no new deaths reported. The number of people who had recovered was up to 195, up 32 from Saturday. Lopez said Test Nebraska completed 1,585 tests last week, its most in a week since arriving in Lancaster County. Also Tuesday, Lopez announced the creation of a tool for event planners utilizing venues with a capacity of greater than 500. The event plan application, on the city's COVID-19 website, will "help businesses form a safety plan," she said. Once that application is submitted, Lopez said, the health department will work with the event organizers "to provide guidance for any changes that may be needed to ensure all workers and attendees are safe." Tuesday was the first of two coronavirus briefings scheduled for this week. The other is set for Friday. Contact the writer at cbasnett@journalstar.com or 402-473-7436. On Twitter @HuskerExtraCB. Xi Focus: Xi stresses strong public health system to safeguard people's health - Xinhua | English.news.cn President Xi Jinping Tuesday called for efforts to develop a strong public health system to safeguard people's health. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when presiding over a symposium attended by experts and scholars. Noting that the people's security is the cornerstone of national security, Xi called for readiness for worst-case scenarios, stronger awareness of potential dangers and constant efforts to forestall major risks in health care. "Only by developing a strong public health system, improving the early warning and response mechanisms, comprehensively enhancing the capacity for prevention, control and treatment, weaving a tight prevention and control network, and consolidating the wall of quarantine, can we provide a strong guarantee for safeguarding the people's health," Xi said. Premier Li Keqiang and Wang Huning, a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, who are both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the symposium. Experts and scholars, including academicians with the Chinese Academy of Engineering such as Zhong Nanshan, a respiratory professor at Guangzhou Medical University, and Zhang Boli, head of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, spoke and put forward suggestions at the symposium. Xi exchanged views with experts and scholars who spoke at the symposium. When delivering a very important speech, Xi noted that the CPC Central Committee, in the face of the unexpected COVID-19 epidemic, took the overall situation into account, made resolute decisions, and insisted on putting people's lives and health first. Thanks to the concerted, all-out efforts made by the Chinese people, as well as the most strict, comprehensive and thorough measures for epidemic prevention and control, China has made major strategic achievements in the battle against COVID-19, Xi said. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi expressed gratitude to the experts and scholars for their important contributions to epidemic containment. The disease prevention and control system serves as an important guarantee for protecting people's health and public health security as well as maintaining economic and social stability, he noted. Xi required efforts to make disease prevention measures more calibrated and effective, calling for greater reform in streamlining systems and mechanisms, clarifying functions and improving professional competence. Xi stressed the pressing need for boosting the early-stage epidemic monitoring and warning capacity to improve the public health system, including efforts for a better monitoring system for epidemics and public health emergencies, and a better monitoring mechanism for diseases of unknown causes and abnormal health incidents. Party committees and governments at all levels were asked to put in place public health working mechanisms for the regular study and deployment of epidemic prevention and containment. Following the principle that nothing matters more than the people's lives, China has unprecedentedly mobilized resources across the country to treat and rescue COVID-19 patients on a large scale, said Xi. "From newborns to centenarians, we never leave out any infected person and never give up on any patient. We make sure that no one has to worry about treatment expenses," Xi pointed out. Xi urged drawing on the experience accumulated in fighting COVID-19 and making innovations in carrying out public health campaigns, stressing the transformation from environmental sanitation to comprehensive society-wide health management. Party committees and governments at all levels should put public health work on their priority list and explore more effective ways for mobilization, Xi said. Noting that the combination of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine is one of the major characteristics of China's COVID-19 response, Xi urged improving the emergency response and treatment capabilities of TCM hospitals and strengthening the training of TCM professionals to build a national high-caliber TCM professional team for epidemic prevention and treatment. Xi stressed the need to advance the revision of laws including the Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases to improve the response measures against major emerging infectious diseases and sudden outbreaks. Stating that science and technology are sharp weapons in humanity's battle against diseases, Xi said humanity cannot defeat a major disaster or epidemic without scientific development and technological innovation. He called for increasing scientific and technological inputs in the health sector and attracting more talent for scientific research. Since the epidemic outbreak, China has been upholding the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and working closely with the World Health Organization and related countries, Xi said. He added that China has also actively shared epidemic and virus information, as well as containment experience and measures with the international community. It has provided material and technical support to over 100 countries and international organizations to the best of its ability, he said. Xi added that China will continue to fulfill its international obligations, fully play its role as the world's biggest supplier of anti-epidemic materials and work together to build a community of health for all. China has accused the UK of 'blindly commenting on and grossly interfering in our domestic affairs' after Britain stood up to Beijing over a new security law for Hong Kong. Beijing's Ministry of Foreign Affairs today lodged stern representations with the UK and claimed that No 10's 'interference will definitely backfire' after Downing Street urged Beijing to respect Hong Kong's autonomy. The news comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would 'willingly' offer three million people from Hong Kong visa-free refuge in the UK if China erodes human rights in the former British colony. Beijing's spokesperson Zhao Lijian (pictured) today lodged stern representations with the UK as he accused Britain of 'blindly commenting on and grossly interfering in our domestic affairs' Boris Johnson (pictured on May 28) said he would 'willingly' offer three million people from Hong Kong visa-free refuge in the UK if China erodes human rights in the former British colony Beijing's rubber-stamp parliament last week approved a national security law to ban what it deems as 'subversion, treason and foreign interference' in Hong Kong. Pictured, protesters march again Beijing's plans to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong on May 24 China is facing widespread criticism after Beijing's rubber-stamp parliament last week approved a national security law to ban what it deems as 'subversion, treason and foreign interference' in the semi-autonomous city. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said today that the central government would not back down on plans for national security legislation for the financial hub, even as Britain stepped up criticism of the move. The law could allow mainland security and intelligence agents to set up branches in the city for the first time. Critics say the decree would mark 'the end of Hong Kong's freedoms' and lead to the widespread use of secret police, arbitrary detentions, surveillance and even control over the internet on the island territory. The act is a direct response to the months-long pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong, which have seen millions of people taking to the streets to demand democratic reforms. Hong Kong leader (pictured) said today that the central government would not back down on plans for national security legislation for the financial hub, even as Britain stepped up criticism British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab (pictured) yesterday warned Beijing to step back from the brink over the 'authoritarian' national security law it forced on the former British colony Chinese leader Xi Jinping pushes a button on Thursday to vote on the new national security law for Hong Kong, which critics say will destroy the autonomy of the former British colony Hong Kong leader accuses foreign critics of double standards Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam today accused foreign critics of displaying 'blatant double standards' over moves by Beijing to strengthen control over the semi-autonomous territory. Following talks with officials in Beijing, Lam said China has the same right as the US and Britain to enact legislation protecting its national security and that foreign criticism and threats of sanctions could not be justified. She also said China was compelled to take the step at the national level because opposition in Hong Kong's own legislature and among government critics made it impossible to do so locally. 'I can only say that the international community and some of the foreign governments have been adopting blatant double standards in dealing with this matter and commenting on this matter,' Lam said. 'It is within the legitimate jurisdiction of any country to enact laws to protect and safeguard national security. USA is no exception. UK is no exception,' Lam said. 'So why should they object, resist or even condemn and take their sanctions against Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China for taking similar actions?' Advertisement British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab yesterday warned Beijing to step back from the brink over the 'authoritarian' national security law. Mr Raab told parliament: 'There is time for China to reconsider, there is a moment for China to step back from the brink and respect Hong Kong's autonomy and respect China's own international obligations.' Boris Johnson said last night that the new legislation for Hong Kong would 'dramatically erode its autonomy' and breach the terms of its treaty with the UK. Mr Johnson said he would 'willingly' bring in one of the 'biggest changes in our visa system in British history' as an 'alternative' to Chinese repression. But the Chinese foreign ministry today claimed that it promised nothing to the UK about Hong Kong's freedoms and did not have international obligations towards the Asian financial hub. Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry, claimed that China's 'fundamental principles' for Hong Kong mentioned in a bilateral treaty signed by China and the UK in the 1980s were 'a one-sided declaration of policy from China'. He told a press briefing: 'We urge the UK side to pull back before it's too late, abandon the Cold War mentality and colonial mindset, recognise and respect the fact Hong Kong has already returned and is a special administration of China.' Mr Zhao called for Britain to 'abide by basic norms of international law and international relations' and 'immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs' 'Otherwise [Britain will] lift a stone and hit its own feet,' he warned, using a Chinese idiom. The UK and China signed an international bilateral announcement called The Sino-British Joint Declaration on December 19, 1984, to ensure Hong Kong's freedoms and liberties after its handover to China. The treaty protects Hong Kong with a constitutional principle known as 'one country, two systems', which aimed to allow residents in the Asian financial hub to enjoy rights unseen on the mainland, such as freedom of speech. Hong Kong has been rocked by sometimes violent mass street protests since June last year because many people think their promised freedoms are eroding. Pictured, riot police detain a protester during a demonstration against Beijing's new law in Hong Kong on May 24 Beijing's state media criticised Britain after it extended the visa rights of Hong Kong people amid mounting international concerns over the end of freedoms in the former British colony. Pictured, protesters take part in a pro-democracy demonstration in Hong Kong on May 24 British Nationals (Overseas) do not have the automatic right to live or work in the UK, but can currently travel here without a visa for up to six months. Pictured, a protester holds a British National (Overseas) passport in a shopping mall during a protest in Hong Kong on Friday Mr Zhao defended Beijing's new law by claiming that it was China's 'entitled duty' to establish such national security legislation in Hong Kong. He said: 'The core message of the Joint Declaration negotiated and signed by China and Britain is the resumption of China's sovereignty over Hong Kong. To set up a national security law for Hong Kong is the entitled duty of China's execution of its sovereignty. 'The fundamental principles for Hong Kong in the Sino-British Joint Declaration are a one-sided declaration of policy from China, not a promise given by China to Britain, let alone the so-called international obligations.' Beijing's push to impose its will in the former British colony has stoked worry about its future. It has prompted Britain to offer refuge to almost three million Hong Kong residents eligible for a British National Overseas passport. Boris Johnson said he would 'willingly' bring in one of the 'biggest changes in our visa system in British history' as an 'alternative' to Chinese repression A pro-democracy protester waves a British colonial flag during a rally at a shopping mall in the Central district in Hong Kong on Monday Hong Kong riot police fire tear gas as hundreds of protesters march along a downtown street during a pro-democracy protest against Beijing's national security legislation in Hong Kong on May 24 Writing in the Times, Mr Johnson said: 'Britain would then have no choice but to uphold our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong. Britain promised Hong Kong its freedoms would continue under China... then left its people to face Beijing alone Hong Kong was ruled by Britain from 1842 to 1997. China's imperial Qing Dynasty ceded the island to Queen Victoria under the Treaty of Nanking on August 29, 1842, to end the First Opium War. Between 1839 and 1842, British armies fought the opium war on behalf of drug traffickers against the Qing Dynasty. Their victory opened up the lucrative China trade to British merchants. On July 1, 1898, Britain was granted 99 years of rule over the Hong Kong colony under the The Second Convention of Peking. The lease would allow Britain to also have sovereignty over the New Territories, which is connected to mainland China, together with 235 islands. An international bilateral announcement, the SinoBritish Joint Declaration, was signed by then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her Chinese counterpart Zhao Ziyang on December 19, 1984. According to the document, Hong Kong would revert to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997, under an administrative principle known as 'one country, two systems'. The policy was to guarantee Hong Kong greater freedoms than those on the mainland until 2047, such as the freedom of speech and people's right to protest. The handover ceremony, which ended more than 150 years of British control over the territory, was attended by Prince Charles, Prime Minister Tony Blair, Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and Hong Kong's last governor Chris Patten. Memorialised by the Chinese with a blockbuster movie, the handover was touted by Beijing as a great victory, while many in Britain regarded it as not just deeply humiliating, but also a travesty for the people of Hong Kong. Patten would later write: 'Hong Kong became the only example of decolonization deliberately accompanied by less democracy and a weaker protection of civil liberties. 'This was a cause for profound regret, especially for the departing colonial power. But it was China's doing and China's decision. 'I am pleased that Britain narrowly avoided complicity in the dishonourable act of denying the citizens of free Hong Kong what they had been promised in 1984.' Many historians interpret the handover of Hong Kong as the end of British Empire, the ceding of her last substantial overseas colony - one with a colossal population and potent economic power. Britain's remaining territories consisted of tiny islands or enclaves with little to offer financially. In the last year of Britain's grip on Hong Kong the island's GDP was $180billion. In contrast the island of Bermuda's GDP was $5.6billion in 2013. Advertisement 'Today, about 350,000 of the territory's people hold British National (Overseas) passports and another 2.5million would be eligible to apply for them.' Currently the passports allow visa-free access to the UK for up to six months. He added: 'If China imposes its national security law, the British government will change our immigration rules and allow any holder of these passports from Hong Kong to come to the UK for a renewable period of 12 months and be given further immigration rights, including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship. 'This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in history. 'If it proves necessary, the British government will take this step and take it willingly. 'Many people in Hong Kong fear their way of life, which China pledged to uphold, is under threat. 'If China proceeds to justify their fears then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulder and walk away; instead we will honour our obligations and provide an alternative.' It is understood the people of Hong Kong will be offered a route into Britain only after the publication of full details of the proposed laws, expected this month. The BNO passport was created for Hong Kong people before Britain returned the territory to Chinese rule in 1997. Though they are British passports that allow a holder to visit Britain for six months, they do not come with an automatic right to live and work there. But the Foreign Secretary has said the six-month limit could be removed if, as is expected, China imposes its draconian legislation on the city. The pledge has seen people who held BNO passports rush to replace them. Mother of two Ming Wong, 39, was one of those to re-apply for her lost passport. 'I started filling out the applications in December after the protests, but it's the national security legislation now that really prompted me to finish the process,' Wong said. Her husband, brother and parents are also applying, she said. According to figures obtained by the Mingpao newspaper from the British Passport Office, BNO renewal applications increased in the second half of last year, amid sometimes violent anti-government protests, with the number totalling more than 120,000 in 2019 compared with about 14,000 in 2017 and 2018. Immigration consultants have reported a rush of enquiries about moving away from Hong Kong since China's announcement on May 21. 'Last week alone, the number of enquiries surged to about 100 a day,' said Swing Wong, a director the Midland immigration consultancy, from about 50 a day earlier this year. 'Most people who enquire about the UK think it would be a safety net for their children,' said Ivan Yam, director of immigration consultant Golden Emperor Properties. Mr Raab yesterday told the House of Commons there was still time for China to withdraw a bill that Beijing says is necessary to protect itself. When passed, it will allow China to put its own security measures, such as secret police and arbitary detention of critics, in place in Hong Kong, destroying the 'one country, two systems' promise that is due to run until 2047. A protester holds up the British National (Overseas) passports in a shopping mall during a protest against China's national security legislation for Hong Kong Mr Raab said: 'If China is willing to interfere on political and autonomy grounds, it is also likely to pose a longer term threat to the economic prosperty and economic model that Hong Kong reflects and embodies. 'The sad reality is that if China continues down this track, it will be strangling what has long been the jewel in the economic crown. 'There is still an opportunity for China to step back,' he said but added: 'We think that it is unlikely that will happen.' It comes as Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government was accused of 'stifling freedom of expression' of its people after police banned an upcoming vigil which will mark the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown. Beijing's push to impose its will in the former British colony has stoked worry about its future Residents in the Asian financial hub have mourned the victims of the bloody event yearly since 1990, and this is the first time the city will not be allowed to hold the commemoration. The city's police rejected permission for this year's rally, claiming it would 'constitute a major threat to the life and health of the general public' amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a letter of objection to organisers obtained by AFP. The candlelight June 4 vigil usually attracts huge crowds and Hong Kong has been the only place on Chinese soil where such a major commemoration of the anniversary is still allowed. Last year's Tiananmen vigil was especially large and came just a week before seven months of pro-democracy protests and clashes exploded onto the city's streets, sparked initially by a plan to allow extraditions to the authoritarian mainland. The candlelight June 4 vigil usually attracts huge crowds and is the only place on Chinese soil where such a major commemoration of the anniversary is still allowed. The file picture taken on June 4, 2019 shows people holding candles during a Tiananmen Square vigil in Hong Kong Hong Kong police on Monday banned an upcoming vigil marking the Tiananmen crackdown anniversary over health concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic. The picture was taken by AP photographer Jeff Widener from a sixth-floor balcony of the Beijing Hotel near Tiananmen Last year's gathering was especially large and came just a week before seven months of pro-democracy protests and clashes exploded onto the city's streets. Candlelight vigils in Hong Kong marking the anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown in Victoria Park Human rights organisation Amnesty International urged the Hong Kong authorities to lift the ban. 'COVID-19 must not be used as an excuse to stifle freedom of expression,' said Joshua Rosenzweig, Amnesty International's East and South East Asia Deputy Director. 'In recent weeks, we have seen the Hong Kong police repeatedly clamp down on peaceful protests with arbitrary mass arrests and excessive force - including the use of tear gas and pepper pellets. 'With this ban, and a disastrous national security law looming, it is not clear if Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigil will ever be allowed to take place again.' South Korea on Wednesday proposed another extra budget plan worth 35.3 trillion won (US$29 billion) that will help key industries cushion the economic blow from the coronavirus pandemic and protect jobs. Yonhap South Korea on Wednesday proposed another extra budget plan worth 35.3 trillion won (US$29 billion) that will help key industries cushion the economic blow from the coronavirus pandemic and protect jobs. The biggest-ever budget, which is subject to approval from the National Assembly, will raise the total of the nation's stimulus packages to 270 trillion won as the government has stepped up fiscal and monetary responses to the pandemic, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The third budget follows a second supplementary budget worth 12.2 trillion won in April to fund emergency handouts for households and the first one totaling 11.7 trillion won in March to cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. It was the first time in 48 years that South Korea drew up a third extra budget in a year, the ministry said. If the bill is approved by the parliament, the government will spend more than 75 percent of the extra budget within three months, the ministry said. Addressing a tax revenue shortfall and tax cuts makes up 11.4 trillion won of the third budget, and another 11.3 trillion won is earmarked to revive economic recovery, according to the ministry. Some 5.1 trillion won will be set aside for a "Korean-version New Deal" project, which will boost state spending on artificial intelligence and fifth-generation telecommunications services, it added. About 9.4 trillion won will go for subsidies to strengthen social safety nets for people who recently lost jobs and create about 550,000 jobs. As much as 5 trillion won will be spent to provide emergency loans to small merchants who have struggled with falling revenues over the pandemic. To fund the third budget, the government will issue 23.8 trillion won in state bonds. The remaining 11.5 trillion won will be funded by readjustments of the government's spending. Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki told reporters that the third extra budget will play a significant role for the nation to boost economic growth and create jobs when the pandemic wanes. "I believe that this extra budget will become a valuable foundation for the nation to create new growth engines in the post-coronavirus era," Hong said. Hong said the government will submit the extra budget bill to the National Assembly on Thursday, urging lawmakers to swiftly approve the bill. "As the effectiveness of an extra budget depends on its speed and timing, utmost efforts are urged to cooperate so that the National Assembly can pass the third extra budget this month," Hong said. In April, South Korea suffered its biggest monthly job losses in 21 years as the coronavirus outbreak and containment measures hammered the economy. The number of employed people in South Korea stood at 26.56 million in April, 476,000 people fewer than a year ago, marking the biggest on-year decline since February 1999. South Korea's export-reliant economy is expected to suffer a bigger hit from the pandemic as the novel coronavirus disrupted global businesses and ravaged consumer demand. Exports dropped for the third consecutive month in May due to the growing economic fallout from the pandemic. Outbound shipments dipped 23.7 percent to hit $34.8 billion last month, compared with $45.7 billion posted a year earlier. Last week, the Bank of Korea (BOK) predicted that the nation's economy will contract 0.2 percent this year, a steep downgrade from the 2.1 percent growth it had forecast in February. The latest forecast would mark the biggest contraction since 1998, when the nation's economy was hit by the Asian financial crisis. To shore up the virus-hit economy, the BOK slashed its policy rate by a quarter percentage point to a record low of 0.50 percent. The finance ministry painted a less gloomy picture for this year's economic growth, expecting Asia's fourth-largest economy to grow 0.1 percent this year, although it is a sharp cut from the 2.4 percent growth the ministry had predicted last December and would mark the lowest growth in about two decades. Still, the ministry's latest forecast is higher than projections by other agencies. In a bleaker outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that South Korea's economy will contract 1.2 percent this year. The IMF predicted the global economy will shrink 3 percent this year, saying the coronavirus pandemic will bring the worst economic pain since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The Korean economy grew 2 percent last year, the slowest on-year growth since 2009. The latest extra budget is the sixth under the Moon Jae-in administration. In 2017, the current administration set aside an extra 11 trillion won to create more jobs and then an additional 3.8 trillion won in 2018 for the same purpose. Last year, the Moon administration also formed a 6.7 trillion-won supplementary budget to fight fine dust and help the economy. (Yonhap) A federal judge has denied former north shore District Attorney Walter Reed's bid for compassionate release during the coronavirus epidemic, which means for now he'll have to stay in the West Virginia prison where he was incarcerated about a year ago. Reed filed a motion asking that he be allowed to serve the remainder of his four-year sentence for corruption at his Covington home, citing numerous health issues that he argued put him at greater risk for coronavirus. But U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon was not persuaded, saying in a ruling Tuesday that he is not concerned about Reed's access to medical care at the Morgantown, West Virginia, minimum security prison. Among other things, Reed had had two stents inserted after suffering chest pain, is undergoing radiation for prostate cancer and has been getting acupuncture for hot flashes. Reed is not terminally ill, Fallon said, and his various medical conditions have not made him unable to care for himself. The Bureau of Prisons has increased the use of home confinement by 40% since March in response to coronavirus, Fallon noted in his ruling, but he said that the agency has the sole authority and is best positioned to decide who should serve their time at home. "The BOP has not determined that Reed is an appropriate candidate for home confinement," Fallon concluded. Fallon, who sentenced Reed to 48 months following his 2016 conviction on 18 fraud and corruption counts, said that Reed's sentence was already substantially lower than sentencing guidelines, which called for 108 to 134 months in prison. He also noted that Reed was allowed to remain free on bond during an extensive appeals process. "Reed repeatedly requests that the Court release him from prison or sentence him to home confinement...the Court is not inclined to grant Reed's request to be release after serving only one year of a four-year sentence," the ruling said. 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 The judge said that doing so would create sentencing disparities between Reed and other defendants with similar records who are convicted of similar crimes. Reed's attorney Richard Simmons said that while the judge is deferring to the Bureau of Prisons, that agency "is in overload right now." Some people are getting out while others are not, and it seems to depend on the prison and whether there are any coronavirus cases. Simmons described BOP as reactive rather than proactive. "Jails and nursing homes are the areas where you can't social distance. That's the concern I have," Simmons said. He said he will continue to monitor Reed's health condition. Reed's sentence already has been reduced because of participation in various programs at the prison and he is now set for an October 2021 release date. PHOENIX Protesters in Phoenix rallied in scorching heat Wednesday, marking a full week of demonstrations over the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. Hundreds of people stood outside Phoenix City Council chambers downtown holding signs and umbrellas as the temperature hit 108 degrees (42 Celsius) by early afternoon. Protesters were there to call on council members, who are scheduled to meet later in the day, to defund the Phoenix Police Department and divert more money to under-served communities. The rally was scheduled to be followed by a wider protest later in the afternoon. Thousands participated in peaceful protests in Phoenix on Tuesday night. It was the second straight night that had no arrests. Police said one crowd marched in the heart of downtown and another gathered at the state Capitol. Most left by the 8 p.m. start time of a statewide curfew ordered by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey. That echoes a trend seen nationwide as other cities saw some calm for the first time in days. Authorities credited curfews. In an interview with The Arizona Republic earlier Tuesday, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams called Floyds killing unbelievably, disgustingly horrific. Williams, who is black and the departments first female chief, thinks Floyds death could alter how officers everywhere do their jobs. The level of voice that were seeing now is unlike anything that the world has ever seen, especially in the United States of America, Williams said. Phoenix police arrested more than 200 people on Sunday. Numerous people took to social media to criticize police for allegedly hitting them unprovoked with tear gas or rubber bullets. Williams said those tactics were used after officers were met with a level of force where people are throwing rocks, bottles, fireworks and things catch things on fire. Protests in metro Phoenix have also focused on the May 25 shooting of a 28-year-old black man, Dion Johnson, killed by a state trooper during an encounter on a Phoenix freeway. That shooting is being investigated. In Flagstaff, more than 1,000 people gathered Tuesday in two areas of the city to protest the police brutality deaths. At one site, protesters used their bodies to shield a police substation from further damage after someone threw either a rock or brick through a window, the Arizona Daily Sun reported. No protesters were arrested, according to police spokesman Charles Hernandez. Authorities in Scottsdale, meanwhile, made eight additional arrests Wednesday tied to the weekend looting of the upscale Scottsdale Fashion Square mall. The suspects range between ages 17 to 30 and include three Tucson residents. Investigators also recovered $46,000 in stolen merchandise. Scottsdale police have now made 20 arrests in the case. A new suspect has been identified in the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who vanished at a resort in Portugal when she was three years old. There have been some significant developments in this investigation, and a suspect has been identified, U.K.s Metropolitan Police said in a video posted to Twitter on Wednesday. The identified suspect is a 43-year-old German man, who would have been 30 at the time, and is white and had blonde, fair hair. Police also describe two vehicles he used around the time of her disappearance, and he is thought to have been in the Praia da Luz region on the night of May 3, 2007. They also revealed two phone numbers relevant to the investigation, and are asking the public for any information they have pertaining to the numbers. Also Read: 'The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann' Trailer Dives Deep Into Famous Missing Child Case (Video) According to The Guardian, he is currently in prison in Germany and has not been named. German officials also issued an appeal on national television. The disappearance around McCann has been highly scrutinized and has been the subject of many theories, including the parents involvement and even the theory that McCann was shipped to Morocco and became a victim of child trafficking. The three-year-old girl was asleep in a ground-floor apartment with her two siblings and a group of other children while the parents and their family friends dined at a restaurant 180 feet away. The parents took turns checking in on the children, but McCanns mother discovered her missing at 10 p.m. See the Metropolitan Polices tweet below. #MadeleineMcCann | Significant Investigative Update Suspect identified as 43yo German man. We reveal 2 vehicles suspect is known to have used around the time of Madeleines disappearance & phone numbers relevant to investigation. ???? | DCI Cranwell appeals for public assistance Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2020 Read original story New Suspect Identified in 2007 Disappearance of Madeleine McCann At TheWrap Financial stocks such as bank stocks have historically provided many investors with a great supplement to their income. Whether in retirement or just looking for additional income sources, financial stocks continue to be a great option. Here are currently three top financial stocks that can provide investors with generous dividend income. In these difficult times, it is ever more important to have other sources of income besides employment income. With the current crisis, so many are needing the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CESB). This essential but temporary income support has been a lifeline for many. But the reality is that this supplement in temporary. The importance of having diversification of income sources has never been so apparent. Here are three top financial stocks yielding over 4.5%. Top bank stock: Toronto-Dominion Bank Currently yielding 5.2%, Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD) stock has rallied 23% from its March lows. Regardless of this nice rally, however, the stock is still down 20% from 2020 highs. Toronto-Dominion Bank stock is providing investors with a very generous yield, but is it the right time to buy? To answer this question, lets look at some facts. Back in the 2007/08 crisis, TD Bank stock fell 50% in a matter of nine months. This was a financial crisis, with some banks around the world going under. Toronto-Dominion Banks conservative way of doing business and strong financial health meant that it not only survived, but thrived afterward. Todays crisis is clearly different. It was brought about by a health pandemic. And while there will certainly be structural damage to the economy, TD Bank came into this in top shape. TD entered this crisis with significant capital and liquidity. This bank has built long-term relationships with its customers, and they intend to stand by them through the good and bad times. Top bank stock: Royal Bank of Canada Along with TD Bank, Royal Bank (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) is the other of Canadas two biggest banks. Currently yielding 4.61%, Royal Bank of Canada stock is another good option. This bank boasts leading operating efficiency and a dominant market share in many of its segments. Story continues Royal Bank of Canada stock has suffered this year and most recent results were of course brutal. While loan loss provisions skyrocketed and earnings plummeted, what stands out to me is the resiliency of the bank. Strong liquidity and strong capital strength will ensure that Royal Bank survives this downturn, so investors can feel safe buying Royal Bank stock for the long term. We may certainly see things getting worse before they get better, but economies are slowly reopening. People are getting back to work. And this virus will pass. From the banks perspective, once we get past the initial pain and credit issues, they are indifferent to the make-up of the economy. Sun Life Financial stock getting a glimpse of the other side of the crisis Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX:SLF)(NYSE:SLF) stock has seen its share of losses this year. At its lows in March, the stock had tumbled almost 50% in response to the pandemic. Currently, the stock is yielding 4.5% as it recovers. Sun Life Financial is a truly global financial stock, with Asia representing 20% of its earnings. After a difficult fourth quarter that posted weak results out of Asia, the first quarter showed a healthy recovery there. It makes sense, as Asia was hit by the coronavirus first. The message from management on the first quarter call was that sales were strong in countries out of lockdown. Countries still in lockdown saw weak sales. Foolish bottom line The three financial stocks I have discussed in this article have two big things going for them. First, they have very attractive dividend yields. And second, they are top dividend stocks in their industries with leading fundamentals and long-term staying power, which makes them very attractive buys today for additional income. The post 3 Top Financial Stocks Yielding 4.5% and Higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada. More reading Fool contributor Karen Thomas has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fools purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool Canadas free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Motley Fool Canada 2020 Our worlds have shrunk so much that the prospect of being allowed to travel 20km without fear of having to lie to a garda will come as a great relief. Next week will finally allow older people welcome their grandchildren into their homes for the first time in months. After so much fear that the virus would be unstoppable, Monday will bring scenes of joyous release for thousands - which will heighten the pain so much more for those who live more than 20km apart. The idea that we are all in this together works only if it's actually true. Yet as time goes on a major rural-urban divide is being allowed to emerge in the fight against Covid-19. Many of the negative elements of city life have been wiped out during lockdown. The traffic has subsided enough that parents let children out on bikes, birds and wildlife have ventured into view and local parks have become shared amenities. You can get to a lot of places in the capital by travelling 5km, including to friends and family if you're a 'proper Dub'. When the travel zone is hiked to 20km, city folk will be able to choose between Dun Laoghaire and Howth for their ice-creams. However, in country terms, having amenities 'on your doorstep' is routinely defined as 'within an hour's drive'. There are around 450,000 one-off houses scattered through the countryside, up the side of mountains, along bog roads and boreens. Planners say this isn't sustainable in the long run. The outgoing Government's 'Project Ireland 2040' signals a move towards more focused settlements, with 'cluster living' around towns and villages. But that's the future and those living in 'the back of beyond' shouldn't be unfairly isolated from society during a pandemic. A 5km zone in Dublin is shared by up to one million people, whereas in parts of the country a zone the same size would be primarily occupied by cattle or sheep. The logic behind the invisible barrier is that it stops the movement of Covid-19. If I am infected and meet somebody 200km away, it could start a spread in a disease-free area. But the on-the-ground reality doesn't match the science in this case. Take an amenity I'm familiar with, Lough Boora Discovery Park near Tullamore in Co Offaly. The bog's walking routes range from 20 minutes to four hours. There are few places more rural, more isolated and more suited to social distancing - but at 20.7km from Tullamore town centre it has been reserved for those living in the few dozen houses nearby. There is no perfect solution. France decided to lift its restrictions by region, marking each 'red', 'orange' or 'green' depending on the risk. Belgium, New Zealand and Germany opted for 'social bubbles', whereby you could pick a limited number of family and friends to see during lockdown. Ireland's approach was well justified but there is an increasing sense that people in rural Ireland need to break free. There will be a lot of 'cocooners' who won't get that warm fuzzy feeling when they see families reuniting on the news next Monday. And that means we won't all be in it together any more. Show me a politician that doesnt pander to his (or her) base. Yes, I suppose you can say Trump did that when he stood for that infamous photo op in front of the church, Bible in hand. On the other hand, I think its equally fair to say Joe Biden pandered to his base in his remarks about protests and civil unrest. All of us are disturbed by the killing of George Floyd. We understand and feel the anger that police misconduct creates. But, Ive searched Bidens remarks in vain for any mention of sympathy for the police officers who, while trying to preserve order in the face of the looting and destruction, have been shot, run over, and beaten. Nowhere is there any mention of their wives, children, and loved ones or the terror felt by shop owners and their families who have lost everything to the mobs No, they dont seem to be on his radar screen. Hes more focused on those votes he hopes to get from the minority community. Shame on both of these men. Airborne laser scanners that can peer through the jungle have revealed what may be the oldest and largest ancient Mayan structure ever found a 3,000-year-old ceremonial platform almost a mile long according to research published Wednesday. The 50-foot-high raised earthen platform was found at a site called Aguada Fenix, beside the remote San Pedro River in Mexicos Tabasco state, near the border with Guatemala. University of Arizona archaeologist Takeshi Inomata, who led the discovery, said the giant platform was almost certainly used for ceremonies and large gatherings, possibly before the emergence of royal and noble individuals who dominated society at later Mayan sites. This was a big construction before the social hierarchy, Inomata said of the research released in the science journal Nature. The really interesting implication is what this site tells us about the potential of human collaboration, which can do really amazing things without the presence of a centralized government. The site, which has been dated by excavations to between 1,000 B.C. and 800 B.C., was first revealed using lidar an acronym that stands for light detection and ranging which works on a similar principle to radar. Lidar scanners can be carried by small aircraft and bounce hundreds of pulses of laser light every second off the landscape to reveal features that would otherwise be hidden by the vegetation that covers it. A 3D image of the site of Aguada Fenix based on lidar. (Takeshi Inomata) Inomata explained that more than two dozen ancient Mayan structures near the San Pedro river were first seen in low-resolution lidar maps made by the Mexican government. High-resolution aerial lidar scans were then used to reveal details of the largest structure. We found Aguada Fenix as this perfect rectangular shape, he said. The ancient Maya lived in what is today southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador. They grew to become an empire spanning much of Central America, and reached their peak in about the sixth century A.D. But most ancient Mayan cities were abandoned by 900 A.D. Many descendants of the ancient Maya still live in the region today. Story continues The giant platform at Aguada Fenix is more than 1,500 yards long and 440 yards across. Small pyramids and a central plaza were built on top of it, forming a distinctive Mayan ceremonial center known by archaeologists as an E-group assemblage. It must be for rituals or ceremonies, Inomata said It's a big, wide space, so it's a place of gathering for many people, Excavations have also revealed a cache of jade axes that were ritually deposited in the center of the platform, he said. Nine ceremonial causeways lead away from the platform the longest is more than 3 miles long and it was surrounded by lower platforms, ramps, buildings and reservoirs. A smaller raised platform stands about a mile away to the west. The ceremonies probably involved processions, because we have those big causeways, Inomata said. A greenstone perforator a sharp tool used to pierce the tongue or the ears found in the deposits suggests the ceremonies involved ritual bloodletting, but there was no evidence of ritual sacrifices, he said. One thing that the excavations have not found is any evidence of high-status individuals, such as the sculptures of Mayan rulers often found at later sites, or the colossal stone heads of Olmec rulers that are found further west and date from around the same time. An aerial view of the Aguada Fenix site. The hidden Mayan platform, at the top of this photograph, is so large that it cannot be seen at ground level. (Takeshi Inomata) Later Mayan cities are centered on pyramids, but those are mainly for kings and powerful people, Inomata said. In this case, it's an open wide space. It's a place for everybody. It's a time before the emergence of kings. Instead, the construction of giant platforms like that of Aguada Fenix may have led to the evolution of an aristocracy, he said. It was a big experiment, Inomata said. They had to decide who's going to do this work, and whos going to organize the labor, and who's going to design it. So in that sense, the construction itself may have promoted social organization, which possibly led later to central government and then to kings and powerful elites, he said. Maya archaeologist Elizabeth Graham of University College London, who was not involved in the research, said the work by Inomata and his colleagues was fascinating. Airborne lidar surveys, like those that had revealed the site at Aguada Fenix, were now showing that much of southern Mexico was once covered by ancient architecture, she said. Archaeologists all thought that the forest was covered with buildings, Graham said, People like to think of it as being a jungle, but it was all occupied at one time. Former President Jimmy Carter on Wednesday released a statement on Wednesday describing himself and his wife as "pained by the tragic racial injustices and consequent backlash across our nation in recent weeks." Why it matters: All living American presidents have now officially weighed in on the civil unrest rattling the nation. Former President George Bush W. Bush released his statement on the ongoing protests Tuesday, saying it is "time for America to examine our tragic failures." Former President Bill Clinton said on Saturday that Americans "need to see each other as equally deserving of life, liberty, respect, dignity, and the presumption of innocence," and called on people to ask themselves a set of "hard questions." Former President Obama said last week that events like George Floyd's death "shouldn't be 'normal' in 2020 America," and plans to host a virtual town hall on the topic on Wednesday evening. Of note: Carter did not mention Floyd by name, instead focusing on " the victims families and all who feel hopeless in the face of pervasive racial discrimination and outright cruelty." Carter's full statement: "Rosalynn and I are pained by the tragic racial injustices and consequent backlash across our nation in recent weeks. Our hearts are with the victims families and all who feel hopeless in the face of pervasive racial discrimination and outright cruelty. We all must shine a spotlight on the immorality of racial discrimination. But violence, whether spontaneous or consciously incited, is not a solution. "As a white male of the South, I know all too well the impact of segregation and injustice to African Americans. As a politician, I felt a responsibility to bring equity to my state and our country. In my 1974 inaugural address as Georgias governor, I said: The time for racial discrimination is over. With great sorrow and disappointment, I repeat those words today, nearly five decades later. Dehumanizing people debases us all; humanity is beautifully and almost infinitely diverse. The bonds of our common humanity must overcome the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices. "Since leaving the White House in 1981, Rosalynn and I have strived to advance human rights in countries around the world. In this quest, we have seen that silence can be as deadly as violence. People of power, privilege, and moral conscience must stand up and say no more to a racially discriminatory police and justice system, immoral economic disparities between whites and blacks, and government actions that undermine our unified democracy. We are responsible for creating a world of peace and equality for ourselves and future generations. "We need a government as good as its people, and we are better than this." 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"We look forward to providing CEIPAL's customers with a screening partner who prioritizes industry-first solutions, quick turnaround times, and excellent customer service. With strong partnerships like this, InfoMart and CEIPAL's clients can rely on effective hiring technology and timely background check results," said InfoMart CEO, Marco Piovesan. For more information on the capabilities of InfoMart's integration with CEIPAL, please contact sales(at)infomart-usa(dot)com. For media inquiries, please contact Anna.Holland(at)InfoMart-USA(dot)com. About InfoMart InfoMart has been revolutionizing the global background and identity screening industry for 30 years, providing businesses the information they need to make informed hiring decisions. They develop innovative technology that modernizes talent onboarding, including a first-to-market biometric identity authentication application and a verified sanctions search. The WBENC-certified company is a founding member of the Professional Background Screening Association, and they have achieved PBSA accreditation in recognition of their consistent business practices and commitment to compliance with the FCRA. The company is dedicated to customer service, speed, and accuracy, and it has been recognized for its success, workplace culture, and corporate citizenship with over 45 industry awards. To Get the Whole Story on InfoMart, please visit http://www.InfoMart-USA.com, follow @InfoMartUSA, or call (770) 984-2727. About CEIPAL CEIPAL provides a SaaS platform that automates both the front- and back-office business operations of staffing companies. CEIPAL offers a complete workforce management platform, including a fully integrated applicant tracking system (ATS) and human resource information system (HRIS). Founded in 2015, CEIPAL now serves over 1,400 customers and 20,000 recruiters globally. For more information visit http://www.ceipal.com. Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter speaks at a news conference at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Former President Jimmy Carter on Wednesday addressed the death of unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, expressing sympathy for the Floyd family and condemning racial discrimination. But he said of the protests raging across the nation in the aftermath of that killing, that "violence, whether spontaneous or consciously incited, is not a solution." "Our hearts are with the victims' families and all who feel hopeless in the face of pervasive racial discrimination and outright cruelty," Carter said in a statement on behalf of himself and his wife Rosalynn. "We all must shine a spotlight on the immorality of racial discrimination." "We need a government as good as its people, and we are better than this," the Carters said. The couple's statement comes as protests nationwide continue into their ninth day, with organizers and demonstrators calling for police accountability. Major cities, including New York, have begun enforcing curfews and beefing up law enforcement resources after days of action marked by violence and looting. Floyd died as a white officer, Derek Chauvin, held him down by pressing a knee into his neck. In a video of his arrest in Minneapolis, Floyd is heard repeatedly telling Chauvin and other cops, "I can't breathe." Carter is the latest former president to address Floyd's death. George W. Bush on Tuesday expressed a similar sentiment, saying, "Looting is not liberation, and destruction is not progress." Former President Barack Obama on Friday tweeted that racial inequality and "shouldn't be 'normal' in 2020 America." President Donald Trump has also expressed sympathy for Floyd's family while threatening multiple times to send the National Guard to quell the protests. Trump said in a tweet that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts," echoing a phrase used by a Miami police chief in the 1960s, widely interpreted as a violent threat against protesters. All of the former officers involved with Floyd's death have now been charged in the case. Read Carter's full statement: Rosalynn and I are pained by the tragic racial injustices and consequent backlash across our nation in recent weeks. Our hearts are with the victims' families and all who feel hopeless in the face of pervasive racial discrimination and outright cruelty. We all must shine a spotlight on the immorality of racial discrimination. But violence, whether spontaneous or consciously incited, is not a solution. As a white male of the South, I know all too well the impact of segregation and injustice to African Americans. As a politician, I felt a responsibility to bring equity to my state and our country. In my 1974 inaugural address as Georgia's governor, I said: "The time for racial discrimination is over." With great sorrow and disappointment, I repeat those words today, nearly five decades later. Dehumanizing people debases us all; humanity is beautifully and almost infinitely diverse. The bonds of our common humanity must overcome the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices. Since leaving the White House in 1981, Rosalynn and I have strived to advance human rights in countries around the world. In this quest, we have seen that silence can be as deadly as violence. People of power, privilege, and moral conscience must stand up and say "no more" to a racially discriminatory police and justice system, immoral economic disparities between whites and blacks, and government actions that undermine our unified democracy. We are responsible for creating a world of peace and equality for ourselves and future generations. We need a government as good as its people, and we are better than this. Swinburne University has warned staff to brace for job losses as it faces a deficit of more than $150 million due to a reduction in overseas students caused by the coronavirus crisis. A week after Deakin University announced it would cut 400 positions, Swinburne has followed step, telling staff it must consider difficult decisions to ensure its financial viability. Swinburne University vice-chancellor Linda Kristjanson. Credit: Photo: Eddie Jim Victorian universities are reeling from the loss of international students since the coronavirus pandemic crunched the sector this year. Monash University has also told staff it expects a $350 million downturn this year, followed by an even bigger financial hit in 2021. According to intelligence data, one member of Russia-led forces was killed on June 2. Russia's hybrid military forces on June 2 mounted nine 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 nine 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 June 3. "As a result, one Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in enemy shelling." Read alsoUkraine's JFO HQ reports enemy death toll in Donbas in May Russian-led forces opened fire from proscribed 152mm artillery systems, 82mm mortars, as well as grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, sniper rifles, and small arms. In addition, the enemy used unguided missiles. Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the villages of Starohnativka, Pavlopil, Bohdanivka, Vodiane, Mayorsk, Novozvanivka, and Khutir Vilny. The Joint Forces returned fire in response to each enemy attack. According to intelligence data, one member of Russia-led forces was killed on June 2. The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on June 3. No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported since Wednesday midnight. Logan Paul is one of the most controversial celebrities on the internet. He started his career on YouTube and Vine before quickly earning millions of followers on social media. Although Paul has a lot of fans, in the past few years, he has also been widely criticized for his many antics. However, it looks like things could be changing for Paul. He recently did something that is earning him praise on the internet, even from those who had criticized him harshly before. Logan Paul | Steven Ferdman/Getty Images Logan Paul has found himself in hot water numerous times Paul is no stranger to controversies. His first big moment in hot water came in early 2018 when he posted a video of himself touring Aokigahara forest in Japan, which is also called Suicide Forest. There, Paul and his friends filmed a body hanging from a tree and laughed. This sparked a huge internet-wide backlash against Paul with many people calling for him to be kicked off of YouTube. About a month later, Paul posted another disturbing video. In this one, he could be seen Tasering dead rats and attempting to perform CPR on a living koi fish. Additionally, Paul has made many offensive comments over the years. He once came under fire for saying he was going gay for a month. Last year, he also smack-talked internet celebrity KSI by saying KSI was on his fifth abortion. Logan Paul recently spoke out against racism and attended a Black Lives Matter protest Logan Paul & Josie Canseco show their support by marching in the #BlackLivesMatter protest: https://t.co/pGfYAaV5qm Just Jared Jr. (@justjaredjr) June 3, 2020 RELATED: Joe Rogan Had Some Nice Things to Say About Logan Pauls Fighting Skills Although Pauls infamous brother, Jake, recently got criticized for filming a looting at a mall in Arizona, Paul himself has been praised for his actions amid the recent Black Lives Matter protests. On June 1, Paul talked about George Floyds death on his podcast, Impaulsive. There, he went on a passionate rant about racism and urged fans to hold people accountable for injustice. It is not enough to be not racist, Paul said. You have to be anti-racist. Condemn those who feign superiority because of the color of their skin. Friends. Hold friends accountable. Hold family accountable. Hold yourself accountable. And, most importantly, we must hold our authorities accountable police officers, politicians. policy makers. He also brought up white privilege and claimed that anyone who does not believe the concept exists is f***ing blind and delusional. On June 2, Paul could be seen marching at a protest in Los Angeles with his girlfriend, Josie Canseco. He also held up a sign that read, Black Lives Matter. Fans are praising Logan Paul for growing and supporting an important cause RELATED: Heres How Much JoJo Siwa and YouTubes Other Top 10 Earners Make Per Video Although many people might not think of Paul as someone who would stand up against inequality in America, some of his critics have praised him for contributing positively to the Black Lives Matter movement. Big up for doing this Logan, one person wrote in the comment section of his podcasts video. Youve truly grown a lot and I 100% agree with you. Meanwhile, another person said on Twitter: Logan Paul has done a lot of f***ed up s***, but whether you want to believe it or not, hes growing. The police departments in Guilford and Hamden Wednesday issued statements expressing outrage over the death of George Floyd, saying the Minneapolis officers involved in his death have no place in any police department and that the lack of intervention by other officer on scene was reprehensible. Guilford Deputy Chief Butch Hyatt spoke on behalf of his fellow officers in a release, saying the department stands united in outrage with our community, the nation, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state, region, and country in regard to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. ... Officers like these men have no place in any police department and this echoes the feelings of police chiefs throughout our state. He noted the remarks of Keith Mello, president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association and chief of police in Milford, who spoke out against Floyds death in the days afterwards, saying the foundation of the profession was the belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. The abhorrent actions of these officers were not representative of the multitude of good and caring police in this community and this country who work hard day in and day out to create and maintain trust, confidence and an open line of communication within their communities in order to best serve and protect everyone, and I emphasize, everyone, said Hyatt. Moving forward, it will be the responsibility of the Guilford Police Department and all police departments to continue to work to repair relations between the police and their communities, that have been fractured by the appalling behavior of these men. Hamden Capt. Ronald Smith, also in a release, said the atrocity committed by the officers involved, has been instrumental in eroding the trust that we as police officers have attempted to build within our communities. We understand that we can and must do better, Smith said in the release. With the assistance from the communities we represent, we must pledge to continue to train and educate ourselves to be the best that we can be. This endeavor will be a continuous work in progress. Of utmost importance, we will focus on the word EMPATHY. Our success and relationship with our community greatly depends on the empathy that we have for one another. Other area police, including in New Haven and Orange, have spoken out against Floyds death, which has prompted protests throughout Connecticut and the country in recent days. Floyd died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for for more than eight minutes while he was handcuffed face down, saying he couldnt breathe. Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com For Immediate Release Chicago, IL June 2, 2020 Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: The Boeing Company BA, Leidos Holdings Inc. LDOS, Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. SPCE, Northrop Grumman Corp. NOC and Lockheed Martin Corp. LMT. Here are highlights from Mondays Analyst Blog: 4 Tech Stocks to Soar on SpaceX's Historic Voyage Since NASA retired the Space Shuttle in 2011, astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) are being sent through Russian vessels. However, on May 30, SpaceX launched the Dragon capsule on top of a Falcon 9 rocket, boarded by NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken. They are the first astronauts to be launched into space in nearly a decade from American soil. The Dragon capsule or spacecraft that is capable of ferrying up to seven astronauts is called the Crew Dragon, while the Cargo Dragon ferries cargo to outer space. The Crew Dragon capsule, now known as Endeavour, has successfully docked with the ISS. SpaceX now holds the record of being the first private company to send man into outer space, which was earlier done only by the governments of the United States, Russia and China. An Era of Commercial Space Travel The recent success not only marks the restart of Americas venture into the space through its own soil but also opens up an arena for private companies dealing with space technology. In fact, private companies like SpaceX have shown that launching satellites to outer space can be cheaper than expected. SpaceX's partially-reusable Falcon9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule combination is more than competitive in price even though the company is the latest to enter the market. NASA has provided massive funding to The Boeing Company and SpaceX to develop and operate a new generation of spacecraft and launch systems capable of carrying crew to low-Earth orbit and the ISS. NASA has also announced another partnership with SpaceX, Blue Origin and Leidos Holdings Inc.s subsidiary Dynetics to work on the landing systems for its Artemis program. NASA aims to land the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024. Story continues The SpaceX launch was a giant success in the growing space tourism sector, which includes players like Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. In fact, space exploration and tourism along with long-haul travel on the Earth are expected to grow into a more than $800 billion industry in the coming decade.The global space launch services market size was valued at $9.88 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $32.41 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 15.7%. Trumps Space Force Program For a decade now, America has been relying on Russia for sending its astronauts and supplies to the ISS at a hefty cost of $86 million per seat. During U.S. President Donald Trumps first year in office, he signed a directive for NASA to work with private sector partners to send man on moon again, followed by Mars and outer space. Last December 2019, Trump launched the United States Space Force (USSF), which is the space warfare service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The program is responsible for organizing, training and equipping forces for space service support. This includes missile warning and provides freedom of operation for the United States in, from, and to space. Per a Reuters report on May 6, the U.S. administration is drafting a legal blueprint for mining on the moon. This new U.S.-sponsored international agreement is called the Artemis Accords, which is a named after the NASAs new Artemis moon program. The accord supports NASAs plan to put humans and space stations on the moon within the next decade. However, the draft plan for the accordhasstill not been formally shared with Americas allies and has neither been signed. 4 Stocks to Watch Out For The success of SpaceX and plans of launch of new constellations of satellites to enter low-Earth orbit in the coming years brighten prospects for space technology. Hence, we have shortlisted four stocks that belong to the Zacks Aerospace - Defense industry and can make the most of this boom. All the stocks carry Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here. The Boeing Company designs reusable space vehicle technologiesin collaboration with NASA. The company is working on the Boeing CST-100 Starliner (Crew Space Transportation-100), which is a reusable crew capsule. Its primary purpose is to transport crew to the ISS and to private space stations, such as the proposed Bigelow Aerospace Commercial Space Station. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 45.4% for the current year. Northrop Grumman Corp. offers mission systems and solutions that are applicable to aerospace along withend-to-end space and launch systems. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 4.3% for the current year. Lockheed Martin Corp. provides the U.S. government, the Department of Defense and NASA with satellites, rocket launch systems, ground systems and plays an immense role in the Space Force program. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 9.6% for the current year. Leidos Holdings, Inc. has processed, packaged and shipped ISS cargo for 87 visiting vehicles that include SpaceX and Orbital ATK. Leidos offers services for commercial low-Earth orbit and lunar spaceflight which includes payload design, mission integration, and human factors engineering. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 1.4% for the current year. Zacks Single Best Pick to Double From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each picked their favorite to gain +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Zacks Director of Research, SherazMian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. This young companys gigantic growth was hidden by low-volume trading, then cut short by the coronavirus. But its digital products stand out in a region where the internet economy has tripled since 2015 and looks to triple again by 2025. Its stock price is already starting to resume its upward arc. The skys the limit! And the earlier you get in, the greater your potential gain. Click Here, See It Free >> Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Click to get this free report Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Boeing Company (BA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Leidos Holdings, Inc. (LDOS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (SPCE) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research A top film executive recently revealed his company will produce a new blockbuster based on the true story of doctors who fought against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Yu Dong, chairman of Bona Film Group, said the new movie's working title is "Chinese Doctors," and will be based on true events. The creative team has already started work, and carried out in-depth interviews with a Guangdong medical team, led by China's top epidemiologist Dr. Zhong Nanshan, who came to aid Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak. According to him, the film will portray various major figures in the fight against COVID-19, rather than focusing on a sole individual. They plan to shoot the film this year and are now working on script. Bona Film Group are experienced at portraying true events in movie blockbusters. Their previous triumphs include "Operation Mekong," "Operation Red Sea," "The Bravest" and "The Captain," as well as an investment in Hollywood director Roland Emmerich's war epic "Midway." Their latest effort is "The Rescue" based on the true story of a team of Chinese maritime rescuers. However, due to the pandemic, the Spring Festival release date was shelved and postponed. China's film industry has been on hold for four months due to the pandemic and many film companies have suffered and even gone bankrupt. Cinemas are technically allowed to reopen for business with epidemic prevention and control measures, but few have reopened yet. Yu's Bona Film Group has recently set up a new headquarters in Nansha, Guangzhou. He said at a press conference held in Guangzhou on May 27 that he wanted to help make the Great Bay Area the third biggest area for creating Chinese films, after Beijing and Shanghai. There are other two film projects currently in development by Bona Film Group, including "Imperial Envoy" which will portray national hero Lin Zexu who stopped the illegal import of opium from the British in 1838, and "Kashmir Princess," based on the 1955 attempted assassination of Zhou Enlai, the first premier of the People's Republic of China (PRC). WASHINGTON - Ousted State Department Inspector General Steve Linick on Wednesday told members of three congressional committees that before he was abruptly fired, he was investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeos use of government resources as well as the secretarys decision to approve a multibillion-dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia. Democrats are investigating President Donald Trumps firing of Linick one of several inspector generals he has recently ousted and whether it was a retaliatory move. Pompeo has said he recommended that the inspector general be terminated, but insisted it wasnt retribution. Linick was an Obama administration appointee whose office had been critical of what it saw as political bias in the State Departments current management, but had also taken issue with Democratic appointees. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., and New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a joint statement with other lawmakers that they still have many unanswered questions about the firing. Mr. Linick confirmed that at the time he was removed as IG, his office was looking into two matters that directly touched on Secretary Pompeos conduct and that senior State Department officials were aware of his investigations, the Democrats said. They said that Linick testified that he was shocked when he was fired. Their statement said Linick confirmed there was an ongoing investigation into allegations of misuse of government resources by Secretary Pompeo and his wife. Linick said he had informed officials close to Pompeo of the investigation, including by requesting documents from his executive secretary, the Democrats said. Pompeo, though, told reporters after Linick was fired last month 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 then that he was aware of the probe 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. But he maintained he did not know the scope or scale of the investigation. Linick confirmed that probe as well, and told the investigators his office had requested an interview with Pompeo but that the secretary had refused. The Democrats said Linick testified he had been pressured by Brian Bulatao, an undersecretary of State who is an old friend of Pompeo. Mr. Linick testified that Mr. Bulatao pressured him to act in ways that Mr. Linick felt were inappropriate including Bulatao telling Linick that the investigation into weapons sales to Saudi Arabia was not a matter for the IG to investigate, the committees said. Republicans questioned Linick on whether he had leaked information about sensitive investigations, which the administration has suggested played a part in his dismissal. In a letter to Engel this week, Bulato wrote that concern over Linick had grown concerning the handling of an investigation that was leaked in the media and later reviewed. The Democrats said Linick rejected that explanation, saying it was either misplaced or unfounded. In his opening statement, released before the interview and obtained by The Associated Press, Linick said he has served without regard to politics in his nearly three-decade career in public service and has always been committed to independent oversight. The investigation is part of a larger congressional efforts to find out more about Trumps recent moves to sideline several independent government watchdogs. Engel and Menendez have been demanding answers and documents from the State Department on other matters for months, to little avail, and are now teaming up to try to force a complete explanation from Pompeo and the White House as to why Trump fired Linick. The committee has asked several other State Department officials to sit for interviews in the probe, including Bulatao, Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Clarke Cooper, Pompeos executive secretary Lisa Kenna and acting State Department legal adviser Marik String. The committees said they will release transcripts shortly after each interview. Democrats and some Republicans have pushed the administration for more answers about the inspector general firings, but the White House has provided few, simply stating the dismissals were well within Trumps authority. Linick played a small role in Trumps impeachment last year, an involvement that has added fuel to Democratic suspicions of retaliation. 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 his political opponents. He 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. 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. WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court in Washington announced Tuesday that it will hold oral arguments next week to review Judge Emmet Sullivan's refusal to immediately dismiss the case against Michael Flynn, a former national security adviser to President Donald Trump. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit will consider on June 12 whether the judge has the power to examine and put on hold the Justice Department's plan to drop its long-running prosecution of Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents about his pre-inauguration contacts with the Russian ambassador to the United States. The Drug Enforcement Agency has been given sweeping powers to 'conduct covert surveillance', gather intelligence and make arrests for any federal crimes committed by people protesting the death of George Floyd across the United States. The Justice Department is now allowing DEA agents to enforce federal criminal laws for the next 14 days in the wake of the widespread protests, according to an agency memo obtained by BuzzFeed News. DEA agents are now allowed to offer support across the country to law enforcement to help enforce federal criminal laws. Currently, the DEA is only limited to enforcing federal crimes related to drugs. The Justice Department is now allowing DEA agents to enforce federal criminal laws for the next 14 days in the wake of the widespread protests. Pictured above is a DEA agent standing alongside a DC National Guard member in Washington DC on Tuesday According to the memo, DEA agents will be allowed to conduct covert surveillance and share intelligence with state and local law enforcement. Agents can also conduct interviews, searches and make arrests for violations of federal law. DEA agents were spotted in Washington DC and New York on Tuesday. The memo from the DEA cited police agencies across the country being overrun and struggling to maintain order as reasons for them being given the additional powers. George Floyd's death in Minneapolis on March 25 'has spawned widespread protests across the nation, which, in some instances, have included violence and looting', the memo said. 'Police agencies in certain areas of the country have struggled to maintain and/or restore order.' It comes after Attorney General William Barr issued a statement on Sunday saying that peaceful protests were being 'hijacked by violent radical elements'. As protests intensified over the weekend, Barr vowed to crack down on violent rioting. DEA agents are now allowed to offer support across the country to law enforcement to help enforce federal criminal laws, according to the memo President Donald Trump demanded on Wednesday that police 'get tough' after a sixth night of nation-wide protests but privately, he is said to be backing off his previous plan to send in federal troops to stifle rioters. Trump launched a more than 35-tweet tirade, in part, claiming that the violent protesters are 'domestic terrorists'. He also abandoned his idea to dispatch the military after officials claimed local governments should take charge. He told members of his cabinet over the last week that he wants to send the military into American cities - a proposal that led to a heated yelling-match between those supporting the notion and those opposed. Vice President Mike Pence and Defense Secretary Mark Esper supported the idea, claiming it would give the federal government quicker control over the situation than if it were to take over and activate the National Guard. Barr and Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, however, warned against the plan. Barr was concerned with infringing on states' rights if the military were deployed to different cities across the country facing riots and Gen. Milley assured the president he had enough force in D.C. to secure the city. He also did not want to put active-duty military in such a domestic role. Trump has faced intense criticism for the way peaceful protesters were cleared from outside the White House on Monday so he could visit damaged St John's Episcopal Church. Protesters march on First Ave in Manhattan on Tuesday during a demonstration over the arrest in Minnesota of George Floyd MICHIGAN The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs has awarded a total of $502,400 in Emergency Relief Fund grants to 176 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations around Michigan to assist with negative impacts resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Arts Midwest, a nonprofit regional arts organization and partner to MCACA, also contributed another $83,834 to assist an additional 28 Michigan organizations. Todays Emergency Relief Fund grants are providing immediate support to our states arts and cultural organizations as they work to economically recover from the COVID-19 virus, said MCACA Director Alison Watson. These organizations add so much value to Michigans economy and bolster the creative life of our communities, and it is more vital than ever that we do everything we can to restore economic prosperity for all Michiganders to not only recover economically, but to thrive. Announced in April, MCACA, through funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Emergency Relief Funds program made a total of $502,400 in one-time grants to eligible nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, ensuring broad geographic distribution across Michigan. The funds were intended for salary support (full or partial) for one or more employees; fees for artists and/or contractual personnel; and facility costs, such as rent and utilities. Locally, grants were awarded as follows: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, $3,000; Benzie Area Symphony, $3,000; Mason County Historical Society, $3,000; and Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association, $3,000. Nearly 600 organizations requesting $2.6 million applied for the grants. To be eligible, applicants had to be a nonprofit arts and cultural organization, have tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Services code, and be incorporated and physically located in Michigan. The applications were reviewed by Council members and staff. To be considered, eligible organizations had to demonstrate the ability to use the funds to secure jobs and keep doors open. The maximum request for funding is $5,000 and there was no match requirement. All of the available funds have been disbursed with todays grants. To learn more about MEDCs COVID-19 response programs and the impact they are having on economic recovery efforts, visit michiganbusiness.org/covid19response. Other resources for businesses across Michigan struggling with economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus can be found online at michiganbusiness.org/covid19. The MEDC has also developed a FAQ for Michigan businesses and communities at michiganbusiness.org/covid19-faq. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-03 01:06:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 19, 2019. (Xinhua/Evgeny Sinitsyn) "The Russian Federation reserves the right to launch a nuclear strike either in response to a similar attack or in the event of a threat to the existence of the state," the decree reads. MOSCOW, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Russia reserves the right to retaliate for nuclear attacks, according to a decree on the fundamentals of Russia's state policy of nuclear deterrence, which was signed by President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. "The Russian Federation reserves the right to launch a nuclear strike either in response to a similar attack or in the event of a threat to the existence of the state," the decree reads. It says Russia's policy is defensive in nature and is aimed at maintaining its capabilities at a level sufficient to ensure nuclear deterrence, guarantee the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and prevent aggression against the country or its allies. With nuclear deterrence, Russia will take into account the deployment of hypersonic and laser weapons, missile-carrying and strike drones, missile shields, and nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction by potential enemies, it said. Russia considers the creation and deployment of missile defense systems and strike systems in space as a threat, and its neutralization requires nuclear deterrence, it said. Pennsylvania on Tuesday released new unemployment figures for the Lehigh Valley, showing a massive spike as the coronavirus forced people to stay home and closed non-essential businesses. The unemployment rate for the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area hit 16.5% in April, according to the new figures. That's up 10.9 percentage points from March's rate of 5.6, representing an increase of 194% in the ranks of those out of work. Its the worst unemployment rate within current records going back to 1990, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry said in its release of the data. The statewide unemployment rate for April was 15.1%, also the highest on record and up 9.3 percentage points from March, while the national rate rose 10.3 percentage points to 14.7% in April. Lehigh Valley economic leaders point to several factors that suggest things may not be as dire as the numbers look, and say there's potential to return to single-digit unemployment by late summer. "What I'm reading from those numbers is they're certainly truthful," said Nancy Dischinat, executive director of the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley. "But what I also understand is that those numbers also include people who are laid off temporarily due to the pandemic, and they're counted. And then they'll be called back to work eventually." "As long as we're going to be calling workers back, and that's what we're looking forward to, that's a good sign anyway," continued Dischinat, whose board is a local arm of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. What do the numbers show, exactly? The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ MSA comprises Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon and Warren counties and is home to a labor force of 450,300 people. Of those, 74,100 were unemployed in April, for a rate of 16.5%. These numbers are seasonally adjusted to account for routine rises and falls in jobless numbers, like schools opening and closing and the hiring and laying off of holiday retail workers. Labor and Industry last month said weekly initial claims for unemployment compensation during the pandemic peaked April 4 at 12,498 for Lehigh County and 9,163 for Northampton County. Obviously the numbers are dishearteningly high, said Don Cunningham, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. This is the first time weve had double-digit unemployment in the Lehigh Valley since 1983, which was the shedding of steel industry jobs and the initial loss of manufacturing textiles. Cunningham said he doesn't want to "read too much into these numbers." Both he and Dischinat see the employment situation improving as the Lehigh Valley on Friday joins other parts of the state in moving to the yellow, initial phase of Gov. Tom Wolf's three-tiered, color-coded plan for reopening the economy. Well really understand what the unemployment numbers are toward the end of summer, Cunningham said. Theyre not going to be 16%, but they probably will be 8 or 9%, which is a big difference from where we were back in February and March. For the last three years in the Lehigh Valley, the unemployment rates (were) below 5%, so were not going back to that number. A jobs database subscribed to by the LVEDC shows employers posted 10,797 active online ads for jobs across the Lehigh Valley, Cunningham said. The top two positions open are in the front lines of the war on the COVID-19 coronavirus illness: retail, such as supermarket and pharmacy workers, and registered nurses. Other jobs open are in packaging, machine operators, physician assistants, laboratory technicians and stock clerks. Some people who lost their jobs may find they're bringing in enough income through state and federal unemployment compensation that they're not in a hurry to find work again, Dischinat said. But that compensation will eventually expire. She urges those who are jobless to pursue a new skill or credential ahead of returning to the workforce. A big question mark for people returning to work will be the availability of child care, which is one of the sectors of the economy allowed to reopen in yellow. Some previous two-earner families may find it makes more sense to keep one person home if child care is unavailable or has become too expensive, Cunningham noted. And, of course, projections of declining jobless rates are based on a continued, corresponding drop in coronavirus cases and deaths. If we get a second wave and the virus becomes problematic again, all bets are off, Cunningham said. Who knows what happens then? Were trying to monitor it as best we can in real time, and its by far a very unique situation. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 4 2020 State-owned oil and gas giant Pertamina plans to explore opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry and expand its hospital business as Indonesian fossil fuel demand sinks amid the partial COVID-19 lockdowns. Pertamina is in talks with state-owned pharmaceutical producer PT Kimia Farma to supply certain petrochemicals needed for drug production. The oil company, through a hospital subsidiary, also plans to acquire dozens of new hospitals over the year. We see an opportunity, said Pertamina president director Nicke Widyawati on April 30. What kind of business, during any crises, continues to survive or even grow? Its medicine. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Airport was closed in 2014 and overrun by troops loyal to eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftar last year. Troops loyal to Libyas internationally recognised government have taken control of Tripoli international airport, military spokesman for the Government of National Accord said. Our forces have fully liberated Tripoli international airport, spokesman Mohamad Gnounou said on Wednesday. The airport has been closed since 2014 and had been held by the eastern-based renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar since last year when he launched his assault on the capital. Since 2014, Libya has been split between rival factions based in Tripoli and in the east, in a sometimes chaotic war that has drawn in outside powers and a flood of foreign arms and mercenaries. Haftars self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Russia, has been unable to make significant progress since early on in its campaign. It still controls eastern and southern Libya, including most of the countrys oil facilities, and the city of Sirte, at the centre of Libyas Mediterranean coastline. Earlier on Wednesday, Russias RIA news agency said several senior Libyan officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maetig, arrived in Moscow before talks. The announcement came a day after the UN announced that the countrys warring sides agreed to resume ceasefire talks. The UN Mission in Libya said it hoped the new round of negotiations would mark the beginning of calm on the ground, especially to allow the countrys war-scarred health system to cope with a coronavirus outbreak. The US will ship next week the first batch of 100 ventilators it has donated to India to treat the coronavirus patients, President Donald Trump has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a conference call, the White House said. Trump spoke with Modi on Tuesday and "the two leaders discussed the G-7 (summit), the COVID-19 response, and regional security issues", it said. "The president was happy to announce that the United States would be ready to ship the first tranche of 100 donated ventilators to India next week, the White House said in a readout of the call. India is now the seventh among the worst-hit nations by the COVID-19 pandemic after the US, Brazil, Russia, the UK, Spain and Italy. India has reported over two lakh confirmed coronavirus cases and 5,815 deaths, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday. Ventilators have emerged as a key medical device to treat critical coronavirus patients. Around 1 out of every 5 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops breathing difficulty, according to the World Health Organisation. A ventilator takes over the body's breathing process when a disease has caused the lungs to fail. This gives the patient time to fight off the infection and recover. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi in a series of tweets on Tuesday said that he had a warm and productive conversation with his friend Trump. We discussed his plans for the US Presidency of G-7, the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other issues, he said. The richness and depth of India-US consultations will remain an important pillar of the post-COVID global architecture, Modi tweeted. Trump spoke about the US presidency of the Group of Seven (G7), and conveyed his desire to expand the ambit of the grouping beyond the existing membership, to include other important countries like India. In this context, he extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the next G-7 Summit to be held in USA, said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in a statement in New Delhi. Modi commended Trump for his creative and far-sighted approach, acknowledging the fact that such an expanded forum would be in keeping with the emerging realities of the post-COVID world. Prime Minister Modi said that India would be happy to work with the US and other countries to ensure the success of the proposed G7 Summit, the PMO said. Expressing concern over the ongoing civil disturbances in the US, Modi conveyed his best wishes for an early resolution of the situation. The two leaders also exchanged views on other topical issues, such as the COVID-19 situation in the two countries, the situation on the India-China border, and the need for reforms in the World Health Organisation, the PMO said. During the call, Trump warmly recalled his visit to India in February this year. Modi said that the visit had been memorable and historic on many accounts, and had also added new dynamism to the bilateral relationship, the statement said. The exceptional warmth and candour of the conversation reflected the special nature of the Indo-US ties, as well as the friendship and mutual esteem between both leaders, the PMO statement added. Also read: Coronavirus crisis: Rajasthan govt hikes liquor prices to mop up revenue Also read: Coronavirus crisis: Delhi govt releases app to track empty hospital beds, ventilators State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale has pulled out to an early lead in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvanias 10th Congressional district that, if it holds up as mail-in ballots are tallied over the next several days, would give the national Democratic Party its dream candidate for a challenge to incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott Perry. But as Wednesday dawns, the big question remains: Is that lead big enough? Thats because the totals tabulated Tuesday night are significantly skewed in DePasquales favor since they include mail-in ballots received in York County, DePasquales home base and the one area where he was resoundingly outpolling his rival, Tom Brier. Preliminary results showed DePasquale defeating Brier by a more than 4-1 margin in York, while the two candidates were running neck and neck in Cumberland County, and Brier held a commanding 2-1 lead in Dauphin County, his home turf. But there are a torrent of mail-in ballots - likely more than 40,000 - still to be counted in Dauphin and Cumberland. Thats why Brier, a 28-year-old attorney from Hershey making his first run for public office, was conceding nothing Tuesday night. On the whole, I think were kind of where we need to be, Brier said in a telephone interview. "If our two-to-one lead in Dauphin County holds up in the mail-in count, were right there." With all counties reporting their in-person votes today and York County adding in its mail and absentee ballots, DePasquale is leading Brier by 23,878 to 14,183, or 62.7 percent to 37.3 percent. That count is based on all polling place results Tuesday in Dauphin, Cumberland and York counties, plus the mail-in and absentee ballots in York. But between Dauphin and Cumberland, there are expected to be about 40,000 mail-in and absentee ballots still to be counted. Election directors in those counties had said from the start that they would begin tallying those votes on Wednesday. Thats a significant last hope for Brier, who defeated DePasquale 7,314 votes to 3,769 votes at the polls in Dauphin, and edged him by a 2,845 to 2,793 margin in Cumberland. Cumberland elections officials had received 17,085 votes from Democratic voters as of Tuesday afternoon. Dauphin County had received 25,189 ballot requests according to campaign officials. It was not clear how many of those ballots had been received as completed votes to date; adding another wrinkle, Gov. Tom Wolf has extended the deadline for Dauphin County voters to return their ballots to June 9. DePasquales campaign released this statement from its candidate early Wednesday: There are thousands of ballots left to be counted, but its clear that there is real momentum behind this campaign and our vision for South Central Pennsylvania. As we wait for more voices to be heard, I want to thank all of the supporters across this community who have joined our team to take on government dysfunction and ensure Washington actually works for all families, particularly when it comes to affordable health care, reviving and growing our economy, and tackling climate change. This campaign is ready for the general election against Scott Perry, and we look forward to moving forward officially. I also want to thank our county election officials and poll workers who worked overtime to administer this election under these unprecedented circumstances and will continue to do so over the next few days. Regional, state and national Democratic Party leaders will hope that DePasquales lead holds up, as they figure that a candidate like DePasquale who has won statewide office would be able to match Perry in resources, campaign ability and name recognition in the newly-competitive 10th District. The district covers all of Dauphin County, the eastern half of Cumberland County from the Susquehanna to Carlisle, and the northern half of York County, including the city of York. It landed on the nations political consciousness in 2018, when the district suddenly looked dramatically different than the one Perry was first elected to in 2012. Two years ago, Perry barely held back a spirited challenge from George Scott, a retired Army officer-turned-Lutheran pastor, who was making his first run for public office. Scott is running for a state Senate seat this year. But to get to the fall campaign, DePasquale must first vanquish Brier, who is making a Kennedy-esque, new Democrat appeal aimed at marrying progressive voters with younger and minority voters who dont usually win turnout rate battles. Voters who chose DePasquale Tuesday said they were doing so generally because they had come to admire his record as auditor general. I like what he stands for, and he gives me a feeling that he actually cares, said voter John Christopher, a 47-year-old warehouse employee as he left a Carlisle polling place. Brier supporters, meanwhile, said they were attracted to his freshness. I liked the message that he was casting in his (television) ads, said Carlisle resident Mark Heeb. Climate change, health care those are all the key issues that I align with... And I like the young guy. DePasquale is nearing the end of his second term as the fiscal watchdog of state government and cant run for that office again. For the time being, DePasquale appears to have done his party a big favor by running for Congress instead of joining what might be crowded party primary battles for governor and U.S. Senate in 2022. DePasquales luster as an incumbent statewide officeholder, whos also won local races inside this district, has captivated Democrats nationally. But Briers little-engine-that-could effort raised enough money to mount a respectable television advertising campaign, and the candidate backed it up by a string of strong debate performances. There were times during the campaign when it appeared DePasquale was treating this campaign like a great track star who runs controlled races in the early heats of his event, to save his best race for the finals. Brier, for example, was first on the airwaves with his television ad, and he peppered the district with yard signs, while DePasquale relied mainly on a series of traditional campaign mailers. Politically, both Democrats would mark a dramatic turn from Perry, a Republican who is seeking his fifth term and second in the present-day 10th District. Truth be told, theres not a great deal of daylight between their core policy positions. Both Brier and DePasquale, for example, are unabashed supporters of new gun control efforts, taking strong action against climate change and rewriting the federal tax code in a way to create more benefits for middle- and working class households. They are also both strong defenders of a womans right to have an abortion. But comparing the two, Brier is the candidate that pushes a little further toward purely progressive goals. The newcomer has also not flinched at throwing punches at DePasquale, excoriating him for his 2011 vote as a state legislator for a gerrymandered Congressional map that was eventually tossed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. DePasquale has said that he regrets that vote, but noted that it came in the wake of a lost battle for redistricting reform. And in April, Brier filed an Federal Election Commission complaint alleging DePasquale inappropriately used old campaign funds raised for his past state races for the current Congressional bid, something DePasquale has denied. Because of what the Brier campaign has described as notarizing difficulties tied to the pandemic, the complaint has not yet been formally taken up by the FEC. DePasquale, meanwhile, has argued that hes the candidate who is built for the long haul in this race. He contends he would be the most effective representative in Washington of all the current candidates if elected, based on his track record as an official who is cognizant of the art of the possible. DePasquale has touted his independence from both parties as a two-term Auditor General who found problems in state government during both Republican and Democratic administrations. Citing his six years in the Pennsylvania House before becoming auditor general, DePasquale said he has demonstrated the ability to work across the aisle to achieve his aims. DePasquale, 48, also related that pragmatic streak to electability, a guiding star for many Democrats in 2020. My job, if Im your member of Congress, is to represent this district, not an ideology, he told a Camp Hill audience at a March forum. Thats why I can win this primary, win this general election, and send Scott Perry packing. A big point of contention in the primary campaign was campaign finance. Brier has made a big deal of his refusal to accept any money from corporate political action committees. DePasquale, Brier said, has accepted corporate money his whole career, and Brier says its enough to raise legitimate questions about who a candidate is really representing. DePasquale has tried to blunt this attack by arguing that its a falsehood to say that receipt of a campaign contribution - or any other kind of political alliance - means the recipient has somehow forfeited their right to scrutinize said donor, industry, or special interest, and his record proves it. This is about the fights you take on, DePasquale said, adding that his terms in the state House representing York City and two terms as Auditor General provide all the evidence any voter needs to see. As a member of Congress, I will fight for you every single minute," he said. State Secretariat for Economic Affairs Bern, 03.06.2020 - Switzerlands GDP fell by 2.6 % in the 1st quarter of 2020, after rising by +0.3% in the previous quarter*. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the measures to contain it, economic activity in March was severely restricted. The international economic slump also slowed down exports. The service sector was particularly affected by business closures and restrictions. Value added dropped for almost all services. Historic declines were seen in trade (4.4%) and accommodation and food services (23.4%), which had been struggling with falling numbers of foreign guests since back in early March. Transport and communications (5.1%) also posted its lowest negative figure in 30 years in the wake of reduced timetables and flight schedules. Additionally, the Healthcare sector (3.9%) experienced a historic decline in value added, as various medical treatments were temporarily suspended. By contrast, public administration (+0.8%) and finance (+2.3%) supported GDP, with the latter sector benefiting from growing foreign trade in particular. However, exports of services (4.4%) decreased overall, as did imports of services (1.2%). As a result of the health policy containment measures and considerable uncertainty, private consumption (3.5%) suffered a widespread slump. Since shops were closed from 17 March, purchases of furniture and clothing dropped sharply, as well as spending on mobility, leisure and health. Investment in construction (0.4%) and investment in equipment (4.0%) also contracted. The only domestic demand component to underpin the economy was government consumption (+0.7%). Overall, final domestic demand (2.7%) recorded the biggest decline in recent decades. Key trading partners also saw their economic situation deteriorate massively, which hit sectors that are sensitive to the economic situation such as machinery and metals, as well as precision instruments and watchmaking. Value added in manufacturing (1.3%) reported the sharpest fall since the Swiss franc shock in early 2015, accompanied by noticeable drops in the exports of many sectors. However, the sizeable chemical and pharmaceutical product export category and merchanting grew, boosting the total exports of goods**(+3.4%). Imports of goods** (1.1%) dipped in line with declining domestic demand. Methodological note The coronavirus pandemic also has an impact on the production of statistics. In line with the recommendations of Eurostat, the basic data and methods were subjected to an indepth check for the current GDP calculation to avoid distorting effects due to the coronavirus pandemic***. In particular, the latest information on advance notifications and applications for short-time working were taken into consideration, in addition to the existing data sources. The results were also compared with the containment measures in accordance with the Federal Councils COVID-19 Ordinance 2. Finally, all seasonal adjustment models were reviewed and amended as required. Nevertheless, in view of the current data situation it is possible that in the coming quarters more significant revisions than usual will become necessary. *Real percentage changes on the previous quarter. Data and further information: www.seco.admin.ch/gdp. **Excluding valuables. ***https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/data/metadata/covid-19-support-for-statisticians Address for enquiries State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO Holzikofenweg 36 CH-3003 Bern Tel. +41 58 462 56 56 Fax +41 58 462 56 00 Publisher State Secretariat for Economic Affairs http://www.seco.admin.ch Growing optimism about a swift global economic recovery pushed equity markets sharply higher Wednesday, as investors took heart from further easing of lockdowns while looking past China-US tensions and civil unrest across America. The upbeat mood -- and hopes for an extension to a massive oil output cut agreement -- resulted in Brent crude futures breaking the $40-mark for the first time in nearly three months, before profit-taking kicked in. Governments in Europe and Asia have become confident enough to lift containment measures that have likely pushed the world economy into recession and destroyed tens of millions of jobs. "The lifting of lockdown restrictions combined with enormous central bank support means investors are shrugging off little things like collapsing GDP and worsening US-China tension," said Neil Wilson at trading site Markets.com. In Europe, the London, Frankfurt and Paris indices were all solidly higher at the closing bell. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones surged more than two percent, while the Nasdaq climbed to within striking distance of an all-time high. US data remains terrible, with data showing 2.8 million people losing jobs in May and anemic sentiment in the services sectors. Still the reports were not quite as bad as expected. While most economic data remain "dismal," the reports "are becoming less bad at the margins," said Quincy Krosby, chief market strategist at Prudential Financial. "Absent a second wave (of the coronavirus), the US economy is gaining strength, albeit slowly," Krosby added. Besides the weak data, investors also looked past a US order to suspend all flights by Chinese airlines into and out of the United States in the latest example of growing friction between the world's two largest economies. Earlier, Tokyo and Hong Kong stock markets closed up more than one percent, while Sydney put on 1.8 percent after data showed the Australian economy contracted at a slower rate than feared in the first quarter -- though it remains on course for its first recession in nearly 30 years. Oil prices got a lift from a Russian report that a new oil output cut deal had been agreed behind the scenes between Moscow and Riyadh. "The most bullish outcome for oil from the meeting is no sign of squabbling between Russia and Saudi Arabia," whose price war earlier this year helped send prices crashing, said Stephen Innes of AxiCorp. "Headlines suggest they are on the same page on supply, and that's bullish for oil in the context of an improving demand backdrop." - Key figures around 2110 GMT - New York - Dow: UP 2.1 percent at 26,269.89 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 1.4 percent at 3,122.87 (close) New York - Nasdaq: UP 0.8 percent at 9,682.91 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 2.6 percent at 6,382.41 (close) Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 3.9 percent at 12,487.36 (close) Paris - CAC 40: UP 3.4 percent at 5,022.38 (close) EURO STOXX 50: UP 3.5 percent at 3,269.59 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.3 percent at 22,613.76 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 1.4 percent at 24,325.62 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 2,923.37 (close) West Texas Intermediate: UP 1.3 percent at $37.29 per barrel Brent North Sea crude: UP 0.6 percent at $39.79 per barrel Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1232 from $1.1170 at 2100 GMT Dollar/yen: UP at 108.92 yen from 108.68 yen Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2573 from $1.2551 Euro/pound: UP at 89.33 pence from 89.00 pence burs-jmb/ft There were two more deaths in Peterborough on Tuesday suspected to have been from drug poisonings, said medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra on Wednesday, bringing the total of these deaths to 17 so far this year in the city. Of those 17 deaths, eight occurred between May 1 and June 2, Salvaterra said. An investigation is being conducted to determine the common factors behind these deaths, Salvaterra said. There are multiple factors contributing to the rash of deaths, she said. Salvaterra and other health officials are seeking to learn more. One of those factors may be closed borders in the pandemic, one health promoter told reporters last week. Deanna Vandenbroek of Peterborough Public Health said last week that the local drug supply is limited due to closed borders and it means some people may start using drugs theyve not used before, such as the more-potent fentanyl, for which they may have a lower tolerance. A surge in drug poisonings is also happening elsewhere in Ontario, Salvaterra said. We are not alone in this crisis: several other communities, including Guelph and Toronto, have recently seen spikes, she said. Both people who died on Tuesday died in homes, Salvaterra said. So using (drugs) at home is a serious risk and not using alone can be an important life-saving measure, she said. If you do know someone using drugs, please check on them. Salvaterra, who was speaking at a virtual press conference with reporters on Wednesday, also said she supports a call for a safer drug supply that was made recently by Toronto medical officer of health Dr. Eileen de Villa. It would mean fewer people at risk of dying from contaminated drugs obtained on the street, she said, adding that the local board of health has already asked the federal and provincial governments to legalize a safe supply of opioids as one part of a comprehensive approach that is needed. Meanwhile theres no supervised drug consumption and treatment centre in Peterborough though some people are working on trying to get one here. A group of local advocates, health officials and politicians working together for more than a year to apply for approval and funding from the provincial government for a centre. Salvaterra said on Wednesday a centre is urgently needed. Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith wasnt at the virtual press conference, but later in the day he told The Examiner no proposal for a centre has been submitted yet for lack of a location. A proposal to the government would be incomplete without an address, and Smth said its been challenging to find a landlord willing to rent a space suitable for the purpose. The one willing landlord so far did not have a suitable space, Smith said: the empty rear portion of the Growers Retail building on George Street mightve been available, but provincial officials turned it down because it would have meant putting the centre (which is expected to offer drug treatment) under the same roof as a legal cannabis store. Although Minister of Women and Gender Equality Maryam Monsef was at the virtual press conference, she only spoke of the opioid crisis in an interview later in the day. My heart is with the families whoa re grieving loved ones, she said. Monsef also said she supports the harm-reduction approach suggested by public health officials, and that she expects to make a further announcement about the issue shortly. Meanwhile Mayor Diane Therrien was at the virtual press conference on Wednesday and she thanked local health officials for working not only on the pandemic but also on the ongoing opioid crisis. It (the opioid crisis) is taking a significant number of lives, particularly as people deal with mental health and addictions in the context of also dealing with COVID-19. In Rio de Janeiro, the shops reopened and locals returns to the streets this week, after authorities announced a gradual return to economic activity. But still the number of coronavirus deaths continues to rise. On Tuesday (June 2) evening, it confirmed another 1,262 fatalities - a new record. There have been more than 31,000 in total. "Terrible. We haven't even reached the peak (of the pandemic) and everything is open", this shopkeeper said. "It's all about money." Meanwhile, its president, Jair Bolsonaro, continues to belittle the virus. He claims the economic fallout from quarantine measures will be worse than the virus itself. "We lament all deaths", he said on Tuesday, "but it's everyone's destiny." It isn't hard to see why Bolsonaro is worried about the economy. Official figures on Wednesday (June 3) showed industrial production in Brazil fell by almost 19% in April - the biggest drop on record. In neighboring Peru, authorities are stepping up efforts to contain the outbreak. They've been knocking on doors in the capital Lima to test residents for COVID-19 infection. Peru has the second highest number of coronavirus cases in Latin America and well over 4,700 deaths. [June 03, 2020] Kymab announces that the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board rejects a fifth request by Regeneron for invalidation of Kymab's US patents Kymab announces that the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board rejects a fifth request by Regeneron for invalidation of Kymabs US patents USPTO upholds a fifth Kymab patent covering Human Antibodies and Platforms Cambridge, UK, 3 June 2020: Kymab, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing fully human monoclonal antibody therapeutics, announces that Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (Regeneron) has been unsuccessful in its attempt to invalidate a fifth Kymab patent (US patent No. 10,165,763). The Kymab patent is part of a series (known as the Bradley Patents) covering genetically modified mice with chimaeric human/mouse antibody genes used as platforms to produce human antibody therapeutics. Therapeutic antibodies produced using such mice are also covered. Equivalent patents have been granted by the European Patent Office and in other jurisdictions including Japan. Regeneron had filed oppositions against the Japanese Bradley patents, but the Japanese Bradley patents were upheld in unappealable decisions by the Japanese Patent Office. In September 2019, Regeneron filed requests1 at the US Patent Offices PTAB (Patent Trial & Appeal Board2) seeking Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings against 4 of the Bradley US patents. IPRs are trial proceedings conducted at the PTAB to review the patentability of one or more claims in a patent3. In January 2020, Regeneron filed a further request for the PTAB to instigate IPR proceedings on a 5th Kymab patent4. Regeneron relied on its own patent application (the Murphy application, which is directed to mice containing reverse chimeric human/mouse antibody genes) as the main purported prior art reference and argued that Kymabs patented inventions should be found obvious in view of the Murphy application in combination with other prior art. In April 2020 the PTAB issued decisions rejecting all 4 initial petitions filed by Regeneron, holding that Regenerons arguments concerning the prior art were substantially the same as those the Examiner had already considered and Kymab successfully overcame during examination of the patents. The PTAB noted that Petitioner has not demonstrated that the Examiner materially erred in considering the prior art and arguments". Regeneron has not sought to request a re-hearing. This month, the PTAB issued a further decision rejecting Regenerons request for an IPR on the 5th patent. These PTAB judgments follow an August 2019 decision from the Australian Patent Office (IP Australia) rejecting on all grounds an opposition by Regeneron against Kymabs patent AU2011266843. In this opposition, Regeneron relied upon its own earlier Murphy patent application (WO2002/066630) as an alleged prior art reference. IP Australia found, however, that the Murphy Application does not provide sufficient information to put the reverse chimeric concept into practice, and therefore does not provide an enabling disclosure as required for the purposes of assessing novelty or inventive step. Thus, IP Australia disregarded Regenerons Murphy application, finding instead for Kymab on novelty and inventive step for chimeric antibody technology as detailed in AU2011266843. Regeneron appealed to he Australian Federal Court, but in May 2020 Regeneron agreed to discontinue its appeal and Kymabs Australian patent is now upheld. A US counterpart of the Murphy Application (US patent No. 8,502,018) has been litigated by third parties where the patent was found by the US District Court to be invalid for indefiniteness (that finding was upheld by the Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit, CAFC). The District Court also held that the claims of the Regeneron Murphy patent were unenforceable and the CAFC upheld this decision as well, adding that this outcome was because of Regenerons inequitable conduct during prosecution. The US Supreme Court denied a certiorari hearing to Regeneron in its appeal of the Federal Circuit's decision. Regenerons US Murphy patent thus remains invalid and unenforceable. In litigation against Kymab in the United Kingdom based on the Murphy patents (EP (UK) patents 1360287 and 2264163), the High Court found that they were not enabled and could not be practised at their earliest filing date, although this decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal. Kymab appealed this decision on the test for enablement; this appeal was heard by the UK Supreme Court in February 2020 and a decision is pending. References: IPR2019-01577 (U.S. Patent No. 9,505,827); IPR2019-01578 (U.S. Patent No. 9,434,782); IPR2019-01579 (U.S. Patent No. 9,447,177) & IPR2019-01580 (U.S. Patent No. 10,064,398). The PTAB is an adjudicative body within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), consisting of statutory members and administrative patent judges. The statutory members include the Director of the USPTO, the Deputy Director of the USPTO and the Commissioner for Patents. In addition to the statutory members, the PTAB includes a number of administrative patent judges (APJs) who are appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce in consultation with the Director of the USPTO. Administrative patent judges are required by statute to be persons of competent legal knowledge and scientific ability. Thus, every APJ must have a technical background, in addition to a law degree, and experience in the legal field. Many APJs also have had distinguished engineering or scientific careers in addition to their extensive legal experience. Inter Partes Review (IPR) is a trial proceeding conducted at the PTAB to review the patentability of one or more claims in a patent. The IPR process begins with a third party filing a petition setting out why an IPR should be instituted, including one or more arguments alleging the lack of novelty or obviousness of the claimed invention. An IPR may be instituted upon a showing, in the PTABs judgment, that there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least one claim challenged. If the PTAB does not make such a finding that the petition would likely prevail in a full IPR proceeding, the PTAB may dismiss the petition and the IPR is not instituted. A party may request rehearing of the Board's decision. The request must specifically identify all matters the party believes the Board misapprehended or overlooked, and the place where each matter was addressed. From 2013 to date, year-on-year more IPRs have been instituted than denied (Ref: USPTO statistics). IPR2020-00389 (U.S. Patent No. 10,165,763). ###ENDS### NOTES TO EDITORS About Kymab Kymab is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a deep pipeline of novel antibody-based therapies in a broad range of indications. The Company generates its product candidates using its proprietary, integrated platforms collectively called IntelliSelect. Kymabs platforms have been designed to maximize the diversity of human antibodies produced in response to immunization with antigens. Selecting from a broad diversity of fully human antibodies allows for the identification of antibodies with optimal drug-like properties. For more information on Kymab please see http://www.kymab.com . Forward-looking statements This announcement includes forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, future events, performance and/or other information that is not historical information. All such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances after the date made, except as required by law. For further information contact: Kymab Anne Hyland [email protected] Brandon Lewis [email protected] +44 (0) 1223 833 301 Media UK Consilium Strategic Communications Mary-Jane Elliott / Sukaina Virji / Melissa Gardiner [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700 Media US 1AB Dan Budwick [email protected] +1 (973) 271-6085 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Warning issued after reports of loneliness lockdown scams This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jun 3rd, 2020 Members of the public are being urged to remain vigilant after reports of opportunistic criminals exploiting peoples loneliness during the coronavirus pandemic. Wrexham Trading Standards have issued the warning after a case locally where someone asked for money because the bailiffs were supposedly coming round. In another incidence a lady asked for money because her grandmother had died. Both of these appear to be scams and have been reported to Action Fraud. Research in one region shows romance scam victims are groomed, then tricked out of an average of 47,000. Romance and dating scams online have been on the increase, especially while people feel so isolated in their lives. Unfortunately, criminals prey on this and see an opportunity to exploit those at their most vulnerable by creating a false relationship and building your trust. The damage these fake relationships can cause is massive, in terms of both your personal finances and emotional distress. Dont be a victim: Get to know the person, not the profile and ask plenty of questions dont rush into an online relationship. Check the person is genuine by putting their name, profile pictures or any repeatedly used phrases and the term dating scam into your search engine. Speak to your family or trusted long-term friends about it dont allow yourself to be isolated. Be wary of anyone who tells you not to tell others about them. Never send money to someone youve met online, no matter what reason they give or how long youve been speaking to them. If you believe you are a victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to the police. Dont move the conversation off the dating site messenger until youre confident the person is who they say they are. Be careful not to overshare personal information including your date of birth, address, workplace and protect your families details too. Revealing too much can lead to fraud, identity theft or personal harm. Victim Support offers free, confidential advice by calling 0808 1689 111 or via live chat 24 hours a day. If youve been a victim of this type of scam, you should report this to Action Fraud via their website or by calling 0300 123 2040. Action Fraud is the UKs National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre. For advice on scams, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 Stay safe and please stay scam aware. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 05:47:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MADRID, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Congress (lower chamber of Parliament) approved on Wednesday the sixth and final extension of the State of Alarm in the country. The extension of the emergency measures, which have been in place in Spain since March 15 to combat the coronavirus, was approved with 177 votes in favor, 155 against and 18 abstentions. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez explained that the extension, which will remain in place until June 21, will be "lighter" than previous extensions as Spain moves towards the "new normality" after the lifting of restrictions. He also promised that Spain's 17 Autonomous Communities would be granted greater powers to manage the final stage of the scale-down. "It's been three months that seemed never-ending," admitted the prime minister, who nevertheless defended his government's strict measures. "There was no other way. We accepted one of the strictest confinements in Europe: it has been terribly hard, but it has also been tremendously effective and we are coming out of the tunnel," insisted Sanchez. During his speech to Congress, the prime minister also said that next Tuesday his cabinet would approve the measures which will be put in place when the State of Alarm expires. According to data published by the Spanish Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Services on Wednesday, 240,326 people have been infected by the coronavirus in Spain, while 27,128 have lost their lives. A State of Alarm is the first of three emergency levels a Spanish government can apply under exceptional circumstances, with the others being "A State of Exception" and "Martial Law" (Estado de Sitio). A State of Alarm grants the government special powers to limit the movement of citizens, to control the means of production and use private assets if needed and also to use the military to carry out essential logistical and supply jobs. Enditem West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday urged the Central government to transfer 10,000 each as one-time assistance to migrant labourers amid the Covid-19 crisis. In a tweet, Banerjee said that people have been facing economic hardship of unimaginable proportions due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Bengal Guv takes strong exception to TMC minister for calling him as BJP man People have been facing economic hardship of unimaginable proportions bcz of the ongoing pandemic. I appeal to Central Govt to transfer 10,000 each as one-time assistance to migrant labourers including people in unorganized sector. A portion of PM-CARES could be used for this. Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 3, 2020 I appeal to Central Govt to transfer 10,000 each as one-time assistance to migrant labourers including people in unorganized sector, her tweet read. A portion of PM-CARES could be used for this, she added. On Tuesday, Banerjee said that the West Bengal government witnessed super cyclone Amphan, the fiercest storm in our recent memory, while fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. She said the devastation left behind from Amphan has been unprecedented. Through the resilience of Bengal and its people, along with a determined effort by GoWB machinery, we have been able to kickstart major relief and rehabilitation work for the distressed, with an immediate announcement of a 6250 Cr package as first tranche, she tweeted out. The chief minister announced that the state government has transferred funds to nearly 5 lakh affected people for repairing their homes, released crop damage assistance to 23.3 lakh farmers, apart from 2 lakh betel farmers. Weve released 1444 Cr so far, against an initial estimate of 1350 Cr, Banerjee tweeted on Tuesday. West Bengal has reported over 6,000 coronavirus cases so far. As per the Ministry of Health, 2,410 people in the state have recovered from the disease or have been discharged from hospitals while 335 have succumbed to death. A nti-racist protests have been held in cities across the UK over the past two weeks, in solidarity with US campaigners for Black Lives Matter. Protests broke out in Minnesota in late May after George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died in police custody having been knelt on at the neck by a police officer for almost nine minutes. Footage of the incident - that has since gone viral - shows the unarmed Mr Floyd gasping and pleading I cant breathe, after police apprehended him for the alleged use of a counterfeit $20 bill. The incident revived #BlackLivesMatter activism on an unprecedented scale. Protests across the UK took place featuring marches, chants, speeches, mass lie-downs and spoken word. Here's what to know: Why are Brits protesting? UK action began in early June, as sympathisers knelt in symbolic solidarity with George Floyd and other sufferers of police brutality. As well as echoing US grievances, British activists point to hate crimes in the UK. Campaigners wield placards stating The UK is not innocent, alongside names and faces of victims of racial violence in the country. In a recent UK incident, Belly Mujinga - a Black railway worker - died from coronavirus having been spat at by a man claiming to have the virus. British Transport Police initially concluded that her death was not linked to the incident and closed the case, but The Crown Prosecution Service has been asked to review evidence following a petition signed by more than a million people. UK protest dates and locations For London protests follow this link. Most of the events have been organised by different groups and individuals, not always involving the citys central Black Lives Matter group. Most protests have already taken place, although there are some organised for upcoming dates. JUNE 13 Reading - Town Hall, 12pm Kings Lynn - Town Hall, 2pm Hemel Hempstead Town Centre, 2.30pm. To find events in your local area, try searching BLM [AREA] or Black Lives Matter [AREA] on Twitter. What about lockdown? It should be noted that lockdown restrictions remain in place, with mass gatherings forbidden. Protest organisers have asked participants to wear protective gear and observe social distancing, and many of the campaigners have successfully maintained distance. Nevertheless, many marches have seen large crowds in close proximity, and dozens have been arrested, some on lockdown breaches. Facebook The UK Black Lives Matter Twitter account has said it is not affiliated with the protests, and is "currently discussing the implications of calling a mass march in the middle of a pandemic that is killing us the most. Speaking to the Standard, the protests London organisers said Its a very difficult situation, where black people are disproportionately dying of Covid-19, but black people are also disproportionately dying in the police and prisons system. People should not be made to choose between one or the other. Support can also be shown without in-person protesting, with options to donate to either victims or protesters. For those taking to the streets, remaining peaceful, observing social distancing, and staying as local as possible are lawful limitations to action. Are the protests peaceful? So far, UK protests have been predominantly peaceful, however arrests were made at events in London over the weekend, and there were injuries. Event posters have stressed that violent escalation will not be condoned by organisers. The situation in the US has grown increasingly anarchic and fragile. Riot police have made thousands of arrest, deployed teargas and rubber bullets - including on peaceful protesters outside the White House - and forcibly removed journalists from the scene. The whereabouts of many US protesters is unknown, with missing person groups circulating on Twitter. President Trump has threatened to use military force to solve the problem, should governors fail to put an end to the movement. If a city or state refuses to take the actions 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, he announced on Monday. Information for protesters Organisers are circulating information and advice as follows: Two children have been killed in a car crash after they took their grandparents car for a joyride. The two children, a seven-year-old boy and his six-year-old brother, were pronounced dead at the scene after the 2007 Buick LaCrosse was totalled, CNN reports. The crash involved two brothers aged seven and six, who were pronounced dead at the scene. Source: Twitter/@sheriffforte The crash, which happened just east of Kansas City in the US state of Missouri on May 29, is being investigated by the State Highway Patrol. A spokesperson from Missouri State Highway Patrol told NBC News the boys had taken the car from their grandparents home and drove it through a field. According to the MSHP crash report, the vehicle travelled off the right side of the road, struck the ground and then became airborne. The vehicle then smashed a guardrail, hit the ground and became airborne again, hitting a tensioned cable. The car then overturned, struck a tree and veered off the road on its top before catching on fire. MSHP investigating double fatality accident at Blue Mills and Miller (unincorporated area of Jackson County) involving two children. MSHP will provide updates. @JCSheriffOffice @JacksonCountyMO pic.twitter.com/L0DNEHkYnz Darryl Forte' (@sheriffforte) May 30, 2020 The children have not been identified and CNN reported they were not wearing seatbelts. The police spokesperson told NBC News it is believed speed had to have been a contributing factor for them to have travelled, flipped et cetera. 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. Tanzania is entering its sixth week without an update on its coronavirus cases as African health authorities worry and the U.S. issues a new statement of concern. The East African nation's data has been frozen at just over 500 cases since the end of April as the government of President John Magufuli claims the virus has been defeated. The opposition, however, has alleged that Tanzania's cases could be in the tens of thousands. The latest U.S. Embassy alert, posted Tuesday, says ``there have been instances during the COVID-19 outbreak when hospitals in Dar es Salaam reached full capacity due to the high volume of COVID-19 cases'' and that ``the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains high.'' The alert recommends that U.S. government personnel stay at home except for essential activities. Tanzania, unlike many African nations, has lifted its ban on international flights. Cases across the African continent are now above 157,000. Search Keywords: Short link: New Delhi: BJP MP and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi on Wednesday (June 3) flayed the CPM-led Kerala government for the tragic death of a pregnant elephant in Malappuram district. The shocking incident came to light on Tuesday after a forest officer shared the details of the horrific incident on his Facebook page. Maneka Gandhi told ANI, "It's murder, Malappuram is famous for such incidents, it's India's most violent district, for instance, they throw poison on roads so that 300-400 birds and dogs die at one time." The Former Union Minister further said that Forest Secretary should be removed, and also sought the resignation of the state's minister for wildlife protection. "Rahul Gandhi is from that area, why has he not taken action?," Maneka Gandhi also questioned his silence on the elephant's death in Malappuram. "Kerala government has not taken any action in Malappuram, it seems they are scared," Maneka Gandhi said, adding "An elephant is killed every 3 days in Kerala. We have less than 20,000 elephants left in India, they are declining rapidly." According to reports, the Mannarkkad forest range officer today said that an FIR was lodged against unidentified people under relevant sections of the Wild Life Protection Act. According to details shared by Forest officer Mohan Krishnan on Facebook, the wild elephant had come out of the forest in search of food. As she walked on the streets, locals offered her pineapple stuffed with crackers, which exploded in the pregnant elephant's mouth and she died on May 27. Forest officials reportedly brought two captive elephants to lead her out of the river but attempt to rescue her was in vain. The cracker explosion in her mouth is understood to have badly injured her tongue and mouth and was unable to eat anything because of her injuries. (CNN Philippines, June 3) The province of Biliran recorded its first case of coronavirus disease on Wednesday, according to the Department of Health Eastern Visayas. A 19-year-old male who has traveled from Manila and Baguio City, is the provinces first case. The patient underwent swab testing when he returned to Naval on May 27, as required by the local government. He tested positive. He is currently receiving treatment at the municipal isolation facility of Naval, the provinces capital. Due to this first case of coronavirus infection in their town, Naval Mayor Roger Gerard Espina placed the entire municipality under a 24-hour lockdown starting Wednesday. Espina said frontliners of the local government will also be swabbed. Meanwhile, the town of Villareal in Samar province, also recorded its first COVID-19 case. According to DOH Region VIII, the patient is a 43-year-old man. He underwent a rapid test and got a reactive result. A RT-PCR test confirmed that he has the virus. He has been in the isolation facility of Villareal since. CNN Philippines stringer Wilmark Amazona contributed to this report. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yunindita Prasidya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 07:42 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdba986b 1 Business third-party-funds,time-deposits,savings,banks,banking-industry,deposit-rate,financial-services,liquidity,COVID-19,pandemic,coronavirus Free The ultra-rich are likely to boost their savings in banks amid the high levels of uncertainty in the overall economy, as banks increase deposit rates to lure funds, economists say. Perbanas Institute economist Piter Abdullah said deposits from high-net worth individuals would increase, defying the trend of an overall slowdown in third-party funds in local banks as lower-income peoples incomes declined as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. My guess is that the third-party funds that will increase are those from savers with assets over Rp 2 billion [US$138,403]. Meanwhile, savings under Rp 2 billion will decrease, Piter said. Savings under Rp 2 billion, which are fully insured by the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS), account for 43 percent of deposits in local banks, while the remaining 57 percent are in accounts with more than Rp 2 billion, LPS data show. Third-party funds have been steadily increasing during the pandemic from 7.71 percent year-on-year (yoy) in February to 8.08 percent in May, Financial Services Authority (OJK) data show. Economists have voiced concerns over liquidity in the financial system as banks launch loan-relaxation measures that could dry up liquidity. Bank Indonesia (BI) has relaxed reserve ratio requirements for local banks to boost liquidity in the financial system and has allowed banks to trade government bonds they hold with the central bank should they need fresh liquidity. These efforts could free up more than Rp 800 trillion in liquidity in the banking sector. Read also: BI sees rupiah strengthening to pre-pandemic level as it intervenes in market Aviliani, senior economist of the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef), said that to address potential liquidity problems, BIs efforts to boost liquidity needed to be conducted as soon as possible to save banks. Some banks have increased their deposit rates to attract more funds. Bank Mega offers deposit rates of up to 7 percent, while Bank Mandiri, Bank Bukopin and Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) respectively offer 6.5 percent, 6 percent and 6.25 percent, according to BIs Money Market Information Center (PIPU) as of May 28, as published on kontan.co.id, In normal conditions, [savers] would look for those with high rates, but in this situation, they will look for banks that they consider safe for them, said Aviliani. She expected overall growth of third-party funds to slow down this year but that would not be reflected among high-net worth individuals. For the upper income bracket, whose [funds] are not affected by their consumption, most likely their placement of funds will increase. Why? Because they tend to look for safety by placing their money in banks and in government bonds, Aviliani explained. This is in contrast to the stock market, which is experiencing sell-offs as reflected in the downward price movement, she added. Read also: Indonesian banks have sufficient liquidity despite loan restructuring, pandemic: Economists BCA, the nations largest private lender, confirmed the recent uptick in third-party funds. BCA president director Jahja Setiaatmadja said that the banks loan-to-deposit ratio of between 78 and 80 percent so far this year indicated its liquidity was in check. Since early January, February, March, our liquidity has increased quite well, especially from current accounts and savings accounts [CASA], Jahja said on May 27. BCAs third-party funds increased by 16.8 percent to a total of Rp 741.02 trillion by the end of the first quarter this year, up from the Rp 634.66 trillion at the end of December 2019. The growth in third-party funds was contributed by a 17.3 percent yoy increase in the banks CASA and a 15.1 percent increase in the size of time deposits. BNI Syariah president director Abdullah Firman Wibowo said the lender also saw a 16.58 percent increase in third-party funds to Rp 44.86 trillion, around 65 percent of which are in CASA. In general, the peoples faith is still high in entrusting their funds to be kept within the national banking industry, said LPS chairman Halim Alamsyah during a media briefing with the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK) on May 11. Read also: Indonesias financial system at risk amid pandemic: KSSK Banks liquidity and capital are therefore at safe levels, according to the OJK in its official press statement. As of April, the ratio of liquid assets to non-core deposits stood at 117.8 percent, well above the 50 percent threshold. Meanwhile, the ratio of liquid assets to third-party funds was at 25.14 percent, above the 10 percent threshold. Banks that have resorted to increasing their rates to attract funds are for the most part smaller banks looking to keep their customers from turning to big banks. A high deposit rate is not something that banks desire. Increasing rates in a situation like this is actually dangerous as it grinds the banks profits and liquidity, Piter said. However, a smaller profit rate is still better than having liquidity problems. He added that the risk of moral hazard caused by banks competing to offer the highest deposit rates would not occur as increasing deposit rates resulted in added costs, while corporations would innately try to optimize profits. A tough talking Melbourne judge has slammed two 'cowards' who stabbed drug lord Tony Mokbel in an extraordinary verbal blast at their sentence. Teira Bennett and Eldea Teuira, both 22, were on Wednesday sentenced to spend at least seven years each behind bars for stabbing the 53-year-old in the exercise yard of Victoria's Barwon Prison in February last year. The young thugs had earlier laughed like banshees during their County Court of Victoria sentence. Eldea Teuira (pictured) believed Tony Mokbel got what he deserved in the attack that left him fighting for life Teira Bennett (pictured) and Eldea Teuira, both 21, pleaded guilty to stabbing the 53-year-old in the exercise yard of Victoria's Barwon Prison on February 11 last year But Judge Elizabeth Gaynor managed to silence them in the closing moments of her sentence after which she declared 'I've departed from script'. The respected judge blasted the young prisoners, warning them their lives would be left in ruin if they continued their violent ways. For more than four minutes she let fly, hammering the proud hoodlums with her words as hard as they had pounded their hapless victim with shivs and boots. 'Let me tell you, gentleman, in a few years GFAM and the bros are not going to do it for you ... you're going to want a life,' she said. 'You may think you're heroes within the jail but do you think in 20 years time that's going to matter?' Judge Gaynor painted a grim picture of the lives the men could expect if they continued to offend and suggested they were both cowards for the attack on Mokbel. 'The only reason you are getting any attention is because it was Tony Mokbel. At the end of the day you two young blokes - two on one - mauled and maimed a 53-year old man,' she said. The pair had appeared in court via videolink, which was left playing to the public after Judge Gaynor left the bench. 'What a dog, hey,' Bennett exclaimed. 'What a f**king psycho,' Teuira responded. Tony Mokbel is treated by paramedics after being attacked in jail in what has been described as a 'snuff movie' Eldea Teuira and Teira Bennett in a court sketch from an earlier appearance. The men both laughed their way through their sentence on Wednesday The pair had just moments earlier been sentenced to 10 years in jail with non-parole periods of seven years. The sentences were lumped on top of jail they were already serving at the time, meaning Bennett must serve at least eight years and Teuira eight and a half. 'That's a fair whack,' Bennett chuckled. Both men seemed confused upon hearing the sentence and continued to laugh and chat among themselves while still on the public video link. 'Oh well, it is what it is,' Teuira told Bennett. When Teuira's barrister warned the men they were still being broadcast, Teuira sent a message to the public. 'I love jail. I love jail,' he shouted as Bennett cackled with laughter. The court had been packed with socially distanced supporters of the pair, with two men being removed briefly before the sentence even began. The prisoners had continued to litter the courtroom from afar with profanity while waiting for justice to be served. As the hearing began, they chatted and failed to stand as the judge entered the court room. Mokbel was king-hit and stabbed seven times by the men with cutlery and sharpened wires and kicked in the head, knocking out his teeth. So violent was the attack, the court refused to release footage of it to the media. 'It's a bit like a snuff movie if you like. It's a killing. I'm not releasing it for public consumption,' she said. Mokbel was unable to move from the moment he was attacked and failed to defend himself as the pair assaulted him Bleeding from his mouth and chest, Mokbel was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital and was considered to be in a serious but stable condition The ageing gangster was unable to move from the moment he was attacked and failed to defend himself as the pair assaulted him. As the assault attracted attention from other inmates and prison guards, the men could be heard screaming: 'Youre not an enforcer, this is what you get for talking to the screws you f**king dog.' Both men broke into laughter upon hearing their comments again on Wednesday. They had smiled and chuckled throughout most of the sentence. The attack, which left Mokbel with bleeding on the brain, is believed to have been sparked by a news report claiming Mokbel was a 'top enforcer' in jail. On the same day the report was released, Mokbel was approached by prison officers questioning whether he had concerns about what it said. The report detailed how Mokbel had allegedly disrupted an extortion racket being run in the prison by Pacific Islanders, who had targeted a teenager locked up on assault charges. A summary of the incident revealed Mokbel was king-hit and stabbed seven times by Teuira as Bennett (pictured) kicked him in the head A homemade weapons used to stab Tony Mokbel inside Barwon Prison last year. His attackers both laughed upon hearing details of their savage attack Another of the homemade weapons used to stab Tony Mokbel in jail 'All he has to do is say the word, and people listen,' a source said at the time. The gangland figure said he wasn't concerned by the report and believed it was just a money-making ploy. But in the months after his attack a journalist was threatened with death by Mokbel's goons on the outside. Just an hour before the frenzied jail house attacked, Mokbel had attended Teuira's 21st birthday celebrations, where the pair 'embraced' and were seen chatting. Bleeding from his mouth and chest, Mokbel was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious but stable condition. A second victim, aged 31, was also injured while trying to help Mokbel, but returned to prison after spending a night in hospital. Mokbel was so severely injured he underwent emergency surgery and was placed in a coma. Prosecutor Kristie Churchill said both men had shown 'no insight, no remorse and no explanation as to why they attacked Mokbel in the exercise yard last year. Both men had already been serving serious jail time for violent offences and now spend their time in 22-hour lockdown. In scenes reminiscent of the AFL Brownlow Medal broadcast, the men smiled as their extensive criminal histories were read out to the court. In sentencing, Judge Gaynor said she accepted the brutal attack was a direct result of the newspaper article and the men's attempt to restore honour to their jailhouse gang 'GFAM'. ONE of Limericks leading dentists has said that all additional Covid-19 measures are manageable and will ultimately ensure continued best practices in patient care in a controlled and safe environment. Speaking after returning to full-time operations, Dr Robert Bowe, founder of Bowe Dental, which has practices at Q Retail Park, Roxboro, Limerick and Main Street, Foynes said, however, that while the end result for patients will be of the same high quality, the biggest negative from his perspective will be the impediment that Covid-19 measures will present to dentist-patient relationship. In reality, the end product will be the same quality care in a controlled environment but the new measures will take some getting used to. As I learned years ago, after coming out of dentistry school, this profession is not about teeth but rather people. Listening is so important; communication is so important but that type of interaction now has to change. Usually I would take off the mask to talk to patients but now I will be keeping it on. I even had an older patient the other day who was so delighted after getting her implant and the difference it made to her that she instinctively reached out to thank me but thats out of the question now, he said. In the week since resuming, the number of enquiries and bookings for non-emergency procedures such as implants, have been a lot more than expected. We were running one of the busiest dental practices in the region off my mobile phone for six weeks but were able to arrange consultations across FaceTime, email and on mobile. We ran an emergency clinic every morning and, because we offer the full range of services here, we were able to sort everybody out. But it was a challenge, not least for our patients. We are now back since Monday, May 18 and it has been extremely busy, a lot more than I expected. The time off, he said, was used wisely to look at what is already a patient-centric and safe environment to see where they could add additional controls and precautions. All our dentists and nurses are already trained to follow stringent infection control procedures such as sterilisation, decontamination, barrier protection, moisture control and high-volume suction evacuation but we have upgraded our checks and balances now so we are an appointment-only clinic and we also do telephone triaging, he said. There will, he continued, inevitably be changes and, for patients, it will be getting accustomed to aspects like more PPE than they would normally have seen and interventions like waiting in their cars, less conversation with reception and generally no accompanying persons. But all of these are in the patients best interests. Luckily also, he added, they have not had any issues with securing PPEs, even in the lockdown. We were fortunate on the PPE side that we did not have to wait for the PPE procurement system and, instead, sourced and bought what we needed early. This enabled us to provide the emergency service immediately and safely. Also, we have had a contingency plan in place since Brexit in relation to dental supplies so for once Brexit, ironically, was a good thing. Weve enough equipment for a year. Looking back on the six-week period of lockdown, he said that the emergency service was essential. Because we had a lockdown didnt mean we didnt have emergencies. People were still getting pain and infections and we had to deal with that. We were treating things like abscesses, broken teeth, wisdom tooth problems. Some people were ringing for advice. We also saw a lot of kids whose parents were worried. I know how stressed people were but our patients were brilliant. They just seemed grateful that they could be seen and sorted immediately. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rizki Fachriansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, June 3, 2020 14:41 597 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdbd09ee 1 National virus-korona-indonesia,YouGov,survey,study,report,research,COVID-19,coronavirus,Indonesians,virus-corona,approval-rating Free Indonesians have erred on the side of doubt and pessimism while the government struggles to mitigate the COVID-19 epidemic in the country, according to a recent survey by YouGov. The global public opinion organizations latest update on Monday shows that "Perception of government handling of COVID-19" has dropped in Indonesia. Overall public approval of the Indonesian government's COVID-19 response declined from 66 percent on May 11 to 50 percent on May 25, according to the YouGov tracker. The Philippines also recorded a decline in public approval over the same period, from 72 percent to 64 percent. The trend towards skepticism in Indonesia and the Philippines was congruent with a significant drop in optimism regarding the current crisis, the organization said in its related report, "International COVID-19 tracker update: 1 June". It is no coincidence that the fall in the faith in the Indonesian and Filipino governments comes at the same time as a sharp drop in the belief that the coronavirus situation in those countries is getting better, it states. According to the survey, only 19 percent of Indonesians believe that "the national COVID-19 situation was improving", a significant decline from 35 percent recorded in the previous survey. This is the lowest of any country in the study the next closest is Mexico at 25 percent, the report reads. Read also: New normal aims to keep economy running: Minister The data also shows, however, that the Indonesian public is still supportive of the government's strict health protocols as the pandemic continues unabated, such as quarantining the direct contacts of an infected patient and temporarily closing schools. Public support for Indonesia's quarantine procedures increased from 50 percent in February to 74 percent in March, and fluctuated slightly in May to 73 percent in the latest survey. Meanwhile, support for the governments decision to temporarily close schools in the country increased from 48 percent in April to 55 percent in May. Several government institutions have been gearing up in recent weeks for the "new normal phase following two months of physical distancing and the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in certain regions. However, experts have called for a thorough epidemiological study to determine whether the timing is right for easing restrictions and reopening businesses amid concerns over a second wave of infections, especially following increased activity and movement during Idul Fitri on May 24-25 and considering the countrys limited testing capacity. Indonesia reported a cumulative total of 27,549 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,663 deaths on June 2. NYPD forced an Associated Press film crew to stop covering protests in New York City, the news agency reported today, pushing and threatening to arrest the journalists in lower Manhattan. The AP describes it as the latest act of aggression against media by police during protests against the killing of George Floyd. Portions of the incident were captured on video by videojournalist Robert Bumsted, who was working with photographer Maye-E Wong to document the protests in lower Manhattan over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The video shows more than a half-dozen officers confronting the journalists as they filmed and took photographs of police ordering protesters to leave the area near Fulton and Broadway shortly after an 8 p.m. curfew took effect. An officer, using an expletive, orders them to go home. Bumsted is heard on video explaining the press are considered "essential workers" and are allowed to be on the streets. An officer responds "I don't give a shit." Another tells Bumsted "get the fuck out of here you piece of shit." Did you know the NYPD's annual budget is $5.6bn? The only other force with a budget this big appears to be London's Metropolitan Police. Together the two forces have a similar budget to the Iranian military. Either alone would rank in the top quartile of the world's armed forces. By PTI HYDERABAD: Amara Raja Group a leading business conglomerates with interests spanning varied verticals on Wednesday announced pay deferments to its employees at the junior and senior management level due to the impact of COVID-19 in the upcoming months. Taking note of the extraordinary circumstances and the uncertainty in the business environment, Amara Raja Group Promoters holding the office of Managing Director in various businesses have voluntarily agreed for up to 50 per cent reduction in their total remuneration for the current fiscal, a press release from the group said. The groups flagship company Amara Raja batteries Limitedhad 7,541 employees as on March 31, 2019 including employees hired on a temporary basis and the company spent Rs 345.23 crore towards salaries and other benefits, according to the company's annual report last year. The group also said increments and revisions in compensation for the current financial year are being deferred for all categories of employees. "Regarding the staff and management employees, it has been decided to restructure the existing CTC by bringing in a graded reduction of 10 per cent to 25 per cent. This will be applicable for the junior and senior levels and the reduced amount will be reconstituted as 'Business Performance Linked Pay' (BPLP) in the compensation structure for the balance ten months of FY2020-21," it said. If the business meets satisfactory levels of recovery and performance, the reduced amount will be rewarded back to the employees as BPLP, it added. Due to the repeated lockdown extensions and extremely calibrated reopening of businesses, the fallout of migrant labour challenges, extra precautions and social distancing norms now emerging as the new normal, the Group expects demand contraction in specific customer segments, market volatility and resultant uncertainty in the months ahead, it said. While the organisations in the Group are hopeful the economy will rebound sooner than later, the Management is constrained to take all possible measures in keeping the liabilities low, it added. Jaikrishna B, President (Group HR) Amara Raja Group, said the BPLP scheme is a measure of creating a winning proposition for both People and Businesses. The scheme aims at rewarding employees in the next financial year if the businesses recover and get back to the required levels of performance. China on Wednesday said there was no need for a third party to intervene in the ongoing Sino-India border friction after it emerged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the situation along the LAC in Ladakh with US President Donald Trump during a phone conversation on Tuesday. Modi and Trump had a warm and productive conversation on a range of topics including Indias military standoff with China in Ladakh, New Delhi being invited to the upcoming G7 summit, the ongoing civil unrest in the US and WHO reforms. The phone conversation between Modi and Trump and Chinas statement come came in the backdrop of the ongoing standoff between border troops in eastern Ladakh. When asked to comment on the specific mention of the India-China border problem, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian said both countries had mechanisms to resolve such problems. Now the situation (at the border) over there is overall stable and controllable . China and India have a full-fledged border related mechanism and communication channel. We have capability to resolve this issue through dialogue and negotiations. There is no need for intervention of third party, Zhao said at the regular ministry briefing on Wednesday. Zhao reiterated Chinas position on the long-standing border problem with India. Chinas position on the border issue is consistent and clear. We have earnestly implemented the important consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries and have strictly abided by the relevant treaty between China and India he said. Also read: India is sensitive to China but wont allow change in any border sector China, Zhao added, was committed to upholding national territorial security and sovereignty and also to upholding peace and stability in the border region. China on Friday had similarly rejected Trumps offer to mediate in the current Sino-India border standoff. Also read: Dialogue on with China over LAC, no compromise on dignity, says Rajnath Singh Trump had tweeted last week that he was willing to mediate between New Delhi and Beijing to resolve the standoff. India too had passed the offer with external affairs ministry spokesperson, Anurag Srivastava saying we are engaged with the Chinese side to peacefully resolve this issue. NEW DELHI (dpa-AFX) - Lupin said that it has reached distribution agreements with three companies for its orphan drug NaMuscla or mexiletine. Exeltis Healthcare S.L, Cresco Pharma B.V and Macure Pharma ApS will commercialize NaMuscula for the symptomatic treatment of myotonia in adults with non-dystrophic myotonic or NDM disorders in certain EU territories. NaMuscula is the first and only licensed product for this indication. As per the agreements, Exeltis Healthcare S.L will commercialize NaMuscla in Spain and Portugal, Cresco Pharma B.V will commercialize NaMuscla in the Netherlands and Macure Pharma ApS in the Nordic countries. Lupin will continue commercialization of NaMuscula in Germany and UK and will launch the product in Austria and France later this year. Non-dystrophic myotonic disorders are a group of rare, inherited neuromuscular disorders which cause the inability to relax muscles following voluntary contraction. NaMuscla reduces myotonia symptoms in adult patients, resulting in a significant improvement in patient quality-of-life and other functional and clinical outcomes. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. New Delhi: Markets ended in green for the third day on Wednesday led by rally in banking and financial stocks positive domestic and global cues. The BSE Sensex rose 284.01 points or 0.84 percent to close at 34,109.54 while the NSE jumped 86.90 points or 0.87 to finish at 10,066.00. Nifty crossed the 10,000 mark for the first time since March 13, as India is gradually coming out of COVID-19 lockdown. Added to this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on Tuesday at the CII Summit also boosted market sentiments. The PM has said that India's economy would get back on track as the government is working towards systematic reforms. M&M was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, spurting 4.82 per cent, followed by Kotak Bank, Bajaj Finance, SBI, Nestle India, ICICI Bank, ONGC and HDFC Bank. On the other hand, NTPC, Bharti Airtel, Maruti and Hero MotoCorp were among the laggards, slipping up to 2.12 per cent. On a net basis, foreign portfolio investors bought equities worth Rs 7,498.29 crore on Tuesday, provisional exchange data showed. The S&P 500 climbed 1.4 percent, and stocks in Europe were sharply higher. On Wednesday, a private report on payrolls that showed job cuts may be slowing helped lift shares in the United States. Business payrolls fell by 2.76 million last month, the ADP Research Institute said. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, will release official May payroll figures on Friday. The ADP report isnt always a reliable predictor of the BLS data, but it suggests that the pace of job loss moderated noticeably between April and May, Daniel Silver, an economist at JPMorgan, wrote in a note to clients on Wednesday. This is a message broadly consistent with some other related signals, and the labor market likely has benefited from the easing of restrictions on activity in many places in recent weeks. Companies with the most to gain as Americans begin to spend again were among the best performers. The Cheesecake Factory jumped more than 15 percent after the company said that restaurants it has reopened have recovered to about 75 percent of their sales levels from a year ago. The mall operator Simon Property Group was the best performing stock in the S&P 500. Shares of Ford and General Motors climbed, after other automakers including Toyota reported a rise in sales from April to May. The major American auto companies now report sales on a quarterly basis. Investors have shrugged off a number of risks from long-term economic damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic, to rising tension between the United States and China, to growing unrest in the United States to bid stocks higher for weeks, as they cheered steps from the Federal Reserve and fiscal spending by Washington meant to help minimize damage from the pandemic. Since March 23, when the Federal Reserve signaled its willingness to do whatever it took to stabilize financial markets, the S&P 500 has soared nearly 40 percent. It is now less than 10 percent below its pre-pandemic high. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE New Mexico Senate titans John Arthur Smith and Mary Kay Papen were toppled by progressive challengers in this weeks primary election, part of a seismic shift that could reshape the Legislature and give new life to bills dealing with abortion and marijuana legalization. Smith, the longtime chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said his defeat at the hands of fellow Democrat Neomi Martinez-Parra did not come as a total shock, adding that his fiscal restraint may have caught up to him in voters eyes. Ive had to say no to a lot of things, Smith told the Journal. Im one of those who sort of stopped the train. I kept an eye on what we could pay for and what we couldnt pay for. Smith also said he may resign from his Senate seat after a coming special session, so that other lawmakers could take the lead on crafting a new budget for the fiscal year that begins in July 2021. I dont have any regrets, and I wouldnt do anything differently, Smith said Wednesday, adding that he would not miss the roughly 600-mile round trip drives from Deming to Santa Fe. In all, five moderate Democratic incumbents, including three committee chairs and the Senates leader, were ousted by progressive challengers who targeted their past votes on legislation dealing with gun control, abortion and early childhood education. Eric Griego, a former state senator and the state director of New Mexico Working Families Party, called the election results monumental and said the defeated incumbents were out of step with Democratic voters. Democrats had to get back to their core values, Griego told the Journal. He said a coalition of labor unions, environmental groups and reproductive rights organizations had worked together to help oust the business-friendly incumbents. We didnt pick these guys out of a hat we looked at their voting records, Griego said. While Martinez-Parra and the other progressive primary election winners will still face Republican opponents in the November general election, longtime New Mexico political observer Brian Sanderoff said many of the progressives are likely to win. He also said the primary results are the latest evidence of the Democratic Party becoming more liberal, both in New Mexico and nationally. Were having a changing of the guard in the Senate, Sanderoff said. The battle lines were drawn, and the progressive groups were highly successful in accomplishing their electoral objectives. The primary election results will likely shift the Senate Democratic caucus to the left, he added, and could bolster the chances of bills backed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham that would repeal a long-dormant state abortion ban and legalize recreational marijuana for adult users. The governor did not endorse any of the targeted senators, although a Texas-based political committee funded largely by Chevron Corp. sent out mailers depicting the senators alongside her. Several campaign insiders said Wednesday that those mailers might have backfired in the Democratic primary races, while also saying the progressive challengers were more aggressive in targeting voters who requested absentee ballots. Leadership void The five ousted Senate Democrats will leave behind a combined 82 years of experience in the Senate. Their departure will also leave a leadership void that will be filled by other lawmakers, though those decisions will not be made until January. For instance, Papen, a Las Cruces Democrat, has broad influence over determining committee membership and chairs in her position as Senate president pro tem. But she was defeated by fellow Democrat Carrie Hamblen, the president and CEO of the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce, by 199 votes, based on unofficial results. Hamblen said many voters she talked to cited Papens vote last year against a proposal to repeal the 1969 state abortion ban, which allows women to get an abortion only under limited circumstances. It was very evident the voters wanted a change, Hamblen told the Journal. New Mexicans in general are tired of the status quo and want things to move forward. Other Democrats defeated Tuesday included Sen. Clemente Sanchez, D-Grants, chairman of the Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee, who was ousted by retired educator Pam Cordova of Rio Communities. In addition, Sen. Gabriel Ramos, D-Silver City, chairman of the Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee, lost by a sizable margin 61.8% to 38.2% to fellow Democrat Siah Correa Hemphill of Silver City, based on unofficial results. And Sen. Richard Martinez, D-Ojo Caliente, was decisively defeated by Leo Jaramillo of Espanola, though Martinezs recent conviction for aggravated drunken driving played a key role in that race, Sanderoff said. The only targeted Senate Democrat to win reelection was George Munoz of Gallup, who rebuffed a challenge from Noreen Ann Kelly in Senate District 5. GOP competition The stunning election results could give Republicans the opportunity to pick up more seats in the November general election. Several GOP candidates in districts where progressive candidates posted primary victories were quick Wednesday to describe the results as an attempted progressive takeover of the Legislature. We are seeing an unprecedented attempt by far-left special interest groups to radically move the political landscape away from our traditional New Mexican values, said Republican Crystal Diamond of Elephant Butte, who will face Martinez-Parra in the Senate District 35 general election. Two Senate Republicans were ousted Tuesday by conservative rivals, with Rep. Gregg Schmedes of Tijeras defeating Sen. Jim White of Albuquerque and Rep. David Gallegos of Eunice defeating Sen. Gregg Fulfer of Jal, based on unofficial results. In all, there will be at least nine new members in the 42-member Senate starting in January because there are also two senators not seeking reelection this year Democrat John Sapien of Corrales and Republican Bill Payne of Albuquerque. (AMF Autorite des Marches Financiers) Regulatory News: Genkyotex (Paris:GKTX) (Brussels:GKTX): Genkyotex shares ISIN code FR00011790542 Euronext Paris Brussels Date Number of shares making up the share capital Number of voting rights May 31, 2020 11,548,562 Theoretical number of voting rights(1): 11,548,562 Number of voting rights exercisable at a shareholders' meeting(2): 11,540,197 (1) In accordance with Article 223-111 of the AMF's General Regulation, this number of shares is calculated based on all shares carrying the right to vote, including those stripped of voting rights. (2) Less shares stripped of voting rights. About Genkyotex Genkyotex is the leading biopharmaceutical company in NOX therapies, listed on the Euronext Paris and Euronext Brussels markets. Its unique platform enables the identification of orally available small-molecules which selectively inhibit specific NOX enzymes that amplify multiple disease processes such as fibrosis, inflammation, pain processing, cancer development, and neurodegeneration. Genkyotex is developing a pipeline of first-in-class product candidates targeting one or multiple NOX enzymes. The lead product candidate, setanaxib (GKT831), a NOX1 and NOX4 inhibitor has shown evidence of anti-fibrotic activity in a Phase II clinical trial in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC, a fibrotic orphan disease). Based on its positive Phase II results, a phase 3 trial with setanaxib in PBC is being planned. Setanaxib is also being evaluated in an investigator-initiated Phase II clinical trial in Type 1 Diabetes and Kidney Disease (DKD). A grant from the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) of $8.9 million was awarded to Professor Victor Thannickal at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to fund a multi-year research program evaluating the role of NOX enzymes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic lung disease that results in fibrosis of the lungs. The core component of this program is a Phase 2 trial with setanaxib in patients with IPF scheduled to recruit patients in first semester of 2020. This product candidate may also be active in other fibrotic indications. Genkyotex also has a versatile platform well-suited to the development of various immunotherapies (Vaxiclase). A partnership covering the use of Vaxiclase as an antigen per se (GTL003) has been established with Serum Institute of India Private Ltd (Serum Institute), the world's largest producer of vaccine doses, for the development by Serum Institute of cellular multivalent combination vaccines against a variety of infectious diseases. For further information, please go to www.genkyotex.com or investors@genkyotex.com. Disclaimer This press release may contain forward-looking statements by the company with respect to its objectives. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs, estimates and expectations of Genkyotex's management and are subject to risks and uncertainties such as the company's ability to implement its chosen strategy, customer market trends, changes in technologies and in the company's competitive environment, changes in regulations, clinical or industrial risks and all risks linked to the company's growth. These factors as well as other risks and uncertainties may prevent the company from achieving the objectives outlined in the press release and actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, due to various factors. Without being exhaustive, such factors include uncertainties involved in the development of Genkyotex's products, which may not succeed, or in the delivery of Genkyotex's products marketing authorizations by the relevant regulatory authorities and, in general, any factor that could affects Genkyotex's capacity to commercialize the products it develops. No guarantee is given on forward-looking statements which are subject to a number of risks, notably those described in the universal registration document filed with the AMF on January 16, 2020 under number 20-0012, and those linked to changes in economic conditions, the financial markets, or the markets on which Genkyotex is present. Genkyotex products are currently used for clinical trials only and are not otherwise available for distribution or sale. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005822/en/ Contacts: Genkyotex Taking hydroxychloroquine after being exposed to someone with the novel coronavirus does not prevent you from contracting the disease, a new study finds. Researchers looked at 821 people who were exposed to the virus either through their line of worker as a healthcare professional, or from someone at home. Hydroxychloroquine - used to treat malaria, lupus and arthritis - has touted by President Donald Trump, who took a two-week regimen of the drug as a prophylactic. But, in the study, almost as many volunteers who received the medication were sickened with coronavirus compared to those who received a placebo. Researchers gave hydroxychloroquine to half of a group of 821 people who had been exposed to coronavirus and the other half a placebo regimen (file image) Of the 107 people who fell ill, 49 were in the hydroxychloroquine group and 56 were in the placebo group - a 2.4% difference. Pictured: Kylene Karnuth, (left) and Robyn Kincaid (right) work with coronavirus samples at the University of Minnesota to see if hydroxychloroquine can prevent or reduce the severity of COVID-19 President Donald Trump recently announced he took a two-week prescription of the drug as a prophylactic. Pictured: Trump, left, and first lady Melania Trump hold hands as they visit the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, DC, June 2 'We were disappointed. We would have liked for this to work,' study leader, Dr David Boulware, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Minnesota, told the Associated Press. 'But our objective was to answer the question and to conduct a high-quality study,' because the evidence on the drug so far has been inconclusive, he said. For the study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the team recruited volunteers who had been exposed to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. To qualify as having had an 'encounter' with a patient, study participants had to have been standing less than six feet apart for more than 10 minutes without wearing a mask or a shield, or just a mask but no shield. Additionally, volunteers had to have experienced the encounter a few days ago but not experienced any symptoms such as a fever or coughing. Half the group received a five-day supply of hydroxychloroquine while the other half were given a five-day supply of a placebo. Of the 107 people who developed COVID-19, 49 were in the hydroxychloroquine group and 56 were in the placebo group. That means only 2.4 percent fewer people in the group who were given the medication contracted the disease. 'There's basically no effect. It does not prevent infection,' Boulware said. Even if it were to give some slim advantage, 'we'd want a much larger effect' to justify its use and risk of side effects for preventing illness, he said. Results were no different among a subgroup of participants who were taking zinc or vitamin C, which some people believe might help make hydroxychloroquine more effective. However, the drug did not seem to cause serious harm, though - about 40% on it had side effects, mostly mild stomach problems. President Trump was among the first to wax lyrical about the possible benefits of hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus patients in March. 'This would be a gift from heaven, this would be a gift from God if it works,' he said. 'We are going to pray to God that it does work.' He then repeated the claims on Twitter. 'HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine. The FDA has moved mountains - Thank You! Hopefully they will BOTH (H works better with A, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents),' he wrote on March 21. The study Trump referred to came from Marseille, France, in which 30 patients were treated with hydroxychloroquine for 10 days combined with azithromycin, an antibiotic. Although very small, the study 'showed a significant reduction of the viral carriage' after the six days and 'much lower average carrying duration' compared to patients who received other treatments. But weeks later, in a statement published online, the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (ISAC) addressed several new concerns with the research. Officials say they found out the researchers excluded data on patients who didn't respond well to the treatment and that they did not clarify what they meant when they said patients were 'virologically cured.' Trump took a two-week course of hydroxychloroquine, along with zinc and Vitamin D, after two staffers tested positive for COVID-19, and had no ill effects, according to results of his latest physical released by his doctor Wednesday. Federal regulators have warned against their use except in hospitals and formal studies because of the risk of side effects, especially heart rhythm problems. On Tuesday, the journal The Lancet posted an 'expression of concern' about a study it published earlier this month of nearly 15,000 COVID-19 patients on the malaria drugs that tied their use to a higher risk of dying in the hospital or developing a heartbeat problem. Scientists have raised serious questions about the database used for that study, and its authors have launched an independent audit. That work had a big impact: the World Health Organization suspended use of hydroxychloroquine in a study it is leading, and French officials stopped the drug's use in hospitals. On Wednesday, the WHO said experts who reviewed safety information decided that its study could resume. Justin Bonomo Claims Third Super High Roller Bowl Title; Wins SHRB Online for $1,775,000 June 03 2020 Justin Bonomo has won the Super High Roller Bowl Online on partypoker for $1,775,000, becoming the first player to win three SHRB titles. Bonomo defeated Michael Addamo heads-up to top the 50-player field, adding the Online title to his victories in China and Las Vegas in 2018. Addamo showed grit and guile heads-up, with several eye-catching plays drawing the attention of the commentary team of Nick Schulman, Jeff Platt, and Brent Hanks over on the partypokerTV Twitch Stream Super High Roller Bowl Online Payouts Place Player Country Payout 1 Justin Bonomo United States $1,775,000 2 Michael Addamo Australia $1,187,500 3 David Peters United States $762,500 4 Pauli Ayras Finland $487,500 5 Dan Shak United States $325,000 6 Linus Loeliger Switzerland $250,000 7 Sam Greenwood Canada $212,500 Start-of-day chip leader Ali Imsirovic finished just short of the final table in ninth, with Orpen Kisacikoglu bubbling the tournament in eighth after running ace-king into the kings of Addamo. The final table was stacked with talent, exemplified by the fact that all but two players held the chip lead at one stage at least, but eventually SHRB expert Bonomo came out on top, adding a third title and over $1.7 million to his already length poker resume. Justin Bonomo Super High Roller Bowl Record Edition Buy-In Entries Place Winnings Recap III $300,000 56 7th $600,000 Recap Macau HK$2.1M 75 1st HK$37.83M (~$4.8M) Recap IV $300,000 48 1st $5,000,000 Recap Bahamas $250,000 51 8th $510,000 Recap Online $102,000 50 1st $1,775,000 Recap Final Day Recap Darrell Goh was the shortest stack to start the day and was the first elimination, with Alex Foxen and Sergi Reixach also eliminated, as the chip lead continued to change hands. David Peters doubled through start-of-day chip leader Ali Imsirovic to regain the lead he had held for much of Day 1, before surging to become the clear leader with 3.5 million in chips by the first break of the day. Jon van Fleet went next in tenth place, eliminated by Sam Greenwood, before play went hand-for-hand on the final table bubble. Hand-for-hand didn't take long, as Imsirovic failed to recover from that early Greenwood double, eventually succumbing to Pauli Ayras and finishing in ninth place. How to Play Private Poker Games Online on partypoker Super High Roller Bowl Online Final Table Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Orpen Kisacikoglu United Kingdom 943,000 16 2 Sam Greenwood Canada 1,582,000 26 3 David Peters Costa Rica 2,943,000 49 4 Michael Addamo United Kingdom 1,021,000 17 5 Pauli Ayras Finland 3,374,000 56 6 Justin Bonomo Canada 1,508,000 25 7 Linus Loeliger Austria 1,052,000 18 8 Dan Shak Poland 2,475,000 41 The elimination of Imsirovic moved Ayras into the final table chip lead, ahead of Peters and Dan Shak, with the remaining eight players now on the money bubble. Despite players being on a $212,500 bubble, it didn't take long for the bubble to burst. Orpen Kisacikoglu was the table short stack, and three-bet all-in with ace-king only for Michael Addamo to wake up with kings. Kisacikoglu received no help on the runout, and he was eliminated short of the money. Now that the remaining players were all in the money, the fireworks really began. First, Greenwood doubled through Ayras to move into the lead. He now held 25% of the chips in play, but it didn't last long. Both Linus Loeliger and Justin Bonomo doubled through him, before busting in a sensational hand against Shak, cold-calling all-in with pocket sevens against his opponent's ace-king. Shak flopped top pair to send Greenwood to the rail and move into the chip lead. partypoker Launches $2M Defection Party Promotion The final table was punctuated not only by stellar passages of play but rapid and frequent changes in the chip lead. Shak's moment in the sun was all too brief as Ayras overtook him following the elimination of Loeliger in sixth place. Addamo then took a turn in the lead after doubling through Ayras, before Bonomo moved atop the counts after eliminating Shak. Shak held ace-king against Bonomo's pocket tens, but failed to get there and was eliminated. Shak's elimination precipitated a flurry of eliminations, with Ayras also losing a flip with ace-king against the fours of Addamo to bust. One hand later, Addamo finished off Peters to take a strong chip lead into heads-up play against Bonomo. Heads-up Play Player Chip Count Justin Bonomo 5,293,541 Michael Addamo 9,706,459 Heads-up play was a captivating affair punctuated by some of the highest level poker imaginable. An early double for Bonomo flipped the chip counts but Addamo was never out of contention with multiple doubles throughout heads-up play. Addamo's plays weren't just limited to all-in confrontations with the young Australian snap-calling correctly with bottom pair and extracting maximum value when both he and Bonomo rivered flushes. Not to be outdone, Bonomo showed that he too was capable of pulling moves heads-up. In one hand, he forced his opponent to fold trips with a cleverly-timed bet of almost six times the pot, but in others he seemed capable of opening a gap between the two players with ease. The two battled for over two hours heads-up sharing five doubles between them. By the time the tournament finished, there were 50 big blinds in play. Addamo limped with queens and Bonomo shoved with king-five. Addamo called, but his opponent spiked two kings to secure victory and $1,775,000. That concludes the PokerNews coverage of the 2020 Super High Roller Bowl Online. We look forward to welcoming you back to another live-reported event in the future! PC Andrew Harper was caught in trailing rope dangling from the back of a silver SEAT Toledo Two of the teenagers accused of dragging newly-wed PC Andrew Harper to his death have been named for the first time. Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, both 18, are accused of murdering PC Harper 28, who was caught in trailing rope dangling from the back of a silver SEAT Toledo. Prosecutors claim the car was being driven by 19-year-old Henry Long on 15 August last year. The policeman had been responding to calls that a quad bike had been stolen from a 800,000 country house in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. Bowers and Cole had previously been protected by legislation preventing publication of their identities. The 28-year-old had only been married to Lissie Harper for a month when he was tragically killed in August A man attempting to get into a Seat car after it was stopped by PC Andrew Harper and PC Andrew Shaw who were responding to a burglary in progress near Stanford Dingley However, as they have both turned 18 those rights automatically fall away. Mr Justice Edis said: 'There is no continuing protection.' Long, Bowers, and Cole were not present at the Old Bailey today as Justice Edis set a trial date for the week commencing June 15. Long, of Mortimer Reading, Bowers of Moat Close, Bramley, Hampshire and Cole of Paices Hill Aldermaston deny murder. Long has admitted manslaughter and conspiracy to steal. Cole and Bowers have admitted conspiracy to steal. Previously bespectacled Thomas King, 21, of Lane End, Bramley, Hants, admitted conspiring to steal the same quad bike belonging to Mr Peter Wallis and will be sentenced on a date to be fixed. Henry Long, 19, pictured, and Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, both 18, all deny murder The brave officer became entangled in a tow rope, and was dragged for more than a mile suffering 'catastrophic, unsurvivable injuries'. In April, PC Harper's widow, Lissie, left a heartbreaking message for her husband on his birthday. She said she could feel her loved one with her in spirit as she laid flowers at their favourite spot. A social media post read: 'Oh my lovely boy, I can't believe I'm spending this day without you. I walked at our favourite spot, I sat in the sun and I remembered all of your special birthdays we did spend together. 'I know you were there with me and will always be in my heart forever more. My love is yours always.' Lissie Harper said she could feel her loved one with her in spirit as she laid flowers at their favourite spot on his birthday in April PC Andrew Harper's widow paid tribute to her late husband, who was killed in August on duty, by wearing his name emblazoned on her leather jacket as 5,000 motorcyclists took part in a 15-mile 'ride of respect' Thousands of motorcyclists rode 15 miles in October to pay tribute to the tragic police officer The pair got engaged in Italy in May 2017, and had their 'dream wedding' at Ardington House near Oxford last summer. She also paid tribute last year by wearing his husband's name emblazoned on her leather jacket as 5,000 motorcyclists took part in a 15-mile 'ride of respect'. Mrs Harper sat on the back of her childhood sweetheart's motorcycle, ridden by her brother Jake Beckett, on the charity route from RAF Benson to Abingdon Airfield in Oxfordshire in October. The trial at the Old Bailey was halted by coronavirus earlier this year after three jury members had to self isolate. The judge said he considered a case of 'this importance' should be decided by a jury with more than nine members. He said he was 'deeply sorry' to 'those who loved' PC Harper for his decision. The case will be listed on June 15 for trial. by Austin Bay June 3, 2020 That Venezuelan socialist dictator Nicolas Maduro remains in power is a testament to his military's guns, secret police repression, torture of his pro-democracy opposition and the malign charity of four buddy dictatorships, Russia, Iran, Cuba and China. As late as January 2020, the month during which a Maduro ally hired fancy lobbyists to gull Congress into easing sanctions, the prospects for sending him into Cuban exile looked better. Bipartisan applause greeted Maduro's arch Venezuelan enemy, Juan Guaido, when Guaido attended the State of the Union address as a White House guest. Guaido was the president of Venezuela's National Assembly when it was still a democratically elected forum. Maduro stole the 2019 election. Braving Maduro's guns, the assembly declared Guaido "interim president." The U.S. helped form a 59-nation coalition to support him. The coalition called Maduro's reelection illegitimate and demanded he resign: a bold, diplomatic endeavor to topple the tyrant, and a gamble worth trying, considering the regime's destruction. The U.N. estimates that since 2014, some 5.5 million Venezuelan citizens have left the country -- roughly 17% of the population. Decades of socialist bungling and kleptocrat theft have wrecked what was once South America's wealthiest nation. However, early 2019's "illegitimacy" strategy wagered Venezuelan soldiers would defect to Guaido en masse. In 2020, the military continues to support Maduro. Why? The ranks participate in the regime's theft racket, so obedience pays in cash and privileges. Maduro's clique has maintained control over major economic assets, like oil production. Regime military loyalists control food distribution and deny food to his opponents. However, they are willing to sell starving citizens food and, presumably, toothpaste, for cash -- the bribes paid in jewelry, euros or dollars. Add a fatal reason. Skilled Russian and Cuban security personnel protect Maduro -- and they can threaten senior officers who might jilt the jefe. In January 2020, 75 U.S. Army paratroopers deployed to neighboring Colombia to participate in an exercise with Colombian forces. In diplo-speak, it was a reminder of U.S. capabilities. But in February, following a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Maduro announced he was ready for war. He did not fear combat! Lavrov obviously had confirmed solid Russian support for his regime. Venezuelan oil reserves are collateral with "future value" that can buy powerful friends like Cuban bodyguards, even Russian and Chinese U.N. vetoes. According to U.S. government sources, Russian oil interests broker 60% of Venezuela's oil and help conceal export destinations. Oil exports pay the regime. Yet domestically, Venezuela faces gasoline shortages. In March, the State Department countered. U.S. prosecutors indicted Maduro on drug-trafficking charges. Washington offered a $15 million reward for Maduro's arrest. Alas, on May 3 (perhaps May 2), a farcical incident occurred. Mercenary soldiers and Venezuelan military defectors -- perhaps 60 -- entered Venezuela. Some mercenaries were former Green Berets. It appears the planners had read Frederick Forsythe's brilliant novel "The Dogs of War." Their operation, however, was The Dunces of War. Two dozen were quickly arrested, eight killed. One American said seizing an airport and arresting Maduro were objectives. Maduro railed for a week. Guaido denied involvement. The attack does have the smell of a false flag operation. But here is the deep news. Since the farce, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has made it clear that Washington is escalating its diplomatic and economic war on Maduro. On May 13, Venezuela and Cuba reappeared on the U.S. anti-terrorism Not Fully Cooperating Country list. The U.S. accused the Maduro regime of harboring rogue Colombian guerrillas and terrorists. In diplo-speak, Venezuela is waging covert war on its neighbor. That will add stiffer sanctions. On May 20, Pompeo announced "Venezuelans in need" (refugee camps) would receive $138 million in humanitarian assistance. On May 29, he reaffirmed American commitment to Guaido's leadership. On June 2, once again, U.S. diplomats attacked the oil choke point by imposing sanctions on four companies involved in smuggling Venezuelan oil. The goal of these political and economic shackles: to reduce the reward for obeying Maduro's noxious regime. Burma Chinese-Backed Firm Granted Massive Copper and Gold Exploration Permit in Myanmar A group of surveyors for the mining project study in Sagaing region. / PanAust YANGONThe Australian-based subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned company has obtained a gold and copper exploration license for an area nearly the size of Singapore in Myanmars northern Sagaing Region, already home to many controversial copper mega-mining projects operated by Chinese companies. PanAust received the license last Wednesday from Myanmars Ministry for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC) in Naypyitaw for a block that covers more than 185,000 acres (750 square km) in Sagaings resource-rich Wuntho Massif Region. PanAust is an Australia-based company owned by Guangdong Rising H.K. Ltd, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guangdong Rising Assets Management Co. Ltd (GRAM). GRAM is a Chinese state-owned company based in Chinas Guangdong Province, which operates as an investment company in mineral resource development, electronics, industrial waste management, real estate and finance. In Myanmar, PanAust has formed a joint venture with Myanmar Energy Resources Group International Company Ltd (MERG) called Wuntho Resources Company Limited (WRCL) to carry out the project. PanAust holds a 90 percent stake, while MERG holds the remaining 10 percent of WRCL. According to PanAust, WRCL currently now holds seven exploration licenses that encompass more than 370,000 acres (1,500 square km) in the region. In 2018, the company received exploration licenses covering 138,000 acres (562 square km) on the Ton Kyaung, Taung Kon and Naugphat blocks of the Wuntho Massif. In 2016, WRCL received exploration licenses for 52,600 acres (213 square km) in Sagaing, covering three tenement blocks: Hel Chain, Pin Hin Hka and Nam Awl. Regional parliament lawmaker U Zaw Linn Oo, who represents Wuntho Township, said local artisanal and small-scale miners would be upset by the governments decision to give large mining exploration licenses to the foreign-backed company. The decision came from the Union level, but here many locals are worried about what they are going to do for a living, because almost all of the major mining projects here are currently in the hands of companies backed by foreign investors, U Zaw Linn Oo said. Since we are at the regional level, we could not interfere what the Union decided. But locals wont accept it, he added. The area [licensed for exploration] is huge and locals will complain about it later. Sagaing Region is a major hot spot for large copper mining projects operated by Chinese companies, including the controversial Sabetaung and Kyisintaung (S&K) project and the Letpadaung project. Last year, locals protested against a proposal by Myanmar Yang Tse, the operators of the S&K project, to conduct a mining feasibility study on 113,900 acres of an area called Wazeintaung, covering nearly 120 villages within three townships. The study later had to be suspended over local fears about the environmental and social impacts of the project. For many years, the Letpadaung copper mine has been operated by Myanmar Wanbao Mining Copper Ltd (MWMCL) and has made headlines due to land disputes and a series of violent crackdowns against anti-mining protesters. Two extensive reports by Amnesty International documented the mines devastating social impacts, including destroyed livelihoods and water resources due to toxic spills from mining waste. Villagers protesting against the project have received nationwide support. U Zaw Linn Oo emphasized that Sagaing has already suffered massive environmental and social impacts due to mining projects. So far, no representatives from the company have come to explain to us about the project, he said. Many companies here are the same. They dont communicate with us at all. They might think that they dont need to engage with us since they were already granted permission from the Union. According to a PanAust press release, the company is focused on a sustainable business model for the production and sale of copper and gold as well as delivery of production goals and astute, responsible growth. PanAust Executive Chairman Qun Yang said PanAust has made significant improvements to healthcare, education and transportation infrastructure in the areas in which it operates. In progressing our exploration activities in Myanmar, PanAust will leverage these award-winning sustainability practices to ensure the companys activities contribute to the nations long-term economic growth and prosperity, including through job creation, Qun Yang said. PanAust is also involved in copper and gold mining in Laos with pre-development opportunities in Papua New Guinea and Chile. In Papua New Guinea, its subsidiary Frieda River Ltd runs the Frieda River Project on one of the largest known undeveloped copper and gold deposits in the world. Last year, based on a report from research center Jubilee Australia, the Guardian reported that the proposed project in Papua New Guinea threatens to destroy the health of a major river system, poison fish stocks and cause violent unrest. You may also like these stories: Operator of Chinas Alipay to Invest Over US$73 Million in Myanmars Wave Money Myanmar Govt Targets Mines Over Undelivered Gold Payments ANN ARBOR, MI After several days of Black Lives Matter protests locally and nationwide, an Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority board member publicly spoke out Wednesday about racism and police brutality. On May 25, George Floyd died at the hands of the police in Minneapolis, Jessica Letaw said during the DDAs June 3 virtual meeting, wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt. On May 27, Tony McDade died at the hands of the police in Tallahassee, she continued. On March 13, Breonna Taylor died at the hands of the police in Louisville. On Nov. 10, 2014, Aura Rosser died at the hands of the police here in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Letaw asked her colleagues to pause for a moment in grief and honor of all of our black brothers and sisters who have lost their lives to one form or another of white supremacy. Board members paused for a moment of silence, after which Letaw continued speaking. Black lives matter. But words without action are worse than doing nothing at all, she said. To end racism, we have to break each part of the expansive and intricate system of dehumanization that was constructed to support white supremacy, she said. We have to see it and fight against it. We have to be anti-racist. Letaw said shes renewing her commitment to help the DDA be an organization grounded in anti-racism one that does not perpetuate the systems and biases of anti-blackness and white supremacy, and whose staff and board are committed to projects, processes and outcomes that are just for us all. In an interview after the meeting, Letaw said shes not speaking on behalf of the DDA, noting shes just one of 12 voting members who work with the DDAs staff. She said the DDA is on the right track when it comes to issues that intersect with racial justice and equity, but theres room to do more. Ann Arbor police to walk with George Floyd, police brutality protesters While the DDA does little work that pertains to police, she said, issues of justice and equity are broader and the DDA must keep that in mind in its decisions, including how it approaches design changes to public spaces to make sure theyre inclusive, funding affordable housing to allow a diverse range of people to live and work downtown, and ways for people to get downtown without needing to own a car. Theres an increasing awareness about equitable access to downtown, Letaw said. Letaw said shes been raising these issues in committee meetings since she joined the DDA two and a half years ago, and she felt a duty to publicly speak out Wednesday. Its the duty of white people to not just speak up, but to also follow through with action, she said. Following Letaws remarks, DDA officials moved through a busy agenda Wednesday that included allocating $265,000 for efforts to plan a new high-rise development on the city-owned Y Lot downtown that could include 130 units of affordable housing and 288 units of market-rate housing. DDA Executive Director Susan Pollay gave a presentation showing the DDA is making a $1.3 million commitment in the new fiscal year starting July 1 to support potential redevelopment of city-owned properties in the downtown area for affordable housing. The DDA has invested about $5 million in affordable housing initiatives since 1997. Pollay told the board she wanted to emphasize the values that drive the work the DDA does, including longstanding commitments to equity and affordable housing, sustainability, pedestrian safety and infrastructure so downtown works for all of us and all of the users. DDA officials also discussed financial hits to the downtown parking system due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cuts that need to be made and upcoming changes to downtown streets to allow safe social distancing as the economy reopens. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS: Anti police brutality march attracts Ann Arbor police, Washtenaw sheriff and Jim Harbaugh Michigan Theater recommends 15 films with strong black voices for Black Out Tuesday Ann Arbor libraries to reopen in phases after three-month shutdown DTE Energy raises concerns about Ann Arbors plan for 100% renewable energy Downtown Ann Arbor bars, restaurants get councils OK to expand patios into streets A total 17 out of the 20 worst-hit areas were boroughs of London, with others in Hertfordshire and Surrey The London borough of Brent saw a 108 per cent increase in deaths of any cause The London borough of Brent saw a 108 per cent increase in deaths of any cause A shocking analysis of figures today revealed the coronavirus pandemic has driven up rates of excess deaths A shocking analysis of figures today revealed the coronavirus pandemic has driven up rates of excess deaths The Department of Health death tally is down almost 13 per cent on the 412 deaths recorded last Wednesday The Department of Health death tally is down almost 13 per cent on the 412 deaths recorded last Wednesday Advertisement Britain today announced 359 more coronavirus deaths, taking the official number of victims one step closer to the 40,000 mark - despite other figures showing the real number of fatalities has already tipped 50,000. Department of Health bosses revealed 328 people died after testing positive for Covid-19 in England in all settings including care homes, followed by 17 in Wales, 12 in Scotland and two in Northern Ireland. It means the official number of victims is now 39,728 but other data that includes Brits who are suspected to have died from coronavirus shows the true toll is almost 10,000 higher. The daily figure is down almost 13 per cent on the 412 deaths recorded last Wednesday, which was slightly higher than usual because of a recording delay over the Bank Holiday weekend. Health chiefs yesterday announced 324 deaths - a 68 per cent drop in the space of a fortnight. And a top Oxford University expert predicted Britain is on track to have zero Covid-19 deaths by July. It comes as a shocking analysis of figures today revealed the coronavirus pandemic has driven up rates of excess deaths in some parts of London to double what they are in a usual year - with the borough of Brent being the worst hit area of England and Wales. Other official figures released today showed more than 170,000 tests were carried out yesterday, and 1,871 people tested positive for the disease, as the outbreak continues to fizzle out. But Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government's chief scientist, today warned the speed at which the infection is spreading is not coming down fast enough. He said at this afternoon's Downing Street briefing that the reproduction rate - the R - is still close to one, meaning people who catch the virus are still transmitting it to others, and that there are likely still around 8,000 people getting infected every day. He said: 'We have relatively large numbers still not coming down fast. That gives relatively little room for manoeuvre. We have to tread very cautiously. Sir Patrick added the daily death toll 'is not coming down as fast as we would like it to come down'. In other coronavirus news today: McDonald's will open another 497 drive-thru restaurants today and is aiming to have more than 1,000 back in business by next week. Monstrous queues have been pictured outside those that have reopened; The Government is doubling down on its 14-day quarantine rule for travellers entering Britain. Home Secretary Priti Patel said it was necessary to prevent more coronavirus outbreaks and deaths; West London - Ealing, Hillingdon and Hounslow - is the area of the capital where people have received the most police fines for breaking lockdown rules. 165 fines were issued there between March 27 and May 14; Labour leader Keir Starmer has warned Boris Johnson to 'get a grip' on the coronavirus crisis and accused him of 'winging it'; UK charity the Health Foundation has warned of a 'digital divide' that could be caused by the NHS's contact tracing app because elderly people, the unemployed and manual workers are less likely to download it. The number of excess deaths in England and Wales spiked dramatically during the peak of the coronavirus outbreak. Professor Carl Heneghan, an Oxford University epidemiologist, predicted that the number of people dying would fall to average levels again by July Separate data published yesterday showed that Birmingham has recorded the most deaths of diagnosed coronavirus patients, with 1,082 victims HOW CAN THERE HAVE BEEN 50,000 VICTIMS IF THE OFFICIAL DEATH COUNT IS FEWER THAN 40,000? Department of Health officials only include patients who have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, meaning its death count is always slightly lower - 39,584 fatalities have been recorded by health chiefs. But data compiled by the statistical bodies of each of the home nations show the number of deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK has now passed 50,000, according to the latest available data. Figures published this morning by the National Records of Scotland - the country's official statistical body - showed that 3,911 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in Scotland up to May 31. Data published from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday showed that 44,401 deaths involving Covid-19 had occurred in England and Wales up to May 22. And the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, published last week, showed 716 deaths involving Covid-19 had occurred in Northern Ireland up to May 22. Together these figures mean so far 49,028 deaths have been registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, including suspected cases. Further deaths can be added to this total, concerning those deaths that have been reported as taking place since the period covered by the latest registration data. Between May 23 and June 1, a further 931 hospital patients who had tested positive for Covid-19 died in England, according to the latest figures from NHS England. And a further 78 people in hospital and care homes who had tested positive for Covid-19 died in Wales during this same period, according to Public Health Wales. In Northern Ireland, 22 people who had tested positive for Covid-19 died between May 23 and June 2, according to the Northern Ireland Department of Health. These add up to a further 1,031 deaths since May 23, and with the total figure of 49,028 registered deaths, means the overall death toll for the UK is now just over 50,000, at 50,059. Details of deaths that took place in Scotland since the cut-off point for the latest registration data - in other words, deaths on either June 1 or June 2 - are not available. Advertisement Each nation's health agency report their own figures. These numbers do not always match with the Department of Health count because of a difference in how they are recorded. NHS England today recorded 179 more deaths in hospitals, while Wales posted 17 in all settings, followed by 11 in Scotland and eight in Northern Ireland. NHS England revealed four of the 179 new victims who died had no underlying health conditions. The youngest of the fatalities included a 12 year old who wasn't named. It comes as it was revealed the number of deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK has now passed 50,000, according to the latest available data. Figures published on Wednesday by the National Records of Scotland showed that 3,911 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in Scotland up to May 31. ONS data yesterday showed that 44,401 deaths involving Covid-19 had occurred in England and Wales up to May 22. And the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, published last week, showed 716 deaths involving Covid-19 had occurred in Northern Ireland up to May 22. Together these figures mean so far 49,028 deaths have been registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, including suspected cases. Further deaths can be added to this total, concerning those deaths that have been reported as taking place since the period covered by the latest registration data. Between May 23 and June 1, a further 931 hospital patients who had tested positive for Covid-19 died in England, according to the latest figures from NHS England. And a further 78 people in hospital and care homes who had tested positive for Covid-19 died in Wales during this same period, according to Public Health Wales. In Northern Ireland, 22 people who had tested positive for Covid-19 died between May 23 and June 2, according to the Northern Ireland Department of Health. These add up to a further 1,031 deaths since May 23, and with the total figure of 49,028 registered deaths, means the overall death toll for the UK is now just over 50,000, at 50,059. Details of deaths that took place in Scotland since the cut-off point for the latest registration data - in other words, deaths on either June 1 or June 2 - are not available. A separate batch of data analysed by The Telegraph shows that 17 out of the 20 worst affected places across the two countries are all boroughs of the capital. As well as Brent, other parts of London that witnessed their death tolls approximately double were Harrow (99.7 per cent increase), Newham (95.4 per cent) and Enfield (90.3 per cent). The highest increase in deaths outside of London was seen in Hertsmere in Hertfordshire, where fatalities rose by 86.2 per cent from 236 to 439. And while not all of these people have been direct victims of the coronavirus, many have died because of indirect impacts of the outbreak, such as reduced NHS services. The data includes people who died of any cause between January 1 and May 22 in each of the local authorities in England and Wales. More than a dozen areas across the two countries actually appeared to be unaffected by the outbreak and saw the numbers of people dying fall to lower-than average levels. In North East Lincolnshire the death rate dropped by 8.8 per cent, while it fell by 8.2 per cent in Conwy, Wales, and by five per cent on Anglesey, off the Welsh coast. Excess deaths are considered to be an accurate measure of the number of people killed by the pandemic because they include a broader spectrum of victims. As well as including people who may have died with Covid-19 without ever being tested, the data also shows how many more people died because their medical treatment was postponed, for example, or who didn't or couldn't get to hospital when they were seriously ill. WHICH AREAS RECORDED THE MOST EXCESS DEATHS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK? (Data January-May. Source: The Telegraph) PLACE NAME AVERAGE DEATHS 2020 DEATHS EXCESS DEATHS % CHANGE Brent 445 925 480 108% Harrow 388 775 387 100% Newham 338 661 323 96% Enfield 516 981 465 90% Hertsmere 236 439 203 86% Ealing 503 918 415 83% Haringey 311 564 253 81% Barnet 613 1,101 488 80% Hackney 283 508 225 80% Westminster 272 486 214 79% Croydon 625 1,106 481 77% Southwark 332 583 251 76% Merton 318 550 232 73% Hammersmith 236 409 173 73% Waltham Forest 355 614 259 73% Mole Valley 217 374 157 72% Lambeth 374 642 268 72% Redbridge 455 780 325 71% Greenwich 383 649 266 69% Surrey Heath 202 340 138 68% Experts are divided, however, on how accurate excess deaths are as a measure. Oxford University's Professor Carl Heneghan yesterday said that comparing deaths this year to an average taken from the past five years overlooked population growth. He said the average could have been expected to be higher because there are more people, and more elderly people, in the UK than there were in 2015. If true, this could mean the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic was overestimated. WEEKLY CORONAVIRUS DEATHS ARE LOWEST SINCE LOCKDOWN The weekly coronavirus death toll in England and Wales has dropped to its lowest levels since the lockdown began in March, promising statistics today revealed. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed 1,983 people died across the two counties in the week ending May 22, down from 2,766 a week earlier and the lowest figure for two months. Every week since March 27 has recorded more fatalities from the virus, showing that Britain is now en route to how it was before the unprecedented lockdown was imposed on March 23. At the peak of the outbreak, a staggering 16,000 people in England and Wales died of the coronavirus in just two weeks in April. But the sobering statistics also show that there have now almost certainly been more than 50,000 people killed by Covid-19 across the UK this year. The coronavirus was listed as a contributing factor on the death certificates of at least 47,871 people by May 22, cementing Britain's position as one of the worst-hit countries in the world. Advertisement Meanwhile, the University of Cambridge's Professor David Spiegelhalter, argued the measure is still useful. He said: 'Deaths this year were tracking pretty close to, but below, the five year average. There is no perfect baseline. 'I still think [the five-year average] is useful to give an idea of trends, peaks and spikes, but it is not a precise measure.' Professor Heneghan yesterday said he expects the number of deaths to have returned to normal by next week. He said: 'If the trends continue, the deaths look like they will be back to where they should be normally by next week. 'There's been a continued reduction in hospital deaths, care home outbreaks are coming down so the "all deaths" by (week) 22 I'm expecting will be back to where we should be.' Professor Heneghan said there may be no Covid-19 deaths by the end of June - which would follow Spain yesterday. Italy is still reporting between 50 and 100 deaths per day, and France around 30. 'But it also depends on what happens next, within sporadic outbreaks,' Professor Heneghan said. Experts say that unless care home and hospital outbreaks cannot be stopped, deaths caused by the coronavirus will continue at low levels. Data published in The Telegraph showed that the top five worst affected areas were Brent, Harrow, Newham, Enfield and Hertsmere, which all had total death increases of more than 86 per cent. These were followed by Ealing (83 per cent), Haringey (81 per cent), Barnet (80 per cent), Hackney (80 per cent) and Westminster (79 per cent). Others in the 20 worst-affected areas, most of which were in London, were Croydon, Southwark, Merton, Hammersmith & Fulham, Waltham Forest, Mole Valley (Surrey), Lambeth, Redbridge, Greenwich and Surrey Heath. At the other end of the scale, some more rural areas of the country saw the number of people dying drop from its usual level. This may have been because those areas were relatively untouched by the coronavirus but the lockdown had other health benefits - reducing the transmission of flu, for example, which kills older people, or fewer car crashes. Or it may simply have been because fewer people were dying anyway and the rate wasn't increased by the virus as it was in other areas of the country. The list of areas where the coronavirus appears to have had the least impact on the number of people dying is topped by North East Lincolnshire, where fatalities dropped by 8.8 per cent, and Conwy in Wales, where they fell by 8.2 per cent. The number of people dying also dropped in Anglesey (-5 per cent), Hastings (-4.9 per cent), Torridge (-4.6 per cent), Mendip (-2.4 per cent) and Rother (-1.5 per cent). Other areas recording slightly lower than usual numbers of deaths in January to May were Gwynedd, Isle of Wight, Ceredigion, Mid Devon, North Devon and East Devon. IN WHICH AREAS HAVE DEATHS BEEN LOWER THAN AVERAGE DURING THE CORONAVIRUS EPIDEMIC? (Data January-May. Source: The Telegraph) PLACE NAME AVERAGE DEATHS 2020 DEATHS EXCESS DEATHS % CHANGE North East Lincolnshire 445 406 -39 -8.8% Conwy 405 372 -33 -8.1% Isle of Anglesey 212 201 -11 -5.2% Hastings 260 247 -13 -5.0% Torridge 214 204 -10 -4.7% Mendip 297 290 -7 -2.4% Rother 357 352 -5 -1.4% Gwynedd 354 351 -3 -0.8% Isle of Wight 457 454 -3 -0.7% Ceredigion 204 203 -1 -0.5% Mid Devon 205 204 -1 -0.5% North Devon 300 299 -1 -0.3% East Devon 477 476 -1 -0.2% London hasn't recorded 100 Covid-19 cases in a day for nearly a MONTH, official figures show (so, how many people have been struck down in YOUR town?) It has been almost a month since London diagnosed a hundred coronavirus patients in one day, statistics show in a sign the outbreak is fading in the capital. Department of Health figures reveal May 7 was the last time more than 100 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the city, when 147 people were diagnosed with the life-threatening disease. This has fallen consistently to just 19 on May 25, the lowest recorded on a weekday since the outbreak spiralled out of control, showing the capital has emerged from the epidemic's darkest days. Only the South West, which has been least affected by the epidemic, has gone longer without 100 cases in a day, since 113 tested positive on May 1. More than 1,000 people were being diagnosed every day in London at the peak of the outbreak but the number of cases has now plummeted to just dozens. Data shows the average number of people getting diagnosed every day in the capital fell by 82 per cent in the last week of May compared to the first, from 136 to 25. Average daily positive tests in all regions more than halved over the same period, although statistics are still being updated. Falling diagnoses comes despite an increase in the number of tests being carried out - 630,000 tests were done in the week ending May 7, compared to 836,000 up to May 25. Other regions have also seen drops in the number of people being diagnosed with the virus. In the North West, positive tests dropped from a month high of 342 on May 5 to 105 on May 25. And in the East of England they fell from 266 on May 1 to 79 on May 25. Case results have been even lower this week but it can take days for results to be analysed and fewer are recorded at the weekends, meaning last week is the most accurate recent measure. The data comes as separate statistics today revealed that the virus had pushed the numbers of deaths from all causes to more than double in some parts of London. May 7 was the last time more than 100 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the city, when 147 people were diagnosed. This has fallen consistently to just 19 on May 25, the lowest for a weekday since the outbreak spiralled out of control, showing the capital has emerged from the epidemic's darkest days The South West has gone the longest without recording 100 new cases in a day out of all England's regions, Public Health England data shows - since May 1. The North East has not hit the figure since May 9. For the East Midlands it was May 13, for Yorkshire and the West Midlands May 19, for East of England May 21, for South East England May 22, and for the North West - the most recent - it was May 29. Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, London has been the region with the most cases of the virus diagnosed, with a total of 27,021. However the North East of England, which had a lower total (10,266) has had a higher rate of infection. There, 386 people per 100,000 have caught the virus, compared to 303 per 100,000 in the capital. The rate was also higher than London's in the North West, where it has been 354 cases per 100,000 people but a total of 25,796 - almost as high as London's. People living in the South West have been least exposed to Covid-19, with just 7,680 cases diagnosed there at a rate of 137 infections per 100,000 people. HOW AVERAGE DAILY POSITIVE TESTS DROPPED IN MAY All regions of England saw the average number of positive tests they recorded each day drop by more than half between the first week of May and the last. The figures are calculated by averaging the number of positive tests each day between May 1 and May 7, and comparing this to the average number of daily positive tests between May 23 and May 29. The late May figures may still be subject to change - a five-day buffer has been left to account for as yet unreliable data over the weekend and in the past 48 hours. REGION London North East South West East of Eng Yorkshire South East West Mids North West East Mids START MAY 136 126 75 183 191 189 169 247 87 END MAY 25 32 20 51 57 62 54 101 41 % CHANGE 82% 75% 73% 72% 70% 67% 68% 59% 52% Advertisement A closer look at PHE's data shows that Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria, has the worst rate of infection of any local authority in the country. The seaside town near the Lake District has had 561 diagnosed cases of Covid-19 from a population of around 67,000 people. Its infection rate is 836 cases per 100,000 people. Ashford in Kent has seen infections at a rate of 628 per 100,000 (812 total), while the rate is 553 per 100,000 in Lancaster, where a total 798 cases have been found. Others in the list of worst-affected places include South Lakeland (Cumbria), Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Middlesbrough, Blackpool and Oldham. All except Ashford are in the hard-hit North East and North West regions of England. Meanwhile, more rural and southern areas have got off lightly in the first wave of Britain's epidemic. Torridge, Devon, is the least affected district in England, with a total of 36 cases and an infection rate of just 53 per 100,000 - 16 times lower than in Barrow-in-Furness. This is followed by Mendip in Somerset, which contains Frome and Glastonbury, where 63 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed. The infection rate is 55 per 100,000. Other areas that appear to have gotten off lightly so far include Hastings, West Lindsey (Lincolnshire), Rutland (East Midlands), South Hams (Devon), West and North Devon, Dorset and North East Lincolnshire. A decline in positive tests across all regions is noticeable by averaging the total number of daily positive tests results in the first week of May and comparing this to those in the week ending May 29. The latter figures may be subject to change but are more reliable than more recent figures from the weekend or this week, which may not yet have been completed. London recorded 82 per cent fewer cases per day, on average, at the end of May when compared to the beginning - a drop from 136 to just 25. In the North East, the average number of daily positive tests fell from 126 in the first week of May to 32 per day in the last week of the month - a 75 per cent drop. The South West saw a fall of 73 per cent from 75 cases per day to 20. In the East of England the number fell from 183 to 51 (72 per cent), and in Yorkshire and the Humber it dropped 70 per cent from 191 to a 57 daily average. In South East England the daily average fell from 189 to 62 (67 per cent), in the West Midlands it was 169 to 54 (68 per cent), in the North West 247 to 101 (59 per cent), and in the East Midlands it fell from 87 to 41 (52 per cent). The data comes after a separate analysis by The Telegraph showed that the coronavirus pandemic has driven up death rates in some parts of London to double what they are in a usual year. Official statistics show the number of Britons who died during the first five months of 2020 was massively higher than average because of the Covid-19 crisis. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday revealed at least 56,000 'excess deaths' have been recorded in England and Wales alone, while the figure for the entirety of the UK is in the region of 62,000. And while not all of these people have been direct victims of the coronavirus, many have died because of indirect impacts of the outbreak, such as reduced NHS services. The London borough of Brent is the worst affected part of England and Wales by this measure, with the number of deaths soaring from 447 in January-May in an average year to 925 in 2020 - an increase of 108 per cent. Data shows that 17 out of the 20 worst affected places across the two countries are all boroughs of the capital. Other parts of London that witnessed their death tolls approximately double were Harrow (99.7 per cent increase), Newham (95.4 per cent) and Enfield (90.3 per cent). The highest increase in deaths outside of London was seen in Hertsmere in Hertfordshire, where fatalities rose by 86.2 per cent from 236 to 439. Meanwhile, more than a dozen areas across the two countries actually appeared to be unaffected by the outbreak and saw the numbers of people dying fall to lower-than average levels. In North East Lincolnshire the death rate dropped by 8.8 per cent, while it fell by 8.2 per cent in Conwy, Wales, and by five per cent on Anglesey, off the Welsh coast. THE 20 AUTHORITIES IN ENGLAND AND WALES WITH THE MOST COVID-19 CASES... PLACE Barrow-in-Furness Ashford Lancaster South Lakeland Sunderland Gateshead South Tyneside Middlesbrough Blackpool Oldham Thanet Carlisle Knowsley Brent King's Lynn and West Norfolk Dartford Sheffield St. Helens Watford Oxford TOTAL CASES 561 812 798 527 1,381 1,005 745 678 649 1,084 651 493 670 1,476 670 479 2,541 753 404 643 CASES PER 100k 835.6 628.1 553.2 504.2 497.8 496.3 495.8 482.4 465.9 460.1 459 454.9 447.9 446.2 441.3 436.6 436.2 418.2 417.5 416.6 Advertisement ... AND THE 20 AREAS THAT HAVE RECORDED THE FEWEST COVID-19 CASES PLACE Torridge Mendip Hastings West Lindsey Rutland South Hams West Devon North Devon Dorset North East Lincolnshire East Devon Rother Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Arun Wiltshire South Somerset Teignbridge South Kesteven North Kesteven East Lindsey TOTAL CASES 36 63 55 80 35 80 53 93 365 156 141 95 576 164 534 184 148 164 135 164 CASES PER 100k 52.8 54.8 59.2 84.3 88.2 92.8 95.4 96.8 96.9 97.6 97.7 99.3 101.4 102.6 107.2 109.6 111.4 115.6 116.4 116.5 Advertisement Militant Killed in Encounter With Indian Troops in 'Continuing Infiltration Attempts in Kashmir' Sputnik News 05:39 GMT 02.06.2020 New Delhi (Sputnik): On Monday, the Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid in Jammu and Kashmir and killed at least 10 armed militants alleged to have been trained in Pakistan. Army sources claimed that they have also destroyed suspected launch pads along the Line of Control dividing the disputed region of Kashmir between the nations. Indian troops killed a militant in an encounter in Kashmir's Avantipora in the Pulwama district on Tuesday morning, in a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir police. The operation is still underway at the time of reporting. Jammu and Kashmir police said more details would be made available. On 28 May, the Indian Army foiled a suicide attack against security forces using an explosive-laden car in the Pulwama district. Tension between New Delhi and Islamabad over the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir has recently increased, and on 31 May, Delhi police detained two Pakistan mission employees on suspicions of espionage. This year the countries have engaged in more than 2,500 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), which have escalated since April. Both of the nuclear-armed South Asian nations claim Kashmir in full, with the already tense relations further deteriorating last summer when New Delhi stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status by revoking Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We have been out in the community pretty much since the crisis began, and we started to see a lot of issues of destruction in the many communities, Escareno said. I will tell you that the businesses are extremely excited to be reopening but, obviously, in many of our neighborhoods the hurt has just deepened and has made it much more difficult for them to reopen. As many as 16,000 new students between the age of 3 and 10 have been enrolled in government primary schools of the district in pre-primary to Class 5 till Tuesday, registering an increase of 14.5% over that of last year. Last year, the total students were 1,09,000 and this year, the number has risen to 1,24,000. Out of the total, 10,064 new students in the pre-primary class have been registered till date. The education department started the enrolment process for these classes in December 2019 and in the last five months, a large number of students from private schools have got admission in Classes 1 to 5. There are over 1.25 lakh students studying in pre-primary classes to Class 5 in 994 government primary schools of the district. In the enrolment progress list, released by the state education department, among the top ten, seven schools are from Ludhiana. As per the list, over 728 new students have been enrolled in the Government Primary School, Giaspura, which tops in Punjab in enrolment as compared to that of last year. The school had 2,497 students admitted in the previous academic session and, in the last few months, the number reached 3,225. School head Nisha Rani said, We conducted the admissions online after the school was closed due to lockdown. The teachers are conducting online classes and many students are studying through television. After the school re-opens, we have sufficient rooms to accommodate the students. Next in the list is Government Primary School, Haibowal Khurd, where 338 new students have been enrolled, out of which 214 have enrolled in Class 1 alone. The school head teacher, Shivani Sood, said, During lockdown, I contacted a few students of the school, who had informed their friends regarding the facilities available in our schools such as free education and textbooks, smart classrooms, mid-day meal etc. I received frequent calls from the parents who have admitted their children in primary classes. Now, the strength of the school has reached up to 1,032. According to the list, Government Primary School, Lohara, ranked third in the list, where the school has enrolled 323 new students in different classes. Now the school has a total strength of 1,195 students now. District education officer, elementary, Rajinder Kaur, said, All the school heads and teachers have made a lot of efforts to increase enrolment. We also held meetings through Zoom with school heads to motivate them to enhance enrolment in their schools, which resulted in more new students opting for government schools. Deputy district education officer Kuldeep Singh also made efforts and encouraged school heads to enhance enrolment in government primary schools. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Oregon officials disclosed that a Hood River County, Ore. pear-packing company is the site of the latest COVID-19 outbreak connected 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 Oregonian/OregonLive reported. 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 Friday, the state said. 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. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics COVID-19 Oregon Kabul: A top Afghanistan official has said Mullah Yaqoob, the son of Mullah Omar--founder of Afghan Taliban, has taken over as interim commander of the group. The development occurs amid disagreements among members of the group over the leadership. "Mullah Yaqoob (son of mullah Omar) has taken reins of Taliban movement and leading it currently. Taliban leadership is in disarray due to emerging disagreements. Several leaders are infected with COVID-19. Some members of the political office in Doha have been removed," Rahmatullah Nabil, former Director of National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghanistan, said in a tweet. 1-/3 Mullah Yaqoob (son of mullah Omar) has taken reins of Taliban movement and leading it currently. Taliban leadership is in disarray due to emerging disagreements. Several leaders are infected with COVID-19. Some members of the political office in Doha have been removed https://t.co/N1Y2MjsypP Rahmatullah Nabil (@RahmatullahN) May 31, 2020 Meanwhile, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, Chief of Taliban group, may have died due to COVID-19 infection in Afghanistan, media reports said. Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, Chief of Taliban, could be dead due to the novel Coronavirus infection in Afghanistan, a senior Taliban insider told News Intervention. The Taliban insider added that soon after contracting COVID-19, Mullah Hibatullah had developed severe respiratory complications. It may be possible that Taliban could keep Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzadas death under wraps for some time before a formal announcement, the Taliban told News Intervention. The Taliban group did not comment on the issue so far. The United States Embassy in Nigeria has warned its citizens against visiting its consulate office at Walter Carrington Crescent in Vi... The United States Embassy in Nigeria has warned its citizens against visiting its consulate office at Walter Carrington Crescent in Victoria Island, Lagos, over a planned protest against the killing of George Floyd. Floyd, an African-American man, was killed on Monday by a Minneapolis police officer. Video clips of the incident on the internet showed where a white police officer was kneeling on his neck for nearly 10 minutes. The incident sparked off protests, some of which led to looting and vandalism of shops, across the US. As a result of this, the US government imposed a curfew on over 25 states in the country. The US authorities also announced investigations into the death of the deceased and that four police officers involved in the incident have been sacked. Some Nigerians, on Tuesday, protested against the murder of Floyd at the US embassy in Abuja, calling for an end to racial discrimination and injustice. In an alert published on its website, the US embassy advised its citizens to be aware of their surroundings and avoid areas surrounding the US consulate office building. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos has received reports that demonstrators plan to gather in front of the Consulate on Wednesday, June 03, 2020 to protest current events in the United States, the alert read. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Avoid the areas of Walter Carrington Crescent, the U.S. Consulate General office building, and surrounding areas. Avoid demonstrations and large crowds. Be aware of your surroundings. Monitor local media for updates. Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa. Review your personal security plans. Wear a mask when in public spaces to protect yourself and others from the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to smolder and smoke in many parts of the world, with over 100,000 cases, and more than 3,000 deaths reported every day. Many factors are responsible for the higher risk of infection in certain specific population subgroups are known. Now, a new study published in the online preprint server medRxiv* in May 2020 shows that smoking may not be a risk factor for higher rates of infection or severity of disease in COVID-19. The pandemic has led to over 380,000 deaths in just five months, especially among the elderly and sick. Study: Smoking and the risk of COVID-19 in a large observational population study. Image Credit: Nopphon_1987 / Shutterstock Smoking and Disease Smoking is a well-established risk factor for lung disease, both acute infections, and more chronic or complicated conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease. However, reports on the role of smoking in COVID-19 have yielded unexpectedly contradictory conclusions. While some reports point to a comparable risk among smokers and non-smokers, others demonstrate a lower rate of infection among COVID-19 positives. The clinical outcomes among this group are also not clear. A review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) brings these diverse conclusions together, emphasizing the need for more research to determine the level of risk in this subgroup. How Was the Study Done? The current study was a large population-based study carried out among 3 million adults who belonged to Clalit Health Services, the largest of Israel's four state-mandated health service organizations. Clalit has central electronic health records, which include data on its members stretching back for over 20 years, to provide a comprehensive timeline-based picture of the relationship between smoking and COVID-19 disease and severity of infection. The study was designed to be a case-control study, among patients who were tested for the virus, to measure the impact of smoking on the incidence and severity of COVID-19, with five COVID-19-negative controls for each confirmed case. Cases and controls were matched for age, sex, and ethnic origin/religion. Data on other existing medical conditions as well as smoking status was available for over 90% of the population. Hospital records provided by the Israeli Ministry of Health were accessed for information on disease severity, the number of patients on ventilation, and mortality. The researchers constructed two models to estimate the odds of testing positive for the infection and to adjust for other illnesses such as hypertension, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and obesity. What Effect Did Smoking Have on COVID-19 Odds? Since the beginning of the outbreak up to May 3, 2020, over 114,000 individuals have been tested for the infection, with a case-positive rate of 4%. Almost 10% of them were current smokers, and 12% had a history of smoking. This compares to current and past smoking rates of 19% and 14%, respectively, in the general population. The same ratio was maintained in the matched control group, with a current smoking rate of 19%, thus leading to an odds ratio of 0.457. The odds for testing positive among past smokers were also slightly lower at 0.8. When adjusted for the effect of other existing illnesses, the estimate remained robust. The odds for infection among those with cancer and asthma were significantly lower at 0.8 in both cases, compared to those with other conditions. On the other hand, obesity conferred higher odds of risk for infection. When severe or fatal outcomes were compared, there was no significant effect of smoking, either current or past, on the odds of death due to infection. Being female was reduced with lower odds of death by almost half. As shown by numerous other studies, being above 35 years increased the odds of death by 4-fold, 20-fold, and almost 70-fold, in the groups aged 35-54 years, 55-74 years, and above 75 years of age, compared to the 18-34 year age group. Among the other illnesses, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, peripheral vascular disease, and cancer were the other conditions directly associated with significantly higher odds of death following COVID-19. Possible Explanations for Smoking Effects on COVID-19 The current study included a considerable proportion of asymptomatic and mild cases that were not hospitalized. The results, therefore, reflect a large-scale effect, which may not have been the case with earlier studies based on hospitalized patient samples. The current study did not differentiate between various levels of smoking, which rules out any dose-response effect for either risk or protection against COVID-19. These findings may be the result of unique effects produced on the precise mechanisms of infection used by the novel coronavirus. One model depends on the presence of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, which is hypothesized to be vital for this infection to occur. In this model, the virus enters the central nervous system (CNS) via this receptor on the olfactory neurons. This neurotropic model explains the neurologic symptoms seen with COVID-19 infection, including anosmia and ageusia, or severe tiredness. Another theory is that the viral ACE2 receptor for the virus on the host cells is affected explicitly by smoking. Again, cytokines like IL-6, which are associated with an unfavorable cytokine storm syndrome, causing hyperinflammatory conditions which result in organ damage, might be lowered by smoking. Importance of the Study This is the first study to look at this association of smoking and COVID-19 on such a large scale. The reduced odds of infection by almost half in smokers seem to show that smoking does protect the individual against SARS-CoV-2 infection. A past history of smoking also appears to have a genuine, though less pronounced, protective effect. The question remains as to whether this is due to secret smoking at the present time in the "Past Smokers" group, or the residual effects of past smoking still acting on the lungs. While smoking continues to be viewed as a destructive habit, with high addiction potential, the putative protective effect of smoking on infection with COVID-19 could offer researchers "promising new directions for fighting this disease, based on a better understanding of the mechanisms by which smoking reduces the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection." *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. MADISON -Using the Wisconsin H-Alpha Mapper telescope, astronomers have for the first time measured the Fermi Bubbles in the visible light spectrum. The Fermi Bubbles are two enormous outflows of high-energy gas that emanate from the Milky Way and the finding refines our understanding of the properties of these mysterious blobs. The research team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UW-Whitewater and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University measured the emission of light from hydrogen and nitrogen in the Fermi Bubbles at the same position as recent ultraviolet absorption measurements made by the Hubble Telescope. "We combined those two measurements of emission and absorption to estimate the density, pressure and temperature of the ionized gas, and that lets us better understand where this gas is coming from," says Dhanesh Krishnarao, lead author of the new study and an astronomy graduate student at UW-Madison. The researchers announced their findings June 3 at the 236th meeting of the American Astronomical Society, which was held virtually for the first time since 1899, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Extending 25,000 light years both above and below the center of the Milky Way, the Fermi Bubbles were discovered in 2010 by the Fermi Gamma Ray Telescope. These faint but highly energetic outflows of gas are racing away from the center of the Milky Way at millions of miles per hour. But while the origin of the phenomenon has been inferred to date back several million years ago, the events that produced the bubbles remain a mystery. Now, with new measurements of the density and pressure of the ionized gas, researchers can test models of the Fermi Bubbles against observations. "The other significant thing is that we now have the possibility of measuring the density and pressure and the velocity structure in many locations," with the all-sky WHAM telescope, says Bob Benjamin, a professor of astronomy at UW-Whitewater and co-author of the study. "We can do an extensive mapping effort across the Fermi Bubbles above and below the plane of the galaxy to see if the models that people have developed are holding up. Because, unlike the ultraviolet data, we're not limited to just specific lines of sight." Matt Haffner, professor of physics and astronomy at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a co-author of the report, says the work demonstrates the usefulness of the WHAM telescope, developed at UW-Madison, to tell us more about the workings of the Milky Way. The central region of our home galaxy has long been difficult to study because of gas blocking out view, but WHAM has provided new opportunities to gather the kind of information we have for distant galaxies. "There are regions of the galaxy we can target with very sensitive instruments like WHAM to get this kind of new information toward the center that previously we are only able to do in the infrared and radio," says Haffner. "We can make comparisons to other galaxies by making the same kind of measurements towards the center of the Milky Way." ### --Eric Hamilton, (608) 263-1986, eshamilton@wisc.edu The government on Wednesday said it has launched a new initiative SWADES to conduct a skill mapping exercise of the Indian citizens returning from overseas under the Vande Bharat Mission. SWADES (Skilled Workers Arrival Database for Employment Support) is aimed at making the best of skilled workforce returning to the country due to the ongoing pandemic. This is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of External Affairs, which aims to create a database of qualified citizens based on their skill-sets and experience to tap into and fulfil demand of Indian and foreign companies, an official statement said. The collected information will be shared with the companies for suitable placement opportunities in the country. The returning citizens are required to fill up an online SWADES Skills Card. The card will facilitate a strategic framework to provide the returning citizens with suitable employment opportunities through discussions with key stakeholders including state governments, industry associations and employers. Commenting on the collaboration, Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said, These are testing times and it is crucial that the entire country comes together and supports the Centre in its efforts to address the challenges posed by the economic downturn caused by the COVID19 pandemic. He said the data collected through SWADES Skill Card will help the citizens with job prospects and bridge the demand-supply gap. The spread of COVID-19 across the globe has had a significant economic impact with thousands of workers losing their jobs and hundreds of companies shutting down globally. Many of our citizens returning to the country through the Vande Bharat Mission of the Government of India may be facing uncertainty regarding their future employment opportunities, the statement said. It said lakhs of citizens have registered at the various Indian missions requesting to return to the country and so far, more than 57,000 people have already returned to the country. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, commented, In view of the global emergency caused by the unprecedented spread of the Novel Coronavirus, we are committed to provide every possible support to our citizens stranded abroad and the challenges they are facing due to job losses. We shall actively promote the SWADES Skill Card initiative through our Embassies/ High Commissions/Consulates across different countries. The initiative will help in deployment of returning Indian workforce matching their skill sets. The online form has been created to gather required details of the returning citizens. The form contains the details such as details related to the work sector, job title, employment, years of experience. A toll free call centre facility has also been set up to support the citizens for any queries related to filling the form. The SWADES Skill Form (online) was made live on May 30, 2020 and has garnered around 7000 registrations till 3rd June 2020 (2 pm). Amongst the data gathered so far, the top countries from where the citizens are returning are UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the statement said. As per the skill mapping, these citizens had been primarily employed in sectors such as oil and gas, construction, tourism and hospitality, automotive and aviation. The data also suggests that the states which have shown highest returning labour are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana, said the official statement. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved the arrest and prosecution of a police officer, Duncan Ndiema Ndiwah, over the shooting of a 13-year-old boy in Huruma, Nairobi in March. DPP Noordin Haji said this is in connection with the fatal shooting of Yassin Hussein Moyo at the balcony of his home on March 30, 2020. On the fateful day, the teenager had been watching police enforce the 7 pm curfew with his mother and siblings when a stray bullet struck him in the stomach. The boys father, Hussein Moyo Molte, was watching the news at a friends place nearby when he heard gunshots moments before his daughter called to tell him, Yassins been shot, we were on the balcony, the police had a torch on us and then they fired shots, he recounted. Neighbors rushed Yassin to the Mama Lucy Hospital where he later succumbed to the gunshot wound. My child was shot on the balcony at home, he wasnt even on the street. I support the curfew but how the policeman handled it was very wrong, said Moyo. Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Tuesday revealed that 15 Kenyans have been killed by police officers since the nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew was effected on March 27. After preliminary investigations, fifteen (15) deaths and thirty-one (31) incidents where victims sustained injuries have directly been linked to actions of police officers during the curfew enforcement, said IPOA in a statement. At the same time, DPP Noordin Haji said his office has received 80 cases of police brutality since October 2019. Speaking during a webinar on Human Rights and Government Response Measures to COVID-19 Pandemic, Haji said his office is currently working with IPOA for a judicious expedition of the cases. He also lauded IPOA but noted that the authoritys efforts were being hindered by limited human resource capacity. IPOA has since dispatched Rapid Response teams to establish the circumstances that led to six other fatalities in the latest incidents. These include the gunning down of a homeless man in Mathare, Nairobi on June 1, 2020, shooting of a woman at a police roadblock in Emali on May 31, 2020, the fatal shooting of three family members in Kwale on May 30, 2020, as well as two fatalities within Katanin Village, Kabiyet Sub-County, Nandi County on May 29, 2020. Upon conclusion of the investigations and pursuant to Section 6(a) of the Act, the Authority will make recommendations, including prosecution if criminal culpability is established on the part of the police officers involved, said IPOA. Night and weekend curfew in Jammu and Kashmir 2022: Know guidelines, rules: What is allowed, what is not Shah Faesal to be released; Stringent Public Safety Act revoked India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, June 03: Former bureaucrat turned Jammu and Kashmir politician Shah Faesal is likely to be released as the stringent Public Safety Act against him was revoked. The controversial Public Safety Act (PSA) against Faesal, which was extended by three months on May 14, has now been superseded by the order on Wednesday from the Home Department of the Union Territory. Faesal, who was under detention after scrapping of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, was booked under the PSA in February this year, with his detention being extended barely hours before it was to come to an end. Mehbooba Mufti's detention under PSA extended by 3 months Cyclone Nisarga uproots trees, damages cars and buildings in Maharashtra| Oneindia News The Home Department also revoked the stringent action against senior PDP leaders Sartaj Madani and Peer Mansoor. Madani was lodged with National Conference general secretary Ali Mohammed Sagar at a government bunglaow. Their detention had been extended on May 5 for a period of three months. PHILADELPHIA The city of Philadelphia took a step to heal a notable scar from its past early Wednesday morning by quietly removing the statue of the former mayor Frank Rizzo, who took a confrontational approach to black and gay people as police commissioner in the 1960s and 70s. But even as the city carted away the bronze statue, long criticized as a symbol of racism and division, it still had to confront fresh anger from protesters decrying police brutality as well as a wave of looting and destruction that have evoked some of the anguish of Mr. Rizzos era. This is the beginning of the healing process in our city, Mayor Jim Kenney said on Wednesday as he stood near the empty space where the statue had been. This is not the end of the process. Taking the statue down is not the be-all and end-all of where we need to go. The statue of Mr. Rizzo, his hand aloft in a wave, had sat on the steps of a municipal services building facing City Hall since its unveiling in 1999. Mr. Rizzo, whose funeral in 1991 was presided over by two cardinals and was one of the largest in the citys history, was loved and detested before he died of a heart attack at age 70 in the midst of his fifth campaign for mayor. [June 03, 2020] Worldwide Enterprise WLAN Market Shows Moderate Decline in First Quarter of 2020, According to IDC The combined consumer and enterprise worldwide wireless local area network (WLAN) market segments rose 2.3% year over year in the first quarter of 2020 (1Q20), according to results published in the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly WLAN Tracker. The enterprise segment fell 2.2% year over year in 1Q20 with $1.3 billion in revenue. The first quarter of 2020 began showing the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on the enterprise WLAN market. The novel coronavirus began spreading in China early in the quarter then expanded into Europe and North America later in the quarter. The subsequent lockdown of economies represented a headwind for the enterprise WLAN market. A driver for the enterprise WLAN market is the new Wi-Fi 6 standard, also known as 802.11ax. Across the enterprise market, Wi-Fi 6-supported dependent access points (APs) made up 11.8% of unit shipments and 21.8% of revenues. The previous generation standard, 802.11ac, still made up the majority of shipments (80.9%) and revenues (76.2%). Meanwhile, the consumer WLAN market grew 5.5% year over year in 1Q20. Within the consumer market, 62.5% of shipments and 79.4% of revenues were for 802.11ac products. APs supporting the older 802.11n standard still made up 36.9% of unit shipments and 17.6% of revenues, not surprising given the price sensitivity seen across many emerging markets. "Wireless connectivity remains an important technology for organizations around the world as more users and devices than ever rely on mobile devices to connect to bandwidth-intensive applications," said Brandon Butler, senior research analyst, Network Infrastructure at IDC (News - Alert). "The WLAN market is not immune to the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic that has been sweeping across the world over the last few months. Results from the market's first quarter of 2020 show the early effect of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown, which will continue to impact the market into the second quarter of 2020." From a geographic perspective, the WLAN market saw strong growth in the Middle East and Africa region, which increased 8.4% year over year in 1Q20. The United Arab Emirates was up 12.0% and Turkey's market grew 15.7%. North American markets fared well in the quarter too: The USA market grew 6.9% in 1Q20 while the Canadian enterprise WLAN market was up 10.6% in 1Q20. The market in the People's Republic of China declined in 1Q20 by a significant 23.0%. The broader Asia/Pacifc region, excluding Japan and China, was off 10.6%, with India declining 13.6% and Australia down 15.6%. Japan's market fell 2.8%. European markets had mixed results, with Central and Eastern Europe up 1.8% year over year, driven by Russia's enterprise WLAN market growing 6.0% and Poland increasing 6.6%. Western Europe was off 6.2% with declines in the United Kingdom (-3.9%), Germany (-7.7%), and France (-9.8%). "The enterprise WLAN market saw mixed results across geographies, based largely on the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic," noted Petr Jirovsky, research director, Worldwide Networking Trackers. "The pandemic initially hit Asian countries, which resulted in many regional economies slowing investments in WLAN technology. Given the pandemic has now spread across the rest of the world, IDC expects impacts on the enterprise WLAN market to continue into the second quarter of 2020." Key Enterprise WLAN Vendor Updates: Cisco's (News - Alert) enterprise WLAN revenues decreased 6.7% year over year in 1Q20 to $611 million. Cisco remains the market share leader, finishing the quarter with 45.7% share, up from 44.6% for the full year 2019. enterprise WLAN revenues decreased 6.7% year over year in 1Q20 to $611 million. Cisco remains the market share leader, finishing the quarter with 45.7% share, up from 44.6% for the full year 2019. HPE-Aruba revenues rose 14.2% year over year in 1Q20. The company's market share increased from 13.8% for the full year 2019 to 14.4% in 1Q20. revenues rose 14.2% year over year in 1Q20. The company's market share increased from 13.8% for the full year 2019 to 14.4% in 1Q20. Ubiquiti (News - Alert) saw its enterprise WLAN revenues rise 24.8% year over year. The company's market share stood at 9.5% in 1Q20, up from 7.0% for the full year 2019. saw its enterprise WLAN revenues rise 24.8% year over year. The company's market share stood at 9.5% in 1Q20, up from 7.0% for the full year 2019. CommScope (formerly ARRIS/Ruckus) revenues declined in 1Q20 by 4.7% year over year. The company held 5.2% market share in 1Q20. (formerly ARRIS/Ruckus) revenues declined in 1Q20 by 4.7% year over year. The company held 5.2% market share in 1Q20. Huawei's (News - Alert) revenues declined 15.0% year over year in 1Q20; its market share stood at 3.8% to end the quarter. A graphic illustrating the worldwide enterprise revenue share of the top 5 WLAN companies over the previous five quarters is available by viewing this press release on IDC.com. The IDC Worldwide Quarterly WLAN Tracker provides total market size and vendors share data in an easy-to-use Excel Pivot Table format. The geographic coverage includes 8 major regions (USA, Canada, Latin America, AP excluding Japan, Japan, Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa) and 58 countries. The WLAN market is further segmented by product class, product type, product, standard, and location. Measurement for the WLAN market is provided in factory revenue, customer revenue, and unit shipments. About IDC Trackers IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, vendor share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC's Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly excel deliverables and on-line query tools. About IDC International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,100 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter (News - Alert) at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights: http://bit.ly/IDCBlog_Subscribe. All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005782/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Rapid City Police Department says five Black Lives Matter protesters were arrested Tuesday evening after blocking traffic, but the department is also frustrated by counter-protesters who are agitating protesters. We need to intervene when people are creating a public safety hazard, police spokesman Brendyn Medina said Wednesday. Lying down in the street or trying to stop traffic at night is very hazardous and officers had to react at a moments notice to keep protesters and drivers safe, he said. But about two dozen counter-protesters also endangered public safety, Medina said of the group that arrived with American, Confederate, Thin Blue Line and Trump flags. Officers were running at a sprint to get between protesters and counter-protesters when the latter arrived, Medina said. Anybody on the ground will recognize they were trying to escalate things. He said the BLM demonstrators were about to leave but some decided to keep protesting for another two hours after counter-protesters yelled obscenities at them while driving by in trucks. That was the least helpful thing anybody could do in that moment, Medina said. Medina said counter-protesters have the right to free speech and assembly just like protesters do, but it would be helpful if they did so elsewhere. Theres so much city for both to occupy, he said. Why do you have to go out of your way to come to an area where you know the other group is? Protest, arrests The protest in memory of George Floyd and against police brutality began just before 7 p.m. at Main Street Square, Medina said in a press release. Police arrived to monitor the group. About 200 people walked to the courthouse, demonstrated, and then attempted to occupy Saint Joseph Street, the release says. A man with a bullhorn led the group into the street and he and others lied down in the roadway. This forced police to block and divert traffic for the safety of the demonstrators, Medina wrote. Officers told the group to leave the road and the group left to protest at the Public Safety Building and then at Main Street Square. At one point after returning to Main Street Square, the demonstrators were engaged by a group of counter-protesters, Medina wrote. Law enforcement had to intervene in order to ensure the situation did not escalate further and the counter-protesters eventually left. As the protest was about to wrap up, officers spotted the man with the bullhorn, the arrest says. They arrested the 19-year-old from Rapid City and charged him with disorderly conduct and assembly. This is also when some of the counter-protesters began driving by and yelling from their trucks, and 50-60 protesters re-assembled and continued marching. The group went back to the courthouse and then to Memorial Park. As they headed southbound onto Mount Rushmore Road and then east onto Saint Joseph Street, several people entered the roadway in an attempt to block vehicles that had a green light, Medina said. Those seen engaging in this dangerous behavior were detained and arrested and the group was declared an unlawful assembly near Saint Joseph and 7th streets, the release says. Three people were arrested at this time a 41-year-old Rapid City man, a 15-year-old minor and a 16-year-old minor. All were charged with disorderly conduct and the 16-year-old was also charged with disorderly assembly. Police declared an unlawful assembly because despite repeated warning about unlawful behavior over public address systems, members of this group continued to engage in unlawful behavior, Medina wrote. Even after making arrests of the unlawful and downright dangerous behavior, members of the group continued to engage in the same behavior. It was clear that no amount of police intervention was going to convince the demonstrators to discontinue this behavior if they stayed as a group. This is why the group was asked to disperse. The group eventually broke up near Saint Joseph and 6th streets. Police later arrested an 18-year-old Rapid City woman who was previously seen laying in the roadway in front of the courthouse. She was charged with disorderly conduct. Medina said he would need to speak with the arresting officers when the Journal asked why police couldnt temporarily detain and cite the protesters rather than book them into jail given their minor charges and the coronavirus pandemic. The immediate priority was removing these people form creating further danger to a large group of people, he said. Our goal is the protection of all people ... were not out there to arrest our way out of this protest. Contact Arielle Zionts at arielle.zionts@rapidcityjournal.com. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2 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. Reports of Chinese plans to declare an Air Defense Identification Zone over the disputed South China Sea have resurfaced in news media amid rising tensions in the region. But experts remain skeptical that China would take such a provocative, hard-to-enforce measure. The South China Morning Post reported this week that China has planned for an ADIZ over the South China Sea since 2010. It quoted an unnamed Chinese military source as saying the ADIZ would be announced at the right time and cover the entirety of the Spratly, Paracel, and Pratas Islands. China itself has not announced an ADIZ declaration is imminent. China has, however, made a number of recent, unilateral moves to assert jurisdiction across the South China Sea. Through April and May, it sent a survey ship into Malaysian waters to pressure a Malaysian enterprise out of exploring for resources. In April, China announced two new administrative districts to govern the Paracel and Spratly Islands. It also named 80 new tiny features in waters claimed by Vietnam. Declaring an ADIZ would be a major step, though. An ADIZ is an area where civilian aircraft are tracked and identified before further entering into a countrys airspace, although it does not restrict travel in and out of its limits, nor does it usually apply to military aircraft. In practice, it would likely mean civilian planes would need to report their presence to Chinese air traffic control, and could potentially be intercepted if they didnt although China has yet to take such an action on the ADIZ it established seven years ago over the East China Sea, further north. The proposed South China Sea ADIZ would cover a vast area. Experts say enforcing it would present huge logistical challenges for Chinas air force and could provoke diplomatic backlash. Of late, the U.S. has upped the tempo of its military aircraft flights over Chinese-claimed features in the South China Sea. Other nations maintain airstrips on islands they occupy in the area. I dont see how at this particular juncture its in Chinas interest to declare something they cannot enforce, said Bonnie Glaser, director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington. How far would China go? There is no international law or treaty specifically stating what can and cant be a valid ADIZ. Technically the only limit is whether a country is willing to enforce compliance with it. This can, but does not always, include sending fighter jets to intercept or escort civilian aircraft that fail to identify themselves within the ADIZ. The question of how far China would go to enforce its ADIZs was a key concern for its neighbors in the past. China declared an ADIZ over the East China Sea in 2013 in response to Japans government buying some of the disputed Senkaku islands known as the Diaoyu Dao by China from a private Japanese owner. This prompted protests by South Korea, the United States, Japan, and Taiwan. The language China used for its Air Defense Identification Zone in 2013 was different from what other countries used, said Glaser, because it warned of some consequences if aircraft did not identify themselves. So there was this little threat language there that people objected to at the time. According to Brendan Mulvaney, Director of the Alabama-based China Aerospace Studies Institute, China would be likely to enforce a South China Sea ADIZ similarly to how they enforced the East China Sea one -- by applying economic coercion and diplomatic pressure to air freight companies, passenger fleets, and the countries they come from. Today, most every country and company in the region complies with that ADIZ, although the U.S. and Japan still do not recognize it. Neither Glaser nor Mulvaney thought it would be easy for China to effectively enforce an ADIZ over the South China Sea if one was announced soon. China has no hope of enforcing an ADIZ around airspace that is currently dominated by other powers. Its just not going to be able to force an ADIZ in the Spratlys, Glaser said. Multiple countries including Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines have built airstrips on features in the Spratlys, and would regularly contest any such zone. Mulvaney said enforcing an ADIZ through intercepts would be feasible, but would stretch Chinas air force to its limit, as no aircraft is permanently based in the Spratlys although military aircraft have been spotted periodically on its main base on Fiery Cross Reef, within that island chain. It will be a trade-off for how much they want to take away from training, exercises, and operations, in the name of escorting/intercepting aircraft that really are no threat to the PRC mainland, he said. 'Chipping away' the global order The concept of an ADIZ has been invoked by many other countries and is not unique to China. The United States maintains four of them around its overseas territories and North America, and Japan has one that is mostly aligned with its exclusive economic zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Philippines maintains an ADIZ over its part of the South China Sea, covering Scarborough Shoal. Glaser said it is more plausible that China could announce such a measure over just a portion of the South China Sea. From my conversations with people, I think that either China waits, or as an interim measure in the near term could declare an ADIZ solely over the Paracels, she said. China already occupies every feature in the Paracels -- which lies closer to the Chinese mainland than the Spratlys as well as rotated planes through its base at Woody Island before, and controls the airspace above them. Mulvaney and Glaser said a new ADIZ could bring some modest strategic benefits for China by controlling yet another dimension of the South China Sea, and most civilian airliners or companies would likely comply. Mulvaney said overlapping or disputed ADIZs, including the existing one in the East China Sea, are not really that difficult to comply with. Very little state-to-state interaction is necessary, and most civilian air carriers are willing to make the few extra radio calls necessary to continue flying through a countrys ADIZ without trouble. But such a declaration over the South China Sea which is already the focus of a six-way, seemingly intractable territorial dispute for waters, islands and reefs on the ocean itself would reinforce the perception that China is writing its own rules. Beijing has in recent years skirted international law with its sweeping claims and artificial island-building and used strong-arm tactics to bully the vessels of other claimants. Mulvaney said it would be another example of China chipping away at the current world order and international norms. Similar to the salami slicing technique of feature building, unless other nations protest and oppose this ADIZ, China hopes it will become just a fact of life over time, he said. South Africa has partnered with NASA to host a deep-space ground station, which will support human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. With this collaboration, South Africa became the fourth country after the US, Spain and Australia to host a deep space ground station. The partnership between the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to host the space station followed an earlier agreement between the two organisations for the establishment of the station at Matjiesfontein town in the Western Cape Province. "The station will support human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. It will be integrated into an existing network of three sites in the United States of America, Spain and Australia," the South African government said in a statement on Monday. "As the fourth site, it will complement the other three sites and provide improved coverage and redundancy for critical mission support. SANSA will operate, maintain and manage the station," it said. The station will benefit South Africa in, amongst others, the development of scarce skills and the growth of the science, engineering, technology and innovation sector. It will also provide opportunities to feed the knowledge economy and increase the national research output in space science and technology. SANSA Managing Director Raoul Hodges said South Africa's advantage was its location at the southern tip of Africa, with the climate at Matjiesfontein being ideal for the frequency that will be involved in the space studies. Work is expected to start soon on building the dish antennas, with a height equivalent to a 20-storey building. "The dishes need to be large enough to capture the faint signals sent from millions or even billions of miles away (from earth)," the NASA said in a statement. The partnership between SANSA and NASA comes almost half a century after a tracking station was built by NASA at Hartbeestfontein in South Africa in 1961 to track NASA probes that were being sent beyond the earth's orbit. The facility was converted to a radio astronomy observatory after the original venture ended in 1974 when NASA quit South Africa because of the growing international opposition to the white-minority apartheid government. (Picture credit: AP/ For representational purpose) But for all the hydra-headed chemistry on display, some of the album's most striking moments come from Run the Jewels' diversity of perspectives as one of hip-hop's preeminent multiracial partnerships. The despairingly insightful "Walking in the Snow" starts as El-P attempts to find some sort of sense in working-class white MAGA types supporting policies that will only hurt them in the end, only to give up the search by the verse's last lines: "What a disingenuous way to piss away existence, I don't get it / You lost your goddamn minds if y'all possessed one to begin with." Following that, Mike offers a blistering sermon from the other side of the racial divide, weaving a rich tapestry of injustice that starts with inequities in public schooling and threads its way to police brutality and liberal white complacency: "You so numb you watch the cops choke out a man like me / Until my voice goes from a shriek to a whispered 'I can't breathe' / And you sit there, in house, on couch, and watch it on TV / The most you give's a Twitter rant and call it a tragedy." (That this specific reference to Eric Garner would apply equally to yet another Black man choked to death by police for no reason just weeks before the album's release is both ghastly and something that the song itself foresees.) Are black lives in danger due to systemic racism in American policing? Are black and brown bodies under systematic assault by white racists? The numbers from recent years suggest that the answer to both questions is no. There are few instances in which unarmed blacks are killed by white police officers. To the extent that, in these instances, the police officer acted wrongfully, the officer must be held fully accountable. However, the low number of instances compared to the frequency of encounters undercuts any claim of a systemic policing problem in this regard. Similarly, the statistics on interracial violence undercut the claim that white racists pose a serious threat to black and brown bodies. Blacks engage in violence against whites far more frequently than whites engage in violence against blacks. Today, I want to examine the 2019 numbers on police shootings. Daniel Horowitz reports them here, citing the Washington Posts database. According to the Posts data, nine unarmed black people were shot dead by cops in 2019. Nineteen unarmed white people shared the same fate. These numbers confirm that black lives are not in danger due to systemic police racism. Nine incidents do not demonstrate a systemic problem. If the nine killings were all unjustified, that would be nine too many. However, Horowitz cites a series of tweets that analyze the nine cases. If the facts presented in these tweets are accurate, it seems that most of the nine killings were justified. To cite a few examples: Marzues Scott attacked a store employee. He then attacked a female police officer, knocking her to the ground, who then shot and killed him. Two officers in Oklahoma shot Isaiah Lewis. He was running naked and charged an officer, beating him unconscious, after which his partner shot and killed him. Police shot Atatiana Jefferson through the window of her home. Not sure why its categorized as the killing of an unarmed person, since she apparently did have a gun and according to her 8 year old nephew pointed it at the officer. The 2019 data Ive discussed includes only shootings. We know that not everyone who dies at the hands of the police is shot. George Floyd, for example, wasnt shot. However, as Horowitz suggests, if the Floyd killing were part of a systemic problem of cops killing blacks without justification, we would almost surely see the problem reflected in shootings of unarmed African-Americans. But we dont. President Donald Trump claimed he and his administration have done more for African Americans than "any president since Abraham Lincoln," insisting that the "BEST IS YET TO COME." His statement was made on the eighth day of the George Floyd protests, in which thousands of people have taken to the street over the killing of yet another unarmed black man at the hands of police. Since the protests began, videos have been widely shared on social media of police beating and gassing protesters, hitting people with cars, and harassing and attacking journalists. Mr Trump is using active-duty military personnel to respond to protesting inside the District of Columbia. "My Admin has done more for the Black Community than any President since Abraham Lincoln. Passed Opportunity Zones with @SenatorTimScott, guaranteed funding for HBCU's, School Choice, passed Criminal Justice Reform, lowest Black unemployment, poverty and crime rates in history," Mr Trump tweeted. "AND THE BEST IS YET TO COME!" Mr Trump claimed in a Twitter thread that his administration has worked to enact criminal justice reform, that "opportunity zones" to incentivize businesses to open in poor communities have been established and that black Americans had record low unemployment rates prior to the pandemic. While the First Step Act - likely what Mr Trump is referencing when he says 'criminal justice reform' - is a well regarded piece of legislation addressing much needed prison reforms, it was also under his administration that former US Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued memos reducing the federal government's ability to step in and regulate local law enforcement offices. The memos signed by Mr Sessions greatly reduced the federal government's ability to reign in and reform local police departments using consent decree agreements. Consent decrees were used during President Barack Obama's terms to overhaul police departments in Baltimore and Ferguson. As for opportunity zones, while some poor communities have benefited from them, the policy has largely been used by wealthy, high-profile investors to reap the benefits of tax-free incentives. Reporting for the New York Times, reporter David Yaffe-Bellany said the opportunity zones' most visible impact was among the "wealthiest Americans." "They are poised to reap billions in untaxed profits on high-end apartment buildings and hotels in trendy neighbourhoods, storage facilities that employ only a handful of workers or student housing in bustling college towns," he wrote. Recommended Pentagon chief walks back administration plan for Insurrection Act Notable investors include Mark Cuban, hedge fund manager Leon Cooperman, Sidney Kohl of the Kohl's department store chain and big banks like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs. School Choice is a Republican effort to weaken public school systems by offering families money to send their kids to private charter schools or to fund home-school education. While studies have shown that well-regulated charter schools provide education at or above the level of public schools, charter schools that aren't well regulated frequently fall far below the educational standards of public schools. With regard to Mr Trump's unemployment claims, while the rates were low, they aren't any longer. Unemployment rate among black Americans rose to 16.7 percent since the onset of the virus, and communities of colour have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. WALLINGFORD The Town Council unanimously voted to censure Councilor Craig Fishbein this week for retweeting a meme with a racial message. Fishbein himself voted in favor of his own censure. He retweeted a meme on Saturday showing an image of presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden giving a speech with the words If you arent setting fire to buildings.. ..THEN YOU AINT BLACK on top of the image. Fishbein issued an apology Monday afternoon and removed the image from his page a couple hours later. Councilor Joe Marrone made the motion to censure Fishbein during Tuesday nights special meeting. Vice Chairman Tom Laffin seconded the motion. Chairman Vincent Cervoni said the motion was out of order since the Town Council is not supposed to add items to a special meeting agenda. Town Corporation Counsel Janis Small said its a problem under the Freedom of Information Act. Councilor Chris Shortell made a motion to appeal Cervonis decision. Fishbein abstained, Cervoni voted no, all others voted to appeal Cervonis decision. Marrone read a statement calling the meme Fishbein retweeted backwards and unsophisticated and that the Town Council should distance itself from such comments. Fishbein said it was a "very bad mistake" and that he tried to undo the retweet at the time, but couldn't figure out how. He figured out how to delete it Monday, but by then, "things had happened," he said. He apologized again for his wrong action. Fishbein has been a member of the Town Council since 2009. Hes also a state representative for the 90th District, which comprises parts of Wallingford and Cheshire, and was first elected in 2016. Hes currently vice chair of the Connecticut General Assembly Conservative Caucus. An online petition calling for Fishbeins resignation from his state legislative seat had received more than 2,120 signatures since Monday evening. Fishbein is currently running to retain his state seat unopposed. A Democrat would have until June 11 to gather 143 petition signatures to be on the ballot. A Republican challenger would have until June 11 to petition to force a party primary. A third party candidate, from the Working Families Party or Independent Party, has until August to petition be on the November ballot. LTakores@record-journal.com203-317-2212Twitter: @LCTakores The staff of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has recommended approving the Three Mile Island owners request to scale down the plan and process for protecting and warning the public in the event of an accident. If the NRC accepts the recommendation, TMI-owner Exelon will be allowed to, among other things, allow the 10-mile evacuation zone surrounding the facility to lapse and to end off-site radiation monitoring and regular testing of nearly 100 sirens throughout the zone. Exelon also would reduce its involvement in off-site emergency planning, and its financial contribution toward local planning and response capabilities. Exelon says those things will soon become unnecessary because of reduced threat of serious accident at TMI, which shut down for good in September and no longer has a functioning nuclear reactor. Stored radioactive waste is expected to remain at the plant for decades. Exelon argues the former response measures will no longer be needed as of 488 days after the plants Sept. 20, 2019 shut down. When that data arrives in early 2021, fuel rods submerged in a cooling pool will have cooled to the point they are unlikely to cause a serious fire and radiation release if the pool were to leak, according to Exelon. The local watchdog organization Three Mile Island Alert has opposed the request which, if granted, would amount to an exemption from normal rules. Eric Epstein of TMI Alert wants the full response to plan to stay in place until theres no longer spent fuel being stored at the site. Removal of the radioactive waste is decades away. TMI Alert contends theres still potential disaster from events such as a terrorist attack on the plant or an airplane crashing into the site. The plant wasnt designed to be a radioactive waste site, Epstein said Tuesday. We didnt sign up to be a high-level radioactive waste site without any fallback plan. Epsteins organization has been unsuccessful in attempts to force a public hearing on the Exelon request. He said Tuesday he continues to explore legal options, but it might now require action by Pennsylvania lawmakers to thwart the request. Epstein has been discussing the situation with lawmakers for months. Exelon is asking the NRC to approve its request by August. 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. Professor Alyssa Gillespie, Russian department chair The National Post-Secondary Russian Essay Contest this year had 1,261 essays submitted from fifty-six universities, colleges, and institutions across the nation, she explained. Three judges in Russia read each essay and independently ranked them. This years essay topic was Who or what changed your life? (In Russian: ?). Boris Ardemasov 23 clinched the gold this year in the heritage speaker, level three category, meaning he was born into a Russian-speaking family but received most of his education in English. He chose to write about the way that his immigration to the US at the age of nine has both widened his cultural horizons and made him painfully aware of the fact that most Americans have only a superficial knowledge of Russia, based on political events alone, rather than on a deeper understanding of the richness of Russian culture and of Russians as individuals with a shared humanity. The other winners from Bowdoin were: Jacob Baltaytis 21, who received an honorable mention in the heritage speaker, level two category, which means that, while born into a Russian-speaking family like Ardemasov, he never attended school in a Russian-speaking country; These results put our department on the map as one of the most outstanding Russian programs at any liberal arts college in the US." Professor Alyssa Gillespie. Chair, Russian department. Augustus Gilchrist 20, who won a silver medal as a non-heritage speaker, level four (the most advanced category for students learning Russian as a foreign language). Gilchrist also picked up a silver medal in the spring 2017 contest; and Liam McNett 23, who gained an honorable mention in the non-heritage speaker, level one category during his very first year of Russian language study. I actually had no intention of studying Russian initially, he said, but, after sitting across from Professor Gillespie at an event for admitted students and hearing her articulate her love for the subject as well as the benefits of learning Russian, I was convinced! Since then, said McNett, he has fallen in love with Russias rich language, culture, and literature. I also enjoy the tight-knit, supportive community that is the Bowdoin Russian department, which makes it all the more worthwhile, he added. These results are outstanding, said Gillespie. They put our department on the map as one of the most outstanding Russian programs at any liberal arts college in the US, despite its small size. The wide range of students who were recognized in the contest this year also illustrates that we serve all kinds of Russian learners well, including both those who grew up speaking kitchen Russian at home but lacked experience in reading and writing the language and using it for intellectually sophisticated purposes, and those who have pursued Russian as a foreign language at Bowdoin at all proficiency levels, starting with zero knowledge and working up to the highest linguistic and cultural mastery. These successes were not the only achievements of Bowdoin Russian students this year: Two recently graduated Russian majors have accomplished impressive achievements in their research. Artur Kalandarov 20 received first prize in a national research competition for the first chapter of his honors thesis, which compares the US and Soviet experiences in Afghanistan, while Laura Howells 20 published her summer research on Russian civil society, conducted jointly with her faculty advisor at The George Washington University, in a scholarly journal. Read more. On top of her research success, Howells, along with classmate and silver medal winner Augustus Gilchrist (see above), earned a prestigious Fulbright fellowship to study and work in Russian-speaking countries during the coming academic year. Howellss project on Estonian cyber security was the single proposal awarded a prestigious study/research Fulbright grant to Estonia this year, in a competition that was also open to masters- and doctoral-level researchers. Read more. A number of Bowdoin alumni are also flourishing in the Russian studies field, said Gillespie. They include Stephen Pastoriza 19, who just had an article based on his honors thesis accepted for publication: "Images of Women in the Works of Ivan Turgenev will appear this summer in The UC Undergraduate Journal of Slavic and East/Central European Studies, vol. 13 (202021). Three other Bowdoin Russian alumni have recently finished graduate degrees and achieved professional success. Melanie Tsang 13, who completed a master of international affairs degree at Columbia Universitys School of International and Public Affairs and interned at the US Department of the Treasury in the Office of Europe and Eurasia, is now employed as an analyst at the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General in New York City. Joey Kellner 09, who finished his PhD in Russian history at Berkeley, has just accepted a tenure-track appointment in the history department at the University of GeorgiaAthens. Additionally, Mira Nikolova 13, who received her PhD in Slavic studies from Brown University this May, is returning to Bowdoin. Miras coming back to teach as visiting lecturer in our department this coming year, which Im very excited about, said Gillespie. Her deep understanding of the Bowdoin community ethos will serve her well in working with our students in these uncertain times, and she will also serve as a living example of the exciting pathways that a commitment to studying Russian language and culture might open up for them, too, in the future. President of the World Bank Group David Malpass cited the Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report which highlights the blow suffered by the global economy due to coronavirus. The report states that the economic crisis can push more than 60 million people into extreme poverty this year. READ: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell Warns Threat Of Prolonged Recession Amid Pandemic World Bank GEP report highlights the severity of economic crisis The @WorldBank Groups Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report shows the devastating blow from #COVID19 & widespread economic shutdowns. Capital allocation for new businesses & debt/investment transparency are central to recovery. Read my remarks here: https://t.co/Q1sVaB38mK David Malpass (@DavidMalpassWBG) June 2, 2020 Suggesting ways in which countries can start working towards restoring the economy, the report stated that an orderly allocation of "capital toward sectors that are productive in the new post-pandemic structures using systems that can build and retain more human and physical capital during the recovery." "The GEP report finds a deep global recession, accompanied by a collapse in global trade, tourism and commodity prices and extraordinary market volatility. The pandemic will also have severe and long-lasting socioeconomic impacts that may weaken long-term economic growth prospects, lower investment because of elevated uncertainty, and lead to the erosion of human capital." "Beyond coping with the immediate crisis to limit the harm, policymakers can make a robust recovery more likely by maintaining private sector systems and infrastructure and allowing markets to allocate resources toward productive activities. The balance sheet stress imposed by the recession may reveal sovereign and corporate weaknesses. Policymakers can resolve balance sheet related problems by ensuring transparency of financial commitments," it added. READ: World Bank Announces $1 Billion Social Protection Package For India To Fight COVID-19 Focusing on the initial impact, the report stated that "Disruptions to production and international transport have increased the risk that critical inputs will be unavailable, potentially leading to cascading production shortfalls in global value chains. Manufacturers stocks of purchases have fallen, while suppliers delivery times have lengthened. Industries reliant on just-in-time inputs from global value chains and lean inventories have been particularly affected. In the automobile sector, a collapse in demand, combined with production and delivery challenges, has led to a precipitous plunge in sales worldwide." Focusing on the long term impact of the virus, the report stated that the impact of the virus has lead to lasting damages resulting in severe depression that has not been a witness for more than eight decades, corresponded with the sharply tighter financing conditions and a record oil price collapse. The two additional factors will lead to a higher likelihood of the financial crisis and trade shock to energy exporters. Consequences of the financial crisis will "increase liquidity demand and tighten credit conditions more broadlyincluding for productivity-enhancing technologies embodied in new investment and for research and development spending; they curtail access to bank lending for creative firms; they leave a legacy of obsolete capacity; they trigger self-fulfilling expectations of weak growth, and they cause long-term unemployment that leads to human capital loss and reduced job search activity." READ: IMF Chief: It Could Take 3 Years For Global Economy To Return To Pre-COVID Level READ: PM Modi Lists '5Is' To Bring India Back On Path Of Rapid Growth In Economic Revival Pitch (With ANI inputs) Unofficial election results from local primary elections in each party have been posted by county election officials, but remain unofficial and could change due to the unusually large number of absentee ballots still to be counted. Gov. Wolf signed an executive order allowing several counties, including Montgomery, to county mail-in ballots over the next seven days as long as they were postmarked by Tuesday, June 2. 147th House Dist. In the Republican primary for the 147th District seat in the Pennsylvania House, Tracy Pennycuick, a retired military helicopter pilot from Lower Salford, easily won the in-person voting totals, according to Montgomery Countys voting website. Her opponent, Annamarie Scannapieco, a registered nurse from New Hanover, would need nearly 3,000 absentee ballot votes to overturn the lead Pennycuick holds. Unofficial results give Pennycuick 4,174 votes to Scannapiecos 1,274. Assuming those results dont change, Pennycuick will face Democrat and Boyertown School Board member Jill Dennin, who was unopposed for her partys nomination and collected 2,169 in-person votes. The 147th, which includes Douglass (Mont.), New Hanover, Upper Frederick, Lower Frederick, Marlborough, Upper Salford, Lower Salford, West Pottsgrove and Upper Pottsgrove townships, as well as the boroughs of Green Lane and Schwenksville, is currently represented by Republican Marcy Toepel who is not seeking reelection. 26th House Dist. In the race for the 26th District seat in the Pennsylvania House, Owen J. Roberts School Board member Paul Friel easily captured the Democratic nomination. Unofficial in-person results gave him 2,721 votes to 1,276 for his opponent, Frank Gillen. Assuming those results remain unchanged by the counting of absentee ballots, Friel will face incumbent Republican Rep. Tim Hennessey in November. Hennessey, the Houses most senior Republican who is seeking his 14th term in office, was unopposed for the nomination of his party and collected 5,155 votes. The 26th House District includes the Chester County townships of North Coventry, South Coventry, East Coventry, East Vincent, Warwick, East Nantmeal, West Nantmeal, Wallace, Honey Brook, West Caln and West Sadsbury; and the boroughs of Elverson, Honey Brook and part of Pottstown. Presidential Tallies Former Vice President Joe Biden easily won Pennsylvanias Democratic primary and that victory, all-but-assumed since Bernie Sanders dropped out of the race, was supported by local results. In Montgomery County, Biden collected 33,539 votes, or 76 percent of the 45,091 of the Democratic votes cast in person, which represents 9.25 percent of registered Democrats in the county. Sanders won 8,845 votes, or 20 percent of the Democratic votes cast in person Tuesday. President Donald Trump won 37,954 votes, or 90 percent, of the 43,597 Republican votes cast in person, a turnout of just under 9 percent of registered Republicans. Bill Weld, who has withdrawn from the GOP presidential race, nevertheless collected 2,386, or 5.5 percent, of the Republican votes cast Tuesday. In Chester County, Trump won 87 percent, or 27,607 of the 31,481 Republican votes cast in person. Weld won 2,152, or 6 percent. Biden won 24,331, or 79 percent, of the 30,540 Democratic in-person votes cast in Chester County. Sanders won 5,176 in-person votes, or 17 percent. Bhad Bhabie's Danielle Bregoli has reportedly entered rehab for past trauma and prescription pills abuse. The rapper and Internet personality, 17, is said to have checked in a few weeks ago to an undisclosed location for 30-90 days. Danielle is reportedly receiving treatment for substance abuse from prescription pills and past trauma from her childhood, claims TMZ. Reports: Bhad Bhabie's Danielle Bregoli has reportedly entered rehab for past trauma and prescription pills abuse (pictured on May 15) The publication further reports that the rapper and her team were 'aware' of the 'severity of the issue', which forced her to seek help with rehab. A source told TMZ that Danielle is 'doing well' and is 'optimistic', while her management team added: 'We are very proud of Danielle for recognising that she needed help and seeking it out.' MailOnline has contacted Danielle's representative for further comment. The rapper has been keeping a low profile on social media with her last post on Instagram being May 15. Checked in: The rapper and Internet personality, 17, is said to have checked in a few weeks ago to an undisclosed location for 30-90 days Fellow rapper Chika, 23, called out Danielle for her silence over George Floyd being killed by white police officer Derek Chauvin in Minnesota on Monday May 25. She tweeted: 'Bad bhabie lil chickenhead a** been silent, too. we really aint caught her outside not once. hmm. ' Although Danielle shared a black square to her Instagram earlier this week in support of Black Out Tuesday, which calls for social media and businesses to go dark for any issues not relating to Black Lives Matter, racial injustice and protests. In March, the rapper shared snaps of her new mansion which she bought with her own money after making millions from her Cash Me Outside fame. Positive: A source told TMZ that Danielle is 'doing well' and is 'optimistic', while her management team added: 'We are very proud of Danielle for recognising that she needed help and seeking it out.' Called out: The rapper has been keeping a low profile on social media, fellow rapper Chika, 23, called out Danielle for her silence over George Floyd being killed earlier this week Earlier this year she broke records after her Snapchat series, Bringing Up Bhabie, got 10million unique viewers in the first 24 hours. The internet sensation is creating a 12-episode series which is named after her rap moniker, Bhad Bhabie. TMZ report that Danielle will take on TV and movie roles next following the success of this project and could be set to earn $10million yearly. Bhad Babie made her mark in the fall of 2016 during an episode of Dr. Phil, where she responded to audience members laughing at her by saying, 'Cash me ousside,' which lead to her being known as the Cash Me Outside Girl. A koala and wombat became best friends as they isolated together at the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby, New South Wales. Footage released by the park on June 3 shows Iso-buddies Hope the wombat and Elsa the koala hanging out and sharing kisses. According to the park, the marsupials bonded while the zoo was temporarily closed during April and May due to the coronavirus pandemic, as keepers often put them in each others enclosures for company, and soon they were dubbed lockdown BFFs. Australian Reptile Park curator, Hayley Shute, said that Hope and Elsa are great ambassadors for Australian wildlife, which needs all of the help it can get at the moment. Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate on the planet. Our iconic koala is sadly experiencing a large decline in numbers due, in part, to the tragic bush fires we had earlier this year and theyre on the trajectory to be extinct in the wild by 2050, she said in a press release. Credit: Australian Reptile Park via Storyful Consider skipping the ACT/SAT. The College Board added a test date in September, in addition to its August and October dates, and gave priority registration for all three to juniors who never had the chance to take the SAT. But whether the ACT/SAT will be able to administer their tests this fall or offer the usual capacity in an era of social distancing remains unclear. On Tuesday, the College Board announced it was postponing plans to offer a remote SAT this year, saying it would require three hours of uninterrupted, video-quality internet for each student, which cant be guaranteed for all. So, what should juniors do who still havent taken a test? Normally, Id suggest students prepare for the tests, unless theyre not a good test taker, said Brennan Barnard, director of college counseling at the Derryfield School in New Hampshire and co-author of The Truth About College Admission. But this year, students should definitely question whether its worth it with the number of schools that have gone test optional. Test-optional means that applicants can submit test scores if they want to, but it wont hurt their chances of admission if they dont. A handful of selective colleges enacted test-optional polices in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic some temporarily for the Class of 2021, such as Columbia University, the University of Washington and Boston University; others as part of a three-year experiment, including Davidson College and Tufts University. The University of California also suspended testing requirements for the Class of 2021, and last month agreed to phase out the ACT/SAT altogether for in-state residents over the next few years (the system will decide on out-of-state applicants later on). You might not have an ACT/SAT score, but you probably have a PSAT score that gives you a sense of how you perform on a standardized test. If you have solid grades from taking a strong curriculum in high school, but a subpar PSAT score for the set of schools youre considering, you might consider looking to the growing number of test-optional schools rather than wait on in-person ACT/SAT tests that might never happen. Go beyond the virtual campus tour. When you go on a campus tour in person, you hear the great stuff, and the not-so-great stuff just by being there, said Mark Butt, director of undergraduate selection at Emory University. Now you have to actively seek that experience in virtual tours. Online information sessions and phone calls with admissions counselors are useful, but students should go beyond the channels that the colleges control. Scroll through topic pages on Reddit, such as r/applyingtocollege, or watch YouTube videos recorded by students talking about how they applied to college or day in the life videos showing you what life is really like on their campuses. Dont just sit around this summer. Summer jobs have disappeared for many teenagers, as have many summer activities and sports. But that shouldnt be an excuse to play video games in your bedroom or make TikTok videos all day. No injuries and cause of fire unknown in latest Rome bus blaze. Rome. Seven city buses have been destroyed in a fire at a depot of the municipal public transport ATAC in the Magliana suburb. Several teams of firefighters tackled the blaze which broke out at 20.50 on the evening of Tuesday 2 June, on Italy's Festa della Repubblica national holiday. Police attended the scene of the fire whose cause remains unknown although local media report that it was "almost certainly of a malicious nature." There were no injuries reported. Read also: The vehicles destroyed in the flames were reportedly no longer in service on the streets of Rome. An investigation has been opened into the fire which is not the first to break out in the Magliana bus depot. Photo: Facebook Micaela Quintavalle Coronavirus infections in care homes are continuing to spill into the community and will keep daily cases steady until September, 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson has warned. The Imperial College London scientist - whose grim modelling of the pandemic has been used to steer the Government through the crisis - said he was shocked by how badly the sector had been protected during the outbreak. He claimed the R rate - the average number of people a Covid-19 patient infects - will remain only marginally below one because staff are still carrying the disease out of the homes. It must stay below one or Britain faces another crisis. Professor Ferguson suggested that infections could spiral back out of control again in the cold winter months when the virus thrives and lockdown restrictions are eased even more. He made the comments at a House of Lords Science and Technology Committee on Tuesday during his first public appearance since flouting stay at home rules to have secret trysts with his married mistress last month. And the professor - whose grim warning that 500,000 Brits may die from Covid-19 without action triggered lockdown - admitted Sweden may have suppressed its outbreak as well as Britain without imposing the draconian measures. Professor Neil Ferguson claimed the Covid R rate - the average number of people a Covid patients infects - would remain only marginally below 1 because staff were still carrying the disease out of care homes and hospitals The Imperial College London scientist made the comments to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee during his first public appearance since a series of public controversies Professor Ferguson told Peers: 'I, like many people, am shocked about how badly European or countries around the world have protected care home populations. 'The infections in care homes and hospitals spill back into the community, more commonly through people who work in those institutions. 'If you can drive the infection rates low in those institutional settings, you drive the infection low in the community as a whole. 'I suspect that under any scenario, the level of transmission and number of cases will remain relatively flat between now and September, short of very big policy changes or behaviour changes in the community. 'The real uncertainty is if there are larger policy changes in September, as we move into the time of year when respiratory viruses tend to transmit slightly better, what will happen then? And that remains very unclear.' Hospitals discharged 20,000 patients into nursing centres during early weeks of lockdown. Nearly 20,000 hospital patients most of whom hadnt been tested for coronavirus were discharged into care homes during the first weeks of lockdown, it emerged yesterday. Up until April 16, government guidelines said patients should be released into care homes even if they had tested positive for Covid-19. Official public health guidance issued on February 25 stated: It remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home or the community will become infected. This disastrous policy has been blamed for the catastrophic spread of the virus in care homes, killing nearly 15,000 elderly and vulnerable residents. NHS England data yesterday revealed that 19,124 people were admitted to care homes from hospitals in the 25-day period between lockdown being announced on March 23 and April 16. More than 23,000 patients had been discharged into care homes in the first three weeks of March, as the epidemic took hold in Britain. The figures show that the number of people discharged from hospitals into care homes during the height of the outbreak had fallen to about two thirds of the level over the same period last year. Advertisement At least 16,000 care homes residents have died from Covid-19 and outbreak have struck at least four in ten homes across the country. In a frank admission to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, Professor Matt Keeling, of the University of Warwick, also suggested that modellers had 'dropped the ball' with regards to how Covid-19 would spread through care homes. Professor Keeling said ministers were given information leading up to lockdown about what would happen if the epidemic was just allowed to run. 'In the early stages, in the absence of a lockdown, the very alarmist values that were coming out were really about a worst-case scenario,' he said. 'So if we just let the epidemic run, how bad could it be? And that's the sort of information policy-makers needed at that time. 'If the lockdown had been very strict, if we'd have thought more about what was happening in care homes and hospitals, as you've heard, early on maybe that was one of the areas where modellers did drop the ball. 'With hindsight, it's very easy to say we know care homes and hospitals are these huge collections of very vulnerable individuals, so maybe with hindsight we could have modelled those early on and thought about the impacts there.' It emerged yesterday that nearly 20,000 hospital patients most of whom hadnt been tested for coronavirus were discharged into care homes during the first weeks of lockdown. Up until April 16, government guidelines said patients should be released into care homes even if they had tested positive for Covid-19. Official public health guidance issued on February 25 stated: It remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home or the community will become infected. This disastrous policy has been blamed for the catastrophic spread of the virus in care homes, killing nearly 15,000 elderly and vulnerable residents. NHS England data yesterday revealed that 19,124 people were admitted to care homes from hospitals in the 25-day period between lockdown being announced on March 23 and April 16. More than 23,000 patients had been discharged into care homes in the first three weeks of March, as the epidemic took hold in Britain. The figures show that the number of people discharged from hospitals into care homes during the height of the outbreak had fallen to about two thirds of the level over the same period last year. But charities say it was a failure to allow a single person to be discharged into care homes without being tested. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: This awful statistic shows how devastating the consequences have been in care homes from the failure to get enough tests for the virus organised quickly enough. If as a country we had got this right from the start, it seems certain that many older peoples lives would have been saved. As it was, care homes were left playing Russian roulette when it came to taking in patients being discharged from hospitals. Weve been playing catch-up ever since and the truth is that there still isnt enough testing in care homes, all these weeks on. Sorting this out still needs to be an urgent priority. Fiona Carragher, of the Alzheimers Society, said: These figures are a terrifying confirmation of the extent people with dementia were forgotten at the start of this crisis. Its clear that the Government did next to nothing in the first weeks of the pandemic to keep them safe from infection. Serious questions need to be asked as to how many of the 20,000 discharged did have coronavirus, and why all people werent tested before discharge. There must be accountability for the lives lost. Despite repeatedly raising our concerns with the Government, we didnt see a plan until after Easter for keeping care homes safe and, in the weeks after promises were made to provide PPE, 43 per cent of homes told us they still didnt have enough. Last month, the Daily Mail revealed that the Care Quality Commission is investigating several cases of hospitals returning people to care homes despite suspecting or even knowing they were infected. A survey revealed that one third of homes have taken hospital patients with the virus, despite fewer than half being able to properly isolate them. At the St Nicholas home in Bootle, Liverpool, 12 residents died after Aintree Hospital discharged two patients to it without testing them for coronavirus. The patients were discharged into the homes empty beds between March 30 and April 4, and soon after staff and other residents began displaying symptoms. Residents died almost every day over two weeks after the virus ripped through the home. The NHS data published yesterday revealed that by mid-April the number of people being discharged into care homes had fallen by about 700 a day. A spokesman for the NHS said: This new data reinforces what hospitals have already made clear: clinicians have pulled out all the stops to do the right thing for their individual patients, and to get people the right care and support where and when they need it. Amir Tofangsazan (pictured at Lewes Crown Court last year), 32, was jailed for seven years and nine months in 2015 after being convicted of 15 counts of fraud A Tinder fraudster who claimed to be a wealthy surgeon has been told to pay back thousands of pounds he conned from 'vulnerable and lonely' women. Amir Tofangsazan, 32, was jailed for seven years and nine months in 2015 after being convicted of 15 counts of fraud. But he got hold of a phone while on day release at HMP Ford, in West Sussex, and used dating apps to con three more people into handing him money. One victim lost up to 4,000 after he contacted her on Tinder claiming to be a respected international trauma surgeon. Tofangsazan told her he had worked in hospitals across the world and had a portfolio of properties and a fleet of expensive cars. But he said he was having cash flow problems and needed money to renew his medical registration. The victim agreed to hand over money and then made repeated payments to him which he then gambled away on an online betting account. He was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court to three years in prison last year, with the judge branding him a 'committed fraudster' who preyed on 'lonely, vulnerable women' seeking a romantic partner. Today Tofangsazan faced court again and was told he faced having to pay back the money he conned from women looking for romance. At a hearing at Lewes Crown Court Judge Martin Huseyin said the fraudster faced a 'confiscation order' for the offences he was sentenced for last year. At the hearing last year Edward Hand, prosecuting, said using an alias of Dr Jason Fleming, Tofangsazan contacted one woman through Tinder. Mr Hand said: 'He said he was a surgeon working in London. He made boasts about his properties abroad and vehicles he owned. 'But he complained he was having problems with his bank accessing wages and accounts and it was causing him problems with his medical employers and registration.' He said the victim transferred money to Tofangsazan using an online account and the relationship developed further and became physical and sexual when he was released on licence. He got hold of a phone while on day release at HMP Ford, in West Sussex, and used dating apps to con three more people into handing him money. Pictured: In a mugshot Eventually the woman became suspicious and when police, alerted by a former victim, contacted her she realised she had been duped. The court heard Tofangsazan had a history of 'romance frauds' and had committed more than 40 offences. He pleaded guilty to the three most recent offences when he appeared at crown court in November. The fraudster had been previously jailed after he created several profiles claiming to be a doctor or a barrister to con women out of thousands of pounds. One victim was so convinced that their relationship was genuine and long-term she handed over almost 15,000 to Tofangsazan. After the case last year, Detective Constable Chris Church from the Met's Organised Crime Command, said: 'Tofangsazan has a history of this type of offending, and he committed these most recent frauds whilst on day release from prison. 'He has again shown his arrogance, callousness, and his propensity to deceive and exploit women for financial gain. 'These frauds have had an emotional and financial impact on the victims, and I hope today's result allows them to put their ordeal behind them.' Tofangsazan will face the 'confiscation order' later this month. Julio V. Torres, 22, wasn't practicing social distancing or wearing a face mask on Monday when he joined a 250-person Black Lives Matter demonstration A man who was arrested for rioting at a Black Lives Matter demonstration of 250 people in Pennsylvania has told authorities that he went out without a face mask despite knowingly having coronavirus. Julio V. Torres, 22, wasn't practicing social distancing measures at the event on Monday and drew attention to himself when he threw 'objects which could cause bodily harm at police officers' and spoke to other individuals in the crowd 'appearing to be directing their actions'. After he removed a barricade outside Lancaster Police Station and threw it into the middle of the street, cops chased him down, then he told authorities he had tested positive for COVID. Torres flailed his arms and kicked an officer in the side of the head twice, according to police. He also headbutted another cop, a police report states. He was booked into jail on charges of riot, aggravated assault on police, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, and held at Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. 'During the arraignment, it was discovered that (Torres) tested positive, was told to self-quarantine and chose to attend or participate in the protest without proper social distancing, without a proper face mask and has placed other people at risk both the public who were peacefully participating in the protest and law enforcement,' Lancaster County President Judge David Ashworth told Lancaster Online. Peaceful protests had taken place on Monday evening outside the police station but Torres (not pictured) displayed disorderly conduct Torres said he had gotten tested at the Clipper Magazine Stadium and the results came back positive. Health officials cannot do contracting because it was a large public gathering. 'I am very concerned that the public and law enforcement has been placed at risk,' Ashworth said. He said he was contacting the media because he knew 'of no other way to get the word out.' While in recent weeks authorities have released low-risk inmates due to the coronavirus outbreak, thousands have been detained over the past week after taking part in protests for racial equality. Marches in all 50 states have come after 46-year-old black man George Floyd was killed as three Minneapolis Police Department officers knelt on him while he was face down on the ground and a fourth looked on. Witnesses begged them to stop as Floyd cried: 'I can't breathe'. Jail warden Cheryl Steberger told Lancaster Online that all inmates are quarantined when entering. However Steberger said that general inmates are taken at their word when it comes to declare diseases. Steberger said they cannot force them to take a test. 'If it's all made up on his part, then it is. All we can do is act on his word. He has told a number of officials now that he is positive,' the judge said. Torres told authorities, and the judge at his arraignment, that he tested positive for coronavirus As of Wednesday, 3,267 of Pennsylvania's 77,654 cases of coronavirus were in Lancaster County. Of 5,742 deaths in Pennsylvania, 310 were from Lancaster. 'I am very worried about an outbreak following days of demonstrations,' Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace said in an email Tuesday afternoon. The mayor had earlier warned people planning to protest that armed white supremacists planned on attending. Police Chief Jarrad Berkihiser also said they have 'definite evidence' the agitators would show up. The group of 'Caucasian individuals' hurled rocks and bottles containing cayenne pepper at cops and were seen scouting the police station after threatening to set fire to it. He said if people had to physically attend a protest they shout stay on the sidewalk for fear of them being run over in the road, Penn Live reported. 'Our main concern right now are the agitators that are coming into the city and trying to instigate violence between the crowd and the police officers,' he said Monday. Google faces a new lawsuit seeking at least $5 billion over accusations the company profits off of using its ad tech to track people across the internet, even when they take steps to mask their browsing. The big picture: Google, like other tech giants, has faced rising scrutiny in recent years over its collection and use of private data, and policymakers and advocates have looked to how it uses ad tech as a possible avenue for curbing its power. Details: The suit alleges that Google collected the plaintiffs' IP addresses, what sites they visit, and what devices they use, even as they browsed the internet in Chrome's "incognito" mode. The plaintiffs named in the suit are three Google account holders, but they're seeking to make it a class action, which could mean many more people joining. Context: The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, comes in the wake of Arizona's attorney general suing the company for allegedly misleading users on its location-tracking practices. What they're saying: We strongly dispute these claims and we will defend ourselves vigorously against them," Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in a statement. "Incognito mode in Chrome gives you the choice to browse the internet without your activity being saved to your browser or device. As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites might be able to collect information about your browsing activity during your session." "Googles enormous financial success results from its unparalleled tracking and collection of consumer personal information and selling and brokering of that information to optimize advertisement services," the lawsuit contends. Go deeper: What Google knows about you Texas is heading into summer with a larger power reserve than last year, when soaring temperatures put pressure on consumers to conserve power to prevent outages. But ongoing generating projects that represent an unusually high proportion of new power capacity is under construction and isnt scheduled to be complete until mid- to late July. About 2.2 percent of expected capacity remains under construction, compared with less than 1 percent during each of the last two summers, according to research firm S&P Global Platts. Most of the new capacity is expected to come from solar farms in West Texas, with additional power coming from new wind energy farms and natural-gas fueled plants. The summer reserve margin will be 10.6 percent, 2 percentage points higher than it was last summer, according to the states grid manager, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. The reserve margin a closely watched measure of the excess power supply that Texas will have to handle heatwaves, unexpected power plant outages and unusually low wind output is still less than the grid managers goal of 13.75 percent. POWERING DOWN: The Texas economy is slowly reopening, but our electricity use isn't showing it Texas will likely use a record amount of electricity this summer, if predictions of higher-than-normal temperatures hold true. ERCOT predicts that Texas will set usage records during peak times, shattering last Augusts record set when a heat wave with temperatures of 100 and above blanketed the state. Generators in Texas profited from last summers heat wave because state regulators allowed them to charge higher prices during times of extreme demand, pushing wholesale prices repeatedly to the state maximum of $9,000 per megawatt hour. Most residential customers are on fixed-priced electricity plans so they werent immediately hit with larger bills, but the higher costs were incorporated into future power contracts. This year, the Public Utility Commission has given generators the OK to charge more, making it likely that prices will rise higher and faster during times of greatest demand and tightest supply. A larger reserve, however, could hold down wholesale prices. Power generating projects under construction are expected to be finished on schedule this summer, but could face delays caused by the coronavirus. The pandemic could disrupt delivery of solar panels, batteries, turbines and motors while health concerns could prevent workers from finishing projects, said Manan Ahuja, manager of North America power analytics for S&P Global Platts. LOOKING AHEAD: Heat, outages could set electricity consumption record in Texas There is a very real possibility you will see price spikes as a result, he said. But it will likely not reach the level that we saw in summer 2019 because we had a very hot August and tighter reserve margins. ERCOT said it cant speculate on what will or wont get built. But all the planned projects expected to be available for summer have been approved, said ERCOT spokeswoman Leslie Sopko. In normal times, said Ed Hirs, an energy economist at the University of Houston, he might be worried about so much capacity dependent on generation projects still under construction. But electricity requirements for the oil and gas industry, which uses vast amounts of power around Texas drilling sites, will shrink as long as the pandemic continues to depress the demand for oil, he said. twitter.com/lmsixel Jeffrey Epstein was arrested in July on charges he abused and trafficked in women and girls from 2002 to 2005 in Manhattan and Florida and pleaded not guilty A fund to compensate victims of pedophile Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse will start making payouts after dozens of women sought damages from his $634 million fortune. An order approving the fund was signed by Judge Carolyn Hermon-Percell on Wednesday. It allows the fund to go into effect from June 15. Jordan Merson, one of the lawyer's representing the convicted sex offender's accusers, told The New York Post: 'All of the approximate $650 million in the estate should be distributed to the victims.' 'We are pleased that the Compensation Fund can move forward and are hopeful that it provides the awards necessary so that these women are fully compensated for a lifetime of anguish', he added. Jordana Feldman, the former head of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, will head the fund. The decision came more than nine months after Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on sexual abuse and sex trafficking charges. The Virgin Islands probate court had been handling the estate. Lawyers for the estate, which was valued at $636.1 million before the recent global market plunge, had proposed the fund last year. They drew objections from victims' lawyers who said they had not been consulted, and from Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George, who resisted requiring victims to sign broad releases that could block them from suing Epstein's associates. 'We resolved the release issue,' Brad Edwards, a lawyer representing victims, said in an email last month. 'I can't say too much about that at this time but any of Epstein's friends who were also abusers will not be released.' 'My office will forcefully continue its work to hold accountable Epsteins criminal enterprise,' George, who announced the agreement, said in a statement. Little St. James Island, one of the properties of Jeffrey Epstein, is seen in an aerial view Houses are seen at Little St. James Island, one of the properties of financier Jeffrey Epstein Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn, executors of the estate, had said at the end of last month that they were 'pleased' with the agreement, which they said would ensure claimants were treated with 'compassion, dignity and respect.' Epstein was arrested in July on charges he abused and trafficked in women and girls from 2002 to 2005 in Manhattan and Florida and pleaded not guilty. He died August 10, two days after signing his will, by hanging himself in his cell. George sued the estate in January, saying Epstein's sexual misconduct there stretched from 2001 to 2018 and included raping and trafficking in dozens of women and girls. One of those seeking compensation is artist and former employee Maria Farmer. She was the first woman to come forward with sexual assault claims back in 1996. One of those seeking compensation is artist and former employee Maria Farmer. She was the first woman to come forward with sexual assault claims back in 1996 Epstein's Manhattan mansion is seen. A fund to compensate victims of his sexual abuse will start making payouts after dozens of women sought damages from his $634 million fortune In February lawyers for Epstein's $600 million estate told a U.S. Virgin Islands court that liens imposed by the attorney general there had left them unable to pay bills to maintain his various properties, the Miami Herald reported. The filing asked the court to strike down the liens, or at least make exceptions to pay bills such as utilities and caretaker wages at the various properties in the estate. The estate's probate matters were being settled in the Virgin Islands, where Epstein owned an island. He also owned multi-million properties in New York, Florida, and New Mexico. Zorro Ranch, one of the properties of financier Jeffrey Epstein, is seen in an aerial view near Stanley, New Mexico in a file photo Virgin Island Attorney General Denise George placed the liens on his estate on January 31 as part of a civil enforcement action. In her lawsuit, George said Epstein's misconduct on the Virgin Islands ran from 2001 to 2018, and included raping and trafficking in dozens of women and girls on Little St. James, a private island he saw as 'the perfect hideaway.' Attorneys for the estate had previously blamed the liens for its inability to begin payouts to victims of the late financier's sexual abuse. The European Business Association has said that it does not support a new version of the bill on the National Commission for Transport Regulation (NCTR) published by the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine on May 7. "The business has already submitted its proposals regarding the concept of such a body, but, unfortunately, they are not reflected in the current version of the document. We continue to insist on the independent status of the NCTR as a body that should impartially review the tariff policy of natural monopolies," the EBA said on Tuesday. The association said that the draft law should provide respective guarantees of independence regarding the special status of the body, the procedure for selecting, appointing, and dismissing the Chairman and members of the NCTR, the procedure for financing, etc. According to experts, the proposed model of financing calls into question the independence of the NCTR and therefore should be revised. "It is important to clearly define the competences of the NCTR the authorities of the new body should not extend to the regulation of entities in related markets of the transport field. Moreover, the new version of the draft law does not properly establish the NCTR's authority to regulate tariffs for services paid as part of port charges, as well as to control the targeted use of funds from port charges," the EBA said. The EBA said that the experts of the Logistics Committee have sent their detailed proposals and comments to the Ministry and hope to finalize the document with the involvement of the business community. Otherwise, the adoption of the draft law in its current version will not lead to the establishment of a truly independent regulator in the industry. SAGINAW, MI - People took to the streets of Saginaw Tuesday in a show of unity to demand justice for George Floyd, a Minneapolis man who died after a policeman there kneeled on his neck. Hundreds of people participated in the Saginaw march and demonstration on the evening of Tuesday, June 2. The march began at Hoyt Park and ended at the Saginaw County Governmental Center building. Two lanes of the Court Street Bridge were occupied as people used the route to get to the courthouse. A sea of signs read Black Lives Matter", Silence = Violence, "Enough is Enough and countless other messages. Chants boomed as the group recited in unison: No justice, no peace! and, Say his name, George Floyd! Indigo Dudley, co-organizer of the event and a Saginaw Valley State University student, said one of the main things that fueled the demonstration was bringing awareness to preventing police violence in Saginaw. We dont want it to get to the point where we have another dead body on the street, said Dudley. So, we need to recognize the problem and figure out how to prevent it. Organizers encouraged participants to use hashtags #StandUpSaginaw and #ItHappensHereToo when posting about the demonstrations in Saginaw. Protest march in Saginaw in wake of George Floyd's death Posted by The Saginaw News on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 National outrage and protests have rippled across the country after Floyd, 46, died on May 25. I am a firm believer of mourning with those that mourn and comforting those that stand in need of comfort, Dudley said. I think that protests are a very good way of doing that and letting people who are in authority know that this happened and were not OK with it. What are you going to do to fix it? Dudley said the work doesn't stop at protests and more actions need to be taken to to enact change. During the demonstration, citizens, community leaders and local pastors shared a dialogue with the crowd and encouraged them to stay positive and call out police on racism and holding agencies accountable. Several police patrol cars and deputies on horseback were at the demonstration but there was no confrontation between law enforcement and the crowd. Pastor Elvin Owens of From the Heart Ministry church was met with cheers and raised fists in response to his talk on how to dismantle racism. The color of my skin isnt the problem, its the solution, Owens said. Because this country was built off of us. Instead of looking at us as a threat, look at us as the help. Allow us to be the solution to whatever the problem is so we wont have this back and forth, black and white situation we have here in America. The demonstrators called for Saginaw to implement the following policies: Mandatory 100 hours of training for Saginaw and Michigan police on mental illness/crisis and de-escalation practices Secession from Michigans Secure Communities Partnership Banning Saginaw Police Departments and Michigan State Polices use of K-9 units to attack, subdue, or threaten people. De-militarization of SPSD and MSP, ban on use of ex-military equipment Reformation on Saginaw Citizens Policing Review Board Enough is enough," the crowd chanted as the peaceful protest came to an end. Related news: Saginaw group spending 72 hours outside police department to protest George Floyd death in Minnesota Police brutality protests in Michigan: What you need to know from this weekends rallies, riots Flint-area police join protesters marching to seek justice for George Floyd Peaceful protest in Grand Rapids devolves into riot, looting and fires A couple in Himachal's remote Kinnaur has contracted coronavirus, the first cases in the district, as the state reported 14 fresh infections, pushing the COVID tally to 360 on Wednesday. Barring Lahaul-Spiti, now 11 of the 12 districts in the state have infection cases. So far, six people have succumbed to the virus in Himachal Pradesh. According to officials, the Kinnaur couple a 45-year-old man and his 45-year-old wife had returned from Delhi on a bus on May 27. Samples of their 10-year-old child will be taken again for testing, Chief Medical Officer Dr Sonam Negi said, adding that they were institutionally quarantined at Urni. They are now being shifted to a dedicated COVID care centre in Reckong Peo. At least eleven of the fresh patients had returned from other states. Six of them came from Delhi; two each from Punjab and Maharashtra's Mumbai; and one from Madhya Pradesh, the officials said. Special Secretary (Health) Nipun Jindal said four cases were reported from Kangra; two each from Kinnaur, Mandi and Hamirpur; and one each from Shimla, Chamba, Una and Bilaspur. In Shimla, a man from the Taklech area of Rampur Bushahr tested positive, Rampur SDM Narendra Chauhan said. The SDM said the man had come from Delhi along with the Kinnaur couple on May 27. He was quarantined at the SJVN, Kotla, and being shifted to Mashobra. In Bilaspur, a Delhi-returned 31-year-old man from Solan district has contracted the infection, an official said. The man came from Delhi in his car and was stopped by police at Garha-Morh on the HP-Punjab border and quarantined at Swarghat, he added. In Kangra, a 22-year-old man who arrived on an Air India flight from Delhi on May 29 and institutionally quarantined at Fatehpur, tested positive for COVID-19, the special secretary said. Besides, a 30-year-old asymptomatic man from Badhal village in Fatehpur, who returned from Madhya Pradesh on May 27 and was quarantined at Sansarpur Terrace; and a 31-year-old man who came back from Punjab's Pathankot on May 28 and was home quarantined at Gangath, tested positive, Jindal added. The official said a 25-year-old man from Golwan in Fatehpur tehsil also tested positive. He violated the containment zone orders. Two infection cases were detected in Hamirpur district. A 30-year-old man who recently returned from Delhi was found infected with the virus. The other patient is a 25-year-old man who came back from Punjab's Mohali. In Mandi's Sundernagar, two men, aged 23 and 26, tested positive for the virus. They had returned from Mumbai, a district official said. Ten people six from Kangra, two each from Una and Chamba recovered from the infection, Jindal said. The number of coronavirus cases in the state has risen to 360, officials said, adding that the number of active patients is 204. As many as 150 patients have recovered so far. Hamirpur has the highest number of active cases in the state at 74, followed by 54 in Kangra, 18 in Solan, 16 in Una, 12 in Chamba, 11 in Bilaspur, eight in Shimla, seven in Mandi, two in Kinnaur and one each in Kullu and Sirmaur. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 00:08:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KIGALI, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Wednesday called for closer cooperation, interdependence on international response to COVID-19 pandemic. "The effects of COVID-19 will persist long after the virus has been defeated and the road to recovery will be long. Increased cooperation and mutual interdependence will be the hallmark of effective international response," Kagame said at 1st virtual Extraordinary Inter-Sessional Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). The meeting that was chaired by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta discussed ways to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also participated in the meeting. Kagame said that the novel coronavirus pandemic has already taken a severe toll in lives and lost economic activity, adding that it is still impossible to say how long the disruption and hardships will last. He added that the response capacity of many members of the organization needs reinforcement. "In this context, it is important for the African, Caribbean and Pacific States to cooperate closely on measures to end the pandemic and enhance economic resilience. In particular, coordination will be needed to ensure equitable access to treatments, vaccines, and medical supplies," said Kagame. He commended the role played by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in building testing capacity around the continent. Kagame urged African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) leaders to ensure that the prevention and recovery measures discussed are fully integrated into the final agreement between ACP and the European Union. He hailed WHO and its leadership for spearheading the global fight against the pandemic. The one-day event was held under the theme "Transcending the COVID-19 Pandemic: Building Resilience through Global Solidarity." The OACPS summit will be followed by a high-level exchange with global strategic and development partners, who will be key to achieving the objectives identified by the heads at the summit, including the heads of governments of Germany, Japan, Norway, India, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, according to OACPS. Enditem The Volta Regional Vice Chairman of the largest opposition NDC, George Loh has hinted that the compilation of the new voters' register scheduled for the last week in June by the Electoral Commission (EC) will hit a snag after its first day of piloting exercise. He alleged that the new machines claimed to have been procured by the Commission developed some faults leading to the early ending of the exercise in the Volta Region and some parts of the country where the piloting was ongoing. Yesterday their [EC] machines failed them. In the Volta Region, after 2 pm they couldn't register anyone again, he said in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show Ghana Montie. We [NDC] also picked signals in other regions of the same situation, he added. George Loh however maintained that his party will continue to condemn the registration until the right thing is done. EC begins nationwide pilot exercise In its bid to compile a new register of voters for this years general elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) has begun a pilot registration exercise in selected constituencies across the country. The pilot exercise, which started on Tuesday, 2 June 2020, is aimed at preparing for the 40-day registration exercise later this month. Why he participated in EC's pilot voter registration The former Member of Parliament for North Dayi on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr George Loh, has explained that he participated in the Electoral Commission's pilot voter registration exercise on Tuesday to be sure of how the exercise was ongoing. There have been concerns that even though the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was opposed to the new register, it was preparing its members to get ready to register. On social media, some have said Mr Loh's participation in the pilot exercise was a move which, was not in consonance with the position of the NDC. But he said his participation in the exercise does not change the position of the NDC. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/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 KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2020 - 18:01 | World, All, Coronavirus The Chinese government has stepped up the number of visas being issued to Japanese citizens after limiting it for months following the coronavirus pandemic, a diplomatic source familiar with bilateral ties said Wednesday. The move is apparently aimed at bringing business exchanges between the two countries back to normal, the source said, adding China has recently issued visas to Japanese people entering Shanghai and Guangdong Province. In China, most companies have resumed operations with the number of infections decreasing, but many Japanese citizens working in the nation have been stranded in their home country as China has restricted the entry of foreigners for the past two months. With the absence of Japanese staff affecting operations at Japan-related companies in China, Beijing may start giving preference to Japanese businesspeople when issuing visas to shore up the economy hit hard by the spread of the virus. But it is expected to take some time for the families of such businesspeople as well as Japanese tourists to be able to enter China, given that flights between the countries are likely to remain limited for the foreseeable future. A large number of workers and their families went back to Japan for the weeklong Lunar New Year holidays that began Jan. 24 and extended their stays to evaluate the situation as fears about the outbreak in China lingered in February. In late March, the Chinese Foreign Ministry abruptly announced that it would temporarily stop allowing foreigners to enter the nation to prevent imported infection cases. The measure applies even to those who hold a valid visa or residence permit. Applications for business visas and some specific cases, however, have been permitted amid the travel ban. Late last month, around 140 Japanese who had been evacuated from the central Chinese city of Wuhan earlier this year in the wake of the virus's spread returned on a chartered plane to the original epicenter of the epidemic. China has already started allowing South Korean businesspeople who meet certain conditions to enter the country to ensure the smooth running of supply chains, which were seriously disrupted amid the pandemic. Beijing has also said that it will resume traffic with Singapore for business purposes. Japan has so far avoided an explosive surge of virus infections, with more than 17,600 cases and about 900 deaths reported across the country. The tally includes around 700 infections from the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined off Yokohama in February. On May 25, Japan completely lifted its state of emergency over the coronavirus crisis. In China, the increase in infections peaked in late February. The virus, which causes the respiratory disease COVID-19, has sickened over 83,000 people in the mainland and killed more than 4,600, the nation's health authorities said. The savagery, rage and evil of the murderers, looters and haters of America these past few days should clarify to any sentient individual that the left and its allies will do anything to completely dismantle this country. Seeing the picture of a store owner being stomped upon, hearing the cries of a black resident whose neighborhood stores have all been destroyed and learning that the so-called protestors burned down low-income housing clearly demonstrate the loathing for this country. Dan Bongino asserts that this "is not a protest anymore, it's a coup." This devastation is boundless and the burning of one of America's last remaining independent bookstores represents the ruthlessness and barbarity in the hearts of those who would support Antifa and their ilk. Tony Daniel writes Venerable Minneapolis science fiction and fantasy bookstore Uncle Hugos and its sister store in the same building, Uncle Edgars, which specialized in mysteries, were both burned to ruins by rioters. The store took its name from two major awards in the genre fields, science fictions Hugo awards, and mysteries Edgars. Independent bookstores are a threatened American institution, and Uncle Hugos was considered a flagship operation. Author-signed copies, particularly first editions, were an Uncles specialty. Everything was destroyed by the rioters firebombing of the establishment. Countless specialty books, priceless to readers and collectors... burned to crisps and cinders. We all know who burned Uncle Hugos. It wasnt 'Nazis,' or the cops in some kind of conspiracy to cast blame. It was the Minneapolis rioters. Book-burning scum, in other words. Uncle Hugos burns (YouTube screen grab) In his book titled A Universal History of the Destruction of Books: From Ancient Sumer to Modern Iraq, Fernando Baez searches for a theory to explain book destruction. He writes that "the book is a proposition that seeks to configure everything in terms of reason and not in terms of chaos." In short, it is understood that "our souls persist only through language." Consequently "humanity and books are inseparable." In fact, "books are not destroyed as physical objects but as links to memory, that is, as one of the axes of identity of a person or a community. There is no identity without memory. If we do not remember what we are, we don't know what we are. Over the centuries, when a group or nation attempts to subjugate another group or nation, the first thing they do is erase the traces of its memory in order to reconfigure its identity." And that is precisely what Antifa, social justice warriors and other groups who despise this country wish to do. They insist that our country has no redeeming features; that it is a hotbed of racism and hatred. They wish to rewrite history as exemplified by the 1619 Project. In the 1960s and 1970s "the rise of Marxist professors swept through our universities. Thousands of university students were indoctrinated to interpret American history as an ongoing drama of class conflict and nothing more. We see the effects of this education playing out today. Well, the revisionists are at it again. Similar grift, similar bad history and similar bad motives. But this time its worse, the long-term effect more pernicious." The 1619 Project "is being taught in K-12 public schools, from Chicago to Washington, D.C. This means children, unable to discern fact from fiction, will be subjected to a politicized, false history of their country. It would be one thing if Mrs. Hannah-Jones, The New York Times and the Pulitzer committee were ignorant of what they were creating or supporting. But they are not, as evidenced by the fact that 1619 Project is still funded and lauded irrespective of the devastating critiques it faced by real historians." They will never learn of William Hamilton, an African-American orator and journalist who wrote: "How sweet it is to speak of good men . . . who ought to be deeply inscribed on your memories, and in your hearts." He was speaking to members of the New York Manumission Society -- an organization founded to promote the abolition of slavery." So the logical extension of the 1619 ideology is for vandals and rioters to deface public monuments and destroy churches and synagogues. After all, Antifa "is a revolutionary Marxist-anarchist militia movement that seeks to bring down the United States by means of violence and intimidation. As a September 2017 report in The Atlantic notes, Antifa is responsible for 'a level of sustained political street warfare not seen in the U.S. since the 1960s.' They persistently engage in a form of cultural cleansing to break the spine of America. This depravity and destruction is an "attempt of one culture to impose itself on another and transplant new memories in a society." It starts with the shame imposed upon white school children and works its way through the university system where students are exhorted to demand the total dismantling of the country politically, economically, and socially. It plays upon the identify politics that claims a never-ending battle among different groups. How ironic that when the purveyors of evil burned down Uncle Hugo's and Uncle Edgar's, they destroyed the magical context of science fiction and fantasy whose characters show steadiness, bravery and wonder. By destroying these books whose fictional characters are the embodiment of virtue and courage, the savages exemplify the gulf between those who would work to create a truly just society and those who would disingenuously claim the same. They have no respect for life and the "cultivation of humanity." As Vigen Gurolan in Tending the Heart of Virtue states "the great fairy tales and fantasy stories capture the meaning of morality through vivid depictions of the struggle between good and evil, where characters must make difficult choices between right and wrong or heroes and villains contest the very fate of imaginary worlds." The very essence of books is the profound ways that people learn beyond their experiences. In reality, "the destruction of a bookstore hurts peoples souls, even if they dont realize this" [because it destroys] the very possibility for growth and change in a community. You are killing hope." Whoever would support the rationale for such destruction has decided to embrace cowardice, and greed. The pictures of young people looting stores, destroying entire neighborhoods and maiming other human beings has absolutely nothing to do with the heinous crime against George Floyd, may he rest in peace. Eileen can be reached at middlemarch18@gmail.com Chinese passengers will be blocked from flying to the US starting June 16. President Donald Trumps administration has said it will bar Chinese passenger carriers from flying to the United States starting on June 16 as it pressures Beijing to allow US air carriers to resume flights. The move, announced by the US Department of Transportation on Wednesday, penalises China after Beijing failed to comply with an existing agreement on flights between the worlds two largest economies. Relations between the two countries have also soured in recent months amid escalating tensions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. The order applies to Air China, China Eastern Airlines Corp, China Southern Airlines Co and Hainan Airlines Holding Co. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have asked to resume flights to China this month, even as Chinese carriers have continued US flights during the pandemic. Delta said in a statement on Wednesday: We support and appreciate the U.S. governments actions to enforce our rights and ensure fairness. United did not immediately comment. China remains unable to say when it will revise its rules to allow U.S. carriers to reinstate scheduled passenger flights, the Transportation Department said in a formal notice made public on Wednesday. The Chinese embassy in Washington, DC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Trump administration on May 22 accused Chinas government of making it impossible for US airlines to resume service to China and ordered four Chinese carriers to file flight schedules with the US government. The Chinese carriers are flying no more than one scheduled flight a week to the US but also have flown a significant number of additional charter flights, often to help Chinese students return home. The Trump administration is also cracking down on Chinese passenger airline charter flights and will warn carriers not to expect approvals. Administration officials have suggested charter flights have been used to circumvent Chinese government limits on flights. On January 31, the US government barred entry to most non-US citizens who had been in China within the previous 14 days due to the coronavirus crisis but did not impose any restrictions on Chinese flights. Major US carriers voluntarily decided to halt all passenger flights to China in February. Delta and United are flying cargo flights to China. Delta had requested approval for a daily flight to Shanghai Pudong International Airport from Detroit and Seattle, while United had asked to fly daily to Shanghai from San Francisco and Newark airport in New Jersey and between San Francisco and Beijing. Chinas air authority in late March said Chinese airlines could maintain just one weekly passenger flight on one route to any given country and that carriers could fly no more than the number of flights they were flying on March 12, according to the US order. But because US passenger airlines had stopped all flights by March 12, China effectively precludes U.S. carriers from reinstating scheduled passenger flights to China, the Transportation Department said. Ex-President Petro Poroshenko was summoned to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) for questioning because of recordings of telephone conversations with politicians from other countries, as the press service of the State Bureau of Investigation reports. "In accordance with Articles 133, 135-139, 224 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of Ukraine, Poroshenko Petro is called at 11:00 on June 10, 2020, to the State Bureau of Investigation for questioning as a witness in criminal proceedings No. 6220000000000456, during which the circumstances of the legality of taking information during international negotiations with the participation of the President of Ukraine and officials of foreign states," the statement reads. As we reported before, fifth president of Ukraine and leader of European Solidarity party Poroshenko was summoned to the State Investigation Bureau on May 29 in two cases at once. Due to the non-appearance on May 26, Poroshenko is once again summoned in the case of the movement of 43 paintings across the customs border at 11:00 on May 29, the message reads. U.S. President Donald Trump believes OPEC+ and Saudi Arabia and Russia specifically will stick to their oil production cut agreement, a senior Washington official told Reuters, adding that a change of course would harm the global economy. We trust that other major oil producers will not revert to policies that impede an orderly and swift recovery from these unprecedented global economic conditions, the official said. Reuters recalls Trumps conversations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed, during which he effectively threatened to pull out U.S. troops stationed in the Kingdom unless Saudi Arabia continued to pump oil at reduced rates, and with Russias Vladimir Putin. No details were released about this particular call, although the OPEC+ cuts were one of the topics discussed. OPEC+ is currently producing 9.7 million bpd less than a baseline agreed in early April. For most OPEC+ members, the baseline was their average daily production rate from October 2018 but for Saudi Arabia and Russia, it was their average daily in March, from which both had to cut to 8.5 million bpd. Yet Saudi Arabia said it would cut a million bpd deeper as a show of goodwill, while Nigeria and Iraq again lagged in compliance, per May data. The 9.7-million-bpd cuts were to be in effect over May and June, after which they were to be eased to a total 7.7 million bpd, to stay in effect until the end of this year. From 2021, the caps would ease further to 5.8 million bpd, to remain in effect until the end of April 2022. Yet now there has been talk, backed by Saudi Arabia, to keep the caps at 9.7 million bpd beyond the end-June expiry of this phase of the deal. There were reports late last month that Russias Alexander Novak was discussing the extension of the deeper cuts with oil companies. It remains to be seen whether they had agreed. OPEC+ was supposed to meet next week but the meeting may be moved to this week to give Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait to make their next export allocations. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Champaign, IL (61820) Today Plenty of sunshine. High 26F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 14F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. The four vice-chancellors who negotiated an ill-fated national jobs protection plan with the National Tertiary Education Union believed they had a mandate from other university leaders and expected more to sign up to the framework. The national plan ultimately collapsed after 17 universities rejected it. The framework was designed to save 12,000 jobs nationwide in exchange for pay cuts but faced wariness from vice-chancellors and a backlash led by hardline union members who opposed any concessions. La Trobe University vice-chancellor John Dewar says the national jobs protection frame isn't a "complete failure". Credit:Jeremy Piper NTEU national president Alison Barnes slammed "greed and fear" among vice-chancellors and criticised the four involved in negotiations, saying they were either not representing a broad coalition of university leaders or had agreed to protections for employees that some vice-chancellors would not tolerate. La Trobe University vice-chancellor John Dewar, one of the four university heads who worked on the plan, told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald the effort had "not been a complete failure because ... it has shown what could be done through a collaborative approach between unions and management". Over a hundred part time anf full time workers at Debenhams in Newbridge staged a public protest that is being supported by local politicians. Ongoing pickets by the Newbridge workers is anticipated. The Newbridge workers, many with over 25 years services, are appealing for Debenhams to pay their redundancy. On Tuesday, May 26, last, Debenhams workers in Newbridge joined a national strike campaign. Pickets were held in Newbridge town, attended by a number of local politicians on the day, including Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer. She says that the economy is in a very bad state. Cllr O'Dwyer said: Debenhams was good to Newbridge but Newbridge was good to Debenhams. These were very loyal staff. Debenhams workers recently voted to engage in industrial action across all eleven Debenhams locations by a margin of 97% in favour, A key objective of the industrial action campaign is to prevent the removal of any remaining company assets from the closed stores and to pressurise the Debenhams parent company in the UK to pay a fair union negotiated redundancy package to their staff in Ireland. Commenting on the first two of many planned pickets Gerry Light Mandate, Assistant General Secretary said:Mandate stands fully behind our Debenhams members demand for a reasonable and fair redundancy package. These workers have been disgracefully treated by their employer and their anguish and frustration is exacerbated by attempts by the company to remove assets from one of the stores. He said: In Cork, our members bravely managed to prevent an insidious attempt by company representatives to remove assets from the empty Debenhams Patrick Street location. Our members, legally protected by an official ballot for industrial action, stood firm. They are extremely single minded in their determination to secure a fair redundancy package and their union will provide all the necessary support to help them achieve that justifiable objective. He said These eleven Debenhams locations will be subject to ongoing pickets no matter who decides to operate a business from them and our campaign will incrementally intensify accordingly. This union and its members will do everything within its power to halt the transfer of valuable assets from all eleven locations until a fair and satisfactory resolution to this dispute has been agreed. A rumor that left-wing protest groups were planning to descend on Beatrice caused panic on social media among some in the Gage County community. Another post on Craigslist advertising the need for protesters "to cause as much chaos and destruction as possible" in Lincoln also caught on among right-wing groups online. In both instances, as well as many more across the country, the rumors of "antifa" groups ready to sow discord and destruction in cities big and small have been nothing more than that rumors. Beatrice Police Chief Bruce Lang said officers caught wind of a plan for antifa, short for anti-fascists, to travel to Fairbury or Crete, before their plans switched for his town of roughly 12,500 people. As a precaution, Lang put officers on call, to be ready either for a peaceful demonstration or something more serious, he said. He also gave a head's-up to the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce, which led the business organization to email its employees and put the information on its social media pages. PORTLAND, Ore. - This liberal city is known and prepared for protests that can descend into chaos, but even it is reeling from the nightly unrest splintering off peaceful demonstrations over police killings of African Americans. Portlands visibly frustrated police chief on Wednesday pleaded for people to help stop those holding our city with violence. For five nights, these smaller groups have smashed windows, set fires, broken into a building housing police headquarters and spray-painted walls and sidewalks. The mayhem is not unique to Portland during national upheaval over the killing of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyds neck. But in Portland, where protests can get so large and explosive that a staffer for President George H.W. Bush once famously nicknamed it Little Beirut, the sustained demonstrations have pushed police to the brink unusual for a city well-versed in civil disobedience. Police Chief Jami Resch appealed to residents for help navigating the tension between the massive peaceful demonstrations and the violence and chaos that has followed. More than 10,000 people demonstrated peacefully in Portland one of the largest U.S. protests Tuesday night before violence broke out. How do we come together to stop the violence and destruction in our city so we can move forward to identify solutions that can work? How long can we, as a city, endure the extreme disregard for human life and property demonstrated by a small group of individuals? she said at an emotional news conference. We have to collectively come together to stop those who are holding our city with violence. ... Every night, we are using all our resources and it is still not enough. Police say they have struggled to balance allowing thousands of peaceful protesters to march and confronting much smaller crowds that seem focused on clashing with officers at any cost. At least one city leader has blamed white supremacists for infiltrating the crowds and stirring up trouble, while others have blamed far left anti-fascist activists antifa who have had a strong presence in Portland for years. Resch said its too soon to say whether activists of any affiliation are coming from out of town. She said the smaller groups continued to focus on police, throwing ball bearings, bottles, bats and mortars at officers, setting fires and trying to rip down a fence set up around a building housing police headquarters and a sheriffs jail. Officers began tagging some cars with spray-paint Tuesday for later identification after noticing those inside were handing out weapons as the unrest unfolded, she added. Critics, including at least two city leaders, blasted police for using tear gas and concussion grenades against protesters. Aerial video Tuesday night showed a speeding patrol car almost hitting several demonstrators and brought more questions. Resch did not address those incidents directly when asked. I am absolutely horrified by what I saw last night. It is sadistic to be using tear gas in the middle of a public health crisis, City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly said at a public meeting Wednesday, referring to the coronavirus pandemic. People in Portland have reliably turned out over the decades to oppose wars, social injustice and most recently to counterprotest right-wing and white supremacist groups that have turned the liberal city into a flashpoint over free speech. Last year, thousands of protesters and counterprotesters clashed on multiple occasions in Portland, drawing international attention for demonstrations that routinely turned violent and ended in dozens of arrests. Residents also show up regularly for peaceful rallies for causes that range from climate change to womens rights. Demonstrations are so common that some in the city joke about Free Speech Fridays, when downtown is filled with chanting and people are nearly as likely to head to a protest as a bar as the workweek ends. Those events, while sometimes just as volatile, have almost always wrapped up in a day. Now, an understaffed police agency is relying on state troopers and officers from surrounding counties and cities as far away as Washington state to keep up. National Guard soldiers, even in a support role, further unsettled protesters. More than 100 people had been arrested and dozens more were taken into custody Tuesday. Hours after the streets returned to normal, Resch said the violence was overshadowing the protesters much-needed message for police reform and accountability. There are many thousands of you who are not involved in violence and destruction, and I thank you. I still hear your message, she said. We do not condone violence in this city. These actions are not welcome. The Pacific Northwest Youth Liberation Front, a group that says its dedicated to direct action towards total liberation has gained visibility on social media as it urges protesters to act. Ahead of another protest Wednesday night, the group advised people to form groups for protection, reposting an article calling the strategy the essential building block of an anarchist organization. The group did not reply to an email seeking comment Wednesday. The Portland Police, like all police, are an occupying army on stolen land, and that is as clear tonight as it has ever been, a post on their Twitter account said late Tuesday. A stake sale by a Flipkart investor in 2018 was done in a manner to avoid tax, the Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) said. A private equity (PE) investor in Flipkart sold its stake to Walmart for Rs 14,500 crore through a company based in Mauritius, according to a report by The Economic Times. The US-based PE firm approached the AAR after the income tax (I-T) department had said Walmart should not be asked to withhold tax on payment. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the story. In May 2018, US retail giant Walmart acquired a roughly 77 percent stake in Flipkart for $16 billion. The decision by AAR Mumbai could make tax authorities examine other transactions routed through Mauritius that sought tax exemptions for transactions made before 2016 through the grandfathering clause, The Economic Times reported. The India-Mauritius Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) was amended in 2016 to curb misuse of the tax treaty. The report did not specify the name of the PE player, but stated that it is a major firm. The PE firm can now approach the high court and appeal against the AAR's judgement, or the I-T Appellate Tribunal, the report said. "The government should do away with the proviso under section 245R(2) which allows AAR to reject applications if it's prima facie found that the transaction or issue was designed to avoid tax," Amit Maheshwari, a partner at law firm Ashok Maheshwary & Associates LLP, told the paper. Outrage over the death of a black protester who was shot while in a scuffle with a white bar owner has roiled this city's protests this week, and the county attorney on Wednesday called for a grand jury to review his decision not to prosecute the shooter. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Wednesday he would be petitioning the court to impanel a grand jury to investigate the death of James Scurlock, 22, whose death fueled protesters' anger and inspired a new rallying call on the streets: "What about James?" Kleine had said earlier this week that he would not be filing charges against Jacob "Jake" Gardner, who authorities say shot and killed Scurlock on Saturday night as protests swept through the city's popular Old Market area. The two men had tangled and Kleine said he had determined Gardner had acted in self-defense. Kleine called it a "senseless, but justified" killing. After calls from the victim's family and black leaders for a grand jury investigation, Kleine appeared to shift course Wednesday, saying he stood by his decision not to charge Gardner but was acting in the interest of "transparency" in this unique time of nationwide protests after the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd in police custody on May 25. "I'm not wavering in any way in the decision we have made in this case or the findings," Kleine said. "But I'm not afraid of having a decision I have made to be reviewed by others." Gardner did not respond to requests for comment. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested in a week of protests that have left Omaha's downtown a maze of boarded up buildings and closed roads. The state of emergency and 8 p.m. curfew for the city was lifted Wednesday. Compounding the community uproar, a meeting of black leaders, clergy and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) on Monday deteriorated after Ricketts called the leaders "you people," which they took as a racial slur. The group was meeting to discuss keeping the peace, but the tension escalated when a pastor pressed the governor on equity and public safety. Three people who were at the meeting said Ricketts became visibly angry and said: "Where the hell were you people?" Leaders and aides prevented the governor from finishing the sentence, according to two pastors who were at the gathering. Six of the community leaders walked out. Ricketts later appeared on a radio program on the channel 95.7 The Boss - which serves Omaha's black community - to apologize and say that he "chose his words poorly." "In the heat of the moment, I said things that were trigger words," Ricketts said. "I'm learnin'. I made a mistake. I apologize." But leaders said the damage was done. Jarrod S. Parker, the pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church in Omaha, said that when he heard the governor's comment it was a "gut punch." "People gasped. There was a collective disbelief," Parker said. "You saw staff members hanging their heads." He left the meeting in protest. As in other Midwestern cities, the relationship between people of color and the police has long been fraught, black leaders said. In 1969, the shooting death of a 14-year-old girl, Vivian Strong, by a white police officer - who was later acquitted - sparked riots that scarred Omaha for generations. More recently, activists cite the death in 2017 of a mentally ill Native American man, Zachary Bear Heels, as another killing in which officers used excessive force, shocking and punching the victim. Three of the four officers involved were later reinstated, and a fourth was acquitted at trial. During protests against police violence on Saturday, Scurlock and some friends were among thousands of demonstrators who choked the streets of Omaha's downtown. Some protesters broke windows and spray-painted buildings, in what the city's police chief later called "one of the longest nights Omaha has ever had." At one point in the mayhem, Scurlock and his friends got into an argument with a local bar owner, Gardner, 38, and his 68-year-old father, authorities said. The proprietor owns a bar called the Hive, a tribute to local-band-made-good 311. Gardner, a former Marine, pleaded guilty to a charge of carrying a concealed weapon in 2011, and a similar charge against him was dropped in 2013 in a case in which he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, records show. His permit to carry a concealed weapon is expired, authorities said. Kleine presented surveillance camera video at a news conference Monday that showed Gardner and Scurlock exchange words after someone in the crowd pushed Gardner's father. The conflict worsened, and two men ended up tussling with Gardner on the ground, during which time Gardner fired what the prosecutor called "warning shots." Scurlock's friends fled and Scurlock then jumped on Gardner, who shot and killed him, authorities said. Kleine said Monday that Gardner later told police he feared for his life. The prosecutor said that while the group might have had a "heated conversation" there was never any "racial tone" to the exchange. But witnesses told a different version of the altercation. Derek Stephens, a local bartender who knows Gardner, was passing by shortly before the conflict became violent and said that he heard Gardner say "Kiss my white ass" and that Gardner's father yelled the "n-word" at protesters. "I feel like the old man instigated the incident with a racial slur," Stephens said. When reached by phone, Gardner's father, David Gardner, declined to comment, saying he wanted to consult with his attorneys first. County authorities said that they are aware of the allegations and videos on social media that might indicate a racial element to the incident and that they are investigating. Protesters and activists said authorities were presenting just one side of the story and had not investigated the matter fully before deciding to let Gardner go without charges. While authorities saw a white man acting in self-defense, others saw a black man bravely protecting others by jumping on a man firing a gun. "The kid jumped on an active shooter to stop him from continuing to discharge his weapon, and they are calling his murder justified," protester Nikki Catron wrote in a Facebook post. "In my eyes, James Scurlock was a hero." Protester Danielle Powell, 31, said that she felt "very jaded and defeated" after Scurlock's death. "It felt very much like our county attorney decided he was the judge and the jury and eyewitnesses and other evidence from specific people was not included," she said. "They're not listening to us. The people in office right now do not care about it." Yet, she said, her activism will continue: "We can't resist momentum. We can't have these deaths happen in vain. We need something to change." --- The Washington Post's Alex Horton, Meryl Kornfield and Julie Tate in Washington contributed to this report. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The health department of the Delhi government has prepared a standard operating procedure (SoP) to release the payment for private ambulances being used to ferry Covid-19 patients. The SoP has been prepared to ensure transparency and timely payment to the vendors or individuals, who are rendering duty during a health crisis. According to the nine-point steps compiled by the department, nodal officers at Centralised Ambulance Trauma Services (CATS) will verify the bills and logbook maintained by the driver of the ambulance. The documents will also be vetted by the in-charge of the hospital, quarantine centre, isolation centre or the laboratory. Calls from the patients, District Surveillance Officer (DSO), or others will be received by the CATS and a call ID will be generated and will be sent to the concerned ambulance for necessary transportation. The driver of the ambulance will maintain the logbook. Concerned nodal officer of CATS will verify the logbook as per the actual travel daily, said an official belonging to the health and family welfare department. The SoP says that the logbook will also be verified by the in-charge of the hospital and other health facilities such as quarantine centres or isolation centres. The department will approve payments weekly for which the vendors will need to produce all the bills and work order issued by the department along with verified copies of the logbook within two days of completion of the week for which the payment is sought. All the details about patients, distance, day and time should be mentioned on the invoice. The ambulance driver must ensure his presence at the Covid-19 control centre and CATS designated place on time and sign the physical attendance daily twice in the morning and evening. The attendance will be verified by the CATS officer, said the official. To ensure the release of payment on time, the bills including all claim documents should be moved to state accounts manager (SAM) through deputy director (finance) for examination.SAM will confirm timely payment and share information with vendor and CATS, said the SoP. NASA is keeping a close eye on a massive asteroid heading into the weekend, according to a report by the UKs Daily Star. The giant asteroid, which is estimated to be between 820 and 1,870 feet, may be taller than the Empire State Building, which is 1,453 feet. It is set to skim Earths orbit this week, the report said. NASA has classed the asteroid as an Aten asteroid, which is a space rock following a very wide orbit around the sun, said the report. How close will the asteroid come to Earth? Dubbed 163348 (2002 NN4) by NASA, the report said the rock is expected to miss our planet by more than 3 million miles when it flies by on Saturday. Despite its distance from Earth, NASA considers the space rock a Near Earth Object it considers all asteroids NEOs if they approach Earth within 1.3 astronomical units. According to NASA, a NEO is a term used to describe comets and asteroids that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of nearby planets into orbits that allow them to enter the Earths neighborhood. Although scientists do not think the asteroid will collide with Earth, they will keep an eye on it in case by chance it enters Earths atmosphere. Will we see a return visit? According to the report, once the asteroid has safely zoomed past Earth, NASA estimates we can next expect it to visit our planet in 2024. Astronomers are tracking nearly 2,000 asteroids, comets and other objects which threaten our planet, the Daily Star reported. 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. Samsung has been contributing regularly to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, however, now apart from the company, even employees are contributing towards the cause. Employees at Samsung India from all over India have managed to raise Rs 1 Crore from their own salaries that will be transferred to the PM CAREs fund. Reuters The voluntary contributions from the employees individual salaries happen to be separate from the Rs 20 Crore donation Samsung India has already made towards the PM CARES Fund. The voluntary contribution by the employees is a testament to the same commitment, and takes roots in the Samsung values of People and Co-prosperity, among the other values such as Excellence, Change and Integrity. The Company remains committed to assist the local communities in these trying times, and beyond, through various citizenship initiatives, Samsung said in its official blog post. Apart from providing financial support, Samsung India has provided additional medical equipment for hospitals. Some of the medical equipment includes Preventive Masks and Personal Preventive Equipment (PPE) kits: Surgeon Gowns, Face Masks, Gloves, Preventive Eyewear, Hood Cap and Shoe Covers. The company also provided hospitals with infra-red Thermometers and public address systems. Reuters If you are interested to know more about how Samsung is helping India during the COVID-19 outbreak, you can check out the entire blog post here. Source: Samsung New Delhi: A large asteroid, 2020 KE4, will safely fly by the earth within distance of 0.01966 astronomical units or about 1.8 million miles away of Earth on Wednesday, 03 June 2020. Scientists have stressed that it poses no danger to the planet. According to NASAs Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), the 171 feet wide asteroid will fly past earth at a speed of over 20,000 miles per hour on June 3 at 2:01 a.m. EDT. There is no danger of the asteroid hitting Earth during its upcoming visit while scientists believe that the asteroid will burn out in the atmosphere. Near-Earth objects (NEOs) are asteroids and comets that orbit the Sun, but their orbits bring them into Earth's neighbourhood - within 30 million miles of Earth's orbit. Most of the rocky asteroids originally formed in the warmer inner solar system between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, while comets, composed mostly of water ice with embedded dust particles, formed in the cold outer solar system. Cyclone Nisarga has barrelled into Mumbai with winds in excess of 100 kilometres per hour, becoming the first to hit India's financial capital since 1891. Nisarga raced in from the Arabian Sea, making landfall near Alibaug, about 100 kilometres from the Maharashtra state capital. The severe cyclonic storm was travelling at a speed of 20 km/h per hour with gusts of up to 110 km/h. The rear part of the wall cloud region is still over the sea and the landfall process will be completed by next one hour, an Indian Meteorological official told RFI. Authorities worked overtime to move thousands of people from the coast, amid fears that the city, the worst hit by the coronavirus outbreak with over 41,000 cases, could see its healthcare system further weighed down. Over 100,000 people, including coronavirus patients, have been moved to safer locations. Residents in the citys suburbs and neighbouring districts stocked up on food, water and medicine in anticipation of torrential rains and gale-force winds. We saw what happened to the eastern city of Kolkata a couple of weeks back. People were without power for days. It is better to be safe than sorry, Pradeep Madgavkar, an engineer told RFI. India's largest container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, on the outskirts of Mumbai, was ordered to shut for 24 hours due to the cyclone, authorities said in a statement. Flight schedules were also disrupted. Maharashtras Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray appealed to the people of Mumbai to "stay indoors" for two days. Tomorrow and the day after are crucial in coastal areas. Activities which had resumed as part of easing of lockdown will be kept shut there for the next two days, people should remain alert," he said. The Indian Navy and teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed along the Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts to conduct rescue and relief operations.A control room has been established by the state government and will be operational round the clock. Story continues Nisarga was expected to move north-eastwards and weaken into a cyclonic storm later on Wednesday. Cyclone Nisarga comes barely a fortnight after Cyclone Amphan battered the country's eastern coast including Kolkata, and neighbouring Bangladesh, killing more than 100 people and leaving a trail of destruction. The yearly southwest monsoon is expected later this month. National Security Adviser Thanks Richard Grenell For Distinguished Service After He Steps Down National security adviser Robert OBrien on Tuesday thanked Richard Grenell for his distinguished service in the Trump administration after Grenell stepped down as acting director of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), and as the U.S. ambassador to Germany. I would like to thank Richard Grenell for his distinguished service in the Trump Administration, OBrien said in a statement published on the National Security Councils Twitter account. For the past two years, he served the American people as Ambassador to Germany and recently as Acting Director of National Intelligence. The Senate confirmed on May 21 that President Donald Trump ally Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) will take on the role as the permanent director of national intelligence, replacing Grenell. He was narrowly confirmed with a final vote of 49-44, and was sworn in on May 26. The post of director of national intelligence, which was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, oversees the 17 U.S. civilian and military intelligence agencies including the CIA. Grenell, 53, also confirmed last week that he will not be returning to his post as the U.S. ambassador to Germanya position he held since May 2018. He will be replaced by Robin Quinville, deputy chief of mission at the embassy, Reuters reported. Ric successfully represented America in Berlin and began many important reforms of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence during his time in office, OBrien continued. OBrien in his statement emphasized that he is grateful that Grenell will continue to serve as U.S. as envoy for Kosovo and Serbia negotiations in a part-time capacityworking out of the White House. Grenell reportedly moved into a compound in the White House on Monday, two people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. In a gesture of thanks for Grenells service in the Trump administration, the president on Monday offered him his Cabinet Room chair as a going away gift, the 53-year-old said in an Instagram post. Acting Cabinet Secretaries do not get chairs but President Trump wanted me to have mine because, as he said, You are the First Openly Gay Cabinet Secretary and its a big deal, Grenell said. During his three month stint as acting DNI, Grenell earned accolades from some for declassifying information related to an investigation into retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who in late 2016 was then-president-elect Trumps incoming national security adviser. Some senators are pushing for additional declassifications, including any unmasking applications made by Obama administration officials from January 2016 through January 2017. The Department of Justice recently moved to dismiss the case against Flynn. Flynn pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI but in recent months said he wanted to withdraw the plea. Justice Department officials said the interview of Flynn by FBI agents in early January 2017 wasnt part of a legitimate investigation, citing how FBI officials were prepared to close the probe into Flynn, before Peter Strzok, a high-level FBI agent, rushed to keep it open before going to interrogate Flynn with another agent. Strzok was later fired after hundreds of text messages came to light revealing rampant anti-Trump opinions. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Mark Welsh | Daily Herald (AP) Authorities in a Chicago suburb where two people were fatally shot in unrest following George Floyds death issued fresh safety precautions Tuesday. Cicero officials warned residents to stay home and stay off the streets and declared a state of emergency a day after violence and destruction erupted in the town of about 84,000 west of Chicago. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 00:47:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on Wednesday projected that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could push 29 million people into extreme poverty across Africa. "Africa was already witnessing the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis even before its impact on public health and may see its growth slow down by 1.8 to 2.6 percent of GDP, which could push 29 million people into extreme poverty," the UNECA said in a statement issued on Wednesday. The ECA further stressed that the containment measures established in 42 African countries to protect populations from the COVID-19 pandemic "have already cost the region some 69 billion U.S. dollars per month and are expected to have a negative impact on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region." Vera Songwe, UN Under Secretary General and Executive Secretary of the UNECA, also on Wednesday stressed the urgent need to set COVID-19 recovery milestones across the continent in an efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. "We are yet to know how long the COVID-19 crisis will last, but we need to set the milestones for recovery now," the ECA chief told a webinar on "Rethinking the economy and academic paradigms in post-COVID-19 Africa." The ECA chief also elaborated on a number of issues that are critical for the development of post-COVID-19 crisis exit strategies, which include improving economic governance to ensure funds benefit those who need them the most, developing the digital economy, mitigating the impact of climate change, redesigning financial systems for better use of domestic financial resources such as African pension funds and reviving regional consumption through the African Continental Free Trade Area. The webinar also provided participants with an opportunity for an initial discussion on how to rebuild African economies and re-design the study of economics to make it fit for purpose to African countries. Some African economists argued for monetary integration of the continent as a pivotal measure for moving forward. Various challenges were discussed such as the informal sector, where workers have been particularly negatively impacted by the crisis. Additionally, discussions touched on access to the Internet and its impact, in a continent where only a minority of the 330 million children unable to go to school have been able to study online as only 20 percent of Africans have access to stable internet connectivity. Participants also called for the redistribution of value chains and the development of African pharmaceutical industries. In this regard, panelists said it was necessary for the African diaspora to lead on technology transfer to the continent and for countries to master it. Other topics raised during the webinar also include opportunities to digitize African economies and to rethink the architecture of African universities so that students can enjoy better access to quality education from home. On Wednesday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) disclosed that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the African continent surpassed 158,318 as the death toll from the ongoing pandemic surged to 4,508 as of Wednesday afternoon. The continental disease control and prevention agency also disclosed that some 67,630 people who have been infected with the COVID-19 have recovered across the continent so far. Enditem Blac Chyna shared four new pin-up images to social media media on Wednesday. The 32-year-old model, who has daughter Dream with Rob Kardashian and son King Cairo with Tyga, shared in one of her captions that she was releasing new music. 'Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Blac Chyna.... music dropping soon,' stated the Rob & Chyna star whose birth name is Angela Renee White. The former friend of Kim Kardashian has already released the 2018 rap single Deserve and she worked on Tone Tone's tune Gold Rolex in 2016. A nude mood: Blac Chyna shared four new pin-up images to social media media on Wednesday Chyna has been featured in many music videos such as Tyga's Rack City and Nicki Minaj's Rake It Up. In 2018 the TV vet revealed that she is slowly trying to launch a music career, setting up a small studio in her home, as she confessed her hopes of working with Drake, the artist who originally helped put her on the map. Chyna told DailyMailTV she would 'love to do music', saying: 'I've been working on some music. I never been the type of person to really coast. I just want to test all my boundaries to see if I can actually kind of do it. 'My music is actually kind of fire. I have a little bit of singing, a little bit of rapping and I have a little love song.' Fresh tunes: The 32-year-old model, who has daughter Dream with Rob Kardashian and son King Cairo with Tyga, shared in one of her captions that she was releasing new music She added: 'We are just testing it out right now. I'm not about to throw myself out there. [I want to] make sure everything is in line.' Chyna said she would love to collaborate with Drake, saying: 'I'd be like Drake, you put me on that first time, maybe we could do a little 2.0. I would love that.' The mother-of-two first met Drake when she was living in Florida after moving from the Washington D.C. area to attend Johnson & Wales University to study business management. What is soon? 'Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Blac Chyna.... music dropping soon,' stated the Rob & Chyna star whose birth name is Angela Renee White To earn some money to save up for school, Chyna began dancing as a stripper and continued to dance when she moved down to Miami for college, which led to her opportune meeting with Drake and helped her get discovered. Chyna said: 'I actually had a booking and I think it was in Tennessee. These guys introduced me to Drake, and Drake you know put me in a song and I started doing all the music videos and the magazines.' Drake mentions Chyna in his 2010 song Miss Me, rapping: 'Call up King of Diamonds and tell Chyna it'll be worth the flight // I be at my table stackin' dollars till the perfect height.' A close up: The former friend of Kim Kardashian has already released the 2018 rap single Deserve and she worked on Tone Tone's tune Gold Rolex in 2016 It was through Drake that Chyna met Tyga; the rappers were on the same music label at the time. The two began a relationship and soon after Chyna became pregnant with their son King Cairo. These new posts come a week after she filed suit against a landlord who received a $72,000 judgment against her earlier this year in an ongoing dispute over a Los Angeles home she had rented. In her lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, she told the court that landlord, Michael Kremerman, is actually in debt to her more than $20,000 from a security deposit he never repaid, per their contract, Page Six reported Thursday. The used to be happy: Chyna and Rob Kardashian attend her birthday celebration at Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood in May 2016 She brought Chyna into the family: Kim Kardashian was the one who first befriended the star Kremerman last year sued Chyna for $48,000 and was subsequently awarded an additional $18,000 from the judge earlier this year after she never responded to the suit. The Washington D.C. native, in her new filing, said that she's suing Kremerman for $50,000, as its double the amount of the $25,000 deposit she claims he owes her. Kremerman was attempting to collect 'unpaid rent at a time when he no longer even owned the rental property' in Studio City, California, Chyna's attorney, Lynne Ciani told the outlet Thursday. Legal trouble: The siren is suing her former landlord, according to TMZ; seen in February Ciani said Kremerman made a 'fraudulent claim' that the salon owner was into him for huge sums at the time she left the six-bedroom, five-bathroom residence; and attempted to 'have his cake and eat it too' in attempting to collect monies after a Zillow report indicated he'd sold the home in March of 2019 for the sum of $4.55 million. In his April 2019 suit, according to Page Six, Kremerman claimed that the reality star was in to him for $55,546 after leaving the home prematurely, and that he took off her $25,000 deposit. In regards to damage Kremerman claimed Chyna left when she moved, Chyna said he was only entitled to less than $4,700 - divvied among her November 2018 rent for $3,360; a sink with $1,100 in repairs due; and a $231.02 popcorn maker that needs to be replaced. The Lashed businesswoman is slated to return to court in the case June 26. She's also in a legal situation with her ex Rob. He suffered cracked teeth and bruising across his body during the incident The father of an indigenous teenager who had his legs kicked from beneath him before being slammed to the ground by a police officer said he was deeply angered by the incident. The 16-year-old told a cop he would 'crack him in the f**king jaw, bro', following a verbal altercation at Eddie Ward Park in Surry Hills, Sydney about 5pm on Monday. In response, the officer handcuffed him and kicked his legs from underneath him at the same time, sending the boy tumbling face first into the concrete footpath below. The teen's distraught father, who wished not to be named, told The Project he was initially annoyed at his son's language, before his anger turned to the officer's reaction. 'The first reaction is anger, you know, seeing my boy do that,' he said on Wednesday night. The teen's distraught father (right), who wished not to be named, told The Project he was initially annoyed at his son's language, before his anger turned to the officer's reaction. Pictured with human rights lawyer George Newhouse Footage shows the officer, who was patrolling in Surry Hills in Sydney at the time, swipe the feet from underneath the man during the arrest (left). While on the ground, the young man appeared to struggle to manoeuvre his arms behind his back and was wailing (right) 'Hitting the ground, you know, with the police foot-sweeping him. Yeah, a lot of anger... but the thing is, it's not new. 'It's happened to our young people all the time. But this here, it really hit home, because that was my son, and we're just looking for what justice can be done for my boy.' The father dismissed NSW Police Minister David Elliot's claims the teenager's language was 'horrifying'. 'Whatever he has said and whatever he has done doesn't justify the action of that policeman,' he said. The father also responded to NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller's remarks that the cop, who had an otherwise clean record, had 'a bad day'. 'For us as Aboriginal people, everyday of the week, everyday of the year is always a bad day for us,' he said. 'If he had a bad day, well we cop it everyday... With our relationship with the police - there's always going to be a bad day.' The man said his son 'wasn't doing so good' following the incident. 'There's bruises on his face and on his legs, but there's also chipped teeth,' he said, adding that the family will continue to take him to the doctor 'for his mental health'. The boy's family and other members of his legal team took a knee during a press conference on Wednesday to pay respects to other people who they believe had been unfairly targeted The 16-year-old's mother, father and older sister fronted a press conference on Wednesday where they revealed they would take legal action if an internal police inquiry doesn't result in charges against the officer He called for a 'change in the institutional system' to combat police brutality and racism. Earlier today in a press conference calling for an internal police inquiry, the father said the footage took him back to his own childhood, where he claims he was often targeted by authorities. 'My son experienced this and I experienced this in my life as a young 17 or 19-year-old,' he said. 'But them days, we didn't have what we have today.' The boy, who suffered chipped teeth and bruises across his body during the altercation, 'wants to do things that other white kids do, but there is no opportunity,' his father said. Instead, according to his family, he is made to feel like he is in a 'prison made up of the whole world'. The teen's family told the conference they would take legal action if an internal police inquiry doesn't result in charges against the officer. 'As Aboriginal people, we experience extra obligation to answer to people. Who we are, where we're going, what we're doing even when we're just walking along,' his mother said. Following his arrest, the family claim he was taken to holding cells before being transferred to St Vincent's Hospital via ambulance, where he spent the night waiting for results from x-rays to his shoulder, knee and elbow. A 16-year-old boy suffered a chipped tooth and bruising all over his body after he was thrown to the ground by a police officer His older sister told media that watching the footage for the first time was 'chilling.' 'We're all feeling anger that we can't express and sadness that we live in a society where that is normal,' she said. The teen was released without charge following his arrest and taken to St Vincent's Hospital for treatment. His sister said the boy was distraught and his teeth were chipped during the ordeal. 'When he came back home later that night, he was shaken up,' she said. 'He was very sore this morning and he was distraught. Teenagers, they're lippy, but you don't just abuse children because they're lippy.' According to his family, he is made to feel like he is in a 'prison made up of the whole world' Family member of Aboriginal boy allegedly assaulted by a NSW cop is seen with NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge at Parliament House on Wednesday On Tuesday, police revealed they had stood down the officer involved in the arrest after Daily Mail Australia published the confronting video. Police suspended the officer involved pending an investigation from the Professional Standards Command, and held meetings with the community and local elders about the investigation. But the family are calling for an external investigation into the actions of the officer, and want to be informed about the consequences for the other cops who witnessed the arrest. Human rights lawyer George Newhouse for the National Justice Project on Wednesday confirmed the family would pursue private prosecution if the officer is not charged with assault. While rare, the spokesman said the family had every right to commence private legal proceedings to have charges laid if police fail to do so. NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller (pictured) on Wednesday admitted there were 'other ways' the officer could have dealt with the matter, other than the leg sweep Police are conducting an internal investigation into the officer's approach to the arrest, and placed him on restricted duties for the duration of the investigation. Earlier on Wednesday, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller on Wednesday admitted there were 'other ways' the officer could have dealt with the matter, other than the leg sweep. Mr Fuller said the officer in question had worked in the force for three-and-a-half years and had no record of complaints, and likely regretted the way he arrested the teen. 'This is a case of two things - is it reasonable for someone to swear and threaten a police officer? And then, is the force the officer used reasonable?' Mr Fuller told 2GB Radio. 'I don't know what happened before in terms of the lead-up but there was probably other ways the officer could have dealt with that matter, no doubt. 'I totally accept that officers need to show restraint.' Footage of the arrest was captured on a mobile phone and posted on social media. A bystander can be heard yelling: 'You just slammed him on his face. He's in pain.' UK based Nigerian socialite and Big Brother Naija reality star, Kareem Khafi has revealed that she was raped some years ago but she did not report her rapist. She made this revelation when she joined some Twitter users in a discussion on rape and se.xual violence against women. Giving reasons as to why did not report her rap!st, Khafi revealed that the man apologized after the incident. She added that she made herself believe that the man committed the act under the influence of alcohol. She wrote: #WhyIDidntReport because he apologised right after. Because I made myself believe him being drunk was an excuse. Because the one person I did tell said I caused it. Because I felt dirty and ashamed. #WeAreTired. Yes, this did happen to me. Im sharing in the hope that others will feel no shame in sharing what happened to them. Please dont deflect or say it is not my story when it was already hard enough sharing it. See her tweet in the screenshot below; The post BBNaija Star Khafi Shares Her Rape Experience With A Drunk Man appeared first on . Share this post with your Friends on Central New York polls will open for early voting June 13, giving voters 10 days to submit ballots ahead of the 2020 New York primary election for state and federal offices. A change in state law enacted last year allows early in-person voting at designated polling places in each county. Registered primary voters will be able to submit a ballot on any day between Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 21. No polling sites will be open on Monday, June 22, the day before the primary election. Election officials say the extended period for early voting will help prevent crowding at polling sites and ease concerns about social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also eased restrictions on absentee ballots for the primary election, giving all state residents the option to vote by mail during the pandemic. All eligible primary voters will receive an absentee ballot application in the mail along with a postage-paid return envelope. What follows is a list of early-voting polling locations in Central New York and the days and hours that the sites will be open: Onondaga County polling sites Camillus Fire Station (rear entrance), 5801 Newport Road, Camillus Clay Highway Department, 4483 Route 31, Clay DeWitt Town Hall Courtroom, 5400 Butternut Drive, East Syracuse LaFayette Fire Station #1, 2444 Route 11 South, LaFayette Armond Magnarelli Community Center, 2300 Grant Blvd., Syracuse Southwest Community Center, 401-425 South Ave., Syracuse Hours for all Onondaga County locations Saturday, June 13: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 14: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, June 15: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 16: Noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17: Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 18: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, June 19: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 20: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 21: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cayuga County polling sites Cato Town Office, 11320 Shortcut Road, Cato Clifford Park Clubhouse, (Y Field), 81 Mary Street, Auburn Venice Town Office, 2479 State Route 34, Scipio Center Hours for all Cayuga County locations Saturday, June 13: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14: 9a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, June 15: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 16: Noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17: Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 18: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 19: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 21: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Madison County polling site Board of Elections, 138 North Court St., Wampsville Madison County hours Saturday, June 13: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, June 15: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 16: Noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 18: Noon to 8 p.m. Friday, June 19: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 21: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oswego County early polling site Board of Elections, 185 E. Seneca St., Oswego Oswego County hours Saturday, June 13: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, June 15: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16: Noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17: Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 18: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 19: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 21: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wayne County early polling site Board of Elections, 7376 State Route 31, Lyons Wayne County hours Saturday, June 13: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, June 15: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 16: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 18: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 19: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 21: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In Central New York, Democrats will be eligible to vote in the 24th Congressional District primary election between Dana Balter and Francis Conole. The winner will face Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, in November. Republicans in the 22nd Congressional District will choose between Claudia Tenney and George Phillips in the GOP primary. The winner will face Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-Utica, in November. Republicans in the 126th state Assembly District are also on the June 23 ballot. John Lemondes and Danny Fitzpatrick are competing for the GOP ballot line. The winner will face Democrat Dia Carabajal of Auburn in the November election. All registered Democrats in the state will be eligible to vote in the New York presidential primary, which had been postponed from April 28 because of the pandemic. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Election Day, June 23. MORE POLITICS Voters flood Onondaga County with mail-in ballot requests for NY primary Want to vote in the 2020 NY primary election? What you need to know The virtual campaign for Congress: Balter, Conole innovate to reach CNY voters Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. File Photo New Delhi: The Boeing planes purchased to transport the country's VVIPs, including the President and the Prime Minister, are now almost ready. A picture of Air Force One for India has surfaced on social media. The new Boeing 777 ER with white and light gray colors and the national emblem of the country has Bharat written in Hindi and India in English. India had decided to convert two aircraft purchased from Boeing in 2018 to VVIP aircraft. Advertisement PhotoThe plane was recently sent to the United States for security purposes. The photo on social media claims that it was taken while the plane was en route from San Bernardino, California to Fort Worth, Texas. It is said that the picture was taken by a plane photographer. However, no official statement has been issued regarding the picture. More information about these aircraft is not being shared for security reasons. PhotoHowever, sources said that the aircraft is equipped with all the latest communications and security technology as per the security requirements of Indian VVIPs. It will also have its own missile defense system. Significantly, two Air India Boeing 777 Extended Range aircraft have been provided for VVIP transport. Advertisement It may be recalled that till now, Air India planes were used for foreign trips of the President, Vice President and Prime Minister. The aircraft was adapted from the fleet of Boeing-747 aircraft for VVIP travel as required. The Home Ministry has allowed foreign businessmen, engineers and healthcare professionals to enter the country on the condition that they get their visas re-validated and fly into the country in chartered flights, a government statement on Wednesday said. The home ministry order is seen as the first, cautious step to allow foreigners to enter the country, particularly in context of the governments efforts to restart the economy. The home ministry order covered four broad categories of foreigners who can enter the country in non-scheduled commercial flights or chartered flights. The government, which had shut its doors to foreigners in March this year to minimise the spread of coronavirus cases, said foreign businessmen coming to India on re-validated business visas or fresh ones would be allowed into the country. The other categories permitted to enter the country include healthcare professionals on invitation from a recognised and registered healthcare facility, technical specialists and engineers travelling for installation, repair and maintenance of foreign-origin machinery and specialists who need to travel on behalf of foreign business entities located in India. The select group of foreign nationals would have to obtain a fresh business visa or employment visa, as applicable, from the Indian Missions/ Posts abroad. Foreign nationals holding a valid long term multiple entry business visa [other than B-3 visa for sports] issued by the Indian Missions/ Posts abroad would have to get the Business visa re-validated from the Indian Mission/ Post concerned. Such foreign nationals would not be permitted to travel to India on the strength of any electronic visa obtained earlier. Remove China Apps had gained over 5 million downloads in a week for a reason that has been trending in India all week. The movement behind boycotting Chinese products has now gained momentum and has led to enraged Indian users removing or deleting apps that originated, over the source of the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent tensions at the India-China border. The app was trending in India as it enabled users to identify and delete apps developed by Chinese companies. MensXP_Karthik Iyer However, Google recently pulled the plug on the application as it violated one of its most important policies. The app was suspended on the grounds of being deceptive and violated the companys Deceptive Behaviour Policy, according to TechCrunch. According to the policy, Apps cannot make changes to a users device settings without the knowledge of the user or without seeking permission. The app was not removed because it encouraged users to identify third-party apps and also give them the ability to remove them. MensXP_Akshay Bhalla Many prominent Indian celebrities have also supported the idea of boycotting Chinese apps on their phones and the movement caught wind after Indian inventor Sonam Wanchuk urged the Indian public to start deleting prominent Chinese apps such as TikTok. The movement is not only limited to apps, as many Indian gamers have also started to boycott PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty mobile due to their Chinese origins. MensXP_Akshay Bhalla Remove China Apps is not the only app that has been affected by Google on the Play Store as the search engine giant also removed the Mitron app citing privacy concerns. While the two apps have been suspended on the Play Store for now; Indian users are wanting the apps to be available for download again on the platform: Google play store is working for china only: 1. Removed around 8M negative reviews to increase tik-tok review rating. 2. Now deleted "remove china app" from play store. !!!#GooglePlayStore Diksha Jain (@Dikshaj20) June 2, 2020 @googleplay @sundarpichai @GoogleIndia why you removed #RemoveChinaApps from Playstore? I can't understand the logic. You also managed the ratings of TikTok by removing 7million reviews. Why are so biased in favour of China? Gaurav Kumar (@IndiGK1) June 2, 2020 The removal of the app from the Play Store led to users sharing links of the APK file that can still be downloaded and installed on phones. We advise to not use unverified links to download apps to your phones as it could harm your phone. We really cant trust everybody as the app may come with some sort of malware and instead wait for Googles decision to reinstate the availability of the app on Play Store. Source: TechCrunch TVSmiles, a Berlin-based mobile native advertising app whose users earn digital currency in exchange for engaging with branded content such as quizzes, apps and videos, has suffered a data breach. Security researcher UpGuard disclosed in a report today that it found an unsecured Amazon S3 bucket online last month -- containing personal and device data tied to millions of the app's users. According to TVSmiles' marketing material the quiz app has up to three million users. The storage bucket UpGuard found exposed to the Internet contained a 306 GB PostgreSQL database backup with "unencrypted personally identifiable information matched to individual users, profiling insights about users interests based on quiz responses, associations to smart devices, and accounts and login details for TVSmiles business relationships", according to its report. UpGuard writes that 261 database tables were present in the exposed repository -- including a "core_users" table consisting of more than 6.6 million rows. Of the entries that had an email address tied to them UpGuard says it found 901,000 unique emails. The exposed backup file appears to date back to August 2017. Screengrab: UpGuard After UpGuard reported the breach to TVSmiles, in an email sent May 13, the Berlin-based company responded on May 15, writing in an email that the repository "has been immediately secured" (UpGuard says it independently confirmed this). TVSmiles co-founder, Gaylord Zach, added in this email to UpGuard that it would "further investigate the contents of the exposed data to take further actions". Reached for comment on the incident today, Zach confirmed UpGuard's report and also confirmed that the exposed repository had been accidentally left unsecured for years. He said internal analysis of available logs has found no unauthorized access besides UpGuard's access of the data, adding that TVSmiles has yet to notify users of the incident -- but is planning a communication to users within its mobile app and a blog post on its website. Story continues "Our analysis has revealed that the data consists of a database backup that was created in 2017 and mistakenly stored in a cloud storage repository provided within the cloud hosting environment," Zach told us. "Allegedly this backup was created as a safety measure ahead of performed maintenance work. Further investigation revealed three independent but severe policy breaches: 1.) The backup was stored in plain format where all backups should have been encrypted; 2.) The affected repository was provisioned as a code repository and never intended to store data; 3.) The affected repository was intended for private use within the organization and never intended to be publicly available. "The very unfortunate combination of these three factors resulted in the long period that this data remained stored without discovery." TVSmiles reported the breach to the German Data protection authorities -- filing its report on May 17, per Zach. Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires data controllers to report all breaches of personal data that pose a risk to people's rights and freedoms to a supervisory authority within at least 72 hours of discovery. "We are very thankful to UpGuard unveiling this exposure before it has led to material data breaches and harm to our users. We are very much embarrassed by this unnecessary exposure of user data. It is a strong reminder to every developer to do regular security checks and house keeping in order to avoid these incidents," he added. Screengrab: UpGuard Clicks for data TVSmiles' business participates in a data-fuelled digital ad ecosystem that operates by linking user IDs to devices, digital activity and tracked interests, building individual profiles for the purpose of targeting screen users with advertising. Hence the interactive content that the TVSmiles quiz app encourages users to engage with -- rewarding activity with a proprietary digital currency (called 'Smiles') that can be exchanged for discount vouchers on products in its shop or directly for cash -- functions both as direct marketing material to drive deeper engage around branded content; and a data harvesting tool in its own right, enabling the business to gather deeper insights on users' interests which can in turn be monetized via user profiling and ad targeting. Such insights enable TVSmiles to plug into a wider digital advertising ecosystem in which mobile users are profiled and tracked at scale across multiple apps, services and devices in order that targeted ads can follow eyeballs as they go -- all powered by the background profiling of people's digital activity and inferred interests. According to Crunchbase the quiz app has raised a total of $12.6M in funding since being founded around seven years ago when it was pitching itself as a second screen app for TV viewers. It went on to launch its own ad platform, called Kwizzard, which packages ads into "a native, gamified ad format" -- with the aim of luring app users to engage with quiz-based ad campaigns. Given the nature of TVSmiles' business -- and a wider problematic lack of transparency around how the adtech industry functions -- this data breach is a fascinating and unnerving glimpse of the breadth and depth of data harvesting that routinely goes on in the background of ad-supported digital services. Even an app with a relatively small user base (single digit millions) can be sitting atop a massive repository of tracking data. The online ad industry also continues to face major questions over the legal basis it claims for processing large volumes of personal data under the European Union's data protection regime. A master database plus access tokens In terms of the types of data exposed in this breach, UpGuard said the 306 GB PostgreSQL database backup contained "centralized information" about users of the app, alongside what it describes as "large amounts of internal system and partnership information necessary for any business participating in the modern online advertising ecosystem". TVSmiles' LinkedIn page reports the app having in excess of 2M users in Germany and the U.K. -- per Google's Play store the TVSmiles app has had in excess of 1M downloads to date, and while Apple's iOS does not break out a ballpark figure for app downloads a video on the Play Store app page makes reference to 3M users -- so it's possible the 6.6M figure relates to total downloads over the app's lifetime since launch back in September 2013. Zach told us that the discrepancy between the user figures is a result of TVSmiles being a much smaller business now than it was in mid 2017 -- when it was spending a lot on marketing and had more active users, including as a result of operating in the UK market (which it left in 2018). "In general we are now a much smaller organisation compared to 2017," he added. Other tables in the repository were found by UpGuard to contain considerably more entries -- such as a tracking_token table, with more than 235 million entry rows. "A table in this database called "user_core" contained six million rows, with many users having their "country" field marked for other territories throughout Europe, making this data consistent with being a master database for TVSmiles at the time," it writes in the report. "The user_core table contained fields for email address, fb_user, fb_access_token, first and last name, gender, date of birth, address, phone number, password, and others." UpGuard told us that the user_core table had password hashes filled in for 626,000 of the rows. It said these passwords appear to have been hashed using a type of hashing algorithm that's known to be vulnerable to brute forcing -- the sha256 algorithm -- and therefore offers little protection against malicious attackers. It added that it was able to locate three out of three random hashed passwords it checked in publicly available indexes which are easily searchable online -- meaning these password hashes had already been reversed (which in turn suggests they may have been used elsewhere before; or else are commonly guessable). It also found Facebook user IDs ("fb_user") and access tokens ("fb_access_token") stored in the repository for some of the listed TVSmiles users -- presumably for those who used a Facebook account to login to the app. "Not all data points were present for all users for example, the Facebook specific fields would likely only be present for users who had connected with their Facebook identity, and users who had authenticated via Facebook would not inherently need to create a password for the app due to the functionality of that authentication method," UpGuard suggests. The exposed repository contained more than 312,000 access tokens tied to Facebook IDs, according to its analysis. Screengrab: UpGuard It also found a large collection of personal data stored in a table related to end user devices -- which it said were linked to tracking tokens, ad IDs and user rewards. "A table called "device_core" contains 7.5 million rows tied to physical devices," UpGuard writes. "These devices have unique device ids, access tokens, and mappings to the user ids of their owners. Those device ids, in turn, are then relevant to a "tracking_token" table consisting of 235 million entry rows. "The rows in the tracking_token table include fields such as campaign_id, placement_id, user_payout, and challenge_id, building up a picture of the TVSmiles activity like which ads and activities users responded to on each device which can then be linked back to the user." Other personal data found in the repository includes precise location data -- "users' latitude and longitude" -- with a related admin view configured for a database named full device info, which UpGuard says highlights "the "tracker_name," a token value, and the nearest weather station". It also found a collection of "insights" related to TVSmiles users -- listed in the form of "intents, interests, and other psychographic qualities". "These subjects ranged from consumer goods (e.g. books, video games, furniture, and clothing) to the users education and more esoteric interests," the report notes. Redacted screengrab: UpGuard As well as storing (unencrypted) personal data attached to millions of users of the TVSmiles app, and hashed passwords for more than half a million of these entries, the exposed repository was found to contain information related to a number of the company's own business clients -- also tied to access tokens. "It is reasonable to interpret these names as business clients, who have paid to publish ads on TVSmiles or have access to insights gleaned from end-user app interaction," UpGuard writes of the "business_clients" table. "These business users hashed passwords, phone numbers, email addresses, names, and other data points were also present. Conversely, TVSmiles own credentials for interacting with vendors necessary to provide the TVSmiles platform, like ad exchanges, fraud detection platforms, and email communication scheduling, were also present." UpGuard suggests that a hacker who stumbled across the unsecured bucket may have been able to use the tokens to gain access to a number of additional services where they could potentially obtain further user data -- such as by exporting contact data; accessing or sending mail via a third party service; or reading historic service information and performance metrics. "If this database had been located by malicious entities, prior to UpGuard discovering it and sending appropriate notification, the possibility exists that such credentials could have allowed an attacker to impersonate TVSmiles and collect additional information about arbitrary targets from those other platforms and service providers," it adds. Zach confirmed the data contained "legacy access tokens" -- but said they stem from a deprecated login methodology that had since been replaced with a OAuth based sign on service. "The data originates from August 2017. Any contained access tokens would therefore have expired by now," he told us, saying TVSmiles has not yet notified any business partners on account of seeing "no major risk based on the nature and age of the exposed tokens". "We would however not hesitate to contact and take action if we have underestimated or overseen risks," he added. Questions of consent After reviewing UpGuard's report, Wolfie Christl, an EU-based privacy researcher who focuses on adtech and data-driven surveillance, called for EU data protection agencies to launch an immediate investigation. "This is a massive data breach. But it is about more than that. It provides a glimpse into an opaque industry consisting of thousands of companies that secretly harvest extensive personal information on millions of people for business purposes," he told TechCrunch. "According to the leaked database, the company has digital profiles on 6M people and 7.5M devices. It seems that they linked names, email addresses and phone numbers to device identifiers, social media accounts, and to all kinds of behavioral data. "Data protection authorities in Germany -- and perhaps in other European countries -- must immediately start an investigation. In addition to the data breach, they must examine whether the company, and its affiliates and partners, processed this extensive amount of personal data in a lawful way. Did they have a legal basis to process it?" Screengrab: UpGuard "The wider issue is that, two years after the GDPR came into full force, it has still not been enforced in major areas," Christl added. "We still see large-scale misuse of personal information all over the digital world, from platforms to digital marketing to mobile apps. EU authorities should have acted years ago, they must do so now." In its privacy policy, TVSmiles states that it only uses app users' personal data "to the extent that this is legally permissible or you have given your consent... for the purposes of advertising, market research or the needs-based design of our offer" [text translated using Google Translate]. "We are obtaining user consent to the use of data and have created a dedicated section within our app to obtain consent like location data, advertising identifier, sharing of personal data with advertising partners," Zach told us on this, adding that consent information is provided to "various advertising and tracking partners" -- assuming users agree to be tracked via responses to its consent flows (shown below). Screenshots: TVSmiles References to a number of third party adtech companies can be found in TVSmiles' repository, per UpGuard, suggesting it was making use of their services for data structuring, enrichment and monetization purposes -- including Adex, a data management platform and marketplace whose website touts the "easy selling and purchase of data"; Adjust, a mobile measurement and fraud-prevention firm geared towards mobile marketing; mobile app monetization company, Fyber; and product user behavior analytics platform, Mixpanel. Another interesting component in this story is how TVSmiles' business straddles the TV and online advertising realms. Its business began, more than half a decade ago, with a firm focus on the notion of being a 'second screen' app for TV viewers -- including by using audio technology to automatically identify TV ads in order to serve related in-app content. This means it's forged links with traditional media giants. Back in 2014, for instance, it inked a marketing partnership for its app in Austria with European media giant ProSiebenSat.1's marketing subsidiary, SevenOne Media. At the time ProSiebenSat.1 PULS 4's MD, Michael Stix, billed the move as a "strategic step" to integrate brand communication on the second screen, lauding the tie-up as a way to offer advertising customers "additional novel touchpoints" for their target group. But the rise of smart TVs and digital sign-ins has paved the way for deeper linking of Internet activity and TV viewing. Especially as traditional mass media giants have been looking for ways to diversify their media businesses, with more competition for viewers' eyeballs than ever before. Behind all these screens a complex mass of adtech pipes is exchanging data linked to individual users -- trading IDs and insights to join dots and serve targeted ads. So connected "touchpoints" are now very much integral, not secondary, these days. UpGuard found labels (see below screengrab) in the exposed TVSmiles repository that refer to "seven_pass": Aka a single sign-on solution for all ProSieben.Sat1's digital services, called 7Pass. An FAQ on TVSmiles' website confirms TVSmiles users are able to use the 7Pass service to log in to the app. Screengrab: UpGuard In its privacy policy, TVSmiles states that "pseudonymized" data of users of the 7Pass login is sent to ProSiebenSat.1 Digital & its affiliates and to other affiliated companies of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE -- including quiz response data. "In addition, survey data collected and provided by you via survey cards in the app are also transmitted pseudonymised to ProSiebenSat.1 Digital & Adjacent GmbH and other affiliated companies of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE in order to enable you to use special quiz cards in the app, bring in more smilies and be able to offer special promotions in cooperation with ProSiebenSat.1," it adds. Of course, much like weak password hashes, "pseudonymised" personal data can be trivially easy to re-identify -- such as by unifying tracking IDs. Asked about the 7Pass service, Zach said TVSmiles had replaced its legacy user management with ProSiebenSat.1's digital sign-on service -- claiming the main objective was "to leverage a trustworthy well maintained sign-on service by a larger partner and remove the need of self managed credentials and access tokens". "Given the sensitivity of user data and access credentials it seems like a wise choice in light of this case," he added. In a more recent business development, TVSmiles sold its development division and adtech to a company called PubNative in December 2019. PubNative is a mobile SSP and programmatic ad exchange owned by a German holding company called MGI Media that's made a large number of media and adtech acquisitions in recent years (as well as being majority owner of free-to-play gamesmaker, Gamigo). At the time of this "acqui-hire" TVSmiles and PubNative suggested an ongoing business partnership. "As we recently branched into Connected TV, PubNatives advanced tech stack supports our continued growth and allows us to expand our business internationally. Advancements on demand-side business development will be introduced gradually across the entire product line," said Zach in a press statement at the end of last year. Asked about the nature of the business relationship between TVSmiles and PubNative, Zach confirmed it sold "certain people and technology" to PubNative but retained its mobile apps and user base, adding: "No user data has been shared with PubNative and they have no involvement in this case." However he confirmed TVSmiles uses advertising technology provided by PubNative. "This technology (SDK) is built into the TVSmiles app. Data sharing is limited to those authorized by user consent for advertising use," he added. A static analysis by Exodus suggests the TVSmiles app contains more than 40 trackers -- including PubNative's. This plus the fact the TVSmiles repository was found by UpGuard to be storing precise user location data is interesting in light of a separate report, published in January, by Norway's Consumer Council (NCC) -- which delved into how the adtech industry non-transparently exploits app users' data. The NCC report identified PubNative as one of the entities receiving GPS data from a number of apps it tested (NB: it did not test the TVSmiles app). The Council found a majority of apps that it did test transmitted data to entities it characterized as unexpected third parties meaning users were not being clearly informed about who was getting their information and what was being done with it, in its view. Other SDKs contained in the TVSmiles app, per Exodus and a list of software suppliers in TVSmiles' privacy policy, include Facebook Ads, Analytics and Places; Google Ads, Analytics, DoubleClick & more; and Twitter MoPub. Also present: A longer list of smaller adtech and mobile marketing/monetization players, from AdBuddiz to Vungle. "Looking through the Exodus report most of these trackers stem from advertising technology that is being used within TVSmiles app," Zach also told us. Northern New Mexico politics are slowly changing, but they must change a lot more in order to provide our citizens with improved and open government. For far too long, we have lived with corruption, megalomania and control. Looking closely at the root causes of such decrepitude, we throw our hands in the air and say, asi es la politica with all these movidas. Its all about who you know. Talk about the good old boys network even when misdeeds are exposed, we assume there will be no change because thats the way things have always been done. Not this time. This time we can say no to the old ways of doing politics. Our duty to change Northern New Mexico lies with every citizen who is brave enough to call out bad behavior and refuse to accept it when it surfaces. We cannot stick our heads in the sand like an ostrich. Recovery and change require full attention, spirit and action. We see the damaging effects of movidas everywhere. Some desire to control the whole Valley. Politicos get elected to one board and quickly maneuver their way onto other boards at the same time. Its not enough to reign over a city lets look at the local electric co-op or school board or stretch our fingers into the county or state. And if its not the politico getting on such committees, its their friends or relatives. These favors create a dark web of power throughout the community. Go against them, and politicos will use their power to threaten, intimidate and destroy. They even effect the jobs of employees and try to have them fired as allegedly happened in Espanola. Elected officials should stand up for their employees, not undermine and work against them for personal gain. Instead government employees are harassed and take cover so as not to become collateral damage. To extricate ourselves from the machine of political movidas, we must recognize the signs of our addiction. It is clear these behaviors are intergenerational. We pass on the bad behavior from one generation to the next while family members and friends turn a blind eye in order to cover it up. Even worse is when they fail to see it right in front of their faces because they have grown comfortable with the corruption. It is often said that to conquer evil, you must first identify it. The same is true for substance abuse as it is for political movidas. We must recognize the bad behavior for what it is, stand up to it, and say, No Mas! It wont be tolerated! We must be bold when advocating for leadership that changes the process, the thinking and actions of those in elected positions. Northern New Mexico is on the cusp of that change. It is up to us to make the change a reality. June 2 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the New York Times business pages. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. - The outbreak of protests and riots during the weekend roiled retailers of all stripes, adding new stress to an industry that has already been upended by the coronavirus pandemic. https://nyti.ms/3eJOMdV - Hundreds of Facebook Inc employees, in rare public criticism on Monday of their own company, protested executives' decision not to do anything about inflammatory posts that President Trump had placed on its social media platform over the past week. https://nyti.ms/2AuQyk6 - German automaker, Volkswagen AG that admitted to a decade-long scheme to cheat on diesel emissions tests in the United States and elsewhere, could face a "staggering" volume of claims from local governments after a federal appeals court ruled on Monday that counties in Florida and in Utah could impose local pollution laws on the manufacturer. https://nyti.ms/3eDDQ1e (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom) Flash Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Xiao Qian said on Tuesday that China stands ready to continue supporting Indonesia in its fight against COVID-19. Xiao made the remarks here at a video press conference. The Chinese ambassador said that China and Indonesia are good neighbors who can always rely on each other in difficult times. Since the epidemic broke out, the two countries have provided medical supplies and support to each other at the earliest possible time, Xiao said. The assistance and support from China were provided to various sectors of Indonesia via channels including political parties, regional governments and companies, Xiao said. The Chinese ambassador noted that the joint efforts made by the two countries in their fight against COVID-19 have fully demonstrated the deep friendship between the two countries. China is willing to promote relevant departments and enterprises of the two countries to discuss cooperation in vaccine research and development, anti-viral drugs, testing technology and production of medical equipment, Xiao said. And China is also willing to further deepen communication and cooperation between the two countries within multilateral frameworks to support international cooperation against COVID-19 and maintain global public health security, Xiao added. In the video press conference, the Chinese ambassador spoke highly of Indonesian government's efforts in fighting the COVID-19, saying that China firmly believes Indonesia will overcome the epidemic at an early date. The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine has expressed concern over the detention of a Ukrainian soldier by Russian forces in the sovereign territory of Ukraine and called on the Russian Federation to end the illegal occupation of Crimea and its aggression in Donbas. "We are disturbed by recent media reports that a member of the Ukrainian military was detained by Russian forces on sovereign Ukrainian territory. Russia must cease its unlawful occupation of Crimea and halt its aggression in the Donbas. #CrimeaIsUkraine," the Embassy said on Facebook on Wednesday. As reported, on Saturday, May 30, in the area of the Chonhar peninsula, the absence of a serviceman of one of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was discovered. His whereabouts were unknown, and it was assumed that he had been abducted by unknown persons. "According to preliminary information, he could have been abducted, since there were signs of a fight found nearby the serviceman's location at this facility. I want to note that the special personnel involved in the service in this area carry weapons, ammunition and radio communications equipment. Several soldiers were on duty at these military facilities. We want to say right away that the weapons and ammunition of this soldier are available," head of the communications department of the command of the airborne assault forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Major Valentyn Shevchenko said. Later, the FSB of the Russian Federation confirmed the detention of the Ukrainian military. "The border management of the FSB of Russia in the Republic of Crimea detained a person for illegally crossing the state border from Ukraine to the Russian Federation without identity documents, who was intoxicated," the FSB said on its website. The ministry also said that during a personal search, the detainee was found and seized "a substance of plant origin, presumably a narcotic drug that was sent for examination." A criminal case under Part 1 of Article 322 of the Criminal Code of Russia was opened in respect to Dobrunsky Y.V. - Police spokesman Charles Owino said there was nothing wrong with President Uhuru Kenyatta apologising on behalf of the police - His remarks came amid increasing cases of police brutality in Kenya - On Tuesday, June 2, the the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said 15 people had been killed by the police while implementing curfew directives since March 27 Police Spokesperson Charles Owino's attempt to defend police brutality in the country has infuriated already angry Kenyans. Owino argued most of the officers are very young and can easily "get drunk with the little power they had" and do very wrong things. READ ALSO: Angry Uhuru lectures Jubilee MPs disrespecting him Police spokesman Charles Owino speaking at a past press conference. Photo: Daily Nation. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro claims Uhuru will fire half of Cabinet by end of the week Speaking to NTV on Tuesday, June 2, evening, the spokesman said there was nothing wrong with President Uhuru Kenyatta apologising on behalf of the police. "The president is the president for everyone including the policemen and members of the public. And he understood what happened...he knew the officers made a mistake..but he also knew what his voters did...they provoked the police and some of these officers are very young, they can easily get drunk with the little power they have and do very wrong things," "The citizens destroyed people's cars and we are fighting the COVID-19 war. Members of the public have to be disciplined," he warned. Kenyan police officers marching at a past event. They have been accused of killing more citizens than the novel coronavirus. Photo: Kenya Police. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Landilodi azuiliwa baada ya mpangaji aliyemfurusha kuwacha mwili wa mama katika nyumba yake Owino's remarks came amid increasing cases of police brutality in Kenya. On Tuesday, June 2, the the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said 15 people had been killed by the police while implementing curfew directives since March 27. After preliminary investigations, 15 deaths and 31 incidents where victims sustained injuries have directly been linked to actions of police officers during the curfew enforcement, IPOA chairperson Anne Makoroi said. Police officers beating a Kenyan in the streets of Nairobi. Photo: Getty images. Source: Getty Images READ ALSO: MP Caleb Kositany claims Ruto's allies were denied chance to air grievances at Jubilee PG meeting Here were some of the reactions by angered Kenyans on Owino's remarks: "I would rather listen to generator making noise than this man Charles Owino," Generali Kiprotich quipped. "This guy Charles Owino really sees no wrong in how the Kenya police are senselessly beating, maiming and killing Kenyans. He is instead, shamelessly defending the killing spree by the police. No apology, no remorse, nothing! Shame!," Cherotich Tanui tweeted. "I no longer listen to Charles Owino. This fellow watched police brutalise and butcher NASA supporters in Kibra, Eastleigh, Embakasi, Kisumu like Naivasha donkeys. He has no moral authority to address Kenyans," Abuga Makori said. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. Why I beat my own mother- Lucy Nyawira | Tuko Talks | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- On April 29, 1994, 22-year-old Ernest Sayon was killed by police officers during an arrest outside the Park Hill apartment buildings striking hauntingly similar chords to the death of George Floyd, who died after ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on the back of his neck for nearly nine minutes. A 22-year-old Clifton man died last night after a struggle with police, sparking a three-mile protest march by residents convinced he was a victim of police brutality, read an Advance story published on April 30, 1994. Shortly after the story published, contradicting allegations arose. Tee Gray, a 36-year-old Clifton resident who said he saw the incident, told the Advance that day: There was a sound like a firecracker. He (Sayon) was out walking." An officer went after him, handcuffed him and started pistol-beating him, Gray told the Advance. Multiple witnesses said the arrest happened on Park Hill Avenue shortly before 6 p.m. that Friday when an M-80 firecracker exploded nearby. An anonymous police officer who was on the scene claimed Sayon walked aggressively toward the officers with his hands rolled up under his shirt, according to an Advance report in early May. The officers directly connected with the incident, including Officer Donald Brown, 31; Sgt. John Mahoney, 36; and Officer Gregg Gerson, 25, were temporarily taken off their beats and placed on administrative duty, Advance archives show. On May 10, 1994, Chief Medical Examiner Charles Hirsh said Sayon died as the result of ''asphyxia by compression of the chest and neck while rear-handcuffed and prone on the ground" making the case a homicide. Sayon was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of his death, Hirsh added. Sayons mother, Masita Sayon, responded: "'I want justice. I want it now.'' A grand jury was then set to convene beginning on May 23, 1994. Ernest Sayon demonstrators confronting police. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance Discord was present in the early days that followed Sayons death, with nearly a dozen arrested and arraigned in early May after a single protest. The three officers waived immunity ahead of the grand jury indicating the officers confidence that they acted properly. Calls for a special prosecutor to be named became fervent, with protestors descending to the NYPD headquarters to demand an impartial investigation. However, a 23-person jury which only contained two to three black jurors began listening to dozens of witnesses in late May of 1994. An Advance story published on May 23 read: In the end they will return to a single point: Were the police justified in using deadly force in subduing Sayon, or did they wrongfully beat the life out of a man? One witness, Tabby Ames, 20, of Clifton, told investigators that she was driving down Park Hill Avenue at about 6 p.m. on April 29 as the incident was unfolding, and saw several officers hitting Sayon well after the Clifton man had been subdued, according to an Advance report at the time. In addition, she said she saw Police Officer John Searls standing by the scene telling the officers to stop. "Officer Searls was saying `thats enough, thats enough, put him in the van','' she said. Witnesses continued to testify, including Larry Webb, 33, of Brooklyn, who told the grand jury that he was walking with Sayon and another witness, Louis Rodriguez, along Park Hill Avenue when a large firecracker exploded behind them. "There was a lot of police activity in the area,'' he said. When police approached the three men, Webb said Rodriguez was handcuffed and another officer questioned Sayon. He said that officer was Donald Brown. Webb said a police officer had a gun pointed at the back of Sayons head and Sayon exclaimed, "I didnt do anything. I have nothing on me.'' At that moment, Webb said Brown struck Sayon on the head with his gun, and Sayon went to the ground. He then said Sayon was held on the ground with a knee on his chest, turned over and handcuffed. Ernest Sayon. Confrontation, Vanderbilt and Targee In early June of 1994, a CCRB memorandum indicated said the officers involved in Sayons death did not have the legal authority to make the arrest. At the same time, police maintained the three officers used necessary force to subdue the 22-year-old, who weighed 240 pounds and had a prior drug conviction. A long summer of delays ensued, with the grand jury not meeting for months. Approximately 80 witnesses, many of who maintained they saw police beat and choke the 22-year-old Park Hill resident, were interviewed. Then, the six-month inquiry came to an end. The grand jury cleared the police officers linked to Sayons death of any criminal wrongdoing. Staten Island District Attorney William L. Murphy, at the time, said the grand jury believed officers acted appropriately against "a very dangerous man in a very dangerous situation.'' The next day, Brown said he would not have changed anything about the arrest. "Theres nothing I would have changed,'' he said. "The grand jury found I did nothing wrong, and I know myself I did nothing wrong.'' A three-member panel of the CCRB also later cleared the group of Staten Island officers in connection with the death of Sayon. The U.S. Justice Department also cleared the officers of civil-rights charges. In early 1995, the Advance reported Brown returned to policing the same neighborhood where Sayon died. A group of Curtis High School students honored black victims of violence including Staten Islander Eric Garner in chalk at the Forest Avenue entrance of Silver Lake Park. June 1, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon) I CANT BREATHE The death of Floyd, which resulted in charges of third-degree homicide and manslaughter to be filed against Chauvin, reopened unhealed wounds on Staten Island. Twenty years and 83 days after Sayons death, a similar scene played out when 43-year-old Eric Garner was arrested for selling loose cigarettes in Tompkinsville. His final words have now become a mantra of the Black Lives Matter movement: I cant breathe." They are the same words Floyd said while he was pinned to the pavement in Minneapolis. At a rally for Floyd held at the site of Garners death, his mother spoke to the horrors of re-living her sons death in light of the Floyd killing. We have to send a message -- were not just going to sit still while they kill our people, Carr said to a crowd of more than 500 people. This is too much. After NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Trials Rosemarie Maldonado recommended Officer Daniel Pantaleo be fired for his involvement in Garners death, Police Commissioner James ONeill fired him on Aug 19, 2019. A Staten Island grand jury declined to indict Pantaleo on criminal charges in 2014, prompting the Department of Justice to launch a civil rights investigation into the incident. But after five years, two presidential administrations and four attorneys general, Attorney General William Barr decided not to pursue federal charges against the officer on the eve of the fifth year anniversary of Garners death. A "Take that knee" flyer hangs on the tree commemorating Ernest Sayon at 225 Park Hill Ave. The peaceful march went from Park Hill to the 120th Precinct in St. George. May 31, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon) RETRACING PAST STEPS A Staten Island Advance article dated April 30, 1994, read: Accounts vary greatly regarding the death of Ernest Sayon, but the incident prompted angry Park Hill Apartments residents to march chanting through the streets to the 120th Precinct stationhouse in St. George. Though the dramatic evening marked one of the tensest standoffs between residents and police in recent Staten Island history, the night never broke into chaos as police and community leaders guided the marchers peacefully from Clifton to the St. George precinct, it continued. On Sunday, protestors gathered outside the Park Hill Apartments at the tree where Sayon died over 26 years ago and retraced those same steps. More than 100 people began the march from Park Hill Avenue, chanting Black Lives Matter, hands up, dont shoot and no justice, no peace" as residents voiced support from their apartment windows. Turning down Osgood Avenue and toward Gordon Street, the protestors passed the Stapleton Houses, shouting, Stapleton, stand up. Bystanders reinforced the mantras, and motorists honked their horns in encouragement. As the march proceeded down Bay Street, dozens of people who gathered at the site of Garners death joined the demonstration, which headed toward the NYPDs 120th Precinct. Multiple NYPD community affairs officers then walked alongside the protestors. At the precinct, officers placed barricades at the steps leading up to the doors of the building. Protesters came to the edge of the metal barricades and chanted, hands up, dont shoot. As the afternoon progressed, video posted to Instagram and Twitter showed Justin Williamson, 21, talking directly to officers behind barricades, invoking them to show solidarity amid the nonviolent protest. Come show some love to us," he said. Seconds later, Assistant Chief Kenneth Corey, the NYPD borough commander, descends the steps of the precinct and shakes hands with multiple protestors. Since then, Corey praised Island activists. We need to give all of the credit to the young people who organized these marches and rallies, who continually stressed the need to protest peacefully, who came, as they said, in peace and love, and who are committed to engaging in constructive dialogue, Corey told the Advance. "We too are outraged at the death of George Floyd, a death that was completely unnecessary, avoidable and absolutely criminal. Let Staten Island be an example for others to follow. Let leaders from all walks of life come together so we may continue to see each other as members of one community. We have built so many relationships here in Staten Island these past few years. We need to continue to build and strengthen these relationships. Working together, we can find a way forward and create a better Staten Island for all of us. (Natural News) On Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry declared that all lives matter, but they certainly dont practice what they preach. In a tweet, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying wrote: All lives matter. We stand firmly with our African friends. We strongly oppose all forms of racial discrimination and inflammatory expressions of racism and hatred. Apparently they missed the memo that many liberals consider this phrase racist because they feel it undermines the Black Lives Matter movement by moving the focus away from the concerns of black Americans. But thats beside the point. We know they dont believe a word of what they say because China has shown the world time and time again just how little they value human life. In fact, China doesnt have the best track record when it comes to racism, and tensions have only been escalating in recent months there in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. In April, the African Union criticized China for blatant racial discrimination in Guangzhou. Many black immigrants in the southern city were forced to sleep out on the streets after landlords evicted them despite paying their rent. Hotels and and restaurants refused to serve them as the Chinese Communist Party blamed Africans for bringing coronavirus into the area, with one McDonalds making headlines when it put up a notice saying black people werent allowed to enter. The local government carried out surveillance, forced testing, and a 14-day quarantine for all Africans there, even those who had tested negative previously and hadnt traveled. All lives dont matter to China And its not just black lives that dont seem to matter to them. This is a country where living political prisoners are having vital organs stolen from their bodies to meet the demand of so-called transplant tourists with deep pockets. Its a practice that often targets Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Falun Gong is a religious movement whose followers practice techniques that are similar to Tai Chi and believe in a philosophy related to compassion and truthfulness. Falun Gong has been banned in China since 1999, and thousands of practitioners have been arrested after the government declared it a heterodox religion as its growing popularity and spiritual teachings were perceived as a threat to the governments power. Its long been known that theyve been targeting followers for organ harvesting. Undercover investigators from Canada called various Chinese hospitals posing as patients who needed organs, and many of the doctors they contacted openly admitted that organs were for sale and that they were routinely harvested from the Falun Gong prisoners. In fact, they care so little for these people that they dont even use their names; instead, they brand them with code numbers to identify them. These prisoners are also often subjected to torture and forced labor. Humans rights groups have estimated that at least 2,000 Falun Gong practitioners have died from abuse while in custody and tens of thousands more have been killed for the countrys organ transplant industry. Dont their lives matter? And what about whistleblowers and those who dare to speak out against the government?. In February, Business Insider highlighted the cases of five people in China who had disappeared, been arrested, or were silenced after they spoke out about coronavirus. One was Li Wenliang, the 34-year-old doctor who had warned colleagues in late December about a mystery virus that we now know as the coronavirus; he was detained by police for spreading false rumors. Two days after his release, he unknowingly treated a patient infected with coronavirus and died less than a month later. There are many, many questions about the true circumstances surrounding his death, and there are countless other stories of people speaking out against the Chinese Communist Party or saying things they dont like disappearing without a trace. Dont their lives matter? And when China colluded with the WHO to delay a warning about the coronavirus pandemic, German intelligence says their actions cost the world four to six weeks in the fight against the deadly disease. All the lives lost during that time that could have been saved if theyd been honest obviously dont matter to China, either. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com NaturalNews.com TheGuardian.com BusinessInsider.com Five National Guard vehicles carrying 50 troopers rolled into Vallejo on Tuesday night to help the city protect high risk locations as police braced for a second night of crime and violence, officials said. About 100 people and nearly 40 vehicles surrounded the Police Department and rocks and bottles were thrown at officers, city officials said. By 11:30 p.m., Vallejo police said, the department had received about 46 calls in the previous hour, including reports of looting, burglary and shots fired. The scene appeared to be a repeat of the chaos officials said they faced Monday night. In 27 years of service, Ive never experienced anything like what I experienced last night in the city of Vallejo, Police Chief Shawny Williams said at a news conference Tuesday. Police on Monday night responded to numerous reports of looting, carjacking, burglary, assault on officers and other calls. A fire was set inside Vallejo City Hall, which remained closed Tuesday. One looting call resulted in police shooting a suspect outside of a Walgreens after reports of a break-in. Officers shot one suspect and then pursued another suspect who had rammed into a police vehicle before leading police on a high-speed chase into Rodeo, according to police scanner traffic. Vallejo police issued a statement Tuesday saying the Solano County district attorneys office and the Police Departments Detective Division were conducting a joint investigation of the shooting. It did not provide information about the condition of the shooting victim or identify the victim. Now Playing: On June 2, 2020, residents of San Franciscos Outer Sunset marched in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and against the recent death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. Video: Manjula Varghese / The Chronicle A police spokesperson said the department would hold a news conference about the shooting Wednesday. Earlier in the day Tuesday, hundreds of peaceful protesters, led by youth leaders, had marched through downtown Vallejo as police kept their distance. But in a press conference the same day, Williams said authorities had responded to more than 400 calls for service and made at least 26 arrests. This was a coordinated attack by organized individuals seeking to cause destruction and harm to our community, Williams said. City manager Greg Nyhoff said someone broke into the first floor of City Hall and started a fire in an office that was doused by the buildings sprinkler system. 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. However, we have significant damage on the first floor of our City Hall building, said Nyhoff, who said the building would likely not reopen until Thursday. Incidents of vandalism and looting have occurred across the Bay Area as cities also see protests of racial injustice sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Vallejo Mayor Bob Sampayan said Tuesday that Vallejo residents have come together in peaceful gatherings to have our voices heard about what is seen as unjust treatment of people of color. Now Playing: East Bay columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. talks about the rage and unrest that's followed the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, and his experience covering the protests as a black journalist. Video: San Francisco Chronicle Sadly, much of this has been overshadowed by lawless individuals that have used this tragic time as their platform, Sampayan said. Vallejo implemented an 8 p.m. curfew that started on Monday but some 100 protesters who had marched with hundreds of others along the waterfront earlier in the evening refused orders to leave, and police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Matt Kawahara is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mkawahara@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @matthewkawahara We're a family of seven living in Georgia where Andrew's working as a professor at GSU. You can read more about us here WASHINGTON Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis ripped into his former boss President Donald Trump in a scathing Wednesday night statement. "Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American peopledoes not even pretend to try. Instead, he tries to divide us," Mattis wrote in a statement published by The Atlantic. "We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership," he wrote, adding that he "watched this week's unfolding events, angry and appalled." Mattis' statement comes as the nation braces for the ninth day of protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd. Floyd died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The ensuing civil unrest, some of which turned violent, prompted Trump to call for governors to use harsher tactics and greater force when confronting protesters. On a Monday call with state governors, a recording of which was obtained by NBC News, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told states "to dominate the battle space" when dealing with the demonstrations. Trump also said on the same call that he was putting the nation's highest-ranking military officer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley "in charge" of protest response efforts. Mattis, who resigned from the Trump administration in December 2018, criticized Esper's terminology. "We must reject any thinking of our cities as a 'battlespace' that our uniformed military is called upon to 'dominate," he explained. "Militarizing our response, as we witnessed in Washington, D.C., sets up a conflicta false conflictbetween the military and civilian society. It erodes the moral ground that ensures a trusted bond between men and women in uniform and the society they are sworn to protect, and of which they themselves are a part." On Wednesday, Esper told reporters at the Pentagon that he was using military lexicon but regretted using the term. Mattis also took issue with a Monday night incident in which protestors were forcibly cleared from Lafayette Square, a small park in front of the president's residence. "The words 'Equal Justice Under Law' are carved in the pediment of the United States Supreme Court. This is precisely what protesters are rightly demanding. It is a wholesome and unifying demandone that all of us should be able to get behind," Mattis explained. Trump walked through the square with several members of his Cabinet to stand in front of St. John's Church while holding a Bible and posing for photographs. He later motioned to members of his Cabinet to join him for more pictures. Esper, who has previously said he would preserve the U.S. military's apolitical nature, entered the frame and stood alongside Trump for the photo op. In a Tuesday night interview with NBC News, Esper said: "I didn't know where I was going" when asked about the highly criticized photo opportunity. "I thought I was going to do two things: to see some damage and to talk to the troops." There is growing concern among election officials and experts that the increasingly partisan debate around voting by mail could sow doubt in the results of the presidential election. For months, President Donald Trump has been one of the loudest opponents to vote by mail, which experts agree is a safe alternative to in-person voting during the novel coronavirus outbreak. There is little evidence it leads to voter fraud or benefits one party over another. Mail-in ballots are a very dangerous thing, Trump told reporters last month, despite evidence to the contrary. Theyre subject to massive fraud. Trump has voted by mail several times, including in Floridas primary earlier this year. By attacking mail-in voting with unsubstantiated claims, some officials and experts fear, the presidents outbursts could threaten the integrity of the general election by dissuading voters from participating and diminishing Americans trust in the legitimacy of the results. His narrative has consequences, said Marian Schneider, president of the election security nonprofit Verified Voting. It could lead to some Americans doubting the outcome of the November election, she said. Because of an expected surge in mail-in ballots, election officials will need more time to count ballots, which could delay the final results, she said. Add to that months of partisan attacks on the legitimacy of mail-in ballots and the country could be heading for trouble. The narrative that sows doubt in the election results is very destructive to our democracy as a whole, Schneider said. It undermines the democratic institution of voting. There is a troubling partisan pattern developing over this issue, said Richard L. Hasen, a professor of law and political science at the University of California, Irvine. Partisanship could complicate the work of state and local election officials preparing for November. When you add on top of these administrative challenges that were operating in a charged partisan environment, he said, Im really worried. Both liberal and conservative states have expanded access to mail-in voting ahead of November and received record numbers of absentee ballots in their recent primaries. Utah, which is one of the most conservative states in the country, will conduct Novembers election entirely by mail. So will Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington state. Some of Trumps fellow Republicans have offered support for voting by mail. The partisan rancor over mail-in ballots has been frustrating and unfortunate, said Trey Grayson, a former Republican secretary of state from Kentucky who continues to advise the state on its election policies. In normal times, he would not support an expansion of a vote-by-mail system. But these arent normal times. Were in the middle of a pandemic, said Grayson, who now serves on the bipartisan National Task Force on Election Crises, an organization that came together recently to game out how to ensure a fair election this November, given Trumps actions and outbursts on election access. We have to think differently. We have to work together. At the county level, GOP election officials in Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire and Ohio have encouraged voters to cast absentee ballots by mail. But Republican state lawmakers in Arizona, Arkansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico and Virginia have followed Trumps lead and opposed any expansion of mail-in voting in their states. Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill, a Republican, retweeted Trumps criticism of states that run entire elections by mail, saying his state would not support such a move. Still, Alabama has expanded access to mail-in voting, allowing voters to list COVID-19 as an excuse to cast an absentee ballot. The state also is working to provide voters safe in-person options, Merrill said. Merrill told Stateline he has received criticism from voting rights advocates and members of the media who think his state should adopt a Colorado-like system, which he said is not realistic to implement months before the presidential election, nor what Alabamians want. The biggest frustration has not been from our people, he said, but from people who are not from Alabama and trying to get in our business and tell us how to do things. Alabama is one of several states the League of Women Voters sued over its mail-in ballot policies. The group is hoping to remove some barriers before November, such as the states voter ID and notary requirements for absentee ballots. While he wouldnt comment on the lawsuit, Merrill said he is confident courts will uphold Alabamas voting laws. The lawsuits go both ways. After California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, recently announced the state would send ballots to every registered voter ahead of the November general election, the Republican National Committee sued the state, calling the expansion of absentee voting an illegal power grab. Seeing this partisan divide and an increase in disinformation over allegations of widespread fraud, several organizations have launched education efforts surrounding voting by mail. All Voting is Local -- a project of the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Leadership Conference Education Fund that helps register people of color and young people -- this week will call 124,000 Michiganders through phone banks. It also sent text messages to 521,000 Michigan voters. The state, for the first time, will send every voter an application for a mail-in ballot for August and November elections. The project wants to ensure voters understand that process and ignore partisan misinformation. We want to dispel the myth that their vote doesnt count, said Aghogho Edevbie, the projects director in Michigan. It does. Theres no reason to state that this is something that cant be trusted, when it can be trusted. Last week, a nonpartisan coalition -- the American Public Health Association, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, the Center for Tech and Civic Life, the Center for Civic Design and We Can Vote -- issued state-specific guides to safe mail-in and in-person voting amid COVID-19. We are taking the politics out of this and protecting every eligible Americans right to vote, said Jessica Barba Brown, a senior adviser for We Can Vote, a project of the Center for Secure and Modern Elections, which advocates for automatic voter registration. In addition to the work of nonprofits, states and counties can implement their own tools to rein in confusion and assist voters participating in a new, unfamiliar process, said Amber McReynolds, CEO of the National Vote at Home Institute, which advocates for mail-in voting. McReynolds said states must maintain accurate voter registration lists to efficiently send absentee ballots or ballot applications to voters. They also need to invest in ballot tracking services that allow voters to follow their ballot from their mailbox to the county election office. This helps with confidence, she said. Without that type of system, its a black hole. Confusion about vote by mail could disenfranchise voters, said Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. The Democrat, who witnessed long lines and widespread voter confusion during Wisconsins April primary, said states need to start planning and investing now to protect public health and the integrity of the vote. This was preventable, he said. States have to start planning now. This article was first posted to Stateline, an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Rioters vandalize an office building in Washington on May 31, 2020. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images) Son of Retired Police Officer Killed in St. Louis Looting Speaks Out The son of a retired St. Louis police captain who was killed during looting that was sparked by the death of a Minneapolis man sent a message to the suspect. David Dorn, 77, was shot and killed as looters broke into Lees Pawn Shop and Jewelry. The incident was reportedly streamed via Facebook Live. The person who pulled the trigger, my message to them would just simply be, just step back from what youre doing. Know the real reason that you are protesting. Lets do it in a positive manner, his son, Brian Powell, told Fox2Now on Wednesday. We dont have to go out and loot and do all the other things. His brother informed Powell at 4 a.m. on the day of their fathers death. The suspect who is believed to be responsible in Dorns death was captured on Wednesday, said police. Our highest respect to the family of David Dorn, a Great Police Captain from St. Louis, who was viciously shot and killed by despicable looters last night. We honor our police officers, perhaps more than ever before. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/0ouUpoJEQ4 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2020 They called him Cap. That was the Cap. That was the Cap, everybody knows that was him, Powell said of his father, who had worked for decades in the St. Louis Police Department. He couldnt stay retired. My dad is that kind of personhe believed in black and blue, he added. Police work ran through his veins. Powell noted that Dorn would have shown empathy toward his assailant if he were alive. My dad, he is a forgiving soul. So he would have forgiven that person and try to talk to them because he was real big on trying to talk to youth and mentoring young people as well, he said. He was trying to get them on the straight and narrow and everything. The Ethical Society of Police, a St. Louis black officers fraternal organization, wrote on Twitter that Dorn was the type of brother that wouldve given his life to save them if he had to. President Donald Trump also weighed in on his killing, saying that we honor our police officers, perhaps more than ever before. A local official said he apparently witnessed Dorns death on Facebook. I just seen a man die on live man! Smh, state Rep. Rasheen Aldridge said on Facebook, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Very traumatized right now, he told the news outlet. Dorns wife told the paper that her husband was a friend of the pawn shops owner and worked for him. All of these are dramatically heartbreaking events, all compounded by the ho-hum racism that is baked into our institutions and into those who hold positions of power and privilege. President Trump, instead of invoking words to calm and heal, harks back to the racial unrest of 1967 by tweeting: when the looting starts, the shooting starts. But what we need to hear is that the entire weight of the government will begin to address the institutional racism that created these conditions. The distance between us is so wide and the pain so deep. And so I weep for my country. Race is Americas most traumatic issue, one that we have not faced nor nearly worked through. Centuries-old wounds are still raw because they never healed correctly in the first place. Far too many black Americans remain trapped in a vicious cycle of anger, fear and hopelessness. And they will remain so until more white Americans come to grips with the countrys past and seek to repair what has been broken. Our nation will remain stuck until we redesign the systems that have kept us divided for generations: a housing system designed to keep us apart; a criminal justice system designed to keep black people in check; a financial system designed to keep money in white hands; an economy that benefits the top 1 percent at the expense of workers we only now deem essential; an education system that separates rich children from poor; a health care system that leaves too many without basic care; a political system designed to make voting a privilege and not a right. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. insisted, True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice. The absence of justice creates alienation. This is the root of unease, unrest and violence. PHILADELPHIA and OXFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom, June 01, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc (Adaptimmune)(ADAP), a leader in cell therapy to treat cancer, today announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 20,500,000 of its American Depositary Shares (ADSs) at a price to the public of $11.00 per ADS. In connection with the offering, Adaptimmune has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,075,000 ADSs at the public offering price. The gross offering size for this offering is expected to be $225.5 million, excluding any exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional ADSs. All ADSs in this offering are being sold by Adaptimmune with net proceeds to be used to advance the development of Adaptimmunes immunotherapies into and through clinical trials as well as for other general corporate purposes. This offering is expected to close on or about June 4, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. Cowen and SVB Leerink are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering and Roth Capital Partners is acting as lead manager for the offering. A shelf registration statement on Form S-3 relating to the public offering of the ADSs described above was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 10, 2019. The offering was made only by means of a written prospectus and prospectus supplement that form a part of the registration statement. A preliminary prospectus supplement relating to and describing the terms of the offering has been filed with the SEC and is available on the SECs web site at www.sec.gov. Copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to these securities may also be obtained by sending a request to: Cowen and Company, LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY, 11717, Attn: Prospectus Department, by email at PostSaleManualRequests@broadridge.com or by telephone at (833) 297-2926; or SVB Leerink LLC, Attention: Syndicate Department, One Federal Street, 37th Floor, Boston, MA 02110, by telephone at (800) 808-7525, ext. 6218, or by emailing syndicate@svbleerink.com. Story continues This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted. For readers in the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom In any EEA Member State and the United Kingdom (each, a Relevant State), this communication is only addressed to and directed at qualified investors in that Relevant State within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation. The term Prospectus Regulation means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. For readers in the United Kingdom This communication, in so far as it constitutes an invitation or inducement to enter into investment activity (within the meaning of s21 Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 as amended) in connection with the securities which are the subject of the offering described in this press release or otherwise, is being directed only at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom; (ii) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments who fall within Article 19(5) (Investment professionals) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the Order); (iii) certain high net worth companies and persons who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (High net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc) of the Order; and/or (iv) any other person to whom it may lawfully be communicated (all such persons in (i) to (iv) together being referred to as relevant persons). The ADSs are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such ADSs will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this communication or any of its contents. About Adaptimmune Adaptimmune is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel cancer immunotherapy products for people with cancer. The Companys unique SPEAR (Specific Peptide Enhanced Affinity Receptor) T-cell platform enables the engineering of T-cells to target and destroy cancer across multiple solid tumors. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA). These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, and include, without limitation: the success, cost and timing of our product development activities and clinical trials and our ability to successfully advance our TCR therapeutic candidates through the regulatory and commercialization processes. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to our business in general, we refer you to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 14, 2020, and our other SEC filings. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date the statements were made and we do not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Media Relations: Sebastien Desprez VP, Communications and Investor Relations T: +44 1235 430 583 M: +44 7718 453 176 Sebastien.Desprez@adaptimmune.com Investor Relations: President Akufo-Addo has green light for the re-opening of religious centres on Sunday June 7, as part of efforts to ease COVID-19 restrictions, has divided opinion among churches; to open or not to. Various church leaders and some Christians have thus expressed contrary views as to whether to resume church service soon or to wait awhile amid the barrage of guidelines to be observed during worship. Checks and interviews by the Ghana News Agency revealed that a number of churches would not hold their communal service coming Sunday June 7 or anytime soon while others would open for service. Many of the churches, including the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), the Makers House Chapel, and the SDA Church, had sent circulars and notices to their members on various social media platforms telling them to hold on for awhile. Pastor Dr Chris Annan-Nunoo, Executive Secretary, Southern Ghana Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.(SGUC), told the GNA that all SDA churches in the country had been directed to wait for two more weeks before they opened for service. He said that decision, which was taken long before the government announced the go ahead for the churches to go back to fellowship, would enable them to prepare adequately for services. He said the church would rely on their television channel and home group meetings to reach out to their members with the gospel. We want to practice the one hour at our home groups level so that when we reopen and go to church, it will not be a new thing for us, adding that they would also use the period to put all the protocols in place and to educate members on the new parameters of worship. Most Rev Paul Kwabena Boafo, Presiding Bishop, Methodists Church of Ghana, said the churches need not to rush to re open for services but should rather put their facilities in order before re opening. Dr Michael Boadi Nyamekye, founder of Makers House Chapel, said his church would continue to remain closed till the protocols were a bit more relaxed and less daily count of COVID-19 cases. A circular on social media indicated that the Church had taken that decision based on its congregation size, number of services required, health of the active players in a service, overhead cost, pressure on equipment and facility as well as the logistics to put in place, i.e, writing of names per service and submitting it to the authorities among other COVID-19 protocols. The ICGC, in its official communication, had directed its pastors and local assemblies not to open but run in-house church services until so advised by the presbytery. The E. P. Church Kaneshie, the Banner of Grace Family Chapel International, and the Perez Chapel were churches that would remain closed for sometime inspite of the green light to hold communal services. However, other churches including the Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Assemblies of God Church, and the Gospel Faith Ministry had indicated their readiness to reopen services on June 7 in accordance with the government's directive, having indicated their willingness to abide by the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. The Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, said the Church would officially commence its service on Sunday, however, every parish priest must ensure strict adherence to all protocols and directives. He, also cautioned that any parish that did not put in place measures to protect members would shut down. The Presby Church's Pastoral Letter authored by its Moderator to the faithful, advised all the local Assemblies to take steps to fumigate their respective church buildings and surroundings before they open for worship on Sunday. Meanwhile, some Christians said they would definitely be in church on Sunday to fellowship. They described government's guidelines to the churches as too many, but added that their churches were capable of implementing them because the church is one of the most organized institutions in the world." Some, however, indicated that they would wanted to wait for some time before they re accessed the church. I'm also scared of contracting the virus at church, for I will not know who has what, said Abena Amofa, a worshipper. I believe in God but I will wait till the figures take a nose dive, said another believer. ---GNA Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday issued a remarkably strong statement in apparent opposition to the president, saying he opposes invoking the Insurrection Act and sending active-duty troops into the streets at this time to quell violent protests. In a Pentagon briefing, Esper broke his lengthy silence regarding the surge of protests nationwide following the May 25 death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in the custody of Minneapolis police. Read next: Bills Would Ban Sale of Military Weapons to Police, Bar Deployment of Troops to Protests President Donald Trump warned this week that he was ready to have active-duty troops maintain order on the streets if state governors were not up to the task. Already, more than 20,000 National Guard troops have been activated to support law enforcement officers in cities across the country. "I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act," Esper said, adding that it was intended to be used in times when order had completely broken down. "We are not in one of those situations now." Esper said the Guard is best suited to back up local law enforcement. "The option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort, and only in the most urgent and dire of situations," he said, adding that, in his judgment, the unrest nationwide has not reached that point. "It is not something we seek to do," he said of the use of the military in law enforcement. At times, however, the military can be asked "to maintain law and order so that other Americans can exercise their rights," he added. Esper also said he regrets urging governors to "dominate the battlespace" against protesters in a Monday call with the president. The SecDef has come under fire from retired four-star generals and others for those remarks. "In retrospect, I would use different wording," Esper said, adding that "battlespace" is a typical term used in the military and used to describe "a bounded area of operations." "It's not a phrase focused on people, and certainly not on our fellow Americans, as some have suggested," he said. In Twitter posts Tuesday, retired Army Gen. Tony Thomas, who led U.S. Special Operations Command, and retired Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the former Joint Chiefs Chairman, both said Esper was out of line for referring to American streets as a battlefield. "America is not a battleground. Our fellow citizens are not the enemy," Dempsey wrote. Thomas posted: "The 'battle space' of America??? Not what America needs to hear ever, unless we are invaded by an adversary or experience a constitutional failure ie a Civil War." At the Pentagon, Esper said "battlespace" was a term familiar to defense reporters. "It's something we use, day in and day out. There are other phrases that we use day in, day out, that you'll understand -- that most people don't understand. "It is part of our military lexicon that I grew up with, and it's what we routinely use to describe a bounded area of operations. It's not a phrase focused on people, and certainly not on our fellow Americans, as some have suggested," he said. "That's what I was encouraging other governors to consider," he said. "In retrospect, I would use different wording so as not to distract from the more important matters at hand or allow some to suggest that we are militarizing the issue." Esper began the 20-minute Pentagon news conference with expressions of sympathy for Floyd's family and pledges of the military's commitment to defending First Amendment and civil rights while eliminating racism in the ranks. "With greatest sympathy, I want to extend the deepest of condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd from me and the department," he said. "Racism is real in America, and we must all do our very best to recognize it, confront it and eradicate it." Much of Esper's 20-minute news conference centered on his role in Monday evenings events in DC, including a photo op with the president for which he has faced heavy criticism. Esper said he wasn't aware of a plan to clear the streets near the White House of protesters to allow Trump to make the brief walk across Pennsylvania Avenue to St. John's Episcopal church at the north end of Lafayette Park. The church had been vandalized Sunday, and a fire in the basement caused minor damage, according to police. "I was not aware of law enforcement's plans" for street clearance, Esper said. "I was not briefed on them, nor should I expect to be." He said the decision to move against the protesters was "a law enforcement action." "That was not a military decision; it was not a military action," although National Guard members participated, he said. Esper was less clear on how he ended up in a group photo with Trump and Attorney General William Barr in front of St. John's. He said that he and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley joined Trump on the walk, with the thought of possibly speaking to National Guard troops in Lafayette Park. "I did know that, following the president's remarks on Monday evening, that many of us were going to join President Trump and review the damage in Lafayette Park and at St. John's Episcopal Church," he said. "What I was not aware of was exactly where we were going, when we arrived at the church, and what the plans were once we got there." Trump posed alone for a photo holding a Bible in front of the church and then for a group photo. Esper did not respond directly when asked whether he regretted being in the photo, but said, "I was not aware a photo op was happening." "And look, I did everything I can to try to stay apolitical and to try -- trying to stay out of situations that may appear political. And sometimes I'm successful with doing that, and sometimes I'm not as successful," he said. "But my aim is to keep the department out of politics, to stay apolitical, and that's what I continue to try and do, as well as my leaders here in the department." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at richard.sisk@military.com. Related: Army, DC Guard Investigating After Military Helicopters Buzz Protesters in DC New Delhi, June 3 : Around 42 crore beneficiaries have been directly given cash support through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) amounting to Rs 53,248 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) till June 2, the Finance Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The Rs 1.7 lakh crore PMGKP package was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on March 26 to protect weaker and most vulnerable sections of the society from the impact of the lockdown due to Covid-19. Under the package, the government announced free food grains and cash payment to women and poor senior citizens and farmers. It's swift implementation is being continuously monitored by Central and state governments. So far, the government has transferred Rs 8,488 crore into the bank accounts of PM Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries. Also, 8.58 crore free Ujjwala cylinders have been delivered while a total of 9.25 crore cylinders have been booked. Under the package, the government has decided to distribute free cooking gas cylinders to Ujjwala beneficiaries for three months till June 30. The Finance Ministry statement said that as of June 2, the government has also released an amount of Rs 895 crore for the benefit of 59.23 lakh EPFO account holder employees where government has decided to make the entire 24 per cent PF contribution of both employer and employees for a further period of three months. The government has also released First instalment of PM-KISAN (Rs 16,394 crore) and transferred it to 8.19 crore identified farmers who got Rs 2,000 directly in their account. The government has also disbursed Rs 20,344 crore to women Jan Dhan account holders till June 2. A sum of Rs 10,029 crore was disbursed to 20.05 crore Women Jan Dhan account holders (98.3 per cent beneficiary as first instalment of Rs 500 payment. Moreover, Rs 10,315 crore has also been credited to 20.63 crore women Jan Dhan account holders (100 per cent beneficiaries) as second instalment payment. In addition, the government has also released Rs 2,814 crore to about 2.81 crore old age persons, widows and disabled persons. Each beneficiary received an ex-gratia cash of Rs 500 under the scheme as the first instalment and another Rs 500 as second instalment. For each instalment the government disbursed Rs 1,407 crore to 100 per cent identified beneficiaries. Also, 2.3 crore Building & Construction workers have so far received financial support amounting to Rs 4,313 crore. An Interlake reserve has delayed its summer powwow due to COVID-19, but Premier Brian Pallister is insisting Lake Manitoba First Nation cancel or scale down the event. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 2/6/2020 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. An Interlake reserve has delayed its summer powwow due to COVID-19, but Premier Brian Pallister is insisting Lake Manitoba First Nation cancel or scale down the event. "What I don't want is division in my community," Chief Cornell McLean told the Free Press. "We'd rather keep the members safe, and not losing any sleep." Manitobas public health rules forbid outdoor gatherings of more than 50 people. Lake Manitoba First Nation, 160 kilometres north of Winnipeg, attracted the premiers ire by planning an event that would bring at least double that amount to the community. The band originally scheduled its powwow for the June 19 weekend; it decided on Monday to move it to July 24. McLean expects at least 100 dancers and more attendees, but says organizers will implement social-distancing protocols. The chief said spiritual ceremonies can help people cope with the impact of the pandemic. He noted Manitoba's public health restrictions might loosen over time. "Well see where things are at," McLean said. "There were concerns (from elders) about outsiders coming in." Pallister told reporters Tuesday hes nervous Manitobans will squander their progress in stopping the spread of the coronavirus, specifically calling out powwows. Premier Brian Pallister says hes nervous Manitobans will squander their progress in stopping the spread of the coronavirus, calling out social gatherings such as powwows and cultural events. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) "Dont put on big social gatherings like powwows and cultural events right now. This is not an appropriate time to do that," the premier implored. The federal government has said it will help Indigenous groups mitigate risks at these gatherings, but said it would be inappropriate to ask them to not undertake cultural practices. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe berated Ottawa for that stance after the RCMP were called to a sun dance ceremony in the province. Last Friday, federal Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller told the Free Press that Pallister has to reach a compromise with First Nations. "If you believe in self-determination of Indigenous peoples, you have to respect choices, even if you dont agree with them," Miller said. The evening beforehand, Pallister had raised the issue in the weekly call between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the premiers. 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. "I didnt get the sufficient clarity I would like to get from the PM on this issue," Pallister said Tuesday. "This is not on. This is not acceptable." The premier noted religious groups across Canada have cancelled events. "You cant send a message that because youre of a certain race and creed, you get to have big public events that exceed the rules," he said. Last month, northern First Nations temporarily blockaded a major Manitoba Hydro construction site after the Crown corporation convinced public-health authorities to exempt the work site from rules that closed gyms and barred travel to the North. Hydro has since revised its plan. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca NEW HAVEN A coalition of community groups have planned a rally and march on the New Haven Green Friday, as part of several days of national events over police brutality and homicide. The Citywide Youth Coalition, Black Lives Matter New Haven and Fighters for Justice have planned an event for 3 p.m. June 5. Clark University announced Tuesday it was severing ties with the Worcester Police Department after four of its students were arrested hours earlier. University President David P. Angel and David B. Fithian, president-elect for the institution, announced the action in a message shared with the campus community on Tuesday. A group of people gathered in the Main South section of Worcester late Monday night into Tuesday morning, hours after there was a peaceful protest at the Worcester Common where thousands stood together in solidarity in the wake of George Floyds death last week. Four Clark students were arrested, among others. We do not at this time know the full circumstances or details of these events, Angel and Fithian said in the statement. What we do know is that the police actions we have witnessed are unacceptable and a source of dismay to all within our community. We share the anger and concern over these actions. On Tuesday, City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said he spoke with Angel and expressed his disappointment in the university for taking action without gathering all the details. I urged him to see the full breadth of information that was available," Augustus said. "In that statement, he didnt know all the details, and yet he still took action based on not knowing all the details, which I think is a mistake. In a video shared on social media, Clark University students can be seen livestreaming the evenings events in Main South as police in riot gear responded to the group. In the video posted by one Clark student, people can be seen in the Main South area. The students said there were fireworks being thrown as the group was in Main South. Police did fire oleoresin capsicum which has the same ingredient found in pepper spray at people in the group. Editors note: The video embedded in this story contains graphic language. In the video, the student can be heard being placed under arrest. I live here, Im going home, Im going home, the student tells officers just before screaming, I didnt do anything. While the video then goes dark, a person speaking to the student says, Hands on your back. The student identifies as a Clark student who lives nearby. While the audio is somewhat difficult to hear, the student claims police told the crowd they could go home without facing arrest. Worcester police did not address Clark Universitys comments in a news release. Augustus, during a press conference, said he visited the Worcester Police Department and witnessed video that showed officers taking the correct action. He said the video showed the Worcester Police Department that acted with restraint, great professionalism, well trained, and in a way that I think is consistent with most noble exercise of restraint. Augustus said he witnessed a small group firing fireworks at and hitting police, who were in full riot gear. He said individuals were throwing rocks and bottles at the officers too. Augustus said others had gasoline and rags. You dont do that because youre going to a protest with just the idea of having your views heard," Augustus said. "You go with having the plan of having actions that are going to create violence and chaos. Nineteen people were arrested Monday night into Tuesday morning, hours after the peaceful protest ended. Some people arrested were part of a different group who were walking on Main Street, at times kneeling in front of police cruisers or standing in front of the cruisers with their hands up. People in the area said they were hit with pepper spray. Clark University said it will provide unequivocal support to our students, including those arrested and charged last night. We are reaching out to these students and offering our full support. While the university does not have a contractual relationship with the Worcester Police Department, it will no longer hire off-duty Worcester police officers and is suspending the policy that requires a police officer in attendance at large student events. Clark University also plans to conduct a thorough investigation of all that occurred and plans to release the findings of that investigation and the actions, and the actions the university will take in response. We are immediately initiating a comprehensive evaluation of anti-bias and de-escalation training of our police officers, and other staff, the statement said. Angel and Fithian said the universitys actions intend to be a transformational dialogue on how to support and protect all people of color among students, staff and faculty. The killing of George Floyd and the protests that have erupted around the country in its aftermath demand the attention and empathy of all of us educated in the values of understanding, respect for others, and a shared community, the joint statement reads. We unequivocally support our students and all other Americans who are expressing the rights to free speech and free assembly that are enshrined in the First Amendment to our Constitution, and their demand for a more just society and fairness before the law and the police who embody it. Without change, we cannot end the fear that people of color, especially those who are Black/African Americans, live with daily. Reporter Michael Bonner contributed to this report. Mumbai has escaped the brunt of a cyclone after winds changed direction and the storm made landfall further south on India's western coast than expected, giving some respite to a metropolis already ravaged by coronavirus infections. Cyclone Nisarga was initially forecast to be the first to batter Mumbai since 1948, prompting citizens to stay off the streets and secure their homes against gale-force winds and torrential rain. Trees were uprooted in Mumbai after cyclone Nisarga made landfall. Credit:AP "It landed a little [further] south than what we predicted. But Mumbai may experience bad weather until tomorrow," Madhavan Rajeevan, secretary at the Ministry of Earth Sciences, said on Wednesday. The cyclone barrelled into the western coast about 100 kilometres south of India's financial capital with winds gusting up to 120km/h, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported. After landfall, the cyclone headed in a north-easterly direction, the IMD said. The head of the global vaccine alliance has warned nobody is safe unless everybody is safe from the new coronavirus, urging international solidarity ahead of a fundraising summit as the pandemic threatens to trigger a resurgence of preventable diseases. Scientists are racing to identify and test possible vaccines for Covid-19 as nations grapple with the economic and societal consequences of the virus lockdowns. Follow coronavirus latest updates here Seth Berkley of Gavi, the vaccine alliance, said the international community must ensure all countries will have access to any potential vaccines, regardless of their wealth. This is a global problem that needs a global solution and we have to all work together, he said. He spoke ahead of a virtual summit hosted by Britain on Thursday, where Gavi hopes to raise at least $7.4 billion to continue vaccination programmes against diseases like measles, polio and typhoid that have been severely disrupted by the pandemic. Also read: Covid-19 cases in India to cross 15K-a-day mark by mid-June, predicts China The meeting will also see Gavi and its partners launch a financing drive to purchase potential Covid-19 vaccines, scale up their production, and support delivery to developing nations. The fundraising goal for Covid-19 is $2 billion, although Berkley said it was an initial sum as they kickstart negotiations with manufacturers and could go up substantially. Click here for complete coronavirus coverage The meeting comes as the pandemic exposes new ruptures in international cooperation. US President Donald Trump last week announced he would pull out of the World Health Organization and there are fears America may use its economic clout to buy up vaccines. Berkley said that countries needed a different mindset, adding that sharing access to drugs was not just a humanitarian and equality issue, but a global health security one. Nobody is safe unless everybody is safe. We saw the virus move from somewhere around Wuhan to 180 countries in less than three months, including islands and isolated areas, he said. Perfect storm The World Health Organization, UN childrens agency UNICEF and Gavi warned last month that the pandemic had hindered routine immunisation services in nearly 70 countries, affecting around 80 million children under the age of one. Polio eradication drives were suspended in dozens of countries, including those still struggling with the debilitating illness, while measles vaccination campaigns were also put on hold in 27 countries, UNICEF said. Recent Gavi-supported modelling from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine estimated that for every Covid-19 death prevented by halting vaccination campaigns in Africa, up to 140 people could die from vaccine-preventable diseases. Berkley said the situation was improving, with new guidance on how to carry out immunisation campaigns safely. But he said locating all the children who missed out on vaccines before new outbreaks emerge will be a real challenge. Thursdays funding drive is for a five-year period in which the organisation aims to reboot halted programmes in the countries it supports -- allowing them to access vaccines at a much reduced cost -- with the goal of reaching some 300 million children. Berkley said he was cautiously optimistic that the target would be reached, with more new countries pledging donations despite the economic strains of the pandemic. Recalling past episodes when vaccine work was stalled by the outbreak of diseases such as Ebola and SARS, another coronavirus, he urged nations to move beyond boom and bust cycles of crisis planning. I dont think this coronavirus is going to go away like SARS did, he said. He also warned of an unprecedented level of rumour and conspiracy theory around vaccinations, particularly from the northern hemisphere. Distrust between people in their government, the rumours and the intentional spread of false information is not only at an all time high, but it also is being amplified by social media tools that didnt exist 20 years ago, he said. So we have almost a perfect storm of problems. (Update: 2020-06-19 Russian version contributed by Vladimir Htr) Many years ago, late in 1999, I was involved in the creation of de.comp.lang.php, a USENET newsgroup. Since the group was new I began a personal experiment to influence the communication culture of an open USENET group . That went on for four to five year, out of which I have been actively involved for two years, earning good Karma . But unfortunately http://www.php-faq.de/ is now dead (or outdated and inactive). On my disk there was an old text, unpublished for many years, about the concept behind the engagement. I will just post it here, because the strategy might be salvaged and could be applied elsewhere to similarly structured environments. Other environments need different strategies, as shown in my talk about Flames . Some things shown below I would present differently today, but the core is solid. Maybe it is useful to someone? by Kristian Kohntopp with apologies to David Brin USENET is generally considered a medium with much noise and little useful content. The claim is that the natural state of a USENET newsgroup is the flamewar and that exceptions are rare and generally not worth bothering. This article tries to establish that this observation need not be true and presents the process of Uplift by which a newsgroup having Potential can slowly be turned into a useful support forum with mostly intelligent discussions and with procedures to stabilize that state to some extent. The Uplift process has been tested over the period of one year with the german language newsgroup de.comp.lang.php (3800 articles/month in September; 22500 articles overall until now). de.comp.lang.php was created 01-Jan-2000 by vote of the german USENET community. The RfD and CfV processes have been initiated by me because I saw a rising number of PHP related messages in the german Linux newsgroups. Also, I was subscribed to the german PHP mailing list (http://www.php-center.de/php-de/ ) and I was generally dissatisfied with the content and form of the forum. High volume mailing lists are generally crude to manage and read and mail2news gateways are only a substitute for the real thing. On the other hand, the german Linux newsgroups were in a state of disarray and displayed all the worst characteristics attributed to newsgroups in general: Newbies were coming into the group and asked the same questions over and over, sometimes multiple times a day. Regulars were fleeing the group, showing strong signs of burnout. Flamewars were the rule, sometimes encouraged by regulars with burnout symptoms which had not fled the group, yet. Because there was no group culture (except the default culture of flaming) and because the groups had no memory, discussions in the group entered a vicious cycle and did not improve nor shift topic. All action in the groups converged on flaming. PHP is the most popular installed Apache module by far, and traffic on the german mailing list as well as the support for the RfD showed that a newsgroup on PHP would be a real success and become high-traffic within a year. My goal was to prove the german Linux burnouts wrong, and demonstrate that a newsgroup can be manipulated into being a mostly useful and friendly discussion forum within four months, by giving helpful answers in a friendly and helpful style. Additionally, the group should create a number of regulars interested into the group being useful within eight months. These regulars should ideally copy the friendly and helpful style, distributing load between each other and setting an example for newbies and regulars-to-be. Finally, the group should be self-sustaining within twelve months after inception. That is, there should be an established Uplift path for regulars showing true Potential to become FAQ maintainers and active contributors to the group culture. Ideally, after that year there would be little need for myself to meddle with the groups sociodynamics. Also, the group would then be ripe for split due to high traffic volume and the groups concept would then be proven and could be applied to other groups as well. Central to the establishment of a group culture is the ability to remember past discussions and their results. Without memory there is no past, and without a past there can be no communal traditions and culture. The fundamental building blocks of newsgroup Uplift are therefore the creation of The Library and a process to spread its knowledge widely. In the context of a USENET newsgroup, The Library is a frequently asked questions document, which must be seeded initially over the period of two or three months with the most needed knowledge. Ideally, the FAQ is fat. That is, it does not only cover truly frequent questions, but also provides all background information needed to properly handle and understand that frequently requested information. The strategy is to get Clients reading and keep them reading, feeding them not only solutions to the immediate problems, but also feed them parts of the larger picture as well as basic USENET traditions and rules. This is necessary, because a client coming into the newsgroup with a PHP related problem most of the time has other problems as well, such as a lack of basic USENET etiquette and a lack in writing or debugging skills, preventing the Client to state the problem in a correct or efficient way. One of the first steps in the Uplift process must be to give the Client speech, that is, to teach Clients essentials such as proper quoting behaviour, realname policies, writing style, HTML and vCard policies and similar stuff. Only with such knowledge the Client can integrate into the USENET society and become a useful netizen. Of course, a client coming into the newsgroup with an immediate problem wants to hear solutions to that particular problem and is not interested in being force-fed obscure traditions and customs. In order to overcome this learning block, the immediate problem of the Client must be solved quickly and to the point. If such a solution is being delivered in an answer posting, though, the Client usually is receptive and can be fed one or two bits of additional knowledge and culture as well. If this information is being kept in the same document as the answer to the Clients' problem as well, it will be accepted even easier by that Client. Thus, a fat FAQ is a great help in the Uplift process. Of course, a vast and fat FAQ is no target to point a client to. The client has an immediate problem and needs help urgently. Thus, a reference to The Library should always be specific in nature, pointing the Client to the properly phrased question, and containing the full URL of the answer. If the question and the answer do not match the specific question of the Client in full, it should be accompanied by some additional sentences of explanation, showing the Client how to modify the Library provided answer in order to be useful. On the other hand, it is okay if the answer is not a perfect fit, especially if the Client has already moved somewhat along the path of Uplift. We want to create future Patrons assisting us in the Uplift of new Clients and contributing to the FAQ, and this requires these future Patrons to be able to work out solutions by themselves. In de.comp.lang.php, the FAQ is kept at http://www.php-faq.de/ , and FAQ references often have the form of 1.16. Wie verweise ich auf die FAQ?http://www.php-faq.de/q/q-newsgroup-faqreferenz.html accompanied by some additional lines of explanation. This form of reference to FAQ-able questions has been established very early after the creation of the newsgroup, and has been adopted by almost all contributors to the group with Patron capabilities. The initial FAQ was copyrighted by me. Although that FAQ was available by CVS, and was written in an open format (LinuxDoc at that time), there was little interest of potential contributors to add to the FAQ. The initial problem was that some people tried to take the FAQs content and wanted to edit and republish it for their gain, and that I made it very clear that this was not acceptable by writing large COPYRIGHT notices all over the text. Potential contributors had no interest to contribute to a text that was clearly marked as the exclusive property of someone else. On the other hand I did not want to give text away for uncontrolled republication and modification. It took me four months to recognize that problem and to resolve it satisfactorily. The license of the FAQ was changed at that time, and the text is now available under the Open Publication License (http://www.opencontent.org/openpub/ ), which was found to balance all interests well enough to become accepted. Also, a mailing list was created to deliver FAQ commit messages and other important events and to provide a forum for discussion that is more private that the newsgroup itself. Thus, maintenance load is distributed between all interested parties, preventing early burnout. After the creation of the group, several problems arose which were not sufficiently covered by the initial charta of the group. Such problems were for example the handling of posted job offers within the group, or how to deal with rapidly recurring on-topic questions of little value to regulars such as Which provider/editor/operating system can be recommended?. It was important for the creation of a group culture that these problems were resolved by a straw poll of the groups users themselves in order to create a we-experience. Also, it was important to let the users first experience the problem themselves before having them vote on it, because common suffering enhances such we-experiences. On the other hand, such resolutions must be found before the problem becomes so pressing that it inhibits normal operation of the group. And finally, there should not be to many such straw polls in rapid succession, in order to keep the audience interested and in order to keep meta-discussions low. The straw polls were held at a rate of at most one per month, and the alternatives were formulated as neutral as necessary for them to be accepted. Still they were presented from a Patron point of view, by subtly highlighting the possible consequences of this or that decision where necessary. The outcome of the straw polls was documented in the first chapter of the FAQ, along with descriptions of acceptable behaviour around these topics and pointers to alternative or additional resources. This works reasonably well: 2 out of 3 atavistic throwbacks are usually quickly terminated by pointing the Client to the proper FAQ article handling such topics as provider recommendations, editor comparisons or language advocacy. Job postings are usually not handled this way, because they are by nature hit-and-run events in which a company drops a shower of job offers in a number of newsgroups without caring about local group culture. Instead, these matters are usually resolved by a mail to their given contact address quoting the relevant FAQ article. The article contains enough acid to drive to point home without being outright unfriendly. In order to save duplicate work and prevent the offender from being harassed by multiple community members, it is an emerging tradition to copy such letters to the german-faq mailing list enabling the contributing regulars to synchronize their activities. It is also great fun to share the answers, improving the we-experience once more. We have yet to see second-time offenders. For Patrons, The Library makes it much easier to create useful answers by referencing the FAQ than to write an intelligent flame. Once this is understood by a contributing regular, the default stress reaction shifts from flaming to writing short and constructive articles containing pointers to the relevant information. This greatly improves the morale within the newsgroup, as flaming creates more flaming. For Clients, reading the provided FAQ reference is easier than to go at it again in a followup posting. Asking followup questions is more work and has a higher round-trip-time than simply reading on and learning something. As long as the FAQ anticipates the next question along the path and provides stuff that is easily understandable and properly documented, the Client will not ask again but try to achieve something alone. This enhances the Clients' ability to work independently, Uplifting it further. It also cuts down on the total number of posts to the group, lightening the load for the contributors of answers. Also, FAQ solutions are tried and tested, have proper error handling and are commented, making them more valuable than on-the-fly creations, thus the Client will come to prefer FAQ quality answers over newsgroup quality answers. It will turn to the FAQ immediately next time a problem arises, becoming somewhat dependent on that information source. Writing FAQ pointers is a cheap way to gather Patron status for regulars, as all components are available ready-made and need only deployment and slight customization. Thus, even some recently Uplifted Client can begin to gather Patron reputation by becoming a contributor of answers to the group. This enables older Patrons to move on and perhaps become FAQ committers. Patrons becoming dependent on the library feel a growing desire to contribute to The Library as soon as they hit holes multiple times when writing answers. They feel that their business becomes significantly more difficult in areas not covered by the FAQ, and start committing new answers or even new chapters. Since all articles in the FAQ bear the name of the Patron who created it, adding to the FAQ is a way to gain status more permanently than by writing newsgroup articles: Unlike newsgroup answers which expire quickly, FAQ contributions tend to stay and keep the Patrons name in the light for a much longer time. This effectively creates two processes: One process takes answers and threads from the newsgroup and compresses them to reusable, tested and tried articles. Context-dependent information from a USENET thread, loosely distributed over multiple articles, becomes context-independent, is peer reviewed and available in the much tighter format of a FAQ article. This process improves information. The second process is the process of Uplift, which educates contributors to the group in USENET etiquette as well as in matters covered by the groups' charta, by turning them from Clients asking questions into Patrons providing answers or even Senior Patrons contributing to the content of the FAQ. This process improves people. USENET is showered with a constant rain of newbies. Usually, big loads of newbies in a short time lead to group degeneration, spontaneous topic combustion (flamewars) and loss of directed discussion activity at group level. This phenomenon is called September because before 1993 the month of September was the time when new students at the Universities hit the network. The Uplift process provides means to newsgroup regulars to deal with a larger number of newbies successfully, avoiding burnout and flamewars. Uplifting converts newbies into useful netizens faster than usual, too, and uses these fresh converts to deal with even newer newbies if applied successfully. Even with an Uplift process in place, a newsgroup may experience occasional atavistic throws. This is usually the case when a Patron experiences burnout, and lets himself go publicly. Often this is provoked by a particularly clueless newbie posting, or an outright flame. To deal with atavism and have it not ruin the groups' climate, it is important to encourage Patrons to take their grievances to mail. This can be done by using the FAQ maintenance mailing list, or by encouraging the Patron to flame a newbie by mail and copy the flame to the FAQ maintenance mailing list for the enjoyments of the others (and to inform than that this particular case has been already taken care of). The german FAQ contains a section titled 1.12 Warum bekomme ich Ermahnungsmails, wenn ich Autoren in der Gruppe auf Netiquetteverstoe aufmerksam mache? Why do I get reminder mails, when I remind people publicly of netiquette violations? and this one is listed BEFORE 1.13 Warum bekomme ich Ermahnungsmails? Why am I mailed with netiquette reminders? It is not acceptable for a Patron to display behaviour which cannot be tolerated in Clients, and besides it does not help on-topic discussion in the group if meta-discussion swamps the forum. The full answer to question 1.12 is (translated from German): You are completely right: Some authors in this group violate the netiquette as posted to de.newusers.infos, for example by posting without a realname, by using invalid reply addresses or by posting HTML or vCards. You need not tolerate this. In newsgroups, tone is as important as content, though. The regulars of de.comp.lang.php are proud of the friendly and helpful tone in their newsgroup. So if you want to remind another author to keep to the netiquette, please do this by mail and not in public. The very netiquette you are trying to enforce requires this - you cannot validly demand conformity with this convention, and at the same time violate it yourself without losing credibility. Please: Keep your tone friendly in your mail as well. You are easier understood this way, and it is more likely that you complete your mission this way. If you believe that your article must be posted in public, for example in order to forward discussion to another newsgroup, or because the mail address given is invalid, or because the author in question has not been cooperative in mail: Please keep your article friendly and constructive. That is: Answer the question of the offender or offer a solution to his problem as good as possible. Only after that remind him about the netiquette. If you cannot contribute to the original problem, do not post or write mail. You are not alone in this group, and you do not need to save the world alone. Somebody else who knows the proper answer will write a public reply and probably will remind the original author of proper behaviour. This take-it-to-mail policy has been in force since beginning of March 2000, and has been enforced several times since then between the regulars and by themselves. Obviously the regulars in this group like the climate and tone of their group and accept the offered conflict resolution solution as a viable mode to deal with the problem and with offenders. Flamewars seldom last for more than a day or two, if they happen at all. It is important for the users of the newsgroup to learn how to deal with flames properly, taking them as failed attempts to communicate instead of insults, and coolly pointing the offender to the relevant resources to help him state his problem correctly. The answer to 1.13 translates as follows: Not only in de.comp.lang.php, but in most other German newsgroups you will be reminded of proper behaviour in newsgroups, if you post without a proper realname, with an invalid return address, send unwanted advertisements, post HTML or vCards, or post offtopic on purpose. The oldtimers and regulars of USENET did not come up with their rules and traditions for nothing. USENET has been in existence for some tens of years, and the rules of communication on USENET have been proven in over this time. There is an introduction in de.newusers.infos titled Why should I stick to the rules? explaining why things are as they are and how they came to be. If you want results from posting to de.comp.lang.php, that is, if you expect technical help with PHP, you are well advised to watch the outer form of your text and honor our traditions. These two texts are usually sufficient to calm down the offender and the flaming Patron and to tie them into one or two mail exchanges discussion their behavior and offering counseling. Having shared the experience and providing hints to deal with frustration is helpful. Sometimes productive behaviour emerges from such a mail exchange, making this counseling rewarding for the person sending the mail. For example the formerly flaming Patron may become motivated to work on the FAQ, or take up another project which he believes would help him to compensate his anger. The publicly visible component of the flamewar is usually silenced immediately after the mail exchange starts, with sometimes some erroneous postings by third parties coming in late. It is possible to take control of the content and the traditions of a USENET newsgroup for an extended amount of time, if the perceived change for the majority of the regulars is a change for the better. _The tools for affecting the change are the creation of a recorded tradition by the creation of a FAQ, making proper and improper behavioral standards explicit and addressable for reference in a discussion, and a specific procedure for teaching these standards to newcomers. This specific procedure involves taking the newcomers' problem seriously, solving it and pushing additional corrective information with that answer in a non-offensive and non-degrading way at the newcomer. A health worker tends to Patient 91 at the Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City. The patient, the most severe case so far, has shown much improvement (Photo: VNA) Up to 188 of the 328 confirmed infections so far were imported and quarantined upon their arrival. Meanwhile, 298 or almost 91 percent of all patients have recovered from the coronavirus disease. The 30 remainders are undergoing treatment in hospitals nationwide and basically in stable condition. Among them, five have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, once and five others at least twice. There are 8,169 people in quarantine at present, including 103 in hospitals, 7,104 in other quarantine facilities, and 962 at home. Regarding the most severe case Patient 91, a British man treated at the Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, his health has shown much improvement, the treatment sub-committee said, noting that he has gained full consciousness and been able to respond to all instructions by health workers. Global mobility service provider signs cooperation with Samara Rent a Car, a subsidiary of Khalid Ali Alturki & Sons Holding Co. Alturki Holding Al Khobar / Munich, June 1st, 2020 SIXT, the German based international provider of high-end mobility services, has appointed Samara Rent a Car, the car rental, leasing and limousine subsidiary of Alturki Holding, as its franchise partner in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SIXT is one of the largest car rental companies in the world with a fleet of 280,000 cars, in around 110 countries. The partnership leverages SIXTs extensive experience in mobility for more than 100 years and Samaras more than 30 years of mobility service experience in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The premium mobility provider will be welcoming its customers at the Dammam International Airport and at its head office in Al-Khobar very soon. Additional branches in major cities and at the relevant airports across Saudi Arabia are planned. SIXT is pleased to strengthen its presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and offer its customers high-quality mobility services throughout Saudi Arabia. The extensive service portfolio includes everything from classic short-term and long-term rental, leasing business to the exclusive limousine service. The vehicle fleet covers a wide range of models with premium features and offers everything from compacts and limousines to SUVs and all-wheel drive vehicles to ensure that local customers and travelers in Saudi Arabia have the flexibility to choose a vehicle that best meets their specific mobility demands. Husam Abuamer, Managing Director of Samara: We are very excited at the prospect of the partnership between SIXT and Samara. This is another milestone in the history of our company. The partnership with SIXT offers significant added value and enables us to drive sustainable growth for the business. It is a unique opportunity and our customers will benefit from the extensive industry and market experience of both companies to offer customized premium mobility solutions. Ruediger Proske, Senior Vice President International Franchise of SIXT: We welcome Alturki Holding and Samara Car Rental as our newest SIXT Franchisee in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. Saudi Arabia is an interesting and growing market with lots of opportunities in the future. Our partnership with Alturki Holding enables us to expand our network considerably and offer our customers comprehensive premium mobility services throughout the Kingdom. About SIXT: SIXT SE has its registered headquarters in Pullach near Munich and is a leading international provider of high-quality mobility services for business and corporate customers as well as private travelers. With representations in over 110 countries worldwide SIXT is continually expanding its presence. The company is characterized by consistent customer orientation, a lived culture of innovation with strong technological expertise, the high share of premium vehicles in its fleet and an attractive price-performance ratio. SIXT was founded in 1912 and maintains alliances with renowned brands in the hotel industry, well-known airlines and numerous prominent service providers in the tourism sector. The SIXT Group generated revenue of EUR 3.31 billion in 2019 and ranks as one of the most profitable mobility companies worldwide. http://sixt.com About Samara Samara Land Transportation Services Co. launched in 1982, becoming one of the most unique providers of car rental, long term corporate lease, and limousine chauffer drive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Today, the companys extensive fleet of luxury, economy, SUV, vans and commercial vehicles contains exquisite car brands of the latest models. Samara embraces its creativity in optimizing problem solving and is innovative when it comes to customer satisfaction and service enhancement. The company is striving to excite its customers throughout the car rental experience, focusing on adding value with the latest technology and well-trained employees. Furthermore, Samara is honored to be providing excellence to corporations in the oil and gas industry, airlines, hotels, supporting with charity events and local mega events. http://www.samara.com.sa/ A surprise birthday parade for an 8-year-old boy had a massive, 651-vehicle turnout on Saturday. Leesport, Pennsylvania resident Riley Rejniak, who is battling neuroblastoma a second time, waved as hundreds of cars, motorcycles and first responders arrived in waves. Even exotic cars passed at a safe distance to celebrate Riley's fighting spirit and May 23 birthday. "He waved to every single car and had the biggest smile face," mom Ashley Rejniak told "Good Morning America." "For me, I got emotional multiple times. We know he's loved by our community but the amount of gifts, balloons ... it was amazing." PHOTO: Riley Rejniak waved as a total of 651 of cars, motorcycles and first responders arrived in waves in Leesport, Pennsylvania, at a safe distance to celebrate his fighting spirit and 8th birthday on May 23. Riley is fighting cancer a second time. (Brittney Haddon) PHOTO: Riley Rejniak waved as a total of 651 of cars, motorcycles and first responders arrived in waves in Leesport, Pennsylvania, at a safe distance to celebrate his fighting spirit and 8th birthday on May 23. Riley is fighting cancer a second time. (Brittney Haddon) Riley was first diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma on April 25, 2017. The cancerous tumor was found in his stomach but was also present in his bone marrow, Riley's parents said. PHOTO: Riley Rejniak waved as a total of 651 of cars, motorcycles and first responders arrived in waves in Leesport, Pennsylvania, at a safe distance to celebrate his fighting spirit and 8th birthday on May 23. Riley is fighting cancer a second time. (Brittney Haddon) MORE: FedEx driver helps boy exchange skateboards with his idol Tony Hawk Riley was treated at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. In 2019, Riley's cancer returned in his bone marrow. "Riley had a total 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 12 rounds of radiation and five cycles of immunotherapy. He also had a stem cell transplant," dad Greg Rejniak told "GMA." "He's had ups and downs but his attitude has been incredible. He just loves life." PHOTO: Riley Rejniak waved as a total of 651 of cars, motorcycles and first responders arrived in waves in Leesport, Pennsylvania, at a safe distance to celebrate his fighting spirit and 8th birthday on May 23. Riley is fighting cancer a second time. (Brittney Haddon) PHOTO: Riley Rejniak waved as a total of 651 of cars, motorcycles and first responders arrived in waves in Leesport, Pennsylvania, at a safe distance to celebrate Riley's fighting spirit and 8th birthday on May 23. (Brittney Haddon) When their son's cancer came back, the Rejniaks took it hard. Riley's response, however, was "I'm not worried about it," they said. MORE: 2-year-old who received new heart during pandemic finally heads home Riley's quote was printed on the back of T-shirts his family wore to the surprise birthday parade. PHOTO: Riley Rejniak waved as a total of 651 of cars, motorcycles and first responders arrived in waves in Leesport, Pennsylvania, at a safe distance to celebrate Riley's fighting spirit and 8th birthday on May 23. (Brittney Haddon) VIDEO: Surprise birthday for 8-year-old fighting cancer draws 651 vehicles (ABCNews.com) Ashley said Riley's cancer could return again but so far, doctors have found no evidence of disease. The Rejniaks were happy to celebrate Riley's birthday as well as this good news, they said. PHOTO: Riley Rejniak waved as hundreds of cars, motorcycles and first responders arrived in waves in Leesport, Pennsylvania, at a safe distance to celebrate Riley's fighting spirit and 8th birthday on May 23. (Brittney Haddon) Family friend Brittney Haddon, who photographed the event, said it was "extraordinary to witness." Story continues "This will be a memory that will last a lifetime and couldn't have gone to a more deserving family than them," Haddon told "GMA." PHOTO: Riley Rejniak, who is battling neuroblastoma a second time, waved as hundreds of cars, motorcycles and first responders arrived in waves in Leesport, Pennsylvania. (Brittney Haddon) Greg Rejniak said, "[Riley] said it was the best birthday that he has ever had." Follow Riley's journey on his Facebook page, Rally For Riley Rejniak. 651 vehicles show up for surprise birthday of 8-year-old fighting cancer originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com VANCOUVER - Legal arguments at the B.C. Supreme Court in the extradition case of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou may stretch into next year. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 3/6/2020 (596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, leaves her home to go to B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, Wednesday, May 27, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward VANCOUVER - Legal arguments at the B.C. Supreme Court in the extradition case of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou may stretch into next year. Crown lawyer Robert Frater told the court Wednesday that lawyers for both sides will propose a new schedule later this month that would bring the hearings to a close in early 2021 at the latest, instead of this fall. The United States wants Canada to extradite Meng over allegations she misrepresented the company's relationship with Skycom Tech Co., putting HSBC at risk of violating U.S. sanction against Iran, a charge both she and Huawei deny. Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes dismissed the first phase of arguments last week by Meng's lawyers who claimed the case should be thrown out because the U.S. allegations against her wouldn't be a crime in Canada. Frater says the Crown will be disclosing new documents to Meng's lawyers on Friday and the defence may pursue further litigation regarding privileged information. Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes agreed to consider appointing a "referee," whom the defence suggested should be a retired judge, to accelerate access to disclosure information. Holmes says that while she has experience with independent arbiters in the pre-trial phase of a case, she has never appointed one in a case that already had a dedicated judge. "I certainly would be willing to consider it. Quite frankly, it's not something I have done before so I would need to know how the process would work," Holmes says. 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. Defence lawyer Scott Fenton says the responsibilities of the referee could be worked out and presented to the court for its review and approval. The idea would be to offload most of the decisions about which documents or information must be released to the defence and if either side wants to dispute a ruling, that challenge would come to Holmes. "It can bring tremendous efficiency to this somewhat tedious process of working out privilege claims," he says. The court is preparing to hear several other arguments in the case, including whether the way Meng was arrested and detained at Vancouver's airport in December 2018 constituted an abuse of process. According to the original schedule, the final legal arguments were to have occurred this fall as long as the extradition proceeding wasn't thrown out before then. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2020. Scientists around the world, including India, are working 24x7 to develop coronavirus vaccine. Recently, Pune-based the National Institute of Virology (NIV) has been given permission to do a clinical trial for coronavirus vaccine on 30 female monkeys. NIV-Pune is one of the translational science cells parts of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). According to the Times of India report, the NIV scientists will be doing clinical trials on monkeys aged 3-4 years. Monkeys will be procured from the Vadgaon forest range in Pune districts. Forest minister Sanjay Rathod has allowed NIV to do clinical rial for the vaccine on 30 monkeys as it was a government institute, Nitin Kakodkar, principal chief conservator of forests said. Earlier, researchers from the US government's National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of Oxford, also carried out a vaccine trial on six rhesus macaque monkeys. However, the trial of the vaccine did not stop the animals from catching the virus. So far, eleven vaccine trials are underway in India. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, last week, said that four out of the 14 COVID-19 vaccine candidates from India may enter the clinical trial stage in the next three-five months. Also read: Coronavirus effect: Services sector activity reduces sharply in May Also read: Coronavirus update: India reports over 8,000 single-day cases for 4 consecutive days Like most decent people, I watched with horror Monday evening as peaceful protestors were violently dispersed from Washingtons Lafayette Square so that the President could have a photo-op. It was one of the most fascistic moments in modern American history. Those of us opposed to the Trump regime were distraught. Gun control advocate Nelba Marquez-Greene articulated the frustrations of so many by succinctly tweeting: We told you. Theres the rub. We did, indeed, tell them. What many of us failed to understand, or perhaps didnt want to understand, is that all this the strongman posturing, the authoritarianism, the brutality all this is a feature, not a bug. A popular saying on the American left is this is not who we are. That is a lie we tell ourselves. This is exactly who we are. It is who we have always been. My family spans four states, all of which I have called home. From Ohio to North Carolina, both of which were crucial swing states in 2016, many of them are strident Red Hats. I come from a family, from a part of the country, in which home decor often consists of reclaimed wood painted red, white, and blue and the military is worshipped like God. Beneath the stereotype of Midwest nice and southern hospitality, a bloviating jingoism, a blustery bullying, a latent authoritarianism has always lurked. The first authoritarians on these shores were arguably the Puritans, who valued a rigid social order and strict adherence to a narrow set of beliefs. John Adams famously signed the Alien and Sedition Acts to deport foreigners, make it harder for immigrants to vote, and criminalised false statements critical of the federal government. In the 19th century, the Know Nothings campaigned on anti-Catholic, anti-immigration platforms. They were born out of a xenophobic secret society known as the Order of the Star Spangled Banner, which demanded members obey orders without question. Andrew Jackson committed an act of ethnic cleansing against the Native Americans east of the Mississippi, marching them along the Trail of Tears. To this day his portrait graces the $20 bill and hangs in the Oval Office. This is who we are. This is who we have always been. Into the 20th century, the Sedition Act of 1918 was readily passed by Congress at Woodrow Wilsons urging, severely curtailing free speech in the name of war morale and directly leading to the suppressing of vital public health information during the Spanish Flu pandemic. We interred Japanese Americans in the Second World War. Fifty years ago, student protestors were shot and killed by National Guard members at Kent State University. After 9/11, we renamed French fries freedom fries and the Dixie Chicks received so much hate and so many death threats that they went into hiding for three years and then wrote a song about it. Protesters at Standing Rock, opposed to a pipeline across sacred Lakota land, were met by the state with violent force. And then there are Americas two original sins. Settler colonialism and chattel slavery led to centuries of genocide and reservations and lynchings and Jim Crow. This legacy is still with us in so many ways, including the police brutality the demonstrators gassed in Lafayette Park were protesting. And while all of this happened, a significant portion of the American people cheered. In 2016, the political scientist Matthew MacWilliams found that high levels of authoritarianism frequently correlate with support for Donald Trump. This does not mean these folks consciously crave dictatorship, but rather that they express classic authoritarian traits a desire for law and order and social hierarchies, for example triggered by their anxiety over social change. This is what makes engaging with my Trump-voting family so tricky. Most of them are incredibly defensive and utterly convinced of the righteousness of their cause because anything that challenges the status quo is seen as an innately bad thing. Some will never change. A relative commented on a recent Facebook status that looters should be summarily executed and Antifa should be shot. Block me if you want. Thats a pretty unshakable worldview, and an argument over social media was not likely to change his mind, so I didnt respond. Another relative, commenting on a family members post in which she worried for her biracial daughters, wrote: All lives matter. I did respond to that one, politely pointing out why that phrase was problematic and why Black Lives Matter, both the phrase and the movement, are so important. She hasnt responded, but I hope it starts a dialogue, one that will continue off social media and into real life. I wont pretend its easy having these conversations, or choosing a moment to stay silent when someone says something you feel is so indefensible. And I wont pretend it isnt hurtful or infuriating when I see people who I love and who love me cheer on our descent into dictatorship. But cutting Trump supporters out of our lives isnt an option. I tried that, and it doesnt work. It is only with honest and frank conversations that I have ever seen my friends and family change their minds on Donald Trump. Weve done it before. Abolitionists held meetings in churches and town halls, suffragists recruited in their homes and on the streets, anti-war protesters took their message not only to the streets but to their parents kitchen tables. The tide of history does not turn on its own, and movements do not start and end with marching. Social change starts at home, with our family and friends. Its hard, but we can do it. After all, this is who we are. This is who we have always been. Backlash voiced by a wide swath of US politicians including Democrats in Congress, some Republicans, church leaders. President Donald Trumps hardline stance against protests rocking the United States and threats to call out the military to quell unrest in American cities are drawing criticism from a wide swath of US leaders and have sparked a backlash among Democrats in Congress and even some Republicans. In nationally televised remarks at the White House on Monday, Trump called the protests acts of domestic terror committed by professional anarchists, violent mobs, arsonists, looters, criminals, rioters, Antifa and others. As the president was speaking on Monday, federal police in riot gear and on horseback using chemical gas and flashbangs then cleared Lafayette Park, a city square of grass and trees that has been the epicentre of the protests in Washington, DC. Trumps words and police actions in Lafayette Park have been widely condemned and opened a schism among US leaders over how best to handle the protests, looting and violence that have swept the nation. Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat, tweeted that Trumps Fascist speech verged on a declaration of war against American citizens. The Reverend Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, DC, said she was outraged that they would be clearing with tear gas so they could use one of our churches as a prop. I imposed a curfew at 7pm. A full 25 minutes before the curfew & w/o provocation, federal police used munitions on peaceful protestors in front of the White House, an act that will make the job of @DCPoliceDept officers more difficult. Shameful! DC residents Go home. Be safe Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) June 2, 2020 The heavy-handed tactics at the White House followed days of inflammatory comments by the president. In a video conference call on June 1, Trump had urged US governors to respond with force to the protests that he said were being turned violent by the radical left. You have to dominate or youll look like a bunch of jerks. You have to arrest and try people, Trump said, according to reports of the call after an audio recording emerged. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker told reporters at a news conference after the call with Trump, the presidents divisive words failed to provide the leadership the nation needs right now. Trump placed little value on addressing the roots of the protests in systemic racism and police brutality, Baker said. I heard what the president said today about dominating and fighting. I know I should be surprised when I hear incendiary words like this from him, but Im not. At so many times during these past several weeks, when the country needed compassion and leadership the most, it was simply nowhere to be found, Baker said. Trump offered bitterness, combativeness and self-interest, Baker said. Republican Senator Pat Toomey told reporters in Philadelphia on Monday that the president should tone down the language he had been using in tweets. I do think some of his tweets have not been helpful and it would be helpful if he would change the tone of message, Toomey said. .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 Democratic chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee wrote a letter to the head of the US Secret Service, which provides for protection of the president and his family and security of the White House, demanding an explanation. I write to you stunned, disturbed and furious at the sight of federal authorities tear-gassing peaceful protesters in Lafayette Park, outside the White House, Representative Bennie Thompson said in the letter, calling it a shameful attack on Americans exercising their free speech rights. Democrats in the House and Senate pledged to bring forward legislation to ban the use of choke holds by police, to remove military weapons and equipment from police forces and provide for stronger oversight and reforms of police departments. Most Americans are horrified and outraged by the brokenness of our criminal justice system, said Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat and former mayor of Newark, New Jersey, a majority African American city. We must now act on policing, Booker said. Booker and Senator Kamala Harris, a Democrat and formerly the first Black attorney general of California, are leading the legislative effort in the US Senate. Senate Republicans were largely silent on Tuesday about events at the White House and Trumps rhetoric, with most avoiding reporters questions. Instead, Republicans focused on condemning violence elsewhere. We all agree that peaceful protests should be happening. There was a great injustice done to Mr Floyd and his family, said Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican. We need to hear those voices but, right now folks, we cant hear those peaceful protesters voices over the sound of shattering glass and splintering wood, Ernst told reporters at the US Senate. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the police action in Lafayette Park. Yesterday, we saw a most unfortunate situation where, before the time of the curfew occurred, peaceful demonstrators in front of, protesters in front of the White House were beaten, Pelosi said in a statement at the US Capitol on Tuesday. That has no place and its time for us to do away with that. Trump is getting negative ratings from 49 percent of Americans for his response to the protests and events in Minneapolis, according to the latest poll by CBSNews and YouGov. Thirty-two percent approved of Trumps handling of the crisis, according to the survey of more than 2,000 US residents conducted May 29 to June 1. White House spokeswoman Kellyanne Conway, speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, dismissed the complaints about the tone of Trumps remarks during the crisis as opinion. Conway said calling Trumps actions at Lafayette Park a photo op amounted to second-guessing the presidents motives with a childish Sesame Street word of the day. Conway also said no decision had been made yet by Trump to call out the military, as he had threatened to do on Monday. Appearing at another church on Tuesday, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump laid a wreath at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, a Catholic community centre in Washington, DC. The archbishop of Catholic Diocese of Washington, DC, Wilton Gregory issued a statement condemning the presidents visit as baffling and reprehensible in light of the actions by police the prior day to use tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate protesters. The United States Targets Maritime Entities for Supporting Illegitimate Maduro Regime in the Venezuela Oil Trade Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State June 2, 2020 Today the United States imposed sanctions against four companies for operating in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy. These companies are transporting oil that was effectively stolen from the Venezuelan people. Theft of Venezuela's oil assets for the benefit of the illegitimate regime of Nicolas Maduro is unconscionable, and those that facilitate this theft risk losing access to the U.S. financial system. Maduro's corrupt regime is directly responsible for the political, economic, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The international community should increase pressure against the Maduro regime until it relinquishes its illegitimate hold on power. The United States will continue to increase pressure on Maduro and his enablers until a democratic transition begins. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia and Turkey will pool efforts to develop medicines and vaccines against the novel coronavirus infection, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said. "I held talks with my counterpart, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko. Dr. Murashko noted they see the efficiency of the anti-coronavirus treatment we use. During the talks we passed decisions linked with our ministries. They will pool efforts to work on medicines and vaccines," he wrote on his Twitter account. The presidents of the two countries, Vladimir Putin of Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, held telephone talks on May 18 and the Russian leader stressed the importance of cooperation in such areas as development of COVID treatment techniques and vaccines. Chief of Russias sanitary watchdog Anna Popova said on May 22 Moscow and Ankara were ready for joint work to develop an anti-coronavirus vaccine, TASS recalls. LAPD officers outside their headquarters in downtown Los Angeles as demonstrators gather Tuesday. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) When Los Angeles was plunged into a budget crisis earlier this year, progressive activists demanded that the City Council slash spending at the Police Department, saying it's wrong to boost funding for officers while cutting other urgently needed services. The debate over police spending at City Hall has only intensified after several days of protests against police brutality, the LAPDs response to those demonstrations and the looting that sometimes followed. Activists with Black Lives Matter, Ground Game LA and other grassroots groups say incidents in recent days where officers have used aggressive tactics including projectiles and batons only reinforce the need to defund the LAPD. "This crisis that we are facing now, with police violence, has got people thinking, 'Is this what we want?'" said Akili, an organizer with Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles, who goes by only his last name. Akili touted an alternative spending plan for City Hall, dubbed the People's Budget, that would cut the vast majority of the LAPD's funding. But other community leaders, and at least some elected officials, say the recent outbreak in looting, vandalism and arson shows precisely why the city needs the number of officers it has. "Ten thousand officers were barely able to keep the peace," said Councilman Paul Koretz, whose Westside district includes Beverly Boulevard, Melrose Avenue and other business districts where looting occurred. "Imagine if we didn't have the response that we did." Mayor Eric Garcetti had originally proposed a 7% spending increase for the LAPD, including a lucrative package of raises and bonuses for rank-and-file officers. But Wednesday, a day after thousands of protesters chanted "defund the police" outside his Windsor Square home, Garcetti said he had changed course, deciding now is not the time to increase the department budget. Garcetti said his administration would look for $250 million in cuts from city departments, including the LAPD, and steer the funds to invest in job programs, health initiatives and other services supporting the black community and other communities of color. As part of those reductions, the LAPD would see cuts of $100 million to $150 million, he said. Story continues Council President Nury Martinez and several of her colleagues proposed the same reductions for the LAPD, which could eliminate the increase planned in Garcetti's budget. "While a complete overhaul of the city's budget will take time, we can begin to slowly dismantle those systems that are designed to harm people of color," Martinez said. "A preliminary cut to the LAPD budget will not solve everything, but it's a step in the right direction." Progressive activists said those actions do not go far enough. Meanwhile, leaders of the LAPD's biggest union were furious with Martinez's choice of words, saying they were "offensive" and dehumanized police officers. The City Council, which normally reviews and approves the mayor's budget each year, had allowed Garcetti's citywide spending plan to go into effect on Monday without a vote. But council members also promised to make changes to his budget in the coming weeks to address a major crunch triggered by the shutdowns that have accompanied the coronavirus outbreak. Garcettis budget, first proposed in April, called for police spending to consume 53.8% of the citys unrestricted" general fund revenue taxes that are not earmarked for special purposes or certain fees, fines and grants. The LAPD makes up 17.6% of the citys overall $10.5-billion budget, a figure that does not include police pensions and healthcare, according to city budget officials. Protesters gather outside L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti's house in Windsor Square on Tuesday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) The amount of police spending in L.A. has long been a source of frustration for activists. This year, Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles teamed up with other grassroots organizations to survey Angelenos about their budget priorities and draft their People's Budget. Under their alternative spending plan for the coming year, police would receive only 5.7% of the city's general fund a reduction of nearly 90% compared with the mayor's budget. Ground Game LA, one of the groups involved in the People's Budget LA coalition, said 9,000 of the LAPD's 10,000 officers should be replaced with tenants' rights workers, mental health counselors, gang intervention workers and others who could address pressing social needs. "I don't think there's any way to get a 90% reduction without layoffs, and that would be OK," said Bill Przylucki, executive director of Ground Game LA. "But if they lay them all off and then hoard the money, that's not a solution. We need to reinvest those dollars in all the right programs." Przylucki said the LAPD had shown repeatedly over the years that it was not capable of keeping the peace in a way that de-escalates confrontation and that the skirmishes of the past week only reinforced that lesson. A coalition of labor and advocacy groups have pushed their own plan, urging Garcetti to cut the LAPD budget by at least $250 million. Neighborhood councils have chimed in as well. On Monday, the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council to urge the city to redirect money from the LAPD to social services, rent relief and other programs. Julia Forgie, who sits on the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council, which took similar action, said at a meeting this week that she was worried Garcetti would use recent events to bolster support for his budget. Its important that we sort of reframe the conversation preemptively, to make sure that [city officials] understand that these events don't indicate that we need more funding for police, she said. Lee Williams, board chairman of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, voiced alarm at the idea of cutting the LAPD. If the department has fewer officers, he said, response times will go up, community policing programs will suffer, and the neighborhood will be less safe overall. "That would be crushing for San Pedro," said Williams, a San Pedro resident himself. Los Angeles Police Protective League President Craig Lally, whose union represents rank-and-file officers, said defunding the LAPD would leave neighborhoods vulnerable to crime and serve as a dream come true for gang members and criminals. Such cuts would mean slower responses to 911 calls, stalled investigations and fewer officers able to assist when fellow officers need backup, he said. If the Peoples Budget proposed by activists becomes a reality, "the last several nights of mayhem in Los Angeles will be the new normal, he said. Council members have shown little appetite for cutting the LAPD as dramatically as outlined in the People's Budget. But several said in recent days that they could not shield police officers from cuts when other employees were facing reductions. Councilman Mike Bonin, who represents coastal neighborhoods, suggested asking the police union to postpone raises. Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who represents parts of South Los Angeles, said it's hard for him to imagine that anyone following recent events would conclude that "a lack of police is our problem." Asked how many officers the LAPD should have, Harris-Dawson responded: "I don't think there's a right number. I'm a person who looks at outcomes." Reducing the LAPD budget, he said, has to be part of the upcoming budget discussions. "We have to respond to the activists on the one side, who raise a very legitimate point, and we have to respond to reality" that city officials will likely need to make more cuts to balance the budget, he said. Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report. Eight workers were killed and 50 others were injured on Wednesday in a massive fire triggered by a blast in the boiler of a chemical factory at Dahej in Gujarat's Bharuch district, police said. WATCH: Major blast in chemical factory in Gujarat's Bharuch The death toll may rise further as some of the injured workers are in a serious condition, according to police. As companies of methanol and xylene chemicals are located near the affected factory, authorities have shifted about 4,800 people from nearby Luvara and Lakhigam villages to safer places as a precautionary measure. About 230 workers were present inside the factory, Yashaswi Rasayan, located in Dahej Special Economic Zone-1, 42 km from Bharuch, at the time of the incident in afternoon, they said. "Eight workers died in the boiler blast at the chemical factory located in Dahej Special Economic Zone-1, while around 50 others sustained injuries," said Dahej Marine police station inspector Vipul Gagiya. While six charred bodies were recovered from the factory after the fire was doused, two more workers died at separate hospitals in Bharuch, he said. "32 injured workers are admitted in various hospitals in Bharuch and nearby areas," he said, adding that the death toll may go up as some of the workers are in a serious condition. About 18-20 workers were given a primary aid, local officials said. It took about six hours for eleven fire tenders to bring the massive blaze under control, officials said. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, Ahmed Patel, blamed the state Bharatiya Janata Party government for the incident. He said factories need to undergo complete safety audit as there have been rising cases of industrial accidents in Gujarat. Patel also expressed concern about recent changes in labour laws, which he said will encourage factories to create 'unsafe working conditions'. 'There has been a rise in industrial accidents in Bharuch district today and people lost their lives. 'The buck stops only with the state government ensuring safe working conditions that factories have completed safety audits. We are concerned that recent changes in labour laws will incentivise unsafe working conditions,' he tweeted. Protesters gathered Tuesday outside City Hall in downtown Los Angeles to decry the death of George Floyd. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) President Trump was never a mayor or a governor. Hes never served on a police force or in any branch of the military. He never tried to end a riot or apprehend a looter while protecting anyones constitutional rights. But that shortage of relevant experience didnt stop him from telling the nations governors how they should halt violent protests over police killings of African Americans. Most of you are weak, Trump lectured the governors in a conference call Monday. You have to dominate. If you dont dominate, youre wasting your time. Theyre going to run over you. Youre going to look like a bunch of jerks. The solution, he told them, is simple: Put troops on the street and let them crack down. You've got a big National Guard out there that's ready to come in and fight like hell, the president said. Brute force has already restored peace to Minneapolis, Trump claimed. They just walked right down the street, knocking [protesters] out with tear gas ... and you haven't had any problems since. Actually, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz replied, the crisis in Minneapolis isnt over. The peaceful protesters are expressing an outrage that is real, Walz, a Democrat, told the president evenly. The next stage is trying to get those spaces for the peaceful protest and [discussing] how do we get reforms. I spent 24 years in the [National Guard], the governor added. You need to make sure that its not seen as an occupying force. It got so bad a few nights ago that the people wouldnt have minded an occupying force, Trump shot back. A conservative Republican governor, Henry McMaster of South Carolina, ran into the presidents one-track mind as well. We have to be careful, but we've got to be tough, McMaster said. You dont have to be too careful," Trump replied. The rhetoric thats coming out of the White House is making it worse, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker told the president. We have to call for calm. Story continues Trumps reply: I dont like your rhetoric much either. A recording of the hourlong call, which leaked immediately, makes instructive but depressing listening. Its a fly-on-the-wall microcosm of Trumps flaws. The governors try, ever so politely, to tell the president that repairing their states social fabric is more difficult than he thinks. But Trump wants none of it. A few hours after the call, he announced that if a state fails to protect its citizens, I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them. Its true that the National Guard can help secure city streets. Thats why 23 governors and the mayor of Washington, D.C., already had called up National Guard units before Trump told them they were weak. But riot-trained National Guard troops are an imprecise instrument. Theyre not designed for police work, like finding and arresting individual perpetrators. More important, securing streets is only one part of what mayors and governors need to do in this crisis. They also need to protect peaceful protesters instead of tear-gassing them, as police did Monday to clear the way for a Trump photo op near the White House. And they need to show that they are making serious efforts to root out the persistent racism in law enforcement agencies that has produced so many unjustified killings of African Americans. Trump has barely mentioned those other, equal goals. On Monday, he claimed that he has decried George Floyds death in Minneapolis with great compassion in numerous speeches. In fact, hes mentioned it only a handful of times, only once at any length. His prescription, ever since some protests spawned acts of violence, has been one-dimensional: overwhelming force. When the looting starts, the shooting starts, he wrote on Twitter last week. The president has long expressed admiration for the brutal force autocrats in other countries are able to use. Strength seems to be his favorite noun; strongly his go-to adverb. Hes never had much patience for legal niceties or civil liberties. In 2017, he told an audience of police officers that they shouldnt hesitate to be rough with suspects in their custody. Please dont be too nice, he said. Now, as he runs for reelection, he seems intent on reinforcing his self-image as a resolute strongman, especially among voters alarmed by shattered shop windows. LAW & ORDER! he shouted on Twitter. If violent protests continue, hell say thats not his fault; its because the governors are weak just as hes tried to make them responsible for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic after he bungled the federal response. But if the violence dies down, hell congratulate himself for brilliant leadership. D.C. had no problems last night, he tweeted Tuesday. Many arrests Overwhelming force. Domination. Likewise, Minneapolis was great (thank you, President Trump!). Over time, if history is any guide, the disturbances in most cities will recede. Police forces will gain control, with or without help from the National Guard. Protesters will tire of spending long days in the streets. In well-run states and cities, governors and mayors sheriffs and police chiefs, too will work with community leaders to heal the wounds. Commissions will be formed. Police reforms will be proposed. The president, in campaign mode, will demand praise he doesnt deserve. But hell be playing the part of the noisy rooster who claims credit for the dawn. Nearly two months after opening, Boston Hope field hospitals released its final two patients amid the coronavirus pandemic to a crowd of cheers on Tuesday, according to WBZ. Joseph Murphy waved his arms as the 68-year-old left the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center after spending 36 days in the facility battling COVID-19, the television station reported. The East Weymouth led the crowd outside in a rendition of Neil Diamonds Sweet Caroline, before returning home. Oger Julien mimicked Murphys celebration waving his arms as he was released, WBZ said. The 78-year-old Malden resident spent more than a week in the field hospital. The hospital opened on April 10 as on of a handful of field hospitals across the state that were created to help health care facilities manage the surge of the coronavirus. As Boston released its final patients from its facility, Worcester announced on Tuesday that the National Guard would be in the city to decommission its field hospital at the DCU Center. On May 7, the field hospital at Joint Base Cape Cod in Bourne closed without every hosting a patient. Massachusetts on Tuesday announced 50 new COVID-19 deaths and 358 new cases. Overall, the state has experienced 101,163 cases leading to 7,085 deaths. Related Content: Lonza AG, a multinational biotechnology company, sells both tests. Also, Lonza recently struck a deal with Moderna to produce a much publicized vaccine candidate for Covid-19. Lonza said in a statement that five billion doses of vaccine would require less than a days combined production for all three LAL manufacturers in the United States. The three manufacturers are Lonza, Charles River and Associates of Cape Cod. They all argue that the supply of crabs is more than adequate and current production could handle the vaccine surge without difficulty. Ms. Phelan said this calculation boggles the mind because, for every dose going out the door each manufacturer will use 10 times the amount of LAL to test every step along the way in the process. That includes vials, stoppers and other ingredients in the vaccines. In addition, Ms. Phelan said there are likely to be numerous companies producing vaccines in the test phase and along the way. The rFC test is allowed by the Food and Drug Administration, which is the governmental agency that rules on the safety of drugs, but companies must do more work for their F.D.A. submissions than if they were to use the standard test. The F.D.A. relies both on work done by manufacturers and on the standards set by the U. S. Pharmacopeia. If a company uses rFC, it must demonstrate to the F.D.A. that, for each new drug, rFC is as effective as the standard LAL test. The U.S. Pharmacopeia also announced that it would provide some additional information for any vaccine makers to assist them in doing the tests to validate rFC. Revive and Restore had been asking for some form of emergency authorization for use of rFC, given the stress of potential vaccine production. One company that is turning to the new test in a big way is Eli Lilly, which also pushed for broader approval of the new test. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Many observers are comparing the year 2020 with 1968, the year that Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated, leading to riots all over America. Not long after that, Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. 1968 was also the year of the May Revolution in France, the Tlatelolco massacre in Mexico (along with the Black Panther salute during the Mexico Olympics), and the Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia. By 1969, there was Woodstock, the Stonewall Riots and more. This was a snapshot of the tumultuous Sixties in America and the world. Yet behind the scenes, under the surface, something else was going on. The rebellion was certainly real and the generation gap undeniable. And the obsession with sex, drugs, and rock and roll was anything but a myth. (I was born in New York City in 1955 and saw Jimi Hendrix in concert for the first time in 1968. I started playing drums in a rock band, then began getting high in 1969 and was shooting heroin by 1970.) But underneath it all, often in plain sight, there was a deep spiritual search. Young people were looking for the meaning of life. They were asking deep questions, and the simple answers of the American dream no longer satisfied. (Why work hard in school, to get into the best college, to get the best job, so your kids could simply repeat the cycle?) Traditional religion didnt seem to have the answers either, and so young people sought after Eastern religions and new philosophies. Still, Jesus seemed pretty cool, and many were open to find out more about Him. And so, right there in the middle of these rebellious, fleshly times, the Jesus Revolution began. (The starting date is normally put at 1967.) The results were dramatic, illustrated by these two headlines from Time Magazine, one from April, 1966, the other from June, 1971. The first asked in stark, bold letters: Is God Dead? The second, just 5 years later, announced, The Jesus Revolution. And just as I was part of the counterculture revolution of the 1960s, I became part of the Jesus Revolution of the early 1970s, getting born again in late 1971 and instantly delivered from drugs. The real tragedy is that most pastors and churches did not understand what was happening. They didnt see the spiritual search going on in the midst of the counterculture revolution. Instead, they saw the outward, the obvious. They saw the rebellion. The lawlessness. The drug abuse. The promiscuity. They heard the loud, blaring rock music. They saw the outlandish costumes and heard the scandalous lyrics. But they missed the spiritual pain. The longing. The searching. Then, when tens of thousands of hippies and radicals and rebels began showing up in large numbers at many small, traditional churches, in many cases, the churches didnt know what to do with them. Consequently, what could have been a much greater, long-lasting spiritual harvest fell far short of its potential. Now, when it comes to 2020, we have never had another year like it. Of course, the 1960s also witnessed the assassination of JFK in 1963 and wrestled with the ongoing Vietnam War, among other things. But never have we seen, in just one year, all these events together. First, the impeachment and acquittal of the president. Second, a pandemic resulting in a massive and unprecedented shutdown. Third, a widescale economic downturn, resulting in tens of millions of Americans unemployed. Fourth, video evidence of two horrific killings of black Americans (Ahmaud Arberry and then George Floyd), followed by nationwide peaceful protests marred by violent riots and looting. Nothing really comes close to this in our history in terms of a perfect storm. And we have just started June! Even if all becomes peaceful soon and the economy starts to swing back, we are facing perhaps the most volatile elections in our history. The shaking will continue. How, then, should we look at the current state of affairs in America? What is the divine perspective? On my Tuesday broadcast, I spoke with Steve Uggen, who leads the Firebase Movement, taking prayer and gospel love to the streets of Americas cities. Steve is based in Minneapolis and so, has been on the frontlines of the protests and riots, reaching out one by one as best as possible, as well as praying and worshiping with teams on the streets. They believe only the presence of God can ultimately change the spiritual and moral climate. To be clear, in no way was he minimizing the violence or justifying the looting. Not at all. But he also said this. He saw lots of young people on the streets and was reminded that they represented several generations of fatherless kids. He saw their aimlessness, their lostness, like sheep without a shepherd, and he knew that only God was the answer for their lives. They need a heavenly Father! This does not mean that we do not take concrete steps to stop the anarchy. It does not mean that we seek spiritual solutions alone while ignoring a host of practical issues that must be addressed. But it means that we look beyond the sin, the anger, the violence. It means that we get Gods heart for the looters and the vandals, along with His heart for the peaceful, aggrieved protesters. And while we recognize that force must be used to stop the lawbreakers, we know that this will not address the boiling anger and lawlessness. Only the gospel can transform lives. In short, the greatest thing we can do is point people to the cross. There, the ultimate act of injustice was carried out, as the perfect Son died for the sins of the world. And from that bloodied place, redemption flows for the entire human race. Lets step back from the news for a moment and lift our hearts in prayer, asking God to give us His perspective on the protests and riots and to enable us to be part of a lasting, transformative solution. Isnt that what He desires? 10 million financing from EBRD, EU and EIB Improved solid waste infrastructure and management Decreased environmental and public health risks for local residents Over 300,000 residents of Osh City and two neighbouring municipalities will have better solid waste services thanks to a joint financing programme organised by the EBRD, the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The improved services will contribute to better public health and proper functioning of municipalities during the coronavirus pandemic. The 10 million financing package consists of a 2 million loan from the EBRD, a capital investment grant of 5 million from the EU and a 3 million loan from the EIB. The funds will support the construction of a new sanitary landfill, infrastructure upgrades and the renovation of waste collection points. This investment is strengthened by a 0.95 million grant covering engineering support, project execution, as well as development of municipal enterprise from the EBRD Shareholder Special Fund and the EBRDs Early Transition Countries Fund (Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taipei China and the United Kingdom). Today specialised equipment, which includes 12 waste collection vehicles and 32 waste containers, was handed over to the municipal enterprise Osh-Tazalyk during the ceremony attended by the Mayor of Osh City, Taalaibek Sarybashov and Head of Osh-Tazalyk, Nurbek Ismailov. Head of EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, Ambassador Eduard Auer also noted the importance of the event, saying the following: Proper functioning and provision of municipal services has always been demanded by the population. To help our Kyrgyz partners in this regard, the EU jointly with the EBRD and the EIB runs several projects in many municipalities across Kyrgyzstan with the aim to help improve provided services. Today we are handing over the first part of modern equipment which will allow Osh-Tazalyk to upgrade its infrastructure and increase the effectiveness of its operations. An additional 1,136 containers and 12 waste collection vehicles, landfill operation equipment and machinery will arrive by the end of the year to be deployed in Osh and the smaller neighbouring municipalities of Kyzyl-Kyshtak and Toloikon. Following the equipment delivery, Osh-Tazalyk will launch vital upgrades of the solid waste infrastructure. The project will also help achieve better corporate governance at Osh-Tazalyk, transparent accounting and increased payment collection due to improved and timely services. Grant funds of 0.31 million provided by the EU were used to conduct financial, technical and environmental assessment of the project. EBRD Director of the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, Neil McKain said: We will keep supporting the Kyrgyz Republic in improving the lives and health of people through financing public sector projects which address the well-being needs of local communities. *** Between 2014 to 2020, the EU supported the Kyrgyz Republic with funds worth 174 million deployed in such sectors as education, rural development and the rule of law. Additionally, the EU provided around 90 million through grants aimed at the support of investments, mainly in the water sector. The European Investment Bank invested EUR 112 million in support of sustainable social and economic development of the Kyrgyz Republic. Since the beginning of our operations in the country, in 2017, the EU bank supported projects in some of the key sectors of Kyrgyz economy agriculture, fisheries and forestry, as well as in solid waste management, water and sewage infrastructure and energy distribution. To date, the EBRD has invested 795 million through 191 projects in the economy of the Kyrgyz Republic, with a majority of investments supporting private entrepreneurship. The EBRD has invested in 30 water and wastewater, solid waste and transport improvement projects in the country worth over 236 million, including 114 million loans provided by the Bank and 122 million grants mainly from the European Union and the government of Switzerland. The EBRD has launched a response and recovery package, which includes a Vital Infrastructure Support Programme recognising the critical role of the maintenance of key infrastructure services. A lack of lattes will always trump a mountain of loo paper. The March quarter national accounts should, finally, confirm to analysts and politicians (of all stripes) that the Australian economy is built on the shoulders of consumers spending their cash on services. Cafes and restaurants around the country closed their doors in March due to the coronavirus. Credit:Joe Armao Without shoppers heading to suburban cafes, cinemas, getting a massage or taking a whale-watching trip off one of our world-class tourist locations, the economy comes to a halt. Household consumption dropped by 1.1 per cent through the first three months of the year. It was the single largest fall since 1986, the year Wa Wa Nee gave us the song Stimulation. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-04 06:16:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- One of Scotland's biggest tourism attractions, Edinburgh Castle, though currently closed to visitors, threw open its doors Wednesday to its secret passages via a new 3-dimensional model. By the wonders of modern technology, virtual visitors can use the 3-D model to take an immersive digital tour of the castle. The 3-D model, created by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), even gives virtual visitors a rare chance to explore the hidden parts of Scotland's most iconic fortress. "These digital innovations are crucial in helping to understand, conserve and tell the stories of our historic sites," said HES, the lead public body charged with caring for, protecting and promoting the historic environment of Scotland. Edinburgh Castle has stood on the high rock overlooking the Scottish capital city since the 12th century. It is the most visited attraction in Scotland, drawing about 2 million visitors a year. Currently, it is closed to visitors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enditem Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 3, 2020) - Antler Gold Inc. (TSXV: ANTL) ("Antler" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the delineation of six priority targets for exploration on its Western Erongo Gold Project ("Western Project") in the southern central zone of the Damara orogenic belt. The Western Project has historically drilled prospects which have been inadequately explored to date and will be the immediate focus of Antler's future exploration. This historic exploration has been focused primarily on locating near surface gold mineralisation and largely ignored the potentially better mineralised depth extent of these prospects. Dan Whittaker, President and CEO of Antler, commented, "We're pleased to have outlined six priority targets on our Western Project. There has been limited historical drilling undertaken and only to a depth of 30 and 35 meters. We plan on testing these historical areas at depth. We are also awaiting results from our verification sampling and geophysical program to more precisely define these targets which we expect to drill in late summer/early fall 2020." The figure below indicates the location of each of the prospects in relation to historical soil anomalies defined to date and a description of each follows. Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5124/57182_dd215b2a54878a69_002full.jpg Gold Prospects Delineated to Date W1 - Sandamap - 3.5 kilometer long zone of sheared and altered Kuiseb Formation schists defined along an open-ended strike length of the Sandamap auriferous zone on the edge of a D3/D4 lateDamaran leucogranite dome. Historical diamond drill holes were completed in 1993 to assess the potential volume of oxidised material amenable to heap leach extraction. Drilling tested three anomalies at vertical depths up to 30 meters below surface. A total of 98 drill core samples were assayed, with the highest gold grade of 11.2 g/t. Highlights from these historical drill holes are presented below; Story continues Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval width (m) True width (m) Au (g/t) SND1 9.00 16.50 7.50 5.99 3.32 SND2 16.70 20.80 26.80 26.80 10.10 6.00 7.02 4.17 2.07 3.01 SND3 19.00 21.00 2.00 1.53 1.69 SND4 24.44 27.30 2.86 1.60 1.51 Antler has not verified any of these historical assay data. W2 -Hakskeen - 1.5 kilometer long zone defined along an open ended strike length. The gold prospect is interpreted to be related with a magnetite skarn replacement in marble. The controls on mineralisation are poorly understood but interpreted at this stage to be associated with NNE trending D4 structures trending from a syn- to late-tectonic granitic intrusion to the SW. Sixteen historical inclined percussion drill holes were drilled to a depth of 35 meters. Gold mineralisation was variable up to 4.05 g/t. W3 - This targets the Arandis-Karibib-Kuiseb stratigraphy with calc-silicate and marble interbeds on the northern side of the Black Range Dome with associated NE and NNE trending structures. Graphitic schists have historically been mapped in the area and could represent important reducing horizons. W4 - Karibib and Kuiseb stratigraphy are targeted in an area of complex structure with a distinct doubly plunging anticline defined in Karibib lithologies. NE and NNE trending structures are prevalent with intersecting structures trending NW. The area has support from historical rock grab sampling with up to 3.6 g/t Au in quartz vein samples and ferruginous schists. W5 - Arandis-Karibib-Kuiseb stratigraphy are targeted on the southern side of the Black Range Dome in a zone of complex structure and pressure shadows with well defined NE and NNE structures. During historical geological mapping, pyrrhotite and pyrite sulphide mineralisation has been noted in calc-silicates with associated zones of ferruginisation. W6 - This area targets Karibib - Kuiseb stratigraphy in a zone of structural complexity between basement domes. Historical stream sediment sampling has defined a low order gold in sediment anomalous area of up to 100 ppb Au. Note the historic results above have not been verified by Antler and the selected samples referred to above are not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted on the property. Other Exploration Antler's technical team completed 662 line kilometers of detailed ground based magnetic surveys and intends to complete IP surveys to help define the spatial and depth extent of any mineralising systems located at Sandamap and Hakskeen. Drilling undertaken in other parts of the Karibib District has proved the extent of mineralised systems to depths of 170 meters and beyond. Qualified Person Peter Hollick, Pr.Sci.Nat., consulting geologist, is the qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 guidelines and has reviewed and approved this release. About Antler Gold Inc. Antler Gold Inc. (TSXV: ANTL) is a Canadian company, focused on the acquisition and exploration of gold projects in Namibia. Antler's Erongo Gold Project covers areas of the Navachab-Damara Belt, which is highly prospective for gold, and overlies similar lithologies and structures as the known Namibian Gold mines (QKR's Navachab and B2 Golds' Otjikoto) as well as the recent Twin Hills discovery. Antler's total license position now comprises four licenses (EPL 5455, 6162, 7261 and 6550) under option and a further five (EPL 7854, 7930, 7960, 8010 and 8042) under application, for a total landholding of approximately 83,576ha (835.8km2). Antler is currently focusing its efforts on advancing its Erongo Gold Project, which is located approximately 130 km north-west of Namibia's capital city Windhoek and benefits from Namibia's well-established infrastructure of paved highways, railway, power and water. The Erongo Gold Project currently hosts a total of 13 priority targets at various stages of exploration. Namibia is mining-friendly and lauded as one of the continent's most politically and socially stable jurisdictions. Antler continues to evaluate new ground with a view to expanding its Namibian portfolio. Further details are available on the Company's website at www.antlergold.com Cautionary Statements This press release may contain forward-looking information, such as statements regarding the exploration targets, and future plans and objectives of Antler. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions (including assumptions in connection with the continuance of the applicable company as a going concern and general economic and market conditions) that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including risks relating to the ability to satisfy the conditions to completion of the transaction. Actual results may differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. Antler assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information in this release, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information unless and until required by applicable securities laws. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings made by Antler with Canadian securities regulators, copies of which are available at www.sedar.com. 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 further information, please contact Daniel Whittaker, President and CEO of Antler Gold Inc., at (902) 488-4700. Or Christopher Drysdale, Corporate Development of Antler Gold Inc., at +27 72-507-7560 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57182 In the aftermath of George Floyd's death, the wife of Derek Chauvin, the cop who was taped subduing Floyd by kneeling on his neck, has filed for divorce and requested a change in her last name. Forty-five-year-old Kellie Chauvin, says that she separated from her husband last Thursday, May 28, which is the day before he was charged with second-degree manslaughter and third-degree murder for the demise of Floyd. In the divorce paper that she filed, it was stated that the breakdown of their marriage was already irretrievable and is beyond saving. Kelli has been married to Chauvin for almost ten years since June of 2010. In her filing, she was not able to detail which surname she would be taking if the divorce gets finalized, however, it was also noted in the petition notes that before marrying Chauvin, she was previously known as Kellie Xiong and Kellie Thao. According to CNN, aside from changing her last name, Kellie also requested that she get the title for their homes. In detail, Kellie has petitioned to have full rights to their properties located in the Orlando metropolitan area of Windemere, Florida, and Oakdale, Minnesota. Moreover, she also asked that their conjugal properties including vehicles and bank accounts to equitably divided between them. On top of this, the petition for divorce stated that her request to change her name is solely due to the dissolution of marriage. It was also stressed that the act to change her last name is not intended to be used in fraud, mislead other people, or for any reason that could be used in a felony. Read also: George Floyd Criminal Record: Minneapolis Police Says He Was Charged With Armed Robbery According to NBC News, Kellie has previously worked as a property realtor as well as a beauty queen. It was also stated that she has been separated from her husband since Thursday. Aside from this, despite being currently in between jobs, Kellie stated that she can support herself and did not ask for any spousal support. In light of this, she also waived her right to receive any temporary or permanent maintenance from Chauvin. Who is Kellie Chauvin? Kellie, who was born in Laos, has been married before Chauvin and had two children in her previous marriage. It was also stated that from Laos, Kellie and her family moved to Wisconsin after they fled from a refugee camp, as reported by Twin Cities Pioneer Press. It was also noted in the profile that she and Derek Chauvin met when he brought a suspect in the medical center she worked at for a health check-up before taking them to jail. At the moment, Kellie has not made any statements regarding her divorce in public. However, the law firm that represented her announced on Friday that Kellie has expressed great devastation in light of Floyd's death and that she sends her sympathy to his family and loved ones. The death of Floyd has caused unrest not only in Minneapolis but in the whole United States. People are rallying on the streets to protest the injustice, inequality, and racism that led to the death of Floyd. Some of the said protests have led to riots and violence which has become a big problem for the country. Related article: Black Out Tuesday: Social Media Goes Dark to Call for Action and Solidarity After George Floyd's Death @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Humans are unusual, even among primates, in the length of our "extended childhood." Scientists think that this period of childhood and adolescence, which gives us lots of time to explore, create, and learn, is a key reason why we are smart enough to learn skills that take years to master. But humans are not the only species with an extended childhood. Elephants, some bats, whales, dolphins, and some birds -- especially corvids -- also have them. But does an extended childhood make other species smart too, and if so, what is the role of parenting? A team of scientists from the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, the University of Konstanz and the UK tackled these questions by combining the results of their own fieldwork on two corvid species -- Siberian jays and New Caledonian crows -- with published data from 127 corvid species and several thousand species in the passerine (songbird) order. The study, published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, offers a groundbreaking new view on the evolution of intelligence, where parenting takes center stage. Parenting pays the costs of extended childhoods Researchers spent years observing two bird species in the wild to understand how young birds' learning is related to parenting received during adolescence and survival in adulthood. At a study site in Sweden, researchers used field experiments to test the ability of young Siberian jays to learn crucial life skills: recognizing a dangerous predator and opening a puzzle box to access food. Across the northern Palearctic, Siberian jays live in family groups which can include not only the young of a breeding pair, but also young that were born in other groups. These young can stay with the family group for up to four years. Young that stayed with their parents longer benefitted from being with their parents. They learned faster by watching their parents and received more food from their parents. As a consequence, they were more likely to live longer and to start their own family. At a study site in New Caledonia, researchers followed New Caledonian crows to track how juveniles learn a key survival skill: making tools for food retrieval. It takes about a year to learn this skill -- a costly time investment for the parents who still have to feed the young. Surprisingly, these crows can stay with their parents for up to three years, allowing for a much longer "childhood" than most other crows. Parents and other adults are extremely tolerant to young crows. While adults are using a tool to get food, they feed the juveniles, let them watch closely, and even tolerate tool theft and physical contact by juveniles. As a result of this tolerant learning environment, New Caledonian crows have the largest brain size for their body size of all corvids. Extended parenting affects intelligence The authors argue that the key role of parenting on the evolution of cognition has been overlooked so far. Often thought of as merely an inevitable chore, parental care is the reason children can spend their childhood learning and making mistakes. advertisement "Extended parenting has profound consequences for learning and intelligence," explains Michael Griesser of the University of Konstanz. "Learning opportunities arise from the interplay between extended childhood and extended parenting. The safe haven provided by extended parenting is critical for learning opportunities. It creates extended developmental periods that feed back into the extended childhood." In addition to benefitting young learners, extended parenting helps pay for the costs of an extended childhood. Having to feed extra mouths is costly, but when there is enough food available in the environment, parents can afford to keep on feeding the young for longer. With a safe haven, young birds have the time to grow a larger brain, learn difficult skills, and access vital food resources. These acquired skills lead to better survival, and possibly also allow the species to expand into new environments. Corvids are unusual birds, but are similar to humans The researchers used phylogenetic comparative methods to analyze the differences between corvids and all other passerines. Corvids have much larger brains relative to their body size, like humans. They also have prolonged developmental periods, both in the nest and after they leave -- another characteristic of humans. "Both humans and corvids spend their youth learning vital skills, surrounded by tolerant adults which support their long learning process," explains Natalie Uomini of the Max Planck Institute. "Moreover, corvids and humans have the ability for lifelong learning -- a flexible kind of intelligence which allows individuals to adapt to changing environments throughout their lifetime." In the light of this study, the importance of parenting comes into even greater focus. Parents have a vital role in helping young brains grow smarter. Children, like young birds, cannot learn skills in isolation. Instead they need a nurturing, supportive environment that allows the full potential of their large brains to develop. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 2, 2020) - PharmaDrug Inc. (CSE: BUZZ) (OTC: LMLLF) (the "Company" or "PharmaDrug") is pleased to announce that it has appointed global cannabis industry pioneer and founder of Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) ("Aurora"), Terry Booth, as the Chairman of its advisory board focussing on the Company's psychedelic business. Mr. Booth has over 27 years of experience in tightly regulated government industries. Whilst many competitors floundered with compliance issues, Aurora, under his guidance from July of 2013 until February of 2020, became and remains the leader globally in setting the global medical cannabis standard. Mr. Booth was one of the four original founders of Aurora. Appointed CEO in December 2014, Mr. Booth grew Aurora from a start-up into one of the world's largest and fastest growing companies, valued at $18B at its peak, with the focus of providing high-quality medical and recreational cannabis products. A visionary and passionate leader, Mr. Booth has a deep knowledge of the cannabis space and was instrumental in Aurora receiving its initial licensing and approval from Health Canada. Aurora's "Mountain" facility located in Mountain View County was the first licensed purpose-built facility in Canada and was also the world's first medical cannabis facility to obtain EU GMP compliance certification for its entire facility. Mr. Booth's passion to have the highest quality and lowest cost per gram production resulted in the successful completion and execution of Aurora Sky, which is widely recognized as the best in class automated large-scale cannabis production facility on the planet. Uniquely skilled at seizing M&A opportunities (over 30 transactions and acquisitions worth over $8 billion in the last five years), Mr. Booth brings over 25 years of experience in creating, growing and leading companies in highly regulated industries. Mr. Booth currently sits on the board of Aurora, Quinsam Capital Corp., Eye Carrot and recently entered the psychedelics space by joining the board of Duncan Park Holdings Corporation, which is in the midst of changing its name to Psyched Wellness Ltd. ("Psyched") and has made an application to list its common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Mr. Booth is also a major investor in Red Light Holland Corp. ("Red Light"), which has also taken advantage of the Netherlands opportunities and is in our opinion synergistic to the Company's proposed endeavours. Story continues Daniel Cohen, CEO of PharmaDrug, commented, "We are absolutely thrilled to add the expertise and experience of a member of Terry's caliber to our advisory board. Terry's knowledge of the capital markets and his experience with respect to M&A execution and timing and his insights in helping cannabis companies make the right decisions in a global nascent industry will without a doubt, be a great help in our efforts to roll up smartshops, executed with regulatory support, providing safe, consistent, high quality reliable products for our retail endeavors in the Netherlands and beyond as regulations change globally. In addition, Terry's deep knowledge of European cannabis markets and his ability to establish and expand business units throughout the world will be invaluable. We are grateful to have the opportunity to bring on such an esteemed pioneer as Chair of our advisory board." Mr. Booth commented, "In my opinion, the opportunities that exist for this non-addictive, age gated, safe recreational fungi or a prescribed micro-dosed psilocybin drug has significant global market potential. My review and involvement with these three "mushroom" companies have me committed to PharmaDrug, Psyched and Red Light. The non-competitive synergies that exist between these three companies position them as a strong united force. I expect that my common bond with all three of them will foster a strong relationship between the three." In connection with the appointment the Company granted Mr. Booth an aggregate 5,000,000 stock options (the "Options"). Each Option is exercisable for a period of two years and entitles Mr. Booth to purchase one common share in the capital of the Company at an exercise price of $0.11 per common share provided he purchases the equivalent number of common shares in the market at a market price at or above the 5 day volume weighted average price prior to or concurrently with the exercise of his options. Of the 5 million options, 3.4 million are conditional on (a) regulatory approval and (b) either (i) an increase in the number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company such that the grant is permitted under terms of the Company's current stock option plan or (ii) the approval of an amendment to the stock option plan to permit the issuance of such options. About PharmaDrug Inc. PharmaDrug Inc. is building an internationally focused cannabis business focused on Europe. The Company owns 80% of Pharmadrug GmbH, a German medical cannabis distributor, with a Schedule I European Union narcotics license allowing for the importation and distribution of medical cannabis to pharmacies in Germany and throughout the EU. For further information, please contact: Daniel Cohen, CEO dcohen@pharmadrug.co (647) 202-1824 Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information: THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED NOR DOES IT 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 of the Company. Forward looking statements in this press release relate to the potential for M&A activity and the synergies with Psyched and Red Light. 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 Regulations 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, such as, but not limited to dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; the ability to locate additional supply of medical cannabis, owning interests in companies or projects that are engaged in activities currently considered illegal under United States federal law; changes in laws; limited operating history, reliance on management, requirements for additional financing, competition, hindering market growth; regulatory and political change. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57080 This decision is gut wrenching, especially as I told you in March that we would have no job losses due to the pandemic, Edelman said in his memo. Despite all efforts, we are beyond the threshold of loss-making and to ensure the long-term health of our business, I must change course." The image of President Trump holding a Bible in the air is incredibly repulsive. Just before this photo op, hed urged the governors to dominate the protesters, threatened to send military troops to areas where weak governors couldnt control the terrorist crowds. And now he holds aloft a Bible? Mr. Trump, the Bible is not some Rolex watch or Hermes tie one wears for effect. Open the Bible. Proverbs would be a great place to start it is full of wisdom such as this: Plot no evil against your neighbor, against him who lives at peace with you. Quarrel not with a man without cause, with one who has done you no harm. Envy not the lawless man and choose none of his ways; To the Lord the perverse man is an abomination, but with the upright is his friendship (Proverbs 3:29-32). Italy reopened its borders to visitors from European nations on June 3 to revive tourism after months of movement ban due to coronavirus, as per the local reports. In March, the Mediterranean nation emerged as the global epicentre of the malignant COVID-19 disease with one of the highest death tolls and confirmed cases in the world. Now, with a challenge to beckon tourists in order to rescue the travel industry, the country declared unrestricted travel and scraped the 14-day mandatory quarantine. As per a media report, Romes Leonardo da Vinci airport resumed all domestic and international flights in the final phase of the coronavirus lockdown ease, allowing the families and loved ones to finally reunite. As a first European country to throw its borders wide open to visitors, while the pandemic still looms, Italy aims to boost its collapsed tourism industry. This further prompted other European nations such as Greece to accelerate efforts to reinstate its tourism. According to reports, Greece restarted regular ferry services, and all cafes and restaurants were back to operation in Europes race of reviving tourism. Tomorrow morning Italy opens its borders. Cari amici! https://t.co/QUaGYOf4U7 Vladimir Banic (@banicvlada) June 2, 2020 Major cities, such as Milan, Rome and Naples unsealed the borders that allowed the entry to the citizens from the neighbouring countries, as per the reports. This comes as Switzerland opened its borders with Germany, France and Austria, while on the same date, Austria reopened its borders with Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, except for Italy. Austrias health minister Beate Hartinger-Klein called Italy a hotspot that prompted Italian authorities to mend its border tourism once again. Read: South Korea Reopens Schools Despite Spike In Coronavirus Cases Read: China Denies Report Which Said Beijing Delayed Sharing Coronavirus Info With WHO Don't treat Italy "like a leper" In a press conference earlier, Italys foreign minister Luigi Di Maio warned other countries not to treat Italy "like a leper", further adding, that he would visit Germany, Slovenia and Greece to persuade the neighbours that Italy was now safe for the tourists to visit. Italys new guidelines now allow visitors from 26 other members of the European Union, Schengen Area members Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican City, according to governments statement. Read: US Records 20,461 Fresh Coronavirus Cases And 1,015 New Deaths Read: Lufthansa Reports 1.2 Billion Quarterly Loss Due To Coronavirus Pandemic Garda and local volunteers on the shore of Lough Mask near Tourmakeady in Co Mayo The brother of a young boy who tragically drowned on Lough Mask fought desperately to keep a grasp on the inflatable dinghy that swept him away. The body of Ben Duffy (5), the youngest of five children of Alan and Tracey Duffy from Tourmakeady, Co Mayo, was recovered from the lake after a wide-scale search yesterday morning. Ben had been playing with his brothers Matthew, Daniel and Dolan and sister Dorothy in a secluded and shallow area of the lake close to Treen in Tourmakeady. Shortly after 6pm a sudden gust of wind caught the vessel, described by an emergency service source as an inflatable canoe, causing it to drift rapidly into open water. Bens eldest brother Matthew (11) fought desperately to reach to him but the current and the wind propelled him further away by the second. Its understood that within minutes of reaching open water Ben stood up in the device, which caused it to capsize. Local parish priest Fr John Kenny said the community is devastated by the tragedy. They are a beautiful family and he was a beautiful boy with the biggest, brightest eyes you have ever seen. Everyone constantly commented on his eyes. He was just gorgeous, he said. Fr Kenny wept as he recalled the last time he saw Ben. His mother and I took part in a charity dance a few months ago and he said: Mammy, why are you dancing with him? It was like he thought he should be the only one dancing with his mammy. The children were in a spot regarded as safe. It is secluded and shallow. The wind picked up and he drifted and it all happened within a matter of minutes. We have to pray for them all and pray for his beautiful soul. A local person described the scene of panic in the area as the emergency unfolded. It was about 6pm. We saw the helicopter coming and we realised there was a panic happening in front of our eyes. The COVID-19 Theatre Think-Tank (CTT) deliberately draws from as many of theater-making corners as possible, from stage managers to directors, from the Great White Way to regional theaters. Since March, the group has been in talks with public-health officials, pooling knowledge and letting epidemiology experts steer the conversation about what a post-shutdown theater might look like. [Founder Matt] Ross and one of the first additions to the group, Hadestown director Rachel Chavkin, spoke to [Helen Shaw] about the think tank and what it hopes to achieve. Vulture Be mindful of each others emotional needs Unlike gay men, women who are married to women are constantly monitoring each others emotions and needs and responding to them but they are doing it for each other, so its reciprocated, said Debra Umberson, Ph.D., a professor of sociology and the director of the Population Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin. Two men, in contrast, do less monitoring, which is less labor-intensive. Theyre on the same page about it, said Dr. Umberson, who has studied gay couples for more than a decade. Two men will tell each other what they need or speak up when there is an issue. If a couple has similar philosophies about emotional monitoring, there is less potential for conflict between them, Dr. Umberson said. In heterosexual couples, women are the ones who tend to do emotional monitoring and responding, but the men tend to be unaware of it and often are not doing it, she added and that can negatively affect the couple by making them feel more frustrated, worried, irritable or upset. Dr. Umberson's latest study, published in May, examined the psychological toll of providing for the emotional needs of a spouse. The researchers found that the well-being of women married to women seemed to be affected less by the work of assessing and managing each others emotions than that of women married to men. Earlier research suggests this could be because lesbians are more reciprocal in taking care of a spouses emotional needs and also have a greater appreciation for doing so. Strive for equality in your relationship Same-sex couples do not have traditional societal roles defining which tasks each member of the couple ought to perform at home or how they ought to relate to one another, which allows them to create their own dynamic. Straight couples should negotiate and discuss things more, Cadrain suggested, and dont presume certain roles or jobs in terms of who is the breadwinner or how the household is taken care of. 03.06.2020 LISTEN "When the head is too big, it cannot dodge blows" - Zambian. Our teachers are the pivot of quality education therefore; their welfare issues must be the headline of every educational discourse. On this note, I call on H. E. President Nana Addo Danquah to announce a special stimulus package for the frontline teachers. Let's not forget that, every teacher who will teach the final year students is now a frontline worker on the battlefield like our Doctors and Nurses. Besides, robbing Peter to pay Paul is applied here. Teachers are going to risk their lives and double work effort meanwhile the arrears promised is still empty. Teacher unions seem not to be circumspect when discussing issues about teachers well-being. So, the following packages must be given to them plus the PPEs. 50% tax exemption as motivation to ensure loyal workforce. A well-motivated teacher is a loyal workforce. Special health insurance to assure them of good health because, already teachers enjoy nothing like allowance. Lastly, words of encouragement from their employers and from Prof Stephen Addai who always discourage them instead of saying encouraging words to boost their morale and commitment towards their goals and objectives. Apart from the PPEs and other protocols, students and teachers needs emergency healthcare centers with skilled health Professionals. Going forward, Government must ensure that every school has a clinic. Parents must be with their phones at all times to respond to emergency calls from schools. "Education is a state-controlled manufactory of echoes". - Norman Douglas Photo credit: Spencer Platt - Getty Images From ELLE As anti-police brutality protests have broken out across the country after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, more than 9,000 people have been arrested in connection to these demonstrationsa number that keeps growing every day. While the gatherings have been overwhelmingly peaceful, others have turned chaotic as police made arrests and deployed so-called "non-lethal" tactics like tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets. Almost immediately after people started taking to the streets, donations started rolling into bail funds like Minnesota Freedom Fund, the Peoples City Council Freedom Fund, and the Louisville Community Bail Fund, which serve to post bail for arrested protesters in their areas. Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, Harry Styles, Seth Rogen, Gabrielle Union, Lizzo, and dozens of others matched donations to ensure those arrested are able to get home. But if you're going to join the protests, it's worth having a plan in case you need a lawyer's help. Attorneys can protect your rights or file a civil claim if you believe your rights were violated. If youre under arrest, you have the right to ask why and you have the right to call a lawyer without the police listening. For a quick primer on your rights as a protestor, heres what the ACLU says : You have the right to express your opinions in public. You have the right to protest in traditional public forums, such as streets, sidewalks and parks, so long as you are not interfering with traffic or building usage. Marches that block traffic require a permit. Dispersal should be law enforcements last resort, and officers may not use such tactics unless theres a clear and present danger or threat to public safety, such as riots and looting. If you are lawfully in a public forum, you have the right to photograph police, and they may not confiscate or demand to view your images or videos. Police may not arrest you without reasonable suspicion that you are about to commit a crime (or are already committing one). Stay calm if you are arrested. You have the right to remain silent, and do so if your lawyer is not present. Ask to call your lawyer immediately. You have the right to medical attention should you be injured. As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about the arrest, including badge and patrol car numbers if you have them. Story continues Photo credit: Spencer Platt - Getty Images Considering most of us dont have a personal lawyer, its best to ensure you have easy access to legal services before you even attend a protest. Over the past week, supporters have compiled lists of attorneys offering free legal support across the country. You can contact them directly to confirm their availability. Consider writing their number on your arm before you head out to protest if you might be arrested. Where To Find Pro Bono Lawyers A spreadsheet here lists more than 150 attorneys offering pro bono work throughout the U.S. along with other resistance resources. This massive Twitter thread lists attorneys around the country ready to help. Another Twitter user compiled a Google Sheet with more than 100 lawyers offering pro bono services in cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Pittsburgh, and New York City. The list is being updated continually. Derouen Law Firm compiled a similar list on its website with more than 80 attorneys, many of whom are in Texas, but with a few in Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Florida, and North Carolina as well. A Texas-specific pro bono lawyer list can be found here . This document lists, by city, Twitter accounts of lawyers who have said theyre willing to represent protestors. This #BlackLivesMatter resource list contains several chapters of helpful tools, including links to bail funds. A Twitter user compiled this list of lawyers helping with protest-related arrests. You can search the American Bar Associations pro bono resource directory here . my sister compiled a list of lawyers who are offering pro-bono services for arrested protesters across cities. please share for anyone who is planning to attend a protest!! #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Z3SvFrGoiQ u. (@umemmaa) June 3, 2020 Most lawyers have been announcing their willingness to help via Twitter, so if youre struggling to find representation in your area, try searching pro bono + [YOUR STATE/CITY] to find resources. You Might Also Like The notification system the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention used to keep track of potentially infected travelers coming to the US briefly went offline in mid-February when COVID-19 first started ravaging the country. Health officials say that system blunder, as well as other missteps like testing, old technology and clashes with the White House may have undermined the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a New York Times investigation. More than 106,000 Americans have now died from coronavirus and there have been over 1.6 million infections since the virus started spreading rapidly more than three months ago. Health officials say that when the virus started to grow in January, it was difficult to get accurate information regarding infections and the potential spread due to the CDC's outdated data systems. The notification system the CDC used to keep track of potentially infected travelers coming to the US briefly went offline in mid-February when COVID-19 first started ravaging the country. Officials say the CDC's handling of the crisis has shaken the longstanding confidence they had in the agency and its director Robert Redfield (above) The CDC used a system called Epi-X when they started tracking potentially infected travelers arriving from China throughout February. The system involved the CDC sending an email to state health officials for each arriving flight that contained a list of possibly infected passengers. Health officials say that the data was often incorrect and included errors in phone numbers and addresses for the passengers. Some of that data was sent to the wrong state and was only given back to the correct health officials more than a week after the passenger had come to the US. That system briefly went down in mid-February so the CDC could 'improve data quality'. When the CDC was asked on a call with state health officials about the possibility that infected passengers could get away unnoticed due to the system being down, some officials recall being told: 'Just let them go'. Some of the information assembled by the CDC regarding infection and death totals relied on calls with local health officials or them sending over faxes and spreadsheets. Officials say the lack of integrated systems delayed being able to share vital information with medical staff and hospitals that could have benefited patients. 'Here is an agency that has been waiting its entire existence for this moment,' said Dr Peter Lurie, a former associate commissioner at the FDA. 'And then they flub it. It is very sad. That is what they were set up to do.' The CDC used a system called Epi-X when they started tracking potentially infected travelers arriving from China throughout February. Pictured above is the TSA screening area in New York's JFK airport in March when traveling was dwindling Meanwhile, red tape issues regarding testing were being reported way back in January. As travelers continued to arrive from China, the CDC lab in Atlanta, Georgia was initially the only place in the US that was equipped with a blood test that could accurately diagnose the virus Officials say the CDC's handling of the crisis has shaken the longstanding confidence they had in the agency and its director Robert Redfield. In a statement, the CDC said it was providing the 'best, most current data' they have amid the ongoing pandemic. 'CDC is at the table as part of the larger US government response, providing the best, most current data and scientific understanding we have,' the statement said. 'It's important to remember that this is a global emergency - and it's impacting the entire US. 'That means it requires an all-of-government response.' Meanwhile, red tape issues regarding testing were being reported way back in January when health officials and President Trump assured Americans the risk of getting COVID-19 in the US was low. As travelers continued to arrive from China, the CDC lab in Atlanta, Georgia was initially the only place in the US that was equipped with a blood test that could accurately diagnose the virus. The lack of testing became a heated issue when the pandemic first broke out and the CDC had to request emergency authorization from the FDA for tests to be sent to the states. The agency then had to re-manufacture components of the testing kit and several state labs said the diagnostic was returning 'inconclusive results.' It prompted several states to file emergency requests to conduct their own testing. Back in March, Dr Redfield told Congress that a lack of funding was the reason America's response to the outbreak had been so slow. 'The truth is we've underinvested in the public health labs,' Dr Redfield said at the time. 'There's not enough equipment, there's not enough people, there's not enough internal capacity, there's no search capacity.' Tensions between the CDC, President Donald Trump and White House aides also hindered the response, according to some officials. An example of such tensions include the CDC quietly releasing detailed guidance on how states could reopen amid the pandemic after it was initially shelved by the White House. The 60-page document, which offers guidance on reopening schools, transit and workplaces, was posted on the CDC's website last month without any formal announcement after Trump pushed for state's to reopen to kickstart the economy again. The guidance, which was more detailed and restrictive than the plan released by the White House in April, came weeks after some states started lifting stay-at-home measures and reopening their economies. The White House's 'Opening Up America Again' plan included some of the CDC's approach but made clear that the onus for reopening decisions was solely on state governors and local officials. More than a month earlier, the CDC gave White House officials a more detailed version of decision tools and additional pages of guidance. The White House initially shelved all the guidance. Internal government emails show that Redfield had repeatedly sought White House approval for CDC's guidance starting as early as April 10. The European Union will try to convince Boris Johnson to forge a compromise later this month in an attempt to stop the U.K. from breaking away from the bloc without a trade deal. With the negotiations deadlocked, and the latest talks set to end Friday without a breakthrough, the EU is pinning its hopes on a dramatic intervention by the British prime minister when he speaks to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel later this month, according to people familiar with the matter in Brussels. Johnson will be told where the EU could potentially make concessions as long as the U.K. takes a similarly conciliatory approach, the people said. That could allow the two sides to reach an accord in the second half, they said. But there is no guarantee that the prime minister will agree. On Tuesday, Johnsons spokesman, James Slack, dismissed suggestions of a compromise as wishful thinking by the EU. The U.K. government has threatened to walk away from the negotiations in June if they havent made adequate progress. If the two sides fail to reach an agreement by year-end, Britain will default to trading with the bloc on terms set by the World Trade Organization, leaving businesses and consumers grappling with the return of tariffs and quotas. During a telephone call on Tuesday, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey told bank chief executive officers to step up their preparations for leaving the EU without a trade deal, according to a person familiar with the matter. Compromise efforts The EU is demanding that, in return for any deal, the U.K. agrees to apply some of the blocs rules after Brexit to maintain a level competitive playing field. It also wants the European Court of Justice to continue to have jurisdiction in the U.K. and for European fishing vessels to maintain their access to British waters. So far, though, British officials have ruled out accepting those demands. Johnson has made it clear that he believes Britains vote to leave the bloc means that the country should be fully independent, one U.K. official said. Behind the rhetoric, though, diplomats say the two sides have started to map out where a deal could be done as they work out which positions are genuine red lines and which leave room for manoeuvre. European diplomats say the bloc could water down its demands on fishing and, to a more limited extent, on the level playing field. In return, they expect the U.K. to make a similar leap but so far, one hasnt been forthcoming. While the U.K. has offered to stick to current EU standards to prevent unfair competition by way of a so-called nonregression clause, the EU doesnt believe that promise goes far enough. Much of this weeks discussions will be focused on fisheries. The EUs public position is to demand the status quo, where European fishing boats have access to British waters under a quota system based on historic catch areas. The U.K. wants to replace that with annual negotiations that reflect more accurately where fish are found today. Manifestly unbalanced At the end of the last round of talks, the U.K.s chief negotiator, David Frost, called the European approach manifestly unbalanced. His EU counterpart, Michel Barnier, acknowledged that both sides had taken maximalist starting positions that they could move away from. Even if the two sides inch closer toward agreement on fishing, though, they will still have to reconcile their divisions on the role of the EU courts. One U.K. official warned that Britain will never agree to align with EU laws or accept the continued jurisdiction of the European courts and accused the EU of ignoring the political realities of Brexit. Read more about: Cagayan de Oro (CNN Philippines) The wife of a Lanao del Sur mayor was killed in an ambush in Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday, police said. Lumbaca-Unayan Mayor Somerado Guro, his wife Rohaifa and two other companions were attacked by assailants on a motorcycle in Barangay Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City. Police said the wounded mayor survived but his wife died. They were on board a pick-up truck when the gunmen shot at them. The couple was rushed to the hospital, along with driver Ibrahim Gani. Their other companion, identified as Abdul Rafi Guro was unharmed. The city police are conducting a hot pursuit operation to locate the assailants, who have yet to be identified. Authorities are investigating the incident, including the possible motive for the crime. Cagayan deo Oro-based stringer Alwen Saliring contributed to this report. DUBLIN, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "ADAS and Autonomous Driving Tier 1 Suppliers Report, 2019-2020" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Tier 1 suppliers for autonomous driving: Chinese Tier 1 suppliers have not embarked on the actuation layer, and L3 will spread after 2022. Amid the controversy in L3, some media believe that Audi will give up L3, which is later denied by Audi saying it only elevate the L3 research to Volkswagen Group. Most OEMs plan to launch L3 models in 2020 except Volvo, Ford and NextEV that will skip L3. Strictly speaking, the L3 models to be launched by OEMs in 2020 may be prototypes of some high-end models or not real L3 models. Tier 1 suppliers are not in readiness for large-scale supply to L3 models. Continental, for instance, focuses on L2 + models between 2019 and 2022, and will commercialize L3 models after 2022. Bosch will also begin commercializing the L3 highway pilot (HWP) function after 2022. To increase redundancy of the system, Bosch renders a dual-domain controller architecture to further ensure the system security. In the realm of autonomous driving, Tier 1 suppliers profit mainly from ADAS. Although Mobileye enjoys the largest market share in terms of ADAS algorithms (including software and chips), it did not secure the highest revenue in 2019 in the ADAS market which also covers control units, millimeter wave radars, map positioning systems, etc. A case in point is Continental whose ADAS revenue in 2019 posted 4 billion (20% from ADAS domain control unit (ADCU) and 40% from radars). It can be seen in the table below that Bosch, Continental and Valeo stay ahead by deployments among foreign Tier 1 suppliers, and Huawei deploys most widely in Chinese Tier 1 suppliers. Chinese Tier 1 suppliers have not embarked on the actuation layer, which is undoubtedly their biggest shortcoming. Without the know-how about actuation technology, they cannot control the autonomous vehicles accurately nor have the initiative. It is expected that they will invest in or acquire related companies in the near future to address inadequacies. Despite lagged far behind foreign Tier 1 suppliers in the underlying hardware of autonomous driving, Chinese Tier 1 suppliers delve more into application scenarios and V2X than foreign counterparts who usually deploy in expressways, urban roads, and autonomous parking, for the three of which Valeo, for example, launched Cruise4U, Drive4U, Park4U, respectively. Chinese Tier 1 suppliers have laid out more scenarios. Together with partners, Baidu is present in such scenarios as autonomous cleaning, autonomous agricultural machinery, autonomous shuttles, RoboTaxi, autonomous delivery, autonomous buses, autonomous trucks, and AVP. Alibaba is pivoted on autonomous logistics vehicle to bolster its e-commerce business. Key Topics Covered 1. ADAS and Autonomous Driving System 1.1 Composition 1.2 Perception Layer 1.2.1 Environment Perception Sensor 1.2.2 Vehicle Motion Sensor 1.2.3 HD Map 1.2.4 V2X 1.3 Decision Layer 1.4 Actuation Layer 2. Policies and Market Environment 2.1 Policies 2.1.1 U.S. 2.1.2 South Korea 2.1.3 China 2.2 Rating of Autonomous Driving System 2.3 Car Safety Ratings Boost the Development of ADAS 2.4 Global ADAS and Autonomous Driving Market Size as well as Competitive Landscape of Tier 1 Suppliers 2.5 Launch Time of ADAS and Autonomous Driving in China 2.6 China's L2 ADAS Penetration Rate 2.7 Launch Planning of L2+ and L3 Vehicle Models 3. Comparison of Global Tier 1 ADAS and Autonomous Driving Suppliers 3.1 Fundamentals 3.2 Development Features 3.3 Perception Layer Layout 3.4 Decision Layer Layout 3.5 Actuation Layer Layout 3.6 ADAS Development Planning 3.7 Autonomous Driving Application Scenarios & Process 3.8 Partners 4. Major Global Tier 1 ADAS and Autonomous Driving Suppliers 4.1 Bosch 4.1.1 Profile 4.1.2 Autonomous Driving Product Layout 4.1.3 Perception Layer Layout 4.1.4 Decision Layer Layout 4.1.5 Actuation Layer Layout 4.1.6 Three Scenarios for Autonomous Driving 4.1.7 Evolution of Autonomous Driving Features 4.1.8 Automated Parking Layout 4.1.9 L4 Demonstration Project 4.1.10 Autonomous Driving Partners 4.1.11 Autonomous Driving Dynamics in 2019-2020 4.1.12 Summary 4.2 Continental 4.2.1 Profile 4.2.2 Organizational Structure 4.2.3 Perception Layer Layout 4.2.4 Decision Layer & Actuation Layer Layout 4.2.5 Autonomous Driving Planning 4.2.6 Layout of Three Scenarios for Autonomous Driving 4.2.7 Autonomous Driving Partners 4.2.8 Autonomous Driving Dynamics in 2019-2020 4.2.9 Summary 4.3 Aptiv 4.3.1 Profile 4.3.2 Revenue and Orders 4.3.3 Overall Layout and Positioning 4.3.4 Perception Layer Layout 4.3.5 Decision Layer Layout 4.3.6 Autonomous Driving Route 4.3.7 L4 Solutions and Demonstration Projects 4.3.8 Autonomous Driving Partners 4.3.9 Autonomous Driving Dynamics in 2019-2020 4.3.10 Summary 4.4 Valeo 4.4.1 Profile 4.4.2 Perception Layer Layout 4.4.3 Decision Layer Layout 4.4.4 Autonomous Driving Development 4.4.5 Layout of Three Scenarios for Autonomous Driving 4.4.6 Autonomous Driving Layout in China 4.4.7 Main Partners 4.4.8 Autonomous Driving Dynamics in 2019-2020 4.4.9 Summary 4.5 ZF 4.5.1 Profile and Operation 4.5.2 Product Layout 4.5.3 Perception Layer Layout 4.5.4 Decision Layer Layout 4.5.5 Actuation Layer Layout 4.5.6 Layout of Scenarios for Autonomous Driving 4.5.7 Autonomous Driving Solutions 4.5.8 Autonomous Driving Partners 4.5.9 Autonomous Driving Dynamics in 2019-2020 4.5.10 Summary 4.6 Hyundai Mobis 4.6.1 Profile and Operation 4.6.2 Global R&D Institutes 4.6.3 Perception Layer Layout 4.6.4 ADAS Features and Layout 4.6.5 Autonomous Driving Planning and Strategy 4.6.6 Dynamics of ADAS and Autonomous Driving in 2019-2020 4.6.7 Summary 4.7 Veoneer 4.7.1 Profile 4.7.2 Operation 4.7.3 Major Products and Customers 4.7.4 Milestones 4.7.5 Perception Layer Layout 4.7.6 Decision Layer Layout 4.7.7 Overall Autonomous Driving Layout 4.7.8 Autonomous Driving Development Planning 4.7.9 Main Partners 4.7.10 Autonomous Driving Dynamics in 2019-2020 4.7.11 Summary 4.8 Visteon 4.8.1 Profile 4.8.2 Operation 4.8.3 Main Products 4.8.4 Decision Layer Layout 4.8.5 L3/L4 Autonomous Driving Tests 4.8.6 Development Planning for ADAS and Autonomous Driving 4.8.7 Autonomous Driving Partners 4.8.8 Autonomous Driving Dynamics in 2018-2020 4.8.9 Summary 4.9 Magna 4.9.1 Profile and Operation 4.9.2 ADAS Features Accomplished 4.9.3 Perception Layer Layout 4.9.4 Autonomous Driving Dynamics in 2018-2020 4.9.5 Summary 4.10 Denso 4.10.1 Profile 4.10.2 Operation 4.10.3 Global R&D Bases 4.10.4 Perception Layer Layout 4.10.5 Autonomous Driving Investment and R&D Layout 4.10.6 Autonomous Driving Tests 4.10.7 Autonomous Driving Planning 4.10.8 Cockpit Planning around Autonomous Driving 4.10.9 Autonomous Driving Dynamics in 2019-2020 4.10.10 Summary 5. Comparison of Tier 1 ADAS and Autonomous Driving Suppliers in China 5.1 Fundamentals 5.2 Development Features 5.3 Perception Layer Layout 5.4 Decision Layer Layout 5.5 Autonomous Driving Scenarios, Planning, Tests and Partners 6. Major Tier 1 ADAS and Autonomous Driving Suppliers in China 6.1 Baidu 6.1.1 Profile 6.1.2 Development Course of Autonomous Driving 6.1.3 Apollo Open Platform 6.1.4 Perception Layer Layout 6.1.5 Decision Layer Layout 6.1.6 Mass Production Solution for Autonomous Driving 6.1.7 Autonomous Driving Test 6.1.8 Operation of RoboTaxi 6.1.9 Autonomous Driving Partners 6.1.10 Summary 6.2 Tencent 6.2.1 Profile 6.2.2 Perception Layer Layout 6.2.3 Autonomous Driving Data Cloud Platform 6.2.4 TAD Sim Simulation Platform 6.2.5 Autonomous Driving Solutions 6.2.6 5G CVIS Open Source Platform 6.2.7 Smart Mobility Layout 6.2.8 Summary 6.3 Alibaba 6.3.1 Profile 6.3.2 CVIS 6.3.3 Autonomous Driving Solutions 6.3.4 Summary 6.4 Huawei 6.4.1 Profile 6.4.2 ICV Solutions 6.4.3 L4 Intelligent Driving Solutions 6.4.4 Perception Layer Layout 6.4.5 Decision Layer Layout 6.4.6 Autonomous Driving Path 6.4.7 ICV Partners 6.4.8 Summary 6.5 Foryou Corporation 6.6 Desay SV 6.6.1 Profile 6.6.2 Perception Layer Layout 6.6.3 Decision Layer Layout 6.6.4 V2X Solutions 6.6.5 Autonomous Driving Test 6.6.6 Partners 6.6.7 Future Planning 6.6.8 Autonomous Driving Dynamics 6.6.9 Summary 6.7 Neusoft Reach 6.7.1 Profile 6.7.2 Business Layout 6.7.3 ADAS Product Line 6.7.4 V2X Product Line 6.7.5 Decision Layer Layout 6.7.6 Partners 6.7.7 Future Planning 6.7.8 Summary 6.8 NavInfo 6.9 TUS Cloud Control For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/oi3hwk Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] 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 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Popular Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who has been under institutional quarantine after recently returning from Jordan, has tested negative for coronavirus. He said he will still complete quarantine before returning home. Did a Covid-19 test and the results are negative. Will still be completing quarantine before returning home. Stay safe and take care all, he tweeted. On May 22, actor Prithviraj, along with 58 crew members of upcoming Malayalam film Aadujeevitham, landed in Kochi after being stranded in Jordan for over months. Did a COVID-19 test and the results are negative. Will still be completing quarantine before returning home. Stay safe and take care all - @PrithviOfficial @Poffactio pic.twitter.com/kQO94odnCm POFFACTIO (@Poffactio) June 3, 2020 In March, Prithviraj shared how the team got stranded while shooting the second schedule of the film, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He said the team decided to stay back in Jordan and continue shooting by taking all precautionary measures. Prithviraj shared Coronavirus test results on social media. We are currently in Wadi Rum, Jordan and continuing shoot. We have decided so because, given the circumstances, that seems to be our best option. There are no international flights operating in and out of Jordan at the moment, and given the fact that all of us are already here, we can either stay put in our camp in the desert which is currently accommodating only our unit, or get out and shoot at our location which is barely a few minutes outside our camp. After consulting with the authorities and undergoing medical check-ups for each member of the unit, we have been given a go-ahead for the shoot as the location and the process of filming Aadujeevitham is in itself very isolated, he had posted. Also read: Nawazuddin Siddiquis niece accuses his brother of sexual harassment, reveals his response he is your uncle, cant do this: report Aadujeevitham, based on the critically-acclaimed eponymous 2008 novel about an abused migrant worker in Saudi Arabia, is one of the most anticipated films of this year. Having been announced with Prithviraj Sukumaran in the titular role of Najeeb Muhammad, an Indian emigrant going missing in Saudi, the film also stars Amala Paul as the leading lady. The film is being directed by Blessy. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Panasonic is among the first Japanese investors to relocate their activities to Vietnam in the context that multinational corporations are considering to restructure their global manufacturing. Attracting these relocated projects will be factors that reaffirm Vietnam as a safe and open destination. Marukawa Yoichi, general director of Panasonic Vietnam, talked about the plan to move its facility from Thailand to Vietnam. Marukawa Yoichi, general director of Panasonic Vietnam What has Panasonic done so far to relocate the manufacturing facility from Thailand to Vietnam? This transfer is a part of global restructuring of our manufacturing. Producing and supplying products from Vietnam to individual markets will be more advantageous than continuing production in Thailand. As of now, Panasonic has poured $243 million in eight companies in Vietnam, five of which are manufacturing companies located in Hanois Dong Anh district, Hung Yen, Ho Chi Minh City, and Binh Duong. According to the relocation plan, the large-capacity refrigerator manufacturing line will be moved to Panasonic Appliance Vietnam in Dong Anh, and the large-capacity washing machine with vertical door manufacturing line will be moved to Hung Yen Branch of Panasonic Appliance Vietnam. Actual relocation will be started soon. Panasonic said that it will take advantage of existing facilities in Dong Anh and Hung Yen province to serve for its expansion plan. How does Panasonic achieve this? In the beginning, Panasonic expects to take advantages of the existing factories and manufacturing facilities in Dong Anh district and Hung Yen, through improving the productivity and capacity of existing production lines. Depending on the business situation, Panasonic may have to plan further expansion of our factory and manufacturing capacity in the future. Thailand is considered to have advantages in terms of supporting industries, so why did the company still decide on Vietnam? In fact, supporting industries are one of the important factors for our manufacturing. But it is not only one reason. Vietnam has a lot of advantages. Also, Vietnam is one of the most high-potential markets in the ASEAN, so that must affect our decision. Besides that, the supporting industries in Vietnam have been improved recently. Amid the movement of global factories and investment to Vietnam, we think the country is in a perfect position to boost its capabilities of supporting industries, along with improving logistics capabilities. We think that despite challenges, there are also many opportunities for local suppliers to grow and catch up market demand. The localisation ratio at Panasonic Vietnam Group is approximately 30 per cent. We cannot disclose the number of local suppliers, but we can say that we have increased our localisation ratio in recent years, and we will try our best with the local working group and suppliers to strengthen capacity of Vietnams supporting industries. Does Panasonics relocation plan from Thailand involve support from the $2.23 billion package offered by the Japanese government to back up Japanese businesses in expanding their supply chain outside of China? This transfer is a part of global restructuring of our manufacturing to provide more competitive products to potential markets, and is not related to COVID-19. On the other hand, the purpose of monetary support which the Japanese government announced is to enhance supply chains to be ready for global crisis such as the current pandemic. So, our decision and direction is not directly related to the government policy in this case. VIR Kim Oanh Panasonic to move Thai-based production to Vietnam Japanese appliance-maker Panasonic on May 21 said that next year it will move its Thai-based production of refrigerators and washing machines to Vietnam, laying off some 800 workers. On the heels of international outrage surrounding the deaths of George Floyd (MN), Breonna Taylor (KY) and Ahmaud Aubrey (GA) among others, AHF and its Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) relaunch advocacy campaign to take on and challenge the racism and police abuse throughout our nation Full-page StandAgainstHate newspaper ads to run this week in 'Los Angeles Times,' 'Atlanta Journal-Constitution', Ft. Lauderdale's 'Sun Sentinel' and in African American newspapers, and digital outlets. Groups launched first StandAgainstHate advocacy campaign in August 2017, in response to national outrage prompted by the tragedy in Charlottesville, VA AIDS Healthcare Foundation and its Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC, an affinity group of AHF, today announced the relaunching of the empowering StandAgainstHate campaign, a national advocacy, awareness and action campaign intended to take on and challenge the racism, hatred, police abuse targeting African Americans and a burgeoning white supremacy movement that continue to sweep our nation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200603005686/en/ As part of the relaunch of its StandAgainstHate campaign, AHF and its Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) are running full-page advocacy ads in major newspapers across the country. (Graphic: Business Wire) This new incarnation of StandAgainstHate comes in direct response to the brutal murder last week of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer and an ongoing, tragic pattern of other high profile deaths of African Americans at the hands of law enforcement officers or involving or connected to police departments-including the deaths earlier this year of jogger Ahmaud Aubrey in Georgia and EMT Breonna Taylor in Louisville, KY. AHF launched its initial StandAgainstHate campaign in August 2017 in response to the civil rights and social justice tragedy so brutally unmasked in Charlottesville, VA and its aftermath. Challenging all Americans to recognize that the critical work to address the systemic racism and injustices happening in this country is a movement and not a moment, the relaunched campaign poses the question to the American community, Will you care before I'm a hashtag? which speaks to the number of black lives that have been senselessly lost to hate crimes. "AHF has always been committed to stand up against injustice and we join together with the majority of Americans, especially the thousands of young people across this nation, in condemning the acts of hatred, violence and murder, targeting African Americans, that continues to plague our nation. This senseless violence has pulled back the curtain on a festering underbelly of racism, white supremacy and hatred still present, and sadly growing in our country," said Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. "These events have led us to a moral turning point for our nation and we must all stand up against such hate." "As a mother of a black son, surrogate mother to numerous black youth, and a black senior manager for a global nonprofit organization where black people are a core community to whom we provide service, it was important for AHF to focus our domestic advocacy and speak out on the injustices that are happening to black people across this country," stated Anita Castille, AHF's Vice-President of Human Resources. "StandAgainstHate is a call to action for all people to get access to action-oriented resources and tools to address these injustices that are being inflicted on black people across this nation." The new StandAgainstHate campaign formally kicks off this week with striking full-page newspaper ads quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 'Los Angeles Times' (Wed., June 3rd), the 'Atlanta Journal-Constitution' (Thurs., June 4th) and Ft. Lauderdale's 'Sun Sentinel' (Wed. June 3rd).The campaign will also include ads in African American and LGBTQ+ newspapers across the country and extensive social media videos, an updated StandAgainstHate website (www.standagainsth8.org) with calls to action for concerned Americans to participate in and links to information on how to protest safely in the age of pandemic. The StandAgainstHate campaign also features a national billboard campaign that will roll out in multiple cities over the next few weeks-a social media launch on media platforms of AHF and many of its affiliate organizations as well as the hosting of community forums, including listening and talkback sessions in select cities around the country where AHF has a presence. The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) is an affinity group of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The group, which engages AHF Black American employees and community partners across the nation, was developed to create a coalition of Black-American cultural influencers and health advocates, that through the use of innovative, culturally relevant messaging and initiatives, are revolutionizing outreach to the Black American community and elevating the education and awareness of sexual health and wellness and bringing greater awareness to the social justice issues disproportionately impacting the health and wellness of Black Americans. BLACC members and supporters speak directly to our community and work to address those advocacy issues that impact the rise of the epidemic, at the forefront of the national Black-American agenda. Black-American families-and young people in particular-are the highest risk demographic for new HIV cases and AIDS-related deaths in the United States. BLACC is committed to increasing awareness and advocacy on behalf of Black-American communities across our nation. Racial and ethnic minorities-the primary targets of the recent police killings-are also among key populations that AHF cares for and serves in 16 states across the country, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as well as 44 other countries around the globe. About AIDS Healthcare Foundation AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to more than 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/20200603005686/en/ Contacts: MEDIA CONTACTS: W. Imara Canady National Director, Communications Community Engagement for AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and Chair, Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition Phone: +1.404.870.7789 Mobile: +1.954.952.0258 Imara.Canady@aidshealth.org Ged Kenslea, Senior Director, Communications, AHF +1.323.308.1833 work +1.323.791.5526 mobile gedk@aidshealth.org The suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance is serving a seven-year jail sentence for the rape of 72-year-old American woman, according to reports. The 43-year-old German criminal was convicted in Braunschweig district court last year for a rape he is said to have committed in Portugal in 2005. He lived in the Algarve between 1995 and 2007, including for a few years in a house between Lagos and Praia da Luz, according to Braunschweig Zeitung. Just two years before Maddie's disappearance, the criminal raped an American tourist, the newspaper reported. It can be revealed he is a suspected burglar, drug dealer and paedophile who was living just two miles from the holiday apartment where Madeleine vanished on May 3, 2007. He has two previous convictions for 'sexual contact with girls', according to Christian Hoppe from Germany's federal criminal police office, and the farmhouse he rented was on the footpath leading to the beach where the little girl played. The 43-year-old German prime suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance was convicted in Braunschweig district court last year for a rape he is said to have committed in Portugal. Pictured, the farm house he lived in near the McCanns' resort Months before Madeleine's disappearance, the paedophile is said to have left the farm to move into his two-tonne camper van. Madeleine McCann pictured above Above, an interior of the rented home where the suspect lived. Extraordinary details emerged tonight about the German criminal currently at the centre of an international investigation It is thought the suspect made his living by stealing from holiday apartments in the area, and he may have entered the McCann's apartment and decided to take their daughter, say Braunschweig public prosecutor's office. Scotland Yard insisted it was still a missing person inquiry, but German police said: 'There is reason to believe that there are other people besides the perpetrator who have concrete knowledge of the possible scene of the crime and, if necessary, where the body is stored. 'We expressly ask these people to report and share their knowledge.' Mr Hoppe, from Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), said police had not ruled out a sexual motive for the crime. He added that the suspect may have broken into an apartment in the Ocean Club complex in Praia da Luz where Madeleine was on holiday with her parents, Kate and Gerry and her twin siblings Sean and Amelie before spontaneously kidnapping her. In 2007, when the suspect was 30, he is said to have spent his days stealing from hotel complexes and holiday apartments and trafficking drugs, according to police. The suspect's battered camper van. Scotland Yard released images of the VW T3 Westfalia camper van, with a white upper body and a yellow skirting, with a Portuguese registration plate The living room of the rental apartment where the suspect was living just two miles from the McCann's holiday apartment Last night it was reported that he may also have committed further sexual assaults or rapes during his time in Portugal. Neighbours described him as an 'angry' car dealer who vanished suddenly, leaving a collection of wigs, fancy dress and exotic clothing. He lived in a rented ramshackle farm building on a remote hillside along a footpath that runs from above the beach where Madeleine and her family played during their week's holiday in May 2007. According to residents, he littered the land with old vehicles which he bought and sold for a living, which may explain how he acquired the distinctive camper van and Jaguar at the centre of the police investigation. Pictured above and below, the Jaguar he re-registered the day after Maddie disappeared Scotland Yard released images of a second vehicle the suspect owned The car is a 1993 British Jaguar, model XJR 6, with a German number plate and registered in Germany Months before Madeleine's disappearance, the paedophile is said to have left the farm to move into his two-tonne camper van. Scotland Yard said he was driving the vehicle in the Praia da Luz area in the days before Madeleine's disappearance and is believed to have been living in it for days or weeks before and after 3 May. A former neighbour told Sky News: 'He arrived in the mid-90s and rented the place from the English owner. He went back to Germany at one stage and moved another German guy in to look after it, then came back and threw him out on the street. 'He was always a bit angry, driving fast up and down the lane, and then one day, around 2006, he just disappeared without a word. I think he left some rent unpaid.' The neighbour added: 'About six months later I was asked to help clean up the place and it was disgusting, absolutely vile. It had been trashed, with broken stuff like computers all over the place.' The neighbour said she was contacted by Scotland Yard detectives last year. They asked her about the man, without revealing why. The Ocean Club in Praia Da Luz, where Madeleine disappeared on May 3, 2007, during a family holiday with her parents and younger twin siblings Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry were sitting at The Ocean Club Tapas Bar and had just checked on their daughter who was sleeping in their holiday apartment when she went missing just after 10pm This year she was visited by Portuguese detectives who showed her photographs of the man and asked more questions. It is understood that many neighbours, friends and acquaintances of the suspect have since been interviewed as police try to establish his movements around the time Madeleine disappeared from her family's holiday apartment. Yesterday Scotland Yard released images of the VW T3 Westfalia camper van, with a white upper body and a yellow skirting, with a Portuguese registration plate. They also released images of a second vehicle the suspect owned a 1993 British Jaguar, model XJR 6, with a German number plate and registered in Germany. Detectives say it is significant that the day after Madeleine's disappearance, the paedophile re-registered the car in someone else's name back in Augsburg, Germany, even though the vehicle had never left Portugal. The last photograph taken of the little girl shows her smiling next to her little sister Amelie and their father Gerry A photograph of the bedroom from which Madeleine was snatched in May 2007, which was included in police files released in August 2008 The Jaguar is believed to have been in the Praia da Luz and surrounding areas in 2006 and 2007 and was originally registered in the suspect's name. German police said there were indications that he could have used one of these vehicles to commit the crime and they want to trace anyone who remembers seeing them parked up anywhere. Detectives revealed last night that the suspect lived more or less permanently in the Algarve between 1995 and 2007. He worked occasionally in the catering business in the Lagos area. But police believe he was really earning his living by committing burglaries of hotel complexes and holiday flats as well as trafficking cannabis. In 2013, Scotland Yard revealed that a blond man had been seen lurking near the 5A apartment about 4pm on the day that Madeleine was snatched. He was described as white, aged 30 to 35, thin, with short, light-coloured hair and spots on his face possibly caused by shaving. Last night detectives said the e-fit of the man released in 2013 had 'not been ruled out', suggesting he may resemble the new suspect. A blond-haired man was also seen on the balcony of a nearby empty apartment and in the stairwell of the McCanns' block. Police believe a mobile phone call made by the suspect could be the key piece of evidence that unlocks the mystery which has puzzled detectives the world over for 13 years. At 7.30pm on May 3, 2007, he made a call which places him in Praia da Luz. For half an hour he chatted to a mystery person before ending the call at 8.03pm. Three-year-old Madeleine was snatched from her bed sometime after 9pm. Yesterday Scotland Yard took the highly unusual step of releasing the suspect's Portuguese mobile phone number 00351 912 730 680 and that of the mystery witness he spoke to. The unidentified witness, who used the Portuguese phone number 00351 916 510 683, was not staying in the area at the time of the call. On May 3, 2007 Kate and Gerry McCann went to a small tapas bar metres away from their apartment to dine with friends. But when Kate returned to do a routine check on their children, she found that Madeleine had disappeared The suspect's name was given to the Metropolitan Police in 2017 after the 10th anniversary. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell said: 'We know a lot about the suspect, but we need to know more about his movements on the night Madeleine vanished and in the days before and afterwards. 'We know he was in the resort on the night, about an hour before Madeleine was last seen about 9pm. 'He took a phone call on his Portuguese mobile from another Portuguese mobile. The call lasted half an hour. 'While this male is a suspect we retain an open mind as to his involvement and this remains a missing person inquiry.' German police said inquiries were homing in on two properties near where the toddler vanished and last night they appealed for anyone who could provide information about the rooms the man used to come forward. Scotland Yard is launching a joint appeal with the BKA and the Portugal's Policia Judiciaria, including a 20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible of Madeleine's disappearance. Last night, as more details emerged about the suspect, there were questions about why police took so long to release the information. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, who is leading the British investigation, said Scotland Yard knew a lot about the man who became a suspect when officers received critical information in 2017. It emerged that since then Scotland Yard had been secretly working with German and Portuguese police to piece together his movements. Yet Scotland Yard chose to make the information public only when the German police announced their appeal yesterday. Yesterday Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy denied the timing was anything to do with seeking extra funding for Operation Grange, which has cost 12 million so far. Mr Cranwell said: 'We know a lot about the suspect, but we need to know more about his movements on the night Madeleine vanished and in the days before and afterwards. It's more than 13 years since Madeleine went missing and none of us can imagine what it must be like for her family, not knowing what happened or where she is. 'Following the ten-year anniversary, the Met received information about a German man who was known to have been in and around Praia da Luz. 'We have been working with colleagues in Germany and Portugal and this man is a suspect in Madeleine's disappearance. 'The Met conducted a number of enquiries and in November 2017 engaged with the BKA who agreed to work with the Met. 'Since then a huge amount of work has taken place by both the Met, the BKA and the Policia Judiciaria. While this male is a suspect, we retain an open mind as to his involvement and this remains a missing person inquiry.' The awarded $950,000,000 ceiling indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract is for the maturation, demonstration and proliferation of capability across platforms and domains, leveraging open systems design, modern software and algorithm development in order to enable Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2). This contract is part of a multiple award multi-level security effort to provide development and operation of systems as a unified force across all domains (air, land, sea, space, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum) in an open architecture family of systems that enables capabilities via multiple integrated platforms. In 2019, Immersive Wisdom announced that it had been awarded a major Air Force contract by AFWERX. Established in 2017 by the Secretary of the Air Force and reporting to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, AFWERX is a catalyst for agile Air Force engagement across industry, academia and non-traditional contributors to create transformative opportunities and foster an Air Force culture of innovation. This Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) IDIQ award to Immersive Wisdom is a natural progression of that effort. Regardless of their geographic location, Immersive Wisdom enables multiple users to work together in shared, synchronized virtual workspaces containing live 3D maps, layered with real-time information from any available source. Users can simultaneously visualize, plan, analyze, and act upon sensor inputs, cyber/network data, IoT feeds, enterprise applications, telemetry, tagged assets, 3D terrain/building models, LiDAR, imagery, and UAV footage/streaming video. Immersive Wisdom provides an omniscient, collaborative, real-time 3D view of complex environments. Allowing multiple users to be physically anywhere, while still being in sync via the same virtual space containing shared maps, video feeds, and real-time information, is critical for future mission success. "Immersive Wisdom is extremely honored to serve the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) with our real-time geospatial collaboration software platform for Joint-All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and Mission Planning," said Mike Appelbaum, CEO of Immersive Wisdom. "We are extremely grateful to In-Q-Tel and our existing Air Force/DoD customers for helping our company grow to this inflection point." About Immersive Wisdom Immersive Wisdom Inc., based in Boca Raton, Florida, is the creator of the Immersive Wisdom platform, a leading software product for real-time 3D geospatial collaboration across Virtual Reality, desktops, Mixed, and Augmented Reality. Immersive Wisdom's software is available for diverse industries, including Government, Energy (incl. Oil & Gas), Transportation/Logistics, and Telecommunications. Additional information on Immersive Wisdom's other successes, including our work with the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, can be found under the News section at www.immersivewisdom.com . Immersive Wisdom is an In-Q-Tel portfolio company. The Immersive Wisdom trademark is the exclusive property of Immersive Wisdom, Inc. and is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other Immersive Wisdom trademarks, service marks, and logos may be common law marks or are registered or pending registration. All other trademarks mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only and are trademarks of (and may be registered trademarks of) their respective companies. 2020 Immersive Wisdom, Inc. MEDIA CONTACTS: Brian Behling VP, Government Immersive Wisdom Inc. 202.355.4425 [email protected] http://www.immersivewisdom.com SOURCE Immersive Wisdom Inc. Related Links https://www.immersivewisdom.com For the next week, most New York City residents will be required to be at home, or at least out of public spaces, by 8 p.m. This nightly, citywide curfew will be in place through the morning of June 8. Under the emergency executive order issued by Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday, anyone not performing or traveling to or from essential work will be required to be inside every night from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. This curfew is three hours earlier than the 11 p.m. deadline set on June 1 and about 20 minutes before sunset. Additionally, car travel in Manhattan will be banned below 96th Street during curfew hours, except for local residents, essential workers, buses and truck deliveries. So does this mean youre trapped inside, all night? Well, not exactly. Did you say the curfew is before sunset? Yes! The sun was due to set at 8:22 p.m. on June 2, the first night of the extended-hours curfew the second night of curfew over all and is due to set progressively one minute later each night.(The summer solstice, the longest day of the year, is June 20.) You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Adam Hardwicke-Brown rings a bell to signify the end of his radiation treatment for tongue cancer. Hardwicke-Brown took part in a study showing the ritual can have positive effects on patients and caregivers as they transition to life after treatment. Credit: University of Alberta The worldwide ritual of ringing a bell at the end of radiation or chemotherapy treatments has a positive impact on the transition to post-treatment life for cancer patients and their caregivers, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Alberta. "I think the bell really helped me get through my radiation treatment," said study participant Adam Hardwicke-Brown, 66, who went through treatment for tongue cancer. "It gave me inspiration and hope that things were going to get better." In a paper published in the Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, the researchers found that the ritual created a sense of community among cancer patients, helped them mark an important milestone, and gave them a sense of self-determination as they finished treatment. "A cancer diagnosis is like going on a journey where you have no idea where you are going and no control over where your life will be," said Edith Pituskin, associate professor of nursing and clinical oncology and Canada Research Chair in Chronicity. "We think that ringing the bell might give patients and their families a small bit of control in an uncontrollable environment." The bell ringing ritual started at the MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Texas in 1996, and has since spread to cancer centres around the world. A patient who completes chemo or radiation treatments rings the bell and staff and other patients cheer and take photos. There is a bell for patients at each of the three chemotherapy units and half a dozen radiation units within Edmonton's Cross Cancer Institute. Pituskin pointed out that ringing the bell is not part of the formal treatment plan, but rather a patient-led practice, which means it has not been given much academic attention. "The bells are placed in the treatment areas," she said. "It's up to somebody if they wish to ring it or not, quite independent of the treatment team. Whether they do or not is not known, nor how people feel about the bells and their individual experiences." Nursing student Abigail Bridarolli, Jude Spiers, an associate professor in the Faculty of Nursing, and Pituskin did extensive interviews with two couples in which one spouse had cancer and the other was their primary caregiver, and then identified themes from their responses. Hardwicke-Brown had a 14-hour surgery to remove 40 percent of his tongue and then reconstruct it using tissue from his forearm. That was followed by 30 radiation treatments which caused excruciating mouth pain. "You can't eat, you can't swallow, you can't talk, your weight drops," Hardwicke-Brown said. "I wanted to quit. "But pretty much every time I would go, I would hear someone ringing that bell. It was like a beacon of hope for me. It really helped me get through, knowing my turn would come." Hardwicke-Brown's wife, Colleen Norris, a professor in the Faculty of Nursing, said the bell encouraged her too, as she attended every radiation treatment with her husband. She knew that once he rang the bell, his recovery would not be completehe would have to continue with speech therapy, physiotherapy, nutrition counselling, even lessons on how to swallow again. "But it moved him along to know that at least he was able to get through those 30 radiation sessions," she said. "And everything was in place for him to keep going on whatever this journey entailed. "It still brings tears to my eyes." Five years later, Hardwicke-Brown feels fortunate to have survived his cancer diagnosis and treatment. He visits his oncologist every three months for check-ups, and helps others as founding director of the Head and Neck Cancer Support Society and a patient adviser to Alberta Health Services. Pituskin said that cancer care has advanced over the past 25 years to the point where many cancers are now treated like chronic illness, meaning many patients may never "finish" their treatment, and thus never have a chance to ring the bell. She said more research should be done to learn how such rituals affect those people, but she noted that she first became interested in the topic while her own father was undergoing treatment for lung cancer. He died before he was able to get any pain relief from his course of radiation, but told her that watching other patients ring the bell to mark the end of their treatments was important to him. "For him the ringing of the bell meant hope and hope meant freedom from pain," said Pituskin. "That opened my eyes to the fact that the bell has different meanings for different patients. "For my dad, the meaning was still there and the hope was still there." Explore further Researchers uncover dangers of celebrating 'victory' over cancer More information: To ring or not to ring: An interpretive description of cancer patients and caregivers exiting treatment. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal. www.canadianoncologynursingjou nj/article/view/1035 To ring or not to ring: An interpretive description of cancer patients and caregivers exiting treatment. Spike Lee has strongly criticised Donald Trumps response to protests in the US, calling him a gangster and a dictator. The director commented to the ongoing demonstrations, which are occurring in response to the death of George Floyd, in a recent interview with the BBC. Lee is quoted as saying that Trumps response to the protest is a sign that hes a gangster, hes trying to be a dictator. Trump has threatened to use the Insurrection Act of 1807, which empowers the president to use military force to stop unrest, in response to the demonstrations. Lee also reacted to Trumps photo-op at St Johns Episcopal Church in Washington, DC, during which the president posed for staged images holding the Bible in front of the building. The Bible did not look comfortable in his hand, and he didnt look comfortable holding the Bible either, Lee told the BBC. I have never seen something like that before in my life, particularly with a world leader. Protests started in the US after Floyd died aged 47 on 25 May in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a white police officer knelt on his neck. The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Lee reflected to the ongoing demonstrations, telling the BBC on Tuesday: People are angry because black people are being killed left and right, cops walked away free. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Black and brown people are angry at the disparity between the haves and have-nots education, drinking dirty water, racism. People are angry for a reason. Its not like youre just born angry. Youre angry because you live every day in this world where the system is not set up for you to win." The filmmaker's next movie, Da 5 Bloods, will be released on 12 June on Netflix. [June 03, 2020] IBM services and Aegon sign contract of portfolio administration for 800,000 individual life insurance contracts - Administration of 800,000 individual life insurance contracts transitions to IBM's Open Insurance Platform - Outsourcing with subsequent renewal options designed to help Aegon to modernize policy administration and realize long-term customer service - Hosted on the IBM public cloud, this agreement will allow Aegon to manage the run-off of this closed block of business - IBM will manage Aegon's run-off life insurance until last policy in the portfolio expires in 2066. THE HAGUE, Netherlands and LEEUWARDEN, Netherlands, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE:IBM) announces that it has entered into an agreement with Aegon the Netherlands for the servicing and administration of its individual life policies. This is designed to further digitally enhance the service for around 800,000 customers. IBM Services will manage Aegon's run-off life insurance until the last life insurance policy in the portfolio expires in 2066. The life insurance policies will be migrated to IBM's Open Insurance latform to digitize the insurance policy administration from customer contact to financial settlements in a state-of-the-art IT platform hosted on the IBM public cloud. Leveraging IBM's Open Insurance Platform, Aegon the Netherlands aims to modernize policy administration and maintain long-term customer service. Outsourcing the administration to IBM can help Aegon reduce their management costs per policy for the full remaining contract time. The IBM Open Insurance Platform will help secure continuity of the management of closed book life insurance policies against low fixed costs per insurance policy. The IBM Open Insurance Platform will be built based on the msg.Life Factory core insurance system, which is a part of msg.Insurance Suite. It's anticipated that the IBM Open Insurance Platform will be available for other Dutch insurance companies as well. The platform will offer the same features as the Aegon platform, including service-based pricing, IBM Cloud security and scalability, and connections to APIs from IBM and third-party participants. By running on IBM's public cloud the IBM Open Insurance Platform will help insurers keep address requirements for regulatory compliance, security and resiliency. Sibylla Bantema, director life insurance at Aegon the Netherlands: "We want cost-effective administration of our individual life insurance contracts and employability for our employees in Leeuwarden, who will transfer to IBM as part of this agreement." Patrick van den Bos, insurance leader at IBM Netherlands: "With Aegon as launching customer we are creating an attractive offer for life insurers who want continuity of the management of their life insurance policies against low costs per insurance policy. The IBM Open Insurance Platform offers insurers a way to help drive expenses down to new levels of flexibility and savings, while giving them the tools and capabilities to serve its customers." Contacts IBM Maurits Blok +31-625732105 [email protected] Aegon Alexander Kuipers +31 6 11 33 36 19 [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1175838/Aegon_insurance_IBM.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/95470/ibm_logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] File Photo Islamabad: The roof of a school collapsed under heavy rain in Pakistan's northwest near Afghanistan on Tuesday, killing seven children and injuring 13 others, police said. Azam Khan, a local police official, said the incident took place in the district of North Waziristan. He said the children were between the ages of 4 and 14. Advertisement PhotoUnfortunately, all the children who were martyred or injured in this incident were receiving Islamic education at the madrassa, Khan said. Rains in Pakistan often damage homes and other structures because of poor construction quality and many homes are made of mud brick. PhotoNorth Waziristan served as the headquarters of Pakistan's Taliban and foreign militants until 2017 after security forces in a series of operations dismantled their network and killed or arrested scores of them. Advertisement The region has dozens of schools where children receive Islamic education. 73 percent of Taiwanese say China's government not a 'friend': survey ROC Central News Agency 06/02/2020 10:42 PM Taipei, June 2 (CNA) 73 percent of Taiwanese say the Chinese government is not a "friend" of Taiwan's, a 15 percent increase from the previous year, according to the results of a survey released Tuesday. The China Impact Survey, which is conducted annually by Academia Sinica's Institute of Sociology, measures the attitudes of the Taiwanese public on a range of issues related to China. In this year's survey, 73 percent of the respondents said they disagreed with the statement that "the Chinese government is a friend of Taiwan's," compared to only 23 percent who said they agreed with the statement. The figures represent a significant shift from last year, when 58 percent said they disagreed and 38 percent said they agreed. In terms of age distribution, 84 percent of the respondents aged 18-34 said they disagreed with the statement, compared to 78 percent of those aged 35-49, 75 percent of those aged 50-64 and 74 percent of those aged 65 and above. In terms of political leanings, only 54 percent of the respondents who support the opposition Kuomintang disagreed with the statement, compared to 88 percent among supporters of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, according to the results. Among the smaller parties, 81 percent of those who support the centrist Taiwan People's Party said they disagreed, along with 97 percent of New Power Party supporters, the survey found. Meanwhile, on a question regarding Taiwan's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, 97 percent responded in positive terms, while on the same question regarding China's response, 61.5 percent said it had been "very bad," while 18.6 percent said it had been "bad." In a press release, researcher Chen Chih-jou () said the trade war between China and the United States, the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and China's continued promotion of its "one country, two systems" model could all have influenced this year's results. Other possible factors include President Tsai Ing-wen's () re-election in January, the COVID-19 pandemic's origin in China and local support for the Taiwan government's success in controlling the pandemic, Chen said. Asked about their feelings on the protests in Hong Kong, 85 percent of the respondents aged 18-34 expressed support, while even the age group with the highest negative response rate -- people aged 50-64 -- gave a support rating of 59 percent. The responses to the Hong Kong protests correlated highly with people's sense of national identity, with 77 percent of those who identified as "Taiwanese" supporting the protests, compared to 16 percent of those who identified as "Chinese" and 43 percent of those who identified as both "Taiwanese" and "Chinese." In an interview with CNA Tuesday, researcher Wu Jieh-min () said that around 75.3 percent of the total respondents identified solely as Taiwanese, while just 4.7 percent identified as Chinese and 20 percent identified as both. According to Wu, these types of self-identifications are closely linked to the public's image of the Chinese government in Taiwan. In that sense, China's recent efforts to push a new national security law on Hong Kong in the middle of a pandemic are tantamount to "promoting Taiwanese self-identity," he said. The China Impact Survey was conducted by telephone from April 21-May 28 and received 1,083 valid responses. It had a confidence level of 95 percent and a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points. (By Miao Zong-han and Matthew Mazzetta) Enditem/J NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cebu Pacific, the Philippines largest national flag-carrier, will serve stranded passengers, returning overseas Filipino workers, and those on essential travel as the airline mounts special flights to select domestic destinations from June 3 to June 7. All International flightsincluding the Dubai-Manila routeremain suspended until June 30. The airline continues to work closely with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), as well as other national and local government authorities in the Philippines, with regard to the rules and requirements to resume commercial passenger flights between areas of the country under General Community Quarantine (GCQ). In the meantime, CEB is looking to operate return journeys from Manila to General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro and Naga as special repatriation flights. Flights between Manila and Cebu are planned to start on June 5. All these flights are set to depart and arrive from and at the Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Leisure travel remains prohibited at this time. Along with CEB reminders, guests are also reminded to keep posted with the IATF, as well as local government units of their point of origin and intended destination for the required documents. As flights start to resume, the airline has also ramped up its sanitation protocols at all possible points of contact to ensure passengers and personnel are protected. CEB continues to offer flexible options for guests and passengers affected by the flight cancellations from June 1 to 30. They may rebook their flight for travel within three months from the original flight date, place the full cost of the ticket in a Travel Fund valid for one year, or avail of a full refund. They may use the "Manage Booking" portal in the Cebu Pacific website to avail any of these options. This is a developing situation and CEBs restart of operations may change as quarantine conditions evolve across their network. Passengers are urged to check CEBs website and official social media accounts for the most recent updates. - TradeArabia News Service KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2020 - 11:26 | All, Japan, Coronavirus The coronavirus pandemic has opened people's eyes in Japan to the possibility of new working styles where working from home, staggered work hours, and even four-day workweeks could become the norm. While it took the spread of the pneumonia-causing virus to push firms toward teleworking, not all employees are keen to return to the way things were now that the nationwide state of emergency has been lifted. "From now on, I would like to work from home 80 percent of the time," said Chihiro Oyama, 37, who is in charge of human resources development at NTT Data Corp. in Tokyo. Oyama starts work at home at 7 a.m. and works intensively until noon before spending the rest of the afternoon with her child. "After I got the hang of this, I was able to achieve the same results as when I was at work," she said. She has frequent email and chat interactions online but says for her, "it is hard to have conversations that are about nothing online." Instead, she makes efforts to actively communicate with her coworkers on days when she goes into the office. After the state of emergency was declared in early April, as a general rule, employees of NTT Data were asked not to come to work. From June, the policy is to have 50 percent or more of employees work from home and for those who do come to the office to stagger their hours. Related coverage: Only 30% of Japan firms in U.S. eye full return to offices: survey Many firms continue to push teleworking after emergency state lifted Yuji Nomura, 39, who is involved in the development of artificial intelligence at the company, started coming to work 30 minutes later than usual in March. He says the later start has "relieved stress" since he can avoid crowds on public transportation. He is thinking of working from home two or three times a week and working staggered hours in the office in the future. On May 14, the day when the emergency declaration was lifted for most of Japan, the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, called on member companies to consider introducing "various working styles" including teleworking, a four-day workweek and staggered hours to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. It means the country's largest business lobby advised companies that had introduced such measures as emergency steps to make them permanent. Toshiba Corp. has begun to consider introducing a four-day workweek for office work and factories. Other major companies, such as Hitachi Ltd. and Mitsubishi Electric Corp., have said they will continue with work from home for around 50 percent of their employees for the time being. Tokyo-based Bellface Inc., which provides an online business conference system connecting users via smartphone or landline, has seen a rapid increase in inquiries. In the four and a half years since it was founded, the number of companies using the system has risen from 1,300 to over 10,000 in March and April, when a free version was launched to help companies combat the coronavirus crisis. While customers are still mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, take-up has increased especially in areas hard-hit by the outbreak such as Hokkaido, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures. Business materials and business cards can be provided to customers online. The screen position of the mouse can be determined by the other person during a business call, making it easy to explain the shared materials. Anyone can readily use the system since no pre-work, such as sharing URLs, is required, the company said. "Time and place restrictions are eliminated," said a company official, calling it an "opportunity" for locally based companies. One big obstacle for introducing such remote work reforms, argue some, is productivity -- which seems to fall when people are away from their office. According to a survey by the Japan Productivity Center, although more than 60 percent of people wish to continue working from home after the pandemic has eased, nearly the same percentage admit to seeing "a drop in work efficiency." Many voice concerns about barriers such as the sharing of data that cannot be viewed outside the workplace and problems with the communication environment. Companies will likely be forced to decide whether to invest in equipment upgrades. SpaceX, Elon Musk's company, will be launching over sixty satellites into orbit tonight as part of the Starlink 7 mission. What Is The Starlink 7 Mission? This mission will be the eighth overall Starlink launch, but it'll be the seventh batch of operational Starlink satellites. A Falcon 9 rocket will be carrying the Starlink satellites into orbit. Fifteen minutes into the flight of the Falcon 9 rocket, every one of the sixty satellites will be deployed into an elliptical orbit. In the following weeks after the launch, the satellites will use their thrusters to raise their orbits to 550 kilometers in three groups. The satellites will go in groups of 20 while they make use of the rates of precession so that they separate themselves into three separate planes. The booster will make its landing on a drone ship that will be a bit more than 600 kilometers downrange. The Starlink 7 mission is scheduled to launch on June 3 at 20:55 EDT, or on June 4 at 01:55 BST EDT. This mission will be happening a few days after SpaceX worked with NASA to create history. The two space organizations worked with each other to send two astronauts to the International Space Station using a commercial rocket from the United States. The two astronauts Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken were sent to space onboard a SpaceX-made Falcon 9 rocket, and they successfully got to the International Space Station. It was the first time in almost a decade that humans have been launched into space from the United States, where the last time was in 2011. The Kennedy Space Centre of NASA stated that SpaceX is planning to launch its eighth mission of Starlink. Starlink is a constellation of satellites networked together. Starlink's goal is to create a satellite network that will help give the world internet services. It will help those that can't obtain internet access to gain affordable internet around the world. After the Falcon 9 rocket carries the Starlink satellites into orbit, it will attempt to land itself at sea. There are almost 500 Starlink satellites in orbit around the Earth. Elon Musk is hoping that the Starlink satellite network will bring affordable internet to Earth's remote areas. Starlink's explanation of the Starlink satellite network is as follows, "Starlink will deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable." The Starlink network has exceptional performance that exceeds traditional satellite internet. It's a worldwide network that isn't bound by limitations of ground infrastructure. Astronomers are concerned that a Starlink satellite might block a telescope's view. Read Also: What Did SpaceX Founder and CEO Elon Musk Mean By "The Trampoline Is Working"? How To Watch The Starlink 7 Launch Online Are you interested in watching the launch from the comfort of your home? Here's how you can watch it yourself. The official SpaceX YouTube channel will be streaming the mission's launch live, which you can watch here. If you're interested in seeing the live trajectory of the Starlink 7 launch, you can check out this website. You might be able to see Starlink satellites from your own home, check if you can see it from where you are on this website. Read Also: Viewers Show Proofs 'Extraterrestrials' were Spotted and can be Seen on the SpaceX Dragon Live Stream Facebook has invested in Indonesian ride-hailing and food delivery company, Gojek. The U.S. tech giant did not want to reveal the size of its investment when contacted by CNBC, but Facebook said in a blog post Tuesday evening that it underscores the company's efforts to help bring small businesses online. Gojek also declined to disclose the size of Facebook's investment. "This investment will support Facebook and Gojek's shared goal of empowering businesses and driving financial inclusion across the archipelago," Matt Idema, WhatsApp's chief operating officer, said in the blog post. "WhatsApp helps small businesses communicate with customers and make sales, and together with Gojek, we believe we can bring millions of people into Indonesia's growing digital economy," Idema said. Gojek said PayPal also participated in its current funding round along with Facebook. Investments from the two U.S. tech giants as well as other investors will help Gojek ramp up its payments and financial services in the region, the company said. "By working together, we have the opportunity to achieve something truly unique as we aim to help more businesses to digitise and ensure that many millions more consumers are enjoying the benefits that the digital economy can bring," Gojek co-CEO Andre Soelistyo said in a statement. Gojek said the collaboration with PayPal would allow users of its digital wallet, GoPay, to access the U.S. firm's network of more than 25 million merchants worldwide. PayPal did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comments on the size of its investment. Facebook's investment into Gojek follows a $5.7 billion investment the social networking giant made in April to India's Jio Platforms the digital subsidiary of Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani. That investment gave the social network a 9.99% stake in Jio Platforms at a pre-money enterprise value of $65.95 billion. Online activist group Anonymous and fans of K-Pop have found an unusual allegiance as they both join in protests sweeping the US. Anonymous became famous in the last decade for its online hacktivism as well as offline protests against everyone from the Church of Scientology to PayPal, but in recent years its media profile has dimmed somewhat. Over the last week or so, however, it has become hugely popular once again, with its posts being shared and viewed millions of times. That resurgence has been partly because of a new commitment to support the protests against racial inequality and police brutality that have swept the US in the wake of the death of George Floyd. But it seems also to have been boosted by new supporters among fans of Korean pop music, who have boosted Anonymous posts and now seem to be runing affiliated accounts of their own. The influx of support from K-Pop fans has been noted by one of the group's most high-profile accounts, which gave its backing to the new and unexpected allegiance while expressing some surprise that it had happened. "Anonymous stans ALL KPop allies!" a tweet from the @YourAnonNews account read. "HACK THE PLANET!" It also praised K-Pop fans for their online activism, which has included flooding racist hashtags with irrelevant information. "Thanks kpop stans!!!" it wrote, in response to one action. YourAnonNews had previously expressed bemusement at the vast levels of interest in its recent tweets. It tweeted nonsense while asking people not to share it as an experiment, and those tweets continued to gain massive engagement. Some accounts that became very popular Anonymous-affililiated accounts even seem to have begun life as K-Pop accounts. One known as AnonNews had some 120,000 followers and had been promoting information about the protests but its "likes" showed that it had been engaging with posts about Korean pop music long before then. The account was suspended by Twitter, which told Reuters it had taken the measure because of "spam and coordination with other spammy accounts". "We have seen a few accounts change their profile names, photos, etc. in an attempt to visibly associate with the group and gain followers," said Twitter spokeswoman Liz Kelley. 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 nature of the Anonymous group means that anyone is able to claim affiliation with the group, which is most closely associated with its visual branding of Guy Fawkes masks and hoodies. K-Pop fans have also been launching online activism projects, of the kind run by Anonymous, of their own. That has included shutting down a police app by posting a flurry of "fancams", or videos of stars, as well as flooding hashtags positioned against the protests with new content that made them unusable. Geojit's report on Agri Picks India yesterday received 5.8 mm rainfall, 107% higher than the normal of 2.8 mm for the day, the India Meteorological Department said. During Jun 1-2, the country received 11.1 mm, 105% above the normal of 5.4 mm. The Cotton Corp of India has lowered its discount price by 200 rupees a candy (1 candy = 355 kg) on bulk purchases of cotton bales procured in 2018-19 (Oct-Sep) and 2019-20 marketing years, Chairman and Managing Director Pradeep Agarwal said. The revised discount ranges from 8,000-9,800 rupees per candy (1 candy = 355 kg), compared with 8,200-10,000 rupees offered in May, and the revised discounts will be applicable till Jun 30. MCX delivered 22,400 bales (1 bale = 170 kg) of cotton under the May contract that expired on Friday, according to data on the exchange's website. Of the total, 12,975 bales were delivered in Yavatmal, 6,350 bales in Rajkot, 1,875 in Kadi, 925 bales in Jalna, and the rest in Mundra. Madhya Pradesh has extended the procurement period for chana, masur and mustard harvested in 2019-20 (Jul-Jun) to Jun 10 from May 30 as the buying so far has been dismal, a senior official with the state government said. Close on the heels of the launch of its agri futures index, the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange of India is set to launch two indicative weather indices this week. National Bulk Handling Corp expects wheat output to rise 5.6% to 107.9 mln tn in the 2019-20 (Jul-Jun) rabi season as rains in October boosted soil moisture level, Hanish Sinha, head of research and development, was quoted as saying in a report by the agency. The Telangana government has procured 851,381 tn rabi maize as of Monday at the minimum support price from farmers, according to a release. The state is a major grower of maize. The government procured 647,698 tn of mustard harvested in 2019-20 (Jul-Jun) across five states as of Thursday, up 236,546 tn from a fortnight ago, a government official said. For all commodities report, click here Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies 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. Read More AGAWAM Restaurants will be allowed to offer outdoor dining beginning June 8 a move municipal officials are supporting by waiving the $50 temporary permit fee. Mayor William P. Sapelli and the City Council announced Tuesday that the town is preparing for outdoor dining as outlined in the Phase II reopening guidelines instituted by Gov. Charlie Baker. The temporary permit will give Agawam businesses the opportunity to take advantage of the warrn weather and the chance to compete for business with Connecticut eateries that are already open for outdoor dining, Sapelli said. Eating establishments may apply for an outdoor dining permit through the Office of Inspection Services. The temporary permit will last through Nov 1. Kaptain Jimmys on Suffield Street has had a patio for outdoor dining since it opened nine years ago, and the staff is currently preparing for the restaurants opening on June 8 by spacing all tables and chairs at least six feet apart. They will also have paper menus, paper salt and pepper shakers, employee Vickie Rizos said. Whatever the guidelines are thats what were doing, she said. Those guidelines also state that there can be no more than six people per table, and the permit curfew is for 9 p.m. Temporary structures like tents will need to comply with state building codes. Council President Christopher C. Johnson said, The City Council continues to support small businesses by allowing for flexibility to operate in such unique times. The outdoor dining permit is welcome news for a lot of businesses that have suffered the last few months. Any businesses seeking to apply for a temporary dining permit or more information should contact the Inspection Services Department at 786-0400 ext. 8633 or amandab@agawam.ma.us. Businesses seeking to serve alcohol outdoors must contact the Liquor Commission at MMcCarthy@agawam.ma.us. The Supreme Court Wednesday said the Centre should treat as a representation a plea which sought a direction to amend the Constitution and replace the word India with 'Bharat' or 'Hindustan'. The plea filed before the apex court by a Delhi-based man has claimed that such an amendment will "ensure the citizens of this country to get over the colonial past". It contended that replacing the word India with 'Bharat' or 'Hindustan' will "instill a sense of pride in our own nationality." However, a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, which heard the matter through video-conferencing, told the counsel appearing for the petitioner that India is already called 'Bharat' in the Constitution itself. "Why have you come here?," the bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy, asked the petitioner's counsel. The counsel said that the plea has sought to amend Article 1 of the Constitution, which deals with name and territory of the Union. The petitioner's counsel said that he should be allowed to make a representation in this regard to the concerned authority. The apex court, after hearing the submissions, said that the petition should be treated as a representation by the concerned authority. The plea has sought to amend Article 1 of the Constitution to the effect that the same refers to the country as Bharat/Hindustan, to the exclusion of India". "The removal of the English name though appears symbolic, will instill a sense of pride in our own nationality, especially for the future generations to come. Infact, the word India being replaced with Bharat would justify the hard fought freedom by our ancestors," the plea has claimed. Referring to the 1948 Constituent assembly debate on Article 1 of the then draft constitution, the plea has said even at that time there was a "strong wave" in favour of naming the country as 'Bharat' or 'Hindustan'. "However, now the time is ripe to recognize the country by its original and authentic name i.e. Bharat especially when our cities have been renamed to identify with the Indian ethos," it said.